- WILLIAM SHAW, a retired farmer and merchant residing in the
city of Beloit, is an honored
- pioneer of Rock County, of which he has been a resident since
the spring of 1845. He has borne no inconsiderable part in the
upbuilding of the community in which he resides, has aided in
the advancement of its interests and is known throughout the
county as a worthy and respected citizen. The most important
facts in his life are as follows:
- William SHAW was born in the town of Corboy, County Longford,
Ireland, September 25, 1819,
- and his parents, Alexander and Mary (CLINCHAY) SHAW, were
also natives of the Emerald Isle. The father was born of English
descent and the mother of Scotch parentage, while both were members
of the best families in the community where they resided. Alexander
SHAW was a weaver by trade and for many years followed that occupation,
during which time our subject had charge of the farm. At length,
discontinuing that employment, he took charge of his land and
also engaged in the buying and selling of grain. To Mr. and Mrs.
SHAW there were born four children, three of whom are living
- Mary, wife of William JONES, a resident of Ireland; William
of this sketch; and George, an extensive farmer of Rock County.
- Our subject received his education in his native land, and
as before stated there followed agri-
- cultural pursuits. At the age of twenty-five years, he decided
to make his future home in America and sailed for the United
States, landing at New York. For some time after his arrival,
it seemed that every letter from home brought news of the death
of some loved one, who had been called from this earth. In 1845,
the mother departed this life and in 1848, the father's death
occurred. On landing in this country, Mr. SHAW went to work by
the month for John J. Moore, of Long Island, and continued with
him for almost a year, when he went to the city of New York.
He there remained until the spring of 1845, and was in that city
when the first telegraph wires were put up. Going to Staten Island,
he made his home with Gen. Van Buren, an own cousin of Martin
Van Buren, who was then manager of the Custom House, and became
the trusted employe[e] of that gentleman.
- While on Staten Island, Mr. SHAW, in 1844, was united in
marriage with Sarah MARTIN who
- was born in the North of Ireland. After his marriage, he
remained with Gen. Van Buren until the spring of 1845, when,
with his young bride, he emigrated to Rock County, then a part
of the Territory of Wisconsin. Purchasing a farm of forty acres
in Beloit Township, he moved into the little log cabin and on
the frontier lived in true pioneer style. Many improvements were
added to the land, shade and fruit trees were set out, the place
was otherwise beautified, and at the end of five years the pioneer
home was replaced by a fine frame dwelling. The lumber of which
this was built was hauled from Freeport [Stephenson Co., Ill.].
Taking a load of grain to that place, Mr. SHAW would return with
a load of lumber and in this manner procured the materials for
his house. He added to his original purchase until at one time
he owned 600 acres of fine land, both prairie and timber. In
connection with his farming interests he engaged in merchandising
as a clothier, in company with his nephew, while his son operated
a grocery store. In 1874, wishing to retire from active life,
he left the farm and removed to Beloit, where he purchased and
improved a fine residence located on the corner of Broad and
Mill streets and there has since resided. He has not only been
identified with the growth and development of the township, but
has done much toward the improvement of the beautiful city in
which he now makes his home. On the corner of Broad and Main
streets, he erected a fine business block containing two stores,
and was also interested in the building occupied by the I.O.O.F.
He is a shrewd and practical business man, thoroughly honest
in all his transactions, and has been very successful in the
various enterprises which he has undertaken.
- By the union of Mr. and Mrs. SHAW three sons and one daughter
were born: Alexander, the
- eldest, was accidentally killed in Custer City, and his remains
were brought back to Beloit (his father sending a metallic case
from Chicago for that purpose) and interred in the city cemetery;
William Henry is now a commercial traveler in the employ of a
firm in Minneapolis, Minn.; George is a resident of Caledonia,
Ill.; and Mary A. is the wife of James McALPINE, who is engaged
in the bakery business in Beloit. The children have all received
excellent opportunities for securing an education and are now
useful men and women, occupying responsible positions. On the
5th day of May, 1888, the happy union of Mr. and Mrs. SHAW was
severed by the hand of death and the loving wife called to her
last rest. She was untiring in her devotion to her family and
was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church. Each Lord's
Day she was seen in her place at the house of worship and her
life was a living example of the true Christian spirit. For forty-four
years she had traveled life's journey by the side of Mr. SHAW
whose home has been indeed made desolate by her absence.
- Our subject has served in various township offices and no
man has a more extensive acquaintance
- in the community. He is financially a self-made man. Coming
to this country in limited circumstances, by his energy, industry
and good management he has gained a competency which enables
him to rest from active labor in his later years. Since becoming
a citizen, he has supported the Republican party by his ballot
and influence.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 811-812.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|