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John Newton Shirley was born Feb 6, 1834 died on Sept 9, 1924 in DeKalb Co., AL. and was buried in New Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery in DeKalb Co., AL. He married Elizabeth "Eliza" Jane Masters Sept 18, 1860 in DeKalb Co., AL. She was born on 30 Nov 1840 in Anderson, SC. and died on 18 Oct 1901, (daughter of Geo. Washington Masters and Sarah Burris). She is buried in New Harmony Baptist Ch. Cem. DeKalb Co. AL.
He was shot in the elbow at Gettysburg and walked home to Alabama from Pennsylvania when the medics said they would amputate it. It was said that he was given sugar to eat from a family along the way home. Having nothing to carry it with, he used his longjohns with the leg openings tied shut. Supposedly, John would offer sugar to his companions on the journey and they would decline.
A local historian tells the story that an aging John Newton was once asked by a reporter about the extended longevity of the Shirley family. When the reporter asked where the Shirleys were buried, John Newton dryly replied "I don't reckon any of 'em have ever died."
In later years John Newton spoke with a quiver in his voice, wore a long beard and was never able to straighten his right arm completely. He drew a small pension which took care of necessities and allowed a visit back to South Carolina and to Texas on alternate years.
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