Clipper Reid Dowland's 

Greenfield Business Surveys

Transcribed by Joe Stout

Editing & Webpages by MaryCarol




 



Business Firms Listings & Genealogy of Owners
***
KEY TO QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Style of Firm
2. Kind of Business
3. Street Location
4. Name of Owners
5. Name of Previous Owners
6. Origin of Owners, including genealogy, church, fraternal and political affiliations.

GREENFIELD, TENNESSEE

1. Haney & Williams Service Station and Polston's Garage.
2. Filling Station and Repair Garage
3. Front St.
4. Garage: Bill Polston - Filling Station: Lee Haney and Ather Williams.
5. William Williams.
6. Both Haney & Williams and also Polston born and raised in Greenfield.

Haney Children

Eunice - married Ather Williams, lives Greenfield.
Inez     - married Carl Williams

Polston Children  (age 35)

Billy Louise
Nancy Marie

Polston:   Democrat - Baptist (Missionary) - No Lodges
Haney:     Democrat - Baptist (Missionary) - No Lodges
Williams: Republican - Missionary Baptist - No Lodges

---------------------------------

1. Day's Shoe Shop
2. Shoe Repair
3. Front St.
4. Lava Day
5. Originated business and in business 15 years
6. Born and raised near McKenzie, TN, age 48.

Name of Children

Joyce Jean Day age 19
Bettie Nan Day age 8
Donald M. Day age 20 months.

Politics: Democrat, Church: Church of Christ.

-----------------------------------

1. Keel - Drewry & Co.
2. Building Material, Hardware & Electrical Appliances, Paints & Wall Paper.
3. Front St.
4. E. B. Wright & C. B. Foust.
5. J. H. Keel and Cullen Drewry.
6. Origin: Foust: Greenfield, age 62; Wright, Dixon, TN, age 46
Mr. Wright: Democrat - Baptist, Mason

Mr. Wright's Children

Jean, age 23 married to James Martin - lives in Memphis
Evelyn age 19 - single
Billy age 13

Mr. Foust: Democrat - Cumberland Presbyterian - No fraternal connections.

Mr. Foust's Children

Harold Foust age 25

Mr. Wright was a former traveling salesman; Mr. Foust was a former
contractor and present mayor.

--------------------------------

1. Coats & Elam
2. Wholesale Feed and Seeds - Seed Cleaners
3. Front St.
4. R. E. Elam and W. Jean Coats
5. Originated business in 1931.
6. Mr. Coats; Native of Greenfield, age 40, Fathers name, Andrew Coats.
    Mr. Elam: Native of Greenfield.  Coats and Elam expect to put in an Air
Port.  They          have a 99 year lease.

Mr. Coats is USA Presbyterian and is a republican.  He married Virginia
White, Jim White's daughter.  She is 33 years old.  Their children are:
Betty, age 14, Jerry age 12 and Sandra age 10.

Mr. Elam is a USA Presbyterian, and a democrat.  He married Winnie
Patterson, and have two children, Dorothy and Bob, Jr.  This firm states
that Greenfield expects to cash in on the scattering of industry due to the
atomic bomb.

LIST OF CITY OFFICIALS
Submitted by Mr. Coats of Coats and Elam

Mayor: Cullen B. Foust.

Councilmen: Robert Elam, Thomas Akin, W. E. Morris, W. A. Coats, Claude
Moseley, L. B. Brasfield, G. B. Hummel, R. C. Lynn.

City Clerk: John B. McAdams
City Atty: Harry Jones
City Judge: John B. McAdams
Supt. of Water Dept.: Herman Coats

----------------------------

1. Greenfield Supply Company (in business 1 year)
2. Furniture, Hardware & Supplies, Paints, Varnish and Wall Paper.
3. Front St.
4. W. F. Hicks and J. A. Abernathy.
5. Originators of business.
6. Mr. Hicks is from Trenton, TN, is 37 years old, a democrat and Missionary
Baptist.
His children are: Joyce Jean, age 13, Billy Charles, age 10, Bobby Ray, age
8, Cary Brooks, age 5.

Mr. Abernathy is 33 years old, was born in Arkansas, is a democrat and a
Missionary Baptist, His Children are: Jimmie age 8, and Judy age 4.

-------------------------------

1. Radford Grocery.  (In business 1 year)
2. Grocery Store.
3. Front St.
4. Lawrence Radford and Ray Radford.
5. Originated business.
6. Lawrence Radford is 51 years old, and was born in Illinois.  He married
Lockie Rogers.  His children are:
Vanna - married Foss Hicks, she is age 30.
Varlie - age 26 - married Georgie Mullins.
Ray - age 24 - married Carolyn Oliver.

His grandchildren are:
Jerry Gordon Radford, Varlie's son
Billy Charles Hicks, Gary Hicks, and Bobby Hicks, Vanna's sons

His church is Missionary Baptist and his politics Independent.

Ray Radford is age 24, and was born in Greenfield.  He has one child, Linda
Ray, age 2.  His politics is Independent and he is a Missionary Baptist.

--------------------------------

1. City Cafe
2. Restaurant
3. Corner Front St. and Soup St.
4. Robert Lee Caudle
5. Clyde Collins, who bought out Glenn Knott, the originator.
6. R. L. Caudle was born at Johnson Hill, TN.  The Caudles came from
Marshall County, TN.  John R. Caudle, great grandfather, came from Marshall
County TN.  His grandfather was J. C. Caudle and married Nannie Kimery.
(Johnson Hill is located about 1 mile east of Meridian Church and Cemetery,
js)

J. C. Caudle, the grandfather had the following children:
John (Deceased)
William Andrew (Informant's father)
Jim
Ballard
Brown
Cleveland (Deceased)

Robert L. Caudle's family
Robert L. married Audry Lindelle Abney (She was born at Earl's Schoolhouse)
Children:
Howard Lee age 24
Alma LaVerne age 18
Edna Wylodean age 16
Robert Eugene age 11
Anna Bell age 7

Politics: Democrat    Religion: Primitive Baptist.

------------------------

1. Greenfield Drug Company
2. Druggists
3. Front St. and corner of Soup St.
4. P. D. Harris, J. P. Cutler and J. L. DeShong, owners
5. Homer Wilson - Now living in Memphis.
6. Mr. Harris is now attorney for the Federal Government in Washington, in
the income tax division.  He was born at Como.  His mother was a Swaim and
was born at Pillowville, TN.  He has one boy, Phil Barton Harris, and
attorney, now in the Army.  He is USA Presbyterian and is a Democrat - was
in the state senate 2 terms.  He married Miss Bennie Barton.  John Barton's
daughter.

Mr. DeShong was born at Trezevant.  He married Maymon Ford, Harmon Ford's
daughter at Bradford.  Methodist - Democrat.  Messrs. DeShong, Harris and
Cutler all belong to the Masonic Lodge.

The above business was established in 1926.

For Dr. Cutler's family history, see previous interview with him.
----------------------------

1. Mayo's Store - Not interviewed
-----------------------------------------

1. McAdams Cash Store
2. Dry Goods
3. Front St.
4. George McAdams and E. J. McAdams
5. Originators
6. Both born in Greenfield.  Grandparent's came from Gibson County.

George married Frances Rust, from Milan.
Children;
Jack Rust age 12
He is a Democrat and belongs to the USA Presbyterian Church.

E. J. married Mary Hazel Little, from Martin, TN.  They have one child,
George Little, age 10.  He is USA Presbyterian and a Democrat.
------------------------------------------------

1. W. O. Richmond (In business 3 years)
2. General Mdse. and Groceries
3. 109 Front St.
4. W. O. Richmond, age 46
5. J. A. Richmond founded business April 9, 1923
6. Born in Greenfield.  Father J. A. Richmond, was born 3 miles east of
Greenfield, near Earls School House.  He married Bettie Lee Riall.
W. O. Richmond married Mary Adelle Page.
Children:
Charles Raymond, age 15
William Howard, age 4
Church: Missionary Baptist
Politics: Democrat
---------------------------------------------

1. W. Talbert Jamison ( In business 1 week)
2. Groceries
3. Front St.
4. W. T. Jamison
5. Bernie Orr, formerly G. H. Orr
6. Born at Bradford, TN. His father, W. R. Jamison, married Dell Downtain,
from Bradford.
W. T. married Carmie Yearwood, of Trenton, TN.
Children:
W. Talbert, Jr. age 14
Marolyn age 13
Member of Missionary Baptist Church
Politics: Non Partisan
------------------------------------------------

1. L. M. C. Store
2. Five and Ten Cent Store
3. Front St.
4. O. B. Cox, age 49
5. Originator
6. Born near Seminary Church, married Bertie Hall
Children:
Lottrice - Married Flavil Robbins
Margaret - Married Cato Bass
Is not a member of any church and is non partisan politically.
-------------------------------------------------------

1. Kimery's Grocery
2, Grocery Store
3. Front St.
4. J. B. and H. L. Kimery
5. E. B. Corum
6. Born in Greenfield.  Grandparents settled 4 miles west of Greenfield.
Grandfather's name was James L. Kimery, a veteran of the Civil War.

H. L. Kimery, married Kate Corum and have one daughter, Katherine and she
married a Crocker.  He is a Democrat and a member of the Missionary Baptist
Church.

J. B. Kimery, married Bell Patterson the first time and Ruth Lipscomb the
second.
Children:
Martha Sue - Married Harry Angenent, and live Buffalo, N. Y.
He is a Missionary Baptist and a Democrat.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------

1. The Style Shop
2. Ladies & Childrens Ready to wear.
3. Front St.
4. Mrs. Kate (Moseley) Roberts, age 58
5. Originated business 15 years ago.
6. Born 4 miles toward Skullbone.
Children: Has one adopted son, Charles, age 26, single, the son of Pete
Moseley.
Kemp Roberts was my husband.  He is from Sharon. (Separated)
Politics: Democrat
Church: Church of Christ
-------------------------------------------------

1. Brasfield Drug Co. (In business 43 years)
2. Drug Store
3. Front & Broad St.
4. B. F. Adcock, age 64 and G. B. Belew, age 51
5. L. C. Brasfield
6. Both born in Skullbone
Mr. Adcock married Mary Van Buren, and has one son B. F., Jr., age 34.  He
is a Democrat and a member of the USA Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Belew married Anna L. Kirby.  He is a member of the American Legion, a
Democrat and a member of USA Presbyterian Church.

Children:
Maurice, age 23, married Kathryn Greer
Marian, age 20, married Charles J. Beam.
------------------------------------------------------

1. Will Carlton & Son
2. Jewelry & Repair Work
3. Front St.
4. Will James Carlton
5. Originated by W. J. Carlton 30 years ago.
6. Born north of Meridian Church.  My father was William David (Bud)
Carlton.  He married Katy Catherine Grooms.  My Grandfather was David
Crockett Carlton. He married Sarah Elizabeth Carlton.

I married Iva M. Grooms
Children:
Norine, age 41, married Charlie B. Connell
Homer, age 39, married Willard Thorn
Roy, age 37, married Beutone Sullivan
Mary, age 35, married Early Williamson
W. O., age 33, married Frances Norwood
Mabel, age 31, married Leonard Trosper
Williard, age 29, married Frances Essary
Sarah, age 27, married Cecil Rawls
Howard, age 25, married Jessie Essary
Ruth, age 23, married Raymond Campbell
W. J., age 21, single
Joe D., age 19, single
Nancy, age 17, married R. P. Raines (Separated)
Samuel, age 15, single
Church: Primitive Baptist - Politics: Republican

-------------------

1. U Tote Em Grocery (In business 12 years)
2. Groceries and General Mdse.
3. Front St.
4. M. L. Brooks, age 41
5. D. D. Todd
6. Born in Chammal, Tamauplipas, Old Mexico.  Reared at Sharon TN.  Married
Fay Estes, from Sharon - 1st. cousin to Fred Estes.

Children:
Betty, age 14
Frances, age 8

Member of Methodist Church, and is non-partisan politically.

----------------------

1. Akin Produce Co., In business 8 years

2. General Produce, fruits and vegetables 

3. Front St.

4. John Thomas Akin, age 35 years

5. Originator

6. Born in Greenfield, Married Catherine Freeman, from Gleason

Children

William age 8

Kay Francis age 5

John Thomas II, age 6 mos.

Is a member of the Masonic Lodge, the U.S.A. Presbyterian Church and is a Democrat.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Greenfield Undertaking Co.

2. Morticians

3. Front St.

4. McAdams and Ervin (Henry Clay Ervin)

5. Originally started by McAdams, but all old heads deceased.

6. Ervin Born and raised in Greenfield. Not married, lives with mother and sister.

Church: Missionary Baptist. Politics: Democrat. No Fraternal orders.

E. J. and Hal McAdams are helpers in the business. E. J. is in McAdams Dry Goods Store, Harold is in
the army.

---------------------------------------------------------------

1. Keels

2. Dry Cleaners

3. Front St.

4. J. A. Keel age 55

5. Originator

6. Born and raised in Greenfield. Married Birdie Mae Earls.

Children:

Elsie Lee - Married Walton T. Batey - living in Memphis, TN.

Ellen Doris - Married Ben Hatcher, lives in Greenfield

Mr. Keel is a Missionary Baptist, a democrat and a mason.

----------------------------------------------------------

1. Knight's Utility ( 1 year in business)

2. Plumbing Supplies, and Electrical Supplies.

3. Front St.

4. Charles Knight, age 30, Bill Knight age 35, G. B. Hummel age 53.

5. Originated business

6. Mr. Hummel was born in Greenfield and Knight Brothers born at Brock’s Chapel.

Charles Knight married Catherine Kemp

Children: 

Eddie age 4

Dean age 2

Member Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Masons and is a democrat.

Bill Knight married in Wisconson (Don’t know name)

Children:

2 children, but don’t know names

He is a Methodist and Democrat, but do not know about Fraternal.

G. B. Hummel married Mae Campbell

Children:

Marion B. age 27, married Martha Jackson from Dyer.

Don age 17, single

Member of Methodist Church, is a democrat and belongs to Masons, Elks, Knights of Pythias and
American Legion.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

1. The Greenfield Gazette (Not in and failed to contact)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Greenfield Banking Company (Referred us to the Gazette for a directory of officers and employees,
but as the Gazette was closed, no information was secured.)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Friendly Beauty Shop

2. Beauticians

3. Broadway

4. Irene (Womble) McKelvy

5. Originated Business

6. Born in Greenfield. Married Eris McKelvy

Church: Missionary Baptist

Politics: Non Partisan

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1. J. M. Bishop & Son (In business 2 years)

2. Grocery & Cream Station, and Meat Market

3. Broad St.

4. J. M. Bishop (Founded business 42 years ago.)

5. J. M. Bishop originated business.

6. Born in Hardin Co., Married Bernice Hargrove

Children:

John Jr. age 18, single

Member Masonic Lodge - not a member of church - but believes in Missionary Baptist. Political: Non
partisan

--------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Bills Repair Shop (In business 3 years)

2. Repairs anything.

3. Broad St.

4. Wm. G. Green, age 36 and Clare LaForm, age 41.

5. Originators of business

6. Mr. Green born in Crockett County.

Mr. LaForm born in Canada.

Mr. Green married Thelma Pittman, from Bradford.

Children:

Glenda age 9

Betty Lu age 8

Wanda Jo age 6

Dannie age 4

He is a mason, member of Church of Christ and non-partisan politically.

Mr. LaForm married Lanese Griggs of Crockett County.

Children:

Donald age 16

Kenneth age 11

Russel age 9

Neil age 7

Michael age 3

Tobey age 2

Mr. LaForm has no church, political nor fraternal connections.

----------------------------------------------------------

1. Jim's Barber & Beauty Shop (In business 21 years.)

2. Barber and Beauty Shop

3. Broad St.

4 Homer L. Doran, age 43

5. Originator

6. Weakley County. Married Louise Young of Greenfield.

Children:

James age 20

Member Masons and Missionary Baptist and a democrat.

Father’s name: James Doran, married Mattie Rachels.

---------------------------------------------------------------

1. M. & B. Motor Co. (In business 20 years)

2. Ford Dealers and Filling Station and Garage.

3. Broad St.

4. Claude Moseley, age 64

5. Originator

6. Born in Greenfield

Married Lena Mae Swaim of Greenfield

Children:

Kathryn married Edward Smith

Harold age 28 Single

Marjorie age 24 Single

Fraternal: none, Church: Christian. Politics: Democrat.

Peter Moseley was my grandfather. I am at present Councilman.

---------------------------------------------------------------

1. E.N.J. Brock & Co.

2. Hardware

3. Broad St.

4. Claude Moseley

5. E.N.J. Brock, originated business

6. Same as M & B Motor Co.

E.N.J. Brock married Stella Swaim of Pillowville. No descendants.

----------------------------------------------------------------

1. Green Lantern Cafe (In business 7 years)

2. Restaurant

3. Soup St.

4. K. W. Simmons (Half brother to Velma Marcus)

5. McDonald

6. Velma Marcus, Operator, born in Obion County

Missionary Baptist, No political affiliations, No Fraternal connection.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Roger Grooms age 68

2. Framing (?) Restaurant closed until more favorable conditions.

3. Soup St.

4. Roger Grooms

5. R. W. Coston Restaurant

6. Born in Greenfield. My father was Zeb Grooms

Children:

Helen age 42, married James Stokes and live in Nashville. He is an attorney and the son of Jordan
Stokes, atty.

Phillip age 38 single

Gerald age 36, Married Billie Rogers, living in Nashville

Jack age 23, Married but don’t know name of wife, living in Nashville

------------------------------------------------------------------

N. A. Abney

Clack Reid lived on Marion Abney’s farm. He would soak peanuts and plant them in the shell. I
scratched them up and ate them. I had never seen any peanuts before. I was just a kid.

----------------------------------------------------

1. City Taxi Co. (Established 1945)

2. Taxi Service

3. East Soup St.

4. N. W. Kemp

5. Originator

6. Was born in Murray, Ky. Married Ola Robinson from Murray, Ky.

No Children

Operate 3 cars. Drivers: Birdine Mitchell, Freeman Jones, L. C. Crocker (of the Idlewild Crockers.)

Member of Methodist Church. No Fraternal Organizations. Is a Democrat.

-------------------------------------------------------

1. Legion Cafe (In business 2 years)

2. Restaurant

3. Soup St. 

4. John W. Young, age 35

5. Glenn Knott, Clyde Polston

6. Born in Greenfield. Married Clara Knott

Children:

Billie Ruth age 12

John David age 10

Donald Jack age 7

Betty Joyce age 5

Veteran of World War No. 2 - served in Navy in Southwest Pacific

Member of Baptist Church, American Legion and independant politically.

My grandfather on my mother’s side was Taylor Richmond. He came from Kentucky.

My grandfather, Henry Young, was born in Gibson County, near Butler neighborhood.

My father, Will Young was born in Gibson County. He married Etta Richmond.

--------------------------------------------------------

Professor M. A. Dobb (colored), age 70, taught in Greenfield Colored Grammar School, also taught at
Milan, Medina, and Dyer.

----------------------------------------------------------

Mr. Keel of Keel's Dry Cleaning Co. states that Roger Lee Brasfield, formed the Viking Truck Company
Lines. Is a Greenfield boy who has made good and is worth approximately 1/4 million dollars.

------------------------------------------------------------

1. Post Office, Greenfield, TN

2. U.S. Post Office

3. Broad Street, near Brock Hardware Co.

4. George A. McAdams, Postmaster

5. Does not apply

6. My family came from North Gibson Co. My grandfather’s name was J. L. McAdams.

My father’s name was W. E. McAdams. My grandfather married Martha Deanne Barton. Their children were: Sam, Hudson, W. E. (my father), and Bess who married Jim McDaniels of Trenton.

My father married Hattie Akin, of Greenfield (related to Tom Akin/Produce Co.

They had three boys and one girl.

Children:

Jack age 45, married Hazel Little of Martin

George age 39, married Frances Rust of Milan

Mary Eleanor age 34, single

Hal age 31, Single

I have one boy, Jack Rust age 12, Jack has one boy, George Little age 9. I am a member of the
Business Mens Club and the USA Presbyterian Church, and am a Democrat.

Names of carriers:

Route No. 1 - K. L. Moore

Route No. 2 - W. C. Overton

Auxiliary - Harry E. Brooks

City - Ralph B. Galloway

Clerks: Mary E. McAdams, Jesse E. Campbell, Sub. Clerks, Algie T. Taylor.

Mail Messenger: Everett Bills. 

----------------------------------------------------------------

1. Williams' (In business 45 years)

2. Dry Goods

3. Broad St.

4. Hugh, Samuel and Ira Williams.

5. Originators

6. Hugh Born in Carroll County. Married Betty Overton

Children:

John B. age 37, married Beryl Garrett of Lewisburg TN

Samuel, age 35 married Elizabeth Baker

Ira, age 32 Single

Samuel’s Children:

James Benton, age 8

Samuel (the informant) is a member of the Church of Christ, Masons and is a democrat.

Hugh and brother Lee Williams came to Greenfield together in 1900 and started the business. Lee is
dead and had no children. They sold to Buford Key, a nephew, who is now a farmer. My father, Hugh, is a director of the Greenfield Bank, and my brother John B. is Cashier of the Greenfield Bank (He is in the army)

Lee sold out to Ivy Overton and ran under the name of Williams Bros. & Overton for a number of years. They sold out to Shatz Bros. They closed out in about 30 days and my father got dissatisfied and wanted to go back in business. I was in the Funeral business and Monument business. I sold my
interest in the monument business to J. B. Maness. Then Hugh, Sam and Ira opened up the business
and I still retain my interest in the Funeral Business known as Home Funeral Service together with G. J. Brasfield and Early Perry.

------------------------------------------------------------

1. Dr. R. D. Bishop (In business 12 years)

2. Dentist

3. Broad St.

4. Dr. R. D. Bishop (age 36)

5 Originator

6. Born in Henderson, TN. I married Clara Pitts of Henderson, TN

Children:

Hal Douglas age 8

Barry Martin age 4

I am a member of the Psi Zi Phi Dental Fraternity, a member of the Methodist Church and a democrat.

--------------------------------------------------------------

1. B. F. Hatcher Piano Co. (In business 20 years)

2. Furniture and Electoral Goods - Musical Instruments

3. Broad Street

4. B. F. Hatcher ( age 42)

5. Originator

6. I married Lurline Marshall, Troy, TN.

Children:

Edna Wilkes, age 13

Margaret Neal, age 11

I am a member of the USA Presbyterian Church, no fraternal orginanizations and am an independent in
politics.

My grandfather was John Hatcher. He married Luna Lyles.

His children:

J. R. (My father) Married Edna Howard, of Gleason

Fred - Married Florence Young

Willie - Married Ethel Lynn

Brooksie - Single

My father’s children were:

Bruce Franklin, age 42

John Hiram, age 40

Robert Dean, age 37

Helen - married, A. A. Addison, from Memphis and lives in Oak Ridge, TN.

Ben, age 31, Married Doris Keel, live in Greenfield.

Martha Bell, age 25, single

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. White's Barber Shop

2. Barber Shop

3. Soup Street

4. C. Frank White

5. Alton (Buster) Smith

6. Both of my grandfathers came from North Carolina. I don’t remember my grandfather. My father
Charlie married Josephine Dudley.

Their children: 

Luther, age 70, married Ella Monroe of the 9th District

Cornelia Jame, age 70, married 1. Tom Cantrell, 2. John W. Todd

W. Obe, age 75, single

C. Frank, age 71, single

John M., age 69, married Vera Rials

R. D., age 67, married Florence McCaleb, John McCaleb’s daughter

J. S. age 65, single

I am a Mason and a democrat, but not a member of any church.

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1. K. A. Grardner (In business 50 years)

2. Grocery Store

3. Soup St.

4. K. A. Gardner, (age 59)

5. Originators. My father’s name was Jason Thomas. He was born in Dyer, TN. He married Mandy
Brown. I have two half brothers, Willie and Atticus Gardner who live near Kenton. I have a sister, Myrtle,
age 64, who married Vernon Shinn and lives in Arkansas.

I am a Woodman of the World, a member of the Methodist Church and am an independent politically. I
marrie Jennie Keel.

Our Children:

---mas, age 29, married Myron Prince

Charlotte, age 27, married W. H. Glascock

-------, age 24, married Jack Wilson

Charles, age 16, single.

Thomas Keel has one child named Sylvia, age 5 - my grandchild

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1. Ray and Grooms Mule Barn

2. Horse and Mule Dealers.

3. Soup St.

4. Dean Grooms, Mrs. Odell Barton, Mrs. Birdie Searingen

5. Ray and Grooms

Genealogy may be had by referring to previous interview with Senator Grooms’ mother

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Flowers Shoe Shop (In business 1 week)

2. Shoe Repairing

3. Soup St.

4. Clarence Flowers, age 31

5. Originator

I was born in Kenton, Tenn. I married Lucille Wyricks, of Kenton, Tenn.

My Children:

Robert Wayne, age 10

Terry Jake, age 11

I belong to no fraternal order, am a missionary Baptist and a Democrat.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rogers Bargain Store (In business 3 months)

1. Second Hand Furniture and furnishings

2. Soup St.

3. Harold Rogers, age 32 and Jacob Rogers, age 31

4. Originated business

Both were born around Greenfield, Tenn.

Harold Rogers: My grandfather was Madison Rogers. He married Ida Radford. My father was Carl
Rogers.

I married Charline Douglas.

My Children:

Shirley Ann, age 9

Alma Jean, age 6

Alice Marie, age 4

Mary Elizabeth, age 2

I am a democrat, but belong to no fraternal orders nor church.

Jacob Rogers, Married Pauline Stranger, Greenfield, Tenn.

No Children

I am a member of the Christian Church, am a democrat, but belong to no fraternal order.

Bill Jack Rogers is our uncle.

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1. Shell Filling Station (In business 2 years)

2. Filling Station and Auto Repair Shop

3. Soup St.

4. J. C. Cantrell, age 29

5. W. L. Jones

6. I was born about three miles east of Greenfield. My father was Ben Cantrell. He married Ella Stafford.

I marrie Mozelle Jones.

Our Children:

Charles Lee, age 10

John Wilson, age 5

I belong to no Fraternal Order and am non partisan in politics. I am a member of the Church of Christ.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Collins Service Station (In business 5 months)

2. Filling Station

3. Soup St.

4. Early B. Collins

5. Cobb & Barner

6. I was born in Greenfield. My grandfather on my father’s side was Lorenzo Dow. He came from North
Carolina. My father was Christopher Columbus Collins. He married Ella Rambo. Willie Rambo is her
nephew.

My fathers family:

Edgar, age 54 married Lois Rachels

Eron, age 50 married Dee Exum

Amelia, age 48 married Martin Ensco

Early B., age 44, married Elsie Smith

Mattie, age 41, married Campbell Exum, brother to Dee

I married Elsie Smith

Our family:

Doyle, age 18

Max, age 17

Billy, age 15

Joe, age 11

I am a Mason and member of the Eastern Star, The Church of Christ and am a republican.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Belew Surgical Supply Co.

2. Surgical Supplies

3. Front Street

4. W. P. Belew

5. Originator

6. I am a native of this community. My grandfather was Jim Belew of Gibson County. He married Sarah
Capps from Virginia. My Father was John Belew. He married Frances Blackburn.

My fathers children:

W. P., age 45, Married Edythe Cochran

1 child, J. W. died in infancy

I have no children

I am a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Masons and the Greenfield Business Mens
Club, The American Legion, and am a Republican.

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1. Colonian Hotel (In business 4 years)

2. Hotel

3. 102 South Meridian St.

4. C. R. Dowland owns building. Grover Cleveland Sims operates Hotel.

5. Paul Waters

6. My grandfather, Bill Sims, came from South Carolina. My father’s name was Preston Davis (Pres)
Sims. He married Mollie Williams.

My Father’s family:

Joe, age 63, married Annie Hoover

Annie, age 59, married Walter Harris

Oscar, age 55, married Hattie Shelton

Grover Cleveland, age 52, Married Orene Williams

Tom, age 50, married in Waco, Texas, Don’t know wifes name

Clarence, age 48, married in Oklahoma, “ “ “ “

Elvin, age 44, Married but don’t know wife’s name

George, age 42, Married in Oklahoma but don’t know wife’s name

Lodges: None; Church: Missionary Baptist; Politics: Democrat

My Children:

Gerald Ray, age 22, in army

Thomas Eugene, age 19, in army

Q: Where did the Sim’s land when they hit this neck of the woods? 

A: Around Greenfield. I don’t know just where the residence was. My wife Orene, was the daughter of
Tom Williams. He was raised here in Greenfield.

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1. Greenfield Monument Works

2. Monumental Manufacturers

3. North Meridian St. on Highway #45, between Greenfield and Sharon

4. J. B. Maness and S. P. Gill

5. G. J. Brasfield

6. S. P. Gill born at Humboldt, Tenn. My grandfather was J. P. Gill, I cannot remember who he married

My father was Robert L. Gill. He married Hallie Atkinson.

My Father’s children:

E. R., age 50, Married Annie Helton

H. L., age 48, Married Inez Chapman

Howard H., age 43, Married Dorine Widd, of Yourshire, England

Carrie, age 43, Married G. W. DeShazo

S. P., age 39, married Mattie Redden

My Children:

Jack B., age 17, single

I am a Baptist (Missionary), Mason and Democrat

Mr. Maness

My grandfather was Jim Maness, He married Bettie Patterson

Grandfathers children:

Green, age 75 (dead), married Mattie Caudle

Mark (my father), age 72, deceased, Married Lillie Overton

George, age 68, married Pearl Hillis

Hube, age 63, married Birdie Abernathy

John, age 65, married Nora Brock

Sarah Ann, age 75, married Buck Jones

Aggie, age 77, married Green Tillman

Clone, age 54, married B. F. Wallace 

My Father Mark’s children:

J. B., age 49, married Wilsie Capps

Lola, age 47, married Bailey Taylor

My children:

Edward L., age 23, single

Charles, age 21, single

Martha, age 20, single

Harold, age 19, single

Emily, age 16, single

I belong to no lodges, am a member of the Church of Christ and a Democrat.

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1. Kelly's Place - Beginning business 12/8/45

2. Barbecue Stand

3. North Meridian St. on highway between Greenfield and Sharon

4. Originator

5. I was born at Rutherford, Tenn. My father was E. F. Kelly and he married Addie Norman.

Fathers children:

Forrest, age 38, married Erline Puckett

Everette, age 37, married Lila Oliver

Carl (Self), age 34, married Willie Catherine Betts

Velma, age 32, married A. J. Dudley

Howard, age 25, single

Frances, age 23, married J. W. Nimmo

Aubrey, age 17, single

Annette, age 16, single

No fraternity, church or politics

No Children

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1. Gearin Garage

2. Auto Repair

3. Martin Road

4. W. D. Gearin

5. Originator

6. Mr. Gearin not in town. His address is Greenfield, Route No. 1. The attendant did not have any
information that could be of benefit fot the record.

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1. Greenfield Box Co.

2. Wholesale Distributors of fruit and vegetable packages. (Do not manufacture)

3. Factory St., Greenfield, Tenn. Across from Martin Highway, near Monument Works.

4. L. C. Brasfield

5. Ward-Kent Co.

6. I am a native of Weakley County. My father was L. R. Brasfield. He married Bettie Jeter. Am afraid I
cannot name all the names, ages and other data on the members of the family. I will get this information
up and furnish it later. 

I married Nannie Ward.

My Children: 

Mamie Married S. L. Maiden. I am a Mason, Member of M. E. Church and a democrat.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Note: See Crawley Overton at night to get Overton Produce Co. and genealogy.

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1. I. C. Railroad Station

2. Railroad Depot

3. West Soup St. and North Meridian

4. The Agent, Mr. Whitis - out of the city on vacation - gone to Memphis.

Mr. Robbins, Telegraph Operator

My grandfather was Mose Robbins. I do not know name of grandmother.

My father was W. N. Robbins. He married Elizabeth Jackson, New Albany, Miss.

Father’s family:

A. L. Robbins, age 53, married Katie Wilson, from Mississippi

A. V., age 42, married Lera Knox, from Mississippi

J. C. age 36, married Gladys Poole of Mississippi

W. A. age 34, married Marie Smith of Mississippi

A. D. age 32, married but do not remember her name

I am a member of American Legion, M.E. Church and am a democrat.

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1. Fuqua Cotton Co.

2. Ginning Cotton

3. Greenfield, Tenn.

4. Fuqua heirs own the gin. A. R. Brock is the operator.

5. Originated business

6. Mr. Brock:

My grandfather, Enoch Brock, was from Halifax County, N. C. He married a Frost but do not remember
her first name.

My father, James N. Brock, married Sally Weigart.

Father’s children:

F. E., age 70, Married Mamie McGowan

O. R., age 68 married Effie Holt 1st and Maggie Berry the second time.

B. E., age 66, married Ada Patterson

S. L., age 64, married Ada Hall

A. R. (contributor), age 54, Married Mary Cohea

C. G., age 44, married Icie Page

I have no children. Mason, Methodist, Democrat

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1. Brock Coal Co., (In business 12 years)

2. Retail Coal

3. North Meridian St.

4. A. R. Brock

5. Originator

6. Same as Fuqua Ginning Co. A. R. Brock Genealogy

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1. Cavenders Coal Yard 

2. Retail Coal

3. Martin Highway

4. Earl Cavender

5. Originator

6. Born in Jasper, Ind. Dubois County.

My father was John Cavender. He married Bertie Headrick of Indiana.

Father’s children:

Earl, age 53, Married Susie Young

Eva, age 51, Married William Kendall, and live in Chicago

Claude, age 59, Married but don’t know name of wife

My children:

Eva Sue, age 19, married Milburn Adams of McKenzie, Tenn.

Jimmie, age 25, single, In Army Air Corps

Jonnie, age 12

Bettie, age 10

No lodge, Member Methodist Church and a democrat.

--------------------------------------------------------------

1. Greenfield Gin Co.

2. Cotton ginning and dealing in cotton

3. North Meridian St. Sharon Hiway

4. Belongs to a Stock Company in Milan

Operated by Fred Mathis who was born in Milan

5. Originated business

6. Mr. Mathis

My grandfather, Joe Mathis, was from North Carolina and came here in 1830. Do not know name of my
grandmother.

My father was Wilse Mathis from Gibson County. He married Mollie McEwen.

Father’s children:

R. E., age 49, married Maud Clay

Mamie, age 57, married George Brooks

Bessie, age 54, married Collier Reece

Fred, age 64, married Aleen Wosterholme

My Children:

Paul Mathis, age 38, single

Eugene, age 35, married Frances Cunningham 

William E. age 30, married Clara Bell Cantrell

Jack, age25, married Maurine Gowan

No lodge, Methodist Church, Democrat

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1. Moseley Filling Station

2. Filling Station

3. South Meridian St.

4. J. A. Moseley of Greenfield. Operated by Willie Ed Akin.

5. Originator

6. See family history of Joe Moseley in previous account.

Mr. Willie Ed Akin:

My grandfather was A. C. Akin. Her married 1. Mary Ann Hatcher. 2. Mattie Neely

Grandfather’s family:

J. T. age 50, Married Mamie Sherman

Will Ed. (Deceased) died at age 15

Mattie, age 65, Married W. Ed. McAdams

Burnice, age 63, Married Miss Trout from Kentucky

Harry, age 60, Married but don’t know wifes name

Ora, age 55, Married Herxhell Johnson

Homer, age 52, Married Mary Brock

J. T. (my father) Family:

W. E., age 50, single

Ela, age 47, Married C. S. Corum

Joe, age 45, Married Martha Moseley

Fred, age 43, Married Lillian Fry

Mary, age 41, Married Harris Norwood

Ruth, age 39, Married T. L. Grooms

Thomas, age 36, Married Catherine Freeman

Ruby, age 29, Single

No lodges, USA Presbyterian, Democrat

----------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Day's Cafe (In business 3 1/2 years)

2. Restaurant

3. South Meridian, Highway 45E.

4. G. C. Day

5. Originator

6. Born in Henry County - Lived here since 1899

Grandfather’s name: Ambrose Day. He married Matilda Cole. I cannot give you his children.

My father, Robert A. married Maggie Robbins.

Father’s children:

G. C., age 58, Married Lillie Owens

J. L., age 55, Married Beulah Johnson

W. D. age 52., Married Paralee Dunn

Pearl, age 50, Married Roy Cantrell 

Cora and Lora were twins, age 48, Cora married W. B. Owens, Lora (son) married Ruby Belew.

Elva, age 36, Married Fred Page 

My Family:

Ruth, age 29, Married Tom Mullaly

Helen, age 23, Single

Church of Christ, W.O.W, Independent

-----------------------------------------------------------------

1. Usery's Service Station Line

2. Filling Station

3. North Meridian St. Martin Road. Opposite Marble Works

4. Raybon R. Usery

5. James Overton

6. I cannot remember anything about my grandparents and don’t know anything about their family

My father was L. L. Usery. He married Alma Emerson

My father’s children:

Howard, age 33, single (in army)

E. J., age 19, single

Travis, age 18, single

Leonard, Jr. age 13

My children:

Raybon R., Jr. age 2

Member American Legion, Methodist Church, Non-Partisan politically.

--------------------------------------------------------------

1. Huffstetler & Paschall

2. Live Stock Dealers

3. North Meridian, across railroad before reaching Marble Works. Offic adjoining office of Brock Coal Co.

These men are never in their office except on Saturday’s.

----------------------------------------------------------

1. Palace Theatre

2. Moving Picture House

3. Front St. Greenfield, Tenn.

4. Leon Summers, local manager

5. Originator

6. L. E. Summers, Local Manager. Born and raised in Weakley County.

My father was S. D. Summers (Deceased) He married Mattie Phelps.

I married Grace Brock

My family:

Nanette, age 12

Gary, age 9

James Edward, age 11

EMPLOYEES OF PALACE THEATRE

Cashier, Eva Sue Adams

Asst. Cashier, Evelyn McAdams

Chief Operator, Travis Usery

Asst. Operator, Kenneth Stafford

Janitor, J. C. Godwin

Pop Corn Boy, Billy Dunlap

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1. Martin's Store

2. Grocery and Feed

3. Crawley’s, 7 miles from Greenfield

4. Wilburn Martin, This is store No. 2

5. Wayne Akin

6. Born in Carroll County, near Hinkledale

This store is run by Louise Taylor.

Mr. Martin lives at Pillowville and runs Martin’s store No. 1.

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1. Martin's Store 

2. General Mdse.

3. 8 miles from Greenfield on McKenzie road

4. W. C. Martin

5. Originated

6. My grandfather was Dr. Andrew Martin (Dentist) from Cedar Grove. I don’t know the name of my
grandmother.

My father’s name was Emmett Curtis Martin. He married Lona Dowtin. Her grandfather’s name was Rev.
Sam Dowtin.

My grandfather’s family:

Jim (deceased) Married in Texas, don’t know name of wife

Will, age 58, married Lessie Green, living at Trezevant

E. Curtis (my father), age 61, Married Lona Dowtin, lives Atwood

Addie, age 50, married Bob Younger of Trezevant

My father’s family:

Willie Maud, age 39, married Ottie Springer, lives in Paris, Tenn.

W. C., age 36, married Pansy Houston, daughter of Will Houston

Doris, age 34, married Carl Houston of McKenzie, Tenn. son of Will Houston

Harold, age 31, single

Weyman, age 27, married Grace Subblett, living in Trenton, Tenn.

My family:

Jack Vernon, age 14

Mary Margaret, age 6

Belong to no fraternal order, Seminary Methodist, Democrat

--------------------------------------------------------------

1. Dunlap's Shop (In business 40 years)

2. General Repair

3. Old Pillowville. There has been a store here for years. The first Saloon I was ever in was here at
Pillowville. Since I have been here there has been a General Merchandise Store, Drug Store, a
blacksmith shop, saw mill and grist mill. There were two saw mills away back. One blew up and killed 2
men and another blew up and killed one man.

------------------------------------------------------------

FLYTOWN

1. B. I. Drewry & Son

2. General Mdse.

3. Flytown

4. B. I. Drewry and H. L. Drewry

5. J. W. Stafford

6. B. I. Drewry

My grandfather was Richard Drewry. He married Melinda Herold

Grandfather’s children:

John (my father), age 76, deceased, married Emma Womble

Harvey, age 74, married Nannie Bell, living in 9th District.

Gus, age 71, married Bettie Heath, live in Greenfield

Hoyt, age 68, married Annie Overton, living Shades Bridge

Otis, age 65, married Lula Irving, living in Jackson, Tenn. 

John’s family;

Maude, age 62, married Rev. Jim Dunning, live near Bear Creek

Oscar, age 60, married 1. Ollie Moseley 2. Mattie McKinney, 3. Vera Pittman, Live on Shade’s Bridge
Road.

Boyd Oliver, age 58, married Altie Mitchell, live in Flytown

Ballard I., age52, married Lula Galey, live in Flytown

Lester, age 48, married Gertie Galey, lives Shades Bridge

Emma, age 42, married Ira Galey, live in Memphis, Tenn.

Bert, age 45, married 1. Polly Barner, 2. Nola Lasster, live Union City, Tenn.

B. I’s Children:

Howard Lee

John Tommie, killed in World War No. 2, in infantry European Theatre

Katie Lou, age 26, married Sammie Black, live near Bear Creek 

Nell

Ira Ray and Ina Fay, twins both living in Greenfield

Peggy 

Missionary Baptist, Republican.

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1. E. L. Galey Grocery

2. General Merchandise and Filling Station

3. Flytown

4. Edgar Lee Galey

5. L. P. Cochran

6. My grandfather was Antne Foster on mother’s side.

My grandfather on my father’s side was John Galey. He married a Perry.

My grandfather’s children:

Tom, age 76, my father, married Vinie Foster

Jim, age 80, married Sue Phillips.

Tom’s children:

Allie, age 52, married B. I. Drewry, live Flytown

Martha, age 49, married S. E. Pittman, live Pontiac Michigan

Johnnie, age 47, married Winnie Capps, live Bradford

Edgar L., age 45, married Evie Cochran, live Flytown

Walter, age 42, married Violet Cooper, live Christmasville

Raymond, age 39, married Nona Lewis, living at Prospect

Leon, age 35, married Gracie Cantwell, living in Flytown

Iva, age 32, single, lives Flytown

My Family:

Frances LaVerne, age 22, married Harris Drewry, living at McKenzie

was in army in Southwest Pacific - Was in Pearl Harbor when bombed.

Missionary Baptist, Mason, Independent

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