By DOUG GRAVES

Ohio Correspondent

MILFORD, Ohio — The sixth, seventh and eighth generations of the Shaw family of Clermont County are working their Ohio land just as their ancestors did 214 years ago.

Earlier this month the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) recognized Shaw Farms as an Ohio Bicentennial Farm, those owned and operated by the same family for more than 200 years. ODA Director David T. Daniels and members of his staff honored the Shaw clan on Oct. 11.

“Anytime we get an opportunity to recognize a family that has been involved in agriculture as long as the Shaws, it’s a big deal,” said Daniels. “Here at this farm the Shaws run a farm business, one that’s been around for more than 200 years. I challenge anyone to point to any business that has been operating that long.”

He said the Ohio Century Farm program began in 1993 and had 200 farms sign up to be recognized. Today, more than 1,500 have signed up.

At 87, Jean Shaw is the oldest living member on this family farm. “And there’s a good chance there will be another farmer coming up,” she said, referring to her 12 grandchildren and 22 grandchildren. “Many of my grandsons are already getting into it.”

Shaw Farms founder Thomas Shaw moved to Clermont County from Bucks Creek, Pa., in 1807. Initially, he purchased 68 acres in Miami Township. The following year he bought an additional 63 acres from Gen. William Lytle, who some recognize as the “Father of Clermont County.”

Thomas’ son, James, helped expand the family holdings. In 1834, he purchased the current site of Shaw Farms. The Shaw clan tends to 145 acres in Clermont County; counting contiguous acres, they work 1,800 total.

The farm is operated by family members who are 6-8 generations removed from the founder, according to ODA. They are led by matriarch Jean Shaw, who still works full days at the farm.

She takes the most pride in her pumpkin patch, along with its hayrides and edible goodies. Shaw Farms is known for its many pumpkin patches and is a frequent stop among schoolchildren, who get to observe the family’s soybean and corn displays that show byproducts derived from each crop.

“We try to make it an educational experience as much as we can,” Shaw noted. “A lot of the Cincinnati public schoolchildren have no idea what a farm is like.”

Ohio farmers wishing to be recognized as a Century, Sesquicentennial or Bicentennial farm though the Ohio Historic Family Farms program should verify their operation has remained in the family for at least 100 years by obtaining a copy of the deed from a county recorder’s office. Then, contact Cindy Shy in the ODA Office of Communications at 614-752-9817.