08/23/2026
Sixth in a series of the lives of the people of Oak Hill.
The tragic death of Walter R Shaw, Jr
Walter R Shaw, Jr was born in New York in 1908 to Walter and Grace Shaw. In the 1910 federal census, the family is living in Congress St in Bradford. Walter Sr is listed as a bookkeeper. I can’t find any of them in the 1920 census, but by 1930 Walter’s parents are living on South Ave, while Walter, Jr is living in Oil City, Pa, with an occupation listed as Chemist for the Pennsylvania Oil Association. By 1931 he is said to be a Special Investigator for the same association.
On March 6, 1931, Walter traveled to St Louis for business purposes. He was a guest at the Statler Hotel. He was in a parking lot and had just assisted his companion, Miss Dorothy Duddleston, into his car. A man appeared holding a revolver and ordered Shaw to put up his hands. Instead, Shaw struck out at the man, who jumped back and fired two shots. One shot entered Shaw’s arm, but the other shot entered his abdomen, with the bullet passing through his liver.
A man was captured in a blind alley behind the Third Baptist Church. At first he gave the police other names, but finally was found to be Alfred Suraud, 35, an unemployed chauffeur. He admitted he owned a hat found in the alley, but denied knowing anything about the revolver that was found under the hat.
Eventually, Suraud confessed. He said he was drunk at the time and was hazy about exactly what happened. Nevertheless he was sure he did the shooting.
Walter had a roller coaster recovery over the next month, with frequent articles in The Bradford Era updating friends and relatives back home. By mid March he was improving according to his doctors. Then pneumonia set in. Oxygen was being administered and his lungs were tapped to treat the infection. He had high fevers and needed blood, but his condition was considered too unstable to transfuse.
Walter’s parents had flown out to be with him as he fought to recover. During this time period, Suraud was indicted for the robbery and assault. Walter continued his ups and downs of recovery. Finally, on April 14, Walter Shaw died from pneumonia.
On May 22, after pleading guilty to 1st degree murder, Albert Suraud was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Walter’s body was transported back to Bradford and he is buried in Oak Hill. He was 23 years old.
Thanks to Steve and John Shaw for leading me to this sad family story.
