Mr. L. Jacob Schaefer

Last Sunday in church in which the previous Sunday he had delieverd an earnest sermon himself, was held the funeral of Mr. L Jacob Schaefer of Ritzville. The church was crowded with people and the service which ws in charge off Rev. L. Gaiser, was very impressive. Mr. Schaefer after ailing for week died suddenly last Friday morning, Feb. 23rd. On the preceding Saturday he had been in a store where men were smoking and when he came out he complained to his wife that the smoke had poisoned him and that he would die, and his relatives were unable to change his opinion. The next day he preached a sermon of unusual earnestness at the German Methodist church. Besides being a farmer he was a local preacher, and filled the pulput in the absence of Rev. Gaiser at Connell and Walla Walla. During the week he continued in poor health and the doctor was called. Friday morning he passed away suddenly without a word, his wife being roused by his labored breath as the end was near at hand.

Jacob Schefer was born in Frank, Russia in 1857. He was married in 1878 and migrated to America the same year, coming first to Nebraska. Six children were born to the union, all of whom are living. The are Anna Marie, now Mrs. Ruff of Walla Walla; Conrad of Ritzville; Catherine now Mrs. Pinnow of Ritzville; Jacob, of near Hatton; David, a clerk in Myer=Shepley Co., Ritzville; William of Ritzville, Mr. Schafer's wife died June 4, 1891. On July 1892, he was married to Elizabeth Wagner. To them eight children were born, of whom four are living. They are Frederick, Joseph, Rosa and Edwin all at home.

Mrs Schafer moved from Nebraska to Walla Wallin 1883. In 1884 he moved to Bickleton and in 1901 came to Ritzville. While in Walla Walla he joined the Methodist church and for the remaining thirty years was a very active member of the church, serving as Sunday school superintendent, trustee and local preacher.

His remains were laid to rest in the Ritzville Cemetery.

The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times Thursday March 1, 1917 Courtsey of Sue Gardner & gapwork90

His parents were Heinrich Schafer & Maria Bernhardt (Russis)

His first wife was Anna Maria Wiltman she died June 4, 1891 and is buried in Klicitat County Washington