Source: The Journal, September 29, 1887

Death of John J. Shaubut

The following obituary of Mr. J.J. Shaubut taken from the Mankato, Minn., Review, is published for the benefit of the many friends of the deceased in this vicinity. Mr. Shaubut was the father of Mrs. E.T. Banks, of Liberty Mills, and was formerly a well known and respected resident of this township:

"Mr. Shaubut died at his residence in Belgrade Township, Nicollet county, on Tuesday last, after a brief illness of five or six days. Week before last Mr. Shaubut worked pretty hard in drawing dirt from a well, and at that time was not feeling well. On Friday he was worse and a physician was called, and from that time until his death his disease, which was inflammation of the bowels, increased in severity, and left little or no hope of recovery. Mr. Shaubut was born in Franklin county, Pa., July 21st, 1818, and at the time of his death was in his 70th year. In 1836 he removed with his parents to Ohio, and in 1840 to Wabash county, Ind., where seven years later he married Miss Anna Comstock. In 1856 he moved to Minnesota with his family, locating at Mankota, engaging in the mercantile business, which he continued for twenty-two years. He was treasurer of Mankota school district for several years, serving in that capacity at the time Union school, the first public school in our city, was erected. To this work he gave a great deal of time and labor, and also in the organization of our graded school system; and to Mr. Shaubut, and his associates, is due the credit of securing a strong and able corps of teachers and giving our city one of the best schools enjoyed in its history. When the city was first incorporated he was elected an alderman from the first ward. For a number of years he was vice-president of the First National Bank of this city. He was trustee of the Presbyterian church and not only contributed liberally but was quite prominent in the erection of that church edifice--the first permanent Protestant church built in Mankota. He was a public spirited citizen, prominent in every undertaking to promote the prosperity of Mankota, and the large and costly block on the corner of Front and Main streets and the capacious residence in the rear of the Omaha depot are monuments of his liberality, and testify to his confidence in the future of our city. Mr. Shaubut gave a good deal of attention to agriculture, and we think we are safe in saying that he was one of the first men in this section of the state to introduce the pure-blood Shorthorns and imported Norman horses. He moved to his farm in Belgrade, Nicollet county, where he has engaged in the stock business quite successfully. It is to his credit to say that in whatever he undertook he tried to excel, working with a will and energy to attain that result. He was possessed of great physical power, and few men of advanced years are capable of doing so much hard labor. Mr. Shaubut was an active and earnest Mason, and for more than a quarter of a century was a member of Mankato lodge, and a member of Blue Earth Chapter from its organization. Mr. Shaubut was a man of strong points of character--strong in his attachments and affections, and his friendship was true and unvaried. The funeral took place on Thursday last, under the supervision of the Masonic fraternity, among which he maintained an honorable position for many years. Services were held at the Presbyterian church, and the ceremonies at the grave were of an impressive character, conducted by the fraternity."