Husband John George SHELNUT-[181]
AKA: Johann Georg SCHILDKNECHT, George SHELNUT
Born: Oct 15, 1727 - Rottenacker, Donaukreis, Wurttemberg, Germany
Christened: Oct 28, 1727 - Bestand Parish, Rottenacker, Donaukreis, Wurttemberg, Germany
Died: 1781 - USA
Buried:
Marriage: Jan 27, 1756 - Rottenacker, Donaukreis, Wurttemberg, Germany [MRIN:91]
Other Spouse: Anna Barbara-[1786] ( - ) - Abt 1750 - Germany [MRIN:1164]
Noted events in his life were:
• SHELNUT NAME, Origin and Changes, Prior 1700 to 1900's
When the Dane Vikings from Denmark were 'Rulers of Northern Europe', one was an apprentice making shields and armor in the 'Dutch Kingdom'. The Dutch called him "Shield apprentice", so the Danes named him "Schildknecht" with the Danish spelling. The spelling of Schildknecht varied, with and within each country, as they migrated along the 820 mile 'Rhine River', which was an industrious highway, linking most countries of 'Western Europe', and later, by canal, all. This route of travel was most popular in the 1600 and 1700's, when Spain was unfavorable to people immigrating to the 'English Colonies'.
'Schildknecht' variations: Schieldknecht, Schieldnecht, Schiltknecht and Shillnech. Many of them went to Germany and France. Johann Georg Schildknecht claimed German Descent, and anglicized the name to "John George Shelnut". People called him John instead of Johann, which was a name of respect in Germany. Merch family from "The Palatinate" named five sons Johann.
Georg claimed German descent, but the group was referred to as 'Dutch', by Lt. Gov. William Bull of SC, when he issued George the 350 acre 'grant' Dec 1764.
This was due to "Deutsch" (German), being mistaken for Dutch.
Loyalist Cpl. Hans George (Schildknecht) Shelnut, (oldest son), went to Nova Scotia with the British Army in 1783, and his descendants returned to the States in the 1900's using 'SHELLNUTT' in North Andover, Mass.
Henry, son, b. 1769 born Edgefield, used 'Shelnutt' in his last census report 1840.
He was one of five using 'Shelnutt', incl Nathaniel b. 1822, Fayette Co, no children.
Andrew (1772), son, added 'L' (Shellnut) in 1810 census Pendleton Dist, SC.
Andrew & Son used "Shellnutt" 1820 census, Franklin Co, GA
Andrew's descendants (most) used Shelnut in Fayette & Campbell County Georgia.
His sons, William and Thomas, migrated to Alabama about 1838, listed "Shelnut"
1840 Randolph Co, and some listed 1850c as Shelnot, then most in Alabama used Shelnutt..
William (born 1777), s/o John George, used "Schelnutt" in 1810 census, Edgefield, SC (family farm) and added extra 'T' (Shelnutt) in 1820 census, Surry Co, NC.
Some decendants also listed Georgia 1850c as Shelnot and Shelmitt. In Walton Co, Jacob used 'Shellwritt'. In 1900 many of them used Shellnut or Shelnutt.
John Pink Shelnutt, descendant of Andrew, used Shellnutt in the Civil War, and many changes resulted from that.
The 1900 census listed more that 70 families using 'Shellnut'.
Shellnutt, used in Canada, started in states prior to 1865, became popular in Campbell Co by 1900. Census 1930 listed many persons with this spelling.
Joseph S, Shellnut, born Franklin Co, Sept 1819 used 'Shellnut', same spelling used by Andrew 1810 census. He then changed to 'Shelnut' in White Co, Georgia.
His descendants listed in census reports Shelnut, Shelnutt, Shellnut and Shellnutt.
Shelmet, Chinault, Shelmitt, and Shellmet are just more variations of Shelnut. Many of the variations are results of the language barrier or bad spelling by the census recorder. Some census reports listed the people that spoke 'English'.
Seems many people doing records of the 'Shelnut' families use one or another
spelling (for Index purpose). Attempt being made to use correct spelling of each
family in this outline. If your name is different, please advise the spelling you desire and when it was changed.
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• SCHILDKNECHT: German Births & Events, 1700's - 1764
GERMAN RECORDS
Source: *Bestand Parish, Rottenacker, Wurttemberg, Germany - *LDS records
[Records of Phillip Jacob Schildknecht were not located in the search].
John George SHELNUT, son of Johann Georg SCHILDKNECHT and Anna KOZ, was born on Oct 15, 1727 in Rottenacker, Donaukreis, Wurttemberg, Germany, and Christening on Oct 28, 1727 in Bestand Parish, Rottenacker.
John died 1781 in USA.
Date Infant Parents
Sep 3, 1726 Michael Johann Georg Schildknecht & Anna Koz
Apr 3, 1730 Christening
Oct 13, 1728 Anna Barbara
- Johann George Schildknecht & Anna Koz.
Oct 15, 1728 Johann Georg
- Johann Georg Schildknecht & Anna Koz.
Oct 28, 1729 Christening (Twins)
God-parents - Jacob Kramer & Margaretha Grosinger
(Due to my lack of knowledge of German records, following info should be used as info only).
Aug 25, 1751 Anna Margaretha
- Johann Georg Schildknecht & Anna Barbara
Oct 25, 1751 Christening
God-parents - Jacob Kramer & Margaretha Grosinger
Oct 16, 1751 Anna Maria Michael Schildknecht) & Anna Sophia
Oct 25, 1751 Christening
Same date as Margaretha
God-parents - Johann Georg Schildknecht & Anna Barbara
Jul 27, 1757 Jacob
- Michael Schildknecht & Anna Sophia
Aug 14, 1760 Johannes Mother--Anna Barbara Schildknecht
(no other name or info obtained)
More names were available -- But German to me----
The 'God Father' pledges responsibility for a 'God-child'
Note-- During 1764, approximately 420 of the 728 immigrants [128 waiting in London & 600 from Germany] died of starvation or related illness, sometime leaving only one person in the family. No records [found] to show names of deaths, family survivors, or adoptions, to put each person in their own perspective. (Research in London on-going)
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• SOURCE: Shelnut Ancestry, 1700-2000
SCHILDKNECHT / SHELNUT / SHELNUTT / SHELLNUTT
GERMANY - S.C. - ALABAMA - GEORGIA - NOVA SCOTIA
Source: Shelnut / Schildknecht name origin and German Records of Johann Georg Schildknecht (aka George Shelnut), birth & marriage obtained from German Researcher, librarian @ Kennesaw College, GA.
*German film records; Bestand Parish, Rottenacker, Wurttemburg, Germany ordered from Latter Day Saints [LDS] # 1184539 & 1184540, 1622 to 1952. Unable to translate and understand many entries, the films were returned, unfinished.
*Immigration Charles Town, SC Port Records of 1764, and 1765.
*"PALATINE ROOTS" (1988) by Gordon A. Rampy, Warrenton, VA, describing the Immigration of Johann Nicholas Rempi in 1764 with a study of German Origins.
* History of Greenwood, South Carolina, describing German immigrants 1764-1765,
the settlements, and town of "Londonborough" in Greenwood County.
* Public census and records from counties, states, and federal records.
'County History' books, most published late 1900's - *LDS Records (World-wide).
*Descendants Bible and personal records, plus *Nathaniel Shelnut b. 1822, listing most names and some information. He was g-son to Johann George. This record was up-dated early 1900's by *Luther H. Shelnutt, again by *Clarence Borden Shelnutt.
*Many other families added their own family records to that genealogy.
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• IMMIGRATION, German Imigrants, Dec 16, 1764 - Charles Town, SC
Source: * Immigration Records and Port Journals 1764/65 Charles Town, SC.
* "PALATINE ROOTS" (1988) by Gordon A. Rampy, Warrenton, VA, describing the Immigration of Johann Nicholas Rempi in 1764 with a study of German Origins.
*History of Greenwood County South Carolina, with a story of German Imigrants in the town of Londonborough.(1764 &1765) and other towns, and locations.
In the early 1700's, pamphlets distributed along the 820 miles of the Rhine River was describing "Free Land" and "Freedom" in the English colonies of America. The pamphlets became known as "Golden Books", and people dreaming of freedom.
Immigration slowed about 1730 due to Spain and Portugal being unfavorable to people going to New World [America], possessions of France and England. Then these two countries having a "Seven Year War" over the possessions in America and Canada.
The territory [along the Rhine River] of perpetual dispute among many nations,
constantly under threat of war, was controlled by Prussia, Germany or France, Austria-Hungary, and Denmark at different times, and had many families with a 'Golden Book', waiting for news when it came in January, February 1764.
At last - Opportunity to immigrate to Nova Scotia.
When the Palatine German Protestants heard that they wanted families to go to Nova Scotia, they started gathering in "The Palatinate", ready for the six weeks trip on the Rhine River to Rotterdam, then on to London and North America. They wanted people with all types of trades, so the recruit of immigrants was very successful. In fact, that could have been the reason it became a disaster in London.
Colonel John Henry Christian de Stumpel, German mercenary, who recruited soldiers for the King of England in the "Seven Year War", with France, was in London July 22, 1763, seeking reimbursement for money he spent on German marines to fight for England. They had sympathy, but felt pretensions were not founded. While there, he learned Nova Scotia needed people. He spent the balance of 1763 obtaining approval from 'Board of Trade and Plantations' for a grant of 200,000 acres to furnish immigrants for Nova Scotia. Records show the grant was approved Dec 15, 1763, but records of Feb 1764, show the Col. was of dubious ability and thought unable to produce people needed for Nova Scotia. He only had 128 persons (45 families), waiting in London, so the Board reduced this 200,000 acre grant to 20,000, and deStumpel agreed, unaware of 600 Germans on the way.
"The London Newspaper June 16, 1764. announced that de Stumpel had returned from Germany with officers and was to build a city "Stumpelberg" in Nova Scotia." People were unaware that 600 Germans, from "The Palatinate' would be arriving, expecting 100 acres per family, and the 'Grant' would support only 200. On July 18th, several officers petitioned the Board of Trade & Plantations to provide passage for the 45 families to the Colonies and to grant them land. They stated that de Stumpel had given false assurances and promises. Officers with the Col, went before the Board of Trade, but the Colonel, upon finding he could not build his 'city' nor furnish land for 700 immigrants, had abandoned the group and left the country. The Col may have been unscrupulous, but possibly a victim of a giant bureaucratic scam.
It was a disaster for the group. Many could not pay the 'Ship's Fare' from Rotterdam to London, and was not let off the boat. From calculations & records, nearly three-fourths of the Palatine Germans died before the King and Londoners came to their aid. Many others, so ill, died before and after they reached South Carolina.
The immigrants had no place to go, and no money. Letter, August 29th, published in the London newspaper "Lloyd's Evening Post" described their "unutterable distress" and challenged: "For shame, Britons"; Exert yourselves and let a spirit of charity inspire you to feed the strangers that are within our gates." Dr. Anton Wachsel, pastor of St. George's German Lutheran Church (newly built 1764) also wrote and published an impassioned plea for assistance for the 600 (actually, abt 400 alive) refugees."
The response was instantaneous and remarkable. A Committee of "twenty-one Gentlemen" was quickly organized to handle affairs, and relief in form of tents, food, clothing and money was being distributed among the suffering Germans.
The relief committee held frequent meetings and remained active, collecting abt 4,000 lbs Sterling, arranging for a land grant be made available in SC on behalf of King George III. The committee made arrangements with Mssrs Cathcart and Woodrop in Charles Town to serve as agents for the group, and two ships were contracted for, (Union with Cap't Smith and Dragon with Cap't Hammett) and with 180 on each, they couldn't carry everyone. So, the third, "Planters Adventure" with Cap't Lonely was contracted to carry all luggage and 33/35 persons to guard it. The agents were to pay passage, furnish supplies, tools, livestock and provisions as they were needed until September 30, 1765.
During the stay in London, bonds of Christian love and friendship were formed between immigrants, Dr. Wachsel, committee and persons of London, which made it painful to depart. An account in 'London Magazine'. Saturday Oct 6, 1764, gives a glance of the emotional moment: "The Palatines 'broke-camp' behind White Chapel Church. The treasurer, and some other Gentlemen of the very benevolent committee, attended on that occasion and accompanied them to the water side and particularly the Reverend Mr. Wachsel, who had been indefatigable during their stay in England and whose pious labours are above praise. His taking leave of them was a most moving spectacle, tears flowing plentifully on both sides, especially from the sick, and pregnant women who were near their time. Many of the persons present could not refrain from sympathizing with them. They were carried in lighters to the ships lying at Blackwall, singing hymns all the way, and a great number of boats filled with spectators attending them, who seemed greatly affected with their devout behavior and demonstrations of gratitude to the nation which had so hospitably treated them"
The ships, Dragon (Cap't Hammett), Union (Cap't Smith) sailed from Gravesend, on October 7, 1764, arriving Charles town Dec 14th and 16th respectively, after 10 weeks of sailing. The Planters Adventure would not arrive until Feb 12th, 1765, causing considerable inconvenience for the others, being without personal things for two months.
*From immigration & Land Grants, 1764-1765 Charlestown, SC :
D = Dragon, Capt. Hammett, arrived Charleston Dec 14, 1764 with 140
seriously ill Palatines on board. They were put in hospitals. Their land
grants were dated Feb 27, 1765.
U = Union', Capt. Smith, arrived Charlestown Dec 16, 1764 with 180 Palatines
on board. Their land grants were dated Dec 24, 1764.
P = Planters Adventure, Capt. Lonely, arrived Charles town Feb 12, 1765 with
35 Palatine Germans on board. Their land grants were dated Feb 27, 1765.
Lt. Governor William Bull (acting Governor) reported to the committee that the Union suffered the loss of three children, and two were born. That aboard the Dragon, all arrived sick and were placed immediately in an emergency hospital. Twenty had died aboard ship and twenty more shortly after the arrival. Records showed that 374 Germans sailed from London, twenty died aboard the Dragon, three aboard the Union and none on the Planters Adventure. Within the next six weeks, at least 44 more would die of starvation and other illness, leaving only 307, plus two births (one listed as Schildknecht), of the original group to reach land they dreamed about.
IMMIGRATION LIST 'LOG' of Ship Union
1764 Charleston SC
Johann George Schildknecht age 36 1728 Ship Union
Catherine 28 1736 "
Margaret (of first marriage) 14 1750 "
Hans 06 1758 Ship Union
Adam 04 1760 "
Infant (Born aboard Union)abt Nov 1764 "
'Land Grant' Dec 27, 1864 allotted 350 acres.
(All Grants issued - 150 acres per couple, 50 per child).
Johann Georg Schildknecht, in this meeting with about 60 other immigrants from the Union, (Referred to as Dutch) granted 350 acres Dec 23, 1764. One child was listed born aboard ship, to Schildknecht's, accountable for 50 acres, but no other record of the child found . (Grant: recorded Jan 25,1765, located-Cuffeetown Creek. George Schildknecht, Ship Union, 350 acres, Plat pages 119B/90B,106A, 88C.
Research has found that those aboard the Union, granted land Dec 23, 1764, were the first to settle in Londonborough, Ninety Six District/Greenwood Co, SC
The delay of luggage delayed taking possession of 'grants' until after New Year.
Due to many illnesses, (immigrants of Ship Dragon), grants were delayed, and Phillip Jacob Schildknecht, 'grant' 300 acres, issued Feb 27, 1765.
'Log' of Ship Dragon on Dec 14, 1764 Charles Town, SC
Phillip Jacob Schildknecht (Relation unknown) (Port Authority SC,)
Philip Jacob age 50 Ship Dragon
Catherine 48
X-Maria 22 (died Charles town 1764)
Maria Elizabeth 13 (Niece & God-Child of Johann George)
Maria 2+
Rosina 2+
(Note--Maria & Rosina, believed Orphans).
Phillip received grant of 300 acres in February 1765.
Elizabeth & husband (Henry Merck) were present and signed at sale of the George Shelnut 'Grant' (1802). She died at age 107 in Jackson Co, GA.
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LAND GRANTS - CHARLESTON SC PORT RECORDS
Lt. Gov Bull made a practice to place each nationality together, when they gave grants. A "Township" of 20,000 acres was surveyed for them. The settlers, already in the area, wanted this 'settlement' to be a "buffer" between them and the Indians, but it was placed in Ninety-six District. (Greenwood Co, SC)
In Council Meeting Tuesday, Dec 23, 1764, Gov. Bull advised the Board that he had expressed Patrick Calhoun to build a hut for these {Dutch} people, to shield them from the weather, to help with the building of their homes and planting the crop. He issued grants and advised them to plant hemp (marijuana).
When Patrick Calhoun surveyed the town on Cuffey Creek, it was natural to name it "Cuffee Town". The settlers named their town "Londonborough" after their ordeal in London, so the Governor recorded it as "Londonborough".
The 'English' settlers wanted this town to be placed between them and the Indians on the West. They started having trouble from the start and when they learned that the Germans were loyal to the King, they chased them from their property. This could have resulted in 'Cuffee Town' being called "Scuffletown", a city that historians can't locate. The Germans regrouped and reclaimed the property but some
sent their family to Nova Scotia for protection, as John's family was recorded there 1767. He wasn't with them but mentioned in (LDS) records.
The Germans had a hard time during 1765, because late planting and problems kept them from getting a good harvest, but by 1769 had paid their debts and was commended by 'Acting Governor Bull' in a "state of the Colony" address.
November 1964 - a marker with title "Londonborough Settlement 1764" was erected on the west side of State Route 48. (It lies in an area of Greenwood county, bordering Edgefield, and Abbeville counties.
Greenwood County Sketches, page 125: (added Nov, 2004)
(Note- This Greenwood County History is repetition to information already listed.
The difference is very slight, but gives areas and locations)
[Greenwood History, Greenwood County, S.C.]
Scuffletown, like Trickem, raises rather uncomplimentary conjecture as to its origin, but it is also unknown. The 1820 Mills Atlas map shows Scuffletown about three miles southwest of Ware's bridge over Saluda River. It was at the intersection of the road from Cambridge to Greenville and the road from Abbeville to Ware's bridge. Masonic records list a lodge which was organized in 1790 at Hickory Tavern in Laurens County and moved to Scufffletown in 1805 or 1806.
The report said the Scuffletown lodge "became extinct in 1821." Scuffletown must have vanished as a place name about the same time.
(Note - There was much distress between the Germans and the other settlers.
It is possible 'Cuffee Town' was called 'Scuffletown', because of the problems)
Cuffytown has survived as the name of a creek which begins about a mile southwest of Epworth and extends southwesterly through lower Greenwood County. It's earlier spellings include Cuffee, Cuffey, and Coffe. There is at least one reference to a settlement, "Cuffeetown". That was the heading on a letter dated Oct 25, 1770 and written by the Rev. Samuel Frederick Lucius. He was reporting to church head-quarters in Charleston on his missionary work in that community. Lucius was in the area first settled by Germans, but that community was 'Londonborough'. Who or what Cuffy was and who lived in this town cannot be determined.
Origins of many other place names over the county are given in sketches on the old roads or in those about families whose names were applied to settlements and streams. A few short and not-so-old roads described in the newspaper series have been omitted, either because they could not be clearly located or because there seemed to be no landmarks of lasting interest along them. Nor could all stories be included but one more needs to be told.
One evening in 1829 Isaac Burnett, or someone in his family, heard a whistle from a thicket near the house. No one was there. The whistling was heard several times from the thicket, then a male voice began to chat from the thicket, and from, it seemed, the ceiling of the main room of the house. The voice reported that a child had been whipped at school, that a neighbor's horse had run away in the night and other news items. Sometimes questions were answered. People came from miles around to stare at the thicket and the house and occasionally were favored with the sound of the voice, later accounts related.
Finally, the Rev. Nicholas Ware Hodges, a Baptist preacher, was called in. He denounced the voice as an evil spirit and after the minister read aloud from the Bible, the voice was heard no more. The story of the mysterious voice got wide circulation, even in newspapers, and the house remained an object of curiosity for a long time. Burnett's home was near Cuffytown Creek, south of Callison. It has since burned.
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*Greenwood County Sketches, con't - pages 69-73 (Chapter XII)
LONDONBOROUGH
A group of Germans established a settlement named Londonborough along Hard labor Creek early in 1765, the first known group settlement in Greenwood County. Minutes of the Provincial Council list land grants to 56 persons, presumably head of families, but there are no records to show how many of them came here. They were sometimes referred to as Palatines from their native Rhine valley region, the Palatinate, and also were called "Dutch", a corruption of their own word, "Deutsch", meaning German. The same designation was applied to Pennsylvania "Dutch" and the "Dutch Fork" settlers in central South Carolina - they too were Germans.
Our German pioneers were victims of misfortune from the beginning, and their community, Londonborough, was never a thriving one. Many left after only a few years to join older and more prosperous German settlements in Newberry, Richland, and Orangeburg counties. Names of those who remained, though not at their first settlement, include Dorn, Durst, (first recorded as Dorst), Strom (Strum or Straum), Clem, Zimmerman, Flick and Swilling (Zwilling).
Initial promoter of the German expedition was Col. John Henry Christian de Strumpel, former Prussian army officer. He persuaded several hundred (accounts vary as to number) German Protestants to sell their property and emigrate to America, going by way of London where he was to make arrangements for passage and grants of land. Whatever his motive - good, visionary or dishonest -Colonel de Stupel failed to get land grants, but collected all the money the Germans had and disappeared, leaving them stranded in London.
Their plight is described in "An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia" by Dr. Alexander Hewatt, published in London in 1779 and reprinted in 1836 in "Historical Collections of South Carolina," complied by B.R. Carroll.
Hewatt wrote that the Germans were in London "without money, without friends, exposed in the open fields and ready to perish through want ... A humane clergyman, who came from the same country, took compassion on them and published their deplorable case in the newspapers." Help came from "a great personage" [obviously, the King] with "a bounty of three hundred pounds and
tents from the Tower." London citizens followed this example with medical attention and food, plus money. "His majesty, sensible that his colony of South Carolina had not its proportion of white inhabitants, and having expressed a particular attachment to it, signified his desire of transporting them to that province," Hewatt added.
Two ships were engaged and fitted out for the voyage. "A hundred and fifty stand of arms were ordered from the Tower, and given them by his majesty for their defence, after their arrival in America." Hewatt wrote. The October 1764 issue of Gentlemen's Magazine, published in London, had this item: "The Palatines broke up their camp in White Chapel Fields and embarked on board the ships appointed to carry them to the Carolinas."
Minutes of the Dec. 24, 1764 meeting of the Provincial Council in Charleston carry the following:
"His Honor the Lieutenant Governor [William Bull] informed the Board that he had this morning sent an Express to Patrick Calhoun to desire him to proceed directly to the spot where the Dutch People were to be settled and there to build a large Log House to shield them on their arrival from the Inclememcy of the Weather, That he expected Waggons in Town in about Ten days to carry up their baggage,
That he should write to Mr. Fairchild the Deputy Surveyor to proceed with them and survey Lands for them and settle them on them immediately, that they might avail themselves of the earliest opportunity in raising there Hutts and there planting there Crops and several of them attending they were Called in when they were sworn to their petitions and also took the Oath of allegiance." Then the minutes list 56 names and allotments of land from 100 to 400 acres each.
Route of the Germans and their baggage wagons to their new home is not given.
The council minutes for Jan. 31, 1765 note that two Charleston merchants, William Woodrop and Andrew Cathcart, presented petitions for "bounty" due them "as agents for the Committee in London for the relief of poor German protestants lately arrived." Named in the minutes are 175 adults and children over 12, bounty of five pounds sterling apiece: 86 children between two and 12 years old, bounty of three pounds sterling each; and 45 names of persons who died either aboard ship or after landing in Charleston.
A township totaling about 25,000 acres was allotted to the Germans. Its name Londonborough honored the colonists' benefactors. The occasional use of "Londonderry" for the township is incorrect. The boundaries of Londonborough Township are not clearly defined by modern landmarks. There seems to be some overlapping of territory with previously established townships of Hillsborough to the south and Belfast to the west and northwest. It was relatively uncharted territory and that could account for discrepancies.
Site of the Londonborough settlement was south or southwest of Powder Spring, a mineral spring near Hard Labor Creek on the J.A. Bannister place. A large, flat field stone on that place was the step to the community log house, tradition has it, and, if so, it is the only physical trace remaining. The Germans may have built "their Hutts" close together for protection and companionship, in the way European villages were laid out, with cleared ground for crops and pastures surrounding the settlement. That is only surmise, however, as no records have been found.
Governor Bull, in a letter dated March 15, 1765, wrote to London authorities as follows: "I have the honor to acquaint your Lordships that in
obedience to his majesty's command, the German Protestants are settled together about 12 miles south of Ninety Six which spot was pitched upon by the first party who went out of town as most eligible on account of their security, having many English settlers on their Frontiers, who are more accustomed to see Indians and know better how to behave toward them. The land where the Germans are seated is good but not quite so rich as that which lies more westerly; this they were informed of, but for the reason above mentioned declined going there.
I have given the name of Londonborough to this settlement in honor of the gentlemen of the city of London by whose liberal contributions, after his majesty's great example, these emigrants have been maintained and sent hither. I have appointed Militia officers out of their own body and one of them to be Justice of the Peace, with a book compiled for the instruction for justices of this province.
This I hope will preserve good order amongst them and prevent those jealousies which strangers are apt to conceive of their being
improperly treated by the English, until they understand our language and laws. To encourage a military spirit and attachment to the English, I gave them a set of silk colored with the name of their township wrought thereon, and recommended them to some of the best English in that
neighborhood for instruction in agriculture of our climate, I put them as well as the French Protestants of Hillsborough upon going well with their whole strength next year upon raising hemp by giving to each township several bushels of seen now and advising that they should prepare for a future staple of silk by planting mulberries. The party who went up in January lst had finished their huts by the beginning of this month; as all of them would have done, if it had been their good fortune to have had their baggage with or soon after them."
Hard times came in a few months. Peter Dorst (Dust) and Hendrick Adolph went to Charleston and petitioned authorities for help, reporting that money and food had given out and the settlement would have to be abandoned unless aid was provided. Lieutenant Governor Bull told them no help was available, but he allowed them 30 pounds sterling as expenses for their trip.
Charitable neighbors likely gave assistance, but the Germans were still, or again in difficulties in the autumn of 1767, as indicated by a diary reference of T. Griffiths, an English traveler. Griffiths wrote of stopping at "Coffee Creek [Cuffytown], a new neighborhood: here the people were all sick." He also wrote that he bought "some corn for my horse and potato bread and a fowl for myself", so the people did have food. (See White Hall sketch for further excerpts from Griffiths' diary.)
Two years later, 1769, Lieutenant Governor Bull wrote a cheerful report, shown in this extract from his letter to the London Board of Trade:
"They [the Germans] have surmounted the difficulties which naturally attended all new settlers, especially to strangers to the climate and language. By their industry they now enjoy all such conveniences as are to be found with the humble state of life - comfortable houses, orchards, plenty of provisions, stocks of cattle, hogs, poultry, horses for labor. They now raise more than they can consume and consequently add to their capital. Some raise flour and some raise hemp. they are loyal and very useful and orderly members of the community..."
An Episcopal missionary, the Rev. Samuel Frederick lucius, was in the area in 1770, and his report back to Charleston was headed "Cuffee Town." Additional Germans had come in 1770 and may have settled near Cuffytown Creek, rather than at Londonborough which was near Hard Labor Creek. If there was a settlement called "Cuffee Town," as Lucius report indicates , it is one of our "lost" communities. See the chapter on churches for quotes from Lucius report and information on the German Lutheran Church of ST. George eventually established on the Long Cane road, just above the Winterseat bridge over Hard Labor Creek.
Even before the Revolution, some of the Germans moved away from this area, and others spread out before and after the war to lands along Cuffytown Creek in the vicinity of Kirksey and Sleepy (Slippy) Creek in Edgefield County.
Some of the Germans served the American side in the Revolution, but many remained loyal to the British or tried to be neutral, thereby showing gratitude to King George and the London businessmen who had enabled them to get to America. As
with all the settlers, the choice of sides was an individual matter.
The German colony, as such, did not last long, but hundreds of descendants, like their forebrears, have been "very useful and orderly members of the community."
Nearly 200 years after the first group of Palatines came, a marker was unveiled Nov. 1, 1964 beside state highway 48, near Powder Spring. It commemorates the Londonborough settlement and was erected by the Edgefield and Greenwood County Historical Societies. The West German Government through its embassy in Washington sent a 'color guard' to participate in the unveiling ceremony. Three flags were flown at the scene - those of Germany, Great Britain, and the United States of America.
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• LAND GRANTS, 1764-1765 - Ninety-Six District, South Carolina
PALATINE GERMAN PROTESTANTS
South Carolina records of "Grants"
This is the list of German Protestants with 'grants'. The first grants were to those
of the Union, given in Greenwood County, South
Carolina The names had not been 'anglicized'. Taken from from Port Records, SC. Names of the ships were
"U" - Union - "D" - Dragon - "P" - Planters Adventure.
• SALE of LAND GRANT
John's 'grant' from immigration was disposed of by family and sold to William (son) and (s-i-law) Robert Bell in 1802. Family, except #1 son, George,(believed dead), witnessed Deed. [Deed Book 23, Edgefield Co: p-120] George Shelnut & others - to Robert Bell, 23 Dec 1802. We, George Shelnut, Margaret Weaver,
Henry Mark (Merck), Elizabeth his wife, Henry Shelnut, Andrew Shelnut, John Hammelton (Hamilton) & wife Catherine Shelnut (widow of John) and William Shelnut. $200 paid by Robert Bell, 144 acres being part of a tract of (blank ) originally granted to George Shelnut, ajd land held by Josiah Langley, Henry Audolph, Cuffeetown Creek.(Family all witnessed.) Survey by Shadk Stokes 12 Nov 1799 at request of Robert Bell, tract originally granted to George Shelnut for 350 acres as his bounty and have found sd bounty to contain 288 acres, which I have divided between Robert Bell and William Shelnut, giving each 144 acres. Plat represents part to Robert Bell, shows Cuffee Creek.) Proven by David Hammelton 7 Jan 1803, Jas Harrison JP. Recd 2 may 1803.
Page 123--George Shelnut to William Shelnut 144 acres - $200 same dates -same witnesses - same recd. time. Plat shows land for William Shelnut, Horse Pen Creek, Little Horse Pen Creek, and Cuffeetown Creek.(Grant located Londonborough Settlement, three miles from Cuffeetown.)...
Elizabetha, b. 1751, sailed on immigration with Jacob. She was Anna Maria
Elizabetha Schildknecht, niece and God-child to Johann George Schildknecht.
She, Elizabetha (Mrs. Henry Mark {Merch}) signed at the sale 1802 as a member
of this family, and included in "Will" of Henry M. 1849 as a sister, Mrs Elizabeth Dorris. She was mentioned in Cherokee County, Georgia, married to William Dorris
and died (age 107) in 1859, Jackson Co, Georgia.
A good book covering the separation of the German Families in south Carolina and Nova Scotia as a result of the Revolutionary War is "Blood Traitors" by Marg de Villiers and Sheila Hirtle
Records from Family: "George Shelnut line tells of division in the family during the Revolutionary War. The father and one son supported the Colonist while George and Thomas supported the King. George Shellnut (Shalnet, Shelnut), son, served from 1777 to 1783 under Major Thomas Fraser, commander of the South Carolina Loyalist troops, Captain George Dawkins' Company. He was given 500 acres situated in Country Harbour, Nova Scotia, by George the Third, King of Great Britain and Ireland, which turned out to be a pile of rocks. From later records, he was granted land in Ship Harbor, Halifax County, Nova Scotia. He apparently had four sons and four daughters. He would be the right age to be the son of George Schildknecht referred to above."
Note--Research on Revolutionary War -- [No confirmed records located}
Listed:
John Shenault Pvt Morgan's Rifle Reg.(Continental Troops)
John " Pvt 1st & 10th VA
John " Pvt 14th VA Continental Line
Pension applied for 17 May 1824 and drawn 11 May 1839 Grayson County VA. by Richard Shenault Age 60+. (Listed 1820c Surry Co, NC - Benjamin Shelnutt)
(Note--Very little research conducted on the Revolutionary War.)
The group of Palatine Germans could not forget the kindness and generosity
shown them in London, nor forget King George III that provided them with land.
When the choice came to choose between British and Rebels, it's easy to understand why they would remain loyal to their friends and the Crown. Some remained neutral, some shot and some joined the British or fled the country. Others became Tories and were hunted, resulting in some members of the families being shot or hung.
There is no confirmation of a third son in Revolutionary War.
Johann must have fought with the Colonist as he never lost his property.
Family information from the 'Book' by Nathaniel Shelnut's & Luther H. (addition).
Related by telephone *Louise Shellnutt Gaines, "John Shelnut left a large family
in South Carolina and went West and started another large family". My information was that Luther H. Shelnutt visited their home with the 'book'. {At that time, they
probably never heard of John George Shelnut from Walton County}
John had a child (Henry) born 1769 SC (Greenwood / Edgefield County). Family History never mentioned any visit to Nova Scotia. Returning 1768 had records listing them as immigrating. Henry was born USA, 1769, (Greenwood) or Edgefield
Co, SC. [After the trouble with settlers, some of the Germans moved farther away from Londonborough]. (Note- notes and sources on some events lost, but one child was named 'Minerva', possibly named for the 'Ship Minerva' that was active to Canada and the Islands.
*Nathaniel's original book: ( by phone)
"John George Shelnut, (b.1728) left his family in SC and went to Missouri and raised another large family" -- [John never went to Missouri, as he died 1781, before the 'War' \was actually over.] Researching to determine if John is parent to Benjamin and Richard Shelnut. (Katy), wife of Jacob, 1790 census, had three males in home - two under 16 and one over 16.)
There were no males in her family to reproduce Shelnut children.
These two [Shelnutt] families were listed in Surry Co, NC 1820 census:
Benjamin Shelnutt, farmer, age 26/45, four males and two females minus age 10, two females age 16 to 26, one female (sp ?) age 26/45, & one female age 45+.
Richard Shelnutt, mechanic, 26/45, (sp ?) age 26/45, one female 10/16.
Benjamin & Richard have not been found in another census.
*Nat Shelnut - "Hans George, was captured by the British, and sent to Nova Scotia. He was rich, lost his property, and never heard from again".
[But his property was a grant given every child at age 14, - Grant given Hans 1772].
[Cpl George 'Shellnutt', British Army, arrived Nova Scotia 1783, was paid for the property lost in SC and given 'grant' 500 acres in Nova Scotia.]
Clarence Borden Shelnutt, (Head of Department of Activities) of Boston's George Sherman University Union, stated that he met some of the descendants from Nova Scotia, (who could be found in North Andover, Mass, area), and solved the mystery of Hans George. He also saw the original Discharge Papers that had the stamp of South Carolina, that confirmed John had immigrated to SC
There was a "Shelnut Grant" in Wilkes (Elbert) Co, GA of 500 acres, which Andrew paid taxes on and added 55 acres before 1825.-- (500 acres, Wilkes Co, GA, was amount 'granted' to many soldiers of the Revolution.) Property was sold and witnessed by (a) James Shelnut, in 1837. Researching record of "Land Transfer" to Andrew, [when and by whom]. Added -- Tax Records show the property was not all from one source.
Wayne Shellnutt, descendant of Hans George (1758), is living in Nova Scotia. His E-mail Aug 9, 2001--"I am a direct descendant of Cpl George Shellnutt (Schildknecht), who came as a Loyalist to Nova Scotia in 1783 from District Ninety-Six, South Carolina. Would be happy to answer any questions on the Canadian line of the family". E-Mail - [wayne.shellnutt@ns.sympatico.ca]
Wife Catherine "Caty" SHELNUT-[693]
Born: 1736 - of> Wurttemberg, Germany
Christened:
Died: After 1809
Buried:
Other Spouse: John (Hammelton) HAMILTON-[2214] ( - ) - [MRIN:709]
Children
1 F Maria Elizabeth "Betsy" SHELNUT-[312]
AKA: Schildknecht
Born: Oct 16, 1751 - Rottenecker, Wurttemberg, Germany
Christened: Oct 25, 1751 - Bestand Parish, Rottenacker
Died: 1858 Age 107 - Jackson Co, GA
Buried:
Spouse: William DORRIS-[697] ( - )
Marr: Abt 1780 - South Carolina [MRIN:211]
Spouse: Johann Heinrick "Henry" MERCK-[1387] (1760- )
Marr: South Carolina [MRIN:433]
2 M Hans George "George" SHELLNUTT Sr.-[182]
AKA: George Schildknecht
Born: 1758 - Wurttemberg, Germany
Christened:
Died: 1835 - Ships Harbor, Halifax Co, Nova Scotia
Buried:
Spouse: Mary Elizabeth "Mana" MEAUL-[1065] ( - )
Marr: Nov 26, 1785 - Ships Harbor, Halifax Co, Nova Scotia [MRIN:304]
3 M Thomas Adam Shelnut-[183]
AKA: Thomas Schildknecht
Born: 1760 - Wurttemberg, Germany
Christened:
Died: Cir 1778-1780 - Military Service
Buried:
4 U Infant SCHILDKNECHT-[2035]
Born: Nov 1764 - Aboard Ship "Union", Atlantic Ocean
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
5 M Henry M. SHELLNUTT-[184]
AKA: Henry SHELNATT
Born: 1769 - Ninety-Six Dist, Edgefield Co, S.C.
Christened:
Died: Apr 7, 1849 - Ninety-Six Dist, Edgefield Co, S.C.
Buried:
Spouse: Mary BELL-[186] (1766-After 1850)
Marr: [MRIN:68]
6 M Andrew Joseph SHELLNUTT Sr-[292]
AKA: Andrew Joseph "Andy" SHELNUT Sr.
Born: Apr 15, 1772 - Ninety-Six Dist, Edgefield Co, S.C.
Christened:
Died: Oct 15, 1825 - Fayette Co, GA
Buried: - Fayette Co, GA
Spouse: Elizabeth GENTRY-[180] (1775-1854)
Marr: 1797 - Franklin Co, Georgia [MRIN:67]
7 F Barbara "Barbary" SHELNUT-[313]
Born: 1774 - Ninety-Six Dist, Edgefield Co, S.C.
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Spouse: Robert BELL-[696] (Abt 1765-Bef 1820)
Marr: 1788 - Edgefield Co, District 96, SC [MRIN:209]
8 M William David SHELNUTT-[185]
AKA: William SCHELNTT, William SHELNUT
Born: 1777 - Ninety-Six Dist, Edgefield Co, S.C.
Christened:
Died: Jun 4, 1864 - Walton Co, GA
Buried:
Spouse: Rachael FERGUSON-[187] (1784-1860)
Marr: [MRIN:69]
General Notes (Husband)
INTRODUCTION
This 'Shelnut Genealogy' was started in 1995 for Donna Lynn Patterson Selle, in memory of her g-father "Shorty", Albert Alexander Shellnutt. He was one of three Shellnutt's, she and I knew. That was five years before learning of Jane Cobb's Book
and seven years before knowing Wayne in Nova Scotia. Much of my info obtained
from the phone, visits with the families and verified with public records.
There are several 'Reunions' each year: Colunbus, Muscogee County, Georgia - Oconee
County for Henry Martin Shelnutt and the Descendants of David Joseph and Mary E. Benefield Shelnut hold one in June each year.(not in the same place), anyone interested,
we can possbily get when and where information.
Being age 86, there must be many mistakes that wasn't caught, but I'm proud to present this to future generations of Shelnut Clans. Everyone is welcome to add, or correct: personal, family stats, deaths and burials, military, educational, or special events that you would like to pass on to grand-children. Scan special 'Photos' & e-mail.
Would like to show appreciation and give thanks to many, many people, especially those who invited me into the home, with photo's & information.
Special thanks to: the Staff, employees and Volunteer Workers of :
Atlanta History Center Library
Herschel McDaniel Funeral Home, Fairburn, GA (out of business)
Georgia State Archives
Kennesaw College Library
Latter Day Saints [LDS] Family Center Library, Powder Springs, GA
[Mr. & Mrs. Harold Wood (John Pink S. Descendants), & others].
Libraries: Anderson & Greenville County, SC.
Mrs. Johnson @ Elbert Co; Jan @ Paulding Co & Emma @ Cherokee;
Bartow, Cobb, and Floyd Counties in Georgia
History Society of Campbell, Bartow, Gordon, and Floyd.
Researchers: James Curtney "Jim" Shellnutt, California researching family of
Joseph Shelnut born 1819; Ann Shelnut Cantrell, Alabama researching
family of David Shelnut, born 1826; Carol Forbes, researching family of
Nathaniel Shelnut; and Selma Yates Bowen; Tammy Campbell; Nancy
Shelnutt Jones; Dorothy Shelnutt Clarke plus family; Larry Winford
Shelnutt plus family; Judy Shelnut Stanley; Susan Gayle Shelnut Fairies;
Belinda E. Savage
. Shelnut Families:
Henry Elridge III (Pete Shelnutt) - Rev. Fred Gentry Shelnutt -
Joseph Kernal Shelnutt- Bobbie Faye Shelnutt - Ruby Brown (Mrs.
Pink Shelnutt) - Herman & Lola Shelnut - Deborah Harper Shelnutt -
Pat Shelnutt - Martha Faye Shelnutt Leonard - Louise Shellnutt Gaines.
Special thanks: Harold & Sandra Shellnutt (family) - Joe & Lillian Shelnutt -
Robert Griffith & Shirley Shelnutt - Barbara Ann Shellnutt Smith
Plus my son, Bill Patterson, Jr., who has spent many hours teaching me
computer and how to put this together.
Rev. Fred Gentry Shelnut stated "The Shelnutt family should start thinking more about each other" - "Family Reunions are Joyful Times".
Family Stories are the best kind. That was all we had before 'Radio', unless you wanted to read a future classic, three or four times.
When Pendleton District, SC opened, before 1800, a wagon train went through Grove Station, located above Piedmont, SC. A small girl died of Typhoid Fever.
The mother ask one of the people who were staying-on, to put some flowers on the grave. Today, you can still find fresh flowers on the grave. This was about the same time Andrew Shellnut went through to Pendleton District.
If you don't yet realize that one of the greatest, " gift of life", is the 'joy' of giving or doing something for others --then try giving a Christmas Box to a needed family and watch the joyful smiles come on the faces.
People had to travel with friends, neighbors, and family for protection, and help in case of breakdowns, Indians, pit-falls, and wild animals. Don't forget the prisoners whose fines were paid, so that they could sign for a 'grant' for the benefactor.
These prisoners, once in this country, were 'free', and many hadn't been broken from the habit of stealing nor robbing.
Wagon train 'trails' went from Charles Town to Abbeville, to Rowan, NC - Philadelphia Wagon Trail from New Jersey to Rowan, NC, and further west. Captain --?, Royal Troops, Rowan, NC reported "It's not unusual to count a 1,000 wagons coming through in one day." The "Wagon Trails" are found in many places, 'still marked'.
Your comments are welcome.
William Patterson, Sr E-mail: <billsr@pattersongenealogy.com>
E-mail <bill@shellnutt.net>
96 Larry Dr Acworth, GA 30101-8239 Phone: 770-966-9481
**********************
PARENTS NEEDED
Many families have been missed, not intentionally. Some families are listed with no parents, hoping someone will have the needed information, to give them parents.
Many, in family of Andrew, went from Georgia, to Alabama, some to Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas. Some there for one census or had child born in a state other than Georgia. Some missed being counted in a census, making it hard to place them correctly. Maybe you can help.
Missouri "Shelnutt's" can be found in Jane Shelnutt Cobb's "Book of Shelnutt's". Most stayed in Missouri or went to Texas. Some found and listed in this Family History while searching for someone else.
Nova Scotia Shellnutt's can be found through Wayne Shellnutt in Nova Scotia.
> wayne.shellnutt@Ns.sympatico.ca <
Joseph S. Shelnut b. Sep 1819, Franklin Co, GA (parents not confirmed),
believed to be g-son of Andrew Shelnut, Pendleton District & Franklin Co until 1822.
(Note) William Buck Shelnut, born 1801, purchased property near father Andrew,
Franklin County 1819. (Family story of earlier marriage - not confirmed).
Joseph and descendants are on file with James C. "Jim" Shellnutt, California. <jshellnutt@nimsassociates.com>
Family of Barney Walker Shelnutt (in 1920c & 1930c Georgia, age 33 (1897) born in Tennessee), are searching for parents. Daughter Bobbie Faye Shelnutt can be reached in Atlanta by request. Barney thought to be Alabama Shelnutt descendant.
Barney and siblings listed with a Mrs Richardson ?, widow, Civil Dist #2, Crockett County, 1900c Tennessee. Some info listed in this data-base.
Barney filled-out 'History for employment' with Savannah Electric Co. and drove
a 'Street Car' in Savannah, GA listed birth 1890 TN.
Census 1820 Surry County, North Carolina:
Benjamin Shelnutt, farmer, age 26/45, four males two females age minus 10.
two females 16/26, one 26/45 and one 45+.
Richard Shelnutt, mechanic, 26/45, one female -16, one female 26/45
No record to verify Benj nor Richard related to John George Shelnut born 1727 Germany, but if stories are partly true: 'That John Shelnut (1727) started another
family, it could have been in SC as he died in 1781. Researching to learn if these two are part of the other Shelnut family, from South Carolina.
These Shelnut families also used alias of "Shenault" - (Shenault families of Virginia).
**********************
General Notes (Wife)
Cathy, John's wife, listed 1790 census with two males over age 16, (Henry and Andrew) and one male (William) under 16. Also three females.
There was another Catherine Schildknecht aboard the 'Ship Dragon', age 48 in (1764).
Her husband Phillip Jacob Schildknecht was not listed with her in 1790 census SC.
Katy had one male over 16, and two under 16, but they didn't have to be Shelnut's.
Listed aboard the Dragon, was Phillip age 50, Catherine (Caty) age 48, Maria age 22 (died in Charles Town, SC,), Maria Elizabeth age 13, [God-child of John and included in property settlement], Rosina & Maria, both age 2+. (Three females in household 1790c)
It is assumed that there is a connection of the two families but it is unknown. Too many
deaths made it impossible to list them in their proper perspective.
John was the God- Father of Marie (with Katy and Phillip) and could have been God- Father to some of the other children.
Many people have never known God- Parents, but they take an 'Oath' to care for the
child, "ALWAYS", as though it were their own.
General Notes for Child Maria Elizabeth "Betsy" SHELNUT-[312]
"Palatinate Roots" list Maria Elizabeth, immigrating with Jacob Philip, but the 'Land Grants' list her with George Shelnut family. No records listed Schildknecht's that died in immigration, but Maria Elizabeth included in sale of grant [to family] in 1802, married to Henry Merck. Elizabeth was daughter of Michael, but, God-Child to George, who automatically adopted her in case of parents death. (She most likely sailed with Jacob Schildknecht to help assist with the two small children and a sick daughter).
Listed William Dorris Land Sale Edgefield Co. Barbara Schildknecht a witness--Conveyance Book 1798-1799, pg. 46-51 William Dorris and wife to Benjamin Blackey 21 Sep 1787 / 22 Sep 1787, 100 acres in Colleton County, now Edgefield County on Hard labor Creek, granted to William Dorris 25 May 1774- Wit. Barbara (x)Schildknecht Signed by William Dorris and Maria (x) Doris (Believed to be Maria Elizabeth Shelnut)- Proved by Barbara Shelnut Bell, [Barbara Schildknecht] 29 Jan 1798.. Rec 5 Feb 1798.
Elizabeth Schildknecht (Anglicized into Shelnut) was found in the Cherokee County, GA History with the Dorris / Merck families, married to Henry Merck. Some of them went to Alpharetta, Milton County (Old Cherokee) and many buried at Rucker Cemetery at Crabapple (North Fulton Co. GA.)
(Jimmy KERR, 6190 Cargo, Odessa, TX 79762 has death Jackson Co, GA age 107)
[Researching for marriage date of Elizabetha - listed as Dorris in 'Sale' of 1798
above, Listed as Merck 1802 sale of 'Grant'. and Dorris again in "Will" of Henry, 1849. Then listed in Cherokee County as Merck. ??, ]
General Notes for Child Hans George "George" SHELLNUTT Sr.-[182]
World Family Tree Genealogy, listed Posting Aug 9, 2001 by Wayne Shellnutt. "He is a direct descendant of Cpl George Shellnutt (Schildknecht), who came as a Royalist to Nova Scotia in 1783 from Dist Ninety-Six , South Carolina. He would be glad to answer any questions on the Canadian line of the family.". George was loyal to the Crown.
Some descendants came to North Andover, Mass. in 1900's and talked to Clarence
Borden Shelnutt, Alabama, Director of Activities @ Boston University Union College.
General Notes for Child Infant SCHILDKNECHT-[2035]
This infant was one of two children born aboard the ship "Union" during the trip from England. Infant awarded 50 acres in 'grant'. Sex unk, no record found, to date..
General Notes for Child Henry M. SHELLNUTT-[184]
Henry and Mary had no children listed or known. In a couple of records, he had youngsters listed, but they were nephew & 'kin'.
Henry owned his property and purchased more: Deed Book 19 , p-94-97
Samuel Carter to Henry Shelnut, Deed 10 June 1800, $50--76 acres being part of 1000 acres granted to Samuel Carter 24 May 1793, lying at upper end of original survey adj land of Jacob Miller, John Walker, and sd Henry Shelnut. Rec 14 Oct 1800.
Robert Bell, laborer, (Nephew, Robert Bell, laborer, mentioned in "Will").
Census 1820, Edgefield Co, SC list Henry "Shellnutt" with 1 male 10-16; 1 male 26-45; 1 female 10-16; 1 female 45+.
These youngsters should be farm hands, all information of Henry from Nathaniel and others state Henry and Mary had no children, and none listed in 'Will'.
William Shelnutt, (brother) was in Surry County, NC and some children missing (they could have been working with Henry).
Census 1840 list Henry Shelnutt, Edgefield Co, SC (Districts not stated - 'NO. 4' on sheet)
General Notes for Child Andrew Joseph SHELLNUTT Sr-[292]
Andy and Elizabeth had one son and one daughter under age 5, in 1800c Abbeville, SC
He and son William had several transactions on Tax Digest, Franklin Co. Both had property on Merier Creek, where Andy purchased 100 acres in 1813, and son, William, bought property in 1819.
He an Elizabeth had six daughters and seven sons before he left Franklin Co 1822, going to Fayette Co (formed 1821), two miles below Fairburn, on White Water Creek.
Statements from relatives that Andrew and Elizabeth were buried at Antioch Cemetery, Campbell Co. -- Campbell Co borders were from Fayette County, and including Douglas, Paulding, Bartow, Fulton, and 'Old' Milton Co (Alpharetta), (Note--A very old cemetery is located on Hwy 92, between Marietta and Dallas, Georgia, name "Antioch'). This could be the cemetery, as research has all been near Fayette County. The property of Andrew,
bought in Fayette county, surveyed to Campbell 1828, then Carroll, and then Douglas Co..
The property could well have been located again in Campbell, or Fulton, as many Shelnut families were later in that area.
Part of this cemetery, like many others, could have been destroyed with building 92 Hwy, before the survey was completed. Paulding Co. Library does not show the names in the cemetery survey.
General Notes for Child Barbara "Barbary" SHELNUT-[313]
Barbara was witness to William Dorris Land Sale 1787(Book list sales 1798-1799) as Barbara Schildknecht, then, Proven 1798, Barbara Shelnut now Barbara Bell. (Robert Bell & Barbary family information from IGI Records) Married about 1793 SC.
Census 1820 list her as follows:
Barbara Bell 45+ widow [age 46, born 1774]
! male age -10 1 Female -10 1 F -16 2 F -26 and one slave
General Notes for Child William David SHELNUTT-[185]
William born on family farm in Ninety-Six District. He & Rachael were married, in Abbeville, SC 1800c. He bought 144 acres (one-half) of 'the farm' in 1802.
He (William Schelnutt) & Rachael were in Edgefield Co in 1810c. Most births from 1802, when he bought the Shelnut farm, until abt 1817 should be in Edgefield Co. They migrated to Surry Co, NC. There, William Shilnott [Shelnutt] had one male and three females listed (all under age 10) in 1820 census, Captain Farkners District, Surry County, NC page 754. Some of the sons were missing, but old enough to be working for another family. [Three daughters under age 10 (two under age 5 - under 15 in 1830c) Not found other census records. Had two of the names before a computer crash, but unable to locate them again - Believe one named Minerva, but can't confirm]
[Benjamin and Richard Shelnutt, ages 26/45, also in 1820c Surry Co, NC].
His son, William C., was born Surry Co, NC in 1821, (Bible Record of son).
William was also incl... in Henry's will , probated 1849, leaving most everything to his brothers and sisters, (Providing for his wife) (See: Henry Shelnut "Will").
*Early Settler, Habersham Co, GA, lists information that March 10, 1822, sixty-one families settled Nacoochee Valley, incl.. two wagon trains from NC. Jim Shelnot was the 47th family, and settled near Blue Creek. John Shelnut was the fifty-sixth family and settled on the Monroe Place. [William or his nephew William] sold his property in Habersham county. William moved to Walton Co by 1825, his nephew
still had property in Habersham Co, but had moved to Fayette Co, GA
(Researcher - History Habersham County - Item 153 - William Shelnut, Franklin Co GA., sold Lot 85, 13th Dist to Darius Echols Feb 15, 1824 - Wit. James Shelnut ).
William & nephew John (1798) were in Surry Co, NC 1820 where two unknown Shelnutts--Benjamin age 26/45, spouse 26/45, one son 0/10, three females 0/10, and two females 16/25 -- Richard 26/45, spouse 26/45, one female 10/16.
[(a) Benjamin (mentioned above and Richard Shelnut, from Surry Co, NC, thought to be same, Benjamin (Shenault) who applied for Rev. War Pension on John "Shenault". Benjamin gave age of 60+, when pension drawn, May 11, 1839.]
[Note: This info of Benjamin & Richard Shenault has not been confirmed as descendants of Johann Georg Schildknecht]
William's middle name "David" from Gwinnett Co History, article written by g-son Calvin D. Shelnutt (no confirmation).