In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1809
From History of Coshocton County, Ohio: its past and present, 1740-1881. Containing a comprehensive history of Ohio; a complete history of Coshocton County ... a history of its soldiers in the late war ... (1881)
SHAFER A., Lafayette township; farmer; postoffice, Jacobsport; was born m Albany county, New York, in 1809, and came to this township, in 1836; and is one of the oldest residents of this township. He was married to Miss Maria Davis, of Schnectady county. New York in 1886. They have had six children: Steven, deceased; Elizabeth A., Peter, Catharine, Baxter and Alonzo. Mr. S. was county commissioner one term, township trustee two terms, and supervisor numerous times. His parents were New Yorkers of German descent. He owns 240 acres of land and although at an advanced age, is industrious, and regarded as one of the prominent men of the township.
As printed in History of Coshocton County, Ohio: its past and present, 1740-1881. Containing a comprehensive history of Ohio; a complete history of Coshocton County ... a history of its soldiers in the late war ... (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1881. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.