Portrait and Biographical Record of the Sixth Congressional District, Maryland, Chapman Publishing Company, 1898, p 249-250.
JACOB SHAFF. Many of the older residents of Jefferson District, Frederick County, recall this worthy pioneer of this section with feelings of profound respect and love, for, though he was called to his reward many decades ago, the influence he exerted for good in his day and generation is not forgotten. For years he was a pillar in the Lutheran Church, giving generously to the support of its work, and in practical and material ways manifesting his high regard for the spreading of righteousness.
The birth of Mr. Shaff occurred in Frederick County about 1770, prior to the Declaration of Independence in the United States. He was of German descent, and acquired a general knowledge of both the English and German languages. The schools of his boyhood in this region were few and far bewteen, and children were taught chiefly by private tutors. Such education as he possessed was the result of his own perservering study and the reading of the few good books which then constituted the library of a family. Following the example of a long line of sturdy sires, he gave his energies to agriculture from his youth, and by industry and well-directed efforts became quite well-off ere he had reached his prime. He owned several finely improved and fertile farms in Jeferson District, one of these, his home place, being about two miles from the town of Jefferson. He was a believer in the principles of the Democratic party, but was never an aspirant to public office. Death put an end to his busy and useful life when he was in his seventy-fourth year, in 1843.
About the year 1800 Mr. Shaff had married Miss Margaret Weaver, whose father was Henry Weaver, a successful farmer of this country. Mrs. Shaff survived her husband for several years, being summoned to the silent land in 1853. They were parents of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, whom they reared in a judicious and careful manner, with due regard to the great responsibility devolving upon them in traing the youthdul minds opening out under their influence. Of that large and happy family circle, (eleven of whom lived to a good old age) but three remain. George, who was a farmer, married and left a family to mourn his loss. Jacob and John both went to the west and there engaged in agricultural avocations until death claimed them. Daniel, who never married, lived on the old homestead formerly the property of his father, and at his death, which occurred July 12, 1890, in his eighty-second year, left all of his property, including the farm and some real estate in the town of Jefferson, to his surviving sisters. Samuel, who had settled in Indiana, carried on a farm there until his death. Elizabeth became the wife of William Maught, of this county, and died some years ago. Julia Ann and Margaret died when in girlhood. Sarah, who married Jacob Stine, a farmer of this county, is still living. Catherine and Susan have never married, and they continued to make their home on the old farm in this district until 1862, when they removed to the village. Here they have long been honored and respected citizens, being identified with the Lutheran Church, as have been all the other members of their family. They have considerable property, and have shown excellent judgement in their funds. They are ladies of good education and general attainments, and their leisure time, when not given to the visiting of the sick and afflicted, is spent in reading and study. They are well posted upon all of the current events of the day, and are entertaining hostesses and conversationalists. They have hosts of sincere friends in this community and are eminently deserving of the love and respect which are theirs in unstinted measure.
Family links:
Parents:
George Shaaff (____ – 1818)
Susannah Maria (unknown) Shaaff (1734 – ____)
Spouse:
Margaret Weaver Shaff (1775 – 1862)*
Children:
Jacob Shaff (1802 – 1861)*
Samuel Shaff (1812 – 1869)*
* Reverse Relationships:] body=[This relationship was not directly added to this memorial. Rather, it is calculated based on information added to the related person’s memorial. For example: if Joe Public is linked to Jane Public as a spouse, a reciprocal link will automatically be added to Jane Public’s memorial. ] fade=[on] fadespeed=[.09]”>Point here for explanation |
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