THE SHRIVER FAMILY GREEN BOOK.
PART SECOND. NARRATIVES AND RECORDS TO THE PRESENT TIME. 1888.

(Page numbers from 1888 Green Book in [square brackets].)

Rebecca Ferree Shriver

Marriage to James Renshaw and Settlement at Littlestown, Pa.  |
Children with their Connections  |  Genealogical Records

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REBECCA FERREE SHRIVER, the eldest daughter of Andrew Shriver, of Union Mills, was born at Littlestown Pa. She was baptized by the Rev. Mr. Kopright; sponsors, David Shriver and wife — her grandparents.

She was married to James Renshaw, of York, Pa. Mr. Renshaw was a native of Pennsylvania. His father, William Renshaw, was born, 1726, in the North of Ireland, and early in life emigrated to America, locating on a farm in Pequea Valley, Lancaster county, Pa. James Renshaw was apprenticed to a coppersmith, a member of the Society of Friends, of York, Pa. After serving his time, he engaged with his step-father, Mr. Noble, in general merchandising at same place. At the invasion of Maryland by the British forces, (1812-14) he volunteered for the defense of Baltimore, and was an officer of the Pennsylvania regiment commanded by Col. Michael H. Spangler, which was in the engagement at the battle of North Point.

Soon after his marriage he located at Littlestown, Pa., where he established himself in business, and, subsequently, purchased a property adjoining the town, which he improved and occupied until the close of his life.

Politically he was an ardent Whig, and an earnest AntiSlavery man. He served a term — 1832-33 — in the State Legislature; also several terms as County Commissioner. With such antecedents, it is needless to say, he warmly espoused the cause of the Union in the Civil War. A friend of education, he was  [65]   influential in maintaining an Academy at Littlestown, much to the advantage of the youth of the town and neighborhood. His literary taste and attainments made him popular with the cultured classes of society, and he was highly instructive and entertaining as a conversationalist. A retentive memory enabled him to recall historical dates and facts with surprising accuracy. Exemplary in his life and intercourse with his neighbors, his influence was salutary in the maintenance of morality and correct deportment.

REBECCA F. RENSHAW, his wife, inherited the domestic virtues which distinguished her illustrious grand-mother, for whom she was named, and who stood as her god-mother. She was a model housekeeper, nothing escaping her vigilant attention which might in any wise promote the weal and comfort of the household. A kind friend and neighbor, she was loved and respected by all the people of the village is which she was born, and where, after marriage, she resided till the close of her life. Her husband survived her some years, and was ever faithful to her memory, being a devoted father to their bereaved children, for whom. he provided a liberal education and maintained a home.

The family was identified with the Old Christ (Reformed) Church, Conewago, where the remains of parents and. children are interred.

They had eight children, viz., Elizabeth, Eliza Ann, Mary Jane, William Andrew, John Alexander, Anna Maria, Mary and James Shriver, all of whom, save three, died in infancy.

WILLIAM A. RENSHAW, the eldest son, received a liberal education, graduating from Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg. He then entered the Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, having in view the Gospel ministry in the Lutheran Church. He was a young man of promise, being an apt and diligent student, and a consecrated Christian; but his early death, while in attendance at the Seminary, dispelled the bright hopes entertained for him by his relatives and friends.

JOHN A. RENSHAW, though well educated, was not a college graduate. He engaged in general merchandising at Littlestown, in   [66]   partnership with Pius Sneeringer. He married Mary Ann, daughter of Francis G. Bailey, of Pittsburgh, Pa., and subsequently moved to that city, where he formed a partnership with Mr. Bailey in the grocery business. Mr. Bailey early retired, and he continued the business — firm name of John A. Renshaw& Co, He has been an elder, since its organization, of the Shady Side Presbyterian Church, East Pittsburgh, where he has his residence. He is a member and secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Western Theological Seminary; also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Pennsylvania Female College, an institution which he aided in founding,

MARY A. RENSHAW, his wife, was a lady of many accomplishments, social in disposition and greatly endeared to her family. She was, moreover, a devout Christian, much interested in works of beneficence, being especially concerned in the cause of Foreign Missions, in which interest she labored with great faithfulness and devotion. Her death, within the past year, has left a void in the domestic and social circle which is keenly felt and deplored.

WILLIAM A. RENSHAW, Son of John A. Renshaw, is associated with his father in business at Pittsburgh.

ANNA MARIA RENSHAW, daughter of James Renshaw, married B. Franklin Zimmerman, of Baltimore. She was gentle and retiring in disposition, a loving wife and mother, and an earnest and consistent Christian. Her husband has been faithful to her memory, being, since her decease, both father and mother to their children, maintaining for them a home in the house where they were born, and where he still resides with the family of his son.

Mr. Zimmerman’s ancestors were natives of Switzerland, and were among the earliest settlers of Baltimore. His father, Jacob Zimmerman, was a resident of Alexandria, Va. His mother, Amelia Steiger, eldest daughter of Jacob and Margaret Steiger, was a granddaughter of Andrew Steiger, ofthe “Meadows.” He has been, through life, identified with the business interests of Baltimore; was at one time proprietor of an omnibus line. He has been for some years past an efficient and trusted official of the Merchants’ National Bank.

In politics Mr. Zimmerman has been, in turn, Democrat and Republican. He was a warm friend and supporter of the Union   [67]   in the Civil War. He has also been prominent in the Odd Fellows fraternity, ranking among the highest in the order of officials.

WILLIAM A. ZIMMERMAN, son of B. F. Zimmerman, was a young man of fine promise. He had acquired practical knowledge of job-printing; and was well established in business when death met him and severed his promising earthly relations. He was an active member of the church (Baptist), and also a valued official and much beloved member of the Lodge of Odd Fellows.

JAMES JACOB ZIMMERMAN, the only surviving son, is with E. Stabler, Jr., & Co., and is well known and respected in business circles in the city. He married Emily Walker Sewell, daughter, of Richard J. and Emily H. Sewell, a lady of fine social qualities.

MARY REBECCA ZIMMERMAN married Walter Sears Milnor, merchant, Baltimore. Mr. Milnor has recently removed with his family to Minneapolis, Minn., where he is engaged in business.

Genealogical Records