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This
Lineage Page Last Updated February 2026
William Dearing
Shirley born about 1800
TN (source: 1850 census, middle name found on BLM land warrant);
He was sworn into service as a private (Capt Boone's Company)
in Montgomery County IL on April 20, 1832 to fight in the Black
Hawk war (also a Zeb Shirley in the list); Later listed as a
2nd Lt. in the regiment; The family left for Montgomery Co IL
from Marion TN in 1828. He left for the gold fields of California
in 1854 on the Gray Wagon Train. Lived Mud Flat, El Dorado CA;
In 1862 the State of California passed legislation for the "relief
of William D. Shirley" to relieve him from all liability
entered into as surety for the appearance of John Brown who was
held to answer a charge of assault with intent to commit murder,
dated 1860. He is listed in El Dorado CA 1860 census with 2nd
wife Jane and son Jack Breeze Shirley, and found later on the
1867 Great Register voter list for El Dorado Co as William Dearing
Shirley, age 66, born South Carolina; Occupation: General Trader;
Residence: Mud Springs. His son Jack Breeze Shirley, age 26,
is enumerated next
1858 May 10 El Dorado CA -
DB E page 309 James Feris of Sacramento County to W D Shirley
of El Dorado County a certain house and lot situated on the South
Side of Main Street in the town of El Dorado, El Dorado County
lying between the building of Edward Allena dn the Tailor shop
known as Shirleys Justice's Office lot running back to South
Street
1860 El Dorado California
Census: W. D. Shirley 60 farmer b SC (see 1850 Montgomery Co
IL); Jane Shirley 57 b VA; J B Shirley 19 b IL
1861 March 14 Eldorao CA -
Homestead Book A pg 166 - W D Shirley and wife Jane T Shirley
declaration of homestead land totaling 157 acres in Mud Springs
Township, El Dorado Co
In 1862 the State of California
passed legislation for the "relief of William D. Shirley"
to relieve him from all liability entered into as surety for
the appearance of John Brown who was held to answer a charge
of assault with intent to commit murder, dated 1860.
1865 Nov 22 El Dorado CA -
DB K page 8 William D Shirley of Mud Springs to Henry Wickman
150 acres near the village of El Dorado (this appears to be the
homestead land)
1866 El Dorado CA Voter Registration
- William Dearing Shirley age 66 (b 1800)
1867 El Dorado CA Voter Registration
- William Dearing Shirley age 66 (b 1801)
married 1) Jane P. Moore sometime between 1823 and 1827 in Marion
Co Tennessee; she died about 1853; She and her husband William
D Shirley sold their share of land in 1837 as heirs to the estate
of John Moore of Marion Co TN
1837 Marion Co TN DB D pg
405 - R. W. Moore & others . This indenture made this 23
of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
thirty seven between George Moore of the one part of the County
of Marion & State of Tennessee and Richard W. Moore , Robert
Raines and his wife Polly, Elliott H. Boyd and his wife Drewsilla,
John Williams and his wife Lucy, William D. Shirley and his
Wife Jane , Richow Moore and Robt Raines of the County of
Marion and State of Tennessee E. H. Boyd of the County of Bledsoe
and State aforesaid , John Williams of the County of St . Clar
and State of Alabama and William D. Shirley of the County
of Montgomery State of Illinois , of the other part ....
two certain tracts or parcels of land situate lying and being
in the aforesaid county of Marion and State of Tennessee one
of sixty two acres and the other of fifty both of which tracts
were granted by the State of Tennessee to John Moore dec'd....descended
from John Moore dec'd to the above mentioned parties being lawful
heirs of him the said John Moore... and we the above named R.
W. Moore R. Raines & Polly Raines , E. H. Boyd and Drewsilla
Boyd , John Williams and Lucy Williams and William D. Shirley
and Jane Shirley all lawful heirs of John Moore Dec'd , do
jointly and seventy by these presence convey all and every of
our undivided interest and claim in and to the above named tracts
or parcels of land to Geo. Moore <signed> R. W. Moore (
Seal ) Willian D. & Jane Shirley ( Seal ) By R. W. Moore
, their Atty in fact ( seal) E. H. Boyd ) ( Seal ). Drewsilla
Boyd ( Seal ) John Williams ( Seal ) Lucy Williams ( Seal ) Robert
Rains ( Seal ) Polly Rains (Seal)
married 2) Jane T. Gray on 20 Nov 1853 Montgomery Co IL
children (1840 census shows 3 sons, 3 daus)
1(i). Eliza L. Shirley (possible daughter); She married James Monroe Gray on 11
Aug 1842 in Montgomery Co IL He was the brother of Jane Gray,
2nd wife of Eliza Shirley's father William D Shirley, therefore
is this daughter correct?
1842 Montgomery Co IL Marriages
- This is to Certify that I joined together in the holy Estate
of Matrimony Mr James M Gray Miss Eliza L. Shirley on the 11th
day of August A.D. 1842 - John McEwen J. P.
1(ii). Amada Jane Shirley
(possible
daughter) She married Robert
W. Davies on 7 Sep 1849 in Montgomery Co IL
1(iii). Thomas Shirley age 22 (b 1828) IL in the 1850 census
of his parents. He may be the person who married Isabel Porter
and who moved to Lassen County California
1851 Oct 23 Montgomery Co
IL Marriages - Thomas L. W. Shirley married Tobitha I. Porter
(all confirmed in the original document, n.b. Thomas L. W. Shirley
also appeared in a guardianship record in 1853, thus not likely
a typo)
See lineage
for Thomas L W Shirley below
1(iv). William D. Shirley born December 1 1831 IL; He was living
in Hillsboro Montgomery Co IL in 1855 and 1865 Illinois census;
Served as County Clerk at Hillsboro, Montgomery County IL 1874
to 1882 and County Judge from 1882 to 1886. Died September 4
1876; His will was probated in 1876 in Alameda Co California.
He was buried Oak Grove Cemetery, Montgomery County IL
1876 Alameda Co California
Probate - Last Will and Testament- Wm D. Shirley Deceased Know
all men by these presents that I William D Shirley late of the
County of Montgomery and State of Illinois and at present of
the County of Alameda and State of California , being of sound
mind and memory and under no port of Constraint whatever do make
and publish the following to be my last will and testament in
manner and form following to wit : First . I will devise and
bequeath to my Wife Louisa F. Shirley my entire estate both real
and personal , intending by this will to vest the title to all
of my earthly possessions in my said wife Louisa F. Shirley ,
trusting and believing that she will make a fare , just , and
equitable provision for my two children at such time as might
be best and proper to do so . Second : I nominate and appoint
my said wife Louisa F Shirley sole executrix of this my last
will and ? testament , and that she be permitted to perform all
the duties without giving bond as such executrix . as such executrix.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this
Seventh day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight
hundred and Seventy Six <s> Wm D. Shirley
[Probate testimony] ...At
the time of executing the said instrument, to wit: the Seventh
day of June 1876 the said W ? D Shirley was over the age of eighteen
years , to wit: of the age of 44 years , or thereabouts , and
was of sound and disposing mind , and not acting under duress
, menace , fraud, under influence or misrepresentation . Subscribed
and Sworn to in of October A. D . 1876 - Jas S Thomson
married Louiza Boutwell 1 January 1857 in Montgomery County;
She died in San Diego CA
children
2(i). Susan L. Shirley age 2 in 1860; married ____Morris; she
died at age 31
2(ii). Frank B. Shirley died young
1(v). Mary E. Shirley age 18 (b 1832) IL; married Benjamin
F. McLain Nov 11, 1851 in Montgomery Co IL
1851 Oct 23 Montgomery Co
IL Marriages - I certify that the parties above named Benjamin
F. McLaw and Miss Mary E Shirley were duly united by me in Matrimony
on the 11th day of Nov 1851 Francis Springer Pastor Eve Luth Church
1(vi). Jack Breeze Shirley age 10 (b 1840) IL; went to California
with his father; Jack Breese, traveled around California
alone for awhile; He was a voter living in Truckee Nevada Co
in 1868, a saloon keeper in Millerton, Fresno Co in 1870 census,
again on voter lists in Truckee in 1871, in Mendocino Co in 1872,
Santa Rosa, Sonoma Co in 1873, then back in Fresno Co on voter
lists in 1875; He finally settled in Benton Co. Oregon
married Mary Catherine (Cassie) Graves
children,
2(i). Allie C Shirley b. 1880, died in infancy in 1882
2(ii). Claude (Grover Cleveland) Shirley born 1886
in Chehalis, WA.
Ancestor of DNA Kit #8613
Likely son of William Dearing
Shirley of Montgomery Co IL (died El Dorado Co California)
Thomas Lafayette
Washington Shirley
born 22 December 1827
in Tennessee. He is likely the son of William Dearing Shirley
(branch 51), age 22 b IL in his parent's 1850 census household
in Montgomery Co IL (He is not likely the Thomas C Shirley
age 23, born TN also enumerated in the same census household
of Wm D Shirley (as a relative), who died intestate in El Dorado
CA in 1853 "without connections"). Thomas L. W.
Shirley left Illinois for California in search for gold not long
after his marriage in 1851. Lived at Dutch Flat, Placer Co CA
in 1867, at Truckee, Nevada Co CA in 1868 through 1877. He was
enumerated at Truckee PO Nevada Co CA in 1870, age 42 occupation
Teamster. In the 1880 census he lived at Reno Nevada and operated
a hotel business there for only a few years. Moved to Susanville
Lassen Co CA by 1882. He died on 13 January 1905 (source: estate
packet) and was buried in Lassen Co California.
19 January 1905 Lassen Advocate,
Susanville, California – Death of Thomas L.W. Shirley Peacefully
and painlessly, like one “who wraps the drapery of his couch
about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams,” the spirit
of Thomas Shirley passed from its earthly tenement just before
midnight, January 13th, 1905, at his residence in Susanville.
Death was due to a gradual decadence of the vital forces, brought
about by the infirmities of age. Thomas Shirley was born in Tennessee
December 22, 1827. Much of his early life was spent in Illinois,
where he followed the usual avocations of youth of the time and
place. Shortly after his marriage to Miss Isabelle T. Porter,
he became afflicted with the gold fever, and came to California
with his family, making temporary homes in various places and
following farming, mining, freighting, and other occupations
that presented themselves. When the construction of the Central
Pacific Railway began, Mr. Shirley found congenial employment
amid the rush and rear of its advances and with that road’s
progress eastward he kept pace until it had reached Truckee.
Living at Truckee until 1877 or 1878, the family removed to Reno,
where for a short time Mr. Shirley engaged in the hotel business.
The next move was to Susanville and here he has made his home
for the past quarter of a century engaging in various activities
as long as physical strength permitted. Thomas Shirley was a
good citizen ever striving conscientiously to the charge of every
obligation of duty to the public as it was given to him to see
that duty. He was a devoted husband and an affectionate father;
a man who was not a sycophant, who was a firm friend and a generous
neighbor. For two terms preceding the present one, deceased had
served as janitor of the Susanville public schools and Monday
the schools were dismissed that pupils might attend his funeral.
Deceased leaves surviving a widow and two children, Mrs. R.J.
Tremain, of Susanville and H.T. Shirley, recently agent of the
NCO at Amedee [Lassen Co], and numerous grandchildren to mourn
his departure.
Note: His estate is found in
loose estate file #221
married Tabitha Isobel Porter on 23 October 1851 in Montgomery Co
Illinois; She was enumerated in Lassen Co CA in the 1910 census,
age 78; In 1900, she was 68 years old, mother of 7 children,
of whom only 2 were alive at that date. She died in 1913, buried
at Susanville Cemetery, Lassen Co CA
1851 Oct 23 Montgomery Co
IL Marriages - Thomas L. W. Shirley married Tobitha I. Porter
(all confirmed in the original document, n.b. Thomas L. W. Shirley
also appeared in a guardianship record in 1853, thus not likely
a typo)
children:
1(ii). Hopkins Turney/Turner
Shirley born about 1853
in IL, age 17 in parent's 1870 census. He lived at Cascade Tahoma
Co CA in 1880, occupation hotelkeeper; He was an agent of the
NCO at Amedee CA at the time of his father's death in 1905. He
worked as a lumber inspector in San Francisco in the 1920 census.
married Cassie Alice Smith; Her obituary was published in a Lassen
Co CA newspaper on 12 October 1905; Her maiden name is identified
in the birth record of her daughter Mildred Shirley and marriage
record of son Edward Loren Shirley
children:
2(i). Bertha M. Shirley born about 1878, age 2 in 1880 census
2(ii). Betty M. Shirley born about 1890, age 30 in San Francisco
1920 census, married Eugene Monroe
2(iii). Edward Loren Shirley born 17 February 1893 at San Bernadino
California; He lived with his grandmother Isabel in the 1910
census, age 17; He lived at Susanville Lassen Co CA at the time
of his WW1 draft registration, age 25, occupation: rancher and
stockman; He lived at Honey Lake, Lassen Co CA in 1920, occupation:
farm manager; He listed the name of his sister Betty Monroe of
San Francisco who 'would always know your address' in his 1942
WWII draft registration form. He was age 49 and worked at Marysville,
Yuba Co CA. He died 5 April 1965 (Calif Death index, mother Smith);
Buried at Olivehurst, Yuba Co California at the Sierra View Memorial
Park Cemetery.
married Verdi Nevada Lonkey on 24 August 1913 at Lassen Co CA (his
and her parents are named). Divorced and living at Reno Washoe
Co Nevada in 1930 census with 2 children
children:
3(i). Edward Camille Shirley born 2 July 1914 in CA, age 2 (sic)
in 1920 census, age 15 in 1930 census
Message board: I remember
my grandfather, Edward Camille Shirley, telling me about a relative
(who I think was either my great grandfather or great great grandfather)that
either founded Verdi, Nevada, or was one of the original settlers
of the town. I also remember a vague story about how the Shirley
name came into all of this but can not remember specifics - something
about an "informal" adoption where one family could
not have children and one family had too many - so one child
who I believe was my great grandfather (again I don't know so
any info would be helpful) was given to the family with no children.
Which is where I think I was told the Shirley last name came
about.
3(ii). Adele Lanthier Shirley
born 1915 in CA
3(ii). Thomas O Shirley born about 1922 in CA, age 8 in 1930
census
2(iv). Mildred Leslie Shirley born 17 July 1895 at San Bernadino Co
CA to Hopkins Turner Shirley and Carrie Alice Smith (CA birth
index). She lived in the household of her sister Betty Monroe
in the 1920 census, age 23.
1(ii). Forest A Shirley (female) born about 1856 in CA, age
14 in 1870 census. She married Edward W Hayden on 17 September
1873 at Nevada Co CA. She lived with her parents in the 1880
census, age 24 "married". Apparently, she is deceased
by 1900 census (according to mother's info)
1(iii). Edward J/T Shirley born about 1864 in CA, age 7 in 1870
census. He died 1884. His tombstone says he was born in 1863,
Buried at Susanville Cemetery, Lassen Co CA
13 November 1884 Obituary
of Edward "T" Shirley, buried Susanville Cemetery,
Lassen Co CA
1(iv). Maud Shirley born about 1870 in CA, age 0 in 1870,
age 9 in 1880 census. She married R. J. Tremain on 17 November
1889 at Lassen Co CA. She was alive at the time of her father's
death in 1905
Zebedee P Shirley (supposedly a ?brother
of William D. Shirley Sr) born about 1813 White Co TN; He served
as a private in the Black Hawk war in 1832 with William D. Shirley;
He was enumerated in Hamilton Co TN in 1840 census, then he moved
to Catalousa Parish Louisiana in 1850 census. Family lore says
"returned to Parker Co. Texas, where he later died.".
He and son Wm V D Shirley were granted land in Parker TX as early
as 1856; The family is enumerated in the 1860 census (Z.P Shirley)
and 1870 (Z P Shirlie) census for Fort Worth, Parker Co TX.
[1814 birth date] Zebedee Shirley enlisted in US Army Nov
5 1832 at Vandalia [Fayette Co IL] by Capt Duncan; age 18 born
White Co Tennessee farmer; Discharged 14 August 1833 at St Louis
a Corpl.(next to John Shirley in enlistment list, b. 1809 Lawrence
Co TN)
married Parthenia Malinda Davis; She was born about
1815 SC, widowed in the 1880 Parker Co TX census; She lived with
her daughter Marieta Dickerson in 1900 census. (her name was
sourced from dau Perthenia death cert); An Ida M Shirley
age 24 living in same household in 1900 census
children
1(i). William V. D. Shirley born about 1836 GA, age
13 in 1850 census, age 23 in 1860 census. Private CSA 5th Regt
Texas Mounted Volunteers; He was killed in the Civll War at the
Battle of Valverde, died young
1861 Oct 23 - Civil War - Confederate - 5th Regt Texas
Mounted Vols - Capt Charles L Jordan's Company - W V D Shelley
(sic) [later Shirley in records] private - age 24 - Enlisted
at Weatherford Oct 1 1861; Mustered into service 23 Oct 1861
for the duration of war. "Killed Battle Valverde - Horse
left from forced marches" [date not provided but muster
card says 31 Dec 1861 to 30 Apr 1862]
1(ii). Mary I. H. Shirley born about 1841 TN, age 9
in 1850 census, age 20 in 1860 census (as A Shirley)
1(iii). Parthenia Marieta Shirley born 7 October 1843
in Walker Co GA (source: death cert, dau of Z P Shirley),
age 7 in 1850 census, age 18 in 1860 census. age 28 in parent's
1870 census household (as N C Shirley) She married William T
Dickerson and lived in DeWitt Co TX in 1900; She died 26 August
1913 in Palo Pinto Co TX
1(iv). James R P Shirley born about 1846 GA, age 4
in 1850 census, age 12 in 1860 census. age 21 in 1870 census,
occ: Heliographic artist
1(v). M Shirley (female) born about 1852 TX, age 8
in 1860 census.. age 16 in 1870 census (as male, M S Shirley)
1(v). J. Shirley (female) born about 1856 TX, age 4
in 1860 census, age 14 in 1870 census (as male, J M Shirley)
There is an A Shirley (female) age 16 b TN in the above
HH in 1860, but who does not appear in the 1850 family HH; There
is also a W Shirley (male) age 24 b GA also in the 1860 HH, but
enumerated at the end, thus relative etc.
Email received from Dale in Septermber 2010
I am connected to the Branch 51, William D. Shirley, b. 1800
either South Carolina or Tennessee. William & his son, Jack
Breese, both on several occasions listed South Carolina as the
birth state for William D. Shirley. I have never found any source
evidence regarding either. Several other Shirley researchers
have stated that William D. Shirley Sr. b. 1800 was born in Marion
Co. Tennessee. They based this on less than convincing sources.
Also, there seems much evidence that William Sr. father was definitely
a Thomas. There are two to three Thomas’s that could be
William’s father. The one most convincing to me, is Thomas,
b. 1755 or 1865, married to Margaret. But I have swung back and
forth between several other Thomas’s.
William Sr, married a Jane P. Moore in Marion Co. Tennessee
sometime between 1823 & 1827. He left Marion Co. Tenn via
covered wagon with Jane P. Moore, it states with family, (source
a Pioneer article in the Montgomery Co. archives) for Hillsboro,
Montgomery Co. Illinois in 1828. A Thomas S. Shirley b. 1828
had to accompanied them as a baby. I feel this is William &
Jane’s first child and son. Numerous other sources list
William and Jane P. as having only 4 children, Thomas S. and
a William & Mary b. 1831-32, and a Jack Breese Shirley b.
1840, ( my great gr. Father) but, I feel I have found the following
3 other children. A Amanda Jane Shirley b. ? who married a Robert
W. Davis in 1849, a Aliza L. Shirley b. ? who married a James
M. Gray in 1842, a Julia Ann Shirley b. ? who married a William
C. Richmond in 1857. Mary E. Shirley b. 1831 married a Benjamin
F. McClain in 1851 & her twin brother William D. Shirley
Jr. b. 1831 married a Louisa Boutwell in 1857, and Thomas S.
Shirley b. 1828, married a Mary Frances Whitlege in 1860.
I have also found a brother of William D. Shirley Sr, whose
name is Zebadee or Zebadiah. Zebadee accompanied them to Montgomery
Co. Ill. Zebadee also served in the Blackhawk Wars of ____ with
William D Sr. He returned to Parker Co. Texas, where he later
died. I have another source stating that William D. Shirley Jr,
visited his Uncle Zebadee down in Texas.
Jane P. Moore, died abt. 1853, and is buried on the family
farm. There is a memorial grave stone for her in the Hillsboro,
Ill cemetery. William D. Shirley left Hillsboro via Wagon Train(called
the Gray Wagon Train) in 1854 for the Gold Fields of California.
After Jane P. Shirley died, he married a Jane T. Gray in 1853.
Together with Jane T. b 1808, his youngest son, Jack Breese Shirley,
now 14 yrs old and two of his now married sisters settled in
Mud Flat, CA. Later to become El Dorado, Ca. Unfortunately, I
have not been able to find out what happened to William D. Sr,
Jane T. Shirley, or the sisters of Jack Breese. They do not appear
in the 1870 Federal Census, so, I am assuming they died between
1865-70 somewhere in California. Jack Breese, traveled around
California alone for awhile, then finally settled in Benton Co.
Oregon. He married a Mary Catherine(Cassie) Graves, they had
two known children, Allie C, b. 1880, died in infancy in 1882
and my gr. Grandfather Claude (Grover Cleveland) born 1886 in
Chehalis, WA. Guess, that is why this line of Shirley’s
ended up in the PNW.
My greatest genealogy wish, to find the Shirley English Ancestor
forebear of mine who immigrated to the probably fledging colonies,
and to discover a Shirley decendent from the Shirley’s who
remained or returned to Montgomery Co. or who remained in California
and probably died there. William D.Shirley Jr., b 1831, who also
moved to Oakland, CA, but returned to Hillsboro, died there in
1876 (he was just on a visit to settle land issues). He left
two children, a Susan L Shirley Morris, died at 31, no known
children, and a son, Frank B. Shirley, died young also. His wife,
a Louisa F. Boutwell Shirley died in San Diego,CA, is buried
there.
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William Dearing Shirley