William Shaw
Don Congregational Cemetery
DEATH
SHAW – On the 21st inst., at his late residence, West Devonport, William Shaw; aged 81 years.
The North West Post 22nd September 1909
FUNERAL
The funeral of the late Mr. William Shaw will leave his late residence West Devonport, for the Don Cemetery, To-morrow (Thursday) afternoon, at half-past two o’clock
The North West Post 22nd September 1909
About People
Very general and sincere regret will be felt on learning that a respected townsman in the person of Mr. William Shaw, died at his residence in the early hours of Tuesday morning, at the age of 81 years. He had been in feeble health for some time, and the end was not unexpected. He was a very old colonist, having arrived in 1847 at Launceston, where he joined his cousin, the late Mr. John Thompson, merchant, of that city. He subsequently accepted a position with Cummings and Coy., at Don, over 40 years ago, with which firm and its successors he had been connected until his death. He was a partner in the firm of the River Don Trading Company, where his well known face will be missed. He leaves a sister (Miss Shaw) to mourn his loss. His gentleness and unselfishness endeared him to those who knew him best. A man of sound judgement in business, he commanded the respect and affectionate regard of all his employees. He was an unostentatious and generous supporter of all charities or other good works, and one who will be much missed from the community. The funeral will take place at the Don cemetery tomorrow afternoon.
The North West Post 22nd September 1909
Death of Mr. W. Shaw
A Don and Devonport Pioneer
The decease of Mr. Wm. Shaw, which took place at his residence, Don Road, Devonport, at 2 a.m. yesterday, removes another aged pioneer of the Coast. His connection with the Mersey district embraced fully half a century, and perhaps no one was better known, or widely respected, in commercial and farming circles. The deceased gentleman was 81 years of age, a native of Scotland, and came out to the colonies at an early age. Last year he re-visited his native place after an absence of 60 years; the ravages of time had left remaining very few of his old associates. His career on the N.W. Coast covered a half century; for a considerable time he was a trusted clerical employee of the different firms interested in the extensive business operations at the River Don, and when the business was taken over by the Hon. John Henry, and merged into the River Don Trading Co., that gentleman recognized the integrity and ability of Mr. Shaw by enlisting him as one of the directors of the company, and he continued actively associated with it right up to his death.
Although the old veteran, by reason of his increasing years and feeble health, might well have quietly enjoyed a well-earned respite from office cares, yet until a few weeks ago, until his last illness commenced, he was constantly in attendance. His strength gradually gave way, and he peacefully passed away as stated. He was of a generous, kindly disposition, and his sympathy and purse were always extended to any deserving object. There are many local institutions that will miss his annual donations.
Deceased lived alone with his sister, Miss Shaw, who is also well advanced in years, and for whom the deepest sympathy is felt.
The flags in Devonport were half-masted yesterday as a token of respect to an honored citizen. The funeral is arranged to leave Mr. Shaw’s late residence, Upper Steele Street, at 2.30 p.m. tomorrow, for the Don Cemetery.
In connection with the sad event the River Don Trading Co. announced that their offices and retail store will close tomorrow at 1 p.m.
The Advocate 24th September 1909
Funeral of the late Mr. W. Shaw
There was a large representative gathering to witness the last sad rites in connection with the funeral of Mr. Wm. Shaw, who died on Tuesday. The procession formed at his late residence, Upper Steele Street, the mortal remains being encased in a polished cedar coffin with massive silver-plated furniture, whilst the hearse was literally covered with handsome floral tokens of sympathy. Dr. L. G. Thompson, of Launceston, was the immediate mourner, with five of his nephews, followed by Messrs. W., J. H., and F. Henry; Messrs. J. York, W. T. York (Sheffield), H. Browne, and the employees of the River Don Trading Co., whose establishments were closed during the afternoon. The Rev. Stewart Byron conducted the religious service, and at the close paid a brief and touching tribute to the integrity and kindly nature of the deceased. Included in those gathered round the graveside in the Don cemetery were the following, whose acquaintance with their departed friend extended over 40 years: Capts. J. Anthon and J. Murray; Messrs. W. Archer, J. Deverell, J. Campbell, J. W. Filluel, F. H. Hays, G. Gibson, A. Gardiner, C. Lillico, J. Littlejohn, A. R. Logan, R. Macrow, P. Naylor, J. A. Raymond, R. Stewart, M. Stewart, A. J. Stokes and J. Vertigan. Other representative gentlemen present were Capt. W. A. Pearce, Lieut.-Col. Smith, Dr. Addison, Canon deCoetlogon, Rev. W. Jarrett, Crs. Clayton, Curwen, Ingledew, Priest, Messrs. C. Ramsay, R. Montgomery, C. J. Hall, and W. Findlay (Ulverstone), W. L. Wells (Latrobe), and J. Keddie, with produce merchants and other citizens of Devonport.
The Advocate 24th September 1909
Miss Jane Shaw
Don Congregational Cemetery
DEATH
SHAW – On the 9th of May, at her residence, Devonport, Jane Shaw; aged 79 years.
The North West Post 10th May 1910
FUNERAL
The funeral of the late Miss Shaw will leave her late residence, Devonport, for the Don cemetery on Wednesday next, at 2.15 p.m.
The North West Post 10th May 1910
The death occurred yesterday of Miss Shaw, at her residence, Don Road, Devonport, at the age of 79 years. The deceased was a sister of the late Mr. W. Shaw, who passed away on September 21, 1909, and she has been ailing ever since her brother’s death, death being due to a general break-up of the system. Miss Shaw arrived in Devonport shortly after her brother some 38 years ago. She was an unostentatious supporter of all charitable movements, and was an especially liberal supporter of the Presbyterian Church. The funeral will take place at the Don cemetery tomorrow afternoon.
The North West Post 10th May 1910.
The death occurred yesterday of Miss Shaw, the aged sister of the late Mr. W. Shaw, who was a Director of the River Don Trading Co. The deceased lady, who was approaching four score years, was much attached to her brother, whose recent death she felt very keenly, and her health had been the subject of much anxiety for several months. Miss Shaw was of a retiring, kindly disposition, and will be missed by a large circle of friends. The funeral will take place at the Don Cemetery to-morrow afternoon.
The Advocate 10th May 1910
News Item
Mr. W. Shaw (of the Don Co.) and Miss Shaw took their departure by the steamer Flora on Saturday en route for the old country. Mr. Shaw intends to visit his people in the North of Scotland, after a lapse of nearly 60 years, when he left the highlands as a young man. Mr. Shaw looked well and hearty on his leaving, and stated in reply to parting greetings that he intends to return by next Christmas. Bon voyage!
The Advocate 8th April 1907