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Our Genealogy Helper

Introduction ...

We have a couple of goals for our Gazetteer:

  • That it be a tool which helps us with planning our trips.
  • We're trying to shape our Gazetteer as a tool to help us understand the community in which our ancestors lived, the community that was part of their daily lives.
  • On our trips, we try to visit those places where our ancestors left their footprints.

By learning about Shafter (and the surrounding area) during the time that our ancestors lived, we hope to have a better understanding of both their community and its relationship to their lifes. We hope that this tool helps to give us an insight into their world.

As we add data and organize our Gazetteer to help with our family research, we will be adding to this our Genealogical Helper for Shafter. While we don't have information that is specific to any given person or family, we intend to expand our understanding about where and how people lived.

Neighboring Counties ...

When searching for family records, we have frequently made the mistake of not checking the neighboring counties.

For example, we have great-grandparents who lived in the northwest corner of their home county. During their lives, most hospitals were in the next county to the west. Almost all of the nearby churches and cemeteries were in the county to the north.

So when searching for records, we had our best success by looking in neighboring counties instead of the county in which they lived:  their home county contained property and probate records; the county to the west contained birth and death records; the county to the north contained their burial records. If we hadn't included the neighboring counties, we would have missed many valuable sources of information.

If you're in a similar situation, we hope that the following information helps.

Shafter is located in Fayette County.

To see how the shape of Illinois' counties have changed over time, we recommend the Atlas of Historical County Boundaries.

The following counties adjoin and form the boundaries of Fayette County: Bond, Clay, Clinton, Effingham, Marion, Montgomery & Shelby.

Below are the counties that are near Shafter. For each of these counties, we show a sample of those communities that are closest to Shafter:

  • Fayette County     (The home county of Shafter)
    • The following are listed by their distance from Shafter, with the one closest to Shafter listed first.
    • Hagarstown
      (4 miles [6.4 km] to the south)
    • Vandalia
      (5 miles [8 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Vandalia have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Vandalia
      • Vandalia is located in Fayette County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 6,662 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Vandalia <1>
    • Bayle City
      (6 miles [9.7 km] to the north)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Bayle City have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Bayle City
      • Bayle City is located in Fayette County
    • Bingham
      (6 miles [9.7 km] to the north)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Bingham have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Bingham
      • Bingham is located in Fayette County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 77 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Bingham <1>
    • Bluff City
      (8 miles [12.9 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Bluff City have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Bluff City
      • Bluff City is located in Fayette County
    • Ramsey
      (9 miles [14.5 km] to the northeast)
    • Shobonier
      (11 miles [17.7 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Shobonier have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Shobonier
      • Shobonier is located in Fayette County
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Shobonier <1>
    • Brownstown
      (12 miles [19.3 km] to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Brownstown have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Brownstown
      • Brownstown is located in Fayette County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 733 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Brownstown <1>
    • Dressor
      (13 miles [20.9 km] to the northeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Dressor have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Dressor
      • Dressor is located in Fayette County
    • Saint Paul
      (16 miles [25.7 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Saint Paul have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Saint Paul
      • Saint Paul is located in Fayette County
    • Saint Elmo
      (17 miles [27.4 km] to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Saint Elmo have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Saint Elmo
      • Saint Elmo is located in Fayette County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 1,367 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Saint Elmo <1>
    • Loogootee
      (19 miles [30.6 km] to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Loogootee have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Loogootee
      • Loogootee is located in Fayette County
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Loogootee <1>
    • Saint Peter
      (20 miles [32.2 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Saint Peter have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Saint Peter
      • Saint Peter is located in Fayette County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 338 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Saint Peter <1>
  • Bond County
    • The following are listed by their distance from Shafter, with the one closest to Shafter listed first.
    • Mulberry Grove
      (7 miles [11.3 km] to the southwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Mulberry Grove have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Mulberry Grove
      • Mulberry Grove is located in Bond County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 570 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Mulberry Grove <1>
    • Smithboro
      (11 miles [17.7 km] to the southwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Smithboro have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Smithboro
      • Smithboro is located in Bond County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 163 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Smithboro <1>
    • Greenville
      (14 miles [22.5 km] to the southwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Greenville have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Greenville
      • Greenville is located in Bond County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 6,365 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Greenville <1>
    • Reno
      (17 miles [27.4 km] to the west)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Reno
      • Reno is located in Bond County
    • Sorento
      (20 miles [32.2 km] to the west)
    • Old Ripley
      (22 miles [35.4 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Old Ripley have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Old Ripley
      • Old Ripley is located in Bond County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 98 people
    • Pocahontas
      (23 miles [37 km] to the southwest)
    • Pierron
      (27 miles [43.5 km] to the southwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Pierron have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Pierron
      • Pierron is located in Bond County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 535 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Pierron <1>
  • Christian County
    • The following are listed by their distance from Shafter, with the one closest to Shafter listed first.
    • Rosamond
      (25 miles [40.2 km] to the north)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Rosamond have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Rosamond
      • Rosamond is located in Christian County
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Rosamond <1>
    • Pana
      (26 miles [41.8 km] to the north)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Pana have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Pana
      • Pana is located in Christian County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 5,327 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Pana <1>
  • Clinton County
    • The following are listed by their distance from Shafter, with the one closest to Shafter listed first.
    • Keyesport
      (19 miles [30.6 km] to the south)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Keyesport have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Keyesport
      • Keyesport is located in Clinton County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 398 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Keyesport <1>
    • Marydale
      (24 miles [38.6 km] to the southwest)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Marydale
      • Marydale is located in Clinton County
    • Carlyle
      (28 miles [45.1 km] to the south)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Carlyle have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Carlyle
      • Carlyle is located in Clinton County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 3,148 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Carlyle <1>
    • Huey
      (28 miles [45.1 km] to the south)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Huey have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Huey
      • Huey is located in Clinton County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 161 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Huey <1>
    • Saint Rose
      (30 miles [48.3 km] to the southwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Saint Rose have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Saint Rose
      • Saint Rose is located in Clinton County
  • Effingham County
    • The following are listed by their distance from Shafter, with the one closest to Shafter listed first.
    • Altamont
      (23 miles [37 km] to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Altamont have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Altamont
      • Altamont is located in Effingham County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 2,350 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Altamont <1>
    • Beecher City
      (24 miles [38.6 km] to the northeast)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Beecher City
      • Beecher City is located in Effingham County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 451 people
    • Moccasin
      (24 miles [38.6 km] to the northeast)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Moccasin
      • Moccasin is located in Effingham County
    • Gilmore
      (25 miles [40.2 km] to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Gilmore have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Gilmore
      • Gilmore is located in Effingham County
    • Dexter
      (27 miles [43.5 km] to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Dexter have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Dexter
      • Dexter is located in Effingham County
    • Edgewood
      (28 miles [45.1 km] to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Edgewood have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Edgewood
      • Edgewood is located in Effingham County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 427 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Edgewood <1>
    • Funkhouser
      (30 miles [48.3 km] to the east)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Funkhouser
      • Funkhouser is located in Effingham County
    • Mason
      (30 miles [48.3 km] to the east)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Mason
      • Mason is located in Effingham County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 333 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Mason <1>
    • Shumway
      (30 miles [48.3 km] to the northeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Shumway have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Shumway
      • Shumway is located in Effingham County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 192 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Shumway <1>
  • Macoupin County
    • The following are listed by their distance from Shafter, with the one closest to Shafter listed first.
    • Mount Olive
      (29 miles [46.7 km] to the west)
    • Lake Ka-ho
      (30 miles [48.3 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Lake Ka-ho have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Lake Ka-ho
      • Lake Ka-ho is located in Macoupin County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 214 people
      • Lake Ka-ho has also been known as:
      • Lake Ka-Ho village
  • Madison County
    • The following are listed by their distance from Shafter, with the one closest to Shafter listed first.
    • New Douglas
      (26 miles [41.8 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for New Douglas have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for New Douglas
      • New Douglas is located in Madison County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 304 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for New Douglas <1>
    • Grantfork
      (28 miles [45.1 km] to the southwest)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Grantfork
      • Grantfork is located in Madison County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 341 people
    • Sebastopol
      (30 miles [48.3 km] to the southwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Sebastopol have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Sebastopol
      • Sebastopol is located in Madison County
    • Alhambra
      (30 miles [48.3 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Alhambra have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Alhambra
      • Alhambra is located in Madison County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 648 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Alhambra <1>
  • Marion County
    • The following are listed by their distance from Shafter, with the one closest to Shafter listed first.
    • Vernon
      (15 miles [24.1 km] to the south)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Vernon have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Vernon
      • Vernon is located in Marion County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 119 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Vernon <1>
    • Patoka
      (18 miles [29 km] to the south)
    • Fairman
      (23 miles [37 km] to the south)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Fairman
      • Fairman is located in Marion County
    • Alma
      (24 miles [38.6 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Alma have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Alma
      • Alma is located in Marion County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 302 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Alma <1>
    • Kinmundy
      (24 miles [38.6 km] to the southeast)
    • Sandoval
      (27 miles [43.5 km] to the south)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Sandoval have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Sandoval
      • Sandoval is located in Marion County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 1,205 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Sandoval <1>
    • Odin
      (28 miles [45.1 km] to the south)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Odin
      • Odin is located in Marion County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 1,004 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Odin <1>
    • Salem
      (29 miles [46.7 km] to the southeast)
    • Junction City
      (30 miles [48.3 km] to the south)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Junction City have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Junction City
      • Junction City is located in Marion County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 468 people
    • Omega
      (30 miles [48.3 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Omega have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Omega
      • Omega is located in Marion County
  • Montgomery County
    • The following are listed by their distance from Shafter, with the one closest to Shafter listed first.
    • Fillmore
      (8 miles [12.9 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Fillmore have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Fillmore
      • Fillmore is located in Montgomery County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 305 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Fillmore <1>
    • Coffeen
      (12 miles [19.3 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Coffeen have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Coffeen
      • Coffeen is located in Montgomery County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 634 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Coffeen <1>
    • Donnellson
      (15 miles [24.1 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Donnellson have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Donnellson
      • Donnellson is located in Montgomery County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 196 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Donnellson <1>
    • Irving
      (17 miles [27.4 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Irving have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Irving
      • Irving is located in Montgomery County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 457 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Irving <1>
    • Schram City
      (18 miles [29 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Schram City have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Schram City
      • Schram City is located in Montgomery County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 542 people
    • Taylor Springs
      (18 miles [29 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Taylor Springs have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Taylor Springs
      • Taylor Springs is located in Montgomery County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 650 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Taylor Springs <1>
    • Witt
      (18 miles [29 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Witt have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Witt
      • Witt is located in Montgomery County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 833 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Witt <1>
    • Panama
      (18 miles [29 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Panama have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Panama
      • Panama is located in Montgomery County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 310 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Panama <1>
    • Coalton
      (19 miles [30.6 km] to the north)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Coalton have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Coalton
      • Coalton is located in Montgomery County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 282 people
    • Hillsboro
      (19 miles [30.6 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Hillsboro have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Hillsboro
      • Hillsboro is located in Montgomery County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 5,909 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Hillsboro <1>
    • Nokomis
      (20 miles [32.2 km] to the north)
    • Wenonah
      (21 miles [33.8 km] to the north)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Wenonah have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Wenonah
      • Wenonah is located in Montgomery County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 34 people
    • Butler
      (22 miles [35.4 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Butler have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Butler
      • Butler is located in Montgomery County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 163 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Butler <1>
  • Shelby County
    • The following are listed by their distance from Shafter, with the one closest to Shafter listed first.
    • Herrick
      (17 miles [27.4 km] to the northeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Herrick have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Herrick
      • Herrick is located in Shelby County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 423 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Herrick <1>
    • Oconee
      (19 miles [30.6 km] to the north)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Oconee have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Oconee
      • Oconee is located in Shelby County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 169 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Oconee <1>
    • Cowden
      (23 miles [37 km] to the northeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Cowden have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Cowden
      • Cowden is located in Shelby County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 573 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Cowden <1>
    • Lakewood
      (26 miles [41.8 km] to the northeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Lakewood have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Lakewood
      • Lakewood is located in Shelby County
    • Tower Hill
      (28 miles [45.1 km] to the northeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Tower Hill have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Tower Hill
      • Tower Hill is located in Shelby County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 582 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Tower Hill <1>
    • Mode
      (29 miles [46.7 km] to the northeast)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Mode
      • Mode is located in Shelby County

For an expanded list of the communities that are closest to Shafter, see our County-by-County Page for Shafter.

Newspapers Published in Shafter ...

An ongoing effort between the Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has resulted in the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP).

To share their results, the partnership has created the Chronicling America website. The goal of this partnership is to assemble a database about the current and historic newspapers of the United States. This includes a growing collection of scanned images from selected papers. All of it available to the public on their website.

Using information that we've taken from the Chronicling America website, we've identified 193 newspapers that have been published in the area around Shafter.

Although we're unaware of any newspapers that were published in the immediate area of Shafter, there are papers which were published within 29 miles [46.7 km]<3>. A list of those papers, sorted by paper name, can be found on the Extended Newspaper List for Shafter.

Websites to Help With Your Genealogy Research ...

When we do our genealogical research, we like to start with the websites from Cyndi's List, FamilySearch and Genealogy Trails. These helpful websites offer the information directly or else point to where you can find it. Their information is open to everyone.

To help you get started, the following links will take you to the pages that are relevant to Shafter:

Cemeteries Near Shafter ...

Below are cemeteries that are in the vicinity of Shafter.

This is a new section and is likely to have errors. If you find an error, such as a missing cemetery or we have the wrong name, please let us know. If you know of them, we would also appreciate learning about previous or alternate names.

If you need information about a burial or interment, photos, transcripts, how to contact the cemetery or local authorities, please visit our selection of Genealogy Websites (see below).

If not found below, our Cemetery List for Shafter covers a larger area, with the cemeteries listed in alphabetical order.

The following cemeteries are listed based on their distance from Shafter, with the one closest to Shafter listed first.

  • Wright & Neathery Cemetery
    (2 miles [3.2 km] to the southwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Wright & Neathery Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Wright & Neathery Cemetery
  • Lawler Cemetery
    (2 miles [3.2 km] to the east)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Lawler Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Lawler Cemetery
  • Browning Cemetery
    (2 miles [3.2 km] to the northwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Browning Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Browning Cemetery
  • Bethlehem Cemetery
    (3 miles [4.8 km] to the southwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Bethlehem Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Bethlehem Cemetery
  • Eakle Cemetery
    (3 miles [4.8 km] to the southwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Eakle Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Eakle Cemetery
  • Cook Cemetery
    (3 miles [4.8 km] to the northwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Cook Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Cook Cemetery
  • Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery
    (3 miles [4.8 km] to the northeast)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery
  • Rush Cemetery
    (3 miles [4.8 km] to the northwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Rush Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Rush Cemetery
  • Ritter Cemetery
    (4 miles [6.4 km] to the southeast)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Ritter Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Ritter Cemetery
  • Hoffman Cemetery
    (4 miles [6.4 km] to the north)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Hoffman Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Hoffman Cemetery
  • Renshaw Cemetery
    (4 miles [6.4 km] to the northwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Renshaw Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Renshaw Cemetery
  • Neathery Cemetery
    (4 miles [6.4 km] to the west)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Neathery Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Neathery Cemetery
  • Continue List   (406 more) ...
    • Etcheson Cemetery
      (5 miles [8 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Etcheson Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Etcheson Cemetery
    • Sharon Cemetery
      (5 miles [8 km] to the northeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Sharon Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Sharon Cemetery
    • Union Cemetery
      (5 miles [8 km] to the northeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Union Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Union Cemetery

Nearby Communities in 1895 ...

We've built the following list with information that came from an Atlas published by Rand McNally in 1895. The Atlas had details such as the population of the community (which appears to have come from the 1890 Census) and whether there was a post office and/or railroad service available. We also indicate if the community no longer exists and is now historic.<4>

While we didn't find Shafter in the Atlas, the following 1895 communities would have been found near the current location of Shafter.

These communities are listed based on their distance from Shafter, with the one closest to Shafter listed first.

  • Hagarstown
    (4 miles [6.4 km] to the south)
  • Vera
    (4 miles [6.4 km] to the east)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Vera have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Vera
    • Vera is located in Fayette County
  • Vandalia
    (5 miles [8 km] to the southeast)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Vandalia have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Vandalia
    • Vandalia is located in Fayette County
    • Population from the 2020 Census: 6,662 people
    • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Vandalia <1>
  • Bingham
    (6 miles [9.7 km] to the north)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Bingham have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Bingham
    • Bingham is located in Fayette County
    • Population from the 2020 Census: 77 people
    • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Bingham <1>
  • Bayle City
    (6 miles [9.7 km] to the north)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Bayle City have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Bayle City
    • Bayle City is located in Fayette County
  • Mulberry Grove
    (7 miles [11.3 km] to the southwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Mulberry Grove have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Mulberry Grove
    • Mulberry Grove is located in Bond County
    • Population from the 2020 Census: 570 people
    • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Mulberry Grove <1>
  • Fillmore
    (8 miles [12.9 km] to the northwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Fillmore have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Fillmore
    • Fillmore is located in Montgomery County
    • Population from the 2020 Census: 305 people
    • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Fillmore <1>
  • Pittsburg
    (9 miles [14.5 km] to the south)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Pittsburg have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Pittsburg
    • Pittsburg is located in Fayette County
  • Ramsey
    (9 miles [14.5 km] to the northeast)
  • Chapman
    (9 miles [14.5 km] to the northwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Chapman have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Chapman
    • Chapman is located in Montgomery County
  • Smithboro
    (11 miles [17.7 km] to the southwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Smithboro have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Smithboro
    • Smithboro is located in Bond County
    • Population from the 2020 Census: 163 people
    • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Smithboro <1>
  • Pleasant Mound
    (11 miles [17.7 km] to the southwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Pleasant Mound have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Pleasant Mound
    • Pleasant Mound is located in Bond County
  • Continue List   (16 more) ...
    • Shobonier
      (11 miles [17.7 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Shobonier have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Shobonier
      • Shobonier is located in Fayette County
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Shobonier <1>
    • Brownstown
      (12 miles [19.3 km] to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Brownstown have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Brownstown
      • Brownstown is located in Fayette County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 733 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Brownstown <1>
    • Coffeen
      (12 miles [19.3 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Coffeen have been provided by the GNIS.<2> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Coffeen
      • Coffeen is located in Montgomery County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 634 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Coffeen <1>

We've also created an expanded list of communities that existed in the 1890's and were located in the area around Shafter. See our List of 1890's Communities around Shafter.

Unfortunately, we don't know of a website for Shafter. If you can help, please contact us through our Feedback Page.

The official website for State of Illinois: https://illinois.gov

Footnotes ...

<1>While we're fans and frequent users of TripAdvisor, you should know that we're also members of the TripAdvisor affiliate program.
<2>The location has been supplied by the Geographic Names Information System - which is maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). While these values should be definitive, we found that accuracy can vary and you should double-check the location if accuracy is required.
<3>Our distances are not driving distances, but are calculated as a 'straight-line' distance. A straight line distance ignores things like rivers, canyons, lakes, et cetera - it's truly a line drawn from Point A (ie- Shafter) to Point B.Our distance measurements begin at a specific point in Shafter. The point we use is located at these GPS coordinates - Latitude: 39.0137, Longitude: -89.1851       In this case, the coordinates for Shafter have been provided by the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS).
<4>We use the term 'Historic' broadly and it generally means that the community no longer exists. However, it can also mean that the community might still exist, but was significantly larger or had a more 'official' existence in the past than it does now. Unfortunately our sources of data have proven to be unreliable. If you can provide us with more specific information about Shafter, please let us know so that we can improve our accuracy.




 

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This page was last modified/updated: 07 Apr 2024