Was born in Ray county, Missouri, September 14, 1858; son of W. P. and Julia A. Shaw, nee Waterman. His father was born in Tennessee, and now lives near the famous Sweet Springs in Saline county, Missouri, and is well known in S time and adjoining counties. His mother was a native of the State of New York, and died December 14, 1875. The subject of this sketch left home when fourteen years, of age and began the battle of life alone; lie secured railroad employment, and by his natural ability and up-rightness soon won the esteem of his employers, and was rapidly promoted from one position to another, and from the time he was fifteen years of age until January 1, 1881, has held many responsible positions on various western roads, all of which he filled with honor. He established himself in his present business, as contractor and dealer in lumber, January 1, 1881, and has already won an enviable record as a business man.
He was married June 15, 1881, to Miss Maggie F. Reynolds, who was born in January, 1859; she was a daughter of W. C. Reynolds, of Daviess county. The subject of this sketch began to earn his own living with only three dollars and twenty-five cents, and little schooling, but now owns a fine home and is largely interested in the lumber trade and other business enterprises. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and I. O. O. F. orders.