History of Grundy County
Many of the earliest settlers in Grundy County came from North Carolina. They settled primarily in the valleys of Warren and Franklin counties, along the Collins and Elk rivers. During the period from about 1810 to 1840, settlers poured into the wilderness which was to become Grundy County. The records of Warren County detail the Collins River valley settlement during this period, while the Elk River valley was part of Franklin County.
In 1843 more than 300 residents of the area petitioned the state legislature asking that a new county be formed. On January 29, 1844, the legislature honored their request, and created the new county of Grundy. They named it for Felix Grundy, one of their number who had risen to national prominence, and who had died just three years earlier.
In the 1850s a prestigious community developed at Beersheba Springs, on top of the mountain in the northeastern part of the county. Under t he leadership of the wealthy John Armfield, Beersheba Springs became a popular health resort. A fine hotel, many impressive summer “cottages” for prominent southern families, and the businesses needed to support such a community sprang up on the mountain top. It was at Beersheba Springs that the plan to develop an Episcopal university at Sewanee was hatched and brought to fruition.
During the Civil War both Union and Confederate units were raised in the county. The first of these was Alexander Patton’s company of infantry, which became part of the First Tennessee Infantry under Franklin County’s Col. Peter Turney. Patton owned many slaves and a large plantation near Pelham, and was the county’s wealthiest man before the war. Much hard feeling existed between neighbors with differing views on the conflict. Grundy saw some fighting, particularly skirmishes in the area around Tracy City, but no serious battles. Probably the greatest damage was done by bushwhackers and outlaws who took advantage of the lack of legal authority and disorganization of the war to prey on innocent civilians. After the war, men like Patton and Armfield were in financial ruin, and the entire county suffered the effects of a long Reconstruction-era depression.
In 1869 a group of Swiss emigrants arrived in Grundy County. Shrewd promoters had persuaded them to purchase lands they had never seen atop the Cumberland mountain. Upon arrival, they were dismayed to find the “paradise” that had been promised them to be a rough, unpromising country. They established the village of Gruetli, however, and through hard work and innovative methods many of the Swiss became successful farmers and merchants.
Railroad and mining interests on the mountain led to the development of Tracy City after the Civil War. This growth was prompted mainly by the Tennessee Coal and Railroad Company. The coke ovens at Tracy City, supplying railroad and industrial fuel, brought an influx of workers and their families during the period from about 1875 to 1900. By 1910, problems with labor unions and convict labor had taken their toll on the mining business, and it gradually faded out.
Thankyou this is very interesting my mother and father is from Tracy city and I’m interested in finding out more of my greats and great greats the Henley’s and the Sartain’s
Our family owned 50,000 acres . Founded and settled by Henry John Alexander Hill. Land grants through the years. All along the Collins River , Hills Creek. Founded Irving College. Home was near the Indian mound. Warren , Grundy , Van Buren , Sequachie … orchards on mountain property with tavern across the pass for the stage coach. One of Founding family of Beersheba. Hills named McMinnville , Tn. They were the major family in this area. 4 generations buried together in valley.
Hi Jane,
I’m Jan with Grundy County Heritage Center. Your note above sate your family owned 50,000 acres. I’m submitting a great bit of information for the next Pathfinder and would appreciate the names of these great settlers here. This does go to print in 2 weeks (short notice) but if you’d be kind enough to reply, I’d appreciate it. Thanks, Jan
Would like information on the Dugan’s. I know my great great grandfather worked at the hotelier Beersheba Springs. My great grandfather worked in the mines in Palmer. My grandmother was born in Palmer.
I am seeking more information about my Swiss relatives who settled in and around Tracy City. My 2nd great grandfather, Ulrich Jossi, and his second wife are buried in the old part of the Tracy City Cemetery. I am descended from Ulrich and his first wife. I was able to locate her will at the Grundy County Courthouse, but that is all I have. I want to know where she is buried. Can anyone help me? I hope so!
Hi, I’m Jan and live in Tracy City. I’ve walked the entire Tracy City Cemetery and DO have a long list of “residents” there BUT I’ve not typed this up yet. On the list. I am one of several volunteers with the Grundy County Heritage Center. The name Ulrich Jossi is very unusual so I googled it. There is one Ulrich Jossi listed with 1894 birth year (no exact date shown) and 1932 as death year. This Ulrich Jossi is buried in Manteca, California. Any chance this is your ancestor?
Any information on Pleasant Henderson Scott who was born in Grunty around ca. 1810-1815 and married Tabitha Greene or Green. Moved Kentucky and had a son named Shedrick Scott who married Mary Narcissia Frederick. Both are buried near Hopkinsville, Kentucky at the Stokes Cemetery or Stokes Burying ground. Any help appreciated. It is rumored that P.H. Scott’s father was John Samuel Scott out of North Carolina and his wife was Nancy Bowers but I cannot verity this.
I am interested in any history of Josie Evelina Norman, born 1900, and Alonzo Smith, born 1896 I think. They lived in Coalmont in the 1920’s, thanks!