Notes |
- Came to Indiana when about 12 years of age and lived in Lost River township until his election as sheriff of Martin Co.
1880 Census lists John H. as living in Lost River, Martin, Indiana.
John Sherfick was listed as Trustee of Martin County, representing Jackson (Halbert) Township in 1891. John H. Sherfick was elected Martin County Sheriff on November 11, 1896. He held the office for 2 years.
Living in 1900 census in Halbert Twnship, Martin Co., IN. He was Marshall of the town of Shoals at his death in 1907. He died after injuries received while mowing the streets on the West side of Shoals. Both of his parents had died that winter as well.
Obituary:
JOHN H. SHERFICK born Harrison Co. Ohio July 17, 1856, died Aug. 29, 1907 at Shoals Indiana and was buried Spring Hill Cemetery. His parents (Daniel and Aletha Sherfick) moved to this county when he was 12 yrs old. He married Rachel J. Waggoner Nov, 11, 1877. She survives along with 4 children: Mrs. Anna Tredway, George, Grace, and Will Sherfick. John H. Sherfick was sheriff of Martin County one term, member of J. T. Morris and Company, and Marshall of Shoals. (From the scrapbook kept by Ellen Sherfick, transcribed by Howard Sherfick)
Obituary Two:
The Last Sad Rites, Aug. 1907
The curtain has been lowered and John H. Sherfick has been called to that Immortal Home From Whence No Traveler Returneth and Leaves Behind Fond Memories and deepest regret to the Loss of a Good Citizen and an Honest Official.
John H. Sherfick died at his home in this city on Thursday evening August 29th, 1907, after a brief illness of blood poisoning.
The deceased was born in Harrison County, Ohio. July 17th, 1856, being fifty-one years, one month, and two days of age at the time of his death. He moved with his parents to this country when twelve years of age and since that time has resided in this community. He was united in marriage to Miss Rachel J. Waggoner November 11th,1877, and unto this union were born four children, Mrs. Anna Tredway, George, Grace, and Will Sherfick, all whom with three grand-children, three brothers and one sister survive him. He joined the Methodist church at the age of nineteen years and remained a faithful member until called home to join the church triumphant in the kingdom of God. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a faithful son and brother and a loyal friend.
He was elected sheriff of Martin County and served in that office without fear or favor and made a record as a county official that received the approval of everybody. After his retirement from that office he became a member of the firm of J. T. Morris & Co., hardware merchants, and followed their business for several years. After the recent town election he received the appointment of Marshall and was reappointed last spring and held that office until the time of his death and gave the people the best and most economical service ever rendered by an official in that position, and the substantial and well constructed street crossings will stand as a monument to his efficiency as an officer.
The deceased was one of the most popular men to the county and deserved the kindly feelings extended to him as he was a staunch friend to whom the utmost reliance could be placed and was at all times and under all circumstances ready to serve his friends and neighbors. He had confidence in his fellowmen and who never knew to have uttered harsh criticism against any person. He was honest in all of his dealings and worthy of every trust and confidence place in him.
The funeral took place Saturday morning being conducted by White River Lodge F & A M of which he was an honored member. A short service was performed after which the remains were taken to the Methodist Church where music was rendered by a special choir. The funeral sermon was delivered by Rev. W. A. Schell, pastor of that church, and was one of the best and most eloquent sermons ever preached in the city and at the close, there was not a dry eye in the vast audience. At the close of the sermon the beautiful Masonic service was given. The floral tributes were profuse and the attendance large, which gave evidence of the high esteem in which the deceased was held by his friends and neighbors.
The remains were then taken to the Spring Hill Cemetery where they were laid to rest with the impressive ritualistic Masonic service.
The family feels grateful for the many acts of kindness extended by friends and neighbors during their trying ordeal when husband and father was called home in so sudden and startling manner that even yet is hard to imagine that he has departed this life.
Obituary Three:
6 Sep 1907 Death of John H. Sherfick
John H. Sherfick died Thursday evening of the injuries received while mowing the streets on the West side as related in last week's TRIBUNE. The remains were interred Saturday afternoon after an impressive service at the M. E. Church conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. A. Schell. The large building was crowded with friends who had come to pay their last token of respect to all that was mortal of Mr. Sherfick. The funeral services were in charge of the Masonic lodge. John H. Sherfick was born in Harrison County, Ohio, Jul 17, 1856. He came to Indiana when about twelve years of age and lived in Lost River township until his election as sheriff some years ago. In 1877 he was married to Rachel Waggoner who, with four children, Mrs. William Tredway, George, Miss Grace, and William, survive him. At the time of his death Mr. Sherfick was Marshal of the town of Shoals. He was well-known over the county and numbered his friends by the legion. At an early age he had united with the M. E. Church and among his last words were messages to his loved ones that he was not afraid of death. His death coming so suddenly and to such a terrible form cast a shadow over the community which is only relieved by the knowledge that even though he is dead yet all is well with John. Even like the soldier who dies at the head of his company charging on the enemy so John died at his post of duty. It was while performing his official duties that he met with the accident which took him from our midst, and man can not die a nobler death that to die at his post. He was known as a man who always performed his duty no matter how irksome the task and was such a one as a community can ill afford to spare. But there was a duty for him elsewhere and he was called to perform it.
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