JOHN W. SHAVER, farmer and stock-raiser; P.O. Elkhart; was born in Sangamon Co., Ill., March 18, 1855; his father, William, was born in Virginia, March 13, 1818, where he remained until about 35 years of age, when he removed to Ohio, and from there, in 1850, to California. On his return, he stopped in Springfield, Ill., and while there bought the Twelve-Mile House and farm of Sangamon Co., where he resided about four years. He then sold out, and removed to Menard Co., where he resided until his death, which occurred Aug. 10, 1871. After he had resided in Menard Co., two years, he returned to his old home in Virginia, where he was united in marriage with Miss Jane Ross, of Augusta Co., of the "old Dominion State;" this union resulted in three children - John W., Lizzie and Mary. John W., is the only surviving child; he owns 862 acres of well-improved land in Menard Co., and 160 in Logan Co. He received a good education and is to-day one of Menard Co.'s most prosperous farmers. He is a Democrat in politics, but quite conservative.