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Samuel E. Shaw
Samuel
E. Shaw, the owner of three hundred and ninety acres of farming land in
this county, was born in Kendall county, Illinois, May 26, 1848, and is
a son of Thomas and Ellen (Smithers) Shaw, both natives of England.
Upon coming to this country this worthy couple settled in Kendall
county, Illinois, in 1842. They purchased a farm in Lisbon township,
where the father followed agricultural pursuits on a large scale up to
the time of his death. Their union was blessed with nine children who
are all living, the oldest being seventy-one years of age and the
youngest fifty-two years: Elias, of California; William, of Zion City,
Illinois; Ana, the widow of Mr. Fielding, of Scranton, Iowa; Mary, the
widow of Mr. Vernon, of Chicago; Thomas, of Kansas; John, who is living
in Kendall county, Illinois; Samuel E., the subject of this sketch;
Elizabeth, the wife of Mr. Worsley, of Michigan; and Maggie, the wife
of Mr. Worsley, of Scranton. This large family held a reunion at
Scranton, June 7, 1907, the first time they had been together in forty
years, and it is needless to say that each and every one enjoyed a
splendid time, telling stories of their early days and shaking hands
once more with the brothers and sisters from whom they had been so long
separated.
Samuel E. Shaw received his early education in the district schools of
his native county. He divided his time between the schoolroom and the
fields. In October, 1882, he removed to Greene county, Iowa, where he
purchased one hundred and sixty acres on sectlon 11, Scranton township,
from Mahlon Head. This land he broke and cultivated and was so
successful in its cultivation that he was able from time to time to add
to his original purchase until he now owns three hundred and ninety
acres located just half a mile from the town of Scranton. He has been
interested in making this one of the best farms in the county, also one
of the most beautiful and comfortable homes. For this purpose he has
tiled the land, has built a comfortable nine-room house, a large barn
fifty-six by thirty-six feet, has set out some of the shade trees, also
the fruit trees, and has left nothing undone which could add to the
value of the place. He raises Durham cattle and Poland China hogs and
finds a ready market for them because of their superior quality. He has
invented and patented two different kinds of calf muzzles, which he has
sold. One of these has been a great success and has a large sale.
Mr. Shaw was married in Scranton March 20, 1883, to Lydia E. Henderson,
a daughter of John and Barbara (Shillington) Henderson, who came to
this county in 1877. This union has been blessed with three children:
Newman, who works on the farm; Sadie and Lial M., who are at home.
Mr. Shaw has always taken an active part in the work of building up the
township and county. He helped to build the new Methodist church of
which both he and his wife are active members. In his political
afliliations he is associated with the republicans and has served as
trustee of Scranton township for eight years. He has been township
clerk and justice of the peace. He has a large circle of friends and it
is by these friends who know him intimately that he is most highly
appreciated, showing that his character will bear very close scrutiny.
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