John Sheffler 1802

February 06, 2005

Leonard and Reuben

Leonard "Levi" Sheffler was the second son of John and Elizabeth Sheffler but died near the age of 16, and is buried in Central Cemetery in Hempfield Township. Although his baptism record lists him as Leonhart (Leonard), his headstone lists him as Levi, son of John and Elizabeth Sheffler. His age and date of death match precisely the birthdate for Leonard, son of John and Elizabeth Sheffler, in the baptism record. Levi would appear to be his middle name, and what he was called in youth.

Since Leonard/Levi's death was around 1838 or 1839, I am assuming that my own great great grandfather Levi Sheffler is named after him. My Levi was born to Frederick and Catharina Sheffler in 1841, after the death of John and Elizabeth's son just a couple years previous. They also lived in the Sheffler Farm area. (Not only were John and Frederick brothers, their wives Elizabeth and Catharina were sisters.)

Reuben Sheffler (Rubin in the baptism record) died as a 3-month old and is buried in Central Cemetery too.

John and Elizabeth Sheffler, in other Sheffler records relating to New Alexandria PA, are shown as being from Elderton, but they do not appear to have moved there until at least after the 1840 census, as they are living in Hempfield, where these two boys are buried.