The Historical News - Upper Cumberland Genealogical Association

Transcription

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FR
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UNITED STATES FLAG
STATE OF TENNESSEE
CUMBERLAND, MACON & PUTNAM COUNTIES
& THE HISTORIC TWIN LAKES AREA
FR
The Historical News
TENNESSEE STATE FLAG
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Southern Historical News, Inc.
VOL. 31 NO. 6-TN
FEBRUARY 2011
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Locally Owned & Operated
The headquarters for your favorite party beverages in Celina is
RiveRside LiquoRs at 1019 east Lake Ave., phone 931-243-4152.
Courteous and helpful service is a hallmark of this establishment, which
has served this area for some time.
Most of the beverage items you'll need for that party you're planning are
sold here. Make them your one-stop shopping place for party beverages and
mixers.
If it is wine or champagne you want, they have a complete selection and
are always glad to suggest the suitable drink for the occasion.
All of the popular brands of liquors are kept in stock and arranged in
attractive displays, and you'll always find that special gift set.
It is not an easy job to properly select the right types and brands of the
many hundreds of liquors on the market today, but through much study and
careful evaluation this store always seems to have just what one wants.
The compilers of this 2011 Historical Review are pleased to list
RiveRside LiquoRs among the other leading businesses in the area.
Everyone at RiveRside LiquoRs thanks their customers for past business, and reminds everyone to please drink responsibly!
TOMMY’S
PORT-A-TOILET
"We Also Pump Septic Tanks"
Does your business or outdoor event call for portable sanitation facilities?
If so, phone 931-484-9058 and talk to the portable toilet specialists at
TOMMY’S PORT-A-TOILET in Crossville, at 136 Breeding Rd. This reliable
concern features the highest quality portable chemical toilets and can transport them anywhere you need them.
Whether you’re engaged in construction outdoors, putting on a sporting
event of some type, having a large picnic or wedding, this well-known firm can
supply the sanitation facilities you need when and where you need them! All
units are cleaned and sanitized before every rental. They offer these fine units
for rent and lease by the day, week and month.
As the writers of this 2011 Historical Review, we urge that you contact
TOMMY’S PORT-A-TOILET for all of your portable toilet needs.
Everyone at TOMMY’S PORT-A-TOILET thanks their customers for past
business and support, and reminds you they are of service to the entire
area.
We Salute Our Heroic Military Men & Women!
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RiveRside
liquoRs
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McCLOUDS COLLISION
OWNER: BOBBY McCLOUD
25 YEARS EXPERIENCE
FREE
S
EST I M AT E
MONDAY - FRIDAY
8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
FOREIGN
& DOMESTIC
I NSU RA NC
E
COLLI S ION
R E PA I R
931-520-0943
1500 INTERSTATE DR.
COOKEVILLE
COUNTY
HISTORY
INDEX
Clay...........................5
Cumberland............2-4
Fentress..............18-19
Jackson..............12-13
Macon.....................8-9
Overton..............14-15
Pickett.......................7
Putnam...............16-17
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PAGE 2
CUMBERLAND COUNTY AREA
continued from below
RARE ROCK CITY BARN
AND COUNTRY STORE
THRIVES NEAR LAKE TANSI
Submitted By Don & Jan Cunningham
Traveling throughout the southeastern United States allows visitors to see the beauty of our
region, and one of the treasured landmarks dotting the countryside are the See Rock City barns.
Now, many of the barns are gone and the federal government has ceased the creations of new
ones, but barn owner Jan Cunningham of Homestead isn’t about to let hers go by the wayside.
“It’s one of the few remaining Rock City barns,” says Jan.
“There is a law that prohibits new barns from being painted, but the ones in existence now can
remain. I plan to keep mine the way it is.”
Jan points out that their barn is depicted in a book which deals exclusively with Rock City
Barns.
The barn, located on Dunbar Road, is current home to the Cunningham’s business, The Old
Country Trading Post. She sells a myriad of items including new and used furniture, novelty items,
and natural personal items such as all-natural soaps, toothpastes and herbs. She started her business in 1986, a year after buying the property. She and her husband, Don, moved from Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
“Don’s an original Homesteader,” Jan continues. “His mother still lives in their original house that
was built during the Homestead Act in the 1930s.”
In fact, the barn was one of the last buildings to be constructed under the act before the war.
“The barn was built in 1937,” Don chimes in from his chair. He enjoys sitting in his little room in
the back, where the Cunninghams have created a mini-museum. The 50s Room, as Don calls it, is
a collection of all his 1950s memorabilia that he has collected over the years. He likes to give what
he calls his five cent tour to visitors. They can come in and see old juke boxes, his antique model
car collection and other 50s items.
The 50s Room was originally part of the addition to the back of the barn used for the auction
part of the business. Now, the floor had black and white checked tile and a little area where Don
plays his music and sings for all who want to listen while his wife keeps herself busy with her booming business.
When she first started her business, she had the monumental task of cleaning it up. Since it had
been used as a riding stable and pig farm in the past, the land around the barn was overgrown with
old sinks, refrigerators and other junk. Jan says, “It took me a year to clean it all out and get it ready
for my business.”
The barn is structurally sound, made from hickory, and Jan had just recently renovated the front
and now plans to start work on the middle section.
While passerbys are familiar with the old barn, visitors to the area love going and visiting the
barn, even when they are not open for business.
“When we were renovating, we had closed signs in the window, but they would come on in
anyway,” Jan says.
The Cunninghams have had visitors from all over the world, including England, France and
Germany.
“When you have a good thing going, people will hunt you out. Most people just love old barns,
and this seems to draw them here.”
Native tourists are also out to seek local treasures of history.
continued above
“And the business community is very helpful to each other,” Jan adds.
The Historical News
IS PUBLISHED BY:
SOUTHERN HISTORICAL NEWS, INC.
P.O. BOX 1068 HIRAM, GEORGIA 30141
1-800-422-4478 FAX: 1-770-943-0729
EDITOR’S NOTE
ON HISTORY
Some of the places featured in THE HISTORICAL
NEWS may have changed locations, no longer exist, or
have a different statement of purpose. They are presented
only for the historic theme in consideration of public interest.
Southern Historical News, Inc. welcomes your comments about our publication. If you have any historical
information and/or photographs you wish to be printed, we
would gladly accept them for future publications.
“We will direct visitors to other points of interest, and they will
do the same.”
The big barn near Lake Tansi is famous as far away as New
York City.
“There’s a man from New York, Thomas M. Polich, and he has
taken pictures of the barn and sells black and white, matted and
framed copies to customers up there,” Jan says. “I think he is
doing quite nice with it. He even sent us a framed copy as a thank
you.”
With all it has to offer, Jan has adopted Cumberland County
as their new home.
“I love it down here, love the people and the country way of
life and I never want to go back. This is God’s country,” Jan says.
“A very special place with very special people.”
BEAN POT
CAMPGROUND
Cabins Available
Locally Owned & Operated By Kathy Welsman
Looking for a beautiful place to enjoy the great outdoors and
still have the necessary comforts? BEAN POT CAMPGROUND
at 23 Bean Pot Campground Loop in Crossville, phone 931484-7671, has lots of room to let you stretch out and enjoy the
easy living of a completely equipped campground!
With facilities for tent camping, RV spaces, and cabin rentals,
this fine park is a great place to stay regardless of what type of
gear you bring. Let’s face it: Unless you have an awful lot of
money invested in the proper equipment for self-sufficiency, it’s
not really much fun to spend a weekend without needed conveniences. This peaceful campground provides an attractive alternative to having to “rough it!”
Plan now to spend some time at BEAN POT CAMPGROUND!
The writers of this 2011 Historical Review would like to make
prominent mention of this well-known campground.
Kathy and everyone at BEAN POT CAMPGROUND thank
their guests for their continued support and business, and invite
you to camp with them soon!
"Serving Cumberland County For Over 40 Years"
ED JONES
AUTOMOTIVE
Complete Computer Diagnostic Service
Complete Air Conditioning & Brake Service
Free Pick Up & Delivery
Towing
Available
22 WEST AVE.
Your Satisfaction
is Our
Business
931-484-5336
•
CROSSVILLE
Did You Know?
In 18th century England, macaroni
was a synonym for perfection and excellence. That's why, for example, the feather in Yankee Doodle's cap was called
"macaroni." In fact, the word "macaroni"
means "dearest darlings" in Italian.
Cumberland Mountain
State Rustic Park
History
Cumberland Mountain State Rustic Park is situated on the
Cumberland Plateau, a segment of the great upland which
extends from western New York to central Alabama. It is said to
be the largest timbered plateau in America. This 1,720-acre park
was acquired in 1938 as a project of the Farm Security
Administration to provide a recreational area for some 250 families selected to homestead in the general area of Cumberland
County. The Homestead Act was established by the Roosevelt
Administration to aid in the further colonization of this sparsely
populated section of Tennessee. The park was constructed by the
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and the Works Projects
Administration (WPA) and opened to the public in 1940. It’s architecture is unique. Most of the buildings are constructed of a local
sandstone rock called “Crab Orchard Stone.” The crab orchard
stone dam and bridge at Cumberland Mountain is the largest
masonry structure ever built by the CCC. It is also considered the
largest non-reinforced dam in the world. This stone has proved
most desirable as a building material and its mining and shaping
constitutes a major commercial industry for the area. The botanical diversity of the Cumberland Mountain is remarkable. Each fall
it is the site of a non-flowering plant pilgrimage. During this pilgrimage, guides take visitors afield and point out some of the
better and lesser known ferns, mosses, lichens, mushrooms, and
other fungi of the park. There are also tours of the homesteads
and evening slide shows and lectures.
Crossville, Tennessee
“A city that is built on a hill cannot be hid” - Matthew 5:14
Such a city is Crossville, Tennessee! With an average elevation of 2,000 feet, Crossville is truly a city built on a hill.
In the heart of Cumberland County, it is the third largest
county in Tennessee, with 679 square miles of area. 433,920
acres of beautiful rolling plateau, and mountains over 3,000 feet
in height. Eighty percent is still in timber and wild land yet to be
developed and suitable for expansion to help provide food and
fibre for an ever increasing population.
Crossville was originally Scotts Crossroads where North,
South, East and West roads crossed the great Cumberland
Plateau by the only roads that could be found across the wilderness. The Cumberland Plateau was named for the Duke of
Cumberland. When Cumberland County was formed in 1856 from
seven other counties, each gave up large acreage in an endeavor
to make it more convenient for the pioneers to ride to the county
seat in one day. Cumberland County was formed and also named
for the Duke of Cumberland, Scotts Crossroads changed to
Crossville where all roads crossed the plateau, thereby the name
Crossville!
Geographically, Crossville is located in a triangle between
Nashville, 120 miles, Chattanooga 74 miles, and Knoxville, 72
miles - within two hours of driving time of three metropolitan areas
of more than half a million people.
Crossville and Cumberland County have had a constant
growth from inception in 1856 simply because of this geographic
location, and a people who were of Scotch, Irish, and Indian
heritage, that were a sturdy combination of blood lines that could
live and exist in a wilderness that tried the heart and soul of a less
sturdy people.
PAGE 3
Attention
If you operate a business that is not listed in this
publication and would like your company information
listed in the next issue, please fill out the following
and mail it to us at: Southern Historical News, Inc.
P.O. Box 1068, Hiram, Ga. 30141.
We will have one of our representatives contact you.
Business Name: _______________________________
Contact Person: _________________________________
Business Address: _____________________________
City: _______________ State: _______ Zip: __________
Business Phone: (_____)______________________
Daytime # If Different: (_____)___________________
Or you can give us a call at: 1-800-422-4478
1282 North Main St.
187 Peavine Rd.
931-456-9591
931-707-5106
For truly authentic Mexican food, CANCUN MEXICAN RESTAURANT, with 2 locations in
Crossville is regarded as one of the best Mexican restaurants around.
The management at CANCUN MEXICAN RESTAURANT serves only true Mexican dishes
with a real flavor of the country, as well as beautiful Mexican decor, this restaurant has it all.
They have captured the true tangy flavor of the Mexican dishes by using the exact spices and
the freshest ingredients to prepare them. Choose from many different items on the menu. Start
with a bowl of cheese dip or some of the freshest guacamole anywhere. Some of the favorite
dishes are the fajitas, enchiladas or burritos. You will also want to try the combination dinners.
There are many to choose from and the proportion is plentiful.
For a fine place to eat authentic Mexican food in the Crossville area, we, the writers of this
2011 Historical Review urge you to go to CANCUN MEXICAN RESTAURANT. We know you'll love
it!
COMP
CUSTOM LETE
IZING F
CARS •
TRUCKS OR:
• VANS
Proudly Serving This Area For The Past 11 Years
Locally Owned & Operated By Keith Threet
Over 20 Years Experience
Dealing in quality auto, truck and van accessories, HITCHES & MORE has made quite a
name for themselves throughout the local area. This is one shop where people know they can
place their complete trust and confidence and that they will be treated fairly.
Look for HITCHES & MORE at their new location at 28 Interstate Lane, Exit 311 in Crossville,
phone 931-707-0511. They are dedicated to the proposition that everyone deserves the same
personal service that their biggest customers receive! You can prove it to yourself by calling or
stopping by. See if this well-known company doesn’t take better care of YOU! If you’re looking for
bedliners, camper tops, brush guards, grills or Nerf bars, then you’ve found the right shop. We urge
all area residents to contact them whenever you need any type of vehicle accessories.
In compiling this 2011 Historical Review for Cumberland County, we, the authors, are pleased
to list this outstanding shop among the area's leading businesses.
Keith and everyone at HITCHES & MORE thank their customers for past business and support,
and invite the entire area to visit them soon!
We Salute Our Heroic Military Men & Women!
PAGE 4
Upper Cumberland
Festivals and Special Events
2011 Calendar
February
February 19 - “Mike Webb & Friends” at Sutton Store in Granville
- Ole Time Music & Bluegrass presents “Mike Webb & Friends” starting at 6:00 pm
with Radio Taping at 7:00 pm. Enjoy the best in Tennessee’s Southern Cooking in
Sutton Store’s Dining Room, beginning at 5:00 pm & at 6:30 pm. Cost: $13.00,
Children under 12 - $7.00 + tax per person, under 6 – free. Reservations are
required at 931-653-4151 - Broadcast each Saturday at 10:00 am on WTKY FM
92.1, WKWY FM;102.7; WTKY AM 1370, and WVFB FM 101.5, Broadcast
Saturday’s at 11:00 am on Cookeville’s WPTN AM 780, Broadcast Sunday’s at
6:00 pm on Lebanon’s WANT FM 98.9 and WCOR AM 1490.
Website: http://www.granvillemuseum.com
February 24 - April 15 - "The Silver Whistle" open at the
Playhouse - Warm and funny hijinks of the folks in a church retirement community, who are confused, then rejuvenated by a newcomer who says he’s 77—but
looks much younger. He claims to have a youth potion! Rated G. Contact the
Playhouse for more information at 931-484-5000 or see website for all the listings.
Website: http://www.ccplayhouse.com
February 0 26 - “David Grier, Mike Compton & AndyTodd” at in
Granville - Ole Time Music & Bluegrass presents “David Grier, Mike Compton
& AndyTodd” starting at 6:00 pm with Radio Taping at 7:00 pm. Enjoy the best in
Tennessee’s Southern Cooking in Sutton Store’s Dining Room, beginning at 5:00
pm & at 6:30 pm. Cost: $13.00, Children under 12 - $7.00 + tax per person, under
6 – free. Reservations are required at 931-653-4151 - Broadcast each Saturday at
10:00 am on WTKY FM 92.1, WKWY FM;102.7; WTKY AM 1370, and WVFB FM
101.5 Broadcast Saturday’s at 11:00 am on Cookeville’s WPTN AM 780, Broadcast
Sunday’s at 6:00 pm on Lebanon’s WANT FM 98.9 and WCOR AM 1490.
Website: http://www.granvillemuseum.com
March
March 04 – 06 - Upper Cumberland Home & Garden Show - The
show, at the Hyder-Burks Ag Pavilion in Cookeville, is organized by Home Builders
Association of the Upper Cumberland. For more information, call (931) 528-7472.
Website: http://www.uchba.com • E-mail: home@uchba.com
March 11 - Franc D’Ambrosio in Concert at the Playhouse - Best
known as the “Phantom” in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "The Phantom of the Opera",
D’Ambrosio’s rich tenor caresses each song in an embrace—sometimes tender,
sometimes humorous, always passionate. The concert will be at the Cumberland
County Playhouse at 7:30 PM. Contact the Playhouse for more information at 931484-5000 or see website for all listings.
Website: httpwww.ccplayhouse.com
March 17 - April 01 - "The Perils of Pinocchio" open at the
Playhouse - Paul Crabtree’s "The Perils of Pinocchio" returns for three weekends only, featuring the amazing talented kids who sparked Summer 2010’s oneweek run. This production will be videoed for future cablecast by Education
Sponsor Spirit Broadband. Rated G. Contact the Playhouse for more information
at 931-484-5000 or see website for all listings.
Website: http://www.ccplayhouse.com
March 18, 19, 25 & 26 - "De-Con and Old Doilies” at the Thomas
House - The Thomas House in Red Boiling Springs & Stagestruck Production
present the play written by Gene Embry, directed by Darrell Cole and performed
by the Macon County's own Off Broadway Players. Show starts at 7:00 pm.
Sherman and Gussie Milstone have been happily married for 65 years. They love,
and in return, are loved and respected by their family and friends. Bruce, their
eldest grandson has announced his upcoming marriage to his fiancée Kaitlyn.
Gussie being a proud grandma, is planning a dinner party to introduce their new
grand Daughter-in-law to family and friends. There is only one thing standing in the
way of Gussie's perfect plans. Sherman and Gussie are having trouble with mice!
They are suddenly over-run with them!!! Gussie will do anything to rid herself of
the embarrassment!
Killing the varmints was Grandma's plan. Killing Grandpa was not! Now the family
continued above
must keep grandpa's body out of site until they can come up with a way to keep
grandma out of jail! Come join the fun! Call now for reservations 615-699-3006.
Price: $25.00 plus tax per person (price includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and
show) Stay the Night – call us for room availability.
E-mail: thomashouse@nctc.com
March 20 - Bryan Symphony Orchestra Concert - The Bryan
Symphony Orchestra at Tennessee Tech University is in concert at 3:00 pm in the
TTU's Wattenbarger Auditorium. The program includes Coates’ “London Suite,”
Haydn’s “Symphony No. 104 in D, London,” and the Elgar cello concerto, performed with guest cellist Steve Doane of the University of Rochester’s Eastman
School of Music. The Wattenbarger Auditorium is the concert hall of TTU's Bryan
Fine Arts Building, located at 1150 N. Dixie Ave., in Cookeville. Adult tickets are
$30; tickets for seniors 65 and up are $26. Call the symphony box office at 931525-2633 for availability or more information.
Website: http://www.bryansymphony.org
E-mail: contact@bryansymphony.org
ray's
Jewelry
"Since 1952"
Fine Jewelry
JEWELRY REPAIR
WATCHES BY:
BULOVA, SEIKO & CARAVELLE
CALL
Complete
Selection
Of Diamonds
931-484-6631
204 SOUTH MAIN ST.
•
CROSSVILLE
RAY'S JEWELRY THANKS THEIR CUSTOMERS FOR PAST BUSINESS & SUPPORT, &
INVITES THE ENTIRE AREA TO VISIT THEM SOON!
Serving The Community 27 Years
ART & FRAME SHOP
"YOU NAME IT - WE FRAME IT"
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED BY SUSAN PEW
931-484-3313
123 IRWIN AVE.
CROSSVILLE
SUSAN AT ART & FRAME SHOP THANKS HER
CUSTOMERS FOR PAST BUSINESS & SUPPORT, &
REMINDS YOU SHE IS OF SERVICE TO THE ENTIRE AREA!
“Since 1968”
SERVING CUMBERLAND
& SURROUNDING COUNTIES
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED
“ENGINEERED FOR COMFORTABLE LIVING”
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS
931-277-3162
SOUTHERN HEATING & AIR THANKS THEIR CUSTOMERS
FOR PAST BUSINESS, & REMINDS YOU THEY ARE
OF SERVICE TO THE ENTIRE AREA.
WE SALUTE OUR HEROIC MILITARY MEN & WOMEN!
owner
ken iles
CLAY COUNTY AREA
PAGE 5
Dale Hollow Lake
We would like to invite you to beautiful Clay County Tennessee and the crystal
clear Dale Hollow Lake. Clay County is located just 97 miles northeast of Nashville,
Tennessee within the scenic Highland Rim on the Tennessee/Kentucky State line.
Our Average annual temperature is 56.8 degrees with a southerly prevailing wind.
Clay County's seat is Celina, Tennessee. Celina is nested along the banks of both
the Obey and the Cumberland River, which not only provides breath taking scenery, but also a means of transportation to and from the area by river. In the heart
of Celina stands the second oldest active Court House in Tennessee. The Court
House was built in 1872 by brick molded from the clay to which it stands. Celina is
located just seven miles down stream from the Dale Hollow Dam.
Dale Hollow Lake is the best-kept secret in the world. The beautiful blue waters
can only compliment our rich and ample forest, which line the shore. Attractions on
the lake include our American Bald Eagle migration during the winter months to
our camping, swimming, and boating from any of our modern marinas. All of our
marinas cater to tourist as well as locals in making their visit to the Dale Hollow a
pleasant and memorable experience. Each of these marinas has Houseboats, Ski
Boats, Pontoon Boats, and Jet Skis for rent at competitive prices. There are also
several cabins, chalets, and motel rooms to choose from when you visit Clay
County.
Dale Hollow Lake welcomed 3,466,291 visitors with opened arms during the
year 2000. This resulted in 57,002,789 visitor hours with an economic impact to
the region $111,725,466.00. Dale Hollow reached its highest elevation for the year
2000 on May 28th of 652.60' and the lowest elevation for the same year was
recorded on December 11th at 635.30'. This is a difference of elevation of 17.30'
for the year 2000.
Clay County has something to offer for anyone searching for that perfect vacation. From the historical community, the breath taking views of our hills and valley's,
to the beautiful and inviting Dale Hollow Lake. Clay County, Tennessee is the perfect destination for your next vacation.
The American Bald Eagle
Courtesy of Dale Hollow - Clay County Chamber of Commerce
Bald Eagles At Dale Hollow Lake
The American bald eagle is a regular wintertime visitor to Dale Hollow Lake.
The bald eagle is one of the largest, most powerful, and spectacularly handsome
birds in the world. Over 40 eagles are counted each winter at Dale Hollow Lake,
located in the mountainous region of northern Tennessee and southern Kentucky.
Benjamin Franklin outrightly opposed the selection of this great bird as the
national emblem of the United States of America. James Audubon agreed with
him. Both men felt that the eagles were unfit to represent this nation because of its
habit of robbing the osprey of its food and because it eats carrion. Nevertheless,
in 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the American bald eagle as our national emblem.
The American bald eagle stands 30 - 40 inches tall, has a wing spread of 6 to
7 feet and weighs 10 - 13 pounds. The bald eagle reaches 4 to 5 years in age
before becoming a mature bird. The mature eagle has a solid white head giving a
bald appearance at a distance, hence the name bald eagle. Other identifying features are white tail feathers, yellow beak, and dark brown to blackish body. The
immature bald eagle is as large or larger than its mature parents. In contrast, the
immature bird has plumage which is entirely dark brown to black and/or gray with
solid black beak.
When an immature bird reaches approximately 4 years of age, it will take on
a molted or somewhat speckled coloration, making ready for the change to a
mature eagle with the white head and tail feathers. There is no marked difference
between male and female eagles in appearance. The average life span of a bald
eagle is 25 - 30 years with reports of eagles reaching 50 years of age.
Only a few eagles nest at Dale Hollow Lake at the present time. There are
reports that they did nest here in years past. Today most bald eagles nest in Florida
or one of the northern states. One eagle nest on record was used for 35 consecutive years until it was blown over by a storm. This nest was estimated to weigh two
tons. Another nest investigated in Florida stood 20 feet tall and was 9 1/2 feet
wide.
Eagles mate for life and seem to be very fond of one another. The female lays
2 or rarely 3 eggs per year. It takes about 30 days for the eggs to incubate. Young
eagles spend about 3 to 4 months in the nest before leaving.
Bald eagles have eyesight of 8 times better than humans and can often see
its prey from a distance of 2 to 3 miles. In most areas of its range, the bald eagle
preys on fish. However, at Dale Hollow Lake, the American coot, a small duck-like
bird, is the primary source of food. Bald eagles are often found perched near large
flocks of coots, or they will be in flight in an effort to make one of these coots its
continued above
meal. The eagles generally hunt in the morning and perch or soar during the early
afternoon hours.
Even though it is our national symbol, this has brought little help in the eagle's
attempt to survive in a changing world. We poisoned with pesticides like DDT. We
shot eagles, and took away vital habitat to the extent the bald eagle population was
seriously endangered. Hopefully, now the tide has turned. DDT has been banned;
the eagle is now fully protected throughout its range; and people have become
concerned about destruction of eagle habitat. Dale Hollow Lake has been the
winter home for the American bald eagle for many years. One of the reasons that
the eagles continue to come to Dale Hollow Lake year after year is its remoteness
and the natural, unspoiled condition of the land and water. Under the Corps of
Engineers Lakeshore Management Plan for Dale Hollow Lake, the thinning, clearing, or development of surrounding federal lands is prohibited. Therefore, unless
other factors prevail, the eagles should continue to be regular visitors to the lake
for years to come.
The Corps of Engineers conducts an Eagle Watch during January each year
to give people the opportunity to see eagles in their natural habitat. The public is
invited to participate in this event. Participants are transported by boat to remote
areas of the lake in search of eagles. Rangers are always on hand to answer questions or assist visitors in using a telescope to get an even closer look at the magnificent birds. For further information on the Eagle Watch, contact the Resource
Manager's Office, at 615-243-3136, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time,
Monday through Friday. Individuals who wish to make reservations for the Eagle
Watch should call on or after November 15th each year.
If you happen to be fortunate enough to get a space on one of the Eagle Watch
tours, take a good look around as you’re loading the barge, and you may notice
that there’s something in the air, besides the chill -- it’s excitement.
For more information, contact: Mark Willis, Park Ranger, Nashville District, Corps
of Engineers, Resource Manager’s Office, Dale Hollow Lake, Celina, TN 38551.
Clay County Named In Honor Of
Henry Clay (1777-1852)
Henry Clay was a leading statesman for almost 40 years. Clay became known
as the “Great Pacificator.” Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun and Daniel Webster formed
a “great triumvirate” of United States Senators. Their opinions largely controlled
Congress during the second quarter of the 1800s. Clay was one of the most idolized citizens of his time because of his generous nature, charming manner, ready
wit, and moving eloquence. His famous remark, “I had rather be right than be
President,” was often quoted to show his devotion to principle. He was elected in
1957 to the U.S. Senate Hall of Fame in the U.S. Capitol.
Clay was the son of a Baptist minister and was born April 12, 1777 in Hanover
County, Virginia. He had little education but loved to read. He studied law and was
admitted to the Virginia bar in 1797, and began to practice in Lexington, Kentucky.
He was successful almost at once.
Clay began his political career in 1801 as a member of the Kentucky constitutional convention. He was chosen senator when he was not quite 30 years old. He
entered the House of Representatives in 1811.
No man was ever more eager to be President. He ran for President 3 times,
but was never elected. The first time, in 1824, Clay came out fourth in the election.
Clay then gave his support to John Quincy Adams, who was elected. In 1832, he
lost overwhelmingly to Andrew Jackson. In 1844, Clay ran for President against
James K. Polk. Clay refused to take sides on the question of annexing Texas, and
lost the votes of both the antislavery men of the North and the slave owners of the
South. Again he was defeated.
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PAGE 6
The Lessons Granny Taught Me
I transferred to Myrtle Beach, SC in 1992.
Of course, Granny wanted to come and visit
me. She and her friend, George Anna Carter,
came down for a week. George Anna, who
was from Miami, Florida, always went swimming in the bay at home every day. She suggested a trip to the beach. Granny declared
she did not have a bathing suit. I loaned her
an older one of mine, which was white and
purple with flowers on it. George Anna and I
just put wraps on over our bathing suits and we were ready to hit the beach.
Granny motioned for us to walk up the beach and back. We ambled up the beach,
deep in conversation. We turned around and walked back down in the surf, enjoying the warm water. The closer we got to where Granny had been, the more puzzled I became. I saw Granny standing in the surf, but I did not remember my bathing suit having that much white in it. I saw people pointing to her and laughing, and
then I saw why. Granny had left her bra and panties on underneath the bathing suit.
She had her knee socks on out in the surf. I ran to her and told her to get rid of the
underclothes and she said, "Well, then I would be half naked!" I asked her why on
earth she had on her socks. She told me she had gotten stung by a jellyfish once
and she was not taking any chances of that happening again!!
I remember when I was about 10 yrs old. I used to live for Fridays to come
because I would catch a ride with Clayton Davis, who worked at the phone company. He was married to my granny's sister, Edna. He would give me a ride to the
Whittier Grocery and deposit me, with my little pink suitcase, to the care of my
Papa Beck. I would play store and visit people in Whittier until closing time. I would
always call my Granny the moment I got to the store.
Every Friday it was the same ritual. She would ask me what I wanted for supper. I would say cabbage and noodles, fried potatoes, pinto beans, and cornbread.
It makes my mouth water just to think of this!!! And we would have this every
Friday!!! Granny used to tell me over and over that the cabbage and noodles had
to be cooked separately and salted and peppered and then mixed together for the
flavor to be really good. She would always surprise me with a dessert of homemade apple fritters. Since she and Papa had alot of apple trees, I grew up on apple
this and apple that and I know an apple a day keeps the doctor away!!!
After supper, she would fill two tubs up with water. One held soap water and
one was scalding hot water and we did the dishes together while Papa watched
the news. Then she would ask me what book I brought to read and we would go
to the living room. She and Papa had recliners and I sat on the couch next to the
telephone. I thought I was a "big girl" answering the phone for them. We would read
until time for Jeopardy (which my grandfather would not miss).
I remember Granny did not have a shower and I always took a bath on Friday
night. She had a bed light which I could use while I lay in bed and read. She would
always come in my bedroom and tell me a bible story and answer any questions I
had. She lived by the common sense rule. If you think something is bad or bad for
you, it usually is. She used to tell me to surround myself with things I loved. To this
day I can hear her say, "Sis, just use your common sense, and God will do the
rest." Thank you Granny for words of wisdom!!!
Granny was so happy! She had just gotten herself a brand spanking new white
Mustang....I was happy too....She let me put the automatic with the gear shift in the
floor into all the gears. I got to put it in reverse and drive and we even experimented with drive one and drive two (which were lower gears to be used on mountainous terrain). We were going for a test drive...We got into the car, which was
parked in the garage, and took in the newness of this spectacular machine. We
tested the radio and the wipers. Then, I looked over at Granny and said, "Fireball
her out of here Granny!" And that she did.....right into my dad's Plymouth.....He
came running to see what the loud noise was and found both of us surveying the
wreckage. Granny looked at my dad and said, "Well, Jennie told me to fireball her
out of there!" My dad retorted, "Since when do you listen to an eight year old?"
From then on, when we got into our vehicles, we would always say FIREBALL
HER OUT OF HERE!!!!
Three things I learned from my grandmother.....I learned so much! It is funny
how, at the age of fifty, you think Granny was so wise, but your thoughts were much
different at the age of twenty. One thing I learned from Granny is a saying I use
quite often now in my church life. She always said being a Christian was just common sense. I can still hear her saying, "Sis, if you know and feel something is
wrong, it usually is. You know the ten commandments and they are a good rule to
live by. And also, a little drink never hurt anyone. If you rule the drinking, instead of
it ruling you, then you will be okay." She also taught me to surround myself with
people and things I love. She said to never put the good china in a drawer to use
it on special occasions, but to make every day a special occasion. Today I look at
continued above
my cluttered house filled with things that are special to me (my doll collection, my
dad's birdhouses he made, a carousel my dad gave his mother, a perfume collection my Granny left me, all my crafts my Mom experimented with) and I have to
smile because I am indeed surrounding myself with things I love and cherish.
Granny also told me many times to be independent and to march to the beat of my
own drum. She told me she grew up in the Depression and she had to know how
to stretch a dollar. She told me to always be where I never had to depend on someone else for anything and that meant money, happiness, and upkeep. I can still
hear her saying, "Speak your mind, Sis, and let the chips fall where they may."
Today I state my boundaries quite firmly and most of the chips are potato chips,
but I am indeed a person who marches to the beat of her own drum (whose music
is my Granny's words over and over in my head) ...Thank God for the blessing of
my granny and her words of wisdom!
Evelyn Howell Beck was a granny, a mother, and a friend but a blessing to
everyone who knew her. She passed away on January 9, 2002 and is missed by
those who knew and loved her.
For more information about the book,
My Mountain Granny, written by Matthew Baker,
please call (828) 349-9045 or visit the website at: www.csabooks.com
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Timeline Of His Life
1929 January 15 - Michael Luther King, Jr., later renamed Martin, born to
schoolteacher Alberta King and Baptist minister Michael Luther King. Boyhood
home in Sweet Auburn district.
1948 King graduates from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia with a B.A.
1951 Graduates with a B.D. from Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester,
Pennsylvania.
1953 June 18 - King marries Coretta Scott in Marion, Alabama. They will have
four children: Yolanda Denise (b. 1955), Martin Luther King, III (b. 1957), Dexter (b.
1961), Bernice Albertine (b. 1963).
1954 September. - King moves to Montgomery, Alabama to preach at Dexter
Avenue Baptist Church.
1955 After coursework at New England colleges, King finishes his Ph.D. in systematic theology.
1956 January 26 - King is arrested for driving 30 m.p.h. in a 25 m.p.h. zone.
January 30 - King’s house bombed.
1957 January - Black ministers form what became known as the Southern
Christian Leadership Conference. King is named first president one month later.
In this typical year of demonstrations,
King traveled 780,000 miles and made 208 speeches.
1958 King’s first book published, Stride Toward Freedom (Harper), his recollections of the Montgomery bus boycott. While King is promoting his book in a
Harlem book store, an African American woman stabs him.
1959 King visits India. He had a lifelong admiration for Mohandas K. Ghandi, and
credited Gandhi’s passive resistance techniques for his civil-rights successes.
1960 King leaves for Atlanta to pastor his father’s church, Ebenezer Baptist
Church.
1962 King meets with President John F. Kennedy to urge support for civil
rights.
1963 King leads protests in Birmingham for desegregated department store
facilities, and fair hiring.
April. Arrested after demonstrating in defiance of a court order, King
writes “Letter From Birmingham Jail.” This eloquent letter, later widely circulated,
became a classic of the civil rights movement.
August 28. 250,000 civil-rights supporters attended the March on
Washington. At the Lincoln Memorial, King delivers the famous “I have a dream”
speech.
1964 King’s book published: Why we can’t wait.
King visits with West Berlin Mayor Willy Brant and Pope Paul VI.
December 10. King wins Nobel Peace Prize.
1965 January 18. King successfully registers to vote at the Hotel Albert in
Selma, Alabama and is assaulted by James George Robinson of Birmingham.
February. King continues to protest discrimination in voter registration, is
arrested and jailed. Meets with President Lyndon B. Johnson February 9 and other
American leaders about voting rights for African Americans.
March 16-21. King and 3,200 people march from Selma to Montgomery.
1968 April 4. King is assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee by James Earl Ray.
1986 January 20 is the first national celebration of King’s birthday as a holiday.
PICKETT COUNTY AREA
Pickett County Youngest In State
Pickett County is the youngest county in the State which was
formed in 1879 from portions of Overton and Fentress Counties,
mainly through the efforts of Representative H.L. Pickett of Wilson
County. The original legislative bill was defective, but another bill
was passed March 1881 to correct the deficiency. It is possible
that the county was not named after the representative, but
instead in honor of General George Pickett, who led the famous
but futile charge at Gettysburg during the Civil War.
Byrdstown was incorporated in 1917 and was selected as the
county seat because of its big spring. It was named in honor of
Senator Robert King Byrd of Kingstown, Tennessee. A hotel and
store were the first buildings in Byrdstown. The first courthouse,
which was destroyed in fire in 1934, was built in 1883-84. The
present courthouse was constructed in 1935.
THE FIRST SET TLERS
IN THE PICKET T AREA
In 1786 Sumner County was formed which included most of
what is now Pickett County. About this time the first settlers
appeared in the Upper Cumberland centered around Lilydale,
located on the East-West Trail, Dixon Springs, Fort Blount and
Blackburn Springs. The Hopewell Treaty with the Cherokees in
1785 described the boundary line between the Cherokee Indians
and the Military Reservation set aside for the soldiers of the
Revolution. This line was to run North 45 degrees East. This line
ran about 2 miles east of Monroe and included the great part of
present day Pickett in the Reservation. This line was temporarily
blazed in 1785 and the next year 1786 settlers appeared in the
area. It is not known who was the first man to settle in Pickett.
Probably the first white families were ones that had bouber
300 and included the Eastern part of Overton County and nearly
all of Pickett. George Gordon was surveyor and Joseph Sevier
and Phillip Lovelady were chain carriers. Also in 1788 Robert and
Thomas King secured a grant from North Carolina for 1,000 acres
on a branch of Wolf River. Grant number 313 in 1796 gave
Thomas Dillon 5,000 acres in Donelson Cove. Stokely Donelson
was surveyor and Paul Harrelson and Will Tyrell were chain carriers. John Sevier in 1795 also received grant number 228 in the
county of Sumner for 25,060. This grant covers parts of Overton,
Pickett and Fentress.
In 1798 James Mebane received grant number 378 from
North Carolina for 5,000 acres including the improvements of
Franklin, Robbins and Huddleston on Wolf River. It appears that
these three families had likely built homes in the area before
1798.
In 1794 James Reed received a grant of 3,840 acres in the
county of Sumner in the forks of Obey River from North
Carolina.
In 1799 enough people had moved in to the area to form a
new county and in that year Smith County was created from the
eastern part of Sumner. And by 1800 we find the Smith County
Court appointing a Mr. Hudspeth as a tax assessor for the
Roaring River and the Obey River settlements. On March 19,
1800 we find the Smith County Court ordering a road to be layed
off from Flynn Lick to the nearest settlement on Obey River
agreeable to law and that James Blackburn, James Jones, Amos
______, William Dale, Enoch Fox, Sampson Williams and Moses
Fiske be approved as a jury to view and lay off such a road. On
September 16, 1800, the court ordered a deed for 195 acres from
George Gordon and John Sevier to Philemon Higgins to be registered. This was after George Gordon and Seviers attorney
acknowledged the deed. About 6 years later Philemon Higgins
sold James Graham land near what is now Byrdstown.
On September 17, 1800 the Smith County Court ordered that
John McDonald, Nathaniel Evans, John Morgan, Stephen
Copeland and Simon Huddleston be appointed to view, mark and
lay off a road from Blackburns to Robert Elliots on the northern
boundary of the state where the road built by Captain Gordon
enters it. It appears that in 1798 or 1799 Captain Gordon had cut
out a road from Monroe to the ford of Wolf River.
PAGE 7
Dale Hollow - It’s Name and Origin
By: Jim Hunter, Dale Hollow Lake Resource Manager, retired
The origin of the name for Dale Hollow Lake is often misunderstood. At the time of Dale Hollow
Dam’s construction the Corps of Engineers had the policy of naming Dams for their location. Studies
proved the best site for the dam was in the narrow point in the Obey River Valley adjacent to the
mouth of the Dale Hollow on Obey River.
The Dale Hollow was a farm that had been a full-fledged plantation in antebellum times. It was
settled in 1808 by William Dale whose family and descendants lived there continuously until the dam
was started in 1942.
William Dale was a government surveyor who came to this area to assist in surveying the boundary line between Tennessee and Kentucky. William Dale was an associate of Moses Fisk (ancestor
of Mr. Howard Boatman) for Corps of Engineers for Nashville District.
William Dale met his wife to be when he sought shelter in the home of her father Edward Irons
at Willow Grove. The Irons family was one of five families who came overland down through the
Cumberland Gap from New York Colony some time before the American Revolution. The families
were: Irons, Barber, Stone, Hill and one other family whom some think was Mitchell. The families
were able to live peacefully with the Native Cherokee tribe because they bought their land from Chief
Nettlecarrier, last of the Cherokee Chiefs in this region, and because they conducted themselves
honorably treating the natives with due respect and dealing fairly with them.
William Dale married Rachael Irons and started his family at Willow Grove, Moving to Dale
Hollow in 1808 when he bought the first 449 acres of Dale Hollow from an early land developer
named Samuel A. Martin. According to family legend, William Dale once owned title to all the land
drained by Obey River. It is not clear who issued that title, possibly Chief Nettlecarrier, but at any rate
the title was not honored by the government and William Dale re-bought a portion of that land
again.
William Dale went from Dale Hollow to the War of 1812 taking part in the Battle of New
Orleans. He heard Andrew Jackson give the command “ Hold your fire until you see the whites of
their eyes, then aim at the spot where their gallowses cross on their chest.” William Dale was
drowned in the Mississippi River when his flat foot overturned. According to family legend William
Dale was from Maryland, also he was said to have been a gospel preacher.
When Dale Hollow Lake was impounded some well intentioned government employees
approached the Secretary of State Cordell Hull, and offered to change the name of Dale Hollow to
Cordell Hull Lake, but Mr. Hull, a life long friend to the Dale descendants, said, “ no you have named
it correctly already.”
Much has been written about Willow Grove “ The town that drowned.” There is at present a town
in New York State named Willow Grove and some felt the original five families who settled there
came from Willow Grove, New York naming their new home in the wilderness for their hometown in
New York.
John Sevier first Governor of Tennessee mentions visiting in the home of Edward Irons in
1799. That same year Chief Nettlecarrier moved most of his tribe to Arkansas. William Dale married
Rachael Irons. Edward Irons’ son died on his 18th birthday and was buried on top of a shale hill
where his grave was disturbed and his casket was discovered in 1936 when the Willow Grove High
school was built on the site.
According to A.R. Hogues history of Fentress County the land and improvements of Edward
Irons at Willow Grove were taken by the government and given to a Veteran of the Revolutionary
War. Apparently Edward Irons title to the land given by Chief Nettlecarrier was not honored. Obviously
Edward Irons living on the frontier did not take part in the Revolution and was not a veteran. One early historian from this area stated that Willow Grove was the first permanent white settlement in the Upper Cumberland. At any rate the earliest citizens of Willow Grove left their mark on
the land. Irons Creek still bears the name; John Hills descendants left a legacy by buying land and
freeing slaves on the land still known as Free Hills.
ED’S BODY SHOP
People in this area don’t have to look far and wide for a firm which is capable of doing the
highest quality auto body work and painting. ED’S BODY SHOP at 1371 Parker Rd. in Byrdstown,
phone 931-864-8388, can refinish and re-paint ANY car or truck, foreign or domestic. Their work
is well-known as being fast, economical AND beautiful! They are a Farm Bureau preferred shop
and they will do all paper work for you and they also do the billing. What more could you ask for?
When you bring your car to this outstanding body and paint shop, you can rest assured that
the work will be done to your exact specifications. From a small crease to a roll over, you can do
no better than to trust your car to the experienced pros at ED’S BODY SHOP!
The authors of this 2011 Historical Review urge all of our readers to remember that ALL insurance companies now permit you to choose the body shop you like best. We urge you to choose
this one!
Ed and staff at ED’S BODY SHOP thank their customers for past business and support, and
remind you they are of service to the entire area!
PAGE 8
MACON COUNTY AREA
My Table
By Thelma Thompson
My kitchen table is gathered round,
From early morn til late sundown.
Good the conversation is,
And games are played until - gee whiz,
It's two o'clock in the morning!
Friends drop by without any warning,
My door is open early and late,
For good conversation, coffee and cake.
There are games to play and fun to share,
And laughter rings all through the air.
Now just as long as I am able,
I'll have fun at my kitchen table.
Indians In Macon County
Courtesy of the Macon County Chamber of Commerce
When Columbus discovered America in 1492 there was not a written history,
as we know it, of Macon County or any other area nearby. Several generations
passed before white settlers came to our hills and hollows which we know as
Macon County. During this time there was some written history of the areas south,
east and west of present Macon County. DeSoto and his army passed south of the
Tennessee border about 1540. In 1673, Marquette floated down the Mississippi. A
few years later, LaSalle came along the same journey.
Some Chronicles and manuscripts were published relating to the Indians of the
East and Gulf coast. These Indians were neighbors and allies of the people who
inherited Macon County. It is assumed that these neighboring tribes were very
similar to the tribes of our area in race and manner of life. These facts are stated to
show how little written history of our early natives is available. Therefore we assume
the early explorers gave us a good description of Macon County’s early inhabitants.
We have learned from early chronicles that the Chickasaw tribes allied themselves with the Shawnees tribe which were the early residents of Middle Tennessee.
They lived within the boundaries from the Tennessee River north the Great Lakes,
east from the Cumberland plateau and west to the Mississippi River. From the same
source we find that the Chickasaws and Cherokees together drove the Shawnees
out of Tennessee and most of Kentucky. The Iriquois attacked and dispersed the
remaining tribes that remained in the northern part of this territory. Macon County
was a hunting ground for the Cherokees, Chickasaws, Creeks and other tribes
when white hunters such as Daniel Boone, “Big Foot”, Spencer, Joey Bishop and
others began to travel this territory. Old writings tell us some things about the
Indians they encountered. Even though no written record is known to exist, these
people left permanent evidence of their civilization. The stone and bone artifacts,
beads and pottery, burial sites, residential sites and mounds have been left for us
to study the lifestyle of these “Red Men” of long ago.
It is difficult to try to determine exact history out of the remains of homes and
debris of the ancient villages and graves. We can only guess at the truth and hope
to understand some of the culture of these early residents of our county. According
to the historians there were four distinct periods of Indian development. This chart
is to show tentatively the progression of the four culture periods:
8000-5000 B.C. Paleo period • 5000 to 2000 B.C. Archaic period • 200 B.C. to
400 B.C. Woodland period • 400 A.D. to 1600 A.D. Mississippi period. Each culture
period has distinctive characteristics in the relics that will identify them.
In Macon County there are many sites along the streams and hills overlooking
the streams and along the Highland Rim. In these areas many relics have been
found by local people. One productive site is located near the Lafayette Airport.
During the building of the airport much dirt was moved which uncovered many relics. A few of these relics were from the Paleo period, several were identified as
being from the Archaic period and most were from the Woodland period. This evidence indicates that Indians settled on the site about 10,000 years ago. They may
not have lived there continually but would probably come and go with certain environmental or tribal changes.
One of the characteristics of the late Woodland period and the Mississippi
period was pottery. This was made by using clay mixed with crushed shells or fine
gravel. The Indians used wood to fire the pottery or harden it. It is not known if anyone has found any pottery shards at the airport location, but there have been some
pottery fragments found in a cave in the Sycamore Valley community. Also some
fragments have been found in the Leonard cave near Red Boiling Springs.
A particular Indian culture that existed from about 300 B.C. to 600 A.D. was
called the Adena culture. This culture was characterized by a particular shape of
continued above
arrowhead, spear point or knife. The shape had a long rounded base with a rounded shoulder and tapered down to a sharp point, sometimes called a beaver tail
point. At many places, along Goose Creek and up Carter Branch, these particular
artifacts have been found. These have also been found around the Red Boiling
Springs section. There probably are many places in Macon County that have these
particular shaped points
From about 400 A.D. until 1200 A.D. another culture existed. This culture was
more advanced than the preceding one. It was called the stone age culture. This
was characterized by the building of graves from long flat slabs of rock, either slate
or limestone. The graves were constructed with stone slabs on edge or either side,
at the foot and at the head, with a slab covering the graves, usually they buried the
remains with objects such as arrowheads, pottery, beads and Tena Cotton images
or dolls.
According to Curtis Cothron of Lafayette, in the 1930s, a man visited their farm
in Hillsdale and excavated four stone box graves on a hillside above their farm. He
thought the man found some earrings made of copper and some other objects as
well. Red Brawner of Coleytown tells of digging a posthole on his father’s farm just
below the mouth of Carter’s Branch and uncovering a stone box grave. There were
no artifacts found, only bones. Another characteristic of the Mississippi period was
the building of mounds. The mounds of dirt were used as a foundation for important
buildings, temples and council houses for the chiefs. Some mounds were probably
used for the burial of important tribe members. One possible mound formation is
located on a farm at Carter Branch. This could be a natural formation.
A characteristic of the Mississippi found on Goose Creek is that of building
round buildings with a conial roof. In one of the bottoms of Mr. Cherry Woodmore’s
farm there are two dark circles located near the creek. Some relics were found in
and around these circles. There may have been some on the adjoining farm of Mr.
J.M. Cothron but they have been erased by the tilling of the soil. This evidence
indicates that a small village was located on this site. The Indians probably tended
the soil and grew vegetables and other crops.
There are many other sites that have interesting evidence of Indian life. One
place is in northern Macon County on Salt Lick Creek. Many relics have been found
near the Corinth Bridge on Salt Lick Creek. Some of these were in the shape of
birds, turtles and snakes. Several skeletons have been uncovered in the bluffs surrounding these bottoms. No artifacts were found with the skeletons.
There is an interesting story told about these bottoms. This was told to Mr. J. E.
Blankenship, Sr. by a Mr. Gass who resided in the Bugtussle community. About the
year 1900, an Indian visiting the bottoms told Mr. Gass that he had followed signs
on trees and bluffs to these bottoms. He stated that the signs led to the place where
his forefathers held their tournaments of skills with the weapons as well as certain
athletic events which the Indians practiced. These Indians from all over would
gather here in these bottoms once a year for these contests of skills. This may
explain some of the odd shaped relics as symbols of a particular clan, such as an
eagle clan, turtle clan, snake clan and possibly other clans.
Another interesting story is about Mr. William Wakefield, one of the early settlers of the county. While out hunting one day he heard an unusual noise which
sounded like a turkey. He hid behind a tree while trying to spot the cause of the
noise. Mr. Wakefield knew that Indians sometimes used this trick to lure unsuspecting victims to show themselves at close range so they could kill them. He then
placed his hat on a stick and stuck it around the tree nearby drawing a shot by the
Indian. He then spotted the Indian up a tree and shot him out before the redskin
could get another shot. This is one of the late Calvin Gregory’s stories.
During the late 1700s and early 1800s there was a small clan of Cherokee who
lived in the Boiling Springs area. They probably moved here from East Tennessee.
Their chief’s name was Cauthauley. They probably either “died out” or “moved on.”
From the evidence that has been found in Macon County it is probable that
Indians lived here for about 10,000 years. Although we have discussed only a few
sites there are probably many others that could produce further evidence of Indian
culture.
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serving macon & surrounding counties
including kentuckY
• new tank rental • all type of gas appliances
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615-666-2550
800-547-0467
4109 rbs rd.
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webbtown propane co. thanks their cUstomers for past bUsiness,
& reminds You theY are oF service to the entire area!
MACON COUNTY AREA
HISTORIC MACON COUNTY
By an act of the Tennessee Legislature of 1842, Macon County,
named by Nathaniel Macon, was formed from parts of Smith and
Sumner Counties. The new little county came into existence with lusty
independence of the mother counties; she emerged from her swaddling
clothes and invited civilization to enter her borders.
The county was first in the form of a rectangle, measuring thirtyeight miles on the North and South and only fourteen on the East and
West. But in 1870 a portion was cut of the southwestern corner to aid in
forming Trousdale County; so that the county is not entirely symmetrical
now. It is bound on the North by Kentucky, on the east by Clay and
Jackson Counties, on the south by Smith and Trousdale and on the west by Sumner.
The great forests which had for centuries been the haunts of wolves and deer, bear and wild
turkeys now began to ring with the sound of the settler’s axe, as sturdy yeomanry attacked the great
trees, converting them into log dwellings and thus clearing land for civilization.
The first invaders of this retreat were John B. Johnson and wife, Mary Gresham Johnson of
Virginia. They bought a vast acreage of the unbroken forests, including the site of Lafayette. Their
intrepid quest found no roads except a mass of tangled paths made by wild animals, and the
stealthy moccasined feet of the red man.
Most of the lands now embraced in Macon County were first entered and taken by A. Payne.
Later they were purchased and developed by other parties. Another early settler and land owner
was William Holland who owned about three thousand acres on what is known as White Oak Creek
and its tributaries. He built the first water mill of the county. Some of the frame is still intact and the
old willow fringed pond is little changed, by the mill that will never grind with the water that has
passed.
Another early settler was Taylor Whitley who came to the county about the time that it was
organized. He owned the entire valley of Red Boiling Springs, under an old North Carolina land
grant. At that time there were no mineral springs; but only three deer licks which later developed into
mineral springs.
The county it seems waited for men of brawn and valor, they came and with few exceptions
stayed. Identifying themselves with its isolation, and seeing its potentialities the wrought for their
fullfilment, first as their descendants have clung in the respective sections, to the traditional spots
and estates handed down through generations.
They, in turn are contributing to the County's progress, breaking down the strongholds of ignorance, and prejudice, and striving to bring it within the touch of the progressive trend of the time.
Men who wrestled the county from the wilderness; East section of the county, Gibbs, Wakefields,
Jones, Brocketts, and Youngs. Southwest section - Ogglishup, Kerleys and Carrs. Northern section
- King, Dillards and Blankenships. Northeast, Meadows, Scotts and Pickens. Northwest - Keyes,
Meadows, Leaths, Tuleys and Loves. Southern section - Johnson, Meadows and Cothrons.
Patrick and Alexander Ferguson were Irish pioneers early identified with the outlying farms of
Lafayette. Their graves (marked) remain to this day one mile from the county seat.
In the early days of the county the spinning wheel, the flax wheel and the loom could be heard
in almost every home, but their day has passed and today we are using manufactured cloth. The
cloth then used by the people were home-made. Women raised cotton and flax and wove cloth and
made blankets, jeans and coverlets. The clothing was all made by hand, even the leather of which
their shoes were made was tanned at home. The socks were first knitted by hand, but later knitting
machines lessened the work for the women which was brought into the county.
Slave labor was not used to a very great extent, so the county has never suffered seriously on
account of the change in labor system. Most of the farms are small enough that they can be cultivated by the owners, or by exchanging work with their neighbors.
The average farm is from seventy-five to one hundred acres. A few have a thousand acres. The
land in the county is connected with the outside world by a network of telephones and rural routes.
People are awakening to and stressing the importance of good roads. Trucks are delivering commodities all over the county daily, and carrying out great quantities of tobacco and lumber daily. In
the year of 1908 the county was surveyed for a railroad. The charter and blueprint were secured.
The charter members were, Dr. H.C. Smith, Hon. W.A. Smith, A.R. Dean, and Dr. E.K. Lamb. On
account of some misunderstanding, the road was never built.
The first record of having any Circuit Court was one held in a log house owned by William Dunn.
This was presided over by Abraham Caruthers who dispensed stern an unyielding justice in keeping
with the rough bark walls (Literary low with the bark on).
The Legislature provided that Bennet Wright, Alex Ferguson, and Jefferson Bratton should
divide the county into seven civil districts in each of which a justice of peace and constables should
be elected. The first Justices of Peace were: William Robinson, Anderson Bratton, Halum Persley,
Jefferson Short, Lewis Meador, James G. Stone, B.Y. Turner, Ensley Wilmore and Edward Barby.
The first county officers were: George White, James G. Stone, B.Y. Turner and the other Justices of
Peace. The other county officers were: King Kirby, Sheriff; Daniel Pursley, Trustee; William Blackmore,
County Surveyor; David Clay Borne, Coroner.
The county has its first Courthouse. After the Log Cabin came a two story brick building erected
in 1844, on the public square at Lafayette at a cost of four thousand dollars. It stood until March 10,
1860 when it was destroyed by fire. In 1861 another two story building was erected at a cost of ten
thousand dollars. This was a very plain but substantial building consisting of four offices on the first
floor, a court room and two jury rooms on the second floor. This too was destroyed by fire in 1900.
Then in 1901 the present Courthouse, a modern and commodious building, was erected.
PAGE 9
MACON COUNTY'S PARTICIPATION IN WARS
Many citizens of Macon County have participated as soldiers
in many wars of the country. It is claimed that the county furnished
nearly one half of the company known as "Polk's Guard" which saw
valiant service in the Mexican war.
During the Civil War the people were about equally divided
politically. The ridge through the county seemed to be the dividing
line. Those on the North side were in favor of the stars and stripes;
and those on the South side were in favor of the stars and bars.
The federal army occupied the territory so early that only one company was raised for the confederate army. That was Company C of
the twenty-fourth regiment commanded by Captain John M. Uhles.
During the war more than two hundred men belonged to this company. It is estimated that more than five hundred men served in the
Federal Armies while an equal number served on the Confederate
side. Four Companies were raised by the Federals. They were
commanded by Captain Freeman and Green Meador and Burnett
Cooper. The Company did not suffer so much from the war as they
were outside the line of the passing armies.
During the World War, Macon County furnished her full quota
of soldiers, five of which were killed in the battlefield when the
Liberty loan campaign was on, Macon County led all other counties
of Tennessee in subscribing the greatest amount above her quota
and won the loving cup offered by the state.
Some of the men who served their country in the wars deserve
mention, Nathaniel Adams - was born in Clark County, KY in 1834.
He served in the War of 1812 and the Civil War. In the latter war,
he served on the side of the confederates under General Morgan.
He was captured at Sulphur Trestle Mark, Oklahoma and was
taken to Rock Island, III. However he was soon paroled. Later he
served in the twenty-third Tennessee regiment of Forrest's
Cavalry.
I.L. Roark, an attorney born in Smith County, educated in the
Country schools and a self made man, when his country called for
volunteers in 1861, he enlisted as a private in the Confederate
Army. He served with the Confederates until the fall of Fort
Donelson. He made his escape and went with the retreating
Confederate Army South, where he did active service as a skirmisher and a sharpshooter.
Reverend J.T. Talman fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, where
he was wounded. He also took part in the Battle of Bull Run. There
has not been a war since the establishment of the government but
that some of Mr. Talman's ancestors took part.
GREEN
AUTOMOTIVE
Locally Owned & Operated By Joey Green
If you are particular about your car, then you should be particular about your car's servicing. People throughout this area go
out of their way to stop in at GREEN AUTOMOTIVE, because
they know that these professionals are completely familiar with all
makes and models of automobiles. They can handle anything
including a tune-up to a major repair. They also feature brake
work, electric repair, A/C repair and most anything needed for
your car.
So, the next time you're in the area, stop in at GREEN
AUTOMOTIVE, they are the service center that "Cares" for you
and your car.
They are located at 605 Scottsville Rd. in Lafayette, phone
615-688-3859, for fast, friendly road service.
We, the editors of this 2011 Historical Review, would like to
call the attention of the driving public to this fine service center.
And we urge you to stop in soon if your car is in need of a
repair.
Joey and the staff at GREEN AUTOMOTIVE thank their customers for past business and support, and remind you they are of
service to the entire area!
PAGE 10
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
THE NON-VIOLENT CRUSADER 1929-1968
Ten years before his death, Martin Luther King, Jr., was described by Dr.
Benjamin E. Mays of Morehouse College in the following words: “You are mature
beyond your years, wiser at twenty-nine than most men at sixty, more courageous
in a righteous struggle than most men can ever be, living a faith that most men
preach about and never experience....Your name has become a symbol of courage
and hope for oppressed people everywhere.” Dr. Martin Luther King’s public career
began in 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama where he led the working blacks’ fight
against segregation on the public buses. It ended on April 4, 1968 in Memphis,
Tennessee where he had joined the fight to secure better wages and working
conditions for the garbage collectors. Between these two places the world was his
platform; between these years universal brotherhood was his message.
Martin Luther King’s broad public career and the black “revolt” began about the
same time. On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks, a Montgomery seamstress,
refused to yield her bus seat to a white male as required by the laws and customs
of Alabama as they existed on that date. Rosa Parks was hauled away to jail, and
the long-standing grievances and systematic humiliation of Montgomery’s blacks
were shown in unbearable relief. Within five days after the arrest of Mrs. Parks, the
blacks organized the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA) and elected the
Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., president.
Under the leadership of Martin Luther King and the MIA, the Negroes simply
refused to ride the buses. The boycott was almost 100 percent effective. A car pool
of 300 vehicles transported Negroes to and from their jobs. Neither protests by
whites nor threats, nor petty harassment hurt the new-found pride of Montgomery’s
black citizens, who stayed off the buses for 381 days.
Rev. King and some seventy of his followers were arrested and convicted for
“illegally boycotting” the buses. The convictions were appealed and eventually
overturned, and on December 20, 1956 the city of Montgomery officially declared
an end to racial segregation on the city buses. When the buses resumed their
rounds, Dr. King was among the first to ride them.
While eschewing violence, King himself was the target of violence a number
of times. His home was bombed and shotgunned; he was slugged and stabbed
and stoned. He went to jail more than thirty times. Through it all, Dr. King continued
to say, “Let no man drag you so low as to hate.” King’s non-violent social philosophy was a mixture of old-fashioned Christianity, the social gospel of Walter
Rauschenbusch, and the “Satyagrapha” or love-force of Gandhi’s views.
Dr. King’s deep Christian faith in God and man served him well as he led the
Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in forays against racism in the
North as well as the South. He was one of the first to sense the connection
between the nation’s conduct in foreign affairs and the quality of its domestic life.
In season and out, he sought the truth about racism and attempted to arouse the
nation’s conscience over the gap between its preachments and practices. In his
classic “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” Dr. King explained the considerations that
drove him ever onward: “...when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers
and fathers...down your sisters and brothers; when you have seen hate-filled
policemen curse, kick, brutalize, and even kill your black brothers and sisters...
when you are forever fighting a degenerating sense of ‘nobodyness’--then you will
understand why we find it difficult to wait.” He pursued the dream described in his
famous speech before the hundreds of thousands who marched on Washington on
August 28, 1963: “When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village
and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that
day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles,
Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of that
old Negro spiritual, ‘Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at
last.’ ”
Born Michael Lewis King, Dr. King adopted the name of the great Protestant
Reformer, Martin Luther. A native of Atlanta, King attended the local Booker T.
Washington High School, entered Morehouse College, and under the influence of
its famed president emeritus, Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, entered the ministry in 1947.
Martin Luther King graduated from Morehouse in 1948 and in 1951 received the
B. D. degree from Crozer Theological Seminary, where he was an outstanding
student. While there, he received the Pearl Plafkner Prize for excellence in scholarship and was elected president of the student body. In 1955 he earned the Doctor
of Philosophy degree from Boston University.
Two years before finishing Boston University, Dr. King married attractive
Coretta Scott, a native of Marion, Alabama. They were the parents of four children
at the time of the assassination. From his first pastorate at the Dexter Avenue
Baptist Church in Montgomery, Martin Luther King moved to Atlanta where he
continued to head the SCLC and to assist his father, the Rev. M. L. King, Sr., in the
management of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. Dr. King in life gave everything to
Martin Luther King, Jr. won the 1964 Noble Peace Prize for leading non-violent civil rights demonstrations in the United States.
the SCLC and its goals. When awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, he kept
the medallion and presented the $54,000 to SCLC. His earnings from lectures and
writings generally went to the organizations supporting the civil rights movement.
Following his death, his estate was appraised at less than $5,000. Honors and
awards cascaded upon him; college presidencies and professorships were his for
the asking. Dr. King casually accepted the honors and just as casually turned down
offers that would take him away from SCLC.
When James Earl Ray, the convicted assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
pulled the trigger of his rifle that fateful evening in Memphis, he set off an explosion
that rocked the world. Scores of cities erupted in flames and violence as thousands
of people gave vent to rage too strong for silence. Americans, black and white,
suddenly saw Dr. King as the real keeper of the dream of what the nation could
become. Two months before his death, Dr. King said to his congregation at
Ebenezer Baptist Church the words that perhaps most appropriately summed up
his life. Referring to his funeral, he said, “I’d like somebody to mention that day
Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to give his life serving others....And I want you to say
that I tried to love and serve humanity.”
Martin Luther King, Jr., here facing arrest for leading a civil rights march,
advocated non-violent resistence to racial segregation
FENTRESS, MACON & OVERTON COUNTY AREA
THE TOTAL LOOK
BEAUTY SALON
Locally Owned & Operated By
Myra McClard - Owner & Stylist
Chasity Green - Stylist
Bridget Evetts - Stylist
Jory Wix - Stylist
Do you want to look your very best at all times and not have to spend
a fortune doing it? Try THE TOTAL LOOK BEAUTY SALON at 102 Doss
Ave. in Lafayette, phone 615-666-6005! Here's a style salon where the
average person can go to start looking outstanding AND the rates are
very, very reasonable. You'll really enjoy the extra service that's lavished
on you at this well-known shop.
Featuring a complete line of beauty services from hair cutting and
styling to cuts and curls, this fine shop features skilled, professional stylist
who cater to your every whim. Stop in today or call for an appointment...
THE TOTAL LOOK BEAUTY SALON wants to become YOUR beauty
salon!
The authors of this 2011 Historical Review urge ALL of our readers
to make plans to try this complete salon. You'll soon see what a difference
"extra service" makes.
Myra, Chasity, Bridget and Jory thank their clients for past business
and support, and look forward to seeing you soon!
PAGE 11
R & T TROPHIES
Locally Owned & Operated By Roger & Teresa Tompkins
Monday - Friday 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
For the finest in custom-designed trophies for ALL sports and other
occasions, see R & T TROPHIES at 913 Old Hwy. 127 South in
Jamestown, phone 931-879-6575. They're your "one-stop" trophy headquarters in this area.
This full line supplier carries trophies and awards for every occasion!
He can supply your club, group or organization with trophies, plaques,
awards, castings, medallions, emblems, jewelry, pins, paperweights, desk
sets and many other thoughtful and pleasing items for presentations.
Check with them about their fast, fast engraving service.
Constructed of wood, plated metals and plastics, R & T TROPHIES'
famous trophies are displayed with pride in many of the homes in the
area. The fast, dependable service of this firm will never leave you in a
bind at award time and the prices are very competitive! Call today for
trophies!
In compiling this 2011 Historical Review, we, the writers are pleased
to be able to list this outstanding firm along with the area's leading businesses.
Roger, Teresa and staff at R & T TROPHIES thank their customers for
past business and support, and remind you they are of service to the
entire area!
"Washing Machine Recipe"
Years ago an Alabama Grandmother gave the new bride the following recipe:
MAYNORD
AUTOMOTIVE
People in this area don’t have to look far and wide for a firm which is
capable of doing the highest quality auto body work and painting.
MAYNORD AUTOMOTIVE at 605 East Main St. in Livingston, phone
931-823-2558, can refinish and repaint ANY car or truck, foreign or
domestic. Their work is well-known as being fast, economical AND beautiful!
When you bring your vehicle into this outstanding body and paint
shop, you can rest assured that the work will be done to your exact
specifications and that the estimate will match the final statement. From
a small crease to a roll-over, you can do no better than to trust your car
to the experienced pros at MAYNORD AUTOMOTIVE!
The authors of this 2011 Historical Review urge all of our readers to
remember that all insurance companies now permit you to choose the
body shop you like best.
Everyone at MAYNORD AUTOMOTIVE thanks their customers for
past business and support, and looks forward to being of service to you
in the future!
Washing Clothes
Build fire in backyard to heat kettle of rain water. Set tubs so smoke won't blow
in eyes if wind is pert. Shave one hole cake of lie soap in boilin' water.
Sort things, make 3 piles:
1 pile white, 1 pile colored, 1 pile work britches and rags
To make starch, stir flour in cool water to smooth, then thin down with boiling
water.
Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard, then rub colored, don't
boil, just wrench and starch.
Hang old rags on fence. Spread tea towels on grass.
Pore wrench water in flower bed. Scrub porch with hot soapy water.
Turn tubs upside.
Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs.
Brew cup of tea, sit and rock a spell and count your blessings.
PAGE 12
JACKSON COUNTY AREA
Bald Facts About Bald Eagles In Tennessee
DID YOU KNOW THAT:
- The Bald Eagle has been our national symbol since 1782. Benjamin Franklin has
preferred the turkey.
- The Bald Eagle gets its name from an old English word, "balde," which meant
white, as in "white-headed eagle."
- Its diet is about 90 percent fish, which may be taken live or freshly dead. They
also often feed on rabbits, coots and injured waterfowl.
- Their wingspread varies from 6 to 7.5 feet.
- Male Bald Eagles may range from 6 to 9 pounds in weight, with females averaging approximately two pounds larger.
- Eagles from the north tend to be larger than those from southern states. Alaskan
females sometimes reach 15 or 16 pounds. Florida males may be as small as 6
pounds.
- The heads and tails change from dark brown to white when Bald Eagles reach
sexual maturity at 4 or 5 years of age.
- Bald Eagles have been recorded as living over 39 years in the wild and over 50
years in captivity.
- Eagles normally mate for life. They may select another mate within a few months
if the first one dies.
- Nests average 5 feet in diameter during the first year. The same two adults may
add to the nest year after year until the nest reaches approximately 7 to 8 feet
across and 12 feet deep.
- Bald Eagles leave the nest (fledge) at about 12 weeks of age.
- Flight speed during flapping and gliding has been measured between 36 and 44
miles per hour.
WHEN AND WHERE CAN WE SEE
THE MOST BALD EAGLES?
- In the 48 contiguous United States, about 13,000 Bald Eagles spend the winter
months, but only about 5,000 stay to nest.
- Wintering Bald Eagles begin arriving in Tennessee in late October and peak in
late January to mid-February. By April 1, most have returned to their nesting origins in southern Canada and the Great Lake States.
- Tennessee's winter population peaks at 300 to 400 eagles, with most being at
Reelfoot and Dale Hollow Lakes.
- Reelfoot State Park provides daily guided bus tours of Bald Eagle concentrations
between December 1 and mid-March. The Corps of Engineers conducts a barge
tour on Dale Hollow Lake for up to 250 people each third Saturday of January.
Reservations are needed for either tour, by calling: (901)253-7756 or (615)2433135, respectively.
- The Tennessee Ornithological Society also conducts tours of TVA's Raccoon
Mountain near Chattanooga each January, usually beginning at the Chattanooga
Nature Center. (615)821-1160.
WHY DID EAGLE NESTING DISAPPEAR
FOR 22 YEARS IN TENNESSEE?
- Most eagle nesting greatly declined during the 1950s, due primarily to the effects
of DDT. Eggs became either infertile, or their thin shells would break under the
weight of the adults.
- There were 14 “active” nests at Reelfoot Lake as late as 1955. There were no
known successful eagle nests in Tennessee from 1961 until 1983.
- Bald Eagles are listed as threatened in 48 of the contiguous States..
- Since the United States banned DDT in 1972, this nation's population has gradually increased, with most of our wintering population being migrants from Canada
and the Great Lake States.
- As DDT gradually declines from the environment, there is an increasing opportunity to restore natural nesting.
- At least 9 Bald Eagles were shot in Tennessee during 1980-87. One State and 2
Federal laws provide total fines of up to $26,000, imprisonment of up to 3 years,
or both. Rewards of $500 to $3,000 were offered for information leading to conviction.
- In order to avoid causing eagles to abandon their nests, we normally need to stay
out of sight of their nests, or beyond about one-fourth mile. Eagles are much less
disturbed by boaters or manned vehicles than by walkers.
- Eagles often nest on dead portions of relatively large trees, where they have better aerial access for their wide wingspan.
- Such large trees are usually on high ground within sight of lakes or rivers. They
may be one or more miles inland where greater seclusion is needed.
- Due to the creation of many large reservoirs in Tennessee, we may have more
Bald Eagle habitat than ever before.
HOW IS "HACKING" HELPING RESTORE
BALD EAGLES IN TENNESSEE?
- Almost everyone appreciates the Bald Eagle, and many people are working
together to restore our national symbol in Tennessee and across the nation.
-The structure you see is a ‘HACKING TOWER.’ Hacking is an old falconry term
which means taking a bird of prey from its natural nest before it has learned to fly.
The bird of prey is moved to a new location and placed on an artificial nest and fed
with minimal human contact until the bird reaches flight stage. It seems that the
birds imprint upon the area in which they learn to fly and return there to nest and
rear their young.
- Eagles tend to return to nest within approximately 75 miles of their maiden flights
- at an average of 5 years of age.
- Over 115 immatures have been released at four Tennessee hack sites since
1980, Reelfoot Lake, near Memphis, land between the lakes, near Dover,
Chickamauga Lake, near Chattanooga and 34 from Dale Hollow Lake, near Celina.
One hacked eagle from LBL returned to LBL as a successful parent for the fifth
time since 1984. A second LBL hacked eagle was identified in 1989 nesting in the
same county. Another was nesting in Indiana. There were 14 occupied nests statewide in 1989.
- In June1987, Dale Hollow Lake became Middle Tennessee's first eagle hack site,
as a joint project of: the Corps of Engineers, Tennessee Technological University,
and TWRA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife.
- TWRA has implanted a fourth eagle hack site on Chickamauga Lake in southeast
Tennessee in 1990, or after the Reelfoot hacking project has been completed.
- Satellites are to be used to monitor the migration of eagles from hack sites and
wintering areas and possibly first year eagles from Tennessee. All cooperating
agencies are working with the University of Tennessee Space Institute regarding
this.
- Other possible eagle hack sites are in upper East Tennessee and southern
Middle Tennessee.
- Over 50 volunteers from the Tennessee Ornithological Society have helped
TWRA hack eagles at Reelfoot Lake since 1981.
- The Cumberland Wildlife Foundation of America, with backing from the Miller
Brewing Company, has provided volunteer services and grants totaling $9,400
since 1985.
- Since 1982, the Tennessee Conservation League has assisted TVA by partial
funding of eagle hacking at LBL, where eagle hacking began in 1980.
- Eaglets have been delivered for hacking in Tennessee through the cooperation
of: American Airlines, Emery Worldwide and Northwest Airlines.
WHAT PROGRESS IS BEING MADE
WITH NESTING IN TENNESSEE?
- In 1983, when one eaglet was hatched near Dover, it was the first known successful Bald Eagle nest in Tennessee in 22 years.
- In 1984, at LBL, a Bald Eagle became a successful parent within 8 miles of where
it had been hacked in 1981. It has fledged a total of 6 young during 1984-88, being
unsuccessful only in 1986.
-During 1986-88, a nest on the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge (Kentucky
Lake) fledged one eagle each year.
- The Westvaco/Dover nest has produced 11 eaglets since 1983.
- Since 1986, Averitt/Dover and Cordell Hull Lake nests, which is near Dale Hollow
and also on the Cumberland River System, produced 5 eaglets each.
- In 1988, 3 nests at Reelfoot Lake fledged 7 young eagles.
- Since 1983, 8 Tennessee nests have fledged 37 Bald Eagles in Tennessee.
- In 1988, Tennessee had at least 11 Bald Eagle breeding territories, where eagles
built one or more nests. Eight of these nests fledged 15 young eagles.
- From 1981 through 1986, red plastic leg bands were placed on Tennessee's
hacked eagles. Many of these bands may have been chewed off or become lost.
Since 1987, most hacked eagles (except at Reelfoot in 1988) had green tags, with
2-inch orange numbers, attached to their left wings.
- At least 4 of 8 of Tennessee's successful nests involve one parent with an aluminum leg band. One of the LBL parents also had a red leg band, which could be
read. It is the only one that we can be sure is a returnee from the hacking program.
Others are likely.
- At about 7 weeks of age, most eaglets in wild nests are banded by speciallytrained volunteer banders of the "Kentucky-Tennessee Eagle Management Team."
Orange bands, with black numbers, are attached to aluminum leg bands.
- Computerized projections indicate that Tennessee's eagle hacking may help produce many more successful nests in the future. This includes many in nearby
states.
JACKSON COUNTY AREA
The Flynn Creek Crater
The Flynn Creek area is located in North Central Tennessee in the extreme northeastern part
of the Nashville Basin in Jackson County
The Flynn Creek Crater was formed sometime near the middle of the Devonian Period, about
360 million years ago. The Crater belongs to a controversial class of structures that number at least
50 throughout the world and have been variously termed Cryptovolcanic, Cryptoexplosion, or
Meteorite impact craters.
The possibility that these unusual structures were produced by the same general types of cratering mechanisms that have operated on other planetary surfaces has stimulated re-examination
of a number of the terrestrial structures, including a detailed field and laboratory study of the Flynn
Creek Crater. Field work has included detailed geological mapping, a gravity and magnetic study,
and a core drilling inside the crater. These studies indicate that the Flynn Creek Crater has the same
structural features that are found in the larger meteorite impact craters and in the larger man-made
craters formed by surface and near-surface nuclear and chemical explosions. The results of the field
and laboratory studies and the structural comparisons indicate that the formation of the Flynn Creek
Crater is consistent with a comet's impact. The outline of the crater is generally circular and can be
distinguished from the air.
HISTORIC JACKSON COUNTY
Located in the picturesque foothills of the Cumberland Mountains, Jackson County, named in
honor of Andrew Jackson, was created by an Act of the Tennessee Legislature in November 1801.
It is the second oldest of the twenty-three Jackson Counties in the United States with only Jackson
County, Georgia, being older.
The original area of Jackson County covered probably twenty of the present Tennessee counties. Temporary county seats were used until about the year 1806 when Williamsburg was named
as County Seat of Jackson County. Williamsburg was named for Sampson Williams, an early pioneer in the area.
Probably the most important historic site in Jackson County is the location of Fort Blount. This
old fortress was located on the south side of the Cumberland River, two miles north west of the village of Flynn's Lick. Governor Blount ordered this frontier fort to be built in the late 1700s to protect
the increasing number of settlers moving over the trail on their way West.
In 1817, Gainesboro was selected as the permanent county seat and was incorporated in 1820.
The land was donated by David Cox. Gainesborough, as it was then spelled, is the eleventh oldest
town in Tennessee and was named for General Edmund Pendleton Gaines, a friend of Andrew
Jackson's who fought in the Battle of New Orleans.
Agriculture is the oldest occupation or business in Jackson County. The land area of Jackson
comprises 327 square miles, with a population in Gainsboro as reported in the 1980 census of
1,082. Jackson County, in the same 1980 census had a population of 9,398,
The Cumberland River and the scenic Roaring River cross the center of the county merging
near Gainsboro before leaving the county and eventually reaching Nashville.
Jackson County, Tennessee
Historical Resources
The Jackson County Family History Book--200 years of memories, A book published by the
Jackson County Historical Society. Jackson County Historical Society Fred Lucius Haile Museum
Building P.O. Box, 874 Main Street Gainesboro, TN 38572-0874 The price is $30.00 postpaid. Note:
This book may no longer be available from the Historical Society, but used copies may be available
from secondary book sources, such as listed in bookfinder.com.
JACKSON COUNTY, TN WPA RECORDS from 1930's, reprinted 1991. Miscellaneous records
from this county's early period. Softcover. 106 pp. Indexed. Byron Sistler & Associates Publisher
(#9134) $20.00
Building Neighborhoods: JACKSON COUNTY TN PRIOR TO 1820 by Betty Huff Bryant,
1992:Early land records of the county, which originally contained parts of what were later to become
the counties of Overton, White, Clay, Putnam and Macon. The abstracts, with accompanying maps,
help establish names of residents of different neighborhoods. Surname and place name index. 245
pp. Softcover. Byron Sistler & Associates Publisher (#9324) $20.00
Our Rich Heritage - We've Only Just Begun. The Rich Family, Jessee Rich and Elizabeth
Savage Rich that lived in and around the Celina, Tn area in the early 1800's. Send all request to
Donita Morris, 229 Medlin Road, Walnut Hill, IL 62893. $10.00 plus $2.50 s/h.
The Overton County Historical Society book committee is now accepting orders or the reprint
of the 1992 edition of the History of Overton County, Tennessee. The presell price is
$80.00 until Feb 1, 2001 (after that date will be $100.00). The book will be published in the early
spring and will be available by summer of 2001. This book contains over 900 family stories, including
pictures. There are also many stories on businesses, churches, schools and other things of interest
to the researcher in Overton Co.
Overton Co. Historical Society • P.O. 753 • Livingston, TN 38570
PAGE 13
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The writers of this 2011 Historical Review commend
ANDERSON - UPPER CUMBERLAND FUNERAL HOME for
their dignified and compassionate service to the community.
The Anderson Family and staff at ANDERSON - UPPER
CUMBERLAND FUNERAL HOME thank the families of this area
for placing their complete trust and confidence in them, and
remind you they are of service to you when you need them.
JACKSON COUNTY
FARM BUREAU
Proudly Serving The Needs Of The People Since 1946
The people of this area are fortunate to have in their community a friendly insurance agency that has built a fine reputation
by serving the local needs through all types of insurance, including life, auto, home, health, business, etc.
There are a lot of insurance agencies and agents. What
makes one stand out above all others? It’s the service and personal interest that they take in the welfare of you, your family and
your personal property.
Most of us do not want to think about the many things that
could happen to us or our property...and there is no need to if we
have a competent insurance agency planning for our future security.
For security and peace of mind, we, the editors of this 2011
Historical Review, invite you to call JACKSON COUNTY FARM
BUREAU, located at 604 Hospital Dr. in Gainesboro, phone
931-268-0305, for information or an appointment. We know you’ll
be glad you did!
The associates at JACKSON COUNTY FARM BUREAU
thank the people of this area for their business and support, and
look forward to serving you in the future.
PAGE 14
OVERTON COUNTY AREA
IMPEACHMENT TRIAL FOR
JUDGE NATHANIEL W. WILLIAMS IN 1829
Nathaniel W. Williams, Judge of the Third Judicial Circuit of Tennessee, was tried in Nashville by
a Court of Impeachment in the House of Representatives, in session from October 27 to December
28, 1829, on a number of specific complaints, including high crime and misdemeanors.
One of the charges in Article 1 alleged that Judge Williams failed to hold the regular session of
the Circuit Court for the county of Overton, in the courthouse (at Monroe), in March 1824, at which
session of the court two men were on trial. One of these men, John Moore, was charged with feloniously passing counterfeit bank notes, and James Payne was charged with highway robbery.
Judge Williams pleaded “not guilty” to the charges explaining that the failure to hold the said
courts was due to torrential rains which rendered the crossing of rivers and creeks hazardous if not
impossible, and should be regarded as “an act of God” rather than negligence.
This impeachment trial was a long hard-fought legal battle with the prosecution being held by
Hopkins L. Turner of Franklin County, in which politics seems to play no little part. The final outcome
of the trial was that Judge Williams was discharged and permitted to depart in peace.
-- Messages of Governors-
TWIN LAKES AREA
OVERTON, JACKSON & PICKETT HISTORY
By the treaty of Hopewell in 1785 the line of the Military Reservation was defined and was temporarily blazed and was officially surveyed in 1797 after the Holston Treaty. By 1786 the people began
to build homes in the Pickett area and by 1806 the county of Jackson, which was formed in 1803,
was divided and Overton County came into existence. The first officers of Overton County were:
John B. Cross - Sheriff
Benjamin Totten - County Court Clerk
James Turney - Circuit Court Clerk
The first magistrates or squires were: James Taylor, William Evans, Isaac Oaks, John Ragan,
John Coonz, Abel Willis, James Turner, Francis McConnell, Robert Mitchell, Squire Poteet, Samuel
Brown, Peter Williams, Allen McDonald, George Armstrong, John Taylor and Henry Rayburn.
The court met at the home of Benjamin Totten until 1810. The legislature in 1809 provided that
after June 1810 Monroe was to be the county seat.
In 1809 George Wallis opened a store at Monroe which is said to be the first store in Overton
County.
The Overton County military department was also organized in 1807 with the following officers:
Stephen Copeland Lt. Col. Commandant of Overton County, John B. Cross First Major, Charles
Sevier Second Major, James Turner Capt., John Armstron Lt., Spencer Gregor Ensign, Charles
Matlock Capt., Peter Williams Lt., Alexander Baxter E/nsign, John Copeland Capt., Richard Copeland
Jr. Lt., John Morris Ensign, James Goodpasture Capt., Robert 0. Neal Capt., James M. Mitchell Lt.,
Wm. Livingston Ensign, Wm. Young Capt., John Jones Lt., and Josiah Derham Ensign.
their homes. They soon came in large numbers and the settlement
of the country was soon a reality. They were not disappointed--it
was a fine country, the home of the wild beast and the recent hunting ground of the Indians.
The sound of the woodsman's axe had never been heard in
the virgin forests,--the finest in the country, and the soil had never
been cultivated by the farmer's plow. The surface was clothed with
majestic forests, canebrakes, peavines and grasses, which furnished pasture and range for the buffalo, bear, deer, and wild turkey.
A Fine Hunting Ground For The Indians
When the white man first came to the section now known as
Overton County it was the "happy hunting ground" of a number of
Indian tribes, none of whom seemed to have a special claim to the
region.
The Iroquois claimed all the territory between the Tennessee
and the Ohio Rivers, claiming that their ancestors had occupied
this portion of country for many generations. A Council was held
at Fort Stanwick in 1768, in which the commissioners for the
northern tribes bought from the Iroquois and other northern tribes
the title to all the land between the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers. A
council was held at Hard Labor, South Carolina, by the commissioners for the southern tribes, and a title was secured for the
same lands, except a few reservations for the Cherokees who had
chiefs in both councils.
We are informed by historians that the territory between the
Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers was a hunting ground for several tribes of Indians, no one of them laying any special claim to
this section. The Cherokees on the east, the Chickasaws on the
west, and the Creeks and Chocktaws on the south, all hunted,
fished and fought over this large section of country, the Cherokees
finally establishing and holding a major claim to the section now
known as Overton County.
Ramsey's Annals of Tennessee, page 94, states: "that it has
been ascertained that the entire territory between the Ohio and
Tennessee Rivers was not occupied by an aboriginal tribes of
Indians, and that it was the hunting ground and the battle field of
the adjoining Indian nations, and possessed by none of them for
continued on page 15
Overton County, Tennessee
North Carolina was one of the thirteen colonies which were parties to the Declaration of
Independence in 1776. There was no Tennessee at that time, but in the western district of North
Carolina there was a wilderness---a beautiful country, rich in the natural resources necessary to the
growth of a great state. Out of this section of North Carolina the state of Tennessee was afterwards
formed.
Overton County is located in the north-eastern section of that grand division of the state called
Middle Tennessee. It has an area of 439 square miles or 277,312 acres. It is bounded on the north
by Clay and Pickett Counties; on the east by Fentress County; on the south by Putnam County and
on the west by Jackson County.
It includes portions of the Cumberland Plateau and the Highland Rim of Tennessee. The surface
features vary from broad nearly level areas to mountains; about two-thirds is rough and broken.
It is drained by a number of small streams all of which flow into the Cumberland River. The region
is well supplied with water.
The climate is mild with little extremes of heat or cold. The main temperature is 57 degrees
Fahrenheit. The average annual rainfall is 52.1 inches. The average growing season is 192 days or
about six and one half months.
A Most Wonderful Country
When the white man first looked upon the vast wilderness he saw a most wonderful country. The
Indians had hunted and lived here from one cultural stage to another for countless generations. No
wonder they were very reluctant to yield their rights without a last ditch struggle.
The pioneers who came to the "Wilderness" regarded it as the most favored section in the world
considering all factors, especially geography, climate, soil fertility, water, timber, wild game, and
plenty of land and natural resources--it was a country to be desired. It was the "happy hunting
ground" for the Indian, who had occupied this highly favored region undisturbed from an unrecorded
date, and had done nothing to change it, a country which nature had made so fair and beautiful.
The first explorers and hunters to come to this section returned to their homes east of the mountains and gave such glowing accounts of this section that many others wanted to come to it and make
continued above
PARKWAY
FAMILY RESTAURANT
Family Owned & Operated by Kelly & JoAnn Jones
Proudly Serving You In Overton County
Outstanding breakfasts, quick and satisfying lunches and
man-sized dinners are what they serve at PARKWAY FAMILY
RESTAURANT. This cheerful cafe is one of the local residents'
favorites when it comes to great eating and down-to-earth prices!
Located at 616 East Main St. in Livingston, phone 931823-8674 or 931-823-9414, this is one restaurant in the area
which strives to make everyone who comes in feel welcome. You'll
always notice a smile and a friendly greeting when you stop in for
coffee, a sandwich or a real meal. It's become everyone's favorite
for coffee breaks and great lunches!
Families, too, like the courteous service and outstanding food
that PARKWAY FAMILY RESTAURANT specializes in. The management insists on a spotlessly clean establishment and it shows!
You'll always enjoy your meal more when you dine here!
In compiling this 2011 Historical Review, we, the writers,
would like to make special note of the quality food and service
offered by this well-known restaurant. They are both, in a word,
the greatest!
Everyone at PARKWAY FAMILY RESTAURANT thanks their
customers for their business and support, and invites you to dine
with them soon.
OVERTON COUNTY AREA
PAGE 15
Museum of
Appalachia
Overview
Little House
By Thelma Thompson
There was a house once years ago,
In a clearing in the woods.
Just three rooms and a little porch,
But, proudly, the small house stood.
The Museum of Appalachia
tells the story of our pioneer
ancestors, in their own words
and through the artifacts they left
behind. Built over a span of 40
years, this collection includes
30+ historic log buildings, display halls filled with thousands of authentic artifacts, and gardens & farm animals in a picturesque
setting surrounded by split-rail fences. Cabins are furnished as if the family had just stepped out to
work in the fields, or gone to a Sunday meeting. Special Events held throughout the year including
Tennessee Fall Homecoming held the 2nd weekend in October.
The Museum is home to sheep, chickens, guineas, ducks, wild turkeys, and peafowl. Mules,
Scottish Highland cattle, and “fainting” goats roam adjacent pastures. In springtime, children will be
delighted to see newborn lambs, goats, and chicks. A large gift shop features handiwork from
regional artisans, and a small restaurant offers hot lunches, fresh from the garden vegetables, and
mouth watering home-style desserts. Facilities are available for weddings, reunions, meetings, and
other events. Museum memberships are available, providing a year of Museum visits and other
benefits. As an official affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the Museum also offers Smithsonian
memberships in conjunction with its own membership program.
Admission charged. Groups welcome.
Seasonal hours-please call ahead.
16 miles north of Knoxville, one mile east of I-75, exit 122.
2819 Andersonville Hwy, Clinton, 37716.
865-494-7680 • www.museumofappalachia.org
Beneath a large and stately oak,
With a walnut growing nearby,
From the red chimney spiraled smoke,
Which spoke of the warmth inside.
The house was weather-beaten and gray
And its roof was tin unceiled,
But, once inside, it was cheery and gay,
And a real home was revealed.
A roaring fire on the clean swept hearth,
A bed in the back of the room,
Not much in goods of any worth,
But, neither was there gloom.
A crackling fire in the small wood stove,
A meal on the table of simple fare,
Breakfast before dawn in the kitchen alcove,
By the flick'ring light of the oil lamp there.
Small was the family residing there,
Just a father, a mother and child.
But, great was the love which filled the air,
In that clearing in the wild.
Sheep shearing is
springtime rite at
Museum of Appalachia
In pioneer Appalachia, farmers sheared their
sheep each spring for wool to spin into yarn or fill quilts.
The Museum of Appalachia will renew this annual
ritual on Friday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., trimming
the winter’s growth of heavy wool from its flock of sheep.
The wooly animals will be trimmed by a master of the trade, Dean Fritz of Murfreesboro, who
will explain the process to onlookers while using vintage hand-cranked shears operated by “student
power.”
Spinning, weaving, and quilting demonstrators will show how wool was used to make cloth and
quilt batting in the days before ready-made clothing and superstores.
The demonstrations fulfill the Museum’s mission to preserve and pass along the Appalachian
culture to future generations. School groups, home-schooled students, and individual parents and
children are welcome. Regular admission rates will apply.
OVERTON - continued from page 14
residence or cultivation. It presented an inviting field for further
explorations and future settlements." Perhaps Ramsey did not
know that a Cherokee tribe ruled by Chief Nettle Carrier lived near
the present town of Alpine, on Nettle Carrier Creek, a tributary of
the West Fork of Obed River. Chief Nettle Carrier, also known as
Tala-dane-gisks, was a brother of Chief Double Head, a noted
Cherokee war chief. Chief Nettle Carrier was said to have left this
country about 1799 and moved to Oklahoma. The remainder of the
tribe followed him several years later.
Very little history of the tribe of Chief Nettle Carrier has been
presented. This was a small tribe of Indians, the number has not
been determined. They were not inclined to warfare as some of the
other tribes in East Tennessee. They were very friendly to many of
the early settlers of this section, especially to Colonel Stephen
Copeland, one of the first settlers who raised the first crop of corn,
which was planted on Roaring River near Windle.
The friendly relationship between the Cherokees and the white
settlers in the convergence of the two cultures, and in a number of
cases marriages, to the extent that by the time of the move of the
tribe to Oklahoma in 1838, the amalgamation of the races resulted
in the almost complete disappearance of Indian traits and characteristics.
OvertOn cOunty
nursing hOme
Administrator - Jennifer Bouldin
With some of the finest facilities anywhere, OVERTON COUNTY NURSING HOME has become
the preferred home of many families throughout the local area. The quality of care that the resident
receives at this skilled and intermediate care facility is rated with the very best. It's located at 318
Bilbrey St. in Livingston, phone 931-823-6403.
Ideally suited for ambulatory and bedfast patients, here's a home where the resident can get the
kind of attention and professional nursing care that's needed. There's a staff dietician to keep a close
eye on the patient's eating habits and the kitchen prepares individual meals to dietary specifications for
those who must restrict their intake of certain foods. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy, exercise, recreational facilities and personal attention make OVERTON COUNTY NURSING HOME a nice
place to be.
The writers of this 2011 Historical Review are proud to list this fine home for anyone needing the
utmost in quality care.
OVERTON COUNTY NURSING HOME thanks the people of this area for placing their complete
trust and confidence in them, and reminds you they are there for you when you need them.
PAGE 16
PUTNAM COUNTY AREA
Cost Of Days
Early Settlement Of
Putnam County
By Thelma Thompson
The price of days keep going up,
In the market place of time.
Few are left on the tree of life,
In this cold and lonely climb.
Excerpted From: A History Of Putnam County
Written By Walter S. McClain
Tennessee history begins with the log cabin of William Bean, the first white
settler on the Watauga River, in 1769. For many years the "Watauga Settlement"
was the rendezvous for all adventurous spirits headed for the unknown and perilous
West. Here the wagons gathered from Virginia and the Carolinas, and at frequent
intervals large parties or wagon trains, escorted by small detachments of soldiers,
would fare forth on the Western trail.
The first road to the West was the Wilderness Road, blazed out by Daniel
Boone. Its course was slightly north of west from the Watauga Settlement, by way
of Cumberland Gap, to a place in Kentucky called Boonesboro, where a fort was
completed in 1775. James Robertson, the founder of Nashville, led his party of settlers over this road to a point north of the present city of Nashville. Here he turned
south, crossed the Cumberland River on the ice, and established a settlement, first
called Nashboro. This was the winter of 1779-80, known as the "cold winter." By
1788 the Cumberland Road had been extended from Campbell Station in Knox
County across the mountain and on to Nashville.
Just who was the first white man to settle in the favored spot now known as
Putnam County seems to be lost in the obscurity of the past. But one day, before
any road had been marked out, some paleface scout, working his way deeper and
deeper into the mysterious West, must have stood upon the western brow of the
Cumberland Plateau and gazed in wonder upon the hills and valleys of the middle
division of this area! If tradition is true, it was a vast panorama - a gorgeous view
unobstructed by forests, - an undulating plain covered with tall grass of a species
now unknown to us. But this first-comer, this lord of the wilderness, left no record
of his impressions, and all that we know is that he, and many others after him,
pressed on farther and farther toward the setting sun, in search, no doubt, of some
great river with its rich bottom lands, its easy transportation and outlet to regions
yet unknown.
Years later, other pioneers came and stopped to build their humble habitations.
To them it was a goodly land - a land of fine water, plenty of game and but few signs
of the dreaded Indian. These early settlers preempted the rich coves and choice
bits of land along the creeks, erected with their own hands such houses as they
were able, and in loneliness and toil laid deep and sure the foundations of our
civilization. To forget these heroic men and women through whose industry and
self-denial we have grown great and prosperous, would be sordid in gratitude. To
visualize their achievements, to bring to mind once more their homely virtues, to
call them by name as we recount their deeds - this is but a feeble tribute, but it
should not be longer delayed.
In his "History of Middle Tennessee," published in the early fifties, Putnam says:
"The pioneers of the Watauga and the Sewanee (Cumberland) had their trials and
proved themselves rich in virtues. Like gold in the alembic, they passed through the
refiner's fire, leaving the dross in deposit or cast away. Our immediate forefathers
were these adventurers. Not long have they slept in the dust of death."
The early pioneers traveling westward over the Walton Road, naturally settled
along this highway, usually at intervals of from two to five miles apart. Those coming
later struck out deeper into the wilderness, north or south of the main road, some
going over into Sinking Cane, Spring Creek, Roaring River and even as far as the
Cumberland, while those who turned southward were attracted by the fertile lands
of the Calf Killer, Falling Water and Caney Fork. The rich coves along the base of
the Cumberland Mountain furnished many fine farms.
Old settlers tell us that a century ago the middle section of our country was a
prairie, covered with tall grass, furnishing pasturage to great herds of buffalo, deer
and wild horses. No doubt this came about as a result of annual fires, purposely set
by the Indians to bring about this very condition. Early historians agree that the territory bounded by the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers was once a common
hunting ground for several bordering tribes, no one of whom laid any special or
exclusive claim to it. The Cherokees on the east, the Creeks on the south and the
Chickasaws on the west all hunted here - and sometimes fought - but no villages
of any consequence were found here by the early explorers.
The first settlement in the eastern end of the county seems to have been in the
vicinity of Standing Stone (now Monterey), where about a dozen families located
within a radius of six or eight miles of that well known point, during the first quarter
of the last century.
About the year 1800, Alexander Officer, grandfather of W.B. Ray, en route from
Virginia to the West, located at a place a few miles east of Standing Stone, somewhat by accident. A sick horse necessitated a few days' stop, and after looking
around a bit he decided to remain permanently. He died a few years later, leaving
a large family. After some years, his widow married Dudley Hunter and removed to
the Dry Valley.
John Whittaker, of North Carolina, settled in what is now the suburbs of
We squandered them, when we were young,
Like pennies spent for candy.
No end was there or so we thought,
For always they were handy.
Those few are precious tho to us,
More dear are they than gold,
We never thought to treasure them,
Before we grew so old.
billings crane
• machinery moving
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• steel faBrication,
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Billings crane thanks the people of this area for placing their complete trust
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PUTNAM COUNTY AREA
PAGE 17
EARLY SETTLEMENT - continued from page 16
Monterey, not far from 1800, and built the old log house in which his son Jefferson lived a long life.
The more that you read,
This house is still standing.
James Clark built his home on a high point near the present railroad station of Bilbrey, owning a
The more things you will know.
large tract of land extending back to Standing Stone. One of his daughters married Jefferson
Whittaker.
The more that you learn,
Matthias Welch came from North Carolina about 1830 and settled near the head of Falling
Water.
The more places you'll go.
Abraham Ford, of North Carolina, opened up what is known as the Blaylock place about 1835.
In 1818 a man named Sehon kept a tavern or stand on the Walton Road three and one-half miles
west of Standing Stone. President Andrew Jackson and other eminent men were entertained there
as they were en route to and from Washington. W.B. Ray remembers hearing his grandmother, who
~Dr. Seuss
was a Sehon, tell about watching President Jackson hold his watch for the cook to boil his eggs by.
Also, how many times when she would be out looking for chestnuts she would find one or more bears
nosing around after some toothsome nuts.
At a slightly later day, probably 1820, Augustus Lee settled on the Walton Road, two miles west
of Standing Stone. He was the grandfather of John W. Welch.
Leonard Ray, great-grandfather of W.B. Ray, opened up a farm three miles north of the Walton
Road, about 1819.
About 1824 Henry Verble came from North Carolina and settled two miles east of Standing
Stone, but later was attracted by the richer lands in the Sinking Cane, where he entered a large
tract.
In 1825, Israel Shaver and Thomas Dyer located and established permanent homes in the vicinity of Meadow Creek.
LP Gas Sales & Service
Samuel Callahan settled in Sinking Cane, north of Standing Stone. He was something of a poliMonday - Friday 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
tician, and at one time was a member of the Legislature.
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Henderson Tudor came from North Carolina at a very early Date, and settled west of Standing
Stone. Evidently, he was an Indian scout, since he was famous for following trails, and even his name
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was changed to "Henderson Trailer," His old home place is still known locally as the "Old Trailer's won the admiration and respect of area residents for their honest
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and neighborly business practices. They deliver propane in both
Vinet Henry, veteran of the War of 1812, and an Indian fighter, settled near the head of Board bulk and bottled forms and assume the immense responsibility
Valley about the year 1825.
for heating many of the homes and farms in this area. Anyone
John Henry came from North Carolina in 1812, and located at the head of the Calf Killer, his land
interested in acquiring the versatility of gas should contact them
embracing the beginnings of that noted stream, named, according to tradition, for an Indian chief. His
at 80 Depot St. (behind Railroad Depot) in Cookeville, or
first habitation was a log pen thatched with cane, which grew everywhere in profusion.
Among the earliest to settle at the foot of the mountain, (three and a half miles east of Cookeville), phone 931-528-9000 for full information. They also offer 24 hour
was William Quarles, a Revolutionary soldier, who, with his large family, and several slaves, left his emergency service.
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home in Bedford County, Virginia, and after a full month of travel reached his destination on Christmas
related
energy using requirements. Whether you use a small tank
day, 1809. Soon White Plains came into existence, with a general store, blacksmith shop, and post
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a
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zen was assassinated on a lonely road a few miles from his home by some outlaw, who was never
apprehended. He left a large family, from whom many who bear the name Quarles, Burton, Hawes, heaters, grills, and fireplaces. Call them for full information
Hughes, Little and Snodgrass, trace their ancestry. One son-in-law, Adam Huntsman, was a promi- regarding the many gas products available.
The writers of this 2011 Historical Review urge all area resinent lawyer in West Tennessee, and had the added distinction of defeating the renowned Davy
Crockett for Congress.
dents to think of this fine company whenever they think of L.P.
About 1820 Thomas Barnes came from North Carolina and opened up the farm now owned by gas...the dependable one!
J.B. Dowell, known from Civil War times as the Tom Pointer place. Mr. Barnes' grants covered sevCUMBERLAND LP GAS thanks their customers for past
eral square miles. He raised a family of twenty children, the youngest of whom, Mrs. Martha Cooper, business, and reminds you they are of service to the entire
is still living. A son, John Barnes, settled on the Sparta road at an early date. Other descendants area!
have been prominent in affairs in and around Cookeville.
Peter Smith settled in what is now the Fifteenth civil district,
We Provide Flowers For Your Every Need!
before Tennessee became a state. His son, John Smith, born in
1794, died 1872, lived his long and useful life in that section of the
county. He was the grandfather of Milton Owen, deceased, and
Mrs. L.B. Hatfield, of near Algood. His was the first grave at the old
Smith's Chapel graveyard.
Calvin Crook, 94, and for nearly seventy years a leading citizen of the southern section of the county, but now residing just
across the Falling Water in White County, tells us that his greatgrandfather, John Crook, and his grandfather, also named John,
came from North Carolina in the early years of the last century
3rd Generation Owned & Operated By Bobbie Wyatt Since 1953
and settled on Pigeon Roost Creek, one on either side, on nice
Monday - Friday 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. • Saturday 8:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.
elevations about a quarter of a mile north of Falling Water. His
grandfather on his mother's side, Samuel Brown, came from
Flowers speak softly the language of love...especially when they’re from GUNNEL’S FLORIST;
Ireland a few years later and settled near by. One of his daughters
the florist with something extra! Located at 104 North Washington Ave. in Cookeville, phone
married John Crook, 3rd, father of Calvin.
931-526-7149, this well-known and respected flower shop adds that personal touch to every
Isaac Buck, born in 1800, settled on the first bench of the
mountain, two miles east of White Plains, in the year 1820. Just
arrangement that leaves the store.
married, he came with his young bride to the new country to open
Their service, designs and smiles are what you get every time you call or drop in to make
up a farm of some six hundred acres, Mr. Buck's father came from
someone’s day a little brighter with flowers. They feature fresh and silk arrangements for all occaGermany when a young man, and settled in Pennsylvania. The
sions, including hospitals, funerals, anniversaries, weddings and those very special days that do
family name was Bach. Isaac had received every educational
not need an occasion at all! Love is simply remembering.
advantage of his day, and being licensed to preach, he soon
Do something beautiful for someone you love. Say it with flowers from GUNNEL’S FLORIST
became pastor of Salem church, which he served faithfully for
and say it better! The authors of this 2011 Historical Review for Putnam County urge all of our
many years. In 1849 Mr. Buck purchased 140 acres of land about
readers to shop where service and selection are greatest!
one mile east of Cookeville and soon after, associated with his
Bobbie, Rosemary, Ronnie, and everyone at GUNNEL’S FLORIST thank their customers for
oldest son, Jonathan, began preparations for the erection of a
their 58 years of business and support, and look forward to serving you for more years to come!
large school building.
God Bless Our Troops!
Gunnel’s
Florist
PAGE 18
FENTRESS COUNTY AREA
The buildings on the west portion of the town square - right to left - the Steve Frogge general store built about 1898-1899. This business was destroyed by fire in 1921 or 1922. Next to
the Frogge buildings is a view of the Jamestown Hotel. The view is almost hidden by trees.
In the distance on the southwest corner is a view of the Pat and Beuna Smith residence.
Maxine Wallace said her father, Steve Frogge, began housekeeping with his wife in the living
quarters of the upper story of this main building in the late 1890s. Steve served in the
Tennessee Legislature as our representative from 1919-1921. While in this Legislature he
voted for women to have the right to vote (the Woman Sufferage Act). As a result of his affirmative vote, Mr. Frogge was not re-elected. While in the Legislature, Elmo Crouch took care
of the mercantile business for Steve. Wright Frogge, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Frogge,
and a prominent business man in Jamestown for many years, was born in this upstairs living
quarters. Maxine tells us that Wright fell from this upstairs porch as a young child. Wright
launched out early in life as an adventurous person, but was able to overcome many obstacles - even a fall from a high porch. This picture is owned by Mary Lou Turner of Dayton,
Ohio.
History Of Our Present Day Courthouse
(Information from Minutes of the Fentress County Court Book I)
Courtesy Of Wilma Reagan Pinkley
From Her Book FENTRESS COUNTY HISTORY AS I REVIEWED IT
The A.B. Wright Institute, established in 1898, was named in
memory of Rev. A.B. Wright, a humble, faithful Minister of the
Gospel, who spent his life in service for the Master throughout the mountain sections of Tennessee and Kentucky. How
fitting that in the place where sleeps this honored man, this
School should be established to bless the people for whom
he labored.
- Since 1990 • New Home Builder
• Home Remodeling
• Roofing • Decks • Patios
• Sunrooms • Siding
• Window & Door Replacement
On December 12th, 1904, the Fentress County Court met in called session in the Fentress
County Savings Bank Building in Jamestown, Tennessee, "the regular courthouse having been
destroyed by fire" on December 8, 1904.
E.J. Wright was the presiding County Judge, and the Justices of the Peace attending this meeting were: James A. Hurst, W.D. Mullinix, J.D. Frogge, James B. Reed, G.W. Smith, James M. Peters,
W.J. Todd, S.A. Tompkins and J.L. Garrett.
This session was to make plans for business to be carried on. It was ordered by the court to
FREE ESTIMATES
purchase books, etc. from Marshall and Bruce, the lowest bidder. A committee was appointed to buy
supplies. The committee was J.L. Garrett, William Lewis Reagan and J.M. Peters. William Lewis
Reagan was County Court Clerk at this time. (He was my paternal uncle, a brother to Jim Blaine
Reagan).
It was ordered by the court that W.D. Mullinix, James A. Hurst and James B. Reed be appointed
Licensed & Insured
as a committee to keep the records until the next term of said court. Another committee composed
of E.J. Wright, G.W. Smith and James A. Hurst was appointed to dispose of the remains of the old
courthouse in the best way they could.
This court also ordered that $250 be given as a reward “for apprehension and conviction of
person or persons who willfully burned the courthouse in Jamestown, Tenn. on 8th day of December,
1904 and that the Governor be requested to double this amount.”
At the January Term of County Court, 1905, this action taken: “A resolution of Quarterly Session
that the 54th session of the General Assembly of Tennessee be and it is hereby
petitioned to authorize the county to issue Bonds for the purpose of Building a
Courthouse not to exceed $15,000 - urged passage of said issue of said bonds.
J.W. Cooper, an attorney for county draft an Act in conformity with the resolution.”
W.L. Reagan, County Court Clerk, had copies of the 1903 tax records. These
WE HAVE
were used as the best evidence for setting up the 1904 tax records. At this session
U-HAUL
the county court clerk was to receive $120.10 for services for the quarter ending
RENTALS
January 1, 1905. Also at this January, 1905 term, “ordered by the court that W.D.
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
Mullinix, J.L. Garrett and S.A. Tompkins be fined $1.00 each on account of absence
MONDAY - FRIDAY 7:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
from court during session.”
At the April, 1905 Term of the County Court, it was ordered that Fentress
"FINEST IN AUTO & TRUCK REPAIRS"
County “issue $15,000 in Bonds in compliance with an Act of the General Assembly
passed March, 1905 for the purpose of erecting a courthouse in Jamestown, TN.
County Judge is instructed to act at once to open negotiations for the sale - Bonds in
denominations of $100 each and numbered consecutively beginning with one (1).”
510 CLARKRANgE ESTATES RD.
Ordered by this court that “outside wall of courthouse be built of stone and the
inside petitions be of brick or stone and that there be vault or vaults placed inside
CLARKRANgE
of said courthouse for protection and safe keeping of county records.”
931-879-2770
408 SOUTH MAIN ST.
JAMESTOWN
CLARKRANGE
GARAGE
931-863-5011
FENTRESS COUNTY AREA
PAGE 19
HISTORY OF - continued from page 18
County Judge, E.J. Wright, allowed $125 for his services as Judge for six months up to this April
Term 1905. Also that W.D. Mullinix be allowed $8.25 rent on rooms for county offices; that W.C.
Threet be allowed $4.50 for rent on room for county office. The county court met May 16, 1905 over
W.D. Mullinix's store.
At the July, 1905 session, it was voted unanimously to allow W. Chamberlin & Co. of Birmingham,
Ala. $375 for preparing courthouse plans and specifications. Also a committee was appointed consisting of J.L. Garrett, Ward R. Case and J.T. Wheeler. The committee to consider and recommend
a site for the courthouse, and to see if the old Academy Lot was located in the limits of
Jamestown.
The old Academy Lot investigations revealed that about 1895 the town limits were enlarged on
the east and south, but not extended further north than the church lot. So the Academy Lot was not
in the corporation and could not be used on which to construct the courthouse. This committee
stated that the legal title of the Academy Lot grounds was good; that the lot was then in the hands
of a Board of Trustees for the Jamestown Academy; that the land was purchased from R.H. Bledsoe
in 1860, and could be purchased for $300. In going through the minute book, I noticed that this
Academy Lot in 1908 was assessed to Ada Sussener.
At the July 19, 1905 County Court meeting, it was “so ordered that the new courthouse be
constructed on the same ground at a place on said lot as the old courthouse was built; the place on
lot to be specified by courthouse Building Commission.” At this same session a Building Commission
was named. Those named were. W J Gaudin, Ward R. Case, L.B. Chism, A.B. Williams, W.H. Peters.
"W.R. Harper, the lowest bidder, to erect and construct the courthouse - price $15,000 to be on
same place as old courthouse; W. Chamberlin & Co. appointed architect and to superintend the
work - contract entered 29 June, 1905 with W.R. Harper." I never found an address for this Mr. W.R.
Harper. I am inclined to believe W. Chamberlin & Co. brought him here.
The minutes of this July, 1905 meeting recorded thirty seven pages of details as to the agreements and specifications for the construction of this courthouse - pp. 70-107. A few notations
were:
toward the promotion and the conducting of Fentress County
affairs. Take time to review this article and see the many names
of those who sacrificed to produce this grand old courthouse. Join
me in saluting them - one and all - and may we ever remain proud
and preserve what they did for us.
In 1973 Blair and Blair Contractors, a local business, did
improvements to this early structure. North and south wings were
added in order to provide badly needed additional space. Other
improvements were made including more court room space,
plumbing, heating-cooling equipment, inside painting, and a general all-inclusive modernizing. However, this renovation left the
architecture of the original structure as it was when built in the
early years of this century.
1. The exterior of the courthouse to be of local stone.
2. Material of old courthouse to become property of the contractor to be used in new building and
furnished him with charge.
3. Outside dimensions were 50 x 70 feet from corner to corner.
4. Office rooms on first floor to be 16 x 16 feet.
5. Court room upstairs 38 1/2 x 52 feet inside measure.
6. Do not want a clock in tower.
BLUE MOUNTAINS
ART & FRAMING
STUDIO
Locally Owned
A treasure house of beautiful interior decoration accents,
BLUE MOUNTAINS ART & FRAMING STUDIO specializes in
the very finest custom picture frames available! Here’s just the
thing to add beauty and charm to every wall in your home or
office. There’s nothing that makes a bare wall look better than a
beautifully framed picture!
Located at 331 North Main St. in Jamestown, phone 931879-8446, this well-known shop features expert custom framing
for all types of paintings, graphics and photographs.
Choose from the hundreds of styles and colors available in
high quality frame stock. They can also mount your pictures on
distinctive matt board if you desire. Photographs look especially
nice when treated this way!
BLUE MOUNTAINS ART & FRAMING STUDIO also carries
a fine selection of original painting and graphics of local artists as
well as high quality reproductions of famous works.
Stop in today and look over all the beautiful things on display
at this unique shop.
The writers of this 2011 Historical Review for Fentress
County list this well-liked shop for ALL of your picture framing
needs! If it hasn’t been framed by BLUE MOUNTAINS ART
& FRAMING STUDIO....well, it’s not looking its very best!
BLUE MOUNTAINS ART & FRAMING STUDIO thanks their
customers for past business and support, and reminds you they
are of service to the entire area!
There was a called meeting of the county court on November 19, 1906 to deal with the courthouse construction problems. Action taken - “the contract of W.R. Harper for building the courthouse
has been abandoned by him by failure and refusal to furnish necessary material and workmen.
Harper the contractor and W. Chamberlin & Co. both discharged of duties due to evidence shows
that said architects were either careless or fraudulent.”
At the November, 1906 session James Crouch was paid $124 for grading the ground around
the courthouse.
The balance shown left in the courthouse fund at the April, 1907 term was $4,069.
The July, 1907 meeting of the Fentress County Court ordered “that the Courthouse Building
Commission was authorized after completion of the courthouse to pay out of any surplus left to the
courthouse funds, debts outstanding for building of same - this Commission also ordered to buy
seats and furniture to be paid out of sinking fund.”
1907 James Crouch and William Risiden were given a contract to build a stone wall around the
courthouse for the sum of $1,495.
The January, 1908 session “ordered pay for iron fence around
courthouse to Stewart Iron works - $475.87 for the fence.” Trustee
W.L. Wright at this meeting stated there was a balance in the
courthouse bond account of $605.79.
Ordered by the Court October, 1909 that four rooms on second floor be set apart for the following offices: southeast room for
County Surveyor; next on west for County Superintendent; third
room for Sheriff and fourth on southwest for Trustee of the county.
The exact date when the new courthouse was first occupied
was not found, but it seems to have been in 1908. We scanned
through 556 pages of county court minutes, so it was rather difLocally Owned & Operated By Tessy Mullinix
ficult to find all the desired information.
Appointments Preferred
Fentress County's first courthouse was built about 1828. This
building was destroyed by fire in the early 1860s. The second
Specialists in grooming and caring for all breeds of dogs and cats, POPA'S PET PARLOR
courthouse was constructed soon after this fire; therefore, this
offers complete facilities for the pet owner.
1905-1908 structure is our third courthouse. The two burned
Located at 101 Fairgrounds Rd. in Jamestown, phone 931-879-1718, this well-known
courthouses destroyed much valuable history, for most of the
groomer features complete, expert grooming of all breeds. He’s in the very best of hands and will
contents were lost. No one was ever apprehended for the burning
be groomed, bathed and cared for expertly. It’s a “home away from home” for your precious pet
on December 8, 1904 of the historic structure.
while he’s being pampered!
We need to remember the many local men who labored so
POPA'S PET PARLOR has many years of experience in this fine art. Trust YOUR pet to this
willingly and so persistently to construct this courthouse. They
outstanding grooming facility. The writers of this 2011 Historical Review know that you’ll be glad
worked for little pay. They considered it a “call of duty” to serve in
you did.
these places. They took pride in donating many hours of free time
Tessy at POPA'S PET PARLOR thanks her customers for placing their complete trust and
popa's
pet parlor
continued above
confidence in her for the past 6 years, and looks forward to taking care of your pets in the future.
PAGE 20
Who Was Johnny Reb?
By Darlene Thompson
Asheville, North Carolina
The Confederate soldier known as Johnny Reb was viewed by Southerners as
a tough fighter, a good humored individualist, loyal and the symbol of the southern
cause. But, where did the image Johnny Reb come from and who was he? To
discover the answer, one must take a journey with Allen Christian Redwood.
Allen Christian Redwood was born on June 19, 1844 in Lancaster County,
Virginia. He attended several Maryland academies and later attended Polytechnic
Institute in Brooklyn, New York. He studied art as a hobby, and it is unknown
whether he ever received any formal art training. His artist career was interrupted
when the Civil War began. His loyalty to his home state drove him back to
Virginia.
After his seventeenth birthday on July 24, 1861, Redwood enlisted as a private
in the "Middlesex Southrons" at Urbanna, Virginia. In his first combat, he was
slightly wounded and suffered a contusion from a shell fragment. A month later, his
unit arrived at the Second Manassas campaign. However, Redwood came down
with a fever and he was unable to keep up with his unit. Eventually, he recovered
and caught up with Stonewall Jackson's troops. He participated in the capture of
the Manassas Junction supply depot. Amid the plunder at the depot, Redwood
found a new set of underwear and a pot of French mustard to ease his combat
fatigue.
Redwood packed his booty, musket and cartridges in an ambulance and followed Jackson to Centreville and the Manassas' battleground. Unfortunately, he
lost his equipment and spent the first day guarding a battery with a Louisiana battalion near Sudley Church, Virginia. That night, Redwood set out to find his regiment but, strayed into enemy pickets. He was captured and marched with other
prisoners to Alexandria, Virginia. On September 1st, he was transported to Federal
Fort Monroe. Within a week, he was paroled and returned to Richmond.
Because Redwood was still battling a fever, he was granted a medical furlough.
He was allowed to remain in a private home in the Confederate capital. His condition caused him to miss the Battle of Antietam.
The following December, he served as a sergeant major in the Commissary
Department.
By mid April, Redwood resigned his position and returned to his company. He
saw action at the Battle of Chancellorsville. His company suffered heavily as they
engaged Union Major General Joseph Hooker. Although more than a third of them
was lost, Redwood was only stunned by a shell.
At Gettysburg, Redwood's 55th Virginia Regiment joined in the battle around
the stone barn on McPherson's Farm. He participated in Pickett's Charge on July
3rd. He received a rifle ball in his right elbow. Once again, Redwood returned to
Virginia to recover.
Wounded three times and captured once, Redwood transferred to Company C
of the First Maryland Cavalry. The Federal's Kilpatrick-Dahgren attacked Maryland's
capital. In turn, the Marylanders attacked. Major General Phillip Sheridan was sent
to stop the Marylanders. During the battle, Redwood had his horse shot beneath
him at Pollard's Farm on May 27th. The battalion transferred their action to the
Shenandoah Valley. Redwood joined Lt. General Jubal Early's raid against
Washington, D.C. Later, Redwood participated at all the battles of the Valley
Campaign in 1864.
On October 4, 1864, he was transferred to the general's staff. As a clerk to
Captain W. K. Martin, Redwood served as a courier. However, the winter of 186465 found his company low on supplies. Redwood lost two horses and was unable
to purchase another. He was given a furlough to steal a horse from the enemy.
However, he failed to steal any.
On April 7th, two days before General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox,
a Yankee detachment captured Redwood near Somerto, Virginia, twelve miles
southwest of Suffolk. Redwood was confined in Norfolk-Newport News. On
July 3rd, Redwood took the oath of the Union allegiance was released.
After the war, Redwood returned to Baltimore. He found many of his former
Maryland comrades and enjoyed time with them again. He opened an art studio
and worked for lithographers. He provided art lessons as well. It is believed his first
published work appeared in an ex-Confederate's memoir of prisoners confined at
Fort Delaware. His book recorded the commonplace routines of cooking, washing
and working. He illustrated these scenes and others, such as playing April Fool's
pranks, attending worship services, holding boxing matches, and conducting a
mock court.
As Redwood's art work developed, his experiences formed the Confederate
soldier Johnny Reb. Redwood knew his subject well and his artistic powers brought
Johnny Reb to life. Southerners were delighted with this powerful figure. In many
ways, southerners saw
Johnny Reb as a solid
reminder of their cause.
In 1866, Redwood presented his art ideas to the
art editor of Century for
illustrations of Gettysburg.
He revisited the battlefields
to get a correct impression
of the scenery. He sketched
the topography of Culp's Hill
at Gettysburg before drawing the charge of Stuart's
Brigade on the morning of
July 3rd. He made numerous sketches of impressive
sights at Fredericksburg. He
found a Union soldier's graffiti on a wall that had been
carved with a jack knife.
Later,
this
impression
appeared in Battles and
Leaders.
He corresponded with
fellow veterans to get information for accurate drawings. He took these details and used them with only slight alterations for Battles
and Leaders.
For more than a decade after Battles and Leaders, Redwood contributed to Century and Harper's Monthly. He illustrated articles on the war,
Southern genre, and Cowboy life in the West. His solid reputation as a Confederate
illustrator remained.
Throughout the 1870s, Redwood had contact with other Southern artists and
writers in Baltimore. He was chosen as a member of the Board of Directors of the
Maryland Academy of Art, which included caricaturist Adelbert Volck who was
famous for his I'm A Good Old Rebel. It was during this time, that Redwood tried
his hand at writing.
Later, his works were presented in an edition of John Esten Cooke's Surry
of Eagle's Nest. Thomas Nelson Page's Two Little Confederates, and
W.W. Goldsborough's The Maryland Line In The Confederate States
Army. He developed illustrations for historian, John A. Wyreth's article in
Harper's Monthly on Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest at Fort
Donelson.
In his last years, Redwood maintained his enthusiasm for the war and corresponded with many of his former comrades about their battles. To General Lomax,
who had been his superior in the Shenandoah Valley, Redwood wrote in 1905, "In
the years which have ensued, I too, have had time to change from boyish trooper
of the Maryland Line to a grizzled veteran of sixty odd years, but my memory of
those brave days hold out, and the people who made them so are more real than
those of today."
Redwood continued writing articles on the war. He wrote three essays on
Stonewall Jackson and the Confederate soldiers to Francis Trevelyan Miller's
Photographic History of the Civil War, printed in 1911. About the same
time, Redwood offered recollections of Chancellorsville and his cavalry service for
the Journal of the Military Service Institution.
Redwood remained a bachelor throughout his life. He spent his last decade at
the home of his cousins in Port Conway, Virginia and was buried with his brother's
family in Asheville. He died in Asheville on December 24, 1922 and was buried in
Riverside Cemetery.
Redwood was known for his wonderful accuracy of Civil War battles and everyday life in military camps. His image of "Johnny Reb" had a powerful effect on many
Southerners. His description of "Johnny Reb" provided southerners with great
pride and loyalty.
Some have called Redwood one of the "forgotten artists" of the Civil War. Allen
Christian Redwood remains the true image of "Johnny Reb" because he fully
understood who Johnny Reb was because of his own experiences. Few artists
have left such a profound and lasting impression of the Confederate soldier.

The Historical News - Upper Cumberland Genealogical Association

Transcription

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