ROBERT PAINE SHAPARD (Chapter 2) 1825-1839 Formative years in Murfreesboro

CHAPTER 2

FORMATIVE YEARS IN MURFREESBORO

1825 – 1839

Robert Paine Shapard did not follow the trade of ‘nailor’ after the death of Mr. Harrison in December of 1825. The economics of nail making had changed drastically since 1817, when Harrison & Company sold their nails for 25 cents per pound; as the town grew and other merchants established commerce, imported nails abounded from Pittsburg and abroad, which were sold for 15 cents per pound, making locally produced nails obsolete. After the loss of his mentor, Robert decided to use his experience in business to develop and expand the mercantile store that he and Mr. Harrison established at their old stand on the north side of the Public Square. Robert purchased the remaining goods and rented the building for about $40 for the year from his sister, Sophia Harrison, which allowed her a source of income after the death of her husband. Thus at 21 years of age, Robert had gained his independence, becoming a business owner and an entrepreneur in the growing town of Murfreesboro. He initially established his business under the name of ‘R.P. Shapard & Co.,’ however, in 1829, Robert partnered-up with a friend, Mr. James Mitchell (b. 1797-?) of Murfreesboro. He was the son of Mr. William Mitchell who was a Revolutionary War veteran, an early settler of Murfreesboro, a wealthy respected businessman and a plantation land owner. Robert and his new business partner, James, managed their ‘general goods’ store on the Public Square, under the firm name of ‘Shapard & Mitchell.’

During this era, it was invaluable to have a good partner in the merchant business as it was necessary to travel to the big cities of the eastern states, once a year, in order to procure new merchandise. One owner could continue to operate the store, while the other owner would make the two to three month round trip journey on horseback or stage to market. Most of their stock was purchased in Maryland and Pennsylvania and then shipped across the county by horse and wagon, as it was long before the availability of railroad transport. It was the custom for patrons to carry store credit during the year, of which was paid in-full by Christmas. The merchants then used this income during their early spring trip to make all their purchases at market for the ensuing year. While stagecoach and steamship were available in certain areas for quicker travel, merchants often ventured to market using their own horses. A rider averaged about 35 miles per day on horseback over the rough and narrow dirt roads. Travel was extremely dangerous and unpredictable, and exposed the rider to the elements, occasionally resulting in serious illness or death. Despite the peril, the experience of visiting a big city would have been awe-inspiring and alluring, as few people during this era were able to make such a venture. After purchases were made, it generally took an additional two weeks for the goods to be shipped by wagon and arrive in Murfreesboro. Merchant’s goods were generally marked up double from their wholesale purchase price when sold to the public.

Shapard & Mitchell operated their business in a modest one-story cedar log building of about 18 feet by 25 feet on the north side of the Public Square. During this time, the east side of the square was being paved, with compacted gravel, which greatly decreased the effects of mud plaguing the businesses and daily traffic. Deep ruts and mud pits frequently developed in the dirt roads around the square from the persistent traffic of horses and wagon wheels. This was especially bad during the winter time when quagmires would sink a horse up to its knees. To improve the quality of life, the roads around the square were completely paved by 1832. The approach to Shapard & Mitchell’s store had an 8 foot stone and brick sidewalk, which ran the length of the square. On the outside of the store, near the door, was a sign in painted letters, with the name, ‘Shapard & Mitchell,’ along with an indication that they were merchants. In addition, products were placed out in front of the business, in visible sight from the sidewalk, to attract customers. Shapard & Mitchell packed the inside of their small store with merchandise, using every possible space from the floor to the ceiling. Sunlight dictated the hours of operation, except on Sunday when they observed the Sabbath.

In 1830, Robert and James placed a newspaper advertisement describing their store; “The subscribers are now receiving from Philadelphia, Baltimore and Pittsburg a handsome assortment of Spring and Summer goods, consisting of the great variety generally kept by Merchants of this place. Fancy and Staple Goods; Hardware and Cutlery; Queens, Glass & China Wares; Groceries, Drugs, Medicines, &c. Which they will sell low for cash, or on a credit to solvent purchasers. They invite their friends and those wishing to buy to call and examine their Goods and prices; which we flatter ourselves will be found of good quality and at reduced prices.”

It is of particular interest to note that Robert’s partnership with Mr. James Mitchell was not only a fruitful business decision but also a fruitful life decision, as it allowed for his acquaintance with Mr. Mitchell’s sister, Parthenia. Robert and Parthenia had numerous things in common; they were both raised in or near Caswell County, North Carolina, had mutual acquaintances, and both came out west to Murfreesboro, Tennessee about 1815. During the course of their association, Robert Paine Shapard began courting and eventually married Miss Parthenia Mitchell. The wedding was held in Rutherford County, Tennessee, at her father’s plantation, on November 12, 1829. Parthenia was 20 years old and Robert was 24 years old at the time of their marriage. She was the daughter of William Mitchell (1763 – 1850) and Elizabeth Curry (1773 – 1828), and was born in Person County, North Carolina on January 12, 1809. In her youth, Parthenia, learned to card, spin and weave, and after her marriage to Mr. Shapard, dressed her family in clothes woven and spun by her own hands. Unfortunately, Parthenia’s mother had passed away on April 7, 1828, a year before her marriage to Robert Shapard.

Parthenia’s father, Mr. William Mitchell, was born in Orange County, North Carolina and moved to Caswell County, North Carolina when just a boy. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, enlisting in 1780, when he was 16 years old with the North Carolina Troops. He took part in the battle of Cowpens, Guilford Courthouse and King’s Mountain. After the war he returned home to Caswell County North Carolina, where he married Miss Elizabeth Curry in 1790. Around 1815, he moved with his wife and children to Rutherford County, Tennessee, where he settled on a 200 acre plantation about 3 miles north of Murfreesboro along the Stones River. He operated his farm, which grew to 1,800 acres, with the use of approximately 25 slave laborers. He died on January 20, 1850, and was buried in the Mitchell family cemetery located on his plantation in Rutherford County.

On November 16, 1829, only four days after his marriage to Miss Parthenia Mitchell, Robert Shapard joined the 104^th Regiment of the Rutherford County Militia as an Ensign. His brother-in-law and business partner, James Mitchell, also joined the 104^th Regiment, this same day, as Captain. Throughout this year, the 104^th Regiment held a membership of about 55 volunteers, which was further divided into Companies, each headed by a Captain. James was the Captain of the militia company to which Robert belonged.

During this era of early America, the regular United States army was too small to be effective for defense, so state militias became vital to the security of the country. The Tennessee militia was reserved for healthy white males, between the ages of 18 to 45 years. Each volunteer was only required to participate in drills a few times each year, generally held at the Public Square or court house lawn. The regiments were also required to collectively participate in one large annual muster drill. Each company had its own style of uniforms. The officers, in their highly decorated outfits with swords clanking at their sides, rode horses, while their company of men marched behind them to the sound of drums and fifes, proudly displaying their Company banners. Non-officers were required to attend the drills with a rifle. If they did not possess a firearm, a substitute was acceptable, often being a cornstalk or a long stick. The event helped to keep the men sharp and inspire patriotism in the participants and the observing crowd. After the drill and parade, the sizable crowd of men, women and children would eat, play music, and seek amusements in contests and games. The annual muster drill for the regiments of the Rutherford County militia was set for the second Thursday and day following, after the first Monday in September of every year. Collectively all the militia regiments of Rutherford County formed the 9^th Brigade, which was part of the 2^nd Division.

Interestingly, on February 22, 1830, Robert P. Shapard was appointed by the County Court as a Constable of Rutherford County. The office of Constable was established by the Tennessee Constitution of 1796, establishing that the Quarterly Court elect one Constable for every Captains District (Military District), except the county seat district which received two constables. In 1834 the new Constitution made the office of Constable to be elected by popular vote for each civil district. Constables were required to take an oath to keep the peace of the state, arrest all persons that were armed offensively, commit riot, affray or other breaches of peace. They were also required to apprehend felons, rioters, and pursue them if they fled.

The day after Robert was appointed as a Constable of Rutherford County, he appeared in court as a plaintiff. As early as April of 1826, Robert had been attending court as a jury member; however this was the first time he had taken the stand as either a plaintiff or defendant during a trial. Robert had filed suit against Frank N. W. Burton and Henry D. Jamison for failure to pay a debt in the amount of $115.50. After deliberation, the jury found in favor of Robert P. Shapard for the full amount of the debt, plus $9.48 in interest.

August 17, 1830, Robert and Parthenia had their first child, William Shapard, who was named in honor of Mrs. Shapard’s father, William Mitchell. At this time, Robert’s household consisted of nine people: he and his wife and child, as well as two additional white males; one of age 20-29 and the other of age 15-19, who were extended family members and/or apprentices of the store.  In addition, Robert was the master of four slaves, which had been given to him as a wedding gift from his father-in-law; one female slave 24 – 35 years old, one male slave 10 – 23 years old and two females slaves under 10 years old. On December 15, 1830, Mr. Shapard added to his stock of slaves, through the purchase of a male Negro named ‘Josiah’ for $335.00 from the estate of John McIvor.

During the early 1830s, Robert Paine Shapard was working as a merchant and prospering in the town of Murfreesboro. With a population of about 900 inhabitants, the town was thriving and was able to accommodate an educational academy, two schools, three churches, four clergymen, ten lawyers, four physicians, a printing office, two cotton gins, one carding machine, one gristmill, four blacksmiths, four bricklayers, three haters, one painter, three saddlers, five shoemakers, one silversmith, four tailors, one tinner, two taverns and ten stores. The town was improving as the population continued to grow. In 1832, the town square was fully paved which greatly decreased the affects of mud and ruts. In addition, that same year, ground was broke a half mile from Murfreesboro for a turnpike leading to Nashville. This ‘pike’, which became known as the ‘Nashville, Murfreesboro & Shelbyville Pike’, was one of the first paved roads in Middle Tennessee and a major engineering undertaking. The original narrow road was widened to 20 feet and paved with compacted gravel, nine inches deep. Once finished it allowed for much faster and safer travel; however many residents complained because now they had to pay tolls every five miles; whereas, before, the road was in terrible condition but free.

In January of 1831, Robert began to diversify and invest in real estate by purchasing a town lot on the Southeast corner of the Public Square for the sum of $200 from Mr. L.P. Yandell, of Davidson County Tennessee, and Mr. John James of Rutherford County Tennessee. Robert would sell this same lot a year later, in March of 1832, for $350 to Mr. James Read, of Rutherford County, for a profit of $150.  Robert also purchased two parcels of land along the East Fork of the Stones River near Murfreesboro, each containing 120 acres from Mr. Armistead Cartwell on November 3, 1834. Robert invested $1,400 for the acreages, and sold them to Mr. Samuel Black in 1837, for the same amount he purchased them.

In June of 1831, Robert’s brother-in-law, Joshua W. McCown, was living with his wife and children in Williamson County, Tennessee. Mr. McCown had become heavily indebted and was forced to sell everything they owned in order to satisfy his creditors. Upon hearing of their troubles, Robert traveled to Williamson County and re-purchased most of their belongings, placing them in a trust for his sister, Martha Shapard McCown, and her children. Items included; a slave, horses, furniture, beds, kitchenware, maps and books, etc. Mr. and Mrs. McCown were forever grateful for Robert’s generosity, and brotherly love. From Williamson County, they moved to Rutherford County, near Murfreesboro, for two years, where Joshua taught as a school teacher and farmed. The McCown family eventually left Tennessee and moved to Washington County, Texas, in 1837, settling in the same area as Martha’s younger brother, Thomas Paine Shapard.

Robert continued to grow his family, and on October 17, 1832, his son, James Hodge Shapard was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. His first name honored Mrs. Shapard’s brother and Robert’s business-partner, James Mitchell. His middle name of ‘Hodge’ was given in honor of Rev. Samuel H. Hodge who had married Parthenia’s sister, Sarah Curry Mitchell, in 1820. Rev. Hodge was a well-known Presbyterian minister in Tennessee, who founded the Smyrna Presbyterian Church near the town of old Jefferson in 1820, and died in Murfreesboro in 1846. Although Robert was a Methodist and Parthenia had grown up Presbyterian, the Methodist and the Presbyterian congregations had a kind association with each other and often partook in the Lords’ Supper together on the Sabbath.

Religion was a means of togetherness among families and the community. Though this part of Tennessee was gaining religion through the efforts of the pioneer ministers and circuit riders, they were hardly united in a common theology. Of the many religious denominations, the Methodists and Presbyterians, early on, had established sound congregations in Murfreesboro. Robert and Parthenia eventually developed strong ties to the Methodist church; Robert found religion in 1820 and Parthenia joined the church in 1831, shortly after their marriage.

During their time in Murfreesboro, they attended the Methodist church of Murfreesboro, which was chartered in 1821 and was built in 1823. It was a one-story brick building, 40 feet wide and 60 feet long, with six windows, a bell and two front doors. The men entered through one door and the ladies through the other. The interior walls were painted plaster, housing two rows of pews and an elevated pulpit. The men sat on one side of the church and the women on the other; as such was the custom. There was a gallery in back of the pews where the neighborhood slaves worshiped. The congregation remained relatively small until 1828, when the Tennessee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church held its annual meeting in Murfreesboro. The event, which included a delegation of Cherokee and Choctaw Indians promoting missionary work, enlivened the community and resulted in many new members to the church. By 1830, the congregation had grown large enough for Murfreesboro to become its own Station in the Tennessee Conference. Eventually, the trustees decided to build a larger church which was completed and dedicated on June 23, 1843.

Interestingly, Robert Paine Shapard was elected to the office of Rutherford County Coroner on August 19, 1831 until August 20, 1832. The office required him to hold inquests over the deceased to determine the cause of death. During the month of May, Robert was called to investigate the death of Simeon Slack, whereupon the County Clerk issued him $5 for his inquest over the body. Another interesting facet of his office was that when the County Sheriff was away, the Coroner became acting Sheriff. This would prove to be a trying time for Robert as the Coroner, due to an approaching outbreak of deadly cholera that eventually decimated the local population in the summer of 1833, being the first widespread epidemic of cholera ever in the United States. As early as 1832, Murfreesboro town officials passed ordinances to keep the town clean due to the threat of cholera. When the disease fully arrived in Murfreesboro, Robert closed his store to business, as did the other merchants, and attempted to remain away from others, as a means to decrease the transmission of the illness. Unfortunately, the Shapard family was hit hard by the disease, and in June of 1833, it was reported that Robert’s father, Lewis Shapard, at about 60 years of age, died of cholera at the house of his son, James Paine Shapard, in Middleton, Rutherford County, Tennessee.

As the Cholera outbreak spread to the surrounding communities, Booker Shapard, then living in Shelbyville, Tennessee, lost his wife, Mary, to the disease on July 2, 1833 and then lost his infant son, Joshua, on August 18,1833. Shelbyville was hit hardest from June 29 through July 16, reporting the deaths of 76 whites and 33 slaves.  After the death of his wife, Booker was left with four small children, the eldest being only 7 years of age. His faithful slave, Delphia, known as “Black Mammy”, cared for the children during this time of need. Booker married Sarah Broyles on December 31, 1833 in Mulberry, Lincoln County, Tennessee. Sarah was the sister of his deceased wife, Mary.  In 1835, he moved to the village of Mulberry in Lincoln County, Tennessee, which was a small community located about 6 miles northeast of Fayetteville, Tennessee, and was where his wife’s family resided. It was here where he constructed “Mulberry;” the first substantial house ever built in the town of Mulberry on a one and a half acre tract of land he purchased from Mr. Charles Bright. After October in 1840, he moved to Pulaski, Giles County, Tennessee. He resided briefly in Fayetteville, Lincoln County, Tennessee from the late 1840s until 1851, and then returned to Pulaski, Tennessee, for the remainder of his life. Booker, like his younger brother Robert, was a store owner and merchant throughout his life. He also invested in real estate, often buying and selling town lots on the Public Squares wherever he lived. He remained a devout Methodist and was one of the Stewards for the Lincoln Circuit in 1839. Booker would greatly assist his younger brother Robert during his financial hardship in the late 1830s.

On April 20, 1835, Parthenia Shapard gave birth to their third child, a daughter. The baby died only a few months later, on July 13, 1835. As if a means to soothe their grief, they were blessed with the birth of a healthy girl a year later, on June 15, 1836. She was named Avarilla Elizabeth Shapard.  Sadly, only a month later, death again visited the Shapard family, and on July 16, 1836, Robert’s three year-old son, James Hodge Shapard, died in the town of Jefferson, Rutherford County, Tennessee. After an episode of sorrow, Robert and Parthenia were once again blessed with a period of joy, through the birth of their son Edwin Ruthven Shapard on December 16, 1838 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Ones heart can only ache for the emotional anguish these pioneer families endured through the frequent loss of their children.

The political climate of the 1830s called Robert Paine Shapard into action on the side of the Whig Party, which offers us a glimpse of his viewpoint on the issues of the day. Prior to the mid-1830s, few people in Tennessee cared about politics. It was a distant concept that had little bearing or affect on their daily lives. However, with the rise of local newspapers, politics first became a topic of fervent conversation in Murfreesboro in 1836. Andrew Jackson, a Tennessee native, who had been elected to the House of Representatives and Senate as well as been a hero in the War of 1812, had been elected President from 1829 until 1837. President Jackson developed a habit of using his presidential veto powers to force his agenda into policy, completely by-passing the opinion of Congress. To oppose the abuse of Federal power by President Jackson the Whig Party in America was established in 1834. Most Whig supporters protested against strong Federal government and executive encroachment, yet desired to preserve the Union of the United States, through peaceable means, and perpetuate its republican nature of government. Murfreesboro became a political battleground between the Whigs and the Democrats, each publically voicing their opinions.

Robert Paine Shapard was an active and respected member of the Whig Party as early as 1839, whereby, he attended the Rutherford County Whig meetings and was elected to committees in support of their cause. By the mid 1840s, he was one of the Lincoln County Delegates of the Whig Party and traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, on February 22, 1844, to cast his vote for the Presidential electorate of the Party.  He was listed as a delegate in March of 1853, to attend the Whigs Convention for the nomination of the Party’s candidate for the Governor of Tennessee. The Whig Party would eventually split and dissolve over the issue of slavery in 1850; the Northern Whigs sided with the abolitionist Republican Party, and the Southern Whigs, also known as ‘Cotton Whigs’, favored Slavery, siding with the Democratic Party.

The economic climate of the 1830s had a significant impact on the Shapard family. During the mid to late 1830s, Robert Paine Shapard was fully engaged in the business of being a merchant. Robert’s business partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. James Mitchell, dissolved in 1833. Although Robert was thrust into a sole proprietorship of his business, he quickly acquired apprentices to help him operate his business. Robert traveled to secure new merchandise for his store in Murfreesboro and, in early spring, made his annual ventures to the eastern states for market. Travel was extremely difficult and perilous during this time, as it was before the time of the railroads, and long ventures were made by stage or on horseback over questionable roads in all kinds of weather. Mr. Shapard obtained numerous Merchant Bonds during this time, which was a means of insurance to guarantee payment and good transaction between two distant parties. Robert also tapped into the local markets to obtain goods. During the winter months, ladies would pass the day spinning thread and yarn and making cloth and clothing, which they would sell or barter to Mr. Shapard in the spring. In addition, local produce, maple syrup, honey, beeswax, feathers for writing, furs, etc., were also acquired through these means, and able to fill the shelves of the store. Robert showed great promise as a businessman, growing his firm, and acquiring property during this time. Despite his best efforts, however, the economic Panic of 1837 hit the United States and caused the downfall of many businessmen, including Robert Paine Shapard.

In 1837, fear had been mounting that the paper currency printed and dispersed by the Second Bank of the United States did not have the financial backing of the Federal government. On May 10, 1837, banks in New York no longer accepted paper currency and would only accept gold or silver currency. This created a financial panic that spread from bank to bank and from state to state, ultimately resulting in a five-year economic depression. The South was hit hard, especially the Cotton Belt, where the lack of demand for southern goods forced many planters into bankruptcy. This depression was felt by every merchant as unemployment reached record numbers. Banks continued to fail across the South and currency became scarce. The economy would not fully recover until 1842.

At the start of the Depression of 1837, Robert Shapard’s debt was rising. By 1839, the Robert’s debt was insurmountable and his credit notes drew the attention of collection agents, known as ‘shavers;’ who purchased delinquent notes at substantial discount. Shavers forced the collection of the notes, with the authority of the sheriff, by levying and selling all of the debtor’s property. During this time there were no exemption laws, thus all possessions were subject to be sold to satisfy the debt, generally causing total ruin to the owner.  At this time, Robert reported that he was delinquent in his obligations of payment to the minor Harrison heirs by sum of $6,000.00. He was also grossly indebted to other individuals via his business by the staggering sum of over $14,000.00. Robert was bankrupt and surrendered his guardianship of William and Mary to his sister Sophia Harrison. The court assigned his brother, James Shapard, as his Trustee to sell, through public or private sale, all of his belongings both personal and business, to satisfy his debts.

Included in the list of inventory to be sold was; “one Lot or parcel of land lying in the town of Murfreesboro and known and designated in the plan of said town as number 56, one negro woman named Sally about 45 years of age, one negro girl named Abby, one sorrel horse, three beds and furniture, three bedsteads, one dining table, one work stand, one work table, one bureau, chinaware, six Windsor chairs, six split bottom chairs, one mantel clock, one saddle, two looking glasses, tableware, one writing desk, and all the stack of goods, wares and merchandise which Robert P. Shapard has now on hand in his store in the town of Murfreesboro and also all notes and accounts due or to become due to the said Robert P. Shapard…”

In April of 1840, James Paine Shapard placed an advertisement in the Tennessee Telegraph newspaper, announcing that, “Those indebted to R.P. Shapard must either come forward and make payment forthwith or they will certainly pay both the debt and costs as soon as the law can force the collection. The whole of said debts have been transferred to the undersigned as trustee and he is forced to close the business.”

ROBERT PAINE SHAPARD (Chapter 1) 1805-1825 Early Years

CHAPTER 1

ROBERT PAINE SHAPARD - THE EARLY YEARS

           

        Robert Paine Shapard was born on the cool winter day of January 9, 1805. He was named in honor of his maternal grandfather, Capt. Robert Paine of Person County, North Carolina, who was known to be a sensible, pious and generous-hearted Christian gentleman. At the time of his birth, Thomas Jefferson was President of the United States and the explorers, Lewis and Clark, were in the middle of their three year expedition of the western frontier that had been acquired through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The Shapard family lived in St. David District, which was located in the southwest quadrant of Caswell County in North Carolina. The district was heavily wooded, with rolling hills interspersed with creeks and periodic flat fertile land suitable for farming. In 1777, Caswell County was formed from Orange County, North Carolina and was located in the northern part of the state, bordering Virginia. In 1784, Caswell County had 8 districts which were reduced in half in 1792, when four districts were carved from Caswell’s eastern section and made into Persons County, North Carolina. In 1792, Caswell Court House (now Yancyville) became the seat of Caswell County. By 1810, the county held a population of 10,000 inhabitants and was serviced by Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian churches, five physicians and a few private educational academies.

During his early youth, Robert was reared on his father’s 300 acre plantation located a few miles south of Caswell Court House. There was a dirt road, known as “Shapard’s Pathe,” that ran through the Shapard property connecting the neighboring plantations of Henry Williams, Alexander Kerr, Thomas Johnson, Nathaniel Rice, Archibald Rice, Leonard Brown and Thomas Brown. The path eventually intersected with the Graves Mill Road, also known as the Caswell Courthouse Road, being one of the main thoroughfares in that part of the county that crossed the Country Line Creek to reach the Caswell Court House. Nearby, Thomas Foster had a mill along a northern prong of the Honey Creek, and Edmund Rice operated a Smith Shop. The local merchants were Mr. John Graves and the firm of Murphy & Lea.

Most of Robert’s childhood days were spent playing with his brothers and sisters, venturing out among the trees and fields, and helping out with chores suitable for his age. The Shapard plantation was located along the South Fork of the Country Line Creek, which allowed Robert an ideal place to explore and go fishing. Robert also obtained an education, through the instruction of his mother and siblings, in reading, writing and arithmetic. Meal time was enjoyed around a communal table and the family ate off of pewter plates.

As far as religion was concerned within the Shapard family, Robert’s paternal grandfather, William Shapard, was a member of the Church of England; however, after the American Revolution, this church fell into great disfavor with the American patriots who sought to distance themselves from all British influence. It appears that, after the war, William joined the Presbyterian Church. Robert’s maternal grandfather, Robert Paine, was a prominent member of the Baptist Church, specifically the Ebenezer Primitive Baptist Church in Person County.  There is evidence that Robert’s parents had a proclivity for the Baptist denomination, attending a local meeting house ministered by Rev. Barazallai Graves. Robert’s father was spiritually sound and provided the means for his children to acquire a strong moral foundation through their biblical education, learning right from wrong, honesty, respect and honor - traits that would serve them well throughout their lifetime.

Robert and his siblings were raised among the institution of slavery. Their father, Lewis Shapard, had acquired slaves and additional wealth through his marriage to Martha Paine in 1796. At the time of their marriage, Martha had 8 slaves; Pompey and Tom were the strongest Negro men and most utilized by Robert’s father in the fields; Ned was a teenage Negro boy who also worked the fields with the older males. Mrs. Shapard used Sal, the eldest Negro woman, as mammy to her children and main cook. Jane and Jenney were teenage Negro girls and were trained as house servants, assisting with the chores, washing, ironing, cooking, cleaning and attending to the children. The Shapard’s also had younger slaves; Surrey, a Negro boy, and Clarissee, a Negro girl. In February of 1808, as an inheritance from the estate of his late father-in-law Robert Paine, Lewis Shapard acquired an additional five slaves: Davey, Denny, Daniel, Nancy and Jean. From 1808 to 1810, through husbandry and purchases, Mr. Shapard would increase his slave holdings to 16 Negros.

After the Revolutionary War ended, with the Treaty of Paris, in 1783, much of North Carolina’s vast western lands, which encompassed the future state of Tennessee, had been awarded as payment to veterans for their service during the war. Many North Carolina veterans quickly immigrated to this wild and unsettled territory to claim their lands. Over the years, to encourage further settlement in this region, treaties were made with the Indians, and in 1787, North Carolina commissioned a road to be cut from their eastern boundary into middle Tennessee, known as the ‘North Carolina Road.’ The cost of maintaining this region was too great for the State of North Carolina and in 1789, it ceded its ‘Southwest Territory’ to the federal government. By 1793, the territory held the required population of 5,000 settlers to qualify it for statehood; and three years later, ‘Tennessee’ was admitted to the Union by President George Washington as the sixteenth state. In the early 1800s, settlers flocked to Tennessee due to the availability of inexpensive fertile lands and growing opportunities within newly settled towns.

In the year 1813, James Madison was President and the United States was engaged in the War of 1812 against the British. It was also the year that Robert’s father, Lewis Shapard, moved his family, by wagon, to Williamson County, Tennessee, which had first been settled by whites only 14 years earlier. The cheap fertile lands of Tennessee offered a greater opportunity for prosperity than what was available in settled North Carolina. Before going west, Mr. Shapard settled his accounts and collected and amassed all the funds he could gather, including his interest in the estate of his late father-in-law, Robert Paine (1748-1808), in the amount of $88 pounds, 17 shillings, 6 3/4 pence Virginia currency.

   
In the spring of 1813, The Shapard’s set out on their epic journey which covered a distance of over 500 miles. They traveled along the western thoroughfare via Jonesboro, Knoxville, Carthage and Gallatin to Nashville. They crossed the Cumberland River at Nashville by ferry boat and then traversed the wild frontier landscape to their new homestead in Williamson County. The whole trip took over a month to complete, traveling at a typical four mile-per-hour pace for a horse team and wagon along the rough dirt roads and through the rugged mountain passes of North Carolina and Tennessee. Seven year-old Robert rode with his mother in the wagon, along with his brothers, William, James and Booker, Lewis and baby Thomas, and his sisters Sophia, Martha and Thelia. His father stayed alongside the family wagon on his best horse. The female slaves assisted with chores and cooking and caravanned in a steer wagon filled with provisions for the trip. During the day, the older boys would ride ahead and hunt for rabbits, birds and deer to supplement their meals. They would stop periodically at the “ordinaries” (taverns) they encountered to gather fresh water and gain information on where they were and what lay ahead. Periodically, a town would emerge from the wilderness as a small glimpse of civilization between vast expanses of forests.

When the Shapard’s first traveled through Nashville in 1813, it was an industrious little town still being hacked out of the cedars with a population of about 1,200 residents. On Sundays the Shapard family rested, observing the Sabbath, and each night they would gather around the campfire under a canopy of stars listening to the sounds of bear and wolves and all the wild creatures that flourished on the untamed frontier. This monumental adventure during his youth created a lasting memory for Robert, and, later in life, was often the subject of stories he would tell his own children.

In late spring, when the Shapard’s arrived at their destination in northeastern Williamson County, Tennessee, they settled into their new log cabin home, near the West Fork of Mills Creek, and quickly got to work clearing the area of trees, utilizing the logs for building the slave quarters and outbuildings. Additional sites were selected for future crop fields, and the trees in these areas were stripped of bark, two feet around, causing them to die by the following year, upon which they would be removed. The ground around the ‘barked’ trees was tediously turned with a one-horse plow, after which the crop seed was sown.

While life was arduous and unforgiving, without the accommodation of established civilization, Robert’s mother did her best to make their simple log house a home for her children. She spent most of the days preparing meals for her family and the evenings engaged at the spinning wheel, making yarn and clothing. Unfortunately, the hardships of travel had taken its toll and sadly, on June 16, 1813, when Robert was 8 years old, his mother, Martha Paine Shapard, died in Williamson County, Tennessee. She was 39 years old at the time of her death. The location of her gravesite has been lost through the remiss of time.

The death of Martha Paine Shapard was almost unbearable to this young family. Robert and his siblings had lost their mother and all the security, love and comfort she provided. In addition, Mr. Lewis Shapard now found himself alone and having been lured onto the isolated western frontier with his precious children. With the companionship of his wife this journey was touted as a grand adventure, but now, alone in unsettled unfamiliar lands, it became a nightmare; for if he were to die what then would become of his children? Over the next few years, everything Robert’s father did was for the betterment of his children, not only proving his resolve as a father but illustrating the love he had for his family.

In 1814, for the sake and wellbeing of his children, Robert’s father Lewis Shapard became motivated to remarry, out of convenience, in order to provide his family with a much needed mother-figure.  On April 11, 1814, at 41 years of age, he married Elizabeth Strother Parrish, who had been widowed, in 1811, by her first husband, Henry Parrish. Elizabeth was about 44 years old and was living on 150 acres on Big Cedar Lick Creek in Capt. Koonce District in Wilson County. She had ten children through her previous marriage to Mr. Parrish: Mary (c.1788-?) who in 1814 married Green Seat; David W. (1789-1876) fought in War of 1812 under Captain Thomas Bradley, he married Lucinda Hunt on July 3, 1813 in Sumner County, where they resided until migrating to Kentucky in 1833; William (1792-?) married Martha Davis in 1812 in Wilson County; Frances “Fanny” (1794-?) married in 1811 to Samuel R. Anderson in Wilson County; Nancy (c.1796-?); Susanna (c.1798-?), Elizabeth “Betsy” (c.1801-1845) married David Richards in 1827 in Wilson County, later migrating to Mississippi; Martha “Patsy” (1803-1880) married in 1822 to Hobson Ferrell of Wilson County, she died in Mississippi; Zuritha (c.1805-?); and Henry “Harry” (c.1807-?).

After the wedding in April of 1814, the Shapard family moved from Williamson County to Wilson County, residing at the old Parrish plantation. The property was located in the vicinity of Tuckers Gap, five miles southwest of the Wilson County seat of Lebanon. The Lebanon-Nashville Road, being an east-west thoroughfare from Lebanon to Nashville crossed north of the property which allowed for relative ease of travel.  The 150 acre plantation had 40 acres of cleared fields for agriculture and was fed by the Big Cedar Lick Creek. In addition, the plantation had a substantial and comfortable ‘mansion’ near a natural freshwater spring, as well as, a slave quarter, stables and other out buildings and improvements.

When the Shapard’s moved to their new home in Wilson County, Robert was nine years of age. For him it would have been an exciting time, as there were new forests to explore, new creeks to fish and new children his age with which to play. Although his mother was irreplaceable, Robert would have experienced some comfort in having a mother-figure back in his life. 

Just as things were beginning to normalize for Robert Shapard, his eldest brother William, at 17 years of age, volunteered for service in the War of 1812. At the time William was described as 6 feet tall, having grey eyes, black hair and a dark complexion. In September of 1814, he was mustered in to John Coffee's Brigade of Tennessee Volunteers as a private in Captain W. Martin's Company of Tennessee Riflemen. Interestingly, William Shapard was part of the brigade sent to assist General Andrew Jackson during the epic Battle of New Orleans against the British on January 8, 1815. Furthermore, John Coffee's Brigade held the distinction of being the first to fire upon the British during the battle. In all, William served actively for 146 days, being honorably discharged at New Orleans in April of 1815. By the grace of God, he returned home uninjured. William would receive two land warrants as payment for his participation in the war.

Unfortunately, Robert's father’s marriage to Elizabeth was short-lived, as she abandoned her husband and the Shapard children in February of 1816. Robert’s father made public notice that Elizabeth had forfeited the privilege of being his wife, and cautioned all merchants from extending her credit as he would not be responsible for payment. Although separated, Tennessee law prohibited filing for divorce until the desertion had extended for two years. Due to the fact that Robert’s father had no legal right to the Parrish plantation, it became necessary for the Shapard family to move. For the second time, Robert felt the loss of a mother-figure and the comfort she provided. Luckily, however, his eldest sister Sophia consistently assumed the motherly role for the younger Shapard children over the years.

In early 1816, the Shapard family moved from Wilson County, and resided in Smith County, Tennessee, near the town of Carthage. Robert’s father appears to have expanded into the commission merchant business, as Carthage was a port town along the Cumberland River, with an impressive amount of goods imported and exported via flat-bottom boats. Robert’s father traveled frequently for business, tending to clients in Williamson, Wilson and Rutherford Counties. Interestingly, on one such trip to Rutherford County, he made an acquaintance with Mr. Joshua Harrison who operated a nail making shop in Murfreesboro.

Mr. Joshua Norman Harrison was born on November 20, 1789. Little is known of his early life, though it has been claimed that he came from Philadelphia or possibly Maryland. At some point in his youth he was educated in the mastery of making nails. He married circa 1810, and had two daughters: Sarah Ann Harrison (c. 1811-?) and Caroline Harrison (c.1813-1836). Joshua and his young family migrated to Davidson County, Tennessee, sometime before 1815. In Nashville, Joshua made a business connection with William Carroll, a colorful, astute, capitalist and the future governor of Tennessee. Sadly, later that year, Joshua Harrison’s wife died, perhaps in childbirth, and he was suddenly left a widower with two small children. Circa 1816, Joshua Harrison’s partner William Carroll, who, being a very perceptive businessman, realized that Nashville was waning as the state capital and the future capital would likely reside in Murfreesboro in Rutherford County, being the geographic center of the state. Together they decided to establish a business presence there early, to ensure success. With the backing of William Carroll, Joshua Harrison moved, in August of 1816, to Rutherford County, and opened Harrison & Company on the town square, being the first and only nail factory in Murfreesboro.

On September 26, 1816, Joshua Harrison and Sophia Shapard were married in Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee. Although Sophia Shapard was only 16 years old, her father acquiesced to the proposal, recognizing Mr. Harrison as a respectable gentleman, with a caring personality, and being an intelligent worker with tremendous business potential through his connections to the key men of the state. Their union also fulfilled Mr. Shapard’s’ fatherly commitment to secure his daughter in the best possible circumstance for comfort and rank that the frontier of Tennessee could offer.

Home life at the Shapard household in Smith County was not the same after Sophia Shapard married and moved away. She had assumed the mothering role for Robert and his younger siblings, after their mother died in 1813, and then again when their stepmother abandoned them in early 1816. With Sophia’s absence from the family after her marriage, Mr. Lewis Shapard was vexed with how to manage his younger children and how to position them for future success. Murfreesboro in Rutherford County clearly was the location of greatest opportunity in the state at that time, and he became enticed by the great potential of Murfreesboro due to the numerous public notices stating; “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. Thus, in early 1817, Mr. Shapard decided to reside there for a few months with his children, to see if it would be a suitable location for their permanent home.

The area of Murfreesboro, Tennessee had first been settled by whites in 1799, a mere 17 years before the Shapards arrived; and the town of Murfreesboro was established in 1811, only five years prior to their arrival.  However, it was a growing community and would be recognized as the State Capital of Tennessee from 1818 until 1826, after which the capital was moved to Nashville. The design of the town was well planned and was platted in 1812; the roads were laid out on a grid system, each lot containing a half acre, with the focal point of the town being the central Public Square. The Rutherford County Courthouse, with its red roof, sat upon a large two-acre grassy lawn, crowning the center of the Public Square. Businesses gradually occupied the buildings bordering the roads surrounding the courthouse. By the time the Shapards arrived in Murfreesboro in 1816, the town was in its infancy and still being hacked out from the surrounding forest; roads were not paved and still encumbered with tree stumps, rocks and ruts. Most construction was of log or wood-frame; however a few brick structures would grace the Murfreesboro landscape in these early years. In 1819, the Presbyterian congregation, being the main religion of the area, constructed a large church, which became one of the first brick buildings in the town. Paint was another unique and distinctly civilized adornment that graced some of the early buildings and homes of Murfreesboro. There were four main natural springs in the area, around which the town was built up, that supplied the community’s water. Residents and ‘water dray’ slaves would fill their buckets at these springs each day to not only satisfy their needs for drinking and washing, but also to acquire the latest gossip and news.

On February 1, 1817, Lewis Shapard acquired an apprenticeship agreement in Murfreesboro for three of his sons; James, Booker and Robert. This was a major accomplishment as a father and he was proud to bind his male children to a successful trade; thereby, assuring them the education and experience to earn a comfortable living when they came of age. The bond of apprenticeship was a legal bond of temporary servitude enforceable by law, and entered into for the benefit of learning a trade. Young boys were often allowed the privilege of choosing their trade. During the term of their apprenticeship, the boys lived with their master and were fully engaged in business, learning their craft, and productive habits, as well as, gaining an education in reading, writing and arithmetic. Free time was limited; only to be had at night and on Sundays after worship. If an apprentice became discontented and ran away, legally, when located, he would have to be returned to his master.

James Paine Shapard was apprenticed to Mr. Abraham Statler to learn the trade of ‘hatter.’ Mr. Statler was born circa 1770 in Virginia where he married Miss Hannah Wright Miller in 1809. He was a skilled hat-maker and migrated to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in 1811, becoming the first of his trade in the town. He purchased the town Lot No. 66 in 1815, from which he operated his store. The terms of the apprenticeship with Mr. Statler would end in 1822, when James reached 21 years of age.

Booker Shapard was to learn the trade of ‘saddler’ through his apprenticeship with Mr. Charles Niles until the year 1824, when he reached the age of 21. Mr. Niles was born in 1786 in North Carolina, and migrated to Murfreesboro, from Nashville, about 1812. He was married to Abigail Wade and established his residence and business on Lot No. 5. Not only was he a talented saddle-maker but he also embraced a leadership role in the community; being elected as one of the town’s first Alderman after Murfreesboro was incorporated in 1817, and subsequently elected to the same position in 1829, 1834 and 1835. He also held the office of Mayor of Murfreesboro in 1833.

Robert Paine Shapard, at twelve years old, was legally apprenticed to his wealthy and enterprising brother-in-law, Mr. Joshua Norman Harrison, to learn the trade of nail-making until the year 1826. The apprenticeship agreement for Robert resolved that, “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 and mastery of a nailor. Now of the said Joshua Harrison upon faithful service of said Robert in said apprenticeship doth covenant well and truly to teach and instruct him in the art and business of a nailor, and teach him or cause him to  be taught to read and write and cipher through the Rule of Three, and at all times during his said apprenticeship to furnish him with such clothing as shall be necessary, together with washing, diet, lodging and stationary as may be fit and proper and at the expiration of said apprenticeship to give him a good suit of clothes to be worth $50.00.”

Mr. Joshua Norman Harrison came to Murfreesboro when the town was in a growing stage of development. There were a small number of saw mills already in operation in the vicinity, along the Stone’s River, which provided cut lumber for the construction demands of the town and surrounding area. The lumber could only be transported by flat-bottom boats or shipped by horse and wagon, since the railroads would not arrive until the 1850s. As the town boomed, so too did the need for construction nails.

At this time, nails were scarce and expensive, as only wrought iron nails were in use. Each nail was handmade, one at a time, from a long piece of iron rod. After the iron was heated in a fire, the nailor would hammer the end to form a point. The pointed rod was reheated and cut off to the desired nail length. The nail was then inserted into a hole in an anvil and a head was formed with several glancing blows of a hammer. Mr. Harrison’s shop employed himself, an apprentice and possibly one slave to keep up with the production demands for nails. It was a noisy and hot working environment with the constant banging, sheering and hammering and heat from the fires.

In 1816, Mr. Harrison located his successful nail factory, known as Harrison & Company, on the north side of the Public Square of Murfreesboro, on the southeast section of Lot No. 19, in a small one story shop of about 18 feet by 25 feet made of cedar logs. He had purchased the lot and store from William Barfield on August 28, 1816. The lot had 31 feet of frontage facing the county courthouse, becoming Rutherford’s first capital building for the Tennessee General Assembly from 1818-1821, that crowned the center of the square. Behind the store was the Harrison family residence. To the east was a frame house residence owned by Mr. Bennett Smith; and to the west were three small single-story shops. And it was there, on the Harrison lot, where Robert Paine Shapard would spend the majority of his youth, performing the labor intensive tasks reserved for apprentices – carrying and cutting iron, hammering and transporting pounds and pounds of nails.

From the time Robert P. Shapard became an apprentice, until 1819, business was thriving in Tennessee. These were boom years for American farmers, plantation owners, businessmen and merchants. Due to crop and cotton failure throughout Europe in 1816 and 1817, American produce, such as wheat, corn, oats, cotton and tobacco, was in high demand and sold for record breaking prices. The price per pound of American cotton had nearly quintupled in value from 7 ½ ¢ in 1812, to 20 ¢ by 1817, peaking at 34 ¢ in 1818. Tobacco was also surging during this time, doubling from 4 ¢ per pound in 1814, to 8 ¢ in 1816, reaching its highest value in 1818 at 9 ¢ per pound.

As produce value rose, farmers and planters increased production, needing more supplies from the merchants, more nails to build, and more iron for plows and tools. Although Harrison & Co. produced nails as their main product, they began to diversify their inventory during this time to capture a greater percentage of the booming market. Mr. Harrison constructed a merchandise store adjoining the nail-making shop, selling dry goods, wares and other sundry items typical of a store during that era. He trained Robert Shapard in the operation of the mercantile store and in the art of commerce, business management and double-entry bookkeeping. As it came to pass, this diversified business venture saved Mr. Harrison and Robert Shapard financially. For in 1818, British factories began to flood the American markets with imported nails at a fraction of the price of locally produced nails. Buyers overlooked the fact that these cheep imported nails lacked the quality of those produced locally, often splintering when hammered, however, customers were willing to trade quality for reduced cost. This change in market dynamics gradually rendered the nailor as an obsolete profession.

In the spring of 1818, European crops recovered, and after two years of paying exorbitant amounts on American produce and cotton, British Parliament reinstated their Corn Laws, which denied the import of foreign grains into the country. American wheat would plummet from $2.50 per bushel to 70 cents per bushel over the following years. In addition, English textile mills ceased buying American cotton in an effort to reduce its inflated price and began to purchase a lesser quality cotton from India. This sent the price of cotton from 34 ¢ per pound in 1818 to 17 ¢ by 1820, eventually bottoming out at 9 ¢ in 1823. The impact of these changes was a crushing blow to the booming American markets. Tennessee, as well as the rest of the United States, experienced the nation’s first major economic depression, known as the Panic of 1819, affecting every industry and aspect of society with widespread ruin.

Unfortunately for Tennessee, word from abroad traveled slowly during this time. Americans received all overseas news from east coast port newspaper reporters interviewing transatlantic passengers debarking ships. Any information gained was typically further verified by the overseas newspapers also carried onboard, before being printed in the American papers. In addition, within the United States, local information was also delayed, as postal letter and word-of-mouth were the only means of transmission from place to place before the coming of the telegraph in the 1840s. Tragically, as the markets of the eastern States were collapsing, the uninformed western planters, farmers, businessmen, speculators, and commission merchants were still buying goods, cotton and land at record high prices. On June 12, 1819, the Huntsville Alabama Republican newspaper, reported that in the east “extraordinary pressures in the mercantile part of that community” had begun moving west and south “until the whole union [had] become embarrassed by the failures of mercantile houses and the depreciation of the paper currency.”

Merchants, planters, farmers and speculators who had bought goods and land on credit, unexpectedly and abruptly became hopelessly in debt and would have to liquidate all their assets to repay their creditors. During this time there were no exemption laws, thus all possessions a person or business owned were subject to be sold to satisfy his debt, generally causing total ruin to the owner. The creditor, if unsatisfied in his personal collection efforts, would force collection of the debt through the courts via lawsuits. However, if still unsuccessful, there was another more dreaded means of at least partial collection. “Shavers,” made a business of purchasing delinquent credit notes at a discount, and then forcing full collection, by the sheriff, who would hold a public auction of some or all of the debtor’s property needed to satisfy his debt.

For Joshua Harrison, as with most merchants, a common business practice was credit transactions; whereby, the merchant would extend credit to their clients who, in turn, promised to pay for the goods they purchased at a future date, often by Christmas day. During the boom, this practice served well, however, when the Panic of 1819 occurred, Harrison & Co. was grossly overextended in credit that its clients could not repay. What ensued was a series of lawsuits over the next few years between those persons who owed Mr. Harrison, and those who Mr. Harrison owed. Luckily, Mr. Harrison prevailed in his collections and his business not only survived the Panic of 1819, but flourished over the following six years.

In their personal life,  Joshua and Sophia (Shapard) Harrison would raise eight children (two step-daughters and six children of their own: Sarah Ann Harrison (c. 1811-?) who married John T. Cannon; and Caroline Harrison (c.1813-1836) who married John A. Taliaferro; Eleanor Paine Harrison (1817-1896) who married David Molloy; Martha Bedford Harrison (1818-1891) who married Stephen Johns 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). Robert Paine Shapard developed a very close relationship with the Harrison family, as he learned the nail-makers trade and boarded in their house. Mr. Harrison would name one of his sons in honor of Robert, and Robert’s older brother, James Paine Shapard, would name one of his sons in honor of Joshua Harrison.

In addition, there is some compelling evidence that when Robert Shapard’s father left Rutherford County, in 1817, to return to Smith County, he did so only with his eldest son William B. Shapard, leaving the younger Shapard children with the Harrison family to be educated in Murfreesboro. If this was indeed the case, then the Harrison household would have also included Martha Shapard, Thelia Shapard, Lewis Shapard, Jr., and little Thomas P. Shapard. Interestingly, during this time, Robert’s father gave Joshua Harrison the use of his slave Davy, presumably as partial compensation for boarding and educating his children. Furthermore, between June 21, 1820 and August 24, 1820, Robert’s father, Lewis, returned to Rutherford County after losing his business and home in Smith County during the Panic of 1819. For a brief time, he resided at the home of Joshua Harrison with his children, after which he seems to have vanished from the historical record for a significant number of years.

One benefit of the Panic of 1819 was that it sparked a significant religious revival across America, known as the Second Great Awakening. During the summer and fall of 1820, coinciding with Robert’s father’s returned to Rutherford County, a revival swept the town of Murfreesboro. At this time Murfreesboro was the Capital of Tennessee, and had Presbyterian, Cumberland Presbyterian and Baptist churches, yet, no organized Methodist congregation. The Methodists circuit riders recognized the spiritual potential of the town and began conducting camp-meeting revivals, which were generally held in late summer and fall after the crops were harvested. They created such religious excitement in the area that many professed the faith and Methodism became established there.

Booker and Robert Shapard attended a Methodist revival in the fall of 1820 at Windrow’s Campground, which was located nine miles southwest of Murfreesboro. The revival lasted for more than a week and attracted an unusually large audience, many of whom had traveled a great distance to attend. The whole while, the attendees remained at the campground, sleeping outside, eating with neighbors and feeling the excitement of the revival, in terms of inspirational sermons, lively songs, Christian brotherhood, prayer, shouting and professions of faith. As a result, Robert and Booker professed religion along with 300 other Christians. Shortly after the meeting, the town of Murfreesboro became inspired with the spirit of God, and 19 residents organized the first Methodist church in Murfreesboro, which carried a membership of about 30 people for the first few years. The original services were held at night in an unoccupied old house and the courthouse was used on Sunday, until they were able to construct a church building of their own in 1823. The brothers became members of this first Methodist church of Murfreesboro, and embraced the Methodist religion as an important aspect in the Shapard family.

It is significant to note, that the preacher who was first assigned to the congregation at Murfreesboro, from October of 1820 through October of 1822, when Robert joined the church, was Rev. Robert Paine; who was a first-cousin to Robert Paine Shapard. At that time, Rev. Paine was a gifted young preacher and circuit rider, having just been received in to ‘full-connection’ with the Tennessee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1820. During his ‘stripling’ term from 1820 through 1822, he built-up and serviced the Methodist congregations in Murfreesboro and Shelbyville, both of whom initially had no Methodist meeting house. Rev. Paine’s talented preaching in Murfreesboro unquestionably inspired Robert Shapard and ignited a religious passion that burned fervently throughout Mr. Shapard’s life. Interestingly, Rev. Paine would eventually become one of the most well-known, accomplished and influential Bishops of his era, and was one of the founding members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Booker and Robert Shapard continued a fruitful relationship with their cousin, Bishop Robert Paine, and their paths crossing frequently throughout their lives. It may be of interest to mention that Bishop Paine regarded Giles County, Tennessee, as his hometown. His father, James Paine, (uncle to Robert Paine Shapard) moved his family from Person County, North Carolina, to Giles County, Tennessee, in 1814, where he was elected as a Judge and, in 1819, built the Bethesda Methodist Church located seven miles south-east of Pulaski.

Throughout his life, Robert P. Shapard continued a close association with all his siblings, especially, James and Booker, no doubt due to their special bonds through apprenticeship, religious affiliation and their unique understanding of the business world. The brothers would devote themselves to each other’s success, helping one another out when able. Interestingly, except for Booker for a brief period of time, none of the three apprentices followed the trade they learned; however, they did use their education in commerce as a means to pursue other enterprises as businessmen, land owners and merchants.

On February 1, 1822, at the end of his apprenticeship, James Paine Shapard married Rebecca Kanada Sloss. The ceremony was held at the town of Middleton in Rutherford County, Tennessee, where the bride’s family resided. After the wedding, James and Rebecca left Murfreesboro and made their home in Middleton, which was a small community located about five miles south of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. James did not pursue his trade as a hat-maker, but appears to have engaged mainly in business as a merchant, as well as, investing in real estate. James’ eldest son, Joseph Campbell Shapard, helped merchandise for his father for two years in the late 1830s. Interestingly, James P. Shapard was elected a Justice of the Peace for Rutherford County from 1833 to 1835. In 1846, James left Tennessee and immigrated with his wife and younger children to Chapel Hill, Washington County, Texas, where his younger brother, Thomas Paine Shapard, had settled in 1830 and practiced law in the firm of ‘Hood & Shapard’. The journey to Texas took 49 days by wagon, and they rested only on Sundays. James Paine Shapard died in Washington County, Texas on October 18, 1850, and was buried near Chapel Hill.

Booker Shapard continued in the saddle-makers trade for a few years after his apprenticeship. He married Mary Clay, daughter of Isaac Clay and Mary Whittenburg Broyles on November 10, 1825, in Rutherford County, Tennessee. After the wedding, Booker moved from Murfreesboro and resided with his wife in the town of old Jefferson, Rutherford County, Tennessee, which was located approximately seven miles northwest of Murfreesboro. In 1830, Booker moved to Shelbyville, Tennessee where he opened a ‘saddle and tack’ store on the southeast corner of the town square. He lost his wife and a child during the deadly cholera epidemic that nearly depopulated the town in 1833. Booker remarried in 1835 and moved to the village of Mulberry, Tennessee, which was located a few miles beyond the town of Fayetteville in Lincoln County, Tennessee. In 1840, he moved to Pulaski, Giles County, Tennessee and worked as a merchant, until 1862, when, during the Civil War, he was exiled from his state and his store was robbed by the Federal soldiers. In 1865, after the restoration of peace, he returned to Pulaski Tennessee. Having lost everything of material value, he was impoverished, decrepit with age and feeble in health. To earn a living, he and his sons opened a ‘clothing and merchandise’ store, under the name of ‘Ward & Shapard’, however, he found greater comfort in the rewards of religion, and focused upon this whole heartedly until his death on December 28, 1872. He was buried in the Maplewood Cemetery in Pulaski, Giles County, Tennessee.

In July of 1822, the Rutherford County Courthouse, which sat across the street from Harrison & Company, burned to the ground. This was a dramatic event that drew the attention of the whole community. Since Murfreesboro was the capital of the State of Tennessee, the large brick Presbyterian Church, was quickly outfitted to accommodate the legislature for their 14^th session which was held from July 22 until August 24. The House of Representatives occupied the first floor and the Senate occupied the second floor. During this session, future President of the United States, James K. Polk served as Clerk, and Davy Crockett was a member of the House of Representatives. In addition, Andrew Jackson, the Hero of the War of 1812 and future President of the United States, visited Murfreesboro in 1828 and a celebration ensued, which was attended by nearly every citizen of the town. With his close approximation to the Courthouse and Public Square, Robert Paine Shapard was witness to these notable men of American history.

On May 17, 1822, Joshua Harrison purchased town Lot No. 8 from William C. Emmitt for the staggering amount of $1,800. The allure of the new lot was that it included a brick house, being the former residence of Mr. Emmitt. During this era, brick was extremely rare for home construction as most houses were made of log or plank board. For those that could afford it, brick was symbol of status proclaiming prosperity and refinement. The Harrison family, as well as, Robert Shapard and his younger siblings would have marveled at their new accommodations. Joshua Harrison continued to operate his nail and mercantile store on Lot No. 19 on the north side of the public square, yet rented out his former residence for additional income.  

Sadly on June 10, 1825, the one year old child of Joshua and Sophia Harrison, whom was named in honor of Robert Paine Shapard, died. Only six months later, tragedy again struck when Mr. Joshua Norman Harrison died on Christmas day in 1825. He was buried in the Old City Cemetery in Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee.

This graveyard was established in the early 1820s and was located next to the first Presbyterian Church of Murfreesboro on Vine Street. It was the town’s main cemetery for the next 40 years, and the final resting place for many of Murfreesboro’s first settlers. During the Civil War, the church was completely destroyed by the Federal troops, and the cemetery horribly battered. Joseph W. Nelson observed in 1866, “Our town & county have been greately damaged by the two Armies, they distroed all the tember for miles a round burnt all the rails for 3 or 4 miles in all directions burnt & pulled down at least 50 houses in town & of the number was the Old Presbyterian Church, destroed the fence a round the graves, broke toombstones & desscerated the grave yard generally.” The Old City Cemetery was neglected after the war, and in 1872, the town set aside 20 acres of properly maintained ground for the establishment of Evergreen Cemetery, whereby the families could reinter their loved ones from the old cemetery. While some of the dead were moved, many were not and remained in their original graves. The old cemetery continued to be neglected until the 1930s, when the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) began recognizing the graves of Revolutionary War veterans found in the cemetery, which created an interest in area preservation.

Mr. Harrison left behind his widow, Sophia, and six children; five girls and one boy. Mrs. Sophia (Shapard) Harrison was provided a full year of provisions for her family through the generous efforts of Mr. James Maney, Mr. Samuel P. Black and Mr. David Wendel. In January of 1826, they obtained for her: 4 barrels flour, 100 lbs coffee, 300 lbs brown sugar, 20 loaf sugar, 2 barrels salt, 100 loads of wood, 300 lbs pork, 500 lbs beef, $60.00 cash for market, 25 lbs picked cotton, 2 milk cows, 50 lbs mackerel, $25.00 cash for the purpose of making shoes, 40 barrels corn, $36.00 in sundry articles selected from the store by Mrs. Harrison for the use of herself and her family.

In January of 1827, Sophia acquired a 38 year-old house-slave named ‘Patty,’ to help her with the children and chores. Furthermore, Mr. William D. Baird became guardian for the step-children Sarah and Caroline. Mr. James Maney was assigned as guardian of Eleanor, Martha and Patsy. The two youngest children, William and Mary, were initially assigned to Dr. John R. Wilson as guardian; however, on February 19, 1829, Robert Paine Shapard petitioned the court successfully to assume the guardianship of the estate of his sister, Sophia, and become guardian of his young nephew and niece. This was, in part, due to the fact that Robert was the only brother still living in Murfreesboro at this time. As guardian, Robert would assume the father-figure of the family to ensure that their bills were paid from their inheritance, legal issues were handled, and the children obtained an education. The younger Harrison children received a first rate education at the academies in Nashville, Tennessee, while boarding with their uncle William B. Shapard and his family.

ROBERT PAINE SHAPARD (1805-1871) Introduction

ROBERT PAINE SHAPARD

                                              INTRODUCTION

Lewis Shapard, father of Robert Paine Shapard, was born circa 1773, in Cumberland County, Colony of Virginia, and was the child of William Shapard (b. circa 1741 – d. circa October 1808) and Mary Booker (b. September 4, 1746 – d. 1804). Mary was the daughter of James Booker, Jr., (b. circa 1720 – d. 1793) and Elizabeth (Howlett?) (b. 1726 – d. March 29, 1760) of Essex County, Virginia, and the granddaughter of James Booker, Sr., (b. 1695 – d. 1751) and Amy Lewis (b. 1700 - d. 1751) of Gloucester County, Virginia.  Lewis Shapard’s name was derived from his uncle Lewis Booker (b. May 21, 1754 – d. December 23, 1814). Lewis Shapard’s father, William Shapard, was a wealthy plantation owner, who had migrated in 1762, from King and Queen County, Virginia, to Cumberland County, Virginia; and then in 1785 to Granville County, North Carolina. William owned about 1,500 acres of land in Granville County, and developed it with the use of slave labor.

In 1780, during the time of the American Revolution, when Lewis Shapard, was 7 years old, his older brother Samuel went off to war. Samuel was 17 years old, and during the course of the war served two tours in the Virginia Militia as a substitute for his father, representing the Shapard family. Although Lewis was too young to fight, he did witness the vast array of armies, cavalries and soldiers that marched through Cumberland County. The Shapard plantation was located along the main road through Cumberland County, and Lewis’ father had established an “ordinary” (tavern) on their land from 1779 through 1781, which was frequented by the State Militia and Continental Soldiers needing a place to eat and rest. Throughout his youth, Lewis would have heard tales of battles and bravery from the actual soldiers themselves fresh off the front lines. The war ended in 1783, when Lewis was 10 years of age.

After the war, it was a new and exciting world, and Lewis Shapard was residing in Granville County, North Carolina, when the Constitution was ratified in 1788, the Bill of Rights was adopted in 1789 and George Washington, a Federalist from the State of Virginia, was elected President. Lewis left Granville County in 1795, and moved with his brothers, James Shapard and Booker Shapard, to Caswell County, North Carolina.

Over time, just like his father, Lewis became engaged in agricultural pursuits, purchasing large tracts of land and developing it with the use of slave labor. In the early 1800s, he was farming 300 acres in North Carolina with his 8 slaves. He was very successful in his endeavors and, by 1810, he had acquired 16 slaves and pursued an array of business ventures beyond the plantation. In 1813, Lewis moved his family from Caswell County, North Carolina, and migrated to Tennessee; living in Williamson County, Wilson County, Smith County, and Rutherford County. Lewis’ grandson, Rev. Joshua H. Shapard, reported that Lewis settled near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he continued to engage in agricultural pursuits for the remainder of his life. It appears that Lewis Shapard died of cholera at the house of his son, James Paine Shapard, in June of 1833, in the town of Middleton in Rutherford County, Tennessee.

Lewis married Martha Paine (b. November 17, 1773 – d. June 16, 1813) on November 22, 1796, in Caswell County, North Carolina. At the time of their wedding, they were both 23 years old. Martha had been widowed, in July of 1795, by her first husband, Michael Nicholson, who had been engaged in agriculture as a tobacco planter in North Carolina. From her previous marriage in 1790, Martha had three daughters; Sallie (b. 1791), Polly (b. 1793) and Elizabeth (b. 1795), of whom Mr. Lewis Shapard became guardian. Martha was born on November 17, 1773, and was the granddaughter of Dr. James Paine and Mary Hardin and the daughter of Robert Paine (b. March 3, 1748 – d. January 1808) and Elizabeth Miller. Her father had been the Captain of a company during the Revolutionary War. He later served in the Legislature of North Carolina as a State Senator from 1788-1790. Martha was also the aunt of Rev. Robert Paine who would become one of the most widely-known and influential Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Through the union of Lewis Shapard and Martha Paine, nine children were born: William Booker Shapard, Sophia Shapard, James Paine Shapard, Booker Shapard, Robert Paine Shapard, Lewis Shapard, Jr., Martha Shapard, Thelia Shapard, and Thomas Paine Shapard.