Charles Ashmead Schaeffer

Charles Ashmead Schaeffer (August 14, 1843 – September 23, 1898) was a chemist who served as the seventh President of the University of Iowa, serving from 1887 to 1898.

Early life Schaeffer was born on August 14, 1843, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Rev. Charles William Schaeffer, the prominent Lutheran clergyman, and Elizabeth Fry Ashmead Schaeffer.

Schaeffer graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1861. From 1863 to 1865, he studied at Lawrence Scientific School at Harvard University. He received his PhD from the University of Göttingen in 1868.

Personal life Schaeffer was married to Evelyn Schuyler (1846–1942), the daughter of George W. Schuyler, who served as New York State Treasurer, and sister of Eugene Schuyler, the writer and diplomat. Together, they were the parents of four children, including: Elizabeth Ashmead Schaeffer (1872–1945)

Schaeffer died unexpectedly at the age of 55 in Iowa City, Iowa.