First graduate of Bemidji High School in 1901. Nellie Shaw was a member of the Literary Society which held debates open to the public with a variety of topics. The program for Dec. 28, 1900 included a debate on the topic: “The country boy is greener in the city than the city boy is in the country.” The larger pupils are busy thinking of some new amusement, as dancing has been forbidden in the school building…. (Jan 24, 1901) Nellie was in the Normal School program so she was able to assist with teaching even before she graduated. “Nellie Shaw taught in one of the lower rooms Monday forenoon, Miss DePlos having missed the train on her return from her return from her vacation.” (Bemidji Pioneer, April 11, 1901)
Nellie Shaw attended an institute for teachers at the Courthouse on April 2, 1906 along with many familiar names such as Florence Bell, Veronica Cameron, Clara Heffron, Florence Huck, Ella Parker, Cecilia Ryg. (April 2, 1906) She taught sixth grade in Bemidji in 1906-1907 and again in 1907-1908.
She was a teacher all her professional life and never married. In 1930, she was still living on the farm in Hornet township and was the rural schoolteacher. She died in Utah on Sept 29, 1946. Her death certificate says she was a usual resident of Blackduck.