USA > Tennessee > McNairy County > Reminiscences of the early settlement and early settlers of McNairy County, Tennessee > Part 8
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J. W. P.
A SKETCH OF JAMES WARREN BY MRS. JENNIE 8. PERKINS.
Very few self-made men exist who have come up through greater diffi ulties than the subject of this sketch. Left an orphan, and penniless at a very es:ly age, he with his brother John, were bound out, as was the custom of those days ; and as was too often the case to a hard, unfeeling master, whose treatment be- came so unbearable that the boys del to the mountains to escape his cruelty. They were not wholly forsaken, however, for sympathizing friends, who were cognizant of their whereabouts, fel the fugitives until their persecutor was in - duced to relinquish his claim on them. They were then bound to Henry Lebo, with whom they lived until the death of the latter, when they were transferrei to Stanford Sauniers, a son-in-law of Leby. Saunders removed from East Ter - nessee to McNairy county, West Tennessee, bringing James and John Warres with hiin. John tired of his position, and left before his term of service expired , but James faithfully served out his time, and then with the means that was ine bim on becoming of age, began to act on his own responsibility.
He soon after inter-married with Miss Eliza Rains, a most excellent lady. who has proved a very worthy help mate.
He soon begin holding office, mang step by step. until elected representative from his county to the Legislature
He in the meanwhile carried on his farm, and by industry and strict vitea tion to business steadily accumulated wealth.
He was a Whig before the war, and loyal to the Government during the
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strife, but never violen. In politics sin e the wa. he has opposed radicalism, be- ing inclined to a lenient polley with those disaffected towards the United States
For many years he resided near Pardy, but lately he removed several ciiles southwest from the county seat, where he has reared a beautiful home, andser- rounded himself and family with all the solid comforts of life.
His life-long friends have recently given further testimony of their apprecis- tion of his merits by el.cung him to the State Senate.
Few men have been so successful in all the relations of life ; for to weala and popularity have been alled great Iomestic felicity, and children that are an honor to the parent: who reared there
The view of such a career gives a indant evidence that faithfulness in all the duties of one's position brings the rewar I promised to him, who, having been " faithful over a few things, small be made ruler over many things."
DRS. RICHARD AND CHARLES CRUMP. BY MES J S. PERKIN.
Doctors Richard and Charles Cruisp were resident physicians of Purdy more. than forty years ago. They were highly esteemed, being graduates of the famous Medical College of Lexington Ky.
They were both very popula., although radically different in their leiding characteristics.
In personal appearance Richard was very striking, and perhaps no man in bis day made more impression on the society in which he moved, or inspired wariner Trien I-hips, which he has warm'y returned. Hy was impulsive, talented, and excentri in the highest degree vivacions, fond of Sanmus, singing sett,- mental songs, and all the innocent amusements, at the same time possessed of deep religions feeling and strong faith in an overruling Providence. without the least admixture of Poricinismo.
A. an illustration of his peculiarities, I will .ite an instance related by bim-elf. He was out hunting, and his way lay through the tall grass that covered much of the country then Presently & long sharp brate of grass sawed bim in the eye, harting bim severely. The sud len rain provoked an oath before be hal time to think ; but with redeen on came repentance, and to use his own expressios, be " knocked down right there, and prayed for forgiveness: " and ne further added he had no doubt but that it was granted This is but on- instance of many of his chill lik- Enth and ar yularity. His sincerity, singleness of heart ani charity gave abundant pr of « ? his purity ci purpose.
As a ply-nias he inclined to follow the theory of medicine, rather than study the ever-changing types of disease and are this practice a cording. He especially relied upon the theories of Protewor Duley, of Lexington Mal .... College, who, with Prof. Gooss, were lesling characters there during the time of bis attendance at the lectures at that pluo ...
In politics he was a Whig, and engused with all the ardor of his exvitables being in ba cam bian- of his party.
He married Max Enzabeth Steadfast, of Pardy, a lady of wealth and great personal worth, who Las long survived him. He removed from Parly to a sua son on the Tennessee river kaowa aa Crump's Lan hog, where he died of a com
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Nication of diseases, leaving to his family a comfortable home and the priceless inheritance of an untarnished name.
Charles C. Cramp, the younger brother, was potessed of a superior judgment. was very quiet, and stud ous in bis habits, a close observer, and reliable friend. possessing the merita of the elder brother without his eccentricities.
He was of the same politics, but did not take a very active part in them, be- ing more engrossed with his profession. In practice he preferred to watch disewas as an ebercy whom He might circumvent by superior tactics, ani relied but little on the theories laid down in books. His watchful care was rewarded by eminent success among hi- patients whom he carefully nursed through all the varying perils of sickness
He married Mas Emmabeth Wright, of Purdy, a daughter of Major Benjamin Wright, of that place. She was a lady of great elegance and refinement, who, after a few happy years, passed away. leaving her husband and children desolate.
Alter ber death he removed to Middle Tennessee, leaving a vacancy in the racks of his profession severely felt by those, who by. his skill, had been relieved of suffering, and reerued from death.
Dr. Crump died at bis residence at Spring Hill, Tenc., on August 7, 1982 He leaves three chiron by bis orst marriage -- Mrs. Alexander. of spring Hill . Marcus V. Crump, of Brownsville, Tenn, and Richard O. Crump, of Milan, Tenn .. and one daughter by his last marriage, Lula Crump.
WORTHINGTON-POOL.
Samuel L. Worthington, one of the old-time citizens of MeNairy county, was born September 1 1803, and was married to Miss Prisilla B. Tatum on February 23, 1830.
Two children, who were reared to manhood and womanhood, were born to them. Rachel J. M Worthington, the eldest, was born November 28, 1830, and A. M. Worthington was born March, 15, 1833. A. M. Worthington is still living In Arkansas, and is by profession a dentist.
Rachel inter-married with R. W. P. Pool on January 15, 1840, and was the mother of several on'llren. three of whom are still living in Purdy, Tenn. After several years of Anfering she died on July 31, 18:7.
Her husband. R. W. P. Pool; was born in Murray, Ky., on November 14, 1824 and became a citizen of MeNairy county at the time of his marriage, in 1949. He engaged in several lines of business, and was so successful in bis operations that at the time of his death he had accumulated a considerable prop- erty. He died on April 27. 1880.
Samuel L. Worthtoaton was a farmer, and a very industrious, persevering man. He died December 3, 1977, and was consequently a few months past 71 years of age.
His whe, Prisilla B. Worthington, was born February 10, 1997 and died August 11, 1868, and was 50 years of are at the time of ber death. S. L. and P E. Worthington may be fairly numbered as among the pioneer setters of Mc- Nairy county, as they came to the county at a very early diy, aal both lived long lives in the county, and now rest side by side in the cemetery at Purdy.
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WISDOM.
There were tive brothers of the elder Wisdom, to-wit: Wm. S., Moore. Quin. Tub and Washington.
Moore came up to manhood about 1833, was of fine size and well propor- tioned, full of life and activity. He was a civil officer of the county at one time, and in August, 1831, a man by the name of Ferguson Ward, who was a citizen of Kentucky, and related to the Clayton family of this county, came to Pardy accompanied by Thomas Clayton. Ward got into a game of sleight of band. with thimble and ball, in violation of the law. John H Chamaness, who wis a citizen of Purdy, got out a warrant for Ward, and placed it in the hands of Wis- dom. Ward got wind of the fact and Red. Wisdom pursued him three miles north of the town. Came up with him, where, after a desperate struggle. he overcome him, placed him on his own borse and rode behind him back to rows It was then S or ? o'clock at night. Just as they alighted from the horse Ward stabbed Wi-dom with a long knife in the stomach, of which he died in chirey minutes. Ward was indicted for murder, and Clayton as accessory, charged with furnishing Ward with the knife. They were kept in jail some four years. Ante: many continu inces Wahl was tried and convicted. A new trial was granted. ani the venue changel to Hardeman county, where he was convicted again. In the progress of the trial one of the jurors became sick, was dischargei, and another juror selected. An appeal to the Supreme Court apon a writ of error resulted is bis acquittal. Clayton was finally triel at Purdy, and was acquitted.
The other brothers left this county it an early day. Quinn went to Mississippi, Pub. to Jacksonport, Ark, and Wash to Mississippi, and then to Lousiana, They are all long since dead.
Mrs. Wm. T. Anderson, of Jackson, Tenn., is the only surviving sister
MRS. JENNIE S PERKINS.
Mrs. Perkins is the eldest daughter of Lindsey Saunders, whose character with that of several others, she has graphically sketched ia this work.
She was born in McNairy county on April 8, 1832. In March, 1863. sha was married to Mr. F. D. N. Perkins, of Hardin county. Mr. Perkins removed to Orange county, Florida, in the antumn of 1877, where he and his family com reside.
Mrs. Perkins displayed early taste for literature. When quite a young girl she wrote several poems, which were published in the Memphis Apper, and highly commended. She has continuel occasional contributions to the press, 3: such times as her domestic duties would permit, and her writings are read with great pleasure, especially in Florida she will soon publish a book of poes
DENNY.
Alvan Denny was born in Gilford county. N. C, February 8 1816, moved to Tennessee in November, 1427: married Emily P. Burney in July. 1:49 ; raised five children -- four sons and one daughter, all of whom are living. He died Jana 25, 1875.
Emily P. Barney wa, born in Gifrt county. N. C., February 12, 1:22 moved to Tennessee in 1830: was married as above stated, and @ still hving ofa: Purdy.
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WILLIAM S. WISDOM
BY MRS JINSIR S. PORKINS
Among the celebrity s .of MeNury county there is none who r. k-i ligne. as a successful man than the one whose name heads this article.
Commencing without any capital, save in lustry, energy, and great hoaarial capacity, he was the architect of his own fortime, and his name became a power. not only with the moneyed man of his own section, but among the merchant princes and bankers of disthat cities.
What Girard was to Fuiladelphia, or Van derbilt is to New York, Wiliam Wisdom was to M Natry county an l " as rich ws Wisdom " passed into a proverb many years before his Jemise.
He was a man of Brin will, and strong prejudices, and like all self- made mer. was impatient of contra-lietion, and disposed to break down all oppositio. . bu: kind to inferiors, and a notably indulgent husband and father.
He was handsome in person, possessel great tact, and snavity of mana -! winning many friends among those with whom he came in contact by bis charm- ing address.
He was e staunch Whig before the war, and expoused the extre of the Sea" when Tennes ee seceeded
He was twice married -- first to Miss Jane Anderson, a most excellent wozas, end the mother of his children. The second time to Mrs. Cella Shall, of Purdy, a woman remark ble for hes energy. and faithfulness in all the relations of lite. His children hav- inherited many of his leading traits, and his eldest son, Colone! D. M. Wisd. m, has shown remarkable talent as an editor.
W. S. Wisdom united with the Christian Church, and was baptised a few months before his death, and in its faith he passed away leaving a memory that will not perish with this generation.
KINCAID-SAW YERS.
James Kinpari and family moved to Paly from Jackson, Tenn., at an early day. He tock charge of the brick tavern on the public square, which be ker: until his death. He was succeeded by his .Ja, Andrew J Kincaid, well. koow= to McNairians as "Jack Kincaid." He was a men of the most indomitac.a energy ant pluck. He contracted for ant built the larger fast of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad through the county. H . was a prosperous merchant for many years. He moved from Purdy to Corinth a few years ago, where he died. James Bryant, a grandson of the eller Kincaid came with lum to Fusdy, and died while chi young. A widowel daughter with two sous, Calyer F. and Rose P. Sa - yers, were alo of the family. The wilow subsequently married Varnam Ozises ?. and del. Celyer, the eldest son livel the ming years and up to a late late when he moved to Pale tihe, Tex.,) in Corinthi, M .. .
Reese P., the second son, married Mis Knoxx, >: Harita county H- Was a banker in Mobile for several years, an t zesidel some years at Corinth, Miss. He now resides in New Jersey, having a busin->* office in New York city. He iss man very much like his Calle " Jack hint. 'of great energy ans p'a.k. in ' bas several times amseu coratortable Bringes, which he has los: by reverse but his motto is ni! det .- avium, and he know, " no such wort is Ell! '
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COL. DEW. M. WISDOM,
the eldest son of the late Win. S. Wisdom, was born at Medon, Madison county, Tann. February 2, 1838. H. i- a man of marked character and acknowledged ability. He distinguishel himself as a Confederare officer in the late war, and won rapid and deserved promotion. He once resided in North Mississippi, and was a member of the Legislature of that State He held for many years the responsible office of Chancery Clerk at Tack on, where he has rest lel for a nom- ber of years up to a recent dire, when he moved to Fort Smith, A.k. e is an accomplished scholar. a ready and graceful writer, and a mia who never fxis to make friends. He married Miss Annie Terry, the daughter of his father's old friend and partner in business.
Peter, the second son, now deal, married a daughter of the late M. A. Trice. John L., the youngest son, married Mas Kare Meriwether, of Jackson, Tann., where he now resides. Maria, the eldest daughter, married A. J. Kiemil de- ceased. She resides at Corinth, Miss. Mary D. married Calvin Shull, and resi les in Jackson, Tenn. Sue married John H. Dike, and resides in Jackson. Het ie married P. H. Tapp, ant resides in Louisville, Ky. Loraine married J H. Allen and resides in New Orleans
LORANCE.
Abram Lorance came from Chatham county, North Carolina. to MeNauy county, Tenn., in the year 1824, and located in the north put of the county, where he lived to the age of, teriand () to 100 years.
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His children were Elizabeth, who married John Plank ; raised a large family, and she is now living in the country in her 87th year of her age. Jacob Lorance, who married Susan Gage, who was a daughter of Aaron Goge, who came to the county about the same time, and who had been a soldier in the Berolationary war, and raised a small family, but one of whom are now living in the county. Jacob Lorance was an excellent good citizen and farmer, and held the office of justice of the peace and county trustee for many years, and died recently in the TOth year of bis age.
Isaac, a younger brother, left the county at an early day, and his where- abouts are not known.
Some Plunk families came to the county about the same time. They were of German descent. They multi; lited rapidly, and many of their descendents are now citizens of the county, and are generally industrious farmers. J. W.
JOHN BELL.
Inla Bell was one of the early settlers. He married a Wilson. He died many years ago. He had two son-Robert and Fraus. The latter married Elizabeth Chiney, and he has been read several years His daughter married I-aac WV. Nash, and now resiies in Purdy.
JEREMIAH CLOUD.
Jeremiah Cloud was perhaps the largest man physically who ever lived in McNairy. His weight at one time reached over four hundred pounds. He died many years since.
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T. F. ANDERSON
was born in Caldwell county, Ky., October 29, 1805. His grandfather, Thos. A., war banished from Scotland to Ireland on account of his religion : loft Treland on account of the Catholic rebellion, and came to the United States ; warted in North Carolina ; was a soldier of the Revolution under General Green, and participated in the battle of Gilford, N. C. James Anderson, father of T. F. A., was born February 17, 1777, in Gilford, N. C. His father, Thomas, moved from North Carolina to Tennessee, and settled at Nashville when James was 13 years ofi. Moved from there to Logan county, Ky., two years afterwards to escape from the hostile Indians. Then in Logan county, Thomas A., grandfather of T. F. A., diel. James A., father of T. F. A., married August 20. 1801, to Margaret Gilmore. Her father, also a soldier in the Revolutionary war, was wounded in the battle of Savannah. James A., father of T. F., moved from Kentucky to Tennessee in 1312. Settled in Lincoln county. Moved from there to Limestone, Ala., in 1820, and to Hardeman county, Tean, in 1827 T. F Anderson was married in Hardeman county, Teon , in 1531, to Jane Gates in the immediate neighborhood. where Hickory Valley now stands. Moved from there to Tippah county, Miss., in 1836. From there to McNairy county, Tenn., in 1941. The family are Presbyterians
In politics they are Democrats, and have been every since the day of Thomas Jefferson.
I. F. A. has been a citizen of McNairy county since 13:1, and has served twice as justice of the peace. Raised a family of six children, four of whom are yet living.
His oldest son, Win. P. Anderson, married Matilda C. Gill,; moved to Arkansas in 1860; soon volunteered in the Confederate service in a cavalry regiment; soon after died at a hospital in Little Rock, Ark., of congestion of the brain.
R. D. Anderson. Lis second son, married Eliza A. Kerr soon after the cloas of the late war ; is living now in the Sixth Civil District of MeNairy county. Tenn., engaged in agriculture.
His third son, R. V. A. lied July 29. 11, of typhoid fever at the age of 19 His fourin son, J. G. A., married Emma Basinger, and is a citizen of Mc- Nairy county.
His oldest daughter, Susan C. A., is not married, is the only child remaining under the parental roof.
Martha J. Anderson married James McKinzie, and is now living in Wise county, Texas.
NEWSPAPERS.
It is in the recollection of the writer that the first newspaper published in McNairy county was by Isaac W. Nash, and called the West Tennessee Argus. It was started in 1857
There are two papers now in Purdy, the Sur, and the Independent, the former, a Democratic paper, edited by Dr. Daniel Barry, the latter by J. W. Purviance Parviance which is Independent in politics.
The Independent was first issued March 15, 1879, and has never missed a publication, and its columns have been largely devoted to the material interests of the county. Both papers are well patronized.
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ADAM WEAVER
was born in the State of North Carolina in 1769. Came to Wilson county, Tenn date not remembered. Raised a family of twelve children :
Sons-
Absalom married Elizabeth Rupard. ..
John.
Mary McMillan.
Joshua 66 Miss Taylor.'
Lewis
Miss Nelson.
Daughters ---
Elizabeth married John Lynch.
Dedemiah
Jacob Crouse
Nancy
John Morris.
Fanny
died.
Teny
William Russel.
Two others
died
John Weaver came to MeNairy county in 1825. Located in the northwest- ero part of the county when a wilderness. He had been a sollier in the war of 1812-15. He raised a family of nine children.
Isaac. married Susan Mase.
William
Sarah Pore.
John
Carodis Pope.
George Daniel.
Lavina Ward.
Robert.
. .
Mary Highfield.
James
Susan James.
Mathew
diedl.
Mary
Joel Pope.
William Weaver, who furnished this sketch, is living at Montezuma, how Chester county, and has two children.
Mary Ann married W. T. Mase.
Margaret. .$ William Lane.
The Weavers were in the main farmers, and many of them are living in the county. J. W.
JOHN S. JOPLING.
Jobn S. Jopling was born in Nelson county, Va., in the year 1751. His father, who was a native of Scotland moved to Buckingham county, Va., stop after, where John & grew up to manhood, and married a Miss Jane Laird. who was a motive of Ireland, in the year 1520. In 1836 he came to MeNairy coraty, and located three miles south of Purity, where he raised a family of seven sbil- dren. William, who married Araminta Dickins, who after bearing two children. died. His secon i wife was Juha Walsh
Maria marmed W P Basinger ; Andrew hed soon after manhood; Sarah died in early womanhood; James F. married Silviss Luttrel. Rebecca married William H. Baker : Benjamin S. married Margaret Olivar.
John S. Jopling was a farmer with reasonable success. Raised theis family in good credis so i respectability. Diel in 1509, in the 67th year of his age. H.s wife, who was ten years younger, died in 1870, lamented by all who knew thez.
Susan Yates.
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JAMES BROOKS
was born in Chatham county, North Carolina, in the year 1758. Came to Tez- nessee in the year 1805. Located in Maury county, On arriving at manhood ta marri- 1 Mi's Esther Hopkins.
They had four children-Aaron Mose and Samuel and our daughter, Ema - line. His wife died in the year 1519. He afterward married a widow lade, Mrs. Jane Beaty, by whom he had four some-Hezekiah, Robert, Istc and Franchis. He came to Me Nairy county in the year 1834, and beated one and a half miles south of Purdy, where he raised his family, and they married as follows :
Aaron to Miss Ann Harris: Moses to Miss Ussery ; Samuel to Mrs. Mary Miller ; second wife, Nancy Young ; Emaline to Mr. Thomas Luther; Hezekiah in Mississippi; name not known, and now living in Corinth, Miss .; Robert to Katharine Moore; Isaac to a Mis. Hurst. Louisa, the eldest daughters of Me. Beary, married Alfred Moore, for many years a mer hint in Ports.
James Brooks died in 1974 ; he was a good farmer ; raised bis family in gord credit and respectability. The most of his descendants are now living in the county.
COX.
Javan Cox was born in North Carolina. When he was about 18 years old he was drafted and put in the army of the Revolution. When he was mustered in there were five brothers of them in the Americas army at the same time, and all went through and got home safely. He married Ede Miller, by whom he had twelve children, but only raised f ur -three daughters and one son, ani but :wo of them had any family. Wm. Cox raised a large family ; moved with them to Texas in 1859, and died there. Elizabeth Cox, daughter of Javan Cox, was born in Cu rituck county, North Carolina, June 23, 1791, and was married to George Etheridge in 1812. There were no children by this marriage. Captar Cox, wie all his family, moved to Kentucky. Capt. Cox moved thence to Mississippi, and from thence to MeNairy county, Tenn., in the year 1326, where bis wie died in 1833. Capt. Cox was married twice after that, but there were no children from either marriage. He died in io58, being some where near 90 years old.
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CHAPTER X.
The Macedon, Caron. Hooker, Jones, Keter, Brown, Warren, Intum Beck, Most, Devault, Kendal, Barry, and Browder Families-The County Court the first Monday in August, 1812-Peter Gullett-Damit Holt-School Teachers-Col. D A Street- Hatter Adams-Dr. Mckissick-L. D. Me Klasick- Wm. D. Jopling-Mrs. Jennie S. Perkins.
MAXEDON.
John Maxedon was born in Scotland. £ Came to America, and settled in South Carolina, where he raised several children-all girls. Thomas Mixedon married Elizabeth Woody, on Hangh river, North Carolina, by whom he had eight children-five boys and three girls. William Maxedon was the cilest. He was born in South Carolina, Union District November 16. 1791. William Maxedon's father moved to the present State of Indiana Wm Maxedos, at the breaking out of the war of 1812. volunteered in Captain Robby' company, asi was in the war till it closed. He married the widow Ethridge, who was bornner's Elizabeth Cox, and daughter of Javan Cox. They moved to MeNairy county. Tenn., in 1826 to the north part of the county, where they made two orars ati then moved in February, 1/29, to the center part of she concty. zeven tolles west of Fordy, near Bethel Springs.
W. H. D. Maxedon married Mary Ann Cheshier on Angut 21, 1115 She was a native of North Carolina; born in Roan county, but raised in Harlemsa county, Tenn. From this union there were fourteen children born, thirteen of whom are now living, the olent 36, and the youngest 8 years old. eight marked and living in this county ; both still living, and have thirty grandchildren
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