Nerissa Newberry Shelby

HAIRSTON.org ID#1721, b. 11 September 1847, d. 3 March 1904
Father*John Milton SHELBY1 b. 30 Jan 1806, d. 23 Jan 1872
Mother*Amanda F. RUDISILL b. 13 Jan 1813, d. 6 Mar 1884
Birth*Nerissa Newberry Shelby was born on 11 September 1847 in Shelby, Tennessee.1,2 
She was the daughter of John Milton SHELBY and Amanda F. RUDISILL.1 
Census 1850Nerissa Newberry 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 $6,000.1

Census 1860Nerissa Newberry Shelby appeared on the 1860 census of John Milton SHELBY on 17 September 1860 in District 7, Shelby, Tennessee; John M Shelby 54 (blacksmith), Amanda F 47, Margaret A 16, Amandas R 26 (male), Narcapa N 14, Daniel G 11, John B 9, Charles S 6, James M 20 (John and Amanda born in NC, all others in Tennessee).3

WillIn John Milton SHELBY's will dated 27 September 1870 in Shelby, Tennessee, Nerissa Newberry Shelby was named as an heir.
Marriage*She married Adonis Ragland about 1876 in Shelby, Tennessee.4 
Death*Nerissa Newberry Shelby died on 3 March 1904 at age 56.2 
Burial*She was buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis, Shelby, Tennessee.2,5 

Family

Adonis Ragland b. 18 Nov 1847, d. 6 Jan 1927

Sources (www.HAIRSTON.org)

  1. [S1850] 1850 Federal Census - National Archives and Records Administration - Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
  2. [S256] Interment Records, Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee.
  3. [S1860] 1860 Federal Census - National Archives and Records Administration - Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
  4. [S1880] 1880 Federal Census - National Archives and Records Administration - Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org.
  5. [S48] Photo of Grave Marker - only photos of grave markers that are contemporary to the deceased individuals death are acceptable for genealogical proof. Find-a-Grave, personal photos and other sources.
Last Edited22 Jun 2026