My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in Portrait and Biographical Album of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio published by Chapman Bros., in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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MICHAEL SHAWVER One of the most attractive homes in German Township, Clark County, is that of Mr. Shawver, who has resided on section 15 since 1864. His estate comprises one hundred and eighty-seven acres of land, most of which is under cultivation, and which bears a full line of improvements, including a fine residence and other appropriate buildings.

The ancestry, both paternal and maternal, of our subject was German, the families having settled in Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. His father, Daniel Shawver, came from the Keystone State to Ohio in 1803, and is numbered among the early settlers of Harrison County. There he married Mary E. Shultz, who had accompanied her parents thither from her native State. They removed to Logan County in 1836, where Mr. Shawver spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1864. He was the father of a large family, of whom the survivors are: Solomon, Jonathan, Daniel, Michael, Catherine and Susannah.

The birth of him of whom we write took place in Harrison County, May 30, 1832. The surroundings amid which he grew to maturity were of a somewhat primitive nature, and in early boyhood he bore his share in the labors incidental to the development of a comparatively new country. Although his school privileges were quite limited, and the advantages which he had did not equal those of the present time, he laid a good foundation, and has by his unaided efforts kept himself well-informed regarding the world’s work and progress. Farming has been his life-work, although when about fourteen years old he began to learn the trade of a carpenter, also acquiring that of a blacksmith sufficiently well to enable him to perform the labor required upon his farm in either trade.

The faithful and efficient companion of Mr. Shawver was known in her maidenhood as Miss Harriet Rocket. She is a daughter of Adam and Mary E. Rocket, pioneer settlers of this county. The rites of wedlock were celebrated between her and our subject April 1, 1854. Six children have been born of this union. They are named respectively: William H., Adam W., Joanna, Charles I., Alice A. and Viola. Joanna is the wife of R. Jenkins; Viola is now deceased.

The political adherence of Mr. Shawver is given to the Democrat party. He served as Township Trustee three years, and for a lengthy period as School Director of his district. He belongs to the Patrons of Husbandry. Both he and his wife belong to the Reformed Church. The success which he has attained in worldly affairs is but the deserved result of his energy and prudence, while the reputation which he has among his fellow-men is due to one whose life has been ruled by proper principles, and who has ever manifested an interest in the welfare of those about him, and been ready to aid them in their advancement.

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This family biography is one of the many biographies included in Portrait and Biographical Album of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio published by Chapman Bros., in 1890. 

View additional Greene County, Ohio family biographies here: Greene County, Ohio Biographies

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