John Shaffer

JOHN SHAFFER

 

John Shaffer was born on June 10, 1755, in Berks, Pennsylvania, United States to Johann Jacob Shaffer and Catherine Delaplank.  He died on 27 April 1847, in Washington, Virginia, United States.

John married Eve Kelchner (many different name spellings).  He served in the Revolutionary War with General Washington.

It is said that John was a small man of about 155 lbs., dark hair, and yet known for his strength.  During the war, the Brits sent out a man to egg them on every day for quite awhile.  The man sent out to taunt the American soldiers was large and fierce.  Finally, one day, General Washington had enough.  He said, "John, go take care of him for us."  So, John accepted the Brit's invitation to fight.  John won.  When the Brit realized he had lost the fight, he pulled out his sword and injured John's thigh severely.  As a reward for his service and bravery, General Washington made John his personal secretary for the remainder of the war.  He was in Valley Forge with him, at Cornwallis' surrender, and all of the famous battles.  John walked with a limp for the rest of his life.