Category: Biography

STEVENS, Amanda Melvina Ashley (Biography)

Amanda Melvina Ashley was the daughter of G. B. (Greenberry) Ashley and Maria Louise Curtis/Custis Ashley. Maria and Greenberry were both born ca. 1808. Maria is buried in the Nashville City Cemetery. Greenberry was in Civil War, 1st/27th Consolidated Infantry Regiment representing Nashville, TN and believe died in the war 1861-1863. 

1826, September 23, Amanda Melvina Ashley was born, Nashville, Davidson, TN. 

1850 Census, Nashville, Davidson, TN, Dwelling 479, Family 479: 

  • Maria Louise Custis/Curtis Ashley (41), f., b. TN (b. 1808, d. March 5, 1871) 
  • Amanda Melvina Ashley (23), f., b. TN (b. September 23, 1826, m. James 
  • Charles Stevens, Jr.-January 4, 1857, d. March 28, 1901) 
  • Mary Elizabeth Ashley (21), f., b. TN (b. August 12, 1829) 
  • William Custis Ashley (17), m., coppersmith, b. TN (b. February 7, 1834, d. March 8, 1904 
  • Richard Mar Ashley (15), m., b. TN (b. April 27, 1836) 
  • Martha Elizabeth Ashley (13), f., b. TN (b. January 28, 1838) 
  • Margaret Louise Ashley (11), f., b. TN (b. February 10, 1841)

 

Amanda Melvina Ashley married James Charles Stevens, Jr. on January 4, 1857 in Nashville, Davidson, TN. Both the marriage bond and the marriage license were dated December 29th, 1856. James Charles Stevens, Jr. was born ca. 1825 in London, England. 

The children of Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens and James Charles Stevens, Jr. were: 

  • James Wharton Stevens, b. June 25, 1858, Nashville, Davidson, TN and died January 16, 1930, age 71, Memphis, Shelby, TN.
  •  William George Stevens, b. April 12, 1860, Nashville, Davidson, TN and died July 3, 1932, Memphis, Shelby, TN. 
  • Charles “Charlie” Richard Stevens, b. April 2, 1862, Nashville, Davidson, TN and died July 20, 1863, Nashville, buried Nashville City Cemetery in plot with Maria Louise Custis/Curtis Ashley (his grandmother). 
  • Emma Stevens, b. July 10, 1864 (6 years 1870 census, b. TN, not listed 1880). 
  • Charles George Stevens, b. June 15, 1868/1869, TN.

 

 1860 Census, Nashville, Davidson, TN, pg. 476, dwelling 103, family 125:

  •  Maria Louise Ashley (52), f., b. TN, seamstress, (can not read of write), property value, $100 
  • Richard Mar Ashley (24), m., b. TN, farmer 
  • Martha Elizabeth Ashley (22), f., b. TN 
  • Margaret Louise Ashley (19), f., b. TN

 

1860 Census, Nashville, Davidson, TN, 8th Ward of Nashville, D-5-171 

  • James Charles Stevens, Jr., (34), machinist, b. England 
  • Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens (33), b. TN 
  • James Wharton Stevens (2), b. TN 
  • William George Stevens (2/12), b. April 1860, TN

 

1870 Census, Nashville, Davidson, TN, pg. 503, dwelling 512, family 645: 

  • Maria Louise Ashley (62), w .f., b. TN, keeping house
  •  Richard Mar Ashley (34), w. m., b. TN, tinner 

 

1870 Census, Nashville, Davidson, TN, 8th Ward of Nashville, D-443 (584/706) 

  • James Charles Stevens (Stephens), Jr., (43), railroad machinist, b. England 
  • Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens (Stephens) (40), b. TN 
  • James Wharton Stevens (Stephens) (12), b. TN, attending school 
  • William “Willie” George Stevens (Stephens) (10), b. TN, attending school 
  • Charles Stevens (Stephens) (7), b. TN, attending school 
  • Emma Stevens (Stephens) (6), b. TN 
  • Charles George Stevens (Stephens) (2), b. TN 

 

1880 Census, Nashville, Davidson, TN, 10th District, E.D. 70, page 12 (133) 

  • James (Jos.) Charles Stevens, Jr., (55), machinist, b. England, parents b. England
  • Amanda (A.M., Mrs.) Melvina Ashley Stevens (53), wife, b. TN, parents b. TN
  •  William George Stevens (20), son, apprentice, b. TN 
  • Charles George Stevens (11), son, b. TN 
  • James Wharton Stevens, (22), son, machinist, b. TN 
  • Emma Ann Williams Stevens (24), wife of James Wharton Stevens, b. TN 
  • Emma Gertrude Stevens (5/12), their baby b. July 1879 in TN

 

 1880 & 1885 Nashville City Directory 

  • James Charles Stevens, Jr., foreman at Penitentiary, lived Bilbo Ave. and Waller. William George Stevens lived at the same address.

 

1888 Nashville City Directory 

  • James Charles Stevens, Jr., machinist, lived at Spruce and Bass. 
  • Charles William Stevens, machinist, at same address. 

 

1890 Memphis City Directory 

  • James Charles Stevens, Jr., engineer, lived at 141 Looney Street. 
  • Charles George Stevens, laborer, at same address.

  

1891 Memphis City Directory 

  • James Charles Stevens, Jr., engineer, at 141 Looney St. 

 

1892 James Charles Stevens, Jr. and Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens divorced. 

 

1900 Memphis, Shelby, TN census, 5th Civil District, E.D. 90, p. 1 (129/34/41) 

  • Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens (Stephens) (73), b. Sept. 1826 in TN, widowed 
  • (“Grass Widow”, divorced, husband not dead, still above ground), mother of seven children, three living. Amanda was b. TN, her father b. NC, her mother b. TN. 
  • Charles George Stevens, son, (30), b. June 1869, single, engineer in sawmill. They lived at 129 Looney Street. 

 

Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens died March 28, 1901, age 79, in Memphis, Shelby, TN and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, section A Adult, Lot F 90, burial #365 on March 29, 1901. Female, white, cause of death, Senility La Grippe, place of death, 129 Looney Street, physician, J. F. Cochran, undertaker, Holst Bros., Shelby County Pre-1902 Death records, File # P.151. 

 

Obit for Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens, Memphis Commercial Appeal, March 30, 1901, page 5. —-  Stevens-At residence, No. 129 Looney Street, Chelsea, Thursday evening, March 28, 1901, Amanda A. Stevens, aged 79 years, mother of James W., W.G., and C.G. Stevens. (Nashvile and Chattanooga, Tenn., and Birmingham, Ala. Papers please copy). Remains were interred in Forest Hill Cemetery Yesterday (Friday) afternoon. 

 

James Charles Stevens, Jr. died November 2, 1915 at 7:30 p.m., age 91, in Memphis,Shelby, TN, and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, section B Adult, Lot 883 single, burial # 3917, November 4, 1915. Male, white, married, cause of death senility, general debility, place of death, 337 W. Johnson Place, physician, S.W. Thorn, undertaker, Jno. J. Collins. State of TN Board of Health file #2756, registered # 2757, showed length of residence at address as 4 yrs., in the state 20 yrs., father was James Stevens, b. England, mother, unknown, birthplace unknown. It showed his age 74 (91). Death certificate informant was Mrs. J. C. Stevens.

 

submitted by Peggy Rhinerson

STEVENS, Emma Ann Williams (Biography)

 

Emma Ann Williams Stevens was born December 16, 1858 at Shalles Township, Allegheny County, PA. 

Emma Ann Williams was the daughter of Sgt. David Richard Williams and Arabella Foreman Williams. David Richard Williams died November 6, 1880, Memphis, Shelby, TN and is buried in Memphis National Cemetery. Arabelle Foreman Williams died March 21, 1897 in Shelby County and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, Shelby, TN. 

Emma Ann Williams married James Wharton Stevens on February 22, 1879, Shelby County. 

The children of Emma Ann Williams Stevens and James Wharton Stevens are: 

  •  Emma Gertrude Stevens (Mrs. William S. Randolph, Sr.) 
  • Jimetta Stevens (Mrs. Eugene Johnson Bettis) 
  • Margaret Louise Stevens (Mrs. Robert Burgher Pirtle) 
  • Arrabelle Stevens (Mrs. Tommy G. Tucker) 

1880 census, Davidson County, TN: James Charles Stevens, Jr. (55), Amanda (53), William G. (20), and family of James Wharton Stevens (22), Emma Ann (24), and baby Emma Gertrude (5/12)

 1890 No census 

1900 Can not find 

1910 census, Memphis, Shelby, TN, ED 240, page 211, James Wharton Stevens (51), Emma Ann (53), daughter Arrabelle (22), brother, Charles George (42), and family Robert Burgher Pirtle (29), Margaret Louise Stevens Pirtle (27), and daughter, Eva R Pirtle (7). 

1920 census, Chattanooga, Hamilton, TN: James Wharton Stevens (62), Emma Ann (62), with Robert Burgher Pirtle (39) and wife, Margaret Louise Stevens Pirtle,  (37) and daughter, Eva R Pirtle (17). 

James Wharton Stevens died January 16, 1930 in Memphis, Shelby, TN and buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, TN.  

Emma Ann Williams Stevens died December 1, 1921 in Chattanooga, TN while staying with her daughter, Margaret Louise Stevens Pirtle because of illness. She was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, Shelby, TN.

 

The girls left to right, pic made about 1890: with married last names.

  • Jimetta Stevens (Bettis)
  • Margaret Louise Stevens (Pirtle)
  • Arrabelle Stevens (Tucker)
  • Emma Gertrude Stevens (Randolph)
submitted by Peggy Rhinerson

WILLIAMS, Sgt. David Richard (Biography)

 

David Richard Williams was the son of David Williams and Mary Richards Williams.

 

The family was from Antiglobe, Gramoganshire, Wales in 1822. David Richard Williams was 6 weeks old when he arrived in Pittsburgh, PA. He may have been born aboard ship enroute. He had dark hair, dark complexion, grey eyes, and he was 5’6” in height.  Mary Richard Williams died aboard ship enroute to America and was buried at sea.  The siblings of David Richard Williams were: Mary, John, and Margaret. David Richard Williams married Arabella Foreman on January 1, 1847 in Pittsburgh, PA. 

 

David Richard Williams enlisted in the Union Army on December 11, 1861 in St. Louis, MO in the Civil War. He fought the Indians at Fort Defiance in Company A, Merrill’s Horse Calvary. Muster records cover December 11, 1861 through October 1864. Then Sergeant David Richard Williams was transferred to Company I, 4th Regiment, Veteran’s Reserve Corp and discharged. September was to be his mustered-out date. 

 

The children of David Richard Williams and Arabella Foreman Williams were:  

  • Caroline “Carrie” L. Williams (who died in youth)
  • Emma Ann Williams (born Shaler Township, Allegheny County, PA)
  • Arabella Williams (born PA), Birdie MaeWilliams (born Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Perry Hazard Williams (born St. Louis, MO), Margaret Richard Williams (born St. Louis, MO)
  • David Richard Williams, Jr. (born St. Louis, MO).
  • They had two children who died in infancy. 

 

David Richard Williams signed away his property in Allegheny County, PA, in payment for a bond he had signed for a friend who defaulted as County Tax Assessor. The property was never recovered by the heirs.

1850 census, Shaler, Allegheny, PA (143/151): David Richard Williams (26) Boiler, b. Wales; Arrabella Foreman Williams (24) b. NY; Caroline L. Williams (3) b. PA; Emma Ann Williams (9/12) b. PA.

 

1858, July 27, St. Louis, MO, David Richard Williams, naturalization as a citizen of United States at the Law County Court.

 

1860 census, St. Louis, MO (798/2005): David Richard Williams (34) a puddler who forged steel, b. England (Wales); Arabella Foreman Williams (27, b. PA); Caroline L. Williams (12, b. Ohio); Emma Ann Williams (10, b. PA); Arabella Williams (3, b. PA). 

 

1880 census, Memphis, Shelby County, TN, District 15, E.D. 130, town of Chelsea:  

  • David Richard Williams (53, b. 1827 in Wales) a puddler, parents b. Wales
  • Arabella Foreman Williams (52, born NY) parents b. PA
  • Arabella Williams (19, born PA) mother b. NY, father b. Wales
  • Perry Hazard Williams (17, born MO) mother b. NY, father b. Wales
  • David Richard Williams, Jr. (14, born MO) mother b. NY, father b. Wales
  • Margaret “Maggie” Richard Williams (11, born MO) mother b. NY, father b. Wales. 

 

Sergeant David Richard Williams died November 6, 1880 in Memphis, Shelby, TN and is buried in Memphis National Cemetery, grave 13977.  

Arabella Foreman Williams died March 21, 1897, age 75, in Memphis and she is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, Shelby, TN.

 

 

Letter from D. R. Williams: Fort Defiance, March 17. 1861

My Dear Daughters

I now address a few lines according to promises when I left home as you are aware it was on the 24th of November last that I left St. Louis in the Gray’s Company A, First Regiment on the Southwest Expedition marched to Camp Boon at this place (which is 5 miles from the Kansas border and 300 miles from St. Louis) the Brigade received orders to return home and four companys were raised, one of Artillery and three of Calvary to protect the Border.  I joined the Artillery Capt. Jackson and served in this company until the 14th of Jan when on being Elected 2nd Lieutenant of the 3rd Company of Cavalry I was transferd to said Company and ordered to take post on the line dividing this State and the Now State of Kansass  the Company is Comanded by Capt. Stapels and we have erected a baracade and named it Fort Defiance.  We are now nearly through with the work which was much retarded by bad wether and the fatigue of Scouting along the Line every night-some times riding Thirty and forty miles between dark and daylight and then go to work on the fortifications so you see that the life of a Soldier is not all play and you can also imagin how very much time I have had to write to Mother and you after two months of such work.

            I hope that you both and Birdey have been good girls and Perry has been a good Boy since I Left Home that you have been to school and improved as fast as the circumstances under which you were placed this winter would permit.

            The Indians have not comenced to come to this post to trade yet and as we are prohibited to go to Kansass to trade with them I have been unable to buy Mocisens for you yet but I am informed by the residents heare that there will be plenty of them coming to sell their firs between this and the first of April next so I wish you to write as soon as you receive this and let me know how many inches long your feet is also your Mothers and Birdeys and I will try and get them to fit as I am afraid that I cannot do so without the measure.

            Tell your Mother that I wrote to her and Mr. Robinson on the 15th inst and I wish them to answer immediately.

To Miss Caroline P and Miss Emma A from their father.           D R. Williams

 

 submitted by Peggy Rhinerson

STEVENS, James Wharton (Biography)

Son of: James Charles Stevens (Jr.) and Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens. 

 

Brother of: William George Stevens, Charles “Charlie” Richard Stevens, Emma Stevens, and Charles George Stevens.

1858, June 25, James Wharton Stevens was born in Nashville, Davidson County, TN. 

 

 

 

1860 Census, Nashville, Davidson, TN, 8th Ward of Nashville, D-5-171 

  • James Charles Stevens, Jr. (34), machinist, b. England
  •   Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens (33), wife, b. TN
  •  James Wharton Stevens (2), b. TN
  •  William George Stevens (2/12), b. TN, April 1860 

 

1870 Census, Davidson County, TN, 8th Ward, D-443, (584/706) 

  • James Charles Stevens (Stephens), Jr. (43), railroad machinist, b. England 
  • Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens (Stephens) (40), wife, b. TN 
  • James Wharton Stevens (Stephens) (12), b. TN, attending school 
  • William “Willie” George Stevens (Stephens) (10), b. TN, attending school 
  • Charles Stevens (Stephens) (7), b. TN, attending school 
  • Emma Stevens (Stephens) (6), b. TN 
  • Charles George Stevens (Stephens) (2), b. TN 

 

Certificate: 1876, January 28, United States Inspectors Certificate to Engineers, No. 117. 

This is to certify that James W. Stevens has been duly examined by the undersigned Local Inspectors of Steamboats for the District of Nashville, Tenn. as to his qualifications as an Engineer of Steam Vessels and found to be a competent and reliable person to be entrusted with the powers and duties of Engineer of “Special Class” on the Towing St. H. L. Hall and boats of her ? and he is therefore hereby Licensed to act as such for the term of one year from this date. Given under our hand this Twenty eight (28) day of January 1876. Signed by Inspector of Boilers and Inspector of Hulls. (can not read names)  

Cards: “Memphis Temperance Pledge, January 1, 1877, with charity for all and malice toward none, I, the undersigned, DO PLEDGE, GOD HELPING ME, that I will forever abstain from the use of all Intoxicating Liquors as a beverage; and that I will, by all proper means, encourage others to abstain. Signed, James W. Stevens”. (also, have same card signed by Miss Emma A. Williams.

 

1879, February 23, James Wharton Stevens married Emma Ann Williams in Memphis, Shelby, TN by Thos. C. Holmes, Minister, M.E.Church, South. Marriage Bond was dated February 22, 1879, signed by James W. Stevens and Adolph R. Frey. Emma Ann Williams born Shaler Township, Allegheny County, PA, December 16, 1858 and died December 1, 1921, Chattanooga, TN. James Wharton Stevens was educated at Vanderbilt College, Nashville, TN. 

The children of James Wharton Stevens and Emma Ann Williams Stevens were: 

  •  Emma Gertrude Stevens (Mrs. William S. Randolph, Sr.), b. January 7, 1880, Nashville, Davidson, TN, died September 17, 1957, Memphis, TN, buried Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, TN. 
  • Margaret Louise Stevens (Mrs. Robert Burgher Pirtle), b. August 15, 1882, Nashville, TN, died March 23, 1963, Memphis, TN, buried Memphis National Cemetery, side by side w/Robert Burgher Pirtle. 
  • Jimetta Stevens (Mrs. Eugene Johnson Bettis), b. July 7, 1884, Nashville, TN, died October 31, 1965, Memphis, TN, buried Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, TN. 
  • Arrabelle Stevens (Mrs. Tommy G. Tucker), b. November 20, 1887, Memphis, TN, died December 13, 1973, Memphis, TN, buried Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, TN 

 

1880 Census, Nashville, Davidson, TN, 10th District, E.D. 70, page 12 (133) 

  • James (Jos.) Charles Stevens, Jr. (55), machinist, b. England, parents b. England 
  • Amanda (A.M. Mrs.) Melvina Ashley Stevens (53), wife, b. TN, parents b. TN 
  • William George Stevens (20), son, apprentice, b. TN 
  • Charles George Stevens (11), son, b. TN 
  • James Wharton Stevens (22), son, machinist, b. TN 
  • Emma Ann Williams Stevens (24), wife of James Wharton Stevens, b. PA 
  • Emma Gertrude Stevens (5/12), their baby b. July 1879 in TN

 

1880, January 7, Nashville, TN, the child of James Wharton Stevens and Emma Ann Williams Stevens, Emma Gertrude Stevens was born.

 

1882, August 15, Nashville, TN, the child of James Wharton Stevens and Emma Ann Williams Stevens, Margaret Louise Stevens was born.

 

1884, July 7, Nashville, TN, the child of James Wharton Stevens and Emma Ann Williams Stevens, Jimetta Stevens was born. 

 

1887, November 20, Memphis, TN, the child of James Wharton Stevens and Emma Ann Williams Stevens, Arrabelle Stevens was born.

  

1910 Census, Memphis, Shelby, TN, E.D. 240, page 211: 

  • James Wharton Stevens (51), traveling salesman, mill supplies, b. TN, father b. England, mother, b. TN 
  • Emma Ann Williams Stevens (53), wife, b. PA, father b. Wales, mother b. NY 
  • Arrabelle Stevens (22), daughter, single, b. TN, father b. TN, mother b. PA 
  • Charles George Stevens (42), brother of JWS, single, engineer fiber plant 
  • Robert Burgher Pirtle (29), son-in-law, salesman grocery store, b. TN, parents TN 
  • Margaret Louise Stevens Pirtle (27), daughter, b. TN, father b. TN, mother b. PA 
  • Eva R Pirtle (7), stepdaughter, parents b. TN

 

1920 Census, Chattanooga, Hamilton, TN, E.D. 194, sheet # 21A, part of Ward 11 

  • Robert Burgher Pirtle (39), clerk, Southern Express, b. TN, parents b. TN 
  • Margaret Louise Stevens Pirtle (37), wife, b. TN, father b. TN, mother b. PA 
  • Eva R Pirtle (17), b. TN, parents b. TN 
  • Emma Ann Williams Stevens (62), mother-in-law, b. PA, father b. Wales, mother b. PA 
  • James Wharton Stevens (62), father-in-law, traveling salesman, mill supplies, b. TN, father b. England, mother b. TN

 

1921, December 1, Emma Ann Williams Stevens died in Chattanooga, Hamilton, TN and was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, Shelby, TN. 

1930, January 16, James Wharton Stevens died in Memphis, Shelby, TN at age 71 and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, TN, Section 10, S ½, Lot 20, burial no. 8827, lot book 1, page 8, date of burial January 17, 1930. 

State of Tennessee, Certificate of Death, file # 3597, registered no. 154, filed January 17, 1930, J. W. Stevens, age 71, male, white, married (to Lula Stevens, 285 N. McLean), occupation-engineer, b. TN, father, James C. Stevens, b. England, mother, Amanda Ashley, b. England (s/b Nashville, TN). 

 

Obit for James Wharton Stevens: Stevens-At St. Joseph’s Hospital, Thursday afternoon, January 16, 1930 at 1:40 o’clock, James W. Stevens, husband of Lula Stevens, father of Mrs. W. M. (S.) Randolph, Mrs. E. J. Bettis, and Mrs. T. G. Tucker of this city and Mrs. R. B. Pirtle of Chattanooga, Tenn, brother of W. G. Stevens, aged 71 years. Funeral will take place from residence of daughter, Mrs. T. G. Tucker at 285 North McLean Boulevard, this (Friday) afternoon at 3:30 o’clock, services conducted by Rev. Geo. H. Martin. Interment in Forest Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Collins Funeral Home. 

 

1930, February, The International Engineer, Volume LVII, No. 2, page 158. 

Article from Local Union No. 92, Memphis, Tenn. “Bro. J. B. Barry announced the death of J. W. Stevens, brother-in-law to the Local’s business manager. Jim Stevens was conceded to be the best oil-mill Superintendent in the oil-mill district. He was educated at Vanderbilt College, Nashville, Tennessee. For twenty years he had traveled for the well-known mill-supply firm of Reed and Duecker of Memphis.”

STEVENS Jr., James Charles (Biography)

James Charles Stevens, Jr. was born son of James Charles Stevens, Sr. and Martha Stevens, born in London, England ca. 1825.

James Charles Stevens, Sr.

James Charles Stevens, Jr. immigrated to America in 1858.

James Charles Stevens, Jr.

 

James Charles Stevens, Jr. married Amanda Melvina Ashley on January 4, 1857 in Nashville, Davidson County, TN. Both the marriage bond and the marriage license are dated December 29th, 1856. Amanda was born September 23, 1826 in Nashville, Davidson County, TN.

  

The children of James Charles Stevens, Jr. and Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens were: 

  • James Wharton Stevens, b. June 25, 1858, Nashville, Davidson, TN and died January 16, 1930, age 71, Memphis, Shelby, TN. 
  • William George Stevens, b. April 12, 1860, Nashville, Davidson, TN and died July 3, 1932, Memphis, Shelby, TN. 
  • Charles “Charlie” Richard Stevens, b. April 2, 1862, Nashville, Davidson, TN and died July 20, 1863, Nashville, buried Nashville City Cemetery in plot with Maria Louise Custis/Curtis Ashley (his grandmother). 
  • Emma Stevens, b. July 10, 1864 (6 years on 1870 census, b. TN, not listed 1880) 
  • Charles George Stevens, b. June 15, 1868/1869, TN.

 

1860 Census, Nashville, Davidson County, TN, 8th Ward of Nashville, D-5-171 

  • James Charles Stevens, Jr. (34), machinist, b. England 
  • Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens (33), b. TN 
  • James Wharton Stevens (2), b. TN 
  • William George Stevens (2/12), b. TN, April 1860  

 

1870 Census, Nashville, Davidson County, TN, 8th Ward, D-443, (584/706) 

  • James Charles Stevens (Stephens), Jr. (43), railroad machinist, b. England 
  • Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens (Stephens) (40) b. TN 
  • James Wharton Stevens (Stephens) (12), b. TN, attending school 
  • William “Willie” George Stevens (Stephens) (10), b. TN, attending school 
  • Charles Stevens (Stephens) (7), b. TN, attending school 
  • Emma Stevens (Stephens) (6), b. TN 
  • Charles George Stevens (Stephens) (2), b. TN 

 

1880 Census, Nashville, Davidson County, TN, 10th District, E.D. 70, p.12 (133) 

  • James (Jos.) Charles Stevens, Jr., (55), machinist, b. England, parents b. England 
  • Amanda (A.M., Mrs.) Melvina Ashley Stevens (53), wife, b. TN, parents b. TN 
  • William George Stevens (20), son, apprentice, b. TN 
  • Charles George Stevens (11), son, born TN 
  • James Wharton Stevens (22), son, machinist, b. TN 
  • Emma Ann Williams Stevens (24), wife of James Wharton Stevens, b. TN 
  • Emma Gertrude Stevens (5/12), their baby born July 1879 in TN.

 

1880 &1885 Nashville City Directory 

  • James Charles Stevens, Jr., foreman at Penitentiary, lived Bilbo Ave. & Waller. 
  • William George Stevens lived at the same address.

 

1888 Nashville City Directory 

  • James Charles Stevens, Jr., machinist, lived Spruce and Bass. 
  • Charles William Stevens, machinist, at same address. 

 

1890 Memphis City Directory 

  • James Charles Stevens, Jr., engineer, lived at 141 Looney Street.
  •  Charles George Stevens, laborer, at same address. 

 

1891 Memphis City Directory 

  • James Charles Stevens, Jr. engineer, lived at 141 Looney Street.  

 

1892 James Charles Stevens, Jr. and Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens divorced.

  • Can not find divorce records.  

1892 James Charles Stevens, Jr. married Esther “Essie” Groves Wirt Stevens on November 5, 1892 in Keithsburg, Mercer County, IL (Aledo, county seat), marriage #4527, book 1, page 4. They were married by J. E. Wasmuth, minister of the M.E. Church in Keithsburg. It was the second marriage for both. 

Essie was born in England 1831 and her parents were George Groves and Margaret Sires Groves, b. England. Essie’s first husband was Martin Wirt who died August 5, 1879. Essie died August 8, 1917 and was buried with Martin Wirt and their children in Greenmound Cemetery and went back to the name Wirt after the death of James Charles Stevens, Jr. 

 

1900 Census, Shelby County, TN, 14th District, E.D. 99 

  • James Charles Stevens, Jr., engineer at the U.S. Marine Hospital, b. April 1839, married, b. England, parents b. England. 

 

1900 Census, Memphis, Shelby, TN, 12th Ward, E.D. 99, p. 24 (171/433/462) 

  • James Charles Stevens, Jr. (shows 61, should be 76), b. 1839, married 10 years, b. England, parents b. England, machinist & engineer, 1857 was year of immigration to U.S., 43 years in U.S., naturalized citizen. 
  • Esther Groves Wirt Stevens (“Essie/Adalade”) (41), b. Feb. 1859, married 10 years, mother of two children, two living, b. MS, parents b. MS. 
  • Guy G. Stevens (9), son, b. Sept. 1890 in TX 
  • Mary Stevens (6), daughter, b. July 1894 in TN 

Boarders living with them: 

  • Robert Ward (30), b. GA (worked in cotton mill) 
  • Lee Acker (21), b. TN (worked in cotton mill) 
  • Fred B. Smith (32), b. Delaware (cotton spinner) 

Residence: Delaware Avenue.

 

 

1900 Census, Memphis, Shelby, TN, 5th Civil District, E.D. 90, p. 1 (129/34/41) 

  • Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens (Stephens) (73), b. Sept. 1826 in TN, her father b. NC, and her mother b. TN., widowed (“Grass widow”, divorced, husband not dead, still above ground), mother of 7children, 3 living. 
  • Charles George Stevens (Stephens) (30), b. 1869, single, engineer in sawmill. They lived at 129 Looney Street. 

 

1914 & 1915 Memphis City Directory 

  • James (Jos.) Charles Stevens, Jr. lived at 337 W. Johnson Place. 

 

1915, November 2, James Charles Stevens, Jr. died in Memphis, Shelby, TN and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown. 

 

Obit for James Charles Stevens, Jr., Memphis Commercial Appeal, November 3, 1915, page 7.

 

Stevens-at residence No. 337 West Johnson Place, Tuesday evening, November 2, 1915, at 7:30 o’clock, James C., husband of Adda (Essie) Stevens, father of J.W., W.G., C.G., and Guy G. Stevens and Mrs. Ben Floyd, brother of C.W. Stevens of Nashville, TN and Mrs. M.C. Lynn of Manhattan, Kansas, age 74 (91) years. Funeral will take place from the parlors of John J. Collins. Due notice of the time will be given.

  

1916 Memphis City Directory 

  • Essie, widow of James Charles Stevens, Jr. lived at 337 W. Johnson Place. 

 

1917 Memphis City Directory 

  • Property at 337 W. Johnson Place was owned by G. F. Morrell.

  

James Charles Stevens, Jr. died November 2, 1915 at 7:30 p.m., at age 91 in Memphis, Shelby, TN, and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, section B Adult, Lot 883 single, burial # 3917, November 4, 1915. Male, white, married, cause of death senility, general debility, place of death, 337 W. Johnson Place, physician, S. W. Thorn, undertaker, Jno. J. Collins. State of TN Board of Health file #2756, Registered # 2757, showed length of residence at address as 4 yrs., in the state 20 yrs., father was James Stevens, b. England, mother was unknown, birthplace unknown. It showed his age at 74 (91). Death certificate informant was Mrs. J. C. Stevens.  

Amanda Melvina Ashley Stevens died March 28, 1901, age 79, in Memphis, Shelby, TN, and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery-Midtown, Memphis, section A Adult, Lot F 90, burial #365 on March 29, 1901. Female, white, cause of death, Senility La Grippe, place of death, 129 Looney Street, physician, J. F. Cochran, undertaker, Holst Bros., Shelby County Pre-1902 Death Records, File # P.151.

Mrs. James Charles Stevens, Sr. (Martha),she was the mother of James Charles Stevens, Jr.

submitted by Peggy Rhinerson

RODGERS, Ellen Davies (Biography)

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 Ellen Davies was influenced by dynamic factors which were to impact her entire community, leaving an enduring legacy for us all. Born in the early 20th century to parents who inspired confidence, drive, education, advocacy, charity, and wisdom, she was a woman before her time. Although she was never blessed with children, Ellen nurtured the young, maintained a dedicated family life, preserved “the plantation life,” and served to educate others. Historian, author, educator, philanthropist, advocate, community organizer, preservationist, genealogist and founder of, or leader in, civic, and political circles, she continues to stand as a role model. She was known as “Miss Ellen” and was, in the mid 20th century, regarded as one of the most influential women in the State of Tennessee.

Frances Ellen Davies was born on November 13, 1903, in The Oaks home on her family’s historic plantation in Brunswick, Tennessee. The only child of Frances Ina Stewart and Gillie Mertis Davies, she lived her entire life at The Oaks, a white frame house close to the family’s historic 1807 log home, Davies Manor, on the plantation she was later to inherit. “Turns Again Home,” Ellen’s autobiography, describes how those influences of family, friends, land and customs, impressed since childhood, shaped the woman she was to become.

Hillman Philip Rodgers and Ellen Davies were married on December 21, 1932. They were often seen on horseback actively farming the land, raising cattle, and working together on community projects. Together they formed the first SAR chapter in the county and battled the TVA and won for which she was nicknamed “The General.” His career was in the paper industry but his passion was raising prize Black Angus cattle. “Hill’s Barn” (later renamed “Hillwood”) was converted by Ellen to accommodate social and business gatherings after his death. They raised and educated four foster daughters, affectionately referred to as “the Gandy girls,” on the plantation.

Ellen’s passion for genealogy and historical preservation began early in her life while playing on the grounds that had sustained her family for a century. As a child, family stories, the original log cabin (Davies Manor) and Indian mounds and relics near her home encouraged her to preserve the history of the area. She went on to research and compile those stories in her books and articles of the history of Shelby County. As the first Shelby County Historian, Ellen ensured much of the first documentation and organization of the county’s history. Her books, “Along the Old Stage-Coach Road” and “Turns Again Home” remain standards in West Tennessee libraries. Davies Manor, believed to be the oldest house in Shelby County dating to 1807, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and remains open to the public. Ellen assisted countless people in developing their own family lineages and encouraged participation in historical, religious, and civic groups. One of her favorite sayings was “Each of us is History” and she treated each individual as a significant part of that history.

 

Originally a member of the Watauga Chapter of the DAR, in 1945, Ellen became the Organizing Regent of a new DAR Chapter to be named Zachariah Davies in honor of her Revolutionary War ancestor. The chapter soon became the largest in the state with nearly 300 members. In 1956 she was elected State Regent of the TSDAR, Tennessee Society Daughters of the American Revolution, leading 6,500 Tennessee Daughters in the work of the Tennessee DAR. By virtue of her office she was a member of the National Board of Management, maintaining a high level of involvement. She entertained National Officers at her home and often traveled to Washington where her opinions were sought and her advice was well-respected. Following her death, the Ellen Davies-Rodgers/Zachariah Davies Scholarship was established by her DAR Chapter to honor her memory and to recognize the legacy left to its members.

Ellen and Hillman were, for many years, members of Calvary Episcopal Church in downtown Memphis. They were close friends of, not only the ministers of Calvary but also, the Diocesan bishops that served during their lifetimes. She was one of the organizers of St. Philip Episcopal Church in the Brunswick area of Shelby County. Miss Ellen gave the land and donated the church building of St. Philip, giving the pipe organ, and, later, land for a school. She turned one of her barns into a retirement home, the “Glebe House,” for the founding rector of St. Philip parish, the Rev. and Mrs. Gordon Bernard. After the formation of The Diocese of West Tennessee she gave over one hundred acres of her plantation to the Diocese to be sold for the benefit of a land bank for the purchase of new mission property. The Church of the Annunciation and The Church of the Redeemer are built on property purchased with part of the $500,000.00 received from the sale of the land. During Miss Ellen’s lifetime she established the “Ellen Davies-Rodgers Library” at Barth House Episcopal Student Center at the University of Memphis. She endowed this work when she died. She was a great church historian. Her works of the history of the church continue to provide documentation of the church’s early history: “The Great Book: Calvary Protestant Episcopal Church,” “The Romance of the Episcopal Church in West Tennessee,” “The Holy Innocents” (Episcopal Church, Arlington, Tennessee) and “Heirs Through Hope, The Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee,” the proceeds of which went to support missions of the Diocese. Ellen was honored by The University of the South at Sewanee with a doctorate degree for her work as an outstanding member of the Episcopal Church, a historian and an educator. “She was a benefactor whom God used to be a blessing to many.”

Influential throughout the state, Ellen never encountered a challenge she was unwilling to meet “head on.” From civic controversies to school board policy, she often lent her vision and insight to organizations in need of leadership. Whether participating or organizing, Ellen involved herself in countless community endeavors. Reared “when good manners and entertaining were hallmarks of the southern lady,” she held elegant events or called politicians to “back porch meetings” for refreshments, conversation, and mobilization. While she might be described as having characteristics seldom appreciated in women of the time, those who knew her had a profound respect for her abilities and vision. She used her insight, keen common sense, drive, influence, time, and money to “fight for her visions and goals.” She considered many of life’s callings to be “challenges.” And, Ellen “took them on” without hesitation; bridges were built, TVA lines were relocated and scholarships were endowed. During her lifetime her opinions and ideas were sought and highly valued.

While Ellen worked tirelessly for the church, community, and education she also helped countless individuals. Regardless of her demanding schedule, she would stop any activity to help someone in need. Whether solving a problem for a neighbor or accommodating bus schedules for rural students, Ellen was always ready to help those in need to prosper and grow. Troubled teens were counseled and guided into professions, farm help were cared for and friends and strangers alike were accommodated. Well-educated and confident, she was comfortable in any setting and around those in high positions or low. She believed in her community and supported it with relentless effort.

Devoted to all aspects of education, Ellen spent many years teaching — in the classroom, in a supervisory position, or as a volunteer. She received a B. S. at George Peabody College (Nashville, 1924) and a M. A. in Early Elementary Education and Child Psychology from Columbia University (New York, 1927). After graduation she taught nursery through college level and became the Principal of Arlington High School (1928-29). A professor of Early Elementary Education at West Tennessee State Normal College (1929-1938), she was the first State Supervisor of Elementary Education for West Tennessee (1938-1940). In 1954 she was the Principal of Lausanne Collegiate School. Ellen was a member of the Shelby County Board of Education(1961-65) and was a Director of the Tennessee School Boards Association (1962-1965). The recipient of two honorary doctorates (Humanities and Civil Law), Ellen was self-taught in the law due to her political interests and often advised others (from the lay person to highly placed politicians) in this capacity. Role models to whom Ellen referred in her books were educators, attorneys, community activists, and family. Ellen built and supplied the Davies Memorial Library for Children in 1937 (later renamed Davieshire Library). The library is now the home for the Tennessee Genealogical Society and has over 10,000 books. She provided scholarships to Bethel College, Rhodes, University of Memphis, University of the South at Sewanee and Vanderbilt.

By the end of her 90 years Ellen was known and respected by young and old, powerful and powerless, wealthy and poor. Because of her vision, influence and tireless efforts Ellen established DAR and SAR chapters, wrote over a dozen historical books and articles, founded a historical library, built a church, endowed a historical home and sponsored numerous scholarships. Many of her gifts to groups and individuals were small and received little notice; these legacies continue to influence families for the next generations. “Miss Ellen” was known as the “Grande Dame” of Shelby County who inspired others to get involved, take action and leave a legacy.

Ellen Davies-Rodgers died March 17, 1994 in Memphis, Tennessee. She and her husband, Hillman, are buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Brunswick, Tennessee, a historical cemetery of Shelby County pioneers.

 

COMMUNITY SERVICE

  • Organizing Regent, Zachariah Davies Chapter, NSDAR, with 23 organizing members, 1945
  • Delegate, State Constitutional Conventions, 1953 and 1959
  • Member, Shelby County Board of Education, 1961–1965
  • Director, Tennessee School Boards Association, 1963-1965
  • Shelby County’s first official Historian, 1965
  • Established Davieshire Library that contains 10,000 volumes, 1973.  Later became the home of the Tennessee Genealogical Society and Library
  • Placed Davies Manor on National Register of Historical Places, 1975
  • Created community center for the Davieshire-Brunswick area, 1989
  • Designed the Shelby County flag


OFFICES HELD

  • Tennessee Association for Childhood Education, 1936-1937 (President)
  • Memphis Quota Club, 1935-1936 (President)
  • Pleasant Hill Cemetery Association, Inc., 1937 (President)
  • Memphis Branch A.A.U.W., 1940-1942 (President)
  • Memphis State University Alumni Association, 1944-1946 (President)
  • Memphis and Shelby County Council of Garden Clubs, 1947-1949 (President)
  • Personnel Chair­man, Women of the Episcopal Church, Diocese of Tennessee, 1947-1948
  • Hester Shortridge Chapter, Calvary Episcopal Church, 1948 (President)
  • Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs, 1949-1951 (President)
  • National Awards Chairman, National Council of State Garden Clubs, 1951-1953
  • State Regent Tennessee Society N.S., DAR, 1956-1959
  • First President Phi Mu House Corporation MSU, 1964
  • Shelby County Historian, 1965-1994
  • National Parliamentarian, Southern Dames of America, 1965
  • Vice-President (West Tennessee) Tennessee Historical Society, 1967-1968
  • Parliamentarian, First District, Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs, 1971-1973
  • Clerk St. Philip Episcopal Church, Davieshire, 1976-1983

PHILANTHROPY

  • Gillie Mertis Davies Scholarship Fund, Bethel College
  • Ellen Davies-Rodgers Land Bank Fund, Episcopal Diocese
  • St. Philip Church land, building and furnishings, Brunswick, TN, Episcopal Diocese
  • Ellen Davies-Rodgers Scholarship in Early Education, Rhodes College
  • Edward Norrel Stewart Scholarship, Rhodes College
  • Elba Gandy Memorial Music Scholarship, University of Memphis
  • Ellen Davies-Rodgers Phi Mu Scholarship, University of Memphis
  • Davies-Rodgers Library, Barth House, University of Memphis
  • Dr. Julius Augustus Davies Memorial Scholarship, University of Memphis
  • Frances Ina Stewart Davies Educational Endowment Fund, University of Memphis
  • Ellen Davies-Rodgers History Scholarship, University of the South
  • Faculty Chairs, Endowed Faculty Chairs, University of the South
  • Drs. Julius Augustus Davies and William L. Davies Scholarship, Vanderbilt University Medical School

PUBLICATIONS

  • A Three Year Program is Church Personnel, Christian Vocations, 1948
  • The President’s Message. Volunteer Gardener, Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs, 1949–1951
  • Beautiful Plant Life in Tennessee, Pioneer America Gardening, published by the National Council of State Garden Clubs, 1951
  • The Voting Age, Proceedings of the TN Constitutional Conventions, 1953 and 1959
  • State Regent’s Messages, TN DAR News, 1956–1959
  • Historic Homes of Tennessee DAR, DAR Magazine, August 1958
  • “The Romance of the Episcopal Church in West Tennessee,” 1832-1964.  Plantation Press, Brunswick, TN, 1964
  • “The Holy Innocents; The Story of a Historic Church and Country Parish,” (Haysville, Wythe Depot) Arlington, Shelby Co., TN. Plantation Press, 1966
  • The Casket Case. A report, compiled by Robert D. Sullivan and John D. Walt, Ellen Davies (Mrs. Hillman P.) Rodgers, written in cooperation with Staff of Pink Palace Museum, Memphis, TN 1970
  • “Education–Then, Now, and Yon; Human Development” The Plantation Press, 1971
  • “The Great Book: Calvary Protestant Episcopal Church” 1832-1972, Memphis, Shelby County, TN. Plantation Press, 1973
  • “Heirs Through Hope: The Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee” The Plantation Press, 1983
  • “A Tree is Lighted” 1984
  • The History, Brunswick, Shelby County, Tennessee Shelby Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. 1988
  • “On Wings of Faith” 1989
  • “Along the Old Stage-Coach Road: Morning Sun and Brunswick, Shelby County, Tennessee” 1990
  • “Turns Again Home: Life on an old Tennessee Plantation Trespassed by Progress” 1992

APPOINTMENTS AND HONORS

  • Special Diploma, Supervision of Nursery Schools, Kindergartens, Columbia University, 1927
  • National Achievement Award in Education, Community Service and American Heritage, Phi Mu Fraternity, 1954
  • Woman-of-the-Year, Memphis Kiwanis Club, 1965
  • Woman-of-the-Year, Memphis Phi Mu Chapter, 1966
  • Ten Women of the Mid-South, The Commercial Ap­peal, Memphis, TN, December, 1969
  • Tennessee Women Panhellenic Council, University of TN, Knoxville, (rep. Phi Mu Sorority), 1974–1975
  • Honorary County Squire, 1976
  • Honorary Memphis City Councilman, 1979
  • First Distinguished Alumnus Award, Memphis State University, September, 1977
  • Distinguished Alumni Awards, The University of Memphis, 1977
  • National Fellowship Grant, Memphis Branch A.A.U.W., 1982
  • Memphis Honorary Degree Recipients Humanities, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee, 1988
  • Who’s Who of American Women
  • Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law Degree from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee
  • Honorary Doctor of Humanities Degree from Rhodes College in Memphis
  • Life Member: Association for Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities, Daughters of the American Revolution & West Tennessee Historical Society
  • Ellen Davies-Rodgers/Zachariah Davies Scholarship, established by the Zachariah Davies Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, posthumously

 

CONTRIBUTORS

Lt. Col. William J. Armstrong
Long time friend
Jayne (Mrs. H. Gordon) Bernard
Wife of founding Rector of St. Phillip Church
Eva Webb (Mrs. W. Lester) Donaldson
Miss Ellen’s Secretary and long time friend
Memphis Commercial Appeal
Theodore B. “Tim” Sloan
Assistant Historiographer, Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee
Elizabeth (Mrs. William Ross) Stoddard
Long time friend and member of Zachariah Davies Chapter
Edward F. Williams, III
Shelby County Historian
John Charles Wilson
Long time friend, President, Agricenter International

Submitted by:
Brenda B. Watson
for the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution,
Women in American History project (2003)

WRIGHT Jr., Claude Elbert (Biography)

Claude was born in Memphis, TN, on December 11, 1925 to: 
Claude Elbert Wright, Sr. (born 03-24-1885 and died 01-07-1948) and 
Verdie Richey Wright (born 12-17-1889 and died 04-18-1952).

Claude’s siblings were:

  • Hollis Wilson Wright (born 03-15-1909, died 01-02-2000)
  • Floy Mae Wright Larkin (born 11-24-1911)
  • Elsie Wright Collins (born 04-11-1915, died 04-08-2000)
  • Elizabeth Wright Hall (born 06-15-1918, died 05-01-1998)
  • Mildred Wright Young (born 02-28-1922, died 10-23-1987)
  • Nancy Rosalyn Wright Brockert (born 05-08-1924)
  • Edward Amos Wright (born 08-05-1927, died 10-02-1987)
  • Jo Ann Wright Siler (born 09-12-1931, died 02-07-1990)
  • Barbara Jean Wright (born 11-13-1932, died 01-29-1934)

Claude was in active duty in World War II and served in the United States Marines.  He was on Iwo Jima when the American flag was raised. He was awarded the purple heart. Claude went into the home building industry. In 1920 Census, before Claude, Jr. was born the family lived in Coldwater, Tate County, MS.  Claude married Margaret “Peggy” Nancy Dickson on November 7, 1952 at Calvary Baptist Church in Memphis, TN and they had three children born in Memphis, Shelby, TN.

The children were:

  • Charles Edward Wright, Sr, born September 24, 1953
  • James Lawrence Wright, born February 17, 1956
  • Nancy Marie Wright, born September 23, 1960

Claude died on March 12, 2001 and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery East in Memphis, TN. 

Submitted by Peggy Wright Rhinerson