Shane: Generation 1

Morris Shane & Phoebe Castleman

The Irish surname of Shane is a variant of "Mac Seain" meaning son of John.     In Ulster and Louth, the MacShanes are a branch of the O'Neills; in Westmeath they're a branch of the O'Farrells.  In County Kerry, however, the descendants of Anglo-Norman settlers changed their name from "Fitzmaurice" to MacShane - or vice versa, depending on your source.[1]  Some McShanes have even assumed the name of Johnson, thus returning to the original meaning.  In 18th and 19th century documents, the name is often seen as Shain, Shone, or Shan and is often misread as Shaw.  Clan McShane has a website at www.clanmcshane.org.

To my knowledge, no one has discovered the Irish origins of Morris Shane.[2]  The family tradition was that he ran away from his home in Ireland when very young. 

Son John Shane's obituary stated that Maurice Shane settled on Stones River, Civil District 4, Davidson Co."[3]       

10 May 1784: Morris Shane received the right to 640 acres in what is now Davidson County, Tennessee, but was then the Western Reserve of North Carolina.  This grant was apparently the 640 acres located on the forks of Gasper Creek adjoining Simon Kuykendall and Gasper Mansker.  It was surveyed for Morris Shean on 13 Dec 1784 "in consequence of Warrant #291" and registered on 5 Mar 1788.[4]  A section of land, 640 acres, was the amount granted by North Carolina to a Sergeant in the Revolutionary War, land located in the area around Nashville known as the "Military Reservation".  It was also, however, the maximum amount allotted to each householder who'd been residing on the land prior to 1 Jun 1780, the so-called "Preemption Right".  A preemption didn't actually bestow the land, but simply gave the householder the "right" to apply for a grant.[5]   Morris's was almost undoubtedly the latter as described in the 3 Aug 1790 deed shown below.[6]   There's some question regarding the accuracy of the dates of Morris Shane's early grants and deeds.  The reader is urged to consult the originals.

c. 1785: Morris married Phoebe Castleman, daughter of Jacob Castleman and Patience Robertson in Davidson County.

8 Jul 1788: Morris and Phebe Shean sold two properties: 1) 478 acres on the forks of Gaspers Creek, "being part of a tract of 640 acres granted unto said Shean Apr 17, 1786",  to John Shannon; 2) 162 acres on the Wartrace Fork of Gaspers Creek in both Davidson and Sumner Counties to James Crabtree.  The 162 acres was described as adjoining Simeon Kuykendall and Gasper Mansker, said line being part of a tract of 640 acres granted to said Shean by patent dated 17 Apr 1786".  Witnesses: Robert Hays, Young Ewing, and Daniel Rowan.[7]  

3 Aug 1790: John Shannon sold Adam Lynn 40 acres on "Shane's Fork" of Gaspers Creek, "being part of Morris Shane's preemption".  The next day a deed from Adam Lynn to Thomas Byrd was also located on "Shane's Fork.[8]

There were hostilities with the Native Americans from the earliest days of settlement.  It was not just hyperbole that the area was called a "dark and bloody ground".  It culminated in an attack on Buchanan's Station made by 800-900 Cherokee and Creek warriors. 

                At the time of the attack, there were only about twenty men in the fort.  The assault was made about eleven o'clock at night . . . Morris Shane, who was on guard at the block-house nearest the creek, was the first to discover and fire upon a body of Indians congregated at the fort gate.  Thomas Kennedy then fired into the same group from the opposite house.  At the first alarm a runner was dispatched to Nashville for assistance . . . Mrs. Buchanan and Mrs. Shane leaped out of their beds at the first alarm, and taking no time to dress began to mold bullets, which they carried around to the men, and also a supply of brandy, adding words of cheer as they passed along . . . The assault lasted about an hour and a half, when the Indians began to withdraw.[9] 

20 Aug 1794: "John Donelson, assignee of Morris Shane, a soldier in the Commissioner's Guard," was granted 320 acres in Davidson County on the head branches of the left hand fork of Stoners Creek adjoining James Hays and John Donelson's former line.[10]   The question is: Who was the "soldier in the Commissioner's Guard", Donelson or Shane?  Judging from the numerous tracts involving John Donelson, the soldier might have been  Morris Shane.

7 Nov 1794:  In a deed from James Crabtree to Thomas Perry for 160 acres on Kasper's Creek, the tract was described as "part of a tract of 640 acres granted to Morris Shane by patent dated Apr 1786.[11]

 "Morris Shean" was named in an indenture[12]; a land grant[13]; and an indenture[14].

21 Dec 1803: Jacob Cassellman signed his will, which devised "that part of my land on Stone's River waters to Morris Shean", it being the land "which I purchased of James Robertson that lies south of Stoner's Lick Creek, being the same, more or less, whereon the said Shean now lives."[15]

16 Jun 1804: "I, Jacob Cassellman of Davidson Co, NC, sold unto Morris Shean a part of a tract of land lying on Stones River which I purchased of James Robertson adjoining the lands of William Stuart, which 140 acres of land of said Shean bounds on Stones River.  This 14th Sept 1790."  Witnessess: Andrew Ewing, William Ewing.[16]  Jacob was Phoebe's father.

7 Sep 1810: Morris Shean was cited as owing double tax on 200 acres in Bedford County, TN, the taxes not having been paid in 1809.[17]  Was this the land to which son James later moved?

1820 Census, Davidson County, TN: Maurice Shane was shown with 1 male under 10, 1 10-15, 1 16-18, 2 16-26, 1 over 45; 2 females 10-15,  2 26-45, 1 over 45.

18 May 1821: Morris signed his will in Davidson County. 

The Will of Morris Shane[18]

                In the name of God, Amen.  Being low in body but of perfect mind and memory I do this 18th day of May in the year of our Lord 1821, make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following, that is to say, I leave unto my beloved wife Phebe Shain the use of the house and cleared land and all other property for the support of the family so long as she remains a widow and at her marriage or death a division to be then made of everything in the following manner.  I do give and bequeath unto my youngest son Cornelius Shain one hundred acres of land I now live on to be laid off so as to include the apple orchard.  I do also give unto my sons James Shain and Jacob Shain the balance of the land I now live on supposed to be one hundred acres the same more or less to be equally divided between them, the land to be equally divided agreeable to quantity and quality with reserve.  I give unto my daughter Sarah Stephens the use of three acres of cleared land that is most convenient to her and one acre round her house to have as her own while she remains a widow.  My daughter Elendar Shain has to be supported off the land while she remains a single woman with the use and privilege of the house.  I do give unto my two daughters Rebecca Shain and Margarett when they leave this place an equal share of my property with them that's married and as to all the rest, remainder and residue of my perishable property to be equally divided amongst all my daughters.   I leave and appoint Absalom Gleaves and William Stewart as executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made, as witness my hand and seal this 18th May 1821. 

Morris (x) Shain

William Stewart and Jesse Waldron witnessed the will.

Morris probably died in June 1821, as the will was proved in July by the two above witnesses.  An inventory was taken by Absolum Gleaves and William Stewart on 14 Jul 1821.[19]  Among the usual farm and household items, that inventory included 200 acres of land, one deed "found on Julius Sanders for 366 acres of land", two notes for $30 each on [son-in-law] Samuel Steel, 1 pair of spectacles, notes on Samuel Steel, 4 books, and livestock consisting of 13 cattle, 4 sheep, 30 hogs, 3 turkeys, and 18 geese.[19a]

Morris was buried in the family graveyard, now known as Shane Cemetery, which is located on Hoggett's Ford Road off Central Pike in present-day Davidson County.[20]

15 Oct 1823: Executors Absalom Gleaves and William Stuart made settlement in the estate of Morris Shane, paying William Tait, Phebe Shane, Dr. Butler, and the county taxes.  The estate received $60 from [son-in-law] Samuel Steele.[21]

1830 Census, Davidson County, TN: Phoebe Shane appeared with 1 male 10-15, 1 15-20, 1 30-40; 3 females 30-40, 1 50-60,  The family was listed next to Jacob Shane.[22]

1836: Phoebe died in Davidson County and was buried beside her husband in the Shane Cemetery.  The inventory of her estate, which included 12 hogs, 10 or 12 sheep, 11 geese, 3 books, an account on John Shain for $8.15 and on J. Blair for $10.00, was recorded on 5 Dec 1836.  The estate sale took place 17 Dec 1836.[22a]

Commissioners William Evans, Eli Cherry, Abraham Earhart, John G. Gleaves, and Nimrod Earhart divided the real estate belonging to the estate of Morris Shane as follows: Lot 1, 100 acres to Cornelius Shane; Lot 2, 60 acres adjoining Cornelius Shane and Stones River; Lot 3, 60 acres to Jacob Shane adjoining William Stewart and Stones River; Lot 4, 4 acres adjoining adjoining Lot 2 to Sarah Stevens.[22b]   

Children of Morris and Phoebe Castleman Shane:   Janice Mauldin Castleman has daughter Nellie, plus another daughter named Elandor, born c. 1801 for a total of 13 children. 

I think it odd that none of the children or grandchildren known to me were named Morris or Phoebe.   Why not?

Patience Shane (2 Sep 1787 - 4 Jun 1852; m. Samuel Steele 19 Jun 1805)

John Shane (22 May 1789 - 25 Jun 1876; m. Nancy Drennan 18 Aug 1819)

Eleanor "Nellie" Shane (c. 1793 - Dec 1841)

According to Gloria McAbee, Nellie was a twin.

29 Nov 1841:

Will of Elenor Shane

Know all mean by these presents that I Ellenor Shane of the State of Tennessee and County of Davidson, being sick and very weak but of perfect mind and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament.  First, I want my body decently buried.  Secondly, I want my land sold and put to the use of enclosing the graves of Father, Mother, and Cornelius Shane.  The rest of the overplus of all my effects, I freely give to my beloved sister Rebecca Shane to have and to hold.  I also wish James B. Shain be appointed my executor.  And I do hereby utterly revoke and disannull all and other former wills or testaments made by me in any wise.  Witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 22nd day of November in the year of our Lord 1841.

Elenor (x) Shane

The will was witnessed by William Turner and J. K. Blair.  She died that December, her will being probated in 1842.[23]

Nancy Shane (c. 1793 -     ; m. 1st William Melvin 11 Aug 1812, m. 2nd David Craig 17 Oct 1822)

Nancy was Nellie's twin.

She may have been the mother of the Martha Melvin mentioned in the division of the Morris Shane estate.[24] 

17 Dec 1836: Nancy purchased a "big wheel", bed, bedstead and clothing [i.e. linens] at her mother's estate sale.[24a]

Sarah F. Shane (c. 1794 - 1888; m. Jeptha "Jeff" Stevens 11 Nov 1808)

Sarah was already a widow when her father Morris signed his will on 18 May 1821.

17 Dec 1836: At her mother's estate sale, Sarah bought a large pot and hooks, a skillet with lid, a rifle, salt and barrel, 4 "slays", and received [3rd choice] 2 hogs.[24b]

1850 Census, Davidson County, TN: Sarah F. Stevens 56; James 38; Alfred 25; Jacob Shain age 45, with property worth $1,000 but described as "insane"; Henry H. Stevens 11; John 9; Amanda 6; Joseph 4; Thomas 1/12; Julie Stevens age 33.[25]  Jacob Shane was Sarah's brother; Julia was the wife of James Stevens.  All the children were probably theirs.

27 Jun 1860 Census, Davidson County, TN (Nashville P.O.): Farmer James B. Stevens 47, born TN, with real and personal property valued at $400 and $100; Julia 44; Henry 21; farm laborer Galuster 19; Amanda 17; Araminta 13; Catherine 2; Jacob Shane 57, "insane" but possessing personal property valued at $12,000; Sarah Stevens 70, with personal property worth $400.[26]

Rebecca Buchanan Shane (c. 1795 - 6 Jun 1852)

17 Dec 1836: At her mother's estate sale, Rebecca bought, a "check reel" and loom, table, cupboard ware, trunk, and bible, and was either allotted or purchased a brindle heifer, 4 hogs, a red yearling, 6 geese, a sorrel mare, and a supply of corn.[26a]

17 Sep 1850 Census, Davidson County, TN (Civil District 4): Rebecca Shain age 55, born TN, with property valued at $300; Rhoda Straig age 51, born TN; Mary 28, born TN; Margaret 24.[27]  Rhoda was actually Rhoda Shane Strong, Rebecca's widowed sister. 

4 Jun 1852: Rebecca signed her will.[27a]

Will of Rebecca Shane 

I Rebecca B. Shane, being afflicted in body but sound in mind, do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner and form following.  Viz.  First, I desire my funeral expenses with all of my just debts to be paid.  Second, I will and bequeath all of my personal and real estate to my three nieces, Mary M., Margaret A., and Loucinda R. Strong.  This 4th day of June 1852.  Given under my hand and seal.

Rebecca B. Shane

Test: Joseph Binkley

Alfred S. Wright             

According to a letter by Samuel Steele on 22 Apr 1853, Rebecca died of cholera.  She is buried in Shane Cemetery. 

Andrew Shane (c. 1797 - c. 1853; m. Martha Green 10 Oct 1819)

1820 Census, Davidson County, TN: 1 male 16-26; 1 female 10-16, 1 16-26.

1830 Census, Shelby County, TN: A. Shane was listed with 1 male 20-30, 1 30-40; 2 females under 5, 1 5-10, 1 20-30; 1 slave.[28]

                12 Nov 1850 Census, Powell, Greene County, AR: Farmer Andrew Shane 53, born TN; Martha 48, born VA; Green 17, a farmer; Powell age 12; Lewallen 11.[29]

Rhoda "Rhody" Shane (c. 1799 -     ; m. Thomas Strong 22 Dec 1819)

1830 Census, Davidson County, TN: There were two Thomas Strongs. 1) 3 males under 5, 2 5-10, 1 40-50; 1 female 30-40; and 2) 1 male under 5, 1 30-40; 2 females under 5, 2 5-10, 1 30-40.[30]

17 Dec 1836: At her mother's estate sale, "Rhody" bought a pot and hooks, a "little wheel", and bed and clothing.[30a]

1850 Census, Davidson County, TN: Rebecca Shain" age 55, born TN had a "Rhoda Straig" age 51, born TN, with Mary 28 and Margaret 24, residing with her.[31]   

27 Jun 1860 Census, Davidson County, TN (Nashville P.O.): Farmer Rhoda Strong 47, born TN, with personal property valued at $100; farm laborer Barnabas Strong 26, born TN; Lucinda N. 24; Harriet 21.[32] Next door was Thomas Strong 62, a farmer with personal property worth $100, born VA; Margaret S. 30 and Ginnett 30, both born in TN. Then came the family of James Stevens, in which Sarah Stevens [nee Shane, Rhoda's sister] was residing.  Were Thomas and Rhoda estranged or was this the man who was the second Thomas in 1830?

James B. Shane (1801 -     ; m. Assenith Guthrie 9 Feb 1833)

Jacob Shane (c. 1804 - 6 Jun 1852; m. Lucinda Bowles 11 Aug 1825)

1830 Census, Davidson County, TN: Jacob Shane was enumerated with 1 male under 5, 1 20-30; 1 female under 5, 1 20-30.  The family was listed next to [mother] Phoebe Shane.[33]

                1850 Census, Davidson County, TN: Sarah F. Stevens 56; James 38; Alfred 25; Jacob Shain age 45, with property worth $1,000 but described as "insane"; Henry H. Stevens 11; John 9; Amanda 6; Joseph 4; Thomas 1/12; Julie Stevens age 33.[34]

Cornelius Shane (c. 1807 -     )

Cornelius died while still a minor and was buried in Shane Cemetery.[35]

Margaret Shane (c. 1808 -     ; m. Marvin [or William] Baldwin 25 Jul 1827)

Shane Cemetery, the resting place of Morris, Phoebe, Cornelius, Rebecca Shane, and others, is currently in danger from the laying of a water line in Hoggett's Road.  Any descendants - or simply those wishing to preserve historic sites - should contact Gloria McAbee of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities at buchanantree@comcast.net.   The great the number of descendants who can be identified, the greater the chance of saving this pioneer cemetery.  

If you have material about any individuals included in Nancy's Dead Relatives, can add well-documented family lines, have corrections and/or comments, or wish to establish a link to or from this site, please contact me at nancy@nancysdeadrelatives.com.  However, the decision whether or not to include any submitted material is the webmaster's (mine) alone. 

Nancy Denty Breidenthal

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