- GEORGE SHAW, who became a resident of Rock County in May,
1849, and resides on
- section 32, Rock Township, was born in County Longford, Ireland,
Oct. 22, 1822. He is the son of Alex. and Mary (CLINCHEY) SHAW,
both of whom were also natives of the same county. The father
was a weaver by trade, but during the greater part of his life
engaged in farming. His death occurred in 1851, at the age of
sixty-four years, and his wife died in 1847, when sixty-two years
of age. Unto them was born a family of four children: Ann, wife
of William JONES, who is engaged in farming near the old homestead
in Ireland; William, who is living a retired life in Beloit;
George, of this sketch; and Alexander, who died in youth. The
mother was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and took great
interest in the advancement of the cause. The father belonged
to the Episcopal Church.
- In 1849, when a young man, our subject bade good-bye to his
friends and native land, and
- embarked in a sailing vessel for America. After a stormy
voyage of thirty-one days, he landed in New York. For a week
he remained in that great metropolis, spent the succeeding week
in Buffalo, N.Y., and then proceeded to Beloit, Wis., near which
town he secured employment as a farm hand. The same fall he
purchased a tract of forty acres, which was but partially improved,
and for one year continued its cultivation. During the autumn
of 1850 he made a trip to the South, spending the winter in Mississippi
and returning to Beloit in the spring of 1851. The succeeding
summer he worked upon a farm, after which he returned to New
York City, where he spent two months, and was there united in
marriage to Miss Catherine LONEY. The lady is also a native
of County Longford, Ireland, and is a daughter of Charles and
Mary (ROLLINS) LONEY, who were also born in the same community.
With their fa!
mily they emigrated to this country, but both are now deceased.
- Charles LONEY, the father of Mrs. SHAW, was a weaver by trade
and followed that occupation
- with varied success throughout his life. His death occurred
at the age of seventy years, and his wife died in New York when
sixty-six years of age. They were members of the Episcopal Church;
and to them was born a family of six children: James, who is
now engaged in farming near Rocklin, Cal.; Ann, wife of Alexander
NEWSTED, now deceased; Catherine, wife of our subject; Jennie,
deceased wife of Robert LONEY, of New York City; Robert, who
died in youth; and Maria, who is living in New York City.
- After his marriage Mr. SHAW returned with his young bride
to Beloit. In the spring of 1852,
- equipped with an ox team, he started for the mines on the
Pacific Slope. Crossing the plains to Oregon, he there remained
until August, 1854, engaged in mining in which he was reasonably
successful. Ill health forced his return, and he again came
to Beloit, his journey being by way of the Isthmus of Panama
and New York City. After his return he purchased 120 acres of
land in Rock Township, where he still continues to reside, but
has extended the boundaries of this farm until it now comprises
390 acres. In connection with this he owns 176 acres in Beloit
Township, 304 acres in Illinois and 320 acres in Dakota, his
landed possessions aggregating 1190 acres. He is also a possessor
of two good business houses in Beloit.
- Mr. and Mrs. SHAW are the parents of seven children: Charles,
who is engaged in farming in
- Dakota; Alex., William, Jennie, George W., Anna M. and Kate.
The parents are members of the Episcopal Church. Politically
he affiliated with the Republican party, takes great interest
in political affairs, and has served his Township as supervisor.
He is a self-made man financially, for, having begun life as
a farm hand, he has by his own efforts secured a comfortable
competency and is one of the extensive land owners of the county.
He engages in general farming and also makes a specialty of
raising cattle and draft horses. Systematic and energetic, he
is a fair representative of the thriving business men of Rock
County, and throughout the community is held in high regard by
all.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 415-416.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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