John Shafer/ need help in finding him 1860 & back.
I am researching a JOHN C.SHAFER b.15 Feb.1839 d.14 Dec 1883
m. to ANNA ALMA BRAND b.12 Sep 1844 d.22 Feb 1897. According to her Bible, they were married 20 Dec 1860 at her fathers home (Philip Brand)in Noble Co.by Justice of the Peace George Roads. John and Anna were listed in the Noble Co 1870 census, and in 1880 were in the Gallia Co.,OH census. They lived there until their deaths. John was 21 when they married and died when their youngest son was only 6 months old. There is Samuel Shafer/Mary Kerns family in Noble with a John C., but cannot be the same John as b'dates,census dates,wifes name,later county of residence,etc are way off. I've tried some collateral searchs (neighbors in census, in-laws,etc) to prove him SOMEWHERE 1860 and back with no luck. In the 1850 & 1840 censuses of the surrounding counties & even all the way over to the Columbus area, there are several JOHN SHAFER's with the correct age.But, How in the world do I pinpoint him? If he & Anna married in December, he HAD to have been in the area of Noble Co for at least a WHILE, shouldn't he?
I would appreciate any help and advice that anyone can give me on this. It has had me stuck for years. My mother is 81 and ever since I started on her line,she has just wanted to know what part of Germany that her family was from. I'd like to be able to do this one special thing for her while I still have her.
Thanks in advance for any help! : ) Judy M.