Compiled by P. Davidson-Peters © 1999

My connection to the Shaws of Lexington is through Margaret Pilcher, wife of Hiram, and sister of Shadrach Pilcher (my direct ancestor). Except for the census and biographical records I've added, much of the following is compiled from various sources. My search, however, began with the Ralph Shaw transcript which includes "The Shaw Family in Lexington" and a letter written to C.R. Staples of Lexington.

Although many now have access to many more on-line records, the extractions to my census records include corrections to the enumerator's errors and also the maiden name of the women when known. Since I began blogging, there is also more information available at my PDP's Roots & Branches and Early St. Louis blogs.

I've included sources at the bottom of the sketch and links to the census extractions or images. Any information you can contribute, or any errors you might correct, I gladly accept your emails. Questions and comments are welcome as well. Thanks, and enjoy browsing.

Quoting from the typewritten The Shaw Family in Lexington Kentucky papers: "As to what became of Nathaniel there is no record unless it is the following: There was a Nathaniel Shaw, who died in 1803 and left a daughter named Sarah, then under age, as she appeared before the Fayette Court and selected Isaac Wells as her Guardian in 1806. His will was destroyed in the court house fire of 1803 but the appraisement of his estate showed value of 312£, 8s, 6d, which was filed by Peter Gatewood, Joseph Rutherford and Abraham Bowman during the July court 1807. Isaac Wells and George S. Smith were executors of the estate and by reason of the fire, they came into court and were reappointed. The daughter married Nelson Turner Jan 7th, 1808*. The executors were still working on the settlement in 1806, see Deed Book B-312. One entire page of the transcation of this Nathaniel Shaw are enclosed. the farm land shown was part of 44,000 acres given General Andrew Lewis as a Military Grant. Part of the personality was two copper stills, worms, buckets, tubs, four horses and four negros."

Taking from this information, a search for Sarah Shaw who married to Nelson Turner was located from the information of Pam Sulzer, whose 2nd great grandfather was James Turner - twin of Nelson. The boys were born on 12 Sep 1782 in Virginia and were the sons of Lewis Ellzey Turner and Theodosia (Payne).

Records indicate Sarah had died by time the 1830 census was taken, and at that time Nelson Turner was listed living next to Isaac Wells. He was last enumerated in the 1850 census residing in Lexington with his son Nelson and daughter Sarah E., who was divorced from James P. Higley that year. Nelson died on 21 Jan 1859 in Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky.

Note: The Kentucky Gazette dated 11 Dec 1806 reads: "On 4th Nelson Turner weds Sarah E. Shaw, both of Lexington"

1. Nancy Lewis Turner
2. Theodocia Ann Turner - born 03 Jun 1810 in Fayette Co., KY; married Alpheus Lewis on 02 Jun 1824 in Fayette Co., Kentucky.
3. Nelson Wells Turner
4. Sallie Ellis Turner - born before 1815 in Lexington; married James P. Higley on 10 Nov 1831 in Lexington, Fayette Co., KY.
5. Edward P. Turner - born about 1816 in Kentucky; married Sarh Bryant and died about 1876 in Lexington, KY.
6. Nathaniel L. Turner - born before 1820; married Ann Elizabeth Bradford on 27 Apr 1835 in Lexington; died 19 Jun 1840.
7. James Henry Turner - born 30 Sep 1822 in Lexington, KY; married Rachel Elisabeth Gist on 03 Mar 1846 in Montgomery Co., KY and were the parents of Rachel Dawson Turner who was born on 30 Nov 1846. James died on 23 Oct 1862 returning home from the Battle of Shiloh.
8. Fielding Lewis Turner - born about 1824 in Kentucky.
9. Elizabeth L. Turner - born about 1825 in Fayette Co., KY. On 10 Aug 1843 she married Robert Chappell Holland, who was one of the most prominent physicians in Lexington, and about twice her age. In 1811 he had purchased the home on North Mill Street in Lexington which was built in 1807 and would be referred to as "The Dunn House." He sold the home to Joseph and Matilda Miller in 1837, but his office was still located on Main Street, "next door to G.W. Norton's Drug Store." They were enumerated in the 1850 census residing in Jefferson Co., Kentucky. Robert died in Louisville in April of 1880.

Hiram had gone into business with John Lowry under the name of Lowry & Shaw which was situated on the corner of Main and Broadway, then called Main & Cross Street. The firm did not do well, and when Hiram died in 1822, his wife Margaret and children were said to have been left in near destitute circumstances.

His widow Margaret was residing in the household of their son Hiram in 1850 and 1860, he having become a very successful hat manufacturer. Margaret died on 24 Mar 1861 in Lexington and was laid to rest in the Lexington Cemetery in Section C, Lot 25, Part S½.

Biographical Sketch of Hiram Shaw
View, download or print PDF file of the Descendants of Hiram Shaw

1. Sarah E. Shaw - born 29 Mar 1802 in Lexington, Kentucky.
2. Nathaniel Shaw - born 31 Jan 1804 in Lexington, KY; married Emma Marsh and died 15 Feb 1849.
3. Ann T. Shaw - born 18 Apr 1806 in Lexington, KY; appears to have died young.
4. Amyntas "Ammi" Shaw - born 18 Dec 1807 born in Lexington, Ky; appears to have died young.
5. Hiram Shaw - born 13 Aug 1809 in Lexington, KY; married Nancy Marsh; died in May 1873.
6. Nancy Shaw -  born 31 Jan 1812 in Lexington, KY; married Lewis Pilcher; died 14 Oct 1848.
7. John Pilcher Shaw - born 29 Oct 1841 born in Lexington, Kentucky; appears to have died young.

On September 19, 1832 he and Miss Emma Marsh, daughter of Richard and Catherine (Milward) were married by Rev. N.H. Hall. About one year later Nathaniel left the river and engaged in hat making in Lexington with partner James C. White of Woodford County, Kentucky. Several years after the firm of White & Shaw started, Nathaniel's younger brother Hiram purchased White's interest and the firm then became known as N & H Shaw.

On the 15th of February 1849, at age 45 and 15 days, Nathaniel died leaving his widow with six children. She was listed as head of household in the 1850 census, and nine years later on March 22, 1859, she purchased a house which had been built on South Broadway in 1846. John McMurtry and James C. Butler had bought the south half-block of the land from Robert Wickliffe. The land was bounded by Broadway, Maxwell and Spring and had been the old drill ground of early days, back of Lexington's "hill fort." James. C. Butler, who was a prominent merchant on Main Street, decided to take 100 feet of the purchase on Broadway and built his residence upon it. The 1859 Directory it lists him and his family as living there while Emma's residence was listed on south side of Short between Spring & Jefferson. This house remained in the possession of the Shaws for more than 35 years. Emma's heirs and executors sold it in 1894 to Hallie P. Wilson, whose mother, Mrs. Jane R. Graves, paid for the home.

In 1860 Emma is listed as head of household which includes son Hiram who was a clerk, daughters Emma, Julia, Annie & Margaret, and her mother Catherine (Milward) who was at that time widowed and aged 73. Her husband's nephew Hiram Shaw (son of Hiram & Margaret), who was also her brother-in-law by marriage to her sister Nancy, was living next door at the time. Hiram was still working as a hat maker and his son Joshua Pilcher Shaw was working as a clerk.

Not far from the family was the residence of Louisa Todd who was estranged from her husband Levi (brother of Mary, wife of Abraham Lincoln) and who, along with her five children, was living with her mother Ellen Searles. This is so noted as the Todds were also associated with the Pilchers, Ballards, Kalbs, and others in Springfield, Illinois where Mary (Todd) Lincoln and her sisters were living. In fact, Thomas B. Megowan's ancestry also includes the Todd and Parker families - his maternal grandparents being James Parker and Mary (Todd).

In 1870 Emma's children, except Catherine and Annie, were residing in her household. Her son Hiram was listed with his wife Harriet and their one year-old son Ralph M. Shaw. The census was taken the 12th of July and Lexington Cemetery records indicate Emma was buried on the 24th of July and was age fifty-seven at the time of her death.

1. Hiram Shaw - born 22 Mar 1835 and married Harriet E. Martin.
2. Catherine M. Shaw - born 26 Apr 1837; married Benjamin Pope Freeman; died 18 Aug 1877.
3. Emma R. Shaw - born 01 Aug 1839; never married; died Jan 1924.
4. Julia H. Shaw - born 03 Feb 1842; never married and in 1930 was living alone on West 2nd Street with a nurse tending her. She died in Lexington on 11 Mar 1932.
5. Ann Eliza Shaw - born 04 Oct 1844; married (1) General Henry Pleasants; (2) John Thomas Carpenter.
6. Margaret Pilcher Shaw - born 06 Jan 1847; never married; died Oct 1924.

Hiram was married to Nancy Marsh on March 7th, 1838 by the Methodist Reverend W. Holman. She was the daughter of Richard and Catherine (Milward), and in 1850 the census shows Hiram working as a hatter, and his household including his widowed mother, their five children, and niece Margaret Pilcher. The enumeration of 1860 is nearly identical except that Margaret Pilcher, the niece, is no longer listed. It is believed that she died in 1853, just a little over sixteen and a half years of age.

The 1870 census would be the last federal census that Hiram would be enumerated in as he died in May of 1873. Listed this year as a rather successful hat and cap manufacturer with servants included in his household, his married son Joshua was also iving in the household with his wife Jane and working as a furniture dealer while son Joseph was working as a U.S. store keeper.

Hiram's widow Nancy is listed as head of household in the 1880 census with her two youngest children, Kate and Theodore, both unmarried. Her married son Joshua (who was employed as a bank teller) and his wife Jane were also listed in the household. Nancy's date of death is not known.

1. Joshua Pilcher Shaw - born Dec 1838 in Lexington; married Miss Jane Scott in about 1867, but had no children. He died in Lexington and was buried in the Lexington Cemetery on 18 May 1918.
2. Agnes Usher Shaw - born in Aug of 1841 in Lexington; married George Hamilton in about 1868 and died on 5 Nov 1924.
3. Joseph Milward Shaw - born about 1843 in Lexington; was single at the time of his death in January of 1875. He was laid to rest at Lexington Cemetery.
4. Catherine "Kate" Marsh Shaw - born about 1845 in Lexington; never married. She was laid to rest in Lexington Cemetery on 02 Feb 1917.
5. Theodore Marsh Shaw - about 1847 in Lexington; never married. He died on 22 Aug 1925 and was laid to rest at Lexington Cemetery the following day.

Fielding "Lewis" appears to have died on 13 Oct 1839 just a month after their third child Nathaniel was born. Eight months later the infant died, and on 14 Oct 1848, Nancy died at the age of 36 years, 8 months, and thirteen days. She was laid to rest in the Lexington Cemetery on the 27th of October.

1. Fielding L. Pilcher - born 18 Mar 1833; married Ann Thomas Spiers and died 21 Mar 1865 in Nicholasville, KY.
2. Margaret Pilcher - born 04 Aug 1836; died 22 Mar 1853 in Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky.
3. Nathaniel Pilcher - born Sep 1839; died June 1840.

In 1870 Hiram, Harriet and their infant son Ralph, were living in the household of his widowed mother, Emma Shaw, who apparently died that July. Eight years later the Christian Advocate in Nashville, Tennesse announced the death of Harriet's mother, Juliet, as having died at their Lexington residence on 23 Dec 1878.

In 1880 Hiram is still listed as a hatter. His household includes his wife Harriet, and children Ralph, Hiram, Clara, and Henry. Also included in their household is "E.A." Martin, age 62 of Kentucky, who appears to be the older half-sister of Harriet, both daughters of Hezekiah D. Martin. Eighteen year-old Mary Norris, is a nurse that is boarding in their home, perhaps emplyed by Dr. Bell who lives next door.

On 22 Dec 1897, the Adair Co., Kentucky News stated that "Hiram Shaw who was one of the most prominent men of Lexington is dead."

After his death, his widow Harriet resided with her widowed sister Clara Poynter (widowed in 1896) who was living in Shelbyville, KY in 1900. Only Harriet and Hiram's youngest child, Wiley (named for Clara's husband) was living with her at the time.

1. Ralph Martin Shaw - born 18 Feb 1869 in Paris, Bourbon Co., Kentucky; married Mary Stephens and had by her one son, Ralph Jr. She died in 1913 and the following year he married Louise (Shephard), widow of Theodore R. Tyler.
2. Hiram Nathaniel Shaw - born 14 Sep 1872 in Kentucky.
3. Clara Hathorne Shaw - born 21 Oct 1874 in Kentucky.
4. Henry Pleasants Shaw - born 03 Dec 1878 in Kentucky; married Fannie V. Hawes, daughter of Judge Kirk Hawes and his wife H. Elizabeth (Dunham). They were the parents of at least two sons, Henry and George.
5. Wiley Poynter Shaw - born 15 Aug 1881 in Kentucky.

Referred to in the Shaw records as "Pope Freeman," he is said to be the son of Azel Roe Freeman and Delia (Shaw), whose marriage appears in Ralph M. Shaw's transcripts in his last entry for the "Extracts from Marriage Records of Fayette County" as follows: Delia Shaw to A.R. Freeman, Book 1, page 58, by R.M. Cunningham, Oct. 25th 1815.

Born in Macon, Georgia on 07 Mar 1831, Benjamin apparently returned with his bride to his home town. They were enumerated in the 1860 census residing in the Macon home of Benjamin's sister, Mary A.E. Thomson, wife of Dr. Methven S. Thomson of Perth, Scotland. At the time of the census, Benjamin was listed as a merchant.

Still residing in Macon in 1870, Benjamin was now working as a master mechanic for the railroad shop, and living in his own household with his wife and children Theodore, Emma, and William. In 1880, however, the family is back living in the same dwelling as Dr. and Mrs. Thomson. Benjamin was now working as a locomotive engineer and his son Theodore as a clerk at the rail road.

It is not yet known when Catherine died, but appears to be sometime after 1880 and before 1900. Her husband Benjamin P. Freeman died in Macon on 08 Nov 1883.

1. Theodore Marsh Freeman - born 17 Mar 1861 in Lexington, Fayette Co., KY; married Emma E. White; died 22 Feb 1915 in Savannah, Chatham Co., GA.
2. Emma S. Freeman - born about 1862 in Georgia.
3. William A. Freeman - born about 1867 in Georgia.

In 1900 and 1910 Emma was residing on Second Street in the Lexington household of her cousin, Joshua P. Shaw as were her two unmarried sisters, Julia and Margaret. Joshua, who was widowed, was a cashier at a bank. His brother, also listed in the household, was a book keeper.

Joshua died in May of 1918, and in 1920 Emma was once again listed head of the household, which included her two younger sisters and cousin Theodore. She died in January of 1924 at the age of eighty-four and was laid to rest at the Lexington Cemetery.

At this point it can only be speculated how Ann might have met Henry Pleasants, but that his ancestry traced to old Virginia Quakers lends the possibility that the families may have been acquainted through mutual friends or family. Although Henry was born in Buenes Aires, Argentina in 1833, his father was a physican from Philadelphia, who while working in South America fell in and love married. Henry spent his first thirteen years there and then returned to Philadelphia. He was well-educated and after receiving a masters, he began to work as a civil engineer and then became senior assistant engineer on the Pittsburg & Connellsville Railroad in 1853. This position might also have put he and Ann into the company of each, but that both familes were highly respected and connected to politics and the government, can not be disputed.

Ann's grandmother, Margaret (Pilcher) Shaw, was sister to the famed fur trader and Indian agent who had succeeded William Clark as Superintendant of Indian Affairs and was associated with Govenor Benton of Missouri and the old families of St. Louis. Joshua had, in fact, apprenticed under Ann's grandfather Hiram Shaw, the hatter. It is also well-documented that Joshua seemed be quite knowledgable in the field of medicine and both families had family or friends who attended the Translyvania University - including the neighbor and physican David Bell.

Residing with her widowed mother in 1850 and 1860, an Ann E. Pleasants,it would appear by the birth of her first daughter that she and Henry first resided in Kentucky, but in the 1870 census the Pleasants family living in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Henry Pleasants is listed as head of household, born in South America. Ann E. is correctly listed as age twenty-five born in Kentucky, and their daughter Emma is aged three. Their married life was short-lived as stated in the New York Times newspaper, "Gen Henry Pleasants, Chief Engineer of the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, and late Colonel of the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, died suddenly, at his residence, in Pottsville, Penn., yesterday morning."

His death, which might have been attributed to a brain tumor, occurred on 26 Mar 1880. Ann ElizaShaw was listed in the census record taken in June as head of household with children Emma R., John, James, and Hiram. From the ages of the children and these two census records, it is likely that she and Henry were married sometime in about 1866 or 1867. No record of their marriage has yet been found, and in the biographical sketches of Henry Pleasants, only the first name of his wife is given.

Ralph M. Shaw's papers noted that Ann E. married a second time to a Mr. Carpenter. This appears to be John Thomas Carpenter who was born in 1833 and who died in 1899. The genealogical information provided by "Samuel Carpenter and his Descendants" states that John T. Carpenter was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania on 27 Jun 1833 and died 22 Jan 1899. He was the son of physician James Stratton Carpenter and Camilla J. (Sanderson), she being the daughter of John who authored "The Lives of the Signers of the Delcaration of Independence."

According to the genealogy, John first married on 04 Dec 1855, Eliza Adelaide Hill who was born on 22 Dec 1830 and died in April of 1886. They appear together in the 1870 and 1880 census records residing in Pottsville. After her death he married (2) Anne, widow of Gen. Henry Pleasants - once again supporting the fact that Ann's first husband was Pleasants, and her second was Carpenter.

Ann's date of death is not known, however, no thorough search of the records have been made. Any further information one might provide regarding Ann would be most welcome. Please feel free to email me, Patricia Davidson-Peters.

1. Emma R. Pleasants - born about 1867 in Kentucky.
2. John Pleasants - born about 1872 in Pennsylvania.
3. James Pleasants - born about 1875 in Pennsylvania.
4. Hiram Pleasants - born about 1877 in Pennsylvania.

In about 1867, he married Miss Jane Scott who was born in Kentucky in Apr of 1845. The couple had no children, but remained married until her death on 27 Apr 1901. The were first enumerated together in the 1870 census, but living in his parents. He was listed as a furniture dealer who was doing very well for himself, and in 1880 (still in his widowed mother's household) he is listed as a book keeper, his wife is also included in the household. Working as a bank teller in 1900, Joshua is listed as head of household which includes his brother, sister, and three cousins. Apparently his mother has passed by this time, though her date of death is not known.

Listed as widowed in 1910, Joshua's household remains pretty much the same as it was ten years earlier - including his brother, sister and three cousins. He died in Lexington in May of 1918 and was laid to rest at the Lexington Cemetery on the 18th of May.

It is believed from 1850 and 1860 census records prior to his marriage to Agnes, that George was the son of Jane P. and James Hamilton who was a hemp bagging manufactuer in Lexington, though in 1850 James is listed simply as a manufacturer. The 1859-1860 Lexington Directory gives a more detailed description of his business which was located at the north west corner of Locust and Versailles road.

In 1880 Agnes and George are residing in Covington at 502 Greenup Street with their three children. The house (still standing in 2007 and beautifully restored) is now home to the law offices of Stephen D. Wolnitzek and Leonard G. Rowekamp, Attorneys at Law.

The family remained in Covington and were enumerated in the 1900 census residing in the same home on Greenup street, but in 1902 they removed to Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1910 their household in Cincinnati included George, Agnes, their daughter Katherine and two servants. George died in June of 1917 and and in 1920 Agnes is listed as widowed, head of her household which includes a cook, chambermaid, a chauffeur and his wife. Her daughter Katherine is not living with her at this time. Agnes died in Cincinnati on 05 Nov 1924, but she and George are both laid to rest at the Lexington Cemetery in Kentucky.

1. Nancy Hamilton - born about about 1869 in Kentucky.
2. George Hamilton - born about 1872 in Kentucky
3. Katherine Hamilton - born Aug 1878 in Kentucky.

The 1880 census was crumbled, torn, and missing Ann and Lewis on the first page of District 108 of Nicholasville, but considering the remaining children were listed as son and daughter at the top of the second page, it can be determined Ann (and most probably Lewis) were listed on the first page where it is now torn and missing.

In 1900 she and her son Lewis are living in Nicholasville on East street. She is listed as head of household, and though previous census records indicate she was born in 1835, she is listed on this record as born in May of 1838, aged 62, mother of six children, four living. Only five children are known, but it was her youngest daughter Nellie who had died prior to the census. She passed away in Chicago, Illinois on 17 Apr 1897.

Lewis, who is listed as born June 1856 in this record is listed as a writer for a New York paper. Quite remarkable to think her son was writing for a paper when she herself - as indicated by previous records, could not read or write. It should be interesting to note that in 1870 the W.P. Meredith family lived next door to the Pilchers, and it is likely Meredith, who was a grocer, was the employer of Ann's sons Elmer and Thomas who were listed as clerks in a grocery store. Although not known if there was a connection between the grocer and Samuel C. Meredith who became a printer for the Ohio Watchman. His grandson, Meredith Nicholson, later became a well-known Indiana writer.

Three reasons the connection the the Merediths may be possible: Samuel C. Meredith was the husband of Margaret (Ballard) whose sister Louisa was maried to Ezekiel Pilcher - the cousin of Fielding here noted and in 1880 his son William M. Meredith was residing in Chicago. Secondly, Fielding's wife Ann, appears to have had a sister Mary Green (Spiers) who was married to a James L. Ballard. Lastly, Lewis' brother-in-law, William H. Pierce (husband of sister Elizabeth), worked as a printer in Chicago in 1900 and lived in the area known as "West Town" as did the Merediths.

1. Lewis Pilcher - born 11 Jul 1855 in Jessamine Co., KY; died 11 Aug 1921 in Nicholasville.
2. Elizabeth Pilcher - born 12 Nov 1857 in Kentucky; married William Henry Pierce, son of Sarah. The family resided in Minnesota, Kentucky and later lived in Chicago where William was working as a printer. They had four children: Ruth, John, Edward and William Pierce.
3. Elmer Ellsworth Pilcher - born 23 Jan 1860 in Kentucky.
4. Thomas Fielding Pilcher - born 17 Oct 1862 in Kentucky; married Hattie D. Scheffer; died in Kankakee, IL on 18 Mar 1954.
5. Nellie Pilcher - born 01 Oct 1865 in Kentucky; died 17 Apr 1897 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL.

It is believed that Ralph was married on 29 Aug 1896. His wife Mary E. Stephens, was the daughter of Redmond and Louis G. (Brier), a native of Linn Co., Iowa. Her father was a lawyer and banker who organized and became president of the Merchant's National Bank and many other prestigious positions as well as being a prominent member of the Masons and Knights of Templar. He died in a tragic accident in March of 1883 while running to catch a train and died from his injuries. His widow moved to Chicago in 1891 and is likely where Mary met and married Ralph.

Ralph, who had graduated from Transylvania Normal School in Lexington and went on to Yale University. After he graduated from Yale, he attended the Law School of the University of Michigan. He came to Chicago in 1891 and was a lawyer in the firm of Winston & Meagher in 1897. Three years later when the 1900 census was taken, Ralph, Mary and their only child were living in Chicago at 2632 Praire Avenue and Ralph was practicing law. He was a partner in the law firm of Winston, Payne, Strawn and Shaw.

Ralph has not been located in the 1910 census, however, it is possible that he was traveling or at "camp" on Lake Placid. His wife's obituary stated that their city residence was at 2632 Prairie Avenue indicating they had not moved. The obituary also stated she and their son Ralph Jr. had "spent the winter traveling in Africa ..." so it is possible they were simply not home at the time the census was taken. According to her obituary, Mary died on 08 Jul 1913 after returning from Africa ill.

On 29 Sep 1914, Ralph married Louise (Shepard) Tyler, the widow of Theodore Robb Tyler who had died on 16 Apr the previous year. In 1920 they were living at the very prestigious address of 999 Lake Shore Drive. His household included his son Ralph Jr., by his first wife, and step-children Louise and Thomas Tyler, as well as two maids and a cook. In 1930, they were living at 1427 State Parkway, whose real estate was then valued at $85,000 and is currently (July 2007) on the market with Koenig & Strey, GMAC Real Estate of Chicago.

According to his obituary, Ralph M. Shaw died at age eighty in Chicago on 03 May 1949 after suffering a heart attack at his home. He was survived by his widow, the former Louise Sheppard Taylor, and a son, Ralph M. Jr., by his earlier marriage to the late Mary Stephens.

According to his World War 1 Draft registration dated 12 Sep 1918, he was of medium build with blue eyes and brown hair, born on date indicated. He was listed (as does the 1920 census) as working as a purchasing agent for the stock yards and boarding at 2911 Prairie Avenue, and listed his brother Ralph M. Shaw, as his closest relative. In 1930 he was lodging with Pheobe Lawrence and her mother Amanda Forman at 4714 Kenwood Avenue in Chicago, but not listed with any occupation. All census records indicate he never married.

A 1900 census records shows a Hiram Shaw as born in October of 1864 in Kentucky to parents also born in Kentucky. Listed as a roomer living in Hyde Park Township of Chicago on Washington Avenue. One might speculate this to be the same person, as census records are often less than accurate, especially in those case in which the individual is not part of the family, but a boarder or servant, however no further information yet confirms it.

The Martin Genealogy by Thomas A. Hay states that Hirman was a graduate of Kentucky State University and was later a resident of Springfield, Missouri.

Not located in the 1910 census, Clara was listed in the 1920 census as a lodger and working for the YWCA. Although her occupation is noted only as "worker" it seems likely her work was that of a counselor or something equal to it as it is believed she is the same Clara H. Shaw who was a passenger on the S.S. Bermudian which sailed from Hamilton, Bermuda on 01 Jan 1914 and arrived at the New York port on the fourth. That Clara was listed as born in Lexington in 1874, and her U.S. address listed as George School in Bucks Co., Pennsylvania. A search of the ship's manifest did not list any other passengers having been from George School or Lexington, nor were any other names familiar or known to be relative to the Shaw family. There were, however, a number of passengers from Princeton, Philadelphia and New York City which might have included other students who did not live at the boarding school but rather attended as day students.

Whether Clara was a teacher at the school is not known, but her connection to George School is intriguing in that other branches of the Moore & Pilcher family had been Quakers. It would be interesting to know her connection to the school and to the Society of Friends. If you have further information, please contact Patricia Davidson-Peters.

In 1920 Henry and Fannie were enumerated in Chicago with their son, Henry who appears to have been listed as two years and nine months old. In 1930 the family also included another son George who was born about 1926. Both census records lists Henry's occupation as either a broker for bonds or a sales manager for bonds.

View Biographies of Judge Kirk Hawes and John H. Dunham

1. Biographical Encyclopedia of KY Dead & Living Men in the 19th Century, 1878
2. Biographical Souvenir of the States of Georgia and Florida; published by F.A. Battey & Co, Chicago, 1889.
3. Chicago Daily Tribune (Various marriage & obituaries)
4. Chicago: Its History and Its Builders by J. Seymour Currey; Chicago (1912)
5. Chicago Tribune | 19 Jul 1913 - Obituary of Mary (Stephens) Shaw
6. Chicago Tribune | 04 May 1949 - Obituary of Ralph Martin Shaw
7. Colonial and Revolutionary Families of Pennsylvania, Vol. I-III originally published in 1911.
8. Federal Census Record 1900 New Haven Co., CT
9. Federal Census Records 1860-1880 Bibb Co., GA
10. Federal Census Records 1900-1930 Cook Co., IL
11. Federal Census Records 1850-1930 Fayette Co., KY
12. Federal Census Records 1870-1900 Kenton Co., KY
13. Federal Census Records 1850-1870 Jessamine Co., KY
14. Federal Census Record 1900 Shelby Co., KY
15. Federal Census Records 1910-1920 Hamilton Co., OH
16. Federal Census Records 1870-1880 Schuylkill Co., PA
17. Genealogy of the Marsh Family - by D.W. Marsh, Amherst, press of J.E. Williams, 1886.
18. Genealogy of George Marsh- by E.J. Marsh, press of F.N. Boutwell, 1887.
19. History of Cook County, Illinois, Volume II, 1909
20. History of Fayette County, Kentucky by Robert Peter, O.L. Baskin & Co., Chicago, 1882 (Hiram Shaw Bio, p.710)
21. History of the George W. Hamilton House, currently the offices of Wolnitzek & Rowekamp PSC, Attorneys at Law (Outside Link)
22. John Marsh Descendants - by L.B. Marsh, press J.E. Williams, 1888.
23. Joshua Pilcher, Fur Trader & Indian Agent - by John E. Sunder, University of Oklahoma Press, 1968.
24. Kentucky Death Index, 1911-2000 (on-line at Ancestry.com)
25. Kentucky Gazette (11 Dec 1806, p. 3 col. 3)
26. Kentucky New Era (Hopkinsville, KY) 1953 Jul 21 News Clipping
27. Kentucky Obituaries 1787-1854 Compiled by G. Glenn Clift, Register of the Kentucky Historical Society, 1941-1943
28. Letter of Ralph M. Shaw of Chicago to C.R. Staples of Lexington, 1926.
29. Marriage Records of Fayette Co., KY
30. Marsh Genealogy - by D.W. Marsh, Amherst, press of Carpenter & Morehouse, 1896.
31. Martin Genealogy: Descendants of Lieutenant Samuel Martin of Wethersfield, CT ... by Thomas A. Hay; NYC, 1911, NYC
32. New York Passenger Lists 1914; 1924; 1926; 1952; 1956
33. Notable Men of Chicago & Their City; Chicago Daily Journal, 1910
34. Pilcher Genealogy - by Joel Munsell & Sons, Albany, N.Y.
35. Research of Pam Sulzer at Ancestry World Tree (Outside Link)
36. Samuel Carpenter & His Descendants, compiled by Edward Carpenter and son Henry - printed for private circulation, Philadelphia 1912.
37. Shaw Genealogy - by Joel Munsell & Sons, Albany, N.Y.
38. Shaw, The name and Genealogy - by Geo. Castor Martin, Asbury Park, N.J; published by Martin and Allardyce during 1913.
39. The 48th in the War, Being a narrative of the campaigns of the 48th Regiment PA Veteran Volunteers by Oliver C. Bosbyshell, Philadelphia 1893.
40. Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia (Outside Link)

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Updated 16 Jul 2012
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