Shemwell Family

William Shemwell Sr.
b.?-1774

The Shemwell's came to America in the late 1600's. The earliest record we have verified is 1598 in Lincoln, England. The name remains a mystery as with all names it has had several variations. The family entered the United States at St. Mary's County, Maryland. 

The first record we have in America is a court record from 1732. We theorize from the information we now have that there were three brothers, William, James and Isaac and a possible fourth, Joseph. Williams line stayed for the most part in Maryland, with his son Elisha moving to North Carolina. Isaac and James moved also to North Carolina. Isaac died in 1805, but his line continued on into Kentucky and is one of the best documented and large branches. James also moved to Kentucky and was fairly prolific.

The family (all branches) has a whole cast of characters- from good to bad. We had 14 Shemwell's fight for the CSA and two to four for the Union. We have lost one in WW l and one in Korea who was MIA, but some family members were recently notified that they may of located his remains and if identified they will be able to bring him home. His twin brother lives in Granite City, IL.