This week's challenge, #13, "In the paper". I struggled with this challenge as I thought of a couple of ancestor discoveries "In the Paper". Then my niece, Morgan gave me an idea!
My grandfather, John F. Shaffner, was in the paper more than once! He was nearly 104 when he passed, so he had lots of interviews. He also wrote his life story and history more than once. (And the story is the same each time!)
John was born 18 September 1887 in Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania and passed away 17 July 1991 in Dillon, Montana. He came west with the railroad, serving in North Dakota and Montana. Grandpa married Della Rae Kurtz in Dillon on 12 September 1913. He homesteaded in Beaverhead County, Montana where he raised 4 boys. He gathered and worked on his genealogy most of his lifetime. Working with his granddaughter, Donnee Shaffner Stibal, he documented family and labeled pictures. It is truly quite a collection. Now that they are gone, I so wish I had asked him a few questions!
Grandpa was quite a character! We all have stories about him; as he taught us all in various ways from learning what hard work was, how to be scared when he drove, perhaps not trusting his mechanical skills but to look forward to each day. His comment "yesterday is history", was a guideline for me in many situations. And most importantly how important family was. I hope more there are more blog challenges to provide more Grandpa Shaffner stories.
He was interviewed for his 100th and his 103rd birthday!
100th birthday interview
When he is 102 (1989) he returned his typewriter to the desk at the depot
And he celebrated his 103rd Birthday!
On his 100th Birthday his family gathered to celebrate
His sons, Dean and Don
second row: daughter in laws-Eloise, Stella (husband George) and Helen
He lost 2 sons, Walter & George
and 2 wives
With his grandchildren
Bob, Geoffrey, John
Sydney, Gail, Grandpa, Donnee
With his great children
Lori, Grandpa, Lynda
Megan, Greg, Annie
Josh, Luke, Courtney
my hero
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