SHANNON FAMILY EARLY RECORDS AND DOCUMENTS

ROBERT AND FLORANNAH SHANNON (Robert c 1739 - 1815)

FRONTIER SHANNON FAMILIES, by Robert Shannon Stimpson, Vice President General NSDAR, and 
Robert McDonalod Shannon, Lt. Col., U.S. Army Retired, 1985, Library of Congress, Catalog 
Card No. 86-60089, Printed Minuteman Presws, Alexandria, VA.

Robert Shannon was born in Ireland in the 1730s, possibly son of Ambrose Shannon. He crossed
the Atlantic to North American ca 1750s on the same ship with Florannah, his furture wife.
(Entry in the Bible, ea 1790 of-Samuel Shannon, Jr. grandson of Robert). Robert was probably
trained as a boy as a weaver. He is listed as a weaver at one time in Virginia records. 
During this period the English Parliament had passed an Act prohibiting shipment of wool or
wool products out of Ireland. Thousands of weavers were unemployed and sailed to North 
America or to Europe. 

In Pennsylvania, Robert was probably located in Nottingham township at one time. Possible 
Shannon relationships in Pennsylvania include the four sons of a Robert Shannon who settled
as follows: 
Thomas Shannon, Chester County (now Lancaster) and son, Samuel Shannon, 
Robert Shannon, Montgomery County, 
William Shannon, Lancaster County and  
Andrew Shannon -- York (L.A. Busby data) 

Robert Shannon, 1739-1815, married Florannah in 1758. Her maiden name was Bowen or Bowles.

Their first two children were born in Pennsylvania. 
John Shannon -- I January 1759 
Mary Shannon -- ca 1760 VIRGINIA - Augusta County ca 1765 1770 
Robert and Florannah, along with others from Pennsylvania including Samuel, Thomas' son 
migrated to Augusta County, Virginia in the early 1760's Robert became active in local 
Virginia affairs by 1767 and settled a few years earlier (by 1765) with his wife, Florannah,
and children, John age 6 and Mary age 4. Augusta County records (Chaukley) indicate some of
Robert's participation in local affairs listed below: 
15 May 1767 - J. Davis estate appraisal.  Robert Shannon's bond and others. Will Book No. 4
14 May 1767 - Robert Shannon weaver. Deed Book 13 
5 Aug 1769 - Estate of Henry Kirkham. Robert Shannon crying the vendue (autioneer). Will 
Book No. 4. 
During this period, three sons, were born: 
Henry Shannon - 10 Jan 1766
Robert Shannon - 1768 
James Shannon ca 1769 VIRGINIA - Botetourt County 1770 - 1774. 

The history of Robert Shannon passes to the records of Botetourt County, Virginia in 1770. 
Robert was taxed on land North of the James River.  (Could be in the general area of 
Lexington, Virginia today.) (This location Robert rShannoneceived jury duty for the 
Botetourt Court 11 October 1770, 9 February 1774 and 2 September 1774. On 6 April 1773, 
Robert sold two horses.  (Fincastle Court House Records) 

His youngest child was born during this period - Samuel Shannon 15 August 1771. No record 
has been found of disposal of the Botetourt land. again. Robert moved again. 

VIRGINIA - Fineastle, Montgomery & Wythe County Records - 1774 - 1795 Fincastle-- Montgomery
County, Wythe County (Today Smyth County near town of Marion) Robert acquired land on the 
Middle Fork Holston River, Bear Creek, which was included in the Fincastle Land Survey: 
January 20, 1774 Robert Shannon - 258 acres. 

REVOLUTIONARY WAR -- Robert Shannon was appointed Constable 1777-1782 and has been 
designated as a PATRIOT by DAR. (Patriot's List of the Daughters of the American Revolution)
Decendants using this line as members of DAR were Roberta Shannon Stimpson and Frances 
Shannon Tilley.

John Shannon (son of Robert) Revolutionary Soldier - National Archives 9419 Service - Capt 
Robert McFarland's Company under Colonel William Campbell's expedition South against the 
Torys. 
John Shannon was wounded on the hip at Ramson's Hill in 1781 confirmed by Col. William 
Preston, Regimental Commander and Capt. Robert Buchanan, Company Commander. 
Service 6 months, 3 weeks. From claim of Ann Marshall Shannon, widow. 

MIDDLE FORK, HOLSTON RIVER
Robert and Florannah acquired additional land which they sold in 1797 after moving to 
Tennessee: 
332 acres on Middle Fork, Holston River to Philip A of Wythe County Deeds, 1797 (Page 366, 
Abstracts) 
10 acres to Malcolm McPartridge for $60. (Abstract of deed, Wythe County, Virginia) 

Robert Shannon, Jr. married Rebecca Buchanan, daughter of Archibald Buchanan 14 April 1790 
in Sumner County, Tennessee, James Buchanan was Bondsman. (Note)  The is probably the 
James Buchanan married to his out Mary Shannon and he an uncle to Rebecca Buchanan Shannon)

(Note: Reason for omission of other sons, James Shannon and Samuel Shannon is not clear. 
They were about age 20. Perhaps they had gone to Tennessee. 
Robert Shannon and Florannah other children were married during this period. John Shannon to
Ann Marshall on 10 January 1788. Mary Shannon to James Buchanan, Henry to Jane Hayes, Robert
(Robin) Jr. to Rebecca Buchanan and Samuel to Isabella Patterson, 23 December 1794. James 
Shannon married (name of first wife unknown, I son, Robert). Remarried later in Tennessee to
Jane Crockett who bore him six daughters.

TENNESSEE Cumberland Settlement Sumner and Wilson Counties Robert moved to the Cumberland 
Settlement, then North Carolina, now Lebanon, Tennessee area during the 1780's about the 
time his relative, Samuel made a similar move. Men usually went ahead, started a garden, 
built a cabin and returned to Virginia the next year for the families -- four journeys of 
over 300 miles. The children with their wives of Robert and Samuel also moved to the 
Cumberland Settlement. Samuel's son, Capt. Thomas Shannon remained at Poplar Hill in 
Virginia (Giles County today) and Robert's son and daughter John Shannon and Mrs. Mary 
Buchanan remained in Rich Valley (Smyth County Virginia today). 
In Tennessee, Robert Shannon and party were attacked by Indians while taking dispatches to 
Governor Blu-nt in 1784. During this period in 1787, Capt. John Shannon took part in the 
Coldwater Expedition along the Tennessee River against Indians who had been attacking 
settlers. 
During 1790's and early 1800, Robert and Florannah deeded part of their Holston River land 
in Virginia to their son, John and his wife, Ann Marshall Shannon, and sold the remainder to
Philip Acre. (records Wythe County, Virginia)
In the 1790 and 1800, Robert as well as Samuel Shannon engaged in numerous land transactions
in Tennessee. Robert Shannon died in 1815. His will was recorded 16 August 1815 by Wilson 
County Court, Tennessee. Date of death of Florannah is unknown. Robert's and Florannah's 
descendents migrated to Alabama, Kentucky, Texas and eventually to California. The frontier 
pioneer spirit continued.

Wills and Inventories Book 1814-1819, page 45, June Term 1815. Will of Robert Shannon, 
1739-1815,  Recorded August 16, 1815 Wilson County, Tennessee, Wills and Inventories Book 
1814-1819, Page 45, 

"But in the name of God Amen,
This the 12th of April being weak in body of good an sound memory thanks be to Almighty God
and calling to remembrance he uncertain Estate of this transitory life and that all flesh 
must yield to death when it shall please God to call
Do make constitute ordained declare this my last will & wills him to for by memade & 
declared unto my word or writing and this to be taking for my last will and Testament and 
not after being first penitent and sorry from the bottom of my heart for my sins past most 
humbly desire foregiveness for the same.  I give and commit my soul unto Almighty God my 
Savior and Redeemer in whom and by he spirities of Jesus Christ I trust and beieve assurdly
 to be saved & to have full remission for forgiveness of all my sins and that my soul with 
my body at a general day of the resurection shall rise again with joys and through the merit
s of Christs death and inherit th kingdom of Heaven prepared for his elect & chosen and my 
body to be buied in such a place where it shall my execuors here after named to apoint and 
now for the Settling of my Temporial Estates and such goods chattles and debts as it has 
pleased God, far my deserts to bestow upon me I do ordain give an dispose the same in manner
and form following (that is to say) first in right or conscience to any measure of 
persuason persons whatsoever shall be well and truly contented and paid ordained to  be paid
with convenient time after my decease by my executor herafter named
Item 1st  I give and bequeath in witness Hannah & George and all other properties in my 
possession I appoint in this will executors for my estate my son Robert Shannon Junior, and
Floranah my companion for executors and administrators after all debts setlled and paid & 
I John Shannon one dollar Mary Buckhannon (note Buchanan) one dollar Henry Shannon one 
dollar hundred James Shannon one dollar Samuel Shannon and all be paid after value at this
deceased as witnesses my hand and Seal this 12th of April 1815 & I leave to my granddaugher
Rachael Henry Shannon daughter my two good filly.                       Robert Shannon seal
Test George Swingle Jurat, Archibald Shannon Jurat

Deed Davidson County, Book C, page 322, August 5, 1794 to Robert Shannon, 274 Acres, Waters
of Big Harpeth on Wrightons Creek.

Tombstone Inscriptions and Historical Manuscripts by Acklen, 1933, page 302
Rowland Graveyard is located about seven miles southwest of Lebanon, TN on the Old Wool 
Factory, Road, Barton Creek, between Franklin Road and Central Pike 

PROBATE THE ESTATE OF SON, HENRY SHANNON, 1766-1844

See Will of Henry Shannon, Wilson County, Tennessee, Mentions James Shannon, as executor and
 son-in-law. Recorded November 1844 Wills and Inventories 1843-1848, pages 135 and 136. and 
Book L, page 27.
Marriage probably in Davidson County, Tennessee, January 11, 1792, See First Marriage Book,
page 28 gives name as Henry Skinner to Jane Hayes.  I have examined the original marriage 
bond.

Will of HENRY SHANNON RECORDED NOVEMBER 27, 1844

I, Henry Shannon of the County of Wilson and State of Tennessee, Planter, do make and 
publish this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other by me at any time made.
And, first, I direct that my body be decently intered in a Christian like manner.  And as 
to such worldly estate as it hath please God to intrust me with, I dispose of the same as 
follows.  First, I direct that all debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon after my 
decease as possible out of any money that I may die possessed of, or may come into the hands
 of my executors for any portion of my estate real or personal. Second, I give & bequeath to
 my two sons John and Finis one hundred and fifty acres of land to each of them as described
 in a deed of gift, that I have given them, I also give them my cross cut sam7 lock-chain to
 be divided between them.  Thirdly, I give & bequeath to my daughter Miecy my negro Mary 
that she is now in possession of for her part of the negroes.  Fourthly,  I give and 
bequeath to my daughters Rachael, Peggy, Patsy three hundred dollars each, out of the money
 in hand, or notes due me that is not of the proceeds of the sale, to make them equal with 
my three daughters, that is Sally, Polly & Jane that have got their part in a negre, 
Fifthly, at my death I wish my two remaining negroes David & Clary to be sold and out of the
 proceeds to make up Rachael, Patsy & Peggy three hundred dollars if there should not be 
enough as above described and the balance to be divided equally between Polly, Sally, Jane,
 Rachael, Peggy and Patsy.  And further, I wish all the proceeds of the sale that has been 
made together with all other articles of property that I may die possessed of to be equally 
divided between the seven girls.  And, sixthly, I give & bequeath to all my grandchildren 
one dollar each to buy them a Bible.

    I do herby make ordain and appoint my esteemed son-in-laws, Morris Brewer and James 
Shannon, executors to this my last will and testimony.  In witness where of  I, Henry 
Shannon, the said Testator have this my will written on one sheet of paper, set my hand and
seal this 11th  day of February.  One thousand eight hundred and forty one.

    Signed sealed & published in the presence of us who have subscribed in the presence of 
the Testator & of each other.

    Witnessed Elizabeth (her X mark) Holloway, Levi Holloway, Junior, and Levi Holloway 
Senior.  Recorded November 27, 1844 and J.S. McClain was the clerk of the said Court. 

Settlement shows 36 Bibles costing $1 each distrubuted to grandchildren.

PROBATE OF THE ESTATE OF ANOTHER SON, ROBERT SHANNON (1768-1833)

Robert Shannon, 1768 in Augusta County, Virginia,  died by July 26, 1933in Wilson County, 
Tennessee - Had settled on Pond Lick Creek near Gladesville in Wilson County.  Numer deeds 
of record in Sumner, Wilson and Davidson County, Tennessee of Robert Shannon.
Wilson County, Wills and Inventories 1832-1834, pages 239-240.  A list of property sold of 
Robert Shannons deceased, on the 26th day of July 1833 by Samuel Shannon, Administrator.  
Signed at the end by James Shannon.
Mention a great number of things sold to widow Shannon, Samuel, Archibald, James, Robert and
Lance Shannon.  Other: Alexander Braden, Morris Brewer, Ezekiel Holloway. Jesse L. Moore, 
David Moore, and John McSwain.
Robert Shannon got one negro women for 7.43 3/4
Page 267  Widows allowance to Robert Shannon widow 29 July 1833.  Twelve out of stock, not 
over twenty five barrels of corn, all the bacon, one beef steer, 6 first choice hogs. all 
cows and calfs, one barrel of salt, 40 pounds of sugar, 14 pounds of coffee.  Book 134-137 
Page 132. In obedience to an order from the worshipful Court of Wilson March Term, 1835, 
for settlement with administrators of Robert Shannon, have met at the house of James Shannon
at the 6th day of June,1835 and find the accounts & voucher as follows.  Accts of $372 
Signed  by John Billingsly, W.M. Swain, Levi Holoway.

MILITARY SERVICE of Robert Shannon in the War of 1812 - Enlisted 24 September, 1813 under 
Col. N. Cannon and Capt. George Martin as Mt. Gunman, Rank of Corporal, Wounded Nov. 3 and 
absent on furogh.  Shows other service. Source the Office of the Adjutant General of 
Tennessee, 1956.

PROBATE OF THE ESTATE OF REBECCA BUCHANAN SHANNON (1768-1837)

Rebecca Buchanan Shannon, born October 6, 1768, in Augusta County, Virginia, was the widow 
of Robert Shannon, and she was died by 2nd day of Sept. 1837
1837-1839, page150 and 151, Wilson County.  Account of sale of Rebecca Shannon desc.  List 
of property sold at the residence of Rebecca Shannon on 2rd day of September, 1837.  Mention
s: James Shannon, Sally Brewer, Jesse L. Moore, John Baird, Lance Shannon, Robert Shannon 
and Henry ShannonPage 470 was Litterance of RebeccaSahnnon provided for the payment of 
coffin $10.00, feneral expenses $2.00
A settlment with James Shannon, Administrator of Rebecca Sahnnon 19th day of October, 1839