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 27
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James A. Owens was born on the farm where he now lives December 25, 1844, and is the son of Philip P. and Susan (Bedford) Owens. The father was of Dutch-English descent. born in Rutherford County, N. C .. January 10, 1819, and died in McMinn County May 11, 1885. Ile-came to MeMinn County, Tenn., from North Carolina, when about eighteen years of age, with his father, John Owens, who was born in Rutherford County, N. C., about 1800, and died in 1850. He and son were farmers, and were successful. The father enlisted in the Confederate service for one year, in the Home Guards, at Atlanta, Ga. The father of our subject came to Tennessee at the time they were moving Indians. and helped the Government to do it. The last fifteen years of his life he was engaged in the mercantile business at Riceville. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and a Democrat. The mother was of English descent, was born in Rutherford County, N. C., March 13, 1819, and is now living with her son, our subject. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Our subject is the fourth of tou children. He secured an academic education at Riceville, but before his education was . complete enlisted in Company I, Third Tennessee Infantry, Confederate States Army, in July, 1861, and was in active service until the close. He was at the first battle of Manassas. at the siege of Vicksburg, at Morristown, Greeneville and numerous skirmishes and at Baker Creek the day before the siege of Vicksburg. After the war he returned to McMinn County, and turned his attention exclusively to farming. After nine years he moved to Parker County, Tex., and remained there eleven years, and was engaged in farming and the mercantile business for the last five years; then returned to McMinn County, Tenn., on account of his father's death, to settle the estate and to take care of his mother. He also has two children he is raising, one niece and a nephew, their father having been drowned in the Brazos River. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
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Church South. a Master Mason, and a Democrat. September 12, 1865, he married Miss Elizabeth A. Buckner, who was born in McMinn County, Tenn., November 2, 1844, and the daughter of Dr. James and Susan (Stephenson) Buckner. She was educated at the Centenary Female College, at Cleveland, Tenn. and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. This marriage has resulted in the birth of seven children, all living: James P., Hattie S. C., Garrett W., Minnie A., Munsey, Bessie A. and Eulia L.
William T. Owens was born near his present location August 18, 1839, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Robbins) Owens. The father was of Dutch-Irish descent, and was born in Rutherford County, N. C., January 27, 1798, and died in McMinn County, Tenn., about December, 1852. He came to MeMinn County from North Carolina, in 1836; was a farmer, and made life a success. The mother was born in Rutherford County, N. C .. December 28, 1199, and is now living with her son, our subject. She has been a mem. ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church South for seventy-one years. Our subject is the youngest of three children. He secured his education at home schools, but it was cut short on account of his father's death. He began to work on the East Tennessee & Georgia Railroad as brakeman, when nineteen 'years of age; was on the railroad eleven years, and when he quit was an engineer. Since that time he has turned his attention exclusively to farming and stock raising. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and is a Democrat. February 4, 1864, be married Martha Woods, who was born in Bedford County, Tenn., October 23, 1846, and is the daughter of Isaac and Lucy (Cole) Woods. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. This union resulted in nine children, all liviug: John A., Laura E., Susan A., James W., Nancy A., Wm. C. and Emma H. (twins). May B. and Florence L.
A. F. Rogers. a prominent agriculturist and stock dealer, of the Sixteenth District, was born in Calhoun, MeMinu Co., Tenn., October 28, 1841. He is the third of seven children of John and Louisa (Wallin) Rogers. The father was born in 1816, while his parents were on the trip from North Carolina to Calhoun. He was a wagon-maker. About 1858 he bought a farm four miles west of Calhoun, and later purchased a farm on Mouse Creek, still working at his trade. He was county tax collector for two terms. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died June 19, 1875. His wife was born pear Calhoun, about 1820, and died in her native county in the fall of 18-19 or 1850. Although not a church member she was a believer in the Christian religion. Our sub- ject received such education as the schools of the neighborhood afforded. May 7, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Third Tennessee Infantry, Confederate Army, and was in active service until the 1st of May 1865. He took part in the battles of Manassas, Vicks- burg, Knoxville, Morristown, and numerous minor engagements. After the restoration of peace he returned home, and in 1866 came to Calboun, and gave his attention to farming. September 29, 1869. he married Savila, widow of Joseph McMinn, and daughter of John and Anna McWeir. To their union have been born James B., Dovie B. and Muncie B., all of whom are living. Mr. Rogers is a prosperous and respected citizen, and a stanch Democrat. The father bought the farm four miles northeast of Calhoun July 16. 1887.
Joseph C. Rucker, a well-known and enterprising farmer, of the Eighth District, was born at his present place of residence. March 11, 1846. He is eleventh of the twelve chil- dreu born to Mordecai and Miriam (Witt) Rucker. The father was of Freuch descent, born in Rutherford County. Tenn., August 26, 1802, and died in McMinn County. in Octo- ber, 1853. He came to the county at an early day with his father, James Rucker, and set- tled on Mouse Creek, where he engaged in farming and milling. The father built the first house in the county, seven miles west of Athens. He was a Democrat. The mother of our subject was born in Jefferson County, East Tenu., August 9, 1807. She was married in 18244, and departed this life April 9. 1884, in McMinn County. Both were members of the Baptist Church. The maternal grandfather of our subject came to MeMinn County, in 1812. and settled five miles west of Athens, in what is now the Eighth District. Joseph C. Rucker received a fair education, which, however, was interrupted by the outbreak of the war. He went to Nashville to join the Union Army, but decided to return home and protect his mother. He has always resided on the homestead. and owns about 510 acres of
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fine land. In 1882 he was elected justice of the peace. In 1884 he was appointed chair- man of the Republican committee, and re-elected to the same office in 1886. November 15, 1809, he married Ursula, daughter of Andrew and Mary Hutsell. Mrs. Rucker was born near Athens. McMinn County, September 12, 1849. This union resulted in the birth of Horace P., Essa A., Dora V., George E., Joseph C., Paul C. and Blanche H. Mr. and Mrs. Rucker are consistent and esteemed members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
William N. Russell, an enterprising farmer and stock raiser, of the Sixteenth District, was born in MeMinu County, Tenn., March 1, 1840. He is a son of Thomas and Lucinda (Rodgers) Russell. The father was born in Alabama, about 1800, and died in McMinn County, about 1841. The mother was a native of Virginia, but married in Alabama. She was about the age of her husband, and her death occurred shortly after his. Our subject is the youngest of five children. He was left an orphan at an early age, and made his home with his grandparents until he attained his majority. The fall of 1861 he entered the Confederate Army, enlisting in Company H, Forty-third Tennessee Infantry. In 1882 he was elected orderly sergeant. He participated in the battles of Vicksburg, Piedmont and Winchester, Va .; near the latter place he received a severe wound in the hip. He was one month in the Winchester hospital. and about the same length of time at Stanton, Va. He was in the service until April 9, 1865. He returned to Calhoun, McMinu County, rented land, and farmed. In 1873 he purchased a farm of 380 acres, upon which he now resides. February 13, 1870, he married Elizabeth J., daughter of Moses and Lurena Bon- ner, who was born January 6, 1842, near Calhoun, McMinn County, and died May 2, 1878. This union resulted in the birth of three children: HI. T., C. L. and Frank L. October 5, 1818, our subject wedded Mattie, daughter of J. R. and Martha Sherrill, who was born July 19, 1850, in Caldwell County, N. C. The fruits of this union are Ethel, French, and Walter. Mr. Russell is a stanch Democrat. He and his wife are active and consistent members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Elder James S. Russell, a well-known popular preacher of the Missionary Baptist Church, is a native of East Tennessee, and was born in Jefferson County October 10, 1822. His parents were Elder Thomas J. and Jane (Green) Russell. They were of English and Irish descent. The father was born in Washington County, Ga., July 27, 1800, and died in McMinn County, Tenn., November 17, 1885. The mother was born in Jefferson County, March 3, 1803, and died in McMinn County July 27, 1885. The parents were mar- ried in Jefferson County, in 1819. The father was a noted preacher in the Missionary Bap- tist Church for more than fifty years. He traveled as missionary in East Tennessee for many years, mainly at his own sacrifice, and it resulted in many hundred conversions. He organized a number of churches throughout the Hiwassee and Ocoee Purchases, most of which remain in a flourishing condition. He held the truth with an uncompromising spirit of loyalty to Christ, and love for the souls of men were the motives which actuated him. Our subject is the second of nine children. He received a liberal education in his youth in Monroe County. His first employment was on his father's farm. On October 8, 1836, he embraced religion at Hopewell Church, Monroe County, and received baptism at Hopewell Spring by Elder George Snyder. He commenced to preach in 1856, and was ordained elder in 1858, and that year assumed the pastorate of Chestua Church, in Mon- roe County, and served this church for the next twenty-five years; and was also pastor of other churches at the same time. At present he is pastor of Chestua and Shady Grove. in Monroe County, and Mount Harmony and Zion Hill, in McMinn County. He has also been engaged in farming, and has been singularly prosperous. In 1842 he came to McMinn County, and in 1850 settled where he now lives. He began life rather poor. but now owns upward of 700 acres of land, and stock in the First National Bank at Athens, and in the Athens Woolen-Mills. October 20, 1842, he married Miss Maldonetty C. Cate, who was
born in MeMinn County, March 97, 1825. To this union were born nine children, four sons and five daughters, four being deceased, one son and three daughters.
John W. A. Sanford, a promising lawyer of Athens, was born November 3, 1864, in Elmore County, Ala. His parents were Jobn W. A. and Sallie M. (Taylor) Sanford. They were of Norman-French and French descent. The grandfather, John W. A. San-
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BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
ford, was brigadier-general in the Mexican war, and was commander-in-chief of the Georgia troops in the Creek Indian war. The Sanfords were descended from Bishop Nicholas Ridley, who was martyred at the stake. Our subject's father was born in Geor.' gia, over fifty years ago. The mother is a native of Alabama, and is about ten years younger than the father. Her ancestors were French Huguenots, who settled in South Carolina, at an early date. The parents were married at Montgomery, Ala., March ?. 1860, where they now live. The father is a lawyer of great prominence, and his name has been ou the roll of Alabama's attorneys, over thirty years. As an orator he perhaps has no equal in the State, and is known as the "silver tongued" orator of Alabama. He was attorney-general for the State nine years, and has been quite prominent in politics for the last thirty years, in Alabama. He is a Democrat, was colonel of the Sixth Alabama Regiment, and served with distinction through the late war. - He is a graduate from sev- eral colleges. Our subject enjoyed fine educational advantages in his youth, and gradu- ated from the University of Alabama at the age of nineteen (1881). In the fall of the same year he entered the law department of the same university, and received his law diploma in June, 1885. In November following he came to Athens, and in 1886 he was admitted to the Tennessee bar. In March, 1885, he married Miss Minnie L. Smoot. a cultivated lady, born in Mobile, Ala. This union has resulted in the birth of one son, John W. A., born January 2, 1886. Our subject is a stanch Democrat. He is not a mein- ber of any church, but is a firm believer in the Bible, and is in sympathy with the Epis- copal Church, of which his wife is a member.
George L. Saulpaw was born at Winchester, Franklin Co., Tenn., August 15. 1552. and is the son of G. W. and Emeline S. Saulpaw. The father is of Dutch descent, and was born about 1829 in Oswego County, N. Y., and is now a resident of Calhoun; he has been a railroad contractor; he began with nothing, having run away when a boy of fourteen years of age; he went out on a whaling voyage, then came back and learned the trade of stone mason, and afterward took contracts for building bridges, and doing the stone work for railroads. Emeline S. (Davis) Saulpaw, the mother, is a native of Vermont; she is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Our subject, the second of nine children, secured his education at Calhoun and Athens. He learned his trade with J. G. Hunt, in his father's mill. When his trade was learned he went to Nashville, and worked at the Riverside Mills for six months; then returned to Calhoun, remaining three years; then went to Cincinnati, and worked for his father while building the railroad bridge over the Ohio River at that place: then returned to Calhoun, and has turned bis attention exclusively to milling. Our 'subject is a very active and enterprising man. is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and is a Democrat. June 5. 1575. he married Sarah E. Darr, the daughter of J. H. and Nancy Darr, and born in Polk County. Tenn., January 15, 1858. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church. This union has resulted in five children, three of them now living: William, Victor and Carl: those deceased are Nona and an infant.
Elbert S. Shipley, M. D., a well-known practicing physician, of Athens, is a native of East Tennessee, born in Washington County September 1, 1829, the son of Enoch T. and Mary (Hoss) Shipley. They are of Dutch and Welsh descent. The father was born in Washington County, Tenn., about 1798, and died at Greensboro, N. C., whither be had gone to sell some horses in the fall of 1844. The mother was also born in Washington County, Tenn., about 1800. and died in that county, about 1837. The parents were mar- ried in their native county. The father was a farmer, and trader in live stock. He was a Whig. Our subject is one of a large family of children. He secured a good education, in youth, in Washington County. After completing his education he was engaged in teach- ing seven years in Washington and MeMinn Counties. At the same time he read medi- cine. He was left an orphan at the age of fifteen. He was ready for the practice of medicine in 1859, and from that date to the present has given his attention to the profes- sion. In the carly part of 1859 he located at Sewee. Meigs County, and was engaged in the practice of medicine at that place twenty-eight years. In February. 18St, he came to Athens, and entered at once upon a large practice. Our subject has been married twice;
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MO MINN COUNTY.
first in September, 1852, to Eliza J. Love. This lady died in August, 1857; second to a younger sister, Mary S. Love, who is still living. He has no children by the first wife. but has six by the second, four sons and two daughters; one son dead. Oui subject is a decided Republican, and is a member of the Christian Church. Both wives were mem- bers of the same church. His wives' father was a very popular preacher of the Chris- tian Church-Rev. Madison Love. Our subject's grandfather, Nathan Shipley, was for a number of years a member of the State Legislature. The mother of subject was a descendant of Daniel Boone.
Joseph H. Smith, a well-known machinist and inventor, of Athens, was born in McMiun County on January 14, 1831. His parents were William and Betsey (Hamilton) Smith. They were of Irish and Scotch-Irish descent, and natives of North Carolina. The father was born in 1800, and died in North Carolina in 1846, while on a business trip to that State. The mother was born about 1802, and died in MeMinn County about 1877. The parents were married in their native State, and soon after marriage immigrated to MeMinn County. Tenn., where the father engaged in farming. He was an old line Whig. He and wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject, one of twelve children, received a common education, in youth, in McMinn County. He lost his father at the age of sixteen, and his first employment was in agricultural pursuits, which he followed about one year after his father's death. At the age of seventeen he quit the farm, and, following the natural inclination of his own mind, entered the machine shop of Mr. J. J. Dickson, and worked two years. For the next five years he continued to work in machine shops and factories, in Georgia and East Tennessee. He then returned to McMinn County, Tenn., and in May, 1852, married Miss Elizabeth C. Dickson, daughter of J. J. Dickson. He then formed a partnership with his father-in-law, and was engaged in the manufacture of different machines, mostly wool cards and thrashing machines, up to 1855. At this time, with the assistance of J. B. Hamilton, he bought a paper-mill near Athens, and, after converting it into a flonring-mill, he sold out to his partner, came to Athens, and has been a citizen of that town ever since, and has been engaged as super- intendent of machine shops for other parties; owned shops, foundries, etc. In May, 1877, he secured a patent on a water-wheel that proved a fine success, and is used almost exclu. sively in this portion of the State. In 1881 he established the foundry and machine shop that is now operated by himself and son-John A. Smith. His first wife died in 1864. Our subject married, in 1865. Mrs. E. A. Bootout, whose maiden name was Graysom. Our subject is a Republican, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. His first wife was a member of the Presbyterian Church; present wife of the Missionary Baptist Church. As a machinist, our subject is the best in the county, if not in this part of the State.
John Q. Strange, postmaster at Athens, is a native of McMinn County, born Feb- ruary 16, 1850, a son of Jeremiah F. and Mary (Henderson) Strange. The parents were of Scotch and Scotch-Irish descent. The father was born in Wayne Connty, Ky .. in 1800. He was married in McMinn County, where. with the exception of three years (immediately after the war) spent in Georgia, the greater portion of his life was passed. He was a prosperous farmer, a decided Democrat, and a member of the Meth odist Episcopal Church South. In 1878 he met with an accident which severed an artery in the leg, and he bled to death in a short while. His wife was born in Jefferson County, Tenn., in 1812, and died in McMinn County in 1876. Our subject is the fourth of five children. He received a good education, and began life as a salesman in the store of J. D. Williams, at Williamsburg, where he remained five years. The spring of 1872 he came to Athens, and was employed by J. Matthews & Bro., until the following Septem. ber, at which time he went to Marshall, Texas. He was engaged in the store of M N. Williams. at that place, until January, 1873, when he returned to Williamsburg. The fol. lowing eighteen months he clerked for one of his former employers, Mr. J. D. Williams. He then went to Knoxville. The following seven years he was commercial traveler for Sanford, Chamberlain & Albers. In 1881 he went to Nashville, and was with B. H. Cook & Co., until October, 1883, when he went to New York City, and for six months
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BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
was employed by Rosenthal, Whitehead, Weisman & Co., thence to Cincinnati, where he was with Mack, Stadler & Co. In October, 1885. he was appointed to the position which he now holds. He is a true Democrat, and an esteemed citizen. November 13, 1878, hc married Miss Alice Newman, who was born in McMinn County in March, 1850. Three sons and one daughter are the fruits of this union. Mr. and Mrs. Strange are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
Dr. James P. Thompson, register of McMinn County, was born in Polk County. Tenn., June 1, 1853, a son of Riley B. and Mary A. (Dodson) Thompson. The father was born in North Carolina in 1822, and was married in Polk County; about twenty-eight years later he moved to McMinn County, where he is now a resident. He is a farmer, and interested in the milling business. Mill Power is a large spring near Mouse Creek. and is owned by Mr. Thompson. He is a strong Republican. His wife was born in MeMinn County about 1831. Both are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Our subject is the second of nine children. He received a liberal education and attended the Carson College at Mossy Creek. He worked on his father's farm for some time. About 1875 he begau the study of dentistry under Dr. T. J. Evans, of Charleston, Tenn. At the expiration of one year he was ready for practice, and the following nine years were devoted exclusively to the exercise of his profession in McMinn and adjoining counties. He has also been a successful trader in live stock, mules and horses. In August, 1886, he was elected to the office which he now holds. He was elected by a majority of 226 over his opponents -- Rev. Caleb Hoyl, of the Missionary Baptist Church, who was the Demo- cratic nominee, and Mr. Pennington. the Independent candidate. Our subject is a stanch Republican, and most worthy citizen. September 27, 1885, he married Miss Mary HI. Redman, a native of Scott County, Tenn., born August 21, 1862. She is a cultivated lady, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
M. P. Thompson, a member of the well-known firm of Thompson & Varnell. of Mouse Creek Station, was born in Cumberland County, Tenn., March 5, 1857. He is the youngest of four sons, and sixth of eight children born to John and Frances (MeFall) Thompson. The father was born in Rhea County about 1820. About 1859 or 1860. he moved to Overton County, and there remained five years; with that exception, most of his life was spent in his native county, where he died August 15, 1882. He was a fairly success- ful farmer, and a Democrat. The mother is of Scotch-Irish descent, born in Sevier County, Tenn., about 1825, and is now a resident of Spring City, Rhea County. Our subject secured a good academical education in Rhea County, and for some time worked on his father's farm. In February, 1880, he established a general merchandise store at Fiketon. In January, 1884, he came to his present location, and for eighteen months was engaged in the wholesale produce business. In March, 1885, in partnership with Dr. S. M. Carter, he opened a general merchandise store. In February he bought Dr. Carter's interest in the concern, and received into partnership W. L. Varnell. Although Mr. Thompson began life a comparatively poor man, he has accumulated a fair portion of this world's goods, and hasa flourishing business. He is a stanch Democrat; not a mem ber of any church, but is in sympathy with the Missionary Baptist. March 22, 1883. he wedded Miss Nannie Wattenbarger, who was born in McMiun County in 1861. To this union a son was born December 25, 1884-Walter C.
James D. Williams, a prominent merchant of Williamsburg, was born in Warren County. Va., July 7. 1836. He is the eldest, and only surviving one, of the two children born to Ben and Rachel (Wendel) Williams. It is thought that the father was born in Page County, Va., about 1790. He died in Warren County, Va., in 1838. He was by occupation a blacksmith. The mother was of German descent. born in Shenandoah County, Va., in 180S, and died in Warren County, Va .. in 1854. She was well educated. and a member of the Lutheran Church. The subject of our sketch had a good practical education. He learned the millwright's trade in Frederick County, Va. Six months be lived at Cumberland, Md .. and then moved to Ducktown, Polk Co., Tenn., where for a few months he was engaged in mercantile pursuits. He next located at Cog Hill, Me Minn County, where he carried on the same business. Five years later he came to his present.
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