Category Archives: Biography
John Toney Witherspoon/Weatherspoon Family of Wayne County
John Toney Witherspoon (Some records spell it Weatherspoon) was born 10 Mar 1925; died 7 Aug 1991, Santa Barbara, California. He was the son of Toney Witherspoon Sr. (born 4 Apr 1898; died August 1974 in Clifton, TN) and Madge Montague (born 1904). They were married in Wayne County on 25 Jul 1920. Toney Jr. and his siblings: Ray (born 9 Sep 1921; died 11 Dec 1996, Pontiac, Oakland County, Michigan), Cecil (born 18 Dec 1923; died 12 Dec 1980, Ventura, California), Hardin Edward (born 28 Apr 1928; died 24 Oct 1986, Pontiac, Oakland County, Michigan), Carlies (born 1931), Nettie June (born 1936), and Bobbie Jean (born 22 Aug 1937; died 3 Feb 2002, Sandusky, Erie County, Ohio) attended Rosenwald School in Clifton.
Toney Jr. was found on the 1930 and 1940 Wayne County Census. His father Toney Sr. hailed from Waterloo, Lauderdale County, Alabama. He was the son of E. Lee (born 1974)and Mearly Witherspoon (born 1872). E. Lee was married to Mollie A. Austin on 26 Jun 1896 in Lauderdale County, Alabama and to Donie Johnson on 9 Oct 1930 in Wayne County, Tennessee. No record can be found to clarify if Mollie A. was actually Mearly. She was found on the 1910 and 1920 Waterloo, Lauderdale County, Alabama Censuses with the following children: Ridgeway (born 1901), Arch (born 1904), Lizzie (born 1906), Ella (born 1916), Olivia (born 1918), and Toney. Mealy also appeared on the 1940 Waterloo, Lauderdale County, Alabama Census with Arch, Ella, and Olivia.
E. Lee commonly known as Lee was the son of Tonie Witherspoon (born 1850) and Sarah E. (born 1852). Their children were Benjamin (born 1873), Lee, and Bishop (born 1879). Tonie’s mother was Angeline. She, Tonie, and Sarah E. were born into slavery. Angeline was owned by Reverend James H. and Jane Witherspoon. This family was in the mercantile business, along with owning a cotton, grist, and saw mill. They made their fortune with 17 slaves on the 1850 Slave Census and 26 slaves on the 1860 Slave Census.
On the 1870 Lauderdale County, Alabama Census Angeline lived in an all black community neighboring James H. and Jane Witherspoon. As was common in that era, she most likely took her owners last name. Her children were Mary (born 1846), Tonie, George (born 1866), Riley (born 1867) and Bailey (born 1870).
Biographies from “Who’s Who in Tennessee” (1911)
The following biographical sketches were published in the book “Who’s Who In Tennessee – A Biographical Reference Of Notable Tennesseans Of Today” in 1911. The sketches appear on page 568 and 589.
BOYD, Frank, lawyer, born Vesuvius Furnace, O. July 30, 1859; Scotch-Irish and German descent; son of G. W. and Ann E. (Songer) Boyd; father, manufacturer of pig iron; educated at Mars Hill College near Florence, Ala, graduated from law department Cumberland University Lebanon, Tenn. B. L. degree 1881; worked on farm in early life, married Laura E. Hassell, May 29, 1883; member W.O.W. and K. of P., Democrat; presidential elector for the 7th Congressional district on Cleveland and Hendrix ticket, 1892; delegate to National Democratic convention at Chicago, 1896; member of Christian church; superintendent of public instruction for Wayne County, Tenn. 1885; organized first institute ever held in county for both white and colored schools; elected attorney general of 11th judicial circuit of Tenn. in 1894, served eight years; elected State Senator from counties of Giles, Lawrence and Wayne, Nov 8, 1910; original charter member of first telephone company organized in county and of first turnpike company, organized since 1860; one of original promoters of Bank of Waynesboro, Tenn., the first bank established in the town and the only one; member of firm of Boyd & Morrison, lawyers since 1901.
CATON, Daniel Spencer, farmer, born Davie Co., N.C., July 23, 1849; Scotch-Irish descent; son of Drury and Emily (Woods) Caton; received common school education; entered farming in early life; married Mary Ann Phillips, Dec. 23, 1869; member of Wayne Co. Farmer’s Union and president of same; Democrat (Regular); served as magistrate of Wayne Co. Tenn, 1886-92; and was a member of Tenn. Legislature 1897 and 1898; member of M. E. church, South. P.O. Address, Waynesboro, Tenn., R. F. D. No. 5
COLE, Jasper E., public official; born Wayne Co., Tenn., Jan. 17, 1863; Scotch-Irish descent; son of John H. and Nancy A. (Linn) Cole; educated at Waynesboro, Tenn.; in April, 1881, he made a trip to Texas, returning home Nov. 1886, and became clerk in store of Turman, Helton & Co., Jan 1 to Jul 1, 1887, and returned to Texas, same year; in year 1888 he made a trip to Arkansas; returned from Arkansas to Tenn. same year; then removed to Texas in 1894 again and engaged in farming, returned to Waynesboro, Tenn., in 1899; married Sallie B. Taylor, July 12, 1890; member F. & A. M., No. 127, I. O. O. F. No. 36, W. O. W. No. 238, sheriff of Wayne Co., Tenn. by appointment of court Oct. 1893 to Sep. 1894; chairman of County Court, 1901-02-03-04-05; justice of the peace since 1900; 1905 was selected one of Five Commissioners to build new courthouse and served as secretary of board; elected Trustee of Wayne Co. Aug 1910.
COPELAND, William Brownlow, farmer, born Martins Mills, Tenn., May 16, 1867, Scotch-Irish descent; son of James D. and Caroline (Williams) Copeland; father was a farmer; paternal grandparents James and Katie (Gillis) Copeland; maternal grandparents Jack and Rebecca (Williams) Williams; received common school education; entered farming in early life; married Janie Lawson, Sept. 15, 1887; member Masons, I.O.O.F, W.O.W., and M. W. of A. Republican; former Trustee for Wayne Co. Tenn., two terms; member M. E. church.
DAVIS, Joseph N., farmer; born Lawrence Co., Tenn., March 6, 1845; English descent; son of David H. and Matilda (Wakefield) Davis; father minister of the gospel; paternal grandparents, William and Elizabeth (Matison) Davis; maternal grandparents, Abel and Katie (Stuckey) Wakefield; educated Hardin Co., Tenn.; entered farming in early life, served in U.S.A. 1863 – 65, also in Spanish-American war, 1898; married Nancy Copeland, Jan. 16, 1867; member of Farmers’ Educational and Co-operative Union of America; member of Missionary Baptist church; engaged in farming and mercantile business at Waynesboro, Tenn.
GALLIEN, John W., teacher; born Wayne Co., Tenn., Sept. 17, 1869; son of Greene and Mary E. (Murphy) Gallien; father’s occupation farmer; paternal grandparents, Abner and Kate (Westmoreland) Gallien; maternal grandparents, Colvin and Sarah (Linnville) Murphy; educated in country schools and commercial department of Ky. University; began career as a farmer; married Maude House, Dec. 26, 1900; Republican; justice of the peace, 1906-1909; member of County Board of Education of Wayne Co., Tenn., 1907-1909; at present he is superintendent of public instruction for said county.
CYPERT, John W. – (b. 1826)
Submitted by Donita Barkley, excerpt from “Reminiscent History of the Ozark Region”.
Ability, when backed by enterprising measures and progressive ideas, will accomplish more than any other professional requirement, an illustration of which may be seen in the career of Hon. John W. Cypert, who is the efficient county and probate judge of Baxter County, Arkansas. He was born in Wayne County, Tennessee, April 22, 1826, a son of John and Nancy (Anderson) Cypert, the latter of whom was born in Virginia and the former in Tennessee. They were married in the father’s native state and partly reared their family there, but in 1850 took up their residence in Searcy County, Arkansas, where the mother breathed her last in 1862, at the age of seventy-two years. The father died three years later in his seventy-fifth year, having held the office of justice of the peace while in Wayne County, Tennessee. He was quite an active politician and was a deacon in the Baptist Church for many years. Hon. John W. Cypert was one of the youngest of twelve children born to his parents, and in the schools of Wayne County, Tennessee he received his education. March 13, 1845 he was married to Sarah Lloyd, a daughter of F. W. Lloyd, and by her became the father of eleven children, seven of whom are living:
Thomas F., a farmer and stonecutter of Baxter County, Arkansas; Minerva, wife of John Weaver, a farmer of this county; John H., a farmer and stonecutter of this county, who is now serving in the capacity of deputy county sheriff; James R., who is a farmer of Morrow County, Oregon; Mary E., who is the wife of Hezekiah McCourtney, of Lead Hill, Boone County, Arkansas; and Nancy E., wife of M. B. Parks, a farmer of this county; Sarah is the widow of Henry C. Lewallen and is living with her father, Judge Cypert. Those dead are William F., who was about fourteen years of age; Newton L., who was about twelve; Louisa A., was the wife of Dr. W. C. Parks, of this county; and Alice T., wife of W. E. Green, of this county.
In 1850 Judge Cypert moved to Izard County, Arkansas, where he purchased a woodland claim, and with the able assistance of his wife and growing family he improved it in many ways. At the opening of the war he was in good circumstances, but during that time his losses were very heavy, and after hostilities had ceased for several years he moved to that part of Fulton County which eventually became the eastern part of Baxter County.
In July, 1861, he became commissary of McCarver’s Confederate regiment, but on account of the measles, was discharged from the service, after which he joined J. T. Coffee’s regiment as captain of Company E, and was with Price on his Missouri raid, his eldest son, Thomas, being also in this raid. He (Thomas) was taken prisoner at one time, but at the end of nine days was discharged. Judge Cypert, when a resident of Izard County, served ten years as county treasurer, and two years as justice of the peace and associate judge.
In 1874 he was elected to represent Baxter County in the Constitutional Convention, and in 1882 was elected probate and county judge, in which capacity he served four years, and after a lapse of four years was elected for another term, and re-elected for second and third terms.
He and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and socially he is a Royal Arch Mason, and for a long term served as master of his lodge. In the chapter he served several years as high priest, and has represented his lodge and chapter many times in the Grand Lodge of the State. Politically he is a Democrat. He is eminently capable of filling any position within the gift of the county, and is very popular in a political, social and business way.
COOK Jr., John (1797-1873)
John Cook Jr. was born 1797 in North Carolina to john cook sr. They moved into Kentucky and made their way into Tennessee into Wayne County TN. There John, Jr. met & married Deborah Martin born 1800 North Carolina. She was living in the Martin Mills area there in Wayne County. They married in 1819 there in Wayne County TN & have the distinction of obtaining the first marriage license issued in Wayne County. John & Deborah had 12 children.
Alexander Cook, born 1820-William Cook born 1823 David Cook born 1825 Martin Cook born 1827 Melissa Cook born 1832 Christopher Columbus Cook born 1834
Samuel Cook born 1835 James Cook born1836 Mary Cook born 1837 Charles Cook born 1839 John Cook born 1841 Thomas Jefferson Cook born 1844.
John & Deborah moved to Tishomingo County, Mississippi in what was called the Eastport area. The last two of there children being born in Tishomingo County. Sometime around 1855 all of them but Martin moved to Grice, Texas, Upshur County. In 1860 William moved back to Tishomingo county to live and fought in the civil war with his brother Martin. Alexander Cook’s home in Gilmer, Texas has been named a Texas historical landmark. John Cook Jr. had 11 brothers and sisters. He died 1873 in Upshur County, Texas. Deborah died 1873 in Montague, Texas.
My name is Tim Cook. I am the GG-Grandson of John Cook, Jr.
Submitted by Tim Cook.
COOK, Martin (1827-1877)
Martin Cook born August 17,1827 in Wayne County TN, in the Indian Creek area. He moved to Tishomingo County, MS, into the Eastport area in the early 1840’s. He was the son of John Cook, Jr. He met and married Clearrinda Autry on November 24,1853 in Tishomingo County. He was a veteran of the Confederate army Co. G, 26th Mississippi Infantry.
Six children were born to this union:
Mahala Cook, born Nov.1,1855, died Feb.24,1856
Mary Harriette Cook, born Nov.5,1856, died 1936.
Armintie Atra Cook, born June 9,1861, died 1928.
Absolom Martin Cook, born June 27,1864, died July 30,1947.
James Alexander Cook, born March 3,1868, died April 29,1931.
Selena Caroline Cook, born 1872, died 1938.
Martin died Dec 7,1877 and is buried at old Pleasant Hill Cemetery north of Iuka. Clearinda died June 30,1903 and is buried at Shiloh Cemetery, Hardin County TN. All of Martin’s children have passed on but his grandchildren still live in Mississippi and still visit Tishomingo County and Wayne County, TN till this day
Submitted by Tim Cook.
Henry, Robert Selph (1889-1970)
Robert Selph Henry was born at Clifton, Wayne County, Tennessee on 20 October 1889, the son of Robert Allison Henry and Jemima Emily Selph. His parents were married 28 Dec 1887 in Clifton. Jemima Emily Selph was the daughter of Dr. Irby N. Selph, noted physician in Clifton.
Not long after his birth, Robert Selph Henry moved to Nashville, Tennessee with his family. He graduated from Vanderbilt in 1911 and did post graduate work at Queens College in Cambridge, England. He was admitted to the Tennessee bar in 1911 and practiced law in Nashville, Tennessee from 1915 to 1921. In 1921 he became assistant to the president of the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railroad and remained in that position until 1934.
Henry was a student of the South and the Civil War. His book, “The Story of the Confederacy” published in 1937, was considered for many years to be the definitive history of the rise of the Confederate States of America and the Civil War (or War of Rebellion/ War Between the States).
Robert Selph Henry died in Nashville, Tennessee, 19 August 1970.
List of Books Published:
1. “The Story of the Confederacy”, New York, Grosset & Dunlap, 1937
2. “First With The Most – Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest”, Indianapolis, Bobbs-Merrill, 1944.
3. “The Story of the Mexican war”, New York, F. Ungar Publishing Co., 1961.
4. “Headlights and Markers; An Anthology Of Railroad Stories” edited by Frank P. Donovan, Jr. and Robert Selph Henry, San Marino, California, Golden West Books, 1968.
5. “Portraits Of The Iron Horse: The American Locomotive In Pictures and Story”
drawings by Otto Kuhler; story by Robert Selph Henry, Santa Fe, NM, Sunstone Press, 1976.
6. “This Fascinating Railroad Business”. Bobbs-Merrill, about 1943
7. “Trains”, Bobbs-Merrill, about 1934
8. “On The Railroad” (no bibliographical information available)
9. “The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology: Its First Century, 1862-1962” (no bibliographical information available)
Obituary: “Nashville Banner” Wednesday, August 19, 1970
Robert S. Henry, Author, VU Board Member, Dies
Robert Selph Henry, 80, author, historian, retired railroad executive and life member of the Vanderbilt University Board of Trust, died after a lengthy illness today at his home, 813 Clovercrest Drive, Alexandria, Va. Services will be at the Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home in Alexandria before the body is brought here to the Finley Dorris and Charlton Funeral Home for services. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery here. Exact times of the services have not been set.
A native of Clifton, Tenn., he was a son of the late Robert Allison and Emily James Selph Henry and moved to Nashville with his family at an early age. He was graduated from old Wallace University school, and received the A. B. and LL.B. degrees from Vanderbilt.
Mr. Henry was appointed to the Vanderbilt Board of trust in 1940 and was named a life trustee in 1960.
He did post graduate study at Queen’s College, Cambridge, England and later was a reporter for “The Nashville Banner” and for “The Tennessean”. Following his newspaper work he served as secretary to the late Gov. Ben W. Hooper from 1913 to 1915. He also was one of the four founders of the Nashville YMCA Night Law School.
He served as a field artillery captain in France in World War I, and later, was Tennessee chairman of the fund campaign for the late Sgt. Alvin C. York. He retired from the Army Reserve as a lieutenant colonel.
Mr. Henry was vice president in charge of public relations for the Association of American Railroads at the time of his retirement in 1958. He went to Washington when he association was formed in 1934, serving first as assistant for public relations to the AAR president. From 1921 until 1934 he was director of public relations and later assistant to the vice president of the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway in Nashville. An anthority on the Civil war and the railroad industry, Mr. Henry had written and spoken widely on both subjects. He had made numerous addresses here.
His latest publication was a revised edition of “The First With The Most, Forrest”, a colorful biography of the famed Confederate general, Nathan B. Forrest, and a history of the Confederacy from 1861 to 1865. It was first published in 1944 and was re-issued in April of this eyar. Among his other books were “the Story of the Confederacy”, “The Story of Reconstruction”, “The Story of the Mexican War”, “This Fascinating Railroad Business”, “Trains”, “On The Railroad”, “Portroits of the Iron Horse”, and “The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology: Its First Century, 1862-1962”.
In 1954, Mr. Henry received the Gold Medal Award of the Washington Civil War Round Table of the District of Columbia, for his writings about the Civil War. He was first president and second gold medal winner of the organization.
Mr. Henry had been president of the Southern Historical Association and was chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ladies Historical Association here from 1926 until 1934.
He was a past president of the Vanderbilt Alumni Association and had been chairman of the Continental Membership Committee of the Railroad, YMCA. Mr. Henry was a life member of the Civil War Round Table of Alexandria, a member of the Alexandria Sons of Confederate Veterans, a member of the board of the Historic Alexandria Foundation and a member of the Alexandria Association.
He was an elder of the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Alexandria and a former member of the old First Presbyterian Chruch in Nashville. He had addressed hundreds of organizations throughout the county and had received many honors, including an honorary doctor of literature degree from the University of Chattanooga.
He was married to the former Lura Temple in 1929. She survives.
Other survivors are two daughters, Mrs. N. Biurkey Musselman, Alexandria; and Mrs. George B. Vest, Jr., Athens, Ga; a brother, Douglas Henry, Nashville; and five grandchildren.
Sources:
1. Crutchfield, James A., “Timeless Tennesseans”, The Strode Publishers, Huntsville, Alabama,
2. “Nashville Banner”, Wednesday, August 19, 1970, – obituary – Tennessee State Library and Archives, vertical files.
3. Library of Congress, Card Catalog, http://lcweb.loc.gov
4. Virginia State Library and Archives, catalog, http://eagle.vsla.edu
5. Plott, Irma M., compiler, “Wayne County, Tennessee Marriage Records, 1857-1929”, The Byler Press, Collinwood, TN, 1983
6. Brown, Doris R., transcriber, “The 1880 Census of Wayne County, Tennessee”, The Byler Press, Collinwood, TN, 1986
7. Wayne County Historical Society, “Cemetery and Death Records of Wayne County, Tennessee”, The Byler Press, Collinwood, TN, 1987
Biographies of Wayne County, Tennessee Connections 1911-1912
Biographies of Wayne County, Tennessee Connections From The
Arkansas 1911 – 1912 Confederate Veterans Census
ARNOLD, Thomas Jefferson Harrison, of Yale, Arkansas, was born March 20, 1842 in the County of Wane, Tenn., the son of Thomas Arnold and Mary Lackey of Wane Co., Tenn. Thomas Arnold was a Baptist preacher for about 40 years up till his death. Subject attended private school in Izard Co., Arkansas for about 8 years. His teachers were Thos. Arnold, John Byler, and Sullivan. He was a farmer, and enlisted in Izard Co., Ark. in June 1862 under Marion Gipson, was in Batesville Inf. In active service 3 years. Commissioned officers were S. S. Tailor, and Gray. Regt. Officers were M. Gipson, Matthew McGlothlin, Capt. Hollowell, James Shale. Some of the private soldiers were T. J. H. Arnold, J. D. Arnold, Jas. Cobb, Green Cobb. Rutlage Smith, George Gipson, I. R. Gun, Stanch Smith, Watt Grimit, Amos Moody, John Johnson, Davidson Johnson, Jos. Pernan, Bill Permian, Jim Ross, Bill Taylor, Arch. Milton, Bill Hopkins, Jim Self, Chris Stroud, Bill Hutton, John Hooker, Jef Dickson, Bill Rose, Jo. Byler, Ben Brady, John Jacops, John Scipert, Pies Thompson, Bill Broos. He stated, “My company joined Jas. R. Shales Reft. at Batesville from which place we marched to Van Bruen from there over to Fort Smith where there was a little scrimmaging. Nothing of importance between Ft. Smith and Little Rock. At Little Rock there I took sick and not able to be with the army any more. Subject’s wife was Malinda Catherine Moody, who he married in May, 1868 in Berry Co., MO. She was the daughter of Joshua Moody and his wife Joanna Moody, who lived at Independence Co., Ark. Children:
1. Marth Ann Arnold m. Elias Jackson Dickerson, Yale, Ark.
2. George Thomas Arnold, single, Yale, Ark.
3. John Elmer Arnold, single, Yale, Ark.
Certification no recorded, undated.
CLAY, James William, of Emmet, Arkansas, born 19 Dec., 1833 in IL, the son of Thomas Newton Clay born at Bedford Co., TN. Maiden name of subject’s mother was Dabney Ray, daughter of ____Ray and his wife, Jennie, who lived in Bedford Co., TN. Subject was educated in Lincoln Co., TN, was a farmer, a Democrat and a Methodist. Private Co., K, 12th Ark. Regt. 4 years of service. Married Matilda Sutton, daughter of James and Isabella Sutton who lived in Wayne Co., TN. married 8 Nov 1853. Children:
1. Sabry I. Clay, m. Wm. T. Clark, Emmet, Art.
2. Nancy A. Clay, m. Thomas M. Hudson, Washington, Ark.
3. Eliza J. Clay, m. Samuel B. Clark, Emmet, Ark.
4. Sarah I. Clay, m. Ikey Gorham, Wilton, Ark.
5. William N. Clay, Emmet, Ar.
Certified by T. A. Turner, Assessor of Hemptead Co., AR, 18 Jun 1912
CYPERT, Jesse Newton of Searcy, Ark., born 5 Dec 1823, at Indian Creek, Wayne Co., TN, son of Jesse Cypert born at Tar River, NC Was in Cornwalls Brigade, Andrew Jackson Div., in War of 1812. Was at Battle of New Orleans. There he was honorably discharged after the Battle, Jan. 8, 1815. He was the son of Francis Cypert and his wife Abigal Johnson Cypert, who lived at Wayne Co., TN. Maiden name of subject’s mother was Jamima Wortham, dau. of Jas. Wortham of Warren Co. TN. “None of my ancestors was in the Revolution. My great uncle Robin Cypert, brother of my grandfather Francis Cypert was a Revolutionary veteran and I have seen his discharge and pension certificate. My father was at athe Battle of New Orleans in War of 1812.” Subject was educated in county school in Wayne Co., TN and was licensed to practice in 1849. Began active practice of law in Marion, Crittenden Co., [ARK] in May, 1850 and came to Searcy, White Co.,, Feb 14 1851 where he served, resided and practiced law. Was a Whig until after the Civil War – since has been identified with the Democratic Party. Was a member of M. E. Church, South; Masons and Oddfellows. “Have written for publication a Chapter on Secession Convention of Ark. published in Vol. One, pages 314-324, Arkansas Historical Publication. Was a Captain of Co. A, Deshias’ 5th Ark. Bat. on the organization of same. Was elected Major at Pocahontas, Ark., in Nov., 1861, after the Battle of Shiloh – it was consolidated with 8th Ark. Reft and was discharged and sent in Commissary Dept. in Train, Mississippi. Married Sarah Harlen Crow, daughter of Joshua B. Crow and wife Lavinia West Crow who lived at West Point, Ark. Married in White Co., Ark, Feb 6, 1855. “J. B. Crow, my wife’s father, was the son of Rev. Charles Crow and his wife Sarah Harlon. Her mother, Lavinia (West) Crow, was the daughter of the Rev. William West and his wife Mary (Howard) West.” Children:
1. Florence, oldest daughter married Wm. Watkins, died August 6, 1896
2. Allice m. H. W. Smith and died Feb. 11, 1896
3. Eugene Cypert, my only son, married L. I. Seat, and they now reside at Searcy, Ark. Eugene Cypert is my present law partner.
Certified by Dave M. Holleman, Assessor of White Co., Ark. 15 Jan 1912.
FREDEKING, Alford Thedore of Caldren, Ark. was born Feb. 6, 1845 at Waynsboro, Wayne Co., Tenn. the son of George Thedore Fredeking of Germany. Maiden name of subject’s mother was Martha Richerson, dau. of William Richerson. Subject was a farmer and a Democrat. He was assigned to Reeves Regt. Cav. under Capt. John Mitchell, Col. Reeves and Gen. McCray; was in battles at Grand Prairie, Ark. and Fredericktown, Mo. Married in Lawrence Co., Ark Edna Matilda Thompson.
Certified by J. W. Duke, Assessor of Clebourne Co., Ark. July 15, 1912
HOLLABAUGH, James Calvin, of Prairie Grove, Ark, born 4 Jul 1845 in Perry Co., TN, the son of Jacob Hollabaugh, born at Linden, Perry Co., TN, who lived in Wayne Co., TN. He was the son of George Hollabaugh and his wife Catherine Fraley who was raised in Roan Co., NC near Salsbury. Maiden name of subject’s mother was Catharine Fralay, originally from Germany. “My great-grandmother Catharine Fraley in the time of the Revolutionary War, and died at the age of 104 years, came across the ocean in a walnut chest (?)”. Subject was educated in the German language and had a German Bible. He was a Democrat, Mason and Southern Methodist. Was a soldier in the Civil War, 2nd Corporal, 9th Tenn. Cav., Co. H, Forrest old Brigade. Married the daughter of James and Rachel Harvey of Wayne Co., TN (name not given). The Harveys came from Georgia to Tennessee and were of Irish descent. Children:
1. William Allen Hollabaugh
2. Joe Brown Hollabaugh
3. Rufus Milton Hollabaugh
4. Rachel Hollabaugh, m. ______Ingram
5. Mary Frances Hollabaugh
6. Allis Hollabaugh
7. Thomas Tilden Hollabaugh
8. Vergey Ann Hollabaugh
9. John Tilden Hollabaugh
Certified by Walter Shreve, Assessor of Washington Co., AR, 9 Apr 1912
ISOM, William Henderson, of Tillar, Ark, was born 31 Aug 1833 in Maury Co., TN the son of John Isom of Virginia, who lived in Wayne Co., TN. He served under Gen. Jackson in the War of 1812. He was the son of Jonathan Alexander Isom and his wife Elizabeth Walker, who lived in Wayne Co., TN. Maiden name of subject’s mother was Elizabeth Kenneday, daughter of Alexander Kenneday of Wayne Co., TN. “My great-grandparents came from England and first settled in Virginia, then my grandfather, Jonathan Isom, came to Wayne Co., TN.” Subject was educated in country schools of Marshall Co., Miss. He was a farmer, beginning in 1857 in Marshall Co., MS and continued there until 1858, then moved to Drew Co., Ark, and then continued my occupation until present. Was a Democrat and a Mason, M.E. Church South. Was a Capt of Co. B, 9th Ark. Regt. Enlisted at Pine Bluff, Ark in 1861, served about 12 months and was wounded on April 16 at Shiloh, Tenn. was then transferred to Texas post service, Commissary Dept. and remained in this service till end of war, surrendered at Sherveport, LA. “After 4 years service in Confederate War, I came back to Drew Co., Ark, and took part in resisting the horrible “Carpet Bag” rule to which we were subject to ten or eleven years, which was finally overcome by our persistent efforts and I am thankful to say, we now have a happy and prosperous country.” Married Dorcus A. Erwin, daughter of John and Priscilla Erwin on 21 Jun 1859 in Drew Co., Ark. Raised two orphan girls, Fannie Harris who married Reubin Smith, Selma, Ark. and Kate Stephenson who married William Bradley, Selma, Ark.
Certified by M. M. Dickson, Assessor of Drew Co., Ark. 5 Apr 1912
KERLEY, William Garrett, presently living at Harrison, AR. was born Mck 5, 1835, Waynesborrow, Wayne County, Tenn. Father’s full name was James Kerley born in NC. Grandfather was Daniel Kerley; grandmother was Ann Kerley, both of whom lived in Albermoile Co. VA. Mother’s maiden name was Elizabeth Rorie. “Both my grandfathers were in the Revolutionary War.” Early education at Waynesborrow, Tenn, Teacher A. W. Mack. Occupation: Farmer. Military service: First Lieut in Shalers Reg Com. C., 1861, Apr 12 Uncle Col. Coffey. Joe Selbys Brig in Prices Army. Surrendered Jun 5 1865. Politically a Democrat; member of the Missionary Baptist. Wife was Nancy Jane Cypert and they married near Locus Grove AR Dec 9 1860. She was the daughter of Anderson Cypert and Fannie Cypert who lived in Stone Co., Ark. Names of children and places of residence:
James T./ Ocie Peacock, Child Tex
John to Olive Eldridge, Springer Okla.
Bell to L. Cityzen, Wichitau Fall, Tex.
Henry to Gracie Peacock, Huston, Tex.
Rebeca to Joe Corner, Tulsey, Okla.
Lafayette to Mary Robinson, Olvey, Ark.
Reuben, Pierce City, MO
Grover, Springfield, Mo.
PRINCE, Thomas Elik, of Texarkana, Ark, was born 19 Jun 1849 in Wayne Co., TN the son of Thomas Prince, born Jan 1808 at Waynesboro, Bedford Co., TN. He was the son of Louis? Prince, and his wife. Maiden name of subject’s mother was Lucinda Holt, born in Williamson Co., TN, 1812, and her father was a soldier in the War of 181. “My father was a Baptist preacher, ordained 56 years ago – my grandpa Prince was a farmer – Grandpa Holt was a soldier in the British War and was in the Battle of New Orleans, La.” Subject was a farmer and a Baptist. Served in 1864 until close of war. Married Pauline Francis Pattillo born in Ga, moved to Ark in 1854, daughter of Thomas Elik Pattillo and his wife Joycey who lived at Texarkana, Ark. Children:
1. Amy? Eler Prince born 1874
2. Clemona? Elik Prince born 1877
3. Joycey Lucindy Prince born 1883
4. Clinton John Wesley Prince born 1885
5. Thomas Joseph Prince, born 1887
6. Cartie Susan Jane Prince born 1889
7. Calsin Elishey Prince born 1891
8. Sidney Alford Prince born 1894
9. Liley Francis Prince born 1898
no certification or date (Miller Co., Ark.)
ROSS, James Wilson, of Charleston, Ark, RFD#, was born 13 Jan 1845 at Waynesboro, Wayne Co., TN, the son of William Benham Ross born near Waynesboro, Tenn. He held office of Sheriff in Wayne Co., Tenn, also of Kern Co., Calif. He lived in Tenn. until 1854, then went to Calif, where he lived two years, died 1872. He was the son of James W. and Catherine Ross who lived near Waynesboro. Maiden name of subject’s mother was Serene? Mack, daughter of Aquilla Wilson Mack who lived near Waynesboro, afterwards at Mt. Hope School, three miles north of Waynesboro. He was a farmer, Democrat, Cumberland Presbyterian, Mason and Odd Fellow. Was a private in Co. A, 9th Tenn. Cav. which was consolidated with another Co. and was known as Co. F of said regiment. Enlisted 10 Aug 1862 and at the surrender under Gen. Bedford Forrest at Gainesville, Ala., on the 10 day of May, 1865. Married 1st Harriet Elizabeth Jones, daughter of William Jones and his wife, Nancy Helton, dau. of Samuel Helton, 3 Oct 1876, near Waynesboro, Tenn. (Does not name 2nd wife). Children:
1. William Thomas Ross m. Mittie May, Paris, Logan Co.
2. Sere Jean Ross, single. of near Charleston, Ark.
3. Virginia Ann Ross, Fort Smith, Ark.
4. Chessie Catherine m. Rufus Mayfield, Charleston, Ark.
5. James Rodgers Ross, at home
6. Susan Elizabeth Ross, at home
7. Stella Electa Ross, at home
Certified by (unsigned and undated). Franklin Co., Ark.
SHARP, Matthew James, of Haynesville, La, was born 7 June 1837 in Wayne Co., TN the son of Alfred David Sharp born at Waynesboro, Wayne Co., TN who lived at Pinhook, Wayne Co., Tenn. He was the son of William and Julia Ann Sharp of SC. Maiden name of subject’s mother was Elizabeth Lawson, daughter of Mordicai and Fanny Lawson of Wayne Co., TN. Served with Co. B, 19th Ark. Regt., enlisted 25 Jun 1862, discharged 19 May 1865. Married Sarah E. McDonald, daughter of John and Neoma (Cox) McDonald of SC on 20 Oct 1859 in Ark. (no children named).
Certified by Auby Rowe, Tax Assessor of Columbia, Co., AR, 2 Aug 1912
WALLACE, Leonard Riley Ashley of Ozark, Ark. was born 16 Feb 1845 in Johnson Co., Ark, the son of Leonard Walker Wallace of SC, who lived in Johnson and Washington Cos. Ark. He was the son of William S. Wallace who lived 4½ miles east of Fayetteville, Ark. Maiden name of subject’s mother was Emily Pace, daughter of Twitty Pace, who lived at Johnson Co., Ark. and Fannie (Fannin?) Co., Texas. “Twitty Pace was (I think) the first circuit clerk of Pope Co., Ark”. Subject was educated at Fayetteville, Ark. about 1854 Ark. College, Robert Graham Ozark Inst., Wallace Institute Van Buren, Ark and Cane Hill College. Was a lawyer 1888, Ozark, Ark. County Treasurer, Circuit Clerk and County Judge, Franklin Co., Ark. was a Democrat and Mason, Carter Cahpter #58. J. J. Walker’s Co., First Regt. Ark. State Troops, April to Sep, 1861, NW 15th Ark Inf 1861 to 1865, served with Companies I and K. Married Laura Ann Montague, daughter of William J. and Emily E. (Whitley) Montague of Ozark, Ark. Wife born 26 Jun 1853; married at Ozark, Ark, 16 Feb 1869. Wife was granddaughter of Abram Montague of Wayne Co., TN. Child:
1. Eula Jean married Lewis Penn, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Not certified, Franklin Co., Ark. 1 Feb 1912.
Tune Family
Submitted by George F. and Julia M. Haynes
Knoxville, TN
John William Tune was the oldest child of Kester T. Tune and Mary Ann Grimes.
Kester Tune was born Feb. 7, 1815, in Halifax Co., Virginia, the son of William Tune and Rainy Scurlock. The Tune surname has been spelled Toon, Toone, and Tune. It is believed that all of the Tunes that located in the middle Tennessee area were the sons of William and Rainy Tune. William is believed to be the son of Travis (Traverse) Tune and Millie Daniels.
Mary Ann Grimes was born about 1816, the daughter of John H. and Anna Grimes. Kester and Mary Ann were married December 17, 1838, in Maury Co., TN, with Mary Ann’s brother Doctor Green Grimes listed on their marriage license as surety for their marriage. John William was born in Maury Co. on January 3, 1840. Other children born to Kester and Mary Ann Tune were Emily G., abt. 1844; Caleb T., abt. 1849; Eliza Ann, abt. 1855; Alexander A., born April 7, 1857; Samuel H., abt. 1860; Mary Elizabeth, abt. 1862; Adaline, abt. 1864; and Martha L. abt. 1866. By 1860 with the stirrings of war on the horizon, Kester and Mary Ann Tune and their family, along with various Grimes families, had moved to Wayne Co., TN, where Kester farmed his land at the mouth of Hardins Creek. The Grimes families also lived in close proximity along Hardins Creek. The Tune family worshiped at the Presbyterian church. On June 1, 1878, it is recorded in church records that Brother Kester T. Tune “by his own request” transferred from the Clifton Presbyterian congregation to the Shady Grove congregation. Kester was also a Mason.
John William Tune’s mother Mary Ann Grimes Tune died sometime between 1866 and 1869. On April 8, 1869, his father Kester married Sarah Moore. Kester died at his home on Hardins Creek April 28, 1900. The exact location of Kester’s, Mary Ann’s, and Sarah’s graves is unknown at this writing but according to an elderly grandson “all the Tunes” are buried in the Tune Cemetery on the old Tune property in Wayne Co.
John W. Tune was a laborer on his father’s farm in Wayne Co. when he enlisted in the Confederate Army on October 15, 1861. He was in Capt. J. W. Eldridge’s Artillery Company. This company was successively called Captain Eldridge’s, Captain Wright’s, Captain Mebane’s, and Captain Phillips’ Company Tennessee Light Artillery. It served for a time in Cobb’s Battalion of Artillery, a temporary field organization composed of independent companies from various states. John participated in the battles of Franklin, Chickamauga, and Spanish Fort in Alabama. The company surrendered at Citronelle, Alabama, on May 4, 1865, and was paroled at Meridian, MS, on May 10, 1865.
John W. Tune married Caroline Briley Garner on March 26, 1868, at the home of Caroline’s father Andrew Briley on White Oak Creek in Perry County. Witnessing the marriage from Caroline’s family was Bash Briley and John’s brother Caleb T. Tune. John and Caroline set up housekeeping next door to William and Nancy Briley in Perry County. The Briley and Howell families owned and farmed adjoining lands on the White Oak, Bee, Short, and Cedar Creeks, and several marriages were celebrated among the different families.
Frances Ann Tune was the first child born to John and Caroline Tune, arriving on April 26, 1869. She was followed by a brother Henry Alfred Tune on April 11, 1871. Another girl was born February 16, 1873 whom they named Lou Ella Tune. A little less than 2 years later, Caroline died on November 22, 1874. The location of her grave is unknown.
John’s second wife was Susan Caroline Howell, the daughter of George W. and Lucinda Jane Butler Howell. They married April 29, 1875 in Perry Co. The children born to John and Susan Howell Tune were William Allen, born March 5, 1876; Sarah Jane “Sally”, born February 12, 1878; George Kester born January 16, 1880; Mary Bell, born March 19, 1882; John Newton, born October 10, 1884; James Walter born February 24, 1887; and Nancy Caroline Myrtle born July 20, 1889. The year 1880 found John and Susan Tune living in Wayne Co. By the time their son John Newton Tune was born in 1884, they had moved to Obion Co., TN, along with Susan’s parents George and Lucinda Howell.
George W. Howell was born January 13, 1827, near Corinth in Mississippi . His father was Joseph Howell. Little George was orphaned at an early age, and according to Howell family records, he then lived in the home of “Uncle Foster” Bate but no family relationship is known. Lucinda J. Butler Howell’s birth date is December 8, 1829. She was the daughter of James and Elizabeth Toombs Butler. Elizabeth Toombs Butler’s mother was a Youree from Georgia. After the death of Elizabeth’s first husband, she married Edward Butler an early organizer of Wayne Co. Following his death, she lived with George and Lucinda Howell in Obion Co. where she died. Elizabeth Butler Morrison is buried in Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Obion Co., TN.
George W. and Lucinda J. Howell were married July 6, 1848. A Howell family Bible lists their children as Nancy E. born October 2, 1849; Mary Ann born August 7, 1851; Martha Jane born September 17, 1853; Susan Caroline born October 7, 1855; John E. born November 3, 1857; Sarah C. born March 30, 1860; William David born October 2, 1862, he lived but a few days; George Allen born September 2, 1864; Joe Henry born May 5, 1867; Robert Lee born May 18, 1871; and Melissa Ann born December 18, 1873. There is no listing in the 1860 census, of daughters Nancy E. and Martha Jane, but there was another child listed named Lucinda who was 3 months old. Lucinda is not listed in the 1870 census, so these three children may have all died before 1870. George W. Howell died in Obion Co. August 25, 1888, and Lucinda Jane Butler Howell died in Obion Co. May 31, 1915. They are buried in Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Obion Co.
Susan Howell Tune died August 6, 1891 in Obion Co. She is buried in an unmarked grave next to her parents graves in the Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Her grandmother Elizabeth Butler Morrison is buried next to her. According to John and Susan Howell’s granddaughter Susan Caroline Tune Vinson of Union City, TN, six generations of Tunes and Howells to the present have attended the Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Obion Co.
With Susan’s death, it was difficult for John to care for his remaining family. The youngest daughter who was called Myrtle died at age 11 on June 27, 1900. John lived in a little house beside his son John Newton Tune. Granddaughter Susan Tune Vinson remembers that he smoked a pipe and had a long white beard. He moved to the Tennessee Home for Confederate Soldiers on the grounds of the Hermitage in Nashville, TN, where he lived out his final days and died on June 30, 1925. He is buried in grave number 24 at the Confederate Cemetery by the Tulip Grove Church at the Hermitage . There is a huge granite monument in the center of the cemetery which bears this inscription:
This crude unhewn piece of everlasting granite
is here to mark the resting place of manly men.
Men like it. Firm, solid, true men who in support
of principle, uncomplainingly endured hunger,
cold, and privation which history cannot record.
The sturdy men grouped about this rugged stone
died inThe Tennessee Home for Confederate Soldiers
This stone will stand the test of time.
The souls of the tried men grouped about it
Will endure throughout eternity.
Patriarch Of The Hills Pays Memphis Visit
The following article appeared in “The Commercial Appeal”, Memphis, Tennessee, Sunday, 2 April 1922.
“UNCLE CHARLIE THOMPSON, Aged 94 Travels Alone, WAS CIVIL WAR SCOUT.
Veteran Surveyor of Wayne County, Tenn. Visits This City for First Time Since 1864 – “Good Gracious! How Town Has Changed,” He Said.
By J. H. CURTIS
“Good gracious, how this town has grown since 1864,” said “Uncle” Charlie THOMPSON, of Lutts, Tenn., as he stood, hat in one hand, cane in the other, and gazed over the city from the window on the third floor of the Federal building.
“Why, they have cut the bluffs away. The steamboat landing seems to have dropped out of sight. The business part of the city has consolidated with Fort Pickering, and Main Street has ceased to be a mud road. Its all so wonderful, I just can’t find myself.”
Then he turned and walked briskly downstairs to the offices of his friend, C. C. HINKLE, U.S. collector of customs, whose guest he was for two days.
Every body in Wayne County, Tenn. boats of a personal acquaintance with C. M. THOMPSON. They know him as “Uncle Charlie”. He is living today in the same house he moved into when two years old. If he lived until April 15, this year, he will be 94 years old. He was born within four miles of his present home in Lutts, Tenn., a village on Rutherford creek.
Recalls First Memphis Visit
“My first visit to Memphis was in company with some immigrants to Arkansas,” said “Uncle Charlie, taking a scat in Mr. HINKLE’S office chair. “That was in 1845. I did not stay long. The streets were muddy, the town was not promising to me. In fact, I loved the hills and creeks back in Wayne County, so after taking in the sights of Memphis, I drove my team back home.”
“The next time I was in Memphis was in 1859. There was some changes of course. The town was divided. I was told of Fort Pickering on the south, of its advantages and promises. I had some money and was told this might be a good place to invest it, but again my high, green hills of Wayne County appealed to me and I went home.
“It was on my second visit that I saw workmen grading away Wright’s Bluff. I thought ti a shame to spoil nature with men and shovels, but I suppose it was in the making of a great city and had to be.
“My third visit to Memphis was in 1864. I as stationed at Paducah, KY, as a special representative of the United States treasury, and came to this city on business, with Gen. ORRD, the provost marshal.”
Mr. THOMPSON served as a scout for the Federal forces during the Civil War. He was attached, considerable of his time, to the command of Gen. DODGE, and he boasts of having been in that commander’s confidence to the very limit of trust placed in him.
“Gen. DODGE was a great man. That is my way of thinking of him. He had a big heart and generally did the right thing for all the people, but he was a fighter and a good commander.”
Saw Sherman Almost Captured
“By the way, after the fall of Vicksburg, I was near Collierville when Gen. SHERMAN and staff were moving east. Gen. CHALMERS of the Confederate forces made a sudden dash into Collierville the morning Gen. SHERMAN was there and almost captured him. His men got away with SHERMAN’s _____[page torn] horse and the General himself barely excaped by climbing on a train. Gen. CHALMERS worked quick. None of us knew there was a Confederate force anywhere about. Gen. SHERMAN was sauntering about near the train when some of his men gave the alarm, but they were on us before a man could fire a gun.
“The act of Gen. CHALMERS was so brave, quick and daring, it took the breath away from Gen. SHERMAN’s staff for a few seconds, and by the time they awoke to the situation the Confederates had gotten away, although the bullets flew after them. No one was burt and after the excitement, Gen. SHERMAN had a good laugh. Turning to me he said he wanted that borse back. But I had no time hunting a horse with Gen. CHAMLER’s men so close at hand. I left the vicinity of Collierville on the first train over the Memphis & Charleston railroad that followed Gen. SHERMAN.
Saw Sam Davis
“I was with Gen. DODGE at Pulaski, Tenn. I knew Sam DAVIS had been captured by federal forces. I knew what charge had been placed against him. I did not know he had been sentenced, but I saw him between guards going to be hanged on a court martial charge of being a Confederate spy.
“They passed close enough for me to have touched Sam DAVIS. I looked him in the face. It was the first time I had ever seen him, but his brave act had spread about the camp and he had the sympathy of every Federal soldier there.
“He was a young man, I judged about 24 or 25 years old. I went about my work and in a few minutes I me up with Capt. CHEEK of the Federal army and he told me they had hung DAVIS.
“I was shocked. If I had known that morning he was to be executed, I would have gone to Gen. DODGE in his behalf. I am quite sure my pleadings would have saved him. Gen. DODGE did not want to hang DAVIS. He expressed himself to me afterwards that it was the one regret in his life, but DAVIS refused to tell where he had gotten plans of the army at Pulaski. Gen. DODGE was confident they were given him by an officer in his command.”
Mr. THOMPSON is hale and hearty at his age of almost 94. He boats that he has been a dram drinker all his life, chewed and smoked tobacco and has found none of the defects of it as laid down by modern science.
Can’t Advise for Long Life
“That recalls a conversation I had some months ago with friends of mine. They asked me how I had managed to live so many years.
“Well, I told them, here are two neighbors, each younger than I. One of them has followed a temperate life. He never used tobacco, never drank coffee, or whiskey, and has been at home all the time. Now he is dead.
“I have no advice to give on how to live a long time. I have been exposed to all sorts of weather during my life. I was in the war almost four years. Every man who fought in the Civil War can tell of the hardships endured, whether he was a Federal of Confederate. They were brace men on both sides. It’s just the way a fellow treats his body I guess, that brings on a long life. I know of nothing else to cause it.”
Mr. THOMPSON says he was the first person other than a soldier to have been on the battlefield of Shiloh. It was the first morning after the battle had ended that he went down there from Savannah, Tenn.
“It was a terrible battle. It went through me like a piece of cold steel when I stood in the midst of the ground over which the men had fought.
Says Markers Are Wrong
“I have seen the battlefield after its reconstruction. The monument built to the memory of Gen. Albert Sydney JOHNSTON is 50 yards out of line. It was not there that the great Confederate general received his wound or it is not on the spot where he died. There are many other markers out of line on that battle field as it appeared to me the morning I walked over it when the carnage was fresh. It made an everlasting impression on me. I cannot forget it as long as I live.
“We hear a good deal these times about Bob and Alf TAYLOR. Poor Bob, he was a great man in his life. But I think Alf the best politician we have. He was always a good fellow, well met. Those boys could tell a lot of rattling stories but none of them were as good as those told my their father Nat TAYLOR. I knew the whole family.”
There is another thing Mr. THOMPSON boasts of. He has been a member of the Masonic lodge for more than a half a century. He was a surveyor of Wayne County for more than 50 years and has always taken an active part in state politics.
Mr. THOMPSON’s eldest child is Mrs. Nancy M. FARRIS. She lived with him in Lutts, Tenn. He has a son, Z. J. THOMPSON, who is attorney, residing in Okemah, Okla., and a son, Will THOMPSON, a physician in Pontotoc County, Miss.
“I’m going to live to be 100 years old. I am coming back to Memphis that year and celebrate my anniversary,” he said, walking actively about Mr. HINKLE’s office.
Resuming his seat he tilted the chair back. “I came home after the war with no regrets. I am proud of the fact that I never killed a man in the war. I never did any person a harm that I know of, and I have always out as close as I knew how, the ‘Golden Rule’.”