USA > Tennessee > History of Tennessee from the earliest time to the present : together with an historical and a biographical sketch of from twenty-five to thirty counties of east Tennessee, V.2 > Part 21
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ready for the printer, but the family residence, while he was in exile, was burnt, and with it the manuscripts and many valuable papers. Dr. Ramsey ranks high as an author. He was a polished and fluent writer, and possessed a large fund of information on all subjects. "Annals of Tennessee" is a store-house of knowledge to the future historian. It evinces much research and is very accurate and reliable. He was also the author of many elegant addresses, essays and poems. For some years he was president of the Historical Society of Tennessee.
A. Waldo Putnam published in Nashville, in 1859, Putnam's " His- tory of Middle Tennessee, or Life and Times of Gen. James Robertson." It appears from the title page that Mr. Putnam was president of the Tennessee Historical Society. He was born in Belfast, Ohio, in 1799, and was graduated at the University of Ohio. He wrote the sketch of Gen. John Sevier in "Wheeler's History of North Carolina," and a volume entitled "Life and Times of John Sevier." Mr. Putnam married a de- scendant of Gen. Sevier. The preface to "History of Middle Tennes- see " is pleasing and somewhat fanciful. The work is a comprehensive account of the settlement of the Cumberland Valley, and abounds in the incidents and dangers that follow life in the wilderness. In addition to the historical works mentioned is Clayton's " History of Davidson Coun- ty, Tennessee." an important and valuable work, giving much detailed and statistical information.
" Military Annals of Tennessee " is the title of an octavo volume con- taining 882 pages of closely printed matter, recently issued under the supervision of Dr. J. Berrien. Lindsley. The first part comprises two very brief, generalized accounts of the war in Tennessee, ably written by J. M. Keating, of Memphis, and A. P. Stewart, of Mississippi. The re- mainder of the volume consists of regimental records so full of mistakes and so manifestly incomplete as to bar the volume from its probable de- sign of representing fully the splendid Confederate history of the State. The preparation of the volume was apparently a financial enterprise.
As early as 1834 Eastin Morris brought out "Tennessee Gazetteer, or Topographical Dictionary" of the State of Tennessee. It is a valu- able compendium of the history of the State, from earliest times to 1834. including the constitution of Tennessee framed by the convention of 1834. A second edition of this book was published in Nashville, ac- companied by ample foot notes.
Paschall is the author of "Old Times, or Tennessee History, " a work for schools. Knowing the love children have for " story-reading." Pas- chall has arranged historic facts in a most agreeable form. Each chap- ter, as far as possible, has a beginning and ending, and by this means
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each fragment of history becomes a unit and fastens firmly in the mind. of the juvenile reader. Mr. Paschall was an old school-teacher, and his excellent little book is the result of long experience in the best methods of enlisting interest in young people for grave study. Another book much valued is "Life as it is, or Matters and Things in General," pub- lished in Knoxville in 1844, by J. W. M. Brazeale. This book has many historic facts anti comments on the customs of the early settlers of Ten- nessee. There is a good article on the battle of King's Mountain, and an account of the "Harps," two noted murderers who, without being robbers, went about the county committing atrocious murders, appar- ently as a pleasure. No doubt, De Quincy-like, they considered murder "one of the fine arts." Brazeale was a native of Roane County, and practiced law in Athens, Tenn.
Mr. Wilkins Tannehill is the author of "History of Literature," "Man- ual of Freemasonry" and several other works of ability. He was a dis- tinguished light in the Masonic fraternity, and is said to have been a forci- ble and fluent writer. Clark's "Miscellany of Prose and Poetry" is some- thing in the line of English literature.
"Jack Robinson" is the author of "The Savage," a book of pungent essays, criticising the life and usages of the civilized man, in contrast with those of the aboriginal savage. It purports to be written by " Pio- mingo, a chief of the Muscogulgee nation." published in Knoxville in 1833. The author was a Tennesseean, born probably in Carter County. where he committed a homicide carly in life; whence his after life was poisoned by remorse. He is said to have lived a veritable hermit's life. in which existence these essays were written. Robinson is accredited with the authorship of a forcible poem in the same solemn vein as Grav's Elegy, but any certain facts of his career seem lost.
Prior to 1804 Willie Blount's "Catechetical Exposition of the Con- stitution of the State of Tennessee" was published. This is a work for the use of schools written in conversational style. Abijah Fowler of Washington County, in 1838, brought out "Fowler's Arithmetic," a text- book of much popularity in this region at that period. "Biblical Nom- enclature or Vocabulary of the Principal Part of the Proper Names Con- tained in the Bible. with their Signification, together with Scriptural Tables of Money. Weights and Measures, to which is added President Washington's Valedictory Address, Intended for the Use of Schools: by John Wilkinson. Heiskell & Brown, printers, Knoxville, Tenn., 1520." The book is recommended as one "of ability, judgment and care," and persons are urged to patronize it, by Isaac Anderson, John McCamp- bell, Robert Hardin. August. 1519.
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Clerical writers are numerous. One of the most fluent and prolific is Rev. David Rice McAnally, D. D., of the Methodist Church, Sonth; a native of Grainger County, born in 1810, and for some years a resident of Knoxville. He was president of the East Tennessee Female Institute in Knoxville for eight years. He removed to St. Louis in 1851. where he still edits the St. Louis Christian Advocate. He is a man of exten- sive reading and great charity of mind; is remarkable for clearness and vigor of style, and is perfectly fearless in advocating his convictions of right. He does not mince matters, but calls things by their right names and is bold in denouncing vice, while he is liberal and kind to all. Hi- works are "Martha Laurens Ramsey." a biography of a lady of South Carolina; " Life and Times of Rev. William Patton:" " Life and Times of Rev. Samuel Patton, D. D .; " " A Hymn Book;" " A Sunday-school Manual;" " Annals of the Holston Conference."
Rev. J. B. McFerrin, D. D., the head of the Methodist Publishing House at Nashville, is the author of a learned and important work, "His- tory of Methodism in Tennessee." published at Nashville in 1572 in three volumes. He was born in Rutherford County. Tenn., June 15, 1507; entered the ministry at eighteen and has filled many prominent positions in the Methodist Church ever since. His-name is identified with the history of the church, and he has shared in its " deliberative assemblies. and pursued his life-work with a concentration of purpose seldom equaled." He ranks as a man of the rarest courage which is stimulated and increased when surrounded by difficulties, and he is never found wanting in any emergency. As an orator he possessed wit, humor. pa- thos, and his sermons "engage attention, command confidence and awaken conscience."
Among early clerical writers was Rev. Abel Pearson, author of " Ant Analysis of the Principles of Divine Government." in a series of con- versations, and also " Conversations on Some Other Interesting Subjects, Particularly Relating to Same Principals, Between A. P. and N. P .; and a Dissertation on the Prophecies in Reference to the Rise and Fall of the Beast; The Cleansing of the Sanctuary; The Beginning and Dura- tion of the Millennium, and the Little Season; together with a Calcula- tion Shewing the Exact Time of the Death of Christ; and. also, Caleu- lations Shewing the Precise Time of the Rise and Fall of the Beast and the Beginning of the Millennium, etc. ; by Abel Pearson, Minister of the Gospel, Athens, Tenn., 1833." The whole title of the book is given as a specimen of prolixity.
Rev. David Nelson. a man of fine attainments, published " The Cause and Cure of Infidelity." He married in Tennessee and resided in the
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State many years. Rev. Robert A. Young, D. D., a native of Knox County, is the anthor of a book called " Reply to Ariel," written in answer to "Ariel," by J. B. Payne, and of "Personages." Dr. Young re- sides in Nashville, and is a prominent divine in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. "Brief Biographical Sketches of Some of the Early Ministers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church," is the production of Rev. Richard Baird. published in Nashville in 1567. Rev. W. T. Helms, an Episcopal clergyman, a native of Knoxville, Tenn., wrote a poem of twelve books, entitled "Moses Resisted." Two poems, "Smith and Pocahontas," "Centennial Poem." are the work of Rev. Joseph H. Martin, D. D .; Dr. Martin is a native of Dandridge, is a man of fine cult- ivation, and has written many popular hymns. Rev. Robert Mack, in 1834, published " Kyle Stuart, with other Poems." a remarkable book ; and " The Moriad," another poem. Bishop H. N. MeTyeire is the author of a little work called "Duties of Christian Masters," published in Nash- ville in 1959, and " History of Methodism" and " A Catechism of Church Government." He has been a constant writer for the press and was at one time editor of the St. Louis Christian Advocate. R. H. Rivers, D. D., wrote two valuable text books, "Mental Philosophy" and " Moral Philosophy." Father Ryan, author of the inimitable wail " The Con- quered Banner," was for a long time a resident of Knoxville, and Ten- nesseeans feel proud of his genius, although he is not a native of the State.
Rev. William G. Brownlow, governor of Tennessee, wrote quite a number of books. His first publication was "Helps to the Study of Presbyterianism;" 1834. It is theological and controversial, and con- tains an autobiographical sketch. In 1844 he published "Life of Henry Clay and Political Register." This was followed by "The Great Iron Wheel Examined." In 1858 appeared " Debate between W. G. Brownlow and Rev. A. Pryne," and in 1862 "Parson Brownlow's Own Book," an account of his maltreatment by the hated secessionists. Mr. Brownlow led a life of incessant activity as editor, politician and preacher. " He was," says a critic, "extreme in all things." In pri- vate life he was kind. charitable and helpful; was successively governor of Tennessee and Senator of the United States.
Rev. Frederick A. Ross, D. D., a resident of this State for many years, was the author of " Slavery Ordained by God," published in 1857. Dr. Ross was a most accomplished scholar and a man of genius. He lived to a very great age and was an eminent divine.
Medical writers were Dr. Isaac Wright, author of " Wright's Family Medicine, or System of Domestic Practice," and Dr. John C. Gunn,
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author of " Gunn's Domestic Medicine," published in Knoxville in 1830. The essays on the passions in this book were written by a remarkable man named Charles Cassedy. Cassedy was said to be the " Milford Bard " in " Field's Scrap Book." Dr. Thomas A. Anderson wrote the "Practical Monitor, for the Preservation of Health and the Prevention of Disease." He considered blood-letting a cure for all diseases. Hc was a native of East Tennessee, and was a man of learning.
Authors of works on geology are James M. Safford, A. M., author of " Geology of Tennessee," published by the State at Nashville in 1569. This work was received by scientists and the general public with great favor. Dr. Safford and J. B. Killebrew, brought out a " School Geology of Tennessee," chiefly compiled from the foregoing. J. B. Killebrew published in Nashville a valuable volume entitled " Resources of Ten- nessee." William G. McAdoo is author of an "Elementary Geology of Tennessee," a briefer and simpler work than the preceding, adapted to less advanced pupils.
Hon. T. A. R. Nelson is author of "East Tennessee," and " Seces. sion," and another very vigorous poem, a satire in the Hudibrastic style, an account of the canvass of the Legislature for the office of United States Senator, entitled " King Caucus." Mr. Nelson was a man of large talent, enriched by varied cultivation. He held many important offices. and was on the defense in the impeachment trial of President Johnson in 1868. He was a native of Roane County, born in 1812, and died of cholera in 1872 being then a judge of the supreme court.
"Life of Capt. William B. Allen," was from the pen of Hon. A. O. P. Nicholson, a very able jurist. A contemporary says, "His writings are characterized by a style so lucid, and argumentation so logical as to entitle him to rank among the masters of model English." " A Ten- nesseean Abroad" is the work of Maj. Randall W. McGavock, in 1856. He was a gallant soldier and fell on the Confederate side. " The World's Wonder," a Masonic exposition, was the work of Johnson and Henderson. Capt. James Williams was author of " Old Line Whig Let- ters," which appeared in the Nashville Union, in 1846. Tennessee claims as one of her sons the distinguished author, Matthew Foutaine Maury. Commodore Maury's works and labors in the cause of science are so well known they need not be mentioned here.
The famous hunter and humorist, Col. David Crockett, is credited with the authorship of several works: "Exploits in Texas, " " Tour Down East," "Autobiography." "Sketches and Eccentricities" and "Song Book." It is strange that this self-made and eccentric celeb- rity, who never had but two months' instruction in reading and writing,
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should have produced by the native force of intellect so many readable books. Doubtless the notoriety he acquired by his singular manner, and his odd turns of expression aided in the success of his productions.
Hon. Joseph C. Guild was the author of "Old Times in Tennessee." The works of J. R. Graves are "The Desire of all Nations," "The Watch- man's Reply," "The Trilemma," "The First Baptist Church in Ameri- ca," "The Little Iron Wheel," "The Bible Doctrine of the Middle Life," "The Great Iron Wheel," "Exposition of Modern Spiritualism," "The New Hymn and Tune Book," "The Little Seraph," "Old Land- markism; What it is." Mr. Graves is a native of Chester, Vt., born April 10, 1820. His father died when the child was three weeks old. He was converted at the age of fifteen, and made principal of Keysville (Ohio) Academy when nineteen: came to Nashville in 1845, where he taught school, had charge of a church and became the editor of The Tennessee Baptist, and still continues in that position.
" Woodville" is a novel of East Tennessee life, published in Knox- ville. Many of the characters are supposed to have been taken from real life, and some of the scenes are laid at Montvale Springs. Mr. Todd, a theological student at Maryville many years ago, is said to be the author. Abram Caruthers wrote a text-book entitled "History of a Lawsuit." Dr. P. O. Fitzgerald is the author of "Life of Dr. T. O. Summers," "Glimpses of Truth" and "Centenary Cameos." He is a native of North Carolina.
Rev. W. P. Harrison, editor of the Southern Methodist Review, has published "Theophilus Walton," a reply to "Theodosia Ernest," 1858: "Lights and Shadows of Fifty Years," published under the nom de plume Henry Hartwell, in 1883. (This is a book of short sketches from real life.) "The Living Christ," 1884; " The High Churchman Dis- armed," in 1886. Mr. Harrison has been connected with the Methodist Publishing House since 1882, and in that time has edited over 100 books.
"Biographical Sketches " of Tennessee Baptists, by Rev. Joseph H. Borum was published in 1880. It is a very flattering account of Baptist ministers, both past and present, who have labored in Tennessee, and is written in the form of sketches. Dr. A. H. Redford wrote "History of Methodism in Kentucky," " Western Cavaliers." " Fred Brennam," " Rus- sell Morton," "A Preacher's Wife." The last three are religious novels.
Rev. Philip Lindsley, D. D., was born in New Jersey, in 1786; be- came a preacher in the Presbyterian Church and rose to such eminence that, in 1834, he was chosen unanimously moderator of the General As- sembly of the Presbyterian Church of the United States, then holding its sessions at Philadelphia. He occupied distinguished positions, many of
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them thrust upon him without solicitation. In 1825 he was inaugurated president of Dickenson College, Nashville, Tenn. The name of this in- stitution was changed the next year to the University of Nashville. He was among the very foremost men of his day in the work of higher ed- ucation. He was much esteemed by the public as a man of great genius, and his work in the educational department was nobly executed and pro- ductive of beneficial results. His publications were chiefly in the form of addresses on education. They were published in three large volumes, with a memoir, by Le Roy J. Halsey, D. D.
Samuel D. Baldwin is the author of "Armageddon, or the Overthrow of Romanism and Monarchy," and "Life of Mrs. Sarah Norton." Thomas O. Summers, D. D., editor of Nashville Christian Adrocate, is author of a number of works: "Baptism," "Golden Censer," "Holi- ness," "Refutation of Payne," "Seasons, Months and Days," "Sunday- school Teacher." "Sunday-school Speaker," "Talks Pleasant and Profit- able," "Scripture Catechism."
W. M. Baskerville, professor of English language and literature in Vanderbilt University, published first a piece of Anglo-Saxon prose for his doctor's degree at the University of Leipsic. This was followed by an "Anglo-Saxon Poem" in 1885. Mr. Baskerville then brought out a joint work with Prof. James A. Harrison, an "Anglo-Saxon Dictionary," also published in 1885. Mr. Baskerville was born in Fayette County, Tenn., April 1, 1850. After attending several prominent institutions of learning in the United States he went to the University of Leipsic, where he received the degree of Ph. D.
"Early Times in Middle Tennessee," by John Carr, was published in 1857. The preface is written by Dr. J. B. McFerrin. The book con- tains a series of sketches on the history of Middle Tennessee, which were first published in the Vashville Christian Advocate. Much of the book is given to early religious history, and it contains biographies of pioneer preachers and one of the author.
"Life and Times of Elder Reuben Ross," an interesting and well written book, by James Ross, with an introduction and notes by J. M. Pendleton, was published 1882. Elder Ross was born in North Carolina. in 1776. He came to Tennessee in 1807, after having been ordained to the ministry, and for fifty years was a noted preacher. The history of his life covers one of the most important periods in the religious history of the State.
J. H. Brunner, D. D., president of Hiwassee College, has published "Sunday Evening Talks" and "The Union of the Churches." The Rev. O. P. Fitzgerald, editor of the Nashville Christian Advocate, is the
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author of "California Sketches," two volumes; "Christian Growth" and "The Class Meeting." "The Sunday-school and its Methods" is a vol- ume published at Nashville, 1883, by Rev. James A. Lyons, a native of Knoxville, Tenn., a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. George W. Harris, author of "Sut Lovingood's Yarns." a humorous book. was born in Knoxville, Tenn. His book had a wide popularity, especially among young readers.
Legal writers are Hon. William F. Cooper, author of "Cooper's Chan- cery Reports," reported and edited by himself; Wesley J. Hicks, author of "Hicks' Manual;" William C. Kain, author of "Tennessee Justice and Legal Adviser," and Henry S. Foote, author of "Foote's Bench and Bar of the Southwest."
"A Review of Uncle Tom's Cabin, or an. Essay on Slavery." is the: work of A. Woodward, M. D .. published in Cincinnati in 1853. Dr. Woodward lived in Knoxville for many years where he practiced his profession, and has left a large family. His little book is very credit- able, and the views on Southern customs and the estimate of character are just and impartial. "Old Times in West Tennessee," published in Memphis, 1873, and copyrighted by Joseph S. Williams in the same year, is a book by "A Descendant of One of the First Settlers."
The most prominent of the female authors of Tennessee is Miss Mary N. Murfree, whose pseudonym is Charles Egbert Craddock. Miss Mur- free is a native of Murfreesboro, Tenn. Loss of property induced her father, who is a prominent lawyer, to live on the old Dickenson planta- tion. It was the isolated life there that led the young girl to reflection and introspection, and developed her keen observation of nature's mys- teries, which plumed her pen for its exquisite descriptions of scenery .. Miss Murfree touches the very core of nature and reveals all her hidden. lore, presenting it to the reader in gorgeous coloring. Many visits to the mountains of East Tennessee made her familiar with the customs and dialect of the mountaineers. This practical knowledge, added to the wealth of imagination she possesses, formed the conjunction necessary to perfect the genius. All the prominent journals of the country accord the very highest praise to Miss Murfree. She is said to be the "most powerful and original of the 'southern school' of romanticists." Says the Boston Traveller: "Here is the positive, brilliant. glowing genius that has cut its own channel and made its own place." Her productions are "In the Tennessee Mountains," "Down the Ravine." "The Prophet of the Great Smoky Mountains" and many other contributions to period -. icals: also "Where the Battle was Fought." The publication of her first work entitled her, justly, to the front rank among novelists, and her merit-
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is acknowledged by all lovers of the beautiful, who look on her produc- tions as a new voice of delight in the world of fiction.
Mrs. L. Virginia French was by birth a Virginian. At an early age she was sent by her father to her maternal grandmother in Washington, Penn., where she was educated. In 1848, having finished her education, she became a teacher in Memphis. Her maiden nom de plume was L' Inconnue. She published, in 1856, "Wind Whispers," a book of fugi- tive poems; "Legends of the South," in verse; "Iztalilxo, the Lady of Tala," a tragedy in five acts, the scene laid in Mexico; "My Roses," a novel of Southern life in 1872. In 1879, "Darlingtonia," a novel. ran as a serial in the Detroit Free Press. She occupied the position of ed- itor to many prominent literary journals of the South. She is best known as a poet. Her verse is full of tone and imagination, and her drama has been compared to "Ion" and "The Lady of Lyons." She led a life of excessive literary activity and usefulness. She died at Mc- Minnville, March 31, 1SS1. Since her death her sister, Mrs. Lide Meri- weather, also an authoress, has published a volume of poems entitled "One or Two," the joint work of these gifted sisters. Mrs. Meriweather ro- sided in Memphis for many years, and at that time published two books. "Soundings" and "Souls for Sale." "Soundings," a prose work, was written with the noble endeavor to elevate and restore to honest effort those who, by one false step, are tossed by custom into the bitter gulf of degradation, without one hope of repentance or of restoration to a more upright career, to which some might attain if the hand-grasp of pitying women was held out to them. Mrs. Meriweather is also a poet of ability. "October" is a handsome specimen of suggestive style.
Mrs. Annie Chambers Ketchum was born in Kentucky, and removed to Memphis after her marriage. While there, she became the editor of the Lotos, a literary magazine. In 1856 she brought out a novel, "Nelly Bracken" which was favorably received; " Rilla Motto," a romance writ- ten for the Lotos in 1860; "Lotos Flowers." a volume of miscellaneous poems. "Benny," a Christmas ballad which appeared in the Home Journal, attracted much attention. Besides literary ability and rare no- bility of nature, Mrs. Ketchum is gifted with beauty, fine conversational powers and a voice of great compass and sweetness. Her teacher. Prof. Wright Merrick, says: "In the classics, in the sciences, she is equally at home; in modern languages, music and drawing she excels as well. I have never known her peer." She has traveled in Europe recently. and is still actively engaged in literary work.
Mrs. Adelia C. Graves, nee Spencer. wife of Z. C. Graves, president at that time of Kingsville Academy, and founder of Mary Sharpe Col-
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lege, Winchester, Tenn., is an authoress. She was for some time pro- fessor of Latin and belles-lettres and afterward matron and professor of rhetoric in the Winchester College. She has written many fugitive poems and two prose tales, "Ruined Lives," published in the South- ern Repository, Memphis, and a drama, "Jephtha's Daughter." She had also a work on "Woman; her Education, Aims, Sphere, Influence and Destiny."
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