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 44
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W. B. H. Wiley, coal operator, at Oliver Springs, was born in Roane County. Tenn., January 25, 1843. He is the son of Henry H. Wiley and Mary B. B. Boyd, who were married January 2, 1822. The father was born in North Carolina, October 9, 1779. He was the son of Alexander Wiley and Martha Noel; this father was a farmer, in Tennessee, for several years. and later went to merchandising in Kingston, Roane County; still later he was elected county court clerk of Roane County: still later he became one of the wealthiest men of his county, and all his wealth was gained through perseverance and skillful management. The mother of our subject was born in Vir- ginia, March 31, 1804, and died Jannary 3, 1877. Unto her were born six sons and four daughters. Our subject was reared on the farm, and received a common-school education, in the country schools. His work, prior to the civil war, was farming. At the outbreak of the war, he enlisted in Company F, Fifth Tennessee Infantry. At the close of the war, he returned to Kingston, and farmed in Roane County, for two years, and then went to operating in coal, first at Coal Creek, then at Oliver Springs, where he is now operating. He and his brother, H. H. Wiley, constitute the
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BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
Mount Carbon Coal and Coke Company, of Oliver Springs. In 1869 (October 29) he mar- ried Miss Jennie McFarlen, of Nashville. One son and eight danghters have been born to this marriage. Three of these children are dead; those living are Thomas E., Z. A., Mary E., Katy, Luttie and Irone. Mr. Wiley commenced business with- out money, and has gained considerable wealth, by his energy and enterprise. He is a self-made man, a member of the Presbyterian Church. an Odd Fellow, and a Re- publican.
Judge D. K. Young, one of the most prominent citizens and leading lawyers of East Tennessee, and who is known all over the State as one of the most upright judges who ever wore the judicial ermine, was born five miles west of Clinton, January 1, 1826, and is the son of Samuel C. and Charlotte (Hall) Young. The father was a native of Vir- ginia, and was born October 13, 1801, the son of Wylie Young, who was a Virginian and came to Tennessee in 1810, one of the pioneers of Anderson County. The father of our subject was elected, by the State Legislature, surveyor of Anderson County during the thirties, and served about thirty years. He was elected justice, and filled the position of chairman of county court several years. He followed farming all his life, and was one of the largest land owners of the county. He was eminently a man of sterling worth, integrity and of great force of character. His death, which occurred April 4, 1864. was universally regretted. The mother was born in South Carolina, the daughter of David Hall, a native of the same State, who came to Tennessee, and at an early date settled in the Fourth District, where he kept a tavern. He was a soldier of the Revolution, and a pensioner up to the time of his death. She'was an amiable wife and mother. Our sub- ject was reared on his father's farm, where he worked during the summer months, and attended school during the winter. Later he attended Union Academy at Clinton, Viney Grove College, in Lincoln County, Holston College, and Strawberry Plains College, in Jefferson County, Tenn. He then began the study of law under John R. Nelson. and November 12; 1849, he was admitted to the bar, being licensed by Hon. Ebenezer Alex- ander and Hon. Thomas L. Williams, circuit judge and chancellor respectively. His first practice was in Clinton, where he opened an office, and subsequently extended his practice to Anderson, Roane, Morgan, Campbell, Scott and Union Counties. He continued prac- ticing until the outbreak of the late war. A strong sympathizer with the Union, he was very much harassed by the Confederate authorities, and was once arrested and held for a time. He enlisted in the Federal service, and was made captain of Battery D, First Tennessee Light Artillery. He served until July 4, 1864, when he was commissioned attorney-general by Gov. Andrew Johnson and detailed to Knoxville to aid in reorgan- izing the civil government. This position he held for two years, then resigned and returned home to his law practice. March 14, 1873, he was appointed by Gov. Brown judge of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, and was twice reelected, voluntarily retiring from the same September 1, 18S6, after fourteen years of service. During this time he was er-officio chancellor of five counties. His official life has been characterized by integ- rity, ability and justice, and he retired from the bench with the respect of all who knew him. The best evidence of his fidelity to a trust is seen in the fact that his clients never forsook him, and, after having been on the bench, one of the circuit judges of the State for fourteen years, and voluntairly retiring, his old clients flocked to him again. Before and since the war he has been a dealer in real estate, to which, with his law practice, he has given his whole attention. He is owner of the beautiful estate of "Eagle Bend," near Clinton, embracing 1,000 acres (which is pronounced to be one of the best farms in the State), besides other real estate. He is also a partner in the wholesale and manufacturing drug house of Chapman, White, Lyons & Co., of Knoxville, and much of his financial success he declares to be the result of his wife's ability, for she is. he says, the better business manager. May 15. 1849, he married Elizabeth Woodson. of Lee County, Va., who was born September 2, 1832, a daughter of William Woodson. But five of their children are living. His son William B., graduated with honors at the University of Tennessee and, while on a prospecting tour in Texas, died at Forth Worth of Typhoid fever. Sam- liel C., another son, was a sophomore of the same university when he died. Both were
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bright and talented, and gave great promise of the future, and their deaths were a hard blow to the parents. Of the five remaining children, three daughters and two sons, the eldest, Charlotte Alice, is the wife of John E. Chapman, a man who stands pre-eminently high as a Christian gentlemen and successful business man, and is at the head of the wholesale and manufacturing drug house of Chapman, White, Lyons & Co., of Knox- ville, Tenn. His wife is a brilliant woman, and an earnest and zealous worker of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Minnie O., after graduating from Martha Wash- ington College, Virginia, took a post graduate course at Dr. Price's Seminary, Nashville, Tenn .; is now the wife of John C. Houk, a young lawyer of decided talent at Knoxville, and son of Hon. S. C. Houk, who, for the past ten years, has been a member of Congress representing the Second District of Tennessee. James Walter, the eldest living son, is now a junior in the University of the South at Sewanee, Tenn. His course is classical. As a scholar he stands high in the university. He is preparing for the law. David K., Jr., the youngest son, is attending the high school at Clinton. He is a good, Christian boy, amiable and lovely in disposition. He shows many characteristics and traits of his father. Etta I. is a student of Centenary College, Cleveland, Tenn., presided over by the distinguished Dr. David Sullins. She stands well and in some branches has received merited honors.
MORGAN COUNTY.
Charles Brown, a merchant of Wartburg, was born in Lammersheim, Rhine-Baiern Bavaria, Germany. at the castle of the Count of Oberndorf, on September 23, 1847. Hc is the third of nine children born to the marriage of Heinrich Edward and Maria Joseph- ine (Fricker) Brown. The father was born August 25, 1810, in Mannheim, Grossherzog- thum Baden, and the mother was born April 10, 1817, in Wangen, Königreich Wurtemburg. her maiden name being Fricker. They were married in Mannheim, September, 23, 1841. They left the old country August 1, 1850, and reached Wartburg, Tenn., October 3. of the same year, after a long and tiresome trip, the voyage of forty-four days on the ocean being very tempestuous. Upon their arrival here they located about four miles east of Wartburg. They afterward removed to Jacksboro, and thence to Knoxville, where they still reside. Charles remained at home until he reached the age of eight years, when he set out to earn his own living. He lived with a Mr. Metzer until he was fifteen years old. He then began to learn the tanner's trade under John H. Brient, who had a yard near Montgomery. After completing his apprenticeship, he clerked in the store of Albert, Hurt for about two years, and worked at Clinton for a year. In 1869, in partnership with Mr. Hurt, he sank a tanyard, which was run about two years. On December 24. 1571. he married Laura V., daughter of John II. Brient, and soon after began the operation of the tannery, when he had learned the trade. This he continued about one year, after which he worked at various places, finally engaging in business with W. H. Jones at Sunbright. After eighteen months he removed to Wartburg, and entered into partnership with John Hall, with whom he remained until 1878. He has since been engaged in con- ducting his present business. His first wife having died, he was in March. 1876, united in marriage with Julia Garrett, to whom have been born five children, four of whom are living. Mr. Brown is a successful business man, and is highly esteemed by the com- munity in which he lives.
Col. Reuben A. Davis, chairman of the county court of Morgan County, is the grandson of John M. Davis, one of the first settlers of the county. The latter came from Louisa County. Va,, and located in Morgan County about one mile from Meihon s Ford on Emory River, where he lived for several years. He then removed to Little Emory, where he died about 1853. He had a family of three daughters and five sons, of
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BIOGRATHICAL APPENDIX.
whom Joseph S .. the father of our subject, was the eldest. He was born in Virginia about the year 1800, and as a boy came with his father's family to Tennessee. In 1823 he married Amanda, a daughter of Charles Williams, who came to Tennessee from Appomat- tox, Va., about 1814. They had five children, Melinda (Mrs. Abner F. Staples), John M .. Charles G., Susannah (Mrs. Lemuel Summer), and Reaben A. The last named was born on April 19, 1833, in Roane County, near the Little Emory Iron Works. When he was only six months old his mother died, and at the age of twelve he was left an orphan. He then went to work for his uncle, at $4 per month, and continued to work for him until he reached the age of eighteen. At this time he engaged in the stock business. buying cattle in Morgan and surrounding counties, and driving them to Virginia. In August, 1863. he entered the Eleventh Regiment of Tennessee (Federal) Cavalry as lieu- tenant-colonel, and continued iu that position until just before the consolidation of the Eleventh and Ninth Regiments. On February 22, 1864, while leading his regiment in an engagement at Weirman's Mill, Virginia, against the brigade of Gen. Jones, he received two minie-balls in his body, both of which he still carries. He was captured by the enemy, and held a prisoner for a time, but finally made his escape. In 1865 he pur- chased the farm where he now resides, consisting of 1,000 acres, of which 300 acres are in cultivation. In May, 1855, Col. Davis was married to Lucinda Summer, a native of the county, and a daughter of William and Clarissa (Staples) Summer. Ten children hare been born to them, nine of whom are now living. They are Virginia (Mrs. John Will- iams), John M., Milly A., Amanda, David K. T., William H., Charles H., Albert C. and Clarissa. Col. Davis has filled the office of county surveyer for one term, and is now serving his third term of chairman as the county court. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for twenty-one years, and in politics is a Democrat.
John Hall, one of the representative and enterprising citizens of Morgan County, was born near Wartburg, April 17, 1842. His great-grandfather, Samuel Hall, a native of Virginia, was one of the earliest settlers on Beaver Creek, Knox County. About 180; he removed with his family to Morgan County, and entered a tract of land seven miles north of Wartburg, where he continued to reside until his death. He reared a large family of sons and daughters, all of whom were remarkable for their great height, none being under six feet. One of these, David Hall, was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, and the father of John Hall, Sr. The latter was born in 1818, and during his entire life was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1841 he married Mary Williams, who died in 1883, preceding him to the grave only about a year. They had five children, of whom John is the eldest. He remained at home until March 9, 1865, when he was united in marriage with Emily J. Langley, a native of Campbell County, and daughter of E. Langley, who was captain of Company F, First Federal Tennessee Infantry. After mar- riage he engaged in farming, and continued in that pursuit until 1870, when he opened a store in Wartburg, where he has since remained. Mr. Hall has held several important official positions, and in all cases has discharged his duties with fidelity and ability. In 1867 he was appointed by the governor, anditor of claims for Morgan County, and in 1874 was elected clerk of the county court, which position he filled for one term. He was then chosen to represent the district composed of Morgan, Fentress and Overton Coun- ties, in the Lower House of the General Assembly. Ile has also been twice commis- sioned postmaster. He is a member of Emory Lodge, No. 377, F. & A. M. His wife is a consistent member of the Methodist Church. They have three children: Mary, David and Frederick.
Daniel M. Kelly, a prominent citizen, merchant and farmer, is a native of Morgan County, was born April 8, 1826. He is the elder of two children born to the marriage of James and Melinda (Hall) Kelly, both natives of Tennessee. The latter was a daughter of Martin Hall, who came from North Carolina, and located about six miles north of Wartburg. James Kelly resided on Emory River until 1840, when he went to Missouri. He returned the next year, however, and bought the farm where the subject of this sketch now resides. There he continued to live until the war. He then took up his resi dence on his son's farm, that he might better protect his slave property. On December
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12, 1863, he was taken prisoner by bushwhackers, or some other lawless band, and bru- tally murdered. His widow survived him until January 11, 1872. Daniel M. Kelly remained at home, working on the farm until after his marriage. He then engaged in farming for himself, and in 1851 began merchandising, which business, in connection with farming. he still follows. On September 29, 1843, be was united in marriage with Mary J. Jones, who died on December 5, 1877, leaving seven children: Rachel (Mrs. Calvin G. Joyner). Eliza (Mrs. James Langley), Melinda (Mrs. Levi Brasel), James B., Daniel M., Jr., Will- iam C. and Samuel W. Since the death of his first wife, Mr. Kelly married Ruth Wilson. Politically he is a stanch Democrat, and socially is a member of the Baptist Church.
Victor Letorey, one of the most progressive and enterprising farmers in Tennessee, was born in New Orleans, January 26, 1839, being the eldest of five children born to Jobu B. and Euphrosyne (Conand). The former was a native of Burgundy, France. He came to America a poor boy, but by energy and economy accumulated sufficient money to engage in sugar planting, in which business he accumulated a large fortune. In 1853, in order that he might properly educate his family, he moved to Paris, and from that time to his death, in 1875. France was his permanent residence. His wife is still living at the age of sixty-eight years. Victor, the subject of this sketch, received a liberal educa- tion. After completing a literary course, he served for about three years as sub-assistant to Pedigo, the renowned chemist in the Government laboratories, and also took a complete course in pharmacy. In 1966 be returned to New Orleans, and erected a seltzer water manufactory, which proved a decided success until competition drove him from the busi- ness. Meanwhile he spent his summers with his family in Morgan County, and, being delighted with the climate and magnificent scenery, he decided to make it his permanent home. He purchased 100 acres of land about one and one-half miles east of Wartburg, to which he has since added 700 acres. It was entirely covered by a forest, and Mr. Letorey had had no experience whatever in farming, but in the short space of fifteen years he has converted this tract into one of the best improved farms in East Tennessee. In doing this he has spared neither labor nor expense, and has done a work of incalculable value to the agricultural interests of the State, and especially of the Cumberland Plateau. He has devoted the greater portion of his time to experiments in grape culture and wine making, and has demonstrated that wines equal to the best in Europe can be made in this section. His experiments in the breeding of cattle have also proved of great value. On June 11, 1868, Mr. Letorey was united in marriage with Pauline De Blieux, a native of New Orleans, and a descendant of one of the nobility of Southern France. To them have been born eight children, four of whom are living; they are Victor, Jr., born in 1873; Dennis, born in 1876; Honorene, born in 1878, and Octavius, born in 1880.
CAMPBELL COUNTY.
J. H. Agee, M. D., is one of the prominent citizens of Jacksboro, Tenn., and was born in Campbell County, February 14, 1827, and is the son of James and Elizabeth (Tudor) Agee. The father was a native of Virginia and was born in 1780. He served in the war of 1812 under Gen. Cocke, and his widow received a land warrant in recognition of his services in that war. He was the son of Isaac Agee, one of the pioneers of Tennessee. His mother was born in Virginia. in 1792, the daughter of Harris Tudor. The father died in 1844, and the mother in 1865. Both were members of the Baptist Church. Our subject was reared on the farm, and acquired his education in the neighboring schools and in Union County, finishing his education at Clinton. He began life at the age of sixteen years, working on the farm. He followed farming as a vocation. reading med icine at the same time, up to the breaking out of the late Rebellion. He began practicing medicine in about 1853. At the breaking out of the war, he removed his family to Pike
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BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
County, Ind., where he farmed and taught school until January, 1865, joining Com- pany I, One Hundred and Forty Third Regiment of Indiana Infantry, of which he was orderly sergeant, and served on guard duty on the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway, and at Fort Donelson. Tenn. At the close of the war he returned to his home, in Indiana, and in the latter part of 1865 returned to Campbell County, Tenn., where he followed farming until 1867. He entered politics in 1867; became the Repub- lican candidate for the Legislature to represent Campbell County, and was elected. He was re-elected in 1880, serving through the years of 1867-70. He then retired from office, but continued in active politics. In 1880 he was elected to represent the counties of Campbell, Scott and Union in the Legislature, and in 1881 was elected to represent the counties of Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, Scott and Union in the State Senate. At the close of his term in the Senate he was appointed to the office of clerk and master of the chancery court of Campbell County, which position he holds at the present. His official life has been characterized by ability, integrity and justice, and gave satisfaction to the public in general. He has, to a great extent, retired from the practice of medicine. He is a member of Milton L. Phillips Post, G. A. R. He was married November 22, 1848, to Mary Comer, who was born in Campbell County, Tenn. To this union eleven children have been born, ten of whom are living. Both parents and two daughters are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
William Allen, circuit clerk, was born in New York January 18, 1844, entered the Federal Army, and served in the scouting force of the Department of the Ohio until the close of the war. He was captured several times, held as prisoner, and also slightly wounded. He then followed farming a year or more in this county, and since April, 1868, has held his present office by re-election, an excellent indicationjof his fitness for the posi- tion. He is now commander of Milton L. Phillips Post, No. 27, G. A. R., of which he became a member since December 23, 1884.
James F. Archer, a farmer in the Tenth Civil District, of Campbell County, Tenn., and a native of this county, was born April 24, 1847. He is the son of James and Nancy (Stanfill) Archer. The father and the mother were both natives of Kentucky. The father was a farmer and merchant, and one of the well respected citizens of Campbell County. He died at the age of fifty-two years, in July of 1862. The mother was the mother of a family of four sons and nine daughters; of these children there live twelve. Our subject is the second son, was reared on the farm, and has devoted most of his life to farming, He commenced the occupation for himself at marriage, which time was 1860. He was united in marriage with Jane Perkins, daughter of William Perkins, of Campbell County. Five sons and four daughters have blessed the marriage. Mr. Archer has been a successful business man and farmer. He now owns and cultivates a farm of 250 acres, and is a well respected citizen. In 1885 he was appointed postmaster for Jellico, Campbell County, and has managed the office skillfully. He is engaged in merchandising in Jellico, and is a member of the Baptist Church.
Jesse Baird, farmer, was born in Whitley County, Ky., November 24, 1826, the son of Lewis M. and Elizabeth (Woosley) Baird. The father, a native of North Car- olina, was of Irish origin, and left fatherless when a child. He was born August 22. 1795, and farmed nearly all his life, coming to Kentucky soon after his father's death. In 1862 the Confederate soldiers took him from his home, in Tennessee, and tried. in vain, to make him take the oath of allegiance, and consequently imprisoned him, and he died in a North Carolina prison, in May, 1864. The mother of our subject was a Virginian, born of English parents December 28, 1797. She bore eleven sons and three daughters. Our subject, the sixth child, was reared on a farm in Kentucky, and since twelve years of age has been in Campbell County, Tenn. His country school education enabled him to teach, when of age, for two terms, and then after some employment in a distillery. he began his career as a farmer, in Campbell County,' on his present homestead, in Elk Valley. In 1853 he married Louisa, a daughter of John Smith. She was born in Whitley County, Ky,, November 9, 1836. Nine sons and four daughters have been born to them, but one of the former deceased. Our
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CAMPBELL COUNTY.
subject has been successful in life, and is a member of the United Baptist Church.
S. C. Baird, county clerk, was born November 16, 1811, in Campbell County, the son of William and Nancy (Barron) Baird; the former born in Whitley County, Ky. October 19, 1819, and deceased in April, 1886. He was a farmer, and Lewis, his father. was a native of North Carolina. The mother, born in 1821, in Campbell County, was the daughter of Joseph Barron, a Virginian, who removed to Tennessee, and finally to Texas. She died in December, 1861. Both parents are Baptists, Our subject grew up with country school advantages, and when nineteen years of age went to Williamsburg, Ky., where, August 2, 1861, he joined Company A, First Tennessee Infantry (Federal), and served with that regiment, until mustered out at Nashville, September 29, 1861. For two or three years he farmed, and in March, 1868, he became trustee of Campbell County, and in 1970 was re-elected. He then farmed, at the expiration of that term, and dealt in stock until 1878, since which time he has held his present office with characteristic effi- ciency. He is a member of the G. A. R., Milton L. Phillips Post, No. 27, of which he is Senior Vice-Commander. December 17, 1865, Sarah Bowman became his wife. She was born January 9, 1844, in Campbell County, the daughter of Elias Bowman. They had six children: Synthia E., Winston, Calaway, H. Maynard, Annie J. and Jimmie N.
Lewis Bowman, trustee of Campbell County, and a farmer, was born in that county January 16, 1855, the son of Elias and Nancy (Douglass) Bowman. The father was born in Virginia, in August, 1814, the son of Sherrod Bowman, who was killed when Elias was a child. He came to Tennessee about 1824, and settled in Union and afterward in Campbell County, where he has farmed up to the present time, and for some time served as deputy sheriff. The mother was born in the county in 1812, the daughter of William Douglass, a native of Tennessee. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and died March 9, 1877. Our subject was educated in the Jacksboro schools, and afterward taught about ten years, devoting his vacations to clerking. He was elected trustee of Campbell County August 5, 1896, and is the youngest of the county officials, and one of the most efficient. December 15, 1878, Martha Smith became his wife. She was born in Campbell County, December 11, 1858, and died September 26, 18:9. They had an infant, Martha, deceased March 25, 1880. February 22, 1883, he married Susie Stanfill, born in Campbell County July 25. 1865. She is a member of the Baptist Church. Her mother died when she was three years old. Elias Bowman is now and has been a citizen of Campbell County since about 1830. He has been partly blind for six years, caused by detached retina of the eye. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have two children.
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