George Shaw

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

George Shaw

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

For a long period of years George SHAW has had a useful role in the life and business activities of Morris county. His term of efficient service in the office of sheriff a few years ago will be recalled to his credit as a public force, he has also been a factor in important business affairs. He was also for some years superintendent of the Ferromonte railway, and inspector of mines for the Dickerson Company.

Irondale in Morris county was the birthplace of George SHAW, who was born there October 30, 1848. His parents were Forbes and Ann (McDONALD) SHAW. His father was a native of Ireland, and a young man when he came to America, following the business of contract miner, under the firm name of BYRAM & SHAW. The senior member of this firm was a son of John BYRAM, owner of extensive mines. Forbes SHAW died June 20, 1863, in his forty-fourth year. His wife, also a native of Ireland, came to America as the wife of Mr. SHAW. Her marriage to Forbes SHAW was productive of a family of five children, all natives of Morris county. These children are mentioned as follows: James, died in 1876; Margaret, wife of Charles H. MUNSON, of Dover; Sarah J., living near Succasunna, and perhaps the oldest teacher in the State of New Jersey, having followed that vocation for more than forty years, and having received her training in the public and private schools; George; Anna Mc., unmarried.

George SHAW attended both the public and private schools when a boy, and was a student in the school conducted by Rev. Mr. CROSSETT, and a private school in Dover, also Mt. Retirement Seminary at Deckertown. Almost immediately after leaving school he entered the employ of the Ferromonte railroad, and for nearly thirty years was connected with the corporation, eventually being promoted to the office of superintendent. In 1905 Mr. SHAW was elected sheriff of Morris county for a term of three years, during which time he gave a splendid administration of this important county office. All his adult life he has voted and supported the Republican party, but the only time he has entered practical politics was when he fought successfully for election of sheriff. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Morristown; also the Tapkaow Club.

In 1883 Mr. SHAW married Catherine VANNIER, daughter of Charles VANNIER, who married a Miss KNIGHT, a native of England. Of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. SHAW only one is now living, a son employed by an insurance company of Morristown. Mr. SHAW has membership in the Hercules Gun Club of Succasunna, and prior to his election as sheriff was engaged in the lumber and contracting business.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)