BIOGRAPHIES - Pages 365-375

      (365) MRS. LOUISA KEIHM is the owner of a fine farm of forty-eight acres located on section 31, Alaiedon Township. She was born April 3, 1838, in the province of Wurtemberg in the town of Marbarch, Germany. Her father was Frederick Hines, a native of the same place, and there born September 10, 1790, Louisa was a child of nine years of age when her father came to the United States, but the voyage over, which occupied three months, made a deep impression upon her young mind.

     On the lauding of the Hines family in this country they proceeded immediately to Huron County, Ohio, and settled in Norwalk. The father was a rope-maker by trade and unfamiliar with the conditions of American labor, he supposed that he could find employment in any place, but disappointed in his expectations he worked as a day laborer in order to support himself and family, and from the time our subject was ten years old she added her strength and supported herself by working at various occupations. She finally became a seamstress and continued in this occupation until she came to Michigan.

     On November 4, 1862, our subject was married to Conrad Keihm, a native of Baden, Germany, there born January 30, 1839. His father was John Keihm and he was born in Hartershansen, Germany. He was a linen-weaver by trade and his son had partially learned that occupation before coming to the United States, which he did in his sixteenth year. Before that time he attended school in his native land. On coming to America he first went to Canada, where he remained for one year and where he learned the blacksmith's trade. He then proceeded to Huron County, Ohio, and worked as a blacksmith, at the same time doing farm work until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in Company B, Third Ohio Cavalry.

     In 1862, Mr. Keihm was discharged from service on account of physical disability, but after recovering to a great extent, he responded to a call made for mechanics, and went to Nashville, Tenn., where he staid for about six months. On returning to Michigan he bought the farm now occupied by Mrs. Keihm. It was almost entirely unimproved at the time and he at once bent his energies to clearing it and adding the best of improvements, so that at the time of his decease, which occurred March 13, 1875, the place was in excellent order. Mr. Keihm was a member of the German Methodist Church at Delhi. Politically, he was a Republican.

     Two children have been born to bless the union (366) of the worthy couple of whom we have written. The eldest is Ella L., who was born November 2, 1868; she spent one term in the Flint Normal School in 1889 and 1890 she spent in Albion College. She is now interested in musical art and makes the home attractive by her pleasing presence and marked taste. The younger child is a son, Willie Keihm, who was born in 1874; he died in infancy. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Keihm has managed her place with great ability and with marked success. She built a commodious brick residence in 1879 and her house is fitted up, not only with the comforts of life, but also with its elegancies. She and her daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Mason. They are hospitable and social, and have many warm friends in Albion.

     JACOB G. BAUMGRAS, the fortunate owner of one hundred and eighty-four acres of fine land adjoining the limits of the city of Lansing, resides on section 3, Lansing Township, Ingham County, and is actively engaged in the pursuit of the varied duties which fall to him as an agriculturist. Not only has he been successful financially, but in the better sense of that word, he has been successful in gaining the esteem of all his acquaintances, and it is the testimony of all who know him that he enjoys to an unusual degree the respect of his associates. His operations in business are characterized by good judgment and shrewd discernment, while in social circles his genial disposition and kindliness of heart gain for him an admiring circle of friends.

     Many years ago there resided in Bavaria, Germany, near the border of France, a worthy couple who bore the names of Jacob and Mary C. (Trumm) Baumgras. In that, their native place, they abode until 1840, when in their maturity they emigrated to the New World and located in Syracuse, N.Y. The father followed the occupation of an ornamental painter and was a man of sterling principles and unswerving industry. It was during the residence of the family in Syracuse that the subject of this biographical notice was born November 21, 1848. He was reared in his native city, receiving the advantages of a very liberal education, and was graduated from the High School in 1865. He entered upon his studies with earnestness and enthusiasm, and early in life manifested a predilection for a deeper insight into history and philosophy. To say that he improved all his opportunities to their fullest extent, is but relating what actually occurred.

     In the spring of 1865, the father, feeling that better opportunities would be afforded to him and his children, of whom he had seven, named Henry, Peter Louis, Daniel N., Elizabeth, Jacob G., Catlherine and Josephine, in the rapidly growing West, decided to locate in this State. Accordingly he came hither and at once purchased a tract of one hundred and fifty acres. After Jacob was graduated he worked for his father until be was twenty-one years of age, and in the meantime gained a practical knowledge of agriculture in all its departments. When he attained his majority his father gave into his charge the home farm, and he was its manager until the death of Jacob Baumgras, Sr., when the old homestead passed into the possession of the son. It was September 24, 1890, that the father closed his eyes to the scenes of earth, leaving to his descendants the precious legacy of an honorable life. The wife and mother still survives, and makes her home in Lansing.

     The pleasant home of our subject is presided over by a lady whose refinement and culture give to her an "open sesame" to the most cultured society - of the capital city, and whose noble qualities qualify her to admirably discharge her duties as wife and mother. She was known in maidenhood as Caroline E. Stadle, and is the daughter of William and Laura (Kraus) Stadle, natives of Germany and Michigan respectively, who now reside in Clinton County, Mich. Mrs. Baumgras was born in the city of Lansing, January 9. 1859, and grew to womanhood under her father's roof which she left only to go to the home of her husband. The congenial union--which was solemnized September 19, 1879, has been blest by the birth of five children, as follows; Cecelia L., born July 13, 1880; Julius P., January 11, 1882; Elenora, born August 17, 1885, died at the age of three years; William J., born September 15, 1888, and Peter Louis, the youngest, born August 1, 1889, died at the age of nine months,

     In politics Mr. Baumgras adheres to the principles of the Democratic party, although he is not a radical partisan. He has filled many positions of responsibility, has been Superintendent of the common schools two terms, Township Treasurer, and also held various other minor offices. Religiously he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and socially belongs to the Royal Arcanum.

     JOHN SPANIER, one of the old and well established business men of Lansing, Ingham County, has been in the meat business in this city since 1859 and is the oldest dealer in that line in the city. He was born in Prussia, Germany, August. 18, 1835, and when eighteen years old came in 1853 to Detroit. His father had been a butcher in Germany and he learned the trade there in his boyhood. Coming to Detroit he first obtained a position in a shop where be learned the American way of working. He continued there for six years before coming to Lansing and in 1859 began work at his trade for A. Burch remaining with him for nearly twelve years. He is probably the only man in Lansing who ever thoroughly learned the trade of a butcher, as most men pick up their experience in this line of work irregularly.

     It was in the year of 1881 that Mr. Spanier started in business for himself, locating on the spot where he is still doing business at No. 310 Washington Avenue North. He has a fine location and a shop sixty-six feet deep. When he first began he bought cattle and slaughtered for himself, but he now buys dressed beef and other meats and has built up an excellent trade, giving his whole attention to his business. The lady with whom he united his fortunes in 1861 is a native of his Fatherland, and was born in Wurtemberg. She came to this country when three years old, and reached Lansing in 1856, her parents being among the early settlers here. Her maiden name was Wilhelmina Crobby, and she was united in marriage with our subject upon Christmas Day, 1861.

     Five children have blessed this union, Charles, who now has a market on Washington Avenue, South; Frank, who is with his father; William, who has a market on Michigan Avenue; Eva, now the wife of Lewis Critchard; and John, who is also with his father in business. The father is a member of the Royal Templars of Temperance which is a social and insurance organization. He attends church regularly although he was brought up a Catholic and he is a man who is highly spoken of by his neighbors as possessing a character worthy of admiration. His handsome brick house and excellent brick barn on Washtenaw Street West, adorn a beautiful property which may well be called one of the ornaments of Lansing. The grounds comprise three fine lots and are beautifully situated and the house is one which he built himself and is well adapted to the comfort and enjoyment of his family.

     GUY H. STOWELL. There is only one thing better than having a reputation for integrity and honorable dealing, and that is to have such a character; and when a man has both the character and the reputation he has something of which the world cannot rob him, and which men of wealth who are deficient in these respects may well desire. The gentleman of whom we write is known all over the State, as he has been for some time Curator of the Michigan State Fair Grounds at Lansing. He received that appointment, April 1, 1884, by a committee who had the matter in charge, who were Messrs. J. N. Smith, B. B. Baker and D. Woodcock. He has filled his office to the satisfaction of all concerned, and has also earned for himself an enviable reputation in the city and among the officers and members of the State Agricultural (368) Society. It is unfortunate that his health is not robust, and in consequence of this it is probable that he will resign his position in October.

     During the busy season Mr. Stowell has from thirty-five to forty men constantly working under his directions, and the responsibility of keeping everything in good condition and in first-class order, is more than he feels that he can longer undertake. There are sixty-three acres in the grounds and fully forty buildings besides the race track and other appurtenances, and the responsibilities are more than he cares to retain.

     Mr. Stowell was born in Marcellus, N.Y., July 10, 1855. His beloved and, honored parents, Dr. Hiram and Olivia (Bowen) Stowell, brought him with them to Ann Arbor when he was about six months old, and in a short time they removed to Clinton County, where the father practiced his medical profession and also carried on a farm. In those days there were no roads except Indian trails, and it country doctor had long and tedious rides, traveling through the woods to reach the scattering settlers. Everybody had the ague in those days, and it kept the doctors busy. At the same time the farm was to be cleared up and cultivated. It is within the easy recollection of our subject when not a tree was cut where the city of Lansing now stands. He also remembers many of the frights which they experienced when the Indians were all about them, and they feared an attack from hostile bands. The father lived four miles east of DeWitt, and after a number of years had passed he erected the first frame building which was ever put up in that village. He continued in practice up to the time of his death, and was for years both the Township and County Treasurer.

     Our subject lived to the age of seventeen years in Clinton County, and made good use of the educational advantages afforded him in the district schools. He then went North to Minnesota, locating for three years near the city of St. Paul, after which he returned to DeWitt and engaged in farming for a number of years. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Holmes, of DeWitt, her father, David Holmes, being a farmer of Unadilla Township. The young couple removed to Saginaw, where they lived upon a farm for fifteen years, and then purchased a farm in Delta, Eaton County. Five years later Mr. Stowell received the appointment to the office which he now holds, and which he has filled with much satisfaction to all concerned. The five children who have come to his home are Elmer D., William G., Minnie O., Ettie. J. and Cora. Minnie is the wife of Mr. R. Garber, now living in Middleville, Barry County, and all of the children are giving great satisfaction to their worthy parents who feel that in these young lives they are renewing their youth.

     ROBERT B. SHANK is a good type of the men that the city of Lansing, Ingham County, is proud of producing. He was born here January 4, 1856, and has received his education both in school and out of school in this city. He graduated at the High School and soon after went into the store of J. J. Sidway, grocer. He remained with him for five years, after which he engaged in business for himself, starting out in his career as an independent merchant when only twenty years of age. He has continued in that line ever since. He has occupied the corner store of the Government building for the past twelve years and is certain, Providence permitting, to occupy it at least two years longer as he holds the lease for that length of time.

     Mr. Shank is the proprietor of the largest staple, and fancy grocery house in Lansing. He also carries on a fine jobbing trade in connection with his business, having in his employ ten men and a book-keeper. His beginning in this line was very modest, as he had but small capital and was so young he could not presume to ask for heavy backing. However, he has never been discouraged and his trade has grown until it is now doubtless the largest in the city.

     It is gratifying to be assured by traveling men who are constantly visiting the largest stores throughout the State that Mr. Shank is doing as large a business as any house in the State of Michigan (369) who are doing a strictly grocery business, that does not include liquors or meats. His success has been assured by the fact that he deals on strictly cash basis. Not only does he require as cash payment from his customers, but by his own prompt cash payments he is enabled to get the best articles in both staple and fancy goods at the lowest prices. He carries a very large line of the finest stock and his store, which has a twenty-seven foot frontage and is one hundred and thirty-five feet deep, is filled to overflowing with the choicest supplies. He also uses the cellar. Our subject does not find a great deal of time for secret societies or work outside of his legitimate business. He is, however, a Knight of Pythias and a very popular man in his lodge. He has been Alderman for the Second Ward for two years, having for his opponent his brother, Dr. Rush J. Shank.

     Mr. Shank has a very pleasant home which is located on Allegan Street. His wife was, prior to her marriage, a Miss Ella Edwards, a daughter of B. F. Edwards of this city, who is now a resident of Reed City. Their nuptials were solemnized January 21, 1881. Two children are the fruit of this marriage. They are by name Eva and Jessie, bright, vivacious young people who promise to equal, if not excel, their parents' business capacity. Mrs. Shank is a woman with progressive ideas and tendencies. She has not allowed herself to be isolated in her home because of the advent of her little ones, although she cares for them most tenderly. She is a member of the Ladies' Library Club, which has been instrumental in accomplishing much good in the city. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shank are members of the Episcopal Church.

     H. C. HEDGES, a prominent pharmacist of North Lansing, and an enterprising and public-spirited citizen, was born in Owosso, Shiawassee County, July 31, 1849, and therefore calls the Wolverine State his native home, His father, Joseph L. Hedges, was born in Truxton, N.Y., was a son of Lewis Hedges, a Vermonter by birth, who removed to the Empire State many years ago and in 1824 came to Oakland County, where he located and engaged in the business of a tanner and currier. He there remained until his death, which occurred in 1826.

     The father of our subject was a clothier and manufacturer of woolens in Pontiac, whence he went to Fenton, then to Owosso, becoming one of the early settlers there in 1848. He entered into partnership with Daniel Gould, by whom he suffered losses, and he later removed his woolen mill to Corunna, where he continued his business. After residing there for some time he removed first to Lansing, then to Pontiac, and then back again to Lansing. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and while living in Owosso filled the office of Justice of the Peace.

     Emily Colister is the maiden name of her who became the mother of our subject. She was born in Honeyoe, N.Y., and was the daughter of Robert Colister, who came from Scotland to this country when nineteen years of age. He became an early settler near Laingsburg, taking a rough farm in Victor Township, Clinton County, and devoting himself to its improvement and culture. She was a woman of earnest religious character and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the doctrines and practices of which she faithfully brought up her four children, of whom our subject is the youngest.

     When young Hedges was ten years old he went to Corunna, where he at once entered the woolen factory, and although he was so young he learned the business, because help was then so scarce on account of the war. After this he came to Lansing for a short time and thence went to Pontiac where his father had charge of the Paddock factory, with which he remained until it was organized into a stock company. Judge Paddock, whose name the factory bore, was a brother-in-law of Joseph Hedges. In 1868, the young man took charge of a department in the factory, superintending the weaving and spinning for five years, except during one year when he was at Flint, where he served the Stone & Willard Mill.

     Mr. Hedges came to Lansing in 1873, and bought (370) a half interest in a drug store, forming a partnership with Samuel C. Smith, under the firm name of Smith & Hedges. With this partner as an expert, he set to work to learn the business, and they remained together for eighteen months when F. I. Moore came into the business as a partner and remained with him until June, 1879, at which time he changed partners, taking Mr. J. A. Reck. The firm name was now Hedges & Reck, and at the time of the formation of that partnership the business was moved into the stand where it now exists, with a fine line of general drugs.

     At the time Mr. Hedges started in business, in 1873, he had been intending to open a book store in Ludington, and had purchased a stock, but could not find a suitable place there and in order to open, decided to buy a drug store which was then standing, and to its stock add books and stationery. Besides the stock of a pharmacist, our subject and his partner, Mr. Reck, handled paints and oils and other incidental goods which are usually found in a first-class store of this kind. He has prospered so as to place his family in a pleasant home at No. 915 Washington Avenue, and besides this property owns two other residences.

     The marriage of Mr. Hedges to Miss Louisa J. Gibson took place in Lansing in 1875. This lady is a native of the Empire State, but having been brought hither in early childhood, received her girlhood training and education here. She was early fitted for the position of a teacher and officiated in the Lansing schools previous to her marriage. Two interesting children bless this home, Florence and J. Harold.

     The interest which Mr. and Mrs. Hedges have evinced in educational matters has ever been a benefit to the schools of Lansing, and for five years Mr. Hedges was on the Board of Education, during which time he filled the Chairmanship of the committee on finance. He is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Royal Arcanum, in which organization he has been Secretary since 1879. He belongs to the Grand Council of Michigan, and has seen steady promotion in the order, as he has worked his way from Grand Sentry through the line to Grand Orator. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, in which he holds the second highest office in the United States, being Head Advisory in that body. He was a delegate to the meetings at Des Moines, Iowa, and Springfield, Ill. Besides the orders just named he belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees.

     In politics Mr. Hedges is a Republican of the true-blue variety and adheres to that party first last and always. He has been identified with the fire department of Lansing since 1873, and is Captain of Department No. 2. His excellent wife is an earnest and efficient member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The hunter's and fisher's sports are very attractive to this gentleman and in them he finds a needed relief from the perplexities and cares of business life.

     EDWIN H. WHITNEY is Grand Scribe of the Grand Encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is also the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the same society. This position he has held continuously since 1874, at which time the membership numbered eleven thousand two hundred and eighty, there being sixty-one encampments and one hundred and eighty-seven lodges. There are now four hundred and six lodges and a membership of twenty-two thousand.

     Mr. Whitney was born in Ontario County, N.Y., August 5, 1827. His father was Dennis Whitney, who was a farmer and until twelve years of age our subject lived on the home place. Then the family moved to Niagara County, N.Y., and there the original of our sketch received his education, first attending the Allen's Hill (Ontario County) Academy, and later the Royalton Center Academy of Niagara County. After that he remained until 1845 at Royalton Center when he came alone to Pontiac, Mich.

     Soon after his advent into this State Mr. Whitney was fortunate enough to secure a position in the office of the County Treasurer. He remained there for two years and then went into the County Registrar's office, where he remained for four years, after which he came to Lansing in 1851, and this city has ever since been his home. On coming here he secured a position in the State Treasurer's office and later in the State Land Office until 1857.

     In 1857 the gentleman of whom we are writing went to Detroit and for three years was engaged in the United States Custom House and for one year was United States Marshal, sharing the office with R. W. Davis, who was at that time Marshal. In 1861 Mr. Whitney returned to Lansing and transferred his interests from State work to merchandise, dealing in the hardware business until 1877 when he sold out. Three years previous to the sale of his hardware interests he had been elected to his present offices and since that time he has been giving his attention exclusively to this. The city bears a very different aspect now from what it did when the subject of this sketch made his entrance here. At that time it was but partially cleared and presented for the most part a dreary waste of stumps, there being logs in every street. He purchased land, however, which he was wise enough to hold and now has a valuable tract and a very pleasant home.

     For four years Mr. Whitney was a member of the Common Council, representing the Fourth Ward. He has also been on the Board of Education for the same length, of time and representing the same ward. Although such an enthusiastic member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows our subject is also a Knight Templar. In church relations he is an Episcopalian, having been a Vestryman for some time. He was so elected on the first Board in 1855 and with the exception of the time of his absence in Detroit he has been in service for twenty years.

     Feeling that it was not good for man to live, alone Mr. Whitney was united in marriage, to Miss Jennie Dodge, of Ypsilanti, their marriage being solemnized May 17, 1959. Since that time three children have come to them. They have now reached the estate of manhood and womanhood and are respected and honored citizens. The eldest is Edwin D., now a resident of Portland, Ore.; Jennie E. is the wife of' W. K. Pruden and has a delightful home in this city; Lewis D. is also a resident of this city.

      HON. MARCUS M. ATWOOD. At the time when the parents of our subject came to Michigan there were only five log cabins in what is now Ingham Township, two of which were upon the Atwood Homestead, and seven families constituted the population of the township. It was all an unbroken and dense forest and not a tree had been felled nor a sod turned. Indians were scattered all about and wild game abounded and here they endured many hardships and did thorough and genuine pioneer work.

     Mr. Atwood, who is a lawyer at Dansville, Ingham County. was born in Homer, Cortland County N.Y., January 3, 1826. His parents were Zenas and Hulda (Purinton) Atwood, natives of Franklin County, Mass., where they passed their youth and were married. Their first wedded home was in Graton, Tompkins County, N.Y., where they settled in 1815 and later removed to Homer. In 1836 they made their removal to Michigan, he coming early in the spring by way of the lakes to Detroit, and then taking ox-team from that city to the new homestead. He located upon eighty acres of Government land in Ingham County, and built a log house to which he brought his family in the fall. Both Mr. and Mrs. Zenas Atwood spent the remainder of their lives in this township, remaining on the farm most of the time. The father died at the age of fifty-nine years, in October, 1850, and his wife survived until 1875, when she passed away at the age of eighty-four years.

     The father of our subject was a plain hardworking man, who was faithful in all his duties but was not one who accumulated much property, neither did he give his time to public service, except on one occasion when he acted as Assessor of his township. He was a strong Abolitionist, even at the early date previous to his death, and was (372) a man of firm convictions. Both he and his wife were active and efficient members of the Baptist Church, in which he was a Deacon from the date of the organization of the Dansville Church, until his death. His parents were New England people of English origin, and his wife's parents came from the same section and were descended from English and French stock. Joseph Purinton, his wife's father, was a Revolutionary soldier and he himself served in the War of 1812. Eight children were granted him and his worthy helpmate, namely: Pearly, Almira, Lucy, Horace, Henry P. Mercy C., Martin S., and Marcus M., the two latter being twins.

     The first ten years of our subject's life were spent upon the farm in New York and he came with his parents to Michigan in 1836, remaining with them until he reached the age of seventeen. After leaving home he supplemented the studies which he had taken in the district schools by attending the Leoni Institute and the Grass Lake Academy in Jackson County. Later he went to Ann Arbor and read law with Norton R. Ramsdel, remaining with him for two or three years. He then began teaching and remained for twenty-two terms at the teacher's desk. In 1852 he settled down upon a farm in Ingham Township, and for several years gave his attention to farming and the rest of the time to the practice of law, being admitted to the bar at Mason, Mich. In 1858 he gave up farming and has since devoted his attention entirely to the practice of the law at Dansville. Having won the confidence of the people he now enjoys a large and lucrative practice, and is admitted to all the courts in the State. Mr. Atwood's first Presidential vote was cast on the Democratic ticket for Zachary Taylor. His earliest official position was that of township Clerk of Ingham Township, to which he was elected in 1849, and in 1850 he held the same office in Stockbridge Township.

     In 1856 Mr. Atwood was elected Justice of the Peace of Ingham Township, and held that office for twenty consecutive years, although he did not devote himself exclusively to it. It was in 1860 that the Democratic party elected him to the Michigan State Legislature and he was re-elected to the same office in 1870. He served in both sessions with, honor to himself and profit and satisfaction to his constituents. During the first session be was a member of the Committee on Supplies and the Judiciary Committee and in the last session he belonged to the Committee on State Affairs and Elections. He has been for thirty-three years President of the village of Dansville, and since his service in the Legislature has been giving his entire attention to his professional duties. He is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery of the F. & A. M. and is also a member of the Odd Fellows order.

     The lady who became Mrs. Atwood in the month of April 1863 bore the maiden name of Louisa J. Skadan. Her home was in the township of Ingham, this county and she was born in Sennett, Cayuga County, December 25,1836. Her parents, Samuel and Irene (Shedon) Skadan, were both natives of the Empire State who settled in this township in 1840. The social position of the Hon. M. M. Atwood and wife is exceptionally good and their home is the center of a true and genuine hospitality. He has been a member of the village council twelve years and was President of the village eleven years.

    JAMES H. SHAFER. It is sometimes thought by superficial people, who know nothing of agriculture, that no special intelligence is required to till the soil, and indeed, if the mechanical work were all that is necessary, this would be so, but, as in every branch of industry, the thoughtful and logical carrying out of theories that have been proved by experiment and science is found to be advantageous and to the profit of the farmer. He of whom we write is of the class who believes in progression and advancement. He is the owner of a fine farm on section 3, of Vevay Township, Ingham County, and although a general farmer, devotes himself especially to the work of stock-raising.

     Our subject was born in the city of Mason, (373) Ingham County, this State, July 11, 1849. He is the son of George W. and Deborah (Horten) Shafer, natives of New York. The father, whose home was in Mason, owned some two hundred and twenty acres of land near the city, so while our subject lived in the city until he was about twenty-one years of age he was at the same time engaged in farming. He received a good common-school education, and appreciating the value that a knowledge of books and sciences has for men, he made the best of his opportunities, and is to-day a man of culture and education.

     Mr. Shafer's marriage took place November 8, 1870, at which time he was united to Miss Lucy E. Saxton, a daughter of N. S. and Eliza (Fuller) Saxton. She was born in Knox County, Ohio, September 4, 1851. Her parents were natives of New York. About two years after his marriage Mr. Shafer went to the State of Kansas, where he made his residence for some two years. On his return he removed to the farm, and has here since lived. Although our subject is independent in politics, voting for the man that he thinks best fitted for the position in question, his sympathies have been, as a rule, with the Republican party, and that political body has received the weight of his vote and influence. He has his preference by inheritance as well as choice, as his father was also a Republican. In 1882 our subject received the honor of an election to the post of Supervisor of Vevay Township, and has been re-elected to the office seven times since.