John Shaffer

John Wilson Shaffer (July 5, 1827 – October 31, 1870) was an American politician and businessman.

For 19th-century baseball player, see John Shaffer (baseball).

John Shaffer
Governor of Utah Territory
In office March 20, 1870 – October 31, 1870
Preceded by	Charles Durkee
Succeeded by	Vernon H. Vaughan
Personal details
Born	(1827-07-05)July 5, 1827 Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
Died	October 31, 1870(1870-10-31) (aged 43) Salt Lake City, Utah
Resting place	Freeport City Cemetery, Freeport, Illinois

Born in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, Shaffer was active in Republican politics in Illinois. In 1849, Shaffer settled in Freeport, Illinois and was involved in the mercantile business. Then, in 1856, he was elected sheriff of Stephenson County, Illinois. He was elected clerk and recorder for the Illinois Circuit Court for Stephenson County. Shaffer served in the 15th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War and later served as quartermaster; being brevetted brigadier general when the war ended. He was appointed governor of the territory of Utah by President Ulysses S. Grant. He was known for his strict opposition of any hint of rebellion against the federal government, which led to concerns with the Mormon population. He died suddenly during his first year as governor.[1][2][3]

Notes

1. John Shaffer
2. Bio data
3. Thomas Mears Eddy, ed. The Patriotism of Illinois. A Record of the Civil and Military History of the State in the War for the Union, vol. 2 (Chicago: Clark & Company Publishers, 1866), 353-56, "Colonel John Wilson Shaffer."

External links

• John Shaffer at Find a Grave

Political offices
Preceded by Charles Durkee	Governor of Utah Territory 1870	Succeeded by Vernon H. Vaughan