Susan Little Smeigh, wife of Samuel C Shaver, and mother of the writer was born in Center Township, Perry County, and was one of a large family. She was a daughter of John and Mary Smeigh, of German descent, who were early settlers of Pennsylvania, locating in what is now known as Juniata Furnace, but at that time a part of Cumberland County.
She was one of seven children, her brothers and sisters being: William, an early soap manufacturer, who operated, for many years, a large Factory in Steelton, Pa; Elijah, a cabinet maker, of Lewisburg, Pa; Sarah, wife of a Mr. Stump, of York, Pa; Mary, who died unmarried at the age of 20 years; George; Jacob, who resides on the old homestead, about three miles from New Bloomfield; and Susan, my mother.

On May 9, 1872 her father died and her mother died in May of 1881, aged 74 years. On March 21, 1876 she was married to Samuel Shaver, to which union three children were born, Mary Edith, wife of the Rev W H Upham; Charles B and Arthur Linn Shaver, who died in 1909.

Because of the heavy farm work she was denied the opportunity of securing a higher education and her schooling was confined to the "Little Red Schoolhouse" in the township. She was naturally shy but gave a warm welcome to her many friends, her home being a Mecca for the gathering of her own friends as well as those of her children. Although a Lutheran by faith, she transferred her membership to the Methodist Episcopal Church to commune with her husband. Always a devoted Christian worshipper, she did not become active in church work, largely because of her shyness. Instead, she encouraged her husband and children in their religious activities.

She was a good homemaker, a good housekeeper, an excellent cook, a devoted wife and mother and a spiritual guide for her children. Although timid and shy she accumulated a host of friends, but upon nearing Middle age her health began to fail. A major operation in Hahnaman hospital, Philadelphia temporarily relieved her of the trouble, but her stamina was weakened, leaving her a victim of subsequent attacks of illness.

For several months at a time each year she was confined to her bed suffering from a recurrence of her illness, and it was at one of those times that, while attending her, her husband became suddenly ill and died a few hours later. Following the death of her husband she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Upham, at whose home she died, April 21, 1926, at the age of 75 years. Interment was made in Rose Hill Cemetery beside the remains of her husband.

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