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 50
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Robert J. Justus. farmer and stock dealer, was born in Henderson, North Carolina. October 26, 1842, being the son of William D. and Elizabeth (Taber) Justus, the former of English and Irish descent, and a prominent sheriff of Henderson County, and after- ward a representative in the Legislature. He is a farmer, and was born March 19, 1819, in that county. He was married twice, and had twenty-five children. His first wife was our subject's mother, born in 1824, and deceased February 13, 1859. She was a Baptist and is the mother of sixteen children, eleven of whom are now living. Her family are Germans. His second wife. Nancy Partiller, is still living, and has nine children. Our subject was educated in part at Locust Grove Academy, in Grainger County, and when twenty-one began farming and carpentering in Grainger County. After renting, he bought and moved on his present place in 1881, having built a fine residence and new barns, with other improvements. December 21. 1865, he married Sarah E. Ledgerwood, of Knox County. She was born April 17, 1847, being the daughter of William Ledgerwood. They have two sons and four daughters, one daughter being deceased. He and his wife are Methodists, and he is a strong Republican. For several years he was a manufacturer of leather goods, and is widely and favorably known. His family are noted for their lon- gevity, several of the ancestors having lived to be from eighty-five to ninety-five years of age.
John M. Lowe was born in Grainger County June 1, 1838, son of Isaac M. and Eliza-
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beth (Ferguson) Lowe. They are natives of Grainger County, and are still living, some- what advanced in age, the father nearly eighty and the mother about seventy-five. The father is a farmer, an occupation he has followed all of his life. He served one term of four years as register of Grainger County, before the war. He is a Democrat, and he and wife are worthy members of the Missionary Baptist Church. They are now living one- half mile east of Rutledge. Our subject is the eldest of nine children. He secured a good academical education in his youth, at Rutledge. He was reared on his father's farmi. At twenty-one years of age, in 1859, he entered the firm of Easley & Co., at Rutledge, as a salesman, and continued three years. In the fall of 1862 he entered the Confederate States service, enlisting in Company I, Fifty-ninth Tennessee Regiment of Infantry, and served the remainder of the war. He returned home in April, 1865, and for some six years was engaged in agricultural pursuits in the Fourth Civil District. May 31, 1866. he married Miss Angeline L. Godwin, of Grainger County, and the daughter of Jacob and Caroline Godwin. In the fall of 1871 he moved to Rutledge, and opened up a general mercantile interest, and has continued the same up to the present time. He does a busi- ness of about $8,000 a year. In 1878 he was appointed postmaster at Rutledge. and served, with one year's interruption, up to the present time. He is now postmaster and a magistrate. He and his wife are worthy members of the Presbyterian Church. In his political views he is a Democrat. He began life rather poor, but is now in comfortable circumstances.
James M. Mitchell, a well-known and enterprising farmer and stock dealer, was born in the Fifth District of Grainger County, Tenn., July 23, 1827, the son of Benjamin and Anna (Lloyd) Mitchell. The father was born in Stafford County, Va., in 1797, and died in Grainger County, Tenn., in 1850. He was quite young when his parents came from Virginia to Tennessee. He was a successful farmer. The Lloyd family is also a pioneer family of Tennessee. They came from North Carolina at an early date. The mother of our subject was born near Salem, N. C., in 1803, is now living, and is a resident of Grainger County. She is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Our subject is the fourth of six children, three now living. He received a liberal education in his youth, in Grainger County. Early in life he purchased land in the Fifth District, and since that date has been engaged in farming. He has since then bought and sold until he now owns the property he calls home in the Ninth District. From 1867 to 1870, inclusive, he was connected with a mercantile business at Sulphur Springs, now known as Spring House, and from 1875 to 1877 was in the same business at Cedar Ford, Union County. He was for several years a resident of the Seventh District, and during that time was elected magistrate. He has held the same office for several years since coming to the Ninth Dis- trict. October 6, 1850, he married Nancy N. Moody, a daughter of Brazele Bowen, and the widow of Henry Moody (deceased). She was born in Sevier County, Tenn., in 1824. Our subject and wife are worthy members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is a decided Democrat.
G. B. Mitchell was born in Grainger County, July 25, 1830, the son of Greenberry and Susan (Vineyard) Mitchell. The grandfather, a soldier of the Revolution, came from Vir- ginia, and died in Missouri. The grandmother died in Grainger County. The father was born September 28, 1786, and was a successful farmer. For many years he was a magistrate. He was also a sergeant in the war of 1812, and died in Grainger County February 20, 1800. The mother was born in Virginia, November 10, 1787, and died February 5, 1874, in Grainger County. Both were Baptists. Our subject. the youngest of eleven children living, was educated in the common schools, and for a long time cared for his parents. He has always been a farmer. October 25, 1848, he married Artalissa A. McKinney, born January 20, 1832, in Grainger County, the daughter of John A. and Rebecca Mckinney. They have been blessed with two sons and four daughters, two of the latter being deceased. She was a Baptist, and died January 25. 1882. On March 1. 1883, Mahala (Perrin) Parrott, the widow of Joseph H. Parrott, became his wife. She was born October 25. 1846. They have one daughter. Both are Baptists. Our subject is a Republican and a Mason. Since 1579 he has been a magistrate. Besides
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the homestead given him by his father, he has added considerable land, and is a promi- nent citizen. The Mitchell and Vineyard families are both pioneers.
Thomas B. Moody, an extensive farmer of the Fourth District, was born in Rutledge, August 10, 1835, the son of William M. and Elizabeth (Lowe) Moody. They were natives of Virginia and North Carolina respectively. The father was a farmer and prominent citizen of Grainger County for a number of years before his death. He was a Democrat. and he and his wife were members of the Missionary Baptist Church at the time of their decease. Our subject is one of eight children. Hle received a common-school education in his youth. He was reared to farming, and has never followed anything else. Febru- ary 19, 1857, he married Miss Eliza A. Cox, born in what was at that time Grainger. but now Hamblen, County, February 14, 1841. After their marriage they settled on the farm they now live on, near their present location. In the fall of 1867 they settled where they now live. Our subject now owns upward of 500 acres of land. He is a fine fellow and a worthy man. Mr. Moody is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Our subject is in favor of the amendment for prohibition.
Elijah Mullens, a well-known and enterprising farmer and stock dealer of the Four- teenth Civil District, was born in Grainger County, Tenn., near where he now lives, Jan- uary 23, 1832, and is the son of Archibald and Nancy (Atkins) Mullens. The father was born in North Carolina, January 22, 1804, and came to Sullivan County, Tonn., when a child, and was fourteen years of age when his parents moved to Grainger County. He was a farmer and trader, and has been successful. He is now a resident of Grainger County. The mother was born in Grainger County, Tenn., and is living at the advanced age of eighty years; they are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Our subject is the third of nine children-eight now living. He received the rudiments of a common education in his youth, which has been improved by reading and contact with all kind of business. When twenty years of age he made a tour to Arkansas, Sevier County, and was engaged in working at the saddler's trade for over a year, then was engaged in farming. While in Arkansas he married Elizabeth C. Yates, who was born in Bedford County, Tenn., October 15, 1831. She is the daughter of Riley and Nancy Yates. By this union there have been nine children-five sons and four daughters. Three sons and three daughters are yet living. At the end of three years he returned to Grainger County, Tenn., and rented land, engaging in agricultural pursuits, which cause he has never deserted. In the spring of 1862 he enlisted in Company I, of the Fifty-ninth Ten- nessee Infantry, Confederate service. and remained in the service eighteen months. He was in different battles; was at the battle of Vicksburg, and came home on parol, but never went back to the service. After the war he rented the land that he now owns, of his father, and after several years be purchased it. Since that time he has greatly im- proved it in different ways, having just erected a handsome residence. He has made what he has by industry, judicious management and the assistance of his wife. Our subject and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He is a Democrat, and is a very active and enterprising man at all times, supports and advocates the cause of education and religion, as well as all other charitable objects.
William T. Murray, farmer, was born near Bean's Station, June 2, 1839, being the son of William and Sarah (Cobb) Murray, natives of Grainger County. The former was born about 1800, and deceased in 1866, and the latter born in 1805, died in 1883. They were married near Bean's Station, and for thirty years the father practiced medicine in that region. He was a Baptist, while the mother was a Presbyterian. Our subject, the fourthi of five children, was educated at Tusculum College, and on quitting school enlisted in Company I. Second Tennessee Cavalry (Confederate), serving through the war, and con. nected at one time with forces of Gen. Wheeler. He was captured at Lancaster, Ky .. in July, 1863, and imprisoned at Camp Chase, Ohio, for eight months, and then at Fort Dela . ware until his exchange. a few months before the war closed. He has since been a farmer in Grainger County, on the old home place, up to 1868, when he purchased his present farm. April 23, 1861, Mrs. Elizabeth J. Jarnagin. daughter of Samuel Gill, became his wife, and died November 25, 1880. They have five daughters. Our subject is a
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Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is now steward. He is highly esteemed.
William Needham, a well-known farmer and stock dealer of the Fourteenth Dis- trict, was born in the Twelfth District of Grainger County, Tenn., October 26, 1844. and is the son of John and Sarah (Bower) Needham. The Needham family is of English origin. The father was born in Grainger County, Tenn., May 2. 1821, and is now living, a resident of the County of Grainger. He is a successful farmer. The mother is also a native of Grainger County, born November 22, 1823, and is also living. Both are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Our subject is the eldest of cleven children, two now deceased. He received the rudiments of a common education in his youth. This has been improved by general reading and constant contact with all kinds of business. February 26, 1865. he married Susanah Kimbrough, of Jefferson County, Tenn., born November 23, 1842. She is the daughter of Daniel and Piety Kimbrough. This union has resulted in eight children-four sons and four daughters. One son and two daughters are dead. When married our subject engaged in agricultural pursuits, which occupation he has never deserted. In 1880 he purchased the farm. Since that time he has been engaged in improving the land and farm by building a residence and barns. In 1882 he was elected magistrate. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Subject is a decided Republican. He has made what he has by industry, judicious manage- ment, economy and the assistance of his wife. He is a very enterprising citizen of Grain- ger County, and at all times supports the cause of education and religion, as well as all other charitable objects.
Samuel N. Tate, M. D., was born near where he now lives, December 27, 1820, the son of Edward and Lucy H. (Moody) Tate, the former probably of Scotch-Irish lineage, and born in Tennessee, July 19, 1785, and deceased in this county, when about eighty-five years old. He was a deputy and afterward high sheriff, for several years, and was elected county clerk, an office which he held sixteen years. He was a farmer, and in the war of 1812 he was promoted from a private to a major. The mother was born March 13. 1192, in Tennessee, and died in 1833, in this county. Both were Methodists for many years. Their youngest child. of five sons and one daughter, is our subject, the daughter and he being the only survivors. Our subject was educated at Holston College, Jefferson County. He began going to school, on his part of the money made by the sale of 500 bushels of onions, raised by himself and a brother, in one year. He afterward completed his educa- tion by teaching and going to school, alternately. He studied medicine while at Holston College, receiving his diploma from a board of seven physicians. July 29, 1846, he began practice at Buffalo, this county, with Dr. J. B. Grigsby. In 1851, he began his present large practice where he now lives, and also engaged in farming. September 18, 1844, he married Katharine A. K., a daughter of William McConnell, born on Christmas day, 1820. and deceased in this county, July 18, 1845. He married Elizabeth J., a daughter of Andrew Chamberlin, July 27, 1850; she was born January 29, 1833, and bore bim three sons and four daughters. Both are Methodists, and our subject is a Mason, and an earnest Republican.
Gen. Allen S. Tate, a prominent lawyer and ex-attorney-general of the Second Judicial District, was born in Grainger County, September 23, 1842, the son of Edward L. and Mary A. (Gray) Tate; the former was born in December, 1818, and died in a Confederate prison, at Madison. Ga., May 20, 1862; the mother was born in 1820, and died in Grainger County, in 1885. They were married about 1837, and the father engaged in blacksmith- ing for eight years. About 1854, he bought a farm, and lived there up to the war; then he and 400 others started for the Federal Army, and was captured by Col. Ashby, and sent to Madison, Ga., where he died. He and his wife were Methodists. Our sub- ject, the third of ten children, received a common-school education, and in January. 1863, enlisted in Company HI, First Tennessee Federal Cavalry, and took part in the battles of Chickamauga, Franklin and Nashville. He was discharged in June, 1865. He then farmed, and taught school, in what is now Hamblen County. April 3, 1866. Laura, a daughter of James and Julia Boyd, became his wife, and died ten months later. No-
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vember 14, 1867, he married Ariana, a daughter of James H. and Mary A. Peck. He was a revenno officer from 1868 to about 1870. In 1867 he began the study of medicine, but abandoned it for law, reading two years, when he was admitted to the bar, and has been practicing ever since. In November, 1872, he became representative to the Legislature, being the first for Hamblen County. In 1874 he was an unsuccessful candidate for attor- ney-general, in the Second District, and in June, 1876, he became circuit clerk, of Grainger County, to fill an unexpired term. He was then elected, and served antil August, 1878, when he became attorney-general, serving eight years. In December, 1886, he became Post Commander, of Post No. 47, Department of Tennessee and Georgia, G. A. R. Ile is Senior Warden of the Rising Star Lodge, No. 44, F. & A. M., and is also a Knight of Honor. Of his six sons and four daughters, one son is dead. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, except his wife, who is a Presbyterian. Our subject is a Prohibitionist.
Capt. Thomas Tomlinson, owner of Tate Epsom Spring, was born at Cheraw, S. C., August 24, 1834, the son of Henry and Martha (Carr) Tomlinson, natives of North Caro- lina, the former a successful merebant and farmer, and a Democrat. He and his wife were Methodists, he dying in 1856, abont forty-eight years of age, and the mother in 1886. aged seventy-eight years. Our subject, the eldest of five children, was educated at Emory and Henry College, Va. In 1866 he began a varied career as a merchant, and after some ten years returned to his farm in Hawkins County. In 1816 he was one of a company of twenty-two persons who bought Tate Epsom Spring, which he rented some few years, and was so successful that, although the company gave $25,000 for the spring, he bought it in 1882 for $80,000. The spring is beautifully situated in Bean's Station Valley, and is said to be one of the loveliest spots in the State. It is noted for its medicinal properties, as well as for its advantages as a summer resort. Analyses of the water made by T. S. Antesell, M. D., chemist to the United States Department of Agriculture, and by Prof. R. T. Brumley, show the water to be very rich in minerals. It is highly recommended for a number of diseases, and is one of the celebrated springs of the world. The hotel is open all the year, and has accommodations for 500 people. The "Springs " have been crowded for the past seven years, the water being shipped at the rate of over 3,000 barrels per annum to all parts of the country, and some for foreign demand; has shipped 500 barrels, 350 half barrels, 24 cases of quart bottles, 500 carboys (12 gallons) and 350 demijohns. The cure of dyspepsia on reasonable trial is guaranteed. October 19, 1856, Melvina Proffitt became his wife, and they have five sons and three daughters. She was born in June, 1836, in Hawkins County. Our subject is a Democrat, and he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
Daniel Turley, a planter and miller, was born in Grainger County, April 29, 1812, the son of Thomas and Desdemona (Taylor) Turley, the former of Irish descent, born about 1783, died in 1834; the latter, born in 1788, died December 17, 1877; both were natives of West Virginia and Virginia, respectively. Both parents came to Grainger County when young, the mother as young as seven years, and were married in June, 1811, living in that county until their respective deaths. The father was a carpenter, and also engaged in farming some. Our subject, the eldest of nine children, was fairly educated, and worked at various things until his father's death, when he remained at home until the children were all grown. In 1846 he entered the firm of F. W. Taylor, at Russellville, receiving one-third of the profits of the business as his salary. Having saved $1,200 in three years, he bought in 1849 some of his present land, and now owns 750 acres, 600 of which are in the home place. Ile has also a large flouring, corn and saw water mill. When the war broke out he was opposed to secession. He was over conscript age, but his stock was taken from him, and two families-one white and one colored-were dependent upon him for support. He took up old horses left by the armies, hired two boys, and raised 700 bushels of corn which went to the army of Gen. Burbridge, who gave him vouchers for $700, on which he realized in 1865. This gave him a good start. He hired men and bought horses, and for five years made money rapidly. Besides this he ran a store for five years with Mr. Goodson, at Turley's Mills. September 19, 1854, he married Martha Peck, of Jefferson
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County. She was born June 30, 1832. They have four sons and five daughters, one of the latter being deceased. Our subject is a Republican and a Prohibitionist. The Turley family are highly respected people. Judge Turley, brother of our subject, died at Frank- lin, Tenn.
'Tilghman A. Vineyard, a well-known farmer and stock dealer of the Eighth District, was born near where he now lives, April 15, 1833, and is the son of Martin and Jane (Nance) Vineyard. The family is of German descent. The father was born in Grainger County, Tenn., and died in the same county, at the residence of his son, our subject, March 15, 1853, and was fifty-three years of age at the time of his death. He was a Mission- ary Baptist minister, and a farmer, and was successful in life. The Nance family are of English-Irish descent. The mother was born in Grainger County, Tenn., and died in the same county in June, 1847, and was about forty-five years of age. There were by this marriage twelve children, our subject being the fifth, only three of whom are now living. Hle received an academical education in his youth, at Flat Creek Academy, Knox County, Tenn. He remained with his parents until their death, and took care of and helped edu- cate the younger members of the family. After his father's decease. he purchased the old homestead from the other heirs, and since that time has added considerably to this, and improved the whole, having just completed a nice residence. In the early part of the war he was detailed to furnish saltpetre. In the summer of 1868 he enlisted in Company E, of the First Tennessee Cavalry, Confederate service, but served only a short time, and was in many skirmishes. He acted as orderly sergeant. After his marriage he taught school in Grainger County for several years, but his principle occupation has been farm- ing and stock raising. November 25, 1854, he married Louisa Jane Davis, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Davis, born in Grainger County, Tenn., June 9, 1835. By this union three sons were born: John R., Samuel S. and Buford F. Our subject and wife are members of the Mouth of Richland Baptist Church. He has made what he has by industry, judicious management and economy, and the assistance of his wife. He is a Mason.
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
J. M. Ashmore, an old and prominent citizen of Mossy Creek, was born in Jefferson County, May 12, 1821, the son of David and Mary (Shadden) Ashmore. The father was born in Tennessee about 1795, the son of Hezekiah Ashmore, a native of South Carolina, of Irish stock, and who came to Tennessee at an early date. The father followed wagon- making several years, and then became a carpenter. He was a Presbyterian, and died in 1882. The mother was born in Jefferson County, about 1798, the daughter of James Shadden. and died in 1879. a member of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject grew up with country school advantages. and when of age worked with his father at carpentering for several years, and then for about seven years was engaged as a blacksmith. Then for five years he was a passenger conductor on the East Tennessee & Virginia Railway. Then for about twenty years he was depot and express agent at Mossy Creek, and from 1863 to 1886 filled the office of postmaster there, and was known as " the best postmaster Mossy Creek ever had." He has been a school commissioner, and for twenty years a magistrate. In 1844 he married Mary J., daughter of James McCuistian, and born in 1823, in Jefferson County. Four of their eight children are living. In 1871 his wife died, and May 6, 18:3. he married M. C. Weldon, who was born January 6, 1833, the daughter of Henry Weldon. One of their three children is living. Our subject and his wife are Presbyterians.
Joseph C. Beeler was born in Grainger County. Tenn., November 29. 1832. the son of Jacob and Nancy (Cleveland) Beeler. His father was born in Grainger County also, in 1804. the son of Joseph, Sr., a native of Virginia, and one of the pioneers of Grainger
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County. The father, a farmer worth about $40,000, lost all of his personal and slave property during the war of the Rebellion; for half a century he was a deacon in the Baptist Church. His death in 1876 was universally mourned, for he was a generous, pub- lic-spirited man. The mother, born in 1816 in the same county, was the daughter of Martin Cleveland, a native of North Carolina. He was a brother to Robert and Benja- min F. Cleveland, of Revolutionary fame, and also of the same family connection as President Grover Cleveland. The mother died in 1884, a devoted Christian and life-long member of the Baptist Church. Our subject grew up on the farm, and was educated at Mossy Creek (now Carson) College. On leaving college he was elected without his appli- cation to superintendent of public instruction of Grainger County, for one year-at which time he declined re-election-the court refused to hold an election, in order to still hold him in office as the old officer under the law was to do the duties of the office till his successor was sworn in. He farmed until 1870, when he engaged in the mercantile business in Grainger County. He removed to Jefferson County in 1874, and in 1881 to Carsonville, and engaged in his present business, and by care and close watchfulness, has made a success both as a merchant and a farmer. He has always been willing to give any aid to public business, and encourage all social, public enterprises, but has under all circum- stances refused to hold offices of trust and profit, preferring private life. In his thir- teenth year he became a member of Missionary Baptist Church, and has been one of her most devoted members every since; he is also a Mason. September 13. 1869, he married Addie Hickle, who was born in Grainger County in 1843, the daughter of Calvin Hickle, who was born in Knox County. Mrs. Beeler is also a member of the Baptist Church: two of their'three children are still living. He served as chairman of building committees, both for church and schools, whenever a new house was to be built in his neighborhood, and under all circumstances gave satisfaction both as a contracting party and a treasurer. The worthy unfed beggar never went away from his door hungry or naked. The Baptist Church at Mossy Creek fell behind when her building was constructed, the pastor, Jesse Baker, D. D., came to our subject and reported the balance which seemed could not be raised; although having done all he thought he ought, he squared the bill, though heavy.
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