Mamie Frick Page gives the inscription on John's grave marker:
John Shaver Sr.
Born Feb 24, 1755
Died Sept 26, 1844
Age 89 yr. 7 mo. 2 da.

John Shaver came to Rowan County in the 1780's and settled on land purchased from a Mr. Lewis of Mecklenburg County. His plantation was on Flat Creek, and he became one of the largest property owners in eastern Rowan County.

John Shaver:
1792 tax list 226 acres
1796 tax list 800 acres and one white poll (southern Rowan County area)
1800 list of persons who failed to pay tax - John Shaver 2 pounds

John's will is dated 16 Nov 1843 and was probated in Nov 1844. He bequeathed to his eldest son, Jacob, 200 acres of land. Abraham got 225 acres, John 247 acres, Caleb 225 acres, daughter Philpenah Buckhannon got 125 acres, daughter Jane Shaver got 225 acres, daughter Rachel Shaver got 115 acres, and daughter Barbara Morgan got 115 acres. He had 1477 acres to give his children.

John Shaver and Joseph Hodges witnessed the will of David Reid on 27 Mar 1843. (This may be a different John Shaver.)

1790 Rowan County census - John Shafer (entry #1819)
2 free white males 16 or older
2 free white males under 16
3 free white females
0 other free persons
0 slaves
This is the only Shafer/Shaver/Schaefer in the 1790 census.

Deed Book 11, p. 578, 8 Nov 1788. David Woodson to John Shaver for £40, 400A on both sides of Flat Crk adj. John Reed, Joes Meadow Br, and Richd Davis. Wit: David Watkins, Anthony Peeler. Ack [acknowledged] Nov. ct. 1788. (Kluttz map)

Deed Book 12, p. 39, ... 1791. James (I) Lewis, planter, and wf Sarah of Mecklenburg Co., NC, to John Shaver, planter, of Rowan for £40, 400A on Flat Crk. adj. William Lewis, being a grant dated 25 Oct 1786. [11:093] Wit: Wm. Pitman, Fredrick Rogers. Signed by Saly Lewis. Pvd by Rogers at Aug ct. 1791.