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Madisonville, Monroe Co., TN. Feb. 2, 1911
DEPUTY-SHERIFF TOM BLAIR KILLED AT TELLICO PLAINS
HENDRIX CLINE FIRED THE FATAL SHOT ------------------------------------------ Murderer, in Company with Joe Miller, Escaped and Officers are in Hot Pursuit -- Tragedy Occurred in Cline's Pool Room -- $200 Reward Offered ---------------------------------------------- Tom Blair was killed last night. This news, which rapidly spread here on Monday morning, caused consternation and grief among our people where Deputy Sheriff T. S. Blair was so well known. It caused a like depression at Tellico Plains, where the deed occurred and where he has for nearly three years fearlessly endeavored to guard the peace of the community. And, if the reports are true, it was in keeping the peace that caused him to give his life blood. Deputy Sheriff Blair was shot and instantly killed by Hendrix Cline in the latter's pool - room at about 6 o'clock on Sunday evening January 29th. From reports received here the murder was a foul one, the dead man having no idea of his murderous intent of his slayer. The fatal shot was fired into the back of his head, the bullet inbedding itself in the roof of his mouth. From the powder burns it was evident that the pistol was not more than two to three inches from his head. From the reports by those who had been at the scene of the murder it appears that Deputy Sheriff Blair and Huch B. Cline had made preparations to go up on the late afternoon train into the lumber camps in the morning. The former missed the train, and leaving his Winchester rifle at the depot, started home. As he passed Cline's pool - room he heard an altercation in there and went in to stop it. On the inside he found Hendrix Cline and General Cline in an encounter, and in the most peaceable way parted them. Joe Miller was another party in the room at the time. After this difficulty. so it is said, Hendrix Cline asked Blair if he wanted trouble with him (Cline) or something to this effect, and Blair answered that he had nothing against him and wanted no trouble. This apparently ended the matter. The murdered man, remaining a few moments longer, was standing and reclining one elbow on the counter, and Hendrix Cline was behind the counter. Without warning, the latter placed a revolver to the officer's head and fired the latter falling and dying instantly. The murderer then began shooting at General Cline, and kept shooting as the latter retreated to the street. A quick turn at the opportune time by General Cline no doubt prevented a double murder, since a bullet plowed through his clothing near the region of the heart, barly grazing the skin. About five shots were fired at him before he got out of range. It is also believed by some that Joe Miller fired at General Cline as he retreated. Miller, by assisting in the escape of the murderer, has become an accessory to the crime, even if it should be proven that he took no active part in the affair. After the shooting, it is said that a reliable party saw Hendrix Cline and Joe Miller exchange pistols when they came out of the door. Both went to their boarding house and one of the young ladies noted the agitation of the men. Miller, so it is said went to supper table and took a piece of chicken on his plate, but, in starting to eat same the fork fell out of his hand and he immediately got up and the two men left the house. They then went to the house of Miller's father and secured horses and escaped. It is said that during all these maneuvers of the men that several knew of the murder. On being apprised of the tragedy on Sunday night, Sheriff Watson immediately secured Deputies John Mitchell of Sweetwater and Joe Henley of Madisonville and started for the scene of the trouble. Before starting on the chase, Sheriff Watson offered a reward of $200 for the capture of the men. Supplemented by Deputies Joe Tipton and Mart McKenzie and others, the sheriff's posse began the hunt. On monday afternoon it was understood that Cline and Miller were in the region of Starr's Mountain and later they had left their horses at the home of Buster Duggan. The body of Mr. Blair was taken to the home of his mother near Kincaid and was interred in the New Hope cemetery on Tuesday morning. The deceased was nearly thirty four years of age. He leaves a wife and four small children. His wife is the daughter of Mr. John Cline near Kincaid. The deceased was known as a man absolutely without fear. He has been an officer almost continuously since reaching his majority and has been recognized as one of the best and most efficient in this section. He was second choice for the Democratic nomination for Sheriff last year. A few years ago during the reconstruction of the Louisville & Nashville railroad, he shot and fatally wounded a railroad laborer who resisted him while under arrest at Vonore. He was exonerated of any blame in the hearing before the justice of the peace. At the time of this shooting there were a large number of the man's friends present and an attitude of defiance was shown the officer. For nearly three years he has been Deputy Sheriff and special officer at Tellico Plains, and performed his duty well in that capacity. It has long been the fear of friends that he would meet with foul play, since the position of officer there is fraught with danger. Hendrix Cline is about 32 years old. He is of neat appearance, has black curly hair and a scar on face. General Cline is a brother of the murdered man's wife. Hendrix Cline is no relation to either.
Submitted by: Terri Harris
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Millennial Trumpeter, Saturday, March 7, 1835
An Awful Instance of Human Depravity
Madisonville, Friday, February 27, 1835
On yesterday at the race ground in this vicinity, an affray took place between Messrs. Russell, Weaver and Mabry, in which Russell and Weaver were both badly wounded, Weaver mortally. We were not present to witness ourselves and those who were seem somewhat confused as to the report they make; the following however seems to be the fact: Russell by some means offended Weaver, and he (Weaver) attacked him (Russell) with a horse whip; upon which he stabbed Weaver, and for the infliction of which Mabry shot Russell in the arm. It is also said that Russell fired at Mabry without effect. The wounded men were brought into the tavern and the best medical aid present was called, but about 9 o'clock last night, Weaver died. Russell will probably recover. Is not the above in character with horse racing? Truly, "the wages of sin is death." Christians, you who were there--lay it to heart.
Submitted by Glenn Teffeteller
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Maryville Index (Maryville, TN) June 12, 1878
On Thursday last, the dry kiln at the saw mill of the Taylor Bros. near A.P. Gaines, on the road to Madisonville, was burned with about 15,000 or 18,000 feet of lumber, says the Monroe Democrat.
Submitted by Glenn Teffeteller
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Maryville Index (Maryville, TN) October 23, 1878
John Stowers, a colored man, now living not far from Madisonville, came from Georgia in 1865, hired with Dr. Cooke two years, then rented a farm from Dr. Upton the next two years. Then he bought 100 acres of land and paid for it, has now 300 acres of land, all paid for, and is making money every year, improving his land, and has everything comfortable about him. His success has been achieved by industry, economy, abstaining from the use of liquor and exercising good judgement in the conduct of his affairs.
Submitted by Glenn Teffeteller
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"Dwellers on Island Creek, Sixty Years Ago"
Madisonville Democrat 9-2-1942
The head or source of Island Creek is the Newt Montgomery Spring and a spring on the Old Dick Johnson place. It is also fed by springs from the S.H. Peace – now T.W. Peace – farm. This creek runs northeast, near Venore, and empties in the Tennessee River, near the Hall place. I am told it derives its name from having several little islands in the creek.
The old citizens that lived and owned land along this creek were S.H. Peace, Harris Carson, William Blair, James Cole, Mrs. Tom Jones, Joseph Summitt and Abott Robinson. The latter was the grandfather of W.O. Brakebill, and Mrs. Winnie Taylor. Mr. J.P. Brakebill, the father of these children, was married twice – his last wife being the daughter of Dan Barr, a sister of William Barr & Mrs. J.A. Sheets. To this marriage were born three children – Rankin, Louis and Mrs. Sam Holliday.
The next farm on this creek was that of William W. Porter, who was a strong Presbyterian and belonged to the Old School Church here at Madisonville. Two of his daughters were missionaries to China and Japan. He had a son who was a Presbyterian minister and was also a missionary. Mr. Porter was a successful farmer. After his death this farm was sold to a Mr. Baker, who lived there until he hanged himself in his gear room and was buried in the Old Madisonville Cemetery. It is this grave, constructed of slabs and covered by one, that the incident of the tree growing through the crack in the rock is told. This is one of the local stories that has been handed down and it is said that Mr. Baker requested his grave to be made and sealed with rock because he was possessed with a fear of someone excavating and taking his body from the grave.
This farm was owned by J.E. Brakebill, a brother of J.P. Brakebill, who lived there until the time of his death.
John and Jake Shields also lived on Island Creek and others were: John McAffrey, Itansonie Maree, JAMES MANGIS, James Lowry, James G. Harvey, who was a justice of the peace for more than half a century, and his son Fayette Harvey, who lived on the opposite side of the creek from his father.
Walnut Grove Methodist Episcopal Church, which is a very old church is located on this creek – near the Fayette Harvey farm. The land on which this church is erected was donated by Mr. Porter, whom I have mentioned before. They still have preaching in this church. Thomas G. Harvey was also agent, looking after the mountain lands owned by the Tiptons.
John Carey lived on this creek, also Phillip and Noah Moser, brothers, who each had a son named Henry.
The farmers all along this creek were honest, hardworking, people, all lived well, raising an abundant supple of produce.
*****
Note: Brakebill Family married into Moser Family. Several times.
James Cole – James Mangis m. Rebecca Jane Cole dau. of John R. Cole
John P. Moser m. Rachel Cole
Frank Moser m. Belle Cole
Joseph Summitt – husband of Hettie Ann Moser
Daniel Moser m. Margarite Summitt
Sarah Moser m. Daniel Moser
Peter Moser m. Elizabeth Summitt
J.A. Sheets – Rachel Moser m. Daniel Sheets
John Carey – Eliza A. Mangis m. Ira Carey (related???)
Philip Moser m. Julia Ann Carey
Submitted by: Yvonne Worcester
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"1910 New Hope School Picture:
Published in the Citizen Democrat, Madisonville Jan. 4, 1986
Caption under picture: "The student body of New Hope Elementary School in 1910"
First row
Roderick Bledsoe, Robert Lankford, Leslie (Bill) Watson, Ray Airheart, Lon Allman, George Tinker, James Presley, Avery Brakebill,
Clinton Tinker, Luther Summitt, Joe Gilbreath, Willie (Jersey) Shaw
Second row
Mary Lillie Lankford, Effie Bledsoe, Amanda Brakebill, Ella Summit, John K. Hicks, Marion Louise Hicks,
Ada Keller, Cora Keller, Virgy Denton, Mattie Mae Shaw, John Moses;Third row
Lon Allman, Jessee Wolfe, Alf Picklesimer, Alvin Brakebill Jr.,
Joe Wolfe, Ben Worthy, Traymore Frank, Joe Brakebill,
Hugh B. Brakebill, Brunner Wolfe;
Fourth row
Bertha Denton, Lou Denton, Hattie Denton, Laura Presley, ? , Margaret Tinker, ? , Ethel Tinker, Grace Presley,
Annie Grace Brakebill, Ola Bledsoe is the young man in the window.
William Patton Hicks, not shown, was the teacher.
Photo was loaned to the Citizen-Democrat by Mrs. L.O. (Louise) Hicks.
*****
New Hope School 1913
Published in the Citizen Democrat, Madisonville, Dec. 7, 1967
Caption under picture: "New Hope School in 1913. The teacher and student body in 1913 included (left to right) W.P. Hicks, teacher"
First Row:
Selma Worthy, Blanche Axley, Tennie Mae Axley, ? Axley,
Gladys Conner, B. Grayson, John King Hicks, Reed Airheart,
Charlie Frank, Garland Green;
Second Row:
Claude Cole, Grace Airheart, Louise Hicks, Vergie Denton,
Ada Keller, Betty Grayson, Elda Lunsford;
Third Row:
Willie Mae Worthy, Joe Conner, Ray Airheart,
Cora Keller,Avery Brakebill, Lon Denton.
Miss Hicks, now Mrs. Loyd O. Hicks, and Grace Airheart are holding the slate.
Submitted by: Yvonne Worcester
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"Sweetwater Seminary for Young Ladies"
Carson-Newman Pages
"The struggling Sweetwater Seminary for Young Ladies in Sweetwater, Tennessee, was taken under Carson-Newman's wing in 1913 to continue providing high school curriculum in music, dramatics, and speech to you women in that area.
Carson-Newman trustees from Sweetwater were interested in seeing the relationship established and their local school strengthened, but after an attempt to revitalize it, the Sweetwater institution was relinquished in 1916, due to financial strains."
Submitted by: Pacb2956@aol.com
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