John Leland Shaw, a resident of the village of Milton for the last twenty-eight years, after an illness of eight weeks, entered into rest on the afternoon of May 24, 1920.
Mr. Shaw was born in Cattaraugus County, New York, August 5, 1838. His parents were Benjamin and Almira Bly Shaw, who had formerly been residents of Stephentown, near Troy, New York.
In 1854, when Mr. Shaw was sixteen years of age, his parents emigrated to Wisconsin. In common with other pioneers of those early days they endured the privations and suffered the hardships of the long tedious journey by boat and lumbering wagons. But they were people of faith, courage, determination and strong physical endurance who labored hard that they might gain a competence and enjoy the advantages of education, religion and true citizenship.
The family came to Wheeler Prairie, near Stoughton, and settled on a farm. While living in this locality, Mr. Shaw alternately attended Albion Academy and taught district school. The family again moved, this time to southern Minnesota, where both Mr. Shaw and his father took up claims. During his school days at Albion Mr. Shaw met Catherine Amanda Burdick. This acquaintance ripened into a strong attachment and on October 27, 1862, they were married at Berlin, Wisconsin, by Rev. Russell G. Burdick, father of the bride. Immediately following their marriage the young couple went to their Minnesota home and began housekeeping on the claim near Freeborn.
In 1886, they returned to Wisconsin and located on a farm at Fulton. In 1892, they came to Milton Junction. A year later they removed to Milton. Here they built the house which was their home until death took them to the heavenly home. For a time after they moved to Milton Mr. Shaw engaged in the furniture business.
Mr. Shaw was reared in the faith of the Baptist Church. When he was about seventeen years old, he made a public profession of faith in Christ. While living in Minnesota he began the observance of the Sabbath of Jehovah and of Christ and became a member of the Seventh-day Baptist church at Trenton. In 1887 he transferred his membership to the church of the same faith at Milton. This relationship he has honored by an upright, earnest, christian life, an irreproachable character and a devoted service to his fellowmen and to his God. While he was living at Trenton, he was called to the diaconate of his church, but moved away before an opportunity for ordination came.
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, The Rev. Edwin Shaw of Plainfield, N. J., the Rev. George B. Shaw of Yonkers, N. Y., Dighton W. Shaw and Frank Leland Shaw both of whom died in 1899; Russell Burdick, who died in infancy; and Adaline Almira (Mrs. Herbert L. Polan) of Nortonville, Kan. Mr. Shaw has one sister who survives him, Mrs. Amanda Wellman of Jamestown, N. Y.
No extended eulogy need be spoken for Mr. Shaw. The sincere appreciation, the tender affection felt for him by all his neighbors, friends and acquaintances are an eloquent tribute to the sterling character of this quiet, genial earnest servant of God and friend of man.
Farewell services were held in the Seventh-day Baptist church at Milton, May 27, 1920. Pastor Jordan read scriptural passages which were favorites of the deceased. Pastor E. D. Van Horn offered prayer. Pres. W. C. Daland spoke appreciatively of Mr. Shaw as a friend, as an upright citizen and a christian worker. A male quartet, Professors Burdick, Stringer, Whitford and Mr. Ferrill, sang three selections. Interment was in the cemetery at Milton.
