Throwback Thursday: Susan Robbins Shaffer

#TBT: On November 12, 1923, 92 years ago today, Susan Shaffer died at her home in Elgin, Iowa. Susan Christena Robbins grew up in Clayton County and married John D. Shaffer, a preacher's son and farmer, in 1878. They lived in Illyria Township, Fayette County, where John was prosperous in business and politics (last week's #TBT) and Susan raised eight children.

Her health began to decline in 1911 when she was diagnosed with diabetes. Six years later, she and John moved into small house in Elgin, as life on the farm had become to strenuous. In October 1922, the Shaffers visited Lindlahr Sanitarium in Elmhurst, Illinois, to seek "consultation and diagnosis" from Dr. Henry Lindlahr, whose "Natural Cure" approach focused on fresh air, exercise, and no surgical or medical interventions.

Upon returning to Elgin, she found her health no better, and quietly slipped away a year later on November 12 at the age of 64 years. Her funeral, held the afternoon of November 14, was large, with "Elgin stores closed during the hour of the service as a mark of respect."