One of the grisliest mass murders of Southern Unionists occurred in 1863 in Madison County, North Carolina. Popularly known as the “Shelton Laurel Massacre,” this Civil War story was told by the late historian, Philip Paludan, in his moving book, Victims: A True Story of the Civil War (1981). Robert Moore revisited the story on Southern Unionist Chronicles in 2008, and you can also find detailed descriptions of the murders on the Southern Unionist Forum hosted by Genforum.
Back in 1983, while researching my first book, Unruly Women, at the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh, I transcribed and copied several documents detailing this case that I would like to share with you. In the Governors’ Papers, for example, I found S. A. Merrimon’s report of Feb. 24, 1863, to Governor Zebulon Vance. Merrimon told Vance that at least 13 men and boys were taken into the woods, made to kneel down, and shot to death on the mere suspicion that they had participated in a robbery in the town of Marshall. Three of the murdered “men” were described as 13, 14, and 15 years old. Merrimon added that “several women were severely whipped and ropes were tied around their necks.”
The man who ordered the murders was Lt Col. James A. Keith of the same county. In his defense, Keith claimed that Brigadier General Henry Heth had directed him to kill the Madison County Unionists and deserters, to take no prisoners, and to file ”no reports” of the matter. Heth responded that he had advised Keith to take no prisoners only in the event that there was an “engagement” between forces, but denied that he had authorized maltreatment of prisoners, women, or children. (Some believe that Gen’l Heth was indeed complicit.)
The Governors’ Papers also contain a petition signed a few months later, on May 1863, by eleven Shelton Laurel women who requested that Gov. Vance appropriate money for them to buy provisions, “being as we will be bound to suffer on account of [Confederate] troops eating up all our provisions & killing our men and property and destroying the country.” The women included seven with the surname Shelton–Judah, Sarah, Marthy Jane, Rachel, Elizabeth, Polly, and Margaret–as well as Rody Hall, Nancy King, Liney Norton, and Emeline Riddle.
Efforts to prosecute James A. Keith dragged on for years. You can clearly see Sheriff S.G. Brigman’s frustration and desperation to apprehend Keith in the two letters he wrote to Provost Marshal Edward W. Hinks on September 18, 1867 (the letters are quoted below). Those letters apparently resulted at long last in Keith’s arrest on several counts of murder. On February 22, 1869, however, Keith escaped from the Buncombe County Jail along with two other prisoners (see reward notice, above). Keith was never recaptured. But even had he not escaped, President Andrew Johnson’s Amnesty Act of 1868 caused all charges against him to be dropped.
[Excerpt from letter #1 from Sheriff S.G. Brigman to Provost Marshal Edward Hinks]:
Col: In compliance with your request endorsement Sept. 3, 1867 I have the honor to make the following report of James A. Keith – He is full six feet high, Dk hair, and very heavy black beard, generally wears his beard long,–weighs 180 to 185 lbs,–rather slow spoken but very intelligent and well posted on matters of history, etc.—was in the Mexican War and practicing physical while in this county. Age, about 43 or 45 and, while talking or interrogated, keeps one eye shut. The said James A. Keith was at one time a Col in the Rebel Army but was dismissed for robbery, murder, and a general plunder. He then organized a band of robbers and went about plundering & murdering on his own hood. He remained in the county (Madison Co) until about the time of the surrender, when he left and went to Greenville Dist., South Carolina, where he now lives.—Keith formerly lived in this County, in fact he has lived here all his life until he left about the [time of the] surrender. He bought the farm formerly owned by Col. L. M. Allen on South Tiger River 3 miles or 6 miles from Weavers old factory .— He bought this farm with property stolen from this country —.
His residence is 18 miles from Greenville C.H. North near the Spartanburg Dist. Line, not very far from the foot of Blue Ridge – Near a road leading from Henderson, N.C. to Spartanburg C. H., S. C.— Lives in a nice small white house [with] a portico in front, stables, and out houses below, stairway going up in center. It appears from the statement that the officer who made the search did not go near the directions, as this man Keith who he arrested lived in Pickens Dist., while James A. Keith lives near the Spartanburg line, the opposite direction. South Tiger River is very noted and he lives ¼ of a mile of said river. This same man Keith was seen but a few weeks ago lurking in this county and is well known and feared by every man in Western Carolina.
Keith has a wife and one or two small children, his wife’s maiden name was Jones and lived in Tenn – Keith was [arrested?] one time before the war for forging a Bank Check.
Keith’s Post Office is Travellers Rest.—I forwarded you last Mail affidavits of his guilt and Certificates of Clerks. I have capias, State warrants, and all manner of papers against Keith. He would likely be very easily arrested now, but soon he will commence his ramble of plunder.
If anything further is required of me you will advise me of the same.
I am Col Very Respectfully
Your Obdt Servant
S. G. Brigman
Sheriff of Madison Co., N.C.
[Excerpt from letter #2]:
I have the honor to forward affidavits of Several persons in regard to James A. Keith murdering several union men in this county. I can if you require send more than fifty affidavits of this kind. There are several true bills against him in the courts of this county for murder and one for arson for burning Thos. S. Denver’s mills long after the surrender. The said James A. Keith . . . intended to burn and destroy every union man in the county –commencing on T. S. Denver, a leading union man.—Denver has again rebuild his mills at the cost of several thousand dollars. Keith has since been seen lurking about and has said they should not stand long. I have had capias and papers against him and have them now but he is [beyond?] our search. If Keith could be arrested and brought to the county there is sufficient charges against him to hang 500 men.
S.G. Brigman, Sheriff of Madison Co., N.C.
You have made my day!!! I grew up in Madison County, and for the past few years, have been researching the Shelton Laurel story. Paludan did a good job with his book, but over the years, I have uncovered some interesting things that have not previously been published. YOU have now revealed some new items (at least new to me) of great interest. I have only made one trip to the State Archives, and did not find what you did. Do you mind telling me exactly where you found this information? I know now that I must make another trip for research. Again, thanks very much for sharing.
Dan Slagle in Swannanoa, NC
dslagle@bellsouth.net
Well, Dan, YOU have made my day. This is exactly why I began this blog–because I have transcriptions and copies of many documents and letters gathered over the years that I know many people would be interested in accessing.
Here are citations for the documents referred to in the post:
1. S.A. Merrimon letter to Gov. Zebulon Vance, 24 Feb. 1863, Governors’ Papers, Vance, 1863, NCDAH.
2. Petition of Shelton Laurel women to Gov. Vance, 29 May 1863, Governors’ Papers, Vance, 1863, NCDAH.
3. Brig. Gen. Henry Heth’s answer to James Keith’s testimony that he was following Heth’s orders is from letter of James E. Seddon, Sect’y of War, to Gov. Vance, 23 May 1863, Governors’ Letter Book [not to be confused with Governors' Papers], Vance, 1863, NCDAH.
4. two letters from Madison Sheriff S. G. Brigman to Col. Edward W. Hinks, 18 Sept. 1867, contained in Governors’ Papers, Jonathan Worth, 1867, NCDAH
5. Reward poster for James A. Keith and others, 22 February 1869, contained in Governors’ Papers, William Holden, 1869, NCDAH.
Roderick Shelton, one of those killed at the massacre was my Great great Grandfather. Rodericks son Neilly (Pete) Shelton was the father of my Grandmother Vicie (Shelton) Roberts. I am traveling to the TN/NC region soon and would love to visit the massacre site but I am having a difficult time finding the exact location or a map online. If you can be of any help in this area I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you
Keith Roberts
Can any of our readers provide Keith Roberts with this information? If not, perhaps the Philip Paludan book, VICTIMS, would help.
Best of luck and enjoy your visit!
Vikki
You will never find the exact location of the killings. There are at least 3 locations where it took place, depending on who you ask. Most stories say that they were killed somewhere near where Hickeys Fork turns off NC highway 212. That would be about 6 miles north of NC 208 and NC 212 intersection – going toward Erwin, TN. The cemetery where they were buried is about 2 miles more toward Erwin, but the cemetery access is posted no trespassing. To my knowledge, there is no documented evidence as to where they were killed or buried. All we have to go on is oral tradition, which may or may not be accurate.
According to our friend, Wikipedia, “A North Carolina Highway Historical marker recalling the massacre [http://www.ncmarkers.com/Markers.aspx?ct=ddl&sp=search&k=Markers&sv=P-71 - SHELTON LAUREL MASSACRE] stands in the vicinity of the massacre site at the modern intersection of state highways 208 and 212. The graves of the slain are in a cemetery just off Highway 212, further up the valley.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelton_Laurel_Massacre).
The site is allegedly identified at http://michaelchardy.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html
I’ve tried contacting the author, Michael Hardy, to no success.
I’ve been meaning to ask for some time, and the Wikipedia article reminded me, has anyone here ever seen Jay Stone’s 2004 film, Massacre at Shelton Laurel?
Allen W. Ellis
Professor of Library Services
W. Frank Steely Library
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY 41099-6101
859-572-5527
Fax: 859-572-5390
E-mail: ellisa@nku.edu
Allen, I saw Jay Stone’s film. It was at first in the “short” film category at Asheville Film Festival. Later showings had it in the “documentary” category. It was far from a documentary. Although the film was based on a true event, it developed into a love story between Solicitor Augustus Merrimon and one of the female victims of Confederate brutality. Pure fiction. For one interested in historical accuracy – a huge disappointment.
Dan
Keith Roberts, Roderick Shelton was married to Eliza Chandley and their daughter who is Artie M Shelton married Jim Southerland who is my Great Grandfather. How interesting to find this article too. Thanks Jay Southerland
Thanks for the info, Jay. Glad you found us here at Renegade South.
Vikki
I do not know if you made the trip yet – I lost direct Ancestors there – I know exactly where it is and I am across the mountain at Erwin TN – Pls contact PhastPhred@hotmail.com if I may be of any help, Cuz! Pete was my GreatGreat Granddad – Pete > Jim Anderson > Roscoe > (more current names…)
RSS: While visiting friends in Wolf Laurel, NC several years ago I found the name “Shelton Laurel” on a Geological Survey map(White Rock 0-607-33437-1 NC 024).There is also a creek entitled Laurel Creek and three Shelton Cemeterys. There is also a NC Historical Marker(steel) on a road which follows Laurel Creek into the Shelton Laurel valley.The historical marker summarizes what took place along the Laurel Creek and Shelton Laurel Creek valley where Sheltons, identified as guerillas were lined up along the banks of the creek and murdered.I researched this info at the Army War College Library in Carlisle, PA and found two books(Victims by Phillip Shaw Paludan and Bushwackers by William R. Trotter) which describe in detail what took place. I was interested mostly because my name is Shelton and I never heard of this story. I believe these Sheltons came from England via Norfolk, VA. My Sheltons came through Philadelphia from England. A very interesting story. A Civil War tragedy.
out of curiosity are you related to the sheltons? im just curious.
Hello Cheyenne,
No, I am not related to the Sheltons. I discovered the above documents while researching my doctoral dissertation back in 1983.
My study of Unionism and the inner civil wars of North Carolina inspired me to research the Free State of Jones in Mississippi. I AM related to the Bynum Unionists of that anti-Confederate uprising.
Vikki
A Civil War tragedy indeed. Thank you for writing, Jim, and I appreciate you providing a geographical description of the area and the markers of this tragedy.
Even though my first book, UNRULY WOMEN, was not about the Shelton Laurel Massacre, (Philip Paludan had already written the definitive work) I was so moved by the story that I could not resist copying or transcribing every document that I found on it in the N.C. State Archives. I’ve held all those documents in my files since 1983. (I did discuss the massacre briefly in my book, since my topic was women who resisted the authority of husbands or the state.)
In addition to the works by Paludan and Trotter that you mention, there is a sensationalized version of the massacre contained in a contemporary work: Thomas L. Wilson, compiler, A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CRUELTIES AND ATROCITIES OF THE REBELLION: COMPILED FROM THE MOST AUTHENTIC SOURCES (Washington DC: McGill and Witherow, 1864.)
I can’t remember where I located this rare book (more a pamphlet if memory serves me), but I think it may have been in a rare books reading room of the library of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Vikki
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CRUELTIES AND ATROCITIES OF THE REBELLION is now available online and can be read or downloaded at http://openlibrary.org/books/OL13492033M/A_brief_history_of_the_cruelties_and_atrocities_of_the_rebellion.
I’ve just found this blog, and I’m looking forward to reading more of it. I also read UNRULY WOMEN several years ago, and I really enjoyed it.
Thank you for this information, Becky! And happy to hear that you enjoyed Unruly Women.
Vikki
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CRUELTIES AND ATROCITIES OF THE REBELLION – http://ia700304.us.archive.org/31/items/briefhistoryofcr00wils/briefhistoryofcr00wils.pdf
I have been researching the Shelton Laurel Massacre becasue my great great grandfather had enlisted in the 64th NC Regiment, serving in Comany A which was at least at one time commanded by James Keith. I have not found documentation of the identity of soldiers who were actually a part of this terible incident. Is there anything which would suggest the identity of soldiers who were a part of Keith’s band?
Sorry, Gary, that’s a question I can’t answer. Perhaps a reader can, or perhaps Philip Paludan identified them in his book (I don’t have a copy of that book, or I’d check).
Gary, the full truth of this story will never be known. I also had 4 gg grandfathers in the 64th regiment, and have been looking for documented evidence for years. Daniel Ellis, in his book, Thrilling Adventures of Daniel Ellis, devotes a chapter to the incident and says his information comes from one on the spot. He of course never names his source, but does name a few of the guilty party. Problem is, Ellis was a Union man, and judging all that is contained in his book; I put very little confidence in what he says. When I get a chance, I’ll pull out the indictment naming Keith, Allen, AND others. I also have a list of witnesses for Keith’s trial. I’ll post those names. Who was your ancestor?
The following is transcribed from Superior Court records, State of North Carolina, Madison County, November 16, 1868 – State vs. James A. Keith. Murder #1:
“……The Jurors for the State upon their oath present, that James A. Keith, L. M. Allen, Wm Keith, Sails and Jay and divers other persons, to the Jurors aforesaid unknown late of the County of Madison and State of North Carolina, with force and arms, in the County of Madison aforesaid, on the 16th day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty eight, not having the fear of God before their eyes, but being moved and seduced by the instigation of the Devil, in and upon one Roderick Shelton, in the peace of God and the said State, then and there being, feloniously willfully and of their malice aforethought, did make an assault, and that the said…..” [The document repeats names above, and goes through more and more legal phrases. Finally the record says that they inflicted “several mortal wounds” with guns and pistols, and that “Roderick Shelton then and there instantly died.”]
Notes:
“divers other persons” means various or several other persons.
“Sails” might be G. W. Sale(s) or Henry A. Sale(s), both of the 64th NC Regt.
“Jay” might be Nicholas B. D. Jay or William H. Jay, both of the 64th NC Regt.
In the document, the date (16 November, 1868) is NOT the date of the killing. It is the date of the Jury’s findings. I’ve seen this in other court records of NC, and it is VERY misleading. The killing of Shelton actually happened in January, 1863.
James A. Keith was NOT the only man indicted for murder. He just happened to be the only one in custody and available for trial.
The trial was moved to Buncombe County for the Spring Term, 1869. Witnesses named in the court record were:
George McIntosh; Franklin Fisher; Wm Cody; Elizabeth Shelton; Liddie M. Shelton; L. P. Andrews [Anders]; H. Sprinkle; and B. W. Clark.
Dan Slagle, 2009
Sorry to veer off topic, but I am writing a book about Daniel Ellis and welcome any leads to documents related to him as some of you folks may have encountered in your research of primary documents. I hope to address just the type of problems you express, Dan.
I am particularly looking for documentation of a reward for his death or capture, as mentioned in a number of sources — in fact ANY official Confederate documentation pertaining to Ellis is coveted.
Hey Gary!
Allen, I searched my files but could not find any primary sources for info on Ellis besides his book. Have you tried East Tennessee newspapers? I know there was one in Greenville (the New Era) after the war. Check county court records and minutes of County Commissioners.
Welcome to Renegade South, Allen. I hope this forum puts you in touch with readers who may be able to help you with your research on Daniel Ellis.
Vikki
Fascinating! It’s possible that I’m descended from the above mentioned “Rody Hall” who was among the women who requested money from Gov. Vance to buy provisions. She was the first wife of Alexander Shelton, yet she died alone on a farm in Morgan County, Tennessee in the early 1870′s. Rhoda’s son, William Rock (Shelton) Hall was raised by her father (Martin Daniel Hall) and kept the Hall family name. I don’t even know whether she and Shelton were legally married, but Rhoda was buried in Madison County. Would you happen to have any more information about this?
Charlene, I am a greatgrandson of William Rock Hall and I have been working on this family history for about 20 years. I came to the conclusion that Martin Daniel Hall was Rhoda’s father, but I have not been able to document it.
I have studied Martin’s family and know that after the Rev. War his brother David settled in what is now Anderson Co., TN, his brother Samuel Jr. settled Knox Co. TN, and moved to Morgan Co., and their sister Nancy Hall Brazel and her husband settled in Morgan Co., TN. David Hall is buried about a mile from where I live.
William Rock Hall was in the First Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry (Union) during the Civil War and I have a copy of his pension applications (Original and Renewals).
I will be glad to share information with you.
I am looking for any leads you might give me for the forefathers of Euless and Burdyne Shelton Hall from Gaston County – Gastonia North Carolina
ANY leads or help will be appreciated
Many Thanks
Mary Martha Trent Hall
Mary, I hope some of our readers can provide you with information about your forefathers. Thanks for visiting Renegade South.
Vikki
Isn’t it exciting when you find your own kinfolk in a historical document? That’s why I copied the name of each woman on that petition back around 1983 when I found it in the N.C. State Archives.
Unfortunately, I know almost nothing about these families other than what I read in Philip Paludan’s book. How about some of the other commenters out there? I know several of you have extensive knowledge on these families. Can you offer any additional information to Charlene?
Vikki
I grew up hearing this story and was actually taken as a teenager in the 70′s to the gravesite. A great-great-great-great Uncle was one of the men killed on that day. His name was Ellison King. There are two head stones there. My grandmother and great aunt (who were Kings) told me to write down the names.
The date is given as January 19, 1863.
The first head stone bears the names of: James Shelton, David Shelton, James Shelton, Jr., Azariah Shelton, William Shelton and Rod Shelton.
The second head stone bears the names of: Jasper Chandler, Ellison King, Hellen Moore, David Shelton, James Metcalf, Wade Moore and Joseph Woods.
I hope this may be of interest to you. I am grateful now that I wrote their names down. However, I could not begin to tell you now where the gravestones are located on the Shelton Laurel.
There are a number of researchers and Shelton Laurel descendants who visit these posts, Donna, and I’m sure they will appreciate the names you have provided. It’s great that you took the time to copy them down!
Vikki
I have lived in the Shelton Laurel Community all my life. My grandmother told me the story of the Massacre several times. The grave is located off Hwy 212. The grave is located behind a log house on Alleghany Lane.
Paula, in your grandmother’s telling of the story, who gets the blame for the killing?
Dan
Thank you so much for that information, Paula!
Vikki
The whole “Shelton Laurel Massacre”, as it has become known, is much more than a civil war atrocity. The familial connections with J. A. Keith and the Sheltons have never been told. Keith’s aunt (or grand aunt) was married to one James Shelton of the Shelton Laurel Sheltons. They divorced after a few years of marriage and had no children together.
In 1861 the sheriff of Madison County, NC was Ransom Pleasant Merrill. One of the JPs of the county was one Neely Tweed. Tweed was married to one of the relatives of the Sheltons of Shelton Laurel. Tweed caught Merrill in some unsavory business that was against the people of the county for Merrill’s personal financial and political gain. One day Tweed confronted Merrill about his activities in the street in Marshall. There was quite an argument and Tweed ended up shooting and killing Merrill in the street that day. Tweed was arrested and jailed for killing the sheriff. James A. Keith was a personal friend of Merrill’s and was very upset and angry at the shooting death of his friend.
Several of the Shelton Laurelites (relatives by marriage to Tweed) broke Tweed out of jail and helped him escape to Tennessee, where Tweed joined the army. Tweed was fatally wounded in 1863. Keith was furious that the “Laurelites” had helped Tweed escape trial for Merrill’s murder and vowed to “get even” with them.
When Keith became second in command of the 64th North Carolina Regiment (under his cousin Lawrence Marion Allen – son of his mother’s brother), he was furious that he had not been named first in command. He claimed that his cousin was less experienced and not equiped to command the Regiment.
Word was given to the proprietor of the General Store in Marshall to refuse the sale of salt and other items to the Laurelites. Mind you, it was specifically against the Laurelites, not the general community. The “official” reason was that the CSA needed the salt, which was, indeed, a necessary commodity for both the CSA and the Laurelites. The Laurelites needed the salt to cure their pork to sell and feed their families. Knowing this, salt was specifically withheld from only the Laurelites (Keith’s call).
When the women of Shelton Laurel went into Marshall to buy supplies, including salt for curing, they were denied by the General Store. The women were furious and left town in a huff, making quite a verbal stew over it. When they went home and told their menfolk about it, one man, Kirk (who was a Union deserter living in Shelton Laurel) decided to take it into his own hands. He gathered up a few people, including 2 of his brothers (also in the same condition as Kirk), and went into town. This is when the “raid” took place. Kirk and his men raided the store, as well as other places including the home of one of the 64th’s officers, and took salt, cloth, and other items. During this altercation one of the 64th’s men was shot in the arm, a flesh wound. None of the Sheltons of Shelton Laurel were ever proven to have been along for the “raid” at Marshall.
Heth instructed the 64th, through L. M. Allen, to stop the insurrection. Allen instructed Keith to gather men and meet him in Tennessee, where they would together go into Madison County and put a stop to any raiding that may happen in the future and to gather the men involved with the raid.
Since Keith had a grudge against the Laurelites, he took it upon himself to go to Madison County before Allen and to take care of the situation himself. Under the guise of military orders, Keith had found his opportunity to get even with the Laurelites for helping Tweed escape the murder of his good friend Sheriff Merrill.
The rest is history.
Governor Vance, when notified of the murders at Shelton Laurel, was furious at Keith. He demanded Keith be arrested and tried by the CSA. But Keith had another ace up his sleeve. A relative of his wife, a general, helped Keith by withholding Keith’s resignation from the army until convenient.
Keith was arrested eventually, but was released when the military could not try him once his resignation papers were disclosed, dated prior to his arrest. (Keith had been hiding in South Carolina with relatives of his wife before his final arrest.) Allen left the Army after all this.
Keith moved his family to Arkansas. They settled where his wife gave birth to their daughter. He resumed his medical practice and became quite a “hero” to the residents of the area with the story of Shelton Laurel being told the way he wanted it told, making him appear a hero. He died a wealthy and well-respected man of the community.
Allen also moved his family to Arkansas, but nowhere near his cousin Keith. Allen never again spoke to Keith, nor did either try. Allen was a humiliated man, blamed for a deed he did not commit, although, as 1st in command of the 64th, he was held ultimately responsible, although not criminally as was Keith.
The whole thing is much more complicated than most know and understand. I have been researching this incident since 1972, after the birth of my 1st of my 9 children, when I began researching my family history.
It’s all so very sad.
My g-g-g-grandfather was William Riley Keith (1814 – 1894). His grandson, William Jairus Keith, Sr. reportedly told his daughter, Sarah Lucile Keith Allen, stories about William Riley Keith. These stories are included in “The Heritage of Old Buncombe County,” Vol. 1 (1981). William Riley Keith lost two sons in the Civil War and was a veteran himself.
Sarah Lucile Keith Allen’s account also says that William Riley was a county sheriff of Madison County. She wrote that a mob attacked and ransacked his home, which was near Marshall, on a hillside near Bull Creek. They shot him in the arm, which left it crippled.
I believe William Riley Keith was a son of Henry Keith (abt 1794 – 1838) who was a brother of Rev. William Kieth, the father of the infamous Lt. Col. James Allen Keith. Thus, my ancestor William Riley Keith and James Allen Keith were first cousins. Sarah Allen’s account of the mob attack on William Riley Keith’s home sounds curiously similar to the salt raid attack in Marshall that you describe, in which the home of Col. Lawrence Allen, head of the 64th NC regiment, was ransacked.
Kim,
Thank you for this great information. It seems to correspond with the account Karla (Shelton) Nelson gives of the causes and details of the raid in her comment of 8-26-2009: http://renegadesouth.wordpress.com/wp-admin/edit-comments.php?p=587&approved=1&paged=3#comment-634
Vikki
Indeed, Karla, very sad. Thank you for sharing so many personal details of the “bad blood” between families that precipitated the Shelton Laurel massacre. It reminds me of so much of my own research, where one finds personal kinship, but also personal feuds, that lend themselves to excelerated violence during already violent times, such as war always is.
I see that you have a Shelton website that I’m sure people will want to visit. As soon as I get the chance, I’ll post a link to it on my blogroll. For now, folks can click your name, above, to reach it.
Thank you again for taking the time to share such valuable information with us!
Vikki
This was a very interesting read. My Sheltons are all (as far as I know) confederates from Tennessee and Kentucky. My Sheltons first settled in Middlesex County, Virginia in the mid 1600′s, from Norfolk, England. I have heard of this story and I have record of a few of my people moving to N.C. They may be my cousins. It is a very sad story and I guess there is an underlying desire to find out if they are family.
Nice to hear from you, Deborah. Hope you’ll keep digging to find out whether and how you might be related to the Shelton Laurel branch of North Carolina. It’s not hard to imagine there’s a link, and who knows?–you might also find some Unionists in your own branch of Sheltons.
Vikki
When did Col. Lawrence Allen die?
His gravestone shows he died Dec. 11, 1903.
I have a friend whose maiden name is Shelton and is related to the Shelton’s of Madison Cty. NC She thinks that “Colonel” Shelton was mayor or something similar in Mars Hill or somewhere in Madison County during the mid 1800′s. She is looking for a picture of this relative and others of the Shelton from the Shelton Mission Massacre Time. Anyone have any or know where some might be obtained. Thank you. My e-mail is lcluley@gmail.com
Here’s hoping that some of our Shelton researchers and/or descendants may be able to answer the questions of Keith Jones and Loraine Cluley.
Vikki
I just stumbled upon this page and it made my day. Several years ago my Sister researched our family history and found we are decendents of at least one of the murdered men in the Shelton Laurel massacre. I believe he went by the name “Stob Rod”? And I am not sure but I believe one of the Davids murdered along with him was a Son? Anyway, had he not already had children, I would not be here today. Most of my Fathers side of our family still reside in NC and I wish I love to be able to trace to full line
Welcome to Renegade South, Amy. I remember reading the name “Stob Rod,” perhaps in Philip Paludan’s book, Victims. I am not an expert on this horrific episode of history, but there are several on here who are, and I’m betting they can help you to further trace your family’s history.
Thank you for your comment!
Vikki
Just came across this web page. Old Jim Shelton, killed in the massacre, was my great-great-grandfather. His granddaughter (Grandma Sudie) always said the massacre site was just across Hwy 212 where the Cutshalltown road comes in. The gravesite, complete with commemorative marker with the names of the slain, is on a hilltop overlooking the highway (and the massacre site). I have been there several times, but not in the last few years. There was no sign forbidding entrance then.
Thank you, Paul Sims, for your contribution to this discussion!
Vikki
I took a ride up to Madison County to the library to see what they had on the Shelton Laurel Massacre. In a special by appointment only room were numerous documents for me to peruse. The amazing thing about my visit was discovering that everyone I encountered on the library staff was either a Shelton or married to one!
They were all so interesting to talk with that I didn’t get much reading done, but there’s plenty there to warrant return visits.
One of the best days since moving to Asheville 3 years ago.
What a wonderful day you had, Anthony–my favorite way to spend one!
Thanks,
Vikki
That sounds really cool to look over those papers. I love learning more about the war and what went on back then. It means even more because I grew up in Madison Co. I bet it would have been even better to have been in the old library in downtown Marshall. That building is really old and it would have set the seen to have them papers spread over a table with the old hard wood floor and old book smell.
Thanks so much Vikki I love the site. I’ve been gone for more the 10 years and this reminds me of home.
Hello Valisha,
Nice to meet you here on Renegade South, and thank you so much for your kind words about the blog.
Your description of the old library in Marshall really captures what I love about research. Some of the best research sessions I’ve had were spent in the basements of old courthouses–where you really can smell the past, ha ha! But even when I’m in a modern state archive, I am quickly transported to the past once I become immersed in those old documents. When I finish a long day of research I kind of have to blink myself back to the present.
Of all my 144 Renegade South posts, by the way, this one on Shelton Laurel has garnered the second highest number of hits.
Vikki
I am researching the events at Shelton Laurel as part of a geneological study that includes Solomon M. Carter.
From reading the chapter on the Shelton Massacre in the book War of Vengeance: Acts of Retaliation Against Civil War POWs By Lonnie R. Speer, I see that it identifies the military personnel listed below as involved in the shooting.
Seeing that eight privates, presumably those ordered to fire the lethal shots, were Madison County residents – is there any information on how were they received by the community following the war how they lived out the balance of their lives – or if some of them ended up going elsewhere?
I have been able to find much more detail about the victims than the assailants. Does anyone who reads this forum have any information that would be helpful to my research?
Lt. Col. James Keith
Major William M Garrett
Lt. R. M . Deaver, Company F 64th Regiment
Sgt Nicholas B. D. Jay, (Virginian) Company K 64th Regiment
Madison County Men from Company A
Pvt. Jacob C. Ramsey, Company A 64th Regiment
Pvt. Ned Ramsey, Company A 64th Regiment
Pvt. John Ramsey, Company A 64th Regiment
Pvt. Solomon M. Carter, Company A 64th Regiment
(went home sick in March of 1863 and never returned to the regiment)
Pvt. G. W. Higgins, Company A 64th Regiment
(deserted in Laurell, NC, February 10, 1863)
Pvt. James Moore Ray
Pvt. William “Shelt” Ray
Pvt. Joseph “Tyler” Ray
(deserted March 24, 1863)
Velofellow, did you ever receive feedback from your question about the assailants? I am curious as Solomon Marion Carter was my great-grandfather, father of Jasper Douglas Carter. What a sad, sad story.
Hello Frankie, No I have not received any feedback or accounts of how these Privates were (or were not) received in the community following the war. From the long lense of history they also appear as vicitims in Col Keith’s quest for revenge. I too am a descendant of Solomon M Carter. He was my great great grandfather. I would also be interested the original source data from which the privates were identified.
John! How exciting! If Solomon was your great great grandpapa and my great grandpapa, you must be nearer my children’s ages than mine and we must be first cousins, a thousand times removed! My grandfather, Solomon’s son, was Jasper Douglas Carter, who married Brijetta Peek. In fact, Doug and his brother married sisters. My mother was the last of Doug’s eleven children to pass away at age 93 in 2009. Would you mind telling me where you fit in? I’m heading out of town for a couple of days before I head back to 2nd grade, but will look forward to hearing from you if you find time to write back. Thank you, John!
Hello again, VeloFellow. I am enthralled with this story. I came upon this site today- http://hagen.familyfiles.info/7658.htm . The information here, differs from the above.
“Solomon W. Carter enlisted in Company B, 16th Infantry Regiment North Carolina as a Lieutenant 1st Class on April 29, 1861 at the age of 24. He was immediatly promoted to Full Lieutenant 1st Class on 29 April 1861. On April 26, 1862 he was promoted to Full Captain on 26 April 1862. He was wounded on May 3, 1863 at Chancellorsville, VA and absent wounded until November 5, 1863 then dropped from the rolls on November 5, 1863.”
I wish I had more time to research. I’m a teacher and I’ll be back in the saddle next week and I’ll have little time for that.
There seems to be two Solomon Carters from Madison County. S.W. Carter was in the 16th North Carolina. S.M. Carter was in the 64th North Carolina. I can find Solomon and Polly in the 1860, 1870, and 1880 census; but a middle initial is not given. So is he S.W. or S.M. Carter?
I have the book by Lonnie Speer which is mentioned above. Lonnie was a friend of mine (he died last year). I had asked Lonnie his source for the names of the privates mentioned in his book. The source was a 1970 manuscript by Kenneth Wilde. Kenneth has done a huge amount of genealogy research over the years and has shared much of his work with the Madison County Genealogy Society. He had relatives on the victims side of this story. We’ll probably never know for sure his sources, but I’m willing to bet that those privates names come from family oral tradition. I’ve never seen their names in any other documented primary sources, so we must take this information with a grain of salt – much like most of the other information we read.
Hello, Dan. I agree that this information must be taken with a grain of salt. I wish I had learned more of my family’s history from my mother, as Solomon Marion was her grandfather. She’d been researching for years. She passed away three years ago at age 93. She had told me that their were two Solomons. In all my years of teaching, I’ve not had one Solomon! Thanks for responding to me about our mutual relative
I am shocked to see so many Ramseys on this list! I am not sure as to how they were received specifically after this incident, but they are still to this day a major family in Madison County. I have a Ramsey friend that knows a good bit about her family history and I will ask her the next time I see her. I have stumbled upon a few oral histories of Madison County that include Shelton Laurel in the UNC-Asheville Library, coincidentally also named after a Ramsey. I did not have time to read them, but they seem promising. http://toto.lib.unca.edu/search.html?cx=014605048539121880068%3A2osqke1inna&cof=FORID%3A9&ie=UTF-8&q=shelton+laurel&sa=Go&siteurl=toto.lib.unca.edu%2Fdefault_WNC_heritage.htm&ref=toto.lib.unca.edu%2Fdefault_WNC_heritage.htm&ss=3303j4701107j7
It’s been awhile but I believe that the Kirk hiding in the Shelton Laurel was a brother of George W. Kirk…Colonel of the 2nd NC Mounted Infantry USA…also a leader of the TN State Guard after the war and the Kirk of the Kirk-Holden war in North Carolina.
Also..again this is off the top of my head…I believe Lawrence M. Allen was under suspension at the time of the Shelton Laurel for financial irregularities ( so Pauldan states).
W.N. Garrett would command the 64th NC after Keith and Allen left and would surrender his regiment at the Cumberland Gap. He spent the rest of the war at Johnson’s Island. Again, this is off my head as it’s been awhile since I’ve studied this.
I know I’m late to the party, but in researching my gg-grandfather’s Civil War service, I found that I could document that nearly half of his Union company were former Confederates (as he was, also). Of the 50 former Confederates I have documented, 19 had belonged to the 64th NC Infantry which surrendered at Cumberland Gap in September, 1863.
Which led me to research the 64th, which led me to this site.
My gg-grandfather belonged to the 13th TN Cavalry, Co K. Daniel Ellis was the Captain of Company A. It’s quite possible he was told the tale of the Shelton Laurel massacre by members of his own regiment.
For a list of former Confederates in Co K, see my blog entry http://blacksmithwhitelies.blogspot.com/2011/07/former-confederates.html
My Great great grandfather’s Brother was Provost Marshall Hinks. He was a respected General during the war and did this duty while recovering from wounds. I would like to find out more about some of his work in this capacity.
Just wondering…are you the same Chris Pelkey who was in Navy AMS “A” school in Milington TN in 91-92?? I’m from Bridgeport CT and saw a facebook post from a friend of mine back home about seargent Major Hincks of the 14th CT and saw the name Christopher Pelkey and remembered the name from my Navy days, the picture they had on the website looks like the person I knew. – Brian Knoblock
My mother’s mother, from Shelton Laurel, was the granddaughter of Polly (nee Chandler, I think) & Martin Shelton. The stories my 85-year-old mother tells about her extremely harsh childhood in Madison County – peppered with the names Cutshall and Tweed – are coming to life for me. Thanks!
K. Lee, Christopher Pelkey, and Kate:
Thank you all for your recent comments on Renegade South. I’m pleased that my Shelton Laurel post continues to draw researchers and descendants of the area’s folks to the same online place to compare notes on its history!
Vikki
Dear Renagadesouth. Do you or know of Any one decendant of Roderick Shelton who married Eliza Chandley 1933 who may have any names, I am looking for my geneology for Artie M Shelton who married J L Southerland who name is Jim..I appreciate your post and thank you for all your wonderful information.
Jay,
I have not personally researched the Shelton Laurel genealogies, but hopefully some of the readers here can help you.
Vikki
Well the more I read the more I want to know about my ancestry. My great-great grandfather was Elisha Shelton from Shelton Laurel and from what I can gather his wife my great-great grandmother was Sarah. Mary Shelton-Crum-Youngblood was my great grandmother, which she lived in Greenville, Tennessee from what I can remember. My grandmothers name was Marie Asta Shelton Miller.. I know you hear all kinds of tails growing up but I really want to know my heritage whether it be good or bad. If there is anyone out there who can help me that would be great. A lot of the family are deceased and the ones who are alive do not want to talk about it. Thank you, Tammy Hunter Padgett
Thanks for posting, Tammy. I wish I knew more about the Shelton genealogy that I could share with you. Hopefully some our readers will have information to share.
Vikki
Tammy,
Paw Lish is my Great Grandfather and while I don’t know very much about our geneology either, my Aunt might be able to give you more to go on for who Paw’s father or mother was. I will contact her and see if it is ok to provide her email address. I’m sure it will be but courtesy dictates that I should check first.
BTW, I do remember visiting Great Aunt Mary in Greeneville, but just barely
Laura Medley (Bremerton, WA)
Laura and Tammy,
I’m happy to exchange emails confidentially for you if you like. Just let me know.
Vikki
Laura,
After researching a little there were 2 Elisha Sheltons 1 red-head which is my great great grandfather and 1 dark headed. His parents were Gaither and Sarah Shelton. I got some of the names backwards my great grandmother was Mary Shelton Crum Youngblood and my grandmother was Asta Marie Shelton Youngblood. That would be great to exchange emails if I can find out more. Vikki please let me know how to do this securely. Thanks, Tammy Hunter Padgett (Marion, N.C.
Tammy,
I just sent your email address to Laura. Feel free to continue posting on Renegade South as well.
Vikki
Thank you Vikki.
Laura,
If you do not mind what is your dad and moms name is and your grandparents, I relayed this info to my mom and she asked me to ask you
Thanks again Tammy Hunter Padgett
Laura,
Is your father ‘s name Cotton?
The widow’s pension applications went to the US Senate as described in the “Victims” As far as I could follow they were never granted.
http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsb&fileName=042/llsb042.db&recNum=754
The Memory.loc.gov can be searched by name ,I searched Eliza Shelton.
Roderick S Shelton [Stob Rod] does have a pension number listed. I requested the file years ago and after search in DC and the veterans office in Louisiana they did not locate it. I am not aware if anyone has ever tried for record’s of David,brother of Roderick. Another brother William of Clay County Ky did serve and has a record. All three were Union Soldiers,sons of Armistead Street Shelton died 1842 Clay Co Ky. I am directly descended through Roderick/Armistead. Michael
Thanks for this information, Michael. Regarding the Shelton Laurel widows, it is my understanding as well that they never received compensation despite their petition to Congress.
Vikki
This is a great blog, thank you to everyone for all the great info!
My most direct Shelton ancestor was Elizabeth Shelton, wife of Levon Morris McIntosh (my great-great-great grandparents). She would have been approximately 28 at the time of the massacre. She lost two brothers in the massacre, William (21) and Azariah (14). She also lost her Uncle, James, and her two cousins, James Jr. and David. Stob Rod and his brother David, who were also killed in the Massacre, were her father’s (Eliphaz, aka Lifus Shelton) first cousins.
Elizabeth’s mother was Sarah Riddle Shelton and her grandmother was Eunice Riddle. Eunice Riddle, approx. 70 at the time, was hung and then let down and tortured, along with other Shelton Laurel women. Then I read somewhere that Keith and his men came back later and burned down their houses and took all their food. Can you imagine losing that many relatives in one day and then having your whole life torn apart also?
I read somewhere that Rena Wallin Shelton, who passed away a year ago at age 95, wrote down a lot of the information of the Massacre and it was put in a book? does anyone know anything about this? Also, the 2005 Smoky Mountain Magazine Winter Edition has an article about the massacre that Rena contributed to. Does anyone have a copy of that article?
Thanks again for this wonderful blog and all the contributors. Found a lot of new info!
Deborah Carter
i hav reserching my family tree this lifus shelton and sara riddle ther was a daughter named emeline riddle that had a son named jacob riddle his real dad was wiley gosnell wiley wasmuedered also close to this time jacob is my great great grandfather
Deborah
Have some addtnl on Eunice may help… through Emaline. My e-mail is MERofOh@aol.com. MIchael
I have just recently started researching my family history and visited Shelton Laurel and the cemetery where my great grandfather, Robert Arwood, is buried. His wife was Charity Shelton. My grandmother was adopted by Charity and Robert. I have been told that Charity was a mid-wife and a sort of undertaker in the community. Even though my grandmother was adopted, I have still been working on the Shelton line. If anyone has any info on Charity and whether she is part of the line that comes from the men and boys involved in the Massacre, could you please let me know. I have heard the story since I was a child but unfortunately my grandmother developed alzheimer’s and I did not get any information from her on the Shelton line. I believe that Charity or her family owned a store in Shelton Laurel before they moved to Greene County, Tennessee.
Hi Vikki & Folks!
Apparently like many others, I stumbled onto this site while researching my GG Grandpa “Wade Hampton McGill”, who enlisted as a Private in Co. N of the 64th NC Infantry 9-27-62. He too, was from Greene County, TN. I often wondered if he could have been one of those involved in the Shelton Laurel murders, but thanks to one of the above posts, it appears that the triggers were those of Company A. I was wondering if any of the folks researching the 64th know what happened to the last few Companies of that regiment, once the regiment was reduced from 13 to 10 companies? If anyone is still looking at this regiment, and would like to correspond, I can be reached at mcgillfam@aol.com.
Thank you Vikki, great site!
Roy Wade McGill Jr.
I’m glad you found this site helpful, Roy, and hope that one of our readers can help you with your query.
Vikki
I just researched my gg grandfather Joseph M. Roberts Private 64th Regiment CSA . He married Tilda Buckner in Madison in 1861, only son James Melvin Roberts born in Madison 1862.
I am stuck here, as I suppose Joseph M Roberts life ends somewhere after this. If anyone has a lead please let me know.
Thanks,
Douglas D. Roberts
Have you been on Ancestry.com family trees to see what other families have discovered? Even if they are not in your direct line family, they may have made discoveries that you can get from their family trees, if they have made them public. I’ve been doing a friend’s family tree and have gotten unbelievable information and leads. I also have a friend who is a Shelton descendant, and I am just beginning to help her. If you have already done what I am suggesting, then I am sorry to have wasted your time.
Loraine Cluley
Love this site…stumbled upon it while just checking out archives and history of the area where I now recide with my children. After reading all the comments, I am excited to go check out the cemetary to pay homage. Its a couple miles from my house. While reading these replys, there was a comment made by a Deborah Russell a couple of years ago… I would love to talk to her because my ancestors also landed in Va. in the 1600,s and settled Ky and Tn., (Russell Counties). My G..G…G…G…signed the Declaration of Independence, William Russell. I bet we are related and if she is right, I could have ties to the Sheltons in some way!! Jokingly, I constantly remark that everyone I know around me are related in shape or form leaving me and my kids the exception!! WOW..now I could be wrong..So Deb Russell ir you come back on here, please contact me…thanks… Stephanie Russell
I beleive the Hellen Moore is “Halen Moore” There was a Hellen Moore from that area. not sure relationship between Halen And Hellen.
Hello! I am doing a history project on the Shelton Laurel Massacre and I was wondering if anybody here had any interesting information about the victims of the Shelton Laurel Massacre. Also, it would be really nice if somebody knew the ages of the victims (David Shelton, Roderick Shelton, James Shelton, Azariah Shelton, David Shelton jr. James Shelton Jr. William Shelton, Wade H Moore, Halen Moore, Joseph Woods, Ellison King, James Metcalf, and William Chandler). I have looked ALL OVER for the ages, but I really want to have the correct information fo my project and since most of you are experts,I decided to check here!
Thank you!!!
Thank You so much Vikki
for taking on The Sheltons
We appreciate that very much
Im Married to Shelton and am researching too
We went in 2003 and it wasnt posted then
Thank You again
You are most welcome, Joanne! Thanks for visiting Renegade South and taking time to comment. Good luck with your research; perhaps contact with folks on this site will prove helpful to you.
Vikki
DO you know if their were in arwood’s in shelton laurels area.
Lots of different stories about where the massacre took place. The marker indicates the killing took place “near here” but the burial site was 8 miles up the road. 8 miles is a haul, with few men to help.
The burial cemetary appears to be a Shelton burial ground. “Bushwackers” indicates the murders took place in the open, where anyone hiding in the mountains could see.
I’ve not posted here in a while, but thought you would be interested in reading this newspaper article. Please keep in mind you must not believe everything you read!
THE NEW ERA.
GREENEVILLE, EAST TENNESSEE, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 1865.
Retribution in East Tennessee – Laurel Creek Massacre
Within the past few days, several newspapers in this state, some controlled by men who have been active rebels, and others by apostates from the Union party, have been stigmatizing the Unionists of East Tennessee as outlaws, and mobocrats, because, in some neighborhood, returned Union soldiers who once fled from the counties of Bradley, Knox, Greene and Washington by night, to escape the wrath of their rebel neighbors – who hid by day in caves, and after dark made their way to Camp Dick Robertson, and after enlisting in the army, served for four long years, under the national flag – these men, we say having taken summary revenge on their old persecutors, by driving them out of the country, are stigmatized as lawless scoundrels, by men who either kept silent or approved when deeds of violence were done by the rebels in 1861. Have these returned Union soldiers had no provocation to make them overstep the letter of the law, when they meet their persecutors, after an exile of four years, by the side of their wasted homes, and desolated farms? Are there no palliating circumstances to shield our long-suffering friends, who have fought for us so heroically, from the same censure which has justly been heaped on the heads of Isham G. Harris’ vigilance committees and Champ Furguson’s guerillas? Let it be remembered that no people in the country were so terribly outraged and exasperated by the rebels as were the East Tennessee Unionists. Every insult and wrong conceivable was heaped upon them. One of these enormous atrocities was the Laurel Creek massacre, which occurred in February, 1862, on the State line, among the Great Smoky Mountains, between Tennessee and North Carolina. – The rebels at the Virginia salt works had refused to let Union men obtain salt. A brave fellow named Kirk, got some wagons and a company of armed men, went to the town of Monroe, broke open the storehouse where salt was kept, and marched off in triumph. Word was sent to Col. Allen, of Allen’s Legion, at Knoxville, who, with Col. Keith, took a body of cavalry and started to the Laurel Creek settlement, where the Union men lived. They marched down the valley, burning up the houses in their way. A little boy, some ten years old, was sitting on the fence, before one of the houses. – A soldier fired at him and broke his arm in two places. The poor boy shrieked and ran off, when the soldiers poured a volley after him and riddled his little body before the face of his mother. They kept on their way burning and destroying. – They entered a house where there were an old lady and a young married woman. They tied the former up by her wrists, and, taking the young woman, repeatedly outraged her person. She is now a maniac. By dint of torture, threats and promises, they at last found the hiding places of thirteen Union men. Col. Keith placed them in a line and had them shot down, in the presence of over three hundred women and children, whom he had driven along like cattle to witness the massacre of their husbands, friends and neighbors. A rebel officer, a Major Garrett, who beheld the awful sight, told the tale to our informant. It so shocked him that he left the service in disgust. Such was the conduct of Colonel Allen’s Legion in East Tennessee, in the Laurel Creek settlement, whose massacre rivals that at Lawrence by Quantrell.
At Greenville, a regiment of Indians, commanded by Col. Thomas, and afterward by Major Stringfield, camped around the house of the Hon. A. J. Fletcher, now secretary of State, part of them pitching their tents in his back yard. Mr. Fletcher, to save his life, had previously escaped. A party of Indian savages, piloted by one of his neighbors, tracked him for two days over the mountains towards Kentucky. The Indians were kept in East Tennessee a year, chiefly for the purpose of following up the refugees, over the mountains, – the Indians, in this respect, being equal to the blood-hounds used in other quarters. These crimes brought no disgrace on their perpetrators with the rebel authorities. A widow woman of Greene county, afflicted with epileptic fits, had a son seventeen-years of age. The conscript officer called for him but he had fled. The woman refused to tell where her son had gone, and a soldier in attendance, named Thomas, deliberately shot her dead. In one month the murderer was promoted. – And yet if the sons of the victims of Laurel Creek, or the son of this murdered widow, should take summary vengeance on the murderers of their parents, they are denounced as cut-throats and outlaws, by editors who never uttered one word of remonstrance when the rebel flag was hoisted on our State House, and Union men were flying from their homes. – We are no advocates of violence. We would rejoice if the law could always take its course, and justice get its due. But, nevertheless, it fires ones blood with indignation to hear Union soldiers denounced as mobocrats, because, in the heat of passion, they have made their insolent and unpunished persecutors feel their wrath. – Nash. Times.
Is there any informaton on the two Moore family victims? My mother’s maiden name was Moore. Some of their family moved to Anderson County after the war. It does not seem to me that many Laurelites left the valley.
Also, wonder what were their ages?
It depends upon who you ask as to the location where the massacre (killing) took place. Some say where Cutshall road runs into 212. That location is exactly across from the final resting place of the victims. Others say it happened farther down the road toward the old Cutshall Grocery. The store is called something different today. Stories I have read and heard say the women had little help to move the bodies, just real young boys and a few old men. It was not an easy task when they piled the corpses on an ox cart and made their way to the cemetery. There is an opening going up the valley, just past a white house on the left, beyond the old store. That place to me, is a more likely and logical place for the killings to have happened. My guess is based on the likelihood of the massacre to have happened at so convenient a place. The location, right in front of a “Shelton Cemetery,” being a remote coincidence. I have studied the cemetery and very few readable markers say anything but Shelton; however, the street name is named for Allegheny Church and there is a standing fireplace which could be all that is left of a church. The area just past the store is still closer to the cemetery where they are buried than any of the other Shelton populated cemeteries.
The area farther up from the old store is wide open and easily fits the description of the area where the killers were said to commit the deed; in the open where others were known to be watching from the hills. Sort of a “here is a good example” type of act. Still, asking the local people where it took place prompts several different locations. The difficulty of the task, the coincidence of the location, and the many times stated “Open Area” where it took place, leads me to believe it happened just past the old store.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this subject. I did not grow up far from Madison County, went to an NC college, am a history major and had never heard of this incident until I read “Bushwackers.” over the Christmas holidays. I learned more on this site than anywhere else.
The chimney is all that is left of Granny Judy’s place, inherited from old man David Shelton…
Is there any way to edit a recent blog?
Bill, if you mean that you would like to edit one of your recent comments, I can help you with that. Just hit “reply” to this message and send me the changes or additions you want to make. I will integrate your changes into whatever one of your comments you designate.
Vikki, Moderator
ASHEVILLE, N. C., February 24, 1863.
[Hon. Z. B. VANCE.]
GOVERNOR: In obedience to your direction to do so I have made inquiries and gathered facts such as I could in reference to the shooting of certain prisoners on Laurel Creek, in Madison County. I have to report to you that I learn that the militia troops had nothing to do with what was done on Laurel. Thirteen prisoners at least were killed by order of Lieut. Col. J. A. Keith. Most of them were taken at their homes and none of them made resistance when taken. Perhaps some of them ran. After they were taken prisoners the soldiers took them off to a secluded place, made them kneel down and shot them. They were buried in a trench dug for the purpose. Some two weeks since their bodies were removed to a graveyard. I learn that probably eight of the thirteen killed were not in the company that robbed Marshall and other places. I suppose they were shot on suspicion. I cannot learn the names of the soldiers who shot them. Some of them shrank from the barbarous and brutal transaction at first, but were compelled to act. This is a list of the names of those killed:
Elison King (desperate man), Jo. Woods (desperate man), Will Shelton (twenty years old, [son] of Sipus), Aronnata Shelton (fourteen years old, [son] of Sipus, not at Marshall), James Shelton (Old Jim, about fifty-six years old), James Shelton, jr. (seventeen years old), David Shelton (thirteen years old, was not in the raid), James Madcap (forty years old, was not in the raid), Rod Shelton (Stob Rod, was not in the raid), David Shelton (brother of Stob Rod, was not in the raid), Joseph Cleandren (fifteen or sixteen years old, was not in the raid), Halen Moore (twenty-five or thirty years old, was not in the raid), Wade Moore, twenty or twenty-five years old, was not in the raid.
It is said that those whose names I have so marked did not go to Marshall. The prisoners were captured on one Friday and killed the next Monday. Several women were severely whipped and ropes were tied around their necks. It is said Col. L. M. Allen was not in command and that Keith commanded. Four prisoners are now in jail, sent here as I learn by order of General Davis. These are Sipus Shelton, Isaac Shelton, William Norton and David Shelton, son of Sipus.
I think the facts stated are about true. One thing is certain, thirteen prisoners were killed–shot without trial or any hearing whatever and in the most cruel manner. I have no means of compelling witnesses to disclose facts to me and I do not know that I shall be able to make a fuller report to Your Excellency at any early day. I hope these facts will enable you to take such steps as will result in a more satisfactory development of the true state of the matter.
I am, &c., yours, truly,
A. S. MERRIMON.
The above is found in vol. 118, page 836, Official Records of the War of the Rebellion (OR).
A few notes:
Merrimon was the solicitor for the district. He says they were taken to a “secluded place” and shot. Notice his report is filled with uncertainties…… But – where did he obtain the detailed information on the ones killed? Its obvious that his informant(s) would have been kin to the victims – of course they would say their relatives were not in the raid. We do know from researching compiled service records of men in the 64th NC that at least five of those killed were deserters from the regiment. The man, “Sipus” above is actually Lifus or Eliphus. Wonder if “a more satisfactory development of the true state of the matter” was ever accomplished….
[...] Documents on the Shelton Laurel Massacre from the State Archives [...]
What a wonderful source of information this blog is! I’m at work on a novel about the Shelton Laurel Massacre and stumbled across Renegade South in my research. I’ve lived in Madison County since 1975 and the story of the massacre is fascinating to me. I hope to get in touch with some folks who have heard family stories about the incident.
Thank you for your enthusiastic comments, Vicki. Good luck with your novel, and I hope you get lots of help from Renegade South’s knowledgeable commenters!
Vikki
Moderator
wasnt wiley gosnell killed by the same bunch in somdom laurel a little before the massacre ive ben told this over the years he was my great great great grand dad
[...] a lot of information about the massacre on the Internet. Renegade South points out that Lt Col. James A. Keith, who led the 64th in this action, claimed that Brigadier [...]
the shelton boys that was killed at this massacre was ther dads name eliphus shelton
wiley gosnell and i think emiline riddle epliphus sheltons grand dauhgter had a son named jacob riddle he caried her last name. does anyone no anything about his murder it happend about the same time just a short distance from this massacre . he is buried on top of a mountain on arville gosnell road in sodem
[...] for his role in the massacre, the Confederate lieutenant general managed to skirt extended imprisonment until President Johnson’s 1868 general [...]
Atrocities on both sides. A very tough place for people whose only desire was to be left alone!
This site is being difficult. I had a lengthy reply typed out, but it wouldn’t let me post.
My name is Steven Tweed and I live in the Shelton Laurel community, more specifically the Whiterock area.
I know exactly where the burial site is (mass grave).
My family fought for the Union (1st Tennessee Cavalry) and my Great Great Grandfather Thomas Tweed’s brother, Neeley Tweed, is locally famous for having killed Sherriff Ransom Merrill on election day, 1861. Neeley and Merrill were former friends, Neeley ahving been the first Clerk of Superior Court in Madison County, as well as a Justice of the Peace.
Thomas was married to Celia Sams. Oddly enough, Celia’s uncle was Wade Hampton, one of the Carolina’s largest slave holders.
I have a LOT of local history that I can share.
Note: the following comment from Steven Tweed was posted on “About Renegade South. I’m reposting it here to make certain everyone interested sees it:
As a child, a friend of mine lived just a few yards in front of the burial site.
Here are the directions:
At the junction of Hwy 208 & Hwy 212, turn right onto Hwy 212 East.
Travel approximately 8 miles until you come to the intersection of 212 & Cutshall Town Road.
Log Cabin Lane will be on your left.
If you turn onto Log Cabin Lane, you will travel approximately 400 yards and will come to a two story stone and log cabin.
The burial site, marked by two flat granite stones with the victims names on them is directly behind the cabin, along a barbed wire fence and is surrounded by trees and brush.
Google Earth or some other site as such might allow you to zoom in.
As far as the site of the massacre, there is dispute to this day, but it is between two places:
The first would be behind and across the creek from what is now Old Creek General Store, which will be on the right, about 2 miles before you get to the burial site.
The other site would be what is now known as the Hayes Landers Farm, which is almost adjacent to the burial site.
This dispute has always made me wonder if the massacre actually took place in two different locations but the burial in one?
Never have been able to figure out why something so significant could be troubled my misinformation or dispute.
Steven Tweed
Per the above request by Gary Bullock, here is a link to the listings of those who served in the North Carolina 64th.
http://www.echoesofmadisonnc.com/64th.htm
I think it may be a little incomplete, as I know of at least one Tweed who served but cannot find him listed.
Hope this helps.
Steve
I mispoke when I said the driveway was called Log Cabin Lane. I need to ride up there and look, as it’s only about 4.5 miles from here.
The directions are otherwise correct though. My apologies.
The road name is Allegany Rd. Burial site is behind the old tobacco barn up on the hill. Go past the old stone fire place.
Not all the prisoners were killed. Following is part of a letter from W. H. Bailey to Governor Vance, dated February 18, 1863. Bailey was Assistant Adjutant General on Col. Allen’s staff.
“. . . There were six men brought in as prisoners & three othres came in & surrendered themselves – the six were Issaac Shelton, Lifus Shelton Sr. & his two sons, William Norton Sr. & his son – the three were Hackley Norton Sr. & his two sons – Hackley Norton being [enlisted?] as a pilot. I forwarded him to Lt. Col. Keith – the rest I started to Gen. Davis at Warm Springs but they were sent back & an order from Gen. Davis to hand them to me to be turned over to the civil authorities.
There was no pretence or proof direct or indirect against any except Issaac Shelton Lifus Shelton Sr. David Shelton & William Norton Sr. I caused these men to be arrested under a states warrant for burglary & they were committed to Buncombe jail – one of the othres being a conscript I forwarded him to the conscript camp at [Greeneville?].
The other three werre mere boys & I consulted the prominent citizens as to their disposition & we agreed that they ought not to be sent to Laurel. I sent for them & paroled them to remain in Marshall & bring wood & water for the jail. I learn that they obeyed their parole strictly – & the other day a squad of Col. Allen’s men went to Marshall & seized three boys declaring that they intended removing them to the Military Prison at Tuscaloosa to be kept there the balance of the War – when citizens protested against it they were [threatened?] to be impressed into the service if they expected [cannot read two words]. The names are William Norton Jr. John Norton & Joseph [Teeter?] Norton.
My address at present is Salisbury.”
Thank you so much for posting this! I am descended from Lifus Shelton (Eliphaz – one of those arrested) through his daughter Elizabeth. Two of his sons, William and Azariah, were killed in the massacre. Also his brother James,and two nephews were also killed. I read somewhere that he was arrested, but forgot where I saw it. Now you have saved me the trouble of looking for it. Thanks again!
Does anyone know what ever became of James A Keith after he escaped from jail ?
Went to live and hide in “The Dark Corner.” That would be Northern Greenville, County, SC.