Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Shaffner, Benjamin 
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Deb Haines http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00003.html#0000719 February 6, 2008, 1:24 am

Author: Past and Present of Will County, IL; 1907

BENJAMIN SHAFFNER. A residence of nearly sixty years and a life characterized 
by business activity and honor, well entitles Benjamin Shaffner to mention in 
this volume as an honored representative citizen of Will county. He was born 
in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, November 19, 1825, a son of John and 
Susanna (Bowers) Shaffner, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state, 
making their home upon a farm there until 1826, when they removed with their 
family to Summit county, Ohio. For twenty years the father was engaged in 
general farming there, and in 1846 brought his family to the middle west, 
settling in Will county, Illinois. For a brief period he resided in Joliet, 
and then established his home in New Lenox township, where he purchased a 
large tract of land and carried on general farming throughout his remaining 
days. He reached the venerable age of eighty-one years, while his wife lived 
to the advanced age of eighty-two years. In their family were seven children 
but nearly all have now passed to "that undiscovered country from whose bourne 
no traveler returns." Of the sons, Benjamin and Levi became prominent business 
men of Joliet. The latter, who was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, 
July 1, 1822, died April 12, 1906. In early manhood he wedded Christine 
Sowers, who had been a near neighbor of the family in Summit county, Ohio, 
where she was born. After his marriage he purchased a farm in New Lenox 
township, where he resided for nine years, and then, putting aside 
agricultural interests, he removed to Joliet in 1895 and invested in town 
property. Here he dealt in real estate and in loaning money, becoming a 
wealthy citizen through his judicious management of his business interests. He 
was thus connected with the real-estate and loan business throughout his 
remaining days and became recognized as one of the foremost representatives of 
business life in this city. His widow now resides at the old home at No. 300 
Sherman street, but spends the winter months in the south. Benjamin Shaffner, 
like the other members of the father's family, pursued his education in the 
public schools of Summit county, Ohio, and through the periods of vacation 
assisted in the work of the home farm. After coming to Will county he remained 
with his parents until his marriage, which important event in his life was 
celebrated on the 20th of January, 1852, the lady of his choice being Miss 
Caroline Larkin, a native of Cranbrook, Kent county, England, who was born May 
18, 1832. She is a daughter of Jesse and Sophia (Swan) Larkin, both of whom 
were natives of England and came to America at an early day, being among the 
pioneer settlers of Joliet, where they established their home in 1847; but the 
father was soon afterward called to his final rest, passing away when he had 
been a resident of the county for only three months, and his wife died shortly 
afterward. Several members of the Larkin family are still residing in Joliet, 
including Eliza, now the wife of Daniel Brokaw, who resides at No. 120 Grover 
street, Mr. Brokaw looking after the property of Mrs. Shaffner. At the time 
the Larkin family arrived in this city there was only one meat market in 
Joliet and other business and commercial enterprises were few in number and of 
no great importance. Mr. and Mrs. Shaffner became the parents of two children. 
Ephraim L. married Amanda Stanley, and after her death he wedded Martha 
George. He was engaged in the coal trade in this city for many years, but has 
recently retired and now lives at No. 114 Sherman street. Eldon P., the 
younger son, wedded Eliza Brown and resides at No. 504 Exchange street. He is 
a molder by trade and occupies a good position in the mills here, having thus 
served for many years. Following his marriage Mr. Shaffner purchased a farm in 
Jackson township, this county, and carried on general agricultural pursuits 
until 1862, when he removed to the city and became connected with 
carpentering. He also engaged in the carriage and wagon making business for a 
few years, subsequent to which time he established a grocery store and 
coalyard. He soon sold the farm, concentrating his attention upon the coal 
trade, which he carried on in partnership with his son under the firm style of 
B. Shaffner & Son. Their yards were located on Washington street near the 
tracks of the Chicago & Alton, Santa Fe and Illinois Central Railroad, so that 
good shipping facilities were afforded. An extensive business was built up and 
gratifying profits accrued. Mr. Shaffner continued in the coal trade for 
fourteen years and on selling out he retired from active business life. He has 
also been interested in real estate in the city and is now partial owner in 
the Shaffner block on Washington street. He also owns many nice residences 
here and from the rental receives a very gratifying income. His home is a 
pleasant residence at No. 110 Sherman street, where he and his wife now 
reside. In politics Mr. Shaffner is a republican but without aspiration for 
office. For many years he has been a devoted and exemplary member of the 
Masonic fraternity, being in hearty sympathy with the tenets of the craft. His 
success has been by no means the result of financial circumstances. It has 
come to him through energy, labor and perseverance, directed by an evenly 
balanced mind and by honorable business principles. In manner he is quiet and 
straightforward, saying exactly what he means, and his word has become a 
synonym for business integrity. He finds his greatest social enjoyment, at his 
own fireside, where his wife and intimate friends know him to be a delightful 
companion. He has now passed the eighty-first milestone on life's journey and 
the rest which he is enjoying is well merited. His residence in the county 
covers nearly sixty years and therefore few men have more intimate knowledge 
of its history or of events which have left their impress upon its annals. 

Additional Comments:
PAST AND PRESENT OF WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS By W. W. Stevens President of the 
Will County Pioneers Association; Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing 
Company, 1907

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