David Shanks is descended from Thomas Shanks, who was living in Washington Township, York County, Pennsylvania by 1763 when he first appears on a land warrant there. The genealogy then deals with the descendants of David and Hannah Morrison Shanks of Amsterdam, Botetourt County, Virginia, the second son of said Thomas.
George P. Allen was born on July 30, 1821, in Botetourt County, Virginia. He pursued civil engineering and worked as a surveyor, with early involvement in mercantile activities. In 1854, he moved to Daviess County, Missouri, where he served as county surveyor from 1856 to 1861. During the Civil War, he volunteered for the Confederate army and was captured in 1861. Post-war, he returned to Daviess County and continued his role as county surveyor. He married Sarah A. Miller in 1847 and had four children.
Peter VanBibber, originally from Holland, settled in Botetourt County, Virginia, prior to the Revolutionary War. He married Marguety Bounds and had a large family, including sons James and Joseph, the latter a surveyor in Missouri. Peter’s brother, Isaac VanBibber, a captain killed at the Battle of Point Pleasant, was raised by Daniel Boone. He later settled in Missouri, creating a profitable hotel on a Spanish land grant. Isaac’s descendants included Matilda and Ewing, and he passed away in 1836.
Richard Jones, originally from England, settled in Botetourt County, Virginia, after marrying Miss Love. A member of the Baptist Church, he supported the Episcopal Church through tobacco contributions. His children, William, John, and Silas, carried on the family legacy, with William relocating to Missouri, where he established a horse-mill that served as a Baptist meeting place. William’s descendants contributed significantly to the community, with notable figures such as Judge Robert W. Jones emerging among them, highlighting the family’s lasting influence in the region.
James T. Allen, M.D., was born on July 16, 1833, in Botetourt County, Virginia. He studied medicine under Dr. Matthew Wallace and graduated from McDowell Medical College in 1856. After moving to Missouri, he co-founded the town of Jamesport in 1857. Allen served in the Confederate army’s medical department during the Civil War and later combined farming with his medical practice. He established a drug business in Jamesport before relocating to Gallatin. Allen married Harriet A. Wynn and had five children, contributing as a Master Mason and founding Jamesport Lodge No. 201.
Fleming Clark, a 74-year-old former slave from Ohio, recounts his experiences growing up in slavery under Massa David Bowers. He describes family life, the hard labor on plantations, and the meager living conditions. Clark shares memories of punishments for slaves, witnessing sales, and the struggle for freedom after the Civil War. He reflects on his marriage and family life post-slavery, along with his views on significant historical figures like Abraham Lincoln. Clark emphasizes the importance of religion in fostering community and resilience.
Captain John Murray led a Company of Volunteers in the Botetourt County Regiment, which included key officers such as Lieutenant William McKee, who assumed command upon Murray’s death at Point Pleasant. The company consisted of 78 members, featuring numerous sergeants and privates, reflecting a diverse group of individuals committed to their cause. This list highlights the organization and personnel involved in this volunteer unit during a significant period in early American military history.
Captain Philip Love led a Company of Volunteers within the Botetourt County Regiment, consisting of 50 members. The command structure included Lieutenant Daniel McNeill, Ensign John Mills, and Sergeant Major William Ewing among others. Notable sergeants included James Alexander, who was wounded at Point Pleasant. The company comprised various privates, such as Robert Owen, Samuel Andrews, and William Scott, highlighting a diverse group of individuals committed to service. This unit reflects the organized military efforts during its time.
Captain John Lewis led the Company of Volunteers in the Botetourt County Regiment, comprising a diverse group of officers and privates. Among the notable staff were Lieutenant John Henderson and Ensign Robert Alliet. The company included 78 members, featuring various ranks such as sergeants, a drummer, and a fifer. Noteworthy individuals included Thomas Huff and Thomas Carpenter, who were wounded at Point Pleasant. This regiment reflects the military structure of the time, shaped by familial connections and local leadership.
Captain John Stewart led a company of 37 volunteers from Greenbrier Valley in the Botetourt County Regiment. Notable officers included Sergeants James Donnally, Charles OHara, and Skidmore Harriman. The ranks featured a diverse group of privates, including Daniel Workman, Samuel Williams, and William OHarra. Two members, Thomas Ferguson and Charles Kennison, were reported wounded at the Battle of Point Pleasant, highlighting the risks faced by these early American militia during their service.
Captain Robert McClennahan led the Company of Greenbrier Valley Volunteers within the Botetourt County Regiment during the period of conflict. His officers included Lieutenant William McCoy and Ensign Mathew Bracken, who was killed at Point Pleasant. The company comprised 34 members, featuring sergeants Thomas Williams, William Craig, and Samuel Clarke, along with privates such as John Harmon, James Morrow, and Edward Barrett, among others. This unit exemplified local commitment to service during a challenging time.
The post details the composition of Pauling’s Company of Volunteers from the Botetourt County Regiment, listing the officers and privates who served. Henry Pauling led the unit as Captain, with Edward Goldman as Lieutenant. The company comprised 52 members, including various ranks, such as Sergeants and Privates. Notably, Goldman was wounded in the Battle of Point Pleasant. This account reflects the volunteers’ commitment and the structure of military service during that period.
John F. Richards, born in 1834 in Virginia, was a pivotal figure in the development of Kansas City’s wholesale hardware industry. After moving to Missouri as a child, he gained valuable business experience before establishing his own hardware store in Leavenworth in 1857. Over the years, he expanded his business into the successful Richards Conover Hardware Company. Active in community and civic affairs, he served on the Leavenworth school board and was a member of the city council. His contributions shaped local commerce and governance in his region.
William Kiser was born on March 11, 1814, in Botetourt County, Virginia. His family relocated to Ross County, Ohio, where he later married Mary Ann Coon on August 22, 1841. The couple moved to Coles County in 1846, eventually settling on their current farm in 1851. Together, they raised nine children, including two sons and seven daughters, five of whom are still living. Their family has deep roots in the region, with various marriages connecting them to the local community.