Ralph Shelton, Jr^[1]

1709 - 1789  (79 years)

• Name	Ralph Shelton
  Suffix	Jr
  Birth	Oct 1709	Christ Church, Middlesex, Virginia, USA   [2, 3, 4]
  Gender	Male
  Baptism	23 Oct 1709	Christ Church, Middlesex, Virginia, USA   [4]
  Death	30 Mar 1789	, Henry, Virginia, USA   [2]
  Burial	, Patrick, Virginia, USA   [2]
  Person ID	I19542	Master
  Last Modified	26 Aug 2019

  
  

  Father	Ralph Shelton, Sr,   b. 2 Mar 1685, Christ Church, Middlesex, Virginia, USA d. 13 Mar 1733, Christ Church, Middlesex, Virginia, USA (Age 48 years)
  Mother	Mary Jane Crispen,   b. 18 Mar 1685, Christ Church, Middlesex, Virginia, USA d. 29 Aug 1771, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA (Age 86 years)
  Family ID	F3571	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family 1	Mary Daniel,   b. 7 Mar 1714, Christ Church, Middlesex, Virginia, USA d. 1766, , Henry, Virginia, USA (Age 51 years)
  Marriage	10 Jun 1731	Christ Church, Middlesex, Virginia, USA   [5]
  Children	1. John Shelton,   b. 19 Jul 1732, Christ Church, Middlesex, Virginia, USA d. 11 Sep 1777, Battle of Brandywine, Chadds Ford, Delaware, Pennsylvania, USA (Age 45 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural] + 2. James Roderick Shelton,   b. 22 Feb 1734, , Amelia, Virginia, USA d. 14 May 1784, , Henry, Virginia, USA (Age 50 years)   3. Ralph Shelton,   b. 1735, , Middlesex, Virginia, USA d. 1818, , Knox, Tennessee, USA (Age 83 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural] + 4. Palatiah Shelton,   b. 1735, , Essex, Virginia, USA d. 1807, , Knox, Tennessee, USA (Age 72 years) + 5. Hezekiah Shelton,   b. 1736, , Patrick, Virginia, USA d. Aug 1826, , , Tennessee, USA (Age 90 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural] + 6. Eliphaz Shelton,   b. 1741, , , Virginia, USA d. 16 Feb 1826, , Patrick, Virginia, USA (Age 85 years)   7. Elizabeth Shelton,   b. 1744, , Amelia, Virginia, USA d. 1820, , Washington, Georgia, USA (Age 76 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]   8. Jeremiah Gra Shelton, Rev,   b. 1745, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA d. 25 Jan 1829, Butler, Pendleton, Kentucky, USA (Age 84 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]   9. William Shelton,   b. 1745, , King and Queen, Virginia, USA d. 1825, Warrick, Gibson, Indiana, USA (Age 80 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]   10. Azariah Shelton,   b. 1747, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA d. 1840, , Knox, Tennessee, USA (Age 93 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]   11. Ann Susanne Shelton,   b. 1750   d. 1810, , Estill, Kentucky, USA (Age 60 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]   12. Robert Skelton,   b. 1751, , Mecklenburg, Virginia, USA d. 1820, Madison, Madison, Alabama, USA (Age 69 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]   13. Katherine Shelton,   b. 1751, , Amelia, Virginia, USA d. 1825, , Adair, Kentucky, USA (Age 74 years)   14. Roger Shelton,   b. 1754, , , Virginia, USA d. 1840, Madison, Madison, Alabama, USA (Age 86 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]   15. Sarah Shelton,   b. 1755, , Middlesex, Virginia, USA d. 1810, , Buncombe, North Carolina, USA (Age 55 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]   16. Derina "Rina" Shelton,   b. 1756, , Amelia, Virginia, USA d. 26 Oct 1841, , Jackson, Alabama, USA (Age 85 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]
  Family ID	F9004	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
  Last Modified	25 Aug 2019

  
  

  Family 2	Susannah,   b. , Henry, Virginia, USA d. , Patrick, Virginia, USA
  Marriage	1769  [6]
  Children	1. Abigail Shelton,   b. 1772, , , Virginia, USA  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]   2. Mary Shelton,   b. 1775  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]   3. Liberty Shelton,   b. 1780, , , Virginia, USA  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural] + 4. Aesop Shelton,   b. 1781, , Henry, Virginia, USA d. 22 Apr 1861, , Lincoln, Tennessee, USA (Age 80 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]
  Family ID	F9005	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
  Last Modified	25 Aug 2019

  
  

• Event Map

  Birth - Oct 1709 - Christ Church, Middlesex, Virginia, USA Baptism - 23 Oct 1709 - Christ Church, Middlesex, Virginia, USA Marriage - 10 Jun 1731 - Christ Church, Middlesex, Virginia, USA Death - 30 Mar 1789 - , Henry, Virginia, USA Burial - - , Patrick, Virginia, USA  = Link to Google Earth

  
  

• Notes

  Ralph Shelton Jr was born in 1709 in Middlesex Co Virginia. He died on 30 Mar 1789 in Henry County Virginia. Ralph Shelton Jr, the second son of Ralph and Mary Shelton, was baptised in Christ Church of Middlesex County Virginia on 23 October 1709. He was married twice. First to Mary Daniel on 10 June 1731 in Middlesex County. Mary was the daughter of William Daniel and Mary Moseley. Ralph Shelton secondly married Susannah_____ with whom he had four children: Aesop (c1780); Abigail; Liberty; and Mary. Ralph's will, recorded in Will Book 1 page 170-171, Martinsville, Henry County Virginia, was dated 23 April 1787, and was presented in court of Henry County on 30 march 1789, and reads as follows: To my son John Shelton five pounds sterling to cut him off from his heirship. My four last children namely Easop Shelton, Abbegal Shelton, Mary Shelton, Liberty Shelton, shall by resid (sic) of my estate. The remainder part of my estate, lands and moveables to be equally divided between Ralph Shelton, Palitiah Shelton, Eliphaz Shelton, James Shelton, Ezekiah Shelton, Jerimiah Shelton, Azariah Shelton, Roger Shelton, Easop Shelton, Abbegal Shelton, Mary Shelton, Liberty Shelton, Katherine Rutherford, Sarah Robertson, Elizabeth Arnold, Rina (Dorina) McGehe, Luranah Jones. My son, Ralph Shelton and Eliphaz Shelton, Executors. signed: Ralph Shelton Wit: John Fletcher, Henry Holt, John Branham 30 march 1789. Proved by witnesses. Exhibited in court by Eliphaz Shelton who gave bond with Steven Lyon and John Parr,Jr., securities. Ralph married Mary Daniel on 10 Jun 1731 in Middlesex Co., Virginia. They had the following children: John Shelton was born in 1732. From Surry County, North Carolina Abstracts Deed Books A, B, and C1770-1788 - Book C page 448 27 Apr 1786 Jesse MAUPIN, Henry County VA toJohn SHELTON 10 pds 100 ac SNOW CREEK adj Henry BAKER. Samuel SHELTON,David SHELTON, Charles HIBBERT. S/Jesse MAUPIN, Lucy MAUPIN (do thesedeeds apply to this John Shelton? - it's certainly possible since othersin this family also owned land in Surry & Stokes Counites., NC duringthis time period). From Book D page 171,172 28 Feb 1788 George WATKINS toJohn SHELTON 25 pds 100 ac waters DAN RIVER place called DUNCANS or THREESPGS head water LITTLE SNOW CREEK. Jesse BUMP, Daniel CHANDLER. S/GeorgeX WATK From Stokes Co, NC Land Entries 1790 - 1798, abstract on page 361 02 Sep1794 Matthew Deatherage enters 100 ac on Mackey Cr water of Dan R;includes improv John Holt sold to Ezekiah Shelton. In some deed records it appears Ralph Shelton (III) was married to a ladynamed Elizabeth. We do not have her surname, nor proof of the marriage toAnn TAYLOR. It has not yet been determined which Ralph Shelton this NCdeed abstract pertains to, but it could be this Ralph, for several of hissiblings also owned land in Surry/Stokes Counties., NC: Surry County,North Carolina Abstracts Deed Books A, B, and C 1770-1788 Book C page 117 03 Nov 1784 NC Grant Ralph SHELTON 500 ac HIXES FORK (ofPeters Creek) adj LANSFORD FIELD. Ralph married Ann Taylor. Ann was born in 1755. Palatiah Shelton was born in 1736. His name was found on the 1767 Tithables for Pittsylvania Co., VA.Palatiah Shelton owned 72 acres on the Blue Ridge, including some of thebranches of Johnson's and Loving Creek 28 Feb 1784, and 90 acres on thesouth side of the Rockey Mountain, including some of the branches ofSouth Mayo Creek 28 Feb 1784, also 309 acres purchased 31 Mar 1786 on thehead branches of the Middle Fork of Little Dan River (source: "History ofPatrick & Henry Co., VA" by Virginia G. & Lewis G. Pedigo, copyright1933-LDS Family History Center, Salt Lake City, UT). Although his namewas not spelled correctly, he apparently owned land in Surry Co., NC (asdid his father & several siblings) according to deed abstracts from SurryCo, NC Deed Abstracts, Book D, E and F 1779-1790: page 1063, JonathanMUSICK enters 300 acres of land in Surry Co on both sides of the MOUNTAIN BRANCH the waters of SNOW CREEK beginning at Jesse MAPPINES upper cornerthen running to include the imporvement whereon PATTETYER (should bePalatiah) SHELTON now lives for quantity. Dec 15, 1778. Warrant granted.Also page 58. Charles WHITLOCK enters 640 acres of land in Surry Co lyingat the FLAG POND on SNOW CREEK including the improvement that wasSalathiel SHELTON'S (again should be Palatiah) For complement. April 17,1778. Warrant granted. Another source for this line was found in GenServ,data entered by Buddy Holmes, E-mail holmes@gulfaero.com. He was thesource for the spouse data. Palatiah married Mary Harbour. Katherine Shelton was born in 1737. The given name Dudley comes from a descendant, Barbee Hodgkins, E-mail -bhodgkin@OregonVOS.net. She spells the 7th child's name as CatherineSHELTON. Another researcher has added a little to this line atWorldConnect: The Jerry H Collins Tree and he lists one child calledLydia. He wrote that she married c1806 to James Shelton, and lists thisJames as a son to James & Philipina Shelton. Katherine married Dudley Rutherford. 8FviiDelrina Shelton was born in 1739. She died after 1842 in Jackson County, Alabama. She died in Jackson Co., AL Aft. 1842, according to LPelt@aol.com.Another researcher for this line submitted data to GenServ. She is AnitaMcGehee, E-mail munchkins@sprintmail.com. Anita wrote that WilliamMcGehee was born 31 Mar 1756, died May 1836 in Jackson Co., AL. He wasthe son of James McGEHEE Jr. and Ann CHILES. Please write to Anita if youcan share information on the SHELTON/McGEHEE connection. Derina SHELTON'sbirth of c1739 is only an estimate, and may not be correct. Delrina married William McGehee. Susannah Shelton was born in 1740. Susannah married Unknown Jones. Jeremiah Shelton , Sr. Eliphaz Shelton, Azariah Shelton, Sarah Shelton , Roger Shelton was born about 1756. Elizabeth Shelton was born about 1760 in Amelia County, Virginia. Elizabeth married William Arnold. Ralph married (2) Susannah Unknown about 1769. They had the following children: Abigail Shelton was born in 1772. Mary Shelton was born in 1775. Liberty Shelton was born in 1780. He was named in his father's will, and found on the 1807-1808 Casey Co.,KY Tax Lists. He remained on these list until 1828. Ken Shelton sent thisinfomration: deed, dated 14 Apr 1823, Manson Ragan to Liberty Shelton,both of Casey County, and 2nd deed, dated 11 Nov 1824, George Vandeventto Liberty Shelton, both of Casey County. From The Kentucky Land Grants,p.718 Libery SHELTON was a Grantee of 50 acres from a survey 01 Jan 1828in Casey Co., KY on the South Fork of the Green River. Ralph Shelton(5) was born in Middlesex County, Virginia in 1709 and was baptized there on October 23, that year. Early in his life his father purchased land along the line between Middlesex and Essex Counties and remained on the land until his death in 1789. Ralph(5) married Mary Daniel in Middlesex County on June 10, 1731. In 1740, he is on record in Essex County, having in May that year presented a certificate for payment to the Essex Court for tak­ing up a runaway slave, Cheshire, belonging to Mrs. Winifred Webb of Richmond. Shortly thereafter, after starting his family, Ralph Shelton(5), and his brother Crispin, turned toward Amelia County, nearly a hundred miles to the southwest, the county having been created in 1734 from Brunswick and Prince George Counties. Amelia at first also included the areas now in Prince Edward and Nottaway Counties. On September 20, 1745 Ralph Shelton(5) received a royal grant of 4OO acres in Amelia County on the lower side of Snails Creek and North of Great Nottaway River. It appears likely that his mother, Mary Clark, his brother Crispin, and his four youngest brothers, John, Benjamin, James and Daniel went with Ralph(5) to Amelia County. That year John was 23, Benjamin was 21, James was 19 and Daniel was l6.In 1746 Ralph Shelton(5) and his brother Benjamin signed deeds as witnesses when their brother Crispin sold off part of his 620 acres holdings in Amelia County -- a parcel of 155 acres to Henry Beuford of Amelia County and one of 203 acres to James Beuford of Orange County, Virginia. The Beufords were likely Shelton kin, since it is noted that both Henry and James were witnesses to the will of Ralph's father, Ralph Shelton(4) possibly brothers-in-law of Cris­pin Shelton who was brother of Ralph(5). On June 10, 1749 Ralph Shelton(5) had a second land grant — 400 acres in Lunenburg County on the lower side of Ledbetter’s Creek, on October 23, 1751 Ralph Shelton of the Parrish of Nottaway, Amelia County, bought 286 acres more on the lower side of Snales Creek from Samuel Jordon, Snales Creek being a small stream scarcely five miles long in the southeast corner of Prince Edward County, empty­ing into the Great Nottaway where Prince Edward, Nottaway and Lun­enburg Counties meet. This places the 686-acre homestead of Ralph Shelton(5) in the extreme southwest corner of present Nottaway County and his land on Ledbetter Creek about 10 miles distant to the south and west.On May 10, 1750 the mother of Ralph Shelton{5), Mary Clark, identi­fying herself as of the "Parish of Nottaway in the County of Amelia" wrote her will. She named, besides her son Ralph Shelton: Grandson Reuben Shelton, sons Crispin, John, Benjamin and James; her daugh­ter, Elizabeth Davis; all with token remembrances. But to her son, Daniel, she gave all the rest of her estate, naming her youngest, now approaching 21, the Executor of the Estate. Included among the behests to Daniel was a Negro wench named Janey. The Sheltons continued to live on in Amelia County for another 13 years. When some of the Lunenburg lands were processioned in 1760 for sale for taxes Ralph's land was listed, but it was not sold "want of attendance". His residence was still the Amelia land not far away, but even then he may have been venturing farther west. On February 22, 1763 he sold his Amelia land — 686 acres on the lower aide of Snales Creek — to Richard Burks. John Shelton, like­ly Ralph's brother, witnessed the deed. Shortly thereafter, Ralph 5) was sued and then he and Richard Burks for debt by Lidell Bacon and Richard Clough, executors of Samuel Jordon. Evidently Ralph's mortgage had not been paid off. Judgment was awarded by the Amelia Court for 52 pounds 7 shillings with interest at five per cent from November 1, 1756. On July 1, 1763 Ralph Shelton(5) purchased a tract of 400 acres both sides south Fork of Mayo River in Halifax County, Virginia. This land was purchased from one Darby Callahan who lived in Or­ange County, North Carolina. The property was in the part of Halifax County that in 1791 became Patrick County near the present site of the county seat — Stuart, Virginia. This was 125 miles west of his holdings in Amelia County. Ralph Shelton(5) and at least part of his large family moved to this property in 1763. Before this be­came Patrick County it was progressively Halifax, Pittsylvania and Henry Counties (see page 8). Pittsylvania County was formed in June 1767. The first tax lists of the new county included the fol­lowing Sheltons: Ralph Shelton Sr, Eliphaz Shelton, James Shelton, Crispin Shelton, Shenor Shelton (likely Spencer): Negroes Tom, Lucy and Primus, Gabriel Shelton, Abraham Payne, Negroes Zachary and Violet, Lewis Shelton, Negro Pat Abraham Shelton, Edgecomb J. Williams, William Shelton The first four named are Ralph(5) and three of his 10 sons. The next five are Ralph's brother Crispin and four of Crispin's eight sons. Although William is not certainly identifiable, he is pos­sibly the son of the James Shelton who in turn was son of one Ralph and Mary pollard Shelton who were said to have resided "on the far side of the Dismal Swamp". By 1776 the western part of Pittsylvania County had become so well settled that its citizens felt the need of a new county. That year they petitioned for same, the petition reading: "It is extremely inconvenient for us to attend upon any business, civil or military, it being a fact that in Pittsylvania County some 75 and 80 miles from the upper end of the county to the court house and others 45 or 50 miles from the lower end, and many large water courses in the way, and we are frequently called together to the courthouse on account of the unhappy dispute between Great Britain and the colon­ies (being ready and willing to do all in our power in defense of our just rights and liberties with many grievous burthens too ted­ious to mention)." So the petitioners numbering several hundred asked for a division on a line due south from Black Water on Staunton River. The result was the creation of Henry County, named for the already famous war Governor, Patrick Henry. Among those who petitioned to bring about the division of the county were these Sheltons: Ralph Shelton James Shelton Gabriel Shelton Eliphaz Shelton William Shelton John Shelton James Shelton Gregory Durham Beverly Shelton Roger Shelton Daniel Shelton son-in-law of James James and William Shelton above were sons of one Ralph and Mary Pollard Shelton, and Gregory Durham was a son-in-law. The tax lists of the year 1779 for Henry County showed Ralph and James Shelton and their sons living on South and North Forks of Mayo River respectively. They were assessed as follows: Ralph Shelton (5) 23 pounds 1 shil 7 pence Palatiah Shelton 21 " 10 " 5" Eliphaz Shelton 53 " 15 " 11" John Shelton 6 " 5 James Shelton 3 " 13 " 8 " Ezekiah Shelton 9 " 14 " 6 Jeremiah Shelton 12 " 12 " Azariah Shelton 12 " 6 " 8 " James Shelton 118 " 13 " (Son of Ralph and Mary Pollard) William Shelton 6 " 15 " ( " " " " " Gregory Durham " 15 " (Son-in-law of James and __Shelton) In the early days of Virginia every settler was perforce a soldier, The Indians watched the ever-advancing tide of White settlers and resisted sporadically. The citizenry of each county was organized into militia. Ralph Shelton (5) was in the active military service in Amelia County in 1758. During the Revolution most of the Pittsylvania Shelton’s (Henry Countians) were in active official or military service. James Shelton and his brother Eliphaz were militia Captains in Henry County. John's son Roderick and James' sons James and George were in the Continental Army, Roderick reportedly having served di­rectly under George Washington, James and George having been cavalry­men. The will of Ralph Shelton (5) was written April 3, 1787. It was ­recorded in Will Book 1, page 171, March 3, 1789. He signed himself as Ralph Shelton (Sr.), recorded in Henry County, Virginia: in the name of God Amen the twenty-third day of April one Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty-Seven I Ralph Shelton, Sr. of Henry County, Virginia, being of perfect mind and memory and recalling that all men are ap­pointed once to die do make and constitute and ordain that this my last will and testament in manner and form following. (Viz) First and principally I recommend my soul Into the hands of Almighty God who gave it to me, and as touching that worldly estate it has pleas­ed him to bestow on me I 'dispose of them as follows: I give and de­vise to my son John Shelton five pounds sterling current money of Virginia. The intent of ray willing my son John Shelton five pounds sterling is to cut him off from his kinship. And also my will and desire is that my last four children, namely Aesop Shelton, Abigail Shelton, Mary Shelton and Liberty Shelton shall be raised off my estate and the remainder part of my estate, land and movables, to be equally divided between Ralph Shelton, Palatiah Shelton, Eliphaz Shelton, James Shelton, Ezekiah Shelton, Jeremiah Shelton, Azariah Shelton, Roger Shelton, Aesop Shelton, Abigail Shelton, Mary Shel­ton, Liberty Shelton, Kathern Shelton, Sarah Robertson, Elizabeth Arnold, Rina McGehe, Susannah Jones, they are their heirs. I also appoint my sons Ralph Shelton and Eliphaz Shelton Executors of this, my last will and testament set by hand and affixed my seal the day and year above written. Signed, sealed, published, pronounc­ed and declared to be my last will and testament.Ralph Shelton, Sr.John Fletcher, Henry Holt, John Branham The will was proved on March 30, 1789 at the same place, and the following was written: At a court held in Henry County on the 30th Day of March, 1789 the within last will and testament of Ralph Shelton, deceased was exhibited in court by Eliphaz Shelton, one of the Executors therein named who took oath as Executor. The same was proved by the oaths of the witnesses thereto to be the last will and testament of the said Ralph Shelton deceased and the said Eliphaz Shelton with Stephen Lyon and John Parr, Jr., his sureties, entered into bond and acknowledged the same and was ordered to be recorded by the court, the said Eliphaz Shelton having obtained a probate thereof in due form and agreeable to law. Teste John Cox CHC It is noted that Ralph Shelton, Sr. had previously deeded to his son James 400 acres of land both sides South Fork Mayo River on March 13, 1784. Then on April 25, 1791 James sold land both sides Mayo River.The following Shelton’s paid taxes in Henry County, Virginia but were not listed in the census of 1790. They were listed by Fother-gill and Naugee in 1782 and 1787: Eliphaz Shelton Ralph Shelton, Sr. Roger Shelton James Shelton Roger Shelton Samuel Shelton Palatiah Shelton Ralph Shelton, Jr. William Shelton Ralph and Mary Pollard Shelton, who lived "other side of Dismal Swamp", gave each of their sons Samuel and William above, and also their son-in-law, Gregory Durham, a farm. They lived on Horsepasture and Ironmonger Creeks. It will be noted that the above list, except for the last two, Sam­uel and William, are included in the will of Ralph Shelton above. Records of Henry County show that Eliphaz took the oath of alleg­iance to the colonies and that Jeremiah furnished supplies to the county militia during the war in 1777 James was appointed Captain, serving until 1780, and in March, 1779 Eliphaz was also appointed Captain in the Henry County militia. The history of Patrick County is tied in with that of the Shelton family, that of Eliphaz Shel­ton particularly. Ralph Shelton (5) was married twice, possibly three times. By first wife, Mary Daniel, whom he wed on June 10, 1731, he is thought to have had the following 14 children: John Shelton Ezekiah Shelton Sarah Shelton Robertson Ralph Shelton Jeremiah Shelton Elizabeth Shelton Arnold Palatiah Shelton Azariah Shelton Rina Shelton McGehee, (Rosa?) Eliphaz Shelton Roger Shelton Susannah Shelton Jones James Shelton Kathern Shelton Rutherford Ralph Shelton, son of Ralph(5) and Mary Daniel Shelton, was born in Essex County, Virginia in about 1739. Mormon church records show Ralph Shelton, son of Ralph and Mary Shelton, christened on October 17, 1739 at Christ Church, Middlesex County, Virginia. He owned land in Henry County, which he sold in 1788. He bought land in Grainger County, Tennessee in 1796. Reportedly he moved to Knox County,Palatiah Shelton, son of Ralph (5) and Mary Daniel Shelton, was born in Essex County, Virginia about 1733. He deeded land to Sam­uel Crawley and Richard White in Pittsylvania County on November 29, 1770, and he is shown later in Jefferson County, Tennessee. On January 24,1795 he deeded 245 acres of land there to one John Lee. Other Shelton’s in Jefferson County are shown pages 325 & 380 of this book, Palatiah is said to have been on record in Hawkins County, Tennessee in 1795, Grainger County in 1796 and Knox County in 1823. He reportedly married twice, first, Mary; second, Ann. There is no record at hand of descendants or Palatiah. He is listed in early tax records of Henry County, Virginia. Eliphaz Shelton, son of Ralph (5) and Mary Daniel Shelton, was born in Essex County, Virginia about 1734. His record and history coin­cide with the early days of Patrick County. His life in the mili­tary and as a private citizen is covered earlier in this chapter, pages 250 to 256. Evidently he was a favored son of Ralph (5), hav­ing been named an Executor of his will. He is listed as taxpayer in early records of Henry County. There is no record at hand of a marriage or descendants except for one notation, in a record in Patrick County on January l9, 1809 of the marriage of Olive Shelton to Samuel Nolen, Eliphaz was listed as father and Frederick was shown as a witness. Eliphaz is on record also as witnessing the marriage of John Chandler to Elizabeth Bennett on December 10, 1794, another witness being Thomas Boiling, Sr.; and on April 12, 1796 Eliphaz Shelton witnessed the marriage of Isaac Going to Nan­cy Lizby, with her mother, Mary Lizby, and one Henry Lizby and a William Moore also as witnesses. In March, 1781 Eliphaz marched with his men under Colonel Abraham Penn to the assistance of General Nathaniel Green who was defending Guilford Courthouse down in North Carolina, in the listing on the following pages of those with Colonel Penn and his Adjutant, Major George Waller, many prominent names do not appear, the reason being that they had served their terms of enlistment and had been honor­ably discharged or were in the Northern Army or in the Artillery as were Roderick's cousins, James and George Shelton.In August 1780 there was a drive to enlist young men to oppose them at Kings Mountain on the North Carolina-South Carolina border. Rod­erick Shelton (7) went to a place in nearby East Tennessee near Elizabethton known as Valley Forge and re-enlisted for the campaign and joined up with General Green at King’s Mountain. Roderick was also likely among those who successfully defended against the British at Guilford Court House.The Independence won, Captain Eliphaz Shelton on February 28, 1784 received from Benjamin Harrison, then Governor of Virginia, a grant of 590 acres on both sides of Mayo River in Henry County. He applied for a grant selecting two adjoin­ing tracts of 400 acres and 190 acres bordering his father's land astride the South Fork of Mayo River. The official survey of this grant of land was made by John Dicker son, Henry County Surveyor, as of November 25, 1782, duly recorded in Henry County Survey Book No. 1, page 197, on file in clerk's office in Henry County Court House, Martinsville, Virginia. His land was bounded on the south by the 400-acre tract owned by his brother, Captain James Shelton, At a point close by Captain Eliphaz Shelton's western boundary the waters from Bull Mountain Fork joined the South Mayo River as it flowed out of the Blue Ridge Mountains.With the formation of Patrick County in 1791, a site was needed for the county seat. The first court was held in a tobacco warehouse near Mayo Forge in the eastern part of the county. Later the place for holding court was moved to the home of Edward Tatum on Peters Creek. But the permanent site of the county seat was chosen by the Justices to be the heart of the 590-acre tract of Eliphaz Shelton near the south Fork of Mayo River. Records in the office of Circuit Court Clerk of Patrick County show that Eliphaz Shelton donated 18 acres for the site of the county seat. This was by deed dated Octob­er 10, 1791 recorded in Deed Book 1, page 17. Four men — William Banks, Samuel Clark, Charles Poster and William Carter — or any 3 of them, were appointed to lay off the land. A courthouse was built and the land was laid out and named Taylorsville, this for one George Taylor. The town was later called Stuart for J. E. B. Stuart, Confederate General, and was incorporated as such in 1884. That year the Danville and New River Railroad ran its line into the town.Eliphaz Shelton owned and operated a gristmill on Campbell Branch, which flows through the town, one Samuel Staples as early as 1791 operated a blacksmith shop on land in the county seat donated by Eliphaz Shelton. A meetinghouse in the vicinity is mentioned in a deed from one James Beuford to Eliphaz made in 1793. So the Sheltons particularly Ralph sr., Eliphaz and James, were very instrumental in forming Patrick County. Their adjoining tracks of land in the Taylorsville area were so situated with relation to each other that if a line was drawn from a point on the western boundary of Eliphaz‘s land eastward through the town of Taylorsville, crossing the adjoining tracts of Ralph Shelton, Sr. and James Shelton to the latter’s eastern edge, such a line would be two and one-fourth miles long.A 1794 record shows that Eliphaz witnessed in Patrick County the wedding of John Chandler and Elizabeth Bennett on December 10, 1794. Another witness was Thomas Boiling, Sr. Eliphaz Shelton died in August 1826 at his residence near the Patrick County courthouse, is buried on land formerly owned by Ralph Shelton (5), which is in the present town of Stuart, as is Ralph, the old cemetery being on land now owned by the Carter family. James Shelton, son of Ralph (5) and Mary Daniel Shelton, was born in Essex County, Virginia in 1734. He and his family moved with his father's family to Halifax County in southwest Virginia in 1763, the area that in 1767 became Pittsylvania County, in 1777 became Henry County and in 1791 became Patrick County, 1777, the year the county was formed, James Shelton was appointed Captain in the Henry County Militia. He served until 1780, at which time he resigned his commission. His son George and nephew James served in the Revolution, both of whom were cavalrymen. James (1734) owned 400 acres of land, which laid both sides South Fork, Mayo River, this land having been deeded to him by his father, Ralph Shelton (5), on March 13, 1784. The record shows that James sold this land on April 25, 1791. Traditionally, the head of the James Shelton family of Buncombe County, North Carolina had 13 sons. Mrs. Catherine Shelton Moser, born 1854, stated in 1940: “James Shelton, brother of Ralph who married Mary Crispin was married to Jincie (last name unknown), may have been my ancestor. He was born Middlesex County, Virginia in 1726. (Note: The Ralph Shelton who married Mary Crispin was Ralph (4), born 1685, father of this James and Ralph(5), the latter who married Mary Daniel), James and Jincie had sons; Thomas, James, Joseph, Mark, Anderson, Frederick, Jarrett or Garrett, Porter, George, William and David, the 13th not remembered, something like Rawleigh. David was founder of the 'Shelton Laurel Branch' of the family in the North Carolina Mountains...."This writer believes that Mrs. Moser has her data confused. My re­search shows that the James Shelton she names as being born in 1726 was a son of Ralph (4) born l685, and Mary Crispin Shelton, an uncle of the James born 1734. The James Shelton born 1726, in his will dated May 14, 1784, named wife Philiaplnea and 5 children — Nathan, James, Molly, Nancy and Sally. Mormon church records show this Nancy and Sally as being in the will of James Shelton 14, 1784, likely two of the daughters above. There is evidence that this James had wed previously, that wife supposedly named Jane (or Jincie). I have no certain record of children by her, it appears to me that the 13 sons of James Shelton listed by Mrs. Moser above included sons of the James born 1734, some of his brother John (6) born about 1732 and other cousins somewhat removed, of those named by Mrs. Moser, two were unquestionably sons of the James born 1734. He had married Susannah Shelton in about 1751. David Shelton, son of James and Susannah Shelton, was born in Virginia about 1752. This is likely the David Shelton who came to Laurel Valley in Buncombe County, North Carolina with Roder­ick (7), the one who on December 10, 1801 granted to Roderick 100 acres on the left hand fork of Bald Mountain Creek, the deed being the so called "Cain River Deed". George Shelton, son of James and Susannah Shelton, was born in Virginia in about 1756. He was a cavalryman in the Revolution.Other likely sons of the James born 1734 and Susannah Shelton were Joseph, Mark and Anderson Shelton, Records in Patrick County, Virginia show James, born 1734, son of Ralph (5) and Mary Daniel Shelton, and wife Susannah residing there in 1794. An earlier record shows that James sold land April 25,1791 both sides Mayo River in Patrick County, this land of 400 acres had been deeded to James by his father, Ralph (5) on March 13,1784. It might be well to note again that Patrick Coun­ty was formed from Henry County in 1791. Records show that there was a third James Shelton in the area of Henry-Patrick County besides the James born l734 and the one born 1726. Ezekiah Shelton (Grover and Z. F. Shelton both show him as Hezekiah), son of Ralph (5) and Mary Daniel Shelton, was born in Essex County, Virginia about 1736. He is shown in deed record of Henry County, Virginia in 1791 and in Hawkins County, Tennessee in 1814. There is no certain record at hand of descendants; on April 13, 1791 he wit­nessed the marriage of Benjamin Going to Elizabeth Stevens in Patrick County, Virginia. The father of the bride was shown as Solomon Stevens, other witnesses were Rachael and Holden McGee. On page 276 of this book is given the lineage of one Ezekiel Shelton, nephew of this Ezekiah (Hezekiah) Shelton, son of Azariah Shelton. Ezekiel, son of Azariah and Sarah Holt Shelton, married Margaret Love at Dayton, Tennessee on April 17, 1828. Jeremiah Shelton, son of Ralph (5)and Mary Daniel Shelton, was born in Essex County, Virginia about 1740.He is on record as having bought land in Essex County, Virginia on September 1, 1781, which he sold on July 1, 1784. He wed Nancy about 1765. They owned land in Russell County, Virginia, which was sold in 1797. They then likely moved to Kentucky. Jeremiah and Nancy had among other children a son named Asher Shelton, born in Virginia in 1774. Asher moved to Todd County, Kentucky in about 1800 and married Mary Greene who had been born in Todd County in 1784. The names of the other children of Jeremiah and Nancy are not at hand. Their son Asher and wife Mary reportedly had 8 children:Azariah Shelton, son of Ralph (5) and Mary Daniel Shelton, born in Essex County, Virginia about 1745, wed Sarah Holt, native of Patrick County, Virginia, or rather the portion of Henry County Roger Shellton, son of Ralph(5) and Mary Daniel Shelton, was born in Essex County, Virginia about 1747. There is no record at hand of a wife or children.Katherine Shelton, daughter of Ralph(5) and Mary Daniel Shelton, born about 1742, married_ Rutherford. Sarah Shelton, daughter of Ralph(5) and Mary Daniel Shelton, born about 1743, married Robertson, possibly one of the sons of the Henry Robertson born 1720.Elizabeth Shelton, daughter of Ralph(5) and Mary Daniel Shelton, born about 1744, married Arnold, possibly Elisha Arnold, born about 1750, who was in the Revolution from Henry County, Virginia.Rina Shelton, daughter of Ralph(5) and Mary Daniel Shelton, born about 1745, who wed McGehe, possibly William McGehee, born about 1745, who was in Eliphaz Shelton's Company in the Battle of Guilford Courthouse on March 11, 178l. Susannah Shelton, daughter of Ralph(5) and Mary Daniel Shelton,born about 1746, wed _ Jones, possibly Dr. Benjamin Jones,born about 1735, who was in the Revolution from Henry County, Virginia. This was possibly the 2nd wife of Ralph(5).Ralph Shelton(5), following the death of his beloved Mary, wed the second time in about 1777. The name of this wife is not at hand. She is not named in the will which was proved in 1789. There is some likelihood, that Susannah Shelton, a legatee in the will who was named immediately following the names of his 14 children by his first wife may have been the wife instead of a daughter, though he made no he made no distinction. There were 4 children by his second wife: Aesop Shelton, son of Ralph Shelton(5) by his second wife, was born about 1779. No record at hand of wife or children. Abigail Shelton, daughter of Ralph Shelton(5) by his second wife, was born about 1781. No record at hand of wife or children. Mary Shelton, daughter of Ralph Shelton(5) by his second wife, was born about 1783. No record at hand of marriage or children. Liberty Shelton, daughter of Ralph Shelton (5) by his second wife, was born about 1785. There's no record at hand of marriage or children. Patrick County records in the office of County Court Clerk for 1791 show the following Sheltons: Eliphaz Shelton Azariah Shelton Susannah Shelton Palatiah Shelton Ezekiah Shelton Samuel SheltonRalph Shelton James Shelton These Sheltons, except for the last two listed, are evidently sons of Ralph Shelton(5). Samuel Shelton is son of James who was son of the Ralph across Dragon Swamp, it is not unlikely that Susannah is the widow of Ralph(5), the head of the family now with 4 small children, or she may have been the daughter named on the preceding page, having the responsibility for the 4 young siblings. Following are some miscellaneous records and other items of inter­est from Patrick County, Virginia noted by this writer in July, 1969.Commerative plaque on J. E. B. Stuart Highway (U.S.58) at east entrance to Patrick County: "Patrick County, area 485 square miles. Formed in 1790 from Henry County and named for Patrick Henry, who thus had two counties named for him. General J. E. B. Stuart was born in this county." On the opposite side of the same plaque — west entrance to Henry County — is the following: "Henry County, area 485 square miles. Formed in 1776 from Pittsylvania County and named for Patrick Henry. Henry lived in the county 1779-1784.Court was held June 13, 1791. Now we find in Deed Book 1, page 347 that on July 11, 1791 Captain Eliphas Shelton, who owned 590 acres on South Mayo River, signed a penalty bond agreement in which he offered to donate 20 acres to the Patrick County Court, sufficient for the new court house and jail, and providing 14 1-acre lots for the county seat town. The deed was signed October 19, 1791. On October 10, 1966, being the 175th anniversary of the founding of the county seat, was the first time the generous gift of the Revo­lutionary War here, namely Captain Eliphaz Shelton, had been suff­iciently recognized. (Here the article refers to Journal of the Roanoke Historical Society, Summer 1965, Volume 2, Number 1, pages 15-19, a treatise by one James H. Martin, Esq., entitled 'Founding of Patrick County’ for copy, the address is given as Box 1904, Roanoke, Virginia.)"Quoting further from The Enterprise "... Ralph Shelton, father of Captain Eliphaz Shelton, the forgotten hero of our tale, bought 4OO acres of land July 21, 1763 astride south Mayo River and set­tled there with his family. A few years later, May 6, 1771, Ralph Shelton purchased an additional 400 acres adjoining his former purchase..... then following his active service in the Revolu­tionary war, Captain Eliphaz Shelton applied for a grant of land, selecting two adjoining tracts of 400 and 190 acres, bordering his father’s land on both sides of South Mayo River in Henry, (now Patrick) County. ‘The official survey of this grant of land was made by John Dickenson, Henry County surveyor, Book 1, page 197, on file in clerk's office, as of November 25, 1782, Martinsville, Virginia. Following this survey Governor Benjamin Harrison on February 28, 1784 issued a grant of 590 acres of land to Eliphaz Shelton as surveyed in what was then Henry County. Following are marriage records from files of Patrick County, Vir­ginia courthouse of Shelton kin 1791 to 1821: 4-12 Eliphaz Shelton witnessed the marriage of Isaac Going to Nancy Lizby. Other witnesses: Mary Lizby (mother), Henry Lizby and William Moore.1-19-09 Olive Shelton married Samuel Nolen. Father: Eliphaz Shelton Witness: Fredrick Shelton. Following are deed records from the Pittsylvania County, Virginia Courthouse pertinent to Shelton history in the 1700’s Date Grantor Grantee 8-26-68 Palatiah Shelton, Mary (wf) 6-23-69 Abraham Shelton Our Sovereign Lord the King 6-23-69 Abraham Shelton “ “ “ “ “ 3-24-70 Abraham Shelton “ “ “ “ “ 11-29-70 Palatiah Shelton, Mary (wf) Samuel Crawley 11-29-70 Palatiah Shelton, Mary (wf) Richard White 9-24-72 James Shelton James Hix 9-24-72 James Shelton James Hix 5-27-73 Gabriel Shelton, Elizabeth(wf) Crispin Shelton 6-26-77 Gabriel Shelton, Elizabeth(wf) John Clever 1-22-78 Gabriel Shelton, Elizabeth(wf) James Parham 1-22-78 Gabriel Shelton, Elizabeth(wf) Abraham Shelton 1-22-78 Gabriel Shelton, Elizabeth(wf) William Pace 3-21-78 Abraham Shelton Commonwealth of Virginia 5-26-78 Daniel Shelton, Lettice(wf) Richard Todd 11-26-78 Gabriel Shelton, Elizabeth(wf) Ambrose Buford 11-26-78 Crispen Shelton Spencer Shelton 11-26-78 Crispen Shelton Armistead Shelton 11-26-78 Gabriel Shelton, Elizabeth(wf) Crispen Shelton Date Grantor Grantee 6-15-79 Crispen Shelton, Lettice (wf) John Parks 10-19-79 Abraham Shelton Jeremiah Ward 11-16-79 Mark Shelton and Wife William Hardy 4-14-79 Daniel Shelton Justices of Pittsylvania Co. 8-15-80 Crispen Shelton “ “ “ “ 8-15-80 Crispen Shelton “ “ “ “ 8-19-80 Crispen Shelton Governor of Virginia 8-19-80 Crispen Shelton 11-21-80 Crispen and Daniel Shelton Thomas Jefferson, Governor 12-19-80 Gabriel and Crispen Shelton Treasurer of the Commonwealth 11-20-81 Abraham Shelton Justices of Pittsylvania Co, 3-19-82 Spencer Shelton, Clary M.(wf) Vincent Shelton 3-19-82 Benjamin Shelton Joel Shelton 5-16-86 Beverly and Crispen Shelton Jasquelin Ambler 1-15-87 Spencer Shelton Elkhannah Adams 1-15-87 Abraham Shelton William Shelton 1-15-87 Abraham Shelton William Clark 6-18-87 Abraham Shelton Vincent Shelton 7-16-87 Benjamin Shelton, Sr. Leonard Shelton 7-16-87 Benjamin Shelton, Sr. Vincent Shelton 5-18-89 Crispen Shelton James Hinton 3-15-90 Crispen Jr,and Benjamin Shelton Justices of Pittsylvania Co. 3-15-90 Crispen Jr,and Benjamin Shelton “ “ “ 5-17-91 Vincent Shelton Jacquelin Ambler 5-17-91 Vincent Shelton Gideon Roach 10-17-91 Crispen Jr,Abraham,William Shelton Humphrey Richards 12-19-91 Crispen Shelton Daniel Coleman Date Grantor Grantee 6-19-97 Vincent Shelton John Shelton 7-17-97 Benjamin Shelton, Nancy (wf) Joshua stone Date Husband Wife Witnesses 5-12-00 John Shelton Sarah McLaughlin Charles and Sarah McLaughlin 3-17-00 Charles Shelton Elizabeth Flippin Joseph Flippin 7-21-00 David Shelton Rhoda Hurt Benjamin and Elizabeth Shelton, md Thomas Payne RALPH SHELTON, SR. OF HENRY COUNTY, VA Ralph Shelton, son of Ralph Shelton and his wife, Mary (surname unknown, believed by some to be Crispin) was born in Middlesex County, VA on 23 October 1709. He married 1st Mary Daniel on 10 June 1731. Both events are recorded in the Christ Church Parish Register, Middlesex Co, VA. He lived in Essex, Amelia, and Lunenburg Counties, VA. By 1776 he was living in Henry Co, VA when he bought 119 ½ acres of land from John Sims then in 1777 with wife, Susannah, sold it to Robert Baker (the sale deed says Ralph Shelton, Jr. though the purchase deed says Ralph Shelton). 23 April 1787, when the will was proved 30 March 1789 he had another wife, Elizabeth (maiden name unknown), who survived him. ESTATE SETTLEMENT RECORDS (Henry and Patrick Cos, VA)The LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of RALPH SHELTON SR was written 23 April 1787 and proved 30 March 1789. It is recorded in HENRY COUNTY, VA WILL BOOK I: pg 171. See the complete transcript of this will. Securities for the Executor Eliphaz Shelton are Stephen Lyon and John Parr Jr.HENRY COUNTY, VA, WILL BOOK I: pg 174. Inventory and Appraisement of Estate of RALPH SHELTON. 30 May 1789, Returned 29 June 1789 by William Carter, George Carter. Money scales, a still, furniture, livestock. T:51.10.6,HENRY COUNTY, VA, WILL BOOK I: pgs 217-219. Account estate RALPH SHELTON with Eliphaz Shelton, exor. Purchases for estate.. cash from William Hooker. Pd Clerk of Pittsylvania Co; John Redd, Col. Hughes, Samuel Annett, M. Lawson, boarding widow and 5 children for l year; corn for widow and 3 children for 1 year; same for widow and 4 children 5 mos; 9 mos for board of 2 chldren..pd Capt. Willliam Carter.We have settled the account current of the estate of Ralph Shelton. signed: James Lyon, Edward Tatum, William Carter.HENRY COUNTY, VA WILL BOOK II: pgs 226-228. Account RALPH SHELTON 24 Nov 1814. Ret Aug Ct 1815In acct with Eliphaz Shelton.July 23, 1789, Bond 9 yrs interest; tax 1785-1789; pd Pittsylvania Co. tax, John Redd; Tax for 1786; Pd Clerks Ticket for citing the decedant levy free; Coffin and winding sheet; Col. Hughes; Moorman Lauson (Lawson?); Bread corn for widow and 3 children one year; Same for Widow and 4 children 3 months; 9 months board for 2 children Capt. William Carter; John Henderson; Alexander Askin in Amalia County; board and schooling for one boy a legatee 5 years 6 months; James Shelton; John Davis; James Harrison; Winding sheet for Mrs. Shelton; Interest on the 10 pounds pd James Harrison 1764 to 1789, 25 years. Received money from sales and from rent of the plantation from 1790-1794+ + + + +HENRY COUNTY, VA, GENERAL INDEX TO ENDED LAW AND CHANCERY, COUNTY COURT FROM 1777 TO 1904. (SHELTON PORTION). From the microfilm at Family History Library, Salt Lake City, UT)1789 Book 5 Page 25. Ralph Shelton, Estate: State appraisors appointed, Last Will & Testament.1789 Book 5 Page 47. Esup Shelton, Bound out according to law, orphan of Ralph Shelton1789 Book 5 Page 47. Ralph Shelton, Est. Inventory of his estate returned to be recorded.1789 Book 5 Page 51. Elizabeth Shelton. Relinquished her claim on the estate of her husband.1790 Book 5 Page 152. Elizabeth Shelton Ptf. Ezekiah Shelton Def. Power of Attorney proved and o. r. (o. r. =ordered recorded)1791 Book 5 Page 161. Abigal, Mary & Liberty. Ordered that the overseer of the poor bind them out according to law. Orphan of Ralph Shelton.1791 Book 5 Page 162. Elizabeth Shelton, Ptf. Eliphaz Shelton, Def. Their award to be the judgment of the court.1791 Book 5 Page 176. Hezekiah Shelton, Ptf., Ralph Shelton, decd., Def. Award returned.1791 Book 5 Page 227. Eliphaz Shelton. Ordered that he appear at next court to render an acct. current of the est. of Ralph Shelton decd, which is in his hands.1791 Book 5 Page 236. Ralph Shelton sr., decd. Appraisors to his estate Appointed.1791 Book 5 Page 245. Men appointed to lay off the third part of his estate for the benefit of Eliz. Shelton, widow of Ralph.1792 Book 6 Page 4. An account current of said Shelton estate returned.1792 Book 6 Page 5. Ralph Shelton, decd. Men appointed to resettle the account current of said Shelton. Make report to court.1814 Book 10 Page 198. Ralph Shelton est. Commissioners appointed to settle the account current of his estate.+ + + + +ABSTRACTS OF ORDER BOOK 'O', PATRICK COUNTY, VA; JUNE 1791-AUGUST 1800>From a book compiled by Lela C. Adams, Sherwood Forest, Basset, VA 24055Order Book "O", Page 11, Court, September 1792. On a motion of Stephen Lyon judgment is granted him against John Smith for the administration of a judgment obtained by Eliphaz Shelton, executor of Ralph Shelton as security for said Smith. Order Book "O", Page 32, Court, Tuesday, 14 May 1793 (Pg 13, printed book)Samuel Staples against Eliphaz Shelton as Guardian for Esop Shelton, Abigail Shelton, Liberty Shelton, and Mary Shelton. Abram Penn attorney for Ralph Shelton Jr, Palatiah Shelton, Jeremiah Shelton, William McGehee and Julius Robertson also Dudley Rutherford, William Arnold, William Jones, Roger Shelton, Azariah Shelton, Ezekiah Shelton, James Shelton. heirs of Ralph Shelton, dec'd. defendants. - The defendants Dudley Rutherford, William Jones, and William Arnold not having given security and not inhabitants of this county. The defendants are to appear the 2nd Monday of August and answer complaint. Copy to be inserted in the Virginia Gazette for two months.Order Book "O", Page 41, Court Wednesday 14 August 1793. Eliphaz Shelton appointed guardian for Esop Shelton, Abigail Shelton, Mary Shelton, Liberty Shelton infants and heirs of Ralph Shelton dec'd to answer a Bill in Chancery exhibited against James Shelton. Order Book "O", Page 81, Court l October 1794. Samuel Staples vs Eliphaz Shelton guardian for Easop Shelton, Abigail Shelton, Liberty Shelton, Mary Shelton and also Abraham Penn attorney in fact for Ralph Shelton, Palitiah Shelton, Jeremiah Shelton, William McGehe, Julious Roberson, Dudley Rutherford, William Jones, William Arnold, Roger Shelton, Azariah Shelton, Ezekiah Shelton, and James Shelton heirs of Ralph Shelton, dec'd Defendants. The Defendants not having appeared it is ordered that George Carter, Edward Tatum, Nathaniel Smith, William Smith Jr and David Hanby are appointed Commissioners to lay off and divide the land named in the Complaint.Order Book "O", Page 83, (No date change entered between the item above and the one following - date apparently l October 1794?) James Shelton and wife against Easop Shelton, Abigail Shelton, Liberty Shelton, Mary Shelton, Ralph Shelton, Palitiah Shelton Jeremiah Shelton, William McGehe, Julious Roberson, Dudley Rutherford, William Arnold, William Jones, Roger Shelton, Azariah Shelton, Ezekiah Shelton, Eliphaz Shelton, heirs of Ralph Shelton dec'd Defendants. The Defendants waving all errors and not gain saying the claim of Complainants. It is ordered that the land according to the Poayer of said Bill be decreed to them. Order Book "O", Page 83, Saturday l November 1794. James Shelton and wife Susannah to Samuel Staples, a Deed.(Same date and page) William Carter, Jonathan Hanby, Edward Tatum and James Taylor or any 3 appointed to lay off and allot the widow and relict of Ralph Shelton dec'd of the residue of land of which Ralph Shelton died seized of after deducting J. Shelton and wifes claim.Order Book "O", Page 93, Court, Thursday 27 March 1795. Deed - James Shelton and wife Susannah to Samuel Staples.+ + + + +PATRICK COUNTY, VA DEED BOOK 1, 1791-1801. Published by TLC GENEALOGY, P. O. Box 403369, Miami Beach, FL 403369Deed Book Page 270. Nov 1, 1794 From James Shelton & wife of Patrick County, VA to Samuel Staples of Patrick County, Va, for 20 pounds, about 90 acres in Patrick County on South Mayo River, it being a part of the land Ralph Shelton died seized of, and bounded by the lower line where it crosses the Mayo River, then with the meanders of the River to the mouth of Moody branch, thence to sd Ralph Shelton's old line, then along that to the Dwelling House of sd James Shelton, to the beginning, it being the same land that was yesterday decreed by the Patrick Court to sd James Shelton & wife. The land is warranted against me, my heirs, my wife Susannah, and her heirs. Signed - James (S his mark) Shelton, Susannah (I her mark) Shelton. Wit - Wm. Adams, John (X his mark) Clark, Peter (/ his mark) Shelton. Recorded Mar 27 1795. Susannah Shelton, wife of Ralph Shelton Susannah Shelton was not the wife of Ralph Shelton who was married to Mary Daniel. Ralph, widower of Mary Daniel, did marry a second time as his widow was a woman named "Elizabeth"; however, no record of this marriage has been found, to date. There is a deed in Henry County, Virginia, which prove Susannah was the wife of Ralph Shelton, III, who was the son of Ralph Shelton,II, and Mary Daniel. Ralph Shelton who married Mary Daniel was literate, proven by the fact that he signed his name to his will on file in Henry County, VA, as well as on several deeds where he sold land, in his move from Essex County, VA, to Henry County, VA. Ralph Shelton, III, was not literate and signed his name by mark, using a very distinctive mark. Also, in the records of Pittsylvania County and Henry County, VA, Ralph Shelton who married Mary Daniel is referred to as "Ralph Shelton, Sr." and his son, Ralph Shelton, III, who married Susannah is referred to as "Ralph Shelton, Jr.". One has to remember that in these two Counties on the Virginia frontier of that time, no one knew Ralph Shelton,I, who had died in 1733 and it was logical to refer to Ralph Shelton who married Mary Daniel as "Ralph Shelton,Sr." and his son, Ralph Shelton, III, as "Ralph Shelton, Jr.". By the way, this Ralph Shelton, III, died in Knox County, Tennessee, about 1816. This is the deed which proves Susannah married Ralph Shelton, III: Sept, 1777 Henry County, VA., Deed Book 1, page 70. From Ralph Shelton to Robert Baker, a deed which gave rise to the confusion that Ralph Shelton, Sr., was married to a woman named Susannah. This deed is signed by mark, being a capital "R". There is no question this deed is from the Henry County Ralph Shelton, Jr. and not his father, the Henry County Ralph Shelton, Sr., who signed his own name. Later Tennessee records of this Ralph Shelton are signed with the same "R" mark. I knew and worked with Margaret Alford, whose death several years ago was a great lost to Shelton genealogy. We worked together on the question Susannah and together determined Susannh was not the wife of Ralph, II, but was the wife of his son, Ralph, III. RALPH SHELTON, SR. OF HENRY COUNTY, VA Ralph Shelton, son of Ralph Shelton and his wife, Mary (surname unknown, believed by some to be Crispin) was born in Middlesex County, VA on 23 October 1709. He married 1st Mary Daniel on 10 June 1731. Both events are recorded in the Christ Church Parish Register, Middlesex Co, VA. He lived in Essex, Amelia, and Lunenburg Counties, VA. By 1776 he was living in Henry Co, VA when he bought 119 ½ acres of land from John Sims then in 1777 with wife, Susannah, sold it to Robert Baker (the sale deed says Ralph Shelton, Jr. though the purchase deed says Ralph Shelton). 23 April 1787, when the will was proved 30 March 1789 he had another wife, Elizabeth (maiden name unknown), who survived him. ESTATE SETTLEMENT RECORDS (Henry and Patrick Cos, VA) The LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of RALPH SHELTON SR was written 23 April 1787 and proved 30 March 1789. It is recorded in HENRY COUNTY, VA WILL BOOK I: pg 171. See the complete transcript of this will. Securities for the Executor Eliphaz Shelton are Stephen Lyon and John Parr Jr. HENRY COUNTY, VA, WILL BOOK I: pg 174. Inventory and Appraisement of Estate of RALPH SHELTON. 30 May 1789, Returned 29 June 1789 by William Carter, George Carter. Money scales, a still, furniture, livestock. T:51.10.6, HENRY COUNTY, VA, WILL BOOK I: pgs 217-219. Account estate RALPH SHELTON with Eliphaz Shelton, exor. Purchases for estate.. cash from William Hooker. Pd Clerk of Pittsylvania Co; John Redd, Col. Hughes, Samuel Annett, M. Lawson, boarding widow and 5 children for l year; corn for widow and 3 children for 1 year; same for widow and 4 children 5 mos; 9 mos for board of 2 chldren..pd Capt. Willliam Carter. We have settled the account current of the estate of Ralph Shelton. signed: James Lyon, Edward Tatum, William Carter. HENRY COUNTY, VA WILL BOOK II: pgs 226-228. Account RALPH SHELTON 24 Nov 1814. Ret Aug Ct 1815 In acct with Eliphaz Shelton. July 23, 1789, Bond 9 yrs interest; tax 1785-1789; pd Pittsylvania Co. tax, John Redd; Tax for 1786; Pd Clerks Ticket for citing the decedant levy free; Coffin and winding sheet; Col. Hughes; Moorman Lauson (Lawson?); Bread corn for widow and 3 children one year; Same for Widow and 4 children 3 months; 9 months board for 2 children Capt. William Carter; John Henderson; Alexander Askin in Amalia County; board and schooling for one boy a legatee 5 years 6 months; James Shelton; John Davis; James Harrison; Winding sheet for Mrs. Shelton; Interest on the 10 pounds pd James Harrison 1764 to 1789, 25 years. Received money from sales and from rent of the plantation from 1790-1794 + + + + + HENRY COUNTY, VA, GENERAL INDEX TO ENDED LAW AND CHANCERY, COUNTY COURT FROM 1777 TO 1904. (SHELTON PORTION). From the microfilm at Family History Library, Salt Lake City, UT) 1789 Book 5 Page 25. Ralph Shelton, Estate: State appraisors appointed, Last Will & Testament. 1789 Book 5 Page 47. Esup Shelton, Bound out according to law, orphan of Ralph Shelton 1789 Book 5 Page 47. Ralph Shelton, Est. Inventory of his estate returned to be recorded. 1789 Book 5 Page 51. Elizabeth Shelton. Relinquished her claim on the estate of her husband. 1790 Book 5 Page 152. Elizabeth Shelton Ptf. Ezekiah Shelton Def. Power of Attorney proved and o. r. (o. r. =ordered recorded) 1791 Book 5 Page 161. Abigal, Mary & Liberty. Ordered that the overseer of the poor bind them out according to law. Orphan of Ralph Shelton. 1791 Book 5 Page 162. Elizabeth Shelton, Ptf. Eliphaz Shelton, Def. Their award to be the judgment of the court. 1791 Book 5 Page 176. Hezekiah Shelton, Ptf., Ralph Shelton, decd., Def. Award returned. 1791 Book 5 Page 227. Eliphaz Shelton. Ordered that he appear at next court to render an acct. current of the est. of Ralph Shelton decd, which is in his hands. 1791 Book 5 Page 236. Ralph Shelton sr., decd. Appraisors to his estate Appointed. 1791 Book 5 Page 245. Men appointed to lay off the third part of his estate for the benefit of Eliz. Shelton, widow of Ralph. 1792 Book 6 Page 4. An account current of said Shelton estate returned. 1792 Book 6 Page 5. Ralph Shelton, decd. Men appointed to resettle the account current of said Shelton. Make report to court. 1814 Book 10 Page 198. Ralph Shelton est. Commissioners appointed to settle the account current of his estate. ABSTRACTS OF ORDER BOOK 'O', PATRICK COUNTY, VA; JUNE 1791-AUGUST 1800 >From a book compiled by Lela C. Adams, Sherwood Forest, Basset, VA 24055 Order Book "O", Page 11, Court, September 1792. On a motion of Stephen Lyon judgment is granted him against John Smith for the administration of a judgment obtained by Eliphaz Shelton, executor of Ralph Shelton as security for said Smith. Order Book "O", Page 32, Court, Tuesday, 14 May 1793 (Pg 13, printed book) Samuel Staples against Eliphaz Shelton as Guardian for Esop Shelton, Abigail Shelton, Liberty Shelton, and Mary Shelton. Abram Penn attorney for Ralph Shelton Jr, Palatiah Shelton, Jeremiah Shelton, William McGehee and Julius Robertson also Dudley Rutherford, William Arnold, William Jones, Roger Shelton, Azariah Shelton, Ezekiah Shelton, James Shelton. heirs of Ralph Shelton, dec'd. defendants. - The defendants Dudley Rutherford, William Jones, and William Arnold not having given security and not inhabitants of this county. The defendants are to appear the 2nd Monday of August and answer complaint. Copy to be inserted in the Virginia Gazette for two months. Order Book "O", Page 41, Court Wednesday 14 August 1793. Eliphaz Shelton appointed guardian for Esop Shelton, Abigail Shelton, Mary Shelton, Liberty Shelton infants and heirs of Ralph Shelton dec'd to answer a Bill in Chancery exhibited against James Shelton. Order Book "O", Page 81, Court l October 1794. Samuel Staples vs Eliphaz Shelton guardian for Easop Shelton, Abigail Shelton, Liberty Shelton, Mary Shelton and also Abraham Penn attorney in fact for Ralph Shelton, Palitiah Shelton, Jeremiah Shelton, William McGehe, Julious Roberson, Dudley Rutherford, William Jones, William Arnold, Roger Shelton, Azariah Shelton, Ezekiah Shelton, and James Shelton heirs of Ralph Shelton, dec'd Defendants. The Defendants not having appeared it is ordered that George Carter, Edward Tatum, Nathaniel Smith, William Smith Jr and David Hanby are appointed Commissioners to lay off and divide the land named in the Complaint. Order Book "O", Page 83, (No date change entered between the item above and the one following - date apparently l October 1794?) James Shelton and wife against Easop Shelton, Abigail Shelton, Liberty Shelton, Mary Shelton, Ralph Shelton, Palitiah Shelton Jeremiah Shelton, William McGehe, Julious Roberson, Dudley Rutherford, William Arnold, William Jones, Roger Shelton, Azariah Shelton, Ezekiah Shelton, Eliphaz Shelton, heirs of Ralph Shelton dec'd Defendants. The Defendants waving all errors and not gain saying the claim of Complainants. It is ordered that the land according to the Poayer of said Bill be decreed to them. Order Book "O", Page 83, Saturday l November 1794. James Shelton and wife Susannah to Samuel Staples, a Deed. (Same date and page) William Carter, Jonathan Hanby, Edward Tatum and James Taylor or any 3 appointed to lay off and allot the widow and relict of Ralph Shelton dec'd of the residue of land of which Ralph Shelton died seized of after deducting J. Shelton and wifes claim. Order Book "O", Page 93, Court, Thursday 27 March 1795. Deed - James Shelton and wife Susannah to Samuel Staples. PATRICK COUNTY, VA DEED BOOK 1, 1791-1801. Published by TLC GENEALOGY, P. O. Box 403369, Miami Beach, FL 403369 Deed Book Page 270. Nov 1, 1794 From James Shelton & wife of Patrick County, VA to Samuel Staples of Patrick County, Va, for 20 pounds, about 90 acres in Patrick County on South Mayo River, it being a part of the land Ralph Shelton died seized of, and bounded by the lower line where it crosses the Mayo River, then with the meanders of the River to the mouth of Moody branch, thence to sd Ralph Shelton's old line, then along that to the Dwelling House of sd James Shelton, to the beginning, it being the same land that was yesterday decreed by the Patrick Court to sd James Shelton & wife. The land is warranted against me, my heirs, my wife Susannah, and her heirs. Signed - James (S his mark) Shelton, Susannah (I her mark) Shelton. Wit - Wm. Adams, John (X his mark) Clark, Peter (/ his mark) Shelton. Recorded Mar 27 1795. Susannah Shelton was not the wife of Ralph Shelton who was married to Mary Daniel. Ralph, widower of Mary Daniel, did marry a second time as his widow was a woman named "Elizabeth"; however, no record of this marriage has been found, to date. There is a deed in Henry County, Virginia, which prove Susannah was the wife of Ralph Shelton, III, who was the son of Ralph Shelton,II, and Mary Daniel. Ralph Shelton who married Mary Daniel was literate, proven by the fact that he signed his name to his will on file in Henry County, VA, as well as on several deeds where he sold land, in his move from Essex County, VA, to Henry County, VA. Ralph Shelton, III, was not literate and signed his name by mark, using a very distinctive mark. Also, in the records of Pittsylvania County and Henry County, VA, Ralph Shelton who married Mary Daniel is referred to as "Ralph Shelton, Sr." and his son, Ralph Shelton, III, who married Susannah is referred to as "Ralph Shelton, Jr.". One has to remember that in these two Counties on the Virginia frontier of that time, no one knew Ralph Shelton,I, who had died in 1733 and it was logical to refer to Ralph Shelton who married Mary Daniel as "Ralph Shelton,Sr." and his son, Ralph Shelton, III, as "Ralph Shelton, Jr.". By the way, this Ralph Shelton, III, died in Knox County, Tennessee, about 1816. This is the deed which proves Susannah married Ralph Shelton, III: Sept, 1777 Henry County, VA., Deed Book 1, page 70. From Ralph Shelton to Robert Baker, a deed which gave rise to the confusion that Ralph Shelton, Sr., was married to a woman named Susannah. This deed is signed by mark, being a capital "R". There is no question this deed is from the Henry County Ralph Shelton, Jr. and not his father, the Henry County Ralph Shelton, Sr., who signed his own name. Later Tennessee records of this Ralph Shelton are signed with the same "R" mark. I knew and worked with Margaret Alford, whose death several years ago was a great lost to Shelton genealogy. We worked together on the question Susannah and together determined Susannh was not the wife of Ralph, II, but was the wife of his son, Ralph, III.

  
  

• Sources

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