John Shaffer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Shaffer
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| Governor of Utah Territory | |
| In office March 20, 1870 – October 31, 1870 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Durkee |
| Succeeded by | Vernon H. Vaughan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 5, 1827 Lewisburg, Pennsylvania |
| Died | October 31, 1870 (aged 43) Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Resting place | Freeport City Cemetery, Freeport, Illinois |
John Wilson Shaffer (born July 5, 1827 – died October 31, 1870) was an American politician and businessman. He is best known for serving as the Governor of Utah Territory in 1870.
Contents
Who Was John Shaffer?
John Shaffer was born in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. He grew up and later became involved in politics in Illinois. He was a member of the Republican Party.
Early Life and Work
In 1849, John Shaffer moved to Freeport, Illinois. There, he worked in the mercantile business. This means he was involved in buying and selling goods.
Shaffer also held several important local jobs. In 1856, he was elected as the sheriff of Stephenson County, Illinois. He was also elected as a clerk and recorder for the Illinois Circuit Court in Stephenson County.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, John Shaffer joined the army. He served in the 15th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He later became a quartermaster. A quartermaster is an officer who makes sure soldiers have supplies like food and equipment.
After the war ended, he was given the honorary rank of brigadier general. This is called being "brevetted." It means he earned the title for his good service.
Becoming Governor of Utah
In 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant chose John Shaffer for a very important job. He appointed Shaffer as the governor of the Utah Territory. A territory is an area of land that is part of a country but not yet a state.
His Time as Governor
As governor, John Shaffer was very firm. He believed strongly in the power of the federal government. He wanted to make sure everyone followed federal laws.
This sometimes caused disagreements with the people living in Utah, especially the Mormon population. Shaffer wanted to make sure there was no sign of rebellion against the United States government.
A Sudden End
John Shaffer's time as governor was very short. He died suddenly on October 31, 1870. This happened during his first year in office. He passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah.
His body was later buried in the Freeport City Cemetery in Freeport, Illinois.
