Bedford County PA Archives Biographies.....Shaffer, Samuel
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Judy Banja jbanja@msn.com May 2003


SAMUEL SHAFER, a venerable and prominent citizen of Kimmel 
township, Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and an extensive 
land-owner, was born in the neighboring town of Colerain, 
September 23, 1824, son of John and Elizabeth (Hess) Shafer. 
 He is of pioneer ancestry, being the grandson of Adam 
Shafer, a soldier of the Revolution, who removed from 
Franklin County, Pennsylvania, to Bedford County during the 
latter part of the eighteenth century.  He took up land in 
that part of the county now known as Shafer valley, which 
was named in his honor.  Indians then frequented this part 
of the State, the dense forest, the home of wild animals, 
being their happy hunting-ground.  He reclaimed a farm, and 
here passed the remainder of his days, dying at the 
venerable age of ninety-two years.
  John Shafer was ten years old when he came with his 
parents to Shafer valley.  He was reared to habits of 
industry and thrift, and on attaining his majority he became 
a pioneer of Kimmel township, where he carried on farming 
several years.  He subsequently removed to Colerain 
township, this county, and was for many years one of the 
foremost citizens of that place.  He was identified with the 
Whigs until the formation of the Republican party, when he 
became one of its strongest adherents.  He served a number 
of years as one of the directors of the Bedford County 
almshouse, and was an active member of the Lutheran church.  
His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Hess, was born in 
Kimmel township, Bedford County.
  Samuel Shafer first attended the subscription schools of 
his native town, and later continued his studies at the 
public schools of Colerain.  He has made farming his life 
occupation, and in the prosecution of his chosen calling has 
been eminently successful.  From time to time he has 
purchased additional tracts of land, and is now the owner of 
six hundred and thirty-four acres, his farm being one of the 
best equipped and best improved in the county.  A man of 
strong personality, possessing sound judgment and good 
financial ability, he is prominent in town and county 
affairs, and has served with credit in many official 
positions.  For fifteen years he was School Director in 
Union township, which formerly included his homestead 
property within its limits, and he was one of the seven men 
appointed to make a contract for the County Almshouse at 
Bedford township and to oversee its construction.  Twenty or 
more years ago he was a candidate for the office of County 
Commissioner, running on the Republican ticket, which he 
invariably supports; but he was defeated by a small 
majority.
  Mr. Shafer was twice married.  His first wife, whose 
maiden name was Sophia Mortimore, bore him three children, 
namely: David, deceased; Henrietta, wife of George W. Mauk, 
of Claysburg, Pa.; and John A., of Osterburg, Pa.  He 
subsequently married Mrs. Catherine Moses, daughter of the 
late Frederick Mechtley, of Pleasantville, and widow of 
George F. Moses, late of Greenfield, Pa.  Mr. Moses at his 
death left her with two children, namely: Marion M., of 
Altoona, Pa.; and Annie M., wife of E. A. Kilhefner, also of 
Altoona.  Mr. and Mrs. Shafer are both members of the 
Lutheran church, in which he has served both as Deacon and 
as elder for many years.


Source: Bedford Biographical Review, 1899, Bedford Co., Pa