James S. Shaffer

 

SOURCE: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, Illinois," Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887
SURNAMES: BERLINCOURT, BROWN, JONES, ROCHE, SHAFFER

 

JAMES S. SHAFFER is the owner of 160 acres of excellent, highly improved land, located on section 25, Sidney Township, where he carries on an extensive farming and stock-growing business. He was born in Frankfort, Ky., Sept. 15, 1840, and is the son of Joseph and Mary (ROCHE) SHAFFER. His parents were both born in France. At an early day, the date of which is unknown, they removed from France seeking a new home in America. They first settled in Pennsylvania where his father was a teacher in the public schools. From there they removed to LaFayette, Ind., where his father died in 1856.

His mother having previously married the second time to a man by the name of Alfonso BERLINCOURT, came to Illinois with her only child, James S. Shaffer. Her death occurred in 1882, at Burlington, Kan. James was left at an early age to make his own way in the world. The truism "some are born to greatness, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them," may also apply to prosperity. It was his destiny to achieve by his own intelligence, foresight and courage, and he has successfully contended against many difficulties and obstacles.

In 1871, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth JONES, the daughter of William and Mary J. (BROWN) JONES. Her parents, who were natives of Kentucky, now reside in Danville, Ill. Mr. James S. Shaffer and his wife have reared a family of eleven children; their names and dates of birth are as follows; Ida B., March 6, 1872; Louis, Sept. 11, 1873; Ira, Sept. 13 1874; William, Dec. 19 1875; Mary, May 11 1877; John, April 19 1878; Joseph, Nov. 15 1880; James, May 9 1882; Oscar, Jan. 28 1884; Alice, June 31 1885; Charles, March 17 1887. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. His wife is a Methodist. In politics he is a Republican.

Published by Chapman Brothers,Chicago, Illinois. 1887. Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, Illinois.

Note: James S. Shaffer died on 26 March 1889 in Sidney, Illinois,along with three of his children, Mary, James and Louis, from measles. His son Clarence was born after his death.