According to an article written in the Chattanooga Free Press by John Wilson on Sunday January 7, 1996; "Richard was in Rhea County by 1819 having moved there from Sullivan County. He was killed by Abraham Mitchell near the home of John Payne, this was said to be Rhea County's first murder. Richard's estate was put up for sale in early 1820 and brought $277.56. The items included some Delftware and five plates of pewter. There were two horses, seven cows and 11 hogs. His wife Hannaitta, and it is believed she was a Cherokee Indian. Their sons are listed as William P., Adam, Benjamin, Nathan and Richard. Most of these Shipleys moved on to Hamilton County, with Nathan Shipley operating a mill on the property he acquired in 1828 on the lower side of Opossum Creek.
