JOHN KLAFER is a very successful general farmer and stock-raiser, nicely located on section 6, in Ridott Township. His homestead comprises 127 acres, and he also owns fifty-six acres of improved land in another part of the township, a part of which runs over into Silver Creek Township. Mr. Klafer is a very practical farmer. He has on his farm a fine stone-quarry of some acres in dimensions, which produces good building stone of various thicknesses, from fourteen to sixteen inches. Mr. Klafer was born in Baden, Germany, March 29, 1848, where his father, Jacob Klafer, was also born, reared and married. His mother's maiden name was Catharine Schrenkle, who was also a native of Baden, and was born and reared there. The parents and four children, our subject the youngest of them, came to the United States in July, 1853, and settled in Ridott Township. They purchased and improved a new farm, and the father made it his home until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1885. The mother followed six weeks later. They were aged respectively sixty-nine and sixty-six years, the latter to a day. They were members of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Silver Creek Township.

After John Klafer came to this country he received his education in this county in the common schools of Ridott Township. He was a dutiful boy, and lived at home with his parents until their death. The practical life of a farmer was early taught him, and he has steadily pursued that vocation since. He was married in Ridott Township to Miss Susan Sheffner, in 1871. She was born near the birthplace of her husband in Baden, Germany, in July, 1850, and came to the United States in 1852 with her parents. Her father, John Sheffner, is now living on a farm in Ridott Township. Her mother was Mary Scean before she married Mr. Scheffner.

Mrs. Klafer is the mother of eight children, one deceased. These are Henry, John, Frank, Albert, Mary, Lizzie and Sarah. William was the name of the deceased child. Mr. and Mrs. Klafer are members of the German Methodist Church. In politics, Mr. Klafer is independent.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 554