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Robert Wiltfong Shafer

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Robert Wiltfong Shafer

Birth	:	14 Oct 1891 Rochester, Fulton County, Indiana, USA
Death	:	1 Feb 1962 Rochester Township, Fulton County, Indiana, USA
Burial	:	Eltham Cemetery, Eltham, South Taranaki District, New Zealand
Coordinate	:	-39.4197140, 174.3251260
Plot	:	Section 15, Row 5
Description	:	Published in The Rochester News-Sentinel Thursday, February 1, 1962 Robert W. Shafer Robert Wiltfong SHAFER, 70, for years a prominent public official, died at his home, 1012 Pontiac street, at 2:40 a.m. today. Cause of death was arteriosclerosis followed by uremic poisoning. He suffered from the disease for the last two years and became seriously ill four months ago. He had livd in Fulton county all his life except one year in Chicago and a year in Bradenton, Fla. In 1933, he launched a uniquely successful political career, holding offices for 22 years, last serving as mayor of Rochester from 1952 through 1955. During his... Read More	Published in The Rochester News-Sentinel Thursday, February 1, 1962 Robert W. Shafer Robert Wiltfong SHAFER, 70, for years a prominent public official, died at his home, 1012 Pontiac street, at 2:40 a.m. today. Cause of death was arteriosclerosis followed by uremic poisoning. He suffered from the disease for the last two years and became seriously ill four months ago. He had livd in Fulton county all his life except one year in Chicago and a year in Bradenton, Fla. In 1933, he launched a uniquely successful political career, holding offices for 22 years, last serving as mayor of Rochester from 1952 through 1955. During his city administration, the construction of the new sewage plant was started and then completd after he left office. He first was elected county auditor in 1933 and served two four-year terms through 1940. He then spent two years as deputy auditor and in 1942 was elected clerk of the Fulton circuit court, serving two full terms. He was widely known over the county as a popular official due to his friendly personality and willingness to do things for people. He was the son of Dr. Winfield Scott and Sarah Louisa WILTFONG SHAFER, prominent citizens during their lifetime in the city. Dr. Shafer founded Woodlawn hospital when he purchased the William KEITH home which stood at the present location of the institution. Dr. Shafer also was the leader in the founding of Rochester Normal university. Dr. Howard SHAFER, older brother of Robert, later owned and managed the hospital for many years and built a wide reputation as a surgeon. "Bob," as he was known by his friends, attended Rochester high school and graduated in 1911. He was a star player on the early basketball teams of RHS and was a leader in school activities. He maintained a lively interest in the Rochester Alumni Association and helped members of his class celebrate their 50th anniversary last spring. He was graduated from Purdue university in 1915 with a major in agriculture. He was a member of the freshman basketball team but dropped out of athletics afterwards. He belonged to the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. A year after completion of his university work, he was married to Margaret BAILEY on May 27, 1916 and farmed for several years in Richland township. Later, the couple moved to Rochester and he represented the Equitable Life Assurance Sodiety of New York here. Mr. Shafer was an active member of the Three Rivers Council, Boy Scouts of America, having served as district chairman of Scouting activities and on most of the Council's committees for a score of years. While mayor, he was presented the Silver Beaver award, highest honor which the Three Rivers Council grants to its adult volunteer workers. A lifelong active member of the Methodist church, he devoted much time to religious activities. Through the years he served as trustee, chairman of the board of trustees, lay leader and for many years was present at Sunday services as usher. He also was a keen student of Rochester and Fulton county history. He was a director of the Fulton County TB Association, at one time an active Kiwanian and member of the Chamber of Commerce. After leaving the mayor's office, he worked with the state Gross Income Tax Division and then with the right-of-way division of the State Highway Department until retiring. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Mrs. William (Barbara) LEAVERTON, St. Joseph, Mo., and Mrs. D. E. (Sara Louise) LEWIS, South Bend; one son, Philip B. [SHAFER], at home; a sister, Mrs. Effie BRACKETT, San Gabriel, Cal.; four grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. The funeral will be at the Grace Methodist church at 2 p.m. Saturday with Dr. Claude YOUNG, West Lafayette, and the Rev. Ray MILLS officiating. Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. cemetery here. Friends may call at the Zimmerman Brothers funeral home after noon Friday and until 1 p.m. Saturday and at the church an hour before the services. SOURCE: Fulton County Indiana Obituaries - 1962 by Jean C. and Wendell C. Tombaugh

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Robert Wiltfong Shafer's memorial?
Robert Wiltfong Shafer's memorial is located at: Eltham Cemetery, Eltham, South Taranaki District, New Zealand.
When did Robert Wiltfong Shafer death?
Robert Wiltfong Shafer death on 1 Feb 1962 in Rochester Township, Fulton County, Indiana, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Robert Wiltfong Shafer's memorial?
Latitude: -39.4197140
Longitude: 174.3251260

Family Members:

Parent

Dr Winfield Scott Shafer

(1852 - 1916)

Sarah Louise Wiltfong Shafer

(1855 - 1937)

Spouse

Margaret B Bailey Shafer

(1892 - 1981)

Siblings

Dr Howard Oscar Shafer

(1879 - 1931)

Effie Gertrude Shafer Brackett

(1882 - 1983)

Children

Barbara Shafer Leaverton

(1917 - 2003)

Philip Bailey Shafer

(1920 - 1965)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Eltham Cemetery
Eltham, South Taranaki District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.4197140, 174.3251260

2. Kopuatama Cemetery
Stratford, Stratford District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.3364400, 174.3364500

3. Pioneer Cemetery
Stratford, Stratford District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.3359800, 174.2929000

4. Te Utinga Urupā
Normanby, South Taranaki District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.5330847, 174.2761055

5. Weri Weri Urupa Aotearoa Marae
Okaiawa, South Taranaki District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.5190700, 174.2206700

6. Te Ngutu o te Manu Battlesite Memorial
Kapuni, South Taranaki District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.4876351, 174.1838147

7. Kaponga Cemetery
Kaponga, South Taranaki District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.4312210, 174.1553160

8. Midhirst Old Cemetery
Midhirst, Stratford District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.2911920, 174.2731980

9. Midhirst Cemetery
Midhirst, Stratford District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.2913640, 174.2724620

10. Waihi Cemetery and Redoubt
Normanby, South Taranaki District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.5444930, 174.2566820

11. Okaiawa Cemetery
Okaiawa, South Taranaki District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.5310220, 174.2042180

12. Tiwhaiti Urupa (Taiporohenui Marae)
Hāwera, South Taranaki District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.5741843, 174.3216120

13. Hāwera Cemetery
Hāwera, South Taranaki District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.5897900, 174.2945500

14. Motuawa Urupā Waiokura Marae
Manaia, South Taranaki District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.5388010, 174.1438990

15. Ohawe Military Cemetery
Ohawe Beach, South Taranaki District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.5835138, 174.2003758

16. Manaia Redoubt
Manaia, South Taranaki District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.5461557, 174.1364306

17. Manaia Cemetery
Manaia, South Taranaki District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.5575010, 174.1354470

18. Manutahi Cemetery
Manutahi, South Taranaki District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.6594677, 174.3924181

19. Tarata Cemetery
Tarata, New Plymouth District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.1496000, 174.3658200

20. Inglewood Cemetery
Inglewood, New Plymouth District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.1554140, 174.2145930

21. Otakeho Cemetery
New Plymouth, New Plymouth District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.5492080, 174.0051880

22. Purangi Cemetery
Purangi, New Plymouth District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.1571550, 174.5287180

23. Pihama Cemetery
Pihama, South Taranaki District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.5075300, 173.9285600

24. Mangapouri Cemetery
Egmont Village, New Plymouth District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -39.1347278, 174.1282396