He was born in Frederick in the Province of Maryland to Johann Adam Schieffe, a cobbler, and his wife Magdelena Loehr of Südwestpfalz, Germany.
Apprenticed as a shoemaker in his father's shop, he spent his leisure hours observing nature and the mysteries of astronomy; upon attaining his majority, he walked to Winchester, Virginia and began plying his trade until he built up his resources.
He worked at his trade, all the while he attained a reputation for quick wit and immense intellect.
an eminent lawyer in that part of the state, and afterwards commander of the northern army during the War of 1812.
This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress