It's a real pity that there isn't an equivalent service in the UK. I would love to get to see my father's WWII record - I believe it would make facsinating reading. He joined up in 1939, said he was 17 (he was actually 15), wounded in first day of action, after recuperation sent to South Africa in the intelligence corps (SAS). Unfortunately he is not alive today to fill in the details. Reagrds G Ferguson

If you haven't found Rootsweb's newest resource section yet, you'll be pleasantly surprised. :-) They've recently started accepting and posting GEDCOM files. To search the GEDCOMs or to post your own, go to: http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/ The World Connect Project is still in beta testing, but already has over 3,100,000 individuals indexed. One great feature is that a visitor is able to download GEDCOMs from those posted (if permitted by contributor.) Jimmy Kerr 8227 North Lamar Austin, Texas 78753 [email protected] Ector County, Texas, Web Page http://www.rootsweb.com/~txector/ector.htm My Genealogy (I think my ancestors must have been in the witness protection program) http://www.mccserv.com/genealogy/kerr1/html/surnames.htm

FREE MILITARY DATABASES AT ANCESTRY.COM FOR VETERANS' DAY <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> ============================================================ In honor of those who served, Ancestry.com is offering its collection of military databases free this weekend. Search the military collection at: http://www.ancestry.com/dailynews/militaryDBs.htm Best of luck to you as you search out the veterans in your family history! We salute all who have served this country! ============================================================ "VETERANS IN YOUR FAMILY: FINDING BACKGROUND HISTORY AND IMAGES TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR FAMILY HISTORY" by Juliana Smith <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> ============================================================ As we remember the veterans in our family this Veterans' Day, the Internet has many resources available that can help us document their service in our family history. As you go through these sites, although you may not find a photo of your ancestor, you can find historic photos, documents, and other information that can greatly enhance your family history. Was he onboard a ship in the Navy? Include a photo of the ship from the U.S. Naval Historical Center's Photographic Unit. (http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usn-name.htm) What was the insignia for the military unit he served in? See the section below on insignias, medals, etc. Be creative. Was your great-great-grandfather one of the soldiers who listened to Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address? If so, a copy of the address (http://lcweb.loc.gov/exhibits/gadd/) can bring an interesting element to the story, indelibly linking him to the history of the country. For more information on researching your military ancestor, visit the Ancestry.com Military Resource pages at: http://www.ancestry.com/dailynews/memorialday.htm You will find articles, helpful addresses, maps, reference materials, and products from the Ancestry E-Store to aid you in your search. HISTORICAL AND MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION U.S. Army Military History Institute--Historic Documents http://carlisle-www.army.mil/usamhi/DL/ Historical documents can add an extra element to our family history. It places our veteran ancestors in the context of history. Browse a huge selection of documents at: http://carlisle-www.army.mil/usamhi/DL/AtoZ.htm U.S. Army Center of Military History Location: Building 35 102 Fourth Avenue Fort McNair Washington, DC Mail: 103 Third Avenue Fort McNair, DC 20319-5058 Tel: 202-761-5413 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/default.htm This site often features revealing articles and online exhibits. Check back often as this page is updated regularly. Also check out the Army Division Matrix, which includes insignia information, lineage and honors, photos, unit decorations, sound and video, division commanders, order of battle, bibliography, interviews, and war service by division. Current online exhibits include: "Remembering the Korean War A Prelude to the Official Commemoration;" "The German Campaigns in the Balkans;" "German Antiguerrilla Operations in the Balkans (1941-1944);" and "Images of West Point." Naval Historical Center Washington Navy Yard 901 M Street, SE Washington, DC 20374-5060 Library: Tel: 202-433-4132 Fax: 202-433-9553 Museum: Tel: 202-433-4882 Fax: 202-433-8200 Operational Archives: Fax: 202-433-2833 Ships History Branch: Tel: 202-433-3643 Fax: 202-433-6677 http://www.history.navy.mil/ Loads of information here on U.S. Naval history. Sections include: "War & Conflicts of the U.S. Navy;" "Traditions of the Naval Service;" "Ships History;" a photographic section; information on facilities; bibliographies; and much more. PHOTOS U.S. Army Military History Institute 22 Ashburn Drive, Carlisle Barracks Carlisle, PA 17013 Tel: 717-245-3611 Email: [email protected](Special Collections) [email protected] (Archives Collection) [email protected] (Historical Reference) http://carlisle-www.army.mil/usamhi/ Historic Photographs Online http://carlisle-www.army.mil/usamhi/HPOL.html Photographic Database http://carlisle-www.army.mil/usamhi/PhotoDB.html Naval Historical Center--Photographic Section http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/org11-2.htm National Archives' NAIL database http://www.nara.gov/nara/nail.html Search NARA's digital collection for photographs. I tried a search for "machine gun battalion" because my grand uncle served in the 105th in World War I. The search produced eight hits, one of which was a group photo of the 129th Machine gun Battalion. Although I did not locate a photo of my grand uncle's battalion, I did locate a photo of "American troops going forward to the battle line in the Forest of Argonne, France, September 26, 1918" and I know from previous research that he was in the area around this time. Civil War Photographs at the Library of Congress (American Memory Collection) http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/cwphome.html INSIGNIAS, MEDALS, ETC. U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry 9235 Gunston Road, Room S-112 Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5579 Tel: 703-806-4968 703-806-4969 http://www-perscom.army.mil/tagd/tioh/tioh.htm Military Insignia Information Center http://www.naples.net/clubs/zmilins.htm Also has a great collection of military links at: http://www.naples.net/clubs/milsites.htm Americal Division Veterans' Administration: Army Awards and Decorations http://www3.servtech.com/americal/awards/ Full-text Listings of Medal of Honor Recipients http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/moh1.htm U.S. Army Center for Military History--Lineage and Honors Certificates http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/lineage/lindex.htm "Armies, Corps, Divisions, and Separate Brigades" by John B. Wilson http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/BOOKS/Lineage/ACDSB/ACDSB-notice.htm CMH publication for sale--page has links to selected images online. VETERANS DAY PAGES Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Day Page http://www.va.gov/pubaff/vetsday/index.htm Remembering Our Veterans and Selfless Service to Our Country http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/faq/vetsday/vets1.htm

Subj: {not a subscriber} Mary Shannon Date: 11/08/1999 9:26:30 PM Central Standard Time From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Mary Shannon was born January 6, 1769 in PA and died March 6, 1833. She was married to John Roberts, who was born January 13, 1763 in Fredrick Co., Maryland. I am looking for info on her ancestors. Laura

New Page--for Tallahatchie Co Mississippi--_Good luck http://www.rootsweb.com/~mstallah/census/1880-census-151-161-205-215.html

I don't think I copied this one to rootsweb, so am putting it oi the internet. m.s. This is a copy of a letter written by a Thomas Shannon of Poplar Hill,Va.,on Dec. 6,1888 to John Shannon of Waverly,Tnn..This transcript was sent to me by Louise Preece. Dear Sirs: I write this to ascertain if possible whether or not you are related to the Shannons of Va. of which I am a member. My great grandfather came from Ireland to Amherst Co.,Va. After remaining there for awhile he settled in Montgomery near Pulaski about 1773. In 1784 he moved to Nashville then N.C. He had a large family of children - 7 sons, 4 daughters - my grandfather married Agnes Crow in Jan 1778 and settled two miles north of his father - my great grandfather Samuel Shannon family names were - Thomas my grandfather, John, David, James, Joseph, George, and Samuel Jr. - daughters Jane, Ann, Esther, and Sarah. Of these two married Mares, James and Alexander. Alexander served in Revolutionary War as Capt. of a Co. I can furnish you with copies of some very old letters from my grear grandfather Samuel Shannon. One more than 100 years old. Thomas G. Shannon

Yesterday Michael Shannon posted to the list a transcript of a section from "Ancestral Graves in Warren County, KY" published by the Warren County Historical Society. The section contained a list of graves in the Reid-Shannon-Lewis Graveyard (reproduced again below). Unlike an earlier posting of information on that graveyard from one of the Dedman letters, this published listing also included the compilers assumptions about the identities of some of the individuals. Those assumptions are at odds with original family records in my possession. The graves in this graveyard are primarily those of the family of James Reid and his wife Annes Reid. Inserted into the family bible of Alexander Reid (their son) and his wife Jane Shannon (of Thomas Shannon and Mary Reid) were two very old pieces of paper one of which lists birth and death dates of the family of James and Annes Reid, the other of which contains birth dates of the family of their the family of Samuel Reid, son of James and Annes. The bible and both these original lists are in my possession. The last entry on the James And Annes list was the death of Annes on 12 July 1825. In 1833 Alexander and Jane migrated to Lincoln Co. MO. I believe that between the death of Alexander's mother in 1825 and their departure from Kentucky in 1833, they copied these dates from his parents family bible. The list includes no known spouses of children of James and Annes and appears to simply be a list of their own children. Problems with the published grave list: Betsy appears in what appears to be a list of the children of James and Annes in chronological order between Samuel (born 7 March 1870) and George (born 6 November 1784) rather than being listed with David. David died a year before his mother, and in his will he directs that "after mothers death...that a plain tomb stone be put over the grave of Father and Mother designating their births and deaths. I have a sister laying in the graveyard. I wish one in like manner put over and also one in like over my own grave. I request the executors to have enclosed the grave yard..." David's will mentions no children, and I believe that Betsy is his sister not his wife. Perhaps matching gravestones misled the compiler of these grave records. Elizabeth 10/14/1754-3/26/1820 was identified as first the wife of E. Walker and second the wife of Abraham Reid. I know of no Abraham Reid in the family, but Elizabeth (Roberts) Reid, the first wife of Samuel Reid (of James and Annes) is listed in the previously mentioned list of birth dates of the Samuel Reid family with a birth date of Oct 14, 1784., exactly 30 years after the reported birth date of this Elizabeth Reid. The 2/26/1820 death date would be correct for Samuel Reid's first wife Elizabeth. Here I suspect that the 1784 on her grave stone looks like 1754, because Dedman also reports that earlier date. She is, however Samuel, not Abraham's, wife. The James, Nancy and Eliza J. Reid listed below Elizabeth are all identified in the list of births of Samuel Reid's family as his children by Elisabeth. Mary (Polly) alias Drydend??? 7/29/1770-8/15/1815 (Michael erroneously put James Shannon's death date here) matches the Mary Reid listed among the children of James and Annes Reid. Actually that list gives the same birth date and a death date of 8/18/1815. The confusion with Dryden probably is because their son, James Shannon, Jr., married a Julia Ann Dryden. Russ Reid Louisville, KY -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, November 05, 1999 5:47 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [SHANNON-L] Saml. Shannon's will Ancestral Graves In Warren Co.,Ky. Reid-Shannon-Lewis Graveyard Reid, David 9/21/1777-9/6/1824 " Betsy (his wife) 5/18/1782-9/24/1813 Married 8/3/18701 She was Betsy Stringer, he was son of James Reid " James 8/13/1740-2/23/1811 " Annis Wife of James Reid 9/24/1745-7/12/1825 " Elizabeth 10/14/1754-3/26/1820 married Abraham Reid-2nd husband 1sthusband E. Walker no marker for either husband " James 10/26/1807-3/17/1820 " Nancy 2/21/1810-8/15/1824 " Eliza J. 2/7/1815-7/21/1824 Shannon, Capt. James 5/11/1773-10/2/1846 " Mary (Polly) alias Drydend??? 7/29/1770-10/2/1846 they were married-1/27/1817 Mary consort of Capt. James Shannon

Hello all, I'm still looking for parents of William Finus/Finis SHANNON, b. abt. 1827 TN, m. Mary M. RANDALL, 8 Oct. 1865, Lawrence Co, TN. Mary was b. TN abt 1828. Children were Toledo (Ledo, Lee) Ann SHANNON, b.6 Feb. 1869, d.22 May 1942, m. Ralph JORDAN T. J. SHANNON, m. Mandy GOAD. Any help appreciated, Carey JORDAN

Hi Caroline: I was interested in your post to Jimmy Kerr on the Shannon family in Tn. dated 10-25-99. This is also my line of Shannons. Andrew Shannon was my ancestor. Some time ago I read an article in the "Shannon Searchers" May-June 1993 issue on the William and Katherine Shannon's and I assuem it was written by Alice Breit of Ashland, Ks.. She gave the names of William and Katherine's children as--Charles, William John, James, Andrew, Mary, Susan, Jane and Margaret. All of the chidren were born in Va. (Possibly Greenbrier County) with the exception of Jane and Margaret. The children were: Jane (Janetta) born November 30, 1777 in Bucks Co. Pa. She married James Granzer Scarborough September 24, 1794. She died March 20, 1872 ub White Co. Tn. John Henry born 1779- married Agnes Phillips Charles born 1781--married to (1) Prudence Scarborough (2) Agnes Duncan William--born 1783 Joseph James born 1786--married Elinor Moffitt January 28, 1817 in Grainger Co. Tn. Andrew born 1789--married Elizabeth ??? Mary born 1791 Susan born 1793 married John Scarborough Margaret born 1797 in Knox Co. Tn. As for Preston Wiley Shannon. He was the Son of Andrew. Their other children were: James--born 1810 in Tn. Married Mary Hamby--born 1810 in North Carolina John Wesley born 1814 in Tn. married Susan Davis January 31, 1836 in Knox Co. Rebecca--born 1819 married John England November 16, 1862 Mahalia--born 1822 never married Pleasant Wright--born `1826 married Sidney Viles Preston Wiley--born 1823-married (1) Elizabeth Wiatte September 30, 1845 (2) S. Adeline Wiatte September 28, 1857 (I believe that Elizabeth and Adeline were sisters and were the daughters of James and Margaret Wiatte (3) Susan Oliver October 14, 1867 (Susan was the widow of Alva Oliver and I believe that the Sarah J. Oliver who married David Milfore Shannon was their daughter). Mary Jane born 1829 married James Russell October 20, 1849 Sarelda born 1832--married Francis Crawford I have information on the children of the above if you would like. I would still like to know what Andrew's wife Elizabeth's maiden name was if any one knows. I hope that I have helped you with this. Jane [email protected]

WILL OF SAMUEL SHANNON Davidson County,Tennessee Written January 22, 1808; probated October session of courtv 1811. Died October 4, 1811. Executors:(son) David Shannon; John Motheral Samuel Shannon, his last will and testament: (recorded Nov. 26,18(11?) In the name of God amen. I, Samuel Shannon of Davidson County and state of Tennessee, now being of sound mind and understanding. First, it is my will and I do so predor that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid and satisfied as soon as conveniently can be done after my dec. Item first, as to my worldly estate, I will and bequeath the tract of land that I now live on to my two daughters, Sarah Shannon and Esther Shannon, to be equally divided between them and their heirs forever. Item second, I will and bequeath all my personal estate except one bay mare, to my two daughters Sarah Shannon and Esther Shannon. Item third, I will and bequeath the above and excepted bay mare to Samuel Shannon, son of David Shannon to his proper use and interest. This being my last will and testament, revoking all other wills by me made. And for the better performance and execution of this my last will and testament, I hereby appoint my son David Shannon, and John Motheral my executors. In testimony whereof I have unto my hand and seal this 22nd day of January 1808. Samuel Shannon seal Signed, sealed and delivered in in presence of S. Shannon and David Shannon Which last will and testament above received being exhibited in court for probate at October Session 1811, was duly proven in open court to be the hand of deceased of the said Samuel Shannon by the oath of Samuel Shannon and David Shannon, subscribing witnesses there and as such produced be recorded, and at which session aforesaid David Shannon, one of the executors named in said will,qualified as such. There is attached to above will, an inventory of the estate and a copy of the actual will, but these are faint and not good legible copies, however, I will send copies of all if requested.

Copy of the Will of Thomas Shannon, Yoeman, of Lancaster Co.,Pa. Copied from the original on file at Lancaster,Pa., by Robert S. MooreIn the name of God amen,April 11 Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and thirty seven. I Thomas Shannon of Sadsbury Township and County of Lancaster, farmer, being sick and weak of body, but of parfit mind and memory thanks be given unto God, there fore calling into mind the mortalety of my body, and that it is apointed for all once to die, I do now meak and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say I recomend my Soul unto the hands of God that gave it and my body to the Earth to be bured at descreasion of my executers and as for such worldly goods as it has pleased God to bless me with I depos and bequeath in manner and form following I first of all order that all my just and lawful debts be payed and funeral charges. Item I give and bequeath unto my son Jon Shannon one half of the where I now live and the other half I give and bequeath unto my son Samuel Shannon to be equally divided between them and I order my well beloved wife Agnes Shannon shall be maintained out of that half I give to my son Samuel while she lives and my other three children viz Margaret, Thomas, and Ann Shannon are to be maintained out of the same until they come of age. Item I give and bequeath unto my each of my two daughters fifteen pounds to be reased out of my moveable esteate and payed unto the eldest at the esperation of two years and to be payed unto the other when she comes of age. Item I give and bequeath unto my son Samuel fifteen pounds to be reased likewise out of my moveable esteat to be payed when he comes of age togither with his loom and tacking and I do constatut and apoint my well beloved son Jon Shannon and my trousty friend Samuel Irwin to be my sole execute of this my Last Will and testament and the Reverand Mr. Alexander Creaghead I empower as gardain to take care and see that all things are don according to this my last will and testament. And I do revoke,disalow,and disannul all outher wills and testaments mead by me befor the deat hearof pronouncing and declaring this and no outher to be my last will and testameat as witness my hand the day and year above written. His Thomas Shannon X Mark Signed and delivered in the presance of us William(hisXmark) McClure; Samuel Irwin; James(hisXmark)Eger; Margaret Carnachan(herXmark). Lancaster Co., April the 27th 1737 Then personaly appeared William McClure and Samuel Irwin two of the witnesses of the within written will and on their oath did declare they saw and heard Thomas Shannon the testator sign seal publish and declare the same will to be his last will & testament & that at the doing thereof he was of sound mind & understanding to the best of their knowledge. before me Sa. Blunston D.Reg. Be it remembered that on the 27th dau of April Anno Dom 1737 the Last Will and Testament of Thomas Shannon decd were proved in due form of law and probate and letters testamentry were granted unto John Shannon and Samuel Irwin haviing first sworn well and truly to administer the said deceds estate and bring an inventory thereof into the registers office in Lancaster,County on or before the 27th day of May next and also to render an acct when thereunto required. Given under the seal of the sd office. Sa. Blunston Dep. Register Above will is recorded in Will Book Vol. 1,A., page 26, in the registers office Lancaster, Penna. Note: Jon Shannon qualified as Administrator. There are several papers showing that Jon Shannon appeared before the court per instructions in administrating his father's estate, and reports to the orphan's court at periods, one of which is a warrant to his brother Samuel for land dated 1750, presumably that by that date Samuel had reached age of 21 years. L.S.D.

Joyce Turner 2805 Yeonas Drive Vienna, VA 22180-6124 Let me know what I owe you. THANK YOU!!! Joyce

Okay Ronjoy, Will need your mail address again, and will make a copy for you while I'm making a pile of mtrl for Russ Reid. Mike I have some Shannon-Reid mtrl and also mtrl on Saml Shannon & Thomas Jefferson Shannon, free Quakers for those who needed it, but I need your addresses too, so contact me . Mike

Ronjoy, Which Saml's will? I have one dated1/22/1808,but this is for Saml, son of Saml & Jean. All While looking for the will, came across a note from Tennessee archives in Nashville,thanking me for material I left with them. They would be happy to receive any data on our Shannon family, Address to; Archivist, Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville,Tnn. 37219. I have a long letter from Louise Dedman regarding the Shaker Shannons for anyone interested, for the usual cost of copying and postage. Ancestral Graves In Warren Co.,Ky. Reid-Shannon-Lewis Graveyard Reid, David 9/21/1777-9/6/1824 " Betsy (his wife) 5/18/1782-9/24/1813 Married 8/3/18701 She was Betsy Stringer, he was son of James Reid " James 8/13/1740-2/23/1811 " Annis Wife of James Reid 9/24/1745-7/12/1825 " Elizabeth 10/14/1754-3/26/1820 married Abraham Reid-2nd husband 1sthusband E. Walker no marker for either husband " James 10/26/1807-3/17/1820 " Nancy 2/21/1810-8/15/1824 " Eliza J. 2/7/1815-7/21/1824 Shannon, Capt. James 5/11/1773-10/2/1846 " Mary (Polly) alias Drydend??? 7/29/1770-10/2/1846 they were married-1/27/1817 Mary consort of Capt. James Shannon

Does anyone have a copy of Samuel Shannon's will from Davidson County TN? He died 26 Nov 1818. Thanks! Joyce

Shelby County Caintucky August the 9 1828 Dear Brother an Sister these few lines come to let you noe that we are ye and in good health at preasen thanks be to God for all his mercy to us hoping that thes fue lines will find you in the same. We received your leter dated March 10 which was the first that we have received from you. Money is very scars in this part and bread too. You wrote to me to noe how I like the country. I never did like Caintuc and never will. My land is good and I can raise a plenty and to spare but little for it. I intend to cros the high o but I was too darke and I was afraid to try a new cuntry with-out help. My children is far scatered. One in the Virginia too in High o, too in Indiana and three here. Reg in is ina grate at this time in this place and contention is as grate about presdant we are much divided. Our election is this day. You rote to know whare your sister Ann was, we have not heard from her for fore years. Thomas Shannon was well. My children is far scred but are dooing well. would be glad to noe what your brothers and sisters is and how they come on in the world. You rote us to come see you. I myself are in seventy nine and your sister in seventy four. Your sister wants to noe wht became of your sister Sarah property, and let her noe by the first chans. I wold be glad to hear from you agane. No more at presen, but remain your loving brother and sister til death. Alexander and Jain Mars Note; this was written to George Shannon, Jane Shannon Mars' brother, and Louise Dedman's anscestor. This is the last of the early Shannon letters I have. It would be terrific if anyone out there has more and would share then with us all. I do have over two hunderd pages more, but these are all letters of Granville Billingsly Shannon's children from 1857-1917. Michael Shannon

The letters of Alexander Mars and Jane Shannon and of James Shannon recently shared by Michael Shannon is interesting, and throw some light of the life of Captain James Shannon and his Reid in-laws in Warren Co. KY. Since details revealed in these letters are included in Louise Shannon Dedman's work on the Shannons, I suspect that she not only had access to the original letters but also that she was the mysterious source of the transcripts. I have several other observations on them. The Mars letter must have dated from 1820 rather than 1802, because of the family events that it reports (the death of Samuel Reid's wife, the remarriage of James Shannon to the widow McClung and the fact that Annes Reid was still alive). I suspect that Samuel Harleson is actually Samuel Harbison, a resident of Shelby County and eventually the father-in-law of Ammecetta Shannon (daughter of Samuel Shannon and Deborah Younger). Brother James who is reported in the Mars letter to be married to the widow (Mary) McClung would be Jane Shannon Mars's brother Capt. James Shannon (of Samuel Shannon & Jean Reid) of Warren County KY and author of the other letter. They married in 1817 after the 1815 death of his first wife, Mary Reid (of James Reid and Annes Reid). That death was reported in the James Shannon letter. Louise Shannon Desman also notes that James and the widow McClung lived unhappily, perhaps based on the Mars letter. Annes Reid, also of Warren Co. KY, would be the grandmother that two of James Shannon's older children lived with. She was indeed "alive yet" until her death at age 79 on 12 July 1825. Her late husband James Reid was a brother to Jean Reid (Mrs. Samuel Shannon) and Sarah Reid (Mrs. John Shannon), so Annes would be, as the Mars letter refers to her, "Ant Reed." The Samuel Reid, mentioned in both letters, referred to is a son of James and Annes Reid, and the reference to his dead wife is to his first wife Elizabeth Roberts who died 26 March 1820 in Warren County. Family records record a birth date for her of 14 October 1784, however Shannon Desman reported a birth date from her tomb stone of exactly 30 years earlier. I believe that it is Shannon Desman who is in error. This Elizabeth Roberts was the daughter of Agnes Roberts, who, contrary to Dedman's reconstruction, I believe to have been Agnes Shannon, daughter of John Shannon and Sarah Reid, and the widow of James Roberts. Shannon Desman reconstructs that Agnes Shannon as the wife of a John Reid. I will lay out my arguments in a later note. Melinda, mentioned in the James Shannon letter, was another daughter of James Reid and Annes Reid, and the future Mrs. Benjamin K Whittaker. The family of James Reid would have been very familiar to all of Samuel and Jean's children. Not only was he Jeans brother, but, after the death of their father John Reid in Lancaster Co. PA, the young James seems to have been raised by sister Jean and her husband Samuel Shannon. As he matured and married Annes Reid, he was a neighbor to Samuel and Jean in Amherst Co. VA and a frequent witness to his land deeds. After the Samuel Shannon family moved to the Cumberland Settlement in Tennessee, their son, James Shannon of these letters, returned to Virginia to marry his cousin Mary Reid, daughter of James and Annes. As his letter notes, James and Mary left the Cumberland Settlement in 1815 to settle near Mary's mother in Warren County, KY. Russ Reid, Louisville, KY -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, November 04, 1999 3:47 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [SHANNON-L] Shannon letter #4 Shelby County Kentucky April 15th 1802 Dear Brother and Sister: I write to you with pleasure to let you know that we are all well at present thanks to God for his mercies, hoping that these few lines will find you in the same. I have nothing particular. I receive a letter from sister Ann a few days ago. She was well and living with her son William in Indiana in Washington near Salem. She has one son with her that is single. Brother James' three eldest children was with us Christmas his son James wants to learn tanner trade with Samuel Harleson but did not agree with him and he has gone home. Brother James is married to Widow Mclung he and his wife lives very unhappy his three oldest children has left him. Two of them lives with her grandmother Reed. Ant Reed is alive yet. Samuel Reed's wife is dead. Friends in this country I believe is well, We had a very hard winter Money is very scarce and are very much in debt. I want you to write to let us know how you are. Give my complements but remains your afectionate brother and sister til death Alexander and Jane Mars This was written to Jane's brother, Thomas Shannon on Walker's Creek, at Poplar Hill, Giles Co.,Va. Jane Mars and Thomas, are both children of Saml and Jean Shannon. ============================ August the 5th 1816 Deare Brother & Sister; I take this chance by the mail of communicating to you to let you know that myself and children are all well at present thanks be to the author of Our Mercies, hoping this may find you and family well. I suppose you have heard of my loss of my companion one of the greates loses that this life cane experience I have tryed to bareup and resine to the will of providence thoe I find it a hard tryel. one reflection hopin that her soul is happy is a concilation. I shall give you the pertiquerlers of her deth. She was taken about the sixth of last August with chills and fever at that time being in a delcate sittiation she was dilivered of a daughter the thirteenth of August, and departed this life the fifteenth. Mother-in-law and Melinda tooke the child to rais it. It never enjoyed much health. Every attention posible was taken to rais it. It took sick about the first of March, and died the ninth. I have five children, my youngest in the ninth year of his age. I still keep house and my family together with me. I exparience a very lonesome life. I think no man can forme a correct idee, but them that exparience such a loss as I have. I wish you to write me by the mail as it appears all the way of communication we have. I sold my land in Tennessee & moved to this place last April was a year. I have bought a plantation in two miles of Mother-in-law's. I have plenty of open land and a good orched and plenty fruit. I have a verry good aperence of having a good crop. I am much better satisfied living here then whare I lived in Tennesee. I suppose you have heard of the deth of James Mars he died some time last spring the pertiqulers of his deth I have not had. I exparienced a good many seanes in life since I saw you last. I had the feteigue of a hard campain in our last war, which I stood verry well, thoe I find myself not as able to stand hardship I have. As for news I hante any worthe your attention. Our relatives in Tennesee was well the last acount I had from them friends here are well except Samuel Reid family is not well this time. I shall conclud. I & my family joins in sending our compliments to you, Agness, and all the rest of youre family & to all inquiring friend and soe remains your loving brother til deth. James Shannon Written to Thomas Shannon at Poplar Hill,Va. by Capt. James Shannon, his brother.

In response to your message; I have the Newberry family. However, they were in MA and CT very early. Bonnie >From California ---------- > From: [email protected] > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [SHANNON-L] Edman-gfather & Harry-ggfather need input ?? > Date: Thursday, November 04, 1999 8:49 AM > > Hi We have Newberry's in our family, altho they were from the Reynoldsville > area in Pa. Dottie

August the 5th 1816 Deare Brother & Sister; I take this chance by the mail of communicating to you to let you know that myself and children are all well at present thanks be to the author of Our Mercies, hoping this may find you and family well. I suppose you have heard of my loss of my companion one of the greates loses that this life cane experience I have tryed to bareup and resine to the will of providence thoe I find it a hard tryel. one reflection hopin that her soul is happy is a concilation. I shall give you the pertiquerlers of her deth. She was taken about the sixth of last August with chills and fever at that time being in a delcate sittiation she was dilivered of a daughter the thirteenth of August, and departed this life the fifteenth. Mother-in-law and Melinda tooke the child to rais it. It never enjoyed much health. Every attention posible was taken to rais it. It took sick about the first of March, and died the ninth. I have five children, my youngest in the ninth year of his age. I still keep house and my family together with me. I exparience a very lonesome life. I think no man can forme a correct idee, but them that exparience such a loss as I have. I wish you to write me by the mail as it appears all the way of communication we have. I sold my land in Tennessee & moved to this place last April was a year. I have bought a plantation in two miles of Mother-in-law's. I have plenty of open land and a good orched and plenty fruit. I have a verry good aperence of having a good crop. I am much better satisfied living here then whare I lived in Tennesee. I suppose you have heard of the deth of James Mars he died some time last spring the pertiqulers of his deth I have not had. I exparienced a good many seanes in life since I saw you last. I had the feteigue of a hard campain in our last war, which I stood verry well, thoe I find myself not as able to stand hardship I have. As for news I hante any worthe your attention. Our relatives in Tennesee was well the last acount I had from them friends here are well except Samuel Reid family is not well this time. I shall conclud. I & my family joins in sending our compliments to you, Agness, and all the rest of youre family & to all inquiring friend and soe remains your loving brother til deth. James Shannon Written to Thomas Shannon at Poplar Hill,Va. by Capt. James Shannon, his brother.

Dottie, Hello!! thanks for the reply. Do you have any that married into the Armstrong line? I would really love to here more from you. I don't know where the Newberry side is really from but prob. Penn. as my other g-grandparents were from there. My father talks of his William Shannon (his mothers dad), would travel up and down the Ohio from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh. So all I have is the name Martha Ann Newberry to Harry Armstrong, for my ggreat grandmother. I believe that they lived married in Clermont co. Bethel or Ameila, Ohio. Let me know if this fits anywhere. Lorraine