Obituaries
William BENNETT – Dies leaving son aged 86, sixteen children survive father at Ashland City, Tenn., who is called when near 107.
Ashland City, Tenn. – William Bennett, who died at his home in the Second District of Cheatham County, was 106 years, 8 months and 27 days old.
Mr. Bennett was born in Williamson County in the year 1806. He is survived by sixteen children, the oldest being eighty-six years old. When Mr. Bennett 100 years old he cut cordwood as fast as his great-grandson could haul it to the Sycamore powder mill, a distance of some seven or eighty miles. His father cut the first boards to cover the first frame building that was put up in Nashville in 1800. William Bennett was then about four years old. About five years ago, when Mr. Bennett was 102 years of age, he cut his foot with an ax while hewing ties. This disabled him for the rest of his live. Source: Decatur Herald – page 6, Friday, April 26, 1912, Decaturville, Tenn., Submitted by Donnie
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Rev. E.T. CHILDRESS, MD
The Reverend E. T. Childress, M.D., was born in Goochland County, Virginia, October 15, 1812, removed to Williamson County, Tennessee, in 1815; joined the Methodist Church at Douglas Camp Ground in Williamson County September 1828; was married to Miss Angelian Barnett December 19, 1844; graduated in medicine in March 1845, was ordained Deacon by Bishop Soule September 14, 1850, and was elected to Elders Orders in 1857, but owing to feeble health, was not ordained. From 1857 to the time of his death, he was a subject of deep affliction- a great part of the time not able to turn himself in the bed, yet he was patient and confiding.
On August10, 1875 he exchanged his suffering on earth for a crown in Heaven. Dr. Childress was a good man and true in all his relations- on of the best local preachers of our church; a faithful steward, a kind husband, tender father; an excellent physician, a good poet, a true friend- a man universally loved. Although he was for long times unable even to sit up, yet he was ever ready to give advice in matters of religion, and instruct those who were about him. He was ever willing to assist the pastors in preaching and visiting the poor and sick, while he was able. I never was acquainted with a better man than Dr. Childress. I think every preacher whose privileged it was to be associated with him will say the same. He leaves an afflicted wife and three children. Submitted by Melanie/Glen McClain
Dr. W.J.M. COVINGTON – Beloved Doctor Goes to Reward
Dr. W J M Covington, one of Williamson County’s greatly beloved and best known physicians for many years, died at midnight last Thursday at his home at College Grove in his 85th year. Funeral services were held at the residence Satruday Morning 10:30 o’clock by Rev Walter Crawford and Rev Paul F Lanuis. Interment was in the Triune Cemetery. He was a son of the late John and Susan Pate Covington and gave his long useful life to the services of the community where he was born. His elementery education was received in its schools and when he received his medical degree he went to Wilson County for a few years but finally returned to the scene of his birth to minister to those he loved best. For
sixty years he covered portions of several counties in his wide practice and in many homes his very presence brought relief, so great was he beloved by his patients.
Dr. Covington also took a great interest in the affairs of his village being one the chief promoters of the College Grove Bank and of securing a telephone in the locality. He also served for several years on the election board of the county. Surviving are two children. Mrs. Patrick Keogan of Rockville Centre, NY E M Covington. cashier of College Grove Bank: three grandsons, Mabry Covington Jr, James & Francis Keogan. Neighbors serving as pall bearers were J H Patton, Will Eudailey, Walter Stammer, Will Wilson, Albert Maxwell, John Dobson, W C Lanier & Jim Neeley. Source:Review Appeal, May 4, 1939. Submitted by Helen Pate Ross.
Elder William James Covington – Died at College Grove Saturday
Elder William James Covington, 76, died Saturday at 10:10 p m at his home at College Grove, following extended illness.
Funeral services were conducted Monday at 1 p m from the residence of Elder Leon Burns of Florence, AL. Interment was in the Sneed Cemetery near Brentwood.
The deceased was a prominent citizen of this county. He joined the Primitive Baptist Church early in life, and in 1895 was ordained to the ministry. Fifty four years ago he married Miss Virginia T Nance, who survives him. At the time of his death he was pastor of the University Street Primitive Baptist Church in Nashville, which Church he has served for the past 15 years. He had held numerous pastorates in the state. His life was spent in Christian service to others and deeds of Charity.
He is survivied by his wife, four daughters, Mrs E E Robins of Henderson., TN, Mrs James H Pitman of Washington D C , Mrs Charles J Oliver of Nashville and Mrs H D
Johnson of Shelfield AL and two sons Major W L Covington of Washington D C & J C Covington of Atlanta GA.
The pall bearers were: Honorary–James A Johnson, James Ferguson, R M Heriger, Sr, J D Arnold, J L Robison, Ollie Woodard. Active: Dr Wm Harvill, Dr J Harvill Hite, Sam
Williams, W T Lowe, J J Covington, John Smith. Regen, Bethurum and Padgett were the funeral directors. – Submitted by Helen Pate Ross. Source: Review Appeal – October 18, 1934.
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Nancy Elizabeth Ray Davis – Death Claims Woman, Aged 83 – January 29, 1925
Mrs NANCY ELIZABETH RAY DAVIS died in the 83rd year of her life at the home of her daughter, Mrs MARY E TRACY neear Cool Springs, Thursday
Funeral services were conducted at the Cool Springs Baptist Church Friday at 2 p m by Rev W M COVINGTON and interment occured at the Cool Springs cemetery.
The deceased was twice married. Early in life she was married to JOHN FARROW, of Georgia. from which union two children were born. Her second marriage was to Mr T A DAVIS, of this county, who preceded her to the grave six years ago.from this union three children survive her
The deceased was a consecrated member of the Baptist Church, she was general favorite with a lrge circle, who are bowed down with sorrow on account of her passing.
The deceased is survived by the following children: Mrs MARY E TRACY, Mrs W L PATE, W E DAVIS, Mrs O C LILLARD, & Mrs R M LILLARD all of Williamson County; twenty-five grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren and one greatgreatgrandchild.
Thomas Alexander Davis – Tribute of Respect – Cool Springs Cemetery
Friday, Jan 17, 1919, at 1:30 a m, the angel of death visited the home of Mrs Nancy Elizabeth Ray Davis and claimed for its victim her beloved husband, Thomas Alexander
Davis. Although he had been in declining health for nearly three years, his illness was critical only about two weeks. All was done for him that could be done. He was born in
Alabama, Jan 25, 1840, making his stay on earth 78 years, 11 months, & 22days. He leaves a wife, one son and two daughters, also two step-daughters, and thirteen grandchildren,
to mourn their loss, but we feel that our loss is his eternal gain.
We do not mourn as those who have no hope, for we feel assured that our loved one is with his dear children which have gone before and is patiently waiting to meet the ones left behind. His aged wife is lonely in her home where she spent more than fifty years with him. Mr Davis was a confederate soldier. He was always glad to see his many friends who called often at his home to enjoy a conversation with him.
His remains were taken to Cool Springs Saturday where the funeral services were held & quietly laid to rest in the cemetery to await the resurrection morn. He was a member of that church. – Submitted by Helen Pate Ross
William Early Davis – Arno Citizen dies on Monday 1975
William Early Davis died Monday morning at 11:20 o’clock at his home near Arno in his 75th year. He was a son of the late Thomas A. Davis and Nancy Ray Davis, of Alexandria City, AL, where he lived until he was grown and the remainder of his life was spent in the community where he died, where he was engaged in farming. He was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Lillie MILLS DAVIS; children: Mrs J W RYAN, Mrs LEO GOURLEY, Mrs ELMO WATERS, Mrs C M SISCO & Mrs DOUGLAS HARPER, all of whom live near Franklin: Mrs C R RYAN, of College Grove, and E J DAVIS, of Nashville & 14 grandchildren. – submitted by Helen Pate Ross.
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Obituary of Angeline Elizabeth Caldwell Hailey, w/o James Watt Hailey
Nolensville- Sept. 19, Mrs. Elizabeth Hailey, widow of the late J. W. Hailey, died at her home last Wed. had been afflicted a number of years and confined to her room for several weeks. She leaves a large family of children all of whom are married except two. Member of Christian Church. Interment at family burial ground. – Newspaper Excerpts From The Review-Appeal, Williamson County, Tennessee 1899-1904, Compiled by Williamson County Archives, pg. 190 – submitted by Ed Hailey.
James W. Haily – Nolensville, Sept. 26, 1899
Esq. Jas W. Haily died at his home near here Sat. after a brief illness due to inflamation of the liver. He had been a member of the County Court of the 17th dist. for several years. He leaves a widow and 7 children. Interment in the family graveyard. He was 65 yrs. old and a member of the Christian Church. – Newspaper Excerpts From The Review-Appeal, Williamson County, Tennessee 1899-1904, Compiled by Williamson County Archives, pg. 151. – buried in Family Cemetery – submitted by Ed Hailey.
William C. Hailey – Obituary of William C. Hailey s/o James Watt and Angeline Elizabeth Hailey
Nolensville- Feb. 23, 1899 Will Hailey, son of J. C. Hailey was fatally injured by a falling tree at his home at Eagleville. He died Mon. night, leaving a widow and 3 children. Buried in family cemetery. Newspaper Excerpts From The Review-Appeal Williamson County, Tennessee 1899-1904, Compiled by Williamson County Archives, pg. 139 – submitted by Ed Hailey.
Felix Jordan Harper
My grandfather was born in Williamson County in 1877. He was the son of Asa and Ann Guy Harper. Felix Jordan Harper, Aug 06 1878 – 1970. The newspaper erred in his year of birth, he was born Aug 6, 1877, not 1878. He passed away in Danville, VA in 1970 – submitted by Joyce Brinegar.
A TRIBUTE published in the pages of The Danville Bee, Danville, VA, June 15, 1970.
Entered Into Eternal Rest, Sunday, June 14, 1970.
Felix Jordan Harper, 91 died unexpectedly at his home yesterday. He had been in his usual good health until suffering an attack shortly before his death.
Born in Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 6, 1878, he was a son of the late Asa and Ann Guy Harper. He had made his home in Danville for a number of years and retired from Dan River Mills in 1949.
On June 1, 1931, he was married to the former Elizabeth Kanode Slayton and they were making their home at 1437 1/2 Claiborne St. at the time of his death.
Survivors in addition to his wife are three sons: Jordan A. Harper of Thomasville, N.C., Scholfield E. Harper of Ft. Worth, Tex. and Ulysses Harper of Danville; three daughters Mrs. Joseph Sadler of Danville, Mrs. Annie Thomas of Grand Prairie, Tex., and Mrs. Victoria Blackman of Camden, Ark.
Also left are four step-children, Robert L. Slayton of Providence, N.C., Garrett W. Slayton of Dry Fork, Lloyd R. Slayton of Richmond and Mrs. Faye S. Jones of Danville; 59 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs. Sadie McCoy of East Point, Ga., and Mrs. Ada Smith of Columbus, Ga.
The funeral will be conducted at Barber Chapel tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. Interment will follow in Highland Burial Park.
The body is at the funeral home and the family is at the residence, 1437 1/2 Claiborne Et.[sic].
Obituary – Felix Jordan Harper
Joseph J. Harrison – Franklin, Tennessee, January 13, 1919
DIED at the home of his son, M W Harrison, on Claiborne Street, at 7:30 a m today JOSEPH J HARRISON in his 72nd year. Furneral services conducted at the residence at 10 0’clock a m tomorrow by Rev W P Russell
Pall-bearers S M Fleming, R M Herbert, Jas N Toons, Newt. Cannon Jr, W M Bennett, W B Tucker – submitted by Helen Pate Ross.
Laban Hartley Sr – Another Revolutionary Here Gone. – “Immortal may the memory be, Who fought and Bleed for Liberty ”
DIED, in this county, on Monday 6th,__ Mr. Laban Hartley, Sen., age about 100 years.
Mr. Hartley was born and raised in the state of Maryland where he resided up to the time of the breaking out of the Revolutionary War in which he was actively engaged, as a private, under Washington, during the war. So after gaining the Liberty, that blessed liberty that we now enjoy, he moved to Rowan County North Carolina, where he resided until the year 1817; he then moved to Williamson County, Tenn. where he lived up until the time of his death. His remains where interred on Tuesday, the 7th, with the honors of war, by Col. Samuel Henderson and the Williamson Blues. For many long years he was the subject of many bodily afflictions.
Often, Very Often with memory, with melancholy pleasure, linger around that spot where all were gathered with the smile of Welcome, and wreath around the many virtues the tender garlands of affection. Oh! That we may imitate these virtues that shall bloom beyond the end of fleeting time, and follow that spirit that shall glitter among the brightest gems in the crown of immortality. – Western Weekly Review November 11, 1843 – submitted by John L. Dodd.
James Hay
Farmer Shot to Death
Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 30-Another murder was added to the list of crimes in Williamson County 20 miles from here, late Saturday when James Hay, 30, a farmer residing near Linton, was called to the front gate of his home and shot to death by unidentified assassins. Decatur Co., TN, Decatur Herald, Feb. 3, 1922 – p1, c2 – submitted by Donnie.
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Robert Tracy Lee
Robert Tracy Lee, age 45, Jun 13, 1976.
Survived by daughters, Mrs. Patricia Ann Bennet, Miss Betty Jean Lee, both of Bethesda Community, Miss Sarah Claudine Lee. Miss Mary Lou Lee, both of Franklin: Sons, Martin Tracy Lee, Robert Allen Lee, both of Bethesda Community. Two sister, Mrs. Mamie Lou Easley & Mrs Mary Josephine Richardson, both of Nashville, Brother, John Claude Lee Jr. of Nashville. Remains are at Franklin Memorial Chapel where services will be conducted 2:00 o’clock, Tuesday afternoon, Rev Ralph PALMER officiating interment Lee Cemetery at Bethesda. Active Pallbearers: Jim Frank Garner, Logan Beach, George Hartley, Robert Glenn, James Profett, Marion Kincaid – Franklin Memorial Chapel. Lee Cemetery – submitted by Helen Pat Ross, College Grove, TN, Franklin, Tenn.
Thomas C Lillard, Sr – Jacksonville, Fla – Franklin, Tenn.
THOMAS C LILLARD, SR – age 70, Dec 5 1975 survived by sons, THOMAS C LILLARD Jr. of Jacksonville Fla & ROBERT C LILLARD of San Fernanado, Cal: brother JOHN D LILLARD of Franklin : 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
The remains are at Franklin Memorial Chapel where services will be conducted 2 P M Sunday. MILTON LILLARD, officiating. Active pallbearers: WALTER LILLARD, LEON LILLARD, MARVIN LILLARD, HARRY LILLARD, JOE LILLARD & JIMMY LILLARD. Interment Cool Springs Cemetery. Franklin Memorial Chapel – submitted by Helen Pate Ross.
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Lorena Culberson MORGAN – Age 94, July 12, 2003, Gallatin-Nashville, TN
Saturday, July 12, 2003. Mrs. Morgan was the daughter of the late Walter Thomas Culberson & Emma Adair Culberson of Williamson County,Tn. Mrs. Morgan was preceded in death by her husbands, J.W. West Sr. and Charles Morgan; one of her sons, Joseph W. West Jr.and twin sisters Dorothy Culberson Smith & Norma E. Culberson .She is survived by her son, W. Lawrence West; daughters, Peggy W. Jordan, Madeline Flanders and Juanita Moore; thirteen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren & several nieces & nephews. Her remains rest at Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home, 2707 Gallatin Road, where the family will receive friends this afternoon on Monday, July 14, 2003 from 4-8 p.m. Her family and friends will gather at the gravesite in Mount Olivet Cemetery for Graveside Services and Interment at 11 o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, July 15, 2003 with Rev. Bob Brown officiating. Mrs. Morgan’s Grandsons will serve as Pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to Alive Hospice of Nashville Inc., 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203. PHILLIPS-ROBINSON CO., 262-3312. – submitted by Barbara McDonald
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Mrs. W. L. Pate – Dies at Milvue – Aug 4, 1950
Funeral services for Mrs ALICE FARAR PATE, 86, wife of the late W L PATE, who died Sunday afternoon at 12:40 o’clock at the home of her daughter, MRS J R TURNAGE, of Millvue, were held tuesday morning at 10:30 o’clock by Elder MILTON LILLARD from Cool Springs Primitive Baptist Church where she had been a member for 63 years,. Interment was in Cool springs Cemetery.
Daughter of JOHN FARRAR, a confederate soldier who lost his life in the Civil War, and NANCY WRAY FARRAR, she was born in Alabama and reared in this county where she spent her useful life, greatly beloved for her many sterling traits.
Besides her daughter, MRS WILLIE BELLE TURNAGE, she is survived by daughters & sons, Mrs GILBERT WALTON of Toledo OH, Mrs T G GLASS and JESSE PATE, of Nashville, Mrs SAM MCGEE, of Peytonville: JONAH PATE of Arno Road, JOHN O PATE, of Decatur AL, JAMES W PATE, of Clinton IL, half-sister MRS LUCY LILLARD, of Peytonville, 33 grand children & 23 great grandchildren. Grandsons served as pallbearers and nephews as honary – submitted by Helen Pate Ross.
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Mrs. Jennie Ray – Oct 22, 1931
Funeral services for Mrs Jennie RAY, 49, who died Thurs morning at her home at Edenwold: following an illness of about nine months, were to be held at 2 o’clock this afternoon at the College Grove, TN cemetery with the Rev. George Gentry officiating. Her nephews, James & Robert WITTMAN, Robert MONTGOMERY, Claude VAUGHN, Eldridge BEECH & Edward ROHEILER, were to serve as Pallbearers.
Mrs RAY was born & reared at College Grove, but lived for many years at Edenwold. She was a member of the Arrington Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Besides her husband, John RAY, watchman at the L& N railroad at Edenwold, she is survived by her children, Mrs Leonard GENTRY of Nashville, Mrs Lee MILNE of Detroit Mich. Johnnie & Roberts RAY of Edenwold & Milton RAY of College Grove. She leaves her mother, Mrs James H BEECH of Rudderville TN, sisters, Mrs GEorge WHTTMAN, Nashville, Mrs J W CULBERTSON, Rudderville & Mrs W W JOHNSON, College Grove. Her parents were James BEECH & Elizabeth STEVENS – burial at College Grove Cemetery – submitted by Helen Pate Ross.
John R. Ray – July 22, 1952
JOHN R RAY, 77, of Bowling Green, KY, died Tuesday evening at his home following a brief illiness. Funeral services will be held at his home in Bowling Green on Thursday morning at 10 o’clock. The Rev FLOYD FREEMAN will officiate, Burial will be in COLLEGE GROVE CEMETERY.
MR TAY is survived by his wife MRS BESSIE JENT RAY, two daughters, MRS OTTO FISHER & MRS LEONARD GENTRY: three sons, JOHN W, MILTON & ROBERT RAY, all of Nashville, TN; one stepdaughter, MRS ELBERT GLASCOCK, Bowling Green, KY, four step sons, BOBBIE & CARL JENT, Bowling Green Ky J T JENT, Louisville KY
Active pallbearers will be ELHERT & CARROL GLASCOCK, J T, BOBBIE & CARL JENT & BUDDY GENTRY.
JOHN RANSOM RAY, born Feb 27, 1875 Wmson Co TN, son of William M RAY and NARCISS ADAIR RAY – submitted by Helen Pate Ross.
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Mrs Mary Etta Denton Venable
Mrs Mary Etta Denton Venable, 78, of Nashville, died Monday night at the home of her daugher, Mrs. Primm Luckett of Wrigley, Tennessee, after a six month illness.
Funeral srvices were conducted Wednesday at 1:30 at a Nashville Funeral home. Burial was at the Jones Chapel cemetery in Williamson County.
Mrs. Venable was born in Williamson County, daughter of the late James and Jennie Foster Denton. She resided in Nashville for for the past 30 years. She was married to William F. Venable, also from Williamson County, who died about 18 years ago.
Survivors include two daughters Mrs. Ollie White (Agnes) of Thompson Station, and Mrs. J. Van Yssyldyk (Verna) of Nashville; three sons, Ellis and Carl Venable of Nashville, and Porter Venable of Antioch; Three brothers, Leonard Denton, of Franklin, Ed Denton of Florida, Clarence Denton of Nashville, 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. – The Review Appeal – submitted by Patricia Merritt.