USA > Tennessee > Bedford County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 26
USA > Tennessee > Marshall County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 26
USA > Tennessee > Wilson County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 26
USA > Tennessee > Maury County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 26
USA > Tennessee > Williamson County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 26
USA > Tennessee > Rutherford County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 26
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In addition to the church at Franklin, the Presbyterians have an old established organization at Little Harpeth; also one at the ridge called Ridge Church.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Franklin was organized, in 1871, with seven- teen or eighteen members. by the Rev. Gill, of Kentucky. The members worshiped at .other churches till 1876, when they erected a very elegant church on Main Street at an outlay of nearly $8,000, but of value of nearly $10,000. The corner-stone was laid with Masonic ceremonies and the dedicatory sermon preached June 3, 1876. This is one of the finest churches in the city. This denomination is not strong numerically, vet the regular church services are kept up.
The first Cumberland Church built in the county was erected at Mount Carmel on the Lewisburg Pike about ten or twelve miles from Franklin. October 27, 1827, Allen Bugg made a deed to three and one-half acres of land to T. E. Kirkpatrick, C. Walker, Newton Wall and W. W. Bond, as trustees of the Cumberland Church. The old house has long since been replaced by a new one. There is still a good organization maintained at Mount Carmel.
At a very early period in the history of Cumberland Presbyterianism a church Was built near where Pleasant Hill now stands. This was a Union Church built by the Meth- odists and Cumberlands, but it soon after fell into the hands of the Methodists. The ground was deeded by Moses Cator to Stephen Stockett and G. W. Armstrong, N. Mitchell and Joseph Manley. There is still a good congregation at Pleasant Hill.
Hills Camp Ground was an old Cumberland camp ground. The families of David and Robert Hill and William Byres were members of the congregation at this place. The .camp grounds were established about 1832. Huts were built and an open court or an arbor was arranged for the worshipers. There were at one time 115 professors of religion at this place and sixty at another. A house of worship was afterward built at Hills.
The church at McKay was built mainly through the efforts of William and John Mckay. It was built about 1855 and has a beautiful location and is in a prosperous condi- tion. West Harpeth Church was built on lands deeded, in April, 1857, to J. Adams, G. W. Mayberry and J. B. Carl, as trustees of West Harpeth. The leading families belonging to West Harpeth were the Binghams and Grays.
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HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
Moore's Chapel was built through the instrumentality of Mrs. Moore. This building was erected about 1850. There is a Cumberland Presbyterian parsonage and a strong church at Bellview about nine miles from Franklin on the Murfreesboro Pike. This is one of the strongest congregations in the county. The pastor of Bellview usually preaches to the congregation at College Grove, where there is an organization but no house of wor- ship belonging to the Cumberland Presbyterians. The Cumberland Presbyterians also have organizations at Pleasant Dale, Boiling Springs and Nolensville.
The beginning of Methodism in Williamson County dates back to near the beginning of the present century. The first conference held in Franklin was on October 20, 1816, the presiding bishops being Robert R. Roberts and Enoch George. This was held in a schoolhouse near where the old Methodist Church afterward stood. Among the early members were Thomas Olds, wife and daughter; William Johnson and wife, Sarah; Will- iam Davis, Mrs. Foster, Henry Eelbeck, Caleb Maury and wife, William Manning and sons, Mrs. Abram Maury and Mrs. James Park. The first church built in Franklin was built on a lot deeded by James Russell to J. W. McConan, E. T. Collins. James Park, Rob- ert Davis, H. R. W. Hill. Hugh MeCabe, William Johnson, Richard Swanson and T. L. Douglas on September 18, 1827, as trustees. This was a brick house, and stood on what was formerly called Water Street, near Mill Street. The Methodists of Franklin now have an elegant house of worship, and maintain a pastor and own a parsonage. Their report shows a membership of 367, and they have a Sunday-school of 155 pupils. This church has given to foreign missions within the last year $253.55, and pays its pastor, Rev. J. E. Har- rison, a salary of $1,000.
Douglas Circuit consists of four churches: Thompson Station, Bethel, Colis Chapel and Douglas. Douglas Church, near the old Douglas Camp Ground, was built in 1853. The trustees at that time were L. Henderson, J. Hughes, J. Cove, J. W. Williams, Joseph Barnett, P. M. Hughes and Frank Hardeman. The old camp ground was established about 1827, and in 1836 was made a voting precinct. The total strength of the circuit in membership is 386, and Sunday-school pupils 175. This circuit has contributed $152.35 to foreign missions, and pays its pastor, Rev. W. B. Lowry, a salary of $650, and owns its parsonage.
College Grove Circuit contains two churches. The pastor is Rev. J. A. McFerrin. The total membership of the two churches is 230. The pastor is furnished a parsonage and receives a salary of $600. The circuit has furnished $80 to missionary funds, and has- 120 Sunday-school pupils.
Brentwood Circuit has two churches: Brentwood and Johnson Station, with a mem- bership of 258, and of Sunday-school pupils 110. It owns a parsonage and pays its pas- tor a salary of $400, and contributed last year $128 to the missionary fund. The first church at Brentwood was built in 1857. The trustees were Robert Reams, T. H. Oden, S. B. Frost, D. L. Drake and Stephen Tucker.
The Bethesda Circuit has four churches and a membership of 384, and 130 Sunday- school scholars. The churches have given $128.95 to foreign missions within the last. year. They own their own parsonage and pay their pastor, Rev. H. O. Moore, $380. Bethesda is one of the old churches of the county. The first church was built in 1839. The trustees were W. Lavender, John McCurdy, Mark L. Andrews, H. H. Horton, J. Fisher, H. G. Padgett, J. L. Morris, H. C. Horton and Blythe Spratt.
Harpeth Station Circuit has two churches. It has a membership of 244, has 139 Sun- day-school pupils, contributes $116.25 to foreign missions and pays its pastor, R. P. Ran- som, $400. Harpeth was built in 1847. Its trustees were Gideon Ratcliff, Richard Swan- son, Richard Reed, Sandford Allen, Phillip Burgh, Isham Lamb and H. B. North.
Pope and Mount Zion Cirenit, of which Rev. John Burnett has charge, has a member- ship of 175, has thirty Sunday-school pupils, pays its pastor a salary of $250, and has given $45 the last year for the missionary cause. The church at Pope's is an old organization. Its first trustees were Samuel Akin, John Moore and James Patton.
The Nolensville charge contains three churches, under charge of Rev. W. T. Rowland,
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who receives a salary of $450. The membership of this charge number 364, and Sunday- school pupils 180, who have contributed to the missionary fund, $136.55.
The Bethlehem and White Circuit consist of two churches under R. E. Travis, with a membership of 203 and forty two Sunday-school pupils. These churches have con- tributed $30.25 to missions, and pay their pastor a salary of $400.
._. Fernvale Circuit contains four churches under Rev J. W. Kitchen, whose salary is $125. The mission fund of this charge is $5. The number of membership is 310; Sunday-school pupils, 130. There are in the county 10 pastors, 25 churches. 6 par- sonages, and a membership of 2,921. The following is a list of the elders given in order: M. Lindsey, B. McHenry. T. L. Douglas, William McMahan, Rob Paine, James McFerrin, Lonis Garrett, James McFerriu, G. D. Taylor, T. L. Douglas, H. E. Pitt, A. L. P. Green. A. F. Driskill, A. S. Riggs, A. L. P. Green, W. Burr, R. P. Ranson, R. K. Hargrave, J. W. Hill and T. A. Kesley. Early pastors were A. Monroe, William Adams, R. W. Morris, Thomas Madden. H. H. Brown, Rob Paine, R. Ledbetter, F. P. Scruggs and J. B. McFerrin.
The first preaching by the Christians in Williamson County was in September, 1833, by Revs. A. Craig and Joel Anderson. Soon after this the county was visited by the cele- brated Alexander Campbell. A meeting of several days duration was held by Revs. Absalom Adams and Tolbert Fanning, at which there were fifteen professions and an organization of seventeen members effected. There was not much change in numbers till 1837, when Rev. Tolbert Fanning settled in Franklin and remained till 1841. In that year James C. Anderson became pastor of the church in Franklin. and soon after there was an addition of about thirty members. In 1849 Rev. Adolphus Morse, of the Western Reserve, Ohio, was called to take charge of the church, and remained about one year. Several meetings were held in 1844 by Revs. Wharton and Jones, of Nashville, and seven additions were made to the church; also on April 15 of that year Rev. W. J. Barbee became pastor. In the year 1844 the church was visited by Revs. Ferguson, Smith and Jones. Notwith- standing the difficulties in presenting and establishing the new doctrine it soon took a deep hold upon the minds of the people. Unfortunately, some domestic difficulties em- barrassed the church for a time, yet in 1845 the membership at Franklin numbered 100 inembers, 48 males and 52 females. Worship was generally held in private houses till 1851, when an elegant church was erected. At a church meeting held April 18, 1849, it was resolved to erect a house of worship. and voluntary subscriptions were offered at once for about $1,500. The house is a brick structure about 40x60 feet, and is elegantly furnished. A baptistry has recently been added to the building. The names of the Campbells, the Craigs, the Kirkpatricks, Cayces, Bennetts, are closely connected with the interest of the Christian Church. The membership of this popular denomination is now about 340.
The church at Leiper For k. or Hillsboro, wasorganized about 1810. Among the early ministers there was Rev. A. Morse, who preached there in 1843. Owing to a difficulty between him and some of the members he did not long remain. This is now a very strong and flourishing congregation. The Christians have a good church at Thompson Station, the organization dating back to about 1845. The Thompsons and Hamiltons were leading members of this church. Boston also is one of the oldest organizations in the county. There is also a large church at Owen's Chapel, a church at Berea, built in 1880, and a new house of worship at Peytonsville, erected in 1885-86. They also have a church building and an organization at Riggs, Cross Roads, and a church organization at South Harpeth and Hill's Chapel. This infinential denomination has a membership of from 1,200 to 1,500 in the county.
The St. Paul's Episcopal Church, of Franklin, was organized August 25, 1821, at the Masonic Hall. The following were elected wardens or vestrymen: Thomas Maney. senior warden; Thomas Hardeman, junior warden; William Anderson, B. S. Tappan and Peter N. Smith, vestrymen. Rev. J. H. Otey was chosen first rector, which position he held till No- vember 23, 1835, at which time he resigned. Steps were taken in 1831 for the erection of a church edifice, for which purpose B. S. Tappan and Thomas Hardeman were chosen a
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HISTORY OF TENNESSEE.
committee on building. The committee was instructed to proceed to the erection of a building if the same could be done at a cost not to exceed $2,000. The matter was dropped until 1831, when a new committee, consisting of Messrs. Dickson, Hardeman and Baldwin, were ordered to proceed with the building. the church in the meantime having received $550 from New York and Philadelphia. The corner-stone of the church had been laid on Tuesday, June 28, 1831, by Rev. Bishop Meade, of Virginia.
On the resignation of Rector Otey, Rev. N. Watson Monroe was called, followed by H. T. Leacock, and he by W. P. Sanders, and he by L. S. Sherwell. J.W. Rogers was called in 1845, and Rev. A. S. Royce in 1854. Rev. E. Bradley became rector in 1869, and remained till August, 1873, when Rev. G. N. James became rector. On the death of Rector James, August 16, 1881, Rev. Charles M. Gray was called and took charge Jan- uary 8, 1882. In 1870 a neat rectory was built adjoining the church edifice. The num- ber of communicants of the church is not large.
RUTHERFORD COUNTY.
G EOGRAPHICALLY speaking Rutherford County occupies the exact center of the State, and almost the exact center of Middle Tennessee. Few if any vertical sec- tions of any great depth have been made, and it is believed no record has been kept. The county embraces an area of over 500 square miles, the outcrop being blue limestone and shales. It is what geologists term lower Silurian. It is probable that the depth of this formation extends from 500 to 1,000 feet with occasional thin strata of other formations.
The soil of this county is exceedingly fertile, being either of a black or brownish red color; the latter color is doubtless due to the iron oxides contained in it. Although there are many places where the ground is apparently covered with stone, yet by careful hus- bandry there are few places that cannot be made to yield a rich harvest to the careful and industrious husbandman. Fields that have been cultivated for nearly a century, and are apparently worn out by the cultivation of corn and cotton, are soon reclaimed by a few years' growth of red clover, or by seeding in the blue-grass make excellent grazing lands.
The native growth of timber embraces almost every kind grown in the temperate cli- mate. The native trees that are valuable in the markets are oak, hickory, walnut, poplar and cedar, vast quantities of the latter being shipped to all parts of the county, and until within the last few decades was almost the exclusive article of produce for the market, and it is still more largely cultivated than any other one thing, yet large quantities of wheat and corn are raised. The production of these three articles is almost marvelous in some instances with a suitable season. The intelligent farmer has learned the necessity of a rotation in crops for the improvement of the land and to guard against over production in some articles and the necessary consequence-dull prices for that article. His crops are now more varied, more wheat and corn and pasture lands. This brings about a necessity for more stock, and such is now seen. The county is now largely engaged in breeding fine horses, cattle and sheep. These are bringing rich rewards to those so engaged. Large quantities of rye, oats, barley, tobacco, potatoes, hay, peas, beans, wool, butter and cheese are also produced. The product of the orchard and garden embraces everything from the smallest and sweetest berry to the finest apple. The quantity is only limited by the effort of the producer ..
The east fork of Stone River enters this county near Reddyville in the castern part of the county and flows almost in a northwest direction through its entire course. It forms a part of the boundary line between Districts Nos. 17 and 19; from 19 it receives Andrew and Mcknight Creeks as tributaries. At the corners of Districts Nos. 17, 19
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RUTHERFORD COUNTY.
and 22, it receives Cripple Creek (named from an accident befalling a man while crossing it) as a tributary; this with its branches rises mainly in District No. 22. Stone River passes through the central part of District No. 22, and near the western part receives Cave Creek from the south and Bradley Creek from the north. The last named with Stone River forms the boundary line between Districts Nos. 22 and 15. Near the central part of District No. 21 it receives Bushman Creek. Stone River then forms the boundary line between Districts Nos. 15 and 5 on the north, and Districts Nos. 22, 21, 9 and 6 on the south, where it unites with the west fork of Stone River.
The west fork enters this county near the southeastern part of the county, and forms a part of the boundary between Districts Nos. 21 and 25: at the northern extremity of Dis- trict No. 25 it receives the waters of Long Creek, which is the boundary line between Dis- trict No. 25 on the east and Districts Nos. 20 and 11 on the west. The main stream forms the boundary between Districts Nos. 18 and 11; near the center of District No. 11 it receives the waters of Lytle Creek, and near the center of District No. 11 it receives a tributary of its own name. The head waters of the last named is called Dry Fork. West fork passes through Districts Nos. 13 and 9; near Florence Station it receives the waters of Armstrong Creek, the two branches, east and west fork, unite, and form one stream near Jefferson. The river passes out of the county in a northwest direction; from the south on the boundary of Districts Nos. 6 and 2 it receives Stewart Creek. Stone River was discovered and explored as far as Jefferson by Gen. Uriah Stone and four men in 1794. It was for Stone that the river was named. Other streams in the county were named in honor of prominent families.
Previous to 1780 the Indians held undisputed sway in this county. The oldl trace leading from Nashville to Chattanooga is yet to be seen. Along this route the Choctaws, Chickasaws, and particularly the Cherokees, held undisputed sway from time immemorial. Soldiers sent out by Gen. Robertson went as far as Black Fox Camp Spring in 1793. In 1794 Orr's expedition, sent out by Gen. Robertson, followed the trace by way of Murfrees- boro, and September 7, 1794, camped near Black Fox's Spring. This expedition extended as far as Nickajack, where the Indians were defeated. Few Indian troubles occurred after that time. The first settlers in the county were mainly from Virginia and North Carolina. Those coming from Virginia came mainly by water by way of the Ohio and Cumberland Rivers; those coming from North Carolina over the mountains on pack-horses. The par- ent State, North Carolina, as an inducement to have the lands on the "Cumberland " set- - tled up, offered 640 acres to cach head of a family who would live upon the land; hence. the large number of 610-acre grants.
Samuel Wilson, grandfather of Col. Jetton, is said to have visited the vicinity of Jef- ferson as early as 1788-89, and marked out lands. He soon after returned with his family and settled at Wilson Shoals on Stone River. He has the honor of having planted the first corn within the forks of Stone River; also of having killed the last elk in the county, near Murfree Spring. He left a large and respectable family and died in 1827, and was buried with the honors of war near where the United States Cemetery now is. Thomas Nelson, Thomas Howell and William Adkinson settled near Stewart Creek. Col. Robert Weakley and Robert Bedford each owned grants at the confluence of the east and west forks of Stone River. These lands were taken up previous to 1800. It was largely through the influence of these two men that the first seat of justice was located at Jeffer- son. William Nash, who, with Col. Weakley, surveyed the line separating Rutherford from Davidson, is said to have owned the first store in the county. It was he who admin- istered the oath of office to the justices of the first county court. Nimrod Menifee settled the land now marked by the United States Cemetery. The place is marked by two historic events, one the opening of the second year of the county courts, and the other. fifty-seven years later, within a few days, the opening of the second year of the war and with it one of the bloodiest battles of modern times. Robert Overall settled near Overall Creek, to. which his name was given. His family has been prominent in the history of the county since its inception.
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HISTORY OF TENNESSEE
Another early settler in that vicinity was Capt. Richard Ransom, who came from North Carolina in 1810 and settled near the head of Overall Creek. Rev. James Bow- man was another settler in that vicinity, and was one of the early ministers of the Pres- byterian Church. Each of the last was the head of a large family Charles Ready settled near Readyville, to which his name was given. He settled in the county about 1800, and was one of the seven justices that constituted the first court in Rutherford County: also he was one of the seven commissioners to select a new county seat, appointed by the Gen- eral Assembly in October. 1811. Of all these he was last to die. Thomas Rucker, au- other one of the seven justices, lived between Murfreesboro and Jefferson: his place came in one vote of being made the county seat. instead of Murfreesboro. Richard Sanders and family came from North Carolina about 1806, and settled on Stone River. in the neighborhood called "Raleigh." In the same vicinity were the Floyds, Brashears, Wights and Goodloes. Murfreesboro marks the settlement of Capt. William Lytle.
The great natural feature of this county caused more good mills to be erected at an early day than was the case in other places. A few tread-mills were established in the county, but the vast majority of the mills were propelled by water-power. Thomas Rucker built a mill on his place called the "Cave" Mill in 1799. Louis Anthony's mill was built on Stone River, adjoining Henry Gilhan's place, in 1804. Cumming's and Smith mills each existed at the beginning of 1801. John M. Tilford built a grist and saw-mill on the west fork of Stone River, near the Salem Pike, in 1814-15; a distillery was added to this later. Samuel Tilford built a mill on the east fork in 1815. David Dickman built a mill on the west fork in 1809, and in the same year James Rucker built a cotton-gin. the first in the county. Rates then were fixed by law as follows: Dinner, 25 cents; supper and breakfast, 20 cents each: lodging. 8} cents: horse, with corn or oats and fodder, 33} cents: oats, per gallon, 8} cents; whisky. one-half pint, 12} cents; peach bran - dy, one-half pint, 12} cents: French brandy, rum or wine, one-half pint, 50 cents. The following kept ordinaries previous to 1820: William Mitchell. William Nash, Harvey Pope, Charles O'Flynn. Hugh Good. James Hill, William Hansbrough, W. R. Hearn, Thomas Mayfield, Peter Williams, William Rather and T. Goodrich.
It is claimed that William Nash started the first trade-store in the county. This was near Jefferson about 1803. The usual stock in trade consisted of a few articles of dry goods, some groceries, a little powder and lead and the inevitable barrel of whisky. Money being scarce a system of exchange was instituted. Large ox hides were rated at about $4; inferior ones proportionately less: wolf scalps, at $2.50 each, receivable for taxes; deer skins. 50 cents; deer "saddles," 50 cents per pair: 'coon skins, 25 cents each. These, with other produce, were sent to New Orleans by flat-boat, a journey requiring a month or more to complete. Dollars were frequently cut into halves or quarters and given for change, hence two "bits. " four "bits," etc. Food consisted solely of the prod- uct of the farm and forest. A little corn was raised, and either eaten as hominy or made into an indifferent meal, and then into bread. Turkey, deer and elk abounded: hogs were allowed to run at large, and when wanted were hunted down and shot; clothing was made of the coarsest homespun. A maid dressed after the fashion of the day looked as lovely to her rustic lover. though dressed in a homely garb, with cheeks aglow with health, as does now the belle of fashion, in her silks and jewels, to her gay suitor.
Articles of household furniture were simple and plain. Gourds and cows' horns were dressed, and. with a handle adjusted, were used for drinking vessels. Stills were as numerous as the mills, and the whisky barrel as common as the meal tub. Instead of the social "glass" of the more refined society, they were simply asked to take a "horn," i. e. a drink; hence the origin of the expression "take a horn." Dr. Thomas Norman was born on the night following the completion of the survey of the county, which had been assigned to William Nash and Col. Robert Weakley, consequently he was the first child born in Rutherford County.
Black Fox Camp Spring was a marked place during the Indian troubles. There is a beautiful tradition of the celebrated Black Fox, who, when he was overpowered by his
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RUTHERFORD COUNTY
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RUTHERFORD COUNTY.
enemies, rather than fall into their hands, leaped into the spring with his arms and sank from sight. The story would have been incomplete hnd he not come to light again, and the tradition that buried him brought him out alive at Murfree Spring. About three miles from Murfreesboro is the old Bradley race track, which was a famous resort for sportsmen since 1820. Col. Robert Smith was a prominent figure in those races. Betting, card play- ing, and the usual accompaniment were common at those races. Near this old race track is the old Indian dance ground, which is a circular track dug out of the earth and rock. Neither history nor tradition tells of its origin.
As the law now is, counties having a population of between 7.000 and 10,000 must be divided into 7 civil districts; those between 10,000 and 15,000 into 12 districts; those be- tween 15,000 and 20.000 into 15 districts; those having from 20,000 to 25,000 into 17 districts; those having from 25,000 to 30,000 into 20 districts, and those above 30,000 have 25 districts. These are numbered by the ordinal numbers. Previous to the constitutional convention in 1834 the districts were named from prominent families, as Sanders, Ready, Mar and Murphy Districts. The first divisions were made in 1804. The county was then divided into three divisions. Thomas Rucker, John Howell and Thomas Mitchell were ordered to make the divisions. The first was made by a line along the west fork of Stone River to the most westerly branch to the Indian "trace ;" thence along the "trace" to the Wilson Coun- ty line; thence along the county line to Smith's mill: thence on a line to Cummings' mill: thence to the place of beginning. The second contained all west of the river to the western boundary. The third all north of the road leading from Smith's and Cummings' mill and east of Stone River. James Rucker, James Howell and William Lytle were appointed cotton inspectors, each for his own warehouse or district. Tobarco inspectors were appointed after the manner of cotton inspectors. Polls were listed and taxes assessed in the various parts of the county by the justices of the respective districts. The heads of families, when not over age, were enrolled into militia companies, and they were listed by companies. The first of this kind was in 1805, when Justice John Hill listed Capt. John Smith's company; William Nash listed Capt. Samuel McBride's company: W. M. Searsey, W. W. Searsey's company; . William Lytle, Capt. John John's company; William Smith, Capt. O. M. Benge's com- pany, and Charles Ready, Capt. Alexander McKnight's company. These companies varied with the population. In 1806 the captains of companies were as follows: Capts. Alex Mc- Knight, Peter Noe, R. Ready, Henry McCoy, Nimrod Junkins, William Robinson, Thomas Yardley, W. M. Searsey, W. A. Sublett, Samuel McBride and John Smith. The districts mentioned above have been subject to many changes since 1834, as well as before that time, this depending upon the whims and conveniences of the people. The county court every few years makes a slight change in these, so many having been made that it would be too tedious to follow all. The usual price paid for listing up to 1834 was $20 to each lister. In 1818 the captains of companies were Webb, Miller, Doaks, Ganaway, Sublett, Morris, Cook. Fox, Thomas, Robertson, Gilfins, Todd, Welton, Moore, Haley, Hubbel. Carson, Patton, McKnight, Thomas Harris, Elliott and A. Harris. In 1821 the number had increased to twenty- three companies, and in 1824 to twenty-six. The number in- creased yearly till 1833, when the number had reached thirty-six companies. They were as follows: Capts. McGregor, Stevens, Saunders, Clement, Finney, Ridley, Ferguson, Blair, Traylor, Murphy, Harris, Barlow, McLean, Norman, Parrish, Blanton, Hicks, Lil- lard, Edwards, Osborn, Thomas, Mather, Smith, Bird, Ivy, Hale, Newman, Rowland, Hoover, Robertson, Fowler, Knox, Prewitt, Yourie, Barnett and Brown. From this time on the respect and enforcement of the militia laws gradually grew into neglect.
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