SCHAFER, JOHN JOSEPH, President of the Jacksonville (Ill.) Meat Company, was born in Baden, Germany, March 15, 1857, and there received his mental training in the public schools. His parents, who were both natives of Germany, died in the Fatherland. Mr. Schafer emigrated to the United States in 1870, first locating in Schenectady, N.Y., and afterward in Albany, that State, where he was employed in the foundry of the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad. Later, for eighteen months, he was engaged in the butchering business with Henry Gray, and then worked for a like period as a butcher, in Brookfield, Mo. Afterward he spent two years in Quincy, Ill., moving thence to Jacksonville, where he has since resided. Two years after settling in Jacksonville, Mr. Schafer started in business for himself. In 1899, with others, he organized the Jacksonville Meat Company, of which he was elected President, and in which capacity he has since acted. The concern is incorporated with a paid-up stock of $30,000. The plant is of large dimensions, and the company is extensively engaged in packing and shipping all kinds of meats.

In February 1878, Mr. Schafer was united in marriage with Barbara Oslenschlager, who was born in Terre Haute, Ind., April 3, 1856, and there, in girlhood, received her education in the public schools. To this union were born three children, namely: Albert J., Frank F. and Carl J. Another member of the family group is Minnie Oslenschlager, daughter of George and Catherine (Hassler) Oslenschlager, who has shared Mr. and Mrs. Schafer's home since her infancy.

In politics, Mr. Schafer is a Democrat, and served in 1897 as a member of the Jacksonville City Council. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Schafer is a thoroughly competent business man, and applies himself to the affairs of his company with a degree of energy and constancy productive of most satisfactory results.