BIO: John SHAFFER, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/ http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/1picts/commbios/comm-bios.htm _____________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898. _____________________________________________________________________ JOHN SHAFFER, who for many years past has been a leading citizen of Miles township, Centre county, is known far and near as "Uncle Shaffer," his genial, kindly nature having won the affectionate regard of all who knew him. Born November 1, 1825, on the farm adjoining that upon which he now resides, he is now passing an honored old age amid the scenes upon which he first opened his eyes, and where his ancestors were among the earliest settlers. He erected his present commodious residence upon the site of a house built and occupied by his grandparents, John Adam and Catherine (Klinefelder) Shaffer. Adam Shaffer, our subject's father, was born November 22, 1796, and was a mere child when his parents settled in Brush Valley, where he was reared as a farmer boy; and afterward engaged in agriculture on the old homestead as he was one of the youngest of a large family of children. Later, he purchased the property from his father, and his death occurred there April 4, 1862, his remains being interred at Madisonburg. He possessed great mechanical skill, and could turn his hand to various trades without special instruction. He was greatly respected in the community and was a leading Democrat, holding various township offices. In Church affairs he was also prominent, being one of the founders of the Lutheran society in his locality, and helping to build the church in Madisonburg which preceded the present structure. He was married three times. By his first wife, a Miss Musser, of Penn's Valley, he had one daughter, Rebecca, who married (first) John Schmeltzer, and (second) John Hoy, and died in Madisonburg. The second wife, Miss Lydia Bailey, our subject's mother, was born in 1801 at White Deer, Penn., the daughter of Jacob Bailey. She came to Brush Valley before her marriage, and made her home with a sister, Mrs. John Ruhl. She died in 1847, and six children survive her, our subject being the eldest. (2) Eliza married John Yearick, and died in Clinton county; (3) Abigail married Rev. Samuel Yearick, a Methodist minister, and died in Brush Valley; (4) Henry lives in Indiana; (5) Adam F. died in Madisonburg March 21, 1862, aged twenty-three years, eight months and two days; (6) Aaron resides in Illinois. By his third marriage, with Miss Lydia Shull, Adam Shaffer had two children: Annie, now Mrs. David Bacher, of Centre Hall, and another daughter who died at an early age. Like other members, Uncle John Shaffer's early educational opportunities were extremely limited, the free schools of the present time not being heard of until his school days were about ended. As the eldest son, there was plenty of work found for him at home, and many days were spent in riding the horses which tramped out the wheat in the barn after the old-fashioned way. A bright, observant mind can learn much outside of books, however, as any one will discover who talks with Uncle Shaffer. As a young man he visited Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin, making the return journey from Indiana to the vicinity of Wheeling upon a horse which he sold at that point, continuing the trip by stage and by water. Since that time he has made three other visits to the West, stopping in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio, and he has also seen the principal points of interest in the East. In order to cure him of any early attack of the "Western Fever," his father offered him the home farm under advantageous circumstances, and Mr. Shaffer accepted the offer under conditions which were complied with. In 1848 he married Miss Frances Schmeltzer, who was born December 3, 1825, the daughter of George and Margaret (Beckle) Schmeltzer, a sketch of whom is given elsewhere. Over forty years of happy wedded life were spent, but on November 18, 1892, the beloved and loving wife passed over the borders of the unseen world there to await the coming of her dear ones. Of 260 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. her six children, four are still living: (1) Edmund F., born March 28, 1849, died February 18, 1858; (2) Johanna married John Roush, of Gregg township, Centre county; (3) Washington is a farmer in Miles township; (4) Emma married Wilson Hazel, of Madisonburg; (5) Thomas resides in Dakota, Ill., and (6) Mary A., born May 8, 1863, died August 13, 1867. Since his marriage Mr. Shaffer has made his home on the old farm near Madisonburg, with the exception of five years in Clinton county. It formerly contained 200 acres, but Mr. Shaffer sold about sixty acres to his son, Thomas. The farm is in excellent order with good buildings, and in all portions shows the progressive management of its owner, who has, however, delegated the active work to other hands for nearly six years past. Possessing rare mechanical ability, he has always delighted in working at the blacksmith's trade, also in coopering, and in two shops which he has fitted up on his farm he has carried on these trades as occasion offered, doing the work more for pastime than for anything else. For years he had done most of his own blacksmithing. Jolly and good natured, he enjoys a hearty laugh even at his own expense, and he has a host of friends among young and old. His wealth has not been gained through penuriousness and self-denial; he has enjoyed life, and has tried to make those around him do the same. Whatever he does is done well, and the best is none too good for his own use, while in choosing for his family or friends the same spirit is shown. A liberal giver to every worthy cause, he has been for years a "pillar" in the Lutheran Church, and has held "about every office except that of preacher." In politics he is a Democrat, first, last and all the time, but he has never cared for office, although for twelve years he was overseer of the poor.