Pike Atlases

MRS. AMANDA B. SHAW


Was born in Paxton, Massachusetts, in the year 1813. At the age of three years her parents moved to Stafford, Connecticut, where they remained fourteen years. They then moved to South Wilbraham, Massachusetts, and remained six years. In 1834, she married Luther Shaw. The following year she with her husband emigrated to Pike county, Illinois, and located on section 7, in Martinsburg township, where she has since resided. Mrs. Shaw is the daughter of Aaron and Patty Bemiss. They are from Massachusetts, and came to Illinois the same year that their daughter did, and now live in the same township. Mr. Bemiss is eighty-four and Mrs. Bemis eighty years of age.

In February, 1852, Luther Shaw died, leaving Mrs. Shaw with a family of ten children, and in embarrassing circumstances; but being a woman of energy, and using good economy, she has succeeded in paying off the incumbrances, and has kept her family together, giving them a good common school education. Mrs. Shaw still resides on the old homestead, and is spending her old age in very comfortable circumstances. Her son, Henry L., has never married, but lives with his mother, for whom he has always cherished the most affectionate regard, and has ever been ready to contribute to her comfort in every manner possible. Mrs. Shaw has eight children now living, six of whom are married, the others remaining single.