Albert M. Shaw
 

Albert M. Shaw, ninth descendant and youngest living son of Nelson Shaw, born on the old homestead farm in Eagle township, Boone county, Indiana, February 7, 1859, who has in late years obtained possession of said homestead as well as considerable other real estate in and near Zionsville where he now resides, thus demonstrating his business qualifications, perseverance and frugality. He is characterized by all who know him far and near as a typical neighbor, wise and obliging in counsel, always looking to the welfare of others, helping to bear their burdens even at his own sacrifice.

At the age of twenty-one years, in 1880, he united in marriage with Laura Smith, daughter of Jesse Smith, attorney of Zionsville. To this union two sons and one daughter were born: Jesse E., deceased at the age of twenty-five years; Hazel, now Mrs. Zeno Vandover, who resides in Hamilton county, three and one-half miles northeast of Zionsville; Pirtel N., who united in marriage with Ivy E., youngest daughter of J. H. Ottinger and they reside three miles southwest of Zionsville on the new home farm.

Nelson Shaw, his father, was born near Saratoga Springs, New York, July 11, 1817. At the age of eight years, he with his parents emigrated to Ohio, near Clarksville, and at the age of thirteen, in 1830, he came with his parents to Eagle township, Boone county, Indiana. He located on the farm which Newton Carter now owns.

Nelson was a son of John Shaw, who was also a native of the state of New York, and of Scotch-Irish descent. John Shaw served as a guard for the government during the war of 1812. He was the father of four children, viz., John; Nelson, father of Albert M.; Laura J.; and Amanda. He lived to the advanced age of ninety-one years and spent his last days with his two children, John and Nelson. His wife died at the age of seventy years. They were devout Christians of the Methodist faith and were fine types of sterling pioneers.

When twenty-two years old, Nelson Shaw married Sarah Hartman who was born in North Carolina, April 24, 1818. She was a daughter of John and Nancy Hartman. It was in 1830 that the Hartman family made the overland journey from the far southland to Indiana and located in Pike township, Marion county. Here her parents spent the rest of their lives. To Nelson Shaw and wife ten children were born. There were seven sons and three daughters, namely: John W., deceased; James, deceased; Louisa; David N., deceased; William M.; Thomas M.; Sarah E., deceased; Anna, deceased; Albert M.; and a son who died in infancy. Nelson Shaw died at the age of eighty-years, after a successful life as a farmer. His good wife died at the age of seventy-seven years. They were both highly esteemed and influential in local affairs. They were prominent workers in the Methodist church. Thus, we see that Albert M. Shaw inherited from his ancestors, strong christian character and business ability. The wise counsel and cooperation of his estimable wife have been indispensable helps in his life's work. He and his family are strong workers in the Methodist church, yet he shares in his liberality to the support of other neighboring churches.

Submitted by: Amy K. Davis
Source: "History of Boone County, Indiana," by Hon. L. M. Crist, 1914