Not all SHELBYs wore halos!


The law of the historian is that he shall suppress nothing that is true. Moreover, there shall be no suspicion of partiality in his writings, or of malice
       Cicero, de Oretore, 46 BC

Temper worked for and against the SHELBYs- It made heroes and heroines of many - from the beginning of this country of ours- but got others in trouble.
Our ancestors faced a far different world than we do now- but they were still subject to the problems, heartbreaks, tragedies, and weaknesses that have
carried down to the present day.

Many young men and women inherited tempers as well as prejudices from fathers and grandfathers, mothers and grandmothers- they experienced wars from
the French and Indian War to the Revolutionary War to the "great Rebellion", as Yankees called the Civil War, or the "recent unpleasantness" as it was known
in the South. Some fought the Indians, some exploited them, while others built friendships in the hopes of bringing about peace. Some owned slaves, some
didn't-most treated them well, some didn't- When Gov Isaac Shelby's youngest brother Moses "got religion" he freed all his slaves...

It is not my intent to just "wash our dirty laundry" in public (so to speak). But to show over the course of ALL  "The Shelby Exchange" that our ancestors
were three dimensional, not just names and dates to fill up a chart, which means dealing not only with the good, but also with the bad, and the ugly.

Today we are going through a time of- if it's not "PC" (politically correct), don't talk about it, or ban it, or pretend it never happened, so as not to offend
anyone-and this attitude is causing the doors to our past to be slammed shut and locked. Which makes all of us as family historians so important. It is up
to us to protect our true past from being lost or hidden from our descendants-and, we can't do that if we are not willing to share our findings.
 
 

Thanks for this Margaret (Wages) Whitehead

Badges, bullets and blood

Note-Info in [  ] only, are my additions and not part of the original -Also, these are my abstracts-Judy

The Ohio Company - Its Inner History, by Dr Alfred Proctor James, 1959
March Court 1754 - Frederick Co, MD- George Mason and The Ohio Company sue Catherine [Morgan] and Evan [her son] Shelby, Administrators
of Evan Shelby...[Over debts owed by Evan Shelby Sr]   Last record found for Catherine.
=======
Must reading! Long and involved, so I'm just highlighting parts...Capt Evan Shelby apparently wasn't being too cooperative -He was a Justice of the
Peace at this time..he had a temper!

Archives of Maryland website -Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 27 March 1766 - In the case of Catherine Wheate, dau of Conrad Wheate,
Sept 1766-Charged that Thomas Hynes with being the father of her Bastard Child...

  "...Most humbly sheweth That your Petitioners, with great Sorrow and regret find themselves obliged to accuse two of their own Members of a
Scandalous Abuse of that Power which your Excellency hath thought proper to intrust them with in joint Commission with your Petitioners."

"That without insisting upon other irregularities, your Petitioners will Confine themselves at present to the Information they have received of Capt Evan Shelby,
and Mr Joseph Warford, in a case of Fornication..."

"...Capt Shelby threatened that if ever he catched Conrad Wheat in Maryland he would have him cropp'd for disobeying his Orders in not giving up the Child,
and declared that if he had gone there in Person he would have burnt Wheate's House over his head..."

"...That during these Transactions, Capt Shelby demanded of Joseph Warford a Warrant for the young Woman's fine, which Mr Warford refused to Grant,
he also refused to sign one drawn up by Capt Shelby...Whereupon the Capt Signed it himself, had her immediately taken into Custody..."

"That Capt Shelby at Length Proceeded to the Marriage Ceremony, which he performed by asking the young Man whether he would take that Woman to
his lawful Wedded Wife? and put the same question, mutatis mutandis to the young Woman; after which he pronounced them to be lawful Man and Wife,
saying Jump Dog, Leap Bitch, and I'll be damned if all the Men on Earth can unmarry you..."

"...That the new Couple were put to bed in Mr Warford's own Bed, with the usual Ceremonies of throwing the Stocking &c. Mrs Warford having previously
received five Shillings for the use of said Bed. And the whole Proceedings on the Riot quashed at once..."

"That some time after the young Couple had been left to themselves, the young Man wanted to leave his Consort: and opening the Door would have come
out. But was prevented by Capt Shelby, who opposed him with a fork in his hand, which he threatened to Jobb into his Gutts if he attempted to leave his Wife..."

"...Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray that the aforesaid Capt Evan Shelby, and Mr Joseph Warford may be left out of the Commission  for the Peace in
Frederick County, that the whole Body (otherwise, We hope, respectable) may not be wounded through their Sides or laughed at as their Associates...
" 27th March 1766..
=======
Isaac Shelby KY's First Gov & Hero of Three Wars, by Wrobel & Grider, 1974:
  "...Evan Shelby's pleasure in life seemed almost improper to some of his children. The eldest son John, reported that Evan was giving large "frolics" at his
Holston plantation [Sapling Grove] & courting a young woman named Isabella Elliott. She required that Evan deed a third of his estate to her before they married..."
[Sullivan Co TN-BK 1 p277, 24 Jan 1787; Registered 9 Jul 1788-marriage agreement]

At the age of 67 (1787) , against the wishes of a furious family, Evan and Isabella married and had two sons and a daughter. Within 10 years of Evan's death
in 1794, Isabella remarried to Alexander Dromgoole - they had a son and daughter. Isaac Shelby (Gov), in settling his father's estate wrote "I have no farther
demands against sd Isabella...nor has she any farther claim either dower or otherwise...Alexander Dromgoole is on no pretence whatever to set foot on the
Sapling Grove Plantation belonging to me..."The Shelby Family Papers"
=======
The Birthplace and Childhood Home of Isaac Shelby in Washington County, Maryland, by Gerald J Sword, 1972:
Evan and Letitia Shelby (Isaac's parents) lost the fight for their land (part of "Maidens Choice") to Dr Charles Carroll. It's not clear who aptly renamed the
land to "Shelby's Misfortune".
Mr Sword states: "...The reason for Letitia to appear in court was to answer charges that she instructed their 'Dutch servant man' to cut down and burn the tree
marking the beginning point of this land [Sounds like she was fed up with the squabbling]. In June 1754, Shelby gave a recognizance of 6,000 lbs of tobacco for
the appearance of his wife to answer the charges against her in the Frederick Co. Court. The case was continued from time to time until the June court of 1758 -
"A suit on behalf of the Lord Proprietary VS Letitia Shelby for destroying a bound tree for a tract of land belonging to Dr Carroll, when it was 'maked struck
off after 15 continuances..."
=======
21 May 1778 - Abingdon, Washington Co, VA - Upon complaint of Mary Daily against her Mistress Katherine Shelby for misusage (Court minutes)
=======
5 Mar 1783 - Virginia Supreme Court District of Kentucky - Eliz. Stephens alias Eliz. Shelby committed fornication with Edward Worthington (Court minutes)
=======
Isaac Shelby KY's First Gov & Hero of Three Wars, by Wrobel & Grider, 1974
1780s - "Sapling Grove" - Sullivan Co, TN - Son John accuses his father, Evan Shelby of giving large "frolics" at his Holston plantation [Sapling Grove]

"The Shelby Family Papers"-letter is in deplorable condition and torn in a number of places. Also, Evan's spelling makes it a challenge to read
12 Jul 1783 - Letter to Capt James "Jimmy"  Shelby, from his brother Evan Shelby Jr -
"...if Brother Moses is coming in with you give my kindist love to him...I am plesed your coming home ? ? ? Esdeys? account for shee is been living with the
old man ever since I come home and takes the greatest ? you ever saw any person in your life and has put the old man so much against me that he wont let
me come hardly on his plantation without thinking to shute me, and swears that if you or Moses offers to trick him when you come home that he will shute
you the minute you attempt it ? but I think if you was come we can worke them well eneff  ?, all, Jonny is liveing at the old mans and says he will get all he can
from the old mans as he sees in what manner the asteate is like to go______I am Sir Jimmy your affectionate brother Evan Shelby Jr"

Peace must have prevailed, as on 13 Oct 1783, Sullivan Co, NC...Evan Shelby gives his "beloved sons" Moses and Evan land in Fayette Co, KY.
  In 1787 Evan Shelby married Isabella Elliott..
=======
29 Nov 1799 - Washington County -This Day Received of Colo Isaac Shelby eight Dollars as my fee for attending an Inquisition of forceable Detainer by
Alexander Dromgold et al on the plantation of the late Genl Evan Shelby..signed A. Dixon ["The Shelby Family Papers"] [Dromgold/Dromgoole married the
widow Isabella (Elliott) Shelby]
=======
1801, Madison Co, KY - Nathaniel Hart heirs accuse Daniel Boone of Fraudulent surveying. Complainants VS Samuel Estill- Nathaniel Hart, Lawrence Thompson
& Keziah, his wife, Isaac Shelby & Susannah, his wife, John Hart, Mary Anne Hart, Cumberland Hart & Richard Hart, an infant, by Nathaniel Hart, his next friend
& legal representative, Richard Lawrence Thompson, Sarah Finney Thompson, Nathaniel Hart Thompson, China Burton Thompson, devisees of Simpson Hart,
another heir of Nathaniel Hart, dec'd.
(Lexington District Court Order books)  Daniel Boone was eventually exonerated
=======
"American Monthly Magazine", Jul 1893, Vol 3, No. 1 - Isaac Shelby's letter to Gen. M. D. Hardin, 10 Oct 1822:
     This letter is the beginning of the controversy concerning the battle of King's Mountain...
To Genl. M. D. Hardin
  My Dear Sir I have at length received papers containing Wm C Preston's piece with my letters, &c., &c. One of them is more harsh than I expected to find it.
It has been a very foolish and imprudent act to publish them, confidential letters like private conversation should be held sacred and not slightly spoken of.
Before I determine on the course I will pursue, I must send to Missouri, for the testimony of a man there, who if alive is as well acquainted with the circumstances
as I am myself. I shall send also to Tennessee to get some further proofs of my statements, &c., and after all I shall feel great reluctance even with the most
authentic testimony, in disturbing the ashes of the dead. But as soon as I have proved them I will send them to you for your perusal and advice. I remain with
respect Your Obt. Servant, Isaac Shelby.
=======

These are my abstracts, in part because of the length, but also to avoid any copyright infringement -Judy

3 July 1845, Lexington, KY -Lafayette Shelby accused of murdering Henry M Hovine[sic]   [Lafayette was the son of James Shelby and Mary Pindell]

The Shelby Family, by G Glenn Clift, 1951
"...Lafayette Shelby, following an argument at the old Phoenix Hotel (then Chiles) shot and killed Henry M Horvine on 10 Jan 1846. The resulting trial was
Henry Clay's last. Young shelby, released on bond, fled to Texas. Once, in June, 1862, he returned to Lexington, KY but left again shortly afterward and
was heard of no more.

Eye Witness account of the Trial of Lafayette Shelby:  Diary of D.M. Griffith, Centre College, Danville, KY - A personal journal. Typed copy, Dept of MSS,
Filson Club Library, Louisville, KY.
Mr Griffith attended the trial each day and then wrote in his journal his version of what took place each day.  Fri, 3 Jul 1845 to 10 Jul 1845[sic]...

Friday morning, 3 July - "I will set down the circumstances of the case as well as I could get them from hearing the various speeches"
  "Mr Hovine[sic]  was a respectable and peaceable young man....Mr Shelby is the son of a rich and influential family but unhappily had been alienated
from is father for the last year or two and during that time he had stayed at Lexington in idleness and dissipation boarding at the taverns."
Child's [Chiles] Hotel's Tavern; At dinner Mr Horine looked at Mr Shelby in the face, sitting opposite, in an insulting and contemptuous manner as Mr Shelby
thought; Mr S. after dining withdrew to the bar-room where he remarked to a friend that that man had insulted him...Horine replied that he had a right to look at
any man in the face and he would do it again when he pleased, to which Shelby replied "If you do I will break your head with a tumbler..You had better do it now-...
Where upon S. slapped H. in the face with his left hand and H, with a cloak on, fell back, as S thought, in a position of drawing a weapon Shelby instantly drew
from his pantaloon pocket a pistol and shot Horine through the head, who expired immediately. this was done sometime in January last and since then Shelby
has been confined in prison..."

"the Judge came in (7 Jul 1845) and told them that the jury had come to no decision..."; Thurs 10th Jul - "On yesterday Judge Buckner allowed bail to Shelby
in the sum of $10,000 and the prisoner was immediately discharged. he has been in jail since last January; I heard yesterday that the Judge was burnt in
effigy at Georgetown...."

See Henry Clay's Last Criminal Trial, by Winston J Coleman Jr, 1950, for an account of this murder and trial: [Note the differences from the above journal]
  "...The last great criminal trial in which Henry Clay figured was the case of the Commonwealth vs. Shelby in the summer of 1846[note the above journal says
1845] when he was then approaching 70 years of age. This case stirred all Kentucky because the accused was a grandson of the late Gov Isaac Shelby and
son of Gen James Shelby, eldest son of the old Governor..."
....A special term of the Fayette Circuit court for the trial of the Common wealth of Kentucky vs. Lafayette Shelby, upon an indictment for the murder of
Henry M Horine commenced on Tuesday, June 30th, 1846 before the Honorable Richard A Buckner, Jr...The Historic trial got under way on Wednesday,
July 1, 1846...
...After about 15 years of voluntary exile in Texas and California, Lafayette Shelby appeared at his brother's [Isaac] house in Lexington one night in the middle
of June, 1862 [Pratt's diary]
Due to the turbulence of the times, nothing further was done about Lafayette Shelby and he quietly "put off" again to Texas or some wild and rough territory
in the Far West and was heard of no more...

Footnote: "General Shelby's son shot a young man dead at the Phoenix Hotel for nothing in the world but looking at him attentively..he asked an explanation
of his stern look and Horine gave him none; he drew a pistol and shot him through the head in the street."  Manuscript diary of the Reverend William M Pratt,
entry of 10 Jan 1846. Original in University of Kentucky Library, 5 volumes.
==========

---

TIDBITS AND FILLERS CONCERNING THE SHELBY'S, ET AL
Transcribed by Mrs Judith A Trolinger 2006
[ALL of the following publications were found in the Hawthorne-Longfellow Library, on the campus of Bowdoin College,
Brunswick, ME, July 1986]

1828 was an election year and from reading the letters, Jackson seems to be trying to defend his reputation as much as his political career.

Correspondence of Andrew Jackson, Volume III, 1820-1828; Edited by John Spencer Bassett, PH.D. Published by the Carnegie Institution of Washington, 1931.
Pages 426-27: To Brigadier-General Richard K. Call, from President Jackson -Hermitage, August 16, 1828.
    " My dear Call, On last evening I recd. Yours by Major Clements, and am happy to hear that your Mary and the sweet little ones are in good health. I am happy
the address of the central committee at the city of Washington has reached you; taking this into view with Kendals fifth letter to Clay, and it is conclusive of the Bargain.
   The whole object of the coalition is to calumniate me, cart loads of coffin hand-bills, forgeries, and pamphlets of the most base calumnies are circulated by the
franking privilege of Members of Congress, and Mr Clay, even, Mrs J. is not spared, and my pious Mother, nearly fifty years in the tomb, and who, from her cradle to her
death, had not a speck upon her character, has been dragged forth by Hammond and held to public scorn as a prostitute who intermarried with a Negro, and my eldest
brother sold as a slave in Carolina. This Hammond does not publish in his vile press, but keeps the statement purporting to be sworn to, a forgery, and spreads it secretly.
I am branded with every crime, and Doctor McNary, Col. Erwin, Anderson and Williams are associated for this purpose. I have for some days known that they were the
issuers of old slanders that appeared abroad, but it is only lately that they have been unearthed, and was not my hands tied, and my mouth closed, I would soon put an
end to their slanders. This they know, but suppose when the elections over all things will die away--Not So, I look forward to the first of Decb. next with much anxiety.
The day of retribution must come. I am charged with Burr's Conspiracy and every other crime. Was Anderson and McNary as clear of purjury as Master Masons, as I
was of the Burr Conspiracy, it would be a pleasant thing for their conscience.
   I believe you were at the chicasaw treaty. If so, I wish your attention to a publication of Thomas Shelby son of the Governor Shelby and Mr Todd son-in-law to this Gov.
These men detail a conversation of their father, and Thomas Shelby speaks of things to which he was a witness. Surely when you see it you will be of the opinion that
Gov. Shelby could never have stated such things, if he did, he has stated a positive and wilful falsehood. These statements were made on the Eve of the Kentucky
elections at the instance of Clay who is there, and for political effect. Every virtuous and patriotic act of my life is charged upon me as a crime, and if the whole weight
of Executive patronage, with the contingent funds wield in the most corrupt manner by so many pandors does not prostrate me, then I have right to exclaim "truth is
mighty and has prevailed".
   I have enclosed a newspaper to Col. Butler with some strictures on Thomas Shelby['s] falsehoods supported by the facts subscribed to as true, by Governor Shelby,
on the Senate Journals; and you will have seen Major Lewis letter published in the Nashville Republican on this subject.
I wish you and Butler to look at it, and send me such a statement as the truth will warrant. My philosophy is almost worn out, but all my enemies expect is, to urge me
to some rash action, this the[y] cannot do until the election is over, if my hands are not tied by the event there will be a final settlement….
  Footnotes: Mr Todd was Charles S. Todd of Kentucky. Chicasaw Treaty- Oct 19, 1818.

Correspondence of Andrew Jackson, Volume III, 1820-1828; Edited by John Spencer Bassett, PH.D. Published by the Carnegie Institution of Washington, 1902.
[Hawthorne-Longfellow Library, on the campus of Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME, July 1986 -The bold type is my doing, the italic's is that way in the book]

Page 439: To Brigadier-General Richard K. Call, from President Jackson:
        Hermitage, October 18, 1828
…. Col Combs has lately visited Nashville as the pimp of Clay, and the Shelbys. This is an honorable station for a Col and member of the Legislature of Kentucky
to fill. The Col. May be a good pimp, but I do not believe he would make a good diplomatist--before he is done with his mission, I expect he will find himself in the
same disgrace, with his colleagues Col Andrew Erwin, Dr McNairy, Wm. P. Anderson and Tanyhill, who are only thought of here to be despised.
   I regret Col Butler had not sent on his statement direct to me, that it might have been embodied with yours, Eatons, Winchesters, Smiths, and others, which when
seen, hands down Thos Shelby and Todd with infamy and disgrace to posterity--and if they establish the sayings on the old Govr. which they have ascribed to him,
his memory is damb forever.

Page 440: To Brigadier-General John Coffee, from President Jackson:
        Hermitage, October 29, 1828
D'r Genl: From a perusal of Col Combs pamphlet who has lately become the pimp for Genl Shelby and Co, and the coalition newspapers, you will see it held forth
that James Jackson has knowledge of facts relating to the Colberts reserve that would fix upon me the charge of corruption of the deepest dye, for selfish
aggrandizement, and he only wants my permission to disclose it. I had told Col Combs that I gave him full permission to call upon Mr James Jackson, and every
other person else, to divulge the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth upon this or any other subject; that I had no secrets. Still the coalition hold out the
Idea that Mr James Jackson will not disclose his knowledge of the corruption, about the reserve until I unseal his lips. To put an end to these unjust imputations,
I wish you to call upon Mr James Jackson and ask him to state in writing whether in this transaction, or any other, of a public nature in my life, he knew me guilty of
any dishonorable or dishonest act, or whether upon all and every occasion in my public character, I have not forgotten self to promote the public weal; and whether
he ever knew me attempt to promote my own private interest at the pubic expence--and be good enough to ask him to state whether he did not support the resolutions
in the legislature of Alabama in 1823 or 1824, recommending me as a fit and proper character to fill the Presidential chair.
   I wish you to read and shew this letter to Mr James Jackson. I did hope that he would have voluntarily come forth and vindicated himself from being a participator in
this corrupt transaction as charged by Erwin, Benton, Combs and Co, having not done so, I claim from him a reply in writing as above requested, and a copy of the
letters alluded to.
       I am in great haste yr friend
Footnote: Tenn. Hist. Soc.  The letter following this is the draft from which this letter was written. It is of interest to compare the two.

Page 440: To Brigadier-General John Coffee, from President Jackson:
  (Private)       Hermitage, October 29, 1828

   Dear Genl: From a certificate appended to Col Coombs pamphlet, lately published, detaching parts that he obtained whilst acting in the honorable station of pimp to
Genl Shelby, it appears that Mr James Jackson, has held out the idea that he could not unseal his lips without a written application to him for this purpose.
It has been stated by A. Erwin and Benton that you were concerned. This you know is not the fact. Make James speak on this. This was insidious and unmasks
the rascality of James, as he intended to hold out the Idea, that he knew more than he would divulge, and that injurious to me. For this purpose I wish you to call
upon James with the enclosed, shew it, or read it to him;
   You may rest assured I will never write James, on this subject. But I request you to apply to him, and if he refuses on reading the letter to him to comply with my
request, send me a written statement of the interview having someone present on whose respectability the world will rely, who will Join in the statement with you.
James has said to Mr Ephraim A. Foster, that although he would travel to Boston or to South America to prevent my election, that he has never knew of me a
dishonest or dishonorable act. I want his statement in a tangable shape, on paper. I have in his letters in the war office, a sure defence against falsehood, if it should
be attempted. I pray you to attend to this as early as possible, and write me upon the receipt of this. With best wishes adieu.
   P.S. Please send me a copy of the Alabama resolutions proposing me a candidate for the President. James Jackson was if not the mover, the warm supporter of these
resolutions, hence could not have thought me corrupt. If necessary, in your conversation, you can hint this to James character, that I will expose him, if it
becomes necessary.    A. J.

Pages 441-42: To Brigadier-General John Coffee, from President Jackson:
        Hermitage, November 11, 1828
D'r Genl, I have this moment recd yours of the 2nd instant, under cover to Major Eaton. I find it was written before Capt A. J. Donelson reached you. You will please to
observe that I had no information of any application being made to James Jackson by the Shelbys but that through Laslie Combs, until Shelbys book come out with
those letters appended to it, with the statement of Combs lackies, Tannyhill and Douglass also appended to it. The innuendoes contained in this, are of such a nature,
that require an explanation from James, and if he has authorized it, immediate punishment. You will please to remark that the call upon James, is not for political effect,
or to be used at present in that way, but to bring forth from him, whilst I am living, the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, and if he attempts to lie, that I
may use all the means I have, in correcting him, and to obtain from him copies of all letters that he has of mine, on the subject of the Chickasaw treaty and Colberts
reservation etc. etc. It appears to be the opinion of Eaton that my letter in reply to the Editors of the Nashville Republican which you will have seen, is a sufficient
call on James Jackson to come forth. I inclose his note to me and until Capt A. J. Donelson returns, and you har from me, you can postpone the call.
   I must at a proper time, have James answer to the questions propounded in my note to Andrew J. Donelson and you. My own feelings and character, is dearer to me
than any other earthly thing, and if James has used innuendoes set forth by T and D he is one of the most base cowardl assasins of character, that ever lived.
From our once friendship, if he had possessed the least magnanimity and honor, he would like all others have, come out voluntarily and given the truth, which at
once would have put to rest all the slang of the combination of Erwin, McNairy, Anderson, Benton, Tannyhill and Co; but he has on the close of the election by
an innuendo, endeavored to give me a thrust under the 5th rib, supposing he would be safe, as all things would be forgotten at the close of the election--but more
of this hereafter.
   I regret to hear of your suffering, but by extracting the tooth, is the only permanent remedy. Major Lee has reached Nashville last night and brings the intelligence
that Jacksons majority in Ohio in 24 counties heard from in Cincinnati on the 5th inst was 9724, being 5800 over Campbell in the same counties in the election for Governor.

In Kentucky in Wyckliffs, Moors, Lecompts, and Mr Hattons Districts Jacksons majority 5750. It appears KY and Ohio are safe notwithstanding all the vile slander.
With our best respects to you, your lady and family, Your friend..
   Footnote: Kentucky Reporter Extra. Chickasaw Treaty. An Attempt to obtain the Testimony James Jackson Esq. To prove the Connexion of Gen. Andrew Jackson
with a Company of Land Speculators, while acting as United States Commissioner…. By James Shelby (pph, October, 1828)

Correspondence of Andrew Jackson, Volume V, 1833-1838; Edited by John Spencer Bassett, PH.D.
Published by the Carnegie Institution of Washington, 1931. [Hawthorne-Longfellow Library, on the campus of Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME, July 1986 -
   I presume this is Dr John Shelby who was living in Nashville, TN at this time.

Page 225: To Colonel W. Moore, from Andrew Jackson:
        Washington, November 15, 1833
   My dear Sir, Your letter of the 7th instant is just to hand. I hasten to reply, that Lyncoya, was the child found sucking his dead mothers breast after the battle of
Tallahassee was over, and sent to me by Genl Coffee. The wounded child which you brought into camp, was the one taken, and raised by Doctor Shelby. He cured him
of his wounds and adopted him as a child and educated him. He turned out badly as I believe, and ran away from the Doctor. The Doctor can give you his history.
   I am much pressed with preparations for congress whose session is at hand and must conclude with my sincere regard and best wishes for your welfare and happiness.
         Yours sincerely

September 2006 - My added notes: [www.thehermitage.com]
 Andrew Jackson's letters and papers are not at The Hermitage. The original documents are in hundreds of libraries, museums, and even in private collections…
The TN State Library and Archives holds a small collection of Jackson letters as well…An older six-volume edition of Jackson's letters edited by John Spencer Bassett
and published in 1930[sic] contains a smaller selection of material primarily from the Library of Congress collection covering Jackson's entire lifetime…

A more recent publication: 2002
  The Papers of Andrew Jackson. Vol 6, 1825-1828. Knoxville: University of Tennessee, 674pp.
Reviewed by: Kristofer Ray, Dept of History, University of NC at Chapel Hill.
  "The presidential campaign of 1828 is the primary focus of Harold Moser's latest edition of the Andrew Jackson papers…reports of a "fix" trickled down to Jackson
supporters. Soon it became clear exactly what that meant: according to rumor, House Speaker Henry Clay had made a deal with John Quincy Adams, in which Clay would
receive the office of Secretary of State in return for delivering key western states in the House run-off. Jackson's camp initially did not believe it, but they became agitated
when Adams won on the first ballot and subsequently offered Clay the State Department. For the next four years, they worked tirelessly to ensure that the recipients of
this "corrupt bargain" would not stay in office beyond their one term…"

Library of Congress Catalogs
National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections
Catalog 1978
Library of Congress   Washington 1979

Page 266: MS 78-2313
Shelby and Hart family papers, 1775-1814.  30 items.
  In University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library, Southern Historical Collection (659)
 Correspondence, accounts, property papers, and ms. Description of the Battle of Kings Mountain and other events of the Revolution in the South after 1780, of
Isaac Shelby, Revolutionary officer and Gov of KY: together with papers of Nathaniel Hart (1734-1782) and other members of the Hart family of KY, relating to lands,
claims, and titles.
  Some of Shelby's papers have been published in Journal of Southern History, vol, IV, no. 3 (aug-1938) pp 367-377

Judicial Cases
Concerning
American Slavery and the Negro
Edited by
Helen Tunnicliff Catterall (Mrs Ralph C. H. Catterall)
Volume I  publ. 1938 Washington, D.C.

Kentucky Cases
[I failed to make note of all the various abbreviations and numbers-Judy T]
Page 356: SHELBY v. SHELBY, 1 B. Mon. 266, May 1841. Will of Alfred Shelby, 1832, gave [267] "to his son Isaac, on his attaining 21 years of age…'six of the choice
of (his) negroes, and one equal half of all the others under fifty years of age, also those over fifty years of age,'"

Page 404: GRIGSBY v. BRECKINRIDGE, 12 B. Mon. 629, January 1852. Shelby [630] "devised to his son Isaac, on his arriving at age… six of the choice of his negroes,
and an equal half of all the others under fifty years of age"

Western Lands and The American Revolution
By Thomas Perkins Abernethy
D. Appleton-Century Company Incorporated
For the Institute for Research in the Social Sciences-University of Virginia
New York       MCMXXXVII        London

Page 80: Extension of the Virginia Frontier
   "…Perhaps the most important of all these pioneers of southwestern Virginia was William Preston, son of the emigrant John, who left the Staunton neighborhood
in 1773 and established his home at the old Draper's Meadows site, renaming it "Smithfield."
Evan Shelby, who settled on the Holston in 1771, was a newcomer. When a lad of about fifteen, he came from Wales with his father and settled eventually near
Hagerstown. Before 1763 he was engaged in extensive fur trade at Fort Pitt, Michillimaccinac, and Green Bay. His mercantile enterprises brought him at times into
relation with the firm of Baynton, Wharton and Morgan. As one of the "suffering traders," he was a member of the Indiana Company, and the losses he sustained
were a leading cause of his removal from Maryland to Virginia. He had been in Braddock's campaign and served under Forbes in 1758."
   Footnote: Shelby to Wm. Campbell, Nov. 9, 1772, Campbell-Preston MSS, L. of C.; Edmund Moran to Evan Shelby, April 7, 1764, June 20, 1765, Durrett misc.
MSS., University of Chicago library.

Page 262: Virginia and the West, 1782-1783
   "…At last, about the middle of November, 1783, Martin and Donelson completed their treaty with the Chickasaws at the French Lick. The natives expressed their
friendship for the Americans, and never again did they make war upon them. It seems that Isaac Shelby, son of the Welsh pioneer Evan Shelby, refused to take part
in the proceedings because he disapproved of the way in which his colleagues made use of their official position to engage in private speculations.
Similar complaints were laid before Governor Harrison, and it was charged by Benjamin Logan that Martin and Donelson were probably being paid by Virginia while
they were working for Blount and his associates. Harrison mildly expressed his disapproval of their conduct, not complaining of their purchase but only of the way
in which his agents had neglected their official duty. In answering the governor's charges Donelson stated that the Muscle Shoals purchase was not made until
after the treaty was concluded. This statement was contrary to fact."
  Footnote: Isaac Shelby to Martin, April 5, 1783, Draper MSS., 46J80; Harrison to Martin, Aug. 21, 1783, ibid., same to same, Sept. 18, 1783, ibid., 1XX64; John Reid
to Harrison, Feb 23, 1784, Clark MSS., Va. Arch; Donelson to Harrison, March 3, 1784, ibid.

AMERICAN DIARIES
An Annotated Bibliography of Published American Diaries and Journals
FIRST EDITION
Volume 1:
Diaries Written from 1492 to 1844
Laura Arksey, Nancy Pries, and Marcia Reed
Publ. Gale Research Co, Detroit, MI 48226 - [no date, but after 1974]

Page 215: SHELBY, THOMAS HART
A JOURNAL AND OTHER PAPERS CONCERNING THE TRAVELS OF MAJOR THOMAS H. SHELBY, SR, Edited by William C. Scott. New York:
Privately printed, 1962. 32 pp.

Scott, William C. ed. "Journal of Travels East in 1831." KENTUCKY HISTORICAL SOCIETY REGISTER 65 (1967): 163-186.
 Apr-Aug 1831. An apparently well connected gentleman's interesting account of tour through Middle Atlantic and new England states by stagecoach, steamboat
and canal boat; good tourist descriptions of Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia; New York City, Hudson River valley, Boston, Niagara Falls; dinner and tour
of White House with President Jackson; ride on horse-drawn railroad.

REVOLUTIONARY VIRGINIA- THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE
Volume VI
The Time for Decision, 1776
A Documentary Record
Compiled and Edited by Robert L. Scribner and Brent Tarter
Publ. For Virginia Independence Bicentennial Commission-Univ. Press of VA.

Saturday, 24 Feb, 1776
Page 136: resolvd. That William Preston, William Ingles & Evan Shilbie (Shelby), be Commissioners to meet the Companys to be enlisted at Mr Jos(eph): Grey's the
4th of April next to review the Soldiers and make report according to the ordinance.
Thursday, 4 Apr, 1776
Page 327: Fincastle County Committee - Two Meetings at New Dublin
   Present William Preston Chairman, John Montgomery, Antho(ny) Bledsoe, Andrew Boyd, Jos(eph) Cloyd, William Davies, James McCorkle, Stephen Trigg,
Evan Shelbie (Shelby), William Ingles, Walter Crockett, James McGavock, William Doack (Doack (Doak) and Thomas Madison, Gentlemen.
Page 328:
   It appearing to the Committee that a part of Capt. Coxe's Company live very inconvenient to their muster ground & a number sufficient to form a Compy. Enoch Osburn
is recommended for Captain, James Ward for Lieutenant, and Thomas Hart for Ensign to the sd. Compy.
Order'd that Majr. Antony Bledsoe, Capt. Evan Shelbie (Shelby), and Capt. James Thompson, be a sub Committee or any Two of them to Examine into a Complaint Lodgd.
Against Robert Tremble, and make a report at the next Committee.
  Footnote: The "Complaint" had been "Lodgd." Against Lieutenant Trimble at the committee meeting of 24 Feb, 1776 (q.v. and n. 7) Despite the present order, there is no
known record of any action respecting that militia officer.

[I only made quick notes from this and the following books, and didn't photocopy -Think the copy machine wasn't working] Needs a re-look..

Private Correspondence of Henry Clay - 1801-1852
Edited by Calvin Colton
Publ. Boston-Frederick Parker, 1856

Page 10: James brown to CLAY 16 September 1804 - James (brother-in-law) to Clay
 James Brown, wife Nancy Hart
 CLAYs wife, Lucretia Hart
Mentioned throughout this book -
  Lucretia Clay, wife of Henry Clay
  Anne Clay, daughter of Henry and Lucretia
  James Clay, son of Henry and Lucretia - many letters to James
  James Clay's wife Lucretia was Susan Jacobs - Had daughter Lucy Clay
  Thomas H Clay, son of Henry and Lucretia - Thomas wife was Mary_______
  John Clay, son of Henry and Lucretia
  Eliza Clay, died young, daughter of Henry and Lucretia
  Theodore Wythe Clay- 11 Nov 1825 - Oldest son of Henry and Lucretia-1835-1855-Lunatic asylum in Lexington, KY.
Page 630:
CLAY to Mrs Thomas H Clay - 7 Apr 1852
  "I wish you would ask your mother to pay a small note of mine held by Ike Shelby"
Page 633-36:
   Excerpts from Thomas H Clay's diary concerns the last few days before his father's death- 29 June 1852, Washington, D.C.
 

The Life and Times of Henry Clay - Vol's I & II
By Calvin Colton, 1846
Publ A. S. Barnes & Co, NY
Page 31: April 1799

  Henry Clay married Lucretia Hart, daughter of Thomas Hart - 11 children- all 6 daughters died relatively young.
 

The Life of Thomas Hart Benton
By Wm M Meigs, 1904
Publ J. B. Lippincott Co.

Jesse Benton married Anne Gooch, only child of a younger brother of Sir William Gooch. Her parents died when she was a child and brought up in the family of
Col. Thomas Hart, her uncle.
[Letter to Mr Colton from Miss Lucretia Hart Clay of Lexington, KY - great great granddaughter of Col. Hart]
Thomas H. Benton, son of Jesse and Anne, married 20 March 1821 to Eliz. McDowell, daughter of Col. James McDowell and Susan Preston.

The Papers of HENRY CLAY
Robert Seager II, Editor
Volume 7
SECRETARY OF STATE
January 1, 1828-
March 4, 1829
Publ by The University Press of Kentucky

Page 538:
To HENRY CLAY, JR    Washington, November 14, 1828
I have received your letter of the 9th instant, and I am truly sorry that you give so unfavorable an account of the prospects of Richard [Shelby]. It will distress
his parents extremely. I shall send your letter to his father, who must decide what is to be done.
   Genl. Jackson, without doubt, will be elected. He will obtain the votes of Kentucky and Ohio, and perhaps of Indiana also. I consider the question as decided.
   We shall return to Ashland in the Spring. And now, my dear Son, you are one of my greatest comforts. Indeed there is no object in life about which I have so
much solicitude as your success in your studies, which I believe to be so intimately connected with your welfare and future usefulness. I intreat you therefore,
by your love for me, and by your own good, to persevere, and do as you have done. My health is now pretty good. That of our mother and the children is also good.
  Footnote: ALS. Henry Clay memorial Foundation, Lexington, KY. Cadet Richard Shelby, a weak student, was not graduated with his class (1832) at West Point.
USMA, Register, 185
Richard's father was probably James Shelby, son of Gov. Isaac Shelby.

Page 588:
From HENRY CLAY, JR    West Point, N.Y., January 2, 1829
Your last letter [December 20, 1828] was duly recd and I assure you the contents of it highly delighted me. The doubt which has long preyed upon my mind and
which I have hitherto but partially concealed, has been cleared up and I learn that in your estimation my talents are such as entitle me at least to a trial of the law--
To know that this is your opinion pleased me beyond measure, and, I confess, incites me to exertion and raises within me a wish to arrive at something higher than
a professorship although I consider the employment of professor at least as honourable and much more lucrative than a post in the Army.
   In regard to my going to Kentucky-- I feel forcibly the obligation under which I am to you for your kind wish that I should spend my vacation as agreeably as
possible. Yet I am not certain all things being considered, whether it will be proper for me to perform the journey in question or not. The expense which it will cause
to you will be great, say $150.00 as together with the usual expenses of the journey must be added that of purchasing citizen's clothes, of which I shall be entirely in
want; And I know not whether the transient pleasure which I shall enjoy will compensate for the inconvenience to which you may be put to furnish me such a sum--
However if you think it well for me to go I will gladly embrace your suggestion as to the route which I take. Richard [P] Shelby is still here and I fear is in danger of
being found deficient; Poor fellow he has had to labour under great disadvantages-- He requested me this evening to write to you and to ask you if there was any
chance of his getting a reappointment; were he to obtain it I have no doubt but that in the next class he would hold a high standing-- He will write to you however
himself and will state his case more correctly perhaps than I could do.
     Is William Claiborne in Washington? Or has he gone to New Orleans?
  Give my love and a happy new Year season to mama and to all our friends.
     Footnotes: ALS. Henry Clay Memorial Foundation, Lexington, KY. Henry Clay, Jr to Clay, December 16, 1828.
On January 28, 1829, Clay wrote to Peter B. Porter, Secretary of War, recommending Shelby's reappointment to West Point. Notes that if this cannot be done, Porter
recommend to Shelby that he resign and return immediately to Kentucky.
ALS. See, also, Clay to Henry Clay, Jr, January 14, 1829, Shelby was reappointed and attended the 1829-30 session but was not graduated with his class (1832).
In his earlier letter to Clay, January 4, 1829, Cadet Shelby had remarked on his father's [James] "extreme anxiety for me to remain in my present situation," and asked
for a stay of his probable dismissal for inadequate academic performance. He blamed his problem, in part, on an attack of rheumatism which had put him three weeks
behind his classmates and on the miscarriage of a letter home in which he had asked for permission to resign before being dismissed. This his father had refused,
urging him instead to apply to Clay for reappointment if he failed the mid-term examinations. Failed, he apparently had.

Page 616:
To HENRY CLAY, JR.       Washington, February 9, 1829
I received your favor of the 1st. instant. I am afraid you took too seriously my remark, thrown out by way of caution, in respect to the injustice done you in the
position assigned you in the class. It is quite likely that you may have ground for some dissatisfaction; but my intention was to guard you against any manifestation
of your feelings. The world does not approve of complaints which emanate from one's self as to the intellectual rank which is assigned him. I knew your general
discretion, and my only purpose was to fortify it by the advice of your father and friend.
   Why should you despair of the first honor? The young gentleman [Roswell Park], your competitor, has great advantage; but there is nothing which we cannot
do when we are firmly resolved.
   You asked me in a former letter what I mean to do after the 4h. of March. I shall return to Ashland leaving here between that and the 10h. and I shall
reserve f[or] my retirement at home the consideration of the ques[tion] whether I shall again embark in public life.
   Richard [P. Shelby] left here two days ago for [the] Point. He has the assurance of a re-appointment.My health has not been as good of late as it was in the early part
of the Session.

From THEODORE W. CLAY      Lexington, February 10, 1829
 Letter concerns his father's stock…. [Seems rather surprising that 10 years later Theodore ends up in a lunatic asylum [refer back to page 8]

The Papers of HENRY CLAY
Robert Seager II, Editor
Melba Porter Hays, Associate Editor
Volume 8
CANDIDATE, COMPROMISER, WHIG
March 5, 1829
December 31, 1838
Publ by The University Press of Kentucky

Page 117:
From: HENRY CLAY, JR     West Point, N.Y., October 24, 1829I received your last letter which conveyed to me the intelligence of the death of Aunt Sophia
[Grosch] Clay; I had learned before the decease of her only daughter, What a shock this double calamity must have given Uncle Porter [Clay]' But I am sure he
will sustain it with firmness; and Frederick I hope will conduct himself in such a manner as to afford him consolation hereafter--
   Every thing goes on as usual at West P. Richard Shelby about whom his father feels so much solicitude is getting on very well. He is at present in the 2nd section
of each of the branches of his year's course--
   I myself am very much pleased indeed with the studies of my year and I now fully concur in your opinion that the knowledge acquired here will be useful to a man
in whatever pursuit he may embark. The Chemistry, Philosophy, and civil Engineering will in all probability be eminently useful if I determine to reside in Kentucky
after leaving here- The desire of improving the local conveniences of the State cannot I think subside[e] until it is in some measure satiated: and certainly the want of
public works such as improved roads- &c. is so palpable that the most ignorant must in time perceive it. The road from Maysville to Lexington is, I hope, the first of a
series of roads to be constructed intersecting the state in different directions And if as I suppose the Legislature will engage in the undertaking A number of
Engineers will be required and the consequent appointment of a chief Engineer-- I would be very glad to be employed in the service of the state for a few years
in the capacity of Engineer. I know that this office is a very responsible and a very honourable one; still I do not conceive it presumption in a graduate of the
Military Academy to aspire to it, with a faint hope it is true, but yet, a hope of obtain'g it; particularly when we consider that his competitors would be men but
little versed in the sciences pertaining to the art and with perhaps crude ideas deduced without reflection from practice only-- My ideas concerning the practice
of Law have very much changed of late-- I had all along considered it as a kind of preparatory step to my engaging in politics; but I am now determined never to
engage in politics since the late elections in Maryland & several other States, but to make the Law my profession for life if I commence it at all. If I could obtain a
competency in any profession in which I might indulge my taste for literature I think I should embrace it at once, and forget that I ever had the least ambition to
gain the popular applause--
   I have been considerably indisposed for the last week, owing, I believe to too close application but am now recovered.
   Your letter is not answered so soon as it ought to be. I wrote a letter to you some time since but mislaid it and forgot it had not been carried to the office until today
when I found it among papers where I had put it through mistake--
   I would be very glad to hear from you frequently, advice on any subject on which you might think proper to write would be highly acceptable to me…
    Footnotes: Sophia Clay died Sept 28, 1829. For more information on the Clays, see Zachary F. Smith and Mary Rogers, The Clay Family. Louisville, 1899
 {My added note- Sophia's maiden name was Gooch on other documents - Judy T.}
To HENRY CLAY, JR      Lexington, March 29, 1830
   I returned home from N. O. on the 26h. I left our sister [Anne Brown Clay Erwin], Mr [Martin] Duralde and our other friends there all well. You were often a theme of
conversation, and our successful progress and persevering assiduity afford our friends there, as every where else, the greatest delight. I am often complimented on
the high standing of my son, and I derive from it more satisfaction than I now should from any personal praise applied to myself.
   I found your Mama quite cheerful and happy. She had passed the period of my absence with great tranquility and with less trouble than ever during the winter.
A new overseer that I had engaged (Mr [William] Martin) has fulfilled all my hopes, and has put Ashland in a better condition than I ever saw it at this early season
of the year. We have already ploughed almost the ground for the Crop of the present year.
  I received your letter informing me of your honorable appointments to deliver the 4h of July oration and the discourse on the contemplated Institute. I am highly
gratified to learn that such favorable opinions are entertained of you by your young associates; but I am almost afraid that you have over taxed yourself. In your
Compositions attend more to the justness of the idea and sentiment which you wish to express than to the ornament of your language. The vice of our Countrymen,
and especially the younger part, in composition, is a profuse use of epithets and metaphor. Let me advise you also not to consent to the publication of your
productions, which you will be much urged to do. Reserve them for consideration at a future period of your life. A single [in]discreet sentiment or expression
might occasion you bitter regrets.
   I brought with me from N. O. your nephew H[enry]. C. Duralde, a fine sprightly boy, with whom we are all much pleased. H[enry]. C. Hart is also now here, and t
he Midshipman has become much improved. He does not promise to be large. Poor R[ichard]. Shelby occasioned his parents great pain until they were relieved
by your letter. They feel the warmest gratitude to you for your friendly interest in Richard.
   I have good accounts from Thomas [H. Clay] at my prairie in Illinois. Theodore [W. Clay] is passing a part of his time in town.
   I am glad to learn that you acquiesce in my opinion as to the utility of studying several years after you leave the Point. At the age of thirty you will be more than
ever confirmed as to its propriety.
   Your mother desires to be affectionately remembered to you. Indeed all of us are constantly thinking of you my dear Son as the pride and hope of your family..


---

========
12 May 1854 - Lawrence Co, AR - Caroline Shelby Vs Thomas Shelby - Bill for Divorce-Complainant & defendant were lawfully married in the fall of 1852 and
that about one month afterward the said defendant willfully and without any reasonable cause or provacation remained absent from her more than one year,
and still remains absent (Divorce granted)
=======
21 Jun 1860, Webb Co, TX - William F. Alexander, Indictment for malfeasance in office-Embezzlement (Not guilty - Minutes of the District Court)
[Son of Dan Alexander and Susanna Shelby]
=======
19 Aug 1872, New York Times  newspaper-repeating article from Nashville, TN newspaper:
"On the night of 10 Aug, Henry Wade, colored, went into the bedroom of John Shelby, living near Rose Hill, Stewart Co, TN, and cut his throat while asleep. John's
brother gave chase and was hit on the head by Wade and killed. John recovered. Wade was caught and killed..." [abstract of article- John's brother not named]
========
East Prairie Eagle - 2 Feb 1912 edition.
2 Feb 1912, Mississippi Co, MO - James H Shelby, known as "Jim Polk" Shelby, age 70- old confederate soldier- Shot and almost killed instantly by Roy Miller,
night Marshall of Sikeston.
=======
"The Glendoran", March-April, 1989:
The Mary Miles Minter Story, By Bobbie Battler...In 1921 silent screen star Mary Miles Minter purchased a home in Glendora...The house is very much the
same as it was some 60 years ago. Miss Minter was born Juliet Shelby on 1 Apr 1902, in Shreveport, LA. She began her stage career at the tender age of five...
On 1 Feb 1922, the career of Minter came to an abrupt halt with the still unsolved murder of famed Hollywood director, William Desmond Taylor. Minter had
been closely involved with Taylor, who was 25 years her senior. He had also been seeing another young actress, Mabel Normand...neither were formally charged
with the murder. The scandal, however, blacklisted both young actress and neither of them worked in show business again. Their careers were ruined...Mary died
an invalid and a diabetic, at her home in Santa Monica 4 Aug, 1984.
=======
Report of Cases - Tennessee, by William Frierson Cooper. 1870 [Cass Knight Shelby-CKS collection]
Supreme Court of Errors and Appeals, Nashville, 1812.  the heirs of John Shelby, deceased, vs. Isaac Shelby and David Shelby, in Chancery.
    "Complainants instituted suits charging that James Shelby had procured from the Commissioners appointed by NC for that purpose a certificate for 640a of
land. That in 1783 the said James was killed by Indians, leaving John Shelby, the ancestor of the complainants, his eldest brother and heir-at-law, who was thereby
entitled to the certificates: that a certain Evan Shelby fraudulently got possession of the certificate on which he made entry with the entry taker and had same carried
into a grant."
   "The bill further charges that the defendant, Isaac Shelby, set up a claim to a part of the said land as heir-at-law to his father, Evan Shelby, and the defendant,
David Shelby, claims the balance by virtue of a deed extended to him by the said Isaac Shelby. It also charges that David Shelby had notice of the agents of the
complainants before he made his puchase from his co-defendant."
   The complainants ask that the land may be conveyed to them as the legal heirs-at-law. Cooke was the lawyer for the defendants. Dickman was the lawyer for the
plaintiffs. Judge J. Overton delivered the opinion of the court; while the claim of fraud must be proved, the case actually resolves itself on the length of time the
defendants were in possession of the land. the defendants win under the statute of limitation, having held the land over the 3 year limit."
            "Evan Shelby entered the certificate of pre-emption on 23 Mar 1784"
=======
 

Back to the top

Back to home page
 
 

---

Disclaimers, copyrights, etc:
 Okay, ya'll- human nature being what it is-
              Anything on the Inet is considered there for the taking. So I can 'beg', 'disclaim', "copyright" and all this stuff,
til the cows come home, and there will be those who will help themselves anyway.
So, all I ask is that anything you decide to take from these pages will be given a good home-with my name attached!

NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE
Copyright: 5 Nov  2006 Judith A Trolinger
---