First Generation  

1. Thomas SHIRLEY ¹ was born about 1636 in St. Mary County, MD ² and died before Jul 15, 1696 in Northumberland, Virginia. Another name for Thomas was Thos.

General Notes: Many have Robert Shirley (Sheale) b. around 1621 in Wiston Sussex England as his father. There is no proof for this and my research has lead me to believe that this is not true. Maryland archives have Robert Sheale (Shirley) not getting married until the late 1650's and dying in the earlier 1660's.
Another theory is that Thomas's father is Daniel Shirley (believed by few to be the son of Sir Thomas Shirley the elder). This can not be proven or disproven at this time. I am still researching to see if any information can shed more light on Daniel's life.

Research Notes: Information at St. Stephan's Parish in Northumberland Virginia has the birth of all of his KNOWN children.

Noted events in his life were:

• Religion: St. Stephan's Parish, as of 10-22-1666, Northumberland, Virginia. Information can be found at this Parish about births and Tithe lists

• Tithe: Thos Shirley 1, Jun 7, 1679, St. Stephans Parish, Northumberland Co, Virginia.

• Witness: Wittness to will of John Roach, Jul 15, 1689, St. Stephans Parish, Northumberland Co, Virginia.

• Probate: Petition for Probate of will, Jul 15, 1696, St. Stephans Parish, Northumberland Co, Virginia. Richard Shirley petition probate of will of Thomas Shirley

• Court: Arrival to Northumberland VA, Feb 1685-1659, Northumberland, Virginia. Order Book 1657-1661 pg 201 21 Feb 1658/59. These are to certify that Mary Rayner widowe made her right appeare to 500 acres for transportacon of 10 persons into this country: Thomas Sherly, Judith Palmer, Hen. Hapney, Demanen Gamber, Eliz Johnson, Siserly Crowde, Robert Bridley, Henry Reade, William Landrum, Henry Rayner.

• Court: Recod book 1658-1662, Jul 21, 1662, Northumberland, Virginia. Record Book 1658-1662 pg 79. 21 July 1662. I John Kent have freely given of my owne good will unto Thomas Sherly one heifer, ye said heifer beinge two yeares old marked with a crop in the right eare adn a slitt keeld on the left eare: As witness my hand this 21st of July 1662 test: Tho: Leavett. signature of Wm: Abraham. 21 July 1662. This deed of gift was recorded and acknowledged by the sd John Kent

• Court: Order Book 1677-1679, 1677, Northumberland, Virginia. Order Book 1677-1679 pg 342. Feb 21 1677/78. Capt Haynie agt Shirley estate whereas an attachment was awarded Capt John Hayne against the estate of Thomas Shirley for the sume of 250 lbs tobacco and caske which is returned executed an soe much in the hands of Mr. George Cooper, judgment is granted Mr John Hayne agst Mr. George Cooper for ye sume als execution. John Haynie giving oath made his debt appear due.

• Court: Release of Levy, May 1678, Northumberland, Virginia. Order Book 1666-1678 pg 358 15 May 1678 [torn] Upon ye petition of Thomas Shirley being a very poore aged and impotent person it is ordered yt he be releast out of the county levy.

Thomas married.

Children from this marriage were:

+ 2 M    i. Thomas SHIRLEY ³ was born on Oct 22, 1666 in Northumberland, Virginia. ⁴

+ 3 M    ii. Richard SHIRLEY ⁵ was born on Aug 6, 1669 in Northumberland, Virginia ⁶ and died in 1708 in Northumberland, Virginia at age 39.

+ 4 M    iii. John SHIRLEY was born in 1671 in Northumberland, Virginia and died before Apr 10, 1738 in Northumberland, Virginia.

+ 5 F    iv. Phebus SHIRLEY ⁷ was born on Apr 14, 1673 in Northumberland, Virginia. ⁸

+ 6 F    v. Mary SHIRLEY ⁹ was born on Jun 8, 1676 in Northumberland, Virginia. ¹⁰