Taken from the Montgomery County History of 1903
Mr. R. M. Shaffer – Among the prominent and representative citizens of Elk city, is R. M. Shaffer, grain and coal dealer. His connection with the business interests of the town dates back to 1892 and prior to that he had been one of the leading farmers of the county for thirteen years. Three decades of circumspect living in a community given a man a most powerful influence in shaping its moral and civic life, and thus the biographer found Mr. Shaffer a most proper subject for volume devoted to the history of the men who have made Montgomery what she is today among the best counties in the state.
Athens County, Ohio was the place of the birth of Mr. Shaffer and July 11, 1846, the date. He had not yet finished his school days when the roll of the drum fired his young and courageous heart to volunteer for the defense of Ol Glory, and right valiantly did he carry himself during the four long years of that sanguinary conflict. He enlisted three different times and served in all, three years and three months. his first enlistment was in Co. H, 87th O.V.I., May 25, 1862. This regiment became a part of the Army of the Potomac, and was stationed at Harper’s Ferry. It had scarcely to its bearings when the Confederates appeared in force and captured the whole post. The munitions of war seemed the only part of their capture they cared to keep, and the regiment was paroled en masse on the 17th of September. Resolved to see more of the war, our subject, in October, once more enlisted, this time in Co. A 129th O.V.I., a regiment which was part of Burnside’s corps and whose first engagement was at Cumberland Gap Tenn. His term of service expiring March 18, 1864. Mr. Shaffer again enlisted Co. A 38th O.V.I enrolling him as a private soldier. He served in the supply department of Sherman’s army in the Atlanta campaign until the fall of that city, then joining the victorious legions of that general, made the march to the sea, and up to the scene of the final surrender. With his battle scarred companions, he participated in that Grand Review which has never ceased to be the subject of pen and story, and took part in that other sublime spectacle which has been the wonder of the ages – the peaceful disintegration of a victorious army and its quiet return to civic life.
A farmer for three years, a section foreman on railroad for four, a husbandman on his own land for seven more, all in Ohio, brought our subject to 1879, the date of his coming to Montgomery county. He bought land near Elk City and engaged in farming until 1892 when he removed to town and entered upon the business he now conducts.
During his residence in the county, Mr. Shaffer has been zealous in forwarding its interests, serving in different offices of trust in his school district, and since his residence in town has been continuously a member of the common council. He and his family are active workers in the Christian church of which he is a ‘elder. Fraternally he affiliates with the Mason order and is a prominent member of the G. A. R. of the local post of which organization he has been Commander continuously for nine years. Politically he supports the policies of the Republican Party
Noting family history briefly, Mr. Shaffer is a son of William H.and Ann McNeal Shaffer, natives of the Keystone State. After their marriage they moved to Ohio settling in Athens county, where the father passed the remainder of his life. He was a farmer and occupied a leading position in the community. He died August 7, 1866. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist church; the wife is a member of the Christian church and now resides in Elk City, a much venerated and loved woman, at the advanced age of eighty years.
The family is as follows: Our subject R. M.; David W, of Salem, Ohio; Martha J., Mrs. William P. Berry, of Lampasas, Texas;John H. of Elk City; Asbury H. of Marseilles, Ill.; Rox Celenda of Elk City; Ami C. of Chauncey o., Andrew M of Oakland, Ill.; George W. of Brushy Fork, Ill.
On the 20th of May 1866 Mr. Shaffer was joined in marriage with Miss Mary L. a daughter of Wm. H. and Elizabeth (Roach) Powell, of Morgan county, Ohio. Mrs. Shaffer’s father was killed at the battle of Wilderness, Ohio. The mother dying before 1856. There were two children besides R. M.; Rile E. of Chauncey, Ohio and Maxwell G. of Burton, Ks. To the marriage of our subject have been born; Azra W. minister and signing evangelist of the Christian church; Charles B. deceased; Flora M. deceased; Lizzie deceased; Ollie I., Mrs. Ora Fitzgerald of Elk City; Mamie M. Mrs. C. D. Close of Neal Kan.; Nannie deceased and Elza R. of Elk City.
commander continuousoy for nine yearsl Pooliticallym he supports the policies of the Republican party.