Biographical Sketch of
Elijah L. Shafer
Transcribed by Robert Schieber Source: Memorial and Biographical Record and Illustrated Compendium of Biography of Citizens of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, Wisconsin, published 1901 by G. A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, 1901, Pages 753 - 754 Among the thorough and enterprising farmers of Adams county, the record of whose lives fills an important place in this volume, it gives us pleasure to commemorate the name of this gentleman. He has borne an active and prominent part in the work of developing and improving the county, and from the wild land has made for himself a most desirable farm in Jackson township. Mr. Shafer was born in Blenheim, Schoharie county, New York, March 19, 1845, and on the paternal side is of German descent, though generations of his ancestors have resided in this country. The great-grandfather was one of General Washington's body guards in the Revolutionary war, and the grandfather, David Shafer, was a soldier in the War of 1812. The father, ______ Shafer, was one of the successful farmers of Schoharie county. During his boyhood and youth our subject worked on his father's farm and attended the public schools of the neighborhood. At the age of eighteen he began life for himself, and with his wife's family came west, landing in Kilbourn City, Wisconsin, March 7, 1864. He located on what is now known as the Tomlinson place, and soon afterward purchased one hundred and sixty acres, now owned by Frank Davidson, which at that time was practically unimproved. He lived in the first frame house built at Davis Corners. At that place was an old log tavern known as the Downing house. It was owned by W. A. Davis, the first settler at Davis corners, and the man who laid out several of the roads leading from the place. In 1871 Mr. Shafer sold his first place and removed to the tract now occupied by Irvin Ambler, on which he made many improvements. In 1884 he purchased on hundred and sixty acres of wild land in section 31, Jackson township, upon which not a tree had been cut or an improvement made, but by diligence, perseverance and energy he has since converted one hundred acres of the amount into a fine farm, free from stumps and improved with good buildings. His place is supplied with modern machinery, and everything needed by the progressive farmer of the present day. Mr. Shafer was married Oct. 23, 1863, to Miss Jane M. Phillips, who was born in New York City, March 10, 1846, and is of English and German descent. Her father, William J. Phillips, came to this state in 1847, and located near Davis Corners. He is still living at the advanced age of ninety years, an honored pioneer and a highly esteemed citizen of Adams county. Mrs. Shafer died at Davis Corners August 6, 1899, and was there laid to rest. To our subject and his wife were born five children: Julia L., born at Davis Corners, February 10, 1864, taught school for one year at the age of eighteen, and then married Alonzo Hosford, now a business man of Spokane Falls, Washington. George B., born November 10, 1866, married Estella Nogle, and is engaged in the laundry business with Mr. Hosford at Spokane Falls. Ida May, born April 17, 1869, who died November 2, 1889. Franklin O, born January 2, 1871, died March 26, 1872. Nellie E., born February 1, 1874, was educated in the common schools of this state and the Northern Indiana Normal School, and then began teaching at the age of eighteen, and successfully followed her profession in the public school of Adams county and the state of Washington for seven years. She married Arthur Tyler, of Spokane Falls, Washington, July 21, 1899. William D., born March 13, 1876, was educated in the public schools and the academy at Endeavor, and lives at home with his father. Mr. Shafer is a recognized leader in the local Republican organization, and has often represented his township in the county conventions of the party. He was also a delegate to the state convention that chose the delegates to represent the state in the national convention of 1896, and cast his vote for McKinley. He has most creditably filled a number of local offices of honor and has been officially connected with the schools of his district for over a quarter of a century, always giving his influence for good schools and competent teachers. During the Civil war, August 10, 1864, he enlisted in Company K, Thirty-eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the service until hostilities ceased, being mustered out June 15, 1865. He was in the battle of Hatcher's Run, the siege of Petersburg, and many skirmishes, and was at Fort Steadman at the time of the massacre.Transcribed by Robert Schieber
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