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Tradition has set the date of the nuptials of Peter Shaver and Miss Piper in 1796 and there are no records conflicting with the tradition,
but in an effort to identify the right Miss C. Piper, the writer was
met with disappointment, when the publications Jordon's “Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania Biographies," Jordon's "Colonies end Revolutionary Families", as well as Peter Forces' “American Archives," all purporting to contain histories of the Piper lineage, failed to produce results.

Failing in these results the writer was compelled to resort to presumption with the following discovery: In 1790 the first census of residents of the United Colonies was made and in the Pennsylvania section, page 124, we found that Catherine Piper, over 16 years of age, and one person under 16, resided in Fannett, Hamilton, Letterkenny, Montgomery, and Peters Township, Franklin County. Residing in the same township, we found Peter Shaver, over 16 years, and two under 16 years. These five sections of townships were originally a part of Lurgan Township, and as stated previously Peter Shaver was taxed in Montgomery Township. [It is reasonable to assume, then] that Catherine Piper and Peter, both living in the same township, are David’s parents.

Huntingdon County, where David was born, lies contiguous to the northern part of Franklin County. Logan Township, Huntingdon County, borders on one side of the Tuscarora mountains, and Lurgan Township, Franklin County, lies just across the mountain and was the boundary for Franklin County. When and how Peter Shaver and bride moved from Franklin county into Huntingdon County, and where David was born, is not known, but new roads built during the war would provide an easy way for them to travel.

By computing dates and periods of time described by the son, David, it is possible to estimate the death of his father as the year 1821 or 1822. [There is] no information concerning the widow, or of any brothers and sisters of David who survived.

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