Origins

Henri Shelton (perhaps a nickname for Henrietta) was born in 1862, during the final years of enslavement, and was part of the Shelton family whose lives were closely tied to the land that would become known as Possum Trot. Based on available records, Henry was connected to this place from an early age and likely lived and labored there alongside his family.

Migrations

Henri’s life appears to have remained closely tied to Possum Trot and the surrounding area, including Coosa, where she worked on the family farm. Census records from 1870 place Henri within the household during this early period of transition.

Family

Little is known about Henri’s later life. Available records suggest that he did not marry and likely passed in or before 1880. The 1870 census record includes a listing for “Henry” that may reflect either a variation in name or a transcription inconsistency, a reminder of the complexities and limitations of historical documentation from this period.

Henri is believed to be buried at the Shelton Family Cemetery at Possum Trot, remaining connected to the land that shaped his life.

Her story remained close to where it began, held in early years and quiet ground before the path could unfold.

This story continues to unfold through records, memory, and ongoing research.

Find out more at our gathering.

All are bound by sacred ties to Coosa, Rome and the land now known as Possum Trot.