Obituary #1

Martha C. Leist, daughter of William and Mary Leist, was born in Liberty township on Nov. 30, 1857. In early youth she was critically ill. She always believed she was divinely restored to her family and in keeping with this belief she sought the Lord and was converted in her sixteenth year.

She was reared in a godly home where Bible reading and prayer were a part of daily life. She was a member of Liberty Chapel United Brethren church until she took up her residence in Liberty Center and joined the Methodist church.

For years she was a successful school teacher in the days of the one-room rural schools.

On Nov. 27, 1898, she was married to Jasper N. Shaw. Her husband preceded her in death twenty-one years ago. Her active interests in her home and church continued as long as her health permitted.

She was the dearly loved and a faithful teacher of the Berean Bible class for more than thirty years. In her Bible these recently written words were found: ”I always spoke of God’s love whenever the opportunity was given, in college halls, quarterly meetings and other appropriate places, always feeling God’s approval. Bless His holy name! My Heavenly Father is very real to me. I am leaning on His promises, yet feeling my weakness.”

She leaves two sisters, Mrs. Electa Jennings of Long Beach, Cal.; Mrs. Etta Davidson, Tiffin, O.; one brother, Hubert V. Leist, Liberty Center, O.; one stepdaughter, Mrs. Nora Pontious, of Columbus, O.; one stepson, Joseph N. Shaw, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; five nieces, two nephews and other relatives, who with many friends treasure the memories of earthly associations.

Services were conducted from the Methodist church Friday afternoon. Rev. W. A. Piper, former pastor, was assisted by the present pastor, Rev. L. McCandlish. Interment was made in Young’s cemetery.

Obituary #2:

Death Claims Martha Shaw

Mrs. Martha Shaw, 83, one of Liberty Center's oldest residents, died at her home here early Wednesday morning after a prolonged illness. She had spent her entire life in Liberty Center and Liberty I township.

Funeral services have been set for Friday afternoon, July 11. Services will be held at the Methodist church at 2 p. m.

Mrs. Shaw had lived by herself in her home on North Main street for some time prior to her death. While she had been in poor health for some time, she was not actually confined to her bed until recently.

The doctor’s report indicated that her death was due to age, although it was possible that she had suffered an internal hemorrhage or heart failure. J. E. Segrist has charge of funeral preparations.