USA > Tennessee > Notable men of Tennessee. Personal and genealogical, with portraits, Volume II > Part 22
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arise in his growing practice. In fraternal circles Doctor Black is well known, being a member of the Masonic fraternity, a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason. the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Work- men, the American Guild and the Knights of the Maccabees. He takes a commendable pride in the affairs of Memphis, and is a member of the Business Men's and Chickasaw clubs. He is also a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church, of Memphis, to which he is a liberal contributor.
R. F. CRESON, a well-known con- tractor and builder, of Memphis. Tenn., is one of those strong, self- reliant men who are the architects of their own fortunes. He was born at Murfreesboro, Tenn., April 9, 1857. When he was about nine years of age his mother removed to Gibson county, locating near Trenton. Here the sub- ject of this sketch secured a good, practical education in the schools of Yorkville, which is in the same county, employing his vacations in learning the carpenter's trade and in assisting to support his mother's family. In 1890 he came to Memphis, where he has plied his trade ever since. Shortly after coming to the city, he determined to engage in contracting for himself, and since then some of the finest build- ings in Memphis have been erected under his supervision. Naturally a fine mechanic, with good taste in the selection of materials and designs, and thoroughly honest, his patrons feel confident that they are getting the best in the market and just what the contract calls for. The standing of Mr. Creson among his fellow-builders may be seen when it is stated that he is the president of the Memphis Builders' exchange, an organization composed of the master builders and dealers in " building materials. To be called to the presidency of this body is an honor that is not likely to fall upon one unworthy, and the selection of Mr. Creson for this office was a fitting recogni-
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tion of his mechanical skill, his business ability and his spot- less integrity. The chief aim in life with Mr. Creson is to build houses in a little bit better way than they have been hereto- fore constructed. In the exercise of his talents in this direc- tion he has no time for the turmoil of politics, although he takes a commendable interest in public questions. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and con- sistently applies the tenets of his faith to his daily conduct.
HENRY E. HUTCHENS, super- intendent of the Northern Alabama railroad and the Memphis division of the Southern railway, with headquar- ters at Memphis, Tenn., is a fine example of what energy and deter- mination can accomplish in the rail- road world. He was born at Indian Springs, Ga., in 1860, but while in his infancy his parents removed to Union Point, in the same state. Com- pelled by circumstances to leave school at the age of thirteen years, he went to work for the Georgia railway, as telegraph operator at Barnett, having learned that art, and at the time he began his professional career he was the youngest telegraph operator in the United States. After a year at Barnett, he went to Thomson, Ga., as manager of the telegraph office for a year. During the next few months he was employed at Covington, Ga., and then, leaving the Georgia railroad, went to work as operator and clerk in the office of the Atlantic & Gulf railroad, at Valdosta, Ga. In Sep- tember, 1875, he opened the first railroad telegraph office in Thomasville, Ga., and remained there a year, when he went to Savannah and took service with the Western Union Tele- graph Company, remaining with that corporation until 1882. He then entered the employ of the Savannah, Florida & Western, and remained with that road in various capacities in the traffic and transportation departments until 1896, when he went to Atlanta as yardmaster for the Central of Georgia.
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His next move was to accept a position as assistant superin- tendent of the Atlantic & Danville railway, with offices at Nor- folk, Va., and in August, 1899, he was made superintendent of the Norfolk division of the Southern railway. In January, 1901, Mr. Hutchens was called to the superintendency of the Northern Alabama and the Memphis division of the Southern, and came to Memphis. In all this successful career, Mr. Hutchens has never received promotion through favorit- ism, or through fraternal relations with his superiors. He be- longs to no church, club or secret order; hence his rise in rail- road circles has been entirely due to his merits. His record is one of which any one might justly feel proud, and, as he is by no means an old man. it is quite likely that the future holds positions of greater honor and responsibility.
D. M. HENNING, M. D., one of the most noted of the younger physi- cians of Memphis, Tenn., was born in that city, Oct. 15, 1875. His father, Dr. B. G. Henning, is one of the most prominent physicians in the South. Born at Durhamville, Lauder- dale county, Tenn., Oct. 16, 1849, he attended the public schools there; took a high school course at Covington, Tenn .; attended the Columbian uni- versity, Washington, D. C., for a year; then the Jefferson Medical college, of Philadelphia, and graduated from the Bellevue Hospital Medical college, of New York, in 1870. For a year after his graduation, he was first interne in the Jersey City Charity hospital; came to Memphis in 1871; then spent some time abroad, studying in the medical centers of Europe; came back to Memphis in October, 1873. and has established a large practice there; has been professor of the theory and practice of medicine in the Memphis Hos- pital Medical college ever since the institution opened its doors, in 1880; consulting physician to St. Joseph's hospital, and sur- geon to the rectal department. With this kind of a father ..
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it is not surprising that the son has attained a high position in the profession. He was graduated, in 1896, from the Phil- lips academy, at Exeter, N. H., and in 1900 received the de- gree of M. D. from the Memphis Hospital Medical college. Not content with this, he went to New York, and in 1902 graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons there. He is now the quiz master on practice of medicine in the Memphis Hospital Medical college, assistant to the chair of gynecology, clinical assistant of rectal diseases, and is assistant demonstrator of operative surgery. He is also one of the staff of St. Joseph's hospital, his specialty being rectal diseases. He is a member of the American, the Mississippi Valley, the Tri-State and the Tennessee Medical associations, and the medical societies of Memphis and Shelby county. Both father and son are prominent figures in the social and fraternal life of Memphis, the former being a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Work- men, the Masonic fraternity, and the First Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is one of the trustees, and the latter be- longs to the Chickasaw club, Menasha Outing club and the First Methodist Episcopal church.
FLETCHER M. GILLILAND, of the Irby & Gilliland Company, dealers in queensware. glassware, etc., Mem- phis, Tenn., is a native of Missis- sippi, having been born at Mount Pleasant, Marshall county, July 5, 1861. About a year after the war, the family removed to DeSoto county, of the same state. There Fletcher began his schooling, but finished it at Collierville, Shelby county, Tenn., where the family removed in 1872. Leaving school at the age of seventeen years, he went to work in a drug store at Collierville, and was thus employed for three years. He then went into the general store of W. H. Irby, at the same place, and at the end of two years bought
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a half-interest in the business. In 1891 the firm came to Mem- phis and went into the queensware, glass and woodenware trade, and on Jan. 1, 1904, it was incorporated as the Irby & Gilliland Company. The stock of the company is well selected, and a general assortment of the goods handled by such houses is always kept on hand. This, with the courteous reception assured the visitor to their salesrooms, has built up a large patronage and placed the Irby & Gilliland Company among the substantial mercantile concerns of Memphis. Mr. Gilliland is one of those progressive and ambitious merchants who are never satisfied with the positive or comparative degree-only the very best is good enough for him and his customers. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Central Methodist Episcopal church, where he is chairman of the board of stewards.
FRANK SMITH, general super- intendent of the street railway lines, Memphis, Tenn., is a native of New York state, having been born at Sara- toga Springs, in October. 1864. When about ten or twelve years old. he went to Moline, Ill., where he learned the blacksmith trade and worked at it for three years. He then took up the study of stenography, and became so proficient in it that he served for some time as court reporter for Rock Island county. He then entered the office of the superintendent of the St. Louis division of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, at St. Louis, and remained in that position for about a year, at the end of which time he went to Ottumwa, Ia., as chief clerk for the superintendent of that division. About three years later, he was promoted to the position of assistant to the superintendent of the C .. B. & Q. lines, with head- quarters at Burlington, and in 1891 became superintendent of the street railway system of that city. In 1893 lie came to Memphis, as assistant general manager of the Citizens' Street
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Railway Company, and in 1898 was made superintendent. The Memphis street railway lines had their origin in 1866, when the streets were unpaved, the first line running on Main street from Beal to Auction streets. At that time this short line was considered quite an achievement, but today the Memphis street railway system comprises upward of 100 miles of track; more than 100 cars of the latest improved designs (in addi- tion to this number, there is a large reserve force of cars for extraordinary occasions) ; a power-house equipped with the best and latest machinery; a pay-roll of considerably over $1,000 a day, and every known convenience for the comfort and accommodation of the public. Much of this improvement has been made since Mr. Smith came to Memphis, and to his executive ability and sound business judgment is due a large number of the betterments of the entire system. Mr. Smith is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Jockey club, the Business Men's club and the Driving club. In all these organizations he is a popular member, be- cause of his genial disposition and general good-fellowship.
HORATIO T. BRUCE, of the well-known firm of H. T. Bruce & Co., wholesale mule and horse deal- ers, Memphis, Tenn., was born at Cumberland, Allegany county, Md., April 9, 1854. He continued to live in his native town until he was seven- teen years of age, during which period he attended school and worked with his brother in the grain business. In December, 1871, he went to Cincin- nati, O., where he started a retail gro- cery, but sold out before a year and went to Nashville, Tenn. There he went to work for Hamner Bros., live stock dealers, and remained with them until 1885. when he came to Mem- phis. While with Hamner Bros., Mr. Bruce learned all about the business of buying and selling mules and horses, and when he embarked in that business in Memphis his qualifications
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soon came to be understood and appreciated by all horsemen. He understands his business thoroughly, when it comes to a question of judging sure-enough horse-flesh. He started in business in Memphis, in 1885, with practically nothing but his thorough knowledge of the business and a determination to succeed. His success has been steadily onward and upward, until it is today the greatest concern of its kind in the South. Mr. Bruce is a thirty-second degree Mason; a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and a Knight Templar. In politics he is a Democrat in whom there is no guile. In No- vember, 1890, he was married to Miss Valaria P. Hutt, daugh- ter of Dr. William S. Hutt, of Troy, Mo., and one son and two daughters have come to bless the union. Mr. Bruce's father, Henry Bruce, was a lawyer and stood at the head of his profession. Mr. Bruce has one brother and two sisters liv- ing : M. T. Bruce, of Dallas, Tex., and Mrs. J. Byers Smith and Mrs. M. German, both of San Diego, Cal. Mr. Bruce's brother, M. T. Bruce, is a Confederate Veteran.
MAXENCE B. HERMAN, one of the well-known physicians of Mem- phis, Tenn., is a native of France, hav- ing been born at the town of Bru- € math. in the province of Alsace, in 1852. When he was thirteen years of age lie was sent to Paris to school. In 1869 lie began the study of medi- cine with Dr. Daroux as preceptor until the Franco-Prussian war, in 1870. During the siege of Paris he entered the service of the American Ambulance association, in which capacity he served until the end of the revolt. in May, 1871, when he came to America, locating in Natchez, Miss., until 1878. During the fall of the same year, he founded the town of Hermanville, Miss., where he embarked in the drug business, and continued in this voca- tion for ten years. While thus engaged he continued the study
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of medicine. In 1890 he graduated with "Cum Laude" from the Missouri Medical college (now Washington university ). St. Louis, with the degree of M. D. Shortly after leaving the university he located at Memphis, where he has established a lucrative practice and has won a name and reputation for himself as a successful physician and surgeon. Doctor Herman is a member of the American Medical association, the Tennes- see State Medical association and the medical societies of Mem- phis and Shelby county. He is visiting surgeon to St. Joseph's hospital, and is regarded as one of the most conscientious, painstaking and progressive physicians in the city. Doctor Herman is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity.
JOHN F. COCHRAN, M. D., of Memphis, Tenn., was born in Cocke county, of that state, Oct. 14, 1845, and grew to manhood there and at Newmarket, in Jefferson county. One of his ancestors. Captain Shields, was a soldier in the American army dur- ing the Revolutionary war. In the early autumn of 1863 Doctor Coch- ran, then about eighteen years of age, enlisted in Captain Marshall's com- pany of cavalry, which served as es- cort to Gen. Simon B. Buckner until after the battle of Chicka- mauga. He was then detailed to the military court of General Buckner's corps, as orderly, and held that position for eight months. Subsequently he served with Lynch's battery. in Vir- ginia and Tennessee, until April 12, 1865. when his command was disbanded by General Echols, at Christianburg. Va., and the men sent to their homes without parole. This proved a source of serious annoyance to some of them, Doctor Cochran being one of those to suffer the inconvenience of the situation. Shortly after reaching home, he was arrested by the Federals as a deserter, and, being without parole, was imprisoned for a month, his release being effected only by his taking the iron- clad oath. At the beginning of the war, Doctor Cochran was
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a student at Holston college. After peace was established, he entered Emory and Henry college, Va., to resume his studies, which had been interrupted by his laying aside his books for the saber and carbine. Five or six months before the time for him to graduate he was compelled to leave school, on account of his health. After a season of rest and recuperation, he went to Memphis, took up the study of medicine, and in 1871 was graduated from the Memphis Medical college. He located at Bartlett. Shelby county. Tenn., and practiced there for fifteen years, coming to Memphis in 1886. He is a mem- ber of the American, the Tri-State and the Tennessee Medical associations and the medical societies of Memphis and Shelby county. In the fraternal life of the city, he is a Master Mason in good standing and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. About a year after graduating from the medical college, he was married to Miss Martie Mercer, and to this marriage have been born a son and two daughters.
MATTHEW GRACEY, railroad and steamboat agent at Clarksville, Tenn., is a son of Matthew and Maria (Tilford) Gracey, who were the parents of nine children: George Til- ford, now of Summit, Miss .; Frank P., deceased; Ellen, who married R. W. Wake, both deceased; Maria, wife of T. D. Luckett; Elizabeth, wife of John Boyd, of Eddyville, Ky .; William R., deceased; Mary, who married John Stacker, Jr., of Philadelphia, Pa. (both deceased) ; Lucy, who married Rev. William Childers, of Russellville, Ky. (deceased), now living in Eddyville, Ky., and Matthew. Matthew Gracey was born in Eddyville, Lyon county, Ky., March 4, 18.47, and secured his education in the common schools of that city. In February, 1866, he went to Clarksville, where he and his brother, the late Capt. F. P. Gracey, put in a wharfboat and continued to manage it jointly until the death of Captain Gracey, in 1895. Since then Matthew has conducted the busi- nes: in company with his nephews, Gracey Childers and J. F. Gracey. Since 1870 the firm has been general agents of the Louisville & Nashville railroad at Clarksville. Mr. Gracey is a member of Cumberland lodge No. 17, Knights of Pythias of
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Clarksville, and of the Royal Arcanum. In politics, he is an unswerving Democrat, though he can hardly be called an active politician. He was married, Nov. 30, 1876, to Marion H. Castner, daughter of Wilson J. and Mary ( Beaumont ) Castner, of Clarksville. They have four children: Lucy, wife of Charles H. Drane, of Clarksville; Frank P., in his father's office; Mary Beaumont and Matthew, Jr. The family are members of the Trinity Episcopal church.
PUGH H. THRASHER, of Sel- mer, Tenn., was born in Lauderdale county, Ala., March 12, 1843. He is a son of William Bishop Lamar and Rachel (Oldhausen) Thrasher. The father was born in Virginia, was one of the early pioneers of Northern Alabama and died in Lauderdale county at the age of eighty-three years. He was an intense Whig. in politics, a noted Union man, and sent five of his sons to fight for the preser- vation of the Union, among them the subject of this sketch. The family originally came from England, settling at Red Rock, Md. Three brothers were the progenitors of those who bear the name in America. Pugh H. Thrasher received his education in the public schools of his native county. In 1865. when a young man. he came to McNairy county. Tenn .. where he worked on a farm and was interested with his father and brother in a mercantile business.in Lawrence county. In 1872 he went into the lumber business somewhat extensively at Adamsville, and also operated on a large scale in Mississippi. In 1884 he removed to Selmer, and the founding of that flourishing town was due in large measure to his energy and foresight. He established a saw-mill near the site of the pres- ent court house, cleared land and carved a good farm out of the woods. Knowing that Selmer was the geographical center of the county, and having faith in its future, he induced the commissioners to order an election for the removal of the
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county seat to that place. After two elections which ended in a failure, a third was held and the removal was ordered. Mr. Thrasher was given the contract for the erection of a court house, which project he carried out with credit, both to him- self and the county. In politics, he is a Republican, and has acted as chairman of the county executive committee. In 1892 he made the race for Congress against B. A. Enloe, and al- though the returns showed a majority of 118 against him, it has always been contended by his friends and conceded by many of his opponents that he was elected. He contested the election, and the United States Congress still further reduced his opponent's majority to twenty-six votes, although he failed in securing the seat. His wonderful campaign will long be re- membered in the eighth district, as he reduced a Democratic majority of 3.000 to a claimed majority of but twenty-six. He was instrumental in organizing the Tennessee River Valley & Pittsburg railroad, of which he was made superintendent and general manager. In 1866 he was married to Miss Mary E., daughter of William Howard, of McNairy county. Mrs. Thrasher died, Sept. 25, 1891, leaving four children: John R., Georgie. now Mrs. G. L. Anderson; Minnie, now Mrs. J. S. Rogers, and Edgar. Mr. Thrasher was married the second time on May 16, 1893, to Mrs. Annie Gerhart, of Corinth, Miss., a woman possessing rare qualifications. She is the daughter of J. A. and Elizabeth Gerhart. Mr. Thrasher is a self-made man and has done much toward the development and upbuilding of the section in which he resides, and has worked untiringly for the general good of McNairy county. He is a man of great force of character, executive ability and business enterprise. He is deliberate in forming his opinions, but, once formed, he allows nothing to deter him from carrying his plans to ultimate success.
JOHN TALLEY CUNNINGHAM, JR., a prominent young attorney, of Clarksville, Tenn., was born Aug. 12. 1877. His father is a prominent planter in Montgomery county. Mr. Cunningham received his primary education in the public schools of Montgomery county and Clarksville,
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from which he graduated in 1892. He also attended South- western Presbyterian university, at Clarksville, graduating in 1896 with the degree of A. B. He then studied law at Van- derbilt university, and in 1899 was admitted to the bar. The same year he commenced the practice of law at Clarksville and has secured a fine clientage, although he is the youngest mem- ber of the Clarksville bar. Mr. Cunningham is noted for his ability and integrity, which have secured for him the friends and lucrative practice he has gained. He was elected to repre- sent Montgomery county, Tenn., in the lower house of the fifty-fourth general assembly. He is a prominent figure in the fraternal societies of Clarksville, being a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In all these organizations he is popular because of his frank, open disposi- tion and his generous charity. He is a close student of men and affairs, as well as of everything pertaining to his profes- sion, and, with his magnetic personality, it is safe to predict for him a future full of substantial rewards and honors.
JAMES WASHINGTON PUR- VIANCE. editor and proprietor of the McNairy County Independent, Selmer. Tenn., was born at Carlin- ville, Macoupin county, Ill., Feb. 25, 1842. His father was Robert Wash- ington Purviance, born at Edwards- ville, Ill., and who died in Macoupin county, Ill., in 1868. He was a highly respected citizen, and accumulated a large fortune as a farmer and stock raiser. William H. Purviance, the grandfather of James W., came from North Carolina when a young man and settled in Edwardsville, Ill., where he resided until his death, which occurred at the age of eighty-five years. Robert W., the father of James W., married Marinda P. Gas- kill, a native of New York State. The Purviance family originally came from Paris, France, 300 years ago. There were
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three branches, one of whom settled in Maryland, and one in Mississippi, and the third (the one to which our subject be- longs), in North Carolina. James W. received his education in the schools of Macoupin county, Ill., and in the McKendree college, at Lebanon, Ill. From the latter institution he grad- uated in 1864 with the degrees of A. B. and LL. B. He re- moved to Memphis, Tenn., the same year and was admitted to the bar, where he practiced for a year. He volunteered for service during the war, but was not accepted because of his poor health. In 1865, in company with Capt. H. W. Kerr, he removed to Purdy, Tenn., and was present at the reorgan- ization of the first court that was held in that place after the war. In 1865 he was appointed state's attorney for the eleventh judicial circuit and held that position until 1869, when he resigned to accept the position of United States dis- trict attorney at Memphis, which had been tendered to him without solicitation. In 1873 he was married to Miss Rachel C. Pharr, daughter of Augustus B. Pharr, and he then re- moved to Helena, Ark. The yellow fever soon afterward broke out there, and he returned to Purdy, which at that time was the county seat of McNairy county. There he resumed the practice of law, and in 1879 entered the field of journalism as the founder of the McNairy Independent. In December, 1890, he removed to Selmer and retired from active law prac- tice in order to look after his land and other investments in the State of Florida and elsewhere. Mr. Purviance was a prom- inent figure in the agitation for the removal of the county scat from Purdy to Selmer, believing the latter site to be the proper location. He laid out the town, drew up the articles of incorporation, drafted the first charter of the town, and, as a member of the city council, prepared all the original or- dinances of the place. In 1902 he established the McNairy County Independent, in order to occupy his time and indulge his taste for journalism. His ambition has been to make his paper one of the best provincial papers in the state, and he bids fair to succeed. He wields a trenchant pen; is a fearless advocate of what he believes to be right; is a stanch Repub- lican in politics; has held the office of chairman of the county
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