Emanuel Shafer enlisted on July 15, 1861, as a private in Company E, 2nd Northeast Missouri Infantry; in February 1862 the 1st Northeast became the 21st Missouri Infantry. Shafter was promoted to sergeant on March 15, 1862, and to first sergeant on May 15, 1862. He was further promoted to second lieutenant on March 5, 1863, to first lieutenant on May 25, 1864, and to captain on September 25, 1864. Shafer saw action at Shiloh, Iuka, Corinth, Pleasant Hill, Tupelo, Nashville, and Fort Blakely.

He was mustered out of service on April 19, 1866.

Carte-de-Visite by Williams & Nichols, St. Louis, Mo.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 11619