[3][4] It is named for Isaac Shelby, a soldier in the American Revolution who became the first governor of Kentucky.

It was named for Isaac Shelby, a soldier from Tennessee during the American Revolution, and first Governor of Kentucky.

[13] The Light and Champion, a news and information company, marked its 140th year of operation in 2017.

The Light and Champion produces a weekly print edition, a weekly free-distribution print product called The Merchandiser, operates a web site, www.lightandchampion.com, and a Facebook page.

The Light and Champion is owned by Moser Community Media, based in Brenham, Texas.

[14] An example of the political trends of rural East Texas, Shelby usually voted Democrat in the 20th century, but has turned into a Republican stronghold in the 21st.