Daniel Sheffey, American congressman, lawyer member Virginia; member United States House
Background
He was born in Frederick, Maryland to Johann Adam Schieffe, a cobbler, and his wife Magdelena Loehr of Südwestpfalz, Germany. Apprenticed as a shoemaker in his father"s shop, he spent his leisure hours observing nature and the mysteries of astronomy. Upon attaining his majority, he walked to Winchester, Virginia and began plying his trade until he built up his resources.
Education
Studied law, Wytheville, Virginia.
Career
They had immigrated to Maryland about 1764. Largely self-educated, Sheffey pursued classical studies. He moved to Wytheville, Virginia, in 1791.
Finally, he was received as a student into the office of Alexander Smyth, Esq. an eminent lawyer in that part of the state, and afterwards commander of the northern army during the War of 1812.
He was admitted to the bar July 1, 1802, and commenced the practice of his profession in Wytheville. He moved to Staunton, Virginia where he continued the practice of law.
He served in the Virginia State senate, 1804-1808. Sheffey was elected as a Federalist to the Eleventh and to the three succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1809 – March 3, 1817).
He died at the Warm Springs, Virginia on December 3, 1830 while on his way from Greenbrier Chancery Court to his home in Staunton, Virginia.
1809. Sheffey was elected to the United States. House of Representatives with 66.56% of the vote, defeating Democrat Republican Francis Preston. 1811; Sheffey was re-elected unopposed.
1813; Sheffey was re-elected unopposed.
1815. Sheffey was re-elected unopposed.
Membership
He served as member of the Virginia State House of Delegates 1800-1804. In 1814, Sheffey was elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society. He was again a member of the Virginia State House of Delegates in 1822 and 1823.