Daniel Sheaffer bought the property in 1845. The property of 69 acres was farmed and Sheaffer ran a saw mill for a short while providing lumber for bunks and coffins for the Third Corps casualties. After the Battle of Gettysburg, the farm was occupied by elements of the Third and Twelfth Corps of the Army of the Potomac. Many casualties were treated here both in the house and barn. Once the house and barn were filled, the casualties then occupied tents. The surgeon in charge at the time was Thaddeus Hildreth.