Marshall County, TNGenWeb

THE basis of all wealth is the soil of the land. Prosperous cities, towns and huge manufactories seem to spring up and flourish as if by magic and without reference to the agricultural advantages of the country; but such growth will be but temporary unless sustained by a country possessing agricultural wealth. It may almost be reduced to a mathematical problem in which it may be said the soil and climate equal the wealth of the country.

The surface of the county is comparatively level, yet there is sufficient undulations to give ample slope for drainage. The backbone known as Elk Ridge extends from east to west and rises to the height of 300 feet. This is the water-shed south of Duck River and separates the county into two distinct parts in that part of the county. Duck River flowing through the northern part is the main outlet for drainage in that part north of the ridge. The two principal tributaries of Duck River from the north are Caney Spring and Flat Creek. The two principal streams from the south are East Rock Creek and West Rock Creek. Both these streams take their rise in Elk Ridge but unite before entering Duck River, south of the ridge are Cane Creek, Richland Creek, Bradshaw Creek, Swan and Robinson Forks. Duck River and Richland Creek are the finest streams in the county, affording ample facilities for milling purposes, and their valleys and in fact all in the county, are made up of rich loamy soil. The beds of these streams are usually covered with pebbly limetone. The banks show an outcrop peculiar to the Central Basin. This is what is known as the Trenton formation which is composed of the Carter Creek limestone, this being a light blue or dove-colored limestone, the upper part sometimes gray. This is the upper layer. The next below in the natural order is the glade limestone. This a light blue color, is thin-bedded , shaly and is the formation peculiar to the cedar glades. The next stratum in order is the Ridley limestone, below this is the Pierce limestone and lastly is the central limestone. Each of these strata affords a rich fossil plant which is inviting to the paleontologist. The streams above mentioned have sufficient flow to prevent stagnation and the waters are usually clear. The drainage of the county and other physical features are such as to render it comparatively free from malarial or misasmatic diseases. The section of the county north of Elk Ridge is more level than that south of it. The soil here yields a rich harvest in all the cereals, grasses, vegetables and fruits. The iron oxides give the soil a reddish hue yet it is very rich. The spurs and ridges furnish a fine growth of timber, the cedar and poplar being the most valuable. Many of the farms are fenced with rails of the former, and the latter has become a very valuable article of export since the completion of the Duck River Valley Railroad.

The section of the county lying in the vicinity of Chapel Hill is particularly well adapted to the growth of cotton. The section along Richland Creek, south of Elk Ridge, is regarded as the best part of the county and is equal to any in the State. The finest and and best improved farms in the county are to be found in this section. All the lands are arable and highly productive except near the tops of the knobs, serrated ridges and glady spots. The ridges are usually fertile to their summits and are covered with a soil of flinty siliceous, cherty gravel and weathered rocks, that is friable and easily worked. What is known as the Cornersville District is generally considered the finest agricultural section of the county, and will compare favorably with any in the State.

The timbered lands of the county cover from seventy to eighty square miles of territory, and some of this is unsurpassed in the United States. The best of these lands are between East and West Rock Creeks, west of Farmington, between Duck River and the railroad, exending to the neighborhood of Berlin, and in the northwest part. The growth of timber includes oak, poplar, ash, elm, linden, beech, locust, cherry, walnut, sugar tree, hackberry, buckeye, cedar, hickory and chestnut. The growth of oak, walnut and poplar is of immense size.

In addition to the excellent timber the county affords good limestone rock, not only for fencing but also good building material. The sandstone in some places affords good grit for whetstones and grindstones. Excellent lime is made from the limestone rock, which exists in almost unlimited quantities. Within the last two decades there has been a perceptible falling off in the amount of cotton raised, and a great increase in the amount of grain, particularly in wheat, oats and corn. The greatest increase, however, has been fine stock, including horses, cattle, hogs and sheep. This change has greatly encreased the wealth of the county, is less exhaustive on the soil and is obtained at a less expense of labor.

A landscape view of the territory now included in Marshall County, as it was 100 years ago, would reveal to us an unbroken wilderness visited only by the roaming Indian game which so abundantly inhabited this section. No settlements were made within resent limits of Marshall County prior to 1807. The first settlers found a growth of cane so rank that they preferred traveling along the beds of small streams to the arduous labor of cutting out roads. Most of the first settlers came here to live on land which had been granted to Revolutionary soldiers by North Carolina, for service rendered in the war. The many indications of a fertile soil and the equable climate caused many others to follow soon, and in 1810 the curling smoke ascended from many of the primitive “clearings,” and the hardy pioneers began to call this new land their home.

It is not known where or by whom the first settlemnent was made. For convenience in treating of the first settlements, the county may be divided in to three sections: First, that portion north of Duck River; Second, that lying between Duck River and the Elk Ridge, and Third, that lying south of Elk Ridge.

On Caney Spring Creek, near the village of Caney Spring, Asa Fonville raised a crop in 1807, and a little farther up the creek James Patterson began clearing up a farm early in the same year. Four miles northwest of Caney Spring, Squire Atkisson was a very prominent early settler, and a leader in his community for many years. James Haynes and a man named Kellams settled near together, and between Atkisson and Patterson. Samuel Ramsey settled on the creek two miles from the village, in 1808, and afterward in 1809 removed south of Duck River. He had a water-mill, which was the first one north of the river. It was visited by people from ten or twelve miles distant. Others who lived in that vicinity prior to 1810 were the Allens, Wallaces and Becks. Gen. N. B. Forrest, who was born at Chapel Hill in 1818, was a descendant of this family of Becks.

In the vicinity of Chapel Hill a settlement was made in 1808 by Andrew Patterson, who was a captain, commanding a company in the battle of New Orleans in 1815. Robert Patterson, a brother of Andrew, also settled near in the same year. Northwest of Chapel Hill four miles in 1809, Joseph Brittain settled on his tract of 5000 acres. He reared a large family of children and gave them all farms. Several descendants of this man are now living in that section. He built a horse-mill. The Boyds and Riggs lived in the same community as early as 1810, and were probably there as early as 1808. The father of Gen. Forrest emigrated from North Carrolina, and after a temporary stay at other places made his home at Chapel Hill in 1815.

Near Duck River on the north side, a large family of the Billingtons were the first to make permanent settlements. Near there was a Rev. Mr. Warner, a minister in the Baptist Church. Others among the first pioneers were James Patton, Hugh McClelland, Richard Walker and two families of McClures.

Early in the year 1807 James Neil came from North Carolina to where Farmington is now located. He built a cabin just northwest of the turnpike in the village. He was soon followed by two of’ his brothers, Alexander and Andrew Neil, who both lived within a quarter of a mile of where the village stands.

About the same time John Reed opened up a small farm one mile south of these. Near Reed was John Dysarts about the same time, About three miles from Farmington, on West Rock Creek, Allen Leiper was the first cane cutter. He had a valuable watermill for those days, which in the years 1808-09 supplied the demand of the central section of the county. In 1808 John Shaw brought his family from North Carolina, and made his home one mile north of the village. Shaw was a hero at the battle of New Orleans.

At Fishing Ford a man named Hazelett was the first to clear away the the cane and build a cabin. Southwest of him a short distance was a man named Cleek. Cleek raised several sons, who made good citizens of that section. Who first drove the ax through the wilderness where Lewisburg now stands is not known. At the time of the organizazion of tile county Abner Houston lived just west of Col. J. H. Lewis’ house, and across the creek from him lived John H. Bill. Two miles northwest William McClure, the first chairman of the county court, settled in 1808 or 1809. Jonathan Moore came in 1808 from Carolina, and made the first opening in the forest on Globe Creek, and was soon followed by John Wilkes, who has many descendants in the county at present. On the head waters of Rock Creek a settlement was made by James Leiper, a brother of Allen Leiper, in 1808. About this time Benjamin Simmons came from North Carolina to the same neighborhood, bringing witl him a slave then eight years old, who is now reverently addressed, by white and black, as ” Uncle George McBride.” This negro was widely known throughout this section of the State on account of his skill in the use of the violin. Just east of Simmons were Josiah and John Blackwell’s farms. Not far from where the railroad begins to ascend Elk Ridge from the north, John and Robin Orr were among the first settlers in the County. In 1808 William Williams settled where Round Hill Church now stands, and soon afterward removed to near Belfast. Then he opened a store. He bought his first stock of goods in Nashville, and hauled it home in a one-horse cart. From a ledger which be kept in 1823 the following prices are quoted: Coffee, per pound, 56¼ cents; sugar, 25 cents; indigo, 31¼ cents; salt, 4 cents; Copperas, 12½ Cents; nails, 25 cents; madder, 15 cents; cambric, per yard, $1; flannel, 75 cents; calico, 50 cents; muslin, $1; bombazette, 75 cents; whisky, per pint, 18¾ cents; wine, 50 cents; “Bateman’s drops,” per bottle, 25 cents, etc. A remarkable fact is that calico was bought in quantity from three-fourths to three yards, rarely ever more than one yard being purchased at one time by one party. The book indicates that Mr. Williams did a large business and that his debtors paid their accounts promptly. Early in 1807 Nathaniel Dryden emigrated from North Carolina to his grant of land where Belfast now stands. Thompson Cannon was his first neighbor, and in the same year Francis H. Woods an James Coffey settled near. Further down the creek was Samuel Ramsey, who moved from north of Duck River in 1809. He was the father of John Ramsey, who was born in North Carolina hi 1797; was fifteen years old when coming to the county, and is now living at Farmington, at the, age of eighty-nine years. Thomas J. Hall, who was a prominent Presbyterian minister, settled near Farmington in 1814, and taught school there for many years.

South of Elk Ridge is some of the finest land in the county, and it was not long in being developed into a well settled community. In Connersville the first to disturb the stillness of the wilderness was John Haynes, who, in 1807, lived near where the flouring-mill stands. William Henderson, in 1808, built the first house on the ground now covered by the town. In a very short time Pearsley Cox became his neighbor on the northwest. Billy Marr came from North Carolina to Robinson Fork in 1808, and in a short sold he sold out to Ephraim Massey, who kept a store for several years. Ephraim Patrick, John Dabney, John Cockrell, Billy Alexander and John and Thomas Walker came to this section about the same time. John Parks lived four miles south of Connersville, on Richland Creek, in 1807. On Cane Creek, about ten miles south of Lewisburg, Elisha and Joab Bagley located between 1807 and 1810; James Brown lived very near them. Above Brown, on the same creek, were Josiah McAdams and his two sons, Irvin and James; still further up the creek Jesse McLean and Henry Bagley were the first pioneers. Elisha Bagley had a horse-mill. After these first settlers had opened the first farms settlements rapidly followed, and the names of those coming in after those above would occupy too much space to be given.

In all parts of the county traces of the Mound-Builders are found. Mounds built of earth and small stones, ranging in height from four or five feet to about fifteen feet, are more numerous in this county than in any other part of the State. North of Lewisburg about a mile is a mound ten feet high, built of larger stories than are commonly found in those structures. It was evidently a burial place, for parts of a skeleton have been taken from it. A thigh bone of a person was recently found in this mound, which, if the other parts were developed proportionately, belonged to a person over seven feet tall. The jaw bone, also found, is much larger than that of any person of whom we now have any knowlwdge. This body was evidently buried in a sitting posture. Three miles west of Lewisburg is a large clay mound, covering over a quarter of an acre. In the Seventeenth District there is one of small stones and clay seventeen feet high. There is also a very large one in the Fifth District. In those mounds are found fragments of pottery and rude missles of various kinds, supposed to be weapons of warfare. In various parts of the county are found numerous arrow-heads, battle-axes, pipes, etc., probably relics of the Indians that lived here.

Marshall County was established by an act of the Legislature passed February 1836. It included fractions of Lincoln, Bedford and Maury Counties, when first organized, and in 1870 a part of Giles County, known as the Cornersville District, was given to Marshall. In establishing the first boundaries the line between Marshall and Maury placed nearer the county seat of the latter than the law allowed, and it was so changed to conform to the law. In 1871 the line on the west was again slightly changed to slightly changed to include the farms of John B. Wilkes and John Coffey, in Marshall.

October 3, 1836, at the house of Abner Houston, the first county court was organized by the following justices of the peace: William McClure, Thomas Ross, William Wilkes, Peter Williams, Thomas Wilson, David McGahey, James Adams, George Cunningham, James L. Ewing, John Field, Adam Miller, Joseph Cleek, Ephraim Hunter, Asa Holland, James Patterson, Jason B. Sheffield, Sherwood Dunnigan and Andrew Laird. William McClure was elected chairman, and David McGahey was appointed secretary pro tem. The court then “adjourned to meet at the camp ground immediately,” and upon being again convened the following men were chosen to fill their respective offices: John R. Hill, sheriff; Martin W. Oakley, clerk county court; John W. Record, trustee; John Elliott, register; Joseph McCord, coroner; Isaac H. Williams, ranger, and Hugh McClelland, surveyor. The court then appointed commissioners to lay off the civil districts, and proceeded to the general routine of business, namely, appointing road overseers, etc.

The first money for county purposes was derived from the sale of lots in Lewisburg November 30, and December 1 and 2, 1836. These sales amounted to $22,861, which was appropriated for public improvements. The lots were usually sold on time, and January 4, 1837, the treasurer reported “no money in the treasury.” In 1841 the following levy of tax was made: On each $100 worth of property (for county) 6 cents; on each $100 dollars worth of property (for poor) 1½ cents; on each poll, 25 cents; on each merchant peddlar or hawker, $5; on shows, $50.

The tax for 1842 was the same as for the year previous, except that a bridge tax of 6¼ cents on each poll and 4-2/3 cents on each $100 worth of property was assessed.

For 1886 the tax levy was at the following rate: County tax, 40 cents on $100; State tax, 30 cents on $100; school tax, 15 cents on $100; railroad tax, 35 cents on $100; highway, 11 cents on $100; total $1.31 on $100. In 1886 there was reported 224,829 acres of land valued at $2,205,117. The total taxable property was valued at $2,578,170. The population in 1880 was 19,260.

Indicative of the rich agricultural resources, the following official report of 1885 is given: Number of acres of improved land, 132,513; number of horses and mules, 9,344; number of cattle, 9,808; number of sheep, 10,118; number of hogs, 37,815; Indian corn, 1,176,536 bushels; oats, 59,567 bushels; rye, 2,050 bushels; wheat, 172,584 bushels.

November 7,1886, James Osborn, William Williams, Joel Yowel, Aaron Boyd and James C. Record were appointed commissioners to lay off and sell town lots in Lewisburg and to superintend the erection of public buildings; and December 15, 1836, the same body of men, with the exception of James Osborn, was appointed a committee to draft plans and specifications for a court house and a jail. On January 2, 1837, they reported that after due consideration and deliberation they would suggest the said buildings to be similar to those of Bedford County, with some alterations. The first court house, modeled after the one then in Shelbyville, was built at a cost of $8,750, and was completed, received and occupied by October 1, 1838. This building burned in 1873, and the next year the present courthouse was erected. The contract for its erection was $21,900, and carpeting, desks, chairs, tables, shelves, etc., amounted to about, $1,000 more. This is a splendid two-story brick building, and with its yard full of shade trees presents a handsome appearance.

Thomas D. Moore, Samuel Davis, J. B. Ezell, James Hendricks and James W. Nance composed the committee to draft the plans and specifications. A notable fact is that W.H. Wisener made the first and last speech in the old court house, and the first speech in the new one.

The first jail was a brick building 26×50 feet. It, was lined with a double wall of hewn oak logs, having a space of eight inches between, which was filled with stones. The floor and ceiling were of two-inch oak plank. It was completed March 1, 1838, at a cost of $3,850. This jail was a secure one, as no prisoners ever escaped from it. It was burned about the close of the war and in 1867 the present one was built of stone, at a cost of $9,108.06.

On January 1, 1838, court appropriated $1,000 for building a poor-house, The poor farm was located two and a half miles southwest of Lewisburg, and comprised seveny-two acres. In 1858 it was sold, and the present one of 160 acres, was bought. It is ten miles south of the county seat. There are now ten white and Seven colored inmates of the asylum.

In 1871 the people of Marshall voted an appropriation of $315,000, to the propose building of the Cumberland & Ohio Railroad through the county. In 1873 the amount was divided, $200,000 being still appropriated to the above road, and $115,000 to the Duck River Valley Railroad. The panic of 1873 destroyed the hopes of the Cumberland & Ohio Road; but the Duck River Valley Road was completed to Lewisburg from Columbia, in April, 1877, and in October, 1879, it was completed to the Lincoln County line. Besides the $115,000 a large individual subscription was raised. Dr. R. G. McClure and Col. J. H. Lewis were instrumental in securing the road. Dr. McClure was president of the company for three years and was succeeded by Col. Lewis, who was president two years previous to its lease to the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Road. Marshall County issued bonds for the $115,000. The railroad tax pays the interest on these bonds and also creates a sinking fund, by which the debt has been reduced to $87,600. This road supplies the much needed outlet for grain which has so long been felt, and it has been the means of placing Marshall high in the rank of agricultural counties of the State.

The Shelbyville & Lewisburg, Lewisburg & Franklin, Nashville, Nolensville & Chapel Hill, Cornersville & Lewisburg, and Lewisburg & Mooresville Pikes were built before the war. Since the war the Cornersville & Lewisburg Pike has been extended to Pulaski and the Lewisburg & Mooresville Pike Road runs to Culleoka. The Nashville, Nolensville & Chapel Hill Pike has also been extended from Chapel Hill to Farmington. Others which have been constructed recently are the Cornersville & Lynnville, Cornersville & Spring Place and Lewisburg & Columbia Pikes.

The first bridge was built across Duck River within this county in 1838, at a cost of $6,892. It was a covered wooden bridge supported on stone piers. There are now two splendid iron bridges across the river and one of wood.

The Marshall County Agricultural and Mechanical Society was organized July 7 1856. Its first officers were as follows: E. A. Wilson, president; W. L. McClelland, vice-president; A. B. Ewing, secretary; James V. Ewing, treasurer. The board of managers were Maj. G. L. Allman, John W. Hutton, Esq., Col. John R. Hill, Gen. Levi Cochran, D. V. Chrisman and Thomas McKnight. Before the war fairs were held every year, the first one being October 30 and 31, 1856. Fairs were also held from 1868 to 1873, and after this the colored people held three annual meetings under this charter. The society owned seven and a quarter acres of land and had constructed the necessary buildings, such as an amphitheatre, halls, stables, etc., which were all destroyed by the war.

The Marshall County Medical Society held its first meeting in August 1877. The first members were Drs. J. S. Nowlin, J. S. Howlett, T. E. Reed, S. T. Hardison, B. F. Smith, R. A. Orr, T. B. Leonard, Z. W. Neil, J. O. Nowlin, J. C. Crunk, J. W. Huddleston, T. J. Kennedy, W. S. McLean, J. D. Johnson, J. M. Patterson, L. L. Murray, C. A. Abernathy, F. Ferguson, J. W. Percy, J. B. Neil, W. M. Allison, C. C. Neil, A. Jones, J. C. Hill, R. C. McCordy and W. C. Ransom. J. S. Nowlin, S. T. Hardison, J. M. Patterson, A. Jones and F. Ferguson have been presidents of the society. There are now eighteen members.

The county officers have been as follows: Sheriffs-John R. Hill, 1836; Solomon Meadows, 1842; John Laws, 1844; W. B. Holden, 1848; Thomas F. Brooks, 1854; John Wilkes, 1856; W. F. Collins, 1860; A. Duncan, 1862; Levi Cochran. 1863; James R. Nei 1864; Stephen Tally, 1868; John W. Champ, 1870; Scott D. Davis, 1874; W. T. Jones, 1878; R. S. Walker, 1882; W. T. Jones, 1886.

Trustees: John W. Record, 1886; James V. Ewing, 1838; James Brown, 1846; James Ross, 1847; Wesley A. Giles, 1850; James B. Chadwell, 1854; Samuel Davis, 1865; Alfred Hobson, 1870; W. G. Massey, 1872; James V. Ewing, 1874; Samuel Orr, 1876; A. V. Stillwell, 1880; N. J. Smiley, 1884.

Chairman: William McClure, 1836; John Hatchett, 1838; Benjamin Williams, 1839; Burgess Hardin, 1842; W. P. Davis, 1846; James V. Ewing, 1846; Burgess Hardin, 1848; James V. Ewing, 1849; J. A. Yowell, 1855; David McGahey (county judge), 1855-58; David McGahey, 1858; Samuel Davis, 1860; W. A. Houston, 1864; W. H. McConnell, 1866; Moses C. West, 1869; J. J. S. Gill, 1871; J. W. Calahan, 1873; J. McBride, 1876; John T. Street, 1877; James D. Cook, 1879; A. M. Davis, 1880; J. F. Brittain, 1883; W. C. McGregor, 1885; W. C. McGregor (county judge, April, 1885); W. J. Leonard (county judge, April, 1886).

Clerks County Court: Martin W. Oakley, 1836; John Elliott, 1846; Stephen Talley, 1854; R. L. Adams, 1862; W. P. Bullock, 1874; J. McBride, 1882.

Clerks Circuit Court: David McGahey, 1836; Thomas McKnight, 1846; William D. Fisher, 1865; Thomas McKnight, 1868; L. B. Collins, 1870; W. G. Loyd, 1878; E. M. Miller, 1886.

Clerks Chancery Court: Gideon B. Black, 1836; R. K, Kercheval, 1846; R.G. McClure, 1865; Stephen Tally, 1870; H. N. Cowden, 1872; R. L. Adams, 1876.

Registers: John Elliott, 1836; J. J. Elliott, 1846; W. N. Cowden. 1856 J. N. Waters, 1862; J. A. Yarbrough, 1874.

Coroners: Joseph McCord, 1836; Joseph Cloud, 1846; P. G. W. Good , 1849; F. K. Rambo, 1855; W. C. Stephenson, 1858; Levi Cochran, 1859; John Ramsey, 1864; William Calton, 1865; Alfred Hobson, 1869; John A. Bills, 1870; H. K. Moss, 1870; L. Cochran, 1872; H. K. Moss, 1875; R. H. McCrary, 1876; John Leonard, 1878; E. F. Williams, 1885.

Surveyors: Hugh McClelland, 1836; Samuel Elliott, 1838; W. H. McConnell, 1843; Stephen Tally, 1845; E. I. Hunter, 1852; Ephraim Hunter, 1857; H. B. Allen, 1858; S. Tally, 1863; H. B. Allen, 1864; J. P. Dysart, 1866; James Hendricks, 1870; Joel A. Morris; 1878; James Hendricks, 1886.

Rangers: Isaac H. Williams, 1837; G. W. Moore, 1840; J. M. Yowel, 1845; J. P. Smith, 1857; J. L. Reed, 1864; M. C. West, 1865; Jonathan Bills, 1865; W. D. Hawkins, 1875; L. Cunningham, 1875; H. K. Moss, 1878; J. M. McKee, 1885; H. K. Moss, 1886.

State Senators: Wilson P. Davis, 184.3; Richard Warner, 1845; Thomas Dean, 1847; Wilson P. Davis, 1849; J. J. Jones, 1853; Wilson P. Davis, 1857; J. M. Johnson, 1859; W. H. Wisener, 1865; J. M. Patterson, 1871; J. D. Tillman, 1873; E. A. Wilson, 1875; Jesse Aldridge, 1877; W. P. Tolley, 1879; D. J. McCullough, 1881; D. J. McCullough, 1883; R. Berry, 1885.

Representatives: T. C. H. Miller, 1843; Benjamin Williams, 1847; W. F. McGregor, 1849; Thomas H. Hardin, 1851; E. A. Wilson, 1855; H. N. Cowden, 1859; A. A. Steele, 1865; A. F. Lillard, 1867; A. H. Steele, 1869; A. Jones, 1871; J. L. Orr, 1873; W. N. Cowden, 1877; Richard Warner, 1879; Ernest Pillow, 1881; W. P. Bullock, 1885; Floaters or joint representatives are not given.

The caption of the first entry of records of the circult court is as follows:
“At a circuit court held for the county of Marshall, within the Eighth Judicial Circuit in the State of Tennessee, at the house of Abner Houston, being the place appointed by law for holding courts in said county on the fourth Monday in November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six, being the twenty-eighth day of the month, before the Honorable Edmund Dillahunty, Esquire, one of the judges of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, and for the State of Tennessee, the following proceedings were had, etc,” David McGahey was appointed clerk pro tempore, and entered into bond for the faithful performance of his duties. James H. Thomas appeared and took the oath of attorney-general. The sheriff presented the names of twenty-five men upon whom he had served a venire facias, whereupon the said names were written on scrolls of paper and drawn from a hat by a child under the age of ten years, when the following body of good and lawful men, citizens of Marshall County, was elected, empaneled sworn and charged to enquire for the body of the county of Marshall, to wit: Henry Bishop, James John Hatchett, Jesse Morton, James Kennedy, William Rosson, Thomas Ross, Samuel Radford, William Wilkes, James V. Ewing, William M. Orr, James Osborn and James B. Lowry, of whom James Osborn was elected foreman.”

This day the attorney-general presented to court an indictment against James Orr for “mare stealing” and for stealing money, notes and other valuable papers. Orr was found guilty as charged and given three years at hard labor in the penitentiary. A judgment as rendered against him to recover $12.25, the amount of unreturned stolen property. This was the first case before the court. To this term were presented five indictments for “affray,” three for “unlawful gaming,” and one for “assault and battery.” A fine of $10 was assessed in each of these cases with one exception, in which the accused was acquitted. In a slander suit for $1,000 damages, William Wilkes recovered from John Wilkes $150. George Purdan was fined $5 for entering court in a state of intoxication. The wounded dignity of the State was healed by two fines of $2.50 each for “contempt shown to this court” by Samuel Bickett and William Perry. The failure of John R. Hill, the sheriff, to preserve order before his Honor, cost him a fine of $10. At the March term, 1837, Robert Liggett, Bryant Crow, Wyatt Hill, William Roane, John Coggins and Wade McCrery were fined $5 each for unlawful gaining, to which they pleaded guilty. For malicious mischief Allen Gates paid a fine of $10 and was “held in jail until sunset.” Henry Morris and Charles Thompson pleaded guilty to presentments for affrays, and paid fines of $5 each, and pleading guilty to “assault and battery” by William Wadkins cost him $2.50. In the July term against John A. W. Jackson was instituted the first case of forgery which resulted in Jackson “making good the damages,” and paying the cost of prosecution. Indictments for assault and battery and for affrays were the most frequent subjects for the court’s consideration this year, and up to the close of the half century the most numerous cases of indictments were “keeping tippling houses,” “retailing spirituous liquors,” “open and notorious drunkenness,” “assault and battery,” “affray, “unlawful gaming,” and “betting on elections,” with the other crimes common to the age.

In 1838 Joseph Winston was found guilty of usury and fined $19.33¾ (the amount of overcharged interest) and costs. In the same year Daniel Doxie was sent to the penitentiary for two years for malicious stabbing, and was the next year followed by James Joyce, who had a sentence for the same length of time for malicious shooting. In 1838, for the first time, the court “absolutely and forever” burst asunder a matrimonial bond liberating James Gates from his sacred vows to Elizabeth Gates. In 1839 Mathew Thomas, Lucy Sorrell, Betsy Turner, Patsy Hicks and Betsy Sorrell pleaded guilty to a presentment for an unlawful assembly, thereby contributing $1 each to the State fund. In the same year Andrew Duncan began a four years’ term in the State prison for counterfeiting. Haywood Keith went for three years for horse stealing, and Guilford Paine four years for larceny.

In 1842 the grand jury presented that “Robert Bogle, of said county, yeoman, not having the fear of God before his eyes, but being instigated by the devil, with force and arms in the county upon one Caleb Pyle in the Peace of God and of the State, with a certain piece of timber of no value, did assault feloniously, unlawfully, wilfully, deliberately maliciously, premeditatedly and with malice aforethought,” etc., inflicting “mortal wounds of which said Pyle instantly died.” Bogle was convicted of manslaughter and given six years’ confinement in the State prison. In the same year, after a long and tedious trial, John J. Elzey was found guilty of murder in the second degree, and sent to the penitentiary for ten years. In 1848 Hardy Bloodworth and Mary Ford were indicted for duplicity in murder of the first degree. Bloodworth was found not guilty. After a protracted effort to get a decision, Mary Ford was granted a change of venue. Leth Walker, after being on trial for a number of years for the same offense, was also granted a change of venue. These were aggravated cases, both parties having been accused of murdering “infants of young and tender years.” Josiah B. and Claiborn W. Black, were acquitted of a charge of murder in 1850. In 1855 Martin, a slave, murdered his master, — Lawrence, and in 1856 was hung. Never has any other capital execution taken place in the county.

In 1866 Marshall Hopewood was cleared of the charge of murdering Robert Ross. Hiram C. Harris, for murdering Willis Frank, was sentenced to ninety-nine years in the penitientiary, the decision of the inferior court having been sustained by the supreme court. About the same time Isaac Daws was found not guilty as charged” of the murder of C. C. Gulley. In 1867 John B. Short was proceeding to the matrimonial altar (to a justice of the peace) with his intended bride on the same horse behind him. He was followed by Sambo and W. J. Cook, brothers of the bride, and shot, from the wounds of which he died in a few days. The Cooks were indicted for murder in the first degree, but broke jail. Isaac B. Collins was accused of instigating the murder, ad for five years this case was before the court, costing the State about $2,000, and resulting in his acquittal.

Judge Edmund Dillahunty, of Columbia, sat upon the bench from 1836 to 1852. He was a man of fine personal appearance, benevolent in demeanor and of high moral character. His court was a “temple of moral training,” and dignified decorum was required at his bar. He was a fine lawyer and an excellent judge. “His charges to the jury were always sermons,” and aside from his official duties he often gave the people of Lewisburg lectures on morality and religion. Judge Dillahunty was succeeded by William P. Martin, also of Columbia, who served until 1860, and was re-elected to another term in 1870, serving until 1877, when age compelled him to give his seat to John V. Wright, who held courts until the expiration of Martin’s term in 1878. Judge Martin was a man of great ability, both as a judge and a lawyer. From 1860 to 1865 court was held by special judges. John C. Walker came to the bench in 1865, and was succeeded by Hillary Ward, who served from 1866 until 1868, and he by A. M. Hughes from 1868 to 1870. In 1871 the increased business of the court demanded a special criminal court, of which T. M. Jones was the first judge. In 1872 W. S. McLemore was elected criminal judge, and held until that court was abolished in 1878. He was then elected to fill the judicial term now closing. The attorney-generals have been as follows: James H. Thomas, 1836; Nathaniel Baxter, 1842; Lunsford M. Bramblett, 1847; A. M. Hughes, 1848; Nathan Adams, 1854; James L. Scudder, J. J. Noah and A. C. Hickey, from 1865 to 1868; Noble Smithson, 1868; J. H. Fussell, 1870 to 1886.

The chancery court was established in 1836 with Lunsford M. Bramblitt as chancellor. He was succeeded in 1844 by Terry H. Cahall, who served until 1851, when L. D. Frierson came to the bench, continuing until 1866, and was succeeded by David Campbell. Then John P. Steele was chancellor until 1868, and after his term John C. Walker sat upon the bench for two years. In 1870 W. S. Flemming was elected, and was re-elected in 1878 to serve the term closing in 1886.

At the first circuit court were present Samuel D. Frierson, Erwin J. Frierson, William P. Martin, William T. Ross and W. H. Wisener, all of whom were licensed to practice as attorneys and counsellors at law. Before the war these courts were regularly visited by almost all the prominent lawyers of this part of the State. James K. Polk was a familiar figure at this bar, and it is claimed that he was in Lewisburg attending a lawsuit when the news of his nomination as a candidate for the presidency reached him.

Robert G. Paine, W. P. Davis & Son, Gideon B. Black and ____ Powell were able resident attorneys before the war. Since the war R. K. Kercheval, John F. Moore and Thomas F. Lewis were successful members of this bar. At present the following are attorneys at law in Lewisburg: Richard Warner, who was a member of the constitutional convention of 1870, a member of the Legislature in 1878 and a member of Congress in 1880-84; Col. J. H. Lewis;* W. N. Cowden, who served a part of term in the Legislature, and was then made clerk of the supreme court; James J. Murray; A. N. Miller, assistant United States district attorney; E. M. Miller; C. T. Swanson;* J. L. Marshall;* C. Smithson;* C. A. Armstrong;* H. K. Moss; L. A. Thompson and W. W. Walker.

In the Creek war of 1812-14 a few persons, from what is now with in the limits of Marshall County, attached themselves to Gen. Jackson’s forces at Fayetteville. These men followed the fortunes of their indomitable leader in that campaign. Among those who were with Jackson were James Orr, of the vicinity of Verona, and Mr. Lawrence near Mooresville. John Hatchett, James Shaw, Capt. Andrew Patterson and Samuel Hillis, of Lewisburg and vicinity, were veterans of the battle of New Orleans, and lived in the county after its organization. John Hay, Christian Harbor, and Richard Warner, father of Hon. Richard Warner, of Lewisburg, were also at the battle of New Orleans, the latter of whom was wounded there in a skirmish in December, 1814. These men were honored with a special mark of distinction on all stated occasions during their lives. In the Seminole war two regiments of troops rendezvoused at Fayetteville in June, 1836; these were the first and second regiments. Over these Gen. Armstrong was elected brigadier-general. They left for the seat of war July 4. No regularly organized company went from Marshall, but a number joined a company while organizing at Crooked Springs near Fayetteville, in Lincoln County.

On the outbreak of the war with Mexico two companies from Marshall were enlisted, one of infantry and one of cavalry. The infantry company was attached to the First Regiment, and was commanded by Capt. Harris Maulden. The lieutenants were W. P. Davis and Wade McCrary; L. Cooper, A. G. Cooper, J. E. Fowler and R. H. McCrary, were sergeants, and H. Hardin, T. F. Winston, Willis Collins and Elisha Luna, were corporals. The muster roll included William Acuff, John Alexander, N. W. Burks, T. A. Bostwick, Alex Bingham, I. B. Cook, Samuel Davis, J. F. Davidson, B. C. Dobson, E. R. Dabney, W. W. Emmerson, J. C. Emmerson, Q. C. Fleming, W. T. Fossett, William Griffin, Joseph Hall, J. B. Kiecham, R. S. Luna, B. F. Luna, A. M. Meadows, Hampton Myers, J. H. Nichols, W. H. Peacock, Moxey Rone, R. R. Maney, T. J. Stokes, Mirach Shehane, G. H. Shehane, J. F. Shehane, R. C. Williams, J. R. Owensby, John Arnold, W. S. Bowers, Isaac Bearden, J. L. Bryant, M. B. Carter, 0. Clark, A. S. Duvall, C. Dickson, William Dodd, William Ewing, M. Fowler, T. C. Fluty, G. W. Fluty, R. L. B. Gray, E. H. Gray, James Hagan, Alex Jackson, J. B. Luna, J. A. Moore, R. W. Moore, J. A. Morton, John M. Parks, W. C. Porch, I. Stone, A. P. Short, Elias Snell, F. E. Smith, J. H. Walls, J. Thompson, J. B. Wyatt and James Freeman. The company marched from Lewisburg to Nashville by way of Stegall’s Mills, Mr. McEwen’s and Beech’s farms. The company left Lewisburg May 31, and reached Nashville June 3, boarded the ” Commune” on the 6th of June, and was transferred to the “Tennessee” at Smithland on the 8th, and arrived at New Orleans on the 13th. On the 17th the regiment embarked on the “E. N. Chapman,” and on the 20th anchored off the Brazos. The regiment was carried up the Rio Grande by vessel and landed at Camargo, thence marched to Monterey, where it took part in that severe engagement, which resulted in the capture of that town. The regiment suffered not only in the battle but terribly from fevers and other diseases. On December 19 the two Tennessee infantry regiments were formed into a brigade under Col. W. B. Campbell. After considerable marching and some desultory fighting, the regiment was put on board the “Jubilee” February 26, and moved to Vera Cruz, where it arrived March 11, and landed March 12. The regiments continued in the siege of Vera Cruz till its capitulation on the 27th. The men were severely engaged at the battle and capture of Cerro Gordo on April 18. The twelve months’ men went as far as Jalapa, when they were ordered to Vera Cruz to be discharged. The men arrived at Vera Cruz On May 10, and on the 11th they took ship for New Orleans, where they arrived on the 21st. They were mustered out and paid off May 26. The company arrived at Nashville June 2, and returned home June 5. Of the seventy-three men enlisted in the company forty-three were killed, discharged or died of disease.

The cavalry company was commanded by Capt. Milton A. Haynes. The comissioned and non-commissioned officers were W. B. Richardson, William Chambliss, William Brownlow, Jr., Robert G. McClure, Joseph A. Clayton, J. R. Haynes, R. M. Patterson, Joseph Gresham, John G. Taylor and A. J. Nance. The company was organized at Cornersville, and mustered into the service at Nashville June 8, 1846. The place of rendezvous for the cavalry was near Memphis. These troops proceeded to Mexico by way of Little Rock and Washington, Ark., and through Titus County, Tex. The company consisted of ten officers, eighty privates. two buglers and one blacksmith.

There was great unanimity of sentiment for the South in the late war after the firing on Fort Sumter. The first volunteers from this county were in Turney’s First Tennessee, but no whole company was sent out till in April, 1861, when the Seventeenth was raised. This regiment assembled in Franklin County in May, and on the 27th of that month it started for Camp Trousdale, Sumner County. It was organized June 11 by the election of T. W. Newman, colonel; T. C. H. Miller, lieutenant-colonel, and A. L. Landis, major. The companies in the Seventeenth from this county were C, F and H. The commissioned officers of Company C at the organization were R. C. Williams, captain; J.C. Davis and F. M. Orr, lieutenants. The officers of Company F were R. P. Hunter, captain; John Begger, William Wallace and J. B. Hunter, lieutenants. The officers of company H were R. H. McCrary, captain; W. H. Holder, G. W. Collis and David Sanders, lieutenants. May 8, 1862, the regiment re-enlisted for two years and was reorganized. In Company C J. C. Davis became captain; F. M. Orr, J. W. McCrary and R. H. Armstrong, lieutenants. J. C. Cooper became captain of Company F; R. H. McCullough, William Byers and Lee Carthey, lieutenants. The captain of Company H was G. H. Owen; the lieutenants were J. P. Tally, A. L. Elzy and Z. W. Ewing. On reorganization T. C. H. Miller was elected colonel; W. W. Floyd, lieutenant-colonel, and A. S. Marks, major.

The Seventeenth Regiment left Camp Trousdale July 23, armed with flint-lock guns and arrived at Bristol, Va., July 26, where it remained till August 3, when it was sent to Russellville, E. Tenn., thence to Cumberland Gap, where it arrived August 8. September 14 the regiment left Cumberland Gap and was with the advance of Zollicoffer into Kentucky. The regiment was engaged at the battle of Mill Spring, or Fishing Creek, January 19, 1862. The regiment arrived at Livingston January 24, and at Murfreesboro February 19. February 28 the regiment left for Iuka and Corinth, where it was armed with English rifles. May 28 the regiment left Corinth and arrived at Tupelo June 8. July 28 the regiment left for Chattanooga, where it arrived August 4. At Chattanooga the army was reorganized, and the Seventeenth became a part of Johnson’s brigade, of Buckner’s division, of Hardee’s corps. It was in the Kentucky campaign, and September 16 assisted in the capture of Munfordsville with its garrison. The regiment was in the severe engagement at Perryville, October 8; thence the regiment went with the army to Middle Tennessee. The regiment arrived at Murfreesboro December 28, and was assigned to the right under Gen. Breckinridge. In the three days of terrible battle the Seventeenth lost heavily, but sustained itself gallantly. It then fell back with the army to Tullahoma, where it remained until active operations began again. After some minor movements the Seventeenth took part in the two days’ battle at Chickamauga on the 19th and 20th of September, losing 145 men. It advanced with the army to Chattanooga, where it lay till November 23, when Johnson’s brigade, to which it belonged, was sent with Longstreet against Knoxville. November 29 the Seventeenth served as a supporting column to McLaw in an assault upon Fort Loudon. After the defeat at Knoxville the army fell back to Rogersville December 4. The regiment remained in East Tennessee till May, 1864, suffering greatly for want of food and clothing. In March the regiment was asked to re-enlist, and to a man they obeyed, May 2 the regiment took train at Abington, Va., for Petersburg. It was engaged in the defense of Petersburg and Richmond till the close of the war, The regiment was severely engaged at Drury’s Bluff May 15 and 16, 1864. Col. Floyd was killed and about sixty men were lost in this engagement, The Seventeenth was again engaged February 5, 1865, at Hatcher’s Run. Its last battle was fought April 2, 1865, in the defense of Petersburg, where it lost half its numbers. The remnant of the regiment surrendered at Appomattox April 9, 1865.

The New Hope Company (Eighth Tennessee) from Marshall County was commanded by Capt. J. L. Bryant. The lieutenants were J. P. Holland, B. B. Bowers, T. F. Brooks, with T. E. Russell orderly sergeant. A sketch of the Eighth Regiment may be found in the State history.

The Thirty-second Regiment was commanded by Ed Cook as colonel, W. P. Moore, lieutenant-colonel, and W. J. Brownlow, major. On the re-organization Ed Cook was re-elected colonel; William P. O’Neal, lieutenant-colonel, and J. P. McGuire, major. The Thirty-second was represented from this county by one company, of which William P. O’Neal was captain, and Jasper Smiley, Calvin Coffey and Frank Hall were lieutenants. On the reorganization Frank Hall became captain, Jasper Smiley, Calvin Coffey and J. Sanford lieutenants. See elsewhere for a history of the Thirty-second Regiment.

One company from Marshall composed of 101 men was sent to the Forty-first. This company was known as the Lewisburg and Cornersville Company. The company officers of this company were R. G. McClure, captain; J. C. Osborn, J. M. Vancleave and R. P. Robins, lieutenants. The regimental officers at first were Robert Farquaharson, colonel; R. G. McClure, lieutenant-colonel, and T. G. Miller, major. On re-organization, Farquaharson was re-elected colonel, J. D. Tillman, lieutenant-colonel, and T. G. Miller, major. From Camp Trousdale the Forty-first was sent to Bowling Green, thence on December 23d to Fort Donelson, where it was captured February 15, 1862. The men were exchanged at Vicksburg in September and the regiment reorganized at Clinton. The regiment marched and counter-marched through Tennessee and northern Mississippi till January, 1863, when it was ordered to Port Hudson. On May 2 it was ordered to Jackson to avert the doom overhanging Pemberton and Vicksburg. After the fall of Vicksburg it was ordered, September 7, to Mobile. It did guard duty on the coast for a time, but was ordered up to Chickamauga and again joined Johnston’s army at Dalton in May, 1864. It took part in the Atlanta campaign till the fall of Atlanta; thence was ordered into Tennessee; was at Franklin and Nashville and was then sent to North Carolina, where it surrendered at the close of the war. Its brigade commanders were Bushrod, Johnson, Maney, Gregg and Strahl.

There were three companies for the Fifty-third Tennessee Regiment raised in this county-Companies B, E and D. Company B was raised in Lewisburg and vicinity. W. B. Holden was chosen first captain, but was succeeded by W. F. Collins as captain in 1862. The lieutenants of this company were J. J. Murray, J. M. Hawkins and W. M. Patterson. This company at first numbered about eighty-five men. Company E was raised in the vicinity of Mooresville and Wilson Hill. I. H. Hills was chosen the first captain, but he was succeeded by S. C. Orr. The lieutenants of this company were Andrew Bryant, Joseph Anderson and George W. Moore. Company D was raised at Cornersville by T. F. Winston. On the organization of the regiment Capt. Winston was chosen lieutenant-colonel, and W. H. Wilkes was chosen captain; W. P. Lewis, N. L. Cauless and John A. Perry, lieutenants. On reorganization W. P. Lewis was made captain; N. L. McCauless, John A. Perry and E. A. McCollum, lieutenants. W. H. Wilkes was elected colonel on reorganization, and W. B. Holden, major, who afterward became colonel. The regiment was mustered into the service December 17,1861. It was engaged at Fort Donelson, Port Hudson, the Vicksburg and the Atlanta campaigns. It took an active part at New Hope Church and at the poor house near Atlanta; at the last engagement it suffered terribly. The regiment was in Hood’s advance, participating at Franklin and Nashville. After this disastrous campaign it was sent to North Carolina, where it surrendered with the remnant of its numbers.

Company A, Baxter Smith’s Fourth Cavalry, was organized at Nolensville, November 1, 1862, and was sworn into service soon after. The company officers were D. W. Alexander, captain; W. H. McLean, W. C. Green and R. O. McLean, lieutenants. This company originally consisted of 107 men; but a remnant was left at the close of the war.

Company A, Starnes’ Fourth Tennessee Reg ment, was raised by Capt. P. C. Haynes. The lieutenants were Aaron Thompson, J. C. Cundiff and B. F. Boyd. On reorganization Capt. Haynes became lieutenant-colonel, and Aaron Thompson was promoted to the captaincy. The officers of Company D of this regiment were D. S. McCullough, captain; Alfred Dysart, Monroe Fisher and Dr. McCullough, lieutenants. Alfred Dysart, who had become captain, was killed at Thompson Station, and was succeeded by W. M Robinson. These men were sworn into the service in October, 1861, and were assigned duty at Camp Cheatham. A full account of this regiment is to be found in the State history.

There were three companies for Marshall, in the Eleventh Cavalry. One company was commanded by Capt. T. C. H. Miller, with E. H. Hamilton, ____ Rainey, as lieutenants. This company was raised north of Duck River and was composed of about 100 men. The second company was M. M. Swim’s company. The commissioned officers were M. M. Swim, captain; James Ferguson and James Swim, lieutenants. These men were also enlisted in the northern part of the county. A third company of this regiment was raised at Cornersville, by Capt. Gordon, of Giles County. The last named company was made up from both Marshall and Giles Counties.

The last company raised in the county was the one recruited by Captain E. J Neil. This company was raised in the nothern part of the county in 1864, and was attached to Col. N. W. Carter’ regiment. The Eleventh, above mentioned, was surrendered at Washington, Va., and Col. Carter’s regiment at Selma, Ala.

It is a noticeable fact that the cavalry and infantry forces raised in this county were nearly equal in number, and that nearly all the cavalry was from the northern part of the country, while the infantry was from the southern part.

On April 19, 1861, Capt. T. C. H. Miller was presented with an elegant flag, by the ladies of Chapel Hill. This was presented by the hands of Miss Narcissa Wilhorte, now the wife of William McLean, of Nashville. Lieut. J. B. Hunter, made an appropriate and impressive response, accepting the flag on behalf of the company. Capt. Alexander’s company also received an elegant silk flag, which was presented by Miss Anna Patterson, while the men were en route for Nashville. J. L. Orr made a speech accepting the flag, tendering the thanks of the company, and pledging their lives in its defense, saying it should never be “trailed in the dust of dishonor.”

By the act of the Legislature, creating the county, Richard Warner, William Smith, Holman R. Fowler, George W. McBride and William D. Orr were appointed commissioners to select and procure by purchase or otherwise not less than fifty acres of land for the county seat, the name of which was to be known as Lewisburg. Abner Houston donated fifty acres where the town now stands, and thus secured its location. This land was estimated to be worth $400. On the last day of November and the first two days of December, 1836, were sold 149 lots for a sum total of $22,861, over five and one-half times the estimated value of the whole fifty acres. Lot 1, Block 7, was purchased by Dale & Phillips for $735, being the highest price paid for any one lot. Willis M. Hopwood paid $700 for Lot 6, Block 5. The lowest price paid was $31.

The town was incorporated by an act of the Legislature December 16, 1737.

The first business establishment of any kind was a small grocery opposite where Col. J. H. Lewis now lives. Abner Houston was the first merchant to sell a general line of goods. Hopwood, Dabney & Co. opened up a store on the south end of the east side of the Square in the spring of 1837. In about two years R. C. Dabney, one of the firm, retired, and the business was continued by Willis M. Hopwood and W. F. McGrgor. Eli Dysart, Alexander McClure, Jack Appleby, Lorenzo Anderson and Branson Caple were also merchants before 1840. John Hatchett was the first postmaster. For several years saloons or groceries were the most numerous and most popular business establishments, and it is said that at one time there were not less than a dozen “liquor shops” in the town.

In the forties business was conducted by Abner Houston, Hopwood & McGregor, Fisher & Ewing, Hatchett & Calahan, John Major, James Webb and Samuel Ewing.

In the fifties: Fisher & Ewing, Hatchett & Calahan, John Major, James Webb, Thomas Murray, Laws & Son and Porter & Davis, among others, were the principal merchants. A considerable amount of business was transacted in those days, although there were but a few business houses.

During the war business was almost at a standstill. In the seventh decade the firms which did a general mercantile trade were Ewing & Calahan, Ewing & Bro., James Webb, John Major, Thomas Murray, R. A. Fraley and Ewing & Boren.

In the seventies Thomas Murray, Ewing & Boren, J. M. Hawkins, W. D. Fisher & Co., Neil & Dark, J. K. Davis & Co., M. C. West & Co., Autry & Braley and Montgomery Bros. were general merchants. Druggists were S. D. & J. C. C. Brents, Hardison, Brents & Murray, Elliott & Cunningham, J. A. Braley and P. L. Atkisson. Furniture dealers and undertakers were J. M. & J. H. Haynes and W. H. Wood. Nearly all the general merchants kept groceries.

Since the building of the railroad to Lewisburg, business has rapidly and firmly increased; elegant brick blocks have been built, and it favorably compares with other towns of a larger population. Present business, general merchandising, etc.-V. O. Hays, Ewing & Adams, J. M. Hawkins and J. M. Brown; groceries-J. E. McRady, Woods & McCord, J. H. Wells, J. M. Brown, J. T. Kercheval, C. C. McKinney & Son,

W. W. Miller, W. P. Irvine, G. R. Braley and T. C. Beard; drugs-J. A. Braley and T. C. Black; hardware-Hardison & Tate; hardware and grain-Woods & McCord, and Coffee, Woods & Co.; stoves and tinware-T. P. Garrett; saddlery-Willis Menifee & Co.; jewelry-John T. Murray; photographer-J. M. Patterson; livery-George W. Davis and Davis & London; blacksmith and wood shop-London & Knudson; blacksmiths-John W. Hooten, W. J. Looney & Co. and W. C. Buchanan; tan-yard-W. A. Braley; planing-mill-G. A. McClane; flouring-mill-Coffee, Woods & Co.; general produce-A. ., Brents; buggies, etc., Irvine & Black; marble works-W. H. Merritt; hotels-A. B. Stetwell (Stetwell House), and Coffey Bros. & Hardison (Coffey House); saloons-G. W. Davis, J. T. Edwards, J. M. Collins and Hendricks & Edwards; physicians-Drs. S. T. Hardison, J. B. Neil and T. E. Reed; dentist-P. D. Houston; newspapers-in 1847 the Marshall Democrat was commenced by Charles A. French, which was of short duration. The publication of the Lewisburg Gazette, by R. C. Russ, was begun in 1848, and continued about two years. Another paper, known as the Marshall Messenger, was published for a short time by Sewell & Bills. In 1859 the first number of the Southern Messenger was published. It existed until the war, and its various editors and publishers were J. H. Sewell & Co., R. Warner, Jr., and J. W. Knight, and Jo. G. Carrigan & Co. In the campaign of 1860 this paper was “an out-and-out Breckinridge sheet.” In the absence of Mr. Carrigan, the editor, for a few weeks, it was left under the editorial care of W. N. Cowden, who changed its cast and began supporting Douglas, to the deep regret of Mr. Carrigan, but with an increased patronage.

The Marshall Gazette was established in 1871 by Figures, Binford & Brandon. In 1873 it was purchased by Ewing, Armstrong & Kercheval, and in a short time Ewing & Kercheval became sole proprietors. They continue to manage it successfully. From March, 1881 to July, 1883, the Lewisburg News was published by Cowden & Reed the first month, and afterward by Cowden & Moss.

The Bank of Lewisburg was organized November 7, 1882, with a capital stock of $30,000. J. N. Sullivan was the first president, and T. W. Brents the first cashier. R. S. Montgomery was the second president, and in a short time was succeeded by R. L. Adams in September, 1885. Brents was succeeded by J. T. Dean, who has been cashier since September, 1885, at which time the capital was reduced to $20,000. The bank has a state surplus of $4,000.

The secret societies of Lewisburg are as follows: Lewisburg Lodge, No. 7, I. 0. 0. F. was chartered August 18, 1845, by the following members: Wilson P. Davis, W. F. McGregor, Brandon W. Cowden, Charles C. Shehan, Levi Cochran, S. B. Ewing, James Beckett and James Smith. It now has a membership of forty-four. Dillahunty Lodge, No. 112, F. & A. M., was instituted October 8, 1845. John W. Laws was Master; George W. Record, Senior Warden, and F. W. King, Junior Warden. Lewisburg Lodge , No. 270, K. of H., was authorized to organize by a charter dated September 5, 1876. The charter members were C. A. Armstrong, W. P. Bullock, A. N. Coffey, J. J. Murray, J. S. Nolen, R. C. Rives, H. H. Smith, R. Warner, Jr., and J. A. Yarbrough. Magnollia Lodge, No. 152, K. & L. of H., began with thirty-four members in 1880. The I. O. G. T. also have a lodge.

Lewisburg has four churches, owned respectively by the Presbyterians, Cumberland Presbyterians, Methodists and Christians. The Christian Church is a fine brick building. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, built in connection with the Odd Fellows’ Hall, is also brick. The other two are good frame edifices.

Cornersville received its name from the fact that it was located near the corners of Bedford, Lincoln, Giles and Maury Counties. The first merchandising was was done by Thompson & Wardlaw as early as 1815 or 1818. After them an Irishman named Covantry did business one year on the “credit basis ” and failed. James Haynes was among the very first to sell goods. Ephraim Massey, Bayne & Simmons and Crutcher & Marsh were merchants before 1835. In 1839 Zenas Baird began merchandising, and in 1848 was succeeded by his son, W. E. Baird, who still continues the trade. McClelland and Harris, James Moffett and John N. Patrick were prominent merchants after 1839.

Present business: W. E. Baird, James F. Kennedy and L. J. Nance are grneral merchants; John R. Jones, A. C. Clayton & Co. and John R. Fowler keep family groceries; Dr. E. A. Norton is the druggist; the physicians are Drs. L. C. Pillow, A. Jones, E. A. Norton and M. D. Kelley; the town contains but one saloon, owned by W. P. Cochran. The Cornersville Flouring-Mill, owned by Clayton, Davis & Co., was built in 1883, and is now receiving roller process improvements. The Presbyterians, Cumberland Presbyterians and Methodists each have church edifices. The Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 25, I. 0. 0. F., was chartered April 1, 1847. It now has not more than ten members in good standing. Cornersville Lodge, No. 126, F. & A. M., has about thirty members. The K. of H. also have a lodge.

Chapel Hill is located in the northern part of the county. W. S. Mayfield sold goods there about 1838 or 1840. After him J. B. Fulton did a large business for many years. Other merchants have been E. T. Williams and Williams & Glenn. At present the merchants are William Branson and W. B. Glenn. John Williams has a drug store. Chapel Hill Lodge, No. 160, F. & A. M., was chartered in 1848 or 1849, and is now in a good financial condition. The Odd Fellows once had a lodge. The village contains three church buildings, owned, respectively, by the Christians, Methodists, and Cumberland Presbyterian orders.

The physicians are Drs. Womack, A. B. Robinson and J. W. Morton. Earlier physicians have been J. H. Robinson and J. S. Gentry.

Farmington is said to be the oldest town in the State south of Duck River. It was not incorporated, however, until 1830, but as early as 1809 several settlements were made so near together as to present the appearance of a village. It has many years since given up its charter. Its name was derived from its being a “town of farmers,” or being in a splendid farming region. From 1823 to 1830 Eakin & Co. did a good business, and in 1830 William J. Whitthorne began merchandising. John Ramsey managed the business for these firms from 1828 to about 1835. Lile A. Ewing and William and Abram Robinson were successful merchants before the war. Since then Hoyle & Carpenter, Boren & Erwin, Carpenter & Montgomery and Neil & Shearin have done business. At present John Ramsey & Son and Robinson & Liggett are general merchants. W. C. Ransom is the practicing physician. John Ramsey has lived at Farmington since 1823, and is now ninety years old.

Verona, first known as Tyrone, began its village life in 1859. However, J. L. Ewing had a store and mill there forty years ago. Since a short time after the war it has been known as Verona. Merchants have been Houston & Stilwell, Fisher & Robinson, H. C. McQuiddy and Borean & Bro., the last two of whom are now there. A flouring-mill is owned by Regen & Bro. The village contains a saddlery, a blacksmith and wood shop and two churches.

Belfast is the first station on the railroad southeast of Lewisburg. Muse Bros. were the first merchants in 1838. Others were Robert Williams and Smiley & Armstrong. J. L. Orr and James Sims are the business men at present. At “Old Belfast,” Robert Williams had a store for many years but it was moved to the station when the railroad was built.

Caney Spring has two stores, one blacksmith shop and a carding factory. A Methodist Church is located near. Caney Spring Lodge, No. 94 was in existence in 1858. The trustees were William McLean, J. W. Carson, J. M. Taylor, J. King, and W. S. Allen.

Holt’s Corner, a small village in the extreme northern part of the county, has two stores, a blacksmith shop, two cotton gins, a Methodist Church and an academy.

Spring Place has been a village for many years. Since about 1875 the postoffice has been known by the name of Archer. It is located on the headwaters of Richmond Creek. Archer Beasley has a store and McBride & Compton have a saw and grist-mill.

South Berlin dates its beginning with the building of the railroad. It began with one store owned by W. A. Jackson and a blacksmith shop, and has succeeded in “holding its own.” Old Berlin, which was near where South Berlin now is, was a good business village and was once incorporated before the war. It does not now exist.

Mooresville was a good business village before the war. S. B. Howlett was a very successful merchant for about forty years. William Bryant, now there, has been a merchant for many years. The place took its name from Ashley Moore who lived there in early days.

Silver Greek, a railroad station at the Maury County line, has a store kept by R. C. Harris, and a blacksmith shop by W. N. Hammonds.

Rich Creek, located between Chapel Hill and Farmington, has two merchants–J. W. Boren and D. A. Reavis. There are several country stores in the county known by the following names: Robinson Fork, New Hope, Lunn’s Store, Beasley, Delina, Lillard’s Mills and Cochran’s Mill. The mill at the last mentioned place was built by Levi Cochran. It is a saw and grist-mill. Lillard’s is a flouring-mill.

The Lewisburg Male Academy was incorporated by an act of the Legislature January 18, 1838, by James C. Record, G. W. Haywood, William McClure, B. G. Blackwell, William Williams, H. B. Kelsey, Stephen C. Chitwood and David McGaughey. The house was a two-story brick building and stood on the lot now owned by Richard Warner. The lot on which the academy stood was donated by the town commissioners. This was the Principal school for boys until the opening of the war. The Female Academy originated in about the same manner as the Male Academy. The first building was a one-story frame structure, of two rooms. This school supplied the wants of the county till it was closed by the war. Marshall Academy was established February 5, 1842, under the law providing for county seminaries. The trustees of Marshall Academy were J. C. Record, George W. Haywood, James Osborn, Levi Cochran, Thomas Ross, Benjamin Williams and John Paxton. The trustees were made perpetual by law, as in the above institutions. Marshall Academy never fulfilled the expectations of its friends.

The two academies at Lewisburg were sold and the Lewisburg Institute erected in their stead in 1875. The building erected was a three-story brick, but the walls threatening to give way, the upper story was taken down and a two-story building made of it. The first trustees were W. G. Loyd, R. A. Ogilvie, Joe McBride, James A. Woods and W. R. Kercheval. The school was managed as a Masonic institution. The building was purchased by Rev. C. R. Darnell, who conducted a school in the building until his death. The school next became a joint-stock concern, and a school was conducted in it till 1882, when the building was burned. In 1883 a new two-story frame building was erected. This is also a stock concern and is managed by Prof. J. B. Haynes, county superintendent. This is managed as a consolidated school so long as the public funds hold out. The school is divided into three departments: literary, music and art. The faculty embraces J. B. Haynes, A. B., principal; W. W. McLean, B. S., Miss Emma Kercheval and Miss May F. Whitsitt, assistants in the literary department; Mrs. Fannie Brown, music; Miss Sallie Cayce, art. The curriculum embraces a course of ten years and includes the sciences and the ancient and modern languages.

The report of the scholastic population for that year shows the whites to amount to 3,874, the colored to 1,623; total 5,497. The number enrolled 3,000, the, number in attendance 2,250. The total number of white teachers employed 46, the colored 11; total of both 57. The State fund for the same year was $2,564, county, $8,006.73; total, $10,570.73. The report for 1883 gives a male white population of 2,597; female, 2,597; total, 4,943. Colored male, 837; female, 1,615; grand total, 6,558. The last report shows a white male population of 2,861; female, 2,646; total, 5,507. Colored male, 979; female, 905; total, 1,884; grand total, 7,341. The same report shows an enrollment of 5,849, or over 787. The number of days of school is 97; the average compensation for teachers per month, $36.38 The total number of schoolhouses in the county is 38. The number of schools in the county is 85. In these are employed 84 white and 20 colored teachers. The estimated value school property is $14,053. The expense for running the schools for 1885-86, including repairs on buildings, teachers salaries, etc., was $12,503.18. Superintendent Haynes has prepared a manual of rules and regulations and a course of study for the public schools which is a well studied work and is destined to materially aid the county teachers in their work. The sentiment and the schools of Marshall have a tendency onward and upward.

Consolidated schools are found in most all the towns and villages of the county; in addition to these schools being consolidated schools, the most of them are incorporated under the “four mile law.” Enough have been incorporated to drive saloons from the county except in Lewisburg and Cornersville, which are operating under charters. The Farmington school is both a consolidated and an incorporated school. It is divided into a literary and music department. The school is under the management of prof. M. M. Gattis. A consolidated school at Cornersville consists of a literary and music course.The Cornersville schools are under the management of Prof. Bridges. The schools of Mooresville are also consolidated schools. The schools are divided into two departments, a literary and a music department. The literary department employs two teachers and the music one. The principal of the Mooresville schools is W. W. McLean. At both Verona and Belfast are consolidated schools, having the two usual courses and each requiring three teachers. The principal of the former is Prof. Luttelow and of the latter Prof. John Green. The public school system was first put into operation in 1874.

The church known as Wilson Hill or Globe Creek Church, was organized in 1811. They were formerly known as the “Schismatics.” Here was held the first and only camp-meeting by the Christians in the county. In 1844 the membership of Wilson Hill was 136, including 35 heads of families and 12 servants. The ministers at that time were Revs. Barrett and McCord; the elders A. Lavender and H. Phillips; the deacons, John Wilson and J. Robbins. This church has had a prosperous existence, but was greatly injured for the time being by the J. R. Collinsworth defection. The Year Book for 1885 gives P. Q. Houston as one of the elders, the church membership at 100, the number of Sabbath-school pupils at 50, the number of teachers and officers 6, annd the value of church property at $1,000. The Cedar Creek Church was organized in June, 1841. In a few years the membership was 101, and in 1844 it numbered 19 males, 16 heads of families and 3 servants. The house was erected in 1844, with Brother McCord as pastor, Joshua and Joel Hardison and John Fox, elders; J. Beard and S. L. Hardison were the deacons. A new church has since been built within the limits of Maury County, called Antioch, which has taken the place of Cedar Creek.

According to an authority at hand, what is now Cane Creek was separated from the association of United Baptists in 1823; another authority has it mnch later. The membership in 1844 was 126. Monthly meetings were held till 1839, when semi-monthly meetings were held. On the expulsion of Rev. Willis Hepwood all the heads of families, except John England and John Blackwell, left the church, the whole numbering nearly 500. The members followed Hepwood and built a new church, called Liberty, about one-half mile from the old church. A great revival was held at Liberty in 1851, by Rev. C. R. Collinsworth, at which there were 156 members added to the church. The present membership is reported at 80, Sunday-school scholars 30, and church property worth $1,000.

A division of Liberty Church was made in 1841, and Cane Creek organized with 45 members and a new church erected, The membership of Cane Creek is 200, Sunday-school pupils 60, and church property is worth $2,500. In 1840 there were between 30 and 40 members on Tory Creek with no house of worship, but these have united at Beech Grove or elsewhere since and a new house erected at Beech Grove. In 1828 a church was organized at Berea, near Chapel Hill, by Rev. J. K. Speer. The church soon became quite strong, numbering at one time 120 members. Among the leading members and officers were J. Biddington, J. Patton, H. Wilson, J. M. Barnes and J. A. Manire. The two last named managed a church school for a time at Berea. Owing to the overflow of the river the membership was changed to Old Lasea and Cedar Creek. The church at Lewisburg was organized in 1836, and in eight years the membership numbered 136. The first elders were J. McCord, John Harden and D. B. Bills; the deacons were J. Bills and E. R. Hoover. The first house of worship was erected in 1845, a new brick house is now building in Lewisburg at a cost of about $4,000. The present membership is 200.

The pioneer denomination of Marshall County was the Presbyterian, and its first church was Bethberei. This was organized June 1, 1810, by Rev. Samuel Findley, of Kentucky, with the following members: John, Martha and Margaret Dysart; William and Elizabeth Anderson; David McCurdy; John, Eleanor and Elizabeth Cummings; Robert and Nancy Elliott; Edward Bryant; John and Mary Holmes; John, Phidellas, James Allen, Rebecca and Mary Leiper; James and Mary Coffey; William and Ann Say; Hugh Cathey, and Francis H. Woods. Two of these, Mrs. Mary Holmes and Mrs. Mary Coffey, were living in 1860. The organization sermon was preached by the minister while standing upon a rock, near where the present church now stands, from the text “Upon this rock I will build my church,” etc. The first minister was Rev. John Gillespie, who served the church in 1811; Andrew Morrison served 1812-13; Thomas J. Hall, 1814-49; George H. Blair, 1849-53. Revs. Robert Hardin, Thomas Stone, W. J. Frierson and M. S. Kennedy have completed the service of the church till the present time, except intervals of from four months to three years. The ruling elders at first were John Dysart, F. H. Woods and Allen Leiper. The first church was made up from members who were compelled to travel from four to eight miles for a place of worship. The total number of ministers to the present time is 15; the number of ruling elders, 34; the number of deacons, 9; clerks, 7; number of members, 900; sacramental meetings, 150. Allen Leiper served as clerk of the session from 1810 to 1826; John Ramsey, now of Farmington, from 1826 to 1848; Lile A. Ewing, from 1848 to 1853, since which time James S. Ewing has been clerk. The church membership started with 28; in 1815, it was 144; in 1818, it numbered 183. A great revival occurred in 1832, which resulted in about eighty accessions to the church. Notwithstanding the number that had been separated and united into other churches, this congregation still numbers about 125 members. The Presbyterians started the Pioneer Sunday-school in this portion of the county, the Rock Creek Sunday-school, or Bethberei, having been organized in 1827. Other Sunday- schools followed at Farmington, Cedar Creek, Hopewell and Piedmont. An auxiliary Bible society was formed by this Church in 1815, which is still in existence. This church was the founder of the first temperance society in 1832, within the limits of this county. Bethberei has paid to its pastors an aggregate of $17,000; to missions, Bible cause, educational purposes, etc., a total of $23,000, making a sum of $40,000 for all purposes. In June, 1860, the church celebrated its fiftieth anniversary by a sermon from Rev. F. A. Ross, and in June, 1885, its seventy-fifth anniversary, the anniversary sermon having been preached by Rev. F. A. Thompson. In 1828 there were churches at Piedmont, or Round Hill, Hopewell, or Bethel, also flourishing Sunday-schools at each of these places, as well as at Farmington and Cedar Creek. The first members at Round Hill, or Piedmont, were Frank Woods, James Coffey, ____ Ramsey, Albert Anderson, David McClear , Bedford Woods, John Miller and others. The elders at Bethel were Robert Orr, L. D. Stockton, Alex Adams, Allen Coffey and Amzi Bradshaw. The two churches above mentioned were known as the Old and the New School, but about 1866 or 1867 the two were again united and formed what is now “Union Church.” The Rev. P. A. Atkisson is pastor. This church, like all of the Presbyterian Churches, maintain a weekly Sunday-school and prayer meeting. Its mernbership now is about 125.

The church at Lewisburg was organized in June, 1847, by Rev. Edward McLean with seven members, viz.: Dr. S. W. Penn and wife, G. B. Black, E. E. Ewing and wife, Jane Ewing, Hugh A. Hall and wife. Dr. Penn and Messrs. Hall and Black we ordained elders. The ministers have been E. T. Brantley, 1848-49; George H. Blair, 1850-52; W. C. Dunlap, 1852-53; Robert Hardin, 1854-59; W. H. Verner, 1859-70; W. T. Roser, 1870-72; J. M. Alexander 1872-75; J. T. Rothrock, 1877-80; M. S. Kennedy, 1880 to present. There have been ten elders; those now living are J. L. Reed, J. S. Ewing, A. L. Ewing, J. L. Marshall, J. A. Woods and T. C. Black. The church now has four deacons and a membership of about 100. The church at Cornersville is under the charge of Rev. M. S. Kennedy, who also preaches for the church at Lewisburg.

The pioneer Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Marshall County is Bear Creek Church, near Mooresville. This church was organized in 1814 by Rev. Samuel King. This was soon after the separation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church from the Primitive Baptist Church. The first house erected was a log building. The present brick building was erected about 1860. This is one of the strongest congregations in the county. It now numbers about 240 members. The church at Farmington was organized in 1818 by some elders and lay-members, who were seceders from the Presbyterian Church at Bethberei. This organization soon erected a house of worship. They now have a good house and a membership of about 100, A Sunday-school has been maintained since 1828. The present pastor is Rev. J. D. Braley. Beech Hill is one of the old churches. It was organized about 1840. The church is served by Rev. J. N. Holt from Eagleville. The membership is about seventy. The Richland Church was organized about 1836 by Rev. Andrew Smith. Among the first members were Richard McCrea, Henry Bishop, Moses Park and others. The membership now is about 150, with A. F. Rankin as pastor. The Cornersville Church was organized about 1830. Among the first members were Capt. W. Harris, Esq., James Hayes and ____ Park. One of the first pastors was Rev. H. B. Warner. This church now has a good house of worship and a membership of about sixty. Rev. W. A. Bridges is the present pastor. The Bethlehem Church near Berlin was organized between 1850 and 1860 by R. P. Atkisson. The church now numbers about fifty members and owns a good house, with Rev. A. F. Rankin as pastor. The Chapel Hill Church was organized in 1856. It owns a good brick house and has a membership of about eighty.

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Lewisburg was organized May 29, 1841, by Rev. Willis Burgess, who continued to labor with the church till 1849. The first elders were Elisha Hurt, William D. Fisher and James M. Bowden. Rev. N. P. Modrall, became pastor and served from 1849 to 1855; L.P. Atkisson, 1855-58 W.W.Hendricks, l858-60; P. L. Atkisson, 1860-66; S. E. Wilson, 1866-69; S. O. Woods, 1869-72; J. M. Brown, 1878 to the present.

The church had seventeen elders since its organization, the present one being Jo McBride, M. C. West, R. A. McCord and J. B. Haynes. A brick house of worship was erected some time after organization. This building is still in a good state of preservation and is still in use by the church. This congregation has had a quiet but steady growth since its organization.

Since its reorganization, in 1866, the register shows an enrollment of 194 members. The Cumberland Presbyterians were among the pioneer churches to hold camp-meetings.Two noted camp grounds of this church were Rich Creek and at Col. Levi Cochran’s.

The date of the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church South is not exactly known, but it was in the early part of the century. The class was first organized at Carmel, where a house was erected and worship held for many years, when the class was moved to Lewisburg.The class has been at Lewisburg for half a century. The class at Lewisburg belongs to the same circuit as Cornersville, and has a membership of about seventy-five. The present church at Cornersville was built in 1877, the trustees at that time were N. L. McLelland, A. W. Johnson, A. Jones, George T. Allman and J. A. Jarrett. The parsonage for this church and the one at Lewisburg is located at Cornersville.

The church at Chapel Hill was founded by Andrew Patterson between 1840-50. The church was erected in 1847. Lebanon is another one of the old churches of Marshall County. The church at that place was erected in 1844. There are also churches at Berlin, Farmington, Verona, New Hope, Macedonia, Allen’s Chapel, McCrary, Mooresville, Mount Zion and Gill’s Chapel. The Methodist Church was long celebrated for holding camp-meetings and camp-meeting revivals. One of the old camp grounds was near Lewisburg.

The Primitive Baptists have three churches in Marshall County. This respectable body of the militant was among the pioneer organizations in the county. There are now churches at Rich Creek, Stephen’s Grove and Chapel Hill. The church at Rich Creek was organized about 1835-36; the present building was erected in 1871. The membership numbers about 100. Good houses of worship have been erected at each of the other churches.

The Missionary Baptists are represented in the county by churches at Smyrna, Pisgah and one on the Mooresville Pike near Col. John Hill’s. These are old churches and have a large membership.

*For sketches, see biograpical department.

Source: The Goodspeed History of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford, Marshall Counties of Tennessee. Reprint from The Goodspeed History of Tennessee, 1886.

Transcription completed April 22, 1998, for PeaRidge Relations. Original only avaiable via the Internet Archive. Reposted here with permission.