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THE FIRST HENRY SHACKELFORD
Please understand, this is an outline, not a finished Paper. Arthur Reece




Preface....I am placing this on the Web now, even though I have not finished with the editing. I did not make a special effort to put in Exact dates, because of the time involved. When we get to the book, and /or I complete some things that I feel must be done now, I will fill in the blanks. We are preparing now for our trip to Virginia... As I mentioned elsewhere, my energy level is low, and I feel a sense of urgency, (I don't want to leave the impression that I have serious health problems, that are driving me to get this out now.) Would be glad to hear from any of you, but will probably be slow in answering E mails. This is an overview, used for the purpose of background, or base for all of us, to work on. I put this in "capsule form where I can move them around later........just a simple narrative.........Good Lord willing and the "creek don't rise" I will put this paper in "apple Pie Order", with dates etc SOMETIMES in the days ahead.

Since I have exchanged E mails with at least 35-40 of the Henry Shackleford descendents, interested in this data I will use a less Formal Style , than one would expect in this type of paper....... we are all Cousin's................
One other note..... My intention in the beginning was to follow '"THE FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD," with an Evalution of the book "THE SHACKLEFORD FAMILY" by ( RBS,) Robert Baylor Shackelford, drawing a comparison between his statements in the book and the Genealogy Column written by MINOR WINN GIBSON..........I want to express my view point vs RBS, but don't want to offend those who are very sensitive to this criticism....For those that have all of their data 'geared' to RBS Shackleford genealogy beliefs , it might place them in a position of wanting to "defend" RBS Philosophy, .... LOL,,,,, and I don't know if I can 'couch' this in language that would portray my feelings, and not be overly offensive. Incidentally, I realize that most will ignore my viewpoint, ie...as to John Shackleford King and Queen County, Virginia 1649 immigrant,....... as is Roger Shackleford Gloucester County, Virginia 1658 immigrant...............but I can live with that.....If you get to the end of this , and can't find the RBS data, you will know that I am still working on the presentation.

A narrative based on judicious reasoning, family legend and documentary evidence. We will make every effort to insure that each point is identified with one of the parameters listed above. Obviously(maybe not so obvious), this is not the last word on the Subject of The FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD , We will insure that opinion's based on supposition will not be confused with Family history, Bibles, etc and/or documentary evidence.

I first heard and read the name Henry Shackleford about 1933. I was 8 years old.., A great uncle, Eugene K Freeze from Commerce, in Hunt County Texas visited with my family in Dallas. In 1935 Eugene Freeze returned for a second visit, along with his brother Jacob, and a half brother Tom Bishop. On this visit there were two women, one named Tince, and the other was Lovie. I think that one of these women was actually named Grace Moreland? We were also related to these women in some way or another, but I'm not sure how, possibly they were related to John Fanning Youngblood. (My Mother, Dora Lea Ferguson Reece may have mentioned that She thought they were [?] descendants of John Fanning Youngblood.).....................................................
.........................A grandfather of Barbara Annie Fry Hurley Ferguson,He died at 105 yrs of age in Hopkins County Texas.

Barbara Annie Fry Hurley Ferguson was my grandmother, born February 6, 1884 In Winnsboro, Wood County Texas. (SHE WAS CALLED NANNIE BY ALL YOUNG PEOPLE, GRANDKIDS ETC.) She helped raise me with the help of my Mother , Dora Lea (Ferguson) Reece, who worked at a full time job in the Publishing Business. Farm and Ranch Publishing, and Hollands Magazine.

Eugene Freeze, was a son of Jesse and Barbara Fry Ely Bishop Freeze,(very important to note that Barbara Fry Ely was married first to George Washington Bishop) a grandson of Thomas and Isabel Shackleford Ely and great grandson of Henry Jr, and Mary (Polly) Shields Shackleford. During this early period of the 1930-40's, and in many years to follow the reference's to Henry Shackleford were directed towards the Henry Shackleford Sr[3] that was married to Mary (Polly) unknown (Berry) ......(I cannot document the Berry surname for Henry Sr's wife, but there is a good bit of evidence that points in that direction)

............... and also to his Son, Henry Shackleford Jr.[4], that married Mary Polly Shields.(He married second to Nancy Crump c. 1801)

This Henry Sr. died in Henry County Virginia in 1805, and his son Henry Shackleford Jr. born King William County in 1764 died in Harlan County Kentucky in 1842. Henry Shackleford Jr. was married first to Mary (Polly) Shields, in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, 1784, and later to Nancy Crump in Harlan County Kentucky c.1801 Family legend leads us to think that this Henry Sr's father's name, was also Henry Shackleford.

I first wrote about "Henry Shackleford" in the 5th or 6th grade when assigned to write a paper on Family History. Actually, I had been "well grounded" in family history at an early age by my Grandmother, Barbara Annie Fry (Hurley) Ferguson, she was "Nannie" to all grandchildren...(LOL, my children and grandchildren, neices and nephews et cetera... will read
this, and use of the word Nannie, is directed toward them.)

BARBARA ANNIE FRY (HURLEY) FERGUSON WAS MY MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER. WE WILL USE HER AS A FOCAL POINT, OR COMMON REFERENCE POINT WHEN DISCUSSING OTHER'S. WE WILL NOTE THEIR RELATION TO HER... SHE WAS BORN IN WINNSBORO, WOOD COUNTY TEXAS FEB 6 1884, AND DIED DECEMBER 27 1965 IN DALLAS TEXAS. FOLLOWING IS HER SIMPLIFIED PEDIGREE CHART, BUT LITTLE DETAIL, SINCE THE PURPOSE OF THE NARRATIVE IT TO BRING THE FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD INTO THE PRESENT.

1Roger Shackelford ?
+Mary Palmer
2 Henry Shackleford SR [1]
+Frances Gatewood ?
3Henry Shackleford JR [2]
+Unknown
4Henry Shackleford(sr) [3]
+Mary(Polly) Berry(can't document Berry)
5Henry Shackleford (Jr) [4] Henry's second wife was Nancy Crump
+Mary (Polly) Shields
6 Isabel Shackleford
+Thomas Ely
7 Barbara Fry Ely Bishop ( First Husband George Washington Bishop)
+Jesse Freeze
8Adeline Freeze
+George Hurley
9Barbara Annie Fry Hurley
+ Louis Benjamin Ferguson


Prior to that visit by Uncle Eugene Freeze, I don't remember the Shackleford name. For those of you with both Shackleford and Ely ancestors My grandmother's name will be familiar, since she was named for her grandmother Barbara Fry Ely(Bishop) Freeze,b. 1827, Lee County, Virginia a daughter of Thomas Ely b. 1784 Montgomery County Virginia, and Isabel (Shackleford) Ely b. Dec 1784, a daughter of Henry Jr, and Mary( Polly) (Shields) Shackleford. Isabel was born in Pittsylvania County Virginia December 1784. Barbara Annie Fry Hurley Ferguson was also named for her great, great grandmother Barbara Jane Fry daughter of George Sr. And Margaret Scott Fry. Barbara Jane Fry married John Ely, a son of Thomas and Jane Elizabeth Smith Ely. The Annie part of her name comes from Her Hurley Grandmother, Annie Youngblood Hurley.

I have a book on the 'drawing board', but I continue to do "raw genealogical research", and I'm optimistic that there is data out there that will add to this base. I would rather wait for more data prior to starting the book, than to go back and make corrections. It might well be 3-4 years before the book is completed.
I use this narrative as a vehicle to share data with others, so they might use this now, as opposed to waiting for the book. I consider my part of this copyrighted material, but for those writing family histories, not for commercial sale, I give permission to use and enjoy this material... ......the caveat being....."please, do not separate this data from the name of the Author." This is not a matter of ego, but rather designed, to protect my interest,until the day comes when I am ready to publish, (when I'm too old to run up and down the back roads in Virginia).
If you want to use this data for commercial publication, I have no objection, but please E mail ......ljwreece@yahoo.com and I will grant permission, .....once I have your email on file. It is important from my standpoint, that I won't be put in the position of having to ask permisson from another publisher to use my data.


I began serious genealogical research about 1980. This was, for the most part, on site study in 'Tidewater' Virginia, the State Archives and Library in Richmond Virginia and in surrounding States. At least 50-60% of the Shackleford Research I have done in the past fifteen years, has been directed towards this FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD, and his descendent's.

The First HENRY was born sometime prior to, or by 1683. It is entirely possible that He could have been born much earlier,,,ie c. 1670 +- We have been unable to find any documentation prior to 1704.
During this search for the FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD, and his descendants I visited the Libraries and/or Courthouses in the following Virginia Counties... ; Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King William, Hanover, Middlesex, New Kent, Richmond, Henrico, Caroline, Spotsylvania, Orange, Culpeper, Pittsylvania, Henry, and Lee and I also made five trips to the Virginia State Archives, and Library in Richmond Virginia. I also visited the Library in Caswell County, NC. and Harlan County and others in KY.
Also visited other Libraries in search of other ancestors, but always checked for this particular Henry Shackleford or this particular line of Shacklefords.

Authors Notes. Many of the Counties in Tidewater Virginia, have had early Records destroyed. In some cases there are no county records prior to 1865...... Many were destroyed during the Revolutionary War and , the Civil War, most often by fire, sometimes careless handling, mutilation etc. This loss of documents is a serious obstacle in KING AND QUEEN, KING WILLIAM (Has fragments of some record which I have been through,) AND CAROLINE County ,records are all destroyed EXCEPT the Order Book. The County records are absolutely essential in documenting our HENRY SHACKLEFORD, his ancestors and descendants. Essex County Records are in reasonably good shape which allowed us access to the FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD, and helps to explain why we have many more records of the FIRST HENRY, than on his son Henry Shackleford JR, b. c 1702 in Essex County, but then moved to Caroline.

Is Henry Shackelford a son of Roger or John Shackleford, one of the immigrants??
I don't know!!!, ...............and for those who are startled by the mention of John Shackelford, (King and Queen County Virginia 1649), I intend to express my view point later in this narrative.
In my study of Internet document's etc....... concerning the First Henry Shackleford, and his ancestors no more that twenty five percent(25%) list this particular Henry Shackelford as a descendent of Roger Shackelford, Gloucester County Virginia 1658.. ........................WHY?????? .......................

.I think I know at least part of the answer;
By and large most folks, apart from Family legend, and /or in-family documentation, including Family Bibles, letters,etc..... received their Shackelford genealogical Data or information [First , Second, 3rd, or 4th, hand .............from Robert Baylor Shackelford, "The Shackelford Family" published in 1940, or from "The Shackelford Clan" Magazine, published over a period of 12 years, 1945-1957, by T.K. Jones, a Shackleford Descendent. There are of course, other publications, that come to mind, one by Shackelford and Moseley, "George and Annette Jeter Shackelford," another by Arnold Harris Hord . I see some that refer to Carlton Jeter, and Echoes of the Past. but I have not been able to find these publications. There are many excellent Family Histories that have been published on the internet. Often these Family Histories are limited to a single family line, very much like the concentration here on HENRY SHACKLEFORD.

I know that many of you, like myself, see some family histories on the internet that bear little resemblance to the facts . A good reminder to all of us,.................. use a fair amount of discretion (there and Here!!) before Adopting genealogical data from the Internet and make every effort to verify data.

T.K. Jones, publisher of the Shackleford Clan Magazine notes the possibility that Roger one of the immigrants and Mary Palmer Shackleford his wife might have had 8-10 son's including The FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD, but He had very little detail about HENRY.
I have studied both ,"The Shackelford Family",by RBS, and the "Shackelford Clan Magazine's" in detail.......My Shackelford Hero is Thomas Kelly Jones[DS] I am not paying lip service, I am very sincere !!that this man, T K Jones gave the rest of us a big head start on our collegues, studying other Surnames. I Honor his name and the tremendous data base that he left for us. Often pulling twenty Dollar Bills from his pocket, to buy information from other Shackleford descendants

Since Robert Baylor Shackelford published his book , "The Shackelford Family", only once, He did not have the opportunity to correct the errors that we see ,in retrospect. T.K Jones also printed erroneous Data, in some of the Shackelford Clan Magazines, but on most ocasion these mistakes occured when he printed letters and messages from Shackelford descendents, that sent data from family sources that turned out to be incorrect. In every instance, when He had the opportunity, he corrected these mistakes . He put out one Volume (possibly two ) of the Shackelford Clan Magazine devoted to the correction of previous errors. Hopefully, when we discover errors, in this paper we will be able to correct them on line.

Later, when this narrative concentrates on the Shackelford family as a whole, rather that the HENRY SHACKLEFORD LINE I ask that you keep an open mind. When we suggest differences beteween two view points, and there are differences!!!........its almost impossible not to have some adversarial relationship, with some authors of the past, but let's leave that aside now, except for area's that impinge on The FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD and descendents.

Robert Baylor Shackelford , in "The Shackelford Family", published in 1940 noted that He would concentrate most of his efforts on his line of descent, and one other, but most of his research was directed from Roger, to James, to John etc, and he mentions only four son's of Roger and Mary Palmer Shackelford. John, James, Francis and Zachariah. He had not studied the other lines in detail, so its perfectly understandble that he would include only those Shackleford Lines that He was comfortable in writing about. He does note his belief that there must be other children of Roger and Mary. Will save this particular point for later. Will discuss subliminal bias , at least from a philosophical(maybe I should also include ....... psycological as well)...view point.

IF YOU HAVE DOCUMENTATION THAT INDICATES ERROR'S IN MY DATA , I WELCOME THE CORRECTION, AND WILL NOTE HERE, IF YOU SEND ADEQUATE DOCUMENTATION.

WHEN SO MUCH OF THE NARRATIVE IS TAKEN UP WITH COLD HARD DOCUMENTATION IT IS DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE TENOR OF THE PAPER FROM BEING "BONE DRY" I ENJOY READING COURT RECORDS, BUT I KNOW MANY OTHERS DON'T. I ALSO LIKE TO PUT A LITTLE FLESH ON THE BONES OF OUR DISTANT ANCESTORS, AND I WILL TRY TO DO THAT IN THE SUMMARY, BUT AT THAT POINT THERE WILL BE MORE SPECULATION, OR CONJECTURE, BASED ON LONG STUDY OF THE DATA THAT IS AVAILABLE


**************THE FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD**************
Born by or before c. 1683
Authors Notes... I think it is generally accepted, that in the early days, to Own property, Witness Documents etc.... you must be 21 years of age.? In one article with regards to" Legal Age" it noted that a father could pronounce a son as being Legal Age at 16-17.Where tithes were concerned a male 16 was counted . I researched this in Colonial Virginia Record's, and I did find another article that stated if a man owned property at 17-18 years of age he could sign legal documents.
THE FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD'S birthdate above was estimted, based on the fact that he owned 50 acres in 1704, more than likely he was At least 21 years old, which would mke his birthdate no later that 1683


QUIT RENT ROLLS FOR ESSEX COUNTY, VIRGINIA 1704
The first documentery evidence we have of This HENRY SHACKLEFORD is in 1704. In that year, The Quit Rent Rolls for Essex County, according to the Sheriff, noted that....................................................HENRY SHACKLEFORD owned 50 acres. My understanding is that this "tribute to the King" consisted of collecting from each land holder one shilling for each 50 acres owned.

ESSEX COUNTY RECORDS 1703 - 1706
p. 49 DEED. 10, July 1703 Simon Copnell of Essex county sells to Richard Johnson for 1900 lbs of tobo, 50 acres. Adjoins Mr. Henry Awbrey's Quarter Land. signed. Simon x Copnell. Wit. Thomas Harper and Thomas Burnet. Ack and Rec. 10, July 1703.

ESSEX COUNTY RECORDS 1703 - 1706
p. 50 DEED. Richard Johnson sells the above 50 acres to HENRY SHACKLEFORD for 3000 lbs. of tobacco, 3rd Oct. 1704. Signed Richard x Johnson wit. Mary Which , James Boughan. Dower right Relinq. by Elizabeth, wife of Richard Johnson to HENRY SHACKELFORD. Ack and Rec 10, Oct. 1704

Authors Notes: Is this the first fifty acres that HENRY SHACKLEFORD owned??? I have three legal pads of notes with additional data that I have not been able to locate here in our new house, so possibly they are still in a Storage Shed in Mt Pleasant, TX where we stored most of our things when we traveled full time in a Motorhome............. Good Lord willing, and the Creek don't rise we will be back in Virginia in 3 months, and will try to check data again. The question occurs because this was not recorded until October 1704. Did the "wheel's turn" fast enough in 1704, ...........................................? for HENRY SHACKLEFORD to make the Quit Rent Roll's , based on
this piece of property which wasn't Ack and Recorded until 10, October 1704 ?

(Essex county deed book 12, pp. 372-374)
In 1706 Francis Shackelford of South Farnham Parish sold to John Shackelford of Gloucester County 150 acres, which was part of a patent to himself and Mackgirt. HENRY SHACKLEFORD was one of the Witnesses.

(ESSEX COUNTY WILLS AND DEEDS, 1711 - 1714)
p. 55 DEED Robert Richardson of So. Farnham parish sells HENRY SHACKELFORD of sd.parish and Co. 110 ac in same parish, adj land of John Gills( or Hills or Cills), the lands of Henry Boughan and Comprills Quarter branch. Dated 19, Dec 1711 . Signed Roberd(sic) Richardson, his mark. Wit John Haile, Jno Pickett. Rec. 12, June 1712.

(ESSEX COUNTY WILLS AND DEEDS , 1711 - 1714)
p. 56 DEED Robert Richardson of So Farnhum Par. sells HENRY SHACKLEFORD of same par. for 3300 lbs of Tobacco 100 acres known by the name of Cadds Neck (codds neck?) on the S. side of the main Powson, that runneth in to Piscataway Creek bounded by Middle branch, Comprills Quarter branch all lying between land of Thomas Evitts, and land of Robert Richardson. Signed. Rob Richardson, his mark. Wit. Wm. Allen, John Haile. Rec 13, Sept 1711.
(Authors Note. 1. We looked for this land in Essex county in 1994, and would guess that it is just a couple of miles S. and W of Tappahannock, where Piscataway Creek runs into the Rappahannock River. Incidentally we have done this on many occasion's when researching the Shackleford's, and several other ancestral lines.... 2. To keep the chronology reasonably straight we will go to ;

LAND PATENT BOOK NO. 10, First HENRY SHACKLEFORD.

Land Patent Book NO. 10 p. 239
______________________________________
HENRY SHACKLFORD 371 acres.
40 P, (N.L.) In the fork of the main run of the Mattaponi River beg. on the west branch being the lower part of the Neck;
16th of August 1715, page 239. importer of 8 person's; Daniel Fenney, Alice Thomas , Richard Baggerly, Thos. Nochols, George Brooks, Abraham Lamb, Mary Bugg Thomas Davis ..

Authors Notes. We will spend a great deal of time on this particular Land Patent, discussing Headrights,"seating a patent", locating the land, in this particular patent to HENRY SHACKLEFORD, and digesting exactly what this land Patent means to THE FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD'S Descendants.... Incidentally, I found the extract of this patent in the middle to late 80's, it was readily available in many of the libraries that I visited, and I am sure its still out there.

LAND PATENT BOOK NO. 10, P.239 (Continue discussion)
During our many trips to Virginia, we carried Virginia County Road Maps, put out by the individual Counties. We also had excellent maps published by the ADC Co in Alexandria, Virginia, some of the maps had great detail. We spent a lot of time pouring over these maps, in trying to piece together the migrations' of our various Ancestors.
We also carried a complete chart, or table detailing the formation of new Virginia Counties as the population increased, and folks began to move westward, and in the case of those that began in the Southern coast area around Jamestown, Williamsburg Norfolk etc there was northwestern migration as well.

I am not an expert on Tobacco Farming, but I have learned, that for the most part, in the 'Tidewater' Virginia area a farmer had to raise tobacco, as a money crop, in the truest sense of the word....... ......... tobacco was used as a medium of exchange, one pence to a pound of cured tobacco. In the lowland areas money may have been scarce, but tobacco would buy the same things as money.
With out getting in to a prolonged discussion of The Anglican Church, or Church of England, which was basically State sponsored, all parishioner's were obligated to pay the Church X Number of pounds of Tobacco( something like 35 lbs per year) . Obviously this caused some hardship to those living in the poor tobacco growing area's where there was not as much tobacco farming, and of course folks in small towns and city dwellers etc.........I know in some instances petitions were circulated, asking that the Churches Agree, to accept money, rather than leaving it to the parishiners to buy tobacco, and then turn the tobacco over to the Church. After 1782 or about, this problem ended( a new administration took over!!) because many folks left the Anglican Church, following the Revolutionary War and those that continued to go, to what had been the Official Church, did so voluntarily. This, in no way detracts from the present Episcopal Church or The Church of England in todays world.

Raising tobacco, depleated the soil of most nutrients fairly quickly, which brings us back to WESTWARD MIGRATION. When the soil "wore out", and the Indians were pushed further west, it was often easier to move on to new land. I don't want to suggest that this was the only reason for westward migration.
From a personal standpoint I have a better handle on the moves of the Thomas and Jane Elizabeth Smith Ely Family than on the Henry Shackelford line, with references to westward migration.................
Thomas, Jane and Family moved from Pennsylvania in 1755 to Stafford County Virginia, then 1772 to Bedford County Virginia, Next in 1781(Thomas died from war wounds about this time,) to Montgomery County Virginia, and in l796 to Lee County Virginia.........and for the most part, various family members continued westward migration for the next 100 years.

TO TOUCH ONCE MORE ON THE COUNTY FORMATION CHARTS;
It was possible for a farmer to raise his crops, raise a family, live in 4 different counties over a period of 30 years, with out ever moving his house.
I cite the County Formation Charts above which will help lead us to the 371 acres that the First HENRY SHACKLEFORD patented in 1715 (see Patent Book No 10, page 239).

About 1991-92 we started the search for this 371 Acres . You might want to review, the patent, a few paragraphs back, but basically the patent states," IN THE FORK OF THE MAIN RUN OF THE MATTAPONI RIVER, BEGINNING ON THE WEST BRANCH, BEING IN THE LOWER PART OF THE NECK" ( Beginning on the west branch is significant the Mat & the Ta rivers are on this west branch, and then into the Matta...........

It is diffiicult to paint a word picture with regards to the Mattaponi River, and its beginning tributaries. Those that are not as curious as some of us, might want to skip over this, but Most serious researchers want whatever documentation there is to study.
In the earliest day's many considered, that the beginning of the Mattaponi River was more or less swamp, or marsh, moving into the main body of the river close to the present Woodford Virginia. The area above is crisscrossed with stream's. At one point, more structure was brought in to this "'River System Nomenclature'"
I don't know the year, but I assume it was in the colonial period. Basically the streams feeding into the main body of the river were given names)

I will list the streams, but will Scan some drawings into this paper to help with the explanation. The river was named first as the Mattaponi from the indian tribe of that name. Sometime later the four major tributaries were named , in keeping with the Mattaponi name. ( THE WORD IS SPELLED MATTAPONI OR MATTAPONY, I ASSUME EITHER IS CORRECT )
Pronounced .............. Matta' Po Ni'
The four tributaries Mat, Ta, Po, and Ni move in to Caroline County from Spotsylvania County
Coming in from the West (because of the twists and turns of a river it is often risky to be real specific about the direction) is the Mat, and the Ta................coming in from the NW is the Po and the Ni........the Mat and the Ta join to the West, and the Po and the Ni join on the NW, the four tributaries reduced to two... the Matta on the West, and the Poni on the NW....just South(east) of this point the Matta and Poni join to form the Mattaponi River.

(and about now someone is saying, is all of this necessary, ??.. like...... I signed on for Genealogical Research, not for Geography!!!!!!)

the truth is .........
IF, it is not necessary, it must be at least desirable, for those that want to tie it up and put a ribbon on it!!!!!. For many of us, it is absolutely necessary.




Right center on map, Woodford, VA just below the 626 sign. due east on this map from Woodford, is where the matta and poni meet to form the Mattaponi River. This is the main fork of the Mattaponi River.

The dashed line across the NW corner of the MAP is the boundry line between Spotsylvania and Caroline County. This is the main fork of the Mattaponi River. Important to remember that this boundry between Caroline and Spotsylvania County, Virginia was actually based on the 'watershed of the streams, rather than Metes and Bounds.
There are other forks on the Mattaponi, and this Patent for HENRY SHACKLEFORD was written up in 1715, almost 300 years ago!!! At one of the Libraries in Essex County, where I was searching for minute details of the Mattaponi River........ (which I did not find. Even though the Mattaponi river does not touch the present Essex County, I though they might have some of the ADC Map from the publisher in Alexandria, VA ............

...........I was told that Ms Ellis, the Essex County Treasurer was a history and genealogy "Buff', of the Essex County area. We drove to her office to inquire, but evidently it was Tax Deadline day and something like 45-50 people were lined up waiting to get in her office. Unable to see Ms Ellis until Monday(This was a Saturday Morning) We decided to drive back to the area, where we had been the previous year, looking for this Main Fork of Mattaponi.


Authors Notes: Obviously with private property laws, brush and undergrowth, and some marsh land it was difficult to get real close to where we thought the 371 acres would be. Incidentally, it was not absolutely necessary that we find the exact piece of ground, although we have worked along that line in some previous searches. ....The description "in the main fork of the Mattaponi, on the west branch etc...... was not specific enough to identify the 371 acres precisely even if we were to walk on it........but if it was where we thought it was, we could identify the COUNTY (or counties) location in 1715, and in 2000........and the years in between, which was our objective

On Monday morning we returned to the office of the Essex County, Virginia Treasurer, and had
a few minutes with Ms Ellis. We explained our visit, and quickly learned that we had been given some mis-information. As it turned out , Ms Ellis was not actively involved in Historical and Genealogical research , or at least that was the impression we had,but she did provide A name and a phone number that would guide us. There was a man by the name of Warner, living in the Richmond, Virginia area that knew the Mattaponi River exceptionally well, particularly the area of the FORK IN THE MAIN RUN. Ms Ellis did not tell me directly, that this Mr Warner was a descendent of Augustine Warner, one of the early settlers of Caroline County Virginia, but that was the impression I had when I left her office.
If documentation was the only thing of importance, I would willingly give the full Name and Telephone Number of this Mr Warner. I don't choose to do that, because when Mr Warner accepted my call, and was kind enough to visit with me on the phone , I explained the problem , He was very kind and accomodating ,but He didn't sign on to answer question's from well meaning folks, for the next several years.......He was very straight forward, I read him the description of the Land Patent...He ask directly , "have you been in that area", I said," I think so, "is it NW of Bowling Green , Virginia ?. close to Woodford ??" Once again, He ask me to read the description from the Land Patent. I read the description once more, and he said yes !!..........that is where the Matta and the poni meet,and it is in fact the main fork ..............and that location is consistent with the Patent description of the 371 Acres.

THIS JUNCTION WHERE THE MATTA AND THE PONI MERGE AND BECOMES A SINGLE RIVER IS IN FACT THE MAIN FORK




HEADRIGHT'S [this incl for those not familiar with Land Grants, Patents , Homesteader etc]
MANY OF THE IMMIGRANTS THAT POPULATED THE COLONIES ARRIVED AS "HEADRIGHT'S"
It was in the interest of the Crown, and the London Company, and later land developers to increase the population of the new country. Many of the folks in the British Isles and other parts of Europe were anxious to immigrate to the American Colonies, but most did not have the money to buy passage on the Ship. As an incentive, the Crown and /or Land Developers offered 50 acres for any and all immigrants. A man could travel from Europe with his Wife , and three children, He was then in A position to Patent 250 acres for the 5 individuals in his Family. Important to note that there were also HOMESTEAD Grants}The "headright" was offered to any one willing to pay passage of other immigrants, with the stipulation that they would be given 50 acres for each individual brought into the Colonies, plus the 50 acre's that was supposed to go directly to the headright....I understand that in many instances the Headright's were indentured, and the 50 acres they were entitled to often wound up in the pocket of the Importer.


ONCE AN INDIVIDUAL PATENTED A PIECE OF PROPERTY, IT WAS INCUMBENT ON THE PATENT HOLDER TO MAKE SOME USE OF THE LAND. There was some time limit, but unable to find my notes right now. My understanding is that the Patent Holder could 'Seat" the land, by building his home, or raising a crop, raising livestock etc. He could also lease the land to some one, that would insure his rights to the property, but I think the lease holder had to make some use of the land. Some Land patent holders developed a "Quarter", whereby he placed and overseer, and workers (its difficult to use the word , Slave............I would guess that most of you are just as embarassed as I am, that our ancestors were slave holders ! on the property to raise crops etc... Incidentally I don't think these same regulations applied to the large grants given to close associates of the Governor, Grants made by the King etc......Lord Fairfax, Calvert, andWilliam Penn etc.

I was being facetious in writing "I don't think that the same regulations etc".....We all know that they worked under a different set of Rules..........It is important to note that there were many land owner's that were in a positions to patent large block's of acreage , some in the area of 5,000, to 15,000-20,000 acres, that in fact, were in the same situation as some one like HENRY SHACKLEFORD.....RE; LAND PATENTS, USE IT OR LOSE IT
Authors Notes. Once again, I know that this could be boring to some, and I apologize.................but for the sake of Continuity, and having the ability to move folks from one place to another, and be a reliable Source!! It is important that I cover each point, and hopefully make it understandable, so that when we 'pull' it all together, the pieces will fit, and the picture will be as complete as I can make , accepting the fact that I will Re-edit all of it for the book.

Consistent with the stipulation above, with regards to "seating" the Land.. The man listed below, LARKIN CHEW had patented some 35,000 acres in Spotsylvania. When it became apparent that He could not sell, or " "Seat" all the Land" he signed several thoudsand acres over to a neighbor, that had the land re-patented in his name.

TO FOLLOW UP ON ONE OF THE INDIVIDUAL'S THAT PATENTED MANY ACRES IN VIRGINIA, WE WILL CONCENTRATE ON THIS SAME LARKIN CHEW......THIS IS NOT A RANDOM SELECTION. He is not an ancestor, but he does have a tangential relationship to the FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD, in that he patented land in some of the same area as our HENRY...............

*********************************LARKIN CHEW*******************************
I will resist the temptation to include a small biography of Larkin Chew, but he was an interesting individual.....served as Sheriff of Spotsylvania County, served in the House of Burgesses in Virginia, managed to patent something like 35,000 acres, many were paid for in cash, and most that he bought was sold to Homesteader's, in small acrages. He was born in Maryland, moved to Virginia. He married in to the Roy Family, as did the Shackleford's, on maybe 2-3 occasions. He Was a building Contractor, enlarged the Poplar Springs Church in Petsworth(Petso) Parish, Gloucester, County VA, and was called on by Essex County Justices to build a Courthouse in Essex County identical in every respect to the King and Queen County Courthouse. Which he did. Larkin Chew became one of the largest landholders in Spotsylvania County, Amassing about ) 35,000 Acres. In 1722 he patented some 20,000 acres including;

LAND PATENT BOOK NO. 11 (most of this land was along the Ta and Po rivers)
LARKIN CHEW, 9400 Ac (N.L.) Spotsylvania County, in St George's Parish on South side of Mattaponi Riv. by a large poison field, by main run of the third river in low ground(this third River was sometimes called the middle river, but more often theTa.) Cor. of Nathaniel Sanders, in sight of a pon(sic?) on the ridge along Bowkers line, cor of Larkin Chew; by Major Robinson's Quarter; 4, June, 1722 p91. 47 Lbs.

LARKIN CHEW 3800 Ac (N.L.) same location and date p. 92, on N side of Mattaponi River by poison field; to Punch point adj his own land, near a Gr stone. 19 Lbs Money

LARKIN CHEW 2400 AC (N.L.) Same location and date; page 93 On Southside of Mattaponi River; on Harry Beverly's line of new land tract; to John Bush; by salt pond 12 Lbs Money. all three Grants 4, June 1722...........

We will return to the court records, mostly in Essex County Virginia, where we left off in 1716..........THE FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD SR [1] ESSEX COUNTY RECORDS 1716
p. 615 appraisal of "som of Gibsons Estate for Faruson"(probably means Ferguson) total valuation 890 lbs of tobacco. Signed. HENRY SHACKLEFORD, John Haile Henry Boughn(sic) Rec. 17, July 1716.
*************************************
IN THE 1715 - 20 ERA THE FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD SR [1] SERVED AS A JUDGE, MAGISTRATE, JUSTICE.......IN ESSEX COUNTY VIRGINIA
*************************************


ESSEX COUNTY ORDER BOOK 1716 - 1723 PART 1
p 54 Essex County Court 23rd May 1717
- On ye petition of HENRY SHACKLEFORD, JOHN PICKETT is apointed constable in ye room of sd HENRY & it is ordered yt. ye sd JOHN be summoned next court to be sworn

p 75 Essex County Court 17th July 1717

- JOHN PICKETT being summoned to this court to take ye oath of constable in the room of HENRY SHACKLEFORD & failing to appear, it is ordered of ye Sheriff of this County take ye said JOHN in to custody till he give security for his appearance at the next Court to take ye sd oath.

p Essex County Court 18th September 1717
92
- On ye petition of HENRY SHACKLEFORD,...... HENRY PERKINS is appointed constable & and it is ordered yt. ye sd HENRY PERKINS be summoned to next court to appear and be sworn Constable in ye room of sd SHACKELFORD.
AUTHORS NOTES; It appears from these entries, no one was interested in being a constable in HENRY SHACKLEFORDS COURT ROOM. I assume the problem had something to do with the type of cases, or individuals that were being tried by HENRY.

At a Court continued and held for Essex County on Thursday the 23rd day of January 1717
HENRY SHACKLEFORD Having made oath that he had attended eight days as an evidence for JOHN CHEEK ads WILLIAM RICHARDSON. It is ordered that said CHEEK pay said HENRY for his attendence according to Law with costs.

Next we examine ESSEX COUNTY DEED BOOK 17, pp. 254-257.
After searching for so many years for Documentation that seemed as though it would
never come!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ..................EUREKA............................................................

Authors Notes
Assuming that the First HENRY SHACKLEFORD was born about 1683, and consistent with many of the Shacklefords that lived into their 70-80's,................. even if our HENRY lived to be 80 years old, He would have been gone by 1763 or there about Since He named a Junior, HENRY SHACKLEFORD JR [2] , we can be sure that the HENRY SHACKLEFORD born in Orange County, Virginia in 1732, or the HENRY SHACKLEFORD b. C 1738, d. Henry County, Virginia could not be a son of THE FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD SR [1]. There are other Shacklefords that could be son's of The FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD. ...........................

There was another part to the equation that we will get into later, "it" colored my thinking, and because of 'it', (I considered the possibility, that our FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD left no descendents.) I had been searching for these descendents for so long, and the habit was so ingrained, I convinced myself that there had to be at least one descendant!!!!(more than likely the Good Lord convinced me) or I had wasted many years trying to climb a brickwall. Wasted is too strong a word.....I enjoyed those days. We will have some details about what it is, when we reach that part of the narrative, but we will not get into a discussion of what is is in this paper.(grin)

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IN DETAIL....I CONSIDER THIS A VERY IMPORTANT PIECE OF PAPER...............IN THE FIRST MONTH AFTER FINDING THIS IN ESSEX COUNTY, I MUST HAVE RE-READ IT A DOZEN TIMES.......I NEEDED TO REASSURE MY SELF THAT I HADN'T MIS-READ THE NAMES OF THE WITNESSES!!!!

Back to the Essex County Deed Book 17, pp 254-257
THIS INDENTURE made the Sixteen/Seventeen day of January 1723 between HENRY SHACKLEFORD of South Farnham Parish, the County of Essex of one part and JOHN SMITH of the aforesaid Parish and County. Witnesseth that said HENRY SHACKLEFORD for the sum of three thousand five hundred pounds of good tobacco in Cask by him the said John Smith paid by these presents hath granted unto said John Smith his heirs forever One Hundred ten acres of land in the Parish of South Farnham & County Essex & bounded beginning at a corner red oak, standing near the line of JOHN SILLS, from thence running along a line of marked trees to Henry Boughan's line from thence running down and bounding on the said Henry Boughan's line to the main Pocoson & from thence running down the main pocoson to the mouth of a branch called Cromprills Quarter Branch to two marked oaks, the one a liveoak and the other a white oak from this running up the sd branch to the ROAD thereof to a marked Gum & from thence running to a marked White oak, standing in the Cleared Ground from thence running to the place where it first began which said land is now in the posession of said John Smith by Virture of the Statute for Transferring uses in posession.....
signed: Henry Shackleford
In Presents of Witnesses WILLIAM KENDRICK.
JAMES DICKS.


*************HENRY SHACKLEFORD JUNR.*****************



At a Court Continued & held for Essex County the 18th day of September 1723
This lease and Release of land is admitted to record


Thanks be to the Good Lord, that they listed all three witnesses...!!!...............................................
When I found this deed, and read it, I put it down, got up from my chair and walked to the Window to look out.
Went back to the Deed, and read it again, to make sure that I was not seeing things ,and again. I found this DEED in Tappahannock . Essex County Virginia..... Why hadn't I found it before ?, I felt sure that I had been through these documents........................................................

Now we had HENRY SHACKLEFORD JUNIOR old enough to legally Witness a Deed, . Surely He had to be at least 18 - 21 which would give him a birth date of c.1702 +/-
We also found something else in the document.............. well not actually found...... we learned something, which was very interesting, by what was not in the Document.. Normally we expect the Wife to relinquish her dower rights when real estate is sold the fact that She didn't, indicates that THE FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD SR [1] was no longer married. Henry's wife may have died early, or possibly they were divorced............We will revisit this point later, and I will propose a scenario that would be logical, but of course present it as a possibility, or a supposition.
There is another interesting part to the above Deed... "Virtue of Statute for transferring uses in posession" Evidently this land had been leased to John Smith earlier than 1723, and then purchased by Smith. So there is a possibility that HENRY SHACKLEFORD left Essex prior to 1723 If I remember correctly, T. K. Jones of SCM suggested as much The last documented activity that I can find in Essex County for HENRY SHACKLEFORD is this deed and one other. The fact that this is the last documentation that I found in Essex County Re; HENRY SHACKLEFORD, doesn't prove that there wasn't more.

Land patent book No 14.
william Mayes ( May), 500 acs(O & N.L.), K & Q County in Drysdale Parish became Caroline County 1728 etc.............Note is made that 150 of these acres were bought from HENRY SHACKLEFORD, by Daniel Coleman, 27, May 1723, and that HENRY SHACKLEFORD had purchased the land of James ambrose 22, January, 1721.


RETURN TO THE 371 ACRE LAND PATENT OF HENRY SHACKLEFORD ," IN THE FORK OF THE MAIN RUN, BEGINNING ON THE WEST BRANCH" IN THE LOWER PART OF THE NECK.
This was patented in 1715, and for HENRY SHACKELFORD to hold on to this land, it had to be "seated", as we discussed earlier. I don't know if THE FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD SR [1] OR HENRY SHACKLEFORD JR.[2] "Seated" this 371 acres. We have documentation to show that this land was still in the posession of HENRY SHACKLEFORD in 1722. I would guess that HENRY SHACKLEFORD[1] was still living , but maybe the Henry Shackleford referred to in the Deed noted further down might have been Henry Shackleford JR, [2]

LARKIN CHEW ALSO PATENTED 1320 Acs in the fork of the Mattaponi just a few months prior to HENRY SHACKLEFORD, HE imported 27 "headrights' for this 1320 acres. (N L), 0n 23of Dec 1714.
The two patents listed above were on the border bewteen King William, and King & Queen County VA in
1714, 1715 when the Patents were issued. Being precise in these Counties (King William, King and Queen, Caroline and Spotsylvania) is very difficult, because the County Boundries are mostly based on the watershed of the River or creek , and not measured in metes and bounds. In present Virginia these 2 Land Patents are mostly in Caroline, but spill over into Spotsylvania. I will Reference this problem with bibliography notes, at end of the Narrative.
Authors Notes....Keep in mind that Spotsylvania County was not formed until 1721, and Caroline County until 1728.....Courthouse were not built quickly so business was conducted in whatever County the new County was taken from. Spotsylvania and Caroline Counties were the first to be formed from 3 'donor' counties...... King William. King and Queen and Essex County.
An individual living in Caroline County, 6-8 miles above the King William line, on the Pamunkey River in 1725-1735(example only) would have to go back to the King William Courthouse to conduct Caroline County business until the Carolina county Courthouse was built.

Must add a remark about the King William Courthouse.. it was built in 1725, a beautiful building that has been added on to, but all is in use today. Some of our Henry , and other Shackleford's walked these same floors in the 1700's. One other thought and we will move on...................King William was formed from King and Queen County in 1702, I don't know if there was a King William CourtHouse prior to the 1725 building, other wise County business would have been conducted at King and Queen Courthouse, prior to 1725.

THE FIRST SHACKLEFORD THAT CAN BE DOCUMENTED, WITH LAND IN WHAT WAS TO BECOME CAROLINE COUNTY WAS FRANCIS SHACKLEFORD IN 1703.[Francis son of Roger, that married Sarah Virginia Lewis, and moved to Carteret County NC] THIS LAND WAS SOLD IN 1706. ..............................................................THE NEXT SHACKLEFORD TO OWN LAND IN WHAT WAS TO BECOME CAROLINE COUNTY WAS THE FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD[1] WHICH WAS THE LAND PATENT 371 ACRES LISTED ABOVE. THE FIRST SHACKLEFORD TO OWN LAND IN WHAT WAS TO BECOME SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY WAS THE FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD [1] THE ABOVE PATENT 1715.
Earlier in this paper I listed 3 Land patents to LARKIN CHEW , over 15000 Acres in this same location. These patents were dated June 4 , 1722. This particular date , is crucial to documentation.

TODAY IS September 15, 2000................ I HAVE MORE DATA TO RECORD, BUT I AM STILL NOT SATISFIED........IN THE FIRST WEEK OF OCTOBER, WE ARE HEADING FOR VIRGINIA............IN ORDER, WE WILL VISIT KING WILLIAM, KING AND QUEEN,
CAROLINE, SPOTSYLVANIA, CULPEPER, AND ORANGE VIRGINIA...............AND THEN DECIDE OUR NEXT MOVE....

************CUT TO THE CHASE!!!!!!!
THE PROBLEM WAS TO FIND THE FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD SR [1] OR HENRY SHACKLEFORD JR. [2] IN CAROLINE, AND SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY VA. AT AN EARLY DATE.....AND DOCUMENT....DONE !! 1715 . ..............


SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY DEED BOOK A ........... 1722 - 1729.............
Sept 4, 1722. LARKIN CHEW, Gent. Spotsylvania Co., to Nicho. Hawkins of Spotsylvania Co., planter, 24lbs Sterling.,400 acres, in Spotsylvania Co, joining land of HENRY SHACKELFORD--part of a patent granted CHEW June 4, 1722, Witnesses; John Spicer, Samuel Lloyd . Recorded Sept. 4, 1722.


You can verify the appproximate location of the land that Larkin Chew sold to Nicho Hawkins....By checking the 3 patents issued to CHEW on June 4, l722.
Two of the patents were along the Ta River which is adjacent to the Land The FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD patented in 1715......371 Acres.


For identification purposes..........
HENRY SHACKLEFORD SR. [1] The First HENRY SHACKLEFORD ..... b. c. 1683 (Gloucester, K&Q Cty VA?)
HENRY SHACKLEFORD JR. [2] son of the First Henry Shackleford ........b. c. 1702, Essex County Virginia
HENRY SHACKLEFORD Sr. [3] son of Henry Shackleford JR [2]. ......m. Mary (Polly) *(?) Henry b. c. 1735-, died Henry County 1805
HENRY SHACKLEFORD Jr. [4] son of Henry Shackleford and Mary (Polly)( *?) , m Mary(Polly)Shields, then Nancy Crump b. Aug1764, When researching this Henry Shackleford Line , be aware of the name BERRY, looking for a connection to Mary Polly Henry SR's Wife
FRANCIS SHACKLEFORD son of Henry Shackelford JR [2] m. Eunice (?), died in Caswell County NC 1785 b. c. 1735
When research this Francis Shackleford Line be aware of the name TERRY. connection to Eunice ?, or ??


I am satisfied, that Henry Shackelford Sr, [3] as we know him( died in Henry County VA in 1805) and his son Henry Shackelford Jr. [4] descend from THE FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD [ 1] and HENRY SHACKLEFORD Jr. [2] , also FRANCIS SHACKLEFORD, a son of HENRY SHACKLEFORD Jr.[2] also a brother to HENRY SHACKLEFORDSr [3]

The FRANCIS SHACKLEFORD listed above.(.m. Eunice (? Terry ?) died Caswell County NC 1785. I accept this Francis Shackleford b. c. 1735 as a son of HENRY SHACKLEFORD JR [2] b. Essex County Virginia c. 1702, and a brother to HENRY SHACKLEFORD Sr. [3] born c 1738 probably Caroline,Spotsylvania, ? died Henry County Virginia 1805.

HENRY SHACKLEFORD SR[3] died 1805 in Henry County, Virginia and
FRANCIS SHACKLEFORD died 1785 in Caswell County, NC. were BROTHER'S.
In an exchange of correspondence, between Hyacinth KINDIG..... (Widow of Bruce)......
and Elijah T Sutherlin, a highly respected Genealogist of Pittsylvania/Henry County Virginia area, began March 29, 1971, and continued until May 3, 1971.
Authors Note. There could have been a longer correspondence, but I only have 4 letters, and data.
The Name BRUCE AND HYACINTH KINDIG , should be familiar to many of you that have Searched the Shackleford Clan Magazines. The KINDIG'S developed the Name and Place Index for the SCM. Incidentally the index had been completed and was being used by Mr. and Mrs Kindig in April of 1971 , as noted in this correspondence. For background information I should note that Mr Sutherlin, the Genealogist , had a list of Shackleford Researchers that had done research in the Pittsylvania/Henry County Genealogical Society in Danville Virginia, including the KINDIG'S. His question to Mrs Kindig was about Nicey Shackleford, which is not germane to our interest, in so far as I know.

In her response, she noted several items which are of great interest to us. In discussing the early Shackleford's, She wrote concerning the Shackleford Clan Magazine, "that there were many Shackleford's in the Pittsylvania/Henry County area. including, My Henry Shackleford" [Sr- 3]," whose children were Baptized at the Mangohicks Church in King William County, Virginia.......................Henry sold land in Caroline County Virginia that had come from his Father." She continued, "early on there was a William Shackleford, next a John Shackleford, "then HENRY and FRANCIS, who were brother's and gave similar names to their children".

This is pretty much the order noted by T.K Jones in the SCM. but Francis was not mentioned as a brother to Henry. Actually we can update the order of arrival with added documentation. Francis Shackleford owned land in Pittsylvania County Virginia in 1769. INSERT DOCUMENTATION HERE... William Shackleford in 1770-72, John Shackleford (Old Colonial John, served under Capt Kirtley, and Col Peter Hogg in 1755 during the French/Indian War 1756 -1763) in 1777, and according to T.K. Jones, this John Shackleford served as Sheriff of Pittsylvania County.
From documentation that I have, we can place Henry Shackleford Jr [4] b. King William 1764, the son of HENRY SHACKLEFORD Sr.[3] and Mary, as being in Pittsylvania County on September 13, 1784, the day that Henry Jr [4] was married to Mary (Polly) Shields by Rev David Barr , Henry Jr's[4] older brother John , Married Jeane,(Jenny, Jane) Shields, in Pittsylvania County, Virginia on Jan. 28, 1785. It was some time later on that HENRY SHACKLEFORD Sr [3] , and wife Mary and the rest of the family moved to Pittsylvania/Henry County Area from the Upper part of King William, and /or the Lower part of Caroline County Virginia. William son of Henry Shackleford Sr. [3] may have been the last of the family to move to the area.

HENRY SHACKLEFORD Sr. [3[ and Mary (Polly) lived at one time in Culpeper County Virginia..

With reference to Henry Shackleford Sr's[3][ d. 1805 Henry County, VA] son John that married Jean( Jenny, Jane) Shields, we have good information that this JOHN was born in Culpeper County, VA.

I have seen several references to the Henry Shackleford Sr[3] family listing his son John as being born in 1772. I question this date? I wonder about the documentation? There are two reasons which make me think John was the oldest son, or or at least, one of the older sons. 1. He was named executor of his fathers will...'now there is no law of course dictating that the Oldest son should be Executor', but most often He was, certainly in the days of primogeniture.

2 Henry Shackleford Jr [4] Born 1864 in King William County, Virginia served in the Continental Forces, as a Substitute for his Older brother John during the Revolutionary War. It could well be that Samuel may have been the oldest, since He died sometime prior to 1805. Considering HENRY SHACKLEFORD Jr. [4] was born in 1764, its difficult to reconcile HENRY Jr. serving as a substitute, for JOHN since JOHN would have been only 10-12 years old when the Revolutionary War ended if we accept a Birthdate for JOHN of 1772.

CULPEPER COUNTY VIRGINIA.

I consider the information that John Shackleford, son of Henry Shackleford Sr.[3] was born in Culpeper County Virginia, as being significant. T. K . Jones publisher of the SCM had a letter from Henrietta Shackleford in Missouri. She was a grand daughter of John Shackleford, that married Melinda Wichter. This John was a son of John and Jean Shields Shackleford, and a Grandson of Henry Shackleford Sr. [3]. Henrietta Shackleford, in her letter to SCM was positive, as was the rest of the family, that her grandfather John said that his father John was born in Culpeper County Virginia.

I have made many trips to the Pittsylvania/Henry County Area during the past twenty years, but still lack documentation that I need to tie all of these Shackleford's together, in familial relationship.

As mentioned earlier, I have no problem in accepting Mrs. Kindig's statement that HENRY SHACKLELFORD Sr [3] b. c 1738, & FRANCIS SHACKLEFORD b. c 1735
as brothers. I read the sentence as an Assertion, (not as a question, or maybe,) that they were Brothers. I accept this as adequate documentation, Knowing that others will be reluctant to do so. I do not concur, that a statement of this nature is "family legend' but rather consider it as Family History.

On the LDS Ancestral File and/IGI, I see data noting that This FRANCIS was from Carteret, or Onslow County N.C., and not from Virginia.......I cannot prove that these researchers are incorrect.... I concede that they might be correct, but I always keep in mind that many of the LDS files are undocumented.....and contain many errors. I will continue to support Mrs Kindig's statement that FRANCIS AND HENRY Sr [3] are brothers, but would be pleased to change this if someone could produce some documentation to prove otherwise. Incidentally, although I hope every word in this narrative is correct, the NEXT BEST thing to having your confirmation of my data, would be for someone to send adequate documentation, to prove that I am wrong on whatever point.

It is doubtful that I could string this many words together without making error's, Typographical, and/or factual. I expect corrections from all, but note that you shouldn't send precise date's to flesh out . ie....September 1784, or in most cases c 1731,Chances are I have the date but just don't have the time to be that specific now.
**************************************************************************************************


Please understand the next 3 sections, are not Genealogy!! they are "I wonder if?".......................
The areas that I am Researching. I am always Apprehensive when I include Speculation based on little if any evidence. There could well be 2-3 Shackleford Lines represented in Pittsylvania, and Henry County........My fear is that someone will skip through, or skim over this ......... see one of the names listed below, and not realize the nature of their inclusion, and 2 weeks later, John Shackleford, husband of Anne White is included with known descendants of the FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD. (not that I don't think that is a distinct possibility)The reason for including the "could be's" is to share the area that I will be researching in Virginia in October 2000.


There are four, maybe 5 additional SHACKLEFORD'S that I continue to work on in an effort to tie them to the FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD.....Most of these 5 Shackleford's had some connection to Pittsylvania. Caroline, Culpeper Spotsylvania and Orange County Virginia. They include, Henry Shackleford (born c 1732) Orange County, Edmund Shackleford Orange County m Judith Eastin, Both this HENRY, and EDMUND moved to Elbert County Georgia. John Shackleford, minister, born Caroline County 1850, then Kentucky, I still wonder about John Shackleford (Old Colonial) 'm. Ann White, Served in the Virginia Militia under Col. Peter Hogg and Capt Kirtley in the Frence and Indian war in 1755. Samuel Henry Shackleford that was born in Caroline County in 1803.......I see data that ties him to a Shackleford line that spent most of their time in North Carolina. Important to note I need much study on this line, and its just a thought now. I think it would be realistic to include Thomas and Catherine 'Caty' Shackleford parents of Jonathan Lyon, and Richard Dunford, Shackleford that moved their Families from Pittsylvania County, Virginia to Marengo County, Alabama.

If I remember correctly Pittsylvania County, Virginia was taken from Halifax County, Virginia. close to Dinwiddie County .. There are some indication that descendants of both Roger Shackleford 1700, died 1779 King and Queen , and also descendants of Major Richard Shackleford b. 1700 King and Queen county Virginia, died in King and Queen County Virginia 1773. spent some time in this area.

WILLIAM SHACKLEFORD in Pittsylvania County Virginia in 1770, very interesting, Will spend some time in search of data in Culpeper, Spotsylvania, and Caroline County next month. ASSUMING that Old Colonial JOHN b. c 1735 (can't be 1745), HENRY b. Orange County 1732, and EDMUND that was in Orange county, and Married Judith Eastin, Descend from the FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD SR[1] then we need a brother to HENRY SHACKLEFORD JR[2], in so far as HENRY SHACKLEFORD Orange County ,c.1732 French and Indian War would have to be grandson of the FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD SR[1].


If any of you wager a bit, the odds favor that the FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD SR [1] had a son named JOHN!!...... Why?.......just betting odds.!!! John, was/is the most common name in the Shackleford's that I have researched, and probably the most common Given name in the Colonies.....or at least the Southern Colonies.


WHO WAS THE JOHN SHACKLEFORD THAT GAVE ................. ( NOT A WILL, BUT A LEGAL DOCUMENT)
EDMUND SHACKLEFORD A FARM, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT JOHN, HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTER SARAH COULD LIVE OUT THEIR LIVES ON THE PROPERTY ???? IF MEMORY SERVES ME WELL , IT WAS IN SPOTSYLVANIA, ORANGE, OR CULPEPER COUNTY... ...1776.....I WILL GO BACK THROUGH MY DATA AND FIND EXACT DATE ETC...........

There Are things that point to This Edmond as being the son of John and Ann White Shackleford . However Old Colonial John, that married Anne White Does not list an Edmund or a Sarah in his Will. Almost invariably, if property has been passed to one of the legatees' early on, that individual will be listed, even though he is not to receive property. The daughter SARAH that was mentioned in the Document in which the Property was given to Edmund was not mentioned in the Will of Old Colonial JOHN. So we should be able to eliminate Old Colonial John and Anne White.

There was a John Shackleford, wife Anne, dealing in land in Orange County, Virginia as early as 1750....(SCM, Vol 3 NO. 9, pg 260,TK Jones,) This is the John that deeded the Farm, to Edmund, in 1776 This John was surely born no later than c.1730, and more than likely He was born earlier than 1730...

We know his name is John Shackleford , wife Anne, but who were his parents?? ......If we follow the pattern, set earlier in several of these 'cases', .....................He must descend from Roger's son James and Elizabeth Robbins Shackleford. !!!! 'A gentle Gotcha'

Roger Shackleford born 1700, married Carey Baker, considered by Robert Baylor Shackleford , in "the Shackleford Family" to be a son of Francis Shackleford, b. 1665 another son of Roger's, Essex county Land Dealing in the early 1700's married Sarah Virginia Lewis,et cetera.... some one then decided that this Roger Shackleford was actually a son of James and Elizabeth Robbin's Shackelford... .............
which might be true.

Minor Winn Gibson, was of the opinion that the John Shackleford that married Anne Lyne in King and Queen County Virginia, was a son of the John Shackleford, that immigrated to the Colonies in 1649, and settled in King and Queen County. Virginia !!!....'I think very possible'

Robert Baylor [RBS] Shackelford, in his book said, can't be!! .......the John Shackleford that married Ann Lyne was a Son of John Shackleford, b. 1670 the son of Roger 1658 immigrant . Unfortunately, it was proven that Roger's son John that married Ann Livingston and moved to Carteret County, NC and his Son John Was in Carteret County NC as well. !!!!..... ............Always Ready,.....................

........with ........ another John Shackleford that decends from Roger Shackleford , ...........................................................................................
wait just a minute, !!! ......... James Shackleford, son of Roger that married Elizabeth Robbins had a son John about the right age !!!! , you guessed it.................... James' son John was the Shackleford that married Ann Lyne. Most researches today accept that the John Shackelford that married Ann Lyne in King and Queen County, Virginia was a son of James and Elizabeth Robbins Shackelford, and a Grandson of Roger and Mary Palmer Shackelford.......... . I am not ready to concede to this scenario..

One more point, I see many places on the internet that basically state that Shackelford's in Spotsylvania County Virginia in the Colonial period must surly descend from James and Elizabeth Robbins Shackleford....... A mass exodus from Gloucester, to Spotsylvania County Virginia 1736... If you take the time and read Henning's Statutes , specific's later, you will have a better understanding of this part of the research. Those of us that descend from The FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD , that patented land there in 1715 know differently.!!

ONE OTHER POINT.... I HAVE NOT FOUND A SINGLE ROGER, IN THE TIME PERIOD 1683 TO 1900 AMONG HENRY SHACKLEFORD SR'S [1] DESCENDANTS,THAT I KNOW OF.....
..... NOTE, I AM NOT SAYING THERE WAS NOT ONE.........ONLY THAT I HAVE NOT FOUND ONE.....

Incidentally, as a Rule I never speculate "out loud" as I have about the several listed above, I just keep these things to my self until I have some documentation, or can make a very good case. I have not shared this data about the Four Henry Shacklefords, with anyone, because I did not have sufficient data until now that would have allowed me to, defend my position. My energy level is low, And to propose this a year ago, and then have to defend the data, would have used all of my energy, and brought my research to a Halt.

About a year ago I lost, what I considered, a very good internet friend, because I did not share this information about these Four Henry's. I have sent him some messages since that time, but He never answers............... I feel a sense of Urgency in getting this out, which is the reason that I chose to use the narrative form....no Gedcom, dates sufficient only in so far to document these Henry's....... Speed, so that I can get back to some other surnames, when we return from Virginia.

Several pages back I mentioned "..IT."..... that colored my thinking, with regards to Offsprings of the FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD. Who was his wife???? In the early 1980's most of the references I ran across of Shackleford's in Essex County, Virginia, noted that Francis Shackleford, a son of Roger born about 1665 had been married to Frances Gatewood Shackleford, a daughter of John and Amy Gatewood before 25th of March 1708, a tax record Re; Wulfeck, Series I, Vol 6. When I finally found a reference, it did not say She was married to Francis Shackleford, but rather married to a Mr. Shackleford. I was reasonably satisfied in my mind that from Land Records concerning Francis Shackleford, He was Married to Sarah Virginia Lewis by c. 1700. Lets move sidewise, and discuss Charles Shackleford, an Essex County Orphan, who was born c.1705...
In 1719 a 14 yearold Orphan boy named Charles Shackleford indentured himself to Joseph Baker, and in return Joseph Baker indentured himself to Charles Shackleford.. Basically this amounted to an apprentice ship, to learn Shoemaking.

ESSEX COUNTY ORDER BOOK 1716-1723

At a Court held for ESSEX County on Tuesday ye 17th day of November 1719
CHARLES SHACKLEFORD, ORPHAN, in open Court signed and Ack, by consent of ye Court his indenture to JOSEPH BAKER, and also the sd JOSEPH BAKER, Signed and Ack his indenture to ye sd. Charles Shackleford both which both sd indentures on sd BAKERS mocon, are admd to record.

Joseph Baker was a successful merchant in Essex County, and both a friend and business associate of the Gatewood Family, both before and after the death of Amy's husband John Gatewood. I have documentation.
John Gatewood made his will 14, November 1706. One of the Witnesses was Joseph Baker, and securities were John Burnett and Francis Shackleford. I will not include all of the will, but note that he was a man with assets.

He divided his property among all of his children except his Daughter FRANCES SHACKLEFORD. I quote,
"To my eldest daughter Frances Shackelford..... one shilling............" I have no documentation that Charles the orphan was a son of this Frances Gatewood Shacklelford, but its certainly possible, and there can be little doubt that John Gatewood was more than just a little upset with his Daughter Frances... Cutting Her off with One Shilling. The Ophan Charles would be 2 years old about this time. Assuming that she had been married to, say... a Charles?? Shackleford, something happened to him, I can't see any reason why a Guardian would not have been appointed , as was the practice in those days. and his Mother would have continued to raise her son. I do think that Francis Shackleford son of Roger should be eliminated as a suspect father of Charles . Assuming that there was a connection between Frances Gatewood Shackelford and Charles....why wasn't one of her brothers appointed Guardian?? Because of the Close association between Joseph Baker and the Gatewood's Joseph Baker might well have been appointed Guardian........should we assume that if Charles Shackleford the Orphan was a son of Frances Gatewood Shackelford, that the Gatewood's would have turned their back on Charles.??????, or Frances??

I have speculated about this for 15 years or so...............and its important to note..... SPECULATION !!

The FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD SR [1] married someone , at least I would think so... Who was the mother of HENRY SHACKLEFORD JR. [2] that was born about 1702..... ?. We could all construct scenario's that might account for this situation.......
T.K. Jones, in the Shackleford Clan magazine, suggest that Our First Henry Shackleford was probably married to Francis Gatewood Shackleford. I have see others' that agreed, and I think the possibility is there.. I am open minded about the probability................ T.K. Jones suggest that Our Henry Shackleford was closely associated with the Gatewood Family............... I have nothing that would suggest that was the case, but He might have some data that I don't have.
As I mentioned earlier, regarding the failure of a wife to Relinquish her Dower rights when Our FIRST HENRY SHACKLEFORD sold the Property in Essex County in 1723, would indicate that He was not married at the time. It Would not be the first time,,....for a wife to have a baby of one man when married to another.........
If the Gatewood's are sensitive about my speculation, remember, there is a reasonably good chance that we are Gatewood descendents................... this might well be my grandmother........ and "YOUR'S TOO!".
Need to mention two things...........After the death of John Gatewood, Amy ,Johns' wife married, Joseph Baker.........Frances Gatewood Shackleford, married a man by the name of Arnold....will have to look back and find his given Name. ............When Joseph Baker died, He was listed as having a man servant? Charles Shackleford?.............When Amy Gatewood died, she left her property to all of her children including Frances Gatewood Shackleford Arnold.
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