Shaver, Bertha Anne (Vetter)

Mrs. Bertha Shaver, Oldest Citizen Here, Buried Last Friday

Weimar’s oldest citizen, 93-year-old Mrs. Bertha Shaver, was buried in Weimar Masonic Cemetery Friday afternoon after services at Hubbard Funeral Home, with Rev. J. M. McDonald and Rev. C. Emigholz officiating.

Mrs. Shaver died last Thursday morning in Youens Hospital, where she had been confined for several weeks after falling and breaking her hip.

Born Bertha Anna Vetter, daughter of Anna Frede and Emanuel Vetter, March 6, 1958, in Fayetteville, she was married to P. J. Shaver of Fayetteville in 1888. Her husband and a daughter, Louise (Mrs. Sam Doggett) preceded her in death. Mrs. Shaver has been a resident of the Weimar vicinity since 1892, and of the city since 1907.

She was confirmed in the Lutheran Church as a child and later united with the Methodist Church. She lived a long, consistently Christian life.

Surviving her are her son, Grady W. Shaver, Weimar grocer; a brother, Chas. G. Vetter of Austin; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers at the funeral were Willie Holub, Robert Koenig, Craig Frazee, Felix Melor, E. Lauterstein and Henry Brasher.

Weimar Mercury, May 11, 1951, page 1

Shaver, Eola

Mr. and Mrs. Willie Shaver’s baby died last Tuesday night. It had been sick for some time. Many friends sympathize with the bereaved parents. Death is a debt that we must all pay sooner or later and those that die in the innocence of infancy are saved from the sorrows and troubles that beset all in maturer years. [Interment in Weimar Masonic Cemetery]

Weimar Gimlet, November 5, 1885

Shaver, Grace (Beckman)

Services Held at Weimar For "Miss Grace" Shaver

Funeral services were held at the Hubbard Funeral home in Weimar Sunday afternoon for Mrs. W. S. Shaver. 74, who died in the Youens hospital Saturday.

Mrs. Shaver, who was affectionately called "Miss Grace" by all who knew her, had been in delicate health for several years, but had been in the hospital only 3 days at the time of her death. She was retired not too long ago after many years of service as a teacher in the Weimar school.

Rev. Walter Cartwright of he Weimar Methodist Church officiated and member of he board of stewards were active and honorary pallbearers. [Interment in Weimar Masonic Cemetery]

She is survived by 2 step-grandchilden whom she reared, Miss Mary Grant of Weimar and H. Lucian Grant of Denver, Colo., also 2 sisters and a brother.

Colorado County Citizen, May 7, 1953,

Shaver, Grady William

Grady Shaver, Merchant 52 Years, Buried

Weimar lost one of its best-loved citizens last Thursday, April 25, when Grady Shaver fell dead of a heart attack at the grocery store he had operated for 52 years.

While his health for the past several years had not been the best, it had hardly limited his activities, and news of his death came as a shock to his many friends.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at Hubbard Funeral Home, led by Rev. Charles Young of First Baptist Church and Rev. Howard McAllister[sic] of First Methodist Church. Burial was in the Masonic Cemetery.

Grady William Shaver was born Nov. 7, 1892, at Fayetteville, a son of P. J. and Bertha Vetter Shaver, and was a year old when the family moved to this area. The elder Shaver operated a store and the post office at Borden for a few years, then established the P. J. Shaver Grocery here in 1908. In 1911, at the age of 18, Grady joined his father in the business, and he became sole owner in 1925. He married Miss Sadie Humphyres here June 2, 1915.

Mr. Shaver served 26 years as a city alderman, 1932 to 1958. Had he lived another year, he would have received his 50-year membership pin from the local Masonic Lodge, which he had served as Worshipful Master in the past. He was a Rotarian 20 years, the last five years in an honorary status. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Baptist Church.

Surviving him are his widow, Mrs. Sadie Shaver of Weimar; his daughter, Mrs. Joe (Jane) Blanks, and three grandchildren, Grady, Sara and Margaret Blanks, all of Houston.

Pallbearers were E. Lauterstein, Shapleigh Gray, William Holub, August Fojt, Henry Brasher, F. F. Brasher, Robert Koenig and Walter Scott.

Weimar Mercury, May 2, 1963, page 1

Shaver, Martha Jennings

Death of A Highly Esteemed Lady

Just as church services at the Baptist revival meeting were conclude Sunday night, announcement was made of the death of a most beloved and highly respected lady of this community--Miss Martha Shaver--whose death occurred after a period of several weeks’ illness and suffering.

The funeral took place at 3 p. m Monday from the residence of Mr. W. S. Shaver, her brother, with whom she had been making her home for several months, with interment in the Masonic Cemetery at this place. Six nephews of deceased acted as pallbearers. A large crowd of relative and sympathizing friends witnessed the interment, and the floral offering were many and profuse.

Miss Martha Shaver was a daughter of the late P. J. and Mary Ann ("Grandma") Shaver, was born al Fayetteville in 1864, spent a great part of her life in that section, and joined the Methodist Church at San Marco at an early age. "Miss Martha," as she was lovingly called by everyone, was a lady of many admirable attributes not the least of which was her ever readiness to help those about her. Her devotion to her beloved mother was an especially noticeable feature of her life up to the time of her mother’s death a number of years ago. She was an active worker in religious circles and no call for her aid and assistance ever went unheeded. She was a lady of rare type, one whose good deeds and sacrifices will prove an everlasting monument to her memory.

She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Breeding of Austin, and one brother Mr. W. S. Shaver of this city, besides a large circle of relatives and mourning friends.

Our heartfelt sympathy and condolence goes out to them in their bereavement.

Weimar Mercury, May 4, 1928, page 1
Photo courtesy Phyllis Runnels

Shaver, Mary Ann (Bass) Holloway

Death of Grandma Shaver

A death that caused universal gloom to pervade the hearts of our people occurred Tuesday morning at 12:30, when the spirit of Mrs. M.A. (better known as "Grandma")Shaver took its flight to that heavenly home above, where suffering, sorrow, and parting were never more to be known.  For several weeks, dear "Grandma's" health had been failing, and it was evident that the end was near.  However expected it might have been, those left behind were illy prepared for it, for "Grandma" had been with them so long that the idea of parting was death itself.  The sweet old soul "fell asleep in Jesus" calmly, peacefully, regretful of leaving those behind, but glad to be with loved ones who had gone on before.

The funeral was held Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock at the Masonic cemetery, and was feelingly conducted by the Methodist pastor, Rev. G.T. Gibbons.

"Grandma" Shaver was a lovely type of the old time southern womanhood.  Kind and courteous to all, the soul of hospitality, thoughtful of the comfort and pleasure of others, the best of friend and neighbor, none knew her but to love her.

Her death has left an aching void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her which can never be filled.  "Grandma" Shaver was born in Halifax County, Va., the 3rd of Oct., 1819, and was over 92 years of age.  She came to Texas in 1845, and her early experiences (of which she retained a most vivid recollection up to the time of her death) was fraught with many incidents of hardship and danger.

Many relatives and friends were present from a distance to pay the last said tribute to the memory of one they loved so well.  Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the bereaved relatives.

Weimar Mercury, January 5, 1912, page 1
Submitted by Sue Dunlavy McIlveen

Shaver, Mary E. (McGehee)

Our city and people were inexpressibly shocked and saddened last Saturday night to learn of the death of Mrs. Mary E. Shaver, the beloved wife of W. S. Shaver. Her health had been failing for months past, but none realized the end was so near. Her death occurred at 8:30 that night. The remains were prepared for burial and laid to rest in the Masonic cemetery Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock, Rev. J. E. Buck, her late pastor, conducting the funeral obsequies, assisted by Rev. J. W. Gates, pastor of the Christian church, in the presence of a large concourse of sympathizing friends. Mrs. Shaver was about 48 years of age at the time of her death. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. McGehee, born in Alabama, and partly raised in Fayette and Washington counties, this state,but had been living in Colorado county the past twenty-two years. She united with the Methodist church at an early age, and lived a consistent chiristian life. She was united in marriage to Mr. W. S. Shaver in 1882, and had ever proven a devoted, loyal wife, a good mother, friend and neighbor. Her death was indeed a sad blow and is regretted deeply and sincerely by all. She leaves a daughter, an aged father and two brothers, to whom the heartfelt sympathy of the community is extended.

Weimar Mercury, January 12, 1907

Shaver, Phillip James Jr. “P. J.”

Death of Honored, Good Citizen Here

In the passing of Mr. P. J. Shaver last Sunday morning at about 11 o'clock, our city and community lost one of its most valued, honored, best citizens. Mr. Shaver had been ill for but a few days previous to his death. He had not been in robust health for some time past, but was able to be up and about. Taken ill the last Tuesday night in March, it was quickly realized that his illness was of a serious nature, and everything possible was done for his comfort and welfare, but It was of no avail. The Spirit called, and our good friend passed unto his eternal reward.

The body was tenderly prepared for burial, and on Monday afternoon was committed to mother earth in the Masonic Cemetery. Revs. J. C. Wilson of Eagle Lake. Bludworth, Piepenbrok and Stokes, local pastors, officiated in a most touching burial service at the Methodist Church, of which decedent had long been a loved and valued member. Services were held at the church on account of the inclement weather. Same were attended by a crowd which filled every seat in that edifice, many being compelled to stand, amply attesting the popularity and universal esteem in which Mr. Shaver was held by his fellow-man. The floral offerings were many and beautiful.

Pall bearers were Messrs. Geo. Herder, Jr., Chas. D. Ammann, R. H. Yoder, Jos. Rabel, M. Lauterstein and S. K. Seymour of Columbus.

Honorary pall bearers designated by the family were as follows: A. P. Shatto, J. J. Armstrong, M. Stapleton, H. Green, Sr., E. F. Shortt, J. Y. Matthews, Ben B. Holt, Jno. C. Hubbard, Dr. A. H, Potthast, John H Brooks, I. Lauterstein, H. Brasher, Sr., T. S. Doggett, T. W. Hill, Dr. I B. Sigler, H. Birkmann, F. J. Nitschmann, Geo. Herder Sr., Dr. C. E. Duve, F. E. Leidolf, Tom C. Roberts, Anton Beck, Jr., A. F, Hubbard, W. A. VanAlstyne, Henry J. Laas, W. P. Watson, Chas. Herder, B. M. Hinkel, J. F. Walker, J. J. Armstrong, Jr., Dr. C. G. Cook, H Brasher, Jr.

Practically every business house in the city closed for the funeral, as a testimonial of .the high regard in which Mr. Shaver, for many years a business man here, was held by his brother merchants.

Mr. Shaver was born at Fayetteville, Texas, in 1861, and was 67 years of age at the time of his death. At the age of 22 he embraced christianity joining the Baptist Church. afterward uniting with the Methodist Church and was one of the most consistent christian gentlemen our people and community have ever known. He believed in christianity. and lived it.

Early in life he was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Vetter of Fayetteville, and the widow, one daughter, Mrs. Louise Doggett, one son, G. W. Shaver, three grandchildren., two sisters, Mrs. E. L. Breeding of Austin and Miss Martha Shaver of this city, and one brother, W. S. Shaver of this city, survive him, besides a large circle ot relatives and friends. Mr. Shaver moved to this section many years ago engaging in the mercantile line at Borden. afterward moving to Weimar where he conducted a grocery business for many years, disposing of same to his son G. W. Shaver, a few years ago on account of failing health and a desire to take life more quietly.

P. J. Shaver was one of the best men the writer ever knew. Our acquainnance[sic] dates dates back over a period of nearly forty years, and in that time we certainly had a chance to know what kind of man he was. At no time during that period did we ever hear him speak ill of his fellowman, nor did his fellow-man have aught to say against him. Mr. Shaver was a man of cheerful temperament, who always looked on the bright side of life and up to his last moments he brought cheer into the hearts of those about him. He ever had a cheery greeting for his friends and neighbors. and no matter what his trials and vexations might have been, he successfully concealed same from the public, his bearing at all times being that of man at peace with the world and his fellowman. Naturally such a sunny disposition won him friends by the score, and at every gathering he was welcomed. He was honest to a fault, conscientious, liberal, and a competitor in business that no one disliked, for he was fair and square at all times and under all conditions. Hundreds of friends and customers will miss his cheery greetings as they visit the store he graced so long. Truly and indeed, our city and community has lost one of its most popular and beloved citizens

Those present from a distance to attend the funeral were L. O. and C. A Thanheiser, Mrs. M. R. Robson, Mrs. Martha Perlitz of Houston; Robert Dunlavy, wife and daughter, Henry Ahlers and wife, Ben Ahlers of Eagle Lake; S. K. Seymour. Sr., and wife. Mrs. S. K. Seymour, Jr. of Columbus; Mrs. C. M. Breeding of Austin; Mrs. Ella Hansen, Theo. Hansen. Dr. P. J. Shaver and wife of San Antonio; R. E. Dunn of Muldoon; O. A. Vetter, C. G. Vetter, W. A. Langlotz and Chas. Kovar of Fayetteville.

May God be merciful to his bereaved ones and comfort them in their deep bereavement is our sincere prayer.

Weimar Mercury, April 13, 1928, page 1

Shaver, Sadie (Humphreys)

Shaver

Sadie Humphreys Shaver, age 90, passed away December 26 in a Houston hospital. Graveside services were held December 27 at the Masonic cemetery in Weimar.

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Jane Shaver Blanks; three grandchildren, Grady L. Blanks, Sara B. Ritter, Margaret B. Taylor; six great grandchildren, Kim and Katy Blanks, Tracy and Megan Taylor, K. J. and Kevin Ritter. Also two nephews, Billy H. Towell of Houston and Roy H. Towell Jr. of Houston.

Colorado County Citizen, January 17, 1985, page 2

Shaver, William Spears

W. S. Shaver Has Gone to Meet His Heavenly Creator

After battling with failing health for a number of weeks past, finally having to take to his bed, the tired spirit of our almost life-long friend, Mr. W. S. Shaver, early Saturday morning answered the summons of his Creator and joined those of his loved ones who had preceded him to the pearly gates of the other world. Quietly, gently he “fell asleep in Jesus,” and the poor, tired spirit of our good friend who in active life had covered every hill and dale of our beloved section was at rest.
No more would the forests, creeks and their inhabitants greet him. To commune with Nature was life to W. S. Shaver. He loved the trees, the creeks, rivers and branches; to him the lowliest bush was a revelation, and in his frequent peregrinations all over our beautiful country side he was in his element, drawing an inspiration from each contact with Nature and its children. Nature made Will Shaver poetical, and well the writer remembers his frequent bursts into beautifully improvised poetry as he drank in the gloriousness of Nature itself. The forests and their denizens will miss him!

The funeral took place Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock from the family residence, with interment in the local Masonic Cemetery. Rev. J. H. E. Willmann and Rev. W. L. Hightower, local Methodist ministers, conducted the beautiful service at residence and grave. There was a large attendance at the funeral, attesting how highly the decedent stood in the estimation of his fellow-man. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. As requested by Mr. Shaver the services were held under the shade trees in front of his home, thus letting Nature have a part in the services.

William Spears Shaver was born in Fayetteville, Texas, October 10, 1855. His parents were Philip James and Mary Ann Shaver. His entire life was spent in Fayette and Colorado counties, and he was a resident of Weimar for fifty-one years preceding his death. Prior to moving to Weimar he and his brother, Robert Shaver, opened the first merchandising business established in Ellinger. He engaged in the merchandise business in Weimar and continued this for many years, finally retiring as age crept upon him, about fifteen years ago. He joined the Methodist Church early in life and lived a consistent, christian life up to the time of his death, having naught in his heart but good will toward his fellowman. He died as he lived, firm in his faith and true to his religious convictions. W. S. Shaver lived a christian and died a christian.

He is survived by his wife, one sister, Mr. E. L. Breeding of Austin, and two grandchildren, Miss Mary Grant of this city and Mr. Lucien Grant of Beaumont.

The active pall bearers were Messrs. G. W. Shaver, Henry Brasher, Laurie Brasher, Geo. Herder, Jr. Alvin Rose and Chas. Ammann. Honorary pall bearers included all his friends.

To the deeply bereaved ones, our heartfelt sympathy is extended. May a merciful Father sustain them in their crisis is our sincere prayer.

Weimar Mercury, June 14, 1935, page 1