West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1896-09-10
IN MEMORIAM.

Contributed by a near friend
Martin Luther Shaffer was born at
Carmel, in Preston county, w. Va,
May Is, 1884. He grew up to manhood
at the place of his birth, learning the
blacksmith trade under his father,
Daniel Shaffer, who died in 1868
On May 30, 1865, he was married to
Martha Ellen, daughter of William II.
Grimes. She died in 1892. He removed
to Tunnelton in 1857, and in the fol-
lowing year he accepted the position of
Deputy Sheriff under his father-in-law,
who was then Sheriff of Preston coun-
ty and upon entering upon these duties
he removed TO Kingwood.
During his term in this capacity he
became very popular with the people,
and in 1860 ne was elected Sheriff, was
sworn in but soon after resigned and
went with the Union Army as Sutler,
and while acting in that capacity fire.
quently rendered valuable service in
the prosecution of the war After the
war he engaged in the lumber business
near Rowlesburg, and in 1866 as Sup't.
for the Preston County Cannal and Gas
Coal Co., afterwards called the Austen
Coal Mines, and operated them for
about 10 years. During this time he
also had charge of the Irontown Fur
mace.
For IA years he was the Senior MEM
Der of the firm OF Shaffer & Bonafeld,
as widely known and influential firm
as there was in the interior of the State.
He was one of the charter members
of the National Bank of Kingwood and
was one of the promoters of the King
wood Railway Co. lie had a large
circle of warm friends among the of
fcers and employees of the b. & o. RR.
and for a quarter OF a century received
such favors and courtisies as are not
usually extended.
His business ventures were very sue
cessfully and he had accumulated quite
a little fortune.
About niue years ago his friends be-
came aware that he was breaking down
physically and mentally. Too close
application to business without rest or
vacation, summer or winter, and i'm
many instances not even taking regu-
lar meals and sleep, began TO tell upon
his heretofore strong mind and robust
frame. Eminent physicians were con-
suited; various hospitals were visited,
but all TO no purpose. lie became a
hopeless invalid and after lingering
these long years nature finally gave
way, and like candle going out, his
| life passed away at o'clock D. m
August 90, 1896
Few men are laid away who leave
behind them a friendship so warm aud
so universal Engaged in active bust
ness for over 30 years, most men would
naturally have made some enemies;
! some at least who could speak no good
OF tho deceased. n such there be, aye,
/ If one there be, careful search has
failed TO bring that one TO light.
a few days before he died an en-
/ ployee Of many years ago came TO sec
him and after gazing long and tear
fully upon him as he lay helpless and
emaciatcd, he turned 20 go, and when
near the door he paused and looked
back upon the wasted form, he ex-
claimed: There lies the best friend
the poor man ever had" and strong
man as he was, ho burst INTO tears aud
hurried away.
Had Martin T.. ShaFer died suddenly
IL years ago, it would hayc been a cal
amity TO Preston county. It would
have convulsed the business OF a large
portion Of tho county. however drop
ping out gradually as be did. his death
is scarcely noticed, except by his i'm
mediate relatives and friends
But noble heart has ceased TO beat.
generous hand will outstretch no
more The world rushcs ON unmindful
oi Of the aching hearts that vcarn for
% loving father kind brother and 81
noble, generous friend Nav we all
emulate his example and when we are
laid 60 rest may The same kind expro--
sions be heard