Peter Shaver (September 27, 1776 – June 21, 1866) was a farmer, businessman and political figure in Upper Canada.

Peter Shaver, MLA
Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada for Dundas
In office
1821–1824
Preceded byJohn Crysler
Succeeded byJohn Crysler
Member of the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada for Dundas
In office
1829–1840
Personal details
BornSeptember 27, 1776
Montgomery County, New York
DiedJune 21, 1866(1866-06-21) (aged 89)
Iroquois, Ontario
OccupationFarmer, politician, soldier, timber merchant
Military service
AllegianceUpper Canada
Branch/serviceCanadian militia
Years of service1812 - 1856
RankPrivate
Captain
Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit1st Dundas Regiment of Militia
Dundas Cavalry Troop
Commands3rd (Winchester & Mountain) Battalion, Dundas Militia (1846-56)
Battles/warsWar of 1812 Upper Canada Rebellion

He was born in Montgomery County, New York in 1776, the son of a German immigrant (the family name was originally spelled Schaeffer). His father was a loyalist who served with the British forces during the American Revolution and settled in Matilda Township in Dundas County, Upper Canada after the war.

Peter served as a Private with the Dundas County Militia during the War of 1812 and then raised and commanded the Dundas Cavalry Troop from 1822-1840, including during the Upper Canada Rebellion. He later reached the rank of lieutenant-colonel and commanded the 3rd Battalion, Dundas Militia from 1846-1850s.

He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada in 1820 for Dundas and was reelected in 1828 and served until 1841. He was appointed justice of the peace in the Eastern District in 1825. Shaver farmed and was also involved in the timber trade.

He died in Iroquois in 1866.

References

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  • Becoming Prominent: Leadership in Upper Canada, 1791-1841, J.K. Johnson (1989)