Obituary - Reuben Shelden
Reuben Shelden was born in Blissfield, Mich., August 3, 1850, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. E. Bear near Kellerton, Iowa, February 7, 1931, aged 80 years, six months and four days. He came with his parents to Iowa in 1868 and settled near Kellerton, where he spent most of his life. He spent a few years in Michigan attending school, but never changed his residence. He was married to Miss Phebe Zornes June 10, 1877, who preceded him in death June 4, 1930. To this union were born twelve children, six sons and six daughters. Two of the children died in infancy and one daughter at the age of twenty years. Five sons and four daughters survive him. Because of sickness, the children from a distance were unable to be present. The children present were Mrs. Elnore Dorff of Diagonal, Guy Shelden of Beaconsfield, and Mrs. Anna Bear of Kellerton. Those from a distance are Leonard, Burr and Leroy Sheldon, Mrs. Olive Van Bell of Douglas, Wyo., Mrs. Myra Smith of Villisca, Iowa, and E. C. Shelden of Dickson, Mo. There are 42 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. All of the children except two had the privilege of being with their father last Thanksgiving day at which time a family reunion was held. Besides his own family he leaves five sisters - Mrs. L. A. Fleming of Edward, Okla., Mrs. Oscar Jackson and Mrs. Joe Gibson of Greeley, Colo., Mrs. Grace Bogard of Pueblo, Colo., Mrs. Frank Jackson of Lamoni, Iowa, and one brother, N. A. Shelden of Thompson, Mo. Father, mother, five sisters and one brother have gone to the land beyond. Father Shelden had been in ill health for about one and a half years and his death was not unexpected by the relatives and friends, who knew of his condition. He has for many years been a member of the Masonic order and of the Christian Order of Knights Templar. Funeral services were held in the Methodist church in Kellerton and conducted by the pastor, W. K. Young and Rev. J. E. Mathany of Diagonal. Following the service by Rev. Matheny, the Masons took charge of the service. The interment was made in the Maple Row cemetery.

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Truman Chapin Shelden and Rhoda Gibson Shelden who were originally from Canada had two sons, Reuben and Levi Ransom, born in Lenawee County, Michigan. They divorced and Rhoda returned to Canada. Truman's second wife was Lydia Melvina Goff.


Bio by: Janet Merck