-- 1 (389) --

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 June 1949 Vol. 5. No. 2

--------------------

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.

--------------------

DR. MARY HARRIS-ARMOR, OF GEORGIA

It will be remembered by those who received the first issue of the Clan that we told you our plan would be to publish a story of some interesting person, either a male or female, but always a descendant of some Shackelford or Shackleford, on pages one and two of the magazine. And so this month it is our pleasure to tell you of one of the most honored ladies of our clan. Space will not permit the complete story in one issue, so we are forced to tell you some of the story this month, and more next month. Even then we will be unable to do justice to such a remarkable personality.

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Harris, was born the daughter of William Lindsey Manning and Sarah Frances Johnson-Harris, at Penfield, Ga., March 9, 1863, and her present address is 214 East Harvard Ave., College Park, Ga. She is a grand daughter of John and Mary J. (Polly) Shackelford-Harris. She married Walter Florence Armor, August 15, 1883. But Mr. Armor died some years ago.

Her birthday, March 9th, was declared "Armor Day" in Georgia, by the Georgia W.C.T.U. And in their Bulletin for March-April 1949, we find the following concerning her, and we quote. "From the time she became president of the Georgia W.C.T.U. in 1906 until her failing health took her from the platform about 1936, she was the most sought after speaker,

-- 2 (390) --

the most completely beloved woman, and the greatest woman orator since Frances Willard.

These were 30 glowing years, in which she crossed the continent 28 times and spoke in every State in the Union many times and left in her trail a host of women fired by her matchless eloquence, her deep spiritual conviction, and her dauntless courage and faith. She possessed the most unusual combination of qualities. With all her spiritual power she was also the greatest money-raiser in the National W.C.T.U. She took a collection just like she preached, and she could make a Scotchman empty his wallet.

She always had a dream of a State Headquarters for Georgia and who knows but her prayers helped to put it into the mind of our great-hearted Mr. McPherson to give us this "Home on a Hill", and make her dream come true.

It was her generalship that raised the $15,000 maintenance fund that our wise donor required of us before the deed became ours.

When the National launched the million dollar fund in 1934 and allocated $14,000 to Georgia, it was again due to her generalship that we were among the very first states to complete our quota.

In 1907 after the thrilling fight in the legislature that put Georgia Dry, and which owed much to her brilliant vision and strategy, she was on the program for a speech at the National Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Still full of the thrill of the fight in Georgia, she spoke on "How Georgia Went Dry." And believe it or not friends, it stirred the nation, and as she was called from state to state to tell the story over again, it started a stamped of other states into the Dry column that culminated in National Prohibition in 1920.

Up to this time only Maine and Kansas were dry, and not for many years had any other state attempted to bring up the issue.

To us in Georgia she is not only the most beloved and honored woman among her comrades, but she is definitely the outstanding woman, not of the year, but of the years.

Mary Harris-Armor played a vastly important part

-- 3 (391) --

in marshalling the conscience of the nation against the liquor traffic. (Continued next month).

--------------------

"The only thing about the future which we can be sure is that there'll be a lot of it."

--------------------

We are happy to announce that we have now begun running off back numbers of the magazine, and those of you who have ordered them may expect to receive several issues in a few days.

--------------------

We are happy to announce that Mr. B. L. Shackelford, of Waynesboro, Va., and Mrs. M. H. Netherton, of Gentry, Ark., have sent in their subscription renewals. And our good friend Mr. Harry W. Mills, of Arlington, Va., Editor of Mills Lettergram and Mills Family News, has favored us with a five years subscription to the Clan. Thanks a million to each of you. We shall strive to merit your confidence.

--------------------

And we are also happy to report additional data sent in by the following: Mr. M. T. Shackelford, of Cisne, Ill.; Mr. Robert B. Nance, of Radford, Va.; Rev. Franklin S. Moseley, of Montgomery, Ala.; Mrs. C. P. McGuire, of Birmingham, Ala.; Mrs. M. H. Netherton, of Gentry, Ark.; Mrs. Willie Mae King, of Columbus, Miss.; and Mrs. Cecil B. Taylor, of Clifton Forge, Va. To all of whom we are indeed grateful. Thanks again.

--------------------

We are also happy to announce two new members of the clan this month, both of them of the feminine gender. The first one was Bobbie, charming little cherup who arrived in this orb March 25, 1949, and will stop over to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Howell and Lorene Wood-Scott, of Lexington, Tenn.

Then April 4, 1949, another bit of petite femininity arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Helen May Snoddy-Williamson, of Pittsburg, Kansas. And she will bear the name of Patricia Ann. Her maternal grand parents are the late Mr. Roy Snoddy, of Gentry, Ark, and Mrs. Maud Hazel Shackelford-Netherton, also of Gentry. Sincere congratulations and best wishes to both babies and their happy parents.

-- 4 (392) --

And by the reports sent us Dan Cupid was running the stork a neck and neck race this past month, as we also have two marriages to report to you.

Reported to us was the marriage of Miss Katherine Shackelford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Shackelford, of Foster, Va., to Mr. Leonard Eugene Murphy, son of the late Mr. Thomas Murphy, and Mrs. Claud Duval, of Odessa, Texas, March 19, 1949. The nuptial took place at the Baptist parsonage in Ark., Gloucester County, Va. No other details were shown.

Also reported was the marriage of Miss Margaret Hurt, lovely daughter of Rev. Fred Hurt, of Lexington, Tenn; to Silas Clemuel Jowers, son of Clemuel Etherege and Ruby Ann Shackelford-Jowers, also of Lexington, Tenn; March 31, 1949. No further details of this marriage were reported either.

To both couples we extend sincere congratulations and best wishes for long and happy lives together.

--------------------

"For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh. -- What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Matt. 19:5-6.

--------------------

It now becomes our sad duty to report the passing of one of our venerable and beloved members since our last report. Sarah Nancy Cowley, born the daughter of Jesse Hickman and Elizabeth Lavinia Ann Hassell-Shackelford, June 6, 1868, Tuscaloosa Co., Alabama. She passed to her eternal reward at the home of her son Jesse Brownlee Cowley, of Bessemer, Alabama, March 28, 1949.

She was married to Hiram Brownless Cowley, Dec. 16, 1896, to which union were born two sons and one daughter, two of her children dying in infancy or early childhood. Mr. Cowley died Jan. 23, 1937. She is survived by her only living son, three step sons, one grand child and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

We never had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Cowley personally, but we did have a great deal of correspondence with her. And to her goes a great deal of credit for the splendid record we have of that par-

-- 5 (393) --

ticular branch of the family. But from the reports of others, and from her letters, we know that Mrs. Cowley was a wonderful woman. We would all do well to emulate her example. Her loss will be deeply felt. We extend our regrets and profound sympathy to all the bereaved. May the Lord bless you in your hour of great sorrow.

Another bit of sadness reached us this month too. Mr. and Mrs. John Albert Shackelford, Sr., of Columbus, Miss., attended the rites and reburial of their son, John Albert Shackelford, Jr., who gave his life for his country during the late war. But the event was unusual, in that Lt. Shackelford and his four companions were all killed in a plane crash in France, and were all buried together in one grave. The reburial the same way, at Danville, Va. The place chosen being centrally located because of the convenience for all five interested families.

We do not have a complete record of this family, but we do know that Lt. Shackelford was married and that he had at least one baby daughter, who, along with his widow, the bereaved parents, several brothers and sisters, and a host of ther relatives and friends that survive him. We extend our deepest and most profound sympathy to all of them in this their darkest hour. May the Lord bless and comfort each of them.

--------------------

PERSONALS

Mr. and Mrs. Noah & Martha Murchison-Norman, of Montgomery, Alabama, celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary recently. The report sent us did not show the exact date, but it was reported April 10th, so evidently it was just a day or so before that date. All five of their children and several of their grand children were with them on this happy and momentous occasion.

We have the record of the ancestry of Mrs. Norman, since she is of the same branch of the family as this writer, but we are lacking all dates. Therefore we would greatly appreciate any dates of the Murchison and Norman families that any one will be kind enough to pass along to us. Mrs. Norman is

-- 6 (394) --

descendant of Roger Shackelford and Cary Baker, through their son Roger, and his wife Nancy Ann Carter. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Norman, and may you observe many more anniversaries.

--------------------

"It is the indelible marks that men have made unconsciously in performing their daily tasks, that give the best ground for historical research." Hon. Dana Bates.

--------------------

SHACKELFORDS IN STAFFORD COUNTY, VIRGINIA.

On page 8 of your May magazine you will find two or three items conerening Stafford Co., Va. Shackelfords. One record shows Dudley Shackelford and Richard L. Moncure, of the first and second part, and Jemina Cox, of the third part, the consideration being that Jemina Cox conveyed three slaves to Dudley Shackelford, and Dudley Shackelford was to maintain Jemima Cox for the balance of her life. Query: What was the relationship between Dudley Shackelford and Jemima Cox, if any?

Also note on same page, Dudley Shackelford, Jr. & his wife Ethalinda M. deed 134 acres of land that they acquired from Jemima Cox, to three Stewarts. Deed Book LL, page 55. Where it will be noted that Dudley Shackelford's wife was Ethalinda M. But as this was Dudley, Jr., it is indicated that there was also a Dudley, Sr.

Then on the same page you will note a marriage contract between Dudley Shackelford and Lucy Jett. Deed Book NN, page 418, Jan. 28, 1845.

Next, on the same page you will note the will of Lucretia Shackelford, wherein she states that she is the wife of Dudley Shackelford. Query: Was Lucretia Shackelford the wife of Dudley Shackelford, Sr., or Jr.? And was she the first or second wife?

We are particularly desirous of additional information that will help us in solving this puzzle.

Below are some of the heirs of one of the Dudley Shackelfords, but we do not know if it is Dudley, Sr. or Dudley, Jr. but evidently the younger, as in this particular suit it is stated that Dudley died in 1885, and his children are now seeking a division

-- 7 (395) --

of the estate, and the following heirs are named: Ferdinand Shackelford; Andrew J. Shackelford; Henrietta Shackelford-Dodge, wife of D. C. Dodge; and Lucretia Shackelford-Fines, wife of Elijah Fines. The above heirs named in Chancery Court Orders, File #245, Stafford Co., Va.

Next month we have another Stafford Co. record we would like some additional light on.

--------------------

WILL OF ROGER SHACKELFORD

In the name of God, Amen: I, Roger Shackelford, in the County of Essex and State of Virginia, being sick but being of sound mind and memory, do make and ordain this as my last will and testament in the following manner and form:

First: I desire that all my just debts should be paid out of my estate by my executor.

Second: I lend to my daughter Rebecker Newbill, all the land I purchased of her husband, Richard Newbill lying in King & Queen County; also I lend to her a child's part of my personal property. No debts due from the said Richard Newbill before marriage, shall such be paid out of the said estate at the death of my daughter. I then give to her children, to be divided equally among them and their heirs forever.

Third: I give to my son Charles Shackelford, the tract of land whereon he now lives, to him and his heirs forever.

Fourth: I lend to my son James Shackelford, 1/5 (one fifth) part of my personal estate, to be left in the hands of my son Robert Shackelford, to let him have it as he thinks proper, but if my son James marries, I then give it to his children, to them and their heirs forever.

Fifth: I give to my son Robert Shackelford, and my daughters Nancy and Marthy Shackelford, all the balance of my personal property and estate not willed away, to them and their heirs forever.

Lastly: I appoint my sons Carter and Robert Shackelford, my executors to this my last will and testament; in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this the 24th day of November, 1829. (Nov. 24, 1829). Witnesses Richard Miller, Frances Miller,

-- 8 (396) --

and Ophelia B. Evans. Will Book 22, page 34, Essex Co., Va. Probated Dec. 21, 1829. Robert Shackelford qualified as executor.

The above was Roger Shackelford, Jr., and we find he was married twice. In Deed Book 35, page 440, we find his name attached to a deed, along with his wife Elizabeth. April 1, 1801, Essex Co., Va.

Then we find the following document. Roger Shackelford, and Frances, his wife, of South Farnham Parish, deeded 41 acres of land to John Townley, of the same Parish, said land bounded by the land of the said John Townley on two sides, the land of Ann Townley, a sister of the said John Townley, and Frances Shackelford, on one side, and by the heirs of John Crow on the other side. It being that part of the land of James Townley, deceased, the father of the said John Townley---and Frances Townley, now Shackelford, which belonged to James Townley, son of the said James Townley, which was allotted to the said Frances Shackelford on a division of the land of the said James Townley, brother of the said Frances Shackelford. Deed Book 36, page 447, Feb. 11, 1805. Essex Co., Va. Thus we see that his wife in 1805 was Frances, whose maiden name was Townley.

Roger Shackelford, Sr., father of Roger, Jr., evidently left no will, as one could not be found. But his estate was appraised June 21, 1813. His wife was Rebecca ?? . However, Roger Shackelford, Jr., gave administrator's bond, with William Townley as surety to administer on the estate of Roger Shackelford, Sr. Sept. 16, 1805. Will Book 16, page 383, Essex Co., Va. and Will Book 17, page 478.

Roger Shackelford, Sr. and wife Rebecca, deed 25 acres of land to Roger Shackelford, Jr. for love and affection, Feb. 21, 1798. Deed Book 35, page 1. Essex Co., Va.

You will note on page 2, April 1949, magazine, that Roger Shackelford, and his wife Sarah Rootes, daughter of Phillip Rootes, of King & Queen Co., Va. But we do not know who Rebecca, wife of Roger, Sr., was. Will someone answer that question for us?

Until next month, Adios -- The Editor.

Transcribed by Stephen William Shackelford, March 22, 1998 - Austin, Texas.


BACK TO THE CLAN INDEX

© -Copyright Notice

UpdatedThursday, 01-May-2008 16:49:48 EDT