Joseph Shaffstall

     Joseph was born on Sunday, 5 December 1819 in Lykens Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. He was christened there on 18 June 1820 in Hoffman's Reformed Church. The sponsors of his christening were Daniel Hoffman & his wife, Hanna.¹ Joseph married Elizabeth Schwartz on 26 September 1841 in Crawford County, Ohio.² 19 October 1850, Joseph and his wife, Elizabeth, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Chatfield Township, Crawford County, Ohio. Enumerated in this household were Joseph Shoffstall [30 Pennsylvania], his wife: Elizabeth [30 Pennsylvania], children: Isiah [8 Ohio], Solomon [5 Ohio], Michael [3 Ohio], & Joseph [3/12 Ohio].³ 15 June 1870, Joseph and his wife, Elizabeth, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Antrim Township, Wyandot County, Ohio. Enumerated in this household were Joseph Shaffstall [50 Pennsylvania], his wife: Elizabeth [51 Pennsylvania], children: Michael [22 Ohio], Joseph [22 Ohio], Mary J. [16 Ohio], Harrison [14 Ohio] & Sarah [7 Ohio].⁴ 18 June 1880, Joseph and his wife, Elizabeth, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Antrim Township. Enumerated in this household were Joseph Shaffstall [60 Pennsylvania], Elizabeth [61 Pennsylvania], Sarah E. [17 Ohio], Joseph L. [30 Ohio], daughter-in-law: Cordelia [20 Ohio]; grand child: Mertie [5 Ohio], daughter: Lucinda Brunni [28 Ohio] & gandson: Ezra Brunni [4 Ohio]. Joseph is a farmer.⁵ Joseph's wife, Elizabeth, died on 2 September 1886 in Nevada, Wyandot County, Ohio, leaving him a widower. Joseph departed this life on Friday, 10 January 1896 in Nevada, Wyandot County, Ohio, at age 76 years, 1 month and 5 days. He was buried there in Burke's Church Cemetery.⁶