Shaw's older brother Francis George Shaw (October 23, 1809November 7, 1882) was an outspoken advocate of the abolition of slavery. Shaw's nephew, son of Francis George, was Robert Gould Shaw (October 10, 1837July 18, 1863). The latter was a colonel in the Volunteer Army of the United States during the American Civil War, and commander of the all-black 54th Regiment. Colonel Robert Gould Shaw was killed in action during the Second Battle of Fort Wagner in 1863.