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RUTHERFORD COUNTY
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Publication No. 1 7
ROBERT \A/EAKLEY
Summer 1981
Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130
The Cover
Pobllcatlon nuniber 17 contains an article on the town of
Jefferson iriille it was the counter court seat, I803 - I8II. Robert
Weakley was one of the foimders of Jefferson and a portrait of him
is a part of our cover. Some of Robert Weakley's descendants still
live In the Jefferson area. Very little remains of this early
town of Rutherford County. When Percy Priest Lake was built in
1966, the site was cleared of houses and allowed to return to a
forested state. The town Robert Weakley and Thomas Bedford
founded and expected to develop into a major town Is now part of
history. Kevin Markuson's work in researching and writing the
early development of Jefferson is greatly appreciated. Our
thanks also to Susan Daniel and Mary Wilgus for their research
and writing articles for this publication.
Library
Middle Tennessee State University'
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
"', 1 6 . 5 o 7
■J,\l
RUTKERFORD COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
PUBLICATION NO. 17
Published by the
RUTHERFORD COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
OFFICERS
President ....•*.... Mr. Gene Sloan
Vice-President • .....Miss Aurelia Holden
Recording Secretary.. Miss Louise Cawthon
Corresponding Secretary •• Mrs. Susan Daniel
Publication Secretary..... .....Mr. Walter K. Hoover
Treasurer Mrs. Kelly Ray
Directors .Mrs. Dotty Patty
Dr. Ernest Hooper
Mr. James Matheny
Publication No. 17 (Limited Edition-350 copies) is distributed
to members of the Society. I^e annual membership dues is $7.00
(Family $9.00) which includes the regular publications and the monthly
NEWSLETTER to all members. Additional copies of Publication No. 17
may be obtained at $3.50 per copy.
All correspondence concerning additional copies, contributions
to future issues, and membership should be addressed to:
Rutherford Coiinty Historical Society
Box 906
Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130
82-03958
FOR SALB
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Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130
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FOR SALE 2
HISTORY of RUTHERFCRD COUNTY by C . C . Sims
A reprint of the 19U7 edition of our cotnty
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Rutherford Counlgr Map 1878, shows land owners—
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TABLE of CONTENTS
History of Jefferson I803 - 1813
I7; Kevin Markttson « Page 1
Rutherford Co\ai'ty Will Abstracts
by: Susan G. Daniel U7
Murfreesboro's Old City Cemetery
by: Mary H. Wllgus 53
Rutherford Counlgr Ifi.storlcal Society Members 77
Index 87
A HISTORY
OF
THE TOWN OP JEFFERSON
1803 - 1813
Kevin Markuson
PREFACE
With our modern world changing so fast before our eyes,
it is important to preserve and keep alive the traditions and heritage
of our ancestors. It is in this spirit of preservation of our heritage
that the researching and writing of this short history has been done.
It is also in this spirit that I offer this work to the people of
Rutherford County; that they may more fully understand the life and
times of the people that settled this land and thereby perpetuate a
continuity with their past.
This history of Jefferson does not purport to be a complete,
detailed history of the town. As more research is done, I am sure
more facts concerning the town and events surrounding it will come
to light. I have tried to cover, as thoroughly as possible, the ten
years in which the town was formed and grew, up until the courts moved
to Murfreesboro in 1813.
I would like to extend my most deep and heart felt gratitude
to those persons who were so kind to open their homes, materials and
memories to me, while I was researching this history. Ernest K. Johns,
Everett Waller, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Victory, Mrs. Becky Spring, Mrs. Peyton
Smith, Walter K. Hoover, Hatton Ward and Kathryn Barrett. I would like
to extend a special note of gratitude to Dr. Ernest Hooper for all his
instruction, guidance aFfd inspiration that he gave me during the
researching and writing of this history and to ray wife Cathy for her
never failing moral support and interest.
THE FORMATION AND EARLY GROWTH
OF THE TOWN OF JEFFERSON
The town of Jefferson was located within the forks of
the Stones River. This land was part of an assignee land grant to
-1
Robert Weakley and Thomas Bedford from the state of North Carolina.
The original grant reads, "by an act of our General Assembly entitled
an act for the relief of the officers and soldiers in the Continental
line and for and in consideration of the signal bravery and persevering
zeal of James Pearl, a captain in the Continental line of said state ....
Robert Weakley and Thomas Bedford were the assignees of James Pearl.
This land grant is dated December 12, 1801 and was for 3,840 acres, that
being the amount of land granted to a captain.
The town of Jefferson was laid out by Weakley and Bedford
prior to June 1803, when these lands were still a part of Davidson
County. A plat of the town was registered with th£ Davidson County
Clerk according to early deeds for town lots. The town was laid out
2
with a public square and 102 town lots.
Weakley and Bedford held the first sale of town lots on
June 10 and 13, 1803 as many of the early deeds for town lots, registered
with the Rutherford County Register, bear these dates. It is interesting
to note that Weakley and Bedford gave town lots to certain individuals
at this time. William Nash (a Justice of the Peace) and Joseph Herndon
(County Trustee for Davidson County and soon to be County Clerk for
Rutherford County) were given lots #20 and #81 respectively " for and
in consideration of the respect and friendship they (Weakley and Bedford)
■5
bear ... . " -^ A total of 40 lots were sold on June 10 and 13, 1803.
I no. 18 shows
boundaries
of land grant
to Weakley
and Bedford
for 3,840
acres
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2
3
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7
8
9
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Ds
Euse-kius fbfsh n <=// \M>r. Car.
^''^ihAnieJ Hc^rf- h e/'n
Ed i*^ 3rci Co/.
5h3iir6ick uoni?s
Josttfh MSrfif) '
S^e/o hen C,in fr i II
Pa.ru «f Chcotibers
£^An Shelby i"
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1739
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D^f-e
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Apr. 17 I7P&
Apr t-^. 11^)1,
Apr. ■irj.n-]'i
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QJi/. Co.
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note: the
grant number
for no. 18
should be
5390
<i.' Wet. 9 '7S7 A ■'-"•^ '^'>'^
From "The Southern Virginia Weakley ]?arailies and their Descendents"
by S.A. Weakley Courtesy Mrs. Becky Spring
Some of the first buyers were John Hill, James Sharpe, Alexander
McCulloch and William Nash, soon to be prominent personages in the
growing community of Jefferson.
During the summer of 1805, a growing movement for the
formation of a separate county in the environs of Stones River was
about to reach a climax. Petitions were sent by a number of citizens
in Davidson and Williamson Counties requesting that a new county be
laid off due to the vast extent of the counties and the hardships
to the citizens in attending courts, general musters and elections in
the towns of Nashville and Franklin. A petition of August 26, 1803
further requests that the navigation of Stones River be kept open
from Cummins Mill to the mouth of the river to carry produce to the
market. The petition also requests that Captain Joseph Walton, James
Sharpe, Robert Smyth, Captain William Doran, John Andrews, O.M. Benge
and James Campbell be appointed commissioners to establish the place
of the seat of justice. Petitioners included John Cummins, Travis
Nash, Cader and Abner Dement and Samuel Wilson.
It is interesting to note that as early as 1802, settlers
living south of the Cumberland settlements were desiring a separate
county. This is evidenced by a petition, in the Tennessee State Library
and Archives, to the General Assembly from citizens living on or
near the Big Harpeth River, dated December 8, 1802. The land included
within the bounds proposed by this petition would have included the
present eastern portion of Williamson County and the present western
portion of Kutherford County.
There were some opposing the creation of a new county in 1803.
This is evidenced by a petition to the General Assembly from
citizens of Davidson County requesting that a new county not be
laid off for reasons of inconvenience if the request for a new
7
county should be granted.
Rutherford County was formed by an act of the General
Assembly , October 25, 1803, entitled, " An act to erect the
counties of Davidson and Williamson into three separate and
distinct counties.'^ Contained within this act, the courts were
to meet on the first Nonday in March, June, September and December.
The first court was to be held at the home of Thomas Rucker and
subsequent courts were to be held at different places until a
courthouse was built. It was further declared that Rutherford
be a part of Mero District for all military and civil purposes
and that the sheriffs of Davidson and Williamson Counties be free
to collect taxes that were due the date of the act. On November 7,
1803, the General Assembly passed " A supplementary act to the
act creating Rutherford County. ° William Nash, on the part of
Rutherford County, and Samuel Weakley, on the part of Davidson
County, were appointed commissioners to run the line between
Rutherford and Davidson Counties. They were to make out a plat,
with the distances to the major water . courses, and file this with
the clerk of the county. The lines of the county were to be run
by the " first of January next. " The several justices that fell
into Rutherford County after the lines were run were appointed
justices in Rutherford with the same powers as before.
Nashville, August 18,1802
"During the last two weeks, the Indians have
stolen horses three different times from the
inhabitants on the waters of Stones River- in
the two first instances the horses have been
recovered but not in the last. Such depredations
as these it is not probable, will be submitted
to with impunity- they are supposed to be Creeks
or Cherokees."
_**-x- **■}«■.
Tennessee Gazette, August 18, 1802
After the sale of lots in June of 1803, there v/ere only
a few sales of lots in Jefferson by Weakley and Bedford in August and
September. On New Year's Eve 1803, Weakley and Bedford sold to Joseph
Herndon 501^ acres, lying on both sides of the West Fork of Stones
River, situated not far from the town of Jef f erson.^'^This was to
become the home of Joseph Herndon as evidenced by later court entries
describing roads in the county. That same day, Weakley and Bedford
also sold to Joseph Bowman 141-^ acres lying on the West Fork of
1 1
Stones River. On this land, Joseph Bowman was authorized by the
1 ?
courts to build a mill in January 1808. "^
The court, according to the above mentioned act of the
General Assembly, met for the first time at the home of Thomas Rucker,
near where the Veteran's Administration stands today. The first mention
of holding court in Jefferson was in the adjournment of the first
session, when it was recorded that the "court in course be held at
the forks of Stones River at the junction of the main West and East forks."''
In July, 1804, the county court met at the "courthouse" in Jefferson
agreeable to the adjournment of the previous session J ^ Court was
also held in Jefferson in October 1804.'''' It must be remembered that
Jefferson at this time had not been chosen for the seat of justice
for Rutherford County yet. However, Weakley and Bedford, without doubt,
must have envisioned Jefferson to be the seat of justice. At this
time, Jefferson was the only organized town in the county and its
situation between the forks of the river made it a potential center
for trade and commerce for the area.
These early references to a courthouse in Jefferson support
the tradition that the early courts were held in the Lenoir house.'"
This house stood on the north side of what was the old square. During
demolition for the Percy Priest project, a two story log structure
was uncovered that was incorporated into the house. Most likely, Weakley
and Bedford donated this log building to the county for use as a
courthouse in an attempt to have Jefferson selected as the county seat.
Later, in 1806, the Commissioners of Jefferson would order the sale
of this building when the new courthouse was finished.
On August 3, 1804, the General Assembly passed an act
appointing commissioners to fix a place for the seat of justice for
Rutherford County. John Hill, Fredrick Barfield, Mark Mitchell,
Alexander McKnight and Peter Legrand were appointed commissioners
to select a site "having special regard to good water." '' It was
further enacted that the commissioners acquire 40 acres of land for
the erection of the public buildings, lay off a town to be named by
them and sell lots at a public sale. A tax was also authorized to
defray the expenses of a new courthouse that was to be built. With
an organized town, containing several good springs and access by-
road or watercourse, established and growing within the forks of
Stones River, Jefferson was a logical choice for the seat of justice.
Unfortunately, no records are available today of the proceedings
of the commissioners that would reveal to us any alternative sites
they may have considered.
There was very little real estate activity in Jefferson during
the year 1804, with just a few lots being transferred by the original
buyers. Weakley and Bedford did not sell any lots in Jefferson, in
1804, according to present deed book records.
Although the county court had temporary facilities, in the
log "courthouse", apparently there were no facilities to hold prisoners.
During the July session, of 1804, the sheriff, Samuel McBride, entered
a protest to the court that there was no jail within the county to
1 8
hold prisoners.
In the October session of court, Peter Legrand, John Hill,
Mark Mitchell, Alexander McKnight and Fredrick Barfield came into
Jefferson and gave bond and security for the office of commissioners
to fix a place for the seat of justice.''^ For some unknown reason,
James Sharpe, the other commissioner named in the act of the General
on
Assembly did not give bond until January 10, 1805.^ On this same
day, Alexander McKnight and Fredrick Barfield filed their resignations
as commissioners with the County Clerk! s office. ' As the records of
the proceedings of the commissioners are not known to be in existence
today, the question of why they resigned is open to conjecture. It may
have resulted from some disseneion within the commission, or an
8
inconvenience of the duties of the appointment to the above commissioners.
The court moved from Jefferson after the October session
of 1804 and convened at Simon Miller's house on the first Monday in
January, 1805. The court met for the ensuing sessions, through January
1806, at the home of Nimrod Menifee, except for the July session which
22
did go back to the log courthouse in Jefferson. Within the act creating
Rutherford County, it was stipulated that the courts were to move from
place to place until the seat of justice was chosen.
j^i >-
N
courtesy Sam Davis Home
"The Weakley Map of Jefferson"
photo courtesy Everett Waller
Ephram Waller's house was located on the South side of the square,
The main section of the house is said to have been constructed
of logs, beneath the weatherboarding. This could have been one
of the buildings built during the early years of the town.
photo from Nashville Banner Feb. 14,1967
The Bone house was built across the main street from the Lenoir house.
This house is also said to have been built with logs and appears to be
a double pen type. 9
10
ROBERT WEAKLEY
SURVEXUR, LAND SPECULATOR AND POLITICIAN
R6bez*t Weakley was bom JtQy 2, 176U in Halifax County
23
Virginia. In 1781, at the age of 16, he was in the Continental
Amy and foxight in the battles of Alamance and Oxdlford Courthouse.
On ^ril 18, 1782, it is said that young Robert Weakley
left his home in Halifax County with a horse, bridle and saddle and
$1.75 and vent to Rowan County, North Carolina to study surveyijig
with General Griffith Rutherford for ^om Rutherford County was
named. During the winter of I783-U4 he came to the Cumberland
settlements b7 way of the Cumberland Gap and the old wilderness road
throTi^ Kentucky. He then set vp residence on Whites Creek in
Davidson County until moving to his estate in Nashville, "Lockland",
in 1800.
Robert Weakley married the dati^ter of General Mathew Locke,
Jane Locke, of Saulsbury, North Carolina, in 1791. They had four
children, Mary, Narcissa, Robert Locke and Jane Baird. His brother,
Samuel Weakley, also lived in the Nashville area and worked with
him as a chain carrier during early surveying work.
Robert Weakley's fortune was made in land speculations
and land surveying. He surveyed many of the early military land
warrants throughout Middle Tennessee. Ha did much of the early
survey work around the Dtick and Elk rivers and in later years
11
surveyed in the West Tennessee area. Robert Weakley accumulated
massive land holdings through his surveying work and land grants.
Only assignee or purchase grants were ever issued to Robert Weakley,
An assignee grant was issued if one purchased the right to the land
from one who is entitled to it, but may not want the land( as in
the case of the land grant #3390 to Weakley and Bedford - they
bought the right for the land grant from James Pearl). Purchase
grants were issued for so much per acre or 100 acres.
Robert Weakley owned 8,000 acres on the waters of Half
Pone Creek and Sycamore Creek. He also owned land on the Cumberland,
Red, Harpeth, Stones, Elk and Duck rivers and on Whites, McAdoo and
Richland creeks. Some of his surveying work in West Tennessee was
in Obion, Tipton, Haywood and Shelby counties.
Prom his earliest times in the Cumberland settlements,
Robert Weakley stood out as a leader among his fellow settlers. In
the Draper Papers ( Draper MSS 32-5-353 ), there is an account of
Robert Weakley's role in averting an abandonment of the Cumberland
settltments in 1786. According to the Draper Papers, the settlers on
the south side of the Cumberland had become very discouraged due
to the continued depredations committed by the Indians during the
winter of 1785-6. Hearing of the discouragement and the talk of
abandoning the settlement, young Robert Weakley drew up a paper,
for himself and other friends to sign, pledging themselves to "remain
and protect the country".
During the eariy spring of 1786, the settlers held a meeting
at Robertson's Station to decide their fate. According to the Draper
Papers, several settlers spoke, "representing that from the depredations
12
of the winter, and the loss of friends, that they had nothing to
hope from raising a crop this coming season, and it was proposed
that such as had horses to pack them and go to Illinois and such
as had none to prepare large piroques and go by water." Weakley
asked Robertson permission to speak. "Weakley represented that
although he was a young man, he felt a deep interest in the permanent
occupation of the country; that if the people on the south side of
the Cumberland broke up and abandoned the country, those on the north
would certainly follow their example; that he and they had toiled
and risked their lives for succesive years in acquiring lands and
now to abandon them, it would be extremely uncertain when they be
resettled and hence after all their toils and sufferings they could
little hope ever to realize anything for them. He then read the paper
containing the proposition of himself and other young men and he
pledged himself that they should remain as promised. Robertson arose
with a cheerful and inspiring countenance and simply said, "Lid you
hear this? - Let's all agree to stay." "Agreed" was the unanimous
response and it was everyone to his tent, ho Israel! Robertson's
station, which had become dilapidated was now repaired, the same of
other stations, and the young men guarding, a good crop was raised
in the country. "
Robert Weakley continued to be a leader in the area and
became very involved in politics throughout his life. In July of
1788, he represented Lavidson County on the commission to decide on
the seat of government for North Carolina and that November, he was
elected an Esquire for the county. Robert Weakley was a member of
the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1796 and of the Senate in
13
1799,1803,1807 and 1819. He was also a member of the U.S. House of
Representatives at Washington May 1809 - March 1811.
Robert Weakley also had an active role in the militia of
the Cumberland settlements during his younger years. In 1791, he was
the Brigade Inspector of the militia of Mero District, with the rank
of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1798, he was a Colonel of the 2nd Regiment
of the Davidson County Militia.
Robert Weakley's survey mark
which he would carve on corner trees
14
THOMAS BEDFORD
A DREAM NEVER REALIZED
Thomas Bedford was "born sometime between 1754 and 1758,
24
in Cumberland County, Virginia. At an early age, he moved with
his family to Drakes Branch in Charlotte County, Virginia to live
on lands inherited by his father, Thomas Bedford Sr. The Bedfords
of Charlotte County, were one of the most wealthy and prominent families
of that county with extensive land holdings in that part of the country.
Thomas Bedford took an active role in the Revolutionary
War. He enlisted on February 5, 1776 as a private in John Brent's
Company, 4th Virginia Regiment. Records of Henry County, Virginia
indicate that near the end of the war he was made a Lieutenant by the
justices of that county. These records also indicate that he served
in the last military campaign against Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown.
According to a family tradition, he personally outfitted a volunteer
company and led them during a part of the conflict. Another tradition,
concerning Thomas' military career, holds that he refused a promotion
in the army because he had promised the mothers of the young men,
serving with him, that he would stay with them during the fighting and
see them safely home when the war was over.
After the Revolution, Thomas Bedford represented Charlotte
County in the Virginia Assembly. After a brief political career, he
moved to the new settlements at Nashville, where he had accumulated
extensive real estate holdings in the area (presumably for his
military services in the Revolutionary War). He also owned more than
5,000 acres in Christian and Harrison Counties, Kentucky, receivino"
15
them as land grants for his military service.
Thomas Bedford was associated with a man named Maury, in
Nashville, concerning some land holdings. Bedford left Nashville to
return to Virginia to close his affairs there and left his lands for
Maury to sell. When he returned to the Cumberland, he discovered that
Maury had sold all of his real estate holdings in that area. Maury
tried to persuade Thomas Bedford to join him in a new settlement to the soul
of Nashville, but he refused. Instead, he joined in a partnership with
Robert Weakley and undertook the joint founding of the town of Jefferson.
He left the Nashville area and took up residence on the West Fork of
Stones River. The partnership of Weakley and Bedford was formed sometime
before 1801, as this is the date of the land grant that was issued to
Weakley and Bedford. This land grant was the only holding of the
partnership.
The earliest mention of Thomas Bedford in the Davidson
County records is an entry in the County Court Minute Book 1783 - 1809,
page 325, dated July 13, 1802. In this entry, a road is ordered to be
laid off from Thomas Bedford's home to Nashville one way, and Cripple
Creek the other way.
Thomas Bedford was not able to see his dream of a town within
the forks of Stones River come to a full fruition, for he died suddenly
sometime in the summer or early fall of 1804, before Jefferson had
officially been selected as the county seat of justice. On October 2,
1804, Ann Bedford, his widow, came into the Rutherford County court
and relinquished her right of administration and nominated her eldest
OR
son, John R. Bedford, to administer the estate. In addition to being
appointed administrator of the estate, John R. Bedford was also
appointed, , by the court, guardian for his minor brothers and sister;
16
Thomas, William, George, Nancy, Benjamin and Littleberry.
Thomas Bedford left no will and his estate and financial
matters were in such shape that nearly all his holdings were lost
through outstanding debts and law suits against his estate. The
remaining portion of unsold land that was held by Weakley and Bedford
was divided equally between Robert Weakley and the heirs of Thomas
Bedford by a commission appointed by the County Court of Rutherford,
In 1807, when a new county was organized out of Rutherford,
on the south. side in the. area of the Duck River, General Joseph
Dixon proposed that the new county be named in honor of Thomas Bedford.
Accordingly, the legislature followed this proposition.
27
■^A'^'
;a^
; , ^■^■~^,~ ^j^,^:r^^,/iC /..^ ■^,
Inventory of Thomas Bedford's estate
17
JEFFERSON
THE COUNTY SEAT OF JUSTICE
The commission must have selected Jefferson as the site
for the county seat by April of 1805, for it was on April 4th that
they levied a tax for the purpose of erecting the public buildings
in the county as provided for in the act of the General Assembly.
Although it appears that the town of Jefferson was chosen as the
seat of justice in 1805, Robert Weakley did not deed the land to the
29
commissioners of Jefferson until Feburary 16, 1806. He deeded 40
acres of land on the south and east sides of the town, "for and in
consideration of the regard he bears toward the said county of
Rutherford." This particular tract of land was one of the divisions
of the unsold portion of the 3,840 acres that was owned by Weakley
and Bedford, and was alloted to Robert Weakley after the death of
30
Thomas Bedford. Referring to the Weakley map of Jefferson, Weakley
donated the land contained in lots #103 through #162 which the
commissioners had surveyed and laid off to be sold to help defray
the cost of the new courthouse.
During the year 1805, the town of Jefferson must have been
bustling with activity. Presumably, the new courthouse was being
constructed on the square and wharves and warehouses were being
erected by the river to handle the trade that was increasing with the
growing population of the county. Most likely, other structures were
also being built in Jefferson to accomodate the business needs of
the community and surrounding area.
18
Robert Weakley deeds 40 acres to the commissioners of Jefferson
"Beginning at the Northeast corner of the said tovm of
Jefferson aiittle above the head of a spring on the East Fork of
Stones River on the North side of the main street of
the public square running thence North thirty three degrees East one
chain sixty five links to a stone in the bank of said East Fork of
Stones River, thence up the East Fork with it's meanders to a
and large ash in the original East boundary of a tract of three
thousand eight hundred and forty acres belonging to Robert Weakley
and Thomas Bedford dec'd. Thence with said boundary line South
fifteen chains and eighty links to a red oak, thence West thirty seven
chains to the West Fork of Stones River, thence down the said West
Fork with it's meanders to a stone due South of the now South West
corner of said old town of Jefferson. Thence North to said corner
six chains, thence East with the South boundary of said old town
to the main South street of the same, thence up the West boundary of
said street to the public square, thence around said square so as to
include the whole to the Eastern boundary of the aforesaid street,
thence down the same South to the aforesaid South boundary of said
town, thence North with the East boundary of said town to the
beginning. . . ."
From the Seed, Robert Weakley to the Commissioners
of Jefferson
Rutherford County Register, Deed Book E, p. 400
19
Norton Gum was appointed the overseer of the streets and
public square in Jefferson, on July 2, 1805, with all the hands
within the bounds of the town to work under him. He had also been
licensed to keep an ordinary at his dwelling house, in the town of
32
Jefferson. The Norton Gum ordinary was the first to be licensed
in the town of Jefferson. Tradition holds that Mark Mitchell had the
first ordinary within the town, but no evidence could be uncovered
to support this.
During 1805, Wm. P. Anderson petitioned the court to build
a mill, on the East Pork of Stones River, about 600 yards from the
33
town of Jefferson. -^^ This site now is the picnic area of the East
Fork access area. There was indeed a mill built here which in later
years was known as the Ridley or Davis mill. A small portion of the
mill dam can still be seen today.
It appears that the commissioners had a sale of town lots
in Jefferson on December 26, 1805, as a number of deeds registered
in Rutherford County for town lots bear this date. A total of 11
lots were sold that day. Robert Weakley, Samuel Bell and John Bell
35
were among the purchasers of lots.
The first election held in Rutherford County, with Jefferson
as its political center, was held in 1805. On July 2, 1805, the court
appointed James Sharpe, Samuel Wilson, Hugh Robinson, Constant Hardeman,
Alexander McCulloch and Joseph Herndon as inspectors and judges of
36
the next election. Jefferson was undoubtedly the polling place for
the county.
By order of the commissioners to fix a place for the seat
of justice, Wm. Quisenbury, a surveyor, determined the center of the
20
county sometime in 1805. The county seat was usually centered so
as not to put any part of the citizens at a disadvantage in attending
courts, elections and general musters. On January 7, 1806 while court
was being held at the Menifee house, Wm. Quisenbury was allowed eight
37
dollars for his services.
Clarissa of Jefferson
A Black Woman's Fight for Freedom
Clarissa's legal fight for her freedom started in April
of 1805 and was to last for at least two years.
On April 2, 1805, the court ordered William Edwards to
to give bond to permit Clarissa to appear at the next court when
she was to pursue her appeal for her freedom. The court further
ordered that Clarissa "be treated with humanity" by William
•zo
Edwards in the mean time.
William Edwards must not have taken any action by this
court order, for on July 4, 1805, the court again ordered William
to give bond, in the amount of one thousand dollars, to permit
Clarissa, "who has sued him in this court for her freedom", to
appear before the court during the proceedings of her suit against
39
him. Again, the court ordered William to treat her with humanity.
The next court entry. concerning this suit was on October 7,
1806, fifteen months after William was last ordered to give bond
for the assurance of her appearence in court. ^ The court entry
for this date reads, "Clarissa vs. Wm. Edwards - False Imprisonment,"
21
In this particular case, the jury granted a mistrial to the
defendant, Wm. Edwards.
During the following session of court, on January 7,
1807, William Edwards and Clarissa, along with their attorneys
came into court where Clarissa was again suing him for false
imprisonment. ^ The jury found the defendant "not guilty as
charged in the plantiff's declaration above, and that the said
plantiff is the slave of him, the said defendant." An appeal was
"prayed and granted;" On the same day, January 7, in a separate
entry, it was recorded that Alexander Moore, a witness for the
plantiff was called but did not appear and therefore "forfeited
agreeably to an act of the General Assembly. "^Was this the appeal
that was granted by the court? Unfortunately there are no further
entries in the county court records concerning the case of Clarissa
and William Edwards, but the story of Clarissa is not over yet.
On July 1, 1810, O.M. Benge sold to a Clarissa Boushane
lot #122 in the town of Jefferson for two dollars. '^'^ In the 1810
census for Rutherford County a Clarissa Beshano was recorded as
residing, as a head of household, in the town of Jefferson. ^^
She was at least 45 years old and had one slave, according to
the census. The County Court Minute Books for Rutherford County
reveal that Clarissa bought two more lots in Jefferson on October 8,
1812; one from 0. M. Benge and lot #124 from William Locke. ^^ .
In a report, dated 1813, on improved lots in the town
of Jefferson, Clarissa appears again as "Clarese Bushoug, a woman
of color from one of the French Islands." Is this the same
Clarissa who six years ago brought William Edwards into court
to sue him for her freedom? If so, how did she finally gain her
freedom? Could a settlement between Clarissa and Wm. Edwards have
taken place out of court, with Clarissa gaining her freedom and
taking up residence in the town of Jefferson where she could have
found work in an ordinary: or some other business? Without further
documentation, the answers to these and other questions will remain
unanswered.
In April of 1806, the court moved back to Jefferson,
47
presumably to the newly constructed courthouse on the square.
In Goodspeed History of Rutherford County, the courthouse is said
to have been constructed of brick -and measured roughly 40 feet
by 40 feet. The cost is said to have been between two and three
thousand dollars. A copy of the Weakley map of Jefferson, at the
Sam Davis Home in Smyrna, describes the courthouse as built with
brick and stone.
The town as well as the county was growing rapidly in
these first years. On April 9, 1806, Thomas Mitchell , obtained a
48
license to keep an ordinary at his dwelling house. The Mitchell
ordinary was the second ordinary to be licensed for the town of
49
Jefferson, the Norton Gum ordinary being the first. • According
to an article in the Nashville Tennessean,' dated March 26, 1950,
John Nash Read came into Jefferson and established another tavern
on the square sometime in 1806, The Read tavern was said to have
had stables across the east main street, which in later years was
50
turned into a blacksmith's shop after the tavern closed down.
23
photo from the Walter K.
Hoover collection
Thurman Francis Jr. High
Smyrna
The Ridley or Davis mill, as it was known
in later years. Wm. P. Anderson obtained
permission to erect a mill on this site
in 1805.
The logs used in thi- l.::i- -ici.juse were said
to once have been used for the old jail in
Jefferson.
photo courtesy Everett Wall«
The Read tavern was built around 1806 and
stood on the Northeast corner of the square.
24
The rates for ordinaries were set by the court in 1804 and were
31
as follows:
dinner 25 cents
breakfast and supper 20 cents
lodging 8 ''/3 cents
corn or oats per gallon 8 1/3 cents
stabling a horse for 24 hours
with corn, fodder or oats 33 1/3 cents
"good wiskey" 1/2 pint 12 1/2 cents
peach brandy 12 1/2 cents
French brandy, rum or wine 50 cents
As the town was growing and prospering, there was also
an increase in violence and disturbances of the peace. There were
three taverns in Jefferson at this time, and after a journey up
the river from Nashville, they surely must have been a welcome sight
to a thirsty riverman. No doubt, on different occasions, overindulgence
of the spirits may have caused some brawls and other disturbances
in the town of Jefferson. Throughout the county court minutes for
1806, there are numerous cases of assault and battery and trespassing.
John Spence and William Gilliam were appointee the first patrollers
for the town of Jefferson on April 17, 1806.^2 Patrollers were also
appointed for McCoy's militia co., Capt. Wm. Searcy's militia co .
53
and Capt. Nimrod Jenkin's militia co. out in the surrounding county.
In July of 1806, the county clerk, Joseph Herndon, and
the sheriff of the county were provided space in the new courthouse.
The court ordered that Joseph Herndon "have leave to appropriate the
corner of the courthouse upon the upper floor at the head of the
25
of the staircase for the purpose of an office so as not to interfere
with a sufficient passage at the head of the staircase." The court
also ordered that " the sheriff of this county have leave to make
for his own use a closet under the staircase in the courthouse, in
such a manner as he may think proper, not injuring said staircase."
As the new courthouse must have been completed by now,
with the county offices taking residence within, the court ordered
the commissioners of the public buildings to put up for public sale
the old courthouse in the town of Jefferson. ^5 Unfortunatly, several
deed books for the county are lost and it is impossible to trace this
further. If a deed were to be located between John P. Lenoir and the
commissioners, this would confirm the tradition that the first courts
were held in the Lenoir house.
A jail for the county had been constructed of logs and was
probably located on the north west corner of the square. I'lr. Lee
Victory, former owner of the Lenoir house prior to the Percy Priest
Project, claims that the logs of his smokehouse were the logs used
in the first jail for the county. He moved the structure from Jefferson
to his present home, in Smyrna, during the dismantling of the town
for the Percy Priest Project.^"
In April of 1807, James Lewis deeded to the commissioners
of Jefferson one half of lot #101 "for the benefit of the citizens
and the public buildings use.''^' He was paid 54 dollars for the half
lot. It remains a mystery what the commissioners did with their half
of lot #101. In referring to the Weakley map of Jefferson, Lot #101
was one lot away from the square on the northwest side. This v/ould
have been a logical choice for a public building, being in close
proximity to the courthouse, but no records can be found today to
26
ST /<^I)lSlBJ^^^'
From Tennessee State Library and Archives
A portion of a surveyors map of the first district, 1807-8 , showing
the town of Jefferson and the major roads leading to Nasnville, Franklin,
Lebanon and the settlements at Readyville.
27
pursue this further.
By the latter part of 1807, the commissioners' tasks were
completed and they were made allowances for their services and
expenditures in fixing a place for the public buildings for the county.
The court ordered James Sharpe 16 dollars, Constant Hardeman 8 dollars,
John Hill 50 dollars, Mark Mitchell 50 dollars and Peter Legrand
75 dollars on October 5, 1807.^^ Fredrick Barfield, one of the
commissioners who resigned, was allowed 10 dollars for his services. 59
Alexander McKnight, the other commissioner who resigned, was not
appropriated any compensation for his services until the January
session of 1808, when he was allowed 20 dollars.
In addition to the courthouse, jail and stocks, wharves,
warehouses, taverns and houses in Jefferson, there was also a
blacksmith's shop in October 1807. On October 6, 1807, the court
ordered certain individuals to lay out a road, "beginning at the mouth
of the main street near the blacksmith's shop" leading from Jefferson
to Lebanon.^'' According to the map of Jefferson, this would have put
the blacksmith's shop down the hill from the courthouse near the
riverfront.
There also may have been a government land office in
Jefferson for a short time in 1806-7. In a move to settle the continued
land disputes between Tennessee and North Carolina, the General
Assembly of Tennessee, in 1806, passed an act entitled, "An act directing
the division of the state into convenient districts, for the appointment
of the principal surveyors thereof, and for ascertaining the bona
fide claims against the same." In section eight of this act, the
locations for the district offices are as follows: the first district
office at Nashville, the second district office at Jefferson, the
2B
third district office at Alexander's, the fourth district office
at Kingston, the fifth district office at Knoxville, the sixth district
office ay Joneshorough and the office for the territory south of the
French Broad and Holston rivers at Sevierville. Rutherford County
was within the bounds of the first district according to the boundary
descriptions in the above act and an early surveyors map in the
Tennessee State Library and Archives. The office for the second district
may have been located at Jefferson because it was the closest organized
town to the district ( the southern bound. ary between the first and
second districts was roughly the. boundary between Kuxneriord and Bedford
counties ). When Bedford County was organized, in 1807, the land office
may have been moved there, to Shelbyville, where it would have been
in the same district that it was authorized for.
On November 7, 1807, the General Assembly passed an act
entitled, "An act for the regulation of the town of Jefferson in
Rutherford County." According to this act, the sheriff was to hold
an election at the courthouse in Jefferson in April of 1808 to elect
five persons to act as commissioners of the town. Only those who
were either inhabitants of the town or owned property in the town
were allowed to participate as candidates or voters. The commissioners
were empowered to regulate the town including calling on inhabitants
who were; -iiaoi-e to work -^he roads, appointing an overseer of the
streets, "prevent encroachments on the streets or burials on the
public square" and appointing a surveyor to re survey the town,
agreeable to the original plan, and designating the lots by stone
cornerstones at each lot. They were also authorized to lay an annual
tax on the town as follows:
29
Not exceeding $100 worth tovm property. .. 1 2 1/2 cents
White poll 12 1/2 cents
Each black poll 25 cents
Each stud horse 75 cents
The appraisement and collection of this tax was subject to all the
rules and regulations of the state tax. Section VIII of this act
stipulated that the monies collected through this tax were to be
appropriated only for the benefit or improvement of the town and that
the commissioners were not to receive any compensation for their
services.
The town must have grown considerably by this time to
require a town commission and a town tax for its proper upkeep.
As the population of the county increased, the business and traffic
in and through Jefferson must have increased proportionately. There
was the river traffic, bringing goods up river from Nashville for
sale or trade in and around Jefferson and when the court was in
session, the town must have been busy with the Justices, witnesses,
petitioners and jury members that came in for the court. In many of
the early court cases, witnesses were allowed so much money for so
many days attendance. This must have been to help defray the expense
of coming to Jefferson, possibly staying a night or two at one of
the ordinarys. For many , it was a long trip into Jefferson on horse-
back or in a wagon.
The population of the county had grown, by the end of
1807, to the extent that the General Assembly authorized another
place, in addition to Jefferson, for the next election to be held.^5
This act specified that all persons living in the 2nd Battalion
30
of the militia and those living east of the road from Cummins mill
(located on the East Fork of Stones River) to William Kelton's
were to vote at the house of William Kelton. William Kelton lived at
the Black Fox settlement. The sheriff was to carry the polls to the
courthouse in Jefferson, to be added and included in the total poll
of the county. It was also stipulated that "any person who votes at
both places of the holding of the election, shall pay ^10 to any
person who may sue for the same."
The pattern of migration, into Rutherford County by these
early settlers, was from the north by way of Jefferson and that
vicinity. As settlers pushed further south and east in the county,
they were at an increasing distance from Jefferson and consequently
under more of a hardship to attend courts and elections there. As
we shall see, in just a few short years, this will be a key factor
in the seat of justice being removed from Jefferson.
In January of 1808, an order by the county court extended
the area for which the overseer of the streets was responsible for
in Jefferson, to the east bank of the West Fork at the low water
mark. Norton Gum was still the overseer of the streets in Jefferson
at this time. Apparently, the area mentioned must have come into
disrepair, possibly from the traffic connected with the river trade.
The log jail must have also fallen into a state of disreDair, about
this time, for John Griffin was allowed 6 dollars and 16 3/4 cents
for repairing the jail. ^
Again in 1809, a separate election was held at the Black
Fox settlement in addition to the polling place at Jefferson. The
inspectors and judges of this election for Governor and members of
31
the legislature were Charles Ready, William Lofton, Robert
Smith, Sr. and Ezeckial McCoy. They were to oversee the election
at the Black Fox settlement as they were all inhabitants of the
southern and eastern portions of the county. With polling places
elsewhere in the county, Jefferson was rapidly losing its importance
as the legal and judicial center for the county.
On April 7, 1809, Joel Dyer, a resident of Jefferson,
was appointed overseer of the western boundary of the town to the
low water mark on the West Fork with all the liable hands within the
en
town to work under him. ' Later, in 1811, Joel Dyer was licensed
to keep an ordinary at his house in Jefferson. According to Goodspeed
History of Rutherford County, Joel Dyer moved his business to
Murfreesboro in 1812.
The census for 1810 shows the total number of inhabitants
in Jefferson to be 107, including heads of households, spouses,
children and slaves. Joel Dyer had the largest household within
the town with 11 males, 7 females and 9 slaves. As he was operating
an ordinary at this time, it is possible that some of the males and
females counted were boarders. He and George Simpson were the
largest slaveholders in Jefferson, each having 9 slaves. The heads
of households in the town of Jefferson were as follows: Joel Dyer,
James L. Armstrong, George Shall, Thomas Mitchell, Clement Read,
George Simpson, George R. Nash, Thomas Johnson, James Sharpe, Neil
B. Rose, WilliajTi D. Hill and Clarissa Boushane.
Again the jail had fallen into disrepair as John Griffin
69
was allowed ^3.45 for fixing the jail. On the previous day he,
as sheriff of the county, protested about the "insufficiency of
32
THE LENOIR HOUSE
photo courtesy Hatton Ward
The Lenoir house in the 19th century
The Lenoir house during demolition,
showing the log structure that was
used as the first courthouse in
Jefferson.
photo from Nashville Banner Feb. 14, 1967
In later years, the log building was
added on to and the whole was covered
with weatherboards. The front was
changed from the East, facing the main
street to the river, to the South,
facing the old Jefferson Pike.
photo from Rutherford Courier
Aug. 7, 1967
33
70
the jail" in Jefferson. During the same session of court, on
January 2, 1810, Joseph Herndon resigned his position as the County
Clerk, having served 6 years in that position. '''
In January of 1811 new rates for taverns in Jefferson
and those out in the county were established by the court. They
were as follows:
Breakfast and Supper 16 3/4 cents
Dinner 25 cents
-5 Pint whiskey, peach brandy or gin 12^ cents
Each 24 hrs. horse kept in stables 57i cents
Each person a bed 6t cents
■J 3?int rum, wine or French brandy 25 cents '^
The Tragic Story
of
Herbert Hardy
An interesting story comes to light, in Jefferson, in
an examination of the County Court minutes for April of 1811. It
appears there was a Dr. William Ward in Jefferson at this time
and on April 2, 1811, the court ordered that "if Dr. William Ward
will receive Herbert Hardy and will give him such medical aid, and
also furnish him with such nourishment as his situation may require,
that this court will make him a suitable allowance. " '^ Who this
Herbert Hardy was, where he had come from, and what injuries or
ailments he had is a mystery. All that is evident from an examination
of the records is that he came into Jefferson, injured or ill to
3k
the extent that the court was moved by his situation and appropriated
county funds for his care.
The next day, April 3, the court ordered that Thomas
Mitchell, who operated a tavern in town, be allowed $25 for furnishing
Herbert Hardy with a bedj'* The efforts to revive Herbert Hardy failed
for he died sometime between April 3 and July 2, 1811. It was on
this last date that the court reimbursed Dr. William Ward ^8 for
a coffin he provided for the "late Herbert Hardy dec'd."'''^ This same
day, the court ordered the sheriff of the county to take possession
of the bed and other effects of Herbert Hardy and sell them at six
months credit, making a return of the sale at the next court session.
It appears that Herbert Hardy must have been in a destitute state, for
when the sheriff made a return of the sale of his personal belongings
on October 10, 1811, it only amounted to fourteen dollars and thirteen
cents. '^^ On October 7, James Havins was allowed by the court ^25
no
for caring for Herbert Hardy while he was ill in Jefferson.
Dr. Ward must have had James Havins care for Herbert Hardy, while he
gave the necessary medical treatment. The next day, James Gray was
79
granted ;tti12 by the court for his amount against Herbert Hardy.
During April of 1811, the court ordered that the courthouse
in Jefferson be repaired and that a courthouse tax be laid on all
taxable property in the county, being equal to one half of the state
tax.^^ It appears the courthouse had fallen into an extreme state of
disrepair. Within the court order, it was specified, " to paint the
window frames, doors and cornice with some cheap paint, to repair
35
the doors, ceiling, justices seat and bar, to erect a clerk's table,
plaster the inside of the house, fill the windows with sound glass
and mend any sash that is broken." So here we have a picture of the
courthouse in 1811 with broken doors, peeling paint on the trim, an
unplastered interior with exposed brick and broken windows around the
house.
THE REMOVAL OF THE SEAT OF JUSTICE
On October 17, 1811, the General Assembly passed an act
entitled, "An act to establish the permanent seat of justice in the
county of Rutherford."® The passing of this act represents the
culmination of a growing dissatisfaction with Jefferson as the county
seat by a portion of the citizens over the last few years. Within the
above act, the reasons for moving the seat of justice away from
Jefferson were as follows: that the town of Jefferson was not near
the center of the county; that the town was laid out and lots sold
before the county was established; that the greatest part of the
citizens were put at a great disadvantage and inconvenience in
attending courts and elections in Jefferson ( we have already seen
separate polling places designated in the county for elections over
the past several years) .
The courts meeting in Jefferson had a tremendous impact
on the growth and prosperity of the town. 'i/^/hen the courts were in
session, the town must have bustled with activity. Business, because
of this, would be attracted to the county seat. As it was the
judicial and legal center for the county, it was also the business
and trade center for the county.
36
Another setback hit the town of Jefferson, for tradition
holds that the waters of the Stones River "began to diminish periodically
and the boats coming up the river, bringing trade and commerce to
Jefferson, could no longer navigate the river year round.
With the passage of this act, the fate of Jefferson was
sealed. The town that once looked to be the thriving, prosperous
commercial and judicial center for the county now faced an uncertain
future with the courts moving away and the river traffic it depended
on diminishing.
There was quite a bit of controversy and commotion in the
county at this time concerning moving the seat of justice from
Jefferson to another place. The people with lots and business
interests in Jefferson and others living in the vicinity stood to
lose much through the court's moving, while other citizens of the
county stood to benefit by the convenience and economic benefits with
the relocation of the seat of justice. There was widespread reaction
throughout the county over this matter.
The citizens of the town of Jefferson sent a petition,
sometime in 1812, to the General Assembly asking for indemnity if
82
the county seat was moved. In the petition, it is stated that
"many men made large expenditures for improvements in Jefferson which
have been reduced to almost nothing." The land values in Jefferson
would surely have dropped rapidly with the courts moving away. There
was to be a tremendous impact on the town with the courts gone,
causing taverns and other businesses to close their doors. This
petition was signed by 17 individuals including Joel Dyer, John
Griffin ( the former sheriff ), Thomas Mitchell, John Spence and
Thomas Sappington,
37
Another petition was sent to the General Assembly, in
1812, from the citizens of the county asking that the county seat
be chosen by referendum.®'^ The petitioners state that a few men in
the county ( presumably the commissioners named by the General
Assembly to find a permanent seat of justice ) have kept the county
in perpetual confusion concerning the seat of justice. They further
state that there are some who want Lytle's and Murphey's (sic) spring,
while others represent the negative aspects of this site and yet others
who are disinterested in any particular place. The 59 citizens that
signed this petition called for a general vote on the matter, this
being the only way to do justice to the citizens of Rutherford County.
Even though a new courthouse, jail and stocks were slated
to be built at the new site of the seat of justice, on April 8, 1812,
the court ordered that the sheriff of the county to put the jail, in
Jefferson, in repair. The cost of this was not to exceed S-l^. The
court order specified that all of the repairs were to be done on the
"lower room and the same to be used as a debtors room." This last
phrase leads us to believe that the log jail must have been a two
story structure ( the log section of the Lenoir house was two storys -
could this have been used as a jail after the new courthouse was
built? ). The jail must surely have been in an extreme state of disrepair
for the county to appropriate funds for fixing the jail, when by an
act of the General Assembly, a new jail was to be built in the near
future. On this same day, a Matthew McClanahan was allowed $1.50 by
the court for repairs already done on the jail.
As there was continued commotion and controversy over the
seat of justice in Rutherford County, two of the commissioners who
selected Jefferson as the county seat, Mark Mitchell and Peter Legrand,
sent a letter to the General Assembly explaining why they had chosen
3S
Jefferson. They sent this letter because of the "frequent mis-
representations (that) have been made relative to the conduct of
the five commissioners." In their letter, Mitchell and Legrand
state that the principal part of the population was in the north
and northwestern parts of the county when the commissioners chose
Jefferson and that the part of the county that was beyond the old
Indian line was not part of the county at that time and could not
have been taken into account in centering the county. Mitchell and
Legrand went on to state that the forks of the Stones River ( at the
time Jefferson was selected as the county seat of justice ) was
seven miles from the center of the county and when the benefits to
the town by the navigation of the river were considered with the good
springs and "elegance of situation" that more of a general satisfaction
would have been felt by the citizens of the county toward this site.
The commissioners also felt that many "merchant and saw mills" would
be built on the many streams in close proximity to Jefferson "sufficient
to supply the largest town not only with flour and meal, but with
building materials at any season of the year." Mitchell and Legrand
refer to the fact, in supporting this, that W. Crosthwait was then
erecting "extensive merchant mills" within one half mile of Jefferson.
They referred to Stones River as still being navigable, with large
boats descending the river once a year and smaller craft being able
to make the trip three fourths of the year. The letter was closed
with, "these were our principle reasons and we fondly hope that they
will satisfy an impartial publick (sic)", signed Mark Mitchell and
Peter Legrand.
It appears that on October 8, 1812, there was a sharp
39
confrontation, in court, between those in favor of moving the court
and those wishing it to remain in Jefferson. At the adjournment on
October 8, with 14 justices present, it was ordered that the court
meet the following day at 10 o'clock in Murfreesborough. °' William
Searcy, Theophilus Cannon, John Hill, Glover Banton, James L. Armstrong
and William Edwards, who all were justices, then appeared before the
bench and commanded the sheriff to adjourn the court to meet at
Jefferson the next day at 9 o'clock. This was done, for the court
entry for the next day has the court meeting in Jefferson.
Following this incident, a petition was sent to the General
Assembly, dated October 10, 1812, calling for the removal from office
those ju,;tices who conducted the "illegal" adjournment to Murfreesborough."
The petition was signed by sixty five citizens of Rutherford County.
It appears in this petition, that on the day following the confrontation
in court, those justices who called for the adjournment to Murfreesborough,
went to the house of William Lytle, in Murfreesborough, and held court
there while court wae being held in Jeff er son- by the sheriff's order
of the previous day. The petitioners state that there were only
fourteen of the fifty one justices of the county present on October 8
when they called for the adjournment to Murfreesborough and therefore
they did not constitute a majority. The petition goes on to state,
"the said fourteen gentlemen were repeatedly admonished and advised
by the gentlemen, learned in the law, who were then present as
practicing attornies of said court - and who were ernestly and repeatedly
remonstrated against such an unwarrantable act ... they were well
advised of the illegality of such a proceeding." According to the
petition, a great many of the citizens were inconvenienced as the court
kO
docket was full and many had traveled considerable distances to
attend court, only to have it disrupted and the proceedings delayed.
For these reasons, the petitioners requested that those justices
who composed the court at the illegal adjournment be removed from
office "by impeachment or otherwise." Petitioners included John
Nash Read, William Dyer, Constant Hardeman, John Coffee, James Espey
and Thomas Bedford (the son of Tho. Bedford dec'd).
On June 5, 1813 with twenty seven justices present at court,
which was being held for the last time in Jefferson, a majority of
acting justices was determined and the court was adjourned, to meet
the following day at Murfreesborough, "agreeable to the act of the
General Assembly. " ^
With the courts moving, went the dreams and aspirations for
the town of Jefferson to be a prosperous, active center for the county.
As fewer people were coming into town since the court was moved,
many of the taverns and other businesses closed their doors. Over
the years, Jefferson became another quiet country community with farms
dotting the land that once held the first county seat of justice for
Rutherford County.
EPILOG:
THE DEATH OF JEFFERSON
Authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938, construction
of the Percy Priest Dam, on Stones River, was begun in 1963. The
impounded waters were expected to cover most of the site of the town,
perhaps only leaving a small island. During 1966-7, the town was
a
destroyed with all of the buildings either dismantled or moved to
different locations. The waters of Percy Priest lake never fully
covered the site of Jefferson and it is still possible today to
walk over the small knoll that once held the first seat of justice
for the county.
42
NOTES
%orth Carolina land grant #5390 to Robert Weakley and Thomas
Bedford. Land Grants, North Carolina, Roll 22, Book 11, p. 190.
Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville, Tenn. (hereafter cited
as TSLA)
^Tradition holds that the town was laid out with 150 lots, but
evidence cited later suggests that the town was laid out with 102
lots and the remaining lots were surveyed and laid off by the
commissioners of Jefferson after the town was chosen as the county
seat.
Rutherford County, Tenn., Register's Office (hereafter cited as
RC Reg.), Deed Book A, p. 17 and Deed Book E, p. 396
'^"Petitions to the General Assembly from the citizens of Davidson
and Williamson Counties to form a new county", Legislative Petitions,
65-1803, TSLA.
^Ibid.
^"Petition to create a new county from the citizens on or near the
Big Harpeth River", December 8, 1802, Legislative Petitions, 32-1-1803,
TSLA.
'''"Petition to the General Assembly from the citizens of Davidson
County not to have a new county laid off", 1803, Legislative Papers,
46-1-1803, TSLA.
^Acts of Tennessee 1803, (Knoxville, Tenn.), p. 119
^Ibid., p. 130
^^R.C. Reg., Deed Book A, p. 25
^""ibid., p. 10
''^Rutherford County, Tenn., County Clerk's Office (hereafter cited
as R.C. Ct. Clk.), County Court Minute Book (hereafter cited as
C.C.M.B.) - B, p.131 .
"•^R.C. Ct. Clk., C.C.M.B. -A, p. 8.
^"^Ibid., p. 18.
^^Ibid., p. 29.
1 fi
Interview with Mr. Lee Victory, Smyrna, Tenn., 10/15/80.
43
'''^Acts of Tennessee 1804, (Knoxville, Tenn.), p. 87.
''%.C. Ct. Clk., C.C.M.B.-A, p. 26.
"■^Ibid., p. 36.
2°Ibid., p. 53.
^''ibid., p. 54.
^^Ibid., p. 44, 57, 75, 123.
23
All biographical material on Robert Weakley is from "The Southern
Virginia Weakley Families and their Descendents" by Samuel Anderson
Weakley unless otherwise noted.
All biographical material on Thomas Bedford is from a paper by
Redmond S. Cole and a paper by Hugh Bedford, geneological vertical
files, TSLA , unless otherwise noted.
^^R.C, Ct. Clk., C.C.M.B.-A, p. 33.
2^Ibid., p. 39.
^'^Ibid., p. 51.
^^Ibid., p. 73.
^^R.C, Reg., Deed Book E, p. 400
^°R.C., Ct. Clk., County Court Records Indexed, 1804-1814, p. 23.
^''r.C, Ct. Clk., C.C.M.B.-A, p. 80.
32
Ibid., p. 59. The Norton Gum ordinary was probably in the town
of Jefferson since Gum was appointed to oversee its roads. An overseer
for the roads was appointed to those that they lived on or were in
close proximity to.
^^Ibid.,p.89.
-^^Mill file, Walter R. Hoover Collection, Thurman Francis Junior
High School, Smyrna, Tenn.
^^R.C, Reg., Deed Book B, p. 189 and p. 191, Deed Book E, p. 400.
kk
^^R.C, Ct. Clk., C.C.M.B.-A, p. 80.
5'^Ibid., p. 126.
5^Ibid., p. 62.
5^Ibid., p. 93.
^°Ibid., p. 202.
^hbid., p. 227.
"^^Ibid., p. 229.
43
'R.C., Reg., Deed Book H, p. 241.
^"^Population Schedules of the Third Census of the U.S., 1810,
Rutherford County, National Archives Microfilm Publication, Microcopy
252, roll 63.
^^R.C, Reg., Deed Book F, p. 189.
'^^"Report of improvements on lots in Jefferson - Report of lots
sold by commissioners in Jefferson", Legislative Papers, Rutherford
County, 27-1-1813, TSLA.
'^\.C.,Ct. Clk., C.C.M.B.-A, p. 142.
4^Ibid., p. 166
^^The Thomas Mitchell house was in Jefferson at this time, as a
court entry in C.C.M.B.-B, p. 128, makes reference to the "house of
Thomas Mitchell in Jefferson. "
^^Interview with Mr. Everett Waller, Smyrna, Tenn. , 10/21/80.
^^R.C, Ct. Clk., C.C.M.B.-A, p. 14.
^^Ibid., p. 144.
^^Ibid., p. 145, 155
^^Ibid., p. 195.
45
^^Ibid., p. 184.
^Interview with Mr. Lee Victory, Smyrna, Term., 10/15/80.
^'^R.C, Reg., Deed Book E, p. 391.
^^R.C, Ct. Clk., C.C.M.B.-B, p. 78.
^^Ibid., p. 103.
^°Ibid., p. 114.
^hbid., p. 81.
^^Acts of Tennessee 1807, (Knoxville, Tenn.), p. 130.
■^Ibid., p. 154, "An act to establish a separate election in the
County of Rutherford. "
64
R.C.,Ct. Clk., C.C.M.B.-B, p. 126.
^^Ibid., p. 179.
66
^Ibid., p. 130
'R.C., Ct. Clk., C.C.M.B.-C, p. 162.
67-
Population Schedules for the Third Census of the U.S, , 1810,
Rutherford County, National Archives Microfilm Publication,
Washington D.G., Microcopy 252, roll 63.
^%.C., Ct. Clk., C.C.M.B.-C, p. 221.
"^^Ibid., p. 220.
'^'' Ibid., p. 205.
'^^R.C, Ct. Clk., C.C.M.B.-E, p. 51.
'^^Ibid., p. 67.
■ '^^Ibid., p. 89.
'^^Ibid., p. 152.
46
'^^Ibid., p. 153.
'^'^Ibid., p. 217
^^Ibid., p. 172.
'^^Ibid., p. 184.
^°Ibid., p. 54.
ft 1
Acts of Tennessee 1811, (Knoxville, Tenn.), p. 38.
ft?
"An appeal for indemnity to the General Assembly from the citizens
of the town of Jefferson", Legislative Papers, 40-1-1812, TSLA.
-^^,'Petition to the General Assembly that the county seat be chosen
by referendum". Legislative Papers, 47-1-1812, TSLA.
^"^R.C, Ct. Clk., C.C.M.B.-F, p. 15.
"Peter Legrand and Mark Mitchell to the General Assembly",
Manuscripts, THS I-D-1, box 1, ac. 305, TSLA.
^'^R.C, Ct. Clk., C.C.M.B.-F, p. 192.
"Petition to remove certain justices from office". Legislative
Papers, Rutherford County, 50-1-1812, TSLA.
^%.C., Ct. Clk., C.C.M.B.-F, p. 205.
47
RUTHERFORD COUNTY. TENNESSEE WILL ABSTRACTS
by
SUSAN G. DANIEL
1. Record Book 1, Page 72 - Will of John Ford of Burke County -
Date of Will: 2? October 1804 Recorded: 12 January 1809
Wife: Judith Ford "Leave to": Children "Leave also to":
John Payne, Charles Duncan Executors: Jacob Ford, James
Ford (friends) Witnesses: Sally Payne, Lucinda Payne, John
Godfrey.
2. Record Book 2, Page 6 - Will of Jeremiah Thacker of Davidson
County, TN - Date of Will: 7 October 1803 Recorded: 12 April
1804 Wife: Mary Ann Thacker daughter: Gashandy son: Siar
Thacker son: Larkin Thacker "my ^■ children": Charles,
Ursellus, Larkin, Cashandy Thacker Executors: wife and son,
Larkin Thacker Witnesses: John L. Jetton, Jonathan Rucker,
Henry Rucker William Payne owed money to estate and the land
of Cummins was mentioned.
3. Record Book 2, Page 7 - Will of Isaac Barr of Rutherford County,
TN - Date of Will: 10 March 1804 (No filing or recording date)
Executor and wife: Elizabeth "my 4 children": Enoch, Robert
Steel, Isaac Ross, and Mariah slaves: Simon, Pat ( to be sold)
Witnesses: Robert Smith, William Smith.
4. Record Book 2, Page 12 - Will of Samuel Williams of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of Will: 2 December I8O5 Filed: 15 April
I8O6 Wife: Elizabeth "lawful children, until they shall
become of age" "a child I had by Betsy Tinker" "a child I
had by Nelly Buckridge" Executors: wife and Robert Williams
Witnesses: William Mitchell, Nancy Mitchell (when proved:
Executrix sworn, Executor dead) .
5. Record Book 2, Page I6 - Contested will of John Price of
Rutherford County, TN - Date of Will: 17 January I8O6
Recorded: 29 September I8O6 Wife: Nancy Price daughter:
Polley Carr (not yet 18) Executors: wife and friend, Joseph
Dickson Witnesses: John Dickson, Henry Davis.
6. Record Book 2, Page 18 - Will of John Cason of Prince Edward
County, VA - Date of Will: 20 June I806 Recorded: 5 November
I8O6 brother: Seth Cason sister: "money in hands of Elisha
Bennett upon Thomas Huddleston to" Susanna Adcock and her chil-
dren sister: "paid out money in hands of Thomas Armstrong to"
Mary Arnold sister: Lucy Bennett, her children slave: Charles
to Lucy Bennett sister: Milly Armstrong and children slaves:
Rose and child, Wiatt to Milly Armstrong slave: Hannah to Seth
Cason "my sisters and sisters' children in Virginia" Named:
Edmond Harris Executor: friend, Edmond Harris Witnesses:
Ishajn Harris, William Hunter, Wilson Hunter.
43
7. Record Book 2, Page 21 - Will of Bradley Gambill of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of Will: 19 June 1806 Filed: 1806
son: Benjamin Gaunbill son: Metton (?) son: James son: Jordan
(unmarried) Wife: not named 2 youngest sons: Bradley and
Hourain or Hovram (?) daughgers: not named Executors: son,
Benjamin Gambill, Joseph Morton Witnesses: Bird Nance, William
Nance.
8. Record Book 2, Page 30 - Will of William Baker of Bedford County,
TN - Date of Will: 6 November 1806 Recorded: 20 August 180?
Wife: Martha Baker slave: Eve to wife daughter: Gemperance
"children": James, Mary, John and child my wife is carrying
Executors: wife, John Nail, John Baker Witnesses: Richard
Baily, Robert Baker, Jonathan Bailey.
9. Record Book 2, Page 32 - Will of John Tilly - Date of Will: 20
May 180? Recorded: ^ November 180? Wife: Jane slave: Rhodey
(female) to be free at wife's death Named: John Billingsly to
have J of land at wife's death Referred to in will: Robert
Bean, Thomas Blair, Doctor Jonathan Edwards Witnesses: Robert
Bell, Thomas Dougan Copy given to: William Wright.
10. Record Book 2, Page 35 - Will of Francis Wright of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of Will: 3 December 180? Recorded: 7 February
1808 Wife: Nancy "dear children": not named Executors:
wife and Jacob Wright Ramsey Witnesses: James D. Partrick,
Francis Youree.
11. Record Book 2, Page 36 - Will of William Robertson of Davidson
County, TN - Date of Will: 19 October 1802 Recorded: 7 Febrioary
1808 Wife: Nancy Robertson son: Matthew Robertson son:
Benjamin Robertson son: Samuel Robertson son-in-law: Thomas
Thornton daughter: Elizabeth (wife of Thomas Thornton) son-
in-law: John Kinkade daughter: Isbel Kinkade son: Joseph
Robertson son-in-law: William Plumber daughter: Margaret
Pliimber son-in-law: Moses Robertson daughter: Mary Robertson
son-in-law: George Buchanan daughter: Dinah Buchanan
Executor: son, .-Matthew Robertson Witnesses: John Buchanan,
William Philips.
12. Record Book 2, Page ^■^ - Will of John Howell, Sr. of Rutherford
Goimty, TN - Date of Will: 16 December 1807 Filed: 20 April
1808 Wife: Sarah slave: girl, Shaw to wife On wife's death
equal shares to: William Howell, Gwin Howell, Nancy Nelson,
Peggy Whitsett son: Gwin Howell slave: man. Purse to Gwin
Howell slave: boy, Jerry to Gwin Howell son: William Howell
Named: James Whitsett, Thomas Nelson granddaughter: Patsy
McBride (not yet 16) slave: woman. Seel to Patsy McBride
Executors: James Whitsett, Thomas Nelson, William Howell
Witnesses: John Stockird, Sr. , Hugh Shearwood, Alexander Martin
Codecil : 4 January 1808/Filed: 20 April 1808 Wife: Sarah
son: Gwinn named: Nancy Nelson, Peggy Whitsett Witnesses:
John Stockird, Sr. , Hugh Shearwood, Alexander Martin.
49
13. Record Book 2, Page 60 - Will of Harrison Gilliam of Rutherford
Coimty, TN - Date of Will: 10 Jiane 1808 Recorded: 1? July 1808
slave: man, Anthony made free brother: Thomas Gilliam's children
Executors: William Gilliam, William Thweatt Witnesses: Rhoda
Benge, Polly Thweatt, Elizabeth Thweatt, Mary Tarpley.
14. Record Book 2, Page 62 - Will of Matthew Patton of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of Will: 16 September 1808 Filed: 14 October
1808 wife: Katen or Katea Patton daughter: Margarett
daughter: Rhodah "my children" (other than Margarett and Rhodah)
brother: James Patton Executors; wife and James Patton
Witnesses: John Ferguson, William Hajina, James Cochran.
15. Record Book 2, Page 64 - Will of James Morton of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of will: 28 January 180? Recorded: 21 November
1808 wife: not named son: Joseph slave: boy, Dennis to
Joseph named: "Joseph' s mother" son: James slave: boy.
Jack to James daughter: Judith slave: girl, Edy to Judith
daughter: Sally slave: Fanny, Gury Clary to Sally daughter:
Lucinda slaves: girls, Lucy, Sabry to Lucinda daughter:
Tabitha slaves: Isaac, Corbis, Winna to Tabitha slaves:
Daniele, Abraham, Ag, Rose to wife Executors: sons, Joseph
Morton and James Morton Witnesses: Thomas Shute, William Still
landowner mentioned: Allen Nance.
17. Record Book 2, Page 66 - Will of John Norman of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of Will: 12 November I8O8 Recorded: 12
January 1809 wife: Marget "the children when come to age
of maturity": not named Executors: wife and Theophiles Cannon
Witnesses: John Stockird, Jr., John Irwin.
18. Record Book 2, Page 82 - Will of Thomas Welch - Date of Will:
14 May I809 Filed: 11 July 1809 verbal will to James Norman
and witnessed on 18 May I809 Witnesses: James Caldwell,
Aaron Oliphant, Joseph Norman wife: Rachel 4 daughters:
Rachel Welch, Lydia Welch, Rebekah Welch, Catharine Norman
names: John Norman, husband of Catharine.
19. Record Book 2, Page 83 - Will of Francis McBride, Senior of
Rutherford County, TN - Date of Will 19 December 180? Filed:
20 October I809 oldest son: Isaiah McBride daughter: Martha
Simmons grandson: Francis McBride granddaughter: Martha L.
McBride (not yet I5) son: Samuel McBride Executors: James
Sharpe, Theophilus Cannon, Samuel McBride Witnesses: John
Stockard, David Magness
20. Record Book 2, Page 85 - Will of Elizabeth Davis of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of Will: 11 September 1809 Recorded: 30 October
1809 daughter: Elizageth Davis slave: girl, Silla to Elizabeth
son: Henry Bishop slave: boy, Sampson to Henry Bishop son-
in law: Robert Elliot son: William H. Davis slave: woman,
Dolle to William son-in-law: John Irwin Executors: John
Irwin, Robert Eliott Witnesses: Jajnes Sharp, Marcus Sharp,
Isabella Martin.
50
21. Record Book 2, Page 113 - Will of Major William Buckner, Jiuiior
of Sumner County, TN - Date of Will: 9 September 180? Filed:
3 June 1811 wife: Polly Buckner slaves: Winney, Nelly,
Austin, and Grace to be sold "my children": not named
Executors: friends, Edward Sanders, James Scinders Witnesses:
Wiley Lassiter, Austin McWade
22. Record Book 2, Page 11^ - Will of James Sharpe of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of Will: 30 September 1809 Filed: 3 June 1811
wife: Rachel Sharpe slaves: man, Moody; woman, Phillis to wife
"our children": not named son: Theophilus A. Sharpe (not yet
21) slaves: Candis, Amos, , George, Milton, Dorcas, Daniel, Marg,
Levi to Theophilus Sharpe eldest son: Marquis Sharpe slaves:
boy, Milton to Marquis Sharpe son: Alfred Sharpe slave: boy,
George to Alfred Sharpe son: John Sharpe slave: boy, Daniel
to John Sharpe slave: boy, Amos to Theophilus son: James
Morriss Sharpe slave: boy, Levi to James Sharpe daughter: Emma
Sharpe slave: girl, Candis to Emma Sharpe daughter: Peggy
Carlile (?) Sharpe slave: girl, Dorcas to Peggy Sharpe
davighter: Jemima Alexander Sharpe slave: girl, Nancy to Jemima
Sharpe slaves: Cordance, Amos, George, Milton, Dorcas, Daniel,
Nancy, Levi, first to wife then to children mentions "when
the boys are 20 years of age and the girls are 18 years of age"
Executors: friends, John Sharpe, Theophilus A. Gannon, Marquis
Sharpe Witnesses: Henry Bishop, William H. Davis, Theophilus
A . Cannon
Codecil: 1 December 1810/Filed: 3 June 1811 "prospect of
another legatee to be added to the family by my wife Rachel Sharpe"
Witnesses: Jeunes Martin, Nancy Wilson, John Sharpe, Theophilus
A. Gajinon landowners named: James Aspey, James Roseberry.
23. Record Book 2, Page I58 - Will of Edmund Johns of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of Will: 20 March 1811 Proven in part:
October session 1811 Recorded: 2^- February 1812 wife: Sarah
Johns brother: John slaves: man, Will; man, Joe; girl, Jane
(pregnant) to wife son: Jack Haden Johns son: Madison Johns
slave: girl. Clary to Madison son: Frederick Johns (gets Jane's
child when bom) daughter: Martha Johns slaves: girl, Abby;
boy, Sam to Martha Executors: wife and my brother, Abner Johns
Witnesses: Gross Scruggs, John Johns.
24. Record Book 2, Page I60 - Will of William Roberts of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of will: 21 October 1811 Recorded: 14 March
1812 wife: Nancy Roberts slaves: man, Harry to wife
daughter: Lucy daughter: Nancy son: Jessee slave: man,
Harry to Jessee (this slave might be the same as one to wife - sgd)
daughter: Betsy "other children not named in this will"
Witnesses: Toliver Simpson, William Simpson Executor: not named.
25. Record Book 2, Page I65 - Will of Hugh Prior Brawly of
Rutherford County, TN - Date of Will: 12 November 1811 Filed: not
shown wife: Ruth Brawly sons: Hugh, Levi, John, Prior
Executors: wife and son, John Brawly Witnesses: Joshua Barton,
John Bankhead, Dainiel Webb
Codecil: 12 November 1811 daughter: Polly Crownover daughter:
Ruth Brawly daughter: Gintha Brawly
51
26. Record Book 2, Page 184 - Will of William Loftin of Rutherford
Coimty, TN - Date of Will: 1? June 1811 Recorded: October term
1811 wife: Levina Loftin slaves: Matt and his wife, Sail;
woman, Darkis to wife then to son, Thomas son: Thomas Loftin
daughter: Polly Brothers slave: woman, Nelly to Polly Brothers
daughter: Elizabeth Cole slaves: woman, Tener; girl, Annebar
to Elizabeth Cole son: Eldridge son: William daughter:
Nancy Feathers ton slave: girl, Kirlinda to Nancy; boy, Jack
to Eldridge; girl, Mary to Levina; boy. Matt to Levina
daughter: Levina Loftin daughter: Lucy Loftin slave: woman,
Darkis to Lucy son: Henry slave: boy, Sam to wife
landowners named: Jajnes Johnston, Samuel Hcuids, James Higgins
Executors: wife and sons, William and Thomas Witnesses: Jessee
Featherston, James Barfield, A. Pearce.
2?. Record Book 2, Page 204 - Will of John Gasaway of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of Will: 5 December 1812 Filed: ?
wife: Peggy Gasaway my children: Elenor Gasaway, Thomas,
Nicholas, William, John, Patsy, Hannah Gasaway, Nancy Gasaway
Executor: George Furr Witnesses: William Bowman, Henry Ward,
Mordecai Li Hard.
28. Record Book 2, Page 205 - Will of Jacob Stroup of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of Will: 15 August 1812 Filed: ? wife:
Elizabeth Stroup son: John Stroup (not yet 18) "my children
when they come of age" Executors: wife and friend, Abraham
Scriber Witnesses: George Wallace, Fielder Bevins.
29. Record Book 2, Page 214 - Will of John Smith of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of Will: 2? July 1812 Filed: 20 April 1813
Wife: Polly daughters: Betsy, Patsy, Anna, Polly (last three
not of age) son: James slaves: Bob, Dave, Silvey, Milly to
wife - Mary, Lydia to Betsy - Charles and Easter to Patsy -
Delph and Reuben to Anna - Jinny and George to James - Bill and
Silecy to Polly Executors: John Fulton, Joseph Morton, James
Morton Witnesses: Sajnuel Watkins, John Fulton.
30. Record Book 2, Page 226 - Will of Edward Eppes of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of Will: 24 August 1813 - Recorded: 8 November
1813 Wife: Rebecka Eppes "my children not of age": not named
Executor: wife and Daniel Eppes Witness: John B. Prewit
31. Record Book 2, Page 228 - Will of James Brookshire of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of Will: 16 April 1813 Recorded: 8 November
1813 Wife: Martha Brookshire "my children": not named
2 youngest children: William and Joseph Executors: friends,
Thomas Brown, George Uselton, Thomas Ashley Witnesses: Daniel
Green, Stephen Chalton, Frederick Brady
32. Record Book 2, Page 235 - Will of James Espie or Espey - Date
of Will: 2? December 1811 Recorded: 10 October 1813 son:
William and his wife, Cynthia, "only daughter-in-law" slave:
girl, Nice about 10 years to William granddaughter: not named,
(William's oldest daughter - no sons as of Will) son: George
52
32. (Cont'd) son: Robert daughter: Polly Overall daughter;
Rachel Goodloe daughter :Caity Espy daughter: Marget Youry
son-in-law: Francis Youry grandson: James Car Bradshaw
wife: Catey Espy "My four youngest children": George, Robert,
Gaity, Sally Executors: friends, Nathaniel Overall, Henry Belah,
William Espey Witnesses: J. Posey, Isaac H. Overall slaves:
wife is to have choice, rest divided among children.
33. Record Book 2, Page 239 - Will of David Rogers of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of Will: 6 January I8I3 Recorded: April term
I8I3 Wife: Peggy oldest son: Robert "wife is to raise
children until boys wants to do for themselves" second son:
William 4th son: James Bamet daughter: Nancy (not married)
3rd son: John Executors: wife and brother-in-law, William Ramsey
Slave: woman, Lydia (not to be sold out of family) Witnesses:
James Ramsey, Robert Raunsey.
34. Record Book 2, Page 248 - Will of Humphrey Nelson of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of Will: 24 July 1813 Filed: 19 March 1814
son: Beverly Nelson slave: girl, Betty/Cetty (?) to Beverly
Nelson daughter: Matilda Nelson son: Ambrose Nelson "rest
of the children" "younger children" Wife: Sally Nelson
Executors: Daniel Nelson, Beverly Nelson Witnesses: William
Vaughan, William H. Wade, William Edwards.
35. Record Book 2, Page 249 - Will of Elijah Fan of Rutherford County,
TN - Date of Will: 6 December I8I3 Recorded: 19 March 1814
Wife: Jane my 2 daughters: Jamima, Tabitha Executors: Henson
Coulter, Anderson Coulter, James Sutfin Witnesses: Anderson
Coulter, James Sutfin
36. Record Book 2, Page 288 - Will of Mary Whitnell of Rutherford
County, TN - Date of Will: 8 January 1814 Recorded: 2 April 1814
"being old and sick" daughter: Mary Wadley son: Daniel
Wadley son: John Wadley son: Thomas Wadley son: Samuel
Wadley son: William Wadley daughter: Lenaresa Wadley daughter:
Elander Wadley Executor: Thomas Nash Witnesses: Thomas A.
Sikes, Jessee Sikes.
37. Record Book 2, Page 298 - Will of John Winn of Rutherford County,
TN - Date of Will: 8 December I8I3 Recorded: 2 November 1814
2 daughters: Harriot and Margaret (apparently not of age - sgd)
slaves: girl, Febe (Phoebe) to Harriot; girl, Jane to Margaret
Wife: Pennelope Winn daughter: Ann McKinney son: Miner Winn
son: John Winn son: Richard Francis Winn son: William Wright
Winn daughter: Mary Kirkland son: Joseph T. Winn other 8
sons: Peter Winn, Daniel Winn, David Winn, Jefferson Winn, Robert
Winn, Obed Winn, Zacko Winn, Edward G. Winn Executors: 2 sons,
Joseph and Peter and wife Witnesses: Charles Kavanaugh, James
Dorothy ( ?Daugherty) , Peter Metheny.
53
MURFREESBOBO'S OLD CITY CEMETERY;
A RECORD OF THE PAST
BY
MARY H. V7ILGUS
54
MURFREESBORO'S OLD CITY CEMETERY:
A RECORD OF THE PAST
The Old City Cemetery, located on Vine Street not far from
Murfreesboro' s public square, provides a doon>7ay to the city's
past. Like an old, restored home, personal diaries of long,
deceased relatives, early newspapers, or carefully preserved
deeds and wills, an old cemetery offers much information about
the history of a family, town, or county. This is the enormous
value of the Old City Cemetery. Much data on its stones are
legible: ages of the people interred there, their places of
origin, societies to which many belonged as well as family
groupings. The burial ground on Vine Street is a valuable
primary source for the historical study of Middle Tennessee
because it is the final resting place of many of Rutherford
County's founding families.
The names inscribed on the tombstones, family plots, and
pertinent dates are the ravj materials available to begin a
journey into Murfreesboro and Rutherford County's past. VThen
these names are used with other local sources--census reports,
old newspapers, deeds and wills--many questions can be answered;
what were their professions, political affiliations, social
and economic positions in the community*^ VThat emei-ges is an
historical expose of not only the families but the city as a
55
whole: white, middle-class, professional, and economically
diversified. The cemetery attests to a slave population. The
"peculiar institution" was the basis of Rutherford County's
economy and society.
Rutherford County was established officially on 25 October
1803, with its county seat at Jefferson. On 17 October 1811, an
act of the Tennessee General Assembly founded Murfreesboro. At
first it was named Cannonsburgh, after the governor, but on
19 November 1811, its name was changed to "Murfreesborough" to
honor Col. Hardy Murfree. He provided the land for the neces-
sary public buildings v.'hich became the square. Soon the new
1
town was Rutherford's county seat.
According to the United States Census of 1810, there were
many peoples settled in the area. The Jettons, Andersons,
Killoughs, Subletts, Huggins, Burtons, Dicksons, Ruckers,
Bairds, and Rankins were established families before 1810. The
2
Maneys appeared in the 1820 census. All of these families are
interred in the Old City Cemetery.
These people brought prosperity and culture to Rutherford
County. They founded religious institutions, schools, and a
viable economy. Murfreesboro' s first church, the First
Presbyterian Church, vjas organized as early as 1811, and the
brick structure was completed in 1820. The cemetery was located
3
next to the church. A private school for young men, Hopewell
Academy, held classes in the early 1820s and was followed by
Soule's Female Academy. Various banks and businesses appeared
to provide services, merchandise, and emplojTnent for a growing
56
town. The record of these pioneers is found in the Old City
Cemetery.
The Jetton family plot contains eleven markers from its
patriarch, John Jetton, through numerous grandchildren. As
early as 3 November 1803, the Jetton family purchased property
in Rutherford County. John L. Jetton bought 250 acres near Lytle
6
Creek off Stones River from Joel Childress for $250. John was
born in North Carolina on 11 December 1778 and moved into
Tennessee v.'ith his family to remain until his death on 25 June
7
1854. John's brother, Robert, came also. He and his wife,
Nancy Wilson Jetton, settled in Rutherford in 1806. Robert
8
bought 125 acres from John for $500. After farming six years,
Robert opened a tavern in a log structure on South Main Street.
The tavern remained one of Robert's businesses from 1812 until it
9
burned in 1853. Between his farm and the ever popular tavern,
Robert was financially able to take advantage of a foreclosure
sale and turn a profit. On 4 February 1812 Sheriff M. McClanahan
held a public auction, and Robert purchased Jeremiah Wright's 186
acres on Stones River for $331. The next day Robert sold the
10
land to Archibald Shanks for $450--a profit of $119.
\^^len the War of 1812 began, Robert formed Captain Jetton's
Troop in December. It v:as part of the Tennessee Volunteer
Cavalry under Col. John Coffee. From September 1813 through
January 1814, Jetton's Troop served under Col. John Alcorn.
Robert returned to Murfreesboro but saw action again in the first
Seminole Expedition, 1817-1818. He was now Col. Robert Jetton,
and his commanding officer was Gen. Andrew Jackson. During this
57
Florida expedition, Jackson created an international incident
11
when he executed two British citizens as spies.
During his civilian interlude, 1814-1817, and after 1819,
Robert diversified his business. He and John purchased a
tanning business or tanyard in Murfreesboro, lot thirteen, from
Joel Childress for $800. In 1819 Robert bought John's interest
for $1000. Robert was a slave o\cner. In the 1820 census he
registered one slave, but the number grew. In July 1822 he
bought a twenty-five year old Negress, Peggy, and her infant son
12
from Samuel L. Black for $600.
V7ith a farm, slaves, tavern, and tanyard, Robert was wealthy
and politically oriented. He served in the Tennessee General
Assembly for Rutherford County, 1817-1821. Later he was elected
senator to the legislature, 1823-1825 and 1831-1833, a Jacksonian
13
Democrat.
The Jetton families prospered and grev; with Murfreesboro
and the county. Robert and Nancy had a son, Robert B. He chose
to become a tailor and formed a oartnership with a Mr. Farmer.
14
They advertized their business in the local paper in 1835.
Robert B. married Joanna L. Jetton, and their marriage produce
15
a son who died in infancy. \-7hen Robert B. Jetton's parents
died, he became more wealthy, but he continued as a tr-^ilor V7ith
16
Josiah W. Floyd in 1843. As the times changed and the slavery
issue grew into a national controversy, many Tennesseans had to
make difficult decisions, and Robert B. wa'^ no e/ception. He
offered his lands for sale and stated his r>urpose--a desire to
17
go south.
56
From 1803 the Jetton families added much to Murfreesboro and
Rutherford County. As members of a church they helped to organ-
ize, the First Presbyterian Church, they utilized the adjacent
18
cemetery. Robert Jetton, the farmer, slave owner, solder,
businessman, and politician, died in December 1840. He and his
brother, John, and their family members filled the Jetton plot
in the City Cemetery: Anna, Sue, William and his wife,
Elizabeth, Rob H. , Margaret, Elizabeth Brenard, and Mary E.
Their death dates began with Rob H. in 1836 and ranged through
19
1895. The Jetton families of North Carolina were truly pio-
neers in Rutherford County.
The Anderson family occupies a sizeable plot in the Old
City Cemetery. Unlike the Jettons, the Anderson partriarch was
born in Virginia. Samuel, the third son of William Anderson of
Rockbridge County, Virginia, came to Rutherford County in 1810.
The Andersons were from an agricultural and Presbyterian back-
20
ground. He helped his father on the farm, but like his two
brothers, William E. and Robert, Samuel studied law. He received
his licence to practice in Tennessee in 1810. After moving to
Murfreesboro in 1811, Samuel met and married Elizabeth, daughter
of Col. Joseph and Sophia Rucker Burras. This marriage produced
21
several children.
In 1818 Samuel purchased half of lot twenty-three in
Murfreesboro from William E. Butler for $500. His law practice
led to an elective office in the Tennessee General Assembly.
Samuel's financial circumstances improved, and he increased his
property holdings. In 1820 he bought 200 acres at public auction
59
for $157.50 plus $10.22 damages. In the 1820 census he regis-
tered the ownership of five slaves, and the number grew as he
Drospered. On 12 December 1822 Samuel bought a Negro girl,
22
Phyllis, from James Shinalt for $150.
In 1834 a constitutional convention met to amend Tennessee's
original document of 1794. Samuel Anderson represented Rutherford
County at this convention. One of the issues to be decided was
the election of judges. He publicly stated his opposition to this
change on the grounds that it would obligate the judge and com-
23
promise bis objectivity in case decisions. Undoubtedly his
position held because he was appointed judge to the Fifth
Judicial Circuit in 1835; however, he ran again for this office
when the selection method changed. He was a successful candi-
24
date and served until his retirement in 1851.
In 1850 Elizabeth, his wife, died, and his eldest daughter,
Sophia Ellis, soon followed in 1851. The family plot was fenced
so thai: all could rest in peace as they had lived--as a family.
Samuel died on 29 July 1859 and left an extensive estate to his
heirs. To his granddaughter, Elizabeth El] is, he bequeathed 263
acres, eleven Negroes, and all that had been deeded to his
deceased daughter, Fophia. To '.'^illiam J. Anderson, his son,
Samuel gave the land on which VJilliam lived if he paid the $4,000
balance left owing, slaves, plus equal amounts of money in the
estate after all debts were paid. Mary Elizabeth, his younger
daughter, inherited his home, an equal portion of money, land not
already bequeathed, and the slaves of her choice as long as she
did not separate husband, v/ife, and children. As his V7ill attested
60
Judge Anderson died a wealthy man, yet one who had given much pub-
lic service in return. He joined his family in the fenced
25
Anderson area of the City Cemetery on Vine Street.
The family plot near the center of the graveyard belongs to
the Killoughs. Samuel Killough left North Carolina after the
Revolutionary War and crossed the mountains into Tennessee.
Born on 10 September 1763, Samuel and his wife, Mary, came to
26
Rutherford County in 1804. In 1807 he bought 640 acres from
an attorney, David Deadrik, for $700. His plantation was not far
from what became Murfreesboro. Samuel's nroperty was prosperous,
27
and in the 1820 census he claimed eighteen slaves. Perhaps he
needed the money or had no use for the land, but in 1823 he sold
272 acres to James Stewart for $200. The City Cemetery became
the final testimony and resting place for another nrominent
28
Rutherford County family.
The graveyard testifies to the presence of Murfreesboro' s
first newspaper o^^ners and editors, G. A. and A. C. Sublett.
George Allen Sublett was born on 7 September 1792. He and his
brother printed their first newspaper, the Courier, on 16 June
29
1814. Murfreesboro' s government hired the Subletts to print
30
the city ordinances for $98 in 1818. In 1819 they bought a
lot in town for $500 from Mr. R. Ganav7ay to provide a permanent
home for their printing business and newspaper. Both brothers
o\<Tied farm land outside of tovm; they registered six slaves in
the 1820 census and cleared a deed title with F. N. V/. Burton
for 750 acres. In 1822 George bought thirteen slaves at public
auction for $595.86 and purchased a Negress, Millie, and her
$1
four year old son, Randal, from Polly Morgan's estate for $626
in 1824. George diversified further in 1827 when he bought and
managed the Green House located on the west side of the square.
As newspaper owner and editor George advertized his new enter-
31
tainment business in the paper.
Sometime between 1824 and 1827 A. C. Sublett sold his interest
in the Courier to George, and the paper's name became the
Murfreesborough Courier. The yearly subscription fee for the
weekly edition remained the same, $3.00. Another change took
place in the newspaper in 1828; it took on a definite, publicly
declared, political stand x-jhen George changed its name to
National Vidette. On the front page George published:
George Allen Sublett, 14 years an editor,
subscriber to the principles of the 33
republican doctrine of Jefferson and Madison.
Undoubtedly the paper supported Andrew Jackson's presidential
candidacy. On 15 January 1828, five days after the paper's
release, Jackson came to Murfreesboro to be the guest of honor
to celebrate the Thirteenth Anniversary of the Battle of New
Orleans. As president of the committee for the celebration,
George Sublett invited the fam.ed Tennessee general. The event
was a great success with thirteen regular toast? offered and
twenty- four additional ones enjoyed. Most of the town's 955
34
population shared "Old Hickory's" visit.
The Sub]ett brothers brought a newspaper to Murfreesboro.
It \7as a success although the name changed ^^everal times for
various reasons. The to\\Ti grew intellectually, politically, and
geographically as had the fortunes of the Tubletts. Although
62
the marker in the cemetery did not declare George Sublett's pro-
fession and contributions, it recorded the fact that he was here.
35
George died on 26 March 1855.
The Old City Cemetery attests to Murf reesboro' s growth and
wealth. The town supported a newspaper and numerous merchants.
One of the general store o\\Tiers came from the Huggins family who
settled in T^utherford County in 1807. UilMam Huggins bought
200 acres from Thomas Donell for $A50. The property lay :n
Rutherford and Davidison counties along the west waters of Stones
36
River. Jonathan Huggins, a relative of William, bought lot
three on Lytle Street for $600 from Samuel H. Laughlin. The
store was located on the southwest corner near a house formerly
37
occupied by Gideon Jarratt. Jonathan advertized his "cash"
grocery store in the local newsnaper, Tennessee Telegraph, in
38
May 18A0. The City Cemetery marked the nassing of VJilliam
39
Huggins' wife, Mary Elizabeth, and Elizabeth Huggins.
The Spence family offered free enterprize competition in
the dry goods business. J. Snence came to Murfreesboro from
40
Jefferson, Tennessee. He opened a store in 1813. Marmon and
Brent Spence continued the family tradition in 1833 when they
entered a partnership vjith Willis Snell. By 1834 the Spence
brothers dissolved their business with Snell and advertized
41
their new store as "M. & B. Spence <^.- Co." in the local paper.
Marmon remained a merchant until his death on 24 February 1847,
at the age of fifty-nine. His wife, Sarah, who V7as born in
Ireland, lived ten years after her husband. She v.'as buried
42
beside him in the City Cemetery in 1857.
63
The general merchandizing business expanded when the Leinau
family came to tovm. Daniel Leinau managed a store one door
north of the Washington Hotel. As late as 1840 the Leinaus adver-
43
tized their business as a "cash" store in the newspaper. Daniel
married Eliza and they had a daughter, Lavinia. Lavinia married
a Hilliard. Mrs, Milliard memorialized her deep affection for her
mother when she erected a large, elaborate stone to mark Eliza
44
Leinau' s grave in the City Cemetery in 1855.
The Burtons entered Rutherford County later than some of its
more prominent families, but they came with more wealth. For the
"sum of one dollar and considerations," Frank N. W. Burton received
sizeable property holdings from Leonard Henderson of Granville
County, North Carolina. In Tennessee, Burton was given: 1240
acres in Williamson County; one tract of land in Rutherford
consisting of 400 acres which had been a Revolutionary War land
grant, number 196, originally deeded to Henry Windburn and
located near Murfreesboro; 216 acre? on Stones River near the
same town and part of a war land grant that had belonged to John
Butler, number 162; 640 acres in Montgomery County on the north
side of the Cumberland River, Baker Archer's v.'ar land grant,
number 211; 256 acres on the south side of the Cumberland in
Davidson County, part of a 640 acre land grant originally
belonging to John Pearce; and 228 acres in Wilson County which
had been granted to Mason Williams. In Tennessee, Burton's pro-
45
perty sprawled over five counties and contained 2390 acres.
Frank N. W. Burton was born in North Carolina on 2 May
1779. He married Lavinia B. Murfree, Col. Hardy Murfree's
64
daughter. She was born 3 April 1795. Their union produced six
46
children, four daughters and two sons, Frank Burton was a
gentleman farmer in Rutherford County and took part in various
cultural and social activities. He was a founder, board member,
and trustee of Soule's Female Academj'-, begun in 1825 and staffed
by Mary and Nancy Banks. The young ladies who attended were
taught rhetoric, philosophy, belles-lettres , painting, needle-
work, and iTiusic--all the subjects gentile southern ladies should
47
know .
Frank and Lavinia's first son. Hardy Murfree Burton, became
well known in political circles. He was born 7 June 1818 and
married Mary D. Hoggatt. As a member of the VJhlg Party he sat
in the Tennessee General Assembly for Rutherford County, 1841-
1843. Hardy was a Mason and served as the Grand Master of the
Grand Lodge of Tennessee in 1848. He was also a member of the
Knights Templar. Hardy was one of the incorporators of the
Murfreesborough Savings Institute, founded in 1850. Under
President Millard Fillmore, young Burton served in the West
Indies during 1852. Soon after his arrival, he died on 15
December. His body was returned to Murfreesboro, and he was
48
interred in the Burton family plot in the City Cemetery.
The Burtons were wealthy, respected, and added much to the
economic, cultural, and social life of Murfreesboro. In the
City Cemetery their family plot was located near Vine Street and
received the infant Robert in 1821. Frank N. W. Burton died in
1843; Sally M. Dotson, a daughter, in 1850; Hardy in 1852; Eli^a
F. Crosswaithe, a daughter, in I860: and Finie in 1862. Lavinia
65
Burton saw her large family laid to rest and joined them in 1881.
49
She died in Kentucky at the age of eighty-six.
Before the wealthy Burtons arrived in Middle Tennessee, Gen.
Joseph Dickson settled in Rutherford County. He vias born in
Chester County, Pennsylvania, in April 1745. With his parents
he moved to Rowan County, North Carolina, attended college, and
received a law degree. In 1764 Dickson married Margaret McEwen
and they had nine children. Joseph owned a cotton and tobacco
plantation. ^'Then the American Revolution began, he was an active
member of the Committee of Safety in Rowan County. Dickson was
commissioned a captain in the American army in 1775 and fought
at the Battle of Kings Mountain. Capt. Dickson became a major
and led the Lincoln County Men. They opposed Lord Cornwall is'
invasion of North Carolina in 1781. Because of his bravery and
commendable service to the new nation, Joseph Dickson was pro-
moted to colonel. By the end of the war he was a brigadier
general. Dickson served as general to the state militia and sat
in the North Carolina convention which ratified the United States
Constitution in 1789. He was a member of the state senate and a
commissioner v:ho helped to establish the University of North
Carolina, 1788-1795. He was a United States Congressman for
50
North Carolina and served from 4 March 1799 until 3 March 1801.
'vTien Dickson arrived in Tennessee in 18' '3, he settled in
what v.'as then Davidson County, but with the creation of a nev;
county, his property lay in Rutherford near Murfreesboro, w'lere
he oracticed law. From 1807-1809 he sat in the state legirlature
51
and became Speaker of the House, 18'19-1811. In 1812 Josenh
66
and Margaret worked to establish the First Presbyterian Church.
He lived long enough to see the brick structure go up on Vine
Street. The church was organized by Reverend Robert Henderson,
a relative of Margaret Dickson. The building was completed in
5 2
1820, forty by sixty feet with a gallery and cupula.
Margaret Dickson died 10 November 1814 and was interred in
the family cemetery on their plantation. \Then Joseph passed
away, he was buried next to his wife. The stone v/hich the family
erected was very large and imposing, as Joseph had been in life.
But as the cemetery filled, the Dickson marker overpowered all
others, and the family was asked to move the monument. It
seemed befitting that this huge tombstone be placed in the City
Cemetery, facing Vine Street, with the other markers which bore
53
the names of Murfreesboro' s founding families.
The growing town did not lack for medical services because
several doctors settled in the area, Drs. Henry Holmes and
William R. Rucker. They brought with them a religious conscious-
ness, and interest in education and politics. Dr. Holmes and his
vjife, Sarah, were one of the founding families of the Methodist
Episcopal Church which met on College Street in 1821. Rrverend
Robert Paine led the services. By 1823 the congregation bought
a brick house for $1800 to be used as the church building. Its
membership included another physician. Dr. Rucker, v.'ho was
interested also in education for young women. He aided in the
establishment of Soule's Female Academy. The lot on v.'hich the
Methodist Church house stood became the site for the school.
Rucker tock part in politics and supported the presidential
67
candidacy of Andrew Jackson in 1828. Drs. Rucker and Holmes,
54
along with their v;ives, were buried in the City Cemetery.
Dr. Jonathan Bostick added his name to the available physi-
cians when he came to Murfreesboro. Like the other doctors he
had more than enough business to remain in the area. He and his
wife, Margaret, had four children, but medical knowledge and
skill did not avert the tragedy recorded on the stones in the
cemetery: Margaret Bostick, born 10 November 1843, died 28 July
1856. She was twelve years old. Marietta Bostick lived little
more than a month and died 19 July 1852. Jonathan succumbed
before his first birthday. Times were very hard on young child-
ren and v;omen. Mrs. Bostick oassed away in 1858, at the age of
55
thirty-three.
Another prominent doctor, plantation o\'mev , and businessman
settled in Rutherford County. Dr. James Maney v.'as born in
Hertford County, North Carolina, on 9 February 1790, and remained
in that area until he married Sallie H. Murfree, daughter of Col.
Hardy Murfree. Murfree gave his daughter ^74 acres in Rutherford
Countj' for a wedding present. James and Sallie cam.e to Tennessee
and moved into a four room, two-story structure which they
56
expanded and beautified rs their family and fortune grew.
From the beginning James was a phj'sician and slave ovmer.
His estate grev; because of his profession and the demand for cotton,
In the 1820 census he registered fiftj^'-five slaves, quite a large
number for the times. Not all of his business ventures were suc-
cesses. Maney bought the failing Washington Cotton Factory in
1841. He and his son, Thomas, advertized cotton yarn produced at
6d
the factory for a very "reasonable" price. But the business was
doomed. It changed hands several times before it folded com-
57
pletely and v/as sold for $1500.
Maney's family size kept pace with his businesses. He and
Sallie had the children to fill the ever growing house which they
called Oaklands. Their first child was a daughter, Frances, born
in 1813; their second, James H, came in 1818; Thomas in 1821;
David Dickinson in 1828; William B. in 1832; and John B. in 1835.
However, most of the children were not as physically strong as
their parents. Frances died in 1838, twenty-eight years old;
James H. died at twenty in 1838; Thomas reached his twenty-
eighth year, married and saw the birth and death of his son before
he died in 1847; William was six years old when he passed av7ay in
58
November 1838; and John B. lived only four years and died in 1839.
David Dickinson Ma.ney reached the age of seventy-one and
outlived his father. David was educated in and around Rutherford
County and married Mary E. Bell, daughter of John Bell. Like his
father-in-law, David adhered to the political principles of the
Ivhig Party before the Civil War; he edited the Rutherford
Telegraph, the party paper, in 1853 and undoubtedly supported John
Bell's presidential candidacy in 1860 for the Constitutional Union
Party. After the war David became a Democrat and served as
Rutherford and Bedford counties' senator in the state legislature,
1877-1879. Along with his brothers and sister he was buried in
the family plot on Vine Street. His mother died in 1857 and his
father in 1872. The family v.'as complete again in 1899, not at
the old home, Oaklands, but under the large tree in the Old City
59
Cemetery.
69
The burial ground on Vine Street testifies to the economic,
political, and social maturity of Murfreesboro and its citizens.
The people interred there were farmers, merchants, politicians,
and bankers. However, the banks suffered or grew as the economy-
fluctuated before the Civil War. The town's first bank,
Murfreesborough Tennessee Bank, was chartered in 1817, but due to
the money situation in general, it began to clo^^e down after five
years. William and Joseph Spence, merchants, opened the Exchange
Bank, based on the free banking system, in 1853. By 1857 it
closed because of mismanagement. It opened again in 1858 to
60
close completely the same year.
Besides banks, plantations, legal services, and medicine, the
cemetery attests to other educational, religious, and economic
establishments. Reverend Robert Henderson, organizer of the First
Presbyterian Church, was the master of n private boy's school,
Hopewell Academy. Several of his students published a letter of
appreciation for his services during the spring of ^8?U. The
letter dated 13 April 1824 v.'as signed by Robert J. Rucker, the
physician's son, and Lemuel M. Baird, son of a local businessman.
The Bairds had been in the area for some time. V/. D. Baird adver-
tized his carriage making business in the local paper. VJil lion's
vJife, Amada, v;as buried in the City Cemetery, and lemuel, her
61
son, was interred there in 1851. A member of the P.ankin family,
James Porter Rankin, became a minister. Hip father, Da^n'd, c?me
to Murfreesboro during its early years. Reverend '^ankin married
Ermina, but she becam.e a widow in 18 31. James died at the age of
tv7enty-six. Alexander Rankin was a merchant who advertized his
70
general store and its location on the south side of the souare in
62
1834. Others in the to\'m attempted to establish a public water-
works system which used cedar tubes, but the Rose Water Works
failed. Dr. John Holmes and his brother financed the first
Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Shelbyville Turnnike vjhich began in
63
1832 and opened in 1842.
Yet the Old City Cemetery holds many more stories. Violet L.
Alerander, consort of J. D. Alexander, was buried there in 1853.
Hov.'ever, Violet was not John's only wife. In September 1827, John
advert! red the fact that hi'^ v/ife, Polly, had left him, and he
vrarnod the public that h.e would not be responsible for any debts
or bills that she might incur if someone "harboured' her.
64
Perhaps that v.'as V7hy she left him.
Murfreesboro' s citirens v;ere a social people, and the tomb-
stones marked this fact also. As early as 1817 the Masonic Order
was in '".utherford County. Mount Moriah Lodge, Number IS, was
formed; its peti'rion was signed by F. N. IJ. Burton, M. B. Murfree,
B. F. McCulToch, John Lytle, A. C. Tub! ett , and Jo^n L. Jetton.
The lodge v.'ps nuite .active until the Anti-Mason ^arty entG'''ed
the presidential campaign of 1831. The Masons d'' ^continued
nieetip.gs because of adverse feeling in the comTiuinty. The 1'->d!:^c
65
resumed its activities in 1841.
However, the Temperance Society \':as not suspect, e- cept [)er-
haps by the tavern keepers and those who distilled Tenncr^^oe sip-
ping v:hiskey. The group crimed themselves the ^Jashingtcn
Temperance Society v.'ho met at the First Presbyterian Ch'jrcli. They
convened on 5 October 1827 and formally s\?nre:
71
Resolved, that they will abstain from the use of
distilled liquors; that they will not permit them
to be used by their families or servants except
for medicine; that they will not provide them as
articles of entertainment for their friends, and
they will discountenance the use of them in their
community.""
Probably because of a weakening of the will and the ever-tempting
memories of the good times at the tavern, interest in the society
waned. It was reorganized in 1847 during the nationwide tem-
perance movement. They called themselves Sons of Temperance.
Lucas Oslin w-'s an active member during his life as his tombstone
attested: Born October 25, 1799; died January 8, 1851; erected
67
by Rutherford Div. No. 5 Sons of Temperance.
These many grave stones with their nar.es established the
fact that the community and county's hi-^tory v;as shaped by the
people whose graves they marked. Yet none spoke more simply nor
clearly than two very rough stones, hand-hewn and chiselled by
amateurs. These undoubtedly belonged to tV70 slaves: Phebe,
4 August 18 37, 8 May 1863, and Joshua, of the Reeves family.
These two markers represented the economic base of Murfreesboro
and Rutherford County. However, the war which brought the death
to slavery did not destroy the community. The Civil VJar only
slowed its growth inspite of the fact that it was occupied
several times by the Union Army. The First Presbyterian Church
was torn do\\Ti to provide bricks and lumber for Fortress Rosecrans.
Yet the graveyard vrhich stood beside the church remained, more
68
poignant and important than ever.
All of these events were part of the lives of those people
V7ho now lie in the Old City Cemetery. Because they made this
72
history--the Jettons, Andersons, Killoughs, Subletts, Huggins,
Spences, Leinaus, Burtons, Dicksons, Holmes, Bosticks, Maneys ,
Ruckers, Bairds, Rankins, Alexanders, Oslins, Phebe, and Joshua —
the Murfreesboro of early nineteenth century was a bustling,
living community. Their achievements, failures, friends, and
enemies are entombed and marked by the presence and preservation
of the Old City Cemetery. The graveyard on Vine Street stands
as a monument and enshrines a segment of Tennessee and American
history.
Perhaps better than an old, restored home, diaries, deeds,
wills, and old newspapers, a cemetery provides the names of not
one family but many who comprised a very young to\>m of a new
state. The names on the stones are the raw material that is used
with other local sources from which history is written. These
peopled whose lives are represented by the markers in the Old
City Cemetery made history, even if in a small v;ay, by reflecting
the character, prejudices, and life-styles of the times. They
made history by the mere fact that 'hey lived to build the foun-
dation on which present-day society is based.
73
FOOTNOTES
Goodsneed Histories, History of Tennessee (Nashville: The
Good-peed Publishing Co., 1886}, p. 826; hereinafter cited as:
Goodsneed, History.
?
U. ?. Bureau of the Census, State of Tennessee, Tvutherford
County, 1810 (Microcopy. Middle Tennessee State University,
Murfreesboro, Tennessee), pp. 2-28; hereinafter cited as: U. S.
Census, 1810; U. S. Census Office, 4th Census, 1820, State of
Tennessee: Giles, Maury, Rutherford, Shelby, Stev.'art, Sumner
Counties (Microcopy, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro,
Tennessee); hereinafter cited as U. S. Census, 1820.
3
Homer Pittard, Ph. D. , private interview. Middle Tennessee
State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, October, 1974; herein-
after cited as: Homer Pittard, interview; Goodspeed, History,
op. 838-39.
4
The Courier, 15 April 1824, Murfreesboro, Tennessee;
Goodspeed, History, p. 836.
Tombstones, Old City Cemetery, Vine Street, Murfreesboro,
Tennessee; hereinafter cited as Tombstone, Old City Cemetery.
6
Rutherford County Deed Book, ABCDEF, 1804-18-''9 (Rutherford
County Court House, Murfreesboro, Tennessee), A, p. 36; herein-
after cited as R. C D. B. , .ABCDEF.
7
Tombstone, Old City Cemetery.
8
Dan M. Robison, State Librarian and Archivist Emeritus,
Biographical Directory: Tennessee General Assembly. 1706-1967
(Preliminary No. b) Rutherford County (.Nashville; Tennessee
State Library and Archives, 1968), p. 31; hereinafter cited as:
Robison, BioRraohical Directory; R. C D. B. , ABCDEF, B, p. 176.
Q
Goodspeed, History, n. 827.
in
R. C. D. B. , H, np. 2^^5-98.
11
Robison, Bj o:;raphical Directory, d. 31.
12
R. C. D. B., K, p. 463; L. , p. 479; 0, p. 492; U. S.
Census, 1820.
13
Robison, Bior.ranhical Directory, p. 31.
14
Ibid.; The Monitor, 19 August 1835, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
74
15 ^ t. T •
Jeannette Tillotson Acklen, compiler, Tombstone Inscrip-
Mons and Manuscripts (Nashville: 1st pub., 1933; reprint ed.,
Baltimore tGeneolbgical Co., 1967), p. 357; hereinafter cited
as: Acklen, Tombstone Inscriptions.
The Jeffersonian. 10 June 1843, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Murfreesboro News. 8 December 1858, Murfreesboro,
Tennessee.
18
Goodspeed, History, pp. 838-3^-.
1<^
Tombstones, Old City Cemetery; Acklen, Tombstone Inscrip-
tions , p. 357.
^Joshua W. Caldvjell, The Bench and Bar of Tennessee
(Knoxville: Ogden Brothers & Co., Printers, 1H^)«;, pp. 248-51;
hereinafter cited a=: : Caldwell, Bench and Bar.
21
Robison, Bio,<;raphical Directory, p. 1; 'tombstone. Old City
Cemetery.
22
P.. C. D. B., L, p. 251; M, p. 37^; 0, p. '-"2.
23
Central Monitor, 18 January 1834, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
24
Robison, Biopjraphical Directory, p. 1.
Tom.bstones, Old City Cemetery; Pajtherford County VJill Bool",
Number 2 . Samuel Anderson, \7ill (Rutherford County Record^,
■^ October 185^, Murfreesboro, Tennessee!^, pn. l84-8'^'.
26
Ac^'len, Tombstone Inscrlnt Ions , n. "^"'f^i.
R. C. D. B., ABCDEF, E, p. 436; U. ^. Census, 18?'',
Rutherford.
28 ^ . .
R. C. D. B., 0, p. 538; Ac''--len, Tombstone In'^criptions ,
D. 356.
2^
Tombstone, 0]^^ City Cemetery; Goodspeed, 'li^iiory, p. 8^1.
3
Goodsoeed, Hi story , o. 827.
31
U. S. Censu'5, 1820, Rutherford- R. C. D. B. , N, po. ll^-2f',
27'': 0. p. 540; £, p. 12^: Murf rec^borou-h Courier, "'7 '^cpt ember
1 82"^ ,~Murf ree<^bnro, Tenre'^'"ee.
32
The Courier, 15 April 1 "''''•, Murfreesboro. Tenne^-^ee*
Mur^rec^borourh Comier. " 2^ f'ep'ember K'^"^- Murrrec^bo-rO;
Tenne=:^ee.
33
National ''idette, 10 ^anuary 1828, Murfree'^boro, Tenne'^'^ee.
75
34
Good^peed, Hi.gtory, p. 328.
35
Tombstone, Old City Cemetery.
36
U. S. Census, 1810; R. C. D. B., ABCDEF, E, p. 406.
37
R. C. D. B., ^, p. 250.
38
Tennessee Telegraph, 2 May 1840, Mnrfreesboro, Tennessee.
39
Acklen, Tombstone Inscriptions, p. 356.
40
Goodspced, History, p. 827.
41
Central Monitor. 25 January 1834, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
42
Tombstones, Old City Cemetery.
43
National Vidette, 10 January 1828, Murfreesboro, Tennessee;
Tennesrce Tele;;raph. 2 May 1840, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
44
Tombstone, Old City Cemetery.
45
R. C. D. B. , L, op. 61-63.
46
Tombstones, Old City Cemetery.
47
National Vidette, 10 January 1828, Murfreesboro, Tennessee;
Goodspeed, History, p] 8 36 .
48
Robison, Biographical Directory, pp. 9-10.
49
Tombstones, Old City Cemetery,
50
Robison, Bio;r;raphicfn Directory, pp. 14-15.
51
Ibid.
52
Worth S. Ray, Tennessee Cousins (Baltimore: Geneological
Publishing Co., I960), p. 616; Goodspeed, History, pp. 838-39.
53
Homer Pittard, interview.
54
Goodspeed, Histons pp. 827, 836, 839; National Vidette.
10 January 1828; Tombstones, Old City Cemetery.
55
Tombstones, Old City Cemetery; Acklen, Tombstone
Inscriptions, p. 357.
3t '
Oaklands Society, "Oaklands, 1786-1865," brochure,
Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
76
57
U. S. Census, 1820, Rutherford; Goodspeed, History,
p. 8?8; Tennessee Telegraph, 6 February 1841, Murfreesboro,
Tennessee.
58
Tombstones, Old City Cemetery.
59
Robison, Biographical Directory, p. 39; Tombstones, Old
Ci^y Cemetery.
60
Goodsneed, History, p. 830.
61
Courier, 15 April 1824, Murfreesboro, Tennessee;
Tennessee Telegraph, 2 May 1840, Murfreesboro, Tennessee;
Tombstones , Old City Cemetery.
62
Tombstones, Old City Cemetery; Central Monitor; 11 October
1834, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
63
Goodspeed, History, op. 816-17, 828.
64
Tombstones, Old City Cemetery; Acklen, Tombstone
Inscriptions , p. 355; Murfreesborough Courier, 27 September 1827,
Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
65
Goodsneed, History, p. 832.
66
Ibid., p. 839.
67
Ibid., n. 832; Tombstone, Old City Cemetery.
68
Tombstones, Old City Cemetery; Homer Pittard, interviev;.
77
RUTHEIRFORD COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC.
MaiBERSHIP LIST
Mr. H. F. Adams
1126 Rose Avenue
MurfJ-eesboro, Th 37130
Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Adkerson
Route 3> Con^ton Road
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
}irB. Donald Anderson
U35 North Spring Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. H. F. Amette, Jr.
IO2U East Main Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. J. M. Avent
Route 2, Box 1|2
Sewanee, Tn 37375
Mrs. W. R. Baker
Box 2U5
Ashland City, Tn 37015
Mrs. Dudley Baird
Route 1
Lascassas, Tn 37085
Mrs. Alice Bailey
107 North Ardonne Street
Tullahoma, Tn 37308
Mr. Haynes Baltimore
Rutherford County Courthouse
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. Charles B. Black
120 North Margaret
Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220
Mrs. Joseph D. Barnes
5 Sandliaj- Court
The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Mr3.E.M. Barto, Jr.
2910 Garth Road
Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Mrs. Leland B. Bass
631 Ridgecrast Road
Edmond, Oklahoma 7303U
Miss Bessie Baskette
3205 Wingate Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 37211
Margaret J. Batey
3UOI Granny VITiite
Nashville, Tn 3720U
Mr and Mrs. Harry Batey
336 Brewer Drive
Nashville, Tn 37211
Mr. Tom Batey
P. 0. Box 578
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Bolenjack
Route 10, Carter Lane
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. John Bragg
1510 Huntington Drive
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. Adeline D. Behm
823 Klrkwood Avenue
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Dr. and Mrs. C. M. Brandon
Route 1
Christiana, Tn 37037
Dr. and Mrs. Fred Brigance
1202 Scotland Drive
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
NTS. Chavles L. Briley
Route 11, Box 56
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. J. W. Brown
126 Sequoia Drive
Springfield, Tti 37132
n
MQIBEIISHIP LIST
Miss Maz*y Bryan
lOlU North Tennessee Blvd
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. and Mrs. I^eston C. Burchard
1230 South California Avenue
Palo Alto, California 9U306
Mrs. Lida N. Brugge
71ii Chickasaw Road
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. F. E. Britton
133 Kingwood Drive
Chattanooga, Tn 37U12
Mrs. Edna M. Buckley
86U7 East Ihilciana
Mesa, Arizona 85208
Mr. and Vrs. J. T. Bumette
P. 0. Box 2
Smyrna, Tn 37167
Mrs. C. Alan Carl
120 Ensworth Avenue
Nashville, Tn 37205
Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Cates
Route 5* Box 521
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. Steve Cates
Forrest Oakes # G-IO6
1002 East Northfield Blvd
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Col Charles R. Cawthcn
1311 Delaware Avenue, S. W.
l^t S-2U5
Washington, D. C. 20o2li
Miss Louise Cawthon
Forrest Oakes # E-107
1002 East Northfield Blvd
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. George Chaney
P. 0. Box llU
LaVergne, Tn 37086
Mr. Almond Chaney
Sanford Drive
LaVergne, Tn 37086
Mr. George D. Clark
36U7 Ifederwood
Hunston, Texas 77025
Mrs. James L. Clayton
525 East College Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
)b>. Sam B. Coleman
101; Hoover Drive
Smyrna, Tn 37167
Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow Coleman
1206 Belle Meade Blvd
NashvUle, Tn 37205
Mrs. H. E. Collier
Route 2, Box 1*52
Tullahoma, Tn 37388
Dr. Robert Corlew
Route 2, Manson Pike
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. Robert E. Corlew III
1611 Elrod Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Miss Edith Craddock
1202 Klrkwood Drive
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. A. W. Cranker
305 Tyne Avenue
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. Martha Crutchfield
1507 Maymont Drive
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Dallas Public Library
195U Ccranerce Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
Mrs. Susan G. Daniel
2103 Foxdale Drive
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
79
MEMBERSHIP LIST
Mary Lou Davidson
210 Kingwood Drive
Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37130
Mrs. Florence Davis
Route 2, Old Nashville Hwy
Smyrna, Tn 37167
Mrs. George Davis
5752 Oak Cliff Drive
El Paso, Texas 79912
Frances E. Denny
511 Hazelwood Drive
Smyrna, Tn 37167
Mr. Paul Dinklns, M. G.
Route 2, Box 7k
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. Bill Dunaway
6800 Garth Road
Huntsville, Alabama 35802
Maziae Dunaway
6828 Tulip Hill Terrace
Bethesda, Maryland 20016
Mrs. Paul H. Dunn
269 U Svansont Way
Salt Lake City, Utah 81017
Dr . Parker D . Elrod
110 Swan Street
Centerville, Tn 37033
Mrs. Maul ton Farrar, Jr.
502 Park Center Drive
Nashville, Tn 37205
Mrs. B. Wayne Ferguson
2321 Colonial Avenue
Waco, Texas 76707
Mjr. William E. Fitzpatrick
75I4O U6th Avenue, South
Omaha, Nebraska 68157
Mrs. Robert Fletcher
Ih President Way
Belleville, niinoia 62223
Miss Ifyrtle Ruth Foutch
619 North Spring Street
Murfl-eesboro, Th 37130
Mrs. John W. Freeman
1926 Rosewood Valley Drive
Brentwood, Th 37027
Mrs. E. C. Galloway
1502 Frank! In Avenue
Nashville, Tn 37206
Edna G. Fry
Route 1, Box U70
Melfa, Virginia 23U10
Miss Alline Gillespie
UII5 Outer Drive
Nashville, Tn 37201*
Mr. Pollard Gillespie
70U Rtidy Lane
Louisville, Kentucky U02O7
Mr. John J. Good
Box 263, Route h
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. Cathy Good
109 Belfield Court
Smyrna, Tn 37167
Mrs. Carl E. Goodwin
Route 3f Sanf ord Drive
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. Nelia Gray
U2U East Burton Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. Judy L. Green
1211i Coffee Avenue
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. R. C. Griffitts
P. 0. Box 15051*
Nashville, Tn 37215
Mrs. Robert Gwynne
Brittain ails Farm
Rock Springs Road
Smyrna, Tn 37167
so
MEMBERSHIP LIST
Mrs. Charles E. Hailey
12123 Old Oaks Drive
Hooston, Texas 77056
Mr. Doaiald L. Hagerman
807 Stmset Avenue
Murfi-eesboro, Tn 37130
Nelda J. Hicks
U9UI Syracuse Drive
Oxnard, California 93030
Mr. and Mrs. Logan HLckerson
Route 2, Rock Bottom Farm
Readyvllle, Ta 3711*9
Mrs. James M. Hobbs
9722 Sanford Avenue
Garden Grove, California 926J4I
Kr. Charles E. Hodge II
505 Hazelwood Drive
Snyina, Tn 37167
Miss Mary Hall
821 East Burton Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. Sara Baskette Halliburton
680 Mento Road
Akron, Ohio ^4303
Mrs. Margaret Haralson
1507 Gartland Avenue
Nashville, Tn 37206
Mrs. C. J. Barrel!
Route 1
Readyville, Ita 3711*9
Mrs. Ifenry Harrell
P. 0. Box 233
Erin, Th 37061
Rev. Isham A. Harris
lli08 Windermere Drive
Columbia, Tn 381*0!
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Haskins
310 Tyne Avenue
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Ifrs. Jack R. Herriage
Route 2
Pilot Point, Texas 76258
Mr. T. Wayne Hewgley
205 Gordon Drive
Lebanon, Tn 37087
Mrs. E. K. abbett, Jr.
2160 Old Hickory Blvd
Nashville, Tn 37215
Miss Aurelia Holden
1*15 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. John W. Hollar
3l*Jl North 17th Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85015
Dr. and Mrs. Ernest Itooper
202 Second Avenue
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Miss Elizabeth Hoover
1*00 East Coll^o Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. John C. Hoover
Route 5
Jackson, Tn 38301
Mr. Walter King Hoover
101 Division Street
Smyrna, Tn 37167
Mr. W. R. Hoover
1*700 Avenue R
Birmingham, Alabama 35208
Mr. Terry House
50l4li Cherrywood Drive
Nashville, Tn 37211
Mr. Claude A. Huddleston
1*205 Charlotte Avenue
Nashville, Tn 37209
Cheri Hanter
2625 East Olive
Decatur, Illinois 62526
31
KEIMBBRSHIP LIST
Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Hugglns, Jr.
915 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Dr. and Mrs. James K. Bihta
5u7 East Northfield Blvd
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. Jack I. Inman
57 Richmeade Place
UOl Bowling Avenue
Nashville, Tn 37205
Mr. and Kra. Dallas Ison
1019 Houston Drive
Murfreesboro, Tii 37130
Mr. David L. Jacobs
Beech Garove, Tn 37ul8
Mr. Robert T. Jacobs
Beech Qrove, Tn 37018
Mr. and Mrs. Edmund James
Route 1, Armstrong Valley Road
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Amy R. Jennings
Ul7 Pbplar Drive
Fans Church, Virginia 220U6
Mr. Ernest K. Johns
Route 1, Box 85
Smyrna, Tn 37167
}fr, Thomas N. Johns
P. 0. Box 892
Smyrna, Tn 37167
Mrs. Boford Johnson
Mayfield Drive
Snyma, Tn 37167
Mrs. Edwin M. Johnson
E. Tn Historical Socie"ly
Lawson McGhee Library
Knoxville, Tn 37902
Mrs. R. H. Johnson
615 Webb Street
LaFayette, Louisiana 70501
Mr. Homer Jones
1825 Ragland Avenue
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Dr. Robert B. Jones HI
819 West Northfield Blvd
Murfi-eesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. Joe R. King
7U2 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Miss Adeline King
Route 1, Box 112
Smyrna, Tn 37167
Mr. and Mrs. W. H. King
2107 Greenland Drive
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. and Mrs. George Kinnard
Vttndsor Towers, Apt HIO
U215 Harding Road
Nashville, Tn 37205
Dr. Howard Kirfcsey
1015 East Bell Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Faith D. Kitchen
1099 Anzio Street
Crescent City, Califoitiia 95531
Mr. Peter LaPalia
IU03 Maymont
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. Louise G. Landy
lli27 South Madison
San Angelo, Texas 7690I
Mr. John B. Lane
P. 0. Box 31
Sinyma, Tn 37167
Mr. A. D. Lawrence
225 McNickle Drive
Smyrna, Tn 37167
Mrs. Dayton Lester
Route 1
Milton, Tn 37118
32
MSIBEEISHIF UST
Mrs. Lalia Lest«r
1307 West Northfield Blvd
Murlteesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. and Iti's. Vance Little
Beech Qrove Farm, Route 1
Brentwood, Tn 37207
Mrs. Carrie Jane McKni^t
I2UOI Northeast l6th Avenue
i^artment k07
North Miami, Florida 33l8l
Mrs. S. Floyd Lowe
Route 2, Box U3
Christiana, Tn 37037
Mr. and Mrs. Bill I^ch
UI8 Kipkwood
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. Gkjrdon I^nch
Sanl^ym Hall, Apt 119
530 Sanbym Drive
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. Louise G. I^ynch
Route 10
Franklin, Tn 3706U
Mrs. Susan B. I^yon
U^U 2nd Avenue South
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. Robert Marsh
P. 0. BoK 230
Dallas, Oregon 97338
Vrs. James McBroom, Jr.
Route 2, Box 127
Christiana, Tn 37037
Mrs. Fannie McClanahan
Ervln Route
Hugo, Oklahoma 710143
Mrs. Mason McCrary
209 Kingwood Drive
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Hall McFarlin
Route 2, Manson Pike
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Capt. Walter L. McKnight
N.A.T.O. Programming Cmter IQI/DNS
A. P.O. New York 09667
Mr. French R. McIQii^t
1122 Porter Street
Helena, Arkansas 723U2
Mrs. EUse McIQiight
2602 Loyd Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. J. B. McNeil
Route 2, Box 1|13, FrankUJi Road
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Maury County Library
211 West 8th Street
Columbia, Tn 381*01
Dr. Robert L. Mason
Route 1, Hare Lane
Milton, Tn 37118
Mr. and Mrs. James C. Matheny
719 Ewing Blvd
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. Almyra W. Medlin
Route 7, Box 50
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Ifrs. Evelyn Merritt
Route 1, Box 77
Newman, Illinois 619U2
Miss Julia Clarice Miller
808 Wiles Court
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Margaret Miller
1007 West Clark Blvd
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. Jim W. Mitchell
223 McNlckle Drive
Sn^rma, Tn 37167
d3
MEMBSRSHIP LIST
Mr. W. R. Mosly
63i4 Knollwood Circle
CoiqrerSj Georgia 30208
Mr. WiUian David Mullins
1207 Coars^ Drive
Nashvine, Tn 37217
Mr. Eugene R. Mollins
lUiUO Belmont Park Terrace
Nashville, Tn 37217
Mrs. David Naron
U59 Blair Road
LaVergne, Tn 37086
Mrs. C. L. Nein
Bojc 103
Pbarr, Texas 78^77
Mr. and Mrs. James B. Nelson
206 East Clark Blvd
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. Lawson 6. Nelson
13812 Whispering Lake Drive
Son City, Arizona 85351
Mr. Eakin Overall
1209 Jetton Drive
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. J. H. Oliver
The Comers
ReadytrUle, Tn 371U9
Mr. Harry Patillo
Box 1
EagleviULe, Tn 37067
Dr. John A. Patten
221U Riley Road
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Dr. and Mrs. E. K. Patty
lli3U Diana Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. Chester Peters
2U00 Robert Burus Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76119
Mr. Walt Pfeifer
Box 1936
Abilene, Texas 79601
Dr. and Mrs. Homer Pittard
309 Tyne
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. Bobty Pope
Old U. S. Highway la
LaVergne, Tn 37086
Mr. and Mrs. William 0. Pointer
Route U
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Hr. Janes T. Pollard
3UQI Leith Avenue
Forth Worth, Texas 76133
Mr. and Mrs. Kelley Ray
225 North Academy Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Dr. Robert G. Ransom
1211 Whitehall Road
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. W. H. Read
Route 1, Box 311
Rockvale, Tn 37153
Reviewers Club
% Dorothy Epps
101 Bone Drive
Smyrna, Tn 37167
Mrs. Frances R. Richards
Mercury Manor # 5l
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. James A. Ridley, Jr.
Route 3, Lebanon Road
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Miss Mary Bell Robinson
kh3 East Burton
MurfreesboTO, Tn 37130
Mr. Billy J. Rogers
506 Jean Drive, Route 2
LaVergne, Tn 37086
d4
MEMBERSHIP LIST
Mrs. ElTls Rushing
6oU North Spring Street
Murffeesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. Thonas L. Russell
5019 Colnont Drive
Hantsville, Alabama 35801
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Ragland
Box 5Uli
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Miss Sara Lou Sanders
Merc\iry Manor # Ul
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. E. Richmond Sanders, Jr.
205 Cumberland Circle
Nashvine, Th 37211i
Mrs. Robert M. Sanders
Rutherford County Nursing Home
Route 1
Murfreesboro, Th 37130
Dr. and Mrs. Robert S. Sanders
P. 0. Box 1275
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. Bud Sasnett
no Jeb Stuart Drive
Smyrna, Tn 37167
Mr. John F. Scarbrou^, Jr.
701 Fairview
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. Marietta S. Scates
1107 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Dr. R. Neil Schultz
220 East College Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. and Mrs. John Shacklett
307 South Tennessee Blvd
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. J. Mahlon Sharp
Route 2, Almaville Road
Smyrna, Tn 37167
Mr. Charles E. Shelby
P. 0. Box 22578
Savannah, Georgia 3lU03
Mr. William A. Shull, Jr.
U211 Ferrara Drive
Silver Springs, Maryland 20906
Mr. J. A. Sibley, Jr.
P. 0. Box 7965
Shreveport, Louisiana 71107
Mr. Don Simmons
Melber, Kentucky U2069
Mr. R. J. Simpson
Route 2, Box 539A
BarbourviUe, Kentucky 1*0906
Mr. Gene H. Sloan
728 Greenland Drive
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Miss Becky Smith
1910 Memorial Blvd
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. J. C. Smith
711 lith Avenue
Fayetteville, Tn 3733U
Dr. Bealer Smotherman
1020 East I^ytle Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Col. Sam W. Smith
General Delivery
Folly Beach, South Carolina 29U39
Mrs. Betty I. Smith
3I468 MacArthur Road
Decatur, Illinois 62526
ttLss Dorothy Staiothennan
1220 North Spring Street
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mrs. James E. Smotherman
Route 1
College Grove, Tn 370U6
a5
MQIBERSHIP LIST
Mrs. Leoma Smotheman
P. 0. Box 3$
Rockvale, Tn 37153
Mrs. Nell Smotherman
207 Kingwood Drive
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. Travis Smotheman
$2hh Edmondscn Pk, Apt 115
Nashville, Tn 37211
Mr. C. Ray Stacy
826 Willard Street
Elkhart, Indiana ii65l6
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Steiribridge
Route 7, Salara RLke
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Col. and Mrs. E. C. Stewart
Cliff tops, P. 0. Box 95
Montea^e, Tn 37356
Mrs. Carl V. Stine
Route 3, Box 292
Azle, Texas 76020
Mrs. Robert Mac Stone
921 Westview Aveniie
Nashville, Tn 37205
DAR Library
From Stones River Chapter DAR
1776 D Street N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20006
Mr. Roy Tarwater
815 West Clark Blvd
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Tennessee State Library & Archives
Nashville, Tn 37200
Mrs. William H. Thompson, Jr.
Dry Fork Road
White Creek, Tn 37189
Thurinan Francis Jr. High School
% Anne Odom
P. 0. Box 8
Smyrna, Tn 37l67
Mrs. J. Wilbur Vaughan
20U Poplar Street
Martin, Tn 38237
Mr. C. L. VanNatta
6901 D. Rosvell
Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328
Mrs. Martha G. Walker
909 East Northf ield Bivd
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. Bill Walkup, Jr.
202 Ridley Street
Snyma, "to 37167
Mr. and Mrs. William Walki?)
202 Ridley Street
Smyrna, Tn 37167
Mrs. Qnmett Waldron
Box U
UVergne, Tn 37086
Mrs. George F. Watsoci
Executive House B-17
613 HUlsboro Road
Franklin, Tennessee 3706U
Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Westbrooks
306 Tyne
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. Charles Wharton
917 Crovmhill Drive
Nashville, Tn 372X7
Miss Kate Wharton
Rdute 2, Box 156
Apopka, Florida 32703
Miss Virginia Wilkinson
1118 East Clark Blvd
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Dr. Araon Williamson
50U South Lowry Street
Smyrna, Tn 37167
Mrs. Virginia Wilson
Briarwood Drive, Route 8
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
a6
MPBERSHIP LIST
Mrs. John Woodfln
1320 Richland Place
Murfreesboro, Tn 37130
Mr. and Mrs. \ttlliam H. Woods
3I428 Hampton Avenue
Nashville, Tta 37215
Mrs. Selene D. Woodson
907 West Clark HLvd
Mxirfreesboro, Tti 37130
Mrs. F. Craig Yoviree
Route 2
Readyville, Tn 37114?
Mrs. Charles Womack
307 East Monroe
Greenwood, Mississippi 38930
Mrs. Thomas L. Craddock
Route 1, Box 89
Lascassas, Tn 37085
87
INDEX for PDBLICATIOK NO. 17
Adcock U7
Alcorn ^
Alexander 2, 70
Anderson 19, 23, 55, 58,
59, 60, 72
Andrews 2
Archer 63
Armstrong 31, 39, U7
Am61.d U7
Ashley 51
Aspey 50
Baily 1|8
Baird $S, 69, 72
Baker U8
Bankhead 50
Banks 6U
Banton 39
Barfield 6 , 7,
27, 51
Barr U7
Bairton 50
Bean U8
Bedford 1, 2, 1h,
15, 16, 17,
UO, U3
Belah 52
BeU 19, li8, 6B
Benge 3, 21
Bennett U7
Beshano 21
Bevins 51
BUllngBly U8
Bishop 50
Black 57
Bone 9
Bostick 67, 72
Boushane 21, 31
Bowman 5, 51
Brady 51
Bradshaw 52
Brasrly 50
Brent Hi
Brookshlre 51
Brothers 51
Broun 51
Buchanan U8
Buckridge U7
Buckner 50
Burrus 58
Boi-ton 55, 60, 63,
6U, 65, 70, 72
Bushnell 2
BushoTig 21
Butler 56, 63
CaldweU U9
Caiipbell 3
Cannon 39, U9, 50
Cantrell 2
Carr U7
Cason U7
Chalton 51
Chambers 2
Childress 56, 57
"Clarissa" 20, 21, 22
Cochran U9
Coffee UO, 56
Cole U3
ComwalLls 65
Coulter 52
Cox 2
Crosthwait 38
Crosswaithe 6k
Crownover 50
Cummins 3, 30
Daniel hi
Davis 19, 23, U7,
U9, 50
DeadrUc 60
Dement 3
Dickson U7, 55* 65,
66, 72
Dixon 16
Donnel 62
Doran 3
Dorothy (Dougherty j .. . 53
Dotson 6U
Dougan k8
Dmcan U7
Dyer 31, 36, I4O
Edwards 20, 21, 22,
39, U8, 52
Eppes 51, 52
EUlot h9
Espey I4O, 51
88
Fan 52
Fanner 57
Featherson 51
Ferguson k9
Fillmore 6U
Floyd 57
Ford Ii7
Fulton 51
Furr 51
Gamhm U8
Oanavay 60
Gasaway 51
Gilliam 2h, h9
Godfrey U7
Goodlow 52
Gray ^
Green 5l
Griffin 3^, 30., J6
Gum 19, Zd,
30, U3
Hands 51
Hanna Iff
Hardiman 19, 27, UO
Hardy 33, 3li
Harris kl
Hart 2
Havins 3k
Henderson 63, 66, 69
Hezndon 1, 5, 19,
2li, 33
Hlggins 51
Hill 3, 6, 7,
27, 31, 39
Hlllard 63
Holmes 66, 67,
70, 72
Hoover 23, li3
Howell U8
Huggins 55, 62, 72
Hunter k7
Irwin U9
Jackson 56, 57, 81
Jarratt 62
Jenkins 2k
Jetton kl, 55, 56,
57, 58, 70
Johns 50
Johnson 31, 51
Jones 2
KaTanau^ 52
Kelton 30
Klllough 55, 60, 72
Kinkade liB
KLrkland 52
Lassiter 50
LaughUn 62
Legrand 6, 7, 27,
37, 38, 1*6
Lelnan 63, 72
Lenoir 6, 9, 25,
32, 37
Lewis 25
Lillard 51
Locke 10, 21
Lofton 31, 51
Ijrtle 39
Magness k9
Malton 3
Maney 67, 68, 72
Martin 2, U8, h9, 50
Matoy 15
McBride 7, k9
McClanahan 37, 56
McCuIloch 3, 19, 70
McCoy 31
McBwen 65
McKinney 52
McKnight 6, 7, 27
Mc Wade 50
Menifee 8, 20
Matheny 52
Miller 8
Mitchel 6, 7, 19,
22, 27, 31, 3U
36, 37, 38,
kk, kS, kl
Morgan 6I
Moore 21
Morton U8, 1*9, 51
Murfree 63, 67, 70
Nail U8
Nance U8, k9
Nash 1, 3, 31, 52
Nelson 1*8, 52
Norman 1*9
89
Onphant h9
Oslln 71» 72
Overall 52
Paine 66
Partrlok U8
Fatten U9
Fa^e U7
Fearce 51» 63
Fearl 1
Fhillps U8
Plumber U8
Posey $2
Prewit 51
Price U7
Qoisenberry 19« 20
Ramsey « U8, 52
Rankin SS, 69, 72
Read 22, 23,
31, UO
Ready 31
Reeve 71
Ridly 19, 23
Rogers 52
Roberts 50
Robertson U, 12, U6
Robinson 19
Rose 31
Roseberry 50
Rvicker 5, U7, 55,
66, 67, 69,
72
Russell 2
Rutherford 10
Sanders 50
Sai^ington 36
Scriber 51
Scrugg 50
Searcy 2U, 39
Shall 31
Shanks 56
Sharp 3, 7, 19,
27, 31, I49,
50
Shearwood US
Shelby 2
Shinalt 59
Shute Ii9
Sikes 52
Slrancas U9
Sin^}son JQ., 50
Smith 2, 33.,
1*7, 51
&nytb •*•«••••.• 3
Snell 62
Spence 2U, 36, 62,
69, 72
Stewart 60
Still Ii9
Stockird US, U9
StroiQ) 51
Sublett 55, 60, 61
62, 70, 72
Sutfln 52
Tarpley k9
Thacker U7
Thornton U8
Thweatt k9
Tilly 1*8
Tinker U7
Uselton 51
Vaughan 52
Victory 25, U2, 1*5
Wade 52
Wadley 52
Wallace 51
Waller 9, 23, Uh
Ward 32, 33,
3li, 51
Watkins 51
Weakley 1 thru 7
10 thru 13
15 thru 19
U2, U3
Webb 50
Welch U9
Whitnell 52
Whitsett U8
Wilgus 53
Williams U7, 63
Wilson 3, 19, 50
Wlim 52
WLnbum 63
Wright U8, 56
Youree U8, 52
DATE DUE
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