Stauffer Bookplate Collection

David McNeely Stauffer was born on March 24, 1845 in Mount Joy (then Richmond), PA. He attended the Bell School there until his family moved to Lancaster where he continued his education at the Duke Street Secondary School. In September 1861, Stauffer entered Franklin and Marshall College. In September 1862, he left college to join the 2nd Pennsylvania Emergency Regiment serving until winter when he returned to school. In June 1863, he reentered the military joining the Independent Battery of Pennsylvania. After his enlistment expired in January 1864, Stauffer joined the Engineering Corps of the Columbia and Port DuPont Railroad. In February 1864, however, he reentered the military joining the navy as Masters Mate for Admiral David Porter. After the Civil War ended, Stauffer decided not to return to college. Instead. he returned to his job with the Columbia and Port DuPont Railroad to pursue a career in Civil Engineering. Work in this field allowed him the opportunity to work in several countries around the world, particularly Central America. In addition to his work as a Civil Engineer, Stauffer is noted for his work as an illustrator and copper and steel engraver. He designd bookplates for many prominent libraries and illustrated Joseph H. Dubbs' 1903 History of Franklin and Marshall College. Stauffer died in 1913.