DANIEL SHELLER, a well-known citizen of Claysville, was born February 1, 1816, in Donegal township. He is a son of Samuel Sheller, also a native of that township, whose father, William, was born in Germany, from which country so many of the best and most intellectual citizens of America are descended. William Sheller, grandfather of our subject, passed his youth in his native land, and there married a German lady, who bore him children as follows: William, Henry, John, Samuel, Mary (Mrs. Jacob Ruple), Catherine (Mrs. Benjamin Stephenson), Mrs. Beckley and Mrs. McKee. This family emigrated from Germany, and settling in Washington county, were among the earliest pioneers of Donegal township. Indians were still numerous, and when the settlers attended church, which they did usually in a body, the men of their number carried their guns with them. In politics Mr. Sheller was a Federalist; in religious faith he was one of the founders of the United Brethren Church, with which he was connected. Samuel Sheller, father of Daniel, always lived in Donegal township, and was educated in the German language. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Christopher Winter (of whom special mention will presently be made), and their children were: Daniel, Elizabeth, Christopher (living in West Alexandria), Catherine (Mrs. John J. Clemmens), Mary, Susanna (Mrs. Alexander Noble) and Lucinda (Mrs. Alexander Blair). After his marriage, Mr. Sheller settled on the farm where the remainder of his life was passed. He was a member of the United Brethren Church, and in politics he was an active worker in the Old-line Whig party. He died January 1, 1838, his widow surviving him until 1860, when she, too, passed away. Daniel Sheller, the subject of these lines, remained on his father's farm in Donegal township during his early years, and was educated chiefly in the German language, attending the English school but three months. On May 20, 1847, he married Rachel, daughter of Joshua Stoolfill, and their family consists of two sons and two daughters, viz.: Samuel M., Margaretta (Mrs. Samuel Blayney), Joshua S. and Ida F., all now deceased. After his marriage Mr. Sheller settled in Buffalo township, this county, where he remained until 1878; then came to his present home in Claysville, where he is living a retired life. His original farm comprised ninety acres, but he has added to it until he now owns 228 acres of excellent land. Politically he was formerly a Whig, and is now a member of the Prohibition party. In church relations he is connected with the United Brethren Church at Zion Chapel. Christopher Winter, our subject's maternal grandfather, was a native of Rbinepfalz, Germany, whence, when a young man, he came to America, and to Washington county, where he purchased a tract of land in Donegal township, before the beginning of the present century. He married Katharine Schaffer, a lady of German descent, born in Washington county. They remained in Donegal township until their deaths, and they now lie at rest in the cemetery at Zion Chapel. They were among the early pioneers of the township. The country at the time of their settlement there was a wilderness, inhabited by wild animals and Indians; and when on the Sabbath the pioneers walked through the forest to the little log building, used both as a schoolhouse and church, they would carry their trusty rifles with them for protection. Samuel M. Sheller, son of Daniel and Rachel Sheller, was born in Buffalo township, educated in the State Normal School at California and taught school for several years. For some time he was engaged in mercantile business at Claysville. In March, 1879, he married Jennie D., daughter of Thomas McLeary, Esq. To this marriage were born Elmer E., A. Garfield, Ida F., Margaretta A. and Mary K. He then followed agriculture on the home farm, and became one of the most successful breeders of fine stock. Mr. Sheller was a member of the United Brethren Church, and in politics was a strong Prohibitionist. His death took place March 22, 1892, and he was laid to rest in the Claysville cemetery.

Text taken from page 1263 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed January 1997 by Karen Souhrada of Pittsford, NY as part of the Beers Project. Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]