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 48
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BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
mother was a Methodist. Our subject, the seventh of thirteen children, seven now liv- ing, has always lived near his birthplace, and has, by his reading habits, largely edu- cated himself. When thirty-three years of age, he began manufacturing and carding wool, also milling, continuing for twenty-eight years. In 1875 he came to his present residence, which he bought of the MeLane heirs, and now owns about 1,400 acres, which he has greatly improved, as it was a Confederate camping ground during the war. He is a Republican. May 12, 1836, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Elisha and Lydia (Mer- ritt) Hampton, born in Stokes County, N. C., May 12, 1816. She is a Methodist. Their children are David, Josephine, Jolin P., Silas I., Horace M., Sneed, W. F., Mary (deceased), Sarah A. (deceased), Hugh H. (deceased), and Reuben C. (deceased). Besides his own children, he has educated five grandchildren.
Jason Russell, farmer, trader and timber dealer, was born in Union County, October 28, 1836, the son of Edward and Barbara (Graves) Russell, the former of Irish stock, born in Botetourt County, Va., about 1797, and deceased in Union County, in 1856, and the latter of German origin, born in Randolph County, Va., about 1802, and still living. The father came to Union County when six years old, and was a blacksmith, but afterward a farmer. He was a major of militia, and a Democrat. Our subject, the fourth of seven children, six now living, left home when twenty-one years of age, but farmed independ- ently on his father's farm until 1869, when he settled on his present farm, the gift of his father. He is a Methodist and a Democrat. June 17, 1858, he married Elizabeth. daugh. ter of Jesse and Margaret Rogers, a native of this county, born September 27, 1837. She is a Methodist. Their children are Sarah A., Harriett, Jesse L., Emily F., William M., Edward F., John H., James C. and Horace L.
William P. Scott, farmer and stock dealer, was born near Knoxville, April 8, 1847, the son of Hampden S. and Rebecca (Kermer) Scott, the former of English stock, born in 1800 at Knoxville, and deceased in Claiborne County in February, 1885, and the latter born in Cumberland County about 1817, the daughter of John Kermer. The father came to this county in 1857, the son of Judge Edward Scott, and was a farmer. The mother is a Methodist. Our subject, the fourth of four children, was fairly educated and worked at home until August 27, 1875, when he married Virginia McPherson, of Lee County, Va. Their children are Lula A., Joseph W., Nancy C. and James P. After six years in Lee County, in farming and stock dealing, he bought his present farm, where he has so well succeeded. His wife is & Methodist, and he an esteemed man.
Richard S. Seal, farmer, was born in Hawkins, now Hancock County, February 14, 1831, the son of Noel and Nancy (Frost) Seal, of Irish-English and Irish origin respectively, and natives of Hawkins County, the former born July 30, 1798, and decease. November 29, 1873, and the latter born June 8, 1806, and deceased December 1, 1860, hav- ing been married since January 13, 1820. For twenty-four years they lived near Sneed- ville; in 1844, came to Clinch River, and three years later to Little Barren Creek. Seven years after he moved to another part of the county, and about the same length of time after that settled at Sand Lick. The father was an influential man. Our subject, the fifth of twelve children, has always been a farmer. October 7, 1855, he married Martha Lewis of this county, and became a farmer near Big Barren Creek, ten years later moved to near where he now lives, and in 1872, settled at his present home. From June, 1873 to 1877, he was a merchant near his residence, and now owns 400 acres of land. He is a Democrat, and he and his wife are Missionary Baptists. They have four sons and three daughters, one of the latter deceased.
Benjamin F. Shultz, merchant and druggist, was born on Sycamore Creek in Clai- borne County, five miles southeast of Tazewell. February 12, 1842, the son of Jacob and Louisiana (Cloud) Shultz; of German and Scotch-Irish origin, the former born in this county in 1790, and deceased in Greene, County, Mo., in 1865, and the latter in Lee County, Va., about 1810, and deceased in Greene County, Mo., in 1884. They lived in Claiborne County until 1858, when they removed to near Springfield, Mo., and engaged in agri- cultural pursuits with success until the breaking out of hostilities between the ‘sections, when they retired South with their family. Jacob Shultz, Sr., the grandfather, came
1145
CLAIBORNE COUNTY.
from Germany before the Revolution with his parents, settled in Virginia, and then was among the first settlers of Claiborne County, whilst the red man still occupied the country. Our subject, the third of seven children, grew up in this county, assisting in his father's store and on the farm until their removal to Missouri, where he attended school and labored on the farm till the first call to arms, when at the age of nineteen he entered Capt. Campbell's company of Missouri State Guards, commanded by Gen. Sterling Price, on June 1, 1861, taking part in the battle of Oak Hills and many other engagements in the State service until the army fell back from its position behind the Osage to Neosho, where the Legislature assembled, and on the 28th of October, 1661, the State severed its connection with the Federal Union. After this the Missouri troops were mustered into the regular Confederate service, and he became a member of Company A, Third Missouri Cavalry, commanded by Col. Culton Green, of Marmaduke's division, operating in the States of Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana and the Indian Territory, and taking part in the battles of Pea Ridge, Helena, Little Rock. Jenkin's Ferry, and accompanying Gen. Price on his great raid through Missouri and Kansas in the fall of 1864, and then returned with the army through the Indian Territory and Arkansas to Louisiana, where he remained until the last organization of the Confederate Army of the Trans-Mississippi Department had surrendered, when he went to Navarro County, Texas, and engaged in the carrying trade between Millican and Dallas for about two years, when he returned to his former home in Missouri, and devoted two years to its repair, having been ruined by the lawless Kansas robbers under Jim Lane. In 1868 he returned to Tazewell, and for about four years sold goods for S. C. & J. M. Brown, and then for thirteen years following he was a partner with J. W. Divine in the mercantile business, when in 1885 J. W. Divine withdrew from the firm. On April 30, 1872, he was married to Eliza J. Johnson, daughter of Col. Thomas J. Johnson and Eliza J. John (nee Graham), the latter born in County Tyrone, Ireland, whither her ances- tors fled from Scotland on account of their complicity in some of the rebellions in which their property was taken by the Crown. Of three sons and two daughters one, the eldest daughter, is deceased. Our subject is a Democrat, and he and his wife are Presbyterians.
Robert G. Yoakum, an enterprising planter of the Tenth Civil District, was born in Claiborne County, September 6, 1824, son of Robert Yoakum. The parents were natives of Tennessee and Virginia, were married in Claiborne County, and settled after their mar- riage on a farm in Claiborne County in what is now Lonesome Valley, where they lived about a year, then moved to Powell's Valley, where the father died before our subject was born; his mother remarried, some four years after the death of the father, Mr. Thomas Davis, who was a Claiborne County farmer. He received a common school education and began life as a farmer, which has been his chief occupation all of his life. About 1855 he purchased and settled where he now lives. From about the year 1875 to 1885 he was engaged in the mercantile business at Lone Mountain Creek. in partnership with a nephew, James Yoakum, seven years, then with a son, E. F. Yoakum. Since then, he has been engaged exclusively in farming. Subject began life with nothing, but now owns upward of 350 acres of land in two tracts in the Tenth District. On June 20, 1856, he married Miss Lucinda Jennings, of Claiborne County. They have six living children, four sons and two daughters, and four deceased, two sons and two daughters. Subject is a Republican, is not a member of any church, but is in sympathy with the Methodist Church. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church.
1146
BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
UNION COUNTY.
Hon. Coram Acuff, lawyer, was born in Grainger County August 23, 1846, the son of Simeon and Susan, (nee Strange) Acuff, the former of German origin, born in this country in 1818, still living, and a minister of the Missionary Baptist Church. He entered the ministry about 1810. The mother was born in 1816, and died in 1882, a member of said church. Our subject, the fourth of eight children, received a fair education, finishing at Walnut Grove, Knox County, after he was married. In July, 1862, he joined Company D, First Tennessee Federal Infantry. He was at one time taken prisoner, but soon taken to Rutledge, Tenn., where his old teacher, Ben Peck, and his father's family physician, Dr. J. P. Legg, procured his parole; he soon returned, and served until June, 1865. He farmed, taught and attended school until in 1874, 'when he was elected county court clerk of Union County, and was twice re-elected, serving twelve years. In 1886 he was admitted to the bar, having read and learned of the law during his clerkship. He was a represen- tative of two counties in the Legislature in 1587-88. He was married to Nancy Ellen Clapp, of Maynardville, June 23, 1870, where they have since resided. They have three sons and one daughter, viz .: Charles B., Frank P., S. E. Neill and Ella Zell. He and his wife are Missionary Baptists, and he is an influential Republican. He is devoting his time to his profession as a lawyer.
Nicholas Ailor, a prominent attorney, was born near Maynardville, August 22, 1834, the son of Samuel and Sallie Ailor, of English descent, and natives of Knox County. The former a successful planter and miller, died December 26. 1885, aged about seventy-one years of age, and the latter died about 1883, of the same age, nearly. Our subject was well educated, and taught school for a time, then began law under Col. Evans, of Taze- well, and was admitted in 1859. Since the war he has been very extensively in practice in the county and State courts. In October, 1869, he married Mary J., a daughter of John B. and Ruth Mitchell, of this county. Of four sons and three daughters, one of the latter is deceased. Our subject is a Democrat, in favor of prohibition. He is an influential man, is a Missionary Baptist, and his wife a Methodist.
Prior L. Beeler, a merchant farmer and stock dealer, was born near where he now lives December 29, 1849, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Morton) Beeler, the former born in Grainger County, and deccased in this county July 27, 1883, aged seventy-one, and the latter born in 1827, in this county where she still lives, a member of the Methodist .Church. The paternal grandparents came from Germany to Sullivan County and finally to Anderson County. Our subject, the eldest of nine children, attended the common school, and worked on his father's farm until November 20, 1873, when he married Nancy J., a daughter of William Irwin. They have four sons and three daughters, and one daughter deceased. Our subject has always farmed, and in 1887 also became a merchant at Turner's Cross Roads. Two years after marriage our subject purchased part of the land he now owns, and to this he has added. In 1887, in connection with farming. be engaged in merchandising at Turner's Cross Roads. Our subject is a strong Prohibitionist, and is among the county's best citizens. He and wife are Methodists, and he is a Mason.
John Bowman, farmer and stock dealer, was born in Claiborne County July 21, 1829. the son of William and Mary (Beeler) Bowman, the former born in Virginia, and died in Claiborne County in 1849. He was a child when they came to Tennessee, at that time & territory, and served as sheriff of Claiborne County several years. The mother, also of Virginia, died in Claiborne County about 1839, and our subject is the fourth of her seven children. Mr. Bowman was fairly educated, and after his father's death farmed the . homestead, and then, a year later, bought land in the First District, where he spent nine years. In 1867 he bought his present land. He joined Company C, First Federal Tenne --
UNION COUNTY. 1147
see Infantry, August 9, 1861, and served in the Georgia campaign, and various other places. Martha C., a daughter of William Dunn, became his wife in 1865, and died in 1881. Of three sons and two daughters born to them, two sons and one daughter are liv- ing. In 1883 he married Rhoda J., a daughter of David Anderson, who bore him two , daughters. He was a magistrate several years, in both Claiborne and Union Counties, and in 1879 became trustee of this county for three terms. He is a Methodist, and his wife a Missionary Baptist. He is a Republican.
John C. Buckner, miller, farmer and stock dealer, was born in Grainger (now Unior) County, December 29, 1826, the son of Col. Ezra and Elizabeth (Duncan) Buckner, the former born November 14, 1797, in Knox County, and died in this county October 4, 1862; and the latter born in this county in 1800, and died March 12, 1883. Both were members of the Baptist Church. The father's family were from Virginia, he being a farmer and a colonel in the militia, and served in the war of 1812. Our subject, the third of ten children, received a common school education, and September 12, 1850, married Nancy Miller, who was born October 14, 1830, and died October 13, 1866. Of three sons and five daughters, three daughters are living. May 7, 1867, he married Maishley E. Ailor, born in 1836, and the mother of one son and four daughters. Hle bas always been a farmer, and in 1884 added much to the land given him. For four years before the war he was a magistrate, and again in 1876. He and his wife are Methodists, also the daughters. He is a Mason, and a Democrat.
Robert E. Buckner farmer and stock dealer. was born where he now lives, May 95, 1800, the son of William P. and Nancy ( Smith) Buckner, the former born near Maynard- ville July 15, 1823, and deceased at Tuscumbia, Ala., June 17, 1877, while on a business trip. He was a successful farmer and fruit grower, and inventor of the Self Adjusting Wagon Brake. The mother, born in Union (then Grainger) County, May 2, 1824, died August 20, 1880, and both were Missionary Baptists: they married October 28, 1841. Our subject, the youngest of six children, was educated at Mossy Creek College, and clerked in his father's store until the latter's death, since when he has been a farmer. January 6, 1886, he married Emily, a daughter of Josiah Kelley, of Clay County, Ky. She is a Missionary Baptist, and he a Republican.
Richard J. Carr, M. D., was born in Claiborne County, at the foot of the Cumberland Mountains, February 26, 1826, the son of James M. and Sarah (Rogers) Carr; the for- mer of Irish origin, and born in 1801, in Washington County, and the latter of Irish- German stock, born in Claiborne County, in 1805, and deceased in 1843. Both were members of the Baptist Church. The father is a farmer, and has lived in Claiborne County since childhood. Our subject. the eldest of sis sons, was educated at Clinton Academy, and then clerked for two years for John Whitson, when he became a partner with W. H. Whitson. and two years later sold to him. He began reading medicine under Dr. M. Tate, and in 1852 began practice at Tazewell. After seven years in Union County at Loy's Cross Roads he came to Maynardville, where he has since practiced. In 1860 he became circuit clerk, serving two terms. He is wealthy, is a Baptist, and a Mason. and in In his lodge he has held all the offices. He is a Republican in favor of Prohibition. 1852 he married Nancy A. Marshall, of Campbell County, who died in 1863, having been born in 1832. She was a Methodist, and left five sons. In 1864 he married Charlotte Huddleston, of this county, who died March 6. 1874, leaving two sons. She was born in 1838, and was a Missionary Baptist. In 1875 he married Niecey Hill, of this county, by whom he has two sons. She is a Missionary Baptist.
William Duke, farmer and stock dealer, was born in Granville County. N. C., June 10, 1815, the son of Nelson and Polly (Longmire) Duke, the former of English descent. born in Franklin County, N. C., and deceased in this county about 1862 at the age of seventy years. He was a farmer and teacher. For several years he served as Magistrate, The mother, born in Granville County, N. C., died in this county about 1859. Our sub- ject, the third of ten children. came to Tennessee when he was ten years old, and is the only living one. When nineteen years old he engaged with Jacob Sharp, and worked for over five years, his first salary going to his father. He was in ill health for about two
-
1148
BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
years. In 1843 he married Tinsy, a daughter of Isaac Sharp, of Campbell County, and she died in May. 1860, aged thirty-eight years, and a member of the Baptist Church. Of two sons and six daughters, one son and four daughters are deceased. In 1862 he mar- ried Martha, a daughter of John T. Harden, of Anderson County. Of their three sons and two daughters, one son is deceased. About seven years after his first marriage he rented land, and afterward bought his present home. He and his wife are Baptists, and he is a Republican in favor of prohibition.
Elisha Ferguson, farmer, stock dealer and miller, was born near New Market, Tenn .. April 9, 1844, the son of William and Mary (Bradley) Ferguson, the former of Scotch origin, born in Grainger County about 1811, and deceased at our subject's home Sep- tember 1, 1886; and the latter, born in the same county as her husband, in 1821, now liv- ing with our subject. Both were Missionary Baptists. Our subject, the fourth of seven children, received a fair education, and in 1862 joined Company F, Third Tennessee Fed- eral Infantry, serving at Nashville, Murfreesboro and other battles, and was discharged in February, 1865. June 20, 1866, he married Margaret J. Bradley, of Jefferson County. Of three sons and four'daughters, two of each sex are living, Our subject has always been a successful farmer and is a Mason. a Republican, and a member of the G. A. R .. while both are Missionary Baptists.
William Graves, farmer and stock dealer, was born in Claiborne (now Union) County, November 30, 1838, the son of John and Annie (Russell)Graves, the former born in Ran- dolph County, N. C., and deceased in this county November 30, 1858, aged about fifty- two years. He lived in Tennessee from boyhood, as a successful farmer. The mother, born in Virginia, died in Union County, in 1822, aged seventy-four years. They were both Methodists. Our subject, the fourth of six children, worked on the farm until 1857, when he married Bartheny Lynch, a native of Claiborne County, born January 28, 1838. Of seven sons and three daughters, one son is deceased. William bought the homestead, after his father's death, but in 1882 sold that and bought his present home. In 1861 he joined a Company of the Second Tennessee Federal Infantry, and became cor- poral, serving at Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, in the Georgia campaign and in Kentucky; was captured while home on a furlough, but soon escaped, passing four days and nights without food. After many adventures he joined his company at Knox- ville. He served as constable one term, and is a Republican, a member of the G. A. R .. and his wife a member of the Baptist Church.
Christian Haynes, farmer and stock dealer, was born where he now lives, July 29, 1834, the son of Abraham and Nelly (Housley) Haynes, the former of English lineage, born on New River, Va., in 1811, and deceased in 1869. The latter was born near Hous- ley Ford, in Claiborne County, March 3, 1812, and deceased in this county, July 10. 1950. The father came to Tennessee when about three years of age, and was a successful mer- chant and farmer. For twelve years he was a magistrate. He afterward moved to Knox- ville, where he died. He was married January 8, 1832. Both were members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Our subject, the second of eight children, was fairly edu- cated, and bought land of his father, which he has since greatly improved, and has always been a farmer. June 20, 1867, he married Mary A., daughter of Morris Atkins, born June 13, 1840, in Grainger County. Their children were Belle M. (deceased January 28, 1885, at Mossy Creek College), William C., Lilly M., Maggie M. and Dell S. Our subject and wife are Baptists, and he is a Mason, and strong Prohibitionist.
William Irwin, farmer and stock dealer, was born in Campbell County, January 1S. 1826, the son of John and Jennie (Sharp) Irwin. The former was born in Knox County, and deceased in this county, in 1837, aged thirty-nine years. The latter was born in Anderson, (now Union) County, and deceased May 27, 1843. at the same age as her hus- band. They were both Methodists. The father engaged in farming and stock dealing. Our subject, the third of ten children, worked on the farm until February 5, 1850. when he married Rachael Loy, of Anderson (now Union) County, born March 18, 1832, and deceased June 29, 1887, leaving five sons and five daughters. She was a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church South. After farming on his father's place four years, our subject bought
UNION COUNTY. 1149
his present farm. which he has enlarged and improved. He is a member of the above church, and is a Prohibition Democrat.
George Johnson, merchant and farmer, was born where he now lives, July, 4, 1832, and is the son of George and Nancy (Buckner) Johnson, the former born in Virginia March 12, 1115, and deceased January 18, 1852, in this county, where he was a successful farmer. He had come to Tennessee in 1800, and was under Gen. Jackson at the battle of The Horseshoe. The mother, also of a pioneer family, was born in Sullivan County, April 1, 1791, and died in this county November 20, 1876, she being a member of the Baptist Church. George and his sister Nancy were twins in a large family. He received a fair education, and took care of his aged parents, and iu 1886 also became a merchant. From 1866 he was a register for eight years. On March 25, 1869, he married Sarah, the daughter of Valentine and Lucinda (Malone) Turner, and they have four sons and three daughters. She is a Baptist, and he an earnest Republican. Mrs. Johnson's mother died in 1861, and her father in 1862.
[LATER. -- Since the above was written and set in type, Mr. Johnson has died. He was sick about two weeks, and died August 8, 1887, in the full triumph of faith and hope. He was one of the best citizens of the county, and his death was sincerely felt. ]
M. D. Kincaid was born in Powell's Valley, September 30, 1842, being the son of William and Susan (Wilson) Kincaid, the former of English-Irish origin, born in 1798, in Powell's Valley, Campbell County, and the latter of German stock, born in 1807 in Claiborne County, and deceased May 10, 1880. She was a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. The father was a successful trader and farmer, and died April 3, 1855. Our subject, the eleventh of thirteen children, was educated at Tazewell Academy, and Emory and Henry College, Virginia. He then superintended the iron works for his mother until January 6, 1869, when he married Mary E., a daughter of J. G. Palmer. Of their four sons and two daughters, two sons and one daughter are deceased. In 1870 our subject bought his present farm, and in 1874 was elected circuit clerk, and then became trustec for two years. He is a farmer and miller, and is engaged in manufacturing lumber, flour and meal. Since 1882 he has been a merchant at Effie, where he is postmaster. He and his wife are Methodists, and he is a Mason and Knight of Honor.
Capt. James L. Ledgerwood was born in Knox (now Union) County, March 12, 1833, the son of Samuel and Sany N. (Rutherford) Ledgerwood, the former of Irish descent. born in Knox County, and deceased in 1885 in this county, aged seventy-two years, and the lat- ter born in Knox County, and deceased in 1860, about sixty years of age, and both mem- bers of the Baptist Church. The father was a farmer and magistrate, serving about fifteen years. The mother was of English origin. Our subject, the third of seven chil- dren, received a common education, and August 10, 1851, married Marjaner, a daughter of William C. Hansard. Their children are Samuel J., William C., Brownlow and James N., and those deceased are Lloyd and Ulysses S. He has always been a farmer, and in 1854 bought half and received from his father half of his present land. In August, 1861, he joined Company B, First Tennessee Federal Infantry, and after seven months became captain of Company F, Third Tennessee Infantry, serving at Murfreesboro, Mission Ridge, in the Georgia campaign at Nashville, at Franklin and Chickamauga, and was mus- tered out in March, 1865. He had been elected sheriff while in service, and on his return his supply refused to give up the office, but everything was arranged satisfactorily, Gov. Brownlow reappointing our subject. He has been magistrate for six years. In 1866 he was licensed as a lawyer, and practiced in Maynardville and Knoxville. He had been a farmer and stock dealer. He is a Mason, a Prohibition Democrat, and a Methodist. to which church his wife belongs. Absalom Rutherford, the grandfather, was a soldier in the Revolution.
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