yesterday's tennessee

Decaturville — County Seat

Chapter III

The County Seat, located in the south central portion of Decatur County, was deeded to Samuel McLead, Samual Brasher, Balsam Jones and David B. Funderburk on May 7,1847.[1] Twenty five (25) acres was purchased from John McMillan and ten (10) acres purchased from Burrell Rushing.

About fifteen (15) years later, by an act of the General Assembly, the limits of Decaturville were extended as follows: Section 1 - "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee that the corporate limits of the Town of Decaturville, in the County of Decatur, be and they are hereby extended as follows: Beginning at the southwest corner of a two hundred' acre tract (200) in the name of John McMillan, running south to the north boundary line of C. Holeng's land, thence East with the same to the west boundary of Blackfair's entry, thence north to the northeast corner of said 200 acres entry of said McMillan; thence West passing the Northwest corner of the same 100 poles; thence south to a point west of the southwest corner of same; thence east to the beginning including the graveyard, church and academy." Section 1 — "Be it further enacted, that said part so included shall have all the rights and subject to all the laws, rules and regulations that the other part of town now is, provided however said graveyard, church and academy shall not be subject to taxation in said town.[2]

The addition of "Ville" to Decatur was added since a number of Tennesse towns had changed their names from the ending "Boro to "Ville". These changes occured after the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain.

Lots were sold to the following buyers just after the town plot was laid out. Purchasers were Pettigrew and Coats, John Garrett, L.C. Friendly, Daniel McLead, P.H. Fisher, E.E. Tate, Lawson Kelley, E.E. Jones, John McMillan, W.H. Bennett, J.W. Delaney, G.N. Gains and H.C. Frayers.[3]

The first court met in Decaturville in 1848 in a cabin on the west side of the square. This was used only a short time until the erection of a two story frame courthouse, which burned July 3, 1869, with all the records except those in the Register's Office and the Clerk and Master's Office. It was claimed that the fire was the work of an incendiary for the purpose of destroying the records.

The erection of a new courthouse was necessary. On July 12, 1869, a committee composed of J.W. Mayo, W.C. Frayer, and D.M. Scott was appointed to submit plans and specifications for the erection of a new building.

The committee went to work at once and the contract was let in October for a two story brick structure at a cost of $9,000.00. The first floor underscored offices for the County officials and the second floor was designed for the court floor where court was held.[4]

History repeats itself when once again Decatur County Courthouse was destroyed by fire in 1927.[5] Again it was thought by the general public to be the work of an incendiary for the same purpose of destroying the records.

All records were destroyed with the exception of the ones in the County Court Clerk, Register's and Clerk and Master's Offices.

Offices were moved to the Eli Vise Store, a two-story building located on the southeast corner of court square, which was destroyed by fire in 1968. Court was held in the Decaturville School building located two blocks on the southeast corner of courtsquare, now occupied by Decaturville Sportswear.[6]

A crash building program went into effect and a new building was erected in less than twelve (12) months, which is a fireproof brick and concrete structure. Bill Pratt, hired to remove the debris was paid the sum, of $500 which included his mule team.[7]

Serving on the building committee were J.A. Chalk, Chairman, V.A. Lancaster, R.E. Spence, W.S. Dennison and J.W. Blount who served as Secretary and Treasurer. Elston Tate was architect and Constructor and Fount Tate served as Foreman.[8]

The three story building underscores offices in the basement and ground floor. The upstairs is used for the Courtroom, Circuit Court Clerk's Office, County School Superinendent, Supervisor of School and Attendance Teacher's Offices.

Decatur County Courthouse underwent a face lifting in 1975 when Hardin Smith was elected to serve as County Judge. A complete renovation with additional offices created from space unused in the basement has created not only an eye-catching effect but much needed space. The cost amounted to $200,000 which included painting many of the rooms.

After the division of Perry County, the new County of Decatur was allowed to use the jail and court square in Perryville for public purposes until a new site could be selected and a new building erected.

A jail spiraled in the county-seat town. Located one block east of the court square, it was constructed of logs and bricks and served the county until 1855, at which time it was destroyed by fire.[9]

A replica of the old jail was erected. A committee, in 1868, reported this jail badly in need of repair and that the county was in need of a new one but no definite action was taken until 1883 when J.W. Wiley, J.C. Hardin, and W.B. Fisher were appointed to supervise the erection of a new jail. Their report was filed April 7,1884. A new jail was ordered.[10]

Resulting from the action of this committee, a fine brick structure was built. Aside from serving as a jail, the sheriff's residence was also included in the building.

According to records, the new jail was described thus, "The cells are of the most improved pattern and are deemed entirely safe."[11] The whole cost amounted to around $9,000.00.[12]

Despite the fact that the new jail was adequate, it too met its waterloo when the wood structure gave away and the steel work rusted.[13]

A new one-story concrete block structure with brick veneered front was built in 1961. The bonds were sold under the administration of Judge James Long, who died before the building was erected and his wife, Judge Juanita Long completed the transaction.

December 21, 1960 a $60,000 bond issue was floated. $19,000 was spent for the Decatur County Nursing Home, $11,000 for the sheriff's house and $30,000 for the jail. Bids were let and R.L. Wallace Construction Company erected the building.

The company sub-let a portion of the building to Quinn & Quinn Construction Company. Charlie Ross was the Architect.[14] Hardrn Smith assisted in laying out the blueprints.[15] J.R. Rossen, William Rosson, Willard Rosson and Obie Rosson laid the blocks and brick for the building.[16]

The interior of the jail includes two drunk tank rooms, cells to sleep sixteen (16) persons, including women, juveniles and adults and a bull pen around the cells for prisoners to exercise in. Also included are storage rooms, office space and a room for articles confiscated

Prior to the erection of the jail, a modern three bedroom brick veneer home for the sheriff and his family was constructed adjacent to the jail. A breeze-way and a car-port link the house to the jail. This was built a year before the jail due to the fact that the plaster was falling so badly in the previous living quarters.[17]

Decaturville was without a bank until 1899. On September 23,1899 the charter for the bank was issued by the State of Tennessee.

The original incorporators of the bank were Mr. Rube Smith, merchant who served as the first Cashier, Judge James A. England, who later served as President and Judge John E. McCall, Jr., E.J. Timberlake and H.E. Graper, all of Lexington.

Judge McCall, who was a Circuit Judge at the time, was later named Federal Judge. Mr. Timberlake was a prominent landowner of Henderson County and Mr. Graper was Cashier of the Citizens Bank of Lexington.[18]

Decatur County Bank first began with a paid in capital of $5,000. The first President was Mr. P.W. Miller, who served as Clerk and Master of Decatur County for many years. In recent years the late J.F. Dees served as President of the bank from 1929 until 1972. He was succeeded by the late Paul Simmons, who served until his death in 1973. He was succeeded by Grady Dixon. Ralph Moore was elevated to Executive Vice President and is now serving in this capacity as well as Cashier.

In 1976 the bank has a total capital accounts in excess of $850,000 according to Ralph Moore, Cashier.[19]

The original bank building was a two story brick structure located west of courtsquare facing Highway 100. A porch extended across the front of the building with big columns. This building aged and was torn down and a new building constructed on the south side of court square in the business block in 1947. Here the bank located for twenty (20) years. Larger quarters were required for the bank so in 1967 a modern building was completed on the northwest of court square with a drive-in window, community meeting room, larger service area for customers and ample parking space.

Included in the bank's personnel are Mrs. Lola Goff, Miss Margaret Smith, Mrs. Nettie Brift, Mrs. Sharon Alexander, Mrs. Annette McPeake, Mrs. Bonnye Allen, Mrs. Sharon Boaz, John Wyatt, and Jim England.

The first post office to serve this area was the Beech River Post Office established March 1, 1847. Serving as first postmaster was Amos M. Yarbro. September 20, 1847, David McLead was appointed to serve as Postmaster and the name of the postoffice was changed to Decaturville. Others serving as Postmasters were: William H. Bennett, October 27, 1848, John L. Houston, April 18, 1851, David E. McElrath, May 7, 1852, John Coats, December 31,1853, David McElrath, December 27,1854, George W. Talbet, September 23, 1857, John Coats, March 2, 1858, George W. Talbet, May 4, 1858, Edward B. Tuck, August 10, 1858, David McElrath, May 1, 1861, James Reed, June 26, 1866, Benjamin F. Kendrick, March 15, 1867, PikneyO. Roberts, February 21, 1868, Calvin B. Murphy, March 1,1868, William F. Lancaster, Oct. 12, 1869, William E. Vise, Jan. 26, 1871, Calvin B. Murphy, August 18, 1871, Houston Roberts, November 29, 1875, William Stout, April 7,1876, Calvin B. Murphy, August 24, 1882, John H. Stout, March 23, 1885, James W. Morgan, June 1, 1889, John McMilIan, April 1,1891, John H. Stout, April 6, 1893, Curry P. Dennison, April 10,1890, Frank Fisher, June 4,1902, Jackson L. White, June 23,1914, Albert F. Adair, January 1, 1922, J.W. Stout, 1934, Merel S. Stout acting, December 1,1956, Paul D. Tolley October 3, 1958 and still acting in 1976.[20]

The first school to locate in Decaturville was on lot 99 which was purchased for an Academy shortly after 1845.[21] It was called Decaturville Academy and was located somewhere between the present Health Center and the Cemetery.

The Trustees of the Academy were J.L. Houston, J.A. Rains, H.C. Fryar, William Henry and David R. Funderburk. The institution was under the control of the trustees appointed by the court.

Among the early teachers of the county were Elias Blount, familiarly known as Governor Blount, Elisa Deaton, George W. Beard, Green B. Rushing (1847-1853), W.M. Dalton and B.H. Southerland.[22]

A college building was being erected but was destroyed by fire before it was completed.

Another early school in Decaturville was located on what was known as "Fisher's Hill" then, on Highway No. 69 across the highway from the water tank.

Around 1909 a wood structure was erected on the Perryville Decaturville Road in Decaturville. This school was destroyed by the only tornado ever to hit Decaturville to date.

It was replaced by a brick structure around 1911. In 1928, an annex was built behind the present building and was connected by a walk way. One building was used for a grammar School and the other for a high school. Later, during W.P.A. days, a gymnasium was also constructed near the school with W.P.A. labor.[23]

Three persons graduated from the 1922 graduating class, Kate Taylor, Lela Lafferty and Carmon Tucker.[24]

Among teachers in this era and some later were: Jim Duck, George L. Wortham, J.K. Vise, B.A. Tucker, William Tolley, John A. Malone, J.L. Sweat, Clyde White, Carol Avery, Hobart Johnson, Henry Evans, R.L. Haney, Mrs. Iris Evans, Mrs. Carrie Haney, Mrs. Allie Mae Johnson, Mrs. Flynn Pickens, Mrs. Pauline Orr and Lonnie King.[25]

A new elementary school was erected in 1957 on Highway 69 South. The former school buildings were converted into a garment plant now known as The Decaturville Sportswear.

Serving as principals of the new school were Weldon Welch and Weldon Pratt, who is still serving in this capacity.[26]

According to the 1887 records in Goodspeeds History, the scholastic population of the county was 2,929 white and 540 colored. The enrollment for the year was 1,755 white and 251 colored. The length of the school term was sixty (60) days and the salary was $28 per month. The number of school houses were forty-nine and the total amount of money spent for schools was $2,815.31.

Presently the scholastic population of the county is 2,188. The length of the school term is nine months and the average yearly salary is $7,600. The number of school houses are four and one-half since Decatur County supports one-half of Scotts Hill, which is located half in Decatur County and half in Henderson County. The total amount of money spent for schools in 1975-76 amounted to around $2,000,000.[27]

Teachers employed in the Decaturville Elementary School are Mrs. Margaret Alexander, Miss Sarah Vise, Mrs. Iris King, Mrs. Emal Keeton, Mrs. Clara Millican, Danny Adkisson, Miss Sandra Steed, Mrs. Sherry Hall, Mrs. Carolyn Larkin, Mrs. Polly Johnson, Mrs. Delilah Myracle, Mickey Larkin, Mrs. Beverly Boyd, Miss Lana Maness, Mrs. Wanda Taylor, Rickey Story, Mrs. Thelma Yarbro, Mrs. Carrie Harrington, Mrs. Qeneva Menzies, Miss Barbara Montgomery, Dewey Britt, and the principal, Weldon Pratt.

Another school located in Decaturville in the yesteryears was the Crowder School. It was named for the founder, the late Dave Crowder, an outstanding educator of his time.

The school started as one year High School after Grammar School, then it mushroomed to a two year high school and then a three year high school. After the death of the founder, the school dropped down to an elementary school and the students ready for high school had to go to Montgomery High School in Lexington.

F.L. Black, another educator, revived the school in 1946 and it became a two year high school and later an "A" rating four year high school. After Black's death in 1953, S.F. Dobbins took over and the school held up until the' integration of schools in Decatur County in 1965 when Riverside High School consolidated the county high schools and the black began attending the other county elementary schools.[28]

Among the early teachers at Crowder School, which was located a mile West of the court square were Professor Jim Crowder, Principal Dave Crowder, Anna Crowder, Gretchen Craig, Clara Montgomery, S.F. Dobbins, Geneva Menzies, Novella Tole, Pauline Phelps, Henry Sanders, Porter Boyd, F.H. Duck, SA. Crenshaw, Alvin Sharpe, Lorraine Mays, Lovie Lee Rogers, Velma Holt, Gertrude Sharp, Ethel Meeks, Mary Randolph, Jewel Strawn and William Bates.

Some of the teachers listed were teaching at the school when integration arrived. Mrs. Clara Montgomery was teaching Math in High School here and later transferred to Parsons Elementary School.

In the early days, as well as the present, the black in Decaturville lived in a section of town called, "Tin Cup". It received its name long ago when the poor could be seen walking down the road with a tin cup or tin bucket in hopes of being able to borrow something from their neighbors for the table.[29]

Crowder School was located in the heart of Tin Cup. After it met its fate, the building was used for a time as a storage space for Decaturville Sportswear and later the county leased the building to Kol-Pak in 1969.[30] Presently, the building is still occupied by Kol-Pak and Norris Dispensers.

Athletics have always been a part of Decatur County. The first football team was organized at Decaturville High School in 1927 with C.A. Palmer serving as coach. Players were: Dee Johnson, Hubert Maners, Fred Dixon, Grady Averett, Frank Adair, Hobart Johnson, J.R. (Kinky) Laster, Alvin Myracle, William C. Stout, Luther Jones and Joe Quinn.[31]

An earlier settler in the county seat town and one who had a business before it was formed was Gilbert McMillan, listed as the first settler in Decaturville who had a business which dates back to 1836 and was known as McMillan's Shop.

Another early settler was Daniel McLead, who built a log cabin on the northeast corner of court square where Decatur County Bank is now located. He carried a line of general merchandise. Staples included barrels of flour, sugar, unground coffee, New Orleans Sorghum and Whiskey. This building was approximately 18 x 21 feet, and constructed of logs.

When the Smith Hotel, which was built around the log cabin, was torn away for the new bank building in 1966, the cabin was discovered intact and the logs have been preserved in order to restore the buildings.

Samuel Yarbro and Jonathan Luton were the first dry-goods merchants here. Later Young and Johnson opened a business on the southeast corner of the square. Others locating in the county seat town were J.J. Sharp Co. and later Young, Stern and Smith, J.M. Fryar, Kendrick and Roberts and Blythe and Beuodrant.[33]

The Chrisenberry Hotel, located one block north of the court square, at the present location of Edgar Hobbs residence, was one of the first of its kind in Decaturville. It was a story and a half, frame structure and catered mostly to boarders, which included students who attended school at Decaturville Academy. It was operated by Gooch Chrisenberry's father.[34]

About five years later John Bray build a hotel, located on the north east corner of court square, where Decatur County Bank is now located, and operated until 1880. It was first known as "The Bray House".

In 1880, Mr. and Mrs. Curry P. Dennison took over the hotel and it became known as "The Dennison House". Mrs. Curry Dennison was the daughter of Mrs. John Bray.

Mr. Dennison added a livery stable adjoining the hotel to care for the patron's horses, which pulled buggies, hacks and surreys. He fed his customer's horses well and hitched them up and unhitched them to the vehicles. The livery stable was a must for the early "Drummers", called salesmen today. They used the vehicles for transportation from one town to another to call on their merchants.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Smith became operators of the Dennison House around 1900. The name was changed to the "Smith Hotel" and remained thus until the fateful day it met its waterloo.

Joe and Maggie Smith served the best meals in town in the early days and housed the Court officials and jurors.

The two story frame verandaed hotel was torn away to give rise to Decatur County Bank which opened its doors here for business in October 1966.[35]

Times Theatre was constructed by Mr. Cleo Spence in 1946 of concrete blocks. The building measures 40 x 100 feet and seats 480 persons. It has been in operation since opening night.[36]

Business places listed in 1887 in Decaturville were Stout and Stout, Ruben Smith, which was located where the old two story Vise building burned, J.L. Tate, J.T. Rogers, Roberts and Moreland, WF. Stout, J.L. Welch & Co. and the Dennison House.[37]

Business places listed in Decaturville in 1976 were: Central Service Station, Decaturville Truck and Trailer, Decatur Tractor & Implement Co., Mid-Way Truck Stop, Decaturville Feed Mill, Decaturville Lumber Co., 83 Service Station, Times Theatre, USS. Agriculture Chemical Co., Decaturville Foodland, Larry's Exxon Station, Decatur Farmers Co-op, Decatur County Machinery Co. Smith's Grocery, F & P Food Market, White and Smith, Style Shoppe, Mid-Way Cafe, Down Town Bar and Grill, B. & K. Dry Goods Co., Vise Garage, Dorothy's Shoppe, Crawley's Auto Parts, Vic's Dollar Store Variety Shoppe, Thrift Shop, Jack's Factory Outlet, King's Furniture, Lunsford Pharmacy, Peggy's Dress Shop, Times Cafe, Crawley's Furniture Co., White's Cafe, Decaturville Funeral Home, The Harmony House, Betty's Beauty Shop, Patty's Beauty Shop, Nellie's Beauty Shop, Kelley's Beauty Shop, Alma's Beauty Shop, Yarbro's Barber Shop, Joe's T.V. Repair, Butler's T.V. Service, Scotts Watch Repair, Decaturville Pool Room, Flower Basket, Flowers By Joyce, Wallace Welding and Sign Painting, City Wash, Martin's Machine Shop and Davis Plumbing and Heating.[38]

On March 13,1947 the town of Decaturville received its Charter which was again revised March 14, 1968 and the town was plotted as follows: Section three, The corporate limits of town of Decaturville shall embrace the territory in the county within the following boundaries. Beginning on a rock fence at the southwest corner of Decaturville cemetery, runs thence south sixty five degrees west 2,218 feet to Funderburk and Keeton Line fence to a point, thence south ten degrees, east 870 feet to J.W. Stout and James Roberts line fence, thence with the said fence south 86 degrees, west 675 feet to James Roberts across fence to a point: thence south sixteen (16) degrees west 1480 feet to a point in the center line of State Highway 100: thence south forty six (46) degrees west with said highway 500 feet to a point: thence due south 474 feet with Vise heirs and Oscar White Heir's lines to a point; thence north eighty (80) degrees, east 1287 feet to D.C. Crowder line southwest corner of horse lot; thence with lot fence north seventy three (73) degrees east 653 feet to a point in the center line of State Highway 69, thence north eighty seven (87) degrees east 865 feet to a concrete corner marker in the southwest corner of Tennessee State Highway department property; thence east two hundred twenty (220) feet to the south east corner of said property; thence south 79 degrees east 590 feet to the corner of a wire fence; thence with said fence north thirty two (32) degrees east 474 feet to a point in the center line of a street leading from state highway 69 to Rushings Creek Bridge on the Largo road; thence with the center line of said street two courses as follows: south sixty seven (67) degrees east 844 feet; south 34degrees east 140 feet to the southeast corner of a lot belonging to Ralph Brasher; thence with the east boundary of same, north forty six (46) degrees east 187 feet to a point thence north fifty and one half (50-1/2) degrees west 361 feet to the northeast corner of a lot belonging to Omer Blackstock; thence with the north boundary of same north 68-1/4 degrees west 211 feet to a point in the east boundary line of the Pauline Johnson property; thence with the east boundary line of same north fifty one (51) degrees east 680 feet to a hackberry on the north bank of a branch; thence with a wire fence, the west boundary line of Jake Dunkle track north seventeen (17) degrees east 1100 feet to a point in the center line of Largo Road, thence with the center line of said road, north thirty five (35) degrees west 300 feet to a point; thence north eleven (11) degrees east 313 feet to a point, thence north nine (9) degrees west 920 feet to a point in the center line of Donna Rogers road; thence with said road, north seventy nine (79) degrees west to a point at the intersection of said road with a wide road which point bears south eighty seven (87) degrees east 352 feet from the intersection of said Donna Roger's road and Old Decaturville Parsons pike road; thence with said side road, south nineteen (19) degrees east 200 feet to a point thence approximately parallel to the said Donna Roger's road; south eighteen and one half (18-1/2) degrees east 710 feet north seventy two (72) degrees west 630 feet to a point in the west margin of the pavement of State Highway 100, thence with said highway south thirteen (13) degrees east 505 feet to a point; thence north eighty six (86) degrees west 241 feet to a blackgum tree; thence south four (4) degrees east 620 feet to a point; thence south fourteen (14) degrees west 1180 feet to a point thence south nineteen (19) degrees west 1310 feet to the beginning.[39]

Decatur County was the first county in the region to become a part of the Kentucky Dam Library Region. This was in October 1942, and was sponsored by T.V.A. Roy N. McPeake was named the first Chairman of the seven member Library Board for Decatur and he has served as Board Chairman since that date.

Branch Book Stations were set up at various locations in the county to furnish reading material to Decatur Countians.

Mrs. Marie Smith was appointed the first Librarian. She served only a few months. She resigned and Mrs. Grace Vise was appointed Librarian and served until her retirement November 1976.

The County Library was first located in the office of the Superintendent of Education in the Courthouse. Around 1955, the Library was moved from the Courthouse to a building on the South side of the square. Later it was moved back to the courthouse. The library now occupies an air conditioned room on the first floor of the courthouse.

Mrs. E.H. Wylie was appointed to succeed Mrs. Vise and began serving as Librarian on December 1,1976.[40]

The Decaturville and Scotts Hill Funeral Homes had their origin in the Peoples Burial Association. This Association was organized in Decaturville in 1921 by the late W.T. Hopper, who rode horseback throughout Decatur and surrounding counties writing members for the late J.T. Smith. It was chartered by the State of Tennessee and operated by J.T. Smith and Company.

Not only is the Peoples Burial Association the oldest burial association in the state, but it was the first Association of its kind east of the Mississippi River. The organization grew quite rapidly and soon had a large membership spreading into other states as well.

A.B. Smith, son of the founder, was an excellent embalmer and Funeral Director, and efficient service was assured.

After the death of A.B. (Brown) Smith, J.T. Smith took Lawrence Moffitt into the firm as a partner and good service continued. At the death of J.T. Smith., Lewis Harrell and wife, "Ted" Smith Harrell reorganized the business and operated until 1942 when R.L. Haney acquired the business. He soon employed Earl H. Wylie as his funeral director and embalmer. Mr. Haney sold half interest to J.W. Wheat. In a short time, Mr. Wylie purchased his interest and obtained the services of Mr. Howell Taylor Powers as funeral director and manager of the Scotts Hill Funeral Home. After several years as such he acquired an interest in the company. Later he acquired a larger interest in the firm. These two gentlemen operate the company which now goes by the name of Decaturville and Scotts Hill Funeral Homes. Good service is still rendered by the organization which dates back to 1921.[41]

Endnotes

1. Tennessee History of Governors, 1848 edition

2. Laws of Tennessee 1859-60 edition, chapter 88

3. Goodspeed's History of Tennessee

4. Ibid

5. Edward Aaron

6. W.K. Brooks

7. Ibid

8. Plaque in Courthouse

9. Goodspeed's History

10. Ibid

11. Ibid

13. Ibid

13. Ola Duck, Decatur County Sheriff 1956-1962

14. Former Judge Juanita Long

15. Judge Hardin Smith

16. Ibid

17. Former Sheriff, Ola Duck

18. October 12, 1967 Historical Copy in Parsons News Leader

19. Ralph Moore, Decatur county Bank

20. Paul Tolley, Postmaster Records

21. Goodspeed's History

22. Goodspeed's History

23. Judge James L. England

24. Rube Haney

25. CA. Palmer

26. C.A. Palmer

27. County Supt. Billy Steven's Office, Becky Anglin

28. Clara Montgomery - Pauline Phelps

29. Faustina McElrath

30. Liz Dalton

31. Kinky Lancaster

32. Goodspeed's History [no text citation]

33. Ibid

34. Sam Rogers and Miss Sue Smith

35. Imogene Smith Pratt - Sam Rogers

36. Owner, Cleo Spence

37. Goodspeeds History

38. Decaturville City Hall Records by Reba Boroughs, City Recorder

39. Ibid

40. Information from Mrs. E.H. Wylie

41. Compiled by R.L. Haney

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