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HISTORY of
SWEETWATER VALLEY

B; W. B. lENOIB

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YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

1936

HISTORY OF

BY W . B . LENOIR

S W~E ETWATER, TENNESSEE

PRESBYTERIAN COMMITTEE OP PUBLICATION, Publishers,
Richmond, Va., 1916.
Copyright, 1916, by W. B. Lenoir.

Richmond. Press, Inc., Printers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sweetwater Valley. Geology p. 14-Chemistry p. 16 Why ideal
Place to live p. 20 — Eariiest Inhabitants of p. 21.
The Cherokees p. 26— Fort Loudon p. 27— Treaty of 1777 p. 29—
Town of Refuge p. 28 — Indian Names of Mountains and Rivers, p.
29 — "Soitee Woitee," n. 32.
Chapter on Races, p. 37— Treaties with Cherokees p. 37— Why
necessary to remove Cherokees, p. 39 — Encroachment of Whites, p.
43 — Hiwassee Purchase, p. 44 — Origin of Land Titles in Sweet
water Valley, p. 45.
Biographical — The Old Inhabitants and Descendants.
Order of Patronymics commencing with p. 51.
Axley, Browder, Adkins, Berry, Caldwell, Bellamy, Biggs, Bogart,
Bowman, Brown, Calloway, Cleveland, Cannon, Childress, Cooper,
Cozart, Smith, Cook, Clark, Cunnyngham, (Cunnyngham-Pattons),
(Cunnyngham-Pickels), Fine Fry, Glaze, Goddard, Gregory, Heis-
kell, Janeway, Jones, Johnson, Lenoir, (Waightstill Avery), Hogg,
Lillard, Lotspeich, Mayes, Owen, Orr, Patton, F. A., Rutherford,
Rowan, Rowland, Reagan, Scruggs, Sheldon, Shell, Stillman, Snead,
Pennington, Ramsey Jnc, Waren, Ramsey, R. A., Young, Vaughn,
Upton, Walker, Yearwood, Bradley, Carter, Montgomery, Coffin,
Bachman. CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, LODGES, RAILROADS, TOWNS.
H. M. Cooke Memorial Library, p. 123 — Cumberland Pres. Church,
163 — Sweetwater, Founding of Town, p. 199 — Gift of Land to E. T.
& Ga. R. R., p. 200 — City Beautiful League, p. 204 — Slaves in
Sweetwater Valley, p. 215 — Facts about E. T. & Ga. R. R. — First
Train Schedule from Loudon to Dalton, 222 — Railroad Elevations,
p. 223 — Plan of Sweetwater, p. 224 — Baptist Church in Sweetwater,
p. 355 — First Baptist Church in Sweetwater, p. 369 — M. E. Church,
S., in Sweetwater, p. 372 — Presbyterian Church in Sweetwater, p.
372 — History of Union Institute and Its Teachers, p. 377 — Story of
Stolen Horse, p. 391 — A Civil War Episode, p. 402 — The Town of
Philadelphia, p. 405 — The Town of Loudon, p. 409. — Sweetwater
Lodge, No. 292, F. & A. M., p. 380. — Newspapers of Town of
Sweetwater, p. 386 — Members of General Assembly from Sweet
water Valley, p. 389.

CORRECTIONS and ADDENDA
Page 77, line 4, insert: He d. April, 1917.
Page 78, Hne 4 from bottom insert: O. K. Jr., was b. Mch. 20, 1917
Page 79, line 11 from bottom, insert: Susan Laird, d. May 8, 191*7.
Page 110, line 11 from bottom, insert: She d. Mch. 10, 1917.
Page 111, after paragraph about (7) A. B. Cannon, insert: (8)
Wm. Harry, b. Feb. 13, 1877, Now (1817) U. S. Post Master at
Gooding, Ida.
Page 112, line 16, add: D. C. Young, d. Sunday, July 1, 1917, at
11 :>. m.
Page 116, after line 6, insert as heading: John Smith.
Page 140, line 12, add: She (E. P. T.) died Aug. 8, 1911.
Page 170, line 3 from bottom add D. H. d. Nov. 23, 1917.
Page 176, line 5, eliminate "he d. in 1871" and add: She d. 1908.
Page 176, line 8, add: He d. June 16, 1913.
Page 176, for Dyche, read Dyke.
Page 222, line 6 from bottom, for "4:59" read 4:39-
Page 308, line 14, read Joseph, for "James" Reagan.
Page 308, line 18 from bottom, read 1810, instead of 1910.
Page 311, line 15, for Hagwood, read Haygood.
Page 311, line 18, cut out "Five." Arthur Bruce fourth son of
and read. Two. Frank M. first son of R. F. and E. R. Scruggs.
Page 314, hne 17, from bottom, for "Margaret" read Annie.
Page 325, line 22, read Frances M. b. May 21, 1883, at Sweet
water, and d. at Knoxville, Sunday, Jan. 13, at 8:30 a. m.
Page 388, line 13, add J. Forsyth Swords, d. Dallas, July 9, 1917.
Page 347, line 14, for 1835, read 1853.
Page 414, line 20 from bottom, for "who" read whom.
Page 414, line 9 from bottom, for laides read ladies.
Page 282, line 13 from bottom, add She d. Feb. 8, Arequipa, Peru.
Page 282, line 9 frombottom, read Margaret Caroline, b. Feb. 26,
1896, in Mexico.
Page 282, line 8 from bottom, read Mary Elizabeth, b. Jan. 6, 1898
in Mexico.
(1) Addie V. b Mch. 6, 1868; m. Mark L. Hardin, Aug. 16, 1892.
d. January 10, 1895.
(2) Charles d. infant. (3) Ora, (4) Julia.
(5) Edgar, b. June 3, 1876; m. Julia 'Ballard, dau. W. L. B., Nov.
16, 1911. Two children, Wm. B. b. Dec. 26, 1913 and Marg. Frances
b. Nov. 21, 1915. E. C. is farmer in Sweetwater Valley.
(6) William, b. Aug. 25, 1879; m. Myrtle Laycock, Oct. 5, 1904. i.
Oct. 10, 1909.
(7) Henry, b. Mch. 8, 1882; m. Jennie Burke --f Sherman, Tex.
Dec. 30, 1907. Farmer in Sweetwater, Tenn.
(8) Ellis, b. Nov. 5, 1886. Moved to Olustee, Okla. m. Mch. 1918.

©ebication
To the natives of this valley and their
descendants, wherever found; to the ad
mirers of strength and loveliness of cTiar-
acter, to the lovers of the beautiful in na
ture, to those who delight in fertility of
soil and seek healthfulness of clime, this
book is respectfully dedicated.

preface
In this book can be found sermons and songs, humor
and pathos, history and philosophy, geology and ge
nealogy, and a great fund of information. If you do
not find these, do not blame me. It is your deficiency,
not mine. Yours egotistically, W. B. Lenoib.

EXPLANATORY NOTES
In setting forth the genealogical tables in this work to attain
clearness and prevent puzzling the mind of the readers, I have used
the following method:
One, Two, Three, etc., placed in front of names are children of al
least one common parent.
1, 2, 3, etc., are children of One, Two, Three, etc.
(1), (2), (3), etc., are children of 1, 2, 3, etc.
a, b, c are children of (1), (2), (3), etc.
(a), (b), (c), etc., are children of a, of a, b, c, etc.
Abbreviations used are:
b for born.
m for married.
d for died.

FOREWORD

My purpose as given in the Sweetwater Telephone, a
weekly paper published at Sweetwater, Tenn., was set
forth in what follows:
I contemplate writing a history of the early settle
ment of Sweetwater Valley, at least that part of it which
includes the location of the town of Sweetwater and as
much adjacent territory up and down the valley as far
as I am able. My intention, also, is to take in as much
of the country east of Sweetwater Eidge and west of
Black Oak Eidge as was embraced formerly in the first
civil district of Monroe County. This history, if it can
be dignified by that name, will contain sketches of the
people of this section of the long ago, whether they per
manently remained here or removed to other parts of
the country; and give genealogical table of the princi
pal families; of the condition of the valley at the first
settlement; then when the railroad was built, graded
and finished. We will try to trace the gradual growth
of the town, and tell of the people wherever coming from
who helped to make it what it is. We, who live in this
day, are much indebted to George Washington and the
founders of this republic for many of the blessings we
enjoy; but we who live here or liave lived here, owe
a far greater debt to those who dug and built, toiled and
legislated for us in this our own valley. Those of the
present generation who find improvements and re
sources ready made to hand often fail to think what is
due to those who occupied and acted before us. This
is to us an unearned and unpaid for increment. The peo
ple of this valley before the war did not incur bonded
indebtedness for their descendants to pay. It is well
that they did not then, for after the losses during the
Civil War, their condition would have been indeed de
plorable. Considering what they had to do aforetime
they could have well been excused for bonding the coun
ty, but such was not the policy pursued.
When the Hiwassee, the district in which we live, was
surveyed and sold in quarter sections, there were no
Indians to fight and the country was not a lawless one.

6 HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
but roads were to be made, schoolhouses and churches
to be built and at the same time the settlers had to pre
pare for themselves homes and get the land in a state
fit for cultivation. Then the inhabitants of this valley
not only raised what they ate and drank, except coffee,
water and salt, but also made their own wearing ap
parel and produced the material for the garments and
made their own wagons and farm implements. A black
smith or a shoemaker was as valuable an asset in the
community as a school teacher or a doctor. Thus neigh
bors were in a great measure dependent one upon the
other; they swapped work and materials when money
was not plentiful. This begot a feeling of common
brotherhood and helpfulness, that nowadays is almost
impossible to exist in our state of society.
When the East Tennessee and Georgia Eailway
depot (now the Southern) was located on the lot of land
where the present depot now stands, within the radius
of a half mile there lived Daniel Heiskell, John Eam-
sey, the Axleys, John Fine, Charles Owen, Henry Mayes
and the Biggs, and within a mile or about that distance
Josiah K. Johnson, Eobert Snead, John Fryar, John
Bowman, I. T. Lenoir, Sterling Neil, John and Charles
Lotspeich. These were all farmers and got their mail
at "Facility," postoffice at Eeagan's, and Philadel
phia. Some of those mentioned above had considerable
families; all of them, however they might differ about
religion and politics, were high-toned, honorable, public-
spirited men — acted in concert and formed an almost
ideal nucleus for a town. Some of those living farther
away in the valley and across the ridges in the opposite
valleys had almost, if not quite, as much to do with the
upbuilding of the town as those mentioned.
The plan of these citizens in town-making was not to
lay off a number of lots, exploit and advertise the place,
get up an excursion, knock off to the highest bidder,
for speculative purposes, but to get such people to come
and live here as would become honorable and useful
citizens and whom they could associate with on terms
of perfect equality.
In getting up data for this work, I have spent much
time at Madisonville examining the public records. The

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATER VAIiXiBY /
only office in which I found them at all satisfactory was
that of register of deeds. Many of the records in the
clerk and master's, the circuit court and the county
court clerk's offices are missing or destroyed. The old
court-house was burned in 1864, therefore the loss of
the records is not due to inefficiency in past or present
officers holding those places, but partly to the destruc
tion of the court-house and partly to the fact that no
vault or proper places had -been prepared for their safe
keeping. The vaults we now have in the new court
house at Madisonville are much too small and will soon
be filled up.
Even the marriage records in the county court clerk's
office are far from conaplete.
It is not until quite recently that it has been made
obligatory by" the State laws to keep a record of births,
which has been the practice for a thousand years in
England. Thus, the children of many prominent people
could not prove by the public records their title to much
valuable property were it to be disputed, unless by
parole evidence. For these reasons the gathering of
data for what I wish to do through sources open to the
public, is a matter of much difficulty. I shall have to
rely in a great measure on the assistance of those who
personally know or have private sources of information
about the subject and people of whom I wish to be in
formed. It is not my purpose now, but may be later on, to bring
records nearer to the present than 1867. F'rom that time
on to the present is much plainer sailing and can be
done by any painstaking individual. Any facts not re
corded in public offices or newspapers can easily be ob
tained from private individuals.
There were also very few even weekly newspapers
published in this section in olden times and those did
not deal much in personalities, or rather personals.
Their columns were devoted mostly to news to be found
on the first page of the newspapers published to-day
and to the discussion of public men and measures. Now
we can take the daily Knoxville and Chattanooga
papers, with the assistance of the weekly papers pub
lished in places between, and compile the history of the
community for any period desired.

History of Sweetwater Valley

ABOUT HISTOEY— WHO SHOULD ATTEMPT TO
WRITE IT.
One makes a statement. It is either true or false;
or it may contain elements of both truth and error.
Owing to the fallibility of human memory, the tempta
tion to distort for interest or effect, the want of proper
information, the lack of time for investigation, mis
statements of one kind or another are nearly always
found in a lengthy article.
If real persons are written about and what is pub
lished purports to be facts, we call it history or
biography. If the people or narratives are imaginary
we call it fiction. If animals other than men are told
about, it is usually termed natural history. If inanimate
things treated of, it is physics.
To be a satisfactory historian, one should have a dis
criminating, impartial mind, bei a patient investigator,
able to sift the false from the true, having good powers
of observation, should not be swayed by malice or led
to too much adulation by friendship or admiration.
In addition to this he should have such a command
of language as to make his meaning clear, using con
cise sentences composed of simple words, able to be un
derstood by people of average intelligence. No sentence
should be ambiguous or susceptible of two meanings;
but each should be written so that the sense cannot be
changed by punctuation. If pains are taken by a good
writer, this can be done.
Unfortunately the English language abounds in words
of the same sound which when spelled differently have
different meanings. This is why the phonetic system
cannot be adopted for many years (if at all) in a his
tory or scientific treatise. Also when a word is used
in a restricted sense,, explanation is sometimes neces
sary. The word "water" in common language may mean
any one of several things, fresh, salt, pure, impure, et

10 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
cetera. To the chemist or druggist, water means a
liquid formed from hydrogen and oxygen gases com
bined in certain proportions and expressed in chemical
language, H2O. It can exist in three forms, solid, liquid
and gaseous. In the open air at sea level at a tempera-
tui'e of 32 degrees (Fahrenheit) and below, it is a solid
(ice or snow), above 32 degrees and up to 212, it is a
liquid (water), above 212 and up to an exceeding high
temperature, it is a gas (steam). Pure water, when
taken into the stomach, quenches thirst and is health
ful, when taken into the lungs in sufficient quantities,
destroys life. These facts are known to humanity in
general, the knowledge of which is necessary to the
preservation and comfort of the human race, therefore
this is the most useful and highest form of knowledge.
It has also the advantage of being able to be verified
by the individual observer. The study of physics is
more exact than that of history. Each individual drop
of water under like circumstances acted, acts and will
aet the same manner yesterday, to-day and forever.
Not so the individual people of even a limited section
of country, although they may be of the same race and
living under the same government and subject to the
same human laws. When taken as a mass, however,
we can formulate a general rule of conduct.
We assert as a fact that the East Tennessee moun
taineer resists oppression and is quick to resent an in
sult; still this is not true of every individual, but only
of the large majority. Any doubter can experiment and
see what happens.
So much about how a history should be written. I
have been asked more than once what good is there
in delving into the past of this section and attempting
to place the result before the public. The question is
pertinent. Everyone should have a good reason for his
actions. If what is written becomes a part of the record
of the country in which he lives and is untrue, it helps
to perpetuate error, which is undesirable. The Barbara
Frietchie incident has been embalmed in story and song
to such an extent that, though proved a hundred times
to have no foundation in fact, is usually believed and
accepted as history.

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 1 1
Even mere annals or the relation of dry facts have
their uses. For instance, two persons, William Brow
der and Thornton C. Goddard, residing within a mile of
each other, reached almost the century mark in age.
Several things could and ought to be inferred there
from ; that the section they lived in was healthful ; that
there was much of clean living and thinking in the in
dividuals themselves, to say nothing of clean eating and
drinking; that their parents before them gifted them
with good constitutions, sound minds in sound bodies.
What does it profit a man if he gains a million dollars
and fails to transmit to his children the mental and
physical capacity to use and enjoy in a proper manner
the wealth he leaves them?
We, as people, are anxious to get the pedigree of
the donkey, and trace his ancestry back to the Anda-
lusian mountains, to know that our horses have their
origin in the desert of Arabia, our cows came from Jer
sey, that our breed of chickens came from the Isle iof
Minorca or from Cochin, China, our ducks from Pekin,
our hogs from Berkshire, and our hound dogs from
Virginia or Pennsylvania. This is all right and proper
and no objection is registered. But there are some who
seem to think their own people and the acts of long ago
are of no importance. Such an one usually miscalls
himself a self-made man. He acknowledges no indebted
ness to the past. He is of himself, by himself and for
himself. Such an one is not likely to make sacrifices
for the community in which he lives; he will not rush
into the breach to save his country ; if he sheds his blood
it will be by proxy.
I know there are those, because of inherited wealth
and family prestige, who consider themselves better
than others and think that they are exempt from toil
and trouble and ought to be granted special privileges.
This spirit is to be deplored wherever found. I am
glad to say there has been and is little of this in our
valley. The very opposite should be the case. If one's
ancestors took a prominent place in school, society,
church or State, it is his duty to maintain its traditions
and not have it said the family died with his mother or
father.

12 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Sentiment plays and ought to play an important part
in our lives. It is well that such pieces as mentioned
below belong to the mental make-up of the average
school-boy :
"Breathes there a man with soul so dead." — Scott.
"Oh, say, can you see in the dawn's early light?" —
Key. "This lovely land, this glorious liberty, these benign
institutions, the dear purchase of our fathers." — Web
ster. "An exile from home pleasure dazzles in vain." —
Payne. They have been said and sung to admiring audiences
by every school-boy. He cons them over day by day.
These, in connection with the deeds of the good and
great taught in history, help to make him a patriot and
self-respecting citizen. If sentiment is lacking in a
man's composition, he may think himself rich with ac
quired wealth, but he is really poor. He misses the best
things in life. PEEFATOEY EEFLECTIONS.
When a magazine writer perpetrates a particularly
unreasonable story, clear beyond the realms of possi
bility, he remarks nonchalantly (to use a popular expres
sion in vogue in our periodicals): "This illustrates
how stranger is truth than fiction;" that is to say, more
wonderful, marvelous and startling. Wonder is the
child of ignorance and superstition. Also the things
we see happen daily and hourly we take little notice
of; they occasion no surprise. We stare at the aviator
who rises in his spiral flight; we accept as common
place the soaring of the bird, though the latter is far
more wonderful. We are pleased to see the order of
things reversed, the man to ascend triumphantly into
the empyrean and the whirring bird to tumble at the
shot of the expert. The commonplace does not attract
us. We care not to see a man walk on his feet however
gracefully he may carry himself, but we applaud when
he stands on his head on the trapeze bar and kicks
his heels in the air. We have heard so much of the
serpent charming the ancient Eve in the garden of Para-

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 13
dise, "the cause of our woe and the loss of Eden," that
we cheerfully spend a dime in the side show to see the
modern Eve charm the serpent. We feel that evens
.things up. Then we part with fifty cents in the big
show to observe how the fierce monarch of the forest
cowers under the lash of the animal trainer. He may
be as gentle as a kitten but he roars as if he could eat
up a whole menagerie. He knows his business : no roar,
no meat. If the public but knew the facts in the case,
minus would be the blood-curdling thrills so dear to the
feminine heart, and the "barker" at the entrance would
be hunting another job.
The man was not far wrong who said :
"This world is but a fleeting show (traveling circus)
For man's illusion given."
And while the clown in the ring is convulsing our
country cousins his child may be dying in the dressing-
room. The cop on the corner says, "Move on"; we
can't stop.
But if I thought that it would be necessary to resort
to the bizarre, to palm off fiction for truth, to give an
undue value to small things or to belittle the great to
make an interesting and instructive history of our valley
and its people, I would be far from attempting to write
it. Mistakes will necessarily be made, but they will
not be intentional and every pains and means within
my power will be taken to avoid them. Statements
merely probable will be given as such.
What truth is, what life is, have never been satis
factorily answered by philosophers and chemists.
There are himdreds of definitions but they are all
mostly juggling with words. It is folly for us to attempt
it. For our own purposes, which we premise is purely
arbitrary, we shall divide the kinds of truth as follows :
1. Axiomatic. — Such as "A straight line is the
shortest distance between two points." Not susceptible
of proof but acknowledged.
2. Mathematical.— ^'CeTtahi. properties of the right
angle triangle." These you can prove by experiment.
3. Moral. — Philanthropy or love as a ruling power
for the world is preferable to hatred. One is construc
tive, the other is destructive.

14 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
4. Historical. — ^Dependent upon the accuracy of the
written and spoken testimony of observers and the
works of man extant.
5. Financial (mathematical also) — If a section raises,'
gets and keeps within its borders more of wealth than
it exports, then it will eventually become rich. The
problem of political economy is to exchange the perish
able that you cannot use for the more or less imperish-;
able. Simple enough in stating but not easy in practice.
As to rules of evidence, about which hundreds of
volumes have been written, time and space are the prin
cipal factors: that is to say, that no two bodies can
occupy the same space at the same time, nor can any
body be in two separate places at the same time.
If John Smith committed an act, then the remainder
of the world is absolved from that particular action..
If John Jones was in Sweetwater when a man was
hit by a baseball bat in Philadelphia, then it naturally
follows that John Jones was not the hitter.
Furthermore, for the doing of any act, whether termed
good or bad, there must be present motive, opportunity
and ability. This applies to other animals as well as
men. These things are A-B-C 's to the legal fraternity
and to a great many others; however, a statement of
the same stripped of legal verbiage may not be inapt.
These state some of the general plans of the history,
the specifications will come later.
THE TESTIMONY OF THE EOCKS IN SWEET
WATEE VALLEY.
In speaking of a valley, writers usually mean the
surface drained by some particular stream and its tribu
taries. Sweetwater Creek takes its rise partly from
some large springs on the east side of Sweetwater
Eidge, the waters from which run westward through a
low gap in the ridge, joining with other streams in the
valley, which have their sources near Eeagan's. Below
Philadelphia, two miles, the creek breaks through the
Black Oak Eidge, and empties into the Tennessee Eiver
on the west side of the ridge.
Our use of the term, "Sweetwater Valley," includes
the territory between Sweetwater and Black Oak

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 15
Eidges from the summit or divide of the waters run
ning southwest to Mouse Creek and those running north
east, forming Sweetwater Creek, to where those ridges
strike Tennessee Eiver near Loudon. The divide is
about midway between Eeagan's Station and Niota.
The valley proper is about eighteen miles long and a
scant two miles in width. The stations and towns in
cluded in the valley are Eeagan's, Sweetwater, Phila
delphia and Loudon. The name "Summit" was given
to the point on the old East Tennessee and Georgia
Eailroad as being the highest on that railway between
Knoxville, Tenn., and Dalton, Ga.
"Day unto day uttereth speech and night unto night
showeth knowledge." The firmament, the stars have
not human language but to the reverent listener they
sing together as at creation's dawn, flashing their
vibrant message of light through the ether, repeating
o'er and o'er the story of their birth to the uttermost
confines of space.
There is not a rock, tree or flower that has not a tale
of its own to tell. Observe them, read them! What
they have to say far surpasses in interest the novel or
the yellow journalism of the day; for their story is a
true one. The testimony of the rocks, when rightly
read, is unmistakable. There is no misprint, no typo
graphical error. You can lie about a rock, but it never
lies about itself. It tells you plainly of what it is com
posed and how it was formed, whether by fire, water or
air, whether its origin was igneous (volcanic) or sedi
mentary or a combinaiion of the two. The imprint of
the shell upon the limestone informs you what animals
lived in the deeps at that period. Break it, powder it
even, like the shattered rose vase, it will speak to your
senses still of what it once held.
The geology of the surface of Sweetwater Valley is
not complex. The stratifications dip at no great angle
from the horizontal. They have been subjected to but
few folds or "faults." They are almost entirely sedi
mentary, formed by water, and are not extremely varied
in their character. In common language (we try not to
use chemical and geological terms unless absolutely
necessary) it is a limestone region. The formation is
neither very hard nor very soft. It is, however,- hard

] 6 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
enough to prevent the streams from wearing away deep
channels, as is notably the case with some of the rivers
in the State of Kentucky and in some instances in the
middle basin of Tennessee, and yet not of sufficient
hardness to prevent the gradual weathering of the
strata. These thus become part of the soil, enriching
it and furnishing food for plant life. For this reason
also we have no sharp, conical peaks as in shale regions,
but the hills present to the eye a beautifully rounded
contour. Nor are the ridges of great altitude above the
intervening valleys. Massive and majestic mountain
chains, like the tlnaka or Blue Eidge, are formed of
more durable material, such as the granites, the shales
and the sandstones, which are far more slowly deroded
by the action of air and water.
Although many thousands of compounds are known
to chemists and an almost infinite number possible, they
reduce on analysis to a small group of substances which
are called "elements," merely meaning by this term, the
simplest form to which any compound can be reduced.
There are now (1913) known to chemists eighty ele
ments. Sixteen of these have been discovered in the last
forty years. Several of the late discoveries belong to
the radium group, with which, however interesting they
may be, we have nothing to do.
The elements differ widely in their abundance and in
their distribution in nature. In speaking of the geologi
cal formation of Sweetwater Valley we have to deal
with a few only of these elements. The metals found
in the rocks in our valley with their chemical symbols
in brackets are given below :
Aluminum (Al), Carbon (C), Calcium (Ca), Iron
(Fe), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Phosphorus
(P), Potassium (K), Silicon (Si), Sodium (Na) and
Sulphur (S).
Gases: Oxygen (0), Nitrogen (1^), Hydrogen (H)
and Chlorine (CI).
Aluminum — The most abundant of all metals. One
of the constituents of our red clay and an essential con
stituent of all important rocks except sandstones and
limestones. It occurs only in oxidized compounds.
Calcium — Next to aluminum the most abundant metal
in Sweetwater Valley. Our limestone is a calcium car-

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 17
bonate. Our marble is a crystallized calcium carbonate.
Carbon — The characteristic element of organic mat
ter; trees, plants, flesh, etc. 'Diamond is crystallized
carlaon ; anthracite coal also nearly pure carbon.
Iron — Occurs as an oxide in the valley and ridges;
also is found in small quantities as a sulphide. Brown
iron ore on Black Oak Eidge north of Sweetwater; red
fossiliferous ore (hematite) in many places in the
valley. Much has been mined and shipped.
Manganese found in nodules ; also in combination with
the oxide of iron and gives to the latter its bluish east.
Valuable as an alloy in the making of steel.
Magnesium — Best known to our fathers and mothers
as common epsom salts, which is magnqsium sulphate.
This salt is very soluble and is, therefore, found in
many mineral waters. The carbonate forms part of
magnesian limestone, which is fairly abundant in our
valley. It is commonly called dolomite, which is some
times tinted pink or brown, and is unlike the blue lime
stone. Limestone containing a large percentage of mag
nesium is not suitable for being burned into the lime of
commerce. Phosphorus — Important constituent of many plants
and also in combination with oxygen and lime forms the
greater part of the bones of animals. Found in the
limestones in our valley in small quantities. However,
there are no great beds of phosporites in our valley as
in middle Tennessee. When, cereals requiring a large
amount of phosphorus are cultivated from year to year
on the same land, the phosphorus should be supplied
in some shape to the soil. Phosphorus oxidizes with
a light. Notice faint light from rotting wood in damp
weather. We have said already that the prevailing metals in
the rocks of the valley were Aluminum (Al), Calcium
(Ca), Carbon (C), Iron (Fe), Magnesium (Mg), Man
ganese (Mn), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Silicon
(Si), Sodium (Na) and Sulphur (S).
We have discussed these in a brief manner above with
the exception of the last four. We have yet to speak of
the gaseous elements. Oxygen (O), Hydrogen (H) and
Chlorine (CI). These are not liquid at ordinary tern-

18 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
perature, but all of the gases may be liquefied by intense
cold and pressure.
Potassium — Found mostly in the igneous rocks,
though in small quantities in the sedimentary rocks of
our valley. It is a constituent of most terrestrial
waters. It is found in the ash of woods, especiallyt
hickory ash, also a constituent of many plants.
Silicon — Next to oxygen the most abundant of all the
elements on the earth, yet in our own valley it is far
exceeded in quantity by calcium. It exists in all well,
river and spring waters. It is readily taken up by
plants and gives to the stem of not a few of them their
strength and resisting power. Quartz is a silicon
dioxide. It crystallizes hexagonally. Almost every one
has seen these semi-transparent crystals, though not
plentiful here. They are often colored by various sub
stances. Quartz or sand when fused with sodium, or
potassium forms the glass of commerce. It is easily
manufactured into various forms. The fact that it re
sists all acids, except hydrofluoric, a rare acid, makes
it almost a necessity in our daily life. Quartz in some
localities forms great boulders and cliffs; found in our
valley only in small quantities.
Sodium — Is a constituent of all oceans and closed
lakes, usually as a solution of common salt, chloride of
sodium, invaluable to humanity as an antiseptic. It
exists in small quantities in rain water and the air, de
creasing rapidly in proportion as we recede from the
oceans. Very little sodium in any form is found in
Sweetwater Valley rocks.
Sulphur — Sulphides and sulphates are not common in
our valley. Sulphuret of iron (pyrite) in small particles
is found imbedded in our limestone. This is in color
a bright yellow of cubical crystallization and is some
times mistaken for gold, therefore occasionally called
' ' fool's gold. ' ' This is plentiful in copper regions, being
a portion of most copper ores. Sulphate of lime is the
gypsum of commerce, very little of which is found here.
It is soft and easily ground.
Barium — Little in our valley, though in valleys east
and west of us it is abundant; there found in the form
of a sulphate, barytes (Ba So 4). Large quantities have
been shipped from the different railway shipping points

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 19
in our valley. It is principally valuable in the manu
facture of paints.
We have now discussed briefly the important mineral
elements of our valley soil, we will say something of the
gaseous elements. They are found surrounding the
earth. Not knowing the composition of the atmosphere
we would be ignorant of one of the principal sources of
plant and animal life. Where there is no atmosphere
there can be no life such as we know here. For this
reason astronomers believe that the moon is perfectly
sterile. Our atmosphere is not a chemical compound
but a mechanical mixture.
The principal constituents are three gases given be
low: Chemical Percentage Percentage
symbol. by weight. by volume
Oxygen  O 23.024 20.941
Nitrogen  N 75.539 78.122
Argon  Ar 1.437 .937

100.000 100.000
The last, argon, is an inert gas not found in com
bination with any other element. The reason for giving
it is that its one and a half per cent, weight is far greater
than any other element in the air with the exception of
0. and N. given in table ; otherwise it need not be taken
into account. The atmosphere, roughly speaking, is
four-fifths nitrogen and one-fifth oxygen, mechanically
mixed but chemically separate, ready to seize upon any
thing that either comes in contact with for which it has
an affinity.
As oxygen is heavier than nitrogen it would naturally
be supposed that in the higher altitudes the percen
tage of oxygen would be less, however, numerous chem
ical analyses have shown the contrary to be the case;
that the air in mountainous regions is richer in oxygen
than those nearer the sea level. In addition to the ele
ments spoken of above the air contains in variable
quantities the vapor of water, carbon dioxide, ammonia,
sulphur, organic matter and other suspended solids and
also innumerable animalculae or microbes. But it is
these very constituents, or the absence of them, infinitely
minor in weight and volume, that make a region desir-

20 HISTORY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
able or possible to live in. A miasmatic exudation from
a swamp might bring disease and death to numerous
near-by people though neither in weight nor volume
it composes one ten millionth of the atmosphere in
that locality. Local conditions in a great measure deter
mine the proportion of these minor constituents.
Wherever animals breathe and fire burns oxygen is with
drawn from the air and locked up in compounds.
Wherever plants and trees grow oxygen is given out and
carbon absorbed. Near iron furnaces and manufactories
where a vast amount of coal is consumed there is a
greater proportion of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere;
near copper refining furnaces more sulphur ; near oceans
and large bodies of water more aqueous vapor
and chlorine. Volcanoes erupt many gases, some of
them deadly, sometimes destroying plant and animal
life near them. Oxygen is far the most abundant
element in nature, constituting one-fifth of the atmos
phere, nearly seven-eighths of the waters, from 45 to
53 per cent, of all important rocks, being almost one-
half of terrestrial matter. The "corroding tooth of
time" is nothing more nor less than oxygen combining
with other elements. In fact, gold, silver and copper
are about the only metals of importance found in the
free State. That is one reason probably why they were
used as coins or standards of value long before chemis
try or even alchemy or processes of extracting metals
from oxides and sulphurets were known.
WHEEE HUMANITY COULD MOEE HAPPILY
LIVE.
Many writers have conceded that the ideal places for
humanity to live, in especial the white race, would be
in the United States, somewhere between 30 and 40 de
grees north latitude ; in a valley whose average elevation
was not less than six hundred nor more than two thous
and feet above the sea level; whose surrounding ridges
abound in timber and ores; whose elevation above the
valley is high enough to afford a convenient water sup
ply but not so high as to make transportation over them
difficult ; with a rainfall of not less than fifty inches nor
more than eighty during the year, distributed somewhat
equally in the seasons ; with enough incline in the valley

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 21
to make good drainage, give the streams free course and
also furnish water for power and other purposes ; with
an average temperature of from sixty to seventy degrees
Fahrenheit, and where there are not too sudden and
extreme variations between seasons as in some parts of
the Northwest; a valley where the thermometer rarely
rises above 90° Fahrenheit or falls below 10° ; these ad
vantages, experience proves, makes a healthful climate
and a valley capable of supporting a numerous and pros
perous people. There are more places in East Tennes
see that answer these conditions than any other section
of country with which I am acquainted. No one
of them is more ideal, in my opinion, than Sweetwater
Valley. Different elevations, tempera:tures, waters and
soils may suit different individuals but we are speaking
of what would suit the average white man. We recog
nize the fact that there is no great stream running
through our valley, there are no coal beds, no immense
bodies of ores, and for these reasons small likelihood of
there being in the near future any great city in our bor
ders ; however, most of us are not crazy on the subject of
increase in population. We fail to see why people can
not get as much out of life in a town of 20,000 inhabi
tants as one of 200,000. We are not obliged to have
millionaires in our midst to be happy. Needless to say
we have none. If congestion of wealth and population
is necessary to our happiness it is still possible to live
in New York or London and China. The Chinese claim
that their country is not yet full of people. There is
no doubt though that Sweetwater Valley is capable of
supporting several times the population it now has and
at the same time exporting a large amount of products.
Congestion is not likely to occur for years to come. Yet
at the same time there should be no fear but that we
will not receive our proportion of people seeking new
locations. Thousands of people, and ones who will make
splendid citizens, too, are on the hunt for such places
as our valley affords.
THE EAELIEST INHABITANTS OP OUE VALLEY.
It is generally agreed by archaeologists and the delvers
into antiquities that what are termed the mound

22 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
builders are the most ancient inhabitants. They are so
called because of their custom of erecting mounds in
which to bury their dead. In supposed populous com
munities some of these mounds were very large, being
sometimes as much as fifty to seventy-five feet higher
than the surrounding territory. There used to be
various mounds in Sweetwater Valley, none of them as
far as I know were very large. There used to be a
mound in the field of Mrs. Love, a short distance north
of the old Sweetwater Cemetery, and one in the field on
the east side of the railroad, perhaps nearly a quarter
of a mile from the one mentioned above. For a long
time the soil upon them was very unproductive, and it
could be easily seen exactly where they were located.
Now they have been so plowed down, fertilized and cul
tivated that to ascertain their exact location is a matter
of some difficulty. These mounds, so far as I know,
were never dug into and the findings made a matter of
record. They are, however, supposed to contain what
was found in the mounds in this valley and in the valley
of the little Tennessee Eiver that have been examined
and their contents preserved and classified. The United
States government and various universities and his
torical societies have carried on a series of explorations
for a number of years. The results of different ones
differ in many points. However, there are other points
in which most agree : That the American Indian did not
erect these mounds. If any tribe did it, it was the
Cherokees. If they did build mounds it was for defense
and not for burial purposes. Their burial customs are
different. The skeletons and stone sepulchres show that the|
mound-builders were rather small people, and hardly so
large as the American Indians who inhabited this seo-i
tion. They belonged to the stone age. There is no evi
dence of their having used any metallic weapons or in
struments. They were sun worshippers, as shown by
the position of the stone and slate sepulchres. In this
they show their kinship to the Aztecs of Mexico. There
are no remains here of temples, roads, aqueducts or
prominent residences. It is doubtful if they ever used
wood for building. There is no mark of sharp instru
ments in any of the oldest trees.

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 23
According to Thurston's Antiquities in some mounds,
however, have been found bottles, spoons and cooking
utensils of various characters, mostly earthenware.
There are no inscriptions on these which have been de
ciphered, and it is presumed they had no written lan
guage. Their arrowpoints are similar to those plowed up in
the Eoman Campagna, which far antedate any period of
Eoman history.
So far there is no agreement of exactly when they
inhabited this country, when they were driven away "or
destroyed, what was their color, race or nation. From
my reading I infer that they were rather a small, war
like people, as shown by the weapons; were more civi
lized than the American Indians, but not so much so as
the Aztecs or the Arizona Cliff Dwellers; that they in
habited the bounds of the Hiwassee district in far
greater numbers or for a longer period than did the
Indian tribes; that the American Indians have no re
liable account even by tradition of what sort of people
they were.
When the mound builders disappeared, were de
stroyed or were assimilated is a matter of conjecture;
probably more than five hundred years ago. For when
Ponce de Leon landed in Florida in 1512 the Seminoles,
a tribe of Indians, occupied that country and must have
done so for many years. Later on in 1540 when De Soto,
the discoverer of the Mississippi, started his wonderful
invasion he found the Seminoles in Florida, and march
ing northwestward he encountered the Cherokees in
what is now North Georgia. He wintered in Nacoochee
Valley at the head of the Chattahooche Eiver at the foot
of Yonah, a peak of the Blue Eidge. Exactly what route
he pursued from there to the Chickasaw Bluffs on the
Mississippi Eiver is uncertain. There are traditions of
his passing through a part of western North Carolina.
In Cherokee county in the Valley Eiver Valley are the
remains of old diggings and rude furnaces for the re
duction of ores, known as the De Soto mines. This was
certainly not done by the Cherokee Indians, who held
possession of that section, as they neither had the energy
nor the appliances for such work ; nor was it done by the

24 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
English white settlers since their occupation. There is
one of two things probable; either part of De Soto's
invading army, tiring of the hardships of the campaign,
deserted and did this mining, and afterwards _ were
killed or amalgamated with the tribe and lost to history
like the colony of Sir Walter Ealeigh on Eoanoke
Island; or that the whole force of that commander^
crossed the Blue Eidge Mountains at the Yonah Gap at
the head of the Hiwassee Eiver in Towns county,' Geor
gia, and thence marched down that river to the junction
of the Hiwassee and Valley Elvers. Six miles above
there is the site of the so-called "De Soto mines."
There are not many streams in that section which have,
not produced gold in paying quantities, nearly all got
by placer mining. De Soto's object was evidently to
gain fame and riches by repeating the conquest of
Pizarro in Peru and Cortez in Mexico.
How strange this lure and thirst for gold in all people
and nations from the earliest "syllable of recorded
time" down to the present!" Most of the explorations,
discoveries, inventions and the greater number of wars
and crimes have been attributed to it. " The love of
money," we are told, "is the root of all evil." If we
can credit historians, man's main effort through the
ages has been to get and keep gold, "hard to get and
harder to hold. ' ' Nothing has ever induced him to part
with it save the charms of woman — Anthony flinging
the world away for the love of Cleopatra.
When Croesus, the Lydian tyrant, showed Solon, the
Athenian, the greatest hoard of gold then in existence,
taken, it is said, from the sands of the Eiver Pactolus,
and asked him, "Ought I not to be happy?" Solon re
plied: "I call no man happy while living." How true
it was in Croesus ' case : The barbarian afterward over
came him and made him swallow his own molten gold.
"You always wanted gold, now take this." Or as
Herodotus gives it he was captured by Cyrus and sub
jected to torture and the greatest indignities.
No great hoard of gold, no matter where placed or
how carefully guarded, has ever been safe from the
robber, the vandal and the pirate, and those who rob are
often robbed in turn. What becomes of all the gold
taken from the earth too is a mystery! Millions upon

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 25
millions are buried in the depths of the ocean, as in
the Titanic disaster. Great sums are ¦ in the teeth of
people dead and living, but that has not been the case
for long. Dentistry is comparatively a recent art. It
must be that misers have hidden away innumerable
treasures which have never been discovered. The
greatest search for gold in history, undoubtedly on our
own continent, taking into consideration the number en
gaged, was the ill-starred expedition of De Soto. 'Twas
nothing to him to be the discoverer of the Father of
Waters, naught cared he for the mighty forests of the
East, the immense, fertile plains of the West ; 'twas gold
and gold only that he wanted. He and his followers
preferred that their bones bleach in the unknown wilder
ness rather than to return to Hispania with their
galleons unladen with "barbaric pearls and gold." The
Jamestown colonists found "fool's gold," iron pyrites
and took it to England. The Carolina colonists spent
their first efforts in search for gold. These finally found
something far more precious: "Liberty" and home.
There was a rush to California for search for the
precious metal. It so happens that the products now
from that State in one year even, exclusive of gold, are
worth more than all the gold ever taken out of it.
Alaska's gold is but a drop in the bucket to the iron,
coal, the copper and the furs of the animals in her bor
der; but little was said of anything but gold until the
other resources were about all gobbled up by a favored
few. In 1896 we had what some called the "silver craze."
Wrong, all wrong. It was just the old time greed for
gold. It was this struggle: The men who had silver
wanted gold for it, and those who had gold were der-
termined to keep what they had. Gold won, as it nearly
always does one way or another. Every intelligent per
son acknowledges that, except as a medium of exchange,
it is far less useful to humanity than iron, tin or copper
and it is not near so indestructible as most people
imagine. It is easily abraded on account of its softness.
There are numerous natural solvents of gold, as shown
by its wide distribution by deposition and the finding
of it in a great variety of rocks and soils. Some sup
pose aqua regia the only solvent for gold. By no means

26 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
true. Even so mild a solvent as ten per cent, solution
of sodium carbonate is capable of dissolving it, though
but slowly. But people love, gold on earth below,
whether wisely or foolishly seems to matter not; and
it is the opinion of many writers and speakers that we
will love it in heaven above. If not, why is so much
stress laid on the golden streets and the golden crowns
the elect are to receive, as if it were impossible to attain
perfect bliss in the New Jerusalem without the sight of
the yellow metal? Exactly what use the disembodied
or re-embodied spirits would have for a crown (for
whom would they govern there?), or why it should in
crease their happiness to walk on the streets of gold is
not explained.
However, we return to the expedition of De Soto. If
he came in his march to where Murphy, N. C, is now,
two routes to Alabama and Mississippi, which territories
he is known to have traversed, were feasible : one down
the Hi"w^assee Eiver and the Tennessee Valley to Ala
bama ; the other to strike the little Tennessee by way of
some of its tributaries, thence down it to Chilhowee Gap.
From there on to Alabama, Mississippi and the Chick
asaw Bluffs the march would not present very great
topographical difficulties. THE CHEEOKEES.
From the time of De Soto to 1700 we have no history
of the Cherokees. Eamsey's Annals, page 78, says:
"Early French explorers aver that the Shawnees, a
powerfully and unusually intelligent tribe of Indians
(in 1700), occupied the country from the Tennessee
Eiver in west Tennessee to the Cumberland Mountains.
They were driven out by the Cherokees or Creeks, pos
sibly both, and went north and were incorporated with
the Six Nations.
"When the pioneers settled in Southwest Virginia and
the coterminous part of North Carolina, those sections
had ceased to be, probably never had been, the settled
residence of the modern aboriginal tribes. It was used
as the common hunting ground of the Shawnees, Chero
kees and other Southern Indians. East and north of
the Tennessee to the Ohio there was not a single Indian

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 27
hut. The Choctaws, Chickasaws and Cherokees, how
ever, of the South, used to engage in war with the Miami
confederacy of the North. In their excursions they no
doubt had certain trails which they were accustomed to
travel. ' '
The Uchees were a small tribe which once occupied the.
country near the mouth of the Hiwassee Eiver. Their
warriors were exterminated in a desperate battle with
the Cherokees. This took place at "old fields" in Ehea
county sometime between 1750-1775. The remainder of
the tribe were incorporated with the Cherokees.
' ' Chera ' ' in their language means fire. Chera-tage, men
possessed of divine fire — of great courage. They were
formidable alike for their numbers and their passion
for war. When asked to make peace with the Tus-
caroras, their reply was : "We cannot live without war.
If we make peace with the Tuscaroras we must find
some other tribe to war with. It is our occupation."
According to Adair, in 1735 the Cherokees had sixty-
four towns and could collect six thousand warriors. This
included all the men not too old or too young to fight,
which would probably be one-fourth of the population.
In 1750 there were not so many, they having been
decimated by wars with the Creeks.
(Eamsey, p. 89) : "Little of the history of the Chero
kees can be ascertained from their traditions. These ex
tend little farther back than the early days of 0-ka-na-
sto-to, their chief, who visited George II. of England.
He was practically their king. His seat of government
was E-cho-ta (more properly E-tsawty) on the Tellico
Eiver, which afterwards became the property of John
McGhee. POET LOUDON.
After the visit of Okanastoto, Hugh Waddell, as com
missioner for North Carolina, negotiated a treaty with
the Cherokees. In pursuance with that treaty. Governor
Glenn erected a line of forts, the easternmost of which
was Fort Loudon at the highest point of navigation on
the south bank of Tennessee Eiver, near the mouth of
the Tellico, and on the east bank of this. river.
This fort was erected, Eamsay says, in 1756; Hay-

28 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
wood gives the date at 1757. The fort surrendered after
a long siege on August 7, 1760, being besieged by the
united forces of the Cherokee nation. The English were
to be allowed to march to the white settlements un
molested. The marching consisted of men, women and
children, amounting to about three hundred. They were
treacherously assaulted and massacred about daylight on
the morning of the 10th of August. They had marched
about twenty miles up the Tellico Eiver, which would
bring them not far from the site of the terminus of the
Athens and Tellico Eailway, now a part of the Louis
ville and Nashville system. There were only three or
four survivors. One of them escaped to the town of
Chota. THE TOWN OF EEFUGE.
"Every Indian tribe," says Adair, "had a town or
house of refuge, which is a sure asylum to protect a man
slayer or an unfortunate captive if he can once enter
it. Among the Cherokees Chota, about five miles above
Fort Loudon, was their city of refuge. Thus passed
Fort Loudon, the first place in the bounds of what is now
Monroe county, that was inhabited by the whites. The
story has been told by numerous writers. Eomance and
truth have become so entangled that it is a matter of ex
treme difficulty to separate them. What happened to
those pioneers or early settlers forms one of the most
interesting and pathetic stories in the annals of that
time. After the fall of Fort Loudon the next we hear
(historically) of the Cherokees was in 1769. They invad
ed the country of the Chicasaws beyond (west of) the
Cumberland Mountains. They, had what was called a
bloody conflict. Not much is known of the battle except
that the Cherokees were defeated and retired to their
own country. The Chickasaws were content with their
victory and did not follow it up. "This defeat of the
Cherokees," Eamsey remarks, "probably saved the
Watauga settlement." Since the extinction of the gar
rison at Fort Loudon they had shown evidence of inten
tion of attacking it.
A treaty was concluded at Fort (Patrick) Henry on
the Holston (Hogehogee) Eiver near Long Island, July

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 29
20, 1777, between the commissioners of the State of
North Carolina and the Overhill Indians. By this treaty
the Indians conveyed the upper Holston from the moun
tains and the Nolichucky Eiver to the Virginia line. It
is not necessary to go into details which, anyhow as to
exact territory, are somewhat vague. I refer to it more
than any other reason as showing who the signers were
to the instrument.
Those on the part of North. Carolina were Waightstill,
Avery, William Sharp, Eobert Lanier and Joseph Win
ston. The Indian signers were Oconostota, of Chota ;
Eayetawah (Old Tassel), of Toquoe; Savannech*
(Eaven), of Chota; Quillanuwah, of Toquoe; Octossetch,
of Hiwassee ; Attusah (Northward Warrior), of Mouth of
Tellico ; Ooskuah or Abram, of Chilhowee ; EoUowah, of
Tellico Eiver; Toostook, of Tellico; Amoyah (Pigeon),
of Notchey Creek; Oostosseteh (Man Killer), of Hiwas
see; Tellehaeveh (Chestnut), of Tellico; Que-lee-kah, of
Hiwassee; Annakehujah, of Tuskeega; Suahtukah, of
Citico; Atta-kuUa-kuUa (Little Carpenter), of Notchey
Creek; Okoo Neekah (White Owl), of Notchey Creek;
Kata Quilla (Pot Cloy), of Chilhowee; Tuskasah (Ter
rapin), of Chiles Toosch; Sunne Waugh (Big Island).
The Indians made their marks. The witnesses were
Jacob Womack, James Eobins, John Eeed, Isaac Bled
soe, Price Martin, John Kearns. Joseph Vann was in
terpreter. INDIAN NAMES OP MOUNTAINS AND EIVEES.
Thus we see from the location or dwelling place of the
principal men who signed this treaty that there were no
Indian towns west of Notchey Creek. Eamsey aptly re
marks the Indian proper names and the appellation of
the creeks and rivers were euphonious. The names of
the mountain ranges were smooth and musical, such as
Alleghanee. T'enasee, Chilhowee, Unaka, Chattanooga,
Dumplin, Sandy Mush, Calf Killer, High Tower, Hangin'
Dog, Beaver Dam, and even Sweetwater would grate
harshly upon the ears of those who sang their war songs
upon the banks of the Allejoy, Oustanallee, Etowah and
Euphassee. The Tennessee Eiver was so named from the Little

30 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VATJiEY
Tennessee Eiver. By Tennessee Eiver is meant that
river from the Unaka Mountains and probably east
ward to the Tuckaseega and westward from its junction
with the Holston clear to the mouth on the Ohio Eiver.
That is what the Tenasee Eiver of the treaties means.
The French called it Eiviere des Cheraquis or Cos-
quinambeaux; the aborigines named it Kallamuchee.
From Little Tennessee to French Broad, Agiqua (Eacing
Eiver); Clinch, Pellissippi; Little Eiver in Blount
county, Canot ; Hiwassee, Euphassee. Eight here I think
it proper to say that there is absolutely no foundation
for the spelling or pronunciation Hi-a-was-see. The
mistake must have arisen from confounding the word
Hiwassee (more properly Euphassee) with the Hiawatha
of Longfellow'-? poem. The district was spelled Hiwas
see in the old surveys, the river the same, the college
always too. Dr. J. H. Brunner, former president of
Hiwassee College, agrees that this is the correct spelling.
I would not feel called upon to mention this attempted
change in spelling, and also of pronunciation, had it not
received the sanction of so high an authority as an ex-
president of the United States. I am glad to say, how
ever, that his suggested changes in that line have not
always met with eminent success ; and I hope much that
for the sake of preserving the real Cherokee names we
have (I wish there were more), that this attempted
change will also prove a failure. The Cumberland Eiver
was the Warioto, French name Chauvanon. We still
have left the Indian names Lousatchie, Hatchee, Se-
quachee, Ocoee, Conasauga, Chestua, Tellico (Psallico),
Watauga and others. Watauga (properly, Waugh-
taugah) signifies many islands, the river of islands. Hay
wood- says in his History of Tennessee that the Holston,
from its confluence with the Tennessee at what is now
Lenoir City upward to the French Broad, was known
as Watauga to the Cherokees. Until 1889 it was Big
Tennessee from the junction of the Holston and Little
Tennessee to its mouth. By an act of the General As-
_sembly, approved April 6, 1889, it was enacted as fol
lows: "That the Tennessee extend from its junction
with the Ohio Eiver at Paducah, Ky., past the Clinch
and French Broad Elvers to the junction of the north
fork of the Holston Eiver with the Holston at Kings-

HISTOEY GP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 31
port in Sullivan county, Tenn., all usages to the contrary
notwithstanding. ' '
It is greatly surprising that the Cherokee Indians,
whose language was so musical, attempted so little in
the way of song and had no musical instruments at all,
unless the tom-tom and the rattle can be called so. Their
chants and war songs were far from pleasing to the
ear of the pioneer even though he did not happen to be
tied to a stake during the ceremonial. Little of the
Cherokee music so called has been preserved, and in an
artistic sense is no loss. One hymn called "Lamenta
tion," found in some of the old hymn books published
in East Tennessee, is said to be an Indian air adapted
to some English words.
Francis S. Mitchell, Athens, Ga., in Confederate
Veteran of July, 1916 :
The aborigines lived so near the heart of nature that
they learned her secrets and were unconscious poets.
Their language, abounding in vowels, was soft and musi
cal. Every proper noun had a meaning that was sig-
niflcant and often wonderfully poetic, as Cohuttan
(Frog Mountain), Tallulah (Terrible), Toccoa (Beau
tiful), Amicalolah (Tumbling Water), Hiwassee (Pretty
Fawn), Okefinokee (Quivering Earth), and Chattahoo
chee (Eocky Eiver), Nacoochee (Evening Star). Neither
the Creeks nor the Cherokees had a written language,
and their history is a matter of tradition. The Creek
language bore a resemblance to classic Greek. Their
legends — wild, romantic, often tragic — are still full of
interest for their pale-faced successors.
Extract from M. V. Moore, in March Harper, 1889:
EIVEES OP TENNESSEE.
Tennessee! How were her rivers in the olden Indian
tongue ?
What syllabic rhythm had they ere the white man's
changes rung?
Wascibia and Shewanee^hus the Cumberland was
known.
With Obed, Caney, Obe, Sulphur, Harpeth, New and
Stone.

32 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Holston once was Hogeehogee; and from the mouth of
French Broad down (which was then the Taquas-
tah) Cootchla on to Chota-town,
This an Indian refuge city of an ancient, wide renown,
where there empties into Teimesa, this the Little
Tennessee;
Then began great Kalamuckee (Chalaqua in Cherokee),
Once Hiwasse was Euphasa, with its brawling Chestoee,
Estinaula, "where they rested," and Amoah or Ocoee.
Through Chilhowee comes the Little, once the red man's
swift Canoee —
Where the wingless Pigeon flutters, once the Aguqua
they knew.
Where Unaka sent his daughter Salacao is Tellico;
Where was once the Nalachuckee, simply Chucky now
we know.
Thundering through the AUeghanies with the Doe is
yet Watauga;
Out and in with Georgia pranking, straight to gulf goes
Connesauga ;
Out but never more returning, "stream of death" is
Chicamauga.
By these waters fought the Shawnee, Uchee, Choctaw,
Cherokee —
Dead and vanquished are these warriors, but the music
of the rivers.
And the sweet syllabic rhythm of its names shall live-
forever.
The following article will illustrate how, sometimes,
history which is not history is accepted as history. It is
taken from the Sweetwater Telephone:
' ' SOITEE WOITEE. ' '
By W. B. Lenoir.
"Which I rise to explain" that things do sometimes.
turn out peculiar. In a very readable article in' the
Southern Field as reproduced in the Sweetwater Tele
phone of February 12, 1913, occurs this paragraph :
"The name Sweetwater came about in an unusual way.
The Cherokee Indians, who formerly occupied the sec
tion, called the creek and valley 'soitee woitee,' which

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEV 33
means in the Cherokee language 'happy homes.' But
when the early settlers came they heard the Indians pro
nouncing the name, and, getting the pronunciation only
half correct, they referred to the section as Sweetwater,
which is merely what 'soitee woitee' sounds to them."
It may really not matter how a town or a valley may
have gotten its name; and although the name Sweet
water is not uncommon for branches, creeks and towns
yet people are usually curious to know why it is called
so. They want some sort of an explanation ; and if an
explanation is not ready to hand one must be invented.
Often the more unreasonable the explanation, the greater
the credence given it. Eepetition, too, gives it more and
more a semblance to truth. Usually I would let such
paragraphs as the above go uncontradicted, as no real
harm could come of it. My main reason for writing this
is that I feel myself partly responsible for having
started the yarn. I am aware that fiction, fairy tales,
fables and legends have their proper place in literature,
and they often entertain and sometimes instruct. Santa
Klaus and St. Valentine are patron saints and national
institutions with us whether they ever had existence or
not. Sometimes, too, a man writes an article, which is
accepted as truth, when at the time of its writing noth
ing was further from his desire than to have it so ac
cepted. This brings me to my confession, so to speak.
Something like a decade ago, the late Mr. D. L. Smith,
the then proprietor of the Sweetwater Telephone, on one
of its anniversaries, possibly the tenth, with commen
dable zeal got out a special edition or magazine exploit
ing Sweetwater and Sweetwater Valley. He requested
me some time previous to its publication to write a paper
on the legends of the Cherokee Indians. I told him I
didn't know, couldn't find out any. If 'twas to indite
a sonnet to beauty's brown mouth or rosebud eyes, I
could sing my little song with more confidence. I then
thought no more of the matter. I left town to visit a
friend. Whilst on that visit I got another letter from
Mr. Smith insisting that I send in my communication
about legends of Sweetwater Valley Cherokeies. Not
wishing to disappoint Mr. Smith I consulted a friend who
was versed in Indian lore and asked him what was to
be done in the case. "The Cherokees," said he, "have

34 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
few if- any traditions or legends and never occupied
Sweetwater Valley so far as is known" (see Eamsey's
Annals, page 87), but that he would help me invent a
legend. I agreed to this provided we evolved a legend
that would not be taken at all as history. How would
this do? he remarked. Have John Howard Payne on
his trip from Virginia to Georgia travel through Sweet
water Valley, stop there and be entertained by a hos
pitable and highly intelligent chief and draw a fancy
sketch of the beauty and fertility of the country as it ap
peared then; narrate that he was also so much taken
with the happiness of the Indian home that it inspired
him to write the words and music of the song of "Home,
Sweet Home"; naming it "Swatee Watee," which in
the Cherokee vernacular meant "happy home." As a
matter of fact neither of us knew of such words in the
Cherokee language, and if there were such words had
not the remotest idea what they meant. There could be no
equivalent in any Indian language to our word "home,"
with its hallowed associations and civilized embellish
ments. "What is Home Without a Mother?" when
translated into the Indian's idea would be, "What is a
(smoky) tepee without a squaw (maybe two or three
squaws) to fetch and carry and dig and cook and bear
warriors to scalp the enemy?" An Indian squaw was
no better than a beast of burden, to be thrown aside when
she became useless. As the article referred to was
signed by myself, the responsibility for the statements
rested on me. On the one hand I was guyed for attempt
ing to "palm off any such silly stuff on an unsuspecting
public," and on the other hand, which was worse, have
the statements taken as true and come to me for con
firmation. I was sometimes tempted to stick to what I
said and let them believe the lie and go their way; but
here I am confessing my sins like a little man, as I
should do, and promising to refrain from doing
the like again. But — John Howard Payne, O, John
Howard Payne ! I almost wish that Home, Sweet Home,
had not evolved from your fertile brain. Eamsey says
in his Annals that Sweetwater had no Indian name, and,
if it did, it bore no. resemblance to its present one."

A CHAPTER ON RACES.
There are recognized at least four races of men. Once
geographically and more accurately than now they could
have been named from the locations they occupied as the
European, the Asiatic, the African, the American; or
according to characteristics the Caucasian, the Mon
golian, the negro, the Indian; in relation to color, the
white man, the yellow, the black and the red. Adopting
either the biblical or evolutionary origin of man, it is
equally uncertain where the cradle of the human race
was. It is generally given as the highlands of Asia.
This is, however, more speculation than actual history.
There are individuals and even nations that are diffi
cult to be classed mider any one of these heads and may
resemble several of them. The most plausible explana
tion is that they are an admixture. In the early dawn of
history, sacred and profane, the races were not so much
inclined to amalgamate, but kept more distinct. Yet
even the divine command could not keep the Hebrews
apart from others. It is scarcely conceivable that the
ten "lost" tribes of Israel were lost sight of except as
being mingled with other nations of the globe. In the
contest of races the strongest or, if you insist on the
word, the "fittest" survives; mental and physical capa
city and environment make men and nations. A Ken-
tuckian might use the phrase "blood will tell."
In the scheme of humanity or nations only two of
these races, the white and the yellow, need to be taken
into consideration in the future as determining the
destiny of the world. They already occupy or control
much the greater part of it. The white men own by far
the most territory, but have not a very large preponder
ance in number. Judging the future by the past it is
more than probable at some time the whole habitable
globe will be controlled by one race, and we think that
will be the white man.
The black and the red men have been nomadic in their
nature. They have not the same attachment to home and
country as the white man. When an Anglo-Saxon gets
hold of a piece of land he erects his castle, and there he

36 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
stays until driven off by a more powerful foe or is dis
possessed by legal process by the sheriff. The white man
has the inventive power, he progresses. The yellow has
only imitation, he is conservative. The white man has
always held in slavery the black man, either by chains
or commercially. The black man is no fighter. He
doesn't know how to fight. The Indian lacks numbers, in
dustry and persistence. It is impossible either to enslave
him or impart to him successfully the civilization and
habits of the white man. When once he loses against the
white man the places that knew him once know him no
more forever. In one hundred years from now the small
boy will give his dime to see a pure blooded Indian in a
side show. The "barker" will say: "Ladies and gen
tlemen and children, buy your tickets here and step right
in and behold one of the few pure living descendants
of the powerful red man, who once held undisputed sway
over our mighty continent. He was finally overcome by
superior arms and numbers and such was his pride of
race that he preferred extinction to becoming the serf
or underling of his hated conqueror. Don 't neglect this
wonderful opportunity ; for it may be many, many moons
before you have a chance to view his like again!"
The words of Pope have become so familiar that car
toonists sometimes name the Indian "Lo. "
"Lo, the poor Indian! whose untutored mind
Sees God in the clouds, or hears Him in the wind,
His soul proud science never taught to stray
Far as the solar walk or milky way ;
Yet simple nature to his hope*has given
Behind the cloud-topp'd hill an humble heaven;
Some safer world in depths of woods embraced.
Some happier island in the watery waste,
Where slaves once more their native land behold,
No fiends torment, no Christians thirst for gold.
To be content's his natural desire,
He asks no angel's wing, no seraph's fire,
But thinks admitted to yon equal sky
His faithful dog shall bear him company."
"There is no good Indian but a dead one," said Kit
Carson, and it used to be such a favorite phrase out

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 37
West as to become wearisome. Here you have the two
views entirely opposite, the poet who knew the Indian
from hearsay and the soldier and scout who thought he
loiew all about him from experience. However, Car
son's experience was more with the Sioux, Comanche
and Apache than with the Cherokee. The fact remains
that an Indian is Indian, a negro a negro and the white
man a white man, and the two hundred years they have
lived under the same government have not changed them.
The Hon. John B. Brownlow in an issue of the Knox
ville Daily Journal in speaking of how history is some
times made, or how error or a lie may become an ac
cepted fact among a people, says :
"A lie will beget permanent belief by constant itera
tion and reiteration. Constant dripping will wear a
stone, and the muddier the water the faster the wear.
We all believe a great many things which we know are
not true. The thing most widely known about George
Washington is that he cut down his father 's cherry tree
with 'his little hatchet,' and then expressed his inability
to lie. No fact in the history of Washington has wider
or deeper prevalence. We all know now that it is not
true — but what is the use to 'argufy'? About the only
thing that the best read people in the world know about
William Tell is that he shot an apple, off his little son's
head. That never occurred — ^but why 'argufy' about
it? * * * Lee did not surrender to Grant under an
apple tree at Appomattox, but what is the use of taking
issue with every old woman and school child in the land
who says he did?"
It is just as popular an error that the Indians were
cruelly treated when it was thought best to cause their
removal across the Mississippi; but more of this here
after. TEEATIES WITH THE CHEEOKEES.
Cessions a the State of North Carolina and the U. S. Government.
In May, 1783, the General Assembly of North Caro
lina opened an office for the sale of western lands for
the purpose of paying the arrears due officers and sol
diers on that part of the continental line which was
raised in North Carolina and for the purpose of extin-

38 HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
guishing part of the national debt acquired in the pro
gress of the Eevolutionary War. Without previous con
sultation with the Indians they enlarged the boundaries
as follows: "Beginning at the point on the line be
tween Virginia and North Carolina due north from the
mouth of Cloud's Creek; thence west to the Mississippi
Eiver ; thence down said river to the line of 35 degrees
of north latitude ; thence east to the Appalachian Moun
tain chain ; thence with the same to the ridge that divides
the waters of the Nolichucky and French Broad Elvers ;
thence with. that ridge to Brown's line (Acts of North
Carolina, 1778) ; thence with Brown's line to the be
ginning. ' '
This was going farther than the General Assembly
had a right to do and was almost certain to involve the
State and settlers in bloody and expensive wars with the
Cherokees and other Indian tribes. However, before
much of the territory mentioned had been taken up under
this act, the Legislature saw the unwisdom of it, and for
this and other reasons they ceded their claim to this
and other territory to the United States with certain con
ditions attached. This was in the year 1784. Congress,
however, refused to accept the cession, and the act was
afterward repealed.
Then John Sevier and others claiming that the State
of North Carolina had parted title to the land so ceded
to the United States, organized the State of Franklin,
and held a session of the Legislature in Greenville in
1785. They elected United States senators, passed acts and
attempted to exercise all the powers of a State. ' ' Thus, ' '
says Eamsey, "in the beginning of 1786 was presented
the spectacle of two empires exercised at one time over
the same people and territory."
Then arose that Avonderful series of events in which
John Sevier was leader for the State of Franklin, and
Jonathan Tipton was leader for the State of North Caro
lina, which came near involving the factions in the throes
of civil war. The Congress of the United States, after
much wrangling, however, did not recognize the sena
tors and representatives from Franklin as belonging to
a State and they were refused admission. For this, more

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 39
than any other reason, tho State of Franklin, by legis
lative enactment on March 1, 1788, ceased to exist.
From then until 3796, when Tennessee was admitted
to the Union, the State of North Carolina exercised un
disputed authority over her boundaries.
The history of those times, with Sevier and Tipton as
central figures, forms chapters of more thrilling in
terest than the happenings of almost any State in the
Union — far more so than bull moose hunting in Maine,
witch burning in Massachusetts, or tales of mining in
Dead Man's Gulch, and stage robbing in Wyoming and
Nevada. It is a favorite theme with writers and his
torians ; but however charming narrative could be made
it is not within our province to write of them except the
bare mention as leading up to other events in our im
mediate section.
WHY PEOM WHITE MAN 's VIEWPOINT NECESSARY TO REMOVE
THE CHEBOKEE.
In 1735, Eamsey says, the Cherokees had sixty-four
towns and six thousand warriors. These towns were
scattered over North Georgia, Western North Carolina
and a part of Eastern Tennessee. In 1750 there were
not so many, having meanwhile been decimated by wars,
the Overhill Towns with the Northern Indians and the
Lower Towns with the Creeks.
In 1755 the authorities of South Carolina divided the
whole Cherokee country into six hunting districts : Over
hill Towns, Valley Towns, Joree Towns, Keowa Towns,
Out Towns and Lower Towns ; in all thirty-eight towns.
They gave the Overhill Towns as Great Tellico, Chatu-
gee, Tenasee, Chote, Toqua, Sittiquo and Tallassee.
Bertram's Travels (1773-1778) gives the Overhill
Towns on the Tanassee or Cherokee Eiver as Nuasha,
Tallase, Chelowe, Sette, Chote, Jaco, Tahassee, Tamable,
T'uskeege, Sunne Waugh, Nilaqua. Now in the treaty of
Waightstill Avery and others, commissioners on the part
of North Carolina at Fort Henry on July 20, 1777, with
the Overhill Indians (heretofore discussed) the towns
given as the abiding place of the head men are: Chota,
Toquo, Hiwassee, Mouth of Tellico, Chilhowee, -Notchee
Creek, Tuskeega, Citico, Chiles Tooch.

40 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
The term "Overhill" means the towns west of the
Great Smokies and situated between the (Little) Ten
nessee and Hiwassee Elvers. The white men approach
ing the section mentioned from the east, the country
then occupied by the whites, would naturally term the
towns on the west of the Smoky or Unaka Mountain
the Overhill Towns.
The word "town" as applicable to Indian settlements
was not open to the objection given in the song of
"Yankee Doodle":
"Yankee Doodle went to town; he wore his striped
trousers,
He said he couldn't see the town for so many houses."
An Indian town was a collection of tepees usually
located near a considerable water course ; near the tepees
were patches cleared from the cane brake, on which the
squaws cultivated corn for bread and hominy. This
with the game killed by the bucks furnished sufficient
subsistence for those residing there. The tepees were
made of skins of wild animals supported by poles. They
were of conical shape and had an opening at the top
for the escape of the smoke, and were of such light
character as to be readily carried away by the squaws
in case of emergency. The buck scorned anything so
degrading as manual labor. Fighting and hunting were
his only occupations. The head men of these towns
were elective. Only those who had performed some ex
ploit in war or the chase had any voice in the selection.
From the statements of historians and from the signa
ture of the head men of the Overhill Cherokees to the
different treaties it is almost certain that in the bounds
of what is now known as the Hiwassee purchase or dis
trict, embracing most of Monroe county and a part of
Loudon and Eoane counties, all of Meigs and McMinn
and a part of Polk county, the Cherokees really occupied
about one thousand square miles only of this territory,
to-wit: Bounded on the north by the Little Tennessee
Eiver ; on the west by the Notchey Creek knobs ; on the
south by the Hiwassee Eiver ; on the east by the Great
Smoky Mountains. The Indian population within this
boundary it is likely did not exceed five thousand in num-

.HISTOEV OP SWEETWATEK VALLEV 41
ber. Thus counting five to a family would have given
each family in the Overhills Towns a square mile if
divided and not held in common. In the Calhoun treaty
of March, 1819, Article 2 reads thus: "The United
States agreed to pay, according to the treaty of July 8,
1817, for valuable improvements on land in the country
ceded by the Cherokees and allow a reservation of six
hundred and forty acres to the head of each family (not
enrolled for removal to Arkansas) who elects to become
a citizen of the United States."
In addition to this, a portion of Article 1 contains this
proviso: "All the islands of the Chestatee and the
Tennessee and Hiwassee Elvers (except Jolly Island at
the mouth of the Hiwassee Eiver) belong to the Chero
kee Nation." This left the Cherokee Nation to keep or
dispose of these islands as they saw fit. In relation to
one of these islands in Little Tennessee Eiver not far
above the site of Old Fort Loudon the late Henry Brad
ley related to me this anecdote. Mr. Bradley was for
years an employe of Colonel Charles M. McGhee, son of
• John McGhee, of whom the story is told. An Indian chief
(name not remembered) owned or claimed an island in
the river, the bank of which was owned by McGhee. Mc
Ghee had a very fine rifle of rare make which the Indian
was anxious to buy, but McGhee was unwilling to part
with. On one occasion the Indian visited McGhee and
after hanging around for a while he remarked: "Big
Chief had a dream. McGhee : "I hope it was a pleasant
one ; what did the Big Chief dream ? ' ' Big Chief dreamed
White Chief give Indian his fine gun." "Oh, that's it,
is it ? Well, if Big Chief was told by the spirit in a dream
that he is to have the 'fine gun' he must not be dis
appointed" (taking it down from the rack and handing
it to him). The Indian left in great glee.
Not a great while afterward they met, and after the
customary greeting, McGhee said: "How did you like
your gun?" "Great gun, kill anything." McGhee,
"White Chief had a dream, too." Indian, "Uh, huh!
What?" McGhee, 'White man dream Indian chief made
him a deed to the island over there." Indian, "Here,
take gun back!" McGhee shook his head, "Can't do it;
Indian dreamed it away from him, no good to him any
more." After some minutes of gloomy reflection the

42 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Indian replied: "Big Chief make you a deed to it, but
Indian no dream against white man no more. ' '
Thus in what is now Sweetwater Valley from 1817
back for four hundred years or more we have the spec
tacle of a section without inhabitants, with no roads and
not a trail through it. It was even nameless, not for-
evermore, but for a long period.
With the exception of a mound here and there to show
a once human occupation and their passing away, it was
just as the geologic laws and time and weather left it.
The Cherokees came not through it when they went to
fight their Northern enemies, nor when they surprised
and exterminated the Euchees at the mouth of Hiwassee
Eiver ; the trail to the Chicasaws and Creeks was not
near it. So far as humanity was concerned it was as
deserted country without a history or a name ; nameless
also the streams and ridges. It was given over to the
deer, panther, the wild cat, turkey, pheasant, the swan,
the duck and other smaller birds and animals. Wlien
the white man took possession in 1820 he found it almost
as nature made it — Adamless, Eveless and with no apple
to tempt save the sour wild crab. On the ridges the
chestnut, poplar, the red, black and white oak predomi
nated, in the valley grcAV abundantly the sycamore,
hickory, the gums, the elm, the willow and water oak.
The creek flowed tranquilly through the valley on its
clear winding way to the Tennessee Eiver, spreading out
into ponds and marshes, the home of the mallard, the
coot and the crane. However desirable a country it
might be to the white man it was not such as the Indian,
that child of nature, loved. It had no great wide reaches
to gladden the eye, no stream large enough to easily and
safely carry his birch bark canoe. To him it was merely
a preserve or breeding ground for game. When it got
too plentiful here it went to the Tellico and Tennessee
where the Indian lived.
So the Cherokees traded this country for land be
yond the Mississippi "unsight, unseen" and "no rue
iaack" as the horse swappers say. As it turned out it was
a good trade for both. True it must be admitted that
the white man had a slight advantage in knowing that
the trade was going to be made and what the terms were
to be. The Indian in his childlike simplicity left the de-

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATER VALLEY 4.^
tails to "the party of second part," and Eeturn J. Meigs,
backed by the United States government, was prin
cipally the party of the second part, and he was no
amateur when it came to a land deal. Be it known, how
ever, that if you have any extra tears to shed over the
sorrows of humanity, the Indian does not desire nor need
them. Save your sobs for the heroes and heroines of the
dime novel, or exploited heathens of the "rubber trust
on the Congo, or the down-trodden Moros of Mindanao.
Don't acknowledge there is much to weep over in home
conditions ; it is too trying on the nervous system. Leave
it to the politicians to "point with pride" and "view
with alarm": it's their principal stock in trade.
ENCROACHMENT OF WHITES ON CHEBOKEE NEUTEAL GROUND.
As early as August, 1790, President Washington in a
message to Congress brought up the subject of the en
croachment of white settlers on Cherokee neutral ground.
(See "Messages of Presidents," compiled by J. D. Eich-
ardson. )
It was alleged that there were five hundred families
settled and were occupying places that they had no legal
right to.
Negotiations moved more slowly in those days, and it
was not till 1798 that a new treaty was made with the
Cherokees and the southern line of occupation for white
settlers was established, to-wit :
"Commencing at Wild Cat Eock near the Tellico Block
House ; thence down the northeast margin of the (Little)
Tennessee Eiver, not including islands, to a point one
mile above the junction of that river with the Clinch;
thence at a right angle (northwardly) to Hawkin's line
leading to the Clinch Eiver ; thence with that line to the
Clinch Eiver; thence up Clinch to Emery; thence up
Emery to Cumberland Mountain (Wallen's Eidge) ;
thence northeast to Campbell's line."
In 1803 President .Jefferson urged the removal of the
Indian tribes beyond the Mississippi. Congress ap
proved and in 1804 appropriated $15,000.00 for the pur
pose of negotiations, and commissioners were appointed
to look into the matter.
By a treaty concluded October 27, 1805, and proclaimed

44 HISTORY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
June 10, 1806, Eeturn J. Meigs and Dan. Shields being
commissioners for the United States, the Cherokees
ceded :
(1) The section of land at southwest point, extending
to Kingston and the respective ferries of the two rivers
and the first island in the Tennessee Eiver above the
mouth of the Clinch. (2) The Cherokees consent to the
free and unmolested use by the United States of a mail
road from the Tellico to the Tombigbee Eiver in the
territory of Alabama. This road was made and was
called the Federal road. That part through what was
afterward the Hiwassee district began at Nile's Ferry,
passed by Ho (Torbett's) by what is now Nona-
burg and continuing, crossing the Hiwassee Eiver not a
great ways from the mouth of the Ocoee. (3) The con
sideration paid for these concessions was $1,609.00.
THE HIWASSEE PUECHASE.
Below we condense some of the material provisions of
the Hiwassee Purchase or treaty with the Cherokees in
1819. To give in full would require too much space, and
would not likely prove interesting to the genel-al reader.
Several of the articles as will be seen by the numbers
given are not mentioned. Some of them are lengthy
and relate minute particulars for the removal of the In
dians in flat boats; what guns, ammunition, provisions,
blankets, etc., are to be furnished them for their start
in the new territory.
Treaty concluded February 27, 1819. Proclaimed
March 10, 1819. Held at Washington, D. C, between
John C. Calhoun, secretary of war, and the chief heads
men of the Cherokee Nation.
TEEMS OF TREATY.
(Art. 1.) The Cherokee Nation cedes to the United
States all of their lands lying north and east of the fol
lowing line: Beginning on the Tennessee Eiver at a
point where Madison county in the territory of Alabama
joins the same ; thence along the channel of said river to
the mouth of the Hiwassee ; thence along the main chan
nel of the last said river to the first hill that closes on
this river about two miles above Hiwassee old town;

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 45
;hence along the ridge that divides the Hiwassee and
the Tellico Elvers to the Tennessee at Talassee;
thence along the main channel to the junction of the
Cowee and Nanteyalee (Nantog Yulee — Nantahala) ;
thence with the ridge in the forks of the said river to the
top of the Blue Eidge ; thence along the Blue Eidge to the
Unicoy Turnpike road; thence a straight line to the
nearest main source of the Chestatee; thence along the
main channel to the Chattahooche; and thence to the
Creek boundary ; it being understood that all the islands
of the Chestai^ee and (those) in the Tennessee and Hi
wassee Elvers (except Jolly Island at the mouth of the
Hiwassee), which constitute a portion of the boundary,
are the property of the Cheroliee Nation.
United States right of way, according to the treaty
of 1805, not affected; twelve miles square on the Ten
nessee Eiver near the Alabama line to be sold by the
United States and the proceeds to be invested, the in
terest to constitute a school fund for the benefit of the
Cherokee Nation east of the Mississippi Eiver.
(Art. 2.) The United States agrees to pay according
to treaty, July 8, 1817, for valuable improvements on
land within the country ceded by the Cherokees, and
allow a reservation of six hundred and forty acres to
the head of each family (not enrolled for removal to
Arkansas) who elects to become a citizen of the United
States. (Art. 5.) Leases made under the treaty of 1817, of
land in Cherokee country are void. All white people in
truding upon lands reserved by the Cherokees shall be
removed by the United States under the act of March 30,
1802. (Art. 7.) The United States shall prevent intrusion
on the ceded lands prior to January 1, 1820.
THE OEIGIN OF LAND TITLES IN SWEETWATEE
VALLEY.
It is a far cry from our time to that of Charles II. of
England. We would naturally think that he would have
had little to do with us here in Sweetwater Valley, yet
the title to every acre of land in this section can be traced
back to the grant given by that king to Edward, Earl of

46 HISTOEY 01' SWTEETWATER VALLEY
Clart^ndon, and six other nobles on the 24th day of
March, 1663. Those were merry times in Merry Eng
land, and Charles, the Merry Monarch, was the merriest
of them all. The people had become tired of long faces,
long parliaments and long prayers. During the Crom-
wellian period places of amusement and theatres were
closed. No musical instruments were allowed in the
churches, and even the exliibition of Eaphael's Madonna
would have been considered a species of idolatry. If a
man smiled it was as if he mocked himself for being so
festive. Such hymns as "I Would Not Live Alway"
were, if not popular, most in vogue. Small wonder that
wlien Oliver Cromwell passed from tlie stage of action
and Charlie from over the water appeared upon the
scene, the pendulum of human emotions swung far in
the opposite direction, and the parquet, the boxes and
galleries all applauded. The people were all weary of
tears, tragedy and solemn asservations.
Charles, as principal actor, discounted in merriment
the celebrated performances of
"Old King Cole, that merry old soul,
A merry old soul was he ;
He called for his pipe and he called for his bowl,
..\nd he called for his fiddlers three."
The populace in imitation of Charles, set out to have
a rip-roaring, hilarious good time and proceeded to paint
the town of London a vivid red. It was a Fourth of July
and Christmas celebration all rolled into one.
'Twas in this era of good feeling that Charles, between
drinks, which we are told were never very far apart,
gave the grants spoken of to the overlords of Carolina,
so named in honor of Carolus (Charles). This was likely
accomplished in a space of time that the governors of the
two Carolinas would occupy in discussing what beverage
should next be consumed.
Oh, no! There was nothing small about Charlie. He
was all obliging. To satisfy his courtiers and keep his
head on his shoulders he woiild have given them the moon
with equal good humor. This grant covered that part
of North America included between the parallels of 31
and 36 degrees north latitude, and stretched from the

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 47
Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans. Just think of it, a domain
three thousand miles long and three hundred miles wide,
the finest land in the world and the inhabitants thereof !
It embraced in its extent the greater part of the South
ern States south of Virginia and Kentucky east of the
Mississippi Eiver, a part of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas,
New Mexico, Arizona and California. In the game of
giving Charles has Carnegie and Eockefeller bluffed to
a standstill; their combined benefactions of half a bil
lion dollars or so look like thirty cents beside his. But
he minded not. If he owned the territory he wanted to
shift the responsibility from his shoulders ; for he possi
bly knew that there were savage beasts and still more
savage men and the French and the Spanish, too, to.
fight. He was no fighter as his ancestors were. He pre
ferred to feed his ducks in the ponds of Windsor Park,
drink the effervescing wines of France and Italy and
dance to the lascivious music of the lute. To use an
advertising phrase, with him "ladies' society was a
specialty." If he did not own the land, then the grim
humor of the situation was like that of the father with
no assets at all that left to his beloved son a million dol
lars — "to get."
The Earl of Eochester once said that Charles II.
' ' Never said a foolish thing.
And never did a wise one."
We are inclined to differ. This proved a wise act.
However, if he had known that North Carolina and Ten
nessee would turn out prohibition States he might have
balked. For his warmest friends and bitterest enemies
would scarcely claim Charles as a "State-wider." I
wish to remark here that we will get to Sweetwater Val
ley after a while. If we do not arrive on schedule time
remember that there were no roads and very few trails
in the old days I next will write about.
When I wrote the above about the origin of land titles
in Sweetwater Valley I did not have access to a copy
of the charter of Charles II. There is now before me
a book entitled as follows :

48 HISTORY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
LAWS
of the
STATE OP TENNESSEE,
including those of
NOETH CABOLINA,
NOW IN FORCE IN THIS STATE,
from the year
1715 TO THE YEAE 1820, INCLUSIVE.

BY EDWAED SCOTT,
one of the judges of the circuit courts of law and equity.

IN TWO VOLUMES.
Vol. I.

KNOXVILLE, TENN.
Printed by
HEISKELL & BBOWN.

1821.
As to Charles' fondness for the bowl and amusements,
his lack of attention to details, his carelessness . as to
what he signed or did not sign, provided it did not trench
on his own personal privileges, his being guided by his
favorites, male and female, the statements written are
absolutely true and are not to be added to or subtracted
from. That there was any carelessness in the prepara
tion of the charter on the part of the grantees or in the
protection of their own interests is not true. For the
charter was a wonderfully comprehensive instrument.
So far as I have been able to perceive, besides paying the
small rent exacted, they were almost independent of the
British crowm. The overlords mentioned could make
laws for the government of the colonists, pardon or
punish as they saw fit. There was, however, a provision
that the freemen should give their assent to those laws ;
but in the referendum who should call the elections and

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY

49

how the ballots should be counted was not stated. We
insert some of the provisions of the charter which are
not the exact words of the charter, unless the wording
as given are marked as quotations. This charter is
very long and occupies ten pages of this volume.; The
second charter granted by King Charles II. to .the pro
prietors of North Carolina was dated March 24th in the
fifteenth year of our reign (1665). The proprietors
are Edward, Earl of Clarendon, High Chancellor of Eng
land ; George, Duke of Albemarle, master of horse ; Wil
liam, Earl Craven, Counsellor John Lord Berkely, Coun
sellor Anthony Lord Ashly, Sir George Carteret^ Knight
and Baronet; Sir John Colleton, Sir William Berkely.
King Charles grants to them all that territory called
Carolina, "Situate lying and being in our dominions of
America; extending from the end of the island called
Luke Island, which lieth in the Southern Virginia Seas
and within 36 degrees north latitude ; . and to the west
as far as to the south seas and so respectively, as far
as the river Mathias, which borders upon the cpast of
Florida and within 31 degrees of northern latitude ; and
so west in a direct line as far as the south sea as afore
said." : ,
This territory, I take it to mean, was to extend from
ocean to ocean. The land having been explored only a
few hundred miles to the westward, the immense, extent
of the territory was not known. The instrument par
ticularly cites that it conveyed all soils, lands, : fields,
woods, mountains, lakes, rivers, all whales and fish in the
bays, the seas upon the coast, all veins, mines and quar
ries discovered or not discovered, all golds, silver, gems,
precious stones, metals or any other thing found or to
be found within the province, territory or islets in the
limits aforesaid. They had power to grant religious
liberty and had ample rights, jurisdiction, privileges,
prerogatives, royalties, liberties, immunities of any kind
whatsoever, and these privileges and rights were to ex
tend to their heirs and assigns forever. The considera
tion for this grant was the fourth part of all golds and
silver ore found within its boundaries, and the yearly
rent of twenty marks. They had full power and authority
to erect, constitute- and make several counties, baronies
and colonies, also- to make and enact under their seals

50 , HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
and to publish any laws and constitutions whatsoever
either appertaining to the public state of the whole
province or any particular county of or within the same
or to the private utility of particular persons by and with
the advice and assent of the free men of said province or
territory or of the county for which said law or constitu
tion shall be made; and the said grantees have power
to remit, release, pardon and abolish whether before
judgment or after all crimes and offenses whatsoever
against that law.
They also had power to collect import duties, except
that certain articles such as English tools, silks, raisins,
almond oil and olives were to be admitted free of duty.
They also had power to confer titles and honors ex-
¦ cept certains ones, such as dukedoms, earls and baronets,
which were exclusively the right of the crown. They had
power to designate ports of entry, stating where vessels
should enter and trade under such regulations as were
prescribed. They were given power also to convey ab
solutely by deed in fee simple any tract or privilege to
the colonists which had been conveyed to them by King
Charles except legislative and judicial functions. This
charter had many other provisions conveying certain
powers and privileges, making them, not the governors
only, but the absolute owners of the vast domain. ' It is
needless to state again that this territory included what
is now the State of Tennessee, but this State would not
form a tenth of this grant.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
EEV. JAMES AXLEY.
There lie in County Line Cemetery, two and a half
miles from Sweetwater near the Athens road, the re
mains of the Eev. James Axley and his wife, Cynthia
Axley. On his tombstone is inscribed: "Eev. James
Ajdey died February 23, 1837, aged sixty years. He was
presiding elder in the Methodist Episcopal church for
thirty years. ' '
On that of his wife, "Cynthia, wife of Eev. James
Axley, died September 31, 1882, aged eighty-two years. ' '
Eev. E. N. Price, in Vol. II, Holston Methodism, gives
a synopsis of his life.
That he was presiding elder for thirty years is clearly
a mistake. He was, according to church records,
preacher for only . thirty-three years; circuit rider for
seven, presiding elder for ten and located for sixteen
years. By located is meant that he was not under the
order of the bishop and though still licensed to preach,
was entitled only to such pay as the churches that invited
him in any locality chose to give him. Preaching or not
was entirely voluntary.
Born in Cumberland county, Virginia; father and
mother, James and Lemuanna Axley. They moved to
Kentucky about 1799. The subject of this sketch was
admitted to the Western Conference in 1804 and located
in 1822. His charges were: 1804, Eed Eiver, in Cum
berland district, a colleague of Miles Harper ; 1805, Hock-
hocking, Ohio district; 1806, French Broad; 1807,
Opelousas, Louisiana; 1808, Powell's Valley; 1809, Hol
ston; 1810, Elk; 1811, presiding elder of Wabash dis
trict ; 1812, he was appointed presiding elder of Holston
district and remained in charge of it four years ; he was
two years in charge of the Green Eiver district, and three
years presiding elder of the French Broad district (1818-
1821). James Axley had two brothers and two sisters, his
brothers were Pleasant and Eobert. James and Pleasant
were converted near Salem, Ky., where they lived in 1802.
Pleasant was a local preacher for many years, but did

J3

) 2 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
not attain anything like the celebrity of his brother
James. There are wealth-made, school-madb, God-made, and
self-made men. George Washington, fortunately for our
republic, was all of these. Heredity, environment, phy
sical capacity, mental and moral attainments made him
easily the foremost citizen of America. It is related
that Axley had no school training and no advantages in
his youth. His father was a strange man in his habits
and manner of life. He was greatly devoted to hunting-
wild game and searching for minerals; he spent the
greater part of his time this way and remained at home
but little. Tlie burden of the family support Avas upon
the mother and older children. James Axley, the son,
was also fond of hunting in his youth. He became power
ful in frame, alert and observing of the habits of animals.
It thus became much easier for him to learn men and
the customs of polite society and correct the deficiencies
of early life. From a hunter of wild animals he became
a hunter of men.
As is often the case, especially with those who lack
previous training the first efforts of Axley were consid
ered very unpromising, so much so that he was refused a
license to preach, and when one of his preacher friends
advised him his efforts would meet with failure and it
would be useless for him to try further, he is said to have
replied that if he couldn't be a preacher with God's help
he could make a first class exhorter. As E. N. Price
says: "He was called of God to preach; he felt it, he
knew it, and nothing ever deterred him from obeying
the call. " Demosthenes was told he could never make an
orator, Jenny Lind that she would not be a success in
opera, and the prophecies of Lincoln's career were even
more adverse. These things show what a poor prophet
the average man is when he attempts to predict what
others may make of themselves.
Here is Dr. McAnally 's estimate of Axley later in life :
"I have listened to popular orators among our states
men, to distinguished pleaders at the bar, to the
preachers who were followed and heard by enraptured
thousands, but the superior of James Axley in all that
constitutes genuine oratory and true eloquence I have
not heard."

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 53
"His height was near six feet, muscular frame, large
boiies, but little surplus flesh, chest broad and full
features strongly marked, large mouth and nose, heavy,
projecting, shaggy eyebrows, high and well turned fore
head, dark gray eyes, remarkably keen, large head and
hair worn short. His dress was plain and made of home
spun material. In the pulpit he stood erect and nearly
still, gesticulating but little, only turning from side to
side that he might see his auditors. If the weather was
warm it Avas common with him, after opening the ser
vice and singing and prayer, deliberately to take off his
coat and hang it on the pulpit. ' ' Few men perhaps ever
had a finer voice and never yet have I met with one who
could control it better. So completely was it under his
command that the manner in Avhich something was said
often affected the hearer more than the thing itself. He
was a natural orator after the best models — those which
nature forms."
James Axley came into the ministry at a propitious
time for men of his type. He was a born fighter polemi
cally. Those days required both moral and physical
courage. Since 1775 there had been a long war with the
British and many with the various tribes of Indians. Be
tween the red and Avhite men there was little other than
animosity, it had been an eye for an eye, scalp for scalp,
and life for life. The pioneers of that day had been
compelled not only to keep rifles in their homes, but to
take their arms with them to their fields, their meetings
in the forest and to their rude log churches, for fear of
an attack from their cunning and treacherous foes. They
were liable at any moment to be called from the worship
of the Prince of Peace to bloody combat. Bloodshed and
retaliation Avere the order of the day. War and especially
that kind of war where personal and race hatred is added
to national conflict, has a most demoralizing effect on
humanity. If the doctrine of returning good for evil, or
turning the other cheek when one is smitten,. had any
place in the breast of the men of that day its application
was among white men and did not apply to the red. They
held that their own preservation and that of their wives
and children required no mild measures but almost a
policy of extermination. Treaties of peace availed little ;
the primeval instincts were much in evidence. Conse-

54 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
quently religion and the churches languished. The peo
ple did not fully appreciate the educated ministry of the
Presbyterians ; there were too few of them to go round
and there was more or less prejudice against written ser
mons. FcAV of the pioneers adhered to the church
of England. They had declared and gained their civil
independence and they Avished entire religious independ
ence. They wanted no written prayers and sacerdotal
robes; life was entirely too serious for elaborate cere
monies. Some authors in speaking of that period from 1780 to
1800 have attributed the wave of Atheism and Deism
(Infidelity) that swept over the country to the French
revolutionary ideas and the writings of Voltaire and
to Thomas Paine 's " Age of Eeason. ' ' In Avestern North
Carolina, East Tennessee and eastern Kentucky we are
inclined to think their influence Avas over estimated. The
pioneers had not forgotten the parts the French had
taken in the Indian Avars and massacres and the prejudice
had not been fully removed even by the fact that La
fayette played so important part in the war of the Eevo-
lution against the British. They had little time and less
opportunity for extensive reading. I can not belicA^e
that the books of Voltaire and Paine had a large circula
tion in our mountain country. Besides the "Age of
Eeason" was written for scholastic minds like Adams
and Jefferson (Avho though violent political enemies
were at one in their notions of religion) and not tor xne
mountaineer. In the beginning of the Nineteenth cen
tury the New England ideas of Unitarianism had not
taken any firm hold in our mountain comitry. The de
cadence of religion might have been more apparent than
real Or the preaching later on could not have been at
tended with such remarkable results. Fire camiot burst
into flame without the proper fuel to feed upon. The
people of France Avere ripe for the Eevolution Avhen it
came. The early settlers of that period and section were not
engaged in speculations about fine spun theories ; they
needed something Adrile and exciting to arouse them,
such as sermons hot Avith hell fire and eternal punish
ment; "Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish."
Then arose such men as Cartwright, Axley, Lorenzo

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 55
Dow, McKendree, Creed Fulton, Granade and Jesse
Cunningham, and the celebrated revival of 1800, as it
Avas called, commenced. It continued unabated for eight
or ten years and Avith some vigor for ten or more years
longer. The zealous, emotional, often uneducated
preachers in the modern sense of the term, had their
day. Their hearers Avould stand no sham or hypocrisy ;
they desired sincerity and earnestness; they cared not
whether the preacher or exhorter, as the case might be,
said sepul-chre or se-pul-chre, Geth-sem-a-ne or Geth-se-
mane, so the thought Avas there. The intention of the
listeners was to flee from the wrath to come.
During this revival came the days of the camp meet
ings. At their inception some accessible place was se
lected, preferably near some large flowing spring ca
pable of furnishing plenty of water for men and beasts.
If not already done a place was cleared and a stand was
erected for the preachers. It was important that the lo
cation should be suitable one for stretching their tents.
To hear the sermons the people stood up or sat on chairs
and logs or sometimes climbed the trees near by. The
inhabitants came from far and near bringing with them
their tents and provisions. When the weather permit
ted many slept out in the open air. These meetings were
usually held in the fall, the pleasantest season of the
year. Hospitality was unbounded for the visitors from
a distance and hundreds and sometimes thousands were
fed in one day. Great preparations were made for the
entertainment of all comers. These meetings were
looked forward to for months beforehand. They an
nually, sometimes semi-annually, were a source of much
religious and social enjoyment. Influences were brought
to bear and friendships formed which lasted for a life
time, and were profitable for the Here and Hereafter.
The services sometimes continued night and day for
weeks as long as the interest lasted or the preachers and
exhorters could bear the mental and physical strain.
When a place of meeting became popular and numerous
ly attended, a shed was built for protection against the
Aveather, and it was seated with slabs, the sawed or
hewed sides turned up and the legs were driven into two
holes bored angling, thus making a firm but not a very
comfortable seat, as there were no backs to lean against.

56 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Around the shed were built also camps for eating and
sleeping- in. The sleeping berths were arranged in tiers
one above another so as to accommodate a greater num
ber. The camp grounds best knoAvn in this section were
the Methodist at Pond Spring, three miles west of Sweet
water, and the Cumberland Presbs^terian, three and one-
half miles north of Sweetwater.
Some very curious phenomena attended the early
camp meetings. Different persons explained them dif
ferently. By some they Avere attributed wholly to su
pernatural causes, by others to material or natural
causes, still others partly to both. Whatever may have
been the true explanation the facts themselves Avere un
deniable. These happenings extended 0A''er quite a Avide
territory ; parts of Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North
Carolina and Georgia.
Dr. Price, "Holston Methodism," Vol. I, page 340-1-2
quotes a Presbyterian divine, EeA". James Gallaher, as
saying: 'The aAvful solemnity which now arrested the
public mind Avas accompanied with bodily affections as
notable and singular as those of Saul on his way to Da
mascus. Stout, stubborn sinners, bold, brazen-fronted
blasphemers were literally cut doAvn by the 'sword of
the Spirit,' under the preaching of the Gospel men would
drop to the ground as suddenly as if they had been smit
ten by lightning. Among these Avere many men in the
prime of life— strong business men, men whom no hu
man being ever thought of charging Avith enthusiasm.
"Holston Methodism," Vol. II, has this from the pen
of Lorenzo Dow: "I have seen Presbyterians, Quakers,
Baptists, Church of England people and Independents
exercised Avith the jerks, gentleman and lady, black and
Avhite, the aged and the young, rich and poor Avithout
exception, from which I infer as it can not be accounted
for on national principles and carries such marks of in
voluntary motion, that it is no trifling matter.
"On the 20th (August, 1803), I passed a meeting house
Avhere I observed that the undergrowth had been cut
down for a camp- meeting and from fifty to one hundred
saplings left breast high, which to me appeared so Slov
enish that I could not but ask my guide the cause, Avho
obserA'ed that they were topped so high and left for peo
ple to jerk by. This so excited my attention that I Avent

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATER VALLEV 57
over the ground to view it and found that the people had
laid hold of the stumps and jerked so violently that they
had kicked up the earth as a horse stamping at flies."
Let us mount a motor car, speed along the streets of
the populous city and approach the grand cathedral.
As we draw near its twin towers rise into the sky line.
The building planned by the mind of some Christopher
Wren, though immense in its proportions, is intensely
pleasing to the beholder even to the smallest detail. The
architect makes the Avhole Avorld tributary to him. The
solid granite of the foundations is hewed from the Ap
palachian hills, the pure marble of the facade is from
the quarries of Vermont, the heroic statues, the gar
goyles and the figures which adorn the niches and cor
nices have been chiseled from stone transported from
Italy. We enter the arched portals between the towers.
We are struck by the grandeur and beauty of the in
terior, the lofty galleries are supported by columns of
onyx and porphyry from Mexico ; the dome is frescoed
by great European artists; the stained windows are of
glass manufactured from crystal quartz of the Eockies
and colored Avith the blue of the sky, the gorgeous hues
of the sunset, the purple from the hills of Arizona, the
green of ' the mountain cedars, the variegated blooms
of the garden flowers; the chancel is formed of costly
woods from the isles of the sea; the magnificent organ
is replendent Avith the gold of Alaska; the winds of
heaven are made captive to the will of man, they breathe
the soft notes of the flute, the plaintive strains of the
viola, or give forth the hoarse roar of the tempest ; the
trained harmonies of the white robed choir float enchant-
ingly doAvn from the gallery through the incense laden
atmosphere; the surpliced minister chants the lesson
of the day in resonant tones ; everything that Avealth can
purchase or cultivated taste suggest is there ; every art
of man has there some representative production; tne
least image in the niche and the great paintings in the
dome all impress you ; every sense is held and conquered
by the surroundings ; you SAvell with pride of race ; you
exclaim, ' ' How wonderful, how complex is man ; in move
ment how graceful ; in conception how like an angel ; in
creative powers how like a god!"-
Yet, hoAV utterly false this all is; hoAv prone Ave are

58 HISTORY OF SWEETWATER VALLEY
to be puffed up with our own self conceit and how eas
ily we can deceive ourselves ! We build a temple to the
Almighty but shut out God's sunshine, and light a faint
taper of our own upon the altars. We listen with de
light to the paid singers and disregard the music of the
spheres. We sit in our ten thousand dollar pew and hear
the doctrines of the meek and lowly Jesus discoursed in
words that cost us a dollar a minute. Under such cir
cumstances how dare the speaker offend the pew hold
ers? After all, what have we mortals to take so much pride
in? We know no more of the mystery of life, what it is,
than when Adam delved and Eve span. We come not
here of our own will and seldom go of our own Avill. A
germ, a breath of gas, a drop of hydrocyanic acid and
nian becomes, as far as this world is concerned, less than
a worm, merely a clod of dirt.
Scientists tell us that there are creatures so small that
ten thousand of them can dance on the point of a nee
dle and have plenty of room to spare. A man can de
stroy ten millions of them at a blow, but he can no more
create the least one of them than he can make a world.
Yet these animalculae bear no more infinitesimal relation
to the earth than our planet does to the illimitable uni-
serve. Well might the psalmist say: "When we con
sider the (suns) the moon and stars, the work of Thy
fingers, what is man that Thou art mindful of him, or
the son of man that Thou visitest him?"
When Axley preached in his time it was often in the
open. He was fanned by the invigorating breezes, shaded
by magnificent forest trees, in hearing of the murmur
of waters, in sight of the shining sun and the blue arch
of heaven above. There were no works of man surround
ing to hypnotize the senses and divorce the attention of
the audience from the Father and Creator.
He (Axley), wanted no luxuries and therefore fearfesl
no withdrawal of salary. He hesitated not to attack
what he considered the evils and vices of the day.
The preaching of those pioneers of the Methodist
church in effect, though astonishing, is by no means
without parallel. We are told that aforietime, "In those
days came John the Baptist preaching in the wilder
ness." He was a man plain in raiment and food but

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATER VALLEY 59
multitudes flocked to him. He had a message to deliver.
In the eleventh century a comparatively insignificant
hermit priest came forth from his cave in the mountains
and by the zeal and frenzy of his discourses stirred up
all Christendom. He started a series of crusades which
cost millions of lives and almost bankrupted every king
dom in Europe. His cry was, "Down with the Infidel.
Eescue the tomb of the Saviour from dominion of the
Mohammedans." Yet this was merely a sentiment and
not inculcated by any tenet of the Christian faith. Ax-
ley's message, in conjunction with the salvation of sin
ners, was against Masonry, Slavery, Whisky, Tobacco
and the Fashions. He had a discourse which he reserved
for important occasions. Dr. Price calls it his sermon
on the " aboniinations. " The text he sometimes used was
"Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh
and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Yet
he could on occasion denounce the evils as he considered
them spoken of above, regardless of text.
It may appear strange to us now that a minister should
attempt to start a crusade against Masonry or any be
nevolent organization. Brotherhoods are as thick now
as leaves in Valhambrosa. (No matter Avhere that is and
however thick the leaves may be there. ) A man who does
not belong at this day to some society or brotherhood
is as lonesome as Eobinson Crusoe on the island before
Friday came. One person can call another brother with
perfect freedom. If he is not your brother in church
or society or federation, he more than likely may belong
or has belonged to your political party. In Axley's day,
particularly in the latter part of his life, there was much
prejudice against the Masonic order. A man named Mor
gan, who was or had been a member of the fraternity
wrote a book purporting to expose the secrets of Free
Masonry. Quite a while afterward he disappeared and
if any one knew when or how, it was never made public.
The Masons were charged Avith being responsible for
his disappearance. The country was wrought up. Wm.
Wirt, who had become famous as prosecuting attorney
in the case of the United States against Aaron Burr
for treason, was the nominee of the Anti-Masonic party
at a convention held in Baltimore in 1831. Mr. Wirt was
a finished orator and a very distinguished man. He is

60 HISTORY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
noted as the author of a life of Patrick Henry. If he
had been really great he would not have allowed his
name to be used in such a connection, for what could he
have accomplished even if he had been elected? How
ever he was ignominioush^ defeated. The opposition
soon died away.
Not so with Axley. He quoted: "For every one that
doetli evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light
lest his deeds should be reproved." With him secrecy
Avas the synonym of darkness and publication of light.
If there is any^good in it why not give the world the
benefit of it? Why hide your light under a bushel ? Let
everything be done in the open; do away with your se
cret signs and symbols; abolish your dark, mysterious
meetings! He (Axley) did not know that there is no
true Mason that is not an earnest seeker after Light.
He Avas probably unaware that in the time of the Em
peror Nero the Christians had a symbol by which one
belicAdng brother made himself known to another. A
fish was draAvn with a staff or switch upon dust or sand.
If the explanation was known to the observer it was sig
nificant, otherwise it Avas meaningless. It is related that
the Emperor never discovered the true explanation even
by torture. His persecutions and that of others forced
the Christians for purpose of worship and burial to
buUd the catacombs beneath the city Eome. Even to
this day they are considered among the wonders of the
world. He (Axley), had not the slightest conception that Ma
sonry reaches back far beyond the dawn of written his
tory. It Avas hoary with antiquity when the pyramids
rose to their dizzy heights from the sands of ancient
Egypt ; before the sphynx smiled and Thebes flourished
on the banks of the Nile, it Avas ; Moses learned in all the
arts of the Egyptians was a Mason ; so Zerubabel, Solo
mon, Hiram of Tyre, the wise men, the Magi, who saAv
the Star in the East; Jesus was a priest after the or
der of Melchisedek, a degree of Masonry conferred upon
Him by the Mahatmas of India ; Eichard I belonged to
the order, Saladin, Washington, James K. Polk; thous
ands of Avorthies could be mentioned but Avithout nam
ing further one might say it Avas rather a respectable
and ancient fraternity. The beauty and glory of Ma-

HISTOBY OF SAVEETWATEB VALLEY 61'
sonry is that it is Avorld-Avide. Any male of laAvful age,
with a belief in a supreme Being, and of good moral
character and free born can be made a Mason ; provided
he obtains the unanimous consent of the members of the
lodge to which he has been recommended for admission.
It differs radically from Christianity in this respect
that it is not reformatory. A man ought to be above re
proach before he is made a Mason. Most of the tenets
of the Masonic fraternity can be known and read of the
world. There is not near so much secrecy as is supposed.
If one reads the Masonic Text Book of Tennessee care
fully and thoughtfully he can know more of the princi
ples of Masonry than some members of the order know.
This can be bought through any reliable book store, if
you are desirous of information.
Dr. Price relates: "Axley cherished an inveterate
hatred to slavery, and often preached against it. While
on the Opelousas circuit in 1807 in Louisiana his tirades
against slavery brought on him not only the censure of
the church but of the community, the most of whom
were slaveholders. He took the extreme ground that
no slaveholder could be saved in Heaven or was a proper
person for admission into the church. His views pre
sented from the pulpit made him so unpopular that he
found it difficult to obtain food or shelter. But he con
tinued inexorable till relieved of his charge by the pre
siding elder, who found him in rags and well-nigh fam
ished from hunger. ' '
On the subject of slavery he was in agreement with the
early bishops of the Methodist Protestant Episcopal
church. Then it had few apologists and no real defend
ers. The mountain people were not usually slave OAvners.
John Allison in "Dropped Stitches in Tennesse History"
says that the first abolition paper in the United States
was started at Jonesboro, Tenn., by Elihu Embree. It
required no particular exhibition of nerve to do so. Even
long before this there had been various manumissions of
slaves and at that time within the bounds of the Hol
ston Conference if the majority were not abolitionists
they doubted the moral right of one human being to hold
another in enforced servitude. Yet in East Tennessee
during Axle^-'s day the people were not so highly
Avro'uglit up over the question of slavery until after the

62 HISTOEY or SWEETWATEB VALLEY
secession of the Southern from their Northern brethren
of the Methodist Protestant Episcopal church and the
setting up of a separate church government in 1844. This
happened some time after the death of Axley. Had he
lived Avhat action he would have taken is conjectural.
From that time on the Southern Methodists, if they
did not contend for the absolute right of slavery accord
ing to the Bible, held that emancipation and making
the negro citizens at home or emancipation and coloniza
tion abroad would be equally impracticable. The ques
tion Avas as bitterly fought in church as in politics and
helped greatly to precipitate the Civil War.
In Axley's times the people were not so fully agreed
as to the evils of alcoholic drinks. It was not commonly
considered disreputable as now to make or sell whiskey
.or brandy. There was no internal revenue tax on the
manufacture or sale of intoxicants. Fruits which would
otherwise be a total loss could be made into brandy and
thus be a matter of considerable profit. Twenty-five
or thirty cents a gallon or even less was considered a
fair price for what was called "good" whiskey or bran
dy. Most people kept it and it was not uncommon to pass
the bottle around. They had it on hands presumably for
sickness, as most of it was kept until it was of some
age, what was drank then would now be termed a su
perior article. It is not a matter of surprise that indis
position requiring stimulants were not at all uncom
mon. A doctor who would not prescribe whiskey for
ailments (with or without roots and herbs) was either
a crank or did not understand the nature of symptoms;
so they took it anyhow. Axley in private and public
talked and preached against stilling, drinking and the
traffic in drink in terms that raised a blister. I have
heard the Eev. James Sewell, who was well acquainted
with Axley, tell how one of his neighbors, who had be
come very angry with him for some remarks he had
made in the pulpit about drinking, went to his house
early one morning for the purpose of giving him a "gen
teel thrashing," unless he took back what he had said.
After he had stated his business Axley quietly remarked
that when he called at the gate he was about to have
family prayers and as that was something he never put
off or neglected, he would be very much pleased if he

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEV 63
would join them, and afterwards if nothing else would
do, he would try his best to accommodate him. He ac
cepted the invitation. Axley prayed (not as the preacher
Bob Taylor used to tell about when a bully threatened
him, mentioning how many fights he had had and al-
Avays been victorious) but it was equally effective. He
offiered up a fervent petition for the salvation of the
young man and that he would see the error of his ways.
When the prayer was over he thanked Axley, shook hands
with him and went away without saying anything fur
ther of the whipping he was going to give him.
Axley was largely instrumental in changing public
sentiment in regard to stilling and dram drinking in the
Sweetwater community. He was especially severe on
the women following the fashions, decking themselves
out with jewelry, fine clothes, frills and furbelows. He
read frequently the 3rd chapter of Isaiah commencing
at the 16th verse. He denounced the wearers of ' ' round
tires" as he termed the hoop skirts worn at that time.
The reasons he gave for this action I have not .learned.
One of his illustrations (the sense not the language
is given) was: Sometimes you farmers go out to the
woods hunting for a good hickory tree to make a maul
stick out of. After a while you spy one you think is
well suited to your purpose. It is nice and trim and
straight, the foliage is green and beautiful and it has
every appearance of being sound, you therefore cut it
down and when you come to examine it more carefully
you find it is rotten at the heart; so many Avomen are
symmetrical and enticing but are useless in the fam
ily circle and unfit material for the church.
At other times he compared them with the blue jay
that carries all he has on the back, but of no value ex
cept for the plumage and the top knot on the head.
Notwithstanding all this it appears that his admoni
tions were little heeded by the ladies. They considered
it none of his business. No man is looked up to by them
as the arbiter of fashion.
He failed not on occasion to express his opinion on
the use of tobacco, snuffing, smoking and chewing ; but
chewing was his particular aversion. Judge H. L. White
in Holston Methodism, Vol. II, is quoted to have said:
"I confess that father Axley brought me to a sense

64 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATER VALLEY
of my evil deeds — at least a portion of them — ^more ef
fectually than any preacher I ever heard. ' ' Going on he
further quotes him in an exhortation as mentioning sev
eral things that he was not going to talk about and then
remarked. "The thing I Avas going to talk about was
chewing tobacco. Now I do hope than when any gentle
man comes to church who can't keep from using tobacco
during the hours of worship he will just take his hat
and use it for a spit box. You all know we are Metho
dists. You all know that it is our custom to kneel when
we pray. Now any gentleman can see in a moment how
exceedingly inconvenient it must be for a Avell-dressed
Methodist lady to be compelled to kneel down in a pud
dle of tobacco spittle. Judge White says further that
during Axley's exhortation, "I was chewing and spitting
my large quid Avith uncommon rapidity and looking at
the preacher to catch CA^ery word and gesture. When
at last he pounced upon tobacco, behold, there I had a
great puddle of ambeer. I quietly slipped the quid out
of my mouth and dashed it as far as I could under the
seats, resolved never again to be found chewing tobacco
in a Methodist church."
Axley preached much after "location',' and much in
creased his former reputation. He was of such inde
pendent character as to be restive under the order of
the bishop.
Although very much has been written of his quaint
sayings and doings not much is now known of his early
history and that of his family. It is proper here to give
what one of the descendants says is the true history.
A grandson of Eev. Jas. Axley says that the history
be told of himself as follows : ' ' Axley, a Scotchman, and
his wife and son named James, a boy of twelve years of
age took passage in a sailing vessel to come to the United
States in the year 1777. They had a rough and boister
ous voyage. Before reaching their destination, Axley
and his wife both took sick and died and their bodies
were consigned to the sea. At the end of the voyage
at some port of entry on the James Eiver or Chesapeake
Bay the boy, James, was bound out or sold to one Judge
Stevens to help pay for passage. Thus he was born in
Scotland, place not known, and not in Cumberland Coun
ty, Va. Judge Stevens observing that he was a

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 65
bright boy educated him with the intention of making
him a lawyer and making him a partner Avith himself.
As has been seen however circumstances and Axley's
will determined otherwise. If there is any relationship
between the Tennessee and Virginia Axleys it is not
known what it is." Whatever may have been his early
history, that he was uneducated is negatived by the re
port of his sermons and exhortations by the Hon. Hugh
Lawson White and various others.
Something original and unique stirs the public pulse
and brings out a crowd. He may have at times used
slang and uncouth sayings for this purpose. Once he
got the people together it is agreed on all hands that
none knew better than he how to hold them.
Shakespeare has Hamlet say in his soliloquy : " To be
or not to be that is the question," paraphrasing ; to stay
here or go yonder, or as Ty Cobb would put it, "re
main on the base or try for a home run." This same
Danish gentleman on reflection concluded "to bear the
ills he had than fly to others he knew not of. ' ' He also
advised Ophelia, his former sweetheart, against love
and marriage. Trust not mankind. "We are arrant
knaves all of us. " I am myself a deep dyed villain and
guilty of crimes unspeakable. "Get thee to a nunnery."
Axley maybe knew what awful trouble this same Ham
let caused by his advice. Anyhow he faced a dilemma
of "to be married or not to be married." Whether to
take the advice of John Wesley and Francis Asbury, the
founder and the bishop of the M. E. Church, and remain
a bachelor or to marry and settle doAvn. To marry and
rear a family on $60 a year, the then maximum sal
ary of a circuit rider, was entirely out of the question.
Even 'could he reach the high office of a bishop the sal
ary of Bishop Asbury in those times was $80 a year
only. Besides that he endured innumerable hardships.
He traveled great distances almost wholly on horseback
and sometimes in inclement weather in the mountains he
was compelled to spend the night in a hollow log and
let his horse crop the wild grass for a living.
It is not at all surprising to us that Axley preferred
marriage and a fine body of Sweetwater Valley land
to a precarious support as a circuit rider even with a
good chance of being elected a bishop. He was located

66

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY

by the Holston Conference in the year 1821. From the
hest information at hand at present he must have pur
chased the tracts from Matthew Nelson, Treasurer of
East Tennessee and the then agent of the State and
obtained the grants directly from the State. The tracts
he owned were the northwest quarter of section 1, ToAvn-
ship 3, Eange 1, east, and the south half of the S. E.
quarter of section 2, T. 3, E. 1 E. He built a house on
the latter, near a large spring by the side of the Mad
isonville road one-half mile southeast from the South-
"ern Eailway depot in the town of Sweetwater. It is
needless to state at that time the toAvn and railroad were
not in existence or scarcely thought of. He must have
married and settled there in the early twenties soon
after the Hiwassee purchase from the Cherokee Indians.
The house he built is still standing though almost a cen
tury old. It is diagonally across the road from the J.
C Waren (old Eamsey) residence. It is one of the old
landmarks of the valley. There is growing at this house
an Isabella grape vine which still (1914) bears grapes
and which was planted as a slip by A.xley previous to
his death in 1837; thus making it more than seventy-
five years old. At the head of the spring not far from
the house is a giant oak tiee likely as much as one hun
dred and fifty years old. The two tracts of land men
tioned Were purchased in 1859 by Col. John Eamsey for
¦the sum of $7,000.
He (Axley), married Cynthia Earnest one of a fam
ily of ten brothers and seventeen sisters. Oh: there
Avere patriarchs and matriarchs in those days! The
Earnests were Greene County people. Cynthia was a
sister of Mary Ann Earnest who married John Lot
speich, Sr., one of the original white settlers of SAveet-
water Valley. They resided in the brick near the
Athens road one and a half miles southwest of Sweet
water. Cynthia was considerable younger than Mary
Ann ; the latter was born in 1789 and the former in 1800.
The one died in 1878 and the other in 1882. They are
both buried in County Line Cemetery.
Mr. and Mrs. Axley reared a large family. Numerous
grandchildren and great grandchildren of theirs are now
living. In the marriage license book of Monroe County in

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 67
the County Court Clerk's office this record is found:
License issued to Samuel Blair and Cynthia Axley. Cere
mony performed July 30, 1844. James Sewell, Minister
of the Gospel, M. E. Church. I am told the marriage
did not turn out happily. They did not live together
many years.
I make no apology for thus giving at some length the
history of Eev. James Axley. He was not only one of
the early settlers but a very remarkable man. He was
by far the most prominent preacher of the M. E. Church
residing in the valley. He was brave and outspoken
and feared not to condemn what he thought wrong or
commend the right and added to that an unblemished
character. He would have been a man in any age and
any country.
The children of the Eev. James Axley and Cynthia
Axley were :

One. James, b. Sept. 8, 1825. d. 
Two. Samuel Douthard, b. 1827. d. 1903.
Three. Elijah, b.  d. 
Four. Marilla, b.  d. 
Five. Betsy, b.  d. 
Six. Jemima, b. •  — '¦ — d. 
Seven. Matilda, b.  d. 

One. James Axley, married, first, Mary McKenzie
Dec. 11, 1856.
Their children were :
1. James Thomas, b. Oct. 4, 1857. He is a railway con
ductor Ogden, Utah.
2. John McKenzie, b. Dec. 31, 1858. Broker in Kan
sas City, Mo.
James Axley married, second, Martha Ann Smith of
McMinn Co., daughter John Pickens Smith of South
Carolina, on August 7, 1860. She was born Aug. 12,
1832, and died Apr.  , 1892. Their children were :
1. Mary Alice, b. May 23, 1861. She married George
Eeynolds of McMinn Co. They reside at Canyon City,
'T'p-y'Q Q
2. William Wesley, b. Sept. 23, 1862, at the old Axley
place three miles west of Madisonville, Tenn. He mar-

68 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
ried Sarah F. Norris, of Lutherville, Ga., Dec. 19, 1895.
She was the daughter of a Baptist minister. They lived
first in Sweetwater for several years and then moved
to Chattanooga, where they now reside. He is a travel
ing man. Their children are :
Eobert Chapmau (named Chapman from grand
mother), born Feb. 14, 1897; Martha Francis, b. Aug.
31, 1898 ; and William Wesley, Sept. 20, 1901.
3. Charles Davis, b. Nov. 1, 1864. d. Oct. 5, 1885, at
TrouDG Tgx,
4. Samuel' Wiley, b. Sept. 1, 1866. d. Mar. 10, 1911.
Kansas City, Mo.
5. Ella, b. Dec. 4, 1868. Married Oscar Hunt, of Mon
roe County, Tenn., Sept. 6, 1894. They reside at Carson
City, Texas.
6. Ida, b. June 6, 1870. Married S. P. ToUeson in
1900. He died in 1902 at Amarillo, Texas.
Tavo. Samuel Douthard Axley married Eliza Jane
Dean Jan. 31, 1860. She was born in July, 1836, and is
still living (1916). He went to California in 1849 and
returned in 1857 or 1858 and located on Bat Creek, in
Monroe County, where he lived on his farm until he died
in 1903. Their oldest child died in infancy. Their other
children were :
2. James, b. Sept. 14, 1862. Married Susan Eliza
Johnson Mar. 3, 1886. She was born in May 1866. Was
the daughter of Jacob Kimberland Johnson and Susan
Swaggerty. He came to Philadelphia, Tenn., in 1886,
and moved from there to the James Axley farm three
miles west of Madisonville in 1898. He was elected Trus
tee of Monroe County in 1900 and re-elected twice. He
is a member of the General Assembly of Tennessee, as
representative of Monroe County, elected in 1914. He
lives in Madisonville. The children of James and Susan
Axley are :
(1) Walter Brunner, b. Jan. 17, 1887. Married Lois
Kimbrough Nov. 1909. She was the daughter of Jos.
Kimbrough. They have two children: Nannie Peck, b.
Mar. 3, 1911, and James, b. Nov. 16, 1913.
(2) Jacob Johnson, b. Feb. 16, 1890. Post-office,
Dairy, Oregon.

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY . 69
4. Fred, son of Sam. Douthard Axley, born Nov. 9,
1865. Died Nov. 17, 1914. He was a farmer on Fork
Creek. He married Malissa Johnson, daughter of
Frank J., and granddaughter of Louis Johnson. She
was born Mar. 13, 1870. They were married Sept. 5,
1889. Their children are :
(1) Zelma, b. Aug., 1890. Married Horace King, of
Sweetwater Oct. 27, 1911. They have one child, Lucille,
b. Aug. 18, 1912.
(2) Beulah, b. Oct. 17, 1892.
(3) Hazel, b. Jan. 29, 1899.
(4) Flora, b. Apr. 6, 1901.
(5) Blanchard, b. Feb. 5, 1905.
3. Nevada, b. July 16, 1864. She married C. P. A.
Woolridge on Oct. 7, 1891. He is a farmer and they
live near Madisonville. Their children are :
(1) Birge Littleton, b. Sept. 8, 1892.
(2) Edna Bond, b. Feb. 12, 1894.
(3) Ealph, b. Feb. 11, 1896.
(4) Ivy Modena, b. June 16, 1898.
5. Arch Bacome, b.  Married Samantha Hull
on July 16, 1896. Their children are: Antel Lee (about
18), Walter, James Douthard, Tennie May, Sarah,
Blanche, Jay Hugh, Artie Lou, Gertrude Belle, and in
fant b. June, 1916.
6. Tennessee, b. 1872. Married Douthard Green,
who is a farmer on Bat Creek, Monroe County. They
have two children: Francis Irene, b. Feb., 1905, and
Garland, b. 1907.
7. Philander, b. Apr. 22, 1873. Married Hattie Kel
ler Nov. 14, 1900, who was born Nov. 5, 1880. Their
children are : Delia Irene, b. Nov. 9, 1902 ; Vola Eulalie,
b. Feb. 22, 1905 ; Nellie Maude, b. Mar. 9, 1907 ; Euby
Alta, b. Jan. 11, 1909 ; Georgia Lois, b. Feb. 8, 1911 ; Vas-
tine Stickley, b. Jan. 27, 1913, and Eaymond Philander.
b. Apr. 2, 1915.
8. Tressie, b. 1875. Married J. Henry Brakebill, Mar.
23, 1897. Eight children, three of whom are dead. The
living are: Eobert, Alonzo, Stella, Willis and Clyde.

70 ¦ HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
9. Artie Lou, ninth child of Samuel Douthard Axley,
b. 1880. Married Austin Brakebill, Dec. 7, 1899. Four
children: Mabel (sixteen), Mary Axley, John Douthard
and Milburn (eleven). *****
Harriet Jeannette Axley, daughter of Elijah and Mar
tha Jane Axley was born Aug. 10, 1870. She mar
ried Wm. Haun at Eome, Ga., on May 9, 1887. He is
the son of Abraham Haun of Monroe County, a Baptist
minister. He (Wm. H.), came to Sweetwater Dec. 17,
1912, and has been Marshal of the city for three years.
Their living children are:
1. Oscar C, b. Feb. 11, 1888.
2. Ella F., b. Oct. 26, 1890.
3. Davie Ann, b. March 7, 1893.
4. Ethel J., b. June 15, 1895.
5. Elijah C, b. March 27, 1900.
6. Cora Lee, b. Sept. 16, 1903.
7. Erskin E., b. Nov. 29, 1906.
Bessie, daughter E. Axley, married Chas. Eickett,
Dec. 19, 1898.
Mack, son, E. Axley, married and lives at Chattanooga.
Charles, son, E. Axley, married Kittle Moser Dec. 14,
1899. One child, Eva, b. 1904.
Ernest, son, E. Axley, married Ellen Frost.
Four. Marilla, daughter of Eev. James Axley, mar
ried Jesse Fouche, Feb. 24, 1842. They had two chil
dren : Jesse and Matilda. Matilda married  Har
old and they had two children : Margaret, who married
Heneger, and Jesse, who is unmarried.
Five. Betsy, daughter Eev. James Axley, married
Josiah McGuire, Mar. 4, 1850. They moved to Iowa,
near Des Moines. One son, Carl McGuire, married Mary
Wilmot. They are both physicians.
Six. Jemima, married Wm. A. Plemings, Feb. 20,
1860. They went to Weatherford, Texas, and then to
Oklahoma.

HISTOEY OP SAVEETWATEB VALLEY 71
Seven. Matilda, youngest child Eev. Jas. Axley, mar
ried Wm. Bryan, May 24, 1840. They went to Grainger
County, Tenn.
Three. Elijah, third son of Eev. James Axley, mar
ried Martha J ane Forshee Dec. 23, 1858. Their children
arc: (1) Bascom, who married Angelina Kinser. They
live on Dancing Branch, Monroe County, and have con
siderable family.
(2) Cynthia Ella, b. Feb. 24, 1864. Married George
H. Poland, who was b. Jan. 19, 1862. Died in Sweet-
Avater Apr. 15, 1909. Their children :
(1) MoUie b. Aug. 1, 1885. Married Ed. Colquitt, of
Sweetwater. Four children : Willie, b. Dec. 21, 1907 ;
Gracie, b. Aug. 3, 1909; George, b. May 6, 1911; Edgar,
b. May 5, 1914.
(2) Gracie, second child George Foland, b. Jan. 31,
1887. Married Garfield Stephens, Oct. 4, 1909.
(3) Henry, b. Aug. 29, 1888. Died Nov. 21, 1913.
(4) Harvey, b. Sept. 26, 1890. Married Jella Queen, of
Sweetwater, Sept., 1911. One child, Katherine, b. Sept.
25, 1913.
(5) Asbury, b. Jan. 9, 1893. Married Bessie Blanton
May 31, 1908. One child : James Franklin, b. Apr. 22,
1915. Live in Sweetwater.
(6) Martha, b. Mar. 7, 1896. Married Fred Seymour
Feb. 7, 1915.
(7) Hobert, b. Aug. 24, 1897. Married Gertrude Aiken
June 27, 1915. She was born Jan. 2, 1898. Live in
Chattanooga. (8) Mary, b. May 22, 1899.
(9) Prudie, b. Feb. 5, 1901.
(10) Willard, b. July 22, 1903.
(11) Elijah Eugene, b. May 30, 1906. Died infant.
Elizabeth, daughter of Elijah Axley, married William
Lambert Jan. 30, 1896, who is a guard at Brushy Moun
tain. Mattie, daughter of Elijah Axley, married Lafayette
Hudgens. They moved to Iowa where he was at one
time a member of the Legislature.

72 histoby of sweetwateb valley
William Bbowdee.
The following sketch was written for the Monroe Dem
ocrat and published in that paper of date July 9, 1890.
The facts given were obtained from Mr. Browder himself
shortly before his death. He died in Meigs County on
Sunday, June 29, 1890. He had been living for a num
ber of years at County Line in McMinn County but had
gone on a visit to his son William in Meigs.
"Wm. Browder was born on February 10, 1792^ in
Chatham County, North Carolina, about twelve miles
from Hillsboro and twenty-two miles from Ealeigh. He
was therefore at the time of his death 98 years, 4 months
and 19 days old.
About the year 1800, two brothers, John and Darius
Browder, moved from North Carolina to the Browder
place between Lenoirs and Loudon. Darius Browder
was the father of William, who was then about 8 years
of age. At that time Knoxville was a mere village, hav
ing about seven or eight stores. The county around Le
noirs was a wilderness. Bear, deer, turkeys, wild-cats
and game were plentiful.
Wm. Browder enlisted in the war of 1812. He served
under Brigadier General White. This brigade camped
for a long time at the famous Lookout Mountain await
ing orders and supplies. The war closed before the
brigade saw much active service.
At the time of the encampment at Lookout, no white
man lived there, as it was before the purchase of the land
and the removal of the Cherokees to the Indian Nation.
Jack Eoss was then the Cherokee chief and resided in
that section. Hence the site near the city, now Chatta
nooga, was first known as Eoss' Landing.
Darius Browder, the father of William, died in 1812.
In 1814, William Browder was married to Elizabeth
Lackey, of Eoane County. He afterward moved to what
is known as the Hugh Goddard place and in one winter
cleared eleven acres of land. He subsequently moved to '
the Hagler farm on Paint Eock, where he resided until
1835. He then came to Pond Creek Valley, to the place
noAV owned by his son, James M. Browder. He lived
there until 1862, when he went to Georgia, returning to
this section after the war was over. Since then he has

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 73
lived principally with his son, David Browder, and since
his (David's) decease, with his widow.
William Browder was a man vigorous in mind and
body, of great industry and sterling integrity.
It would naturally follow that endowed. with these
qualities his life was eminently useful and successful.
The history of his life would be the history of the sec
tion in which he lived.
When he came to Tennessee, John Sevier the first
Governor of our state was still governor. The Cherokee
Indians occupied our section and warred, roamed and
hunted amid the virgin forests scarcely touched by the
axe of the white man. He had seen the Indian go from
their hunting grounds ; the wheat and corn take the place
of the forest ; school-houses, churches, railroads and all
the concomitants of civilization rise where erstwhile
roamed the bear and deer.
He has seen a great number of his descendants grow
to be good and useful men and occupy prominent posi
tions in the country. He can count his descendants in
various parts of the Union. There are few, if any of
them who do not reflect credit upon the name. Many of
his children and_ grandchildren have passed before him
to the other shore. They will be there to welcome his
coming at the Golden Gates.
He, more than most men, because of such a long and
useful life, has seen the abundant harvests of his good
works while stili alive. Whatever was for good and for
the upbuilding of society he has been foremost in, and
has spent his time and money for its success.
One of his last works was the Browder Memorial
Church, for the building of which he furnished the prin
cipal part of the money.
He was an ardent man and took an active part in busi
ness, in politics and church matters. In politics he was
a democrat. When President Cleveland visited Atlanta, Mr. Brow
der went down saying that he wished to shake hands
with another Democratic President before he died.
When voting day came around, he was always to be
found at the polls. He thought it as much a duty to vote
as to go to church.
He was a zealous Methodist and contributed greatly

74 HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
to the success of that society in this section of the coun
try. He always went to preaching and there is hardly
a man, woman or child in a circuit of ten miles who has
not heard Brother Browder lead in prayer. He sup
ported his church with time and means. He believed
that each church should meet promptly its obligations,
pecuniary as well as religious, and he labored to that
end. In all the relations of life, as farmer, neighbor, cit
izen, church member and as father of a numerous fam
ily, he has been everything that could be desired. Few
men in any country have been loved, revered and re
spected as he was. He has indeed been a good and faith
ful servant and has gone to his reward."
Children of William and Elizabeth Browder : Mary-
line, oldest child, married James Stone. Their children
were Malinda and Elizabeth. Malinda married Wm.
Murray of Pond Creek Valley, in the fall of 1850. They
moved to Missouri and reared a large farmily. Eliz
abeth was married to Estel Lowe in the fall of 1851.
There were six of the Lowe children, 5 boys and 1 girl.
James now living in Knoxville; David, dead; " Billy "
lives in Texas; Samuel and Lee both "dead; Josephine
died at the age of 8 years.
Elizabeth Stone Lowe died in 1863 or 1864.
William, third child and second son of William and
E. B., b. in 1822. He married Sarah Leather age in 1848.
She died at Harriman in 1911, aged 90 years. They lived
in Sweetwater Valley many years, part of the time at
County Line the D. A., now C. 0. Browder place. They
went from there to near Nashville. They came probably
in the early 80 's to Meigs County, where he died in
1906. They had no family.
Darius, son of William and E. B., was b.  .
He moved to Bradley County, Avhere he died in 1892.
John Jefferson (oldest son of W. and E. B.), b. Nov.
9, 1818 ; d. July 14, 1903.
James Madison (son of W. and E. B.), b. October 16,
1824; d. September 10, 1902.
Nancy Jane Crump (daughter of W. and E. B.), b.
May 17, 1839 ; d. April 25, 1872.
(She married J. H. Picket whom see.)

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 75
David A., youngest son of W. and E. B., b. March 2,
1835; d. April 6, 1883.
John Jeffeeson Bbowdee
Was born near Lenoir City, Tenn., on November 9,
1818. He was married to Elizabeth J. Lotspeich, De
cember 12, 1844. (See Lotspeich.) She was born March
7, 1825. He was a farmer. They first resided in Pond
Creek Valley and then afterwards moved to the Brickel
place, a short time previous to the Civil War. He died
there on July 14, 1903, and there his widow still re
sides. Their children were :
(One) Elizabeth A. Browder, b. October 10, 1845.
(Two) Mary F., b. August 24, 1847. Married Wm.
Cleveland. (See his history.)
(Third) Amanda J., b. April 12, 1849. Married A. J.
Dickey. (Fourth) William L., b. November 29, 1850"; d. July
7, 1878.
(Fifth) Sarah A., b. August 13, 1862; d. September 4,
1867. (Sixth) John W., b. April 1, 1854; d. April 18, 1890.
(Seventh) Chas. D., b. January 27, 1856.
(Eighth) Nancy E., b. February 19, 1858; d. March
27 1882
. '(Ninth) Alice, b. March 11, 1866.
(Tenth) Samuel L., b. September 10, 1868.
(Eleventh) Charles D. married Nettie Adkins Novem
ber 7, 1888. (See Adkins.) He is a farmer. Justice of
the Peace. He resides near his mother. The family of
C. D. and Nettie Browder are :
Mildred, b. August 14, 1889.
Ernest, b. December 9, 1890. He resides at Port Gib
son, Miss.
Eli, b. May 27, 1894. Student at Emory and Henry
College. Margaret, b. August 29, 1897.
Amanda J. Bbowdee.
Amanda was the third child of Jno. Jefferson and
Elizabeth L. Browder. She married Andrew J. Dickey,
son of D. H. Dickey, of Pond Creek Valley, on April 16,

76 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
1872. He was born January 17, 1846. They resided in
Pond Creek Valley until August, 1889, when they moved
to the town of Sweetwater. Their children are five in
number :
(1) Hugh Browder, b. March 6, 1873.
(2) Corrv Eebecca, b. March 26. 1875.
(3) David Wesley, b. January 11, 1877.
(4 Lela, b. August 1. 1880.
(5) Cecil, b. December 24, 1885.
Corry Eebecca married John Brown, son of Hon. J. K.
Brown, and Sarah E. Brown, October 29, 1895. He
(Jno.) was born in Meigs County, Tenn., on November
24, 1869. His father came to Sweetwater in_1882. He
is cashier of the Sweetwater Trust and Savings Bank.
Their children are:
(1) Grace Eebecca Brown, b. October 8, 1896.
(2) Irene Elizabeth Brown, b. August 25, 1898.
(3) Leta Jane Brown, b. January 2, 1901.
(4) Gladys BroAvn, b. October 3, 1903.
D. W. Dickey was married to Mabel, daughter of
W. L. and M. E. Clark on January 17, 1907. She was
born January 18, 1875; died August 1, 1908. Of this
marriage there was one child, Mabel C. Dickey, born Au
gust 1, 1908. He married (2) Miss Clarine Lee, daugh
ter of Wm. Thomas, and Margaret Ehinehart Lee, of
Waynesville, N. C, February 18, 1914. Mr. Dickey has
been depot and express agent for the Southern E. E. Co.,
from 1902, up to the present time (1916).
Hugh Browder was married to Miss Buna Bowling of
Coal Creek, Tenn., June 20, 1912. He is a grocer and
produce merchant in Sweetwater.
Cecil married Major J. G. Engleman at Sweetwater
on May 31, 1911. He was educated at Virginia Military
Institute, graduating there in Elect. Eng. 1908. He
was teacher of mathematics and modern language and
assistant commandant at T. M. I. from 1908-1915. He
was born in Lexington, Va., on August 26, 1886. His
postoffice is now (1915), Lexington, Va.

histoey op sweetwatee valley 77
Lela Diokey
Was the second daughter of Andrew J. and Amanda
B. Dickey. She was married to Henry Lee Cecil, Oc
tober 25, 1905. He was born in Pulaski, Va., on March
8th, 1865. He is secretary and treasurer of Taylor-
Christian Hat Co., Bristol, Tenn. Their children are
three in number :
1. Elizabeth Eloise, b. September 18, 1906.
2. Juanita Blanche, b. November 20, 1910.
3. Henry Lee, Jr., b. October 24, 1912.
Alice, the sixth daughter of J. J. and E. L. B., was
married to Dr. Joseph Albert Hardin on April 16, 1900.
He was born in Meigs County on December 10, 1866. He
was the son of  and  Hardin. He re
ceived the degree of M. D. at Vanderbilt University in
1883. He was a partner of Dr. D. N. Browder from 1894
to 1899. Partner of Dr.  McClain from 1899 to
1905. He is now (1915) a practising physician in Sweet
water. He has had no partner since 1905.
James Madison Bbowdee
Was born in Meigs County, October 16, 1824. He
moved Avith his father to Eoane County, then to the old
Browder homestead and lived there in Pond Creek Val
ley. He bought this place in 1868 and lived there until
1893. He married Letitia Laird Patterson of Meigs County,
November 29, 1849. She was born June 20, 1829, and
died at Sweetwater July 4, 1879, and was buried at Mt.
Zion, Meigs County.
James M. Browder was a farmer. Served in the Con
federate army as a conscripting officer and refugeed to
Georgia in 1863. After remaining there one year he re
turned home to his family. He moved to Sweetwater,
December 12, 1893. He was a member of the M. E.
Church, South.
He died at Sweetwater, September 10, 1902, of pneu
monia, and was buried at County Line Cemetery.
The children of his first wife were :
1. Mary, b. August 8, 1851 ; d. February 7, 1888.
2. David Newton, b. July 31, 1853 ; d. February 5, 1902.
3. Elizabeth, b. November 20, 1855.

78 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
4. Ellen, b. March 22, 1858.
5. James Patterson, b. November 4, 1860. Postoffice,
Chattanooga, Tenn.
6. John Jefferson, b. October 15, 1863.
7. Horace Lackey, b. May 17, 1868.
8. Lucy Pickens, b. June 16, 1871 ; d. January 3, 1914.
9. Eobert, b. July 27, 1874; d. April 16, 1908.
1. Mary Browder married J. L. Suddath of Harriman,
Tenn., on October 25, 1887. Their children were :
(1) Jennie, b. August, 1880. Postoffice, Harriman,
Tenn. (2) Carrie, b.  ,1882. Postoffice, Murfreesboro,
Tenn. (3) Frank, b. October 25, 1884. Emory & Henry, Va.
(4) George, b. September 5, 1887.  , Texas.

2. David Newton studied medicine at the Electic Col
lege, Cincinnati, Ohio, and got his diploma in 1881. He
married Emma Byrd, daughter of Thomas Byrd, of
Eoane County, on September 1, 1881, when he moved to
Sweetwater.- He and Dr. J. A. Hardin Were partners during the
years 1894-1899. After acquiring a lucrative practice
he attended lectures and took a course of hospital prac
tice in New York City. He died February 5, 1902, and
was interred in West View Cemetery.
Emma Byrd, his wife was born July 9, 1857, near
Paint Eock Ferry, Eoane County. She resides in Sweet
water. Their children are :
(1) Byrd, a daughter, born October 28, 1882. She
was musically educated at the Conservatory in Boston.
Her profession was music teacher. She married 0. K.
Jones on January 3, 1914. Their child : John M., Jr.,
b. December 11, 1914.
(2) Thomas, b. October, 1885.

3. Elizabeth Browder married James N. Heiskell.
(See Heiskells.)

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 79
4. Ellen married A. A. Green, formerly of Kingston,
Tenn., now of Boyd, Texas, on October 30, 1879. He is
a merchant.

3. James Patterson Browder was a druggist at Phila
delphia, Tenn., from 1887 to 1892 when he moved to
Harriman. He married Maude Critchell, October 2,
1895. He has been in the employment of the Standard
Oil Co., since 1892, His present residence is Chatta
nooga, Tenn. His children are :
(1) Byron, b. Jan., 1899.
(2) and (3) James and Elise, twins.
(4) Dorothy, b. June 1, 1908.

6. John Jefferson Browder married Bettie Taylor, of
Morristown, Tenn., on November 25, 1889. They moved
to Washington in September, 1902, where he engaged in
farming. Present postoffice is Oakdale. Their children
are : Sydney, Anna, Laura, Van, Eobert, Newton, John,
Kyle, Elbert.

7. Horace Lackey Browder married Huldah Cleve
land, daughter of Eli Cleveland on June 14, 1910. She
was born in Sweetwater Valley, June 7, 1884. One child,
Susan Laird, was born October 27, 1911. Horace L; B.
is now postmaster at Sweetwater, since 1913.

8. Lucy Browder married W. K. Horton, a merchant
in Sweetwater, on October 12, 1899. They moved to
Waynesville, N. C, in April, 1909. Afterwards they
moved to Harriman, Tenn. She died there. Their chil
dren are:
Helen, b. January 21, 1901.
W. K., b. May 17, 1903.
Lucy Browder, b. June 29, 1906.
*****
James Madison Browder was married (second) to

80 HISTOEY OF SWEETAMATEE VALLEY
Elizabeth Armstrong, daughter of  and Jane
Armstrong of McMinn County, Tenn., on December 14,
1890. She was born September 16, 1858, and died at
Sweetwater, April 17, 1909. Their children were :
(1) Samuel P., b. July 8, 1882; d. November 1, 1883.
(2) Clyde, b.  ,  . Married May Eodgers,
of Chattanooga, in 1907. They went to Nashville in
1909. Eesidence, 1403 Des Monbreun Street. Employee
of the Standard Oil Co. Their children are :
Mary, b. July, 1908.
Eobert, b. July, 1910.
(3) Zelma Lee, b. September 21, 1888. Married W.
Eoy Plott, now of Statesville, N. C, on April 22, 1914.
They have one child, Elizabeth, b. March 13, 1915.
David A. Beoavdeb.
David A., son of Wm. Browder, was born in Eoane
County, March 2, 1835. He moved to Pond Creek about
1840 or 1841. Married Eachel Dickey, October 12, 1858,
the Eev. Mack Lillard, officiating. Eachel Dickey was
born April 17, 1837. DaAntd A. Browder was a farmer.
He was elected a member of the General Assembly of
Tennessee, November, 1877, for McMinn County. He
was a member of the M. E. Church, South. He moved
to the Eowan (Brett) place, at County Line, in 1866, and
died there April 6, 1883, and is buried at County Line
Cemetery. He died of pneumonia. His children are:
(1) William D., b. July, 1859.
(2) Elizabeth, b. August, 1861.
(3) D. H., b. September 29, 1863. Commission mer
chant, New Orleans, La.
(4) Frank E., b. May 21, 1867. Manager milling com
pany, Mankato, Minn.
(5) Chas. 0., b. December, 1870.
(6) Hubert, b. October, 1878. Commission merchant,
El Paso, Texas.

William D., married Adda Lou Peak, of Meigs County,
October 5, 1887, who was born March 18, 1866. He is
a farmer and live stock dealer. They both belong to

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 81
the Southern Methodist Church. Moved to Sweetwater
in 1901. Their children are :
(1) Boy, d. in infancy.
(2) Hattie May, b. 1895.

(5) Chas. 0., was married to Georgia Duncan, of At
lanta, Ga., June 16, 1906. She was born at Hayesville,
N. C, August 1, 1869. Her father was J. W. Duncan, a
physician. Her mother was Mary Curtis. Their chil
dren are:
David Duncan, b. May 29, 1907.
Chas. 0., b. September 23, 1909.
Eli Sandeeson Adkins
Was born in Massachusetts, January 6, 1824; d. Feb
ruary 20, 1889. His father was Henry Adkins, and his
mother was Lucinda Grace Adkins, who was born No
vember 6, 1792 ; d. Nov. 23, 1869, at Philadelphia, Tenn.
E. S. Adkins came to Talbot County, Ga., when a
young man. He was twice married, first to Miss Har
ris, of Talbot County. They had three daughters:
Mary Ann, b. July 19, 1849; m. E. W. Cozatt in 1866.
They had three children: Minnie, b. 1878; Eose, b. 1880;
Lee, b. 1888.
2. Louisa Jane, b. October 2, 1850; m. Joe M. Jones
in 1869. He died in 1870, leaving one daughter, Josie.
Louisa married (second) M. C. Duncan in 1875. Their
children were : William, b. 1875 ; Walter, b. 1877 ; Worth,
b. 1879; Eli, b. 1881; Lenoir, b. 1883; Emma, b. 1886;
Ethel, b. 1889.
E. S. Adkins married (second) Elizabeth Mildred
Childs, of Talbot County, Ga. She was born March 12,
1841 ; d. March 7, 1874. They came to Philadelphia,
Tenn., in November, 1865. Their children were :
1. Emma Sophia, b. August 31, 1857. Married E. C.
Jones, September 15, 1873. (See Jones.)
2. Fannie Amelia, b. February 18, 1859, in Talbot
County, Ga. ; m. W. G. Lenoir. (See Lenoir.)
3. Nettie Gray, b. January 5. 1861 ; m. C. D. Browder
in 1888. (See Browder.)

82 HISTOBY- OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
4. Eli Sanderson, b. April, 1863. Married. Wife died
leaving one daughter who is married. E. S. A. is a mer
chant and ranchman and lives at Pony, Mont.
5. Annie Mildred, b. April 26, 1866; m. W. C. Can
non in 1890. (See Cannon.)
6. Henry, b. January 5, 1868 ; m. Kate Owen, of Sweet
water, Tenn., October, 1898. They have two daughters :
Katherine, b. 1900, and Henry Taylor, b. 1902. They
live at Pony, Mont.
7. Charles Childs, b. January 25, 1872 ; m. Grace Big-
low in 1905. He died in 1911. They lived at Livingston,
31ont. They had no children.
Franklin King Berry, Sr.
Was born near Williamsburg, Ky., March 25, 1809. He
married Emily, daughter of Thomas Laughlin, of Phila
delphia, Tenn. He died October 28, 1845. He was buried
in the old cemetery at Philadelphia. His wife was born
January 26, 1823, and died October, 1884. Mrs. Berry's
second husband was W. E. Molleston, of Philadelphia,
. who died January 25, 1872, at age of 63 years. The chil
dren of F. K. and Emily Berry were :
One. F. K. Berry. He was born at Philadelphia, De
cember 4, 1841. He was a practising physician and a
farmer. He married Caroline Cleveland, daughter of
Eobert E. Cleveland on April 15, 1868. They had a hand
some residence not far from the Cleveland Baptist
Church on Sweetwater Creek, where they lived during
nearly all their married life.
Mrs. Berry was b. February 2, 1843. She d. Septem
ber 16, 1910. Buried in West View Cemetery at Sweet
water. Children of Dr. F. K. and Mrs. Caroline Berry are :
1. Frank E. Berry; was b. January 28, 1869. He m.
Julia, daughter of J. L. Willson, of Pond Creek Valley.
He (Berry), is a farmer and lives at Marble Bluff in Lou
don County on the Tennessee EiA^er, seven miles from
Loudon, his postoffice.
2. Eobert S. C. Berry, b. December 30, 1870; m. Ber
tie Healan, of Einggold, Ga., December 9, 1897. He is
a merchant and resides at Morristown. One child, Eo-
berta, b. June 7, 1900.

HISTORY OF SWEETWATER VALLEY 83
3. Nina, b. October 14, 1873 ; d. July 27, 1897.
4. Emily Ethel, b. November 4, 1875 ; m. J. Frank Mc
Guire, December 17, 1894. He is a farmer. They reside
in Sweetwater.
The children of J. F. and E! E. McGuire are :
Charles Euclid, b. September 28, 1895 ; Dorothy Car
oline, b. August 23, 1897 ; Frank Ealph, b. January 1,
1900 ; Hilda, b. January 7, 1903 ; Jean Nicholas, b. Feb
ruary 24, 1906; Halstead, b. October 11, 1909; Ethel B.,
b. September 16, 1912.
5. Luke Danton, b. July 26, 1879 ; m. Julia Stowers.
Their address is (Pushing, Okla.
Annie Eliza, b. September 21, 1881; m. Virgil T.
Eausin, June 6, 1906. He is a merchant in Sweetwater.
Children are:
V. T. Eausin, Jr., b. June 13, 1907 ; Kermit Wendell
Eausin, b. April 1, 1910; Buford Quentin, b. March 25,
1916.

Two. Sidney, b. in Philadelphia, August 17, 1844.
(See C. Y. Caldwell.) Charles Y. Caldwell.
Charles Y. Caldwell was born in Pike County, Georgia,
February 17, 1847. He came to Sweetwater Valley with
his mother in 1855, who came to Philadelphia, Tenn., in
that year. He was married to Sidney Berry, of Phila
delphia, on November 5, 1868. She was born in Phila
delphia, August 17, 1844. He engaged in farming while
located there. He moved to California in 1875 and
moved back to Tennessee in 1876, Avhere he farmed at
the old home place until 1901, when he went to Wuako-
mis, Okla. Their children are:
Charles Sydney, b. Decembe'r 20, 1872 ; m. Mary Kline,
of Loudon, Tenn., May 6, 1896, going to Waukomis, Okla.,
where they now live.
Eobert Marvin, b. June 7, 1878 ; m. Maude, daughter of
J. L. Willson, January 18, 1911, going to Waukomis to
make it their home.
Fred. Eoy, b. April 7, 1883 ; m. Bertie D. Johnston, of
Oklahoma City, August 6, 1913. They live at Wuakomis.

84 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Martha Emily, b. in California, September 1, 1875;
d. December 18, 1876.
Frank Berry, b. August 15, 1869; d. December, 1898.
Mary, b. January 15, 1871 ; d. December 18, 1876.
T. W. Bellamy
Was born in Louisa County, Va., June 15, 1806. He
came to Sweetwater Valley in 1853. He married Sarah
Griffin, AprU 3, 1828. She was born June 4, 1809, and
died December 27, 1887. T. W. B. died September 4,
1889. Their children were :
William, b. December 23, 1828 ; d. July 15, 1847.
Mary Ann, b. April 13, 1830; d. August 28, 1854.
John Daniel, b. September 20, 1831. Lives in Benton,
111. Newton Walker, b. June 28, 1833.
Thomas Conner, b. in Louisa County, Va., February
16, 1835.
He came to Sweetwater with his father in 1853. He
was employed in the cooper shop of McClung, Dobbins
& Clayton. He was married. His children were eleven
in number: six boys and five girls. Four girls died
single. Three of the sons are married. Andy, the old
est one, is the father of eleven children. He is employed
by Moore & Co., barytes manufacturers.
Andrew Bellamy, son of T. W. B., was born October
15, 1838. In the Civil War he enlisted in Colonel Jno.
A. Eowan 's regiment, 67th, C. S. A., Company D., Cap
tain Eobert Eowan, Priscilla Frances, daughter of
T. W. B., b. October 28, 1840; m. W. B. Sample, July 25,
1858. W. B. Sample was b. August, 1833 ; d. 1899. Eliz
abeth Melissa, b. April 4, 1843; m. Professor J. S. Cline;
she died June 19, 1913. Henry Washington, b. December
26, 1848. He is a Baptist minister of Mendota, Va.
Alexandeb Biggs
Was one of the oldest settlers in Sweetwater Valley.
He acquired land in 1820 soon after the Hiwassee Dis
trict was open for settlement. On his tract adjoining
Mayes and Heiskell near the large spring on the north
side of the now town of Sweetwater, he built a one-
story brick residence, which is still standing. ' This is

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 85
one of the oldest brick houses in the valley. It was oc
cupied continuously by the Biggs until the year 
when the farm was purchased by G. M. McKnight. In
formation in regard to the Biggs family is now hard to
obtain, as there are no living descendants in this section ;
one son went to California and his address is not known
to the writer.
Alexander Biggs; date of birth, death and where
came from, not known. Isabella Biggs (inscription on
stone in Sweetwater Cemetery) was born January 7,
1789 ; died January 12, 1877. She was the wife of Alex.
Biggs. Their children were:
Mary Ann, Nancy, Alexander Hamilton and J. M.
Mary Ann and Hamilton never married. Nancy m. Eev.
Thos. E. Bradshaw, April 2, 1861; no children. Mr.
Bradshaw was a learned Presbyterian minister and was
the' second pastor of the New School Presbyterian Church
at Sweetwater, Eev.. Thos. BroAvn, of Philadelphia,
Tenn., having been the first.- (See history of Presby
terian Church.) Solomon Bogaet
Was the son of Abram and  Duncan Bogart,
formerly of Washington County. They moved to King
ston, Tenn., and then to Athens, Tenn.
Solomon Bogart was born in Washington County on
January 4, 1.800. He died at his home (which was
located where the Bogart High School building now
stands), at Philadelphia, on June 9, 1878. His wife was
Ann Moore. She was born December 21, 1821. She died
November 24, 1860.
Solomon Bogart was a hotel keeper, teacher and land
surveyor. He first kept hotel at Athens, Tenn., which
he advertised as a strictly temperance hotel, meaning by
that, that he allowed no one drinking or carrying whiskey
with them to put up at his hotel. I have been told that
he refused to keep General Winfield Scott because the
general carried a bottle, and on stated occasions took his
toddy. Solomon Bogart came to Philadelphia, Tenn., from
Athens, Tenn., in 1847. He was a leading member of
the Presbyterian church, which was located in the cem-

86 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
etery across the creek from and west of the town of
Philadelphia. He reared a large family, eight of whom
reached years of maturity and became highly respected
and influential citizens. These children were :
1. Franklin, b. May 23, 1827 ; d. May 8, 1887.
2. Margaret, b. July 12, 1829; d. August 5, 1879; m. J.
W. Goddard. (See Goddard.)
3. Newton, b. October 14, 1831 ; d. May 26, 1889.
4. Columbus, b.  -, 1833 ; d. during the war at
Danville, Ind. He was a soldier in the Civil War, serv
ing on the staff of General Spears, U. S. A.
5. Susan, b. August 21, 1836; m. W. Cannon. (See
Cannons.) 6. Elizabeth, b. February 8, 1839 ; d. July 6, 1898.
7. Barbara, b. September 19, 1840; d. July 22, 1866.
(See S. Y. B. Williams.)
8. Martha, b. .January 6, 1844. Eesides at Philadel
phia, with her sister, Mrs. W. Cannon.
9. Mary Cornelia, b. September 26, 1845; d. Nov. 21,
1864. 1. Dr. Franklin Bogart studied medicine and settled
at Tellico Plains, Tenn. On January 21, 1857, he was
married (first) to Elizabeth McEwen, daughter of
George and Sarah Gaines. He came to Sweetwater soon
after the town was started, purchased property and
practised his profession until his death. His first wife
died October 8, 1873. They are both buried in the old
cemetery at Sweetwater. Their children were :
(1) Thomas Cannon, d. in 1860 at the age of 3 years.
(2) Walter G., b. April 13, 1858; m. Lorella Magill,
October 15, 1884. He studied medicine at NashAT.lle and
graduated in the medical department of the University
of Tennessee. He is also a post graduate of Belle View
Medical College of New York. He practised his profes
sion in Sweetwater until 1888. He then went to Chatta
nooga and was a partner of Dr. G. C. Magee. He was
Professor of Diseases of Women and Obstetrics in the
Medical College at Chattanooga for twenty-one years.
He was founder of the Highlands Sanatarium in that
city. Lorella Magill was daughter of Jas. Magill and
Lizzie Lowry and granddaughter of James L. and sister
of Harrison and Eobt. Lowry.

HISTOEV OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 87
The children of W. G. and Lorella Bogart are :
Elizabeth G., m. T. C. Olney in 1910. Franklin Magill,
b. at Sweetwater in March, 1888.
(3) John Newton, b. June 2, 1862, third son of F. and
E. Bogart ; was a graduate of the University of Tennes
see and took the course in literature at Johns Hopkins
University. He afterwards took a similar course at the
University of Oxford, England. He was a teacher of
English in the schools of New Orleans, La., at the time
OT ni^ fi(-*flTil
(4) Anna, b. December 20, 1864; d. February 7, 1893.
(5) William Moore, fourth son of F. and E. Bogart,
was born February 27, 1867. He married K'eturah M.
Thompson, November 10, 1892. She is the daughter of
Franklin Blevins and Gurley Thompson, of Chattanooga.
Their children are Franklin Blevins, b. May 15, 1894;
Martha Josephine, b. June 7, 1898, and Emma Mary, b.
January 7, 1901.
W. M. B. is a practising physician at Chattanooga.
(6) Frank Augustus, b. in 1868; d. at 3 years of age.
Dr. Franklin Bogart married (second) Martha Ellen
Cannon, daughter of Eobert and Ann Galbraith Cannon,
on October 28, 1879. She resides at Sweetwater.
3. Newton, second son of Solomon and Ann Bogart,
when a young, man was employed by William Lenoir and
Brothers at Lenoir's, Tenn., in the early fifties, and re
mained with them until 1870, when he was employed by
the E. T. V. & G. E. E. as master of trains, and, after
wards as superintendent. He was a director and stock
holder of the East Tennessee National Bank of Knox
ville, Tenn., and died possessed of a considerable for
tune, a part of which he left to Loudon and Monroe coun
ties, the interest on the amounts given to be applied
yearly to the public school fund.
John D. Bowman.
The Bowman family, as the name implies, came from
England. John D. BoAvman was born in Blount County, Tenn.,
March 4, 1816. He was married to Susan Jackson, who
was born March 5, 1820. She was the oldest child of
Josiah and Mary Jackson, of Blount County. They
came to Sweetwater Valley and settled near the big

88 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
spring one and one-half miles south of Sweetwater, on
the tract now owned by Kilpatrick. They lived there un
til October 1, 1857, when they moved to Texas, where he
purchased land in Collins County, dying at Piano, Feb
ruary 27, 1852. Collins County was very sparsely set
tled at the time he moved there as one of the pioneers —
his descendants are now prominent among a prosperous
and numerous people.
The children of John D. and Susan Bowman were:
1. Mary, b. February 2, 1839 ; d. February 25, 1875.
2. Julia, b. February 1, 1840; d. September 5, 1868.
3. Jackson, b. November 6, 1841.
4. George, b. April 19, 1844.
5. Nancy.
6. James, and Callie, all three of whom died when
children, at the Bowman place near Sweetwater, of scar
let fever in the epidemic of that disease, in the summer
of 1856. They were buried in the old Jackson burying
ground, in Blount County, on the Little Tennessee Eiver.
8. Fannie, b. in 1852, m. James Florence, of Piano,
Texas ; had no children.
1. Mary married Wm. Lovelace. Their children were
Laura, John, William, James, Ella and George.
2. Julia married Joseph Eussell, of Plana, Texas, and
had one child, John.
3. Jackson married Dora Dye, of Piano, whose daugh
ter. Flora, married Edgar Wall, of Tampa, Fla., whose
children were: Jack, Minnie, May and James B.
4. George W., who married Eliza McFarland, Feb
ruary 3, 1875, who died January 29, 1890. They had one
son, J. Eichard Bowman, who was born April 17, 1876.
He was a lawyer a Piano, Texas, and died July 17, 1914.
He was married to Edna Dilley, of Palestine, Texas, on
February 1, 1911. Their children were :
Edna, "b. January 22, 1879. Died October 20, 1885.
Eussell, b. July 17, 1888 ; d. September 11, 1910.
The father of these children, J. Eichard Bowman en
dowed a school in honor of his mother, Eliza, at Cien-
fuegos, Cuba.
George W. Bowman married (second) Mrs. Honaker,
of Tampa, Fla.
Henry Bowman married  . Ilad three children.

histoey of sweetwateb valley 89
Eev. Thomas Bbown
Was born in Eockbridge County, Virginia, December
27, 1800, and was the son of James Brown, who came to
Blount County, Tenn., in 1803 or 1804. When a young
man Thomas BroAvn went first to Bradley County, Tenn.,
locating at a toAvn called Columbiana, which place does
not now exist. There he followed his trade as black
smith until he went to Kingston, Tenn. He then en
tered school to prepare himself for the ministry. _ On
April 10, 1834, he married Jane N. Patton, who was the
daughter of David and Elizabeth Patton, of Kingston,
at which place Jane Patton was born on November 19,
1817. Thomas Brown was ordained a minister of the Pres
byterian church, September 22, 1827. He took charge of
the Presbyterian churches at Kingston and Philadelphia
in November, 1828, and remained with them until 1866,
when, on account of ill health, he gave up the work. He
preached at Sweetwater Presbyterian Church, as first
pastor, in 1859-60. He died at his home near Philadel
phia, April 21, 1872, and his wife died there on January
28, 1897. They are both buried at the Philadelphia
cemetery. The Eev. Thomas BroAvn took both the theological and
literary courses at MaryAdlle College, Maryville, Tenn.
- The children of Thomas and Elizabeth Brovsm were:
.1. Ignatius Cyprian, b. March 10, 1835; d. March 21,
1900. 2. Mary, b. March 30, 1836; d. September 29, 1837.
3. Eowena, b. July 2, 1838 ; d. December 9, 1908. (See
T. J. Moore.)
4. William Leonidas, b. January 9, 1840.
5. Nancy, b. 1843.
6. David J., b. March 26, 1844.
7. Mary E., b. January 19, 1846 ; d. August 2, 1888.
8. Susannah, b. January 13, 1847 ; d. April 23, 1849.
9. H. Virginia.
10. Laura A.
1. Ignatius Cyprian BroAvn married Euth Hamlet, of
Indiana. He died at Columbus Junction, Ind. They
had four children :

90 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
(1) Jennie, m. Hall. Live at Columbus Junction, Ind.
(2) W. T., is a druggist at that place.
(3) Harry L., unmarried. A pharmacist at Denver,
Col. (4) Hadley, unmarried. A physician at Okatee, Okla.
4. William Leonidas, second sqn of Thomas and Jane
Patton Brown, was born at Kingston, Tenn., and came
with his father to Monroe County in 1847. He was mar
ried to Sydney G. Hood, daughter of Parker and Amanda
Torbett Hood, on February 9, 1875. She was born Au
gust 17, 1847, and died October 18, 1894.
Hon.' W. L. BroAvn is a farmer and lives on his farm,
and in the house built by his father in 1848, one mile
south of Philadelphia, on the Fork Creek road. He was
a member of the Forty-seventh General Assembly of
Tennessee, upper house, 1891-92. He was elected jus
tice of the peace for the Fourth District of Monroe
County in 1875, and has served continuously until this
time, 1916. The children of W. L. and Sydney H.
Brown :
1. Clara Maude, d.
2. Cecil, m. Buena V. West. He is teacher in high
school at Sweetwater, Tenn.
3. Thomas G., m. Nettie Walker in August, 1907, in
Jefferson County. He is superintendent of city schools
at Calumnet, Mich.
4. John P., b. 1883 ; m. Hazel Jones, Morristown, Tenn.
He is a civil engineer.
5. Huldah.
6. Jane Sydney.
7. Lois Amanda, b. January 31, 1893; d. September
24, 1901. Majob John Calloway.
The history given below was mostly obtained from
Mrs. Sarah Willson, widow of James Willson, deceased,
of Niota, Tenn.
Major John Calloway came from the upper Yadkin
valley, Wilkes County, N. C, where Eli and Presley
Cleveland and William B. Lenoir came from. They
were all descendants of King's Mountain heroes. From
the purchases of land made by them in this country it is
almost certain that they were in fairly comfortable cir-

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 91
cumstances when they moved from North Carolina to
Tennessee. John Calloway moved to Knox County and settled on
Beaver Creek. He was sheriff of that county at one time.
When the Hiwassee District was surveyed and opened
to purchase in 1820, the Clevelands and the Galloways
bought numerous tracts. John Calloway was the pur
chaser of the northeast quarter of section 18, toAvnship
1, range 2, east. Date of sale was November 29, 1820.
Eli Cleveland and John Calloway, together, purchased
entry number 365, 160 acres, the southwest quarter sec
tion 17, township 1, range 2, east. Eli Cleveland bought
the southwest quarter of section 18,' township 1, range 2,
east. The records of the Baptist church, then consti
tuted on Fork Creek in 1820, afterwards the Baptist
church on Sweetwater Creek, near the old Eli Cleveland
place, show that he was connected with that church in
1821. As to John Calloway, the church books of that
church show that he joined the church by letter, in May,
1827. It is probable that he did not move to the A^^alley
until about that time. He built the first brick house that
was built in the valley, if not in the county. Mrs. Will-
son' thinks that it antedated the old Meigs residence,
which stood west of the old Eeagan residence, at Eeagan
Station. The brick "house built by Calloway stood at or
near the site of the Berry residence, near the Cleveland
Baptist Church, two miles southwest of Philadelphia.
John Calloway was prominent in church affairs. His
name was often mentioned with Snead, Fine and Cleve
land, as a delegate to Baptist associations and conven
tions. The members of the Calloway family have rec
ords in the Baptist church in SweetAvater as follows :
John Calloway, received by letter the fourth Saturday
in May, 1827.
Sarah Calloway, received by experience fourth Satur
day in January, 1830.
Joseph Calloway, received by experience fourth Sat
urday in July, 1832.
Joseph, liberated for exhortation fourth Saturday in
April, 1833.
Joseph, ordained a minister fourth Saturday in No
vember, 1838.

92 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
Joseph, granted letter of dismission fourth Saturday
in January, 1839.
Nancy Calloway (Webb), received by experience and
baptism July, 1832.
Judy Ann Calloway, received by experience and bap
tism July, 1839.
James Calloway, received by experience and baptism
fourth Saturday in July, 1839.
E. Malinda Calloway, received by experience and bap
tism fourth Saturday in July, 1839.
Hugh L. W. Calloway, received by experience and bap
tism fourth Saturday in August, 1842.
Judy Ann Calloway (Moffatt), dismissed by letter,
fourth Saturday in August, 1842.
On the fourth Saturday in February, 1844, there were
granted letters of dismission to Louisa Hatchett and
also to John Calloway and family, viz : Sarah (his wife),
Nancy Webb, Hugh L. W., Polly (Mary) McEeynolds,
Malinda Walker and James H. Calloway, also to colored
persons (his slaves), Abraham, Pinckney, Patsy and
Chloe. John Calloway sold out to Eli Cleveland and moved
to Harrisonville, Cass County, Mo., in 1842, so Mrs.
Willson says. The family got their letters of dismission
from the church, as above recited, in 1844, but as not
infrequently happens, they sent back after them.
Thomas H. Calloway, whose father was a brother of
John C, used to live with his uncle until he, John C,
went to Missouri. Thos. C. became a very wealthy man
and was afterwards president of the East Tennessee and
Georgia Eailroad.
John Calloway married Sarah Hardin, of South Car
olina. Their children were:
One. Marshall, died on Sweetwater Creek.
Two. William Saunders.
Three. Hugh L. W.
Four. Joseph, d. near Springfield, Mo., in 1869.
Five. James, d. in Cass County, Mo.
Six. Nancy, lived and died in 1872, in Cass County,
Mo. Married Webb.
Seven. Judy Ann, d. in Cass County, Mo. ; m. Moffatt.
Eight. Mary, d. in Harrisonville, Mo., August 8, 1854;
m. McEeynolds.

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 93
Nine. Eebacca, d. in Harrisonville, Mo., in 1872; m.
Eeagan.
, Ten. Malinda, d. in Lee's Summit, Mo., in 1873; m.
Walker. One. Marshall Calloway was a physician. He mar
ried Grace Meigs, a sister of Eeturn J. Meigs. He died
at the Calloway place, as above stated. They had two
children : Farrar, who married Julia Castella, and Mar
shall, who married Caroline Kirby. They lived in Brad
ley County.
Two. William Saunders Calloway married Sarah
Hurst, daughter of Elijah, and sister of John and Eussell
Hurst, of McMinn County. He was clerk of the county
court of Monroe County 1832-36. He moved to McMinn
County, near Eiceville, Tenn., and resided there until
his death. He was buried in the family cemetery on his
farm. They were the parents of eleven children:
1. Marshall; 2. John; 3. William; 4. Thomas; 5. El
vira ; 6. Sarah ; 7. Malinda ; 8. Emma ; 9. Laura ; 10. Cor
nelia ; 11. Addie. Emma and Laura were twins.
1. Marshall was killed in the Civil War; m. Sarah
Mayo, leaving no children.
2. John, moved to and died at Mountain Home, Idaho ;
m. Laura Durham, Sparta, Ga.
3. William, m. Ida, daughter of Eev. N. Goforth. Moved
to Mountain Home, Idaho.
4. Thomas, d. unmarried.
5. Elvira, m. Geo. Hill (October 16, 1871, E. Snead,
M. G.), who was reared at the Schultz place, near Niota.
His mother was Elizabeth Lane, daughter of Isaac Lane.
They went to an Indian reservation in Idaho.
6. Sallie, m. Dr. Frank Durham, of Sparta, Ga. She
died at old Governor McComb's summer residence, near
Milledgeville, Ga. She left two sons : Calloway and Dr.
Frank Durham, both of Sparta, Ga.
7. Malinda, m. Thomas Epperson, who lives near Eice
ville, Tenn. Their children are: Calloway, m.  ;
Charles, m.  ; Sallie, m. Wiseman, of Los Angeles,
Cal. 8. Emma, m. Dennis E. Isbell, who lived near Mt. Har
mony, on December 28, 1871. J. B. Kimbrough, M. G.

94 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Their children were: John, m. Josephine Walker in
Utah, and Earnest, who is a bachelor and lives at the old
home in Monroe County.
9. Laura, m. Henry H. Matlock on November 14, 1870.
J. B. Kimbrough, M. G. He is a farmer and lives nine
miles west of Athens, Tenn. Their children are Mary,
m. Henry Tittsworth, of KnoxAdlle, Tenn., who is a con
ductor in the employ of the Southern Eailway; they
have four children: two sons and two daughters. The
second child of H. H. and Laura Matlock, Sarah, m. John
Thornburgh, a lawyer of Knoxville, Tenn. They have
two children, a son and daughter.
10. Cornelia Calloway married W. P. Willson near
Mt. Harmony. He died at Athens, Tenn., and was buried
at the cemetery at Sweetwater, Tenn. They had four
sons, two of whom, Frank and Eobert are dead. Their
son, William, married Katie Brown, of Murfreesboro,
Tenn. She died. He lives at the old Doc Lane place
between Niota and Eeagans. Elbert, son of Cornelia and
W. P. Willson, married Lucy Smith, of Oak Grove, Knox
County. They live at Athens, Tenn.
11. Addie, youngest child of William Saunders and
Sarah Hurst Calloway, married Eobert Cooke, son of Dr.
Cooke, of Madisonville, Tenn. They live in Los Angeles,
Cal. They have two children: Henry, who married a
daughter of LaAvrence Henderson, three miles east of
Madisonville, Tenn. They live in Los Angeles, Cal.
Ella, second child of Eobert Cooke, married 
Eumsturm in Idaho.
Three. Joseph Calloway married Mary Willson, of
Meigs County (no relative, as I understand, of the
James Willson, who married Sarah McEeynolds). The
church history of Jos. Calloway has already been given.
His children were: Mary, Avho married a Cunningham,
and James who married Minerva, a sister of the late
Hon. S. J. Martin. There were two other children but
I have not been able to get their names or history.
Four. Hugh Lawson White Calloway married Car
oline, daughter of Sam'l McEeynolds, brother of David
McEeynolds, grandfather of Mrs. James Willson. They
moved to Saline County, Mo., in the settling of that state.
There were three children, two daughters and one son:

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 95
Sarah married in California; Potter Calloway, the son,
lives in California.
Five. Nancy. Married George Webb some time
previous to July, 1832, as she joined the Baptist church
on Sweetwater, at that time, as Nancy Webb. Geo.
Webb built the Second Presbyterian Church in KJnox-
ville, at the corner of Prince Street and Clinch Avenue.
He Avas buried in the churchyard there, but his remains
were removed, with others, when that property was sold,
and the new church built at the corner of Church Avenue
and Locust Street. Mrs. Webb died in 1872, her husband
many years previous. They had three children :
1. John. Never married.
2. Asenath, m. Thos. Hodge. No children.
3. Sarah, m. Dr. Logan McEeynolds, son of Joseph
McEeynolds, Saline County, Mo., another brother of
David McEeynolds.
Six. Judy Ann Calloway, m. Thos. D. Moffatt, October
18, 1838, E. Snead, M. G. He was a merchant in Phila
delphia, until about 1842, when he moved to Cass County,
Mo. T. D. and J. A. Moffatt were the parents of three
children : Sarah, m. James Woolridge, a lavpyer at Har
risonville, Mo. They left a son and daughter who both
died without heirs.
Seven. Mary Calloway, m. Coleman McEeynolds, a
young physician of Meigs County, Tenn. They moved to
Harrisonville, Mo., in 1842. He died in 1852 and she
August 8, 1855. They were the parents of five children :
1. Sarah, b. February 24, 1838.
2. JohnC, b. 1840; d. 1865.
3. David M., b. February 2, 1845.
4. Hugh, b. July 2, 1848 ; d. September 21, 1893.
5. Minta, b. July 2, 1848 ; d. March, 1871. Hugh and
Minta twins.
1. Sarah, came back to Tennessee, to the Sweetwater
Valley home of elder Eobert Snead, on a visit to her
aunt, Samantha McEeynolds, who had married Mr.
Snead September 17, 1852. Mrs. Snead was the daughter
of Tely Jane and David McEeynolds, of Selma, Ala. On
the 12th of April, 1857, Sarah McE., was married to
James Willson, of Mouse Creek (Niota), Tenn., and at
once moved to that place. He was born in SeAder
County, the son of James and Sarah Willson. He was a

96 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
successful business man and farmer. He died at his
residence, near Niota, August 2, 1869. Their children
were :
1. Hugh, b. June 30, 1858.
2. Eobert S., b. May 6, 1860; d. October 10, 1907.
3. EUie, b. May 17, 1862; d. June 17, 1887.
4. Mintie, b. July 5, 1864; d. July 23, 1887.
5. Sallie, b. May 10, 1866 ; d. August, 1869.
6. James C, b. July 7, 1869; d. September 17, 1887.
1. Hugh Willson married Carrie, daughter of Au
gustus P. and Dorcas Henderson Gaines, of Fork Creek
Valley, on January 26, 1893. She was l)orn October 2,
1862. (A. P. Gaines and Dorcas Henderson were mar
ried July 19, 1856.) Hugh Willson is a farmer and owns
the place formerly oAvned by Eussell Hurst, 1 and 1-4
miles southwest of Niota. He was president of the East
Tennessee Farmers Convention in 1915. The children of
Hugh and Carrie W. are: James Gaines, Dorcas Hen
derson, Mintie McEeynolds and Sadie Gaines.
2. Eobert Snead Willson married Lillian Boyd, of
Sweetwater, November 18, 1891. She died September,
1907. He was a farmer and lived 1-4 mile from Niota.
Their children were : Sarah Louise, Mary Lillian, EUie,
Mintie, Sallie and James C.
2. John C, son of Coleman McEeynolds, was a soldier
in the Confederate army, in Captain Forrest company
of Colonel Bradford's regiment of Tennessee volunteers.
He died at Abingdon, Va., in March, 1867.
3. David M. McEeynolds married Laura Eice, of
Athens, Tenn. He studied theology at Princeton, N. J.,
and was afterwards ordained a minister at Mt. Har
mony, Monroe County. He was pastor of the First Bap
tist Church in Sweetwater in 1883-1889. He then moved
to Chattanooga, and was pastor of the Central Baptist
Church. He was then called to the Boise, Idaho, Baptist
church where he was pastor for several years. They
had no children.
4. Hugh McEeynolds married Martha Eice, daughter
of Wm. Eice, and sister of Laura, David McEeynold's
wife. He studied medicine and obtained his diploma at
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa. He began
the practice of medicine at Mouse Creek, but afterwards

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 97
moved to Chattanooga,' where both he and his wife died.
They had no children.
Nine. Eebecca, fourth daughter of John and Sarah
Calloway, was married to Jesse Eagon. They moved to
Cass County, Mo., and they both died there, he in 1873,
and she in 1871. They had four children : Mary, Ma
linda, Nannie and Hugh.
Ten. Malinda, fifth daughter of Jno. and S. H. Callo
way, married Jno. F. Walker of Fork Creek. She joined
the Baptist church at Sweetwater, on the fourth Satur
day in July, 1839, as E. Malinda Calloway, showing that
she was not then married. She was granted a letter of
dismission as Malinda Walker on the fourth Saturday
in February, 1844. They moved to Cass County, Mo.,
where she died, leaving three children.
The Cleveland Family.
The Cleveland family have to their credit many il
lustrious names both in England and the United States.
The most celebrated of these on this side of the water
was Grover Cleveland, thrice a candidate for and twice
elected president of the United States.
James Butler Cleveland, of Oneonta, N. Y., published
a book in three parts in 1881 about the Cleveland fam
ily. We have had access to Part I and from this we
glean the following information: From the year 1200
A. D. up to the present the family have spelled the name
in a variety of ways, sometimes the same individual in
the family spelling his name at different times in his
life in more than one way. It is found spelled "Cliff-
land, Clyveland, Cliveland, Clieveland, Cleaveland and
Cleveland; the last way was the one adopted by the
members of the family who came to this state. There
used also to be a "de" before the name but that was
dropped when they emigrated to this country as being
undemocratic. Sir Guy de Cleveland was knighted at
the siege of Boulogne in —  by King  and
was therefore entitled to place "de" before the name
and to have a coat of arms, a crest and a motto. (For
description of crest and coat of arms see J. B. C. 's book
about the Clevelands.) They seem to have had rather
more than their share of mottoes, claiming two as belong-

98 HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
ing to them: "Pro deo et patrio,*" translated, "for God
and country" showing them to be both a religious and
a patriotic family; and another motto "semel et sem
per," "once and always," meaning, "once a (friend) al
ways a (friend) " or the opposite. Both mottoes, I think,
have been somewhat characteristic of the family.
" For given names the Clevelands used Bible names of
abstract qualities such as Faith, Hope, Perseverance,
Justice, Mercy — answer to Prayer, Abigail, Sarah, Eph
raim, Abraham, Benjamin, Jacob, and by no means
were Joseph and his Gypsy wife, Asenath, forgotten.
However I have not found in my reading about them
that any of them were named either Judas or Esau;
these they avoided.
The Butler Cleveland book deals mostly with that
part of the Cleveland family descended from Moses
Cleveland, who came to the colonies (Massachusetts) in
1635. His numerous descendants are dispersed over
various states of our union. They have had many towns
and counties named for them ; probably had much to do
with naming them themselves. The most noted of these
for commercial prosperity, its Euclid Avenue and lo
cation and the most notorious as having been the
home of Mark Hanna, Eockefeller and Tom Johnson is
Cleveland, Ohio, on the Lakes. It is the largest city
in the world named for a citizen of the United States.
The father of Benjamin and Eobert Cleveland (the
latter part of their lives citizens of Wilkes County,
N. C), settled probably early in 1700 in Orange County,
Va. There on Bull Eun Creek Eobert was born. In
1736 he married Aley Mathis of Kentucky. This is a
very common name among the Clevelands and their de
scendants. Eobt. C. was twice married and was the
father of 15 or 16 children. Jeremiah, one of the sons,
was the grandfather of the Marietta, Ga., Clevelands.
Wheeler in History of North Carolina (page 462), has
this to say of Benjamin Cleveland: "Colonel Benjamin
Cleaveland, the hero of King's Mountain, and after
whom Cleaveland County is called, lived and died in
Wilkes. County." (Cleaveland County was formed in
1841 out of Eutherford and Lincoln counties.) "He was
a brave and meritorious officer. A serious impediment
in his speech prevented his entering political life."

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 99
(Ho"wever he was senator to the General Assembly from
Wilkes County, N. C, in 1779.) "In 1875 he was ap
pointed an ensign in the 2nd Eegiment of troops and
served at King's Mountain and at the Battle of Guilford
Courthouse. He was also the hero of a hundred fights
(vith the tories. He was the surveyor of Wilkes and
lived at the place where Little Hickerson now (1850) re
sides. Some incidents of his life, dangers and daring
conduct are recorded under Watauga County, their
scene of action."
Captain Eobt. Cleaveland was little less distinguished
than his brother Benjamin. He was with his brother
Benjamin in the majority of the campaigns mentioned.
Presley and Eli Cleveland were sons of Eobert. In
giving a sketch of Eli C. we can not do better than to
quote an obituary of him written by Elder Eobert Snead.
In that, though Mr. Snead did not- mention it, he made
a deed of gift in perpetuity to the parcel of land on which
the Baptist church on Sweetwater is situated, and the
gift of a cemetery lot for a public burial, or more correct
ly speaking, a neighborhood burial place. But for our
present purpose it does not matter, for in giving a his
tory of the Baptist on Sweetwater a copy of the deed
and will as far as it pertained to those lots, are given
in this book. Eldeb Eli Cleveland.
An obituary written by Elder Eobert Snead.
Eli Cleveland was born in Wilkes County, N. C, on
October 1, 1781. He was united in marriage with Polly
Eagon the 28th of December, 1803. He was baptized
the third Sabbath in December, 1813, and united with
Baptist church in Ashe County, N. C, haAdng obtained
a hope in Christ a short time previous. Soon afterward
he commenced exhorting and preaching to sinners "to
flee the wrath to come."
He moved with family to Knox County, Tenn., in 1817.
He was ordained to the full work of the ministry in 1818
by request of Beaver Eidge (now Brick Chapel) Church.
He moved to Sweetwater Valley in 1821. He united with
the church here (on Sweetwater) the fourth Saturday
in January, 1822. . He was chosen moderator soon after ;

100 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
which office he was eminently qualified to fill and which
he retained until his death. This being a newly settled
country he preached much and was instrumental in
building up and establishing a number of churches.
For many years he has been, at times, the subject of
severe afflictions which kept him from traveling much;
but he never neglected to meet Avith his own church and
,fill his place in the house of God, when his health per
mitted. We, who were present the last time he met with
us, will long remember the earnest, warm and faithful
exhortation he gave. Having lived to a good old age he
died on the 23rd of November, 1859, of disease of the
heart. He retained his mind to the last and died trust
ing in Jesus only. His motto was "Born a sinner, but
saved by Grace." (Note. This is the epitaph on his
tombstone.) The writer of this was with nim the even
ing before and the morning of his death. He spoke of
being fully conscious that the time of his departure was
at hand. In his last conversation he said: "I shall not
long be here ; I have given up ; I have no desire to stay
here at all ; this world is nothing to me. I am perfectly
resigned to go at any time it is the will of God to take
me. I have great reason to be thankful for His good
ness towards me. My trust is altogether in Jesus, be
cause I could not trust in anything on earth or in my
self. I want you to pray for me that I may go easy, for
God answers the prayers of His people.
About thirty minutes after speaking thus he fell asleep
in Jesus Avithout a groan or a struggle.
Presley Cleveland was born in Wilkes County, N. C,
September 14, 1779. He died in Sweetwater Valley, May
31, 1861. He was married to Elizabeth Johnson. She
was born February 17, 1792, and died November 20,
1854. These two brothers and their wives are buried in
the (Cleveland) Baptist Cemetery. For history of Eli
Cleveland see obituary by Elder Eobt. Snead.
Eli Cleveland purchased the following tracts of land
in the HiAvassee District from Matthew Nelson, treas
urer of East Tennessee: northwest quarter, section 19,
township 2, range 3, west, on December 2, 1820; entry
number 1323, northwest quarter, section 20, township
1, range 2, east, on June 10, 1825 ; grant 684, September
7, 1827 ; entry 5145, southeast quarter, section 13, town-

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 101
ship 1, range 2, east ; entry 5146, southwest quarter, sec
tion 18, township 1, range 2, east; granted 3212, dated
February 13, 1838. He bought from John Calloway en
try 320, southeast quarter traction, township 2, range
3, west.
The children of Eli and Polly Cleveland were:
One. Eobert E. He was born September 15, 1808; d.
April, 1868. He married Sydney G., daughter of Mat
thew Nelson, of Philadelphia, January 20, 1835. She
was born July 15, 1811, and d. October 3, 1884. He was a
wealthy farmer and merchant of Philadelphia, Tenn.
They had one daughter, Clemintina, who married Dr.
Franklin King Berry. (See Berry.)
Two. Matilda. She married John Chesnutt, son of
Henry Chesnutt. They moved to Ooltewah, Tenn. Had
no children.
Three. Caroline. She married Joseph Walker, of
Fork Creek Valley on March 1, 1838. They had no chil
dren. (See Walker.)
{ Four. Jesse. Married Miss Spriggs, of Bradley Coun
ty, Tenn., and lived on Candy's Creek.
Five. Eli Matthew, b. 1827 ; m. Emetine, daughter of
Jno. Pennington, September 28, 1843. d. 1871. They had
eight children, six girls and two boys. They moved to
Hamilton County, near Ooltewah, Tenn., where he died
three or four years after the Civil War; aged about 58
years. Six. Aley Mathis, b. May 7, 1813; d. May 30, 1855; m.
J. D. Jones, whom see.
Seven. Clarissa, b. September 6, 1815. Baptized
March, 1833 ; d. March 11, 1880. She m. Jesse F. Jones
(brother of J. D. Jones), whom see.
Eight. David H., b. November 5, 1824; d. August 10,
1900. He joined the Baptist church in August, 1842.
He married first, his cousin, Elizabeth A. Johnson,
daughter of Louis Johnson, July 11, 1844. E. Snead,
M. G. She was b. January 5, 1827 ; d. December 31, 1882.
She was a member of the Baptist church. They lived on
his father's, Eli Cleveland's, place which Mr. Cleveland
owned at the time of his death.
The children of this marriage were :
1. Jesse F., b. July 11, 1845 ; d. October 27, 1846.
2. Mary Katherine, b. January 4, 1847.

102 HISTOEY OF SWEETAVATEB VALLEY
3. Eli, b. December 11, 1848.
4. Sydney, A.
5. Louis J., b. February 17, 1853 ; d. October 4, 1853.
6. Callie, b. August 17, 1854.
7. Eobert Mathis, b. November 9, 1856.
8. Joseph Jones, b. November 20, 1858.
9. Eliza, May 5, 1861 ; d. October 1, 1862.
10. Aley, b. December 11, 1863.
11. Viola Jessamine, b. December 15, 1865.
12. Benjamin, b. December 4, 1867.
D. H. Cleveland m. Malinda Sherman (second),
and their children were:
13. (1) John Sherman.
14. (2) Malinda Neil.
15. (3) Davy Grace.
2. Mary K., married Seth McKiimey, son of David P.
Walker, Januaty 3, 1862. He then lived at Boiling
Springs in Fork Creek Valley. In 188- they moved to
Sweetwater. Went to Sherman, Texas, in 1887. Mrs.
Walker died there in April, 1906. In a communication
March 14, 1916, Miss Faun Yearwood, of Knoxville,
gives me as follows about the S. M. and Mary K. Walker
family. They were the parents of twelve children :
1. Jennie Anne.
2. Alice Elizabeth.
3. David Franklin (died in infancy).
4. Eliza Caroline.
5. Joseph (died in infancy).
6. Zeb McKinney.
7. Lena Ula.
8. Katherine.
9. Eobert.
10. Helen (died in infancy).
11. Emmett.
12. Eugene (died in infancy).
1. Jennie A. Walker married Eichard Jarnagin Year-
wood, January 10, 1883.- Now living in Knox\dlle,
Tenn.

HISTOBY OF SAVEETWATEB VALLEY 103
Have three children:
1. Maude, married John Staub Fouche, April
6, 1904, and have one son, John S., Jr. Live
in Chattanooga, Tenn.
2. Faun, Knoxville, Tenn.
3. Eichard Horace, U. S. N.
2. Alice Elizabeth Walker married John B. Montgomery,
September 5, 1883. Now living in Knoxville, Tenn.
Have one child:
1. Helen Louise, married Walter B. McLean,
May 25, 1904, and have one daughter,
Louise. Live in Knoxville, Tenn.
3. David Franklin, died in infancy.
4. Eliza Caroline.
5. Joseph, died in infancy.
6. Zeb McKinney Walker, married and lives in Sherman,
Texas.
7. Lena Ula Walker married John Henry Hurst, at Bon-
ham, Texas, February 24, 1888. Now live at Long-
\dew, Texas.
Have five children :
1. Henry Eugene Hurst, unmarried, employed
by Ford Motor Co., Dallas, Texas.
2. John Eussell, Longview Texas.
3. Edith Isabella, married Collie Carr Moye,
January 1, 1912, and have one daughter,
Edith Earline. Live in LongAdew, Texas. ,
4. Lewis, Beaumont, Texas.
5. Julian Harrison, Longview, Texas.
8. Katherine Walker, married George Blair. Now live
in Sherman, Texas.
Have two children:
1. Jeff.
2. Eaymond.
9. Eobert Walker, married and lives in Sherman, Texas.
10. Helen Walker, died in infancy.
11. Emmett Walker, died in Philippine Islands, U. S. A.,
26 years.
12. Eugene Walker, died in infancy.
3. Eli, son of D. H. Cleveland, m. Susan Martin, dau.
Polly Griffitts Martin on November 22, 1881. He is a
farmer owning a large tract of land about half way be-

104 HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
tween Sweetwater and Philadelphia. He lives in the town
of Sweetwater, where he is interested in the hardware
business. The children of Eli and Susan Martin Cleve
land are :
(1) Annie, b. September 4, 1882; m. Edgar Heiskell,
whom see.
(2) Hulah, b. June 7, 1884; m. Horace Browder, whom
see. (3) Elizabeth, b. April 18, 1886; m. Myrtland Eollins.
He is assistant city attorney of the city of St. Louis,
Mo. (4) David Martin, b. October 13, 1888. He is in the
hardware business at Sweetwater.
(5) Martha Waren, b. 1890; m. Frank Dykeman Euth.
He is a manufacturer of wood veneer at Buchanan, Va.
(6) Eunice Eli.
(8) Susan Marguerite.
4. Sydney A., fourth child of D. H. Cleveland, m.
Benj. F. Hudson, son of Eichard Hudson. He is a
farmer living in Fork Creek valley. Their children are :
Eli, David, Jessie, d. ; Cleo. m. ; Pearl, m. Kimbrough,
Eul)y, m. ; Garnett m. ; Vanoy, m. Jessie Simpson.
5. Callie, m. James A., son of W. E. Johnson and
grandson of Louis Johnson, on March 4, 1875. He was
born January 31, 1849 ; d. Februai-y 26, 1899. He was a
farmer in Pond Creek valley and afterwards moved to
Sweetwater. After his death his wife and family moved
to Oaksdale, Wash., March 21, 1910. Their children are :
(1) Sydnev, b. September 3, 1876.
(2) David "Cleveland, b. September 30, 1878.
(3) Eliza A., b. June 13, 1880 ; d. May 13, 1908.
(4) Maud, b. September 13, 1883; d. July 12, 1912.
(5) William E., b. June 18, 1886 ; d. December 13, 1886.
(6) Elizabeth, b. May 11, 1890.
(7) James A., b. March 3, 1892.
(8) Eobert M., b. November 13, 1894; d. June 19, 1895.
7. Eobert Mathis, was born November 9, 1856. Came
to the town of SweetM^ater, first as a clerk and then in
the mercantile business for himself. He married Mag
gie Carmichael, of McMinn County, on December 7, 1884.
He was an alderman of Sweetwater for many years and
was mayor of the town in 1890. He was a justice of the

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 105
peace of the first civil district of Monroe for sixteen
years. He moved to Chattanooga in 1902, where he en
gaged in the retail grocery business until his death. His
widow resides at 110 Findlay Street, Chattanooga. Their
children were :
Frances, b. December 8, 1886 ; m. J. Eollins, newspaper
man, June 11, 1908.
Sammie, b. January 5, 1889.
Alena, b. January, 1891; m. 0. L. Holt, a manufact
urer, Chattanooga, .August 17, 1911.
Eobert Mathis, b. November 13, 1900.
8. Joseph Jones, b. November 20, 1858; m. Sallie,
daughter of Hon. W. H. Turley, of McMinn County,
June 28, 1882. They lived in McMinn County., where his
first Avife died. He went to Hamilton, Texas, in Septem
ber, 1886. There he married (second) Irene Perry on
April 23, 1887. He is a school teacher. Their children
are: (1) Geo. G., b. April 17, 1888 ; m. Fay Eeid, Henrietta,
Texas, April 13, 1913. Farmer.
(2) Joe J., Jr., b. June 9, 1890. Assistant cashier
Hamilton National Bank, Hamilton, Texas.
(3) Charles C, b. August 18, 1894. Student Baylor
Medical College, Dallas, Texas.
10. Aley, m. William Jones, son of Joshua Jones, of
South Carolina, May 27, 1881. Their children are: (1)
Alex., m.; (2) Ehea; (3) Ophelia; (4) Sydney; (5)
Frank; (6) Ole; (7) Pearl; (8) 
11. Viola Jessamine, m. E. L. Carter July 1, 1886.
He was born January, 1859. Children :
(1) Matt, m. Nannie Martin, of Chattanooga, April
27, 1914. He is a bank employee there.
(2) Bess.
(3) Clifford, in the produce business with his father
at Sweetwater.
(4) Bland L., m. Alan B. DeArmond October, 1915. Ee-
side at Athens, Tenn.
(5) Eobert L., Jr.
(6) Gladys.
(7) Fred.
12. Benjamin, the twelfth child of D. H. and Elizabeth
Johnson Cleveland, was born December 4, 1867. He
went to Spokane, Wash., where he married.

106 HISTOEY OF SWEETAVATEB VALLEY
David H. Cleveland married (second) Malinda Neil,
daughter of John Sherman, of Niota, Tenn. She was at
that time the widow of Bart Forrest. Their children:
(13) John Sherman, b. October 28, 1885; d. Septem
ber 26, 1891.
(14) Malinda Neil, b. February 4, 1888; m. J. Gid.
Johnson November 10, 1910. He is a farmer and is also
engaged in the jewelry business at Sweetwater. They
have one child, J. Gid, Jr., b. May 17, 1913.
(15) Davy Grace, b. August 29, 1890; m. G. W. Fallin,
of Fort Worth, Texas, on December 23, 1913.
Presley Cleaveland
Was born in Wilkes County, N. C, September 16,
1779 ; lie was the son of Captain Eobert Cleveland and
the brother of Eli Cleveland. He died in Sweetwater
Valley May 31, 1861. His wife was Elizabeth, the sister
of Louis Johnson. She was born February 17, 1792, and
died November 30, 1854. They were both memtiers of the
Baptist church on Sweetwater and were buried in the
cemetery near that place.
Presley Cleveland was a farmer and acquired lands as
follows: 370 acres from the State, the northeast and
northwest quarters of section 24, tovsmship 1, range 1,
east, and 50 bought of Jno. Pennington, south side of
southeast quarter sec. 13, township 1, range 1, east.
The children of Presley and Elizabeth Cleveland were :
One. Eobert, d. August, 1854.
Two. Aley, b. October 14, 1816 ; d. November 3, 1824.
Three. William, b. October 11, 1820; d. August 22,
1835. Four. Eliza Ann, d. 1911.
Five. Larkin, b. 1825.
Six. Caroline, b. November 25, 1827 ; d. November 10,
1896. Seven. Harvey H., b. March 18, 1830 ; d. September 25,
1854. One. Eobert, m. Elizabeth Snead, daughter of Eobert
Snead, on June 4, 1840. They moved to Bradley County,
Tenn., where he died and was buried. His widow came
back to Sweetwater Valley and lived for some years
across the creek from the Eobert Snead residence. She

HISTORY OP SWEETWATER VALLEY' 107
died July 27, 1875, and was buried at the old Sweetwater
cemetery. She was a member of the Baptist church.
The children of Eobert and Elizabeth Cleveland were :
1. William, b. April 9, 1843. , He served in the Con
federate army during the Civil War ; was a member of
the Methodist Church, South. He was a progressive
farmer and lived on the Athens road one and one-half
miles south of Sweetwater. He died February 10, 1902,
and was buried in old Sweetwater cemetery. He mar
ried Mary F., daughter of J. J. Browder, on June 24,
1867. Their children were:
(1) Addie V., b. March 6, 1868 ; m. Mark L. Harden, Au
gust 16, 1892 ; d. January 10, 1895.
(2) William, b. August 25, 1879; m. Myrtle Laycock
October 5, 1904; d. October 10, 1909.
(3) Henry, b. March 8, 1882 ; m. Jennie Burk, of Sher
man, Tex., December 30, 1907. He is a farmer in Sweet
water Valley.
(4) Ellis, b. November 5, 1886. Moved to Olustee,
Okla., where he now (1916) lives.
(5) Ora.
(6) Julia.
2. Presley, second son of Eobert and Elizabeth Snead
Cleveland, was born in Bradley County, Tenn., January
28, 1845. He married Belle Bryant in McMinn County
July 4, 1867. She was the daughter of Ellis and the sis
ter of Louis Bryant. They moved to ¦ Gentry County,
Mo., in 1877. He is a farmer. His address is Albany,
Mo. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.
Their children were :
(1) James H., b. in McMinn County, April 24, 1868.
(2) William, b. November 11, 1871; d. February 6,
1901. (3) Mary E., b. October 15, 1874, in Monroe County,
Tenn. (4) Allison B., b. February 16, 1868.
(5) Annie, b. November 1, 1880.
(6) AUie v., b. August 24, 1882.
Four of these children live in Gentry County, Mo.
(3) Mary E. lives in Clarkston, Wash.
3. Mary E. aunt of above Mary E., sister of Wm. and
Presley Cleveland married Horace F., son of Francis
A. Patton, whom see.

108

HISTORY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY

4. Eobert, third son of E. and E. Cleveland was b. in
1852. He m. Georgetta Martin nee Wallace and lives at
Blue Spring, Tenn.
Four. Eliza Ann m. William E. Johnson. He was a
farmer and resided on Pond Creek just above old Os
borne (Dyche) farm. They were the parents of four
children. Five. Larkin Cleveland, b. in 1825 ; m. Minerva Parker.
They reared a large family. Seven of them went west.
Of their history little is known. Nannie m. John Eausin
and lives in Oregon. Alfred married and lives in Mis
souri; Cordie and Eliza are married; names of husbands
and residences not knoAvn.
Six. Caroline, third daughter of Presley and Elizabeth
Johnson Cleveland, married Samuel Jesse Martin Oc
tober 24, 1859. He was the son of S. J. and Polly Eagon
Martin. His father and mother both died when he and
his younger brother, Charles B. were quite young. They
were taken and reared by their kinsman. Elder Eli Cleve
land. When about 15 years of age Jesse went to Ham
ilton County, Tenn.. and lived four or five years with
John Chesnutt, husband of Matilda Cleveland. He there
learned the carpenter's trade and returned to Eli Cleve
land's. He was the first layman to be moderator of the
Baptist church on Sweetwater, and also the first layman
to be moderator of the Sweetwater Baptist Association.
He was a popular man with the people and was elected
joint representative of Loudon and Monroe counties to
the Thirty-eighth General Assembly of Tennessee, over
H. A. Chambers, Democrat, in November, 1872. His
children were:
(1) Sallie, b. July 15, 1861 ; d. May 27, 1879 ; m. Pryor,
son of Humphrey Schultz, of Niota, Tenn., February 16,
1886. They had two children.
(2) Carrie Belle, m. Geo. Cline, son of Geo. Cline,
works with KnoxAdlle Traction Co.
(3) Samuel, b. October 22, 1862; m. Amanda Patton,
of Cumberland County, Tenni, January 21, 1892. She
Avas the daughter of John Patton who lives nine miles
northeast of Crossville, Tenn. Samuel M. is a farmer
and civil engineer. Their children are : Jesse, Charles,
Luther, Scott, Lucille, Beatrice, Zirkle,  , Mc-
.Clain and Winona.

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 109
Charles B. Martin, younger brother of Samuel J. was
educated for the ministry, mostly by Elder Eli Cleve
land, assisted partially by the Baptist church on Sweet
water Creek. When he was about 21 years old, in about
1856, he went to Van Buren County, Mo.
Seven. Harvey H., fourth son of Presley and Elizabeth
Johnson CleA'-eland, married Mary Ann, daughter of
John and Alpha Pennington, in March,1854. He died
about six months afterwards, September 25, probably of
cholera. The Cannons.
John Cannon was born in Caswell County, N. C, on
March 18, 1744, and died in Grassy Valley, Knox Coun
ty, Tenn., in October, 1906. He was the son of William
Cannon Avho first lived in Cumberland County, Virginia,
and then moved to Caswell County, N. C. The wife of
John Cannon AA^as Ann Whitlow, who was born in North
Carolina on November 18, 1747. She died in Knox Coun
ty, Tenn., on July 1, 1830. John Cannon moved from
North Carolina to Sevier County, Tenn.,_some time be
fore 1795, when he came to I&iox County, Tenn. He had
three sons, William, John and Eobert, and one daughter,
Cynthia. Cynthia married M. C. Eogers. She died at
Huntsville, Texas, November 24, 1855. Eobert Cannon
was born September 30, 1781, in Sevier County. He died
at his residence in Eoane (now Loudon) county, between
Loudon and Philadelphia, on August 21, 1854. Ann Gal
braith, wife of Eobert Cannon, was born July 15, 1792,
in Knox County. She died April 29, 1859. • They are
said to have eloped, when they married in 1812, and lo
cated in Eoane County (now Loudon), on what is known
as the old Matlock farm near Lenoir City, Tenn. Their
children were :
1. Evaline, b. August 5, 1813 ; d. of yellow fever Hunts
ville, Texas, about 1854.
2. John G., b. 1815; d. December 21, 1827.
' 3. Louisa, b. April 16, 1819 ; d. at Philadelphia, Tenn.,
September 13, 1894.
4. Elizabeth Martin, b. June 11, 1822; d. in Indiana.
(See Moore.)
5. William, b. November 10, 1824; d. Feb. 2, 1897.
6. Charles, b.  , 1826 ; d. June 26, 1888.

110 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
7. Sydney Ann, b. April 19, 1830; d. July 21, 1854.
(See J. W. Clark.)
8. Martha Ellen, b. April 25, 1833. (See Solomon
Bogart. )
Of the above Cannon children the first three, Evaline,
John and Louisa were born at the Matlock place, near
Lenoir City, and the others were born at the Cannon
place near Philadelphia, Tenn. ¦
1. Evaline Cannon married Henderson Yoakum, the
historian of Texas and a lawyer of Huntsville, Texas, in
1832. Their children were:
(1) Elizabeth, b. at Murfreesboro, Tenn., in 1832; m.
 Campbell, a lawyer at HuntsAdlle, Texas. She
died at Los Angeles, Cal., leaAdng one son, who resides
at Los Angeles.
(2) Martha, d. in infancy.
(3) Mary, married 
(4) Annie, d. April, 1871, at Springfield, Texas. Un
married. (5) Eobert, lives at San Marcos, Texas.
(6) Houston, b. 1858; married; d. San Marcos, Tex.,
about 1912.
(7) Henderson, d. in youth.
3. Louisa, third child of Eobert and Ann Cannon, mar
ried (first) Laurence, son of Mathew Nelson, in 1834.
After his death she married (second) James Chesnut.
He was born April 5, 1808. He died of cholera July 31,
1854. She married (third) Joseph D. Jones, on Decem
ber 6, 1861. (See J. D. Jones.)
5. William, fifth child of Eobert and Ann Cannon,
married Susan Bogart, daughter of Solomon and Ann
Moore Bogart, on February 28, 1856. She was born at
Athens, Tenn., October 21, 1836. Their children were :
(1) Eobert Newton, b. December 28, 1856; d. at Phila
delphia, Tenn., March 28, 1898. He was a grain broker
and land owner at PauUina, Iowa, for a number of years
before his death.
(2) Frank, b. October 27, 1859 ; d. March 28, 1894.
(3) Charles Columbus, b. January 28, 1862; m. Grace
Jennings at PauUina, Iowa, on  18 — . Their chil
dren were : William, b.  d.  ; Susan, b. 
190 ; Margaret Bogart, b. October 4, 1902 ; Mary Matil
da, b. May 15, 1908, and d.—

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 111
(4) WiUie, b. January 10, 1865 ; d. October 8, 1867.
(5) Annie Yoakum, b. May 21, 1868. (See W. F.
Lenoir.) (6) Mary Louisa, b. June 18, 1871. She married
Joseph M. Logan, son of the late Judge S. T. Logan, of
Knoxville, Tenn., on July 22, 1897. Their children are :
Maria Louise, born at the old Cannon place. Meadow-
brook, near Philadelphia, on October 6, 1898, and Jose
phine, born at Knoxville, Tenn., March 9, 1908.
(7) Arthur Bogart Cannon married Julia Clark
Thomas at Nashville, Tenn., on December 29, 1908. Their
children were: Elizabeth,!). October 25, 1909; Sarah, b.
August 12, 1912; d.  191 ; and Arthur Bogart, b.
February 3, 1916.
6. Charles, second son of Eobert and Ann Galbraith
Cannon was born at the old Cannon place near Philadel
phia; He was married (ifirst) to Lodusky Caroline,
daughter of J. D. and Aley Cleveland Jones, on Feb
ruary 11, 1852. They moved from Philadelphia to the
Fine place near Sweetwater, in 1859. Their children
were :
(1) Mary Alice, b. January 20, 1854. She mar
ried Joseph H. Bean, of Knoxville, on November 26, 1890.
He was born in Monroe County, September 15, 1853.
He learned the printers trade in Knoxville ; he was edi
tor and proprietor of the Monroe Democrat, . a weekly
published in Sweetwater, from January, 1876 to Jan
uary, 1890 ; he was manager and proprietor of the Knox
ville Tribune, a daily paper published in Knoxville, from
1890 to 1892. He is now a member of the firm of Bean,
Warters and Company, printers, bookbinders and sta
tioners, at 706 Gay Street, Knoxville Tenn. The chil
dren of J. H. and Alice Bean are : Helen Lodusky, b.
May 21, 1892; m. Geo. Eogers, teacher, of Charleston,
S. C. ; they reside at Charleston, S. C. ; Alice, b. Novem
ber 24, 1893.
(2) William C;, son of Charles Caroline Cannon, was
born February 4, 1860. He married Annie Mildred,
daughter of Eli S. Adkins, on  , 1890. She was
born April 26, 1866. They have .one daughter, Louise,
born July, 189 . William C. Cannon lives at Philadel
phia in the old home of his grandfather, J. D. Jones.
Charles Cannon married (second) Helen Graham, "of

112 HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Pond Creek VaUey, on December 17, 1868. Their chil
dren were :
(1) Martha Bland, who married David Carter Young
on December 14, 1897. He was born August 18, 1865,
the son of the Eev. Jas. N. and Sarah Carter Young. He
attended school at Eoane and Sweetwater colleges and
studied law while teaching school. He was a law part
ner of his brother. Colonel Sam Epps Young, at Sweet
water, from 1888 to 1911. He is at present practising
law at Sweetwater. He is also a farmer, real estate
owner and dairyman. He is a member and elder of the
Presbyterian church and has been Sunday-school sup
erintendent. Their children are : David Graham, b. Au
gust 27, 1900; Helen Graham, b. May 6, 1904; Bland EHz-
abeth, b. December 10, 1906, and Sarah Louise, b. July
22, 1910.
(2) Sue Graham, second daughter of Chas. and Helen
Cannon, married S. J. Picket. (See Picket.)
(3) Louise Caroline, third daughter of Chas. and
Helen Cannon, married Everett Grace, son of the Eev.
W. C. Grace, former pastor of the Baptist church at
Sweetwater. He was born September 9, 1873. He is a
broker at Birmingham, Ala.
(4) Ann Elizabeth, fourth daughter of Chas. and
Helen Cannon, married Jno. F. Hargrove, of Fork Creek
A^alley. He is a merchant at Eobbins, Tenn.
(5) Ida Clark, youngest daughter of Chas. and Helen
Cannon, married A. J. Binzel, trainmaster of the L. & N.
Eailroad at KJioxville, Tenn. Their children are Cath
erine and Alvin John.
David Bubton Childeess
Was born in Sullivan County, Tenn., April 14, 1831,
the son of Finley Childress. His mother was Betsey
Perry, a direct descendant of Commodore 0. H. Perry.
David Burton Childress came to Athens, Tenn., in 1857,
where he clerked there for A. McKeldin. He married
Miss Mary Jones on December 20, 1860. She was an
older sister of Mrs. James M. Heiskell. She was born
in Wilmington, N. C, May 11, 1841. They came to
Sweetwater in 1865. He engaged in the general mer
cantile business with W. B. McKeldin as partner, for a

HISTORY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 113
year or two, when the partnership was dissolved, Mr.
McKeldin returning to his former home at Athens. Mr.
Childress remained in business until a short time before
his death which occurred November 21, 1887. Some of
the clerks for D. B. ChUdress were Hugh M. McKeldin,
Sam Scott, E. E. Magill, Millard Hudson and J. H.
Dickey, all successful business men afterward. For
history of E. E. MagiU see "MagiU Family Eecora,"
page 103, by Eobert Magill, Publisher, Eichmond, Va.
History of J. H. Dickey see Goddard, this book.
He was interred in the old Sweetwater cemetery. He
first lived in the house now owned by S. H. Sharp. On
April 5, 1873, he bought 15 1-2 acres, now the property of
Mrs. J. E. LoA^e, on the Athens road, and built and moved
there. He was both mayor and an alderman of Sweet
water a number of times. The children of Mary and
D. B. Childress were:
1. Samuella, b. June 14, 1862. She married James I.
Carter on December 27, 1881. He was born January 11,
1858, the son of John G. Carter, of Charleston, Tenn.
He was in business with J. H. Patton for several years,
then a merchant in Sweetwater in partnership with his
brother, John Carter, until about 1884, when he went to
Chicago, where he was a member of the Board of Trade.
He is now a capitalist in Chattanooga, with a city resi
dence on Bluff View and a summer residence near the
incline on Lookout Mountain.
The children of J. I. and Samuella Carter are :
(1) John Garnett, b. February 9, 1883. He m. Frieda
Utermdehlen, a musical composer.
(2) Mary Lynn, b. April 7, 1885.
(3) Paul Burton, b. February 10, 1888. He is in busi
ness with his father.
(4) Lucille, b. August 30, 1891; m. James Glasscock,
now with Proctor & Gamble, at Cleveland, 0.
(5) Doris Inman, b. March 3, 1900.
2. Laura Edna, second daughter of D. B. and Mary
Childress, b. January 18, 1868. She was married Oc
tober 12, 1887 to L. P. Thatcher, wholesale grocer, of
Chattanooga. He died in 1906. Their children were :
(1) Burton Craighead, b. 1888.
(2) Samuel Eugene.
(3) Hugh Lynn.

114 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
(4) Elizabeth.
(5) Louis P.
(7) and (8) Wendell and Laurette, twins.
(9) Kenneth.
(10) Douglas, about 10 years old. These are all liv
ing; the sixth child, Justis is dead.
3. Hugh Lynn, b. January 28, 1870; d. February 4,
1898. He was an expert telegrapher and fine business
man. When he was 27 years of age he was superintend
ent of the southern division of the Postal Telegraph
Company, the youngest in the serAdce.
4. Berta, b. September 23, 1872. She m. David Ean-
kin, of Chattanooga, June 23, 1896. She d. October 2,
1897. 5. NeUie Elizabeth, b. August 12, 1875 ; m. I. N. Steely,
a lawyer of Williamsburg, Ky., on May 21, 1908. Chil
dren, three: (1) Hugh Childress; (2) Joe Francis; (3)
Garnett Carter.
6. James Finley (John), b. May 22, 1878; m. Lyda
Boykin at Chattanooga, on June 17, 1903. One child,
Margaret Evelyn. He is a druggist in Sweetwater.
^ 7. Annie Ellen, youngest child of D. B. and Mary
Childress, b. April 2, 1884, m. to Samuel E. Johnson, at
Sweetwater on December 27, 1905. Four children: (1)
Nellie Elizabeth; (2) Samuel G. ; (3) Lynn Cannon and
Mary Childress. James Coopee.
Lived on Mrs. Mira A. Eeagan's place, one-half mile
south of I. T. Lenoir's residence, for probably as much
as twenty years, from about 1840 to some time in the
early sixties. My information as to the family is some
what meager. What is given about them merely is as I
remember it. James Cooper, I think, was twice mar
ried. Name of first wife unknown to me. The children
of the first wife that I remember were: Washington,
Patsy, Jane, David and James. He married, second.
Miss West. Their children were: Cannon, Wesley.
LcAd, Nick and Joseph and two daughters,  and
 , Washington joined the Confederate army, I
think Eowan 's company, and was killed, soon after the
commencement of the war, in the Cumberland moun-

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY US
tains. Patsy married Matthew McGuire on December
21, 1858. Levi married EUen Hayes December 31, 1878.
Washington, the oldest child of the first marriage was
born about 1838-9. Cannon, the oldest child of the sec
ond marriage was probably born about 1850. Joseph
Cooper is a conductor on the street railway at Knoxville.
Abeam Whitenack Cozart
'Was born near Harrodsburg, Ky., on February 11,
1822, and died at Columbus, Ga., on February 20, 1889.
He was buried at Philadelphia, Tenn., with other mem
bers of his family. He was first married to Julia A.
Caldwell in Monroe County, Ga., in about 1847. Their
children were:
1. Joseph H., b. about 1848 in Macon, Ga. He mar
ried February 13, 1870, Addie, daughter of George Mont
gomery Cuson, near Philadelphia. He died near Wau
komis, Okla,, leaving several children, who reside there.
2. Mattie, who married (first) the Eev. Joseph Mc
Ghee. They had one son, Joseph L. McGhee, Ph. D.
(Johns Hopkins University), who is now professor of
chemistry in the Southwestern University at George-
toAvn, Texas. She m. (second) B. E. Tallent.
3. Jacob Abner, m. Belle Suavely of Virginia. They
live at Bridgeport, Sask., Canada.
4. David, died near Philadelphia, in early manhood.
He was a medical student. The children of A. W. and
Julia A. Cozart were, I think, all born in Georgia.
Julie A. Cozart died August 16, 1854, near Philadel
phia, Tenn., to which place A. W. Cozart had moved a
short time previous. After her death he married her
sister, Martha G. Caldwell, who was born September 28,
1827. She died in Georgia January 2, 1899, and was
buried at PMladelphia. Their children, who were born
at the old home one mile east of Philadelphia, were :
(1) Samuel, who married Mary Wilson. Died at Col
orado Springs, Col.
(2) Hugh Walker, unmarried and lives at Pocatello,
Idaho. (3) Hattie, m. Joseph Gates, Manatee, Fla.
(4) John, m. Addie Caldwell, of Knoxville. Eesides
at Knoxville, Tenn.

116 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
(5) Linneaus, died at Atlanta, Ga., in early manhood.
Buried in Philadelphia.
(6) Abram Whitenack, b. June 14, 1870; m. Sunan,
daughter of Judge Brown, of Columbus, Ga. He lives
at Columbus, Ga., where he practices law, and has served
as judge of one of the courts.
History says there was once a man whose name was
Andrew Smith and he took as a wife Miss Ellen Seater.
He settled or temporarily resided in Orkney Isles ; for
there on the Mainland, the largest of the group, a son of
his and hers first saw the light of day or possibly more
correctly the fogs of the north sea. This son was born
on the 20th of May, 1797, at KirkwaU. They searched
diligently for a name for him and finally settled on John ;
not Ian, but just plain John without any frills to it.
And why not John? There were John the Baptist, and
John Knox, the Presbyterian, John the beloved disciple,
and King John of Ma.gna Charta fame and a host of
other distinguished Johns. Anyhow if there was any
thing wrong with his being saddled with the name of
John Smith and being born in the Orkneys John was
not to blame for it; he couldn't help it. He was not
obliged to stay there however, and when he grew to man
hood he moved about as far away from there as he could.
The Orkneys are among the bleakest lands in the hab
itable parts of the globe. A frith separates them from
the northernmost point of Scotia or the "land's end" or
the "ultima thule" of the Eomans; not a great ways
north of them are the Shetland Isles, and like these
islands they raise barley, ponies and rough and hardy
breed of cattle. In the Orkneys there are nine months
of winter and three months of rather cool weather;
though in those three months of so-called summer the
sun shines most of the time. The hills and cliffs around
Kirkwall are about the same elevation above sea level
as the depot at Sweetwater. Hoy, west of Mainland
Isle, is a horneblende, Gnessoid islet rising sheer out
of the sea to a height of more than 1,500 feet. On this
uninhabitable, intractable rock the intense cold pro
duces no impression and the storm king and the mad
waves of the north sea beat in vain. In summer from
the towering cliffs of these islets the , sunsets and the

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 117
starry nights are beyond compare. Formerly before the
European war no wealthy Britisher's life was complete
without a yatching trip to the north of Scotland.
Are there flowers there ? We would think so ; because
the great Creator in some way has rendered beautiful
and attractive the most barren and inaccessible parts
of the earth, the coldest and hottest. The edelweis
blooms amid Alpine snows ; the acacia waves her yellow
hair in Arabian sands, the cactus sheds its perfume In
the rainless tracts of Arizona; gems sparkle in the
fathomless depths of ocean.
This contention with the forces of nature on such
shores as the Orkneys has given to the Scotch thus ren
ders life in most climes easy. . What chance would an
Otaheite islander or a tropically reared man have
against a descendant of the McGregors or a Scottish
highlander with equal conditions. For the Scot it would
be like taking candy from a baby.
What time John Smith came to Scotland proper we
are not informed. He undoubtedly must have received
his ministerial education there.
At the age of 29 he was married to Mary Bland, of
Dumfries, on April 4, 1826. She was born July, 1808.
She was the daughter of Eobert Bland and Mary Mc
Gregor. Soon after marriage he was sent as a mis
sionary to China: to what particular part is now not
knovsm. From the dates of his childrens ' birth and where
born he could not possibly have remained very long in
China. We give the history as furnished us by Mrs.
Bland Clark:
Eobert Andrew Tomlinson, born at Malacca January
17, 1827. Helen Margaret, born at Malacca September
22, 1828. Mary Ann Aldersey, born off the coast of
the isle of St. Helena, December 10, 1829. James Hen
ry, born at Montreal, Canada, November 30, 1831. Bland
Elizabeth (Mrs. Clark) born at Kingston, Canada, Feb
ruary 6, 1834. These were the children of the first wife.
He married (second) Elizabeth Bland, a sister of his
first wife (Mary Bland), in Canada on August 9, 1835.
She was born at Dumfries, Scotland, October 30, 1800.
Her children were:
Wm. Henry, b. at Brockville, Canada, July 9, 1837 ; d.
in infancy.

118 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Jane Isabel, b. at Brockville, on September 30, 1838.
Angeline Henrietta, b. at Union ViUage, N. Y., February
16, 1840. Wm. Henry (2), born at Troy, September 28,
1843. Caroline Emily Hutchinson (afterward Mrs.
BueU), ¥. at Troy, N. Y., September 23, 1845.
There were some peculiar circumstances connected
with this Smith family. That having a family he should
traverse the oceans to Malacca and then to China, re
turning to Malacca and back again to England or Scot
land and thence to the British dominions in North
America soon after. He made the voyage to British
Isles from Malacca in 1829, as evidenced by the birth
of one of his children off the coast of St. Helena. That
also shows that he did not go direct from Asia to
Canada, for in that case he would not have gone from
the Cape of Good Hope by St. Helena, made historic
as the prison of the great Napoleon. This was at a
time when the canal on the isthmus of Suez had scarce
ly been conceived. It was some voyage then in a slow
sailing vessel especially when buffeted by contrary
winds. I assume also that John reared on the brink
of a tempestuous ocean did not dread the waves and was
never sick at sea or he would not have spent so much
of his time on ships. Yet with the best accommodations
then obtainable it was hard on the youthful mother of
three children, she being twenty-one and a half years
old and the eldest child less than three.
He married two daughters of Eobert Bland and Mary
McGregor. One he married when she was 18 years of
age and the other (the second wife) when she was 35
years old. His first wife was also eight years the
younger of the two. Each was the mother of five chil
dren. He was born in the land of the diminutive Shet
land pony, two of his children in the region of the mighty
elephant; one on the high seas, one in Montreal and
one in Kingston, Canada. These were the children of
the first wife. The &ve children of the second wife were
born as follows : Two were born at Brockville, Canada,
one at Union Village, N. Y., and two at Troy, N. Y. To
three' of the children were given the name of Henry:
one James Henry and two William Henry, the first Wil-
'liam Henry dying in infancy. We infer from this that
either John or his wives were very partial to the name

HISTOEY OF SAVEETWATEB VALLEV 119
of Henry but did not care to perpetuate the name of
John; he had had enough of it. Mrs. Clark says too
that though the grandchildren and great grandchildren
are very numerous that not one of them living bears
the surname of Smith.
Also when once his children left the place of their
nativity, which they usually did early in life, none re
turned to reside, like Eoderick Dhu, on their native
heath and very rarely set foot on it. His descendants
are dispersed from Canada to Brazil and not a Smith
among them to perpetuate the name. There are how
ever a few Smiths left in New York City, so the direc
tory says. Mrs. Helen Maegaeet Cooke.
I take this from the Chattanooga Times of Decem
ber 5, 1915.
"Kirkwall is a little place Avith about 4,000 inhab
itants in the island county of Orkney. Its location may
be fixed in the minds of the reader by the statement of
' the fact that it is between 20 and 30 miles north of the
famous 'John O. Groats', the most northern point of
Scotland. Because of its commodious harbor, in which
can be held hundreds of vessels, and on account of the
fact the harbor space is not occupied, it is used by the
British as the most available place for the internment of
detained United States ships. This has given it a prom
inence it might not otherwise have obtained."
"It is of interest to note that Earkwall and its sur
roundings furnish one of the most interesting places in
the world for sightseeing. History and tradition com
bine to trace the ciAdlization and architecture back to
the times of Scandinavian supremacy. The castle, pal
ace and cathedral are buildings of remarkable interest
and the scenery of the surrounding country is described
as beautiful."
The springs and creek which supply the waters that
flow through our town and by a thousand devious chan
nels for thousands of miles find their way to the Gulf
of Mexico. And are they lost there? By no means.
Warmed by the suns of Yucatan they become part of
the Gulf Stream, the mightiest water course on our

120 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
globe — mightier even than the Bosphorus that empties
from the Black Sea into the Mediterranian and the form
er affording ten times the volume of the Mississippi. This,
the Gulf Stream, sweeps northeasterly in its irresistible
flow and tempers the climate of many lands. It ren
ders habitable the Orkneys and blesses wherever it goes.
Thus one part of the world gets its food, its climate, its
civilization and often even its religion from another
part. "Ami (not) my brother's Keeper?"
"And east is east and west is west and never the
twain shall meet. Till earth and sky stand presently at
God's great judgment seat." A very pretty jingle, Mr.
Kipling, but is it true? No, though we should endeavor
to isolate ourselves on an uncharted isle of the Pacific,
soon or late some ship would come our way and insist
on knowing what we were there for.
Mr. Smith was educated at Oxford, England; was a
teacher and preacher and was possessed of a magnifi
cent library.
Mrs. Cook was born in Malacca and "Little Ellen,"
as her mother called her, sojourned some months in ,
Singapore, Asia, traversed two oceans, lived in Mon
treal, Kingston, Brockville, and Bath in Canada, Troy
and Union Village in New York, Selma, Ala., Athens,
Cleveland and Sweetwater, Tenn., and Fort Valley, Ga.,
and also in Florida. There she spent her last days.
With these advantages of parentage and education
and being associated with the best people in many sec
tions and being a bright and attractive woman one can
well conceive what her influence in life must have been.
She came south to Selma, Ala., about 1850.' She m.
there Professor H. G. Cooke, a teacher of music on the
violin and piano. They came to Athens, Tenn., probably
in 1853. She taught there a private school till the fall
of 1856. She taught also at Cleveland, Tenn., in 1857.
At Athens Mrs. JuUa E. Love, Mrs. D. B. ChUdress and
Mrs. S. J. A. Frazier were among the number of her'
pupils. In 1858 she came to Sweetwater and became the prin
cipal of the girls' school in the Union Institute, now the
Baptist Seminary. She taught in this building until the
schools were closed on account of the occupation of this
section by the Federal troops.

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 121
She was intensely southern in feelings. She always
was very partial to the southern people and the climate
of the south and the majority of her friends were in this
section of the country. During the war she hesitated
not to express her opinions and even her husband, a
former Massachusetts man, was also a southern sympa
thizer. She entertained General John H. Morgan on one
of his raids through this country. For this or more
probably because she was under accusation of giving
information to the "rebels" through a secret, then
termed an "underground mail system," she was sent
through the lines, by whose order I am not informed.
She finally reached Fort Valley, Ga., where the family
of Sterling Neil "refugeed" when the Federal troops
occupied this valley. Stella Neil, now Mrs. J. C. Slap-
py, had been a pupil of hers at Sweetwater.
Before the CiAdl War she contracted for lot No. 127,
bounded by High, Morris, Church and Walnut streets,
adjoining the Union Institute lot 126 and built a resi
dence thereon. The street between the two lots has
since been closed by the town authorities.
Some time after the war she returned to her home in
Sweetwater. She had a small building erected on her
own lot and taught a private school there. These build
ings now have both been removed or torn down.
She also taught a school in the lower floor of the Ma
sonic Hall then occupying the site of the Methodist Epis
copal Church, South.
She moved to Bridgeport, Florida,  — . She
died there on May 13, 1896.
Mrs. Cooke in her teaching strenuously insisted on
thoroughness, industry and obedience to rules. Being
such an indefatigable worker herself she could not tol
erate a lazy pupil. Yet she was patience personified
when the scholar was dull but really trying to learn.
She was a strict disciplinarian and. though firm she was
always kind and managed to gain not only the respect
but love of her pupils. I have heard many of them, most
of whom are now passed away, express a devout thank
fulness that they were taught by Mrs. Cooke.
She turned out many who were afterward teachers,
both in the academical and musical departments. Few
indeed were there of her pupils who were not well

122 HISTORY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
grounded in the "three E's" and numerous ones were
shining lights in the" higher branches. She taught near
ly everything but domestic science; this her girls were
expected to learn at home so far as they could.
She was a member of the Presbyterian church and
owing to her disposition never neglected church or
Sunday-school duties.
William did you mean it? "Mean what," said the
shade of the immortal Shakspear? "what you said
about the evil that men do lives after them, the good
is oft interred with their bones."
#J^ ,i£, Jl, Jb
TP Tf w ^r
"Get thee to a sanitarium, you mast fed East Ten-
nesseean, you, I'm not answering fool question today;
but this I will say, a part of it I meant and a part I
didn't. Take your choice. Good-bye."
"William, sorry I disturbed you, take a rest and a
coca cola for your nerves."
Now there may be those who may have minds scepti
cally inclined. They may refuse to believe that I called
his spirit up at all from the — the vastly deep — as the
Sweetwater telephone thitherward is not in working or
der — and if I did call, there was no answer or if there
was an answer it was not Shakspear but his ste
nographer that answered. Again the language attrib
uted to him is not Shakspearian and he had no knowl
edge that East Tennesseeans fed on acorns like the
Druids of old.
But you can have it your own way ; take it or leave it ;
I'm agreeable. I am about to give you the contents of a
paper showing that the good Mrs. Cooke did live after
her and that her soul is "marching on" but not in the
John Brown direction, which is bad for John B.
The paper to which I refer was compiled and written
by Miss Miranda E. Yearwood for the H. M. Cooke
Memorial Library some time this year (1915). It is very
highly interesting and instructive and almost a com
plete history of the library movement in the town of
Sweetwater and surrounding country. That the toAvn
sorely needed a library goes without saying. Eead her
article, ye moneyed men and women, and loosen up your
purse strings ! And do not wait till you are worth a
million to do it, but help endow the library so that it

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 123
will not have a hand to mouth existence year after year.
Eight here permit me to say, whether pertinent or
not, if any one. after reading Miss Yearwood 's paper,
is bold enough to assert that the women of the first civil
district of Monroe County have not sufficient intelli
gence and principle to transact business and cast the
ballot, I would like for him to come forth and exhibit
himself. True the ladies usually get what they want as it is,
but not always when they want it. I have several times
been told by some of them how I must vote or suffer
the penalty, and I have no legal boss either.
Some oppose female suffrage because they fear that
the ballot will corrupt the women without elevating the
franchise. A point not well taken. Is the sunbeam cor
rupted when it shines on a heap of garbage?
The paper of Miss Yearwood follows:
Helen M. Cooke Memorial Library.
On February 11, 1905, twenty-three persons from the
town and surrounding country met in the Sweetwater
Seminary building, then used by the "Tennessee Mil
itary Institute," to discuss plans to establish a public
library in the town of Sweetwater.
Mrs. J. Harrison Lowry was chairman of the meeting.
She stated the purpose of the meeting and stressed the
special need for a library in the town. Miss Bess Love
told of the start made, stating that when the Misses
Coffin were preparing to leave Sweetwater they had
given her mother, Mrs. Julia Eeagan Love, thirty-five
books. Mrs. Love offered these books with others she
would donate toward a public library. Many others
offered from three to six books and numerous magazines.
For the present Colonel 0. C. Hulvey offered a room in
the school building, rent free, for a home for the library.
On voting the name was made the "Sweetwater Pub
lic Library Association," books to be obtained from
membership fees, gifts, and by money earned by public
entertainments, teas, etc.
The membership (fee) was placed at $1.00 per year,
thus making a membership within the reach of all.
Without charge any one can use the reference books
or read in the library when open to the public.

124 HISTORY OP SWEETWATER VALLEY
Colonel 0. C. Hulvey was made president, Mrs. J. H.
Lowry, vice-president, and Miss Bess Love, secretary-
treasurer. A committee was named to draft By-laws
and a Constitution, one to solicit memberships, one to se
lect books. The books were to be judiciously propor
tioned as to subjects in history, biography, fiction, na
ture, travel, essays, etc;
The officers of February, 1905, served until Septem
ber, 1907. Then on February 7, 1907, S. T. Jones was
elected president, Mrs. J. E. Love, vice-president, . Miss
Nancy Jones, recording secretary, Mrs. J. E. Bradley,
corresponding secretary, and Clarence E. Young, treas
urer. Early in 1908 the room heretofore donated by Colonel
0. C. Hulvey was needed for school purposes and the
books and furnishings were removed to a small build
ing in the yard of S. T. Jones, which we used rent free.
On March 21, 1908, Mrs. Bland E. Clark offered as a
gift the small building and the ground on which it stood,
opposite the Southern Methodist Church, for a home
for the library, provided the name be changed from
the Sweetwater Library Association," to the "Helen
M. Cooke Memorial Library," in memory of Mrs.
Clark's sister, Mrs. Helen Margaret Cooke, one of the
pioneer educators in this community. Mrs. Ida Clark
Hutcheson offered $100.00 to the building fund provided
Mrs. Clark's offer was accepted. It was with great
pleasure that the association made the change in name
by a unanimous vote.
Several parties made an effort to secure a charter but
each time failed in some essential. C. E. Young, treas
urer, took the matter in hand and secured a char
ter for the "Helen M. Cooke Memorial Library" in Sep
tember, 1910. It was signed by S. T. Jones, C. M. Young,
Mrs. L. E. Heiskell and Misses Bess Love and Miranda
E. Yearwood.
A building committee was appointed composed of
Mrs. Bland E. Clark, C. E. Young, Mrs. S. T. Jones, and
Misses Bess Love, Nancy Jones and Miranda E. Year-
wood. The building given by Mrs. Clark was originally
a small barn which had been converted into a dwelling.
The committee could not dispose of this building to ad
vantage, so concluded to remodel and add to it; which

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 125
was done. When completed it was convenient and com
modious. A circular was issued signed by pupils of
Mrs. Cook now residing in this community and mailed
to all her former pupils whose addresses we could learn,
telling of the proposed memorial to her name and ask
ing for donations toward the building fund. Among the
replies received enclosing check, was one from Mr. Will
Price (of Chicago), sending $25.00 and promising that
when the building was corhpleted he would donate a
piano of his firm (Price and Peeple, Chicago) make.
This he did. $200.00 was subscribed by citizens not pu
pils of Mrs. Cooke and the balance to complete the build
ing was made by various entertainments. The building
was completed .April, 1911, at a cost of $1,036.70 and all
paid. The assembly room is finished in mission style,
beamed ceiling, hardwood floor, built-in window seats,
stone chimney, tinted walls, green stained woodwork
and bookcases; large library table and piano to corre
spond. Electric light fixtures, rugs and window shades
also to correspond. Clarence E. Young denated a mis
sion clock and Mrs. Clark a Morris chair for this room.
Adjoining the main room is the kitchen, furnished ;
sink with water connections, table and dumb waiter to
the second floor. In the pantry adjoining the kitchen
there are numerous utensils and odd dishes in addition
to three dozen small plates, three dozen large plates,
three dozen cups and saucers, three dozen sauce dishes
with green band and the "Helen M. Cooke Library" in
green. These dishes were donated by Mr. and Mrs.
Eobert N. Penland. Across the end and down back
side of the building is a wide porch lighted by electric
lights. The stairs (enclosed) ascend from the side porch
and enter the main room on the second floor (also hard
wood) and which has built-in seats and shelves. Adjoin
ing this main room is a storeroom and serving room
with dumb waiter coming from the kitchen. The main
room on the second floor is rented by the United Daugh
ters Confederacy chapter as an assembly room.
The entire building with its contents is rented (when
desired) for private or public entertainments at a rea
sonable rate and is an ideal place for holding receptions,
etc. There are folding tables and folding chairs. The

126 HISTORY OP SVPEBTWATER VALLEY
library owns about 1,800 books and subscribes for four
teen magazines ; ten magazines are donated.
The library is open to the public three hours every
Saturday afternoon. Different ones serve as librarian,
donating their services.
At the fair in 1914 in connection with the ' ' City Beau
tiful League" the members of the library served lunch
and realized for the treasury $100.00. We have no in
come excepting membership fees and are compelled to
resort to lunches, entertainments, etc., to replenish our
bookshelves. We make an order for new books four times a year
and have added new bookcases, rugs and curtains that
were badly needed.
When the plans of the building were submitted there
was not enough ground for the building contemplated,
so Mrs. Clark donated more ground to extend to yard
fence of Mrs. Hutcheson and to extend to the wire fence
of her (Mrs. Clark's) garden.
1915 officers are Mrs. S. T. Jones, president, Mrs. J.
E. Love, vice-president, Clarence E. Young, secretary-
treasurer, and Miss Nancy E. Jones, librarian.
Children of Mrs. H. M. Cooke.
Henry B. Cooke was born at Athens, Tenn., May 8,
1854. He married Fannie S. Meir, of Boulder, Col. She
was born in Mitchell, Ind., November 27, 1861. He and.
she both are members of the Baptist church. After
learning his trade, that of brick-mason and plasterer,
at Sweetwater under Captain W. L. Clark he went to
Boulder, Col., then to Ash Grove, Mo., then to Coffee-
ville, Kan., thence to Cedaredge, Col. At the last named
place he died on January 15, 1912. Their children are :
Harry D. Cooke, Eed Cliff, Col. ; C. M. Cooke, Cedar
edge, Col. ; Nellie M. Cooke, Cedaredge, Col., and Mrs.
Susan McCormick, Eed Cliff, Col.
Charles Maynard Cooke
Was born at Athens, Tenn., July 1, 1856. He got
his education from his mother and the public schools
of Sweetwater. He studied law and went to Fort Smith,
Ark., in 1882. There he married Sarah B. Luce, daugh-

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 127
ter of Eear Admiral John Bleecker Luce on June 2,
1884. He has been city atttorney and mayor of Fort
Smith and was assistant United States district attorney
for the Western District of Arkansas in Mr. Cleveland's
first administration. Since 1908 he has been a Christian
Scientist. He moved to Harrison, Ark., in 1912.
The children of C. M. Cooke and wife are:
1. John Bleecker, b. May 17, 1885. In United States
NaA^ at Mare Island.
2. Charles Maynard, b. December 19, 1886. In United
States Navy at Brooklyn Navy Yard. Lieutenant in
command of Submarine E-2.
3. Helen m., b. November 8, 1888; m. Johnson, Fort
Smith, Ark.
4. Cornelia P., b. July 21, 1890. Now at Pennsylvania
Hospital, Philadelphia.
5. William Forester, b. July 8, 1892. 4229 South Ben
ton Boulevard, Kansas City, Mo.
6. Stephen Bland, b. August 23, 1898. Attending
school in Philadelphia, preparatory to entering An
napolis Naval Academy to which he has an appoint
ment. Nellie Cooke (McLin)
Was born at Sweetwater May 1, 1859. She married
Chas. E. McLin on January 3, 1882. He was born in
Blount County, September 3, 1858. Mother and father
were George A. and Jane McConnell McLin. C. E.
McLin is secretary and treasurer of Anchor Duck Mills
at Eome, Ga. Children: Clifton, b. June 23, 1885; d.
August 7, 1901. Helen, b. January 6, 1895.
James W. Clabk
Was born in Washington County, Va., December 23,
1825. He came to Monroe County, Tenn., probably
early in the forties. He helped to build some of the
residences in and around Madisonville. He had re
ceived a common school education and was not afraid of
work. He and laziness did not have a speaking acquaint
ance. He first married Sydney Ann, daughter, of Eobt.
Cannon, who owned a large farm on the stage road one
and a half miles northeast of Philadelphia, on Novem-

128 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
ber 20, 1847. They had been married scarcely seven
years when death came suddenly. The summer and fall
of 1854 there was a great scourge of cholera in this sec
tion of the, country. It was very prevalent and very
fatal in Sweetwater Valley. The people were panic-
stricken and I am told that half or more that took it
died. Mrs. Clark died of this disease July 29, 1854. She was
born September 19, 1830. Eobt. Cannon, father of Mrs.
Clark, died also on the same date as his daughter. Previ
ous to that time there had been no deaths in the family
for a great number of years.
The Loudon Free Press, a newspaper then in the
town of Loudon, published the fact that in August, 1853,
E. P. Clark, and J. W. Clark, and E. T. WUson after
ward a New York millionaire, were each commencing
the erection of a new residence in that town. Mr. J. W.
Clark never occupied his.
Mrs. S. A. Clark left an infant daughter, Ida, who was
born January 20, 1853; she married C. H. Hutcheson
on December 30, 1887 ; she died at her residence in
Sweetwater, January 28, 1915.
Mrs. Hutcheson was a faithful member of the M. E.
Church, South, and one of the church's strongest sup
porters. She devoted a great deal of her time in later
years to the church and its various organizations — the
Sunday-school, missionary societies, etc. She also took
great interest in the schools of the town and in the H.
M. C. Library Association.
Mr. J. W. Clark married a .second time, this time to
Miss Bland Elizabeth Smith at Weston Mills, Catta
raugus County, New York, at the residence of her
brother-in-law, H. P. Weston. She was born in King
ston, Canada, February 6, 1834. In 1855 she came south
with Eobt. McEwen, a merchant then of Athens, Tenn.,
who had gone to New York to purchase his stock of
goods. The trip then was a toilsome one, and a young
lady needed an escort. Miss Bland, came to Athens on
a Adsit to her sister, Mrs. Helen M. Cooke, who was prin
cipal at a school for females at that place.
When Mrs. Cooke came to Sweetwater in 1857 Miss
Bland came with her and here she met Mr. Clark and as
stated they were afterward married.

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 129
Mr. Clark was a contractor and builder. He and his
brother, W. L. Clark, built many houses in Sweetwater,
both business and residence.
He was a zealous member of the Methodist Episco
pal Church, South. He superintended the construction
of the new church here and he was the largest contrib
utor in money possibly with one exception, the Hon. Jno.
K. Brown. He (Clark) spared no time or means to
rdake the church and the parsonage adjoining such as
would be an honor and a credit to the denomination and
the town. The church stands on the site of the old Ma
sonic lodge, afterwards Victoria College, under charge
of the Athens District Conference. He was a consid
erable stockholder in the bank of Sweetwater. The
Sweetwater Flour Mill and the Sweetwater Woolen
Mills. He was one of the town's most honored and
respected citizens.
From the time Sweetwater was incorporated he was
either mayor or an alderman, so long as he would con
sent to accept the position. He died at his residence in
Sweetwater on October 13, 1897, and was interred in
West View Cemetery.
Mrs. B. E. Clark survived her husband almost nine
teen years. She died at her residence in Sweetwater on
Sunday, July 2,3, 1916, at 4:20 p. m. One of her last
acts a short while before death was to donate $1,000.00
to build a Sunday-school annex to the Methodist Church,
South. Captain W. Leonidas Clabk
Was born near Abingdon in Washington County, Va.,
October 19, 1829. Mr. J. W. Clark was an older brother.
He took the gold fever and went to California in 1857.
He went by the Panama route I think. The tribulations
were not so great as in 1850 when General Vaughn went
by that route, but it was still far from being a Sunday-
school picnic excursion. I do not know exactly in what
part of California he sought his fortune, but I have
heard him speak of being with J. F. Owen and others.
They were successful enough in their search for gold to
get money enough to get back on, which was by no means
always the case. Mr. Clark returned to this valley in
1860, as I am informed, as did also Mr. Owen. He

130 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATER VALLEY
(Clark), after his return to SAveetwater commenced the
study of medicine under Dr. M. C. Parker to learn how
to cure people and ameliorate the ills of humanity ; how
ever, before being fully equipped for "curing" he was
called on in 1861 to go and help kill the hated "invad
ers of our sacred southern soil." He joined Co. 
of  Eegiment, Tennessee Vol. Cav., C. S. A. (I have
not his army record at hand but it is in the archives of
Jno. A. Eowan Camp at Sweetwater.) He came out 5f
the war a captain. He did not resume the study of med
icine but was a mason, plasterer and contractor and
builder. He wrought at these with the same energy and
determination with Avhich he had fought the "yankees"
and with much more satisfactory results. He soon ac
quired a competence.
On November 12, 1870, he married Mrs. Mary E.,
widow of Mr. J. J. Sheldon (of whom a sketch has been
given in these columns), and thereby hangs a tale if not
a romance. He was both an operative and a speculative mason.
He was W. M. many times of Sweetwater Lodge No. 292,
F. & A. M. The Grand Lodge formerly held its sessions
in Nashville in November instead of January. Captain
Clark and Mrs. Sheldon planned to get married just
previous to the session of the Grand Lodge but kept
their intentions secret. They went to Nashville on their
bridal tour. The captain was considerable of a practi
cal joker'and therefore sometimes became the victim of
one himself. However he was always good humored
r.bout it and would "acknowledge the corn" which would
mean in later phrase '"the treats are on me." Some
of his Masonic brethren in Sweetwater thought he
should have given some inkling of his intentions so that
they could have given him a good send-off. As that
pleasure was not afforded them they sent a dispatch to
the chief of police at Nashville somewhat as follows:
"Arrest W. L. Clark, of Sweetwater, who has absconded
with another man's wife." Word was sent. The ar
rest was made according to schedule. But when the
brethren tried to explain to the chief that it was all a
practical, joke he refused to listen and said it was no
joke with him, that he was simply doing his official duty.
The matter was becoming serious and it took the Grand

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 131
Lodge and the remnant of the Southern Confederacy to
get his quick release. As the Captain laughingly said
when he got back home: "I Scotts, boys, you like to
have got me in the jug, sure enough." Which goes to
show that practical jokers sometimes go farther than
they intend with their jokes and you can't always teU
whom the joke is on. The senders of the telegram might
have gotten into trouble.
In 1878, Captain Clark bought 20 acres off of the
Lenoir farm southwest of the toAvn. He built a resi
dence on the hill on the Athens road where he resided at
the time of his death. He died April 20, 1889. He was
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
He possesed a good library and read much. He con
versed intelligently and interestingly on a variety of
subjects. He had a contempt for shams and superficial
knowledge. He said it was far better not to know any
thing at aU than to ' ' know ' ' it wrong ; for then you would
not have to unlearn what you thought you knew. En
tire ignorance was better than action on wrong assump
tions, which subjected you to loss and ridicule.
The children of W. L. and M. E. Clark were:
1. Charles L., b. October 11, 1873.
2. Mabel E., b. January 18, 1875.
3. Frances J., b. October 14, 1879.
1. Charles L. m. Annie Ehea, daughter of Jno. E.
Gaines, of Sweetwater on January 12, 1905. She was
b. September 4, 1880. Their children are: James W.,
b. March 31, 1906, and John Craig, b. November 3, 1910.
Charles Clark resides at the W. L. Clark residence in
Sweetwater. He was educated in Sweetwater and is
secretary and treasurer of The American TextUe Com
pany.
.. 2. Mabel E., m. Wesley Dickey, January 17, 1907.
(For his history see Browder family.) She died August
1, 1908. There was one chUd, Mabel, b.. August 1, 1908.
3. Frances J., m. Eobt. C. Copenhaver, of Abingdon,
Va., May 10, 1906. He is a manufacturer of iron and
lives at Abingdon. She died there Nov. 16, 1908. She
was buried in West View Cemetery at Sweetwater. They
had two children: Eobert C, b. June 10, 1907, and
Frances Clark, b. October 28, 1908.

132 histoey op sweetwateb valley
The Cunnynghams.
The above is the way the family have commonly spelled
the name in this country. The English use "i" instead
of "y. " I am inclined to think, however, without a
thorough investigation, that the Scotch orthography was
' ' Conyngham, ' ' meaning the home of the Conyngs. The
Scotch word "hame" means home. From the song
"Comin' thro' the Eye" we quote:
"What's his name or where 's his hame
I dinna care to tell."
James Cunnyngham was Scotch-Irish. He was an
Episcopalian. He lived in Ulster, North Ireland. He
married Arabella Good. They emigrated to this country
in 1769. They came through Philadelphia, Pa., and set
tled -in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. He died
there sixteen or seventeens years later. (Holston
Methodism, Vol. 2.)
Their children were six in number: James, William
(Henry), Arabella, Charlotte, Magdalen, and the name
of the other not known.
Shortly after the death of her husband, Mrs. Arabella
Cunnyngham moved with her family and some others
to Tennessee, to what was known afterwards as "Tay
lor's Bend" of the French Broad Eiver. The year is
given as 1786. James and William were born in Ire
land, the others in Shenandoah Valley. James was killed.
by the Cherokee Indians. Charlotte married George
Turnley of Botetourt County, Va. Arabella married
John Winton and they were the ancestor and ancestress
of the Eoane County Wintons.
William was born in Ireland July 3, 1765 He died in
Sevier County, February 11, 1845. He married a Miss
Lewis, a daughter of Amos Lewis. He was converted
under the preaching of the Eev. Thos. Wilkerson and be
came a minister of the M. E. Church. Their children
were Jesse, John, Wiley, Wilkerson, Polly, Betsey, Jane
and Charlotte.
Jesse was born in Jefferson County on the French
Broad Eiv^er ten miles above Knoxville, October 25, 1789.
His M. E. Church history is as follows: He was con-
vertedin 1805; admitted to Holston Conference in 1811;
Avas Presiding Elder in 1816; located in 1826; read-

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 133
mitted in 1849 and superannuated. He died in 1857. He
was married to Mary Etter on December 16, 1819. She
was born in Fincastle, Va. She was quite a noted wo
man. (See Holston Methodism.). She died at the resi
dence of her son-in-law, Eobert Craven, on May 28, 1868.
Mr. Craven lived near Chattanooga on the side of Look
out Mountain. They both were buried in the cemetery
near Athens, Tenn.
Jesse Cunnyngham 's home from probably about 1826
till the time of his death was in Monroe County not
far from the head of Eastanallee Creek. This was after
ward known as the Edwards, now the W. F. Orr place.
He was a noted revivalist. I heard a darkey talking
about his preaching once. He was telling some other
negroes: "He shore is a skeery preacher. I don't like
to listen to him; he makes me dream of the devil and
the bad place."
Jesse Cunnyngham was one of the four commission
ers appointed by the county court in 1835 to lay off
Monroe County into districts; the other commissioners
being William Bayless, John Callaway, Senior and
Thomas L. Toomy. They divided the county into seven
teen districts; the number was afterward increased
to twenty.
Dr. Price in speaking of Jesse Cunnyngham and his
wife says : ' ' They reared a large family of children,
brought them up in the fear of God, and they became or
naments to society and an honor to their parents. The
Eev. W. G. E. Cunnyngham, one of his sons, came to
eminence. He was for a number of years missionary to
China and for a long time afterward was the Sunday-
school secretary and an editor of the Methodist Episco
pal Church, South." James E. Cunnyngham,
son of Jesse Cunnyngham, Avas born January 28, 1828.
He married Caroline S. Weathers, June 18, 1857. He
died at his home on Eastanalla, October 3, 1898. Caroline
S. Cunnyngham died at her home on Eastanalla Decem
ber 16, 1901. Children of J. E. and Caroline Cunnyng
ham:

134 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
(1) Virginia M., b. March 9, 1858. She married Thos.
Hunnycutt January 11, 1888. She died April 26, 1888.
He married (second),  ¦  .
Live in Choctaw nation, Oklahoma.
(2) Sarah, b. October 27, 1859. She died November 10,
1861. (3) Charles W., b. February 12, 1863. He married
Catharine Carter, March, 1893. He lives at Sweetwater,
E. F. D. No. 1.
(4) Mary C, b. May 6, 1865. She married J. A. Mc-
Campbell April 15, 1899. They live at Knoxville, Tenn.,
E. F. D. No. 6.
(5) EUzabeth C, b. November 22, 1867. She married
C. B. Tansy, January 22, 1890. They live at Chatta
nooga. The children of Elizabeth Cunnyngham and C. B.
Tansy are:
a Hoyt, b. AprU 20, 1893.
b Nita B., b. November 8, 1895.
(6) Hattie, b. September 9, 1870. She married J. W.
McBroom August 14, 1912. They live at Leon, Okla.
(7) Jessie, b. May 30, 1877. She married Geo. C. Bout-
weU June 18, 1905. Mr. BoutweU died February, 1913.
Mrs. BoutweU lives at Leon, Okla.
We have no history of John, Wiley and Wilkerson,
brothers of Jesse. The four sisters were Polly, Jane,
Betsey and Charlotte. They all married and settled
in this section. Polly married Thornton C. Goddard in
Knox County on February 3, 1817. Betsey married
Johnathan Pickel, . of Pond Creek Valley, 1821. Jane
married William Patton, of Sweetwater Valley, June,
1823. Charlotte was the third wife of Samuel McSpad-
den. They lived on Dancing Branch seven miles south
of Sweetwater.
The descendants of the Cunnynghams, wherever you
trace them, are numerous. Those in McMinn, Monroe,
Loudon and Eoane counties are not exceptions to this
rule. They are long-lived and retain their mental and
physical vigor to ripe old age.
The Cunnynghams.
It is a characteristic of the Cunnyngham posterity,
wherever they have lived or whatever name known by,

HISTORY or SWEETWATEB VALLEY 135
to be independent, free and untrammeled in politics, re
ligion and personal habits, However there is little or
nothing of the puritan in their make-up. There was
never any disposition to persecute others for opinions
sake. Their attitude to the outside world was: "You
let me and, my family alone and what does not concern
you and I'll let you alone." They do not insist that
others shall adopt their opinions and habits ; which con
sidering their number and influence is a "God's bless
ing." Not that what they do and the manner in which
they do it may be wrong in itself, but some of them are
idiosyncratic; have queer ways peculiar to themselves.
One of these descendants I knew years ago said to a
friend, who had criticised his actions : "I do and say
what I please, when I please and where I please." This
notwithstanding Solomon asserted: "There is a time
for all things. " So he proceeded in summer to go bare
foot almost everywhere he went, except sometimes to
church. This he did, not on account of the expense of
boots and shoes, but he contended that it was more
healthful and saved much time He lived, as we would
now say, according to eugenics. He did not try to make
others go barefoot but said that was his way and that
was the way he was going to do as long as it Adolated
no law of God or man. In simple matters of taste we
should not dispute. No doubt it was just as uncom
fortable for him to wear shoes in hot weather as it would
be for a tenderfoot to walk over gravels without them.
As to church predilections the Cunnynghams were near
ly all Methodists, a few have been Presbyterians.

The Cunnynghams-Pattons.
We have already given the history of those branches
of the Cunnyngham family which intermarried with
Jonathan Pickel, T. C. Goddard and William Patton,
of Sweetwater Valley. We now take up that branch of
the Pattons, using largely as to remote ancestry infor
mation obtained from the late Wiley Patton, a former
resident of Sweetwater but dying in Texas.
Hans Patton, eAddently of German origin, settled in
what is now Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, between

136 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers near the site of
Pittsburgh. Fort Duquesne, located in the forks of
above rivers, was in possession of the French and Indians
until 1738. It is presumed from what is narrated here
after, that he went there subsequent to that time and
previous to 1776. Little is known of his history; when
he died or what his wife's name was. He was the father
of three sons, Eobert, Frances and Jacob, and two daugh
ters, Jane and Phoebe.
Eobert Avas a Eevolutionary soldier. His record is
on file in the United States Pension Office, Washington,
D. C. He was first a lieutenant and then a captain be
fore the close of the war. His son, William Patton, was
born in Allegheny County, Pa., April 22, 1792. After
that time "he (Eobert)," Wiley Patton wrote, "moving
from there (Allegheny County, Pa.) to Kentucky, thence
to Knox County, Tennessee, staying a few years in each
state, and died in Knox County on the 4th day of Sep
tember, 1815. He was about 65 years old. " This would
make the year of his birth 1750.
The maiden name of Eobert 's wife was Isabella
Fraaser. From the use of the "aa" in the spelUng of
the name I would take it that she was a Hollander. She
died in Klnox County, October 18, 1822, at about the age
of 59, making the year of her birth 1763.
William Patton was the son of Eobert and Isabella
Patton. If there were other children we are not in
formed. William Patton.
William P. married Jane Cunnyngham, as has been
stated, in Knox County, in June, 1823. Soon afterward
they settled in Sweetwater Valley four miles south of
where the town of Sweetwater now is, and one mile north
of the low gap in Sweetwater ridge. He was a farmer
and a mechanic. He paid considerable attention to stock
raising. He was the first man if not the only man to
have a track in the valley for the training of horses. It
was on the quarter section on which he resided. It was
a straight half-mile track and ran along near the pub
lic road. It Avas not inclosed and sometimes young
bloods in this section who wanted to know who had the

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 137
fastest horse went there to find out. The amount in
volved in the result was usually small and no great at
tention was attracted.
William Patton did everything with conscientious
thoroughness. To illustrate. He was a fine mechanic.
During the Civil War here in the south iron furnaces
and foundries either were not running, or if they were
they were engaged in the manufacture of arms and mu
nitions of war for the Confederacy. Wood in many in
stances had to take the place of iron. At that time near
ly every one who farmed at all raised a patch of sor
ghum. The cane was used for the manufacture of mo
lasses and sugar, more largely the former. When sugar
could not be obtained molasses was substituted for it;
one was called "long sweetening" the other "short
sweetening." In serAdng coffee or parched rye water
(postum) it was sometimes asked which you preferred
"long or short sweetening."
Cane mills were scarce in those days and very much
needed. They were also considered difficult to make.
My father, I. T. Lenoir, had tried several which had
proved very unsatisfactory. It was a problem to find
some one to make a good one. Mr. Patton learning of it
told my father if he would furnish him a strong hand
to turn the lathe and do whatever he wanted him to do
that he would make him one that would work. My father
told him that he would gladly do so and furnish any ma
terial that could be obtained. This I think was in the
summer of 1861 or 1862. For a shop Mr. Patton had
only a hand lathe under a shed in front of the house
near the road. He had only a few tools.
True the machinery you might say was simple — ^two
' hard wood rollers with wooden cogs — the rollers placed
upright in a frame and attached to a sweep or lever so a
horse could turn them. The horse went in a circle and
led himself around after he was started.
It was a very much mooted question in the neighbor
hood with the appliances at hand whether or not Mr.
Patton could make a satisfactory machine. It was next
in importance to whether the "yanks" or "rebs" would
whip in the fight. It became a matter of neighborhood
pride that he should be successful. I, a boy then, took
great interest in the work, went along with the hand

138 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
and closely watched its progress. Mr. Patton took much
pains and was very deliberate in his work. When the
mill was finished we hauled it home with as much pride
as if it had been the ark of the covenant. It worked like
a charm; I would have been sorely disappointed if it
had not. It lasted many years and proved a blessing
also to the neighbors, who were free to use it. He was
importuned to make other mills but refused; said that
he made that one merely as a model to show what could
be done ; that he was getting too old for such work : He
was then about 70. He had no idea then that his sor
ghum mill would be written of more than fifty years
afterward or become historical.
The latter part of the war he resided with his son, J.
H. Patton, of Sweetwater. He died there June 28, 1864.
He was buried at Mount Lebanon Cemetery. His re
mains were removed and reinterred in the Wiley Pat
ton lot in the old Sweetwater Cemetery.
His wife, Jane Cunnyngham Patton, was born Feb
ruary 9, 1798, and died October 28, 1857. Her remains
lie in the old Presbyterian Cemetery at Philadelphia.
They were both members of the Presbyterian church.
The children of William Patton and Jane Patton were
eight :
(1) John Elbert, (2) James Harvey, (3) Elizabeth
Ann, (4) Margaret Jane, (5) Alvin, (6) William H, (7)
Wiley, (8) Thomas Wilkerson.
(1) J. E. Patton was b. July 22, 1824, d. February 23,
1852. Buried at cemetery at Philadelphia. He was
never married.
(2) J. H. Patton was b. February 11, 1826; d. Au
gust 2, 1894. He Avas married to Margaret A. McSpad-
den, of New Market. Jefferson County. Tenn. She was
b. October 3, 1836. She d. May 10, 1884.
In the latter part of 1853 or early in 1854 he came
from his father's farm to Sweetwater. He formed a
partnership in a general merchandise business with his
cousin, John W. Goddard, who had been in business at
Philadelphia. Mr. Patton purchased from I. T. Lenoir
a lot on the corner of Depot Street and Wright's Alley,
across the alley from the site now occupied by Guthrie,
Bradley & Jones. In the old plan of the town, gotten
up by I. T. Lenoir and as laid off by him, the street on

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 139
the west part of the depot square was always called De
pot Street and the street on the other side of the rail
road opposite was Eailroad Street and it was always
written so in the early deeds to the toAvn lots. Since
then I have noticed in some of the deeds of late years to
lots on Depot Street that street is called Eailroad Street,
and sometimes Main Street. I note this fact so that
hereafter confusion in names and titles may be pre
vented. In the fall of 1859 Wiley Patton, a brother of Har
vey, bought out J. W. Goddard and became a partner of
his .brother J. H. The style of the firm was changed
from Goddard and Patton to J. H. Patton & Brother,
and this partnership continued until 1880. Mr. Patton
and his wife first lived in a building back of his store,
then in a residence next to where Mrs. Julia Stilman now
resides, afterward in the house where William Patton,
his son, now lives (1916).
His business affairs were various and he was emi
nently successful. He owned a quarter section of land
one and a half miles west of Sweetwater. He occupied
many positions of trust. He was elder in the Presby
terian Church at SweetAvater for fifteen years. He
was secretary of the SAveetwater lodge F. & A. M. for
more than that time. It was an exceedingly rare thing
that he ever made a mistake in his accounts either in his
personal business or in his offices of trust. Although
not physically very strong he managed to transact a
great amount of business. He was always known as a
fine collector of debts due the lodge, the church or him
self. Yet I have never knoAvn of his suing anybody or
haAdng a laAV suit or giving offense for asking for the
payment of a debt. How this was accomplished I never
understood. He was always one of the moAdng spirits in his
church and in all school affairs. He was particularly
influential because of the confidence of the entire com
munity in his good judgment and correctness. He was
naturally very conservative and opposed change unless
he was thoroughly convinced that the change would be
greatly beneficial. However if he was out voted or any
thing was determined in opposition to his Avishes, he gen-

140 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
erally strove for its success as much as if he had been
in favor of it.
The married life of himself and his wife was an
ideal one. He could not possibly have accomplished
what he did in his varied business affairs had his wife
been almost any other woman. They reared such a fam
ily of children as few people have ever been blessed with.
The children of J. H. Patton and Margaret Patton
were: 1. Emma, b. October — , 1860. Married E. A. Tedford
May 12, 1897. He was a druggist at Maryville, Tenn.
He died in March, 1907.
2. Madge, b. June 3, 1863; d. June 28, 1908.
3. Alice, b. January 28, 1867.
These three sisters were educated mostly by Mrs. H.
M. Cooke at Sweetwater. Alice was m. to J. A. Magill
on January 11, 1894. James Alexander Magill was b.
August 20, 1865. He was the son of Aurelius N. and
Jane L. Wilson Magill. Died on Lookout Mountain on
July 10, 1899. He was cashier of the Bank of Sweetwater
from November, 1886, till January 5, 1897. He resigned
the office on account of ill health. He organized the
Mascot Knitting Mills at Sweetwater. He was a re
markable business man of his age. He was president of
the Y. M. C. A., superintendent of the Presbyterian
Sunday-school, and on May 1, 1897, he and W. G. Bogart
were ordained deacons in the Presbyterian church.
Alice P. married (second) Eev. Wm. Bartlett, of Mary
ville, Tenn. He is the son of the late P. M. Bartlett,
who at the time of his death was president of MaryvUle
College. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett now (1916) reside in
Chattanooga. 4. William, b. June 29, 1872. Educated at Sweetwater.
When a young man went to Dalton, Ga., as an employee
of the CroAvn Cotton Mills of which his father was presi
dent. He married Francis McCuthen Bitting, daughter
of John H. Bitting, of Dalton, Ga., on November 19, 1896,
and they came to Sweetwater" in that same month. They
live in the J. H. Patton house, on Mayes Avenue, the
third built by him in Sweetwater.
He is president of the Mascot Hosiery Mills.
5. James Patton, b. December 28, 1874. Educated at
SweetAvater College under J. L. Bachman, D. D. He

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 141
married Bessie, second daughter of J. L. Bachman, on
January 16, 1902. They reside on Mayes Avenue, Sweet
water. He is secretary and treasurer of the Mascot
Hosiery Mills. In 1915 was chairman of the Monroe
County Eoad Commission. James and Bessie Patton
haA'^e one son, James Harvey, III, b. February 27, 1903.
(3) Elizabeth Ann Patton was born the 12th of Sep
tember, 1828. She married B. M. Porter. He was born
in McMinn County, January 14, 1831. After their mar
riage they resided in KjioxAdlle for a short while and
then in October, 1876, moved to Weatherford, Texas.
They both died and Avere buried there. They had five
chUdren (1) Jane Amelia, (2) Boyd, (3) Benjamin
Franklin, (4) William Harvey, (5) Maggie Elizabeth.
Jane Amelia was married to 0. K. Kidwell. Their post-
office is at Weatherford, Texas.
(4) Margaret Jane Patton was the fourth child of
William Patton. She married A. H. Murray. They re
sided for many years in Sweetwater and Adcinity. They
reared a family. They moved to Ash Grove, Mo., exact
date not known. They both died there.
(5) AMn Patton died in infancy.
(6) William H. Patton was born in 1834. He moved
to Texas two or three years before the CiAdl War. He
joined the Texas Eangers and served throughout the war
with them. A short time after his return home to De
catur, Texas, he died. He was never married.
(7) Wiley Patton was born in Monroe County on his
father's farm on AprU 3, 1836. He clerked for S. J.
Eowan a part of the year 1859 ; in the fall of this year he
went into partnership with his brother, J. H. Patton. He
joined the Confederate army January 2, 1862. He sur
rendered at Vicksburg, MisS., and was paroled. After
his return from the war, he resumed business with his
brother, J. H. Patton, and continued as his partner until
1880. On November 21, 1867, he was married to Julia A.
Holston. She was born November 26, 1839, and died No
vember 6, 1880. They had two children. Margaret Cun
ningham, born in Sweetwater 22nd of December, 1868,
and died in Atlanta, Ga., on August 18, 1887.
(2) Ethel May. She was born July 27, 1875, in Sweet
water. Her residence is Weatherford, Texas. Married
W. H. Arnett.

142 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
Wiley Patton was married the second time to Mrs. Sal
lie P. M. Taylor on the 1st day of February, 1887. She
was born in Williamson County, Tenn., in 1852. He died
at San Antonio, Texas, in 1915.
(8) Thomas Wilkerson Patton was the youngest of
the children. He was born m 1838 or 1839. I went to
the same school he did in the old log schoolhouse near
the tovsTi of Sweetwater in 1856. There was so much ex
citement in the presidential political race that year that
the scholars in the school, male and female, used to di
vide off in their games according to politics, the Whigs
against the Democrats. Tom Patton was the largest
scholar amongst the Whigs and Eagleton Eamsey the
oldest of the Democrats. There was much rivalry, but
so far as I remember, it was all good humored.
Wiley Patton says that he (Thomas) joined the Con
federate army and was either killed or died during the
war. He (Wiley P.), wrote me that he did not know his
(Tom P.'s) history. He was not with him during the
war. The Cunnyngham-Pickels.
In the old family Bible of Jonathan Pickel he states
that his- parents were Christian Pickel and Katherine
Pickel, formerly Pophanberg, and that they came from
Germany. Entries are found showing that: Jonathan
Pickel was born February 5, 1790. He died on Septem
ber 20, 1854. His wife Betsy Cunnyngham was born
March 17, 1796, and died July 12, 1877. The date of
their marriage I think is not stated. It probably oc
curred in 1819. They are buried in the cemetery at
County Line. They were the parents of nine children:
One. Eufus M., b. July 10, 1820; d. AprU 23, 1878.
Second. James Harvey, b. April 10, 1822 ; d. April 28,
1895. Third. Jno. H., b. August 2, 1824; d. 
Fourth. Hugh Cunnyngham, b. October 28, 1826;
d. 
Fifth. Jane Cunnyngham, b. September 3, 1828.
Sixth. L. MitcheU, b. August- 30, 1830. L. M. P. m.
Nancy Lowry, daughter of James L. on Eastanallee.
They went first to Missouri, then to Boulder, Col. Both

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 143
dead. Children: Eobert, Emma, Emmett, Carrie and
Jane. Live at Boulder.
Seventh. Margaret S., b. November 23, 1832 ; m. H. B.
Pennington, whom see.
Eighth. Sara M., b. August 8, 1836.
Ninth. Samuel Wilkerson, b. August 13, 1838.

One. Eufus M. Pickel was maf ried to Emmeline Lot
speich, July 5, 1839. Eev. Ira Falls, officiating. She
was born February 4, 1821, in Green County, Tenn.
They moved first to Henry County, Mo. Afterwards
they settled near Ottumwa, la.
He was a merchant and a farmer. He was a member
of Board of Prisons for Henry County, Mo. He was
collector of internal revenue from 1862-1867.
In 1871 or 1872 he moved to Ottumwa, la., and died
there April 23, 1878. He died of dropsy. They were the
parents of eleven children, only three of whom are now
(1913) living. They are:
(1) Hugh Marion Pickel, b. December 23, 1841. Ee
sides at Des Moines, Iowa.
(2) Maria Sophia Pickel, b. July 1, 1857. She mar
ried Jacob Pickle on  . Their Post-office is
Davenport, Washington.
(3) Emma Etter Pickel, b. November 25, 1858. She
married Thos. H. Pickel. They reside at Ottumwa, la.

Second. James Harvey P. was married to Mary Jane
Crump Browder, daughter of William and Elizabeth
Browder on September 11, 1845. She was born May 17,
1827, and died AprU 25, 1872.
} He was a farmer and resided three and a half miles
hvest of Sweetwater. He met with an accident while
iplowing in the field. This accident caused internal in
juries from which he died April 28, 1895. Although 73
years old at the time, of his death he was very Adgorous,
and in the natural course of events he bade, fair to live
many years. He possessed in a large degree the Cun
nyngham strenuousness of opinion, the Pickel industry

144 HISTORY OP SWEETAKATEE VALLEY
'and in his home, the Browder hospitality. He especial
ly resented being dictated to. He was a zealous worker
in the Methodist church and the Masonic Lodge. He
understood music well and enjoyed conducting singing
at the church and camp meeting. He preferred the
square note system of where each note in the octave was
(represented by a different shaped character. The pitch
/was regulated by a tuning fork. He did not look with
favor on instrumental music in church. Being a man
of a large family and%, good citizen he took great in
terest in schools, and the cause of education generaUy.
He was a Union man during the Civil War and was
a deputy marshal under Captain S. P. Evans in 1865.
Although an efficient officer, there was no complaint
made that he used his office unkindly, or subjected
those arrested to indignities. In most cases he read
the warrant to the party and told him to report at Knox
ville. These were political not whiskey cases.
The children of J. H. and Sarah Pickel were eight in
number. Their names were:
1. William Wilkerson.
2. Jonathan Asbury.
3. James Mitchell.
4. Elizabeth Ann.
5. Samuel Jefferson.
6. Sarah Jane.
7. Hester EUa.
8. Ada Baxter.
1. William W. was born September 5, 1846, and died
August 15, 1913. He attended school at the Union Insti
tute, now Baptist College, under Professors Eagsdale,
Leyburn and Mulier.
When a young man he learned the tinner's trade un
der Matt Carter at Sweetwater, and was with him until
Mr. Carter 's death. Working at his trade when a young
•man he got a fall from which he lay unconscious for sev-
¦eral weeks and it was thought he would not recover, but
a fine constitution brought him through. His death re-
'sulted from a fall of like nature. He never hesitated to
-go where his work called him and sometimes took
chances which he should not have taken. He lost as

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 145
few days from work in his business as any man that
ever lived in Sweetwater. The taking of a holiday was
^almost unknown to him.
Although Wilkerson, his middle name, which ran
through the Cunnynghams, the Pattons, the Goddards
and the Pickets was a Methodist name, W. W. joined
the Presbyterian Church in 1876 and was a faithful
(member. (Thos. Wilkerson was a noted Methodist
preacher in SeAder County in early times.)
¦ William Pickel resided all his life in the First Civil
'District of Monroe County, and since about 1870 until
his death in the town of Sweetwater. He was at the
time of his death the oldest resident of the First Civil
'District, having lived in it all of his life 67 years.
¦ On April 24, 1878, he was married to Nancy Ann Cook,
daughter of Adolphus M. Cook. She was born March
15, 1857. She stiU (1915) resides in Sweetwater. Their
children were ten, at.z :
(1) Frances Elizabeth, b. February 10, 1879. She
married Eobt. W. Johnston, June 28, 1911. He Uves on
iFork Creek. He is the son of Jno. H. and Sarah Gaines
Johnston. (2) Maude Ella, b. October 9, 1881.
' (3) James Adolphus Pickel, b. January 21, 1883. He
was married to Miss Annie Eeece, October 12, 1910. They
have one son, James Eeece Pickgl, b. 
(4) Chas. Bates Pickel, b. February 10, 1885.
(5) Dora Pearl, b. February 5, 1887. She was mar
ried to Chas. N. Hulvey,. June 8, 1909. Their children
are: Frances Elizabeth (Dec.) Chas. Newton, Jr., b.
'  . Col. Chas. N. Hulvey is president of T. M. In
stitute (1915).
(6) WiUiam Hugh, b. March 2, 1889.
(7) Mary Alice, b. July 23, 1891, d. October 22, 1893,
(8) Eobt. Lynn, b. February 28, 1894.
(9) Nellie May, b. February 8, 1897.
(10) Nancy Louise, b. August 28, 1900.
. 2. Jonathan Asbury Pickel, second son of J. H. Pickel,
was born July 22, 1848 ; d. August 16, 1900. He married
Sallie A. Thompson, May 26, 1875, who was born in
Franklin County, Va., AprU 15, 1852. Died June 3, 1907.
Both are interred in Westview cemetery. They moved

146 HISTORY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
to Pilot Point, Texas, in August, 1881, and spent several
years here, returning to S"weetwater, and lived here un
til their death. John, as he was usually called, took a
great pride in raising fruit, vegetables and melons.
When he was a boy thirteen or fourteen years old, in try
ing to protect his melon patch from Federal soldiers, he
was shot through the body and. came near dying from
the wound. His pluck and determination to get weU
were all that saved him. After this occurrence no one
ever again tried to steal his watermelons.
The children of Jonathan and Sallie Pickel are :
(1) Emma B., b. November 30, 1876, at Sweetwater,
Tenn. Married Wm. Moser in November, 1899. They
live in Chattanooga, Tenn.
(2) Berta May, b. in Sweetwater, January 20, 1879.
Died at PUot Point, Texas, September 12, 1881.
(3) James Samuel, b. September 25, 1882.
(4) Janey Lee, b. at Sweetwater, Tenn., October 26,
1886. She was married to B. A. Boone, October 26, 19ll.
Eesidence, Chattanooga.
(5) Edith Lillian, b. November 25, 1888, at Sweet
water, Tenn.
3. James Mitchell Pickel. He was born November .17,
1850. He went to Pilot Point, Texas in  . Married
Nannie E. Murray at that place. May 16, 1888. He is a
merchant. 4. Elizabeth Anne was born January 6, 1853. She
married Eobert H. Locke, of Meigs County, September
4, 1879. Died March  , 1909.
5. Sarah Jane, b. March 16, 1857.
6. Samuel Jefferson, b. April 5, 1855. Died February
12, 1911. Married Susan, daughter of Chas. Cannon,
  . He was a merchant at Sweetwater. Chil
dren. Samuel J. b. — ¦¦  , (2).
7. Hester Ella was born August 31, 1859. She mar
ried Hon. Frank P. Dickey December 20, 1883. She
died  . Dickey was a farmer in Pond Creek
Valley. He and his wife were members of the M. E.
Church, South. Dickey married a second time, Martha
Washington Suddarth, of Harriman, November 20,

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 147
1907. One son, Franklin Pierce, was born to them No
vember 4, 1908. They live at Harriman, Tenn.
8. Ada Baxter was born November 16, 1861. Married
Frank L. Harmon of Germantown, Ky., on February
21, 1883. Their children are :, Ethel, George, May and
Ealph. John Fine.
From inscriptions on tomb stones we find that John
Fine was born January 1, 1781, and died January 26,
1857. His wife, Nancy was born November 10, 1782, and
died February 18, 1859; both arriving at the advanced
age of more than 76 years.
It is very probable that they came here from Cocke
County; they at least were originally from there. They
came to this valley as soon as the Hiwassee District was
open for settlement. The church records of Baptist
Church on Sweetwater, show that they both helped to
organize on Fork Creek what was afterward called the
Baptist Church on Sweetwater, on the first Saturday in
June, 1820. As has been stated heretofore this valley
was not open to settlement till that year. The records
also show that before the building of this meeting house
the members met at the residence of John Fine on the
first Saturday in August, 1821. It was the house above
the springs where the city waterworks now get their
supply. He paid for his land and obtained a grant. No.
686, from the State, dated September 7, 1827, and de
scribed as being the southwest quarter of section 34,
toAvnship 2, range 1, east .of the basis line. It corners in
the road leading west to Pond Creek at the northwest
corner of Mrs. Love's property. It runs thence south
one-half mile (160 rods) and the same distance west,
north and east to the beginning. The part on which the
old house now (1914) stands is owned by the Charles
Cannon heirs. The present Fair Ground is also on the
tract. In the days of the stage line the Fine house was a stage
stand and stopping place. The stage road from Phila
delphia to Athens went by there, the location of which
was never much changed until the year 1913. Also the
road from Madisonville west to Pond Creek Valley ran
by there, leading almost straight from the Eamsey

148 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
(Waren) lane through the woods to the creek crossing
near the house. The road from the McCroskey neigh
borhood on Fork Creek to the west took a turn at the
Heiskell lane, led by the house and thence to Pond
Creek. Thus from its natural location and the good ac
commodations obtained there by travelers, it was a well
known stopping place. John Fine and his wife had been
married and had a considerable family, when they came
to Sweetwater Valley. They were in the prime and vigor
of life, possessed of property and intelligence and con
sequently were an influential family. I have not found
out the maiden name of Mrs. Fine. Mr. Fine was evi
dently interested in the cause of education, as the school-
house was located one-fourth of a mile south of his house
on his land. This schoolhouse was built some time pre
vious to 1834; for early in that year Baptist meetings
are recorded to have been held in the Fine schoolhouse.
The branch church here had authority to receive mem
bers for the old Sweetwater church. In the settlement
of church difficulties and misunderstandings betAveen
neighbors John Fine was often called on to arbitrate.
His fairness and sense of justice must have been gen
erally recognized. His name sometimes occurs in he
Circuit Court records on the jury lists. It was custom
ary in the forties to summon men of the highest char
acter and intelligence for that service. To be a juryman
was then a badge of honor and it was not considered
good citizenship to try to get relieved without some
valid excuse.
There was until some years ago a Fine family burying
ground, in which thirteen of the family were interred.
This was situated on a hill north of the house. It was
enclosed with a stone wall. The bodies there were re
moved and re-interred in West View Cemetery.
The children of Jno. and Nancy Fine were : - John,
Polly, Abraham, Sarah, Mahala, Minerva, Martha, and
Nancy. One. John, date of birth not known. He may or may
not have been the oldest child. He enlisted in the Mexi
can war, fought through it, and on his return from Mexi
co took sick on board of a ship in the Gulf. He died and
his body was consigned to the waves. This was probably
in the year 1847, but the date is not known.

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 149
Two. Polly was born November 25, 1803. Died Jan
uary 29, 1857. (Unmarried).
Three. Abraham, married Mary S. Haralson July 3,
1838. They moved to Missouri. History not known.
Four. Sarah was born November 29, 1809. Died De
cember 25, 1870. She was married to Dr. Ira L. Hill, on
April 5, 1832, He was born November 18, 1804. He
died July 31, 1843. He lived in Sevier County. He was
a physician. Their children were:.
1. Mary M., b. in 1834. She died in Brownsville, Neb.,
in October, 1884. She married Jos. Marshall Owen, Au
gust 28, 1849. (See history of Owen family).
2. John was born in Sevier County, July 15, 1838. He
moved to SweetAvater Avith his mother in the year, 1844
— ^not long after the death of Dr. Hill. She lived near the
Fine residence on the hill above the spring. He married
Isabelle Hotchkiss, daughter of Claiborne Hotchkiss, on
January 17, 1871. They resided in Loudon County. He
was a farmer. Isabella Hotchkiss was born in Eoane
(now Loudon County) April 16, 1848. She died Jan
uary 8, 1902. John Hill died November 1, 1889, in Lou
don County, and was buried in the New Providence
graveyard. They were the parents of eight children: Four girls
and four boys:
(1) SaUie Abbott, age 43, Mineral WeUs, Texas.
(2) C. H. Hill, age 41, Loudon, Tenn.
(3) Jno. W. Hill (age not given). Died in Texas.
(4) T. W. HiU, age 35, Loudon, Tenn.
(5) Mary Brazeal, died at the age of 32, in Loudon,
Tenn. (6) EUa Smith, age 28, Lenoir City.
(7) Sam Hill, age 25, Chattanooga.
(8) .
This information was gotten from one of the family,
I think C. H. Hill, in 1914. And the ages given refer to
that date. He only speaks of three girls, Sallie, Mary
and Ella, in listing the names.
3. Oliver Hazard Perry Hill was born in Sevier Coun
ty July 15, 1840. During the Civil War, in 1861, he en
listed  . Capt. Jno. A. Eowans, Co. of 43rd Eeg., C.
S. A. He was wounded at Chickamauga, on September

150 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
21, 1863. The lower portion of one arm was amputated
and he was disabled from further serAdce. On Novem
ber 7, 1867, he married Mary Carter, daughter of Jno.
Carter. She was one of 25 children.. They settled near
Lenoirs, Tenn. He was a farmer. He died March 23,
1911. She died  , (1914). They left chUdren as fol
lows: (1) Sarah Fine, b. December 13, 1868. Married Jno.
Heffner of Lenoir City  .
(2) Ira Lee, b. November 10, .1870. Married Kate
MiUer  , 1897.
(3) John W., b. October 15, 1872. Died October 11,
1889. (4) Ambrose Parnell, b. August 15, 1874. St. Paul,
Minn., is his address.
(5) Nancy Lucinda, b. AprU 1, 1877. Died in 1878.
. (6) Martha E., b. June 8, 1879. Married Geo. O'Neal
of Lenoir City, February 20, 1891. Their children are
Levi, Paul, Cecil and Agnes.
(7) Marion M., b. September 17, 1883.

1, 2 and 3 of the Hill children, Mary, John and Perry,
were all born in SeAder County, as to Ira, the fourth
child, probably in Sweetwater Valley in 1844. He went
to Minneapolis, Minn., after the Civil War and died
there, not many years since. Not known to me whether
he had a family or not. Mrs. Hill was married a second
time to Welcome Beard, on December 29, 1859.

Five. Mahala was born February 18, 1814. She was
married to N. G. Walker of Mo.  — . She died at
the Fine residence while on a visit there on February
8, 1859.
Six. Minerva, b. — . She married Jabin Snow Tay
lor of Pond Creek Valley, and brother of Elica A. Tay
lor on March 9, 1848. He was born in Grainger County,
Tennessee, August 10, 1823. He died February 22, 1857.
Seven. Martha was born in 1828. She married J. C.
Starrett on May 7, 1861. She died February 19, 1889.

HISTOEY OF SAVEETWATER VALLEY 151
He was born in Bradley County (date not given) and
died September 14, 1874. Their children were:
1. Jno Starrett, b. October 27, 1864. Married Emma
Boggs September 25, 1889, of Lenoir City. No children.
He was married a second time. By this second mar
riage there were three children, Katharine Louis, in
1911, eight years old; Eandall McKnight, in 1911, six
years old; infant son, Jno. M., in 1911, three months old.
Second child of J. C. and Martha Starrett, was Flor
ence. She was born on October 12, 1868. She married
Dr. J. T. Tillery, of Ebenezer, Knox County, on August
24, 1890. They had one son, Duncan E. Tillery.
Eight. Nancy E. Fine, b. October 15, 1836. Died April
9, 1857. From the time John Fine came to this country
and built the old log house which now stands at the loca
tion mentioned, there were no deaths at that residence
for about 37 years, although there was a large family.
But from January to April, there were four deaths in
1857, viz: Jno. Fine, January 26, 1857; Polly, d. Jan
uary 29, 1857 ; Jabin Snow Taylor, d. February 22, 1857 ;
Nancy, d. AprU 9, 1857.
The disease which took them off was called pneumonia,
but it occurs to me, or rather seems strange, that a
whole family should have pneumonia, as I have never
heard that it was a contagious or infectious disease. 1
believe that all of the family were attacked by some
other disease and these four cases proved fatal. Now
all the sons and daughters of Jno. Fine that were mar
ried in this country the Eev. Eobt. Snead officiated at
the ceremony with the exception of Martha, who married
Starrett. She was married by Hughes W. Taylor, a
brother of her brother-in-law, Jabin Taylor. None of
the Fines or their descendants ever belonged to any
other church, than the Baptist except Mrs. Starrett who
joined the Presbyterian Church, with her husband after
marriage. Austin Fey
Was born in Monroe County and died at Sweetwater,
at an advanced age, in January. 1880. He married
Jane Brandon in 1833. He moved to McMinn Coun
ty, near Eeagan Station in 1839, and then to near

152 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
the head of Conesauga Creek, in the 19th civil district.
Not long after the Civil War he came to Sweetwater.
He was the first recorder of the town after it was incor
porated. He was buried in the old cemetery at Sweet
water. His children were :
1. Hugh, b. January 9, 1834; d. 1895. He was a me
chanic and contractor, and was the editor and publisher
of the first paper published in Sweetwater, called the
"Sweetwater Forerunner." The first number of this
paper was published September 21, 1867. He was mar
ried on November 8, 1855. Wife's name not known to
me. 2. Sirena, b. 1835 ; 3. Kennedy, b. 1839 ; 5. Charlie, b.
February 29, 1844; 6. Mary, b. August 6, 1846; 7. John,
b. March 9, 1848. Married Sarah C. Young on Septem
ber 12, 1881 ; 8. Emma, b. August 4, 1850 ; 9. Nancy, b.
March 1857. Married — Eose. Address, Spring City,
Tenn. 4. William, b. about 1842. He married Mary Caro
line Orr on September 2, 1869. She was born August 28,
1848. He lives at Athens, Tenn. He is a mechanic.
Their children are: 1. Minnie Laura, b. October, 1871;
d. September 22, 1872 ; 2. Mary Etta, b. September 24,
1873 ; married H. A. McCambeU, February 18, 1897 ; 3.
Henry Mitten, b. AprU 6, 1876 ; d. January 19, 1877 ; 4.
Willie Lee, b. March 27, 1878 ; married Agnes Under
wood, of Legrande, Ala., in 1904; 5. Charles Austin, b.
AprU 23, 1880; d. February 18, 1901; 6. Anna Lou, b.
June 25, 1882; married Thos. TidweU, of DaUon, Ga.,
September 15, 1909. Eesidence, Bonifay, Ga.
Heney Glaze
Came to SweetAvater Valley in 1824 from Washington
County, Tennessee. In crossing the Tennessee Eiver at
Blair's Ferry, the ferry boat sank and his household
goods were lost, together with his family Bible. It is
therefoie difficult to give exact dates as to himself and
wife. His wife's name was Susan Wilhoite. He settled
near Eeagan's Station on a quarter section of land. Of
that and two hundred and forty acres more, his descend
ants still hold possession. The Glazes have been and are

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 153
excellent citizens, quiet and unassuming ; their names do
not figure in courts either as criminals or litigants.
Henry and Susan Glaze were the parents of ten chil
dren: One. Anna, Married Wm. Gate, brother of Elijah
Cate. They moved to Cleveland, Tenn.
Two. Jefferson, b. May 1820 ; d. July 11, 1910.
Three. Lucinda, married Henry Martin and moved to
Texas. . Four. Henry, married Miss Martin and moved to
Texas. Five. Emmaline, married Dr. Crow of Athens, Tenn.
Six. Lizzie, married Jos. NeU, the brother of Wm. and
Sterling Neil. Neil's wife died. He married again and
now resides at Niota, Tenn. He was born February 20,
1828. Their children were:
1. James Polk, married MoUie Garrison.
2. John, married Miranda Eockwell.
3. Melvin, married Angelina Moore.
4. Laura, married Isaac Orr.
5. Sallie, married Noah Lybarger.
Seven. William, d. in infancy.
Eight. John, married Kirkpatrick and went to Cleve
land, Tenn.
Nine. Ben, b. November 22, 1830; d. January 4, 1902.
Married Lucy Eeynolds of Chestua on August 20, 1856.
She was born September 9, 1831; d. January 12, 1902.
They had six children :
1. Marion J., b. September 7, 1857.
2. Mary, b. August 5, 1859.
3. James Henry, b. January 21, 1862. These three
live on the Ben Glaze place and are unmarried.
Horace, Mattie and Hattie died in infancy.
Ten. Mary, married George Wilson, brother of Dot
Wilson. He served in the Confederate army and died
during the war.
Jefferson, second child of Henry Glaze, was married,
ffirst, to Miss Duggan. The children of first Avif e :

154 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
1. John, L., b. October 1, 1853; d. at Chattanooga
about 1905 or 1906. He was married to Sarah J. God
dard, daughter of "Une" Hugh Goddard, July 11, 1878.
Their children were : Hugh, d. n 1896 ; Carter, Eugene
and Ben.
2. Julia Miranda, married Homer Thompson, son of
W. H. Thompson. They had one child. Homer Thomp
son died and she was married then to Wm. Malone. The
second wife of Jefferson Glaze was Martha Jackson,
whom he married October 32, 1865. She died Septem
ber 17, 1902. Their children were :
1. Henry, b. November 16, 1866. He went to Kansas
and was married there to June Orr, granddaughter of
Wesley Orr.
2. Lura, b. July 17, 1870. She married December 12,
1905, Eev. D. M. Kerr of Greenback, Tenn. There was
one daughter, born in 1907.
3. Horace, b. May 28, 1872. Married Edith Kratzer
November 18, 1902. She was born August, 1880. They
live on the farm adjoining James A. Eeagan.
4. Grant, b. February 14, 1874. He married Mina
Kratzer, who was born March 7, 1882. They were mar
ried September 28, 1904. Have one son, Carl Dean, born
November 5, 1913.
5. EUa, b. September 22, 1876, d. June 20, 1896.
Thobnton Goddaed
Married Polly Cmmyngham in Knox County, Tenn.,
on February 3, 1817. Their children were :
One. William, H., b. December 17, 1817.
Two. Hugh, b. May 13, 1819 ; d. AprU 19, 1873.
Three. Elizabeth C., b. AprU 2, 1821 ; d. January 10,
1855. Four. Jane M., b. AprU 3, 1823 ; d. August 4, 1859.
Five. John WiUiam, b. 13, 1825 ; d. October 5, 1896.
Six. Eobert Avis, b. February 25, 1828 ; d. May 27,
1830. Seven. Mary Ann, b. February 13, 1830; d. AprU 30,
1901. Eight. Alvin, b. May 13, 1832 ; d. July 23, 1854.
Nine. Marcus Bearden, b. June 4, 1834; d. March,
1910.

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 155
Ten. Harriet Campbell, b. February 9, 1839; d. Jan
uary 10, 1855.
One. William H. Goddard moved to Missouri. He
died at Versailles, Morgan County, Mo. — His son,
John J., lives at Clinton, Henry County, Mo.
Two. Hugh Goddard. There were several Hugh God
dards. This son, I think, first married Isabella Wilson,
date not knoAvn. He afterwards married the widow
Taylor, formerly Mary Ann Weathers, on August 5,
1857. Three. Elizabeth, C, married W. F. Lenoir, whom see.
Four. Jane M., married George McCuUey who lived
near Charleston, Tenn.
Five. John W., married Margaret Bogart, daughter
of Solomon Bogart, on December 23, 1852. He was a sol
dier in the Mexican war. In 1853 he was a partner in the
mercantile business with his brother-in-law, W. F. Le
noir, at Philadelphia, Tenn. In 1854 he moved to Sweet
water and became a partner of J. H. Patton, under the
firm name of Patton and Goddard. He was a first cousin
of J. H. Patton. After tlie Civil War he did business
with A. M. Dobbins as a partner, under the firm name
of J. W. Goddard & Co.
He died at Dancing Branch, on a farm in the 6th Civil
District of Monroe County. The children of J. W. and
Margaret Bogart Goddard were :
1. Betty CorneUa, b. October 8, 1853. (See Mayes).
% Susan Addie, b. June 4, 1857. On December 25,
1879, she was married to Joseph H. Dickey, who was the
son of Samuel H. and Sarah Wright Dickey, formerly
of Madisonville, Tenn. Joseph H. was born at Ehea
Springs, Tenn., August 12, 1855. He came to Sweet
water January 1, 1874. Was in the employ of D. B. Chil
dress for five years. He moved to Fort Worth, Texas,
June 1, 1883, where he still resides. Their children are :
(1) Joe Hubert, b. in Sweetwater Valley, March 11,
1882 ; m. Eose M. Hardin of Fort Worth, November 12,
1902. They have two children, J. Hubert and Margaret.
(2) Nellie, b. at Fort Worth, January 8, 1889. She is
unmarried. She lives with her parents and is a teacher
of kindergarten.
(3) Anna Eva, the third child of J. W. and Margeret

156 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Goddard, b. June 23, 1861. She married T. A. Frierson,
of Chattanooga, October 23, 1884. She died — . They
were the parents of four children whose names I do not
know. (4) John Newton, son of J. W. and Margeret God
dard, b. January 30, 1867. He married Mary Nicholson,
of Atlanta. He is a broker with offices in the Equitable
Building, Atlanta, Ga.
Seven. Mary Ann, daughter of T. C. and Polly God
dard, was married (first) to Solomon L. Stowe of Mc
Minn County, in 1840. He died at EUijay, Ga. Is buried
there. Their children were :
1. JuUa, b. October 26, 1847 ; 2. Florence, b. 1849 ; 3.
Doss, b. 1851; 4. Frank, b. 1853. All of these dates, ex
cept . Julia 's, are approximated. Julia married A. Q.
Orr on September 1, 1880. His first wife was a daughter
of Hugh Goddard. She died June 12, 1880. Their chU
dren were : Hugh, b. March 1866 ; Florence, b. January •
27, 1868 ; May, b. June 10, 1870, and Ida, b. November 25,
1872. A. Q. Orr was the son of John W. Orr who came
,to this country from Virginia when a boy. His father
entered land at the head of Sweetwater Creek. The chil
dren of A. Q. Orr and Julia, his second wife, were : Berta
Leith, b. August 1, 1882 ; Dawson, b. February 28, 1884,
and Irene, b. November 18, 1885. A. Q. Orr died at Chat
tanooga. Mrs. Julia Stowe Orr died at the residence of
her daughter, Mrs. E. E. McLean, LongAdew, Texas, No
vember 15, 1914. The other daughters, who are all mar
ried, reside in Texas. They are Mrs. H. B. Zigler, Hous
ton, Texas. Mrs. F. C. Engall, Cooper, Texas; Mrs. A.
J. Eobinson, Houston, Texas, and Mrs. C. F. Windall,
LongAdew, Texas. I cannot state which girls married
these persons.
2. Florence Stowe, married J. W. D. Williams. Whom
see. 3. Doss Stowe married Artie Hutsell. Their children
were Harvey, Doss and Harry.
4. W. Frank m. Lucy Mattox, of Bristol, Tenn. Their
children were: Pauline, Fred, Eaymond and Beatrice.
Do not know their residence or history.
Mary Ann Goddard Stowe was married (second) to

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 157
Archibald M. Dobbins on March 17, 1861. He was born
in Knox County, May 30, 1831. He came to Sweetwater
in 1856. He was first in the carriage business Avith
Wm. McClung. Later he was a partner of his brother-
in-law, Jno. W. Goddard, in the mercantile business in
1869. He moved to Knoxville in 1874. He now lives
vvdth his son-in-law, C. H. Gardner, who is a traveling
man residing at 1213 West Landvale St.,' Baltimore,
Md. The children of Mary Ann and A. M. Dobbins were :
1. Lula, m. James T. Cater; 2. Margaret, m. C. T.
McClung; 3. Barbara, m. W. H. Lennon; 4. Henry, m.
Mabel Willy; 5. Nina (first), m. — Fuller; second, m.
G. H- Gardner ; 6. Charles Henry.
Nine. Marcus Bearden Goddard married Clementine
Amanda Hutsell on August 5, 1858. She was born Decem
ber 15, 1839, the fifth child of Andrew Hutsell, b. Jan
uary 2, 1805, and Polly Earheart, b. July 14, 1814. They
resided near County Line and at Sweetwater until the
year 1887, when they moved to Steptoe, Wash. Their
children are:
1. Andrew Floyd, b. July 15, 1859; married Hattie
Finley of Meigs County. Their children were Mary
Cray, b. January, 1892 ; Andrew, b. June, 1894, and Doro
thy. Andrew Floyd is a farmer living at Eosalia, Wash.
2. Hattie Goddard married Finley. He is a farmer
and lives at Eosalia, Wash.
3. Mary EUen, b. October 23, 1860 ; married J. W. Eay
mond November, 1892. They have one son, George, b.
May, 1894. Mr. Eaymond is a grain dealer. Address,
Elm Flats, Spokane, Wash.
4. Eobert Henry, b. April 2, 1863, unmarried. He is
Claim Agent for the Northern Pacific Eailroad and lives '
at Missoula, Mont.
5. Grace Ophelia, b. December 20, 1864, married John
B. Finley, of Meigs County, March 4, 1891. Their chU
dren are: Eex Goddard, b. December, 1891, and Isaac
Eaymond, b. March, 1894. They oAvn the Finley Islands,
in the Tennessee Eiver, near Decatur, Ala., which is their
OQQT'pgg 6. Charles Avis, b. October 1, 1866; d. July 26, 1890.
7. Hutsell married Miss Mustard in Dayton, Wash.

158 HISTOBY OF SAVEETWATEB VALLEY
They had two sons, one of whom, Charles was killed on
a railroad and another born August, 1897.
8. Artie Isabella, youngest child of Marcus and Cle
mentine Goddard, b. AprU 16, 1876. She married Cal F.
Godfrey, capitalist, Eoseland, 111. Their children are:
Maurine and John ; the latter born January, 1908.
Ten. Harriet Goddard, the youngest child of Thornton
C. and Polly Goddard, married LaFayette Osborne and,
I think, moved to Missouri.
Few Hall Gregoey, M. D.
Was born in Culpeper County,' Va., October 4,, 1781.
He came to Philadelphia, Monroe County, Tenn., in 1820.
He died August 18, 1872 in Sweetwater Valley at his
home. He married Martha Lynn Eeynolds, June 1, 1841. She
was the daughter of James Eeynolds of Philadelphia.
She was a member of the Baptist Church on Sweetwater.
She died on February 2, 1884, in Marion County, Florida,
on Lake Gregory.
Dr. Gregory enlisted in the war of 1812 from Virginia.
He studied medicine in Petersburg, Va., Philadelphia,
Penn. For 30 years he practised medicine and farmed.
He was a legislator from Monroe County in 1839. He
was a commissioned colonel of the State militia. He was
called upon to act as Brig. Gen. Vol., in the Mexican war,
but declined on account of his wife's health.
He was a member of the Methodist Church, South, at
Bat Creek (Hiwassee College). He owned a large
amount of land. The Eli Cleveland, Jr., place, and the
H. E. Martin place. He was a wealthy man for his day
and time.
Children of F. H. and M. L. Gregory were :
1. Susanna Virginia, b. May 13, 1842. P. 0. 1913,
NashAdlle. 2. Jas. Few, b. January 27, 1844; d. AprU 30, 1897 at
Citra, Fla. Married to Georgia Dallas January 19,
1876. 3. Mary EUzabeth, b. February 1, 1846. Married to
Daniel J. Fogg, January 19, 1885 at Lake Gregory. P.
0. Belleview, Marion County, Fla.

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 159
4. William Eichard, b. 1848. Died November, 1870,
at Ocala, Fla,.
5. Geo. Washington, b. January 12, 1851 ; d. February
3, 1855.
6. Martha Georgiana, b. Jjanuary 17, 1857; d. in in
fancy. 7. Ann EUza, b. October 15, 1858; d. an infant.
8: Cora Francis, b. January 1, 1861; d. December,
1887, at Livyville Fla. She married Wm. BroAvn Jan
uary 1, 1885.
Jas. Few Gregory was a student at Hiwassee College
Avhen the CiAdl War began and enlisted from there in
1861, C. S. A. Daughters of James F. G. : Lula Lynn, b.
October 26, 1876. P. 0. (presumably) Citra, Fla.;
George Dallas, b. February 21, 1878.
Children of James and Susanna Hilton. They were
married in 1866.
(1) Eobt. Eeynolds H., b. AprU 25, 1868. Now in Colo
rado. (2) Geo. Gregory, b. September 18, 1870. (Dead.)
(3) Wm. Andrew H., b. June 5, 1873. P. 0., Nash
ville. These children were all born in Sweetwater Valley.
Above information was obtained from Mary E. Fogg,
of Belleview, Marion County, Fla.
Daniel Heiskell.
We often hear mention of a family as being an "old
family." Strictly speaking, if we are derived from a
common ancestor whether we accept the Biblical or Dar
winian theory, one family is just as old as another. It
may sometimes mean one which has been for long years
to the same manor born ; oftener I- take it to mean the ma
jority of whose members have acted in such a manner
as to bring credit to themselves and to the country
where they reside. This can be of a truth said of the
Heiskells. An interesting and instructive book could be
written of them, but it is beyond our space and proAdnce
to speak at any length except of those who had their
home in our valley or moved from here to other sections-
The history of the Heiskells so far as is known to us

160 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
reaches back to the time of Williarn the Conqueror, the
Norman who invaded England and overcame King Har
old of the Danish dynasty in the 11th century. After the
battle of Hastings, which was fought in Sussex on the
14th day of October, 1066, William proceeded to parti
tion out the island to his principal followers, or reward
them in other ways and started new orders of dukes,
lords, earls, barons, knights, et cet. Eouget Heiskell,
rather a Frenchy kind of a name for a Heiskell, was a
knight under that monarch, what we might term now a
"soldier of fortune." He had a coat of arms which he
was entitled to, being a knight. It is related that, dur
ing the hard fought and uncertain battle of Hastings,
which raged incessantly from morning till evening, Wil
liarn complained much of thirst. There was an apple
tree loaded with apples on the hill of Senlac within Har
old's, the enemy's lines. Observing this Eouget true to
the Heiskell motto, "Dread Shame; Love Loyalty,"
dashed through the lines and gathering the fruit in his
helmet returned to William and relieved his suffering.
For this act of valor he was allowed to add an apple
tree to the crest of the coat of arms with the word "fruc-
tus" (Latin for fruit) engraved thereon. It is a tradi
tion also that when William ate the apples, his strength
was renewed and Fortune from that time on favored the
Normans. So the eating of the fruit of that difficult, if
not forbidden, tree, did not prove as unfortunate to pos
terity as the event in the Garden of Eden. It may have
been the turning point in that decisive battle and settled
the fate of the island; and what would England or for
that matter our own America have been without the ciAdl-
izing influence of the Normans.
Some of Eouget Heiskell 's descendants afterward
drifted back across the channel to Holland. From Am
sterdam or Eotterdam, uncertain which. Christian Heis
kell sailed and landed on our own shores in the year 1700.
He married Katherine Hampton, grand aunt of Wade
Hampton of South Carolina. He or some of his people
lived and died at Hagerstown, Maryland, as a number of
the Heiskells were buried in the Lutheran Churchyard,
they being members of that church. This Christian Heis
kell was the father of five sons, one of whom was named
Frederic. This Frederic was also the father of five sons,

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 161
George, William, Frederic, Samuel and Daniel and four
daughters. Three of these brothers, William, Frederic
and Daniel finally came to Tennessee. The father Fred
eric moved to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, near
Winchester, and died there.
Of the Heiskells who came to this State and their de
scendants many were prominent and well knoAvn public
characters. Frederic, . son of the Winchester Frederic,
was one of pioneer newspaper men of our section, being
editor and proprietor for years of the Knoxville Eegis-
ter, and was elected to the upper house of Tennessee
Legislature in 1846. That same year William Heiskell
was defeated in Monroe County by Col. John Eamsey
for a seat in the lower house, an account of which has
been given. Frederic Heiskell had distinguished sons,
Joseph B. Heiskell and Carrick Heiskell. Joseph was a
menjiber of the Confederate Congress from the first dis
trict of Tennessee, elected in 1861. He was afterward
Attorney General and Eeporter for the State of Ten
nessee. Carrick is a distinguished lawyer and a judge
in Memphis, Tenn. He, for a long time, has been promi
nent and influential there. "Ned," his son, was for a
short time U. S. Senator from Arkansas.
Wm. Heiskell represented Monroe County in the Leg
islature and was prominent in politics. His son, S. G.
(Samuel Gahagan) has been a Legislator and several
times Mayor of Knoxville. He is a lawyer and one of the
best known men in the State.
Pride of birth and inherited wealth when considered
as a responsibility, and not as an asset to cause you to
look down on your neighbors, is all well enough. If it is
expected by the possessor that he be toadied to on that
account he iiiAdtes the fate of a haughty spirit. Even
pride is not objectionable if it prevents one from doing a
mean thing; otherwise it is contemptible. That one's
ancestors were honored in the past is at least a satisfac
tion to the descendants. The Coat of Arms of the Heis
kell 's as mentioned above may be described as a helmet
on afleld of sable and argent between two leopards and
surmounted by an apple tree with the word "fructus,"
aove and underneath the shield the motto (Norman
French) "Craignez Houte, Aymez Loyaute." (Dread
Shame, Love Loyalty).

162 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Never do anything to be ashamed of and be loyal to
your king or government. Daniel Heiskell was as far
as any man from boasting of his ancestry. He was a
simple citizen of the republic. He was born March 7,
1799, probably in the Shenandoah Valley near Winches
ter, Virginia. Exactly when he came to the State of Ten
nessee is not known but likely when he was a minor. Much
to the disappointment of the members of the family, who
chose rather the learned professions, he determined to
learn the tanner's trade; deeming that this was a more
certain avenue to competency than the learned profes
sions. He never aspired to office as the many other
Heiskells did. He Avas, however. Justice of the Peace for
a number of years. I have heard it said that he did not
pay strict attention to the code always if he thought jus
tice pointed in another direction. For example he might
give judgment in favor of the holder of a note, though
out of date, if he was satisfied that the note was still un
paid and let the courts above on appeal correct the de
cision. He married Elizabeth McBride near GreeneAdlle,
Tenn., on March 4, 1823, and came to the neighborhood
of what is now Sweetwater, as one of her daughters has
told me, when William M., the oldest child, was near a
year old. He (William) was born May 2, 1824. This
tract is the one on which Edgar Heiskell now resides,
having been in the family now for ninety years. He did
not purchase this land direct from Matthew Nelson,
Treasurer for East Tennessee. He purchased from
Eobert Shaw. At the time Mr. Heiskell came to this sec
tion there were no saw mills except those using the up
and down straight saw ; consequently most of the houses
first built were of hewed logs and in many instances the
floor of puncheons. A few of these are still standing,
one on the rise above the Sweetwater water works spring
and another one and a half miles south of toAvn on Mrs.
Love 's farm.
The Heiskell tan yard was just across the creek from
where the Woolen Mill now stands. Mr. Heiskell also
purchased some other tracts of land and was a success
ful farmer and tanner until his death, which was on July
23, 1875. He was interred in the Heiskell burying
ground near his residence.

HISTOEY OF SAVEETWATEB VALLEY 163
As has been stated the Heiskells in Maryland belonged
mostly to the Lutheran Church. Daniel Heiskell was an
ardent Cumberland Presbyterian. He may have joined
that church on account of the absence of Lutheran
churches in our valley and that was the nearest approach
in doctrine to the Lutheran Church. This is rendered
more probable from the fact that one of his sons was
named Luther Melancthon, after the two great German
reformers. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church had its birth in
the Cumberland Presbytery of Kentucky in 1810. In
1813 three Presbyteries resolved themselves into a synod
and revised the Westminster Confession and excluded,
as they claimed, the doctrines of fatalism and infant
damnation. The passages they particularly objected to
were: Chap. III. "God from all eternity .did by the
most Avise and holy counsel of His OAvn will, freely and
unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass." * * * *
"By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his
glory, some men and angels are predestinated unto ever
lasting life and others foreordanied to everlasting
death." "These men and angels thus predestinated and fore
ordained are particularly and unchangeably designed;
and their number is so certain and definite that it cannot
be increased or diminished. ' '
Eapid Incbease op the Cumbebland Peesbytebians.
The C. P. Church increased rapidly in this section.
There was a church of this order and a graveyard now
mostly overgrov\rn with considerable sized trees one and
a half miles north east of Sweetwater at the corner of the
Gaut, Young and Heiskell lands. The church there was
called Mt. Lebanon. In about 1854, after the location of
the E. T. & Ga. E. E. depot and the beginning of the tovm
it was moved as being a more convenient location to the
Heiskell land on a part of the lot now occupied by the
Sweetwater Woolen Mill.
Mt. Lebanon Cumberland Presbyterian Church moved
to Sweetwater when the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church or, as our Baptist brethren insist, church house
(a church being a number of organized baptized be-

164 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
lievers, and not a house) was moved from its former lo
cation 1 1-2 miles northeast to the town on the Heiskell
land, it thereafter answered several purposes. The
schoolhouse in the bend of the creek southwest of the
toAvn was too small to accommodate the increasing num
ber of students, being only about 25 by 20 feet. The
Cumberland Church, then the only church building in
Sweetwater was about 35 by 30 ft. So it happened the
first school taught in the toAvn and the first I ever went
to was in that building. I was between eight and nine
years old at the time. I had been very much opposed to
going to school because of what the school children I
knew told me. I had come to believe that school was a
place of confinement, punishment and torture, where the
children spent the long summer day sighing for the open
air. As they passed me trudging homeward, their talk
was mostly of who had been whipped by the teacher
and of who had unexpectedly managed to escape punish^
ment. They carried no books home, as the studying they
did was at the schoolhouse during the day. I dreaded
going to school as much as the heretics the Spanish
Inquisition. What I knew I learned from my father by
asking questions. Usually when I questioned my mother
she Avould say, ' ' Go ask your Pa. ' ' And once in a while
he would say, ' ' Maybe you better ask Mr. Coffin that, if
you think of it, next time you see him." Therefore I
came to believe that if Mr. James Coffin did not answer
a question the answer was unknown or that it ought not
to be answered.
One summer day my father took me to the free (Pub
lic) school at the Cumberland Church. Instead of find
ing there some scolding ogre, armed with a large bunch
of hickory switches ready for use as I expected, we found
an intellectual, pleasant faced young woman. Miss Mar
tha Stakelj^, daughter of Wm. M. Stakely, of Madison-
Adlle. She was the soul of goodness and kindness, a
characteristic family trait. She welcomed us and I liked
her at once, and was willing to remain at school. I have
always remembered her with warm feelings of gratitude,
not because of what I was taught by her from the blue-
back speller, for I did not learn very much, but because
of her unvarying kindness to a sensitive boy. There
were those of her scholars who could repeat their A-B-

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 165
C's forward and backAvard. This was to me an aston
ishing feat but was not to my taste. I did not see the
sense in it. It was many months afterward when I be
gan to like to go to school and became interested in my
studies that I learned that letters formed words, words
represented objects and ideas and that ideas could be
translated into actions.
At that first school I used to watch from the window,
near which I had a seat, the tan yard water wheel across
the creek. It was an undershot wheel with cups attached,
which as the wheel revolved dipped up the water and
' poured it into troughs that conducted the water into the
vats in the tanyard. It was a never-failing source of
pleasure to me to watch the wheel go round and see the
streams of water sparkling in the sunshine. Miss Mar
tha did not get angry with me for preferring this to my
one book.
If she ever whipped anyone I do not recall it. She had
reasonably good order without it. I have vividly in mind
one escapade. I was in company Avith several boys larger
than myself. Of course I was the dog tray of the crowd.
A pot of greasy lamp black was found. It was suggested
that we all black ourselves. It was agreed that it would
be a fine joke, and so we all did. I used the blacking
sparingly at the start, but they said it would not be a bit
of fun unless we blacked up good and well. This was
amusing enough until just before "books" we tried to
wash it off. We stayed long enough to be sent for. Then
we were given soap and sent back to the creek to stay till
we were white again. But the black was like the smile on
the face of "Sunny Jim," it wouldn't come off. When
I reached home then more soap and water till I ab
horred the very sight of them and a black mamma (as if
I had not enough of black) was told to go along to assist
in my ablutions. Pretty soon she said: "Mercy's sake!
child, 'taint a bit of use trying to git this black off, you'll
have 'sociate with niggers all yore born days. " I jerked
loose from her and looked for the dryest place I could
find to meditate in. My thoughts were far from cheer
ful; there was a girl in the case.
But the gentle reader may ask what has this story to
do with early history and what is the moral of it ? It has
not much to do with it and there is no moral to it. It is

166 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
no Aesop's fable but a digression; and a digression does
not have to have a moral. All truth is useful. At least
I have been told so.
As has been remarked the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church was a historic building. For the white people it
answered the three fold purposes of a day school, church
and a Sunday School building. The Sunday School car
ried on Avas a union, not a denominational one. After
the new Cumberland Presbyterian Church was built the
colored people used the old one for the same purposes.
There were in the early days of the town, living in this
section, quite an array of Cumberland preachers and ef
fective ones too. Among others were Eev. Jas. Tate,
Joseph Johnston, Jas. Blair and Jas. H. Fryer. During
the week we were taught Webster's speller and reader,
and in the same house on Sunday we heard the gospel ex
pounded and the sacred desk pounded. In those days
the conception of the Supreme Being as told was quite
different from that presented now. Instead of preaching
of love and giAdng entertaining lectures on the lands
spoken of in the Bible, we were told in the vivid terms of
the torments that awaited the unrepentant beyond the
grave. The pictures drawn were truly awful. The Eev.
Blair was quite an artist in that line. But however soul
harrowing he may have been in the pulpit, he was pleas
ant and companionable in the family circle. He some
times visited at my father's and was always a welcome
guest. It is somewhat strange how, in the boyish mind,
certain words and phrases are connected with certain
public speakers and preachers. I never saw or thought
of Mr. Blair without thinking at the same time of fire and
brimstone. The Eev. Thos. Brown reminded me of the
word "Faith;" Eev. Geo. Caldwell, then of Athens, of
"Love ;" Eev. Thos. E. Bradshaw of "dedicate and pre
destinate;" Eev. Jno. Scruggs of the Greek word of
"Baptize," which he was prone to explain meant
"plunge or immerse" and could not by any implication
or indirection in the remotest degree mean anything else.
Of most of these things my ideas were of the vaguest na
ture, except about the brimstone. This I found by ex
periment smelt bad when cold and worse when burning. I
was not anxious enough for knowledge to try the effect
on my flesh. I connected Mr. Fryer with the word

HISTOEY OF SAVEETWATER VALLEY 167
"freckwently" as he pronounced it. I became rather
fond of the word and adopted it till my father told me
if I used the word at all to pronounce it ' ' f ree-quently. ' '
I then concluded not to use it at all, not being allowed to
pronounce it as I wished.
We hear often now of old time honesty and "old time
religion;" and many regret the changed conditions not
only in church and state and schools, but even of -the
roads ; for they say that in the last instance if we have
pike and graded roads the automobiles traveling there
will frighten the horses and make them run away.
It was also sinful in the minds of many to make places
of worship comfortable, as by so doing you were listening
to Satan's whispers and compromising with him. Serv
ices were twice as long then as now and the homes not
so conveniently situated. Sunday to some children was
made to appear as long as the rest of the week. Con
science did not make cowards of the people but it made
them tyrants. Instrumental music in the church they
thought .a snare and a delusion of the devil. The favor
ite airs were heart-rending minors sung to such words as
"Twas on that dark, that doleful night."
The place of torment was no figure of speech. The
lake of fire and brimstone, the wailing and gnashing of
teeth of the lost souls was made as realistic as possible,
that its tortures were such as no words could picture.
As to the public school money in the forties. East Ten
nessee got the best of the other sections of the State.
The disbursements were made assording to scholastic
population. The families were larger in this section of
the State and the people poorer. Only about sufficient
State taxes were collected in this end of the State to sup
port the public schools. Middle Tennessee furnished the
greater part of the money for the other State expenses.
The eastern part was looked down upon as poverty
stricken and that it should ever amount to anything in
wealth or resources was considered a remote possibility,
which goes to show how provincial people were in those
days, and how little was known of us in the other sections
of the State.
As for the roads, they were built not for the purpose
of transportation but for viewing the scenery and inci
dentally find out how much a yoke of oxen could pull up

168 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
a thirty per cent, grade. They went straight up the hill
and directly down to the hollow; they descended to the
depths and rose to the heights ; to wind and twist about
was an unnecessary waste of energy. When they were
muddy, Monroe County mud is about the muddiest mud
of which I have any knowledge with the exception of
Texas, whose weather behavior runs old probs crazy. If
you happened to be traveling the road some night and
saw something white in front of you, there was no oc
casion for alarm ; it was no ghost but only the top of a
North Carolina covered wagon, the rest of which was
down beloAv. All you had to do was to unhitch and leave
your vehicle till tomorrow or next week as the case might
be. When you trudged home from school you would likely
be greeted with the remark "Where in the world did you
get so muddy?" "Where?" and the whole blooming
world was mud over your boot tops. The town was lit
tle different from the country. When you went calling,
after knocking you were allowed five minutes to clean
your feet before the door was opened for your recep
tion. In 1873 and 1874 Daniel Heiskell, who had purchased
a lot for that purpose, built the new Cumberland Presby
terian Church, where it now stands, across the railroad
and east from the Southern passenger depot. He said
he wanted to build the church as a monument to himself
and,. as he was amply able to build it, he would ask for no
outside help, not even from the members of his oAvn
church. If they or others Avished they could subscribe to
the furnishing of the church and help to pay the salary
of the pastor. He wanted to give the house and lot to
the Cumberlands himself. Exactly what the church cost
no one knew ; when asked the question he replied that he
did not know precisely and if he did know would not care
to say. Not long after the church was finished, Mr. Heis
kell executed a deed to the Cumberland Presbyterians.
This deed was misplaced, lost or destroyed by fire. What
the provisions in this deed were I haA^e never been able
to ascertain. Dr. E. F. Scruggs was confident it con
tained a reversionary clause, i. e. the property was to re
vert to the heirs unless used as specified for the Cumber
land Presbyterian church. This deed was not placed of

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 169
record on the Eegisters' Books of Monroe County, at
Madisonville. But even after the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
determined in their assembly to unite with a branch of
the Presbyterians, the Cumberlands here continued to
use it and to claim that it belonged to the members at'
Sweetwater. There has been no suit entered to de
termine the question.
The first pastor of the church, if I remember correctly,
was Eev. Solon McCroskey.
Some brief information about the older members of
the Daniel Heiskell family: —
Daniel Heiskell was born near Winchester, Virginia,
March 7, 1799. He died at Sweetwater on July 22, 1875.
He married Elizabeth McBride near Greeneville, Tenn.,
March 4, 1823. She was born AprU 15, 1803 ; she died
August 1, 1841.
The children of this marriage were :
One. Wm. McBride, b. May 2, 1824. Married Vir
ginia Netherland, December 30, 1852.
Two. Eliza Adaline, b. January 20, 1827 ; d. July 14,
1906. Married Nathaniel Pope Hight, October 9, 1851, b.
January 20, 1827 ; d. May 17, 1889.
Three. Luther Melancthon, b. June 8, 1829. Married
EUen Wright June 6, 1853.
Four. Hugh Brovra, b. November 20,- 1831 ; d. Novem
ber 13, 1904.
Five. Sarah Catherine, b. September 25, 1834. She
married John Patterson February 3, 1853. They moved
to Springfield, Mo.
Six. Martha IsabeUa, b. November 13, 1836. She died
in Missouri, April 21, 1861. She married N. W. Haun.
Under the firm name of Haun & Stakely he was one of
the first merchants in the toAvn of Sweetwater.
Seven. Betsey (Elizabeth) Eamsey, b. November 5,
1839 ; married E. F. Scruggs February 14, 1860.

Daniel Heiskell married the second time Mary Wallace
Montgomery on March 14, 1844. She was born January
1, 1819, and died June 4, 1888.
Children of this marriage were : .
1. James Montgomery, b. January 30, 1845 ; d. March
26, 1898.

170 HISTORY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
2. Margaret Caroline, b. August 19, 1847 ; married A.
D. Scruggs May 1, 1867.
,3. Dorcas Ann, b. April 5, 1850 ; d. January 14, 1854.
Most of those mentioned above were parents of large
families. Daniel Heiskell 's grandchildren and great
grandchildren are very numerous. From present indica
tions, the Heiskell generation like the cause of popular
government will not perish from the face of the earth.
William McBeide Heiskell
Married Virginia Netherland. They had eleven chil
dren :
1. Ada Florence, b. November 2, 1853; married Isaac
Johnson July 26, 1875. They had one daughter, Brucie
Davis, who lives in Los Angeles, Cal.
2. Mary Lyde, b. February 3, 1855; married S. W.
Flenniken, April 24, 1878. He died at Sweetwater, April
1902. She lives at Sweetwater.
3. James Netherland, b. July 20, 1856 ; married Eliza
beth Browder, November 18, 1880. Their children are:
Mamie Letitia ; married J. W. Scott, September 19, 1914.
Address, Sylvania, Ga. ; John, married Lem Dickey June
15, 1910. Address Dallas, Texas ; Loyd, married Maggie
Fisher, October 27, 1900. Address Sweetwater ; Samuel
and Emmett, address Olustee, Okla., and Luther, ad
dress, Sweetwater.
4. Bettie Pendleton, b. AprU 16, 1858. Married Wil
son Small, December 18, 1872. They had one child, Eob
ert, who lives at Decatur, Tenn.
5. Myrtle, b. February 3, 1861. Married Mark God
dard, December 12, 1893. They live at Sweetwater and
have two children, Willie and Hugh.
6. Ann Lipscomb, b. June 29, 1862. Married James
Small September 3, 1878. They have three children,
Willie, Henry and Thomas. They live at Niota.
7. Willie, i). October 28, 1863 ; d. September 2, 1870.
8. Virginia N., b. January 18, 1865. Married Wilson
Small August 7, 1878. They had two sons, Isham and
William, who live at Decatur.
9. Daniel, b. January 8, 1867; married Bertha Willis,
October 6, 1901. Their children are: Earnest, Beulah,
Grace, Mack, Anna and Tyler.

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 171
10. Cate, b. January 9, 1869; married John Ferguson,
December 11, 1894. Their children are: Brucie (who
married John Thomas, May 5, 1912), Earl, Charlie,
Henry, Horace P. and Mary Alma.
Henry Lee Heiskell and Martha Neil were married
January 29, 1898. They had one child, Elga, b. December
9, 1898. They live at PUot Point, Texas.
Ada Heiskell Johnson, married second, T. J. Hinton,
in 1894. They live in Knoxville. James N. Heiskell,
owns aiid lives on the farm his father bought in 1852.
LuTHBE Melancthon Heiskell.
(The Melancthon. is sometimes abbreviated to 'Ton")
was born June 8, 1829. He died at his residence near
Spring City on September 16, 1909. He married Ellen
Wright of Greenville, Tenn., January 6, 1853. She was
born November 1, 1830, and died January 2, 1892. Soon
after their marriage they moved to Missouri and from
there to Ehea County, near the site of Spring City, in
1866. He was a farmer, being in a country where game
abounded, he was very fond of hunting. Their children
were seven in number :
(1) Martha Elizabeth, b. May 11, 1854; died October
24 1887
(2) Daniel, b. AprU 9, 1856.
(3) Pope, b. June 25, 1858; died September 14, 1871.
(4) John, b. March 26, 1860 ; died December 21, 1860.
' (5) Emma Ada BeU, b. August 23, 1863 ; died Septem
ber 12, 1894.
(6) Everett, b. March 13, 1866 ; d. August 28, 1867.
(7) Minnie.

Martha Elizabeth Heiskell was married to T.'J. Eobin
son October 26, 1871. To them four children were born,
two boys and two girls.

Daniel Heiskell married Belle Eose. To them were
born five children.

172 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
Emma Ada Belle Heiskell was married to Jas. L. Hoyl
October, 1882. To them were born two children, Ellen
Hoyl and Barbara Hoyl.

Minnie Heiskell was married to S. E. Paul December
1, 1897. To them was born one child, Ellen HeiskeU
Paul, b. June 2, 1899.
Hugh Beown Heiskell
Was born in Sweetwater Valley, Monroe County,
Tenn., November 30, 1831. He died at his residence in
Ehea County, Tenn., November 13, 1904. He married
Ehoda Farmer of Hillsville, Va., in 1856. She was born
AprU 7, 1841, and died March 23, 1892. He moved to
Ehea County in 1861. He was a farmer and stock raiser.
He was Justice of the Peace for fifteen years. Their
children were :
1. Florence, b. July 27, 1857 ; d. June 30, 1903 ; mar
ried E. M. Eobinson of Ehea County on November 16,
1881. 2. Wade, b. October 21, 1858; married Lydia Ganett,
of Alton, Mo., in the spring of 1891.
3. Frank, b. February 21, 1860 ; married Lucy Patter
son of Bozeman, Montana, in November 1894.
4. Addie, b. July 21, 1861.
5. John, b. September 17, 1863; d. AprU 17, 1915. He
was twice married; first to Eva HoUoway, of Spring
City, Tenn., on March 1, 1892. After her death in  •
he married Kitty Caldwell, of Spring City, on October
17, 1906.
6. Hugh Brown, b. August 11, 1865; married Carrie
WaUis, Spring City, on March 7, 1900.
7. Catherine, b. February 8, 1867 ; married D. C. Kem-
mer February 1, 1911.
8. Frederick, b. August 20, 1869 ; married Annie Smith,
Bozeman, Mont., October 18, 1911.
9. NeUie May, b. May 2, 1871 ; d. August 13, 1898.
10. Eichmond, b. September 2, 1873 ; married Etta
Hart, of Spring City, on February 20, 1907.

histoey op sweetwatee valley 173
Saeah Heiskell Patterson.
Sarah Catherine. Heiskell, b. September 5, 1834, was
married March 30, 1853, to John A. Patterson, moving
to Springfield, Mo., the same year. She joined the church
at an early age and lived a faithful Christian life to the
end of her more than four score years. To them were
born ten children, all of whom were living and present
when she died on June 16, 1916. Their names are as
follows :
Bettie Y. Patterson, b. AprU 19, 1854.
Addie IsabeU Patterson, b. March 23, 1856.
Virginia Ellen Patterson, b. May 13, 1858.
Joe Alma Kate Patterson, b. November 1, 1860.
Daniel Lewis Patterson, b. June 11, 1864.
Jessie Heiskell Patterson, b. December 15, 1866.
Hattie Amada Patterson, b. August 26, 1869.
John Hugh Eice Patterson, b. July 9, 1872.
Eva May Patterson, b. January 30, 1875.
Edward Tefft Patterson, b. July 25, 1878.
Bettie Y. Patterson, married W. E. Anderson, 1874;
three children, Wm. Y. Anderson, Guy P. Anderson and
Mary Heiskell Anderson (all living).
Addie I. Patterson married Wm. H. McCann, 1876 ;
two children, John E. McCann, Fred Harrison Mc
Cann. Virginia E. Patterson married Hugh M. Cowan, 1877.
Children, Katherine, Bruce H., Wm. P., Edna, Aleen,
Hugh. Joe Alma Kate married Emory L. Hoke, 1886; two
children, Clifford Hoke, Catherine E. Hoke.
Daniel L. Patterson married Allie Murden, 1892;
three children, Dwight M., Louise, Frank.
Jessie Heiskell Patterson married Geo. D. Stateson,
1891 ; three children, Alberta, Salome, Euth.
Hattie A. Patterson (single).
John H. E. Patterson married Elsie Moore, 1913, one
child, Edward Moore Patterson.
Eva May Patterson married A. C. Jarrett, 1901; no
children. Edward T. Patterson married Marie Lagana, 1905;
three children, Virginia Catherine, Bernice, Edward
Eaphael.

174 histoey of sweetwateb valley
Mb. James Montgomeey Hbisnell,
Son of Daniel and Mary Heiskell, was born in Sweet
water, Tenn., January 30, 1845. Died March 26, 1898.
Interred in West View Cemetery, Sweetwater. He was
married to Miss Laura Jones on October 18, 1874. Her
father was James Jones, her mother was Sarah Pugh
Jones of Bertie County, N. C. She was born in Memphis
Tenn., October 23, 1848. J. M. H. owned a very large
farm and a number of houses and lots in Sweetwater.
He was a Cumberland Presbyterian. The children of
Jas. M. and L. J. Heiskell were :
Harry, b. August 27, 1875. Was married to Norah
Jones on December 18, 1901. She was a daughter of
Moulton and Sarah Cunningham Jones. He is a success
ful farmer and stock raiser and lives near Sweetwater.
The children of Harry and Norah H. are : Lucille, King,
Pauline, Harry Lee, Hugh Lynn and Annie Laurie.
Edgar, b. November 19, 1877. He married Annie Cleve
land, daughter of Eli and Susan Martin Cleveland, Jan
uary 16, 1908. He is a farmer and resides in the old
Daniel Heiskell residence. Their children are: James
Eli, Christine and Edgar Burton.
Maiden, b. October 4, 1880. She married D. C. Boykin
June 15, 1902. He is a traveling passenger agent for
the Southern E. E. Lives at Knoxville, Tenn. They
have one child, Laura Elizabeth.
Maegaeet C. Heiskell Sceuggs,
Of Knoxville, was born at Sweetwater on August 19,
1847. She was married to Dr. Abijah Scruggs on May
1, 1867, the Eev. Jas. Blair, officiating. Abijah was the
son of the Eev. John Scruggs and brother of Dr. E. F.
Scruggs. He was a physician and druggist. He moved
from Knoxville to Niota in 1867 and from there to Cleve
land, Tenn., in 1874. They resided there until Septem
ber, 1889, when they moved to Knoxville. He died at
KnoxAdlle April 9, 1909, and was buried at Sweetwater
AprU 11, 1909. The chUdren of A. D. and M. H. Scruggs
were: 1. Eichard Francis, b. July 31, 1869 ; d. May, 1902.
2. Daniel HeiskeU, b. September 15, 1874 ; d. July 11,
1909.

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY ¦ 175
3. Mary Heiskell, b. in Cleveland, Tenn.
4. Bess, b. in Cleveland, Tenn.
5. Samuel, b. July 7, 1881 ; d. July 8, 1882.
Eichard Francis married Geraldine Jackson of Nash
ville, Tenn., on January 24, 1895. She was the daughter
of Dr. — Jackson, of Nashville. They had three children.
Eev. Joseph Janeway
Was born in Claiborne County, Tenn., June 28, 1831.
He moved to Sweetwater Valley, McMinn County, De
cember, 1855, after having lived three years in Loudon,
Tenn. He was educated in the literary course at Car
son and Newman College at Mossy Creek, now Jefferson
City, Tenn. He married Jane Helms of Claiborne Coun
ty on February 12, 1852. She was a cousin of John
Helms of MorristoAvn, Tenn. She was born July 9, 1831.
James Janeway 's father was a minister and farmer. On
the second Saturday of July, 1859, he was ordained at
Mt. Harmony. He was pastor of the following churches
in the order named: Cedar Fork, Post Oak, Stockton's
Valley; Providence, in Eoane County, Prospect, Phila
delphia, Loudon; two churches in Knox County, Blair's
Cross Eoads and Mars HiU; Union (in McMinn) ; Good-
field, Decatur, Sewell, Mt. Harmony, County Line, Eas-
tanalee, Hiwassee, New Friendship and others. His chil
dren were:
William Thomas, b. February 16, 1853 ; d. in infancy.
Nancy Jane, b. March 8, 1854; married S. K. Moun
tain. Address, New Tazewell, Tenn.
Elizabeth Ann, b. April 14, 1856 ; married H. M. John
son, Bells, Texas.
Jno. Nelson, b. December 10, 1859; married Alice
Mitchell of Pennsylvania in 1898. They have four chil
dren. He is in the transfer business at Edmonds, Puget
Sound, Wash.
Prior Lee, b. July 14, 1862 ; married Etta Williams in
Texas. They have seven children and live at Bonita,
Texas. James Patton, b. October 29, 1864; married Josie
Bushong. Two children living, two dead. They live
near County Line, Monroe County, Tenn.
Joseph Lung, b. March 13, 1867. Lives at the old Jane
way place.

176 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Franklin Berry, b. April 15, 1869, artist, portrait and
landscape painter. Lives at Knoxville, Tenn.
Mary Josephine, b. September 30, 1871. She married
Jno. Hansard. He died in 1871.
Mr. Janeway ceased ministerial work after his 70th
birthday. He had read the Bible through more than
fifty times. He was made a Mason at Loudon, Tenn.,
in 1861. Joseph Dyche Jones
Was born in Bedford County, Tennessee. Came to Phila
delphia, Tenn., and lived there from the time of his mar
riage until his death. He was a cousin of the Eev. Eli
Cleveland. He was a tanner by trade, and which in the
early settlement of the valley was a very profitable one.
He also OAvned a farm. Like many people of his time his
house was always open to his friends whether on iuAdta-
tion or not.
He married Aley Mathis, daughter of Eli Cleveland,
February 6, 1830. She was born May 7, 1813 and died
May 30, 1855. He died in June 1883. They were mem
bers of the Baptist Church. The children by this mar
riage were :
1. Lodusky Caroline, b. October 6, 1834; d. June 30,
1862. (See Chas. Cannon).
2. Mary Louise, b. December 16, 1836. Married S. Y.
B. Williams. (Whom see).
3. Aley Mathis, b. August 8, 1840; d. March 3, 1857.
4. Eli Cleveland, b. January 25, 1841; d. August 4,
1902. 5. James Chamberlain, b. August 26, 1844 ; d. October
5, 1872.
6. Joseph Morton, b. August 30, 1847.
7. Eobert Augustus, b. AprU 3, 1849; d. in 1903 at
Greenfield, Mo.
8. Jesse Franklin, b. June 1, 1851 ; d. by accident when
a young man.
Eli Cleveland Jones was educated at Mossy Creek,
Tenn., now Jefferson City. He entered the Confederate
army, Co. F., 43rd Tenn. Eegiment and was made cap
tain of that company after the death of Captain Turner.
He married (first) Emma Adkins, daughter of Eli Ad-

history op SWEETWATEB VALLEY 177
kins, September 15, 1873, b. August 31, 1857. He was
a merchant at Philadelphia, Tenn., for many years, and
afterwards at Loudon, Tenn., until his death. His first
wife died at Philadelphia, August 8, 1878. Children
were :
1. Paul, b. June 10, 1874. Married Annie, daughter of
Dr. WUliam' Harrison, of Loudon, Tenn., on July 31,
1907. He lives in Colorado. They have one child, Wm.
Harrison, b. October 15, 1915.
I 2. Alma, b. May 5, 1876 ; d. June 14, 1903.
Captain E. C. J.- was married (second) to Sarah,
daughter of Eev. W. M. Kerr, minister of the M. E.
Church, South, and formerly of Greene County, Tenn.,
January 25, 1882. She was born January 14, 1861. She
resides in Loudon, Tenn. Their children are:
1. Earl C, b. January 19, 1883. Lives in Montana.
2. Edna, b. November 15, 1884. Married Frank Jones,
son of Mat Jones, February 21, 1904. Live at Loudon
Their children are: Jesse Franklin, b. June 15, 1908,
Sarah EUzabeth, b. June 20, 1910.
3. Harriet, b. October 6, 1886. She married Ed., son
of W. K. Blair, July 31, 1913. Two chUdren : Jane, b.
September 5, 1914 ; Corry, b. December 18, 1915. ¦
4. Ann Mathis, b. Februarv 28, 1889.
5. William Kerr ("Don"), b. September 5, 1891. Em
ployee Bank of Loudon, Tenn.
6. Mary Katherine, b. January 1, 1894.
7. Margaret Bicknell, b. January 19, 1899.
James C., second son of Joseph D. Jones, m. Lou,
daughter of MelAdn Porter. They had one child, Sydney
Lenoir, who died unmarried. After the death of her
husband, James Jones, Mrs. J. married  Mc
Knight and moved to Missouri where he died.
Joseph Morton, third son of J. D. Jones, married
Louisa J., daughter of Eli S. Adkins,. November 29,
1869. They moved to the state of Washington. They
had one daughter, Joseph, who married Will, son of
Philander McCroskey. Joseph M. J. died in Washing
ton and his wife married again.
Eobert Augustus, third son of J. D. Jones, married
Nannie A., daughter of Thos. L. Upton, September 8,
1870. She was b. June 27, 1846; d. February 22, 1882.
He was in the mercantile business, for a number of

178

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY

years, with his brother, E. C. Jones, at PMladelphia,
Tenn. Their children were :
Joseph D., who died unmarried; Frank Upton and
ThomaSj both married and live in Missouri, and Hattie
Cleveland, who died unmarried. Frank U. married
Fannie, daughter of William Johnson, son-in-law of D.
H. Cleveland. They have two daughters, teachers in
Greenfield, Mo. Jesse F. Jones
was a brother of J. D. Jones, of Philadelphia, Tenn.
He was born August 9, 1808. He married Clarissa,
daughter of the Eev. Eli Cleveland. She was born
 -^—, 1815. She died March 11, 1880. They lived
on the Philadelphia and Sweetwater road about half
way between those places, on a farm adjoining those of
F. H. Gregory and David H. Cleveland. Their children
were :
I. Aley, m. W. H. H. Eagon January 26, 1865. They
moved to the state of Washington. Their children were :
Bettie, b. January 22, 1866 ; d. October 23, 1885. Dora,
b. AprU 27, 1867 ; d. January 21, 189L Sons Charles
and 
2. Matthew, m. November 21, 1875, Bettie Harri
son, daughter of William Harrison, of Pond Creek Val
ley. She died in July, 1916. They had three sons and
one daughter. One son is dead. One son, Frank, lives
at Loudon and is postmaster. The youngest son, Eobert,
and his father live in Loudon, Tenn.
3. Florence, third child of Jesse F. and Aley Jones,
was b. February 19, 1859, and d. June 1, 1876.
Josiah K. Johnston.
There is an old burying ground where the Mt. Le
banon Cumberland Presbyterian Church used to stand.
It occupies about two-thirds of an acre, one and one-
half miles northeast of Sweetwater on a corner of the
f aTKl n.OAv owned by Harry Heiskell. Now it is almost
entirely grown up in woods and undergrowth. There
are many, graves there judging from the rocks and f oot-
boarcis a,nd from the remains of palings rotted doAvn.
The Josiah K. Johnston enclosure, near the northwest
corner of the graveyard is a solid brick wall about three

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB V-ALLBY 179
feet high and about 30 by 13 feet in dimensions. Next
to the north end of the cemetery is a monument bear
ing the inscription ' ' Nancy P., wife of William E. Snead
and daughter of J. K. and C. Johnson. Born April 3,
1833. Died December 31, 1863." There is also a monu
ment near the centre of the enclosure, having on three
sides of it these inscriptions :
"Josiah K. Johnston, born February 10, 1805. Died
December 10, 1861. Clarissa, wife of Josiah K. John
ston. Born AprU 23, 1811. Died AprU 9, 1864. Sue,
daughter of J. K. and Clarissa Johnston. Born Decem
ber 15, 1845. Died August 8, 1864."
The enclosure to the Johnston lot is the only one in
the graveyard which is well preserved.
Josiah K. Johnston came from Fork Creek Valley to
the place on the Philadelphia road, one and one-half
miles north of Sweetwater, where the Eufus Gaut fam
ily now reside. He purchased the land from W. M. Hen
derson. He had a fine body of land and, with slave la
bor, operated it successfully. He had a large family of
daughters who were universally popular and, being of a
hospitable nature, they entertained lavishly. Mr. John
ston was a Presbyterian. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston were
the parents of six daughters and no sons. They were :
One. Nancy, b. AprU 3, 1833; d. December 31, 1863.
Two. Letitia, b. February 18, 1835.
Three. Sophronia, b. September 10, 1837.
Four. Callie, b. February 5, 1842.
Five. Josephine, b. February 22, 1844.
Susan, b. December 15, 1845 ; d. August 8, 1864.
One. Nancy was married to William E. Snead. They
had one son, William E., who resides on the Madisonville
road, three miles from Sweetwater.
Two. Letitia, the second daughter of J. K. Johnston
was married to James A. Wright on March 13, 1855.
James A. Wright was born in Wilkes County, N. C., in
1823. His father, Josiah Wright, came from England.
His mother, Nancy Eeynolds Wright was a native of
North Carolina. Mr. Wright came to Monroe County,
Tenn., in his boyhood. On the 25th of May, 1848, he
married his first wife Emma Yoakum, of Philadelphia,
Tenn. She died in 1854. They had one daughter, Mary,

180 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE V-ALLBY
born at Madisonville in 1849. She married George H.
HoUiday, of Atlanta, in 1868.
About four years after his first marriage (second) to
Miss L. Johnston, Mr. Wright bought the BoAvman, now
the Kilpatrick place, south of Sweetwater, and moved
there. Mrs. Wright says he was the first postmaster of
Sweetwater. He was a merchant in Sweetwater, belong
ing to one firm or another from the beginning of the
tovm until after the commencement of the Civil War.
He moved to Tyner's Station in 1862, and in 1867
from there to Atlanta, Ga., where he became a member
of the firm of Glenn, Wright and Carr, commission mer
chants. He died in Little Eock, Ark., where he then re
sided, on November 18, 1872, and was buried there in
Oakland Cemetery. The children of James and L.
Wright :
(1) Josiah J., b. February 16, 1856; m. Margaret
Maude Horsf al on January 6, 1897. Their children are :
Harry, b. AprU 16, 1898 ; Edith, b. December 14, 1910 ;
Eichard, b. AprU 16, 1911.
(2) Nannie, b. April 11, 1858; m. George A. Alexander
ill June, 1876. Their children are : Julia G. ; Letitia J. ;
James A., and Florence Bell. Part (or all) of them re
side in Washington, D. C.
(3) Benjamin B., third child of James A. Wright, was
born April 6, I860. He married Katie Ledwidge. They
live at Little Eock, Ark. Their children are: Ben. B.,
Jr., b. June 26, 1892; Kathleen, b. October 15, 1891;
Christopher L., b. February 18, 1898, and Edward L.,
b. July 16, 1903. They are Eoman Catholics.
(4) Dicky L., fourth child of James A. Wright, was
born December 12, 1867. She married Eli Eichard
Shipp December 12, 1889.
The children of Mary and George H. HoUiday, men
tioned above, Mary being the child of J. A. Wright's
first Avif e Emma Yoakum ' are : Mabel, who married
John Moody; Ethel m. Joseph Crenshaw, and George
H. HoUiday, Jr., of Atlanta, Ga.
Three. Sophronia, third daughter of Josiah K. John
ston, married Archibald Bacome on October 23, 1856.
He was born in Sullivan County, Tenn., July 29, 1814.
He died December 7, 1899, at his residence, one mile
south of Philadelphia. He had lived on this place since

history of SWEETWATEE VALLEY 181
his father, James Bacome, moved there in 1819. Dur
ing his lifetime he had bought and sold many valuable
farms. The children of A. and Sophronia Bacome are :
1. Callie, b. October 21, 1858; m. W. C. Milligan Oc
tober 15, 1893. Eesidence, Philadelphia.
2. Beulah, b. May 12, 1865.
3. Clara, m. S. J. Akin, of Cleveland, Tenn., Novem
ber 11, 1898. He was a graduate of Annapolis and a
laAvyer at Cleveland. Their children are : Caroline, b.
March 4, 1900; Sammie, dau., b. October 6, 1901. S. J.
Akin died July 31, 1901.
Four. Caledonia, m. on October 4, 1865, H. C. Peake,
a druggist of Warsaw, Ky. Their children were :
1. Clara, b. March 14, 1867 ; m. J. W. Evans February
11, 1885. They have three daughters, two of whom are
married. Juliette, m. Henry Blanton ; Sue m. J. T. Fow
ler and a third daughter, who is a school girl.
2. Josie, b. May 3, 1869. She married S. D. McDan-
nold. Address, Tarrant, Texas. He has a large farm
and makes a specialty of high grade horses and cattle.
3. Sue, b. December 20, 1876; m. E. F. Earnest Jan
uary 9, 1909. Address, Douglas, Ariz.
4. Ben. b. September 26, 1879 ; m. May 7, 1910. He
has been general manager of a large drug house for a
number of years. They have one son of 4 years.
5. Nellie, fifth child of H. C. and C. Peake, was born
January 25, 1886; m. E. Wolf June 6, 1903. He died
June 20, 1904. She then married K. W. Goff, postoffice,
Douglas. Josephine, fifth daughter of J. K. and Clarissa John
ston, was married to Dr. J. B. Lackey July 20, 1865.
They had two children: James Gilmer and Lizzie J.
The latter married W. W. Holton, a son of Mrs. Lack
ey's second husband. Dr. Lackey practised his profes
sion at FriendsAdlle, Blount County, Tenn. He died on
March 22, 1872. Mrs. Lackey married (second) John W.
Holton, of Sparta, Ky., on April 5, 1876. He was a
farmer and stock dealer. They had one son and two
daughters. The son was drowned on January 1, 1897,
at the age of 19 years. One of the daughters died at
2 years of age. The other daughter married Tilton
Detheridge, a farmer living near Sanders, Ky.
Mrs. Josephine Holton is dead.

182 histoby of sweetwatee valley
The Lenoib Family.
Our destiny and character are in a great measure de
termined by heredity and environment. No biography
is complete therefore Avithout an answer to the ques
tions: "Who were your ancestors, where and when
born, whence came you and why?" Nations, proAdnces
and neighborhoods have their own particular racial in
stincts and proclivities, their prejudices, likes and dis
likes. Families have their own peculiar characteristics.
One distinguishing trait of the Lenoir family is impa
tience of dictation from others where personal, political
or religious liberty is concerned. If you make the mis
take of telling one of them he must or must not do some
thing, which he thinks should concern only himself and
not the public good, he thereupon resolves himself into
a committee of one to devise ways and means to do or
not to do that very thing. This pertains especially to
such matters as amusements, food, drink and clothing, as
he deems these are purely personal matters.
St. Paul said: "If meat make my brother to offend,
I will eat no meat while the world standeth." A truly
commendable spirit, considering the fact that he was
once a persecutor "even unto strange cities."
I believe as a rule the Lenoirs have gone as far as
they ought to relieve their fellow beings in distress, their
time and money being at the disposal of their friends;
but if one of them were asked, even by a friend or brother
to refrain from something on account of some whim or
fancy, I am afraid the answer would not be satisfactory.
I have known few of them that would consent to reg
ulate their diet according to the notions of another.
When Louis XIV in 1685 revoked the Edict of Nantes,
the charter of religious liberty signed by Henry IV in
1598, a number of the Lenoirs left French soil forever.
This they did not so much because they were enamored
of the German, Martin Luther, or that the views of the
gloomy and ascetic Calvin appealed to them, but because
they resented the persecutions and tyranny then prac
ticed by the Pope of Eome and Louis XIV.
When George III imposed a tax on the colonies they
became ardent whigs and revolted, not that it would
hurt them to pay the tax but because it was a violation

HISTOBY OP SAVEETWATEB VALLEY 183
of the Charter granted Carolina by King Charles II.
Thus the spirit of Touchstone in "As You Like It" : "If
reasons were as plenty as blackberries, I give no man
a reason on compulsion. "
In 1861 the Lenoirs in all parts of the south wished
to stay in the Union. But when Mr. Lincoln issued his
call for troops to whip them in when and if they seceded,
they unanimously, with one accord, to a man and 'to a
woman, did their level best to get out and stay out and
were sorry when they did not succeed. They were union
men of their own volition but not on compulsion. Gov
ernment should not be founded on the consent of those
that govern.
In France the name Lenoir is not an uncommon one.
It was first probably written Le Noir, then anglicized
into Lenoir. The names Xavier and Cholmondeley have
undergone still greater changes; now written in this
country Sevier and Chumley. I have been told also that
the Huguenots of the family even in France wrote the
name "Lenoir" to distinguish themselves from the
Catholics, who wrote it with a capital N. The Lenoirs
in France so far as I have been able to ascertain AVere
farmers, traders, merchants, manufacturers, exploiters,
and occasionally art collectors and bankers. They have
never risen to celebrity as advocates, soldiers or profes
sional men. Ne'arly the same has been the case in our
own country. Farmers, merchants and manufacturers
will include nearly all of them. I have knoAvn only one
laAvyer and one physician of the name in Tennessee and
North Carolina, and they did not depend on the practice
of their profession for a liAdng. They have never been
soldiers for pleasure, pay, plunder or glory. They have
been under arms only when they were assured their coun
try needed their services. Nor have they been states-
inen, orators or politicians. If ever one was a preacher
or could write "Eev." before his name I have never
heard of it. They never had the gift of fluent speech nor
were fond of exhibiting themselves to the public gaze.
Few of them were so fixed in the belief of the tenets of
any one church organization as to feel called to preach.
Some of them have represented their counties and dis
tricts in the lower and upper houses of the Legislature

184 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
of their states, as the saying goes, with credit to them
selves and their constituents, but I believe that is about
as far as they ever got or aspired to. They were not
adepts at intrigue or swapping votes on public meas
ures. They have always taken prosperity and adversity with
equal complacency; never boasted of the one or com
plained at the other or appealed to the public for sym
pathy. Their nonchalant disposition was illustrated by
one of the Lenoirs who was an explorer in the deserts
of northern Africa. Early one morning one of his com
panions came to his tent in great excitement and shouted :
"Lenoir, the Bedouins are attacking us." "Tell the
fools to wait; I'm shaving," was the answer. But the
"fools" wouldn't wait. His dead body was found with
the razor still in his hand.
Lenoir is a favorite name for the villain in melodrama
and dime novels. Mrs. Southworth uses it in "The
Hidden Hand. ' ' The adjective ' ' noir ' ' means black ; and
black in name, black by nature is assumed. Yet they are
not always pictured as Adllains in the play but are some
times given the place of the hero, coming out with flying
colors. I might as well give at the outs'et the authorities on
which I rely for statements made below:
Wheeler's History of North Carolina.
Historic Homes of North Carolina Part III.
Homer D. L. Sweet's History of Avery Family of
Croton. Published at Syracuse, N. Y.
The Unpublished History of the Lenoir Family by
Miss Laura Norwood of Lenoir, North Carolina.
Public and Family Eecords and Letters. Personal
Conversations and Knowledge. This will save footnotes
and special quotations. Any of the family friends desir
ing more specific and lengthy information would do well
to consult the above authorities.
There were four Lenoir brothers that came to America
after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes by Louis
XIV on May 2, 1685. One of these four brothers came
across the ocean in his own vessel. He therefore was
probably a resident of Nantes, as this has been a great
commercial and shipping point from the time of the Eo-

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 185
man occupation. He must have come almost directly to
New York City. In the archives of the Old French
Church is a Baptismal Eecord of which the following is
a translation:
• "Baptism Today, 6th October, 1696.
After the prayer of the evening has been baptized in
this church, Isaac, son of Isaac Lenoir and of Anne, his
father and mother, born on the 25th of last September
and presented to his baptism by Auguste Grassot and
Susanne Hulin, Godfather and Godmother, and baptized
by M. Peiret, Minister." (Signed) I. Lenoie.
Susanne Hulin.
Peibet, Minister.
Auguste Gbassot.
At this time New York was an English possession, hav
ing passed from the hands of the Dutch in 1674. New
York City then included only the territory between the
Battery and Wall Street.
In one of his voyages this Lenoir's vessel was lost "in
a storm, carrying him to a seaman's grave." As how
ever he was not heard from after his departure from
New York this is mere conjecture. This was in the day
of piracy, and he may have been captured by pirates.
He was, I understand, the great grandfather of William
Lenoir who settled in Wilkes County, N. C. '
In what is now Caldwell County in the "Happy Val
ley ' ' of the Yadkin Eiver, surrounded by a grove of mag
nificent hemlocks and oaks, stands the colonial mansion
of General William Lenoir, spoken of above. It was
built by him after the Eevolutionary War in 1785. Near
this mansion is the family burying ground containing the
remains of many of the Lenoir family. In this is a large
monument of beautiful marble impressive in its silent
majesty. It dominates the landscape and rises above the
other monuments of children and grandchildren as his
name and fame is above theirs. On this monument is the
epitaph, which is almost an epitome of the history of his
life. It is in a fine state of preservation, and reads as
follows :

186 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE YAJAJEY
TTpT*£i LlGS
AU That Is Mortal Of
WiLLAM Lenoib
Born May 8th, 1751.
Died May 6th, 1839.
"In times that tried men's souls he was a genuine wMg.
As a lieutenant under Eutherford and Williams in 1776,
and as a captain under Cleveland at King's Mountain
he proved himself a brave soldier. Although a native of
another state, yet North Carolina was proud of him as
her adopted .son. In her services he filled the several of
fices of major-general of militia, president of the Sen
ate, first president of the Board of Trustees of the uni
versity, for sixty years justice of the peace and chair
man of the court of Common Pleas. In all these high
public trusts he was found faithful. In private life he
was no less distinguished as an affectionate husband, a
kind father and a warm hearted friend. The traveler
will long remember his hospitality and the poor bless him
as a benefactor."
The matter of the inscription, above quoted, was left
to his friends and associates in public Ufe. This is their
estimate of him — their tribute to his memory.
In addition to the information heretofore given in re
gard to William Lenoir we give these facts: He was
born in Brunswick County, Va. He married Anne Bal
lard, of HaUfax, N. C, in 1771. In 1775 he moved to
near where the site of Wilkesboro, then in Surry Coun
ty, now stands. In 1785 he moved to his residence in
Happy Valley, called by him Fort Defiance. There he
died. He served in the Indian campaigns against the Chero
kees under Eutherford in 1776. From his account of the
expedition against Ferguson and the Battle of King's
Mountain I make the following excerpts :
"Ferguson had dally information of the advancement of the Whigs
and was so on the alert that men on foot would not be able to over
take him; therefore orders were given that as many as had or could
procure horses go in advance as mounted infantry, there not being
a single dragoon in the Whig army. Whereupon about six hundred
were prepared and marched off about sunrise on the sixth day of
October, 1780, leaving the footmen, about 1,500 in number, encamped

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 187
on Green River under the command of Major Joseph Herndon. They,
the six hundred, marched all day to Cowpens, where they were joined
by Colonel Williams with a few South Carolina militia. They started
to camp but were ordered forward. They marched all night and in
the morning joined the forces of Shelby, Sevier, Cleaveland and Camp
bell. They marched in four columns: Colonel Winston commanded
the right-hand column, Cleaveland the left, and Shelby and Sevier the
middle columns. As Colonel Campbell had come the greatest distance,
from the State of Virginia, he was complimented with the command
of the whole detachment."
(He then tells of the battle and highly important re
sults. His own personal part in the engagement he re
lates as follows) :
"I was captain of a company and left them at Green River, except
six of them who procured horses and went with us. I went as a com
mon soldier, and did not pretend to take command of those that be
longed to my company, but fell in immediately behind Colonel Win
ston, in front of the right-hand column, which enabled me to give
more particular account of the progress of that part of the army than
any other. Before the battle Adjutant Jesse Franklin (afterward
Governor of North Carolina), Captain Robert Cleaveland and myself
agreed to stand together and support each, other; but at the commence
ment of the battle enthusiastic zeal caused us all to separate. Each
being anxious to effect the grand object, no one appeared to regard
his. own personal safety. As to my own part from where we dis
mounted, instead of going on to surround, I advanced the nearest
way toward the enemy under a heavy fire, until I got within abouit
thirty paces. * * * About that time I received a slight wound
in my side and another in my left arm; and after that a bullet went
through my hair, where it was tied, and my clothes were cut in
several places. From the account I have given of the battle it will
be understood that it was fought on our side by militia alone. By
that victory many militia officers procured, swords who could not
possibly get any before; neither was it possible to procure a good sup
ply of ammunition."
The above was written not to give a history of the bat
tle but show what part William Lenoir, also the Cleve
lands, took in it. Eather than miss the fight he sur
rendered his position as captain and left his company at
Green Eiver and marched and fought as a private in
the ranks. Thus he showed that he appreciated the sac
rifices of the men who had come from beyond the great
mountains, through pathless wilds almost, to their re
lief. Until, of late years the New England historians of the
United States, notably in the school histories, gave little
space and attached little importance to that expedition

188 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
and battle. If they mentioned it at all they referred
to it as a skirmish in which a few backwoodsmen under
Campbell and Sevier captured several companies of
tories under Ferguson. This Ferguson had been annoy-
ings the whigs of North and South Carolina and the half
dozen bullets he got in his carcass was very gratifying
to them. After disposing of the expedition in this sum
mary manner they would give several pages to the early
life of General Israel Putnam. Oh there never was such
a wolf as the one Putnam slew since the time of Eomulus
and Eemus and the days of Eed Eiding Hood. He (or
was it she?) ravaged the flocks and herds of the country
around and left a pathway of blood and terror in its
wake. Dogs could do nothing Avith it. When they at
tacked it they were torn to pieces. When closely pushed
by men it fled to the caverns in the hills. But Putnam
went into its lair and killed it and pulled it out with Ms
naked hands. Then in the Eevolution he rounded out a
life of glorious deeds by galloping his horse down a flight
of stone steps. When the British who were in pursuit,
feared to attempt this feat he waved to them with all the
grace of "Nolichucky Jack" leading a country dance.
But it has happened for a number of years that the
Daughters of the Eevolution have seen that the heroes
of King's Mountain have received due meed of praise.
Their names and -fame have not been suffered to decay.
In most histories now written they are given ample
though tardy justice.
I have seen a little barnyard rooster that clucked and
strutted and crowed around all day. He said in his
chicken language: "No hen ever sat on the egg I was
in; I am no high bred incubator chicken either; I was
just hatched out in the sun ; I pecked my way out of the
egg all by myself ; I was not raised, I just came up my
self ; not a single chicken ever did anything for me, they
were all against me in the whole yard" — and then he flies
up on the gatepost and flap, flap, flap, cock-a-doodle-doo
— "what game rooster am I?" then the hens come run
ning. I have seen men like this little rooster, who virtually
if not actually said: "I am strictly a self-made man;
my father wasn't any account; he spent his money in li-

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 189
quor and gambling; my mother was barely respectable
if that; she took in washing; they never gave me any
clothes or sent me to school ; they never taught me or left
me anything ; I was turned out just like a woods colt to
graze in any pasture I could find; — ^but behold what I
am now! I am oAvner of a bank or a railroad, or I've
been to Congress, or a merchant prince or a copper king,
and I've done it all myself, nobody helped me the least
bit, everybody tried to hinder me, but just look what I've
made out of myself ' '
"Little Jack Horner sat in the corner
Eating his Christmas pie ;
He put in his thumb and pulled out a plum
And said: 'What a great boy am I.' "
Some people admire a man who acts and talks in this
way ; it is their privilege so to do. You rest assured
though that, however much others may admire him, it
is not one-tenth as much as he admires himself.
It is of course unfortunate for a man to lack early ad
vantages. In the majority of instances it is unnecessary
for him to call attention to the fact. All honor to the
man who rises above his heredity and environment and
does more for the world than his father did before Mm.
I do not wish to detract one iota from the credit due
him. But let him not belittle his parents in order to
place Mmself upon a pedestal : to put it mildly it is not
in good taste.
On the otherhand that one should be puffed up with
pride or claim special priAdleges because some of his an
cestors were rich or renoAvned is worse still — even odious.
I am led to make these remarks from the fact that,
so far as I am aware, the Lenoirs have been well enough
to do for the last 150 years in the United States to give
their children a good education and a start in life. Few
if any of them can claim that they were not given a
chance in the world. If they did not succeed and become
respected citizens they have no one to blame but them
selves. William Lenoir was a remarkable versatile man, ex
cellently well equipped mentally and physically. It was
thought by his relations that he could do anything almost

190 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
except play on the fiddle and probably cpuld have done
that if he had tried. If only he had known how much
satisfaction it was to be able to do so no doubt he would
have added that to his other accomplishments.
He had a real genius for mechanics. My father told
me that he (Wm. Lenoir), had already invented a cot
ton gin and had been a little slow in perfecting it when
he found out that Mr. Whitney had patented something
similar. It is not supposed that one borrowed from the
other but that each Avas working independently. That I
would have thought was in the nature of a family legend
but for one fact: I have in my possession now a sur
veyor's compass which was made by him at home with
apparently no other tools than a pocket knife, a ham
mer, a file and possibly a chisel. It is all of thoroughly •
seasoned wood except the tube that fits on top of the
Jacob staff, the needle and its support, the cards Avith
the degrees marked and the circular glass covering of
the face. The copper tube and the needle support were
once part of a copper kettle. The face is about six inches
in diameter and has two compass cards, the one mark
ing the degrees and the other the half degrees. The fig
ures and lines are nearly perfect except the paper of the
cards is slightly moth eaten. The circular glass cover
ing the face is the least artistically done of any part of the
compass. It was evidently not cut by a diamond but by
some steel instrument. The edge is not smooth enough
to have been cut by a diamond. The needle was made
out of a piece of steel bearing the marks of having been
filed. It was probably magnetized with a piece of mag
netic iron ore. I have never tried to survey with this
compass myself but my father said that it ran lines ac
curately. I have never heard why he made the compass ; whether
he was unable to procure one when he needed it or mere
ly to show what he could do. Whenever anything is bad
ly wanted, whether needed or not, the inventive genius
of the North Carolina mountaineer rarely fails to sup
ply it-
The Eevolutionary War and the consequent loss of the
colonies brought about a radical change of policy in

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 191
Great Britain in regard to the treatment of her de
pendencies. The idea of William Pitt (Lord Chatham)
began to prevail: "That money or taxes should not be
exacted from the colonies without their consent. ' ' From
that time onward the success of the English in coloniz
ing was remarkable, far beyond that of any other nation.
The government a,t home felt a responsibility for the wel
fare of the colonies. They were not to be exploited, like
the French and Spanish dependencies, for the benefit of
the empire. Florida and Louisiana were made the foot
ball of kings and emperors to be kicked about at will and
bought and sold like a piece of property. Well for the
United States that they did not resist the change when
bought by us.
The difference in the feeling of the soldiers of the col
onies of the different countries can be seen in the Eu
ropean War from this circumstance : While those from
the German colonies sing in camp and on the march
"The Watch on the Ehine" the French the "Marsel-
laise," those from the English speaking colonies unite
in singing ' ' Home, Sweet Home, " or " It is a Long, Long
Way to Tipperary." "God save the King" is seldom
heard.

"A pebble in the streamlet cast
Has changed the course of many a river. ' '
Here up comes the gentleman from Missouri and says,
says he: "Point me to the river; show me the pebble;"
or in legal phrasing, "produce the corpus delicti." Get
out of my sunshine, Missourian, you are a nuisance ; you
are obstructing the wheels of the gilded car of imagina
tion ; get thee hence to your mule infested bailiwick and
hither return no more.
If hereafter I occasionally indulge in the "might have
beens, ' ' though I may not attempt to make it rhyme Avith
pen or pens, what harm is done ? or if I choose to specu
late (letting New York, Chicago alone) on the future or
the past and call it speculation and not a sure thing
who is hurt? What a dreary world this would prove
without "ifs" or the magic enchantment of distant views

192 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
of azure hued mountains. Let us determine not to let
the grammarians abolish the subjunctive mood.

There was once upon a time a vessel called the "May
flower. ' ' I assume you have heard of it. It crossed the
briny deep and anchored in Cape Cod Bay. (This is not
a fish story.) This ship bore pUgrim fathers and pil
grim mothers, though little mention is made of the lat
ter in history. They landed at or rather on Plymouth
Eock in December, 1620. Some historians say there were
just 100 of them. Many of them did not survive the
winter but perished before the arrival of spring. They
were reduced to such extremities that the allowance of
food for each one was 15 grains of corn per day or 5
grains for each person at a meal. However some of
them survived and being a prolific people their descend
ants are now as the stars in number — too many some
have thought.
I have occasionally speculated that if some night a
large rat had gnawed his way into the corn bin and eaten
up the supply or the Commissionary General had car
ried it off in his coat pocket what would have been the
consequence? and what would have been the effect on
our civilization? We would then have no Eockefeller,
consequently no Standard Oil Company; no Boston, no
culture; no Sweetwater, no Beautiful Ladies City Im
provement Association; where now the fountain plays
in front of my window making ever vanishing rainbows
in the summer sunshine, there might still have been the
forests primeval.
You may ask what has the coming of the Mayflower
to do Avith Sweetwater. This. One of the Averys or an
ancestor was a passenger in the ship. Then the line of
descent comes down to Waightstill Avery who came to
North Carolina. His daughter, Elizabeth Avery, mar
ried William Ballard Lenoir who was the father of I. T.
Lenoir, the founder of Sweetwater. But for the last
named there would have been no town here. He was a
stockholder in the E. T. & Ga. E. E. ; also a director, a
member of the county court, a former member of the
Legislature, and he gave the seven and one-half acre plot

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 193
on which the depot and railroad track stand. Then he
evolved the plan of the town and laid off many lots.
Waightstill Aveby.
The Avery family have been a noted one since the ear
ly settlement of the colonies. They have aspired to and
held public office. Many of them have been lawyers
and politicians. They have rather craved than avoided
responsibility. They have characteristics directly op
posite to the Lenoirs in this respect. They like "to read
their history in the nation's eyes." They have rarely
failed to fill the positions they sought with honor and
credit. They have settled in almost every state in the
Union. Of those who came south Waightstill Avery is
best known and most distinguished. He was born in
Norwich, Conn., in 1746 or 1747. He graduated at
Princeton College in 1766 and was tutor there for a year.
He studied law under Littleton Denis in Maryland. He
emigrated to Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, and
was licensed to practise law in 1769. He was a member
of the Mecklenburg Convention and one of the signers
of The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on the
20th of May, 1775. This document is credited to Eph
raim Brevard but some of the Avery family think that
Brevard got valuable assistance from Waightstill Avery.
Many North Carolinians, with pardonable pride, are of
the opinion that this paper is the equal in terseness and
vigor to the Declaration written by Jefferson and passed
by the Continental Congress, July 4, 1776. (The writer,
however, does not share in that opinion.) Waightstill
Avery was commissioned by Governor Martin together
with Joseph McDowell and SeAder to treat with the
Cherokee Indians in the early part of 1777. They ac
complished nothing. But on the 20th of July, 1777, at
Long Island on the Holston Eiver, Avery, together with
Wm. Sharpe, Joseph Winston and Eobert Lanier, signed
a treaty with the Cherokees. The signers on the Indian
side (in mark) Avere Oconostota and many other head
men of the tribe.
He was the first attorney general of the state in 1777.
He married Mrs. Franks, of Jones County, in 1778.

194 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
His law office, books and papers were burned by Lord
Cornwallis at Charlotte in 1781.
He moved to Burke County in 1781, Wheeler's History
says ' ' for his health. ' '
Taking into consideration the depredations of Corn
wallis and Tarleton and the still worse outrages of Pat.
Ferguson and his gang of tories, one is not at all sur
prised at the unhealthfulness of the climate in eastern
North Carolina at the time. We find this in Eamsey,
page 274, taken from ^public records: "At a court of
Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery for the
counties of Washington and Sullivan, begun and held
(at Jonesboro) on the 15th of August, 1782. Present
Hon. Spruce McCay, Esq. — Waigtstill Avery, Esq., was
appointed attorney general for the state and John Sevier,
clerk. " .
He died in Burke County in 1821, then the patriarch
of the North Carolina Bar.
There are three things in Tennessee history about
which much speculation has been indulged and many ac
counts have been Written, but the exact facts in regard
to them will probably never be known. Those who could
have told have long since passed away — their lips for
ever sealed. The occurrences referred to above are the
challenge and meeting of Jackson and Avery near Jones
boro ; the rescue of Sevier by Shelby and others when
he was being tried for treason at Morganton, N. C, and
what happened between Governor Sam Houston and his
wife shortly after his marriage that caused him to resign
the governorship and expatriate himself among the In
dians. The tradition extant in the Avery family was
somewhat different from the usually accepted version.
My father told me that the real reason of Jackson's spite
against Avery was not what Avery said in the court
house. As Avery was then the most distinguished mem
ber then at the Bar in that district Jackson, hardly of
age, began the study of law under him. Jackson had a
share in those vices which were peculiarly distasteful
to the conscience of the New Englander ; betting on cards
and horse races, whiskey drinking and a disposition to
fight in any manner whatever for any fancied insult.
Avery told him mildly that in his opinion his peculiar

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 195
talents were not fitted for a legal career and advised
him to adopt some other profession. Jackson's high
strung temperament could not endure this reflection on
his morality and intelligence and he sought an oppor
tunity to wipe out the score. It occurred in the conduct
of a case in the courthouse and accordingly Jackson sent
his challenge. Avery accepted out of deference to pub
lic opinion. He had no animosity against Jackson and
determined not to shoot or shoot up in the air. Jackson
at the meeting held his fire as he sometimes did after
ward in his duels and did not shoot. Avery also did not
shoot. After he saw that Avery had no intention of
injuring him, or even firing upon him, then they all,
principals and seconds, returned and reported the dif
ficulty as amicably settled.
William Ballard Lenoir, son of William Lenoir and
father of I. T. Lenoir, was born in Wilkes County, N. C,
September 1, 1775. In 1802 he married Elizabeth, daugh
ter of Waightstill Avery. They settled in the Happy
Valley of the Yadkin Eiver, two and a half miles below
Fort Defiance, the residence of General Wm. Lenoir.
There were born to them four of their twelve chUdren,
Isaac Thomas Lenoir being the third. He was three
years old in 1810 when his father came to Tennessee.
In considerable travel through the states of our Union,
I have known three valleys which seemed to excel all
others in beauty and grandeur. They are rich in all the
resources whicli go to make up a place where peace,
prosperity and healthfulness reign supreme, "As happy
a region as on this side of heaven." They are the
Nacoochee Valley at the head of the Chattahoochee Eiver
in Habersham County, Georgia, the Valley Eiver Valley
in Cherokee County, N. C, and the Happy Valley of the
Yadkin Eiver in Caldwell County, N. C. The two first
mentioned besides being exceedingly fertile, are im
mensely rich in mineral resources. They are all sur
rounded by grand and lofty mountains and nearby foot
hills, like steps ascending heavenward. In every season
and weather they form an inspiring and pleasing pros
pect to the beholder. In speaking of these I am in no
wise decrying the thousand charms of our own valley.
However favored a spot of earth this may be, it is not

196 HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
unreasonable to suppose that there may be others that
in the opinion of some one are still more favored. Of
these vales spoken of I would, all things considered, give
the palm to the Happy Valley on the Yadkin. In this
valley in 1810 dwelt William Ballard Lenoir. He was
happily married. He resided near many of his relations
and in perfect amity with them. It would look as if he
had everything to make life easy and pleasant. Yet
"man never is but always to be blest."
Under such circumstances as these he chose to leave
and come across the Blue Eidge and seek his fortune in
a comparatively unknown and unsettled country. He
built at the mouth of the Little Tennessee on the Holston
(Hogoheechee) Eiver. He may have been induced to do
so by information obtained from his father-in-law,
Waightstill Avery, who had previously visited this coun
try as one of the commissioners of the state of North
Carolina to treat with the Cherokee Indians. When he
moved to where Lenoir City now stands he was 35 years
of age and in the prime of pM^sical and intellectual vigor.
His mind had been informed by education and travel.
His father had given him all the advantage's possible in
that day. Also he came not empty handed. He brought
deeds to lands, wagons, horses and slaves. The negroes
familiarly called him and his wife "Marse Billy and
Mis' Betsy." He took his patrimony into a far country
but not to spend it in riotous living, as the prodigal
son, but to largely increase it and to make it a blessing
to his family, his friends and his neighbors. What route
they came from North Carolina I am not informed but
it must have been doAvn the Wautauga, and thence by
Knoxville, as the way neither along the French Broad
or the Little Tennessee rivers was then open. The land
he acquired in and around what is now Lenoir City
amounted to about 5,000 acres. He settled near the cen
ter of his possessions and never disposed of any of his
real estate during his lifetime. The place and postof
fice was called Lenoir's. There eight of his twelve chil
dren were born.
Isaac Thomas Lenoir when a young man visited the
place of his birth in North Carolina. He was wonderful
ly pleased with that country. He asked his father how

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 197
he had ever gotten the consent of his mind to leave such
a place situated as he Avas. His father's answer was
that a considerable portion of the valley was filled up
with his own relatives and that when he went to church
or public gatherings he met mostly his own kinspeople.
Their relations towards each other were exceedingly cor
dial and agreeable, almost too much so he thought, so that
they were liable to become clannish ; by going to another
section he could have numerous friendships and at the
same time retain the loA^e of his relations in North Car
olina. His career in this country justified the wisdom of
his choice.
William Ballard Lenoir was a very extensive farmer.
The land that he cultivated consisted of river bottom
lands, islands and fertile uplands. He was a manufac
turer of cotton yarns and a miller and his house was a
famous stopping place. His old residence is still stand
ing north of the passenger depot at Lenoir City. He
was also a land surveyor and acquired many tracts of
land in McMinn, Monroe, Eoane and Morgan counties.
He was one of the surveyors for the state in the Hiwas
see District. Just exactly what part of this territory he
surveyed, I am not informed, but he must have surveyed
a considerable part of Eange One east of the basis line.
The scheme of the survey of the Hiwassee district was
to take as a starting point the junction of the Clinch and
Tennessee rivers called southwest point and run what
was called the basis line directly south to the Hiwassee
Eiver ; then to run lines six miles distant from each other
east and west of the basis line. The territory included
between these lines was called a range. These ranges
were surveyed into townships six miles square. These
townships into sections, thirty-six in number, and the
sections into quarter sections, one-half mile square, con
taining 160 acres. For these lots of land a grant could
be obtained from the state by paying the stipulated
price. The grant would read:
160 acres the  Quarter Section of Section
Number  Of Township  In Eange
 of the Hiwassee District of 
Date  and signed by the Governor and
Secretary of the state of Tennessee with the great seal

198

HISTOEY OP SAVEETWATEB VALLEY

of the state attached. The county was sometimes given
and sometimes not, but it was not necessary to do so to
make a valid grant or a deed. The Hiwassee District
whose boundary has heretofore been described was in the
counties of Eoane, Meigs, McMinn and Monroe. Sweet
water Valley was in the counties of McMinn, Monroe and
Eoane. The part that was in Eoane County is now
Loudon County. Isaac Thomas Lenoie.
It was the policy of William Ballard Lenoir when- any
of his sons or daughters married not to have them set
tle around him in the same neighborhood but to seek
other fields ; he thought it better for them to do as he did.
And even when they remained at home they ought to have
a separate business and a responsibility of their OAvn.
His son, Isaac Thomas, engaged when a young man
in the mercantile business at Lenoir's. In those days
there were no drummers and no wholesale houses, not
even in Knoxville, very feAv anywhere nearer than Bal
timore, Philadelphia and New York. It was the cus
tom then of the merchants to take a trip once or twice a
year to one or more of those cities to purchase 'their
supplies. The goods so purchased were hauled in wa
gons the greater part Of the distance, competition then
was not so great. Any reasonable business ability would
insure success. In 1843 he was elected to the lower
branch of the' Legislature as a representative from
Eoane County. The county of Eoane was then very
close politically between the Whigs and Democrats. He
was elected over Colonel Joel Hembree, by a majority of
eight votes. In 1845 he was elected senator from the
 Senatorial District comprising the counties of
Eoane, Anderson, Morgan and Campbell over Colonel El
bert Sevier. While in the Legislature he helped to se
cure favorable legislation in the amendment of charters
for East Tennessee and Georgia Eailroad, which insured
the construction of that railroad from Dalton, Ga., to
KnoxAdlle, Tenn. As this railroad formerly under the
name of Hiwassee Eailroad, afterward under the name
of E. T. & Ga. E. E. was graded in a great measure by

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 199
the citizens along the route, it was done in small sections
and at different times from 1837 to 1850.
And in some places notably between this section and
Philadelphia, the graded right of way of the railroad was
used as a road for vehicles between the time of the grad
ing the road and equipping it with ties and rails. This
was a fine object lesson for the advantage of graded
roads, but the people were not thinking so much of get
ting good roads for their vehicles as securing a railroad
for shipment of their farm products and many years had
to elapse before the people were willing to submit to
the proper expenditure for good roads.
While Mr. Lenoir was a member of the Legislature in
NashvUle, he met Miss Mary Caroline Hogg, formerly
of Nashville, then of Eutherford County. They were
married in Eutherford County February 10, 1846. In
the latter part of that year or early in 1847 they moved
to the old log house, which is still standing, one and a
half miles south of Sweetwater. In 1851 he purchased
from his father, W. B. Lemor, 1,240 acres of land in
Sweetwater Valley... One of these was the N. W. Quarter
of Section No. 2, in ToAvnship Third, Eange one. East,
on which part of the town of Sweetwater is now located.
When the railroad was completed to the location of
Sweetwater in 1852, the only toAvns in this section of the
country were Philadelphia, MadisouAdlle and Athens.
Madisonville was nine miles distant or about that from
the nearest point on the railroad. It was the county
seat of the county and by far the most important place
in the county; therefore Madisonville and the country
tributary thereto must have a depot, as convenient as
possible. Great efforts were made at different places from Eea
gan's to Philadelphia to secure a proper location for a
depot and a town. The nearest point to the railroad
from Madisonville would have been one and three-fourths
miles on the railroad southwest of where Sweetwater
now stands, but that was in the center of the Lenoir
farm, not so convenient for the neighborhood. It would
have been somewhat difficult to secure good roads there
too. Nor would the Heiskells, Fines, Biggs, Mayes, John
stons, Owens, Sneads and others have so cheerfully con-

200 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
tributed to the building up of the toAvn; and Mr. Lenoir
said : ' ' Although a one-man town might be a financial suc
cess to the one man on whose land it was built, he much
preferred for A-arious reasons that this should not be
that kind of a toAvn."
Upon mature thought he came to the conclusion that
the present location would be most fitting, and most con-
vement for this neighborhood and the adjacent vaUeys.
Therefore to make certain it would be at its present lo
cation, he promised to give and did give the plot around
the depot.
I have been asked many times within the last six
months in regard to the exact status of the land thus
conveyed. ^Miat rights the toAvn, the public, had in said
deeds. That is a legal question about wMch there has
not been any completed litigation or decision in the
courts and the deed might be construed in different ways.
As a matter of information to the public it might be well
enough to giA-e the description contained in the deed and
the main proviso therein. The deed is in Book Q, Page
150, Eecords of Monroe County. The date of the deed
is August 12th, 1858. The deed is from I. T. Lenoir to
E. T. & Ga. E. E. Co. The description is as follows:
Commencing at a point on the center of the Une of E. T.
& Ga. E. E. at the center of the creek, at the bridge where
the railroad crosses Sweetwater Creek at the toAvn of
Sweetwater, thence running at a right angle to the main
track of said raUroad, which passes the depot, north-
westardly to a line 200 ft. from said track ; thence paral
lel with said last main line, northeastwardly 975 feet
more or less to the corner of Morris Street and Lot No.
27, thence southeastwardly at a right angle 200 feet. To
the center of the main railroad track, thence north
eastwardly 145 feet to the northeast line of McClung 's
AUey, thence at a right angle Avith the raUroad 100 feet
to the corner of Lot No. 31 and McClung 's Alley, thence
south westardly and parallel with railroad 1,120 feet
more or less to the center of the creek. Thence 100 feet
to the beginning, containing seven and one-half acres
* * * The railroad company shall not use any portion
of said land hereby couA^eyed for any purpose whatever,

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 201
nor erect any buildings thereon, except such as shall be
necessary for the purposes of said company:"
When _this deed was made, this square had growing
on it many forest trees and the farihs next to the town
were enclosed. A great many wagons came from long
distances to haul farm products here and goods away.
As there was not any other railroad in lower East Ten
nessee, the wagon trade here at that time was phenom
enal. This was the shipping point of several counties
in West North Carolina. It was absolutely necessary
that the trade of the tovm and for the purposes of the
railroad that there should be a camping place and a
hitching place for wagons and horses coming from long
distances. It was not unusual to see Avithin this square
twenty or thirty wagons at a time.
A large depot had been built which contained during
the harvest season many thousand bushels of wheat and
other farm products. Many farmers who hauled these
products in also owned stock in the road and had helped
to build it. They felt that they had a right to use their
own grounds for their own purpose. These wagons,
oxen, and horse wagons, had to wait sometimes a whole
day or more before unloading their products and receiv
ing the goods. In the busy seasons there was- a scarcity
of rolling stock on the railroad and freight trains, usual
ly one a day each way had a limit of twenty cars each
with an allowance of 16,000 pounds per car. The loco
motives were small wood burners, as the coal fields had
not then been tapped. When the railroad company could
not furnish sufficient cars, they took care, so far as they
could, of the wheat, corn, and meat brought in for ship
ment. Within any reasonable length of time the railroad
company made no charge for storage and no damage was
exacted for lack of cars for shipment. Perishable goods
were rarely ever received except for short distances.
At that time there was a large territory contributing
to the trade of this town and using this as a shipping
point. It was a wonderful convenience to those coming
here from a distance to be allowed to hitch their horses
and rest under the shade of the trees.
The town was small then and in its beginnings. Then
the town was not incorporated and conditions were far

202 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
different from at present. It was almost a nightly scene
to have the mountaineer campers get out their fiddles
and have a jollification and dance in the grove. It fur
nished amusement to them and entertainment for the in
habitants. There was no grand rush in those days nor
haste to be wealthy. Hundreds of people came here to
camp to see a railroad train for the first time in their
lives. There was little misbehavior and rarely such a
thing as an arrest. It is useless to say that things are
better now or worse; they are just different, and will
be just as different from now twenty-five years hence.
However one cannot help but regret the disappearance
of the magnificent forest trees which were such an orna
ment to our toAvn.
But the days of the picturesque and happy moun
taineer and "Hill Billies" have passed. Should one
regret it? That is owing to whether you knew them in
the carefree olden days. Eailroads more or less change
habits and customs; and especially congestion of the
population makes another people. What they once were,
they are no longer, except in isolated locations. Many
of these wagoners, I as a boy knew, and was fond of.
Before I visited the mountains so frequently and almost
became as one of them I have listened to their tales of
adventure, hunting, fishing and the like with as viAdd an
interest as I read wild western scenes about "Daniel
Boone" and "Sneak and Joe." I longed for the time
when I could have an Indian pony and Adsit these moun
tains, hunt in them, and fish for speckled trout in their
limpid streams. What cared they whether the air around
the earth was- one mile or one hundred miles high or
if the sun was ninety-five or ninety-five million miles
away. They were happy as long as turkey and deer
were plentiful and there were chestnuts for the wild
hogs. As I heard a candidate for Legislature in one of the
mountain counties say once, "Where was the log rolling
and corn shucking that Old Sam was not there? Where
was ever the cow in a mud hole or the hog in. the crack
that Sam didn't get it out? Elect me to the Legislature
and I will take the dog days out of the almanac and
make sang grow plentiful in all the mountain coves. ' '

HISTOEY OF SAVEETWATEB VALLEY 203
To know the mountaineer thoroughly you must see him
when his foot is on his native heath. My heart has often
been saddened to see them hunted down like wild beasts
for some technical crime which was not intended to in
jure their fellowman. I have fished with them, traded
and surveyed land with them and drank with them. Did
one of them ever treat me otherwise than as a friend and
brother? Emphatically no. Did one of them ever fail
to return a loan which I had made him? Not that I
recollect. Did one of them ever refuse to rise at any
hour of the night and go where you wished, if you asked
him? If so I do not remember it. When I went to the
mountains to see them I did not think it at all necessary
that I should wear my old clothes ; I sometimes wore a
$40.00 suit ; but did I tell them that they ought to wear
clothes like mine, and not butternut jeans and home
made shoes? I did not. Did I air my superior knowl
edge of college, books and cities and tell them they ought
to go to college too? I did not. Did I say to them that
they should pipe the water from the spring to the cabin
and not carry it in buckets? By no means. Did I tell
them it was necessary to their health to bathe at least
once a month? I anrnot going around giving medical
adAdce. Did I say to their wives and daughters that
they ought to wear corsets and not dip snuff and chew
tobacco? I failed to mention these things. Did I make
myself obnoxious by pointing out to them that some
other way of living was far better than theirs? By no
means. On the other hand, sometimes when I have told one
good-bye I have said "John, come to see me, but I do
not expect I can give you anything half so good as ven
ison and wild turkey and the corn bread and potatoes
and the wild sour wood honey which I have eaten Avith
you: Nor can I furnish you water out of the gourd as
pure as your mountain streams; nor brandy near so
good as that made from the sun kissed native mountain
apple. Nor is the air of our valley quite so iuAdgorat-
ing as that of your hills. One thing I can do if you visit
me, I can show you as good a fiddle as you ever drew a
bow across. I have no bear dogs such as yours; but I
think I have a dog or two that can interest you in a

204 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
fox chase ; I will take you driving behind a horse that
you will long remember. ' '
Yes, I have drank with the mountaineer time and
again, and I cannot honestly say that I am sorry for it ;
the result was apparently productive of none but the
kindest feelings, and I have never been present when
an altercation resulted therefrom. I have always felt
safer in person and property when Avith the mountaineer
than in any town I have ever been in. When I have
spent the night in their cabins I have never put my pock-
etbook under my pillow, nor in my sock, nor in my
shoe; I have always hung my pants on a chair by the
fireplace, where they could steal my money if they
wanted to. I have never lost a penny. The difficulty
was to get them to charge anything for my entertain
ment. I am speaking now more of the mountaineer of
the past than these of the present day ; for they are be
ginning to learn the vices of the town without their Cor
responding benefits.
Do not understand me as apologizing for the CAdl ef
fects of what is called whiskey and brandy now manu
factured in the mountains, for they have become apt
scholars in the art of adulteration. They are now not
better products than those passed over the bar in our
cities to the confiding customer, however palatable they
may make them seem ; and if there is an honest or kind
ly feeling in the drinks furnished by the bootleggers or
received through the express office at our railroad sta
tions, I have not felt it nor heard of it.
Exit the Mountaineer, enter the Ladies' City Beauti
ful League. City Beautiful League.
There is or should be a kinship between those things
which are physically and naturally beautiful and those
which are morally beautiful — vice is naturally repulsive,
goodness attractive. True, crimes are cominitted in
palaces and villas adorned with paintings and statuary,
yet we do not expect it so much as in the slums of our
cities, offensive with refuse and garbage ; just as a man
wearing a silk hat or a flowered white vest is less liable

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 205
to get into a street brawl than a tramp who has been
riding on a coal car. It is an undeniable fact that har
monious sound and beautiful surroundings have more
or less influence upon our conduct.
In all religions, in all times, amongst the different
nations the place of punishment in the hereafter has
always been described as dark and foul; and the place
of reward whatever may be its name, has been described
as one of beauty, life and light. Therefore anyone or
any society which can make the home, the streets, or
parks of the town more beautiful is increasing the happi
ness of humanity as much as the individual who makes
two blades of grass grow where one grew before, and
the persons who attempt this, even if they make a mis
take in the place to be beautified will at least receive
their reward from the reflex action upon themselves.
One little star, however bright it may shine, cannot
make a lovely night, but the million stars that scintillate
in the firmament will thrill us and elevate us by their
united brilliancy. The violet may bloom in some se
cluded nook far from the sight of humanity, but can
we even say then that its fragrance and beauty is lost
and it existed for no purpose? Let no one, therefore,
be deterred from making an effort because the whole
world cannot be made beautiful at once.
The man of wealth who gives indiscriminately to every
one that asks him may often make a mistake, but he
cannot by any possible chance fail at some time to give
relief to some form of human misery. If the work of
the City Beautiful League proves evanescent and should
be turned into the scrap heap the week following, some
eye would be gladdened and some heart would be cheered
by its influence. The loafer on the street corner may
criticize, but has he ever turned over his hand to make
a single object around him more beautiful? We some
times travel 10,000 miles to see a painting or a piece
of statuary which we never expect to behold again.
What good does that do us if we come to our own toAvn
and neglect to make our own surroundings more attrac
tive? The last twenty years have wrought wonderful
changes in the business conditions and needs of the toAvn

206 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
of Sweetwater. New railroads have been built; new
villages sprung up in the territory which was once in the
sphere of the business influence of this town. The wagon
trade is nothing like what it used to be. Eural free de
livery routes have had their influence in changing con
ditions. In the plot of ground around the depot the forest trees
which were not sufficiently protected have almost dis
appeared and conditions had been such that the sur
roundings were far from attractive to the eyes of the
beholder, and produced a bad impression on those pass
ing on the railroad. Some fifteen years ago the stock
holders of the Sweetwater Hotel Association got per
mission from the railroad and from the city council of
the town to enclose the plot of ground between the hotel
and the railroad, sow grass in the enclosure, so as to
protect the forest trees still there; when this was done
it made the contrast between that part of the square
and the remainder very marked. Those who preferred
beauty to ugliness often commented on this difference
and wondered why the other part of the plot was not
made more attractive. About three or four years ago
the ladies of Sweetwater and a few in the surrounding
country took the matter up with the railroad authori
ties. Although the Southern Eailroad Company seemed
not unwilling to do their part in the matter, nothing defi
nite was determined upon, or at least done.
About eighteen months ago Mrs. J. A. Eeagan, Miss
Nancy Jones, Mrs. W. D. Oilman, Mrs. H. T. Boyd and
other ladies of the town, under an organization known
as the City Beautiful League, after much correspon
dence and personal solicitation, induced Mr. E, E. Simp
son, then superintendent of this division of the Southern
Eailroad Company, to do certain work in beautifying
this ground on the west side of the depot. This was
done. The work was started about April 1st, according
to plans and suggestions furnished by the ladies' "organi
zation. The finished work up to May 1, 1915, is as follows:
The concrete circle and basin for a fountain in front
of the Scruggs' Eealty Company's building, an enclosed
park opposite the passenger depot, another enclosed

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 207
park also between the freight depot and business houses,
a concrete basin fori fountain in the park started as
spoken of some years ago in front of the Hyatt Hotel.
South of this park is a hitching circle for horses, be-
tAveen the park and Sweetwater Creek.
The railroad has also leveled, rocked and filled in
around the parks and fountains. The town commis
sioners have "promised in perpetuity to furnish a reason
able amount of water for the two fountains. The City
Beautiful League on their part engaged to sow in grass
or plant in flowers the ground Avithin the concrete circle
around the fountain first mentioned and the parks be
tween the two fountains and to do such other work as
to make these places attractive as they can within their
means and to fully equip the fountains they have pur
chased, and are now in place. They are tasty but not
very expensive.
Mrs. F. A. Carter is now president of the City Beau
tiful League, and in charge of the improvements. I feel
pretty well satisfied that after all the trouble the ladies
have taken to get this work done that both their pride
and inclination will cause them to do even more than
promised; and the effective work they have done and
caused to be done is strong proof that sometimes in the
mouth of the truly beautiful the tongue is mightier than
the vote.
I have heard some complaint from the country people
and those living at a distance that these improvements
are a diversion from the original intention of the donor.
More than half a century ago he probably did not fore
see this condition of affairs when there was a groAvth
of forest trees upon the plot; yet since circumstances
and conditions have been so changed, I doubt not, that if
he were living today he would be heartily in accord with
such a movement as has been instituted. I as his sole
representative, am not inclined to put any obstacles in
the way of them, but the opposite. It is much to my
comfort, convenience, and pleasure to have things as
they are or rather as will be ere long.
I am anxious to look out of my window, or sit under
the shade of the- trees and see the fountains play ; the
children laugh and sing; and the ladies promenading

208 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB V.ALLEY
there and enjoying what they have so ardently labored
for. I. T. Lenoib, Synopsis.
Was born in Wilkes County, N. C, May 16, 1807. He
came with his father to Tennessee in 1810. After he
was grovpn he merchandised at Lenoir's and helped his
father with his business until 1843, when he was elected
to the Twenty-fifth General Assembly as representative
from Eoane County. In 1845 he was elected senator
from the counties of Morgan, Campbell, Anderson and
Eoane to the Twenty-sixth General Assembly. He mar
ried Mary Caroline Hogg, then of Eutherford County,
on February 10, 1846. They came to Sweetwater Val
ley late in 1846 or early in 1847. He was made a Mason
at MadisonAdlle. He was a charter member of Sweet
water Lodge No. 292, F. & A. M. He resided up to 1871
in the log house built by Sliger a mile and one-half south
west of Sweetwater. In 1871 he came to the town of
Sweetwater and resided in the house where D. S. Brad
ley now lives. He died there of pneumonia on Decem
ber 4, 1875. Besides being the founder of the town of
Sweetwater and an ovmer of a large farm in Sweetwater
Valley, he was a considerable owner of timber and coal
lands in Eoane, Morgan and Cumberland counties, Tenn.,
and, in connection with his brothers, part ovpner of many
tracts in several counties of North Carolina bordering
on Tennessee. The Hogg Family in Nobth Caeolina.
(Quoted from records furnished by J. T. McGill, Ph.
D., of Vanderbilt University to W. B. Lenoir.)
In colonial records of North Carolina it is said. Vol.
IV, p. 8, that McNeal, McAlister and several other
Scotch gentlemen arrived at the Cape Fear country with
350 Scotch people.
In Williams' History of Virginia we find that in 1747
McNeal came to New York from the western part of
Scotland and visited the western part of Virginia and
Pennsylvania. He purchased lands in North Carolina
near Favetteville.

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 209
McNeal arrived at Wilmington in 1749 with his family
and 500 or 600 colonists. My opinion is that Eichard
Hogg was among the McNeal colonists. He died in 1768
or 1769. He left three sons : Eobert, John and James.
It may be that Thomas and Eichard Hogg were
brothers. Thomas Hogg (1) in 1735 got a patent for
316 acres in Craven County. He petitioned for a war
rant for land in New Hanover in 1749 and in 1751 for
land in Johnstone County. So I suppose that Thomas
Hogg (revolutionary soldier) was born before 1751.
John Webb.
John Webb was a delegate from the toAvn of Halifax
to the Provincial Assembly, which met at HiUsboro, Au
gust 21, 1775. He married Eebecca Edwards in 1776.
He died at HaUfax in 1781.
Thomas Hogg (2) mar. the widow Webb (this lady
I suppose) and it was she and not Mrs. Ashe (Wheeler's
Hist., N.' C, p. 186), according to Dr. Samuel Hogg,
who repUed to Colonel Tarleton when he said he would
be happy to see Colonel Washington, "If you had looked.
behind you at the Battle of CoAvpens, Colonel Tarleton,
you would have had that pleasure."
Thomas Hogg (2),
Son of Thomas H. (1), was one of four brothers. The
others were: Eichard of Eichmond, Va., lieutenant in
the naAry; Captain Samuel H. of the Eevolutionary
army, and Eobert Hogg.- -Thomas H. was 1st Ueutenant
of the first regiment raised by order of the Provincial
Assembly, that met at HUlsboro August 21, 1775. TMs
regiment was under Colonel Moore. Promoted to cap
taincy April 10, 1776. Was in South Carolina latter part
of 1776 and first of 1777. Was with Washington at
Trenton in July, 1777. In battle of Germantown Octo
ber 4, 1777 ; promoted to be major 5th regiment October
19, 1777 ; wintered at Valley Forge. Joined Lincoln
in 1779 and he and his brother, Captain Sam'l H. were
captured when Lincoln's army surrendered at Charles
ton, S. C, on May 12, 1780.
Thomas H. lived in HaUfax (or in the county) 1783-4,
etc. He was elected by the Legislature in December,

210 * HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
1786, one of the commissioners to buy tobacco to pay
the indebtedness of the state.
He was a member of the Society of Cincinnati. Was
a member of the Eoyal White Hart Lodge, F. & A. M.,
at Halifax. The last meeting he attendf;d was Septem
ber 14, 1787. He died either in 1789 or 1790. He left
two sons Samuel and John Baptist.
He received from the state of North Carolina 4,800
acres of land for military services. This land was lo
cated on the Big Harpeth Eiver in Williamson County,
Tenn. This was left to Sam'l, John B. and Elizabeth
Hogg, his wife. Before November 1, 1805, Elizabeth H.
married Wm. Killingsworth. February 12, 1825, Eliz
abeth Fisher, of Gibson County, Tenn., conveyed to her
stepson, Samuel Hogg, all her remaining interest in
these lands. De. Samuel IIogg
Was born at Halifax, N. C, AprU 18, 1783. His father
was Thomas Hogg; his mother was Eebecca Edwards,
widow of  Webb. His mother died. His father
then married Elizabeth  His father died be
fore 1790. Samuel was educated at high school in Cas
well County. Probably had an uncle Samuel, living in
Granville County who was his guardian. This rnay
have been Captain Samuel Hogg of 1st Va. Eegt. (War
of Eevolution). For a short time had charge of school
for boys. Studied medicine under Dr. Hare, whether of
Granville, N. C, or Dr. Hare, professor in Jefferson
Medical College, University of Pennsylvania, is uncer
tain. He came to Tennessee; first to Gallatin, where
he remained a few months, and then settled in Lebanon.
He married April 1, 1806, Polly Talbot, of Nashville,
Tenn., a member of one of that city's oldest families.
He was one of the commissioners appointed by the
General Assembly in 1807 for the regulation of the toAvn
of Lebanon. He was surgeon to the troops that descend
ed the Mississippi to Natchez in 1813, and was in the
campaign against the Creek nation. Went with the
troops to New Orleans in the winter of 1814, and was
present at the battle of January 8, 1815. "It is an in-

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 211
teresting incident in his life," says Dr. Yandell, "that
as he was about rising in the morning wMlst the servant
was handing him water to wash, the first cannon an
nounced the opening of the conflict, and the servant was
kiUed by a cannon ball, which carried away his head,
scattering the brains in the doctor's face. (Dr. Y.'s ac
count is found in Western Journal of Medical Surgery
in Library of Nashville.)
Dr. Y. says Dr. H. was at one time a member of the
Legislature. (I do not find his name on the journal, but
those of 1806, 1807 and 1813 are missing.) He was a
member of Congress 1817-1819.
While regularly engaged in the practice of medicine,
he was for a number of years one of the proprietors of
a drug store under various firm names, the last being
that of Hogg & Young, in 1833, corner of Hendrick and
'Public Square. James Young mar. H.'s wife's sister,
Euth Eebecca Talbot.
Dr. Hogg was a stanch adherent of Andrew Jackson.
He offered the resolutions on nullification at a meeting
in NashAdUe in 1832. He named one of Ms sons Andrew
Jackson (born August 20, 1825). He was a physician at
the last illness of Mrs. Andrew Jackson. He removed to
Nashville in 1828 (southeast corner of Cherry now Com
merce, where his son, John W. was born May 13, 1828).
Dr. H. removed to Natchez, Miss., in 1836. In 1838 was
an invalid at Tyree Springs. May have returned to
Nashville. April 5, 1842, bought 224 acres of land on Nashville
road and Stewart's Creek post-office, then Stewarts-
boro, near now Florence and Smyrna. He died there
on his farm May 28, 1842. He was buried with Masomc
honors in the city cemetery at NashviUe. His monument
is near that of Governor William CarroU, but the inscrip
tion is almost illegible. Dr. Hogg's character and work
is given in Dr. Yandell's account of his Ufe. He joined
the Baptist church in 1838. The degree of M. D. was
conferred upon him by the University of Maryland in
1818, and by Transylvania Umversity some years later.
He was appointed one of the censors for Middle Tennes
see by the Medical Society of Tennessee on May 3, 1830.
He was elected president of this society in 1840.

212 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
The wiU of Samuel Hogg was dated April 27, 1842.
Mrs. Polly Hogg was executrix and "my good friends
Joseph H. Talbot and Dr. James Young" were named as
executors. Mary (Polly) Talbot was born January 22, 1786. She
died at the residence of her son-in-law, Hon. Allen A.
Hall in Nashville, on December 13, 1860.
She joined the Baptist church on Sweetwater by
letter on the fourth Saturday in May, 1851. Granted a
letter of dismission the fourth Saturday in February,
1858. There were nine children of Samuel and Mary
Hogg, three daughters and six sons. Mary Caroline was
the third daughter and third child.
Maey Caboline Hogg Lenoib
Was born at Lebanon, Tenn., on January 18, 1812.
She Avas the daughter of Samuel and Mary Talbot Hogg.
Samuel Hogg was born April 18, 1783. Died  .
Mary Talbot was born January 22, 1786, probably at
Nashville. She married Dr. Samuel Hogg April 1,
1806. She died AprU 1, 1860.
In the early thirties Dr. Hogg became financially em
barrassed by security debts and moved from NashAdUe
to Natchez, Miss., to repair his broken fortunes. Before
many years, however, he returned to Tennessee, on ac
count of his health, and settled at Stewartsboro in
Eutherford County. He died there and was buried in
the old cemetery at Nashville.
Mrs. Lenoir, when she and her husband moved to tMs
valley, brought with her her piano, which was hauled
from Nashville across the mountains. Fortunately care
was taken and it was uninjured when it arrived. It was
one of the first, if not the first piano ever brought to
Sweetwater VaUey. She was very accommodating about
playing for others and it was very diverting to witness
the delight of people who had never heard such an in
strument. This piano had what was called an AeoUan
attachment and was both a piano and a reed organ and
these two could be played together.
Although she was reared in Nashville and accustomed
to city life, and afterwards to aristocratic society in the

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 213
wealthy town of Natchez, Miss., she was immensely pop
ular with all classes of people in Monroe County. She
came nearer treating everybody with equal considera
tion, whoever they were or wherever she might be,
than any one I have ever known. I never learned fully
the value of popularity, as an asset, until the turbulent
times of the Civil War. She seemed to be safe in person
and property, even from the most ruffianly of those
who knew her.
Her church history is as follows : When a young wo
man she was received by baptism into the First Baptist
Church at Nashville, Tenn., of which E. B. C. Howell
was pastor. On the fourth Saturday in January, 1848,
she was received by letter into the Baptist church on
Sweetwater. On the first Saturday of August, 1860,
when the Baptist church at Sweetwater was organized,
she presented her letter from the Cleveland Baptist
Church and was a member of the Baptist church in
Sweetwater until the time of her. death. She died at
her then residence, in Sweetwater, on April 11, 1877. We
make this short extract from the minutes of the church :
"She evinced a deep interest in the youth of the com
munity and her house was ever open for their enter
tainment when they desired to meet for innocent social
amusement and recreation. The poor too, found in her,
an abiding friend — no needy creature (whether deserv
ing or not) was ever sent away from her door without
relief. She was a lady of easy circumstances and was
therefore enabled to gratify the desire of her heart in
contributing to the support of the church at home and
in sending the Gospel to regions abroad."
On her tombstone in the old Sweetwater Cemetery is
this inscription : ' ' Baptist in faith ; all creeds in charity ;
she spent her life in giAdng." The word "charity" was
here used in its broadest sense, meaning that in her
conduct towards others she made little or no difference
as to their denominational faith, and by "giving" is
also meant, not only of money and means, but by doing
everything in her power for the happiness of others.
No trouble was considered too great for their gratifica
tion. The children of I. T. and M. C. Lenoir were : William

214 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Ballard Lenoir, born June 16, 1847. Samuel Hogg Le
noir, born December 27, 1850; died of scarlet fever
May 19, 1854; buried in the Lenoir Cemetery, Lenoir
City. Something About the Author.
I was born and reared in poor little Sweetwater Valley, in "God
forsaken" East Tennessee. I did not have anything to amuse myself
with in my youth except fire-crackers, tops, kites, marbles, balls, blow-
guns, bows and arrows, red wagons, toy cannons, fiddles, banjoes,
horns, dogs, ponies, guns, hunting, fishing, pet coons and squirrels,
pigeons and other birds and wild animals. Some of them were some
times ousted or slaughtered for malfeasance, but 1 always found others,
I never had any goodies except cake, pie, preserves, candy, custard,
lemonade, peaches, apples, strawberries, watermelons, muskmelons,
canteloupes and peanuts. I never saw a railroad until I was five years
of age, and never visited Washington and New York until I was
eleven, and 1 never went to Europe at all. I never took a joy-ride
in an automobile or sailed the air in an aeroplane, and never got to
go to the movies. My father used to read to me about Moses and the
Hebrew children; General Zach Taylor at Buena Vista; Milton about
the war in heaven; Virgil about Aeneas and Dido; Cowper about John
Gilpin's ride, and also parts of some plays of Shakespeare. I liked
Macbeth, Julius Caesar and the Tempest, but I did not take to Ham
let, Othello and King Lear, although this last was my mother's
favorite Shakespearian play. I never got to read fairy tales and wild
Western scenes until I was ten, nor Robinson Crusoe till eleven, nor
Cobb an3 B. D. E. N. Southworth until twelve, nor Scott until I was
thirteen. When sixteen I wanted to join the rebels. My father thought I
would make a better plowman than a warrior, so in the summer of
1863 h« put me to plowing in a stumpy new ground near the Fine
schoolhouse. There was an epidemic of smallpox that summer in
the town and the schoolhouse was used as a hospital for the girls
and ladies of the town who took the disease. When plowing grew
wearisome I would talk to the con valescing patients.
Mr. Guggenkutzenscheitpkeheimer, late of Germany, then of the
Federal army, got the benefit of part of my summer's work. I soon
became very fond of him. I was much touched with the kind and
cultured method of his appropriations. I so much admired, too, the
nobility of soul that caused him to travel three thousa,nd miles across
the Atlantic to fight for the "old flag" and save our distracted coun
try from dissolution. How unselfish of him, also, in times of peace
on Sunday afternoons to repair to the hilltops of our great cities and
do his very best to "make Milwaukee famous"!
My father, to post me politically, used to take me to hear such
speakers as T. A. R. Nelson, Haynes, Maynard, Temple, Brownlow,
Bailey Peyton, Harris, Johnson, Hatton, Ben Hill, Zeb Vance, Bill
Polk and John Hopkins, and he expected me to tell him what I thought
of the speeches and why.
I was taken by my mother to hear preachers of all denominations,
but sometimes, for fear I should be led away by any false doctrines,
she would exhort me to particularly read the sixth chapter of Romans
and about Philip and the eunuch in the Acts of the Apostles.

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 215
One sad mistake my parents made In my bringing up was that,
when I attempted versification, they encouraged rather than dis
couraged me. You may possibly, but not probably, imagine my pride
when, at the age of nine years, three months and two weeks, I be
came the author of th,ese lines:
"I had a little dog not as big as a hog.
The only name he had was 'pup';
He rold over and chast his tail.
Also laid down and then jumpt up."
This is the unexpurgated edition. It was very much expurgated
after my mother was through with it. However, I stuck to my original
version. No poet worthy of the nam e will change his loveliest creations
when criticised by any one, however respected. Afterward in my
callow youth when I fell in iove I used to write rhymes to the loved
ones. It was always a mystery to me that while they liked my poetry
fairly well they never loved the poet. But for this fatal error I
might have married and lived happily ever afterward.
My school teachers were J. J. Sheldon, G. L. Leyburn, Oscar W.
Mulier, Mrs. Cooke, Alfred W. Wilson and the professors at the Uni
versity of Virginia.
These prepared me for writing about the inhabitants of Sweet
water Valley. Had I been so fortunate as to get an education out of
the spelling book and dictionary by a pine knot fire I might have
written histories of such worthies as Chester Arthur, Dick Croker
and Mark Hanna. But I will leave them for others and write pf
the people 1 know most about.
With all my faults in a varied career I cannot truly say that I
have a great many regrets. I do not regret that I spent time and
money to hear such violinists as Ole Bull, Camille Urso and Musin;
such singers as Neilson, Gerster, Kellogg, Campanini and Carey;
such actors and actresses as Booth, Barrett, Salvini, Forest, Jeffer
son, Bernhardt, Davenport and Maude Adams; such orchestras as
Thomas and Damrosh's; such bands as the Seventh Regiment, Mexi
can, Gilmore's and Sousa's; nor do I regret the money I spent in
travel. I do regret that I ever gambled in any way, spent money for
whiskey, or subscribed to party campaign funds and did not take
more pains to find out and relieve the sufferings of humanity. Nor
do I regret what I have spent in hospitality or for the pleasure
of my friends.
I am proud of the fact that since I grew up I have never spoken
a harsh word nor done an unkind act to a child in my life.
As TO Slaves in Sweetwatee Valley.
A history of this section would not be complete with
out some reference to the status of the slaves from 1820
to the time of their emancipation.
Nearly all the well-to-do farmers owning as much as
a quarter or two-quarter sections of land also ovsmed
some slaves. They were not dependent entirely on slaves
for their labor, for most of them supplemented their

216 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
work with hired white labor. Very few of them had
overseers, therefore the condition of slaves were better
and more endurable than those of the cotton and sugar
planters, OAvned in large numbers farther south. The
oAvners themselves were more personally interested in
the welfare of their slaves. The slaves had more priAd
leges and were better satisfied than those of the cotton
and sugar belts. The majority of the slave owners, un
less in extra busy seasons, gave their negroes a half
holiday on each Saturday, and most of the negro fam
ilies had their own patches planted in melons or what
ever they desired, to be sold by them for their' OAvn bene
fit, and they were encouraged to work them on half Sat
urdays and other odd times. The negroes spent the
money thus obtained mostly on "Sunday" clothes — ^they
were very fond of dressing up, going to church and vis
iting on Sunday. They were often allowed to take young
horses, which were not at work during the week, and
ride them during Sunday. This privilege was given to
those who were more familiar with the care of young
stock. Sometimes, also, they were permitted to take the
work horses in a two-horse wagon and visit or go to
church. It was a custom among the owners of the
slaves, which was almost universally observed, to give
the darkies a full week's holiday from Christmas to
New Year's Day, they having to do during that period
only such work as was absolutely necessary. This week
they spent mostly in music, in Adsiting and in dancing.
The dancing consisted of reels, danced singly and in
couples, cake-walks, Avith an occasional square dance —
this latter imitated from the whites. It was considered
quite a feat for a darkey to get up a new step for a reel,
and the one doing so was as proud of it as if he had in
vented a flying machine. The musical instruments used
in their dances consisted of fiddles, banjoes and bones.
The latter accomplishment is not so simple as it appears
at first glance, and there were bone artists as well as
fiddle and banjo artists. A good fiddler was a very noted
and important character among the negroes, and' when
he was skillful enough to play for the white folk's dances
he was inordinately proud. The music executed by the
negroes was by ear — they had no use for notes. Their

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 217
range was only about two and one-half octaves and very
few of them practised shifts on the violin. The fiddlers
and banjo pickers sometimes, in addition to reels,
learned schottisches and some other kinds of music from
hearing the white folks play on the piano. The planta
tion which had a good fiddler or banjo picker on it was
considered particularly fortunate — ^they did not have
to wait for the holidays to have their dances and walk-
aromids. However, when fiddlers were scarce they ex
ecuted their dance steps to the patting of their hands,
called "juba." Where there were as many as ten or
twelve negroes on a plantation hardly a night passed that
there was not some form of music and dancing.
The negroes also had many weird songs, som« of
which I could never figure out whence they came, unless
a survival handed down from their African ancestry.
The negro ear seems to take particularly to minors and
if they heard an air in the major key they often hummed
or sang it in the minor. Unless the negroes were allowed
some form of amusement they were very liable to be
running around of nights and getting into some sort of
miscMef, and, as they sometimes observed, get "to plot
ting against the whites."
The negroes were perfect timists, and in a strain of
music it was rare for them to put in too many or too few
bars. Some of the quips and turns in their playing
would have done credit to an artist.

Home Life op W. B. Lenoib, Je.
My father, I. T. L., was not an advocate of starting
children to school at very early age. They had things
to learn of as much importance he said as spelling and
arithmetic and far more interesting. My father used
to take me with him about the farm and in the wood
lands. He taught me the names of the different AvUd
flowers, to distinguish the different kinds of trees by
their leaves and bark, and what uses they could be put
to. To observe and tell the various kinds of oak in
Sweetwater Valley was a liberal education in itself.
On his own farm there were these and more kinds of
oak: black, red, chestnut, Spanish, spotted, post, white.

218 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
willow and others ; of course it was easy to tell the pop
lar tree when once pointed out or the walnut. It was
not so easy to point out the different kinds of maple, —
long before I could read I took pride in knoAving the
many kinds of trees in the valley, and was very much
chagrinned when I made a mistake. He also told me
particularly what weeds were most hurtful to the crops
and what was the best method to destroy them. He
taught me as an amusement chess, checkers and back
gammon. My mother and father both taught me music
and I had a supplemental education from the negroes on
the fiddle and banjo. I used to own a dog that could
with difficulty be kept out of the house when my mother
was playing on the piano, but he liked lively music and
did not take to the classical or solemn. I used to get
insulted with him because he did not seem to care for
the fiddle. I thought he was exhibiting very poor taste.
However, he was too polite to howl but just went away.
My father did not like cards or any game of chance
and when I got the best of him after a few years' train
ing in chess and checkers he rather lost interest in these
games. My mother never played a game of any kind,
not on account of conscientious scruples but because she
had no fondness for them and never learned them. I
am not making an argument that it is the proper way to
rear a boy to teach him games and music, but I do .say
that I could have a better time at home as a usual thing
than I could away from home.
Facts About Hiwassee and East Tennessee and
Ga. E. E.
In the history of General James H. Eeagan it is re
lated somewhat in detail how, when he was a member
of the General Assemlby in 1836, a charter of an incor
poration was obtained for the Hiwassee Eailroad Co.,
for constructing a railroad through the Hiwassee dis
trict to the Southern boundary of the state; how the
construction was commenced in 1837 and how in 1848
the charter was renewed under the name of East Ten
nessee and Georgia Eailroad Co., and something of how
the General Assembly of the state under the general

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 219
head of Improvement Acts assisted in the construction
of the railroad through our section.
In the Senate of 1846, Hon. I. T. Lenoir, then of Eoane
County, in a speech on the resolution directing the gov
ernor to issue the bonds of the state, claimed to be due
the Hiwassee Eailroad Co., in which, among other things,
he says:
"The Hiwassee railroad, with the exception of about
three miles, is graded from Blair's Ferry on the Tennes
see Eiver to the Georgia line, within twelve or fifteen
miles of the place to which the Georgia Legislature has
already made provision for completing the Western and
Atlantic Eailroad. A splendid bridge has been built
across the Hiwassee; abutments and culverts have been
made at the crossings of the creeks and branches, and
the road might very soon, at comparatively small ex
pense, be completed." And he further states: "Many
of the goods for East Tennessee are now sent by the
southern route, brought on the Georgia railroad to its
terminus, and hauled right along the Hiwassee railroad
grade in wagons. When the road is completed, almost
all the goods for East Tennessee will pass over it; and
large quantities of produce Avill in return be sent back
upon it."
Thus, had the governor and others in whom the au
thority was vested refused to issue to the Hiwassee E. E.
or its successors, the East Tennessee E. E., the bonds
the whole work done would likely have been lost for want
of capital to equip the railroad. There was, too, consid
erable opposition in the Legislature and many parts of
the state to further bonding the state for this road. Some
were actuated no doubt by selfish motives, and others
for what they thought good reasons.
Mr. John Martin in a letter from Memphis, January
16, 1846, the Hon. I. T. Lenoir's brother-in-law, adAdsed
him to oppose the further issuance of state bonds of Hi
wassee E. E., among other things he (Martin) said:
"In the first place the expenditure that it will require
to finish can be much better appropriated by improving
the river, the improvement of the river will be a much
better improvement for all of East Tennessee than the
road. You can take this argument in all its leanings

220 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
and see if it is not correct ; say that the river was navi
gable from Chattanooga to KnoxAdlle for steam boats,
the imports could be carried up the river much cheaper
than on the road ; while the river to take off the produce
would be infinitely cheaper. It is clear that the river is
tributary to the whole of East Tennessee, while the road
would be partial in its benefits. The annual saving by
the river instead of road transportation would be a great
saving and consequently enrich the country. This is my
candid view if the road could be completed for nothing,
and the improvement of the river would cost $500,000.
It would be economy in the east end of the state to im
prove the river and abandon the road."
The Athens Post at the time of its first publication,
September 30, 1848, was the only paper so far as I am
aware published between KnoxAdlle and Chattanooga.
From its columns, many of whose numbers were pre
served by I. T. Lenoir for a number of years, we glean
the foUoAving:
January 5, 1849. — Proceedings of stockholders E. T.
G. E. E. : F. S. Heiskell, chairman ; Jno. L. Hunt, secre
tary. The stockholders went into an election of direc
tors for the year 1849, when the following gentlemen
were elected, viz: Knox — Thos. C. Lyons, C. Wallace.
Monroe — I. T. Lenoir, Jno. Stanfield. McMinn — T. Nix
on Vandyke, A. D. Keyes, W. F. Keith, E. C. Morris.
Bradley- — ^Wm. Grant.
At that meeting a contract Avith Duff Green was en
tered into to build a railroad from Dalton to KnoxvUle.
The state directors appointed by the Governor for
East Tennessee and Georgia E. E. for the year 1849
are: Jno. C. Gaut, S. A. Smith, J. C. Carlock, Jno.
Hughes, Wm. Heiskell, J. G. M. Eamsey, S. B. Boyd,
Jos. Jackson, Jno. Jarnagin.
* * * Persons along the line of railroad are notified
by A. D. Keyes, president, to remove obstructions from
right of way. * * * *
From "Dalton Eagle" June 12th. Account of ground
broken at the Southern Terminal of E. T. & G. E. E. and
ceremonies on that occasion.
Communication from A. D. Keyes of August 23rd.
E. E. has succeeded in closing a contract Avith Messrs.

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 221
Bailey & Co., of England, for 8,000 tons of best quality
Welsh iron improved pattern of the T rail to weigh
about 57 pounds per lineal yard. Have also made ar
rangements for chairs and spikes, locomotives, passenger
cars and other necessary appendages for furnishing and
putting the road in operation at an early date to the
Tennessee Eiver.
September 27, 1850. — News has been received from
England that the first thousand tons of iron rails for
tMs road were shipped on the 17th of August and that
two thousand more were manufactured and ready for
shipment. On October 25th. Acts of Georgia and Tennessee leg
islatures published authorizing East Tennessee and W.
& A. E. E. to complete lines to junction and granting
certain other privileges.
Call on th^ stockholders for $12.50 a share of all un
paid stock November 22, 1850.
January, 1851. — Meeting called for January. E. C.
Jackson, secretary and treasurer. Notice signed by A.
D. Keyes in the Post May 2nd, in which he says: "I
have received a requisition dated April 24th signed by
Messrs. Lyon Crozier and Wm. Lenoir directors, requir
ing me to convene the board of directors E. T. & G. E. E.
Co. the third Monday of May for a purpose of review
ing action of the board in establishing shops for repair
ing engines, etc., meeting so called May 19th.
May 23rd. — ^At the said meeting of the directors at
Athens, the permanent machine shops were located at
Athens. Ivins says referring to this: "McMinn has borne the
brunt and burden of the contest (meaning a fight for the
railroad) from first to last. Her citizens have suffered
more and bled freer and there is no cause for any preju-
dlCG £L2!*3,lllst "QS "
Nov. 7th.— CaU on E. T. & G. E. E. stockholders
$12.50 on each share of stock by E. D. Keyes, president.
From Athens Post for the year 1852, March 26th.
CaU by Thos. H. CaUoway, president E. T. & G. E. E.
$5.00 per share for stock.
From the best information obtainable it is probable
that the track laying of the E. T. & G. E. E. reached

222 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Sweetwater about April 1, 1852. A place for the "Y"
to be used as a turn-table had already been graded. It
occupied the place about where the circle of the north
east fountain now stands.
The depot also was under course of construction in
anticipation of the arrival of the railroad. This build
ing as I remember it was about 40x100 feet or more. This
was considered a good sized depot for a place which
was then only a dot on the map. Philadelphia had been
a toAvn then a number of years, Loudon was then known
by the name of Blair's Ferry.
Mr. W. P. Jones, of Pond Creek Valley thinks that the
laying of the track to Loudon proceeded at about the
rate of 1-4 mile per day; that being the case the track
laying must have reached the river near Blair's Ferry
the latter part of May.
I find in the Athens Post of August 10, 1852, the fol-
loAving schedule:
Up Train P. M.
Leave Dalton at  2 :30
VarneU's  2 :57
Eed Clay  3 :15
Blue Spring  3 :42
Cleveland  3 :54
Charleston  4:30
Eiceville  4 :51
Athens  5 :15
Mouse Creek  5 :35
Sweetwater  5 :57
Philadelphia  6 :15
Arrive at Loudon  6 :35
Down Train A. M.
Leave Loudon  4 :00
PMladelphia  4:21
Sweetwater  4:59
Mouse Creek  5 :03
Athens  5 :21
Eiceville  5 :45
Charleston  6 :06
Cleveland  6 :42

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 223

Blue Spring  6
Eed Clay  3
VarneU's  8
Arrive at Dalton  8

54
15 0330

Thomas H. Calloway, president. (July 23, 1852.)
The railroad depot at Philadelphia was larger than
the depot at Sweetwater and was built about the same
time as the depot at Sweetwater. The depot at Sweet
Avater was burned by General Wheeler during the raid
in 1864 on account of Federal supplies being contained
in it.
The Loudon depot was first built at the riverside, a
steep grade running down at the river from the railroad.
The depot at the present location was not built until after
the railroad bridge was finished at Loudon.
It may be interesting to note the following tables taken
from the Loudon Free Press Saturday, January 15,
1853: "We have been kindly furnished by Mr. Pritchard,
chief engineer, with the foUovdng table of elevations of
various points upon the line of the E. T. & G. E. E. above
the level of the sea :
Dalton, Ga  771 Ft.
VarneU's  828 "
Tennessee Line  837 "
Cleveland  778 "
Charleston  718"
Low water, Hiwassee Eiver  684 "
Athens  993 "
Mouse Creek Summit  1,023 "
Sweetwater  920 "
•Philadelphia  871 "
Loudon  814"
Low Waters of the Tennessee Eiver.  738 "
Lenoirs  786"
Summit of Knox and Eoane Line  882 "
Turkey Creek  809 "
Water of Do  778 "
Stones  834 "
HeiskeU's  898 "

224 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
McClellan's Summit  972 "
Water of Second Creek  870 "
Knoxville  898"
The Fiest Plan op the Town of Sweetwatee
Was laid off by I. T. Lenoir entirely on his own land.
This was a part of the northeast quarter of section 2,
toAvnship 3, range 1, east of the basis line. . The land
that was included was as follows :
Commencing at a point in the centre of the E. T. &
Ga. Eailroad track perpendicularly above the north bank
of Sweetwater Creek; thence doAvn the creek along the
bank to Daniel HeiskeU's line; thence north with Heis
keU's line to the middle of the Fork Creek Eoad; thence
along Biggs' and Mayes' line crossing the railroad west
to the Pond Creek Eoad; thence southeastwardly Avith
that road to Monroe and High streets and the Athens
Eoad; thence with the east side of that road 190 feet
to a point on the south side of  street; thence
in a direction parallel to Monroe Street southeasterly
to Depot Street and the railroad lot; thence with that
plot southwestwardly to corner of the same; then at a
right angle with the line of railroad plot southeasterly to
the centre of the creek directly under the middle of the
railroad track ; thence to the point of beginning.
The Plan of the Steeets.
The streets in the first plan of the town ran parallel
and at right angles to the general direction of the rail
way tract through the railroad plot, except Monroe
Street. This last named street starting at the creek next
to the bridge and HeiskeU's line ran directly west to the
railroad track, thence in a southwesterly direction the
¦ same as the other streets in the plan of the toAvn. It
was 66 feet wide. Most of the other streets were from
30 to 33 feet wide. The street on the east side of the
railroad was called Eailroad Street. That on the depot
side of the railroad was named Depot Street. The next
street west, running parallel with the railroad, was Oak
Street, then High east of the Female College. Com
mencing at Monroe Street and going northeast the first

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 225
street is Wright, then Walnut, then Morris running by
the Trust and SaAdngs Bank.
In this first plan of the tovra. of Sweetwater I. T. Le
noir laid off 65 lots. Those fronting on Depot Street
were intended and sold for business houses. The num
bering of the lots was commenced on the corner of Oak
and Morris. Number one was the lot now occupied by
the J. A. Miller residence and the numbers ran south
westerly along Oak Street to twelve inclusive. Then
from fifteen across from the Beard residence and going
to twenty-eight northwardly along Depot Street to the
post-office lot inclusive.
The number of the lots in the Lenoir tract Avere about
equal on each side of the railroad.
The first recorded sale of any lot is that to N. W. Haun
and WiUiam Stakely on the 14th of May, 1852. The
number of the lot was 18 and was the location now oc
cupied by the Sweetwater Pharmacy, the Ledbetter Store
and the Cunningham Jewelry Store. It was 80 feet front
on Depot Street, sometimes incorrectly called Main
Street. The next sale was on September 30, 1852, to
WUson Parker of lots Nos. 11, 12, 15 and 16. These lots
were located between the Sweetwater Hotel lot and the
Sweetwater Creek, two of them fronting on Depot
Street. In about 1854 J. C. Vaughn purchased the property
now occupied by the Hyatt Hotel and built a hotel and
storehouse, and he resided there with his family until
about the time of the -Federal occupation of this country
in 1863. The majority of these lots owned by I. T. Le
noir were sold prcAdous to 1860, though in many in
stances deeds were not made for several years later on.
He took great pains to sell only to those persons whom
he knew to be responsible business men and good cit
izens, and some were sold with the proviso that no whis
key or intoxicants were to be sold on them.
' From the country around came the Pattons, Eowans,
Taylors, Eobert and Bates Carter, the former of whom
afterwards went to Texas. From Madisonville came
S. Y. B. Williams, William McClung, Eobert and Ander
son Humphrey, the Clarks and James A. Wright, the
last named being in business Avith James A. Coffin.

226 HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
From Philadelphia came John W. Goddard, Frank Bo
gart and Charles Cannon. G. G. Stillmann and J. J. Shel
don came here from New York, and resided at this place
to the time of their deaths. Thus the town of Sweet
Avater not only became noted on account of its location,
but for the high class of its citizens. Names here men
tioned are such as I recall to my mind at present — others
moved here who made equally as good citizens.
Waltee Fbanklin Lenoie,
Son of William Ballard and Elizabeth Avery Lenoir,
of Lenoirs, Tenn., was born November 21, 1816. He
died September 1, 1878. He first married Elizabeth
Campbell Goddard, daughter of T. C. Goddard of Coim-
ty Line, Monroe County, on November 16, 1841. She
was born April 2, 1821. She died January 10, 1855.
When a young man he entered into the mercantile
business with his brother, I. T. Lenoir, at Lenoirs. About
the time of his first marriage he came to Philadelphia,
Tenn., and purchased land there. In 1853 and 1854, ac
cording to advertisements in the Loudon Free Press, he
was in the mercantile business at Philadelphia, in part
nership with his brother-in-law, John W. Goddard. He
also ov^med and operated one of the few saw mills on
Sweetwater Creek. He owned a large body of pine land
east of Philadelphia from which he manufactured lum
ber. He built the brick residence- in the grove just east
of Philadelphia in 1853.
The children of W. F. and Elizabeth Goddard Lenoir
were: 1. Julia Ann Campbell, b. September 6, 1842; d. May
22, 1848.
2. Walter Thomas, b. August 8, 1845.
3. WiUiam Goddard, b. August 23, 1847 ; d. March 21,
1915. 4. Thornton Pickens, b. July 23, 1851.
Walter Thomas Lenoir married Loua Edwards, of'
Little Eock, Ark. She was born September 30, 1851, the
daughter of Eichard and Susan Hilder Edwards. W. T.
Lenoir was a student at Hiwassee College when the Civil
War began. He left school when under 16 years of age,
and joined the Confederate army. He was a member

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 227
Co. F, 43rd Eegt. Tennessee volunteer infantry, im-
der the command of Colonel Gillespie. He was in the
siege of Vicksburg and was captured and paroled there.
He was soon exchanged and served during the remainder
of the war as a scout and as a member of the reorganized
43rd Tennessee Eegiment. He was with the Confeder
ate forces when Colonel Frank Wolford, commanding a
brigade of Federal cavalry, was defeated on the morn
ing of October 20, 1863, in what is known as the Battle
of Philadelphia. Colonel Wolford was making his head
quarters at the residence of W. F. Lenoir, father of W.
T. Lenoir, at the time of the battle. W. T. Lenoir influ
enced the commander of the Confederate battery to so fire
the guns, which were located on a hill about 600 yards
distant, as not to do injury to the house or hurt any of
the family. It was not a common experience in war for a
man to be engaged in a real battle around his father's
house. (For a more extended account of this engage
ment see another part of this book.) W. T. L. was Avith
General Vaughn in the Shenandoah Valley campaign,
and preAdously with him in upper east Tennessee. He
surrendered and was paroled at Kingston, Ga., on May
12, 1865.
He located at Humboldt in the western part of the
¦ state in 1868, where he operated a hotel in the toAvn, and
a farm nearby. He was mayor of Humboldt in 1882. In
1886 he bought his grandfather's, T. C. Goddard's farm,
in McMinn County near Eeagan's Station. He moved
his family there in 1887. While liAdng in McMinn he
was a member of the county court from 1888 to 1890,
when he moved to Sweetwater. He was a member of the
Monroe County Court 1893-1911. He was mayor of
Sweetwater in 1915.
The chUdren of W. T. and Loua E. Lenoir were :
(1) Frank, b. at Humboldt, Tenn., July 12, 1874. He
married Annie Powell, of Atlanta, Ga., June 7, 1906. He
is a manufacturer of tin and iron wares at Houston,
Tex. Their children are : Louise and Frank, b. in 1907
and 1912.
(2) Caroline, b. in Humboldt, Tenn., July 4, 1876. She
was married to Clarence, son of John S. and Theresa
Young, on January 22, 1905. He is cashier of the Bank

228 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
of Sweetwater, Tenn. They reside near Sweetwater.
Their children are: Lenoir, b. June 5, 1906; Katherine,
b. March 1, 1908; Clarence E., Jr., b. November 22,
1909 ; Loua Theresa, b. March 5, 1913.
(3) Hattie, youngest daughter of W. T. and Loua E.
Lenoir, b. September 5, 1879. •
(4) Eichard, their youngest son, b. August 14, 1881.
He married Idelle May Waldrop, of Jonesboro, Ga., on
April 10, 1916. They live in Sweetwater.
William Goddard Lenoir, second son of W. F. and
Elizabeth G. Lenoir attended, in 1865, 1866 and 1867,
school at the Dancing Branch Academy six miles south
of Sweetwater. This school was under the charge of
Prof. A. W. Wilson, afterward an M. A. of the Univer
sity of Virginia at Charlottesville. Afterwards he was
three years at the University of Virginia, from October,
1867 to July, 1870. He graduated there in several
schools. In this universit}^ was developed that inde
pendence of thought and action which stood him in good
stead throughout his life and contributed greatly to his
success. After completing his education he taught school
for two or three years at Johnson City, Tenn.
On October 14, 1871, he was married (first) to Alice
Osborne, daughter of Thomas and Evaline Lackey Os
borne, of Pond Creek Valley. She was born October 8,
1852, and died at Johnson City on June 20, 1874. She
is buried at Stekee Cemetery near Loudon. There were
two children, the youngest, a son, dying in infancy in
1874. Their daughter Lucy, born July 15, 1872, married
E. H. Kizer, of Philadelphia. He was born in Blount
County, Tenn., in 1858. They have three children: Le
noir, b. May 1, 1897 ; Alice, b. August 16, 1904, and John,
b. February 13, 1913.
On September 5, 1876, W. G. L. Avas married (second)
to Fannie Amelia, daughter of EU and Elizabeth Childs
Adkins. They resided principally at the old Lenoir
homestead until 1884, Avhen they moved to the Adkin
residence near the spring in Philadelphia. They resided
there at the time of his death in March, 1915.
He was a large jeal estate owner both in the country
and in town, especially in Knoxville, and had a keen ap
preciation of their values. He was a dairyman and an

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 229
extensive raiser of Eegister Jersey cattle. He was a jus
tice of the peace and an influential member of the Lou
don County Court from 1884 to 1912. He was a firm
advocate and supporter of good schools and good road's.
He always contended that they were worth more than
they cost though they might not be economically carried
on or constructed.
He was a joint representative from Knox and Loudon
counties in the Fifty-sixth General Assembly, elected on
the Fusion ticket. He was an ardent prohibitionist and
voted and worked for all measures for the suppression
of the whiskey traffic Avhile he was a member of the Leg
islature. He was a great friend of the colored race,
especially of the old Lenoir darkies. His hospitality to
guests and visitors was recognized and remarked upon
wherever he was known.
The children of W. G. and Fannie A. Lenoir were :
(1) Israel Pickens, b. September 14, 1877. He mar
ried Cate Willson (her mother was a Cate) on November
14, 1901. They reside in Phoenix, Ariz. Their children
are : Mary Francis, b. October 7, 1902, and Avery Thorn
ton, b. October 7, 1903.
(2) Emma EUzabeth, b. November 26, 1879. Mar
ried Eobert Lee Mims on November 2, 1898. They live in
Philadelphia. They have one child, Eobert L., 'b. AprU
22, 1900.
(3) Walter Avery, b. November 13, 1883. Married
Alice Comer, of Comer, Ga., October 23, 1909. She was
born August 17, 1890. Four children have been born
to them: William Alexander, b. April 18, 1911; Avery
Comer, b. July 15, 1913 ; d.  ; Avery Fulcher, b.
September 14, 1914; d.  ; and Francis Elizabeth,
b. June 29, 1916. W. A. Lenoir is a planter and resides
at Comer, Ga.
(4) Kate Lothrop, b. September 26, 1885. She was
married to Edward Young, of Mitchell County, N. C,
on May 25, 1908. He died on September 9, 1909. He
left one child, Edward, born June 7, 1909.
(5) EU Adkins, b. August 8, 1888. He married Eva
Marler, of Lebanon, Tenn., on June 5, 1911. She was
born at Murfreesboro, Tenn., on September 3, 1890.

230 HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
They have two children; E. A. Lenoir, Jr., b. April 3,
1913, and Barbara Francis, b. May 26, 1915.
(6) William Goddard, b. December 2, 1890. Lives at
Philadelphia, Tenn.
(7) Charles Henry, b. September 26, 1892; d. Novem
ber 14, 1896.
(8) Thomas Penland, b. February 16, 1895; d. Jan
uary 17, 1901.
Thornton Pickens Lenoir, fourth child of W. F. and
Elizabeth Goddard Lenoir, attended Emory and Henry
College, where he graduated in 1874. In September of
that year he went to Goliad, Texas, where he took up
the study of law. Owing to a breakdown in health he
gave up law and Avent into the cattle business at Eefugio,
Texas, where he was married in 187 — • to Lua McCamp-
bell. Their children were : Thornton, who died in child
hood, and Elizabeth, who married and died a few years
afterwards leaving one child, a daughter. T. P. Lenoir
lives at Victoria, Tex.
W. F. Lenoir married (second) Harriette Elizabeth
Osborne, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Cathey Os
borne (both formerly of Haywood County, N. C), at
GermantoAvn, Tenn., on July 7, 1858. She was born at
AsheviUe, N. C, on December 11, 1830. Died May 21,
1907, at her residence at Philadelphia, Tenn. This mar
riage was a remarkably happy one. Mrs. Hattie Lenoir,
besides being a cultivated and accomplished woman, was
one who drew many friends to her by the sincerity of her
hospitality in a home from which no one was ever turned
away without a gracious reception, and help, if
in distress. She was a devoted member of the Pres
byterian church while he was a zealous member of
the Methodist Church, South ; yet on that account there
was never a jar or misunderstanding. Their house was
ever a home for the ministers of both denominations.
The Methodist church and parsonage at Philadelphia
are monuments to his zeal and liberality. They had a
beautiful home in a beautiful situation and lived a beau
tiful life. I know of no word that fitly expresses their
relationship and conduct.
Her end was as serene as her life. She died while
asleep without pain or struggle.

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 231
The children of W. F. and Harriette 0. Lenoir were :
Frank, Eose Summey, Henry and Earnest. These all
died in childhood, except Henry L., who was born Decem
ber 6, 1863. He married Annie Yoakum, daughter of Wil
liam Cannon, May 23, 1888. They reside at the old Lenoir
homestead one-fourth of a mile east of Philadelphia,
Tenn. Their children are: Annie Lee, b. May 21, 1889;
William Cannon, b. April 25, 1891; Frank Osborne, b.
September 23, 1894; Susan Bogart, b. September 29,
1898, and Eobert Henry, b. January 2, 1902.
The Liillaed Family.
William Lillard was a colonel in the Eevolutionary
War. His son William was born August 14, 1798. He
died in Sweetwater Valley December 18, 1844. Louise,
his sister, and daughter of Col. Lillard, married Ben
jamin Eouth August 23, 1838. William Lillard, second,
who lived near Philadelphia, in Sweetwater Valley, mar
ried Nancy Eouth, who was born August 28, 1807. She
died at her residence near Philadelphia, July 27, 1899.
The children of William and Nancy Lillard were :
1. Andrew Jackson, b. on Island Creek, February 20,
1829. 2. Washington, dead.
3. Louisa Jane, m. Joseph Eagon, October 15, 1851.
4. Caroline, b. 1835. Lives at Philadelphia, Tenn.
5. MurreU, b. 1837.
6. Julia, m. Eiley Burns. Died near Philadelphia in
1915. 7. Joseph B., b. 1843.
Andrew Jackson Lillard went to California in 1858.
He went to the Indian Diggings and also to Brush Creek.
He dug gold most of the time he was in California un
til he returned to Tennessee in 1865.
He married Samantha Taliaferro in 1867. She was
the daughter of John Taliaferro. They moved to Fork
Creek Valley. She died June 6, 1915, at the age of 67.
He is a farmer. Their children are :
John, married in Colorado. Has four children. Lives
in Farmington, N. M.
MurreU, lives in Atlanta and is in the employ of
Ehodes & Co.

232 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
Nannie, m. Prof. W. T. Eussell, Carson & Newman
College, Jefferson City, Tenn. Mrs. Eussell died about
1905 leaving two children.
MoUie, m. C. E. Harris, of Dandridge, Tenn.
Etta Lee, m. A. L. Burem, of Hawkins County. Ad
dress Burem, Tenn.
MurreU Lillard, son of William Lillard, joined the
Confederate army and was afterwards captured at Pied
mont, Va., and was taken to Camp Morton, Ind., where
he died a prisoner of fever.
Joseph Lillard, youngest son of William Lillard, was
a private in Co. D 11th Eegt. Tenn. Cav., U. S. A., dur
ing the Civil War, serving twenty months. He is a
farmer and lives one mile from Philadelphia. He mar
ried Maggie J. Harrison, of Pond Creek Valley, on
March 31, 1885. Their children are :
WiUiam F., b. August 2, 1886.
Minnie L., b. AprU 17, 1890.
Hattie E., b. November 8, 1892.
Joseph MurreU, b. July 24, 1896,
John Lotspeich
Was born in Greene County, Tenn., November 9, 1762.
He moved to Sweetwater about 1820. He married Mary
Ann Earnest of Greene County, on February 18, 1806.
She died January 27, 1878 or 1879. She was born De
cember 23, 1789. Mr. Lotspeich was a farmer and built a
brick house and settled on the southwest and south
east quarters of section 3 and the northwest and north
east quarters of section 4, tovraisMp 3 and range 1, east.
He was a member of the Methodist church. He died at
'' his residence on April 19, 1825. He and his wife are
both buried at County Line Cemetery. Their children
were: 1. Ealph, b. September 6, 1807.
2. Henry L., b. February 10, 1810.
3. Samuel T., b. March 5, 1812; d. AprU 2, 1847. 6.
Christopher Marion, b. October 15, 1815. 10. Amanda, b.
Sept. 29, 1827.
4. Felix, was born in Greene County, .Tenn., and mar
ried Eliza, a daughter of William Neal. They were
members of the. Methodist church; he was a farmer.

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 233
They moved to Green (afterwards Henry) County, Mo.
5. Mary Ann Lotspeich was born in Greene County,
Tenn. She married Wm. Eobertson, who was born on
Pond Creek, in Monroe County, Tenn. They moved to
Green County, Mo., where he died.
6. Christopher Marion Lotspeich married Susan
Shearl, who died about 1873-4. He was a farmer and set
tled near Ottumwa, Iowa. He was drowned in the Iowa
Eiver May 26, 1852. Their children were : Nannie, Hen
ry and Julia.
7. Emmeline Lotspeich married Eufus Pickel. (See
Pickets.) 8. John W. Lotspeich married Nancy Ann Baker on
December 7, 1856. She was born December 26, 1857.
Died March 13, 1874, and was buried at Sweetwater Cem
etery. He was a farmer. They moved to Weatherford,
Texas. He died at AbUene, Tex., March 4, 1894. Their
children are :
MoUie, b. December 19, 1857 ; m. E. W. ElUs.
Florence, b. April, 1859; m. Benton.
Addie, b. April, 1861; m. L. Dempsey; d. Marshall,
Tex., m 1911.
Carrie, b. April, 1866. Married Chas. Waters. She
is a ranchwoman near Abilene, Texas.
9. Elizabeth J. married J. J. Browder (whom see).
10. Amanda Lotspeich married Francis Y. Jameson
on April 29, 1854. They moved to Gentry County, Mo.
IL Chas. W. Lotspeich was born at the Lotspeich resi
dence, near Sweetwater. He married Mary Smith,
daughter of Bryant Smith, of Meigs County, in Novem
ber, 1871. She was born May 24, 1847, and died July,
1877. Interred in SweetAvater Cemetery. He was a
farmer. In 1883 he moved to Texas, and in 1886 he lo
cated in Jones County, where he died, and was buried
near Hawley, October 4, 1907. Their children were :
(1) Bryant, b. 1872, in Sweetwater Valley. Address
Hawley, Tex., E. F. D. No. 1.
(2) Thomas J., b. in Sweetwater Valley July 17, 1875.
Lives at Hawley, Tex.
(3&4) Died in infancy and were buried at Sweet
water, Tenn.

234 histoey op sweetwatee valley
Heney Mayes.
Birds sing and floAvers bloom and shed their fragrance
on the summer air. This is but natural ; it is expected ;
as Josh Billings would say it is their business. There are
people, now and then, so constituted that they have no
desire o^ appetite to do wrong or take any pleasure in
straying into forbidden paths. Their instincts point as
sensitively to right and justice as the needle to the mag
netic pole. If they veer from the straight path at all
it is but a circumstance of the moment and not to be reck
oned in the great trend of life. Kindness, liberality and
hospitality are as much a part of their nature as for the
flowers to bloom or the birds to sing. Of such a char
acter was Henry Mayes. He traveled along the even
tenor of his Avay without attracting any great attention.
He did nothing startling. The only thing he could have
done startling was to have gone very wrong. Though a
man of ability and deservedly popular, particularly with
the young people of the neighborhood, he would never
consent to take the lead or aspire to any office. You al
ways knew where to place him even if he would hot al
low himself to be pushed to the front. He was always
ready to assist in every good work and work for the bet
tering of the town and community. To be honest and
truthful came to him as natural as to breathe the breath
of life. A man of that kind would not hold his OAvn fi
nancially in the fierce business competition of today.
That is one change that we can not help but regret. The
ideals and ethics of business are different. Many things
have changed for the better but not that.
Henry Mayes had as few faults as any man in the
valley and his virtues were by no means all negative.
Yet if any man had called him good to his face he would
have been much astonished. • "Why callest thou me
good?" he would have thought. For never in public or
private life or when he took the journey to the Great
Beyond did he for a single instant pose for effect. Some
might have regretted that he said nothing of seeing an
gels or hearing music as he passed through the portals
of death.
Mr. Mayes died as he had lived, simply. He who has
lived theatrically often dies so.

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 235
Henry Mayes' death was calm and peaceful. There
was no posing. It was merely the last incident of a well
spent life. Every thing he ever did was done quietly
and in order.
I have thus emphasized his distinguishing characteris
tic, the disinclination to be the central figure, because he
did, more to make Sweetwater the toAvn it is than any
man who ever lived in it except one, and that one was
his most particular friend and with him in business mat
ters he always consulted.
Henry Mayes was married to Nancy Maginnis at
Thorn Hill, near Bean's Station, Grainger County,
Tenn., April, 1837. As he was born at Bean's Station
on April 15, 1817, he was just 20 years old. They soon
thereafter moved to Sweetwater Valley and settled on
the southwest quarter of section 35, toAvnship 2, range 1,
east. He afterwards acquired from the Chancery Court
of Grainger County two other tracts of 160 acres each,
the southeast and northwest quarters of section 34 of
the same range and township. He built a two-story
frame house, then rather scarce in this part of the val
ley. They were usually either log or brick, mostly log.
The reason for this was that at that time steam engines
were very expensive and in this immediate section and
Sweetwater Creek did not have sufficient fall in its
course to furnish water power for sawmills. This house
was near the site now occupied by the residence of J. H.
McCaslin in the town of Sweetwater. The stage road
ran directly by the house and this was a popular and
convenient feeding and stopping place. The stage driv
ers were well known characters. They had regular sched- '
lUes and ran pretty well on time. When the bugle
sounded for the stopping places those in the neighbor
hood would collect to hear the news and see if there were
any distinguished passengers on board. Eube Crabtree
and Andy DaAds were popular drivers.
The nearest neighbors of Mayes were Owen, Biggs,
Heiskell, Eamsey, Fine, Bunch, Henderson, Snead and
Fryer. The tract on which he lived joined Owen, Biggs,
Lenoir, Fine, and on the west another Mayes tract. At
that time the site of the toAvn of Sweetwater was timber
lands and virgin soil.

236 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
Thus Henry Mayes being married to a lovely, attrac
tive and domestic woman, living at an ideal situation,
surrounded by agreeable neighbors the future seemed ex
ceptionally bright; he was blessed according to his de
serts. True, church and school privileges were not all that
could be desired. The school-house was a small log af
fair one-half mile southwest in the bend of the creek, and
there was teaching only from three to four months in
the year. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, named
Mt. Lebanon, of which Mr. Mayes and his wife were
members, was located one mile to the northeast. This
as has already been related was afterward moved to the
tovrai. The children of this union were :
Letitia, born in 1838, and died in infancy.
James H., born 1840; died at Atlanta, Ga., 1867.
Mary Louise, born 1843 ; died at Sweetwater 1859.
Noble I., born May 6, 1845. Now living in Chatta
nooga. E. Virginia, born 1854 and died at Knoxville on Octo
ber 10, 1910.
Mrs. Nancy Mayes died at Sweetwater 1857 and was
buried at Mt. Lebanon.
The Mayes place was a lovely one to visit even in
those early tirnes. They had enough slaves to do the
house and farm work and it was a rare thing that they
sat doAvn to a meal without some one present other than
the members of the family. Those were times when peo
ple felt free to go to see each other garbed as they hap
pened to be at the time, whether in store or home-made
" clothes did not matter. The fashions remained much
the same from year to year till the coming of the rail
road. The Mayes family were fond of music and innocent
amusements. Mrs. Mayes herself played the old time
music on the fiddle. She did not play often but only for
particular friends, as some of the "unco guid" thought
it not exactly in form. Dancing too was frowned upon
as now but was not considered one of the unpardonable
sins. The family were looked upon as a particularly fortu
nate and happy one. Ignorance of sanitation by one who

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 237
should have known better was the cause of much trouble.
Sometimes an unforeseen circumstance, call it luck, fate,
ProAddence or what you will, can materially change the
whole outlook of a family.
Dr. M. C. Parker, about the time of the first settle
ment of Sweetwater, built him an office and started in
the practice of medicine. He might have known the com
mon practice then recommended by the old practition
ers but that Avould be thought antiquated now.
He became afflicted with tuberculosis, which afterward
proved fatal. He was boarding before and during his
sickness with the Mayes family. They waited on him
with great care throughout his illness.
Thus was soAvn the germs of the disease and was the
cause of much sickness and some fatalities. It was not
a Avell established fact at the time that this disease was
communicable. Instead of! living and sleeping in the
open air as much as possible and leaving the windows
of the sick room open it Avas thought best for the patient
to be confined in a close room and so as to prevent tak
ing further cold, — thus causing him to breathe over and
over again the same vitiated atmosphere. This hastened
his disease and made it much more dangerous for any
one waiting on the tuberculosis patient.
The practice here when I was a boy was as far wrong in case of
fevers as in tuberculosis. Wh.en 1 was six or seven years old there
was an epidemic of scarlet fever In the Valley. Several of the Bow-
mans, our nearest neighbors, died of it. I took It. My father was
absent from home in the mountains of North Carolina. My mother
sent for Dr. Parker. He promptly proceeded to bleed me freely. He
prescribed the most nauseating compounds for me to take; he left
particular instructions that I should have very little water to drink,
and under no circumstances cold applications. Owing to my violent
rebellion against such methods the instructions were not strictly car
ried out.
My longing for my father to return, the Intolerable thirst from
bleeding and high fever is a fearsome thing for me to contemplate
even to this day. I grew rapidly worse. The third or fourth day my
father got back. I was truly happy. In about three minutes 1 had
plenty of cold water to drink and a pitcherful or two was poured on
my head. Had he been delayed many more hours "little Willie"
would not be here now trying to write th.e history of Sweetwater
Valley people. 1 resolved there and then I would never allow any one
to suffer as I had those three or fou r days If I could prevent it. It
seemed to me greatly worse than natural thirst. I have told this
to show what unnecessary tortures Ignorance can inflict on humanity.
The doctor did only what the books he happened to have told him
to do. My mother, whose father was a physician, did not dare to

238 HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
disobey instructions. She had a reverence for tradition. He (her
father) bled his patients sometimes and charged five dollars for it too.
This was the price for that service (?) during the thirties in
Nashville. A friend of mine once told me that a man told him that Dr. W.
G. E. Cunningham, a former missionary to China and well known
educator and editor of Sunday-school literature, is reported to have
said that the manner of employing physicians in China was radically
different from what it is in this country. There the doctor Is hired
and paid to keep you well and see that your household does not dis
obey the laws of health. If you get sick he is obligated to give
you his medical services free of charge and, in addition to this, to
pay you a reasonable sum for loss of time during the illness. Thus
the M. D. resolved himself into a medical aid, sick benefit, acci
dent insurance and benevolent society and sanitary commission all
in one. This custom, if adopted here, would revolutionize the method
of procedure in the United States. This statement of Dr. Cunning
ham, if he made such, might have been true of the Mandarins and
the higher class Chinese, but that It Is generally a fact, applying to
the common millions, there is much reason to doubt. Dr. Hattie
Love, a medical missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South,
at Soochow, makes no mention of such a state of affairs in her letters
home. I am not able to qualify as an expert on Chinese customs, yet I
have seen enough of them In my travels In this country to form and
express an opinion. I was an honorary member of the order of the
Sons of Confucius at college; I have looked on in the Rue Royal at
New Orleans, where a great many Chinamen were playing "keno"
(this is a game somewhat similar to baseball; the one gambols on the
green and the other gambles on the "green"; one is sward and the
other cloth). I have in my possession a receipt, written in the
Chinese characters, for clothes washed in Chicago; I have seen the
"yellow perils" shoveling sand off the railroad track in the deserts
of Nevada; I passed the time of day with a "Chink" at Portland^
Oregon (I asked him what time it was and he passed on without
a word) ; a quarter of a century ago I walked along several of the
streets of Chinatown In San Francisco and 1 saw enough In the day
time from the outside to know that I did not wish to visit their
opium dens and sinks of iniquity at night; I left that for the "slum-
mers" and the philanthropists. From the knowledge obtained as
above, I am positive that the Chinese resident here is not controlled
by any medical director, and that there is nothing sanitary about
him from his queue to the soles of his wooden shoes; whatever may
be his condition In his own Celestial Kingdom, or, as they call it now,
republic. There is no profession, the members of which have half the temp
tations and opportunities to deceive and fake as the medical. Th©
physician thrives on the ills of humanity; it is money in his pocket
for people to stay sick. When he prevents epidemics and diseases
he is taking the bread out of his own and his children's mouths. He
is the depositary, too, of more people's secrets than any one except a
Roman Catholic priest. Thus a physician Is usually the best and most
unselfish or the very worst of men. His opportunities for good and
evil are Incalculable. In my experience 1 could point to many in
stances both ways, but to much more in the way of good. It is rare
that he abuses his professional knowledge or intentionally lengthens
illness to obtain a fee. When he varies from the truth it is when

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 239
he thinks it is for the good of the patient. I believe th,is is the rule
and not the exception. "Skin for skin, yea, all that a man has will be
given for his life." Many a man since Job's time has cursed the day
on which he was born on account of bodily afflictions. Then It is not
hard for the designing to make capital. out of his circumstances. I
thus apparently digress to pay a deserved tribute to the medical fra
ternity, as some things I have said heretofore might be taken as a
reflection upon them. I do this also more cheerfully for the addi
tional reason that among the most reputable physicians medical
ethics does not allow one of them to say anything about himself in
public print, except in the medical journals, which are not read by
the general public. In these days of advertisement, when so many
blow their own trumpets or hire It done, this is an anomalous posi
tion, however fortunate it may be for the patent medicine vender.
Destruction of New Mates Residence by Fikb.
In the destruction of the new Mayes residence by fire, I think in
about the year 1870, the family records were partially destroyed; there
fore, it is difficult now, in some instances, to arrive at the exact dates
of births, deaths and marriages. Under the circumstances we can
only approximate. We have to rely on our own memory and that of
the living members of the family. The Athens Post for many years
was the nearest newspaper published anywhere in this section of the
country. Then, too, the personal happenings and neighborhood affairs
were not considered Important enough for publication. In the early
days I doubt if the passing through of President Polk on the stage
line would have been chronicled unless it had some political signifi
cance. Prom the year 1875 forward should be easy sailing to write
the history of our Valley, provided one have access to the daily and
weekly papers.
In say about 1856 there had scarcely been a death in
the Owen, Biggs or Mayes families. The Mayes house
was up on the top of the hill ; the Biggs at the foot of the
hill near the large spring and north of The Mascot Ho
siery Mills. The brick is a very old house and is still
standing. The meadow land near was practically a
swamp overgroAvn with calamus, watercress and bushes.
The overflow of the creek also was much more than at
present, there being many more obstructions in the bed
of the stream. The Owen residence was in a low place
.near a large green pond and not far from the bank of
the creek. From the situation it would appear that the
site of the Mayes house was the most healthful of the
three. After results did not prove this to be so.
Mayes Family in 1856.
In 1856 the family consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Mayes,
a son, James H., aged 16, very much resembling his

240 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
father in looks and disposition; a daughter, Mary L.,
who bade fair to be a handsome and accomplished wo
man, at that time 14 years or more old ; a son Noble of-
11, and Virginia, an infant of 1 year. They were a
happy family and very much respected and loved. Mr.
Mayes was a serious minded man and rarely ever joked,
but he was not one of the "killjoy" kind; he could for
get his own troubles to try to give pleasure to you.
In 1857 Mrs. Mayes died of tuberculosis, supposed to
have been acquired waiting on Dr. M. C. Parker during
his illness. In 1859 the daughter Mary died of the same
disease. James Hamilton Mayes was a railroad man. He died
at Atlanta, Ga., July 7, 1870.
He m. Leila Viola Stoy, of Atlanta, October 20, 1868.
They had a son, James Herbert, who was b. June 13,
1870; d. in Augusta, Ga., in 1906. He m. Ellen Eoach
April 11, 1894. Their children were :
Lelia, b. May 10, 1895 ; Francis, b. February 7, 1898 ;
John Herbert, b. AprU 10, 1901.
Noble IrAdng Maginnis, second son of H. and N. Mayes
was b. at Sweetwater May 6, 1845; m. Bettie Cornelia
Goddard, oldest child of J. W. G. (whom see). They re
sided in Sweetwater for several years and then moved
to Plainville, Ga. In 1885 they moved to Chattanooga.
Mrs. Mayes died in Chattanooga on November 18, 1915.
Children of N. I. and Bettie C. Mayes were :
1. Belle Goddard, b. September 24, 1872 ; m. Wm. G.
Hartley July 31, 1901.
2. Margaret Bland, b. June 8, 1874. She is a D. D. S.
Formerly worked in Dr. S. B. Cook's office, Chattanooga.
3. James Henry, b. at Chattanooga, January 20, 1877.
Was killed in a railroad accident on December 6, 1889.
4. MUdred Louise, b. August 25, 1889 ; m. Thos. W.
Miller, of Columbia, S. C, on November 12, 1913.
The fifth cMld of H. and N. M. Mayes was E. Virginia ;
m. Captain J. P. Edmondson (then) of Blount Co.unty,
September 5, 1885. He was b. October 16, 1844. Was
sheriff of Blount County August 1872-6. Department
U. S. revenue collector 1880-5. Postmaster at Maryville
1890-4. Moved to KnoxviUe 1901. Eesidence, 1319 High
land Avenue. His wife E. V. E. d. at residence October

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 241
10, 1910; buried old Gray Cemetery. One child Irene
d. January 5, 1914; aged 16 years and 5 months.
Heney Mayes' Second Maebiage.
Mr. Mayes' second wife was Mrs. Ada Treadway. They
were married at Athens, Tenn., April 6, 1860. She was
the daughter of Peter Eeagan, a half brother of General
J. H. Eeagan's father. (See J. H. Eeagan Sketches.)
Henry Mayes was particularly fortunate in both his
marriages. When he married Mrs. Treadway, he had
been deprived by disease of his first wife and eldest
daughter, Mary, who had gotten to be of an age when
she could have been a great help and comfort to him.
He had a family who sorely needed a mother and the
second Mrs. Mayes filled the place as well as any one
could. True he had slaves at the time who could do the
house and farm work but even then there were rumors of
war and insurrections that caused a feeling of uneasi
ness through the South as regards that kind of property,
John Brown had already made his raid on Harper's
Ferry, been captured by Colonel Lee, been tried, dis
posed of and was being sung about. As has been stated!
in 1860 Mr. Mayes married Mrs. Treadway. She was-
such a capable, lovely woman as rendered the conditions .
during the Civil War and the reconstruction period
much more tolerable to him. He was a rebel or southern
sympathizer, but was exceedingly prudent in his conver
sation and conduct. He did not fall out Avith others for
a difference of opinion. He desired that the Union men
should be protected in life and property during the oc
cupancy of the country by the Confederate army. To
keep free of malice and passion was no easy thing to da
when this section was occupied by first one and then an
other and continually fought over.
The feeling was sometimes stronger between the non-
combatants at home than betAveen the soldiers in the
army. The rancor became so great in some sections of
East Tennessee that it amounted to a system of reprisal
and extermination. This however was happily not the
case in the town of Sweetwater and the country imme
diately surrounding. At the breaking out of the war
the town had about 400 inhabitants. It remained about

242 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
the same during the war. When the hostilities of ar
mies were practically over the troubles of rebels were by .
no means ended. Then came the reconstruction period.
Then none but men of approved loyalty were allowed
to vote or sit on juries. The administration of justice
was a one-sided affair. Even Mr. Mayes, whose well-
known Christian spirit did not suffer him at any time
willingly to give offense to others, was harassed by dam
age suits in the courts. Nor had he or any of his fam
ily ever engaged actively in the rebellion. What partial
ly saved him from being broken up was not this, but the
fact that the plaintiffs in the causes never had had any
thing to be taken by rebel raiders, and in many instances
the cases were put off until there was a change in the
complexion of affairs. The real horror of war is that
when the fighting is done the evil results last for a cen
tury. Henry Mayes, I understood, was not a highly educated
man but there was nothing rough about his conversation
or manners. He would not have attempted to discuss the
binomial theorem, or solve examples by logarithm or
compute the age of the world by its geological forma
tions; but he never used such expressions as "I taken,"
"I seen," "me and him" did so and so, please "set
down," though it is possible he may have said "ain't;"
fairly well educated people do that sometimes.
He Avas a remarkably close observer of animals, plants
and weather conditions, and had a retentive memory. I
recollect distinctly of his explaining to me the meaning
of the passage in Ecclesiastes : ' ' The . wind goeth to
ward the south and turneth about unto the north; it
whirleth about continually ; and the wind returneth again
according to his circuit. ' ' The explanation was that the
wind turns to the right like the hands of a clock and goes
from the south to the north by way of the west and then
to the south by the east. It usually travels the half cir
cuit from the north to the south more quickly than that
from the south to the north. If the direction of the Avind
is from the west, it is almost certain to come from the
north before coming from the east. He also called my
attention to the fact that whirlwinds and whirlpools
gyrate in the same manner. Such things as these, not

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 243
then found in books, was what he frequently told me and
interested me much.

Much op Sweetwatee on Mayes' Land.
The town Sweetwater is built, much of it, on the Mayes
land. A line drawn from the middle of the Heiskell
lane on the east side of town to the middle of the public
road, going west toward Pond Creek, would show the
division line between the Mayes and Lenoir lands. Hen
ry Mayes died at Sweetwater on August 13, 1873.
Mes. Ada Eeagan Mayes.
Miss Ada Eeagan was born at Eome, Ga., December
1, 1828. She married Thos. J. Treadway, January 23,
1851. He died November 3, 1856. Mrs. Treadway mar
ried Henry Mayes on April 10, 1860. She died at Ashe
viUe, N. C, on May 5, 1901.
Cuba Treadway was born February 8, 1855. He was
a railroad man. He died August 20, 1885.
Oscar Eeagan Mayes was born AprU 10, 1861. His
post-office is Hurst, 111.
Carrie Lee Mayes was born at Sweetwater on Septem
ber 16, 1863. She married John H. Weaver, of Ashe-
vUle, N. C, November 22, 1888. Dr. E. E. WUey of
ficiating. Mr. Weaver, formerly of Weaverville, is a
prominent merchant of AsheviUe, N. C. Their residence
is 119 Cumberland Avenue.
The children of Jno. H. and Carrie Lee Weaver are:
1. Eugene Mayes Weaver, b. March 22, 1891 ; m. Mrs.
Lillian Daniels Dryser.
(1) By this marriage one child, Oliver Dryser. He
died and she m. E. Mayes W. Children of this mar
riage are: (1) Constance Alene, b. March, 1914.
(2) LiUian Doris,  1916.
2. Henry Cedric, b. November 24, 1894. In mailing
department New York Times.
3. Mary Adalena, b. November 28, 1897.
4. Carrie Lee, b. September 15, 1900.

244 histoey op sweetwatee valley
The Tayloes.
Hughes and Betsey Cannon Taylor,, Ms wife, came
from Virginia and settled in Grainger County. They
reared a family of twelve children:
H. Woodson, Elika Adams, Mrs. Emma Witt, Grant,
Mrs. Eliza Boatwright, Jabin Snow (see Fine), Mrs.
Eachel Witt, Mrs. Amanda Patton (see Francis A. Pat
ton), Thomas, Elbert E., Mrs. Edna  (name of
husband not known to writer).
Elika Adams, second son of Hughes and Betsy Can
non Taylor, was born in Grainger County, Tenn., July
30, 1811. He married Elizabeth Mayes, March 30, 1830,
in Grainger County, who was born February 4, 1813;
died February 26, 1889. Her father was James Mayes.
Her mother's maiden name was Jane Howel. Mrs. E.
Taylor was a sister of Henry Mayes, of Sweetwater.
They moved from Grainger County to Pond Creek
Valley in the first civil district of Monroe County in
1839 or 1840. He resided there until his death on May
10, 1903, in the 92nd year of his age.
There is a deed of record at Madisonville, Book "NK,"
p. 487, of a purchase of 80 acres of land from John Glaze
by E. A. Taylor, the same having been bought by him
(Glaze) of Lindsay Eoberts. The date of the deed is
January 27, 1840.
In September, 1842, E. A. Taylor and wife Elizabeth,
were received by experience into the Baptist church on
Pond Creek. This church was located about one mile
south of the Taylor residence. The membership of this
church afterward met in the toAvn of Sweetwater and
the name'was changed to the "First Baptist Church at
Sweetwater. ' '
It is related in the church records of the then. Pond
Creek Baptist Church that they were baptized in Sweet
water Creek near John Fine's. Presumably the rite
was performed by Eev. Eobt. Snead as he was acting as
pastor of the church at the time. The reason the 'bap
tism took place in Sweetwater Creek was that there was
not "much water" in Pond Creek espe^jially at that
time of the year.
In March, 1845, E. A. Taylor became clerk and was

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 245
clerk of the church until October, 1860, when his son,
WilUam H. Taylor, was elected church clerk in his place.
In June, 1854, the church decided to build a house of
worship in the toAvn of Sweetwater, which was then be
ginning to be a place of some importance, hoping there
by to largely increase their membership. Mr. Taylor
was one of the active members in bringing about this
change. However, the church house was not completed
until the fall of 1860. The first record of meeting in it
was the first Saturday in December, 1861. At this meet-
. ing Thos. D. and Martha L. Taylor joined the church
and Wm. H. Taylor was church clerk.
In the year 1861 at the outbreak of the Civil War JjI-
der Hughes Taylor, of Beach Spring in Grainger Coun
ty, was pastor ; his brother, E. A. Taylor, was a deacon,
Wm. H. Taylor was church clerk and Elizabeth, Wood
son, Thos. D., Martha L., and Minerva Taylor, Avere
members of the church. There joined the church after
ward of the Taylors — James H., Mrs. Emily S., Zach-
ary, Eliza, Sarah, Elizabeth and William.
E. A. Taylor as a clerk kept the books of the church
neatly, correctly and in good diction. The same was the
case of two sons who afterward were also clerks. Adz:
Wm. H. and James H.
E. A. Taylor was an educated man in this sense, that
education consists more in the ability to apply what you
know to the duties and circumstances of life than the
amount of knowledge acquired. When he (E. A. Tay
lor) knew anything, he knew it as well as anybody could
know it. He could converse on the Bible as interesting
ly as any one I have ever known. He was an authority
on Baptist doctrine. He was also one of the most pro
gressive' farmers in all this section of country. Being a
reader and having a receptive mind he could not help
but be versed in the political history of the nation. He
was a fluent talker and was never at a loss for a word.
He was always enthusiastic in the advocacy of what he
believed. He was always anxious for others to believe
as he did. Usually one who wears himself out in the
reformation or service of others does not attain to old
age. He is a notable exception to this rule.
In the presidential election of 1896 he came to Sweet-

246 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
water three and one-half miles to vote. He remarked at
the polls that the first ballot he ever cast was for Wil
liam Henry Harrison and that he took great pleasure in
casting the last ballot he ever expected to cast for Wm.
J. Bryan. He was then more than 86 years of age. I
told him I hoped that he would live to cast a ballot for
Mr. Bryan again. This he did and when he came to the
polls in 1900 I reminded him of what he said four years
previous.- But he did not live to vote for Bryan the
third time.
He was a teetotaller by practice and none of his five
sons ever drank at all except one and he very rarely.
Yet I do not think I ever heard him discuss the question
of prohibition. However he preferred charges against
one of the members of his church for being intoxicated.
The member was excluded and his quotation of the pas
sage "Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow ye die"
did not save him. The church did not interpret the
Scripture as the offending brother interpreted it.
The children of E. A. and Elizabeth Taylor were :
One. James Hughes, born March 21, 1831; died in
the summer of 1876.
Two. Woodson, born September 22, 1833 ; died March
— , 1912.
Three. William Henry, born February 4, 1836; died
June 26, 1914.
Four. Thomas Daniel, born September 29, 1838; died
October 6, 1902.
Five. Martha Louisa, born April 6, 1841.
Six. Mary Elizabeth, born February 4, 1844,
Seven. Zachary  , born November 14, 1849 ;
died August 9, 1914.
Eight. Eliza, born December 28, 1859.
Two. Woodson Taylor m. Emily Palmer, then of
Sweetwater May 8, 1867. Eev. Snead Minister. She
was a younger sister of Mrs. W. L. Clark and was born
in New York.
Woodson T. was a farmer. He went to Grainger Coun
ty on Holston Eiver soon after marriage. His Avife died
October, 1915. Their children were:
Mrs. Mary Sheldon (dead), of Kentucky; William

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 247
Elika, Frank Palmer, Geo. Elbert, Elizabeth Cleveland,
and Ernest. A daughter, the youngest, died in infancy.
Mary married a distant relative, Claude Taylor. The
Taylor home is at Jefferson City, where Frank and Eliz
abeth still live.
One. James Hughes Taylor was first married to Sa
rah Warren of Iowa, who died leaAdng two children, Mrs.
Lizzie McAmis, of Ash Grove, Mo., and William H., of
Columbus, Miss. His second wife was Mary Minnis, of
Madisonville, Tenn. Died at Elika Taylor's home Sep
tember 12, 1915. Left two children: Mrs. Fannie Aren-
dall and John Quincy, both of Atlanta, Ga.
WUliam Henry Taylor came to Sweetwater and went
into the mercantile business with Joseph Boyd, brother
of Mrs. J. C. Vaughn in a part of the old hotel building
in 1854 or 1855. He married F  Adelia Brad
shaw of Towns County, Ga., on July 5, 1859, A. H. Bark-
ley, minister. After the Civil War he did business in
Atlanta, Ga., as a commission merchant. He came back
to Tennessee. He was a farmer in Grainger County.
He went to Paris, Texj^s, in the year-  He died
in Paris, Texas, and was interred there. She was a
Methodist. She was a sister of Lieutenant Nicholas
Bradshaw who married Miss Sallie Brown, daughter of
Judge Geo. BroAvn of Madisonville.
The children of Wm. H. and F. A. Taylor were :
Frank, Charles, Eobert, Bettie, Flora, Edward, Pearl,
Libby, Hugh, Henry and Lucy. Bettie married John J.
Browder, son of J. M. Browder (whom see).
Martha Louisa married Hugh C. McCammon, of Boul
der, Col., on April 21, 1874. He was born in Knox Coun
ty. After moAdng to Colorado he was a miner and
farmer and Avas a member of the Legislature at one time.
He died at Boulder. Their children were :
Blanche, who married Seth M. Thomas, of Boulder,
and Anna, who married Horace Griffin of that place.
Their son, Hugh, lives at Black Hawk, Col. Their third
daughter was named Olive.
Mary Elizabeth was b. February 4, 1844; m. Sam M.
Thomas on February 18, 1869. He was the son of
 of Kentucky, and was a brother of Mrs.

248 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
Sterling Neil. They moved first to Trenton, Tenn., then
to Collins County, Texas, finally to San Saba County.
Post-office, Brownwood, Texas. There are two children.
now (1915) living: Welin, post-office, Denver, Col., and
Gardner. Eight. Eliza m. Will Thomas, son of John L. Thomas,
December 10, 1890. He (W. T.) was b. in McMinn Coun
ty, March, 1866; d. December 3, 1915. He was a very
zealous and efficient member of the First Baptist Church,
Sweetwater, and was a noted teacher in the Sunday-
school. He and his Avif e resided during married life at
the old E. A. Taylor place. He farmed the land as in
telligently and industriously as his father-in-law. ChU
dren five in number : Harold, b. January 12, 1893 ; Jen
nie Valeria, b. September 10, 1894, d. September 3, 1897 ;
Blanche Elizabeth, b. December 21, 1896 ; Euby and Euth
were twins, b. August 3, 1898.
Mes. Eliza Beewstee
Was the daughter of James and Jane Howel Mayes,
of Grainger County, Tenn. She was born April 8, 1838.-
She was a sister of Henry Mayes and of Mrs. E. A. Tay
lor. She married John Brewster from her home Octo
ber 15, 1857.
He was b. in Virginia, February 7, 1828. He was a
stock trader. He was supposed to have been lost in a
steamboat disaster on the Mississippi Eiver. She moved
to Sweetwater from Grainger County early in 1867.
Their children were:
(1) Ora was born in Grainger County, November 15,
1858. She was a noted piano player and music teacher.
She taught at ThomasAdlle and at Shelby, N. C. She had
the gift of absolute pitch. She could tell instantly what
note was struck on any instrument. On a piano that
she was accustomed to and in good tune she could tell by
ear and name each note vsdthout seeing the piano as many
as eight notes struck simultaneously, whether chords or
dischords. She was an accomplished sight reader of
music and also could reproduce any short piece of music
that she heard if allowed to go to the piano at once, but
nothing like the lengthy productions Blind Tom could.

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY . 249
She played for Blind Tom once at a performance. In
playing the piece after her probably as much as five
minutes long she said that he made a good many changes
especially in the cadenzas but that some of them might
have been just as good as the author's idea. The tempo
of the piece as played by Blind Tom was slightly more
rapid than Miss Brewster's. I have heard him I think
as many as four times and he was more successful in
reproducing Miss Brewster's piece than that of any
other. At Shelby, N. C, while teaching there Miss B. got
acquainted with Charles C. Blanton and they were mar
ried in Sweetwater July 15, 1885. She died in Atlanta,
January 17, 1890. He is a resident of Shelby, N. C.
(2) Mary Brewster was born in Grainger County,
"Tenn., May 14, 1861. She died in Sweetwater, February
7, 1873.
(3) Valeria (Vallie) was b. in Grainger County, July
31, 1865. She married A. E. Melendy, D. D. S. of the firm
of Cook & Melendy, June 30, 1884. Parents of one son,
Melville B. Melendy, who was born in Sweetwater, Au
gust 21, 1886. Dr. and Mrs. Melendy moved to Knox
ville. She died there November 16, 1910.
M. B. Melendy married Miss Eleanor Darcy, of New
York City.
Mrs. Brewster resides in Shelby, N. C.
The Manis Family.
The information below was gotten from James Har
vey Manis in Sweetwater, in 1912. He had no records
Avith him and the information is from his memory:
Ephraim Mams, father of John, Harvey and George
and those given, came from Hawkins County to this sec
tion about 1819. He died at the age of 87 years. His
children were :
WiUiam, b. 1822. Went to California in 1849. Lives
in Oregon.
John, b. 1824. Married  Eandolph.
Sarah Ann, b. 1826. Married  Cooper."
George, b. 1832. Lives at Gudger. Married. Has
large family. Served as a soldier in the Confederate
army.

250 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
James Harvey, b. January 15, 1836.
Esther, b. 1838. Married John Pryor. Lives in Mc
Minn County, Tenn.
Joseph, b.. 1840; d. 1909.
James Harvey Manis married Lucinda Eandolph Feb
ruary 15, 1867. He had served through the war in the
Confederate army. He was a farmer. Their children
were: Isham G. Harris, b. December, 1867. Lives in
Oklahoma; Bettie and Callie died young; Dosia mar
ried Alex McAmis, lives in McMinn ; Sallie, married
 Talleilt ; Mary, married  ¦  Duncan, lives
in Oklahoma; Mattie, married  McCosh, lives
in Oklahoma; Joe, lives in the first district of McMinn
County; Annie, dead; Harriette, married Connor and
lives in Oklahoma; James Harvey, died in youth.
The Maetins.
John Martin was born June 29, 1779 ; d. November 29,
1841. His son, Hugh E., was born February 25, 1809,
and died January 3, 1857. He married Mary Griffitts
of Blount County, a sister of Mrs. John Eamsey. Mary
Griffitts was born April 17, 1819, and died February 28,
1907. They are both buried at Philadelphia.
Hugh E. Martin owned a large farm about midway be
tween Philadelphia and Sweetwater. Their children
Avere :
1 . William Edward, who died at Vicksburg, Miss., in
1863. 2. James G., d. near Chattanooga in 1913. He was
a soldier in the Confederate army during the Civil War.
He married Mary McPherson of Meigs County. Their
children were: Annie, Jennie and Margaret, who died
in early life; Hugh, lives at Evansville, Tenn., m. Mc
Pherson. They have nine sons. Joe, Jack and Bertie
(Mrs. Johnson) live in Chattanooga; Georgia, lives at
Tasso, Tenn., where he is agent for the Southern Eail
way Company., and is a merchant. He married Maude
Woods, of Concord, Tenn. They have three children,
Elizabeth, George C., Jr., and Catherine.
3. Margaret, daughter of Hugh E. ; m. Thomas Har
ris, who was a carpenter and farmer. Their children
were: William Eamsey, d; Mary Elizabeth, d; Hugh

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 251
Alexander and Charles M., who live in Chattanooga,
Tenn. 4. Elizabeth, b. September 12, 1851; m. Dr. Thomas
Arrants, of Decatur, Tenn., on August 29, 1876. Their
children were: Artie, b. 1879. W. H., b. November 18,
1881. He took a literary course at the University of
Tennessee and a medical course at the University of
Nashville. He married Hulah Cowan, of Covington,
Tex. He is a practising physician at Sweetwater, Tenn.
Sam. H., third child of Elizabeth Arrants, b. October 18,
1884 ; is a farmer in Meigs County. Lizzie Crate, fourth
child of Elizabeth Arrants, b. February 24, 1888.
5. Susan, fifth chUd of Hugh E. Martin ; m. Eli Cleve
land. See Clevelands.
6. Harle, d. about 1908. Unmarried.
7. George, b. December 3, 1853 ; m. Mary DaAds. Ad
dress, 1313 Indiana Avenue, Spokane, Wash.
8. Hugh, died in early manhood.
Thomas J. Moobe
Was born at Kingston, Tenn., January 9, 1824, the son
of John Moore and Susan Moore. (This Susan Moore
was the sister of Ann Moore who married Solomon Bo
gart, whom see.) Thomas J. Moore, married (first)
Elizabeth Martin Cannon, b. June 11, 1822, daughter of
Eobert and Ann Galbraith Cannon, of Philadelphia,
Tenn., in about 1846. He moved to that place when a
young man. After the completion of the East Tennes
see and Georgia Eailroad he was agent there for that
company for a number of years. After that he worked
in the general offices of railroad company at KnoxAdlle
almost up to the time of his death. In 1871 he moved to
Sweetwater, where he purchased a part of the Chas.
Cannon farm, just southwest of the town. He died there
on March 2, 1875, and was buried at Philadelphia. The
children of T. J. and Elizabeth C. Moore were :
Octavia, b. November 8, 1847 ; d. July 8, 1886, and was
buried at Philadelphia.
Ann, b. June 20, 1850.
Eobert Cannon, b. November 24, 1853. Unmarried.
Lives at Sweetwater, Tenn.
J. Charles, b. May 5, 1856.

252 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
Ann Moore married George McKnight at Sweetwater
on November 16, 1885. He was born June 12, 1844. He
was depot agent at Sweetwater for a great number of
years for the Southern Eailway and its predecessors.
He afterwards bought the Biggs farm near there. In
May, 1905, he purchased a farm three miles west of
Charleston, Tenn., and moved there. He sold this place
in August, 1912, and moved to Cleveland, Tenn., where
he now lives. Their children were:
George M., b. August 21; 1886; d. January 15, 1915.
Eobert Cannon, b. August 19, 1888. He is a phar
macist living at Los Angeles, Cal.
J. Charles Moore, married Sarah Bachman, daughter
of Nathan and Sarah Cunningham Bachman, on June
15, 1893, the Eev. Nathan Bachman, officiating. Charles
Moore is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is a
certified public accountant and auditor. The children
of Charles and Sarah Moore are :
Charles Bachman, b. April 5, 1894; Nathan Thomas,
b. May 31, 1896 ; Laurence, b. August 6, 1902, and Eobert
Cannon, b. October 25, 1907.
J. Charles Moore lives at Knoxville, Tenn.
Thomas J. Moore, married (second) Eowena BroAvn,
the daughter of the Eev. Thos. BroAvn, of Philadelphia,
Tenn. Thomas Brown, M. G. Their children were:
Susan, b. March 31, 1869, at Philadelphia, Tenn.
Thomas J., b. October 21, 1874, at Sweetwater, Tenn.
Susan Moore was married to J. B. Sizer at Sweet
water March 8, 1888. He was born at Newark, N. J.,
on April 12, 1861. He is a laAvyer and first practised in
Sweetwater. In the year of 1890 he moved to Chatta
nooga and became a member of the firm of Pritchard &
Sizer. After the death of Mr. Eobert Pritchard he be
came a partner of Mr. Chambliss. He has a very lucra
tive practice. The children of J. B. and Susan Sizer
are: Margaret Moore, b. January 8, 1889 ; Eowena BroAvn,
b. June 1, 1891; Hilda Wade,"b. October 13, 1893; Mary
Helen, b. October 12, 1896; James Burnett, b. March 9,
1899 ; Octavia, b. June 26, 1901, and Anthony DeSosieur,
b. March 10, 1909.
Margaret Moore Sizer was married to uMexander

HISTOEY OP SAVEETWATEB VALLEY 253
Chambliss, of Chattanooga, on January 5, 1910. He is a
laAvyer. They reside at Chattanooga.
Thomas J., youngest son of Thomas J. and Eowena
Moore, Avas born October 21, 1874. On July 10, 1912, he
married Helen Swalm, of Colorado Springs, Col. She
died at Chattanooga January 6, 1915. He is a manu
facturer in Chattanooga. Hon. Matthew Nelson.
The foUowing was taken from a sketch of his life in
possession of Mr. M. M. Nelson, of KnoxAdlle, Tenn. It
was written by Ms grandmother, the Avife of Matthew
Nelson. She was, if I mistake not, a sister of Eobt. Can
non of Eoane County, who lived the latter part of Ms
life near Philadelphia on Avhat is stUl knoAvn as the Can
non place. She was born AprU 19, 1784, and died AprU
26, 1862. She and her husband were both buried in the
Presbyterian cemetery near PhUadelphia. The sketch
referred to is so weU written that it is copied almost
entire.
Matthew Nelson, Sr., was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia,
October 17, 1778. His father migrated to (what was afterward) this
State whilst it was a territory and was a sharer, first, in the Revo
lutionary War and then in the Indian war. (Note — He was too young
to have fought in the Revolution, but remembered It as a spectator.)
He was the oldest of a family of eight children and was taught the
rudiments of learning by an old maiden aunt, who had become much
attached to him on account of his aptness to learn. Slates being
scarce in those hard times, she procured a piece of slate-stone and
with a pencil of the same material she set copies for him. She used
to say to her sister in her good old Scotch-Irish dialect: "Matthew
is a fine boy and shows signs of talents." He never was at school
but three months, yet notwithstanding his disadvantages he had so
far advanced as to be employed to teach a small school at the age
of seventeen years. About the year 1799 or 1800 he went to Kingston,
where he worked at his trade (that of carpenter), and resided in
Roane County until his marriage (to Miss Martha Cannon) on the
20th of August, 1803. Shortly afterward they settled in Kingston,
where, by his honest labors and moral habits, he gained the confi
dence of all who knew him.
In 1813 he was elected representative (to the General Assembly)
from Roane County. During the session he was made treasurer of
East Tennessee. He then moved to Knoxville. He entered upon the
duties of his office January 13, 1814. These duties he discharged
with scrupulous care and fldelity for fourteen years. About 1816
he went into partnership in the mercantile line with the late worthy
James Campbell, of Knoxville. At the close of the term of partner
ship, he continued the business alone for a number of years. During

254 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
his term of office as treasurer, the public lands In the Hiwassee Dis
trict were subjected to sale, and the treasurer was required to super
intend the sale. For this service the law allowed him two per cent
commission on the gross proceeds of the sale, and all the emoluments
and perquisites of his office instead of a stated salary. The land sales
were large, and in one year his commission amounted to six or seven
thousand dollars. He believed that ftie Legislature contemplated no
such large compensation to the treasurer, and acting upon this con
viction he paid over to the treasury all but fifteen hundred dollars,
which he reserved to himself as an honest compensation.
Honesty in theory is no rarity among men; but we see here the
man that acted it out in practice in its length thereof and in 5ts
breadth thereof.
On the 25th of December, 1828, he left Knoxville with "his family
and arrived at Philadelphia on the 1st of December, 1829, and settled
on his farm to spend the remainder of his days in peace and qulelt-
ness, but his public course was not finished. He was shortly made
justice of the peace, giving satisfaction to all parties in all cases of
law. His motto was law and justice. In 1844 he was elected treasurer
of the State of Tennessee. He went to Nashville with the deter
mination to know nothing among them but truth and honesty. During
his residence in Nashville the Lord wrought a good and gracious
work -in his soul, and on the 11th of March, 1845, he joined the
Second Presbyterian church of that city, which was under the pastoral
care of Dr. Lapsley.
On the 5th of November, 1845, he was voted out of office, and
gave it up with as much ease as David laid aside Saul's armor, be
lieving It to be a bar to his spiritual interest.
On April 2, 1846, he left Nashville, and, on the 7th, arrived at his
residence in Philadelphia. He was invited by his friends to resume
his seat as justice of the peace, which had been vacant for two years.
He held this office from . that time until his death, which occurred
on December 1, 1852. Domestic Habits.
He never was an early riser; generally lay until called up by
the breakfast bell. Owing, I suppose, to his having both legs broken
when young and which remained painful at times all his life. His
temper was rather rough of a morning, but a cup of coffee generally
brought on a sweet calm. He paid but little attention to what he
ate. He seldom could tell an hour after meal what he h,ad eaten. He
was rather slovenly in his dress. Candor and punctuality marked his
way. His family generally knew where he was and what he was
about. He never aspired after a great name, but if honesty and
sound piety make a part of great men he had a large share of the
best kind of wisdom. The path of the just is as a shining light "that
shines more and more until the perfect day." For the last few years
of his life his Bible and family altar were to him as the precious
dews of heaven. He never neglected these until worn out by age
and affliction. His last illness was long and painful, but he bore his
suffering with Job-like patience.
His long and useful life closed on the 1st of December, 1852.
"Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that
man is peace."
From this sketch, which I believe is truthful, it is evi
dent that the Hon. Matthew Nelson was a very remark-

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 255
able and exceptional man. He was a warm personal and
political friend of my father, I. T. Lenoir. They both
were whigs. I. T. Lenoir was a member from Eoane
County in the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth General
Assemblies of the state. Mr. Nelson was a representa
tive from the same county in 1813. Mr. Lenoir was an
ardent and influential supporter of Mr. Nelson for state
treasurer and was among the first to suggest his mak
ing the race. He had a very high opinion of Mr. Nel
son's ability and integrity. He made as good a treasurer
as the state ever had. Mrs. Nelson's saying "that he
was voted out of office" (treasurer) merely means that
the complexion of the Legislature had changed from
whig in 1843 to democratic in 1845. Aaron V. Brown,
Democrat, had also beaten Foster, whig, for governor.
Therefore Nelson failed of re-election as treasurer. He
had been as accurate in his accounts as state treasurer
as he had been for the sale of lands in East Tennessee,
and as well prepared to settle and vacate. In conduct
ing the land sales in East Tennessee he could have made
himself immensely wealthy, not only by collecting the
fees allowed him, but agreeing with the purchasers to
turn over to him the lands so bought for stipulated sums,
erecting a man of straw as a go-between, practically
thus purchasing the lands he desired from himself at
his own price. Our modern financiers of the Guggen-
heimer type would not have asked for a better chance.
But he came out of it all rather a poor man and bought
not as much probably as he would otherAvise have done.
It has been related under the caption of General James
H. Eeagan, that he was one of the first in this section
to grant a right of way to the E. T. & G. E. E. Co., when
after a description according to grant, he adds: ''The
land upon which I now reside and on which the town of
Philadelphia is located."
Taking his career as an example it may well be doubted
whether ideal "honesty is the best policy" to pursue to
accumulate wealth or for a successful financial career.
Mr. Nelson had almost unlimited opportunities inside
the law to become rich but he failed to take advantage
of them. No doubt resisting temptation to do what he
considered would be wrong gave him greater satisfac-

256 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
tion than to be able to draw a valid check for many thous
ands acquired dishonestly or in ways to which suspicion
might attach. His policy of "letting his family know
where he was and what he was about" no doubt in Ms
case was a peacemaker and a worry-saver ; but adopted
by the average husband would be about as likely to cause
trouble as to prevent it. Would it not be better some
times to use a little diplomacy in the matter?
Mrs. Nelson's tribute to the beneficent influence of a
cup of coffee upon the feelings and temper of her hus
band would have been quite a blow to the postum busi
ness had there been any such at the time. But how the
coffee men would have relished it ! And pray why should
not the coffee berry boiled in water produce as healthful
and palatable a beverage as the rye and wheat berry?
It will be interesting to note that the old house which
Mr. Nelson built and resided in till his death is still
standing. Its location is across the branch from W. C.
Cannon's residence.
The children of Matthew and Martha Nelson were :
1. LaAvrence, married Louisa Cannon (see Cannon).
He died ¦ 
2. Caroline, married John 0. Cannon. . John O. C, Jr.,
their son, was reared by Matthew Nelson.
3. Sydney C, married Eobert Cleveland (see Cleve
lands). 4. Eliza, married Dr. Blackburn, of New Market. One
son, David B., who went to Oregon.
5. Matthew, married  McGaughey, of Athens,
Tenn. He is dead. She is still (1916) liAdng in Knox
ville. One son, Matthew N., merchant and accountant,
Knoxville, Tenn.
6. John D. 'He must have been something of a hu--
morist. He obtained a license at Madisonville, Tenn.,
on the 1st of February, 1839, to marry Polly Maddy.
They did not marry and he made the return : "No prop
erty found in my county, J. D. Nelson, sheriff." How
ever, next time he had better luck. On the 20th of Au
gust, 1844, he obtained a license to marry Sarah D. Talia
ferro. They were duly married and moved to Texas.
7. William Cannon, was born at KnoxAdlle, Tenn., Sep
tember 16, 1821. He married Caroline Jones, born May

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 257
26, 1826, daughter of Hardy Jones. He was a farrner
and also conducted a tanyard. He lived in or near Phila
delphia most of his life. He died at Greeneville, Tenn.
Their children were :
1. Martha, b. November 24, 1843. Married Harris
Tipton, of Morganton, Tenn., on September 29, 1867. He
was the son of John B. Tipton and Louisiana Tipton.
Their children were: Sydney, John B. (dead), Hope,
Nelson, Lawrence and Bessie.
2. Sydney Caroline, b. May 29, 1846; d. July 21, 1861.
3. DaAdd, b. June 2, 1848. Died in the west about 1912.
He married Ida Shrader, of Loudon, Tenn., who died
in the west a short time before her husband. David Nel
son was a lawyer and was a member of the Forty-sixth
Generar Assembly, sixth senatorial district. He had an.
only daughter who is dead.
4. Bettie Nelson, b. July 4, 1856. Married Charles
Howard, of Greeneville, Tenn., on October 17, 1882.
Lives at Ocmulgee, Okla.
5. John, b. June 29, 1858. Died in Oklahoma about
1905. 6. Annie, b. April 6, 1860. She married (first) Cicero
Haynes, September 30, 1883. They had one daughter,
Bessie Eoe, married Howard. Mrs. Haynes married
(second) Dr. C. Stearns. Two children, both dead.
8. DaAdd, the youngest child of Matthew Nelson died
while his father was state treasurer.
Steeling Neil.
The parents of Sterling Neil came from Virginia to
this country. Sterling Neil was born in McMinn County
on November 14, 1823. He married Miss Sallie Thomas,
of ThompMnsville, Ky. She was born in West Tennes
see. Her parents were Samuel and Sallie Thomas. She
died in 1880 at Fort VaUey, Ga.
Sterling Neil moved from McMinn County to his farm
on the Athens road, one and one-half miles from Sweet
water, in 1849. They moved to Fort Vialley, Ga., in
1863. He left his farm in Sweetwater Valley in charge
of his father-in-law when he went south on account of
the Federal occupation. Owing to the absence of the
real owner, the farm and house suffered more from dep-

258 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
redation than it otherwise would. At Fort Valley he
was a farmer and banker. He and his wife were both
members of the Christian church. Their children were :
1. Stella, b. August 11, 1852.
2. John E., b. March, 1855. Lives at Fort VaUey, Ga.
3. Mary, b. December 13, 1858.
4. Alice, b. December 24, 1861 ; d. at Athens, Tenn.
5. Sam Thomas, b. February 6, 1864 ; m. Stella Harris.
He died in January, 1869.
1. SteUa married J. C. Slappey, who was born Decem
ber 10, 1842, on December 14, 1859. They live at Fort
Valley, Ga. Their children are:
(1) Gfeorge A. Slappey, b. AprU 27, 1871. He m. Fan
nie Harris in 1891, who lived only a year. Eight years
later he married Clara Visscher. They live at Fort Val
ley, Ga.
(2) Beulah, b. December 22, 1872; m. W. H. Harris
May 16, 1894. Address, Fort VaUey^ Ga.
(3) Alice, b. October 17, 1874; m. W. C. Black, Novem
ber 29, 1893. Address, Tampa, Fla.
(4) NeU, b. September 18, 1876. Lives at Fort Val
ley, Ga.
(5) Euby, b. January 3, 1879 ; m. H. L. Harris, January
10, 1898 ; d. Sparta, Ga., February 1, 1914.
(6) Sterling, b. January 4, 1881 ; m. Elmer Green, June
14, 1904. Address, Fort VaUey, Ga. .
(7) Maude, b. Octdber 27, 1888; m. E. C. Suder, AprU
9, 1913. Address, Macon, Ga.
(8) Gladys, b. January 23, 1895.
2. Mary, second child of Sterling and Sallie Neil, was
born near Sweetwater. She married Will C. Wester, of
Chattandoga, Tenn., December 16, 1879. He was born
on Half Moon Island, Tenn., November 27, 1854. He is
a fire insurance inan. They have one child, Earl Neil
Wester, who married Lucille Gerstle.
Chables Owen.
A cdsmopdlitan population makes a prosperous sectioii
and cominuiiity, wlieU there are not more "undesirable
citizens" as immigrants than can be readily assiinilateid.
The lessoiis of history, if I read them aright, inform us
thsit, without the infusion of hew blood into a nation, it

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 259
degenerates and finally gives place to, or is overcome
by, some other that is stronger or more aggressive. Our
own section of country was peopled by those differing
in customs and, in a iheasure, religion and descended
from varied national ancestry. Those settling in our
valley, so far as the states were concerned, came from
Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina and a few from
each of the states of Maryland, Kentucky and South
Carolina. As regards remoter ancestry we have the
German Lotspeich, Pickel, Patton, Fry and Fryer; the
English Cannon, Cleveland, Johnston, Mayes, Nelson
and Yearwood; the Scotch Gregory, Neil, Eamsey and
Wallis; the French Bogart, Berry, Fine, Goddard, Ju
lian, Lenoir and Eowan; the Irish Moore, Eagon, Eea
gan, Sligo and Scruggs ; the Welch Jones and Owen ;
the Norman-Dutch Heiskell, the Scotch-Irish McGuire.
Most of the families did not come to this valley direct
from the mother countries, but had undergone a process
of fusion in other states before settling here. To this
no doubt is attributed the absence of friction between
citizens and neighbors. It has rarely happened- that
there has been a feud perpetuated in our immediate sec
tion. No Jews, Eussians or Italians at first came to our
valley. You find in the records no names of people end
ing in "io," "ini," "ani," "off," or "sky." There
were no ''steins" or "bergs" or "schmidts" but how
ever there were a few plain Smiths.
Those early settlers had no use for people who di
vided the world into just two classes : those of their
own tribe and kindred and the others, the Gentiles, whom
they thought the Lord did not consider his children and
who were of the opinion that Moses was greater than
Jesus Christ. They, the pioneers, had just as little use
for those who took orders from any foreign potentate
temporal or spiritual. They were all Protestants in re
ligion and mostly belonged to one of three churches:
Baptist, Methodist or Presbyterian. By Presbyterian
w^e mean any branch of tha;t great body.
Tlius the elements (the inhabitants) were so mingled
as to make a palatable state of affairs. Like the French
man's drink, which he named a "dim contradiction, " it
contaihed various ingredients :

260 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
"A little lemon to make it sour,
A little sugar to make it sweet,
A little (?) liquor to make it strong,
A little vvater to make it weak. ' '
The difference there was in manners, religion, political
opinions and customs served only to make social condi
tions more pleasant and agreeable.
Owen Owen.
Owen Owen, of Northampton County, Penn., was the
great grandfather of Charles Owen, of Sweetwater Val
ley. Owen Owen had a son, David Owen, who was born
March 13, 1713. His will is of record at Easton Penn
sylvania. His wife, Sarah, was born March 1, 1724.
They were parents of ten children. Joseph Owen was the
fifth son. He married Susan B. Hartsell July 24, 1771.
They had seven children of whom Charles Owen, who
came to Sweetwater Valley, was the second.
Jesse Owen, brother of Charles Owen above, had a
daughter, Sarah Wallace, born January 20, 1831. She
married Samuel F'. Hurt, of Abingdon, Va., on AprU
12, 1859. Her daughter, Eosa Lee, born December 23,
1868, married James W. Bell, of Abingdon, Va., April
14, 1892. He is president of the First National Bank
of Abingdon, Va.
The eldest daughter of David Owen, was named
Eachel, who married Samuel Bachman. It was thought
she was the first of the Owens to move South. Samuel
Bachman settled in upper East Tennessee.
Joseph Owen came to Tennessee between 1793 and
1795. These facts about Charles Owen's ancestry were
obtained from Mrs. James W. Bell, of Abingdon, Va.
Charles Owen was born in Allegheny County, Penn.,
on December 29, 1793. He died at his residence near
Sweetwater on September 6, 1873.
Louisa .Berry, his wife, was born in Sullivan County,
Tenn., on March 22, 1798. She died January 8, 1867.
They both were buried in the old cemetery on the hill
west of the town of Philadelphia, where the old Presby
terian church once stood.
They Avere married in Sullivan County on May 7, 1818.

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 261
The exact date they came to Sweetwater Valley is not
knoAvn to me. The records both at Athens and Madison-
AdUe show that he was a purchaser and made sales of
lands as early as 1827. At Madisonville in Book "A,"
page 93, is found this conveyance: "Chas. Matlock to
Charles Owen 100 acres, part of tract, the northwest
quarter of section 35, township 2, range 1, east. The
residence he built on this tract is a brick house at the
fork of the Pond Creek and Philadelphia roads, and
south of the Tennessee Military Institute. This last
named building is also on the Owen tract. This date
(1827), without going back any further makes Charles
Owen one of the pioneer settlers.
The following record is found in the state archives at
Nashville, Tenn.
"In conformity to an act passed by the General Assembly of the
State of Tennessee at Nashville, 3rd December, 1835, entitled an Act
to provide for the laying off the several counties in this State into
districts of convenient size, within which constables and justices of
the peace shall be elected; and for other purposes, and also In con
formity with a resolution appointing commissioners for the several
counties, we, William Bayless, John Callaway, Sr., Thomas L. Toomy
and Jesse Cunningham, four of the commissioners appointed for
Monroe County by said resolution, met at Madisonville, January 16,
]S3t), and after being sworn, as said act directs, by Joseph Marshall,
one of the acting justices of the peace for said county, proceeded to
lay off said county into districts as directed by said act, beg leave
to report seventeen districts In accordance with the sixth section of
said act."
(Boundaries of the First Civil District.)
"No. 1 District. Beginning at the northwest corner of Monroe
County, thence running with the line of Monroe and Roane Counties,
to include Thomas Vernon, Esq.; thence a direct course to Dr. Gregory's
mill on Sweetwater Creek; thence to Morganton road, leading by the
farm of William Dlllard; thence with the road leading from Dillard's
to Gregory's Gap till you come within about two hundred yards of
the Boiling Spring; thence a direct course to the county line between
Monroe and McMinn Counties, passing between the dwelling house of
B. Moore and James Axley, and between John Lotspeich and Wil
liam Neil; thence with the county line to the corner of Monroe County
the beginning of the First District. Election Ground, Charles Owens."
He was an elder in the Presbyterian church at Sweet
water when it was built. He was a farmer but was
known more as a money leaner and broker (called "note
shaver" in those days) than as a farmer. He was con
sidered a good financier.
It was well known that he was an anti-slavery man
and thought it wrong to own slaves. The work on the

262 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
farm was done by himself and family and sometimes with
the aid of white hired help. Although his farm was not
a very fertile one for this valley, he reared in comfort
and educated one of the largest families in the section.
Who his descendants were and what became of them
we will give some account later on.
Politically previous to the Civil War Charles Owen
was a Democrat. One might have expected that from
his Adews on the slavery question he would have allied
himself with the whigs; for Henry Clay through the
greater part of his political career was a gradual emanci
pationist. There was then no Eepublican party in the
South. He was a man of probity and strong character. What
ever views he held political or religious he had no hesita
tion in expressing them. He was a Union man during
the Civil War. Chables and Louisa Owen
were the parents of fourteen children as follows:
1. Sarah White Owen was born August 2, 1819. She
married Hugh Lawson White Patton, DecemlDer 12, 1837.
They moved to Gentry County, Mo. While they were.
on a visit here he died on November 29, 1852. Charles
O. Patton, of Albany, Mo., is a son of theirs.
2. James White Owen was born January 22, 1822. He
married Ann Amelia Edrkpatrick, October 4, 1842. They
had a daughter, Margaret, who was born near Sweet
Avater, August 14, 1846. She married Charles Cunnyng
ham, then of McMinn County, Tenn., but now of Albany,
Mo., on May 9, 1867. They have a large family of chil
dren and grandchildren.
Some time after the death of his first wife, J. W. Owen
married Mary Jane Patton on June 4, 1856. They re
sided in Gentry County, Mo. He was county treasurer
of that county four years and postmaster at Albany,
Mo., for four years. He died in Dewey County, Okla
homa, July 15, 1906. There were four children of this
second marriage, and each one of them has a Charles
Owen in the family. Charles Owen, a son, resides at In
dependence, Okla.

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 263
3. Susanna Owen was born January 10, 1824,- and died
July 6, 1839.
4. Joseph Marshall Oavcu was born in Sweetwater
VaUey, September 1, 1825. He married Mary M. HiU,
granddaughter of John Fine, on August 28, 1849. There
was one son, ,Charles LaFayette, who resides at Inde
pendence, Neb., on a Mexican war claim given his father
by Charles Owen, the grandfather. J. M. Owen died in
Gentry County, Mo., in 1851.
Charles L. Owen is the father of six children.
Mary M. Hill Owen was born in 1834. She died in
Brownsville, Neb., in October, 1884. In 1856 she was
married a second time. Wm. H. Lorance, who was born
in Monroe County, Tenn., became her husband. To this
union were born twelve children, six sons and three
daughters of whom are still liAdng (1914).
6. Charles Lilburn Owen was born July 5, 1829. He
married Mary Patton, daughter of Francis A. Patton
and sister of Horace Patton and a half sister of Frank,
James and Ann Patton whose mother was Amanda Tay
lor Patton. This Frank Patton, the father of Mary
Patton, resided near County Line where C. D. Browder
now lives. I do not know the maiden name of Frank
Patton 's first Avife, but his last Avife, Amanda Taylor,
was a sister of the late E. A. Taylor. C. L. Owen and Avife
went to Gentry County, Mo., where so many sought
homes from this valley. They have a son, Charles, who,
resides there.
7. Louisa Owen was born April 6, 1831. She died May
13, 1908. She married Horace H. Morris on November
18, 1852. He died February 14, 1909. They resided,
during their married life, one mile east of Eeagan's Sta
tion in McMinn County.
They reared a family of eight children, four sons and
four daughters.
Children of H. H. and Louisa Morris:
Josephine, m. J. L. Lowe. She is dead.
Hattie Florence married James Forrest Yearwood,
September 11, 1879. She was born September 13, 1857.
She resides at 419 Chicamauga Avenue, Lincoln Park,
Knoxville, Tenn.

264 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
Charles A., married Janie Dillingham, of TraAds Coun
ty, Texas. He lives in Austin.
Nannie Louise married Joseph Bogle. They live in
Chattanooga. Walter L. married Elizabeth Forrest of Niota. Ee-
side in Austin, Texas.
Edward married Dora Blanton. Live at Soddy, Tenn.
Owen married Victoria Shell. They live in Knoxville.
\ 8. Jesse Franklin Owen was born April 4, 1833, and
died November 7, 1895. He married Sarah P. Taylor
on November 25, 1861. When a young man he went with
W. L. Clark and others to California during the excite
ment about gold in that state. He returned previous to
the Civil War. In the confiict between the states he took
the Union side and came out of the war a lieutenant.
He was elected as representative from Monroe County
to the Thirty-sixth General Assembly of the state of
Tennessee. He was voted for and elected partly by the
Democrats as a compromise candidate. He had an
nounced himself as being opposed to the wholesale dis
franchisement of "rebels" and their sympathizers,
which state of affairs existed from the close of the war -
up to the state election in that year, 1869. He was knoAvn
as a Senter Eepublican as opposed the more radical whig
of the party, which had up to that time had control
of affairs in the state. He was postmaster at Sweet
water under Grant, during his last administration, and
also under Hayes and Harrison, occupying that office
in all twelve years.
As one would naturally expect he was a Presbyterian,
He was a member of Lodge No. 292, F. and A. M., and
Chapter No. 57.
The children of J. F. and S. P. Owen were seven in
number: Jessie E., Fred Winton, Fred, Eoss, Kate,
Charles and Hugh. Only three of the children are now
living: Eoss, Kate and Hugh. Kate, in October, 1898,
married Henry Adkins, formerly of Philadelphia, Tenn.,
but now of Pony, Mont. Eoss married Anne Scruggs,
daughter of the late Dr. E. F. Scruggs. Charles married
a short time previous to his death.
The first two children "Jessie E." and "Fred Win-

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 265
ton," died in infancy. ''Fred was not born until after
the death of "Fred Winton."
9. Harriet Owen was born February 9, 1835. She mar
ried George L. Beavers, then living at Sweetwater, on
March 5, 1857. They went to Louisville, Texas. He was
a farmer. They both resided at Louisville till their
death. He died October 5, she September 21, 1910.
Their chUdren were five in number: "William H.,
Fronie, George H., Charles F. and Euth E. These are
all living, are married and all have families and consti
tute quite a colony of themselves, having its origin in
Sweetwater. 10. Solomon Hartsell Owen was born February 21,
1837 ; he died October 23, 1861.
11. Wm. Francis. Born and died October 1, 1838.
12. Susan Adeline, was born October 11, 1839. Her
post-office is Maryville, Tenn.
13. Emily Caroline Owen was born February 20, 1842.
She died March 30, 1874. She married William Jordan
Clayton June 14, 1860. He was born in Knox County,
-August 31, 1835. He lives in KiioxviUe. Their children
were six in number, three boys and three girls. They
are now all married and have families. Their places of
residence are scattered from Tennessee to Texas. Their
names are: Louise Elizabeth Butler, Houston, Texas;
Jessie May Eichard, Knoxville, Tenn. ; Wm. Graham
Clayton, KnoxAdlle, Tenn. ; Eobt. Owen Clayton, Birm
ingham, Ala. ; Frank Crawford Clayton, Jackson, Tenn. ;
Helen Adaline McNutt, KnoxAdlle, Tenn.
14. Mary Haseltine Owen was born November 11, 1843.
She married John C. Winton of Loudon County, April
15, 1875. He died on February 21, 1901. Mrs. Winton
now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Alice Winton Hen.
sley, who married B. F. Hensley, a florist of Knights-
town, Ind. Chables. Owen's Chabacteeistics.
Success to the individual consists largely in getting
what you want when you want it and in getting rid of
what you do not want. This is not a Websterian but a
chimney corner definition, but it is sufficient for our
purpose. This has reference to a man's subjective at-

266 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
titude towards his own achievements. The end striven
for may be worthy or unworthy. There is also an ob
jective point of view : the light in which others regard
what you have done. Most people who think they knoAV
you well and often others too, can tell precisely where
you failed, of achieving success; or how your success
would have been much greater had you followed a certain
line of conduct, which they advised or could have laid
down for you had you consulted them. Like the bed of
Procrustes they have an invariable standard to fit you
to, and lop you off if you prove too long and stretch you
to the proper length if too short. This tendency of hu
manity is expressed in the wise saw of the mountaineer :
' ' Measuring my corn with your half bushel. ' '
What Charles Owen's ideal was I have no satisfactory
means of knowing. I think he never spoke to me more
than a dozen words in his life and he was loath to ex
press himself in public assemblages.
When I was a boy I attributed his not noticing me to
his disapproval of a youth who played checkers, ball and
the fiddle and ran about the country hunting with a dog,
a pony and a gun. I think now he was scarcely aware
of my habits and that this was merely indifference. How
ever this might have been, I was careful not to cross his
line in my hunts and when Brer ' rabbit got on the Owen
land he was as safe from me as if he had fled to another
county. But I cared little for this since I could go to
any other place I wished. There were no wire fences
in the valley then to tear my clothes or bar my way. I
was not told at home nor by Mr. Owen not to go on his
territory, but I much preferred to take no chances of a
rebuff with a man who usually ignored me, neither
smiled, sang nor looked pleasant even at church. There
was an added reason to this ; there was a green pond of
considerable size in one corner of the yard at Mr. Owen's,
on whose margin grew a large weeping Avillow tree with
long drooping branches. In the depths of the pond lived
a colony of water moccasins, that on sunny days lazily
stretched themselves out on the rocks with which the
pond was lined. These things gave the landscape a
dreary appearance and taken together had a depressing
effect on the spirits. I did not have to be warned to stay

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 267
' away from them. I always treated Mr. Owen with
marked respect, for besides being a little afraid of him,
it had been time and again impressed upon me by my
mother and father, with methods more effective than
Scripture quotations, that I should have a special regard
for the feelings of old people and under no circum
stances whatever misbehave at church or in the school
room, and that if I must cut any extra shines to do so at
home. I Avas rarely, if ever, a Adsitor at the Owen resi
dence, during his lifetime. In referring to myself in
these notes, it is not to inject into them the personal
equation, but merely to show that if I have given or shall
give more space to him and his people than most others,
it is not due to any extra partiality to him or what he
stood for, but to record essential facts such as go to
the making up of a truthful and instructive history.
Gilbert Parker in one of his books relates that, during
the war between the British and the Boers in South
Africa, there was a soldier from New Zealand in one
of the regiments. He was a very tine one and never
shirked a duty. He always carried a set of chessmen
with him. In a fierce charge up a steep hill (kopje),
froih which the Boers were driven, he was mortally
wounded. He was not found until after his death. He
had adopted this means of sending a message to his com
rades : He had taken from his set of chessmen a paAvn
(a piece the most numerous and of least value in the
game) and placed it on a stone at his head. This was to
tell them that he considered himself only an insignificant
private in the game of war and that it was inevitable that
many should meet such a fate and he was contented to
be one of the number. Just this.
It would not have suited Charles Owen to have been
so small a factor in affairs ; he was too positive a char
acter ; but he would have fought just as hard as the New
Zealander. He pursued methods of his own and resented
dictation from others.
When he Avished to be emphatic in his language, his
preface or by- word was "I say," which if unnecessary is
at least more scriptural than some in too common use.
If he had been writing instead of Francis Scott Key, who
wrote the words:

268 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
"0 ! say can you see in the daAvn's early light.
What so proudly we hailed at twilight's last gleaming? "
He would probably have said:
' ' I say, I can see in this broad land of ours.
By Faith the Presbyterian Banner still waAdng."
He was the ancestor of a score who were named for
him. He lived to see many of his children and grand
children grow up to be useful and honored citizens. In
most instances his numerous descendants, wherever dis
persed about the west, south and southwest, have been in
grained Avith Presbyterianism. "When the question was
asked: ""What church did he or she belong to," the al
most invariable answer was "The Presbyterian" (writ
ten with a capital P).
If success consists in perpetuating the family name
and Presbyterian principles then, measured by that
standard, Charles Owen was an eminently successful man
and I have no doubt these were facts highly gratifying
to him.
If half the Presbyterians had been like the Owens and
as devoted to their principles, there would, in a few
generations, be room for no denominations other than
the Presbyterian. For, from Cromwell doAvn they have
been fighters and you find them marching solidly toward
the enemy when according to the doctrine of chances, you
would expect to see them facing the other way. But in
the lexicon of the Presbyterians there is no such word as
' ' chance. ' '
As a matter of convenience I append a few facts about
Gentry County, Mo., where so many of the Owens and
others from this immediate section have made their
homes. It is situated in the northwest part of the state
about 100 miles north of Kansas City. It is in a rich
agricultural country. It contains 490 square miles to
our county's 673. The population by the census of 1900
and 1910 were, respectively, 20,554 and 16,820, to Mon
roe's 18,595 and 20,716. So the last census does not make
a favorable shoAving for Gentry county as compared Avith
our own.
Albany, the county site of Gentry County, contains

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 269
about the same number of inhabitants as Sweetwater
and is about the same elevation above the sea level.
In the presidential election of 1912, Gentry county
voted 4,060 and Monroe 2,336. Wilson carried Gentry
County by 1,000 votes. It appears they pay more atten
tion to politics there than we do. Evidently a much
larger proportion of the voters went to the polls.
Ibby Oee
Was born September 9, 1821; d. in Sweetwater, April
10, 1904. He came from the head of Sweetwater Creek
to SweetAvater about the time the E. T. & Ga. E. E. de
pot was built. He was among- the first settlers of the
toAvn. He was married (first) to Nancy Ann Weathers
on December 4, 1840. She was born March 18, 1825.
She died June 24, 1862. Their children were :
1. Sarah Jane, b. March 16, 1844; m. James G. Fork-
ner, December 1, 1866. They moved to Oklahoma about
1892, where she died in 1912.
2. Julia Ann, March 14, 1846; m. James F. Nichols,
June 16, 1864, and moved to Decatur, Ala., where he
died. 3. Mary Caroline, b. August 28, 1848 ; m. William Fry
on September 2, 1869. (See Fry.)
4. John Willson, b. September 8, 1850; m. MoUie E.
Young, August 28, 1875. They went to Texas and from
there to Arkansas. They had five children, names not
known. 5. Samuel Eowan, b. October 30, 1852; (first) m. Miss
Eogers, of Decatur, Ala. She died AprU 11, 1902. He
died in Nashville and was buried at the Sweetwater Cem
etery. They had three children: Walter, Samuel and
Irma. He married (second) Miss Smith. Two chil
dren. 6. WilUam, b. September 22, 1854. Went to Texas
in 1892 ; married there. History not known.
7. James, b. December 3, 1856; d. January 28, 1890.
He was a stock trader. Unmarried.
8. Eobert Jackson, b. March 7, 1859 ; m. Nannie Eddy
of Meigs County. She died and he afterwards married
Ella Pratt. He was a locomotive engineer in the em
ploy of the L. & N. Eailroad in Birmingham, Ala.

270 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
9. Nancy Lenoir, b. July 13, 1861 ; d. June 24, 1862.
Irby Orr was married (second) to Mrs. Chaney S.
Barrett on March 10, 1863. She was formerly Chaney
Nichols, of Pittsylvania County, Va. Her parents were
John and Elizabeth Shelton Nichols. Their children
were: .
10. Charles W., b. May 10, 1868; m. Miss Love. They
had one chUd, b. May 14, 1903.
11. Lillian, b. March 2, 1874; m. Eeece Lowry June,
1907. He is an insurance agent living in Chattanooga,
Tenn. Francis A. Patton
Was born in North -Carolina. He came to Monroe
County, Tenn. He married a Miss Eose. They had two
children, Horace and Mary. Mary m. Charles L. Owen
(whom see). Horace joined the Confederate army and
was captured at Vicksburg. After the war was over
he married Mary E. Cleveland on December 28, 1865.
Jos. Janeway, minister. Mary was the daughter of
Eobt. and Elizabeth Cleveland and a sister of Wm.
Cleveland. Their subsequent history is not known to the
writer. After the death of his first wife, Francis A. Patton
married Amanda A. Taylor, sister of E. A. Taylor in
the latter part of 1841. He died at his residence where
C. D. Browder now lives, in 1845. Their children were :
Frank T. He was born in 1842. He was in the Civil
War and was captured at Vicksburg. Soon after the
Civil War he went to Georgia and afterwards to the
southern part of Missouri. He was elected to the Legis
lature from one of the counties there. He died on Sep
tember 13, 1901.
Anne E., b. January 12, 1844; d. March 18, 1890. Mar
ried T. E. Snead (whom see).
James F., born in the latter part of 1846. Married
Callie Ferguson, formerly of Monroe> County, Tenn.,
in 1868. They reside at Alva, Okla. Their children
are : Mary F., EUzabeth A., WiU E., Preston C, Sal
lie A., Carrie E., Amy L., Horace F. and Ora J. AU
married except the two youngest, Horace and Ora. Ho
race is a minister in Ehode Island. Was educated ^t
theological seminary in Bbstoii, Mass.

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 271
Francis A. Patton died in 1845. Mrs. Amanda Pat
ton Avas married (second) to Thomas L. Brickell on
January 3, 1850. They had one daughter, Emma, born
the latter part of 1850, who married Joseph Traylor in
1870. She is dead. He lives in White County, Ark.
Stephen Parshley
Was born March 11, 1811, in Middletovra, Conn. He
came to Lenoir's, Tenn., in 1832, where he was employed
for some years in the cotton factory. Moved to Phila
delphia, Tenn., in 1845. Married Martha Stewart
Brock, in 1839, in Stockton valley. She was born in
Virginia, September 25, 1816. Died at Philadelphia,
November 18, 1882, and was buried there. Stepheh
Parshley, in the latter years of his life, was a sT;ock
trader. He was a Methodist. Died at Philadelphia in
jFebruary, 1851. Interred in Stfekee Cemetery, near
Loudon. His children were:
Sarah, b. June 27, 1840. Married Harvey Porter.
E. Sophia, b. June 22, 1846. Married Thomas H.
Grieb, of Joplin, Mo.
Mary Virginia, b. January 23, 1849. Married Milton
Bayless, of Chestua, McMinn County, who was a farmer.
She died near Gudger, Tenn., March 27, 1914. He died
there in 1915.
Stephen, b. June 4, 1851. He went to Ashland, Kan.,
about 1880, and was a lawyer and prosecuting attorney
while there. He went from Kansas to Park City, Utah,
and from there to Lawton, Okla., where he was married
to Mrs. Kate "Whitney. He afterwards moved to Den
ver, Col., where he now (1916) lives.
Washington LaFayette Peicb
Was the son of Addison and Julia Loughlin Price.
He was born at Philadelphia, Tenn., on December 8,
1830. He died there on May 28, 1890, and was buried
at the old cemetery. His wife, Mary Jane, was the
daughter of John and Mary Holston. John Holston was
born November 29, 1800. Mary Jane Holston Price was
born June 5, 1834, and died at Johnson City at the home

272 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
of her granddaughter, Mrs. Kate Burbage, on January
11, 1913. She was buried at Stekee Cemetery near Lou
don, Tenn.
W. L. Price was express agent at Loudon during the
Civil War and was also postmaster until he came to
Sweetwater in 1864 and engaged in the general mercan
tile business. He was a member of Sweetwater Lodge
No. 292 F. & A. M., and also of Chapter No. 57 E. A. M.
He lived at Sweetwater until 1872 when he sold out his
business there and moved to California. Later he re
turned to Tennessee and made Knoxville his home for
many years.
The children of W. L. and M. J. Price were three, one
daughter, Mary Julia, was born at Loudon July 16, 1854.
Died there February 16, 1859.
William B., his oldest son, was born at Loudon De
cember 3, 1859. He took up the study .of music under
Mrs. H. M. Cooke, at Sweetwater, and also under his
father, both of whom had a thorough understanding of
music. William B. was organist at the Episcopal church
at Cleveland, Tenn., and afterwards organist in Chi
cago. He is now president of the Price-Teeple Piano
Company of Chicago, 111. Their business is the manu
facture of pianos and player pianos. Mr. Price pre
sented a fine piano to the H. M. Cooke Memorial Li
brary Association at Sweetwater, Tenn. William B.
Price has been twice married. He married, first, Lucie
A. Smith, of Eogersville, Tenn., and second Natalie
Whitted, of Chicago, IU.
Albert F. Price, son of first marriage, was born in
Knoxville, Tenn., on January 9, 1883. He' is general
wholesale representative of the Price-Teeple Company.
Kate, daughter of the first marriage, was born in
Knoxville, August 11, 1884. She married Henry J.
Burbage. He resides at Johnson City, Tenn., where he
is engaged in the wholesale produce business.
Charles, the second son of W. L. and M. J. Price, was
born at Sweetwater on September 27, 1868. Unmarried.
He is the eastern representative of the Price-Teeple
Piano Co.
The ancestors of W. L. and Mary J. Price were among

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 273
the early settlers of America and fought under Wash
ington in the Eevolutionary War.
William Pennington
Was born in Ashe County, N. C, December 13, 1777 ; d.
in Sweetwater Valley, AprU 22, 1838. His wife, Eliz
abeth EUer, was born in North Carolina in October,
1776; d. December 7, 1844. He moved to Sweetwater
Valley and settled on the Jesse Martin (Presley Cleve
land) place. He sold his interest there to Presley
Cleveland and moved to what was afterwards the Eiley
Burns farm and there reared his family. They had one
son, John Pennington, who was born in Ashe County, N.
C, October 27, 1801. He came with his father, first to
Knox County, and then to Sweetwater Valley in 1820.
He married Alpha Davis, of Somerset, Ken. She was
born in 1802 and died in 1872. She was buried at Cleve
land Cemetery. The children of John and Alpha Pen
nington were:
One. Lucinda Elizabeth, b. July 4, 1823; d. December
9, 1828.
Two. Hiram B., b. 1825 ; m. Margaret Pickel, daughter
of Jonathan Pickel, in 1848. He died in Gentry County,
Mo. (at the age of 58), where they had previously moved.
Their children were:
1. ("Big") John, lives at Salem, Ore. He is now
(1916) 61 years of age.
2. Alpha, m.  Easterly. Lives in Missouri.
\ 3. Eliza, m.  Eobinson. Lives in Gentry Coun
ty, Mo.
Three. Emeline, b. 1827; m. EU Mathew, son of EU
Cleveland (whom see).
Four. William Jasper, b. April 10, 1829; d. October,
1852. Baptized July, 1851. Unmarried.
Five. John Calloway, b. July 31, 1831. His father,
John Pennington and John Calloway, who liyed near
Cleveland church, were cousins. He was baptized Oc
tober, 1856. He married Esther Caroline Bryant, March
20, 1855. She was the daughter of A. P. Bryant, of
McMinn County, Tenn. She was born January 9, 1836;
d. June 4, 1905. Their children were :

274

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY

1. Addie Frances, b. December 25, 1855 ; d. May, 1905.
She married S. S. Caldwell of Alabama. They moved
to Dodd, Fannin County, Texas. They were the par
ents of seven children, six boys and one daughter. They
mostly live in the section of Texas named above.
2. Alpha Ann, second daughter of John Calloway Pen
nington, was born October 4, 1857 ; m. James Eicheson
of Pond Creek Valley in 1884. They moved to Fannin
County, Texas, in 1888. They are the parents of sis
children, four daughters and two sons. Bertie and Ger
tie were twins and were born in Pond Creek Valley in
1886. They were married in Texas. The other chil
dren, except the youngest daughter, are also married
and several of them have families.
3. Aley, b. February, 1860; d. June, 1913; m. James
A. Cook, brother of Dr. S. B. Cook, late of Chattanooga.
She died in 1877. They resided on Paint Eock Creek.
Their children were:
(1) Lena, now (1916) 33 or 34 years of age; m. B. F.
Kyle, of Anniston, Ala.
(2) John, now (1916), aged 30.
(3)' May, married. Eesides at Anniston, Ala.
(4) Charles Bates, b. 1888 or 1889. Lives at Anniston,
Ala. 4. Mary, daughter of John Calloway Pennington, b.
October, 1862 ; d. 1882. Unmarried.
5. Emma, b. February 22, 1865; d. 1890; m. Eobert
Pardue, brother of Eev. H. Clay Pardue, in 1884. Their
children are John, b. 1885, and William, b. 1887.
6. John Bryant, b. June 7, 1868; m. Margaret, sister
of W. Y. Wilson, on March 29, 1891. He was elected
county court clerk of Monroe County in August, 1910,
and re-elected in 1914. Children are : Carl, b. January
19, 1894; Janie Esther, b. October, 1896; CaUie, b. Feb
ruary 9, 1898 ; Nannie, b. March 13, 1901 ; EUza, b. Jan
uary 29, 1904; Margaret, b. AprU 21, 1906.
7. William Horace, seventh child of John Calloway
Pennington, b. July 2, 1870. Married Zada Lloyd in
Springfield, Mo. Was killed October 16, 1915, in Inter-„
urban Eailroad accident. Four children, one boy and
three girls were born to them.

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 275
8. Charles Edward, eighth child of John CalloAvay
Pennington, b. October 2, 1872. Married Belle Pope, a
niece of James Pope, who was county court clerk of
Eoane County for thirty years. Charles Pennington is
a E. F. D. carrier. Their children are : James Clifford,
b. AprU 15, 1894; Essie, b. February, 1896; Annie BeUe,
b. 1898 ; John, b. 1901 ; Lizzie, b. 1903 ; Mattie Lee, b.
1904; Emma, b. 1907; Charles, b. 1911.
Sixth. Mary Ann, sixth child of Jno. and Alpha Pen
nington, b. November 10, 1833; d. 1913; m. Harvey H.
Cleveland (whom see).
Seven. Francis Marion, seventh child of John and Alpha
DaAds Pennington, was born in 1836. Baptized May,
1860 ; m. Virginia, daughter of Dan Lowry, of McMinn
County, Tenn. He died at Athens, Tenn., at the age of
52. Their children are:
1. John B. -Lives in Chattanooga, Tenn.
2. William, killed in a street car wreck in Chatta
nooga, on October 18, 1909.
3. Susie, m. Frank Page. Both dead. Three children :
Mabel, BueU and Annie.
4. Callie, m. Wm. Cass, his second wife. Children:
Carl, 23; Fred, 19; Claude, 13.
5. Maggie, m. Bedow. They had one daughter, Fan
nie, who m. Mills of Chattanooga.
1. John B. m. Corda Coltharp, daughter of Ham.
Coltharp. She d. 1908. Sis chUdren:
(1) John Tedford, m. Nellie Eoberts. Two children.
Live at East Chattanooga.
(2) Ola Virginia, unmarried.
(3) Myrtle, m. McGloffin.
(4) Willie, b. 1897.
(5) Hubert, b. 1911.
6. Francis M., son of F. M. P. ; b. February 20, 1883.
Unmarried. His address is 535 Dodson Avenue, Chat
tanooga. Eight. Eobert Snead Pennington, b. 1840; d. unmar
ried. Nine. Lodusky Caroline, b. 1842. Baptized September,
1855; m. Louis Bryant, son A. D. Bryant, who went to
Gentry County, Mo. Mrs. B. is living; Mr. B.. is dead.

276 HISTORY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
CoL. John Eamsey.
If a man bore the name of Eamsey, was a Presbyter^
ian, revered his Maker, loved his country, stood by his
section, was true to his party, was steadfast and im
movable in every principle he advocated, was clannish
to a degree and would never desert his people till the
last sad act in the drama of life, was fearless in de
meanor, keen of eye, long, lank and lean of form, would
it take a Sherlock Holmes to figure out where he sprung
from? One would not have to decipher cryptograms
and make microscopical examinations to ascertain. Any
intelligent schoolboy could tell you. That his ancestors
at some time dwelt in the highlands of Scotland would
be self-evident.
The Eamsey form was built for speed and endurance
and not for grace. They leaped from crag to crag as
they chased the wild deer over the brow of Ben Nevis;
they waded the firths as they followed the trails in the
fastnesses ; they collected their clan as the torches flashed
their code signals from mountain top to mountain top.
They marched over the peaks to the music of the bag
pipe or the shrill notes of the pibroch. With a Moray
(Murray) or McGregor, claymore in hand, they made
fierce forays into the lowlands. Many were the head
of cattle they captured and drove northward to supple
ment their scant supply of "razor backs" on the Gram
pian Hills. Yet in "ye olden times" they did not al
ways have things their ov?n way; notably when CuUo-
den "reeked with the blood of the brave." - They were
unconquerable, however, on their native heath.
How they would have laughed at the build of a Dutch
Stuyvesant, five feet high and four feet broad; or Avas
it four feet high and five feet broad? "What a contempt
those mountaineers would have had for the stein and
the long stemmed pipe. "When they drank strong drink
at all it was usquebaugh unmixed even with the water
of their own pure mountain rills.
When clan met clan then came the tug of war.
When Dutch met Dutch then came the lager beer.

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 277
In the middle of the eighteenth century there lived a
wealthy planter by the name of Stovall in Bedford
County, Va. He owned much land and slaves and a
large stock of family pride ; in other words he was Avliat
might be termed an aristocrat. He had a beautiful
daughter who was born on January 8, 1757.
He h^d in his employ an overseer named McBride.
McBride died while in his service and he (Stovall),
charged his family in spite of the difference in station
and circumstances always to treat the McB rides v/ith
kindness and consideration in their bereavement. Over
seer McBride had a son not a great deal older than
Elizabeth Stovall. She fell in love with and married
him contrary to her parents' Avishes. Although Mr. Sto
vall had exhorted his children to treat the McB rides
kindly, he considered that this was kindness run mad.
He sent word to his daughter that he never more wished
to see her, her husband or his kinspeople and tliat he
would forgive her in case she stayed away and never
called on him or his for anything in the future. Thus
Elizabeth Stovall early realized how sharper than a ser
pent's tooth it is to have a thankless father. Soon after
the marriage with McBride the Eevolutionary War
came on and McBride joined the Virginia troops and
came out of the war with the rank of colonel. Yet that
made no difference and her parents were no more recon
ciled to her than before. McBride died not long after
the war was over and she not a great while a widow mar
ried Major Jno. Eamsey who was also a Eevolutionary
soldier. They moved to Iredell County, N. C, where
John Eamsey, the subject of this sketch was born May
5, 1797. While he was yet an infant John Eamsey senior
moved to Greene County, Tenn., where he died. John
Eamsey, Jr., came to Sweetwater Valley somewhere
about the year 1820 when the Hiwassee District had been
surveyed and the different tracts were for sale by the
state. He made arrangements to purchase what was
knoAvn as the Bunch tract, being the northwest quarter
of section 35, township 2, range 1, east of the Basis Line.
On a part of this tract now stands the T. M. I. College
and the surrounding buildings. He however gave this
up or disposed of it and finally settled," where J. C. War-

278

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY

en and wife, daughter of John Eamsey, now (1914) re
side, one-half mile south of SAveetwater.
Colonel John Eamsey's mother resided with her son
many of the last years of her life. She died on October
4, 1854, reaching the advanced age of nearly 98 years.
She is said to have retained her mental and physical
faculties to the last in a remarkable degree. She was
known for years in the neighborhood on account of ad
vanced age as "Granny" Eamsey.
Col. John Eamsey in the Legislatueb.
They say it was a great race for the Legislature in
Monroe County, between Colonel John Eamsey and Wil
liam Heiskell. The political state of the nation and also
the state of Tennessee and the personality of the con
testants made it so. At that time in 1847, James K.
Polk, of Tennessee, was president of the United States..
He had been elected by a narrow margin over Henry
Clay on account of the latter 's oppositions to the Mex
ican War. At that time also Aaron V. Brown and Neil
S. BroAvn were opposing candidates on the Democratic
and whig tickets. The parties in Tennessee were on a
balance and it was impossible to say beforehand which
should be successful, and the complexion of the Legisla
ture whether whig or democratic was just as hard to
predetermine as the aggregate vote of all the counties.
Each seat in the General Assembly both in the lower
and upper house was hotly contested.
Col. John Eamsey was the democratic candidate from
Monroe County for the Legislature ; William Heiskell
was the whig candidate. Besides the personalities of
the candidates themselves, various issues made the
canvass exciting. On the one hand it was charged that
William Heiskell was an aristocrat. That he had to
have a negro valet to help him dress himself. That he
was too proud to wear the ordinary jeans clothes woven
by the people of the county; that he wore store clothes
and otherwise conducted himself as an aristocrat. It is
true that he took his toddy and was fond of music and
played the fiddle in Old "V'irginia style. On the other
hand it was charged among the common people that
Colonel Eamsey was somewhat effected by the prohibi-

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 279
tionist ideas of Lorenzo Dow, who had made a canvass
through this country. Furthermore it is charged against
Colonel John Eamsey that he was not at all in sympathy
with the southern ideas of the institution of slavery and
did not believe in its moral right. Eamsey was in favor
of the Mexican War and acquisition of territory result
ing therefrom. Heiskell was opposed to this.
But the result of the canvass really turned on tMs,
whether what was termed as the "one gallus copperas
breeches Democrat" or the rich man should elect their
representative to the county. As nearly always happens
in such instances, what might be termed as the common
people were in the majority, and Colonel John Eamsey
was triumphantly elected.
Although William Heiskell was defeated by Colonel
John Eamsey for. the Legislature, yet his brother, F. S.
Heiskell Avas elected senator from Knox County. This
gave the majority to the whigs, the upper house of the
Legislature being composed of thirteen whigs and twelve
Democrats. The house was almost equally as close. In
the year 1847 John Bell, who was then a member of the
Legislature, was elected United States senator, receiv
ing 51 out of 90 votes on joint ballot. John Bell was
afterwards a whig candidate for the President of the
United States in the year 1860. That was when Lincoln
was elected.
In the governor 's race in 1847, Neil S. Brown, the whig
candidate, defeated Aaron V. BroAvn, who was elected
governor two years before. This was one of the last
successes that the whigs ever had in the state of Tennes
see. The Legislature of 1847 was composed mostly of
farmers and young men. John Bell and John Eamsey
were the oldest members of the house, each being, ac
cording to the published roster,- 60 years of age. Before
Eamsey went to the Legislature the charter of the Hi
wassee Eailroad from Dalton to KnoxAdlle had been
abandoned and given place to the charter of the E. T.
& Ga. Eailroad. Colonel John Eamsey had always been
in favor of internal improvements and was a friend to
the railroad. He did what he could in expediting the
building of the railroad. From that time on there was

280 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
little doubt that the railroad would be built, and before
many years it was finished.
We will hereafter give something of the history of
when the railroad was graded through Sweetwater Val
ley and how this was accomplished. The railroad was
built partly by help of the state, lending its aid by bond
issues, which constituted first mortgage on the roadbed,
and by the citizens along the line of the railroad sub
scribing money and doing work on the grading, for which
they received stock of the E. T. & Ga. Eailroad. The
railroad from Dalton to Knoxville was built entirely
without the aid of foreign or out-of-state capital.
Colonel John Eamsey was by no means a highly
educated man nor a man of extraordinary ability, but
few men in the county have had more to do with its suc
cess and prosperity than he. This was owing to his hon
esty and integrity and his rare common sense, and men
of all parties and religions recognized the existence in
him of these sterling qualities.
This shows that a man has neither to be rich nor great
nor highly educated nor have extravagant opportunities
to have great influence in a community. I know of no
man among early settlers whose example could be imi
tated with more profit by the rising generation.
William Griffitts, of Blount County, Tenn., was born
in Virginia, July 13, 1781. His wife was born Septem
ber 26, 1779. She died at Unitia, Blount County, Tenn.
These were the parents of Susanna Griffitts Eamsey,
wife of Colonel John Eamsey. She was born at Unitia,
Blount County, Tenn., February 12, 1802. She mar-'
ried Jno. Eamsey, February 28, 1822. She died at the
Eamsey residence January 6, 1881. Jno. Eamsey died
April 28, 1872. (For further history see Presbyterian
church.) The children of Jno. and S. G. Eamsey were:
One. Mary, born October 19, 1828. Died March 7,
1863. On April 8, 1856, she married Frank Eowan and
lived on Fork Creek, near Christianburg Church. They
had one daughter, Bettie, who was born February 23,
1863. She married Jno. Moon, of Hamilton County, No
vember 29, 1905. They now (1915) reside at the old
Eamsey residence. (1916) He looks after large estate
of Mrs. Waren.

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 281
Two. WiUiam Griffitts E., born March 29, 1835; d.
February 22, 1850.
Three. EUzabeth Emmeline E., born March 25, 1837 ;
d. October 19, 1862. Two and Three never married.
buried in the Philadelphia Cemetery.
Four. John Eagleton E., born September 27, 1839;
married Martha E. Smith of Jonesboro, November 6,
1866. He served in the Confederate army in Co.  ¦
Eegt., Tenn. Vol., C. S. A. He moved to Bridgeport,
Wise County, Texas. The children of J. E. and Martha
E. were 11 in number. Six of whom now (1913) living
and none married. They are :
James, Charles, George, Mary, Katie, Alice.
Four. Martha E., daughter of J. and S. Eamsey, born
July 17, 1842. Captain Jacob Cathey Waben.
His mother was Mary Cathey, daughter of George
Cathey, of Haywood County, N. C. She was married
tAvice, first to Sherwood Osborne, one of eleven brothers
in Haywood County. They had no sisters. Sherwood,
Thomas and Joseph, came to East Tennessee. Sher
wood Osborne died leaving several children, one of whom
was, afterwards, Captain Tom Osborne, of the Confed
erate army. Mrs. Osborne married, a second time, to
Jacob Waren, who came from Virginia in 1788, locating
in Eoane County, what is now Loudon. Jacob Cathey
Waren, her son, was born in Eoane County, December
25, 1842. On July 27, 1861, he enUsted in Captain. John
A. Eowan 's company, afterwards known as Co. G, Ash-
by 's 2nd Tenn. Cav., Ashby's brig. Hume's Dis., Wheel
er's army corps. Army of Tennessee (Confederate).
In the archives of the General John C. Vaughn, Chap
ter No. 1244, U. D. C, is a history of his career as a
Confederate soldier, prepared by Mrs. Myra Love Low
ry. It is too lengthy for us to reproduce in this work.
A great part of the time during the war he served as
an independent scout under General Jo. Wheeler.
Soon after the war he came to Sweetwater and com
menced business. He married Martha E. Eamsey on
December 10, 1873.

282 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
He was for two terms, sheriff of Monroe County, and
in 1882 was elected trustee of the county. In 1902 he
was elected to the Fifty-sixth General Assembly as the
representative from Monroe County. When he was
elected to the Legislature he was living in the old Eam
sey residence, where Colonel John Eamsey lived when
he was elected to the Twenty-seventh General Assem
bly. Captain Waren was a very fine business man. He
OAvned several large farms, besides the one on which he
lived, and much property in the town of Sweetwater.
He died suddenly of heart failure, near his home, on
May 11, 1915, and was interred in Westview Cemetery,
His wife, Martha E., is the beneficiary and executrix un
der his will. Eeynolds Allen Eamsey
Was born in Knox County, Tenn., near the present site
of Concord, Nbvember 13, 1799. He first lived at Eoss'
Landing. In 1840 moved to Catoosa County, Ga. He
married (first) Anne Campbell Eoane, who died in a
short time, leaving one child, Mary Eoane Eamsey. She
married James A. Corry. She died leaving two sons,
Allen Corry and Eobert Corry.
James Corry married (second) about 1861 Carrie,
daughter of John Y. and Leah Lenoir Smith. They had
one child, Thomas Avery. He was born February 22,
1862. He was educated mostly at Sweetwater. By pro
fession he is a civil engineer. He married Laura Mont
gomery of Eoane County, Tenn. They moved to the
city of Mexico. He was chief engineer of railroad run
ning from the city of Mexico to Vera Cruz for a number
of years. About 1911 he went to Arequipa, Peru, where
he is chief engineer, constructing the  railroad.
They have two daughters, Margaret, born  and
Elizabeth born 
Eeynolds A. Eamsey married (second) Louisa Car
oline Lenoir. She was born in Wilkes County, N. C-, in
1805, the second child of Wm. B. Lenoir. She died in
Catoosa County, Ga., August 11, 1841. Their children
were: William Lenoir, b. April — , 1829; d. at Knoxville
1896.

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 283
Samuel A., b. September — , 1830; d. June, 1839.
Waightstill Avery, b. January, 1832; d. at Lenoir's,
Tenn., August, 1866.
EUzabeth Fleming, b. October, 1883. Married N. A.
Patterson, then of Kingston, Tenn. Her daughter, Mrs.
Cora A. Hardin, lives at Olustee, Okla.
Thomas Isaac, b. October, 1835. Living in San An
tonio, Texas. Married Amelia Boyd about 1870. They
were the parents of seven children, five of whom are liv
ing. One son, Eeynolds A., lives at Waycross, Ga. J.
G. M. married June Burdett 1913. One daughter of T.
I. Eamsey Lenoir, married a missionary and lives in
Africa. The seventh child of E. A. and Louisa Eamsey was
Julia Ann Campbell, born December, 1839. She died at
Austin, Texas, in 1915. Married Gideon B. Caldwell, in
Monroe County, Tenn., January 19, 1863. They were
the parents of six children, most of whom are married
and are living in Texas. Their names are: Allen E.,
Catherine C, Louisa L., Mary Lizzie, James Harvey and
Addie EUen.
Colonel Eamsey married (third) Mrs. Ann B. McGhee,
nee McLin, of Maryville, Tenn., in February, 1845. She
was born February 3, 1814; d. February 15, 1882. He
died at Dalton, Ga., June 23, 1884. Both are buried in
the old Sweetwater cemetery. They came to Pond
Creek Valley, near Sweetwater, in 1858. They belonged
to the Presbyterian church at Sweetwater, in which
church he was a ruling elder. Their only child, Emmett
Alexander, was born December, 1849, died in 1898. He
married Miss Lena Wilhoite, of Shelbyville, Tenn., in
1894. He was a Presbyterian minister of fine attain
ments and was a pastor of a church in Memphis, Tenn.,
at the time of his death in January, 1898.
William Eutheepoed
Was born in Grayson County, Va., on April 11, 1797,
and came to Sweetwater Valley, first living near Eeagan
Station until 1864. During the remainder of the war
he lived at the old Bowman (Benson) place. He died
on June 25, 1870, and was buried at County Line Cem
etery. He married Celia Hale, who was born in Gray-

284 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY . '
son County, Va. She moved to Kaufman County, Texas,
in 1877, and died there and was buried at College Mound,
Texas. Their children were:
1. Eufus.
2. John F.
3. George, b. September 28, 1848. Died January 5,
1883. Married Mary Miles in Chattanooga. Died in
Texas. 4. James. Post-office, Cartersville, Ga. Married
Miss Oliver.
5. Cynthia, b. October 11, 1822. Married Phillip Cole.
Lives in Texas.
6. Elizabeth. Dead.
7. Parmelia Jane, b. February 11, 1827; d. June 19,
1855. Married Jake Williams. Deiad.
8. Samuel, b. May 1, 1825. Died in Missouri. Mar
ried Mick Ann Eichardson.
9. Julia, b. April 29, 1828. Married Jake Patton, and
lives at Miami, Texas.
10. Felan Louis, b. February 1, 1830. Married in Mis-
rouri. Dead.
11. Eosamond Caroline, b. December 2, 1834. Dead.
Married Wm. McCaslin.
12. Margaret, b. AprU 9, 1839. Married John Bil-
lingsly. Eufus Eutheefobd
Was born in McMinn County, Tenn., March 8, 1832.
Married Elizabeth Fender, May 18, 1855. She was born
June 15, 1831, in Eoane County, Tenn. Died January
27, 1905, and was interred at Bell Springs, Texas.
Eufus Eutherford lived for five years, in the old I. T.
Lenoir residence, until he moved to Texas, in 1877. He
was a farmer and was a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. Served in the Confederate army,
until the close of the war, as a member of Captain 'W.
L. Clark's company, 2nd Tennessee Calvary. He is now
a farmer and banker at Hillsboro, Texas. His chUdren
are: Mrs. Maggie Kyle, Hillsboro, Texas.
William "H., Eockwood, Texas.
Mrs. Cynthia Parks, Hillsboro, Texas.

HISTOEY OP SAVEETWATEB VALLEY 285
Mrs. Mary Parks, Hillsboro, Texas.
Mrs. Julia McClure, Hillsboro, Texas.
Mrs. Celia "Whitlock, Lockney, Texas.
Eufus W., Claude, Texas.
Mrs. Bettie McCarty, HiUsboro, Texas.
John F. Eutheefobd
Was the son of Wm. Eutherford, and was born in
Sweetwater Valley, October 30, 1837. Married Malinda
J. Williams, daughter of John Williams, September 16,
1873, by the Eev. G. W. Butler. She was born March
7, 1856. John F. Eutherford was a farmer. IJe served
in the Confederate army as a private in Co. B, 5th Eeg.
Vol., Tenn. Cav., from 1862 to 1865. He moved from
Sweetwater Valley to Jalapa, Tenn. They had eight
chUdren, six of whom are living :
1. Inez, b. 1875. Lives in Texas.
2. Clifton, b. 1878. Was a ranchman in Idaho. Now
lives at Tellico, Tenn.
3. King. Dead.
4. Daisy. Dead. Married John Tate.
5. Key, b. 1883. Lives in Idaho.
6. Eankin, b. 1888. Lives in Idaho.
7. Creed, b. 1895. Lives in Idaho.
8. Fred., b. 1898. Lives in Idaho. .
S. J. Eowan
Was a brother of Jno. A. Eowan who lived on Fork
Creek, and who was a colonel in the C. S. A., during the
CiAdl War. He married Jane Carter, a sister of Eobert
Carter and F. B. Carter. They lived in Sweetwater
some time during the Civil War. He (Eowan) oAvned
a large farm at County Line, on the Athens road. In
June, 1857, for the consideration of $13,000, he conveyed
his holdings there to J. M. Brett, formerly of Georgia.
He moved to Sweetwater and engaged in the meroantUe
business. He was postmaster during Buchanan's ad
ministration. Some time in 1868 he moved to Waco,
Texas. At a session of the Presbyterian church a^t
Sweetwater, March 22, 1869, Samuel J. and Jane Eowan,

286 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
his wife, were granted a letter to join the Presbyterian
church at Waco. Their children were: Miranda, Car
ter and Crockett Eowan. Miranda married Dr. 
Parshall. They were the parents of several children,
names and number not known. Some of them live in
Hillsboro, Texas. One of them married Burt Barnett,
who lives on Lamar Street, Fort Worth, Texas. He is
a wealthy cotton broker. Mr. Eufus Eutherford, of
Hillsboro, Texas, says that now, 1916, Carter and Crock
ett are both dead; that Crockett married and reared a
family, but that he did not know their address or history.
Me. and Mes. J. T. Eowland.
Mr. J. T. Eowland came from Georgia. He married
Miss Louisa Keith, a sister of Judge Charles Keith,
who resigned his position after being judge for thirty-
four years. Mr. and Mrs. Eowland purchased land in
Sweetwater Valley from William Wallis on the 10th
of September, 1855. This was a part of the northwest
quarter of section 15, township 3, range 1, east. Con
sideration, $3,000. This land lay between the Browder
and Yearwood places. They lived at this place until
some time during the Civil War, when they moved away.
Eowland died, and in 1865 Mrs. Eowland with her two
sons moved back to the farm. She soon sold out, how
ever, and moved away. She was a brilliant and gifted
woman and not only was a contributor to the magazines
but was also a musical composer. She gave my mother
one of her compositions in reply to, "I have just been
learning a lesson of life," which was thought to have
been better than the other. Her two children were:
John T., an accomplished musician, who died when a
young man, and Charles K., now a broker and real es
tate dealer of Atlanta, Ga.

A,,

Geneeal James H. Eeagan.
Some sixty-five years ago Eeagan's station consisted
of a very large pond, having an area of 5 or 6 acres,
a flourishing apple orchard or two, the Eeagan boys,
the big house, the negro cabins, various brier patches,
the store, the United States Post-office, the E. T. & Ga.

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 287
Eailroad Depot and water tank and the cribs and barn.
These resources are intended to be mentioned in the or
der of their relative importance in the boyish mind. The
pond, placed there by a beneficent Providence, who seem
ingly watches over the safety of good and bad boys
alike, could be and was used for the threefold purpose
of swimming in, fishing in and rowing and sailing boats
over. The apple orchards were both food and drink.
Their products were a source of ever recurring enjoy
ment from their first bloom in April through the red
June, the mellow fall, the rough winter and until the
return of spring again. What would a home be without
a swimming hole, red June apples and sweet cider? And
echo answers: "Nothin' doin'." And what would be
the use of such things without boys to revel in them
and satiate their appetites? Th'e "big house" was
to eat in and sleep in; otherwise of no special impor
tance. The negro cabin was a mecca when at night some
noted negro fiddler or banjo picker was playing for a
dance. Life in those boyhood days would not have been
wholly satisfactory Avithout brier patches. The black
berries were watched with interest through all their
stages of developments, green, red and black. When the
berries had come and gone the brier thickets became the
favorite warren and home of the rabbit; then "ho" for
the chase of the nimble cotton tail. The store was the
source of supply of candy, tops, balls and marbles.
These were very much a part of boyish equipment, far
more important then than anything that came through
the post-office which frequently occupied a portion of
country store. Few articles at that time came by par
cels post. The railroad depot was a very flimsy affair
and the water tank, capable of containing only about 2,-
500 gallons, was filled by a chain pump from a spring.
The barns were useful as places to play in on rainy
days. On Sunday our privileges were somewhat abridged.
After reading a chapter in the Bible and hearing it ex
plained we were allowed quietly to go out to play Avith
a few parting injunctions ; not to go in swimming, not to
hunt rabbits and not to get into a fuss or fight with the
neighbor boys. No, we wont go in swimming in the
pond, we 'U just wade round the shallow places near the

288 ¦ HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
bank unless some one pushes us into deep water and
then we'll have to swim; no, Ave won't hunt rabbits or
indulge in any unseemly merriment on Sunday; but
sometimes we can't slip off from the dogs and they will
follow us and we hate to rock them back home; we
mustn't be cruel to animals, for once there was a boy
in the second reader and he was bad; he used to stick
pins in flies instead of swattin' 'em and throw stones at
dogs and when he grew up to be a man he got to be a
monopolist and had to appear before the Congressional
¦Committee or something just as dreadful happened to
him; no, we won't impose on the neighbor boys; but
they mustn't muddy our swimming hole, they mustn't
climb our apple trees, they mustn't run our rabbits or
"sic" their dogs on our dogs and they mustn't call us
names or irritate us any way; we are peaceable but we
can't bear to be irritated- — and — ^we are not bound to tell
everything that takes place.
Old folks have such queer ideas about what they want
boys to learn and spend their time on. Who was Pub
lius Virgilius Naso, and why didn't he write in plain
English? Nix on that stuff about the Trojan horse as
big as a mountain (instar montis). What difference
does it make if Queen Dido did stand on the beach in
the moonlight and wave vdth her willow wand for her
recreant lover to come again to Carthage? He never
came, did he? And what if Tityrus, at ease under the
shade of a beech tree, did elect during the summer day
to pipe liis paeans to the charms of the beautiful Amaryl
lis; did that make his corn grow any better? That was
his business. What Johnnie wants to know is: "Why
spend five days out of seven in acquiring this informa
tion, when the fish are fairly itching to bite and the call
of the wild is sounding in his ears and especially when
his high school nine is straining every nerve to Avin the
pennant in the B. U. M. Baseball League?" Up, com
rades, and at them! Progress is here; get out of the
way or you will get run over by the automobile ! Lin
coln struck the shackles from, the slaves but Ty Cobb
still holds the batting record!
, But now the pond, mentioned in the outset of this
article, is about dried up, the apple trees have died of
old age; the war rendered the negro cabins useless and

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 289
they Avere torn down; few now living know that there
ever Avas a store there and that S. Y. B. Williams clerked
in it; there is not a stick or stone remaining to show
where the barn stood; even the depot and water tank
are gone and have never been rebuilt; "Facility," the
post-office, has long since' been abolished by the gov
ernment and absorbed by Sweetwater and Dan. Scruggs
of Eoute No. 2 is now "it;" most of those livdng there
in the fifties have passed to the great beyond. The
old residence, though somewhat dilapidated, is yet
standing; some magnificent old oak in a grove near the
raihvay, still lend a majestic attraction to the scene.
I am happy to state that the girl, who used to play
the piano for us and give us pies and cakes between
times, is a much loved and respected grandmother in
the toAvn of Sweetwater.
One of the Eeagan family is now living at the station.
He was called ' ' James ' ' by his mother, ' ' Avery ' ' by his
father, "Jeems" by the darkeys, "Jim" by the neigh
bors, "Legs" by his intimates, Eeagan by his college-
mates, is called Major by the road men. Judge by the
lawyers and his former associates in the county court.
He married about a quarter of a century ago (1889).
He is still married, but with this difference : For many
years of their married life Mrs. Lizzie Eeagan was
known as the wife of Judge James Avery Eeagan ; J. A.
Eeagan, Esq., is now known in several states of the
union, as the husband of Mrs. Elizabeth Buchanan Eea
gan and I have not heard of his objecting to it. The
writer of this often revisits these scenes of his boyhood
days in imagination, and sometimes in person. He still
remains to "bear testimony to the fact that in the times
before the war at Eeagan's, when two or three or more
of us were gathered together, there would be enough
ideas in our midst to cause somethin' to be doin' in
pretty short order.
James Hayes Eeagan was born February 12, 1800.
I am unable to say now exactly Avhere. In 1822 or 1823
he started to go west. However on his way he chanced
to stop at the house of the Eev. Irby Holt, who then
lived about one-half mile west of where Eeagan's Sta
tion now is. -This determined his future life. He went
into the mercantile business with Mr. Holt. The near-

290 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
est stores then were at Athens, MadisonAdlle and Phila
delphia. Before many years a United States post-office
was needed, as there were none nearer than the places
mentioned; and it was petitioned for and obtained. In
the rapid settling up of the new country there was need
for everything in the way of household goods and sales
were easily made at good profit.
He married Elizabeth, daughter of Eev. Irby Holt, on
April 22, 1824.
General Eeagan was an all-round business man; he
prospered as a merchant, a farmer and a banker and
became one of the wealthiest men in East Tennessee in
his day. He was also popular with the people and was
considerable of a politician. He was a strong Jackson
and Polk man. He was known as an uncompromising
Democrat. In 1836 he was elected as senator from the
counties of McMinn and Monroe to represent these coun
ties in the General Assembly of the state. In the His
tory of Tennessee by Garrett and Goodpasture on page
257, section 463, under the head of "First Eailroad Con
struction" we find this: "Through the influence of Sen
ator James H. Eeagan, afterward a distinguished cit
izen of Texas, the Legislature granted a charter of in
corporation to the Hiwassee Eailroad Company, in
1836, for the purpose of constructing a railroad through
the Hiwassee District to the southern boundary of the
state. The road was surveyed and ground broken in
1837, being the first work ever done on a railroad in this
state. In 1848 the charter was renewed and the name of
the corporation changed to the East Tennessee and
Georgia Eailroad Company. The road was not com
pleted (to Knoxville) until 1856."
This is all perfectly correct history, except that John
H. Eeagan, postmaster general, C. S. A.,' Governor of
Texas and U. S. Senator from that state was not the
Eeagan spoken of and was never a member of the Ten
nessee Legislature but a cousin of his, James H. Eeagan,
who was a citizen of McMinn County for more than
forty years and who again in 1853 represented Monroe
and McMinn in the Legislature.
Major W. B. L. Eeagan, son of J. H. Eeagan, is re
sponsible for thei following statement: "Father was

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 291
a brigadier general of militia. "When the Mexican War
came up he was making every arrangement in his busi
ness to go to Mexico. General Caswell of Knox also
wanted to go, and then governor of the state (Aaron V.
BroAvn) had them to "cast lots" for it. Caswell "drew
the long straw," much to father's disappointment."
G. and G.'s History of Tennessee says: "Upon the
requisition of the War Department, on the 26th of May,
1847, Governor Brown called for three regiments of
volunteers, numbering in all 2,800 men. In answer to
this call, 30,000 volunteers promptly tendered their
services. So eager were they all for serAdces that it
became necessary to adopt some mode of selection. Ac
cordingly the governorl directed the four major gen
erals of the state to decide by ballot, according to rules
laid doAvn, the companies to be received from their re
spective divisions."
This shows ho^vv the men were selected but not how
the commanders were chosen. What sort of hocus po-
cus was resorted to determine this I have not been able
to find out. As General Eeagan was totally ignorant of,
and averse to, all forms of gambling perhaps he did
not get a square deal. What would have been his future
career had he gone to Mexico can be only a matter of
conjecture. No doubt it would have made a great dif
ference in his after life. The battle of Beuna Vista, and
not such a great battle after all, made two presidents,
Zachary Taylor, President of U. S. A., and Jefferson
DaAds, his son-in-law. President of the C. S. A.
Aaron V. BroAvn, a very eloquent and powerful man
on the stump, was governor. He was afterwards post
master general under President Buchanan. He was de
feated in his next race for governor by Neill S. BroAvn.
His defeat is not unlikely due the fact that so many
got mad at him because they wanted to fight and did
not get to fight. We have now so much advanced in
civilization that those whose voices are loudest for war
with Mexico now, will be the "most afraid" of bullets
when the war is really upon us.

292 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Gbneeal J. H. Eeagan's Eaileoad Ebcoed.
In these days of railway construction and immense
fortunes it is a comparatively simple matter to build
a railroad, when once a proper charter is obtained from
the state. Not so in those days. A standard oil mag
nate can run his'cars into the sounding deep, as Flagler
did along the Florida keys, easier than the people of
Georgia and Tennessee then could through the moun
tains. They can do noAV with money and scientific ap
pliances what was not even dreamed of in the "Arabian
Nights." When General Eeagan had gotten the charter
from the Tennessee Legislature his work had not fairly
begun. Money at that time could not be borrowed in
New York for the purpose. If the railroad was built
at all, it must be done by the people along the line in the
Hiwassee and Ocoee Districts. Many of these had
not as yet finished paying for the tracts of land which
they had purchased from the state. In many instances
work was done and material furnished and stock in the
railroad was taken in payment therefor.
Thus the very men who used the railroad as a com
mon carrier were the ones who owned the stock in it.
W. B. L. Eeagan (son of James H.) says: "The con
trolling officers of the road induced General Eeagan to
take charge of the work of building the road as super
intendent and to use his own discretion in all matters.
He Avas very successful. "When he got it finished to
near Cleveland, he applied to the company to release
him, as his own business matters were suffering serious
ly for want of attention. Th^y endeavored to get him
to continue as general superintendent, but he declined.
They then offered him the position as president. He
told them that it Avould be impossible for him to assume
the responsibility as his own private business would
need all his time. He' was made a life director and
served as such faithfully Avith much profit to the com
pany. "He loaned thei company (The Hiwassee Eailroad
Co., and its successor the E. T. & Ga. E. E., Co.) $150-
.000." Previous to the breaMng out of the Civil War from
1831 to 1854 the General Assembly of the state passed

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 293
various acts, coming under the general head of Inter
nal Improvement Acts, to assist the construction of
railroads. The one proving most effective was that
of 1852. "Under this act (History of Tenn., G. & G.)
when any railroad company with bona fide subscrip
tion to grade, bridge and prepare the whole extent of
its main line for iron rails, had prepared a certain
extent of its roadbed, it was entitled to receive $8,000
(per mile) of the 6 per cent, bonds of the state, to be
used in ironing and equipping the road. These bonds
were to have the force and effect of a first lien or mort
gage on the road, its franchises and equipments. Un
der this act and its subsequent amendments, about $14,-
000,000 of bonds were issued, prior to the Civil War,
making the total issue to railroads up to this time about
15 millions."
One of the first deeds to right of way in Monroe
County to E. T. & Ga. E. E. Co. was from Matthew Nel
son of Philadelphia, at one time treasurer of the State.
For the consideration of 9 shares of the capital stock
of the E. T. & Ga. E. E. Co. he conveys, to-Avit: "The
right of way through his lands in Monroe County, Tenn.,
where said road is now located, to include such Avidth
as is necessary for the working and proper construction
of said road; said land being the southeast quarter
of section 5, township 1, range 2, Hiwassee District, it
being the land upon which he now resides and upon
which the town of Philadelphia is located." (Still lo
cated on that tract in 1914.) The date of the deed is
November 22, 1850. The Avitnesses to Nelson's signa
ture are D. H. Jones, I. T. Lenoir and John Stanfield.
I think at that time (1850) the road was graded
through the greater part of Sweetwater Valley; for the
reason that the right of way grade was used in some
places as a public road between the neighborhood where
Sweetwater now is and Philadelphia. Mr. J. A. Eeagan
is authority for the statement that construction reached
the location of Mouse Creek (Niota) early in February,
1852. Not a great while thereafter cars were running
to' Sweetwater. Here a "Y" or a turn switch was made
among the timber close to where the new Scruggs brick
building is being erected. For some time this place be
came the terminus of the road. However in about six

294 HISTOBY OP SAVEETWATEB VALLEY
months the railroad was constructed to Loudon, where
it hung up for nearly two years awaiting the completion
of the bridge across the Tennessee Eiver. Loudon was
on a boom and predictions were frequent that it would
be many, many years before trains would be running to
Knoxville, if they ever were.
In considering the location of the railroad, the ques
tion is sometimes asked by the more observant; why
the road went up the hill (Sweetwater ridge) at Athens
just to get to come down again. The question is easily
answered. When the railroad was being built Athens
(as its name might imply) was by far the most impor
tant town in lower East Tennessee, more so than even
Chattanooga. There was a bank there of which Gen
eral Eeagan was president. The sentiments of the
town could not be disregarded. The railroad must
come to them if it did have to climb a ridge to do so.
I am inclined to the opinion that one reason of Gen
eral Eeagan's resignation as superintendent of con
struction was that he knew that question of location
would come up and being a politician and also a large
creditor of the company, he did not wish it even sus
pected that he used his official position to determine
the location. Few of late years would hesitate to use
official influence for private gain. However the way
is not so smooth and easy as it was a few years since.

Second Maebiage.
On September 3, 1835, General Eeagan married his
second Avife, Myra Ann Lenoir. She was magnificently
endowed mentally and morally and had received all the
advantages of education which our southern country
could bestow. She was the daughter of William Ballard
Lenoir of Eoane County. She was eminently fitted to
be the Avife of such a man. She had the noble and beau
tiful impulses of the woman, combined with the sound
sense and logical acumen of the sterner sex. "When Gen
eral Eeagan was absent attending to his varied busi
ness affairs there was no fear in his mind that those at
home and on the farm would not be looked after. From
the time of their marriage till 1861 everything of theirs

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 295
prospered. The sky of life was cloudless ; there were no
gloomy days.
The situation at the outbreak of the CiAdl War briefly
told was this : They had 2,000 acres of land in Sweet
water Valley, a considerable portion of this in a high
state of cultivation, and in as healthful a location as in
this or any other country; there were $75,000 still due
him from the East Tennessee & Ga. Eailroad Company,
and equally that much from individuals, which hereto
fore he had never had a lawsuit to collect any of; he
was president of a bank and owned large stock there
in; he was deservedly popular and could have gotten
almost any office he desired ; they had a family of chil
dren of which any parents ought to have been proud;
also he had forty or more negroes who were well fed
and clothed, not overworked and apparently satisfied
with their lot; thus from a southerner's point of view
the condition was ideal.
But what startling and almost unbelievable changes
can "man's inhumanity to man" bring about!
The poets sometimes write beautifully of war, ex
pressing sentiments such as:
"Oh if there be, on this earthly sphere,
A boon, an offering heaven holds dear,
'Tis the last libration liberty draws
From the heart that bleeds and breaks
in her cause."
But had the war of 1861-5 anything to do with liberty?
Lincoln solemnly affirmed, time and again, that he was
not fighting to free the negroes. It might have been
then to free us from the toil and trouble of taking care
of the negroes. The white folks did not wish to be lib
erated ; however, as Kipling says : ' ' That is another
story. ' '
Some of the things that happened to General Eeagan
and family were : $75,000 due from the E. T. & Ga. E.
E. Co. that were paid in bonds of the Confederate States
of America, forced upon General Eeagan by the com
pany, became worthless. This debt could' have been
collected after the war but the heirs refused to take
any steps in that direction. The debts due from indi-

296 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
viduals were nearly all lost through inability or unwill
ingness to pay. The negroes instead of being prop
erty became our masters at the ballot box.
But we will let Mrs. Eeagan tell her own story (which
explains itself) in letters written at the time. Being a
careful, prudent woman the picture was underdraAvn
rather than overdrawn. The letter that follows was not
in any envelope but the two sheets were folded in the
old fashioned way. Thus only three pages could be used
in the body of the lettter and the other was outside with
the address upon it. The letter was sealed with a wafer
and a seal. The seal had a rough surface Avith no mono
gram upon it. Eeagan's was at the time of the writing
of the letter in the rebel lines while Memphis was held
by the Federal forces. The address was: Mrs. Eliza
M. Martin, Memphis, Tenn. There was no postage
stamp on the letter nor were there any marks to show
methods of transportation or date of delivery. There
must have been an "underground mail" system. This
^as called so because carried on Avithout the knowledge
of the military. Any one caught carrying these letters
was in danger of being executed as a spy.
McMinn County, B. Tenn.,
Oct. 28, —'63.
Dear Sister Eliza:
It has been a long time since I have had the pleasure of a letter
from you, or had the chance of writing to you. Dr. Green, a resident
of your place (Memphis), who is in Cheatham's Division, told me to
day that he would send a letter for me. 1 will try to give you a few
items, though surrounding circumstances are not favorable for writing
anything like a connected letter. Cheatham's Division are camped
here and it would be hard to imagine the annoyance and confusion.
East Tennessee is thronged with soldiers now, both Federal and Con
federate, and Sweetwater Valley seems destined to experience the
horrors of war. Several skirmishes have occurred between here and
Loudon — more about Philadelphia than any other place. Yesterday
week the Rebels surprised Wolford's brigade, which were encamped
around W. F. L.'s (Lenoir's) house, completely routing them and
taking some four or five hundred prisoners, some sixty vehicles, tents
and everything they had there. There were not a great many casual
ties. Since that there have been some cannonading and picket fight
ing. Since that troops of infantry have come in and appearances in
dicate that there will be heavy fighting, or retreating by one side or
the other. Two large armies cannot long subsist here with communi
cations cut off. This Valley begins to show the footprints of the
armies. We have had both to camp here. The Federals injured us
in one stay — taking all of our hay, fodder and oats — wasting prob
ably four times as much as they consumed, as it was a wet time.
Much fencing and some other things were burned and a great deal

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 297
of corn wasted, fields turned out and so forth — too tedious to men
tion — hogs, sheep, turkeys and chickens killed — some hogs shot that
died afterward. Since the Yankees came we have been closely at
home and know certainly but little that is transpiring among our
friends. When we hear anything, we do not know how much of it is
true. ¦• ¦* * It is distressing times here and I am afraid it will
still be worse. What is to become of us our heavenly Father only
knows. Soldiers, bushrangers and robbers! Everything In confusion
and tending to disorganization! We hope our enemies will not re
main much longer, but we cannot tell what the future will reveal.
(Here follows news of the relatives not of general interest.) * * *
Catherine's (widow of A. S. Lenoir) folks were well a short time
since. Robbers (bushwhackers) took $1,000 from her and such things
as they wanted out of the house. Ftank Welcker's (son-in-law of
General Reagan by deceased wife) house was robbed of everything,
even to the bed that Mrs. Welcker was lying on and the furniture
hauled away. W. F. L.'s (Lenoir's) house was visited; guns, blankets
and clothing taken. (Done by bushwhackers claiming to be Unionists.)
Many others have suffered in the same way. * * * Many Southern
men have left home. Some have returned; others are waiting for
things to become more settled. Many Union men leave home when
the Rebels are In the ascendant, and so they have It In turn. * * *
Mr. Reagan's health is bad; worse for the last year than before.
* * * Lenoir and James (her sons) have been at home for a few
days. They were In the fight at Philadelphia.
James left home when Loudon was evacuated (by Rebels). I
have heard from Julia (afterward Mrs. Love), we are all here but
her. She is well but anxious to come home. Cousin Thomas Lenoir
(of Haywood County, N. C.) thinks she had better remain there until
the Yankees are driven out of East Tennessee. We have been talking
of sending for her, thinking she would rather be at home and suffer
with the balance of us. * * * ^ good many negro men and some
women have gone to the Yankees; some four or five of ours. ItJ is
getting bedtime and I do not expect to have a chance of writing in
the morning, as it keeps me busy to talk to and wait upon the s!ol-
dlers. If we never meet again in this world may we meet in a bet
ter. Affectionately your sister,
M. A. R.
29th, 9 A. M. The Yankees have evacuated Loudon and the division
is under marching orders. Will fold this ready for sending. May
heaven's choicest blessings rest on you and yours.
M. A. R. (M. A. Reagan).
In continuation of these sketches about the Eeagan
family I can not see how I can do better than to: give
the contents of another letter from Mrs. Eeagan to her
sister, Mrs. Martin, of Memphis, Tenn. The former let
ter was dated October 28, 1863.
This was shortly after the battle of Philadelphia. At
that time all the family were at home except her daugh
ter, Julia, afterward Mrs. Love, who was in North Car-

298 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
olina. Lenoir and James A. were soldiers in the rebel
army. They shortly afterward went with Longstreet
to the siege of KnoxAdlle. John, then a boy of 15, re
mained at home with his father and mother. Lenoir
and James were with Vaughn in the upper East Tennes
see campaign and also in Early's campaign in the Shen
andoah Valley. Lenoir Eeagan was wounded near Win
chester, Va., on July 24, 1864, and for many weeks lay
at the point of death a prisoner of war. On July 25,
General Eeagan was arrested at home and taken to
Knoxville. AU East Tennessee was then in possession
of the Federal forces. We will now let Mrs. Eeagan
tell to her sister, Mrs. Martin, some things that hap
pened : At Home, Dec. 5th, 1864.
Dear Sister E.:
* * * You will probably have heard before this of the death
of Mr. Reagan. He died In Knoxville on the morning of the 15th of
October. He was taken there the 25th of July as a hostage for a man
of this county, who was carried South last fall. He (Mr. Reagan)
was taken there (to Knoxville) on the 25th of July. The last that
man's friends heard of him, he was sick in a hospital last winter!,
and it is believed that he died, and it Is also thought that he was held
as a prisoner of war as he told the men that arrested him that) he
was a Federal soldier. It is said that he joined a company but had
never been mustered into service. His father's and his father-in-law's
families were all acquaintances and friends of Mr. Reagan's, and his
wife petitioned that he be permitted to come home on parole; but the
Provo Marshal at A. (Athens) thought he had not been sufficiently
punished for opinion's sake (they could make no charge against him)
and would not fully endorse it. After a new Provo was appointed,
another petition was gotten up and signed and sent up a few days
before Mr. Reagan's death, which procured an order for his release,
and he was to have been sent home on Sunday, the 16th. Instead of
his coming home to enjoy the comforts of his own fireside, his life
less remains were sent — to rest a few hours in his once loved home
and then to rest beside our departed son's body till the morning of
the resurrection. Mr. Reagan had been a great sufferer for years and
could not bear confinement. I made his condition known to the au
thorities soon after his arrest, and my belief that he could not sur
vive a prison life. I entreated them if they could not permit him to come
home, to let him have the liberty of the town and board at a private
house. His many friends seemed willing and anxious to do anything
they could for his release, but it seems they could not effect it in time.
He is done with the troubles of this world, and I have an assuring
hope that he has gone where troubles and sorrows will never be
permitted to enter. * * * j |ii,j not see him during his imprison
ment. He would not agree for me to go up, as 1 would be allowed
to see him but a few minutes at a time in the presence of a guard,
and he did not wish to see me subjected to the treatment 1 might
ha^te to receive, and I was not apprised of his last illness in time to
go. He was taken to the hospital four days before his death. The

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 299
disease was said to be jaundice, which his appearance Indicated. A
kind friend procured a metalic tiurial case and suitable clothing, and
another friend accompanied the remains home.
Excerpts from letters from Mrs. Eeagan to Mrs. Mar
tin, her sister, heretofore given, graphically and con
cisely describe some of the events in our valley in the
sixties. From these we can form some idea of the hor
rors of war. What happened to the Eeagan family
could be truthfully written of numerous others in our
section. Yet here we did not get the worst of it. There
were few if any houses burned and outrages committed
by the regular troops on either side, as was the case
in Georgia in Sherman's March to Sea or in the Shenan
doah Valley and Manassas plains of Virginia. The
mere recital of the dead and wounded in battle shows
but a small fraction of the evils of war — Its resultants
are debts, demoralization, disease, famine and an en
during crop of personal feuds and national hatreds.
One hundred years ago a war lord was a . captive
in the isle of Elba. As a person he was supposed to be
eliminated from the list of European monarchs. Yet one
year later he was the central figure in a war of nations
in Belgium, now the theatre of a conflict beside which,
the loss of life and property at Waterloo will appear
insignificant. No time now for "beauty and chivalry"
to gather in Belgium's capital; for the happening there
will be of lightning like rapidity. The gatherings there
willbe all warlike. The pity of it is that that little na
tion had nothing to do with bringing on the conflict and
not one of her inhabitants wanted to fight. "Whatever
the result, she will be ground to powder between the
upper and nether millstones. "What to her is the ' ' pomp
and circumstance of glorious war!" "What a spectacle
to the heathen of ten million trained soldiers of Chris
tian nations, preaching the Gospel of Peace, using all
their ingenuity and energies in destroying each other!
As a writer has said: "It is the twilight of the gods."
Our human understanding can but faintly illumine the
clouds of providential gloom that now lower on the
European horizon. Napoleon had his Waterloo and St.
Helena; William, the "war lord," today the most force
ful (1915) personality on the face of the globe, may

300 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
have his inglorious defeats and his rock bound island
captiAdty.

The foUovdng beautiful tribute is taken from an
obituary written for the Nashville Christian Advocate
by L. L. H. Carlock, D. D. :
"Departed this life, at the residence of h,er son-in-law. Colonel
James R. Love, near Sweetwater, Tenn;, on March 8, 1879, Mrs. Mira
A. Reagan, in the 69th year of her age. * * *
She had been a member of the Church from early life, at whio^
time she made a profession of religion and joined the M. B. Church,
South. * * *
Her character was perfect in its proportions; not rugged nor erratic,
but harmonious, symmetrical and unobtrusive; yielding its fruit not
by paroxysms, but regularly and constantly; moulded not after Wes
ley or Fletcher or Watson, but after the pattern shown her "in the
mount," where she had communed with Him and grown into His like
ness. For her a personal^ present Saviour was the ohly one who could
solve the enigma of life — the Sun of righteousness, the only infallible
standard by which to set your timepieces for eternity. * * *
Her religious life was convincing; not demonstrative, but demon
strating."
William Ballaed Lenoie Eeagan.
He was the oldest son of General James H. and Mira
A. Eeagan. He was born in Sweetwater Valley, Mc
Minn County, Tenn., May 31, 1838; died at Terrell,
Texas, September 1, 1913.
When a boy he received such education as the public
schools afforded at the time and also went a year to
Prof. Aldehoff's private school at Kingston, Tenn.
"When quite a youth he went into a branch bank of the
state at Athens, as assistant cashier to David Cleage,
who was cashier, and his father the president. He re
mained ,in that position until the beginning of the Civil
War, executing his duties with exactness and fidelity.
He first went into the war as a member of the cornet
band of Colonel J. C. Vaughn's 3rd Tennessee regiment,
of which G. E. Knabe, afterward of Knoxville, was the
leader. However, he did not remain long a member of
the band as he wished to be in the thick of the fight. He
served first in Colonel Vaughn's regiment in Virginia,
and afterward served as first lieutenant and adjutant in

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 301
Colonel John E. Neil's Sixteenth battalion, Tennessee
cavalry, Eucker's legion, Pegram's brigade, under Gen
eral Bragg in Kentucky and Tennessee. He was under
General Forest in the battle of Chickamauga, and after
ward served in General Vaughn's mounted infantry
brigade in the valley of Virginia and Maryland cam
paigns and was in the battles in which his command was
engaged up to the time he was wounded near Winches
ter, "V^a., July 24, 1864, where he lost his leg. Soon after
that date he was captured and sent to prison, where he
remained until June, 1865.
The General J. C. Vaughn, Chapter No. 1224 of the
United Daughters of the Confederacy^ at Sweetwater,
conferred upon him a cross of honor in January, 1910.
Lenoir Eeagan had a very minute and accurate recollec
tion of the events of the CiAdl War in which he was en
gaged, and was fond of talking of them. He related
reminiscences in a very interesting manner. It was never
his intention to exploit himself and his own part came in
frequently, only by implication. In one of his stories
he said: "Once I was with the rear guard in coming
from Kentucky, near Point Burnside. The Cumberland
river was at flood tide and the army was slow in cross
ing. A mile or so from the river, being very weary and
having lost much sleep, I lay dovm in a cabin and told-
an old darky to wake me up when all the rebel soldiers
had passed. Several hours afterward the old negro
shook me and said: 'Boss, your men are all gone. If
you don't mind, the Yankees will git you.' I got on my
horse and galloped to the river. The last boat had got
ten some distance from the shore. I hailed them and
told them to come back and take me over. The officer
in command said it was impossible to do so, that they
would be captured, and ordered the men to proceed.
Some of the soldiers on the boat, knovsdng my voice, dis
regarded the orders of the officer and forced those row
ing the boat to come back and take me aboard, and all
got over to safety."
This is told to show the regard and esteem in which
he was held by his comrades, who saved him from cap
ture even at the risk of being shot for disobedience of
orders. The late Judge J. M. King, of Knoxville, was one of

302 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
Ms comrades in prison at Fort Delaware. After his
return from prison, Mr. Eeagan engaged in farming at
the old farm on which he was born. He remained there
until a few years ago, when he moved to Texas. He was
a member of the J. E. B. Stuart Camp, No. 45, U. C. V.,
at Terrell, Texas. Members of this camp helped to care
for him and relieve his sufferings in his last illness.
Fort Delaware was on an island in the northern part
of Delaware Bay, a few miles out from Delaware City.
It was used during the Civil War mostly as a prison for
captured officers of the Confederate army. The pris
oners were allowed to receive boxes and money from
friends inside of the Federal lines. They were also al
lowed to write and receive a certain number of letters of
prescribed length and contents. A prisoner could write
a letter to- friends every two weeks on one side of a sheet
furnished by the prison quartermaster. This sheet was
not so large as the common letter paper but larger than
the ordinary note. Of course all letters were strictly.
censored and contraband information and recondite
meanings were looked for. If they contained any objec
tionable matter they were never delivered or sent.
Cipher of any kind was not allowed and only such ab
breviations the meaning of which was plain; as "&" for
"and," "tho" for "though," "reed." for "received."
Eeagan wrote a very plain, neat hand not smaller than
the ordinary business scrip. With this explanation I
append in full one of his letters. This letter dated at
Fort Delaware May 14, 1865, was post-marked at Del
aware City, May 16, thus giving time for censoring, and
arrived at Memphis, Tenn., on the 22nd.
Fort Delaware, Div. 25,
May 14, 1865.
Miss Bettie Martin,
Memphis, Tenn.
My Dear Cousin:
Yours of the 6th instant came to hand yesterday evening. It was
surely a welcome visitor and one that I had been daily expecting.
Now that you have recovered from your fever I am glad I had not
heard of the attack before, for I would have suffered from constant
and painful anxiety, without the power to help ward off the blows
of merciless enemy, or even being cognizant of the progress of the
struggle., I hope you have fully recovered your health and spirits,
though to do the latter will certainly require an extraordinary effort —
that is, I feel it an almost impossibility for those with feelings sym-

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 303
pathetic with my own to enjoy their wonted cheerfulness and hope.
As to us prisoners being offered our release on the terms granted
General Lee and army, is something we had not the least cause to
expect. I do not suppose, my dear cousin, there is one among us
who intends to live in the States, but what entertains very little hope
of getting his release on terms less than what we are made to under
stand will at some time be offered us — that of taking the oath of
allegiance to the government we propose to live under. Some few
are even fearful that those terms will not be granted. Others, by
special application, are leaving daily. As much as I desire to be re
leased, and knowing that so long as I remain here I can be of service
to no one,, an increasing injury to my health, and a source of uneasi
ness to my best friends, I will never do anything to escape these evils
that I consider in the least dishonorable. I will bide my time, trust
ing soon to be released. Give my love to all, and please write at
once. Affectionately your cousin, L. REAGAN.
When the Confederates under General Early evac
uated Winchester, W. Va., Eeagan was unable to be
moved; consequently he was captured by the Federals.
Later on he was transferred to the old Capitol Prison
at Washington, D. C. In November, 1864, he was taken
to Fort Delaware, from which place the above letter was
written. The journey now by rail would be only a mat
ter of hours ; then it occupied perhaps a week or more.
It was made with a number of other prisoners on a
prison ship.- The route was down the Potomac Eiver
to the Chesapeake Bay; thence down that bay by Fort
ress Monroe through Hampton Eoads to the Atlantic;
thence up the coast of Virginia to the mouth of Dela
ware Bay; thence north up the bay to the fort, making
a journey of many hundreds of miles. The weather at
the timo' was very bleak and stormy. The sufferings
of the wounded prisoners were terrible. Eeagan had
undergone a double amputation at Winchester and was
from loss of blood in a very weakened condition. He
was exposed to the cold winds on the upper deck with
out sufficient clothing. The officer in charge of the pris
oners was asked to allow him to be moved to a more
comfortable place or to furnish covering for him. His
refusal was very brutal and positive. A compamon, who
was almost unknovoi to Eeagan, then took off his own
coat and spread it over him, thereby as he (Eeagan)
thinks saving his life. Owing to this kindly act he him
self took pneumonia which terminated fatally. So it

304 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY .
often happens that Avar and suffering bring out the
best as well as the worst qualities in humanity. Con
ditions were not much improved on arrival at the prison.
One might think from reading some of the prisoners'
letters that the stay there was rather pleasant than
otherwise and that they were in no hurry to get away;
but that Avas far from being the case. No criticism of
guards or officers was allowed in any correspondence.
Complaints of bad treatment to occasional inspectors
only intensified the rigors of their prison life. The food
furnished by the government often did not reach them.
It was "grafted" and sold. Money and boxes sent
prisoners by friends Avere partially or wholly appro
priated. They had no remedy. Fort Delaware from
accounts of those who were there was one of the worst
of the Federal prisons. The guards were short term
men or foreigners Avho could scarcely speak English so
as to be understood, and thought they would be com
mended for cruel treatment of prisoners.
Eeagan did not have to take the oath of allegiance but
was finally released on parole.
I have written the above not with the purpose of mak
ing any comparison between Fort Delaware and Ander-
souAdlle and Libby. Conditions in the last may have
been, and probably were, just as bad, as in the northern
prisons, barring the severity of the winters in the north
ern climate. "What I wish to emphasize as strongly as
possible is that prison life under the most favorable con
ditions either in war or peace is horrible to any human
being whether inflicted by an enemy or by a jury of
peers. As cruelty exasperated the prisoners during the
Civil War, so will undue severity make the inmates of
our state penitentiaries the greater enemies to society.
Deprivation of liberty and the companionship of our
fellowmen are terrible punishments in themselves.
The Ancestoes op Geneeal James H. Eeagan.
The information below given about the Eeagan family
up to General James H. Eeagan was obtained from W.
M. Sweeney of 126 Franklin Street, Astoria, Long Is
land, N. Y., who has gone to great trouble and expense
to trace the genealogy of the different branches of the

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 305
Eeagan family. His investigations have been very
painstaking and thorough. Out of the material, which
he has allowed me to use, I give these facts.
The O'Eegans were an ancient Catholic family in
Ireland and about the year 1729 a number of them emi
grated to Pennsylvania. It seems that after coming to
this country that they dropped the 0 in their name and
spelled the last part in a variety of ways.
According to the first Federal census of the state of
Pennsylvania of 1790, there were seven heads of fam
ilies of the name living in the state, viz : James Eeagin,
Weldin Eeagan, Eeason Eeagan, Stephen Eegan, John
Eegan, George Eagon and Phillip Eagin. I also have
the military record of two Eevolutionary soldiers from
Pennsylvania, who served in the 2nd Pennsylvania regi
ment. They are James Eeagan and Michael Eeagan.
James was killed October 4, 1777, at the Battle of Ger
mantown. They were both engaged in the Battle of
Brandywine, where Senator Eeagan's great grandfather
was wounded. They were both probably his relatives.
This is taken from a letter of W. M. Sweeney to W. B.
Lenoir dated November 15, 1915. In the same letter
he gives these additional facts :
I have just returned from a trip to Guilford County,
N. C, where I made an examination of the records of
that county to find traces of the Eeagans, and thinking
that the result of my investigations might interest you
I write to inform you of the result.
Under date of March 22, 1772, I find a deed from John
Eeagan and Mary, his wife, conveying 200 acres of land
on the south side of the Dan Eiver, to John and Samuel
Henderson for a consideration of £150. (Deed Book
1, page 96.)
I also find a marriage bond dated March 28, 1776,
signed by Thomas Cook and John Eeagan, in which
Thomas Cook agrees to marry Elizabeth Eeagan (daugh
ter of John and Mary Eeagan?). This Thomas Cook,
who served in the Eevolution as captain of the Independ
ent Company, Light Horse, North Carolina Militia, in
Continental service, was a brother of Nancy Cook, who
married James Eeagan, Sr., who died near KnoxAdlle,
Tenn., in 1827. I think it is most likely that James Eea
gan, Sr., was a son of John and Mary Eeagan.

306 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
A Deed dated May 22, 1782, from John Eeagan. to
Francis Cook (the father of Captain Thomas Cook), con
veying "156 acres of land, part of a tract of 640 acres
of land granted to the said John Eeagan December 16,
1778." (Deed Book 2, page 200.)
A grant (No. 835) of land from the state of North
Carolina to James Eeagan, dated October 14, 1783, con
veying 179 acres of land. (Deed Book 1, page 116.)
Another Grant (No. 833) of land from the state of
North Carolina to James Eeagan, dated October 14,
1783, conveying 150 acres of land. (Deed Book 1, page
116.) A deed dated January 1, 1783, from Samuel Parks
to James Eeagan, conveying 120 acres of land, consid
eration, £120.
A deed dated September 12, 1785, from William WU
son to James Eeagan conveying 400 acres of land, con
sideration, £100. (Deed Book 4, page 30.)
As the names of John and James Eeagan are found
in the first Federal census of the state of North Car
olina, 1790, it shows with the deeds that they were both
residents of GuUford County from 1772 to 1790, at
least. I do not find any record of John as a resident of Guil
ford County prior to 1772 nor of James prior to 1770,
when his son, John (who died in East Tennessee in
1857), Avas born there. Mr. Sweeney adds:
I wrote to Senator Eeagan some years ago and his re
ply was as foUows :
"My greatgrandfather, Timothy Reagan, was a native of Ireland,
but came to this country before the American Revolution; lived in
Pennsylvania, was a soldier of the Pennsylvania Line in the War of
the Revolution, and was dangerously wounded at the battle of Brandy-
Wine. He subsequently moved to that part of North Carolina which
was west of the Alleghany Mountains, and is now East Tennessee.
He helped to build Lawson's Fort, the first fort built in what is
now Sevier County, but which was then occupied by the Cherokee
Indians. The name of my grandfather was Richard Reagan. He
and the wife of Major James Porter were the first two white children
born in the territory of what is now Sevier County, Tennessee, and
they w^ere born on the same day, but I do not know the date. My
father, Timothy R. Reagan, was born in the same county, in 1797.
I was born in the sam6 county, 1818.
"My greatgrandfather had a numerous family, mostly sons, and
their descendants are scattered through the Southern and Western
States, and are very numerous, though I know but little of them.

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 307
"J knew General James Reagan, of Bast Tennessee, and we called
each other cousin, and, while we understood that we were of the same
family, we did not know the precise relationship between us.
"Very respectfully, "JOHN H. REAGAN."
"Mr. W. M. Sweeny,
"Astoria, N. Y."
From a letter from Joseph Eeagan (a grandson of
James Eeagan, Sr.), to William M. Sweeney, of Astoria,
Long Island, N. Y., we make the following extracts :
"Conyers, Ga., April 8, 1895.
"My Dear Nephew:
"My grandfather (James Reagan) I never saw, but have heard that
he was a man of fine and discriminate judgment. He accumulated
quite a good fortune in the way of land and negroes. I can recollect
that when I was a boy ten or eleven years old he sent for all his chil
dren to come to see him. Some of them were living In Georgia. My
father (James R.) was one of them, and one brother, Charles Reagan,
and one sister went. They rode horseback from Georgia over the
mountains of North Carolina and Georgia Into Tennessee, two or three
hundred miles. He divided out his negro property among all his chil
dren; I recollect my father brought home one of the largest horses
I thought I ever saw and two likely negroes as his part. My grand
father kept enough to live comfortably on, but in less than a year
afterward he died. In the year 1837 1 made a trip into Tennesfeee,
above Knoxville, hear where he had lived. Uncle John Reagan, my
father's oldest brother, lived there. 1 saw the old family Bible, in
which I saw the record that grandfather had married three times
and had fifteen children. Some of them I have never seen. One of
them, Peter, came to Georgia and settled in upper Georgia at Rome.
The youngest, William, went to Texas, and died there some years ago.
Brother Thomas was well acquainted with him. He left a large family.
My grandmother was named Cook. Grandfather married her (his
second wife) in North Carolina before he moved to Tennessee.
"When she died my father and his brother, Charles, and his sister,
Fiances, were grown and they came to Georgia.
"My grandfather Morrison (his mother's father) was named
Joseph Higginbotham Morrison. You see, quite a long name. It is
said that there were as many letters in his name as in the alphabet,
and so there were."
James Eaggon made a Avill of date July 23, 1821.
The subscribing witnesses were John Eigney and John
Calloway. He died sometime late in the year 1827. The
will was admitted to probate in the Knox County Court
in July, 1828. John, Peter and William Eeagan, were
the three executors to the will—' ' The undernamed, ten
of my children" were mentioned as devisees in the
will: John, May, Ann, James, Charles, Franky, Peter,

308 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Eachel, Eebekah and William, and one nephew, Havern
Eaggon to whom he bequeathed a 42-acre tract of land.
After disposing of a few items of personal property,
he directs that the balance of the realty and personalty
be sold and the proceeds divided equally among the ten
children; from the parts of certain ones were to be de
ducted specified sums which he had charged to them.
From Peter's part was to be taken the sum of $370. As
this vsdll was made in 1821, the father likely gave this
in money or its equivalent when he went to Sweetwater
Valley. Peter came here and married Miss Cunnyng
ham. It appears from this will and from precious gifts to
children mentioned by James Eeagan, of Conyers, Ga.,
that James Eaggon of Guilford County, was an eminent
ly successful business man. "Who the other five of the
fifteen cMldren set down in the John Eeagan Bible and
whether living or not at the writing of the will is not
known.
EXTRACTS FROM AN OBITUARY OF JOHN REAGAN, PUBLISHED
IN KNOX COUNTY.
"Died on Jan. 25, 1857, at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr.
Thomas, McMilland, Knox County, Tennessee, Mr. John Reagan in
his 87th year. The deceased was born in Rockingham County, North.
Carolina (then Guilford) May 24, 1770. He emigrated and lived in
South Carolina and afterwards to Kentucky and later to Knox County,
Tenn., where he resided since 1910."
(Note: — Thus any one of three states. North Carolina, Georgia or
Kentucky might have been the birthplace of James Hays Reagan,
his son.)
The obituary continues: "In his extreme old age, though nearly
blind, he retained in a remarkable degree, his vivacity, his cheerful
ness and his quaint humor. Age never chilled the ardor of his friend
ship; infirmity never impaired the exercise of his good nature and
cordial feelings; debility never blunted the keen edge of his wit. He
was without avarice, envy, ostentation or malice. He never had an
enemy; never owed anybody anything but good will. Interment was
at Lebanon churchyard, where repose the remains of a former wife
whom he has survived thirty-four years."

Eeagan Genealogical Table.
A John Eeagan came from Pennsylvania and settled
in GuUford County, N. C. His wife's name was Mary.
One son, James, b. ¦  ; d. in 1827. James m. three
times: (first) Miss Hays; (second) Nancy, daughter of

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 309
Francis and Betty Cook; (third) unknown. Children
of James E., whose names are knovei are :
1. John, by first wif e ; 2. James ; 3. Charles ; 4. Frances
(m. Narremore) ; 5. Peter; 6. William, Eebekah by
second wife; May (m. Whitter), Ann (m. Hamlin),
Eachel (m. McCaU).
1. John had a son (1) James Hays and (2) a daughter
Sarah, who married Thomas McMillan, of Knox County,
Tenn. 5. Peter m. Nancy, daughter of Jesse Cunnyngham
of Monroe County. He went to Eome, Ga., where he
died. Children were Carrie and Addie. (See Mayes.)
7. Eebekah m. Wm. Burns, a merchant of Athens,
Tenn. ^ 2. James, son of James and Nancy E.
James, b. Guilford County, N. C, July 2, 1780; d. Pike
County, Ga., December 27, 1855; m. in Elbert County,
Ga., January 8, 1805, Mary Dandridge Morrison, daugh
ter of Joseph Higginbotham Morrison and Francis Hig
ginbotham. Mary D. Morrison was b. in Virginia,
 , 1784; d. in Elbert County, Ga., September 8,
1839. Children of James and Mary D. M. Eeagan:
William Morrison, b. January 10, 1806; d. February
25 1858
John, b. January 28, 1808 ; d. June 22, 1862.
Martha, b. May 31, 1810; d. July 28, 1828.
Nancy A., b. May 15, 1813 ; d. August 6, 1872.
Charles, b. May 13, 1815 ; d. October 8, 1874.
Joseph, b. March 29, 1817 ; d. February 28, 1904.
James, b. July 26, 1819 ; d. September 5, 1896.
• Francis W. Eeagan, b. August 21, 1821; d. May 25,
•1865; m. December 14, 1845, Sarah C. Eefo. ChUd,
Eugenia OctaAda, b. October 17, 1846; m. September 30,
.'1867, Thomas W. Sweeney. Children : Thomas Francis,
ib. July 14, 1868; William Montgomery, b. August 29,
,1871.
. Mary Dandridge, b. October 8, 1823; d. January 22,
1902. Sarah EUzabeth, b. August 6, 1825; d. October 30,
1854.
• Thomas Jefferson, b. March 21, 1828 ; d. May 9, 1887.

310 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Mes. J. E. Love.
,' Mrs. Julia Eeagan Love, the second child of J. H.
;and Mira Eeagan, was born September 4, 1843. She
.went to school to Mrs. H. M. Cooke at Athens, Tenn.,
'also to AsheviUe, N. C.
On November 18, 1868, m. Colonel James E. Love. He
was born in Jackson County, N. C, August 19, 1832.
Died at his residence near Sweetwater, Tenn., on No
vember 10, 1885. His father was John Bell Love and
his mother, Margaret Coman Love. They lived three
'miles from Webster, N. C,
James E. Love took the B. A. degree at Emory and
Henry College 1858. He then studied law imder Col
onel Nicholas Woodfin at AsheviUe, N. C. At the begin
ning of the war he enlisted in the 16th North Carolina,
(C. S. A.) Eegiment. He was elected lieutenant-colonel
in the 69th North Carolina Eegiment, which was or
ganized in September, 1862, and he was made colonel
of the regiment before the close of the Civil War. Not
long after which he was elected to the lower house of
the North Carolina Legislature. He was a member of
the North Carolina Constitutional Convention and in
1873 was elected to the state senate. After marriage he
lived in Webster, N. C, where he practised law. He
moved to Tennessee in November, 1876, having pur
chased part of the I. T. Lenoir farm. In 1884 he was
elected representative from Monroe County to the Forty-
fourth General Assembly, of which he was a member
when he died. He was a member of the M. E. C, South.
The chUdren of James E. and Julia Love were:
1. Son, d. infancy.
2. Mira Lenoir, b. June 19, 1872. Educated at Cen
tenary College, Cleveland, Tenn., and graduate of Ashe
viUe (N. C.) Female CoUege. On May 8, 1902, she mar
ried J. W. Lowry, son of J. H. and Mary Caroline
Lowry, of Sweetwater, Tenn. Her children are : Joseph
Walker, Jr., b. August 27, 1903 ; Julia Love, b. May 8,
1906; James Eobert Love, b. November 16, 1907.
3. Margaret BeU, b. August 4, 1874, at Webster, N. C. ;
d. January, 1885.
4. Julia Burgwin, b. March 30, 1876, at Webster, N. C.
Was educated at Price's School, Nashville, Tenn. She

HISTOEY OF SAVEETWATEB VALLEY 311
was married November, 1894 to Frank B. St. John, of
Johnson City, Tenn., who was born June 16, 1870. His
father was George "W. St. John, of Virginia. His mother
was Martha Blair, of Loudon County, Tenn. George W.
St. J. settled near Watauga, Tenn. Frank B. St. J. is
engaged in real estate business. Their children are:
Frank Love, b. November 11, 1895. Louise Avery, b.
July 5, 1893. Julia Love, b. December 18, 1910.
5. James Eeagan Love, b. September 3, 1877. Farmer,
Sweetwater. 6. EUzabeth Avery, b. September 3, 1879. Educated
at Eandolph-Macon Woman's College, Lynchburg, Va.
Teacher, Sweetwater and MadisonAdlle, Tenn. ; Jalapa,
Mexico ; Edmonds, Wash. Went to Soochow, China,
September, 1914, where she teaches in Laura Hagwood
School. 7. Eobert John, b. September 19, 1881. Graduate of
the University of Tennessee. Profession, civil engineer.
Worked in the state of S.onora, Mex., in Peru, for the
Southern Eailway in Mississippi, Georgia and North
Carolina. For the past three years has been doing en
gineering on county roads of Monroe and Loudon coun
ties. He married Lillian Dee Worrell, on July 3, 1915.
Her father is Charles B. Worrell, of Clayton, Ind. One
child, Eobert John Love, Jr., born at Madisonville,
Tenn., on September 5, 1916.
8. Hattie Frank, b. February 6, 1884. Graduate of
Eandolph-Macon Woman's College, Lynchburg, Va.,
and of Woman's Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa.
Was interne at Worchester Memorial Hospital, Wor-
,chester, Mass., and studied at Scarritt Bible and Train
ing School, Kansas City, Mo. Went to Soochow, China,
in September, 1913, as medical missionary. She is dean
of the medical school at Soochow, and practises in Mary
Black Hospital.

James Avery Eeagan, third child of J. H. and Mira
Eeagan, was born at the old Eeagan homestead, at which
Callahan now (1914) lives, on January 7, 1846. Went
to school to Prof. Aldehoff on Lookout Mountain in 1861
and 1862. In August 1863 he enlisted as a private in
Co. B (Captain Maston), 16th battalion Confederate

312 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
cavalry. Lieutenant Jno. E. Neal, commander, and
served continuously and principally in Tennessee, also
in Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina and Georgia, un
til the surrender at "Washington, Ga., in 1865. He was
fortunate enough to be paid there before the surrender
$28.25 dollars in silver out of the Confederate treasury.
From 1865-7 he was a student at Dinwiddle's School at
Greenwood, Va. He was a student at the University
of Virginia four years 1867-71. Took there the degrees
C. E., M. E. and B. S.
Worked under Major Euhl in the location of the Cin
cinnati Southern Eailway. •
Was resident engineer in construction on the section
near Eobbins, Tenn.,' including the tunnel.
Worked for the Union Pacific in Wyoming one or two
years. Was the engineer in charge of location and superin
tendent of construction northern end of the Mexican
National Eailroad for several years. He was superin
tendent qf the Lenoir Manufacturing Co., Lenoir's
Tenn., after the death of W. A. Lenoir until the sale of
the property to Brice, Sanford and others.
He was married to Miss Elizabeth Buchanan, of
Abingdon, Va., on June 25, 1889. They came to Eea
gan's Station in the fall of 1891, where he owned a large
farm. Miss Elizabeth Buchanan was born July 12,
1867. He was a member of the McMinn County Court
for fourteen years, and was chairman of that body four
terms. Was chairman of the Eoad Commission of that
county for several years. He was engineer of road lo
cation and construction, for Loudon County 1911-1915,
inclusive. Mrs. J. A. Eeagan was a daughter of Prof. John L.
Buchanan and a granddaughter of president E. E. Wiley
of Emory and Henry College, Virginia. Prof. Buch
anan has been teacher of languages at Emory and Henry
and Vanderbilt University; president at Agricultural
and Mechanical College, Blacksburg, Va., and president
of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Mrs. Eea
gan, coming from intellectual ancestry on both sides,
preserves the reputation of her people for accomplish
ments and popularity. She has been quite in demand as a
speaker on selected subjects at farmers conventions and

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 313
meetings. She has been a demonstrator on certain lines
of home improvement work. She and her neighbor, Mrs.
C. 0. Browder, have acquired almost a national reputa
tion as original dialogue and dialect entertainers.
The chUdren of J. A. and E. B. Eeagan are : Frank,
b. May 31, 1890; Julia, b. July 25, 1892; Margaret, b.
October 24, 1894; d. AprU 11, 1896; Elizabeth Avery, b.
March 13, 1897 ; Myra, b. November 27, 1898, and James
Avery, b. September 24, 1907.
, 4. John Martin, fourth chUd of J. , H. and Mira Eea
gan, b. February 20, 1848 ; d. July 17, 1870. He was the
second person and the first adult buried at the old Sweet
water cemetery. He attended school at the University
of Virginia, for three years, in the academic depart
ment. He was pursuing a law course at Lebanon, Term.,
when disease overtook him. I have heard that tuber
culosis, which was fatal to him, was brought on in
this way : one very cold night there was a fire in Le-
ibanon and he became overheated in his efforts to help
put it out. By accident a bucket of water was poured
upon him. This brought on sickness which terminated
in tuberculosis. This soon resulted fatally. He died
at the old Eeagan residence. He was a fine student. He
was courteous, handsome, unselfish and manly, and
.therefore was immensely popular. There never was a
young man passed away in Sweetwater Valley whose
death was more regretted by Ms neighbors and school
mates. Frank Eeagan, the fifth child of J. H. and Mira Eea
gan, b. July 15, 1851 ; d. November 30, 1862.

ElCHAED Feanois Scetjggs
Was born at Warrensburg, Tenn., February 1, 1834.
He died of pneumonia at his residence in Sweetwater
on December 28, 1903.
He was the son of Eev. John Scruggs and Theresa
Newell Carter Scruggs., They were the parents of four
teen children, of whom E. F. was the  th. Elder Jno.
S. was the second son of Eichard and Eliza McMahon
Scruggs. He was born in Grayson County, Va., March
14, 1797. He was a graduate of Tusculum College in

314 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Greene County which was founded by Samuel Doak in
1794. .
J. and T. N. C. Scruggs were married on September
7, 1824. She was the third daughter of Francis Jack
son and Esther Crockett Carter and. was a first cousin
of the celebrated Davy Crockett. She was born near
Newport in Cocke County, October 8, 1806. F. J. C. and
E. C. were married on February 16, 17 — . F. J. C. was
the son of John Carter, one of the first settlers of Haw
kins County. He established a store which was eon-
ducted under the firm name of Carter and Parker. They
were robbed by a band of Cherokee Indians. "When the
Henderson treaty 'was made with the Cherokees C. and
P. demanded compensation. The lands of Carter's Val
ley from Cloud Creek to Chimney Top Mountain were
granted them, on the payment of a small sum of money.
This was advanced by Eobert Lucas, who thus became
a partner of Carter and Parker. This firm leased their
land's to settlers much after the manner of the patrons
in the early history of New York.
In 1771 J. C. settled one-half mile north of Elizabeth-
ton, Tenn. He was a member of two constitutional con
ventions of North Carolina. His son, Landon Carter,
was prominent in the Tennessee Constitutional Conven
tion of 1796. His grandson was the chairman of the
Constitutional Convention of 1834. His great grandson^
also named Wm. Bates Carter was an active participant
of the Constitutional Convention of 1870. All these
men represented the same constituency and the last
named Wm. Bates Carter was a Democrat chosen in a
strong Eepublican district. James Eobertson, Landon
Carter and others laid the foundation of the "Watauga
settlement which was first mainly in Carter County.
After the death of F. J. C. in 1857, his wife E. C. C,
went to Monroe County to reside with her daughter,
Theresa N. Scruggs, whose husband John S. had pur
chased a large body of land on Chestua Creek in Monroe
County and had moved there in 1833. She died July
9, 1870, and was buried in the churchyard of the church
house erected on the farm of J. S. Here lie also J. S.,
who died November 11, 1867, his wife T. N. S., d. Novem
ber 9, 1888, and also seven of his children and many of
his grandchildren. J. S. was a preacher, farmer, stock-

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 315
raiser and slave owner. For many years he was pastor
of the Chestua, Mt. Harmony and Madisonville Bap
tist churches. He made no charge for his serAdces.
E. F. Scruggs, after completing his academical educa
tion at Mossy Creek, now Carson and Newman College,
became a physician. He obtained his medical diploma
from Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Pa.
He commenced the practice of medicine in Sweetwater
in the year 1855. He occupied the office made vacant
by the death of Dr. Parker, who was the first physician
coming to Sweetwater. On the 14th of February, 1860,
he married Elizabeth Eamsey Heiskell. He erected the
residence on Oak Street now occiipied by Mrs. Scruggs.
He built up a very large practice for a young phy
sician, previous to the Civil War.
Soon after the war ended he became a partner with
his brother-in-law, N. P. Hight, in the mercantile and
produce business. N. P. Hight was the husband of Ad
die Heiskell.
This firm also acquired numerous holdings and lots
in the town of Sweetwater. They erected the brick
buildings at the corner of Monroe and .Depot streets
and the brick hotel opposite, now the Hotel Hyatt, and
various houses for rent "in different parts of the toAvn.
Dr. Scruggs was an extensive druggist as well as phy
sician and sold drugs in the store now occupied by the
Sweetwater Pharmacy.
He was most of the time during his business career
treasurer of the Sweetwater Masonic Lodge No. 292,
from the obtainment of its charter till his death.
He was also administrator of several large estates
and was noted for his good judgment in business and
the strict honesty and accuracy of his accounts.
Notwithstanding the multipUcity of his business re
lations, when not necessarily occupied he was a genial
and interesting companion and conversationalist. His
information was accurate and varied and was by no
means confined to his profession. He found time in
some way to read many books, managed to get at and
understand the main points in them. Anything that
touched humanity even outside of his^ OAvn profession,
met with his intelligent and considerate attention. He
was consulted by more people about more different sub-

316 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
jects than any man in toAvn and his advice was rarely
disregarded. His knowledge of locations and people in this section
and their history was little less than phenomenal.
The children of E. F. and E. E. Scruggs were:
One. Martha, b. October 21, 1861 ; d. in infancy.
Two. Frank Heiskell, b. September 5, 1862; d. July
8, 1895.
Three. John Frederick, b. May 6, 1865.
Four. Daniel Pope, b. June 19, 1867.
Five. Arthur Bruce, b. September 24, 1869.
Six. Susan Newman, b. September 13, 1871 ; d. Novem
ber 6, 1890.
Seven. Joseph.
Eight. Katherine, b. August 27, 1876.
Nine. Annie Nelson, b. January 2, 1878.
Ten. Eichard Abijah, b. March 10; 1884.
Five. Arthur Bruce, the fourth son of E. F. and
married to Annie C, daughter of William and Margaret
Edwards Lowry. He was a bookseller and stationer in
Sweetwater. He was also editor and proprietor of the
Sweetwater News, which began its publication in the
year 1886. In 1891 he bought of W. B. Lenoir the Mon
roe Democrat and published his paper under the name
of The Democrat-News until his death in the year 1895.
The children of Frank and Margaret Scruggs were :
Margaret, b. May, 1890; Elizabeth, b. January 25,
1893 ; Frank H., b. December 3, 1894.
Three. John Frederick, the second son of E. F. and
FG. E. S., was married to Maggie May WiUiams, daugh
ter of J. B. and M. T. WiUiams on June 3, 1891. Their
children are: John Henry, b. January 25, 1893; Eich
ard F., b. June 11, 1895 ; Wm. Thomas, b. September 28,
1903. Four. Daniel Pope, third son of E. F. and E. E. S. was
married to Eva Dulaney Eogers on November 13, 1887.
vShe was born at Blountville, Tenn., July 7, 1867. He is
the carrier on rural route No. 2. Their children are:
1. Edgar Browne, b. August 25, 1888 ; d. 
2. Eichard Francis, b. February 7, 1890; d. 
3. EUen Marie, b. November 1, 1891.
4. Louis Eugene, b. January 12, 1894.

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 317
5. Lela, b. August 27, 1895; d.

6. Bertha Barrow, b. February 19, 1897.
7. Hugh Eogers, b. AprU 15, 1899 ; d.

8 and 9. Eobert Maynard, James Jefferson, b. August
2, 1901; d. 
Five. Arthur Bruce, the fourth son of of E. F. and
E. E. S. married Belle, daughter of DaAdd and Laurena
Heabler, on November 25, 1890. She was born in West
Lodi, O., on April 10, 1871. His business is that of
stock trader and joint administrator with his brother, J.
F. S., in his father's estate. The children of A. B. and
B. Scruggs are : Edith, b. February 6, 1893 ; Joe Heab
ler, b. February 24, 1895; Mabel, b. November 19, 1896;
d. November 29, 1900; Earnest Carleton, b. January 5,
1901; David Eichard, b. March 29, 1906.
Eight. Katherine was born August 27, 1876. She mar
ried Henry Hardey, of Tulsa, Ind. Ter., on August 27,
1902. He was born in Knob Noster, Mo., July 17, 1878.
Went to Tulsa, Ind. Ter. in 1895. Clerked in a store
there seven years. Met there Katherine Scruggs whom
he married. They moved to Eocky Ford, Col., in Au
gust, 1904, where they now reside. He is a merchant.
Their children are: Gordon Stakely, born August 12,
1903 ; Henry Francis, born September 13, 1906.
Nine. Annie Nelson Scruggs was born January 2,
1888. She married Eoss Owen, son of J. F. Owen. He
was born February 3, 1869. He is an E. F. D. mail car
rier from Erie, Tenn. James J. Sheldon.
I have several times spoken of the cosmopolitan pop
ulation of Sweetwater. Of course to make a town where
there is no toAvn, the people have to come from some-
Avhere. But in a mere commercial tovm like Sweetwater
was in the beginning, neither a manufacturing or a min
ing tovm, depending wholly for its support on the agri
cultural products around, the population was more
varied than usual.
In the early settlement of the place, there came from
New York, Mr. and Mrs. James J. Sheldon, Miss Emily
Palmer, Mr. H. G. Cooke, Mrs. Helen M. Cooke, Miss

318 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
Bland E. Smith, and from Massachusetts Mr. George
G. Stillman. ,
They soon became identified with our people and
showed a wonderful adaptability. They had a much
greater influence upon our community endeavoring to
be one of us, than if they had made themselves con
spicuous in criticising our institutions or customs.
First of these to come here were Mr. and Mrs. James
J. Sheldon. He was born in Dutchess County, New
York, July 4, 1829. He married Miss Mary E. Palmer
in 1855. She was born August 24, 1834, in Columbia
County, New York. They came to Sweetwater soon
after their marriage, probably for the reason that they
were related to Mr. Spencer of Fork Creek.
They taught school in 1856, in the old school house
near the bend of the creek called the Fine School-house.
He was a successful teacher and a versatile man. He
was a fine scribe, as the expression went in those days,
wMch was considered of prime importance. Also be
ing a good musician and fond of music, he taught the
school children to sing together various simple songs.
Up to the time of his coming to this country the note
books used in the singing in the churches were printed
in what is called the square note system, each note of
the tonic scale was of a different shape, which made it
somewhat easier for beginners to learn simple music.
He introduced and taught what was called in contra
distinction to the other, the round note system, which
had before been used for instruments and the pitch de
pended wholly upon the position of the note.
"Mason's Harp and Carmina Sacra" were two of
the books used by him and taught in the neighborhood.
All the farm houses around were glad to have the young
and sometimes the old people too, to meet and take part
in these singing's.
The song book published at MadisonAdlle, name not
now remembered, square note system, was soon discard
ed. After teaching several years, he discontinued on
account of his health. He was employed in several
stores in Sweetwater, mostly as an accountant and book
keeper. The credit system was in vogue in those days
and needed a careful accountant.
He was a member of the Baptist church and was clerk

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 319
at the time of his death. In the year 1857 he purchased
a lot from I. T. Lenoir on Oak Street. He died in Sweet
water, at his residence January 18, 1868. He was buried
at the Daniel Heiskell Cemetery.
Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon had one daughter, who was
born January 20,-1856, died December 28, 1868.
Cheistian Shell.
He was a contemporary of General James H. Eeagan
and lived on an adjoining place. From the information
at hand his children were as follows:
1. Emmaline, m.  Phillips ; second to 
Floyd. 2. Paris Montgomery. Lives in Knox County, Tenn.
3. J. WiU.
4. Sarah Landonia. Married James Gibbs, U. S. mail
agent on the Southern Eailway. Their children, two
sons, John and Ludlow, and a daughter, lola, who mar
ried  Houk, son of L. C. Houk.
5. EUa. Unmarried.
6. James E. Married Mary J. Thomas, February 13,
1879. Died about 1913. They were the parents of twelve
children. He was a promoter.
7. Lou Emma. Married Captain John Anderson, of
Pond Creek Valley.
8. Victoria. Married Owen Morris, son of H. H. Mor
ris. Geoege G. Stillman.
It is a tradition in the Stillman family that in the
early settlement of Massachusetts, there came three
brothers. It was supposed they fled from England on ac
count of political or religious persecutions, and prob
ably for fear of other persecution even after coming to.
this country they failed or refused to tell their name or
history. Therefore they were nick-named Stillman or
(StUlmen). This name clung to them so that it was
adopted as a surname. One of them was William C.
who was the father of George G. about whom this sketch
is written.

320 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
George G. was born February 9, 1828, in North Egre-
mont, Berkshire County, Massachusetts. He married
Cynthia B. Eobbins April 8, 1852, at Thomas StiUman's.
Ella, their daughter was born March 9, 1853. Mrs.
Stillman died soon afterward. Ella, is now a teacher
in Massachusetts. Mr. Stillman came South shortly be
fore the Civil War, he visited Mr. James J. Sheldon. He
decided to remain here. He was an accurate and natural
bookkeeper. His great knowledge of Masonry com
mended him to the brethren.
In 1861 he was a member of Prof. Wagstaff 's Sweet
water Brass Band. The other members were A. M.
Dobbins, Wiley Patton, Carter and Crockett Eowan,
 Monfi, William McClung, S. McKinney Walker
and W. C. BroAvning. It was considered a fine band
for that day and time.
Some time in May in the year 1861 this band was em
ployed to go to Hawkins County, Tenn., to a secession
rally. Mr. Stillman was with them. The band took sup
per with Mr. A. Buckner, a brother-in-law of Mrs. Still
man, who was then Miss Julia Craft. They became ac
quainted. They were married about three months after
wards, on the 27th of August, 1861.
Mr. Stillman was a conscientious Baptist. He was
thoroughly posted in many degrees of Masonry, includ
ing the Knight Templars. True to his name he was a
very prudent man in Ms conduct during the Civil War
and though a Union man, he endeavored to protect the
Southern sympathizers, after the Federal occupation
during the CiAdl War. He purchased the property where
Mrs. Stillman now lives, across the street from the
telephone building. He resided there until the time of
his death, which occurred on July 29, 1872.
I take the following from the preamble and resolu
tions adopted at the August meeting of Lodge 292, F.
and A. M. :
****** "Some years previous to the war our
brother G. G. Stillman came among us a stranger. He
did not long remain so. His native worth and intelli
gence were soon knoAvn and appreciated and caused him
to be recognized as a friend and a brother. He was a
pleasant and agreeable companion, kind and affection
ate in his family, a true friend, a good and useful cit-

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 321

izen, a devoted Christian. He was also a bright and hon
ored member of the fraternity. " ******
These and many other things were truly said by the
committee, not in a perfunctory way but because they
believed them. The committee were W. B. Lenoir, W.
W. Morrison, and A. M. Dobbins. ,
Julia H. Craft Stillman was born at the old homestead
in Sullivan County on October 7, 1840. Her father was
 Her grandparents on her father's side were
Thomas. A. Craft and Mary Acuff Craft. Her great
grandfather Avas Timothy Acuff. He was a Eevolu
tionary soldier and acquired land from the United
States government on account of his services. He was
a slave oAvner.
The mother of Mrs. Stillman was formerly Mary A.
Wilson. She was a sister of Anna Wilson, who was the
mother of the late John M. Jones, Sweetwater, Tenn.
Mrs. Stillman is a noted Sunday-school and church
worker, with the Adgor of her intellect (now 1915) un-
dimmed. George Eowan Stillman (named for Samuel J. Eowan)
son of G. G. and Julia Stillman was born May 17, 1863.
He is a trusted employee of the First National Bank
of Chattanooga, Avith which he has been for the past
twenty-nine years.
He married Cora Stallis of Missouri, in October, 1885.
Eev. Eobeet Snead
Was born in Eockbridge County, Va., April 20, 1801.
He came to Sweetwater Valley in 1824. He married
Frances Henley soon afterwards. His first recorded
purchase of land was from William Dillard in May,
1831. The deed is for eighty acres, east half of the
northeast quarter, section 36, township 2, range 1, east.
He afterwards acquired other tracts and at the time
of his death owned a very large farm on the public road
between Philadelphia and Sweetwater. This farm was
divided and sold in 1915. Mr. Snead was one of the most
versatile men in this section of the country; whatever
he was called on to do he always rose to the occasion.
He was a brick-mason, farmer, minister of the Gospel,

322 . HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
railroad director and capitalist. He was chairman of
the committee appointed for the construction of the
Cleveland Baptist Church, and his knowledge of build
ing is shown by that church edifice. In the old Sweet
water cemetery in the grave of John Eeagan is a brick
vault Avhicli Avas erected by Mr. Snead, purely as a mat
ter of accommodation and because no one else under
stood how to do it. This is the only one constructed in
that cemetery. During the time he was minister he of
ficiated at the marriage ceremony of more people than
any other minister in the valley or county. He was a
fine presiding officer and was moderator during the
active term of his life of a great many associations.
"Whenever he was in a Baptist association he was near
ly always called upon to perform that duty. In his ser
mons he was more logical than eloquent ; he appealed to
the reason more than the emotions. He and his Avife
Frances joined the Baptist church of Sweetwater, some
times called the Cleveland church, on the fourth Sat
urday in July, 1826. He was clerk of that church dur
ing the years 1831 and 1832. He was ordained by that
church to preach the Gospel on the fourth Saturday of
February, 1833. He was considered an authority, in the
SAveetwater association on Baptist doctrine and par
liamentary ruling. He probably had more influence with
the churches of Sweetwater Association than any one
belonging to it. He, like Elder Eli Cleveland, never
charged or accepted anything for his pastoral services;
not on account of any conscientious scruples in the mat
ter, but because he thought they could use the money
more judiciously in other ways.
He was one of the best and most successful farmers
in our valley. In a field across the railway from his
residence in 1857, he raised more than forty-one bush
els of wheat to the acre; this he did without the use of
any fertilizer except such as came from his own barn
yard. He served Iavo terms as director of the East Tennes
see and Georgia Eailroad.
He moved to Knoxville from his farm, in November,
1874, where he resided until his death on March 29,
1878, and was buried in old Sweetwater cemetery.
During the Civil War he was considered a Union man

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 323
but was opposed to any discussion of it, or prayers for
either combatant in church meetings, and rarely could
he be induced to express an opinion about the war in
private conversation. This is by no means strange, as
he had two sons in the Confederate army and one in the
Federal. The children of his first marriage were as follows :
1. Martha A., born August 22, 1825. Died 1906.
2. William E., born December 11, 1827. Died August
28, 1875.
'3. Elizabeth, born  ¦  Died July, 1875.
4. Virginia A., born July 17, 1834. Died 
5. Mary L., born February 23, 1839. Died 
6.. Lilburn, born March 22, 1841. Died 
7. Thomas E., born October 26, 1843.
Martha A., married Jacob Kimbrough in 1846 and
died at Mesquite, Texas. J. C. Kimbrough was a tal
ented member of the Baptist church; he was a farmer
and lived near Madisonville, Tenn. Their children were
Eobert, Jacob and Spencer, the two latter dying in ear
ly manhood. Eobert moved to Mesquite, Texas, when
a young man. He died in 1906 at about 45 years of age.
In business he was quite successful; was a merchant, a
president of two banks and had large land holdings.
William E. Snead was married to Nancy Prater John
ston, daughter of Josiah K. Johnston. He joined the
Confederate army soon after commencement of hostil
ities. He held the rank of major in the 43rd Tennessee
volunteer infantry, serving through the entire war
period. After the war he was accountant and salesman
for the firm of Hight and Scruggs until incapacitated by
disease. He had one son, William Prater Snead, who
was born December 31, 1852, and resides on Fork Creek.
3. Elizabeth married Eobert Cleveland on June 4,
1840. For her family history (see Presley Cleveland).
Virginia A. married Eichard Jarnagin, September 29,
1852. They settled at Clinton, Anderson County, Tenn.
She died there and was buried at that place. Their
children were:
(1) Minnie, married  Coward.
(2) Eichard.
(3) W. J., who lives at Coal Creek, Tenn.
4. Mary L., married A. S. Worrell, December 14, 1859,

324 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
who was a Baptist minister. She died in Minneapolis,
Minn., 1903. Their cMldren were :
(1) Martha.
(2) Mary.
(3) Albert.
Two daughters are married : married names and post-
offices not knoAvn.
6. LUburn, enlisted in the Federal army at the age of
20. He was captain of Co.  ,  regiment, Ten
nessee volunteer infantry. He was called the "boy cap
tain." He died at NashAdUe, Tenn., of wounds received
at the Battle of SMloh.
7. Thomas E. served in the Confederate army from
August, 1861 to AprU 23, 1863, in Co. G,  regi
ment Tennessee volunteers.
He married Anne E. Patton, daughter of Francis A.
and Amanda A. Patton on August 27, 1863. His wife,
Anne Patton was born January 16, 1844, in Monroe
County, Tenn. For fifteen years or more after he mar
ried Thomas E. Snead was a farmer in Monroe County,
going west after that, and living in Texas, Indian Ter
ritory, Missouri and Washington. In the year 1898 he
settled at Hinsdale, Mont., which is now (1915) his pres
ent residence. Their children are:
Eobert Snead, born December 20, 1864.
Fannie A. McLean, born  16, 1867. Post-office,
Kerman, Cal.
Dick T., born December 31, 1869. Post-office, Hins
dale, Mont.
Minta L. WUson, born August 10, 1874.
Charles H., born July 19, 1871.
Addie E., born AprU 20, 1877.
Thomas, born September 6, 1879. Post-office, Hins
dale, Mont.
Fannie A., married Edwin McLean in 1894.
Dick T., married Annie M. Eiley in 1904.
Minta L., married Frank Wilson in 1891. Post-office,
Placerville, Cal.
Charles H., married Ida Mooney in 1892. Post-office,
Colfax, Wash.
Addie E., married EdAvard Kelso in 1896. Post-office,
Albion, Wash.

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 325
Thomas B., married Nettie Ballke in 1906. Post-office,
Hinsdale, Mont.

Eobert Snead 's second wife was Samantha Ann Mc
Eeynolds, to whom he was married on the 17th of Sep
tember, 1852. She was born in Tazewell, Tenn., April
28, 1815. She died at Sweetwater, Tenn., January 12,
1897, and was buried in the old Sweetwater cemetery.
They resided at the Snead farm, near Sweetwater, after
their marriage, until they moved to Knoxville, in 1874.
They had one daughter, Laura F., born December 20,
1857, who married Sam Epps Young, a Knoxville law
yer, September 5, 1878. Their children are:
1. Stella, who married Henry T. Boyd of Sweetwater,
on June 10, 1903. Their children are Sam Young Boyd
and Frances Boyd.
2. Eobert Snead, born  — He was educated
at the University of Tennessee and afterwards studied
law under his father. Colonel S. E. Young. He located
in Knoxville in  — He married Lillian, daughter
of Hon. H. B. Lindsay, on October 14, 1908. Their chil
dren are: Elizabeth, Eobert and Lindsay.
3. Frances.
4. Anna.
5. Sam Epps. Lawyer in Knoxville, Tenn.

Colonel Sam Epps Young
Was born near Clinton, Tenn., the son of the Eev. J.
H. Young, a Methodist minister, and a nephew of Judge
D. K. Young, an eminent laAvyer and jurist, of Ander
son County. He attended the University of Tennessee,
and graduated there in 1878. He was captain of Co. B
in the military department there the year of his gradua
tion. He studied law under  at  He
was admitted to the bar in  and began the prac
tice of law at KnoxviUe. He came to Sweetwater in
1880 and opened an office here. However, in the earlier
part of his career, a large part of his practice was in
the mountain counties of Morgan, Scott, Fentress and
Cumberland. There he made quite a reputation as a

326 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
jury lawyer, which, before a great while extended to
the counties around where he resided. He was not only
a successful jury lawyer but I heard Judge T. M. Mc
Connell say he was one of the best chancery lawyers that
practised before his bar. He cultivated most successful
ly a large farm of more than 1,000 acres. Notwithstand
ing his extensive law practice in other counties he found
time to operate it. It was while on his way to his farm
June 22, 1914, that he collapsed, while in his buggy,
from heart failure.
While a man of a most social disposition, he never
sought office though he was often spoken of as a can
didate for various positions. Though a strong party
man he rarely attended political meetings or conven
tions. He was a member of the M. E. Church, South,
and when not absent in the practice of his profession,
nearly always attended Sunday-school and often made
interesting talks, which he had the ability to do with
out extensive preparation. Some of the best speeches
I have heard him make were when he was called upon
unexpectedly to him. He was a member of the Sweet
water Masonic Lodge. He was always prominent in
whatever body or assembly he attended.
Geneeal John Ceawpoed Vaughn.
In the estimation of most persons who know his his
tory, it might well be said that he was Sweetwater's
most distinguished citizen. His varied career, his chiv
alry, commanding presence, and magnetic personality
would make him the hero of the novelist as well as a
favorite character of the historian.
A painting of him hangs in the H. M. Cooke Memorial
Library. He was in turn captain in the Mexican War, gold
seeker in California, high sheriff of Monroe County.
Hotel man, brigadier general in the C. S. A., broker in
New York, speaker of the Senate in Tennessee and ex
tensive planter in Georgia.
He was the son of James Vaughn and Mary Jane
Crawford Vaughn. He was born at Madisonville, Feb
ruary 24, 1824. He married Nancy Ann Boyd in 1847

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 327
at Mt. Vernon, Tenn. She died in New York City, No
vember 13, 1869.
Mr. Eoss Young, who was a soldier in the Mexican
War, also a Confederate soldier in the Civil War, says
that Jno. C. Vaughn was captain of Co. C, 5th Eeg. of
Tennessee volunteer infantry in the Mexican War, com
manded by Colonel McClellan. Eoss Young was a pri
vate in Co. F and volunteered from Maryville, Blount
County, Tenn.
In a letter written from San .Juan, dated February
12, 1848, to E. E. Griffith, Esq., and pubUshed in the
Madisonville Democrat of April 15, 1909, we make the
following extracts:
"I will write you a letter this morning. I got up this morning with
the sun, had my breakfast and put on a light colored shirt. Then I
read several chapters in the Bible, which I do nearly every day. Then
I seated myself by the side of a long dining table which Santa Anna
used before the Yankees entered Vera Cruz and drove him from this
place. Lieut. Brown and I use it to write on during the dp,y and at
night we use it to sleep on, and I think it a great thing in the sleep
ing line.
* * * * -^g jjj.g j^u f^j. from home and all that is dear to us,
but there is not the same number of men in Mexico that enjoy th.em-
selves better than the gallant company from Monroe does. We all
love each other. We can think of home but that Is all. We live in
hope of seeing you all again, but we may not. There may not be
one-fourth of us live to see Tennessee again. To look around at
Companies that came here one hundred strong and now number only
forty and none killed in battle, and some that number only twenty-
five whfin, six months ago, they numbered one hundred twenty-five;
this is enough to make us all doubtful of our lives. We wish the
prayers of our friends at home." (I have not the date at hand to
know when the company returned to Monroe County.)
Being of an adventurous disposition in 1850 he went to
California by the New York and Panama route. A let
ter from J. C. Vaughn and E. C. Harris from Panama
City June 4, 1850, which appeared in the Athens Post
July 19, 1850, contains some very interesting data; the
more so on account of the completion of the isthmus
canal and the exposition celebrating the event in San
Francisco, Cal.
Some time since a letter appeared in The Sweetwater
Telephone from Tyler Heiskell to his father, William
Heiskell, recounting the dangers and expense of a trip
across the plains to California. From what these re
ports say there seems to have been little choice as to

328 ¦ HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
the two routes. Greater personal danger from Indians
by the plains route, and far greater danger from di
sease by the Panama route. We deem the extracts be
low very interesting:
"We left Chagres, on the 24th of May in canoes for Cruces up the
Chagres river, a distance of 80 miles. These canoes being large enough
to accommodate from 5 to 10 passengers, owned and made by the
natives generally for which we paid $13.00 each (finding ourselves).
The first night at 10 o'clock P. M. we hauled up for the night where
we found something similar to a shack of an American camping
ground, only about one-third as large, which was covered with canvas
in place of boards, where we found something in the way of refresh
ments. A cup of coffee for .05c, a small piece of bread for .10c. and a small
apple pie for three dimes; and we were also accommodated with
berths upon the ground for two dimes; each furnishing his own
blanket. We engaged passage to Cruces, though from the fact that
our yawls or canoes could not navigate further than Gorgono, on ac
count of shallow water, we were compelled to stop at the last named
place. We arrived at Gorgono on the 25th, of May, where we found
about four hundred small ranches scattered about in every direction,
inhabited by Spaniards and Natives, with one American house whose
sign was the Panama Railroad Hotel, where a meal could be had for
an Isthmus Dollar (eight dimes) and lodging on the floor for five
dimes, finding your own blankets; we tarried here for one night only.
On the 27th, we hired Natives to pack our baggage across for $8.00
per hundred on mules and their own backs, a distance called by in
habitants twenty-five miles. After two days we arrived at the great
city of Panama, situated on the coast of the Pacific on a small point
of land which extends far out into Panama Bay, distinguished prin
cipally for being a great port of entrance, for being surrounded by
a huge stone wall, for its numerous number of Catholic Cathedrals,
whose tall spires loom up to the clouds in really majestic splendor, for
its mixed population of Spanish and Native (Negro), for the uni
versal want of energy amongst its ignorant and stupid inhabitants,
and distinguished generally for being one of the most completely worn
out and decayed cities this side of HIndoostan.
Though Monte and Faro banks flourish h,ere while almost every
thing else is held in low repute except commercial operations, which
is a source of grand speculation here, and in confirmation of this we
will give you an instance; on our arrival here we found that tickets
on steamers could not be haa for less than $400.00 In the steerage,
and from six to nine hundred dollars in the cabin to San Francisco,
while the same tickets were purchased in New York from two to
four hundred dollars each, and held, offered, and sold here on specula
tion, at those advances, governed entirely by the number of emigrants
here, waiting transportation to the much sought 'El Dorado.'
Those prices are eagerly given here, while the number and names of
the steamers now plying between this place and San Francisco are
as follows: The California, Oregon, Panama, Tennessee, Carolina,
Unicorn, Gold Hunter, Sarah Sands, Isthmus a«d Columbus, 'making
In all ten, which leave this port universally crowded, even at those
extravagant prices, and there are soon expected here via Cape Horn,
to go on the same route, the steamers New Orleans, New World,
^ Northerner, West Point, William G. Pease, Republic and Duncan C.

HISTOEY OF SAVEETWATEB VALLEY 329
Pell, which will complete the entire number of seventeen steamsh.ips.'
In discussing the case of going from East Tennessee to San Francisco
without experiencing any delays which can seldom be avoided, the
cheapest possible taking sail vessel would be $350.00 and to take
steamer from New Orleans to San Francisco It would cost $365.00 on
deck and in the cabin $750.00, never less, and a chance for it to be
higher. Taking these statements as correct, all who are thinking of the
perilous adventure can now make up their minds as to the amount
they would feel safe in leaving home with, knowing at the same time
that if it should fall short that it would be where they would be
surrounded by the mongrel population of the whole earth. This is
the amount, to say nothing of the expenses up the Sacramento river
to Sacramento City, a distance of 125 miles and then some 80 miles
by land out into the diggings. * • * *
Without a through ticket a person stands no chance for a passage
aboard a steamer from this port, as they are always filled to a dis
agreeable number by persons owning through tickets or those who
have the funds to pay a heavy advance on second-handed tickets, and
we have seen them sold during our stay here second-handed for from
six to eleven hundred dollars, and while on this subject we would
remark, that the shaving and swindling system is carried on here to
scientific perfection, at the expense of the poor emigrants from the
states, and the great wheel is turned, not by foreigners, but by Ameri
can citizens.
This city numbers a population of about ten thousand, inclusive,
within and without the walls, with at present a transient population
of about three thousand, principally emigrants. The major portion
of its inhabitants are Spaniards, one-third we suppose are natives,
as black as the ace of spades, though all speak universally the Spanish
language, which language we are in a fair way to learn 'Pocotiempo.'
This city Is surrounded by the most sublime and majestic natural
scenery upon which the eye of curiosity ever rested, almost entirely
surrounded by Panama Bay, completely decorated with little island
mountains, whose beautifully green peaked tops pierce the sullen and
heavy clouds, which almost constantly enshroud them at this season;
while the approach by land is similarly adorned with here and there,
small round capped summits, intervening occasionally beautiful nar
row and level valleys, which appear to groan under the abundance of
the rich tropical fruits of the forest, which are to be seen and ob
tained at all seasons, from the luscious Isthmus peach through the in
numerable varieties of tropical fruits down to the delicious pineap
ple, which, in some degree, perfume the air with their rich fragrance.
* * * * [We cannot conclude without giving a few brief state
ments relative to the incidents connected with our two days' travel
across the Isthmus. From Gorgono to this place we were never
out of sigh.t at one time of the vast continued train of mules and
natives packing baggage to and from this city, during which time we
very frequently met with numbers of American ladies dressed en
tirely In gentlemen's attire and universally riding astride, which odd
custom they are compelled to adopt in order to travel at all, except
they walk, as there Is no such thing here as a vehicle of any sort,
and during our travel across and the eight days we have been here,
amongst all the travelling we have seen but bare one side saddle.
We arrived at this city on the 28th of May, where we have remained
for some eight days, awaiting the published day for the sailing of
the ship Cacholot, aboard of which we have engaged^ our passage to
San Francisco. We have purchased our tickets for 'which we paid

330 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
$150.00 each in the steerage and she positively sails tomorrow, the
5th of this Inst., which port she promises to make in thirty-five or
forty days.
Here we saw numerous 'East Tennesseeans, who all meet like en
deared relatives and amongst the many we have had the pleasure of
meeting with, and listening to a very able sermon delivered by one
Mr. Horn, from Knoxville, who has formerly resided in Athens, E.
Tenn.' In the Athens Post of Dec. 20th, 1850, we find this editorial refer
ence: 'we received last week the Polynesian of Sat., July 20th, printed
at Honolulu, a town on one of the Sandwich Islands. It was sent by
Mr. E. C. Harris, who belonged to the company that started to Cali
fornia from this country some time since. The ship on which they
embarked at Panama (June 5th), put into Honolulu on account of
stress of weather and was expected to set sail again in a few days."
It would seem they must have been disappointed in
reaching San Francisco at the expected time — thirty-
five or forty days. For sailing from Panama on June
5th, they were still at Honolulu on July 20th. If I am
not mistaken it is about 2,800 miles from Honolulu to
San Francisco. What time General Vaughn reached
San Francisco and how long he remained in California
I have not the information at hand, however think he
did not succeed in obtaining very much gold, or was
not among the lucky prospectors.
In the files of the Athens Post in my possession I do
not find any other letters from either Harris or Vaughn,
but I lack considerably in having the papers for the year
1850-1. In about 1854, General Vaughn built a hotel in
Sweetwater in which was a store-house on the site now
occupied by the Hyatt Hotel. William H. Taylor and
Joseph Boyd, brother-in-law of General Vaughn, were
of the first that did business in that store-house.
I think others too at different times sold goods there.
General Vaughn was elected sheriff in 1859. I do not
remember whether this was his first or second term.
When the Civil War came up he raised the first com
pany in Monroe County, of which he became captain,
that with other companies formed the first regiment
raised in Tennessee for the Southern Confederacy. He
was elected colonel of this regiment. Although this was
the first regiment raised in the state, it was the third
mustered in by the Confederacy at Lynchburg, Va.
Owing to a railroad accident between Knoxville and
Lynchburg they were delayed and two other regiments,
I think Turney's and Hatton 's, got ahead of them. Thus

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 331
I
Vaughn's regiment instead of being the first as it should
have been became the 3rd Tennessee Eegiment, Volun
teer Infantry.
Colonel Vaughn's command captured the first pieces
of artillery taken in the war at the bridge in Eomney,
Va., June, 1861. He was engaged in numerous battles
in many parts of the Confederacy during the Civil War
from the first Battle of Manassas until the end in 1865
when he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general.
General Vaughn was in command of the cavalry es
corting President Davis to Washington, Ga., and was
the last organized body of cavalry of the C. S. A. to
surrender. A part of the treasure belonging to the Confederacy
was divided among his soldiers. Daughters of the Con
federacy here at Sweetwater have considerable of Gen
eral Vaughn's war history. It is very voluminous. I
give the following from a letter by Mrs. Lua Nixon, now
deceased of 733 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Ga., dated
July 9, 1913. Mrs. General Jno. C. Vaughn, her
father-in-law, James C. Vaughn and three daughters,
Margaret, Lua and Mary, were arrested (at their home
in Sweetwater) June, 1864, by order of General Sher
man. The original order is in possession of Mrs. Nixon
and reads as follows:
"Headquarters Military division of the Mississippi, Nashville, Tenn.,
July 27th, 1854. Special order No. 91. It appearing to the satisfac
tion of the Maj. Gen. commanding that the following named persons
are implicated In corresponding with the enemy beyond our lines, it
is hereby ordered that they be sent to Jeffersonville, Ind., there to
remain in the care of th.e Provost Marshal under Military surveillance
during the continuance of the present war, the quarter master de
partment will furnish the transportation necessary to carry out this
order. By order of Maj. Gen. Sherman. M. Rochester, assistant ad
jutant general."
The same day the family of Judge T. Nixon VanDyke
were arrested and joined General Vaughn's family.
They were taken to NashAdUe in a box car, the prison
ers Mrs. Vaughn and Mrs. VanDyke, and the seven chil
dren were confined in one small room for days await
ing their orders. During the time of their confinement
every effort was being put forth by influential Union
friends and friends in the North, through Governor

332

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VAJLLEY

Johnson (then military governor) of Tennessee and
President Lincoln to have the order changed. . Judge
VanDyke 's family were allowed to give bond and they
were released but the original order was carried out
as to General Vaughn's family. Several months later
General Vaughn sent scouts to arrest the family of a
Federal general in Kentucky and held them as hostages
till arrangements were made for exchange. Every
where the family were held as prisoners in LouisAdlle,
Cincinnati and Baltimore, they found friends and sym
pathizers with the Confederacy who gave them aid and
alleviated the condition of their confinement. Later the
family were confined in Fortress Monroe awaiting ex
change. President Davis made every arrangement that
General Vaughn's family be received and cared for by
the exchange commissioners Major Ould, and Captain
Hatch, and also in Eichmond until joined by General
Vaughn. After the Civil War General Vaughn, following the
example of the Imnans and E. T. Wilson, formerly of
Loudon, and many other East Tennesseans moved to
New York City to go into business. Some of the East
Tennesseans who went there were eminently success
ful, and became very wealthy; but General Vaughn was
more fitted for work in the open with the musket and the
sword, than to contend for commercial supremacy
among the trained business men of Wall Street ; he knew
nothing of their methods.
Soon after the death of his wife in 1869, he, returned
to Tennessee. Being very popular he engaged in pol
itics. He received the democratic nomination for sen
ator in 1871 from the Seventh Senatorial District : com
prising the counties of Meigs, McMinn, Polk and Mon
roe. He was elected by a large majority and became
senator from this district in the Thirty-seventh General
Assembly of the state, which began its session in Nash
ville, October 1, 1871. Although he had never been leg
islator before he was elected speaker of the senate. He
probably could have gotten almost any office he sought
in the political field but about this time he was married
a second time to Miss Florence Jones, of ThomasAdlle,
Ga., and settled there. He preferred the quiet of a plan
ter's life to the scramble for office.

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 333
As a military commander his bravery was unques
tioned, he was almost too fearless. He preferred to lead
rather than direct. He considered it was his business
to fight the enemy wherever he met them. General For
rest's motto was "To get there first with the most men."
General Vaughn did not seem to regard numbers; he
rarely waited to see whether he or the enemy were the
more numerous and the way he found out whether he
could wMp them or not was to fight.
In the various offices and positions he held he was
actuated by a high sense of duty and love of his country
and his felloAvman. Of him it might be said slightly
changing the phraseology of a Confederate comman
der, "he seen his duty and he done his damndest."
He, himself, was modest and would have been far from
saying anything of the kind. He was intensely reverent
in his turn of mind as shown by his letters from Mexico
and during the Civil War.
He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, but toward the last of his life he belonged to
the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He was one of
the few born leaders of men. He never had the slight
est trouble in arresting a criminal, or being obeyed by
those under him.
Before he returned from the Civil War many rough
characters who wanted to make themselves conspicuous
made their threats of what they would do if he ever came
in their neighborhoods. After he returned, he having
heard of these threats, seemed to take pleasure in meet
ing these very fellows alone, and probably unarmed.
He was never insulted and the very ones who had threat
ened him were the first ones to welcome him. They
probably voted for him when he ran for office.
These Jacksonian qualities of the eagle eye and daunt
less personality overawed them. They forgot he was
the man they had started out to humiliate. The chil
dren of General and Nancy Vaughn were:
Margaret, b. 1848. Died in 1873. Married Timothy
Gibson, of Athens, Tenn., at Thomasville, Ga., Septem
ber, 1866. They then lived four years in Bainbridge,
Ga., coming back to Athens, Tenn., in 1871. He was
born in Gerard County, Ky., April 30, 1834. Was one
of a family of fifteen children, he being the seventh.

334 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
His father, the Eev. Elias Gibson, came to Columbus,
on the Hiwassee Eiver in 1844. Margaret and Timothy
Gibson had one child, Mary Lua, who was born at Bain
bridge, Ga., on December 5, 1867. She married the Hon.
W. B. Miller, at Athens, Tenn., who is a noted lawyer
of Chattanooga, residing on Lookout Mountain. They
are the parents of four children, two living and two
dead; the liAdng (1916) are Burkett Miller, practising
law in Chattanooga, and Vaughn Miller, studying law
at Harvard College.
The second daughter of General Vaughn was Lua,
who married W. M. Nixon, formerly of Ohio. They re
sided in Athens, Tenn., until 1895, when they moved to
Atlanta, Ga. He is president of the Atlanta Woolen
Mills. Their son, Vaughn, was born September 14, 1878.
Mrs. Nixon died December 23, 1914.
Mary Vaughn was born March 6, 1855. She married
Frank B. McElwee of McMinn County. He was born
in Meigs County on March 12, 1844. He was the son
of Thomas B. McElwee. He was a manufacturer of
cotton yarns. He resides (1915) in California — post-
office, Stockton. Mrs. McElwee died at Athens, Tenn.,
on July 30, 1891. Their children were :
1. Lua, born February 16, 1878.
2. Florence, b. March 31, 1879. Died March 5, 1903.
3. Mattie, b. October 16, 1880; d. February 5, 1904.
4. Mary, b. August 25, 1885.
5. Frank, b. AprU 4, 1882.
6. Vaughn, b. October 6, 1883. He is a civil engineer
at Los Angeles, and is unmarried.
7. Thomas, b. June 19, 1888. Married Martha Mar-
tinke, at Los Angeles January, 1915.
1. Lua McElwee married Charles D. Chandler, of
Eockford, Tenn., December 28, 1898, now (1915) a mer
chant at Maryville. One daughter, Margaret McElwee
Chandler, b. January 30, 1901.
3. Mattie McElwee married John L. Anderson Jan
uary, 1898. Their children are:
MUdred M., b. March, 1899.
Larnard, b. November, 1900.
Thomas, b. May, 1903.
5. Frank McElwee is in the real estate business at San
Diego, Cal.

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 335
4. Mary McElwee married C. P. Griggs, of Stockton,
Cal., on October 20, 1906. He died March 6, 1913. She
lives at Manteca, Cal. They had one daughter, Mamie,
b. July 12, 1907.
General Vaughn's second wife was Florence Jones, of
Thomasville, Ga., whom he married in 1871. One daugh
ter, Mrs. E. A. Armand. Mrs. Florence Vaughn died
at Savannah, Ga., in 1890.
General Vaughn died on plantation near ThomasAdlle,
Ga., on —  -, 187— .

Thomas L. Upton.
Three brothers, William A. Thomas L., and Joseph
Upton, came from Blount to Monroe County. William
A. settled on Four Mile Branch, Dr. Joseph Upton in
MadisonAdlle, and Thomas L. in Sweetwater Valley.
The latter resided in the old Sliger house where I. T.
Lenoir afterwards lived. He moved from there to what
was afterwards known as the Upton place on Pond
Creek, one mile from the Cumberland Presbyterian
camp ground.
On the 24th of February, 1854, he conveyed to I. T.
Lenoir, for the consideration of $2,000, the northwest
quarter of section 11, township 3, range 1, east, to which
deed Jno. C. Vaughn and N. W. Haun were the subscrib
ing Avitnesses. Thomas Upton's wife wjas Anne Year-
out. Their children were:
1. Bettie; 2. Thomas^L. ; 3. William A., and 4. Nancy.
Bettie married James Blair, who was a physician in
Sweetwater in the first beginning of the toAvn. They
had several children, number not known to me, but the
oldest one was named Annie, and younger than she were
twin girls, one named Inez. About the beginning of the
Civil War he moved to Corsicana, and then to Hender
son, Eusk County, Texas.
William A. married Mrs. Ballard of Pond Creek, who
was the daughter of Eeps Jones. Some time in the
eighties she came to Sweetwater and he went to
Texas. For some time she was proprietress of the Up
ton Inn, now the Hyatt Hotel. Their children were:
Byrd, Thomas, William and Mamie.

336 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Nancy Upton, fourth child of Thomas L. and Anne
Upton, married Eobert, son of J. D. Jones (whom see).
David Caldwell married  Yearout. He was
a farmer and lived on a farm adjoining Thomas Upton.
They had one daughter, Bettie, who married Charles
H. Jones, son of Eeps Jones. Helen Graham, whose
mother was also a Yearout, resided with Mr. Caldwell.
She married Charles Cannon of Sweetwater ^whom see).
Hon. Joseph Walkee.
He was the third son and sixth child of Joseph and
Mary Howard Walker, who were married in 1797. Jos
eph Walker, Sr., moved to this county perhaps in the late
twenties and settled in Fork Creek Valley, the old home
stead being on the west side of the creek in the meadow
between what is now the Vineyard farm and the old
Kile place. Here they reared a large family, one of their
children dying in childhood. The children were :
1. Elizabeth Caroline, m. Nicholas Vineyard.
2. Caswell Lincoln, moved to Georgia.
3. David Perkins, was a farmer living in Fork Creek
VaUey. 4. Nancy, m. James Harvey Johnston. They lived
on a farm, now the Howard place, three miles southeast
of Sweetwater.
5. Sarah, m. Cunningham.
6. Joseph, b. in Grainger County, September 10, 1813.
7. Nicholas Grant.
8. John Horn, d. on the plains en route to California,
August 22, 1849.
9. Stirling Creed, d. when a child.
10. Mary Anna, m. Colonel John A. Eowan.
The family largely settled about the father's home
and at one time the sons and sons-in-law ovmed con
tiguous farms from Christiansburg church to the Davy
Walker farm near Glenloch.
Joseph, the sixth child of Mary and Joseph Walker,
Sr., was three times married.
First to Caroline Cleveland, daughter of Eev. Eli
Cleveland on March 1, 1838, Eobert Snead, M. G. She
died August 28, 1840.

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 337
Second, he married on July 22, 1845, Elizabeth Jane
Prater, E. Snead, M. G. She died on January 14, 1846.
Third, he married Lodusky Jones, the sister of Joseph
D. and Jesse Jones, on February 2, 1848, the Eev. E.
Snead again officiating. Her death occurred on Sep
tember 25, 1875.
Mr. Walker was a member of the Baptist church and
of the F. A. Masons. Like a great many of the old line
whigs he was a Union man and opposed to secession
until the state voted to secede and then he cast his lot
with the state. In August, 1861, he was elected repre
sentative from Monroe County to the General Assem
bly, and was a member of Governor Harris' Legislature
at the time it left Nashville, because of the occupation
of that part of the state by Federal troops. Mr. Walker
was noted in his community for the generous help to
young men starting for themselves in life. A few
years ago when Squire William Sample died, in
tribute to his memory, his son wrote how his father's
early start in life had been due to Mr. Walker's help,
in tools, farming implements and opportunities secured
by the latter 's aid.
Joseph Walker left four daughters, all children of his
last wife. These daughters have all been teachers.
(1) Mary Caroline, m. J. Harrison Lowry August 16,
1871. They lived at the old homestead on Fork Creek
until 1882 when they came to Sweetwater. He has been
a merchant, traveling man and recorder of Sweetwater
in turn. He is a Presbyterian and she a Baptist. Mrs.
Lowry has been a teacher in the public schools of Sweet
water since 1895 and still is in 1916. J. Harrison Lowry
died on September 25, 1916. Their children are:
Carl Jones, b. .January 29, 1875; m. Helen Gardner,
of Charleston, S. C, October 1, 1905. They have one
son, Carl J., Jr., b. September 5, 1907. Carl J., Sr., is
now (.1916) an accountant in the railway office at Hat-
tiesburg. Miss.
Cleveland Morton, b. October 31, 1881; m. Schiller
Ferguson in 1908. He is a railway clerk at Hattiesburg,
Miss. Helen, is a music teacher.
Emmett Eamsey, b. April 11, 1885, is a railway clerk

338 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
at Meridian, Miss. He married Pearl Ten, of Mobile,
Miss., on January 29, 1913.
(2) Elizabeth Jane, second daughter of Joseph and
Lodusky Walker, was born on Fork Creek. She taught
in country, near Philadelphia, until she went to Chi
cago in 1882. She graduated in Colonel Francis A.
Parker's Cook County Normal. She then taught twenty-
four years in the public schools of Chicago, where she
now (1916) lives.
(3) Emma Alice, was born in Fork Creek Valley. She
was teacher at Dallas, Texas, from 1882 until June 1,
1904, when she married Colonel Joseph F. Swords. He
resides at Dallas.
(4) Laura Eugenia, b. on Fork Creek. She moved to
Dallas, Texas, where she taught some years in the city
schools. She is now (1916), and has been for ten years,
Sunday-school visitor and pastor's assistant in the First
Baptist Church of Dallas, of which the Eev. George
Truett is pastor.

S. Y. B. Williams.
Information not known to the writer was obtained
mostly from Taylor Williams at Chattanooga, Tenn.
Subject of this sketch was born in Madisonville, Tenn.,
March 30, 1830. His father was William WUUams of
Madisonville, one of the first settlers of that toAvn. His
mother was Polly Cline, a cousin of Jacob Cline who
lived near Loudon, Tenn.
When but a boy he went to Eeagans and clerked for
J. A. and C. W. Coffin.
When Sweetwater began to be a town, this store was
moved here, and he became a partner of J. A. Coffin. At
different times he was in partnership with J. A. Wright,
A. C. Humphreys, W. H. Taylor.
During the Civil War he purchased from James A.
Wright a farm one and a half miles from Sweetwater,
now the Kilpatrick farm, which he afterwards sold to
Isaac Benson. During the latter part of the Civil War
he acted as agent for the East Tennessee and Georgia
Eailroad at Sweetwater.
After the Civil War he went to Knoxville and was

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 339
chief clerk of the East Tennessee and Georgia Eailroad ;
after the consolidation of this road with the East Ten
nessee and Virginia Eailroad, he was sent to Bristol in
the same capacity. Later he was made general agent,
which place he filled for nearly twenty years. After
he left Bristol and the railroad employment he went to
Chattanooga and engaged in wholesale and retail coal
business ; this he carried on there until his death, which
occurred January 19, 1908. He was buried in Forest
Hill Cemetery.
He was a member of the Presbyterian church and a Ma
son. He was universally popular and was a fine busi
ness man. He did much in the early days to build up
the trade of Sweetwater. He was a liberal giver to all
benevolent purposes.
He was twice married, first to Mary L. Jones, daugh
ter of J. D. Jones, of Philadelphia, on October 30, 1856.
She lived only a few years. They had one son, Charles
WiUiams, who died when a young man.
His second wife was Barbara Bogart, daughter of
Solomon Bogart, also of Philadelphia. They were mar
ried in February, 1860. She died July 22, 1866, at the
age of 29 years and 9 months. She was the mother of
three children who all died in infancy.

J. W. D. Williams
Was born at Madisonville, January 9, 1841. His father
was William Williams. His mother was Sarah Steele
of Madisonville. He was therefore a half brother to
S. Y. B. Williams. He went to Sweetwater at the close
of the Civil War, entered the produce business with
William Calfee.
He married Florence Stowe, granddaughter of Thorn
ton C. Goddard. He moved to Knoxville afterwards
and was in the railroad business. He died in Chatta
nooga December, 1910. Their liAdng children are: Lil
lian (Mrs. Albert Welcker), St. Elmo; McChesney Wil
liams, Chattanooga ; James, also Chattanooga, and Euby.

340 histoey of sweetwateb valley
The Yeaewoods.
There are famiUes some members of which from gen
eration to generation are leading and distinguished men
renowned alike in war and peace; who tower above the
great majority of their fellow citizens through long
periods. Such were the Lees of Virginia, the Harrisons
of Virginia, Illinois and Indiana, and the Adams of
Massachusetts. There are certain individuals of fam
ilies that stand alone or who are distinguished far above
any of the name, whose parentage gave no promise of
renoAvn and whose name in a measure died Avith them.
Of such were Abraham Lincoln and Patrick Henry.
There are others called in England the great middle
class. They are well educated, industrious, thrifty and
hospitable. They are law abiding citizens, well enough
to do to practise the amenities and courtesies of ciAdl-
ized life, brave and patriotic enough to answer to the
call of their country when menaced by foes foreign or
domestic. These have been the backbone and bulwarks
of our states and nation. They may not furnish presi
dents and governors in times of peace, nor generals in
war times, but in war they are the men behind the guns
and in peace stand for law and order, morality and edu
cation. Such a family have been the Yearwoods. Some
of them came here in colonial times. It is but natural
that long residence and ancestral traditions should in
tensify a love for home and country. The native, other
things being equal, is more patriotic and has a greater
desire for the prosperity of his state than a late arrival
from the fatherland whether it is Italy, Germany or
Eussia. Being educated here he better understands the
genius of our government. The colonists mostly came
from England, they of course spoke the English lan
guage and their customs and laws were taken therefrom.
Therefore an English immigrant actuated by a love of
freedom was almost one of us before he arrived here.
For these reasons we feel it not inapt to speak of the
ancestors of the Yearwoods that came to Sweetwater
Valley. Wm. Yearwood, whom we call the first, that is the first
who settled in this country of the Yearwood family,
came from England. The approximate date even is not

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 341
known but likely somewhere from 1730 to 1740 and made
his home in Charleston, S. C. He there reared a fam
ily. He lived to be 90 years of age. This was remark
able as at that time Charleston and the country round
were very much subject to yellow and miasmatic fevers
which often proved fatal.
He was an extremely expert fencing master and
taught the youth of his city that art. To know how to
use the sword was part of a liberal education. It was
a day when an insult was Aviped out with blood on the
field of honor. To fight a duel was not contrary to law
and many a one was fought with swords as weapons.
When the Eevolutionary began Wm. Yearwood, the
I, was likely of too advanced an age to stand hard
ships of a campaign, or from his profession he would
have become a soldier. No mention is made of his en
listing. However his son, Wm. Yearwood, whom for con
venience we will call the II, was a member of Captain
Wm. Alexander's company and served under Gen
eral Wm. Sumpter during the Eevolutionary War. He
was wounded in the arm at the Battle of Eamsours Mill
Pond and Mrs. Eamsour cut the bullet out with her
husband's razor. He was the ancestor of Wm. Year-
wood who lived in Sweetwater Valley.
Wm. Yeaewood, III.
This Wm. Yearwood was born in Charleston, S. C,
on January 8, 1780. He had three brothers and two
sisters. He was educated and grew to manhood in
Charleston. He volunteered in the war of 1812. He
was in Captain Sublett's company in a regiment led by
Colonel Wm. Henderson and served under General
Jackson. He was in service all through the war and
when it ended was honorably discharged. At the age
of 25 he married at Charleston. His wife lived only
a few years, dying in 1818. One son, Elijah, was
born April 13, 1807. Not a great while after her
death he married Martha Neely on January 24, 1809.
She was born October 24, 1789. She was the daughter
of John and Martha Dickson Neely. He (Neely) was
1st lieutenant under General Nathaniel Greene in the

342 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
Eevolutionary War. He was wounded at the Battle
of Eutaw Springs and was lamed for life. Wm. Year-
wood soon after his second marriage moved to Bun
combe County, N. C, remaining there for a few years.
From there he went to Dutch Bottoms on the French
Broad Eiver in Cocke County, Tenn. In 1814 he
bought a farm in Eutherford County, Tenn., near
Murfreesboro. He engaged in general farming and the
raising of thoroughbred horses. In 1824 he sold out in
Eutherford County and came to Sweetwater Valley, con
tracted or bought part of what has been knoAvn for a
number of years as the Eobt. Snead farm and moved
his family there. About 1836 he bought the J. H. Pickel
farm (now known as that) where he resided for several
years. He sold again and purchased a farm in McMinn
County, nciar Eeagan's. He lived there until the tinie
of his death which occurred August 5, 1865, at the age
of 85 years and seven months. His wife Martha Neely
Yearwood died on February 14, 1867, aged 78 years and
4 months. They were both buried in Netherland Cem
etery near Mount Harmony Church in McMinn County.
It is said that in the war of 1812 he belonged to Cap
tain Sublett's company in a regiment led by Colonel
Wm. Henderson under command of General Jackson.
If so he must have volunteered from either Buncombe
County, N. C, or Cocke County, Tenn., because he was
not in South Carolina, if the dates given heretofore are
right and he did not return there. Wm. Yearwood was
in the Seminole War, volunteering with his son, Thomas
in 1835, in Captain Thomas Prigmore's company;
regimental officer Colonel McClelland, under General
Newton Cannon. He was sociable, hospitable, fond of
amusements, fiddling and dancing. He taught all of his
children both girls and boys, who showed any talent
that way, to play the fiddle.
Changing an old rhyme somewhat it might be said
of him: He shot the musket, he swung the sword
Fiddler and fighter through.
Champion of lady, hater of lord
Dancer and farmer too,
Being quite versatile in his accomplishments.

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 343
Wm. Yearwood, III, and Martha Neeley Yearwood,
second wife, had seven children: four sons and three
daughters. Child of first wife was Elijah Yearwood, born April
13, 1807, Charleston, S. C. He married one Prudence
Morrow and went to Arkansas.
Children of second Avife:
Thomas Yearwood, born April 2, 1810, in Buncombe
County, N. C. ; Nancy Neeley Yearwood, July 24, 1814,
in Eutherford County, Tenn. ; William Yearwood, born
December 24, 1816, in Eutherford County, Tenn.; Ho
race Burton Yearwood, born March 3, 1820, in Euther
ford County, Tenn. ; Sarah Dickson Yearwood, born May
26, 1823, in Eutherford County, Tenn. ; James Morrow
Yearwood, born February 5, 1825, died January 12,
1863, in Monroe County, Tenn. ; Martha Jane Yearwood,
born July 24, 1829, in Monroe County, Tenn.
Colonel Hoeace Bueton Yeaewood
Was born at Murfreesboro, Eutherford County, Tenn.,
March 13, 1820. He died at his residence near County
Line two and one-half miles southwest of Sweetwater,
on- June 17, 1897. He was buried in old Sweetwater
cemetery. He married Elizabeth Esther Scruggs,
daughter of Elder John Scruggs, September 30, 1847,
Eobert Snead, M. G., officiating. She died Octo'ber 25,
1905. He was a member of Co. "H" (Captain Jno. D.
Lowry) 2nd Eeg. Tenn. Vol. Inf. in the Mexican War,
joining in 1845. He was colonel in the state militia.
At the beginmng of the Civil War he was quarter
master with the rank of colonel in C. S. A. under Gen
eral Beauregard and stationed at Augusta, Ga. He was
a charter member of Sweetwater Lodge, No. 292, F. &
A. M. He was a member of the Baptist church at
County Line. He was president of the Fair Associa
tion which held its meetings at MadisonAdlle for a num
ber of years. He was the president and moving spirit
in the Sweetwater Fair Association, whose grounds and
track were one mile west of Sweetwater. Being an au
thority on all kinds of stock, especially horses, he was
in great demand at all the fairs in East Tennessee, and

344 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
also for the reasons that he was fair and impartial in
his decisions. He wrote frequently for the Sweetwater
papers a series of articles which he called "Horse
Talk." He was a farmer. He with his brother Wil
liam, purchased school land in 1845. H. B. obtained the
grant from the state No. 4836 of date April 19, 1855,
signed by Governor Andrew Johnson. At different
times he bought small parcels to add to it from F. A.
Patton, J. J. Browder and S. J. Eowan. He was the
first man on this line of road' to place windows in his
barn, saying that horses needed light as well as food
and other attentions. Some who laughed at him after
ward followed his example.
He was genial, joAdal and popular and was always a
welcome visitor to the town. He was tall and of impos
ing presence and showed to a great advantage on horse
back, being a natural born horseman. He was therefore
solicited and led many processions both masonic and
political and was always equal to the occasion.
The information contained in these sketches not per
sonally known to the writer was obtained from Miss
Miranda E. and Daniel Bone YearAvood, to whom ac
knowledgment is hereby made.
His children were:
1. William Cerro Gordo, b. July 12, 1848. Unmarried
and lives at Sweetwater.
2. John Scruggs, b. January 12, 1850; d. August 1,
1903, at Eiceville, Tenn.
- 3. Eichard J., b. August 8, 1853.
4. Lavinia Ida, b. June 12, 1856; d. December 10,
1890. 5. Horace Burton, b. January 12, 1860. Eailway con
ductor in Mexico for fifteen years. Now lives at San
Antonio, Texas.
6. Daniel Boone, b. March 3, 1862. Farmer living at
Eiceville, Tenn.
7. James Bennie, b. October 2, 1863. Was drovmed
June 9, 1873.
8. Francis Carter, b. October 27, 1864. Telegrapher
in the employ of railroad company for twenty-nine years
(1916). Lives at Sweetwater, Tenn.
9. CharUe, b. December 27, 1867 ; d. January, 1868.
10. Hugh, b. December 19, 1868 ; d. August 21, 1889.

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 345
John Scruggs Yearwood was first a railroad employee
and then editor of the Monroe Democrat and was post
master at SAveetwater under Cleveland's first adminis
tration. He was married to Mary Belle Fitzgerald,
daughter of the Eev. J. B. Fitzgerald, at Fullen's Sta
tion (noAv Chucky City, Tenn.), December 27, 1876.
Their children are:
Pearl, b. December 30, 1877; d. January 1, 1878.
Ida Zoe, b. at Euchee, Tenn., April 7, 1879. Lives with
Boone Yearwood.
Sadie Ethel, b. at Euchee, Tenn., March 15, 1881; d.
February 4, 1889.
James Horace, b. at Sweetwater, June 3, 1885. Lives
at KnoxAdlle, Tenn.
Ella Hortense, b. Sweetwater, June 2, 1885. Lives at
Knoxville. Mack Fitzgerald, b. Sweetwater, May 26, 1887. Ee
sides in KjioxAdlle.
Hugh Gaines, b. Oaksdale, Wash. Lives at Knoxville.
Mrs. J. S. Yearwood was born at Waynesville, N. C,
August 8, 1853. She died at Sweetwater, January 4,
1904. Eichard Jarnagin Yearwood married Jennie Walker,
January 10, 1883. (See D. H. Cleveland.)
Francis Carter Yearwood married Mattie Moulton,
February 10, 1891. She was born November 7, 1867,
in Meigs County, the daughter of Jno. P. Moulton, who
was a soldier in the Confederate army. Her mother's
name was Brady. Their children were: Esther, d. in
infancy; Francis C, Jr., b. November 1, 1896. Student
at Carson and Newman College, Jefferson City, Tenn.
Wm. Yeaewood, IV (Mexican War Veteran).
In 1845 he and his brother H. B., purchased a farm
near County Line in Monroe County. Soon after when
the call for volunteers for the Mexican War came, he
with his brothers, Thomas and H. B., enlisted in Co.
H 2nd Eeg. Tenn. Vol. Inf. The officers of the com
pany were: John D. Lowry, captain; Wm. Yearwood,
1st lieutenant; John Willson, second lieutenant; and
James Forrest, third lieutenant. They were ordered to
assemble at Memphis, Tenn., and there in June, 1846,

346 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
they were sworn into service. The officers of the Sec
ond Eegiment were: J. E. Thomas, colonel; E^ D. Al
lison, lieutentant-colonel ; Eichard Waterhouse, major.
From Memphis they took steamers to New Orleans, La.,
and embarked in ships and arrived on the Brazos Eiver
early in July, 1846. He participated in the capture of
Monterey, Mex., in the following August. After the cap
itulation of Monterey there followed a four months'
armistice. The second regiment was placed under the
command of General Scott. They marched to Tampico
and from there sailed for Vera Cruz, where they landed
in December. The siege guns opened fire on the city
which continued for several days. To the second regi
ment was assigned the task of assaulting the barricade
which defended the Maderine Bridge. It was taken.
After a siege of seven days the city surrendered, the
castle of San Juan UUoa on the 29th of December. After
the conquest of Vera Cruz General Scott soon began his
triumphant march to the city of Mexico. At the assault
of Cerro Gordo on April 18, 1847, the second regiment
was left on the line. The assault was very vigorous.
The second regiment became entangled in the chapparal
in front of the Mexican fortifications and suffered ter
ribly — their loss being seventy-one. Here while in com
mand of his company Lieutenant Wm. Yearwood fell
mortally wounded in the shoulder and side. He lived
for six days, dying on April 24. After the expiration of
his term of enlistment his brother, Thomas Yearwood,
brought his body home to McMinn County and the re
mains were interred in the cemetery at Athens.
Thomas Yeaewood
Was born in Buncombe County, N. C, April 2, 1810.
Died May 24, 1889, at his farm two and one-half miles
southeast of Sweetwater, buried in old Sweetwater
Cemetery. He lived with his father, Wm. Yearwood,
untilthe Seminole War. He volunteered with his father
in that war. He was in the 1st Tenn. Eeg. under Colonel
McCleUand. He volunteered again in the Mexican War, in 1846,
joining with his brothers, Wm. and H. B. Yearwood,
Co. H 2nd Tenn. Eeg. Vol. Inf. They rendezvoused in

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 347
KnoxviUe. Went from KnoxvilleS to Memphis on the
steamboats ' ' Knoxville ' ' and ' ' Harry Hill. ' ' Then they
went to New Orleans from Memphis. At New Orleans
they embarked on the ships Sevia, Virginia and Endora
for the Brazos Eiver. He was at the capture of Mon
terey, Mexico., in August. The climate and water were
unhealthful and many got sick and died, even more
than were killed hy the bullets of the Mexicans. Thomas
Yearwood, though suffering and weakened from dysen
tery, refused sick leave and was with General Scott
and participated in all the engagements of the company.
He returned after his period of enlistment expired
bringing home the body of his brother, William, who
was killed at Cerro Gordo. On September 8, 1835, he
was married to Lavenia Walker Scruggs, daughter of
Eev. John Scruggs, on Chestua.
In 1854 he purchased the farm two and one-half miles
southeast of Sweetwater now owned by his sons, T. A.
and E'. S. Yearwood, where he resided at the time of
his death. May 24, 1889. His wife was born February
3, 1832, and died August 4, 1899. They are both buried
in old Sweetwater Cemetery.
Thomas Yearwood was an honest, fearless, outspoken
man. He hated all shams and hypocrisy. He was an
ardent whig and was a Union man during the war and
not afraid to aver it even during Confederate occupa
tion. He said he could not stultify himself by holding
against the flag under which he had fought through two
wars. Besides being a farmer he was a contractor and
builder. He is said to have built one of the first if not
the first house in the toAvn. It was the house used as
his office and shop by Dr. M. C. Parker. It stood near
where the Hyatt Hotel now stands. It is now part
of the old building standing on the Avest side of the hotel
lot. There is some conflict of opinion as to the first
house built in the toAvn, as several were commenced
nearly at the same time, when it was found where the
depot was to be located. I am inclined to the one ex
pressed above.
Thomas Yearwood was a slave owner and a successful
farmer and a good neighbor. • He was always considered
impulsive and eccentric. He possessed little of what
is known as "policy." He did not hesitate to speak

348 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
his mind on any and all occasions, and did not mince
matters. He never pretended to be what he was not.
No one ever accused him of being a hypocrite. Is it not
better to err on the side of too plain speaking than to
lack boldness to tell the truth?
The children of Thomas and LaAdnia Yearwood were :
1. James Forrest, b. June 16, 1854; m. Harriette Flor
ence, daughter of H. H. Morris of McMinn County, Sep
tember 11, 1879. He died at Butler, Bates County, Mo.,
January 12, 1887, and was buried there, as also were
his son Paul and daughter Inez, both of whom died at
early age. His Avidow resides at Knoxville, Tenn.
2. Martha Theresa, b. July 11, 1857. She married
John Scott Young of Monroe County, on December 17,
1876. He was a druggist in Sweetwater. She lives in
Sweetwater. Their children were: Clarence E. (See
W. T. Lenoir.) • Earl, b. August 9, 1880.
3. John Francis, b. October 30, 1859. Married -Ella
Coffee, daughter of Colonel Coffee of Georgetown, Feb
ruary 4, 1892.
4. WiUiam Frederick, b. March 27, 1862. Lives at
Sweetwater. 5. Thomas Abijah, b. August 2, 1865. Farmer.
6. Miranda Elizabeth, b. January 26, 1868.
7. Eobert Snead, b. December 23, 1870. Farmer.
8. Lora May, b. June 30, 1875 ; d. at Sweetwater, June
4, 1900.
The other children of Wm. Yearwood, III, and Nancy
Neeley Yearwood were:
Nancy Neeley Yearwood (second) married Eobert L.
Johnson, June 12, 1838.
Sarah D. Yearwood married Frank A. Holt, October
26, 1845.
James M. Yearwood married tAvice, first to Susan Low
ry, November 20, 1853, and second to Carnelia Nether
land, to Avhom one son was born. He lived iiear Cleve
land, Tenn.
Martha Jane Yearwood married S. B. Haines, Two
children: Sam Y. and  .
Heney Beadley
Was born on Ball Play Creek, Monroe County, Feb
ruary 8, 1827. He, while a young man, was in the em-

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 349
ploy of C. M. McGhee, who ovraed what was afterward
the Calloway farm on Little Tennessee Eiver. He mar
ried Margaret WiUiams on January 26, 1859. (C. M.
McGhee, J. P.) She was born March 29, 1834. He was
a farmer. He came to Sweetwater in 1865. He first
lived on the lot afterward the electric light property;
then on lot No. 58 back of the C. P. church. After that
he bought fifty acres of land from W. B. Lenoir and
moved to the I. T. Lenoir residence. He died there on
March 14, 1897. His wife died June 6, 1909. Their
children were : 1. Nannie, d. in infancy ; 2. Matt, b. Oc
tober 11, 1862, d. July 29, 1900; 3. Andrew E., d. June
17, 1908; 4. D. S.; 5. Sarah, September 29, 1872; 6.
Luke; 7. John.
3. Andrew, married Amanda Jane Heabler, January
11, 1892. She was born December 13, 1867. Their chil
dren were: (1) Henry, electrician in the navy; (2) Lo-
rena Margaret, b. August 31, 1894. She is a trained
nurse in Atlanta; (3) Carrie, b. December 14, 1896, is
a graduate of Clinton, S. C. High School; (5) Frank
Eussell, b. February 14, 1906, died in infancy; (4) Hugh
Carleton, b. August 25, 1904.
4. D. S. married Myrtle Kratzer, June 19, 1909. He is
a farmer. Their children are Eobert, William and Sa
rah Eose.
5. Sarah, married W. T. McGMre, of Jellico, Tenn.,
June 16, 1893. He d. March, 1904.
6. Luke, married Eose Ewry, of Lafayette, Ind. They
live in Houston,. Texas. Their children are Elizabeth,
Walter and Jane.
7. John, b. June 12, 1873 ; married Beulah Sue, daugh
ter of Gideon B. and Elizabeth Johnson, on December
16, 1903. He is a member of the firm of Guthrie, Brad
ley and Jones, Sweetwater, Tenn. He is a Democrat, a
Mason and a Presbyterian. They have one child, Mar
garet Elizabeth. Matt Caetee
Was born in GreenAdlle, S. C. on December 15, 1829.
He came to Jonesboro, Tenn., when a young man and
there married Mary Emma Brown (Eev. David Sul-
lins, M. G.). She was a school teacher and the daughter

350 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
of Captain Enoch BroAvn of Jonesboro. (Bishop E. E.
Hoss of the M. E. Church, South, attended the first
school she taught.) They moved to Cleveland, Tenn.,
in 1857. He there joined the M. E. Church, South, in
1859. They moved to Sweetwater in the spring of 1865.
He was first a manufacturer of tinware and was, for
years before his death, a produce merchant. He was
made a Master Mason in Sweetwater Lodge No. 292, on
AprU 17, 1867. _ '
In old Sweetwater cemetery are monuments bearing
these inscriptions: "In memory of my dear husband,
Matt Carter, born in Greenville, S. C, December 15,
1829. Died AprU 28, 1885. 'The Noblest Work of
God, an Honest Man.'
In memory of our dear mother, Mary BroAvn Carter,
born at Jonesboro, Tenn., October 17, 1831. Died May
29, 1906. 'Life is Eicher, Heaven is Sweeter Because
of Mother."
The children of Matt and Mary BroAvn Carter were:
1. Edgar V., b.  He graduated at Emory
and Henry College, Va., where he obtained the orator's
medal. After graduation there he studied law. He mar
ried Kate, the daughter of A. C. Eobeson, of Athens,
Tenn. He went to Atlanta, Ga., where he began the
practice of law as a member of the firm of Mynatt and
Howell. He is now of the firm of E. V. Carter and
sons, who are one of the leading ones of the city. Of
fice in the Atlanta National Bank Building. Eesidence,
141 Lee Street, West End. The chUdren of E. V. and
Kate Carter are: Eobeson, b. —  ; E. V. Jr., b.
 ; Frank, b.  ; Katherine May, b,
2. Eobert LaFayette, married Viola Cleveland. (See
Clevelands.) 3. Andrew P., married (first) Pauline Gray, of At
lanta, Ga. One child, A. P. Jr. He married (second)
Eva Wintersmith, of Louisville, Ky. One child, Eich
ard. 4. Walter Bland, married Pearl Linch, of Atlanta,
Ga. Their children are : Af ton W., Walter and Pearl
Corrie. 5. Fred. A., b. October 14, 1870. He was educated at
Sweetwater College. He married (first) Josephine
King, daughter of A. S. and Laura J. King, of Atlanta,

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 351
Ga., on November 14, 1895. She died May 27, 1903.
Their children are:
Josephine, b. at Atlanta, June 16, 1897. Student at
Martha Washington College, Va. ; Mary Craig, b. April
3, 1899.
F. A. Carter was in the employ of the Sweetwater
Woolen Mills as bookkeeper and then as secretary and
treasurer. He is now president of the American Tex
tile Woolen Company. He married (second) Belle,
daughter of the late John M. Jones, on June 14, 1905.
She is president of the City Beautiful League and choir
leader of the Methodist Church, South, and Mr. Carter
is superintendant of the Sunday-school, the largest and
most progressive in Sweetwater with an average at
tendance of about 375 for the year 1916. The church
is now building a Sunday-school annex.
6. May, the youngest child of Matt and Mary Carter,
was born June 30, 1872. Was educated at Centenary
College, Cleveland, Tenn., and Price's College, Nash
ville, Tenn. She married Frank Y. Jackson. He joined
the Holston Conference, M. E. C, South, in 1890. He is
a noted rcAdvalist. He is now (1916) in charge of
Marion, Va. church. The children of Mary and Frank
Y. Jackson are : Mary, Frank Y., Margaret and Mans
field. Maey Isabella Magill Montgomeey.
The foUoAving sketch is taken by permission of E. E.
Magill, of Eichmond, Va., from the "Magill Family
Eecord" book:
Mary Isabella Magill (daughter of Nathaniel and
Jane Eankin Magill), born April 20, 1829; died March
10, 1906, at the home of her sister, Penelope, Mrs. J. E.
Eussell; buried at Madisonville. Married to James
Harvey Montgomery, at the home of her father, Octo
ber 19, 1849. (J. H. Montgomery, born February 7,
1825. Died at their home, in Sweetwater, Tenn., May
26, 1888; buried on Fork Creek.)
Tlie subject of this sketch was a woman loved by
everybody who knew her; of a bright, sunny, cheerful,
self-sacrificing, loving disposition, she scattered sun
shine wherever she went. Ever ready to lend a helping

352 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
hand. "None knew her but to love her." Their first
home was in Fork Creek Valley, near Glenloch, Tenn.
Her husband was a tanner. Selling out his business,
after a number of years, they moved to Sweetwater.
In 1866 they went to California and lived about eight
years at San Jose, and followed the dairy ousiness. Ee-
turning to Sweetwater they kept a private boarding
house and also a meat market. After the death' of her
husband, she went to live at the home of her sister, Mrs.
J. E. Eussell, near Madisonville. Always ready to go
to the bedside of the sick Avith her help and cheering
words, everybody was always and everywhere glad to
welcome "Aunt Mary." Her very presence was a bless
ing, and her exalted Christian character will always be
remembered as a high ideal by all who were privileged
to know her."
(I endorse unreservedly all the statements made as
to the beauty and goodness of her character. I boarded
Avith her for seven years and rented her house for an ad
ditional seven. I knew her for more than forty years.
W. B. L.) The Misses Coffin.
In the fall of 1872 there came to Sweetwater five sis
ters, none of them then married. The eldest of them
was 30 years of age and the youngest about 16. They
had lost one brother in 1862 of fever taken at Manassas
during the Civil War. They had also lost both father
and mother, the latter about a year previous. They had
a lovely home in the country. They had numerous rela
tives and a host of friends. Their father previous to
his decease had advised them however not to attempt to
live in the old home but to select some town on the rail
road in which to reside. They had been left Avith ample
means and had a wealthy brother-in-law in New York,
and the whole country was before them to choose. They
were importuned by their friends in various towns and
cities to select or build a home in their midst, and the
advantages of each location were placed before them
and many inducements were offered. It may have been
for sentimental reasons, as they had all been born and
reared in Monroe County, that they chose Sweetwater

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 353
for their home; this too when our toAvn lacked the ad
vantages it could offer now. I think they never re
gretted their choice. The citizens of the town were
more than delighted to have them.
Their ancestors on their father's side came from
Massachusetts and had the New England culture and at
tainments and the New England conscience. On the
mother's side came wealth, southern geniality and hos
pitality. The young ladies were so everything that was
admirable and lovely that it has been said more than
once that to have known the family, that alone would
have made one's life worth living. The majority of the
people here Avere convinced that what any one of them
did was the right and proper thing to do. No one was
jealous of their almost unbounded influence. They gave
Avith such cheerful and ungrudging hand that the receiv
ers never felt the obligation weigh upon them. Not
withstanding they were sisters and were rarely sep
arated from each other for long at a time, they were
yet unlike and differed from each other "as one star
differeth from another in glory." The eldest sister had
an intimate knowledge of most business transactions
and values and yet was a womanly woman. Before her
father's death for some years she had been his main
stay in business and was amply able to have charge of a
large estate. In the early days of the corporation of
Sweetwater they paid one-third of the municipal taxes.
It would have been very easy for them to have become
tax dodgers, as a large part of their wealth consisted of
notes, stocks and bonds, but that was not their way of
doing business. They received from the taxes paid, as
far as they were concerned, little benefit. The corpora
tion imperfectly macadamized the street in front of
their lot for seventy-five feet; yet a corrupted Voter
who sold his vote for a few drinks or a dollar had more
to say as to who should be mayor and aldermen of the
toAvn than they. One would have expected they would
have been advocates of female suffrage, but Miss Sue
Coffin always contended that woman's influence would
not be best exercised that way.
' It has already been told, in the account of the build
ing of the new Presbyterian church and parsonage, that
they contributed about half. Miss Sue said that they

354 HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
would not mind building -the church themselves but
thought that would be very impolitic. 'What people
strive for and sacrifice for they take more interest in
than what comes to them easy, and nothing is truer than
this. Nor did she want to build a very expensive church
for the purpose of outshining other denominations in a
spirit of rivalry. Nor should they bmld such a church
as would strain the resources of the members to keep
up, and starve the pastor, to keep up a show for the pub
lic. They were great church workers and they all, ex
cept the youngest, were teachers in the Sunday-school.
Through their influence with their brother-in-law,
John H. Inman, a passenger depot was built here, which
was very sadly needed.
The Coffins had an abiding faith in their church, their
town, their friends and kinfolks. Their effort was al
ways to help and build up not to tear doAvn. Whatso
ever was deserving received their earnest and loyal
support. One J. L. Bachman, formerly a soldier in the C. S. A.,
married Miss Fannie Eogan, a relative of theirs. He
was then comparatively unknown to fortune and to
fame. The trustees of the Union Institute were looking
for a competent teacher. Owing to the Coffin influence,
as much as anything else, the position was given to him.
They did not then know much about him but knew in
timately his wife, and that was enough for them. When
he once came to Sweetwater from HaAvkins County, the
citizens here would not let him go. He is here yet and
has been since 1874, nearly forty-two years. We are not
going to write his history; for that would take a book
in itself — to tell of the thousands of young men he has
taught, the hundreds of couples he has united in bonds
of matrimony, the tens of thousands to whom he has
preached, the sick he has visited, the numerous funeral
services at which he has been speaker and comforter,
the addresses he has delivered on social occasions, to
give his masonic history, to mention his home life —
these and many other things future historians Avill de
light to relate, but I shall not undertake it. Even were
his coming to this section within the limit (1820-1865)
I have set for myself, I would dislike to make so many

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 355
of the dead, about whom I have written, appear small by
comparison. Nor shall I give a history of the Coffins more than
as follows:
James A. Coffin, son of Charles Coffin, D. D., b. No
vember 5, 1806; d. September 27, 1871. His Avife was
Margaret Martin, b. January 29, 1812; d. March 14,
1865. ChUdren were :
Hugh M., b. August 7, 1840; d. December 5, 1861.
Sue E., b. December 1, 1842 ; d. September 11, 1890.
Sarah, b. January 8, 1846 ; d. January 16, 1899.
' Margaret, b.  ; m. John H. Inman June 8,
1870; d. — 
Nancy, b. September 1, 1850; d. June 5, 1879.
Mary EUa, b. June 17, 1853 ; d. December 14, 1898.
Julia Ayer, b.  ; m. James W. Harle, Octo
ber 23, 1878.
The Misses Coffin built and lived in the house where
S. T. Jones now resides.
The Baptist Chuech on Saveetwatee.
A Baptist church is an association of baptized believ
ers organized for the salvation of sinners, the good of
the community and its members and for the spread of
its OAvn peculiar beliefs. Denominationally there is no
such thing as "The Baptist Church." Each church is
an entire, separate, independent and sovereign democ
racy. Each member; male or female, has equal rights
and there are no special priAdleges. One has just as
much power (not influence) as another. Even the pas
tor or elder in charge of a church has no voice in the
affairs of that church, except advisory, unless he be a
member. The only officers of the church are the mod
erator, the deacons and the clerk. These officers are
elected and hold their office until their successors are
elected and in case of the deacons ordained; the mod
erator and clerk require no special setting apart. The
moderator's duty is to preside at the meetings, the
clerks to record the proceedings of the business meet
ings, the deacons' to attend to the financial affairs of
the church under instructions of the members. They
have of themselves no authority to bind the church.

356 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
They are trustees of the church property which is in
their names. The number of deacons is usually three
or more. Baptistically speaking the place where the
members meet, if it belongs to them, is the church house,
if it does not it is their meeting house or meeting place.
The old Baptists never called any building "a church."
An elder in the Baptist church is an ordained mimster
or a member licensed to preach the word.
These prefatory remarks,_I think, are necessary for
the proper understanding of the subject I am to discuss,
viz: the Baptist Church on Sweetwater (Creek) between
the toAvns of Sweetwater and Philadelphia, called in the
records of that church, the Sweetwater church and some
times known as the Cleveland Baptist Church. I make
no apology for writing of it. Not to give some account
of that church in a history of the valley, which I am at
tempting to write, would be something like enacting the
play of Hamlet with the character of Hamlet left out.
It was the earliest church organized by people of this
valley of which I have any knowledge; the number and
prominence of its membership makes it historically
speaking far the most remarkable church in the valley
of any denomination whatever. I think it proper to
state that no one has requested me to write this nor do
I know that any one expects me to. What I say is en
tirely voluntary and without consultation with any of
the members.
ORGANIZATION OF THIS CHURCH. BELIEF SET FORTH.
On the first Saturday in June, 1820, a number of persons met at
the house of Dan'l Duggan on Fork Creek and a ch.urch was consti
tuted with the following Declaration of Principles. (We give these In
full as they are short, clear and concise and so that it can be known
what that church believed.)
We believe:
1. That the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the in
fallible word of God and the only rule of Faith, and Practice.
2. There is only one true God and in the Godhead or Divine Essence
there are Father, Son and Holy Ghost equal in -Power and Glory.
3. That by nature we are fallen and depraved creatures and it
is not in man's power to recover (of) himself from the fallen state
he is in of his own free will and ability.
4. That Salvation, Regeneration, Justification and Sanctlfication
are by the Life, Death, Resurrection, Ascension and Intercession of
Jesus Christ.
5. That the saints will finally presevere through Grace to Glory.

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 357
6. That Baptism by Immersion is the only mode warranted by script
ure and true believers are the only proper subjects to receive the same.
7. That the salvation and joys of the righteous will be everlasting
and the punishment and torment of the wicked eternal.
8. That it is our duty to be tender and affectionate to each other
and in all things to try to promote the happiness of the children of
God and in all things to set forth the declarative glory of God.
9. We believe in the Resurrection of the dead and the general judg
ment by Jesus Christ.
10. That no minister has a right to the administration of the ordi
nances only such as are regularly baptized, called and come under
the imposition of hands by a Presbytery.
11. That it is the duty of all church members to attend our church
meeting, especially male members, and to admonish and deal with
each other for the neglect of the same.
12. That a Reception or Exclusion of church members ought to be
by a unanimous voice of the church or the members present.
Those who signed the foregoing articles at that meeting were:
Male members: Dan'l Duggan, Samuel Jameson, John Fine, Robert
Gregory, John Dillard, William Y. Arthur, Jeremiah Selvege and Moses
McSpadden; Female members: Eunice Duggan, Rebecca Jameson,
Nancy Fine, Sally Dillard, Mary Carter, Mary Selvege, Joanna Mc
Spadden and Elizabeth Taylor; 8 male and 9 female members.
Elders present at the signing of the Constitution were: Geo. Snider
and Obed Patty.
Geo. Snider wa-s Moderator and Moses McSpadden was elected Clerk.
RULES OF DECORUM.
13 rules of decorum (parliamentary proceedings) were adopted.
These were mostly such as might govern any deliberative body with
the exception that it was tnade the duty of the Moderator to open
the door of the church for the reception of new members at every
business session of the church. (By session is meant the members of
the church present sitting as a committee of the whole.) A person
could become a member of the church in two ways: By letter from
another Baptist church or by profession of faith and baptism. There
were three ways of getting out of the Baptist church: By Death,
Exclusion or by Letter. Even when a letter of Dismission was granted
the church claimed jurisdiction over the conduct of the member "un
til joined to one of like faith and order."
No business relative to the finances of this church was transacted in
the early days, whatever may be the custom there now, except on
Saturday. Not even a collection was taken up on Sunday. The finan
cial affairs were looked after by the Deacons.
No person can have any conception of the polity of a Baptist church
until he grasps the idea that, as stated, each is an independent sov
ereignty. There is no appeal from its action to any Association or
higher earthly power. It is complete in itself.
A Baptist church in relation to the conduct of its
members toward each other might well adopt the motto :
"Liberty, equality and fraternity," for as heretofore
stated it is a pure democracy. By this phrase is not
meant the "liberte, egalite and fraternite" of the French

358 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
Eevolution, for that took no account of God or the
Church. For this reason it was foredoomed to failure.
It is not possible to change the customs, habits and re
ligious thought of a people of a sudden by legislative
enactment or legal process. This is the slow work of
centuries. It has been said divers times (by whom first
said I know not nor does it matter) "that if there were
no God it would be necessary to promulgate a belief in
one," a belief in the existence of the Supreme Being and
a future state of rewards and punishments being es
sential to the well being and good order of society and
that there should be a means of communication, revela
tion or otherwise, between the creature and the Creator.
True the heavens show forth the power and glory of
God, but you might gaze upon them for a thousand years
and you would deduce therefrom no precept like the
golden rule : "Whatsoever ye would that men should do
to you, do ye even so them." This when translated and
personified into action by the parliaments of the na
tions would become true "liberty, equality and fra
ternity. No war, no prisons, no poverty. The good and
great in increasing numbers are bending their efforts .
in that direction. It has been the dream of poets
through the ages, a dream perhaps not to have a per
fect realization but none the less beautiful and enchant
ing one. It shines transcendant, the triple star of hope,
on the night gloom of a tear dimmed and misery cursed
world. Blot out this aspiration and the inhabitants of
earth would be ruled by a multiplicity of tyrannies.
As stated in a former article some time since this
church called Bethel was organized at Dan'l. Dug-
gans on Fork Creek on the first Saturday in June, 1820.
Occupation of land in the Hiwassee District was not per
mitted until this year and therefore the country was
thinly populated. This shows the zeal which inspired
the early settlers for their church and its work.
The Meetings Whebe Fiest Held.
The meetings were held at D. Duggan 's imtil and in
cluding the first Saturday in August, 1821. It was then
decided for the convenience of scattered membership to
hold two meetings of the church in each month, one on

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 359
Fork Creek on the second Saturday and one on Sweet
water on the fourth Saturday in each month. Accord
ingly on the fourth Saturday following (August, 1821),
a meeting was held at Jno. Fine's. He lived in a log
house which is still standing on the hill above the double
spring at the southwest boundary of SAveetwater corpo
ration line where the water works pumping station now
is. At this meeting there were several accessions to the
church. At the same meeting a committee was appoint
ed to meet at Thomas Wilson's on August 31 to pur
chase land on which to build a meeting house and report
at next meeting. James Sewell was morlerator and
Sam'l. Jameson, clerk. It can be seen from this that
when anything needed to be done these people did not let
any grass grow under their feet.
The Fork Creek branch of the church were not far
behind. At a meeting at Joseph McSpadden 's on the
second Saturday in October Eobert Gregory, Wm. Ar
thur and John Dillard were made trustees to purchase
a site near McSpadden 's for the erection of a church
house and a school-house.
The Paeent of Othee Chueches.
This church has been the. parent of other churches.
We know of no more satisfactory way of showing this
than by giving some excerpts from the records of the
church.
"Fourth Saturday in Feb., 1822. Trustees reported that they had
purchased two acres of land from Mr. Hugh Boyd agreeable to orders
at January meeting and had a bond for title for the same, which was
received by the church. Ordered next meeting to be held at Mr.
Boyd's." (Probably not a member of the church or he would have
been called "Brother.")
"Stage Stand on Sweetwater 4th Saturday in June, 1822. A propo
sition having been made by Bro. Jameson for the part of Bethel
church that lies on Sweetwater to become a separate constituted body,
it is therefore agreed and ordered that Brother Sewell and Fine be
appointed delegates to attend upon the brethren at the next meeting
on Fork Creek to let them know our intention and select those ac
quiescing in such a measure to attend with us on that business the
next meeting at Bro. Cleveland's."
"Church meeting at E. Cleveland's 4th Saturday in Sept., 1822.
Ordered that the church formerly called Bethel be hereafter perma
nently established on Sweetwater and be known in future as Sweet
water church."
"Cleveland's 4th Saturday in October, 1822. Decided to build a

360 HISTOBY OP SAVEETWATEB VALLEY
church near his (Cleveland's) house. He promised a donation of
land for building site and also land for a grave yard. Committee ap
pointed to attend to the business.
"Fourth Saturday, April, 1834. Church requests ministerial breth
ren to hold a meeting at school house near Bro. Fine's on the second
Saturday in each month."
"4th Saturday, April, 1835. Members joining the church at the
school house near Bro. Fine's have the privilege to liold membership
in the church on Pond Creek or wherever they may select."
"4th Saturday in January, 1846. The church took into considera
tion the building of a brick meeting house and then drew subscrip
tion paper for the purpose of obtaining subscribers to accomplish the
same and made Bro. D. Ragon our Trustee for the cash subscrip
tion to collect and pay over the same. Also to Bro. R. Snead appointed
to collect the trade part of our subscription. Brethren D. Ragon, R.
Snead and John Pennington made Trustees to superintend and carry
on the work, to make all contracts and to value all labor that may be
done, and (do) all things that may attain to the building of the same."
On February 27, 1847, Eli Cleveland conveyed to the
united Baptist church on Sweetwater the tract of land
as follows: "Beginning at the railroad near Cleve
land and son's fence and running with said fence
around to the ford of the creek, thence up said creek
to the foot log, thence with the lot to the corner bars,
thence straight to the railroad, thence with said road to
the beginning, containing five acres more or less. To
be used for the foUoAving purposes : The lot at the meet
ing house to be extended so as to include said meeting
house to be kept forever as a place for the worship of
God, the balance of said piece of land to remain for
ever uninclosed for passways, the hitching of horse,
etc. Second : Lot including the graveyard with as much
more land adjoining the same as may be necessary for
burying the dead. The said church or no other per
son or persons to have the right or privilege of selling,
transferring or conveying the said pieces of land for
any purpose' than the ones above mentioned."
He also confirmed this deed by his Avill in the follow
ing words bequeathing to  his real estate ex
cept ' ' The part I gave to the United Baptist Church of
Christ so long as they should wish to meet for the wor
ship of God ; but if they should fail to meet for that pur
pose it is no longer theirs and in that case to belong
to my son. I except also a piece of land for a public
burying ground whereat is- now to be enlarged' from time
to time as it may be used for this purpose, so as to be
confined to the bend of the creek and to the railroad."

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 361
This is quoted for the purpose of shoAving the extra
ordinary foresight of giAdng and having given the
amount of land so donated for church and cemetery and
protecting the interests of the church and the public. It
was also a new departure to have the church house and
burying ground nearly a quarter of a mile distant from
each other and not in close proximity, as was customary
in those days. There is much ground subject to be used
for a cemetery yet remaining at this date (1911).
The word "railroad" in the above deed and avUI is
liable to be misleading. At the time (1847) the right
of way had been graded in preparation for receiving the
ties and iron, but they had not been laid doAvn. Part of
the grade on right of way was used as a public road.
The iron on the right of way was not laid until 1852.
I have not yet found out where Mr. Boyd lived or
what was done with the land for which bond for title
was given. I would also like some information as to
where the frame church was built on the Cleveland
land. I do not know as yet where the "stage stand,"
referred to in the minutes of the church was. The pub
lic road, so far I am aware from PhUadelpMa to Eea
gan is the same (in 1911) almost as in the days of
the old stage route before the completion of the East
Tennessee & Georgia Eailroad.
The location of the Fine school-house spoken of
was in the bend of the creek about one-fourth mile west
of Sweetwater Cemetery. The building was a one-story
log house about 35 by 20 feet. It was used not only
for school purposes but for preaching and sometimes
for justice 's trials. The cleared land around was some
times used too for "musters" i. e., militia drill, which
were in the early settling of the country obligatory.
The Baptist Chuech in' Sweetwatee — Its Legislation
AND Executive Actions.
As a Baptist church has no book of rules or constitu
tion, one must look to what it does in its business meet
ings to form an idea of how its members interpret cer
tain passages of scripture; to find out what they con
sider mandatory or prohibitive or what is merely ad
visory ; what one must do or refrain from doing or what

362 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
is only suggested as best to do under certain circum
stances. No church or sect would likely claim that St.
Paul's ban on marriage was susceptible of a world-wide
application or that under any and all circumstances wo
man should always keep silent in public. Nor should
the special treatment or medical advice of St. Paul to
Timothy, "Take a little wine for the stomach's sake,"
be used by all persons indiscriminately. What was
Timothy's special disorder, how much is "a little" and
what proportion of alcohol did the wine contain? None
but the Friends, I believe, take literally the passage
counselling no resistance to assault or oppression, but
when smitten on one cheek offer the other also. Few
sects but take the words "to wash one another's feet"
as anything but advisory or as exhortation to practice
humility rather than exalt one's self among the
brethren. In the early days this church took more account of the
daily business life than is customary now. When any
one made a complaint to the church on a business day
meeting that he had been cheated or defrauded by a
member of the church, it was usual, if the charge Avas
not frivolous, to appoint a committee of several mem
bers, knoAvn for their fairness and impartiality, to in
vestigate the matter and make a report. Dishonesty in
trade was considered as grave an offense as lying, steal
ing or drunkenness or unfaithfulness to the marriage
vows. They held that cheating was rarely accomplished
save by lying and misrepresentation. This committee
heard both sides and made their recommendation to the
church. If the charge was sustained, the offender was
required to make restitution, and, if he refused or failed
to do so and proved obstinate, non-fellowship or exclus
ion was declared. (See minutes of second Saturday of
May, 1822.) The difference between non-fellowship and
exclusion, as I understand it, as practised by this church
was that, in case of the former, repentance and restitu
tion usually restored one to membership; in the latter
case the readmimstration of the ordinance of baptism,
just as if he had never before joined the church, was
necessary to full membership. In the days of Huss or
Martin Luther they w6uld have been called Anabaptists.

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 363
CHURCH ACTION ON SEVERAL QUESTIONS COMING BEFORE
THEM.
"4th Saturday of May, 1823. — A question arose as to the saints'
washing of feet. After some debate on the subject it was conceived
to be a duty (by some) held out by the example of the Saviour's fol
lowers to pursue (see John, Chap XIII.) to be kept up at every sac
ramental occasion."
"A further question arose in the church whether it would be out of
order or whether or not it was outside of duty to open a door for
experience at any other time or place beside the regular meeting."
Both questions were laid over.
"4th Saturday in June, 1823. — Subject of Saints' Foot Washing taken
up. Agreed to attend to that ordinance the following Sunday after
(divine service." (The writers information is that it was afterward
discontinued as not being at any time an essential part of the church
service.) "4th Saturday, July, 1823. — After debate decided to be improper to
open the door of the church except at regular meetings." (Suppos
edly for the reason that it required a unanimous vote for admission
and then no complaint could be filed when done at regular meetings.)
"4th Saturday, May, 1831. — ^A complaint was made to the church
of a sister who had been communing with the Cumberland Presby
terians. She refused to apologize to the church or acknowledge tha*.
she had committed an error. Non-fellowship was declared."
"4th Saturday in January, 1832. — Resolved, That any male mem
ber failing to attend two meetings in succession shall be required to
give a reason for his absence, unless the cause be known by some
brother present." Resolved — "That any member drinking ardent
spirits until the effect is perceptible shall be treated *ith as drunk."
Eli Cleveland, Moderator.
R. Snead, Clerk. .
4th Saturday in May, 1835. — ^Resolved — "Whereas there are dlfll-
cultles and disputlngs about missionary societies, associations, etc.,
much to the hurt of Zion, we the church at 'Sweetwater propose to our
sister churches, within the bounds of Sweetwater Association, to meet
with us In associate body at Chestua meeting house, on Tuesday be
fore the 4th Saturday in July next, for th.e purpose of consulting the
best means to unite and bring about a union among the churches and
brethren of the association and to consult and unite upon the best
plan, according to the word of God, for the spread of the Gospel;
churches to send letters and delegates. Brethren Cleveland, Snead
and Taliaferro were appointed delegates to the meetings. Thus this
church aligned itself with the Missionary Baptists in contradistinc
tion to those who opposing Foreign Missions and the payment of
Pastors were sometimes termed "Hard Shell" Baptists. My informa
tion is that at the association held at Chestua a majority of the
churches declared themselves in favor of both Home and Foreign Mis
sions. All the delegates sent by the church on Sweetwater were in
favor of Missions. However as Pastors both brethren Cleveland and
Snead refused pay for their services, not because they thought it
wrong to pay preachers, but, as they were well off financially with
out the salary, the church they thought could more profitably apply
the money to oth,er uses.
A number of the brethren at different times were "unfellowshipped"
for the offenses of "non attendance," "swearing," "drunkenness,"
"fighting," more for non-attendance on church meetings than for any
other offense; a few for gambling. One brother in February, 1855,

364 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
was non-fellowshlpped for "betting on a shooting match" although
that was not contrary to the laws of the State of Tennessee.
The recorded cases of gambling in the Bible are not numerous.
Samson (Judges, Chaps. XIV. and XV.) bet with his friends "thirty
linen garments and thirty changes of raiment." He thought he was
betting on a "sure thing" and, as frequently happens, lost. He did
not have the wherewith to pay. The way he got the means to liqui
date his "debt of honor" was anything but creditable. Samson was
not a good loser. He spoke disrespectfully of his wife and left her
with her parents. They soon got rid of her. The train of conse
quences were woeful all the way through. The Romans were great
gamblers. They even cast lots for raiment of the Saviour.

Some Chuech Statistics.
From the inception of this church in 1820 up to and
including the year 1872 there were more than 700 per
sons became members. The high water mark of mem
bership was reached in 1869, when the number of mem
bers became 289. The average of number would be from
159 to 160 according to church reports sent to the dif
ferent associations. It would require too much space
to give all those who have been members of this church.
I would suggest however, if it is not already done,
that the clerk of the church or some one compile an
alphabetical list, giving the names of those who have
been members, the date of admission, when died or
dismissed, — a simple church history, so that such in
formation could be obtained without having to search
through the whole of the church records. We give be
low some of the patronymics or surnames of the member
ship Avith the number in brackets, where there are sev
eral of the same name, for the first fifty years of this
church or a little more than half of its existence.
Adams, Alexander, Allen, Arthur, Allison, Barnes,
Brewer, Beaty, Burns, Bodkins, Brown, Boyd, Bowman,
Byrum (7), Burch, Brazeale, Berry, Bryant, Cleveland
(20), Callaway (10), Carter (8), Chesnutt (4), Cooper,
Cannon, Davis (3), Duggan, Dillard (3), Edwards (6),
Esman, Fine (3), Fry, Fryer, Ferguson, Franklin, Grum-
mett, Grady, Grisom, Harrison, Hathaway, Harris,
Hatchett, Hudson, Hyde, Hill (3), Hood (2), Hagen,
Humble, Harless (6), Hight, Houstaign, Haskins, Kelly,
Kyle, Isbell, Jameson, Johnson (18), Jones (22), Kell,
Lilard (5), Latham, Lord (3), Laws (12), LeAvis, Mrs.
M. C. Lenoir, Mary Hogg, Leonard, Jackson (7), Mc-

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 365
Spadden, McGuffey, McFaUs, McMinn, McGuire, Moon,
Martin (9), McNabb, Maberry, Miller (9), Moore, Mont
gomery, Moffett, May, Nichols, Nelson, Pharis, Purdy
(5) Philpot, Pennington (10), Potter (6), Eagon
(13), Euth (14), Eeed, Eeynolds, Plemmons, Stephens
(6), Snead (5), Selvage (5), Shelton, Stone, Scott,
Snow, Stansbury, Turner, Taliaferro, Taylor, Tewell,
Van, Wallens (3), Watkins (3), Walker (5), WUson
(7), Winters, Yoakum (5), Young. Of these 700
members about 15 were colored. Of these there were
both put together only thirty-four non-fellowships and
exclusions, in the first fifty years the church had an
existence. Most of these were for the charges of
drunkenness, profanity, fighting, dishonesty, gambling,
non-attendance and communing with other sects or
"societies." This would be, rating the average mem
bership at 150, less than one-half of one per cent, of
exclusions per year.
During the time specified 1820-1872 the moderators
elected by the church have been 0. Patty, James Sewell,
Eli Cleveland, Eobt. Snead and S. J. Martin; the pas
tors, E. Cleveland, E. Snead, I. B. Kimbrough, J. P.
Kefauver, D. M. Breaker; the clerks,- Moses McSpad
den, Samuel Jameson, Wm. Johnson, John Pennington,
Norris C. Hood, E. Snead, Wm. Lillard, W. E. Johnson,
W. E. Jordan, F. K. Berry; the deacons, Saml. Jame
son, John Fine, E. Snead, W H. Montgomery, D. Eagon,
Nelson Miller, Jesse F. Jones, F. M. Pennington, W. E.
Johnson and Jos. Eagon.
Political Discussions in Chuech an Injuey to It.
One reason for the great prosperity and increase in
membership of this church from 1865 to 1870 was that
no member was permitted to discuss the war or political
parties inside of the church house during the CiAdl
War or directly thereafter. This made it possible for
all who attended church to meet on terms of amity and
equality. During the sixties various Baptist churches
in East Tennessee were rent and torn asunder so that
it took years to recover.
Members were sometimes excluded merely for the
part they took in the war. The discussion of state and

366 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
national questions, which divide political parties, from
the pulpit or in church meetings, nearly always is an
injury to the church and rarely makes the political par
ties any better. In this particular church during the
Civil War they prayed in public neither for the success
of the armies of the Umon or the Southern Confederacy
whatever they may have done in private. True they
prayed that the war should end and brother cease to
shed the blood of brother.
There were members of this church who had sons on
different sides of the struggle and it was generally un
derstood, and the rule was observed, that the right and
wrong of the war, slavery or secession were not to be
discussed in and around the church. Hence when the
troops disbanded and came home there was little to
apologize for or take back and all met on a friendly
footing.
) The greatest number of accessions to this church in
one year was in 1866 under the pastorate of Elder I. B.
Kimbrough. So far as I am aware, no one knew on
which side he stood during the CiAdl War. When asked
the question he would reply that he was a preacher of
the Gospel and not a politician or fighter. Yet he was
a fearless man, none more so.
One Sunday he had an appointment, not at Sweet
water Church but a considerable distance from there.
Some of the tough element in the neighborhood had
threatened him. On that Sunday he arose in the pulpit
and coolly remarked: "I am told on good authority that
I am not going to be allowed to preach here today. I have
had many appointments in the years that I have been
preaching and have always filled them. By the help of
God and these (here he placed a couple of six shooters
on the pulpit before him) I expect to fill this one, you
can listen or not just as you see fit." He was not in
terrupted during the sermon nor afterward.
He was pastor of the church on SweetAvater during
the year 1866. On the last days of October that year
there was a protracted meeting and a great revival.
There were sixty-seven accessions to the church, fifty-
six of them by experience and baptism. Some of those
joining had fought on different sides during the Civil
War, and some of them were approaching middle age.

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 367
It was told in the country around that there was to be
such a baptising as had never been known in this sec
tion before. A great concourse of people gathered
there; they came from up and doAvn the valley, from
Pond Creek, Piney and the Flatwoods.
The day turned out to be very raw and chilly. Many
doubters confidently asserted that few would have the
nerve to be immersed under the circumstances. But
all were there to a man and to a woman. Not one of
the fifty-six held back or failed to stand the trying or
deal. The rite was performed in the creek not far from
the church, when old soldiers who had fought each other
valiantly in battle joined hands and marched into the
water singing "Blest be the tie that binds our hearts
in Christian love. ' ' To me the ceremony was exceeding
ly impressive. Yet some were inclined to be sorry for
them or sneer, "Poor thing, she will catch her death
of cold, look how she shivers." "How foolish to risk
their health in such a manner, thinking God Avill take
care of them." "I'll bet that old fellow don't like a
rebel any better than he did before." "Tliere's one
they ought to hold under till he blubbers, 'taint the first
time he's been dipped." These were mostly asides on
the outskirts of the crowd and not really' intended to
interrupt the proceedings; yet I thought from how
many points the sarrie can be looked at. Take an ex
ample :
Jumbo was the largest elephant ever in capitivity.
NotAvithstanding his size (he was about twelve feet tall
at his shoulders) ; he was docile and affectionate in dis
position. He and the baby elephant were almost con
stant companions and Jumbo felt himself responsible
for his welfare and safety. On one occasion a train of
Barnum & Bailey's circus was wrecked. Jumbo OAving
to his great strength soon extricated himself from the
wreckage and could have got safely away. Just then he
heard the trumpeting of the baby elephant which was
almost paralyzed by fright. He turned, caught and
threw the baby elephant from the track but was himself
somehow caught in the debris and crippled so he had to
be killed. This was what an elephant did. The ovraers
had the skin stuffed and placed on a wheeled platform-
On the circus tour in the grand entry Jumbo looking

368 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
quite lifelike was draAvn aromid the ring by four
elephants making stately strides while the band played
the funeral march of Chopin. The baby elephant whose
life he had saved toddled along behind. This made some
laugh, as that is what they went there for, but most of
the 15,000 people present appreciated the solemnity of
the scene. As for myself I would have not have com
plained if that had been all I saw for the price of ad
mission. The Sweetwater church for many years owned a lot
in Philadelphia, donated to them by Eobt. Cleveland.
On Saturday before the fourth Sunday in June,
1872, the Sweetwater church relinquished its title to
the church in Philadelphia. PreAdous to this on Sat
urday before the fourth Sunday in May of that year
letters of dismission were granted the foUoAving mem
bers in order to constitute a church at Philadelphia:
J. J. and Tabitha Swanner, H. H. Porter, Anderson
and Phoebe Burns, Lavenia and Sanford Burns, C. F.
and Mary Thompson, Cornelia Porter, B. F. Stansbury,
Elizabeth Edwards, D. D., and Susan Kelly, Joseph-
Purdy, D. E. and Elizabeth Kelly, Lilah and Josephine
Miller. So the church on Sweetwater is remarkable both on
account of its own membership, and as being the mother
of several other prosperous churches.

The Baptist Chuech on Pond Ceeek and Its Succes-
soE, THE Fiest Baptist Chuech at Sweetwatee.
On the 20th of November, 1824, there met at John
Howell's in McMinn County, the following brethren and
sisters: John and Millie Hancock, Thomas and Eufus
Walden, James McClure, Barclay McClure, Wm. F.
Briant, Wm. Jones, Jane Jones. They proceeded to
organize a Baptist church and enunciated a declaration
of faith and rules of decorum, not essentially different
from the Baptist Church on Sweetwater. Wm. F. Bri
ant was elected clerk.
Some time afterward a small church and a shed for
camp meeting purposes was built near where J. N.
Heiskell now lives on Pond Creek; I do not know the

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 369
date of erection of either but it must have been some
time in the later twenties.
The church was reasonably prosperous. In October,
1827, it had fifty-seven members.
Samuel Jamieson was clerk from 1827 to 1830. Wm.
F. Briant was clerk to March, 1833. William Harral-
son from 1833 to 1838. James A. SmaU from 1838 to
1842, and then Thomas Dean untU March, 1845. E. A.
Taylor until 1860. Elder William Jones was pastor
from 1831 to 1833. Elder E. H. TaUaferro from 1833
until March, 1841, when Elder Eobert Snead was elected
pastor. He was pastor until 1857.
This church was missionary in faith. It was recorded
in the minutes that on the first Saturday in January,
1837, Wm. F. Briant and eight others, had left Pond
Creek church, they say, "on account of the Missionary
Bible Society and contributions to foreign missions";
therefore the church considered them "not of us" and
their names were erased from the church book.
On the first Saturday in December, 1844, some half
dozen members were excluded for joining, what they
denominated, the Christian Church, often termed the
Campbellites. For these causes, and the unsuitability of
the church building and the inconvenience to the mem
bers to attend at that place on the first Saturday in
June, 1854, it was decided to endeavor to build a house
of worship at the town of Sweetwater. In July, 1854,
the church appointed brethren E. Snead, John Fine, Ma
jor Wallis, J. S. Taylor and E. A. Taylor, to control the
fund for the building of the meeting house there. From
that time until January, 1857, there was little business
transacted at the Pond Creek Church and few members
received. This was the last meeting at the Pond Creek
church house.
The Fiest Baptist Chuech at Sweetwatee.
I. T. Lenoir promised to donate a lot at. the corner
of the Athens road and Monroe Street for the location
of a Baptist church to be the successor of the Pond
Creek Baptist Church. Taking him at his word the com
mittee appointed by Pond Creek Baptist Church pro
ceeded to procure funds and erect a building thereon.

370 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
This building was not ready for occupation or holding
meetings until August, 1860. At that time Mary Car
oline Lenoir, Esther E. Yearwood, Elizabeth Cleveland,
Elizabeth Bailey, James J. and Mary E. Sheldon, were
received by letter, and W. B. Lenoir by experience.
On the first Saturday in December, 1860 there joined
the church by experience and baptism : John A. Eowan,
Thomas D. Taylor, Isaac and James Murray, Martha
L. and Mary E. Taylor, Nancy Fine, Mary Eowan, John
H. and Caroline Johnson, and by enrollment Mrs. Mary
EoAvan. W. H. Taylor was appointed clerk, and Elder
Eobert Snead was moderator. These continued in their
offices during 1861 and 1862. The first pastor of the
church elected in January, 1861, was H. W. Taylor, of
Deep Spring, Grainger County, Tenn.
In August, 1861, there were received by letter, Elder
W. A. Nelson and sister, M. M. Nelson.
The last church meeting held during the Civil War,
was in August, 1862. From that until the summer of
1865 the church was occupied and used by the soldiers,
of one army or the other, IJnion or Confederate, for hos
pital and other purposes, so that church meetings could
not be held. The first recorded church meeting after
that was in August, 1865, when W. A. Nelson was mod
erator and E. A. Taylor, church clerk. Federal troops
again occupied the church in latter part of 1865. There
is no recorded meeting until the first Saturday in July,
1866. Then J. J. Sheldon was elected clerk and E.
Snead, moderator. J. J. Sheldon continued in office
and acted as clerk on the first Saturday in January,
1868. He died on January 18, 1868.
Up to the first Saturday in AprU, 1868, Elder E.
Snead usually preached for the church although not a
regular pastor ; then brother J. F. Kefauver was called
to the pastorate, and was pastor until May, 1870. The
pastors of the church, from that time until 1889 were
as foUows: J. B. Lee, 1870— February, 1873; C. L.
Bowling, August, 1875— July, 1876; T. A. Higdon, July,
1876— June, 1877 ; J. L. Lloyd, December, 1877— Decem
ber, 1878; W. C. Grace, AprU, 1879— December, 1882;
D. M. McEeynolds, November, 1883— AprU, 1889.
The foUovring were clerks from the death of J. J.
Sheldon: E. A. Taylor, January, 1868 — January, 1876;

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 371
W. B. Lenoir, February, 1876— April, 1881; John N.
Janeway, November, 1881 — July, 1887 ; Thomas M. Sam
ple, October, 1887— September, 1888; W. Morriss, Oc
tober, 1888— AprU, 1889.
After the death of I. T. Lenoir, in December, 1875.
it was discussed by the deacons of the church and
others, whether he had made a deed to the lot occupied
by the Baptist church, to the deacons of the church and
their successors, and if such deed had been recorded,
if such deed was in existence. There was no record of
such deed and if it had been made it was not to be found.
It was especially important as there was some talk of
building a parsonage on the lot and they wished a clear
title to it for church purposes. Therefore in the year
 W. B. Lenoir, the heir-at-law of I. T. Lenoir, con
veyed to the deacons of the church and their successors
the lot which the members of the Baptist church claimed
they were entitled to, specifying in the deed that it
should not be sold and should be used only for church
purposes. As the membership of this church was smaU
and few of them were in anything but moderate circum
stances when it was decided to build the parsonage, sub
scriptions Avere solicited by E. A. Taylor and others, to
help us, to build the parsonage. The subscriptions were
liberal and came in from various sources and places.
Among other subscriptions were $39.25 from the Baptist
church at Madisonville, $35.00 from the First Baptist
Church at Knoxville, $30.45 from the East Tennessee
Baptist Association and $5.00 from the Brovmsville
Church in West Tennessee. Thus a very neat and com
modious parsonage was built at a cost of about $900.
This building was commenced on the 53rd of August,
1880; the house was occupied the 22nd day of January,
1881, probably by the Eev. W. C. Grace, who was pas
tor of the church at that time.
In  the church decided that they would build a
new church building as the old one was not convement
or commodious. They wished to sell the old property
for what they could get for it but they were debarred
from doing so by the provisions of the deed from W. B.
Lenoir. The committee from the church solicited him
to make a deed to the church without any reservation.
He was loath to do so fearing that the same thing might

372 HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
happen as happened in the case of the Baptist Sem
inary ; that they might lose the new church property by
mortgages or mechanic's liens. But after much so
licitation and promises, on the part of the church peo
ple that they would not attempt to build a church to
cost more than they had valid subscriptions for and
they could pay for, he consented. Therefore on 
he conveyed to  trustees the old church

and parsonage property by warranty deed. This helped
considerably in the building of the new church which
is a credit to the membership and an ornament to the
toAvn. This is the most expensive and modern in its
appointments of any church building in Sweetwater.
Methodist Episcopal Chuech, South,
Was the second church of any denomination built in
Sweetwater. On the 15th of June, 1858, I. T. Lenoir
conveyed to the stewards of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South, the following described property: Be
ginning at the corner of Monroe and High streets,
thence westwardly with Monroe Street 250 feet to
 Street, thence at a right angle to Monroe
Street to Henry Mayes' line, thence eastwardly Avith
Wright Street to High Street, thence with High Street
180 feet to the beginning, containing about one acre.
The consideration expressed was $100 dollars. This
was never paid but was merely named that the church
might have a clear deed to the property. There was no
alley there then as there is now, and the location was
considered ample for the building of both church and
parsonage. The first pastor in charge was the Eev. Kelly. In
1861 the Eev. J. W. Bowman was P. C. In 1862 James
AtMn was P. E., and again in 1866. J. H. Brunner, P.
E. in 1867-69; E. M. Hickey 1868-69; C. Long 1869-73.
Ill the year —  , oAving to the growing need of the
church, it was decided to sell the old chilrch building
and site and erect a new bmlding on some other loca
tion. Half of the original lot conveyed by I. T. Lenoir,
to the stewards of the church had already been sold
to help pay for repairs to church damaged during the
CiAdl War and purchase a parsonage for the church.

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 373
A lot for parsonage was bought, located just across the
street from the Methodist church. This was afterwards
sold, along with the church lot and building as part of a
building fund for a new church. As the church had ac
quired a title to the Victoria College, formerly the Ma
sonic Lodge building, it was determined to build a
church there. J. W. Clark was chairman of the build
ing committee. He spent much of his time and money
in the erection and construction of the same. He and
J. K. Brown were the largest contributors. I have no
schedule showing who were the subscribers to the build
ing fund, but I am satisfied the above statement is true.
The new church building was completed in the year
1892 and the parsonage a little later. I have not access
to the reports of the building committee, therefore do
not wish to make an estimate of its cost, but it was con
sidered. the most costly church building and parsonage,
lip to that time, in the tovm. It would take up too much
space to give the late history and statistics of this or
any other church in SweetAvater.
The Peesbyteeian Chuech at Sweetwatee.
On the 12th of January, 1861, I. T. Lenoir conveyed
to J. H. Patton and F. bogart, trustees for the Presby
terian church, a lot in the town of Sweetwater, opposite
to where the Eagle Flouring Mill now stands and on
a part of which is noAV a planing mill, near the Mad
isonville road : fronting on Walnut Street 190 feet and
running back 110 feet to an alley, thence Avith that al
ley to the street on the Heiskell line, thence with that
street to Walnut. This is not the deed description but
merely for purposes of identification. It was the inten
tion of I, T. Lenoir to donate the lot with the provision
that it was to be used for church purposes. However,
the elders and members of the church thought better
to pay for the lot, so that if they wanted to sell it, at
any time, and locate the church elsewhere, they could
do so.
This churcli was built by the new school branch of
the Presbyterian churcb, and the people building it were
members of tbe Presbyterian church at Philadelphia,
Tenn. The largest contributors were John Eamsey,

374

HISTOEY. OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY

Charles Owen, Alex. Biggs and William Patton. The
building was commenced in 1857 and it was finished in
the latter part of 1858 or the early part of 1859. This
church was used by the Union Sunday-school until 1872,
at which time the Methodist and Baptist churches es
tablished Sunday-schools of their own. From the time
the Union Sunday-school began its meetings in the
Presbyterian church John Eamsey was superintendent,
to the time of his death in 1872.
The first pastor after the church was organized was
the Eev. Thomas BroAvn, of Philadelphia, Tenn. The
elders were Jno. Eamsey and Charles Owen. The Eev.
Thomas BroAvn was pastor from its organization to some
time in 1860 when the Eev. Thomas Bradshaw succeeded
him. During 1863 and 1864 the Eev. Wm. BroAvn, of
Cleveland, Tenn., preached for the church. These data
were gotten from Mrs. Martha Waren.
If there are any session books extant as to the early
organization of the church, I have not discovered where
they were. From October, 1866 to the present, 1916, the
history of the church is clearly set forth in the minutes
of the session.
Up to October, 1866, there were two separate congre
gations in Sweetwater and the surrounding country,
the old and the new school. The old school had held
their meetings in the old Cumberland Presbyterian
Church. At that date the members of the new school,
and some members of the old school church, met as a
congregation, and took a vote as to whether they should
join the old school or new school branch of the church.
They decided to unite and join the new school. Of this
meeting George A. Caldwell was moderator and the
elders were James Montgomery, Jno. Eamsey, E. E.
Johnston and E. A. Eamsey, who was elected clerk of the
meeting. At a congregational meeting of the church on March
17, 1867, Jno. Eamsey, formerly an elder in the new
school church, and E. A. Eamsey, formerly an elder in
the old school, were unanimously elected elders. James
Montgomery asked to be excused on account of age and
infirmity. J. H. Patton, S. Y. B. WiUiams, W. L. Eam
sey and Frank Bogart were elected elders. From that

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 375
time for tAveuty years J. H. Patton was clerk of the ses
sion. The Eev. W. W. Morrison from March, 1867 untU No
vember, 1872, preached twice a month for the church.
The Eev. James Wallace was pastor from November,
1872, untU May, 1889. From that time to January, 1891,
there was no regular supply. On the last date the Eev.
E. C. Trimble began to preach for the church. He, with
his family, took possession of the parsonage, next to
the new church on the 12th of February, 1891. He left
Sweetwater on October 3, 1892. The Eev. J. L. Bach
man then supplied the pulpit for six months, and he was
continued as supply until he was elected pastor. This
position he has held up to the present, 1916.
The New Peesbyteeian Chuech.
In the latter part of 1885 the building of a new Pres
byterian church began to be agitated. The principal
reasons for the building of the new church were that the
majority of the members in toAvn lived on the west side
of the railroad and owing to the number of trains on
the railroad it was inconvenient to get to it and danger
ous for cMldren, and that the church was antiquated
and uncomfortable and not suited to the growing mem
bership. Therefore on February 22, 1886, at the session
of the church, the board of deacons were directed to
canvass the congregation to ascertain what- sum could
be obtained for that purpose. In May, 1886, the deacons
reported that a sufficient amount had been subscribed
for the building of the church, to cost $6,000 or more.
In June, 1886, an executive committee, consisting of
Jno. M. Jones, chairman, J. H. Patton,. James A. Wal
lace, F. Bogart and A. E. Melendy were appointed. They
were to select a location and superintend the building
of the church. A lot was purchased from Mrs. Ada
Mayes, and dirt was broken on the present site in July,
1887. Bina Young was the contractor for the building
of the church. In the church minutes, page 191, we find
the foUoAving: June 2, 1888. The executive commit
tee appointed June 16, 1887, to sell the old church house
and build a new one, having performed that duty, called
for a congregational meeting on this day, which was

376 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
held in the new church house at 8 o'clock at night, ac
cording to previous arrangements and notice, at which
time the following programme was observed:
1. Long metre Doxology, "Praise God from whom all blessings
flow." 2. IjivQcatJon, by the pastor, Rev. James A. Wallace.
3. Treasurer's Report, Jno. M. Jones.
4. Tender of the church to congregation, with deed and keys, by A.
R. Melendy.
5. Rgceptioa of the church, for congregation, by Elder J. P. Owen.
6. Reply. 9f congregation to committee, by Rev. J. L. Bachman.
Reading Scriptures, Rev. Dugald Munroe.
Prayer, Rev. T. H. McCallie.
Singing 100th Psalm by the congregation.
Opening and First Sermon by Rev, J. A. Wallace, from Text 1
Timothy 3 : 5, "The Church of God."
Prayer, Rev. Geo. F. Robertson.
Singing by choir and congregation, Hymn 567, "Dear Shepherd of
.thy people hear."
Benediction, by Rev. James A. Wallace, Pastor.
June 3, Sabbath, 10:30 o'clock A. M.
Anthem, by choir.
Invocation, Rev. T. H. McCallie, D. D.
Singing 137th Psalm, 2nd part, "I love thy kingdom Lord."
Reading Scripture, Rev. J. L. Bachman.
Prayer, Rev. Dugald Munroe.
Hymn, 119, "All hail the power of Jesus' name."
Dedicatory Sermon, Rev. T. H. McCallie, from Text Matthew, 6:10,
"Thy Kingdom come."
Dedicatory Hymn, number 568, "Here in Thy name, eternal God."
Benediction by the Rev. T. H. McCallie.
At a session of the elders at the Bank of Sweetwater,
John M. Jones, chairman of the building committee,
made a final report of subscriptions collected, the sum
mary of which is as follows : Subscriptions paid, $6,-
167.85. Amount paid Bina Young, contractor, for bare
church building, $5,138.50. Cost of lot, purchased from
Mrs. Ada Mayes, grading, pavement, furnace and some
other expenses,- $1,029.35.
This does not include the cost of fresco decorations
and other expenses inside the church. The whole cost
of the church was about $8,000.00. Of this amount the
Misses Coffin and Mr. Jno. H. and Mrs. Inman, nee
Margaret Coffin, contributed about $4,000.00. In addi
tion to this amount and not included therein, the parson
age was built at a cost of $2,100. To the fund for the
building of the parsonage the Misses Coffin were far
the largest contributors.

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 377
THE UNION INSTITUTE BUILDING.
The public schoolhouse, one-half mile southwest of Sweetwater
Depot, has been several times referred to in this history. In that
only summer schools could be taught with, comfort, and then the
larger students had to study out of doors. Public schools were^ all
mixed schools, namely, for both males and females, and there seemed
to be a public sentiment here during the fifties a growing against
them. A new building for a schoolhouse, therefore, became a neces
sity. In 1857 various citizens of Sweetwater and surrounding country
met and decided to build a schoolhouse at or near the town. A
Stock company was fprmed, with twenty dollars for each share, upon
which shares each stockholder was entitled to vote in the election
of trustees according to the number of shares he held. On the 14th
of October, 1857, E. A. Taylor, I. T. Lenoir and S. J. Rowan were
elected trustees. They purchased lot No. 126 in the town of Sweet
water and erected a school building thereon, costing about |1, 500.00.
Lot 126 was bounded by High, Walnut, Church and Wright Streets.
The lower story of thfi building was used as a school for males
and the upper for females. Mrs. H. M. Cooke was employed by the
trustees to teach the females, and Professor Gabriel Ragsdale the
males. Ho was not a moral suasjonlst, but believed in a liberal appli
cation of the rod. This was in 1858-69.
Geohge Lacon Leybukn
Was born May" 21, 1839, In old Laconia, in the extreme southern part
of Greece; hence the name Lacon. His father, a distinguished Pres
byterian minister, was missionary to Greece at the time. He took
the degree of A. B. at Washington College, afterward Washington and
Lee University, Lexington, Va., in the class of 1858. Though only
nineteen years of age he was first honor man in his class. He was
especially proficient in Greek. He was the first college graduate to
teach in the First Civil District of Monroe County. He taught at the
Union Institute In the years 1859-60. He then resigned, contrary to the
wishes and solicitations of the trustees, to take a theological course.
Before completing his ministerial education he joined the Confederate
army. He was first lieutenant of Company A, Thirty-fourth Virginia
Infantry, Wise's Brigade. He served four years. After the war he
was pastor of Presbyterian churches as follows: Winchester, Va.,
1867-75; missionary to Greece three years; his father died there in
August, 1S7B; pastor Lexington, Mo., 1878-88; Boonevllle, Mo., 1889-96;
Newborn, N. C, 1896-1900; four years Superintendent of Home Missions
for Synod of Missouri; pastor Lexington, N. C, 1904-08; in Novem
ber, 1908, after an operation for appendicitis resigned pastorate and
went to California. Father of four children, all married; one daugh
ter and three sons.
The next teacher of males in Union Institute was Oscar W. Mulier.
He was born in Prussia on September 9, 1834. He came to this coun
try in 1846. He was a graduate of Hiwassee College in the class of
1859. He taught In Union Institute, 1860-61. He then enlisted in
Confederate States army as first sergeant in Company C (Captain W. L.
Clark's) Second Regiment, Tennessee Cavalry. He married Miss
Ell^a A- Clark on July 27, 1869. Like the true Prussian he was a
great believer in eflloiency. He is a farmer and surveyor and resides
near Hiwassee College (1916). He was the last male teacher in the
Union Institute until the close of the Civil War.

378 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
The next teacher was John W. Robertson, formerly of Meigs County.
He was also a student of Hiwassee College and a college mate of
W. T. Lenoir. He served in the Confederate army. He taught in
the Union Institute in 1866-67. He moved to Texas in 1867, obtaining
his demit from Sweetwater Lodge, No. 292, F. and A. M., on August
27th in that year. He became quite a prominent lawyer in that
State. Following J. W. Robertson was Rev. W. H. Crawford. He was
born near Limestone, In Greene County, on March 4, 1822. He was
educated at Doak — now Tusculum — College in Grefene County. He was
ordained a minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian church by East
Tennessee Presbytery. He aflaliated with Sweetwater Masonic Lodge
iu December, 1870. He was teacher and was pastor of the Cumber
land Presbyterian church, at the same time, is my remembrance. He
went from here to Kingston. He had a family. Hon. W. L. Welcker,
of Knoxville, married a daughter of his.
Following Rev. W. H. Crawford, Professor R. H. Ramsay became
the teacher. He came from Milledgeville, Ga., or somewhere near there
to Madisonville, Tenn., in 1865. He taught there as principal in
Bolivar Academy for several years. He was a very brilliant man
and made quite a reputation as an educator. I never knew a man
who was more conversant with the best books in English literature.
In mental aberration or melancholia, due to drink, he threw himself
from the county bridge over the Tennessee River at Chattanooga. He
was dead when reached. He was buried at Sweetwater. This was
in the fall of 1890. He was on his way to Mississippi to take charge
of a school. He had taught there the year previous.
In November, 1871, the stockholders met and decided to sell the
property, to be used for school purposes. As matters were, it was
the understanding that the building was to be used for school pur
poses; legally it was owned by a stock company, and could be used
for any purpose. It was agreed that the first thirteen who .'sub
scribed fifty dollars each should be directors of the institution. They
were: J. W. Clark, T. G. Boyd, Isaac Benson, W. B. Lenoir, James
M. Browder, Thomas Yearwood, Matt Carter, R. F. Scruggs, N. I.
Mayes, J. E, Ramsey and J. H. Patton. In order that th,Is whole
amount, $650.00, should be used for the fitting up and repairing the
building and not go into the pockets of stockholders of the Union
Institute, the following stock was donated to the new directorate:
T. Yearwood, 4 shares; T. G. Boyd, 2; F. Bogart, 3; Charles Owen, 2;
D. Heiskell, 16; R. Snead, 5; H. B. Yearwood, 4; J. W. Goddard, 6;
Mrs. M. A. Reagan, 15; I. T. Lenoir, 35.
From the fall of 1874 till the summer of 1884, J. L. Bachman, '
D. D., taught In the Union Institute. Then a charter was obtained
for Sweetwater College. It was decided to build a larger school:
house elsewhere, to sell the Union Institute building and lot and apply
the proceeds to Sweetwater College. This was located in the north
west part of the town. The sale was at auction to the highest bidder
on the 2nd of October, 1885, and W. B. Lenoir became the purchaser.
Soon afterward Dr. S. B. Cook bought a half interest in the prop
erty, and he and W. B. Lenoir fitted out the lower story as a theatre,
auditorium and music room. In 1886 Dr. Cook sold his interest to
W. B. Lenoir, who made extensive improvements on the grounds and
building. On December 26, 1887, W. B. Lenoir conveyed this property to
W. H. H. Ragon, John S. Young and nine others of Monroe County,
and J. P. Christian, of Meigs Company, J. P. Parker, of James County;
C. C. Samuel, of Bradley County, as trustees, the property "to be

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 379
used for females of the white race under control of the Baptist de
nomination of the State of Tennessee.
The building on lot 126 was used from 1886 till 1898 by these trus
tees and their successors for the purposes expressed In the deed. In
the meantime during these years, '86-98, the trustees solicited and
obtained large subscriptions, amounting to $12,000 to $15,000. They
built a large addition to the old building, and in this a school wafS
run for females under charge of J. H. Richardson and wife. They
also purchased the lot 127 In the plan of the town of Sweetwater, and
got permission from the board of mayor and aldermen of the cor
poration to close up the street between.
On the 36th of September, 1898, W. C. Grace, president; D. L.
Smith, secretary; R. F. Scruggs, treasurer; James May, W. H. Smith,
T. R. Wagner, Joseph Janeway and B. A. Taylor, of the Board of
Trustees of the Baptist Seminary, conveyed to the Trustees of Sweet
water College, consisting of F. A. Carter, D. C. Young, John L. Brown,
D. L. Smith, A. B. Scruggs, Harry Heiskell, G. A. McLin and others
mentioned (Reg. Bk., No. 5, pp. 57-60), conveying fep Trustees),
"not otherwise," lots Nos. 126 and 127: Beginning at the corner of
Wright and Church Streets, thence with Church Street to Morris
Street; thence with Morris to High Street; thence with High to
Wright Street; thence with Wright Street to beginning. The reasons
given in the deed mentioned for sale of the property are as follows:
"Whereas, we, the Trustees of Sweetwater Seminary, in an honest
endeavor to build good buildings for said Sweetwater Seminary and
attach good grounds to the same and to run and establish a good
school in the same and the purposes of the people who have sub
scribed and paid same to us and for the Baptist denomination; and,
whereas, the Seminary has become involved In a debt of about twenty
thousand dollars and said Baptist denomination and the people of
the country have failed to pay said debt, and the Trustees have had
to borrow the money and pay off many of these debts; and, whereas,
some eight or nine thousand dollars of said indebtedness Is still due
and owing, and some of us Trustees are personally involved for same
and have now an offer of ten thousand dollars for the building and
grounds, which comes from the Trustees of Sweetwater College for
the purpose of still using the building and ground for school pur
poses, we have, therefore, accepted said offer of ten thousand dollars
rather than force said Seminary and grounds to sale, in order to
retain it to the town, community and people for educational pur
poses; therefore," then follows description, etc.
.From 1898 until 1902 school was taught there by J. L. Bachman,
D. D., and others. It was taught In the name of Sweetwater College.
From 1902 to and including part of 1909, Colonel 0. C. Hulvey ran
a military school in the building. It was called the Tennessee Mili
tary Institute (T. M. I.). In that year, 1909, a very large building
was erected one mile north of Sweetwater Depot. Colonal 0. C. Hulvey
moved to this and continued his school under the name of Tennessee
Military Institute.
Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Rowland ran a female school in th,e Union
Institute. Mr. Rowland died in 1910, and It was run two more years
under the charge of Mrs. B. M. Rowland.
Then from 1913-1916 school for females was taught in the building,
with W. S. Woodward as principal. This school was under charge
of Carson and Newman College of Jefferson City, Tenn.
A public high school is now (1916) taught in the Union Institute,
which is under the charge of Professor R. M. Ivins.

380 HISTOEY OF SWEBTW4TEE VALLgY
Sweetwatee Lodge 292, F. and A. M.
On November 3, I860, a dispensation was graptedlby
the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, to constitute a lodge at
Sweetwater to the following named brethren, mostly if
not entirely members of the Tellico Lodge No. §0 :
William B. Sample, 8. Y. B. Williams, James A.
Wright, J. C. Starrett, A, A- Humphreys, J. A. Bowah,
H. B. Yearwood, E. F. Scruggs, I. T. Lenoir, William
H. Taylor.
The said brethren were constituted iuto a regiilar
lodge. No. 292 F. & A. Mr The proceedings of this lodge
are not known until the date given below for the reasons
hereafter stated, At a meeting of the lodge on Decem
ber 25, 1863, it was recited as follows : ' ' Upon examina
tion it Avas found that the record book, ledger and pa
pers contaimng lodge matter were all gone. * * * The
hall haAdng been broken open by Federal soldiers."
W. H. Taylor was W. M. at this meeting. The lodge
met in the second-story of the Taylor building, then oc
cupied by S. Y. B. Williams, afterwards the J. E. Wil
liams building. At an election of officers held the fol
lowing were named : W- B. Sample, W. M. ; J. M. Sam
ple, S. W. ; F. B. Carter, J. W. ; S. Y. B. Williams, treas
urer ; S. P. Haynes, tyler ; J. H. Patton, secretary.
These officers served until December 22, 1865. The
succeeding officers and their years of service are as
follows :
1869— W. L. Clark, W. M.; N. P. Hight, S. W.; T. G.
Boyd, J, W. ; E. F. Scruggs, treasurer ; J, H. Patton,
secretary; J. W. Goddard, tyler.
1870— W. L. Clark, W. M. ; N. P. Hight, S. W. ; T. G.
Boyd, J. W.; E. F, Scruggs, treasurer; J. H. Patton,
secretary; A. M. Dobbins, tyler.
1871— W. L. Clark, W. M.; L. Forkner, S. W.; N. L
Mayes, J. W. ; E. F. Scruggs, treasurer ; J. H. Patton,
secretary; A. M. Dobbins, tyler.
1872— T. G. Boyd, W. M. ; J. H. Pickel, S. W. ; H. L.
Fry, J. W. ; E. F. Scruggs, treasurer; J. H, Patton, sec
retary ; A. H. Murray, tyler.
1873— W. L= Clark, W, M- i A. A. Humphreys, 8. W. ;
W. B. Lenoir, J. W.; E, F. Scruggg, treasurer; J. H.
Patton, secretary ; A, M. Dobbins, tyler,

HISTOBY OP SA^TEBTWATEB VALLEY 381
1874U-N. p. Hight, W. M. ; A. A. Humphreys, S. W. ;
Jo. W. Eobertson, J. W. ; E. F. Scruggs, treasurer; J.
H. Patton, secretary; A. M. Dobbins, tyler.
1876— W. L. Clark, W. M.; A. A. Humphreys, S. W.;
Jo. W. Eobertson, J. W. ; E. F. Scruggs, treasurer; J.
H. Patton, secretary; C. Cannon, tyler.
1877— J. H. Pickel, W. M. ; J. W. Eobertson, S. W. ;
J. H. Montgomery, J. W.; E. F. Scruggs, treasurer; J.
H. Patton, secretary; C. Cannon, tyler.
1878— W. B.. Sample, W. M.; W. L. Clark, S. W.; W.
B. Lenoir, J. W. ; E. F. Scruggs, treasurer; J. H. Pat
ton, secretary; C. Cannon, tyler.
1879— J. L. McKinney, W. M. ; W. L. Clark, S. W. ;
W. B. Lenoir, J. W. ; E. F. Scruggs, treasurer; J. H.
Patton, secretary; C. Cannon, tyler.
1880— J. W. Eobertson, W. M. ; S. B. Cook, S. W. ; W.
B. Lenoir, J. W. ; E. F. Scruggs, treasurer ; J. H. Pat
ton, secretary; C. Cannon, tyler.
1881— J. W. Eobertson, W. M. ; J. L. Bachman, S. W. ;
W. B. Lenoir, J. W. ; E. F. Scruggs, treasurer ; J. H. Pat
ton, secretary; C. Cannon, tyler.
1882— Jo. W. Eobertson, W. M.; J. L. Bachman, S.
W. ; W. N. Lybarger, J. W. ; E. F. Scruggs, treasurer;
F. Bogart, secretary; C. Cannon, tyler.
1883— Jo. W. Eobertson, W. M. ; W. B. Lenoir, S. W. ;
J. L. Bachman, J. W. ; E. F. Scruggs, treasurer ; F. Bo
gart, secretary; C. Cannon, tyler.
1884— W. L. Clark, W. M.; J. L. Bachman, S. W.; J.
H. Montgomery, J. W. ; E. F. Scruggs, treasurer ; G. F.
Hicks, secretary; D. W. Butt, tyler.
1885— S. B. Cook, W. M. ; J. S. Young, S. W. ; J. I
Carter, J. W. ; E. F. Scruggs, treasurer ; G. F. Hicks,
secretary; C. Cannon, tyler.
1886— S. B. Cook, W. M. ; G. F. Hicks, S. W. ; Jno. B.
Carter, J. W.; E. F. Scruggs, treasurer; E. W. Brown,
secretary; C. Cannon, tyler.
After the close of the war from 1865, until 1875, the
lodge prospered exceedingly, and there were many ad
ditions to the membership. One reason for this was
that it was conceded and believed that the Masonic fra
ternity had helped very much to mitigate the horrors of
the CiAdl War. Favors were shOAvn to brethren on the
different sides. Federal and Confederate, and treatment

382 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
given which would not have been extended to other than
Masons. In July, 1868, the lodge decided to build a new hall
instead of meeting in rented property. As a building
committee there were appointed: E. F. Scruggs, I. T.
Lenoir, J. H. Pickel, J. H. Patton and W. L. Clark. Be
sides the money in the treasury the members contrib
uted very liberally to the building of the new hall. A
lot was purchased where the M. E. Church, South, and
parsonage now stand, and a hall was erected at a cost
of more than $5,000.
The first meeting held in the new hall was on Fri
day, November 19, 1869. The lower part of the build
ing was used as a school room. It was first rented to
Mrs. Helen M. Cooke in 1870.
In the year 1873 some of the brethren, especially those
in the country, became dissatisfied Avith the location of
the hall. There was no convenient hitching place for
their horses nearer than the public square around the
depot. A committee was appointed to report what could
be done about a new and better location for a hall. In
November, 1873, the committee reported that a tMrd
story on M. Carter's building, could be added at a cost
of about $2,500; they therefore decided to sell the old
property and accept Mr. Carter's offer.
On November 28, 1873, the lodge passed a resolution
to sell to the Methodists for $5,500, and donate $2,000,
for purpose of establishing a female school of high
grade. This amount of $3,500 was subscribed mostly
by the citizens of Sweetwater and country around, and
to which fund many, not Methodists, subscribed liberally.
Therefore in pursuance of this resolution of the lodge,
on February 2, 1874, a deed was made to certain trus
tees for a female high school, to be under the charge of
the Athens District Conference.
The first meeting of the Masonic Lodge in their new
hall over the Carter building was on May 14, 1875. A
deed to the hall in the third story of the building was
made by Mat Carter to Lodge 292 F. & A. M. on Sep
tember 1, 1876. The Masons stiU (1916) hold their meet
ing there.
At a meeting of, the lodge April 14, 1871, by a unani
mous vote the lodge subscribed to the Masonic Home

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 383
Mission School $1,000. This sum was to be paid in an
nual installments of $100 each, the first installment to
be due in November, 1873.
From the names of those present at masonic meetings
after the reorganization of the lodge we find that the
following besides the charter members belonged to
Lodge 292 previous to 1864, as they were mentioned
afterward as being present at lodge meetings and are
not afterward among the affiliates or afterward made
master Masons:
S. B. Haines, J. M. Sample, F. B. Carter, D. P. Fork
ner, Thomas Forkner, M. T. Stanfield, John Forkner,
W. A. Nelson, W. L. Clark, J. H. Patton, Thomas Up
ton, W. H. Cooke, Jno. W. Lotspeich, W. L. Price, J.
G. Parshall, J. H. Taylor and Charles Cannon.
List of affiliates and those made master Masons up
to 1886: T. C. BeUamy, 26 May '65 ; T. G. Boyd, 22 June
'66 ; Frank Bogart, 6 August '65 ; T. J. BaUard, 12 Au
gust '65, died 12 July '69 ; L. F. Briant, 25 September
'65 ; D. A. Browder, 22 September '65, died 6 AprU '83 ;
W. L. BaUard, 9 March '69 ; T. L. BroAvn, 20 August '69 ;
M. K. Benson,  — ; J. L. Ballard,  ; J. E.
Bilderback, 25 September '65 ; T. E. Bradshaw, 23 June
'65 ; J. M. Browder, 23 November '65 ; J. S. Burnett, 20
October '66; J. A. Bilderback, 11 February '80; J. P.
BroAvn, aff. (80) 8 July '70; N. C. Carter, 26 Jan
uary '66; dem. 10 March '76; Mat Carter, 17 AprU
'67, died 28 AprU '85; J. A. Crowder, 26 August '67;
W. J. Clayton, 26 June '79 ; M. B. CaldweU, 3 February
'71; Wm. Cannon, 24 November '65; Eobt. Carter, aff.
(80) 22 March '67; W. H. Cooke,, dem. to No. 134
25 AprU '69; W. H. Crawford aff. December '70; L. L.
Calloway, aff. 10 September '75; A. G. Garden, dem. 7
January '76; A. M. Dobbins, 28 July '65; A.S.Dickey,
—  ; H. P. Dickey, 20 October '66, buried by Ma
sons 28 July '70; A. J. Dickey, 22 September '69; S. B.
Cook, aff. 19 January '78; J. L. Bachman, 26 February
'80; L. W. BroAvn, 21 May '80; D. W. Butt, 28 April
'82; J. I. Carter,' 9 May '84; G. M. Cline, aff. 21 August
'85 ; E. W. Brown and J. B. Carter on 27 November '85 ;
W. M. Edwards, 20 October '66 ; Lawrence Forkner, 27
AprU '65, buried 1 September '81; Wm. Foote, 28 Oc
tober '65, exp. December '68; H. L. Fry, 10 November

384 HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
'68; Wm. Foster, 28 October '65; Thomas A. Forkner,
25 July '85; J. G. Forkner,  ; M. B. Goddard
aff. (Athens) 25 May '66; J. W. Goddard aff. (Loudon),
24 August '66; W. W. Grubb, aff. 11 October '72; W. 0.
Grace aff. (115), 29 August '79; Wm. Harrison, 8 De
cember '66; N.' P. Hight aff. (Mo.), 23 November '66;
A. A. Humphreys, reaff. 22 March '72; E. T. Hale, aff.
30 January '74; dem. 12 October '77; Hicks G. F. aff.
20 January '80; John H. Johnston, 23 June '65; Jos.
Janeway, aff. (Loudon) 23 February '66; J. Harvey
Johnston, 28 September '66; E. C. Jones, 23 February
'66; EU C. Jones, 13 May '70; John M. Jones, aff. 4 De
cember '81; J. F. Key, 25 May, '66; W. T. Lenoir, 25
September '68 ; J. D. Low, 25 September 65 ; W. T. Le
noir, 30 June '71; Noah Lybarger, 2 May '79; dem. 3
February '82 ; S. J. Martin, 1 November '65 ; Martin G.
W., 7 November '65, died 6 March '70 ; W. G. McKen
zie, •  dem. 4 July '73 ; A. H. Murray, 4 September
'65,  ; N. L Mayes, 9 September '68,  ;
Jas. McGuire,  ; 0. W. Mulier,  ; J. H.
Montgomery, 3 November '66,  ; J. L. McKin
ney, aff. 6 September '78; A. E. Melendy, 28 Februarv
'85,  ; J. F. Owen, aff. (204), 27 AprU '66,
 ; J. C. Pennington, 28 July '65; B. M. Porter,
22 June '66, dem. 30 June '71 ; Wiley Patton, 27 AprU
'67,  ; J. H. Pickel, 5 May '68,  ; W. W.
Pickel, 26 June '69,  ; W. L. Price,  dem.
23 February '72; J. E. Eoberts, 25 September '65,
 ; J. Crockett Eowan, 2 March '67, dem. 27 August
'67 ; John W. Eobertson, 30 July '67, dem. 27 August
'67; J. H. Eowan,  ; F. M. Eowan, 
Josiah K. Eowan, 27 August '67, dem. 11 June '70; Jos
eph W. Eobertson, 23 February '72 ; A. C. Small, 28 July
'65,  -; T. H. SmaU, 4 November '65,  ;
G. G. StiUman,  , died 29 July '72 ; j. N. Stamp
er, 27 October '65,  ; James Sample, 27
August '67,  dem. 2 December '70; J. C. Starrett,
 ; A. J. Stradley, aff. (484) 12 February '86;
J. H. Taylor, •  ^  ; N. G. Vineyard, 1 July '65,
 ; W. A. Upton, 25 October '67, dem. 11 Feb
ruary '81, he died in Texas; S. E. Young (392) aff. 11
February '81,  ; Jno. S. Young, 6 June '84,
 ; J. L. WiUson, 12 August '65; W. P. WiUson,

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 385
 ; A. W. Ward, 27 July '69,  ; S. H.
WiUson, May '65,  ; C. I. Wright, 8 September
'65,  ; S. M. Walker, 10 January '70,  ;
C. B. Woodward, February '73, dem. 7 January '76.
SWEETMATEE Chaptee E. A. M., No. 57.
Of date the first day of January, 1866, John Frizzell,
G. H. P. of Tennessee, granted to the foUoAving com
panions: John F. Slover, Eichard C. Jackson, A. D.
Ehea, S. B. Haines, W. A. Nelson, William G. Horton,
I. N. Clark, J. B. Pickens, H. M. Eice, I. C. Grant and
E. L. Scott, a dispensation empowering them to open
and hold a chapter of Eoyal Arch Masons in the town
of Sweetwater, Tenn., to be called Sweetwater Chapter
No. 57.
In pursuance of said dispensation on January 22,
1866, John F. Slover, H. P., Avith the other proper of
ficers, opened and held a chapter in their hall at Sweet
Avater. G. G. Stillman was made secretary.
Appended to the by-laws of this chapter, published by
the Forerunner office at Sweetwater, Tenn., in 1868, the
names of the officers and members of this chapter follow
W. H. Cooke, H. P. ; N. P. Hight, K. ; F. Bogart, S.
T. G. Boyd, C. H. ; W. L. Clark, P. S. ; Charles Cannon
E. A. C. ; E. F. Scruggs, Treas. ; J. H. Patton, sec'y.
E. F. Sharp, G. M., 3rd V.; W. L. Price, 2nd V.; L T
Lenoir, 1st V. ; J. W. Goddard, Sent. ; G. G. Stillman
E. A. M. ; C. H. Matthewson, E. A. M. ; A. D. Ehea, E
A. M. ; Morgan Bryan, E. A. M. ; T. J. BaUard, E. A. M.
T. N. Epperson, E. A. M. ; Wm. P. McKamey, E. A. M.
Sam'l. Eeese, E. A. M.; L B. Kimbrough, E. A. M.; H
J. Foote, E. A. M. ; Frank FeUs, E. A. M. ; W. C. Peak
E. A. M. ; J. J. Harrison, E. A. M. ; E. C. Jones, E. A. M.
Wm. Osborn, E. A. M. ; J. C. Starrett, E. A. M. ; O. C
Carter, E. A. M. ; Jas. P. Galyon, E. A. M. ; W. N. B
Jones, E. A. M.
This chapter prospered for some years and greatly
assisted financially the Sweetwater Lodge No. 292, F.
& A. M. to erect the two buildings they constructed, the
hall on the hill and the third story of the Carter build
ing. It was the understanding with the chapter and the
Master Mason's Lodge that the chapter should hold its

386 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
meetings in the hall and own their proportionate part
of the buildings, although not so expressed in the deed.
With the formation of new chapters their territory
was much reduced and it was hard to secure a quorum
for the transaction of -business. In 1887 the Grand
Chapter of the state of Tennessee revoked their char
ter, since which time there has been no chapter in Sweet
water. The Newspapees op Sweetwatee.
The first paper published in Sweetwater was "The
Sweetwater Forerunner." Volume 1 No. 1 was dated
September 1, 1867. It was a four-page paper about half
the size . of the usual weekly. Editor and proprietor,
H. L. Fry. Subscription price was $2 per year. We
find this among the editorials in the first paper.
"Last night was a terrible night.- — The storm raged all night, and
is not over with. Saturday, September 21, 1867, will be, in all time
to come a memorable day in the history of Sweetwater. Amid the
flashing of lightning and muttering and bellowing of thunder the
greatest event that has ever transpired within her limits is taking
place; the first newspaper ever printed in Sweetwater is being pub
lished. Long may the day be remembered and may it be pointed to
with just pride as the commencement of a new epoch in the history
of the village."
There were also poets in those days. Note these lines
in that issue from J. A. H. :
A WARNINCJ.
"Old bachelors arise, away.
Shake off the fleas and dust.
If you on earth expect to stay.
In woman put your trust.
A married man is right in town
With a pocket full of rocks,
A wife to fix his clothes up brown
And darn his ragged socks."
Advertisements in the issue were:
Hight & Scruggs, General Merchandise and Produce; N. I. Mayes,
D. S.; Stock & Roberts, Commission Merchants, Cartersville, Ga.;
Glenn, Wright & Carr, Commission Merchants, Atlanta.

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 387
The Forerunner was enlarged in May, 1868, and was
published by Fry and Fisher. From December 17,
1868, to March, 1869, Charles M. Fisher was sole pro
prietor. He Avas from Eichmond, Va., and was appar
ently finely educated and very versatile. He was the
best all round newspaper man, the finest flute player
and the most accomplished "boozefighter" that ever
lived in the town.
He never wrote out his editorials; he just set them
up and rarely looked them over. They were absolute
ly correct in spelling and grammar and were well ex
pressed. He was a fluent writer although he did not
write at all.
I heard that after he left Sweetwater he became a
derelict and a tramp printer. He was such an enter
taining companion and so fine a musician that drinks
were easy for him to procure.
In March, 1869, C. B. Woodward bought out the pa
per and became its editor and proprietor. On Sep
tember 1, 1869, he changed its name from "Forerun
ner" to "The Sweetwater Enterprise." He ran this
paper until the early part of 1876, when Joe Ivins took
charge and conducted it untU after the November elec
tion. The paper was then suspended. Hight and
Scruggs acquired a title to the outfit. In December,
1876, J. H. Bean of KnoxAdlle bought the paper and
press from them and published the paper on January
1, 1877, under the name of "The Monroe Democrat."
He was editor and proprietor until the 1st of January,
1880, when he sold out to D. B. Grace.
He kindly furnishes the following information:
"David B. Grace went from Birmingham, Ala., in 1880, to pay a
visit to his father, P. M. Grace, who was professor of English in
Hiwassee College. Finding that J. H. Bean was desirous of selling
the Monroe Democrat he bought him out and ran the paper for four
years, returning to Birmingham in 1884. During the four years Mr.
Grace ran the paper it never missed an issue. On one occasion the
supply of paper, ordered failed to arrive, and on Wednesday afternoon
Mr. Grace went down to Athens on the train and bought five hun
dred sheets of paper from Mr. (Sam. P.) Ivins, of the Athens Post,
and brought it with him on the train to Sweetwater. Thus the Demo
crat came out in time Thursday morning. While Mr. Grace pub
lished the Democrat there was no other paper in Monroe County.
The Democrat printed the legal notices and these, together with
the liberal patronage of the Sweetwater merchants and those of
Knoxville, gave the paper a good advertising patronage. Mr. Grace

388 HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
was at the time a young man without experience, but he was ably
assisted by his father. Dr. Brunner, Mr. W. B. Lenoir, Dr. Bachman
and others." (Note: The assistance I gave him was to drop in his
sanctum, read his exchanges and talk to him about the Sweetwater
girls.— AV. B. L.)
"In 1884 Grace sold the Democrat and returned to Birmingham.
There he assisted in founding the Evening Chronicle, and afterward
served as editorial writer on the News, which had been merged with
the Chronicle. He also acted as assistant editor on the Age-Herald.
He Is now engaged in general literary work."
After Mr. Grace disposed of the Democrat J. S. Year-
wood became the editor and proprietor. (See H. B. Y.)
He ran the paper till W. B. Lenoir purchased from him
in March, 1889. W. B. L. ran the paper tiU the faU of
1891 when he was bought out by F. H. Sruggs of the
News. The Monroe Democrat, as its name would indi
cate, was always a democratic paper.
The Sweetwatee News
Began to be published by F. H. Scruggs as editor and
proprietor in 1886. He published it under that name
untU the faU of 1891. After F. H. S. purchased the
Monroe Democrat from W. B. Lenoir he ran the merged
papers under the name of the Democrat-News till his
death which occurred on July 8, 1895. This paper was
then suspended and the printing presses and the type
sold to Mr. Martin of the Loudon Eecord.
Not long after the suspension of the Democrat-News
J. M. Kirkland ran a small paper for several months
which he called the "Euby Wave." He then enlarged
it and changed the name to Sweetwater Courier. This
paper he conducted for about two years.
The Sweetwatee Telephone.
The latter part of 1895 D. L. Smith and others formed
a stock company and on January 1, 1896, commenced the
publication of The Sweetwater Telephone. D. L. Smith
was editor of this paper until September 1, 1907. Then
at a reorganization of the stock company D. L. Smith
became president and James M. Pardue, editor and
manager. D. L. Smith died November 19, 1912.
J. M. Pardue has had a controlling interest in this
paper for six years up to present (1916).

HISTOEY OP sweetwatee VALLEY 389
LeGISLATOES IN THE GeNBEAL ASSEMBLY OP TENNESSEE,
EesIDENTS op SAyEETWATEE VaLLEY.
Sweetwater Valley has had its share of laAvmakers in
the General Assembly, and they have all been farmers
except three — one of these three was a farmer when he
was elected.
Those representatives living in the valley when elected
were: General James H. Eeagan, senator Twenty-first
General Assembly, Monroe and McMinn, and also in the
Thirtieth General Assembly, the first to hold its meet
ings in the state capitol. Eeagan's history is given else
where in this book.
Hon. Few Hall Gregory was a representative in the
Twenty-third General Assembly, elected in 1839. See
Gregory elsewhere in this book.
Colonel Jno. Eamsey was elected representative from
Monroe to the Twenty-seventh General Assembly. His
opponent was Wm. Heiskell. An account of this race
and his history is given in this book.
Hon. George W. Gaines, formerly of the fourteenth
civil district of Monroe County, was living with his son-
in-law. Dr. F. Bogart of Sweetwater, when elected to the
Legislature in 1865. This legislature has no regular
number and is known as the "Brovsmlow Legislature."
In his race he received the Democratic vote of the coun
ty. He was a Union man during the war but opposed
the disfranchising legislation and other Adolent meas
ures passed by that assembly.
Hon. Jesse F. Owen was elected in 1869 to represent
Monroe County in the Thirty-sixth General Assembly.
For further history see Owen in this book.
General J. C. Vaughn was a senator from the seventh
senatorial district to the Thirty- seventh General As
sembly. He was speaker of that body. His history is
given in this book.
Hon. S. J. Martin was representative from Monroe
and Loudon counties in the Thirty-eighth General As
sembly. For history see Presley Cleveland family.
Hon. William Cannon was elected to the Fortieth
General Asseihbly as the representative from Monroe
and Loudon counties.
Hon. W. B. Sample was a representative of Monroe
and Loudon counties in the Forty-first General Assem-

390 HISTOBY OP SAVEETWATEB VALLEY
bly, although he did not reside in the first civil district
of Monroe County nor in Sweetwater Valley, but close
to the line between first and second districts, and Ms
post-office was at Sweetwater. His team of oxen and
his corn-cob pipe were frequently seen in our tovm. On
"election day in November, 1878, a large crowd smoking
cob pipes went in a body to the polls and voted for Sam
ple. He was called the farmer's candidate.
Hon. J. E. Love was representative from Monroe
County in the Forty-fourth General Assembly, elected
in November, 1884. Died during his incumbency. For
sketch of him see Eeagan family.
Hon. D. E. Nelson was a member of the Forty-sixth
General Assembly as a senator of the sixth district.
(See Nelson.)
Hon. W. L. Brown was senator from the sixth sen
atorial district in the Forty-seventh General Assembly.
History in this book.
W. N. Hoge was a representative from McMinn Coun
ty to the Forty-eighth General Assembly. At the time
of his election he resided near Eeagan Station. PreAd
ous to his election he occupied several important county
offices. W. G. Lenoir was a joint representative for Knox
and Loudon counties in the General Assembly. He was
elected in November, 1910, as a fusionist. He was a
zealous prohibitionist and was a prominent factor in
state-wide legislation while he was a member.
Hon. James M. Pardue was representative from Mon
roe to the Forty-ninth General Assembly. He is the
present (1916) senator from the district comprised of
Knox, Blount, Monroe and Polk counties. He is a law
yer by profession and now (1916) editor of the Sweet
water Telephone. He was born in Loudon County and
came to Sweetwater twenty years ago.
Hon. J. C. Waren was a member of the Fifty-sixth
General Assembly as the representative from Monroe
County. For further history see Colonel Jno. Eamsey
in this book. !
Hon. James May was senator from the 6th district in
the Fifty-fifth General Assembly. He was born in Kjiox
County on October 10, 1863. He came to Sweetwater in
November, 1896. He embarked in the hardware busi-

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 391
ness in which he remained eighteen years. He was
mayor of SAveetwater for eight years. He Avas married
to Prudie C. Howard of Fork Creek on December 21,
1887. He was prison commissioner for East Tennessee,
under Governor Hooper, 1912-14. He had charge of
the pemtentiary farm near NashviUe which he ran suc
cessfully, clearing $55,000 over and above expenses dur
ing Ms incumbency. His chUdren are Ethel, Beulah and
Earl. Earl is a member of the firm of James May &
Son at Sweetwater. Some Teansactions in Hoesbs in 1863.
In the last years of the Civil War East Kentucky,
East Tennessee, Western North Carolina and North
Georgia were infested with various bands of horse
thieves, robbers and bushwhackers. Sometimes several
of these bands acted in common after the John A. Mur
reU style. Others chose a leader and acted independ
ently. Often they claimed to affiliate with one or the
other side in the ciAdl contest. The union bushwhackers
claimed that they did not rob and kill Union men and
the Eebel bushwhackers that they did not rob and mur
der Southern sympathizers. As notable examples' we
might mention Tinker Dave Beattie and Champ Fer
guson in the Cumberlands and Goldman Bryson and
Lyons in the Smokies. I presume if we ever have a
war with a foreign country we will likely have American
and hyphenated-American bushwhackers.
In the sections mentioned in 1863 and 1864 no man's
life or property was safe. If a soldier deserted from
either army he usually stole a horse as an additional
means of safety in getting away and also to secure a val
uable piece of property.
In this section horse stealing was very common in
1863. In May of that year my father, I. T. Lenoir, had
a fine horse stolen from a barn near his home located
about one and a half miles south of Sweetwater. It was
stolen by a deserter from the 10th Confederate, Colonel
Goode's Cav., Eegt. of conscripts. My father got on
his track and followed Mm to the Sand Mountains of
Alabama now the richest, then the poorest section of the
state. He failed to find his OAvn horse but his expedition
was not fruitless. One day in following a supposed clue

392 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
he came across a rough looking sand-mountaineer vrho
was riding a fine roane mare. He engaged him in con
versation and on close inspection he was confident that
he had seen the animal he was riding hitched in Sweet
water several times and was convinced that she had
been stolen. He told the fellow he had come after that
horse and to throw doAvn his rifle and dismount. This
he at first refused to do, but my father reasoned with
him in such a way that he finally did as requested. He
then ordered him to walk back the way he came and
not to turn round or look back. When he had gotten
some distance off, father himself lost no time in return
ing, fearing he might be pursued. The mare, as it turned
out, belonged to Mr. Eobert Wright of Fork Creek Val
ley. It would have been a fine joke. on father if he had
not succeeded in finding the owner.
. After the sand mountain episode, we took precautions
to prevent the horses from being stolen. Our barn had
some stables which could only be reached through a
passage which was closed at each end by a gate. The
gate at one end was padlocked and the one at the other
end, least used, was fastened by a large wood screw
through the slat into the latch; thus the gate could not
be opened without taking out the screw. We did not
think a thief would catch on to the scheme Avithout wak
ing the negro or myself up. We slept in the barn loft
as additional protection against thieves. But "the best
laid plans of mice and men gang aft agley."
On Sunday the 5th of July, 1863, I persuaded one of
the neighbor boys to go with me to Craighead Lake in
the Bat Creek knobs for a SAvim. The lake then was
considerably larger than now. We did not particularly
need to go in bathing, but we had heard the Eev. Mr.
Bradshaw preach for an hour and a half in the morn
ing and we thought we were entitled to an afternoon off.
For fear of embarrassing complications we thought best
not to consult our parents about the trip. We remained
in the water considerable time trying to outsvrim the
mellow bugs, with which the surface of the lake abound
ed. This made me sleep, sounder* in the barn loft
than usual that night. So when the thief came Sunday
night, as he told me afterwards about 11 o'clock, I did
not wake and neither did the darkey that was Avith me.

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 393
In the morning the gate was wide open and a horse was
gone. The thief, in trying to get the horse out, had
started to cut the latch in two. He found that would
take too long. He accidentally discovered how the latch
Avas fastened and unloosed the screw with his knife,
Avhich happened to be a strong one.
The horse stolen was one easily described and identi
fied. He was a large rawboned bay horse, about sixteen
and a half hands high and had a very large head and
had a couple of large warts on his jaws. A blind bridle
was missing but he got no saddle. He stole a saddle
in Dancing Branch neighborhood. We heard of that
on Monday. We found out on Tuesday that a man Car
ter had left the 6th Georgia, Hart's Eegiment Avithout
a furlough and that he had volunteered from Tovms
County, Ga. Mr. W. H. Taylor, son of E. A. Tay
lor, and a former merchant in Sweetwater, had married
a Miss Bradshaw of Towns County, Ga. Her mother
stUl lived there and Mr. Taylor was acquainted in that
section. He told my father he would go with me to get
the horse and, if possible, the man that stole him. I was
anxious to go as I was much chagrinned at my father's
saying ironically what a fine guard I was. So we made
our arrangements to start from Sweetwater next morn
ing, Wednesday.
To show how thoughtful my father was I remember
a little circumstance. He knew that it gave ine a bad
headache not to have coffee for breakfast as I had al
ways been used to it. He suggested that I get my
mother to put me up some coffee to take along. This
was not to be given out where we stopped, but if I got
the headache for lack of it, the grounds were to be
drank from a cup mixed with cold water from some
spring by the roadside. On trying the experiment when
the headache came on, I found it worked like a charm.
Coffee in the Confederacy ovsdng to the blockade of
the ports in 1863 was exceedingly scarce and high in
price when it could be obtained at all. As a substitute
parched rye and wheat were used. It tasted all right
like postum but did not have any kick to it like real cof
fee. But to resume my narrative : We, Taylor and myself,
left Sweetwater in the morning. He rode a good horse

394 HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY
of father's; I rode a horse rather on the pony
order, which I had purchased from a Texas ranger. His
name was Craig. He wanted to sell the horse to me
because his ankle had been rope scorched and he was
temporarily disabled. I paid for him $100.00 in Con
federate money. One was about as unsafe possession
as the other. I was rather proud of my trade, as that
was the first horse I had ever bought.
The result proved that he was a very hardy animal
but rather a tiresome saddler. We, W. H. Taylor and
myself, stayed at Austin Fry's the first night. He then
lived on Conasuaga Creek three miles this side of the
toll gate on the road from Madisonville to Murphy, N.
C. He was an old acquaintance of my father and used
to reside near Eeagan's Station. There at Fry's we
heard nothing of the man and the stolen horse but on
reaching the toll gate at the foot of Unaka Mountain
we were told that our man had passed through the gate
there. This was encouraging and we determined to
push rapidly on. There were only two routes he could
take, either up the Hiwassee Eiver towards Murphy or
the one to DucktoAvn going south and crossing the Hi
wassee Eiver at Taylor's Ferry near where Apalachia
now is. We concluded to risk the Murphy route as we
thought Carter had gone that way with the stolen horse.
We did this though we had been told by Mr. Fry that
that route was very dangerous. He said : "I would not
undertake what you two are trying to do for my hat full
of gold. The country east of the mountains towards
Murphy is full of bushwhackers who do not hesitate to
commit any sort of depredation." Mr. Fry some weeks
before had been shot in the shoulder from ambush and
narrowly escaped Avith his life. He was at the time we
stopped with him carrying his arm in a sling in conse
quence of his wound. Goldman Bryson 's notorious gang
were then in process of formation. From the toll gate
for twelve miles we saw no one, though that is no evi
dence that we were not ourselves seen, till we reached
the Beaver Dam country on the Hiwassee Eiver ten
miles from Murphy ; there we passed a man Avith Federal
blue pants on driving two calves hitched to the front
wheels of a wagon. Two or three miles further on we
met a man carrying a fiddle and a bow in a sack. He

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 395
was about the only man we saw that day who looked
cheerful and did not eye us with suspicion. I supposed
he thought that no one would be mean and heartless
enough to hurt a good fiddler however steeped in crime
he might be. Not far from Hanging Dog Creek we saw
Jim Eeddicks, so Taylor said his name was, plowing
corn in a field. We questioned none of them. We did
not care about advertising our business.
We stopped at Murphy where we arrived about the
middle of the day, and got our dinner at S. W. David
son's. He kept hotel in an old frame building, now torn
doAvn, which occupied the lot under the large elms and
aspens opposite the site of the new Eegal Hotel. At this
toAvn we made, some inquiries but found out nothing of
consequence. We were there about an hour and a half.
We had come twenty-five miles and still had twenty-nine
to go if we reached Mrs. Bradshaw 's, Mr. Taylor's
mother-in-law. She lived four miles east of Hiwassee,
Towns County, Ga. When dark came upon us we were
ten or twelve miles from our destination, but we thought
it better to arrive in that neighborhood at night so that
no one could have any idea who we were or what our
business was. We did not want it knovm. there were
any strangers there. It must have been nearly mid
night when we arrived at Mrs. Bradshaw 's. Her son
was away in the army and Mrs. Bradshaw being natural
ly excited at any one coming at that time of night and
a Adsit from him was entirely unexpected that Taylor
could hardly convince her that he was her son-in-law.
When he knocked, "Who's there?" she asked. "Billy
Taylor." "What Taylor!" "Delia Bradshaw 's hus^
band." She finally became convinced of his identity
and let us in and told us where we could get feed for our
horses. We had traveled fifty-four or fifty-five mUes
that day and I was so thoroughly weary that it seems
to me I was asleep before I hardly got my clothes off.
When I had slept for about ten minutes, as I thought,
Taylor awakened me out of the shortest night's sleep
in my experience. He said it was near sunrise and we
must be up and doing. After considerable inquiry in
the neighborhood we found that Carter 's wife had lived
not very far from Mrs. Bradshaw 's but had left some
time previous for parts unknown. They told us how-

396 HISTOEY OP SAVEETWATEB VALLEY
ever that Mrs. Carter's father lived in DucktoAvn and
that his name was Borong. So about 10 a. m. we left for
that place to find out what we could there. That night
we stayed at a Mr. Martin's about six miles southeast
of Murphy. Next morning bright and early we were on
our way. We had traveled for about an hour and were
a short distance from the bridge over the Notla and we
came to the forks of the road, when Taylor remarked
"Lets get off our horses and have a consultation." I
noticed that he had been unusually silent and serious for
the last mile or two of our journey and looked as if in
a deep study. When we dismounted he did not say any
thing for some time; then he said: ' "I believe Mr. Fry
was right and I feel it my duty to say to you that we
ought not to risk our lives for the sake of a horse that
may be stolen again and may soon be impressed for the
serAdce of one army or the other. I think we had bet
ter return by way of Murphy and let the horse go."
"From what Mr. Fry said," I answered, "avUI it not be
as dangerous to return that way as to go on." "Well
I'm going back," he said, "what are you going to do?"
and he turned his horse's head in the direction of Mur
phy. "I'm going to get that horse," I replied, "that's
what I came for. I'm not going back home and have Pa
saying I should have prevented the horse from being
stolen and when he sent me after him I did not make
the proper effort to get him. I do not suppose I could
take the horse and man back by myself but I'm going to
get that horse or know the reason why I can't. ' ' I rather
thought he was bluffing and I concluded to put up one
myself. Still there was no decision. After some little
time he offered as a compromise that he would go to
DucktoAvn Avith me and if we found out nothing ther^
we would return home by the most feasible route. I
agreed. We had not gone far till he remarked: "The
fact is I could not go back and face your mother and
father if I had deserted you and anything happened to
you." That was the way I had him sized up but I did
not think it policy to tell him so then'. We then wended
our way to Ducktown, a long, long, lonesome road and
one of the most hilly I've ever traveled. There is not I
believe a hundred yards at one place of level road, or
was not at that time, between Notla Bridge and Duck-

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 397
toAvn. (Why the name Ducktown I've often wondered,
for I have never seen a duck there, wild or tame.)
When we reached Ducktown we found Mr. Borong
was engaged in roasting copper ore so as to form it into
mattes. This was the crude form in, which the cop
per was hauled to Cleveland, Tenn. The copper mined
at DucktoAvn then was mostly used by the Confederacy.
Mr. Taylor asked Mr. Borong if he had seen his son-
in-laAv or if he had passed through. He said he
had two or three days previously and told when asked
what kind of a horse Carter was riding. He further in
formed us that his daughter was up in Fannin County,
Ga., near Morganton and he thought his son-in-law had
gone to where she was. Mr. Taylor then informed him
that Carter was riding a horse that was stolen in Sweet
water Valley but we did not know how he got it but if
he came by the horse honestly he would be protected.
Mr. Borong said that his son-in-law had told him that
he was absent from his regiment on furlough and that
he had swapped for the horse. He said that he had no
desire to shield his son-in-law if he was a thief. We
thought he Avas honest and meant what he said but still
we preferred not to take any chances and lost no time
in getting to Morganton, which place we reached about
sundoAvn. We put up at the hotel. Taylor left the ho
tel soon to hunt up the sheriff of the county. He made
arrangements Avith him to get a deputy or two and hunt
up our man and horse. He kept this secret from me and
they did not start on the expedition until after I had
gone to sleep. As the slang phrase goes "he put one
over me. ' '
He woke me up very early in the next morning (Sun
day) and said we were ready to start home. "What,
Avithout the man and horse?" I asked. "No, we got
them." I was in no good humor about his leaAdng me
behind the night before but consoled myself that I had
got a good night's rest, and that my horse was fresh.
Taylor got no more than two or three hours rest at
most. He had also thought best to hire a horse for the
night and let the one he had been riding get a good feed
and rest so that we would be ready for any contingen-
Taylor told me how they had captured Carter. He

398 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
would, they thought, likely be in the woods or on the
watch in tlie day time and the best chance to get him
would be at night. Taylor, the sheriff and one deputy,
I think, found out that Carter was suspected to be Avith
his wife about five miles from Morganton towards Noon-
tootla Creek. They reached the cabin he was in about
midnight. They surrounded the house and knocked at
the door and the sheriff, when Carter's Avife answered,
told her he wanted to see her husband. She denied his
being there. The sheriff said: "I know that is not so;
I know he is in there. You better tell him to come out
or let us in." He finally after much parley came out
and surrendered. But there was no horse in the stable
or near the house. When asked what he had done with
him he denied having had any such horse. Taylor said
that partly by threats and partly through his wife's per
suasion they got Carter to take them about a half mile
from the house out in the woods to where the horse was
tied. However they found no saddle and Carter had to
ride bareback. Taylor and his party reached Morgan-
ton about 2 in the morning. The sheriff took charge of
the prisoner and let Taylor sleep awhile. Before sun
up we were on our way back with the captured man and
horse, and truly glad that we had come out right so far.
One of the sheriff's deputies escorted us for four or five
miles on our return as we did not know what Carter's
friends might attempt to do. We did not intend to give
them any time to "mobilize." The officer untied him
and turned him over to us and we hurried on our way.
We wanted to get out of Georgia into Tennessee in short
order and we were not going to be bothered leading the
horse he was riding and we warned him not to try to
escape. We knew the bringing him out of Georgia into
Tennessee was entirely illegal both from a civil and a
military point of view. We had no order from Colonel
Hart or any commanding officer to arrest him as a de
serter and we had no warrant for his arrest from any
civil authorities in either Tennessee or Georgia. ,We
had no requisition from Governor Harris of Tennessee
to the governor of Georgia. We did not know even
Avhere Governor Harris was and the governor of Georgia
was at MiUedgeAdlle. There were no telephone, tele
graph or railroad lines nearer than the E. T. & Ga.,

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 399
now the Southern Eailway. How much it cost to get
him out of Fannin Cdlmty I do not now remember. I
expect though as much as the horse was worth. We had
plenty of money along and even some money besides Con
federate. We knew though that Carter was in no shape
to appeal either to the civil or mUitary authorities. On
more than one account however we were anxious to get
out of Georgia as soon as possible.
After we traveled eight or ten miles Carter asked us
by what route we intended going back. Taylor told him
we thought of crossing at Taylor's Ferry and thence by
the toll gate to Sweetwater the way he came. At this
he was very much pleased, entirely too much so we
thought. It would have been best for him to have dis
sembled and looked pained. After discussing the mat
ter in a low tone, so that he could not hear, we fully de
termined to come back by DucktoAvn, doAvn Ocoee, by
Benton and Athens. When we came to the Taylor's
Ferry road and we took the other route he called our
attention to the fact that we were taking the Avrong road.
When we told him we had changed our minds and were
not going that way he seemed very much disappointed
and tried to get us to take the Taylor's Ferry route.
This strengthened us in our determination to do the op
posite. So we came dovm the Ocoee Eiver for many
miles. We saw nobody for nearly a half day's travel.
About the only thing that attracted our attention except
the scenery, and we were not thinking of that, was a
gray rebel roundabout coat lying on a rock beside the
road. The rapid river was on one side of us and a steep
mountain on the other. We paused not to investigate
but wondered whether some poor fellow had met his fate
and been throAvn into the river. We were then, if I mis
take not, in the Frog Mountain region, where even now
after fifty years have passed, accidents sometimes hap
pen to travelers, especially deputy revenue collec
tors. That night (Sunday) we stayed at Captain Han
na 's six miles east of Benton in Polk County. We asked
Captain Hanna if he could get any one to guard our
prisoner while we slept. He said that he owned a boy
that was half nigger and half Indian,— nigger enough
to obey orders and Indian enough to be watchful and
not afraid of anything and was trusty. When we told

400 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
the half-breed that we would pay him well if he did not
let the man escape, he put his hand on his gun and
smiled significantly and seemed much pleased Avith his
job. We ate dinner at Mrs. Matthews near Athens the
next day, it being Monday, July 13, 1863. Mr. Taylor
that afternoon turned off at Eeagan's to go to his fath
er's on Pond Creek. As we had gotten to be very good
friends in our two days' acquaintance I was satisfied
that my companion would come quietly, however, re
luctantly, with me to my father's. This he did. My
father, I. T. Lenoir, then lived one and a half miles
south of Sweetwater. The horse and I were glad to get
home and mother was delighted to see me but I do not
think she surmised that I had been absent on anything
but a rather wearisome mountain trip. Father and a
rebel soldier by the name of James Wilson from Owen
County, Ky., relieved me of Carter and turned him over
to the Confederate authorities at Sweetwater. I heard
afterward that he was sent to Eichmond to be punished
as a deserter.
When I told my father what risks we ran on the trip
did he embrace me and say I was a young hero? Noth
ing of the kind; but he did say that I was very, very
foolish when I learned the existing conditions not to
turn back — horse or no horse. I considered this unkind,
as that was the nearest I ever came to doing the Casa
blanca act — except his was a ship and mine was a horse.
I up and told my father that we brought back our own
horse and not somebody else's like he did from Alabama
and remarked more forcibly than grammatically that
"If another horse gets stole it can just stay stole so far
as I am concerned. ' ' I was just 16 then and this was my
declaration of independence on July 13 instead of the
4th. Now in the six days we were absent I estimate that
we traveled 264 miles over rough roads, up and doAvn
mountains, fording many rivers and creeks which any
serious rise would have rendered impassable. But the
weather was fine and the five nights we spent away
from home Ave were fortunate in having good stopping
places. My horse was small but I did not myself then
weigh- more than 115 pounds, and I was accustomed to
riding. We were in the saddle at least thirteen hours

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 401
a day. We could get no corn for our horses but had to
depend for feed on sheaf oats and new hay. The latter
part of our journey we Avere also encumbered with a
prisoner. And all this "much ado" was about a warty horse
which one of Sherman's bummers not long afterward
"confiscated" and probably after he had ridden him as
far as he could force him to go, left him to die by the
roadside. Carter did not strike me as being a bad man but was
rather the Aictim of circumstances. He was about 27
or 28 years of age he said Avhen he joined the army and
had been married several years. He was very ignorant
and unlettered. His volunteering as well as I could un
derstand came about in this wise. The secession ladies
of Hiwassee, Ga., and the country around made a flag,
baked a big dinner, advertised a rally, got a politician
to make a speech: "That the Yankees wanted to take
our property, free our negroes, Adolate state rights and
force us into submission." They waved the stars and
bars, the fifer played Dixie, the drummer rattled the
snare drum. "Fall in line, boys, we wont be gone more
than three or four months, and come back covered with
glory. Whoopee! Hurrah!" Now the fellow had no
property, had never seen a half dozen black folks in his
life, knew nothing of state rights and secession. But
he thought it would be great to ride a horse, wear a uni
form, lie around the camp fire, like he used to do coon
hunting, and crack jokes with the boys. And what a
good thing it would be not to have to plow, in a rocky,
stumpy new ground and still have his family taken care
of. Just a picnic all the time ! Then he soon found out
what war was. He heard from home that his wife was
sick and his children were hungry. He asked for a fur
lough. Men were too scarce and he was refused. He
stole a horse between suns and went anyhow. He got
caught. He was returned to his command. He was
probably tried by court martial for desertion. He was
sentenced A squad was ordered to take Mm to Eich
mond and report back in half an houi'. Thus ended the
chapter for him. The pity of it was he did not realize
what it was aU about. "What the difference?" you
might say. "He Avas nothing but a Georgia cracker;

402 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
just 'poor white trash'." True; yet he was a human
being; there were wife and children; they loved him,
needed him.
But most of the persons mentioned above have long
since passed away. Taylor died in Paris, Texas, a year
and a half ago. Were it pertinent to this history it
might be interesting to note the changes commercial and
physical a half century has wrought in the regions we
traversed on our trip; how the rivers and creeks we
forded are now spanned by steel bridges ; how their wa
ters once crystal have been discolored by wood and
chemical acids ; how the fish have been killed off by tan
bark ooze and sawdust ; how most of the mountains have
been denuded of their magnificent forest trees ; how the
whole country has been crisscrossed by telephone and
telegraph wires; how the whistle of the locomotive
hreaks the once quiet and stillness of the valleys and
mountains; how the waterfall of the streams has been
utilized to furnish light and power to distant cities;
especially how the talc, marble, gold, iron, manganese
and copper have added untold millions to the wealth of
the nation, in so much that the production of the Duck
town region alone for the last fifty years would be equal
to the assessed valuation of all the property in the city
of Knoxville; how the log cabin has given place to the
pretentious colonial dwelling; how summer residences
and hotels dot the landscapes ; but to do this would re
quire a book.
And here's the conclusion of the matter:
The icy rills in leafy vales.
That once did quench the thirst of deer,
The tourist there stale jokes retails
And in their waters cools his beer ;
And where the huntsman, gun and dogs.
Did chase fierce bruin to his lair.
The two-step girl in summer togs
Hunts down the tired millionaire.
A Wab Episode.
From a paper prepared by Mrs. M. T. Williams, en
titled " Eeminiscences of the Bushwhackers," J. C.
Vaughn, Chapter U. D. C, by permission, we make the

HISTOEY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY 403
following extracts: Mrs. Williams relates that shortly
after the Battle of Philadelphia, in October, 1863, she
and her husband and children were spending a quiet
evening at home, not expecting any unusual happening,
but, she says : "On glancing up we saw a company of
bushwhackers approaching us, who however passed di
agonally by us going toward the Tellico Eiver. We
sat and watched them pass out of sight. My husband
left immediately, as I supposed, to go to the woods to
look after his stock, as the only way we could keep stock
to work the land was to hide it in the woods. But in
stead of going there he went to Colonel C. M. McGhee 's.
(Here Mr. Williams takes up the story.) "From Col
onel McGhee I secured one of his fleetest (race) horses.
I went (post haste) to Sweetwater to notify General
Vaughn, who was there reorganizing his regiment, which
had not been exchanged after the Battle of Vicksburg.
General Vaughn, after getting the information, at once
took command of a company or small squadron of cav
alry, of the 8th Tennessee, commanded by Captain Mc-
Gentis containing also a few soldiers from different com
mands, who chanced to be on hand, and started late in
the evening in pursuit of the bushwhackers. I had just
got to Sweetwater off of Wheeler 's raid and volunteered
to go along. I took supper at Madisonville with Bob
Houston who went with us. We rode to near Coco Creek
that night where the command rested until near morn
ing. Meantime I had scouted the country and found
that the bushwhackers had struck the old. turnpike road
at Coco Creek and gone on in the direction of North Car
olina. Dressed as a Yankee soldier I acted as scout and
went on in advance of General Vaughan and the com
mand to locate the crowd. We overtook them at Evans'
MiU on Beaver Dam Creek, in Cherokee County, N. C.
When I rode into them I turned back and notified Gen
eral Vaughn, when he notified Captain McGentis to
charge them at once. We killed two and captured seven
teen, including Lieutenant Conley, a Yankee officer Avith
Bryson. We lost one man killed. I chased Bryson some
distance but he, being better mounted than I, got away
from me in the mountains. Captain Jim Taylor, Avith
a squad of Indians, trailed him across the mountains a
few days afterwards, perhaps, the next day, and kiUed

404 HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEE VALLEY
him on Coco Creek, near where he lived. However that
did not break up the bushwhackers in Monroe County.
THE TOWN OF PHILADELPHIA.
I have access to a map owned by W. C. Cannon, of Philadelphia,
which purports to be a certified copy of the original map ot Phila
delphia, which William Knox had laid off in 1822 or prior thereto.
This map was copied from one drawn by Robert Wear. The num
bers of the lots ran from 1 to 70, commencing at the northwest corner
of the town In the bend of the creek number one and ending in num
ber seventy on the west side of what is known as the Bacome Branch.
The map shows the purchasers of lots up to April, 1822, at which time
about twenty-five lots had been sold. James Price was the purchaser
of lot number one, and Joseph Price, the brother of James Price, pur
chased lot number two. Most of the names mentioned as purchasers
of lots are unfamiliar to the present generation. Few of their descen
dants are now living in this section. Jacob Pearson purchased lots
numbers ten and eleven, opposite to where the mill now stands. Jacob
Pearson built the brick house which stands west of the spring, where
Mrs. W. G. Lenoir now (1916) lives. Lot No. 39, now owned by Robert
Mims, formerly the home of Robert Cleveland, was bought by John
Grigsby. Lot No. 58 was the one on which Matthew Nelson, former
treasurer of the State, built the log house in which he lived and
which is still standing. Lot No. 18, where the Presbyterian church
now stands, was purchased by Amos Chesnut. Lots Nos. 19, 20 and
21 were purchased by Richard Hill, John Haskins and Hiram Lambert,
respectively. Lot No. 28, where Dr. Ben Franklin once lived and
now owned by John Thompson, was purchased by Jonas Israel. Lots
Nos. 45, 46 and 47 constitute the public square of the town.
The Peesbyteeian Chuech op U. S. A. at Phila
delphia
Was organized in 1820 by the Eev. William Eagleton
and first had a temporary place of worship in the toAvn.
The first building was a brick which was erected about
1829 in the cemetery north of the creek and town. This
building was destroyed by fire during the Civil War.
The present building was erected during 1872 and was
dedicated on September 22, of that year. The church
at Philadelphia was called the Mt. Zion Church. Dur
ing its early days Eevs. William Eagleton, Abel Pear
son and Hilary Patrick Avere its ministerial supplies.
In 1828 the Eev. Thomas Brown became its pastor and
remained in charge until 1872. The Eev. Thomas Eob
erts served the church in the years of 1872 and 1873.
The Eev. C. E. Tedford was pastor from June, 1874, un
tU June, 1877 ; the Eev. Donald McDonald 1877 to 1883,
inclusive; the Eev. Joseph Clements 1884 to 1886 and

HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 405
the Eevs. J. H. McConneU, James McDonald and P. M.
Bartlett were temporary supplies until 1892 when the
Eev. J. B. Creswell took charge in May of that year
and remains the pastor until this time (1916).
The following persons have served as elders:
In 1827, Moses Renshaw, James Patton, Stephen Low, Robert Shaw,
James Martin, Thomas Cralgh,ead, Jacob Pearson, John Ramsey, Cum-
mings McCoy.
In 1833, James Taylor and Stephen Dillard.
In 1843, James Harrison, M. D., William Rodgers, M. D.; in 1850,
Thomas McCauley; in 1851, David F. Jamieson; in 1854, A. W. Cozart;
In 1857, Solomon Bogart; in 1877, W. L. Brown; in 1885, George C.
Ruggles; in 1891, Samuel J. Sparks.
Clerks of the Session: In 1827, Cummings McCoy; in 1829, John
Ramsey; in 1843, William Rodgers; In 1846, Dr. James F. Harrison;
in 1857, Solomon Bogart; in 1877, W. L. Brown.
THE BATTLE OF PHILADELPHIA.
As this was the only important engagement fought within the
bounds of Sweetwater Valley during the Civil War, it would be perti
nent and Interesting to relate some of the occurrences which led up to
it, before giving the reports of the commanders on each side, which I
hereto append.
The latter part of August, 1863, General Burnside with a large "force
of cavalry and mounted infantry, having crossed the Cumberland Moun
tains, struck the railroad at Lenoir's Station, now Lenoir City. The
Confederate forces did not attempt to resist their approach. They had
previously prepared the Loudon Railroad bridge for destruction by dis
tributing inflammable material on it, and on  they set fire
to it and burned It to prevent pursuit. The object of the Confederates
was to concentrate somewhere about Chattanooga and to defeat Rose-
crans in his flank movement on that place. So, after the battle of
Chickamauga, on the 19th and 20th of September, 1863, cavalry was
sent towards Knoxville by the Confederates to drive the Federals out
of the country and prepare the way for Longstreet's forces to come
afterwards. In the Confederate ofiBcial reports there seems to be
some confusion as to who was the senior oflBcer in the Second Cavalry
Brigade, Colonel G. G. Dibrell and J. J. Morrison both signing them
selves as commanding officers. It seems that the Second Cavalry
Brigade was divided into two parts and approached Philadelphia,
where Wolford's Brigade of Cavalry was encamped, by different routes.
Colonel Morrison came through Bradley County, passing in the neigh
borhood of Georgetown, where they encamped for a couple of weeks.
They crossed the Hiwassee River, partly by fording and partly by
ferrying, between Charleston and tlie Tennessee River, and, as Colonel
Morrison in his reports relates, traveled very rapidly through Meigs
and Roane Counties to get between Loudon and Philadelphia to cut
off Wolford's forces from their base at Loudon. The forces under his
command, though not so stated by him in his official report, were the
Sixteenth Battalion and the Sixth and First Georgia Cavalry, com
manded by Colonel Morrison. Scouts were sent ahead by him to ascer
tain, if possible, the location of the Federal pickets, the whereabouts and
number of the Federal troops and their contemplated movements. For
this duty Private J. A. Reagan and flve others from Neil's Battalion

406 HISTOEY OP SAVEETWATEB VALLEY
were sent with instructions not to spare their horses and to report as
soon as possible. They returned and made a clear and satisfactory
report. Colonel Morrison's command succeeded in concealing their
movement and struck the railroad at th,e old Cannon residence, one
and one-half miles northeast of Philadelphia.
Colonel G. G. Dibrell, with the Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, with some
parts of the Third, Thirty-first and Fifty-ninth Tennessee Regiments
acting as mounted Infantry, fipproached by way of Charleston, Athens
and Sweetwater. The engagement was fough.t on the morning of
October 20th. There were some pickets stationed near the Cleveland
church. A small party of Confederates, in order to make a complete
surprise, attempted to get behind them by the road which crosses the
railroad near the old Lillard place, between the Cleveland church
and Philadelphia, but these pickets happened to see them and made
their escape to Philadelphia. They reported to General Wolford that
the Confederates were coming from Sweetwater. When the Con
federates found out that the pickets had not been captured they came
on as rapidly as possible. About this time the Federals became aware
that a force of the enemy were approaching from the direction of
Loudon. They made a charge on Morrison's command with the In
tention of breaking through and escaping to Loudon, where the in
fantry was encamped. For the space of fifteen or twenty minutes
there was a very hotly contested engagement, and although Colonel
Morrison's command was forced back for a short distance, they suc
ceeded in blocking th,e exit of the Federals towards Loudon. About
that time they were attacked by the forces under Colonel Dibrell
from the Sweetwater side. Those of Wolford's command that were
not taken prisoners crossed Sweetwater Creek at and below the town
of Philadelphia, making a disorderly retreat, each man for himself,
going around to the north of Morrison's command, most of them
finally reaching Loudon.
The forces reported as being under command of Colonel Wolford
were the First, Eleventh and Twelfth Kentucky Cavalry and the
Forty-fifth Ohio (mounted) Infantry. A rathef amusing circum
stance of how tables can be turned is well Illustrated by the following
Incident: Private Henry Sawtell, of Neil's Battalion, while on a
scout near the Thomas Osborne place, ran upon a foraging party of
Federal soldiers. He was captured and taken to Philadelphia and
placed under guard. When the Confederate forces reached Philadel
phia they found that he had taken several of his guards prisoners
and was on guard over them.
The results of the battle may be seen by the official reports of the
battle, by each side, appended. The Federal forces undoubtedly lost
all of their baggage, wagons and cannon — as to the number of pris
oners taken there is some discrepancy.
Data on the Battle at Philadelphia, Tenn., From Official Recoeds
OF THE War of the Rebellion.
Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Vol.
21, Part. 1.
Report of Major-General A. E. Burnside to Major-General Grant:
General :
On the 20th instant. Colonel Wolford's Cavalry Brigade, at Phila
delphia, was surprised by the enemy's cavalry and driven back to
Loudon, with the loss of six mountain howitzers and a considerable

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 407
number of men. Colonel Wolford reports his loss at 100. The enemy
has been driven back again beyond Philadelphia, and are said to
be concentrating at Sweetwater a heavy force of infantry, cavalry and
artillery. The reports of the number of the enemy are indefinite, ex
cept as to the presence there of Stevenson's Division of Infantry and
of some 3,000 or 4,000 cavalry. I have re-enforced the garrison of
Loudon and shall leave for there at once; from there I will endeavor
to telegraph you more definitely. We have had a good deal of rain.
Trains late, and 1 fear much of our supplies will be very badly de
layed by high water and bad roads. It Is reported from several
sources that a considerable force under Joe Johnston has left Bragg's
army. A. B. BURNSIDE, Major-General.
Report of Colonel Frank Wolford, First Kentucky Cavalry, com
manding cavalry brigade: Loudon, Oct. 20th, 1863.
About ten o'clock this morning I got information that about 1,500
Rebels had attacked my wagon train, six miles from camp. I sent
Colonel Adams with the First and Eleventh Kentucky Cavalry, who
got in the rear of the enemy an^ were cut off by some 3,000 Rebels.
I soon after got information that a large body of Rebels were coming
up from Sweetwater. I then mustered up the rest of my men, amount
ing to about 700, and attacked them and drove them back several times.
After driving, they re-enforced, attacking us from every side. Our
artillery fired their last round. I rallied my men and charged through,
saving most of men and several prisoners. We had several killed
and several taken prisoners. I am confident we killed more of them,
and took more prisoners than they did of us. We have lost some
of our wagons and baggage and some of our artillery — perhaps all
of it. The enemy are in large force, both, Infantry and artillery, with
several heavy pieces of the latter. WOLFORD, Colonel.
To Gen. Burnside.
Return of casualties in the Union forces engaged at Philadelphia,
Tenn., October 20th, 1863:
Killed: 1 officer and 6 enlisted men.
Wounded: 1 officer and 24 enlisted men.
Captured or Missing: 7 officers and 440 enlisted men. Total, 479.
Report of Colonel George G. Dibrell, Eighth Tennessee (Confed
erate), commanding cavalry brigade:
Headquarters Second Cavalry Brigade,
Philadelphia, October 20, 1863, 5 P. M.
Dear Sir:
The colonel commanding instructs me to say that he engaged the
enemy in front of this place at 8 o'clock to-day. After a sharp
artillery duel of an hour or more the guns of Colonel Morrison's
Brigade were heard in the enemy's rear. Colonel Dibrell immediately
charged into the town. The enemy was completely routed. We cap
tured all his wagons, ambulances, tents, cooking utensils, all his
artillery, about 400 prisoners and at least that many small arms. . The
colonel cannot speak too highly of his officers and men. The rout

408 HISTOBY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
is not yet over; prisoners, horses and mules are hourly coming in.
Our loss is nothing.
By order of Colonel G. G. Dibrell, commanding Second Cavalry
Brigade. DIXON A. ALLISON,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
To Major-General Stevenson.
Report of J. J. Morrison, First Georgia Cavalry, commanding
cavalry brigade: Headquarters Second Cavalry Brigade,
Lenoir's House, Philadelphia, Tenn., October 20th, 1863.
General: I have the honor to state that, agreeable to your instructions, I
succeeded in getting between Philadelphia and Loudon, after making
a march of fifty miles in fifteen hours. Found the enemy (Colonel
Wolford's Brigade) In line of battle. Sent one regiment to Loudon
to make demonstration to prevent Colonel Wolford's force being aug
mented by forces from Loudon. I attacked him at once with the re
mainder of my forces, numbering 1,200. After a very severe fight,
with twice my number pitted against me, supported by six pieces of
artillery, 1 succeeded in completely routing him, capturing all of his
artillery (six pieces), entire wagon train, with, many fire-arms and
ammunition. Captured 400 prisoners. My loss will foot up 10 killed,
68 wounded and 70 missing. The whole command acted very gal
lantly. I will report at full at earliest opportunity.
I am, general, your obedient servant, J. J. MORRISON,
Colonel, Commanding Second Cavalry Brigade.
P. S.: Colonel Wolford fell back in great confusion upon four
regiments of infantry at Loudon. Night prevents me from pursuing
him. A REMINISCENCE OF COLONEL FRANK WOLFORD.
Some time in September, 1863, Wolford's Brigade of Cavalry
camped at Sweetwater. The space between the hotel and the big
springs was then woodland, and was a favorite camping place for
soldiers of both armies. A day or two after Colonel Wolford's com
mand came I went to the town of Sweetwater to look around. I
asked some of the soldiers questions and displayed, as the soldiers
thought, quite too much curiosity. So they proceeded to arrest me
and took me before the Provost Marshal. He asked me what I was
doing and why I came Inside the lines. I told him I came on business
and wished to see Colonel Wolford. He questioned me as to my sym- '
pathles in regard to the war. When I told him I was a Southern
sympathizer he told me I would have to take the oath to support the
United States government. I answered him I preferred not to do so.
He said if I did not h,e would give me a nice little trip up to Camp
Chase. I respectfully informed him that I did not see what good
that would do as I was a non-combatant, and asked if I could see
the commanding officer. I was detained some little time after that,
when for some reason. Colonel Wolford came into the Provost's office.
He may have heard that a spy liad been arrested in camp. I ex-

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY 409
plained to Colonel Wolford that some of the command were encamped
on my father's land, that the soldiers being near the corn fields were
taking corn. If this was according to his orders I would like to get
something for it. He then told me he would have the commissary
issue me a voucher for everything his soldiers took. I then told him
my father was away from home and that my mother would like to
have a few soldiers to guard our premises, and would prefer to have
some Kentuckians. He replied that he would do so and "such as
would give protection." I told him also that I would like to have
a pass so that I could go in and out of the lines at any time so I
could attend to whatever was needing looking after. He gave me the
pass and at the same time he said to the Provost Marshal: "Captain,
we are not making war on boys." This produced quite a change in
his manner toward me.
According to promise, he sent four guards, I think of the First
Kentucky Cavalry, who were quite polite and attentive. While they
stayed at our place they feasted on turkey, pies, cake and wine. They
were relieved from other duties while on guard at our home, and
when the command was ordered away, as I remember, in about ten
days' time, they expressed very many regrets.
I thought Colonel Wolford was a grand old man If he was sur
prised and did get whipped at Philadelphia. When the soldiers got
corn and other supplies for the brigade, he gave me, in my father's
name, vouchers, omitting the words "on proof of loyalty." This, too,
when my father at that time was a refugee in Georgia. These were
the only vouchers that were ever paid my father, I. T. Lenoir, or
myself by the United States government. What a contrast was Wol
ford's conduct to that of Return J. Meigs, Claim Commissioner! One
would expect of him, as his mother lived for a while in this Valley,
and he was personally known to my father, that he would treat him
with some measure of justice, but the claims for wood and ties, got
for the use of the railroad taken over by the United States govern
ment, and for hay, corn and wheat, attested by vouchers and sworn
to by reliable witnesses, filing with the same the oath of amnesty
which I. T. Lenoir took at Loudon in 1864, after he returned home
from Georgia, were disallowed by him and were refused reconsidera
tion.
Loudon.
When I contemplated writing the history of the early
settlers of Sweetwater Valley it was my intention to
take in that part of it wMch was formerly a part of
Eoane County, but time and space and the difficulty of
access to the records at Kingston prevented me from
so doing. The task set for myself was greater than I
thought. But as I have almost two years issue of the
Loudon Free Press, which commenced publication on
November 20, 1852, I feel that I ought to publish some
excerpts from the same, the facts contained in which
might otherAvise not be preserved. Even previous to
the publication of the Loudon Free Press there ap-

410 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEE VALLEY
peared in the Athens Post of November 7, 1851, an ad
vertisement of James H. Johnston, stating that, on
Thursday, the 27th day of November, 1851, there would
be a sale of 200 toAvn lots at Blairsport or Blairs Ferry
(afterwards Loudon) at public auction. I presume the
sale took place. It was not stated what particular lands
were to be sold. This sale was very widely advertised
in papers from Eichmond, Va., to Augusta, Ga. How
many lots were sold or what prices they brought I have
not found out. This was the first example of systematic
"booming" that I know of occurring in this part of East
Tennessee. So the laying out of towns on paper, and
the selling at auction, as in the late eighties and early'
nineties, was really nothing new to Loudon people.
The editors and proprietors of the Loudon Free
Press were Jno. W. and Samuel B. O'Brien. It was
excellently printed on good Unen paper and well edited.
It contained many well written articles and various im
portant advertisements of railroad and large business
enterprises. Not only those in Loudon but many from
cities of Tennessee and large cities in the east. Among
other things there was a half column advertisement of
the Saturday Evening Post. There were also the fol-
loAving advertisements:
Orme, Wilson & Co., Merchants. This Wilson was
E. T. Wilson, afterwards so well known as a banker in
New York. Lenoir & Goddard, merchants in Philadel-
'phia, Tenn. Notice May 13, 1853, of Wm. and W. A.
Lenoir, executors of Wm. B. Lenoir, deceased. Adver
tisement of the firm of William, W. A., B. B., and I. P.
Lenoir, cotton factors, millers, farmers and merchants
at Lenoir's. On November 20, 1854, were also the law
cards of Hopkins & Stephens, Welcker & Key, of Chat
tanooga, Tenn., Gahagan & Wright of Madisonville,
William G. McAdoo, Thos. C. Lyon, Maynard & Vaughn
of Knoxville, and N. A. Patterson of Kingston.
Track laying of the E. T. & Ga. E. E. reached Blair's
Ferry, afterwards Loudon, in May or June, 1852. TMs
made Loudon the terminus of the railroad until 1856,
on account of the difficulty at that time, of bridging the
Tennessee Eiver. This caused Loudon to be very much
"boomed." The optimistic claimed that it would be
come a rival of Knoxville as it was exceedingly uncer-

HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY 411
tain when the raUroad would be completed, and as Lou
don had raUroad transportation to the south wMch
KnoxvUle did not.
In the issue of the Free Press of August 26, 1853, not
ing the toAvn improvements it mentioned those who were
about to complete buUdings and residences, as follows:
E. T. WUson, E. P. Clark, James W. Clark, W. E. Hur
ley, H. IngaUs, W. B. Mclnturf, Joseph Eowan and L.
A. Markum. The New School Presbyterian Church, the
Episcopal Church, the parsonage were completed and
the work on the Cumberland Presbyterian had been
commenced. Some time in the year 1853, date not at hand, Loudon
was incorporated, for the issufe of the Free Press for
jJanuary 11, 1854, stated that an election had been
held, and that the foUowing were elected: W. T. Low,
mayor; H. Bogart, recorder; B. F. Davis, treasurer; E.
T. WUson, H. IngaUs, J. H. Leuty, and J. W. O'Brien,
aldermen. Thomas EusseU was unanimously elected
city constable.
Under the heading: Facts about the Hiwassee and
East Tennessee and Georgia Eailroad, there is given,
in tMs book, a schedule of trains between Loudon and
Dalton, Ga., published in the Athens Post of August 10,
1852, which recites that the "doAvn train" leaves at 4
a. m. and the "up train" arrives at 6:35 p. m., making
a round trip daUy. In the Loudon Free Press of March
14, 1854, the time of departure from Loudon for Dalton
was 5 :45 a. m. and the time of arrival from Dalton was
3 :09 p. m. '
The elevation of Loudon as given to the Free Press
by Mr. Pritchard, chief engineer of the E. T. & G. E. E.,
is 814 feet above the sea level.
Comparative population of Loudon and Sweetwater
on the dates given below, taken from the United States
census :
Loudon. Sweetwater.
1860. 1,292 not given
1870. 1,357 1,609
1880. 832 1,335
1890. 942 879
1900. 875 1,716
1910. 995 - 1,850

412 HISTOEY OF SWEETWATEB VALLEY
In the Free Press of July 25, 1854 is an editorial,
"Come Back," pleading with those, who had fled from
the cholera to return, as the panic had subsided, that the
disease which was afflicting the people was not Asiatic
cholera but was malignant cholera morbus. It says that
there are a thousand and one sUly reports circulating
through the country. "To set these rumors aside we
will state that with the exception of Mr. Strange there
has not been a case since last Wednesday. Mr. Strange
was attacked Tuesday night, he was relieved of cholera,
and died on Friday, of typhoid fever." The editorial
goes on:
"The weather continues warm but the atmosphere is quite lively
and a gentle breeze is constantly playing through our office. So come
back, ye fugitive inhabitants of Loudon! And, oh, ye Iron Horse!
why standest thou quaking in the distance? We little thought that
your iron nerve would quail at the sight of five or six cases of cholera.
Oh, ye hotelkeepers, return! The danger is now past and you can
all come back swearing that you were not scared. Since the 9th Inst.
we have had the following deaths In town, with cholera symptoms:
N. D. Sutton, taken on Saturday about one o'clock, died Sunday about
three o'clock; Mr. Taylor, a blacksmith, died on Saturday after a short
illness; Harvey Erskine, colored, taken on Sunday night, died after
an Illness of twelve hours; W. P. Truitt, taken on Sunday morning,
died on Tuesday at three o'clock."
Editorial a week later says:
"Since our last we have had but one death by cholera in Loudon,
Mrs. Dialtha Donohoe. One at Philadelphia, Mrs. J. W. Clark; one
near Philadelphia, Mr. Gilbreath. * * * We verily believe there
is less apprehension relative to cholera felt in Loudon than there is
in any point in fifty or a hundred miles of this place."
In the Athens Post of September 29, 1854, there is a
comparative table of the rainfall in July, August and
September, 1853 and 1854; for NashAdUe and Adcinity:
1853. 1854.
July 7 inches 1 1-2 inches
Aug. 6 inches 1-2 "
Sept. 61-3 " 1-4 "

Total 191-3 " 21-4

HISTOBY OP SWEETWATEB VALLEY 413
A difference of more than 17 inches in Nashville. It
is probable the difference might have been equally as
great in this section." This drouth may account for the
terrible devastation of the cholera in the year of 1854.
Apteethoughts.
I hope this book will be criticised; for a work of this
kind which is not will attract little attention ; but I trust
that the criticisms will be made Avith some degree of
fairness, just as I have tried to treat with fairness those
I have written about.
I will, no doubt, be blamed for mistakes I did not
make and for many that I did make. I have endeavored
to give the old settlers and their descendants, wherever
they are found, Avith as great accuracy as I was able.
Some, though not a large proportion, have failed to an
swer the letters addressed to them. Quite a few letters
have been returned unclaimed, as those not living where
written to at last address, or passed beyond the reach
of the U. S. mail.
I will be criticised for writing about some people I did
give sketches of and because I failed to write of others
I should have written about. Possibly I did not have
sufficient accurate information to justify. I have not
tried to give a history of families who came to this sec
tion later than 1865. That is more than a half century
ago. Even of those who came previous to that time,
and did not stay long enough to leave their impress upon
the country and were merely transients, it would hard
ly be expected I should treat.
I will, doubtless, be blamed for not dwelling more at
length on the material resources and manufactures of
our section. But it must be remembered that previous
to 1865 there were no mills of any kind, except a few
small custom mills, and not a bank within the bounds
of Sweetwater Valley until a much later date. The
check and deposit habit had not been acquired.
The old settlers of the valley were thrifty people but
I have laid much greater stress on character than ac
cumulated land and dollars.
What constitutes a community as well as a state has
been fitly answered as follows:

414 HISTOEY op sweetwatee VALLEY
"What constitutes a State?
Not high raised battlements or labored mound.
Thick wall or moated gate;
Not cities proud with spires and turrets crowned.
Not bays and broad-armed ports.
Where, laughing at the storm, rich navies ride;
Not starred and spangled courts.
Where low-browed Baseness wafts perfume to Pride;
No, men, high-minded men-
Men who their duties know.
But know their rights and knowing dare maintain;
Prevent the long-armed blow,
And crush the tyrant while they rend the chain;
These constitute a State."
If I have not missed my estimation gravely, of such
were those of our valley and with more excellent char
acteristics added thereto.
I close this work Avith quite a feeling of relief. It has
been much more troublesome, far more expensive and
taken much longer time than I anticipated, even after
the families whom I was investigating rendered me all
the assistance in their power. Some had kept no rec
ords and many had had their records destroyed by war,
flood and fire. It is also Avith a feeling of some sad
ness that I finish the compilation of the work. It has
brought me in personal touch, and also into correspond
ence Avith many friends of my youth who I had almost
forgotten or only faintly remembered; and in corre
spondence with them they brought to mind many cir
cumstances which but for that I would never have
thought of again.
The publication of this book about the old families
may cause some who are dear friends or relatives to
get into correspondence Avith each other and bring to
their knowledge those who are far separated.
I can not Avrite finis to this book Avithout making sOme
acknowledgment to some who especially assisted me ;
most of these have been laides, who, as is usual, take
more interest in personal history than men. I thank
especially for assistance, Mrs. J. N. Heiskell, Miss Ean
Yearwood, Mrs. Sarah Willson, of Niota, Tenn., Mr. W.
P. Jones of Pond Creek, Mrs. Eobert Stickley of Mem
phis, and Mrs. Julia E. Love, and the record clerks of
Monroe County at Madisonville, Tenn., and Hon. W. L.
BroAvn of Philadelphia.
With this I make my bow to the public as an author.

YALE UNIVERSITY

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