Shrewsbury

 

Town of Shrewsbury in Shropshire England
Town of Shrewsbury in Shropshire England

THE TOWN OF SHREWSBURY

.The town of Shrewsbury in Shropshire, England, has a history that extends back at least as far as the year 901, but it could have been first settled earlier.[1][2] During the early Middle Ages, the town was a centre of the wool trade, and this was a peak in its importance. During the Industrial Revolution, comparatively little development took place in the town, although it did serve as a significant railway town after the development of rail transport in the area. The town today retains much of its historic architecture. Shrewsbury was probably founded as a town in the 8th century by the Saxon rulers Mercia, who needed a fortified burh to control the Severn river-crossing on the road between the burhs of Hereford and Chester. It replaced the large Roman fortified town of Viroconium Cornoviorum only 5 miles to the southest at modern day Wroxeter. Unfortunately no records survive of the exact date of foundation. Shrewsbury comes from the Saxon name ‘Scrobbesbyrig’.[3] Within the river loop Roman coins and pottery have been found, potentially indicating either small scale settlement or a route across the meander. Natural fords existed across the River Severn near to the present day English & Welsh Bridges which would have permitted travel across the meander. The ford near the Welsh Bridge existed just downstream of where the bridge is today, where Water Lane in Frankwell meets the river (this lane being one of the town’s most ancient street alignments). Where the English Bridge is, the confluence of the Rea Brook with the Severn creates a wide, shallow area of water which was readily fordable. It is here, where the present day street “Coleham Head” exists, that an island existed and is believed to be a possible site of early Saxon settlement.

The earliest written mention of the town existing is from the year 901, when it was described as being a city. At that time it was part of the Kingdom of Mercia and was an important border post between the Anglo-Saxons and the Britons in Wales. By the reign of Athelstan (925-939) coinage was being issued, indicating that the town was fortified at this point as having a mint at this time required by law that the location be fortified.[1] It grew in stature quickly and became the county town of Shropshire by the beginning of the 11th century. By 1066, the mid-11th Century, the town consisted of more than 250 houses, and had four churches – St Chad’s, St Mary’s, St Alkmond’s, and St Julian’s, of which at least the first three were minsters.

The Normans built a wooden fort at Shrewsbury,[5] but in 1069, an alliance of Welshmen and the men of Chester laid siege to it. A force led by Brian of Brittany and William fitz Osbern was sent to relieve the garrison, but before they arrived, the rebels had burned the town and dispersed.[6] Roger de Montgomery, a relative of William the Conqueror, was created first Earl of Shrewsbury, and in 1074 began building a castle where the present Shrewsbury Castle is now.[7]
The centre of Shrewsbury is located in a meander of the River Severn and the town is located only 9 miles from the Welsh border. The town centre has a pronounced hill on the north side of the meander where the neck of the meander is, upon which sits the castle, though the present day castle dates from the 13th century. The original town probably only occupied the summit of the hill, but it was probably extended southwards in the 13th century, as the town received a grant in 1218 of murage, a toll to build town walls, the first in England. It also received one of the earliest grants of pavage in 1266, “for paving the paving of the new market place” removed from the churchyard of St Alkmund and St Juliana.[8] There are many well-preserved half-timbered black-and-white houses here, among them the Abbot’s House of c.1500 on Butcher Row, and Rowley’s House (now home to the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery) on Barker Street.
The town fell to Welsh forces led by Llywelyn the Great in 1215 and again in 1234; after both attacks the defences were greatly increased. In 1283 Edward I held a Parliament, the first to include a House of Commons,[9][10] at Shrewsbury to decide the fate of Dafydd ap Gruffydd, the last free Welsh ruler of Wales. Dafydd was executed – hanged, drawn and quartered – for high treason in Shrewsbury.
Shrewsbury is often regarded as having reached its height in the late Middle Ages, in terms of its national and economic significance. This was largely down to its position as a centre of the woollen trade, being a centre for the finishing of Welsh cloth. Shrewsbury merchants bought cloth, which had been woven and fulled but not finished, such as freizes and plains, in Oswestry market. After finishing, much of it was sent buy road to London for sale.
Later, after the formation of the Church of England, it is believed that the town was offered the status of cathedral city by Henry VIII, as the part of a proposed “Diocese of Shropshire”. Reputedly, the citizens of the town rejected this offer, preferring to remain a “first of towns”, this being the source of the term “Proud Salopian”, that refers to a resident proud of Shrewsbury the way it is.[citation needed]
During the English Civil War, the town was a royalist stronghold and only fell to Parliament forces after they were let in by a traitor at the St Mary’s Water Gate (now also known as Traitor’s Gate).
The town has, historically, produced some significant food products, including the most popular recipe for Simnel cake and Shrewsbury Biscuits (or Shrewsbury Cakes), an often lemon flavoured biscuit, which were originally produced in a bakery in the centre of the town.

The town did not experience the same massive growth that other English towns experienced during the industrial revolution and few large factories grew up in the town. Despite this, the world’s first iron-framed building, the Ditherington Flax Mill was built in the town in 1797. In fact, during the 1830s and 1840s, the town actually decreased in populance – mainly due to the lack of good transport links and little industry. The railways, however, became a major employer by the end of the 19th century, as Shrewsbury became an important railway town. Today, the town is still not industrial and the railways no longer play such a major part in employing its people.
20th century[edit]

The town played a role in the Cold War, playing host a regional headquarters of the Royal Observer Corps (HQ 16 Group ROC) in the town until the Corps was dissolved in 1995. Located near the Abbey on Holywell Street, the protected and atomic-bomb hardened Nuclear reporting blockhouse was jointly built by the Home Office and MOD in 1962 and operated continuously until 1992, and is now a veterinary practice.[11]
The town was very little bombed in World War II, the only deaths occurring in 1940 when a woman and two grandchildren were killed when a cottage was hit in Ellesmere Road,[12] so many of its ancient buildings remain intact and there was little redevelopment during the 1960s and 1970s (which destroyed the character of many historic towns in the UK). It is known as the “town of flowers” and an alternative name is Salop (salopia is the alternative name for the county).
21st century[edit]

The town had borough status for many centuries and it was run by the Corporation of Shrewsbury. Between 1974 and 2009 the two local authorities were Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council (the district level authority) and Shropshire County Council (the county level). Since 1 April 2009 however the town no longer has borough status and the sole local authority is the county-wide unitary authority Shropshire Council. With this reorganisation, the town was parished and now has a town council.

THE SURNAME OF SHREWSBURY

This surname of SHREWSBURY is of the locational group of surnames meaning ‘one who came from SHREWSBURY’ the capital town of Shropshire. The name was originally rendered in the Old English form SCROBBESBURG, literally meaning the dweller at the end of the swamp. The earliest of the name on record appears to be SCROBBESBYRIG (without surname) who was recorded in the year 1006, and SCIROPESBERIE (without surname) was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. Agnes de SHREWESBYRY of Yorkshire was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. It was not until the 10th century that modern hereditary surnames first developed, and the use of fixed names spread, first to France, and then England, then to Germany and all of Europe. In these parts of Europe, the individual man was becoming more important, commerce was increasing and the exact identification of each man was becoming a necessity. Even today however, the Church does not recognise surnames. Baptisms and marriages are performed through use of the Christian name alone. Thus hereditary names as we know them today developed gradually during the 11th to the 15th century in the various European countries. Later instances of the name include Henry SHREWSBURY and Elizabeth Turtle, who were married in London in the year 1582, and Thomas SHREWSBURY of Northants, registered at Oxford University in the year 1590. Charles, 12th Earl and only Duke of SHREWSBURY (1660-1718) was the English statesman. He served under Charles II and James II, but gave money to William of Orange (William III) and did much to bring about the revolution of 1688. Twice secretary of state (1689 and 1694), he withdrew from public affairs in 1700, and went to Rome. In 1710 he helped to bring about the fall of the Whigs, and was made lord chamberlain. In 1712 he was ambassador to France, and then lord-lieutenant of Ireland. On the death of Queen Anne in 1714, as treasurer and lord justice, he acted with courage and decision and did much to secure the peaceful succession of the Hanovarians. He was created Duke of SHREWSBURY in 1694, but the dukedom died with him. In the Middle Ages heraldry came into use as a practical matter. It originated in the devices used to distinguish the armoured warriors in tournament and war, and was also placed on seals as marks of identity.

Shrewsbury Crest

Shrewsbury Crest

RULE OR RUEL SHREWSBURY 1700 – ? AND ELIZABETH POINDEXTER 1698/99-?

I don’t know when my line of the Shrewsbury’s came to this county.  The first Shrewsbury I can trace my lineage back to is Rule or Ruel Shrewsbury who was my 7th Great Grandfather.  He was born about 1711 in Essex>Richmond County.  He married Elizabeth Poindexter who was born in 1698/99  in Kent County, Virginia and can trace her lineage back to Geoffrey Plantagenet of Anjou through her Mother.  Elizabeth died after 1753 in Hanover County, Virginia.  Her parents were Thomas Poindexter born about 1675 in Middle Plantation, New Kent County, Virginia.  Middle Plantation became Williamsburg.  He died before 1707 in Hanover County, Virginia. Her Mother was Sarah Crawford (daughter of David and Jane Unknown) born May 12, 1666 in Amhurst County, Virginia.  She died in 1753 in Louisa County,  Virginia.

Elizabeth first married William Payne about 1720 in Westmoreland County, Virginia.  They had two children Thomas (Trader) Payne and William Payne.  After their Father died about before 1735  Elizabeth married Ruel Shrewsbury who raised her sons as his own.  Elizabeth and Ruel were administrators of his estate in Hanover County in 1735.

Hanover Co, VA pp.308-309 Admin. Bond We Rule Shrewsbury, Elizabeth Shrewsbury Admin. And Adminx. Of William Payne dec’d and John Snead and Anthony Pouncy are firmly bound unto Nicholas Meriwether Gent. Justice of the Peace for Hanover Co. in the sum of 100 pounds sterling. 4 Sept. 1735 Condition: if the above bound Rule Shrewsbury and Elizabeth Shrewsbury Admr. Of William Payne dec’d. do take or cause to be made a true and perfect inventory of the goods, chattels and credits of the sd. Dec’d. and if it shall hereafter appear that any Last Will and Testement was made by the sd. Dec’d. to have it allowed and if required to render up their Letters of Administration then this obligation to
be void.
q. Rule [R] Shrewsbury
Elizath, [E] Shrewsbury
John Snead
Antho. Pouncy
4 Sept 1735 Rule Shrewsbury, Elizabeth Shrewsbury, John Snead and Anthony
Pouncy Ack. their bond.

The House of Plantagenet

The House of Plantagenet (/plænˈtædʒənət/ plan-taj-ə-nət) rose to prominence in the High Middle Ages as a royal dynasty that endured until the end of the Late Middle Ages through the cadet branches of the House of York and House of Lancaster. Geoffrey V of Anjou is considered to have founded the dynasty with his marriage to Matilda, who was the daughter of Henry I of England. The English crown passed to their son Henry II under the Treaty of Winchester, bringing an end to decades of civil war. With his marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry accumulated a vast and complex feudal holding that was later called the Angevin Empire, stretching from the Pyrenees to Ireland and the border with Scotland. The name of the dynasty dates from the 15th century and comes from a 12th-century nickname of Geoffrey.
The Plantagenets transformed England from little more than a colonised realm, ruled from abroad, into one of the most deeply engaged and mature kingdoms in Europe, although not necessarily always intentionally.[1] Winston Churchill, the twentieth-century British prime minister, articulated this in A History of the English-Speaking Peoples; “[w]hen the long tally is added, it will be seen that the British nation and the English-speaking world owe far more to the vices of John than to the labours of virtuous sovereigns”.[2] From Magna Carta forward, the role of kingship transformed under the Plantagenets – driven by weakness to make compromises that constrained their power in return for financial and military support. The king changed from being the most powerful man in the country with the prerogative of judgement, feudal tribute and warfare into a polity where the king’s duties to his realm, in addition to the realm’s duties to the king, were defined, underpinned by a sophisticated justice system. Success for the Plantagenets required martial prowess, and many were renowned warrior leaders. Conflict with the French, Scots, Welsh and Irish was to help shape a distinct national identity and re-established the use of English. They also provided England with significant buildings such as Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle and the Welsh Castles.
No royal dynasty has been as successful in passing down the crown as the Plantagenets from 1189 to 1377. However, in 1399 the splintering of the dynasty into two competing cadet branches, the House of York and House of Lancaster, combined with economic and social tumult led to the internecine strife later named the Wars of the Roses. Conclusive defeat in the Hundred Years’ War had devastated the economy and broke the lower classes’ confidence in the status quo, resulting in several popular revolts that demanded greater rights and freedoms for the general population. Destitute soldiery returned from France and turned to crime to survive while feudalism declined into bastard feudalism where the nobility acquired private armies that they used to pursue personal feuds and defy the Plantagenet government. These events culminated in 1485 with the death of Richard III, the last Plantagenet king, at the Battle of Bosworth Field. Many historians consider this marks the end of Plantagenet power and the Middle Ages in England as the succeeding Tudors were able to resolve these problems by centralising royal power. This enabled the stability necessary for an English Renaissance and the development of Early modern Britain.

Children

Ruel and Elizabeth had at least four children:

1. ELIZABETH Shrewsbury – 1732

2. JEREMIAH Shrewsbury – 1734

3. SAMUEL Shrewsbury – 1736 in Hanover County, Virginia – 1786 in Bedford County, Virginia.  In 1759 he married Elizabeth (D’Aubigne) Dabney 1740 in Hanover County, Virginia – 1830 in Bedford County, Virginia.

Both Samual and his Brother Nathaniel were Baptist ministers and they moved to Bedford County, VA in 1766, where they were pastors of the Goose Creek Church (later took the name Morgans). They both fought in the
Revolutionary War.  Source: The early Trails of the Baptists; A History of the Strawberry Baptist Association.  Virginia Baptist Ministers by James B Taylor published in 1859.  A History of Morgans Baptist Church.

Samuel was married 2 April 1782 Bedford County, VA to Elizabeth (Betsy) Dabney, daughter of George Dabney of Hanover County, VA.  Elizabeth left the following Will

In the Name of God Amen. I Elizabeth Shrewsbury of Bedford County being weak & low in body But of Perfect Sound mind and Memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following. Viz. Having provided for the payment of all my Just and lawful Debts through my sons William & Joel Shrewsbury as also for my funeral Expenses And having Given to the heirs of my Son Dabney Shrewsbury Dec;’d my son John, Samuel, Nathaniel, Nathan, William
& Joel Shrewsbury & to my daughters Rhoda Buford & Elizabeth Turner all that I intended them to have I Give and bequeathe to my Grandson John Shrewsbury and my Grand daughter Rhoda Shrewsbury, son & daughter of my son William Shrewsbury, all the Right, Title, Interest and Claim which I have in Law or Equity in and to the Estate of my Son Ruel Shrewsbury Dec’d both Real & personal to be Equally divided between them after my death. In Testimony where of I have
here unto set my hand & seal this 20th day of March 1819. /s/ Elizabeth X Shrewsbury (her mark) /w/ John Pate, James Adams.
At a Court held for Bedford County at the Courthouse the 25th day of October 1830. This last Will & Testament of Elizabeth Shrewsbury dec’d was exhibited in Court & it appearing to the Court that John Pate & James Adams the subscribing witnesses to said will are dead on the motion of John Shrewsbury same is granted to him to prove the handwriting of said witnesses…the handwriting of John Pate…was proved by the oath of Matthew Pate. (John Shrewsbury gave bond and
administration was granted him.

From a piece written by Elder William C. Ligon…Samuel Shrewsbury was born in Hanover County, Virginia, in the year 1736. Some time in the year 1766, Samuel removed and settled in the County of Bedford, Virginia, where he became a convert to the Christian faith, and was baptized about the year 1770, by a traveling Baptist minister who tarried for a short time in the vicinity of his residence. In 1772, he commenced proclaiming the gospel of the Grace of God, in which he steadily persisted until the year 1784, when he fell a victim to the intermittent fever, which he was thought to have contracted at the Big Lick, in Botetourt County, when returning from a tour to warn his fellow-creatures to flee from the wrath to come.

He died at the early age of forty-eight years, and appears to have been cut off in the midst of his usefulness, and thus furnished additional evidence that the ways God are inscrutable to man. After the lapse of more than half a century, it is difficult to collect specific information in relation to Mr. Shrewsbury–so difficult, indeed that no attempt would now be made to rescue his memory from oblivion, were it not for the fact that he lived and labored in portentous times. We are at but little loss to determine of what manner of spirit a man is when he espouses an unpopular cause and earnestly contends for the faith once delivered to the saints, again an overwhelming current of opposition created by the lordings of the country. It is no meager compliment to record the name of an individual as a Baptist minister, zealously laboring in Virginia, between the years of 1772 and 1784. We claim for such a one more reputable and influential citizen of Kanawha Country say, in a letter now before me, “I am proud that I am a descendant of Samuel and nephew of Nathaniel Shrewsbury.”

It is doubtful whether Mr. Shrewsbury was ever ordained, as facilities for ordination were rare in the then frontier country of his residence; but be that as it may, there is a positive evidence that he was an exemplary and successful preacher of the gospel. Elder William Leftwich says, in relation to him: “I have no acquaintance with him, but I have no doubt, from what I have heard from others, (now fallen asleep) that he was a worthy man of God, and a very acceptable preacher.” Of particular exercises of mind about the time of his dissolution, I have no information, (my principal informant being, at that period, child of only six years of age, and orphaned by his death), but if we are permitted to deduce a particular conclusion from current facts, we feel justified in saying the end of Samuel Shrewsbury was with God and with peace.

Samuel and Elizabeth had 11 children:

1.  RHODA was born in 1759 in Bedford County, Virginia. She died in 1851 in Bedford County, Virginia. She married John Buford on 28 Dec 1786 in Bedford County, Virginia.

2. NATHANIEL was born in 1763 in Bedford County, Virginia. He married (1) ELIZABETH MCGEORGE on 26 Nov 1798 in Bedford County, Virginia.  He married (2) NANCY BOARD on 15 Mar 1792 in Bedford County, Virginia.

3. SAMUEL was born about 1763. He died on 01 Apr 1835. He married Mary Dickinson on 11 Dec 1785 in Augusta>Bath County, Virginia.

Samuel was about 17 years old when the English Cavalryman General Tarleton rode through Virginia on his famous raid and, though but a boy, he joined the army to oppose Tarleton. He was wounded later at the battle of the Cowpen in South

Carolina and there met his future father-in-law Col. John Dickinson”. P. 62 D.C. Gallaher’s book Miller-Quarrier-Shrewsbury-Dickinson-Dickinson Families.

4. DABNEY was born in 1765. He died in 1803. He married Elizabeth Sinclair on 09 Oct 1786 in Bedford County, Virginia.

5.  JOHN was born in 1770 in Virginia. He married MARTHA USHER DICKINSON.

6.  ELIZABETH was born about 1770 in Virgina. She married Benjamin Turner on 08 Nov 1791 in Bedford County, Virginia.

7. WILLIAM was born about 1772. He married (1) RHODA PATE on 23 Dec 1799 in Bedford County, Virginia. He married (2) CHARLOTTE GRIFFIN on 27 Feb 1815.  Ruel Shrewsbury was the surety.

8. RUEL was born about 1774. He died in 1801 in Bedford County, Virginia. He married NONE.

9. NATHAN  was born on 04 Feb 1774 in Virginia. He died on 02 Sep 1834 in Bedford County, Virginia. He married Nancy Hancock on 09 Dec 1806 in Bedford County, Virginia.

10. JOEL was born on 18 Aug 1778 in Virginia. He died in 1859 in Kanawha County, West Virginia. He married Sally Dickinson on 28 Nov 1803 in Bedford County, Virginia.

11. SIMEON  

4. NATHANIEL SHREWSBURY was my 6th Great Grandfather.  He was born in 1739 in Hanover County, Virginia. He died in 1825 in Wayne County, Kentucky. He married Mary Taylor about 1758.

NATHANIEL SHREWSBURY 1739 – 1825 and Mary Taylor ? – 1810

VIRGINIA

Nathaniel was a well know pre-Revolutionary War era Baptist Minister. In 1766 he moved from Hanover Co VA to Bedford Co VA with his brother Samuel, who was also a Baptist Minister. It is thought they came from Maryland.

In 1771, Nathaniel was one of 24 people who constituted Goose Creek Church (now called Morgans Baptist Church).

He performed many marriages there until he moved to Green/Adair Co KY in 1798.

“The subject of this sketch was born in the County of Hanover, Virginia, in the year 1739, and  removed, in company with his brother Samuel, to Bedford County, in the year 1766. The two  brothers appear to have made a profession of religion  about the same time, were baptized by the same man, and commenced the ministry together. Indeed, the history of the one seems to be the history of the other, so united were they in their lives and labors, until they were separated by the death of Samuel, the elder.

From Semple’s “History of the Baptists in Virginia,” “It will be seen that Nathaniel Shrewsbury constituted Goose Creek, Little Otter, and Buffalo Churches, in the bounds of the Strawberry Association. Of the first and last named churches he was the early pastor. The brief and indefinite history which the excellent Semple has written on Buffalo Church is to be lamented; because, when joined to his table of the Strawberry Association, it is calculated to mislead the reader and leave the impression that Elder Nathaniel Shrewsbury was the individual to whom he alluded in the following remarks: “A good preacher is one of the best gifts of heaven to a pious people; but if he unfortunately forgets his sacred office, and neglects to keep his body under, and thereby becomes a castaway, the affliction is more than commensurate with the former blessing. Buffalo found it necessary to exclude her once useful minister.” Who that “useful minister” was, I have no means of determining, but facts are conclusive in favor of the idea that it was not Nathaniel Shrewsbury. In the year 1798 he removed to the State of Kentucky, and settled in Adair County, where, in the language of one to be relied on, and well acquainted with the fact, “he continued his ministry till his death, in 1825.” My informant also adds that Mr. Shrewsbury frequently remarked, “that the necessary separation from his several churches gave him more pain than he had power to express.” He died at the advanced age of eighty-five years.”

“Elder William Leftwich, of Bedford County, in a letter now before me, says: “I was acquainted with him; have heard him preach often. When I first became acquainted with him, he had the care of Goose Creek Church. I think he must have been the pastor of that church as far back as 1780. He was likewise the pastor of Little Otter Church from the time of its constitution, which took place in or about the year 1785. These two churches he served, aided generally by Brother William Johnson, (than whom a much worthier man never lived,) until the year 1798, when, like many other Baptist preachers, he removed to Kentucky. While connected with these churches, he sometimes made excursions abroad. Among others, the Cow Pasture had his occasional visits. As a preacher he was popular, with many he was very much so. He was truly an affectionate and exemplary minister of the gospel; his labors were owned and blessed of the Lord. Under is fostering care, his churches in the main were prosperous. His talents as a preacher, there is no doubt, were above mediocrity in his day and sphere of labors.” “[James B. Taylor, Lives of Virginia Baptist Ministers, 1838, pages
335-337]

“Elder Leftwich’s opinion of the talents and usefulness of Mr. Shrewsbury is amply corroborated by the testimony of others; ;and no doubt can be entertained that he was a highly gifted and useful preacher. He too lived and labored in the days that tried men’s souls; when Baptist minister was a term of reproach in Virginia, and when such a one wrought in the Lord’s vineyard with full knowledge of the fact that he was thereby exposing himself to bonds, stripes and imprisonments. God was pleased to protract his days to see the ball of the Revolution wound up, to take the sweets from the cup of religious liberty; to sit under his own vine and fig tree, and worship agreeably to the conviction of his own mind, not fear nor hear the voice of the oppressor. by Elder William C. Ligon Virginia Baptist Ministers pl. 3367-9 also History of Morgans Baptist Church – Chapter Two.

Copy of letter from Nathaniel Shrewsbury: On 20 Nov 1818, Nathaniel wrote a letter from Wayne Co KY to the Goose Creek Church in Bedford Co VA. In it he describes his advanced age:
Dearly Beloved Brethren:
It is the last opportunity I ever expect to have of writing a line to you. I being now in the 79th year of my age, can but expect in a very short time to be called away out of this world of Sin and Sorrow. I hope unto a world of peace, and although I can never see you again in this world, I hope to meet you there where parting will be no more.  As to my natural abilities they have all left me only my eyesight. My voice, it is gone, my hearing is reatly gone, my teeth is so gone tht I can hardly speak plain, so that I am of but little use. I can hardly ride any distance.  As it respects religion I have as gret a desire for the glory of God, in the advancement of my Redeemer’s Kingdom as I ever had. I long and pray for the peace and welfare of Sion. Tho at present religion is at a very low ebb here. Inequality abounds and the love of many waxes cold, but I know we must have our winters as well as our summers. I hope that the Sun of Righteousness will return again with healing in his wings. It is no wonder to me that it is so when there is so great contentions among professors, when they are biting and   devouring each other, as tho Religion consisted only in a drumming of articles or opinions. But, Brethren I know that true Religion consists in pure love to God and love to man, and that is the same now, that it was when it first entered into the world. Therefore, dear Brethren, I exhort you to live in love, and pray one for another, and for me your poor old servant.  If ever I should have the opportunity of writing to you again, I have a desire to write you some of my matters and sentiments on Religion. Written from the banks of Cumberland to the Church of Christ in Bedford. So fare well to my old Church and to all my old friends and acquaintances.
/s/ Nathaniel Shrewsbury. [Harold B. Oyer, “A History of Morgans Baptist Church 1771-1971,”
[1971] Moneta, Virginia. Pages 31 & 199.

Rev Nathaniel Shrewsbury signed oath of Allegiance for the Revolutionary War and is considered a patriot by the DAR.

KENTUCKY

In 1798 he and his extended family moved to Green>Adair County, Kentucky where he continued to preach.

The extended family then moved to Wayne County, Kentucky  so the south of where they had been living.  Nathaniel Sshrewsbury posted bond to preach in Wayne County March 1815. His first church in Wayne County after leaving Adair County was Elk Springs Church.  It is not known why they moved.  A new church?  The Church is in Monticello just to the south of Lake Cumberland


1819 Jul 31 – Recorded: 31 Jul 1819 – page 217 – 218 Indenture: Charles Clocke of Madison Co, Alabama to Isaac Chrisman, John Sanders, James

Sloan, Nathaniel Shrewsbury, & B. Hadon, Trustees of th Elk Springs Baptist Church for the benefit
of such Church in Way .. $40 for 1/2 acre.. Beg. on an ironwood on J. Busters corner..with
Montgomerys line.. It is also understood that the Methodist Preacher or County have the use of
the Meeting House for every 4th Saturday & Sunday in each month FOREVER.. /s/ Charles Cocke

Wayne County, Kentucky Deed Book B (1811 – 1818)
1815 Apr 29 – Recorded: 3 May 1815 – page 222-223 Indenture: Nathaniel Shrewsberry to
Benjamin Shrewsberry…. $____ for 103 acres on the N. Side pf Cumberlamd Rover…Beg/ on the
N side of Forsbis {?} Creek & near its mouth into the river on 2 maples growing from one root…2
beeches on the river & creek bank called Boat Branch.
and
1817 May 9 – Recorded: 24 October 1817 – pages 464-465
Indenture: Nathaniel Shrewsbury Sr. to Nathaniel Shrewsbury Jr. $500 for 100 acres on N. side
of Cumberland River.. Beg. near upper end of 1st bottome above mouth of Forbus Creek..to the
mouth of Boar Branch /s/ Nathaniel Shrewsbury Sr… Wit Temple Poston, N. Bramblett.

Wayne County, Kentucky Deed Book C 1819 – 1824
Recorded: 16 Oct 1821 – page 283 – 284
Indenture: Whereas Thomas Carneqal dec’d in his lifetime sold unto Joseph Beard, dec’d a tract in Elk Spring Valley adjoining the Survey in name of Abraham Price containing 750 acres Granted by this State to said Thomas Carneal, as assignee of Thomas Matthews by Patent dated __ Jan 1801 & where said Beard sold part to Charles Cocke, to wit, ____ acres by Deed to Charles Cocke & Eleanor his wife 211 1/2 acres excepting 13 acres within the bounds thereof being in the town of
Monticello to Jacob Van Hoozer & Elizabedth his wife on the 16 Dec 1812 & conveyed to same to Abel Shrewsberry & whereas said Beard was not vestesd with the complete legal title at time of conveyance & whereas Thomas Davis Carneal Trustee, Admr. & Heir of Thomas Carneal, decx’d being willing to deed the said Abel Shrewsbury… for $1 conveys all rights to Shrewsbury.. /s/ Thomas D. Carfneal
and
1821 Oct 25 – Recorded: 25 Oct 1821 – page 291-292 Power of Attorney: I Elizabeth Beard at present of Wayne, Widow & Relict of Joseph Beard, Dec’d do appt. Charles Cunningham & Micah Taul my atty to receive from Joel Coffey, Peter
appt. Charles CunnGinegnhearmat i&o nM i2c a(cho Tna’tu)l my atty to receive from Joel Coffey, Peter Catron & Able Shrewsbury my fight of dower in & to lands & tenements in possession of Coffey, Catron & Shrewsbury…for purpose of transfering & relinquishing to the purchaser.. I agree to allow them half of all the land they may recover.. invirtue of my claim of dower.. the 1/2 sums of money which they may obtain by sale or compromised at their own costs & charges & freeing & clearing me of all trouble & expensew /s/ Elizabeth (X) Beard… Wit Elisha Franklin, John L. Mills.

Nathaniel Shrewsbury and Mary Taylor had the following 10 children:
1. MARY  (Polly) was born about 1760. She died in 1850. She married Valentine Mattox before 1777 in Bedford County, Virginia. He was born in 1751. He died in 1825.
2. ALLEN  was born about 1764 in Hanover County, Virginia. He died on 05 Mar 1843 in Garrard County, Kentucky. He married Nancy Wheeler on 16 Mar 1790 in Madison County, Kentucky. She was born in 1769 in Virgina. She died in 1845 in Mercer County, Missouri.
3. RUEL was born in Bedford County, Virginia. He died about 1848 in Breckridge County, Kentucky. He married SARAH SINCLAIR on 23 Dec 1788 in Bedford County, Virginia. She died in Breckenridge County, Kentucky. He married ELIZABETH CUNNINS.
4. MILDRED was born about 1769 in Virginia. She died in 1848 in Breckinridge County, Kentucky. She married James Bramlette on 09 Dec 1789 in Bedford County, Virginia. He was born in 1762 in Bedford County, Virginia. He died in 1849 in Breckenridge County, Kentucky.
*5. BENJAMIN was my 5th Great Grandfather.  He was born between 1772-1775 in Bedford County, Virginia. He died on 18 Dec 1848 in Jefferson County, Illinois. He married (1) NANCY RICHARDSON, daughter of William Richardson on 09 Jan 1792 in Botetourt County, Virginia. She was born in 1768 in Virrginia. She died on 05 Apr 1822 in Breckenridge County, Kentucky. He married UNKNOWN.
6. NANCY was born about 1773. She died about 1848. She married John Bratcher on 05 May 1793 in Bedford County, Virginia. He was born in 1760. He died in 1843 in Garrard County, Kentucky.
7. DRURY  was born on 27 May 1772 in Bedford County, Virginia. He died on 20 Jan 1833 in Hardin County, Kentucky. He married Elizabeth Dibrell on 21 Aug 1799 in Pulaski County, Kentucky. She was born on 28 Jan 1782 in Buckingham County, Virginia. She died in 1843 in Hardin County Kentucky.
8. ABEL  was born in 1798 in Virgina. He died on 04 Sep 1846 in Wayne County, Kentucky. He married Lelitha Van Hooser, daughter of Jacob Van Hoozer and Mary Durham on 28 May 1801 in Wayne County, Kentucky.
Notes for Abel Shrewsbury: Wayne County, Kentucky – Deed Book C 1819 – 1824 1819 May 8 Recorded: 29 May 1820 – pages 151-152
We, the undersigned being Justices of Peace for Wayne do certify that the Votes for the Trustees of Town of Monticello are as follows: Thomas C lemens, 19; Abell Shrewsbury, 21; Roger Oatts, 18; James Langston, 18; William Scott, 17, Rodes
Garth, 6; John Moore, 2; Joseph Heavens 3; Charles Mullens 3. Thomas Clemens, Abell Shrewsbury, Roger Oatts, James Langston & Wm. Scott are elected Trustees for the Town.. /s/ James Stone, JP; William Scott, JP. James Rapier, Clerk of the
Trustees; Francis P. stone, Deputy Clerk of County…

8. NATHANIEL  was born in 1776 in Virginia. He died in 1852 in Washington County, Indiana. He married Mary Dibrell on 23 Jul 1801 in Pulaski County, Kentucky. She was born in 1786 in Madison County, Kentucky.

9. SARAH  was born on 14 May 1781 in Bedford County, Virginia. She died in 1824 in Gerrard County, Kentucky. She married William Wheeler in 1799 in Lancaster, Garrard County, Kentucky. He was born on 17 Oct 1773 in Buckingham County, Virginia.