Seeking any data on (especially) SHELBY in Wilkinson and Adams counties 1850 and earlier. Evan Shelby and Mary Doane were married at Natchez in 1797..Evan had died intestate in 1821; wife Mary, outlived the whole family and died in 1855. They had 7 children-2 boys and 5 girls..only the 2 oldest girls married, and even they died fairly young. --------- If you need an early marriage..try the Catholic Church records! Look what I found: Church Parish - St Joseph of Baton Rouge, LA --[now] St Joseph Cathedral Parish "SHELBY, Evan, a Calvinist of this region (Evan & Charity Shelby) m 4 Mar. 1797 at Natchez, Mary Doan, a Calvinist of this Government (Joseph & Anna Doan). Wit. Israel Smith, age 32 years & Luther Smith, age 22 years (SJO-84b, 10 -[St Joseph of Baton Rouge, book 84, p10]" My note-this is crossed referenced under DOAN. Names in ( ) are the parents. I only had a chance to go thru the one volume, and then only quickly..You don't find the good stuff until it's time to leave the library [San Antonio, TX Public Lib]! I need to go thru the rest of the volumes to make sure I haven't missed anyone. Another thing not quite clear yet is just where were they living?? The marr rec says "of this region" and that is not exactly clear if it meant the Baton Rouge area, or the Natchez area. ------------ [My abstract-I have not corrected spelling, etc] Isaac D Shelby, John W Seymour and Jesse Phipps are held firmly bound unto Thomas M Proper, Esq. Judge of Probate of said county in the sum of $2000. to be paid to the Judge...dated 25 Oct 1824. Isaac D Shelby Administrator of the goods and chattles and credits of Evan Shelby deceased, do make a true and perfect Inventory of all...goods, chattles and credits of said deceased...do make a just and true account...unto the orphans court of Wilkinson Co...and if it shall hereafter that any last Will and Testament was made by the said deceased...the executor obtain letters of Testamentary.. Isaac D Shelby (Seal) J. W. Semour (Seal) Jesse Phipps (Seal) Probate Court of said county whereas Ean Shelby deceased late of said county, died Intestate, as we are informed having whilst he lived and at the time of his death__goods, chattels, and credits may be well and truly administered and disposed of, Do herby grant unto Isaac D Shelby full power by the tenor of these presents...To administer the goods, chattels, credits, land, tenements, at or before the expiration of 3 months from the date here of in required of said Isaac D Shelby. 25 Oct 1824 Benjamin Eccles, Clerk Judy Trolinger