USA > Tennessee > Notable men of Tennessee. Personal and genealogical, with portraits, Volume II > Part 14
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RICHARD EDWARD BULL- INGTON, D. D. S., one of the popu- lar dentists of Memphis, Tenn., was born in Hernando, Miss., Sept. 2. 1847, and was reared and educated there, taking one year additional at the Kentucky Military institute. He is a son of Dr. Edward Bullington. who moved to DeSoto county, Miss .. from Richmond, Va., in 1839. At the conclusion of his studies at the mili- tary institute, young Bullington re- turned to his home and spent a year. In April, 1864, he en- tered the service of the Confederate army, eulisting in a com- pany of boys raised by Capt. W. A. Raines, and served until the close of the war as a member of Company K, Eighteenth Mississippi cavalry, under Col. Alec. Chalmers, in Forrest's command, surrendering at Gainesville, Ala. He was engaged at Spring Hill, Selma, Franklin, about Nashville and on the retreat to Alabama. When the war closed he returned home. passed a year on the farm, then went back to the military institute at Frankfort, Ky., where he spent a year. He fol- lowed merchandizing for a few months at his home, later he acted for a time as clerk for the assignee of bankruptcy. after which he went back to the farm, and remained there until 1869. In December of that year he married Miss Sarah A., daughter of Dr. Jno. S. Peete, of Tipton county, Tenn .. and a granddaughter of Capt. Daniel Whitley. He remained in Tipton county a year, where he was engaged in farming. then went to New Orleans and entered a dental college, from which he graduated in 1872 with first honors, delivering the valedictory address for his class. He located at Humboldt, Tenn., where he practiced for a year, then returned to his old home, Hernando, Miss., and remained there until 1885, build- ing up a lucrative dental practice. In 1878 his father and his wife's father both died of yellow fever. In 1885 Dr. Bulling- ton and family removed to Memphis, where he has enjoyed a large and lucrative practice. He is a prominent member of
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the Masonic fraternity, being a Knight Templar. He is also a Knight of Pythias, and an Odd Fellow; belongs to the Bap- tist church, and to the United Confederate Veterans' camp of Memphis. He was a member of Gen. George W. Gor- don's staff at the Confederate reunion at New Orleans in 1903. and at Dallas in 1902. Doctor Bullington is president of the Security Finance and Realty Company, of Memphis. He is a progressive citizen and always ready to help in the develop- ment of his city and state along moral lines.
JOHN H. ALSUP, deceased, who at the time of his death was county trustee and city tax collector for Shelby county and the city of Mem- phis, Tenn., was a trusted servant of the people for years, and through all the storm and stress of politics re- tained their confidence. He was born in the county, on a farm about fifteen miles east of Memphis, April 18, 1850, and died in the city of Mem- phis in October, 1904. He was edu- cated in the schools of the county, and took a two years' course of study at the University of Kentucky, at Lexington. Return- ing to his home, he followed farming and carpentering for a number of years. he and his three brothers taking contracts in the construction line. In 1878 he was appointed a deputy under sheriff McGowan, and served with him until he was made county trustee, and then under Sheriff Athy until that official's death in 1883, when he went into the county trustee's office, in which he remained in some capacity until his own death, with the exception of two years, being defeated in the contest for the position in 1888. The two years were passed in collecting back taxes, and when J. J. Williams, county trustee, resigned to take the position of mayor of Memphis, he was appointed to serve for the unexpired term. He continued to fill the position, having been elected in 1898. 1900 and 1902. The affairs of the office under his administrations were administered with ability and care, Mr.
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Alsup keeping them fully up to the high standard set by his predecessors, and although he handled more money in the course of the year than any man in the county, his accounts were always properly balanced and every cent accounted for. Mr. Alsup did not belong to any order or church, but affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal.
THOMAS B. YANCEY, a prominent figure in the com- mercial and political life of Somerville, Tenn., was born at LaGrange, Fayette county, of that state, in the year 1844. His parents were A. L. and Elizabeth ( Bragg) Yancey, the mother a sister of Gen. Braxton Bragg and Governor Bragg of North Carolina. When Thomas was about twelve years of age his parents removed to Arkansas, where his father engaged in planting. Shortly after going to Arkansas A. L. Yancey was elected to the legislature of that state and died before the expiration of his term of office. The son received a good English education in the public schools, and in May, 1861, enlisted as a private in Company E, Thirteenth Tennessee infantry. His first battle was at Belmont, Mo. Afterward he fought at Shiloh, Tupelo, Richmond, Ky., Perryville, Mur- freesboro, and several minor skirmishes around Cumberland Gap and Chattanooga. After the battle of Murfreesboro he was appointed a cadet in the regular Confederate army, with the rank of lieutenant and the privilege of remaining in the field. He then was assigned to duty on the staff of Gen. Pres- ton Smith, and was with that officer when he was killed at Chickamauga. After the death of General Smith Lieuten- ant . Yancey served on the staff of Gen. A. J. Vaughan through the Atlanta campaign. He was seriously wounded in the battle of Peachtree Creek, and was for some time in the hospital, after which he was promoted to first lieutenant and returned to the regular army, but he was at the same time given the rank and pay of a captain in the provisional army. After the war he engaged in merchandizing at LaGrange until 1872, when he removed to Somerville. During the first administration of President Cleveland he held the office of United States marshal : he served ten years as mayor of Somer-
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ville, and was subsequently elected county clerk. In all these positions he has rendered service to the entire satisfaction of his constituents, and he is regarded as one of the most public- spirited men of Somerville. Mr. Yancey is a member of the United Confederate Veterans, and is active in promoting the interests of the order.
JOHN T. WALSH, grocer and fire and police commis- sioner, of Memphis, Tenn., was born in Cook county, Ill., in 1854, but as his people moved to Memphis in 1859, he is in all respects a Memphis product. He was educated in the common schools of Memphis. until fifteen years old, when he concluded to carve out his fortune, and commenced as a clerk in a North Memphis grocery store. with which he remained three years. In 1873 he entered the employ of the Louis- ville & Nashville Railway Company, as brakeman and baggage- master, continuing until the summer of 1877, when he and his brother, Anthony, formed a partnership and opened a modest retail grocery in North Memphis, which business they carry on to this day. Wholesaling was finally added, and in time the firm commenced dealing in produce and cotton, their trade in these lines extending far and wide. They practically control the grocery trade of their part of the city. Their large business has been built up through energy, push and honor- able dealing, and it is easily the most extensive in North Memphis. Their large brick store building stands above all surrounding structures and is filled with goods. Always interested in public affairs, Mr. Walsh was elected to the board of public works in 1893. and served two terms, eight years in all. In January, 1904, he was elected as a member of the fire and police commission. He is a leader in affairs. and was one of the promoters of the idea to purchase or build a city water plant, which the municipality finally did. He is vice-president of the State Savings bank and a member of the Catholic church. In 1879 he married Miss Elizabeth Bannon, of Memphis, and they occupy one of the handsomest homes in their part of the city. Mr. Walsh has been conspicuous in all matters pertaining to the public welfare; in their discus-
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sion he has shown an intelligent comprehension of the most complicated matters, and has acted with entire regard for the interests of his constituents.
F. N. FISHER, superintendent of the Memphis division of the Louis- ville & Nashville railroad, was born at Kalamazoo, Mich., in 1865. and lived in that city until sixteen years of age, attending public school there. Soon after reaching the age of six- teen he went to Wisconsin and en- tered the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company, as telegraph operator at Baraboo, filling that position for two years. He was made train dispatcher, held that position for two years, and was then chief dispatcher at Madison, Wis., for a similar period. In December. 1889, he went to Paris, Tenn., as chief train dispatcher for the Louisville & Nashville. He soon rose to the position of trainmaster, and held the place for eleven years. In 1902 Mr. Fisher was transferred to Memphis, as superintendent of the Memphis division, and has proved him- self equal to the duties of the position, as he has in every place which he has been called upon to occupy. He is a thirty- second degree Mason and a Knight Templar, and is one of the "Best People on Earth," otherwise an Elk. Mr. Fisher is also a member of the Episcopal church.
ERNEST MILLER, of Memphis, Tenn., deputy sheriff of Shelby county, was born at Cedar Bluff, Ala., Dec. 9, 1870. When he was eight years of age his parents removed to Mur- freesboro, Tenn., where young Miller received his education and where he learned the trade of baker. In 1889 he went to Memphis to work at his trade, but soon afterward went into the retail grocery business, which he carried on for three years, failing after a determined effort. In 1894 he was appointed deputy sheriff, and has continued in that position ever since.
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In 1900 he was also appointed deputy coroner of the county. Mr. Miller belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Knights of the Maccabees and the Christian church.
COL. W. F. TAYLOR, of Mem- phis, Tenn., of the firm of W. F. Taylor & Co., cotton factors, was born near Huntsville, Madison county, Ala., July II. 1835, where he lived and attended school until 18448, when his parents removed to Shelby county, Tenn., in which county he has since made his home. He com- pleted his studies at Chalmers insti- tute. Holly Springs. Miss., and in 1853 went to Memphis, where he en- gaged in business until 1861, when he enlisted in the Con- federate cavalry, entering the service as second lieutenant of the Memphis Light Dragoons, an organization which afterward became Company A, Seventh Tennessee cavalry. Six months later he was made captain, and commanded the company until early in 1864. when he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel of the regiment, which rank he continued to hold until the final surrender at Gainesville, Ala., in May, 1865. Colonel Taylor was engaged at Belmont, Jackson, Miss .; Athens, Ala .; Tishi- mingo Creek, Harrisburg. Miss .; Franklin and Nashville. Tenn., and in the fighting on the retreat into' Alabama. He was twice slightly wounded, at Columbia and Pulaski, Tenn. After the war, he returned to Memphis and clerked for two years. He then purchased an interest in the grocery and- cot- ton firm of Newton, Ford & Co., later Ford, Porter & Co. On the death of Mr. Ford the firm became Porter. Taylor & Co., and in 1882 Mr. Taylor organized the present firm of W. F. Taylor & Co. Colonel Taylor is a member of the Masonic fraternity; is a charter member of the Memphis Historical society, and is a member and chairman of the board of stewards of the First Methodist church, Memphis, Tenn.
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E. F. WEBBER, cotton factor and president of the Cotton exchange, of Memphis, Tenn., is one of the best informed and equipped men in his business in the South. He has been in it from a boy, and has made a success of it through intelligent and well-directed efforts. His election to the position of president of the ex- change is proof of the recognition by his associates in this line of business of his ability and qualifications as a cotton factor. He was born in Shelby county, in 1856, and grew to manhood in and near Memphis. His parents moved to the city soon after the war, and the son pursued his studies in the public schools of Memphis, leaving the high school at the age of seventeen years to enter the employ of a local cot -. ton firm. He continued with firms in that line of business until 1900, when he went into the business for himself, and soon became a prominent figure in the cotton market. Mr. Webber is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of the World.
T. C. GUINEE, wholesale dealer in fruits and produce, - Memphis, Tenn., is a native of Missouri, but his parents re- moved to Memphis when he was but a boy, and he attended the public schools of the city until about sixteen years of age. Young as he was, circumstances gave him charge of a retail grocery at that age, and for three years he conducted the business in a successful manner. His experience gave him a desire to learn the wholesale business, and at nineteen he en- tered the service of M. Gavin & Co., as clerk. He was rapidly advanced, until he reached the position of cashier of the whole- sale grocery business of that firm, a reward for faithful per- formance of duty. In October. 1885. he severed his connec- tion with the firm and engaged in the wholesale fruit and produce business for himself as a member of the firm of John- son, Guinee & Co. In August, 1897, nearly twelve years later. II-12
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the firm'became T. C. Guinee & Co., consisting of T. C. Guinee and D. K. Grace, and thus it remained until May, 1903, when Mr. Grace retired and Mr. Guinee became sole proprietor, though retaining the old firm name. The firm handles every- thing known to the fruit and produce business, receiving goods from every part of the United States, Mexico and Italy, and dealing largely in foreign nuts and dried fruits. Mr. Guinee belongs to the Business Men's club, the Memphis Merchants' exchange and the National Credit Men's association; is a men- ber of the Catholic church and of the Catholic Knights of America; is one of the most public-spirited business men of Memphis, and takes great interest in every movement that con- duces to the advancement of the city.
GODFREY FRANK, head of the firm of Godfrey Frank & Co., is one of the best-known cotton men in the South. He was born in Germany, Sept. 1, 1834. In 1851 he came to America and located first at Grand Lake, Ark., where a brother lived. Eighteen months later he went to Napoleon, Ark., and opened a gen- eral store with his brother, Henry. They enjoyed a good business until the war broke out, in 1861, when Godfrey joined the army as a member of Bolivar troop of cavalry. He served six months and quit, not being regularly enlisted, went to Pine Bluff, Ark., where he was detailed as a volunteer scout to act about Napoleon, and served as such for a year. In 1863 he went to Memphis and entered the mercantile business, in which he was engaged until 1868. His brother's death at Concordia, Miss., led him to go there and engage in business, where he remained until ISSS. He then returned to Memphis, and in 1890 went into the cotton business, which has been his vocation ever since. He organized the firm of Fader. Frank & Co .. and in 1882, after the retirement of Mr. Fader, he became the head of the firm of Godfrey Frank &
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Co. The popularity and energy of the firm are realized when one considers the volume of business transacted by it. They handle annually in the neighborhood of 40,000 bales of cot- ton, drawn from the country contiguous to Memphis. Asso- ciated with Mr. Frank are Mr. Sam Kahn, formerly of Bolivar, Tenn., and Mr. A. H. Frank. The firm has large and influential connections with the cotton-planting interests of the Yazoo delta, the richest cotton country in the world. The firm has a record of years to give it a standing among the planters. and it is increasing in business and in honorable position in commercial circles. Mr. Frank is a director in the National Bank of Commerce, the Manhattan bank, the Memphis Trust Company and the South Memphis Land Company. He be- longs to the Masons, the Knights, of Honor and the B'nai B'rith.
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COLONEL ANDREW DUNN GWYNNE, of the firm of Stewart, Gwynne & Co., of Memphis, Tenn., was born in County Londonderry, Ireland, Jan. 18. 1839. He is a son of Andrew and Ann ( Rosenborough) Gwynne, who came to America in December, 1849. The father was a merchant in Memphis until his death. in 1862. The son attended school until fourteen years old, when he joined the ranks of the workers and received a business training. In 1859 he married Miss Eliza A., daughter of Andrew and Susan Henderson. When the war came on, in 1861. he became a member of the Sumter Grays, was elected second lieutenant and was soon after appointed adjutant of a Tennessee battalion. On April 3, 1862, he was promoted to the rank of major and transferred to the Twenty- sixth Alabama infantry. At the battle of Shiloh a fragment of a shell from a Federal gunboat cut away the point of his cap. struck a button on his breast, glanced and shattered his left arm. Another piece of the same shell wounded his horse. His gal-
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lantry in this battle led to another promotion, and he was made a lieutenant-colonel and assigned to duty with the Thirty-eighth Tennessee infantry, of which his old company formed a part. He participated with his regiment in all its splendid service, including the battles of Perryville, Murfrees- boro, Chickamauga. Mill Creek Gap, Resaca, New Hope Church,
Kenesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek and Atlanta. After the battle of Missionary Ridge, Col. John C. Carter, of the Thirty-eighth, commanded the brigade and Lieutenant-Colonel Gwynne took command of the regiment. When the Army of the Tennessee, occupying Dalton, in 1864 was attacked by Sherman, the Thirty-eighth Tennessee and Thirty-eighth Ala- bama were put in the front to hold the valley at the mouth of Mill Creek Gap. Gwynne and his force repulsed one determined assault after another, against what seemed an irresistible force, until eight times the enemy were heroically beaten back. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, who had remained close at hand to witness the conflict and send up reinforcements should they be needed, then rode away, satisfied that Gwynne could handle the situation. Colonel Gwynne here received a severe scalp wound. He and his command shared the splendid record made by Cheatham's division through the Atlanta campaign. In the battle of Atlanta, July 22, 1864, while leading his men over the enemy's breast-works, Colonel Gwynne was severely wounded and captured. His wrist joint was shattered by a minie ball, eight inches of bone being broken. He received prompt surgical attention on the field, where he remained ten days, and at the end of the time was sent to the Federal hospital at Marietta, where his wound was carefully attended to. He was soon after sent to Johnson's Island. O., where he remained nearly three months, when he was exchanged, sent to Richmond, and in February, 1865, he started on foot to rejoin his regiment in North Carolina. The war soon closed, and, borrowing money enough to bring his wife and child from Jackson, Miss., to Memphis, he began the struggle of life anew, penniless and disabled. but with the same splendid cour- age that had characterized him in the long years of war. His first employment was as second clerk on a Yazoo steamer.
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Later he found employment at Memphis, and finally became connected with a firm at Des Arc, Ark., which subsequently opened at Memphis. The firm of Stewart, Gwynne & Co., wholesale grocers and cotton factors, was organized in 1866. and has been in existence ever since, though Colonel Gwynne is the only surviving member of the original firm. It has met with a full measure of success in these years, and is one of the leading factors in the mercantile life and history of Memphis. In 1873 Colonel Gwynne became a director in the State National bank, in 1880 was made vice-president, and in 1892 he was elected president, holding that position for six years and resigning in 1898 on account of ill-health. In con- nection with his resignation, the following resolution was passed by the board of directors, which indicates better than anything else the esteem in which he is held by his associates : "In pursuance of a resolution adopted at a meeting of the directors of the State National bank, of Memphis, on the 12th of January, 1898, whereby the undersigned members of the board were appointed a committee to give expression to the general feeling of regret occasioned by the resignation of Col. Andrew D. Gwynne of the office of president, the committee declare that, though in this age of strenuous effort great deeds and the men who perform them are quickly forgotten, a con- spicuous exception is found in the official career of this dis- tinguished financier, who has voluntarily laid down the bur- dens of office. The administration of the affairs of the bank during President Gwynne's incumbency deserves more than passing approbation. It was a period of its history marked in the management by exceptional ability, skill and tact. To the discharge of its duties those rare endowments of sound judgment, clear perception and technical knowledge were brought-qualities that lead unerringly to the best ways and surest results. Improved methods and economics were intro- duced and broad plans developed. The channels of business were broadened; the volume of deposits enlarged, and public confidence firmly established. It was especially during the eventful days of the panic of 1893, when financial disaster over- whelmed a large part of the banking institutions of the coun-
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try, that thoroughness of management and skill in leadership were most conspicuous. With serene courage and cool head, dangers were overcome, the weak aided, the timid encouraged, and confidence maintained; his masterful direction during this time of stress and storm eliciting praise and commendation, of which this able financier may justly be proud. Nor were his virile strength and uncommon aptitude weakened by the graciousness of speech and urbanity of manners which charac- terize him and win for him a pleasing distinction among men. These obliging social virtues were useful allies, which helped to smooth the rough paths that led to his many successes. In contemplating his manifold services and shining qualities, the committee have not found themselves able to give adequate ex- pression to the high esteem and respect in which Colonel Gwynne is held, and of the sincere regret with which his resignation was accepted." This unqualified endorsement is in line with the many expressions of confidence which have been spoken of Colonel Gwynne all along and through his life. In granting the only application made by him for a furlough when in the army (and that made for the purpose of finding a home for his family), Gen. M. J. Wright endorsed it as fol- lows: "In forwarding the application I desire to say that Colonel Gwynne is one of the best qualified, most attentive and industrious officers I have met in the army. He has done more important special duty in my brigade than any officer in it; is never absent from his post of duty. and makes this application only under the circumstances mentioned, which I regard as an extreme case." This furlough, the button that saved his life at Shiloh, the bullet that struck him at Atlanta, and the Mexican quarter-dollar which comprised his entire capital when the war ended, are among his most highly prized treasures. Colonel Gwynne is vice-president of the Memphis Storage and Express Company; a director in the National Bank of Commerce: the Memphis Trust Company; the State Savings bank, and the Factors' Fire Insurance Company. He has been a member of the Presbyterian church since 1856. He has one son, William F., who served with credit in the Spanish-American war as a member of Company B, Second
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Mississippi, and has since been commissioned captain in the military service in the Philippines.
JAMES JEFFREYS, a surveyor of customs at Memphis, Tenn., was born in Clinton county, Ky., April 7, 1853. His early life was passed on a farm. He received a common school and academic education, studied law and medicine, but never practiced in either profession. He devoted most of his time to farming until 1876, when he became a traveling salesman, his work taking him through many states, with Nashville, · Tenn., as his headquarters most of the time. In 1880 he made Camden his home and headquarters, was married there in 1886, and entered the mercantile business the same year. In 1888, he organized a newspaper company and commenced the publication of the l'idette, a Republican weekly. In 1889 he was appointed deputy United States marshal, but held the position only a few months, resigning to accept a position in the internal revenue service. In 1892 Mr. Jeffreys was elected secretary of the Republican state central committee of Tennes- see, which position he held for several years. In 1894 he was elected to the state senate from the twenty-fourth senatorial district, and was a member of the memorable Evans-Turney gubernatorial contest committee, and in 1896 was a delegate- at-large from Tennessee to the Republican national convention at St. Louis. In the following year President Mckinley ap- pointed Mr. Jeffreys to a position in the land department, as allotting agent. He shortly afterward resigned this to accept the position of chairman of the Ute Indian commission, with headquarters in Utah. Here, in 1898, he opened the Uncom- pahgre Indian reservation for settlement. In July, of that year, he tendered his resignation as chairman of that commis- sion to accept the position of surveyor of customs, at Mem- phis, to which he had been appointed by President Mckinley, and so enjoys the distinction of holding three commissions from President Mckinley during his first administration. In July, 1902, President Roosevelt reappointed Mr. Jeffreys as surveyor for another four-year term.
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