Life
- Born
- May 13, 1824
- Died
- March 24, 1912
Career
- President — Clarksville Street Railway
Biography
John F. Shelton (May 13, 1824-March 24, 1912) was a longtime Clarksville businessman and transportation promoter closely associated with the city’s street railway system.
Born at Pittsylvania Court House, Virginia, on May 13, 1824, Shelton came to Clarksville as a young man after living in Danville, Munfordville and Springfield. He entered the livery business in Clarksville and Nashville, eventually operating J.F. Shelton & Son, described in his obituary as one of the most extensive and prosperous sales and livery businesses in Tennessee.
Shelton was especially important to Clarksville’s local transportation history. He was identified with the movement to bring the first streetcar system to Clarksville, a horse-car line that later became part of the city’s electric street railway network. When the street railway was absorbed by the electric line, Shelton’s stock reportedly sold for more than two-for-one. He later remained connected with the Electric Street Railway and Lighting enterprise and held stock in Tennessee companies until his death.
Shelton died at the home of J.W. Davis on Union Street on March 24, 1912, after a lengthy illness. His funeral was held at Madison Street Methodist Church.