[1] Shaw enlisted in the Union Army for the American Civil War, joining Company A, 35th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment as a private in June 1861.

[1] After his discharge, Shaw was appointed a special agent of the Army provost marshal's office in Watertown, and served until the close of the war.

[1] The provost marshal's duties included keeping track of men eligible for military service, and compelling them to report if they refused to answer the call.

[1] In 1878, Shaw was appointed as consul in Manchester, England, and he served until 1885, when the newly-elected administration of Grover Cleveland replaced him with a Democratic appointee.

[1] After leaving Manchester, Shaw resided in Watertown, and was a sought after speaker for holidays, the dedications of Civil War memorials, and Republican political campaigns.

[1] He was also active in Watertown's civic life, including service as president of its Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and chamber of commerce.

[7] News accounts indicated that he returned to his room at the Riggs House hotel after attending a banquet in honor of Leo Rassieur, his successor as GAR commander-in-chief.