Genealogy by Martha

Cross - Love - Culpepper - Herron - Mordecai - Shelby - Cobb

Sgt. Moses Shelby, Sr.

Male 1728 - 1776  (48 years)


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  • Name Moses Shelby 
    Prefix Sgt. 
    Suffix Sr. 
    Born 1728  Tregaron, Cardiganshire, Wales Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Baptism 5 May 1728  St. Caron's Church, Tregaron, Cardiganshire, Wales Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Died 13 Oct 1776  Mecklenburg Co., NC Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Buried prob Rocky Springs Cemetery in Mint Hill, Mecklenburg Co., NC. Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Person ID I992  MyTree
    Last Modified 1 Sep 2016 

    Father Evan Shelby, Sr.,   b. 1690, Tregaron, Cardiganshire, Wales Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 18 Jul 1751, Frederick Co., MD. Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 61 years) 
    Mother Catherine Morgan,   b. Abt 1699, prob Tregaron, Cardiganshire, Wales Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Aft 1754, prob. Frederick Co., MD Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 56 years) 
    Married 9 Feb 1716  Tregaron, Cardiganshire, Wales Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Family ID F3280  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family M. Isabel Alexander(?),   d. Bef Apr 1806, Mecklenburg Co, NC Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Married Bef 1746  Hunts Cabin, Prince George Co., MD Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Children 
    +1. Mary Shelby,   b. Abt 1746, Hunt's Cabin, Hagerstown, Frederick County, MD. (Lickin Creek) Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 21 Aug 1822, Cabarrus Co., NC Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 76 years)
    +2. Dr. Evan Shelby, MD,   b. Abt 1748, Hunt's Cabin, Hagerstown, Frederick County, MD. Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Apr 1825, Cabarrus Co., NC Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 77 years)
    +3. Thomas Shelby,   b. Abt 1750, Hunt's Cabin, Prince George Co., MD Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1803  (Age ~ 53 years)
     4. Elinor Shelby,   b. Abt 1755, Hunt's Cabin, Hagerstown, Frederick County, MD. Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Yes, date unknown
    +5. Moses Shelby, Jr.,   b. 8 Nov 1761, Hunt's Cabin, Hagerstown, Frederick County, MD. Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 15 Apr 1823, Claiborne County, MS Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 61 years)
     6. William Shelby,   b. Abt 1763, Hunt's Cabin, Hagerstown, Frederick County, MD. Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Yes, date unknown
     7. John Shelby,   b. Abt 1765, Hunt's Cabin, Hagerstown, Frederick Co., MD Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Yes, date unknown
    +8. Margaret Shelby,   b. 11 Mar 1767, Mecklenburg Co, NC Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 28 Jan 1835, Cape Giradeau, Missouri Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 67 years)
     9. Catherine Shelby,   b. Abt 1769, Clear Creek, off Rocky River, Mecklenburg Co., NC Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Yes, date unknown
     10. Rachel Shelby,   b. Abt 1772, Mecklenburg Co, NC Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Yes, date unknown
     11. Isabella Shelby,   b. Bef 1776, Hunt's Cabin, Hagerstown, Frederick County, MD. Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Abt Oct 1788, Hagartown, Fredericksburg Co., MD Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age > 12 years)
    Last Modified 17 Jul 2017 
    Family ID F2851  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Notes 

    • From: Ancestry.com Biographies ...
      Moses Shelby was born 05 May 1728 in Tregaron, Cardiganshire, Wales, and died 13 Oct 1776 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. He married Isabel maiden name unknown, She died 1780 in Cabarrus, NC, USA. Moses is the subject of the next generation.

      In 1765 in Grantee Deed Book #2, page 612 of Mecklenburg Co., NC: is
      recorded that Gov. Dobbs and wife (Justina Dobbs), deed to Moses
      Shelby (m. Isabel), 227 acres on Caldwell's Creek and Beaverdam, a
      branch of Rocky River.

      "1769 NC, Mecklenburg: The Presbyterian Congregation is divided into
      Quarters for purpose of administration and supervision; the First or,
      as afterward called, Smith Quarter had as its original elder, James
      Morrison; listed is Moses and Thomas Shelby; was done during
      pastorate of Hezekiah James Balch who served 15 Nv 1769 to 1776. James
      Morrison was minister b. 1795 ordained 1817, d. 1870." (A Chronology
      of Moses & Isabel Shelby and Their Sons, by Johnnie Mullinax Johnson)

      Deed BK # 1 p61- 17 Feb 1775- Moses Shelby, farmer, of Meckl Co, NC
      for "Love, good will & affection which I have & do bear towrd my
      grdau, Mary Carruthers, of sd Co & province" conveys to said Mary "one
      Negro Wench named Anse," provided that if Mary die without issue,
      "then said Negro Wench to be the property of her sister, Esther
      Carruthers." However, the said wench is "to remain in the hands of my
      Daughter, Elenor Carruthers during her life time." Wit: James Harris,
      Evan Shelby, Thomas Shelby, & Oliver Wiley-Apr 1781.

      The NC Colonial Records contain a list of the old men who formerly
      were in Capt. Adam Alexander's Company.
      Daniel Alexander, Lieutenant;
      Moses Shelby, Sergeant; Privates Andrew Alexander, Aaron Alexander and
      Moses Alexander. Endorsed by Robert Harris, Clerk Feb 24 1756. The
      Capt. Alexander mentioned was Colonel of the Mecklenburg Militia.(ref.
      NC State Records, Vol. 12 pp 396-97-98). Identity of these old men
      were as follows:
      Moses Shelby was the son of Evan Shelby of Frederick Co. MD and the
      oldest brother of Mary Shelby wife of Col. Adam Alexander…

      Moses Shelby died during the American Revolution. He entered the war
      as a Patriot.
      The DAR gives Moses time of death as 1 Jul 1776. However, there are
      other sources that give his death date as Oct, 13, 1776, and his Will
      was dated 2 September 1776.

      Moses was thought to have been buried in the Rocky Spring Cemetery in
      Mint Hill.
      There is no tombstone for him presently at Rocky Spring.
      However, when I visited there earlier this year, there were few
      tombstones visible because numerous stones seemed to be covered over
      by debris. (Martha Mordecai 2003).

      Moses' Will was dated 2 Sep 1776 and filed in the Mecklenburg Co.
      Court. Will BK F pg. 154. It was not entered into probate until Jan
      1777 according to the Archives in Raleigh, NC, Will and Shelby Book by
      Gallowary, page 36.

      1783 April Sessions of the Mecklenburg Co., NC Court of Common Pleas
      and Quarter Session, page 21 states: "William Shelby & John Shelby
      came into court & choose Thomas Shelby their Guardian who entered into
      Bond with Oliver Wiley in the sum of 200 lbs. Specie, Condition the
      faithful discharge of his Duty." and "Catherine Shelby came into court
      and choose Oliver Wiley (as) her Guardian who entered into Bond with
      William Wiley in the sum of 100 lbs. Specie, Condition the performance
      of his Duty."

      April 1784, Court Minutes, Cabarrus Co., NC (microfilm): "James
      Craton is given leave to move the property of several orphans &
      legatees of Moses Shelby, dec'd, not exceeding 3 miles provided he
      enters into bond with sufficient security to be approved of by Adam
      Alexander, Esq. for the decent maintenance of said orphans during the
      space of 3 months."

      1785 In the Mecklenburg Co., NC Court of Common Pleas and Quarter
      Sessions Book 2, page 48 1785 Dec. Session is stated "Ordered that
      Robert Archibald be appointed Guardian to Rachel Shelby, aged 13
      years, and Orphan of Moses Shelby, deceased, Secy. Evan (Shelby?)
      bound in 50 lbs., and Ordered that Evan Shelby be appointed Guardian
      to Margaret Shelby, Robert. Archibald, Secy. 50 lbs., and Ordered that
      James Craton (Creighton) be Guardian to Isabella Shelby Orphan, Evan
      Shelby, secry. 50 lbs."
      And on page 50, it is stated "A Release from William Shelby, John
      Shelby, Robert Archibald (?), Evan Shelby, & James Clark to Evan
      Shelby, Thomas Shelby, & Oliver Wylie, Exrs. of Moses Shelby, decd.,
      dated 28th Decr. 1785. (Proved) by A. Osborn."

      18 Jan 1786, James Creaton rec'd of the Exec of Moses Shelby estate,
      (etc) ... part of a portion bequeathed to his wife, Issable (sic)
      Shelby. James signs.

      1788 In the Mecklenburg Co., NC Court of Common Pleas and Quarter
      Sessions Court Minutes
      , Book 2, page 81, 1788 October Session states
      "Isabella Shelby, a Minor of Moses Shelby, Decd., comes into Court and
      Chooses Thomas Shelby (as) her Guardian who Offers for his Security
      Evan Shelby (who were) bound in 150 lbs."

      1789 In the Mecklenburg Co., NC Court of Common Pleas and Quarter
      Sessions
      Book #2, page 84, 1789 January Session, states "Ordered that
      Mr. Adam Alexander, Hez. Alexander, John Ford, Robert Harris, Senr.,
      Robt. Harris, Junr., & Edward Giles be appointed a Committee to settle
      finally the Estate of Moses Shelby, Decd., to meet at Col. Robt.
      Harris on the first Tuesday in March next."

      1789 In the Mecklenburg Co., NC Court of Common Pleas and Quarter
      Sessions Book
      #2, page 85, 1789 April Session, states "A Settlement of
      the Estate of Moses Shelby, Deceased, Returd. by the Executor. Balance
      appears in their hands --- 56.00.07 lbs, which Divided amongst 7
      Legatees each 8. 00.00 lbs., which is 56.00.07 lbs."

      The Cabarrus Co., Minutes Apr 1806 for Isabel's Will being proved in
      court. Letters of Testamony issued by Oliver Harris, Executor named
      in said Will which was done according to law. Makes no mention of her
      husband. The actual Will hasn't been found to date.

      Jan 1808, Cabarrus Co., Minutes of the Court of PQs, 1805-1817, pg.
      40: "Isabel Cratain dec'd. Daughter, Mary Wiley, bequeathed a woman
      slave, was to be sold after being valued by Robert Cochran, William
      and James Harris. 3 hundred dollar value to be distributed among
      legatees."

      The Clear Creek area is where the old Rocky Spring Cemetery is
      located, adjacent to Cabarrus, and Union Counties. Clear Creek is a
      branch of Rocky River. This was the location of the first
      Philadelphia Presbyterian Church. The original Church was, at that
      time referred to "the Rocky Spring Meeting House". (MCM - 2002)

      (From: George Timblin - 2003)
      1. The date of Rocky Spring Meeting House Burial Ground is 1770. Philadelphia Presbyterian Church (originally called Clear Creek Presbyterian) was established in 1770. This was the first site of the church.
      2. The Cemetery at the Second Site (Commonly Called Rice Cemetery) was never called Rocky Spring Cemetery. The name of Cemetery at the Second Sitewas suggested by Rev. Kerr and is the name we are now using since if provides a better link to the church. We still use the reference (Commonly called Rice Cemetery) in the literature since that is what it was referred to over the years. The name Rice came from the name of the family who owed the land surrounding the cemetery.
      3. While the church was at the Rocky Spring (first site) from 1770-1780, members continued to be buried there into the early 1800s.
      4. When the church moved to the second site it was no longer in the Clear Creek watershed, so the name of the church was changed to Philadelphia Presbyterian Church in 1780. The first documented burial at the second site was 1797 (Tunis Hood), but it is believed that burials began soon after the move in 1780. Burials continued into the 1830s (the marked graves are from 1797-1835), and Rev. Kerr believes that some even took place after 1865.
      5. The church moved to the third and present site in 1826 where new cemeteries were begun soon after the move. Three cemeteries are at the third site of the church and these have been well-maintained.
      6. You reference the church ending in 1826. As you know the church is still in business at the third site. The date 1826 was when the move took place from the second to the third (and current) site.

      I recently exchanged emails with George Timblin who is working with
      the restoration project of the Philadelphia Presbyterian Church. I am
      told that there are two sites for this church, old Rocky Spring in
      Mint Hill being one of them. During the present restoration project,
      which is the old Rice Cemetery (the 2nd location of the church), 200
      previously unknown tombstones were uncovered. In 2004, the
      restoration project on Rocky Spring will begin. It is thought that
      there will be many tombstones uncovered there also. I feel confident
      that the tombstone of Moses Shelby will be, at that time, uncovered.
      (Martha Mordecai - 2003).

      The Rocky Spring Meeting House Church, Mint Hill, had the cemetery deed
      back from a family who bought the land from the Wilson family. This
      Wilson family had been in Mecklenburg Co., since abt. 1750.
      (Source: Jean A. Guillen-Atilano of Mecklenburg Co., NC)

      These are the family lines from the Clear Creek area: Wilson, Blair,
      Cutherbertson, Hall, Stansell, McKinnon, Wilson. Moses Shelby was
      located with William Blair in the same area.
      (Source Jean A. Guillen-Atilano)

      The Rocky Spring Cemetery is located in Mint Hill, Mecklenburg Co.,
      NC: It is on the north side of Brief Road near the intersection with
      Hwy 218. It sits about 1500 feet from the road and can be reached by
      going down a dirt drive to the left of the cemetery. It is small, not
      very many tombstones and is covered with leaves. It is treacherous
      with numerous holes here and there. It is also referred to as the
      Ashcraft Cemetery. Now it is being referred to by the Philadelphia
      Presbyterian Church, as site 1 - the Rocky Spring Meeting House
      Cemetery.

      My researcher found at the N.C. Archives 3 papers that I sent in. (1)
      Extract microfilm Treasurer & Comptroller Records Military Papers -
      Misc Volumes: "Accts of The U.S. States With N.C. War of The Rev, Book
      A" - (for a wagon & team) p 99. (2&3)Extract book Mecklenburg Co Court
      Minutes Book 1, 1774-1780 compiled by Doris Futch Briscoe,"1775 A List
      of the Grand Jury
      ,p 14, and "Jury Summons" p 15. Also the extract from
      the original N.C. Mecklenburg Co Court Records, for Jan 1775, Book 1,
      and the "List of the Grand Jury". At some point I think I also sent
      DAR the Moses Shelby will naming dau Mary Wylie (Wiley). Anyhow from
      looking at the approved returned appl, it looks like it was the civic
      service that DAR recognized (not - the being paid for wagon & team). I
      will want to try again with the "War of the Rev, Book A" when I submit
      Isabela ? Shelby's appl. - where she is paid (right next to Moses
      name) for pork and flour. Let me know if I can help with the documents
      I memtion. (Mary Lou Smith - Sept 2004)

      (From the State Lilbrary of NC):
      Anson was formed in 1750 from Bladen. It was named in honor of
      George, Lord Anson, a celebrated English admiral who circumnavigated
      the globe. It is in the south center section of the State and is
      bounded by the state of South Carolina and Union, Stanly, and Richmond
      counties. Its land area is 531.57 square miles and its population in
      2000 was 25,275. From 1755 to 1780 the county seat was called Anson
      Court House. In 1782 and 1783 laws were passed concerning the
      courthouse. In the latter year New Town was authorized to be
      established. In 1787, Newton, the county seat, was changed to
      Wadesboro. Wadesboro is the county seat.
      Mecklenburg was formed in 1762 from Anson. The act was to become
      effective February 1, 1763. It was named in honor of Princess
      Charlotte Sophia of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the Queen of George III who
      was King of England. It is in the south central section of the State
      and is bounded by the state of South Carolina and Gaston, Lincoln,
      Iredell, Cabarrus and Union counties. The present land area is 526.28
      square miles and the 2000 population was 695,370. Charlotte, named for
      Princess Charlotte and established in 1766. is the county seat.
      Cabarrus was formed in 1792 from Mecklenburg. It was named in honor
      of Stephen Cabarrus of Edenton, several times a member of the
      Legislature and four times speaker of the House of Commons. It is in
      the south central section of the State and is bounded by Stanly,
      Union, Mecklenburg, Iredell and Rowan counties. The present land area
      is 364.39 square miles and the 2000 population was 131,063. In 1795 an
      act was passed naming commissioners to erect a courthouse on the land
      of Samuel Hugey which had already been selected as a proper place for
      the county seat. They were to lay out the town of Concord. Concord was
      incorporated in 1806, and is the county seat.
      Union was formed in 1842 from Anson and Mecklenburg. At the time
      the county was formed there was a dispute between local Whigs and
      Democrats as to whether it should be named Clay or Jackson. The name
      Union was suggested and adopted as a compromise because the new county
      was created from parts of two others. It is in the south central
      section of the State and is bounded by the state of South Carolina and
      Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Stanly and Anson counties. The present land
      area is 637.37 square miles and the 2000 population was 123,772.
      Commissioners were named in the act to select a site, lay out a town
      by the name of Monroe, and erect a courthouse. Monroe is the county
      seat.