Shanks Genealogy

I'll have more information soon. In the meantime, here are some documents I've transcribed:

Will of Robert Shanks -- 1871
Legislative petition for naturalization by Robert and William Shanks -- 1820

This is Robert Shanks of Petersburg, Virginia, born around 1873, married to Elizabeth, father of Robert Jr., James (my direct ancestor), Thomas, Eliza, and Matilda. Robert Sr.'s father's name was James and was living in Ireland in 1820. I suspect the line comes from County Down there, but I haven't yet gotten them across the ocean (other than knowing James' name).