Founded in 1939 by a group of Sheldon descendants, The Sheldon Family Association has a long history of providing support, information and camaraderie to those interested in Sheldon genealogy and in preserving their family history.  Join us as we come together to celebrate our heritage and preserve the memories of those who came before us.

Join us in Fort Wayne Indiana for our Annual Meeting/Reunion!

August 2-5 in Fort Wayne, Indiana

A Message from the President

by Michael Sheldon

You may have heard the phrase, “The spirits moved me.” Often this is in reply to a call to action. This is a call to all members with the hope that the spirits will move you and summon you to volunteer for the Sheldon Family Association.

The SFA has been in existence since 1939, with an additional history that goes back even further in time. Its mission is much the same now as it was when it was started. In a few phrases:

  • To learn about and teach all things Sheldon, to anyone who is interested.
  • Documenting and sharing a number of Sheldon trees, and places where Sheldons lived and came from.
  • Gathering and sharing knowledge about how Sheldons impacted their surroundings and fellow man.

It has always been about pursuing the knowledge of who, what, when, where, why and how. It is amazing how much has been accumulated and learned through the years. The effort of previous leaders and the huge participation of volunteers over these 83 years is phenomenal and awe-inspiring. All of this takes selfless people to research, organize, write, and distribute the growing wealth of knowledge and to do so in keeping with the times.

Volunteering is not that onerous, and it is not tedious, either. Yes, it will require that you devote three to four hours
during a week if you are President, or it might be as little as a couple of hours a month if you serve on some of the
committees. The amount of time depends on what it is you seek to do and the level of engagement you wish to make. You have to remember that any amount of contribution moves all of us Sheldons forward. It is rewarding, educational, and very worthwhile. It can even become a passion.

The upcoming year will be one that requires help from new blood. Bottomline: We need (continued below)

some members to step up and be or become the next wave of SFA leaders. The election in July 2023 will be for a new President and a new Secretary. We also need to fill some Director at Large seats. There is a lot to do and a lot to sustain. You can take it in small steps if you wish by first becoming a Director at Large and learning the ropes and responsibilities. Can you heed a call to leadership and help?

Currently, we have a need to fill the Vice President role since the term ended in August 2022. Our VP is still filling in for her role as well as remaining as our leader of the Annual Reunions, but she has new responsibilities to help her immediate family, so we need a VP ASAP. The VP role is obviously active. The VP is a Board Member on the Executive Committee, and the backup should something happen to the President. Being in the loop is critical to this role. My real hope is that this person becomes our Policy and Procedures Manager.

We need to fill a void by having someone take up the mantle of our Social Media accounts and oversight. You do not need to be on the board to fill this role. The SFA has several social media sites. This person is there to keep them current and monitor the activity. This July will be the end of my fourth year as President. While I will remain on the Board and shift my focus to other things SFA, such as the Finance Chair, the Nominations Chair, and a member of the ACPL review team, I am also active in my community and have a growing responsibility as a caretaker, so a step back is required.

Finally, we always need volunteers on our committees for DNA research, Reunions, By Laws, the 501(3) exploration, research, and ACPL data review are at the top of the list. You do not need to be on the board to fill any of these roles. If you want more information or if you want to throw your hat in the ring, please let me know by emailing me at
president@sheldonfamily.org.

Sincerely,

Michael B Sheldon
President

2022 Reunion Boston, MA.
2021 Reunion Ft. Wayne, IN.
2019 Reunion St. Louis, MO.

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8 hours ago

This is my favorite family tree. A decorative pear that was dying and we had it cit back and now it is growing. ... See MoreSee Less

This is my favorite family tree. A decorative pear that was dying and we had it cit back and now it is growing.
1 day ago

How can I move my DNA from family tree to my Sheldon sight. Thanks ... See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

Susanna Bradshaw can you clarify what you mean?

3 days ago

On Memorial Day, I honor the memory of my Sheldon ancestors who served in America's wars: My 4th and 5th great-grandfathers, Israel Sheldon Jr. and Sr., both of whom served in the American Revolution, and my great-great grandfather, Lt. Flavel King Sheldon, who served in the 37th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in the Civil war and was wounded at Petersburg. All were from Southampton, Mass. ... See MoreSee Less

On Memorial Day, I honor the memory of my Sheldon ancestors who served in Americas wars: My 4th and 5th great-grandfathers, Israel Sheldon Jr. and Sr., both of whom served in the American Revolution, and my great-great grandfather, Lt. Flavel King Sheldon, who served in the 37th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in the Civil war and was wounded at Petersburg. All were from Southampton, Mass.
4 days ago

... See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

This is truly a great story thanks for sharing

4 days ago

Apologies for the delay folks, I have been under the weather these past few weeks with severe allergies and asthma (this pollen is nuts!) For today&rs#sheldonsundaySunday we are highlighting Mark Ware Sheldon Sr., my great-great grandfather. Mark was born on September 30th 1842 in Haddonfield, NJ. He was a farmer and Civil War veteran stationed in Fort Delaware. He had three children with his wife Clara. Isabella, Edgar and Mark W. Mark passed away in Delaware at the age of 86. The photos attached are of his Civil War card, a photo of the Fort Delaware location, grave marker and obituary. ... See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

Amazing family history. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing

4 days ago

I had no idea that this was there.During the “Famine Years”, over 900,000 Irish entered America through New York to escape the horrors of the Irish genocide.Today, in Battery Park, New York lies the Irish Hunger Memorial. It is a .5 acre site with a small cottage on it.The cottage was once owned by the Slack family of Attymass, Mayo and was moved brick by brick to America.The grass and vegetation are all native to the west of Ireland.Surrounding the cottage there are stones from every Irish county, with the name of the county inscribed on each stone. ... See MoreSee Less

I had no idea that this was there.
3 days ago

Happy Memorial Day 🇺🇸 ... See MoreSee Less

Happy Memorial Day 🇺🇸

Comment on Facebook

While it is always good to remember everyone who served, Memorial Day is specifically for those who lost their lives while serving.

Thanks for posting this!/ us Sheldons have many to be honored in all wars

2 weeks ago

Let's welcome our new member!Brian Howard Tabor ... See MoreSee Less

Comment on Facebook

Thank you. My gr. gr. grandmother is #5959 in the Sheldon Magazine, Parthenia Sheldon, wife of Titus Sherman of Essex Co., NY.

Welcome

Welcome!

Hello Brian, welcome aboard!

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