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 30
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Col. Newton J. Lillard, merchant and farmer, was born in Decatur, April 18, 1832. the son of James and Mary (Sanduskey) Lillard. both of Scotch-Irish stock, the former born in Virginia, March 17, 1795, and deceased near Decatur, December 17, 1875, and the lat - ter born in Cocke County. Tenn., about August 3, 1803, and deceased in December, 18:3. They were married about February 16, 1818, in Cocke County, and after about a three years' residence in Missouri they settled in Rhea (now Meigs) County. Tenn,, where the father was a successful farmer. He was a Democrat. and both he and his wife were members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Our subject belongs to a large family, was educated at Decatur, and reared as a merchant. He was nine months in the Mexican War service. as a private in company B, Fifth Tennessee Volunteers. In May, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Third Tennessee Infantry, of which he was captain a year later, and, at reorganization, lieutenant-colonel. From October, 1863, to the close he was
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MKIGS COUNTY.
colonel. He was at Manassas (first battle) Bulls Gap, Knoxville, Tazewell, Cumberland Gap, Morristown and Vicksburg, where he was captured with Pemberton's forces, was paroled, and in the fall was exchanged. He then reorganized his regiment at Decatur, Ga., and after operating in East Tennessee, surrendered at Washington, Ga., May t. 1865. For two years thereafter he engaged in farming, but since then has been in the mercantile trade and farming in Decatur. September 22, 1866, Elma C. Worth, boru in North Carolina, in 1815, became his wife. They have six sons. He is a Democrat. was circuit court clerk for twelve years; has been clerk and master for four years. Mrs. Mrs. Lillard is a member of the Methodist Church.
Capt. James R. Moore was born in Meigs County. Tenn., October 29, 1847, and is the son of Caleb and Lavina E. (Prigmore) Moore. The ancestors of the Moore family came from Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The father of Caleb. Moore, it is thought. came from Ireland and settled in Anderson County, Tenn. Caleb was born in Ander- derson County, Tenn., about 1812, and died in Meigs County, Tenn., in 1863. He came to McMinn County, in 1830, but after six years moved to Meigs, where he remained, and was engaged in the mercantile business, also farming, and was in partnership with Jacob Peak. After moving to Meigs, in 1847, be was elected to represent the people of Meigs and Rhea Counties in the Legislature, and was for a number of years director of the Bank of Tennessee, at Athens. He was a Democrat. The first money he made was by building flat-boats on the French Broad River. About 1833 he married Lavina E. Prigmore, who was the daughter of Thomas Prigmore, a well-known citizen of Me Minn County, who was of French descent. Lavina was born in McMinn County, Tenn., about 1812, and died in Meigs in 1861. They had nine children, six of them now living. Our subject is the second of these. He secured a liberal education at home schools; at the age of fourteen years he went to work in his father's store and continued for five years, and then formed a partnership with his brother, William P., at Moore's Cross Roads and at Getty's Mills, two establishments, about four years, then enlisted in Capt. Boggess' Company, Twenty-sixth Tennessee Regiment Infantry (Confederate), but after the battle of Murfreesboro was transferred to Company H, of the Third Tennessee Cavalry, and for two and one-half years was adjutant, but before the close of the war he was made captain. He was at the battle of Chickamauga on the cam- paign from Chattanooga to Atlanta; was at Saltville, Va., at Bentonville, Ga., and in numerous skirmishes in North Carolina and South Carolina, and surrendered in North Carolina to Sherman in April, 1865. He had enlisted in the spring of 1862. After the war he engaged in farming, which he has continued until the present. In 1882 he was elected trustee of Meigs County, and in 1884 was re-elected. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, is a Mason, and a Democrat.
John P. Moulton was born in Meigs County, Tenn., near Ten Mile Stand, August 5, 1834, and is the son of Noble N. and Mary (Peoples) Moulton. The Moulton ancestors were from Ireland. Noble N. was born in Hawkins County, Tenn., in the year 1806, and died in Meigs County, Tenn., October 15, 1862. He moved to Meigs County, Tenn., from Hawkins County, in the year 1830. His father was, William Moulton. The ancestors of the Peoples' were Irish. Mary was born in Sullivan County, Tenn .. in the year 1806, and died in Meigs County, Tenn., December 24. 1855. John Peoples lived and died in Sullivan County, Tenn. There were cleven children, only three of whom are now living. Our subject is the second of these. He worked on his father's farm until November, 1860, when he bought the farm he now lives on, consisting of 179 acres, but has added a farm in Rhea County of 309 and 140 acres in the Eighth District. The latter part of 1862 he eulisted in Capt. Johnson's Company. Maj. Frank Welker's bat- talion, made up of four companies of the Confederate service, and was in active service about one year. After coming home, while eating supper, he was shot by some unknown person. The ball entered his back, struck a rib, and glanced around and came out at his breast. Since the war he has turned his attention exclusively to farming. He is a very active and enterprising man. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and is a Democrat. August 27, 1857, he married Mary Brady, who was born in Rhea County,
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Tenn., August 20, 1835, and died in Meigs County, Tenn., January 23, 1885. She was the daughter of Farley and Elizabeth (Smith) Brady. She was a devout member of the Baptist Church for many years. She left six children to mourn her loss: Farley N., John W., Martha C., Harriet M., Smith B. and Chrissey C. Before this she had two children: Sarah E. and Mary M., who died.
Jasper N. Moulton, sheriff, was born in Meigs County, December 30, 1839, the son of Noble N. and Mary (Peoples) Moulton, natives of East Tennessee, the former born Jan- uary 22, 1806, and died October 15, 1862, and the latter September 26, 1806, and died December 24, 1855. The parents were married in Sullivan County, October 15, 1829, and the following year came to Rhea (now Meigs) County, where he was a prominent farmer for over thirty years, and a Democrat. Our subject, one of a large family, was educated in Meigs County, and was a farmer until elected to his present office. In June, 1861, he left school and enlisted in Company I, Third Tennessee Infantry, and joined Gen. Joseph Johnston's forces, but in the early part of 1862 our subject was off duty at home, twenty-five days, in ill health, and then returned to his regiment at Chattanooga. He remained until June, 1864, and again visited home, and after fruitless attempts to rejoin his regiment in Georgia, he took the oath of amnesty and never re-entered ser- vice. He was captured at Vickburg's fall, was paroled, and in the autumn exchanged, returning to his command at Cleveland, Teun. He was in many important actions- the urst Manassas, and Perryville (Ky.) among the number. In April, 1833, he became the incumbent of his present office, to fill an unexpired term. He is a Democrat. and in 1884 was re-elected over John Williams (Republican), but in 1886 he bad no opposition. August 30, 1864, he married Martha J. Curton, born July 22, 1841, in this county. They have one son and three daughters. He is a Democrat, and he, his wife and two daughters are Methodists.
Hon. W. C. Peak was born in the Second District of McMinn County, Tenn., March 7, 1832, and is the son of Jacob and Kesiah (Prigmore) Peak. The father was of Dutch descent and was born in Anderson County, Tenn., in 1801, and died in Meigs in 1879. He moved to McMinn County when young, and settled on a farm. In 1835-37 he was made captain of a company, and was engaged in moving the Indians from the lands of the Ocoee and Iliwassee Purchases. He moved to Meigs, or his family did, in 1836 or 1837, while he was in the army, and settled at a place called Ten Mile, and afterward moved to the Sixth District, and bought a farm and remained until his death. He was a Democrat. The mother was of French descent, was born in McMinn County, Tenn., in 1816, and died in Meigs County in the early part of 1862. She was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Our subject is the third of ten children, only four of whom are now living. At the age of eighteen years he began for himself at Sewee with T. B. McElwce for a partner, and the style of the firm was Peak & McElwee. After about five years be bought out his partner. and the firm name then was W. C. &J. S. Peak. They then moved to Pinhook, after about five years, or in 1861, his brother died; then the war inter- fered, and he quit business until 1867 when he engaged again in the mercantile business with John A. Brown (now deceased); the firm name was Peak & Brown until the death of Brown about 1874. He then went in business with S. J. Hornsby, and his son L. L. Peak; the firm name was then Peak. Hornsby & Co. In 1885 the son went out, and then the firm became Peak & Hornsby. They carry from $5,000 to $6,000 worth of goods in stock. In connection with his store he is also engaged in farming. In 1860 he was elected to represent Meigs. McMinn and Polk Counties in the Legislature, but never met on account of the war. In 1872 he was elected to represent Meigs, Rhea, James and Cumberland in the Legislature; is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South; is a Mason and a Democrat. January 4. 1855, he married Nancy P. Matlock, who was born in Meigs County, Tenn., December 29, 1836, and is the daughter of William and Sarah (Dodson) Matlock. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church Sonth. This union has resulted in the birth of eleven children, eight of whom are now living: Inke L., Savannih E .. Adelia K., Adah D., Louella, Thomas C., Addie L., Wilbur B .. Milville C., Jacob S., Sallie P., Adah D., Louella and Thomas C. are dead. Our subject has been appointed notary public.
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MEIGS COUNTY.
T. J. Peak, farmer, was born near his present location, April 18, 1843, and is the son of Luke and Malinda (Prigmore) Peak. The Peaks are of Irish descent. Luke Peak it is thought was born in Anderson County, Tenn., August 23, 1807, and died in Meigs County, Tenn., September 29, 1863. He was a successful farmer and merchant. When in Ander- son County he learned the tanner's trade, which he worked at until about his thirtieth year, when he moved to Meigs County, where he was engaged in farming and merchan- dising at Pinhook Landing. He afterward moved to the Sixth District and made that place his home the remainder of his life. While in Anderson County he was elected general of the State Militia, and was elected in Meigs County, sheriff ten or twelve years. He secured a good practical education by observation, and was a Democrat. Malinda was born bear Loudon, Tenn., January 17, 1814, is still living and is making her home with our subject. She is a member of the Baptist Church. There were eight children. five of whom are living. Our subject is the eldest living. He was educated at Sewee Academy, which education was cut short by the war. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Capt. A. F. Boggess' company of Col. John M. Lillard's regiment, or the Twenty- sixth Tennessee Infantry, Confederate service, and served with credit until the close, in the western division of the army. He was at the battles of Fort Donelson, Murfreesboro. Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and in the famous retreat from Dalton to Atlanta, but while at Dalton was transferred to Company B, of the Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, Capt. Blythe in command. While with the cavalry he was in skirmishes every day until the surrender in North Carolina in April, 1865. At Fort Donelson he was taken prisoner, and retained as such at Camp Morton, Indianapolis, Ind., for about seven months. when he was exchanged and came home and reorganized. After the war he returned to Anderson County and farmed for four years, then moved to Meigs and lived on the old homestead, and after one year moved to the Second District on the Hiwassee River, and after one year moved back to the home place, and a year later bought the farm he now lives on, but in the meantime had purchased land in Anderson County, and has since sold both. He had a very good start, which he has greatly increased. He is a Mason, and is a Democrat. In 1884 he was elected justice of the peace. On January 5, 1869, he married Lena D. Sharp, who was born in Meigs County, January 19, 1850. She is the daughter of David and Jane (Boggess) Sharp. She is a member of the Baptist Church. This union has resulted in the birth of seven children, all of whom are living: Brisbon F., Charles J., Mary E., Malinda, Thomas E., Luke and Frank D.
Thomas J. Robinson is a native of East Tennessee, and was born in Rhea County. September 3, 1846. His parents were James and Elizabeth (Earnest) Robinson, both partly of Dutch descent, and natives of Tennessee, the father of Washington County, and the mother of Greene County. The father's ancestors originally came from Virginia, and were among the first settlers of Washington County. The father was born in 1805, and died in Rhea County about 1883. The mother was born in 1810, and is still living, a res- ident of Rhea County. The parents were married in Greene County about 1829. Soon after their marriage they settled in Washington County. About 1843 they came to Rhea County, and made a permanent settlement. The father was engaged in agricultural pur- suits. He was a Democrat, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The mother is a member of the same church. Our subject is the sixth of nine children. He was mainly educated at Sulphur Springs, Rhea County. In 1875 he purchased the property where he now lives, but did not settle on the farm until 1880. His farm lies in what is known as the Lock's Bend of the Tennessee River, and is perhaps as good a farm as there is in Meigs County. In the fall of 1881 he built a very attractive residence at a cost of over $2,000. Mr. Robinson has been a live, progressive business man. October 26, 19:0, he married Miss Martha E. Heiskell, daughter of Luther and Ellen Heiskell, of Rhea County. She is a native of Missouri, and was born in that State in 1854. This union has resulted in four children, two sons and two daughters. Our subject is a Democrat. In the fall of 1803 he entered the Confederate service, enlisting in Company B, Forty-third Tennessee Regiment, and served with credit the remainder of the war in Gen. Vaughn's Brigade. He was paroled at Kingston, Ga., in the spring of 1865.
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BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
Mathew B. Stewart was born where he now lives, about fifty years ago, November 30, 1837. Ifis parents were John and Lettie (Tillery) Stewart. The father was a native of Maryland, and was born in that State September 25. 1792, and died in Meigs County May 12, 1814. The mother was born in Knox County, Tenn., November 7, 1800, and died in Meigs County May 20, 1864. The parents were married in Knox County about 1820, and about 1822 they came to Meigs County, and were consequently among the first settlers. They died where ont subject now lives. The father drove the first stage that made the trip between Knoxville and Nashville, and this was his calling at the time of his marriage. After he came to Meigs County he gave his attention exclusively to farming. He was a Democrat. Our subject is one of fourteen children, only five of whom are now living. Farming has been his chief occupation. He came in possession of the old homestead in 1874. Our subject has been twice married, first, April 27, 1864, to Miss Mary C. Lewty, a native of Meigs County, and born at Decatur in 1842; she died September 29, 1865, and September 18, 1866, he married Miss Sarah A. Taff, a native of Meigs County, born Octo- ber 30, 1838. There were no children by the first marriage, but by the second there were ten children, seven sons and three daughters. Our subject is a decided Democrat, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Both wives were members of the same church. Our subject entered the Confederate service in the fall of 1861, enlisting in Company I, Third Tennessee Regiment of Infantry. N. J. Lillard was captain of the company, and John C. Vaughn colonel of the regiment. Our subject was captured at Vicksburg, and exchanged the following September at Decatur, when he went home on detail and was taken sick, and remained at home until next July. He took part in the siege of Vicksburg, was at Baker Hill, and returned home in May, 1865, and resumed farming.
RHEA COUNTY.
J. C. Abernathy, a prominent, practicing physician, of Rhea Springs, was born March 30, 1824, at Morganton, Blount Co., Tenn. He is the oldest living of six children of Rev. Berry and Myra (Cobb) Abernathy. At the time of the religious persecutions in Scot- land three Abernathy brothers came to Virginia and located in the Jamestown settlement. Rev. Berry Abernathy is a direct descendant of one of the brothers. He was born on the Catawba River, North Carolina. He moved to Blount County, Tenn .. when about tweny- five years of age. Shortly afterward he was ordained in the Methodist Episcopal Church South by Bishop Asbury. He was a man of fair education for his day, and taught school in connection with his ministerial duties. He was one of the most popular and influen - tial ministers of his day. He died November 6, 1870, on his eighty-sixth birthday. The mother, who is still living, is a daughter of Archibald Cobb. She was married in 1817. at the age of thirteen. Four sons and four daughters were born to this union. Our subject remained with his father until he attained his majority. During his boyhood he attended school at Morganton, and afterward at Maryville College. He studied medicine under Dr. E. Collins, of Pinhook Landing, Meigs County. He graduated in the medical department of the University of Nashville. With the exception of some months during the Rebellion, he has practiced at his present location. In the fall of 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate service, in the Sixty-second Tennessee Infantry, as surgeon. He remained on active duty as long as his health would permit. He returned home and took the oath of allegiance. He is a member of the Baptist Church, a Royal Arch Mason, and a Dem- ocrat. He is a firm supporter of all laudable enterprises. and is a worthy citizen. January 80, 1845, be married Nancy A., daughter of Young L. and Barbara M. Bicknell. She was born August 15, 1823, at Madisonville. Monroe Co, Tenn. Their union resulted in the birth of nine children, of whom but two are living: Young L. and John A. Mrs. Aber- nathy is a lady possessing a very good English education, and although not connected with any denomination, is a believer in the Presbyterian doctrine.
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RHEA COUNTY.
Maj. William G. Allen, a stirring citizen of Rhea County, and a resident of Dayton, is a native of Alabama, born in that State October 21, 1836. Hle is the son of Valentine and Ann (Frazier) Allen, both of Scotch Irish descent. The father's ancestors were early set- tlers of South Carolina, but he was born in Bedford County, Tenn., July 19, 1809, is still living, and is a resident of Dayton. He is seventy-eight years of age. The mother was born in Rhea County Tenn., in September, 1815, and is still living in Dayton. They were married in Rhea County, in December, 1835, at the home of the bride's father, Beriah Fra" zier, and soon after moved to Alabama, and settled at Larkinsville, Jackson County, where they resided until the year 1840. The father at this time took part in the Seminole war. In 1840 they immigrated to Mississippi, and settled in Tishomingo County, and two years later, on account of the feeble health of the wife, they returned to Rhea County, where they made a permanent settlement. The father has been engaged in agricultural pur- suits, and has been rather successful. In his political views he is a Democrat, and served over two years in the Confederate States service, during the late civil war. He was captured in Rhea County, and spent two months in the Nashville penitentiary and two months in the Louisville penitentiary. The remainder of the two years he passed in Camp Chase, Ohio. He, with his wife and all the children, are members of the Method- ist Episcopal Church South. Our subjeet is the eldest of eight children, of whom there were seven sons and one daughter. Our subject secured a good academic education in his youth, and farming has been his chief occupation in life. He began life for himself as a farm hand, and in 1855 settled on a farm, as a renter, in the Seventh Civil District, it being four years before he was able to own a small farm. In 1859 he purchased a farm of 100 acres at a cost of $1,500, and here began a singularly prosperous life. In December of the same year he married Miss Mary E. Thomison, a native of Roanoke County, Va., born July 20, 1837, and the daughter of William P. and Nancy J. Thomison, who immi- grated to Rhea County in 1843. The marriage of our subject and wife resulted in the birth of four children, two sons and two daughters: John G., born March 3, 1806; Edward MI .. born March 3, 1869 (both born the same month and same day); Mary E., born December 10, 1875, and Winnie G., born December 16, 1878. In the spring of 1801 he entered the Con- federate Army, enlisting in Company D, Fifth Tennessee Regiment, Col. J. G. M. Mont- gomery being captain of the company, and G. W. Mckenzie, colonel. He enlisted as a private, and was made adjutant of the Fifth Regiment in 1862. He received seven wounds during the war, the first at Richmond, Ky., the second at Bardstown, Ky., and three at Chickamauga Creek, one through the left breast, one through the left arm and one through the right leg. He was also wounded at Buckhorn Bridge, below Atlanta, Ga., and at Bentonville, N. C. He returned home to Rhea County in May, 1865, after an absence of over four years, and resumed his agricultural pursuits. In 1860 he was duly elected trustee of Rhea County, and was also made a deputy register, filling both offices until he resigned to enlist in the war, where for gallant conduct during the battle of Chickamauga he was made major.
Hon. Valentine C. Allen, an eminent lawyer of Dayton, is a native of Mississippi. born in Tippah County September 2, 1842. His parents, Valentine and Ann (Frazier) Allen, were both of Scotch-Irish descent. The father was a native of Kentucky, born July 13, 1809; is still living. The mother was born in Knox County, Tenn., in 1814, and is still living. They were married in Rhea County, Tenn., January 19, 1836, and with the exception of the four years that they lived in Alabama, soon after marriage, and one year in Mississippi, have made Rhea County their home ever since. The father was a fartner and a decided Democrat in his political views, casting his first vote for James K. Polk for Congress. Ile and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Our sub- ject is one of eight children, seven of whom are still living. He assisted on the farm and secured a liberal education in Rhea County. In April, 1862, he entered the Confederate service, enlisting in Company D, Fifth Tennessee Cavalry; J. G. M. Montgomery being captain of the company, and G. W. Mckenzie, colonel of the regiment. In the follow- ing June, on account of ill health, he returnedjhome and remained two months. In Sep- tember following he joined the Third Tennessee Infantry, Col. N. J. Lillard, served with
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BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
Company I the remainder of the war, and surrendered at Washington, Ga., May 9. 1865. In the fall of the same year he commenced the study of law under Judge Frank Locke. of Rhea County, and in November, 1856, he obtained license to practice, and since that time to the present his name has been on the roll of Tennessee attorneys. February 18, 1866, he wedded Miss Emma King, a native of Meigs County, born February 13, 1845. She is the daughter of Dr. Aaron and Jane (Lillard) King. The fruits of this union are five children, all living -- one son and four daughters. Our subject is a stanch Dem- ocrat, and in 1871 he was elected to the State Legislature, serving one term of two years. and positively refused to be re-elected. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, has served the church as steward and Trustee, and has been sent several times as a delegate to the annual conference. His wife and three children are members of the same church.
Nicholas Q.'Allen, a lawyer of Rhea County, and a resident of Darwin, was born in Rhea County April 17, 1850, son of Valentine and Ann (Frazier) Allen. [For further par- ticulars of parents see sketch of V. C. Allen. ] Our subject is one of a large family of children. He received his primary education in the common schools, and subsequently attended the academy at Decatur, Meigs County. He first followed agricultural pursuits on his father's plantation, and afterward selected the law for his profession. In the fall of 1872, he entered the law department of the Cumberland University at Lebanon, but on account of failing health was obliged to retire from the class before graduation He afterward completed his studies in the office of an elder brother, V. C. Allen, of Dayton. Tenn. In June, 1873, he obtained license to practice, and since that date has followed his profession in Tennessee. September 2, 1875, he married Miss Susan C. Paine, daughter of Orville Paine, who at one time was an influential citizen of Rhea County. He was of Irish extraction. The result of our subject's marriage was the birth of two daughters: Kittie M., born July 9, 1876, and Helen B., born November 1, 1882. Mr. Allen is a decided Democrat, and a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, having served the church as steward for the last six years, and has been sent as a delegate to several annual conferences. Mrs. Allen is a member of the same church. In 1885-86 our subject was chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee of the Third Congressional District. In 1884 he was commissioned special chancellor by Gov. Bate, to hold the chancery court of Bledsoe and Sequatchie Counties. He is a man of commanding appearance, being six feet and three inches in height. He is a stanch Prohibitionist, and is doing much to aid the cause. In May, 1883, he located at Darwin, having commenced the practice of law at Washington ten years previous.
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