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Portrait from Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, November 20, 1913
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The Rockdale Reporter and Messenger (Rockdale, Tex.),
Vol. 42, No. 51, Ed. 1
Thursday, February 24, 1916

Rev. J.D. Shelton died at his home a mile south of town Monday morning at eight o’clock after a long and tedious illness super-induced by an attack of la grippe. It was thought the first of last week that he would recover, but a turn for the worse came on even before the news of his temporary improvement had been circulated.

Deceased was a pioneer, having moved to Milam county in 1854. He was a Baptist preacher and strong in his convictions as he was honest in his opinions and loyal in his friendships. He was a surveyor by calling, and the evidence of his handiwork in this line is spread all over the maps of this and adjacent counties.

Bro. Shelton was born Oct. 12, 1842, in Robertson county, Tenn. and came to Texas with his parents in 1850. He fought the Indians with Capt. Wm. Burleson’s rangers, and in 1861 he answered the call of the South and enlisted under the Bonny Blue Flag as a member of the Fourth Texas Infantry, Capt Rogers’ company, Hood’s Texas Brigade. He served faithfully in all the battles and skirmishes of Virginia until the second battle of Manassas where he was so severely wounded that he was given a discharge.

He spent his convalescing time with relatives in Tennesse and as soon as able to bear arms he again enlisted, and not being fit for infantry service he joined Morgan's Cavalry Command in Tennessee. He was twice wounded in that command but served with bravery until the surrender. After the war he remained in Tennessee for several years, coming back to Milam county in 1875, since which time he has ever been an honored and respected citizen.

The funeral was held Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock, Rev. Darby of Rosebud, officiating, assisted by Rev. B.B. Blaylock, of Cameron. At his own request the interment was in the private family burying ground of his lifelong friend and family physician, Dr. T.E. Riddle. The funeral was under the auspices of Camp Sam Davis, United Confederate Veterans, of which he was an honored member and chaplain.
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