by Paul Langan
Published in the April 2025 issue of the Middlesex Banner.
Orval Shaw, a name that once echoed through over 40 cities, towns and countryside of Ontario, was more than just a petty criminal. He was a symbol of defiance, a master of evasion, and a figure who captured the public’s imagination. I have drawn his story from historical accounts and newspaper reports, revealing the life of the man known as the “Skunk’s Misery Bandit.”
I first found out about Orval while researching other local history topics in the area of Hespeler, Ontario where I lived. During my research Orval’s name turned up several times as he was in Guelph, Hespeler, Idylwild and Puslinch during his escapades.
I was amazed that nobody had researched his life previously. One of the main challenges was finding out more about Orval’s private life and the lack of photos of him. I was lucky to find a distant relative of Orval’s’ who supported my work.
Eventually I decided to do comprehensive research of Orval, and I am very pleased with the book that came out of that research.
Paul presented at The Archives,178 McKellar Street, Glencoe for a presentation on Wednesday night May 7th at 7:00 p.m. Buy the book. For more information go to the website link, https://glencoehistoricalsociety.ca/event/may-7-the-bandit-of-skunks-misery/
Early Hardships and a Life on the Margins
Orval’s early life was far from idyllic. His parents separated, and he was raised by his grandparents, receiving little formal education and limited opportunities. His grandfather, known as “Dr. Shaw,” was a herbalist who gathered and sold remedies. Growing up in the Chatham area, Orval learned the ways of the woods, a skill that would later serve him well in his cat-and-mouse games with the police. As a boy, Orval was known to pilfer food but was otherwise considered harmless. Despite this, he was eventually made a ward of the Children’s Aid Society.
The Making of a Bandit
Orval’s brushes with the law started early. In 1921, at the age of 16, he was captured after a four-mile chase through the bush and sentenced to two years in the Burwash Reformatory for theft. This was the start of a long and troubled relationship with the justice system. By 1928, he had become a notorious figure, wanted for numerous thefts and robberies across East Kent. His intimate knowledge of the dense swampy woodland near Newbury in Southwest Middlesex (Mosa Township) earned him the moniker “Skunk’s Misery Bandit”.
The Great Manhunt
The police response to Orval’s crimes was significant. Large posses, including police and civilian volunteers, were assembled to search for him. They even employed Indian guides to navigate the difficult terrain of Skunk’s Misery. Despite their efforts, Orval consistently eluded capture, his woodcraft and familiarity with the area proving too difficult for law enforcement to overcome. He was known to steal food and clothing from farmhouses, often leaving behind old, worn items in their place. One account even claims he laughed at the police from the limb of a tree while they searched below.
Escapes and Further Adventures
In October 1928, Orval was finally captured in a house near Skunk’s Misery. However, his time in custody was short-lived. In December, he escaped from the Chatham jail with another prisoner named Pete Brennan. This escape led to an even larger manhunt across several counties. Brennan was eventually shot and killed by police, while Orval again managed to evade capture. There were reports of Orval in various locations, including Barrie, Guelph, and Hespeler, with accounts of him stealing cars and wearing disguises, such as a British army uniform.
Capture, Court, and Kingston
After months on the run, Orval was apprehended in May 1929. He faced a string of charges, including theft, breaking and entering, and escaping custody. Despite an initial attempt to fight some of the charges, Orval was eventually sentenced to four years in Kingston Penitentiary.
While in prison, Orval worked in the blacksmith shop, and encountered many issues related to the availability of tobacco. He also commented on the conditions at Collins Bay, a separate prison facility, and noted the unfair treatment of some prisoners. Shaw noted that “You can learn good or bad in Kingston, as you want it.”
Life After Prison
Upon his release in 1932, Orval attempted to start a new life. He opened a blacksmith shop near Bothwell. However, his past continued to haunt him. In 1934, he was re-arrested for a series of burglaries at a blacksmith shop, and was found with stolen equipment, and again sentenced to three years in Kingston. By this time he had grown a small black moustache, but it was shaved off at the time of his court appearance.
The Man Behind the Legend
In 1975, at the age of 71, Orval Shaw was interviewed. He was described as being extremely well and looking much younger than his years. While he acknowledged the tales of his past, he made it clear that he wanted to be left alone. He revealed that he had been married and had two children. He also spoke of working as a lumberman and owning a small trailer.
The Enduring Fascination
Orval Shaw’s story is a compelling mix of hardship, rebellion, and survival. He was a man who defied authority, captivated the public with his daring exploits, and became a folk hero for some. While his crimes were relatively minor, the police response and the public’s fascination with him elevated him to a legendary status.
Orval Shaw’s story continues to fascinate, reminding us of a time when one man’s ability to evade the law could capture the imagination of an entire region. His life, marked by both hardship and defiance, serves as a compelling chapter in Ontario’s history. I have said it many times, Orval’s life would make a fantastic Hollywood movie!
Book Launch and More
The highlight of completing the book was the book launch at the historic Bothwell Jim Kish Theatre on November 13th, 2024. I want to thank Crystal Ashburn from the Bothwell Library and her husband for hosting this event.
Author returns to Skunk’s Misery for a talk.
Paul presented at The Archives,178 McKellar Street, Glencoe for a presentation on Wednesday night May 7th at 7:00 p.m. Buy the book. For more information go to the website link, https://glencoehistoricalsociety.ca/event/may-7-the-bandit-of-skunks-misery/
