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.3 > Part 18
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F. P. Kanester, merchant of Cleveland, was born in Polk County, May 15, 1852. He is the son of Reuben Kanester, a native of Virginia, who came to Sevier County. Tenn., at the age of six years, where he grew up and married Paulina Henderson, a native of that county. Soon after that they moved to Polk County in 1828. The father was a farmer by occupation. He was a magistrate about seventeen years, besides filling minor offices. In 1886 he died, being seventy-nine years old. The mother still lives at the age of seventy-eight years. In their family were eight children, seven living-two sons and five daughters. Mr. Kanester is of German descent on his father's side and Scoteb
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on his mother's. He is the youngest son, was raised on a farm, and received a good. English education, making his own way. After teaching a time, and saving his money, he went into the mercantile business at Benton, Polk County, with a capital of about $700. Having been burned out he came to Cleveland in 1884, and has done a good business since. In 1876 he married Miss S. E. Milburn, daughter of Rev. Jacob L. Milburn. By her he had three children: Ney, Sudie and Leafa. His wife is a Cumberland Presbyterian. For two years he was county superintendent of Polk County. He is a Knight of Honor, and has held the highest office in the subordinate lodge. In politics he is a Democrat. He has done a good real estate business in which he has been very successful.
Samuel Kibler, a resident of Chatata, was born in Washington County, Tenn., November 28, 1843, and is the son of Montgomery and Barbara (Garber) Kibler. M. Kibler, the father, was of German descent, was born in Washington County, Tenn., in 1815, and is still living in Bradley County, Tenn. He moved to McMinn County, in 185€ and to Bradley in 1860. He has been a farmer all his life, but for the last fifteen years has been in the mercantile business at Chatata. He has been postmaster at Chatata since 1867, and is a member of the Christian Church. He is a Master Mason; was formerly a Whig. Barbara, the mother, was of German descent, born near Abingdon, Va., in 1816, and died in Bradley County May 2, 1886. She was a member of the Christian Church. Our subject was the third of six children. He worked on his father's farm until the war, then enlisted in the Union service. in the cavalry, for three years, and was in very active service in Gen. Spaulding's command. After the close of the war he went to school for three years, part of the time to Calhoun Academy, and Madisonville Academy for the rest of the three years. After his return in 1869 he began in the mercantile business with his father, but for the last three years has been connected with his brother Jacob. They now carry a stock of goods worth $3,000. He is a Republican, is a member of the Christian Church. is a Council Mason and has served the Blue Lodge for six years as Master, and has held other important positions. February 13, 1878, he married Miss Alice Julian, who was born in Bradley County, Tenn .. Decem- ber 1, 1852. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is the daughter of R. P. and Rosana (Bond) Julian. This union has resulted in the birth of two children: Raymond and Maude.
James M. Knox, a well known, retired merchant, of Bradley County, and a resident of Charleston, was born July 11, 1822, in Gwinnett County, Ga. His parents, of Scotch- Irish descent, were David L. and Elizabeth (Montgomery) Knox, both natives of Jack - son County, Ga. The father was born about 1801, and came to McMinn County in 1830, and two years later moved into the Cherokee Nation, where he lived until 1838. He finally settled in Bradley County, where he died in 1851. He was a prosperous farmer, & Whig, and third cousin to President James K. Polk. His wife was born in 1800, and mar- ried in Jackson County, Ga., about 1820. Of her fourteen children, all lived to maturity, eight still survive. Mrs. Knox died in 1869. Her father, Hugh Montgomery, was at one time Indian agent of the Ocoee Purchase. Our subject was the second child. He received his education in the common schools of Polk County. In 1846, in partnership with Erby Boyd, he established a general merchandise store at Benton. In 1849 he moved on the Camp farm, on Hiwassee River, and for two years was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In the spring of 1852 he came to Charleston, and in partnership with H. B. Henegar, sold merchandise two years, and then embarked in the mercantile business with T. J. Knox. which they continued until 1859, and then discontinued until after the close of the war. when he again formed a partnership, in the same business, with T. J. Knox and R. L. Graves, which continued until 1871. In 1871 he built an elegant residence in Charleston, and retired from business. At the organization of the Charleston Bank he became pres- ident, which position he filled eleven years. He is one of the most respected citizens, a man of fine business qualifications, and a stanch Democrat. In February, 1848, he married Miss Nancy A. Camp, who was born in Bradley County. in 1882. Both are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
William Knox was born in Gwinnett County, Ga., September 10, 1828, the son
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of David L. and Elizabeth (Montgomery) Knox. Our subject is the seventh of fourteen children. He secured a good education in Bradley County, began life as a farmer, and for twelve years followed this occupation. In 1820, in partnership with R. L. Graves, he established a' store of general merchandise. at Calhoun, McMinn County, and continued nine years. The style of the firm was Graves, Knox & Co. In 1819 he closed out his business in Calhoun, and opened another store just across the Hiwassee River, in Charleston, in which place he had resided all the while, and since that date to the present be has been engaged in the mercantile business. The Knox family has been one of the most influential and prominent in Bradley County. The father of our subject was among the first settlers. The grandfather of our subject, on his moth- er's side, Hugh Montgomery, was at one time Indian agent of the Ococe Purchase. In February, 1861, our subject was united in marriage to Miss Tennessee Smith, a native of McMinn County, born November 14, 1840. This union resulted in the birth of ten chil- dren-eight sons and two daughters; two sons being dead. Our subject is a decided Demo- crat, and a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His wife and five children are members of the same church.
J. P. Lea, farmer and trader, of Cleveland, is the son of Caswell and Elizabeth B. (Johnston) Lea. The father was born in North Carolina, and the mother in Virginia. When young he came to Tennessee and afterward went to Virginia and married. Having returned and settled in Jefferson County, they lived there many years, then moved to Polk County, and in 1850 came to Bradley County. Previous to going to Polk County, he merchandised, but on coming to that county bought a noted place called the Savannah farm, and on moving to Bradley purchased the farm where J. P. now lives. Both were Presbyterians, he being an elder for many years. In 1874 the father died, and the mother followed him about two years later. In their family were eight children, four living-three sons and one daughter. The sixth child, our subject, was born August 19, 1846, and was raised on a farm. In early life he had good opportunities for education," but the war came on and thwarted his plans. After the war he would work hard all day and go to school at night, thus securing a good English education. He remained at home till twenty-two years old and cared for his parents. In 1868 he married Mollie Earnest, a native of Greene County, by whom eight children-three sons and five daughters-were born. Both he and wife are Presbyterians, he having been an officer in that church over twenty-six years. He has never sworn an oath nor drank a drop of intoxicating liquors. Soon after his marriage he moved back to Polk County, and farmed. In 1870 he returned, and has since made this county his home, with the exception of two years. He opened a sale stable in Cleveland, which he ran about three years. He has dealt for many years in stock. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a Mason. For fifteen years he has been connected with the business interests of Cleveland. Few men have worked harder and few succeeded better.
W. C. Mansfield, proprietor of the Cleveland Flouring Mills, was born at Lumpkin, Ga., April 8, 1852. He is the eldest of a family of four sons and three daughters of W. L. and Louisa (Clifton) Mansfield, both natives of Georgia. The father was a Baptist minister; he died in 1873, and the mother in 1886. Our subject received a good common- school education. After operating a mill about five years, in his native place, he came. in 1876, to Cleveland, and purchased the mill which he now runs. He has put in a full roller equipment, and has a daily capacity of 200 barrels of flour. He is one of the most enterprising. energetic and worthy citizens of Cleveland. in 1873 he marriedl Miss Zoe Rogers, of Marietta, Ga., by whom he has one son and three daughters.
P. B. Mayfield, a prominent attorney of Cleveland, was born March 27. 1832. in MeMinn fraction, of Polk County. He is a son of P. B. and Nancy (McJunkin) May- field. Both parents were born, raised and married in South Carolina. They moved to Hiwassee purchase about the time it was opened. Their family consisted of nine sons and one daughter, of whom five are living, all farmers but our subject. The father died in 1832, and the mother in 1858. Our subject received his early education in the com- mon schools, and finished at Hiwassee College, teaching and attending school alternately.
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In 1855 be began the study of law under Judge G. W. Rowels, and two years later was admitted to the bar. He practiced at Benton, Polk County, until 1867, and then came to Cleveland. Hle entered into a partnership with John B. Hoyl, which was continued until 1870, when Mr. Hoyl was made judge. Our subject has been on the supreme bench, and filled minor positions by appointment. In 1858 he represented Polk, MeMine, and Meigs Counties in the General Assembly. He is now, and for several years has been, president of the school board of Cleveland. He is a director of the Cleveland National Bank, and Bank of Charleston, and attorney for the East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Railroad. He is considered the most able lawyer in Cleveland. In connection with his profession he is interested in agricultural pursuits, and is a Master Mason. In 1861 he married Miss E. C. McConnell, of Polk County. Five sons and two daughters have been born to their union. James E., the oldest son, is a graduate of the Lebanon Law School, and his father's partner.
Columbus A. Mce, a prominent citizen and planter of Bradley County, was born February 24, 1827, in Rhea County, East Tenn,, a son of John and Sallie J. (McElwee) Mee. The parents were of English and Scotch descent. The father was born October 16, 1798, and was married February 12, 1824, in Roane County. After spending several years in Rhea and Roane Counties they located in Bradley County in 1836, and there passed the remainder of their lives. They were among the early white settlers, the inbab- itants being Cherokee Indians. Mr. Mee was an enterprising man. His chief occupation was farming. He was a Whig. He died, where our subject now resides, December 23. 1876. The mother was born in Knox County August 19. 1803, and died December 17, 1876. Both were members of the Christian Church. The maternal grandfather was a gallant soldier of the Revolutionary war, and took part in the capture of King's Moun- tain, N. C. Joseph Mee (our subject's grandfather) was born in Virginia, and died in Bradley County; he was a son of Joseph Mee, who came from England with his father, and died in Hawkins County. Our subject is the second of six children. He received a thorough education, and attended the university at Knoxville. He worked with his father until he was twenty-four years of age. About 1854 he entered the profession of civil engineering on the East Tennessee & Georgia Railroad, and for twenty-five years gave his attention to this business. He was in the meantime chief engineer and super- intendent of several roads to wit: the E. T. & V .; K. & K .; E. T. & W. N. C., and also superintendent of the M. & L. In 1869 he retired from the business, and began farming, to which he has since devoted himself, and is one of the most successful agriculturists in the county. He has a handsome and commodious brick residence on the farm, and owns 1,400 acres of good land in Bradley County. December 18, 1876, he married Miss Francis R. an accomplished daughter of Col. Joseph Tucker, of Cleveland. Mrs. Mee was born in Bradley County August 29, 1842. Both are consistent and respected mem- bers of the Christian Church. Mr. Mee is a stanch Democrat, and a worthy, enterpris- ing citizen.
W. H. McKamy. clerk and master of the chancery court of Bradley County, was born in Blount County, Tenn., October 21, 1827. He is the only son of a family of four children born to James and Ann (Hanna) McKamy, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. In 1836 and 1837 the father surveyed in the Ocoee District, and the following year moved to Polk County, settling where Benton now stands. In 1851 his wife died, and nine years later he moved to Bradley County, where he died in 1862. The grand- parents on both sides were Virginians. The subject of this sketch was educated in the old field schools, and worked on the farm. At the age of nineteen he began merchandising at Benton with a stock of goods given him by his father. In 1856 he moved his goods to Charleston, Bradley County, where he did a flourishing business until the war. In 1861 he went out to service as captain of Company I, Forty-third Tennessee Infantry. Confederate Army. During the siege of Vicksburg three ineffectual attempts were made to dislodge a force which was undermining a fort. The fourth night our subject, with six companies, after a desperate struggle, drove the enemy away. Many men were lost. and our gallant subject had his left arm shattered, receiving a wound from a ball in the
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left shoulder. For his bravery he was promoted to rank of Major, and served as such until the surrender. At the close of the war he was a financial wreck, but paid his debts 100 cents on the dollar. Two years he spent in Georgia in the saw mill business; he then returned to Charleston, where, until 1870, he was a successful merchant. In 1870 he was appointed to the position which he now holds. He is a stanch Democrat and Master Mason. In 1854 he married Miss Julia E. Knox, of Bradley County, with whom he had twelve children; five sons and two daughters are living. Mrs. McKamy is a consistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
John McPherson, Esq., a prominent citizen and farmer of Bradley County, was born July 1, 1809, in Roane County. Tenn. He is the fifth of eight children born to Henry and Mary (Eaton) McPherson, who were of Scotch-Irish origin. The father was born in Virginia about 1771. Ile was married in Grainger County, Tenn., about 1789, and several years later moved to Roane County, where he died in March, 1816. He was a successful agriculturist, and justice of the peace several years. His wife died at the home of our subject, in Bradley County June, 1864. In 1875 all of her children were living; two have passed away since that date. The eldest, a daughter, is now ninety-one years of age. Our subject received a good education in Roane County, which has been supplemented by general reading. Farming has always been his chief occupation, and several times made live stock trading a specialty. From 1839 to 1843 he was interested in the milling business. Ile came to Bradley County in 1834, settling in the county before the Cherokee Indians left. He has always been one of the most active and enterprising citizens, and owns about 575 acres of good land. He was justice of the peace. In 1858 he was elected county tax collector, and served several terms. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and of high social standing. In politics is a Greenbacker. In 1830 he wedded Miss Ethalinda Mahan, who was born in Roane County, October 5, 1813, and died in Bradley County April 21, 1857. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and mother of four sons and four daughters. Two children are deceased.
H. J. Parks, sheriff of Bradley County, was born February 12, 1842, in East Tennessee. He is the eldest of a family of four sons and three daughters of Andrew J. and Minerva (Price) Parks. The father was born in East Tennessee, and was one of the first mag- istrates in that section. In 1838 he took an active part in removing the Indians westward. He was a farmer by occupation. His death occurred several years ago. The mother still lives; she is a daughter of Rev. Henry Price, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the first circuit court clerk of Bradley County. The subject of our sketch received a common-school education. At the age of seventeen he volunteered in Company E, Fourth Tennessee Cavalry. Federal Army. During three years of gallant service he was neither imprisoned nor wounded. After the war he engaged in the wagon-making business, at which he worked fourteen years. Two years he was a magistrate, in 1881 was elected sheriff, and has held the office since that time. He is a warm Republican, and a member of the Masonic Order and of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, to which his first wife also belonged. In 1872 he married Miss Mary E. Finnell, by whom he had two children: George W. and Maggie I. In 1884 our subject married Miss Emma Brown. who is connected with the Methodist Church.
A. A. Ragsdale, register of Bradley County, was born August 27, 1848, in East Ten- nessee, a son of Gabriel and Miriam (Alexander) Ragsdale. Both parents were natives of East Tennessee. The father received a classical education, and taught school a number of years. He learned the silversmith's trade, at which he worked some time. His first wife died in 1853. She was the mother of one sou and one daughter. Later Mr. Rags. dale married Elizabeth S. Russell, by whom he had three sons and two daughters. His death occurred in 1873. The son of his first marriage, our subject, was raised on a farm, receiv. ing but limited educational advantages. After reaching manhood he learned photography. He was a merchant at Chatata ten years, and kept the first drug store in that place. He is to some extent interested in agriculture. In 1886 he waselected to his present position. the duties of which he has faithfully discharged. He is a Republican and a Mason. In 1871 he married Lucy Bryan, who bore him one daughter, now deceased. In 1873 his
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wife died, and the following year he wedded Mrs. Sallie G. Parks, nee Taylor. By this union are four sons. Mr. and Mrs. Ragsdale are active and consistent members of the Methodist Church.
Samuel Reese, general trader of Cleveland, is the son of John and Ellen (Smith) Reese. His father was a native of Wales. When young the father came to America and located at Wheeling, W. Va. He was a mau of limited means but of industrious habits, being a furnace-man by trade. While at Wheeling he married Miss Smith, a native of England. By her he had four children. Our subject was born in Wheeling in 1843. While growing up he had poor educational advantages. During the day he worked with his father in the iron business, and at night and leisure moments he studied telegraphy, becoming master of that science. At the age of seventeen years, both parents having died. he found himself thrown upon his own resources. His first money was made by sewing bags for a nominal sum per week. Soon, however, bis telegraphic knowledge was in demand, and for twenty-two years he was an operator and station agent for the East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Railway. Finding his physical powers waning he resigned his position as agent. In 1866 he married Miss Sallie Huff, a native of East Tennessee, by whom one daughter, Ella May, was born. For some time Mr. Reese has been dealing in real estate. As a business man he has been prompt, honorable, and as a result successful.
John Richey was born in Blount County, November 9, 1830, the son of Eli and Nancy (Duncan) Richey. They were of Scotch and Irish descent. The father was born in Mecklenburg County, N. C., about 1795, and died in Bradley County, Tenn., in 1857. The mother was born in Washington County, Tenn., about 1801, and died in Bradley County, in February, 1863. The parents were married in Washington County about 1816. Soon after their marriage they moved to Blount County, and lived there till 1849, at which tine they came to Bradley County, and settled where our subject now lives, where they spent the remainder of their days. The father was an influential citizen, and quite a successful planter. In 1855-56 he represented Bradley County in the State Legislature. He was a stanch Democrat, and of the Presbyterian persuasion, but not a member of the church. The mother was a worthy and strict member of the Seceders Church. Our subject is the sixth of eight children. He secured, by his own efforts, a good education in his youth, in Blount County. He began life as a farmer in Bradley County. Afterward, in 1865, he went into the mercantile business at Ducktown, Polk County, and Charleston, Bradley County-four years at Ducktown, and eight years at Charleston. In 1857 he purchased and settled on the old homestead, and since that date to the present he has given his attention exclusively to the farming interests. He now owns upward of 500 acres of fine land in Bradley County. One farm of 238 acres is in the Eleventh District. On October 1, 1850, he married Miss Frances Bowman, born in Monroe County in February, 1829. They have had two children-one son and one daughter. The daughter, Nancy A., died in infancy. Our subject is a stanch Democrat. and is not a member of any church. His wife and son. William, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Our sub- ject, in the fall of 1862, entered the Confederate States Service, and served with credit over a year, and in February, 1864, he received a discharge and returned home.
Martin L. Riggs was born in Meigs County, near Georgetown, Tenn., December 23. 1853, and is the son of Sam A. and Louisa (Roberts) Riggs. Sam A. Riggs, the father. was of Dutch descent, was born in Meigs County, Teun., October 18, 1827, and died in Meigs County, October 30, 1861. He was a farmer, and a Master Mason. Louisa (Roberts) Riggs, the mother, was born in Meigs County, Tenn., about the date of her husband's birth, and died in Meigs County. Tenn., in 1855. The father after this married Mrs. Harriet Ball, the widow of William Ball, deceased, who was born in Tennessee September 18, 1827. Our subject was the youngest of four children. He was about eight years of age when his father died; he then lived with his step-mother. On September 15. 1878, he married Miss Emma C. Davis, who was born in Cleveland, Tenn., February 26, 1855, and died at her home in the Tenth Civil District, Bradley Co., Tenn, January 16. 1886. She had an excellent education, secured at the Cleveland College. She was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was the daughter of H. B. and Nancy Davis.
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This marriage resulted in the birth of two children, one now living, Anna M., and one who died, an infant. Our subject came to Bradley County, Tenn., shortly after marriage. Before this he went to school at Georgetown and Chatata, and after this he taught school in Meigs County for three years, then moved to a farm on Hiwassee River, at . Graves Ferry, remaining three years, and then moved to his present location. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, is a Master Mason and a Democrat. He is an active and enterprising man, and at all times supports the cause of education and all public enterprises.
A. D. Scruggs, A. B., M. D., was born in Monroe County, Tenn., May 29, 1842. He is the son of John Seruggs, a native of Greene County, Tenn., who was educated in Tuscu- lum College, of which he was afterward a professor for some time, and later took to the ministry of the Missionary Baptist Church. His mother was formerly Miss Theresa Car- ter, who was born in Cocke County, Tenn. In their family were thirteen children-eight sons and five daughters, of whom seven are now living-three sons and four daughters. Our subject is a graduate of Mossy Creek College. In 1861 he entered the Confederate service as hospital steward of the Fifty-ninth Tennessee Infantry Regiment, and during and after the siege of Vicksburg was acting assistant surgeon of his regiment. He read medicine with his brother, and in 1885, entered Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, from which institu- tion he graduated in 1867. He began practicing in McMinn County, continuing there with success until 187, when he came to Cleveland, where he has since been practicing, having built up an excellent trade. He now confines himself to a select or special practice, and his twenty-six years of active work in his profession eminently fit him for the care of the sick. In 1867 he married Miss Maggie Heiskell, of Monroe County, by whom he has five children -- two sons and two daughters living. In 1874 he entered the drug business, and bas thus continued since, the firm now being Scruggs, Cooper & Bostick. He is a Demo- crat, and his wife is a Cumberland Presbyterian.
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