yesterday's tennessee
August 26, 1938
Progress
In the city of New York, on the 15th day of July, a baby boy was born of Irish-American parentage, and that boy was named L.H. Smotherman. That baby grew up and at an early age, his parents left New York City, in a round-about-way and finally reached the city of Knoxville, Tenn., where the parents spent the last years of their lives. Time passed and L.H. became of age and enlisted in the Confederate army at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and during the so-called rebellion, the Civil War between the states of the American Union, the young soldier had a wide experience, engaging in several battles and was finally given an honorable discharge. Drifting to Henderson County, Mr. Smotherman married a daughter of the late James Hamilton and to the union was born at least one child, a daughter who grew up, married and died some years ago in Oklahoma. I regret that no dates are furnished me, in regard to the life of Mr. Smotherman, who became widely known as "Uncle Bud."
Mr. Smotherman worked in many capacities: ditching contracts, work on river levies and railroads, covered numerous states in the middle section of the United States. Uncle Bud was possibly better known in Lexington than other place, and I can say that without dispute that while his friends numbered thousands, he had no enemies. He was naturally of a very independent nature and before he was completely entitled to a state pension, he often remarked that while he was able to work he would as soon have a wooden leg as a pension--but the pension finally did come to him and was his support in his last days, in fact, a year or more of which was spent in the home of Mrs. Jas. Odle, at Hinson Springs. However, before he was given a pension by the Pension Board of Tennessee, he had received a monthly stipend from the Masonic fraternity, of which he was a member, with membership in Constantine Lodge No. 64, F & A.M., and a body from that lodge conducted the funeral service at old Antioch Church, Monday the 22nd. The other service was conducted by Elder J.L. Fuller, who had known the deceased for many years.
I very much regret that no data in regard to the life of Mr. Smotherman has been obtainable and I am forced to be content with what I have written. I can pay to Mr. Smotherman the tribute that I knew he was an honest man, who loved his people and friends and no small fact in his life was his unvarying devotion to his political principles, those of the Democratic party, but that did not keep him from doing justice to officials whom he knew to be capable and honest.--W.V. Barry
April 17, 1919
Progress
Albert W. Sweatt, aged 74 years, seven months and 19 days, died last Saturday, April 12th at 5 o'clock p.m., after many months of disability, the end coming while he was sitting in his chair, at his home near Murray, Ky
Mr. Sweatt was first married to Miss Alphia A. Taylor, Sept.20, 1868, and of the children born to the union five survive-Wayne, of Pine Bluff, Ark., Dora (Mrs. Osborne) of Murray, Ky., Walter and Cooper, of Lexington, Tenn., and Howard, of Little Ark.
His second marriage was to Mrs. Annie Farrow, Oct 23, 1902, and he is survived by her. The final summons coming suddenly as it did to Mr. Sweatt none of his children were with him except Mrs. Osborne.
Mr. Sweatt had been a "live wire" in his time. For thirty years he was a traveling salesman without missing a season and that fact alone speaks for his activity. He went through the war as a soldier of the Southern Confederacy and he was probably prouder of that than any other of his life experiences. He was for some time a follower of Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest and was near Gen. Albert Sidney Johnson when he fell at Shiloh. He was a member of the Christian church.
Knowing as we do the respect and affection in which Mr. Sweatt was held by his four sons, all of whom have lived here, we feel that the best we see and know in these sons is due to the example and precepts of their father. May his soul rest in peace.
November 22, 1918
Progress
James Scott, aged 80 years of more, died at an early hour Thursday night of last week, in Wildersville. He is survived by his wife and several children, the latter all grown and married. Mr. Scott joined the Christian church a year or more ago. He was a Federal veteran of the Civil War of 1861-1865.
January 11, 1918
Progress
Thomas E. Sellars, aged seventy-eight years, died at his home very close to Bargerton, last Sunday and is survived by his wife, four sons and one daughter. Mr. Sellers was an ex-Confederate soldier and for many years he had enjoyed no greater pleasure than attending the annual Confederate reunions. The surviving sons are Alonzo, Fred S., Cleveland and Arbie. Mrs. George Wilson is the daughter. Mr. Sellars lived with his younger son.
January 5, 1917
Progress
Esq. Nathan A. Gardner, in his 81st year, died Monday night at his home near Juno, this county.
Esq. Gardner was one of the best known and highly respected citizens of the West side of Henderson County. In the war of the sixties he was a lieutenant in the army of the confederacy. He was a member of the County Court for years and in many ways was a leading and influential citizen. Of the children by his first wife, he was survived by his sons, John, Will, Tom, Neal and Claude, (the last three named living in the West) and by two daughters.
By his second wife he left four surviving children. He is survived by his third wife, who has no children.
Esq. Gardner was of the Cumberland Presbyterian faith, but we do not know that he held active membership in that church.
Ever since The Progress was established in 1884, Esq. Gardner had been a good friend and patron of the paper and our pleasant business relations have brought us into close contact with him and several members of his family. Later, we will be glad to give space to a more extended notice of his long and useful life.
November 24, 1922
Progress
In memory of Calvin Hanna, late of Sardis, Tenn.
Brother Calvin Hanna was born on August 12th, 1837, and departed this life, Nov. 8th, 1922, aged 85 years, two months and 26 days. He was married to Miss Martha V. Craig, July 27th, 1858. To this union twelve children were born-six boys and six girls- and the six boys and two girls survive.
He enlisted in the Union army, Oct. 11th, 1862, and was mustered out as a first lieutenant on Oct. 7th, 1864, with military honors. He belonged to Co. H, 6th Tennessee Cavalry.
He was made a Master Mason in Sardis Lodge No. 267, about the year 1895. Professed faith in Christ August, 1870, and united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Spring Hill, the same date. He was elected and ordained as ruling elder in his church, Nov. 6th, 1870, and was a devoted member until his death.
Bro. Hanna was a loving husband, a kind father, a loyal citizen and good neighbor and it can be truly said of him, "Blessed are dead which died in the Lord, from henceforth yea saith the Lord, from henceforth saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."--Rev. 14, 13.
He was laid away in Shady Grove Cemetery to await the Resurrection of the sleeping dead. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. W.A. Dickson and the writer, Rev. T.N. Smith.
July 10, 1914
Progress
Joseph E. Wilson, aged 76 years, died at 12 o'clock midnight, Thursday night July 2, after comparatively a short illness by which he was confined but having long been visibly on the decline. Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife, but no children, as Mrs. Azbill, his last surviving child died last year. His son, Willie, a young man of great promise, died several years ago. Mr. Wilson's remains were laid to rest at Chapel Hill on Friday, the 3rd, Rev. Fleetwood Ball officiating.
Mr. Wilson was a member of the Methodist church, South, a lifelong and uncompromising Democrat and a man of very strong Southern sentiment. In the civil war of the sixties, he followed the flag of the Confederacy and got credit for being an excellent soldier. During the thirty years that we knew him it was his great delight to talk of the civil war and the struggle that followed it in rebuilding the wrecked and ruined South. He was the soul of hospitality and delighted to entertain his friends. It is remarkable that Mr. Wilson died in the beginning hour of the 76th anniversary of the day of his birth and that his granddaughter, Mildred, daughter of Florence Azbill, had died on the 1st inst., on the fourth anniversary of her birth. The remains of little Mildred were laid to rest at Bethel on the 2nd inst.
April 25, 1862
West Tennessee Whig
This gallant officer fell at the battle of Shiloh near the Tennessee River on the 6th of April while leading his men on to battle and victory. He had command of Company I, 27th Regiment of Tennessee Volunteers and was a citizen of Henderson County, Tenn. He fell early in the action, receiving a deadly wound from a grapeshot from the enemy's battery. He fell almost without a struggle and his company and the Regiment have sustained a irreparable loss by his untimely death. The writer of this was well acquainted with Capt. Sayle-had known him at home as well as in the army. He was a brave man who loved his country and gave himself as a living sacrifice on her altar. I had conversed with Capt. Sayle on the morning previous to the opening of the battle-he was cheerful and hopeful and said he knew we would gain the day. After we were formed into lines of battle and advancing on the enemy, (his command being next in the regiment) we were halted down in a hollow amid thick undergrowth and ravine; he said to me, "I don't like this, I don't like our position. I desire to get into a clear open place where I can do execution and see it done." "When you hear the commands, please report them in a clear and distinct voice so that I may not misunderstand and give them to my men." These were his last words; when the enemy opened his battery he fell in the first fire.
I have often talked with Capt. Sayle about our homes; he loved his home dearly, he doted on his wife; she was always upmost in his mind and had strong hopes of returning to her greetings; but alas! the brittle thread was cut and there is no more left of the hero, the soldier, the martyr; the Christian Capt. S.A. Sayle. He was an ornament to the society in which he lived, his friends loved him and he loved them in return. He was an exemplary citizen, a faithful and true follower of Christ, and I confidently believe he has found a resting place in eternal mansions beyond the grave where the cares and troubles of the soldier are unknown.
Peace to his shades.
Camp Corinth, April 8th, 1862
J.M.T. [John May Taylor]
April 16, 1887
West Tennessee Whig
Editor Whig: Capt. Asa N. Hays, who was better known by the name of Black Hawk Hays, is dead. He died recently in Decatur County, where he had resided for a number of years. He was for a long time a citizen of this county and acquired the name of Black Hawk Hays by reason of his bravery in the Indian Wars. In a battle with them he was shot through and through by an Indian brave, recovered from his wounds and was ever afterwards called Black Hawk in honor of his bravery and courage in fighting that warlike tribe of fiery savages. He was also a Federal Captain in the late war, and at the date of his death, he was drawing a pension granted to him by a grateful country on account of wounds received in the Indian wars. Capt. Hays was in many respects a remarkable man. He was brave and generous and full of energy, and had he possessed the advantages of an education, he doubtless would have reached with some of the most illustrious men of his day. But now his warfare is over and the old soldier sleeps his last sleep.
Bell Andrews, who was born in this county and resided here all his life is also dead. He died a few days ago at his home in the eastern part of the county. He was a soldier in Col. Kit William's Regiment in the late war. Thus has another brave, generous heart ceased to beat. Peace be unto his ashes.
Last week was Chancery Court at this place, but owing to the fact that the Legislature had changed the term, there was but little business ready for the judgment of the court, Chancellor Hawkins was promptly at his post and displaced all business ready for trial in two days, and will give us a special term beginning the 5th Monday in May.
The first Monday in this month was not only Chancery Court, but also Quarterly Court, which brought a large crowd of people to town.
Judge Muse was here and made an able and telling speech in favor of the Midland railroad proposition.
Last Saturday night Hon. E.J. Timberlake at Poplar Springs spoke in favor of subscription as did the Hon. Jackson Anderson and John Holmes. They repeat a friendly feeling in favor of the road in that neighborhood, and that it will receive a strong vote in that portion of the county.
The executive committee has published a list of appointments covering every prominent point in the county to send speakers to meet the people and discuss the advantages and benefits of the proposed road. The canvass commenced today at Juno, where Judge Murray, Col. Taylor and W.T. Logan made speeches. They report a fair crowd and everything favorable for the road. They speak at Arnold's store tomorrow, and the canvass will be kept up day and night until the election ends triumphantly the 12th day of May.
The weather warm, and spring-like, though needing a little rain.--H
April 15, 1927
Progress
Nick Kizer was born in Henderson County and at the time of his death, April 8th, 1927, at his home five miles north of Lexington, had reached the great age of 87 years.
He was first married to Miss Laura Adams who bore him three children, of whom two survive, Nora, widow of Eph Rhodes, and Mae, wife of Will Davis. His second wife was Mrs. Dora Reed, a widow, who lived but four months after marriage. His third wife was Mrs. Tennessee Crosser, who survives.
Mr. Kizer was a truly brave soldier of the Confederacy and in his latter years was granted state pension. He was a life-long Democrat, and a believer in the Primitive Baptist church. Taking him, all in all, he was a simple, straight-forward, honest man, without a crook in his composition. His word would not be given unless it could be kept-hence his word was as good as that of any man. His remains were interred at Beech River Cemetery last Saturday and a simple service was held by Elder Joe Fuller of the Primitive church. He was our friend and we shall miss his visits to Lexington.
December 10, 1943
Progress
Funeral services were held in Jackson, Saturday, for Capt. John Patton Stribling, 103, Confederate war veteran, of Madison county who died Thursday night in his home two miles from his birth place. He was commissioned a lieutenant with Gen. Nathan Bedford Forestss cavalry at Dalton, Ga. and took part in battles at Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Misionary Ridge and Shiloh. Stribling was wounded three times and taken prisoner once by the Federals.
Two years after the war, at 28, physicians told him that he had tuberculosis and had but two years to live.
Henderson Countys last Confederate veteran, Mr. John Anderson. died a few months ago.
October 15, 1843
Progress
John Dickson Anderson., 97, Henderson Countys last Confederate Veteran died Friday morning 8:15 o'clock. at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John W. Darden, of the Browns Creek community.
He was one of the oldest citizens of West Tennessee, having been born January 1, 1848, in Madison County, near Spring Creek.
At the age of 17, Mr. Anderson volunteered as a Confederate soldier in the Civil War and served under Genera! Nathan Bedford Forrest. He married Miss Mary Ann Lipscomb in 1868, she having proceded him to the grave 23 years ago.
Mr. Anderson was engaged in farming before his retirement severa1 years ago.
For three years he had made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Darden. and for the last year has been confined to his bed. His death was attributed from complications from a long illness.
He was a Methodist and affiliated with the church at Nebo.
Survivors are two sons: W. G. Anderson, Lexington, and C. H. Anderson, Jackson: two daugh-Rev. R. F. Wiley, pastor at Browns Church community, and Mrs. T. O. Hamlett, of Steele, Mo.; 21 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
Services were held at the Nebo church, Sunday afternoon, with Rev. R. F. Wiley, pastor at Brwons Creek, officiating, assisted by Rev. Bishop, pastor at Nebo.
The pall-bearers were his nephews: Arthur , Marvin, and Clyde Johnson, John Thomas, Wayne Arnold, and Basel Ragan.
February 12, 1909
Progress
Like the sun setting behind Western hills at the close of day the life of Arch Joyner, one of nature's noblemen, passed out at his home near Huron, last Friday morning at 2 o'clock. Pneumonia seized him and claimed him as a victim. The end came peacefully, just as one would draw the drapery of his couch about him and lie down to pleasant dreams. He died in the same room in which he had been born 75 years before. Surrounding him in his last moments were his devoted wife and most of the children.
Mr. Joyner was born Dec. 19, 1833, and died Feb. 5, 1909, age 75 years, one month and 26 days. His father, Micah [sic] Joyner, was one of the first five settlers of Henderson County, having immigrated from North Carolina and homesteaded the old Joyner home in Middle Fork, where his entire life of Arch was spent, excepting the years of the Civil War. At its beginning he entered the Confederate Army, enlisting at Mifflin in Company I, under Capt. Ross, of the Thirteenth Tennessee Regiment under Col. John V. Wright. He served with brave distinction during the four succeeding years of the unfortunate fratricidal strife.
On Sept. 20, 1868, his romantic courtship of Miss Emmaline Brown culminated in their marriage and to this union were born nine children, Thomas, who died at the age of twenty, and the following eight who, with their mother survive him: Mrs. Lizzie Glenn of Friendship; Mrs. Mattie Hurt, of Waco, Texas; Mrs. Lizzie Heath, of Friendship; Adam; A. Homer, of Lexington; Misses Fannie and Cora and Andrew.
Mr. Joyner led an active, industrious life. When but a young man the entire management of the business affairs of the family, including the care of his father, mother and invalid brother, revolved [sic] on him, and with remarkable fidelity and wisdom he measured up to and discharged this labor of love, furnishing his youthful associates an example of industry and thrift, and meeting satisfactorily every requirement of those dependent on him. Possessing in a rare degree those sturdy traits of character and a vigorous mentality which marks a man a leader among his fellows, he figured prominently in his county. His life-long political allegiance was with the Democratic party in whose councils his advice was timely and good. He was a member in good standing in Masonic Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons until the order at that place, ceased to exit, and was a consistent exemplification of its presence.
His name was not on any church roll, but he devoutly believed in the doctrines taught by the Primitive Baptists and had expressed a determination to attach himself to Middle Fork Church and to submit to the ordinance of baptism next summer. That he was prepared for death, no one questioned at all, for, by lips and life, he imparted those loft virtues of Christianity which distinguished a man as a true follower of the lowly Nazarene. Ruggedly, honest, intensely sincere, hating dissimulation of every form in an unusual degree he did unto others as he would have them do unto him. Not without the limitation of human flesh, but with faith in God, hope through Christ of a blissful hereafter, he had an open and ready hand for the needs of humanity. An affectionate, thoughtful husband; provident, loving, considerate father; kind, charitable neighbor and public-spirited, patriotic citizen in gone.
His body was interred in the cemetery at Middle Fork Church near his home, Saturday afternoon at one o'clock, with simple ceremonies, befitting the transparently honest, quiet life he had lived.
Arrangements have been made for the sermon to be preached during the summer by Eld. J.H. Blanchard of the Primitive Baptist Church, his friend and comrade in war.
June 25, 1909
Progress
James Stewart, aged 82 years lacking one day, died Saturday, June 12, at his home six miles south of Lexington. Uncle Jimmie as he was familiarly called had been well known in Henderson County during all the years of his life except for a few of his younger years. He was not a member of the church but professed religion fourteen years ago and was of the Primitive Baptist faith. He was a Federal veteran and was buried in his uniform of blue at Palestine on Sunday afternoon where Rev. W.T. Mosley officiated at the funeral. His wife died long ago but he left eight living children.
March 11, 1921
Progress
Uncle John C. Rhodes, as he was most generally known, was born Nov. 4, 1836, and died March 1, 1921, aged 84 years. He had been in feeble health for several years with the dreadful disease of diabetes, but had not been confined to his bed.
He was an ex-Confederate soldier and like many others bore the struggles of the Civil War for something like four years. He was surrendered at Greensboro, N.C., but came home to his invalid mother and his sisters and after his mother's death, he cared for his two sisters and niece until his sisters' death at which time he went to live with his niece, the wife of J.M. Brantley.
He leaves to morn his departure, one brother, Lee Rhodes of Grandbury, Texas, and several nieces and nephews.
Uncle John was born and reared in Henderson County--he died at the same place he was born. He was for fifty years a member of the Masonic fraternity and was a Baptist in belief but never united with the church. He was a life-long Democrat.
Burial in Jack's Creek Cemetery, Elder J.H. Philips of the Primitive Baptist
Church officiating.
--Mollie Brantley.
July 4, 1919
Progress
Death of G.B. Wallace Aged 76 years, four months and 20 days, June 27th, in the home of his son, Banister Wallace, in Jackson, where he had been making his home for eight weeks. The remains were brought to the old home in the old 5th district and on the Saturday afternoon at the Garrett graveyard, Rev. Buck, minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, officiated.
"Uncle Barney," was born in Henderson County of poor but eminently respectable parents, and what he became in life-a citizen of the highest type-was due to his own efforts and his innate sense of honor and right.
He was first married when a young man to Miss Mildred Priddy, daughter of the late Burk Priddy and to the union ten children were born. Survivors are Tommie and Will, Texas; Banister, Jackson; and Jim, Gibson County.
It has been our pleasure to be classed as the friend of Uncle Barney for thirty-five years, and we can say that we have never known a better, cleaner, or more conscientious gentleman and citizen. Our home has always been open to him as were those of his relatives and he knew and appreciated the fact. In the fact that he was an incorruptibly honest man, he has left his children a heritage of which they have just right to be proud. In the war of the sixties, he was a dependable soldier--and he loved the South, as did his family, his friends, his church and the Masonic honor. In politic he was a Democrat-but independent and he was a pioneer in the final successful effort to drive the liquor trade from the State. We believe that his soul is resting in peace.
June 20, 1919
Progress
Esq. C.F. McHaney, one of the oldest, most enterprising and best beloved citizens of Lexington, died after a long disability, at his home on Purdy Street at 230 o'clock, June 19th, 1919, aged 77 years last Nov. 1st.
As we go to press on Thursday morning, we are able to state that the funeral service will be held in in the Baptist Church at four o'clock this afternoon, his pastor, Rev. Fleetwood Ball, officiating, and interment in the Lexington Cemetery, will follow with the following pall-bearersJ.W. Page, E.F. Boswell, C.C. Sweatt, W.V. Barry, John. W. Stewart and H.E. Graper. In view of Esq. McHaney's standing in the community and our long and intimate association with him, we feel that a fitting account of his life be given which we are compelled to defer until the next issue.
[Note from Brenda Kirk Fiddler: C. F. McHaney served in Civil War. See 1907 list; see Goodspeed.]
November 7, 1919
Progress
Lawson B. Boren, who would have reached the extraordinary age of 91 years, had he lived until the 13th day of next March, died at his home in Darden, Tuesday, the 4th inst., at 1145 o'clock a.m.
Perhaps ten years ago Mr. Boren was stricken with partial paralysis, since which time he has been confined to his home and the summons came at the time stated.
Mr. Boren was married more than 60 years ago to Miss Morning Flowers and to that union one child was born, Elder W.F. Boren, who survives his father and lives at Darden. Frank, as we who know him well call him, was the only child his father ever had and he is somewhat advanced in years.
Mr. Boren's second wife was Miss Elizabeth Reed and his third wife, who survives him, Miss Nancy Bradfield.
During the Civil War of 1861-1865 Mr. Boren was a soldier of the Union or Federal Army and was a sergeant in the Seventh Regiment of Tennessee Cavalry Volunteers. During the four years of war he spent fifteen months in the Andersonville prison.
He was a man of wonderful energy and industry-noted as a worker for many years in the community in which he lived and in which he was always a valued factor. We remember on the occasion of a small county fair held in Lexington, after Mr. Boren had passed seventy-five years of age he was persuaded to take part in an old man's foot race, in which it was shown that he could outrun many men of half his age. He was our friend, our patron for many years, and we had a strong liking for him.
At some time in life, perhaps middle age, he professed religion and joined the Missionary Baptist Church.
The funeral service was held in the Baptist church at Darden at noon on Wednesday, Elder A.U. Nunnery officiating and all that was mortal of Mr. Boren was consigned to the bosom of Mother Earth in the Duke graveyard immediately following.
March 12, 1920
Progress
Alfred Fanning was born in North Carolina 81 years ago last January 9th. He came to to this country with his parents when quite young, his father settling in Decatur County, where he lived out his life as a farmer and blacksmith and Alfred followed the occupation of his father.
His first wife was Miss Cassie Orr, who died many years ago, leaving two children, one of whom Mrs. A. L. Goff of Bells, Tenn., survives. For his second wife he married Miss Sarah A. Orr, sister of his first wife, Nov. 14, 1871, and to that union seven children were born and six survive Will and John (twins), Woodward, Edgar, Lillian (Mrs. W.R. Smith), Dyersburg, and Walter.
Mr. Fanning lived practically all his life in Decatur County, many years in Decaturville (where I first met him in April 1881) and the first 12 years in the Decatur County section of Scotts Hill. In August 1918, he gave up his work in the blacksmith shop and moved to Lexington and Mrs. Fanning died here in February 1919. After the death of his wife, Mr. Fanning lived with his children here and elsewhere, finding it hard to be contented without his helpmete.
He was taken ill with influenza and pneumonia nine days before his death which occurred at 925 o'clock a.m., March 3rd, in the home of his son, John, here in Lexington, and we are told that almost from the first of his illness he was in a semi-conscious condition.
The funeral service was held in the Fanning home at 12 o'clock noon, on the 4th inst., Revs. H.R. Rose and Fleetwood Ball and Elder J. O. Brown officiating, each paying tribute to the life and character of the good man who had lived to a great age and each offering words of sympathy to the bereft ones.
It was the intention of the Masonic fraternity to take charge of the funeral after the service in the home, but they were delayed and later that service will be held in his memory.
This notice is written not so much to give the family history of Mr. Fanning, but to pay a personal tribute to his life and character by one who had known him for thirty-eight years. When I first went to Decaturville in April, 1881, I met him on that day or very soon after and the writing of this in his memory is prompted by the fact that I have never heard a single statement derogatory to his character. He had no opportunities to secure an education, hence his life was one of hard work, on the farm, the anvil and forge. Under these conditions with the fact that he reared a comparatively large family of children to make useful, respectable and fairly successful men, did he not perform a greater life work than if he had accumulated riches and reaped worldly honors? From the first he seemed to like me and his character as well as his personality commanded my respect and friendship. Even in his last days here in Lexington, it was his pleasure to hunt me up and with me converse of the by-gone days on which the minds of aged men dwell. So, it comes about that as Will Barry, his friend, and not as a newspaper man, it is my pleasure to write of him and to say that in all my life I do not believe I ever knew a cleaner, more honorable man than this simple, plain, unassuming Alfred Fanning. I feel that his children should cherish his character as the richest blessing he could have left them, and I believe they do.
It is a peculiar fact that while Mr. Fanning's faith was that of the Primitive Baptists, he did not affiliate with the church to the extent of membership-which did not alter the fact that his God in the last judgment with clean hands and a clean soul. Peace is the only logical destination for one who had kept the laws of his God and the country in which he lived.--W. V. Barry, Lexington, Tenn., March 9, 1920.
May 21, 1920
Progress
Elder Thomas P. Moore, father of our townsman, W.L. More, died last Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock in the home of his son, Robert L., at Sardis.
Mr. Moore was born in South Carolina, Feb. 17th, 1839, and moved from there to Georgia, in which state in 1855 he married Miss Dovie C. McMurray. Thirty-nine years ago he came to Henderson County and lived the balance of his life here. In 1868 he became a minister of the the United Baptist Church of the Primitive Order, in which work he continued until his death. For many years of his life he practiced as a veterinarian and some twenty-five years ago wrote and published a book of the horse, diseases, and treatment.
Mrs. Moore died eleven years ago and Mr. Moore is survived by seven of the ten children born to his marriage, namely, W.L., Robert L., D.W., M.V., G.R., Mrs. Idella Bethune and Mrs. Mattie McBride.
Mr. Moore was a Democrat and a pioneer prohibitionist and lived to see the fulfillment of one of his fondest dreams-nation-wide prohibition of the liquor traffic. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, he volunteered as a soldier of the Confederacy and served the entire four years of that struggle.
About four weeks before his death Mr. Moore was taken seriously ill with cancer of the stomach, while visiting at the home of W.W. Davis, in the old 11th district and was carried to his home with his son, Robert L., about two weeks before his death.
The funeral occurred last Sunday afternoon, Revs. T.N. Smith of the C.P. Church, and A.D. Doyle of the Southern Methodist Church, officiating in the service and the remains were interred at Spring Hill, two miles South of Sardis.
We had known Mr. Moore during the entire 36 years of our residence in Lexington and he was at all times our staunch friend--as his son, Billie, has been. We shall miss his visits, for he never came to Lexington without giving us a call. May his soul rest in peace.
June 4, 1909
Progress
After long enfeeblement by a cancer on his face, Dr. J.W. Sparkman, passed away at his home in the old 5th district, on Sunday of last week, May 28, at the age of 74 years.
About 43 years ago, when a young man, J.W. Sparkman came from Middle Tennessee and settled in this county. He was first a teacher, but some years later studied dentistry, which profession he followed until some five years ago, when cancer appeared on his face. Before permanently settling here, Dr. Sparkman met and married Miss Mary, daughter of Thomas G. and Eveline Crook. The wife survives Dr. Sparkman, with her two sons, Thomas, who returned to this county from Texas a few months ago, and John E., who has been some years in a Birmingham, Ala., bank. John arrived from Alabama just in time to attend his father's funeral.
Dr. Sparkman was a model man,a gentleman ever day in the year. He never uttered in any presence a word that could not be spoken in the presence of ladies. He was truly a Christian in precept and practice, holding membership in the Christian church for many years.
To his boys he leaves a heritage of pride in the certain knowledge that their father was an honorable and honest man, a law abiding citizen-one who lived and died with clean hands, clean hear and clean mouth.
The like of himself we do not often see. His remains were laid to rest in Unity graveyard in the edge of Chester County in the presence of relatives and friends who paid him that last honor in spite of inclement weather. We believe his soul is resting in peace.
[Note from Brenda Kirk Fiddler: Dr. Sparkman served as a Quartermaster Sergeant in the Confederate Army. By 1876 he was teaching at Big Springs School in the Sixth District of Henderson County (Middlefork community). He frequently contributed items to the Lexington Progress under the name "J.W.S"]
Sept. 12, 1913
Progress
John H. Wilson, aged 75 years or more, died suddenly last Monday morning about break of day at his home in the old 6th district. He is survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons. Mr. Wilson came to this county just after the civil war from Mississippi and married Miss Martha Scott. He was a good farmer and said to be an excellent neighbor. Mr. Wilson was one of the comparatively few men who fought through the war of the sixties on the side of the South and afterward voted the Republican ticket.
Oct. 17, 1913
Progress
The Progress has failed to chronicle the death of Sam M. Coffman, aged 68 years, 10 months and 29 days who died Sept. 29, in the old 8th district. Mr. Coffman was a good citizen and during the civil war was a soldier of the union in the 7th West Tenn. Cavalry.
December 26, 1913
Progress
William Williamson Hancock, a son of Dr. Hancock, who was a noted physician in his day, was born in Perry County August 29, 1873, and departed this life at his home in the old 15th district of Henderson County, Dec. 7, 1913
Mr. Hancock took such chances as offered to secure a limited education, and when quite a young man enlisted as a Confederate soldier in the First Biffle regiment, serving through the entire war of the Sixties. He came out of the war in which he saw much service, without a scratch. After surrendering in North Carolina, he returned to Bath Springs, Decatur County, and resumed work on the farm. Afterward he clerked for Curry Pettigrew, the pioneer merchant at Sulphur Springs, Decatur County, and in 1870 married Miss Bettie Moore, who bore him nine children, five boys and four girls, five of whom yet survive. The first wife died some twenty or more years ago and Mr. Hancock then married Mrs. Vena Frazier, a sister of Esq. Jack Duke, but no children were born in the last union.
Mr. Hancock was a member of the Baptist church and the Masonic fraternity and was a life-long Democrat. He was buried on the 9th inst. with Masonic honors; and his remains were interred in the Moore graveyard, in the old 15th district, near his home. That he was a good man and exemplary citizen, none who knew him doubted and he will be missed in the community where he had lived long enough to form many ties of friendship.
February 9, 1917
Progress
Issac W. Ross was born on a farm about eighteen miles South of Savannah, Hardin County, Tenn., December 6, 1832, and died Feb. 1, 1917, in the home of his son, E.W. Ross, in Savannah, the county seat of the county in which he was born and spent his life.
He lived on the place where he was born with his parents until a short time before the beginning of the civil war in 1861, when he removed to a farm purchased on Horse Creek, on the Florence road, about eleven miles South of Savannah. Here he lived until 1878, when he moved to another farm one and half miles East of Savannah, and from there he again moved in 1881 to a farm he bought about six miles South of Savannah, where he resided until December 1906, when he located in Savannah and kept house until the death of his only daughter, Sarah Francis, in October 1908. Upon the death of his only daughter, he abandoned housekeeping and took up his residence with his son, E.W. Ross, in whose home he spent the remainder of his days.
Isaac Ross loved the South but he believed in a common country and in 1863 he enlisted in the Federal army in which he remained until the close of the war in 1865. While in the service he was wounded by a shot through the left leg, just above the knee, which left him a cripple for life.
At the close of the war he returned to the farm and in April 1867, he was happily married to Miss Margaret Eunice Cherry of Lowryville, Hardin County. Six children were born to this union, the first two of whom died in infancy. He lost his beloved wife Jan. 26, 1893, his daughter, Sarah Francis died October 7, 1908. Three sons, E.W., H.E. and J.W. Ross, survive him.
In 1872 Mr. Ross was elected Sheriff of Hardin County and held the office the constitutional limitation of three terms, until 1878, when he was elected to the office of trustee, which he held for four years. After retiring from the office of trustee he was engaged the remainder of his active life in farming and stock raising, which he loved and in which he was successful in reward for his industry.
He was a Mason of long standing and at the time of his death had reached the Royal Arch Degree in that ancient fraternity. He was a persistent advocate of education and at one period covering several years he proved his public spiritedness by joining his neighbors in maintaining Ross Academy about four miles South of Savannah, one of the best schools Hardin County ever afforded. His home was a hospitable one and during the many years that he lived on the farm, especially during the life time of his wife, the Ross domicile was the general gathering place for the many friends that were always one of the many attractions of life to him. Mrs. Ross was a woman of unusual intelligence, as well as possessing that amiability of disposition which won and kept for her the respect and love of all who knew her.
Issac W. Ross was a man of strong convictions, but reasonable rather than radical views-a man who never shirked a duty nor deserted a friend. His life and character were such that he was ever known as an honest and honorable man and he has left to his sons a heritage which they prize more than all the material things of the world. The writer had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Ross and his three sons together at Shiloh last fall and can testify that all of them loved and appreciated him as he deserved. May his soul rest in peace.
August 19, 1921
Progress
Jesse D. Horton, aged 83 years, 1 month and two days, died last Saturday afternoon at his home about four miles South of Lexington leaving his wife and eight children. Three other children had died.
Mr. Horton was a soldier of the Confederacy and like his old friend Joe Joyner, who died recently near Reagan, was under General Albert Sidney Johnston, when Johnston fell at the Battle of Shiloh.
He was of the Primitive Baptist faith and in all the responsibilities of life had proven himself to be a good man-one possessing the abiding principle of being honest because it was RIGHT and not from the fact that he deemed that manner of life the best POLICY.
August 11, 1922
Progress
I.B. Day; aged 86 years, died in Henderson, Chester County, August 3. Mr. Day is survived by one daughter who married Prof. Jester, a Memphis school teacher, and one son, Al, who lived with his father. One other son, Wilson, who married Miss Jennie Roach, died a few years ago after marrying again. Mr. Day's second wife who left no children, was Mrs. Laura Winslow, widow of the late Jesse Winslow of this county, and she died six years ago. Mr. Day was a minister of the Southern Methodist Church and for perhaps forty years was a teacher. He was veteran of the Civil War and fought for the Southern Confederacy in several battles, notably the Battle of Shiloh where he came unscathed through the hornet's nest, a memorable situation in which many soldiers were killed during that two-day battle.
April 13, 1923
Progress
John Franklin Edwards was born in Marshall County, Tennessee, March 16, 1844, and died at his home near Reagan, Henderson County, March 16, 1923, being 79 years and nine days old. He was buried at Marl Bluff with Rev. Thorne conducting the services. The Masons and Odd Fellows were invited to partake in the funeral service, but on account of the bad roads from Sardis (where his lodgings were located),but few from each were present. Their ceremonies were deferred until a later date.
When young and active, he was a blacksmith, in fact, he had continued in a small way to do this kind of work and was working in the shop near his home when he was stricken with partial paralysis which caused his death. He had on display in the last Henderson county fair at Lexington some blacksmith tongs and hammer that he had made himself. In fact, he could make almost anything out of iron.
In his younger days around Pulaski and Boon's Hill, in Middle Tennessee, he was counted the strongest man near his weight. He was too young for the early part of the Civil War, but helped to do duty as a spy for the Southern cause. He was a Democrat in politics and a Presbyterian in religion. He had a large number of friends, as was demonstrated by such a large crowd at his funeral inn spite of bad roads and inclement weather. It has been said by a young man in this community that he had more friends among the young people than any man his age around here. He loved children and helped to raise five different families of children, always had something funny to say to them and all children loved him.
As a grandson of "Pa" Edwards, I want to relate a few incidents occurring in my and his life. He formerly lived at Sardis, this county, when that town had an A-1 school and I lived with him most of my school days. He was witty, good on the joke and fun, and yet he was energetic and sincere, and as I watched him the last few months and weeks of his life, I think he grew stronger in faith and heart and yet his old body was weakening back to that of a child.
I spent most of the last five weeks with him, at which time, he gave me some good advice that I hope my many mistakes may be remedied by.
He was a man who didn't think he knew it all but didn't think he was a fool either.
As for myself, I want to thank the people of his community, as well as our friends around my home (where he once lived), for being so good to us in his in his recent illness and death. Also thanks to Dr. Stinson for his loyalty whose sister died during our sickness.
As I said, he was born in Marshall County, Middle Tennessee, where he was reared to manhood and married. I heard him say that he would never die satisfied unless he returned there for a visit. Through my efforts, last August, he and my father and I made that visit in a Ford, stayed three days, and he told many times things that were read in a letter in this paper after our return. He told me just a few weeks before his death that he appreciated that trip and getting to see his old home and county and people. I feel grateful in getting to carry him and to see him enjoy his trip. When a child I used to loved to go to his home and hear his stories and and wit and as a man, I liked to go hear his more matured reasoning and good sense, that I hope will help me build a better character.
"Pa" Edwards was good to me. What I did for him didn't repay him...He was nearer a father to me and his loss is very keenly felt.--E.O. Edwards
July 6, 1923
Progress
R. H. Reid, second son of Elder James R. and Elizabeth T. Reid, was born February 7th, 1841. He went into the Confederate army in 1862, was in many engagements and came out without a scratch.
February 23, 1870, he was married to Maggie E. Beaver and of the four children (two sons and two daughters), but one survives. He joined the Primitive Baptist church in October 1878, and was baptized by Elder J.A. Moore. He lived the life of a good citizen and consistent Christian until the morning of June 28th, 1923, hence had reached the great age of 82 years.
The deceased was a citizen of Chester County and after the funeral service conducted by J.H. Phillips and J.W. Hardwick the remains were laid to rest at Unity Church, Chester County.
May 13, 1927
Progress
James Lindsey Cochran, son of Silas and Mrs. Nancy Cochran, was born in Cherry Creek, Mississippi, and at the age of 17 years he enlisted as a soldier of the Southern Confederacy. His opportunities to secure an education were limited, yet he secured sufficient book learning to become a teacher and did teach at Sardis and other places.
He first married Miss Ophelia Hardin, who died about 1888, leaving two daughters, Miss Amy, who married Hollis Horner and lives in Union City, Tennessee, and Miss Tommie, who married Prof. C. Perry Patterson, who holds the chair of history in the University of Texas at Austin. In about the year 1890, Prof. Cochran, as he was
generally known, married Mrs. Bettie Brooks, widow of the late W.J. Brooks, who was Clerk & Master of the Chancery Court of Henderson County and well-known citizen of Lexington, and she survives him. Mr. Cochran was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian church.
After teaching, farming, representing Henderson County in the Lower House of the Legislature, when Henderson County had a direct representative, being elected over Dred Smith, also of Sardis, and representing the Senatorial district of Madison, Chester and Henderson Counties in the State Senate, Mr. Cochran founded the Sardis Bank in 1899, and was its cashier and active business manager for eleven years, until January 2, 1916, when he moved to Union City. His two daughters having married and moved away, Mr. Cochran moved to that town in 1910 and there spent the remainder of his long and honorable life, which closed Tuesday morning, May 10th, between the hours of four and five, he having reached the great age of past 81, and after nine weeks of almost total disability.
After moving to Obion County, Mr. Cochran was elected to the State Senate and House and that, we believe, was his last active service in politics, except that he was Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate of the Tennessee Legislature for two terms.
Not many months ago he and his good wife were visitors to Lexington and Mr. Cochran was given quite an ovation on the street. He was a clean man of excellent ability and throughout life he had made a success of whatever he undertook. His remains reached Lexington Wednesday on the midday train and the funeral was held in the M.E. Church, South, with Rev. W.D. Jenkins officiating and the body was laid to rest in Lexington Cemetery.
March 20, 1936
Progress
Gen. R. R. Sneed of Oklahoma City, formerly resident of Jackson, and well known to the older citizens of Lexington, died suddenly, March 15, 1936, at Lawton, Oklahoma, following a brief illness. General Sneed was 91 years of age, a distinguished Confederate soldier, who had served as National Commander of the U.C.V. and for many years was an important political figure in Oklahoma, where he was known as the "Grand Old Man." In 1913 he was elected Secretary of State, retiring in January 1917. He served as Commissioner of Confederate pensions from 1919 when the office was created, until he was elected to his first term as Secretary of State.
General Sneed is survived by three sons and two daughters, and wife Mrs. R.R. Sneed, of Madison County, Tennessee.
March 20, 1936
Progress
I made my Sunday morning visit to the Winslow home, prompted by the desire to learn the name of an old friend whose death had been mentioned by J.Forrest Winslow in my office a day or two before and the name forgotten by my clerk.
I learned that the deceased person was Mr. William P. Hinkle, who had died March 17th, in Saltillo, in the home of his daughter (we called her Miss Adra when she taught school at Lexington) and who had reached the age of 91 years.
Mr. Hinkle was an outstanding citizen of Hardin County, both in public and private life, as a teacher, direct representative of Hardin County in the General Assembly of Tennessee, and for several years as postmaster.
Years ago I learned that my neighbor, Mr. J.F. Winslow, attended a school at Claybrook, Madison County, taught by Mr. Hinkle, in about the year 1875, and it was a coincidence that when Mr. Hinkle, a former Federal soldier, taught at Claybrook, a resident of that place was one Richard Sneed, who after a very distinguished life, in Oklahoma, died about two weeks ago, at Lawton, the home of his son-and in passing Claybrook on the Lexington-Jackson road, I have had pointed out to me the house occupied by "Dick" Sneed, the lumber of which the house was constructed having been sawn by Negroes with saws operated by hand, one Negro standing above a pit and one below.
November 14, 1913
Progress
Capt. Evander M. Betts, aged 81 years, died last Sunday morning at his home in Jackson. Capt. Betts had been declining in health for some time beside the fact that he had long suffered from asthma. He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. W.R. Britt, a child of his second wife who died in Lexington, and by his third wife, who was Mrs. Ellen Hendricks and was a sister to the late E.S. Stegall. The remains of Capt. Betts were interred at Brown's Church, Madison County. Deceased was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, was a life-long Democrat and always a citizen of the best standing in whatever community he might live. He was at one time in business in Lexington, with his son-in-law, W.R. Britt, and for a year or so was the editor and publisher of a Democratic newspaper here.
[Note: E. M. Betts was a private in H Co., 51st Infantry, CSA and a Sergeant in D Company, 51st Consolidated Infantry.]
April 3, 1931
Progress
A man known as Brother Joseph Dutton died in Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands, Wednesday of last week at the advanced age of 83 years.
I happened to remember something of Brother Dutton, he being located in the town of Purdy, McNairy County, between the years of 1874 and 1878, as a representative of the Government in which he considered claims for property destroyed during the Civil War. The story of Brother Dutton, as I remember it, it is not given in histories of his life, and I cannot vouch for the truth of the one I am now telling.
His real name was Ira Dutton and he was a Federal soldier. His father migrated to Wisconsin, but Ira was in Ohio when he enlisted in the Federal army. The peculiar part of his history is this:
He grew to manhood hating the Catholic Church with a vehemence that seemed unnatural to him. He was a man of good morals and no bad habits, but he belonged to no church. I was told that his mind was first directed toward religion by an Episcopal rector in Bolivar, Tennessee, who said to him-admitting his morality-"But remember that you have an immortal soul to save." I believe Bro. Dutton first joined the Episcopal Church. My aunt, Mrs. Eudora Miller, who died in Lexington, said that in his hatred for the Catholic Church he used every possible argument against it; bought books against it, and gave the books away; and when he changed his location, told those with whom he became acquainted, that he left his address and that he always had money to furnish more of such information.
Bro. Dutton became a Catholic himself, and gave Catholic books, such as "Stepping Stones," to my aunt, and said to her when he left Purdy, "Here is my address, and poor as I am, I will always have money to buy more."
During all the years since I first knew there was such a man, I have seen from time to time letters from him in the Memphis papers, one of which gave the most graphic description I ever read of the leper colony at Molokai, of which he had charge and in which there were said to be 1,200 lepers in various stages of the disease from a small silvery spot on some part of the body to a condition in which the flesh was actually falling from the bones.--W. V. Barry
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