LEWIS SHAPARD (chapter 1) - 1773-1785 - The Early Years, Cumberland County, Virginia

LEWIS SHAPARD

CHAPTER 1

The Early Years - Cumberland County, Virginia

1773-1785

Lewis Shapard was born about the year 1773. He was the sixth of twelve children born to William (c.1741-1807) and Mary (Booker) Shapard (1746-1804). At the time of his birth, his parents and three brothers - Samuel (1763-?), James (c.1769-1837) and William, Jr. (c.1771-1843) and two sisters - Mildred (c.1765-?) and Elizabeth (c.1767-1842) were living on their plantation in Cumberland County, Virginia. Lewis’ parents had migrated from Essex County, Virginia, to Cumberland County eleven years earlier in 1762, and had developed the land with slave labor.

Cumberland County was originally settled in 1723, when Mr. Thomas Randolph acquired 2,870 acres while it was still part of Goochland County. In 1745, Goochland County was partitioned into two parishes divided by the James River. The region north of the river remained Northam Parish, while the region south of the river became St. James Southam Parish. Within a few years, as the population grew, the residents of Goochland County south of the James River requested a separate county and courthouse, and in 1749, Cumberland County was formed; which included all of Southam Parish and part of King William Parish. The county was named in honor of Prince William Augustus, the Duke of Cumberland, being the second son of King George II.

In 1772, about the time of Lewis Shapard’s birth, Cumberland County was further divided into two parishes when Littleton Parish was created from the western portion of Southam Parish. Cumberland County split along parish lines, in 1777, with the formation of Powhatan County. Therefore, for the time period of 1772-1792, Southam Parish looked like present-day Powhatan County (260 square miles) and Littleton Parish looked like Cumberland County (300 square miles).

  Present-day Cumberland County is rectangular in shape, measuring about 30 miles long and ten miles wide. It is bounded on the north by the James River, above which, are the counties of Goochland and Fluvanna; bounded on the west by Buckingham County; bounded on the east by the counties of Powhatan and Amelia; and bounded on the south by Prince Edward County. The Appomattox River defines most of the eastern border and the entire southern border of Cumberland County. The county also has four main creeks: Bear Branch Creek which empties into the Willis River; Great Guinea Creek which runs 20 miles and empties into the Appomattox River; Angola Creek which runs 12 miles and empties into the Appomattox River; and Green Creek which runs 3 miles and empties into the Appomattox River.

The Shapard plantation was a vast 300 acre farm located in the southern portion of Cumberland County, within Littleton Parish, along the Green Creek near the present-day town of Raine’s Tavern. Randolph’s Road, being one of the main roads through Cumberland County, passed through the Shapard property.  Since this was a highly rural area, miles from any town, roads were essential to plantation owners, like Lewis’ father, in order to deliver their produce in a timely manner to market. Lewis’ father also used the road to benefit his enterprise in the shipping business, whereby goods and materials were transported by use of his numerous horse teams and wagons.

The Shapard house would have been located near the road, most likely of log or split-log construction with a clay or brick chimney. A layering of wood shingles covered the roof, and a porch served to decrease tracking dirt and mud inside the house, as well as, offer relief from the sun. The interior of the house would have been one or two rooms deep with walls finished in lathed board or plaster. It would not have been painted, as this was a rare and expensive adornment. The windows were open air, with wood shutters as the only barrier against the elements, since window glass was found only in the finest homes during this era.  The kitchen and an outhouse, being separate buildings, were near the main house. The property had a slave quarter, of similar wood construction, for their three slaves – Phil, Nancy and Esther. A barn and fences were utilized to corral their livestock, as the family had numerous horses and raised a large number of cattle and hogs. Around the plantation house were fields for growing wheat, corn, oats and hay, as well as, a fruit orchard and a vegetable garden.

Dense forest surrounded the fields, leading into creeks and ravines teaming with wildlife. Hunting and fishing were a vital part of life for the Shapard family, and Lewis and his siblings would have found great enjoyment in exploring the surrounding wilderness. Water from the creeks would not have been suitable for human consumption, so a natural spring, either on, or close to, the property, supplied the family with fresh water. The water was gathered daily in buckets and brought back to the house by the slaves or children. Every member of the Shapard family was essential in operating the plantation, tending to the crops, managing the livestock, etc. The day started early and each child had chores suitable for their age.  Nightfall brought the activities to a close, as the family would gather around the light and warmth of the hearth in family communion.

The Shapard family’s religious affiliation was with the Church of England (Anglican Church). When Lewis was born, King George III was the ruler of Great Britain, Ireland and its colonies. The colony of Virginia was under British rule, and, by law, the Church of England was the established church of the colonies in America, of which, all residents, including the Shapard family, were required to attend weekly services, otherwise be subjected to fines. In addition, colonial law of Virginia required all colonists to financially support the church through taxes, called tithes, which funded the efforts of the church and paid the minister’s salary. British authorities mostly tolerated other Christian denominations that had established themselves in Virginia, such as the Presbyterians and Baptists, deeming their membership too insignificant to be of concern. In addition, regardless of a colonist’s religious preference, they were still required to financially support the Church of England. While the Shapard family had an affiliation with the Church of England, Lewis’ father professed his support for religious freedom and the disestablishment of the Church of England by signing the 10,000 Name Petition which was presented to the first General Assembly of the Virginia Convention on October 16, 1776. It is believed that the Shapard family ceased attending religious services at the Church of England circa 1775, and eventually became affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.

Religious freedom was just one of the many grievances dividing the colonists against the British authorities, and a conflict seemed inevitable. Lewis Shapard was born amid this volatility on the eve of the American Revolution. After the Boston Massacre of March 5, 1770, there was relative calm in the colonies, despite a simmering tension between colonists and the British authorities. However, the Tea Act of May 10, 1773, became the lightning rod upon which the colonies would move toward open rebellion. Outraged over the taxes imposed on tea, as well as, their non representation in the British Parliament, the colonists boycotted the import of tea, preventing British tea ships from unloading their cargo, which, inevitably, led to the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773. In response, the British authorities passed a series of “Intolerable Acts,” throughout 1774, which attempted to bring the colonists back into submission. These acts only added more kindling to the colonist’s revolutionary fire, bringing about the assembly of the first Continental Congress in September of 1774, the first shots fired of the American Revolution at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, on April 19, 1775, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. 

Although Cumberland County, Virginia, where the Shapard family resided, was far from the revolutionary firestorm occurring in Massachusetts, the colony of Virginia was a fount for revolutionary ardor, being the birthplace of patriots, such as, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Patrick Henry.  In the spring of 1775, when Lewis Shapard was about two years of age, Virginia committed herself to the cause of American independence, by raising the first troops in defense of the Virginia revolutionary government. In June of 1775, Lord Dunmore the Tory Governor of Virginia fled, with the colony’s stockpile of gunpowder, to a British war vessel in the Chesapeake where he, by the protection of water, used the ship’s cannons to destroy plantation houses and bombard the town of Norfolk. In January of 1776, Lord Dunmore sailed back to England after being driven away by Virginia forces. For the next three years, the British had no foothold on Virginia soil which allowed an opportunity for revolutionary enthusiasm to pervade over loyalist sentiment within the colony. The vacancy for Governor of Virginia, left by Lord Dunmore, was initially filled by the great orator and patriot Patrick Henry from 1776 – 1779, followed by the election of Thomas Jefferson from 1779 – 1781.

It is important to realize that Lewis Shapard spent the first ten years of his childhood witnessing the effects of the Revolutionary War as a normal daily event, a war that gradually made its way to his doorstep and affected every member of his family and society.  After the expulsion of Lord Dunmore, Cumberland County had remained relatively quiet and life and business seemed to proceed with its usual tempo, apart from the occasional Continental or militia troop that would march through the county and the ever rising inflation. However, in the summer of 1780, everything changed as Virginia was fully thrust back into the war when British General Charles Cornwallis overran South Carolina and began a push into North Carolina. With Georgia and South Carolina under British control and North Carolina under invasion, Virginia prepared for the defense of her boarders.

In response, in the fall of 1780, there was a great call among the Commonwealth of Virginia to rally 3,000 able-bodied militiamen as a defense against the British advance. At that time, Lewis’ father, William Shapard, was a volunteer in the Cumberland County Virginia Militia and was called into active service. Apparently, due to his older age (approximately 40 years old) or his commitments to his domestic and business obligations, Mr. Shapard desired a substitute in his stead and called upon his eldest son, seventeen year-old Samuel Booker Shapard, to fill the position. When propositioned by his father, Samuel was engaged in higher education as a student. Later in life Samuel became a lawyer, and it is presumed that he had just begun his schooling at this time. Between 1780 and 1781, Samuel B. Shapard represented our family by serving two tours of duty in the Cumberland County Virginia Militia against the British advance. Seven year-old Lewis Shapard would have witnessed his older brother heading off to war, no doubt sending him off with affection and well wishes, and giving him a hero’s welcome upon his safe return.

Interestingly, numerous other members of Lewis Shapard’s extended family also took up arms against the British during the rebellion. Perhaps the most distinguished was his maternal uncle Lewis Booker (1754-1814) - of whom Lewis Shapard was named in honor. Lewis Booker was the only son of James (c.1720-1793) and Elizabeth Booker (1726-1760), and he received his name from his grandmother Amy Lewis (1700-1751) who married James Booker (1695-1751). Militarily, Lewis Booker served honorably in the Continental Army from 1775 until 1783, reaching the rank of Captain-Lieutenant. He was on the muster rolls at Valley Forge, Camp White Plains, Camp Fredericksburg, Pluckemin, Middlebrook, Smiths Cove, New Windsor, and Morristown. After the war, he resided in Gloucester County, Virginia, and was awarded land grants for his military service totaling 5,521acres. Lewis married Judith Dudley of Gloucester on February 7, 1788, and they had numerous children. Lewis’ father, James Booker, died in 1793 and bequeathed his only son his plantation in Essex County, Virginia, known as “Laurel Grove” near the present-day town of Millers Tavern. Lewis became an active church member and attended Howerton’s Baptist Church near his plantation. Lewis Booker died of diphtheria on December 23, 1814, at 61 years old, and was buried on the grounds of Laurel Grove. His grave now resides in the cemetery of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church (built 1838) at Millers Tavern, Essex County, Virginia.

Other members of the family who served in the war were Lewis Shapard’s cousins, Samuel Shepard and William Blackstone Shapard, sons of Robert Shapard (c. 1732–1796) of Goochland County, Virginia. Samuel Shepard (1762–1846) enlisted on January 16, 1778, as a private in the Continental Army of Goochland County, Virginia, under Capt. Nathaniel Morris and served for one year, taking part in the Battle of Monmouth. Between 1779 and 1781, Samuel Shepard was drafted back into service as a militiaman five times, serving tours of duty from one month up to three months in duration. As the war came to a close, Samuel was guarding British prisoners at Yorktown, when General Cornwallis surrendered. His brother, William Blackstone Shapard (b. circa 1760 – d. 1778) enlisted with him in the Continental service at the Goochland County Courthouse in 1778; however, William died later that year while in the army. On a side note, Samuel was illiterate, resulting in his family adapting the more common “Shepard” spelling for their surname in subsequent generations.  

Records show that Lewis Shapard had at least two other cousins that fought in the war: George and Peter Shapard, sons of John Shapard (c. 1738–1806) of Granville County, North Carolina. On February 12, 1780, George (1760-1836) and Peter (1762-1825) enlisted in the Continental Army as privates in Captain John Bailey’s Company under General George Roger Clark’s Virginia Regiment. Interestingly, General Clark was the brother of William Clark, of the Lewis and Clark expedition. In 1780, George and Peter descended the Ohio River and helped construct Fort Jefferson (Wickliffe, Kentucky). During the course of the war they marched to St. Louis then up the Illinois River to Fort Vincennes (Indiana). They were discharged from service at Fort Nelson (Louisville, Kentucky) on February 11, 1783. After the war, the State of Virginia granted 150,000 acres of land in Indiana as a reward to the men of General Clark’s Regiment for outstanding service. In 1784, the land was allotted to the individuals and George and Peter received 108 acres each as privates. George resided in Lexington, Kentucky for ten years after the war and then lived out the remainder of his life in Mason County, Kentucky. In 1804, Peter sold his interests in his land bounties in Indiana and appears to have resided in Georgia for the remainder of his life, dying in Fayette County in 1825.

While the war ebbed and flowed around Cumberland County, Virginia, life for the Shapard family carried on. About the year 1780, Lewis Shapard’s aunt, Joanna (Booker) Woodson, wife of John Woodson, Jr., died. The Woodsons lived on a neighboring property to the southeast of the Shapard plantation, and would have had close ties with each other. The news of her sister’s death would have been particularly hard for Lewis’ mother. In October or November of 1781, Lewis’ grandmother, Mildred (Crockford) (Shapard) Townley died near the town of Cologne in southern King and Queen County, Virginia. She was about 70 years old and attended Ware’s Baptist Church near her home. About that same timeframe, Lewis’ uncle, Samuel Shapard of Henrico County, Virginia, also died. He was about 52 years old and was survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Price), and eight children.

Although Cumberland County was spared the physical destruction of being in the theater of the war, it fully suffered the societal strain of immorality, lawlessness and depravity, which increased during the war and for a few years after. Cumberland County experienced a tremendous rise in whiskey production and consumption, exacerbated by a diminished church attendance. In addition, schools, apprenticeships and education fell by the wayside due to inflation, poor attendance and lack of tutors. As a boy of educational age during the war, Lewis Shapard would have likely been educated by his parents at home with his other siblings. Lewis’ parents were both literate and saw great benefit in education. They ensured that all their children, even their daughters, received scholastic training to enhance their quality of life and future potential.

           

During the war, the Shapard household would have exuded patriotic enthusiasm. Lewis’ father, William Shapard, not only supported the revolution by supplying and shipping goods for the Continental Army and State Militia, signing legislative petitions and sending his son into battle; he also was a visionary and recognized opportunity in the circumstance of war.  As the war efforts intensified, more and more Continental soldiers and State Militia troops passed through Cumberland County along the Randolph Road which passed through the Shapard property. Mr. Shapard seized upon this opportunity, and, beginning in May of 1779 until at least May of 1781, he was granted a license to keep an “ordinary” at his home. The term “ordinary” was an early word meaning “tavern:” offering a tired traveler food, drink and a place to rest himself and his horse. By virtue of his father’s tavern, young Lewis Shapard would have associated with the soldiers and officers that visited his home, no doubt hearing heroic battlefield tales from the actual soldiers themselves and marveling at their decorative uniforms, horses, weaponry and banners.

The Public Service Claims of Virginia offer us a glimpse of what soldiery Lewis Shapard encountered at his home during the Revolutionary War:

On February 28, 1781, a Continental unit from Pennsylvania stopped at the Shapard plantation and Mr. John Stewart, W.C., commandeered two bushels of corn to feed their teams of horses.

On March 6, 1781, General Lawson’s Brigade (General Robert Lawson) of the Continental Army passed through Cumberland County resting at the Shapard Plantation, whereupon, Quarter Master, Stephen Cook commandeered a bushel of corn for army use. Interestingly, in October of that same year, Lawson’s Brigade would take part in the famous Battle of Yorktown, during which British General Cornwallis surrendered.

On March 29, 1781, Henry Skipwith, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Cumberland County Militia and Commissary commandeered eight and a-half bushels of wheat from the Shapard plantation for use of the State Militia.

On June 1, 1781, Captain Lee’s Troop, belonging to General Lawson’s Brigade of the Continental Army, rested at the Shapard plantation, whereby, the Quarter Master, Samuel Luck, commandeered four bushels of corn and oats to feed their horses.

On September 18, 1781, Ben Wilson, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Cumberland County Militia and Commissary, commandeered two cows from the Shapard plantation to supply meat for the soldiers.

On September 20, 1781, the First and Second Regiments from Maryland camped for a night at the Shapard plantation, and pastured fourteen of their horses. Earlier that year in March, the First and Second Maryland Regiments had engaged British General Cornwallis at the Battle of Guilford’s Court House in North Carolina. Although they had lost the battle, the British had sustained significant losses, which long term proved to be a tactical victory for the Americans. After resting overnight at the Shapard Plantation, the First and Second Maryland Regiments packed up their camp and ventured beyond Cumberland County to assist General Greene and the Southern Continental Army. 

On November 7, 1781, General Steven’s Brigade of the Continental Army camped at the Shapard plantation. Thomas Davenport, S.M.V.M, issued Lewis Shapard’s father a receipt for supplying provisions for 17 men, forage for a horse and lodging of three soldiers in his house. General Edward Stevens was a talented officer and a future Senator for the State of Virginia. His brigade saw action at the Battle of Guilford’s Court House where he had ordered his own marksmen to shoot any of his men that attempted to retreat. Later, he commanded his brigade of 750 soldiers at the Siege of Yorktown. The Shapard family would have heard amazing stories from the soldiers whom they lodged in their home.

On November 18, 1781, a detachment of Colonel Lee’s Legion of the Continental Army halted at the Shapard plantation, upon which Mr. George Guthrey [Guthrie], D.P.L., commandeered 82 bushels of fodder and temporarily stabled seven heifers in the Shapard’s barn. Col. Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee was a future Governor of Virginia and the father of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Colonel Lee’s Legion, comprised of approximately 100 cavalry and 180 infantry, was assigned to assist General Greene in the Southern theater of the war. Lee’s Legion was highly regarded as one of the best clothed and well-equipped units of the Continental Army. They had engaged the British at the battles of Guilford Court House, Eutaw Springs and Yorktown. 

 On December 7, 1781, Ben Wilson, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Cumberland County Militia and Commissary, commandeered twenty-nine bushels of wheat from the Shapard plantation to feed the Militia.

The last service claim regarding the Shapard plantation during the war was dated February 21, 1783; whereby, Lieutenant Jonah Hallet of the Fourth Regiment Light Dragoons of the Continental Army commandeered one and a-half bushels of corn and 92 pounds of fodder to feed their horses while they rested. The Fourth Regiment was organized in Pennsylvania in 1777. They had spent the harsh winter at Valley Forge camped with the Continental Army and had engaged the enemy at Guildford Court House and Yorktown. In January of 1782, The Light Dragoons were sent to Savannah, Georgia, to break the British stronghold of that city. There they endured extreme combat with the British and their Indian allies; the most notable battle occurred on June 23, 1782 when three hundred Creek Indian warriors unsuccessfully attempted a surprise attack on the Fourth Regiment. After regaining control of Savannah, the Fourth Regiment was reassigned to Charleston, South Carolina, to assist General Greene. Charleston was finally liberated from the British on December 14, 1782, after which, the Fourth Regiment Light Dragoons began their march back north, resting at the Shapard plantation in Cumberland County, Virginia, before reaching Pennsylvania in May of 1783. Only a few months later, on September 3, 1783, representatives of the United States of America met with representatives of King George III and signed of the Treaty of Paris, which recognized America as an independent nation from Brittan, gave all lands east of the Mississippi River to the Americans, and officially concluded the Revolutionary War.

It is hard to imagine the emotional, physical and financial toll of eight years of revolution and war, followed by the instability of a newly formed nation. Everything that the Shapard family knew of government, society and religion had been cast away and were in the process of being transformed and shaped into new institutions. The new government, set forth by the Articles of Confederation in 1777, tried to operate under a loose union (confederation) of sovereign States each with their own constitutions. There was no president, as the governing body only consisted of representatives from each state, forming a Congress.

Inflation remained high after the war which resulted in an economic depression from 1784 through 1785. Lawlessness was rampant due to the instability of the times. The moral volatility of the times fluctuated for many years until new churches were established, filling the void left from the disestablishment of the Church of England. The Presbyterians were the first to take hold in Cumberland County and elsewhere, followed by the Baptists, and then the Methodists. All and all, for the citizens of the newly formed United States, stability in government, economics and religion would be elusive throughout the 1780s and 1790s.

Despite the financial, emotional and physical struggles affecting society, the Shapard family remained steadfast through their own struggles and persevered. Not only did they survive this volatile time during and after the war, in many ways they prospered. Four children were born to William and Mary Shapard family during the Revolutionary War: Booker was born circa 1775; Thomas was born on August 6, 1778; Mary “Polly” was born circa 1780 and John S. was born circa 1782. Lewis’ older brother, Samuel Booker Shapard, persevered through his two tours in the Virginia militia, and returned home to a hero’s welcome. In 1773, prior to the revolution the Shapard family owned three slaves (Phill, Nancy and Esther), yet, near the end of the war in 1782, they had amassed 10 slaves and built three slave quarters on their land. The Cumberland County Personal Property Tax List for 1783 lists the names and ages of their slaves as: Phill, Peter, Pegg whom were all older than 16 years of age; and Aham, James, Harry, Ishmael, Hannah, Jack, Nancy whom were all younger than 16 years of age. In 1784, Mr. Shapard sold two of his younger slaves, Aham and James, to acquire a stronger more skilled male slave named “Old Ishmael.” In addition to their slaveholdings, the Shapard family owned eight horses and twenty head of cattle.

In retrospect, it truly is stunning to consider that Lewis Shapard had such a visual experience of the Revolutionary War and the birth of our nation. He would have seen and interacted with the troops and witnessed the earliest versions of what would become our revered American flag. During most of his youth and early manhood, Lewis would have experienced little in the form of stable government. In fact, during his first fifteen years of life, he transitioned through three forms of government: British rule, then Articles of Confederation, then the Constitution. Lewis Shapard’s youth and adolescence coincided perfectly with our nation’s first steps into freedom and democracy. The world was truly new again and Lewis was now an American. As a result of our new nation acquiring all the formerly-owned British land from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River, much of which was still wild and unexplored, there were limitless opportunities for those who had a spirit of adventure and a willingness to pursue it. Two years after the war, the Shapard family sought that opportunity, by bravely leaving their home in Cumberland County Virginia, in 1785, for prosperity in the vast fertile and inexpensive lands of Granville County, North Carolina.

LEWIS SHAPARD (C.1773-1833) Preface and Intro

LEWIS SHAPARD (C. 1773-1833)

Lewis Shapard has been perhaps the most widely misrepresented and, therefore, misunderstood patriarch of our family. Genealogical sources over the last one hundred years have perpetuated information about him that is purely speculative or just blatantly false. Amid this ever increasing wave of misinformation flowing from one generation to the next, the truth was being obscured. In an effort to honor our forefather and restore him to his actual self, it became a mission of mine to sift the fact from the fiction. The journey to uncover the story of Lewis Shapard has taken almost a decade to achieve, involved countless hours of exhaustive research and tedious writing, as well as, the expenditure of thousands of dollars traveling to seven different states in search of information. The pages that follow will give the most precise and detailed narrative of the life and times of Lewis Shapard ever rendered. It is far from complete, but hopefully will be a significant steppingstone from which future Shapard historians may advance.

The Error of “Lewis Thomas Shapard”

The most damaging misinformation about Lewis Shapard occurred in the 1920s via a series of articles published in the William & Mary Quarterly Historical Magazine about the Shepard/Shapard family, namely “Shepard and Other Buckingham Families.” The author, Mr. William Shepard, falsely claimed that he had discovered a cache of Shepard/Shapard journals, documents and old letters from the 1780s through 1812. These articles, published from 1926 through the 1940s, were taken as gospel and referenced by genealogists for over eighty years, establishing the belief that: Lewis Shapard was born in 1759 in Gloucester County, Virginia; that his name was “Lewis Thomas Shapard;” that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary War; that he was the first to spell his name as “Shapard,” and that his father was Samuel Shepard.

            So what is the truth? The truth is that the William & Mary Quarterly articles about our family are all bogus history, fabricated from unrelated snippets of genealogical information in an effort to secure an impressive pedigree for the author. Even the name “Lewis Thomas Shapard” is in err… the author carelessly blended the names of two brothers (Lewis Shapard and Thomas Shapard) making one person! There never was a person named Lewis Thomas Shapard in our family, yet, even today genealogists continue to use this inaccurate name to reference our forefather. It’s a colossal error that modern genealogists should strive to correct. Surprisingly, in contradiction to the myth, the facts show that: Lewis was born circa 1773 in Cumberland County, Virginia (not Gloucester), that his name was Lewis Shapard (Thomas was his brother), that he was ten years old when the Revolutionary War ended (thus could not have been a soldier), that he was not the first to use the “Shapard” spelling (his father and grandfather used it), that his father was William Shapard (not Samuel).

           

INTRODUCTION

Lewis Shapard’s grandfather, Samuel Shapard (c. 1700-1752), was a planter from King and Queen County, Virginia, who had acquired wealth, land and slaves. Samuel appears to have had two children from a previous marriage before marrying Mildred Crockford (c. 1712-1781) about the year 1735. Samuel and Mildred were blessed with eight additional children, one being William Shapard (c. 1741-1807), father of Lewis Shapard. After the death of Samuel Shapard in early 1752, his widow Mildred remarried a few years later to Mr. John Townley, who moved the family to his large plantation in Essex County, Virginia, east of the present-day town of Millers Tavern. It was there where Lewis’ father William met, courted and married Miss Mary Booker (1746-1804) in 1762. Mary was the sixteen year old daughter of James (c.1720-1793) and Elizabeth Booker (1726-1760).

Shortly after their marriage, William and Mary Shapard migrated from Essex County, Virginia to Cumberland County, Virginia residing on a 300 acre plantation near the present-day town of Raines Tavern. William developed the land, during the next 23 years, with the use of slave labor, growing wheat, corn, oats and hay, along with a garden and fruit orchard. He also had livestock in the form of cattle, horses, chickens and hogs. Over the years William branched out on other business ventures, with the establishment of an “ordinary” (tavern) bordering Randolphs Road which passed through his property, as well as, creating a lucrative shipping enterprise utilizing his numerous horses, slaves and wagons to transport goods. Both of these businesses were in high demand, especially during the Revolutionary War.

In 1785, the Shapard family left Virginia and migrated to Granville County, North Carolina, where William flourished. By the year 1790, he had acquired an impressive 1,484 acres of land and had grown his slave holdings to at least 12 slaves, ranking him within the higher echelons of property holders in the county. Mary (Booker) Shapard died in 1804 in Granville County, North Carolina at the age of 57 years. William Shapard survived her by an additional three years, dying at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Francis Royster, in the County Line District of Granville County about October of 1807.

William and Mary were blessed with twelve children during their 41 years of marriage:   

Samuel Booker Shapard was born on November 12, 1763 in Cumberland County, Virginia. He was named after his paternal grandfather, Samuel Shapard (c.1700-1752), and his mother’s maiden name of Booker. Samuel was educated in his youth and studied law under Judge John Holman of Cumberland County, Virginia. During the Revolutionary War, Samuel served two terms in the Cumberland County Virginia Militia as a substitute for his father. As compensation for his service, his father deeded him his entire estate. The deed was eventually renegotiated and Samuel settled for 200 acres and a slave as a more reasonable remuneration. After the war, Samuel taught school at Brown’s Church in Cumberland County while finishing his training to become an attorney. On November 2, 1788, Samuel married Susanna Holman, the daughter of his mentor, Judge John Holman. Records, thus far, have yielded no evidence if Samuel and Susanna had children. Records do show that they traveled frequently. In the late 1790s, Samuel left Virginia and was residing in Kentucky, acquiring land in Madison and Montgomery counties. By 1802, Samuel had relocated to South Carolina where his name is found in documents from Spartanburg and Laurens counties. Between February of 1806 and May of 1807, he was residing in Russell County, Virginia on a 100 acre tract of land on Copper Creek. Afterwards, he and his wife returned to Cumberland County, Virginia for many years before becoming a resident of neighboring Buckingham County, Virginia. By 1815, Samuel and Susanna Shapard had gone to “parts unknown” and literally vanished from the historical records. There is some evidence to suggest Samuel may have been residing in Buckingham County in 1820. Hopefully the remainder of their story will be discovered by a future Shapard genealogist. [Update: Samuel Shapard's children located! See 2021 post entitled, "Samuel Booker Shapard (1763-1836) and Buckingham County, Virginia."]    

Mildred Shapard was born circa 1765 in Cumberland County, Virginia. She was named in honor of her paternal grandmother, Mildred (Crockford) Shapard. On December 18, 1786, Mildred married Anderson Williams in Cumberland County, Virginia. Anderson was the son of Samuel Williams (1744-1823) and Susannah Ligon. Mildred and Anderson migrated from Cumberland County, Virginia, to Granville County, North Carolina, in the early 1790s, residing near the land of Mildred’s father, William Shapard, in the Island Creek District.  By 1798, they had migrated to Caswell County, North Carolina, living there until 1806, when they settled in Campbell County, Virginia. Anderson Williams was listed in the Campbell County, Virginia, census of 1830, his occupation being a ‘Wheelwright.’ Mildred died between 1840 and 1850, reaching and age of 75 to 85 years old at the time of her death. Her husband died sometime after 1860. Anderson and Mildred had seven children: Elizabeth (born circa 1786 and married Joesph Garrett), Susannah “Suckey” (born circa 1794 and married John Taylor), Nancy (married George Fox), Mary (born circa 1804 and married James Collins), Daughter (born circa 1806 – died circa 1810), Daughter (born circa 1808 – died circa. 1810), and Anderson (born circa 1810 and married Martha Finch in Campbell Co., Virginia).

Elizabeth Shapard was born circa 1767 in Cumberland County, Virginia. She was named after her maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Booker. In 1785, she migrated with her family to Granville County, North Carolina. On May 6, 1789, Elizabeth married Mr. Francis Royster (1768 – 1818) in Granville County. Francis was the son of William Royster (1730 – 1794) and Elizabeth Clarke (1735 - ?). Francis and Elizabeth seemed to have lived an affluent life in Granville County. By 1803, they had acquired 680 acres of land, and possessed eleven slaves, which they grew to eighteen slaves by 1810. Francis Royster developed a close friendship with Elizabeth’s brother, Thomas Shapard, as well as, earned the trust and respect of Elizabeth’s father. As evidence of this trust and respect, Elizabeth’s father, elected Francis Royster, along with Thomas Shapard, to be the administrators of his entire estate prior to his death in 1807. More importantly, Elizabeth’s father spent his final months of life at the Royster home, being cared for and nurtured by Elizabeth. Francis and Elizabeth remained in Granville County for the duration of their lives. Francis died in 1820, and Elizabeth, survived him for an additional 22 years, having never remarried. Elizabeth passed away on May 10, 1842, at the home of her son Banister, in Granville County, reaching an age of 75 years. Elizabeth and Francis Royster were blessed with many children who survived to adulthood: Banister, Robert, Willey, Lily, Martha (married Mr. Farrow), Stella, Mary B., Marcus (married Frances Webb in 1842), Emily and William.

James Shapard was born circa 1769 in Cumberland County, Virginia and was named after his maternal grandfather, James Booker. He was educated in his youth, migrated with his family to Granville County, North Carolina, in 1785, and pursued carpentry in his early twenties. In 1796, James Shapard left Granville County and moved to Caswell County, North Carolina, where his brother Lewis was already residing. In August of 1797, James married Frances Brooks, daughter of Richard and Ann Brooks. For a few years, James and Frances lived on a hundred acre farm bordering Lewis Shapard’s plantation in Caswell County. Then by 1809, James moved to Orange County, North Carolina, and resided on a 273 acre plantation that bordered the county line between Orange and Caswell counties at Stony Creek, until 1819; after which, he returned to Caswell County. James died on November 8, 1837, at the age of 68, being in possession of a small 75 acre farm and a few slaves. He was survived by his wife and nine children: Nancy “Ann” Shapard, Elizabeth Shapard (married Stephen Page), Mary Brooks Shapard (married Henry Powell), Francis Shapard (married Richard Smith), Joanna Shapard (married Archibald Campbell), Martha Shapard, Susan Shapard, William Shapard, and James Shapard.

William Shapard, Jr. was born circa 1770 in Cumberland County, Virginia and was named after his father. He was educated in his youth and migrated with his family to Granville County, North Carolina, in 1785. He became a skilled carpenter in his twenties. About 1798, William Shapard, Jr., left Granville County, North Carolina for opportunities elsewhere. His whereabouts are unknown until 1807, when he was reported as living in Richmond, Virginia, with his brother Robert. During that time, William had a beloved bulldog named ‘Thaddeus,’ that was stolen, in 1812, by a runaway slave.  In 1813, he donated $200 worth of gunpowder in support of the U.S. Army against the British during the War of 1812. William had a savvy business sense and entered the business community of Richmond as a commission merchant, initially under the firm name of ‘William Shapard & Co.,’ yet, from 1815 through 1821, he partnered with his cousin Lewis Webb under the name of ‘Shapard & Webb.’ Apparently, William became very successful in his business and acquired tremendous wealth. He resided on a 1,300 acre plantation known as ‘Westham Cottage’ on the north side of the James River on Big Westham Creek, which was worked by his 54 slaves. In addition, he also owned several lots in the city of Richmond in DuVal’s addition and on H Street near Monumental Church. William may have married in his youth, yet, no record of a marriage has been discovered. However, he did marry in 1816, at 45 years of age, to Mary Haywood of Granville County, who passed away in Richmond in 1818, apparently without bearing surviving children. William remarried in 1825, to Catherine Bridges, being the widow of James Bridges. William died on February 16, 1843, at the age of 73, and was buried in Shockoe Hill Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, where his towering stone obelisk remains standing to this day. At present, this is the only known grave marker still in existence from this generation of the Shapard family. William and Catherine had one daughter, named Willianna, born on March 4, 1826, who married Philip Mayo Tabb of Richmond, Virginia, in 1845.

Lewis Shapard, the subject of this book, was born circa 1773 in Cumberland County, Virginia. Although the name “Lewis” originated from the maiden name of Lewis Shapard’s maternal grandmother, Amy Lewis (1700-1751) who married James Booker (1695-1751), he was most likely named after his maternal uncle Lewis Booker. Lewis Shapard received an education in his youth and migrated, in 1785, with his family to Granville County, North Carolina. In 1795, he departed Granville County and migrated to Caswell County, North Carolina. In November of 1796, Lewis married Martha Paine, who had been widowed, a year earlier, by her first husband Michael Nicholson. Martha was the daughter of former North Carolina Senator and Revolutionary War Captain Robert Paine and Elizabeth Miller. Martha had three daughters from her previous marriage (Sally P. Nicholson, Polly Nicholson, and Elizabeth M. Nicholson). Lewis Shapard engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout his life. In 1810, he had amassed 16 slaves to work his 400 acre plantation in North Carolina. Lewis migrated with his young family to Tennessee in 1813. Tragically, that same year, his wife passed away. Lewis remarried in 1814 to Elizabeth Parrish who died circa 1818. Throughout the years, Lewis resided in the counties of Williamson, Wilson, Smith and Rutherford. Lewis died of cholera on June 16, 1833, at the home of his son James Shapard in Middleton, Rutherford County, Tennessee. Lewis and Martha had nine children: William Booker Shapard (married Margery Childress), Sophia Shapard (married Joshua Norman Harrison), James Paine Shapard (married Rebecca Sloss), Booker Shapard (married three times – Mary Clay, Sarah Broyles and Ann Leftwich), Robert Paine Shapard (married Parthenia Mitchell), Lewis Shapard, Jr., (married Thursa Burdette), Martha Shapard (married Joshua Wilson McCown), Thelia “Avilla” Shapard (married James Bone), and Thomas Paine Shapard (married Ann Hope).

Booker Shapard was born in Cumberland County, Virginia circa 1775, and was named after his mother’s maiden name. He was educated in his youth and migrated with his family, in 1785, to Granville County, North Carolina. In 1797, Booker left Granville County and joined his older brothers, James and Lewis, in Caswell County, North Carolina. He was skilled in wood working and molding, was well-educated owning numerous books, dressed fashionably and partook in spirits - especially brandy and whiskey. Booker resided on the 400 acre plantation owned by his brother Lewis Shapard. Unfortunately, in August of 1802, Booker became ill or was injured. As a result, he died in late September or early October of 1802. He was about 27 years of age and was not married. His brother Lewis was the executor of his estate and settled his affairs. As a tribute to his beloved deceased brother, Lewis Shapard named his next son, born in 1803, “Booker.”

Thomas Shapard was born on August 6, 1778 in Cumberland County, Virginia. He was educated in his youth and migrated with his family to Granville County, North Carolina, in 1785. Thomas had a passion and talent for farming and plantation management and, thus, developed a close relationship with his father. On his 21^st birthday, his father deeded him a three-hundred acre tract of land from his plantation in the County Line District of Granville County, North Carolina, as a gift of affection. Three years later, in August of 1802, his father deeded him an additional 165 acres, adjoining his previously deeded tract of land. By 1803, Thomas was flourishing on his 465 acre plantation, and had increased his slave holdings from two in 1802, to four slaves a year later. On April 11, 1811, Thomas Shapard, age 32, married Miss Fanny Bailey of Person County, North Carolina. Circa 1813, Thomas sold what remained of the old Shapard plantation in Granville County, and migrated to Person County, North Carolina, where he flourished and acquired wealth. In the 1820s and 1830s, Thomas owned two tracts of land, one being 600 acres and the other being 761 acres, which were worked by his 45 slaves. Circa 1837, he and his family migrated to Haywood County, Tennessee, with 31 slaves. Thomas died in November or December of 1840, at the age of 62. Thomas and Fanny had the following children: William Shapard, Sarah Jane Shapard (b. Nov. 17, 1813 married Charles Lewis Bullock), Arianna Shapard (b. c. 1815 married James Lewis Webb), Lewis Booker Shapard, Sr. (b. Sept. 13, 1817 married Catherine Clements Vaulx), Thomas Shapard Jr. (b. 1820 married Caroline Hurt), Yancy B. Shapard (b. 1825), Helen Shapard (b. July 26, 1829 in Tennessee) and John M. Shapard (b. 1830).

Mary “Polly” Shapard was born circa 1780 in Cumberland County, Virginia and migrated with her family to Granville County, North Carolina when she was about five years old. Mary never married and was living in Caswell County, North Carolina, in 1811. She spent a great deal of time with her brother James and his family. Mary eventually migrated to Person County, North Carolina, where she died circa 1829, at 49 years of age. In her last Will and Testament, she bequeathed her five slaves to her brother James Shapard and his children.

John S. Shapard was born in 1782 in Cumberland County, Virginia. He migrated with his family to Granville County, North Carolina when he was three years old and was educated in his youth. John married Elizabeth Vass, daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Webb) Vass, on October 15, 1808, in Person County, North Carolina. Before 1811, they moved to Halifax County, Virginia, to be near her parents. John supported his family through farming and carpentry; however, he never gained much wealth and the family had only one slave. By 1816, John’s father-in-law, Philip Vass, had written him out of his will, on account of Mr. Vass believing that John was a drunkard and would squander his inheritance. Instead, the inheritance went directly to Elizabeth and her children. Elizabeth died between 1840 and 1850 in Halifax County. John S. Shapard died on October 14, 1857, in Halifax County, Virginia, at the age of 75 years. John and his wife had five children all born between 1808 and 1820: Samuel Vass Shapard, Mary Elizabeth Shapard (married Richard Carter), Martha T. Shapard, Philip P. Shapard (married Parthenia Dodson), and Emily B. Shapard (married Joseph Haden).

Anne Shapard was born circa 1784 in Cumberland County, Virginia and migrated with her family, in 1785, to Granville County, North Carolina. On May 2, 1804, Anne married Mr. Joseph Barnett of Granville County. Joseph was son of Thomas and Sarah (Graves) Barnett, who lived on a large estate, in the Island Creek District, adjoining the Shapard plantation to the west. It appears that Joseph and Anne remained in Granville County for the duration of their lives. By 1810, the family had three slaves. Records suggest that Anne predeceased her husband, as she is not listed in his probate records from 1829. In the 1940s, the headstone of Joseph Barnett, born October 29, 1778 and died December 23, 1828, was uncovered by a WPA worker in a heavily overgrown family cemetery located in upper Vance County, North Carolina, one mile from Townsville. Among the four other headstones discovered, two were his children: Martha Hix Barnett, born November 1814 and died July 1829, and William Barnett, born November 4, 1806 and died December 9, 1845. No headstone was found for his wife Anne, though it is highly probable she is there.  Joseph and Anne’s children were: Thomas Barnett, James Barnett, Matilda Barnett, William Barnett, Mary Barnett, Elijah Barnett, Elizabeth Barnett, Ann Barnett, Jane Barnett, Martha Hix Barnett, Robert Shapard Barnett, and Joseph Worrell Barnett.

Robert Shapard was born circa 1786 in Granville County, North Carolina. Robert appears to have remained in Granville County until about 1806 when, at 20 years of age, he moved to Richmond, Virginia, to be near his older brother William Shapard, Jr., who was establishing himself as a merchant in the city. By 1819, Robert had established a hardware store in downtown Richmond, between 14^th and 15^th Street, and his older brother William, Jr., had become highly successful as a commission merchant. Robert and William, Jr., remained very close during their time together, helping each other when able and continuing the bonds of brotherhood. Unfortunately, on January 1, 1828, Robert Shapard died in Richmond, Virginia, at 42 years of age. At present, very little information has been found on Robert. It is unknown if he married or had children, though a continuation of his line is highly possible, and may be discovered by a future researcher.

Genealogy Angels Help Orphaned Shapard Photographs Find Their Way Home After 133 Years!

For many members of our distant family, they will forever reside as literature since no portrait of them has survived the consequence of time to the present day. They now exist as only words on a page...lacking the visual attributes that make them connectable and fully human. Without being able to look into their eyes, their life story seems incomplete... they are absent and less real...their sufferings and achievements more distant. It seems forgivable for those living prior to the advent of accessible photography (i.e. before the 1860s), but, those ancestors who lived in the era of photography, whos image is now lost...its disheartening.  We know there were photographs of them, but where are they now? They are like orphans adrift an endless sea of time and space. If we just had a "genealogy angel" who could locate their picture in time and summon it home... Amazingly, every now and then, one of these lost images of an ancestor is discovered. Its a magical and thrilling moment, a reunion of literature and humanity...like a soul being returned to its body.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of being the unexpected recipient of a collection of orphaned Shapard photographs. While I was stunned by the age of these photographs, as early as 1882 and as late as 1910, and the fact that, for many, these were the only images discovered of these ancestors; what really overwhelmed me was the amazing generosity of the "genealogy angels" that sought me out and delivered them back home into Shapard hands after 133 years.

Patty, my first "genealogy angel," contacted me and explained that she has an unusual hobby that she calls "random acts of genealogy kindness" meaning that she finds personal items in antique shops and enjoys the challenge of detective work in seeking out their identity, story and family lineage. Her ultimate reward is the joy of returning these items back to their families. She stated, "The items I find are not my ancestors, but I know they are someone's, and they deserve to be with their loved ones...I don't do this for money, I feel like its the right thing to do."

Patty delivered six amazing, never before seen, pictures of Shapard descendants back to our family. In addition, she provided me with two valuable pieces of information (that came a at great deal of effort from her):

First was the name of the antique store where she found the photographs - after contacting them personally, I was able to recover two additional Shapard images.

Second was that she subtly mentioned that she had seen another image of one of the family members from her photographs posted on Ancestory.com. I found the image she mentioned and contacted a lady, named Annie, who posted the photograph. She became my second "genealogy angel." Annie explained that she purchases old CDV photographs through online auction sites and, like Patty, enjoys discovering their story and family tree to ultimately return the images back to their family. Annie sent me four additional Shapard photographs all from the late 1800s.

Amazingly, when I compared the handwriting on the back of all the images sent from both genealogy angels and the antique shop...it matched perfectly! All these photographs had originally come from a single album yet had been separated and dispersed through the ages, only to find their way back together again by the efforts and generosity of good people pursuing an amazing "hobby". One inscription led me to identify the original owner of the album as Sarah "Sallie" (Shapard) Whitesides. Sarah was the sister of my great-great grandfather, Edwin R. Shapard. She was born in 1848, married Thomas C. Whitesides and moved to California where she died in 1933. 

The experience of genealogical research humbles us and makes us better people. By that, I mean that we are not lone selfish warriors on a solitary crusade, but we lean on a community of good people who generously provide historical information and selflessly make it accessible. It is amazing how one simple record or photo made public can literally change the world for another researcher. It can be the missing piece of information of which another genealogist has spent a lifetime searching. It can be the bridge that reconnects families separated by the confusion of time. We do it for the love of the discovery, and the joy of giving that discovery to others. We do it because we know that one day we too will be among the ranks of those that have come before us...and we understand what that means.

Thank you genealogy angels, from the bottom of my heart, you are so appreciated!

William Shapard (1741-1807) - Sources 2

Sources:

William Shapard (1741-1807) and Family

SAMUEL BOOKER SHAPARD – (B. November 12, 1763- D. after 1814)

Note; There are two dates given for Samuel’s birth and death –

b.1762-d.1840 source: Shepard & Other Buckingham Families, Part II;

b. September 28, 1763 (this date is for a Samuel Shepherd born in Middlesex County who filed a Rev. War pension and is not of our family)-d. June 8, 1843) source: Shapard A Family History p. 32.

I do not believe either of the above dates are credible, however, his father deeds him his lands and property on November 12, 1784, which I believe was on his 21^st birthday (age of maturity). I have not found anything on Samuel after 1814 (perhaps his death date was 1813 not 1843)

 

August 10, 1787 (Granville County, North Carolina Wills, Inventories, Accounts & Divisions of Estates Book  2, #37, 38)

                        John Walker gave to his son Solomon Walker 4 negro slaves. Witness: Sam B. Shapard.

 

1788 (Cumberland County Virginia Court Order Books)

                        Lawsuit between Dudley Street and ___ Scruggs (plaintiffs) against Edward Barber (defendant). On motion of Samuel Shapard a witness he is to be paid £25.1.0 for traveling 80 miles.

 

April 26, 1788 (Granville County, North Carolina Deed Book T, pg 48-49)

                        Samuel B. Shapard exchange of land with his father William Shapard, who presently lives in Granville County. Money due from the sale of land in Cumberland County, Virginia. April 26, 1788.

Samuel B. Shapard to William Shapard [his father]”…all my negros, to wit. Old Ishmael, Phil, Peg, Peter, Tamas, Harry, Young Ishmael, Hanner, Jack and Van, my wagon, my horses…” in exchange for land and a “likely sound heathy Virginia born negro boy between the ages of twelve and twenty-five”

 

August 1, 1788 (Granville County, North Carolina Deed Book 2, #75)

                        Samuel B. Shapard gave to his father, William Shapard, all of my negros- numbering eleven, a wagon, horses, all other stock, all my judgements that should be and have been obtained- excepting three I have against Henry Wright in Cumberland County Court, and all money I have received or will receive by sale of my land that he gave me (see Book of Deeds to Cumberland County, Virginia for July 27, 1783). To my father, everything I own. Witness: Samuel Smith, Sr., S. Smith, Anne Smith.

 

November 2, 1788 (Cumberland County Virginia Marriage Records)

Samuel B. Shapard married Susanna Holman in Cumberland County, Virginia on November 2, 1788. John Holman and Samuel [Booker] Shapard were surety.

 

Note: John Holman was a judge in Cumberland County as early as 1780.  Samuel was reported to be lawyer in later years. More than likely, Samuel studied under Judge Holman as an apprentice to learn the law.  Prior to about 1810, law in Virginia was learned through apprenticeships. In 1810, the first formal law school in Virginia was established at Richmond by Mr. Creed Taylor, whom had learned law by reading under the Clerk of Cumberland County whom was a lawyer. In 1814, Mr. Taylor moved his residence to Needham in Cumberland County and in 1821, begun a law school in Cumberland County, known as the Needham Law School, located near Raines Tavern. 

 

 

November 2, 1788 (Marriage Bond from Cumberland County printed in News-Banner of Murfreesboro and A Shapard Family 1623-1980 by Sarah Marsh Shapard)

                        To Samuel Shapard and John Holman acknowledge ourselves to Edmund Randolph Esquire, Goveonor of Virginia, in the sum of fifty pounds current money, to be paid to the said Goveonor his successors: Yet if there be no lawful cause to obstruct a marriage intended between Samuel Shapard and Susanna Holman, then this obligation be void, else to remain in full force and virtue. Given under our hands and seals the 2^nd day of November, one thousand and seven hundred eighty eight.

                                                                                                                                                                                                Samuel Sheppard & John Holman

 

1797 (Cumberland County Deed Book 8, page 273)

                        Miller Woodson* of Cumberland appointed his “trusty friend Samuel B. Shapard” his attorney to attend to some reality matters for him in Kentucky.

 

*Note: Woodson is the last name of Samuel’s Uncle, John or Thomas Woodson, who married his Mothers sister Joanna Booker.      

 

August 20, 1797 (Southern Campaign American Revolution Pension Statements)

                        Robert Freeman as heir to Nathan Freeman, a deceased soldier of the Revolutionary War, claimed the right to his lands. His claim was witnessed by Samuel B. Shapard and Daniel Bills.

 

 

November 10, 1797 (Lunenburg County Virginia Deeds, 18 pg 79; Cumberland County Virginia Deeds, book 8, pg273)

                        Know all men by these presents that I Miller Woodson of the County of Cumberland and state of Virginia for the several and purposes hereafter expressed and mentioned but more especially for securing locating recovering and disposing of any lands or claims to lands which I may have or be entitled to in the State of Kentucky in virtue of a Treasury warrant granted and sometime about December 1781 No. 10319. Have nominated and appointed and do by these presents nominate constitute and appoint my trusty and well beloved friend Samuel B. Shaphard to be my lawful and proper attorney and agent in fact for the full and perfect purpose of procuring, recovering and disposing of any lands I may be entitled to in the State of Kentucky and commencing suit or suits and prosecuting the same or other acts or actions in law or otherwise as may be necessary according to laws of the land for the recovery of the same and to sue out all manner of process agreeable to law, in the same manner and with as full perfect and absolute apower, the same wise I personally present and the said lands when recovered to dispose of and make conveyances receive and give acquittances for the same or thereon to proceed and act in such manner as he shall think proper or most conductive to my advantage and I do hereby ratify and confirm every act and deed which he the said Samuel B. Shapard in my name shall make and execute. In testimony I have here unto set my hand and affixed my seal and delivered this writing as a full perfect lawful and effectual power or Letter of Attorney for all and singular purposes therein mentioned this 9^th day of November in the year of our Lord 1797 and the XXII of the Commonwealth at the County of Cumberland and State of Virginia. In presence of Tscharner Woodson, John Ketso, Blake B. Woodson. Signed Miller Woodson.

                        Cumberland County State of Virginia. Be it remembered that on the 10^th day of November in the year of our Lord 1797 Miller Woodson whose signature is affixed to the forgoing power of attorney personally appeared before us Justices of the Peace for this County and State aforesaid acknowledge the said writing as his act and deed. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 10^th day of November 1797. Signed Anderson Cocke, John Micheaux.

                        …At a Court held for Cumberland County the 24^th day of June 1799, this power of attorney from Miller Woodson to Samuel B. Shapard was proved by Tch. Woodson and BB Woodson and ordered to be recorded.

 

1798 (George Madison Papers, Kentucky Historical Society)

                        Samuel B. Shapard (find this info)

 

Note: George Madison was the Auditor of Public Accounts for the Commonwealth of Kentucky from 1796-1816. Owners of land who resided outside of the county where the land was located were required to report their land to the auditor for tax purposes.

 

1798 (Lunenburg County Virginia Deeds, 18, pg 80)

                        To all whom these present shall come greeting, know ye that we Frances DeGraffenreidt, William DeGraffenreidt, Tscharner DeGraffenreid, Charles Patton and Regina, his wife, Benjamin Finny and Luciana, his wife, also Luciana DeGraffenreid is guardian of Catherine Jenne DeGraffenreid and Nancy Needham DeGraffenreid and Miller Woodson of the State of Virginia for the__ whereas hereafter mentioned and expressed __ especially for securing us as the _(children?)_ and legal representatives of Tscharner DeGraffenreid, decd, late of the County of Lunenburg in the state aforesaid ___ a tract of land in the state of Kentucky containing about 1,961 acres and near Rock Castle. Now nominated and appointed and by these presents do __ and appoint Samuel Shepherd, now in Kentucky, [to act as their attorney in managing and disposing of this land. See November 10, 1797 power of attorney letter as it almost the same] December 20, 1798. Signed in the presence of: Frances DeGraffenreidt, William DeGraffenreidt, Tscharner DeGraffenreid, Benjamin Finny and Luciana DeGraffenreid.

 

Note: In 1804, the above mentioned heirs were sued in Madison County Kentucky, which may have been where the land was located. (Source: The Kentucky Gazette – Oct, 23, 1804)

 

June 28, 1798 (Revolutionary War Land Warrants)

                        No. 13979 To the Geographer of the United States, or to the Surveyors appointed by him to survey Military Lands, you are hereby required to Survey for Samuel B. Shapard, assignee of Francis Ramsey, late a soldier in Lee’s Legion (Virginia Line) during the late war. One hundred acres of land, in any of the Districts appropriated for satisfying the bounties of land due to the late Army of the United States, and return this warrant to the Board of Treasury agreeably to the Act of Congress, of the ninth Day of July, 1788. Given at the War-Office, this twentieth day of June one thousand, seven hundred and ninety eight.

 

Note: Samuel B. Shapard was Francis Ramsey’s attorney assigned to secure his land.

Note: Many Colonial soldiers assigned their warrant to speculators or others interested in moving west. Did Samuel move west around 1813?

 

September 28, 1798 (Old Kentucky Land Grants, Book 16, p. 262)

                        Samuel B. Shepherd surveyed out 759 acres on September, 28, 1798 in Montgomery County near Rock House Creek.

 

November 12, 1798 (Kentucky Court of Appeals, Deed Book, Vol 3)

                        Indenture, April 6, 1801, James Kinkaid of Madison County, Kentucky, to Green Clay of the same county, for an in consideration of …land on the waters of Sinking Valley Creek, which empties into the Cumberland River, in Rockcastle County, Kentucky…also a tract in Madison County, where James Kinkaid now lives, in Madison County, on the waters of Silver Creek…also all of Kinkaids rights to a bond dated November 12, 1798 given by Samuel B. Shephard for 750 pounds, conditioned to pay 375 pounds. Recorded by the Kentucky Court of Appeals January 10, 1816.

 

 

December 4, 1798 (Madison County, Kentucky, Court Order Book 1791-1801)

                        A deed from James Kinkaid and Sarah his wife to Samuel B. Shapard was proved by John Kinkade, John M. Williams and John Hendricks and ordered recorded.

 

July 9, 1802 (Spartanburg Co., South Carolina Journal of the Ordinary 1800-1807, p. 011)

                        Cuthburt Burton and Samuel Burton came forward and by the evidence Tobias Bright and Richard Willis proved  they have ever been owned and acknowledged as the lawful children and heirs of Charles Burton Deceased. Wherefore as Samuel B. Shaphard has not returned his citation nor appeared to substantiate his claim…ordered that he be nonsuited and administration granted to Cuthbert Burton and Samuel Burton.

 

September 7, 1804 (Laurens County South Carolina Deed Book D-1, page 38)

                        John Jones of Laurens District (Laurens County, South Carolina) wrote a will and gave his niece Joice Word slaves named Dorcus, Creaddy, Dick, and others. Witness: Thomas Hill, Saml. B. Shapard, Charles Mugeher. Proven March 7, 1811.

 

Note: Thomas Wright (son of George and Elizabeth) born in Essex County circa 1735 and died in Laurens County, S.C. His will is dated January 10, 1820 (S.C.). Thomas lived next to the Shapard plantation. Possibly a connection of why Samuel was in S.C.?

 

1806 (Russell County, Virginia Law Order Book 3, 1799-1808, page 486)

                        Indenture from John Woodson and Elizabeth Woodson to Samuel B. Shapard

 

February 28, 1806 (Russell County, Virginia Deed Book 3, p. 706)

                        Deed between John Woodson and Elizabeth [his wife] and Samuel B. Shapard…on Copper Creek…100 acres. Beginning on the bank of Copper Creek by the main road…signed: John Woodson and Elizabeth Woodson.

 

March 6, 1806 (Russell County, Virginia Law Order Book 3, 1799-1808, page 498)

                        William Romine vs John Horton, Sr., case, Jury: C. Crumwell, A. Montgomery, F. Price, F. Davis, Samuel B. Shapard, J. McGlochlin, W. Robinson, S. Daniel, S. Jackson, R. Large, A. White, T. Kindle.

 

 

March?, 1806 (Russell County, Virginia Law Order Book 3, 1799-1808, page 501)

                        C. Findlay & Co. vs James Sarget case, Jury: C. Crumwell, John Davis, Daniel Horton, Stephen Ogdon, Spilsby Daniel, Thomas Gibson, Christopher Olinger, Jacob Olinger, Samuel B. Shapard, William Romine, Abednigo White and Berry Robinson.

 

 

May 9, 1807 (Russell County, Virginia Deed Book 4, page 124)

                        [Deed of mortgage from Samuel B. Shapard (grantor) to Stephen Gose (grantee)] 

                        Deed between Samuel B. Shapard and Stephen Gose…on Copper Creek…100 acres…conveyed to Shapard by John Woodson and wife by deed dated February 28, 1806. Signed Samuel B. Shapard.

 

August 31, 1807 (Cumberland County Virginia Deed Book 11, pg 23)

                        Fleming Cayce and Elizabeth, his wife, of Cumberland County convey to John Holman, Jr., and Samuel Shepard of Cumberland County, for 292 pounds, 12 shillings, 192 acres in Cumberland County on east side of Buckingham Road except ¼ acre for burying ground. Witness: John Daniel, Bernard Sims, Richard Covington. Recorded September 2, 1807.

 

September 8, 1807 (Cumberland County Virginia Deed Book 11, pg 76)

                        John Holman, Jr., and Samuel Shepard both of Cumberland County of the one part and Charles Blake of Cumberland County of the other part. John and Samuel sold to Charles, for £82.18.0 current money of Virginia, a tract of land lying on both sides of Buckingham Road including a house in which Fleming Cayece now lives, being 60 acres. This property was previously acquired from Fleming Cayece on September 7, 1807. (signed) John Holman, Sam’l Shepard.

 

April 10, 1808 (Cumberland County Virginia Deed Book 11, pg 90)

                        John Holman, Jr., and Ann (his wife) sold land, willed to Ann by her father George Wright, to Saymore Wright.

 

March 2, 1809 (Cumberland County Virginia Deed Book 11, pg 170)

                        John Holman, Jr., and Samuel Shepard both of Cumberland County of the one part and Thomas Hughes of Cumberland County of the other part. John and Samuel sold to Thomas, for £80 money of Virginia, a tract or parcel of 60 acres land in Cumberland County on both sides of Buckingham Road, adjacent the lands of Dr. Spencer, being part of a tract formerly purchased from Fleming Cayece. (signed) John Holman, Jr., Sam’l Shepard.

                        In obedience to the court order, Ann Holman and Susanna Sheppard, wives of the within named John Holman and Samuel Sheppard were examined and both gave up their right to dower in the above mentioned land sold by their husbands. March 2, 1809.                       

 

September 2, 1811 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        Lists Samuel Shapard as having no fixed residence. (suggests he travels often and for long durations).

 

July 31, 1812 (Weekly Raleigh Register July 31, 1812, Raleigh, North Carolina newspaper, p. 3)

                        Granville County Superior Court of Equity March Term, 1812. Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster verses Samuel B. Shapard, and others. It appearing to the Court that Samuel B. Shapard, William Shapard, Robert Shapard, and Anderson Williams and Mildred his wife; Defendants in this cause, reside out of this State; Ordered, therefore, that publication be made in the Raleigh Register three consecutive weeks, that unless they answer at the next term. The Bill will be taken ___ as to them and be heard ex parte.

 

September 1813 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        North Carolina Granville County. In Equity. The answer of Anderson Williams one of the defendants to the Bill of Complaint of Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster…the claims of Samuel B. Shapard, because this defendant resides in Virginia…

 

March 4, 1814 (Cumberland County Virginia Deed Book)

                        John Holman, Jr., of Cumberland County and Samuel Shepherd of Buckingham County of the one part and Robert Yancy and John Yancy both of Cumberland County of the other part, for £100 Virginia currency sold to Yancy land on both sides of Buckingham Road. Signed in the presence of James Aikin (as a witness for John Holman) and Charles Womack (as a witness for S. Shepherd). (signed) John Holman, Jr., Sam’l Shepard.

 

Note: Buckingham County, Virginia Land Tax records show for the first time a Samuel Shepherd beginning in 1811 until 1836 when his estate is listed, meaning he died in in 1835 or 1836. There are no other Samuel Shepherds located in the records. This Samuel lived on a 213 acre residence on Buffalo Creek with an additional 129 acre plot on Buffalo Creek. In 1817 a Carol Shepherd is also listed as living on Buffalo Creek on 225 acres. The 1810 US Census for Buckingham County, Virginia list a Samuel Shepherd with 3 males 10 years and under, one male 10-16 years, one male 16-26 years, and one male 26-45, one female under 10 years, 4 females 10-16 years, and 10 slaves. I do not believe that the Samuel Shepherd listed in these records are our Samuel Shapard. Also note that there are no Samuel Shapards listed in Cumberland County US Census for 1810. There is a Cumberland County deed dated September 22, 1812 that show a Samuel Shepard of Buckingham County who bought 111 acres from John Amos for Samuel’s sister Francis and the children of his other sister Patsey Godsey (D.B. 12, p. 124). Note that our Samuel did not have sisters with these names. There are deeds dated January 10, 1822 and November 5, 1832, between Samuel Hobson and Thomas Smith of Caira, Cumberland County, Va., to a Samuel Shepard of Buckingham County (Cumberland Co. D.B. 16, p. 470, D.B. 21, p. 65) (most likely the Samuel not related to our family).

March 4, 1815 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        State of North Carolina, Granville County. In Equity 1814. Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster vs. Samuel B. Shapard and others. Pursuant to an order made in this cause I have caused the parties to appear before me on the 4^th day of March 1815 and adjourned from day to day until the 9^th and have proceeded to take an account of the estate conveyed by the Deed of Trust from William Shapard, deceased to complainants…. notice of this ___ was served on all but Sam B. Shapard who from inquiry had gone to parts unknown.

 

1818 (Cumberland County Virginia Will Book)

                        John Holman, Sr., Last Will and Testament. I John Holman, Sr., of Cumberland County divide my estate equally between my children: John (Jr.), Mary, Yancy, Nancy, Susanna, James, George, Thomas, Elizabeth and Katy. Executors were appointed as John (Jr.) and George. His will was dated 1812 yet was filed in court upon his death in 1818.

 

 

MILDRED SHAPARD – b.~1765 ( d. between 1840 and 1850)

December 26, 1785 (Cumberland County Virginia Marriage Records)

                        Gabriel Wright married Catherine Ransone (daughter of Thomas Ransone) on December 26, 1785 in Cumberland County, Virginia. Creed Taylor was surety, and witness were Henry Ransone and Mildred Shapard.

 

December 18, 1786 (Cumberland County Virginia Marriage Records)

                        Mildred Shapard married Anderson Williams* in Cumberland County, Virginia. Anderson Williams and Samuel Williams (Anderson’s father) were surety

 

*Note: Anderson Williams (b. 1767) was Lewis Shapard’s brother-in-law through the marriage to his sister, Mildred Shapard, on December 18, 1786 in Cumberland County, Virginia. Anderson was the grandson of Thomas Williams who was born in Wales in 1712 and married Susannah Anderson and lived in Cumberland County Virginia from the 1760s until his death around 1794. William had two sons; Charles born about 1740 and died in 1805 in Pittsylvanna Co. VA; and Samuel born September 18, 1744 and died around October 1823 in Cumberland County VA. He married Susannah Ligon in 1766 and then married Mary. Samuel and Susanna had 10 children: Anderson, William b. 1771, John b.c1773, Charles b. c1775, Reuben b. c1777, Polly b. c1779, Samuel, b. 1781, Robert b. 1786, Joseph b. 1789. Anderson Williams and Mildred moved from Cumberland County, Virginia to Caswell County, North Carolina. Anderson and Mildred moved to Campbell County, Virginia in 1806, where they settled   He is listed in 1810 in Caswell County Census. He is listed in the  Campbell County, Virginia census of 1830. His occupation was a ‘Wheelwright’. Mildred died between 1840 and 1850 as she is not listed on the 1850 census of Campbell County, but Anderson is listed as living with his daughter Susanna Taylor. In 1860 Anderson is living with his daughter Elizabeth Garrett in Campbell County Virginia. Anderson died after 1860. Anderson and Mildred had 7 children: Elizabeth b. c1786 and married Joesph Garrett, Susannah “Suckey” b. c1794 and married John Taylor, Nancy married George Fox, Mary b. c1804 married James Collins, Daughter b. c1806 d. c 1810, Daughter b. c1808 d. c. 1810, and Anderson b. c 1810 married Martha Finch in Campbell Co., Virginia.

 

 

Note: Mildred Shapard married Anderson Williams in Cumberland County on December 18, 1786. Anderson was the son of Samuel (1746-1823) and Susanna (Ligon) Williams. The Last Will and Testament of Samuel Williams dated July 2, 1821 mentions his second wife Mary Wright and his children: Anderson b. 1768, William, John b. 1773, Charles, Reuben, Samuel, Joseph, Robert, Ben, and Polly Love b. 1775. (Cumberland County Will Book 7, p. 129). Note that two of Anderson and Mildred Williams’ daughters were married in Campbell County, Va., Luckey Williams married John Taylor on November 20, 1808 and Elizabeth Williams married Josiah Garrett on February 2, 1809. (Source: Delia McMahan papers, Library of Virginia)

September 2, 1811 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        Lists Mildred Shapard as living in Campbell County, Virginia

 

 

ELIZABETH SHAPARD – b.~1767 d. ~1842

May 6, 1789 (Granville County, North Carolina Marriage Records)

                        Elizabeth Shapard married Francis Royester on May 6, 1789 in Granville County, North Carolina. James Bedford was Best Man and A. Henderson was Witness. Francis made his will on May 26, 1818 which was probated at May Court 1820 (Granville County N.C. Wills, Inv. etc. Vol. 8, p.357). Elizabeth dated her will November 13, 1840,which was probated in August Court 1842 (Granville County N.C. Wills, Inv. etc. Vol. 15, p.301). They had the following children: Banister, Robert, Wiley, Lettice who married Joseph A. Norwood on December 26, 1815, Martha who married ___ Farrow, Stella, Mary B., Marcus D. who married Frances Webb in 1842, Emily and William. (The Virginia Genealogist, The Booker Family: Addendum, Vol. 5, p. 172-174)  1

 

1800 (Census)

                        Frances Royster in 1800 is living in Hillsboro [military district which included most of Granville], Granville County, NC. His household contains two white males under 10; one white male 10-15; one white male 26-44; three white females under 10; one white female 10 – 15; one white female 26-44; eleven slaves.

 

1803 (Granville County Tax List 1767-1823)

Nap of Reed District: Thomas Shapard – 465 acres, 1 white pole, 4 black poles

                        Francis Royster – 680 acres, 1 white pole, 6 black poles.

 

1810 (Census)

                        Frances Royster in 1810 is living in Granville County, NC. His household contains one white male under 10; one white male 16-25; one white male 26-44; two white females under 10; one white female 10-15; one white female 26-44; 18 slaves.

 

May 26, 1818 (Granville County, North Carolina, Record of Wills, Vol. 8 1816-1821, p. 357, 396)
                        In the Name of God Amen
                        I Francis Royster of Granville County and the State of North Carolina being in perfect mind and memory do constitute and ordain this to be my last will and Testament -- -- --First it is my wish that all my just debts should be paid out of my Estate.
                        Item. I lend to my beloved wife Elizabeth Royster my land whereon I now live together with all my stock of horses, all my stock of Cattle, all my stock of hogs, and all my stock of sheep, together with all my Household and Kitchen furniture; and all my plantation Tools. I also give to my wife Elizabeth Royster all bonds or notes or accounts that may be found after my death belonging to me. ---
                        Item. I lend to my beloved wife Elizabeth Royster nine negroes to wit Gilbert, Moses, Charles Agg, Silency, Rachel, Lucy, Titus & Lize and all their increase during her natural life or widowhood.
                        Item. It is my will and desire that my three last children namely Marcus Royster, Emily Royster and William Royster, should be raised till they came to lawful age out of the property lent my wife by me free from costs or charges.
                        Item. It is also my will that my three youngest children, Marcus, Emily and William should be given common English Education out of this above lent property free from costs and charges of any description.
                        Item. I give to my son Banister Royster one negro man named Simeon, one Horse to be worth Eighty dollars and feather bed and furniture to him and his heirs forever.
                        Item. I give to my son Robert Royster five hundred dollars, one horse, one feather bed & furniture to him and his heirs forever.
                        Item. I give my son Wiley Royster one negro man named Anderson, one Horse, one bed and furniture to him and his heirs forever.
                        Item. I give to my Daughter Lilly Norwood one negro woman named Polly, and all her increase, one bed and furniture, one saddle & bridle, and Eighty dollars in money to her and her heirs forever.
                        Item. I give to my Daughter Martha Royster one Negro woman named Netty and all her increase, one bed and furniture, one Saddle and Bridle and Eighty dollars in money to her and her heirs forever.
                        Item. I give to my daughter Stelly Royster one negro woman named Dinah and all her increase, one bed & furniture, one saddle & Bridle and Eighty dollars in money to her and her heirs forever.
                        Item. I give to my Daughter Mary B. Royster one negro girl named Jane and all her increase, one bed and furniture, one saddle & bridle, and Eighty dollars money to her & her heirs forever ---
                        Item. I give to my son Marcus Royster one negro boy named James, one bed and furniture, one horse saddle & bridle to the worth of one hundred dollars to him & his heirs forever.
                        Item. I give to my Daughter Emily Royster one negro girl named Hannah and all her increase one bed and furniture one saddle & bridle & eighty dollars in money to her and her heirs forever.
                        Item. I give to my son William Royster, one Negro boy named Peter, one bed and furniture and one hundred dollars in money to him and his heirs forever.
                        Item. It is my will, wish & desire that if either of these negroes should die which I have given away to my children before they come of age, that the negroes so dying shall be made good to the child so looking out of the property not given away by me.
                        Item. It is my will that when my youngest child comes of Lawful age there shall be a division of the property lent my wife by me as I hereafter direct (to wit)
                        Item. It is my will that after my youngest child comes of age that I then lend to my wife Elizabeth Royster four negroes to wit Rachel, Lucy, Moses & Titus and so much stock as will support them, then all the balance of my estate shall be sold and the money arising there from Equally divided between my several sons and daughters above named and of my tools which is not to be divided until the death of my wife and after her death all the rest to be found belonging to my estate together with my land shall be sold and the money arising therefore Equally divided between my several sons and daughters as above named.

I appoint Banister Royster and my wife Elizabeth Royster & Robert Royster my Executors to execute into effect this my above will in testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this 26th day of May one thousand Eight hundred and Eighteen.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Francis Royster {seal}
Test: John Royster, William Royster, Francis Hester
                        State of North Carolina, Granville County, May Court A.D. 1820. The execution of the foregoing last will and testament of Francis Royster deceased was duly proven on oath in open Court by William Royster and Francis Hester two subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. At the same time came forward Banister Royster named as executor in said will and duly qualified as such.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Witness: Step. K. Sneed Clk

Note: Page 396 lists the Inventory of the estate including 18 slaves named: Aggy, Silency, Peggy, Bird, Netty, Stephen, Moses, Peter, Rachel, Lucy, Otoway, Charles, Jane, Harrison, James, Eliza, Diner, and Henry.

 

Note: Elizabeth died about August of 1842 in Granville County. She and Francis had the following children: Robert Royster, Bannister Royster, Wiley Royster, Marcus D. Royster, William Royster, Lettice Royster, Mary Booker Royster, Martha Royster, Stella Royster, Emily Royster.

 

June 15, 1842 (North Carolina Star, Raleigh, N.C. newspaper, page 3)

                        On the 10^th ult. In Granville County, at the residence of Mr. Banister Royster’s, Mrs. Elizabeth Royster, consort of Mr. Francis Royster dec’d, aged about 80 years. [She died May 10, 1842].

 

 

JAMES SHAPARD –b. ~1769  died November 8, 1837

 

August 8, 1792 (Granville County North Carolina Apprentice Bonds)

State of North Carolina Granville County. This indenture made this 8^th day of August in the year of our Lord 1792 between Memucan (?) Hunt, Esq., of the county and state aforesaid on behalf of the justices of the county aforesaid and their successors on the one part, Witnesseth that the said Memucan (?) Hunt Esq., in pursuance of an order of the court of the county aforesaid and by a virtue of an Act of General Assembly of this state in such case can be made and provided, doth put, place and bind unto the said James Shapard – Robert Potter orphan of Abraham Potter with him the said James Shapard to live after the manner of an apprentice and servant, until the said Robert Potter shall attain the age of 21 years, during all which him the said apprentice his said master shall faithfully  serve, lawfully command and shall not at any time absent himself from the said masters service without leave, but in all things as a good and faithful servant shall behave towards the said James Shaphard, and the said James Shaphard on his part doth covenant promise and agree to and with the said Memison (?) Hunt, Esq., that he will teach or cause to be taught the said Robert Potter to learn the art and mastery of the carpenter trade and also to read and write, and that he will constatntly find and provide for the said apprentice during his term aforesaid sufficient diet, apparel, washing and lodging suitable to an apprentice and all other thing necessary or by law required. In witness whereof we have set our hands and seals the year and day above written. Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of: (signed) M. Hunt, Jas. Shapard.

 

August 30, 1797 (North Carolina Marriage Bonds 1741-1868)

                        James Shapard married Francis Brooks in Caswell County, North Carolina. Bondsman: Alex Murphey. Witness: Anne Smith.

 

October 3, 1789 (Caswell County North Carolina Will Book B, p. 321)

                        Richard Brooks Will, names beloved wife Ann and leaves her one third that is to be equally divided among the four youngest children at her death: William Bird Brooks (under 21), Betsy Brookes, Frances Armisted Brooks, John Brooks. Daughter Ann Smith Graves received two slaves. Exec: Ann Brooks and Solomon Graves (son-in-law). Probated April 1790.

 

Note: this is Francis Brooks’ father

 

November 17, 1798 (Caswell County North Carolina Will Book 1777-1814, Book C, pg 367)

Division of slaves of Richard Brooks deceased to Ann Brooks, William B. Brooks, James Shepperd in right of his wife Frances, John Brooks. Witness: James Williamson, Nathaniel Rice, John Henslee.

 

May 2, 1809 (Caswell County Deed Book R, p. 128)

                        William B. Brooks deeds to James Shapard of Orange County, North Carolina. Richard Brooks deceased owned 420 acres on Stoney Creek, adjacent to Alexander Kerr, and same to be equally divided between sons, William B. Brooks and John Brooks. William B. Brooks conveyed to William Clifton his part. Part of John Brooks divided to William B. Brooks, James Shapard in right of his wife Frances Armistead Brooks. For $120 William Brooks sells to James Shapard all his right and title to said land. Witness William Clifton, Wylie Yancey.

 

March 4, 1806 (Caswell County North Carolina Will Book 1777-1814, Book E, pg 379)

Ann Brooks – Will – 4, March, 1806. Son William B. Brooks; 9 grandchildren; Wm. B. Brooks sons John, Robert, and William and daughters Betsy, Ann, and Joanna; Frances A. Sheppard’s daughters Ann, Betsy, and Polley. Executors: son Wm. B. Brooks. Witnesses: Sol Graves, S. Graves, John L. Graves. Will was probated in court in January 1808.

 

September 2, 1811 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        Lists James Shapard as living in Orange County, North Carolina

 

1816 (Federal Direct Tax List of 1816 for Orange County, North Carolina)

                        James Shapard was the land assessor for the northern portion of what is the current-day Alamance County and northwestern Orange County (in 1816 was all northern Orange County). He submitted a list of residents, locations, acres and land value. He lists himself as living on Stony Creek on 242 acres with a value of $1,200.

 

October 17, 1817 (Caswell County North Carolina Deed Book S, p. 39-40)

                        Jas. Shapard witness to Elisha Brown to William Brown.

 

July 18, 1818 (Caswell County North Carolina Deed Book 1817-1840, Book T, pg 92-94)

Deed of Trust – James Shapard of Orange County to Jeremiah Lea of Caswell County with Benjamin Lea security, for $1,500 payable to Dodson Inge & Co. in East Milton, negro woman Hannah about 25 years old, girl Milly about 4 years old; also 3 lots of land in East Milton #63 on Spring Street of 104 front feet, lot #25 with 68 front feet on Bridge and Spring Street, lot #8; also 100 acres on Country Line Creek by Graves Mill Road adjacent to Richard Martin, Luke Prendergast, Chandler, Lewis Shapard; 400 acres on County Line Creek and Stoney Creek adjacent to Alexander Kerr or so much of this tract was willed by Richard Brooks deceased to his son John Brooks. Witness: Levi Walker, Q. Anderson.

 

July 15, 1819 (Caswell County North Carolina, Deed Book 18, p. 417)

                        James Shapard of Orange County deeds to Joseph Benton and Benjamin Lea of Caswell County three tracts of land.

First tract: Beginning on John Simmons line on East side of his mill, running East with said line 14 chains 20 links to pointers Sheppard’s line, thence North 30 chains 50 links to a post oak on County Line, thence West with County Line to Stoney Creek, thence down Stoney Creek as it meanders to the beginning. 42 acres.

                        Second tract joining the above mentioned tract: Beginning at Jeffery’s corner running North 21 chains to blackjack, thence East 39 chains to blackjack, thence South 21 chains to pointers, thence West to the beginning. 81 acres.

                        Third tract joining said land, beginning: at a post oak on County Line, thence South 38 chains 80 links to a red oak, thence East 17 chains 30 links to a stake, thence South 26 chains 75 links to a hickory, thence East 19 chains 50 links to a hickory, thence North 16 chains to a red oak, thence West 5 chains 75 links to a red oak, thence North 49 chains 50 links to a blackjack in the County Line, thence West to the beginning. 150 acres.

                                                                                                                                                (signed) James Shapard

 

October 5, 1819 (Caswell County North Carolina Deed Book 1817-1840, Book T, pg 183-185)

Nathan Williams of Caswell County to Sterling Ruffin of Rockingham County, NC, for $7,614, two tracts of land: 851.8 acres adjacent to Henery Williams, James Shapard to Rawley Fork Creek, Hargrave old line, Simmons, Barton, John Mitchell, John Anderson…

 

February 5, 1823 (Caswell County North Carolina Deed Book V)

                        James Shapard witness to Joseph McCulloch of Caswell County to Zachariah Patillo.

 

January 4, 1826 (Caswell County North Carolina Deed Book 1817-1840, Book W, pg 292-295)

                        Benjamin Lea of Caswell County sold two tracts of land where Lea resided, equaling 200 acres, to Freeman Leath; 100 acres on County Line Creek was originally purchased from James Shapard…

 

February 13, 1826 (Caswell County North Carolina Deed Book W)

                        James Shapard witness to Zadock Rice to Thomas Slade of Caswell County.

 

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.

 

1838 (US Federal Census)

                        James Shepherd, Caswell County, one male 5-9 y/o; one male 10-14 y/o; one male 60-68 y/o; one female 5-9 y/o; one female 15-19 y/o; four females 20-29 y/o; one female 40-49 y/o; one male slave over 55 y/o; one female slave over 55 y/o; one female slave 10-23 y/o.

 

January, 1838 (North Carolina Estate Files, Caswell County, James Sheppard 1838, Family Search, Image 2)

                        State of North Carolina. Court holden January 1838. Frances Sheppard against the heirs at law of James Sheppard, deceased, to wit. Nancy [Ann S.] Sheppard, Stephen Page and Elizabeth his wife, Mary Sheppard, Richard Smith and Francis his wife, Joannah Sheppard , Martha Sheppard – William Sheppard, James Sheppard and Susan Sheppard – the last three of whom are minors, under 21 years of age.

                        Your petition showeth unto your worships that her late husband James Sheppard has died since the last Term of this court intestate. That, at the time of his death he was seized and possessed of a small tract of land situate and lying in the County of Caswell aforesaid on the waters of Country Line Creek adjourns the land of Thomas M. Graves, W. Russel and others, containing seventy five acres (75) more or less…

 

January, 1838 (North Carolina Estate Files, Caswell County, James Sheppard 1838, Family Search, Image 6)

                        To the worshipful, the Justices of the County Court of Caswell, of January Term 1838 – sitting -  The Petition of Nancy [Ann S.] Sheppard, Stephen Page and Elizabeth his wife, Mary Sheppard, Richard Smith and Francis his wife, Joannah Sheppard , Martha Sheppard and Susan Sheppard – the last of whom is an infant under the age of 21 years and served on this behalf by her guardian Richard B. ____. Hereby petitioning your worship, that Mary Sheppard late of the County of Person and State of North Carolina, died in the year 18** having clearly made published in writing her last will and testament which was regularly sent to probate in the proper Court, that in and by said will and testament said testatrix gave and be guaranteed to her brother James Sheppard late of this Country, several negro slaves with their future ___, for and dearing the life of said James – amongst who and the following, to wir. Abram and Rhoda and a child John born since the death of Testatrix, and after the death of said James. Said slaves and given as aforesaid to all the daughters of said James (“By his first wife”) who may be alive at the death  of their father the aforesaid James Sheppard. Your petitioners further show that the negros aforesaid and (save the youngest who has bee since born) came into the possession of said James under the last will aforesaid, and that said James Sheppard died on the 8^th day of November last. They further show that they, to wit. Nancy, Elizabeth (who has intermarried with your petitioner, Stephen Page), Mary, Francis (who has intermarried with Richard Smith), Joannah, Martha and Susan are the daughters and only daughters of the aforesaid James Sheppard deceased by his “first” and only wife, and are therefore entitled to the negros aforesaid – and there being seven separate interests and only three negros, it becomes necessary to sell said slaves, in order that a division may be effected between your petitioners.

 

Note: Other information revealed through the estate record of James Shapard – Nancy “Ann S.” Shapard lived in Georgia. Mary signed her name, “Mary B. Shapard.” All the girls received $150 from the first sale of the slave/s and $111 from the second sale of the slave/s. Mary B. Shapard married Henry Powell circa 1840.

Note:  It appears that Mary was named in honor of her paternal grandmother. She was the third in birth order, being born circa 1802-1804. This coincides with the birth of another child named in honor of Mary (Booker) Shapard, being the daughter of  Elizabeth (Shapard) Royster, wife of Francis Royster of Granville County. Their daughter Mary Booker Royster was born in June of 1804. This suggests that Mary Booker Shapard (mother to James and Elizabeth) most likely died between 1802 and 1804.

 

Note: Johanna Shepard purchased an item in the estate sale of Robert Martin in 1842 in Caswell County, North Carolina. Joanna Sheppard married Archibald Campbell on September 22, 1846 in Caswell County, North Carolina.    

 

April 7, 1838 (Caswell County North Carolina Deed Book 1817-1840, Book EE, pg 3-4)

                        Frances A. Shepard heir at law of John Brooks deceased, to John Simmons of Caswell County for $173.25, 252 acres on County Line Creek & Stoney Creek on Hillsborough Road or as much land as was willed by Richard Brooks deceased, to his son John Brooks, the brother of Frances A. Shepperd. 7 April, 1838. Witness: Richard Smith, William B. Shepard.

 

September 21, 1838 (Caswell County North Carolina Deed Book 1817-1840, Book EE, pg 379-380)

                        Plat and allotment of dower land of estate of James Sheppard deceased, total of 73 ½ acres with 24 ½ acres to widow Frances Sheppard adjacent to Genl. Thomas W. Graves, William Russell.

 

 

WILLIAM SHAPARD, JR. –  b. 1771 and d. February 16, 1843 (in Richmond, Virginia)

Note: There is a William Shepperd that appears on the Person County, North Carolina Tax list in 1793 (Source: North Carolina Compiled Census and Census Substitutes). This may or may not be our William, as this is a common name, however, this is around the same time that Lewis, Booker and James appear in Caswell County. He is defiantly absent from the vicinity of Granville County from 1807-1815 as he is never summoned or deposed during his father’s probate.

 

December 22, 1796 (Marriages of Granville County, North Carolina, 1753-1868)

                        William Shepard, Jr., was the Best Man at the wedding of Joseph Speed and Mary Goodloe Harper

 

September 2, 1811 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        Lists William Shapard as living in Richmond, Virginia.

 

January 21, 1812 (The Richmond Enquirer, January 21, 1812)

Thirty Dollars Reward – Eloped from the subscriber on the night of the 12^th inst. A Negro Man, by the name of James, black, stout, and about (as I suppose) five feet six or seven inches high; had on when he left this, a blue Costee and Pantaloons, and probably a cotton stamped waistcoat, considerably worn, a dark mixed Surtout Coat, also much worn. Having missed at the same time a pale black dog of the bull breed, though not of the largest size. I strongly suspect he has taken the dog with him; the dog’s name Thaddeus; he, I think, has some white bout his breast, belly and legs. The dog is valuable to me. I bought James at a public sale at the Bell Tavern in this city, on the 3^rd of October last; he was brought here by Mr. John Belfield; of Richmond county, and was (as I am informed) lately the property of Mr. Sydnor Belfield, of the same county, in the Northern neck, near catpoint ferry on Rappahannock Creek, where I am inclined to think he will aim for, tho’ it’s probable he my attempt to get off on board some vessel. I forewarn all captains of vessels taking him away; in case they do, they may expect to be treated with the rigor of the law. I will give thirty dollars for the delivery of the boy and dog to me in Richmond, or twenty dollars for the boy, and ten for the dog.

                                                                                                                                                                                                William Shapard, Richmond, Jan 21

 

April 19, 1813 (Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia 1812 - 1813)

                        Amount due to the Commonwealth of Virginia from the U. S. [government] [for the support of the War of 1812]. On April 19, 1813, William Shapard furnished gunpowder for public use - $200.

 

1813-1815 William Shapard was a commission merchant in Richmond, Virginia, under the name of ‘William Shapard & Co.’ His merchant receipt books from 1813-1815, dealing with shipping arrangements between himself and various boatmen and waggoners, are preserved in the Library of Virginia. Items shipped include: coffee, cotton, gunpowder, hides, pepper, rum, salt, sugar, tea, etc.

 

1815-1821 William Shapard and Lewis Webb developed a partnership in business in Richmond, Virginia as commission merchants, under the name of ‘Shapard & Webb.’ He was a merchant and his books are preserved from 1813-1815,

 

Note: Lewis Webb was William’s cousin via his aunt Amy Booker (1752-1835) who married John Webb (1747-1826) in 1772 in Essex County, Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Webb migrated to Granville County, North Carolina circa 1782. They had the following children: Elizabeth (1773-1829), Thomas (1776-), William (1778-), James (1779-1827), Mary (1782-), Ann (1784-1825), John (1786-), Lewis (1789-1873), Isaac (1790-1868), Amy (1794-), Susan (1796-). Lewis may have married Anne Nutall New (1796-1837) in Granville County, North Carolina on January 7, 1818. After Lewis and William dissolved their partnership in 1821, Lewis remained in the commission merchant business under a variety of names: Lewis Webb & Co.(1822-1839), Webb, Booker & Hamilton (1839-1843) and Lewis Webb & Son (1852-1855). He married Lucy Roy Mason on March 19, 1853 (his second wife). Lewis died in 1873 in Richmond Virginia and is buried in Shockoe Hill Cemetery. His children were: John Nutall Webb (1826-1829), Isabelle A. Webb (1830-1893), John Nutall Webb, Jr. (1832-1837).

 

1815-1829 William insured his house against fire between 1815-1829 (his signature is visible see Library of Virginia LVA website).

 

July 1818 (U.S. Congressional Serial Set 21)

                        Statement of the names of persons owning any part of stock of the Bank of United States… Shapard & Webb – Richmond, VA. – 20 shares in January 1818 and 45 shares in July of 1818.

 

July 8, 1818 (Richmond Commercial Compiler July 8, 1818)

(William married Elizabeth H. who died on July 7, 1818 in Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia)

 “Died yesterday Mrs. Elizabeth H. Shapard – consort of Mr. William Shapard of Richmond.”

 

May 1, 1816 (North Carolina Granville County Mariage Record)

                        William Shepard, Jr. married Mary A. Haywood in Granville County, North Carolina. Bondsman William Sheppard and Sam Hillman.

 

Note: This could be the Elizabeth H (Haywood) who died in 1818 in Richmond, Va.  I have not verified the spelling as the original bond has not been found.

 

1819 (Chataigne’s Directory of Richmond Virginia 1819)

                        Shapard & Webb merchants, corner of E and Locust sts.

                        William Shapard merchant, d H st. near Monumental Church.

                        Robert Shapard hardware store, s s of E bt 14 and 15^th st, first from 15^th st.

 

1823 - 1824 (Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia 1823 - 1824)

                        A table showing the amount of expenditure on the James River Canal between the upper arm and the western mouth of Tuckahoe Creek. For completing excavation through Shapard and Ferguson’s Farms….

 

May 5, 1825 (Richmond Commercial Compiler, May 5, 1825)

 “Married on Tuesday May 3, by Rev. Armstrong, William Shapard to Mrs. Catherine Bridges, both of this City.”

 

Note: In 1869, Catherine Shapard, widow of William Shapard, lived at 406 East Grace in Richmond Virginia. Catherine Shapard is on the 1870 census for Richmond, boarding with Albert and Margaret Ann Bridges Snead (m. 1832) (Catherine’s daughter from her first marriage to James Bridges b. Oct. 6,1780 – d. June 30, 1818 ) and listed as being born in 1786 in Scotland. Findagrave says she was born February 9, 1786 in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland and died on April 9, 1875 in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky. She was buried in Stockoe Hill Cemetery in Richmond Virginia, where her husband William Shapard is buried.  Catherine (age 65) is on the 1850 US Census for Richmond, Virginia, and is living with her daughter Williamia (age 24) who married Philip Mayo Tabb (age 30) on May 12, 1845 in Richmond VA.

 

December 17, 1827 (The Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia)

A petition of William Shapard, of the County of Henrico, asking permission to use water sufficient from the James River Canal, to work a saw and grist mill.

 

January 1, 1828 (Daily Richmond Whig, January 1, 1828, p. 3)

 “Died on December 31, 1828, Robert Shapard of Richmond.”

 

Note: This was William’s brother.

 

1830 (US Census)

                        William Shapard is listed in Henrico County, Virginia. His household consisted of 1 male 20-29 y/o, 1 male 60-69 y/o,  1 female 5 y/o and under, 1 female 15-19 y/o, 1 female 50-59 y/o and 54 slaves.

 

1835 (Henrico County Virginia Chancery Records, 1835 Catherine and William Shapard vs. John Shepard and Lewis Webb)

                        In 1825 William Shapard was indebted to George Hamilton due to the purchase of his property, known as “Westham Cottage.” The total purchase price was $5,000, of which William had paid all but $1,111 of which was to be paid off before 1833.

It appears that in 1832, William sold his entire estate to provide for his daughter (the only child listed). For the love and affection William and Catherine Shapard had for their daughter Willianna, William sold to Lewis Webb and James R. Bridges, two tracts of joined land, totaling 1,300 acres. One tract was where William Shapard resided on the north side of James River on Big Westham Creek and the other tract on Little Westham Creek. In addition lots were also sold on H Street in Richmond near Monumental Church, as well as, the undivided minority of several lots of land held by William Shapard and Gustavis Lucko in DuVal’s addition in Richmond. Listed also are all the slaves owned by William Shapard: Charles, John, Hindreo, Big Davy, Sunsford, Spy, Jacob, Isaac, Freeman, Abram, Rob, William, Tom, Edmund, Cesar, John Holmes, Anderson, Evan, Dick and Chau (his wife), Jessy and Betty (his wife) and one child, Stephen and Lavinia (his wife) and their children Dennis, Patsy, Rosetta, Matilana and Andrew, Ned and Maria (his wife) and one child Emanuelle. Note that the John Shepard listed in the lawsuit is of no relation to our family. 

 

1842, (Sheet music named Willianna by Gustave Blessner)

Gustave Blessner composed a waltz for piano as a tribute to Willianna Shapard, William’s daughter.

 

February 23, 1843 (The Watchman of the South, a Presbyterian newspaper of Richmond, Virginia)

                        “[DIED] In this city on last Thursday night Wm. Shapard, Esq. formerly a merchant of this city, in the 73^rd year of his age.

 

Note: William Shapard died on February 16, 1843 and is buried in Shockoe Hill Cemetery in Richmond City, Virginia.

 

Note: in 1845, Willianna Shapard married Philip M. Tabb (Source: Richmond Inquirer May 16, 1845). This William’s daughter as P.M. Tabb, Jr. was trustee of William Shapard, deceased, and sold numerous properties: 1859 he sold “Blandon Farm” in Henrico Co, VA. 115 acres boardering Westham Plank Road. Property included slave rental, gardens, etc.  Blandon Farm was located south of  Joseph Bryan Park. 1735 Oakdale Ave. is within the subdivision of Blandon Farm.

 

Note: WilliannaShapard was born March 4, 1826 and died November 24, 1897. She married Philip Mayo Tabb on May 13, 1845 in Richmond, Henrico County Va. Philip Tabb was born November 24, 1819 and died December 10, 1888. He is buried next to his wife at the Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Kentucky. Willianna and Philip Tabb had  8 children: William Shapard Tabb (b. 1846 – d. Nov. 24, 1897); Phillip Mayo Tab, Jr., (b. June 26, 1847 – d. Nov. 4, 1922); Catherine Tabb (b. 1848); Charles Stroven Tabb (b. Feb. 6, 1850 – d. Jan. 30, 1920); Conde Tabb (b. March 15, 1857 – d. May 7, 1891); Mattie Tabb (b. April 25, 1859 – d. June 19, 1889; Jennie Lee Tabb (B. 1861 – d. 1919); Kate Conde Tabb (b. Sept. 15, 1862 – d. Nov. 5, 1885)

 

Note: In 1842, Gustave Blessner composed a waltz for piano as a tribute to Willianna Shapard. 

 

1846 - 1847 (Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia 1846 - 1847)

                        List of stockholders of Richmond, Fredricksburg & Potomic Railroad, Co.  – William Shapard, trustee – 51 shares.

 

 

LEWIS SHAPARD – b.~ 1773

Named after Lewis Booker (Mary’s brother)

 

He married Martha Paine (b. November 17, 1773 and d. June 16, 1813) (source of birth is Robert Paine Bible, death is Shepard & Other Buckingham Families, Part II)

 

1. “Mildred Williams” - Mildred married Anderson Williams and lived in Caswell County, where Lewis had a close association with his brother-in-law and many dealings with him and even visited Anderson’s father in Cumberland County Virginia.

2. Lewis was the executor of Booker Shapard’s estate in Caswell County. From these file we find that Booker’s brother was Thomas of Granville County. It now makes sense that Lewis was also Booker brother thus he was also executor.

3. Lewis, James and Booker all appear in Caswell County in the late 1790s and often purchase items at the same estate sales – makes more sense that they are three brothers that ventured to Caswell instead of an Uncle and two nephews, etc.

 4. In the estate papers of James Shapard, he was given slaves by his sister “Mary of Person County” – the lineage makes sense in relation to the children of William  Shapard.

5. Lewis owned land  (207 acres) in Granville County, of which he sold to Thomas Shapard (his brother) in 1807, perhaps his inheritance from his father William Shapard.

6. In NONE of his signatures or letters does Lewis refer to himself as “L. Thomas” or “L.T.” or even make reference to a middle name (he only signed’ L. Shapard’ and ‘Lewis Shapard’) – it makes more sense that a comma was missed by an earlier generation of genealogists (William Shepard) joining the name of Lewis with his next younger brother Thomas as ‘Lewis Thomas’ instead of’ Lewis, Thomas.’

7. Lewis’ first child is named William Booker Shapard, a combination of his father’s first name and his mother’s maiden name.

 8. Granville County Deed Book S, page 260, lists William Shapard as deeding a gift to his son Lewis Shapard of Caswell County, North Carolina- makes sense that this is the one and ONLY Lewis Shapard in Caswell County instead of being two Lewis Shapards.

 

April 15, 1803 (North Carolina Probate Records, Caswell County, Wills, Inventories, Settlements Vol. D, 1800-1803, pg, 172)

Lewis Shapard Administrator of Michael Nicholson, deceased. [lists numerous people and accounts] To balance due the Estate: $585.10.10. Pursuant to an order of Court we have settled the accounts of Lewis Sheppard, Administrator of Michael Nicholson, deceased, right of his wife and report the above statement which will show the balance due the estate from Lewis Shapard given under our hand this day April 1803.

 

 

BOOKER SHAPARD – b. ~1775  died in 1802 (between September 26 and early October)

 

October 1802 (North Carolina Probate Records, Caswell County, Wills, Inventories, Settlements Vol. D, 1800-1803, pg, 126)

                        An inventory of the estate of Booker Sheppard, Deceased

                        To Wit: one hand saw, one smoothing plain, three gimlets, one bay mare, one saddle, one bridle, one pair saddle bags, one small chest, one small trunk, two small books, two pamphlets, one razor and case, one shaving box, one pair shoe brushes, one quart bottle, one curry comb, three moulding plains, two bench plains, one ___ and cash on hand two shillings, some money due from George Stovall the amount as yet not known, one hammer, one broad axe, one scrubbing gouge. (signed) Lewis Sheppard. Sworn in open court. State of North Carolina Caswell County October Court 1802.

 

January 1803 (North Carolina Probate Records, Caswell County, Wills, Inventories, Settlements Vol. D, 1800-1803, pg, 134)

                        January Court 1803. [based on inventory sale dated] November 22, 1802. Account of the sale of the property of Booker Shapard, Deceased:

                        Lewis Shapard – one bay mare $43.0.0; Anderson Williams – 1 saddle $2.10.0; George Stovall – one hand saw $1.0.0; Lewis Shapard – one broad axe $1.0.0; Stephen Chandler – one book $0.10.0; John Pinson – one gimblet $0.1.0; Thomas Shapard – one small trunk, 1 book, and pamphlet $1.0.0; Lewis Shapard – one small chest $0.2.6; Anderson Williams – 1 pocket dictionary $0.7.6; Lewis Shapard – one pamphlet $0.1.0; Anderson Williams – one pair saddle bags $0.12.3; Anderson Williams – one smoothing plain $0.2.6; Thomas Shapard – one razor case and shaving box $0.10.0; Lewis Shapard – one pair shoe brushes and one quart bottle $0.3.0; Lewis Shapard – one curry comb $0.4.0; Lewis Shapard – 3 moulding plains and one segooch (?) $0.16.0; Anderson Williams – two bench plains – 0.6.0; James Shapard – one ink stand and hammer $0.6.6: Total $52.12.4 (signed) Lewis Shapard, administrator. State of North Carolina Caswell County January Court 1803. This account sales was duly returned to Court on oath by the administrator and on motion ordered to be recorded.

 

August 3, 1802 (North Carolina Estate Files, 1663-1979, Caswell County, Booker Sheppard, 1802)

                        One day after the date hereof I abige myself my heirs Executors or administrators to pay Murphy & Lea eleven pounds eleven shillings and five pence farthing Virginia Currency. It being for goods ___ & merchandise received of them – witness my hand and seal this 3^rd day of August A. Dom. 1802. (signed) Booker Shapard

                        [on back] Received 26^th July 1803 of the within whole eleven pounds fifteen shillings & three pence V. Money of Lewis Shappard, Administrator of deceased. (Signed) Alex. Murphey

 

October 26, 1802 (North Carolina Estate Files, 1663-1979, Caswell County, Booker Sheppard, 1802)

                        Know all men by these presents that we Lewis Sheppard, Groves Howard and James Williamson are held and firmly bound unto his Exellency Benjamin Williams, Esq. Goveonor in the just and full sum of $300 [pounds] to be paid to the said Goveonor and his successors in office and assigns to which payment is well and truly to be made we bind ourselves our heirs executors and administrators jointly and severally and firmly by these presents sealed with our seals and dated the 26 day of October A. Dom. 1802. The condition of the above obligation is such that if the above bounden Lewis Sheppard, administrator of all and ___ the goods and chattels rights and credits of Booker Sheppard deceased do make or cause to be made a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods and chattels rights and credits of the said deceased which have or shall come into the hands possession or knowledge of the said Lewis Sheppard or into the hands or possession of any other person for him and the same as made do exhibit or cause to be exhibited to the County Courts of Caswell within ninety days from the date of these presents, and the same goods and chattels and credits and all the other goods chattels and credits of the deceased at the time of his death which at any time hereafter shall come into the hands or possession of the said Lewis Sheppard or into the hands or possession of any person for him do will and truly administer according to law and farther do make or cause to be made a true and just account of his said administrationship within ninety days from the date of these presents an all the ___ of the said goods chattels and credits which shall be found remaining upon said administration account the same being first examined and allowed of by the Court of the said County shall deliver and pay unto such person or persons respectively to which the same shall be due, present to the true interest and meaning of the list of our General Assembly in the case made and provided, and if it shall appear that way Will or Testament was made by the said deceased and the executor or executors therein named do exhibit the same unto Court making request to have the same allowed of and approved of accordingly, if the said Lewis Sheppard above bounden thereunto required do render the said letter of administration approbation of such testimony being first had and made in the said Court, then the above obligation shall be void otherwise to remain in full force and effect. Signed sealed and delivered in presence of John Murphey. (signed) Lewis Shapard, James Williamson, Groves Howard.

 

March 1801 (North Carolina Estate Files, 1663-1979, Caswell County, Booker Sheppard, 1802)

                        March 1801 - Mr. Booker Shapard Do to Lewis Shapard - Virginia Currency

                        to leathers for pare of shoes - $0.5.0

                        to cash lent Court House - $0.12.0

                        goods bought for you at Richard Simpsons - $0.13.10

                        to pair shoes - $0.13.4

                        to ½ barrel corn - $0.5.0

                        to barrel corn paid A, Williams $0.12.0

                        to 450 lbs fodder at 3/ - $0.13.6

                        to 2 ½ barrels corn at 12/ - $1.4.0

                        to 3 bushels of corn at 12/ - $0.7.0

                        to one large table for R. Senior - $0.13.0

                        to 13 months washing and mending at 4/ - $3.12.0

                                                                                                [total] $10.0.3

(signed) Lewis Shapard

 

North Carolina Caswell County. Lewis Shapard came before me a justice for said County and made oath to theabove account as stated against the estate of Booker Shapard, deceased. (signed) S. Graves, April 27, 1804

 

Note: The above account was written in the handwriting of Lewis Shapard

 

May 27, 1802 (North Carolina Estate Files, 1663-1979, Caswell County, Booker Sheppard, 1802)

                        Mr. Booker Shepherd in account with Nathan Williams – Virginia Currency

May 27, 1802: to Mursails waistcoat pattern - $0.15.0

                        1 pair stocking 7/6, 1 hank silk - $0.8.0

                        1 pair nankeen 14/, 1 stitch twist - $0.14.6

                        1 comb and base, 1 doz. Gilt buttons - $0.2.7

                        1 yard linen 8/4, 1 ½ yards cotton cloth - $0.7.10

June 25, 1802: to 200 sadle packs - $0.1.4

                        2 strands necklace - $0.3.0

                                                Balance current $2.12.3 ½

The above account sworn to before me this 11^th day of March 1803 (signed) David Gooch

Received of Lewis Shepherd in full of the above amount (signed) Nathan Williams, April 26, 1804.

 

January 6, 1798 (North Carolina Estate Files, 1663-1979, Caswell County, Booker Sheppard, 1802)

                        I acknowledge myself my heirs and assigns justly indebted unto Charles Smith his heirs and assigns the full and just sum of seven pounds ten shillings virginia money for value received to be paid on or before the twenty fifth day of December next. In witness of which I have here unto set my hand and seal this 6^th of January 1798. (signed) Booker Shapard

 

[on back] State of N. Carolina Granville County. This person, Thomas Shapard, appeared before me and made oath that he paid of the within note to Charles Smith on account of his brother Booker Shepard of Caswell County and for so doing the said Booker Shapard was to give his note to Anderson Williams for thirty dollars payable the first day of August last as given under his hand this 27^th January, 1803. (Signed) Thos. Shapard and Lewis Hening, J.P.

 

March 11, 1802 (North Carolina Estate Files, 1663-1979, Caswell County, Booker Sheppard, 1802)

                        Booker Shapard to Rhoda Bush: to 5 ¼ yards cotton cloth and assist Zeba Bush to make 3 cotton shirts – Virginia money - $0.18.0

                        Caswell County n. Carolina Rhoda Bush made oath to the above March 11^th account before me a Justice for said County. (signed) S. Graves

 

December 1800 (North Carolina Estate Files, 1663-1979, Caswell County, Booker Sheppard, 1802)

                        Mr. Booker Shapard in account with John Graves, Senr.

December 1800: Horse fed - $0.0.6; January 1801: 1 quart cyan - $0.0.9; April 1801:Brandy - $0.4.0; July 1801: Langame - $0.5.0; 1 quart cyan and wine - $0.6.3; August 1801: Brandy and whiskey - $0.9.0; September 1801: 1 jill whiskey and one quart cyan - $0.4.0; November 1801: 3 jills brandy - $0.2.3; March 1802: 2 whiskey - $0.7.0; April 1802: Horsefed and whiskey - $0.8.0; July 1802: Horse fed and 1 pint wine - $0.6.6. July 19, 1802 by cash $2.10.9. [balance due] $0.15.9

                        Caswell County N. Carolina. This day came John Graves Senr. Before me one of the Justices of the forsaid County and made oath that Booker Shapard, deceased, is justly indebted to him the sum of fifteen shillings and nine pence after giving all just credits given under my hand this 16^th of May 1803. (signed) S. Graves

                        Received April 27^th, 1804 of Lewis Shapard administrator of Booker Shapard, deceased, in full of the within amount. (signed) John Graves.

 

December 1801 (North Carolina Estate Files, 1663-1979, Caswell County, Booker Sheppard, 1802)

                        Mr. Booker Shapard in account with John Graves & Sons

December 1801: Coffee and 3 yards cotton - $0.14.0; 1 silk ___ - $0.1.6; 1 penknife - $0.2.0

January 1802: 1 yard white flannell, ivory comb - $0.6.2; 1 snuff box, 2 brass thimbles - $0.3.6

February 1802: 3 yards linen ___

March 1802: 1 pocket knife - $0.2.0; to Thomas Graves 1 tortus shell comb and sissors - $0.11.6; 3 ¾ yards cotton - $0.10.0.

May 1802: 1 pair shoes and hank silk - $0.13.9; 2 bandanna handf. 0.16.8; 3 doz. Needles, 1 hat band and buckle - $0.3.3; 1___ small bone molds - $0.1.6

June 1802: raisin (?), 2 fig blue

July  1802: 1 vial lavender ___

August 1802: 2 penknives

                        Caswell County n. Carolina. January 11, 1803. This day came Azariah Graves one of the contending partners of John Graves and made oath that Booker Shapard deceased is justly indebted to them the sum of 8 pounds 6 shillings and 7 pence Virinia money after giving all just credits sworn to and subscribed before me one of the Justices of the said County. (signed) S. Graves and Azariah Graves.

                        April 27, 1804 received of Lewis Shapard administrator of Booker Shapard deceased in full of the within account. (signed) John Graves.

 

September 24, 1802 (North Carolina Estate Files, 1663-1979, Caswell County, Booker Sheppard, 1802)

                        Booker Shepard in account with W.L. Webb                      

September 24^th visit and venisect, anodques, etc. - $2.0; Cathart and cord ___ - $1.25.

September 26^th Cathart. Pale. No 1 - $0.25

                                                [total] $3.50

Caswell County. Doctor William Webb came before me this day and made oath that the above account is just and true given under my hand this 5^th day of November 1802. (signed) David Gooch.

                        January 24, 1804. Received of Lewis Shepard the within account in full. (signed) W.S. Webb

 

April 24, 1804 (North Carolina Estate Files, 1663-1979, Caswell County, Booker Sheppard, 1802)

                        The estate of Booker Shapard deceased in account with Lewis Shapard administrator.

By amount of sales returned to January Court 1803 - $52.12.4

By cash received of George Stovall - $19.9.5

To cash paid Murphey & Lea - $20.12.1 ¼

To cash paid Lewis Shapard - $16.14.8 ½

To cash paid Nathan Williams - $4.7.1 ½

To cash paid Thomas Shapard - $16.0.0

To cash paid Rhoda Bush - $1.10.0

To cash paid John Graves, Senr. - $0.15.9

To cash paid Doctor William Webb - $1.15.0

To cash paid John Graves & Sons – 13.17.7 ½

To Administer bond recording inventory - $0.12.0

To Order of sale and recording account of sales - $0.6.0

To Recording this account - $0.4.0

To services, expenses and burial - $5.3.4

Balance due - $9.15.8 ¼

To balance due Lewis Shapard - $9.15.8 ¼

                        In pursuance to an order of the County Court of Caswell to us directed to audit and settle the accounts of Lewis Shapard as administrator of the estate of Booker Shapard deceased. We have proceeded to settle the same and find the balance as above stated. Given under our hands this 27^th April, 1804. (signed) W.L. Webb, Alex. Murphey, James Yancy, Salh__bow (?).

 

 

THOMAS SHAPARD –  b. August 6, 1778  - d. 1840 (birth suspected from deed issued to Thomas from his father on Aug. 6, 1799, likely on his 21^st birthday – age of maturity)

 

August 6, 1799 (Granville County Deed Book Q, page 281)

                        William Shapard, Sr. deeds a gift to his son Thomas Shapard, August 6, 1799.

 

1801 (Granville County Tax List 1767-1823)

Tar River District (recheck this district): Thomas Shapard – 300 acres, 2 white poles

Island Creek District: William Shapard – 1,234 acres, 8 black poles

 

August 2, 1802 (Granville County Deed Book R, page 66)

                        William Shapard deed to Thomas Shapard dated August 2, 1802.

 

1803 (Granville County Tax List 1767-1823)

Knap of Reed District (recheck this district): Thomas Shapard – 465 acres, 1 white pole, 4 black poles

                        Francis Royster – 680 acres, 1 white pole, 6 black poles.

 

November 1806 (Granville County North Carolina Roads, November Court 1806)

                        Granville County, State of North Carolina . The grand jury for the County and State aforesaid upon information present that the road from Newbeys Folly to the Court House is not in lawfull repair. (signed) Allen Howard, ___ Higgs, Wm. Graves, Joseph Lewis, Robert Jector, Charles Harris, Daniel Gooch, Allen Howard, Stephen Beasley, Francis Hester, Thomas Blackwell, Absolam Davis, Nelson Nailling, Thos. Shapard.

 

March 5, 1807 (Granville County Deed Book T, page 88)

                        (Lewis Shapard of Caswell County sold to Thomas Shapard of Granville County 207 acres in Granville County).     This indenture made the 5^th day of March anno Domini 1807 between Lewis Shapard of Caswell County and state of North Carolina of the one part and Thomas Shapard of Granville County and state aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Lewis Shapard for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and ten pounds Virginia money to him in hand paid the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge before the sealing and delivery of these presents hath granted bargained sold and delivered unto said Thomas Shapard one certain tract or parcel of land situate lying and being in the County of Granville and bounded as followeth, beginning Payears and James Yancey’s corner thence west to James Yanceys corner white oak thence north on his line to __ Yanceys corner white oak, thence west to Downies corner pine in the crab orchard thence south on Downes line to his corner pointers, thence west on Downes line to Harris’s corner white oak, then south on Harris’s line to a stake in the pond, Harris’s corner, thence east on Harris’s line to a black jack – Harris’s corner in Shapards line, north on Shapards to a red oak Shapards corner east on Shapards line to a red oak Shapards corner in Preyears line thence north on Preyars line to the beginning containing two hundred and seven acres – more or less, together with the titles and previleges, etc. the said Lewis Shapard doth warrant and defend all rites and titles of said land to the said Thos. Shapard him or his heirs to have and to hold in peaceable possession forever.                                                                                                                                                                                             (signed and seal) Lewis Shapard

Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of John S. Shapard, William Royster.

                        State of North Carolina Granville County May Court A.D. 1807, the foregoing deed was duly proven in open court by the oath of William Royster a subscribing witness thereto and ordered to be registered                                                  (signed) Sneed, clk.

 

September 1808 (Granville County North Carolina Roads, September 1808 Term)

                        The jurors for the state present that….the road leading from Mountain Creek to Grassy Creek near Samuel Peaces is out of order and not agreeable to law. Thomas Shapard, witness. Grassy Creek to Lumkin Mill. Francis Royster.

 

August 31, 1809 (Granville County Deed Book)

                        Thomas Shapard and Francis Royster were trustees for the property of William Shapard, deceased. Dated August 31, 1809.

 

 

1810 (Federal Census)

                        Thomas Shepherd is listed as living in Granville County with one white male 26 – 44 years and having 16 slaves. He is listed around the names of John Stovall, John Stanley, Thomas Vass, Martin Peak, Frances Royster, John Royster and William Royster.

 

Note: Thomas is the only Shapard listed in Granville County in 1810.

 

December 21, 1810 (Marriages of Granville County, North Carolina, 1753-1868)

                        Thomas Shapard was the Best Man at the wedding of Thomas Terry and Elisabeth Barnet.

 

October 27, 1810 (Person County North Carolina Deeds, Book D, pg 237-238)

                        Edward O. Chambers to Thomas Sheppard for Granville Co., for $2000, 485 1/3 acres both sides of Gents Creek adjacent Thomas Chambers, Thomas McGehee, John Williams, Cary Williams, John Green.

 

April 11, 1811 (North Carolina Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868)

                        Thomas Shapard married Fanney Bailey on April 29, 1811 in Person County, North Carolina. Bondsman: Loftin Walton. Witness: H. Haralson, Deputy Clerk.

 

Note: The Children of Thomas Shapard and Fanny Bailey were: William Shapard, Sarah Jane Shapard b. Nov. 17, 1813 I Person County, North Caroilina and married Charles Lewis Bullock (an account of them is published in Rememberance of Eden by Daniel), Arianna Shapard b. c1815 and married James Lewis Webb, Lewis Booker Shapard, Sr. b. Sept. 13, 1817 in Person County and married Catherine Clements Vaulx, Thomas Shapard Jr. b. 1820 and married Caroline Hurt, Yancy B. Shapard b. 1825, Helen Shapard b. July 26, 1829 in Tennessee, John Shapard b. 1830. (Source: Shapard A Family History).

 

Note: The Webb family came to America in 1636 to Smithville, Virginia and Braintree, Massachucetts. James Webb moved from Virginia to North Carolina where he owned and operated a large planation. His son James Lewis Webb was born in Orange County, North Carlolina in 1811 and came to Tennessee in 1838. He located on a farm in Hayward County and became one of the formost planters in community. He brought with him to this State his family and slaves and he engaged in cotton planting on a large scale. He was likewise active in the conduct of a country store… James L. Webb married Miss Arianna Shapard, who died of yellow fever in 1869 at Sommersville, Tennessee. She was a native of Orange County, North Carolina, and a daughter of Thomas Shapard, an extensive plantation owner and tobacconist. The Shapard family were descended from French Huguenot ancestors, who left their native country and went to England and subsequently came to America and located in South Carolina. The maternal great-grandfather was Thomas Shapard…   (Source: Tennessee, The Volunteer State, 1769-1923, Vol. 2, Thomas S. Webb)

 

August 6, 1811 (Granville County, North Carolina, Deed Book V, pg 223, 1810-1812)

                        Thomas Shapard of Person County deeds to John Puryear of Granville County.

 

August, 1812 (Person County, North Carolina Court Book 6, page 95)

                        Estate of Elizabeth Baily deceased Legitees: (list of names), Francis Sheppard

 

Note: This is Thomas Shapard’s wife Fanney.

 

August 9, 1813 (Person County North Carolina Deeds, Book D, pg 376)

                        John William Sr., to Thomas Shapard, for $120, 24 acres south said of Hico, adjacent Thomas McGehee, Jno. McGehee. Witness: William Williams, John Williams, Jr.

 

1814 (Person County, North Carolina Court Book 6)

                        Thomas Shapard paid property taxes in Capt. Bradshler District in Person County. He also paid the taxes for John Bailey (relation to his wife).

 

December 13, 1814 (Person County North Carolina Deeds, Book D, pg 376)

                        Thomas McGehee to Thomas Shapard, for $897.75, 256 ½ acres adjacent John McGehee, Jno. Williams, Joseph Woods.

 

February, 1816 (Person County, North Carolina Court Book 7)

                        Thomas Shapard, Cary Williams and Currie Barnett were witnesses for the will of Mumford McGehee, dated May 29, 1815, in February Court 1816.

 

August 7, 1820 (U.S Census 1820, Person County, North Carolina)

                        Thomas Shepherd of Person County is listed as 45 y/o or older, with 3 males 10 y/o and under, 2 females 10y/o and under and 1 female 26-44 y/o. The family had 15 slaves.

 

Note: Tax records show that Thomas Shapard had two fields he worked, one being 761 acres and the other 600 acres in Person County, North Carolina.

 

1823 (Person County North Carolina Tax List for Capt. Williams Company District )

                        Thomas Sheppard is listed as having 761 acres with 0 white poles and 14 black poles taxed; as well as with an additional 600 acres.

 

1830 (U.S Census 1830, Person County, North Carolina)

                        Thomas Shapard is listed as 50-59 y/o with 2 males under 5 y/o, 1 male 5-9 y/o, 1 male 10-14, 1 male 15-19, 2 females 5-9, 1 female 10-14, 1 female 15-19 and 1 female 40-49. The family also had 45 slaves.

 

1836 (Granville County, N.C. Deed Book 7, pg 171)

                        William H. Royster deeds to William Owen and Thomas Shapard “one negro man named Balaam aged about 46 years, one negro woman Heggar, aged about 43 years, one negro woman Phebe aged about 22 years…”

 

1840 (U.S Census 1840 for Haywood County, Tennessee)

                        Thomas Shapard is listed as 60 – 69 years old with 2 males 10-14 years old, 1 female 15-19 and 1 female 50 -59. The family also had 31 slaves.

 

March 2, 1840 (Person County, North Carolina Letter of Attorney)

                        Thomas Shapard, Sr. of Haywood County, Tennessee to son Lewis B. Shapard and William H. Webb to sell land on waters of Buck Mountain Creek Person County 2 march, 1840.

 

Note: Thomas and Fanny’s children were: William Shapard b. 1811, Sarah Jane Shapard b. 1813, Lewis Booker b. 1817, Thomas Jr. b. 1820, Yancy B. b. 1825, Helen  b. 1829 and John b. 1830.

 In 1845, William Shapard from Haywood County, TN, wrote to the Governor of Tennessee saying “To his excellency the Governor of Tennessee dear sir, I have this day delivered John Smith in the county jail at Brownsville. I am informed that a reward of $250 was offered for him by the governor. Owing to the coldness of the weather and the bad road and distance I have taken no further steps than to confine him in jail safely. At a sutiable time I will apply for the reward. Most respectfully, William Shapard”

                        In 1859, Thomas Shapard, Jr. sold 4000 acres of land in Haywood County (had frame house, negro quarters, etc…). In 1861, Thomas Shapard, Jr. of Haywood County was the secretary of a town meeting whereby they made a home guard and voted to join the confederacy, “We pledge our lives, fortunes and sacred honor in defense of our rights which are now attacked by Lincoln and black republicans…” In 1863 there was a locomotive built by Roger’s Works named the “Thomas Shapard” which was a 15 cylendar, 22 stroke, 4’6” wheel, 54,000 lbs and by 1866 it had run 1,100 miles, being returned to owner after the war. (Locomotive table for 10 months ending March 31, 1866, U.S. Congressional Series Set 1306). No doubt this engine was financed by the Shapard family of Haywood Tennessee. In 1868, Thomas Shapard, Jr., patented a cotton cleaning machine.

 

Note:There is a town known as “Shepp” in Haywood County Tennessee, “named for Thomas Sheppard who had a contract with the railroad to keep a wooden water tank filled. First called Sheppard Switch, the name was changed to Shepp by the post office department but kept the name Sheppards for freight and passenger train service.” (Source: Goodspeed, History of Tennessee, Haywood County, 1887)

 

Note: There is a grave in Oakwood Cemetery (Brownsville, Tennessee) for “Shapard, son of Dr. William and Sarah J. Howell, b. Oct. 10, 1833-d. April 6, 1839.” “Dr. Willima Howell, b. Jan. 10, 1801-d.May, 1884.” “Sarah J. widow of Dr. William Howell, b. July 11, 1807-d. January 5, 1876.” Question- is this Sarah Jane Shapard daughter of Thomas Shapard

 

 

MARY “POLLY” SHAPARD – b. ~ 1780 - d.~1829

September 2, 1811 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        Lists Mary Shapard as living in Caswell County, North Carolina

 

March 29, 1825 (Person County North Carolina Last Will and Testament of Mary Shapard)

In the name of God Amen, I Mary Shepherd of the County of Person in the State of North Carolina being in good health and sound and perfect mind and memory but calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed unto men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say- Principally and first of all I commend my soul to God that gave let and my body to be buried in a decent and Christian like manner and at the  description of execution hereafter named noting doubting but that I shall receive it again at the general resurrection by the mighty power of God. And as touching such “worldly estate” wherewith it has pleased god to bless me in this life I give divide and dispose of in the following manner, to wit; First, it is my will and desire that all my just debts be paid. Second, item, I give and bequeath to my brother James Shepherd during his natural life five negros: John, Sarah, Jane, Abraham, and Rhoda and all their increase, and at the time of his death to be divided equally between all his daughters by his first wife that may be alive at his death and if I am in debt at my death it is my wish and desire that the above named negros shall be hired out until a sufficiency of more shall be raised to discharge the same and also for the executors commissions on if he or them to whom the negros may descend will discharge the debts and satisfy the executors it is my wish that the executors should deliver the property above named to the proper owner or owners. Lastly, I constitute and appoint my friends William McKipack and Lewis Amis executors to this my last will and testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 29^th day of March in the year of our Lord 1825. Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of: (signed) Mary Shapard, John Leath, Nancy Leath.

 

January, 1838 (North Carolina Estate Files, Caswell County, James Sheppard 1838, Family Search, Image 6)

                        To the worshipful, the Justices of the County Court of Caswell, of January Term 1838 – sitting -  The Petition of Nancy [Ann S.] Sheppard, Stephen Page and Elizabeth his wife, Mary Sheppard, Richard Smith and Francis his wife, Joannah Sheppard , Martha Sheppard and Susan Sheppard – the last of whom is an infant under the age of 21 years and served on this behalf by her guardian Richard B. ____. Hereby petitioning your worship, that Mary Sheppard late of the County of Person and State of North Carolina, died in the year 18** having clearly made published in writing her last will and testament which was regularly sent to probate in the proper Court, that in and by said will and testament said testatrix gave and be guaranteed to her brother James Sheppard late of this Country, several negro slaves with their future ___, for and during the life of said James – amongst who and the following, to wit: Abram and Rhoda and a child John born since the death of Testatrix, and after the death of said James. Said slaves and given as aforesaid to all the daughters of said James (“By his first wife”) who may be alive at the death  of their father the aforesaid James Sheppard. Your petitioners further show that the negros aforesaid and (save the youngest who has bee since born) came into the possession of said James under the last will aforesaid, and that said James Sheppard died on the 8^th day of November last. They further show that they, to wit. Nancy, Elizabeth (who has intermarried with your petitioner, Stephen Page), Mary, Francis (who has intermarried with Richard Smith), Joannah, Martha and Susan are the daughters and only daughters of the aforesaid James Sheppard deceased by his “first” and only wife, and are therefore entitled to the negros aforesaid – and there being seven separate interests and only three negros, it becomes necessary to sell said slaves, in order that a division may be effected between your petitioners.

 

 

JOHN S. SHAPARD – B. 1782 (based on census) d. October 14, 1857

 

March 5, 1807 (Granville County Deed Book T, page 88)

                        Lewis Shapard of Caswell County sold to Thomas Shapard of Granville County 207 acres in Granville County (See Thomas Shapard March 5, 1805 for full text).                   

Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of John S. Shapard, William Royster.

 

June 5, 1807 (Granville County Deed Book T, page 126)

                        This indenture made this 5^th day of June in the year of our Lord 1807 between Francis Royster and Thomas Shapard Trustees for the estate of William Shapard, Sr., of Granville County and State of North Carolina of the one part and John Shapard of the same County and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Francis Royster and Thomas Shapard as trustees to the said estate for and in consideration of the sum of $224 pounds  19 shillings Virginia Currency to them in hand paid before the delivery of these presents the receipt whereof we hereby acknowledge hath granted, bargained, sold, delivered, released and confirmed unto the said John Shapard and his assigns forever a certain tract or parcel of land situated and lying and being in the County and State aforesaid containing 196 acres be the same more or less. Beginning at a pine Paryear corner thence north 45 chains and 57 links to a red oak thence west 43 ½ chains to a red oak thence south 45 chains and 57 links to a stake and pointers Thomas Shapard’s corner along his line east to the beginning together with the profits and ___ attending the same or thereabouts belonging to the said Francis Royster and Thomas Shapard as trustees do bind themselves, heirs to warrant and forever defend a proper right and title in ___ to the said tract of land with the appurtenances  unto the said John Shapard his heirs, assigns forever acquit the claim or demand of all and every person whatsoever. It witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals the day and date above written.                                                                                                   (signed)      Francis Royster, Thomas Shapard

 

Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of John Young, John Paryear, John Graves

 

State of North Carolina Granville County August Court A.D. 1807. The forgoing deed was duly proven in open court by the oath of John Graves a subscribing witness there to and ordered to be registered.

 

June 6, 1807 (Granville County Deed Book T, page137)

This indenture made this sixth day of June in the year of our Lord 1807 between John Shapard of Granville County and the State of North Carolina of the one part and John Pyurear of the same County and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said John Shapard for and in consideration of the sum of $392 to be paid at or before the sealing of these presents the receipt whereof he the said Shapard hath bargained sold ___ released and confirmed and by these presents doth bargain sell ___ release and confirm unto the said John Pyurear a certain piece or parcel of land situated lying and being in the County of Granville. Beginning at a pine Pyurears corner, thence north 45 chains 57 links to a red oak, thence west 43 ½ chains to a red oak thence south 45 chains and 57 links to a stake and pointers Thomas Shapard’s  corner thence by his line east to the beginning, containing in the whole 196 acres to the same more or less also the ____rents and services thereof and all the right title and property, interest, claim and demand whatsoever of him the said John Shapard the aforesaid piece or tract or parcel of land and premises with the appurtenances , to have and to hold the said land and premises with the appurtenances of in and to every part and parcel thereof to the said John Pyurear his heirs and assigns to the only proper use and ___ of the said John Pyurear his heirs and assigns forever the said John Shapard doth for himself  his heirs and assigns the said land and premises with every part and parcel thereof against him the said John Shapard his heirs and assigns also against the claim and claims of all and every other person or persons whatsoever will warrant and forever defend by these presents unto the said John Pyurear his heirs and assigns forvever. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written. Signed sealed and delivered in presence of Thos Shapard, John Young, John Graves                                                                          (signed) John S. Shapard

                        August Court A.D. 1807. The forgoing deed was duly proven in open court by the oath of Thomas Shapard a subscribing witness thereto and ordered to be registered.                                                                                   (signed) Stephen Sneed, Clerk

 

 

October 15, 1808 (North Carolina Marriage Bonds, 1741-1868)

John S. Shapard married Elizabeth Vass on October 15, 1808 in Person County, North Carolina. Henry Gray was bondsman and Daniel C. Townes was Witness.

 

September 2, 1811 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        Lists John Shapard as living in Halifax County, Virginia.

 

1816 (Philip Vass Will, Halifax, County, Virginia)

                        Elizabeth Vass’ father was Philip Vass who made a will in 1816, whereby, he believed John S. Shapard was a drunkard and feared he would spend or drink away his inheritance. Therefore instead of a direct inheritance to his daughter Elizabeth, he set up a trust for her lifetime, however, upon her death the estate she inherited from her father would not go to her husband, but go directly to her children.

 

Will of Philip Vass
Halifax County, Virginia

“In the name of God amen. I Philip Vass of Halifax county, do make this my last will and testament, in manner and form as followeth, viz: It is my desire, that all my debts be first paid. If any of my children should die without an heir or will, their estate hereafter devised or given shall return again to my estate, to be divided as shall be hereafter directed. If any of the legatees shall attempt to break this will, or shall enter a suit in law against the legatees, or any one of them, shall forfeit his or their estate hereafter given to them; the forfeited estate returned back to my estate, to be divided as shall be hereafter directed. I give unto my daughter Mary Boyd, negro girl Lydia and her increase, to dispose of as she pleaseth: also I lend unto A. M. B. Rachel and her increase; which negro and increase shall not be sold for no debt or debts of Alexander Boyd or his wife Mary Boyd, in no case whatever; the aforesaid negro Rachel and her increase is not to be removed out of the county of Halifax, without the consent of a majority of the legatees concerned: in either of these two cases a breach be made, a sale or removal, negro Rachel and her increase is forfeited, and return immediately into my estate, to be divided as shall hereafter be directed. Negro Rachel and her increase is lent unto Alexander Boyd and Mary Boyd his wife during their lives, with the above exceptions; and at their death, to return into my estate, and to be divided as shall be hereafter directed. I give unto my son James, negro Amy and her child Leatha and their increase, to him and his heirs forever. I give unto my daughter Sarah L. Vass, three negroes Lucinda, Harriet her daughter, and Amanda Melvina, with their increase, to her and her heirs forever. I give unto my daughter Anna Vass, three negroes, Easter, Eliza and Caroline, with their increase, to her and her heirs forever. I give unto my daughter Apphia Vass, three negroes Martha, Ealle and Maria Louisa, with their increase, to her and her heirs forever. I give unto my son Philip E. Vass, Mary and her brother Jacob, with her increase, to him and his heirs forever. I give unto equal payments, security taken on the land for the payment thereof; the one fourth of the sale of this land to be put out at interest, which interest is to support my daughter Elizabeth Shepperd, and her children with schooling &c. and the principal at her death, to be equally divided between her children, and their heirs forever. It is also my desire, that my western land be sold, when there the indian right is extinguished, and my land surveyed, it be sold at with four equal annual payments, security taken on the land for the payment thereof: this land may be sold sooner than above mentioned, if it is thought best by the legatees. The money arising from the sale of the western land, three fourths of the money arising from the sale of the land whereon I now live, with all the remainder of my estate not already given, to be equally divided by commissioners appointed by court, between my children James P. Vass, Sarah L. Vass, Anna Vass, Apphia Vass and Philip E. Vass, and their heirs forever. I appoint my beloved friend Jarrett W. Cook my executor to this will who is to receive a reasonable sum out of my estate for his services. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 13th day of December 1816.

 

Note: Philip Vass bought land in Granville County in 1780 adjoining Thomas and John Owen and sold this land in 1782 to John Webb.

 

1820 (Census)

                        John S. Shepherd in 1820 is living in Marseilles, Halifax County, VA. His household contains two white males under 10 y/o; one white male 26-44 y/o; Three white females under 10 y/o; one white female 26-44 y/o; one female slave 45 y/o or older.

 

1830 (Census)

                        John S. Shepherd in 1830 is living in Halifax County, VA. His household contains one white male 10-14 y/o; one white male 15-19 y/o; one white male 40-49 y/o; one white female 10-14 y/o; one white female 15-19 y/o; one female 50-59 y/o; one female slave 10-23 y/o.

 

October 12, 1830 (Marriages of Halifax County, Virginia, pg. 133)

                        Richard Carter married Mary E. Shapard, daughter of John S. Shapard who consents.

 

November 3, 1836 (Halifax County Virginia Deeds, 44, pg 298)

                        John S. Shapard and Elizabeth his wife convey to Thomas S. Williams all of Halifax County, 114 acres lying on the waters of Ellis Creek as part of estate of the late Phillip Vass, Jr. deceased. Recorded October 12, 1837

 

1840 (Census)

                        John S. Shepherd in 1840 is living in South District, Halifax County, VA. His household contains one white male 20 – 29 y/o; one white male 30-39; one white male 50-59; one white female 15-19; one white female 50-59; one female slave under 10; one female slave 24-35.

 

September 10, 1850 (Census)

John Shappard in 1850 was living in the Southern District of Halifax County, Virginia. Household shows a Robert Shappard (68 y/o) living with Martha Shappard (30 y/o). This was his daughter. John’s birth year by this census is 1782.

 

 

October 14, 1857(Virginia Deaths and Burials Index, 1853-1917)

                        John S. Shepard born about 1777 in North Carolina died on October 14, 1857 in Halifax, County Virginia, age 80 years old (approx.) white male. His occupation was a carpenter.

 

Note: John S. Shapard was born in Virginia c. 1782. He married Elizabeth Webb Vass, daughter of Philip Vass and Elizabeth Webb, on October 15, 1808 in Person County, North Carolina. John and Elizabeth had the following children: Mary Elizabeth Shapard married Richard Carter in 1830 in Halifax County, Virginia, Martha T. Shapard b. c1815, Emily B. Shapard b. c1820 and married Joseph A. Haden on July 9, 1838 in Halifax County, Virginia. (Source: Shapard A family History). Note: according to 1850 census, Martha T. Shapard was born about 1820.

 

 

ANNE SHAPARD -  b. ~1784

May 2, 1802 (North Carolina Marriage Collection, 1741-2004)

                        Annie Shepard married Joseph Barnett on May 2, 1804 in Granville County, North Carolina.

 

1810 (Census)

                        Joseph Barnett in 1810 is living in Granville County, NC. His household contains three white males under 10 y/o; One white male 26-44 y/o; Two white females under 10 y/o; one white female 16-25; three slaves.

 

Note: WPA records from 1940 list a Joseph Barnett Cemetery in Vance County, NC located on the farm of Thomas M. Morrow one mile from Townsville, which at that time was badly over grown, yet held the graves of Joseph Barnett (oct. 29, 1778 – Dec. 23, 1828); Mary A. Barnett (June 1742-Aug 26, 1837); John Barnett (oct 9, 1815-Sept 3, 1848); William Barnett (Nov. 4, 1806-Dec. 9, 1845); and Martha Hicks (Nov. 1814-July 1829).  Granville County Will book 11, pg 83 February court 1829, lists will for Joseph Barnett with recipients as: Thomas, James, Matilda, William, Mary, Elijah, Elizabeth, Ann, Jane, Martha Hix, Robert Shapard, and Joseph Worrell.

 

 

ROBERT SHAPARD – b.~1786

September 2, 1811 (Estate Papers of William Shapard, Sr.)

                        Lists Robert Shapard as living in Richmond, Virginia.

 

1819 (Chataigne’s Directory of Richmond Virginia 1819)

                        Shapard & Webb merchants, corner of E and Locust sts.

                        William Shapard merchant, d H st. near Monumental Church.

                        Robert Shapard hardware store, s s of E bt 14 and 15^th st, first from 15^th st.

 

1828 (Granville County, North Carolina Will Book 12 1830-1833)

                        Joseph Barnett will divided all property between: Thomas, William, Mary, Elijah, Elizabeth, Ann, Jane, Martha Hix, Robert Shapard*, Joseph Worrell and James.

 

Note: Joseph Barnett had a son named Robert Shapard Barnett.

 

 

January 1, 1828 (Daily Richmond Whig, January 1, 1828, p. 3)

 “Died on December 31, 1828, Robert Shapard of Richmond.”

 

 

MYSTERY SHAPARD Solved

This is the son of Thomas Shapard and Fannie Bailey.

 

1871 (U.S. Congressional Serial Set 1537)

 William Shapard testimony – He lived in Blount County Alabama since 1847 and was originally from Virginia. He was a farmer. States his grandfather, father and mother taught him to be loyal to the American government and to the U.S. government. He tells of his experience during the civil war and his witness of the KKK. Census records show William was married to Angeline. He was born about 1804 (census shows 1811, 1810, 1806 as possible birth years).

1850 census for Blount, Alabama– William =39, b. in VA; Angeline = 27, b. in NC; Mary = 12, b. in GA; Ann = 8, b. in TN; Helen = 5; Effie = 3.

1860 census for Blount, Alabama– William =50, b. in VA; Angeline = 41, b. in NC; Ann = 18, b. in TN; Helen = 15, b. in TN; Effie = 13, b. in GA; Jane = 6, b. in AL; Alice = 2, b. in AL. 

1870 census for Blount, Alabama– William =64, farmer, b. in VA; Angeline = 50, housekeeper, b. in NC; Mary = 32, school teacher, b. in GA; Helen = 25, school teacher, b. in TN; Effie = 23, school teacher, b. in GA; Jane = 16, b. in AL; Alice = 12, b. in AL. 

 

NOTE: According to Donna’s Family Tree (rootsweb.ancestory.com) William was the son of Thomas Shapard and Fannie Bailey. William was appointed guardian of Frances E. Oliver on June 3, 1838 in Haywood Co., TN.  He was a resident of Alabama in June 1848 when he was paid for two days, 300 miles, and two ferriages, travel to Haywood Co., TN as a witness in the case of John Smith charged with murder. In 1857 William’s mother Fannie and Frances Oliver (above mentioned), both entered suits in Madison Co., TN against William and his brother, Lewis Booker Shapard, for money from the estate of their deceased brother John M. Shapard. In this suit William is described as insolvent, and a non resident of TN.

 

In 1845, William Shapard from Haywood County, TN, wrote to the Governor of Tennessee saying “To his excellency the Governor of Tennessee dear sir, I have this day delivered John Smith in the county jail at Brownsville. I am informed that a reward of $250 was offered for him by the governor. Owing to the coldness of the weather and the bad road and distance I have taken no further steps than to confine him in jail safely. At a sutiable time I will apply for the reward. Most respectfully, William Shapard”

 

Note: Thomas and Fanny’s children were: William Shapard b. 1811, Sarah Jane Shapard b. 1813, Lewis Booker b. 1817, Thomas Jr. b. 1820, Yancy B. b. 1825, Helen  b. 1829 and John b. 1830. They lived in Person County, NC on well over 1,000 acres until between 1830 – 1840 when they moved to Haywood County, TN. Thomas (William’s father) had 31 slaves in Haywood TN.