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LINCOLN COUNTY FAMILIES


SHAFER/SHAVER
Jacob Shafer's log home, circa 1888
Lincoln County pioneer Jacob Shafer built this log home on the Saline River about eight miles southeast of Lincoln. The lower portion of the large wing of the house is of logs, covered in later years with siding. It originally had a dirt roof and floor and holes between the logs to fire at Indians. From left to right in the photo are Charles (b. 9.12.1879), Orrin (b. 6.21.1870), Albert (b. 4.11.1881), Jacob (b. 2.12.1844), Ruth (b. 4.16.1884), Minerva Adaline, Jacob's wife (b. 1849), Estella (b. 6.7.1873) and Maude (b. 9.7.1875). Other children of Jacob and Minerva not in the photo: William Theodore (b. 1.4.1867) and Ada (9.21.1887). Photo courtesy of Shafer/Shaver descendant Scott Brockelman.

David Shaver's first home, 1882
David Shaver, another Lincoln County pioneer, was a brother of Jacob Shafer. This photo was taken on his farm eight miles southeast of Lincoln during wheat-threshing season in 1882. From left to right: (Grandma) Elizabeth Shaver, Lillian Shaver, Clara (Shaver) Doolittle, Carl W. Shaver, Retta Shaver (David's wife), David Shaver and Ray Shaver. David Shaver never forgot his first home in Lincoln County; he had a sketch of it carved onto his tombstone. Photo courtesy of Shafer/Shaver descendant Scott Brockelman.

David Shaver's tombstone inscription
David Shaver had his original homestead engraved on his tombstone before his death. The inscription reads: "Original Shaver homestead in Elkhorn Township. Built in 1871 by David Shaver, being the family home for several years."

David Shaver's tombstone
Another view of the David Shaver stone. For more on this stone, click here.

BERTELSEN
Christ and Hans Bertelson at Parents' Grave
The tombstone is for Bertel and Anna C. Bertelson. On the back of this photo is written "Uncle Christ + Uncle Hans Bertelsen at their Father + Mothers graves near Slushurck [writing not clear], Iowa." Photo courtesy of Bertelsen descendant Norman Bryant.

Bertelsen Twins
On the back is written "Olaf + Ferdinand Bertelsen". Photo courtesy of Bertelsen descendant Norman Bryant.

Hans Bertelsen
Hans Bertelsen, taken by "W.F. Ferguson, Excelsior Gallery, Clinton, Iowa," date unknown. Photo courtesy of Bertelsen descendant Norman Bryant.