yesterday's tennessee

Rushing Family Outline

Decatur County, Tennessee

RUSHING FAMILY

The Rushings of Decatur County are descended from several lines of the family originating in Anson County, North Carolina. The earliest Rushing in North Carolina was a Mathew Rushing with wife Elizabeth. Mathew had sons William, John, and Mathew. The Rushings in Decatur County are descended from two contemporary William Rushings who settled in Anson County, both probably grandsons of Mathew.

William Rushing (Brown's Creek)

This William Rushing seems to have lived on Brown's Creek near Black Jack Branch, near the present community of White Store in Anson County. This William Rushing may have been the one who received land grant No. 6531 dated April 19, 1763, for 150 acres on both sides of Deep Creek, including his own improvement. He is mentioned in land grant No. 3092 dated April 18, 1771, to Josiah Herndon, Jr., for 200 Acres in Anson County on Black Jack Branch of Brown's Creek, joining William Rushing. Most likely name of father: William.

Children:

• Abraham. Born, circa 1742. Died, 1806, in Anson Co., NC. He married, first, Mariah Meador, daughter of Jason Meador. He married, second, Sarah Watts. Abraham has descendants in Decatur County.
• Phillip. Born, circa 1746. Died, after 1840, in Perry Co., TN. He was a Revolutionary War soldier. He married Hannah. Born, before 1755. Died, after 1815. He has many descendants in Decatur County.
• Richard. Born, 1749, in VA. Died, 1841, in Perry Co., TN. Possibly buried in Campground Cem., Decatur Co., TN (unmarked). He was a Revolutionary War soldier. He married, first, circa 1783, a daughter of the William Rushing on Little Brown's Creek. He married, second, Sarah (Sally), before 1791. Born, circa 1770, in Anson Co., NC. Died, circa 1852, in Decatur Co., TN. Richard has many descendants in Decatur County.
• William. Born, circa 1755. Died, 1776, at Drowning Creek, Anson Co., NC. Revolutionary War soldier.
• Jacob. Born, circa 1760. Census: 1790, in Anson Co., NC. Census: 1840, in Madison Co., TN.
• Solomon. Died, 1811, in Anson Co., NC.
• John.

William Rushing (Thompson's Creek)

This William Rushing seems to have lived between Little Brown's Creek and Thompson's Creek, either in the southeastern corner on present Union County, NC, or in adjacent Chesterfield Co., SC. His wife may have been named Mary. Most likely name of father: John.

Children:

• Robert. Born, before 1755. His wife may have been Jemima Jackson. Robert has descendants in Decatur County.
• Unknown Daughter. She married Richard Rushing.
• William. Born, circa 1755. Census: 1790, in Anson Co., NC.
• Rowland. Census: 1790, in Anson Co., NC.
• John. Died, before 1790. He married Sabrina.
• Sarah. She married William Johnson, circa 1767, in Anson Co., NC.
• Mark. Born, before 1770. Census: 1790, in Anson Co., NC. Census: 1830 in Perry Co., TN. Family later went to MS. He may have married a daughter of Phillip Rushing.
• Mary Rushing. She married Benjamin Jackson. Benjamin Jackson's age is unknown. If he proves to be older, Mary would be sister rather than daughter of this William.

ABRAHAM RUSHING (Circa 1742-1805)

Abraham Rushing was born circa 1742 and died in 1806 in Anson Co., NC. Abraham Rushing received land grant No. 6314 dated November 15, 1762, for 300 acres in Anson County on the North Fork of Thompson's Creek joining above John Jackson. Abraham Rushing received Land Grant No. 8814 dated July 25, 1774, and issued by Josiah Martin, Royal Governor of the Colony of North Carolina. The grant was for 150 acres in Anson County on the branches of Thompson's Creek, joining Thomas Creek and Rushing's own survey, between the two prongs of Thompson's Creek. Abraham Rushing married Mariah Meador, daughter of Jason Meador. Their children are listed in Abraham Rushing's will.

Children:

• Abraham Rushing was born in 1772 and died in 1848 in Humphreys Co., TN. He first married Celia from whom he was divorced circa 1814. He next married Elizabeth Powell, circa 1815. This Abraham Rushing was ancestor of Rushings in Cannon, Humphreys, and Rutherford Cos., TN.
• Elizabeth Rushing was born before 1775. She is listed as Elizabeth Morgan in her father's will. She seems to have been the wife of William Morgan, the only Morgan in the Anson County census in 1800 and 1810. [Speculation: She may have died in Henderson Co., TN. The Morgans in Decatur and Henderson Cos. may be her descendants.]
• Jason Rushing was born circa 1775. He married Alice Gullege, daughter of William Gullege and Bathsheba. Asa Rushing (1801-1851) and Joel Rushing (1806-1889) who are buried at New Hope Baptist Church were Jason's sons. Another son, William Gullege Rushing, lived in Henderson Co. The Rushings at Bear Creek Cemetery and the W. H. H. Rushing family at Campground are descendants.
• Phillip J. Rushing was born circa 1778. This is the Philip I. Rushing in 1800 in Anson Co., NC, the younger Philip Rushing in 1810, and Philep J. Rushing in 1820. This is the Phillip Rushing, age 73, in Stewart Co., TN, in the 1850 census. He married Peniah Gaddy. In 1817, Peniah and Phillip J. Rushing sign as heirs in the selling of the estate of Thomas Gaddy, Sr., to Wm. Dismukes (Anson County Deed Book S, p. 297). Phillip has descendants in Benton Co., TN, and southern Illinois.
• Thomas M. Rushing was born circa 1783, in NC. He was in Bedford Co., TN, in 1820. His descendants are in Crittenden Co., KY.
• William Rushing. This William Rushing has not been definitively identified. One set of date given for this William Rushing is 1786-1856. He is sometime claimed as the William Rushing who married Elizabeth Tilghman, daughter of John Tilghman and Sarah Eggarton, 12 Mar 1801.
• Sarah Rushing is named as Sarah English in her father's will.
• Peter Rushing was born circa 1785. He moved to Bedford Co., TN, before 1820 and was in Calloway Co., KY, in 1840. He probably died in Johnson Co., IL. Most of Peter's descendants are in southern Illinois. However, one line of descendants eventually moved back to Tennessee, settling variously in Perry, Decatur, and Dyer Cos. The Rushings at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Decatur Co. are Peter's descendants.

ASA RUSHING (1801-1851)

Asa Rushing, son of Jason Rushing and Alice Gullege, was born December 25, 1801, in Anson Co., NC, and October 15, 1851. He is buried in New Hope Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN. He married Nancy G. Hendrick, possibly a daughter of Hillary Hendrick, 1825, in Anson Co., NC. Born, 1803. Died, 1875, in Shelby Co., TX.

Children:

• Green Berry Davis Rushing (August 22, 1826--November 26, 1905). He was born in Anson Co., NC, and is buried in New Hope Cemetery. Occupation: Teacher/Photographer. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. A 28th Texas Dismounted Calvary. He was wounded at Pleasant Hill, LA, and disabled permanently. After the Civil War he served as tax assessor for Shelby Co., TX. He married, first, Sarah J. Stevens, 1852, in Decatur Co., TN. She died September 1877 in Shelby Co., TX. He married, second, Elizabeth M. Shipman (August 3, 1828-June 18, 1886), daughter of John R. Shipman and Sarah Moore. She is buried in New Hope Cemetery. He married, third, Mary E. Watson (July 1837-July 17, 1907), February 3, 1889, in Decatur Co., TN. She is buried in Decaturville Cemetery.
• Elizabeth Caroline Rushing (February 18, 1828-March 17, 1911). She married Unknown Deese.
• Sallie Elender Rushing (September 15, 1829-circa 1846). She is buried in New Hope Cemetery.
• Mary Ann Rushing (September 21, 1831-November 6, 1857). She is buried in New Hope Cemetery. She married Unknown Emerson.
• Pheriba Jane Rushing (July 31, 1833-May 14, 1919). She died in Carthage, Panola Co., TX, and is buried in the Old Cemetery there. She ran a boardinghouse. She married, first, Unknown Hendrick, before 1861. She married, second, Benjamin Burton Lacy (April 18, 1827-January 29, 1876), circa 1866.
• Tempy Alice Rushing (May 27, 1835-May 22, 1866). She is buried in New Hope Cemetery. She married Elijah W. Welch (April 11, 1835-April 25, 1883), son of Nicholas Welch and Nancy White. He is buried in Concord Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN.
• William Henry Hendricks Rushing (August 25, 1837-October 2, 1922). Occupation: Farmer/Merchant. W.H.H. Rushing enlisted in the Confederate Army at Trenton, Tennessee. He was in the battles at Murfreesboro (Stones River), Shelbyville, Guys Gap, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, Jonesburough, Franklin, and Nashville. He married Elizabeth A. Garrett (October 10, 1848-March 3, 1925), daughter of John Garrett and Jane (Williams?), January 1, 1871, in Decatur Co., TN. Both are buried at Campground Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN.
• Rosannah Melvina Rushing (September 23, 1839-January 14, 1890). She is buried in Wilson Cemetery, Lafayette Co., AR. She married, first, Thomas Jefferson Hubbard, 1859. She married, second, R. M. Robertson, after 1865.
• Elijah Rushing (December 27, 1841-March 21, 1916) He died in Shelby Co., TX. He enlisted in the Confederate Army on September 26, 1861, at Camp Trenton. He served as Sergeant in Company H, 31st Tennessee Infantry, C.S.A.. He was with the unit on May 12, 1862, near Shelbyville, TN. He deserted and enlisted in the Union Army at Bethel, Tennessee, September 18, 1862, and served in Company E, 6th Tennessee Cavalry. He married Cynthia L. Truitt (1836-1926), circa 1862.
• John Bateman Rushing (April 21, 1845-April 24, 1936). He died in San Augustine Co., TX, and is buried in Bethel Cemetery, Nacogdoches Co., TX. He enlisted in the Confederate army February 19, 1862, and served in Company B and later Company H of the 11th Texas Infantry. He worte an autobiography for his descendants.

BURRELL RUSHING (Circa 1798-1867)

Burrell Rushing was born circa 1798 in Anson Co., NC, and died May 5, 1867. He is buried in a fieldstone marked grave in Rushing Grove Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN. Some descendants claim that Burrell Rushing is the son of Revolutionary War veteran Phillip Rushing because a pensioner named Phillip Rushing is listed in Burrell's household in the 1840 census of Perry County. However, Burrell's family probably is in Phillip's household because Burrell had replaced Calvin Lacy as Phillip Rushing's court appointed guardian. Burrell is well outside the 1765-1785 age range for Phillip's children. Burrell probably is son of Richard Rushing, with whom he is tied in land records and the 1820 and 1830 census. Richard may have had eight sons under age 20 in the 1800 census.

Burrell Rushing married Mary Elizabeth Rhodes. She was born circa 1806. She is buried in a fieldstone marked grave at Rushing Grove Cemetery.

Children:

• Elizabeth Rushing (circa 1825-before 1860). She married Isaac Elias Brasher (January 29, 1826-May 18, 1887), son of Walter Brashears and Elizabeth Roberts, before 1850. He is buried in Morgan Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN.
• Caswell Rushing (Speculative) (born circa 1828, in TN). He married Eleanor Ann White, May 27, 1851, in Navarro Co., TX.
• Nancy Ellen Rushing (July 13, 1829-July 27, 1896). She is buried in Rushing Grove Cemetery. She married, first, Henry Harrington (circa 1831-circa 1857), son of Charles Harrington and Lavisa. She married, second, Morris Veal (1806-September 5, 1894), in 1858. Divorce circa 1865. He is buried in Campground Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN.
• Richard Burrell Rushing (January 27, 1830-January 23, 1900). He served in Company F, 8th Missouri Cavalry, C.S.A. He married, first, Lucinda Rushing, daughter of Iassc Rushing and Rebecca Saint, August 26, 1857, in Natchitoches Parish, LA. She probably is buried near Cape Girardeau, MO. He married, second, Mary J. Smith (August 26, 1842-February 22, 1898), circa 1868. Richard and Mary are buried in Rushing Grove Cemetery.
• Lavenia Rushing (born December 23, 1830). One source suggests that Lavenia was married first to a Watts. She married, first, Green B. Davis (August 28, 1826-bef. 1860), son of Louis/Lewis Davis and Sarah E. Taylor, circa 1848. She married, second, Unknown McKnight, before 1860. She married, third, John H. Pearcy (May 1, 1809-May 9, 1887), circa 1865. He is buried in Concord Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN.
• Rebecca Rushing (born circa 1832). She married G. Marshall Harrington (born circa 1828), son of Charles Harrington and Lavisa.
• Leonidus Rushing (circa 1833-before 1900). He married Darcus J. Powers (born circa 1836), daughter of Henry Powers and Nancy.
• William Franklin Rushing (October 13, 1836-November 23, 1903). He served in Company F, 55th Infantry (Browns), C.S.A. He married Sarah Ann Powers (August 3, 1838-November 22, 1917), daughter of Stephen Powers, March 10, 1856, in Henderson Co., TN. Both are buried in Rushing Grove Cemetery.
• Phillip Rushing (circa 1832-1862). Died at Shilo. Served in Company E, 27th Tennessee Infantry, C.S.A.
• Malvina Rushing (born circa 1838).
• Andrew Jackson Rushing (January 8, 1843-October 4, 1875). He is buried in Rushing Grove Cemetery. He served in Company I, 50 Tennessee Infantry, C.S.A. He married Elizabeth Powers (October 9, 1842-January 13, 1920), daughter of Stephen Powers. She is buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN.
• John Wesley Rushing (December 1850-May 1, 1916). He married Martha Ann Johnson (1856-February 13, 1894). Both are buried Rushing Grove Cemetery.

CALVIN RUSHING (1804-1860)

Calvin Rushing, son of David Rushing and Nancy Deason, was born March 31, 1804 in Anson Co., NC, and died January 1860. He is buried in Campground Cemetery in Decatur Co., TN. He is listed in the 1850 census as a teacher but earlier was a merchant in business with his brother-in-law Robert Lowry. Perry County court records show Lowry and Rushing to have been sued more than once. Calvin may have gone bankrupt. Decatur County property records seem to show Calvin Rushing desperately trying to raise money, and later his wife gets property in her own name from her father and brother. Calvin Rushing married Rebecca White (October 5, 1815-March 20, 1878), daughter of Reuben R. White and Isabella Welch. She was born in NC and is buried in Campground Cemetery.

Children:

• Edwin R. Rushing (April 21, 1840-May 9, 1866). He is buried in Campground Cemetery. A military marker at his grave reads "Co. G 6 Tenn US Cav." Edwin R. Rushing enlisted in the Union Army on September 18, 1862, at Bethel, Tennessee. His military records describe him as age 22, light complexion, blue eyes, light hair.
• William D. Rushing (April 14, 1841-November 28, 1879). He is buried in Gampground Cemetery. Occupation: Farmer. He married Nancy (born circa 1851).
• Isabella Rushing (November 19, 1844-August 16, 1932). She died in Chesterfield, Henderson Co., TN. She married Granville M. Walker (November 23, 1846-December 2, 1924), son of E. W. (Ezariah?) Walker and Catherine McCall, October 17, 1869, in Decatur Co., TN. Both are buried at Union Church, Henderson Co., TN.
• Margaret Rushing (born circa 1847). In 1932 she lived in Princeton, Collin Co., TX. She married Jasper Alexander Frizzell (April 13, 1850-June 4, 1939), son of James Sanders Frizzell and Martha Francis Jones, August 18, 1872, in Decatur Co., TN.
• Reubin White Rushing (October 25, 1848-May 7, 1878). He is buried in Gampground Cemetery.
• Enoch Deason Rushing (July 25, 1851-October 1, 1928). He went by the name Deason. He married M. Treasey (Amanda) Loftin (July 26, 1857-December 11, 1919), January 11, 1880, in Decatur Co., TN. Both are buried in Campground Cemetery.
• Martha Jane Rushing (born circa 1853). She married James R. Rushing, December 1, 1869, in Decatur Co., TN.
• Mary F. Rushing (born circa 1856).

CLINTON C. RUSHING (Circa 1843-After 1910)

One line of Rushings which was in Decatur County between 1880 and 1900 was the family of Clinton C. Rushing. This family came to Decatur Co. from Humphreys Co. before 1880 and moved to Dyer Co. after 1900. The following family for Clinton C. Rushing is based solely on census data and may not be complete. He seems to have married three times.

Clinton Rushing's first wife is unknown.

Child:

• Sarah J. Rushing (born circa 1861). She married Unknown Aaron.

Clinton Rushing married, second, Louisa (possibly Moody), circa 1868. She was born circa 1842 and died before 1893. Census: 1880, in Decatur Co., TN.

Children:

• Elizabeth (Bettie) Rushing (born January 1869).
• James Carrol Rushing (born circa 1870). He married Nancy Price (born January 1878), November 7, 1897, in Decatur Co., TN.
• John W. Rushing (born circa 1872).
• Dickson Rushing (born circa 1874).
• Dora A. Rushing (born circa 1877). She married L. W. Wyatt, June 6, 1895, in Decatur Co., TN.
• Sidney Rushing (born December 1878).
• Fanny Rushing (born October 1881).
• Robert L. (or S.) Rushing (born October 1881).

Clinton Rushing married, third, Isabelle Rosson (born April 1865, in MO), June 8, 1893, in Decatur Co., TN.

Children:

• Elmer D. Rushing (born March 1894).
• William B. Rushing (January 23, 1896-October 27, 1972). He is buried in Church Grove Cemetery, Dyer Co., TN.
• James Allen Rushing (April 1899-January 20, 1975). He is buried in Church Grove Cemetery, Dyer Co., TN.
• Mary J. Rushing (born circa 1903).
• George D. Rushing (born circa 1906).
• Clinton C. Rushing was son of William Wilson Rushing (circa 1816-before 1870). He is buried in Arlington Cemetery, Houston Co., TN. Census: 1850, in Humphreys Co., TN. This seems to be the Wilson Rushing who was security for Elizabeth Rushing as Administratrix of the will of Abraham Rushing. He married Elizabeth Tomlinson (born circa 1810), daughter of William Tomlinson and Catherine (Stratton?).
• William Wilson Rushing was son of Abraham Rushing (Jr.) and his second wife Elizabeth Powell. This Abraham was born in 1772 and died 1848, in Humphreys Co., TN.

ELIJAH RUSHING (Est. 1791-before 1840)

The most obscure of the early Rushings who settled in the Decatur Co. area was Elijah Rushing. His birth date can be estimated only from the known ages of his children. He appears in the 1830 census in Perry County. Based on census data for his children, he first settled in Alabama before moving to Perry Co. Both he and his wife died before the 1840 census. The remnant of Elijah's household in the 1840 is that headed by Sarah Rushing, who probably was Elijah's mother. Sarah Rushing's household in 1840 includes the youngest of Elijah's sons, Burrell Rushing (born circa 1821). Based on interactions among their children, Elijah seems to have been a brother of Burrell Rushing (1798-1867) and Isaac Rushing (1799-1853). Elijah probably was a son of Richard Rushing.

The family of Elijah Rushing is outlined in a letter dated December 27, 1986, from Sonja Jenkins to Virginia Whitaker, Monroe, LA. Ms. Jenkins writes: "I know that Elijah was the father to: 1. John P.; 2. Milly (married a Stinson); 3. Caroline (married John Hambleton); 4. Burrell; E. R. Chambers; 6. William R. This is from a deed I have from Decatur County, Tennessee."

Children:

• John P. Rushing (born 1810/1815). John was born in AL. He is in Henderson Co., TN, in 1850, and in Lamar Co., TX, in 1870. He married Elizabeth (born 1804/1809, in AL).
• William R. Rushing (born, circa 1814). He is in Decatur Co., TN, in 1850 and in Natchitoches Parish, LA, in 1860. He married, first, Unknown (Elizabeth?) (Hannah?) Brasher (circa 1820-before 1850), daughter of Walter Brashears and Elizabeth Roberts, circa 1835. He married, second, Hannah Rushing (born circa 1824), daughter of Isaac Rushing and Rebecca Saint, before 1850.
• Burrell Rushing (circa 1821-circa 1864). He was born in AL and probably is buried in the Tolley Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN. This is the Burrell Rushing who owned an antebellum plantation and built the local landmark known as the Townsend house near Parsons. The story of his death exists in several versions and has become a local legend. Burrell purchased the land from his future father-in-law, John Lucky Houston, in the 1840s and was a slave owner by the 1850 census. One mystery is where this Burrell Rushing got the money to finance the plantation. The following is speculation. In the 1850 census Burrell Rushing's household includes Sarah Rushing, age 80, who appeared as head of the same household in 1840. The most likely explanation for the origin of the money is that Sarah Rushing inherited a larger widow's portion of the estate of Richard Rushing which was sold up after Richard's death. Sarah then let her grandson Burrell, with whom she had been living since the 1830s, use the money to finance the plantation. Burrell Rushing married Sarah Jane Houston (December 16, 1826-July 14, 1916), daughter of John Lucky Houston and Virginia (Jennie) Graham. She is buried in Parsons Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN.
• Caroline Rushing. She is in Navarro Co., TX, in 1860. She married John Hamilton (Hambleton).

ISAAC RUSHING (Circa 1799-1853)

Isaac Rushing was born circa 1799 in NC and died April 1853 in Natchitoches Parish, LA. Isaac is an interesting early Rushing. He appears frequently in early Perry County court records, often in scrapes (assault and battery, assault to commit murder). Did he leave Perry County because things were getting too hot? An oral tradition among descendants of Morning Rushing Tolley is that Isaac abandoned his family. This probably is not correct. Other records show that Isaac's Louisiana family and his Decatur County family remained in contact with one another until the Civil War. The family of Issac Rushing is outlined in the probate records of Natchitoches Parish, LA, which name all of Isaac's children and all the children of Isaac's two wives. All children born before 1840 were born in Perry Co., TN.

Isaac Rushing married, first, Rebecca Saint (circa 1800-circa 1839), daughter of Isham Saint and Mary.

Children:

• Burrell Rushing (circa 1820-March 30, 1892). He is buried in Saline Cemetery, Natchitoches Parish, LA. A date frequently seen for his birth is March 17, 1824, a date which may be on his tombstone. Census records consistently show him to be born circa 1820. Private in Company H, 16th Louisiana Infantry. He married Malissa Morgan Cloud (1823-after 1910), daughter of William Cloud and Rebecca Roe, circa 1839. She was born in Gainsville, Winn Parish, LA.
• Alston Greenberry Rushing (February 11 1823-November 1 1893). He died in Natchitoches Parish, LA. He married Sarah J. Lester (August 10 1836-May 20, 1889).
• Hannah Rushing (born circa 1824). She was the second wife of her cousin William R. Rushing (born circa 1814), son of Elijah Rushing.
• Isabella Rushing (May 12, 1825-January 5 1904). She is buried in Decaturville Cemetery. She married Isaac Lasiter (circa 1824-July 5, 1863). Private, Company G, 31st Tennessee Infantry, C.S.A. He died at the military hospital in Petersburg, VA.
• Lucy Rushing (born circa 1828). She married Hugh Alsup.
• Lucinda Rushing (born circa 1830). She was the first wife of her cousin Richard Burrell Rushing (January 27, 1830-January 23, 1900), son of Burrell Rushing and Elizabeth Mary Elizabeth Rhodes. He is buried in Rushing Grove Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN. Richard B. Rushing served in Company F, 8th Missouri Cavalry, C.S.A.
• Morning Rushing (July 15, 1833-February 14, 1873). She is buried in Tolley Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN. She married Arthur Tolley (April 12,1827-October 1, 1898), son of William Tolley and Rachel Conder, circa 1852. He was born in Carroll Co., TN, and is buried in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN. All Tolleys in the area are their descendants.
• Jemima Rushing (died before 1853, in AR). She married James Smith.

Isaac Rushing's second wife was a widow Elizabeth Griffin (circa 1801-April 1853), circa 1836. She died in Natchitoches Parish, LA.

Children:

• Sarah Ann Rushing (born circa 1836). She married Riley Wallace.
• Martin Van Buren Rushing (circa 1838-April 24, 1864). He is buried in Grave #531, Confederate Cemetery, Rock Island, IL. Private in Company H, 16th Louisiana Infantry.
• Andrew Jackson Rushing (born circa 1840). Private in Company I, 16th Louisiana Infantry.
• James Phillip Rushing (circa 1844-March 21, 1864). Private in Company I, 16th Louisiana Infantry. He died in Marietta, GA.
• Amanda Rushing (born circa 1845).

JAMES WALTER RUSHING (1872-1959)

The family of James Walter Rushing was the last Rushing family line to move to Decatur Co. James Walter Rushing was born February 10, 1872, in Mitchellville, Saline Co., IL, and died October 4, 1959, in Dyersburg, Dyer Co., TN. He married Mary Angelyn Cooper, daughter of John Gilbert Cooper and Lettie Texas Biggs, January 5, 1901, in Hickman Co., TN. She was born January 14, 1886, in Coble, Hickman Co., TN, and died, November 24, 1971, in Lexington, Henderson Co., TN.

Children:

• William Homer Rushing (February 26, 1902-January 13, 1982). He was born in Perry Co., TN, and died in Dyersburg, TN. He married Leoder Bates, August 1921.
• Jesse Dee Rushing (born July 4, 1904) He was born in Perry Co. and in 1993 lived in Chicago, Cook Co., IL. He married Mildred Irene Smith, January 25, 1931.
• Robert Fulton (Bob) Rushing (June 9, 1906-February 16, 1982). He was born in Perry Co., TN, and in 1974 lived in Detroit, Wayne Co., MI. He married Claydie Hill.
• Arch Clifton Rushing (September 19, 1909-March 4, 1974). He was born and died in Perry Co., TN, but he lived in Decaturville, Decatur Co., TN. He is buried at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN. He married Zumma Mae Elizabeth Phillips (born March 19, 1907), daughter of James Samuel Phillips and Nellie Crawley, 28 Dec 1928, in Decatur Co., TN.
• Cloatie/Claudia B. Rushing (May 14, 1914-1987). She died in Chattanooga, Hamilton Co., TN, and is buried at Peace Chapel, Decatur Co., TN. She married, first, James Clayton Yarbro (circa 1907-1974), son of Jacob F. Yarbro and Lillie Crawley, 30 Jan 1931, in Decatur Co., TN. He is buried in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. She married, second, Stan Kaczamouski.
• Infant Twins (born and died April 28 1917).
• Hasting S. Rushing (born September 1918). He was born in Humphreys Co., TN, and currently lives in Parsons. He married, first, Dovie Rachel Essary, daughter of Albert Essary and Ida. She was born in Henderson, Chester Co., TN. He married, second, Velma Lorene Wilson (May 9, 1918-December 23, 1989), daughter of Robert T. Wilson and Mary Norman, circa 1988, in Decatur Co., TN. She is buried in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. He married, third, Eula Kindle (born 1923), daughter of Hugh L. Kindle and Jo Anna Bryant, circa 1991.
• J. T. (Joe Thomas) Rushing (January 17, 1922-before 1993). In 1974 he lived in Detroit, Wayne Co., MI. He married, first, Thelma Mae Moore, daughter of Henry M. Moore and Annie Belle Rosson, 21 Dec 1940, in Decatur Co., TN. Divorce, circa 1942. He married, second, Mildred.

James Walter Rushing was son of Abraham Franklin Rushing (February 10, 1843-1890), who lived in Saline Co., IL. He married Isabell Reed (April 28, 1852-October 9, 1910), daughter of Johnson Reed and Elizabeth Randolph, 14 May 1871, in Saline Co., IL. She died in Mitchellville, Saline Co., IL.

Abraham Franklin Rushing was son of Alfred Rushing (December 25, 1810-December 24, 1865). He was born in Bedford Co., TN. He married Esther H. (May 11, 1813-January 3, 1885). She was born in NC. Both are buried in Robinson Cemetery, New Burnside, Johnson Co., IL.

Alfred Rushing was son of Peter Rushing (born circa 1785). Alfred Rushing lived in Bedford Co., TN; Calloway Co., KY; and Johnson Co., IL. This is the Peter named in the 1806 will of Abraham Rushing in Anson Co., NC.

JASON RUSHING (Born Circa 1875)

Jason Rushing was a son of Abraham Rushing and Mariah Meador and is mentioned in the 1806 will of Abraham Rushing. Jason Rushing never lived in the Decatur Co. area, but some of his children did. He married Alice Gulledge, daughter of William Gulledge and Bathsheba. The names and ages of Jason's children are preserved in the Autobiography of John Bateman Rushing. John Bateman Rushing was a grandson who lived in Appleby, Nacogdoches Co., TX.

Children:

• Malachi Rushing (born June 5, 1798). There is a Malachi Rushing in Perry Co. in the 1830 census, but this may not be him.
• Lucie Rushing (born March 30, 1800).
• Asa Rushing (December 25, 1801-October 15, 1851). Asa Rushing was born in Cherah Hill, Anson Co., NC. He died in Decatur Co., TN, and is buried in New Hope Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN. Asa Rushing visited Perry County, Tennessee, in 1824, but returned to Anson County, North Carolina, where he married Nancy G. Hendricks. In 1827 he moved to Perry County (later Decatur County), Tennessee, and settled on the south side of Beech River about three miles west of Decaturville. He is listed in the 1850 census as owning 400 acres of land in Decatur County. He is known to have been a surveyor. He was a charter member of New Hope Baptist Church. He married Nancy G. Hendricks (1803-1875), possibly a daughter of Hillary Hendrick, 1825, in Anson Co., NC. Nancy died in Shelby Co., TX.
• Nancy Rushing (born October 8, 1803).
• Joel Rushing (September 6, 1806-December 3, 1889). Joel Rushing was born in Anson Co., NC, and died in the Garrett Community, Decatur Co., TN. He is buried in New Hope Cemetery. Occupation: Farmer/Preacher. He married, first, Zelphy (September 17, 1808-June 6, 1879), December 18, 1830, in Anson Co., NC. She is buried in New Hope Cemetery. He married, second, a widow Lucy J. Sykes (June 15, 1819-June 27, 1896), December 31, 1879, in Decatur Co., TN. She is buried in Campground Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN.
• Mary Rushing (born February 7, 1808).
• Matilda Rushing (December 14, 1809-before 1860). Census: 1850, in Union Co., NC. She married Burrell C. Rushing, before 1826.
• Barsheba Rushing (born March 3, 1812).
• William Gulledge Rushing (January 18, 1814-before 1860). Census: 1840, in Anson Co., NC. Census: 1850, in Henderson Co., TN. Occupation: Farmer. He married Martha (born circa 1812, in NC). Census: 1850, in Henderson Co., TN. Census: 1860, in Decatur Co., TN. This family probably moved to Shelby Co., TX.
• Abel Rushing (born February 6, 1816).
• Green Berry Rushing (August 6, 1818-September 22, 1898). he was born in SC and died in Union Co., NC. Census: 1840, in Anson Co., NC. Census: 1850, in Union Co., NC. Occupation: Veterinarian. He married Penelope Deese (November 15, 1817-December 17, 1899). Both are buried in Carraway Cemetery, Union Co., NC.
• Elijah James Rushing (September 8, 1820-1885). He is buried in Faulks Baptish Church Cemetery, Union Co., NC. He married Elizabeth Thomas.

JOEL RUSHING (1806-1889)

Joel Rushing, son of Jason Rushing and Alice Gullege, was born September 6, 1806, in Anson Co., NC, and died December 3 1889, in Decatur Co., TN. Joel Rushing arrived in the Decatur Co. area about 1845. This story was told by Leonadus Rushing, who called Joel "uncle." Joel Rushing was a lay preacher and a farmer. If Joel Rushing had to preach a sermon on a Sunday he practiced while he plowed his field. He would be preaching hell and damnation to his mule while he practiced. Leonadus would hear him in the field and would yell out "Uncle Joel, what are you preaching on this Sunday?" That mule must have really known the Bible.

He married, first, Zelphy, Dec 18, 1830, in Anson Co., NC. She was born September 17, 1808, in Anson Co., NC, and died June 6, 1879. Both are buried in New Hope Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN. Family traditions says she was Dutch (probably Deutsche of German). She may have been a sister of Hosea Presslar.

Children:

• Mary Ann Rushing (January 4, 1833-May 13, 1878). She married Leroy P. Moore (May 27, 1830-May 21, 1887), son of Jesse Moore and Margaret (Peggy) Denton, 21 Jun 1861. He was born in the Cedar Creek Community, Perry Co., TN. Both are buried in New Hope Cemetery.
• Matilda Elizabeth Rushing (July 6, 1835-February 14, 1917). She received Tennessee Confederate veterans widow's pension no. 1536. She married Louis Franklin Davis (December 7, 1833-August 27, 1902), son of Louis/Lewis Davis and Sarah E. Taylor, 1856, in Decatur Co., TN. Matilda died in Madison Co., TN. Both are buried in Davis Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN.
• William T. Rushing (born circa 1838). In 1906, he lived in Bailey Co., TX. He served in Company H, 31st Tennessee Infantry. He married Martha Veal (May 22, 1846-June 12, 1882), daughter of Morris Veal and Mary J. (Rushing?). Martha is buried in Campground Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN.
• John G. Rushing (February 12, 1841-February 24, 1865). He enlisted in the Union Army at LaGrange, Tennessee, on May 10, 1863, in Company G, 7th Tennessee Cavalry. He died of a abdominal wound at Camp Chase, OH.
• Eliza Rushing (born circa 1843). She married Henry Veal (circa 1842-circa 1929), son of Morris Veal and Mary J. (Rushing?). Henry Veal died in Memphis, Shelby Co., TN. Both are buried in fieldstone marked graves at Campground Cemetery.
• Edgar Davin Rushing (August 17, 1845-June 8, 1916). He was the first of Joel Rushing's children born in Tennessee. He married Emma J. Welch, daughter of Elijah W. Welch and Tempy Alice Rushing, license, January 3, 1870, in Decatur Co., TN. Both are buried at Bear Creek Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN. Emma's grave is marked by a polished but uncarved piece of marble adjacent to Edgar's grave.
• Green B. Rushing (circa 1849-1909). He is buried at Browns Methodist Church, Madison Co., TN. He married, first, Laura Williams (circa 1856-before 1884), daughter of Noah Williams and Lavinia, January 15, 1873, in Decatur Co., TN. He married, second, Mary Clementine Hendrix (born December 1850), daughter of A. K. Hendricks and Matilda, December 18, 1884, in Decatur Co., TN.

Joel Rushing married, second, a widow Lucy J. Sykes (June 15, 1819-June 27, 1896), December 31, 1879, in Decatur Co., TN. Lucy is buried in Campground Cemetery.

LEONADUS RUSHING (1837-1902)

Leonadus Rushing, son of William Gilbert Rushing and Eliza, was born April 13, 1837, in Perry Co., TN and died February 27, 1902. He was a farmer. Leonadus Rushing enlisted in the Confederate Army at Trenton, Tennessee, on September 26, 1861. He served in Company H, 31st Regiment, Tennessee Infantry. The regiment was stationed at Island No. 10 for seven months. His military record shows that Leonadus was listed as deserted from Columbus, Kentucky (no date); was listed as deserted May 30, 1862, during the withdrawal from Corinth, Mississippi; appears on the muster roll of Company H on May 11, 1863, near Shelbyville, Tennessee; and was promoted to 4th Sergeant (no date). Company H participated in the battles at Stones River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Kennesaw Mountain, Jonesboro, Franklin, and Nashville. Company H was payrolled out of service at Jackson, Tennessee, in May 1865.

• Leonadus Rushing married, first, Martha Jane Newsom, daughter of Joseph Newsom and Sophia, January 5, 1869, in Perry Co., TN. She was born May 22, 1848 in NC and died April 19, 1890. Both are buried in Campground Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN.
• Children:
• James W. Rushing (March 4, 1870-April 19, 1889). He is buried in Campground Cemetery.
• Sophie Ann Rushing (August 21, 1871-May 21, 1958). She married William Garrett Moore (January 22, 1862-March 18, 1930), son of Leroy P. Moore and Mary Ann Rushing, September 1, 1889, in Decatur Co., TN. Both are buried in Campground Cemetery.
• Minnie Rushing (November 27, 1872-March 12, 1900). She married F. A. (Berry) Pearcy (born February 1875), son of John W. Pearcy and Isabelle, June 16, 1895, in Decatur Co., TN. His name may be Francis Asbury Pearcy. Both are buried at Campground Cemetery. F. A. Pearcy's grave has a fieldstone marker.
• Eliza Jane Rushing (September 15, 1874-December 19, 1909). She married Henry C. Welch (September 3, 1873-April 20, 1949), son of Isaiah Welch and Winnie, July 23, 1894, in Decaturville, Decatur Co., TN. Both are buried in Campground Cemetery.
• Emille Ester Theresa Rushing (March 18, 1877-August 22, 1877) She is buried in Campground Cemetery.
• William J. Rushing (December 19, 1878-August 10, Aug 1904). He married Carrie M. Dees (September 29, 1884-February 16, 1945), daughter of Edmond Leonard Dees and Martha E. Griffin, December 15, 1901, in Decatur Co., TN. Both are buried at Smith Chapel, Henderson Co., TN.
• Fannie Mae Rushing (July 2, 1880-December 22, 1880). She is buried in Campground Cemetery.
• Thomas Theodore Rushing (July 15, 1881-October 27, 1882. He is buried in Campground Cemetery.
• Etta Rushing (born after 1880). She married Henry Eith Smith, December 20, 1898, in Decatur Co., TN.
• Jimmie W. Rushing (born circa 1883).
• Walter L. Rushing (April 10, 1885-September 14, 1890). He is buried in Campground Cemetery.

Leonadus married, second, Mary Jane Jones (November 27, 1853-March 8, 1901), December 22, 1892, in Decatur Co., TN. She is buried in Campground Cemetery.

Child:

• Hattie Bell Rushing (1893-February 9, 1991). In 1910 census she is living in the household of W. H. H. Rushing. She married Jessie Lee Tolley (1890-1975), son of James Arthur Tolley and Sedna Frances (Sissy) Finch, December 25, 1910, in Decatur Co., TN. Both are buried in Campground Cemetery.

NANCY DEASON RUSHING (1782-1857)

One of the oldest carved markers at Campground Cemetery is that for Nancy Rushing who died October 3, 1857. Nancy Rushing was the daughter of Enoch Deason and Rebecca. She married David Rushing (born circa 1778). David died before 1828 in Anson Co., NC. David's father was Robert Rushing and his mother may have been Jemima Jackson. The widow Nancy and her family were living in Perry Co. in 1836. The family of Nancy and David Rushing is proven in the records of the settlement of the estate of Enoch Deason Rushing in Sumter Co., AL.

Children:

• Holden Rushing (circa 1802-after 1860). Holden Rushing was born in Anson Co., NC; was in Decatur Co., TN, in 1850; and was in Union Co., IL, in 1860. Holden may also have been in Sumter Co., AL. He married Delila Jackson (born circa 1812, in NC). Descendants live near Jonesboro, Anna, and Carbondale in Illinois.
• Calvin Rushing (March 31, 1804-January 1860). Calvin Rushing was born in Anson Co., NC, and died in the Garrett Community, Decatur Co., TN. Though listed as a teacher in the 1850 census, Calvin earlier was a merchant in business with his brother-in-law Robert Lowry. Calvin married Rebecca White (October 5, 1815-March 20, 1978), daughter of Reuben R. White and Isabella Welch. Both are buried in Campground Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN.
• Rebecca Rushing (circa 1805-after 1860). She married John Jackson (died before 1849). Rebecca may be buried at Smith Chapel, Henderson Co., TN
• Jemima M. Rushing (August 15, 1806-September 10, 1840). She is buried in Houston Cemetery, Beacon Road, Decatur Co., TN. She married Robert Lowry (January 28, 1806-April 22, 1880).
• William Gilbert Rushing (October 23, 1810-April 15, 1875). William Gilbert Rushing was born in Anson Co., NC, and died in the Garrett Community, Decatur Co., TN. Occupation: Farmer. In 1841 William Gilbert Rushing donated the land where Campground Cumberland Presbyterian Church now stands for use for a church and cemetery. The cemetery itself may be older. He was called Gil. He married Eliza (April 20, 1819-March 14, 1881). Both are buried in Campground Cemetery. Among descendants of Eliza's granddaughter Sophia Rushing Moore there is an oral tradition that Eliza was sister of Noah Williams. However, in the marriage record of her son Millard Fillmore Rushing in Massac Co., IL, she is listed as Eliza White.
• Martha Rushing (died before 1850). She married Albert White (October 18, 1814-March 15, 1885), son of Reuben R. White and Isabella Welch, circa 1834. Albert White was born in NC and is buried in Ebenezer Cemetery, Henderson Co., TN. (One source lists Albert White as a son of Henry White and Hannah Rushing, but based on age and location, he seems more likely to have been a son of Ruben White and grandson of Henry White.)
• Enoch Deason Rushing. His estate went to probate on February 17, 1851, in Sumter Co., AL. He seems never to have married as his brothers, sister, and the children of his deceased sisters are heirs to his estate.

PHILLIP RUSHING (Circa 1746-After 1840)

Phillip Rushing was a Revolutionary War veteran who filed a pension application from Perry Co., TN, in 1834. At the time of the filing Phillip's memory was failing. He was unable to provide information about his service on his first attempt to file and may have had to get the information from Richard Rushing. Phillip had court appointed guardians in his old age. Perry County court records show an 1838 petition by Calvin Lacy (probably a grandson) to be replaced as guardian. Burrell Rushing (probably a nephew) seems to have suceeded Calvin Lacy as guardian. Whether because of failing memory or error on the part of the court clerk, Phillip's age is off by about 10 years in his pension application which lists him as born in 1756. Census records clearly show Phillip to be older. Phillip's pension application notes that he was at skirmishes at Thompson Creek, Lynches Creek, Hills Creek, Richardson Creek, Drowning Creek, and Bettys Bridge. He also served on the Cape Fear River near Wilmington.

Phillip probably is buried in one of the old cemeteries in the southern part of Decatur County.

Phillip Rushing's wife, proven in Anson Co., NC, property records, was named Hannah (before 1755-after 1815). Phillip probably had about four sons and four or five daughters. The birth range for Phillip's children is 1765-1785. While younger children appear in Phillip's household in between 1800 and 1820, there are always multiple adult females in the household as if the families of some of Phillip's children lived in Phillip's household.

Children:

• Phillip Rushing (circa 1768-circa 1814). He is Phillip Rushing Jr. of the 1790 census. Phillip was born in Anson Co., NC, and died in Stewart Co., TN. He lived on Guices Creek, possibly in what is now Houston County. His wife was named Jemima. A son Larkin settled in McNairy Co., TN. Other descendants are in Houston and Stewart Cos., TN, and Trigg Co., KY.
• Hannah Rushing (born after 1770). She married Henry White, son of Joseph White and Sarah. Hannah is ancestor of the Whites in the Concord community, some of the Whites in the Scotts Hill area, and all the Welch.
• Elijah Rushing (born circa 1780). Elijah Rushing served as security for Eljiah Lowry, appointed in 1816 as guardian of the minor children of Phillip Rushing, deceased, in Steward Co., TN.
• Millie Rushing (born circa 1785). She married Jesse Lacy (March 20, 1770-before 1840), son of Thomas Lacy and Kesiah Griffith. Jess was born in Anson Co., NC, and died in Perry Co., TN. Millie is the ancestor of the Lacys in Decatur County.
• Other Children. Another likely son would be the Richard Rushing in Livingston Co., KY in the 1810 census (born 1785 or earlier). One of Phillip's daughters (name unknown, born circa 1777 or earlier) may have married Mark Rushing. A Burwell Rushing who would have been an adult before 1808 appears in Anson Co., NC, property records. A more speculative possibility for a daughter would be the wife (name unknown, born early 1780s) of the Robert Ivy who settled on Rushing Creek in Decatur County.

RICHARD RUSHING (1749-1841)

Richard Rushing was born in Virginia according to his pension application. Before moving to west Tennessee he lived on Brown's Creek in Anson County, North Carolina. He served in the Revolutionary War and received a pension (S21457) for his service. A summary of his service contained in his pension file: "In 1776, three months in Captain John Jackson's Company, was in a skirmish at Drowning Creek where his brother William was wounded and soon after died; in 1777, nine months in Captain Stephen Jackson's Company; in 1778, ten months in the same company; in 1779, eight months in the same company; in 1780, six months in the same company. A part of the time he served in Colonel Wade's Regiment. He was in skirmishes on Black river, Bates Bridge, Lynch's Creek, Richardson's Creek and Thompson's Creek."

Richard Rushing moved to Tennessee in 1819 and settled on the south side of the Beech River. While he claimed to live on Rushing Creek in his pension application, property records show that he had extensive land holdings in the 7th and 8th sections of the 8th range along Turkey Creek.

Richard Rushing seems to have married twice. About 1783 he married a daughter (name unknown) of the William Rushing who settled between Little Brown's Creek and Thompson's Creek. (This is why in Benton County, Dennis and Willis are said to be cousins of Abel and Robert.) The Sarah Rushing, age 80 in the 1850 census, seems to have been Richard's second wife. They would have married circa 1790.

Proven Children:

• David (circa 1785-circa 1845). He is buried in the Old Cemetery, near Rushing Cemetery, Pope Co., AR. He married Mary Goodrich in Dickson Co., TN.
• Amy. Born in NC. Died, before 1839, possibly in Pope Co., AR. She married Unknown Boatwright.
• Dennis (circa 1786-1860). He married Kezia Bell (born 1786). Both are buried in the Dennis Rushing Cemetery, Benton Co., TN.

Generally Accepted Children:

• Richard (born circa 1790). Census: 1850, in Decatur Co., TN. Census: 1860, in Corsicana, Navarro Co., TX. He married Prudence (circa 1800-July 26, 1886). Prudence is buried in White Cemetery, Navarro Co., TX.
• Willis (circa 1792-May 1853). He married Mary (Polly) Rasberry (circa 1798). Both were born in NC and both are buried in Hudson Cemetery, Benton Co., TN.

Sarah Rushing's Family:

• Elijah (circa 1791-before 1840). Lived in AL 1810-1820. Died in Perry Co., TN. He has descendants near Parsons.
• Burrell (circa 1798-May 5, 1867). He married Mary Elizabeth Rhodes (born circa 1806). Both are buried in fieldstone marked graves in Rushing Grove Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN. Most Rushings in Mt. Zion Community, Scotts Hill, and Henderson Co. are descendants.
• Isaac (circa 1799-April 1853). He was born in NC and lived in Perry Co. during the 1820s and 1830s but moved to Natchitoches Parish, LA, before 1840. He married, first, Rebecca Saint (circa 1800-circa 1839), daughter of Isham Saint and Mary. He married, second, Elizabeth (circa 1801-April 1853). He has descendants in Decatur Co., including all present Tolleys.

Other Probable Children:

• Unknown (circa 1785-before 1850). Husband of the Sarah Rushing appearing as head of household in the 1850 census.
• D. M. (Daniel??) (circa 1795-before 1850). Census: 1840, in Perry Co., TN.

ROBERT RUSHING (Before 1755-After 1820)

Robert Rushing has the best documented family of any of the early Rushings in Anson Co., NC. Robert was the son of the William Rushing who settled between Little Brown's Creek and Thompson's Creek. As proven by land grants and deeds, Robert lived "on the lower side of Little Brown Creek, joining William's [Rushing] line, north of Haw Branch and a point near Johnston's line." The name of Robert Rushing's wife has not been proven, but some Rushing family researchers believe she was Jemima Jackson. Robert's children are proven by deeds in Anson and Union Cos., NC. All of Robert Rushing's children were born in Anson Co., NC.

Children:

• Sophia J. Rushing (circa 1771). She married Thomas Jasper Herrin, son of William Elisha Herrin and Mary Agniss Abimlick, November 11, 1786, in NC. Part of this family settled in Benton Co., TN.
• Joseph Rushing (circa 1774-after 1845). He died in Bedford Co., TN, where he was living in 1836. He married Martha Deason, daughter of Enoch Deason and Rebecca, circa 1797, in NC.
• John Rushing (circa 1776-December 10, 1827). He died and is buried in Bedford Co., TN. He married Milly Deason, daughter of Enoch Deason and Rebecca, September 18, 1805, in Anson Co., TN.
• David Rushing (circa 1778-before 1828). He married Nancy Deason (1782-October 3, 1857), daughter of Enoch Deason and Rebecca, circa 1800, in Anson Co., NC. This family was in Anson Co., NC, in 1830 and in Perry Co., TN, in 1836. Nancy is buried in Campground Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN. Most Rushings and Moores at Campground Cemetery and the Jackson family in Middleburg are descendants.
• Sarah Rushing (November 13, 1781-February 1 1836). She married James Elisha Herrin, son of William Elisha Herrin and Mary Agniss Abimlick, June 15, 1801, in TN. She died in Stewart Co., TN. She has descendants in Benton Co., TN.
• Drucilla Rushing (born circa 1782). She married Stephen Huntley.
• Elizabeth Rushing (born circa 1784). She married, first, James Little, before 1800. She married, second, William Deason, son of Enoch Deason and Rebecca, before 1810. In 1836, she lived in Bedford Co., TN.
• Abel Rushing (November 8, 1788-August 26, 1835). Occupation: Farmer. Abel Rushing served in the War of 1812. He was in Benton Co., TN, in 1836. He married Sarah Herrin (March 20, 1788-November 29, 1858), daughter of William Elisha Herrin and Mary Agniss Abimlick. Both are buried in Rushing Creek Cemetery, Benton Co., TN. Some sources give her name as Sarah Griffin.
• William Rushing (born before 1794). This William is specifically listed as "Son of Robt." in the 1820 census. His age is 26-45, but he probably is in the lower end of this age range. He lived in Benton Co., TN, in 1836, but later moved to Missouri.
• Robert (Robin) Rushing (January 8, 1799-June 27, 1855). Robert was in Benton Co., TN, in 1836. He married Lively Webb (circa 1797-May 18, 1869). Both are buried in Rushing Creek Cemetery, Benton Co., TN.

WILLIAM GILBERT RUSHING (1810-1875)

William Gilbert (Gil) Rushing was born October 23, 1810, in Anson Co., NC, and died April 15, 1875. He had moved to Decatur County, then Perry County, by 1836. He was a farmer. In 1841 he donated the land where Campground Cumberland Presbyterian Church now stands for use for a church and cemetery. His wife Eliza was born April 20, 1819, and died March 14, 1881. Among descendants of Eliza's granddaughter Sophia Rushing Moore there is an oral tradition that Eliza was sister of Noah Williams. However, in the marriage record of son Millard Fillmore Rushing in Massac Co., IL, she is listed as Eliza White. William Gilbert Rushing and Eliza are buried at Campground Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN.

Children:

• Leonadus Rushing (April 13, 1837-February 27, 1902). He married, first, Martha Jane Newsom (May 22, 1848-April 18, 1890), daughter of Joseph Newsom and Sophia, January 5, 1869, in Perry Co., TN. He married, second, Mary Jane Jones (November 27, 1853-March 8, 1901), December 22, 1892, in Decatur Co., TN. All three are buried in Campground Cemetery.
• Rebecca Rushing (September 11, 1839-February 21, 1925. She married George Findley Martin (September 9, 1834-June 23, 1930), son of James Martin and Elizabeth C. Findley, October 23, 1859, in Decatur Co., TN. James may have been born in Giles Co., TN. Both died in Lamar Co., TX.
• Martha F. Rushing (May 5, 1842-January 15, 1917). She married James L. Bagby (May 6, 1838-June 7, 1922), circa 1865. Both are buried in Grandsire Holmes Cemetery, Henderson Co., TN.
• Mary E. Rushing (May 4, 1844-February 23, 1873. She married Samuel H. Westbrooks, October 22, 1865, in Davidson Co., TN. Mary is buried in Campground Cemetery.
• Sophie (Sophronia) A. Rushing (December 18, 1845-June 23, 1879). She married Harvey Washington (Wash) Myracle (February 10, 1839-Fenruary 4, 1908), son of Lawrence L. Myracle and Jane H. Cox, circa 1868. Both are buried in Campground Cemetery.
• Ann E. Rushing (born circa 1846). She married Thomas P. Arnold, son of James Ephraim Arnold and Laverne Ann Houston. She died in Lamar Co., TX.
• John A. Rushing (born circa 1848). He married Louisa J. Carrell (born circa 1855), daughter of Edward T. Carrell and Louisa J., December 23, 1874, in Decatur Co., TN.
• Catherine E. Rushing (February 20, 1849-August 4, 1874). She is buried in Campground Cemetery.
• Penelope E. Rushing (born circa 1852). She married J. Asbury Davis, March 16, 1876, in Decatur Co., TN.
• Millard Fillmore Rushing (circa 1853-February 1, 1928). He died in Lamar Co., TX. He married, first, Sarah Leona Carrell, daughter of Edward T. Carrell and Louisa J., December 25, 1879, in Decatur Co., TN. He married, second, Harietta E. Simpson, daughter of John P. Simpson and Fannie Stegald, August 21, 1889, in Massac Co., IL.
• Milton Brown Rushing (May 21, 1854-December 31, 1879). He is buried in Campground Cemetery.
• William B. (Bill) Rushing (born circa 1857). Died in TX. Resided 1909, in Sunnyvale, Santa Clara Co., CA.
• Margaret Jane (Janie) Rushing (circa 1857-October 12, 1910). She married John Parker Carroll (circa 1861-July 28, 1912), son of Edward T. Carrell and Louisa J., 1887, in Paris, Lamar Co., TX. Both died in Commerce, Hunt Co., TX.
• Emily H. Rushing (February 12, 1860-October 14, 1874). She is buried in Campground Cemetery.
• Mahala J. Rushing (April 18, 1862-August 24, 1874). She is buried in in Campground Cemetery.

REBECCA RUSHING JACKSON (Circa 1805-After 1860)

Rebecca was the daughter of David Rushing and Nancy Deason. She was born circa 1805 and died after the 1860 census. She may be buried at Smith Chapel, Henderson Co., TN. In the 1850 census she is a widow living next to her brother William Gilbert Rushing in Decatur County. Her husband was John Jackson who died circa 1849. The name of her husband is proven in Anson Co., NC, Deed Book 13, page 139, dated December 3, 1849. "William H. Bennett & wife to Griffin Avitt, Power of Atty--W. H. & wife, Temperance, formerly Temperance Jackson of Co. of Decatur, State of TN to receive for us a sum of money in the hands of Darling Rushing, guardian of said Temperance Jackson $200 more or less her portion in the estate of John Jackson deceased late of Union County, NC. Attest: William G. Rushing/John Garrett."

Children:

• Stephen Jackson (born circa 1820). He was born in SC and in 1850 is in Sumter Co., AL. He was a farmer.
• Temporance A. Jackson (born circa 1828). She married William H. Bennett (born circa 1826). He was a merchant.
• Richard A. Jackson (born circa 1829). He was born in NC and in 1850 is in Sumter Co., AL. He was a farmer.
• Frances Emiline Jackson (December 16, 1833-November 26, 1910). She was born in NC and died in the Garrett Community, Decatur Co., TN. She married Jeremiah Benton (Jerry) Welch (circa 1829-April 22, 1900), son of Nicholas Welch and Nancy White. Both are buried in Campground Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN. He was a farmer.
• James Holden Jackson (May 1, 1837-November 14, 1908). He was born in Anson Co., NC, and died in Henderson Co., TN. He is buried at Smith Chapel, Henderson Co., TN. He married, first, S. Elizabeth (born circa 1841), circa 1859. Divorce, circa 1867. He married, second, Elender (Ellen) J. (Elizabeth) Reed (June 23, 1847-February 23, 1883), daughter of James Reed and Minerva, circa 1868. She is buried at Smith Chapel. James Holden Jackson is ancestor of the Jacksons in the Middleburg area of Henderson County. The family of James Holden Jackson is covered in a 1992 book titled The Descendants of James Holden Jackson by Joel F. Jackson of Jackson, Tennessee. This book contains detailed sketches of James Holden Jackson, his wives, and each of his children.

LACY FAMILY

The Lacy family of Decatur County is descended from Hiram Lacy, son of Jess Lacy and Millie Rushing. The following information about the family of Jesse Lacy comes from Sara Fulks, with additional information from Brian Eigelback, and was posted on the Prodigy genealogy bulletin board, January 16, 1995.

Thomas Lacy (born circa 1650 Wales or England, probably died Hanover Co., VA) married Phoebe Rice, daughter of Thomas and Marcey Rice. They immigrated to America between 1680 and 1685, settling in that part of New Kent Co., VA that became Hanover Co., VA. Among their children was:

Thomas Lacy (born circa 1680s New Kent Co., VA) married circa 1704-06 New Kent Co., VA to Anne Burnley (born circa 1688). Among their children was:

Stephen Lacy (born circa 1708 New Kent Co., VA, died 1772 Goochland Co., VA, with will dated March 16, 1771, and proved July 20, 1772) married 1738 to Sarah Johnson. They were Presbyterians. Among their children was:

Thomas Lacy (born circa 1725-28 Hanover Co., VA, died October 1, 1793 Anson Co., NC) married second time 1764 to Keziah Griffith. He fought in Revolutionary War. Their children were: 1. Mary B. Lacy (born October 14, 1761, died before 1824) married Theodoric Webb of Fort Mill, York Co., SC. 2. Sarah Lacy (born December 22, 1763, died before 1824) married unknown Webb. 3. Stephen Lacy (born October 18, 1765 Anson Co., NC, died December 23, 1851 Madison Co., TN) married circa 1800 to Katherine Ross, daughter of Hugh Ross and Margaret McDonald, went from Anson Co., NC to Hickman Co., TN circa 1810. 4. Thomas Lacy (December 21, 1768, died Madison Co., TN) married circa 1797 to Jane Ross, daughter of Hugh Ross and Margaret McDonald, went from Anson Co., NC to Hickman Co., TN circa 1810. 5. Jesse Lacy (born March 20, 1770, died circa 1824 Perry Co., TN) married Millie Rushing. 6. Griffith Lacy, unmarried. 7. Elizabeth Lacy (born December 20, 1771, died after 1824), married unknown Jackson. 8. Lucretia Lacy (born October 25, 1776, died October 1840 Henderson Co., TN) married February 18,1800 to Hugh Ross, son of Hugh Ross and Margaret McDonald, went from Anson Co., N.C. to Hickman Co., TN circa 1810. 9. Anna Lacy married Hugh Campbell.

Another Lacy, not a direct ancestor, also lived in the area. Until 1991, a carved fieldstone at Duke Chapel Cemetery marked the grave of Wm. Lacy, d. 1836, Age 80. The fieldstone was somewhat difficult to read and was hidden under a bush. This fieldstone marked the grave of William Lacy, born May 5, 1755 in Orange Co., NC. William Lacy was a Revolutionary War veteran who filed pension claim S21342 dated August 14, 1834, from Henderson Co. The bush and fieldstone have since been removed.

JESS LACY (1770-Circa 1824)

Jesse Lacy, son of Thomas Lacy and Kesiah Griffith, was born March 20, 1770, in Anson Co., NC, and died before 1830, in Perry Co., TN. He married Millie Rushing, daughter of Phillip Rushing and Hannah. Jess lacy's family moved to Perry Co. about 1814. Three sons and four daughters are known. "Uncle Jessie Lacy died in Decatur County, Tennessee, about 1820. He was supposed to have died in consequence of his being very fleshy, died of suffocation." [Transcription of letter written about 1890 by Stephen L. Ross, who lived in Florida, to Thomas Lacy, Denton, Texas, on file in Public Library in Wadesboro, NC.]

Children:

• Calvin Lacy (January 13, 1806-December 3, 1875). Calvin Lacy was born in NC and died and is buried in Booneville, Prentiss Co., MS. He married Nancy Stephens in Perry Co., TN. Calvin Lacy is said to have been well off. Perry County Circuit Court records show that in 1838 Calvin Lacy petitioned the court to be replaced guardian of Phillip Rushing. Calvin Lacy had no children.
• Hiram Lacy (circa 1811-before 1870). Hiram Lacy was first sheriff of Decatur Co., TN. He married Nancy (born circa 1811, in NC). Hiram is ancestor of all the known Lacys in Decatur Co.
• William Carroll Lacy (died July 13, 1901). William Carroll Lacy was born in Savannah, Hardin Co., TN, and died in Prentiss Co., MS. He is buried Mackey's Creek Cemetery, Prentiss Co., MS. He married Elizabeth Riddle, daughter of Charles Riddle and Milbrey Harmon, 1841.
• Keziah Lacy (August 24, 1824-September 7, 1845). She died in Prentiss Co., MS, and is buried in Mackey's Creek Cemetery. She married James Files Gresham, January 19, 1843, in Prentiss Co., MS.
• Elizabeth Lacy (d. bef. 1849). She married Noah Williams (15 May 1903-Jan. 1880). Noah Williams is buried at New Hope Cemetery.
• Nancy Lacy.
• Armia/Anna Lacy.

The daughters Anna and Elizabeth are believed to been married in Perry Co., TN.

JEMIMA RUSHING LOWRY (1806-1840)

Near the intersection of state highways 69 and 202 in Decaturville, in the woods behind the antique store, is the grave of Jemima M. Lowry, wife of Robert Lowry. The grave is outside the fence of the later Young family cemetery known as the Houston Cemetery. This, and confusion with another unrelated Robert Lowry who lived near Scotts Hill, lead the compilers of the cemetery book assembled by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in the 1970s to suggest the older cemetery outside the fence was a negro or slave cemetery. This is not correct.

Jemima was the daughter of David Rushing and Nancy Deason. She was born August 15, 1806 and died September 10, 1840. She married Robert Lowry, born January 28, 1806, in the Chesterfield District of SC and died April 22, 1880, in Prentice Co., MS. Robert Lowry was the son of John Paul Lowry (1771-1823) and Temperance J. Rushing (1778-1823). Robert and Jemima came to Tennessee about 1832 with Robert's brother Thomas Jefferson Lowry and Jemima's brother Holden Rushing. The diary of Thomas Lowry describes their journey. They came in a Jersey wagon drawn by one horse. Thomas and Holden walked most of the way. Their journey took them through Buncombe Co., NC; down the French Broad River; to Knoxville, Nashville, then Humphreys Co. (now Benton Co.) where they stayed for a while near relatives before moving to Perry Co. Robert was a merchant in business with his brotherin-law Calvin Rushing. Robert moved to Tishomingo Co., MS, between 1840 and 1842 and remarried there.

Children:

• John Alexander Lowry (born circa 1828). He was born in Chesterfield Co., SC. He is in Prentice Co., MS, in 1880.
• Robert Graden Haynes Lowry (March 10, 1830-January 19, 1910). He was born in Chesterfield Co., SC, and died in Jackson, Hinds Co., MS. He is buried in Brandon, Rankin Co., MS. Occupation: Lawyer. Robert Lowry was a Brigadier General in the confederate army and served as governor of Mississippi 1881-1889. He married Maria Miller Gammage, September 9, 1849, in Jasper Co., MS.
• William L. Lowry (March 10, 1829-February 15, 1879) He was born in Chesterfield Co., SC. He was a merchant and a lawyer. The murder of William Lowry is described in The Jackson Comet (MS) issue of March 15, 1879, which covers the trial of John C. Arnold in Sunflower Co., MS. William Lowry is buried in Brandon, Rankin Co., MS. He married Sallie.
• Amamda Lowry (born circa 1833). She was born in Perry Co., TN.
• Edwin Lowry (born and died January 7, 1838). He is buried in Houston Cemetery, Beacon Road, Decatur Co., TN.
• Jemima Belle Lowry (circa 1838-April 1874). She married S. T. K. Dobbins, June 27, 1855, in Tishomingo Co., MS.
• Maria Lowry (circa 1839-April 1874). She married John D. Lewellen.
• Infant Son. He is burial in Houston Cemetery.

The above information about children comes from the research of Frances Thomas of Nederland, Texas.

LEROY P. MOORE

Leroy P. Moore (May 27, 1830-may 21, 1887) was the son of Jesse Moore (ca. 1780-1841) and Margaret (Peggy) Denton (circa 1785-1858). He was born in the Cedar Creek Community of Perry Co. Jesse Moore purchased land on the Beech River in 1839. After the death of Jesse Moore, the farm was managed by James Lomax who was married to Jess Moore's daughter Malinda. The Lomax lived midway between the Moore home where Maggie Mae Moore now lives and the Beech River.

Leroy P. Moore attended an academy at Decaturville, but there is no evidence he became a teacher. He and, later, his son William Garrett Moore serves as members of the school board for the Garrett Community school. Leroy P. Moore farmed jointly with James Lomax during the two periods when the Lomax family lived on the farm. One of Leroy P. Moore's farm journals describes a molasses making operation.

Before his marriage, Leroy P. Moore was best friends with W.H.H. Rushing. He and W.H.H. Rushing made barrel staves which W. H. H. Rushing took to New Orleans to sell. Leroy die not fight during the Civil War. The Confederates confiscated his rifle. He had to use a special license to vote in 1866 and 1867.

In the 1870s there was a struggle for ownership of the Moore farm. John Myracle returned from Missouri owning a two fifth shares of the property, one inherited by his wife Nancy and another purchased from Serena and Caleb Horner. John Myracle and appears to have tried to get control of the property. The Lomax share seems to have been deciding factor. Leroy P. Moore bought out John Myracle. William G. Moore eventually bought the Lomax share from Francis Marion Harrington.

Leroy P. Moore was a member of New Hope Baptist Church and was secretary for the church for many years.

He married Mary Ann Rushing (January 4, 1833-May 13, 1878), daughter of Joel Rushing and Zilphy. Both are buried in New Hope Cemetery, Decatur Co., TN.

Children:

• William Garrett Moore (January 22, 1862-March 28, 1930). He married Sophie Ann Rushing (August 21, 1871-May 21, 1958), daughter of Leonadus Rushing and Martha Jane Newsom, September 1, 1889, in Decatur Co., TN. Both are buried at Campground Cememetery, Decatur Co., TN.
• John P. Moore (Apr 1, 1864-April 16, 1864).
• James Greenberry Moore (born July 21, 1865). In 1918, he lived in Greer Co., OK. In 1929, he lived in Tucson, Pima Co., AZ.
• Margaret Gilpha Moore (March 5, 1868-February 11, 1903). She married J. Thomas Pearcy (July 10, 1863-May 5, 1898), son of John W. Pearcy and Isabelle, October 28, 1894. Thomas and an infant are buried in Campground Cemetery. Margaret went west with her brothers died in Abilene, Taylor Co., TX.
• Jesse Franklin Moore (August 12 1870-November 1955). He lived in Greer Co., OK, in 1918 and in Tucson, Pima Co., AZ, in 1929. He died in Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA.
• He wife was named Marion.
• Leroy Granville Moore (born December 29 1872). In 1913, he lived in Wichita Co., TX. His wife was named Kathryn. Leroy may have died in Chicago.
• Eligah Simpson Moore (born August 29, 1876). He lived with his brother Jesse's family. He probably never married.

MARTHA RUSHING WHITE (Died Before 1850)

Martha Rushing was the daughter of David Rushing and Nancy Deason. Her birth date is not known but probably was 1814-1818. She died before 1850. The children of Martha Rushing are recorded in the probate records of the estate of Enoch Deason Rushing in Sumter Co., Alabama. Thr probate record generally lists the children in the order in which they later appear in the 1850 census in Decatur County. The probate records lists daughters Frances White and Matilda White not listed in the 1850 census. One of these probably is the Melvina listed in the census. The Sumter Co. probate records note that George W. Harrell had been appointed by the Decatur Co. Court as guardian of Martha's children.

She married Albert White, son of Reuben R. White and Isabella Welch, circa 1834. He was born October 18, 1814, in NC, and died March 15, 1885. Albert is buried in Ebenezer Cemetery, Henderson Co., TN. Albert White was a farmer. One source lists Albert White as a son of Henry White and Hannah Rushing. Based on age and location, he seems more likely to have been a son of Reuben White and grandson of Henry White. In the 1850 census Albert White is living in Decaturville (household #57) near William H. Morgan (#58), Nicholas D. White (#59), and Ruben White (#61).

Children:

• Richard A. White (September 22, 1834-September 14,1907). Census: 1880, in Henderson Co., TN. Occupation: Farmer. Richard A. White appears as Richmond White in both the 1850 census and the 1870 census. He married Louisa Jane McCollum (August 2, 1848-October 9, 1905). Both are buried in Methodist Cemetery, Scotts Hill, Henderson Co., TN.
• William Egbert (Egg) White (born circa 1836). Census: 1880, in Henderson Co., TN. Occupation: Farmer. He married Margaret C. Harroway (born circa 1839), circa 1857. They probably lived neas Scotts Hill.
• Emily/Emeline J. White (January 10, 1838-June 29, 1883). She married John A. Middleton, son of Alfred L. Middleton and Mary. Born, 13 Aug 1827. Died, 18 Dec 1886. Both are buried in Ebenezer Cemetery.
• Nancy E. White (March 17, 1839-March 30, 1928). She apparently never married and is buried in Ebenezer Cemetery.
• James T. White (1840-1926). Census: 1870, in Henderson Co., TN. Occupation: Farmer. He married Mary B. Moore (1843-1929), daughter of Alfred Lynch Moore and Carolyn C. Stabaugh (Stobaugh?), before 1870. Both are buried in Methodist Cemetery, Scotts Hill.
• Haywood W. (Wood) White (July 6, 1842-January 26, 1924). He married Nancy Amanda Smith (1855-1895), daughter of Alfred Franklin Smith and Mary Francis Dunavant. Born, 1855. Died, 1895. Both are buried in Ebenezer Cemetery.
• Sarah Ann (Sally) White (born circa 1845). Census: 1850, in Decatur Co., TN.
• Martha F. White (born circa 1846). Census: 1850, in Decatur Co., TN.
• Melvina White (February 7, 1848-August 11, 1878). Census: 1850, in Decatur Co., TN. She is buried in Ebenezer Cemetery. She married L. A. Helms.