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 26
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Dr. Wallace N. Hoge, clerk of the circuit court of McMinn County, was born at Bellefontaine, Logan Co., Ohio, March 17, 1841. He is the fifth of eleven children (all of whom lived to be twenty-five years of age) born to Solomon G. and Julia A. (Janney) Hoge. The father is of Scotch-Weish descent, born in Loudon County, Va.,
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March 29, 1812, and is now a resident of McMinn County. The mother was also a native of Loudon County, Va., born about 1817. They eloped, and were married on the Potomac River, between Maryland and Virginia. They resided in the latter State some time and then went to Ohio, where they remained until 1868. They then immigrated to Tennessee, settling first in Bradley County, afterward in MeMinn County, where Mrs. Hoge died in 1884. Our subject received an excellent education in his native Stato, and worked on his father's farm. At the age of twenty he entered the United States Army, enlisting in Company H, Twenty-sixth Ohio Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, June 17, 1861, and went out of service in 1864, at which time he was first lieutenant of Company K. He took part in the battles of Perryville, Shiloh, Chickamauga, Murfreesboro and Missionary Ridge. After the war he returned to Ohio. In the winter of 1865-66, he attended a six month's course of medical lectures at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. The fol- lowing spring he located at Calhoun, Bradley Co., Tenn., and began the practice of medicine, which he was forced to abandon, ten years later, on account of wounds received during the war at Murfreesboro, Chickamauga and Kenesaw Mountain. In 1878 he came to Athens, and in August of the same year was elected to the office which he now holds. He was elected by the Republican party, by a majority of 156, over his opponent, Cantrell. In 1862 he was re-elected, receiving 602 more votes than Col. James M. Charles. In 1886 he was again re-elected, defeating W. R. Carver by sixty-nine votes. In 1966 our subject married Miss Ellen I., daughter of William W. Cowen, who was one of the first and most prominent settlers of Bradley County. Mrs. Hoge was born in Brad- ley County, and is the mother of four sons and two daughters. Our subject, his wife and two sons are esteemed members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
James Howard Hood. While the Indians were yet the only inhabitants of the terri- tory of Ocoee, a family left North Carolina and located in the valley, at the base of the Chilbowee Mountains, about four miles south of the Savannah (now Polk County). The head of this family, Robert Hood, was of Irish descent, and the first white settler south of the Hiwassee River. His fifth son, Alexander Isaiah Hood, a cripple from birth, on account of his physical condition, received the best educational advantages that those early pioneer days afforded. Before his majority he became a successful Indian trader, and located at Benton about 1840. At this place, in 1851, he wedded Martha Ann, daughter of William H. Higgins, one of the early settlers and wealthy farmers of Polk County. To this union was born, November 25, 1853, the subject of this sketch. who is the eldest child. When he was quite young, his parents purchased and moved to the farm three miles south of Benton on the old Kentucky stock road, where he attended the country schools in the fall and winter. He advanced so rapidly in his studies that he passed examination and became a public school teacher at the age of seventeen. He taught, and attended school at intervals until 1873, when he entered college at Atlanta. Ga., graduating in 1874, at the age of twenty-one. The following five years were spent in Texas and the Indian Territory, as a teacher. In 1879 he returned to Polk County. where he again taught school. December 23, 1880, he married Miss Alice, third daughter of James and Mary Hughes. To this union was born, March 28, 1882. Lily Ethel. the only child. In 1983 Mr. Hood founded the Polk County Neos, at Benton. After a year of successful management, he disposed of his interest in the paper and became operator and agent on the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railroad. He afterward founded the McMinn Citizen, at Athens, of which he is now editor and manager.
William F. Hudson is a native of East Tennessee, born in Monroe County, February 21, 1845. His parents were Richard W. and Tobitha (Parker) Hudson. The father was a native of Virginia, born in that State in 1821. He is still living, and is a resident of Monroe County. His father was Eli H., and his mother was a Jackson, a near relative of Andrew Jackson. Both were of prominent Virginian families. Tobitha Parker was the daughter of Caleb I. Parker, who was for a number of years an influential citizen of Monroe and Hamilton Counties, and afterward of James County. He died near Ooltewah about 1871. Subject's father, Richard W. Hudson, is a successful planter in Monroe County. He is a Republican. Our subject's mother, Tobitha Hudson, was born about
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1827, and died in her native county in 1878. Our subject is the eldest of eleven sons and one daughter. He secured a good education in his youth in Monroe County, though his education was interrupted by the breaking out of the civil war. His first employ- ment was in agricultural pursuits on his father's farm. In 1871 he purchased and set. tled on a farm in Monroe County, where he lived until 1882, at which time he came to McMinn County, and settled where he now lives. He has been successful, now owning upwards of 480 acres, which is perhaps as fine a farm as there is in McMinn County. His residence is situated in what is known as the " Miller Reservation." Farming and trading in live stock have been his chief calling in life. Our subject has been twice married; first on October 19, 1865, to Miss Mary J. McCorkle, a native of Sullivan County, and born in 1845. This lady died April 29, 1874. On March 1, 1876, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Maturah Thomas, whose maiden name was Hawkins. She was born in Jefferson County, Ala., March 15, 1845. This lady is still living. and presides over his hospitable home. There were three children by the first marriage-one son and two daughters -- one daughter dead; and four children by last marriage-one son and three daughters. Our subject is a Republican, and a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Both wives were members of the same church. Our subject was trustee of Monroe County six years, from 1876 to 1882, and the first two years he was not required to give a bond. He is now a director of the Bank of Sweet Water. In 1875-76 he tray- eled in the commercial business in Alabama, for H. L. Lloyd & Co., New York City.
Zachary T. John, a member of the enterprising firm of Blair, John & Co., of Mouse Creek Station, was born in McMinn County January 9, 1846. He is the fifth of six chil- dren born to Ezekiel and Jane F. (English) John. The father was of Welsh origin, born in North Carolina, in 1805. He was a blacksmith and farmer, and a decided Demo- crat. He was married in Roane County in 1830, and passed the remainder of his life in McMinn County, where he died in March, 1883, a devout member of the Missionary Bap- tist Church. His wife was born in Bledsoe County, Tenn., in 1800, of English-Irish descent. She departed this life in McMinn County, in 1856, a consistent aud respected member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The subject of this sketch received fine educational advantages, and graduated at Mossy Creek (now Carson) College, Jefferson County. For eight years he taught school in McMinn and Meigs Counties. Tenn., and in Lee County. Va. In 1880 he began the study of law, which he abandoned for the mercantile business. In 1883 he came to Mouse Creek Station, and for one year was engaged in the grocery and produce trade. In 1884 he became a partner in the firm of which he is now a member. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, a Democrat, and worthy citizen. July 11. 1878, he married Miss Mary E., daughter of N. W. and R. E. Quarles, and who was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., in 1860, died in Sep tember, 1883, a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and mother of three children, two of whom are deceased. October 6, 1886, our subject wedded Miss Callie J. Parkey. who was born in Hancock County in 1861. She is also connected with the Missionary Baptist Church.
James T. Johnson, a well-to-do farmer, of the Ninth District, was born in Meigs County, Tenn., July 18, 1842, the youngest of the three children of Thomas J. and Harriet Johnson, who were of Irish descent. The father was born in Surry County, N. C .. in 1808. and died in Meigs County, Tenn., in September, 1843. He was a successful agricult- urist. The mother was born in West Tennessee in 1817, and died in Meigs County July 10. 1880. Our subject remained with his mother until the summer of 1861, when he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-sixth Tennessee Infantry, Confederate Army. He was in active service until December, 1863. He took part in the battle of Chickamauga, and at Murfreesboro was wounded. At Fort Donelson he received a wound in the hand, and was saved from another by his cartridge box, which stopped a bullet; at the same battle he was captured, and held at Camp Morton, Indianapolis, Ind., for seven months. After his discharge he returned home, and remained until 1869, when he came to Me Minn County, and has since been engaged in farming. He is a Master Mason, a Democrat, and a highly respected citizen. December 10, 1855, he married Mary A., daughter of Nelsou
64
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C. and Elizabeth Redman, who was born in Meigs County August 12, 1845. This union resulted in the birth of nine children, of, whom are living Hattie E., Amanda S., Nancy S., Henry N., William N., Roy B. and Vera B. Those deceased are Thomas G. and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Jolinson are active and consistent members of the Baptist Church.
Joseph H. Justice was born in Cherokee County, Ga., March 10, 1839, and is the son of William and Rhoda (MeCutcheon) Justice. The father was of English descent. and was born in North Carolina, in 1812, and died in Riceville, Tenn., March 3, 1885. He went to Georgia with his father, David Justice, when about three years of age. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, for about fifty years, and was a Democrat. The mother was of Irish descent, born in Jackson County, Ga., in 1915, and is now a resident of MeMinn County, where she makes her home with our subject part of the time, and the other portion with a brother of -our subject. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Our subject is the fifth of thirteen children. He secured a liberal education while in Cherokee County, Ga. He worked on his father's farm until sixteen years of age; then began to work on the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad as & common hand; and then, after two years, was made section foreman: after that was foreman on a material or work train, and then was supervisor of the east division from Bristol to Knoxville for four years, then from Knoxville to Chattanooga for three years. In 1875 he purchased the farm he now lives on. In 1885 he turned his attention exclusively to farming. He now owns 430 acres, situated just back of Riceville, and also a store-room in Riceville, and some improved property at Piney Grove. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church; is a Master Mason, and a Democrat. In his youth his lessons were those of hardships and toil. He is a very enterprising man. September 2, 1869, he married Nancy Maupins, who was born in Bedford County, Tenn., December 2, 1840. She is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and is the daughter of Robert and Nancy Maupins. Our subject's union has resulted in five children, three of them now living: JamesR., Joseph F. and John P .; those deceased are Cora and Edward C.
William Lasater was born in Blount County, Tenn., March 15, 1820, and is the son of Wiley and Ellen Lasater. The father was of Irish descent, and was born near Raleigh, N. C., in 1781, and died in McMinn County February 17, 1858. He came to Knox County at a very early date; then to Blount County, and remained there until the lands of the Hiwassee Purchase were sold in 1819, when he purchased a farm and moved thereon in 1821. When he died he owned 640 acres of some of the best land in MeMinn County, and had several thousand dollars on interest. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was a Whig, and was elected justice of the peace for eighteen years. His wife was of Scotch descent, and was born in Anderson County, Tenn, in 1982, and died in McMino County, Tenn., January 1, 1843. Her father was a Revolutionary soldier. He came from Pennsylvania. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject is the seventh of ten children, only three now living. He was married September 28, 1843, to Nancy Ann Ghormley, who was born in Monroe County, Tenn., in 1825. She is a mom- ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and is the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Thompson) Ghormley. Our subject's union has resulted in the birth of twelve children. nine of them now living: Thomas L., Mary A., Amanda J., Tennessee, John C., William, Robert W., Ella, Lafayette H .; those deceased are James A., Elizabeth J. and one that died in infancy. Our subject lived with his father, nine years after his marriage. then purchased a farm eight miles east of Athens, and moved to it; in 1867 he sold it, and purchased the farm he now lives on, 425 acres, which cost $10,000. In July, 1864, he enlisted in Company A. Seventh Tennessee Cavalry (Union Army), was elected first lieutenant, and was in active service until the close of the war. He was at the bat- tles of Knoxville, Athens, Unicoi Mountains, Tellico River, and in skirmishes too numerous to mention. He secured a liberal education at the home schools, is a member of the Cum- berland Presbyterian Church, a Master Mason, a Republican, and a man of enterprise.
James H. Lowrey, a prominent citizen of Riceville, was born in Washington County, Va., December 18, 1814, the eldest of nine children of John and Elizabeth (Henry)
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Lowrey. The father was born in North Carolina in 1785. He went to Virginia at an early date with his father, James Lowrey. At that time the Indians were very hostile, and sub. stantial log houses were built without windows as protection. John married in Virginia in 1814, and in 1851 moved to Hawkins County, Tenn., and five years later to MeMinn County, settling on Mouse Creek, two miles from Riceville. He was a saddler by trade, in connection with which he engaged in farming. He was foreman of the well-known Fulton Harness and Saddle Shop. He began life a poor but well educated and energetic man, and met with unusual success. His death occurred in 1862. His wife was born in Virginia, about 1790, and died in MeMinn County, in 1862. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church. The subject of this sketch received his early education at home, after which he attended the Emery and Henry College in Washington County, Va. He taught school in his native State for twenty years, the latter portion of which he was engaged in farming. The years 1889 and 1840 he spent in Alabama. He laid off the town of Lebanon, which was the county seat of De Kalb County. In 1856 he came to MeMinn County and settled on Mouse Creek, near Riceville, where he purchased 160 acres of land, to which he added twenty-five acres of the western part of Riceville. This he laid off in lots and sold. In 1879 he moved into the town and established a drug house, at the same time he was appointed postmaster, and still holds the office. In 1878 he was elected county trustee, and served two years. For forty-seven years he has been a faithful mem- ber and officer of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is also connected with the Sons of Temperance and I. O. O. F., having united with these orders while a resident of Vir- ginia. He is a Republican, an enterprising, respected man, and a firm supporter of edu- cational and public improvements. In 1842 he wedded Abigail, daughter of Elisha and Jane McNew. Mrs. Lowrey was born in Washington County, Va., December 26, 1818. She is an interesting, estimable lady, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the mother of two children: William W. and Amer J., both of whom are residents of McMinn County.
J. H. Lusk, a well-known salesman of Athens, was born in Sevier County, East Tenn., March 7, 1840, a son of Fielding M. and Sallie (Varnell) Lusk. The parents were natives of Sevier County. The father was born about 1814, of Dutch descent. He was married in 1837, and in 1841 moved to MeMinn County, where he now resides. He is a prosperous farmer, a stanch Democrat. and worthy member of the Missionary Baptist Church. His wife was born about 1815, of Irish ancestry, and died in McMinn County, in September, 1886. She was the mother of six children, of whom our subject is the second. and was a member of the Baptist Church. From a girl she was a true Christian. By his own efforts our subject secured a common education, and worked on his father's farm until the outbreak of the Rebellion. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Third Battalion Ten- nessee Cavalry, Confederate service, and was finally received into Gen. Stevenson's com- mand, serving in East Tennessee and Kentucky. The fall of 1862 he was detailed ward master of the hospital at Knoxville, where he remained until the fall of 1864. For one year, after the close of the war, he was in the saw mill business. In 1568 he entered the store of J. Turley, at Cog Hill, McMinu County, as salesman and was in the employ of that house for ten years. In 1879 he located at Athens, and for four years was with the firm of Henderson, Dement & Co .; the following two years with Smith & Co. Since that time he has been with William Brooks and S. P. Ivins. Our subject is one of the most pop- ular and efficient salesmen in the county, where he is universally known and highly regarded. He is a consistent member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and a Democrat. On February 5, 1873, he married Miss Jennie Harrison, who was born in South Carolina in. 1851. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and mother of four sons, all of whom are living.
Benjamin F. Martin, a prominent citizen of Calhoun, McMinn County, was born in Cocke County, Tenn., December 25, 1814. He is the son of Joseph I. and Sarah (Smart) Martin. The father was of English-Irish descent, born in Rockingham County, Va .. in 1757, and died at Madisonville, Tenn., in 1830. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war for nearly four years. He then immigrated to South Carolina. After his marriage
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he went to Cocke County, Tenn., and then to Monroe County. The mother was born in Spartanburg District, S. C., in 1777, and died at Calhoun, in 1843. Of seven children our subject is fifth. By his own efforts he secured an excellent education, mostly by the light of a pine knot, after the days labor. At the age of sixteen be left home and learned the carriage and wagon makers trade with Wm. M. Atler, of Madisonville. From 1837 to 1843 he worked at his trade in Calhoun. He then embarked in the mercantile busi- ness, on a small scale, increasing his stock gradually. From 1854 to 1863 he carried between $15,000 and $20,000 worth of stock, and sold $60,000 worth annually. He lost not less than $80,000 by the war. He began the same business in 1866 and continued until 1879. In 1848 he was elected major in the State troops. In 1861 he represented the county in the Legislature,, and was elected justice of the peace in 1873, and re-elected in 1884. He was appointed postmaster in 1885. He is a member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church South, a Royal Arch Mason, and a Democrat. He is a self-made and highly respected mau. His possessions, when he came to Calhoun, consisted of a wife and pony. He is a firm supporter of educational and public enterprises. July 18, 1833, he married Ruth R. Dill, who was born February 16, 1816, at Gettysburg, Penn. She is highly edu- cated, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Five children were born to their union: W. F. and Z. T., living; Emeline, Sarah and Henry C., deceased.
Frank B. McElwee, secretary and treasurer of the Mount Verd Cotton Mills, was born in Meigs County March 12. 1844. His parents are Thomas B. and Martha (Met. lock) McElwee, the father of Scotch-Irish descent; the mother's descendants are not known. Both are natives of East Tennessee, the father born in Roane County, and the mother in Meigs County. The father was born about 1818, and is still living, a res- ident of Rhea County. The mother was born about 1824, and is still living. The parents were married in Meigs County, where they lived about sixteen years. In 1864 or 1865 they came to Rhea County, where they have been ever since. Thomas B. built with his own means the Sewee Cotton Mills, in Meigs County, and the Clear Creek Cotton Mills, in Rhea County. In 1865 he was sent to the State Senate to represent McMinn, Monroe, Meigs, Polk and Bradley Counties, and afterward represented McMinn County two terms in the Lower House. He served two years in the United States Army. He belonged to the secret service, and ranked as captain; was one of Burnside's secret detectives, and at different times he piloted the Union Army through the mountains in East Tennessee. He is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is the third of nine children. He began business life as a manufacturer of cotton goods, and has followed the same since. In 1866 he and his brother, James McElwee, leased the Eureka Mill, in McMinn County, for three years. In the latter part of 1869 he and his brother purchased a half interest. Since then the mill has been run by the Mount Verd Mill Company. In 1884 the capital stock was raised from $20,000 to $ 10,000, and the capacity of the mill has also been doubled. They manufacture cotton work, yarns, carpet work, etc. May 1, 1878, our subject married Miss Mary Vaughn, daughter of Gen. John Vaughn. She was born in Monroe County in 1854. This union resulted in the birth of six children, two sons and four daughters, all living. Our subject is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
J. M. McKamy was born near his present location, August 17, 1846. and is the son of William and Mary (Parks) McKamy. The father was of Irish descent, and was born in Anderson County, Teun., June 10, 1811, and died June 8, 1860. He came to MeMin County about 1832 or 1833 from Anderson County, and settled on the tract of land on which his son, our subject, now lives, and this was given to him by his father who pur- chased it when the Hiwassee land was sold. He was justice of the peace for a number of years, chairman of the county court, and was one of the leading citizens at that time: was a member of the Baptist Church, and a Democrat. Mary Parks was born in Anderson County, Tenn., about 1811, and died in McMinn County October 20. 1876. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Our subject is the fourth of five children. He secured a liberal education at home schools, and at the academy at Riceville. He
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lived on the farin until six years after his father's and mother's death. May 10, 1882, he married Miss Lottie Dodson, who was born in McMinn County, near Rice- ville, March 18, 1860. She is a member of the Baptist Church, and is the daughter of J. M. Dodson. Our subject's marriage has resulted in the birth of two children: Sarah Ann and William P. Shortly after marriage he moved to his present location. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and politically is a Democrat.
James Oliphant, M. D., a retired physician, of the Ninth District, McMinn County, Tennessee, was born in Greene County, Tenn., April 30, 1816, and is the son of James and Jane (Rankin) Oliphant. The ancestors of the Oliphauts came from Scotland. The father was born in Fauquier County, Va., April 28, 1776, and died in Greene County, Tenn., November 1, 1846. He was the son of John Oliphant, who was born in New Jersey, and died in Greene County, Tenn., about 1823, and was at the time -of his death seventy-four years of age. He was a gunsmith by trade. but afterward purchased a farm, and turned his attention to farming. The mother's father was a native of Scotland, and fled from that country on account of the religious persecution. The mother of our subject was born in Greene County, Tenn., in 1782, and died in Greene County, in 1844. Our subject is the seventh of twelve children. He secured a liberal education at Greeneville and Tus- culum Colleges, and studied medicine with Drs. Broyles, Rankin and Moore. In 1839 he went to Philadelphia, Loudon Co., Tenn., and began the practice of medicine. After two years he went to Roane County, Tenn .; then after three years went to Hamilton County and remained one year, then moved back to Roane County, and remained until 1863, and then was in the S. P. Moore hospital, at Griffin, Ga .; after several months he went to Albany, Ga., and was in other hospitals as a surgeon and nurse. After the war he remained at Ringgold, Ga., for two years, then came to Riceville, Mc Minn County. After one year he purchased and moved to the farm where he now lives. When he began for him- self he had just $5. At the beginning of the war he was worth valuable property, but lost over $15,000. He is a Democrat. August 20, 1840, he married Lavina Ballard, who was born in Roane County, Tenn., February 7, 1822. She is the daughter of William and Mary Ballard. She had a good education, and is a member of the Baptist Church. This union resulted in eight children, four of them now living: Mary J., John J., Samuel B. and Charles W.
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