Category: Obituary

JOHNSON, Adolphus (d. 1879)

Adolphus JOHNSON, a colored convict from Memphis, was killed in the mine at Coal Creek, on the 28th inst., as we learn from the Knoxville Chronicle.  He went in the lead, and his lamp igniting the gas, caused it to rush first towards the back of the mine and then recoil, and then came with terrific force against Johnson, hurling him a distance of about forty feet, causing his death.  A white convict was injured slightly.

Source: Blount County democrat. (Maryville, Tenn.), 31 July 1879. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn96091617/1879-07-31/ed-1/seq-2/>

CUNNINGHAM, Emma C. (1870)

In this city, on the evening of the 13th inst., in the twenty-eighth year of her age, Mrs. Emma C., wife of Dickson CUNNINGHAM. The friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral services at their residence, on Bass, east of Dunlap street, on this (Saturday) afternoon, at 2 o’clock.  The remains will be conveyed to Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Carriages at J.C. HOLST & Co. (pg. 1)

Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 15 Jan 1870, pg. 1. Available at ChroniclingAmerica.

DILL, Benjamin F. (d. 1866)

Col. Benjamin F. DILL, editor of the Memphis Appeal, departed this life on the 4th inst., after a long and severe illness from pleurisy. His death was not unexpected, as his condition promised no hope of his recovery.

He has been attached to the Appeal as one of its editors and proprietors for many years, and to Col. DILL’s energy and perseverance is that paper largely indebted for its popularity. Since the Appeal has been resumed in Memphis, it has mourned the loss of both its pillars – the first number containing the death of J.R. MCCLANAHAN, and on the 5th inst. recording the death of Col. DILL.

The publication of the Appeal will be continued, but under whose management we have not learned.

Source: Bolivar Bulletin, January 13, 1866, pg. 2. Available online at Chronicling America. 

WHITE, John – (d. 1872)

A Negro Desperado -Memphis, March 17.

A desperate fight occurred on President’s Island, a few miles below this city, yesterday.  Deputy Sheriff R. RODEGAN went there for the purpose of arresting a negro, named John WHITE, who, for some time , has been the terror of the negroes living there.  RUDEGAN was met by a large body of armed negroes, who professed to want to assist in the arrest, but they stated WHITE had barricaded his cabin and would make a desparate fight.  RODEGAN approached WHITE’s cabin and demanded his surrender.  WHITE refused, saying he would be murdered by the negroes if he did.  After some further parleying one negro approached the cabin and was shot dead by WHITE, who rushed out and secured his gun. 

Source:  Cleveland Banner newspaper of Bradley County, TN; 22 Mar 1872, pg. 3

DAMAN, Noah – (d. 1897)

A Good Man Gone

Noah DAMAN, one of the oldest residents of Memphis, died last week at the residence of his son-in-law, Judge L.H. ESTES.  Mr. DAMAN moved to Memphis in the early 50’s.  He was widely known in Memphis, and especially among the Methodists, for he was a life-long member of that church.  He was 84  years old. 

Source: Carroll County Democrat, 19 Feb 1897, pg. 3.

Editorial Note – view his record at FamilySearch Family Tree. 

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