Madison County – In the wake of Dan Slagle’s insightful presentation on the Shelton Laurel Massacre, the complexities surrounding this tragic event continue to unravel. During the recent Madison County Genealogical Society meeting, which attracted an impressive number of attendees, including those from as far away as Tennessee, Slagle delved deep into the historical nuances that often get overlooked. His research sheds light on critical questions about the massacre that occurred in the remote Shelton Laurel Valley, where a Confederate detachment executed at least 13 suspected Union sympathizers under orders from higher command. As the discussion unfolds, it becomes clear that understanding the past is vital to comprehending the present. Slagle’s exploration of various historical sources brings forth a narrative that deserves to be told in full, prompting further reflection on the implications of these events.
Slagle’s sixth question did not have a firm answer. How many raiders participated? Gaston said 100+ men and “several low women.” Paludan and Trotter both said a band of about 50 men. James Keith said, “An armed force of 75 strong… While there, they made search for me, swearing if they could get hold of – they intended to burn me.”
Was Colonel Allen with the troops that were sent to Madison? The New York Times said yes, he was with his troops but not in command, as he was suspended for six months for crime and drunkenness. Gaston, Paludan, and Trotter also said yes. Keith confirmed that Allen was present. He reported that Allen had been under arrest, but had been released to return to his command, and “he in every way acted as commander of the forces.”
Who were the 13 that were killed? When you take the names from all the sources’ lists, you get 12 to 13, but the names vary. Here they are: Joseph Wood 60; Dav. Shelton 60; Jas. Shelton 50; Roddy Shelton 45; Elison King 40; Halen Moore 40; Wade Moore 35; Isaiah Shelton 15; Wm. Shelton 12; James Metcalf 10; Jasper Channel 14; Samuel Shelton 19, and his brother 17, sons of Lifus Shelton; James Shelton; William Chandler 54; Allison King; Joe Woods; James Shelton, Jr. 17; James Metcalf 40; and Stob Rob Shelton.
How many prisoners were NOT killed? According to Paludan, 26 (two of which escaped). Trotter says a dozen or so, plus the two that escaped.
You would think the next question would be quickly answered. What was the date of the killing? Only two of the five sources give a date, Paludan and Trotter both saying January 18, 1863. However, Keith indicates the killing was on Monday, January 19, 1863. A. S. Merrimon, who investigated the killing for Governor Vance, wrote, “The prisoners were captured on one Friday and killed the next Monday.” (Merrimon to Vance, Feb. 24, 1863,) The widows’ pension claim shows their husbands were killed on January 19, 1863.
How were they killed? The New York Times, Trotter, and Paludan said five kneeling down were shot, then five more, then the last three. Ellis said tied two and two together, placed in a line, ordered to kneel, and shot. The widows’ pension papers state that the prisoners were shot in their presence. The Union Flag paper (Jonesborough, TN) dated October 13, 1865, ran an article from the Nashville Times, which stated, “Col. Keith placed them in a line and had them shot down in the presence of over three hundred women and children, whom he had driven along like cattle, to witness the massacre.”
Who were the soldiers that did the killing? Only Ellis names any and said Keith “drew out his pistol… and shot him in the head.”
Who was court-martialed for the killings? Paludan said Lt. Col. James A. Keith (other officers resigned/relieved of command). Many sources claim that Keith and some other officers were court-martialed. No records have surfaced to prove that.
Who were indicted for murder after the killings? Paludan said Keith (13 indictments) was acquitted in the first trial. Madison County, Superior Court Records, show that in the case of Roderick Shelton, “James A. Keith, L. M. Allen, Wm Keith, Sails and Jay and divers other persons” were indicted for murder.
Was anyone held accountable for the killing? Paludan and Trotter said Keith spent over two years in jails awaiting trial. “Various official records show Keith was captured on October 8, 1867. He was jailed, tried for the murder of James Shelton, Jr. in December 1868, and acquitted. His remaining cases (6 or 7, not 13) were never tried, as he escaped jail on February 21, 1869. The NC Supreme Court later ruled that his cases fell under the Amnesty Act. Keith should have been released. Keith ended up in Arkansas.”
This concludes the detailed insights from Dan Slagle’s presentation regarding the Shelton Laurel Massacre. For more in-depth analysis and discussion on additional aspects of this historical event, please refer to the next article.