Sketches of prominent Tennesseans. Containing biographies and records of many of the families who have attained prominence in Tennessee, Part 89

Author: Speer, William S
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Nashville, A. B. Tavel
Number of Pages: 1278

USA > Tennessee > Sketches of prominent Tennesseans. Containing biographies and records of many of the families who have attained prominence in Tennessee > Part 89

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

402

PROMINENT TENNESSEANS.

rare delicacy of manipulation, led the faculty to unani- mously entrust this highly scientific chair to him, though its youngest member: A few years have suf- ficed to make him known most favorably among sei- entist, and to render his reputation national.

Having for over twenty years met the combined med- ical classes of the Nashville and Vanderbilt Universities, Dr. Lindsley is personally known to several thousand students, and by this large clientage he is esteemed as a friend, and respected, admired and beloved as an in- structor. He is justly appreciated as a learned medical educator, and, as a lecturer, he is especially gifted. While lecturing without notes, he is thorough and con- scientious in preparation, logical and perspicuous in matter, emphatic and eloquent in delivery, bringing himself en rapport with the student, with the earnest desire to impart instruction. The writer was present at a brilliant lecture, practically illustrated, when the enthusiasm of the class of nearly three hundred stu- dents was unbounded. They cheered the Doctor to the echo. Magnanimity is a distinguishing trait of his character. In the controversies, in which official posi- tion or a sense of duty have compelled him to engage, he has ever been the champion of principles, harboring no ill will to his opponents, always feeling that they were actuated by expediency rather than personal mo- tives.

Dr. Lindsley married Lucy, daughter of Col. J. George Harris, United States Navy, at Harvard-street church, Charlestown, Massachusetts, April 16, 1868. This has proven a most happy union. He has four chil- dren, one daughter, Joy Lindsley, aged sixteen, and three sons, Harris, aged fourteen, Van Sinderen, aged ten, and Joseph, eight years old. Mrs. Lindsley is called the most beautiful woman in Tennessee. While an art student at Boston, in her premiere jeunesse, her Grecian features were the admiration of artists in the studio building, and she was often importuned to lend her features for ideal portraiture, on canvass and in marble. This compliment was also paid her by a dis- tinguished sculptor at Rome. She has a genuine taste for literature, and was the founder and first president of the Nashville Reading Club, the first literary club in this city, in 1572. The writer recalls many enjoya ble literary reunions and charming amateur theatricals under the auspices of this club. It existed for several years, until it numbered more than a hundred mem- bers, and was finally dissolved into several smaller clubs. Her daughter, Joy, inherits her mother's beauty, and is already an artist of taste. Her crayon work from nature, received complimentary notice at the World's Exposition, at New Orleans, and her flower painting at the first Nashville art exhibition. Harris, the oldest son, is a bright lad, giving promise of noble manhood, and the little boys are charming children.

Dr. Lindsley, assisted by his beloved wife, delights in gathering his friends, both in and out of the pro

fession, about him in his elegant mansion, where they enjoy a refined, graceful hospitality.

Nearly six feet in height, with broad shoulders, his is a handsome personnel. He has a noble head, with oval contour of feature, a nose indicative of great force of character, blue gray eyes, light brown hair and mous- tache, fair complexion, and the high-bred manner which stamps the gentleman, added to bright humor and the ever ready passing jest.

He united with the Presbyterian church at an early age, and is a true adherent to the doctrines of the com- munion to which he -- as were his fathers before him-is ardently attached. He is a public-spirited citizen, aid- ing in all worthy public enterprises, and is the dis- penser of liberal charity, contributing to public and private need with a large-hearted generosity.

While this work has been going through the press, Dr. Lindsley has passed away, dying at his residence, No. 50 South Spruce street, Nashville, on Sunday, No- vember 15th, 1855. This announcement grieved the entire community of Nashville, and a large circle of friends, extending over many States. For twenty-five years he had lived in their midst, and his name and fame are known to all. His life has been one of ac- tivity and constant usefulness, and peculiarly identified with public interests. To show the great estimation in which he was hell hy his church, his associates in the medical faculty, his professional brethren, and, indeed, the whole community of citizens, the editor deems it unnecessary to do more than compile from the columns of the public newspapers the many warm tributes of respect which the sad occasion of his death called forth. Coming as they do from those who knew him best and appreciated him so highly, they constitute a memorial of his worth and virtue which his bereaved family and stricken friends can contemplate with feelings of a just and pardonable pride.

The funeral of Dr. Van S. Lindsley was preached in the First Presbyterian church at Nashville, by Rev. Jere Witherspoon. Every seat in the church was oc- cupied by friends of the deceased, there being a full attendance of the medical and dental students of Van- derbilt University, who had come to pay their last respects to their dead teacher and friend. The coffin was covered with beautiful and appropriate floral offer- ings. The text was from Psahus exvi., 15: " Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Sev- eral beautiful hymns were rendered during the services. The remains were escorted to the grave by a large num- ber of friends. The pall-bearers were Drs. T. L. Mad- din, John 11. Callender, William L. Nichol, James M. Safford, Thomas Mences, T. A. Atchison, Charles S. Briggs and O. H. Mences. The burial was at Mount Olivet cemetery.

There was a good attendance of the physicians of the city at the First Presbyterian church, to take action

403

PROMINENT TENNESSEANS.

regarding the death of Dr. Van S. Lindsley. The following were present: Drs. Thomas Menees, W. P. Jones, J. R. Harwell, W. W. Corbit, C. L. Eyes, R. Douglas, W. J. MeMurray, J. B. W. Nowlin, J. F. Grant, N. D. Richardson, J. L. Watkins, J. W. Maddin, sr., W. A. Atchison, G. S. Allen, J. G. Sin- clair, R. O. Tucker, C. W. Patterson, D. J. Roberts, M. H. Bonner, James B. Stephens, C. C. Fite, R. G. Rothrock, John B. Stephens, Ambrose Morrison, R. Cheatham, W. D. Haggard, J. D. Wallis, W. S. Ver- trees, E. Stephens and O. H. Menees. Dr. Thomas Menees was chosen chairman and Dr. J. L. Watkins secretary. In accepting the position of chairman, Dr. Mences made an eloquent speech, which reflected, not only the high esteem which the speaker entertained for the deceased, but the high regard of the profession for him. A committee, to which Dr. Menees was added on motion, composed of Dr. J. F. Grant, chairman, Drs. W. P. Jones, W. C. Cook, J. W. Maddin, sr., W. A. Atchison and C. C. Fite, was appointed to draft suitable resolutions. While the committee were pre- paring their report, remarks concerning the life and character of Dr. Lindsley were made by Drs. James B. Stephens, W. J. MeMurray and Charles L. Eves, who were followed by Drs. W. P. Jones, W. C. Cook, J. W. Maddin, sr., J. R. Harwell, D. J. Roberts and J. D. Wallis. It was then moved and carried that the physi- cians of the city assemble at the gentlemen's parlor of the Maxwell House at 10 o'clock, whence they would proceed in a body to the late residence, where the fu- neral services were to be held.

The committtee presented the following resolutions, which were adopted :

" Resolved, that in the death of Dr. Lindsley, the med- ical profession loses a devoted, intelligent, painstaking and accomplished physician, an ornament alike to so- ciety and to the profession. To the luster of an honor- able and proficient physician, he added the still more enduring virtues of an exemplary moral and Christian character. A man well endowed by nature, blessed by education, possessed of large attainments, ambitious in his vocation, fortunate in social relations, discharging with full and liberal hands the good deeds of a noble profession, which he pursued with a singleness of heart and serupulous professional honor, and which had brought him many trophies of victory from the contests of life-we lament that all these he and his family can no longer enjoy, and that we too must surrender our friend and brother to the cold embrace of death. For consolation we commend the bereaved family to God and the divine promise, 'He that believeth on Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosover liveth and believeth on Me shall never dic.'

" Resolved, that in token of our high appreciation of his excellencies as husband, father, citizen, Christian gentleman and doctor of medicine, we will meet together to attend his funeral.

" Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be fur- nished the family ; also to the city papers for publica- tion.

J. F. GRANT, M. D., Chairman. W. P. JONES, M.D. THOMAS MENEES, M.D. W. C. Cook, M.D. W. A. Aremisos, M.D. C. C. FrrE, M.D. J. W. MADDIN, SR., M.D. J. L. WATKINS, M. D., Secretary."

At a meeting of the faculties of literature and science, theology, law and pharmacy, held in the office of the chancellor at Vanderbilt University, the following reso- Intions were adopted :

" Whereas, it hath pleased God in his inserutable wis- dom to take from. the university circle our honored colleague, Dr. Van'S. Lindsley, a true-hearted, noble Christian gentleman, a ripe scholar, earnest in his pro- fession, who had prepared himself by study and travel for great usefulness in his day and generation, and who seemed to have a long career of prosperity and bril- lianey before him :

" Resolved, that we, the academical, biblical, law and pharmaceutical faculties of Vanderbilt University, in joint session assembled, do hereby make expression of our deep regret for this great loss to the university, and of profound sorrow and sympathy with his stricken family, his colleagues and many friends, in this sad be- reavemeut.

" Resolved, that we adjourn all exercises in the uni- versity to-morrow in honor of his memory, in order that the faculties and students may attend his funeral; that copies of these resolutions be tendered his bereaved family and to the city papers for publication.

L. C. GARLAND, Chancellor. WILS. WILLIAMS, Secretary."

The faculty of the medical department of the Uni- versity of Nashville and Vanderbilt University, and the medical class in attendance, adopted the following me- morial in respect to the distinguished and lamented deceased :

"Prof. Lindsley was a native of Greensborough, North Carolina, and was in the forty-sixth year of his age. He came to this city before he arrived at manhood, and has continuously resided here since. Sprung from a family many of whose members were devoted to the pursuits of science and literature -- the most eminent of whom was Philip Lindsley, for long years the president the University of Nashville ---- his labors were given to the science of medicine. He received his degree from the medical department of that institution in 1862. When its exercises were resumed at the close of the civil war, he was made demonstrator of anatomy in his admit mater, and in 1868 was advanced to a professor- ship. He has filled several important chairs acceptably to his colleagues and the classes which have assembled

404

PROMINENT TENNESSEANS.

in its halls, and at the time of his death was professor of diseases of the eye, car and throat. For a number of years he had practiced that specialty, and had achieved a high reputation for diagnostic and operative skill.

" In September last, while on a visit of recreation to the eastern cities, he was stricken with a painful illness, and was unable to meet the class now in session at the institution, and at length, in the morning of life, com- paratively, he succumbed to its ravages, The numerous alumni of the medical department of the University of Nashville and Vanderbilt University, who have gone forth during the long period of his professional connec- tion therewith, will hear the announcement with deep regret, and hold him in appreciative remembrance as a faithful and capable instructor, and an urbanc and ac- complished gentleman.

" His associates in the faculty, while bearing testimony to the estimable qualities of his character, his abilities as a teacher, his correct and dignified deportment in that relation, and to the just distinction his pen and tongue had acquired for him as a devotee of medical science, and in recording their sense of the loss the institution has incurred in his death, would tender to his bereaved family their condolence in the great grief which overwhelms them in the removal of a beloved husband and father, and in respect to his memory adopt the following resolutions :

" Resolved, that the exercises of the medical depart- ment of the University of Nashville and Vanderbilt University be suspended until the day after the funeral services of Prof: Van S. Lindsley, and that the faculty and members of the class attend in a body at their performance; that the lecture desk be draped and the faculty and class wear mourning on the occasion, and that a copy of this minute be transmitted to the family of the deceased and entered on the records of the faculty.

JOHN H. CALLENDER, M.D. THOMAS MENEES, M.D. T. A. ATCHISON, M.D. AMBROSE MORRISON, M. D. W. G. EwING, M.D. J. W. GRACE, of Arkansas, R. L. Varenr, of West Virginia. J. G. FRIERSON, of Alabama. J. S. PALRIE, of Kentucky. NOLAN STEWART, of Mississippi. J. H. WAY, of North Carolina. IRA BOWMAN, of Georgia. W. G. NOBLE, of Texas, W. W. Thompson, of Tennessee. G. J. Gina, of Virginia. S. P. BARKER, of Missouri. D. G. LASS, of lowa.

The faculty of the Vanderbilt dental department met to take suitable action with regard to the death of Prof: Lindaley. It was decided to suspend the exercises for

the day. Drs. D. R. Stubblefield and. R. R. Freeman, the committee appointed to draft resolutions, reported the following, which was received and adopted : " Whereas, inserutable Providence has taken away Prof. Van S. Lindsley, of the medical department, this depart- ment tenders its sympathy for the loss of such high moral and intellectual worth, also heartfelt condolence. is offered the bereaved family upon whom the irre- parable blow has fallen."

At e called meeting of the faculty of the medical and dental departments of the University of Tennessee, to take action in regard to the death of Van S. Lindsley, M. D., professor of diseases of the eye and car in the medical department of the University of Nashville and Vanderbilt University, the president, W. P. Jones, M. D., appointed a, committee to draw up suitable resolu- tions, consisting of Drs. Deering J. Roberts, J. Bunyan Stephens and Paul F. Eve, who submitted the follow- ing, which were unanimously adopted: "Whereas, it has pleased the infinite wisdom of an all-wise Providence to call from the scenes of his earthly labors our friend and professional brother, Prof. Van Sinderen Lindsley, M. D .; to remove from our midst, we may hope, to the full enjoyment of a blissful eternity, one who, by strict probity, integrity of character, and all that makes up a true Christian gentleman, and has well earned and justly merited the glorious award of ' Well done, thon good and faithful servant;' therefore, be it

" Resolved, that in the death of Prof. Lindsley we sincerely mourn the loss of one whose medical skill, whose professional attainments, gentle, kind and cour- teous manners, and high sense of professional honor, have justly won our sincere admiration and esteem.

" Resolved, that, regarding him in his life as an ac- complished Christian gentleman, refined, modest and courageous, a skillfid physician, endowed with a logical, earnest and penetrating mind, we heartily commend his example as one well calculated to advance the progress and uphold the honor of' a most noble science.

" Resolved. that we tender to his bereaved family and relatives, to his colleagues, and to the students of his college, our most sincere sympathies in their great loss." " Resolved. that our faculty attend his funeral in a body, suspending the regular exercises in our institu- tion for that purpose, and that a copy of these resolu- tions be published in the daily newspapers and medical journals of this city.

W. D. HAGGARD, M. D., Secretary of the Faculty.

At a called meeting of the Tennessee Historical So- ciety, there were present the Hon. John M. Lea, Judge James Whitworth, Col. E. W. Cole, Rev. M. M. Moore, Col. A. S. Colyar, Dr. W. J. MeMurray, J. A. Cart- wright, Rev. Dr. W. C. Gray, Capt. Thomas HI. Paine, Dr. N. D. Richardson, Col. W. D. Gale, Gen. G. P. Thruston, Judge Pitkin C. Wright, Rabbi J. S. Gol- dammer, W. A. Goodwyn, Capt. William Stockell, Rev.

405

PROMINENT TENNESSEANS.

Dr. C. D. Elliott, Dr. C. C. Fite, A. G. Adams, Rev. Dr. Dodd, Anson Nelson and several others. The fol- lowing paper was read and adopted, to-wit: " The Tennessee Historical Society has been exceptionally fa- vored in escaping the loss of members by the hand of ; death. Very seldom has the twin brother of sleep gathered to himself' any one from those we are accus- tomed to welcome at our social meetings. But sud- denly he has extended his icy grasp and taken from our midst one who was near and dear to us all. Dr. Van S. Lindsley was one of those who, very often, was present, and always was interested in our meetings, and aided in the discussions which usually arose. And, although a quiet member among us, he was one whom we will sadly miss. He was always conservative, always thoughtful, always firm in his opinions, yet not insisting on their acceptance by others. We have taken counsel together more than once in his hospitable mansion, at regular meetings, and we have frequently enjoyed the luxury of his hearth and home. Ile exhibited at all times an earnest interest in the great work in which we are en- gaged. He was a true-hearted, noble Christian gentle- man, a ripe scholar, devoted to the profession which he adorned, and in which he had promise of great use- fulness; a friend, whose kindly, courteous greeting and genial, hearty hand-clasp will never fade from our minds. He was born in North Carolina, in 1810, the descendant of a long line of distinguished educators, physicians and divines, showing an untainted and ever useful and honored American ancestry for eight gon- erations, and two hundred and fifty years, and of that line of ancestry he was a worthy and true representa- tive. He was married, in 1868, to the only daughter of our esteemed personal associate, Col. Jeremiah George Harris, a retired officer of the United States navy. This union was a happy one, in every respect, and its sever- ance brings great grief to the companion of his bosom and to their four bereaved children. He was truly a devoted husband and a tender, loving father. At the early age of ten years, our departed colleague gave his heart to Christ and united with the Presbyterian church. He was a genuine disciple, and always walked worthy of the profession he had made when a box. He was, too, a true adherent of the doctrines of the church to which he, and his fathers before him, were so ar- dently attached. He died the death of the righteous. We, as a society, tender to his bereaved family and rela- tives our most earnest and heartfelt sympathy, and we set apart a page in our records to the memory of our loved and departed associate. His life's duty is done. His work is accomplished, and he waits to welcome us on the other side of the dark valley. May we all be as

faithful in the discharge of every trust and duty as was the dear departed one."

The above, on motion of Rev. Mr. Moore, was or- dered to be transmitted to the family of the deceased, and the city papers were requested to publish the same.

The learned and venerable Chancellor Garland, in illustrating the idea that no man should live unto him- self, said to the graduating class of Vanderbilt Uni- versity, on the occasion of Dr. Lindsley's death : " As an illustration of this truth, to what an illustrious example can I point you in our lately deceased colleague, Dr. Van S. Lindsley. He was every inch the physician, learned, skillful, successful, meeting all the require- ments of his ever enlarging profession. These, how- ever, were but a small part of the qualities that adorned his character and made him the idol of his home and the admiration of the circle in which he moved .. As husband, father, neighbor, friend and citizen, as well as physician, he has left us a model for our imitation. And, most of all, does he deserve to be imitated in that early consecration of himself to Christ, which brought to his spirit tranquility in life and peace in death. His name does not appear upon those parchments which you are presently to receive, but it is engraved upon the tablets of our hearts, not thence to be effaced by the lapse oftime."

In his charge to the graduating class of the medical department of the Vanderbilt University. Dr. Mences said : " That insatiate archer, who spares neither age, sex nor condition, has invaded our faculty, and stricken down, in the midst of his usefulness, one of its youngest members, Prof. Van S. Lindsley. He was young, cul- tured, and justly ambitious, an ornament alike to his profession, which he loved and cultivated, and to so- ciety, which he honored and adorned. His death was a public calamity, and the providence which ordered it to us inserutable. His ways are past our finding out. Let us, in this sad bereavement, as in all things else, bow submissively to the divine will. I knew Prof. Lindsley long and well, and had much professional, as well as professonial and social contact with him, and it affords me a mournful pleasure to bear testimony, to- night, to the fact that in his professional relations, he was one of the most serupulously ethical and honorable gentleman Lever knew. It is sad to see one already so distinguished and useful, so full of future promise, and with rapidly growing fame, cut down in the bloom of his manhood; but our loss is his eternal gain. Then we sorrow not as those who have no hope. Sleep on, Lindsley. 'Though thou art gone to the grave, but we will not deplore thee. He gave thee, He took thee, and soon will restore thee, where death hath no sting, since the Saviour bath died.'"

106

PROMINENT TENNESSEANS.

HON. NOBLE SMITHISON.

PULASKI.

N OBLE SMITHSON was born near Noblesville, Williamson county, Tennessee, December 7, 1841 ; resided in that county until January, 1853, when he moved with his parents to Lexington, Lauderdale county, Alabama. He resided there until 1865, when he moved to Pulaski, Giles county, Tennessee, where he has ever since resided.

His father was the Rev. John G. Smithson, of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, who was born near Danville, Pittsylvania county, Virginia, June 10, 1820, and immigrated with his parents to New Market, Jefferson county, Tennessee, about 1830, remaining there a few years, when the family came to Williamson county, Tennessee. He now resides on his farm, near Pulaski, Tennessee. . He is distinguished for energy and industry, and is a first-class farmer, having been quite successful in that pursuit.

Noble Smithson's grandfather, on the paternal side, was Hezekiah Powell Smithson, who was born in Pitt- sylvania county, Virginia. He was a soldier in the war -of 1812, and at one time sheriff of Pittsylvania county. He was the grandson of Capt. Powell, of the Revolutionary army. H. P. Smithson died at Lexing- ton, Alabama, in 1870. Mr. Smithson's great-grand- father was Francis Smithson, born in Pittsylvania county, Virginia, and died in Maury county, Tennes- see. Francis Smithson was descended from the Smith- son family of Northumberland county, England. Mr. Smithson's paternal grandmother was Henrietta Carter, a member of the Carter family of East Tennessee.

Mr. Smithson's mother was Ann Vaughn Ladd; born in Williamson county, Tennessee, November 10, 1818. She was the daughter of Noble Ladd and Mary Bur- ton; and her mother was the daughter of Peter Burton, an Irishman. Her parents were born in Rockingham and Stokes counties, North Carolina, and were married in that State. She is still living, in good health and spirits, Mr. Smithson is the oldest of fifteen children. all of whom are living except one.

The early life of Mr. Smithson was spent on the farm. His father being in humble circumstances, he labored to aid him in supporting and rearing the family. But from early childhood he evinced a strong desire for education and knowledge, and diligently applied him- self' to his books, reading more or less every day, and going to school whenever he could be spared out of the crop. In this way be acquired a good English educa- tion, including mathematics, but did not study the classies. When only nineteen years of age, he taught school in Alabama and Tennessee, in 1860 61. In 1865, he taught"school again near Pulaski, and then read law in books borrowed from Pulaski lawyers. In December,

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Sketches of prominent Tennesseans. Containing biographies and records of many of the families who have attained prominence in Tennessee, Part 89

Author: Speer, William S Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Nashville, A. B. Tavel Number of Pages: 1278

Author: Speer, William S
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Nashville, A. B. Tavel
Number of Pages: 1278