USA > Tennessee > McNairy County > Reminiscences of the early settlement and early settlers of McNairy County, Tennessee > Part 4
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The FERGUSON FAMILY.
Joshua Ferguson was long a citizen of McNairy county, settling in the Second Civil District, on the water ot Mosses Creek, soon after the county was property organized, and living there until his death, near fifty years afterwards. He was a son of James Ferguson, who came to Tennessee from South Carolina and sett .- i in Warren county, Tenn. James Fergusch was in the American army in the Revolutionary War. The Ferguson tanaly were related to Col. Ferguson, was fell on the battle of Kings Mountain, fighting gallantly for the Brinu cause.
Julia Ferguson was a farmer by convention. He was eller in the way of 1512 to laik with a popularly known as Jackets wir He was unter General Comer, and participated at the battle of the Hogy Sp." He wis ar New Orleans, that was not in the battle
and work- lan the farm for an Indian fan "," and wine signature an Inham
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maiden fell in love with him and managed to get him unwillingly to promise to mary her She would roast potatoes and carry to him in the deld. But when she bad invited the neighb ving Indians to the wedding, ont Le saw them from the fell gathering around the wigwam to witness bis marriage, he mounted his borse and left the settlements.
He lived in Warren county an I married Mary Herring there, and afterwards moved to MeNairy county. raised a large family and livel to be $6 or Si years old. He was an ideal farmer, and was always in politics an "Old Line Whig." He counselled against secession, and was always a Union man during the War of the Rebellion. He was a great reader of the Bible, never held to any specine views as to christianity, was never a member of any church nor of any secret society, was a great lover of the Bible an la moral and honey- man. He died in the year 1.72, and was buried at Sulphur Springs Graveyard, surrounded by friends and relatives, who had known hirn long.
The DORION FAMILY.
Charles H. Dorion, Sr., was born in the parish of I'Assumption, Lower Canada, on the 10th day of April, Tel. He camus : > Tennessee in 1-25, 11 at Calhour. MeMinn contr, on December 17th, 1:25. was married to Haungh Sanders, who was a member of the Sanders family of MeNairy county, mentioned in this bock. In 1832 he movel to McNairy conrr, and settled at Adamsville, in the Western part of ti: county. Hfe entered into business Lere, which he continued until some tirce in 1805, when he removed to Purdy. He remained a citizen of Purdy until October, 1848, wlan be removed with his family to Bolivar. Harde- man county, where he died the 7th of March, Isto. Mrs. Dorion survived him until the 20th of Far tember, 1875, when she died, and was buried by his side mn the graveyard at Bolivar
The children of the family were two sons -- Charle- H. Dorien, Jr., and W. C. Dorion. Charles went to California in 1549 or 1850, ond after sper ling a year or more there in dining, returned to Tennessee Hevet ' in Memphis afterwards, and married Mirs Ellen Morrison, and with Into business as a cotton and com- mission merchant, in which he was quite successful. He was born in Calhoun Tenn., November 12th, 1631, and died in Memphis Jane Ist, IST1. He was a scho Imate ati classmate of the author of this book. Jed was in all respec's a min of admirable character.
W. C. Dorion, the younger son, was born at Pur is the 27th of June, 1928. He now resides at Bolivar, Tenn., is lat this writing, camarrit !. He has held the responsible cfce of clerk of the County Court of Hairdercan county for twelve yea's or more, and bas discharged the duties in the satisfaction of his people.
Mrs. Douin the mother of Charles And Whloudly, was a woman of great beauty and nuted for ber chariry. The elde: Dorien was a man of impulse and warm ton veramente fond of his Many, chantale to the poor, and upright an! honest in all his d-alings.
The MELUGIN FAMILY.
Thos. W. Meprin care to Fur ly at an early time after the settlement of the county. His defen, Wal Washing n. Went from 1-30, but died in a few years. The next son, James Ghed at an early age of dry pay. The ellest
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daughter, Elizabeth, married twice. The second daughter, Mary Ann (Mrs. Piddle) is now living in Colombia, Tenn. The youngest daughter, Louisa, died at an early age.
Mr. Melugin was the most popular man among the boys in Pur.ly, during his Jay, being always ready to help them in their sports. Ecth he and his wife were charitable and highly respected people.
The PACE FAMILY.
Samuel D. Pace was an early settler in Purdy. He came from Georgia. He was a tallor by trade but inclined to be a literary man, and indulged a great deal in writing poetry () Ho was an enthusiastic Whig in politics, and a leader in Whig demonstrations on public occasions
His eldest sop, John, a promising young man, died early. Samuel, the second son. died also at an early age. There were four daughters in the family
The WILKINSON FAMILY. BY C. F. W.
John L. Wilkinson married Martha W. Wynne, is Wilson county, Tena , March 20th 1828, and moved from there soon after to Furdy. Tenn. George Wilkinson was born December 28th, 1'>. I think in Push. I think my father . was one of the fret settlers of Pardy. H. wis a merchant tador. I think all aix of his children were tota in Paris. He Lived there for many years, and whe said to be a good man, a strict member of the Methodist church. My mother was also a member of the Methodist church 17 years. I Lave often heard my mother since my father , death speak of old John M. Ferrin. a. l ma.iv other of 1 preachers that made stehterei under my fathers roll. A the of dig out aleetings and revivals. My father once owned the old Wilson Burg- Place, which stands on the road leading east of Purdy. The oll mansion yet'stands with its moss covered roof.
After many years in Furdy, my lat : o starletto moveto, Texas and on his way Le and may oflest sister Almeda died. I believe they died in 1>15 or 1816, in Shelby conaty, Tenn., and were buried near Green Bottom After their death my mother with Eve little children nured back to lupi George was the oldest, about 14 years old then. My mother worked hard day and night for her children ; sent me to school every chance, mostly to free schoots George Wila town, after he became of age, went to Mexico, returned from there, stayed in Parly a few years, and then weut to California ; diel in Senkten, Col. and was buried in Sacraciento City. JoLn L. Wilkinson was torn Jaduary 7tt, 115. wol died in 1>15. Martha W. Wilkinson was born april is, lateralita bolivar, leon, the 25th day of July, 1971. R. C. Welarson was born November 9. 1866, died April 19 1:f1. Lott'e saatrud in Ihear. Tens, to Proker B. Hodges, of Virginia, and after Lis death married John. M. Michel .. St- hal three children by Mitchell- two ghis andador. Some ten or dithea veirs after my father's death my mother married in Pur ly Henry Swann, et Virgin. Col Henry Swaun tras once editor of vle Tuckson Whig. Sto had roo . L.then er Mir Sving; the oldest, Mo'he, married A D. I:Her in D. wir. the boy, Booker, or George Bocken,
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died at Grand Junction with yellow fever February 19, 1878. He was about 21 years old, a telegraph pester and a nice and good boy.
Mr. Wilkinson still Ived ma Purdy after her son George went to Call viel. Ler tar - boys, ; though we som ler and were it the Conflirate Army. We livedin tardy until after the surrender, and then movrt to Baixar, Tenn. P. F. Wilkinson, R. P. Wilkinson and Betty Mitchell are the only three remaining children of John L. Walking on's family. P. F. Wilkinson was married to b. B. Moon September 11, 1865, in Purdy Tenn. He Index .. children ; only one living, about 15 years old- Edgar Hodges. Cub Wilkinson was born March 28, 1842. Bettie Mitchell was born May 8, 1834 Jack Wilkinson was married to Sallie P. Moon January 5, 1970, at Camieu, Tens. C. F. Wilkinson married at the olier Fountain Doke Place a daughter of W. C Moon. P. F. WILKINSON
The PRATHER FAMILY.
Thomas Prather, des wvif was Rachel feanes,: an early settler in MeNairy county, came from Lawrence district South Carolina, and located in the south part of this county. Their children were-
Brice. who married Martha Driver William
Unity Garrett. Marient Soirs Thomas
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Nancy
John Rar. Williant Jacas
Mary
Jane William Gran :. Elizabeth Josiah Jeanes. Racit-
All of their children (except Mary Jacks) raise1 families in McNairy county, and quite a number of their descendents remain here, and are generally success- ful farmers. They hed some years since at an advanced age (dates no: " -- memberel )
The STOVALL FAMILY.
The Stovall family have been residents of MeNairy county for many years coming from Middle Tennessee. Their remotest ancestors, of whom they have; any account, was Bartholomew Stovall, who was born May 10th, 1755. He was in the Revolutionary War, and took part in the battle of King's Mountin, na les Col. Williams. He was one among the adly settiers of Dawilson county, was in the Frontier Fort at Nashville, then known as " French Lick, ' and while kevin there at 1 protecting themselves in the ter, two of his ys, mens d'. ideen, wandered too far from the fort " hunting cove," and were slain by the blue. He had marmel Auno- Noirw, and ratel a family, and arver bor denti je w . again when i tp Mary Men, who was been Mag 1, 1750. He Imi Settembre
to many sultens of MeNagy courts. He was born in the gull WING, Il . ;
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nuaber Jolin M. Stovall and W. W. Storall. who were afterwards well known in MeNairy county. The family emigrated for Middle Tennessee in about the year 1827, fort settling in Madison county, at the then village of Jackson. Moving trop there in a few years afterwards, they settled in MeNairs county, in the Second District, on Moses Creek, and rusch a large family. He was a poor man, and never accumulated much property, but succeeded in educating his children above the average at that time. In politics he was a strenuous Whig; betekeved strong in maintaining the unity of the nation aul the perpetration of our institutions. He died at the place where he had lived for many years ; the place is now known as the " old Stovall place." Leaving Elisabeth a widow with several children to care for and elncare, she did well her duty, living most of her time with John M. Stovall, who alled her in maintaining herself ad l family. Elizabeth, Stovall was born November 1809 married January 20, 1818, and die! at the residence of Nancy F. Stowell on the Sith day of March, 1575 John Milton stovall was born July 20, 1325, caine to this county when a mere boy marriel Nancy E. Ferguson on December 18th, 1816. Soon after his father's Reat , he quit farming and moved to Springttil. Mo , engaging in house carpenter- ing, but he returned to McNairy agiin within twelve months to help care for and provide for his willowel mother and family, which charge ho met like a hero. though I was very poor man, so far as property was concerned. In 1975 Le moved to Purdy, then a Hourishing town of several hundred inhabitants. Here he worked some time at the carpenter trade, an I also kept grocery, ran a livery stable, de. ; he did some work on the Pardy college In politics he was always a Whig, and was once the Whig canl late for Register against Mai. Benjamin Wright ; his iny being in the min rity. 'e was ielearal by a slight in jovity. At the outbreak of the war he was opposed to secession and in favor of the Union. But when Tennessee, his zarive State seceeded. He sided with her afterwards an l twice enlisted in the Confederate Anny. H> raised a company of volunteers, and was elected captain, but was never received nelle service on account of the scarcity then of arms and provisions: he did not become a soldier, but went to farming to support his family. After the war he engaged in merchandising, as he had been immelistely preceding the war. He studied law after the war and was admittel to the Dar as a practising attorney on the day of 1867. At his death he was an attorney for the Mobile and Ch.o Railral, having acted in that capacity for stine time previous. He died in the town of Bethel Springs, on the 25th day of November, 1970, where he had lived for some uit? previous. He left a lars- family, but few of whom were grown Amony bis children that were well known in MeNairy, county, was David Jerome Stovall, who was born on the 21st day of April, 1351. He was very apt at studly and soon procured a gool elncation an ! studiul telegraphy. He opened the arst telegraph office at the now forishing town of Henderson Malison county. He bell the position of ral real ment and oftlater at Kenton, at Troy stati a, and at Rebel ; was at the time of his death. ratin ad agent and operator, and express agent at Bethel, getting a good salary. havingthe atmo-techline of his ; per sul the public. Hehola pa
original de the Woof ing the internet Y Bacon and Beslut in an eler of Angry 17
The RAINS FAMILY
came to MeNairy county in 1826. John Bains married And Gasin im 1793. Their childrer wore -- Sone-
William marri-d Elizabeth Etter. John
Jane Hammer.
James Robert
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Rebeca Cattangame.
Hugh G
Margaret McCaron.
Daughters-
Jacht Mace. Elizabeth
Robert Lattre' !.
John A. MeAlpin. Lucinda
Louisa
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Tames Warren.
The eller Pains married in Randolph county, N. C. They located three miles south of Purdy. All their children, except Elizabeth Mace, raised harge families in the county, and their offsprings at their death numb-cel ih grand ani great-grand children more than one imade 1: many of them are yet living in the county John whine died in 1953, supposed to be du years old (no date of birth ; Lis wilow them in 1664, fully co to that age. In the wall they were farmers.
ALLEN SWEAT.
Allen Sweat, who warned Nancy Ivens, came from North Canhas and located in MeNairy county, Four miles west of Purdy, in the year 1827. THA chin.ren Were .
Elizabeth Trane Dallerico
Jan- MeAlrin.
Dawson
Ezkian
Lucy Cannos Liilsmag
Pagey Murry.
Daughter-
Z-deril Ite :-.
Cyatba Cary
.. Allel Pry or.
Can les
Why Grar.
The HILL FAMILY.
There are many things to admire an l'imirate in the clearwater of the I !! people. In the history of the whole generation not one ever cazul they: . 1
havgy and contented, with a i-termindica :, win upon an average, though it has been much magten a. is tencing, and wax man, have ever la . it to do low fre Dit
the pleasures of the vumsile world they are sever happ .: that. "'
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Terrel
5 .
Elizabeth Hughes.
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by those whom they love. Being of English and Irish descent, they are well developed men and women. They are noted for their longevity. Their average duration of life is 65 years. Many have lived far beyond it -- not many beneath it - They have been citizens of MeNairy ever since the first settlements; they having movel to this county in the year 1828. They came from Jefferson county, East Tennessee, and settled three miles north of Purdy, on Cypress Creek. Then
McNairy presented a wild and desolate appearance Wolves howled in the wilder- ness, panthers screamed in the jungle, large herds of deer grazed undisturbed or the sandy hills, while smaller game, such as squirrels and rabbits, played " bast" along the mossy streams. There was nothing of a civilized nature to be seen. Purdy, itself, only contained a few huts, and a rade log court house. There were no churches, no mills, and in fact, nothing that denoted an upward tendency; but. however, they found such land as best suited them, and, as was the custom then they were contented, (notwith conding the deficiencies,) to wear patched clothes, and to hope for a better future.
The first mill that was erected in the settlement was built by Anthony Street on Cypress, on what is now known as the McCallum place. Some of the old debris is yet visible. The first church and school house was built near Cypress, at what is now known as Plunk's mills. in 1999. The first school was taught by Daniel Griffin. It was composed of students from all the surrounding settlements within ten miles. Then it was not considered a hardship to go ten miles to school: but now it is rather a difficulty for the boys to go one fourth of a mile. Some of the leading men, in McNairy to-day, were educated at this school. In the sum- year, and of the same place, a church was organized under the management of the Primitive Baptists, Franklin Beard acting as pastor. This settlement, known to-day as the Hill settlement, was among the largest then in the county. It Was composed of old man Daniel Hill, Fr .. and his eight sons and families, together with his sons-in-law, Isaiah Coffman. Thomas efrifin, and their families, an ho'! Ben Walker, William Beatty, Samuel Houston. the Wilson and Rankin families.
The old generation has passed away, leaving their work in the hands of their children, which number seventy five. now living in McNairy. Great changes have taken place since then. Instead of carrying our cotton to Memphis, (as was the custom then,) we find a market at home. The new age has brought many revolutions. The old one was buried in the " sweet long ago." The future ofens her fields for improvement. LAFAYETTE HILL.
The IIUGGINS FAMILY.
James M. Huggins was born in Buncombe county, State of N. C., on the 27th day of May, 1801, and moved to MeNairy county in the year 18,9, and settled in the southern part of the county. He was married in 1923 to Elizabeth Robert- son, in Lauderdale county, State of Alabama. They had four children-three boys and oue girl : Leroy M. Huggins, now residing at Corinth ; John S. Huggins McNairy county; J. L. Hugging, Corinth, Mise ; Elizabeth Cates, Kossuth, Miss. wife of R. C. Cates, son of Pleasant Catas, formerly of Purdy.
The HAMM FAMILY.
Join Hanım, Sr. was born in Son . Carolina, and was 16 years old at the Commencement of the Revolution ary War; servel four years in the war. At the close of the war's married Phoebe Phengame, and moved to Kentucky and shared the Incin troubles in that Stato, then moved to Middle Tennessee, live ! some time there and, In 1526, moved to McNairy county and lived there until his death, which occurred in the year 1995. His wife survived him twenty years They had eleven children. most of whom moved to this county in the years 1:23 at 11-27. Their names were as follows: Mary Flat, Nancy McBride. Blieugane Han, James Hamm, Jacob Hamm, Thomas P. Hamm. John Hamm. the bilanre remained in Lauderdale county. Alabama. Thomas P. Hamur, my father, was born in the State of Kentucky in 170%, and in This Marciel Tabitha Huggins, who was one year his senior, and at this date is living, moved to the punty in 1806, settled on Maddy Creek, and shared all the blogs and trade inc kent in mer klemen of a new country. His children's names are as f-Hows : Jacob, FUzalich, Phoebe. Jobin M., Nancy, Sorol B sion, James M., Phihr, Thomas J., Jane, Mary and Fliza: the following are Ne only rivers of the grave: Jim M. Friday, Poste Hier, Sarah Back Fri's, and James M. Hamm, Thomas P. Hamm Med 1956.
The HOUSTON FAMILY.
Amh. Houston was born in the State of Pennsylvania, served through the Revolutionary War, and married Rosanna Cunningham, and at an kary day Loved to Kentucky, and two of his children were born in a fort. He moved to Midel- Tennessee, lived there a few years and moved to MeNairy county 5: 1922 lived in said conuty until his death which occurred in the year IS37. Thef byt- ing ora the names of his c !! ! iren : Tames, Nancy, Jane, John, Arcuisebi. R. c.ca. Etort C, Cyntha, David, anl Andrew. They married as follows:
James Houstr married in La. (name not kc wwal. Archibald. Stephenson.
R. C. Houston
Rebecca Chambers. ..
David Houston.
Harriet Elean ter
Arcrew Haus'og
Emily Barnhill.
Nacer
Jane.
Thomas.
Rebecca
. John Chambers.
Henry Kirkland
Archibald Houston's family are all dead but Andrew, who lives it. Texas
P .. ". Houston was born ia W ntneky in 1729, movel to this county in 1 >22. Soin are matrici Rebecen Chambers Vetore this county was organized . Te hal to get ; Savannah to have the rights of restritouy solomoved He with a number of other honest men knew what it was to content with horse thieves a wall ?- ..! ! beasts. isch MIren's names are as follows : Nancy, who died a year- old John, who died in infancy. Elizabeth J. Arch bald K .; Lucretia, de Min fa. "; Cantba .1 .; Rosannah, who died in infancy
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Robert S., James T., all married as follows : Ehzabeth J. married John M Hamm . Pyntha A. married James J !. Hamm ; Robert S. married Syrena Michel: James !. married, Erst, Margaret Mechs, lived with her until rhey hai thres chili! and shedil; he married Josephine Michel. Robert C. Houston livei in the punty 11 years, and in the year long departed this life.
The CHAMBERS FAMILY.
Samuel Chambers was born in South Carolina, in the year 17 1. Atan early day he moved to Middle Tennessee and married Nancy Mackey, and in 199 moveit: MeNairy county, settlel on what is called Chambers Creek, in the sou h part of this ecurry, and lived in said county until his death, which ocurre i in 1 - 1- His first wife dielia ls,0), ailhe marriel a widow, Watson, but sur- rivel hera few years. His children's names are as follows : John Heleeva, Anna Thom s. Elizabeth, Mary, Samnel, and married as follows : John Chambers mariel Rebecca Houston, Rebecca Chambers married R. C. Houston, And C: vabers married Jefferson Eelam, Thomas Chambers married Elisabeth Bain. MMA, Elizabeth Chambers married John N. Barnhill Mary Chantiers mandel K C. R.RLo I Samanel Chambers married Sarah Arnold.
John Chambers was born 17's, in South Carolina, and was brought to Mild.e Tennessee at an early day ; came to MeNairy in 1920; in the latter part of winter he went back to Middle Tennessee ( 1521; and married R becca Houston, an l fra settled on Del Crack, afterwards on Chambers Creek, in the south part of this Fanty Deed in said counter utd his death, which beurre lin 1857. His children's James a PretoNows. C. L. Chambers, Lucretia, and Lavina, who married as follows : C. L. Chambers married Francis Attias, Lucretia married O. L. Meeks, Lavinia named W. C. M.eks. John Chambers' children are all deal but one, whose name is C. L. Chambers.
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CHAPTER VILL.
Sketeles of Benjamin Wright, Martha Ann Wright, Harwell Richard & and Rufus S, Marcus J. Wright. Jon. V. Wright, Elizabeth Crump, Wa. 3. Windym. D. M Wisdom, Public Meeting at Parly on the Death if We . Wislon Mes Chia & Wisdom, James Reel, P. H. Bruk I F. Hullen, J. M. I. Branden, Maria Cres Alphan John Boul Richard Cross Ja. V. Wright, Richard S. Harwell, Jacob Jackson, . The Newberrys" Dr R. W. Crump.
BENJAMIN WRIGHT.
As will be seen in a former chip.er, Benjamin Wright was one of the early settlers of the county. He was born at or new Savannah, Ga., on the 21 of April, in the year 17st. His factor, Cant John Wright, commanded a company in the Revolutionary way, in why was known as the Georgia Line. Sir James Wright, the Colonial Governor, who esponsed the British canse, and returned to England, was a member of a collateral branch of the family. Major Wright's mother moved to Summer county Tenn, after the death of her husband. There was another son named Byrd Wright, who Hiel without having married. By a second pricing of Moj. Wright's mother there were three other children, a son and two lang wars.
Maj. Wright was appointed a lieut nant in the United States army by Presi- dent Malison, and was afterwards artiel .I to the NAL Regiment of Infantry, commandalby C. Williams of Knoxville. He distinguished himself for gal- lantry at the battle of the Horse Shoe and received several promotions, reaching eventually to a S-11 officer. I give an extract from a lottar written to me by the Iate Col. Charles D M. Lean, who was an oid an int'mit friend of the subject of this sketch :
" I have hatily -ndeavored to throw into shape my early recollections o? your venerable father, which I hope will prive of interest to yourself and family. with the only mag ving that my memory may fail me in relation to many inci- dents worthy of motive. Soon after the Intaration of war by the United States against Great Britain, in June 1812, Benjamin Wright was appointed a lieuten. ant in the army by President Madein, and was attached to the 9th Regiment of Infantry, commandethy Col. John Williams, of Knoxville. He was very soon thereafter bilel for the recruiting service, in which he was very successful in the country around Nashville, Gallatin, and Lebanon. About this time he was married to Miss Dewia, of Summer county, Tenn, a most amiable and accura- plished lely, who live I only a few years after the close of the war.
" I'min the breaking out of the frank War, in the fall of 1818, the 39th Regi- ment was ordered to reinforce Gen Jackson, who had fought the Indians in sey- eral 'engagements with Coffee's brigade, and other Tene-sans They were brought Into active service at the bible of the fire S' e, sely the whole of Jackson's army at the tone bring from Tenzes. pp.
" Livet.l. Samuel P Montgomery, of the 3Rd. Regimul. 'd the charge on the breast-works at the Horse Shoe, and was killed on the the ufo.
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