Yuma County, Colorado
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Yuma County Pioneer Photographs:



Fred G. and Gracie (Ward) Shaffer, Yuma

GRACE'S FAMILY

In 1880 Cass County Nebraska are Ben Ward 32, Gillie Ward 28, Dora 9, Emily B 7, Hannah 5, Gracie 3, and Hoover ten months.  Ben is an implement dealer

Benjamin Ward cash-claimed a quarter in 3N 47W - about three miles north of Yuma - in 1890.



BENJAMIN WARD, of Lafferty & Co.'s Livery Stable, Louisville, was born in Putnam County, Ind., July 9, 1847, and resided for some years with his parents in Missouri and Iowa. In 1859, he came with them to Nebraska, and assisted his father in farming in Plattsmouth Precinct, afterward in Eight-Mile Grove. In 1864, he enlisted in the Second Nebraska Cavalry, and served about eight months. He was for some two years engaged in teaming, freighting, etc., to Denver, and for a year lived in Montana, where he teamed six months, and then gave his attention to mining; subsequently was for a year in British Columbia, trading with the Indians. Returning to Nebraska, he farmed for four years near this place, and was afterward for two years in agricultural implement business at Louisville, in company with B. G. Hoover; was for six months engaged in hardware business, with his brothers; then again in Colorado for eight months, employed by the "Burlington & Missouri Railroad Company." He returned here in May, 1882, and joined George Lafferty in this business. Mr. Ward was married in Glendale, Cass County, Neb., October 24, 1869. They have four children--Dora, Emma R., Hannah E. and Grace B.

July 1904 Idaho Springs "Mrs. Fred G. Shaffer and Mrs. C. P. Ball, desire to thank the many friends for their kindness in assisting them to find their little girls who were lost last week."

Daughters of Benjamin Ward.  - Thanks to the Ward family

From left to right. Emily Ball, Marie, Ella Taylor, Grace Shaffer, Lila Marks.
FRED'S FAMILY

PROBABLE

In 1880 Merrick County, Nebraska, John Shaffer is 46, Mary C. Shaffer 52 Wife, Fred Shaffer 11 Son, Willard Shaffer 9 Son, and Leroy Morser 23 Stepson.

John Shaffer Date of Death: 12 Feb 1881 Burial Place: Central, Merrick, Nebraska,

In 1893 Fred Shaffer of Lincoln was appointed a delegate by the Nebraska governor to a convention to discuss building a railroad 'from the British border to the Gulf of Mexico.'

1893 Lincoln, Nebraska

February 1894 Nebraska items

February 1894 Omaha

April 1894

Mary J. Shaffer Findley, 1829 - 1908 , BURIAL Central City Cemetery Central City, Merrick County, Nebraska, MEMORIAL ID 32828061.

" Mrs. Mary C. Findley, who has been in failing health for many months past, died at her home in this city Saturday in the eightieth year of her age. Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church Monday, Rev. R. G. McKenzie officiating. Mrs. Findley was born in Oneida, N. Y., August 2, 1829, where she lived until her removal with her parents to Sullivan, N. Y.. Here she grew to womanhood and was married to Luther Morser in 1846. To this union four children were born, two of whom died in early life. Mr. Morser died in 1852 and ten years later she married John Shaffer. To this union was born two sons, Fred of Denver and William of this city, who with the other two children survive her. After the death of Mr. Shaffer she married in 1881 Martin P. Findley, who died Nov. 2, 1895, since which time she has made her home with her son William. In addition to William, Chas. Morser of Pueblo, Colo. was present at the funeral, the other two sons being unable to get here. Mrs. Findley came to Merrick County in 1872 and has resided here ever since going through all the vicissitudes of pioneer life. She was a woman of splendid character, a member of the Methodist Church and a consistent Christian. She had the esteem of a large number of friends."

FRED'S HALF-BROTHER LeROY

In 1880 Merrick County, Nebraska, Leroy J. Morser is 28, Olivia B. Morser 24 Wife, and Mary A. Morser 7/12 Daughter.

In 1900 Boulder County, Leroy Morser is 52, Holley Morser 44 Wife, Charley Morser 16 Son, and Jennie Morser 9 Daughter.

April 1904 Idaho Springs " Roy Morser, a relative of Fred G. Shaffer, returned to his home at Boulder Tuesday morning after a few days' visit here."

Olivia Morser, born 5 May 1856 in Illinois, died 2 Feb 1907 in Martinsville, Morgan County, Indiana, Father: Wm Stone Mother: Sallie Stone Spouse: Leroy Morser.

Leroy J. Morser BIRTH 1852 New York, DEATH 1 Dec 1915 Klamath Falls, Klamath County, Oregon, BURIAL Linkville Pioneer Cemetery, Klamath Falls, Klamath County, Oregon, MEMORIAL ID 4317133.

Last night before 12 o'clock Leroy J. Morser, who had been employed as night clerk at hotel Hall for the past two and half years failed to rally from a heat stroke which he receved in the post office building while in the act of procuring his mail.
Mr. Morser, with his wife, in the early part of the evening had attended the play given in the Houston Opera house, and having gone home with her, he returned to the hotel where later, in the company of M.J. McDonough, he walked down to the post office and it was there that he was stricken.
During Mr. Morser's employ at the hotel he gained a wide acquaintance, and there was hardly a commercial man making this part of the state to whom he was not well and favorably known.
The deceased leaves a wife and four children to mourn his death, among whom is a daughter living in Alabama.
Leroy J. Morser was nearing his 63rd birthday and was a native of New York.

Charles Finley Morser Age: 59 Birth Place: Indianapolis, Indiana Death Date: 23 Oct 1943 Death Place: Grants Pass, Oregon, Parents Leroy and Mary C. Morser, BURIAL Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery Grants Pass, Josephine County, MEMORIAL ID 148212077.

FRED'S HALF-BROTHER CHARLES

" A double wedding occurred at Trinidad July 4th, 1887, the contracting parties being Charles Morser and Miss Hattie Spane. and Wm. Wickham and Miss Rose Brakey."

April 1890 La Junta " Conductor Morser moved into the George Spane property on Monday."

Pueblo, Colorado "BORN. Monday, October 2,1893, to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Morser, of No. 5, block O, a daughter."

February 1902 Idaho Springs "Charles L. Morser of Wall Street, Boulder county, a young man who is conceded to be one of the best miners in that section is visiting in the city."

April 1904 Idaho Springs " Roy Morser, a relative of Fred G. Shaffer, returned to his home at Boulder Tuesday morning after a few days' visit here."

June 1904 Idaho Springs "Mrs. Morser, accompatied by her daughter, Miss Jennie, arrived in the city from Boulder county Wednesday afternoon, and for a short time will be the guests of Fred G. Shaffer."

April 30, 1910 La Junta, Colorado

Leroy G. Morser BIRTH 16 Jun 1888 DEATH 26 Apr 1910 (aged 21) BURIAL Mountain View Cemetery Pueblo, Pueblo County, Colorado, PLOT Blk H MEMORIAL ID 109101255

June 29, 1912 Pueblo

December 1917 La Junta " Mrs Hattie Morser, of Pueblo, who was summoned to La Junta last week on account of the illness of her mother. Mrs. George Spane. returned home last Monday afternoon Mrs Spane has Improved somewhat."

Charles L. Morser BIRTH 1862 DEATH 26 Mar 1940 BURIAL Mountain View Cemetery Pueblo, Colorado, PLOT Blk H, MEMORIAL ID 109101050.



Hariett L. Morser BIRTH 1869, DEATH 4 Jun 1960, BURIAL PLOT Blk H, MEMORIAL ID 109101174.

"Died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. L. Lyle Irwin, 310 W. Adams.




FRED IN COLORADO

August 1895

Fred Grant Shaffer Marriage Date: 29 Apr 1896 Marriage Place: Yuma, Colorado, Spouse: Gracie Bell Ward

1898 Pueblo, Colorado " Mr. and Mrs. Fred G. Shaffer are in the city from Denver. Mr. Shaffer is one of the most prominent newspaper men in the state and is here for the Denver Times."

July 1899 " The Western Woodman, edited by Fred G. Shaffer and A. B. Gray, is a late Journalistic venture. It is devoted to the interests of that young, but powerful order in the west, Woodcraft. It is worthy the patronage of all members of the craft."

In 1900 Denver, Fred G. Shaffer is 29, born in New York, Grace Shaffer 23 Wife, Ginevra Saffert 2 Daughter, Reva Shaffer 10 Daughter, Samuel Anderson 12 Son, and Emma M. Anderson 9 Daughter.

December 1900 Yuma "Mrs. Grace Shaffer and children, who have been visiting reiatives and friends at this place, left for their new home in Idaho Springs last Monday night"

" The first number of the Idaho Springs Siftings made its appearance on our table this week. The editor, Fred G. Shaffer, is a bright newspaper man and well known over the state. Fred at one time was connected with The Pioneer, but for the last few years has been working on the Denver papers. May this Pay Streak in the new field be a profitable one."

January 1901 Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "The Idaho Springs Siftings, published by Shaffer & Williamson, is only six weeks old, but that does not prevent it lrom being one of the healthiest looking cherubs in the Centennial state. For neatness it is unsurpassed; for live local matter it would be hard to beat, and its editorial utterances are outspoken The Siftings is a credit to the journalistic field of Colorado. "

"From the Denver Times. Mr. Fred G. Shaffer, for a number of years connected with the press of Denver, and until recently a member of the Times staff, has begun the publication of the Idaho Springs Siftings at Idaho Springs, a good point for the publication of a live newspaper, and the people of Idaho Springs are to be congratulated on the acquisition of so able and popular a young man to their city. Mr. Shaffer has a wide circle of acquaintances throughout Colorado and no young newspaper man is better liked. The Siftings, the first paper of which was published last week, is a clean, progressive, up-to-date weekly newspaper. It is Republican in politics, for Mr. Shaffer could run nothing else. At the same time he will give the people of Idaho Springs a paper of which they will be proud, whatever may be the political opinions of the reader. It will be first a newspaper. In typographical appearance the Siftings cannot be improved and its news and editorial columns give evidence of care and fairness. Connected with Mr. Shaffer in the enterprise is Mr. John D. Williamson, who has been engaged in newspaper work for a great many years, having had his start in Kansas City, where he was connected with some of the successful publications of that city. He is business manager of the paper, and his past experience is enough to assure the business men of Idaho Springs of his qualifications to successfully manage the new paper. With these two gentlemen at its head the paper can do nothing else than succeed.
From the Eagle County Blade. The Idaho Springs Siftings has been founded by Fred G. Shaffer and John D. Williamson. The first number is a gem typographically and is filled with interesting live matter and pay advertising which portends great success for the new venture. Politically the paper is Republican. We have not the pleasure of Mr. Shaffer's acquaintance, but there is not a printer in Colorado who does not know and esteem Johnny Williamson as an artist in his line, a square union man and a first-class citizen. His partner and himself have the best wishes of the Blade.
From the Akron Pioneer Press. Fred Shaffer and John D. Williamson have begun the publication of the Idaho Springs Siftings. There is nothing lopsided about the Siftings; it is well-bal-anced in make-up, brain work patronage and politics. The newspaper experience of its publishers will keep the Siftings up to the standard of excellence indicated in the first number. Fred is personally known to many persons in this and Yuma counties who will join us in the hope that the project will be all that its founders hope for it.
From the Lamar Sparks. Fred G. Shaffer, one of the ablest and best known newspapermen of Denver, is editing the Idaho Springs Siftings, a new weekly published by John D. Williamson. The Sparks is pleased to welcome this new journal, which is sure of careful reading by all exchange friends so long as Shaffer writes for it.
From the Sallda Mail. The Idaho Springs Siftings is the latest addition to Colorado journalism. Fred Shaffer and John Williamson, two of Colorado's bright journalists, are the promoters of the enterprise. The Siftings differs from the ordinary country paper, using half-tone illustrations and wide-column measure. Mechanically it IS very neat indeed and iu quality of matter it is as bright as the average Colorado sunshine.
From the Denver Citizen. The initial number of the Idaho Springs Siftings, published by Fred G. Shaffer and John D. Williamson, well known in Denver newspaper circles, has reached our exchange table. The Siftings is edited by Mr. Shaffer, consequently its columns are filled with bright and newsy paragraphs, and typographically it compares favorably with any newspaper in Colorado. Here's to your success, gentlemen.
From the Silver Plume Standard. Idaho Springs Siftings is the name of the new paper that has entered the journalistic field in this county, the first number of which reached this office last Saturday. Fred G. Shaffer is editor and John D. Williamson publisher of the paper, which bears evidence that both gentlemen understand their business, as Siftings presents a neat typographical appearance and is replete with local news and bright editorials. In his bow to the public the editor remarks: “There is a field in Idaho Springs for a progressive up-to-date Republican newspaper. Siftings will occupy that field.” The paper makes an excellent start to do so, bnt book paper and half-tones have been a little too rich for the blood of those who have been engaged in the newspaper business in this county so far, but Siftings may secure a patronage that will justify it. The Standard extends the hand of good fellowship with best wishes for success, and we hope to become better acquainted ere long with our new neighbors."

February 1901 Yuma "After twenty-three years as an editor, Fred G. Shaffer of Idaho Springs publishes the following list of assets: A good printing office, a wife and two children, a cow, two horses and two colts, a bike, sulky, a typewriter and a fountain pen. If Fred should die at this stage of the game we have no doubt he would hear the glad tidings: Well done thou good and faithful servant , etc."

1903

1905 Yuma "A new gold camp above Idaho Springs has been named in honor of Fred G. Shaffer, our Knute."







A magazine article in 1907:



March 1909 "Fred G. Shaffer is one of the three men who have incorporated for $100,000 to do a realty business at Rifle. It was Yuma county that stood the price of the treatment that put him on his feet."

In 1910 Rifle, Fred Shaffer is 39, Grace Shaffer 32 Wife, Genevieve Shaffer 12 Daughter, Reva Shaffer 10 Daughter, and Ford Shaffer 6 Son.

Fred gave the welcoming speech at the meeting of the state Horticultural Association in 1910






1911



1917


Well known among the business men of Woodland is Fred Shaffer, who conducts a real estate and insurance office and has an excellent patronage, well deserving the success that is his. People know him not only for what he has accomplished as a realtor but also for his promotion and publicity work in connection with the valley and its opportunities. He has firm faith in this section of the state and in its future and he is constantly striving to present its advantages to the general public. California certainly has no more loyal citizen than Mr. Shaffer, although he is not a native of the state. He was born in Bridgeport, Madison county, New York, June 7, 1868, and was four years of age when the family removed to Lone Tree, Nebraska. There he remained on a farm for twenty years and during a considerable part of that period attended the public schools of his home neighborhood. He afterward followed the profession of baseball with the team of Lincoln, Nebraska, which belonged to the Western Association, but owing to an injury to his hand was obliged to give this up. He then became a sports writer for the Nebraska State Journal and later went to Denver, Colorado, where he was editor of the Denver Times and also city editor of the Denver Post. He took an active part in politics during that period and campaigned the state in support of several candidates, especially assisting in the campaign of Phil Stewart for the governorship of Colorado, but he was defeated. He also reported two sessions of the state legislature and was well versed upon all questions vital to the commonwealth. While in Nebraska he was a close friend of William Jennings Bryan, the 'Boy orator of the Platte,' and was associated with him in his campaigns.

In 1913 Mr. Shaffer came to the Pacific coast and was made traffic manager for the California, Oregon & Nevada Railroad, with headquarters at Reno, Nevada. From 1916 until 1920 he was secretary of the Yolo County Board of Trade, and thus much of his life has been given to publicity work of various kinds. In March, 1928, he entered the real estate and insurance business with his son, Ford Shaffer, as a partner, and is making substantial progress in this field. It is by reason of his promotion and publicity work, however, in the Sacramento Valley that he is best known. With the able assistance of his wife, he spent two years in Los Angeles, representing twenty-one counties in the Sacramento Valley with county exhibits. He has also represented Yolo county with exhibits of its products and won first prize at Sacramento in the State Fair of 1929. Again, in 1930, at the Los Angeles land county exhibitions in the city of Los Angeles he won the first prize. It is largely due to his efforts that Yolo county has won twelve grand prizes in eight years, as follows: 1917—grand prize at the California State Fair for the best exhibit of general products by any county in the state; 1917—grand prize at the State Francisco Land Show for the best exhibit by any county in California; 1917—grand prize at the San Francisco Land Show for the best exhibit by any county in California; 1918—grand prize at the State Fair for the best exhibit by any county in California; 1918—grand prize at the State Fair for the best exhibit of general products; 1919—grand prize at the State Fair for the best exhibit of any county in California; 1919—grand prize at the State Fair for the best exhibit of general products; 1919—grand prize at the San Francisco Land and Industrial Exposition for the best exhibit by any county in the state; 1922—grand prize at the State Fair for the best agricultural exhibit by any county in California; 1923—grand prize at the Pacific Slope Dairy Show in Oakland for the best exhibit by any county in Califonia; 1924—grand prize at the State Fair for the best agricultural exhibit by any county in California; 1925—grand prize at the Pacific Slope Dairy Show in Oakland for the best exhibit by any county in the state.

Mr. Shaffer is a fluent and convincing public speaker and has addressed many gatherings in the valley upon subjects relative to its development and progress. He has also talked extensively over the radio and he has visited every city of any size in the valley, stimulating cooperation and awakening interest in his practical and far-reaching plans. In 1919 he was a member of a committee of twenty-one in the forty million dollar bond issue for the building of roads and highways in the state and his support can at all times be counted upon to further any plan or measure for the public weal. Mr. Shaffer served as president of the first Exhibitors Association of California for fair exhibits. He is a past president of the Woodland Lions Club and a member of Woodland Lodge, No. 1299, B. P. O. E. His hobbies perhaps are the Boy Scouts and the Young Men's Christian Association and he has done most effective and far-reaching work along those lines.

In 1895 Mr. Shaffer was united in marriage to Miss Grace Belle Ward, a native of Nebraska and a daughter of Ben Ward, who was chief scout under Buffalo Bill during the Indian wars. The children of this marriage are: Ford; Mrs. Reva Hart, of Sacramento; and Mrs. G. F. Cloud, who has two children, Peggy and Grand Cloud. The dominant spirit of Mr. Shaffer is a constructive one. He has ever been a builder and he has builded wisely and well, accomplishing far-reaching results through his contagious enthusiasm, which has ever been based upon practical methods and high ideals.

FORD

One of the leading insurance and real estate firms in the Sacramento Valley is that of Fred Shaffer & Son, of Woodland, of which Ford G. Shaffer is the junior member. This is a progressive and enterprising concern, conducts its business in accordance with the highest business ethics and commands the respect of the public to a marked degree. Ford G. Shaffer was born in Idaho Springs, Colorado, on the 20th of May, 1903, and received his early education in the public schools of Denver, Colorado. The family came to Woodland and he here attended and graduated from high school. He then entered the office of the county engineer, under Asa G. Proctor, and was so engaged until May 1928, when he joined his father in the real estate and insurance business, under the firm name of Fred Shaffer & Son. They represent a number of the strongest and largest insurance companies in this country and have placed an enormous amount of insurance in this section of the valley. They have also built up a large and important real estate business, handling both city and country property, and are known as capable and dependable business men.

Mr. Shaffer was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Krebs, a native of Sacramento and a member of one of this state's old pioneer families. Mr. Shaffer is a member of Woodland Lodge, No. 1299, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks; the Woodland Lions Club; and the Carlton Club, a high school organization. About six years ago Mr. Shaffer enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Eight-fourth Regiment California National Guard. He was successively promoted to sergeant, second lieutenant and first lieutenant and has shown a deep interest in the welfare of that organization. He is a man of pleasing address and sterling qualities, has a host of friends throughout this locality and is regarded as one of Woodland's best citizens.


In 1920 Yolo County, California, Fred G. Shaffer 49 is doing publicity work, Grace B. Shaffer 39 Wife, Reva G. Shaffer 19 Daughter, and Ford G. Shaffer 16 Son.

In 1930 Yolo County, Fred Shaffer is 62, Grace Shaffer 53 Wife, Ford Shaffer 26 Son, and Charlotte Shaffer 22 Daughter-in-law.



Fred G. Shaffer
BIRTH 7 Jun 1869 Chautauqua, Chautauqua County, New York, DEATH 15 Aug 1933 Yolo County, California, BURIAL Woodland Cemetery Woodland, Yolo County, California, PLOT Blk-08 Lt-26 Gr-5 MEMORIAL ID 88006920

Grace Bell Ward Shaffer BIRTH 23 Oct 1876 Cass County, Nebraska, DEATH 10 Jul 1955 (aged 78) Yolo County, California, BURIAL Woodland Cemetery Woodland, Yolo County, California, PLOT Blk-08 Lt-26 Gr-6 MEMORIAL ID 88006924

Genevieve G. Shaffer Cloud BIRTH 1897 DEATH 1977 (aged 79–80) BURIAL Woodland Cemetery Woodland, Yolo County, California, PLOT Niche-MAUSO Row-A N-7-Southwall MEMORIAL ID 86796738.
Genevieve SHAFFER was born Oct. 02, 1897 in Colorado, and died Apr. 1977 in Yolo county, California. She was married to George Franklin CLOUD and they had one child: Grant F. CLOUD (1918-1965)

Name: Reva Gillie Shaffer Marriage Date: 2 Sep 1923 Marriage Place: Woodland, California, Spouse: Frank Richard Hart

Reva Hart BIRTH 21 Mar 1900 Colorado, DEATH 7 Jul 1976 (aged 76) Sonoma County, California, BURIAL Cypress Lawn Memorial Park Colma, San Mateo County, California, PLOT Garden / Section: CEDAR Lot: LOT 83 MEMORIAL ID 87832608

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