Jacob SCHAEFFER, who died Aug. 16, 1871, aged thirty years, eight months, twenty-eight days, was for some time a prominent agriculturist of Exeter Township, Berks County.  He was born on the old Schaeffer homestead Nov. 18, 1840, son of Brig.-Gen. Henry and Anna (Levan) Schaeffer.
  The founder of this family in America was Christian Schaeffer, grandfather of Jacob, who came to America at the age of fifteen with the Hessian troops during the Revolution.  He located in Exeter Township, and by enterprise and economy became the owner of three farms-one in Exeter (still known as the "Capt. Schaeffer farm"), one in Oley, and one at Boyertown, the last named being now largely cut up into building lots.  To Christian Schaeffer and his wife, Anna, were born many children, among whom were:  John, born at Philadelphia Feb. 28, 1788, had a son Jeremiah (born Nov. 12, 1818, died April 27, 1880, leaving an only son); Christian (born Dec. 6, 1799, died Jan. 31, 1863) m. Mary Focht (born Jan 18, 1809, died July 31 1884) and both are buried at Schwartzwald Church; Henry; Hannah, Mrs. Knapp; and Mrs. Hartman.
  Henry Schaeffer, father of Jacob, was born April 12, 1802, near Boyertown, PA., and was educated in the common schools of his native township.  In early life he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was also an extensive dealer in cattle, becoming one of the substantial men of his day.   Although a stanch Democrat, and a leader in the ranks of his party, he was a very strong Union man, and helped to organize troops in the State Militia, being a captain of Berks and Lehigh county troops, and was promoted to the rank of brigadier general.  He was an able military officer, strict disciplinarian and of commanding appearance.  He had a loud, authoritative voice which could be heard a half a mile away.  He died Dec. 15, 1860, and was buried in Schwartzwald cemetery.  Henry Schaeffer married Anna Levan, born April 15, 1814, died Feb. 10, 1870, and of the children born to them, five grew to maturity: Catherine, m. to Samuel Saylor; Mary (1838-1864), m. to Levi Hartman; Elizabeth, m. to Franklin Saylor; Henry L. (1846-1861); and Jacob.  In religious belief the family were members of the Reformed Church.
  Jacob Schaeffer was educated in the schools of Exeter Township, and until within two years of his death was engaged in farming.  He married Emeline W. Knabb, and to this union were born three children:  Anna , Sarah and Elizabeth.  Misses Anna and Sarah Schaeffer reside at No. 225 South Sixteenth Street, Reading.  They are prominent members of St. Andrew's Reformed Church and are leaders in the work of that denomination.

  Christian Schaeffer, son of Christian the emigrant, born 1799, died 1863.  To him and his wife, Mary Focht (1809-1884) were born:  Samuel (1828-1890) m. Sarah E. Levan (1834-1893), and among their children were John, Mary, Hannah, Malinda, Jacob, Henry, George, Nathan and Samuel;  George C. F. (1831-1868) m. Maria Moyer (daughter of Gottlieb and Maria Moyer), and had two children, William and Emma.