I'm taking the liberty of posting the research info I have on Edward Shaeffer/Schaeffer. His parents and siblings have been a brick wall for over 35 years. Here is the outline of info I believe is Edward's brothers/sister. There are similarities in the given names, that may not be conclusive, but there might be a connection. There's gotta be someone out there who has one of these brothers in their line! Shirley In the 1850 census I found.... New Castle Township (which is just outside of St. Clair) Edward Shaffer, 27, miner, Pa. (this is definitely the Edward I'm searching) Rosanna, 22, born in Germany Sara 4, Pa. (this would be Sarah Elizabeth who marries Elijah Murton) Mary 2, Pa. (this would be Mary Ellen who marries Ralph Gibbons) Living next door to Edward is.... David Shaeffer, 30, miner, Pa. - (strongly believe this is Edward's brother) Rebecca 27, Pa. Henry 7, Pa. George 5, Pa. William 3, Pa Lawrence 7 months West Brunswick Township (which is just outside of Orwigsburg) Sarah Shaffer, 50 widow, Pa., Sarah Ann 15, Pa. Matilda 10, Pa. William Shaffer, 25, boatman, $400.00 per prop. value, born in Pa. (this could be Edward's mother, brother and sisters. Edward names his daughters Sarah Elizabeth, Mary Ellen, Louisa Ann, George Henry, Roseana Melessa, Katherine Elmira, Margaret Matilda, Elizabeth Ann, Walter and Edward) This fella might be either another brother or cousin...... West Brunswick Township (around New Ringgold) John Schafer, 35, laborer, Pa. Catherine 26, wife, Pa. Maria 9, attends school, Pa. Angelina 6, attends school, Pa. Until I find further proof, the above info is only a theory, but a very strong theory that these are Edward's family). 1870 Census index shows..... Henry Shaffer, 27, white, male, born in Pa., Schuylkill Co., St. Clair (roll 1450 page 652) William Shaffer, 23, white male, Pa., Schuylkill Cot., St. Clair, (roll 1450 page 644) David Schaffer, 50, white male, Pa., Schuylkill Co., N. Ward St. Clair (1450 page 685) George Schaeffer, 22, white male, Pa., Schuylkill Co., Shenandoah (roll 1450, page 604) Only Shaeffer's in 1870....keep in mind that this is post Civil War and could explain alot) Edward would have been in Columbia County in the 1870 census.