Ira Jefferson Woodrow Wilson Teddy-Bryant Shahan: (Generation 7)
Ira J. Shahan
There are two kinds of people in the world. The Irish and those that wish they were Irish.
Ira married Mary Lou (Louise) Benner on April 12th, 1953 in Union City, Indiana. Ira was one of seven children. The son of David C. Shahan and Martha Roseanna Annon-Shahan.
Mary Benner-Shahan was the daughter of Harry DeWitt Benner and Ruby M. Bruss-Benner. Ira and Mary Lou raised two sons, David C. Shahan, II and Thomas (Tom) Eugene Hicks.
Ira married Mary Lou (Louise) Benner on April 12th, 1953 in Union City, Indiana. Ira was one of seven children. The son of David C. Shahan and Martha Roseanna Annon-Shahan.
Mary Benner-Shahan was the daughter of Harry DeWitt Benner and Ruby M. Bruss-Benner. Ira and Mary Lou raised two sons, David C. Shahan, II and Thomas (Tom) Eugene Hicks.
Anything worth having, is worth working for....
Ira was a hard worker. His whole world seemed to be focused around work, rather at home on his farm or punching a time clock for Shrader's Tire. But, no matter how late he came home from work, he would wake his son David so that he could spend time with him. Later, when David got a bit older, Ira enjoyed Father and son moments through Cub Scouts & Boy Scouts. Ira enjoyed it so much, he became an assistant Scout Leader, so he could be with his boys, Tom and David. He glowed when David was honored with a banquet dinner for high achievement in Webelos. He took an interest when David wanted a horse and was supportive when Tom and David joined 4-H (Bits and Spurs) and later when they both joined FFA, following in his footsteps.
Ira was never really into sports. It was rare to see him watch a foorball game. He did like to watch baseball, but the only sport he was avid about was boxing! And he watched the greats: Smokin Joe Frazier, Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), Sonny Liston, right up to Sugar Ray Leonard. Ira pre-dated such TV shows as Ultimate Fighter, on Spike TV, but surely he would have enjoyed it!
Ira was never really into sports. It was rare to see him watch a foorball game. He did like to watch baseball, but the only sport he was avid about was boxing! And he watched the greats: Smokin Joe Frazier, Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), Sonny Liston, right up to Sugar Ray Leonard. Ira pre-dated such TV shows as Ultimate Fighter, on Spike TV, but surely he would have enjoyed it!
Hunting, Fishing, and Camping!
He would have been considered to be, a man's man. He loved to hunt and fish. He had a dock at St. Mary's lake and his brother Harry also had a dock and cabin near by. His second love would have be travelling and camping. He wanted to see all fifty states, and nearly accomplished that goal. Okay, maybe just 49 of the States. He never showed an interest in seeing Hawaii. But, did look into driving up to Alaska! He was not the kind of man who wished to be chained behind a desk. Rather, he would take his sons to a woods and teach them what the name of each tree that grew there. Ira also enjoyed the pitching game of horseshoes and he was also was on several bowling leagues. One of which was for the company he worked for, Schrader Tire.
He would tell me that his goal growing-up was to be stronger than his Father. (David.)
He also wanted to be able to shuck corn as fast or faster than his Dad, a goal he noted he accomplished… But he felt he never matched his Father’s strength. One of his favorite stories about his Dad, was about a big log with a log chain wrapped around it. Several men were trying to move it and David Shahan walked-up and said, “Hop on boys…” Dave started pulling the log down the path with the two men on board!
A little known fact is that Ira survived Polio. In a time when that disease took so many children. It left his left arm slightly crooked, but never once slowed him down. Ira first worked for Hency Farm Service (John Deere) and later worked for Schrader Tire, a re-treading plant for big earth mover tires. They would call him to lift one of those giant earth mover tires off of someone when they accidently got lodged under one. But that was rather common to call Ira if there was any type of emergency or a problem to be fixed. He was a problem solver. He actually retired from Schrader’s twice. After he retired, Jack Schrader asked him to come back to work and maintain the boiler system that kept things running. Ira and his brother Benny, helped Jack Schrader start his tire business right after World War II. They started it with an old surplus Jeep and "service" is what the business was built on. And trust me, Jack never forgot that! There were many Christmas mornings that Jack Schrader would show-up at Ira's door with a fist full of hundred dollar bills. At one point in time, all three brothers worked for Schrader tire. Benny Shahan was known as one of the best tire alignment men in the business. Ira worked his way up to Service Manager and later ran the day to day maintance related operations at the retreading plant. Harry was hired in later and woirked under his brother Ira.
He also wanted to be able to shuck corn as fast or faster than his Dad, a goal he noted he accomplished… But he felt he never matched his Father’s strength. One of his favorite stories about his Dad, was about a big log with a log chain wrapped around it. Several men were trying to move it and David Shahan walked-up and said, “Hop on boys…” Dave started pulling the log down the path with the two men on board!
A little known fact is that Ira survived Polio. In a time when that disease took so many children. It left his left arm slightly crooked, but never once slowed him down. Ira first worked for Hency Farm Service (John Deere) and later worked for Schrader Tire, a re-treading plant for big earth mover tires. They would call him to lift one of those giant earth mover tires off of someone when they accidently got lodged under one. But that was rather common to call Ira if there was any type of emergency or a problem to be fixed. He was a problem solver. He actually retired from Schrader’s twice. After he retired, Jack Schrader asked him to come back to work and maintain the boiler system that kept things running. Ira and his brother Benny, helped Jack Schrader start his tire business right after World War II. They started it with an old surplus Jeep and "service" is what the business was built on. And trust me, Jack never forgot that! There were many Christmas mornings that Jack Schrader would show-up at Ira's door with a fist full of hundred dollar bills. At one point in time, all three brothers worked for Schrader tire. Benny Shahan was known as one of the best tire alignment men in the business. Ira worked his way up to Service Manager and later ran the day to day maintance related operations at the retreading plant. Harry was hired in later and woirked under his brother Ira.
City meets Country
Mary Lou and Ira, pre 1950.
He was from a generation that did not believe in welfare and would be embarrassed to even consider something such as, food stamps. Ira admitted, that during the Depression the Shahan family, most likely had it better off than most. As a hard working farm family with seven children, they after all raised their own food. Unlike Ira's wife, Mary Lou, whom grew-up in town. Mary's Mother, Ruby took in laundry on the side and did ironing to help put food on the table.
Sadly, Mary Lou's Father had money to burn... literally. Mary remembers her Father lighting cigars with dollar bills! But, that is another story for a another time. Ira's Mother on the other hand, Roseanna (Martha Roseanna Annon-Shahan) was very accustomed to preparing large meals for her whole family, including a few hired hands each day. And coming for an Old Order (German Baptist) background, she truly knew how to cook! Later in life, she lived with her oldest son Benny. She found it difficult to cook for only two people. But as a farm family, they were self-sustaining. Whatever they needed, they in most cases either raised it, made it, or traded for it.
Sadly, Mary Lou's Father had money to burn... literally. Mary remembers her Father lighting cigars with dollar bills! But, that is another story for a another time. Ira's Mother on the other hand, Roseanna (Martha Roseanna Annon-Shahan) was very accustomed to preparing large meals for her whole family, including a few hired hands each day. And coming for an Old Order (German Baptist) background, she truly knew how to cook! Later in life, she lived with her oldest son Benny. She found it difficult to cook for only two people. But as a farm family, they were self-sustaining. Whatever they needed, they in most cases either raised it, made it, or traded for it.
The Depression, followed by World War II.
Of course, like the rest of the country, tires and gasoline were two things the family found difficult to acquire. Patching a tire just to “get by” became common practice. Benny Shahan would talk about driving down to Corbin, KY. and taking along five extra tires (and tubes), just to make the trip. But making trips was not the reason tires and gasoline was needed. Farming was. All three of the boys, Benny, Ira, and Harry received a deferment during the war, for farming.
We don’t know where we are headed if we don’t know where we come from.
Ira was proud of his heritage. He always said; we were Irish and one quarter Dutch. (Mary Lou's side was German and American Indian. Cherokee.)
Saturday, January 18th, 2014: Found among some papers that had been stored away. Ira loved family and family history. But he also wanted to leave behind, who he was as an individual.
Ira Jefferson Shahan 5F 538G (I am not sure what the numbers mean.)
I was born in Eldorado, Ohio. Preble Co. Moving to Darke County, Greenville, (what is now Scott's Turkey Farm near Greenville, Ohio.) Ohio in 1921. Attending grade school; Special District (No. 14) Greenville Twp. Graduating from Greenville High (school) in 1934.
I took up farming with my Father. (David C. Shahan) Specializing in grain and livestock. Moving from Greenville Twp. to Jackson Twp., Union City, Ohio. Address was Union City, Indiana, R.R.3 in 1944.
My Father died in 1947. I still farmed, buying the farm in 1948 from (Dr.) H.V. Steimetz. I got married in 1953. Sold the farm in 1954. Moving back to Greenville, Ohio.
I went to work as a mechanic at Schraders Inc. Was service manager there. He (Jack Schrader) enlarged his business (to include) repairing, retreading; giant tires. He transferred me to maintenance supervisor over all equipment. He sold his business to Bandag Inc., where i worked until I retired in 1982.
I enjoyed working. Anything I ever done. Farming was my favorite.
I spent lots of hours with my parents. They was (were) both loving and kind. They enjoyed children.We usually had all the neighbors children with us. My Father like(d) long names. He usually named us after someone in the Family, or a close friend, or the Doctor or maid (nurse maid / midwife) that took care of my Mother. My Father's name. Even if it didn't show on the birth certificate.
* David Charles Waitman Tee Willie Shahan
* Mother's name was Martha Roseanna Irene Paxtin Shahan
* Benjamin Franklin - named after his Grand Father Annon
* Dovie Bell - After Mother's sister in-law.
* Hattie Grace - After Mother's Doctor's wife.
* Jda Florence - After my Mother's neice.
* Bessie Blanche - After the woman who took care of her.
* Ira Jefferson Woodrow Wilson Teddy Bryant - Named after his (Dad's) favorite Brother, Cousins,
and Presidents.
* Harry Leroy - Was named after the boy whose Mother took care of her (Mom) when he was
born.
I enjoy meeting the public. When in school I was President of the F.F.A.; 4-H Clubs. I belong(ed) to the following Organizations: The Eagles Lodge at Union City Indiana. The Western Ohio Coon Hunters Club. Darke County Fish and Game Club. Sugar Valley Wild Life Club. Nature Trail(s). Midwestern Eleven Meter Club. Ohioians For Wildlife Club for Conversation. Bruckner's Nature Center. Piqua Antique Car Club. Stillvedo Grange.
In 1970 I took (in) Tom Hicks. I was made custodian over him. I sent him to school. He was the same age as my son. After he graduated, he worked at Chas (Charles) Bucky Packing Co. Then he went to work in Three Rivers Michigan building Grain Bins & Metal Guomsets. Moving to Louisiana. He got married in Nov. of 1980. They had their first child in Sept. of 1982. We aren't any relation but we consider our-self as Grandparents.
Ira Shahan
Ira Jefferson Shahan 5F 538G (I am not sure what the numbers mean.)
I was born in Eldorado, Ohio. Preble Co. Moving to Darke County, Greenville, (what is now Scott's Turkey Farm near Greenville, Ohio.) Ohio in 1921. Attending grade school; Special District (No. 14) Greenville Twp. Graduating from Greenville High (school) in 1934.
I took up farming with my Father. (David C. Shahan) Specializing in grain and livestock. Moving from Greenville Twp. to Jackson Twp., Union City, Ohio. Address was Union City, Indiana, R.R.3 in 1944.
My Father died in 1947. I still farmed, buying the farm in 1948 from (Dr.) H.V. Steimetz. I got married in 1953. Sold the farm in 1954. Moving back to Greenville, Ohio.
I went to work as a mechanic at Schraders Inc. Was service manager there. He (Jack Schrader) enlarged his business (to include) repairing, retreading; giant tires. He transferred me to maintenance supervisor over all equipment. He sold his business to Bandag Inc., where i worked until I retired in 1982.
I enjoyed working. Anything I ever done. Farming was my favorite.
I spent lots of hours with my parents. They was (were) both loving and kind. They enjoyed children.We usually had all the neighbors children with us. My Father like(d) long names. He usually named us after someone in the Family, or a close friend, or the Doctor or maid (nurse maid / midwife) that took care of my Mother. My Father's name. Even if it didn't show on the birth certificate.
* David Charles Waitman Tee Willie Shahan
* Mother's name was Martha Roseanna Irene Paxtin Shahan
* Benjamin Franklin - named after his Grand Father Annon
* Dovie Bell - After Mother's sister in-law.
* Hattie Grace - After Mother's Doctor's wife.
* Jda Florence - After my Mother's neice.
* Bessie Blanche - After the woman who took care of her.
* Ira Jefferson Woodrow Wilson Teddy Bryant - Named after his (Dad's) favorite Brother, Cousins,
and Presidents.
* Harry Leroy - Was named after the boy whose Mother took care of her (Mom) when he was
born.
I enjoy meeting the public. When in school I was President of the F.F.A.; 4-H Clubs. I belong(ed) to the following Organizations: The Eagles Lodge at Union City Indiana. The Western Ohio Coon Hunters Club. Darke County Fish and Game Club. Sugar Valley Wild Life Club. Nature Trail(s). Midwestern Eleven Meter Club. Ohioians For Wildlife Club for Conversation. Bruckner's Nature Center. Piqua Antique Car Club. Stillvedo Grange.
In 1970 I took (in) Tom Hicks. I was made custodian over him. I sent him to school. He was the same age as my son. After he graduated, he worked at Chas (Charles) Bucky Packing Co. Then he went to work in Three Rivers Michigan building Grain Bins & Metal Guomsets. Moving to Louisiana. He got married in Nov. of 1980. They had their first child in Sept. of 1982. We aren't any relation but we consider our-self as Grandparents.
Ira Shahan
Bruss - Benner
BRUSS Family:
Pictured is Ruby May Bruss-Benner as a child. Shown with her Mother, Julia "Jemima" Dunn-Bruss. It was said that Julia was a full blooded Cherokee Indian.
Jemima Dunn-Bruss passed in childbirth of her youngest son, Ralph Bruss, 1908. Age: 38 She was married to William Henry Bruss.
Jemima and William had five children. Four sons and a daughter.
* John L. Bruss Born: 1894 Passed: 1964 Married: Emma 1893-1985
* Joseph Deskin "Des" Bruss Born: September 24th, 1896 in Randolph County, Indiana.
Passed: 1970 in San Jose, California. Married: March 7th, 1917 to Edna "Unknown". Second
marriage: Hazel "Unknown"
* Orville Bruss Born: November 2nd, 1903 Passed: January 28th, 1977 Married: December
30th, 1922. Wife's name unknown.
* Ruby May Bruss
* Ralph Eugene Bruss (Raised by the Bailey family) Born: February 25th, 1908 Passed:
1974 Married: Daisy
Pictured is Ruby May Bruss-Benner as a child. Shown with her Mother, Julia "Jemima" Dunn-Bruss. It was said that Julia was a full blooded Cherokee Indian.
Jemima Dunn-Bruss passed in childbirth of her youngest son, Ralph Bruss, 1908. Age: 38 She was married to William Henry Bruss.
Jemima and William had five children. Four sons and a daughter.
* John L. Bruss Born: 1894 Passed: 1964 Married: Emma 1893-1985
* Joseph Deskin "Des" Bruss Born: September 24th, 1896 in Randolph County, Indiana.
Passed: 1970 in San Jose, California. Married: March 7th, 1917 to Edna "Unknown". Second
marriage: Hazel "Unknown"
* Orville Bruss Born: November 2nd, 1903 Passed: January 28th, 1977 Married: December
30th, 1922. Wife's name unknown.
* Ruby May Bruss
* Ralph Eugene Bruss (Raised by the Bailey family) Born: February 25th, 1908 Passed:
1974 Married: Daisy
Benner:
Ruby's first marriage was to Russell Silverthorn. Russel was a true gypsy. Ruby would send Russel for Milk and eggs and Russel would come-up missing for months at a time, only to arrive home and start playing the piano, as if he had only been gone an hour or two. They never had children together. Ruby later married Harry Benner of Union City, Indiana. Harry was the second generation owner of Benner Furniture. Sadly, the furniture store was closed during the Great Depression, when the family fortune was lost when many banks across the country failed. Many of the banks were in Chicago. Business owners, the Benner family, prior to the Great Depression, gifted land to the City of Union City, allowing the city to build it's Post Office, which still stands. Harry's Father was David Benner. Original owner and operator of Benner and Sons Furniture and Lumber Company in Union City, Indiana. The Lumber yard was located on "Pearl Street", named after David's only daughter, Pearl Benner. Ruby Bruss-Silverthorn-Benner was the mother of Mary Lou Benner-Shahan and younger sister Vera Mae (May) Benner-Denlinger. Vera's middle name was actually spelled "May", the same as her mother's middle name. But a third grade teacher was adamant over the fact she thought it should be spelled Mae. The birth certificate would show "May", but for all these years, Vera has spelled it "Mae".
Older sister Mary's middle name was Louise. Mary shorten it to Lou. And, late in life preferred just Mary. There was tension between Ruby and husband Harry right from the beginning. Harry, a devote Catholic wanted the girls enrolled in Catholic school and Ruby wanted them in Public School. |
Pearl Benner's first marriage was to a Charles N. Taylor. They married on October 9th, 1905 in Campaign County, Ohio. Pearl was sixteen years old and husband Charles was eighteen at the time of their marriage. Charles was listed as a farmer on the marriage certificate.
Pearl's second husband's last name was Lackey. It is believed he was from Toledo, Ohio. Pearl was home for a visit, when she became ill and soon passed. |
There was never an "Opal" Benner. The tax man some how incorrectly listed "Ruby" as "Opal". Clearly showing, even if it is print, does not always mean it is "correct".
Union City Evening Times, Monday, May 20, 1935
Died. --- Clarence O. Benner, 61, passed away at the Union City hospital, Sunday, May 19, 1935, after an illness of several weeks. He was a life long resident of this city and during his younger life was an outstanding athlete and served on the police force.
He was the son of the late David and Sarah Benner and is survived by one brother, Harry. The body was removed to the Fraze Funeral Home, where friends may call. Funeral services will be held at the Funeral Home, Wednesday at 9 a. m. conducted by Rev. Father M. Shea. Interment in the City Cemetery.
Died. --- Clarence O. Benner, 61, passed away at the Union City hospital, Sunday, May 19, 1935, after an illness of several weeks. He was a life long resident of this city and during his younger life was an outstanding athlete and served on the police force.
He was the son of the late David and Sarah Benner and is survived by one brother, Harry. The body was removed to the Fraze Funeral Home, where friends may call. Funeral services will be held at the Funeral Home, Wednesday at 9 a. m. conducted by Rev. Father M. Shea. Interment in the City Cemetery.
Union City Evening Times, Sunday, February 16, 2003
Died. --- William A. McGlothlin, 73
UNION CITY - William A. McGlothlin, 73, of 337 South St., went to be with the Lord Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, at his home.
He was born March 2, 1929, in Mullens, W.Va., and was the son of the late Harvey and Inez Bonds Paul. Mr. McGlothlin was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Army during the Korea Conflict. He was the owner and operator of McGlothlin Service Center in Union City, Ohio. He was a member of the Poplar Grove Church of the Brethren.
Surviving are his wife, Vera Benner McGlothlin; two sons, Mike McGlothlin (wife: Jana), Houston, Texas, and Bill McGlothlin Jr. (wife: Linda), Bellefontain, Ohio; a stepson, Ron Denlinger (friend: Sherri Bradbury) of Union City, Ind.; four grandchildren, Ryan, Sarah, Nicole and Matthew McGlothlin; four brothers, Ike McGlothlin (wife: Charlene), Kermit McGlothlin (wife: Freeda), J.C. McGlothlin (wife: Peggy) and Ronnie White (wife: Linda); two sisters, Joyce White (husband: Leonard) and Shirly Shorts (husband: Jim); and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Georgena McGlothlin, in 1985, and his parents. Graveside funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Union City Cemetery with Pastor Greg Mason officiating. Burial will be in Union Cemetery.
Died. --- William A. McGlothlin, 73
UNION CITY - William A. McGlothlin, 73, of 337 South St., went to be with the Lord Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, at his home.
He was born March 2, 1929, in Mullens, W.Va., and was the son of the late Harvey and Inez Bonds Paul. Mr. McGlothlin was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Army during the Korea Conflict. He was the owner and operator of McGlothlin Service Center in Union City, Ohio. He was a member of the Poplar Grove Church of the Brethren.
Surviving are his wife, Vera Benner McGlothlin; two sons, Mike McGlothlin (wife: Jana), Houston, Texas, and Bill McGlothlin Jr. (wife: Linda), Bellefontain, Ohio; a stepson, Ron Denlinger (friend: Sherri Bradbury) of Union City, Ind.; four grandchildren, Ryan, Sarah, Nicole and Matthew McGlothlin; four brothers, Ike McGlothlin (wife: Charlene), Kermit McGlothlin (wife: Freeda), J.C. McGlothlin (wife: Peggy) and Ronnie White (wife: Linda); two sisters, Joyce White (husband: Leonard) and Shirly Shorts (husband: Jim); and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Georgena McGlothlin, in 1985, and his parents. Graveside funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Union City Cemetery with Pastor Greg Mason officiating. Burial will be in Union Cemetery.
Generation Number 8:
David Casper Shahan, II
As the webmaster for this web-site, it started out as a project to honor my Father: Ira J. Shahan and present it as a gift to my Daughter. I know just how much my daughter loved her Poppa and I also know he reciprocated that love back, ten fold. My Father loved his family. Family was every-thing to him. There may have been disagreements between sibblings, but I cannot remember any. The three brothers were the real life Musketeers. One for all and all for one.
We all are born with expiration dates. We just never know exactly when that final day may come. I always thought my Father, Ira, would live forever. After all, he was Superman. My Dad was one of the kindest men that walked this green earth. His strength was only equaled by his love and kindness. I watched this man lift both rear wheels of a Ford Tractor (not a lawn mower, but a small farm sized tractor, shown below) about two feet off the ground without any effort. As he sat it back onto the ground, he said, “I wanted to see if I could still do it.” He was sixty-five years old at the time. He was a man that looked seven feet tall when in reality was only 5' 6".
We all are born with expiration dates. We just never know exactly when that final day may come. I always thought my Father, Ira, would live forever. After all, he was Superman. My Dad was one of the kindest men that walked this green earth. His strength was only equaled by his love and kindness. I watched this man lift both rear wheels of a Ford Tractor (not a lawn mower, but a small farm sized tractor, shown below) about two feet off the ground without any effort. As he sat it back onto the ground, he said, “I wanted to see if I could still do it.” He was sixty-five years old at the time. He was a man that looked seven feet tall when in reality was only 5' 6".
Best Dad in the World
Yes, Ira was a work-a-holic.
When I was very young, he worked for Hency Farm Services in Arcanum, Ohio. A John Deere Implement dealer-ship. Later, Shrader Tire & Service in Greenville, Ohio. His first love always remained, farming. But, as much as he loved to work and provide for his family, he always took time when he got home to play and spend time with me.
I was a "new math" generation. He was as he would say from a proper education that worked out the mathamatical equations. Or long math, by working it out and showing the details, "math person". I actually was scolded once at school by the teacher because I showed the formula as to how I solved the math problem. He was always there to help me with homework and this new math frustrated him. So... he went back to school! He took classes so that he could learn the new math way of ciphering.
When I was very young, he worked for Hency Farm Services in Arcanum, Ohio. A John Deere Implement dealer-ship. Later, Shrader Tire & Service in Greenville, Ohio. His first love always remained, farming. But, as much as he loved to work and provide for his family, he always took time when he got home to play and spend time with me.
I was a "new math" generation. He was as he would say from a proper education that worked out the mathamatical equations. Or long math, by working it out and showing the details, "math person". I actually was scolded once at school by the teacher because I showed the formula as to how I solved the math problem. He was always there to help me with homework and this new math frustrated him. So... he went back to school! He took classes so that he could learn the new math way of ciphering.
Growing up
Our parents were strict. Tom and I had chores to do. There was no such thing as an allowance. You were allowed to live there and in exchange a roof, clothing and food would be provided. The hardest part, growing up, was not being allowed to have friends outside of school. There was no spending the night at a classmate's home. On a few rare occasion, they would allow a classmate to spend the night at our home.
But growing up in such a large and close-knit family, and being the youngest had its perks! Most of my first cousins were older than I. Any many had children older than myself also. So, I felt spoiled. I loved it when we went on visits. And family reunions.... there were tables upon tables of food. My earliest memories of Shahan family reunions, were at the Darke County Fish and Game Club, back a long lane on State Route 502 west. A cement block building built along the Greenville creek, it boasted a grand hall with a big fireplace! And I might add, an equally grand moose head over the fireplace.
I did things that kids today would have no clue as to what I would be talking about. I shucked corn, mucked stables, and gleened the fields for our winter's supply of pop corn. I snapped so many green beans one summer, that I could not even look at a green bean for years! If it grew from the gound, we canned it. We were on vacation one year and discovered wild blueberries growing at a camp ground we stayed at. You guessed it! A trip to the local hardware store for Ball glass jars and we were canning blueberries right there in the camp ground.
But growing up in such a large and close-knit family, and being the youngest had its perks! Most of my first cousins were older than I. Any many had children older than myself also. So, I felt spoiled. I loved it when we went on visits. And family reunions.... there were tables upon tables of food. My earliest memories of Shahan family reunions, were at the Darke County Fish and Game Club, back a long lane on State Route 502 west. A cement block building built along the Greenville creek, it boasted a grand hall with a big fireplace! And I might add, an equally grand moose head over the fireplace.
I did things that kids today would have no clue as to what I would be talking about. I shucked corn, mucked stables, and gleened the fields for our winter's supply of pop corn. I snapped so many green beans one summer, that I could not even look at a green bean for years! If it grew from the gound, we canned it. We were on vacation one year and discovered wild blueberries growing at a camp ground we stayed at. You guessed it! A trip to the local hardware store for Ball glass jars and we were canning blueberries right there in the camp ground.
The day Dad passed-on, I arrived at Wayne Hospital, Bob and Lee Farmer (his neice and her husband) were there visiting and the hospital was releasing Dad, so he could go home. My Mom suggested I take her to lunch as the checkout process would take some time. As we left the hospital, Mom made the comment that we needed to pick-out the casket and that everything else was pre-arranged. I remember at the time her comment was made, it didn't sit well with me. What was she talking about... They were sending him home! That was my Dad! He was fine! But even he knew better, as did his Doctor. He wanted to pass in his own home and in his own bed. I know family members were upset when it was discovered he planned a private funeral. Everyone blamed Mom. But, the truth of the matter was, as much as he loved his family and his friends, he was embarressed as to just how frail he had become. He just didn't want anyone to remember him like that. He was a very proud man.
His last words to me was... Remember I love you.
His last words to me was... Remember I love you.
J. R. (Junior) Shahan
I remember when I was fourteen, we all went to visit my Uncle Harry and Aunt Helen's, who was living in Michigan at the time. (Hamburg, MI.) Their son (my cousin) J.R. stopped in while we were there. I looked up to my cousin, J.R. He was tall, good-looking and tough! He struck the fear in the hearts of many. He showed up in a newer, slightly customized, Lincoln Continental Mark III. Noting I have been into "cars" sense I was fourteen, I begged him to take me for a ride...
He said, the keys are in it, go drive it! I was seven foot tall that day, driving that Lincoln around the neighborhood! Another eairlier memory I have of J.R was up at Uncle Harry's cabin on Lake St. Marys, Ohio. I was teasing him about something and he chased me down, grabbed me by the ankle, held me over the channel and told me to "take it back". No, he didn't drop me. But, had I not taken it back.... Trust me, I think he might have! Last, I remember at a family reunion years later, after I grew into adulthood. Acting silly, I jumped in my 1967 Mustang Fastback and shouted out the window... "Race you back to Greenville." I had a great head start. But I looked in my rear-view mirror and here came J.R. in one of his signature Lincolns... He had no fear.
He said, the keys are in it, go drive it! I was seven foot tall that day, driving that Lincoln around the neighborhood! Another eairlier memory I have of J.R was up at Uncle Harry's cabin on Lake St. Marys, Ohio. I was teasing him about something and he chased me down, grabbed me by the ankle, held me over the channel and told me to "take it back". No, he didn't drop me. But, had I not taken it back.... Trust me, I think he might have! Last, I remember at a family reunion years later, after I grew into adulthood. Acting silly, I jumped in my 1967 Mustang Fastback and shouted out the window... "Race you back to Greenville." I had a great head start. But I looked in my rear-view mirror and here came J.R. in one of his signature Lincolns... He had no fear.
Should have been a cowboy
My Dad (Ira) loved horses. And I knew this...
Knowedge can be a dangerous thing they say. Knowing just how much he loved horses, I pushed and pushed for a horse of my own until he went out and purchased horses for everyone to ride! Uncle Benny, Uncle Harry and Aunt Helen also got involved and soon had horses also. Dad had two differant teams of ponies. A matched set of sorrels and later a team of blacks. We had box-bed wagons, buggys, sulkies, but the best ever was the bob-sled that Dad and Uncle Harry built. If there was snow on the ground, he would hitch up the team and we would all go for a ride! Looking like a scene out of Currier and Ives.
Knowedge can be a dangerous thing they say. Knowing just how much he loved horses, I pushed and pushed for a horse of my own until he went out and purchased horses for everyone to ride! Uncle Benny, Uncle Harry and Aunt Helen also got involved and soon had horses also. Dad had two differant teams of ponies. A matched set of sorrels and later a team of blacks. We had box-bed wagons, buggys, sulkies, but the best ever was the bob-sled that Dad and Uncle Harry built. If there was snow on the ground, he would hitch up the team and we would all go for a ride! Looking like a scene out of Currier and Ives.
Cars, Cars, and more Cars
1997 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
If any one thing defines whom I am, it would be my love of anything with wheels on it! I purchased my first car, a 1958 Edsel Pacer, when I was fourteen. But I set my claim on a 1947 Chevy Coupe that my Dad had retired prior to that! I put thousands of miles on the old '47 Chevy Couple.... And not once did it leave it's resting place next to our garage.
Even though, Dad was a mechanic, he never seemed to grasp my love of automobiles. And if I were to narrow down my interest a tiny bit, it would fall to old antiques cars, sports cars, and trucks. And when I say trucks, that would include, Jeeps.
Even though, Dad was a mechanic, he never seemed to grasp my love of automobiles. And if I were to narrow down my interest a tiny bit, it would fall to old antiques cars, sports cars, and trucks. And when I say trucks, that would include, Jeeps.
I tease and say, "I have never met a car that I didn't like!"
The greatest accomplishment and joy in any parent's life is watching their children grow-up and become parents themselves.
Pictured to the right: JoAnn Zimmer of Ada, Ohio (friend) with David, Jane, and Erica Shahan in 1984 at the Dayton IEC (International Edsel Club) national meet. Imperial House Hotel. Dave and Jane Shahan were Co-chairmen for this event. Along with James "Jim" and Paula Perrault, Joe and Margo Broome, Kenny McChaplin, and David Cope. Posed with JoAnn Zimmer's 1960 Edsel convertible. It placed 2nd in its class at this event.
Pictured to the right: JoAnn Zimmer of Ada, Ohio (friend) with David, Jane, and Erica Shahan in 1984 at the Dayton IEC (International Edsel Club) national meet. Imperial House Hotel. Dave and Jane Shahan were Co-chairmen for this event. Along with James "Jim" and Paula Perrault, Joe and Margo Broome, Kenny McChaplin, and David Cope. Posed with JoAnn Zimmer's 1960 Edsel convertible. It placed 2nd in its class at this event.
Thomas Eugene Hicks
Growing up, Tom and I always got along! I remember one time, we did end-up exchanging "blows" as kids will do and about the time the fight started my right knee popped out and the next thing I knew, Tom was helping me back up asking if I was okay! Whatever we were fighting about wasn't important any longer. I also remember a time that he was up in the haymow and a mouse ran up his pant leg... Tom was so freaked out, that he ended up squeezing the mouse to death!
Little known fact is that Ira would write things down. Not necessarily a journal, but random thoughts and notes as to what was going on in his life. He once wrote about Tom becoming part of the family and how even though Tom had not been born into the family, that he loved him just as much!
After graduating from Greenville Senior High, Tom married Lisa and has three wonderful sons! Jeffery, Jared, and Anthony. Tom currently works as a K-9 Officer.
Little known fact is that Ira would write things down. Not necessarily a journal, but random thoughts and notes as to what was going on in his life. He once wrote about Tom becoming part of the family and how even though Tom had not been born into the family, that he loved him just as much!
After graduating from Greenville Senior High, Tom married Lisa and has three wonderful sons! Jeffery, Jared, and Anthony. Tom currently works as a K-9 Officer.
Ronald E. Denlinger
Born: November 16th, 1960
Passed: November 6th, 2005 Ronnie was the son of Vera Benner-Deningler and Russ Deningler. On November 6th, 2005 Ronnie was having dinner with his Mother and Step-Father when he noted he wasn't feeling well. Ron passed a few moments later from an aneurysm. You could simply say Ron was a sports nut. He played baseball and softball. Followed Indiana University basketball. Ron never married, but dated someone with two daughters, that he accepted as his own. |
Generation Number 9:
Erica Reneē Shahan
By the time Erica was born, Ira had officially retired from Schrader's Tire. He and Mary Lou were living on a small farm just north of Greenville (at the city llimits) on State Route 49N. Just five acres, he kept a few chickens, a couple horses and a few ponies. They would put out a big garden each year and maintained a orchard with a several apple and pear trees.
Retirement gave Ira plenty of time to spend with his granddaughter! He would let her drive his little Ford (Fordson)tractor down the lane to get the mail, take walks through the pasture field or they would spend hours doing math problems together.
Sadly the Lord took Ira before he could see all of Erica's accomplishments. She not only graduated and received her diploma from Greenville Senior High, but when she graduated High School, she also had two years of college under her belt. She started college as a Junior and transferred her credits from Edison State community College to Kent State the fall of that year. Her Poppa passed only a few weeks after she enrolled in college. He passed on September 1st, 2002. Not only did she have to deal with the passing of her Poppa into those first few weeks of college, but the second blow came at the end of Christmas break, when her other Grand Father passed on as well. (Dewey Rhodhammel) Erica graduated from Kent State with two degrees and started employment with Darke County Children’s Services, working at the Visitation House. She was directing the daily needs for the House until cut-backs forced her into other employment. Within two hours, she found other employment and is currently working for a local law firm.
Retirement gave Ira plenty of time to spend with his granddaughter! He would let her drive his little Ford (Fordson)tractor down the lane to get the mail, take walks through the pasture field or they would spend hours doing math problems together.
Sadly the Lord took Ira before he could see all of Erica's accomplishments. She not only graduated and received her diploma from Greenville Senior High, but when she graduated High School, she also had two years of college under her belt. She started college as a Junior and transferred her credits from Edison State community College to Kent State the fall of that year. Her Poppa passed only a few weeks after she enrolled in college. He passed on September 1st, 2002. Not only did she have to deal with the passing of her Poppa into those first few weeks of college, but the second blow came at the end of Christmas break, when her other Grand Father passed on as well. (Dewey Rhodhammel) Erica graduated from Kent State with two degrees and started employment with Darke County Children’s Services, working at the Visitation House. She was directing the daily needs for the House until cut-backs forced her into other employment. Within two hours, she found other employment and is currently working for a local law firm.
The Generations Continue...
Erica and Bryant Price: Wedding day
Erica married Bryant Price and to date they have a daughter, Lillian Price! Ira would have been so pleased. Lilli is proving to be very analytical. You can almost see the gears turning as she works out problems in her head.
As they say, I did not lose a daughter, I gained a son.
Bryant's parent's are Robin Price-Owens and J.R. Price. Robin is a teacher and J.R. is the Director of Music for Greenville City Schools.
As they say, I did not lose a daughter, I gained a son.
Bryant's parent's are Robin Price-Owens and J.R. Price. Robin is a teacher and J.R. is the Director of Music for Greenville City Schools.
Jonathan Christian-David Shahan
J.C. and Erica, Christmas with Dakota Shahan.
J.C. is the proud parent of three children: Taylor, Dakota, and Mercedes. Served on the U.S.S. Nimitz
Generation Number 10: Shahan
Generation Number 10: Shahan-Price
Lillian Paige Price
My Family of Friends:
Family isn't always defined by a blood relationship, a marriage or legal agreement. It is that bond of friendship that lasts a lifetime. That person that is there for you in your time of need and there laughing with you during the good times!
Family isn't always defined by a blood relationship, a marriage or legal agreement. It is that bond of friendship that lasts a lifetime. That person that is there for you in your time of need and there laughing with you during the good times!