Peter J. Schaaf
Peter J. Schaaf, proprietor of the Brookside Farm, a successful breeder of Percheron horses and a leading agriculturist of Troy Township, resides on his valuable farm of almost 109 acres, which was the scene of his birth. July 20, 1854.
His parents, Peter J. and Jacobina D. (Wagner) Schaaf, were both born in Germany. The father was brought to America by bis parents when he was seven years of age, and was reared in Marion County, Ohio. Following his marriage be came to Troy Township and settled on the farm which his son and namesake, Peter J., now owns, and here he died in December. 1880. His wife, Jacobina, was eleven years old when her parents came to America, they settling on the farm in Delaware County on which she and her husband resided after their marriage. Her father, John Wagner, was a well-known pioneer. The surviving children of Peter J. and Jacobina D. Schaaf are: Anna, who married Peter Weisman, residing in Paulding County; Peter J., subject of this sketch, residing in Troy Township; Rev. John C, pastor of the Reformed Church at Canfield, Ohio; Flora E., who married C. N. Cole, residing at Providence, Rhode Island; Edward W., a resident of Denver, Colorado; Ella F., who married A. P. Rodefer, residing in Troy Township; and Annetta L., who married George Romoser, and resides at Cardington, Ohio. The mother of the above mentioned family died in June, 1904. The father was a man of prominence in the Reformed Church and also in the public affairs of the township. Of him it could be truly said that his word was as good as his bond.
Peter J. Schaaf, Jr.. was reared in Troy Township, which has always been his home. Many members of the family have established themselves in far-away sections, but he has found sufficiently favorable opportunities in the section in which he was born. For a quarter of a century he has been engaged in breeding registered Percheron horses, and the animals turned out from Brookside Farm, have been noted for their good form and fine points, according to established standards.
Mr. Schaaf was first married to Rosa Martin, who was a daughter or Rev. Benjamin Martin, of Ashley, Ohio. She died leaving one daughter, Carrie R., who was educated in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, and is a popular and successful teacher in the public schools. Mr. Schaaf married secondly Mrs. Helen Strawhacker, who was the widow of George Strawhacker, formerly of Medina County, and a daughter of Michael Gruninger. Mr. Schaaf is a member of the Reformed Church and a liberal contributor to its support, attending services at Waldo, Ohio. In politics he is a Democrat.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908