My Genealogy Hound

ECKERT SHEAFER, dealer in agricultural implements, 303 Walnut street, Troy; is a man widely known and universally respected; his life has been one of toil, but, nevertheless, he has maintained a great degree of good humor, is full of jokes, and courteous as a man can be who has fought a long and hard battle from boyhood; he was the second son of Emanuel Sheafer, born Jan. 3, 1824, at Lancaster, Penn., and, at the age of 6 years, went to his grandfather’s to live, who gave him the opportunity of obtaining an education such as the common schools afforded; at the age of 21, he obtained a position in his uncle’s store, and continued in his employ three years; but, the close confinement being detrimental to his health, he severed his connection with the firm, coming to Staunton Township in 1848; he engaged with his uncle Eckert on a farm, working for him two years; a partnership was then formed with George Skinner, and they engaged in farming and raising stock until 1853, on the McDowell farm. His marriage with Miss Josephine Winans, a daughter of Judge J. C. Winans, was celebrated Oct. 9, 1851. The partnership with Mr. Skinner was dissolved by mutual consent in 1853, when Mr. Sheafer moved to the Barbee farm, now the property of Mrs. John L. Meredith; he took a trip through the Western States this year, and purchased 160 acres of land in Nebraska, but instead of emigrating, afterward disposed of it. Six children have been born during their married life, of whom five are living, the first son, Charles D., dying in infancy; Rose, the eldest child now living, was born July 11, 1854; George O., Nov. 20, 1856; J. Winans, March 8, 1858; Eckert, Jr., Jan. 15, 1866; Harry H., Feb. 9, 1868. In the spring of 1864, he enlisted in the 100-days service, and was elected First Lieutenant of Co. D, 141st U. S. I; he made an efficient officer, and was honorably discharged from the service at the expiration of the term for which he had enlisted. He continued farming until March, 1879, when he sold his stock and removed to Troy, forming a partnership with J. E. Nysewander in the agricultural implement business, the firm are prospering well, and are building up a good trade. His children have received a liberal education, and are all fond of literary pursuits: the daughter, Rose, is a creditable musician and good vocalist; their home is a pleasant one, Eckert and his wife most affable neighbors, enjoying the esteem of all who know them.