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WILLIAM WASHINGTON MERRELL  (This biography has been submitted, however, the contributor did not know the source of the document)

Was born in Gumlog District, Franklin County, Georgia, September 15, 1815. He was a remarkable man in many respects, and one who was loved and respected by his fellow-citizens. Like most pioneers, he underwent many privations. He wrote an autobiography. from which I shall quote at intervals, which will portray his early and latter day environments better than others can do. Of his early life, he says:

"My parents were poor. and being the eldest son, could be but little spared to go to school, and had I had the time the school facilities were poor. At the age of seventeen I moved to Carroll County with my parents, brothers and sisters, eight in number. At this period I could read and write a little. My chances for obtaining an education were not promoted by the removal to this county, for we settled on Turkey Creek, ten miles from the court house, and were without school books or newspapers. Our neighbors were few and all were poor and ignorant, and they seemed to care for nothing but hunting game, which was plentiful. A small corn patch sufficed for bread and their stock lived upon the range. As may be supposed, I fell into that mode of life. When not thus engaged I worked on the farm to help support the family.

"Corn was scarce and the price high. Our nearest mill was eleven miles; the grist was carried to it on horseback. We were ofcen without meat, except such as was killed in the forest. This changed as soon as we had time to raise hogs and beef cattle of our own.

"There was but little money in the country, and no market, and as a matter of course nothing to sell except a few skins which were sold to itinerant traders. We can not say that the hard experiences of these years were not a benefit to us in after life. It taught the lessons of industry, thrift and economy, which we otherwise might have failed to acquire. It taught the salutory lesson: “Live within your means.”

He served for a period of seven months in the Seminole War in 1836, in which he had many encounters with the wily red men, whom Chief Billv Bowlegs so successfully handled in the Florida everglades and who withstood the whole United States’ forces for a period of four years; and was finally captured by treachery.

He was twice married. His first wife was Miss Mary Durham by whom he had six children, four boys and two girls. His second wife was Miss Lucy A. Awtry, by whom he had nine children — eight sons and one daughter.

Of his first marriage he says:

"When I was married I had a horse, bridle and saddle, worth $60, and some cattle and horses worth $40. This was all I possessed of this world's goods, but I had health and was able and willing to work. I entered the battle of life with courage and a determination to succeed.”

And he did succeed. At the age of thirty he began the study of law. and was admitted to the bar in 1845. As a barrister he was honest and capable. In his chosen profession he achieved considerable success, having a clientage from all portions of the country.

He served the county at various times in the legislature, both as representative and as State Senator. During his public career he was United States Commissioner for a number of years, which office was administered to the satisfaction of the people and the government.

It is the consensus of opinion that he was an honest conscientious citizen: true to his convictions, faithful to all public trusts, and a devoted Christian gentleman.

        ===========================================================================================
WILLIAM WASHINGTON MERRELL was the son of Benjamin Smith Merrell and Martha "Patsey" Chandler. His wife ws Mary DURHAM, born 24 Apr 1819 in Spartanburg, S. C., died 15 Jan. 1854, Carroll Co., GA. They were married 19 Sept. 1837 in Carroll Co., GA.
Their children were: Mary Jane Merrell bn 3 Oct 1841
William Perry MERRELL bn 11 Mar. 1846 Died 11 Apr. 1932
Sarah Rebecca MERRELL bn 20 Mar. 1844 Died 9 Feb. 1914
John Newton MERRELL bn 14 Jul 1838, Died 27 Aug. 1838
George Washington MERRELL bn. 16 Aug 1839 Died 15 Dec.1918
Charles Henry MERRELL Bn. 25 Sept.1851 Died 12 Dec. 1910
Grisham Durham MERRELL Bn. 5 Nov. 1848 Died 17 Jul. 1914

(Note: A Complete GEDCOM file for this family is on line at the Family Search Org. at :  http://www.familysearch.org/
Select SEARCH and type in request).

MERRELL FAMILY CEMETERY, CARROLL CO., GA
MERRELL, WILLIAM W. BORN SEPT. 16, 1815 DIED MAY 21, 1900
MERRELL, MARY BORN APR 14 1819 DIED JAN. 15, 1851
MERRELL, HENRY FARMER BORN JUL 30, 1820 DIED JAN 7 1870
MERRELL, CLARISSA BORN OCT. 18, 1820 DIED MAY 22, 1854
MERRELL, THOMAS J M NO DATES CO, F, 19TH GA INF., CSA
MERRELL, BRYANT BORN SEP 16, 1889 S/O G D AND E G MERRELL
MERRELL, BENJAMIN SMITH BN APR 18, 1792 DIED SEPT. 25, 1823
MERRELL, MARTHA CHANDLER "PATSY" BORN SEP 4, 1795 DIED SEPT. 11, 1879

Carroll Co. Newspaper, Friday, June 13, 1884
Mrs. Sallie R. Carlton of Atlanta is in town visiting relatives.  She is a
daughter of Hon. W.W. Merrell.  Mrs. Carlton is accompanied by her two little
boys, Hal and Earnest.  They will remain several week.

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Dianne Crawford http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00014.html#0003452 September 18, 2006, 7:32 pm

Either Carroll Or Paulding County Paper June 1924
Candler Pays Tribute To the Memory of Wm. C. McBrayer

     In the year 1823 Andrew Erwin Mcbrayer, moved from North Carolina to
Georgia bringing with him health, strength and character--- nothing else.  He
lived to a good old age without a stain on his splendid character and left
sons and daughters, who never forgot or abused the heritage of a good name he
left them.
     Soon after his arrival in Georgia he contracted with Samuel Leathers to
work on his farm and married Miss Nancy Leathers in 1826.  He moved with his
young wife to a little farm on Sweetwater Creek, in Paulding county and raised
eight sons and two daughters. 
     A simple statement of a few common facts but not all the history that
Andrew E. McBrayer made.  The lands he cleared, the houses he built, the roads
he assisted in making with his own hands and better the splendid sons he gave
to his country, assets to the states-- not liabilities, for not one of them
was ever known to violate the law.  Are all parts of the history of Georgia. 
     He died at the age of 82 years, his wife living to the age of 95 years. 
     When the Civil War broke out five of his sons volunteered in  the
country's defense, fighting on until their commanders surrendered and then
returned home to their farms; making splendid citizens.
     King David of Israel, laid down the principal that as his post is that
goeth down to the battle.  So that his post be that tarrieth by the staff,
they shall fare alike.   So three sons among whom was William C.  McBrayer,
who remained at home and worked on the farm to feed and clothe their soldier
brothers on the battlefield were no less patriotic than the others who fought
in battle.  Coming to manhood he joined the Baptist church and married Miss
Delia Brown in the year 1873.  He served as postmaster at Draketown about
twelve years.  Several years as Justice of Peace, and served the people of
Haralson County as Tax Assessor for four terms. 
     Through all the years of his quiet life he was zealous of the untarnished
McBrayer name.  Faithful to every trust.  As husband, father, citizen and
christian gentleman;  very quietly on June 25, 1924 he fell asleep leaving his
children the heritage of a name, oftentimes better than silver or gold. 
     This tribute is written by a friend who knew him when we were little
boys, knew him in manhood, knew him to love him through all the years of his
quiet life.
     W.B. CANDLER, Villa Rica, Ga. 


Additional Comments:
William Clark McBrayer, son of Andrew Erwin McBrayer and Nancy Ann Leathers,
was born in Paulding County on Dec. 14, 1848.  He was married to Ardelia
Brown. 

   Young Lee Shackelford
File contributed by Kenny Shackleford 

   Young Lee Shackelford, son of John Harlin Shackelford and Jerusha Carrie Bonner, was born in Carroll County, Georgia January 23, 1882. He is listed in the 1900 Federal Census for Carroll County, Georgia at age 13.         

   Young Lee's father passed away one month before his tenth birthday. This led to hard times for Young. His mother, two older sisters and his younger brother, John Gay Shackelford, who was only six years of age, and Young Lee were left to take care of the farm John Harlin Shackelford had left behind. Being the oldest son, the chores of the farm would become one of his primary responsibilities.

   Soon after the turn of the century, Young's mother, Jerusha, married Sebron W. Millican. One day while working in the fields, Young Lee confronted Sebron and a violent argument ensued. This quickly evolved into a fight. Young Lee became very agitated and struck Sebron with a garden hoe, rendering him unconscious. Thinking that he had killed him, Young became frightened and ran away. Sebron quickly recovered and filed no charges. Jerusha, desperate to find her son, hired detectives to locate him. He was found several years later in Crenshaw County, Alabama, married and a father. Young Lee made two trips back to Georgia to see his mother, but only after he had learned of the death of Sebron. Jerusha made one trip to Alabama to see her son. After this last visit, they never saw each other again.

    Young Lee Shackelford came to Alabama in the early 1900s. He became associated with the Nichols family of Mount Ida, Crenshaw County, Alabama, when he was employed to work in a logging camp. The Nichols family was noted for their timber holdings. Through this association, he met Mary Alice Nichols. She was the second and only surviving child of George Marion Nichols and Mary Tabitha Engram. She was born November 11, 1889 at the home of her parents near the Mount Ida Community located near Brantley in Crenshaw County, Alabama. Young and Mary were married in Crenshaw County December 22, 1905.

   Young Lee and Mary Alice relocated in Petrey, Alabama, in the northeastern section of Crenshaw County. Young bought a farm and started to raise a family with Mary. Seven children were born over the next several years, but only two children survived infancy. During this period a devastating tornado struck and destroyed a considerable amount of Young's property. Due to overwhelming hardships, Young lost his farm in 1915. He returned to the logging camps and brought his family with him. Two more children were born to Mary Alice but they too, died in infancy. During the 1920s he worked as a Street Foreman for the Town of Brantley in Crenshaw County. In the summer of 1926, Young Lee became ill at work and was taken by train to Montgomery, Alabama, sixty miles away.  There he was rushed into surgery for a ruptured appendix. He never fully recovered and died at home September 23, 1926.

    After Young Lee's death Mary Alice, with her two surviving children, Zeddie and Ivera, moved to Carroll County, Georgia were they took up residence with Young's mother, Jerusha Carrie Bonner-Shackelford.  They attempted to stay in Georgia and help Jerusha with the farm. However, in 1929, they returned to Crenshaw County, Alabama.  Zeddie, only surviving son of Young and Mary left home in 1930 when he married. Ivera married in 1935 to Clarence Chance but Mary stayed with them until her death September 14, 1953. She died in a diabetic coma at the Troy Hospital in Troy, Pike County, Alabama.          

   Mary and Young are buried at the Smith Chapel Cemetery, known as Petrey Cemetery, in Petrey, Crenshaw County, Alabama.

   Nine children were born to Mary and Young but only two survived childhood. They were Ivera and Zeddie. The children who died as infants were; Infant daughter, still-born October 01, 1906; John Marion Shackelford, born February 04, 1910 and died April 05, 1910; Infant daughter and twin to Ivera, born and died February 23, 1912;  Joel Donovan Shackelford, born January 06, 1914 and died September 06, 1914. These children were born and died in Petrey, Crenshaw County, Alabama and are buried at the Smith Chapel Cemetery, known as Petrey Cemetery, in Petrey, Crenshaw County, Alabama. The remaining infants were; Infant son, still-born unknown; and two infants, sex unknown, still born. They were born in the Rocky Hill Community of Crenshaw County, Alabama and are buried at the Cameron's Chapel Cemetery in the Rocky Hill Community.

From Robert Wayne Shackelford

    I want to learn if the folk-lore is true that your grandfather and my grandfather decided to visit each other without advising each other, and saw each other on trains headed to the other's hometown as the trains met in Birmingham. 

Obituary of Mary Alice Nichols from the Montgomery Advertiser, September 15, 1953. 

SHACKELFORD, Mary Alice, 63, died at Troy Hospital Monday night. Surviving are two children, Zeddie Shackleford and Mrs. Vera Chance, both of Brantley; five grandchildren. Funeral services will be held today at 10:00 A.M. from Spring Hill Church. Burial will be in Smith Chapel Cemetery, with Turner's funeral in charge. 

The Parents of Mary Alice Nichols 

   George Marion Nichols was born on his father's farm in the Rocky Hill Community near Brantley in Pike County, now Crenshaw County, Alabama May 12, 1861. He married in Crenshaw County December 21, 1884 to Mary Tabitha Engram. She was born in Pike County, Alabama December 14, 1861.

   For the better part of his life, George worked as a farmer and in the lumber business on the land owned by his father.  This land was in the Mount Ida Community. Some of the land is still the property of relatives. George and his wife Mary attended the Cameron's Chapel Church, said to be partially founded by George's father Joel. Cameron's Chapel Methodist Church is located in what use to be known as the "Rocky Hill Community" of Crenshaw County, Alabama.

    George died at home on August 29, 1915. Mary preceded him in death on December 30, 1902, in Crenshaw County. They are both buried at the Cameron's Chapel Cemetery behind the Church.

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                                        Jerusha Carrie Bonner
                                            File Contributed by Kenny Shackleford

 
Jerusha Carrie Bonner, daughter and first child of John Thomas Bonner and his second wife Martha Ann (Mattie) Upchurch, was born in Carroll County, Georgia August 12, 1858, most likely Carrollton. She is listed at age 11 in the 1870 Federal Census for Carroll County, Georgia. Jerusha married three times. Her first husband was John Harlin Shackelford, son of James Joseph Carlisle Shackelford and Margaret A. Forbes. He was born in Pike County, Georgia August 08, 1854. Carroll County Courts issued the Marriage License on June 04, 1876.

   John Harlin Shackelford was eight years old when his father left to fight in the Civil War and would remain the oldest male in the Shackelford family until his father's return in 1865. During this time his mother Margaret did have some help in the home other than by John. This help was provided by Margaret E. Smith, who was listed as living in the household of James Shackelford in the 1860 Carroll County Census. It is possible that Margaret was a sister of James, father of John. By the year 1870, when John was only 16 years of age, he had been removed from school and given the job of keeping the farm for his father. This would be the life long occupation for John Harlin. After John married Jerusha he became a member of the Old Camp United Methodist Church, founded by John Bonner, Jerusha's father. He was also minister there.

   John Harlin died in Carroll County December 20, 1891. John Harlin died at the young age of 37 years. The cause of his death is believed to have been accidental or by some unknown illness. A Petition for the estate of John Harlin Shackelford was presented to the Honorable Court of Ordinary of Carroll County; Georgia by his widow, Jerusha Carrie Bonner-Shackelford on January 29, 1892. The estate was settled in March of the same year. John was buried at the Old Camp Church Cemetery in Carroll County, Georgia.

   Four children were born to the union of Jerusha and John.

   Jerusha Carrie Ann Bonner, widow of John Harlin Shackelford, is listed in the 1900 Federal Census for Carroll County, Georgia. Jerusha is listed as Jerutha, age 42, born July 1857 in Georgia. Her two sons are listed in the home with her. They are; Young L., age 18, born January 1882; and John G., age 15, born April 1885. Both children were born in Georgia.

   Jerusha married for a second time in Carroll County January 10, 1901 to Seabron Washington Millican, son of Thomas Millican, Jr., and Louisa Wiles Ward. He was born in DeKalb County, Georgia July 16, 1843.

   Seabron was married prior to Mary Frances Pentecost. Mary Frances Pentecost was a sister of John Wesley Pentecost who married Georgia Patience Bonner, sister of Jerusha. She was born in Georgia, County unknown November 25, 1854 and died in Carroll County June 17, 1899. Ten children were born to that union. They were; Cora Emma,   Walter Jackson, Thomas Jefferson, Joseph Andrew, Robert Morris, Cornila Eugene, Georgia Elizabeth, John Riley, Homer Alvin, and Emerson. He had enlisted before this marriage in the Confederate Army on March 04, 1862 and served as a Private. No information in regards to his war record has been found.

   While working in the fields, Young Lee Shackelford, a son of Jerusha and John Harlin Shackelford confronted Sebron and a violent argument ensued. This quickly evolved into a fight. Young Lee became very agitated and struck Sebron with a garden hoe, rendering him unconscious. Thinking that he had killed him, Young became frightened and ran away. Sebron quickly recovered and filed no charges. Jerusha, desperate to find her son, hired detectives to locate him. He was found several years later in Crenshaw County, Alabama, married and a father. However, Seabron lived but a short time after that incident dying October 27, 1903 in Roopville, Carroll County, Georgia. He was buried at the New Lebanon Cemetery in Carroll County.

   No children were born to the union of Jerusha and Seabron.

   Jerusha Carrie Ann Bonner, widow of John Harlin Shackelford, is listed in the 1910 Federal Census for Carroll County, Georgia. Jerusha is listed as Jerusha C. Millican, age 52. She is listed as a boarder in the home with James L. and Carrie Felder.

    The third and last husband of Jerusha was William (Billy) Godbee, son of Stephen A. Godbee and Jincy West. He was born in Burke County, Georgia, estimated at about 1855 and died in Carroll County, Georgia before 1930. No information has been found prior to any marriages before Jerusha though it is likely that he was married. Though unknown he may be buried at the Godbee Family Cemetery in College Park, Georgia.

   Jerusha is listed in the 1930 Federal Census for Carroll County, Georgia as Jerusha C. Godbee, age 73. Living in the home with her is Robert Shackelford, listed as a nephew, age 19, born in Georgia. Robert was a son of John Gay Shackelford, Jerusha's youngest son. He is listed with his family living near Jerusha. She had transferred her membership to Stripling Chapel Methodist Church in Carroll County where her son John was a member.

   Jerusha passed away at the age of 84, February 28, 1943. The cause of her death was ruled a cerebral hemorrhage. She is buried along with her first husband, John Harlin Shackelford, at the Old Camp United Methodist Church in Carroll County. She was known by her grand children as Granny Doole.

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF JERUSHA CARRIE GODBEE 

Carroll County; Carrollton, Georgia,  August 20, 1942 

   This being my last Will and and all previous Wills revoked and cancelled, I desire that all of my real estate and personal belongings to be sold, and after all my debts, funeral expenses, and a suitable tombstone be places at my grave that the remaining money from my estate and personal belongings to be divided as follows:

   To my daughter, Mrs. Annie McLendon, one fourth or a child's part if she is still living. If not, her children to share equally in her part.

   Also, my daughter, Mrs. Henry McNeil, to receive one fourths of a child's part if she is still living. If not, her part to be be divided equally among her children.

   Also one fourth or a child's part to be divided equally among the children of my son Young, who is dead.

   Also one fourth, or a child's part to be divided equally among the children of my son Gay, who is dead.

   I also request that John Martin be administrator of my estate and see my wishes are carried out as I directed.  

Signed:  Mrs. J. C. Godbee 

OBITUARY OF JERUSHA CARRIE ANN GODBEE 

MRS J. C. A. GODBEE, OF VEAL COMMUNITY, IS CLAIMED BY DEATH 

   Mrs. Jerusha Carrie Ann Godbee, affectionately known as "Aunt Dool" by her numerous friends, died early Sunday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. L. McLendon, in the Veal Community, followed by a short illness.

   She was born in Carroll County, Georgia, July 12, 1858, the daughter of John Milton and Mattie Upchurch-Bonner. as a young lady she joined the Old Camp Ground M.E. Church, later moving her membership to Stripling Chapel where she was a member at the time of her death. as a young lady she married Mr. John Shackelford who died a number of years ago. She later married Mr. Seaborn Millican who has been dead quite some time. Later she married Mr. Billy Godbee who died several years ago. For a number of years she made her home in the Rocky Mount Community and for some time she lived at Star Point. However, during the last few years she made her home with her children.

   Two sons, John Gay Shackelford and Young Shackelford, preceded her in death.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. H. A. McNeil, of Newnan; Mrs. McLendon, of Bowdon, Route 1; 16 grandchildren, a number of great grandchildren; two brothers, Tom Bonner of Cullman, Alabama, and Bob Bonner, of Vendervent, Arkansas. Three sisters, Mrs. Aubrey Husley, of Carrollton, Mrs John Pentecost, of Roopsville, and Mrs. Ella Baker, of Atlanta.

   Funeral services were held from the Old Camp Ground Methodist Church Monday at 2:30 PM with Rev. Adrian Warwick and Rev. J. K. Brown officiating. Internment was at the church cemetery. 

Note: According to the obituary of Jerusha, it lists her father as John Milton Bonner. This is incorrect, her father was John Thomas Bonner, not John Milton. John Milton Bonner was the brother of Jerusha. 

 

The Parents of John Harlin Shackelford 

   James Joseph Carlisle Shackelford was born in Lowndesville, South Carolina October 31, 1826. He married in Troup County, Georgia February 06, 1849 to Margaret A. Forbes. She was born in Georgia, County unknown March 25, 1827 and died in Carrollton, Carroll County, Georgia June 06, 1909. James died in Carrollton June 25, 1915. They are buried at the Carrollton Cemetery in Carrollton.

   James was a Private in the 41st Infantry, Company I, in the Confederate Army, where his fellow servicemen knew him by the name of "Joseph Shackelford". He fought at the Battle of Nashville where he was captured by the Union Army December 14, 1864. He was held as prisoner of war at the infamous Camp Douglas in Chicago, Illinois until his release on June 20, 1865, at which time he returned home to his family in Carrollton. 

The Parents of Seabron Washington Millican 

   Thomas Millican, Jr., was born possibly in North Carolina November 05, 1808. He married in DeKalb County, Georgia during 1834 to Louisa Wiles Ward. She was born possibly in Georgia estimated before 1817 and died in Carroll County, Georgia, date unknown. Thomas died in Carroll County March 18, 1871. They are buried at the Old Concord Cemetery in Carroll County. 

The Parents of William (Billy) Godbee 

   Stephen A. Godbee was born in Burke County, Georgia February 05, 1829. He married in Burke County before 1855 to Jincy West. She was born in Burke County estimated at about 1833 and died, date unknown, in College Park, Fulton County, Georgia. Stephen died in College Park during 1865. They are buried at the Godbee Family Cemetery in College Park.

      James Carlisle Shackelford
By: Donnie Shackleford 

   James Carlisle Shackelford was the first son of Howard B. and Margaret Carlisle-Shackelford and a great grandson of John and Anne White-Shackelford of Shelby County, Kentucky. James was born October 31, 1826 in the Lowndesville area near Abbeville, SC. Howard's father was Mordecai who lived a few miles west of Lowndesville, SC. However, Howard was living in the nearby village of Abbeville, South Carolina at the time of the 1840 census, and is the most likely place of the birth of James. Across the Savannah River in the Georgia County of Elbert was the family of John McEver Forbes, born November 13, 1800 and died August 01, 1895 in Carrollton, Georgia at the age of 94 years. John McEver Forbes married two times; first to Azubah McNeas from Jackson County, Georgia on March 02, 1826 and died 1844 in Calhoun County, Alabama. John's second marriage was to Ann Davis who was born 1796 and died June 17, 1874. On March 25, 1827 John McEver and Azubah McNeas-Forbes gave birth to Margaret "Margie" A. Forbes. On February 06, 1849 in the Georgia County of Troup, Margaret A. Forbes became the wife of James Carlisle Shackelford. 

   At the time of the marriage of James and Margaret Shackelford, James Shackelford's family was living in Meriwether County, Georgia and the family of Margaret's was living across the county line in Troup County, Georgia. John McEver Forbes had been awarded land grants from the Cherokee Lotteries on May 29, 1843, a claim for lot # 574-3-3 in Troup County. Also living in Meriwether County were members of the family of William and Mary Shackelford-Grant, the Aunt and Uncle of James Carlisle Shackelford. William's father, John Grant, passed away in 1820 and by 1830, his wife Isabella Grant along with William and Mary Grant and some members of the Carlisle family had also moved to Meriwether County. Soon after 1850, James and Margaret were living in Pike County, Georgia. Sometime before the 1860 census was taken, James Carlisle and Margaret Forbes-Shackelford had once again moved, this time to Carroll County, Georgia where many of their descendants live to this day. 

   Their first child, James Carlisle Shackelford, JR., died in March, 1850 and was buried at the Bonner Cemetery on Gold Mine Hill in Carroll County. The year of 1850 was also the same year of the death of James Shackelford's mother, Margaret Carlisle-Shackelford and also the last known year of any records of his father Howard B. Shackelford.  By the end of 1860, Margaret Forbes-Shackelford had given birth to their other four children, Mary, John Harlin, William Alexander and Laura Lavonia, all born in Pike County, Georgia. By the time of the 1870 census, John McEver Forbes and his second wife Ann had moved just two houses away from James and Margaret  in Carroll County where he remained until his death in 1895. He and his wife Ann are buried next to the grave of the infant son of James and Margaret Shackelford. 

   At the time of the 1860 census, James had the occupation as farmer but by the time of the 1870 census his occupation had changed from a farmer to that of a tanner. This is most likely a trade he developed as a Private in the 41st Infantry, Company I, in the Confederate Army, where his fellow servicemen knew him by the name of "Joseph Shackelford". According to some family members during the  days of the Civil War, the farm of James also served the purpose of making boots for the Confederate Army. Family folklore has it that during the time the Union troops were moving through Carroll County, his family was busy at their trade in the tannery business. James was also a member of the Free-Masons and knowing that the Union Officers had a great deal of respect for this organization, he had instructed that the emblem of the Free-Masons be placed at the entrance to his farm. As the Union Troops passed through they saw the emblem which had been placed at the farm's entrance and out of the respect that James had believed they would show, by-passed his farm, never knowing that he was operating a boot factory for the Confederate Army. 

   The above story may or may not be true, as mentioned; it is only family folklore. But what is not folklore is the historical fact that James Carlisle Shackelford did indeed serve in the Confederate Army. He enlisted on March 04, 1862 in Heard County, Georgia as Private Joseph Shackelford and served in Company 1 of the Georgia 41st Infantry, Stovall's Brigade, under the command of Brig. General Marcellus A. Stovall. This unit, as well as several others, was placed under the command of Major General Carter L. Stevenson, Stevenson's Division. This Brigade was involved in several campaigns, including the Atlanta and Tennessee Valley Campaigns. Stovall's Brigade fought at the Battle of Franklin and moved on to the Battle of Nashville where the Union Army captured Private James (Joseph) Carlisle Shackelford on December 14, 1864. He was held as prisoner of war at the infamous Camp Douglas in Chicago, Illinois until his release on June 20, 1865, at which time he returned home to his family in Carrollton, Georgia. 

   During the Atlanta Campaign, General Stevenson's Division came under the Command  of General John Bell Hood, the previous commander being General Joseph Johnston. Johnston seemed to put more emphasis on the loss of real estate and less emphasis on the loss of his men, believing that real estate could be retaken and that a soldiers life could not. General Hood had the reverse idea, putting the loss of his men of less of importance than the real estate. His battle plans were to attack and keep attacking regardless of the cost of life. Even with this errant disregard of the life of a soldier, Jefferson Davis as Commander of the Army of Tennessee appointed General Hood on July 17, 1864. This move would eventually prove to be a disaster for the Confederate Army. At the Battle of Kolb's Farm near Kennesaw the Confederate losses were in excess of 1,000 men, with Stevenson's Division, the Division that Pvt. Shackelford was a member of, losing 870 men. In the words of General Johnston concerning General Hood and the Battle of Kolb's Farm, "Hood had his moment of glory and reclaimed his reputation as an aggressive commander, but at a cost the Confederacy could ill afford." 

   After the stinging loss that came from the fall of Atlanta, General Hood moved his men north to the Battle of Allatoona Pass. The mission of re-capturing Allatoona Pass fell upon General Samuel French who referred to it as "a needless effusion of blood." At the loss of many men, the repeated assaults by the Rebel forces proved fruitless. From here, General Hood headed north into Tennessee, while General Sherman headed south. Unfortunately for the men under the command of General Hood, Sherman had left more than enough forces behind. General Hood's men first met the Union forces at Franklin on the way to Nashville on November 30, 1864. The ensuing battle at Franklin amassed a total of over 6,300 casualties for the Confederate Army. In a last desperate attempt to force General Sherman's army out of Georgia and after suffering terrible losses at Franklin, General Hood continued on toward Nashville. After suffering thousands of more casualties, General Hood and the Confederate army was decimated and ceased to exist as a fighting unit. General Hood retreated to Tupelo, Mississippi while many of his men, including Private James (Joseph) Carlisle Shackelford, were taken prisoner. Private Shackelford would serve out the remainder of the war at Camp Douglas in Chicago, Illinois. 

   From February 30, 1862 to July 05, 1865, Camp Douglas hosted many thousands of Confederate prisoners of war in what had become known as the "North's Andersonville." By the end of the war, 4,275 confederates died, many from starvation, others froze to death being deprived of the necessary blankets to keep them  warm. Their deaths and suffering were the shame of a vengeful Union. The sacrifice that these men endured has been largely forgotten, being only remembered by one monument erected by Southern veterans at Oak Wood Cemetery. Private James Shackelford was released on June 20, 1865, only two weeks before the camp was closed, at which time he returned to his wife Margaret and their four children in Carrollton, Georgia. 

   By the end of the civil war, thousands of Confederate prisoners who died while imprisoned at Camp Douglas and were buried in the North Side Cemetery. Upon closing of the cemetery, many thousands were moved to Oak Woods.One section of Oak Woods is known as the "Confederate Mound". A 46-foot monument stands alone, surrounded by cannon and cannonballs. Buried around it are an estimated six thousand soldiers and sailors of the Confederacy. The 46-foot monument was dedicated on Memorial Day, May 30, 1895. The Confederate Mound at Oak Woods is the largest Confederate burial ground in all the North. 

   Margaret Forbes-Shackelford died at the age of  83 June 06, 1909 and James Carlisle Shackelford lived for another six years, passing away at the age of  88 on June 25, 1915. They are both buried at the Carrollton Cemetery in Carrollton, Georgia. Joseph Knox Griffin, the son-in-law of James and husband to his first daughter Mary E. Shackelford-Griffin , signed the Petition For Letters of Administration, State of Georgia, Carroll County on the estate of James Carlisle Shackelford on July 03, 1915 and was granted the right of administrator on August 02, 1915. Within the past few years a tombstone has been placed in between the graves of Margaret and James with the inscription; Pvt. Joseph Shackelford, 41st GA. Inf., b: 10-31-1826; d: 06-25-1915. 

   All of the children of James Carlisle and Margaret Forbes-Shackelford's children except for their first child were born in Pike County, Georgia. The mystery of what became of his father, Howard remains unknown. From the information I have found on the siblings of Howard, his brother Allen was living in Pike County at this time, which gives reason why James first moved to Pike County after his marriage to Margaret. 

   The following two documents concerning the estate of James Carlisle Shackelford were petitioned by Joseph Knox Griffin, husband of Mary Elizabeth Shackelford, daughter of James Carlisle Shackelford. 

Petetion for Letters of Administration
STATE OF GEORGIA, CARROLL COUNTY 

To the Ordinary of said count: 

The petition of J.K. Griffin respectfully showeth that J.C. Shackelford, resident of said county, departed this life on the 25th day of June, 1915, leaving your petitioner (has been selected as admin of said estate by the nearest of kin), and also leaving a large estate and personal property, worth the sum of $5,000.00, and at the time of his death, the said J.C. Shackelford was entirely intestate, as your petitioner believes, and herein allege: Wherefore, he prays the usual citation in such case to issue, in order that he may obtain permanent Letters of Administration on J.C. Shackelford's estate, and your petitioner will ever pray. 

Petetion for Letters of Administration

STATE OF GEORGIA, CARROLL COUNTY 

To all whom it may concern: 

Joseph Knox Griffin having, in proper form, applied to me for permanent Letters of Administration, on the estate of James Carlisle Shackelford, late of said county, this is to site all and singular the creditors and next of kin of James Carlisle Shackelford, to be an appear at my office within the time allowed by law, and show cause, if any they can, why Permanent Administration should not be granted to Joseph Knox Griffin on James Carlisle Shackelford's estate. 

Witness my hand and official signature, this 5th day of July, 1915:

W.J. Millican, Ordinary 

Signed: Joseph Knox Griffin: July 03, 1915:

Carroll County Ordinary: W.J. Millican

1870 Federal Census, Carroll County, Georgia 

   James Carlisle Shackelford, his wife Margaret and two children are listed in the 1870 Federal Census for Carroll County, Georgia. James is listed as 43 years of age, farmer and was born in South Carolina. Both parents are listed as being born in South Carolina. Margaret is listed as 43 years of age born in Georgia and her parents are also listed as being born in Georgia.. There are three children listed in the household, John age 16; William age 13 and Laura age 8, all born in Georgia. 

1880 Federal Census, Carroll County, Georgia District 713

   James Carlisle Shackelford, his wife Margaret and two children are listed in the 1880 Federal Census for Carroll County, Georgia. James is listed as 52 years of age, farmer and was born in South Carolina. Both parents are listed as being born in South Carolina. Margaret is listed as 51 years of age born in Georgia and her parents are also listed as being born in Georgia.. The two children listed in the household are their two youngest, William age 23 and Laura age 18, both born in Georgia. 

1910 Federal Census, Carroll County, Georgia Township of Carrollton, page 114B 

   James Carlisle Shackelford is listed in the 1910 Federal Census for Carroll County, Georgia and are living in the Township of Carrollton. His wife Margaret died in 1909 and in 1910 he was living in the home with his daughter and son-in-law, Joseph Knox and Mary E. Griffin. James is listed as "J. C. Shackelford" age 84, born in South Carolina. Joseph Knox Griffin is listed as 60 years of age and was born in Georgia. His wife "Mary E" is listed as 58 years of age, also born in Georgia.
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Don Bankston  July 24, 2004, 10:20 pm

BYRON, J. LEE, DR......Middle Ga. Argus - December 1894 Dr. Byron is a native Georgian. He was born in Coweta county just before the war between the states.  His parents moved to Carroll county and settled on a
farm near Carrolton, where his mother still lives.  After acquiring a liberal education he commenced teaching within two hundred yards of the old school house where he first entered school, teaching many children of parents with whom he had been a student in his early boyhood.  After teaching there three years he went to visit his sister who lived in Arkansas, and taught there for two years.  When he returned to Georgia he went into the drug store of his brother-in-law, Dr. J. C. Brown, at Whitesburg, now of Carrolton, and studied
pharmacy and medicine four years.  He then entered the Atlanta Medical College in 1885, from which he graduated March 4th,1887, and came to Jackson in April following.  By his unwavering and close application to business he has made an enviable reputation.  He is industrious, painstaking, ambitious and admirable
equipped in professional learning.  Though modest and unassuming, he is active and untiring, ever anxious to learn whatever will be conductive to the  furtherance of his profession, do credit to his calling and benefit suffering humanity.  The doctor is so congenial and pleasant that the sick feel better in
his presence, and his very successful practice has so inspired confidence in his ability, until people would really be surprised to ear of one of his patients dying, which they never do when their sickness is caused from anything
a full knowledge of medicine well applied to the case can remove.

The following life insurance companies for all of which he is medical examiner, hold him in high esteem: Washington Life, New York; Manhattan, New York; Mutual Benefit, Newark, N. J.; Massachusetts Benefit, Boston; Fidelity Mutual, Philadelphia; Neverland(?) Life, Amsterdam, Holland.

Elsewhere we give a fair representation of his residence on Main street, but
the picture of himself does not do him full justice.  Jackson and Butts county
are proud of all such men as Dr. J. Lee Byron.