Biographical Sketches
for Decatur County and Henderson County
Tennessee: The Volunteer State 1769-1923
(Chicago, S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1923)
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Decatur County: |
Henderson County: |
Volume 2
JAMES CALVIN RUSSELL McCALL (pp. 364-365)
James Calvin Russell McCall, a leading attorney of Nashville, was barn at Clarksburg, Carroll county, Tennessee, on the 7th of February, 1862, his parents being Dr. Henry and Rebecca Frances (Bowlen) McCall. His paternal grandparents, Andrew and Jane (Todd) McCall, lived in Henderson county, this state, where the former was among the first school teachers and also preached the gospel as a minister of the Primitive Baptist church. Mrs. Jane (Todd) McCall was born near Belfast, Ireland, and when still but a child was brought by her parents to the new world, the family home being established in South Carolina. Her brother, Dr. Patrick Todd, was a leading physician of South Carolina from 1840 until 1856. Three of the five sons of Rev, and Mrs. Andrew McCall became physicians, namely: Dr. Henry McCall, Dr. Patrick McCall and Dr. Joseph W. McCall. The first named, Dr. Henry McCall, was a native of Lexington county, South Carolina, but in early childhood was brought to Henderson county, Tennessee, where he later began reading medicine under the direction of Dr. Parker at Parker's Crossroads. Subsequently he was married and removed to Clarksburg, Carroll county, this state, where he remained an active and successful representative of the medical profession to the time of his death, which occurred May 2, 1880. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rebecca Frances Bowlen, was a daughter of William and Mildred Bowlen, residents of Mulberry, Lincoln county, Tennessee. Dr. and Mrs. Henry McCall had a family of five sons and three daughters who reached manhood and womanhood.
James C. R. McCall, whose name introduces this review, received his early education at Mud Creek under Rev. Nathan G. Phillips, preacher of a church of the Primitive Baptist denomination, who conducted the school along the old idea of allowing the pupils to study their lessons aloud. This was a large school just after the Civil war and was attended by many young men who had served in the army. Nearly all who went into the war joined the Federal forces, as this was a Union section. Mr. McCall pursued his more advanced studies in the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, from which institution he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science as a member of the class of 1882. He was twice an annual public debater and first editor-in-chief of the Chi Delta Crescent, the first school paper published at the University of Tennessee. .Having qualified for the profession of law, he began practice in the courts of Carroll county, this state, in 1898 and throughout the intervening period of a quarter of a century has continued active as an attorney, being accorded a large and gratifying clientage. His long experience has greatly developed his powers, permitted the elimination of any possible weak points and strengthened the ability which he has displayed in the preparation and presentation of his cases. His public record has also been a most creditable one. He served as county court clerk of Carroll county, Tennessee, from September 1, 1885, until September 1, 1894, was chief deputy internal revenue collector of the state from 1906 until 1908 and occupied the position of assistant United States district attorney at Nashville from 1908 until 1913.
On the 10th of October, 1895, at Hollow Rock, Carroll county, this state, Mr. McCall was united in marriage to Miss Eula Bomar, daughter of Dr. William Calvin and Selene (Compton) Bomar, residents of Gardner, Tennessee. Her father, a native of Manleyville, Henry 'county, this state, was the son of Herod and Mary (Walker) Bomar. The grandfather, Herod Bomar, came to Tennessee from South Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. McCall have become parents of six children, as follows: Andrew, who is deceased; Henry; James Calvin Russell, Jr.; John and. Selene, twins; and Frank.
Mr. McCall is a stanch republican and an active worker in the local ranks of the party. He served as chairman of the state republican executive committee of Tennessee for two years, was sent as state delegate at large to the national republican convention at Chicago in 1916 and represented the sixth congressional district of Tennessee as a delegate to the national republican convention at Chicago in 1920. His military record covers service as captain of a company of the State Guards which was organized at Huntingdon, Tennessee. At the time of the Spanish-American war he tendered his services to Governor Robert L. Taylor but was not called upon for active duty. He is a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and fraternally is identified with the Knights of Pythias. His friends-and they are many-attest the sterling worth of his character, while the courts bear record of his ability in the line of his chosen profession.
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JAMES CONNIE LONG (pp. 447-448)
Prominent in the financial circles of Parsons is James Connie Long, cashier of the Bank of Commerce. He was born in Decatur county, on the 16th of December; 1886, a son of William Street and Emily (Arnold) Long, natives of Tennessee. Both the paternal grandfather, Finley Long, and the maternal grandfather, James B. Arnold, were natives of North Carolina. William Street Long died in 1918. His Widow survives him.
In the acquirement of his early education James Connie Long attended the public schools of Decatur county and after Putting his textbooks aside taught school for three years. For several years thereafter he was engaged in the express business and in farming and subsequently made his initial step into the banking world, becoming assistant cashier of the Bank of Commerce of Parsons in 1914, and in 1917 he was made cashier. He is splendidly meeting the requiremens of this Position and has won for the institution many friends. For several years he has been magistrate of this county and has the confidence and esteem of all who know him.
On the 22d of December, 1907, in Decatur county, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Long to Miss Annie Austin, a daughter of John James and Lucy (Swift) Austin, natives of this state. Her mother is still living, but her father died in 1919. To Mr. and Mrs. Long two children have been born: James Curtis and Emma Lou.
Since attaining his majority Mr. Long has been a stanch supporter of the republican party, having firm belief in the principles of that party as factors in good government His religious faith is that of the Baptist church and fraternally he is a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Long is essentially public spirited, and his influence is ever on tine side of advancement and improvement.
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JOHN CALVIN FLEMING (pp. 494-495)
One of the well known residents of Culleoka is John Calvin Fleming, who was born in Scotts Hill on the 23rd of February, 1879, a son of Jack W. and Luella (Coffey) Fleming, both natives of Tennessee. The mother is one of the Coffeys of North Carolina who were among the pioneer settlers of this state. She had a brother, Ike Coffey, who was in the Civil war, serving as an officer in the Confederate army. He was captain in Forrest's Scouts. He met his death at the hands of reconstructionists of the carpetbagger type because of his views on secession. Although for many years he had been an extensive slave owner he was not primarily a secessionist until influenced by his sons, who were radicals, and he suffered the consequences of his decisions. He was carried to his home and prepared for burial by the citizens. Jack W. Fleming was a successful farmer and representative citizen of the community in which he resided.
John Calvin Fleming received his education in the public schools of Maury county and after completing the work of the grade schools he went to Texas and there engaged in the purchase of cotton, becoming connected with the Neverlle Round Bale Gin Company. Some twelve months later he returned to his native county and engaged in the mercantile business with the W. J. Gilbreath Company. He worked for that concern for some eight or nine years and then purchased the business and conducted it on his own account for about three years. At the end of that time he sold out and removed to Florence, Alabama, engaging in the livery business. He was active in that connection for some time and subsequently returned to Maury county and took up residence in Culleoka, where he has since resided, and he is readily conceded to be one of the foremost citizens of the town, county and state. He is public-spirited and has contributed in a great degree to the development and improvement of this section of the state.
On the 1st of January, 1905, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Fleming to Miss Minnie A. Hancock, a daughter of Noah Hancock. Her maternal grandfather was Col. George T. Nixon, who served throughout the Mexican war and also the Civil War. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fleming the following children have been born: Henry and Luther Thomas (twins); Florence Louise; John, Jr.; N. H. and J. W. (twins); Emmett Nathan; William Marvin; and Fred Gilbreath and Flo Fans (twins).
Since attaining his majority Mr. Fleming has been a stanch supporter of the democratic party and the principles for which it stands. He maintains an active interest in party affairs but has never sought nor desired public preferment. His religious faith is that of the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
Since early manhood Mr. Fleming has taken an active interest in military affairs. He was a member of the Tennessee National Guard from 1905 until 1916, and for eight years in succession was a member of the championship rifle team which competed at Seagirt, New Jersey. He served on the Mexican border with the First Tennessee Regiment and was promoted from a lieutenancy to the rank of battalion adjutant. Due to an injury sustained while in the border service Mr. Fleming was unable to accompany his regiment to France during the World war.
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ELBERT ARCHIE WEAVER (p. 833)
Sardis is proud to number among her native sons Elbert Archie Weaver, cashier of the Peoples Bank of Sardis. His birth occurred on the 29th of September, 1893, and he is a son of Archie G. and Sarah Jane (Phillips) Weaver, both natives of Henderson county. The paternal grandfather, Louis Weaver, and the maternal grandfather, William Walter Phillips. were both natives of this state and served in the defense of the Confederacy throughout the Civil war.
The common schools of Henderson county afforded Albert Archie Weaver his early education and after graduating from high school at Lexington he taught in the rural schools of Henderson county for ten years, or until 1917. In that year he put all personal interests aside and enlisted in the United States army on the 5th of October. He was first sent to Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, and from there to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he was placed in the medical department. Subsequently he went to Camp Beauregard, Louisiana, as a member of the base hospital detachment, and from December to February was confined in the hospital on account of illness. After recovering he returned to duty and served as ward master through the epidemic of meningitis and pneumonia. He was given the rating of regular nurse and in August, 1918, was placed in the mess department, serving as mess sergeant until receiving his. honorable discharge on the 22d of March, 1919.
Mr. Weaver immediately returned to Lexington and became associated with Brown Brothers as an auto salesman and demonstrator of tractors. He was thus engaged for a time and then returned to farming in connection with his father, so continuing until February, 1921, when he was elected cashier of the Peoples Bank of Sardis, in which important position he is now serving. He is a young man of keen foresight and business ability, and the capable manner in which he discharges the many duties devolving upon him have won him universal admiration and respect.
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Volume 3
JAMES LEMUEL JONES (p. 79)
James Lemuel Jones is living retired in Sardis. The success he has achieved in life is well merited and the high regard and esteem in which he is held by his fellowmen is expressive of his real character and clearly indicates the value of his citizenship. James L. Jones was born in Henderson county, on the 19th of December, 1856, a descendant of an old and honored Tennessee family. His paternal great-grandrather, John Jones, was one of the pioneer settlers of Henderson county, coming to this county in the early part of the nineteenth century from North Carolina. The maternal great-grandfather, Wright Spain, was a native of Alabama. Three of his sons took up arms in defense of the Confederacy during the Civil war. Two returned and the other one was lost. The parents of James Lemuel Jones, whose name initiates this review, were Erwin and Miranda (Spain) Jones, both natives of this state. His father died in 1856, at the age of thirty-three years. His widow survived him until 1915, when her demise occurred, at the age of eighty-seven.
James Lemuel Jones attended the public schools of Henderson county and then entered the high school at Saltillo. After putting his textbooks aside he taught school for four years in Henderson and Decatur counties, at the termination of which time he engaged in farming. He was active as an agriculturist for ten years, achieving substantial success In that connection, and then moved into Sardis, where he established a mercantile business. He was engaged in the conduct of that business for nine years and at the same time operated a number of mills. In 1918 he retired from active life. He is held in high confidence and esteem by all who know him, for honesty and integrity have governed him in all transactions.
On the 14th of December, 1873, in Decatur county, occurred the marriage of Mr. Jones to Miss Margaret P. Lancaster, a daughter of Jesse and Susan (Wells) Lancaster, natives of this state. Her mother died in 1896 and her father died in 1898. Mrs. Jones is a sister of Judges W. H. Lancaster and T. A. Lancaster, prominent residents of Lexington. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones eight children have been born: Nora Jones Bryant; Gemmie Jones Stanfill; Celestine Jones Stanfill; Jesse, whose death occurred in infancy; Bertha Jones Perkins; Lemuel Taylor Jones (Lem T.), who finished his college work at Hills College in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and entered the life insurance business and is now a successful general agent for one of the large old line life insurance companies of America; Beulah Jones Bunch; and Julian Lancaster. Julian Lancaster Jones is a veteran of the World war. His record follows: Entered service in September, 1918; was sent to Camp Wadsworth, South Carolina, and there made sergeant; sailed on the 29th of September on Leviathan for France; arrived at Brest on the 8th of October and remained in hospital for a few weeks; was sent to Savenay Convalescent Camp in charge of company there until sent to Le Mans Training Camp area, toward the front; was assigned to the Forty-ninth Infantry Regiment and returned to New York on January 17, 1919; sent to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and then was placed in charge of seventy-three men and sent to Camp Pike, Arkansas; there was honorably discharged. Immediately after receiving his discharge Julian L. Jones returned home for a rest and then entered the University of Tennessee, from which institution he received the B.A. degree in 1920. In 1921 and 1922 he was principal of the Shelby county high school at Capleville, and in 1922 and 1923 he was Spanish instructor in the Knoxville high school.
James Lemuel Jones has always been a strict adherent of the democratic party and the principles for which it stands. In 1889 he warn elected to the state senate for one term but he cared little for politics and at the termination of his service in that office, retired from public life. Fraternally he is a Master Mason and his religious faith is that of the Methodist church.
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JOHN THOMAS KEETON, M.D. (pp. 128-129)
Dr. John Thomas Keeton has practiced in Sardis for many years and he is numbered among the representative members of the medical profession in Hendersonn county. He was born in Decatur county, on the 30th of September, 1882, a son of Sanders L. and Amanda Ellen (Hay) Keeton, natives of Tennessee. The paternal great-grandfather, Dr. Robert Keeton, was born in North Carolina and was one of the pioneer settlers of Decatur county, Tennessee. His son, Dr. John Lawson Keeton, was born in this state and died in 1862. The maternal grandfather was Thomas Hay, a native of Ireland, who came to this country at an early age. He located in Tennessee and married Violet Jackson. He was a minister and farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Keeton are now residing in Texas and are prominent and highly esteemed citizens of the community in which they make their home.
The common schools of Decatur county afforded John Thomas Keeton his early education and in due time he entered the Huntingdon high school. After graduation he enrolled in the University of Tennessee, taking up the study of medicine, and he was graduated from that institution in 1909, with the M.D. degree. He practiced first at Vise, in Decatur county, between terms but after receiving his degree he came to Sardis, where he has since resided. He enjoys an extensive practice and has won an enviable position among the foremost members of the profession in the county. Aside from his practice he is active in financial circles, being a director in the Peoples Bank. Upon the entrance of the United States into the World war the Doctor was very anxious to enlist and he was among the first to volunteer his services. He became a member of the Medical Corps hut was not in active service, the armistice being signed before he was called.
In Decatur county, on the 9th of February, 1902, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Keeton to Miss Cordie A. Holland, a daughter of William Francis Holland, whose death occurred in 1904. Her mother was Mary Wyatt, who died in 1906. Her paternal grandfather, William Holland, lived to the age of ninety-six, while her grandmother also lived to an advanced age. Her grandmother was a member of the well known Gardner family. To Dr. and Mrs Keeton four children have been born: Mildred M., whose death occurred in childhood; Mabel E.; Paul Holland; and Flora May.
Dr. Keeton has given his strict allegiance to the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has never sought nor desired public office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his profession He is, however, a public-spirited citizen and one whose aid can always be counted upon in tine furtherance of any movement for the upbuilding of the community. Fraternally he is a Master Mason and is also identified with the Eastern Star lodge, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of the World, and the Modern Woodmen of America. Along Strictly professional lines he is identified with the Southern Medical Association and the Tennessee Medical Association. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church.
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ACY BRYAN RICKETTS (p. 608)
One of the progressive and popular young business men of Sardis is Acy Bryan Ricketts, who is active in the conduct of a mercantile business. He was born in Sardis, Henderson county, on the 17th of November, 1896, a son of John G. and Elizabeth (Jones) Ricketts, natives of Tennessee. John G. Ricketts' demise occurred in 1922, coming as a severe shock to his family and many friends. For over forty years he was one of the leading merchants of Sardis and was held in high confidence and esteem by all who knew him.
The public schools of Sardis afforded Acy Bryan Ricketts his preliminary education and he attended the high school here and the Business University at Bowling Green, Kentucky. In 1917 he put his textbooks aside and entered the mercantile business, in association with his father. Since his father's death he has had compete charge of the enterprise. He is a young man of keen business ability and foresight and he is very popular in his native community.
On the 2d of June, 1921, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ricketts to Miss Louvena Kerr, a daughter of Thomas S. and Lucy Anna (Seaton) Kerr, likewise natives of this state. Mrs. Ricketts is a young woman of much culture and refinement and is prominent in church activities and the club and social circles of Sardis. She has been a successful kindergarten teacher for a number of years.
Politically Mr. Ricketts gives his allegiance to the republican party and the principles for which it stands. Fraternally he is a Master Mason and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His religious faith is that of the Missionary Baptist church.
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LEWIS JACKSON PARKER (page 616)
In the passing of Lewis Jackson Parker, Martin lost a highly respected and esteemed citizen. A native of Tennessee, his birth occurred in Wildersville on the 26th of November, 1867, a son of Priestly E. and Joanna Frances (Murphey) Parker, the latter a native of this state. Priestly E. Parker was born in Orange county, North Carolina on the 10th of June, 1828, and came with his parents to West Tennessee a short time afterward.
In the acquirement of his early education Lewis Jackson Parker attended the Public schools of Henderson county and began his business career at an early age, becoming an employee of J. N. Hall. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Parker returned to Wildersville and remained there for some fifteen years. being associated with his father-in-law in business. At the age of thirty-five years he closed what was at that time one of the largest Mississippi timber deals, buying on option one thousand, eight hundred and seventy acres of land, five hundred of which were in cultivation. He then built a stave plant and sawmill on the land and became one of the most prosperous men in that community. He resided in Pontotoc county, Mississippi six years and at the termination of that time returned to Tennessee and in 1912 located in Martin. He built a magnificent home here and retired from active business, although he retained his interest in the stave and sawmill business in Mississippi. During the two years of his residence in this community he did much to improve the public welfare and his demise on the 8th of March, 1914, came as a severe blow to his many friends.
On the 21st of July, 1890, occurred the marriage of Mr. Parker to Miss Martha Lue Spellings, the ceremony being performed at Buena Vista, Carroll county, this state. Her parents, John and Elizabeth (Hamilton) Spellings, were both natives of Tennessee and prominent residents in the community in which they made their home. Her father was born in Carroll county in 1840 and upon the outbreak of the Civil war he was quick to put all personal interests aside and enlist in the Federal army. He participated in most of the strategic battles of that war and was in active service four years. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Parker four children were horn: John Spellings, whose birth occurred on the 1st of June, 1896, and who married Miss Minnie Clara Mayo, a resident of Pontotoc county, Mississippi; Verda Marie, who was born on tile 81st of July, 1898, and who is now the wife of Edward M. Burge, of Martin: Hattie Mae, born March 23, 1902; and Lewis Priestly, whose birth occurred on the 1st of February, 1909. Mrs. Parker is a true southern gentlewoman and is Prominently known in Martin, where she has many friends.
Throughout his life Mr. Parker gave his political endorsement to the democratic party and although he never sought nor desired public preferment he was ever cognizant of the duties and responsibilities as well as the privileges of good citizenship and no movement for the development or improvement of the community ever sought his aid in vain. He well merited the success he achieved in life and the confidence and respect in which he was held by his fellowmen.
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WILLIAM FRANKLIN APPLEBY (p. 660)
William Franklin Appleby, United States marshal for the western district of Tennessee, with headquarters in Memphis and residence in Lexington, was born on a farm near the latter place July 22, 1879. He is a son of Arcadius R. Appleby, a farmer and merchant, now living in Henderson county, near Lexington. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Roberts, passed away in 1895, at the age of thirty-seven years, leaving two sons: John D., who is federal prohibition director of New York and New Jersey, with headquarters in New York city, prior to which time he was a lawyer of Oklahoma City; and William F. The only living (laughter is Mrs. Elizabeth Hall, who resides near Lexington. The Applebys are an old Tennessee family, coming from North Carolina.
William F. Appleby was reared on the old family homestead, a farm of five hundred and fifty-five acres, which he now owns and occupies. He completed his education in the Normal School at Huntingdon, Tennessee, from which he was graduated in 1900 and in young manhood he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed for several terms. While thus engaged he devoted the hours that are usually termed leisure to the study of law and was admitted to the bar at Lexington in 1901, upon examination before the late Judge John M. Taylor. He then engaged in law practice at Lexington from 1901 until March 29, 1922, when he was appointed United States marshal for the west district of Tennessee by President Harding, taking the office on the 5th of May, since which time his official headquarters have been in the Federal building in Memphis. He had previously filled some public positions, for in Lexington he had served as circuit court clerk for four years, was also county Judge for six years and county trustee for an equal period, resigning the last mentioned position to accept that which he now occupies. In all of his public work he has made an excellent record and especially as county judge be rendered decisions that were strictly fair and impartial, his record reflecting credit upon the judicial history of the state. He is still a member of the Tennessee State Bar Association and is highly esteemed by his contemporaries at the bar.
On the 5th of May, 1902, Mr. Appleby was united in marriage to Miss Lessie Parker, a daughter of J. P. Parker, a retired merchant of Wildersville, Tennessee. Mrs. Appleby is a graduate of the Methodist Female Institute at Jackson, Tennessee, and by her marriage has become the mother of four children: John, who was accidentally killed at the age of fourteen years; Chester, Mary Beth and Joe, aged, respectively, nineteen, fourteen and twelve years and all are attending school. Fraternally Mr. Appleby is a Mason and his religious faith is that of the Christian church. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party and he was a delegate to the national convention in Chicago in 1920, being the first of the Tennessee delegates to vote for Warren C. Harding for the presidency. It is his habit to study thoroughly and carefully to consider any vital question which he is called upon to settle and his aid and influence are always on the side of progress, reform and improvement, His entire life has been actuated by high and honorable principles and worthy motives and all who know him entertain for him respect and high esteem because of the honorable life he has lived and the excellent work he has accomplished as a factor in society.
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JOHN W. BRANDAU, M.D. (pp. 777-778)
For many years Dr. John W. Brandau has engaged in the practice of medicine in Clarkaville and he is one of the leading members of his profession in this part of the state. A native of Ohio, he was born in Vinton county, on the 11th of November, 1857, a son of William and Anna (Miller) Brandau. His parents were both born in Rothenburg, Hessen Darmstadt, Germany, and came to this country when children, and their marriage was performed in the United States. William Brandau received his early education in the schools of his native country and there also gained practical experience in connection with industrial activities. At the age of nineteen years he came to America with his parents, who established their home in southern Ohio, as did also the Miller family. His marriage to Anna Miller was solemnized in that state, their acquaintanceship having been formed in their childhood days in Germany. For many years William Brandau was prominently identified with the pig-iron industry, his association with that line of enterprise having been in the state of Ohio until 1867, when he assumed charge of a pig-iron manufactory at Brownsport furnace, Decatur county, Tennessee. Subsequently he was an interested principal in the LaGrange Iron Works in Stewart county, this state, and he remained with that business until it was closed out. In 1892 he moved with his family to Clarksville and engaged in the retail grocery business here until his demise, on the 22d of October, 1895. He was widely known as a man of sterling character and innate business ability and he well merited the confidence and esteem in which he was held by his fellowmen. Throughout his life he was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and his political allegiance was ever given to the democratic party. Fraternally he was identified with the Masons and he served as master of his lodge in Stewart county and later was active as master of Clarksville Lodge, No. 89, F. & A. M. Mrs. Brandau's demise occurred on the 31st of December, 1920. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Brandan seven sons were born, five of whom are living, John W., whose name introduces this review, being the first in order of birth.
In the acquirement of his early education John W. Brandau attended the public schools of Decaturville, this state, and those of Portsmouth, Ohio, and in preparation for the work of his chosen profession he matriculated in the medical department of the Nashville University, from which institution he was graduated in 1881, with the M. D. degree. In order to fortify himself further for his exacting profession he took postgraduate work in the celebrated old Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, In 1885, and in 1900 and 1904 he pursued postgraduate studies and research in the New York Polyclinic. He was always been a constant student of his profession and avails himself of its best standard and periodical literature. For the first ten years of his professional service Dr. Brandau was engaged in active practice in Stewart county, where he was physician and surgeon for the LaGrange Iron Works. In addition, he had a large private practice. In January, 1891, however, he came to Clarksville and has since engaged in successful general practice here, his patronage being of a distinctively representative character. He is a stockholder in the Clarksville hospital, which is one of the model institutions of its kind in the state.
On the 26th of January, 1886, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Brandau to Miss Martha E. McMillan, a daughter of the late Dr. William H. H. and Rebecca (Alston) McMillan, both natives of Tennessee, the former of Scotch ancestry and the latter of Irish. Dr. McMillan was for some time engaged in the practice of his profession in Decaturville and he was one of the able and honored physicians and surgeons of that section of Tennessee. Dr. and Mrs. Brandau are the parents of the following children: Dr. William H., who is now practicing at Beaumont, Texas, is a graduate of Vanderbilt University. He married Mai Beck of Dallas, Texas, whose father was for many years prominent in the political life of that state and was at one time unsuccessful candidate for governor of Texas on the republican ticket; Iris, who is the wife of William Harrison of Clarkaville; Dr. George McMillan, who is a graduate of Vanderbilt University of Nashville, and is now on the medical staff of the New Jersey State Hospital for nervous and mental diseases. He married Miss Betty Wilbur of Binghamton, New York, a daughter of Mrs. May Wilbur, a widow, the ceremony being performed on the 2nd of February, 1922; Martha, whose demise occurred on the 30th of September, 1897; Alberta, who is the wife of Thomas D. Higgins of Brooklyn, New York, and the mother of one child, Thomas D., Jr; and John Alston, who is a student in the University of Louisville, Kentucky. During the World war Dr. William H. McMillan was a first lieutenant in the One Hundred and Nineteenth Ambulance Company, One Hundred and Fifth Sanitary Train, Thirtieth Division, in France, and was once gassed. He received the Croix de Guerre from the French government and was at one time on duty seventy hours without rest. Dr. George McMillan was a member of the Medical Reserves at Nashville and John Alston was a volunteer in the First Tennessee Infantry. He served one year on the Mexican border and reenlisted with the First Tennessee upon the entrance of the United States into the World war, being sent to Camp Sevier, Greenville, South Carolina, for training. This company was transformed into the One Hundred and Fifteenth Field Artillery and he then served in Battery F, with which he went Into active service. He served in most of the major engagements that led to the breaking of the Hindenburg line and during one engagement he was gassed. In every war in which America has participated members of the McMillan family have been quick to offer their services. John Alaton McMillan was but seventeen years of age at the time of his enlistment and although on the morning of his enlistment his father said: "John, I need you," he replied bravely, "My country needs me more." Staying at home, Dr. Brandan did his share in helping his country win the war. He was secretary of the medical advisory board of Stewart, Houston and Montgomery counties and gave generously of his time in promoting the various drives.
The Doctor gives his political endorsement to the democratic party and, although he has never sought nor desired public preferment, he is a broad-minded and progressive citizen and takes deep and active interest in every movement for the development and improvement of the general welfare. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, holding membership in Clarksville Lodge, No. 89, F. & A. M., and he is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South. The Brandau family is one of the most popular families in Clarksville and their home is a center of good cheer and generous hospitality.
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HON. NEWSOM RAYBURN BARHAM (pp. 793-794)
Hon. Newsom Rayburn Barham, circuit judge, is one of Jackson's most prominent and substantial citizens. He was born on a farm near Saltillo, Hardin county, Tennessee, on February 11, 1863, a son of William I. and Tennessee (Hawk) Barham, both of whom were natives of that county, and both are deceased. Although an invalid, the father was engaged in the mercantile business and other business enterprises at and near Saltillo, and also farmed until bad health forced his retirement a few years before his death in April, 1871. Fraternally he was identified with the Masonic lodge and was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, South.
As will be seen, the subject of this sketch was eight years old when his father died. He was the oldest boy and second child of five children, who with the mother survived. The mother died at the age of seventy-nine in the year 1920.
The ravages of the war together with the bad health of the father in the late years of his life, were among the causes which had reduced the family finances to near poverty. Newsom R., at the early age of eight, assumed the leadership of the younger two boys in the support of the family, by working on the farm in the cultivation of corn and cotton, and his early education was limited to a few weeks of public school in midsummer and midwinter.
Later on the family removed to Saltillo, where the subject of this sketch had the advantage of about two or three years attendance at a fairly good small town school. It was while in school there that he began reading law under the Instructions of the principal of the school, who was a law graduate. After quitting school, at the age of about eighteen, he worked as clerk in stores at Point Pleasant, Tennessee, and Saltillo for about four years. Later he was traveling salesman in the Tennessee river territory for a wholesale grocery house in Paducah, Kentucky, for a short time. After these experiences he, with his brother, engaged in the mercantile business at the town of Parsons, Decatur county, Tennessee. He gave much time to the study of law during these varied experiences and in 1889, when he reached the age of twenty-six, he was admitted to the bar at Decaturville, where he began the practice of his chosen profession. The following year he located at Lexington, Tennessee, where he engaged in the active practice, being associated with his kinsman, the Hon. W. T. Logan, until the latter's death in 1894. Thereafter for fourteen years he diligently applied himself to the study and practice of law at Lexington, until in 1908, when, having proven his worth as a citizen and ability as a lawyer, the people overwhelmingly elected him to the position of judge of the twelfth judicial circuit of Tennessee, including the counties of Madison, Henderson, Decatur, Chester, Hardin and Perry. He has been several times reelected with little or no opposition, and his present term expires in September, 1926. His high standing as a judge is fully attested by the small number of cases which have been reversed by the appellate courts.
Judge Barham was actively identified with all the civic improvements in Lexington through that period of the town's growth from a population of a little over four hundred to nearly two thousand, and although the greater part of his time and attention have been devoted to his profession, he has been active in financial circles, having been a director of the Central State Bank of Lexington until 1921, and he also has some banking connections In Jackson.
On the 4th day of February, 1891, at Lexington, Tennessee, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Barham to Miss Louanna Timberlake, a native of that community, and a daughter of E. J. Timberiake, a pioneer resident. He was cashier of the Bank of Lexington, the first organization of that kind established there. Later he was the cashier and chief officer in the Farmers Union Bank which is now the Central State Bank. He was cashier of that institution at the time of his demise in 1909. Mr. Timberlake was one of the developers of Lexington and his death came as a severe shock to his family and many friends. He was active in the public life of the community. In 1875 he was a member of the state legislature. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Barham, one son and two daughters have been born: Mary, who is now at home, was educated at Nashville College, Union University and the Randolph-Macon College; and Celestia received her education in Union University and Sullins College. The son, Newsom R., Jr., died when about four years of age. Mrs. Barham and her daughters are socially prominent, being active in club, social and religious work.
Since attaining his majority, Mr. Barham has been a supporter of the democratic party and the principles for which it stands, although since being a member of the judiciary he has not taken an active part. Fraternally he is a thirty-second degree Mason and he is likewise affiliated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is past chancellor of Lexington Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. In 1918 he was delegate to the General Conference of the Methodist church, South, at Atlanta, Georgia, and he was a member of the Board of Church Extension of the Memphis conference from the Lexington district, for a number of years. He is a great believer in the brotherhood of man and he does all in his power to assist in the development and improvement of the general welfare and the upbuilding of the government. He is a self-made man in every sense of the word and he has succeeded where many a man of less strength of character and determination would have failed. His earliest ambition was to become a lawyer and the legal profession has become his life work, to which he is sincerely devoted. He has one of the best judicial minds in the state of Tennessee and well merits the esteem in which he is held by his professional brethren. Since 1918 he has resided in Jackson and during that time has wielded a great influence for good in this community.
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Volume 4
JOHN E. McCALL (pp. 88-99)
John E. McCall, attorney at law of Memphis, came early to the profession in which he is now engaged. He was, as it were, "to the manner born," for he is a son of the late Judge John B. McCall, who, when he passed away on the 8th of August, 1920, was a judge of the United States district court for western Tennessee and had long been a distinguished representative of the bar of this state. The son was born at Lexington, Tennessee, March 21, 1895, and in 1907 the family removed from that city to Memphis, owing to the fact that the father had been elected to the federal bench In 1905. He served as judge of the district court for fifteen years, leaving his record in most honorable way upon the judicial history of the state.
John B. McCall was prepared for college in Memphis University and then he spent five years as a student in the University of Virginia, where he pursued both his academic and law courses, being graduated from the law department in 1917 with the LL.B. degree. However, he left the university in April, 1917, two months prior to commencement time, in order to enter the military service of his country in connection with the World war. He spent two months at the Officers Training Camp at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, and was commissioned a first lieutenant of infantry. He went to France in January, 1918, serving overseas in both France and Germany until May, 1919, and returning with a captain's commission.
In the fall of 1919 Captain McCall entered upon the practice of law in Memphis and is now concentrating his efforts and attention upon the work of the profession, in which he is making steady progress. He recognizes the necessity for thorough preparation of his cases and is a close student of the law; while in the application of a legal principle he is seldom, if ever, at fault.
On the 7th of January, 1920, Captain McCall was married to Miss Mabel Pidgeon, a member of one of the best known families of Memphis, and they have become parents of a son, John E., Jr., born January 31, 1921. Captain McCall is a member of various clubs, including the Memphis Country Club, the University Club and also the Chi Phi fraternity. His social qualities make for popularity in these organizations, while a laudable ambition and indefatigable energy are bringing him steadily to the front in his chosen profession.
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JOHN SION ROGERS (p. 167)
A self-made man, who well merits the success he has achieved in life is John Sion Rogers, until recently general manager for the Martin Grain & Implement Company. A native of Tennessee, he was born in Carroll county, on the 15th of October, 1872, a son of Alexander and Mary Jane (Brinkley) Rogers, natives of Tennessee and North Carolina, respectively. Upon the outbreak of the Civil war, Alexander Rogers' sympathies were with the Union and he enlisted in the Federal army, serving for the entire four years. He participated in most of the important battles of that conflict and although he was not wounded he was captured, and confined in Andersonville prison, his health being impaired as the result of the many hardships and the exposure. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are both deceased.
John Slon Rogers was reared on his father's farm and as a hard working country boy, he had little opportunity for schooling. He attended school exactly three weeks, all told, but being of an ambitious nature he studied much at night, thereby gaining a fair education. The farm on which he was reared to manhood was in Decatur county and he continued to reside on that land until some four years ago, when he disposed of his farming interests and sawmills and came to Martin. His health at the time he took up residence here was not of the best and for some time he lived a life of retirement. He fully recovered his health, however, and subsequently became general manager of the Martin Grain & Implement Company. The success Mr. Rogers has won is the result of his own intelligently directed efforts, laudable ambition and stanch determination and he well merits the confidence and esteem in which he is held by his fellowmen.
On the 24th of December, 1892, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Rogers to Miss Mary A. Harris, a daughter of W. R. and Mauda (Laster) Harris, both natives of West Tennessee. Mr. Laster is deceased. His widow survives him and is residing in Holladay, Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are the parents of one child, Jessie Rogers. She was born on the 5th of October, 1898, and is a talented young woman. She is now engaged in teaching school.
The political allegiance of Mr. Rogers is given to the republican party and the principles for which it stands. Although the greater part of Mr. Rogers' time and attention is devoted to his business, he is essentially a public-spirited man and no movement for the development and improvement of the community seeks his aid in vain.
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JUDGE WILLIAM HENRY LANCASTER (pp. 217-218)
Judge William Henry Lancaster is one of this state's native sons and representative citizens. He is a prominent member of the state bar and has practiced in Lexington for many years. The Judge was born in Hardin county, Tennessee, on the 27th of January, 1864, a son of Jesse Johnson and Susie (Wells) Lancaster, both natives of this state. His paternal great-grandfather, Benjamin Lancaster, came to this country from England and located in North Carolina, from which state he moved to Williamson county, Tennessee, during the latter part of the eighteenth century. The paternal grandfather, David L. Lancaster, was born in Tennessee and was one of the foremost men of his day. He was born in 1807 and died in 1894, after a life of successful achievement. For some years he was colonel of militia of Williamson county. Woodson Wells, the grandfather on the maternal side, was likewise born in this state. He and three of his sons enlisted in the Confederate army upon the outbreak of the Civil war and all died from measles, which they contracted during service. Woodson Wells was a man of high literary attainments and a leader in his community. He was prominently known throughout central Tennessee. Jesse Johnson Lancaster died in 1898. His wife's death occurred in 1897.
In the acquirement of his early education William Henry Lancaster attended the public schools of Decatur county and subsequently became a student at Clifton Academy in Wayne county. He then entered the Southern Normal University at Carbondale, Illinois, and that institution conferred the B.A. degree upon him in 1885. He immediately returned to Decaturville and taught school for two terms, farming at the same time. In 1887 he went to Chattanooga and taught there until 1891 when, having made and saved several thousand dollars, he entered business for himself. He met with misfortune in this undertaking and found himself with a growing family and an indebtedness of several thousand dollars. This misfortune strengthened his determination for success, however, and in 1897 he came to Lexington and established himself in the general mercantile business. He likewise bought and sold real estate, doing a general trading business and in two years' time he was able to pay off all his debts, having a substantial sum left over. During that time William Henry Lancaster diligently studied law at night and in 1909 he took the Lebanon Law School examination and out of a class of fifty-two passed a three per cent higher examination than the other fifty-one. He immediately returned to Lexington for the practice of law and he has met with well deserved success. He was elected county judge of Henderson county but declined reelection upon the expiration of his term of service. In 1893 he was an elector for the McKinley ticket. He has always been a stanch republican and has been intensely interested in national as well as state tickets. He has done much campaign work for his party and is recognized as one of the leading political speakers of this section of the country.
In Henderson county, in 1887, occurred the marriage of Judge Lancaster to Miss Mary Priscilla White, a daughter of Richard A. and Elizabeth (McCollum) White, natives of Tennessee. Her grandfather, Squire A. F. McCollum, was born in Henderson county and lived to the age of ninety years. He was for many years a magistrate and was known by practically every one in this section of the state, for he was a very active and progressive man. Richard A. White was a successful miller, operating several grain and flour mills during his lifetime. He served in defense of the Confederacy during the Civil war under General Cheatham's command. He participated in most of the strategic battles of the war but was neither captured nor wounded. Judge and Mrs. Lancaster are the parents of nine children: Mather Hawkins; Grady, who died in childhood; Thomas Talmage; Willie Mae Lancaster Drake; Dewey, who died in infancy; Achilles Lancaster Finch; Jesse Richard; Winfred; and Witt.
The Judge is a consistent communicant of the Methodist church and fraternally he is identified with the Free Masons. He has been one of the most energetic and resourceful promoters of Lexington's advancement. His public spirit is a stimulus and inspiration; his patriotism is genuine, practical and Intense and he is liberal to all worthy agencies at work for the good of his community, the county and the state
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PENDLETON WALLACE MILLER (p. 245)
Since 1884 Pendleton Wallace Miller has been an active county official of Decatur county, Tennessee, and he is one of this county's most popular and efficient public officials today. A native of Decatur county, his birth occurred about three miles northwest of Jeannette, on the 17th of December, 1849, a son of Isaac and Malinda (Newsom) Miller, natives of this state, who were blessed by seven sons but no daughter. The father died about 1858, at the age of thirty years and Mrs. Miller's death occurred in 1894, in her fifty-sixth year. The grandparents on both paternal and maternal sides came from North Carolina in the early part of the nineteenth century.
In the acquirement of his education Pendleton Wallace Miller attended the public and private schools of Decatur county and subsequently enrolled in McKenzie College (now McTyeire School) Carroll county, Tennessee, and finished his course there in 1882. For several years thereafter he farmed and taught school and in 1884 was elected trustee of Decatur county for three terms-six years; and was then elected circuit court clerk for a term of four years and in May, 1894, was appointed clerk and master of the chancery court, which office he has held to this date-1922. He is prominently known throughout Decatur county and is held in high confidence and esteem by all, for he has ever discharged the many duties devolving upon him to the best of his ability.
In 1887 Pendleton Wallace Miller was united in marriage to Miss Ida Vada Crider, a daughter of Orsborn and Jane (Bussell) Crider, natives of this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller two children have been born: Ruby J. Miller, now a citizen of Nashville, Tennessee; and Gussie Vada Tate, now a citizen of Decaturville, Tennessee.
Since attaining his majority Mr. Miller has given his stanch support to the democratic party and the principles for which it stands. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church and fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he is a Council Mason and has taken the order of high priesthood. Mr. Miller has been a dominant factor in the upbuildlng of his city, county and state and aside from his political duties he has always been active in financial circles, having held the office of president of more than one bank. He was made president of the Decatur County Bank when it was first organized and so served for several years; he is now vice president of the same bank.
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JAMES AVANANT ENGLAND (p. 292)
A representative member of the Decatur county bar is James Avanant England, who has practiced in Decaturville since 1877. He was born in Henderson county on the 6th of February, 1849, a son of John McAlister and Rebecca (Hanna) England, both natives of this state. The paternal grandfather, A. Ross England, was born in North Carolina and his demise occurred at the advanced age of ninety years. The maternal grandfather, James A. Hanna, was born in Middle Tennessee. John M. England died in 1864 and Mrs. England's demise occurred in 1920, in her ninetieth year. James Avanant England has two aunts, seventy-eight and eighty years of age, respectively, and three uncles, seventy-five, eighty-five and eighty-seven years of age, respectively. They are all on the maternal side and he has one aunt on his father's side, who is eighty years of age.
James Avanant England is one of ten children, nine of whom are living, the youngest being fifty-two years of age. In the acquirement of his education he attended the common schools of his native county and subsequently enrolled in the high school in Franklin county, Illinois. He then entered the Male Academy at Decaturville and upon the completion of his course there began the study of law under Colonel J. M. Porterfield. He was licensed to practice in 1877 and since that time he has been actively identified with the legal circles of Decaturville and adjoining counties. For eight years he was clerk and master in chancery and he was active as county judge one term, declining reelection. Since that time he has devoted his entire attention to his profession and he enjoys an extensive and representative clientele, handling much important litigation before the courts.
On the 8th of May, 1879, at Decaturville, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. England to Miss Mary Ann Stout, a daughter of William and Jane (Coats) Stout, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. England were both born on the 6th day of February. To their union two children have been born: Helen J.; and James S., who is cashier of the Decatur County Bank and a progressive and popular young business man. His father is vice president of the institution.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. England has given his support to the democratic party, having firm belief In the principles of that party as factors in good government. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church. He has been Sunday school superintendent of the church at Decaturville since 1879.
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JOHN THOMAS SMITH (p. 310)
One of the most substantial citizens of Decaturville is John Thomas Smith, general merchant. He was born in Decatur county on the 22d of December, 1866, a son of James Noah and Missouri (Stallings) Smith, natives of Tennessee. The paternal grandfather, William Smith, was born in North Carolina, while the maternal grandfather, James Benedict Stallings, was born In Virginia. James Noah Smith died in 1896. He is survived by his widow, who is making her home in Tennessee, at the age of eighty years.
In the acquirement of his education John Thomas Smith attended the common schools of Perry county and then taught in the rural schools and farmed until 1890. In that year he entered the mercantile business in New Era, Perry county, where he remained eight years. Then he located at Peters Landing, Perry county, and engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1915, when he came to Decaturville. He again engaged in the general mercantile business and is one of the representative merchants of this community. He enjoys an extensive and important patronage. The best principles of integrity and honor govern him in all transactions and he well merits the confidence and esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens.
John Thomas Smith has been married three times. His first marriage was celebrated in Decatur county in 1887, when Miss Nannie Turnbo became his wife. To their union three children were born: Mamie, Nora and Juanita. His wife died in 1894. In September, 1897, in Hardin county, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Ida Tarbet and to their union five children were born: John Thomas, Jr., Ehiza Tarbet, Alanson Brown, Frank Hughes and Mae Logan. Mrs. Smith's demise occurred in 1909. Mr. Smith was married the third time in 1912, at Parsons, Decatur county, when Mrs. Elbert Jennings Raines became his wife. She is a woman of culture and refinement and is prominent in the club and social circles of Decaturville.
Politically Mr. Smith is a strict adherent of the democratic party and the principles for which it stands. Although he has never sought nor desired public preferment, he is ever cognizant of the duties and responsibilities as well as the privileges of good citizenship and his aid Is always on the side of advancement and improvement. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church, of which he is a consistent communicant, and fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Woodmen of the World.
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HENRY HARDY EDENTON (p. 485)
One of the energetic and progressive business men of Alamo is Henry Hardy Edenton, who since 1917 has been active in the conduct of an automobile and accessory business here. He was born in Fayette county on the 8th of November, 1887, a son of William Henry and Florence (Tharp) Edenton, and a grandson of J. J. Tharp. William Henry Edenton was born in 1845 and for many years was engaged in the general merchandise business in Macon, Tennessee. He served throughout the Civil war under General Forrest and participated In most of the strategic engagements of that conflict. His wife was born in 1856. Her father was born in the year 1824.
Upon attaining school age Henry Hardy Edenton attended the public schools of Macon and subsequently went to Clinton, Mississippi, where he enrolled in the Clinton Mississippi College. He then entered the University of Jackson at Jackson, Tennessee, and later completed his education at the Jackson Business College. His initial step into the business world was made as a clerk in a grocery store and after that he was connected with the Gooch-Edenton Hardware Company at Jackson. His innate ability, laudable ambition and close application to the thing at hand won him constant advancement. Finally he determined to enter business for himself and he established a hardware store in Alamo, continuing in the same line of business until 1917, when he entered the automobile and accessory business. He is achieving gratifying success in the conduct of this business and well merits the position he has attained among Alamo's most progressive and enterprising citizens. Aside from the automobile business Mr. Edenton is active in financial circles, being vice president of the Peoples Bank, which institution is one of the most reliable in this section of the state. Mr. Edenton has been a prime factor in its growth.
Near Lexington, Tennessee, on the 12th of June, 1921, occurred the marriage of Mr. Edenton to Miss Myrtle Stinson, a daughter of Dr. J. C. Stinson, a native of this state and a prominent physician and surgeon. He received his medical education at Vanderbilt University, Nashville. Dr. Stinson was well known in Masonic circles and was conceded to be a most exemplary member of the craft. Mrs. Edenton is a woman of much culture and refinement and is socially prominent.
Since age conferred upon Mr. Edenton the right of franchise, he has given his political endorsement to the democratic party and the principles for which it stands. For some time he has served the best interests of the community as city alderman. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, having attained the Mystic Shrine, and during his college days he became affiliated with Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a national college fraternity (social) of high standing. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church. Although Mr. Edenton was exempt from active military service during the World war he gave without reservation of his time and means and was prominent in all drives, etc. He is a public-spirited citizen and Alamo is indeed proud to number him among her most substantial residents.
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ROBERT MILTON BROWN (p. 491)
A native of Decatur county is Robert Milton Brown, assistant cashier of the Bank of Commerce in Parsons. He was born on the 30th of July, 1884, a son of Dr. Robert M. and Mary (Hendrix) Brown, natives of this state. Dr. Robert Brown was a practicing physician in Decatur county for over forty years. His demise occurred in 1916, and came as a severe shock to his family and many friends. His widow survives him and is making her home in Bible Hill, Tennessee.
In the acquirement of his preliminary education, Robert Milton Brown attended the common schools of Decatur county and subsequently the schools of Jackson, Tennessee, for seven years. Upon the completion of a business course in the Southwestern Baptist University he entered the mercantile business as clerk and bookkeeper, in which capacities he was active for eleven years. During that time he acquired an interest in the business which he sold in 1917 and returned to Parsons to operate his farm, which he still owns. In 1918, however, he accepted his present position as assistant cashier of the Bank of Commerce. He is discharging the many duties devolving upon him to the best of his ability and has won the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has come into contact.
In Decatur county on the 2d of December, 1906, was celebrated the marriage of Robert Milton Brown to Miss Sallie Austin, a daughter of John and Lucy (Swift) Austin. Mr. Austin died in 1919. His widow survives him. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Brown four children have been born: Willee, Geron, Mary Lucille and Verna May.
Since attaining his majority, Mr. Brown has given his allegiance to the democratic party and the principles for which it stands. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Modern Woodmen of the World and his religious faith is that of the Baptist church. He is general superintendent of the Sunday School. For some time he has been a member of the Parsons school board. Mr. Brown is essentially public-spirited and no movement for the upbuilding of his community seeks his aid in vain.
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ERNEST KERR CHURCHWELL (pp. 840-842)
Ernest Kerr Churchwell is a representative citizen of Savannah, Tennessee, where he is part owner and general manager of E. P. Churchwell & Son. He was born in Hamburg, Hardin county, on the 7th of July, 1882, a son of Eli Polk and Caldonla (Kerr) Churchwell. The paternal grandfather, Robert Anderson Churchwell, was born in 1812 and died in 1866. He was twice married. His first wife was a Miss Johnson and to their union two daughters were born, Nancy and Esther. Esther died in early life but Nancy lived to old age, marrying Wesley McDaniel. Upon the death of his first wife Robert Anderson Churchwell married Annie Russing, and to their union ten children were born: Captain George Churchwell, who was killed while in active service in the cause of the Confederacy, during the Civil war; John, Andrew, Eli, Susan, Polly, Eliza, Amanda, Jane and Annie. The paternal grandmother, Annie (Russing) Churchwell, died in 1863. The paternal great-grandfather was Richard Churchwell, who married Nancy Napier, on the 9th of June, 1792, in Lincoln county, Kentucky. To this union the following children were born: Bill, Dick, Jesse, Lias, Feal, June, Peg, Minerva, Lucinda, Ollie and Sophronia. The maternal grandfather, T. B. Kerr, was born on the 29th of April, 1818, and died in January, 1895. He married Mary Ann Warden in 1839, and they were parents of the following children: Eliza Ann, Jane, Amanda, Caldonia, Jack and Josie. The maternal grandmother, Mary Ann Warden Kerr, was born in 1820 and died in 1897. The maternal great-grandfather, William Kerr, married Catherine Baker. Eli Polk Churchwell was born on the 4th of February, 1846, and he served throughout the Civil war under General N. B. Forrest, and was wounded in battle. After the war he married Miss Sarah Caldonia Kerr and engaged in the mercantile business at Hamburg, Tennessee. Later he removed to Saltillo and thence to Savannah. Aside from the mercantile business Mr. Churchwell owned much fine farm land, and he was one of the foremost citizens of every community in which he resided, being a dominant factor in the promotion of every movement for the benefit of the community at large. His death occurred on the 25th of June, 1911. Mrs. Churchwell was born on the 5th of April, 1849, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Kerr of Stantonville, Tennessee. She was married to Mr. Churchwell in 1868 and survives hem, making her home in Savannah. There are four living children of this union: Mrs. Josie Baker is the widow of Charlie Baker. whose death occurred in 1912, and who was for many years a successful wholesale grocer in Paducah, Kentucky; Mrs. Annie Walker is the wife of A. U. Walker, a large landowner and prominent merchant of Savannah; Charles Henry is owner of the Savannah Motor Car Company of Savannah. He was a student in the University of Tennessee and in the University of Transylvanla, Lexington, Kentucky. Upon the entrance of the United States into the World war he put all personal interests aside and enlisted in the army, serving in France with the One Hundred and Fifth Supply Train. Upon the close of the war he received his honorable discharge and returned to Savannah, where he married Miss Luella Grigg; and Ernest Kerr is manager of the retail firm of E. P. Churchwell & Son, Savannah.
In the acquirement of his education Ernest Kerr Churchwell attended the elementary schools of Savannah. Upon the completion of his preliminary education he entered the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and was a member of the freshman class of 1898, when but sixteen years of age. He was graduated from that institution on the 17th of June, 1902, with the B.S. degree. Prior to his graduation he entered the retail grocery business with his father, in 1901, the firm becoming known as E. P. Churchwell & Son. The business was later changed to retail hardware and farm implements and is continued as such today. Mr. Churchwell is part owner and general manager of the concern. He has always been successful in a business way and is regarded as safe and sane in his judgment on all matters of finance and investment.
At the home of the bride on the 21st of October, 1908, in Parsons, Tennessee, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Churchwell and Miss Gertrude Burke, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Burke of that city. Miss Burke attended school at both Savannah and Clifton, Tennessee, where she was a leader in her classes and a social favorite. She abandoned the prospects of a college course in deference to the pleading of her fiancé, marrying at the early age of eighteen years. Her father was a Virginian by birth and was the son of Robert Peter Burke, a prominent attorney of Warrington, Virginia, who was a graduate of West Point. L. H. Burke came to Tennessee as a railroad civil engineer. He helped build railroads in Georgia and was assistant to the chief engineer in building the Perryville Branch railroad in Tennessee. He married Miss Mary Buckner of Parsons, in 1888, and to their union four children were born, three of whom are living: Mrs. E. K. Churchwell; Robert, who saw service in France during the World war with the One Hundred and Seventh Transportation Corps and who is now engaged in railroad service in Youngstown, Ohio; and Helen Burke, who is stenographer and clerk for E. P. Churchwell & Son. Mrs. L. H. Burke is the only daughter in a family of nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Buckner. Her father died in middle life. Her mother, Mrs. Mary Buckner, lives at Parsons, Tennessee, and is eighty-eight years of age. L. H. Burke was active and prominent in business life, developing the phosphate mines in Decatur county, in which he was one-third owner, and promoting and building the turnpike between Parsons and Decaturville, and was also president of the Bank of Parsons. He was also active and prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, and was the leading spirit in both local orders. His death occurred at Parsons on the 2d of July, 1916 and he was buried with Masonic honors. Mr. and Mrs. Churchwell became parents of the following children: Ernest Kerr, Jr., who was born on the 7th of June, 1914; Eli Polk, who was born on the 18th of February, 1918; Harry Burke, who was born on the 8th of August, 1920; and Robert Anderson, who was born on the 3d of July, 1922.
In his political views Mr. Churchwell is a democrat and he is a firm believer in the principles of that party as factors in good government. He was first commissioner of education and treasurer for the corporation of the town of Savannah, named in the charter granted in 1919. Fraternally he is a Master Mason and he served as Worshipful Master two terms. He is also a Royal Arch Mason, past high priest, a member of Jackson, Tennessee, Commandery No. 13, K. T., and holds membership in Al Menah Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Nashville. His religious faith is manifest in his membership in the Church of Christ. As a successful business man Mr. Churchwell has contributed enterprise, hope and enthusiasm to many substantial institutions and he well merits the confidence and esteem accorded him by his fellowmen.
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