Gertrude E. Shafer
b. circa June 1908, d. 1971
- Father: Francis A. Shafer b. 13 September 1880, d. 13 March 1961
- Mother: Gertrude R. Ingraham b. October 1886, d. 14 July 1959
- Gertrude E. Shafer was born circa June 1908 in New York.
- Francis A. Shafer and Gertrude R. Ingraham appeared in the US federal census of 15 April 1910 in Hornell, Steuben County, New York, at 29 Ransom Street. Other members of the household included Gertrude E. Shafer, Francis A. Shafer.
- Francis A. Shafer and Gertrude R. Ingraham appeared in the US federal census of 1 January 1920 in Hornell, Steuben County, New York, at 36 Washington Street. Other members of the household included Gertrude E. Shafer, Francis A. Shafer and Genevieve Shafer.
- The following appeared on 11 May 1921 in The Niagara Falls Gazette: Hornell Children Noted Musicians. Cildren of Mr. and Mrs. Schafer Win Laurels in Musical Circles. The following interesting item concerning the talented children of Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Schafer of Hornell appeared in the Hornell paper, April 19th. Mrs. Schafer was formerly Miss Gertrude Ingraham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Ingraham, of No. 1557 Willow avenue, this city:
Hornell is proud of the Schafer children--Gertrude, Francis and Genevieve. If they were in a larger city they would be a sensation.
These children were born geniuses of music. They can sing and play various instruments equally as well. They are the children of Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Schafer, of 36 Washington street.
They are much in demand where local entertainments are held. Last night they were featured on a bill staged by the Erie Frieght Club of Hornell.
Professor James Wiley, who has been instructing little Francis on the violin, declares that he will be the greatest on the violin that Hornell has ever turned out. "He possesses an almost uncanny ear and adaptability for the violin," he says.
In a week's training they could be featured on any big time vaudeville circuit--so many and varied are their talents and accomplishments.
But when you hear them you learn a lesson each time. To those who sing and "vocalize" for their own amusement it teaches nothing, but to those who are inclined to become a Caruso, a Schumann-Heink, an Antonio Scotti, a Janet Spencer or a Leo Slezak, give it up unless you can warble "cards and spades" around little Gertrude--which would be hard to do.
Another lesson it teaches--what can be accomplished by children given proper discipline, proper atmosphere, environment, all to the end of guiding their little minds into the proper channels. Music must naturally be born with one, but parents can all make little geniuses if they focus and concentrate their attention upon the little ones at home.
Hornell is proud of the Schafer children. - The following appeared on 20 January 1927 in the Hornell Evening Tribune-Times: A marriage License has been issued at the office of the City Clerk James J. Bachle in Broadway to Joseph A. Donaldson of No. 246 High street and Miss Gertrude E. Schafer of No. 106 Thatcher street.
- She married Joseph A. Donaldson on 24 January 1927 in Hornell, Steuben County, New York, at St. Ann's Church, with the Rev. F. J. Naughten officiating. The marriage was witnessed by Genevieve Shafer.
- The following appeared on 24 January 1927 in the Hornell Evening Tribune-Times: The marriae of Miss Gertrude E. Schafer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schafer of No. 106 Thatcher street and Joseph A. Donaldson, son of Mr. And Mrs. Edward Donaldson of No. 246 High street was solemnized this morning at 8:15 o'clock in St. Ann's church by the Rev. F. J. Naughten before a small group of friends and relatives.
The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Genevieve Schafer and Francis McCovick served as best man. Immediately after the ceremony the wedding party were served a wedding breakfast at the McCovic, tea room.
The young couple are both very well known and have a large circle of friends to wish them happiness. They will make their home in Ravine street. - Gertrude E. Shafer became a widow at the 1964 death of her husband Joseph A. Donaldson.
- Gertrude E. Shafer died in 1971.
- She was interred at Saint Ann's Cemetery, Hornell, Steuben County, New York.
- Last Edited: 3 Jan 2016