Sheffer - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: leonora sheffer

celeida24 — 2009-09-27 15:18:39Z

my samuel a sheffer he was born 1857 and died 1910 in cumberland.his wife is susan e sheffer dont know maiden name for susan. they had 3 kids one child die in 1897 in cumberland. thank you celeida parker

Re: Sheffer's in Nebraska and in Minn.

BrendaSheffer — 2009-08-12 17:23:31Z

I have never heard of the Sheffer Pioneer Cemetery book. Do you know how I can obtain a copy?

Re: Sheffer's in Nebraska and in Minn.

BrendaSheffer — 2009-08-12 17:22:25Z

Sheffers in Angola, Indiana

BrendaSheffer — 2009-08-11 13:40:18Z

Searching for information on Ralph Waldo Sheffer, b. Oct. 18, 1885 in Angola, Indiana and wife Maude Leavin and their descendants.

Re: Sheffer's in Nebraska and in Minn.

iwroho1 — 2009-08-11 07:01:59Z

Sorry- It is the SHEFFER PIONEER Cemetery--I posted before proofreading.

Re: Sheffer's in Nebraska and in Minn.

iwroho1 — 2009-08-11 06:54:51Z

Are you familiar with the Serfer Pioneer Cemetery book? It has a lot of information about your family including pictures of William and Elizabeth Kehler Sheffer, John Curtis and Martha Sheffer and many other family members as well as a descendent tree. I have several copies of the book.

Re: Phillip Sheffer and Margaret Vance information urgently needed

momnerd2002 — 2009-08-02 04:39:16Z

Hello Virginia,
If it is possible to check and see if the bible might still be in existence, that would be a huge finding for all of the Sheffer family descendants, which probably number in the hundreds or more. If this is too difficult to do, then I totally understand. But this is always the remote chance that this bible might be out there, somewhere.
Please let me know what you think about trying to find it. It appears that you might be the closest person (relationship wise) to the possible source.
Thanks for answering our earlier queries on this matter.

Sincerely,
Laraine Clark

Re: Phillip Sheffer and Margaret Vance

BrendaSheffer — 2009-07-23 11:36:46Z

My husband is a direct descendant of the Philip Jacob Sheffer who eventually settled in Frederick County MD. I have done extensive research on this family. It is his descendants who are documented in the book: Sheffer Family History, by Jacqueline Sheffer Wiese, Angelo Books, Sparta, Wisc., c. 1986).I acquired a copy of this book and corresponded with the author. There are a lot of mistakes in it. This book has nothing to do with Phillip Sheffer and Margaret Vance.

Re: Phillip Sheffer and Margaret Vance information urgently needed

davllockmeyer — 2009-07-23 01:52:22Z

Dwight Sheffer was my grandfather. I am the child of his second child, Virginia Ellen. I have heard of questions concerning the "Sheffer Family Bible" which is said to be in his possesion. This is what I know. The family bible may be still with my Aunt Lois Sheffer who was married to my Uncle Walker Sheffer (son of Dwight). I can ask her. However, it may have been in the possesion of my Aunt Phyllis Sheffer-Olsen(daughter of Dwight) and if so, was probably destroyed when she died. She had no children. My Aunt Phyllis was a member of the DAR and they may have copies of her records in Danville, Illinois. My father and my Aunt Phyllis compiled a family history, that I have, unfortunatuly,it is undocumented.

Hope this helps.

Virginia Lee Sheffer-Lockmeyer

Trying to find my family

LindaSheffer55 — 2009-07-16 00:40:22Z

I was adopted in Montana in 1963/64 after being in a foster home for 3 years in the town of Whitefish. I haven't seen or spoken of my mother since around the age of 5 or 6 and do not remember her name. I would like to find out more about my family for personal and medical reasons. I believe I was born in Columbus, Ohio on January 2, 1955; when I was adopted by a doctor & his family in 1963, my birth date and place were changed to January 19, 1955 - Chicago, IL. Is there anyone out there who might know something about my mother. I was "raised" with a boy I thought was my brother until I was 15. Apparently he was abandoned to my mother when she became pregnant with me. There may be a circus connection in regards to him.

Ralph Waldo Sheffer

BrendaSheffer — 2009-07-03 21:57:03Z

Seeking information on Ralph Waldo Sheffer, born Oct. 18, 1885, Angola, Indiana. Married a Maude Leavin. Need Ralph's date of death and Maude's birth and death dates. Also would like information on their children.

Re: Sheffer Family Reunion 1901 Newspaper Account - Revised

j9007 — 2009-06-19 17:12:54Z

I don't have Kreger in my Family tree but do have Sheffer. My connection is Sarah Shaffer who married John Sheffer.

Re: Sheffer Family Reunion 1901 Newspaper Account - Revised

jgewin — 2009-06-18 22:29:15Z

Thanks so much for the updated newspaper account. I've found many gravesites of Sheffers and Kregers...so I'm hunting for information.

Re: Violet Louise Sheffer

kssbond007 — 2009-03-19 20:18:55Z

Yep and the only records are of her married name. I'm at a loss.

Re: Sheffer Family Reunion, 1901, Liberty, Tioga Co., PA

pamrthompson — 2009-02-22 23:48:53Z

My bracketed note in the third paragraph from the end stating that George was still living and present at the reunion is incorrect. See notes on George in the newspaper article transcription that I posted today.

--Pam Thompson

Re: Sheffer Family Reunion 1901 Newspaper Account

pamrthompson — 2009-02-22 23:45:12Z

Thank you very much for this information. I have incorporated it into a revised version of the newspaper article, posted here today.

Re: Sheffer Family Reunion 1901 Newspaper Account - Revised

pamrthompson — 2009-02-22 23:43:12Z

This revision includes some additional notes provided by descendants as well as a few typographical corrections.

ACCOUNT OF THE SHEFFER REUNION
As printed in the newspaper Advertiser of Blossburg [Tioga Co., PA] early in August of 1901.

Nearly a century ago John Sheffer [born 1779] settled in Liberty, Tioga county, Pennsylvania. As early as 1816 a United States mail line or route was established between Painted Post, Steuben county, New York, and Williamsport, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and John Sheffer Jr., [grand]father of Michael, George Washington and Alpheus Sheffer, carried the mail between the above named points, on horse back. This route left Painted Post, N.Y., and followed up the Chemung, Canisteo and Tioga rivers to Erwin Centre and Lindley, in New York state, and crossing the Cowanesque at Lawrenceville on the State line, touched Willardsville, now Tioga, Lambs Creek, Mansfield, Canoe Camp, or Spencers, Covington to Blossburg; it then left the Tioga valley and continued southerly on the Williamson road to the Block House, or Liberty, thence across the Laurel Ridge Mountain to Trout Run, on the Lycoming Creek, thence to Williamsport, a distance of eighty-two miles from Painted Post. It was almost an unbroken wilderness with only a few settlers at the points above designated.

It was the descendants of this John Sheffer, Jr., his sons and daughters, and their descendants, who met with only a few days notice on Wednesday afternoon July 31, 1901, in its first annual reunion at the old homestead of this John Sheffer, Jr., the mail carrier of the years 1816 to 1826, now occupied by Jabez Hancher and Ada Hancher and their family upon Sheffer Hill, Liberty, Pennsylvania. About one hundred of the relatives and invited friends were present. A table over one hundred feet long was set in the old orchard under the shade of the apple trees, at which the family and friends were seated at 12 o’clock, noon. Prayer was offered by Rev. D.E. McLain, of the Lutheran church of Liberty, and then the feast began in a right royal manner; and it was indeed a feast, one that the Sheffer family know how to prepare.

Dinner being over, Rev. McLain was called upon and made a neat and appropriate address. The Martial band then gave some stirring music, which was followed by John L. Sexton in a short address, touching up on the early settlement of Liberty and pioneer life. At its conclusion Rev. McLain announced a family reunion business meeting and election. The results of the election were as follows: President, Amos Sheffer; Vice President, Alpheus Sheffer; Secretary, Mrs. Ida Sheffer Mays; Treasurer, Mrs. Clara Sheffer Werline; Historian, Isaac Sheffer. The next annual reunion was appointed to be held on the 31st of July, 1902.

The remainder of the afternoon was spent in social conversation, relating incidents of bygones of their childhood days. Mrs. Susan Sheffer Haugenbach [sic], of Topeka, Kansas and Mrs. Sarah E. Sheffer Artley, of Bradford, Pennsylvania were among those of the Sheffer family from a distance present who were cordially received and greeted by childhood friends. It was indeed a happy and pleasant reunion, which will become more interesting as time advances.

The children [and grandchildren and other relatives] surviving John Sheffer are [original in paragraph form, but presented here by line for ease of reading, with my notes in brackets]:

Susan Sheffer Miller, Liberty, Pa., aged 88, not present [daughter of John (born 1779); wife of Daniel Miller]

Michael Sheffer, aged 79, present [son of John (born 1779)]

Julia Sheffer, wife of Michael Sheffer, aged 79, present
[From Bev Esson, wife of a descendant Julia and her first husband: This is Julia Ann Hagenbuch, whose first husband was Joseph Sheffer (1815-1881), son of John (born 1779). Julia married (2) Joseph’s brother Michael, after Michael’s first wife, Mary E. Cox, died in 1884]

Julia Sheffer Elder, Garden Grove, Iowa, aged 77, not present
[daughter of John (born 1779) and wife of Nicholas Elter, sometimes spelled Elder]

George Sheffer, Liberty, aged 75, present
Dorlista Kinsman Sheffer, wife of George Sheffer, aged 67, present
[From Bev Esson (see above): Dorlista (Bev spells it Dorlisca) was the daughter of James and Esther (Farr) Kinsman. George and Dorlista/Dorlisca had daughters Isabelle/Belle Field (later McAvoy), Eliza Wheeland, Cora Saxton, and Nellie Semsey, all in attendance. This George Sheffer was NOT the son of John (born 1779). His parents are not identified. George R. Sheffer, who IS the son of John (born 1779), was married to Zeruah Wilson and Christiana Artley/Eardley. He had only one surviving son, Charles Wesley Sheffer.
Both George Sheffer (age 44/54) and G.R. Sheffer (age 45/55) are listed on the 1870 and 1880 censuses in Liberty Township, Tioga Co., PA. George Sheffer (1826-1909) and Dorlisca Kinsman Sheffer (1834-1915) are buried in Union Church Cemetery, Liberty Township. G.R. Sheffer (1825-1889) and his first wife are buried in Friedens Cemetery, Liberty Township.]

Mrs. Margaret Beck Sheffer, widow of Martin Sheffer, Liberty, aged 63, present
[Martin was son of John (born 1803) and grandson of John (born 1779)]

Mrs. Asenath Kehler Sheffer, Williamsport, Pa., aged 65, present
[wife of Henry H. Sheffer, son of John (born 1803), and grandson of John (born 1779]

Mrs. Susan Sheffer Hagenbach, Topeka, Kansas, aged 66, present
[daughter of John (born 1803) and granddaughter of John (born 1779); wife of Charles Hagenbach]

Mrs. Sarah E. Sheffer Artley, Bradford, aged 64, present
[daughter of John (born 1803) and granddaughter of John (born 1779); wife of Jonas Artley]

Washington Sheffer, Blossburg, aged 62, not present
[George Washington Sheffer, son of John (born 1803) and grandson of John (born 1779)]

Alpheus Sheffer, Liberty, aged 59, present
[son of John (born 1803) and grandson of John (born 1779)]

Elvina Sheffer, Liberty, aged 57, present
[daughter of John (born 1803) and granddaughter of John (born 1779); unmarried]

Ada Sheffer Hancher, Liberty, aged 54, present
[daughter of John (born 1803) and granddaughter of John (born 1779); wife of Jabez Hancher]

Mrs. Clara Belle Sheffer Miller, Garden Grove, Iowa
Mrs. Belle Sheffer Field
Mrs. Eliza Sheffer Wheeland
Mrs. Nellie Sheffer Semsey, ?rs.
Cora Sheffer Saxton, Liberty
[The above five women were daughters of George and Dorlista (Kinsman) Sheffer.]

Mrs. Ida Sheffer Mays
Frank Sheffer
[From Peggy Woodhead, granddaughter of Frank Sheffer: Ida Sheffer MASE and Frank Sheffer are children of Margaret Beck Sheffer, in attendance and listed above, and her deceased husband Martin Sheffer, son of John (born 1803) and grandson of John Sheffer (born 1779). Frank’s wife Lillie is listed below.]

Mrs. Artley Ellsworth, Bradford

Charles Hancher, Liberty [son of Jabez and Ada]
William Hancher [son of Jabez and Ada]
Harry Hancher [son of Jabez and Ada]
Jabez Hancher [husband of Ada Sheffer above]

James Sheffer [son of Samuel Sheffer and grandson of John Sheffer (born 1779)]
Mrs. Elizabeth Sheffer [Elizabeth Kehler, wife of James above]

Isaac Sheffer [son of James and Elizabeth Kehler Sheffer)]
Mrs. Lenora Sheffer [wife of Isaac Sheffer]
Miss Vera Belle Sheffer, Liberty [daughter of Isaac and Lenora Sheffer]

D. Irvin, Ogdensburg [PA]
Mrs. Margaret Sheffer, wife of David Irvin
[From Bev Esson (see above under Julia Sheffer): Margaret Sheffer (1845-1924) was the daughter of Joseph and Julia (Hagenbuch) Sheffer. Another daughter, Laura Julia (Sheffer) McIntrye (1854-1939) is Bev’s husband’s ancestor.]

Miss Hattie Woodruff [daughter of Sarah Woodruff below]
Mrs. Sarah J. Sheffer Woodruff
[daughter of Michael Sheffer, son of John (born 1779); wife of William Woodruff]

David R. Werline [husband of Clara below]
Mrs. Clara Sheffer Werline, wife of David Werline
[daughter of Joseph Sheffer, son of John Sheffer b. 1779]

Rev. D.E. McLain

Capt. J.F. Ault
Mrs. J.F. Ault

Miss Beatrice Sheffer, Elmira N.Y.

W.H. Merithew and wife

David Schartle
Mrs. Dorlista Sheffer Schartle

Mahlon Ray Saxton
Miss Nellie Saxton, Liberty

Amos Rebekah and John Sheffer, Williamsport

George Artley [husband of Amanda below]
Mrs. A. Sheffer Artley, Jackson township, Lycoming county
[Amanda Sheffer, daughter of Samuel Sheffer and granddaughter of John Sheffer (born 1779); wife of George Artley]

Lillie Sheffer
[From Peggy Woodhead, granddaughter of Frank and Lillie Sheffer: Lillie Schanbacher Sheffer’s husband Frank is listed above. Mrs. Krise, listed below, was also a Schanbacher.]

Floyd Simpson

Mrs. M.F. Wheeland
Miss Louisa Wheeland, Williamsport

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Krise
Katie Krise, Liberty

Mrs. B.F. Bastian
[Elnora/Ella Sheffer, daughter of James Sheffer, granddaughter of Samuel Sheffer, and great-granddaughter of John Sheffer (born 1779); wife of Benjamin Franklin Bastian]
Byron Bastian, Liberty [son of Elnora Sheffer Bastian]

Mrs. Harrison Ridge
[Sheffer in-laws: Frances Ridge, second wife of Harrison Ridge, father of Joseph Ridge, husband of Emma Sheffer, the sister of Elnora Sheffer Bastian above]

L.H. Ferguson
Mrs. L.H. Ferguson

Mrs. Albert Roupp

Miss Ada Ridge, Liberty [daughter of Harrison Ridge]

Re: Sheffer Family Reunion 1901 Newspaper Account

j9007 — 2009-02-22 15:28:44Z

"both children of Martin deceased"

Is this John Martin Sheffer who married Margaret Beck?
I show his son Elmer as living in Jersey Shore in 1930.

Sheffer Family Reunion 1901 Newspaper Account

pamrthompson — 2007-11-10 18:16:15Z

This is the text of 2 typewritten pages in my possession that were apparently transcribed from a published newspaper account:

ACCOUNT OF THE SHEFFER REUNION
As printed in the newspaper Advertiser of Blossburg [Tioga Co., PA] early in August of 1901.

Nearly a century ago John Sheffer [born 1779] settled in Liberty, Tioga county, Pennsylvania. As early as 1816 a United States mail line or route was established between Painted Post, Steuben county, New York, and Williamsport, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, and John Sheffer Jr., [grand]father of Michael, George Washington and Alpheus Sheffer, carried the mail between the above named points, on horse back. This route left Painted Post, N.Y., and followed up the Chemung, Canisteo and Tioga rivers to Erwin Centre and Lindley, in New York state, and crossing the Cowanesque at Lawrenceville on the State line, touched Willardsville, now Tioga, Lambs Creek, Mansfield, Canoe Camp, or Spencers, Covington to Blossburg; it then left the Tioga valley and continued southerly on the Williamson road to the Block House, or Liberty, thence across the Laurel Ridge Mountain to Trout Run, on the Lycoming Creek, thence to Williamsport, a distance of eighty-two miles from Painted Post. It was almost an unbroken wilderness with only a few settlers at the points above designated.

It was the descendants of this John Sheffer, Jr., his sons and daughters, and their descendants, who met with only a few days notice on Wednesday afternoon July 31, 1901, in its first annual reunion at the old homestead of this John Sheffer, Jr., the mail carrier of the years 1816 to 1826, now occupied by Jabez Hancher and Ada Hancher and their family upon Sheffer Hill, Liberty, Pennsylvania. About one hundred of the relatives and invited friends were present. A table over one hundred feet long was set in the old orchard under the shade of the apple trees, at which the family and friends were seated at 12 o’clock, noon. Prayer was offered by Rev. D.E. McLain, of the Lutheran church of Liberty, and then the feast began in a right royal manner; and it was indeed a feast, one that the Sheffer family know how to prepare.

Dinner being over, Rev. McLain was called upon and made a neat and appropriate address. The Martial band then gave some stirring music, which was followed by John L. Sexton in a short address, touching up on the early settlement of Liberty and pioneer life. At its conclusion Rev. McLain announced a family reunion business meeting and election. The results of the election were as follows: President, Amos Sheffer; Vice President, Alpheus Sheffer; Secretary, Mrs. Ida Sheffer Mays; Treasurer, Mrs. Clara Sheffer Werline; Historian, Isaac Sheffer. The next annual reunion was appointed to be held on the 31st of July, 1902.

The remainder of the afternoon was spent in social conversation, relating incidents of bygones of their childhood days. Mrs. Susan Sheffer Haugenbach [sic], of Topeka, Kansas and Mrs. Sarah E. Sheffer Artley, of Bradford, Pennsylvania were among those of the Sheffer family from a distance present who were cordially received and greeted by childhood friends. It was indeed a happy and pleasant reunion, which will become more interesting as time advances.

The children surviving John Sheffer are [original in paragraph form, but presented here by line for ease of reading, with my notes in brackets]:

Susan Sheffer Miller, Liberty, Pa., aged 88, not present
[daughter of John (born 1779); wife of Daniel Miller]

Michael Sheffer, aged 79, present
[son of John (born 1779)]

Julia Sheffer, wife of Michael Sheffer, aged 79, present
[Michael’s second wife, maiden name not known; first wife Mary E. Cox d. 1884]

Julia Sheffer Elder, Garden Grove, Iowa, aged 77, not present
[daughter of John (born 1779) and wife of Nicholas Elter, sometimes spelled Elder]

George Sheffer, Libety, aged 75, present
[son of John]

Dorlista Kinsman Sheffer, wife of George Sheffer, aged 67, present

Mrs. Margaret Beck Sheffer, widow of Martin Sheffer, Liberty, aged 63, present
[Martin was son of John (born 1803) and grandson of John (born 1779)]

Mrs. Asenath Kehler Sheffer, Williamsport, Pa., aged 65, present
[wife of Henry H. Sheffer, son of John (born 1803) and grandson of John (born 1779]

Mrs. Susan Sheffer Hagenbach, Topeka, Kansas, aged 66, present
[daughter of John (born 1803) and grandson of John (born 1779); wife of Charles Hagenbach]

Mrs. Sarah E. Sheffer Artley, Bradford, aged 64, present
[daughter of John (born 1803) and grandson of John (born 1779); wife of Jonas Artley]

Washington Sheffer, Blossburg, aged 62, not present
[George Washington Sheffer, son of John (born 1803) and grandson of John (born 1779)]

Alpheus Sheffer, Liberty, aged 59, present
[son of John (born 1803) and grandson of John (born 1779)]

Elvina Sheffer, Liberty, aged 57, present
[daughter of John (born 1803) and grandson of John (born 1779); unmarried]

Ada Sheffer Hancher, Liberty, aged 54, present
[daughter of John (born 1803) and grandson of John (born 1779); wife of Jabez Hancher]

Mrs. Clara Belle Sheffer Miller, Garden Grove, Iowa
Mrs. Belle Sheffer Field
Mrs. Eliza Sheffer Wheeland
Mrs. Nellie Sheffer Semsey, ?rs.
Cora Sheffer Saxton, Liberty
Mrs. Ida Sheffer Mays
Frank Sheffer
[probably son of Samuel Sheffer and grandson of John Sheffer (born 1779)]

Mrs. Artley Ellsworth, Bradford
Charles Hancher, Liberty [son of Jabez and Ada]
William Hancher [son of Jabez and Ada]
Harry Hancher [son of Jabez and Ada]
Jabez Hancher [husband of Ada Sheffer above]

James Sheffer
[son of Samuel Sheffer and grandson of John Sheffer (born 1779)]

Mrs. Elizabeth Sheffer
[Elizabeth Kehler, wife of James above]

Isaac Sheffer
[son of James and Elizabeth Kehler Sheffer)]

Mrs. Lenora Sheffer
[wife of Isaac Sheffer]

Miss Vera Belle Sheffer, Liberty
[daughter of Isaac and Lenora Sheffer]

D. Irwin, Ogdensburg [PA]

Mrs. Margaret Sheffer, wife of David Irwin

Miss Hattie Woodruff
[daughter of Sarah Woodruff below]

Mrs. Sarah J. Sheffer Woodruff
[daughter of Michael Sheffer, son of John (born 1779); wife of William Woodruff]

David R. Werline
[husband of Clara below]

Mrs. Clara Sheffer Werline, wife of David Werline
[daughter of Joseph Sheffer, son of John Sheffer b. 1779]

Rev. D.E. McLain
Capt. J.F. Ault
Mrs. J.F. Ault
Miss Beatrice Sheffer, Elmira N.Y.
W.H. Merithew and wife
David Schartle
Mrs. Dorlista Sheffer Schartle
Mahlon Ray Saxton
Miss Nellie Saxton, Liberty
Amos Rebekah and John Sheffer, Williamsport
George Artley [husband of Amanda below]

Mrs. A. Sheffer Artley, Jackson township, Lycoming county
[Amanda Sheffer, daughter of Samuel Sheffer and granddaughter of John Sheffer (born 1779); wife of George Artley]

Lillie Sheffer
Floyd Simpson
Mrs. M.F. Wheeland
Miss Louisa Wheeland, Williamsport
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Krise
Katie Krise, Liberty

Mrs. B.F. Bastian
[Elnora/Ella Sheffer, daughter of James Sheffer, granddaughter of Samuel Sheffer, and great-granddaughter of John Sheffer (born 1779); wife of Benjamin Franklin Bastian]

Byron Bastian, Liberty
[son of Elnora Sheffer Bastian]

Mrs. Harrison Ridge
[Sheffer in-laws: Frances Ridge, second wife of Ridge, husband of Emma Sheffer, the sister of Elnora Sheffer Bastian above]

L.H. Ferguson
Mrs. L.H. Ferguson
Mrs. Albert Roupp
Miss Ada Ridge, Liberty [daughter of Harrison Ridge]
Miss Alice Keagle, Arnot

Sheffer Family Reunion, 1901, Liberty, Tioga Co., PA

pamrthompson — 2007-11-10 18:12:42Z

This is a transcription of a typewritten speech given to me by my husband's mother, a 6th-generation descendant of John Scheffer, b. 1779. The person who delivered the speech is not identified, but in a newspaper article about the reunion (also posted here), it says, "Dinner being over, Rev. McLain was called upon and made a neat and appropriate address. The Martial band then gave some stirring music, which was followed by John L. Sexton in a short address, touching up on the early settlement of Liberty and pioneer life."

HISTORIC SKETCH OF THE SHEFFER FAMILY

As read at the family reunion held the summer of 1901 at the home of Jabez Hancher on Sheffer Hill, Liberty, Pennsylvania.

[Jabez Hancher was the husband of Adaline Sheffer, daughter of John Sheffer (born 1803) and granddaughter of John Sheffer (born 1779—“Uncle Johnnie” in this sketch).]

Mr. President, Dear Friends and Relatives.

No doubt you are all aware that at our last reunion one year ago, J.J. Sheffer was elected historian of this organization. I saw Mr. Sheffer a few days ago and he said it would be impossible for him to be here today. He requested me to act as historian in his place which I consented to do. It was also requested by him and others that the same history be read today that I read here two years ago. You will remember that in writing this history there were a few mistakes made which I failed to correct. So come before you today with the same history as I did at that time. In this I have endeavored to give you a little history from the landing of the Sheffer’s in America down to your Grandfathers. From here it was intended that the work be taken up and a history be written of all the heirs of Uncle John Sheffer, that first located here in Liberty, down to the present time.

This is a very historic family and by taking each one of them in turn by birth, a very interesting history can be written, which would be of interest to all of us. Nothing would suit me better than to look up and write this history, but as I am living considerable distance from here it is impossible for me to do so. This history should be gotten soon because there are only three of the old heirs living that can give us the ancient part of the history.

I would urge that some one take this matter up and write at least a part of it to be read at our next reunion.

Away back in the latter part of the seventeenth century [sic] there came to this country from Holland nine brothers by the name of Sheffer, whose names and dates of birth are as follows:

John Sheffer, born June 3, 1753
Michael Sheffer, born December 4, 1755
John Nicholas Sheffer, born February 10, 1758
Anthony Sheffer, born December 20, 1760
Peter Sheffer, born February 1, 1762
George Michael Sheffer, born March 5, 1763
Balzer Sheffer, born June 29, 1765
George Sheffer, born February 5, 1767
John Jacob Sheffer, born July 10, 1770

We do not know just when these brothers came to this country, but we know it was before the Revolutionary War, for when the war broke out some of these brothers entered into the conflict against Great Britain.

Balzer was captured by the British and held a prisoner. Being fed on bread mixed with lime he soon died from the effects.

After the close of the Revolutionary War the remaining brothers became separated and we know not where they went or what became of them, except John and Peter.

Peter went to Martinsburg, Virginia, where he lived and died.

John went to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he served as a recruiuting officer. This John Sheffer was our Great, Great, Grandfather.

John Sheffer, our Great, Great, Grandfather was married in Lancaster county. To whom he was married and when we do not know. We know they had seven children, the names are as follows:

Mary Barbara
Catherine
John
Elizabeth
Julian
Susan
Michael

We know nothing of these children except John, who was our Great Grandfather.

John Sheffer, our Great Grandfather was married twice. We do not know who his first wife was, but two children were born to them but died very young. He was later married to Susannah Reynolds on June 8, 1802. He came from Lancaster county to the village of Williamsport, which then was only a small town. He lived there for several years and being a tailor by trade, went about from house to house making clothing.

They lived a very happy life, and to them were born seven children while they lived in Williamsport. The names of these children are as follows:

John, born January 24, 1803
William, born July 10, 1804
Samuel, born January 11, 1806
Elizabeth, born July 7, 1807
Catherine, born September 14, 1808
Jacob, born December 18, 1809
Susannah, born August 14, 1813

After being in Williamsport several years Great Grandfather John Sheffer was chosen Deputy Sheriff of Lycoming county. He being a very tender hearted man and having much pity for his fellow man neglected to do his duty as Deputy Sheriff where upon the county pounced upon him and sold him out of everything he had except their bed, his wife jumping upon the bed saying you can’t have this it belongs to me.

After having lost all his earthly possessions Great Grandfather John Sheffer started out to hunt a new home for his family. Coming up Lycoming Creek over the Williamson Road which was cut through this county in 1792 he settled in Liberty in February 1814 on 150 acres of Academy land, here and where we are gathered today.

At the time he came here there were only eight families in all this country and he early became a prominent and leading citizen of Liberty.

From then on, Great Grandfather John Sheffer was known as Uncle Johnnie Sheffer, which we will call him for short.

When Uncle Johnnie came here in 1814 this country was a dense forest infested with howling wolves and screaming panthers. The first thing necessary for him to do was to build a house for his family. So with axe in hand he went into the woods and cut down trees to build himself a home. After completing his log cabin he moved his family in, and once more was a happy man at home with his family.

Uncle Johnnie at once went to work to clear up his farm so he could support his family. The question arises how could they live in such a wilderness as this was. My dear friends they didn’t live they only stayed, their hardships many and great. Had it not been for the deer than abounded in this country they could not have lived. Many and many a day they lived on bran bread and jerked venison and many the day they had nothing but venison to eat. We are told that many the nights the children would cry themselves to sleep for want of bread. What could the thoughts of that mother been to hear her dear ones crying for bread and none for them.

In order to make it handy for Uncle Johnnie to kill deer, he made a deer lick close to his cabin. A large beech tree having fallen close to his cabin he bored the tree full of holes and filled them with salt. Having once found the tree the deer would gather there in large numbers to lick the salt. When Uncle Johnnie was out of meat he would open his door and pick out the nicest deer and shoot it down. The remaining deer would run away and after Uncle Johnnie had dragged his deer to the cabin they would come back like a drove of sheep.

Uncle Johnnie was a tailor by trade and when entirely out of provisions he would go down Lycoming Creek and make clothing and take wheat in exchange for his pay. In this way he would keep his family in bread part of the time. Uncle Johnnie was the first man in this area to own a horse. In 1816 he contracted with the government to carry the mail, which he carried for three years, on foot and on horseback, from Williamsport to Painted Post, New York. This was very trying work for Uncle Johnnie especially in the winter. He would start out on horseback with the mail and ride until he became too cold to ride further, then he would dismount and taking the horse by the tail he would jog along until he became warm again. In these days there were no bridges so he had to ford or swim all the streams on his route.

Uncle Johnnie was also a tanner as well as a tailor. In order to clothe his boys he would tan the deer hides and make buckskin clothing for them.

After settling in this country five more children were born to them. The names and births are as follows:

Joseph, born November 23, 1815
Michael, born November 17, 1821
Julian, born September 24, 1823
Sarah, born June 24, 1824
George R., born June 24, 1824
These last two being twins.

In all twelve children were born to them and all have departed from this life except Aunt Susan Miller, Aunt Julian Elter and Uncle Michael. [George was also still living and present at the reunion.] Time is telling on them for their steps are getting feeble and slow and the place that once knew this large family will soon know them no more.

Uncle Johnnie died August 5, 1841 and his wife died September 18, 1860.

Now my dear friends we have tried to give you a history of our family from the landing of our Forefathers on American soil down to our Great Grandfather John Sheffer. From here the work can be taken up at some future time and a very interesting history can be written down to the present.

Re: Old Sheffer Family Photo - Likely Indiana

j9007 — 2008-09-06 04:33:22Z

I may be related but need to research this more. I have the following:
James B. Sheffer b.03 Apr 1857, d.17 Jun 1943
married 26 May 1878
Jincy Ellen Constable b.10 Oct 1861, d.19 May 1933

Children
Albert (Albertus) b.03 Sep 1880
Orville Olen b.03 Jun 1883
Fronia Varilla b.17 Sep 1887

Orville
married 11 Mar 1903
Laura A. ?? b.abt 1884

Children
Leo L. Sheffer, b.abt 1904
Mabel M. Sheffer b.abt 1906

Orville
1900 census Madison Township, Jay County, IN
1910 census Madison Township, Jay County, IN
1920 census Delhi Township, Ingham, MI
WW1 draft card, 12 Sep 1918

Re: Sheffer's in Nebraska and in Minn.

j9007 — 2009-02-05 18:53:59Z

Peggy and others, send me an email so we can keep in touch.
jeff1950atgmaildotcom

My ancestor is Sarah Shaffer. I would be related to the children of Sarah and John Sheffer. I suspect that George Shaffer was living with John and Sarah Sheffer in Liberty, Tioga County, PA?

Re: Sheffer's in Nebraska and in Minn.

j9007 — 2009-02-05 15:28:01Z

I would like to join in on your discussion of the Sheffer family. I have most of the names in my family tree and maybe one of you could answer a question. Were John Sheffer and Sarah Shaffer the parents of John Martin Sheffer? I have a copy of a will dated 09 Mar 1838 for George Shaffer. It states George is living in Liberty Township, Tioga County. It lists all his children. The family history is that they settled in what is now Washington and Brady Township in Lycoming County. They lived in Maple Hill. I am not sure why the will is from Liberty Township, Tioga County, but maybe because George was living with one of his children?

I will share what I have and you can also send an email.

Jeff

Re: samuel a sheffer

tfeatherstone_1 — 2007-03-30 18:08:11Z

George was my fathers brother. I am named after Alice and my grandmother Tess Sheffer.

Re: Phillip Sheffer and Margaret Vance information urgently needed

bsheffer162 — 2007-04-15 16:08:09Z

Hi Laraine,

This may be a long shot but I came across a reference to a book with the similar name of "Philip Jacob Sheffer" several years ago.

C.N. Heasty, Sheffer Family History, Descendants of Philip Jacob Sheffer 1720-1795 (Angelo Books, Sparta, Wisc., c. 1986), Joseph Smith Memorial Building/Family Search, West Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah, Book 929.273 Sh 39h.

I do not have a copy of the book but you may have luck with the facility in Utah, even if it is just a publication of someone's genealogy chart.

Best wishes.

Brent Sheffer
Columbus, Ohio

Re: Old Sheffer Family Photo - Likely Indiana

RandallMcDaniel44 — 2008-09-05 23:19:22Z

It appears that the photo did not come through the first time. Lets try again.
Randy

Old Sheffer Family Photo - Likely Indiana

RandallMcDaniel44 — 2008-09-05 23:04:31Z

I recently purchased a bunch of old photos. One of the photos shows a young couple with their son and is labeled on the back "Aunt Laura & Orville Sheffer and Leo Sheffer". Unfortunately there are no other markings on the photo. The photo was likely taken around 1915. The photo came with alot of other photos from Indiana.

Attached is a copy of the photo. If these are your ancestors, please contact me.

Re: Old Sheffer Family Photo - Likely Indiana

RandallMcDaniel44 — 2008-09-06 05:20:04Z

Very interesting! If you are interested in this photo please contact me at spacegeezer@msn.com.

Randy
Webster, TX

Re: Old Sheffer Family Photo - Likely Indiana

RandallMcDaniel44 — 2008-09-06 05:18:49Z

Very interesting! If you are interested in this photo please contact me at spacegeezer@msn.com.

Randy
Webster, TX

Re: Old Sheffer Family Photo - Likely Indiana

rsheffe2 — 2008-09-06 12:10:10Z

received your messages and all the Sheffers I have did not live in that area in that time frame. I only have a few who resided outside of NY state at that time. Sorry I can't help you.

Violet Louise Sheffer

kssbond007 — 2009-02-11 00:21:58Z

I am looking for any links to my great grandmother. She married Walter Vortanz in WI in the early 1900's. I believe her father is from WI and her mother is from Sweden.

Any help would be wonderful!

Sheffer Jr., Clarence E. (OBIT PA 6-20-2007)

myobituarysite — 2007-06-24 00:16:42Z

source: The Evening Sun - Hanover, PA 6-20-2007
Deceased: Sheffer Jr., Clarence E. (OBIT PA 6-20-2007)
Age: 83
Last Address: Glen Rock, PA
Death date: 6-18-2007
Birth date: 12-30-1923
Birth place: North Codorus Township, PA

No relation to the deceased
For a FREE copy of full obit send email to:
rbenjamin@crosskeysvillage.net
(please include "OBITUARY" and date obit posted in "Subject" line)

Re: Old Sheffer Family Photo - Likely Indiana

shefferdan — 2008-10-24 23:04:47Z

Not sure, but there is a srong family resemblance and my family is from Indiana. My Grandparents were Roy & Lillian Sheffer from Richmond.

Re: leonora sheffer

AvisWalker719 — 2008-09-11 14:27:08Z

Hi,
I am related to the Bernie you got a reply from, and to Burr H. Sheffer as well. They were in fact in Altoona Iowa, and did move to Parr Indiana from there. I know that Samuel Sheffer is his father and Lemuel Sheffer is the brother to Samuel, Adam the father, this from letters. I also know that his parents died early, and that his grandfather was James Coulter, Mother Eliza C.. I will be happy to share what I have from Burr about the family as well as any information I have. Please email me.

Re: Sheffer's in Nebraska and in Minn.

AbigailShefferJones — 2009-02-05 01:05:08Z

Peggy,
I do have the info that you speak of. And recently recieved a book called "The Sheffer Cemetery". lots of great information in the book. I have been researching over Sheffer info for a long time. Hard to get info when your family is not sure about the family line. Anyway,Helen E. Sheffer Perenboom is my Aunt......
Are you part of the Sheffer Family Tree???????

Hope to hear from you soon, Abbey

Re: Sheffer's in Nebraska and in Minn.

AbigailShefferJones — 2009-02-07 06:02:47Z

Peggy,

Forgot to give you my e-mail address: realangel44@aol.com

Abbey

Re: Sheffer's in Nebraska and in Minn.

AbigailShefferJones — 2009-02-07 05:53:59Z

I love my Aunt Helen dearly, but she is getting up here in age and is not able to do much, she does have a poor memory.Her story changes in small fargments. My father died several years ago and my last uncle is up here in age to. I do have the Family Tree on Family Tree Maker. I have a few addition and some correction to make and I would be more then happy to share with you.

Re: Violet Louise Sheffer

AbigailShefferJones — 2009-02-14 05:20:36Z

That one's not from my branch. Sorry.
Have you looked up cenus records? How about death records? I got lucky with the death records. Sometimes you can find info if you look up a sister or brother's name... If you need any more Ideas just ask.
I'll kep both eyes open for you.... Good Luck:-}

Re: Sheffer Family Reunion 1901 Newspaper Account

peggyw142 — 2009-02-22 03:37:52Z

As a Sheffer, I would like to make a correction to the 108 year old artical on the Sheffer Reunion. About the 20th person down should be Ida Sheffer Mase and under her, her brother Frank, both children of Martin deceased, and Margaret in attendance. His wife Lillie was there too. She was a Schanbacher as was the Mrs Krise with whom she was "setting". Grandpa Frank told me so, one time!

Re: Sheffer's in Nebraska and in Minn.

peggyw142 — 2009-02-05 16:34:14Z

Hi Jeff,
welcome aboard this Sheffer Odyssey. I guess this is one way have a cheap winter experience when it is only 9° outside. Yes, John and Sarah were John Martin's parents. In my files I have listed John (of John and Sarah)as III. And his father as John II, and his father John I, although I have found his name to be Jonathan, married to Julianne Petri. Even they must have gotten tired of the tradition, because John Martin was always called Martin. He would have been my great grandfather. He died when my grandfather was 17 and he is the one who took over the farm In Liberty.
I have Sarah listed as being from White Deer Township, which is in Union County PA, but Washington and Brady Township adjoin it in Lycoming County, so we are in the ballpark there. I believe that I saw in the census records once, that George was indeed living with them Up in Liberty. That certainly was not uncommon then, nor was making one's will when you were on your deathbed.
It was John III brother William who packed up the family and went west to Nebraska. Even out there the name Sheffer has nearly disappeared. They had lots of kids, but they were mostly girls. Please tell me your name is Sheffer. My mother's name was Sheffer, 1 of 4 girls, but low and behold at the age of 45, Grandma had a boy, Harold. And he had one son, and yeepe, he has a son. He is not married, but only 28.
I look forward to hearing from you again and hope to to share more information. Sincerely Peggy Woodhead

Re: Sheffer's in Nebraska and in Minn.

peggyw142 — 2009-02-06 03:13:29Z

Abby; after a couple of letters and your Aunt Helen called me today. She was so excited that I had contacted her, but she wasn't able to give me any concrete information. She did mention about her father or grandfather being born in Minneapolis. I understand that she is not able to write so I hate to ask her to fill out any forms. She is going to give me her brothers address, one of which should be your father, so maybe I can go from there.
Of course that is unless you have it all in a family tree program which you could export to me.

Re: Sheffer's in Nebraska and in Minn.

peggyw142 — 2009-02-04 19:16:52Z

Dear Abby.....ouch! If one pokes around long enough you are sure to stumble accross something. Wm Sheffer and his whole fam left Liberty Twp, Tioga Co. PA in 1856. They ended up in Ashland NB and are gr parents of people you ask about. I recently retired and have once again delved into looking up long lost family. Right now I am trying to contact a Helen Elizabeth Sheffer Peerenboom to see if that family is relaited. I think it is. I would be interested in corresponding with you. I have the whole fam in family tree program #11. I'v tried the 2009 nine version but it stinks! Hope to here from you soon, Peggy Woodhead

Re: Sheffer's in Nebraska and in Minn.

peggyw142 — 2009-02-05 01:50:48Z

Well,well,
Glad to make your acquaintance. I am not exactly a Sheffer, but my mother is. Her name is Myra Evelyn Sheffer-Shultz. Her father was Frank Homer Sheffer, and his father was John Martin Sheffer, and his father was John Sheffer III. William was the next brother to John III. All were born in Tioga County Pennsylvania.
I also have a Sheffer Cemetery of Cass County Nebraska book. I am definitely in the right family, but I am not too sure about some of the William information in the back of that book. The stories are really interesting though. I visited that Cemetery two years ago. That was a funny story how we found it. We went to the hardware store in Ashland and the owner started making phone calls for us. Three calls, and he had the information we needed on the location.
I have not yet talked to your aunt, but found her name and address online through an obituary. She mentioned two brothers that I have no record of. I would very much like an update on your side of the family. If you were on the messageboard you must haves family tree program. I do to. I am located in central Pennsylvania, about 40 miles from John Martin's Homestead, which is still in the family. Where are you? Thanks for answering and I can't wait to hear your reply. Peg

Re: leonora sheffer

celeida24 — 2007-04-14 13:30:56Z

leonora sheffer was in cumberland co.pa.father is samuel 11-1857 and the susan e sheffer she was born in pa.birth 12-1860 her brothers born in pa. joseph h sheffer die 1-22-1894 and is buried at bethel church of god cemetery and theodore die 1933 and his in ida.cemetery. with wife celeida galloway which she past away in 1940 t.y. celeida parker

Re: leonora sheffer

celeida24 — 2007-04-14 13:22:08Z

the samuel a sheffer was 11-1857 in cumderland pa. wife is susan e sheffer 12-1860 pa.and the children pa. theodore 3-1886 leonora 10-1889 and a son die 1-22-1894 and his name joseph h sheffer. t.y. celeida parker

Re: leonora sheffer

celeida24 — 2007-03-26 14:12:21Z

the samuel a sheffer from north middleton twp.pa.1900 cenus.his wife is susan e .and his children theodore leonora. and his brother george and is alice(sheffer)trimmer t.y. celeida parker

Re: Celeida {Galloway} Sheffer

celeida24 — 2007-02-01 09:43:00Z

i did e-mail once before yes i would like to the pictures. t.y. celeida parker

Phillip Sheffer and Margaret Vance information urgently needed

momnerd2002 — 2007-04-15 01:20:25Z

I have traveled nearly 3,000 miles to Pennsylvania and am in the middle of a major genealogy research project on the SHEFFER and VANCE families, that were supposed to be in the Adams county and York county (when Adams was removed).
The family history information that I received from research done decades ago, does not seem to be matching what I am finding in the original record sources here in Adams County. We will only be here another 2 days, and so if there is anyone out there who might be able to help answer these questions, we might be able to have more success with our research.

1. Does anyone have a source for the death date of Margaret VANCE, wife of Philip SHEFFER? We have that she died on 8 Apr 1839 in Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio. Is this the correct place?

2. Does anyone have access to a will or probate papers for Phillip Sheffer, who died 13 May 1847 in Ashland, Ashland, OH? These papers should list his heirs.

3. Does anyone have a source that verifies that the Ann Elizabeth Sheffer born 29 May 1785 and baptized in Abbottsville, Berwick township, (then) York County, PA is the same one that is the daughter of our Phillip and Margaret? There is another Phillip Sheffer and Margaret who are much older, who are in Franklin township, in Adams Co., PA (then York Co., PA) and that Phillip died 1791. Margaret b. 1785, could have been their last child. I have not found any other of the children of our Phillip Sheffer and Margaret Vance being baptized in Adams or York counties in PA.

Ann Elizabeth SHEFFER was supposed to be born on 29 May 1785 in Reading township, which was then in York County, Pennsylvania. Her parents were Phillip SHEFFER and Margaret VANCE. Ann Elizabeth SHEFFER married Richard CLARK, son of George CLARK (who died at the end of the Revolutionary War in South Carolina) and his wife Margaret (Hanna). Richard and Ann were residents of Cumberland or Adams County, PA when they were married about 1802. They had two children in Pennsylvania and then went to Ohio and then later went to the area near Indianapolis, Indiana. They joined the Mormon church and moved to Nauvoo, IL. When the Mormons were driven out of Illinois, Richard and Ann Elizabeth, moved West (in their advanced years) and settled in Pleasant Grove, Utah, where they both died.

According to our family history data, Philip SHEFFER was born in Northampton, PA on 29 Sep 1758 and was married on 8 Mar 1784 to Margaret VANCE, who had been born on 31 Aug 1766 in Reading township, (then) York County, Pennsylvania. According to the family history passed along to me, all of Phillip and Margaret's children were born in Reading Township, York and now Adams County, Pennsylvania {Adams county was formed from York county in 1800}. The first in the family born was Ann Elizabeth, mentioned above, and the last born was Peter in 1808. The source of this information came from the Sheffer family bible, which had been in the possession of a Dwight Sheffer of Danville, IL. As far as I can tell, nobody knows what became of this bible.

My research has turned up conflicting information. Between the years of 1775 and 1799, there is never a Phillip Sheffer (in any variation of the spelling) in Reading township tax lists. I have not yet found him in any records.

There is a Nicholas VANCE (WENTZ) and wife Rebecca in Reading township, Adams Co., PA, who researchers claim are the parents of Margaret VANCE, as they have a daughter Margaret born Aug 1766 in that family. There was a Phillip Sheffer and wife Margaret with a daughter Ann Elizabeth born 29 May 1785, and was baptized in Abbottsville in Berwick township, (now) Adams County, PA.

We found another source that claims that the Phillip Sheffer, born 29 Sep 1758 in Northampton County, PA and died 13 May 1847 in Ashland County, Ohio, was the son of Phillip Jacob Sheffer, who came to PA and then ended up in Maryland. He had a son, Phillip, who these researchers claim was the Phillip born in Northampton Co., PA in 1758 and lived for a while in Maryland and ended up in Ashland County, OH where he died in 1847. This man Phillip, from Maryland, who went to Ashland, OH has a different wife and set of children. DOES ANYONE HAVE ACCESS TO THE PROBATE RECORDS OF ASHLAND COUNTY, OH, TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY DOCUMENTS THAT NAME THE HEIRS OF PHILLIP SHEFFER, WHO DIED IN ASHLAND COUNTY.

We need to try and find out if the named heirs of Phillip, who died in Ashland County, are the same children that we have for our Phillip, or if they are the children that were listed in the C.N. Heasty book, "Sheffer Family History", for their Phillip Sheffer.

If there is anyone out there who might be able to answer any of these questions quickly, it would be extremely helpful to us.

Thank you,
Laraine

Re: Phillip Sheffer and Margaret Vance information urgently needed

momnerd2002 — 2007-04-16 12:27:08Z

Thank you Brent, for you rapid reply and your advice about the Heasty book.

I was in Salt Lake a couple weeks ago and looked at that book and it was that book which started the confusion for me.

The family history information that I had "inherited" was supposedly taken from a family bible and had Phillip Sheffer and Margaret Vance and all of their children with dates and the locality of Reading township, Adams County, PA, for all of the births of the children.

However, the Phillip Sheffer, born 1758 and died in Ohio 1847 and who was the Revolutionary War veteran, was listed in the Heasty book as being the son of their Phillip Jacob Sheffer (b. 1720) and was from Maryland. In the Heasty book, this same Phillip (1758-1847) is attached to a totally different wife and set of children.

So we have a major conflict in information, causing me much confusion.

If I could see the Ashland County, Ohio probate records of the Phillip Sheffer who died there in 1847, I might be able to determine if the Phillip of the family bible or the Phillip in the Heasty book is the one that really was in Ashland County, Ohio.

Since I am traveling in PA, I do not have access to those records right now.

Thanks again for your assistance,
Laraine Clark

Re: Old Sheffer Family Photo - Likely Indiana

momnerd2002 — 2008-09-12 02:22:18Z

Do you know the Sheffer ancestry of James B. Sheffer, father of Orville Sheffer?