Isaac Shelby
Isaac Shelby who served as a Lieutenant under his father Capt. Evan Shelby at the battle of Point Pleasant, was born at North Mountain, Md., Dec., 11th, 1750, where his grand-father settled upon his arrival from Wales. He had removed with his father to the present site of Bristol, Tenn., prior to the Dunmore War and was engaged in feeding and herding cattle. He served throughout the Revolution distinguishing himself at Camden, King’s Mountain and Long Island Flats. Governor Patrick Henry promoted him to a Captaincy and commissioned him Commissary general of the Virginia forces. When Sevier in 1779 projected the expedition that captured the British stores, at Chickamauga, Shelby equipped and supplied the troops by the pledge of his individual credit. Governor Thos. Jefferson commissioned him a Major of Virginia, but a survey proved him to be a resident of North Carolina, when he was appointed a Colonel by Gov. Caswell. He distinguished himself at Thicketty Fork, Cedar Springs and Musgraves Mills. Retreating across the Alleghenies after the disastrous defeat at Camden, he with John Sevier planned the remarkable campaign which resulted in the battle of King’s Mountain, the high water mark of the Revolution that turned the tide in favor of the patriot army. He did valiant service at the battle of the Cowpens as well as at Charleston. He was largely instrumental in preserving Kentucky to the Colonists as against an alliance with Spain. He was six times chosen a Presidential elector for Kentucky. In 1812 he became the first Governor of Kentucky, which he accepted with great reluctance and accepted only that he might again aid his country as against Great Britain. He organized 4000 volunteers and at the age of 63 years led them in person to the re-enforcement of Gen’l Wm. Henry Harrison enabling him to profit by the victory of Perry at Lake Erie. Congress voted him a gold Medal, and the Kentucky Legislature a vote of thanks. In 1783 he married Miss Susannah, daughter of Captain Nathanial Hart. He established himself on the first settlement and pre-emption granted in Kentucky which he made his home, residing thereon 43 years. He died July 18th, 1826, aged 76 years. He was a strict Presbyterian.
SOURCE: The Battle of Point Pleasant A Battle of the Revolution, October 10th, 1774, Mrs. Livia Nye Simpson-Poffenbarger, The State Gazette, Point Pleasant, W.V., 1909
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