John Linn Shaver, first born of the union of David and Nancy Linn Shaver, was born in Perry County, where his father had settled two years previously. By the time he grew into young boyhood his father had become active in State affairs and the burden of looking after the farm work fell upon his shoulders, with his brother, Joseph, a year younger, helping him.

At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the United States Signal Corps at Harrisburg as a private in the service of the North. He served in some of the principal engagements during the war, among them the battle of South Mountain and the Battle of Gettysburg. They were ordered back by their Commander to fight victoriously later. A large part of his service in the army was in South Carolina at the time of the evacuation of Charleston. He also participated in the James Island engagements, and in one of them he was slightly wounded.

Prior to moving to Altoona, Pa, he was married, October 21, 1875, in Bedford County, to Miss Annie Davis, the ceremony being performed in the Davis home in Pleasantville, Bedford County, by the Rev Sherlock, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. One son, David Oscar, was born to the union.

In 1889 he settled in Altoona and secured employment with the Pennsylvania Railroad as carpenter, his trade . His duties were building railroad cars for the Company in the Freight Shop.

Their only child, David Oscar, was a graduate of the School of Pharmacy, University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, For many years he ran a pharmacy in Altoona.

On September 30, 1913, he reached the age of 70 years, the Industrial Compulsory retirement age in those days, and the Pennsylvania Railroad Company placed him on the pension list. For twelve years he enjoyed his leisure life, keeping active by helping with the housework, doing odd jobs for friends and passing the days with his two brothers in Altoona.

He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, first as a member of the First Church, and then transferring, with his wife, to the Eighth Avenue Church, which was closer to their residence. He was also a member of Post 468, Grand Army of the Republic, and derived great pleasure in meeting his old war buddies at their annual conventions. On Memorial Day each year he was in the parade that honored the
soldiers who died in all wars previous to his time. He passed away September 15, 1925 leaving his wife and only child as survivors. He was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, near Altoona.

Civil War Record