John D. Schaffner

As printed in 1908

JOHN DAVID SCHAFFNER, a much esteemed citizen of Bethel Township. Clark County, Ohio, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on a fine farm of seventy-three and one-half acres, was born April 4, 1860, in Springfield, Ohio, in the Old Pennsylvania House, a tavern which was conducted by his father, Peter Sehaffner.

Peter Schaffner was born at Weisenberg, Germany, and when a boy of eight years accompanied his parents to this. country, they immediately coming to Ohio and settling in Clark County. Here Peter was reared and became a distiller, and at the time was considered the best distiller in the county. He later engaged in milling and after his marriage operated a grocery and tavern at Springfield. He was united in marriage with Caroline Frick, also a native of Germany, who came to America at the age of sixteen years. They became the parents of six children, all born in the old Pennsvlvania House, of whom two died in infancy. The other four were: Lewis, now deceased; Peter, Jr.; Caroline, who married Thomas Fisher; and John David, the subject of this sketch. In later years Mr. Schaffner purchased the old Miller estate of one hundred and eleven acres in Bethel Township, seventy-three and one-half acres of which, as above noted, are owned by John D. Schaffner, and here he resided until his death at the age of seventy-six years. Mrs. Schaffner died in January, 1892, aged sixty-four years.

John D. Schaffner was eight years old when his parents moved to his present farm, where he attended the district schools of the township, and grew to man's estate. He became a farmer, which occupation he has always continued to follow, and purchased his farm from his father's estate. Many of the improvements made on the farm, including the fine large brick residence, were made by him, and in connection with his farming he raises considerable stock, making a specialty of Poland China hogs.

January 8. 1889, Mr. Schaffner was united in marriage with Delia Thomas, who was ]iorn at New Moorefield, Ohio, a daughter of George D. and Martha L. (Lamar) Thomas, who came from Frederick City, Maryland, to Clark County. Mrs. Schaffner is one of a family of fourteen children, namely: William; Anna, widow of John IHilery: Delia Fletcher, wife of our subject; Sally, wife of B. Shroyer; A. Lowrey, who married Lillian Roll; Alvin H.; Frank D.; Pearl H.; and four who are deceased. Mrs. Schaffner 's father died February 28, 1889; her mother is still living at the age of sixty-nine

Mr. and Mrs. Schaffner have one son, Roy, who wa. born June 20, 1890, and who resides at home.

As printed in 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.