Biographies of Wayne County, Tennessee Connections 1911-1912

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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

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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 in

The 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

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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

CMT“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.

Thompson1Can’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’.”

Byler, Edgar

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BYLER, EDGAR, Pvt, Draft Headquarter, Nashville, TN Serial number 4445357, was born at Sage, Izard County, Arkansas on 21 September 1888. He was the son of Dr. S. E. BYLER and Lauraetta DOWNING BYLER, natives of Izard Co., Arkansas and Wayne County, Tennessee respectively.

In 1889, he came by train, steamboat and ox cart to Wayne County, Tennessee eventually settling with his parents in Iron City, Lawrence County, Tennessee. He graduated from the Iron City Institute in 1906 and entered the University of Tennessee that fall. In 1907, he began teaching school in Lawrence County, Tennessee, the Wayland Springs District. Later he taught at Thompson’s Station in Franklin County, Tennessee and other areas before entering the surveying business in 1912. He was a member of the surveying team which surveyed the Tennessee Western Railroad from Iron City to present day Collinwood and laid out the town of Collinwood under the supervision of Edward L. LULL.

He was inducted into the US Army in June 1918 and served in the Medical Corps as a Medical Examination Corpsman at the Induction Center in Nashville and later in Savannah, Tennessee. He was honorably discharged on 23 December 1918. and became a surveyor with the L & N Railroad, working in the building of the line from Sheffield, Alabama to Birmingham, Alabama through Russellville.

He married on 12 Nov 1919, in Russellville, Alabama to Mrs. Sarah Jane DUNN WALSH, a widow with two small children: Joseph E. WALSH and Robert E. WALSH. Sarah was the daughter of Joseph D DUNN and Frances Jane TILLEY DUNN, natives of England. Joseph D. DUNN was president of the American Products Company of Boyne City, Michigan and was in Collinwood during the war to supervise the building of the iron furnace which was part of the US Government Chemical Plant being erected by the Tennessee Valley Iron and Railroad Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania under a contract from the US Bureau of Aeroplane Manufacture.

Shortly after Mr. DUNN returned to Boyne City, Michigan in December 1919, Edgar BYLER joined them and worked with Mr. DUNN in the iron business. Edgar and Sarah’s first child, Laura Jane BYLER, was born at Manistique, Michigan on 7 July 1920. On 22 Dec 1920, Dr. S. E. BYLER died suddenly. Edgar and family moved back to Collinwood where they lived for a short time in the upstairs rooms of the drugstore. In 1921 Edgar was appointed Postmaster at Collinwood to fill out his father’s term. At the same time, Edgar and his brother-in-law, Allen BROWN formed a partnership to take over operation of the drug store. Thus Brown and Byler Drugs was born and would continue to serve the people of Collinwood until Edgar retired in 1962.

While living over the store Edgar and Sarah’s son, Edgar Donald BYLER was born on 19 September 1921. Shortly thereafter they moved into what was called the “Green” house on Second Avenue. Here their third child, Naomi Ruth BYLER was born 28 Jan 1923. With a growing family and a decline in profits from the store business, Edgar decided to seek work with the Tennessee Highway Department. He worked with the Highway department from 1923 until 1936, working to build Tenn. Highway 15 (later US 64). In 1936, he returned to the farm the family had bought in the McCall Community because of the Depression. Then in 1937 he returned to the Drugstore as Pharmacist.

Sarah Jane DUNN WALSH BYLER died 12 November 1965 at Wayne County General Hospital, Waynesboro, Tennessee and was buried at McGlamery Cemetery. Edgar BYLER died 17 May 1968 in Florence, Alabama. He is also buried at McGlamery.

During World War II, Edgar BYLER served on the Wayne County, Tennessee Draft Board and as a 1LT in the Tennessee State Guard. Three members of the family served in various services during World War II: Robert E. WALSH, U.S. Navy; LT. Laura Jane BYLER, US Army Nurses Corps; and SSG Edgar D.BYLER, Army Air Corps.

Butler, Reuben Vernor

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BUTLER, REUBEN VERNOR, was born 25 July 1894, the son of Thompson C. BUTLER and Mary Hulda HAY. He was a brother to Henry Arthur BUTLER above. During the war he was stationed at the Panama Canel. Date of induction and discharge not given. After the war, he returned to Lutts, Tennessee. Later he worked as a carpenter in Memphis, Tennesse and at Lutts. He spent several yeras working at Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Reuben later returned to Memphis and fianlly to Lutts, Tennessee where he served as a deputy sheriff. During his service as deputy sheriff, he was shot and paralized. He spent 12 years at the Veterans Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. He died 11 June 1966 and was buried in Pinhook Cemetery, Lutts, Tennessee. He never married.

Butler, Henry Arthur

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BUTLER, HENRY ARTHUR, was born 7 Aug 1890 ,the son of Thompson C. BUTLER (6 May 1860 – 26 Nov 1942, buried Punhook Cem.) and Mary Hulda HAY (25 Jan 1863 – 1 May 1910, buried in Decatur Co.,TN). He was inducted in 1917 at Waynesboro, TN. He served in Frances as a medic. His siblings were Omer Witt BUTLER, Benjamin Harrison BUTLER, Reuben Vernor BUTLER, Terry Cordelia BUTLER and William Hobart BUTLER.

His part in the Medical Corps was to go behind the fighting and help the wounded and to care for the dead. He fought in the battles of Rhine River, Argonne Forest and along the Meuse, from Verdun to Sedan, from 26 Sep 1918 through Armistice.

The Battles of Argonne Firest, September 27 – October 10, 1918, were a series of fierce and decisive battles. Twelve divisions of the American Army broke through the supposedly impenetrable German line. This was a rocky wilderness where there were barbed wire entanglements.

Henry Arthur BUTLER married first to Hester TININ (1 Feb 1890 – 1 Sep 1926, buried Pinhook Cem, Wayne Co., TN.) . He married second to Clarice DANIEL LAWSON, (7 Nov 1898 – 28 Aug 1942, buried Lawson Cem. Wayne Co., TN). He married third to Lillie LUCAS of Hardin Co., TN. His children were by Hester: Mary Louise BUTLER, stillborn, 22 Aug 1923, buried at Pinhook; by Clarice: Martin Hay BUTLER, b. 1941.

After the war, Henry worked up North for several years. After Clarice’s death, Henry moved to Martin, TN to live with his sister, Cordie and her husband, Charlie STRICKLIN. Cordie took care of Martin Hay BUTLER for three or four years.

Henry and son moved to Savannah to work for the Ice Company. He soon married Lillie. He died 19 May 1973 following a long illness and was buried at Pinhook Cemetry. Lillie died in a few years and Martin Hay BUTLER survives.

Burns, Albert

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burnsaBURNS, ALBERT, was born in the Houston community, Wayne County, Tennessee, the son of John and Alice McMULLIN BURNS. It is not known when he entered service, but he was dischaged in 1919 and returned home for a short time. He left and his later location was unknown. He had the following siblings: Erby BURNS (12 Nov 1890 – 24 April 1965) married Madgie Mildred MARTIN (25 Dec 1894 – 22 Nov 1932); Archie BURNS, b. May 1888, m. Ollie ADKISSON; Eddie BURNS, b. Oct 1895; Pearl BURNS, who married Jay MELSON; Etta BURNS m. William MORGAN; Edgar H. BURNS (7 Aug 1889 – 12 June 1890), Raymond BURNS m. Faithy J. CLAY; and Hubert BURNS, who married Sue BECKHAM. 

Burnette, Arthur Leroy

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BURNETTE,Arthur Leroy Burnette ARTHUR LEROY, born 1889 in Alabama, date of enlistment, service date and date of discharge not known. BRUNETTE was living in Collinwood, TN and working as an office clerk for the Tennessee Valley Iron and Railroad Company when he entered service. He returned to that job after the war.

He married Mamie ADKISSON on 10 June 1914 in Collinwood, TN. She was the daughter of Thomas A. and Mollie WILLIS ADKISSON of Collinwood. Arthur and Mamie had one known son, Arthur L. BURNETTE, Jr.

Bruce, Frank J.

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BRUCE, FRANK J. Sergeant Co. C, HQ BN, serial number 2,000,439, born at Eddyville, KY, Enlisted 2 Oct 1917 at Cadiz, KY, abd was 23 years and 5 months old at enlistment. He was described as 5′ 11″ tall, fair complexion with blue eyes and light brown hair. He left the US for foreign service on 4 March 1918 and served in France. He returned to the US on 30 June 1919 and was discharged at Mitchell Field,Long Island, NY on 8 July 1919. Soldier was single at enlistment. He was promoted to sergeant on 18 April 1919. No other information available.