THE CHILDREN OF LEWIS SHAPARD

THE CHILDREN OF LEWIS SHAPARD

WILLIAM BOOKER SHAPARD (November 5, 1797 – January 19, 1870) spent his youth in Caswell County, North Carolina. At the age of 15, in the spring of 1813, he migrated with his family to Williamson County, Tennessee. Shortly thereafter in October, he joined Capt. William Martin’s Tennessee Militia in the War of 1812, under General Andrew Jackson. William B. Shapard saw action in November of 1813, at the Battles of Tallushatchee and Talladega in Alabama against the Creek Indians. Upon returning home, he joined in business with his father as a commission merchant, living in Williamson, Wilson and Smith County, Tennessee. In 1820, after his father’s business failed, William moved to Sumner County, Tennessee. In 1822, William migrated to Columbia in Maury County, Tennessee, where he joined partnership with James Nichol in the merchant business, under the name of “James Nichol, Shapard & Co.” In addition to his business, William was also the Captain of the Columbia Blues, being a state militia unit based in the town of Columbia. On December 8, 1825, William B.

Shapard married Margery S. Childress in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee. Margery was the sister of Sarah Childress who had married James K. Polk in 1824; being the same James Polk who was admitted to the bar in 1820, elected to represent Maury County in the House of Representatives in 1823, then to the Senate in 1825. He became Governor of the State of Tennessee from 1839-1841 and finally President of the United States from 1845 – 1849. William B. Shapard’s association with the Childress and Polk families advanced him significantly throughout his lifetime via business and social opportunities. It is evident that, while William and Margery returned to Columbia in Maury County after their wedding, purchasing Town Lot No. 15 as their home, they frequented Nashville often for social and business calls. In 1829, William and his young family moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he partnered with H. T. Yeatman as merchants, under the name of “Shapard & Yeatman.” After the firm dissolved by mutual consent in 1832, William carried on the business as a sole proprietor under the name of “Shapard’s.” In 1836, William ran for the office of Sherriff of Nashville. Although he received 481 votes, he was beat out by Campbell receiving 801 votes. In 1836, William opened an Exchange Office, named “W.B. Shapard & Co.,” selling, buying and trading various bank notes, stocks, gold and silver. At this same time he also operated a mercantile store named “Shapard & Anderson,” with business partner Thomas P. Anderson, which was dissolved in 1846. In 1844, William was an elder of the Second Presbyterian Church of Nashville, and helped erect a new chapel. In 1853, he was listed as the Treasurer of the newly incorporated Nashville Ladies College. On October 2, 1854, W.B. Shapard was elected as Mayor of Nashville, receiving 930 votes. He was affiliated with the Democrat Party. He resigned his position on October 26, 1854, securing him the curiosity of being the shortest termed Mayor in the history of Nashville, Tennessee. During the Civil War, his house was occupied by the U.S. Army, the government retaining possession of his house for about five years. W.B. Shapard became the President of the Merchant’s Bank in Nashville, and was associated with numerous fraternal organizations, including: Sir Knights of Nashville Commandery, Knights Templar and Masons. He deeded a portion of his land upon which to build Sewanee University. He died in 1870 in Nashville Tennessee and is buried in the Old City Cemetery. William B. Shapard was described as, “…not only a devout Christian, but in all relations of life, he was fully merited by his conduct, the appellation of ‘an honest man, the noblest work of God.’ In his intercourse with his fellow-man, he was exceedingly courteous and in disposition affable and sociable. Possessed with a good heart overflowing with kindness, he turned not a deaf ear to the appeals of the needy, but on the contrary, bestowed charity on the right hand and on the left, was continually going about doing good.” He and his wife had nine children: Mary Elizabeth (b. 1825), William B. Shapard, Jr. (b. 1829), Martha Jane (1831-1849), Maggie (1833-1840), Henry Childress (b. 1835), Eleanor (b. 1836), Thomas Childress (1838-1864), Margery (b. 1840), and James (b. 1842).

SOPHIA SHAPARD (November 24, 1799 – March 5, 1855) was raised in Caswell County, North Carolina during her youth. She migrated in the spring of 1813, at the age of 13, with her family to Tennessee. Sophia was orphaned when her mother died that same year, and she assumed the mothering roll for her younger siblings. At the age of 16, she was introduced to Mr. Joshua Norman Harrison, a nail maker and merchant in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and they wed a few months later on September 26, 1816. Mr. Harrison had been previously married and had two young daughters; however, his first wife had died in Nashville, Tennessee, circa 1815. Sophia and Joshua Harrison resided on Town Lot No. 19 in Murfreesboro. Their 18 foot by 25 foot store, built of cedar logs, faced the town square and their house was located behind the store on the same lot. In 1817, Sophia’s 12 year old brother Robert Paine Shapard was apprenticed to Joshua Harrison to learn the art of nail making until he was 21 years of age. The apprenticeship contract stipulated that Robert would live at the Harrison household and they would be responsible for his education, clothing, etc. The Harrison’s were very successful in business over the years, diversifying into rent houses, dry goods, hardware and other merchandise when the Panic of 1819 caused the decline of locally produced nails. Tragically, on June 10, 1825, Sophia’s two year old son Robert died. Only a few months later, on December 25, 1825, Sophia’s husband Joshua Harrison also died, and was buried in the Old City Cemetery in Murfreesboro. In November of 1826, court appointed commissioners met and issued Sophia Harrison and her children a year’s provisions and allotted her dower. The court also appointed guardians for her children. Interestingly, Mr. Harrison’s estate was so extensive and complex it was not fully settled until 1830. Despite being widowed at only 26 years old, Sophia was left financially secure and never remarried. To illustrate her affluence, in 1820 she and Mr. Harrison had two slaves; however, by 1830 she had amassed 13 slaves. Throughout her life, Sophia was a dedicated mother to her children and step-children, providing them the best possible food, board, affection and education. Sophia (Shapard) Harrison died on March 3, 1855, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and was buried next to her husband. She raised two step-daughters Sarah Ann Harrison (c. 1811-?) who married John T. Cannon; and Caroline Harrison (c.1813-1836) who married John A. Taliaferro. Sophia also had six children of her own:; Eleanor Paine Harrison (1817-1896) who married David Molloy; Martha Bedford Harrison (1818-1891) who married Stephen Johns and then John Durham; Joshua Norman Harrison, Jr. (1819-1819) died at age 5 months; William Joshua Harrison (1820-1880); Mary Harrison (1822-1866) who married Robert Rucker; and Robert P. Harrison (1823–1825).

JAMES PAINE SHAPARD (April 11, 1801 – October 18, 1850) was reared in Caswell County during his childhood. He migrated with his family to Tennessee in 1813. Over the years he lived in the counties of Williamson, Wilson, Smith and Rutherford. In 1817, he was apprenticed by his father to Abraham Statler to learn the mastery and art of hat making. The apprenticeship contract was binding until James reached the age of 21. In 1821, James began a courtship with Rebecca Sloss, daughter of Joseph Sloss, who was born in Ireland and migrated to Tennessee. On February 1, 1822, he married Rebecca at the town of Middleton in southern Rutherford County. James followed the hatters trade for a few years and then diversified into the merchantile store business, selling everything typical of a dry goods and hardware store of that era. James’ younger brother Tomas Paine Shapard resided at their house in the late 1820s and early 1830s. Over the years, James bought and sold numerous parcels of land in Rutherford County, mostly around the Middleton and Fosterville areas along the West Fork of Stones River. James Shapard was elected as a Judge of Rutherford County in 1833, an office that he held until May 19, 1835 when he tendered his resignation. On May 31, 1839, James Shapard was a trustee of the newly established Methodist Episcopal Church built on land donated by Benjamin Blankenship. The Church was located in Bedford County, just below the Rutherford County line near Middleton. In 1840, Mr. Shapard was growing his family and had acquired four slaves. Interestingly, he appears to have sold all of his slaves in 1842 to his brother Lewis. For 49 days in 1846, James P. Shapard and his family traveled by wagon from Rutherford County, Tennessee, to settle in Washington County, Texas, near Chapel Hill. He died only a few years later on October 18, 1850. It was reported that, during the later part of his life, James practiced medicine as a physician. James and Rebecca had ten children: Joseph Campbell (1823-1892), Louis James (1825-1896), Joshua Harrison (1827-1910), Sarah Jane (1828-?), Susan (1830-?), Juliette Rebecca (1834-?), Martha (1836-1920), James Paine, Jr. (1838-1929), Charles (1844-1929) and Thomas Texas (1846-1922).  

BOOKER SHAPARD (February 28, 1803 – December 28, 1872) was born in Caswell County, North Carolina. He was named after his uncle, Booker Shapard, who died in 1802 in Caswell County. He migrated at the age of 10 with his family to Williamson County, Tennessee. Over the next few years they moved to Wilson County, then Smith County and finally Rutherford County.  In 1817, Booker was apprenticed by his father to Charles Niles, of Murfreesboro, to learn the trade of ‘saddler’, until he was 21 years of age. In 1820, he professed religion and joined the first Methodist church. He was described as “having the stuff of which martyrs were made. Convicted that a thing was right, he was steadfast, immovable.”  He married Mary Clay on November 10, 1825, in Rutherford County, Tennessee. They lived in Old Jefferson (Smyrna, Rutherford County, Tennessee) and moved to Shelbyville, Bedford County Tennessee in 1830. Booker’s brother Lewis Shapard lived with him in the late 1820s and early 1830s. Mary died of cholera during the outbreak in early 1833, and Booker married her sister, Sarah Broyles, on December 31, 1833, in Mulberry, Lincoln County, Tennessee. In 1835, they moved to Mulberry, in Lincoln County, and built the first house in that village. In 1840, Booker moved to Pulaski, Giles County, Tennessee, and engaged in merchandizing. In 1847, he was a founder of the Huntsville, Pulaski, and Columbia Telegraph Company that brought the telegraph wire from Huntsville, Alabama through Pulaski to Columbia. His wife Sarah died in 1849, and Booker married Ann Leftwich on February 8, 1855, in Florence, Alabama. He was the Mayor of Pulaski, Tennessee in 1853. In 1861, he was exiled from the state and his store was robbed by the Federal Army. After the war he had lost his fortune and health and found comfort in religion. He was bed ridden for 8 months and died on December 28, 1872, in Pulaski, Giles County, Tennessee. Booker and his first wife, Mary, had the following children: Martha Jane (1826 – 1860), Eliza Clay (b.1829), John Thomas (b. 1830) and Joshua Clay (1832 – 1833). Booker and his second wife, Sarah, had the following children: Isaac Lewis (b. 1834), Mary Margaret (1836 – 1848), Margery Ann (b. 1838), Robert Booker (b. 1839), Louisa Matilda (b. 1841), James Broyles (b. 1843) and Sarah Eugenia (b. 1846). 

ROBERT PAINE SHAPARD (January 9, 1805 – September 18, 1871) was born in Caswell County, North Carolina. At the age of 8, he migrated with his family by wagon from North Carolina to Tennessee. After his mother died in 1813, his father moved the family frequently from Williamson County, to Wilson County, To Smith County and finally to Rutherford County. On February 1, 1817, Robert was apprenticed by his father to Joshua Harrison to learn the art and mastery of nail making. The apprenticeship contracted bound Robert to Mr. Harrison until Robert reached the age of 21, and stipulated that Mr. Harrison fully provide for his food, board and education. Interestingly, Mr. Harrison was Robert’s brother-in-law, having married Sophia Shapard in 1816. When the Panic of 1819 decreased the demand for locally produced nails, Mr. Harrison began diversifying and opened a mercantile store, teaching Robert its operations. Mr. Harrison died on Christmas day in 1825, just a few months before the end of his apprenticeship. To help his widowed sister, Robert became guardian of the two minor Harrison children, William and Mary. After the death of Mr. Harrison, Robert did not follow the nail makers trade, but instead pursued the dry goods and hardware business at Murfreesboro, under the name of R.P. Shapard & Co. In 1829, Robert partnered with James Mitchell, son of William Mitchell of Rutherford County, under the name of Shapard & Mitchell, selling all the goods typical of a merchant during that era. Through his associating with Mr. Mitchell, Robert was introduced to his sister Parthenia and a courtship developed. They married on November 12, 1829, at her father’s plantation northwest of Murfreesboro. Robert’s early success had allowed him to purchase some land and acquire four slaves by 1830. Later that same year, R.P. Shapard was appointed by the County Court as a Constable of Rutherford County. In 1831, he was elected to another County office as Rutherford County Coroner, whereby, he was to hold inquests over the deceased to determine the cause of death. Another interesting facet of his office was that when the County Sheriff was away, the Coroner became acting Sheriff. In the mid to late 1830s, Robert became affiliated with the Whig political party and, over the years, attended conventions as a delegate to nominate candidates for office. During the economic Depression of 1837, Robert became bankrupt and lost is house, his store his slaves, his horse and all his furniture, and was forced to seek refuge at his brother Booker’s home in Fayetteville in Lincoln County, Tennessee. With his brother’s help, Robert started business again as a merchant in a corner storefront on the Fayetteville public square, in what would eventually become known as “Shapard’s corner.” His brother also proved to be a significant influence on Robert’s Christian life, leading Robert to become highly active in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and became a fervent member of the Lincoln County Bible Society. While in Fayetteville, Robert also joined the Sons of Temperance Division No. 52, a secret society which proclaimed abstinence from liquor for the betterment of society. Robert also became a founding Board of Trustee member of the first college in Fayetteville, originally named Fayetteville College but later changed to Milton College. In 1853, Robert was a delegate of the Fayetteville Railroad Convention, the object of which was to bring the railway to Fayetteville. Robert moved his family and four slaves to Shelbyville, Bedford County in 1855, and purchased Town Lot No. 97 for his family home. There he partnered with his brother-in-law Calvin Green Mitchell creating the wholesale grocer and commission merchant firm named “Shapard & Mitchell.” During the Civil War, Shapard & Mitchell did much business with the Confederate States, however, Robert did not believe that dissolution of the Union was the best course of action. Business continued until 1863, when Union troops invaded Shelbyville and were confronted by Confederate resistance. It was reported that saber fights occurred during the battle in front of Shapard & Mitchell store on Depot Street. In the final days before the battle, Robert and his family and slaves fled to Louisville, Kentucky to ride out the rest of the war. After the war Robert returned to Shelbyville to reclaim what vestige of his life still remained. His store had been robbed clean by the Federal soldiers so he commenced business again selling whatever he could obtain in dry goods, clothing, groceries and hardware. He focused whole heartedly on rebuilding his beloved Shelbyville Methodist Episcopal Church South that had been so badly damaged during the occupation. He became one of the leading spirits of the church, and even spearhead the Sunday School programs. Robert Paine Shapard died on September 18, 1871 at 66 years of age and was buried in Willow Mount Cemetery in Shelbyville, Tennessee. He and Parthenia had ten children: William Shapard (1830 – 1894), James Hodge Shapard (1832-1856), baby female (1835-1835), Avarilla Elizabeth (1836-1854), Edwin Ruthven (1838-1889), Robert Addison (1841-1871), Evander (1843-1921), David Green (1846-1919), Sarah (1848-1933), John Mitchell (1851-1858).

LEWIS SHAPARD, JR.. (November 8, 1806 – June 10, 1848) was born in Person County, North Carolina, and was raised on his parent’s plantation in Caswell County until the age of six. In 1813, he settled in Williamson County, Tennessee, with his family. Over the years, he moved to Wilson County, Smith County and finally Rutherford County. In January of 1827, at the age of 20 years old, he was arrested and charged by the State for inciting a riot in Rutherford County, of which he was found to be not guilty. It appears that he went to live with his older brother Booker Shapard for the next three years. On October 25, 1830, Lewis Shapard, Jr. married Thursa Burdette (1813-1883) in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Lewis bought Shelbyville Town Lot No. 82 as his first home shortly after marriage. In the late 1830s, numerous people became indebted to Lewis of which he filed lawsuits in order to collect. By 1840, Lewis had acquired two slaves, was living on Shelbyville Town Lot No. 53, and was employed as a Constable of Bedford County. Lewis Shapard, Jr. died on June 10, 1848, at the age of 41 years old. He is buried in the Old City Cemetery in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Lewis and Thursa Shapard had six children: Williamson (1831-1886), Maria (1834 – 1838), Margaret (1836-1870), Thomas (1839-1839), Charles (1840-1888) and Henry Clay (1843-1913).

MARTHA SHAPARD (April 1808-February 23, 1853) Martha Shapard was raised in Caswell County, North Carolina, until the age of five, when she moved with her family to Williamson County, Tennessee. After the death of her mother in 1813, Martha migrated with her father and siblings to Wilson County, then Smith County and finally Rutherford County. In the mid to late 1820s, Martha may have been living with her older brother William B. Shapard in Maury County. On

April 28, 1828 Martha married Joshua W. McCown (1804-1896) of Williamson County, the ceremony being held in Maury County. A year after their wedding, Martha’s husband moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, and commenced business as a commission merchant. Martha visited him there often. Unfortunately, Mr. McCown’s business failed which necessitated his returned to Williamson County, Tennessee. About 1832, the McCown family moved to Rutherford County, where Mr. McCown farmed 40 acres on Bradley Creek and was employed as a teacher for two years. They followed the Methodist Episcopal faith. During the 1830s, Mr. McCown was plagued with lawsuits, eventually causing him to lose everything. In an attempt to better their luck, Martha and Joshua moved their growing family to Texas, in 1837, settling in Washington County, where Martha’s brother Thomas Paine Shapard had settled a few years earlier. Thomas P. Shapard and Joshua McCown were not only good friends and business associates, but also purchased land adjoining each other at Washington on the Brazos. Martha’s husband farmed and engaged in the business of hauling and selling freight from Harrisburg (Houston) to Washington. In 1853, The McCown family moved to Houston to run a hotel. Unfortunately, Martha (Shapard) McCown died on February 23, 1853 and was buried in Houston, Texas. She and her husband had 16 children: William B. (1829-1830), Joshua Wilson, Jr. (1830-1894), Alexander (1831-1844), Margery (1832-1891), Thomas Paine Shapard (1834-1914), Mary Eliza (1835-1895), James (1836-1917), Sophia Athelia (1837-1877), Robert (1839-1845), Martha Ann (1840-1915), Jane (1841-1927), Samuel Houston (1842-1844), Jerome Robertson (1844-1857), Robert Alexander (1847-1853), Frances New (1850-1909), Susan Rebecca (1851-1876).

THELIA "AVILLA" SHAPARD (1810 - April 1850) was born in Caswell County, North Carolina and, at the age of three, was brought by her parents to Williamson County, Tennessee. After her mother died in 1813, she moved with her father to Wilson County, then Smith County, and finally Rutherford County. There is some evidence to suggest she may have lived with her older brother William B. Shapard in Maury County in the mid to late 1820s. On October 29, 1829, she married James Payton Bone in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Thelia was 19 years old at the time of her marriage. This was Mr. Bone’s second marriage, after his first wife Catherine died only a few months earlier in March of 1829, leaving him with numerous children. Mr. Bone was a veteran of the War of 1812, and operated a tanning business in the town of Murfreesboro. He sold his business in 1831, and thereafter sustained his family through farming. Thelia died, at the age of 40, of unknown causes in April of 1850, in Rutherford County. She helped raise numerous stepchildren and at least six children of her own. Her natural children were: Mary E. (1831-?), William Shapard (1834-1880), Thomas (1836-?), Bailey Peyton (1838-1913), Henry (1840-?) and Athelia (1842-?).    

THOMAS PAINE SHAPARD (July 22, 1811 – June 13, 1859) was born in Caswell County, North Carolina. In 1813, he was brought by his parents to Williamson County, Tennessee. His mother died shortly after they settled in Tennessee, and the family relocated to Wilson County, then Smith County and finally to Rutherford County. Very little is known of Thomas’ youth, however, there is evidence that he lived with his brother James P. Shapard, of Rutherford County, in 1830. Thomas was well educated and studied law, perhaps under his brother James who was a Rutherford County Judge from 1833 to 1835. In the spring of 1836, at 25 years of age, Thomas embarked on grand adventure and left Tennessee, settling in Washington County, in the Republic of Texas. He served in Army of the Republic of Texas the year he arrived, being honorably discharged and granted land for his service. Thomas pursued a law career at the town of Washington on the Brazos, under the firm name of “Hood, Shapard & Co.” His bravery to settle in Texas provided a beacon for other siblings to migrate there over the years. In 1837, his sister Martha and her husband Joshua W. McCown relocated to Texas, purchasing land adjoining Thomas’ property. Many years later, in 1846, Thomas’ older brother James P. Shapard also moved to Texas, residing in Washington

County close to his brother. On May 31, 1838, Thomas Paine Shapard married Ann Hope, the daughter of James Hope and Lady Mary England. Thomas became a Court Clerk in 1837, and held that office for many years. Thomas was the secretary of the Washington County Jockey Club, which had built a race track in 1838 and ran races until 1845. He became a Master Mason, and was a member of Washington Lodge No. 18. He and his family were Methodists. Thomas Paine Shapard died on June 13, 1859, at 48 years of age. He and his wife had six children: Eleanor (1839-1906), Amanda (1841-1842), Martha John (1844-1886), Ann (1852-1922), Mary Peebles Catherine (1854-1935), Richard Robert Peebles (1858-1923).    

LEWIS SHAPARD: SOURCES 4

1. October ?, 1814 (Wilson County Loose Files of County Court, Box 13 folder 8, family search image 2206)


To the worshipful the county court of Wilson now sitting. Your petitioner beg leave to represent that Elizabeth Shepherd one of your petitioners is intermarried with Henry Parrish some time in ____ which marriage is dissolved by the death of said Henry, that said Henry died seized and possessed on one hundred and fifty acres land situated lying and being in the county of Wilson and State of Tennessee on the waters of Cedar Lick Creek on which land he usually resided before he died. That on said tract there are about forty acres of cleared land and a comfortable dwelling house. Your petitioner beg ___ further to represent that on the 14th day of April 1814 they intermarried and your petitioner therefore pray your worships to appoint twelve ___ committee …to a lot and set off to said Elizabeth one third part of the land aforesaid which third is to include the mansion house in which said Elizabeth and the former husband usually dwelt before his death together with all the improvements hereunto belonging. (signed) Elizabeth Shapard (signed) Lewis Shapard






(back of document) We the undersigned heirs of Henry Parish deceased acknowledge twenty days notice of the intention of the within petitioners to apply to the next term of Wilson county court which will be held the 3rd Monday in December 1814 to have to dower laid off as [described] by the within notification. (signed) David W. Parrish, William Parrish, Saml R. Anderson, Green Seat.






2. December 3, 1814 (Wilson County Loose Files of County Court, Box 13 folder 8, Familysearch image 2239)


State of Tennessee Wilson County Court. To the sheriff of said County greeting. On the petition of Elizabeth Shepperd late widow of Henry Parrish deceased praying her right of dower to be laid off out of 150 acres of land it being the place whereon her former husband Henry Parrish lived last before his death. It is therefore ordered by the court and you are hereby commanded to summon twelve freeholders of your county unconnected with the said petitioner within by blood or affinity, and that the said jury of 12 men meet on the premises some convenient day before our next court and there to allot lay off her one third part of the land of one hundred and fifty acres of land by proper meets and bounds so as include the mansion house kitchen out houses etc. And that the jury aforesaid make out a plat of their proceedings with their names subscribed thereto and that they have the same before our next court to be held at the court house in Lebanon the third Monday in March next and this they shall not omit under the penalty prosecuted by law. Witness John Allcorn Clerk of said court at office this 3rd Monday in December 1814.






3. December 19, 1814 (Wilson County Deeds, Book E, page 495)


Pursuant to an order of the County Court of Wilson County holden the 3rd Monday in December, 1814. We have preceded to lay out and allot to Elizabeth Shepperd her dower of one hundred and fifty acres of land laying and bounded as follows to wit; Beginning in J. Stills south boundary line on a small dogwood, thence south 70 poles to a stake in J. Coles line, thence south 81 degrees west 62 poles to a hickory thence north 24 poles to a stake thence west 49 poles to a ___ and thence north 62 poles to a small dogwood in said Stills line, thence east with his line to the beginning, containing fifty acres as will appear from the plat hundred, to awarded. (Illustration of the shape of the acreage)


(Signed) John K. Wynne, D. Wynne, Thomas Mass, Joseph Cole, William Eddings, Richard Henderson, William Babb, George Wynne, J. Wynne, Jim Still, George Still, James Henderson.


___ Tennessee Wilson County Court March Term 1815. The written plans and certificate of the allotment of dower to Elizabeth Shepperd was exhibited in open court and ordered to be recorded.


(Signed) John Mcoon – Clerk of Wilson County Court. Registered the 13th of June 1815






Note: The dower portion when mapped out is the middle portion of the 150 acres of land sold to the heirs of Henry Parrish on September 20, 1814 by Joseph Cole; thus the dower portion cannot be 150 acres and appears more like 50 when mapped. This land appears to be just southwest of the town of Lebanon, Wilson County Tennessee.






Note: (Caswell County Historical Association, “Dowers Rights”) Dower was a widows right to a lifetime interest in one-third of all the land owned by her husband, unless she chose, in place of a dower, to accept other property left to her under her husband’s will. Generally, dower applied to each parcel of land in which her husband held an inheratible interest at any time during their marriage. From 1784-1868, a wifes right to one-third of her husband’s land became effective only at his death, meaning that during marriage his control was absolute. He could sell any and all of the property. Generally a widows dower is protected from the husbands creditors. She also is entitled to the dwelling house and out buildings. The dower is allotted to the widow only for her lifetime. If a widow remarries, she still is entitled to the dower for her lifetime. Upon her death, the land goes to the heirs of her first marriage. A sale can be transacted if her husband’s heirs go on the deed with her. The dower can be transferred or swapped with one of the heirs, if the others are agreeable and execute quite claim deeds. Heirs cannot sell the dower out from under the widow.






Note: The Parrish land was locate at Tucker’s Gap just south of the Leesville Road (see plat map).






4. December 24, 1814 (Wilson County Court Minutes, Vol. 2, WPA, pg 62)


On this 24th day of December, 1814, came the parties (John Stuart, plft. vs. Joshua Kelly, deft.) by their attorneys also a jury of good and lawful men to wit: Thomas Walson, Henry Brown, Patrick Anderson, Lewis Sheppard, Rowland Sutton, John Cage, Lard Sellars, Henry Palmer, John Presley, Freeman Modglin, William Babb, and Jesse Look, who being elected tried and sworn the truth to speak upon the issue joined upon their oaths do say they find the defendant did assume upon himself in manner and form as the plantiff in his declaration hath alledged and assess the Plantiffs damages to one hundred & 20 dollars…






5. 1815 (Caswell County NC. Deed Book R, p. 288). Nathaniel Slade to John Massey both of Caswell County for $400, 200 acres land on a fork of Country Line Creek. Beginning at a stump corner of William Gooch and running with his line north 17 degrees west 6 chains 50 links, thence north 62 degrees west 15 chains 52 links to post oak, thence west 21 chains 97 links to black jack, thence south6 chains 84 links to post oak, then east 20 chains to post oak, thence south 66 chains with William Slades line to blackjack bush, then east 39 chains 13 links to post oak, thence north 31 chains 50 links to post oak, thence west with William Gooch line 34 chains to Spanish oak on the creek, thence down the meanderings of the creek to the beginning.






6. January 1, 1815 (Wilson County Loose Files of County Court, Box 31 folder 32, family search image 1486)


An additional inventory of the personal property of Henry Parrish deceased. A negro girl Hannah child of the negro woman Cherry, born since the inventory to which this is an addition was made and returned. A negro boy Joseph child of the said Cherrys, born since the inventory to which this is an addition was made and returned January 1st 1815 Lewis Shapard, admins. In right of his wife Elizabeth Shapard.






7. January 4, 1815 (Family Search, Wilson County TN, Inv. & Wills 1814-1819, Henry Parrish)


An additional inventory of the personal property of Henry Parrish deceased. A negro girl Hannah child of the negro woman Cherry, born since the inventory to which this is an addition was made and returned. A negro boy Joseph child of the said Cherrys, born since the inventory to which this is an addition was made and returned January 1st 1815 Lewis Shepperd, admins. In right of his wife E. Shepperd.


The foregoing was exhibited in open court at March term 1815, and ordered to be recorded. The same recorded the 16th June 1815. John Allcorn, Clerk of Wilson County Court.


An account of part of the property of Henry Parrish deceased sold at public sale January 4, 1815. William Parrish to a negro man named Tony $301. John C. Gibbons to a negro man named Jack $470. Lewis Sheppard to a negro woman named Cherry and child named Joe $452. Lewis Sheppard to a negro boy named George $230. Lewis Sheppard to a negro girl named Hannah $180. (total of $1,633).


Lewis Sheppard administrator in right of his wife Elizabeth Sheppard.


State of Tennessee Wilson County Court March Term 1815. The within account of sale of part of the property of Henry Parrish decd. Was exhibited in open court and ordered to be recorded. The same is recorded the 16th day of June 1815. John Allcorn Clerk of Wilson County Court.






8. January 15, 1815 (Wilson County Tennessee will books 1802 - 1850)


Henry Parrish Inventory. Lewis Shepperd is administrator in right of his wife Elizabeth Shepperd. Recorded June 1, 1816






9. March 7, 1815 (Wilson County Tenn. Minute Book 1810-1833 Circuit Court; family search image 64, film #8265275)


Redmond B. Berry vs. Thomas Ray & others. In Eject. This day the parties came by their attorneys and there upon a jury of good and lawful men to wit Obediah G. Finley, Joshua Kelly, Wiett Bellis, John ___, James Ewing, Henry Shelby, William Leach, John N. Walker, Jonathan Doak, James Gray, Lewis Shepherd and Thomas Arrington…are discharged from rendering their verdict until tomorrow.






Note: The jury met and were dismissed on March 8, 1815. Verdict of defendants not guilty rendered on March 9, 1815 by jury.






10. April 11, 1815 (Nashville True Whig)


List of letters remaining at the post office at Lebanon, Tennessee (Wilson County) as of April 1, 1815: Lewis Sheppard…






Note: This letter was most likely from Caswell County NC informing him of the settlement of the estate of his late father, whereby he was awarded an additional sum of inheritance. The time frame fits as to when the settlement occurred and how long it took a letter to ship.






Note: In 1822, it took 11 days to move mail from Washington D.C. to Nashville. In 1815 it cost 8 cents to send per page to mail 40 or fewer miles, 10 cents 41-90 miles, 12 ½ cents 91-150miles, 17 cents 151-300 miles, 20 cents 301-500 miles and 25 cents more than 500 miles. Mailcarriers traveled on horse drawn carts or horseback, used boats or rafts on waterways, as it was years before the first steamships would reach Nashville and decades before the trains would first arrive in Tennessee. Prior to 1863, the cost of postage only delivered the letter from post office to post office. The public had to travel to the post office to retrieve their mail. The first stamps were not issued until 1847, prior to this latters were taken to the post office and the postmaster would write the postage in the upper right corner of the letter, based on the number of pages and distance to travel. Postage could be paid in advance, or upon collection, or partially at delivery and upon collection






11. May 16, 1815 (Wilson County Tennessee wills and inventories 1814 - 1819)


Lewis Sheppard Guardian. Sheppard was guardian for Lewis Sheppard* who was an heir to the estate of Henry Parrish.






*Note: There is no such entry in the records that I have located. This is a publicized error in date and content.






12. September 20, 1815 (Wilson County Court Minutes, Vol. 2, WPA, pg 126)


…and now at this term [September 1815] first above mentioned came the parties [Benjamin Motley, pltf. Vs John W. Nichols, deft.] by their attorneys and also a jury of good and lawful men to wit: Jordan Reeves, Britton Drake, Samuel Elliot, Geo. Tucker, Jesse C. Williams, Jeremiah Tucker, Isaac Hunter, Henry Howell, William Babb, Elias Crawford, John Marshall, Lewis Shepherd, who being elected tried and sworn the truth to speak upon the issue joined upon their oaths do say they find the issue for the plantiff and assess his damages to sixty dollars & forth five cents…






NOTE: The Wilson County Courthouse was located in Lebanon, Tennessee.






13. September 20, 1815 (Wilson County Court Minutes, Vol. 2, WPA, pg 128)


…This day [September 1815] the parties [Thomas Richmond, pltf. vs. John W. Nichols, deft.] by their attorneys and also a jury of good and lawful men to wit: Jordan Reeves, Britton Drake, Samuel Elliot, Geo. Tucker, Isaac Hunter, Henry Howel, William Babb, Elias Crawford, John Marshall, Lewis Shepherd, who being elected tried and sworn the truth to speak upon the issue joined upon their oaths do say they find the issue for the defendant the plea of no assignment from Robert Bumpass to John W. Nichols as the defendant in the pleading hath alleged…






14. October 7, 1815 (Rutherford County Deeds, Familysearch image 359)


Lewis Shepard deed of trust to William G. Kimbro, Jr.


State of Tennessee Williamson County. Know all men by these presents that I Lewis Shepard for and in consideration of the sum of $375 to me in hand paid by William Kimbro Senr. of the county of Rutherford do hereby convey the title of my negro man Joseph and my negro man Ned unto William G. Kimbro Jr. as trustee in whose hands the aforesaid negros are to remain until the first day of January next, wherein I the aforesaid Lewis Shepard fully authorize him the said William G. Kimbro as trustee to advertize and sell the aforesaid to rays [raise] the above mentioned $375 if it shall not be returned and paid unto the said William G. Kimbro or his assigns on or before the first day of January next ___ with the interest thereon if paid on or before the above mentioned day shall make the conveyance void otherwise it is in full force. In witness whereof I the said Lewis Shepard have hereunto set my hand and affix my seal this the 7th day of October in the year of our Lord 1815.


(Signed) Lewis Shepard (Witness) Nathan Stamile


Registered November 28, 1815


Note: William Kimbro lived in Caswell County two plantations to the east of Lewis Shapard’s land. William Kimbro purchased 425 acres from the State of NC in 1783. A year later in 1784, William Gooch purchased 640 acres of land from the State adjoining Mr. Kimbro’s land directly to the south. (his wife’s father’s land?) Mr. Kimbro’s land was east of James Rice’s land (later sold to Joseph Chandler in 1797), which was east of Lewis Shapard’s land that he purchased from John Rice in 1797. There was a William Kimbro that continued to reside in Caswell County until 1804 that was on committees with Lewis Shapard.


Note: William Kimbro, Sr. died before October 19, 1816. He had 16 slaves at the time of his death Joseph and Ned were not listed as among them. In 1817 it appears that Lewis paid the estate $393.


Note: It appears that the above deed of trust shows that Lewis borrowed $375 from Mr. Kimbro and gave two slaves as collateral, if Lewis didn’t pay him back by January 1816 Mr. Kimbro could sell his slaves to recover the money that was loaned.


Note: October 1815 (Rutherford County Court Minutes 1811-1815, pg 31) records the above deed: Deed of Trust. Lewis Shepard for property specified in deed to William Kimbro.


Note: Above deed was made in Williamson County. Lewis and Mr. Kimbro were in Williamson County where transaction took place.






Note: (Rutherfordtnhistory.org. pioneers before 1800)


William Kimbro/Kimbrough, Sen. b. before 1766 - d. in Rutherford Co. when his widow, Elizabeth Kimbro (dau of William W. Gooch 1721-1802) was allowed a year’s allowance on 19 Nov 1816. CHILDREN: John Kimbro; William Kimbro, Jr.; Azariah Kimbro; Joseph A. Kimbro (youngest son, see DB L, p. 157). William Kimbrough has been recognized by DAR who states that he was b. ca 1750 in VA, and rendered material aid and patriotic service in NC during the Revolutionary War. He m. Elizabeth Gooch, the daughter of William Gooch and his wife, Frances Rice. He migrated from Caswell County NC and was on the Stones River in Tennessee by 27 Dec 1797 (see Davidson Co. DB D, p. 306). He purchased 200 acres on Dec 27, 1798 [RCHS Pub. Land Grants] that later became part of Rutherford County. He signed the petition requesting the formation of Rutherford Co. 10 Aug 1803. He owned 250 acres on the 1809 tax list and was found on the 1810 census for Rutherford Co. He settled in the LaVergne area of Rutherford Co. William Gooch was of Hanover Co., VA and later Caswell Co., NC, a Revolutionary War veteran. Seven of his twelve children came to TN. Mrs. Elizabeth Gooch Kimbro, d. 1826. She was the sister of Thomas Gooch, James Gooch, Nathaniel Gooch, David Gooch, Ann/Nancy Gooch Benton, Polly/Mary Gooch Williams. [RCHS Pub # 12, p. 38]. 3650.


Note:William Kimbro, Jr. b. 1775-1795, owned 250 acres on the 1809 tax list and was found on the 1820 census for Rutherford Co. He signed the petition requesting the formation of Rutherford Co. 10 Aug 1803.














15. December 1815 (Family Search Wilson County TN Wills and Inventories 1814-1819, pg 162)


The undersigned who were appointed by the County court of Wilson commissioning to settle with Lewis Shappard guardian of Nancy Parrish, Susanah Parrish, Betsy, Patsy, Zuritha and Harry Parrish minors beg __? To make the following report. To wit.


1815 Lewis Sheppard guardian to the estate of Henry Parrish.


20th Dec.


To a settlement in September 14th 1814 - $781.18


Interest one year and three months - $58.58


To hire of a negro and interest 11 months - $33.75


To hire of a negro in 1813 and interest - $25.44


Sale of negros the 4th of January 1815 - $1632


Contra


By Green Seats note and interest - $13.55 ½


William Parrish note and interest - $30.24


William Parrish note and bed - $35


David Parrish note and interest - $28.12 ½


David Parrish note and bed - $35


Green Seats note hire of negro - $33.92


George Stilt (George Still) - $23.60


George Stilt (George Still) - $4.48


Doctor Samuel Haggs receipt for medicine - $6.75


By supporting minor children - $78.51


Total Amount - $289.18


(signed) A. Harris, Christopher Coapen, George M___?: Commissioners


The foregoing statement of settlement was exhibited in open court at December Term 1815 and ordered by the court to be recorded. The same recorded the 16th May 1816






Note: “George Still” is George Washington Stell (1793-1848).





16. 1816


1816 was the “year with summer.” From New England down to Virginia frost and snow occurred throughout the summer. Tennessee fared better. Europe was in worse shape and needed food shipped from America. Created a boom market until 1819.






17. February 3, 1816 (Nashville Whig, pg 4)


To the Public


Whereas my wife Elizabeth Shapard has forfeited the privileges of a wife, by abandoning my house and the care of my family and had attempted to waste my estate by contracting debts which I am neither able nor willing to pay – These are therefore to forewarn all persons from giving her credit with the expectation of my paying debts of her contracting, as I am determined to pay none to which I have not consented.


Lewis Shapard, Wilson County, Feb. 3, 1816.






18. June 11, 1816 (Nashville True Whig)


“There are great bargains to be had in property [in Murfreesboro] that will increase in value every day, it being in one of the most flourishing towns of its age in the western country, situated in one of the most wealthy, fertile and populous counties; and in the center of the state, and trust without doubt, before long, become the seat of government.”






19. September 26, 1816 (Rutherford County Tennessee Marriages)


16 y/o Sophia Shapard married Joshua Norman Harrison in Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, TN.






Note: Joshua Harrison, b. 1795 - d. Dec 25, 1825, and his wife, Sophia shapard b. Nov 25, 1799 - d. Mar 3, 1855. He d. intestate with wife, Sophia, and minor heirs: Eleanor P. Harrison (m. 1834, David P. Molloy); Martha B. “Patsy” Harrison (m. 1 1836, Stephen B. Johns, m. 2 John L. Durham and was living in Guadeloupe Co., Texas in 1856); Sarah Anne Harrison (m. Cannon); Caroline Harrison (m. Taliaferro); Mary Harrison (m. 1845, Robert B. Rucker); William J. Harrison (m. 1849, Pamela A. Ellis). In a Chancery Court case dated Nov 1856, William B. Sheperd was described as uncle of Martha B. Durham. Joshua Harrison owned a small trade store and then expanded into a nail-making operation “Harrison & Co.” on the north side of the Square. [Spence, p. 149].






Nashville Whig 1817. April 2, 1817, Samuel Elam purchased the Nashvile Nail Factory from Gen. Carroll (nails, window glass, carpenters tools)






20. November, 1816 (Smith County Tennessee Wills 1816-1820, Vol 3, image 31)


Account of sale of property of James Piper deceased. Lewis Shepherd purchased a little wheel for $2.00; 5 chairs for $1.62; a cow and yearling for $11.10. Recorded November Term Smith County Court 1816.






Note: James Piper deeded a portion of his land to establish Payton’s Creek Baptist Church in 1812. This church is still in existence and is located about 2 miles north of Carthage (or 10 miles northeast of Lebanon) in Smith County. This might give us an idea of Lewis’ location.


Note: John Piper was appointed as administrator of the estate of James Piper decd with William Haynes and Alex Piper as security. His widow was Delila. Note; in 1817 William Hayne applied for a permit to build a grist mill on Peytons Creek.


Note: family search image 389 in Smith County Court Minutes 1820-1827 shows Wm. Haynie, Sr., Elijah Hanie, Abraham Piper, Johnston Beasley, John Piper, Benj. Piper and John Carpenter a jury to view and mark a road in 1822 that passes through the plantation of Andrew Payne, to cross the old mill road…(possibly where Lewis was?)


Note: Other purchasers at the estate sale were: Alexander Piper, Abraham Piper, John Piper, William Gregory, Lalan Gregory, John E. Baker, Joel Dryer, Edward Carter, Claybourn Hall John Lankford, Robert Clark, Daniel McKinnis, Alexander McKinnis, Jonathan Key (sues Lewis), Christopher Dudley, Jonathan Akins, Braddock Beasley.






Note: Smith County Carthage Gazette May 19, 1815. Joel Dryer, Esq. was announced as a candidate to represent Smith County in the Representitive branch of the next legislature. He had a mill connected to a road that led to Carthage near or on Peytons creek. The Baptist church donated by the Piper family (James Piper) was on this road.






Note: Smith county was created from a portion of Sumner County on October 26, 1799. The same Act of the General Assembly of Tennessee that created Smith County also created Wilson County. In 1801 Jackson County was established from the northeastern part of Smith County. In 1837, Dekalb County was established using 15 square miles of the southern portion of Smith County. In 1842 Macon county used a portion of Smith’s county northern land for its creation. In 1870, Trousdale County was formed using smith County northwest land. Thus Lewis may have lived in what is presently another county. The Court House was at the town of Carthage.






Note: The Cumberland River was navigable for 516 miles. Rains between November ad April keep the river at its highest point, with occasional swells throughout the summer in heavy downpours. Originates from the Cumberland Mountains where smaller tributaries converge forming the Cumberland River, flowing from east to west. Flows out of Tennessee into Kentucky where it connects to the Ohio River for a short distance before connecting to the Mississippi River, flowing down to New Orleans. It has a 55 foot waterfall at Cumberland Falls and near Burnside, the shallowness and steepness of the water flow prevented water craft from traveling downstream. That was the end of the narrows and after which water transport could be achieved towards Nashville. Farmers would bring produce (farm produce, cotton, tobacco, salt, lard, corn, pork, etc.) by land to the river to be shipped to Nashville or New Orleans via the Mississippi River. Warehouses were built at different points on the river (Carthage in smith County) and three inspectors were employed to inspect and grade all hemp, flour and tobacco intended for shipment. Con used for making whiskey. Goods were also brought from the east by packhorse. Hazards for the river were: shoals (shallow waters), islands, the winding manner of the Cumberland, narrow areas, overhanging trees, submerged stumps, wood debris – especially from saw mills, fog.






21. November 14, 1816 (Smith County Court Minute Book 1815 – 1817, page 230, family serach image 120)


Jeremiah Doxey vs. Lewis Shepperd


This day came the parties by their attorneys and the plaintiff agrees that he will no further prosecute his suite vs the defendant, the said defendant agreeing to pay one half the cost by consent of the parties, it is therefore sidered by the court that the suite be dismissed and that each party pay one half the cost and may be amerced &c.






Note: Arkansas Gazette Jan 17, 1937 (little Rock Ark) Capt. Jeremiah Doxey was an English sea captian who came to America before the Rev. War. He served in the Rev. War from 1775 until the end of the war and is credited with seven years of service sailing as a sailing master or captian of the ship Tarter, under Commodore Barron, engaged at the mouth of the Rappahannock River and enlisted from Norththumberland County, Virginia. Captain Doxey went later to North Carolina, where he was married Roda Haney (they had a son Col. John Doxey m. Rachel Lockhart – their child was Dr. John Lockhart Doxey, thence to Tennessee and Mississippi, from where his descendants moved to Arkansas. July 16, 1810 Weekly Chronicle of Nachez Mississippi – letter for Jeremiah Doxey in Nachez post office. February 2, 1819 City of Washington Gazette Jeremiah Doxey had a letter at post in Washington. October 8, 1819 Frankfort Kentucky ad for $100 reward for capturer of runaway slaves from S.H. Doxey of Cotaco, Co. Alabama Terrirtory on 29th of August. They will no doubt endeavor to make their escape to some populous city and pass as free people. “Information will be forwarded to the post master of Huntsville A. Territory, orr of Gallation, Tennessee (signed) Jeremiah Doxey. (ad ran in Lynchburg and Winchester Virginia, Baltimore MD, Lexington, argus KY and Ohio). Payment to be made in Gallatin Tennessee.






22. December 4, 1816 (Caswell County Deed Book R, p. 105) Hugh Darby to George Williamson, for $700, 400 acres of land on waters of South Fork Country Line Creek. Beginning at white oak former James Rice corner now Pinson running his line north 83 Ch 40 L to pine, thence west 53 Ch 50 L by vacant land to post oak, thence south 59 Ch by vacant land to pine Richard Estes corner, thence his line south 59° East 16 Ch to dogwood his corner on bank of Dry Fork, thence down Dry Fork as it meanders to poplar on bank, thence south 4 Ch 50 L to post oak Estes corner, thence his line East 31 Ch 20 L crossing Dry Fork to beginning. All land given, except for 100 acres conveyed by Lewis Shapard to Joseph Chandler.






23. February 1, 1817 (Rutherford County Deed Book L, 1817-1819, Pages 1, 2, and 3)


On 1 February 1817 Lewis Sheppard (spelling used in the record) entered into agreements with Abraham Statler, Charles Niles, and Joshua Harrison under the terms of which his sons would serve as apprentices and learn a trade in the process. James Sheppard, born on 11 April 1801, was apprenticed to Abraham Statler who was to teach him the trade of hatter. Booker Sheppard, born 28 February 1803, was apprenticed to Charles Niles to learn the trade of saddler. Robert P. Sheppard, born 9 January 1805, was apprenticed to Joshua Harrison "to be taught and instructed in the art of nailer" (a nail maker).






‘Lewis Sheppard and Joshua Harrison for Articles of Agreement – Articles of Agreement made 1 February 1817 between Lewis Sheppard formerly of Smith County, Tennessee and Joshua Harrison of Rutherford County. That whereas said Lewis Sheppard has this day bound as an apprentice unto said Joshua Harrison, Robert P. Sheppard, his son, who was born 9 January 1805, until he shall come to the full age of 21 years, to be taught and instructed in the art of nailor. He is also to be taught to read and write and cipher through the rule of three and to furnish him with such clothing as shall be necessary, &c.”


(Signed) Lewis Sheppard


(Signed) Joshua Harrison


Registered: June 3, 1817






Note: (Rutherfordtnhistory.org. pioneers before 1800)


Abram/Abraham Statler, b. ca 1770, m. Hannah Wright, b. 1772 - d. 1836, widow of David Miller of Guilford Co., NC. They moved to Rutherford Co. in 1811. He was a hat maker by trade in a shop located at what is now the corner of South Church and Vine Streets. He was first of his trade in Murfreesboro. [Spence, p. 155]. He b. before 1775 on the 1820 census for Rutherford Co. living in Murfreesboro. Hannah Wright was the daughter of Isaac Wright, Sen. [RCHF, p. 164; 331]. Mrs. A. Statler was found as a milliner [Spence, p. 235]. Abraham Statler d. before Nov 1831, intestate. Son: Samuel Statler m. 21 Sep 1837 in Rutherford Co. Nancy R. Lillard.


Note: (Rutherfordtnhistory.org. pioneers before 1800)


Charles Niles (1786-1855)was the son of Silas and Ester Hazard Niles. He was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He became an Alderman of Murfreesboro in 1818 (RCHS 29 - p. 96). He was elected one of the first Alderman of Murfreesboro, Jan 5, 1818 [Spence, p. 144]. He owned a saddle shop on the corner of College and Lebanon Streets, making everything in the way of saddlery, buying stirups, bridle bits, buckles, tacks, webbing thread, and may other things from other merchants. [Spence, p. 151].He was found on the 1820 census for Rutherford Co. b. 1775-1795, living in Murfreesboro. He was found on the rolls of the Presbyterian Church along with his wife, Abigail, and daughters: Elizabeth Hazard Niles (1817-1882) married Mr. Elder; Sarah Ann Niles 1819-1840 married Mr. Parrish; Martha Jane Niles (1831-1864) married Mr. Grosvenor; Isabella Niles; Caroline Niles. They were dismissed from Murfreesboro Presbyterian Church to Holly Springs, Mississippi ca 1827. He died in 1855, age 69 in Holly Springs Mississippi, yet is buried in Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis Tenn.


Note: (Rutherfordtnhistory.org. pioneers before 1800)


Joshua Harrison, b. 1795 - d. Dec 25, 1825, and his wife, Sophia Harrison, [Note: her maiden name may have been Shepherd] b. Nov 25, 1799 - d. Mar 3, 1858 [Note: the date is probably 1855, because she had died when her estate was being handled as early as April 1855.] (OCC). He d. intestate with wife, Sophia, and minor heirs: Eleanor P. Harrison (m. 1834, David P. Molloy); Martha B. “Patsy” Harrison (m. 1 1836, Stephen B. Johns, m. 2 John L. Durham and was living in Guadaloupe Co., Texas in 1856); Sarah st nd Anne Harrison (m. ? Cameron); Caroline Harrison (m. ? Taliafaro); Mary Harrison (m. 1845, Robert B. Rucker); William J. Harrison (m. 1849, Pamela A. Ellis). In a Chancery Court case dated Nov 1856, William B. Sheperd was described as uncle of Martha B. Durham. Joshua Harrison owned a small trade store and then expanded into a nail-making operation “Harrison & Co.” on the north side of the Square. [Spence, p. 149].










24. March 27, 1817 (Minutes of the Circuit Court, Smith County TN, pg 77; familysearch image 129, roll #008657502)


Lewis Shepard vs. Willaim Anthony & others. Injunction Bill. This day came the complaintant by his attorney and says he no further intends prosecuting his said bill against the defendants and there upon dismisses the same and the defendants assumes the payment of the cost on this case. Therefore it is considered by the court that the complaintant recover against the defendants his costs in this behalf expended.






Note: William Anthony was a witness to a deed with Lewis Shapard in 1814 in Williamson County. A William Anthony sold tobacco in New Orleans for Andrew Greer in Smith County circa 1821. (family search smith county records 004769062, image 574)






25. April 21, 1817 (Rutherford County Tennessee Inventories/Settlements/Wills 1816-1820)


An addition of inventory of the estate of William Kimbro, deceased, returned April term 1817. State of Tennessee, Rutherford County – an inventory of some money that came into my hands after the first return – part of the property of William Kimbro, deceased, taken and returned the 21st day of April 1817 (to wit) - $325 in notes by the hand of Joseph Kimbro – also received in the hand of William G. Kimbro $393.37 and ½ cents said Kimbro paid for Lewis Sheppard.


John Kimbro, Admin.






Note: William Kimbro/Kimbrough, Sen. b. before 1766 - d. in Rutherford Co. when his widow, Elizabeth Kimbro was allowed a year’s allowance on 19 Nov 1816. CHILDREN: John Kimbro; William Kimbro, Jr.; Azariah Kimbro; Joseph A. Kimbro (youngest son, see DB L, p. 157). William Kimbrough has been recognized by DAR who states that he was b. ca 1750 in VA, and rendered material aid and patriotic service in NC during the Revolutionary War. He m. Elizabeth Gooch, the daughter of William Gooch and his wife, Frances Rice. He was on the Stones River by 27 Dec 1797 (see Davidson Co. DB D, p. 306). He purchased 200 acres on Dec 27, 1798 [RCHS Pub. Land Grants]. He signed the petition requesting the formation of Rutherford Co. 10 Aug 1803. He owned 250 acres on the 1809 tax list and was found on the 1810 census for Rutherford Co. He settled in the LaVergne area of Rutherford Co. William Gooch was of Hanover Co., VA and later Caswell Co., NC, a Revolutionary War veteran. Seven of his twelve children came to TN. Mrs. Elizabeth Gooch Kimbro, d. 1826. She was the sister of Thomas Gooch, James Gooch, Nathaniel Gooch, David Gooch, Ann/Nancy Gooch Benton, Polly/Mary Gooch Williams. [RCHS Pub # 12, p. 38].


Note: (Rutherfordtnhistory.org. pioneers before 1800)


William G. Kimbro, Sen., of Rutherford Co. signed the petition requesting the formation of Rutherford Co. 10 Aug 1803. He was found on the 1820 census for Rutherford Co. b. 1775-1795. He wrote his will [the original exists in the Rutherford Co. Archives] 22 May 1822, probated 17 Jan 1825, naming his wife, Lucinda Kimbro and 4 CHILDREN (the oldest not yet 21): Isaac Newton Kimbro; Joseph T. Kimbro; Amanda A. Kimbro (m. Abel Rushing); William G. Kimbro, Jr. His executors were Nathan Williams and John Kimbro. Lucy Kimbro, b. 1790-1800, was found head of a household on the 1830 census for Rutherford Co. Lucinda Kimbro m. 2nd 29 Dec 1831 in Rutherford Co., John C. Wade.










26. May 1, 1817 (Smith County, Tennessee Deed Book F, pg 71a. Familysearch #313)


This Indenture made the first day of May 1817, between James Hart of the County of Sumner and state of Tennessee of the one part and Davis [David] Grisham of the county of Smith …for $80 at tract or parcel of land lying on the waters of Spring Creek containing 40 acres including the place whereon Nicholas Davis formerly lived, bound as follows: Beginning at two birches marked WG running north 91 and a half poles to beech, thence west 70 poles to ash and sugar tree, thence south 91 and a half poles to red bud, thence east 70 poles to the beginning… signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of Lewis Shapard, Peter Grisham (X), James Hart.






State of Tennessee Smith County May Term 1817…the within deed was proven by the oaths of Lewis Shapard and Peter Grisham, witnesses. Registered May 29, 1817.






Note: Smith County Court Minutes records this deed being registered and proven by oath of Lewis Shepherd and Peter Grisham on page 288-289 (Family search image 148)






Note: Spring creek was a branch of Paytons Creek in Smith County. Other people who lived along this creek were William Gregory, Peter Grisham, David Grisham, Harris Grisham, Wilson Cage






27. May 12, 1817 (Smith County Court Minute Book 1815 – 1817, page 289-289, Family search image 148)


James Harts to Davis Grison a deed for 40 acres – Proven by Lewis Shepperd & Peter Grisham witnesses thereto and ordered to be registered






28. September 13, 1817 (Shapard Family history)


Lewis Shapard’s brother Thomas Shapard of Person County North Carolina named his new born son Lewis Booker Shapard.


Note: Lewis was his brother’s name as well as the maiden name of their maternal grandmother. Booker was their mother’s maiden name and also the name of their brother that died in 1802.






29. ?, 1818 (Wilson County Loose Files of County Court, Familysearch DGS 8185354. Box 7 folder 11)


George Stills to Lewis Sheppard bond 1818






Note: “George W. Still” is George Washington Stell (1793-1848). His father Jeremiah Stell owned land directly north of Parrish land in Wilson County TN. There is a Wilson County marriage record of George Still married Polly L. Wynn on November 9, 1815.






30. February 1818 (Wilson County Court Minutes, Vol. 2, WPA, pg. 183)


(At the February Term 1818 a “Laden Shepherd” was on jury duty at the Wilson County Courthouse in Lebanon, Tennessee)






Note: the original document says “Ladan Shepherd”. See familysearch image 656. It appears to be close to the name of ____ Shepherd who obtained a license to open an ordinary at his dwelling house in Feburary 1818. 1820 census shows a Laban Shepherd in Wilson County. This is NOT lewis.






31. February 16, 1818 (Smith County Deed Book G, page 341, Familysearch image 729)


Indenture made between James Raulston of Jackson County Tennessee and Elisha Dillard of Smith County for $260 a 130 acre tract or parcel of land lying in Smith County in the valley where William Huffmore (?) lives, Beginning at the branch where the said William Huffmow (?) lives, where James Williamsons north boundary line crosses the same, running thence up the branch with its meanderings to a beech and buckeye marked JR, thence west 158 poles to two small sugar trees, thence south 160 poles to a beech on a ridge, thence east with James Williamsons line as far as the same runs to the beginning. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of W.B. Shapard, Robert W. Carlisle, B. Ford, William Buk.






Note: William B. Shapard was 20 years old in February of 1818.






32. March 26, 1818 (Minutes of the Circuit Court, Smith County TN, pg 128; familysearch image 155, roll #008657502)


Lewis Shepherd vs. Elizabeth Shepherd. Petition for divorce. It is ordered by the court that a copy of the petition and also a subpoena to answere issue against the defendant in this cause, directed by the sherrif of Smith County.






33. July 18, 1818 (Caswell County Deed Book T, p. 92). Between James Shapard of Orange County and Jeremiah Lea of Caswell County. [James had bonds in the amount of $1,500 with Benjamin Lea as his security on the bonds payable to Dodson, Ingle & Co, partners in property in the town of East Milton. James Shapard wanting to indemnify Benjamin Lea against any injury from his bonds, places in security negros and land to satisfy the bonds…if James does not pay off the bonds by December 25, 1819 then Jeremiah Lea will place the land and negros for sale to the highest bidder to satisfy the debt]: negro woman Hannah, about 25 years old, negro girl Milly about four years old and three lots of land in the town of East Milton: one lot number 63 on Moore and Spring Street amounting to 104 front feet commencing at the west corner and running along the street for complement the said lot running back 208 feet and represented in the plat of said town. Also one other lot in the said town represented by the plat thereof number 25 amounting to 68 feet front commencing at the east corner and running along the street for complement the said lot running back 308 feet which lot or tenement is situate on Bridge and Spring street in the said town. Also one other lot in the said town amounting to 104 feet front commencing at the east corner and running along the street for complement the said lot running back 208 feet which lot or tenement is situate in the town aforesaid and represented in the plat of the town as lot number 8. Also at tract or parcel of land lying in the county and state aforesaid on the waters of County Line Creek. Beginning at a Spanish oak and gum by Graves Mill Road running east with Richard Martins line 10 ¼ chains to a pine, thence with Luke Pendergrasts line 37 ½ chains to small white oak and pointers, thence with Chandlers line west 24 chains and 80 links to a pine, thence with his line north one chain 75 links to a pine, then with his line and Lewis Shapards west39 ½ chains to a Spanish oak by said Mill Road, thence along the road as it meanders to the beginning. Containing 100 acres. Also a tract of land lying in the county aforesaid on the waters of County Line and Stoney Creek. Beginning at a blackjack, Alexander Kerrs corner running then north30 poles to a post oak, thence west 120 poles to post oak, thence north 32 degrees west 231 poles to Spanish and red oak, thence west 60 poles to red oak, thence south 408 poles to blackjack, thence east 307 poles to ash on Williams line on a branch of Stoney Creek, thence with meanderings of the branch to the first station. Containing 400 acres, as was willed by Richard Brooks, deceased to his son John Brooks. (signed) James Shapard, Jeremiah Lea, Benjamin Lea.






34. August 1818 (Wilson County Court Minutes, pg 309, Familysearch image 695)


On the petition of George W. Still selling out a case wherein Lewis Sheppard recovered against him before John Bower (sp?) wherein the said Sheppard recovered a judgment against said Still for $25 it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that there are sufficient grounds set forth in said petition. It is therefore ordered by the court that writs of Certiorari and ____ issued returnable to next court. The prayer of the petition being granted upon the petitioner giving bond and security before next court. Bond given the 14th August 1818.






Note: The $25 judgment may have been related to the settling of Henry Parrish’s estate. See December 1815 entry: George Stilt George Still - $23.60, George Stilt- $4.48.


Note: Writ of Certiorari orders a lower court to to provide its records of a case to a higher court for their review.


Note: “George W. Still” is George Washington Stell (1793-1848). He was the son of Jeremiah Stell, Jr. (1763-1845) and Sarah Lewis Wynne who were married in Amelia Co. Virginia in 1786. Jeremiah Stell purchased a 200 acre tract of land in Wilson County Tennessee from Jesse Beau in 1800 directly north bordering the land of Henry and Elizabeth Parrish. Sarah Lewis Wynne was the daughter of John K (Knibb) Wynne (1744-1816) and Mary “Polly” Lewis (1743-?) who owned the tract of land directly north of Jeremiah Stell’s land. George Washington Stell (1793-1870) was born in Amelia Co. VA. Migrated to Tennessee with his family. He Married Mary Lewis Wynne (1797-1848) (his cousin on his mothers side) in 1815 in Wilson County TN, who was the daughter of George Lewis Wynne (1776-1853) and Sarah Turpin (1774-?). George was the son of John K. Wynne (1744-1816) and Mary Lewis. George Washington Stell was in the 17th Regiment Tennessee Militia and served two tours in the War of 1812. He migrated with his father to Lamar County Texas in 1839. Note that George Still was the bondsman on the marriage license between Samuel R. Anderson and Francis “Fanny” Parrish (daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Parrish) in 1811!






35. October 10, 1818 (Minutes of the Circuit Court, Smith County TN, pg 178; familysearch image 180, roll #008657502)


Lewis Shapherd vs. Elizabeth Shapherd. Petition for divorce. This day came the petitioner by his attorney and the defendant being solomny called came not but made default and failed to appear and answer the petition on this casue. On motion of the petitioner it is considered by the court that the said defendant do appear at our next Circuit Court to be held for the county of Smith at the court house in Carthage on the fourth Monday in March next, then and there to answer the petition filed in this case otherwise the same will be taken for confefed (?) and the said cause set down for trial exparte at the next term of this court, etc.






36. December 1, 1818 (Wilson County Deeds, Book K, page 130)


This indenture made 1st day of December, 1818* between Polly Seat, formally Parrish, David Parrish, William Parrish, Francis Anderson, formally Francis Parrish, Nancy Parrish, Susannah Parrish, heirs and legators of Henry Parrish, deceased, 150 acres on Big Cedar Lick Creek** to Joseph Irby.






*Note: Elizabeth (Parrish) Shapard did not die before the land was sold. She is in court in March 1819 during divorce hearings. Legally she would have to have given consent to the heirs for them to sell her dowers portion. The children sold all the land their father owned including the 50 acres allotted to Elizabeth Shapard for her dower, house, etc. to Joseph Irby.






**Note: Elizabeth S. Parrish was a daughter of Henry Parrish and was not listed on the original deeds. She would have still retained a legal interest in the 150 acres of her fathers land. On January 20, 1825 Elizabeth relinquished all interest she had in the land to Joseph Irby (Wilson County Deeds, Book L, page 199)


“Elizabeth S. (Strother?) Parrish to Joseph Irby 150 acres, the land being descended to the said Elizabeth S. Parrish by the death of her ancestor Henry Parrish. It is the place where upon Carter Irby now lives. Witness: James Irby.”






37. December 3, 1818 (Rutherford County Deeds, Deed Book L, page 492)


James Mitchell to Thos. Shepherd** for 52 acres. This indenture made 3 December 1818 between James Mitchell of Rutherford County and Thomas Shepherd of same place for a tract of land in Rutherford County on the south side of the main east fork of Stones River, it being part of a tract of land that said Mitchell purchased from Rodger Quarles. Beginning in the middle of the main east fork about two poles north of a large sycamore marked, thence south two degrees east 30 poles, thence south 32 degrees east 43 poles on Charles Ready’s north boundary of said Quarles survey on John Doaks east boundary line, thence on John Doaks line north 82 poles to middle of the main east fork about 2 poles north of a large oak marked as a line, thence up the middle of the said east fork as it meanders 80 poles to beginning. Witness: Robert Mitchell, Simmons Peek, Jesse Brashear


Signed: James Mitchell.


Registered June 7, 1819






**Note: This is not Lewis Shapard as was suggested by other researchers. Note a “Thomas Shepherd” is listed next to James Mitchell on the 1820 census for August 7, 1820 in Rutherford County, TN. He had 2 males under 10 y/o; 2 males 10 thru 15; 1 male 16 thru 18; 1 male 16 thru 25; 1 male 45 or older; 1 female under 10; 1 female 26 thru 44; with 4 persons engaged in agriculture. There were no slaves and Lewis had slaves. None of Lewis’ children were married before 1820 (except for Sophia) which would not account for the ages of the children (unless these are the Parrish minors of which 5 would have been girls). Also in all past documents he identifies himself as “Lewis” not “Thomas”. What is favorable is that it is assumed he was in Rutherford at the time (and this is the only listing close to his name). There is also an association with the Mitchell family (RPS married Parthenia Mitchell in 1829) However this is not him. This Thomas Shapard [Shepard] is the son of Robert Shapard (1736-1796) son of Samuel Shapard (1700-1752). He testified for his brother Samuel Shepard’s, of Wilson County, Rev. War pension application in the 1830s. He was illiterate thus spelling his surname changed…though he is sometimes listed as “Shapard.” It appears his children may have been William, John, James and Payton as they are often listed near him or with him on tax records of Rutherford County.


Note: January 8, 1847 (Rutherford County Deed Book 3, pg 23, family search image 7)


Know all men by these presents that we Hetty Shepherd, Payton Shepherd, Robert Shepherd, William Shepherd, James Shepherd, Lucy Gilliam and Mary Negent lawful heirs of the body of Thomas Shepherd and Hetty Shepherd the widow of the Deceased all of the county of Rutherford TN, do bargain and sell unto Thurston Daniel of Rutherford County TN a tract or parcel of land for $40 in hand to each of us paid making the sum total $280 the receipt herein acknowledged by us Hetty Shepherd widow of Thomas Shepherd, Payton Shepherd, Robert Shepherd, William Shepherd, James Shepherd, Lucy Gilliam and Henry her lawful husband, Mary Newgent and Nathan Newgent her lawful husband…sell land in 19th district on waters of East Fork of Stones River containing 50 acres recorded by James Mitchell to Thomas Shepherd in clerks office in Murfreesboro…signed this January 8, 1847 (signed) Hetty (X) Shepherd, Nathaniel Newgent, Mary E. Newgent, Peyton Shepeherd, James (X) Shepherd, Robert Shepehrd, William Shepeherd, Henry Gilliam, Lucy (X) Gilliam.






38. From 1819-1826 Murfreesboro was the state capital of Tennessee (later moved to Nashville).






39. 1819 (Caswell County Deed Book T, p. 78) George Williamson of Caswell Co. to West Gregory 315 acres of land on South Fork of Country Line Creek. Beginning at gum sapling Richard Estes Corner running North 59 ° west 16 Ch 85 L to pine Estes corner, thence north 62 Ch to post oak Kerr line, then east 41 Ch 70 L to post oak Boswell corner, then south 85 Ch 50 L to red oak Estes corner, thence west 15 Ch 40 L to mulberry sprout on Estes corner, thence north 4 Ch 50 L to hickory Estes corner on creek bank, thence up creek as it meanders northwesterly to the mouth of the branch, then to the first station.


Note: “mouth of branch” is the bottom of the branch where it then flows into a larger creek, river, lake.






40. February 11, 1819 (Minutes of the County Court, Smith County, Tennessee 1819-1820, p. 330, familysearch image 362)


Ordered that Lewis Shepherd pay a sum of $2.00 for contempt and be in custody until paid.


Note: Not sure why he was in contempt of court. The court case directly above the entry is State vs Wm. Payne concerning a foreclosure taken against the defendant to set aside payment cost. Is this Wm. Payne relation?






41. March 26, 1819 (Minutes of the Circuit Court, Smith County, Tennessee, pg 206; familysearch image 194)


Lewis Shapherd vs Elizabeth Shapherd. Petition for divorce. On motion of the petitioner and for reasons appearing to the satisfaction of the court it is ordered that the said petitioner have leave to amend his petition.






42. March 29, 1819 (Minutes of the Circuit Court, Smith County, Tennessee, pg 207; familysearch image 195)


Lewis Shapherd vs Elizabeth Shapherd. Divorce. This day the defendant is appeared in court by her attorney James Tumpy and argues that the petitioner have leave to amend his petition and that the said cause be set down for hearing exparte to be heard at this term.






43. March 30, 1819 (Minutes of the Circuit Court, Smith County, Tennessee, pg 207, 208; familysearch image 195)


Lewis Shapherd vs Elizabeth Shapherd. Petition for Divorce. Decree.


Be it remembered that at this term (to wit) March Term 1819 this cause came on to be heard, and was heard before the Honorable Thomas Stewart, one of the judges at the Circuit Court of Law and Equity in and for the State of Tennessee and now presiding in the third judicial circuit, when it appeared to the satisfaction of the court that the complainant filed his petition on the 26th day of March 1818, and that a copy of said petition under the seal of this honorable court together with subpoena to answer issue against the said defendant on the 12th day of November 1818 and was returned “executed” and that on the 24th day of August 1818, an alias subpoena to answer issue against said defendant together with a copy of said complainants petition as aforesaid, what said alias subpoena was returned by the Sherriff of Smith County “executed” and that the said defendant appeared by her council in defense of said petitioner without answer, and it furthermore appeared to the satisfaction of the court that the said complainant is a citizen of the State of Tennessee and was an inhabitant thereof one year next before filing of his said petition, and also appeared to the court that the said defendant has been guilty of willful and malicious desertion for the space of two years without a reasonable cause, before filing said petition. And upon the swearing of the said petitioner and the evidence on the part of the complainant touching the same, it is ordered adjudged and decreed that the said Lewis Shepherd from the said bonds of matrimony subscribing between himself and the said Elizabeth Shepherd be dissolved and that the marriage between them be null and void, and that the said complaintant pay the costs about his petition in this behalf expended, etc.






44. May 12, 1819 (Minutes of the County Court, Smith County, Tennessee 1817-1819, p. 393, familysearch image 393)


This day Lewis Shepherd acknowledged himself indebted to the State of Tennessee in the sum of $100, nevertheless to be void upon condition that he appear at the next term of this court and prosecute and give evidence, etc.






Note: This is probably the result of a break of the marriage bond being his court costs (see March 30, 1819).






45. May 18, 1819 (Minutes of the County Court, Smith County, Tennessee 1817-1819, p. 417, familysearch image 405)


State vs Sandy Morgan


This day came the solicitor for the state as well as the defendant by his council and also a jury of lawful men (to wit): William Allens, Moses Estes, Willie Sullivan, Lewis McFarland, Archibald Watkins Jessee Johnson, John H. Buford, Benjamin Enocks, William Massey, Josiah Marshall, Lewis Shepherd, Mathew Kirk who being tried and sworn will and truly to enquire of the previsions upon their oath do say that the defendant is guilty in ___ charges in the bill of indictment therefore it is considered by the court that the defendant pay a fine of $5 and the cost of this prosecution as well as the expenses incurred by his imprisonment at Galatian ..






Note: This is the first time Lewis was listed as a jury member in Smith County






46. June 8, 1819 (Smith County ,TN Deeds, Book G, pg 61)


Received of Osborn Jeffrees Jr. seven hundred dollars in full pay for a negro man named Davey [Denny?] about thirty years old sound sensible and healthy the write of negro I warrant unto the said Jeffreys for myself my heirs etc. free from all claim or claims whatsoever in witness where of I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 8th June 1819.


(Signed and seal) Lewis Shepard


Witness: Thomas Richardson






State of Tennessee, Smith Circuit Court September Term 1819 I do certify that the within mentioned bill of sale from Lewis Shapperd to Osborne Jeffreys was duly acknowledged in open court by the said Lewis Shepherd to be his act and deed for the purposes therein contained and the same is ordered to be registered witness my hand and privet seal there being no seal of office at office this 29th September 1819


(Signed and seal) Jn. W. Overton, Clk. Smith Circuit Court


Registered this 12 day of October 1819.


Jno. Allen, Jr. Register Protem of Smith County






Note: Osborn Jefferies Sr., married Sarah Taylor. Their son Osborn Jefferies Jr. (?-1822) married Jane Love Miller in Person County, NC in 1806. They migrated to Smith County, Tennessee. Children were Sarah Elizabeth Taylor (married John M. Smith. Married William Bird Brooks March 18, 1850), Thomas M., Jane M., Kitchin T., William M., John A.M., Hellen S., Polly D. In Osborn Jeffries, Jr. Last Will and Testement dated 1821, he bequeaths to his wife Jane his slaves: Dave, Stanford and Fanny. He also gives her his land “my ridge tract of land near [esquin?] Howells and my tract of land on the south side of Cumberland River that I purchased from Rodger Sarkin.” Will recorded January 25, 1822.






47. June 19, 1819 (County Court Minutes, Book N, Rutherford County Tennessee, pg 223, Familysearch image 77 of 686)


Joshua Harrison vs. Lewis Shappard. This day came the said plaintiff by his attorney and said defendant being solemnly called came not but made default because the court here is not advised what damages the plaintiff hath sustained. It is therefore considered by the court that a jury come at next term to enquire, etc.






Note: Lewis did not come to this case as “the court here” didn’t advise him of damages. He appears to be residing in Smith County.










48. Summer of 1819


1. There was a severe drought in Tennessee. Much crop failure and the Cumberland River was at its lowest level since 1784.


2. There was the first major economic disaster of the United States, known as the Panic of 1819. Occurring in May of 1819 for middle Tennessee.





49. September 14, 1819 (County Court Minutes, Book N, Rutherford County Tenn., Pg 282. Familysearch image 287 of 686)


Joshua Harrison vs. Lewis Sheppard this day came the said parties by their attorneys and thereupon came a jury of good and lawful men, to wit, William Batey, Fredrick E. Becton, Thomas B. Bell, Jesse Brashear, Nelson Blanton, James Rayburn, Jonathan Hall, John Rodgers, John Anthony, Thomas Mayfield, James, M. Tilford, and William Pace who being elected tried and sworn the truth to speak upon the matters in dispute between the parties, upon their oaths do say they find for the plaintiff and assess his damages by reason thereof to $375.93, besides costs. It is therefore considered by the court here that the said plaintiff recover against the defendant the damages aforesaid by the jury aforesaid assessed and his costs in this behalf expended and the defendant in mercy, etc. And on the motion of the plaintiff it is ordered by the court that the order of sale issued to cause the property attached to be sold to satisfy the damages aforesaid and the costs in this behalf expended.






50. August 12, 1819 (Minutes of the County Court, Smith County, Tennessee 1819-1820, p. 23, family search image 440)


Daniel Cherry vs Lewis Shepherd & Dan C. Dixon. Debt pleas payments, set off and issue.


This day came the parties by their attorneys and a jury of good and lawful men, to wit: John High, John Casby, John B. Uhls, Joel M. Watkins, David Williams, Richard Hall, Isaac Mingle, Matthew Duke, Thomas Hooker, Joshua Conger, Edmund Walker, James High. Who being elected tried and sworn…do say that the said defendants have not paid the debt in the duration as the plaintiff in declaring do alleged and they do assess the plaintiffs damage occasioned by the detention of that debt to $17.57 ½ besides costs and the jurors aforesaid on their oaths aforesaid do further say the defendants are not entitled to any set off as the plaintiff in declaring had alleged. It is therefore considered by the court that the plaintiff waver against the said defendants $148.75 the debt in declaration mentioned, together with his damages aforesaid in favor aforesaid, by the jury aforesaid issued and his costs by him about his suit in this behalf expended…






Note: Solomon Paine married Polly Turner (b. June 2, 1793) on August 4, 1813 daughter of Fredrick (1762-1829) and Mary (1762-1829). Polly’s siblings were Sally Turner married Daniel Cherry (Lewis sues Daniel cherry) on May 10, 1810 (Daniel lived in Haywood after migrating from Davidson). William Turner married on October 16, 1822 to Elizabeth Cherry. (recorded from William Turner bible).






Note: Daniel Cherry (1782-1843) was the son of Jesse Cherry and Elizabeth Gainer of Martin Co. NC. In Smith Co. Tennessee, Daniel married in 1810 to Sallie Turner, daughter of Fredrick Turner. Daniels home was reported to be a “show place” in Tennessee. He was active in politics and affairs of his country and state. Daniel Cherry was listed as an early settler of Wilson County on Spring Creek (Goodspeed history of Wilson Co). in 1806 he was selling horses between Tennessee and Martin Co. NC, traveling constantly. By 1821 at the age of 39, he was extremely wealthy and had 10,000 acres throughout Tennessee. He was involved in land speculation early, where he would buy military warrants awarded to Revolutionary war soldiers in Tennessee. In early 1800s he surveyed the business district of St. Louis MO., and was given a grant of land for his service (later to be valued at $2,000,000 in 1907!). Daniel moved to Haywood Co. TN circa 1828 and sold his land in Wilson Co. He laid out the town of Harrisburg, later renamed Cherryville (1835-1843). Daniel was a surveyor and land speculator. He surveyed the city of St. Louis, MO. He was a nurseryman and delivered his stock on flat boats along the rivers. He built a series of dams on the Forked Deep River so he could get his boats through. He had a grist mill on that river. He built a plank turnpike and had a ferry. He was the postmaster of Harrisburg in 1826. He left the longest will in Tennessee History. Had numerous slaves. His probate involved a lawsuit in 1850 of his heirs and was handled by Reed & Shapard attorneys for the plaintiff.






Note: Don Carlos Dixon (1792-1841) was a Capt. in the Rutherford County Militia in 1811. Don Carlos was a physician and surgeon. He married Elizabeth Harriet Bilbo in 1819. He was the brother of Americus V. Dixon (1790-1850). In 1820 he had 10 slaves (census)


He was the son of Tilman Dixon a Rev. War Capt. who died in Smith Co. TN. Tilman owned a massive estate in smith county and was very wealthy. Tilman Dixon (1750-1816) married Maria Don Carlos on Nov. 16, 1789 in St. Andrews Parish, Brunswick Virginia. They migrated in 1790s to Tennessee, Sumner that became Smith County, owning much land north of Carthage named Dixon Springs. “Polly” Dixon died on August 26, 1806 at 39 years old from leg cancer and was the wife of Maj. Tilmon Dixon. Sons: A.V. Dixon, D.C. Dixon; daughters: Polly Greenway Overton (m. Archie W. Overton), Elizabeth Henry Dixon. Doctor Don C. Dixon was a candidate to represent Smith County in the next General Assembly in 1835 but wasn’t elected. In December 1821 D.C. Dixon sold 2000 acres in smith county station 4,5; range 4;5 to Marcus Winchester of Shelby Co.






51. August 12, 1819 (Minutes of the County Court, Smith County, Tennessee 1819-1820, p. 30, familysearch image 443)


Lewis Shepherd vs. Elijah Anthony. Motion.


This day came the parties by their attorneys and a jury of good and lawful men, to wit: John B. Uhls, John Haney, Joel M. Watkins, Matthew Duke, John Cosby, Daniel Williams, Richard Hale, John Taylor, Johnathan Key, William Phillips, John High and Thomas Tibbs, who being elected and tried and sworn well and truly to say whether the plaintiff was security for the defendant, or not, on their oaths do say that the plaintiff was security for the defendant to Archibald W. Overton for the sum of $17.40 and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that the plaintiff has paid the sum of $17.40 to the said A.W. Overton as security for the said defendant. On motion of the plaintiff by his attorney, it is considered by the court that the plaintiff [earn?] against the defendant the sum of $17.40 paid as security for the defendant as aforesaid, together with $2.17 interest thereon together the costs of this motion etc...






Note: A Elijah Anthony son of John Anthony. Johns will 1785 in Caswell County lists sons: Jonathan, James, Elijah, John, William, and Joseph. Elijah Anthony of Giles County Tennessee, in 1831 was granted permission to build a mill. He was born in 1767 possibly in Caswell County NC and died in 1867 in Giles County, TN. He married Elizabeth Browning in 1796 in Caswell County.


Note: A Elijah Anthony acquired many land warrants in Sumner County in 1810, 1811.






Note: Archibald W. Overton, Esq. was announced as a Republican candidate of the 4th Congressional District to represent them in Congress on May 19, 1815 (Carthage Gazette).






52. September 27, 1819 (Minutes of the Circuit Court, Smith County TN, pg 230; familysearch image 206, roll #008657502)


Lewis Shapherd to Osborn Jefferys. Bill of Sale of a Negro. The above mentioned bill of sale of a negro man named Davy was duly acknowledged in open court by the said Lewis Shapherd, and the same is ordered to be registered.






53. September 30, 1819 (Minutes of the Circuit Court, Smith County TN, pg 245; familysearch image 214, roll #008657502)


Lewis Shapherd vs Samuel R. Anderson. T.A.B. This day came the plaintiff in proper person and says he no further intends prosecuting his suit against the defendant, and the defendant came into court in proper person and assumes the costs in this case. It is therefore considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the defendant his costs by him about his suit in this behalf expended..the said defendant may be taken, etc.






Note: Samuel R. Anderson was the husband of Francis “Fanny” Parrish. Nashville Gazette June 14, 1820 Lost or Stolen, In Nashville on the night of the 3rd of June, a blank pocket book, containing about $18 in small bank notes; five annual agreements with Aaron Stockton, for ten thousand bushels of salt each – also some notes of hand and other papers valuable to me. I will give a generous reward for the delivery of the same to James Foy. Samuel R. Anderson. Nashville Gazette Aug 11, 1819 – General Election: Col Robert Jetton and Samuel Anderson, Esq. Representatives in Rutherford County.






54. October 2, 1819 (Minutes of the Circuit Court, Smith County TN, pg 253; familysearch image 218, roll #008657502)


Lewis Shapherd vs. John Pattington, Sr. Case.


By comment of the parties and with the assent of the Court Commissions an awarded the defendant to take the deposition of Charles Donoks, Frances Weatherhead and John Stewart citizens of Sumner County state of Tennessee, giving the adverse party ten days notice of the time and place of taking the same, etc. to be made in the above cause.






Note: 1802 a John Stewart had 450 acre tract of land 2 ½ miles below Franklin (Williamson Co.) with 15 acres cleared. He was to be contacted in Franklin.






55. 1820 (Sumner County Tennessee Tax List, pg. 1379, sumnertn.org)


W.B. Shapard listed on 1820 Tax list for Sumner County (no land).






Note: Sumner County records show a W.B. Shepherd that was a witness on bills of sale in 1836, 1837, 1839 & 1840. The earliest being 16 years after the above entry. Due to spelling and timeframe there is a high probability this is our ancestor.






56. February 22, 1820 (Minutes of the County Court, Smith County, Tennessee 1819-1820, p. 239, familysearch image 550)


Jonathan Key vs Benjamin Partee


On motion of the plaintiff by his attorney a commission is awarded him to take the deposition of Lewis Shepherd before any justice of the peace in Smith County, giving to the defendant five days notice of the time and place of taking the same.






57. March 28, 1820 (Minutes of the Circuit Court, Smith County TN, pg 281; familysearch image 232, roll #008657502)


Lewis Shaphard vs. John Patterson. Case. On motion of the plaintiff by his attorney and for reason appearing to the satisfaction of the court, a commission is awarded him to take the deposition of William Sawyer forth with to be taken to day at the home of Thomas R. Short in Carthage, to be read in evidence in the above suit and this order to operate a notice to the defendant.






58. March 30, 1820 (Minutes of the Circuit Court, Smith County TN, pg 293; familysearch image 238, roll #008657502)


Lewis Shaphard vs. John Patterson. Case. This day came the parties by their attorneys and then upon came a jury of good and lawful men (to wit) Isaac Walton, Timothy Walton, John Rains, Burley H. Strange, William Owen, John Lucky, James S. Murphy, James C. Robinson, John Maron, Samuel D. Brown, William Parson and Peter Harrod, who being elected, tried and sworn…speak upon this issue joined, and by consent of the parties and with the assent of the court the jury was permitted to return until tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock.






59. March 31, 1820 (Minutes of the Circuit Court, Smith County TN, pg 294; familysearch image 239, roll #008657502)


Lewis Shaphard vs. John Patterson. Case. This day came the parties by their attorneys and then upon came a jury of good and lawful men (to wit) Isaac Walton, Timothy Walton, John Rains, Burley H. Strange, William Owen, John Lucky, James S. Murphy, James C. Robinson, John Maron, Samuel D. Brown, William Parson and Peter Harrod, who being elected, tried and sworn…speak upon this issue joined. On yesterday on their oaths do say the defendant did issue upon himself in mannor and form as the plaintiff argueth him hath complained and they do assess the plaintiffs damages by reason thereof to $173.18 ¾, besides his costs. It is therefore considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the defendant his damages aforesaid…and costs by him about his suit in this behalf expended…






60. May 16, 1820 (Minutes of the County Court, Smith County, Tennessee 1819-1820, p. 334, familysearch image 596)


Elijah Carmen vs. A.V. Dixon & Lewis Shepherd – Debt Payment and set off.


This day came the parties by their attorneys and the same jury as in the preceding case who being elected etc., upon their oaths do say the defendants has not paid the debt in the duration mentioned, neither are they entitled to any set off against the same, as in pleading he hath alleged, and they do assess the plaintiff damages, etc., to $21.50 besides his costs. It is therefore considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the defendants $392.25 the debt in the dictoration mentioned and his damages aforesaid…





61. May 16, 1820 (Minutes of the County Court, Smith County, Tennessee 1819-1820, p. 242, family search image 600)


Americus V. Dixon vs. Lewis Shepherd – motion.


It appearing to the satisfaction of the court that judgment has been obtained within court against the plaintiff as surety for the defendant for the sum of $413.75 besides the costs of suit. On motion of the plaintiff by his attorney it is considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the defendant the sum of $413.75 the amount of the judgment aforesaid, together with his cost by him about his defense in that behalf expended and also the cost of this motion.






Note: Smith County Tennessee Inventories 1827-1840 pg 241 (Familysearch image 810) Johnathan Pickett (deceased) November Term County Court 1837 Book C (lists numberous court cases that settlements to the court were not fully paid as most are labeled as “bad”): A.V. Dixon vs. Lewis Shepherd…bad…$1.40.






Note: Americus Vespucius Dixon (1790-1850) married Lucy p. Jefferys in Warren County NC in 1813. Brother was Don Carlos Dixon. Their father Major Tilman Dixon (1750-1816) was born in Caswell County, NC and a Rev. War soldier and very wealthy. Their family home was Dixona located at Dixon Springs, Smith County was the County’s first court house, family home and tavern. He was fond of playing cards and wore deerskin clothing. Friends of the owner visited Dixona due to its luxurious environment. He entertained King Louis Philippe of France when he was a Duke on tour of America in 1797. In august 1817, the County Court appointed and swore in A.V. Dixon as Deputy Sherriff. In 1820 A.V. Dixon was living in Smith County and had 19 slaves. On nov. 3, 1821 A.V. Dixon sold 9 acres north of Cumberland River , town lot with house in Carthage #45, and one acre saw mill near Carthage to John Lynn of Smith Co. He was married in 1820 but no children listed. In 1850 he is living in Smith County with his sister & brotherinlaw Overton. In 1860 living in Smith in district 1. His father died in 1816 and willed A.V. Dixon his son, two tracts of land on Roary River in Jackson County being 640 a each, and 150 acres and 324 acres both on Stones river, and 15 slaves.






62. June 21, 1820 (Smith County Deed Book G, page 344-345, Familysearch image 731)


Indenture between William Askew and John Guathny of the one part and Benjamine Moore of the other part all of Smith County for $300 for 100 acre parcel of land on the waters of Rackoon Branch of Hickmans Creek. Beginning at a beech on Shepards north boundary line, running south 86 poles an half to a poplar and dogwood, east 185 poles to three Lynns and a sugartree, north 86 poles and half to stake, west 185 to beginning.






Note: Is this Lewis Shapard’s line???






63. August 7, 1820 (US Federal Census)


NOTE: As of yet, Lewis Shapard has not been located by name in the 1820 Census. This census only listed by name the head of household and then gave the number of additional members of the household only by age.


In Smith County there is a Thomas and James “Shaphard” listed and tax records of the time appear to confirm these as residents (thus not Lewis by mistake). However, the name being spelled similar to Shapard makes me wonder if the enumerator for the census was W.B. Shapard or Lewis himself, perhaps Smith County court records record who was enumerators.


In Williamson County there is a Lewis Sheppard with3 males under 10 years, 1 male 26-44, 3 females under 10 years, and 1 female 26-44. No slaves. This is not our Lewis this is the lewis that married Norris and lived on Turnbull Creek. His marriage record he is literate and signs his name as “Lewis Shepard.” Interestingly in Tennessee, Divorce and Other Records 1800-1865, Misc. Records (Ancestry) There is a bond dated October 7, 1820, for 25 dollars between Lewis “S” Shepard and Agnes “X” Barnett (both illiterate) to keep and support Patsy Barnett until January Court. Unsure who this Lewis is (ours, Norris-Shepard or a third Lewis).


In Rutherford County it is known from the above 1819 record that Joshua Harrison (Lewis’ son-in-law) had legal dealings with Lewis. It is possible that Lewis Shapard (47 y/o) was residing with Joshua Harrison along with his children Martha Shapard (12 y/o), Thelia Avilla Shapard (approx 10 y/o), Thomas P. Shapard (9 y/o) (note missing Lewis Shapard, Jr. at 14 y/o).The Census of 1820 shows that Joshua Harrison’s household has a few unidentified persons not accounted for by Joshua’s family members: Joshua Harrison is listed as household of: 1 male under 10, 1 male 10-15, 1 male 26-45, 1 male 45 or older, 5 females under 10, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 16-25, 1 person engaged in commerce, 2 slaves (male 26-45 & female 14-16). Note: Joshua and Sophia married in 1816 and were the only of Lewis Shapards children to be married by the 1820 census. James and Booker Shapard were apprenticed elsewhere and Robert Paine Shapard was apprenticed to Joshua Harrison in 1816 and at the time of the census was 15 years old. Joshua Harrison was 31 y/o, Sophia Shapard was 21 y/o, the children born before the census: Eleanor Paine Harrison b. august 20, 1817 (3 y/o), Martha B. Harrison b. Dec. 5, 1818 (2 y/o), William J. Harrison (October 1820). Notice that the questions for the Census were supposed to record only who was residing in the house on August 7, 1820, thus William J. Harrison should not have been counted which may open up another boy under 10 years old to be accounted. (unknown people in census are 1 male over 45, 3 females under 10, 1 female 10-15 and possibly one boy under 10). Note: other females could be children if Joshua had been married prior to Sophia. He was 27 when they married and she was 16. Note: in 1825 there was a small pox epidemic in Tennessee. Joshua Harrison was married** before he came to Murfreesboro and had two girls (Sarah Ann & Caroline). Census shows 2 girls under 10 as Harrison girls. If Lewis Shapard brought his youngest kids: Lewis as over 45, Thomas Paine Shapard as male under 10, Martha Shapard as 10-15 girl, Thelia Avilla as under 10 girl. (just missing Lewis Jr. at 14 years old but he could have been apprenticed elsewhere).






**Note: (From Rutherford County Deaths and Estate Settlements, Vol 1, 1804-1849) Sophia Harrison, widow. William D. Baird, administrator. David Wendel appointed special guardian of minor heirs in regards to laying out the dower. James Maney, guardian for Eleanor Harrison, Martha Harrison and Patsey Harrison, minor heirs of Joshua Harrison. William D. Baird, guardian for Sarah Anne Harrison and Caroline Harrison, minor heirs of Joshua Harrison. John R. Wilson, guardian for Mary and William J. Harrison, minor heirs of Joshua Harrison. On February 19, 1835, William D. Baird, guardian for Mrs. Caroline Taliaferro and Mrs. Sarah A. Cameron, heirs of Joshua Harrison, made a settlement with the court.


Caroline Harrison (b. c. 1812) married John A. Taliaferro in 1830 in Gibson Co. Tennessee. She died in 1836 in Gibson TN and he remarried in 1837 to Mary Augustine Taliaferro. Sarah Ann Harrison (b.c. 1810) married John T. Cannon in 1829 in Rutherford County. Joshua Harrison Jr. was born and died in 1819 at 5 months old. Robert P. Harrison b. 1823-died 1825.










64. August 24, 1820 (Minutes of the County Court, Smith County, Tennessee 1820-1827, p. 30, Family search pg 16)


Amos Key vs Benjamine Partee. On motion of the plaintiff by his attorney a commission is awarded him to take the deposition of Lewis Shepherd, giving 10 days notice, and the deposition of Robert Allen, giving the defendant 5 days notice of the time and place of taking the same.










Note: August 20, 1816 Carthage Gazette. Robert Allen was a merchant. “The undersigned has just returned from Philadelphia & Baltimore and expects to receive in his store at Carthage about the 10th of next month a large assortment of goods consisting of every article of dry goods enquired for in a store, assortmentof Italian, French silks, German, English and french colleen goods of every description, Irish lenins and woolens, hardware, cutlery, china queens & luster glassware, paper and stationary, drugs, medicines and paints, saddler, wool and beaver hats, ladies silk, straw and leghorn bonnets, Misses and ladies Morocco a& kid slippers and sandles, gentlemens boots and shoes, nails, windowglass, cotton and wool cards, coffee, tea, sugar, spices, rum, wine French brandy, snuff, tobacco, steel, tin inboxes and made into ware Etc. all of which were purchased by himself in Philadelphia from among the latest importations, and at a time when unusual sacrifices were making in the cities under a press for money…and now asserts that he will sell goods on terms more pleasing to the purchaser than has heretofore been done. Traveling dealers and merchants in Nashville and other parts of the country who find it inconvenient to purchase their supplies to the Eastward, can be suited on liberal terms and prices below what they have been accustomed to. Cotton, Tobacco and other produce will be received from his customers at the hishest market price. Robert Allen. August 13, 1816.”






Note: I checked Smith County Court records up to August 1823. There is no mention of Lewis Shepherd after the above court case on August 24, 1820. Did he move circa this time…it might explain why he is not located in the 1820 census as these are usually taken in august or so. Suspect he might have moved to Rutherford County as per family reports. Will see if he is in Rutherford court records.






Note: The plaintiff Amos Key was to take the deposition of Lewis Shapard…notice that the judge required of the plaintiff that he give the defense a ten day notice before that deposition was taken. The records of the Circuit Court of Smith County have given a 10 day notice for depositions in other counties within Tennessee, 10 days for Mississippi, 20 days notice for Alabama, 40 days for Arkansas, and 40-50 days for New Orleans. This gives us a distance where he went.






Note: Amos Key was the son of Jonathan Key (c. 1755- 1827) and Mary Davis.


Note: Amos J. Key was deceased by August 1821. His inventory of his estate states: a book account against Benjamin Partee now in law of $225.31, and ¾ part of keg of manufactured tobacco now in hands of George Douglas.






65. August 27, 1821 (Land Deed Genealogy of Rutherford County, Vol. 3, doc. Pg 391, doc. Number 198. Family search Rutherford County Deeds 1821, image 477)


(Mathew McClanahan, Sheriff, to Joshua Harrison for bill of sale. This Bill of sale made 27 August, 1821 between Mathew McClanahan, Sheriff of Rutherford County, and Joshua Harrison of same place. That whereas Joshua Harrison lately recovered a judgment of said court against one Lewis Shepherd for the sum of $375.93 besides costs and in favor of Joshua Harrison against said Lewis Shepherd, which had been levied on a negro man slave named Davy as the property of said Lewis Shepherd on 1 June 1819.


Signed: M. McClanahan Registered: 27, August 1821)


“This Bill of sale made this 27th day of August, 1821, by and between Matthew McClanahan Sherriff of the county of Rutherford and state of Tennessee, of the first part and Joshua Harrison of the same county and state. Witnesseth: that whereas Joshua Harrison lately before the justices of the county court of pleas and quarter sessions within and for the county of Rutherford and state of Tennessee, to wit, at September term of said court 1819, recovered a judgment of said court against one Lewis Shepherd for the sum of $375.93 besides costs on and by virtue of an original attachment in favor of said Joshua Harrison against said Lewis Shepherd, which had been regularly levied on a negro man slave named Davy as property of said Lewis Shepherd on the first day of June 1819, on which attachment when returned unto said court, the judgment aforesaid, together with the sum of $6.45 costs, was rendered at the term aforesaid, and whereas after was the said Joshua Harrison afterwards prosecuted on said judgment, out of the court aforesaid, a certain writ of the state commonly called an order of sale to the sheriff of the county aforesaid directed, by which it was commanded the said sheriff that he should expose the said negro man slave named Davy to sale for the satisfaction of the judgment and costs aforesaid which said order of sale bears test at the office of the clerk of said court at office in the town of Murfreesboro on the 2nd Monday in September 1819, and which was returnable on the second Monday in December 1819, and whereas by the said writ at was also commanded the said sheriff that he should also have the said monies before the said court at the Court House in the town of Murfreesboro on the 2nd Monday in December 1819, ready to render to said Joshua Harrison for his damages and costs aforesaid, and whereas the said sheriff after legally advertising the same, did afterwards on the 11th day of December 1819 did expose the said negro man slave named to public sale and venue in the pursuance of said writ at the court house in the town of Murfreesboro and at said sale Joshua Harrison did bid for the said negro man slave named Davy the sum of $360, no person bidding more, the said negro man slave was openly and publically struck off and sold to the said Joshua Harrison for the sum of $360 he being the last and highest bidder. Now to confirm the said sale to the said Joshua Harrison, I the said Mathew McClanahan Sherriff as aforesaid do hereby for and in consideration of the satisfaction of $360 bid as aforesaid to me in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have and do hereby sell the negro man slave named to the said Joshua Harrison and to his heirs and assigns forever… “






Note: Although this slave “davy” has the same name as the slave “Davey “that Lewis Sold to Osborn Jefferies in 1819 for $700, I do not believe them to be the same. When Osborn Jeffreis died in 1821 he had a slave Dave in his possession. If it had been the same slave, Harrison would have had a lean on the slave from June 1, 1819, that predated Lewis’ sale of June 8, 1819 to Osborn Jeffries. Lewis would have been endebted to Osborn for $700, if the slave was confiscated and then would have received no benefit from the sale.






66. January 24, 1822 (Rutherford County Tennessee Deed Book O, pg 42. Family search image 536)


Booker Shapard is witness for a deed between Robert Lowing and Charles Niles for lot #80 in Murfreesboro.






67. July 27, 1822 (Columbia Review Newspaper, Maury County, Tennessee, Familysearch)


James Nichol, Shapard & Co. - - “New Cheap Store” …have just received and are opening in house formerly occupied by Messers McNeill & Moore new goods. July 22, 1822.






Note: W.B. Shapard was a merchant in Maury County approx 1822-1829.






68. November 17, 1823 (Caswell County, NC Deed Book W, p. 65). William Carroll to Ann S. Shapard and Elizabeth B. Shapard for $150 75 acres of land in Caswell County on the waters of Country Line Creek. Bound by the lands of Barzillia Graves, Sr., on north and east, Thomas Slade and William Willis on the south and west.






Note: James and Frances Shapard purchased the above land from Elizabeth B. and Ann S. Shapard on November 23, 1831 for $150 (Caswell County NC Deed Book AA, pg 317). It is the same land that was divided when James died, see 1840 entry. The land is located on Cabbin Creek southwest of Graves Mill.






69. 1825 (North Carolina and Tennessee, Early Land Records, 1753-1931, ancestory


Note: there are two land grants registered for Lewis Shepherd in Williamson County Tennessee one for 50 acres in 1825 and the other for 100 acres in 1828. Both are on Turnbull Creek. This is NOT our Lewis Shapard






70. November 26, 1825 (Minutes of the County Court, Smith County, Tennessee 1821-1828, p. 483, Familysearch image 250)


Ordered that Thomas Shepherd be appointed overseer of the road in the stead of Whaley Newby and have the same hands…






Note: This is not Thomas Paine Shapard as he would have only been 14 years old. Smith County Census for 1820 shows a Thomas Shepherd and James Shepherd and in 1830 shows a James Shepherd, Thomas Shepherd and Thomas A. Shepherd. In 1837 there is a John B. Shepherd.










71. April 1827 (Caswell County North Carolina Deed Book 1817-1840, Book X, pg 102)


James Matlock Sheriff of Rockingham County to Bartlett Yancy of Caswell County, for $265, negro boy Neptune formerly property of Jonathan C. Man of Rockingham County, sold by court order at insistence of Jesse Higginsthan. ? October, 1811. Witness: Lewis Shapard. Proved April, 1827 by oath of James Shapard as Lewis Shapard is either deceased or inhabitant of Tennessee.






72. 1830 (Williamson County Tennessee Tax Record Familysearch image 752)


Lewis Sheppard is listed TWICE in the tax record.


1. Lewis Sheppard 45 acres on Turnbull Creek, 1 pole, 0 slaves (not our ancestor..married Norris in 1810)


2. Lewis Sheppard on Wilson Creek, no acres listed 1 pole, 0 slaves (not sure who this is…… ours?)






Note: Turnbull Creek is located in the far western portion of Williamson County.


Note: Wilson Creek is on road from Franklin to Murfreesboro. Current day highway 840). This second Lewis Sheppard could be our Lewis. This could also be the Lewis that died in Rutherford County in 1833






73. 1830 (Census)


Louis Shephard is listed in Williamson County, Tennessee. This is not our ancestor this is the Lewis that Married Norris and lived on Turn Bull Creek.


Note: Lewis Sheppard of Turn Bull Creek with 45a is listed in Williamson County tax records til 1836. Notice that the original deed to the land was issued in 1807 to James Norris for 100a on Turnbull Creek in HICKMAN County and Lewis Sheppard assumed land warrant in 1818. William C. Sheppard is listed on Spring Creek in 1831,1835 with 400a. and Pheobe Sheppard (she is widow of James Sheppard) is listed with 200a on Spring Creek in 1831, 1835. In 1830 there is a Robert Sheppard and John Sheppard on Little Harpeth with no land and one pole each; Pheobe is listed with 200a on Spring Creek with 2 slave poles; William C. Sheppard no land with one pole and 3 slave poles. Wilson Creek branches off of Nelson Creek which branches off of Harpeth Creek. Wilson Creek ends at the Rutherford County Williamson County border, 12 miles due west of Murfreesboro; and begins about 16 miles east of Murfreesboro. There are no other Sheppards listed on Wilson Creek in Williamson County in any other year.






74. June 22, 1833 (National Banner and Nashville Daily Advertiser)


DIED, in Rutherford County, Mrs. Jane W. Wrather, Mr. William Wood, Mr. Lewis Sheppard.






Note: June 15, 1906 (Shapard, A Family History) Letter from Joshua Harrison Shapard to his daughter Mrs. Cora Barrow, reports that: “My grandfather Lewis Shapard, was of English decent. He originally lived in Caswell County, N.C.; from there he emigrated with a large family to middle Tennessee when Tennessee was a new country, and settled near where Murfreesboro is now located. He was a builder of mills. He died with the cholera at my father’s house about 1832…”


Note: There was a cholera outbreak in Rutherford County in 1832-1833. Booker Shapard named his son born on October 24, 1834 Isaac Lewis Shapard (Isaac was the name of his wifes father and Lewis was his fathers name). All of the above lends some credibility of Lewis Shapard dying in 1833 despite the lack of paper trail ending in 1820. If so where did he go for 13 years?


Note: the name Lewis only appears in the family lines of two of Lewis Shapard’s 9 children, where as the name Martha appears in 5 of the children’s lines: James Paine Shapard named his second child Louis James Shapard born in Rutherford County in 1825; Booker Shapard named his 5th child Isaac Lewis Shapard born in 1834 in Mulberry Tennessee.






Note: there is no court record of any of Lewis children as having guardians. Thomas P. didn’t turn 21 until 1832, Thelia until 1830, Martha until 1829 and Lewis Jr., until 1827. Lewis still alive?






75. March 3, 1835 (Nashville Republican. TSLA digital newspaper)


Letters remaining at post office in Nashville on 1st of march: Lewis Sheppard


Note:






76. April 7, 1838 (Deed Book EE, p. 3) Between Francis A Shapard the heir at law of John Brooks, deceased and John Simmons, Jr., both of Caswell County for $173, 252 acres of land on the waters of County Line and Stony Creeks. Beginning at black oak on the head of a branch running thence north 20 degrees east 17 chains to post oak, thence west 30 chains 50 links to stake, thence north 32 degrees west 53 chains to stake, thence west 11 chains 40 links to dogwood on a branch, thence south 20 degrees east 78 chains to three white oaks, thence south 25 degrees east 20 chains to post oak on the Hillsborough Road, thence east with said road as it meanders 25 chains 50 links to stake on a branch, thence up said branch as it meanders to first station. Land was willed by Richard Brooks, deceased to his son John Brooks, the brother of the said Frances A. Shapard as heir of said brother John Brooks, deceased.






77. July 18, 1838 (Deed Book EE, p. 382). [Former Lewis Shapard land illustrated as plat] The above plat representing the land belonging to the estate of West Gregory, deceased, situated on South Country Line Creek and divided agreeably to an order of court. To wit: Lot No. 1 being the widow dower on which is situated the dwelling house is bounded as follows. Viz. beginning at a pine corner with R. Boswell running thence with said Boswell south 61 ½ degrees East 17 chains 38 links to pointers on a branch corner with said Boswell, thence down said branch southeasterly 3 chains 24 links to its union with South County Line Creek, thence down said Creek southeasterly as it meanders 11 chains 32 links to a hickory standing on the south bank of said creek corner with said Boswell, thence his line south 4 chains 45 links to a mulberry sprout corner with said Boswell, thence his line East 19 chains 18 links to red oak corner with _(blank)_ thence north 36 chains 32 links to pointers corner with Lot No. 2, thence with Lot No. 2 and 3 west 41 chains 52 links to pointers in R. Boswells line corner with Lot No. 3, thence South west 12 chains 18 links to the first station, containing 115 acres.


Lot No. 2 is bounded as follows, viz. beginning at a fallen down oak corner with L. Dabbs running thence west 19 chains 18 links to pointers corner with Lot No. 3, thence with Lot No. 3 south 48 chains 49 links to stake in the line of Lot No. 1 and corner with Lot No. 3, thence with Lot No 1 east 19 chains 8 links to pointers corner with Lot No. 1, thence with _(blank)_ and L. Dabbs north 48 chains 48 links to the first station, contacting 92 ½ acres.


Lot No. 3 is bounded as follows, viz. beginning at a fallen down oak running thence south half a degree west 48 chans 50 links to pointers corner with Lot No. 1, thence with Lot No. 1 east 20 chains 44 links to stake corner with Lot No. 2, thence with said Lot North 48 chains 49 links to pointers corner with Lot No. 2, thence west 22 chains 10 links to the first station, containing 107 acres. Surveyed July 18, 1838.


Note: On October 1, 1839 by petition of Richard W. Jackson and wife and others, land was divided by heirs of West Gregory, deceased. Lots were allotted as follows: Lot No. 1 to the widow Frances Gregory of West Gregory, deceased; Lot No. 2 to Richard W. Jackson and wife Juliette; Lot No. 3 to Nathaniel Gregory. Each lot valued at the sum of $225.


Note: There is a listing of Ransom Boswell who died circa 1837. His executor was Howel Boswell. There was another Ransom Boswell who died circa 1884. Many estate items were purchased by James Bird, W. P. Burke, Albert Massey, James Enoch. James M. Simpson was administrator.






78. 1840 (Deed Book EE, p. 379) [plat of James Shapard land 73 ½ acres, the eastern division of which includes the dwelling house represents the dowers portion for Francis Shapard]: beginning, post oak near pine running thence a division line North 3° W 32 Ch 60 L to a stake and pointers on a branch of the line of Genl. Thomas W. Graves, thence with Graves E8 Ch 70L to a pine stump pointers corner with said Graves, then his line S 30 Ch 97 L to hickory corner with said Graves in William Russells line, thence with Russells line S 72 ½ ° W 5 Ch 50 L to a red oak, then N 89 ½ ° W 1 Ch 56 L to finish. Containing 24 ½ acres. (see illustration).






79. 1846 (Deed Book GG, p. 600) [only listing of any of the heirs of West Gregory in the land deed records…do not believe this is the same land as was willed to Nathanie






80. l Gregory by West Gregory] December 3, 1846. Between Nathaniel H. Gregory of Rockingham County, N.C and Thomas D. Rice of Caswell County for $200, land on the waters of County Line Creek. Beginning at a stake in Richard Smith line running thence with said smith North 37 ½ degrees west 36 chains 75 links to pointers corner with said Smith in Franklin Rices line, thence with said Rices South 89 ½ degrees west 32 chains 50 links to pointers corner with William C. Page, thence with said Page south 31 ½ degrees east 33 chains to stake corner with Lulutia W. Jackson, thence his line south 89 degrees east 37 chains 64 links to first station. Containing 100 acres.






81. January 2, 1873 (The Pulaski Citizen)


A tribute to Mr. B. Shapard


The subject of this brief tribute, Mr. Booker Shapard, was born in Caswell County, N.C., February 28, 1803. His father moved to Tennessee in 1812, and in 1813 deceased was orphaned by the death of his mother. Mr. Shapard first settled in Williamson County for two years, moved thence to Wilson, thence to Smith, and thence to Rutherford. In 1817 deceased was bound out to the saddler’s trade, in 1820 professed religion and joined the first Methodist church ever built in Murfreesboro – moved to Shelbyville from old Jefferson in 1830, and was living there at the time of the great tornado which nearly destroyed the town, and in 1833, when cholera depopulated that fated town, lost his wife. In 1835, having remarried, he moved to Mulberry, in Lincoln County, and built the first house in the village now known by that name. The house has stood the ravages of time and decay until this day. In 1840 deceased moved to Pulaski and engaged in merchandizing, until 1861, when his store was robbed by Federal soldiery and he with others exiled by a ruthless order from the Post Commandant as a representative citizen. In 1865 the restoration of peace found him broken in fortune, decrepit with age, feeble in health, and crushed in everything save his trust in God. Henceforth he indulged few worldly aspirations, but lived close to the foot of the cross of Christ, and sought nothing higher than the comforts of religion and the peace, prosperity and happiness of his family, church, friends and country. On the 24th day of April last, after having suffered many weeks with fistula, he was forced to succumb to the hand of disease, destined never to recover. For eight months and three days he was confined to his room and bed, by the wasting and painful disease mentioned, having only ventured out a few times with supports during a brief interval of convalescence. During his entire illness, and even in the midst of his great sufferings, he continually gave thanks and praises to God for the consolations of the religion which he had so long and so faithfully professed. Conscious of approaching dissolution, he made all things ready, even the details of his funeral, the time and place of his burial, gave the writer the above facts and requested him to incorporate them into a brief notice of his death, selected the text (Phil. 1st chap., 21st verse) “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” for his funeral discourse, requested to be buried on Sunday if possible, asked Rev. W.H. Hughes to conduct the services, appointed his pall-bearers, and on the 28th of December, 1872, at the age of nearly 70 years, he went to sleep peacefully and without a struggle in the arms of his Savior. So intense and so long protracted had been the suffering of deceased, and so unmistakable were the evidences of his preparations for death, that his family and friends were hardly unwilling to see him released by death. He was a brother of the late W.B. Shapard of Nashville, and of the late R.P. Shapard, of Shelbyville, and was the last of his family. He was the father of Capt. John T. Shapard, deceased, and of our friends Isaac L. and Robert Shapard, of this place. He leaves an aged and disconsolate widow, who has been the companion of his joys and sorrows for many years, who nursed and ministered to him in tenderness and with unceasing assiduity to the last. To her and to his orphaned daughters we especially invoke the blessing of Heaven, and may even this great bereavement prove a blessing to all.






Note: The Pulaski Citizen, August 20, 1874 has a List of the Mayors in which it records B. Shapard as Mayor in 1853 with J.C. Rhea as Recorder.






82. June 15, 1906 (Shapard, A Family History)


Letter from Joshua Harrison Shapard to his daughter Mrs. Cora Barrow, reports that: “My grandfather Lewis Shapard, was of English decent. He originally lived in Caswell County, N.C.; from there he emigrated with a large family to middle Tennessee when Tennessee was a new country, and settled near where Murfreesboro is now located. He was a builder of mills. He died with the cholera at my father’s house about 1832…”






83. 1913 (Hale, Will T. and Merritt, Dixon L. Tennessee and Tennesseans, Vol. 6. Chicago and New York: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1913.)


EVANDER SHAPARD


Well versed in legal matters and possessing sound judgment and great intellectual powers, Evander Shapard has won distinction at the bar and a position of prominence among the successful attorneys of Shelbyville He was born November 2, 1843, in Fayetteville, Tennessee, a son of Robert Paine Shapard, coming from pioneer stock. His grandfather, James Shapard, was a native, it is supposed, of North Carolina. About 1810 he migrated with his family to Tennessee, becoming one of the earlier settlers of Wilson county, where he purchased land, and for a few years was employed in improving it. Removing from there to Rutherford county, he purchased a tract of wild land lying four miles north of Murfreesboro, and there, with slave help, was en­gaged in agricultural pursuits until his death at a good old age. He married a Miss Paine, and they reared six sons, James, William B., Booker, Thomas, Lewis, and Robert Paine, and one daughter, Eleanor, who married a Mr. Harrison.


Robert Paine Shapard, a native of Person county, North Carolina, was but a child when taken by his parents to Wilson county, Tennessee, where he was reared amid pioneer scenes. In his early manhood, at a time when only wrought iron nails were in use, he served an apprentice­ship at the nailmaker’s trade, which he never followed, however, to any extent. Preferring some other line of work, he embarked in mercantile pursuits, first in Murfreesboro and later in Fayetteville. There were at that early date no railways in Tennessee, and all of his merchandise, which was purchased in Philadelphia, was transported from that city across the country with wagons. Locating with his family in Shelbyville in 1855, he here carried on a substantial business as a merchant until his death in September, 1871. A man of energy and enterprise, he was an important factor in the development of the resources of his adopted state, which he saw grow from a wilderness to a well-settled and wealthy state, with railroads extending through it in every direction…






84. 1914 (Letter from Sallie Shapard)


Dr. James Paine, the head of the Paine family in the South, was born, educated and graduated in London as a physician. He came to America in 1740. After remaining a short time in New England, he came South and married in Virginia. He settled, reared a family and died in that part of Granville County, North Carolina which afterward became Person County. He had four sons, Robert, James, John and William. As we are most deeply interested in our direct ancestor, Robert, the eldest son, we will follow that branch of the family.


Robert Paine, son of Dr. James Paine, born in Person County, North Carolina, March 3, 1748, was also a physician and was among the patriots of the Revolutionary War in which he commanded a company. After the close of the war, he was elected to the Legislature of his native state and became a prominent member. He was a sensible, pious, generous-hearted, Christian gentleman.


The following names and dates have been copied from the Family Bible of Robert Paine, Person County, N.C:


Robert Paine, born Mar 3, 1748; departed this life Jan. 2,1808.


Elizabeth Miller, born Sept. 8, 1755; departed this life Feb. 27, 1788


Robert Paine and Elizabeth Miiler were married Oct. 24, 1772.


Martha, their daughter, born Nov. 17, 1773


James, their son, born Mar 18, 1776


Sarah, their daughter, born Feb. 13, 1778


Mary, their daughter, born Dec. 27, 1779


Sophia, their daughter, born Aug. 6, 1781; departed this life Aug. 25, 1782.


Thomas, their son, born May 29, 1783; departed this life Jan. 18, 1807


Robert, their son, born May 18, 1785


Solomon, their son, born Mar. 30, 1786


Elizabeth Miller Paine departed this life Feb. 27, 1788.


Robert Paine married his second wife, Aggatha Perkins, Sept. 21, 1790


Robert Paine departed this life Jan. 2, 1808






Edmund Shelton, born March 18, 1770


Edmund Shelton married Mary Paine February 13, 1798






James Paine married Mary Williams January 7, 1799. James Paine married Elizabeth Hancock august 21, 1817.






Martha, eldest daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Miller Paine, married Lewis Shapard (French descent)


Sarah, second daughter married Edmund Shelton.


To Lewis and Martha Paine Shapard were born William B; James, Booker, Robert, Lewis, Thomas, Sophia, Martha, Thelie.


Sophia married _____Harrison. Martha married _____Cowan. Thelie married _____Bone.


William B settled in Nashville; James, Thomas and Martha Cowan in Texas. Robert and Lewis in Shelbyville. Sophia Harrison and Thelie Bone in Rutherford County.


Booker Shapard, son of Lewis and Martha Paine Shapard, was born in Caswell County, North Carolina, Feb. 28, 1803. He moved with his father to Tennessee in 1812. In 1813 his mother, Martha Paine Shapard died. His father in seeking a home in Tennessee, first lived in Williamson County, then Wilson, then Smith, finally settling in Rutherford. Booker Shapard married Mary Clay, Nov. 10, 1825. To Booker and Martha Clay Shapard were born Martha Jane, Eliza Clay, John Thomas, Joshua Clay. Booker Shapard moved with his family to Shelbyville in 1830. In 1833, during a dreadful scourge of cholera, his first wife died, leaving him with four small children; the eldest seven years old. His faithful servant, Delphia, then a young woman, afterward "Black Mammy" to his younger children, was true to her master and his orphan children. Booker Shapard married Sarah Broyles, of Mulberry, Lincoln County, Dec. 31, 1833. In 1835 he moved to Mulbery in Lincoln Co. The children of this marriage were Isaac Lewis, Mary Margaret, Margery Ann, Robert Booker, Louisa M, James Broyles, Sarah Eugenia. In 1840 Booker Shapard moved to Pulaski, Tenn. Lost his second wife Feb 19, 1849. His eldest daughter, Martha, took charge of her motherless half-brothers and sisters; in every was caring for them with the tender love and interest of a faithful sister-mother till God called her home Oct. 14, 1860. Booker Shapard married his third wife, Mrs. Ann Jennings Leftwich, in 1855. He was engaged in merchandising in Pulaski, until 1861 when his store was robbed by Federal soldiers, completely wrecking his business. In 1862, he was banished South, by the Federal Commander as a Rebel sympathizer; in company with Rev. Welborn Mooney, Dr. C.C. Abernathy and Dr. Jas. A. Sumpter. At the close of the war age and feeble health debarred him from resuming active business. His sons, Isaac and Robert, assumed all responsibilities for him. Apr. 24, 1872, he was forced to succumb to the inroads of disease, and after eight months of pain and suffering, his faith and trust never faltering, he fell asleep Dec. 28, 1872. For God had called his own. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Church, a devout Christian, an honest, charitable man. Booker Shapard, son of Lewis and Martha Paine Shapard was born in Caswell County, North Carolina, Feb 28, 1803; died in Pulaski, Tennessee, Dec. 28, 1872. Mary Clay Shapard, first wife of Booker Shapard, born May 12, 1807; died July 2, 1833 Sarah Broyles, second wife of Booker Shapard, daughter of Isaac and Mary Whittenburg Broyles, Dutch descent, moved from East Tennessee to Mulberry, Lincoln County, with her parents about 1806. Born Jan. 20, 1805; died Feb. 19, 1849. Mrs. Ann Jennings Leftwich, third wife of Booker Shapard, was born March 18, 1807.


Record of Booker Shapard's children:


Martha J. died Oct. 14, 1860


Eliza Clay married to Joseph E. Horn 1860, now resides in Byhalia, Miss.


John Thomas, Quartermaster Brown's Brigade, C.S.A.; died at Marietta, Georgia, June 15, 1864. Left a widow, Kittle Harwood Shapard. No children.


Joshua Clay died Aug. 18, 1833


Isaac Lewis enlisted in the First Tennessee Regiment 1861. Dischared at Bentonville, N.C. 1865. Died May 15, 1912, leaving a widow, Mary Patterson Shapard, Elkton, Tenn. No children.


Mary Margaret died Feb. 15, 1848.


Margery Ann married Luther W. McCord Oct. 3, 1859. Died Jan. 10, 1914.


Robert Booker, First Tennessee Cavalry, Wheeler's Command, Co. K Capt. W.O. Bennett, died Sept. 24, 1891.


Louisa M now living in Pulaski, Tennessee


James Broyles enlisted at Elkton, Tenn. in Capt. Barber's Co, Co. A, Third Tennessee Regiment. Living now in Memphis, Tennessee.


Sarah Eugenia (Sallie) living now in Pulaski, Tenn., teaching in Martin Female College.


The First Baptist Church, Corner of Washington and Third Streets, now stands on the site of the old Shapard home.


These facts and dates have been gathered with time, pains, and difficulty. If they are of any service to my relative and immediate family, I am more than repaid.


Sincerely,


Sallie Shapard


June 19, 1914