Near Shelbiana in Pike County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

John May / John May Family

1760-1813 /

John May face of marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 20, 2019

1. John May face of marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Born in Lancaster, Pa. to immigrant German parents. Joined 4th Virginia Infantry in fall of 1776. Saw George Washington’s retreat across the Hudson in Nov. Served until 1779. Married Sarah Phillips in 1780. Settled in Shelby Valley in 1800. Sarah swore to a declaration for a widow’s Revolutionary War pension in Pike County Court in 1845.

Three sons stayed in eastern Kentucky: Samuel in Prestonburg served in the Kentucky House and Senate in the 1830s; Thomas built a state road from Pikeville into Shelby Valley, was Justice of the Peace and sheriff of Pike county; Reuben’s farm became Maytown on Beaver Creek. Many descendants served as officials in Floyd and Pike Counties into the 20th century.

Erected 2011 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways, and Friends of Samuel May House, Inc. (Marker Number 2341.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1776.

Location.

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37° 24.562′ N, 82° 30.438′ W. Marker is near Shelbiana, Kentucky, in Pike County. Marker is on Collins Highway (Kentucky Route 122) 2.1 miles south of U.S. 460, on the left when traveling south. Collins Highway was U.S. 23 before the parallel limited-access highway was built. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pikeville KY 41501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Liberty First Co. Seat (approx. 2.4 miles away); Pikeville Collegiate Institute (approx. 4.7 miles away); Pikeville Cut-Through (approx. 4.7 miles away); Hatfield-McCoy Feud / McCoy Graves Here (approx. 4.7 miles away); James A. Garfield (approx. 4.7 miles away); Garfield at Piketon (approx. 4.7 miles away); Educator, Soldier, Congressman, President (approx. 4.8 miles away); Dils Cemetery (approx. 4.8 miles away).

John May Family face of marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 20, 2019

2. John May Family face of marker

John May / John May Family Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, October 20, 2019

3. John May / John May Family Marker

The railroad crossing is in the distance.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 7, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 395 times since then and 185 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 7, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.