Solomon was one of 12 children born to William and Catherine Elizabeth Near Shiffer of PA. He first married Margaret Elizabeth Gardner who died in 1877. Married second time to Margaret "Etta" Cupp in May of 1878. She died April 30, 1920.

Solomon was a veteran of the Civil War and is named on the soldier's monument in Plainfield, IL. He was a member of Co. I, 46th IL US Infantry. If you have any further information relating to Solomon, I would appreciate it if you would contact me.

The following information was sent to me by Vincent Caviglia (48696750):

Solomon A. Shiffer was born April 18, 1841, near Shippensville, Clarion county. Pa. He migrated with his parents to Plainfield, Will county, Ill., in 1858, and engaged in farming. Enlisted in U. S. service Nov. 16, 1861, as private in Company I, 46th Ill. Inft.; was appointed Corporal early in the service, 2nd Sergt., May 1st, 1863, and 1st Sergt., Sept. 1st, 1865. He participated in all the battles and marches with the regiment. He was wounded in left shoulder at the siege of Corinth, Miss., in May, 1862; re-enlisted in Jan., 1864, and remained with the regiment until final muster out. His term of service was four years and two and a half months.

On his return he again followed the occupation of a farmer. In April, 1867, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Gardner. Six children were born to this union, four sons and two daughters; three sons and one daughter survive. His wife died in 1877, after which he moved to Iowa with his children and located near Des Moines on a farm. In May 1878, he married Miss Etta Capp. To this marriage a daughter was born, who died at the age of 18 years. In the Spring of 1883, he moved with his family to Rooks county, Kansas, and settled on a farm and followed the occupation of a farmer until 1890, when he moved to Iowa, and in 1891 to Joliet, Ill., where he is at present engaged as a carpenter and contractor. While in Kansas he was a minister of the gospel, serving seven years in the M. E. church; also held the position of Justice of the Peace for two terms, and served three terms as school director. His present church relations are with the evangelical church. He received a common school education, but is possessed of fine natural abilities and is well read in affairs of the State and Nation. He is patriotic and loyal to his country and the flag — the Stars and Stripes.

From "Complete history of the 46th regiment, Illinois volunteer infantry, a full and authentic account of the participation of the regiment in the battles, sieges, skirmishes and expeditions"