Source: The Lafayette Daily Courier, Monday, July 12, 1858
Submitted by: L.A. Clugh
Hon. Isaac Shelby
Isaac Shelby, whose death was prematurely announced on Saturday, lingered until shortly before one o'clock yesterday morning, when he breathed his last. He was buried yesterday afternoon at the familyburial ground, in a grove a short distance from the old homestead, where the remains of his wife and several children repose. Rev. Mr.Gee of the city officiated in the funeral exercises.The deceased was born in the Sciota Valley, Ohio.
His parents were originally from Kentucky, and a branch of that old family, of whom the Hero of King's mountain, was so illustrious and distinguished a member. Reared on the frontier, Mr. Shelby partook largely of the privations, as well as the feelings and character incident to frontier life.He felt the want of early education in common with his frontier associates, and this was by him frequently a source of regret in after life, especially when called upon by his neighbors and friends to serve on positions of public trust and confidence. But this deficiency was counterbalanced by the possession of a strong and vigorous intellect, a sound judgment and keen perceptive faculties. He emigrated to the Wabash Valley some twenty-five years ago, and located on a tract of land near Covington, which he improved and on which he resided, until his removal in 1840 to Shawnee Prairie in this county. Here he reclaimed from a state of nature a large tract of land and made for himself one of the most beautiful farms in our Valley, on which he resided to the hour of his death. Surrounded by the comforts and luxuries of life, his elegant mansion was ever a welcome retreat for his neighbors and friends, while the strangers who sought its portals was always assured of a hospitable reception.
In 1843 he was chosen to represent our county in the Legislature which position he held on three several occasions. Subsequently he was again a candidate for the same position, and also for the Constitutional Convention, but shared defeat with his party. He never sought office and it was only at the request and solicitations of his personal and political friends that he ever became a candidate. As a Legislator his course was characterized by strict attention to business and a close observance of every measure upon which he was called to act. It was to this capacity that his natural strength of mind--cool and unbiased judgment, and quick perception, was invaluable and made him a safe and useful member. Seldom participating in the public debates, it was in the Committee room, and in this genial and urbane intercourse with the members, that his advice was sought and influence felt. He was singularly fortunate in constantly possessing the esteem and respect of his fellow members and he never failed in securing the passage of any measure in which his constituents had a local interest. Unostentatious at home and abroad unobtrusive in all his intercourse in public or private, strictly upright in all his dealings, exceedingly kind to his family, his neighbors, and his friends, generous and just to all, the name of Isaac Shelby will be most revered, and longest remembered by those who knew him best.
By patient toil frugality and industry, he amassed a large estate, now the inheritance of his six children, who watched around his dying bed, anticipating his every want, and endeavoring to smooth his passage to the grave. His illness was a short duration, but from it's commencement he seemed to anticipate its fatal termination. Only a few days since he informed a friend at his bedside that he felt himself rapidly hastening to the tomb, that he had lived a long life and endeavored on all occasions to do his duty, that he had no regrets at dying. He died as he had lived -- a Christian.
Cemetery:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=86853&CScn=Shelby&CSst=17&
Obituaries | Home
© 2007 L.A. Clugh
All rights reserved