Rev. William S. Shearer, 1868-1902

1902 Proceedings of the Iowa Conference

Methodist Episcopal Church

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Rev. William Sherman Shearer

Served the Jerome Methodist Church 1892-1893

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  William Sherman Shearer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. M. Shearer, was born near Bladensburg, Wapello County, Iowa, December 26, 1868, and departed this life at Cedar, February 13, 1902, aged thirty-three years, one month and seventeen days. He was converted at fifteen years of age. In September, 1889, he entered the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mt. Pleasant and graduated with the class in June, 1895. The following September he was admitted to the Iowa Conference on trial, since which he served with faithfulness and efficiency the following charges: Jerome, one year; Montrose, two years; Durham, two years, and was serving the second year on the Cedar charge with splendid success when God called him home. 

The deceased was ordained deacon in 1897 by Bishop FitzGerald, and elder by Bishop McCabe in 1899. He was united in marriage at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, October 14, 1897, to Miss Lulu Baxter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baxter. On Sunday night, February 2, he was suddenly and seriously ill, after a day of continuous service to the church. He seemed to feel almost from the first that his work on earth was done, and calling his wife to his beside said: "Lulu, if the Lord sees fit to take me it is all right." Only at rare intervals during his illness did he become conscious and recognize the members of his family. He leaves the heritage of his precious memory and royal manhood to his wife, father, mother, two sisters and a wide circle of friends and acquaintances who will mourn his departure, but by faith will rejoice in his unspeakable bliss. Memorial services were held at Cedar on Friday, February 14, in the beautiful new church which his untiring energy had brought nearly to completion. Rev. J. W. Lambert, presiding elder, had charge of the service and was assisted by a large number of neighboring pastors. Services were also held in Willard Street Church, Ottumwa, on Saturday, February 15. They were in charge of the pastor, Rev. R. L. Patterson, assisted by the ministers of Ottumwa and vicinity.