The Shanafelts moved to Bryson, Texas about 1877. There are many Shanafelts in that vicinity today.

Beloved son of Henry and Hannah (Hartle) Shanafelt; reared in Mooresville, Morgan County, Indiana where he married Catherine Ann Rusie Dec 24 1850, reared two sons, Henry Carvosso ‘Vos' and Eddy Columbus and a daughter, Sarah Jane ‘Jen'... a baby daughter, Carry, died at birth in 1861. Samuel fought for his country during the Civil War as 1st Lieutenant with Co. E, 12 Regiment Indiana Infantry. Samuel was a Justice of the Peace for many years. They moved to Texas in December 1877 to join their son Vos. Samuel received a permit in 1885 from the government to work in the Cherokee Nation as 'a cow laborer.' He, Catherine and son Edd were heading back to Texas when he died of typhoid fever in Indian Territory, Afton, Ottawa Co., Oklahoma. Edd, with the help of an Indian, had to bury Samuel by the side of the trail. Wanting their father buried in Bryson, Texas, sons Vos and Edd went back to Oklahoma three times to try to find where he was buried so they could bring his body back for proper burial. Many believe Samuel is buried in Cottonwood Cemetery because his name, date of birth and death is on the tombstone along with his wife Catherine. The children erected the tombstone out of love and respect for their Mother and Father.

Samuel's siblings: Sarah (Shanafelt) Ballard, Solomon Shanafelt, Elizabeth Jane (Shanafelt) Alderson and Sophia (Shanafelt) Reagan.