My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM H. SHANAFELT, a prosperous agriculturist residing on section 24, LaGrange Township, is well known throughout Cass County as one of its enterprising citizens, energetic business men and efficient farmers. A native of Pickaway County, Ohio, he was born on the day before Christmas, 1824. He is of German descent, and his paternal grandfather, who was born in Germany, was a valiant soldier in the Revolutionary War and was killed while in active service. The father of our subject, William Shanafelt, was one of eight children, all of whom were bound out, the boys to learn trades.

After having served an apprenticeship of six years to the trade of a potter, William Shanafelt went to Pickaway County, Ohio, when eighteen years of age, and there continued his trade and also followed farming in connection therewith. He remained thus occupied until his death. While residing in Pickaway County he married Elizabeth Briece and in 1835, accompanied by his family and all his earthly effects packed on wagons drawn by oxen, he made the tedious trip to Cassopolis, Mich. He had but a few hundred dollars, and this amount he invested in the purchase of one hundred and sixty acres where a part of Cassopolis now stands. The land was at that time covered with heavy timber and few roads had been opened in the county. Through arduous exertions and unflagging industry, this worthy pioneer succeeded in bringing the land to a good state of cultivation, and acquired a competency. He passed away mourned by a host of warm personal friends. His widow survived him a number of years.

A lad of about eleven years when he came to Michigan, our subject grew to manhood amid the primeval scenes of this then undeveloped county. At the age of twenty-two, in 1847, he married Miss Susan, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Barr) Bleacher, all of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Soon afterward he received $500 from his father, with which he purchased eighty acres, and to that property he added from time to time until his landed possessions reached an aggregate of one hundred and eighty acres, all lying in one body. Socially he is connected with the Masonic fraternity, having been identified with it for a period of fifteen years, and being now a Master Mason. He and his estimable wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and liberal contributors to its support. In his political affiliations, he is a warm advocate of the principles enunciated by the Republican party and always gives his ballot to the support of the candidates of the party of his choice. He and his wife have been the parents of seven children, as follows: Charles H., deceased; Mary, the wife of John Wolcott; William, who married Josephine Williams; Daniel, deceased; Josie, Mrs. Merwin; Eddie, who married Miss Carrie Hawk; and Jennie, deceased. The social position occupied by this family is one of considerable prominence in the community and they are highly regarded wherever known.