On 24 August 1918, James Henry Shearwood registered for the World War I draft, giving his full name as James Henry Shearwood; age 21; living at Montague, Essex County, Va.; born 21 June 1897; born at Bestland, Va., U.S.A.; native born; father's birthplace Bestland, Va., U.S.A.; employed by "my father, R.A. Shearwood" near Montague, Va.; medium height, medium build; brown eyes, light hair; no disabilities. [World War I Draft Registration Card, Roll 1984712.]

1920 U.S. Census, Essex County, Virginia
Rappahannock District, Sheet 15A
Farm, Dwelling 310, Family 321
Shearwood, Richard A., head, rents, male, white, 50, married, can read and write, born in Virginia, both parents born in Virginia, speaks English, farmer on general farm, works on own account, 25 on farm schedule
Shearwood, Mary E., wife, female, white, 47, married, can read and write, born in Virginia, both parents born in Virginia, speaks English, no occupation
Shearwood, Frances A. E., daughter, female, white, 20 single, not in school, can read and write, born in Virginia, both parents born in Virginia, speaks English, no occupation
Shearwood, Mary B., daughter, female, white, 15, single, attended school, can read and write, born in Virginia, both parents born in Virginia, speaks English, no occupation
Shearwood, James H., son, male, white, 22, single, can read and write, born in Virginia, both parents born in Virginia, speaks English, laborer on general farm, wage worker
Shearwood, John R., son, male, white, 12, single, attended school, born in Virginia, both parents born in Virginia, speaks English, no occupation