Shelby

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

ISAAC, an American military officer; born in North Mountain, Md., Dec. 11, 1750; settled with his father on the site of Bristol, Tenn., in 1771, and there engaged in the herding of cattle. In 1774 he was made a lieutenant in a company commanded by his father. He was present at the action of Point Pleasant, where his skill won the day, and he commanded the fort there till July, 1775. During the battle of Long flats, when the American line was broken by the attack of the Indians, though present only as a private, he took command, and by his valor so inspirited the troops that they rallied and completely defeated the savages. Along with the defense of Watauga this victory saved the colonies in the South from a rear attack. Later Shelby was appointed commissary-general commissary-general of the Virginia troops with the rank of captain; was made colonel in 1779; and in the following year with John Sevier planned the expedition which brought about the action of King's Mountain and changed the whole aspect of the Revolutionary War. In 1792, when Kentucky became a State he was chosen its first governor by an overwhelming majority. He refused to be a candidate for a second term, but settled down to farm life which he declined to leave for public office. When the War of 1812 broke out and Michigan fell into the hands of the enemy, ISAAC SHELBY though 63 years old, he recruited and led 4,000 men to re-inforce Gen. William H. Harrison. In recognition of this service Congress voted him a gold medal and he received the thanks of both that body and the Legislature of Kentucky. He died near Stanford, Ky., July 18, 1826.