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SHACKELFORD CLAN MAGAZINE
Genealogy of Shackelfords and Shacklefords
Editor: T. K. Jones 716 Ave. A Lubbock, Texas
$1.00 A Year Published Monthly 10c A Copy
Lubbock, Texas November 1946 Vol. 2. No. 7
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Motto: A people which takes no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors, are not likely to achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote descendants.
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WILLIAM HENRY SHACKELFORD
Many men achieve greatness, but greatness can be measured by different yardsticks. Some achieve greatness in finance, some in politics, some in statesmanship, some in science, and some in just being the ordinary man or woman that behooves each of us. But in our opinion one of the greatest is he or she who becomes great through strength and nobility of character.
Such, in our opinion, is the subject of this sketch- -William Henry Shackelford, of Halifax County, Virginia.
This writer never knew William Henry Shackelford in person, but from his achievements we are certain that he was a man of courage, fortitude and character that would cause the achievements of many of us to pale into insignificance.
Following are excerpts from that which has come from the pen of those who knew him.
Thrust out upon his own resources when only a lad, at the mercy of a world where many, sad to say, are not as friendly as they could or should be. But he struggled valiantly to support himself and help his forlorn mother; but in spite of all handicaps, obstacles and adverse circumstances he grew to manhood, handsome, dark wavy hair, small dark piercing eyes, fine phys-
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ique, full chested, square shouldered, strong, robust and with high ideals. Indeed a man's man.
In 1860, he was employed as an overseer on a plantation; and during that year he was stricken with a mysterious malady that baffled the doctor for whom he was working, and the other physicians whom his first doctor called in. And for one whole year he was utterly helpless, being able to move only his head, after which he was left a hopeless cripple. His funds were exhausted, and the world began to look dark, indeed it seemed as if fate had issued a fatal decree. But, like Job of old, his patience and fortitude sustained him, and after a time his old employer, hearing of his plight, sent for him. The old doctor inquired if he could ride a horse, to which he replied "I can try".
He began his new duties by crawling on hands and knees to a rail fence, then climbing from the fence into the saddle. So he resigned his old job as overseer, and became the manager of the farm.
Being a man of indomitable courage and energy and a financier of a great deal more than average ability, he was in demand as a manager of plantations all over the country.
He continued to work and to economize, and at the age of forth four he met and married Miss Elizabeth James Williamson, a native of Halifax County, Va., she being a daughter of Leonard and Mary Foster-Williamson. The marriage being solemnized December 16, 1868.
To the above union were born eight daughters, namely: Nancy Elizabeth; Mary Susan, Sarah Ellen, Anna Belle, Margaret A, Rhoda Anne, Ada Cora, and Alberta. Anna Belle died in early childhood and Rhoda Anne and Alberta both died in infancy.
In the year 1870, he bought a farm and in 1873, bought still another farm. After the birth of the 8th child, his wife- -Elizabeth James passed to her eternal reward, leaving him, a hopeless cripple, with five small children to mother as well as to father. His character and fortitude stands out like a sore thumb in the success he achieved
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in that Herculean task.
His daughter writes- -"I never saw my father move a toe, straighten a finger or move an ankle joint, but bravely he ministered to our needs, to the needs of five motherless children- -motherless girls, the eldest being but fifteen years of age; and with his dear afflicted hands he was both a father and a mother, and what a father and mother he was. The old place that he built still stands as a monument to his handiwork. Indeed, the God of heaven still chooses the weak things of the world to confound the mighty".
William Henry Shackelford first saw the light of day May 28, 1825, in Henry Co., Va. He passed to his eternal reward January 28, 1922, at his home in Halifax Co., Va., after having celebrating his 96th birthday. And against such tremendous odds surely it can be said of him "That he fought a good fight, he finished his course, hence there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness".
And at this point we do not think it amiss to present herewith a little jingle, written by the daughter of William Henry Shackelford, and dedicated to him. We quote:
There was a young lad named Billy,
A lad who never was silly,
For a very wise lad was he.
However, he was only a knot,
But he earned what he got,
His place on the family tree.
Now this young lad was never a cad,
A courageous heart had he,
Though his chances were slim,
To be a big limb,
High up on the family tree.
He was only a bump to prevent a slump,
Though only a bump was he.
He'd never resist but always assist,
Others up the family tree.
With holes in his socks,
Through the school of hard knocks:
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This lad so determined and free,
With grim set face he held his place,
As the knot on the family tree.
He would not be a botch, but only a scotch,
And truly a good one he would be,
To prevent a slip of foot or lip,
Of those up the family tree.
So through the years, through smiles and tears,
A loyal soul was he,
Though only a knot, he earned what he got,
His place on the family tree.
By Margaret A. Johnson.
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"Honour thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee". Exodus 20:12.
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This month marks the 28th anniversary since the signing of the armistice ending the first world war, November 11, 1918, which was a grand and glorious day for this writer; and since we had a small part in that decision, and in memory of those who gave their lives in that conflict, this number of the Clan is affectionately dedicated.
This month has been rather weak in as far as subscriptions are concerned. Only three have so honored us. New subscribers are: Mrs. Willliam M. Sweeney, of Long Island City, New York; and Mrs. E. T. Stier of Lexington, Mo. Dr. B. L. Shackelford, of Atlanta, Ga., sent in his renewal. And so to all three we say again- -Thanks. We hope to be able to merit your confidence.
And this month we have received very little additional data, but we are indebted to Mr. Ben Hill Shackelford, of Atlanta, Ga.; Mrs Lucy M. Ball, of Jacksonville, Ill.; Mrs. John W. Bybee, of Joliet, Ill.; and Mr. Otto Bayse, of Kansas City, Mo., for some extra bits of information. For all of
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which we are indeed grateful, and thank each of you very kindly.
No births have been reported this month, nor have we been notified of any deaths. So again we wish to urge you, if you know of nay births, marriages or deaths among the Clan any place, please send the information along. We like very much to keep the record up to date.
We would also like to remind those of you that have promised data, again, to please send it along if and whenever you can do so. We would also like to have the address of any members of the Clan that we do not already have, so that we can contact them for additional data.
And those of you who are not members of the clan nor subscribers, who receive a copy of this magazine, are cordially invited to communicate with us, as we will be happy to hear from you and to have any data that you might have, or to help you with your problems if we can.
But little Dan Cupid has been a very busy little man among the Clan members this past month. His darts found their way into the hearts of Mr. Ira Leo Barbee and Miss Mary Louise Shackelford, who succumbed to his magical power and were united in the holy bonds of matrimony in Druid Hills, Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, Ga., October 19, 1946. Miss Shackelford being the lovely and talented daughter of Mrs. Emma Lou Maddox-Shackelford, and Barbee being the son of Mrs. Bessie Leigh-Barbee, of Durham, N.C. The happy couple will be at home at 892 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, Ga.
Cupid also fired some of his little darts in the direction of Mr. J. H. Segrest, Jr., and Miss Mary Elizabeth Tannehill, which culminated in an exchange of marriage vows at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Montgomery, Alabama, October 27, 1946. Miss. Tannehill being the charming daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Moore Tannehill, of Forrest Lake,
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while Mr. Segrest is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Segrest, Sr., of Montgomery, Alabama.
And so the Editor, on behalf of the entire Clan wishes for all of them a long, happy and successful life together.
We have also learned of the approaching marriage of Miss Frances Martin Shackelford, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. John Armstrong Shackelford, of Martinsville, Virginia, to Mr. Brooks Eussell Leavitt, of West Hartford, Conn. The happy event to occur in December, exact date and details have not been sent in.
INFORMATION WANTED
This month several members of the Clan are seeking information; and if any of you can help us out in any manner we will be grateful for whatever it is.
Thomas H. Withers married Susan Shackelford, in Lincoln Co., Ky., October 27, 1838.
We would like to know the parentage and ancestry of Susan Shackelford, and any information of their descendants. She is said to have been a daughter of Samuel Shackelford. Can any one verify that? This information is wanted by Mr. E. T. Stier, of 1402 Franklin St., Lexington, Mo.; and by the Editor of this Magazine.
William and Murrel (Murl) Shackelford, probably brothers, came from Kentucky to Miller County, Mo., just prior to or about the time of the war between the States. And they probably had a brother Allen and sisters Betsy and Sara. Any one having information of the descendants of Murrel, Allen, Betsy or Sarah Shackelford, please send it to the Editor. Murrel Shackelford is said to have married a Miss. Foster, of Tenn., and Betsy is said to have married a Mr. West, and Sarah married a man by the name of Aust.
Stephen Tiffin Shackelford was born in Fayette Co., Ohio, 1813. He moved to Wayne Co., Ill., 1867. One of his sons was named Andrew Jackson. Any one having information of the descendants of
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Stephen Tiffin Shackelford, or of his ancestors, will be making a fine contribution to the record if they will pass it along to us.
Ambrose Grayson Shackelford, born in Bullitt Co., Kentucky, August 4, 1844, and who served in the Confederate army, settled in Arkansas after the was. Said to have married a Miss Dorsey, and to have been the son of Ambrose Grayson Shackelford, Sr. Any information relative to his ancestry or descendants will be greatly appreciated.
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"and ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these thing must come to pass, but the end is not yet.:- - Matthew 24:6.
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Edmund Shackelford, born in Georgia in 1790, and who married Esther ??, who was born 1804, also in Georgia, had the following children: Edmund, Jr. Born 1831; Charles W. born 1826; Sarah, born 1833; Anson, born 1836; Thomas J., born 1838; all in Georgia. This record according to census records of Jackson Co., Ga., 1850. Additional information, either of the ancestry or descendants of the above family is much to be desired.
Arnold Thompson, born 1792, in Virginia, married Elizabeth Shackelford, April 23, 1816, in Elbert Co., Ga., Elizabeth was probably a daughter of Edmund Shackelford and Judith Eastin. They had at least six children as follows:
Reece P.------(married Martha A. ??
Hiram H.------(married Sally ??
Jeremiah------(married ??
Nancy--------(married ??
Joel-----------(married ??
Mordecai Alexander, born 1795, in Virginia, and married Judith M. Eastin Shackelford, daughter of Edmund Shackelford and Judith Eastin, August 7, 1817, in Elbert County, Ga. They are known to have had the following children:
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Thomas R. Alexander born 1818 (married ??
W. S. Alexander born 1819 (married ??
W. H. Alexander born 1821 (married ??
Garland Jones, said to have been a son of John Jones and his wife - Annie Shackelford, married Winnie Shackelford, December 7, 1820, in Elbert County, Ga. Winnie said to have been the daughter of Edmund Shackelford and Judith Eastin. They are said to have moved to Early County, Georgia.
Lloyd W. Shackelford, born 1806, in Georgia, married Catherine ??. They liven in Clark County, Georgia, 1850; and had the following children: Juliet A. O., born 1832; Luvinia, born 1835; Sarah J. born 1838; Catherine P. born 1841; Alice O. born 1845; and Anna S. born 1850.
William T. Thornton, born in Georgia in 1806, married Nancy Jane Shackelford July 20, 1826. She was also born in Georgia, probably Elbert County, as that is where they married. She was born October 5, 1805. And they had the following children:
Singleton A.------(married ??
William C.--------(married Sarah A. Ellison)
Cornelia----------(married ??
Nancy L.---------(married ??
Thomas----------(married ??
Reuben F.--------(married ??
Nancy Ann-------(married ??
Jane C.-----------(married ??
Henry H.---------(married ??
Seaborn W.------(married ??
Carrie Judson----(married ??
Beverly W.-------(married ??
The Editor of The Shackelford Clan Magazine is seeking any and all additional information of the above families that is possible to obtain, i.e.- -Bible and cemetery records, biographies, etc. and also marriage records and names of in-laws.
See you next month, and until then, Adios - The Editor.
Transcribed by Sally Livermore July 1998
UpdatedThursday, 01-May-2008 16:49:18 EDT