Posted on: Ingham Co. Mi Biographies Reply Here: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/genbbs.cgi/USA/Mi/InghamBios/10063 Surname: SHAFER, HORTON, WILSON ------------------------- Col. George W. Shafer, the pioneer merchant of Mason, and whose name is so prominently connected with many of the initial events on its history, was born in the town of Colchester, Delaware Co., N.Y., Sept. 1, 1816. His father, Deacon Henry Shafer, was a native of Dutchess County, from whence he moved to Colchester a short time previous to the birth of our subject. He was a farmer of some prominence in that locality, and wherever known was highly esteemed for his integrity and character. He was a Deacon in the Baptist Church, and an exemplary man in all respects. George remained at home until he attained his twenty-first year. He received such advantages for education as were afforded by the primitive schools of that day, but what he failed to obtain from books was more than compensated for in the posession of a robust constitution and a strong pair of hands inured to habits of industry. In the spring of 1839, in company with his partner, Freeman Wilson, he came to Mason and established the first store in the place. The goods were brought from New York and were a general assortment of everything needed in a new country. They continued in trade about two years; during this time they built a hotel which was undoubtedly the first house of entertainment in the county. They took possession in December, 1839, and the opening was celebrated by a grand New Year's ball, which was the first event of the kind in the county. The colonel was a success as a landlord, and he continued in the business until about 1852, when he commenced the improvement of his farm, which was located by his father in 1836. On this farm he has since resided. The colonel has always taken an interest in military and political matters, although he has never striven for prominence in either direction. He was commissioned colonel of the militia by Governor Barry, and took an active part in the formation of the "Curtenius Guards." In July, 1845, he was married to Deborah A. Horton, of Colchester, Delaware Co., N.Y., where she was born in March, 1813; she came to Michigan in 1837. Both are prominent members of the Baptist Church, and are in every way worthy of the prominent position they hold among the early settlers of Mason. History of Ingham & Eaton Counties, Michigan By Samuel W. Durant Published by D.W. Ensign & Co, Philadelphia, 1880