SHELBY, Nelson a/k/a Nelson HICKS 1832 - 1897

REUBEN, HICKS, SHELBY, TAYLOR

Posted By: Deborah Brownfield - Stanley (email)
Date: 1/28/2005 at 18:25:34

"The Fairfield Tribune"
Wednesday, January 13, 1897
Page 2, Column 5

Death of Nelson SHELBY.

Nelson SHELBY, a well known colored citizen of this city, who is better known as Nelson HICKS, died of chronic nephritis at his home in the southwestern part of the city last Saturday. The funeral was under the direction of the G. A. R., and was held Sunday at the Baptist church, Rev. Mr. Reignking conducting the services. A large number of his comrades and other friends were present.

Nelson SHELBY, as well as could be ascertained, was born in 1832 and raised a slave on the plantation of his master, Judge Aaron SHELBY, in Mississippi, about seven miles below Helena, Arkansas. He, together with his father’s family, was liberated in 1863, when Gen. Grant entered upon his campaign against Vicksburg. He entered the Union army at once, serving in the 3rd regiment, colored infantry, until the close of the war, when he came to Fairfield. At Birmingham in 1869 he married Mrs. Rachel TAYLOR, who died March 10, 1893. The only remaining near relative of whom he knew is a sister, Mrs. Lucretia REUBEN, now living at Keokuk, Iowa. He was a member of the George Strong Post, G. A. R., of this city, and was a great favorite among his comrades, being assigned the post of honor as color bearer in all their public exercises.

At a meeting of the post since Mr. SHELBY's death, the following resolutions were passed:

WHEREAS, it has pleased our Heavenly Father in His providence to remove, by death, our comrade and color bearer of our post, Nelson SHELBY, therefore be it

Resolved, by the George Strong post, G. A. R., that in the death of our Comrade SHELBY, our order has been deprived of a faithful member and one who did what he could in defence (sic) of his country and her flag.

Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of the post, furnished to the city papers for publication, and a copy be forwarded to the sister of the deceased.

handwritten notation: D. Fairfield Jan. 9, 1897 (perhaps date of death in Fairfield)