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 25
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John C. Cote, 'a prosperous planter of the Fourth Civil District of MeMinn County, was born at the place where he now resides December 14, 1842. He is the ninth of ten children of Elijah and Nellie (Davis) Cote. The father is of English descent, born January 23, 1801, in Jefferson County, Tenn., where he was married January 3, 1821. In October 1823, he moved to McMinn County, where he has since resided. With the exception of William Browder, who is more than ninety years of age, Elijah Cote is the oldest citizen of McMinn County. He has always been a successful farmer, stock raiser and trader. He has been justice of the peace eighteen years, a stanch Democrat, and an esteemed member of the Missionary Baptist Church, to which his wife also belonged. She was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., March 2, 1802, and died in McMinn County October 25, 1874. Six sons and four daughters were born to them, and are prominent citizens of McMinn, Bradley and James Counties. William T. was elected high sheriff of Hamilton County, and was assassinated the same year by Andy Taylor who attempted to take his brother a prisoner. The murder occurred on the train, near Philadelphia, Lou- don County. The paternal grandfather, Charles C., was born in North Carolina in 1776, and died in MeMinn County in July, 1824. His wife was born in Virginia in 1713, and died in McMinn County in 1859. John C. Cote received a fair education in his native county. Farming has always been his occupation. In March. 1862, he enlisted in Company F. Thirty-first Tennessee Regiment, Confederate Army. William M. Bradford was colonel of the regiment. Our subject was at the siege of Vicksburg, and was afterward detailed military postmaster, and served as such at Knoxville nearly one year. After the restor- ation of peace, he resumed his agricultural pursuits. In 1873 he purchased the home- stead, which contains over 650 acres. In 1882 he was elected justice of the peace. He is a consistent member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and a stanch Democrat. March 18, 1875, he married Julia E., daughter of the late Joseph and Ellen Browder. This union has resulted in the birth of Nellie L., born November 29, 1875; Fannie D .. born November 2, 1878; Naunie B., born June 7, 1881, and Mary J., born November 18, 1833.
Ezekiel Daniel, M. D., is a native of East Tennessee, born in Morgan County. October 29, 1826, the son of Paul and Mary (Hendricks) Daniel. The father was of Scotch,
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Welsh and English descent, and the mother of French, German and English, and both were nativos of North Carolina. They were married in Tennessee. The father was a farmer, and made life a fair success. He was & Democrat before the war, and was a great admirer of Andrew Jackson; he was with this General in the war of 1812. He was of the Baptist persuasion. The mother was a professor of religion, and of the Baptist faith. Our subject is the eldest of six children, five sons and one daughter. He secured a liberal education in his early life, and attended the University of Knoxville. His first employment was on his father's farm. Afterward he taught school several years in the States of Missouri and Tennessee. While teaching he read medicine two years, and after he quit teaching he gave two years entirely to the study of medicine in Polk County under Dr. J. W. Farmer. He then returned to Tennessee and pursued his study at home, one year, and in the fall of 1859 went to the University of Nashville and attended lectures; then came to MeMinn County and commenced the practice of his profession. Our subject has been a student all his life, and is a man of more than ordinary information. He has been married twice, first to Miss Martha J. Messemier, whose maiden name was Bogart. This lady died June 23, 1882. Second, on April 5, 1883, to Miss Margaret C., daughter of Capt. Allen Cochran (deceased). He has only one child, a daughter, Mary O. Daniel, born September 5, 1873, by his first wife. Our subject is a, stanch Republican, and gave over two years of his life to the service of the United States. During the Rebellion he was contracting surgeon for one year for different commands of the department of the Cumberland. He is not a member of any church, but is a firm believer in the Bible, and is in sympathy with the Methodists. He has one of the most select libraries, of about 350 volumes, in the State.
Mark Dennis was born near Athens, Tenn., August 27, 1843, and is the son of Allen and Mary (Tipton) Dennis. The father was of Dutch-Irish descent, born in Cocke County, Tenn., January 10, 1801, and died at our subject's residence January 7, 1877. When he began for himself he had nothing; when the war broke out he was worth about $15,000, but the war nearly broke him up. He went to Overton, Tenn., married, and spent the early part of his life there; then moved to the Eighth District of McMinn County, and made it his home until his death. The mother was born in Overton County, in 1804, and died in McMinu County, November 22, 1877. She was of Irish descent. They were members of the Baptist Church, and he was a Democrat. Our sub- ject is the eleventh of fourteen children. He secured as good an education as could be obtained, but has since improved, having been a great reader. He lived with his parents until December. 1862; then enlisted in Company H, Forty-third Tennessee Regiment Confederate States Army, was in active service for eight months, and was paroled at Vicksburg on account of disability. After the war he was sick for some time. He was at Vicksburg at the great battle. He remained on his father's farm for two years, then purchased the farm where he now lives, and moved thereon. He is a member of the Baptist Church, a Master Mason and a Democrat. September 23, 1872, he married Eliza- beth Harrison, who was born in Polk County, Tenn., January 30, 1846. She is a meni- ber of the Baptist Church, and is the daughter of Robert and Lyda Harrison. Our subject's union has resulted in the birth of six children, all of whom are now living: Har- ison T., Robert A., Hugh E., Lyna B., Lula M. and an infant daughter.
Is aac Denton, a well-known farmer of the Sixth District, was born in Monroe County, Tenn., October 25, 1840. He is one of fourteen children born to William and Amanda (Allen) Denton. Both were natives of East Tennessee. The father died about 1856; he was a farmer and a Whig. The mother still lives. Both were members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Our subject received a fair education. In August, 1861. he left school and entered the Confederate Army, enlisting in Company A, Third Bat- talion, Tennessee Cavalry, and served until a few weeks previous to the close of the war. He was captured at Vicksburg and paroled, but was cxchanged the following fall, when he re-entered the army. He served a while in detailed service. He was afterward with the Eastern Army, and was again captured, this time in Piedmont. For nine months he was held a prisoner of war at Camp Morton, Indianapolis, after which he was
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paroled. In 1867 he purchased, and lived for two years on, a farm near his present place of residence. He then moved to where he now resides. He has been very successful in his agricultural pursuits, and now owns about 350 acres of land and a handsome two- story brick residence, which he built about ten years ago. IIe is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and a Democrat. In the spring of 1869 he married Mrs. Mary E. Vin Zant, nee Browder. Seven sons and three daughters have been born to this union. of whom one son is dead. Mrs. Denton is a consistent member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church South.
William Dixon, a well-to-do farmer and miller of the Ninth District, McMinn County. Tepn., was born in Burke County, N. C., May 19, 1824, and is the son of William and Ellen (Tegue) Dixon. The father was born in North Carolina about 1800, and died in MeMinn County, Tenn., in 1873. He came to Tennessee about 1843, and engaged in farming; was successful; was a member of the Baptist Church, and a Republican. The mother was born in Burke County, N. C., about 1802, and died in McMinn County, Tenn., in 1974. She also was a member of the Baptist Church. Our subject left home when nineteen years of age, came to MeMinn County, and purchased land in the Seventeenth District, which he afterward sold, and purchased a farm and mill in the Ninth District in 1878. When he came to McMinn County he had just 25 cents and a suit of clothes, and is now worth $10,000; is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a Republican. In 1844 he married Nancy A. Cannon, who was born in Bledsoe County, Tenn., in 1828. and died in McMinn County, Tenn., May 18, 1884. She was the daughter of Samuel and Eliza- beth Cannon. By this union there were thirteen children, twelve of them now living: John, Samuel, Thomas, Frances, James. William J., Ellen, Nancy A., Sarah C., Polly A., Tennessee and Paralee. August 15, 1885, our subject married Roxy A. Siggler, who was born at Macon, Ga., in 1856. She is a member of the Baptist Church, and the daughter of George and Nancy Siggler. This union resulted in one child that died in infancy.
W. C. Dodson, an enterprising agriculturist of the Tenth District, was born in War- ren County, Tenn., November 30, 1831. He is the third of seven children born to Edward A. and Rachel C. (Forrest) Dodson. The father was of Welsh-English origin. born in Warren County, Tenn., February 22, 1821. He is now a successful farmer. In 1844 he moved to Warren County, but returned to his native county in 1852. He is a respected citizen, and a Republican. His wife was born in Warren County about 1829 or 1830. Both are faithful members of the Baptist Church. Our subject received a liberal educa- tion at Riceville, after which he engaged in the mercantile business at that place for six years. He then sold out and purchased a farm of 140 acres, upon which he has since resided. In 1876 he was elected justice of the peace, and re-elected in 1882. In January, 1587. he became chairman of the county court. He is a member of the Baptist Church, a Republican, and a worthy citizen, who has ever been interested in the advancement of edu- cation and all laudable enterprises. October 10, 1878, he married Malinda C., daughter of Washington and Harriet (Oliphant) Ballard. Mrs. Dodson was born in Monroe County, Tenn., December 20, 1859, and educated at Riceville. This union has resulted in the . birth of Bessie F. and Mamie, also Edward, who died when four years of age.
Maj. John C. Duff, a prominent citizen of Athens, and high sheriff of MeMinn County. was born in Monroe County, Tenn., April 9, 1827. He is the youngest of nine children born to John and Sarah (Haynes) Duff. The father was of Scotch-Irish descent, born in Virginia about 1784. He married in his native State in 1805 or 1806, and remained there about twenty years, In the spring of 1824 he immigrated to Monroe County, which was about the time of the opening up of the Hiwassee Purchase. He was a successful agricult- urist, and a respected citizen. His death occurred in 1829. His wife was born in Vir- ginia, January 1, 1785, and died in Polk County in 1867. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church. The subject of this sketch received a good education in bis native county. At the early age of fourteen he took charge of his mother's farm. From July 1, 1840, to February, 1842, he rode the mail between Maryville and Conasauga, a point on the Georgia line. His route was by way of Chilhowee, Tellico Plains, Columbus and Benton, a distance of ninety-five miles. The next ten years were devoted to farming.
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In 1852 he went by way of Charleston, S. C., Cuba and Navy Bay, to California, where for five years he was engaged in mining. In 1857 he returned to Tennessee, locating in Bradley County. In July. 1868, he enlisted in the Tenth Tennessee Cavalry, At the reor- ganization of the regiment, in October, 1863, he became first lieutenant. In July, 1864, he was promoted to the rank of captain, and served so gallantly that he was made major. He participated in the battles of Franklin, Nashville, and in numerous minor engagements. In 1865 he moved to Polk County, where he was sheriff two years. In 1878 he went to Roane County, where he remained three years. and, in 1881, located in MeMinu County, where he has since resided. He was deputy United States marshal from August, 1870, to December, 1885. He was appointed, three terms, by Marshal S. P. Evans, one term by T. H. Reeves, and a portion of another by J. J. Ivins. In August, 1886, he was elected to his present position, defeating his opponent W. G. Wilson by a majority of 203. October 18, 1847, he married Miss Henrietta Mercer, who was born in Washington County in May, 1827. Six sons and three daughters (one daughter deceased) have been born to this union. Major and Mrs. Duff are esteemed and consistent members of the Presbyterian Church.
George W. Foster was born in Polk County, Tenn., January 26, 1847, the son of Will- iam S. and Mary (Handley ) Foster, both of whom were of English descent, and natives of Vir- ginia. The father was born about 1822, and died at Benton in Polk County, in 1852. The mother was born in 1824, and died at Benton, Polk County, July 23, 1884. They were married in East Tennessee, and spent their married life in Polk and MeMinu Counties. The father was a farmer, and made life a fair success. He was a Democrat, and a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. The mother was a member of the same church. Our subject is one of a large family of children. He secured a good education in his youth in MeMinn County. His first employment was on his father's farm. He afterward commenced trading horses, which has been his chief occupation since. He has made himself quite famous as a horse dealer. He has made it a busi- ness of conveying mules and horses to the Southern States, Georgia, Alabama, etc. In early life he came with his parents to McMinn County, and he has been a citizen of this county ever since. He came to Athens about five years ago, and established a livery stable. Three years ago he took charge of the Briggs House, near the depot. and since that time he has been running the hotel in connection with two livery stables, He bought out the stock of the Robinson stable. He married Miss Julia Hoge, a most excel. lent lady, and a native of Ohio. She came to MeMinn County with her parents, Solomon G. and Julia A. (Janney) Hoge. They have no children, but have raised an orphan child, a neice of Mrs. Foster being the daughter of O. H. Hoge, deceased. named Flor- ence Hoge, born June 19, 1872. Our subject is a Republican, and served one year in the United States Army during the late war. He is not a member of any church, but believes in the Bible. His wife is a professor of religion, but has not yet connected herself with any church.
T. F. Gibson, a prosperous merchant of Athens, was born in Kentucky, April 20. 1834, a son of Rev. Elias and Susan (West) Gibson. The parents were of Scotch and French descent. The father was born in the State of Virginia in 1800, and married in Kentucky in 1819, where he resided until 1843, at which time he located in McMinn County, Tenn., where he died in 1879. He was a well-known and popular minister of the Methodist Church, and was for a number of years a local preacher of the Kentucky Conference. He was a man of considerable means, and very liberal. He was instrumental in the build- ing of several churches in Polk County, Tenn., and in Maury County, Ga. His wife was born in Kentucky, in 1803. and departed this life, in MeMinn County, in 1861. Her death was hastened by ber anxiety concerning her sous, who were in the army. The subject of our sketch received a good education at Benton. Polk County, for which he became indebted. In 1852 he entered the store of Rev. George Horn, as salesman, and became part owner of the concern in the fall of 1854. With the exception of the four years of the war, hehas continued in the same business, in connection with which he has also carried on farming. He now owns about 300 acres of good land in McMinn County,
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and fifty unimproved lots in Athens, also a new large brick building on the public square. He is a worthy citizen, a strong Democrat and Prohibitionist. In August, 1856, he married Miss E. F. Mayfield, who was born in November, 1836, and died in May. 1861. A daughter, now deceased, was born to this union. Our subject's second mar- riage was with Miss Maggie C., daughter of Gen. J. C. Vaughn, who was born in Octo- ber, 1857, and died in February, 1872. Mr. Gibson was united in marriage with Miss A. A. Austin, a native of New York, born in November, 1858, with whom be now lives most happily. By this marriage he has one son, George A. Gibson, in the cighth year of his age. His second wife was the mother of a daughter, who is now living. She has lately graduated from Grant Memorial University.
Peter J. Grubb was born near his present location November 28, 1843, and is the son of William and Mahala (Anderson) Grubb. The father was of German descent, born in Claiborne County, Tenn., March 23, 1807, and died January 11, 1846, in the Eleventh District of McMinn County, Tenu. He came from Claiborne County to McMinn County in 1833. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and was a Whig. May 20, 1836, he married Mahala Anderson, of Dutch-Irish descent, who was born in Grayson County, Va., May 17, 1811, and is now living with her son, our subject. She was raised in Hawkins County, and came to MeMinn County with her mother, her father being dead. She is a member of the Baptist Church. Our subject is the fourth of five sons. He lived with his mother until the war, then enlisted in Company D, Fifth 'Tennessee Mounted Infantry (Union service) in August, 1864, served until the close of the war, and was in numerous skirmishes with guerrillas. He received a wound in the ankle. After the war he turned his attention exclusively to farming. In 1866 he bought the old homestead of the heirs, lived there until 1870, and then sold his farm and bought the farm he now lives on, consisting of 195 acres. He now owns about 600 acres of land. In 1872 he was elected justice of the peace, and in 1876 was re-elected, and has been elected to numerous small offices. Before the war he went to the home schools, and after the war to Riceville Seminary. He is a member of the Baptist Church, is a Master Mason, and a Republican. He has represented his lodge of Masonry, No. 817, to the Grand Lodge three times. May 2, 1867, he married Mary L. Pierce, who was born in McMinn County, Tenn., January 28, 1816. and died May 16, 1881. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and was the daughter of Hamilton and Caroline (Dodson) Pierce, of German-Irish descent. This union resulted in four children, all living: William H., Eliza E., Sarah J. and Martha E. February 12, 1885. our subject married Malissa M. Bryan, who was born in MeMinn County, Tenn., June 25, 1847. She is the daughter of P. L .. and Anna N. Bryan. She secured a liberal education at Athens and at Chatata, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. By this union there has been one daughter, Mahala A.
Hon. William L. Harbison was born in Polk County, Tenn., August 28, 1840, a son of G. W. Harbison, who is a resident of Polk County, and nearly eighty years of age. The grandfather, William Harbison was a native of South Carolina. He was killed in Cocke County, Tenn., when sixty-five years of age, by the falling of a tree. The Harbison's are of Irish extraction, and, without exception, Democrats. The subject of our sketch received such education as the Academy of Benton and the free schools afforded. In 1861 he enlisted in the Third Tennessee Regiment, Confederate service, and remained in the army of Virginia until February, 1862, when his regiment was ordered to return to Tennessee. In the fall of same year he was sent to Vicksburg, where he remained until the place was surrendered by Gen. Pemberton July 4, 1863. After being exchanged he served during the remainder of the war in western Virginia and East Tennessee. Surrendered May 9, 1865, at Washington, Ga. He participated in the battle of Mannassas July 21, 1861, and was in sight when Gen. Bee, of South Carolina, and Barton, of Georgia, were killed. After peace was declared he returned home, but owing to the unsettled condition of the country he went south. He had devoted every spare moment to the reading of law, for several years, and November 22, 1865, was admitted to the practice of law at La Grange, Ga. In November, 1869, he returned to East Tennessee, but as some one
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attempted to assassinate him, for safety he resided at Decatur and other points in Ten- nessee for four years. August 26, 1875, he again returned to Athens, where he has since resided, and had an extensive and lucrative practice. In August, 1863, he married Miss S. M., daughter of Col. J. W. Blevins, a prominent Government official, who took active part in removing the Cherokee Indians. To Mr. and Mrs. Harbison three children have been born, all living.
James M. Henderson, a prominent citizen of Athens, and president of the First National Bank at that place, was born in Monroe County, Tenn., January 8, 1825. He is a son of Andrew L. and Margaret (McSpadden) Henderson. Ilis father was of Scotch descent, born in Jefferson County, Tenn., March 17, 1795, and died in Athens July 8. 1879. In 1821 he entered land in the Hiwassee Purchase, Monroe County, where he resided a number of years. He was a successful agriculturist; and a Whig. His wife was of Irish origin, also born in Jefferson County in 1795, and died in Monroe County in 1851. They were married in their native county in 1817, and became the parents of six children. Both were esteemed members of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject's great-grandfather, John Henderson, came from Scotland, and settled in Virginia. His son, also named John (grandfather of our subject), located and died in Jefferson County, Tenn. James M. Henderson is the fourth child. He received a liberal education iu his native county, and began life as a printer. In the fall of 1845 he entered a printing office in Knoxville, where for three years he was a type-setter. In September, 1847, he enlisted in the United States Army, in the Fourth Tennessee Regiment Volunteer Infantry, to serve in the war with Mexico five years, or during the continuance of the war. He was orderly sergeant of Company D, commanded by Capt. J. T. Council. At the expira- tion of a year the war closed, and our subject was honorably discharged, after which he returned to the printing-office at Knoxville, and worked a year. In November, 1849, he went to Nashville and entered the Bonner office, where he was employed about four years. During the last year he collected for the office in West Tennessee. In May, 1853, he engaged with the Tennessee Baptist, which was published by the Rev. James K. Graves. In 1855 he came to Athens and established a commission store, in which he continued until the outbreak of the war, where he lost a considerable amount of property. In May, 1864, he was appointed by Chancellor D. C. Trewhitt, of Chattanooga, as clerk and master of the chancery court of MeMinn County, and re-appointed in 1870 by Chancellor D. M. Key. During his term of office he read law, and was licensed to practice in 1876; but owing to partial paralysis, he never engaged actively in the practice of the law. He has been a member of the county court of MeMinn County twelve years, and four times chairman of said court. He represented McMinn County in the constitutional convention which met in Nashville January 8, 1865. The following February 22, he was elected to represent McMinn County in the Lower House of the State Legislature, which convened at Nashville the first Monday of April, 1865. At the close of the first session, after serving with distinction, he resigned, and gave his undivided attention to his duties of clerk and master of chancery for said county. In 1877 he purchased a farm near Athens, and has since been interested in farming pursuits. In the year 1876 he was elected president of the Franklin Association Bank, at Athens, and when it became the Bank of Athens he was kept in the presidency, and was also honored with the office when it was again changed to the First National Bank of Athens, in 1884. The capital stock is $50,000. Mr. Henderson is an extensive stockholder. September 26, 1853, he wedded Miss Lou J., daughter of William and Elizabeth (Howell) Cooke, who was born in Davidson County, near Nashville, December 15, 1832. To this union six sons and five daughters were born, of whom two sons aud oue daughter are deceased. Our subject is a stanch Republican, and a consistent member of the Baptist Church, to which his wife and two daughters also belong.
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