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WHO WAS - James R. Shriver
in Plum Township
Venango County, Pennsylvania
By Howard Strawbridge August 10, 1956

James R. Shriver was a son of Jacob and Margaret Range Shriver, and was born on May 23, 1829, in Hickory Township, Venango County. This is within the present limits of Forest County. He was the second of ten children who reached maturity.

James spent his childhood in the town of Tionesta. When 18 years old he learned the shoemaker's trade, and followed that occupation for many years. He kept a careful record of his shoemaking business and his old account book, well over a hundred years old, is still preserved by a great-grandson.

On July 20, 1851, he was married to Jane Ensign, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ensign. From Tionesta they moved to Eagle Rock in 1855. They lived there for five years on a farm, then moved back to Tionesta where they lived for a year. Then they made Jemison Flats their home for a short time. Later they moved to a farm northwest of Neilltown, and remained there for several years.

They were the parents of three children, as follows: Mrs. Emeline Thomas, born at Tionesta; Oren E., born at Eagle Rock; and Jacob M., born at Neilltown.

On Oct. 3, 1876, the family purchased a 120-acre farm located just east of Diamond, paying William and Sarah Ann Kightlinger $2,550 for it. Here they spent the rest of their lives. It is the present farm of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Strawbridge, the latter being a granddaughter of Mr. Shriver.

After buying this place Mr. Shriver moved two separate houses together, making one larger house. He and his son, Oren, planted little maple trees in the front yard, and today they tower far above the house. Years later a spruce hedge was planted around the front yard. They also set out a large orchard just west of the buildings. A shed-type barn stood on the place.

James Shriver was well known and highly esteemed. He was of about average height and slightly heavy-set. He had thinning hair and a dark beard. Besides being a shoemaker and farmer, he was also a good weaver. He chewed "Fine Cut' tobacco. He once bought a yoke of oxen from the Armstrong family on Maple Hill.

On march 12, 1883, Mr. Shriver, a Republican, assumed office as a road commissioner of Plum Township for a three-year term.

He had been a member of the Tionesta IOOF lodge. However, in January, 1893, he transferred membership to the Bradleytown lodge.

In the spring of 1890 he built a good stock barn which was called "the horse barn," and was sized approximately 42 x 50 feet. When it was completed a large box social was held in it. Incidentally, it burned 27 years after Mr. Shriver's death. He also purchased some fine Jerseys and Holsteins in the spring of 1890.

On Saturday, May 23, 1891, his 62nd birthday was celebrated. Guests came from Pleasantville, Titusville, Oil City, Franklin and Chapmanville. They presented Mr. and Mrs. Shriver with a set of china dishes, a photograph album, and other friendship gifts.

Mrs. Shriver, a Presbyterian, died on Sunday, Jan. 17, 1892, after being in poor health for some time.

The youngest son, Jacob, married Miss Anna Ghering in the following May, and she took over the household duties. Mr. Shriver was very good to his new daughter-in-law. He carried in the water, firewood, etc., for her.

On Friday, April 7, 1893, Mr. Shriver was sitting in the shed barn weaving, when he suffered a hard stroke. He was carried into the house where he died an hour and a half after the stroke.

His funeral was largely attended on Sunday at this home. He had the first IOOF burial service ever conducted in the Diamond area.

Transcribed by Penny Kulbacki Minnick
minnick862@verizon.net

Disclaimer:there may be errors due to transcription ofinformation from both early and late (current contributors) work.