Shaw, Samuel W.

SHAW, ROBERTSON, DAVIDSON, MONLUX, INK, MCDUFF

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 10/21/2009 at 07:30:49

Shaw, Samuel W.

Among the enterprising and progressive farmers of Fairview Township, Jasper County is Samuel W. Shaw, owner of beautiful South View Farm. He has long been actively engaged in agricultural pursuits in this locality, although he is a native of the old Keystone State, and the years of his residence here have but served to strengthen the feeling of admiration on the part of his fellow men owing to the honorable life he has led and the worthy example he has set.

Mr. Shaw was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, May 4, 1848. He is the son of Thomas R. and Rebecca (Robertson) Shaw, both natives of Pennsylvania, the father born in Allegheny County, November 9, 1809, and the mother's birth occurred on July 12, 1812. They grew up, were educated and married in their native state, and there they became the owner of a farm of one hundred acres. In 1866 they moved to Jasper County, Iowa, and bought two hundred and fifty-five acres just east of the town of Monroe, on the old state road from Oskaloosa to Des Moines. The elder Shaw was a successful farmer, making a specialty of raising wheat. He was a Republican and he served his district as school director. He and his wife belonged to the Presbyterian Church. His death occurred on October 14, 1894, on the home farm where the subject now lives. He reached the advanced age of eighty-five years, and was able to do considerable work up to the last. His wife preceded him to the silent land in 1893. They were the parents of six children, an equal number of sons and daughters, namely: W. Hamilton, who is living in Monroe; Mary Ellen, who died in Pennsylvania; Matthew was killed during the Civil War, being a soldier in the Union Army, Company B, Sixty-first Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; Mrs. Maggie Davidson is deceased; Samuel W., of this sketch, was fifth in order of birth; Mrs. Mattie Monlux is living in Garner, Iowa.

Samuel W. Shaw attended the district schools in Pennsylvania and one winter in Iowa. He grew up on the home farm and remained with his father until the death of the latter. He managed the place after old age overtook the elder Shaw, and he always kept it well cultivated and well improved. He now owns the place, which consists of one hundred and seventy-two acres beautifully located less than a half mile from Monroe. He has long made a specialty of thoroughbred Poland China hogs and Shorthorn cattle.

Politically, Mr. Shaw is a Republican, but he has never been an aspirant for office. He and his family belong to the Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Shaw was married on October 22, 1885, to Cora Ink, who was born in Knox County, Ohio, March 25, 1859, the daughter of Abram Ink, a farmer, who came to Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, namely: Mrs. Eula McDuff; Florence; Wallace is deceased; William and Raymond. Past and Present of Jasper County Iowa B. F. Bowden & Company, Indianapolis, IN, 1912 Page 965.