Hollywood Cemetery located in Jackson, Tennessee, has developed a website that allows you to search across thousands of burials.
Record-keeping has varied over the past several decades and this work is an effort to try and collect as much information as possible about who is interred at the cemetery. In addition to a searchable database, the website also features a wealth of historical information about the cemetery. A great job from the team involved!
The following article appeared in the June 4, 1875 issue of the Jackson Sun newspaper.
Pinson High School Commencement
The commencement exercises of the above school, which closed last week, were highly interesting throughout. Wednesday and Thursday were entirely devoted to the examination of the classes. This was done thoroughly and systematically, and hence the proficiency shown by the students, was conclusive of careful, painstaking and intelligent instruction. The school building, although large, was too small to entertain the crowds which gathered each day, increasing in size and interest to the close.
On Friday and Friday night the village was literally thronged with visitors, so much so that the evening’s exhibition was given under a vast arbor, and the announcement made that every dwelling in the town was open for the entertainment of guests. The Henderson brass band enlivened the occasion with their most choice selections of music, which with the fair young women present and the exercises, conspired to make the day one of the shortest in the memory of those present. It is impossible to speak in detail of the proficiency of the individual members of each class examined, but it is gratifying to us to be able to state generally, that all the classes acquitted themselves with credit, exhibited close and thorough training, and retired from the crucible of an incisive “cross examination,” amid the applause of delighted parents and friends.
Friday was devoted to addresses before the school and preparation for the grand closing exhibition at night. The first address was delivered by the Rev. A.J. FAWCETT, of Humboldt, a young man, but one well posted. He spoke for about forty minutes, and was listened to with respectful attention. It was evident that he struck the right key, in making the necessity of “thorough knowledge” the basis of his remarks. He insisted with much force that “knowing” was the necessary foundation of success, no matter what the calling in life, and that education to be profitable must be thorough as far as it goes. Mr. FAWCETT’s speech was highly complimented by all who heard him, and at its close he was warmly congratulated.
The Rev. E.C. SISTER, D.D., of this city, was the next speaker. It is impossible to do justice to his effort. It was forcible, stinging, eloquent and amusing. He made the “natural sciences” the basis of his remarks and argued with power and eloquence that science confirmed the Bible. He impressed upon the students the importance of this branch of learning in all the relations of life, and gave many very forcible illustrations of his argument. It was indeed a very fine effort and delighted as well as instructed his bearers. After the Doctor returned his seat, Col. J.D. OZLER, of Henderson, made a few very eloquent remarks, which were enthusiastically cheered. Mr. Charles ROGERS, of Pinson, was then called on and although unprepared, spoke for ten minutes with much good sense. Mr. Rogers., is a son of our esteemed friend, Esq. A.S. ROGERS, and is a young man of fine promise.
At Night
The afternoon exercises closed about three o’clock and from that time until dark, the vast crowd dispersed over the village, some seeking amusement, some amusement, some preparing for the night’s exercises, some in listening to the music of the band, while others stole off into the adjacent groves and enjoyed themselves strolling over the green award and listening to their own voices, whose music was doubtless far sweeter just then and there, than the music of band or birds. By early candle lighting the large arbor in rear of the school house was filled to overflowing with anxious spectators. The band played several charming pieces and then the curtain rose on the evening’s entertainment. This exhibition of charades, dialogues, declamations and original essays and speeches by the more advanced students, all interspersed with appropriate music.
It was after twelve o’clock when the entertainment closed, and yet the interest never fagged for a moment, and there was no complaint of weariness or want of interest. In the dialogues and charades, although each participant performed creditably, yet especial praise should be awarded the younger boys and girls. We never saw better acting by young amateurs, or elocution more creditable than by these young folks on Friday night. The declamations also were finely rendered, several of the declamers exhibiting many of the undeveloped graces of the orator. But the most interesting and suggestive feature of the evening was the original essays by the advanced young ladies and the delivery of original speeches by the advanced young men. The actors upon this higher stage of effort and excellence were crowned by their auditors with the laurels of merit and retired amid showers of boquets [sic] and rounds of applause.
Original Essays
The following young ladies were the essayists of the occasion: Miss Ellen JOHNSON, subject – “Whatever Thy Hand Findeth to do, do With all Thy Might;” Miss Sallie CHERRY, subject – “What Constitutes a Perfect Man;” Miss Lucy CHERRY, subject – “The History of Pinson;” Miss Sallie JOHNSON, subject – “There is no excellence Without Labor;” Miss Anna MAYS, subject – “Criticism.” Each subject was handled with grace and elegantly read; and highly interesting and instructive withal.
Original Speeches
The following young gentlemen were the orators of the evening: John C. MORRE, subject – “Onward and Upward;” William RIPLEY, subject – “The Errors of the South;” B.T. RICHARDSON, subject – “Education;” Ambrose MCCOY, subject – “Time;” W.C. ELLIS, subject – “Where There is a Will There is a Way.” The conception and grasp of his subject, the thought and wealthy of illustration, the eloquence of diction and grace of delivery displayed by each of the young men mentioned, evidenced research and fine mental training. We cordially congratulate both them and the young lady essayists upon the brilliant and promising success of their first efforts in the field of literacy and forensic effort.
The Dinner
We have not yet mentioned the splendid dinner spread on Friday at noon. As celebrated as the people of the Pinson country are for hospitality and good living, the dinner referred to surpassed any of their former achievements. A glance at the wondrous collection of rich viands which overflowed the long wide tables, was sufficient to dispel all thought of hard time, and to revive the memory those rare, old-time feasts of which our fathers never weary of describing. Indeed we never did duty at a more splendid feast, and our extreme modesty alone preserved us from overloading. And what made it all the more enjoyable, was the fact that it was served by the kindest and most entertaining ladies, whose smiles and repartees and sweet encouragement was the sparkling wine of the occasion. To those fair and graceful ones, who looked after our well-being, we hereby tender most grateful and admiring thanks.
The School
As a fitting conclusion is an article intended to outline a most interesting, instructive and enjoyable occasion, we will now speak of the school itself. Pinson High School was founded by Prof. J.C. WRIGHT, its present Principal, two years ago. It was opened in a small building ill-suited for the purpose, but the energy and efficiency of Prof. WRIGHT soon attracted public attention, scholars poured in from all directions, and the friends of the enterprise in and around Pinson were encouraged to build the present large and handsome structure. Thus inspired, Prof. WRIGHT redoubled his energy and in a few months a school of nearly one hundred and fifty scholars was the result. It is said of the Professor, by his neighbors and patrons, that he is a man of extraordinary energy – unwavering direction of purpose, and of a will that never halts or tires of dispairs. The splendid school which we are imperfectly sketching, is the result of these rare combinations, backed by learning and the possession in a high degree of the arts of discipline and imparting knowledge. No better evidence of the merit of a school is needed, than the confidence and pride of its patrons. This Prof. WRIGHT’s school enjoys in an eminent degree. From our own observation, we are fully prepared to rank it with the foremost and best preparatory schools of the day. The system of education is comprehensive, and yet thorough, elaborate, and yet painstaking, wide in its reach and yet minute in every important detail. It is also delightfully located in a rich country, surrounded by churches and good society, and is the pride of one of the prettiest and healthiest villages in the State. Thus circumstanced, and under the management of so competent and popular an educator, Pinson High School can but increase its usefulness, its influence for good, and its character as an institution of high rank.
Available at the Internet Archive are digitized versions of yearbooks from Union University of Jackson, TN. The school began as Southwestern Baptist University. You can read more about the history of the school at Wikipedia.
Volumes of the yearbook available online include:
The following ad for grocers Houston & Sayle appeared in the September 3, 1875 issue of the Jackson Sun.
Houston & Sayle - Grocers
Source: Moore, John T, and Austin P. Foster. Tennessee, the Volunteer State, 1769-1923. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co, 1923.
Charles Burgess Ijams spent his boyhood on the home farm and his earliest ambition was to be an educator. After receiving his preliminary education in the public schools of Corinth he engaged in teaching and subsequently entered a private school at Essary Springs, Tennessee, from which institution he was graduated in 1894, with the B. S. degree. In order to complete his education it was necessary for him to teach school again for awhile. In 1895 he enrolled in the Georgia Robertson Christian College at Henderson, from which institution he received the A. M. degree in 1897. Two years later he began his educational career as county superintendent of the schools in Chester county and when taking the examination for that office he had the highest average in the state. He was one of one hundred and sixty-four taking the examination. While active as county superintendent Mr. Ijams was also vice president of the Georgia Robertson Christian College and taught there. In 1905 he tendered his resignation as county superintendent and became principal of the Bolivar high school and county superintendent of Hardeman county.
In 1907 he came to Jackson as a teacher in the high school and subsequently he became principal of the West Jackson school, holding that position until 1913. The same year he became principal of the College Street school and from 1914 to 1916 he was principal of the local high school. In the latter year he was elected to his present position of superintendent of the Jackson city schools and he is discharging the many duties devolving upon him to the best of his ability. He is a man of well proved ability and is sincerely devoted to his profession. He is a constant student of it and since 1904 has taught or attended summer schools for teachers. He is one of the most prominent educators in West Tennessee and in 1919 refused to accept the position of dean of the West Tennessee Normal School because he preferred to reside in Jackson. He is interested in many lines of activity; all of which have a distinct bearing upon the development and improvement of the town, county and state and he is readily conceded to be one of Jackson’s most public-spirited and representative citizens. From 1919 to 1921 he served as chairman of the Madison County Highway Commission but resigned that position in April of the latter year.
On the 17th of August, 1904, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ijams to Miss Edna Carroll, a daughter of Dr. J. R. Carroll, whose demise occurred in 1921, at Henderson. He was one of the prominent physicians and surgeons of his day and practiced in Bells, Union City, Humboldt and Henderson for many years. He was an active member of the State Medical Association, West Tennessee Medical Society and the Chester County Medical Society and was conceded an enviable position in medical circles throughout the state. Outside of his profession he was well known in the public life of Chester county, being active in the furtherance of every movement for the development and improvement of the general welfare. Mrs. Ijams is a woman of much culture and refinement and is a musician of ability. She is socially prominent and is a leader in the musical circles of the community. Mr. and Mrs. Ijams are the parents of one son, Charles Carroll Ijams.
Politically Mr. Ijams gives his allegiance to the democratic party and the principles for which it stands. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, being past master of the local lodge, and he is likewise affiliated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose. His religious faith is that of the Christian church, and he is teacher of the Men’s Bible class and a director in the Y. M. C. A. For the past ten years he has been clerk and elder in the church. Along educational lines he holds membership in the West Tennessee Teachers Association and since 1914 he has been secretary-treasurer of the organization. In 1915 he became a member of the State Board of Education, which position he has held for the past eight years. During the World war Mr. Ijams devoted his time and attention to the promotion of the government’s interests and he was not only active as chairman of the Fifth Liberty Loan but was chairman of the City Speakers’ Bureau. During the period of his residence in Jackson he has wielded a great influence for the good of the community and no man stands higher for integrity and sterling worth.
Source: Moore, John T, and Austin P. Foster. Tennessee, the Volunteer State, 1769-1923. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co, 1923.
A representative member of the medical profession in Madison county is Dr. James Tidwell Raines, who has practiced in Malesus for thirty-eight years. He was born in Crockett county, on the 2d of September, 1849, a son of William Henderson and Elizabeth Jane (Tidwell) Raines. The father died in 1889 and the mother in 1895. The paternal grandparents located in Nashville about 1815. In 1818 the grandfather joined the United States navy and was lost at sea.
The public schools of his native county afforded James Tidwell Raines his early education and subsequently he enrolled in the medical department of the University of Tennessee at Nashville, where he was graduated in 1874, with the M. D. degree. He immediately located in Henderson county and opened offices for the practice of his chosen profession. He remained in that county ten years and at the termination of that time came to Malesus, where he has since resided. Dr. Raines has been in continuous active practice here for some thirty-eight years and he stands high among the foremost professional men in the county. He is a great humanitarian and gives his services to rich and poor alike, with no thought of remuneration. Aside from his practice the Doctor has been active in public life. He has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the democratic party in Madison county and Malesus, in particular. He was elected to the state legislature in 1905 and although he has not since held public office he has been a dominant factor in the election of his friends to various offices. His public spirit is a stimulus and inspiration and he is one of the most energetic and resourceful promoters of his community’s advancement.
Dr. Raines has been twice married. His first marriage was celebrated in Crockett county in 1871, when Miss Jennie Hall became his wife. To their union two daughters were born: Leona Bell Boykin and Ida Lorena, who died in childhood. Mrs. Raines died in 1878, her death coming as a severe shock to her family and many friends. Dr. Raines later married Miss Ida McHaney, a daughter of Lafayette and Samantha McHaney. Her parents were natives of Virginia and members of old and prominent families of that state. Mrs. McHaney died at the age of thirty-one years. Mr. McHaney later married Miss Minerva Jones, and to them were born the following: Mrs. Fenner McCallum, William L. McHaney, Mrs. S. A. Blackmon, Guy L. McHaney; and Shelly, Clyde, Ernest and Nannie, who died in childhood. Mrs. McHaney died when about forty years of age. To the union of Dr. Raines and Miss McHaney ten children were born: Bertha Raines Davis; James McHaney; Walter, whose death occurred in his seventh year; Jesse T., who was a very prominent young physician and died at the age of thirty-four years; Noble Lafayette; Angie Raines Caldwell; William Louis, who died in his tenth year; Roy Woods, who died in infancy; Hugh Robert; and Mary Raines Lake. Dr. Raines is the grandfather of eighteen children.
Fraternally the Doctor is a thirty-second degree Mason and Shriner. He is readily conceded to be an exemplary member of the craft. His religious faith is that of the Christian church. For more than fifteen years he has been a member of the school board of his district and in many other ways he is serving his community. Dr. Raines has achieved well merited success in his profession and he owns some of the most valuable farm land in Madison county, in the cultivation of which he is actively interested. He has met every requirement of life and Malesus is indeed proud to number him among her foremost citizens.
Source: Moore, John T, and Austin P. Foster. Tennessee, the Volunteer State, 1769-1923. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co, 1923.
John T. Myers acquired his early education in the public schools of Jackson and afterward attended Bethel College and the Cumberland Presbyterian College at McKenzie, Tennessee. He also became a student at the University of Chicago and in 1921 Asbury College at Wilmore, Kentucky, conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. His first call was to the Central church of Memphis, Tennessee, and for four years he filled the pulpit of the Madison Heights church of that city. For a similar period he was pastor of the Methodist church at Covington, Tennessee, and his next charge was at Mayfield, Kentucky, where he was stationed for five years. For the past two years he has been pastor of the First Methodist church of Jackson, the city of his birth, and his labors have been resultant forces in his extraordinary success and in promoting the spiritual welfare of those who have come under his guidance.
He entered the ministry in 1903 and is a strong, conscientious worker in behalf of the church of his faith. Dr. Myers is a facile writer and early in life entered the field of journalism, becoming managing editor of the West Tennessee Whig of Jackson when but seventeen years of age. He has written various articles on religious subjects, is a regular contributor to the religious press, and is the author of a widely read pamphlet entitled, “Life Insurance and Its Appeal,” which has been used by the National Insurance Journal. He has added to his store of knowledge by travel and enjoys an enviable reputation as a lecturer.
At Memphis, Tennessee, on the 28th of January, 1908, Dr. Myers was united in marriage to Miss Ida May Wills, a daughter of Edwin F. Wills of that city, and they have become the parents of three children: Lucile, Elizabeth and Edith, aged, respectively, fourteen, twelve and ten years. The Doctor is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and is president of the board of missions of the Memphis conference. He is a trustee of Lambeth College of Jackson and acts as chaplain of the Travelers’ Protective Association. He is a Rotarian and fraternally is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Masons. He is a man of scholarly attainments, with whom association means expansion and elevation, and his life has been one of great usefulness and far-reaching influence.
Source: Moore, John T, and Austin P. Foster. Tennessee, the Volunteer State, 1769-1923. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co, 1923.
Charles Galloway Blackard, a member of one of the old and highly respected families of Tennessee, is engaged in the practice of law in Nashville and although one of the more recent additions to the bar of this city, he has already won recognition as an able advocate and safe counselor who has a high conception of the dignity and responsibility of his profession. He was born in Somerville, Fayette county, Tennessee, June 21, 1895, and is a son of James Washington Blackard, president of Lambuth College at Jackson, Tennessee, and a well known writer on religious subjects. James W. Blackard was born at Huntersville, Madison county, this state, and became a resident of Jackson. When a young man he took up the study of theology and was ordained a minister of the gospel in the Methodist Episcopal church, South. He has filled many important charges in the Memphis conference and for twelve years was presiding elder of the leading district of the conference. He has been a delegate to the General Conference and in 1901 was one of the delegates to the Ecumenical Methodist Conference, which was held in London, England, that year. He is a man of high intellectual attainments and a talented writer who has made frequent contributions to church papers and magazines, being at present engaged in preparing a book on the Life of Christ. His powers and talents have been a leavening force in making high ideals a tangible asset in the affairs of daily life and his influence has been a beneficial factor for good. He was a son of Wiley F. and Teresa Matilda (Wilie) Blackard, who became residents of Huntersville and later removed to Jackson, Tennessee. Wiley F. Blackard was prominent in civic affairs of that place, serving on the board of aldermen for ten years, and for six years he was sheriff of Madison county. He was a Knights Templar Mason and a veteran of the Civil war, serving under General Forrest. His son, James W. Blackard, married Louise Francis White, a daughter of James and Emma Haraldson (Davie) White. Her father was a successful farmer residing in Madison county, Tennessee, and he also served in the Confederate army, his commanding officer being General Forrest.
After finishing his grammar school course Charles G. Blackard attended the Haywood County high school at Brownsville, Tennessee, winning the declamation medal, and he then became a student at the Emory and Henry College at Emory, Virginia, from which he received the A. B. degree in 1917, being also awarded a medal in recognition of his ability as a debater. He next entered the law school of Cumberland University at Lebanon, Tennessee, from which he was graduated in 1920 with the LL. B. degree, being class orator. In June of the same year he was admitted to the bar at Nashville and he now maintains offices in the Stahlman building in this city. He has a thorough knowledge of statute and precedent and in a profession which requires a keen intellect and untiring application he is steadily advancing, his success coming to him because of his close reasoning, his logical argument, his correct application of legal principles and his ability to present his contention in the strongest possible light. He has already won a liberal clientele for one of his years and his business in the courts is steadily increasing in volume and importance.
Mr. Blackard’s military record is a most creditable one. He is a veteran of the World war, enlisting in the First Officers Training Camp at Blacksburg, Virginia, on the 2d of May, 1917, and on the 11th of that month he reported for duty at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. He was transferred to the air service and on July 1, 1917, he became a student at the Military Aeronautic Ground School at Atlanta, Georgia, in which he completed a course of instruction. He was then ordered to Wilbur Wright field at Dayton, Ohio, reaching there on the 15th of August. He was stationed at that point until the 17th of December, when he was sent to Ellington Field, Texas, and on March 22, 1918, was commissioned pilot second lieutenant in the air service. On April 8, 1918, he was ordered to Camp Dick, Dallas, Texas, where he remained until the 1st of May, when he was transferred to Post Field at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and there acted as pilot instructor to aerial observers. On the 7th of June he became pilot instructor to aerial gunners at Selfridge Field, Mount Clemens, Michigan, and was thus occupied until ordered overseas on September 11, 1918. He embarked on the 16th of that month and was assigned as an officer to the Ninth Aero Squadron on the Meuse-Argonne front. After the signing of the armistice he went with his squadron and the Third Army to Trier, Germany, with the Army of Occupation and was on duty until May 15, 1919, when he was ordered back to the United States. He landed at New York city on the 22d of June and was honorably discharged from the army August 2, 1919, at Camp Gordon, Georgia. He is a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Tennessee National Guard Aero Squadron, holding a commission of pilot first lieutenant from the time the squadron was organized.
Mr. Blackard is a member of the West End Methodist church of Nashville. He is not actively interested in political affairs. He served as journal clerk in the upper house of the state senate of Tennessee in 1921, but has neither sought nor desired political preferment. He is a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, having represented his fraternity chapter at the National Fraternity convention held at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1919-1920, and while attending high school, college and university played on both the baseball and football teams. He is a young man of high purposes and ideals, who is actuated by the laudable ambition to progress, and industry and ability are carrying him rapidly forward in his profession, while his admirable personal qualities have won for him the unqualified respect and esteem of all with whom he has been associated.
This cemetery is located in south Madison Co., Tennessee. Take highway 18 to Medon-Malesus Road and the cemetery is on both sides of the road. It is a very well kept cemetery, with some very old stones. I’ve made every effort to be accurate in reading the stones, if you find an error please let us know.
Submitted by Mary Ann Coffman
*JENKINS Note: As per Linda Jennings Higgins, The last name is Jennings, not Jenkins. Robert Maurice Jennings was the half-brother of her father.
Transcribed by Ola Horton Cates, June 1999
Old tombstone under tree at back of cemetery hidden under brush and flowers: P. L. daughter of J. T. and M. J. Jackson 18 years old (no dates) (Aunt Tip Jackson told Ida Mae Horton that this was the daughter of a family in a wagon just passing through.)
George T. Crawford donated the land for this cemetery as well as land for the old Poplar Corner Baptist Church which is no longer there. A new church has been construction on the main 412 highway just outside of Jackson, TN. The land is still owned by the Crawford family.
Facebook 
Twitter 
Instagram 
Pinterest 
Email Newsletter 
Subscribe with Feedly 
Subscribe with RSS reader 