Arthur Fayette Shaw papers

Collection

Identifier: Collection 489

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

These papers include letters written by Arthur F. Shaw from 1894 through 1903, mostly to his mother, describing college life, family matters and religious struggles. The collection also includes letters written by his siblings. Proceedings of the American Legion, including the minutes from the first meeting of the American Legion in 1919, and the by-laws and proceedings of the Grand Encampment I.O.O.F. of Michigan are in the collection, in addition to a compiled book of thoughts, notes, and writings written and collected by Arthur Shaw between 1922-1945. The collection also contains "Samples of New Songs," hymns edited by Shaw’s mother, Etta Sadler Shaw.

Dates

1894 - 1945

Biographical / Historical

Arthur Fayette Shaw was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in September of 1884, to Solomon Benjamin Shaw and Etta Salder Shaw. He married Josephine Moore in 1910 and began a law practice the same year.

Shaw served in the Army in both world wars. In World War I he was a combat officer in the 317th Infantry, 80th Division of the Army and was promoted from lieutenant to captain. Recalled to active duty in World War II, he served as the commanding training officer of the civil affairs training school at Yale University.

Shaw was an active member of the American Legion and the Grand Encampment I.O.O.F. of Michigan, of which he served as Grand Patriarch from 1926-1927.

Shaw served on the Grand Rapids City Commission from 1920-1924 and unsuccessfully ran for Grand Rapids Mayor in 1924. He was appointed superior court judge in 1932 and held that position for less than a year.

Arthur and Josephine had two children, Mildred and Collins. Arthur died in 1984 and is buried in Oakhill Cemetery.

Etta Sadler Shaw was born in Sturgis, Michigan on April 28, 1860 to James Jared Sadler and Loretta Sutton Sadler. In 1882 Etta married Solomon Shaw and together they had eleven children.

Etta served as Vice-President of the Women Preacher’s Association, an organization created in 1919 to develop fellowship among women preachers, to secure ecclesiastical rights of women and to encourage young women to take up the work of the ministry. In addition, Etta was a national evangelist and a lecturer for the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. Etta died in Grand Rapids, Michigan on December 4, 1928 and is buried in Oakhill Cemetery.

Extent

.5 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Arthur F. Shaw was born to Solomon Benjamin Shaw and Etta Salder Shaw in 1884. His papers cover almost a sixty year span of his life, from letters he wrote as a boy and young adult to notes he made as a city commissioner and a superior court judge. Shaw served in both world wars and was a member of the American Legion and the Grand Encampment I.O.O.F. of Michigan. Proceedings from both of these organizations can be found in this collection. Shaw’s mother, Etta Sadler Shaw, was a national evangelist and a lecturer for the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. Copies of "Samples of New Songs," hymns which she edited, are also included in these papers.