Person:Virgil Shaw (1)

Rayburn Shaw's headstone at Clapp Cemetery in Houston County (Photo courtesy of Guy Davis)

Virgil Rayburn Shaw was known as Rayburn and sometimes "Rayford".

The Family legend contends that Virgil was "Lazy" and didn't want to do the work on the farm, so one hot summer night, while he and his father lay out on the porch, Willie Shaw (His Father) shot him.

During the ensuing trial, Willie protested his innocence, saying that he had heard a noise and fired in the direction of the noise, only to accidentally shoot his son.

He claimed that he threw the gun, then, down the well at the end of the property. The well was dredged, but no sign of the weapon could be found.

During the trial, Willie was found innocent and released. Joseph Stephens at one time, much later visited Willie's elder son, John, and saw the gun displayed prominently on the mantlepiece.

While that may be the story that was passed down, there is no evidence to support this tall tale. Virgil's death certificate says the cause of Virgil's death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Additionally, Willie C. was never on trial for Virgil's death.

Birth and death dates from tombstone. Reads "Son of Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Shaw"

Death certificate says Virgil died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Listed in the 1910 Houston County, Texas Census as Virgil R. Shaw, age 1 4/12, born TX, parents born TX. With parents.

Listed in the 1920 Houston County, Texas Census as Rayburn Shaw, age 11, can read and write, born TX, parents born TX. With parents, siblings, aunt, and cousins

Death Certificate of Virgil Rayburn Shaw