A. F. Shaw (1850-1890)

SHAW, RAY, MILLIKIN

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 1/29/2009 at 11:51:31

Jackson Sentinel
April 3, 1890

SHAW. – At his home in this city, Monday morning, March 31st, 1890, of hemorrhage, Austin F. Shaw, aged 39 years, 10 months, 28 days.

A. F. Shaw was one of the prominent citizens of our city, and endowed with an untiring public spirit was ever ready to aid in the advancement of the city of his birth. He was an only son of John Shaw, one of the early settlers of Maquoketa, and by living an upright, Christian life, gained the highest esteem. He was born in this city May 2, 1850. He received the basis of a liberal education in the local schools, and in 1871 entered Cornell University at Ithaca, N. Y., and was graduated in the class of ’75. In 1876 he adopted the journalistic profession, becoming the editor of the Maquoketa Excelsior, continuing its publication until 1880. He then abandoned the editorial chair, to enter business as a hardware merchant with Austin Munger, under the firm name of Munger & Shaw. In 1884 the firm became Munger, Shaw & Co., effected, by which H. S. Crane was admitted into partnership; Mr. Munger retiring from the firm, and the firm name becoming Shaw & Crane.

Mr. Shaw was for years a member of the School Board, a Director in the First National Bank, Secretary of the Agricultural Society, Superintendent of the Congregational Sabbath School, of which church he was a leading member. He always took a prominent part in all transpiring commercial and church affairs.

The marriage of Mr. Shaw and Miss L. C. Ray took place in December, 1880. Two sons have been born to them, John A. and Guy R. Mrs. Shaw was born near Morrison, Whiteside Co, Ill., and is a daughter of Guy and Louisa Ray. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw have a beautiful home, he having erected a handsome residence in 1888 on a part of his father’s old homestead.

He leaves a very large circle of friends and relatives to mourn his untimely death, which is generally believed to have been hastened by recent financial troubles.

The funeral will occur at 2 o’clock this afternoon from the Congregational Church, Rev. S. F. Millikin, of Wichita, Kansas, former pastor in this city, officiating.