Mary Melissa SHELBY

HAIRSTON.org ID#1716, b. 12 October 1835, d. 25 June 1923
Father*John Milton SHELBY b. 30 Jan 1806, d. 23 Jan 1872
Mother*Amanda F. RUDISILL b. 13 Jan 1813, d. 6 Mar 1884
Birth*Mary Melissa SHELBY was born on 12 October 1835 in Tennessee.1,2,3

 
She was the daughter of John Milton SHELBY and Amanda F. RUDISILL. 
Census 1850Mary Melissa SHELBY appeared on the 1850 census of John Milton SHELBY on 6 November 1850 in District 7, Shelby, Tennessee; John M Shelby 46 (blacksmith, b. NC), Amanda 36 (b. NC), Amanuel 16, Mary 14, Susan 12, Jas 10, Margaret 6, Nerissa 3, Danl 8/12. all children born in Tennessee. John Milton Shelby was a blacksmith with property valued at $6,000.3

Marriage*Mary Melissa SHELBY married William Benjamin WILLIAMSON on 27 March 1860. 
WillIn John Milton SHELBY's will dated 27 September 1870, Mary Melissa SHELBY was named as an heir.
Death*She died on 25 June 1923 in Memphis, Shelby, Tennessee, at age 87.1,2 
Burial*She was buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis, Shelby, Tennessee.1 

Family

William Benjamin WILLIAMSON
Child

Sources (www.HAIRSTON.org)

  1. [S48] Find A Grave Website with Photo - only listings with photos of grave markers that are contemporary to the deceased individuals death are acceptable for genealogical proof.
  2. [S51] Death Certificate.
  3. [S1850] 1850 Federal Census - National Archives and Records Administration - Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
Last Edited13 Aug 2025