| i. | Thomas Shelby, born Bef. 1719 in Tregaron, Cardiganshire, Wales; died Unknown. | |||
| ii. | II Evan Shelby, born 1720 in Tregaron, Cardiganshire, Wales; died December 04, 1794 in King's Meadows (now Bristol), TN; married (1) Letitia Cox; born Abt. 1726 in PA; died Abt. 1777 in TN; married (2) Isabella Elliot(t) Abt. 1787 in Sapling Grove, Sullivan Co., TN; died Unknown. |
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Notes for II Evan Shelby: The records for Evan, his parents, and children, all come from the records found at St. Caron's Church in Tregaron (now Dyfd). The names and dates are located in the original records of the Shelby Family Papers, Library of Congress. These records have been microfilmed and can be found at the Flilson Club Library in Louisville, KY, and also the State Archives in Nashville, TN Marriage Notes for Evan Shelby & Letitia Cox: Marriage date is based on land records for 1744-45, and the proven ages of their children. Marriages Notes for Evan Shelby & Isabella Elliot: Much to the family's horror and anger, Evan remarried at the age of 67, to a young girl that Gov. Shelby spent years trying to prove was nothing but a golddigger. Evan may have died suddenly, or just never got around to making a second will. Letters and data located in The Shelby Family Papers, Lib. of Congress. (Source: Judith A. Trolinger) SHELBY, Evan, pioneer, born in Wales in 1720; died at King's Meadows (now Bristol), Tennessee, 4 December, 1794. At the age of fifteen he emigrated with his father's family to North Mountain, near Haterstown, Maryland He received a meager education, but when quite young became noted as a hunter and woodsman. In the old French War he rose from the rank of private to that of captain, in which capacity he served throughout the campaign of General John Forbes. He then engaged in trade with the Indians, and afterward embarked extensively in herding and raising cattle on the Virginia border. He was thus employed when, in 1774, war began with the Shawnees and Delawares. Raising a body of fifty volunteers in the Watauga district, he led them on a march of twenty-five days through a trackless wilderness, and joined the Virginia army on the eve of the battle of Point Pleasant .Toward the close of the action, all his ranking officers being either killed or disabled, the command devolved upon him, and he utterly routed the enemy. In 1779 he led a successful expedition against the Chickamauga Indians. He subsequently served with the Virginia army on the seaboard, rising to the rank of Colonel, and then to that of General. (Source: Edited Appletons Encyclopedia, Copyright © 2001 VirtualologyTM) SOLDIERS AT THE BATTLE OF POINT PLEASANT: Captain Evan Shelby's Company of Volunteers, Fincastle... Evan Shelby, Captain Isaac Shelby, Lieutenant James Robertson, Sergeant Valentine Sevier, Sergeant James Shelby, John Sayers, John Findley, Henry Shaw, Daniel Mungle, John Williams, John Carmack, Andrew Terrence, George Brooks, Isaac Newland, Abraham Newland, George Ruddle, Emanuel Shoatt, Abram Bogard, Peter Torney, William Tucker, John Fain, Saml. Vance, Saml. Fain, Saml. Hensley, Saml. Samples, Arthur Blackburn, Robert Herrill, George Armstrong, William Casey, Mark Williams, John Stewart (wounded), Conrad Nave, Richard Burck, John Riley, Elijah Robison, Rees Price, Richard Holliway, Jarrett Williams, Julias Robison, Charles Fielder, Benj. Grahum, Andrew Goff, Hugh Ogullion, Barnett Ogullion, Patrick St. Lawrence, Jos. Hughey, John Bradley, and Basilael Maxwell. Shelby, McDowell, Deaderick Anderson Family's by Anna M. Moon, p16: A letter to Judge Sam C. Heiskell from an old citizen of Bristol tells the following- "Abt 1870, 5th St, Bristol, TN was opened and it became necessary to remove the bodies in the cemetery adjoining the First Presb. Church. In this cemetery were the remains of Gen Evan Shelby. Interested parties removed the remains of their own dead, but Gen Shelby's bones were taken up and placed in a common box and were locked up in the City Calaboose [jail] but a few steps away for safekeeping. Just how long they remined there I do not know. I was a boy of 13 years, and remember distinctly of having the skull in my hands. The bones were then reinterred in the East Hill Cemetery which is located in the State of VA & TN. Gen Shelby's remains now sleep in the of old VA and his grave is now covered with the iron slab that was placed on his grave when 1st buried." Letter written by Mr Charles H. Slack, in the 13 June 1925 issue of the Bristol News...CKS- 1947 MSS p189 includes the whole article... "Gen Shelby's bones were transferred from the jail to the P. O. then the city cemetery in VA. Then in May 1896 with the Civic Ceremonys, laid to their final rest." What is now Bristol, Sullivan County, TN - Letter dated Aug 1929 to CKS from Mr Thomas W Preston, President of the King Printing Company, whose plant stands on the north side of Shelby Street nearly opposite the Lutheran Church, said that the fireplug at the southwest corner of Shelby and Fifth is on the exact spot occupied by the original grave. This would place it near the northern line of his property. The cranberry iron slab that serves as a marker, was obtained from Colonel King's iron works and is the same kind as was later placed on Kings grave. Both are coffin shaped. Shelby's marker bears the inscription: "General Evan Shelby died December 4, 1794 aged 74" cut into the iron. The marker was transferred from the original grave to the new one in the military section of East Hill cemetery at its western end. Evan's widow Isabella, remarried within five years to Alexander Droomgoole - they moved from "Sapling Grove" to Abingdon, VA (Source: Judith Trolinger) |
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More About II Evan Shelby: Baptism: October 23, 1720, St. Caron's Church, Tregaron, Cardiganshire, Wales Burial: Unknown, Bristol, TN |
| iii. | John Shelby, born Bef. 1723 in Tregaron, Cardiganshire, Wales; died 1794. |
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More About John Shelby: Baptism: June 10, 1723, St. Caron's Church, Tregaron, Cardiganshire, Wales |
| iv. | Rees Shelby, born 1724 in Tregaron, Cardiganshire, Wales; died 1810 in Mecklenburg Co, NC. |
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Notes for Rees Shelby: Rees Shelby lived in Mecklenburg Co., NC and served under the command of his brother-in-law, Capt. Adam Alexander. His name appears, along with his brother Sgt. Moses Shelby, in "A List of Men formerly in Captain Alexander's Company". Rees received a payment of 26 pounds on Certificate #989, and 7 pounds on Certificate #1050 as shown in the North Carolina Revenue Accounts 6:68 and 12:61. (Source: DAR, North Carolina Patriots) |
| 416 | v. | Sr. Moses Shelby, born 1728 in Tregaron, Cardiganshire, Wales; died October 13, 1776 in Mecklenburg Co., NC; married M. Isabel Alexander(?) Bef. 1746 in Hunts Cabin, Prince George Co., MD. | ||
| vi. | Ellinora Shelby, born 1730 in Tregaron Cardinganshire, Wales; died Unknown. |
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More About Ellinora Shelby: Baptism: July 10, 1730, Tregaron, Cardiganshire, Wales |
| vii. | David Shelby, born Abt. 1732 in PA; died Abt. 1802 in New Madrid Co., MO. | |||
| viii. | Mary Shelby, born August 15, 1735 in Lancaster Co., PA (now New Franklin Co.); died November 26, 1813 in Mecklenburg Co, NC; married Adam Alexander August 04, 1752; born September 23, 1728 in Princess Ann, Somerset Co., MC; died November 13, 1798 in Clear Creek area of Mint Hill, Mecklenburg Co, NC. |
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Notes for Mary Shelby: Mary Shelby, was Baptised at the age of 3 weeks, on 6 Sept 1735 in Christ Church, Philadelphia, PA. Her tombstone in Rocky Spring Cemetery, Mecklenburg Co., NC gives the time of her death as 26 Nov 1813 her exact age at her death 78 years, 3 months, 11 days, which verifies her birthdate. Mary Shelby, born 1735 PA, was the youngest child of Evan Shelby and Catherine Morgan. Will of Mary Alexander - Meckl Co, NC, Book A, p17, dated 2 Feb 1811- to daughter Polly HARRIS, slave Nancy. Residue of my property is to be divided equally between my 5 living children. Mary signs. Names son Isaac Alexander, as sole Executor. Found among the records in the Raleigh Archives, a tiny scrap of paper- "received January first 1814, from Isaac Alexander the sum of five dollars for making his mother's coffin." signed by Rankin Alexander. |
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More About Mary Shelby: Baptism: September 06, 1735, Christ Church in Philadelphia, PA Burial: Unknown, Rock Springs Cemetery in Mint Hill, Mecklenburg Co., NC. |
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Notes for Adam Alexander: (Letter from William McCreight, 22 Jun 1998; Courtesy of Mac Alexander) "My Great Grandmother was Margaret Alexander. I have a very poor copy of a Daughters of the American Revolution Certificate of Membership dated January 9, 1908. Margaret married Edward Oscar McCreight born 1849, died 1905. From my grandmother's trunk I have an original issue of a 1931 Charlotte Observer that describes the Alexanders of Mecklenburg and the history of the declaration, ca. half of the front page. I also have an original copy of a short history of the declaration from the early part of the century (do not have the date in my head). My Uncle in North Carolina has a self portrate of an Alexander dressed in the clothing of the 1700s or early 1800s. These documents have a lot of information, but few dates and connections. The following is a summary of what they say about the Alexanders: 'William Alexander 1580 was Secretary of State of Scotland and later Nova Scotia (including Canada and the northern part of the USA).' (It does not say he is connected to the North Carolina Alexanders) Between 1610 and 1688 Alexanders went from Scotland to northern Ireland as part of an English plan to settle protestants in Ireland. They were very successful, but taxes and bad government administration forced seven Alexander brothers to immigrate to America. They landed on Manhattan Island and made their way to Maryland. Some later went to North Carolina in 1750. Among these was Abraham Alexander born in Cecil County Maryland, 1717, died 23 April 1786, his wife Dorcas, his brothers Adam, Charles and Ezra and his cousins Hezekiah and John McKnitt. Abraham's children were: Elizabeth, Cyrus, Abraham, Nathaniel, Ezra, Isaac (a surgeon), Marcus and Joab. Elizabeth married John Cambell and Isaac married two Cambell sisters. Julius M Johnson married Margaret Moore Alexander, but I am not sure where Margaret comes form. They had 4 children Margaret Alexander Johnson, Sarah, Virginia and John. Cyrus left 5 children. The newspaper mentioned some Alexanders were alive in 1931 when the article was written. The history of the declaration is said to be as follows: 'The Alexanders left Ireland because of bad tax and administrative policy and then found themselves in the same boat in North Carolina. The Alexanders decided to petition the king on two grievances: 1) They wanted their own church officials to marry them, not a British bureaucrat; and, 2) they wanted to found their own university. To soften up the king they named the County Seat Charlotte and the County Mecklenburg because the king had just married Charlotte of Mecklenburg (Northern Germany on the Baltic Sea). The king rejected the petition out of hand. This was just another blow in a long list of grievances that infuriated them. They wrote the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence one year before the Thomas Jefferson declaration. All of the Alexanders signed it, in fact almost everyone in the county. It was taken and presented to the Continental Congress, which declared it premature. Later the Thomas Jefferson declaration used some of its wording.' What surprised me is it was written in German, although they were Scots and spoke English. I find this a fascinating story and would like to know the connection between my great grandmother Margaret and Abraham as well as the ancestors of Abraham. I would also like to find a copy of the text of the declaration... Regards, William McCreight 22 Jun 1998" From: "Simpson & Allied Families" Author: Dennis William Simpson, pg. 181: Adam was for many years a magistrate and member of the county court from Mecklenburg. In Sep 1775, he was appointed lieutenant Colonel under Colonel Thomas Polk, who fought against the Tories in South Carolina, Succeeding Col. Polk in April,1776, he led his force against the Cherokee Indians at the head of the Catawba River. His Daughter Sarah married Captain John Springs Jr., the wealthiest land owner and slave holder in Mecklenburg Co. of that time. (Marylanders, pg 3) . As early as June 1770, Adam Alexander was living in the eastern part of Mecklenburg Co and was a member of the Clear Creek congregation. He was a prominent magistrate and member of the County Court, and in 1775 he signed the Mecklenburg Declaration. In Sep 1775 he was appointed lieutenant Colonel under Colonel Polk in what was called the Snow Campaign against the Tories in South Carolina. In April 1776 he was chosen to command one of the Mecklenburg Continental Regiments succeeding Colonel Polk. He led his forces against the Cherokee Indians at the head of the Catawba in 1776 under General Ratherford. Colonel Adam Alexander was living on Rocky River near the mouth of Clear Creek in 1755-1756 when Rev. Hugh McAden passed through the country on his way south and is mentioned as Colonel Alexander in the minister's Journal. DAR Mag on Adam Alexander: "He and his wife Mary Shelby are both buried in the old Rock Springs graveyard near the First Philadelphia Presbyterian church where he was one of the First elders. He was a large land owner, a churchman, patriot and soldier. He was a Justice of the Peace and a member of the county court, being known as "Justice Alexander". He was Captain of a company of the militia and took in several Conferences concerning Indian raids. He was a signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration and a Colonel of the Minute Men during the Revolutionary War." Brevard " Adam Alexander son of Agnes Alexander (signer of Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence)." Alexander Memorials: "Agnes who m. her cousin William, s/o Elias & Sophia, and was mother of Col. Adam and Charles Alexander, who were signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration. Marylanders: " Adam Alexander was born in Cecil County, MD in 1728 and died in Mecklenburg Co., NC on Nov 13 1798 at the age of 70 years 7months as noted on his tombstone in the Rock Springs burial grounds. His wife was Mary Shelby who she died on Nov 26 1813 at the age of 78 years, x months and x days as noted on her half of the tombstone they shared." DAR Magazine: "Adam Alexander was born in Somerset Co MD Sept 23 1728. His father William Alexander, born in Somerset Co., MD died 1772 in Mecklenburg Co., NC was undoubtedly a son of Elias and Sophia Alexander and a grandson of Joseph Alexander of Cecil Co Md. He was the father of Adam and Charles Alexander --- Signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Brevard: "William left a will in Mecklenburg Co., NC (Will Book A pg 6) 22 Mar 1772 and died in Mecklenburg Co. His Will names wife Agnes and son Adam" Maryland Families, p.66,67: " Adam Alexander b. Sept 28, 1728 Cecil Co MD " MD Heraldic Families, pg 64: " William Jr., who m. Catherine. (Will dated 3/7/1732, Somerset Co., Md., book E. B. 9, folio 174; made 2nd will after death of his son, James.) Issue--James, m-- (???) (Will dated 3/30/1725. Somerset Co., Md., book W. B. 9, folio 174.) Wheeler's History: " Col. Adam ALEXANDER, one of the signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, and further known to history by his military service, was born in Cecil Co., MD 24 Sept 1728 of Scotch-Irish parents. DAR Magazine: " Adam Alexander on Aug 4 1752 married Mary Shelby (daughter of Evan and Catherine Davies Shelby) born Aug 8 1735 and who died in Mecklenburg Co., NC Nov 26 1813. Both are buried in the old Rocky Spring graveyard." Alexander Descendents: " Adam Alexander died intestate. His wife, Mary, in her Will dated Feb 8 1810 mentions "my five children" but names only one of them, Isaac, whom she appoints her Executor of her estate." Wheelers History: "Col. Adam ALEXANDER settled in what is known as Clear Creek neighborhood, NC where his family worshiped at Rock Springs Church. He died 13 Nov 1798, Patriot and Soldier. He and Sarah(?) SHELBY had six children: Evan Shelby, Isaac, Charles Taylor, Sarah, Catharine and Mary. (inaccuracies here) Alexander Heritage, 1978 by Clarence D. Alexander: Adam Our "Alexander, s/o William and Agnes Alexander, and grandson of Elias and Sophia (Alexander). Agnes was d/o Wm. Alexander Jr. and Catherine Wallace. He was b. in Somerset Co., MD on 23 Sept 1728. He d. in Clear Creek section of Mecklenburg Co., NC 13 Nov 1728. He was m. on 4 Aug 1752 to Mary Shelby, who was the d/o Evan and Catherine Shelby. b, 8 Aug 1735, d. 26 Nov 1813. They are both buried In the old Rock Springs graveyard near the First Philadelphia Presbyterian Church where he was one of the first elders. Adam was a large land owner, a churchman, a patriot and soldier. He was Justice of the Peace and member of the county court, being known as 'Justice Alexander'. He was Capt. of a company of militia and took in several conferences concerning Indian raids. He was a signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence and a Colonel of the Minute Men during the Revolutionary War. They were parents of six children: 1) Isaac S. ALEXANDER was born on 7 June 1756. He died on 2 September 1823 at age 67. 2) Catherine ALEXANDER was born in 1759. 3) Sarah Shelby ALEXANDER died on 11 October 1842. 4) Charles Taylor ALEXANDER was born on 9 August 1764. He died on 26 August 1828 at age 64. 5) Evan Shelby ALEXANDER was born in 1767. He died on 28 October1809. 6) Mary (Polly) ALEXANDER died on 19 August 1838." Alex Notebooks: "The NC Colonial Records contain a list of the old men who formerly were in Capt. Adam Alexander's Company. Daniel Alexander, Lieutenant; Moses Shelby, Sergeant; Privates Andrew Alexander, Aaron Alexander and Moses Alexander. Endorsed by Robert Harris, Clerk Feb 24 1756. The Capt. Alexander mentioned was days was Colonel of the Mecklenburg Militia.(ref. NC State Records, Vol. 12 pp 396-97-98). Identity of these old men were as follows: Moses Shelby was the son of Evan Shelby of Frederick Co. MD and the oldest brother of Mary Shelby wife of Col. Adam Alexander" Richard B. Alexander " Adam ALEXANDER married Mary SHELBY. He was buried at Old Rocky Spring graveyard Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, Mecklenburg Co.. He was born on 23 September 1728 at Somerset Co., MD. He died on 13 November 1798 at Clear Creek Sect, Mecklenburg Co., NC, at age 70. MD Heraldic Families Pg 58: "Daniel Alexander father of William served under Capt Adam Alexander before 1766. He is listed as one of the "old men" and was a lieutenant. (Colonial Records Vol 22 pg 397)" Colonel Elias Alexander, by Mattie M. Brunson, in the American Magazine: "He was in the battle of Kings Mountain, in S.C., and a very effective commander. Among the emigrations from Scotland to Ireland and Ireland to Scotland during the 1610-1688, to which the Presbyterians were driven there was one to Ireland, in which seven Bothers named Alexander formed a part. They, with others, went to America, taking their ministers with them, and landed at Manhattan Island, then went to Pennsylvania and Maryland, and later to Catawba, N. C. Among the Scotch-Irish emigrants was one Adam Alexander said by some to have been born on the shores of Loch Awe, Argyleshire, Scotland, about 1728 Sept. 28 of Scotch -Irish parents. He married Mary Shelby, of Holston County, Maryland." (There was no Holston County, Md.) Continues: "Adam Alexander settled on clear creek, N. C. and his family were members of the old Rock Springs Church. Adam was one of the signers of the famous document, The Mecklenburg Declaration, as also was his son (Isaac?). In the appointment by the Council on Dec. 21, 1775, of district officers, Adam was appointed lieutenant Colonel for Mecklenburg County. He had the following children: Mary, (?)Elias, Evan Shelby, Catherine, Charles Taylor, Adam and Sarah. Mary Alexander was born about 1748, some records say, in Ireland, but most probably he was born in Pennsylvania. Elias lived on Floyd's Creek, Ford County, North Carolina. He was married in 1770 to Annie (Nancy ) Mc Call, a sister to the grandmother of James K. Polk." MD Heraldic Families Pg 67: "William Alexander m--Agnes Alexander; issue, Adam, Colonel, 1728-1793, m. Mary Shelby, 1735-1813; issue Evan, bachelor; Isaac, m. (?) Means; Charles Taylor, m. (?) Irwin; Adam Rankin, m. Leah Ragan or Reagan; Sarah, m. Capt. John Springs "Dr. Evan Shelby's great aunt (aunt to Moses and Gen. Evan) was named Mary Shelby, too. She m. Col. Adam Alexander. Their son, Charles Taylor m. Margaret Means, and their daughter was Margaret Means Alexander, who m. my 'uncle' of yore, Col. Moses Winslow Alexander. Col. Adam and Mary had a daughter, Sarah Shelby Alexander, who m. John Springs, Jr. Then a daughter of theirs, Mary Laura Springs, m. John Springs III (note: his father was Richard Springs). (Source: Mac Alexander) |
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More About Adam Alexander: Burial: Unknown, Rock Springs Cemetery in Mint Hill, Mecklenburg Co., NC. |