Author: Shaw, David
Biography:
SHAW, David (1787-1856: BAM)
Born on 28 Nov. 1787 (baptised 2 Dec.) in the village of Auchterforfar, just south of Forfar, Angus, he was the son of Martha (Donald) and Frederic Shaw. By his own account, he had little education before training to be a handloom linen weaver. He was described as a man of few words, but his songs were very popular and well-known in Forfar. He married Betty Smith of Dunninchen, Angus, on 20 May 1810; they had several daughters and Shaw used to attend Chartist meetings with them. It seems likely his wife died early but no records have been found. He is shown as living with the family of his daughter Jane in Forfar in the 1851 Census; occupation is given as hand loom weaver. He died at Forfar on 29 Dec. 1856. (BAM; ancestry.co.uk 25 Sept. 2020, 12 Dec. 2025; Arbroath Guide 3 Jan. 1857) SR