About three miles east from Melrose is situated the estate of our subject, which is cultured and cared for in a manner becoming a first class farmer, while it is improved with excellent barns, outbuildings, and residence, with orchard. Mr. Shaffer is a man of industry and thrift and is well esteemed by all in the community.
Joseph E. Shaffer was born near Ragersville, Ohio, on April 2, 1858, being the son of Joseph and Susan (Cullar) Shaffer. The father was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, on June 10, 1806, was a pioneer to Ohio in 1831 and died in 1889. He was a farmer and boat builder. The mother of our subject was born in the same County and state, in 1816 and died in 1880. Joseph grew to manhood in Ohio and was educated there.
In 1872, the family went to Portage County and when this son was of age, he spent some time in traveling to various portions of the country. Then he rented the old homestead and worked it for a time, after which he sold and same to Portland, Oregon. Later he was in Jacksonville, the same state, and. then returned to Portage County, Ohio. In the fall of 1891, he came to Latah County and farmed in the Cove until 1896, when he repaired to the reservation and took up his present place.
On July 24, 1881, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, Mr. Shaffer married Miss Love, daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Jones) McFee. The father was a farmer, born in Ohio as was also his wife, and he served in the Civil war under General Marshall. Mrs. Shaffer was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1863, and has five brothers, John, William, Oscar, Frank, and Marshall. Mr. Shaffer has the following brothers and sisters, Selinda Shannon, Jane Durkee, Lydia Thompson, Melissa Norris, and Mary Scott. To Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer there have been born three children, Clyde M., born in Ohio on April 16, 1882; William J., born in Portland, Oregon, on December 18, 1883; Guy O., born in Nez Perces County on May 1, 1897.
Mr. Shaffer is a Republican and a first class citizen.
Back to: Nez Perce Biographies
Source: An Illustrated History of Northern Idaho, Embracing Nez Perce, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone Counties, Western Historical Publishing Company, 1903