Francis A. Schipfer, Sr., was born in the kingdom of Prussia, Germany, on February 12, 1831, and is the son of Kaspfer and Barbara(Wessbecher) Schipfer, who lived and died in Germany, their native land. Eight children were born to Kaspfer Schipfer and his wife, but Francis A. was the only one who came to America. At that time he was a fairly well educated young man of twenty years and had already sufficiently filled a clerical position in a mercantile establishment. In 1951 he landed in the great metropolis of New York, but remained there but a short time, spending over a year looking about for a suitable place in which to locate, and visiting Newark, New Jersey; Hamilton, Ohio; then Burlington, Iowa. In that city he lived for two and one-half years, coming to Sigourney on July 3, 1856. Prior to this location he had filled clerical positions, but here he embarked in business for himself, opening up a general store, his business house continuing all these years. Mr. Schipfer is the only merchant of Sigourney who was in business when he settled here. His success has been very satisfactory, although several changes have been made in the firm style. It began as the firm of F. A. Schipfer, later was changed to Schipfer and Sons, and about 1890, when the sons took active charge, the name became Schipfer Brothers as it now appears to the trade and the public. In 1890 Mr. Schipfer made a visit to Germany and renewed old associations.

In 1958 Francis A. Schipfer was married in Sigourney to Emily Knape, who was also born in Germany. (note: census records have her claiming to be born in Connecticut). The children born to them are: Francis A., Herman J., Louis J., Oscar A, Eugene, Fred C. and Clara, all of the sons and the daughter making up the present firm of Shipfer Bros. Mr. Schipfer has never been active in politics, but votes the Republican ticket.