Descendants of Richard Shirley of Virginia

Shirley

Generation #6

Sarah (5John, 4Richard, 3Richard, 2Thomas, 1Thomas) Shirley

Sarah Shirley was born about 1784 in Laurens Co SC. In about 1805, Sarah married William McPherson b. c. 1770 Laurens Co SC.

William and Sarah lived in Laurens Co SC; as they are mentioned in Rebecca Shirley's probate proceedings dated 5/2/1825.

In about 1737, William and Sarah migrated with their extended family to Tuscaloosa Co AL. What would motivate a man in late 60s to uproot his family and start a new life on the frontier? With the death of his parents and the death of Sarah's parents, were all ties to the homestead in Laurens Co SC severed? Did the promise of free land pull William to Alabama?

William and Sarah are last found in records in the 1840 Tuscaloosa Co AL Census. William and Sarah died sometime after 1840 in Tuscaloosa Co AL. Their place of burial is unknown.

Writ of Summons in the Case of Shubel Starnes vs. John Shirley:
May 2nd, 1825 ... Laurens Co. South Carolina

To John, Aaron, Beverly , Lydia , Jane, Easter, Polly, Sarah, Hulda and Edy -- legal heirs and legal representatives of Rebecca Shirley, who died intestate.

Greetings: You are hereby required to appear at the Court of Ordinary to be holden at Laurens Court House for the said District on the 6th day of June 1825 to show cause, if any of you can, why the real estate of Rebecca Shirley deceased containing ninety-six acres more or less, situate in the District and State aforesaid, being part of four hundred granted to Richard Shirley bounded by land of Jacob Newanger, Beverly Shirley and Shubel Starnes, should not be divided or sold attaining the same in equal porportion to the said John Shirley, Aaron Shirley, Beverly Shirley, Lydia Shirley, Jane Shirley, Elizabeth Shirley, Easter Shirley, Polly married to Graham Elmore, Sarah married to William McPerson, Rebecca married to Elijah Elmore, Hulda married to George Elmore and Edy Wright, widow.

Given under my hand and seal the 2nd day of May 1825.  David Anderson, Ordinary, Laurens District.

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