Shelby, Isaac, 1750-1826
Dates
- Existence: 1750 - 1826
Biography
Isaac Shelby (December 11, 1750 – July 18, 1826) was the first and fifth Governor of Kentucky and served in the state legislatures of Virginia and North Carolina. He was also a soldier in Lord Dunmore's War, the American Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812. While governor, he led the Kentucky militia in the Battle of the Thames, an action that was rewarded with a Congressional Gold Medal. Counties in nine states, and several cities and military bases, have been named in his honor. His fondness for John Dickinson's "The Liberty Song" is believed to be the reason Kentucky adopted the state motto "United we stand, divided we fall".
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Isaac Shelby letter
Letter from Isaac Shelby in Frnakfort, Kentucky to James Monroe with recommendation to interim Secretary of War, that Peter G. Voorhies suceed Col. Samuel Huntington as district paymaster of the Army. Voorhies had served as principal commissary of provisions in expedition into Canada (in recent war), together with Shelby.