James Edward Shafer

James Edward Shafer was born October 19, 1878, in Lincoln County, Georgia. He was the son of James Howard and Louisiana Callaham Shafer.

He married Robbie Ann Frasier, October 11, 1908, in Ocampo, Mexico. They had nine children (listed at left).

James Edward moved to Mexico with his parents James Howard and Louisana Shafer when he was twenty five years old. He and his father ranched, ran a store and a blacksmith shop in Chamal. Their cattle brand was 7 up.

In July of 1908, James Edward met Robbie Ann Frasier. Robbie was helping with cooking for the Ranchers that were working cattle at the Shafer ranch. Robbie had gone with Hattie Crawford and Hattie was to go back home with Robbie.

James Edward asked Robbie if he could see her home. When they arrived at the Frasier home, Robbie’s dad, W. E. Frasier, was sitting on the front porch. Robbie thought for sure she was in trouble for letting James accompany her home. James asked Mr. Frasier for his permission to date his daughter and was told it was fine. Thus their courtship began.

James and Robbie worked in the Shafer store. James also worked in the blacksmith shop with his dad. They enjoyed living in the Chamal Valley until the revolution force them to evacuate.

When James and Robbie came out of Mexico, they had two suitcases and the four children that were born in Chamal. All the money they had was declared counterfeit. They were given a voucher for their fares to Robbie’s brother’s home in El Campo, Texas.

In April of 1915, James and his father-in-law, William E. Frasier, returned to Chamal. They made an attempt renew the valley. They and others tried to rebuild the colony, but this ended when the revolution elevated. James went back to his family in El Campo.

James worked as a blacksmith , picked cotton and did other odd jobs to make a living for the family. They moved from El Campo to Collegeport, Texas, and then to Bay City.

He was working at the Bay City Machine Shop when he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He passed away in March of 1949.