The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-03-26
THE LATE Dr.. j. M. sHAFFER.

tiYe and useful life, death found MIN
fully prepared for the great change
that awaited him. and he took his
place in the silent halls as one who
wraps the drapery Of his couch about
dreams DR. Shaffer learned how to
die by learning how to live. His ca
reer from first TO last was an example
and an inspiration. His warm heart
ever beat responsive to the needs,
hopes and aspirations of mankind.
and his whole life was one of service
to his fellows He was grand old
man. beloved by all who knew him
In love he practiced and in patience
taught
The sacred art that battles with
disease;
Nor stained by one dislosal act or
thought
The holy symbol OF Hippocrates.
In his long journey through life Dr..
Shaffer had eyes only for the most
dhA lac A0lA0 H 0iA VI
Gods creations. He Was optimistic,
appreciatiye, unaffected, big-hearted.
broad-minded, genial. affable. courte-
Gus, gracious and tolerant. His pa
tents had for him a genuine affec-
ton, and he returned their confidence
and love in full measure. 1t can be
said of him as was said OF another
oId-time doctor.
He promptly. bravely took his part
and place,
And every station did his genius
grace.
Heroic man, He did his duty well;
He fought for others till at last hesfell.
Above his grave we need no column
raise,
He lives immortal in our love and
praise"
DIR. Skaters contributions to his
tory were many and valuable. A pion-
eer resident of southeastern Iowa. ne
took an active and important part in the
development OF the state and was
potent factor in shaping its destiny.
From time to time in his later years
he committed his recollections to pa
per and preserved them In print. His
literary style was lucid and free from
all redundancy. What he had to say
he said In the fewest, simplest and
most direct words. His language. like
his thought, was clear and forceful.
For half century he had quasi con
nection with The Gate City az scien-
Il ific editor He was an acknowledged
authority on botany and entomology.
and was closely connected with the
Smithsonian Institute in Washington
| in the latter capacity. He was fire.
quent contributor to the scientific
publications Of the federal government
4 and did much to promote general in
iterest in nature study, OF which he
| himself was exceedingly fond He
had probably the largest collection OF
| bugs and insects In the country out
| side the government museum at the
national capital When consulted as
| to the identity, habitat or life history
OF any chronological specimen 1t was
his custom TO make public his reply In
The Gate City that all might be in
! formed on the subject His investiga-
Itions regarding the different kinds of
moths we're especially important and
valuable.
II is difficult to realize that he Is
1919 -,
miliar one on the streets Of Keokuk,
ard his CHEEKY greeting was bene-
diction that never became trite or
stale. His pathway was strewn with
4 sunshine and good cheer. No matter
how trying the day or what obstacles
confronted. with his presence the
darkness vanished and beautiful
day was ushered In. His very life was
the giving of pleasure TO others. This
was part of his religion-and DR..
Shaffer was a profoundly religious
man. Religion was ingrained In his
nature and was an integral part OF his
daily life and conversation. He was
, therefore leader In his church, %
/ which he was greatly attached No
one could know him without beina
better for such association and knowI
edge The removal Of one SO general.
, ~ known and SO well beloved neces
Esarily leaves large void in the com
, munity
6tor1na are remembered when the
voyage Ia Ger,
But not the breeze that waited US
ashore.
If this once busy being were OF those
Whom Fame forgets. 1t mars not hi!
repose;
He neyer sought. in life's industrioul
: A large return, or loud or lastin,
praise:
But 10 the sacred task which Heayel
: assigned,
In pains hushed chamber, gave hi
strength and mind,
: Believing go he served HIS Make