Bedford County PA Archives Biographies.....Shafer, John H. L. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Judy Banja jbanja@msn.com May 2003 JOHN H. L. SHAFER, a well-known and successful farmer and stock-raiser of Bedford County, owns one of the best-equipped farms in Bedford township. He was born October 17, 1844, in what is now called Snake Spring township, in this county, being a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Lutz) Shafer. Adam Shafer was born October 15, 1815, in Blair County, Pennsylvania, where his father, John Shafer, settled on coming to this country from the Fatherland in the early part of the present century. When Adam was twelve years of age, his parents removed to Bedford County and located in Snake Spring township. Having grown to manhood, he cleared and improved a good homestead, on which he was engaged in general farming until his death, May 24, 1897. A man of strict integrity, honest and honorable in all of his dealings, he was highly respected throughout the community in which the greater part of his long life was spent. He was a Republican in his political affiliations, and warmly supported the principles of that party. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Rosanna Lutz, the former of whom was born in England, and the latter in Germany. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lutz settled on a farm in Lutzville, Snake Spring township, Pa., being among the pioneers of that place; and there Mr. Lutz operated a carding-mill for many years. Adam Shafer and his wife united with the Lutheran church at Colerain when comparatively young, and Mrs. Shafer is now one of its oldest members. Of the children born of their union five are now living, namely: Simon L., of Bedford township, Pa.; Catherine, wife of Solomon S. Diehl; John H. L., the special subject of this brief sketch; Mary E., wife of Rufus England, of Snake Spring township, where they occupy the old Shafer homestead; and Sarah A., wife of John W. Imler, of Bedford township. John H. L. Shafer was educated in the public schools of Snake Spring, and while living at the parental home obtained a practical knowledge of the various branches of farming. Shortly after coming to Bedford township, when a young man, he bought his present farm of three hundred and thirty-six acres, on which he has since made improvements of an excellent character. Energetic and industrious, he has met with success in his independent calling, and through his diligent efforts has rendered his homestead property one of the most attractive in the neighborhood. In politics he is an ardent supporter of the principles promulgated by the Republican party. In his religious belief he is a Lutheran, and is not only an active member of the church of that denomination at Cessna, Pa., but has been its treasurer and an Elder for a number of years. Mr. Shafer married on October 3, 1868, Miss Catherine Warsing, of Bedford County, Pennsylvania. They have three children, namely: Martin L., Edward G., and Harry A. Source: Bedford Biographical Review, 1899, Bedford Co., Pa