USA > Tennessee > A history of Tennessee and Tennesseans, the leaders and representative men in commerce, industry and modern activities, Volume V > Part 4
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In 1873 Dr. Whitwell was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Grinder, daughter of John Grinder, a former citizen of Lewis county, Tennessee. To Dr. and Mrs. Whitwell were born two daughters: Nora, who be- came the wife of C. M. Paxton and died in 1909, at the age of thirty- three, and Cora, whose husband is Andrew Raspbury, an interested principal in the mercantile firm of Rasbury & Warren at Hohenwald. Dr. and Mrs. Whitwell are both members of the Christian church and the former is an elder of that denomination.
WALKER W. O'GUIN. For three generations at least the O'Guin family has been identified with the fortunes and affairs of Hickman county, Tennessee. Thomas O'Guin, the grandfather of the subject of
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this sketch, was born in the county, there grew to manhood, married, and became a prominent farmer. When the Civil war broke out he cast his lot with the Southern Confederacy and entered the army as a private soldier. Exposure and hardship incident to military life so impaired his health that he died of tuberculosis soon after being dis- charged from the service, leaving two sons, the younger of which, Sidney L. O'Guin, was born near Whitfield, Hickman county, in April, 1863. In 1884, S. L. O'Guin and Sarah Coble were united in marriage in Lewis county, Tennessee, though she is a native of Hickman county, where she was born in 1856. Three children have been born of this union-Walker W., Alden and Marvin-the first named in Lewis county and the other two in Hickman county. In early life S. L. O'Guin fol- lowed the vocation of a farmer, but later engaged in mercantile pursuits. He is now the proprietor of a shoe and gents' furnishing store at Center- ville. Politically he is a Democrat, and both he and his wife are mem- bers of the Christian church.
Walker W. O'Guin, the eldest of the three children born to his parents, was born in Lewis county, Tennessee, February 1, 1886, but removed with his parents to Hickman county in his early childhood. He was educated in the Hickman county schools and at the Murray Insti- tute, Murray, Kentucky, and until 1909, was engaged in teaching in the public schools of Lewis and Hickman counties. In 1909 he entered the field of journalism as owner and editor of the Hohenwald Herald. On August 18, 1912, the office and equipment of the paper were de- stroyed by fire, and soon after that Mr. O'Guin removed to Centerville, where he became the editor of the Hickman County Citizen. This paper has the largest circulation of any newspaper in the county. In national politics it is a supporter of Democratic principles, but in state and local affairs it is independent. Although Mr. O'Guin has been in charge of its editorial columns but a comparatively short time, he has demon- strated his grasp of public questions and his ability as a writer. His long residence in Hickman county and his familiarity with conditions peculiarly qualify him for the position he occupies. He knows the needs of the county and is always ready to further any measure for the social and material uplift of her citizens.
In his political affiliations Mr. O'Guin is an unswerving Democrat. His fraternal relations are with Hohenwald Camp No. 215, Woodmen of the World; Sam Davis Lodge No. 158, K. of P., located at Center- ville; and Centerville Camp M. W. A. In all these orders he is popular because of his genial disposition and good fellowship.
In 1907 Mr. O'Guin married Miss Ruby Poore, daughter of J. W. Poore, a well known resident of Hickman county. Two children have come to bless this union-Harriet Jane and Sydney Lamar. Mr. and Mrs. O'Guin are members of the Christian church and take a commend- able interest in promoting its good works.
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BEN B. GILLESPIE. The career of Ben B. Gillespie, of Gallatin, Tennessee, presents a striking example of enterprise, industry and in- tegrity, conducing to eminent success. Reared to the work of the farm, he has continued his operations along agricultural lines to such good effect that today he is the owner of a handsome property in Sumner county, and is known as one of the leading Hereford cattle breeders in the state. Mr. Gillespie was born in Sumner county, Tennessee, Feb- ruary 1, 1860, and is a son of Richard G. and Susan C. (Harris) Gillespie.
The Gillespie family was founded in America during the middle of the eighteenth century by one James Gillespie, who came to this county from Scotland. From him descended Jacob Gillespie, the grandfather of Ben B., who was born in North Carolina, and came to Tennessee at an early date. He served in the War of 1812, under General Jackson, was known as a mighty hunter, and eventually entered land from the gov- ernment and spent the rest of his life in farming in Tennessee, dying full of years and in the possession of a handsome competency. Richard G. Gillespie was born in Sumner county in 1826, and spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits, being exceedingly successful in his opera- tions and accumulating 1,400 acres of land. He was one of the founders of the First National Bank of Gallatin, and a director for years, and all movements of a progressive nature could depend upon his support. He was an enthusiastic member of the A. F. & A. M., and in his political views was a stalwart Democrat. His death occurred in March, 1903. Mr. Gillespie married Susan C. Harris, who was born in Sumner county in 1833, daughter of Bright and Sallie (Walton) Harris, natives of North Carolina. Mr. Harris was a stone mason by trade, and made his way to Kentucky, and thence to Tennessee, with a kit of tools on his shoulder, but lived to attain to eminent success. Mrs. Gillespie survives her husband and lives with her son, Ben B., who was the fourth of her six children. She is a woman of many Christian virtues, and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church all of her life.
Ben B. Gillespie received his education in the public schools of Sumner county, following which he attended the University of Tennessee, at Knoxville. On his return to the home farm he resumed agricultural pursuits, which he has followed ever since, and is now the owner of a well-cultivated property of 300 acres. Mr. Gillespie has given his at- tention during late years to the breeding of thoroughbred Hereford cattle, making a specialty of traveling all over the fair circuit. The year 1912 was a most successful one, as he returned to his farm without an animal, whereas he had started out with a large herd. His animals bring top prices, and a long list of ribbons testify eloquently to their success as prize winners. About forty head are raised annually, all pure breed, and many of these are disposed of through mail orders. Mr. Gillepsie is known as an excellent judge of stock, and his advice is often
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sought, and freely given, in matters pertaining thereto. During a long experience, he has come in contact with men in every walk of life, and the high esteem in which he is universally held, gives evidence of his integrity in business matters.
In November, 1887, Mr. Gillespie was united in marriage with Anna Lou McGabock, daughter of John McGabock, a retired farmer of Scotch- Irish descent, who is now living in Nashville. Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie have had two children : Nellie and Frank W., both living at home. Mrs. Gillespie is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Gillespie has shown some interest in fraternal work, being a member of the Loyal Order of Moose. In his political belief he is a Democrat. He is at this time steward in the Methodist Episcopal church, and for more than a quarter of a century has served as superintendent of the Sunday school.
FRANK H. DUNKLIN, M. D. During a practice in medicine of more than a quarter of a century, most of which has been passed in Sumner county, Dr. Dunklin has utilized many opportunities for devoted public service, and at the same time has been held in the high esteem of his fellow citizens. His home for many years has been in the country near Gallatin, on Rural Route No. 3, and his practice has been very largely among the rural communities. His professional associates regard him as one of the best doctors in Sumner county, and this appreciation was borne out by the success which has always attended his efforts.
Dr. Dunklin was born in Lowndes county, Alabama, May 24, 1863, the son of Thomas W. and Martha (Crumpton) Dunklin. On the maternal side the family was from Virginia, and most of its members were identified with the service of the church, a brother of Dr. Dunk- lin's mother, having been one of the most prominent divines in Alabama. The paternal grandfather, William Dunklin, was born in North Carolina, whence he moved into Alabama and there lived and died. The family was originally from England.
Thomas W. Dunklin, the father, was born in South Carolina in 1812, and his death occurred 1877. His wife was born in Alabama in 1818, and died in 1881. From South Carolina the father, when a youth, ac- companied his parents to Alabama, where he became a successful planter. He owned a great deal of wealth in slaves and other property, and at the time of the war invested in quantities of the Confederate bonds. The outcome of the war resulted disastrously to his financial standing, though he always provided well for his children. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, of whom the doctor was the youngest. William James, the oldest child, served four years as a Confederate soldier, and the test of his gallant service was the five different wounds he received. The parents were very interested members of the Missionary Baptist church, in which the father was deacon for years. He was a member of the Masonic order, and in politics a Democrat.
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Dr. Frank H. Dunklin attended the common schools of Alabama and the preparatory school of Greenville in that state. In 1884 he entered the University of Tennessee, from which he was graduated M. D. in 1886. The same year he entered upon active practice in this state, then spent two years in Alabama, and since 1889 has made his permanent home in Sumner county. He was a poor man when his professional career began in this county, and he has been so fortunate as to acquire a position of substantial comfort and affluence. He is owner of a fine farm of three hundred acres besides considerable bank stock.
In October, 1887, occurred his marriage to Miss Mary Bell, daughter of John W. Bell. Her father was born and reared in Sumner county, where during his active career he came to own an estate of five hundred acres and was known as one of the most successful farmers and stockmen of the county. The doctor and wife are the parents of two children : F. B., who is studying medicine in Vanderbilt University at Nashville ; and K. B., who is manager on his father's farm. Dr. Dunklin and wife are members of the Methodist church South. He is a Democrat in politics, has been a member of the county Democratic executive com- mittee, and has served as chairman of the county board of education. He is a member of the county and state medical societies, and the Ameri- can Medical Association. He has been president of the county medical society, and at the present time is president of the Sumner County Health League.
ROBERT W. CALDWELL, of Gallatin, has now served a decade as cir- cuit clerk of Sumner county and has proved a most capable and efficient official, the length of his service being indicative of his standing in the public estimation of this county both as an official and as a citizen. Here he has maintained his home from the time of his nativity and always has been identified with the best citizenship of the county, his own sterling qualities adding prominence to a name that has been known and respected in this locality for more than a century. The family originated in this state with Hardy Caldwell, a native of North Carolina, who came into the state in a very early day. His son, William, born October 10, 1807, in Sumner county, became a well-to-do farmer and reared a large family. Hardy Caldwell, son of William and the father of our subject, was born June 1, 1831, and passed away January 15, 1912, in the locality in which he had lived for a little more than four score years. His whole active career was spent as a farmer and he was very successful in that vocation, leaving to his children at his death, an estate of several hundred acres. He was numbered among Tennessee's gallant defenders in the Civil war and as a member of the Twentieth Tennessee Regiment, he fought at Mill Springs, Shiloh, Murfreesboro and Chickamauga, being wounded in his foot at the battle of Shiloh. He served from 1861 until his capture at the battle of Chickamauga in
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1863, and from that time until the close of the war he was held a eap- tive in the Federal prison at Rock Island, Illinois. On being released he returned to his home in Sumner county, Tennessee, and began life anew, resuming his occupation of farming. His entire life was marked by the deeds of a patriotie, publie-spirited eitizen and he so lived as to hold a secure place in the confidence and esteem of his community. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and in polities was a stalwart Democrat. A valued member of the Methodist Episcopal church, he was one of its most energetie workers in this county, having served for years as a Sunday school superintendent and also having served as trustee and steward in the church of his membership. He wedded Miss Frances Markeum, a native daughter of Tennessee, who was born January 19, 1844, and yet survives her husband. She, too, is an earnest and devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church. There were six children born to this union. Robert W., the eldest and one of five now living, was born in Sumner county, April 29, 1867. Educated first in the publie schools of his native county and then in a private boarding school at Willette, Macon county, Mr. Caldwell began independent activity as a teacher and taught in public schools for seventeen years. In 1902 he was elected elerk of the circuit court and has served in that office con- tinuously and acceptably to all concerned to the present time.
On October 12, 1898, Mr. Caldwell was joined in marriage to Miss Willie Barnes, whose father is William Barnes, a native and a well known and successful farmer of Sumner county. This union has been blessed with seven children, named: Rowena F., Ruel A., Stella M., Alleen, William B., Robert W., and Joseph A., the first four of whom are now attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and he unites fraternally with the Woodmen of the World, of which order he now is council commander in his local lodge. As a Democrat he has long taken an active part in the local political affairs of his party. He owns a good farm in this county and also owns town property. As teacher, official and agricul- turist he has put energy and intelligence into his efforts and in each line of endeavor has attained definite success.
HENRY CLAY RICHARDSON. The profession of law and the realm of polities are substantially represented in Diekson by Hon. Henry Clay Richardson, who is a native of this county and whose progenitors have for three preceding generations been associated with this part of Ten- nessee. They have constituted a family line notable for military vigor and other strong characteristics.
Austin Richardson (the great-grandfather of our subject) joined the Revolutionary army when a mere boy, following his father and five uncles to the exciting seenes of that confliet. They had gone thither from their home at Culpepper Courthouse, Virginia, but only Austin Vol. V-3
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Richardson returned, for the others had fallen in battle or died from other ills of war, and only this youth and one brother were left to rep- resent the family. In spite of the fact that he had taken part in the great war and had served under Washington, he was then but an orphan boy and was "bound out" until he reached the years of his majority. When he became his own master, he left Virginia and came to Tennessee in 1793, first settling at Greenville. Here he married a Miss Johnson and three years later they removed to the part of the state which is now Dickson county, selecting as their home one of the highest points in the county and one near a large spring. His was a large family, one of his sons being Louis Richardson, born in 1807 in Dickson county. He became a prominent farmer and married Miss Vina Walker of Hickman county. Their son, W. Turner Richardson (the father of H. C. Richardson) was born in Hickman county, in 1843, and early displayed a thirst for ad- venture and action. At the age of seventeen years he ran away from home and joined the Confederate Army, serving in Company K, of the Eleventh Tennessee Infantry. He served under Johnson and Hood in all engagements; was captured at Missionary Ridge; was held prisoner at Rock Island prison in Illinois; was exchanged at Greensborough, North Carolina ; and after the close of the war returned to the occupa- tion of peace. Ile was a farmer and a dealer in lumber and lime, con- ducting a large kiln and managing a large business in that line. In 1866 he married Miss Emily Catherine Alspaugh, who was a native of North Carolina, born in 1841; her mother was the youngest daughter of Colonel Josiah Clifton, a large land owner and colonel in the Revolution- ary war. He was at Yorktown with Washington when Cornwallis sur- . rendered. To Emily C. Alspaugh Richardson and W. T. Richardson were born twelve children, eight of whom lived to the years of maturity. The eldest of these was H. C. Richardson, who was born in the town of Burns, in Dickson county, Tennessee, on the twenty-first day of March, 1867.
Henry Clay Richardson early evinced an intellectual keenness sug- gestive of that of his distinguished namesake. He was educated in Edgewood College, and then fared forth upon the professional pathway of teaching. Like many other young men of ability, he found it possible to give due attention to his pedagogical labors and in his hours of leisure to broaden his own mind by carrying on independent study. The line which Mr. Richardson chose for further mental development and advancement in life was that of law. Meanwhile, however, he became an authority on county educational matters and his personal standing was such that for two years his services were required as superintendent of public instruction for Dickson county.
In 1891 Mr. Richardson wrote his bar examinations and was ad- mitted to practice in Tennessee. The quality of his professional activ- ity may be readily guessed from the fact that recognition of his ability
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was indicated by his district in sending him to the state legislature in 1894. Hon. Richardson served for four years as a representative and then turned to his home and practiced in Dickson. He is a staneh Democrat and has been very active in the affairs of his party.
Numerous fraternal organizations count Mr. Richardson a valued member. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons ; of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; of the Knights of Pythias; and of the Improved Order of Red Men. Mr. Richardson is socially popular as well as professionally successful.
N. W. TRUE. Both prominent and efficient as an abstract attorney and as county surveyor, N. W. True enjoys a wide measure of popularity among the citizens of Springfield and of Robertson county in general. This young man is a lifelong resident of the county, his birth having occurred here on November 14, 1879; of his parents, F. M. and Harriet (Bigbee) True, extended account is given in the biographical sketch of H. C. True, appearing elsewhere in these pages.
The public schools of Robertson county provided the mental equip- ment of N. W. True, so far as formal school training may accomplish that end. He turned to definite purpose all such opportunities, also taking advantage of all other intellectual material that came in his way. To such a youth openings are ever at hand, and Mr. True first occupied himself as a self-supporting young man, with the duties of deputy court clerk.
Mr. True's specialty is that of abstracts and titles, in relation to which his accurate legal knowledge is of great value to his clients. His office practice is very large and his business in connection therewith makes it necessary that he investigate estates at considerable distance from Springfield. He is therefore thoroughly familiar with Robertson county and with the surrounding counties as well.
In 1912 Mr. True was honored with election to the office of surveyor for Robertson county, a position which he is well qualified to fill, and the duties of which he discharges with competent ability.
The Democratic party is that of Mr. True's allegiance and its fortunes are a matter of great moment to him. His activities in behalf of the great political camp of Democracy are particularly enthusiastic at the periods of campaign movements, his party work taking him into all parts of the state. Political leaders look to Mr. True as one of the strong coming men in civic work.
In addition to the interests of his profession and political work, N. W. True is one of the leading members of the secret societies of Springfield. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias share his fraternal affiliations. He is tireless in his attention to both his public and personal business operations. Mr. True has thus far been the creator of his own success and bids fair to be one of the
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makers of "The New South." He was married in 1912 to Miss Maud Tipps, of Tullohoma, Tennessee.
MAYOR PITT HENSLEE. Not only is Hon. Pitt Henslee variously prominent in financial affairs in Dickson, but he is the present incum- bent of the highest local office in the gift of the city, an honor which he well deserves for his many services to the municipality.
Mayor Henslee is a son of Dr. J. T. Henslee (1838-1895), the latter a Kentuckian by birth, a graduate in medicine at Vanderbilt University, a practitioner at Hollow Rock, Tennessee, and in Dickson county, besides three years' professional activity in Texas. He was a Baptist, a Mason and a Democrat and had served in youth as a Confererate soldier under General Forrest. He married in 1870, Miss Mary Lipe (1852-1873), a native of Carroll county. They were the parents of but one child-the son of whom we now write as Mayor Henslee. Dr. Henslee's second marriage was with Miss Dora Pickler of Hollow Rock, and three children have in the succeeding years been born to them.
It was on August 18, 1871, that Pitt Henslee was born in Carroll county, Tennessee. After his elementary education in the public schools of Dickson, he studied in Bethel College at Mckenzie, and for one year -because of troublesome eyesight-was a student in the School for the Blind, at Nashville.
Mr. Henslee is possessed of a gift for mercantile and other com- mercial operations. He is the president of the Henslee Dry Goods Com- pany ; he is a director of the Cumberland Valley National Bank of Nash- ville; he is associated with the S. G. Holland Stove Company of that city. But his greatest financial achievements have been in connection with the First National Bank of Dickson, of which he was first presi- dent and founder. Its capital is rated at $50,000; its surplus at $11,000; and its average deposits at $250,000.
Another line in which he has shown his unusual ability is that of publishing a local newspaper. As president and manager of the Dick- son County Herald, he has been responsible for the virile character of that eight-page sheet of news and editorial exposition. Mr. Henslee is a Democrat in politics and has been honored by his constitutency with election to the Tennessee legislature, the date of his period of service being from 1899 to 1912. During his incumbency special chancery and circuit courts were established in Dickson. It was on September 12, of the latter year that his townspeople evinced their confidence in him and their esteem for him by electing him the next mayor of Dickson.
The mayor's home is graced by the presence of Susie Spencer Hen- slee, his wife. Mrs. Henslee is a daughter of the Reverend Samuel Spencer of Spencer Mill. The date of her marriage to Pitt Henslee was 1899. In the ensuing years a small son, named Lipe, has been born to them.
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The Baptist church is the religious denomination with which the mayor and his wife are formally connected and to which they give their special support, Mr. Henslee being one of the trustees of this church. The members of four different secret societies also claim his fraternal interest; these are the Independent Order of Odd Fellows- Harmony Lodge; the Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons-Number 468 Dickson; the Modern Woodmen of America and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. No citizen of Dickson, public or private, is the object of greater esteem or warmer friendship than the successful, but kindly and genial Pitt Henslee.
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