A GENEALOGICAL SCRAPBOOK OF THE WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER,
PARIS, TENNESSEE 1866-1881
By Jonathan Kennon Thompson Smith
Copyright, Jonathan K. T. Smith, 2004THE WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER
(Page 22)
January 2, 1873
H. N. B. WOOD, graduate of the University of Virginia, was serving as principal of the Cottage Grove, Tenn. male-female academy; a first-class high school. Cottage Grove was a "pleasant village" twelve miles northwest of Paris, Tenn.
January 9, 1873
GREEN TRAVIS, black, fell from the Memphis and Ohio Railroad train, near Milan, Tenn., and was crushed "into a mass of jelly," January 2, 1873.
MARY E. wife of General L. M. THARPE died in Paris, Tenn., of pneumonia, Jan. 9, 1873; granddaughter of Colonel David Crockett; dau. of John Wesley Crockett.
WILLIE son of J. L. BOOTHE died Dec. 27, 1872 aged 10 years.
MARSHALL EDWIN son of I. W. H. MARTIN died near Cheap Valley, Jan. 3, 1873 aged 3 years.
W. L. PRYOR was elected mayor of Paris, Tenn., Jan. 4, 1873. L. S. MOORE was elected city recorder ["Since 1882, however, the proceedings of the municipal government of Paris have been committed to record." THE CITY OF PARIS AND HENRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE by W. P. Greene, 1900, page 17]
January 16, 1873
W. R. HEAVENS [HEAVENER], Holly Springs, Miss., married SUSAN (SUE) E. LONG, in Paris, Tenn.. January 9, 1873.
[Appearing in the WHIG-TRIBUNE, Jackson, Tenn., Feb. 1, 1873. "JOHN P. DUNLAP [born Dec. 25, 1826], late States Attorney for the Paris Circuit, and a citizen of Paris, died at the residence of his brother, in Edgefield, across the [Cumberland] river from Nashville on the 17th of January."]
(Page 23)
February 6, 1873
EDWARD ALMOND died of smallpox, five miles east of Paris, Tenn., Feb. 4, 1873; father of John Almond, recently deceased and grandfather of John Almond from whom "the whole family contracted" smallpox.
WALTER CRAWFORD married MAGGIE TRAVIS, both of Henry Co., Tenn., Feb. 4, 1873.
A destructive fire swept through much of Jackson, Tenn., January 29, 1873.
Death of Maj. Geo. Allen.
This sad event, which occurred in Georgia a few days since, leaves his family and friends in doubt, as to whether or not he was the cause of hid own violent death. He was found dead in broad daylight, in a room adjoining a public reading-room, with a pistol grasped in his hand and a bullet wound through the head.
He will be remembered by some of our older citizens, having once lived in Paris, and was for a time a clerk in the drugstore of Nathan Janes. Mrs. Alien, his mother, taught school in this place, from 1843 to 1848, and will be kindly remembered by a number of ladies now living in Henry, who were her pupils during that period.
It no doubt happened to this very clever and honorable man, like it does to hundreds who put an end to their earthly career, that he allowed the present world to take possession of his soul. Men who live only for the present life, when that disappoints them, are disposed to regard their existence as failures, and to a large extent this is true. How unwise to hazard all the interests of an eternity of being on the uncertainties of a few short days! He only is wise who lives with, his purposes all subordinate to the eternal state.
February 13, 1873
The Helena, Arkansas CLARION, Feb. 1, 1873, announced that H. C. RIGHTOR of that city married MARY C., daughter of [William] and Paralee Haskell, Tenn. state librarian, in the Methodist Church in Helena, January 31, 1873. Wedding trip to New Orleans, La.
W. H. GREER married LEANA F. HAYNES, both of Henry Co., Tenn., Feb. 5, 1873.
E. L. MORTON, Paris, Tenn., married SARAH J. CLARK, Montgomery Co., Tenn., in Clarksville, Tenn., January 8, 1873.
February 20, 1873
HENRY ALLEN, SR. died five miles north of Paris, Tenn., Feb. 17, 1873 aged nearly 80 years; native of South Carolina; died a few minutes after complaining of head pain. [The WHIG-TRIBUNE, Jackson, March 1, 1873, "The Paris INTELLIGENCER announces the death, at his residence, five miles north of that place, on the 17th of February, of Mr. HENRY ALLEN, SEN., in the 80th year of his age."]
A. C. SHAW died in a Conyersville, Tenn. grocery, Feb. 14, 1873 after drinking 8 glasses of whisky there in less than a hour's time, supposedly to "drown some trouble that preyed on his mind."
February 27, 1873
JEFF ALEXANDER died at his mill near Boydsville, Feb. 25, 1873 "from injuries received by being caught in the machinery of a saw mill." [The WHIG- TRIBUNE, Jackson, March 8, 1873: "Mr. Jefferson Alexander, an old and much esteemed citizen of Henry county, recently while cleaning his saw mill of dust with an ordinary wooden rake, let the handle get too much mixed with the saw, and it was cut into three pieces, one of which was thrown back, striking him in the abdomen, inflicting a mortal wound."]
(Page 24)
SALLIE SMITH wife of Dr. T. H. TAYLOE, died in Paris, Tenn., Feb. 14, 1873; daughter of Smith Palmer; born Weakley Co., Tenn., April 13, 1840; wife and mother. [Her tombstone in the Paris city cemetery, erected years after her death, gives her dates as 1836-1871.]
CAROLINE CRAWFORD, the black cook working for Don Alexander, experienced some indisposition after completing her evening meal and on retiring to her quarters died there, February 20, 1873.
March 6, 1873
W. H. REYNOLDS married ELIZABETH ADAMS, both of Houston Co., Tenn., Feb. 27, 1873.
JULIA wife of W. D. BRIZENDINE died Henry Co., Tenn., Feb. 16, 1873; native of Franklin Co., Va.; Baptist.
Mrs. HUGH CUNNINGHAM, widow, died in residence of her son, A. J. CUNNINGHAM, recently. Presbyterian.
Mrs. HUSSEY COURSEY died near Conyersville, Tenn., Feb. 28, 1873 of consumption, aged 26 years; member of Christian Church.
Mrs. MARTHA PILLOW died near Conyersville, Feb. 28, 1873 in 80th year of her age; native of Virginia.
JOHN MARTIN died near Conyersville, Tenn., Feb. 20, 1873 of dropsy; "an old and respected" citizen.
March 13, 1873
Very Complimentary.
At the recent close of the exercises of the Medical department of the University at Louisville, Ky., we notice that our talented young friend, Stuart S, Watson, was one of the graduates, and in addition to his diploma, received the gold medal offered by Dr. Bell for the best thesis on public and Private Hygiene. We have no doubt that the honor was well bestowed. Dr. Watson read medicine in Cottage Grove, with our esteemed friend Dr. A. P. Waterfield, and this is an indirect compliment to the latter gentleman.
We sincerely hope that Dr. Watson will in the practice of his profession, win many golden honors, in relieving the ills that flesh is heir to.
Miss BELLE CLEMENT died five miles east of Paris Tenn., Feb. 17, 1873. Cumberland Presbyterian.
HOWARD STREET died five miles north of Paris, Tenn., March 11, 1873.
NANCY wife of John ROSS died March 11, 1873, a mile NW of Paris, Tenn. "at an advanced age."
March 20, 1873
EZEKIEL THOMAS died near McKenzie, Tenn., March 18, 1873.
WILLIAM R. RENNOLDS married EMMERETTA P. WILLIAMS, Henry Co., Tenn., March 16, 1873.
March 27, 1873
JOHN W. CHILES married EMMA M. BRASWELL, Conyersville, Tenn., March 20, 1873.
T. J. BEVIL, five miles south of Paris, Tenn. was killed when a tree limb fell on him when some tree limbs were being "felled," March 25, 1873.
April 10, 1873
BENJAMIN WYNNS married Mrs. MARTHA A. MANLY both of Henry Co., Tenn., April 7, 1873.
ADAM S. HARMON died near Conyersville, Tenn., recently, in 26th year of his age.
CYRUS PERRY HARRIS died Weakley Co., Tenn., April 6, 1873; surviving were his widow and five children. "He married a daughter of Mr. Johnothan Looney, formerly a resident of Henry County and was buried at the old family graveyard where many of the Looney family and relatives now sleep."
HAYNES BRADFORD, Civil District 18, near Buchanan, Tenn. had taken up a stray sorrel mare mule.
(Page 25)
April 17, 1873
Mr. LESLIE HANDCOCK [Hancock] died near Manleyville, Tenn., April 9, 1873 aged about 70 years.
Miss MALISSIE STEMM died near Springville, Tenn., April 10, 1873 aged about 19 years.
Mr. [ ] NEWHOUSE died Henry Co., Tenn., April 11, 1873.
April 24, 1873
W. J. LEWIS married ELLEN SMILEY, both of Henry Co., Tenn., April 3, 1873.
May 1, 1873
The village of STANTON near Brownsville, Tenn. was burned April 27, 1873 in a fire started by a spark from a train engine.
May 15, 1873
W. C. WILLIAMSON, who lived a mile and a half SE of Mansfield, Tenn. went hunting and fishing with a son, May 10, 1873; he accidentally shot himself while fishing on Bear Creek, after taking the gun from its place against a tree. His widow, a daughter of Robert Wrenn, was left with three children. Missionary Baptist.
W. W. HARDY, Culvert City, Marshall Co., Kentucky, died in the residence of Dr. S. C. Edwards in Paris, Tenn., May 5, 1873 aged about 36 years.
EMMA daughter of J. B. and M. J. GUTHRIE died in Paris, Tenn., May 8, 1873 in the 17th year of her age.
May 29, 1873
W. T. DOTEY died from consumption, Manleyville, Tenn., May 21, 1873 aged about 60 years.
June 26, 1873
L. S. McKELVEY married MOLLIE VANGILLER, both of Hamburg, Ark., there, June 15, 1873.
Buchanon, Tennessee
This place is situated six miles east of Conyersville, on the Obion road. It is not a town; the name being given it as a Postoffice, before the war, but we have a dry goods and grocery store, a good school house and Church, and a thickly settled, energetic, neighborhood. The people nearly all work hard and read the "Intelligencer," the best county paper in the State. There is along this creek (Blood river) some of the finest land in the county, only needing more labor to develop it and make it a most desirable place to live. We are now very much in need of a school teacher at this place -We want a man who can teach anything usually taught in Common Schools and Academies, and one of untarnished morals and reputation.
We would be pleased to have you Mr. Editor, to visit this place and lecture on the subject of common schools as early as may suit your convenience.
Respectfully,
I. A. M.
July 3, 1873
Captain CHARLES D. [DUNLAP] COONEY, formerly of Paris, Tenn., died in Evansville, Indiana, June 28, 1873; body returned for burial in Paris. [The tombstone of CHARLES DUNLAP COONEY in the Paris city cemetery indicates that he died July 1, 1873.
Infant SON of F. C. and M. W. NOTT died in Paris, Tenn., June 22, 1873.
(Page 26)
TABITHA widow of David BRADLEY; daughter of John C. Simmons, Henry Co., Tenn. died in Gleason, Tenn., July 27, 1873.
NANCY widow of Elisha DIGGS died Henry Co., Tenn., June 25, 1873 aged 60 yrs.
July 10, 1873
Mrs. R. W. BRADLEY died near Conyersville, Tenn., June 26, 1873 aged about 50 yrs.
GEORGE HILL married MAYNIE PORTER, both of Paris, Tenn., July 5, 1873.
July 17, 1873
Dr. A. P. WARTERFIELD married JENNIE THARPE, Cottage Grove, Tenn., July 15, 1873. He was a "preacher of the gospel."
Professor H. N. B. WOOD, Cottage Grove, Tenn., and family left for Mayfield, Ky., where he would serve as president of Graves College there.
July 24, 1873
JAMES C. CALHOUN died Conyersville, Tenn., July 17, 1873. Presbyterian.
JOSEPH son of J. W. RIGGS died Manleyville, Tenn., July 18, 1873 in 18th year.
F. E. WHITE died near Paris, Tenn., July 18, 1873 of cholera; resident of Union City, Tenn. [Tombstone in Paris city cemetery: F. E. WHITE Born Oct. 2, 1842 Died July 18, 1873]
Miss REBECCA L. FRAZIER died near Paris, Tenn., July 20, 1873.
D. C. CARLTON and W. C. COONEY had been appointed administrators of the estate of JAMES and CHARLES D. COONEY by the Perry Co., Tenn. quarterly court and notified creditors to notify them of any claims against these estates.
July 31, 1873
MARY BELL wife of Taylor GATTILON; daughter of Dr. William Cooper, died Henry Co., Tenn., July 26, 1873. [Could this in fact have been TAYLOR GALION?]
Mrs. [ ] BERKELEY died at Aaron's Foundry, Henry Co., Tenn., July 26, 1873.
EDGAR son of Dr. WILSON died near Cottage Grove, Tenn., July 25, 1873 aged 4 years.
GEORGE and REUBEN KENDALL, sons of David Kendall, were drowned in Sandy River, July 26, 1873. George had slipped into the river and his brother, trying to save him, also drowned.
Petition and Order of an Election
The following constitutes a report and request of the Commissioners of the Cairo and Tennessee River Railroad, and the action of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen thereon:
To the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Paris, Tenn.:
We, the undersigned, Commissioners appointed by the Honorable Chancery Court of Henry county, Tenn., most respectfully represent that in order to secure the location of the Cairo and Tennessee River Railroad near Paris, Tenn., that it will be necessary for the corporation of Paris, Tenn. to subscribe at least twenty-five thousand dollars, in such way as may seem expedient to your honorable body, and citizens of said town.
Wherefore we ask that you order an election, to be held in Paris, Tenn., submitting of subscription to the legal voters within the corporation.Respectfully,
M. C. CHEEK, Ch'mn.
A. P. WARTERFIELD.
J. WADE BARTON
R. R. AYCOCK
S. H. CALDWELL.WHEREAS, At a meeting of the citizens of Paris, Tenn., on the 22d of April, 1873, a resolution was adopted, calling our attention to the importance of the corporation of Paris, Tenn., taking stock in the Cairo and Tennessee River Railroad Company, and an application to that effect, in writing, has been filed by the Commissioners appointed by the Chancery Court, to solicit subscriptions to said road, and
WHEREAS, We have carefully investigated said question, and have concluded that the future of Paris depends greatly upon her securing the benefits of another great public thoroughfare, and that the same cannot be obtained without furnishing material aid thereto. Therefore,
Be it Resolved, That the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Paris, Tenn., are of opinion that the great benefits to be derived from securing the said Cairo and Tennessee River Railroad through Paris, will justify a subscription to said Railroad Company of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars. The Corporation to issue Five- Twenty Bonds, bearing 8 per cent interest, to be paid annually, provided, however, that the funds raised on said bonds, shall be expended in the construction of said road in the county of Henry, and that said road, shall be located and built through the town of Paris, and that a Depot shall be located in the corporation, and
Be it further Resolved, That the corporation shall have the right to divide her stock in said road among the taxpayers of the town according to the amount of capital stock paid by each tax-payer. And be it further
Resolved, That the sheriff of Henry county be directed to open and hold, an election at the court house in Paris, Tenn., on Saturday, the 23d day of August, 1873, for the citizens of Paris to determine for themselves whether or not they will take the proposed stock in said Railroad, and that those desiring the same shall deposit their ballots with the words "For Subscription," and, those opposed shall deposit them with the words "No Subscription'' written or printed thereon.Done at a meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen July 19th 1873.
W. S. HOLSHOUSER, Recorder, Protem.
(Page 27)
The August 28, 1873 issue of the INTELLIGENCER reported that in the railroad election, the Paris citizens had voted 229 to 13 for the railroad and pledging $25,000 to its construction; looked upon as a very favorable economic factor for the locality.
August 7, 1873
THE PROPOSED CREATION OF THE NEW STATE OF JACKSON
The New State Convention at Jackson.Last week we could only give an outline of the organization of the Convention, and the preliminaries of the work to be done. We give below a condensed account of the work done by that body, the substance of which is taken from the Whig and Tribune. After the speech of Hon. Kenneth Rayner, the permanent President of the convention, which was highly spoken of and received with enthusiasm, and a response by Hon. Milton Brown, which of course was appropo, and also well received, the convention devoted itself to the work before them.
Mr. H W. McCorry, of Jackson, introduced a resolution to appoint a Central Executive Committee of nine-three from each State-with power to appoint subcommittees, address the people, and do any and everything that in their judgment, would advance the New State movement. This resolutions excited considerable debate, and many amendments and substitutes, amplifying the general idea of the McCorry resolution, were offered. The debate growing out of this resolution lasted several hours, and culminated in the adoption of an amended substitute offered by Mr. J L. H. Tomlin, of Jackson, which reads-
Resolved, That a Central Committee of five from each State be appointed, making a general Committee of fifteen, with power to appoint such sub-committees as may seem necessary in their judgement, and with power to present an address to the people of the proposed new State, bringing the same before them in all its lights, to impress them with the object designed to be attained by this Convention, amended so as to empower said committee, in its discretion, to memorialize the Legislatures and congress, so as to secure the proper legislation looking to the formation of the new State.
The amendment was offered by D. M. Wisdom, of Jackson, and was accepted by the mover of the original resolution. It was moved and carried that said executive Committee be recommended to the Convention by the delegates from each State. On motion the Chair appointed the following committee of seven on Resolutions-Mr. Gear, of Lee county, Miss., Chairman; Judge Milton Brown, Hon. F. B. Snipes and J. L. H. Tomlin, Madison Co., Tenn.; Judge Kilpatrick, of Corinth, Miss., J. W. Youngblood, of T?? county, Miss., and Moses Parris, of Bolivar, Tenn., Mr. Polk, of Hardeman county, Tenn., offered a set of Resolutions commending the movement and fixing the boundaries of the New State. They were referred to the Committee on Resolutions. On motion, the Convention then adjourned to 9 o'clock next morning; the best feeling having prevailed throughout the first day's sitting.SECOND DAY.
The Convention was called to order on Wednesday morning by the President, pursuant to adjournment-all the delegates in their seats. First in order was the report of committees. The west Tennessee delegation recommended as the Executive Committee for Tennessee, Judge Milton Brown, of Jackson, Judge James Fentress, of Bolivar, W. R. Hamby, of Union City, Judge T. W. Brown, of Memphis, and Col. A. H. Rhodes, of Lexington. The Kentucky delegation, recommended for Kentucky, John Martin, jr., of Paducah, Hon. G. A. C. Holt, of Callaway county, James White, of Ballard county, C. S. Randel, of Hickman, and B. A. Neil, of Graves. The Mississippi delegation recommended for Mississippi, John Robertson, of Desoto, W, H. Kilpatrick, of Alcorn, J. A. Cock, of Tate, G. W. Govan, of Marshall, J. B. Morgan, of Desoto. The report was received and the recommendations of the committee unanimously adopted. The President then declared the gentlemen named above the Central Executive Committee of the New State. The Committee of seven reported adversely to Polk's resolution, fixing a boundary for the New State, and recommended in lieu thereof the following- Resolved, 1st. That we deem it inexpedient at present to designate any special boundary for the New State, but think it best to leave the subject to the development of public opinion in the counties of Northern Mississippi, that those interested may decide the question for themselves. Resolved, 2nd, That we cordially invite and request the people of the counties interested throughout the entire territory in the States of Tennessee, Mississippi and Kentucky, to be comprehended in the New State, to hold public meetings in their respective counties, to give expression to public opinion, to co-operate with us in the proposed enterprise, and to confer with the Executive Committee appointed by this Convention. The resolutions recommended by the committee of seven were adopted.
On motion to reconsider the action of the Convention, on these resolutions, a lengthy debate sprung up, and a vast number of words were expended. But the Convention refused to reconsider its action.
Mr. Nesbitt, of Mississippi, offered the following resolution, which after much discussion, was adopted: "Resolved, That the Central Executive Committee be authorized and requested to call another Convention, to be composed of delegates from each county in the territory of the proposed New State, to assemble at such time and place as the said Executive Committee may decide upon.
Mr. Tomlin, of Jackson, offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted: "Resolved. That in case of a vacancy in the Central Executive Committee of each fractional portions of States-heretofore appointed-from any cause whatever, the remaining numbers of the committee shall have power to fill the vacancy."
Maj. R. B. Hurt offered the following: "Resolved, That it is the sense of this Convention, that each fraction of the States with which it is proposed to form the New State--is expected to pay its prorata of the debt of the State from which it is taken- which was unanimously carried.
On motion of W. R. Hamby, of Union City, Judge Milton Brown, of Jackson, was appointed Chairman of the Central Executive Committee.
Mr. H. W. McCorry, of Jackson, offered the following, which was adopted without a dissenting vote. Resolved, That the thanks of the Convention are due and are hereby tendered to Col. John J. Williams, of Jackson, Tenn., for his kindness in offering to draft a large and perfect map of the territory which may be included within the
(Page 28)
New State, without cost, and his offer is accepted and the map shall be preserved by the Executive Committee.
Mr. Polk, of Hardeman, moved that the press of West Kentucky, West Tennessee and North Mississippi be requested to publish the proceedings of this Convention. Carried.
A resolution thanking the officers of the Convention for their able and important service, was offered and unanimously adopted.
Mr. J. W. Youngblood, of Mississippi, then offered the following, which was passed by a rising vote, amid repeated cheers:
Resolved, That the members of the Convention tender their most heart-felt thanks to the citizens of Jackson for the very kind and generous hospitality extended to the delegates during the sitting of the Convention. The thanks of the Convention were extended to the Mobile and Ohio, Memphis and Louisville and Miss. Central Railroads for their courtesy in granting ball fare rates to delegates.
On motion, the Convention adjourned, subject to the call of the Central Executive Committee.Attest:
KENNETH RAYNER,
President.
D. M. WISDOM, R H. ALLEN, MOSE PARISH, H. C. BARNETT, J. H. VAN CULLEN AND W. T. NESBIT, Secretaries.
The subjoined comments on the affair, is from the Whig and Tribune:
THE CONVENTION.
All things considered the Convention was in every respect a remarkable success, Thirteen counties in West Tennessee, eleven in Mississippi and three in Kentucky were represented. The delegates were representative men, and with one accord deeply imbued with the grand object for which the Convention had assembled. Perfect harmony and oneness of aim, pervaded the meeting and what is still more remarkable not a single POLITICIAN could be found among the delegates. Hence the spiteful and gratuitous charge made in advance that the movement was the trick of politicians, rebounds upon its originators, who with selfish and shameless envy would kill the movement by misrepresentation rather than not kill it at all. But, thank God, office seekers, political tricksters and time servers have no interest in this grand uprising of the people, and are powerless to harm or hamper it. It began with the masses, and, by them it will be rolled on until their hopes are crowned with success.
COUNTIES REPRESENTED
The following counties were represented; McNary, Hardeman, Madison, Henderson, Carroll, Gibson, Crockett, Lauderdale, Dyer, Obion, Lake, Henry and Benton, of Tennessee. Tishomingo, Alcorn, Lee, Itawaniba, Prentiss, Marshall, Tate, Desoto, Benton, Lafayette, Tippah, of Mississippi. Making a total of twenty-four counties represented by accredited delegates. Besides there were self constituted delegates, from Kentucky, who came in obedience to the call, and explained to the Convention that but for a misapprehension West Kentucky would have been largely represented. Hence all things considered we regard the Convention a remarkable success, and feel confident that its work will lead to the desired results.
THE CROWD
There were no less than two hundred delegates in attendance, while the crowd of spectators was truly immense. By nine o'clock on Tuesday morning, Main, Liberty, Market and Lafayett streets were thronged with people and vehicles, and the universal theme of conversation was the New State. The crowd and the excitement quickened the slow blood of many a doubter, and before the evening closed, confidence in the movement illumed every brow.
Appearing in the WHIG-TRIBUNE, Jackson, Tennessee, August 7, 1873:
THE CONVENTION AND ITS WORK
The late New State Convention in this city has attracted universal attention. The gravity of the movement it inaugurated, the character and ability of its members and the remarkable harmony which pervaded its proceedings, combined to give its actions an importance that could not lightly estimated. Hence, leading journals throughout the country have discussed the movement with evident interest and in some localities with ill-disguised apprehension. The cry of failure, which the Memphis APPEAL raised with indecent haste on the adjournment of the Convention, has recoiled on that paper and its character for fairness and reliability seriously damaged. Like the boy who whistled as he passed through the graveyard, the APPEAL has shouted failure most lustily and is daily devoting from one to three columns of its space to prove an assertion which, in its secret heart, it regrets having made. The Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL has also hurled a column leader at the Convention and its work in a spirit of unfairness and ill-humored criticism which belies its assertion that "there is nothing in the movement." Also, the Nashville and Knoxville papers, backed by the Country Press of their localities, have opened their batteries upon it; all of which goes to demonstrate that there is life in the movement and grave apprehensions entertained by its opponents of its ultimate success. With more fairness and ability the papers of St. Louis, Chicago, Cincinnati, Mobile, New Orleans and other leading Western and Southern cities, have presented the movement and discussed the action of the Convention. In fact, there is scarcely a paper of
(Page 29)
the first class in the whole country but what has discussed the Convention and the merits of the New State question. Hence the cry of failure so industriously shouted by its enemies must fail to produce the desired effect, because the commonest minds know that a "failure" is never so generally and persistently fought by its enemies.
The Convention was offspring of public sentiment, the assembled will of the people and the voice of a great popular aspiration. On short notice its members assembled here as the accredited delegates of TWENTY SEVEN Counties, all animated by one desire and inspired by one hope. The attendance was large and influential, beyond the most sanguine expectations of its friends in this City and the proceedings had, characterized by a harmony, a singleness of purpose, a conservatism in debate and a dignity of manner never equaled in any deliberative body of modern times, whether religious or political. These facts of themselves are significant and give an importance to the movement that it is folly as well as unwise, to disparage. The Executive Committee, to whom the New State interests were committed, are strong, earnest, representative men, who fully appreciate the responsibility of their position; who have weighed well the chances of success or failure and who will not be intimidated by the silly pooh poohing of any one or a dozen newspapers. It will be seen that the Chairman has already called the Committee to meet in Memphis on Monday next, for consultation. This meeting will be an important one and in all probability will determine upon a line of policy which will give definite shape to the New State movement. The Committee and the friends generally of this enterprise have ample reason for confidence. West Tennessee, West Kentucky and North Mississippi occupy isolated positions with regard to their respective States and are treated more as dependencies than equals. This has been borne long enough and the people of these divisions demand the severance of ties that have been and can only be unprofitable. We have demonstrated in other issues of this paper, that West Tennessee could assume her PRO RATA of the State debt and all the responsibilities incident to her position in the New State without increasing the present rate of taxation. Indeed, a close calculation will show that in the New State her taxes would be lighter than now, even at the very beginning. We have proved that the New State would be more homogenious in interest, all its parts more equal in wealth; that it has more agricultural wealth to the square mile than any State in the Union; more railroads than any State in the South and that the people are more united, socially and politically. Thus interest, the laws of nature and a common destiny suggests the New State; for every argument applicable to West Tennessee applies with equal or greater force to both West Kentucky and North Mississippi. The arguments heretofore presented by us have never been met or attempted to be met by the enemies of the movement. Spread-eagleism, Fourth of July bombast and Sophomorcan nonsense are the only arguments yet produced by its opponents within the limits of the proposed State. Such assaults can do the movement no harm and we assure those who indulge them, that they alarm nobody.
Our Memphis cotemporaries — especially the APPEAL, AVALANCHE and LEDGER — assisted by that amiable sheet, the NASHVILLE BANNER and that erudite, polite and smiling sheet, the BROWNSVILLE STATES, continue to make themselves unhappy about the New State movement which was so numerously and enthusiastically attended in this city last week. Our sympathies are moved by the evident agonies of these papers and we heartily wish they were in a more pleasant frame of mind than they are, in regard to the matter. Their sufferings make us sad.
[In a "now" humorous sarcasm offered by the WHIG AND TRIBUTE. "If the project for the new State were to succeed, it is more than probable that the penitentiary would be located at Jackson, BROWNSVILLE STATES. We hope not, for we can get along very well without the presence of the editor of the STATES over here, even if he is confined and in striped clothes. We protest in advance against any such location as the one the STATES speaks of.]
Appearing in the August 21, 1873 issue of the INTELLIGENCER:
COUNTIES
CHIEF TOWNS
POPULATION
KENTUCKY
Ballard
McCracken
Marshall
Hickman
Graves
Calloway
Fulton
Blandville
Paducah
Benton
Moscow
Mayfield
Murray
Hickman
12,576
13,988
9,455
8,453
19,498
9,410
6,161TENNESSEE
Lake
Obion
Weakley
Henry
Benton
Dyer
Gibson
Carroll
Lauderdale
Crocket
Madison
Henderson
Decatur
Tipton
Haywood
Shelby
Fayette
Hardeman
McNairy
Tiptonville
UnionCity
Dresden
Paris
Camden
Dyersburg
Trenton
Huntington
Ripley
Humboldt
Jackson
Lexington
Decatur
Covington
Brownsville
Memphis
Somerville
Bolivar
Purdy
2,428
15,584
20,755
20,280
8,824
13,806
25,666
19,447
10,838
4,000
23,480
14,217
7,772
14,884
25,094
76,338
26,145
18,075
12,726MISSISSIPPI
DeSoto
Marshall
Alcorn
Tishomingo
Prentiss
Tunica
Panola
Tippah
Itawamba
Monroe
Chickasaw
Pontotoc
Calhoun
Lafayette
Yalobusha
Grenada
Talahatchie
Bolivar
Hernando
HollySprings
Corinth
Iuka
Brownsville
Austin
Batesville
Ripley
Fulton
Aberdeen
Houston
Pontotoc
Pittsborough
Oxford
Coffeyville
Grenada
Charleston
Beulah
32,021
29,416
10,431
7,350
9,438
5,358
20,754
20,727
12,500
22,631
19,849
20,500
10,561
18,802
13,254
10,579
7,852
9,732
This gives us, if we are correctly informed, forty-four counties and an aggregate population of seven hundred and twenty thousand eight hundred and eighty-six; but to this we may make an addition of ten percent, giving us in round numbers eight hundred thousand. The district named embraces a fine upland and valley country, abundantly blessed with navigable streams and intersected by railways either completed or in prospectu. The population is for the most part intelligent, and many of the counties boast a high degree of culture, wealth and morality.
(Page 30)
[The new-state convention held in the courthouse in Jackson, Tennessee, July 29-30, 1873 was lightly attended, particularly by the Kentucky delegates, and while there was enthusiasm for the movement it was adhered-to by a minority only. (MEMPHIS DAILY AVALANCHE, July 31, 1873) A majority of the regional newspapers ridiculed the idea of such a separation from the three states (THE MEMPHIS DAILY APPEAL, August 5, 1873) and while there had been a date established for a further meeting at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis in mid-August, the outbreak of yellow fever in the region and so little backing for the movement that it simply fizzled out. The editors of the INTELLIGENCER were not in favor of the new-state movement, believing it would not flourish only on an agricultural economy (cotton); that the new state would be out immense expenditures of money to establish a new capitol and other government buildings, penitentiary, etc.; taken from the larger states as it would be constructed, the new state would lose much of its national power base in Congress.]
August 14, 1873
The people of Henderson county are thoroughly interested in Maj. Sykes's narrow gauge railway scheme, and are resolved to have a line lending to Memphis. Hon. Peter Pearson, for many years the representative of the county, is actively engaged in the prosecution of the task. He wields deservedly great influence, and wisely employs it in promotion of the wealth and intelligence of his people. The road is designed to constitute part of the Raleigh and Brownsville line. — Appeal.
[RESOURCES OF TENNESSEE, by J. B. Killebrew, Nashville 1874, page 1108:
Markets. There being no railroads in Henderson, the people are compelled, in a great measure, to depend upon river navigation. At least those in the eastern districts depend upon the Tennessee River, which is reached through Decatur county. Those persons living in the northern and north-western districts are convenient to the Louisville and Memphis Railroad, while those in the south-western and southern districts are nearer to the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. The markets of Henderson county are therefore Cincinnati, Evansville, Paducah and St. Louis by water, and Louisville, Memphis and Nashville by rail.
The December 4, 1873 issue of the INTELLIGENCER reported:
The Railroad Vote in Henderson County.
"We learn from various sources that on the 20th of November, the proposition to subscribe one hundred thousand dollars to the Paris and Henderson road was defeated by a small majority, said to be less than two hundred. With the financial troubles now upon us, we are only surprised that the vote against the subscription was not much larger. This only postpones the enterprise until the monetary troubles are settled. We also learn that the friends of this road in Henderson are determined that the road shall be built, and that even now gloomy as times are, liberal subscriptions are being made to this road. We have too much confidence in the intelligence of the Henderson people, to believe they will cease their efforts, until the Paris and Henderson road is completed.
If Henderson is to have railroads at all, if the fine resources of that county are to be developed, ??? stands first on the list in importance. It opens up to her people communication with Nashville, St. Louis, Cincinnati and Memphis, by more direct roads than any other plan, besides her southern outlets to Mobile, New Orleans and the Gulf. We cannot see how the Henderson people can make any considerable progress without this road. She will no doubt need the Tennessee River and Jackson road in the future.
We would put no obstacle in its way, neither would we dictate to the intelligent masses of Henderson, as to their own matters. Yet we in common with very many of her own people feel assured that without the Paris and Henderson road, Henderson county cannot find what she so much needs; cheap and direct transportation for her productions. We have every confidence that with the return of financial confidence and prosperity, that the Henderson people will vote and subscribe the required amount to build this road. The people of Henry and Carroll will co-operate most heartily.
(Page 31)
J. B. RILEY, formerly of Water Valley, Miss., died in west Paris, Tenn., August 10, 1873.
WILLIAM ARTHUR son of John D. and Sallie ADEN died August 10, 1873 aged 22 months.
JANE wife of Dr. ED. TALIFERRO died New Market, Alabama, August 9, 1873; body returned for burial at Bird's Creek Church in Henry Co., Tenn.
WILLIAM HORN, SR. died six miles south of Paris, Tenn., August 11, 1873 aged 76 years.
Mr. [ ] IRWIN, veteran of the War of 1812, died five miles north of Paris, Tennessee, August 15, 1873.
W. T. KEY committed suicide by pistol shot to the head, in the North Fork community of Henry County, Tenn., August 6, 1873.
HENRY M. LITTLE, Waverly, Tenn.. married MAGGIE BRODRICK, Humphreys Co., Tenn., at Henry Station, Tenn., August 12, 1873.
A. HORACE WILLIAMS married HATTIE M. ALEXANDER, both of Henry Co., Tenn., August 12, 1873.
August 21, 1873
CHARLES A. KENNADA married LUCY F. JONES, both Kentuckians, in Paris, Tenn., August 16, 1873.
P. F. SHELL, McKenzie, Tenn. married JENNIE P. daughter of William M. MILLIKEN, Henry Co., Tenn., at Crowder's Chapel, August 17, 1873.
JAMES C. COLLINS died Spring Hill, Henry Co., Tenn., August 16, 1873; "quite young."
ELIZABETH wife of James SUTHERLIN, formerly of Paris, Tenn., died in Union City, Tenn. of cholera, August 17, 1873.
August 28, 1873
THOMAS MATHIS died Henry Co., Tenn., August 21, 1873 in 77th year of his age. [There is a genealogy entitled, A LEONARD MATHIS FAMILY HISTORY, by Sue M. Frost, 1994, in the Tennessee Room of the Rhea Library, Paris, Tennessee.]
Miss SARAH ALLMOND died August 22, 1873 aged about 35 years.
BENJAMIN PUCKETT died in his residence, August 15, 1873.
September 4, 1873
T. A. R. NELSON "is dead."
BIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY OF THE AMERICAN CONGRESS, 1774-1971, Washington, D. C., 1971, page 1465:
NELSON, Thomas Amos Rogers, a Representative from Tennessee; born in Kingston, Roane County, Tenn., March 19, 1812; completed preparatory studies, and was graduated from East Tennessee College in 1828; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1832 and commenced practice in Washington County, Tenn.; served two terms as attorney general of the first judicial circuit; presidential elector on the Whig ticket of Clay and Frelinghuysen in 1844 and of Taylor and Fillmore in 1848; appointed commissioner (diplomatic) to China March 6, 1851, and resigned July 2, 1851; elected as a Unionist to the Thirty-sixty Congress (March 4, 1859-March 3, 1861); reelected to the Thirty-seventh Congress, and while en route to Washington to take his seat, during the Civil War, was arrested by Confederate scouts, conveyed to Richmond as a prisoner, paroled, and allowed to return to his home; upon the advent of the Union Army into East Tennessee in 1863 he moved to Knoxville; delegate to the Union National Convention at Philadelphia in 1866 and to the Democratic National Convention at New York in 1868; one of the counsel who defended President Andrew Johnson in his impeachment trial in 1868; elected judge of the State supreme court in 1870 and served until his resignation in 1871; died in Knoxville, Tenn., August 24, 1873; interment in Gray Cemetery.
(Page 32)
The Rev. SAMUEL A. LOVE died Henry Co., Tenn., August 29, 1873.
MATHEW JONES died in north Henry Co., Tenn., August 30, 1873; allegedly a wealthy man.
NANCA [NANCY] widow of Thomas RAY died August 30, 1873; a "very old lady," whose husband had been "killed last year by a runaway team." [She was listed as AMY RAY who died August 28, 1873 in Henry County Will Book J, page 517. In the 1860 (July 16) U. S. Census, Civil District 7, Henry Co., Tenn., Thomas Ray is given as aged 64 years, born in North Carolina; AMY RAY, given as aged 64 years, born in Virginia.]
SARAH wife of Levi PFLUEGAR died Henry Co., Tenn., August 29, 1873 aged 33 years; their daughter, LULAH C., died July 31, 1873 aged 2 years.
September 11, 1873
CLARA daughter of Charles M. WHITE died near Paris, Tenn., Sept. 6, 1873.
SARAH ELIZABETH infant daughter of R. D. and Angeline COLLINS died five miles north of Paris, Tenn., Sept. 6, 1873.
Mrs. CAROLINE McCLURE died three miles west of Paris, Tenn., Sept. 8, 1873; wife and mother.
September 18, 1873
ISAAC G. DAVIS married Mrs. SUSAN B. MELTON, west Paris, Tenn., Aug. 11, 1873.
J. A. WINSETT married MOLLIE ARBUCKLE, Henry Station, Tenn., Aug. 15, 1873.
WILLIAM T. JONES died Civil District 21, Henry Co., Tenn., Sept. 13, 1873 aged about 32 years; surviving were his widow and four children.
THOMAS A. BRUCE died Paris, Tenn., Aug. 14, 1873 in the 61st year of his age; burial in Paris cemetery with Masonic funeral. Methodist. [His tombstone dates: 1810-1873]
September 25, 1873
J. M. PARISH married MARY F. PARISH, both Kentuckians, in Henry Co., Tenn., Sept. 2, 1873.
WILLIAM C. MORES married ARIEL UPCHURCH, Henry Co., Tenn., August 17, 1873.
REBECCA HILL died in residence of her son-in-law, W. F. NANCE, Henry Co., Tenn. Sept. 24, 1873 aged about 79 years.
WILLIAM T. JONES died Chanceford, Henry Co., Tenn., Sept. 14 [13 ], 1873. Born in Virginia, Oct. 22, 1838; came with her widowed mother to west Tennessee; surviving were his widow and five children.
Tribute of respect in memory of CHARLES D. COONEY, by fellow members of Masonic Lodge 108, Paris, Tenn.; undated; he was "born and reared in our midst."
General W. C. CARTER, proprietor of the Carter House, Paris, Tenn., died Sept. 21 1873 of congestion; husband and father.
SALLIE LOVE daughter of W. C. and L. T. DIGGS died Sept. 13, 1873 aged 1 year and 21 days old [born August 12, 1872].
October 2, 1873
SABRINA wife of W. G. THOMPSON died in north Henry Co., Tenn., Sept. 28, 1873.
(Page 33)
October 9, 1873
Colonel R. S. RUSSELL died in west Paris, Tenn., Oct. 4, 1873; proprietor of the Thompson House [hotel].
Mrs. SARGENT McELRAY died Henry Station, Tenn., October 5, 1873.
October 16, 1873
A Sad Occurrence — a Young Man Killed.
At the camp ground at Beaverdam, Benton county, on last Sunday, a most lamentable incident occurred. While the meeting was in progress, two young men who had a few days previous had a personal difficulty, and perhaps a fight, met at the spring.
Their names arc C. Arnold, son of the hotel keeper at Camden, and a young Hargis, both of Benton county, and both yet in their minority. A quarrel ensued, in which Arnold is said to have used very abusive language, which Hargis bore without making much reply, calling on bystanders to notice what Arnold was saying. Matters progressed in this manner for a while, when Hargis drew a pistol and shot Arnold dead, firing three times two shots only taking effect.
Hargis walked off immediately after the shooting and had not been arrested at last accounts, although several parties were pursuit. These are the facts as we learn them from one who was on the ground at the time but did not witness the shooting.
[CONGO (CONNIE) P. ARNOLD, a handsome youngster was shot to death by Henderson Hargis at the Beaverdam Campground in an argument over a girl, ELLA WEATHERLY, whom they both liked. His remains were first buried in the Arnold family grave yard in Beaverdam valley of Benton Co., Tenn., but were later moved to the Camden cemetery and placed beside his parents there. His tombstone dates are given as born July 31, 1854 and died [killed] October 12, 1873. ELLA WEATHERLY was about fourteen years old in 1873; a daughter of Joseph Weatherly of Civil District 10, Benton County, Tennessee. She later married C. K. Hudson.]
THOMAS OWEN died Civil District 25, Henry Co., Tenn., October 13, 1873.
GEORGE SADDLER, Memphis, died in west Paris, Tenn., of yellow fever, Oct. 14, 1873.
JOHN S. ORR married E. B. DANIEL, both of Paris, Tenn., Oct. 15, 1873.
Mr. McKENZIE, original owner of the land on which the town of that name was established died there October 9, 1873. [JAMES MONROE McKENZIE, February 14, 1818-October 9, 1873]
October 23, 1873
Dr. J. T. MATHIS, physician for ear and eye diseases, established his practice in Paris; office on north side of the court square. [He was an 1867 graduate of the Bellvue Hospital (medical department) in New York City.]
ROBERT T. HELM married JOSIE S. JANES, near Paris, Tenn., October 16, 1873.
Dr. T. H. TAYLOE married S. M., daughter of J. W. CROCKETT, dec., in Paris, Tenn., October 16, 1873.
G. A. McDOUGALD, formerly of Huntingdon, Tenn., died of yellow fever in Memphis, Tenn., October 10, 1873.
October 30, 1873
FANNIE OWEN daughter of John H. and Alice VANDYCK died Ouachita Co., Ark., Oct. 8, 1873 aged 1 year and 3 months old.
MARIAH wife of Thomas DUNN died near Conyersville, Tenn., Oct. 20, 1873 aged 44 years.
Mrs. [ ] RUSSELL widow of Colonel R. S. Russell died in west Paris, Tenn., Oct. 27, 1873; wife and mother.
(Page 34)
November 6, 1873
SUSAN CAROLINE GODSEY "known as the Sleeping Beauty" died in the residence of her mother in Obion Co., Tenn., November 3, 1873, aged about 31 years. Afflicted with coma-like state for twenty-four years.
ALEXANDER third son of Dr. James D. and Harriet J. PORTER died in Peoria, Hill Co., Texas, Sept. 24, 1873 aged 13 years and 11 months [born in October 1859].
ANDERSON STURDIVANT died Henry Co., Tenn., Nov. 5, 1873. Born Warren Co., N. C., August 14, 1794; moved to Henry County, 1832; surviving were two sons and a daughter.
Mrs. H. F. McCULLOUGH died suddenly in west Paris, Tenn., Oct. 30, 1873; surviving were her widower and one child.
November 13, 1873
GEORGE L. HARRIS son of Judge W. A. Harris, born Henry Co., Tenn., 1844; died in the latter part of October 1873 in San Antonio, Texas from consumption; nephew of ex-governor Isham G. Harris.
A. C. wife of Rev. J. R. WILLIAMS died Henry Co., Tenn., Oct. 30, 1873 aged about 49 years.
MARY wife of A. W. RUSSELL; daughter of Lesly Hancock; died near Elkhorn, Henry Co., Tenn., November 9, 1873.
JACOB HOOFMAN, native of Virginia, died in Civil District 19, Henry Co., Tenn., Nov. 6, 1873 aged 90 years; had been blind for over two years.
November 27, 1873
J. A. LONG married IDELLA RONEY, Gleason, Tenn., November 13, 1873.
THOMAS A. COVINGTON married JESSIE VIOLA daughter of Dr. J. LANDIS, in Paris, Tenn., November 25, 1873.
December 4, 1873
Six stores on the north side of the Brownsville, Tenn. public square had burned November 27, 1873.
I have 78 Acres of Land 1/2 mile from Milan, Tenn., lying just outside the corporation; 80 acres cleared under good fence; balance in timber; one log house with three rooms on it. I will sell the farm for $40 per acre, $1,000 cash and balance in one and two years, with six per cent interest. I also have another tract of 162 1/2 acres, lying a few miles east of Milan, all in timber, which I will sell for $15 per acre, one-third cash, balance in one and two years, with six per cent interest.
J. V. HARRELL.
December 18, 1873
JOHN W. TREVATHAN married MARTHA POE, New Albanby, Henry Co., Tenn., Dec. 16, 1873.
GEORGE N. HELM, Henry Co., Tenn., married ANNIE R. CATLELL [Catlett?], Hickman, Ky., there, December 9, 1873.
Return to Contents