The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
Author: Ronald Lee Shankland
William Shankland was born in Cherry Valley, New York on 15 August, 1762 to Robet Shankland (1705-1796) and Sarah Beaty (1730-1801). On 19 August, 1790 William was wed to Margaret Henry. Miss Henry was born in Scotland 15 October 1770 and died 10 November 1850 in Cazenovia, Madison County, New York. She had emigrated to the colonies with her parents at a young age. Born to the couple were Robert (veteran of the War of 1812), James, Ann, Thomas, Diana, Peter, William (Justice, New York State Supreme Court), Marcia, Eliza, Mary, and Thomas. The Shanklands are descended from the Scottish Clan MacGregor. Their skill at arms and fighting spirit are a reflection of this heritage.
Records show that William Shankland entered patriot service as a private the Company of Captain Robert McKean's, Colonel Samuel Campbell's Regiment. He later served as an Indian Spy in Colonel Clyde's Regiment of the Tryon County Militia. From July 1778 to July 1779 he was serving in Captain Ballard's Company of Colonel Alden's Regiment. After moving with his father's family to Princetown (near Schenectady) he would again render service in 1780 and 1781.
After the close of the War, William in various counties including Albany, Ostego, Saratoga, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, and Madison. According to his pension application in July 1834 he had been living in Madison County for 21 years. However, according to information from Reverend Beauchamp (1913) about the 1840 Pompey Reunion William ad arrived in Madison County in 1808. His home (presumably a farm) was located in the Delphi Valley in the town of Cazenovia in Madison County, New York.
William died on 17 April, 1850 in or near Onondaga County, New York. He is buried with his loving wife in Delphi Falls Baptist Church Cemetery in Delphi Falls, Onondaga County, New York. There is currently no SAR marker at his grave site.
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