Third son of Darby Shawhan and Sarah Meeks. Born 1713 in Kent County, Maryland; died there in April 1770 (age 57). A farmer — his own 1770 will opens "I, Dennes Shawn, of Kent County... Farmer". Living on 114 acres leased from George Garnett by 1746; party to several Kent County lawsuits in the 1760s, both suing and being sued. His will, written 16 Apr. 1770 "sick in body," leaves everything to two children — daughter Bathsheba (six silver spoons) and son Isaac (a horse called Brass, and a saddle) — and names no wife; the register attributes his wife's name, "Mary," to inference from the will rather than the will stating it outright. His brother Darby Shawhan died in Dennis's own home in 1767 after six months of Dennis nursing him through his final illness; Dennis later sued their brother John's son Joseph, executor of Darby's estate, over the cost of that care.
Life events
- 1713Born, Kent Co., Maryland
- 18 Apr 1746Living on 114 acres leased from George Garnett, Kent Co.
- 1766Appraiser of brother David's estate, Kent Co.
- 1767Brother Darby Shawhan dies in Dennis's home after six months of illness Dennis nursed him through; sued by Jacob Falconer (£50 damages) and by Chapple Warner
- 3 Nov 1767"Dennis Shehawn vs. David Shawhan's Executors," Kent Co. court
- 1769Sued by Joseph Nicholson (£66)
- 16 Apr 1770Wrote his will, "sick in body"; names daughter Bathsheba and son Isaac
- 24 Apr 1770Will probated, Kent County
Sources
- History and Genealogy of the Shawhan and Related Families — pp. 13-14
- Eric Shawn Darby Shawhan and Sarah Meeks Historical Considerations — individual biographical detail