David Elliott Shaver, son of Peter Shaver, and grandson of the Peter Shaver who came to America prior to 1738, was born in Huntingdon County May 2nd, 1804. During his boyhood days he attended religious services in the district Methodist church. Here he developed an ambition to enter the ministry.

His father, a well educated and a religious man, encouraged him in his ministerial ambitions and entered him as a student in Tuscarora Academy, at Shirleysburg, Huntingdon County. When at the age of 17 years his father died and the executors of his father's will did not deem it advisable to furnish him with the means to complete his academic studies. He then learned the cabinet making trade, reserving time for further educational pursuits.

After six years of such preparation, at the age of 23 years, he was licensed to preach the Methodist ideologies. In 1841 he settled on some land in Madison Township, Perry County and the following year he was married to Miss Nancy E. Linn. Seven children were born to the union, a sketch of each being recorded [elsewhere on this site]. In 1850-1852 he was elected a member of the State Legislature during which time he introduced the first prohibition bill. In I859 he was appointed an Associate Judge of Perry County. He died in office.

Rev. David Shaver's Autobiography

Eulogy by an associate minister

Ministerial credentials