DEATH NOTICES FROM THE WESTERN WEEKLY REVIEW,
FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE 1841-1851

Abstracted by Jonathan Kennon Thompson Smith
Copyright, Jonathan K. T. Smith, 2004

(Page 14)

INDEX

January 13, 1843

OSCAR M. infant son of Thomas A. and Susan PANKEY died Franklin, Tenn., Dec. 27, 1842.

 

January 20, 1843

Mrs. WILLIAM CAYCE died Williamson Co., Tenn., Dec. 29, 1842 aged 30 years, 8 months and 13 days [born April 16, 1812]; wife and mother.

 

January 27, 1843

HENRY MASSON, president of the Dresden, Tenn. female academy, offers free tuition to all daughters of deceased freemasons; the freemasons pay for books and stationery for same.

 

February 3, 1843

MARY BELL C. THOMPSON daughter of Robert Thompson, dec. and Mrs. Martha Owen, died in the residence of Herbert Owen, Williamson Co., Tenn., Jan. 4, 1843, aged 17 years. "She died shouting in Christian faith and triumph."

MICHAEL DOYLE, native of Newbridge Parish, Kildare Co., Ireland, died Franklin, Tenn., Jan. 30, 1843 aged 52 years; husband and father.

ROBERT WOODS, businessman, died in Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 26, 1843.

ELIZA wife of Wilkins Tannehill, died Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 26, 1843 aged 54 years. [She is buried in the old city cemetery, Nashville].

 

March 24, 1843

ANN wife of Ennis MURRAY, Williamson Co., Tenn., died Feb. 25, 1843 aged about 45 years. Methodist.

Mrs. JANE FITZGERALD died Williamson Co., Tenn., Feb. 27, 1843 aged 80 years, 8 months and 22 days [born June 5, 1762].

Mrs. MARGARET HULME, formerly of Williamson Co., Tenn., died Madison Co., Tenn., Feb. 28, 1843.

LIPSCOMB NORVELL, veteran of the Revolutionary War, died March 2, 1843 aged 87 years; father of C. [Caleb] C. Norvell, editor of the Nashville WHIG. [His war service pension application, S5835, and Bounty Land Warrant #1599-200-26 reveals that he died March 2, 1843 and among his children was Caleb Norvell, mentioned in the REVIEW notice. His tombstone in the old city cemetery, Nashville, interpreted by the compiler, renders his birth in 1756.]

 

April 7, 1843

SAMUEL PERKINS, native of Buckingham Co., Va., died Mar. 18, 1843 in the 70th year of his age; moved to Williamson Co., Tenn., 1806; sometime member of the Tenn. legislature. [Samuel Perkins, 1774-1843, served in the Tennessee House of Representatives, 1825-1827]

RUFUS K. POLK, Ashwood, Maury Co., Tenn., died Nashville, Tenn., Mar. 25, 1843; burial in St. John's [Episcopal] Chapel-yard, 7 miles west of Columbia, Tenn., March 27; thorough-bred fancier. [Rufus King Polk, born May 15, 1814, was a son of Colonel William Polk and his second wife, Sarah; his residence in Maury Co., Tenn. was called Westbrook. See, THE POLKS OF NORTH CAROLINA AND TENNESSEE by Mrs. Frank M. Angellotti, 1923/24, page 16.]

Judge WAGGAMAN died from duel wound, New Orleans, La., March 23, 1843.

 

April 14, 1843

Rev. THOMAS L. DOUGLASS, Methodist, died Williamson Co., Tenn., April 9, 1843.

DAVID CALDWELL, veteran of the Revolutionary War, died Davidson Co., Tenn., Apr. 2, 1843 in the residence of William Reed, aged about 90 years.

 

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May 26, 1843

Sugars McLemore, Admr.
Vs.
Hardin Perkins and others.

In Chancery at Franklin

        IT appearing by affidavit, that the defendant; Hardin Perkins, is not a resident or citizen of the State of Tennessee so that the ordinary process of this court cannot be served upon him; it is ordered that publication be made for three successive weeks in the Western Weekly Review, a newspaper published in the town of Franklin, requiring and said defendant, Hardin Perkins, to be and appear at the next term of this court to be holden at the Court House in the town of Franklin, on the third Monday in October next then and there to plead, answer or demur to the complainants Bill, or the same will be taken for confessed and set down for hearing ex parte, as to him.

A copy: Attest, B. LITTON, C & M.

        The Bill in substance, states that in the year 1834 Daniel Perkins departed this life, having previously made his last will and testament which was duly proven at the October term 1834 of the Williamson county court, and the defendant, Hardin Perkins qualified as executor, and gave bond with Nicholas T. Perkins and Nicholas Perkins his securities. The bill further states that in the lifetime of the said Daniel Perkins, the complainant married Bethenia McLemore, the grand daughter of said Daniel and that said Daniel Perkins among other things in said will made the following bequest: "I give my grand daughter Bethenia G. McLemore a negro girl to be purchased by my executor to be between the ages of 12 and 20 years and to be paid for from the proceeds of my property hereafter named." That the said Bethenia G. wife of complainant survived the said Daniel Perkins and departed this life after the death of said Daniel, and after the probate of his will, and after complainant had demanded and requested the executor to deliver him such negro as is mentioned in the bill, and that at the March term 1843 of the county court of Madison county Tennessee, complainant was appointed administrator upon the estate of his wife and that as such administrator he has made application to the said executor Hardin Perkins, for the payment of said Legacy, which, for some cause unknown to complainant he has neglected and refused to do, either in the lifetime of the said Bethenia G. or since her death. The bill prays that the executor, Hardin Perkins may be compelled to deliver to complainant a negro such as is described in the will of said Daniel Perkins and also the hire of such negro from the year 1834, or the value of such negro in 1834, with interest, and for general relief, &c.

May 10, 1843. - 3t Pr fee 14 dols.

 

June 9, 1843

Mrs. CATHARINE BADGER, daughter of Thomas L. Robinson, Franklin, Tenn., died Nashville, Tenn., June 4, 1843 aged 38 years.

JOHN R. WELLS died May 21, 1843 aged about 16 months. WILLIAM J. WELLS died May 28, 1843 aged about 5 years and 8 months; both sons of John C. WELLS.

Resolutions of respect for the memory of JOHN O. P. CHARTER, Franklin, Tenn., who died Shreveport, La., May 14, 1843 in the 25th year of his age, of consumption; surviving were his widow and an infant child.

 

June 16, 1843

Dr. JAMES HOGAN, editor of the Vicksburg SENTINEL was killed there, June 7, 1843 in "an affray" with D. W. Adams, whose father had been lambasted in the SENTINEL; killed by shot from a pocket pistol.

 

June 30, 1843

ELIZABETH wife of Captain William HUGHS [sic] died June 18, 1843 aged 46 years; wife and mother.

The funeral of MARY wife of Thomas L. ROBINSON would be held in the Robinson residence in Franklin, Tenn., on July 7, 1843; she died June 23, 1843.

The fourth son [unnamed] of Wilkins TANNEHILL died in Nashville, Tenn., June 28, 1843. [F. TANNEHILL, 1840-1843, buried in old city cemetery, Nashville]

ANIZ JONES, esq. died Nashville, Tenn., June 17, 1843; merchant. [Properly, ANIZI JONES; buried in old city cemetery, Nashville]

 

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July 7, 1843

ELIZABETH wife of Joseph TENNISON; daughter of James and Sarah Shelburn, died June 2, 1843 aged about 30 years.

GEORGE A. BROOKS, administrator of the estate of Mrs. PRISCILLA S. BROOKS, advertised for all persons with claims on this estate file same before or by Dec. 25, 1843.

 

July 21, 1843

Dr. JESSE G. CORE settled into medical practice on Duck River, Halls Ford Road, seven miles southeast of Franklin, Tenn.

MATILDA PHEDORA ODEN died June 10, 1843 aged 1 year, 7 months [born in November 1841]; MARGARET KAVANAUGH ODEN died July 7, 1843 aged 3 years and 3 months [born in April 1840]; both children of Solomon and Melissa Oden, Williamson Co., Tenn.

LEMUEL SMITH died near Holly Springs, Miss., July 1, 1843 aged 25 years.

FRANCES McALISTER widow of John McAlister, Franklin, Tenn. and mother of James A. McAlister, Nashville, Tenn., died July 11, 1843 in the residence of her son-in-law, H. R. W. Hill.

 

July 28, 1843

ELIZA wife of John M. SHAW; daughter of William and Susan Leaton, died July 17, 1843 in the 21st year of her age.

SARAH wife of John T. CAMERON, Canton, Miss., died July 10, 1843.

 

August 11, 1843

JOSEPH LITTLEBERRY son of Joseph W. and Cecilia H. BAUGH died in residence of William Anthony, Franklin, Tenn., July 27, 1843 aged about 19 months.

JANE T. ALEXANDRETTA wife of the Rev. T. W. HAYNES died Davidson Co., Tenn., at her mother, Mrs. Buchanan's residence, July 27, 1843; "a bride at sixteen, a mother at eighteen and left a lovely daughter of eight months."

DAVID RIGGS born Surry Co., No. Carolina, April 2, 1784; died in residence of his brother, Gideon Riggs, Williamson Co., Tenn., June 25, 1843.

Colonel NICHOLAS T. PERKINS, Williamson Co., Tenn., died Sunday, August 6, 1843. [In William K. Hall's DESCENDANTS OF NICHOLAS PERKINS OF VIRGINIA, Ann Arbor, 1957, pages 124-125, is noted Nicholas Tate Perkins, born Dec. 29, 1767; died at his home, Poplar Grove, Williamson Co., Tenn., August 6, 1843; married Anna Perkins, 1770-1839, on January 30, 1790; served as colonel of West Tennessee Mounted Volunteers, War of 1812; father of thirteen children.]

SAMUEL N. son of the Rev. Daniel STEPHENS, D. D., 1836 graduate of the University of Nashville; principal of the Jackson Male Academy, died Jackson, Tenn., July 25, 1843 aged 27 years and about 3 months.

 

August 18, 1843

Miss HELEN DUDLEY died Franklin, Tenn., August 13, 1843.

REBECCA wife of Isaac LITTON died [August 13, 1843].

Obituary of NICHOLAS TATE PERKINS. See next page.

 

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[This is a transcription of a handwritten obituary included in this volume, origin not given-L. B.]

Died at his residence, Poplar Grove, Williamson County, Tenn., on Sunday 6th of August 1843, Col. Nicholas Tate Perkins. Col. Perkins was born in Guilford County, North Carolina, 29th December 1767 - at ten years of age moved to Potsylvania County, Virginia - in 1790 was married in Jefferson County, east Tennessee and after residing a few years in Davidson County, settled in this [Williamson] county in 1803, where his remains now repose in the family cemetery by the side of his beloved wife. Col. P. served in both branches of the state legislature, at various times, till 1813 and having commanded the cavalry of the county, he was chosen colonel of the first regiment of mounted volunteers assembled at Huntsville, Alabama and served out the term of his enlistment in the Creek war. After the war he was chosen collector of the revenue for this district and designated collector for the state, for non-residents, subsequently was appointed agent for the Bank of Tennessee. Having ably and faithfully performed the duties and trusts assigned and confided to him by his country and countrymen, he returned to private life where he ever remained the same high toned and dignified gentleman, worthy the imitation of his fellow man and having reared a large and respectable family of children, his memory will abide with them and his worth will long be cherished by his numerous relations and friends.

[Colonel N. T. Perkins served in the Tennessee House of Representatives, 1805-1807; Tennessee Senate, 1807-1809.]

 

August 25, 1843

REBECCA C. daughter of Captain George S. Smith, Williamson Co., Tenn.; wife of James Litton, died Franklin, Ten., Aug. 13, 1843; "a lovely young lady."

SARAH widow of John J. HENRY died in residence of Colonel W. P. Perkins, Madison Co., Miss., recently in the 51st year of her age. Baptist.

ANTHONY BLACKWELL SHARP died near Clinton, Miss., recently, in the 17th year of his age.

 

September 15, 1843

WILLIAM son of Henry H. GRAY died [Williamson Co., Tenn.], Sept. 3, 1843 aged about 15 years.

General THOMAS J. PETERS died in residence of John W. Fowler, near Memphis, Tenn., Sept. [6] 1843 aged 38 years; native of Maury Co., Tenn.; freemason.

 

September 22, 1843

See page 18 for Sutton article.

 

(Page 18)

From the Knoxville Post. Sept. 13
MURDER OF A REVOLUTIONARY
SOLDIER IN KNOX COUNTY, TENN.

        One of the most horrible and brutal murders that it has ever fallen to our lot to record, or of which the circumstances have ever come under our notice, was committed in Knox County, about six and a half miles from Knoxville, on the main western road, on Tuesday evening 5th inst. The victim was an old man by the name of John Sutton, a soldier of the Revolution, whose place of residence was in Meigs county, about 70 miles from Knoxville, and the crime was perpetrated for the sake of obtaining the paltry sum of about thirty-three dollars, which the poor old man had about his person in specie. He had visited Knoxville to obtain his pension money, it being his custom to perform this trip for that object once every six months; and having received from the Pension Agent the amount to which he was entitled, he left town on horseback at about one or two o'clock in the day, on his way home. He was seen by different individuals on the road, riding along at a slow pace, and was noticed by some person at but a short distance from the spot the murder took place. At about 4 o'clock, P. M, a gentleman coming from the West found him seated near the road-side, in a solitary and dreary looking hollow opposite what is called Bennett's place, with his face shockingly bruised and mangled, and altho' he was still alive, he was entirely speechless and insensible. The bridge of his nose was broken, one of his ears was nearly cut off, and other marks of violence were found upon his person, bearing the appearance of having been inflicted with a club. His horse was tied to a tree near him, and his saddle bags, which had been rifled of the money they contained, were found lying concealed a short distance off. He was taken to a neighboring house, and a skillful physician was forthwith called in, but all efforts to resuscitate him proved unavailing, and he died about midnight, without having been able to articulate distinctly or give any clue whereby the depraved wretch who murdered him might be detected. He had a number of papers about him, from one of which it was ascertained that he was a member of the Baptist Church, in good standing. He was about ninety-five years old, and is said to have been unusually active and sprightly for that advanced age.

 

[In the pension application for herself, based on her husband's war service, ELIZABETH SUTTON revealed that John Sutton was killed Sept. 5, 1843 eight miles "below" Knoxville, Tenn.; he had come from So. Carolina to Tennessee early in 1795.]

 

September 29, 1843

RANDAL McGAVOCK died near Franklin, Tenn., Sept. 27, 1843 aged 75 years. [Randall McGavock's father, James McGavock, was born in Antrim, Ireland, 1728; after coming to America he settled in Rockbridge Co., Va.] HISTORY OF DAVIDSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE by W. W. Clayton, Nashville, 1880, page 426:

Randall McGavock, the fourth son of James McGavock Sr., was the assistant of his brother David in locating the early lands, and his deputy in the land-office. He was mayor of Nashville in 1824, and afterwards clerk of the Circuit Court of Davidson County and of the Supreme Court of' Errors and Appeals, after which he removed to Williamson County and settled on his vast tract of excellent land near Franklin, now owned and occupied by his son, Col. John McGavock, where he died at a ripe old age in 1854. He was a citizen of high character and of unquestionable integrity, and, though spending all the latter part of his long and useful life in Williamson, he was still much devoted to Davidson County.

 

RANDALL McGAVOCK, June 20, 1766-Sept. 27, 1843; See October 20, 1843 issue.

 

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WILLIS CRUTCHER died Williamson Co., Tenn. sometime in August last.

General WILLIAM MARTIN died Sept. 28, 1843 aged about 65 years.

 

October 6, 1843

As a mark of respect for the memory of Gen. WILLIAM MARTIN, whose death is deeply regretted by all who knew him, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted at the last quarterly term of the county court of Williamson. — They will be read with interest by his numerous friends and acquaintances throughout the county, as embodying a brief but correct history of one who has rendered essential services to his country in a military, political, and civil capacity.

THE STATE OF TENNESSEE,
WILLIAMSON COUNTY COURT,
October Term, 1843.

        The death of Gen. William Martin, county trustee of this county, being announced, the following testimony of respect for his memory and worth is ordered to be entered upon the minutes of this Court. General William Martin was born in the county of Stokes, in the State of North Carolina, in the year 1778, and emigrated to the State of Tennessee about the year 1812 or 13, and settled in the county of Williamson, where he resided up to the day of his death, which occurred on the 28th day of September 1843. He commenced his career of usefulness in the early stages of the Creek war, under Gen. Andrew Jackson. He was an efficient officer in the battle of Talladega, Tallahatchie and Horse Shoe. At the battle of New Orleans he commanded a company, many of whom are still living, who can testify to the skill and bravery he exhibited on that occasion. At Pensacola he acted as major, and performed signal service to the country, as well as a brave and fearless act in carrying the cannon into the very face of the enemy to play upon their ranks. On his return home his fellow citizens, gratified for the services he had rendered his country, elected him from the county of Williamson to the State Legislature, which place he filled on several successive occasions. As the strongest proof of their confidence and esteem, he never was refused their suffrages for any office he asked at their hands. In 1842 he was elected to the office of county Trustee, which office he held up to his death, the duties of which he performed as he had all others in the various relations of life, with honesty, fidelity and integrity.
        Upon motion of Richard Alexander Esq., seconded by Jon Marshall Esq.,
        Resolved, That in the death of Gen. William Martin, the county has sustained the loss of an efficient, faithful public officer, and the community at large one of its most worthy members.
        Resolved, That as an evidence of our high respect and esteem for the memory and worth of Gen. William Martin, the members of this court will wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.
        Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be signed by the Chairman and Clerk of the court, and forwarded to the relations of the deceased, and published in the Western Weekly Review.

 

ADALINE infant daughter of John and Elizabeth J. GUTHRIE died Sept. 22, 1843 aged 22 months and 16 days.

SARAH MANDANA infant daughter of James and Henrietta N. ANDERSON, Waynesboro, Tenn., died near Franklin, Tenn., in residence of William Anderson, Sept. 23, 1843 aged about 13 months.

 

October 13, 1843

LOUISA wife of George WATTS, Greensburg, Indiana, committed suicide by cutting her throat, Oct. 3, 1843.

SETH B. MITCHELL, proprietor of the Eastport SENTINEL died Oct. 12, 1843 in the 30th year of his age.

 

October 20, 1843

DAVID HILL born Iredell Co., No. Carolina, April 2, 1771; migrated to Tenn., 1816 and to Williamson Co., 1817; died in residence of his son, R. A. Hill, Williamson Co., Sept. 28, 1843.

 

(Page 20)

RANDAL [Randall] McGAVOCK, native of Wythe Co., Va., died Williamson Co., Tenn., Sept. 7 [27] 1843 in the 76th year of his age; educated to practice law; sometime clerk of the U.S. Court of West Tennessee; clerk, Davidson County circuit Court, 1810-1816; clerk, Supreme Court of Tenn., Middle Tenn., 1816-1836.

HUGH LAWSON WHITE son of Governor James C. JONES died Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 19, 1843.

MARCAS MORTON infant son of Samuel and Charlotte WATSON died Robertson Co., Tenn., Oct. 15, 1843.

 

October 27, 1843

WILLIAM WESLEY son of T. K. HANDY died Oct. 20, 1843 aged 2 years, 6 months [born in April 1841].

WILLIAM HOPE, veteran of the Revolutionary War, died near Raleigh, Shelby Co., Tennessee, Oct. 11, 1843 aged 83 years; formerly of Williamson County. "He always made a point to go to the polls and exercise the privilege which he had fought to obtain." [His war service pension application, S1956, reveals that Hope was born in Bucks Co., Pa., June 28, 1761; moved into Williamson County, 1816.]

GEORGE W. PARKER died Oct. 22, 1843 aged about 35 years.

 

November 3, 1843

Dr. SAMUEL THOMSES [sic], originator of the Thomsonian system of medicine, died Boston, Mass., Oct. 4, 1843 aged 74 years.

Major JACOB GRIMMER died Williamson Co., Tenn., Oct. 28, 1843 aged 87 years and 8 months; veteran of the Revolutionary War.

Miss BELFIELD ESTES died October 17, 1843.

ELIZABETH, mother of Hon. John H. EATON died Franklin, Tenn., Oct. 30, 1843 aged about 90 years. Presbyterian.

MARGARET JANE MEREDITH daughter of John P. BROADNAX, dec., died Sumpter Co., Ala., Oct. 26, 1843.

Mr. SALA N. SHARP died Hinds Co., Miss., Nov. 10, 1843 aged 43 years.

 

November 10, 1843

Colonel JOHN MILLEN, Democratic member of the U.S. Congress, from Georgia, died Oct. 15, 1843.

BIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY OF THE AMERICAN CONGRESS, 1774-1971, Washington, D.C., 1971, page 1407:

MILLEN, John, a Representative from Georgia; born in Savannah, Ga., in 1804; completed preparatory studies; studied law; was admitted to the bar and practiced in Savannah many years; member of the State house of representatives in 1828, 1834, 1835, 1839, and 1840; elected as a Democrat to the Twenty-eighth Congress and served from March 4, 1843, until his death in Savannah, Ga., October 15, 1843; interment in Laurel Grove Cemetery.

 

TAKING THE CENSUS,
OR
CHICKEN ADVENTURES IN 1840

        The following amusing article is by John Johnson Hooper, Esq., editor of the East Alabamian, at Lafayette, Ala., a native of Wilmington, N.C., a gentleman of keen wit, agreeable humor, and capital good sense. He had been appointed by the Marshal of Alabama to take the census of Tallapoosa county - to count the noses of the men, women, children and chickens resident in the 900 square miles of rough country, which constitutes that county, and thus he tells the tale of his adventures.
        "Glorious sport! Thought we, but it didn't turn out so. True we escaped without any drubbings, although we came unpleasantly near catching a dozen, and only escaped by a very peculiar knack we have of "sliding out;" but then we were quizzed, laughed at, abused and nearly drowned: Children shouted, — "yonder goes the chicked man!" — men said "yes, curse him, he'll be after the taxes soon" — and the old women threatened, if he came to enquire about their chickens, "to set the dogs on him" — while the young women observed "they didn't know what a man wanted to be so particular about gal's ages for, without he was agwine a courtin'" — We have some reminiscences of our official peregrinations that will do to laugh at now, although the occurrences with which they are connected, were at the time, any thing but mirth-inspiring.
        We rode up, one day, to the residence of a widow rather past the prime of life — just that period at which nature supplies most abundantly the oil which lubricates the hinges of the female tongue — and hitching to the fence, walked into the house.
        'Good morning, Madam,' said we in our usual bland, and somewhat insinuating manner.

 

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        'Mornin,' said the widow gruffly.
        Drawing our blanks from their case, we proceeded — 'I am the man, madam, that takes the census, and, —'
        'The mischief you are!' said the old termagant — 'yes, I've hearn of you; Parson W. told me you was coming, and I told him jist what I tell you, that if you said 'cloth,' 'soap,' ur 'chickens' to me, I'd set the dogs ed ye — Here Bull! Here Pomp!' Two wolfish curs responded to the call for Bull and Pomp, by coming to the door, smelling at our feet with a slight growl; and then laid down on the steps. "Now,' continued the old savage, "them's the severest dogs in this country. Last week, Bill Stonecker's two year old steer jumped my yard fence, and Bull and Pomp tuck him by the throat, and they killed him afore my boys could break 'em loose, to save the world.'
        'Yes, ma'am,' said we, meekly, 'Bull and Pomp seem to be very fine dogs.'
        'You well may say that: what I tell them to do, they do - and if I was to sick them on your old horse yonder they'd eat him up afore you could say Jack Robinson. And it's jist what I shall do, if you try to pry into my consarns. They are none of your business nor Van Buren's nuther, I reckon. Oh old Van Banburen! I wish I had you here, you old rascal! I'd show you what — I'd — I'd make Bull and Pomp show you how to be sendin' out men to take down what little stuff people's got, just to tax it, when it's taxed enough already!'
        All this time we were perspiring through fear of the fierce guardians of the old widow's portal. At length when the widow paused, we remarked that as she was determined not to answer questions about the produce of her farm, we would just set down the age, sex and complexions of each member of her family.
        'No such a thing — you'll do no such a thing,' said she; 'I've got five in my family and that's all you'll git from me. Old Van Buren must have a heap to do, the dratted old villyan, to send you to take down how old my children is. I've got five in my family, and they all between five and a hundred years old, they are all a plagy sight whiter than you, and whether they are he or she is none of your consarns.'
        We told her we should report her to the Marshal and she would be fined, but it only augmented her wrath.
        'Yes! Send your Marshal or your Mr. Van Buren here, if you're bad off in — let 'em come — let Mr. Van Buren come" — (looking as savage as a Bengal Tigress) 'Oh I wish he would come' — and her nostrils dialated and her eyes gleamed — 'I'd cut his head off!'
        'That might kill him,' we ventured in remark, by way of a joke.
        'Kill him! Kill him -oh -if I had him here by the years, I reckon I would kill him. A pretty fellow to be eating his vittils out'n gold spoons, that poor people's taxed for, and raisin' an army to get him made King of Ameriky — the audacious, nasty, stinking old scamp!' She pause a moment and then resumed, 'and now, mister, jist put down what I tell you on that paper, and don't be telling no lies to send to Washington city. Jist put down 'Judy Tompkins, ageable woman and four children.'
        We objected to making any such entry, but the old hag vowed that it should be done to prevent any misrepresentation of her case. We however were pretty resolute, until she appealed to the couchant whelps, Bull and Pomp. At the first glimpse of their teeth our courage gave way, and we made the entry in a bold hand across a blank schedule:
        'Judy Tompkins, ageable woman and four children.'
        We now begged the old lady to dismiss her canine friends, that we might go out and depart; and forthwith mounting our old black, we determined to give the old soul a parting fire. — Turning half around in order to face her, we shouted.
        'Old woman!'
        'Who told you to call me old 'oman, you long-legged, hatched-faced whelp, you. I'll make the dogs take you off that horse if you give me any more sarse. What do you want?'
        'Do you want to get married?'
        'Not to you, if I do!'
        Placing our right thumb on the nasal extremity of our countenance, we said, 'You needn't be uneasy old'un, on that score — that you might suit sore-legged Dick S — up our way, and I should like to know what to tell him he might count on, if he comes down next Sunday!'
        'Here Bull,' shouted the widow — 'sick him Pomp!' — but we cantered off, unwounded, fortunately by the fangs of Bull and Pomp who kept up the chase as long as they could hear the cheering voice of their mistress — S-i-c-k Pomp-sick, s-i-c-k him Bull-suboy! suboy! suboy!

 

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November 17, 1843

SARAH H. wife of George HARDING died Williamson Co., Tenn., Nov. 7, 1843 in the 35th year of her age.

LABAN HARTLEY, SR., native of Maryland, served in the Revolutionary War and afterwards moved to Rowan Co., No. Carolina; to Williamson Co., Tenn., 1814; died there, November 6, 1843 aged about a 100 years old.

VICTORIA H. daughter of J. B. and C. RAGSDALE died Nov. 9, 1843 aged 3 years, l month and 29 days [born October 9, 1840].

Hon. THOMAS ROBINSON, U.S. Congressman from Delaware, died Sussex Co., Delaware, Oct. 28, 1843.

BIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY OF THE AMERICAN CONGRESS, 1774-1971, Washington, D.C., 1971, page 1622:

ROBINSON, Thomas, Jr., a Representative from Delaware; born in Georgetown, Sussex County, Del., in 1800; attended the common schools and was graduated from Princeton College; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1823 and commenced practice in Georgetown, Del.; treasurer of Sussex County in 1825; levy court commissioner in 1831 and 1832; elected as a Democrat to the Twenty-sixth Congress (March 4, 1839-March 3, 1841); died in Georgetown, Del., October 28, 1843; interment in the Old Cemetery of St. George's Chapel.

 

General CHARLES SHEPARD, former Congressman from No. Carolina, died Newbern, N.C., "Tuesday."

BIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY OF THE AMERICAN CONGRESS, 1774-1971, Washington, D.C., 1971, page 1687:

SHEPARD, Charles Biddle, a Representative from North Carolina; born in New Bern, Craven County, N.C., December 5, 1807; attended private schools of his native city and was graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1827; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1828 and commenced practice in New Bern, N.C.; elected to the State house of representatives to fill out the unexpired term of Charles Spaight and served in 1831 and 1832; elected as a Democrat to the Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth Congresses (March 4, 1837 -- March 3, 1841); resumed the practice of his profession; died in New Bern, N.C., October 31, 1843; interment in Cedar Grove Cemetery.

 

December 1, 1843

Biographical sketch of JAMES C. JONES who was elected governor of Tennessee in August 1843. He was born in Wilson Co., Tenn., June 7, 1809; his parents had moved from Virginia to middle Tennessee. When he was a youngster his father died and he had a trying time but pursued the study of law, giving that up to farm. In the spring of 1839 he ran for and won office of state representative on the Whig ticket. He became one of the state's most vocal Whigs. Described as 6'2" tall, not stout [fleshy], long-limbed; had a slow, precise walk, lengthy stride; swarthy complexion; "great pleasantness of manners" and an easy "mixer." [James Chamberlain Jones, June 7, 1809-Oct. 29, 1859, Governor of Tennessee, 1841-1845]

 

December 8, 1843

WILLIAM H. CARSEY died Henry Co., Tenn., Oct. 2, 1843.

ELIZABETH wife of Captain Thomas ALEXANDER, Williamson Co., Tenn., died Nov. 27, 1843 aged about 75 years.

HANNAH wife of Thomas HARDEMAN, Maury Co., Tenn., died Nov. 25, 1843 in the 27th year of her age; wife and mother.

NANCY daughter of James H. SHEARIN; wife of Wilie WHITE died Williamson Co., Tenn., Dec. 2, 1843 aged 32 years.

 

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OPHELIA daughter of Samuel M. and Arabella McCURDY died Mt. Vernon, Ark., Oct. 31, 1843 aged 3 years, 6 months and 4 days [born April 27, 1840].

 

December 22, 1843

Resolutions of respect in memory of BURGESS H. PAYNE who died in Mariana, Florida, recently in his 24th year; by the Lewisburg, Tenn. Bar; undated.

JONES ANDREWS died Williamson Co., Tenn., Dec. 2, 1843 in 52nd year of his age.

 

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