Catherine Jane Shaver, fourth child born to the union of the Rev David and Nancy Linn Shaver, was born on the family farm in Madison Township, Perry County, and at the age of six months was baptized by
her uncle, the Rev Isaac M Elliott.

She became active in the work of the church of which her father was the pastor, and at the tender age of 17 years she met and married, against her parents admonitions, Benjamin Pierson, who was much older than she. This marriage was of short duration. One child, Bertha Pierson,
was born.

The mother and daughter then made their home with the mother's brother, John Linn Shaver, then residing in Bedford County. They accompanied the brother and wife to Altoona, where she died June 27, 1894. The daughter, Bertha Pierson, was educated in the public schools of Altoona, and then prepared for the teaching profession. Her last known residence was in Gallitzin, Pa teaching a primary grade in school.

Her father, Benjamin Pierson, was a son of Joshua Pierson, from Riding, Yorkshire, England. Little is known about this union.