I am not a born Shafer, neither am I a born Secrist, but I have been appointed as a committee of one to bring you a written account of the origin and history of the Shafer- Secrist Reunion. I realize the duties but I became attached in a different manner. Forty- three years ago I pushed myself into the hearts of part of these families and have been greatly Interested in the success of this reunion since its organization.
I am glad that I have been asked to write this history, I put forth many an effort in the first years of this reunion's existence to make It a success, and I know that the original number of organizers are few, and in a few more years it would have been a difficult task to piece together the Information that I have been able to gather from the beginning.
I'm going to ask those here, that were present when this reunion was organized, to stand. I want all present to know, that all through the years, they have been loyal and faithful from the start. Without their help there would have been no reunion.
As I write, I recall, that Wm. Shafer and Frank Shafer are the only members known to me who have attended every reunion thus far. Others I know attended each one as long as they lived.
I will attempt to the best of my ability, to make this history as interesting and as accurate as possible.
Jacob and Catherine (Baum) Shafer were; the parents of fourteen children. There is no record that I have found, of the birth or death of Jacob Shafer,
Catherine Shafer died March 14, 1890, at the home of her son Elihu, two and one-half miles south of Argos, Indiana, which was originally the home stead purchased by Jacob and Catherine from the government. She was 89 years, 6 months and 20 days old at her death which would make her birth year in 1800. The last years of her life were spent in total blindness. Her funeral services were conducted at the Christian Church- March 16, 1890, by Reverend C.V. Strickland, the pastor of the church, and was very large]y attended thus showing the esteem in which she was held. She was buried in the old cemetery In the town of Argos. At her death she had six living children, five sons and one daughter, Henry, Fnihu, Samuel, Joseph, john, and Raehel, and it was from this generation that this reunion was organized. Among these children were three brothers who married three Secrist sisters. I have no record of the Secrist family farther back than this.
These brothers were:
Henry B. Shafer who married Catherine Secrist, November 13, 1849. They were the parents of five children, two are still living, Penelton Shafer of Plymouth and Martha Fish of Oklahoma.
Joseph Shafer who married Frances Secrist in 1859. They were the parents of four children, one is still living, William Shafer of Macy.
John Shafer, who married Sarah Secrist in 1845. They were the parents of nine children, none of whom are living.
The families of Elihu and Samuel are gone with the exception of grand-children and great- grand-children. Incidentally Elihu and Samuel also married sisters, Elizabeth and Mary The daughter, Rachel, has one son living, Albert Ervin of Logansport.
John Shafer was born in Stark County, Ohio, August 17, 1821, and died in September, 1895, at the age of 74 years, 1 month, and 4 days. His funeral was held in Argos and he was buried in the Argos cemetery. He came to Marshall county in 1845 and located in Green Township where he worked to make a home in the immense forests of those times, but at his death he lived in Center Township and was one of the oldest residents of the county.
Sarah Secrist was born in Stark County, Ohio, November 22, 1822, where she resided until after her marriage to John Shafer. She died at their home five miles north of Argos, March 24, 1904, at the age of 81 years, 4 months, 2 days. She was also an early pioneer and endured the hardships of a new country. Her funeral was held in Argos and she was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery. (A new cemetery just outside of town). By this time burials were forbidden in the Argos cemetery and her husband's remains were exhumed and placed by that of hers.
This reunion was organized at the home of Harvey Shafer north. west of Argos on Sunday, June 23, 1907, which was his 42nd birthday. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Shafer, son Grover, and daughter Luiu (now Mrs. Earl Decon), Mr. and Mrs. Isrel Shafer, Mr. and Mrs. Lenard Shafer, Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Shafer, Mrs. Emma Shafer. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Shafer. This little gathering were children, grand. children and great. grand-children of John and Sarah Shafer.
August was the month chosen to hold our reunion, it being the birth month of John Shafer.
These officers were appointed to get things started:
President, Isrel Shafer; Treasurer, Harvey Shafer; Secretary, Mr. Frank Shafer; and by the help of all present, a list of relatives was compiled. One Hundred seventy-five written Invitations were sent out for our first reunion, and thus we began.
Our first reunion was held August 11, 1907, In Fisher's grove one-half mile west of Argos. The appointed officers took charge and found that three hundred relatives responded to our invitations and partook of a bountiful dinner. It was a busy day, everyone was happy getting acquainted with relatives they had never seen. Especial pains were taken to make this first reunion an interesting one. A platform was erected and decorated, and seats were placed for all. A program of songs, recitations and speeches was given and a. picture was taken of the group. All too soon came the time to say good-bye. Officers elected at this time were: President, Isrel Shafer; Vice-President. Levi Ervin; Treasurer, Harvey Shafer; Secretary, Mrs. Frank Shafer. "Blest Be the Tie That Binds" was sung, and all went their way with happy hearts.
Our second reunIon was held in Fisher's Grove August 16, 1908, with nearly three hundred present. A grand dinner and a program was the feature of the day. Some of the older members told of the happenings, joys and hardships endured, of the coming of the first buggy into Marshall County and its reception. A special speaker, not related, spoke knowingly of the early life of the Shafers and voted their motto to be, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you.''
The. officers that were elected at this time were:
President. Isaac Allen; Vice-President, Melvin Shafer; Treasurer, Isrel Shafer; Secretary, Mrs. Mable Wilson.
The third reunion was held at Ferndale Park at Rochester, Indiana, August 26, 1909. The usual routine was carried out. A wonderful dinner is always the main feature of our reunions. The officers were elected as follows:
President, Isrel Shafer; Vice-President, Melly Shafer; Treasurer, Isaac Allen; Secretary, Mrs. Frank Shafer. The parents of two thoughtless little girls were very much worried. They thought they were lost but they were out on the lake having a good time and when they were found peace was restored and all parted after a good day.
The fourth reunion was held at Ferndale Park in Rochester, August 28, 1910. Nearly two hundred ate dinner. There being no program, several were called on for short talks which all enjoyed.
Officers elected were:
President, Isrel Shafer; Vice-President, Herbert Shafer; Treasurer, Harvey Shafer; Secretary, Mrs Frank Shafer.
The fifth reunion was held in Fisher's Grove at Argos, August 27, 1911. It was a beautiful day and trains and automobiles brought aunts, uncles and cousins from all directions, until about one hundred had gathered to share the grand dinner. In the afternoon we were called to order and enjoyed a program consisting of instrumental music, songs and recitations.
The following officers were elected:
President, Herbert Shafer; Vice-President, Isaac Allen; Treasurer, Harvey Shafer; Secretary, Mrs. Frank Shafer; assistant-Secretary, Lulu Shafer. A picture was taken of this group and "Blest Be the Tie That Binds" was sung and another happy day had comt"to a close. Since our last reunion we were brought to sorrow for the second time. First by the death of Isrel Shafer which occurred September 3, 1911. He was sixty-eight years, eleven months and twenty days old. Second by the death of Herbert Shafer, which occurred June 30, 1912. He was 34 years old.
The sixth reunion was held at the fair ground in Rochester. The last Sunday In August, 1912. The dinner was served In the large building on the ground and a few hours were spent in greeting old friends and making new ones, which is always the most pleasant part of the gathering. The officers that were elected at this time were:
President. Frank Shafer; Vice-President, Lenard Shafer; Treasurer, Melvin Shafer; Secretary, Mrs. Frank Shafer; Assistant Secretary, Lulu Shafer. The death of Samuel Shafer occurred December 27, 1912. We have no record of his age but he had lived to a ripe old age and those who knew him loved and respected him and regarded him as one of the best of men.
The seventh reunion was held at the fair grounds at Rochester, the last Sunday in August, 1913. The day was cloudy and frequented with showers and the assemblage was small, but not the dinner. All present enjoyed a good dinner and a good visit. The officers elected were:
President, Frank .Shafer; Vice-President, Lenard Shafer; Treasurer. Harvey Shafer; Secretary, Mrs. Frank Shafer; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. A. C. Mortland.
The eighth reunion was held in Fisher's grove at Argo-s, August 29, 1914, and was a splendid success in every feature. Nearly one hundred relatives partook of the dinner and had a good visit and the officers elected were:
President, Harvey Long; Vice-President, Mrs. Harvey Long; Treasurer, Fred Shafer; Secretary, Mrs. Frank Shafer; Assistant Secretary, Lulu Shafer. At this time our expenses were greater than our collection and to our amusement we found ourselves in debt to our newly elected treasurer 24c. This time we missed the familiar face of Henry Shafer, who had been the oldest member of our reunion since its organization. We also received word that Mrs. Wm. Shafer of Plevna, Kansas, had passed away, and in a few days word came that E. D. Allen had passed away. The sympathy of our people were extended to these bereaved familes.
The ninth reunion was held August 26, 1915, at the fair ground at Rochester. Seventy-five or eighty relatives shared and enjoyed the festivities of the day. The officers elected were:
President, Fred Shafer; Vice-President, Frank Shafer; Secretary, Lulu Shafer; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Frank Shafer; Treasurer, Harvey Long. "God Be With You Till We Meet Again was sung and each went his way. After this reunion we were brought to grief by the death of three of our number: Jacob Young of Akron; Erastus Ervin of Argos and David Bowers of Lancaster, Ohio. All had lived to past middie age.
The tenth reunion was held at the fair ground at Rochester, August 31, 1916. About fifty relatives gathered to celebrate this reunion in a fitting manner. The dinner was the main feature. The officers elected were:
President, Frank Shafer; Vice-President, Albert Carpenter; Treasurer, Lenard Shafer; Secretary, Lulu Shafer; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Clifford Nye. We again found ourselves in debt $1.06. "In the Sweet By and By" was sung and all departed for their homes the mean time Mrs. Jacob Young, Mrs. Kate Kamp, Mrs. Erastus Ervin and Charley Culver had answered the call of death.
The eleventh reunion was held at the fair grounds at Rochester August 30, 1917. Near one hundred relatives gathered to do justice to this bountiful dinner. At this time we missed the faces of those who answered our country's call but felt very thankful that none of our number had been called by death in the past year. On our program this time was Mrs. Mable Wilson with another of her splendid recitations, each reunion she attended she favored us with a recitation which every one enjoyed. the down to earth kind. The officers elected were:
President, Frank Shafer; Vice-President, Lenard Shafer; Secretary,Fay Shafer; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Frank Shafer; Treasurer, Melvin Shafer.
The twelfth reunion was held at the fair ground at Rochester, August 31, 1918. It looked like Hooverizing had been forgotten as one looked over the table at noon. This Hooverizing was about like our rationing in the present war. We sang "America' and had songs and recitations by the little folks, and a patriotic demonstration by Mrs. Frank Shafer. The officers elected were:
President, Frank Shafer; Vice-President, Melvin Shafer; Secreary, Ferrel Shafer; Assistant Secretary, Lulu Shafer Deacon; Treasrer, Harvey Shafer. After that reunion four of our number were ailed by death: Virgil Klingerman, Amy Shafer, Celesta Hatcher, and Stelia Shafer Niswonger. I'm sorry I haven't any dates to give you of these deaths and of the relationship, but this we know, they belong to our number and we miss them. Plans were made at this time to have a service flag made for our next reunion, but instead we had our boys home, and we were glad to say "Welcome Home."
The thirteenth reunion was held in Warner's Grove near Argos, August 28, 1919. Nearly one hundred twenty-five were there. We visited until noon when a real dinner was spread before us. We had a thrilling game of baseball In the afternoon and a program which was very much enjoyed. The officers elected were:
President, Frank Shafer; Vice-President, Grover Shafer; Secretary, Ferrel Shafer; Assistant Secretary, Lulu Shafer; Treasurer, Al. bert lilvin. At the end of this reunion we had a balance of $6.35 In our treasury. We were soon grieved to hear of the death of Mrs. Mice Norton, Guy Shafer, Mrs. Mattie Shafer (mother of Guy) and Mrs. John Yarian.
The fourteenth reunion was held in Warner's Grove near Argos, August 21, 1920. Relatives numbering one hundred fifty gathered with well filled baskets. The weather was cold and damp and our president thoughtfully provided hot coffee for all. A regular kitchen was set up and the coffee was kept hot all day, and every one had a good time and a grand dinner. The officers elected were:
President, Frank Shafer; Vice-President Delbert Shafer; Treasurer, Mrs. Delbert Shafer; Secretary, Mrs. Frank Shafer; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Earl Deaoon. After this reunion it was with deepest regret that we announced the death of Mrs. Hiram Shafer of Plymouth, Henry Neiswonger of Ft. Wayne, Mrs. Jenny Neiswonger of Macy and Frances Secrist Shafer of Gilead. Aunt Fanny as every one knew her, was the last one of the originating source on the Secrist side of the reunion. The memories of the lives and loving devotion of these good people inspired us to renewed efforts to carry on.
The fifteenth reunion was held at Centennial Park at Plymouth, the last Saturday in August, 1921. The morning being rainy, only sixty relatives were there. The usual dinner was enjoyed in the usual manner. The officers elected were:
President, Frank Shafer; Vice-President, Delbert Shafer; Treasurer, Mrs. Delbert Shafer; Secretary, Fay Shafer Swihart. Though it rained, all that were there had a good visit. Hiram Shafer of Plymouth, passed away September 23, 1921.
The sixteenth reunion was held at Long Beach at Manitou Lake near Rochester, August 12, 1922. At noon a bountiful dinner was spread on the table In the dining hall and every one was happy. The day was spent in the usual manner at a lake. It was hard to get the crowd together to hold the business meeting. The officers elected were:
President, Frank Shafer; Vice-President, Mrs. Nora Brown; Secretary, Mrs. Grover Shafer; Treasurer, Ven Shafer. After the business session we were served ice cream. Death had called four of our number: Mrs. Isrel Shafer. who passed away September 23, 1922, Mrs. David Bowers who passed away August 1, 1923, Mrs. Henry Kiulgerman, who passed away in March, 1923, Mrs. Daisy Cormany former wife of Herbert Shafer, who passed away in Los Angeles, California, October 29, 1922.
The seventeenth reunion was held at Centennial Park in Plymouth, August 11, 1923. It being a very busy season very few were there to enjoy the dinner and the visit and it was decided to hold our next reunion on Sunday in hopes of a larger attendance.
The officers elected were:
President, Frank Shafer; Vice-President. Lenard Shafer; Treasurer, harvey Shafer; Secretary, Mrs. Grover Shafer.
The eighteenth reunion was held at the old fair ground In Rochester, August 10, 1924. Nearly one hundred twenty-five attended and enjoyed a real dinner at noon. The afternoon was spent in visiting and the officers elected were:
President, Albert Ervin; Treasurer, Lenard Shafer; Secretary, Mrs. Merle Bucher. Death again had called two more from among us, Mrs. Hannah Cuyer of Akron who passed away in April, 1925 and Mrs. Carrie Norton Longshore of Argos, who also passed away in April, 1925.
The nineteenth reunion was held at a grove in Athens, Indiana, on a Sunday in August in 1925. Nearly one hundred relatives enjoyed a visit and a good dinner. At this time there was $12.44 in the treasury. The officers elected were:
President, Harvey Shafer; Treasurer, Wm. Shafer; Secretary, Mrs. Merle Bucher. Our reports read that since our last reunion, six of our loved ones had been called by death, Mrs. Pontius of Rochester; Loulse Iris Towne of Argos; Mrs. Elizabeth Shafer of Argos; Mrs. Cynthia Shafer Warner of Plymouth; Mrs. Samuel Shafer of Argos, and Mrs. Fred Shafer of Osceola, Indiana.
The twentieth reunion was held at Warners Grove near Argos in August, 1926. One hundred or more enjoyed meeting again and a wonderful dinner was served at noon. The officers elected were:
President, Wm. Shafer; Treasurer, Frank Shafer; Secretary, Leora Shafer. After this reunion Lenard Shafer of Plymouth, and Frank Keller of Albion, passed away. The twenty-first reunion was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lon Young east of Akron, in August, 1927, with one hundred or more present to enjoy the hospitality of these good people. The dinner was served at noon under a large pine tree. The officers elected were:
President, AIf Nixon; Treasurer, Frank Allen; Secretary, Leora Shafer. Mrs. Mable Wilson gave a recitation which all enjoyed and the late hour of the afternoon came too soon. Since this reunion death has taken five more of our number: Howard Wilson of Macy; Elsie Ervin of Logansport; Levi Ervin of Argos; Philetus Shafer of Plymouth; and Mrs. Lenard Shafer, also of Plymouth. Some of these never missed a reunion while they lived and it was hard to get used to them being gone.
The twenty-second reunion was held at the Tourist camp at Rochester, August 12, 1928. Relatives coming from far and near until one hundred fifty had gathered around the table for the bountiful dinner that was spread. The day was spent In visiting which we never get enough of. The officers elected were:
President, Mrs. Frank Shafer; Treasurer, Frank Shafer; Secretary, Mrs. Earl Deacon. Again we find In our reports that death had taken Mrs. Aif Nixon of Rochester and Mrs. Charles Myers of Plymouth.
The twenty-third reunion was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. David Brown near Akron, Indiana, In August, 1929. Nearly one hundred relatives were there to enjoy agrand dinner and another good visit. Ice cream was served in the afternoon. The officers elected were:
President, Wm. Shafer; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. Merle Bucher.
The twenty-fourth reunion was held again at the home of Mr. and Mrs. David Brown, near Akron, Indiana, in August of 1930. Many friends and relatives responded to the invitations and a real dinner was spread on a long tab]e in the yard which all enjoyed. The officers elected were:
President, Mrs. Frank Shafer Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. Merle Bucher; and assistant, Miss Maxine Shafer.
The twenty-fifth reunion was at the tourist camp at Rochester in August, 1931. Several came and did ample justice to a bountiful dinner.
It is getting a little monotonous to say we did justice to a bountiful dinner, but there is just no other way to describe the dinners that are spread before us. The officers that were elected at this time were:
President, Fred Shafer; Vice-President. Albert Ervin; Treasurer, Frank Shafer; Secretary, Mrs. Frank Shafer. It was decided to hold the next reunion at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Shafer. It came nearer the time and we decided to change it owing to the lack of shaded space around the home. Death again had taken four of our members: David Brown, Wm. Decamp, Albert Kungerman and Ann Farley.
The twenty-sixth reunion was held in Mitchner's grove near Argos in August 1932. Mitchner's grove is the same place as Fisher's grove, and we were so graciously made welcome that we felt right at home, it was a nice day and we had a nice visit and a grand dinner. The officers elected were:
President, Verl Shafer; Vice-President, Wm. Shafer; Secretary and Treasurer, Mary Deacon. This time It was Mrs. Carrie Bishop and Mrs. Levi Ervin who had passed away; when I think of all these grand people, I can see their faces and recall the many good visits we had, and to know that they have left us never to return again makes our faith grow stronger In the dear Father above who sees best to pick them from our midst.
The twenty-seventh reunion was held at Mitchner's grove In August of 1933. About one hundred relatives partook of this grand dinner and at this time Kathleen Towne said grace. I haven't mentioned it, but It was never forgotten to return thanks to our Heavely Father, for the bountiful dinners that we shared. This was a little child mighty near and dear to me. Officers elected were:
President, Verl Shafer; Vice-President, Wm. Shafer; Secretary and Treasurer, Mary Deacon On September seventh, death called our Mary Deacon, who was also a young child and a gloom was cast over our community at the passing of Melvin Shafer.
The twenty-eighth reunion was held at the tourist camp at Rochester, the second Sunday in August 1934 and at noon another Shafer-Secrist dinner was served to many relatives and friends and a program of songs and recitations was given; the officers elected were:
President, Frank Shafer; Vice-President. Harvey Shafer; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. Grover Shafer. After this reunion we find the report of he passing of Mrs. Fay Shafer Swihart and Mrs. Albert Carpenter, two more lovable people that were greatly missed at these reunions. A picture was taken of this group at this reunion.
The twenty-ninth reunion was held at the Tourist Camp at Rochester in August, 1935. Seventy relatives gathered and shared the dinner and officers elected were:
President, Delbert Shafer; Vice-President, Frank Shafer; Secretary and Treasurer, Kathleen Towne. It was with deepest regret that shortly after this reunion we were called upon by death to give up three of the second generation of this reunion: Harvey Shafer of Argos, Harvey Long of Akron; and David Zehner of Argos, who had all taken an active part in making this reunion a success. Harvey Shafer was a very loyal member, never missing a reunion since Its organization at his home in 1907.
The thirtieth reunion was held in Mltchner's grove the second Sunday in August, 1936. Many enjoyed a real dinner. Officers elected were:
President, Grover Shafer; Vice-President, Frank Shafer; Secretary and Treasurer, Kathleen Towne.
The thirty-first reunion was held in Mitchner's grove at Argos, August 8, 1937, visiting and meeting old friends and making new ones was the feature of the forenoon, and the usual dinner was spread at noon. Officers elected were:
President, Veri Shafer; Vice-President, Ralph Shafer; Secretary and Treasurer, Virginia Zehner. The visiting was called short for a dashing rain made everyone rush for shelter.
At this time we find the announcement of the death of two more good people of the second generation of our reunion, Mrs. Albert Ervin of Logansport and Mrs. Nora Brown of Akron.
The thirty-second reunion was held August 14, 1938, at the tourist camp at Rochester. About one hundred relatives and friends gathered for the dinner, after which we were again entertained with a grand reading by Mrs. Mable Wilson, and one was also given by Irene Swihart. The officers were re-elected:
President, VerilShafer; Vice-President, Ralph Shafer; Secretary and Treasurer, Virginia Zehner. At this time it was decided to hold the reunion permanently at the tourist camp at Rochester. It being near the half-way point for both sides of the family, a card was read at this time from Fred Norton of Texarkana, Texas, regretting that his family could not be represented at this reunion. He is a grandson of the late Samuel Shafer of the first generation. Here we announce the deaths of Mrs. John Shafer of Detroit, Michigan, Read Mimer of Niles, Michigan, Mrs. Henry Neiswonger of Ft. Wayne, Ind.
The thirty-third reunion was held at the city park at Rochester, (the city park is the same as the tourist camp, just change of name), August 13, 1939. About one hundred relatives and friends gathered for this bountiful dinner. A program was given, readings by Betty and Arthur Shafer and Mable Wilson gave a very enjoyable talk. Officers elected were:
President, Joe Shafer; Vice-President, Frank Shafer; Secretary and Treasurer, John Crabb. At each meeting we find there has been a little routine of business. Collection and deductions, which we have left out along with some figures were given and some were not. But this time we find a balance of $7.70 in the treasury.
The thirty-fourth reunion was held at the city park at Rochester, August I1. 1940. About sixty relatives responded and partook of a grand dinner. The officers elected were:
President. Clarence Shafer; Vice-President, Chester Shafer; Secretary and Treasurer, Grover Shafer. A motion was made arid carried that we purchase a banner with the name Shafer-Secrist on it. Clarenrce Shafer agreed to make it. We find on our list of those who have passed away, Christina Shafer, Anne Shafer, Mrs. Marietta Allen, and Mrs. Emma Shafer. Mrs. Emma Shafer was the mother of our Frank Shafer. She died in her eighty-sixth year.
Our thirty-sixth reunion was held at the city park at Rochester, the second Sun day in August, 1942, of which I have no record. Since that reunion another of our number has been called by death, Delbert Shafer of Twin Lakes. Thus, my efforts of writing this history are at an end, and if I have made any mistakes in names or dates I am sorry, and I am not at fault for I have copied them from obituaries and records that are in my possession.
As far as the deaths that have occurred since the organization of this reunion I know that I have missed some because of the lack of information. I am sincere in my effort and would be deeply grieved if I have overlooked anything that should have been mentioned and would be grateful to anyone who would help me to correct any mistake made.
I am not a poet but as a closing to this hisotry I feel an urge to read to you a poem I composed after the enthusiasm of one of these grand reunions:
The Shafer-Secrist reunion was held August 10, 1947, at the Rochester City Park. A bountiful basket dinner was enjoyed by the group at noon. In the afternoon the meeting was cailed to order by the president, Grover Shafer. Election of new officers was as follows: Grover Shafer, President; Clarence Shafer, Vlce-Presldent; Treva Swihart, Secretary-Treasurer.A collection was then taken and the meeting was adjourned.
The 42nd Shafer-Secrlst reunion was held Aug. 8, 1948. at the Rochester City Park. A basket lunch was enjoyed by all. There were about 50 members present. The election of officers was held and the following officers were elected: Grover Shafer, President; Clarence Shafer, Vice-President; Gretta Hassenplug, Secretary-Treasurer. Because of the rain we left for home early.
Sunday, August 7, 1949, the Shafer-Secrist reunion was held at the Rochester Park. A bountiful basket dinner was enjoyed by the group at noon. After dinner they met together with Clarence Shafer acting president, and elected officers as foilows: Chester Shafer of Macy, Ind., President; Lona Shafer, Argos, Ind., Secretary-Treasurer. There were 62 present. A collection was then taken.
Sunday, August 13, 1950, the 44th Annual Shafer-Secrist reunion was held at the Rochester Park. A bountiful dinner was enjoyed by the group at noon. They met in the afternoon with Chester Shafer, President. The following officers were elected: Roscoe Shafer, Argos, Ind., President; Chester Shafer, Macy, Ind., Vice-President; Lona Shafer, Argos, Ind., Secretary-Treasurer. The meeting was then adjourned.
Sunday, August 12th, 1951, the 45th Shafer-Secrlst reunion was held at the Rochester City Park. They had a pot luck dinner which everyone enjoyed, and enjoyed visiting with each other. Roscoe Shafer was president and there was a business meeting In the afternoon to elect officers for the next meeting. The officers elected were: Roscoe Shafer was elected President; Chester Shafer, Vice-President, and Lona Shafer, Secretary-Treasurer. A letter was read from Fred Morton. He sent the reunion ten dollars. Doris Shafer played on her accordion. Everyone had a wonderful visit.
Sunday, August 10, 1952, the 46th annual Shafer-Secrist reunion met at the Rochester City Park. There was a pot luck dinner which every one enjoyed. They enjoyed visiting with each other. Roscoe Shafer of Argos, was president. There was a business meeting to elect new officers as follows: Grover Shafer, President; Joe Shafer, Vice-President; Bonnie Shafer, Secretary-Treasurer. After the business meeting John Stayton of Bremen, showed pictures. Everyone enjoyed them very much. There were 68 present at the reunion.
The 47th annual Shafer-Secrist reunion was held August 9th, 1953 at the Rochester City Park. There were 81 in attendance with Mrs. Penn Shafer, 86 being the oldest, and Neal Glass, Jr., 8 months old, son of Mr and Mrs. Neal Glass, being the youngest. A bountiful dinner was enjoyed by all at the noon hour, In the afternoon President Grover Shafer took charge of the business meeting. An interesting letter was read from Fred Norton and wife of Texas. The same officers were retained for another year. President, Grover Shafer; Vice-President, Joe Shafer; Secretary-Treasurer, Bonnie Shafer. The remainder of the afternoon was spent eating ice cream and visiting. We were again brought to sorrow by the death of Ross Shafer, 1953.
The 48th annual Shafcr-Secrist reunion was held August 8, 1954, at the Rochester City Park. In spite of the rainy day 38 persons came to enjoy the day together. Mrs. William Shafer, 81, was the oldest one present and Neal Glass, Jr., the youngest. A lovely dinner was enjoyed by all at the noon hour. President Grover Shafer took charge of the business meeting. There was an election of officers for next year with: John Stayton, President; Men Surhart, Vice-President; Miss Connie Wallace, Secretary-Treasurer. A motion was made and carried that the Secretary make arrangements ot have ice cream. The rain continued but the afternoon was spent visiting.
The 49th Annual Shafer-Secrist reunion was held August 14, 1955, at the Rochester City Park. Mrs. William Shafer, 82. was the oldest one present and Marcia Lou Wallace, 6 months, was the youngest one present. A lovely dinner was enjoyed by all at the noon hour with seventy-five present.. President John Stayton took charge of the business meeting. The printing of the History of the Reunion was brought up but nothing definite made out. The election of officers for next year was as follows: Wendell Fetters, President; Robert Bishop, Vice-President; Connie Wallace, Secretary-Treasurer.
Balance from 1954 $35.16
Cards 2.00
Tables 2.00
Ice Cream 4.40
Collection 12.28
Total Balance on Hand $39.04
It's been such fun compiling all the data in these lines; Recalling all the incidents surrounding our good times, And seeing once again (even though in memory) The faces of the loved ones that meant much to you and me. I've labored hard, I will admit, to get the information That made this history possible, And to the kind relation That gave me needed items, I give my vote of praise; 'Twas hard to get the picture of the Family's early date. And now that it is finished, and as I read it through, I hope the presentation is complete, and will please you too. Let's keep our history growing, and add as they appear, The births and deaths and marriages; And have them read each year.
I, Connie Wallace, have tired to bring this part of the Reunion History up date to the best of my abiIity. It has indeed been a pleasure to me to have had a part in this History of the Shafer-Secrist Family. Connie Wallace.