Pvt. George W. Shaw

Pvt. George W. Shaw

  Listed on the 1850 Federal Census #137/230 as aged 6 years living in Elgin, Ill's.
   Listed on the 1860 Federal Census #280/2087 as a 15 year old Farmer living in Elgin, Ill's.
   Attended Elgin High School.

1862 Elgin Class II Reserve Militia

   Signed the roll July 7, 1862.

C Co. 153rd Ill. Vol. Inf.

One Years Service

   Enlisted Feb. 14, 1865.
   Home of record listed as Elgin, Ill's.
   Mustered In Feb. 14, 1865.
   Guard duties along the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad.
   Mustered Out Sept. 21, 1865 at Camp Fry in Chicago.

Post war;
   Elgin Registered Voter in 1866.
   Listed on the 1870 Census #269/346 as aged 27 years from Pittsfield, Ill.
   Manager of the Commercial Hotel.
   Joined GAR Veteran Post #49 in Elgin June 17, 1884.
   Resided at 227 Grove Ave.
   Listed on the 1900 Federal Census as a 54 year old Hotel Keeper born in Illinois.  He could read and write English.  He lived in Elgin, Ill.

   As recorded on the Elgin Sexton's ledger:  Died April 8, 1908, 11:30 am at 227 Grove Ave.  Aged 62/5/16.  Cause of death listed as Exhaustion following Bilateral Hydrothrkx.  Undertaker retained J. T. Norris.  Physician, J. S. Tapper.  Permit #11479.

   Obit; April 8, 1908 issue The Elgin Daily News.
   George W Shaw, son of the founder of Elgin's old-time hostelry, the Commercial hotel, and for many years its proprietor, died at his home in this city today.  Deceased was 62 years of age.
   George W. Shaw was born at the Commercial hotel which then stood on the present site of the Sherwin building, corner of Chicago and Spring streets.  Established by his father in the early '40s, this hotel was the mecca for politicians and traveling men of the early days.  Following his father's death he operated the hostelry for many years,  It was torn down but a few years ago to give place to the Sherwin building.
   Deceased is survived by his wife and son, Harvey, who live at the home, 227 Grove avenue.  Three brothers and two sisters also survive.  They are C.F. of Elgin, Louis of Cleveland, Ohio, Eugene of Colorado Springs, Mrs. Mary King of Elgin, and Mrs. Eva Beauhman of Chicago.
   Mr. Shaw served with the Northern army during the Civil war and was a member of Veteran Post, G.A.R., of this city.  The Grand Army veterans will undoubtedly conduct the funeral, at the house Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.  Interment at Bluff City cemetery.

   Buried at Bluff City Cemetery in Elgin, Ill.

The A.G.R. lists home of record as Bloomingdale, Ill.

Used with permission Elgin Area Hist. Soc.

Used with permission Dan Mallett

Many members of Post #49 sewed watch faces to their ribbons to show they were from Elgin.