George Shaw

 

 

 

Thank you for coming to hear my story. I had a pretty normal life until my sudden death. I was born in 1845 on my father’s farm and that is also where I passed on. In 1867 I fell in love and married Miss Almira Z. McBride. I was content with farm life and remained on the old homestead for the 26 years we were married. We had one adopted child, Vadah, who we loved like she was our own. Life was good. I really enjoyed my many years as a Mason in Saline. I believe my picture is still on the wall of the Mason’s meeting room above Benny’s bakery.
On a lovely day in Sept., 1893, my wife and I were leaving Arba Hurd’s house after a nice visit. You may remember seeing their beautiful white house on Textile near Maple where it still stands. I hitched up a team of young spirited colts to our carriage. The colts seemed uneasy and anxious to get started. I figured once we were on the road, they would settle down. We started off west toward Maple Road. We had gone just a short distance when I raised myself up to adjust the blanket that was across the seat to keep us warm. The colts were prancing along fine, but when the reins slackened with my movement, the colts sprang into a run and dashed down the road as fast as they were capable of going. The colts continued running until they reached the corner by Ran Rouse. While making the turn onto Maple Road something happened that I did not expect in a thousand years.
With the speed of the colts making a sharp turn our carriage tipped upside down with my wife and I hitting the fence as the carriage continued to be attached to the horses. The team continued running dragging us along with them. The colts were finally stopped near Lorenza Haight’s house in Saline about 6:30pm.
Mr. Humphrey volunteered his carriage to take us to the home of R. G. Rousse where Almira and I remained until Monday. For a time I was unconscious and remained helpless for quite a few hours. Dr. Chandler was sent for and stayed with us throughout the night.
Almira was badly bruised and very bloody. The doctor cleaned her wounds on her breasts and used stitches to close the deep cut extending down the side of her neck and across the throat. She also had minor cuts on her face.
My most severe wounds were on my head. When I landed striking my head against the fence, the blow nearly severed my ear and my temple and face was terribly bruised. But worst of all , I had received internal head injuries. The doctor was unable to determine how servere it was.
Monday morning both Almira and I were resting comfortably and it was thought advisable to take us back to our home in York Township. We took the carriage ride home well, but at 11pm that same night a severe chang in my condition took place. The doctor was called and he took every effort possible to save me. Inflammation had secured a firm grasp and a high fever persude. I became weaker and weaker. I passed on a 10am the next morning.
My funeral was held at our farm house Sunday afternoon. After the service the masonic fraternity of Saline conducted a service involving 30 members of the Masonic Lodge of Milan at Oakwood Cemetery where I was entombed.
The sad part of the whole mess was Mrs. Shaw had to sell off the family farm. Alll of this happened suddenly with runaway horses and an upset buggy. YOU be maindful of every minute and stay safe!