On 6 Sep 1888 when John Thurman was 21, he married 
Elizabeth Jane Smith, daughter of 
John Silas Smith (27 Mar 1841-8 Jul 1894) & 
Rhoda Jane Tackwell (28 Jan 1854-25 Oct 1921), in Mohicanville, Ashland County, Ohio.
675 Born on 21 Mar 1871 in Illinois.675 Elizabeth Jane died in Ashland County, Ohio, on 10 Jun 1941; she was 70.675 Buried in Vermillion Cemetery, Hayesville.
Children of John and Elizabreth (Smith) Shafer:
    i. Grace Adela Shafer, b. 23 Feb 1890;
    ii. Rhoda Alice Shafer, b. 6 Oct 1894;
    iii. Hellen Marie Shafer, b. 5 May 1896;
    iv. Iva Cecile Shafer, b. 24 Feb 1904;
    v. Mary Anneta Shafer, b. 30 Sep 1906;
    vi. Mabel Annis Shafer, b. 30 Sep 1906;
    vii. Mildred Anna Shafer, treplet, b. 30 Sep 1906; and
    viii. Frank Richard Shafer, b. 20 May 1911.675