The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Bristol, Ontario county, New York. April 12, 1816. At the age of thirteen he removed with his father to Michigan, and settled in the township of Novi, where he has lived until the present time. On September 24. 1839. he was married in Novi, to Miss Rebecca Rodgers. by whom four children have been born to him, as follows : Richmond F. Shaw, now living near the old farm : James Shaw, also living near ; John Shaw, living with his father; and a daughter, Elizabeth, who died at the age of fifteen years. The mother of these, Mrs. Rebecca Shaw, died October 1, 1876. In politics Mr. Shaw is, and has always been, a Democrat ; in religion his views do not lean strongly towards those of any particular creed. He has a finely improved farm of three hundred acres.