MAGISTERIAL RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT AND OTHER RECORDS
MADISON COUNTY, TENNESSEE
By Jonathan K. T. Smith
Copyright, Jonathan K. T. Smith, 1996

MAGISTERIAL RESOLUTIONS OF RESPECT

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            For most of its history, Madison County, Tennessee has been governed largely through its county court, composed of magistrates elected from the several civil districts in the county. This court met quarterly, in January, April, July and October of each year. (The actual sessions usually extended over a month or six weeks period.) Later the magistrates convened once a month to conduct business and their successors continue to do so. The county court conducted the business of the county (local laws and regulations relating to taxes and the operation of county public agencies) and drew its membership from almost every strata of local society. Since constitutional reform of 1978 the members of the county court, with the same basic responsibilities, comprise a board of county commissioners. Its members are elected from commissioner districts. The individual members of the older county court were addressed as Esquire, following by his or her name but this was abbreviated in actual conversation to "Squire" So and So. Now the members are called commissioners.

            Occasionally the county court would memorialize through resolutions of respect a member of the county court, an elected official or a private citizen who had died. A committee, usually of three magistrates, met and composed the resolutions after which these were presented to the entire magisterial body for adoption. Most of these resolutions were recorded in the official county court minutes and as often as not were published in the local newspaper and as well copies were furnished the families of the deceased persons.

            While some of the resolutions appear to have been perfunctory, an expected expression of respect, most of them were evidently sincere declarations resulting from respect for the individual who had died. At least in the history of Madison County this was not an abused custom.

Men and women with their fervor and heroism, their steadfastness and suffering, their folly and stupidity, their greatness and meanness, make history.                                              -- Clayton & David Roberts

 

1.
JOHN ADAMS
THOMAS JEFFERSON

Madison County Court Minute Book 2, page 126. August 12, 1826.

During this session of the county court the following resolutions were drafted by the magistrates, who were William Williamson, James Greer, James L. McDonald, Duncan McIver, Robert Lowry, Richard H. Burks, James McKnight, Martin Wiggs and Jeremiah T. Rust; as well as the Bar and for a large number of the local citizenry:

 

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            WHEREAS intelligence has been received of the decease of those distinguished men THOMAS JEFFERSON and JOHN ADAMS on a day calculated to awaken and call forth the noblest feelings of the human breast; on a day which every American so long as a ray of patriotism and love of liberty finds a resting place and a home in his heart will hail with gratitude and enthusiastic delight. And so long as these feelings are cherished and kept in rigorous life with the freedom and happiness we now enjoy continue to be our heritage, our birthright. But when in the full enjoyment and possession of all the privileges and benefits which we are heirs to if we do not often recur to the memory and the lives of those illustrious men to whose exertions and sacrifices we are indebted to them all we would lose to ourselves and to all the high feelings which should belong to free men. In looking back to those stormy times which tried the souls of men, times in which a great political convulsion raised up and established a nation of free men, none save /except/ one only /George Washington ?/ shone more conspicously than these two great men whose loss we now deplore upon the sea of revolutionary storm and tempest. At a time when tyranny and superstition forged their heaviest claims to fetter the human mind and keep the great mass of people in a base state of vassalage and degradation a Jefferson and an Adams dared to think that by the law of nature and nature's God man of right should be independent & should be free! To these high aspirations and noble darings we are indebted for our present happiness and prosperity. We owe them much. They have our gratitude, our admiration and love. RESOLVED that we do in common with the great body of the American people feel with the deepest sorrow, the nation's bereavement in the death of these two illustrious patriots and able advocates of civil and religious liberty who by a remarkable coincidence have departed like twin spirits to that bourne from whence no one is permitted to return on the anniversary of a day consecrated by a nation's birth. RESOLVED that in respect for the memory of these great men we will wear crape on the left arm for thirty days. /THOMAS JEFFERSON and JOHN ADAMS both died on July 4th 1826./

 

2.
JAMES B. CONGER

Madison County Court Minute Book 12, page 195. November 7, 1871. Although not a formal resolution of respect, this court action is noted here as an expression of respect:

When it being announced /after the court convened/ that the father-in-law of the chairman of this court /Joel R. Chappell/, JAMES B. CONGER, an aged and highly respected citizen of Jackson, had this morning departed this life, it was ordered that as an expression of sympathy and respect the court should adjourn until after his burial on tomorrow. Court adjourned.

James B. Conger, born May 22, 1792; died Nov. 7, 1871."He was a man of strong convictions, had strong sympathy for the destitute and afflicted." (HISTORY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, JACKSON, TENNESSEE, 1837-1912, by Henry Clay Irby, 1912, page 30)

James B. Conger was father of Philander Drew Whitville Conger (1819-1902), a businessman of Jackson for many years. (For family relationship, see Madison County Deed Book 7, page 313.) A great- grandson of P. D. W. Conger, Robert Conger (born 1928), was mayor of Jackson, Tennessee, 1967-1989. (For biographical sketch of Robert Conger, see Marquis WHO'S WHO IN AMERICA, 1964-1965, page 409.)

WHIG-TRIBUNE, Jackson, Nov.11, 1871:

DIED,         At his residence in this city, on Tuesday, the 7th inst., Maj. J. B. Conger, in the 80th year of his age.         Maj. Conger was born in North Carolina but had been a citizen of this county and city for over 40 years. He was one of the pioneers of the "river country," and one of the few landmarks of its early settlement left. A man of the highest order of ability, and of the profoundest learning in the sciences, he was for many years a valued contributor to the Scientific American, and many of his articles in that paper were republished in the leading scientific journals of Europe. With a mind capable of shining with the brightness of the sun, in the highest spheres of genius, yet from modesty he walked in the quiet and more peaceful paths of life. We but utter the truth when we say that he had a mind of vast scope and research, and that had ambition so directed or for___ _____, the world might to-day be filled with his name. But with all his learning and genius he was a pious Christian, devoted to his church, and the noble charities of religion. A man of inflexible _____, of stern convictions of duty, yet ___ _____, he commanded the respect of all. In his death the world of science has lost one of its ablest and most devoted scholars, and this city a distinguished and useful citizen. He fell asleep in the fullness of years and honors, and whilst we sympathize with his afflicted family in there bereavement, yet we know that the old man is resting well. Peace to his ashes.

 

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3.
HENRY BARRIER

Madison County Court Minute Book 13, page 333. October 6, 1874. Esq. F. A. Keelan rose and announced to the court the death of his former associate justice, HENRY BARRIER, Esq. who departed this life on the day of August 1874 and offered the following resolution which was unanimously adopted. Whereas this court has heard with feelings of profound regret the sad intelligence that Henry Barrier, late a member of this court has departed this life. Therefore, Resolved that a committee of three members of this court be appointed to draft suitable resolutions of respect to the memory of our departed associate; and F. A. Keelan, A. S. Rogers and J. R. Chappell appointed /to be/ said committee.

page 335. October 6, 1874.

The committee appointed to draft suitable resolutions of respect to the memory of HENRY BARRIER, decd. reported the following, which were unanimously adopted, to wit. Whereas it appears to this court that Henry Barrier Esq. late a member thereof departed this life on the day of August 1874 and whereas it is proper that those who survive the dead and have been associated with them and therefore are familiar with their virtues, should transmit the recollection thereof to posterity and whereas Henry Barrier Esq. was the oldest member of this court and was a faithful and honest servant of the public and an upright citizen and therefore entitled to the respect and kind remembrance of the citizens of the county it is Resolved that by his death the county has lost an upright citizen, an honest and conscientious man and a faithful public servant, virtues which should be remembered. Resolved that the sympathies of this court be tendered to his bereaved family and personal friends. Resolved that as a mark of our respect for the memory of the deceased, that these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this court, a copy thereof be furnished the immediate family of our departed brother and also that a copy of the same be furnished the city newspapers for publication. Resolved further that Cornelius C. Ruddle Esq. a member of this court be and is hereby appointed a committee to present a copy of these resolutions to his family and our kind remembrance of his name.
F. A. Keelan, A. S. Rogers, J. R. Chappell, Committee, Oct. 6, 1874

Note:
HENRY BARRIER is buried in Shady Grove Cemetery near Mercer, Tennessee, with tombstone bearing his dates: January 1, 1807-August 12, 1874.

 

4.
SAMUEL D. BARNETT

Madison County Court Minute Book 14, page 504. April 15, 1878. J. D. Pearson having announced to this court the death of SAMUEL D. BARNETT its late Clerk, a committee consisting of J. D. Pearson, J. L. Phillips and J. C. Harris was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the feelings of this court in regard to so sad an event; who thereupon retired and after proper consultation returned into this court the following resolutions, to wit:

Whereas this court having learned with profound sorrow that SAMUEL D. BARNETT who had for nearly four years been the Clerk of the County Court of Madison County is dead, does therefore resolve that by his death the County of Madison has lost a useful citizen and a most accomplished and efficient officer, who by his uniform urbanity of manner, kindness of disposition and faithful attention to his official duties, had in an eminent

 

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degree endeared himself to this court and to this community, that his official place can with difficulty be filled. That this court hereby tender to his bereaved wife and to his relatives, its sincere condolence; that these resolutions be entered on the minutes of this court, that a copy thereof be furnished to his wife and that they be published in the county papers.

Note:
SAMUEL D. BARNETT is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, with tombstone bearing the information that he died April 3, 1878, aged 45 years.

 

5.
FLORIDORE ALEXIS KEELEN

Madison County Court Minute Book 14, page 505. April 15, 1878.

The death of F. A. Keelan (He actually spelled his name Keelen.) late a member of this court having been announced, J. D. Pearson, J. L. Phillips and J. C. Harris were appointed a committee to express the sense of this court in regard to that mournful event by suitable resolutions, thereupon presented the following, to wit:

Whereas F. A. KEELAN, who was for a long period of time a prominent and esteemed member of this court, has departed this life and impressed with a lively remembrance of his many enobling /sic/ virtues, this court doth therefore resolve, that by his death the county of Madison has lot a valuable citizen and a faithful magistrates; That this court sympathizes with his family in its bereavement; That these resolutions be entered on the minutes of this court, that a copy of the same be furnished to his family and that they be published.

Note:
FLORIDORE ALEXIS KEELEN is buried in the Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Denmark, with tombstone bearing his dates: Feb. 6, 1825-Apr. 11, 1878.

 

6.
B. FRANK YOUNG, SR.

Madison County Court Minute Book 19, pages 285-286. October 2, 1893. The commissioners appointed at the July term of this court to draft resolutions in regard to the death of B. F. YOUNG submit their report which is received and adopted by this court and is as follows:

Be it remembered that we the county court of Madison County, Tennessee deeply deplore the death of our beloved sheriff B. F. Young. Resolved, that in his death we feel that the county has sustained a great loss, not only as a man and citizen but as a friend and public servant; only those who knew him intimately, who knew him well in all the closer relations of private friendship, were fully prepared to appreciate his worth as a man, frank in disposition, courteous in manner, generous in spirit, brave in principle, true to every trust resposed in him and as a man somewhat modest and retiring. It was therefore necessary that he be well known to be fully appreciated. Resolved, That as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased, we tender our sympathy to the bereaved family and friends, in their time of trouble and that these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this court and a copy of same sent to the family.

J. T. Rushing, R. H. French, D. H. Haynes, W. A. Perry, M. V. B. Exum

Note:
B. FRANK YOUNG, SR. is buried in the Hill Cemetery, Madison County, with tombstone bearing his dates: 1845-1893.

 

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7.
REUBEN HENRY EPPERSON

Madison County Court Minute Book 19, pages 286-287. October 2, 1893.

The committee appointed by this court at its July 1893 term, to draft resolutions in regard to the death of R. H. Epperson, Justice of the Peace, submit their report, which is received and adopted by this court and is as follows:

Be it remembered by the court that we deplore the death of our brother magistrate, R. H. EPPERSON of the 9th District of our county, by whose death we lose a valuable member and useful citizen. Resolved, That as a mark of our respect, we tender the bereaved family and friends our sympathy in their time of distress. Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this court and a copy be sent to the family.

J. T. Rushing, R. H. French, D. H. Haynes, W. A. Perry, M. V. B. Exum

Note:
REUBEN HENRY EPPERSON is listed as R. H. Epperson in the U.S. census, 1880, Madison County, Civil District 9, page 4, as aged 48 years old; born in Tennessee.

 

8.
WILLIAM M. MAY

Madison County Court Minute Book 22, pages 75-76. October 7, 1901.

Resolution of Respect, regarding the death of W. M. May presented by T. B. Duncan, Esq. as follows: Whereas it has seemed good to our Heavenly Father, who doeth all things well, and who is the disposer of events, to remove from our midst by death our late worthy and highly esteemed sheriff W. M. May, Whereas the intimate relations long held by the deceased with the members of this court render it proper that we should place upon record our appreciation of his services as a former member of this court and as sheriff of the county and his merits as a man. Therefore, be it resolved:

1st That we deplore the loss of W. M. May with deep feeling of regret, softened only by the confident hope is /his/spirit is now with those that have fought the good fight and that has kept the faith and are enjoying perfect happiness in a better world.

Resolved 2nd. That we tender to his deeply afflicted wife, mother, children and relatives our sincere condolence and earnest sympathy in their affliction as they who had such a devoted husband, so dutiful a son and so loving a father, a good citizen, an upright man and a perfect officer.

Resolved 3d. That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the court and that a copy signed by the chairman and certified by the clerk be furnished to the family of the deceased.

The motion to adopt the foregoing preamble and resolutions was carried by an unanimous vote.

Note:
The Madison County Minute Book 22, page 33, records that WILLIAM M. MAY died July 25, 1901. The U.S. census, 1900, page 5246, Madison County, Tennessee, Jackson, records that William May was born in March 1856.

 

9.
ROBERT D. WILLIAMSON

Madison County Court Minute Book 23, page 110. October 5, 1903.

The chairman announced to the court that he had been notified of the death of R. D. WILLIAMSON one of the associate justices of this court and sugges-

 

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ted that the court take proper action thereon, whereupon Esq. /Benjamin/ Tyson moved that the chairman appoint a committee to draft suitable resolutions expressive of the feelings of the court to report back to the present session of the court, which motion was unanimously adopted and the chairman appointed W. G. Cole, Benj. Tyson, T. C. Long and Geo. W. Swink as said committee.

IBID., page 114. October 6, 1903.

Whereas the County Court has learned this morning of the death of R. D. WILLIAMSON one of the members of this body from the 7th District and whereas Esquire Williamson has been continuously a member of the county court since Sept. 1st 1888 and has been one of the most useful, conscientious and highly esteemed members of the court; therefore be it resolved, That the court bows to this dispensation of Providence with genuine sorrow and that we extend to the family of Esquire Williamson our sincere sympathy in this their great bereavement and that this resolution be spread upon the minutes and a copy sent to his family.

W. G. Cole, chm., G. W. Swink, Benj. Tyson, T. C. Long

Which resolution was unanimously adopted by the court after some appropriate and feeling remarks regarding the merits of Esq. Williamson as a man, friend, neighbor and official by Esq. T. C. Long.

Note:
The U.S. census, 1900, page 2649, Madison County, Tennessee, Civil District 9, records that Robert D. Williamson was born in April 1839.

 

10.
EDMUND SKINNER MALLORY

Madison County Court Minute Book 23, page 114. October 6, 1903.

Robt. W. Haynes as committee appointed Aug. 21th /sic/ 1903 presented resolutions of the Jackson Bar as their memorial to Mr. E. S. Mallory and moved the court to spread the same on the minutes of the court, which motion was entertained and the memorial is ordered spread upon the minutes of the court.

Pasted into the minute book is this memorial, cut out of a newspaper:

The undersigned committee, appointed at the meeting of the Jackson Bar Association for that purpose respectfully report with reference to the lamented death of our brother, Hon. EDMUND SKINNER MALLORY as follows:

EDMUND SKINNER MALLORY was born Sept. 22nd, 1846 at Hampton, Va. and died at Jackson, Tenn., Aug. 19th, 1903, aged nearly 57 years. Brother Mallory was conspicuous in all the walks of life, occupied by him in his earthly career. In youth he was a brilliant soldier in the Confederate war. He was graduated in law from the University of Virginia, was admitted to the practice &n the courts of his country and adopted state in early manhood and attained to a high position in the profession. He was a devoted member of the Protestant Episcopal Church and gave largely of his labor of love and intelligent care to promoting her great interests. He was a man of dignified social qualities and drew his friends to him with remarkably strong bonds of both respect and affection. He was eminently a humanitarian with an ear ever bending to his utmost ability. He was a scholarly man, deeply grounded in the solid and valuable learning of this advanced day of civilization and acquainted as well with the best specimens of polite literature in all its inviting fields. He was an educated lawyer, of fine ability and inspired in his clientage the confidence justly due an earnest, able and successful practitioner. He was extensively known in the profession and his learning, integrity and scrupulously high regard for the rules of ethics as held

 

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by the great brotherhood of lawyers made him a shining light in the ranks of a profession, that has long been the light of civilization and the very bulwark of human liberty. If any one grand characteristic of his life was more pre-eminent than an other it was that inborn spirit of chivalry that always impelled to the right and scorned a mean act; that manifested itself in love of country, that busied his life in doing good and verified itself by the loftiest sentiment of the highest manhood, in respect and love for womanhood.

Therefore, 1. Resolved, by the Jackson Bar Association, That we will cherish his memory and commend his fine character as worthy of imitation in all those noble qualities that make a man. 2. That we regret most profoundly his too early taking off /death/. 3. That we tender to his family and immediate friends our sympathy and sincere regret for the loss of their son, father, brother and friend. 4. That we request the city press to publish this estimate of the bar of Jackson of our deceased brother lawyer. 5. That the chairman appoint suitable members of our bar to present this our memorial to the several courts of this county and to the Supreme Court when it next convenes with the request that they be inscribed on the enduring records of the state. 6. That the secretary be directed to certify a copy to the immediate family of the deceased.

Aug. 21, 1903. Robt. W. Haynes

Note:
EDMUND SKINNER MALLORY is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, with tombstone bearing his dates: September 22, 1846-August 19, 1908.

 

11.
FRANCIS POPE McCALLUM

Madison County Court Minute Book 23, page 167. January 4, 1904.

Esq. /T. B./ Duncan presented to the court that since the last meeting of the quarterly court that F. P. McCallum one of the members of the court /had died and/ the court appoint a committee of 3 to draft suitable resolutions regarding same which motion prevailed and the chair appointed T. B. Duncan, J. N. Haltom and T. M. May Esqs. as said committee.

IBID., page 192. January 5, 1904.

Whereas the great and supreme Ruler of the universe has in the infinite wisdom removed from among us one of our worthy and esteemed members of the court F. P. McCALLUM and whereas the long and intimate relations held with him in the faithful discharge of his duties in the court makes it eminently befitting that we record our appreciation of him, therefore, Resolved, That the wisdom and ability which he has exercised and the services and counsel will be held in grateful remembrance. Resolved, That the removal of such a life from among our midst leaves a vacancy and a shadow that will be deeply realized by all the members and friends of this court and will prove a serious loss to the public and the community in which he lived. Resolved, That with deep sympathy with the bereaved relatives of the deceased we express our hope that even so great a loss to us all may be overruled for good by Him who doeth all things well. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the records of this court, a copy be furnished the county and city papers for publication. We the undersigned respectfully submit the above report this January 5th 1904.

T. B. Duncan, J. N. Haltom, T. M. May, Committee.

Which resolutions were adopted and the recommendations therein made the order of the court.

 

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Note:
FRANCIS POPE McCALLUM is buried in the Neill Cemetery near Beech Bluff with tombstone bearing his dates: July 13, 1860-November 24, 1903.

 

12.
JOHN W. GATES

Madison County Court Minute Book 23, page 267. April 4, 1904.

The chairman announced that since the last meeting of the court that JOHN W. GATES one of the associate justices of the court had died and that it was right and proper that the court in executive session take cognizance thereof. Thereupon Esq. /J. V. /Reed moved that a committee of three be appointed to draft suitable resolutions thereon to report to the present term of this court. Which motion prevailed and the court appointed Esq. /J. V./ Reed, /M. D./ Fly and /R. A./ Hurt as said committee.

IBID., page 280. April 5, 1904.

IN MEMORY OF A BELOVED BROTHER AND COWORKER JOHN W. GATES. When our roll was called this morning one of our members failed to respond. His tongue has been stilled in death. The immortal spirit of our friend, colaborer and fellow member, JOHN W. GATES, has forsaken its tenement of clay and has answered the roll call above where the Great Judge of the universe decides without error the cause of humanity. For several months Esq. Gates was afflicted and all knew that he could not recover. Yet, he continued to discharge his duties as a member of this court, even when suffering great pain and never ceased to take much interest in the county's affairs. He was one of the best and most watchful members of this court. He was indeed and in truth a Justice of the Peace. He held the scales of justice with even hands as God gave him the ability to do so. He always tempered justice with mercy and sought rather to reform than to punish the guilty. Esq. Gates was a man of great ability. He was a scholar, an orator, a good citizen in time of peace, a brave soldier in time of war. His nature was one of sunshine and his heart was ever filled with sympathy for the poor and disconsolate. On Thursday March 31st 1904 at 12:30 PM in full hope of a better life beyond the grave, with is faith firmly fixed in the strong Lion of the Tribe of Judah, he went out on the angels wings to dwell with God and the loved ones on the other shore through an endless eternity. Resolved, That this tribute to the memory of our beloved brother be spread on the minutes of this court, a copy be sent to the family and the city papers be requested to publish it. Resolved further, That we extend to the family of the deceased our sincere sympathy in the great loss that has befallen not only them but also this court, the city, the county and the state.

J. V. Reed, R. A. Hurt, M. D. Fly, Com't.

Which resolutions were on motion were unanimously adopted by the court and spread upon the minutes.

Note:
JOHN W. GATES is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, with tombstone bearing his dates: 1841-1904. In a biographical sketch of him, appearing in THE WEEKLY TIMES, Jackson, February 13, 1891 his birthdate is given as May 11, 1841.

 

13.
HENRY WOODS McCORRY

Madison County Court Minute Book 23, page 279. April 5, 1904.

S. J. Everett presented to the court the resolutions adopted by the Bar of Jackson relative to the death of H. W. McCorry Esq. and on motion the same were adopted by this court and ordered spread upon the minutes which resolutions read as follows:

 

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Pasted into the minute book is this memorial, cut out of a newspaper:

Judge McCORRY was born March 25th, 1845 at the well known McCorry homestead at the head of Main Street, Jackson, Tennessee, where he resided till his marriage and building of the home occupied by him for many years, where he reared a family of nine children, consisting of six accomplished daughters and three sons, all of whom survive him. Judge McCorry was in youth — from the early age of 17, to the close of the war - a gallant Confederate soldier and bore to his death the honored scars of battle. He died as he lived — full of devotion and respect for the cause for which he fought.         We, as lawyers, have more to do with our deceased brother from the standpoint of his public life, as lawyer, judge and citizen, taking more than usual interest in public affairs. The judge was educated in the law at Lebanon; and in the Law school, as well as at the bar, demonstrated the highest personal predilections, for the profession he had chosen. The writer has often had occasion to refer to the truism uttered by Horace in the classic days, that 'the poet is born, not made,' and to elaborate the thought, by him so beautifully said, in its application to our profession, by stating he proposition with equal truth, that the lawyer must be born and made. So it was with Judge McCorry. He was in his naturally strong, broad and common sense views of the rights of men, peculiarly fitted to comprehend, understand and declare with wonderful clearness the very foundation principles on which after all the determination of people's rights must depend. And, while he was not habituated to the drudgery of case law -he had labored diligently, in the study and acquisition of the fundamental principles of the great science of law and was in that sense a natural born and surely well made lawyer. He did not make pretence to the power of advocacy, while he was bold in the assertion and maintenance of the things he believed and undertook to establish as right — he shrank from the slightest assumption of a claim to eloquence or oratory. He was a man of few words but those used were always strong and full of meaning as applied to the subject in hand. His peculiar merit, as Judge or nis prius lawyer, was brevity, clearness of statement and exact manifestation of his meaning. His accuracy of judgment, on facts was of that peculiar character that enabled him to sift the immaterial from the material so as to make his decisions rest on the controlling facts of the case. His judgments were even more strict and his decrees and judgments were affirmed with remarkable unanimity.         He was appointed Judge on the creation of the Common Law and Chancery Court or Madison County and opened his first term of said court May 3rd 1875; and held his last term, ending Dec. 1881, his successor, appointed by Governor Hawkins, held the next term, beginning in February 1882. The court thus created and held had two sides, Law, corresponding to the Circuit Court, theretofore, and the Chancery side of the Chancery Court of Madison County theretofore.         Soon after coming to the bar, Judge McCorry practiced as a partner of Hon. Stoddert Caruthers, for some time; afterwards as partner of Hon. Alex. A. Campbell, then a brilliant civilian, in peace as he was a gallant brigadier-general in the Confederate war. He continued the practice with General Campbell until shortly before his appointment as Judge. He thus held the judicial office nearly seven years and made for himself an enviable reputation as a Judge — which should be thus perpetuated, on the enduring records of the courts of this great state, as a lofty testimonial of his brethren to his ability, as man and lawyer. After his resignation he was partner with C. G. Bond for a number of years.         He was distinguished as a leader of men and always had his weight in the counsels of his party. He was a member of the Democratic Executive Committee of the State during the year 1882 and was trusted as manager chairman of the campaign committee of that year resulting in a great victory for his party, attributable to his admirable power of organization and zeal for his cause.         During the first administration of President /Grover/ Cleveland, he was appointed and held the important office of District Attorney

 

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for this district of West Tennessee with distinguished ability.         He died at Hot Springs, Arkansas, March 20th, 1904, while in search of health, from an attack of the fell destroying disease — rheumatism — with which he had suffered greatly for some months. But he was unable to resist the cruel attack and passed away in the midst of his mature manhood, with many friends left to regret his loss; with children and family to suffer a sad bereavement; respected by a generous public and leaving the honored name of big hearted, gallant, chivalrous gentleman. We direct the chair to appoint suitable attorneys of the bar to present this memorial to the different courts at Jackson, including the Circuit and District Courts of the United States at Jackson, with the request that they be spread on the minutes; and request our secretary to furnish a copy to his family and the press of Jackson be requested to publish the same.         Respectfully submitted, Robt. W. Haynes, chmn., C. G. Bond, M. B. Gilmore, R. R. Sneed.

Note:
HENRY WOODS McCORRY is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, with tombstone bearing the inscription: Henry W. McCorry, Co C, 19 Tenn. Cav., CSA, 1845-1904.

 

14.
W. A. BOREN

Madison County Court Minute Book 24, page 47. April 4, 1905.

Whereas since the last meeting of the county court one of our oldest members viz. W. A. BOREN has departed this life and whereas Esquire Boren had been a member of the court for many years and was one of the best citizens of the county. His rugged honesty and unflinching devotion to the interests of Madison County was the admiration of all who knew him. Our court has lost one of its most valuable members; the county one of its most useful and conscientious citizens. Therefore resolved, That we extend our condolence to his bereaved family and that this memorial be spread on the minutes of the court and a copy of the same furnished the family. J. F. Outlan, M. V. B. Exum, T. C. Long, com't.

Which resolutions were adopted by the court and the recommendations therein made its order.

This order had been preceded in action by the court, ibid., page 38, April 3, 1905. Esq. /M. V. B. /Exum presented that since the last meeting of the court that W. A. Boren Esq. had died and moved that a committee of three be appointed to draft suitable resolutions regarding thereto and present the same to this term of the court which motion prevailed and the chair appointed Esqs /J. F./ Outlan, /M. V. B./ Exum and /T. C./ Long as said committee.

Note:
W. A. BOREN is buried in Browns Cemetery near Cotton Grove with tombstone bearing his dates: August 17, 1838-February 3, 1905.

 

15.
SION W. BOON

Madison County Court Minute Book 24, page 121. October 3, 1905.

T. B. Duncan Esq. presented that since the last regular meeting of this court that one of its valued members S. W. BOON had died and moved that the court appoint three of its members to draft suitable resolutions in reference thereto; which motion prevailed and the court appointed T. B. Duncan, M. V. B. Exum and T. C. Long as said committee.

Note: This resolution, if completed, was not recorded. Sion W. Boon is

 

(Page 11)

buried in Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, with tombstone bearing his dates: March 4, 1830-July 22, 1905. The following biographical sketch appears in ~00DSPEED's HISTORY OF TENNESSEE, Madison County, 1887, pages 843-844:

Sion W. Boon was born March 4, 1830, son of Benjamin and Annie (Winston) Boon, who were native North Carolinians. The father was born November 25, 1783, and was a farmer by occupation. He came to Tennessee about 1825 and located near Cotton Grove, where he died November 26, 1865. The mother died about 1831. Mr. Boon's second wife, Nancy Smith, died about 1853. Sion W. Boon was reared on his father's farm in Madison County, Tenn., and educated in the country schools. He began clerking at the age of twenty and continued the same until 1856, when he was elected circuit court clerk, and filled the office for eighteen years, thus illustrating his ability as an official and the esteem in which he was held by the people. Since retiring from official life he has been engaged in different pursuits, and in 1885 opened a family grocery in Jackson. He was married in 1856 to Louisa Pyles, a daughter of James M. and Nancy Pyles. She was born in 1836, and is the mother of nine children - two daughters and seven sons. Four of the children are yet living. Mrs. Boon died July 3, 1879, and in 1884 Mr. Boon married Amanda E. Smith, who was born about 1846, and is a daughter of James Smith. Mr. Boon votes the Democratic ticket.

 

16.
DAVID J. TRANSOU

Madison County Court Minute Book 24, page 279. April 1, 1907.

Esq. Transou announced to the court that since the last meeting of this court Esq. D. J. TRANSOU his colleague from the 5th district had died and moved that the court appoint a committee of three to draft suitable resolutions regarding thereof and report to this term of the court which motion prevailed and the court appointed Esqs. /Benj. /Tyson, /M. V. B./ Exum and /W. G./ Cole as the committee.

IBID., page 284. April 2, 1907.

Death has again claimed one of our members. Since our last meeting DAVID J. TRANSOU Esq. on last Friday night the 29th of March without a moments warning was called to answer at the final roll call. Esq. Transou had been a member of this court about three years during which time he had made on of our most efficient and conscientious members. As a citizen he was loyal, honest and honorable, as a neighbor he was kind, generous, true and ready. Therefore we bow with submission to the decree of Providence. We feel a deep sense of the loss to his family, neighbors, county and state. Therefore be it resolved that this court tender his family its sympathies in their great loss. Further that a copy of the resolutions be sent to his family and that the same be spread upon the minutes of the court.

Benj. Tyson, M. V. B. Exum, W. G. Cole

On motion made and carried the resolutions were received and adopted and the committee discharged.

Note:
DAVID J. TRANSOU is buried in the Bond-Chapman Cemetery near Bond Crossing with tombstone bearing his dates: Dec. 11, 1841-March 30, 1907. (Note the difference in day of death on tombstone compared with same in the resolutions of respect.)

 

17.
STOKELY DONELSON HAYS

Madison County Court Minute Book 24, page 150. January 2, 1906.

J. M. Troutt attorney presented the following memorial resolution by the Bar Association of Jackson regarding the death of S. D. Hays which on motion were accepted and ordered spread upon the minutes of this court.

Pasted into this minute book is the following resolution, cut from a newspaper:

In the death of Stokely Donelson Hays the Bar of Jackson has lost one of its most valuable members. His exceptional success in his chosen profession shows that in his practice few were his equal and perhaps none his superior. When it is remembered that during the greater part of his pro-

 

(Page 12)

fessional career he was handicapped by disease which would have stopped most men from work, it is very remarkable what he accomplished. The besetting sin of the legal profession is procrastination but it was not his for he always had his cases worked up and ready for trial when court convened.         In fact, whatever cause he espoused he made himself felt for he was a man of most determined mind and decided character. There was no halfway ground with him and when he undertook anything he carried it to success.         Mr. Hays was in the truest sense of the word a self-made man. Starting in life under circumstances of such a character as to test to the utmost his innate nobility and integrity of character, he came from the test untouched, unscathed, unhurt. The untiring industry, the resolute will and the indomitable energy which he displayed in this formative period of his manhood characterized his life to the end and raised him to the foremost rank of those who live to good purpose. Jackson has never had a citizen to contribute more than he to the up-building of the town to material prosperity, in intellectual culture and in moral excellence.         In the realm of the material, the great mills at Bemis and the beautiful gravel roads about the town are 'monuments' to his foresight and business sagacity. In the realm of the intellectual, his well-known and loyal support of the M. C. F. /Memphis Conference Female/ Institute and his constant devotion to it, attest his deep and abiding interest.         In the realm of the moral, his life-long devotion to the church, his constant attendance upon all its services and his loyalty to its institutions, his active interest in all beneficent and benevolent institutions as well as his liberal support of them, his simple devotion to his family and his friends — all speak with mute eloquence of a life of love, a life that took its character from the spirit of the Christ with whom he walked and with whom he now abides. Therefore, be it resolved that the bar of Jackson join with the family in their sorrow and that a copy of these resolutions be given to Mrs. Hays; that copies be given the papers for publication and that members of the bar be appointed to present them to the different courts. W. H. Biggs, R. A. Hurt, E. L. Bullock

Note:
STOKELY DONELSON HAYS is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, with tombstone bearing his dates: April 4, 1851-December 24, 1905.

The following biograhical sketch appears in GOODSPEED'S HISTORY OF TENNESSEE, Madison County, 1887, page 870:

Stokely D. Hays, attorney at law, is the son of Richard J. and Sarah A. (Ballou) Hays, and was born in this county April 4, 1852. His father, who is an eminent lawyer of this city, came to this county from Davidson County at an early day. Stokely D. was educated in this county, and early in life began the study of law. He was for a few years deputy clerk of the supreme court, and was for a short time clerk of the supreme court of Tennessee at Jackson. After the expiration of his early official positions he began the practice of law here, and has since been thus engaged, having met with merited success. In June, 1884, he formed a partnership with John A. Pitts, and in June, 1886, Gen. Meeks became a partner of the firm. May 18, 1876, Mr. Hays was united in marriage with Gertrude Stovall, of Fulton County, Ky., and to this union there are two living children: Katie S. and Sarah B. Mr. Hays is a Democrat, a member of the K. of H., and himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and for many years he was superintendent of the first Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school at Jackson. He was the chairman of the building committee, which erected the present beautiful church at Jackson, said to be the most artistic in the South.

 

(Page 13)

18.
LEVI SAMUEL WOODS

Madison County Court Minute Book 24, page 426. October 6, 1908.

The undersigned committee, heretofore appointed to report suitable resolutions relative to the death of Hon. Levi S. Woods, Judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit, respectfully submit the following, to wit:

Whereas on the 13th dayof May, 1908, at thirty minutes after the noon hour, at the Drs. Crook Sanitarium in this city /Jackson/, our much beloved and very efficient Judge, Hon. LEVI S. WOODS, departed this life in the presence of his immediate family.

And, whereas, whilst it has been painfully apparent to many of us for some time the life of our distinguished jurist, friend and fellow citizen was fast ebbing away, his death is no less a distinctive shock to our profession and to the bench of the state, which he so long adorned and the loss an almost irreparable one. Now therefore, resolved by the members of the Madison County Bar, assembled in the Circuit Court Room at Jackson; That we deeply deplore the death and sincerely love and revere the memory of our distinguished associate, professional brother and presiding Circuit Judge, the Hon. Levi Samuel Woods. Resolved, further, that our sympathy be and is hereby tendered to the surviving members of the family of Judge Woods, consisting of his widow and daughter and that they be and are assured that his high character, genial companionship and extraordinary efficiency has endeared him to each and every one of us and that the recollection of our association with him will continue a pleasant reminiscence as the all too rapid passing years shall come and go. Resolved, further, that these resolutions together with a brief synopsis of his public life, which is hereto appended, be presented to the Supreme, Chancery, Circuit, Criminal, County and United States Districts courts, sitting at Jackson, with the request that they be spread upon the minutes thereof as a memorial bearing testimony of our great esteem for him and loving regard for his memory.

Biography

Judge Levi Samuel Woods was born the 17th day of November, 1848, near Lavinia, in Carroll County, Tennessee and bore the same name of his father. He received the foundation of a good education at the village school of Lavinia, taught by his uncle, Prof. T. H. Drake, now a resident of this city who was also his guardian of a very small estate.

He subsequently attended school at Andrew College at Trenton and West Tennessee College at Jackson and Cumberland University at Lebanon. He took a law course at the same term attended by the president of our bar association, the Hon. C. G. Bond. He settled to a life residence at Lexington in Henderson County, Tennessee and engaged in the practice of law, where on the 3rd day of November 1873 he was married to Miss Mary McHaney, who, together with one daughter, Miss Georgia, now Mrs. Walter Stegall, survive him. As an attorney at law he did a general and an extensive practice and was quite successful.

He was, at the time of his death, and for many years, had been a member of the Order of Free and Accepted Masons. He was also a Knight of Pythias and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church south, taking a prominent part in the councils of the latter, being a regular attendant upon the annual conferences. In the summer of 1886 at a delegated convention of the democratic party at Henderson in the then new county of Chester, participated in by a number of brother lawyers who are now no more, having preceded him across the dark valley, Levi S. Woods was nominated as a candidate for Circuit Judge of the then Eleventh Circuit and at the August election of that

 

(Page 14)

year was elected to that important position and was re-elected successively so that at the time of his death he had served continuously as Circuit Judge for twenty-one years and nine months. He was peculiarly suited to the position of Judge, having absorbed much of his young manhood of the rugged honesty and discriminating judgement so prevalent among the early and pioneer judges and lawyers of our state. He was extremely well informed in the law and as well fortified with precedents at his command as it seemed possible for one to be, and was as seldom reversed by the court of last resort as any one in the state whose service covered so great a length of time.

Respectfully submitted this Mayl6th, 1908. Signed, E. L. Bullock, D. W. Herring, A. W. Stovall, S. J. Everett

Note:
LEVI SAMUEL WOODS is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Lexington, Tennessee, with tombstone bearing his dates: Nov. 17, 1848-May 13, 1908.

 

19.
FRANKLIN W. WATLINGTON

Madison County Court Minute Book 27, page 13. January 2, 1911.

Whereas since the last meeting of the county court of Madison County F. W. Watlington one of our members from the 1st district has died and whereas Mr. Watlington was long a useful and honorable member of this court and by his upright and honorable course in and out of the court, commanded the respect and admiration of his colleagues. He was faithful to every trust reposed in him always being ready to aid every charitable object and a stanch advocate of good morals, sobriety and religion and in his death the court has lost one of its most useful members and the county and state one of its best citizens, therefore resolved: That we extend to his bereaved family our genuine sympathy in their sorrow and that a copy of this resolution be sent them and also spread upon the minutes of the court.

Note:
FRANKLIN W. WATLINGTON is buried in Big Springs Methodist Church Cemetery near Pinson with tombstone bearing his dates: Nov. 9, 1835-July 30, 1910.

From GOODSPEED'S HISTORY OF TENNESSEE, Madison County, 1887, pages 911-912, this sketch about F. W. Watlington:

F. W. Wathington, merchant, farmer and postmaster, of Pinson, Tenn., was born November 7, 1835, in Madison County, and is one of a family consisting of five sons and three daughters, of George and Catharine (Tabler) Wathington, of which our subject, four brothers and one sister, are the surviving members. The parents were natives of Dinwiddie County, Va., and were married there, but soon after came to Tennessee, locating at first near Knoxville, but after a few years came to this county. About 1830 they located near Pinson, where they engaged in agricultural pursuits till their deaths, in 1863 and 1866, mother and father respectively. Our subject remained at home till the death of his parents; then, in 1867, he married Mary J. Anderson, a native of this county. He then followed the carpenter's trade a few years, after which he followed farming till 1873, when he moved to Pinson and embarked in the mercantile trade, which he has since successfully followed. To Mr. and Mrs. Wathington one child, a son, Wm. F., has been born, who is at present connected with his father in his store, and is one of Pinson's most promising young men. Mr. Watlington has a tract of 300 acres of land near Pinson, and a residence in the village; also a part interest in the large brick store building he occupies. He has been a justice of the peace and a notary public of his district several years. He is a member of the F. & A. M., and he and family are members of the Methodist Church.

 

(Page 15)

20.
R. N. SULLIVAN

Madison County Court Minute Book 27, page 62. July 3, 1911.

Esq. T. B. Duncan moved that a committee be appointed to draft resolutions on the death of Esq. R. N. SULLIVAN which motion carried and the following committee was by the courts appointed viz. T. B. Duncan, W. A. Perry and M. V. B. Exum.

IBID., page 89. October 2, 1911.

Whereas the county court of Madison County has lost by death one of its worthy members Esq. R. N. SULLIVAN of the 2nd Civil District, Be it therefore resolved that in the death of Esquire Sullivan that the court loses one of its most courteous and honorable members and one who was ever /devoted/ to the principles of truth and justice.

Be it further resolved, that the court extend to be bereaved wife and family their deep sympathy in their loss and as a token of respect for our departed comrade that these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this court. Signed, T. B. Duncan, M. V. B. Exum.

 

21.
JAMES THOMAS McCUTCHEN

Madison County Court Minute Book 27, page 174. July 1, 1912.

Esq. /M. V. B./ Exum moved that the court appoint a committee of three to draft resolutions on the death of J. T. McCUTCHEN deceased which motion carried and the same was made the order of the court. The court appointed L. E. Mathis, J. T. Rushing and Wm. Watt.

IBID., page 198.

In the death of Capt. J. T. McCutchen this court has lost a faithful and well esteemed member who was at all times attentive to the duties which his membership imposed upon him. He was public spirited and was ever watchful for the development of policies which he believed would result in the greatest good to the great number. His long and active citizenship in Jackson gained for him a wide acquaintance and a host of friends who unite with this court in expressions of sorrow and regret because of his removal by death from the activities of life. He was affable, genial and obliging and his place among us is greatly missed and as a token of the esteem in which he was held by his co-laborers of this court, Be it resolved that this brief expression of our confidence and appreciation be spread upon the minutes of the court and a copy sent the bereaved family.

Jackson, Tenn., Oct. 1912. J. T. Rushing, Wm. Watt, L. E. Mathis, committee

Note:
JAMES THOMAS McCUTCHEN is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Jackson with tombstone bearing his dates: 1831-1912.

 

22.
IKE S. TOMLINSON

Madison County Court Minute Book 27, page 241. April 7, 1913.

Esq. /M. V. B./ Exum moved that a committee of three be appointed to draft resolutions on the death of I. S. Tomlinson a member of the court which motion carried and the court appointed Esqs. R. L. Henderson, W. H. Long and M. V. B. Exum.

IBID., age 256. July 7, 1913.

Whereas since the January meeting of this Honorable County Court death

 

(Page 16)

has claimed one of our most honored, respected and beloved members Esq. I. S. TOMLINSON. We, as a committee appointed, hereby wish to present to this honorable body our sincere sorrow and regret over the loss of Esq. Tomlinson.

We realize that death having claimed Esq. Tomlinson we have suffered the loss of one of our most popular and beloved members of this honorable body and further that the county has lot of one of its public spirited citizens who always took a prominent part in the upbuilding of our county and was ever to be found favorable toward all progressive questions. Be it therefore resolved that the foregoing be spread upon the minutes and that a copy of same be mailed to the grief stricken wife of Esq. Tomlinson, together with the sincere sympathy of the entire body. Respectfully submitted, Wm. H. Long, M. V. B. Exum, R. L. Henderson

Note:
IKE S. TOMLINSON is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, with tombstone bearing his dates: October 6, 1860-March 22, 1913.

 

23.
JOHN FRANKLIN OUTLAN

Madison County Court Minute Book 27, page 305. April 6, 1914.

Esq. /L. E./ Mathis moved that the court appoint a committee of three to draft resolutions on the death of J. F. Oulan, deceased, member of the court, which motion carried and the court appointed L. E. Mathis, W. J. Boone and R. E. L. Henderson.

IBID., page 321. July 6, 1914.

Whereas J. F. OUTLAN, a member of this court for 26 years, died in February 1914, therefore be it resolved by the County Court of Madison County, that we deplore the loss of a worthy and efficient member of this court. Resolved, further, that by public resolution we pay a just tribute to the memory of Esq. Outlan as a worthy gentleman, a faithful official and a valued citizen. Resolved, further, that this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the July session of this court and a copy be sent to the family. L. E. Mathis, W. J. Boone, R. E. L. Henderson, Committee

Note:
JOHN FRANKLIN OUTLAN's death certificate renders his dates: March 22, 1852-February 19, 1914. He was buried in Oakfield, Tennessee.

 

24.
WILLIAM WATT

Madison County Court Minute Book 27, page 353. January 5, 1915.

The death of Esq. Watt, a member of the County Court who died this a. m. having been announced, Esq. /J. T./ Rushing moved that a committee of three be appointed to draft resolutions on his death which motion carried and the court appointed J. T. Rushing, T. C. Long and M. V. B. Exum, after which upon motion of Esq. Exum the court adjourned until 1 o'clock p. m. in respect to their deceased member Wm. Watt.

Upon the coming together of the court at the afternoon session, the committee appointed by the court to draw resolutions on the death of Wm. Watt, deceased member of the court, presented the following resolutions, read by Esq. J. T. Rushing, to wit: Whereas, Esq. Wm. WATT, a member of this court for many years, departed this life at 5 o'clock, this January 5th 1915. Resolved by this County Court of Madison County that we deplore the death and loss of a worthy and efficient member of this court. Resolved further that by public resolution we pay a just tribute to the memory of Esq. Watt as a worthy gentleman, a faithful official and

 

(Page 17)

a valuable citizen. Resolved further that this resolution be spread upon the minutes of this court and a copy sent to the family. This January 5th 1915. J. T. Rushing, M. V. B. Exum, T. C. Long.

Note:
The 1900 census indicates that William Watt was born in January 1844. He died January 5, 1915.

 

25.
WILLIAM THOMAS BLACKARD

Madison County Court Minute Book 27, page 439. April 3, 1916.

Whereas the court has just learned with sorrow of the death of W. T. BLACKARD who was for many years the faithful and efficient clerk of the County Court of Madison County, therefore be it resolved that we express our deep sorrow at his death and tender to his bereaved family our sympathy in their great bereavement. The above resolution was read to the court by T. C. Long and upon motion same was ordered spread upon the minutes of the court and a copy of same to be mailed to the family.

Note:
WILLIAM THOMAS BLACKARD is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, with tombstone bearing his dates: February 19, 1866-April 3, 1916.

 

26. and 27.
WILLIAM GUS COLE and W. T. DUNCAN

Madison County Court Minute Book 27, page 439. April 3, 1916.

Esq. T. C. Long moved the court that a committee of three be appointed to draft resolutions on the death of two members of this court, W. G. Cole and W. T. Duncan which motion carried and the court appointed T. C. Long1 F. E. Bryan and John B. Williamson. /These resolutions were unrecorded./

Notes:
The death certificate of WILLIAM GUS COLE indicates that he was born January 29, 1836 and died January 14, 1916. Civil District 1.
The death certificate of W. T. DUNCAN indicates that he was born October 27, 1852 and died January 7, 1916. Buried in Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Denmark.

 

28.
JAMES GRANISON CARTER

Madison County Court Minute Book 27, page 492. January 2, 1917.

Esq. J. F. Taylor moved that a committee be appointed by the court to draft suitable resolutions on the death of Esq. J. G. CARTER, a former member of the county court; which motion carried and the court appointed J. F. Taylor, L. E. Mathis and J. T. Rushing.

Note:
If this resolution was completed it wasn't recorded and it does not appear in the loose papers of the packet of records for this session. Carter is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, with tombstone bearing his dates: 1851-1916. His death certificates renders dates: August 3, 1861-Dec. 24, 1916. Parents: Joseph Carter, born Orange Co., N.C. and Mary Carter, born in Virginia. The 1900 U.S. census, page 6611, Madison County, Jackson, renders his birthdate as December 1854.

GOODSPEED'S HISTORY OF TENNESSEE, Madison County, 1887, pages 849-850 contains a sketch about Carter:

 

(Page 18)

James G. Carter, grocery and dry goods merchant of Jackson, Tenn., was born in North Carolina in 1854, and came to Tennessee about 1873. His parents, Joseph and Mary Carter, were born in North Carolina and Virginia, respectively'. The father came to Tennessee about 1875, and was a carpenter by trade. James G. Carter was reared to manhood on a farm, and for a number of years (until 1876) followed different occupations. At the latter date he opened his grocery and dry goods store. He purchased his entire stock on credit, having only 50 cents in cash at the time he began business, and 43 cents of that was spent for tobacco license. He has succeeded well financially, and has a fine stock of goods and some city property also. In 1878 he married Maggie L. Ruffin, of Jackson. She was born in 1859, and is a daughter of Robert J. and Melissa A. Ruffin. Mr. and Mrs. Carter are the parents of two children — Floyd S. and Nellie B. — and are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Carter is a member of the I.O.O.F., and is a Democrat in politics.

 

29.
FINIS E. BRYAN

Madison County Court Minute Book 27, page 560. January 7, 1918.

Esq. W. L. Taylor moved that a committee be appointed by the court to draft suitable resolutions on the death of Esq. F. E. Bryan, a former member of this County Court, which motion carried and the court appointed W. L. Taylor, T. C. Long and C. C. Malone.

Note:
If this resolution was completed it wasn't recorded and does not appear in the loose papers of the packet of records for this session. Bryan's death certificate renders his dates: May 31, 1842-Dec. 25, 1917. He was buried in the Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Denmark.

 

30.
WILLIAM HARRISON LONG

Madison County Court Minute Book 27, page 579. April 1, 1918.

Esq. /M. V. B./ Exum moved that the court appoint a committee to draft suitable resolutions on the death of W. H. Long, a former member of this court, which motion carried and the court appointed W. V. B. Exum, J. H. Meriwether and M. E. Perry.

Note:
If this resolution was completed it wasn't recorded and does not appear in the loose papers of the packet of records for this session. Long is buried in Riverside Cemetery with tombstone bearing dates: 1856-1918. His death certificate renders dates: November 18, 1856-February 5, 1918.

 

31.
MARTIN VAN BUREN EXUM

Madison County Court Minute Book 32, page 5. April 7, 1919.

Resolutions on the death of M. V. B. EXUM, a former member of the court, were read to the court by the chairman of the committee and resolutions were adopted by the court, ordered spread upon the minutes, same to be published in the JACKSON DAILY SUN and a copy of same be sent to the family of the late M. V. B. Exum. Said Resolution being in the following words:

Whereas Martin V. B. EXUM of the 10th district, for forty years a member of this court, died at his home in Madison County on December 24, 1918 and Whereas Esq. Exum during his long continuous service in and for our county, rendered at all times the most efficient and honest service; his high character, great integrity and unflinching devotion to the interests of his county, was manifest everywhere and at all times courteous, polite /and/ always ready to listen to the appeals of the poor and unfortunate. His life was a blessing to his home, his church and the community in which he lived so long. The Committee places this tribute on record, to his life and character. T. C. Long, W. I. Gunter, L. E. Mathis, Committee.

 

(Page 19)

Note:
MARTIN VAN BUREN EXUM is buried in Hollywood Cemetery, Jackson, with tombstone bearing his dates: 1839-1918. His death certificate renders his dates: December 25, 1839-December 24, 1918.

 

32. AUSTIN PEAY
33. J. W. BLACKMON
34. J. F. TAYLOR

Madison County Court Minute Book 32, page 432. October 3, 1927.

Esq. T. C. Long called the court's attention to the death of AUSTIN PEAY, Governor of Tennessee, which occurred on Sunday night, October 2, and the loss of two members of the County Court in the person of J. W. BLACKMON and J. FRANK TAYLOR and moved that a committee of three from this court be appointed to draft resolutions on their death and that same be read during the afternoon session, which motion carried and the court appointed T. C. Long, J. S. Matthews and C. A. Tomlinson.

IBID., page 433. October 3, 1927.

Whereas the County Court of Madison County, Tennessee has learned with much sorrow, the death of our distinguished governor, AUSTIN PEAY, which sad event occurred Sunday 8 P.M., at Nashville, Tennessee, that our County Court unites with all the good citizens of our great State in their sympathy and sorrow in this great calamity and extends to the bereaved family of the Governor its profound sympathy. T. C. Long, Chairman; J. S. Matthews, C. A. Tomlinson.

From TENNESSEE DEMOCRACY, by Austin P. Foster and Albert H. Roberts, volume3 (Democratic Historical Association, Inc., Nashville, 1944), page 543:

GOVERNOR AUSTIN PEAY         Austin Peay was born in Christian County, Kentucky, June 1, 1876. He was given the name of his father, a prosperous farmer and one of the county's highly esteemed citizens. A brave Confederate soldier, his word was literally as good as his bond. The mother of the future Tennessee governor was Cornelia Leavell Peay.         He was educated at Washington and Lee University and Center College and was graduated from the latter institution in 185. For a time he worked upon the farm and then studied law and was admitted to the bar. After his marriage to Miss Sallie Hurst of Clarksville, Tennessee, he entered actively into the practice of the law, in which he soon attained high rank.         At the age of 25 he was elected to represent the county of Montgomery in the legislature of Tennessee, in which he became one of the Democratic leaders. Later he was chosen chairman of the state Democratic executive committee, by virtue of which, in addition to his natural qualities of leadership, he became the militant head of his party and was so recognized until his untimely death.         Meanwhile, he practiced law assiduously and became recognized as possessing one of the greatest legal intellects of the state.         In 1922, Austin Pray was called from his practice to lead the reform movement of the Democracy of Tennessee which resulted in the consolidation of state offices into a most economical and efficient arrangement, a more equitable readjustment of taxes, the annihilation of an iniquitous and far-reaching political back-tax machine, the readjustment of an extravagant and inefficient highway system, and in economy throughout the stare administration.         In 1924, he was re-elected for a second term and, in 1926, for a third term. He died October 2, 1927, the 6rst Tennessee governor to die in office.

 

Madison County Court Minute Book 32, page 433. October 3, 1927. Whereas, since the last meeting of the Madison County Court, two of its members have died; namely, JAMES W. BLACKMON and J. F. TAYLOR; therefore,

 

(Page 20)

be it resolved by the County Court that we deplore the loss of these two magistrates, both of whom have rendered long and useful service to the people of Madison County; that we extend our sympathy to the members of their family /sic/ in this great bereavement. T. C. Long, J. S. Matthews, C. A. Tomlinson.

JAMES W. BLACKMON is buried in Browns Cemetery, Madison County, with tombstone with his dates: September 30, 1850-May 4, 1927.

J. FRANK TAYLOR died in Madison County, September 22, 1927. THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL, Memphis, Sept. 23, 1927, gives his birth date, March 26, 1873; son of Wyatt A. Taylor; he was magistrate 17 years; burial in Riverside Cemetery.

 

35.
ORRIN E. ROBINSON

THE JACKSON SUN, Jackson, Tennessee, January 4, 1940:

The Madison County Court had passed a resolution for O. E. Robinson, "Whereas due to illness one of the oldest magistrates in point of service in this court is unable to attend court at this regular January session. Be it resolved by this honorable County Court, meeting in regular session on this, the third day of January, 1940, that the Clerk of the court, acting for and in behalf of this court, to express to Esquire O. E. Robinson our sincere regret that his physical condition is such that he could not be present and wishing Squire Robinson a speedy recovery."

Madison County Court Minute Book 37, page 554. April 1, 1940.

On January 14, 1940 Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has called from our midst and all earthly cares one of our highly esteemed members, O. E. Robinson. Whereas in the passing of O. E. Robinson this county court has lost a member who was just to his fellowmen, charitable to all mankind and practiced the principles of friendship in his daily life, a man of honesty and integrity and a faithful member of the court. Be it resolved that we extend to the bereaved relatives our deepest sympathy. Be it further resolved that a copy of these resolutions be spread up; on the minutes of this honorable court and copy be sent to the relatives.

Motion was made by Esquire R. G. Grove, seconded by Esquire Crawford Long, that above resolution be adopted. Motion unanimously carried.

Note:
THE JACKSON SUN, January 15, 1940:

BURIED TODAY Orrin E. Robinson, one of this county's most prominent citizens and member of the county court, who died on Sunday, was laid to rest today.

Orrin Robinson Of County Court Died On Sunday Funeral For Prominent County Magistrate Held This Afternoon         Orrin E. Robinson, 73, one of this county's most prominent citizens, for many years a member of the Madison county court, highly respected throughout this section, passed away Sunday morning at 6:35 o'clock at his home on the old Bolivar road. Squire Robinson had been in failing health for some time and his passing was not unexpected.         Born and reared in Jackson, Mr. Robinson had spent his entire life in Jackson and Madison county. He was first elected to the court in 1900 where he served a short term and retired to farming. He was re-elected 10 years ago and served until his illness a few weeks ago.         He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Anderson Presbyterian Church.         He leaves three sons, J. C. A. G. and Will Jobe Robinson, all of Madison county: two daughters Mrs. Roy Williams and: Miss Rebecca Robinson of Madison county; a sister, Mrs F. E. Bond of Bemis.         Funeral services were held this afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Chapel of the Griffin Funeral Home by the Rev. Samuel Stanworth. Burial followed in Riverside cemetery. Members of the Madison county court served as pallbearers.         Active pallbearers were J. J., D. H. and W. J. Boone, I. H. Lassiter, John R. McKinnie and E. R. Price.

 

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36.
LUTHER E. MATHIS

Madison County Court Minute Book 37, page 554. April 1, 1940.

Whereas the Supreme Being in His all knowing way saw fit to call from among us Esquire L. E. Mathis, an esteemed member of this court who has served faithfully and honorably as a servant of Madison County in connection with his official duties, and; Whereas the county court of Madison County, Tennessee, meeting in regular session on Monday, April 1, 1940, realizes that we have lost an able, honest and faithful member, beloved by all; Therefore be it resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded by the Clerk of the court to the relatives of our beloved missing member and that this resolution be spread upon the minutes of this court. Motion was made by Esquire Crawford Long, seconded by Esquire R. G. Grove that above resolution be adopted. Motion unanimously carried.

Note:
Griffin Funeral Home records reveal that LUTHER E. MATHIS was born Feb. 8, 1860, a son of A. L. Mathis; died January 6, 1940.

THE JACKSON SUN, January 7, 1940:

Luther E. Mathis Dies of Injuries Received In Fall Funeral Arrangements Not Completed Pending Arrival Of Children         Luther E, Mathis, 81, for many tears a member of the Madison county court and one of the most familiar figures around the court house passed away Saturday morning at 11 o'clock at the Memorial Hospital where his condition had been quite critical since Thursday night.         Mr. Mathis fell Thursday night as he started down a flight of stairs at the Met Theatre building and injured his shoulder. Shock and complications arising from the injury were given as the cause of his death. Esquire Mathis was a leading figure in county politics for many years and in point of service was one of the oldest magistrates. A staunch Democrat, he took keen interest in the success of his party and through the years occupied a unique position in this section.         Esquire Mathis was born in Gibson county, but came to Jackson in his early years. He operated a grocery store at the courner of Royal and Deaderick for a number of years but for the past 25 years or more he had been in public life. He had perhaps as broad acquaintances as any man in this county.         He was a member of First Methodist Church and is survived by a son, Major Paul mathis of Langley Field, Va. and a daughter, Mrs. John C. Maloy of Chicago; three brothers, Clint Mathis of Jackson, Jim Mathis of Memphis, and Oscar Mathis of Whitehaven, Miss.         The remains were carried to the Griffin Funeral Home, where services will be held in the chapel some time Monday with Dr. J. E. Underwood, pastor of First Methodist Church conducting. Burial will be in Hollywood Cemetery. Members of the county court will serve as honorary pallbearers.         Other funeral arrangements are incomplete. Mrs. Maloy, the former Miss Jennie Mai Mathis, will arrive this morning on the Illinois Central train Seminole from Chicago, and arrangements will be completed at that time.

 

37.
JAMES WALSH McCLARAN

Madison County Court Minute Book 42, page 419. January 7, 1946.

Resolution. Dr. JAMES WALSH McCLARAN passed away on December 27, 1945, at the age of fifty-six. Dr. McClaran was the son of Robert S. and Annette Walsh McClaran of Jackson, Tennessee and lived in Jackson practically all of his life. He married Miss Hilda Godwin who survives him.

Dr. McClaran served with the French Army in World War 1, as a surgeon from 1914 till the entrance of the United States in that war when he joined the medical forces of the Army and served therewith with distinction until the close of the war. He was given both French and American decorations for his outstanding services in the armies of the two countries.

Upon coming back to Jackson he entered into the practice of surgery and became one of the most successful surgeons in West Tennessee and the American College of Surgeons recognized his ability by electing him a member of that body.

Dr. McClaran served for four years as county physician for Madison County and as such was untiring in his work. He, at all times worked for the interests of Madison County. /He/ was most conscientious and active in attending county patients. He did a great amount of charity work about much of which the general public knew nothing.

His passing was a great loss to Madison County, to his many patients and to his thousands of friends throughout the country.

Be it therefore resolved, that the members of the County Quarterly Court extend their sincere sympathy to his bereaved

 

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widow and family; that they be furnished a copy of this resolution; that a copy of this resolution be furnished the JACKSON SUN and the same be spread on the minutes of this court. Respectfully submitted, Crawford Long, R. G. Grove, Hugh Harvey, Committee.

Motion made by Esquire Crawford Long, seconded by Esquire R. G. Grove, that same be adopted. Motion carried by unanimous vote of the court.

Note:
Dr. McCLARAN is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, with tombstones bearing his dates: 1888-1945. The Smith Funeral Home records reveal that he was born October 9, 1888 and died December 27, 1945.

 

38.
JOHN JOBE ROBINSON

Madison County Court Minute Book 42, page 420. January 7, 1946.

Resolution. J. J. ROBINSON was born in Jackson, Tennessee on May 12, 1869 and lived in Jackson and Madison County all of his life. In January 1904 he married Miss Mary Cobb Harris of Jackson. Throughout most of his adult life he served as a rural mail carrier and was also engaged in farming. He 'served as a member of the Madison County Quarterly Court from September 1st, 1936 till September 1st, 1942. J. J. Robinson was of a genial disposition, loyal to his friends and firm in his convictions for the things he believed to be right and his character and integrity were above question. He possessed many noble traits of character, his family and home life was one of wholesomeness and devotion. In his public life he did his duty as he saw it and always threw his strength on the side of morality and decency when any private or public issue was involved. His passing on December 18th 1945 was a distinct loss to the community and to Madison County. Be it therefore resolved, that the members of the Madison County Quarterly Court extend their heartfelt sympathy to his bereaved widow and family; that they be furnished a copy of this resolution; that a copy be furnished the JACKSON SUN and that the same be spread upon the minutes of this court. Respectfully submitted, J. H. Meriwether, H. R. Moore, Hugh Harvey, Committee.

Motion made by Esquire J. H. Meriwether, seconded by Esquire Hal R. Moore, that this resolution be adopted. Motion carried by unanimous vote of the court. (J. J. Robinson died Dec. 18, 1945.)

 

39.
LOWELL SIMMONS

Madison County Court Minute Book 48, page 221. January 7, 1952.

Resolution. Whereas, Esquire LOWELL SIMMONS for many years served as a magistrate of this court, representing the First Civil District of Madison County; and Whereas Esquire Simmons while a member of this court rendered able and untiring public service, both to his constituents and to Madison County; and Whereas this Court, deeply regrets his untimely death and desires to go on record in expression of its sympathies to his family; now, therefore, be it resolved by the Quarterly County Court of Madison County, Tennessee, in regular session assembled on this January 7, 1952, that this Court go on record in expression of its deepest regrets over the untimely death of Esquire Lowell Simmons and in expression of its profound sympathies to the family of Esquire Simmons in their hour of greatest sorrow;

Be it further resolved, that this resolution be spread on the minutes of this court; and be it further resolved, that copies of this resolution be forwarded by the Clerk to the family of Esquire Simmons and to the press.

Motion made by Esquire W. H. Parham, seconded by Esquire Robert Hardee, that the foregoing resolution be adopted. Motion carried by unanimous vote of the court.

 

(Page 23)

LOWELL SIMMONS is buried in Hollywood Cemetery, Jackson, with tombstone bearing his dates: April 1, 1910-Dec. 24, 1951. (He was shot to death by Cecil Cook. See THE JACKSON SUN, Dec. 26, 1951. Served in House of Repres., 1945-1947. See, BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY OF TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (Nashville, 1989), vol. 4, page 350 for partial biographical sketch.)

 

40.
JOHN HENRY MERIWETHER, SR.

Madison County Court Minute Book 48, page 640. April 9, 1956.

Resolution. Whereas, Esquire J. H. MERIWETHER was for many years a member of this court and rendered long and faithful service to the people of Madison County; and whereas Esquire Meriwether was a highly respected citizen of Madison County and enjoyed the esteem and respect of all of the members of this court and of all others with whom he came in contact; and whereas this court deeply regrets the death of this beloved citizen; now, therefore, be it resolved by the Quarterly Court of Madison County, Tennessee, in regular session assembled on this April 9, 1956, that this court go on record in expression of its sorrow over the death of Esquire J. H. Meriwether and in expression of its appreciation for the long years of faithful and splendid services rendered by Esquire Meriwether to this court and to the people of Madison County, Tennessee. Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution be furnished Esquire Meriwether's family and the Press.

Motion made by Esquire Vanden Griffin, seconded by Esquire Harris Smith and others, that the foregoing resolution be adopted. Motion carried by roll call vote of 21 to 0. The court paused for a moment of silent prayer.

Note:
JOHN HENRY MERIWETHER, SR. is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, with tombstone bearing his dates: July 18, 1863-March 19, 1956.

[Meriwether obituary from p. 24]

THE JACKSON SUN, March 20, 1956:

John H. Meriwether, Former Magistrate, Dies After Illness         John H. Meriwether, 92-year-old retired Madison County magistrate and farmer of the Huntersville community died late yesterday at general Hospital, following a year's illness.         Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Griffin Funeral Home Chapel, conducted by Rev. J. A. Fisher, pastor of Andrews Methodist Church. Burial will be in Riverside.         Mr. Meriwether, a member of the County Court for 32 years, retired from that body in 1948.         Born and raised in Madison County, he was the son of the late William Pace Weriwether and Judith Henning Meriwether, pioneer residents of this area, and received his education at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.         He was a charter member of the first Tennessee Beagle Club, which was organized on his farm in Huntersville in 1939. He had never missed a meeting or a hunt since that time.         He was a member, and a former steward, of the Andrews' Chapel Methodist Church, and was active in all church activities until his death.         In addition to his activities with beagling, he was a member of many other sportsmen's groups, including the National Amateur Field Trials, the Tennessee Conservation League, and the Madison County Conservation Club. Each year he gave a challenge trophy for the champion bird dog of the Amateur Field Trials, known as the Meriwether trophy.         He was married to Miss Susanna Viola Pegues in November, 1891. They made their home in Huntersville and took an active interest in every phase of that community, including the farm bureau, Community Club, and church and school affairs.         He served as constable 6 years and magistrate 32 years, and was foreman of the Madison County Grand Jury for a four-year period.         At the time of his death he was the oldest U.T. alumnus in Madison County, having attended that university from 1880 to 1883.         In addition to his widow, he is survived by two sons, W. P. Meriwether and Hewitt P. Meriwether of Jackson; two daughters, Mrs. Howell Buntin of Jackson, and Mrs. David Wakefield of Arlington, Va.; a sister Mrs. P. D. Bruton of Jackson; eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.         Pallbearers, who will meet at Griffin at 2:15 tomorrow are:         Active: J. G. Tyson, James Bond Morris, Harris Ingram, Crawford Long, John Dougan, Tom Murtaugh.         Honorary: Robert Meriwether, Miburn C. Jolly, Harry Lyle, Cartmell Townes, P. C. Cole, Harry Merriwether, Winfield Pope and J. D. Mason.

 

41.
HUGH HARVEY

Madison County Commission Minute Book F, page 264. September 17, 1984.

Memorial Resolution. The citizens of Madison County were greatly saddened when they learned of the sudden death, Thursday, August 16, 1984, of Judge HUGH HARVEY. Judge Harvey was born of Felix and Laura Harvey in Montgomery County, November 15, 1894. One sister survives, Mrs. Glynn Moss. He graduated from Clarksville High School in Clarksville, Tennessee, and went on to take a diploma from Murfreesboro, Tennessee which is now referred to as Middle Tennessee State University. He earned his law degree through the American Law Institute. His first position was Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce in Clarksville. Then he re-located for a while in Mariana, Arkansas, before arriving in Jackson in 1928. Judge Harvey was married to his beloved Gladys for fifty-four years. They had two children, Hugh H. Harvey and Chole /Chloe/ Craddock and three grandchildren. Judge Harvey's many accomplishments and awards since becoming a part of Jackson are too numerous to mention. The path of achievement he chose revealed an uncommon caring spirit and an avid interest in public service which can never be forgotten by those whose lives he touched. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Madison County Commission in its regular meeting on September 17, 1984, unanimously adopt this memorial resolution and that it be furnished to his family and to the news media throughout the county.

Motion made by Commissioner Robert Hardee, seconded by Commissioner David N. Carter. Motion carried: Voice vote.

 

42.
HORACE VERNON SENTER

Madison County Commission Minute Book C, page 653. November 15, 1971.

 

(Page 24)

Memorium to Honorable H. V. Senter, Deceased

            WHEREAS, the Honorable H. V. Senter has served spiendidly as a member of the Jackson—Madison County General Hospital Board of Trustees; and
            whereas, this Court deeply regrets his untimely death and desires to go on record in expression of its appreciation for his services to the hospital and to the community in general;
            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Quarterly County Court of Madison County, Tennessee, in regular session assembled on this November 15, 1971, that this Court express its deep regret over the untimely death of the Honorable H. V. Senter and its appreciation for his untiring and unselfish service to his community and, in particular, to the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital; and
            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be spread upon the minutes of this Court; and
            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded by the Clerk to the family of Mr. Senter and to the news media.

MOTION made by Esquire David Carter, seconded by Esquire Arthur Johnson, Jr., that the foregoing resolution be adopted.

Motion carried unanimously.

THE JACKSON SUN, November 8, 1971:

Horace V. Senter, Hospital Trustee, Rites Wednesday         Horace Vernon Senter, vice chairman of the Jackson-Madison County Genetal Hospital Board of Trustees, died this morning at 6:30 following an illness of some two weeks.         Mr. Senter, 66, was admitted to the hospital two weeks ago Sunday for a recurring heart ailment. His condition had been considered serious for more than a week.         Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Griffin Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Pittman Marbury, pastor of St. Andrew United Methodist Churchm and the Rev. Harold Watkins of Colllerville officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery at Medina.         An accountant and secretary and director of American Federal Savings and Loan Association, Mr. Senter was active in church and civic organizations and had been member of the hospital board since July, 1956. He lived at 20 Glen Eden.         He was serving his second term as vice chairman of the hospital board after declining a nomination as chairman earlier this year. He was an of the Finance and Personnel committees at the hospital.         Scholarships for student nurses had been one of hi Mr. Senter's favorite projects at the hospital. He sponsored a program which earmarked collections from bad debts for a scholarship fund and made possible increased support of the nursing training program at Union University. Presently there are 17 student nurses approved in the hospital board's scholarship program.         Born Mar. 29, 1905 in Medina, the son of the late Horace and Minnie Hardy Senter, he was educated in the public schools of Medina.         He was a charter member of the Medina _____ Club and a past district governor of Lions District 12-L. He had been active in the Jackson Lions Club and at the time of his death was an honorary member of the Downtown jackson Lions Club.         He served on the official board at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, and a member of B.P. O. Elks Lodge 192.         He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mabel Sharp Senter; two sons., Bob Senter and Don Senter, both of Jackson; a brother, Robert Senter of Medina, and six grandchildren, Frances, Charles, Elizabeth, Jennifer, David and Angela Dawson Senter, all of Jackson.         Pallbearers requested to meet at the funeral home at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday will be L. T. Jones, Jimmy Williams of Medina, O. L. Horn, Farris Stafford and Cecil Hanna, both of Saltillo; Richard Burks, Felix Exum and L. D. Barnes of Humboldt.         Trustees at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and directors of America Federal Savings and Loan Association will be honorary pallbearers.         The body will remain at the funeral home until time for the services.

 

Griffin Funeral Home records reveal that Horace Vernon Senter was born March 29, 1905 and died November 8, 1971. Son of Horace Senter and Minnie (Hardy) Senter. He was buried in Medina, Tenn.

 

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