Ira P. Shissler
BIRTH: 25 Oct 1844 in New Hagerstown, Carroll County, Ohio, USA
DEATH: October 23, 1903 (58 years old) in Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minnesota
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Ira P. Shissler was born October 25, 1844, at New Hagerstown, Ohio, a son of John L. and Catherine (Price) Shissler, prominent residents of their community. He received his early education in the local schools and in young manhood clerked in Wellsville, Pittsburgh, and other locations before determining upon the study of law.
In 1866 he entered the law office of his uncle, Judge James L. Price, later a member of the Ohio Supreme Bench, at Van Wert, Ohio. While reading law he also taught school intermittently and attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor for a time. He was admitted to the bar in 1869, but seeking more thorough preparation, he spent an additional year at the University of Michigan Law School, graduating in 1871.
Returning to Van Wert, he practiced in association with Judge Price for eleven years. During that period he was elected County Attorney for two terms and served two years as Mayor of Van Wert, gaining recognition for his legal ability and public service.
In April 1881, Mr. Shissler removed to Mankato, Minnesota, where he formed a partnership with A. P. Pfau. He quickly established himself as one of the city’s leading attorneys. In 1893 he was elected Municipal Court Judge (having assumed duties earlier in April 1891 under appointment), and he continued in that office until his death. His administration of the court was marked by fairness, careful deliberation, and a strong sense of justice. As a judge he was known to be thorough and conscientious, striving always to be right and impartial in his decisions.
Judge Shissler was united in marriage on November 11, 1873, to Miss Alice J. Graham of Van Wert, Ohio. They had one son, Harry G. Shissler. He was devoted to his family and was regarded as a kind and indulgent husband and father.
Beyond his professional work, Judge Shissler was deeply involved in civic and fraternal organizations. He was a prominent Mason, serving as high priest in the Royal Arch Chapter, a member of the Blue Lodge, and active in the Commandery. He was also connected with the Elks and other fraternal bodies. Politically he was a steadfast Republican and took an active interest in municipal affairs, always advocating for the industrial growth and prosperity of Mankato.
In the autumn of 1903 his health began to decline due to bronchial trouble that developed into congestion of the lungs. Though visibly weakened, he continued to attend court and discharge his duties until shortly before his death. On October 23, 1903, after presiding in Municipal Court the preceding day, he passed away at his home on South Front Street at nine o’clock in the morning.
His death came as a profound shock to the community. He had been widely respected for his integrity, independence of thought, and devotion to public duty. At the time of his passing he was serving the final year of his present term, which was to expire the following April. His funeral was held with Masonic honors, and he was laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery, Mankato.
Judge Ira P. Shissler was remembered as an able jurist, a loyal citizen, and a man of strong convictions and high character whose influence upon the civic and judicial life of Mankato was both lasting and beneficial.
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