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1974-1975 WlitlAMSON COUNTY HISTORICAL JOURNAL

Number 6

Spring 1975

Published By Williamson County Historical Society Franklin, Tennessee 1975 WILLIAMSON COUNTY HISTORICAL JOURNAL

Number 6

Published by the Williamson County Historical Society

Mrs. Eilene Plummer- Publication Chairman

OFFICERS

President . . . . . James A. Crutchfield Vice-President . Mrs. Brent Cook Treasurer . Herman Major Corresponding Secretary ...... Mary Trim Anderson Recording Secretary ...... Mrs. Dobson Johnsoh

PUBLICATION COMMITTEE

Mrs. 6. R. Plummer, Chairman Thomas Vance Little Mrs. Clyde Lynch Mary Trim Anderson Mrs. Mile Grace

The WILLIAMSON COUNTY HISTORICAL JOURNAL is sent to all members of the Williamson County Historical Society. The annual membership dues are $5, which includes this publication and a mbhthly NEWSLETTER to all members.

Correspondence concerning additional copies of the WILLIAMSON COUNTY HISTORICAL JOURNAL should be addressed to Mrs. Clyde Lynch, Route 5, Franklin, Tennessee 37064.

Contributions to future issues of the WILLIAMSON COUNTY HISTORICAL JOURNAL should be addressed to Thomas Vance Little, Beech Grove Farm, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027. Correspondence concerning membership and payment of dues should be addressed to Herman Major, Treasurer, Hillsboro Road, Franklin, Tennessee 37064. n

It is with extreme pleasure that we present the 1974-75 Williamson

County Historical Journal. As always, we feel that this year's issue is outstanding in its contributions to local history. We have always felt that the Society's journals would pass the test of time and pro vide invaluable material for researchers, both present and future. We believe that the present issue eminently qualifies for this distinction as well.

A new feature of this year's Journal is a separate Miscellaneous

Publication. The article submitted by Mrs. Lula Fain Major was of such interest and importance that it was felt that it deserved to be published as a stand-alone volume. We hope that this action will set a precedent for other worthy works that may appear in future years and that the Miscellaneous Publications will become a vital part of the

Society's publishing endeavors.

Special thanks are due the Publications Committee. EiTene

Plummer, Chairman, and her co-workers—Vance Little, Kitty Grace,

Mary Trim Anderson, and Louise Lynch--i'iave all done outstanding jobs in screen"ft2 and editing the material submitted for publication.

Louise Lynch deserves an additional tip of the hat for her usual Effi cient job of actually producing the volumes, a task of no small

proportions.

James A. Crutchfield President m

WILLIAMSON COUNTY HISTORICAL JOURNAL

NUMBER 6

1974-75

Table of Contents Page

The Master of Montpier By Mary Trim Anderson . 1

A Bibliography of Williamson County History By James A. Crutchfield 7

First Settlers and Forts in Northern Williamson County^ Tennessee By Richard Carl ton Fulcher 17

So Much For So Little By Glenn I. Johnson 33

Hotels and Taverns of Williamson County By Ann Moran 53

The Hog Killing By Sara Sprott Morrow 61

The Hart Site: Williamson County, Tennessee By Malcolm Parker 69

Williamson County, Tennessee, Militia Commissions Prepared by Henry G. Wray and Ernest K. Johns . . 75

Contributors

Index ' THE MASTER OF MONTPIER

By: Mary Trim Anderson

The building of the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway, following the path of the historic and romantic Natchez Trace of pioneer days, focuses attention on at least one Williamson County landmark that must have been;one of the show places along this road nearly a century and a half ago. It also brings to mind one of the more exciting exploits of its original owner. The land mark referred to is Mpntpier,* the house built by Nicholas Perkins, the man ; who—but let us set the stage for this adventure. ,; It was late on a February night in 1807. Two men, so one version of the story goes, sat before the fire in a log cabin in Washington County, Mississippi Territory (now the state of Alabama), intent on a game of back gammon. Someone outside the cabin called. Going out to investigate, the men found two strangers on horseback, who made inquiry about a Colonel Hinspn.- Being told that the Colonel lived abput seven miles distant, the strangers departed into the darkness from which they had come. As the two occupants of the cabin returned tp their game, one of them, had an arresting thought. Behind the rough clothing, of one of the men he had noticed several things. As the wind blew the traveler's coat aside, he had noticed the handsome boots the man wore with his otherwise crude attire. His eyes . were unusually brilliant, and his polished manner was totally out of keep ing with his general appearance. "That was Aaron Burr!" he said to his companion,.Thomas Malone. The young man who had thus spoken was a young lawyer from Tennessee by the name

♦Although some writers have referred to the house as "Mount Pier," Perkins' will has,,it "Montpier." ' of Nicholas Perkins, to whom the two-thousand-dollar reward that had been offered for Burr's arrest looked very large at that moment. Not wishing to let this man get a^«/ay, he immediately set out to notify the sheriff of Burr's presence in the vicinity. Sheriff Brightwell soon

proceeded to the Hinson house to arrest Burr. However, it seems that in ' the presence of this unusual man the worthy sheriff lost bis nerve, sat round and talked with his new acquaintances, and spent the night with them. Meanwhile, Perkins decided to go to nearby Fort Stoddart to summon its commanding officer. Lieutenant Edmund p.. Gaines (also a Tennessean, inci dentally). Early the next morning Perkins and Gaines waited on the roadway to meet the sheriff and his prisoner. To their amazement, they came upon Burr and his companion, Ashley, setting out on their journey again, with the sheriff, of all things, acting as guide!

"I arrest you in the name of the United States of America!" the lieutenant said to Burr. That gentleman argued vigorously and persuasive ly that such an arrest was unjust and utterly unthinkable; but he was not persuasive enough, for Gaines paid him. no heed and proceeded with him to Fort Stoddart, where he was kept, supposedly as a prisoner, but where he was treated more as a guest. Because the commanding officer at the fort became ill and because at that season the weather was disagreeable and traveling was difficult, nb plans were made immediately to transfer the prisoner to Washington. During his stay at Fort Stoddart Burr told nothing of himself or his activities. His personality and his manners won the sympathy of many people, particularly the women. They wept over his misfortunes and named their sons for him. However, the hero of our story, Nicholas Perkins, still had his eye on the prisoner and his thoughts, on the "eward. It has never been established, of course, exactly what Burr's scheme was. Nevertheless, there had been an expedition of rather large proportions, the aim of which had been to set up an empire somewhere, probably in Mexico, but possibly involving the capturing of some of the western territory of the United States--Louisiana or the Mississippi Territory. Although he had been accused of plotting against the government and had been twice arraigned before a grand jury and twice acquitted, he had not been released from bond. Consequently he had decided to disguise himself and go into hiding and escape, perhaps eventually to Spain, France, England— who knows? His followers, many of whom had by this time made their way to Natchez, had been released, and this section of the West now had an unexpected supply of schoolmasters, doctors, farmers, artisans, and singing teachers.

Their leader, however, was not destined to escape so easily. Young

Perkins asked for the privilege of escorting the distinguished gentleman to President Jefferson. The request was granted. Accordingly, early in

March the party made ready to depart. Perkins chose seven men to go with him, two of them soldiers. Risking nothing to his prisoner's win ning ways, the cautious lawyer took each man aside individually and warned him to be on guards in fact, it has been suggested he even feared

Burr's effect upon himself. They rode single file with the prisoner in the center. Burr was a good rider and never complained of anything even though at times the journey was very difficult. One night there was an embarrassed silence when the host at a tavern, not knowing who his guests were, asked the men if they had seen or heard anything during their jour ney of the noted Aaron Burr.

Perkins had to be particularly careful in.Georgia and South Carolina.

Theodosia Burr, the general's daughter, had married Joseph Alston, who 4

lived in South Carolina and later became its governor. Burr's knowledge of friends and supporters there might cause him to try to escape. Surely enough, in the midst of a crowd in one small town Burr, jumped from his horse and shouted, "I am Aaron Burr, under military, arrest and claim pro tection of civil authorities." Perkins, though, was just as quick; he

jumped off" his horse and ordered him to remount. "I will not!" shouted the defiant man, whereupon Perkins threw down his pistols and, being a big man while Burr was not, picked him up as he would have a child and set him astraddle his horse again. It all happened so quickly that the crowd gazed dumbly at the, spectacle, . tjien ran fast as they could when the guards raised their:pistols. -At this^point Burr for the first time lost his composure, broke down and wept bitterly. Perkins, however, never wavered in his undertaking and finally pur chased a gig and drove his prisoner on to Fredericksburg, Virginia, where : he waited for a dispatch from President Jefferson's Secretary of War be fore proceeding to Richmond. Here again Burr was treated by the ladies as a martyr; they sent him gifts of food, clothing, wine, and whatever else they thought might please him. Here he awaited trial and was once more acquitted. At this point Perkins,wrote a letter that throws some light on the circumstances. This letter, which is today preserved in,the National Archives in Washing'toTi, was addressed to "The Hon'ble Henry Dearborn, Secretary of War, Washington City," and reads as follows:

Richmond, Virginia-;'Margh 29th, 1807 Sir '

; I have in my possession nine horses and a double chair that ■; have been purchased'o"n account of the United States, and im- ' ployed in transporting Aaron Burr Esquire fromrthe Mississippi Territory tbithis place the Horses are so much.reduced bv the by the jouV'ney that I do not Suppose they will be fit for service in a short time, and the daily expense of feeding them here is very considerable in Consiquence of which by the advice of Mr. Rodney and Mr. Hay I make this state ment to you and shall wait your direction. My party consists of seven persons besides myself two of whom are Gentlemen, that have been engaged on pub lic accbUnt, as men of that description only could be- trusted on that business, and as I have not the means of discharging them, whether we shall take the stage to Washington or endeavor to go there upon those worn out Horses will depend on what orders I may receive from you

I have the Honor to be Sir Y. Hble Servt, Nicholas Perkins Nicholas Perkins went on to Washington to collect his reward and received, not the expected $2000, but $3331, a tidy sum in those .

days. He returned.to the Territory by way of Tennessee. -The Perkins family had come to Tennessee from Virginia and had lived near Brentwood in Davidson County, which at that time included the pre sent Williamson County. It seems that Nicholas went to the Mississippi Territory in 1801 or 1802 and began the practice of law. He was ap

pointed by the President "to be Register of the Land:Office of the . United States in the County of Washington in ,the Mississippi Territory for the lands lying East of the Pearl River." This appointment was con firmed by the Senate on January, 3, 1806. It seems Mr. Perkins served as Attorney-General for the County and District of Washington in the Mississippi Territory, resigning in 1809. It Was evidentlyvsoon thereafter that he returned to Tennessee, for^he was admitted to practice in the Williamson County Courts in 1810. He soon became a prominent citizen and a large landowner. On his twelve- thousand-acre estate of Harpeth River land he built his home, Montpier, said to be the most beautiful on the Natchez Trace except those in the vicinity of Matchez itself. Here Ntcholas Perkins reared a large Vv... Z family. He also represented Williamson County as a Senator in the Eleventh General Assembly (1815-1817). He died at Montpier in 1848 and is buried on what was a part ,of the estate.* On the "MilIsboro Road" (Highway 431) between Franklin and Nashville is a highway marker pointing out Montpiera which stands near the junction of the Del Rio Road and the Old Hi 1 Isboro Road. The house is at present occupied by Mr. and Mrs,. Joseph Dickinson. Mr. Dickinson is the grandson of Hon. Jacob M. Dickinson, who was Secretary of War during the admini stration of President Taft, holding that office from 1909 till 1911. When the building of the Natchez Trace Parkway is completed and places of interest along the way are pointed out, Montpier will certainly stand out as one of the grandest of the sights to be seen by the travel ler over this famous road from Natchez to Nashville in the early 1800's.

*His grave is a few yards from Highway 95, about two miles west of Franklin city limits. A BIBLIOGRAPHY OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY HISTORY

By: James A. Crutchfield

When I was: writing my own books The Harpeth River; A Biography, it became rapidly apparent to me that nowhere was there an organized biblio graphy of Williamson County historical literature. I, therefore, experienced more than the normal difficulty that practically any researcher runs into in

the course of his investigations. Unfortunately, there is no published history of Williamson County, either-one volume to which an interested party can go to answer his questions. There are, however, many volumes that tell of the history, the " happenings", and the people of the county. Unless one already knows specifically of a particular work and the information which that work contains, however, this vast amount of literature obviously does little good.

It is in an attempt to alleviate this problem that I have undertaken to write this article. From the outset I would like to make it clear that the following is by no means a complete bibliography, but that it rather represents a first effort in documenting what has been written about our beloved county. Certainly, this list can be added to and improved upon, since obviously no one person can know of everything that has ever been written about any subject. In organizing this bibliography I have limited myself to books only. I have steered clear of Tetters, diaries, and unpublished manuscripts, not because these sources are unworthy, but because I did not have the time to do the proper research to determine their individual value. In narrowing myself in this way, it will be recognized that the excellent ^articles which have appeared in past issues of our Journal have also been omitted. It is assumed that these sources would be among the first places that a researcher would go in pursuit of his studies. INDIANS .. .Ferguson,. Robert B., Editor, TTTe Middle Cumberland Culture. Nashville, Vanderbilt University Publications in Anthropology, No. 3, 1972. 109 pp.

Three of the four chapters of this book concern themselves with the Arnold Site, a mid-1960's discovery located where present-day Meadow- lake Subdivision now is located. This work is a semi-technical des cription of the site and its associated artifacts and probably would be enjoyed more by a serious student of archaeology than a general

reader.

.. .Jones, Joseph, Explorations of the Aboriginal Remains of Tennessee/ Washington, D, C., Smithsonian Institution, 1876. 171 pp. Reprinted in 1970 by the Tenase Company, Knoxville.

More than one-half of this book, one of the Smithsonian's Contributions to Knowledge, is devoted to the prehistoric Indian towns which once existed throughout the Harpeth River watershed area. Old Town, the DeGraffenreid Site, and the Fewkes Site are examined carefully by a man who actually participated in the early archaeological exploration of

Williamson County.

.. .Myer, William E., Indian Trails of the Southeast. Washington, D.C., Bureau of American Ethnology, 1928. 123 pp. Reprinted in book form in 1971 by Blue & Gray Press, Nashville.

This study which originally appeared in the Forty-second Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology, traces the prehistoric road system of the southeastern part of our country. ,It contains some data on WilliaiTison County trails, including the Natchez Trace. A, large fold- oijt map depicting Tennessee during its prehistoric period^denotes

graphically all of the trails and Indian towns of the State. ... .Myers ; —, Two Prehistoric Villages in Middle Ten nessee. Washington, D. C., Bureau of American Ethnology, 1928. 129 pp. Reprinted in book form in 1972 by Southeastern Indian Antiquities

Survey, Nashville.

A very thorough study of the Fewkes Site On Moore's Lane is presented in this study. Like Myer's other work above, this one also originally appeared in one of the Bureau of American Ethnology's Annual Reports, the Forty-first. It is complete with photographs, detail drawings of pottery, and artifact descriptions. The findings represented are the results of a seasons dig in 1920 by archaeologists of the Smithsonian's

BAE. .. .Thomas, Cyrue, Report on the Mound Explorations of the Bureau of Ethnology. Washington, D. C. Bureau of (American) Ethnology, 1894.

730 pp.

In the days before the Bureau of American Ethnology had added the "American" to its name, Cyrus Thomas, who later became Director of the Bureau, undertook this massive study into the origin of the Mound- builders. The scope of the paper is nationwide, but there is some material regarding Williamson County, particularly on pages 576-577.

.. .Thrustpn,.-Gates P., Antiquities of Tennessee. Cincinnati, The Robert Clarke Company, 1897. 369 pp. . Reprinted in 1964 and 1972 by the Tehase Company, Knoxville. 10

Thruston is known as the "father of Tennessee Archeology," and while most of the Williamson County material in his book is repetitive of

Jones' earlier work, the fact that Thrustoh' saw fit to describe the

sites in his monumental study is indicative of their importance to

Tennessee history.

II. GENERAL HISTORY

.. ..Estes, P.M., Historic Places in Davidson, Williamson, Maury and

Giles Counties. Nashville, Nashville Auto Club, 192?. 29 pp.

A small, but informative booklet, this volume describes various aspects

of the history of the included counties.

•. . ;Foster, Austin P.,, Counties of Tennessee. Nashville, Tennessee Department of Education, 1923. 124 pp.

This guidebook to Tennessee counties"incorporates much of Park Marshall's early history of the county which he published in the old Williamson

County News prior to 1919. Obviously, the statisti cal i nformation is

outdated now, but the generalized aspects are worthy of reading.

.. .Goodspeed, History of Tennessee. T886. The Williamson County por tion v/as reprinted in 1971 by Woodward and Stfnson Printing Co.,

Columbia.

Goodspeed's histories have always been valued for their biographical in

formation. In addition to a "Who's Who" as of 1886, there is much on the

, .generalized: aspects of the County's history..

.. .kiHebrew, Joseph-B., Introduction to the Resources of Tennessee.

Nashville^ 1874. 1,214 pp. Reprinted in 1974 by the Reprint Company,

Spartanburg. n

The section on Williamson County in this massive volume explores the

natural and agricultural resources of the county,

.. .i^orris» Eastin, The Tennessee Gazetteer. Nashville, 1834. 178 pp. Reprinted in 1971 by the Gazetteer Press, Nashville.

This book, as the title indicates, is a gazetteer. As such, it con tains several entries pertaining to Williamson County, particularly

descriptions of villages, rivers, post offices, etc.

III. ARCHITECTURE .. .Bowman, Virginia McDaniel, Historic Williamson County - Old Homes and Sites. Nashville, Blue;andi Gray Press, 1971. . 194 pp.

This is the must volume of all the books regarding Williamson County. Reaching far beyond the architectural assets of the county, the book

is a veritable gold-mine of genealogical and other historic data.

,. .Brandau, Roberta Seawell, Editor., History of Homes and Gardens

of Tennessee. Nashville, The Garden Study Club of Nashville, 1936. 503 pp. Reprinted and updated in 1964 by Friends of Cheekwood. Re

printed again in 1974 by Friends of Cheekwood.

This book, long a collector's item, is fortunately back in print. Chock full of photos and descriptions of homes and gardens throughout the State,it covers quite a few residences in Williamson County.

,, .First American National Bank., Interesting Homes of Middle

Tennessee. Nashville, 1966. 36 pp. ^

This is a nice little,booklet containing interesting,descriptions of

Montpier. Meeting of the Waters, Ashlawn, Inglehame, and Thurso. 12

.. ^ .Smith, J. Frazer., White Pillars - The Architecture of the

South. New York, William He!burn9 Inc., 1941. Reprinted several

times by Bramhall House.

A beautiful book, illustrated with pen-and-ink drawings by the author, it covers the history and architecture of many southern homes. Of interest to Williamson Countians is the entry regarding Camton.

IV. PEOPLE

.. .Heiskel, S. G., Andrew Jackson and Early Tennessee History. Volume 3. Nashville, Ambrose Printing Company, 1921,. 712 pp.

Chapter 13 of this volume is devoted to an effort to clear the name of Peggy O'Neal Eaton. This lady, it will be recalled, was the sub ject of endless gossip in Washington during Jackson's administration. Her husband, John Eaton, was, of. course, a resident of Franklin, having lived on the site of present-day St. Phillip's Church. Also contains

an excellent portrait of the lady.

.. .Lewis, Charles L., Matthew FontaineJIaurv - Pathfinder of the Seas. Annapolis, The United States Naval Institute, 1927. 264 pp.

Most Maury biographies are rather sparse on information of the "Pathr finder's" early days in Williamson County. This one is no different, but this can be understood since fiaury left the area at an early age. dtherwise, this bopk is an excellent one, portraying Maury from a Navy man's point of view.' Ah interesting side light lies in the fact that the author erroneously locates Franklin eighteen miles north of Nashville.

.. .McRaven, William Henry, Life and Times Of Edward Swanson. Nash ville, Fort Nashbprough Chapter, D.A.R., 1937. 240 pp. 13

This rare book was published in an edition limited to 1500 copies. Consequently, it is relatively hard to find outside of the library. It documents the life of Edward Swanson, generally accepted as Williamson County's first settler. In so doing it covers a wealth of information about the Cumberland settlements in general and also contains considerable Swanson - Tarkington genealogical data,

,. .Phares, Ross, Reverend Devil - A Biography of John A. Murrell. New Orleans, Pelican Publishing Company, 1941. 263 pp.

The title bespeaks the contents. Murrell, generally accepted as having been born somewhere in southern Williamson County, was the ■ infamous outlaw of the early 19th century who masterminded the abor tive slaves' revolt on Christmas Day, 1835.

V. CIVIL WAR .. .Hartje, Robert G., Van Corn - The Life and Times of a Confederate General. Nashville, Vanderbilt University Press, T967. 359 pp.

. This is a biography of a brilliant Confederate leader. It has an interesting account of the Battle of Thompson's Station. Also of local interest is the account of Van Dorn's murder by a jealous Spring

Hill husbnad.

.. .Horn, Stanley, Editor., Tennessee's War. Nashville, Tennessee Civil War Centennial Commission, 1965. 364 pp.

This is a comprehensive study of the vmr in Tennessee. As such it covers all of the Williamson County skirmishes in some detail.

.. .Jordan, General Thomas and Pryor, J. P., The Campaigns of Lieutenant - General N. B. For^-ost, and of Forrest's Cavalry. 14

MemphiSs Blelock and-'Company, 1868. 704 pp. Reprinted in 1973

by Press of Morningside Bookshop.

As the title would indicate, this work provides detailed descriptions

of all of Forrest's campaigns. As such, Brentwood, Thompson's Station,

and Franklin are covered in detail;

VI. NATCHEZ TRi^^CE

... .Cpates, Robert M., The Outlaw Years. Mew York, The Literary

fiuiId of America, 1930. 308 pp.

The subtitle of the book is "The History of the Land Pirates of the Natchez Trace." It covers most of the major outlaws v/ho operated

along the Trace, with an entire section devoted to John Murrell.

,. .Daniels, Jonathan, The Devil's Backbone - The Story of the Natchez Trace. New York, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1962. 279 pp.

An excellent book, but it does not contain much information about Williamson County, per se. It does relate briefly the capture of Aaron Burr by Nicholas Perkins, who later settled in the County and

built Montpier.

.. .Wellman, Paul I., Spawn of Evil. New York, Doubleday and Company,

1964. 350 pp.

This book, written by a master storyteller also contains much on John Murrell. Wellman always does his homework, and a look at the biblio graphy in this book supports that statement.

VII, MISCELLANEOUS

.. .Smith, Sam B., Tennessee Histc^v; A Bibliography. Knoxville, The University of Tennessee Press, 1974, 512 pp. 15

University of Tennessee history professor Sam B. Smith has produced a long needed comprehensive bibliography of Tennessee history. Con taining over 6,000 entries, the book contains the foregoing entries and others dealing with the history of Tennessee generally. 17

FIRST settlers AND FORTS IN NORTHERN WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TENNESSEEE

By: Richard Carl ton Fulcher

Few people can realize the extent of inhospitable wilderness the first settlers to Williamson County found here. This was raw frontier, Indian country; there were no roads - only buffalo and Indian trails, and the menace of black bears and wolves and panther. To help the reader visualize the terrain and natural features, wildlife and Indian habitation of early Williamson County which preeted the first settlers, I am condensing some of the highpoints concerning the nature of early Williamson County as witnessed by those early pioneers

from tivo manuscripts I am preparing. Early Settlers and Settlements in Williamson County, Tennessee and Aboriginals of Williamson County, Tennes see, Prehistoric and Historic. Williamson County as we knoVif it today was, in 1780, a vast.'wilderness. Approached from the direction the first settlers came, the abrupt hills just north of the co'jnty reaching elevations of 1168 feet above sea level^* walled out the earliest adventurers with their wagons and cattle who would trespass the fertile Harpeth Valley. These hills running east and west along the extreme northern county boundary taper off in a gap just north and east of the present city of Brentwood. This gap provided the easiest passage into Williamson County for the first white men. To those passing through this gap., a fertile basin spread before them through which meandered several overflowing streams and rivers. The most northerly rivulet, now called The Little Harpeth, originated from springs which drained the hills five to seven miles southeast of the gap and .was fed by numeroud spring-fed

*1 U. S. Geological Survey, Washington, P. C.; GRA file. 18

tributaries as It zig-zagged northwest through the Brentwood valley. On

both sides of the river in the ageless9 rich accumulation of black soil, dense cane brakes grew to enormous heights, often ton to twenty fee. The

cain brakes gave v/ay to lush grassy plans, which in turn v\/ere bordered by immense stands of timber that crowned the elevations around the valley with red cedar, tulip poplar, chestnut, white oak, black walnut, sugar maple and elm. The cedar and the poplar were the settlers' choice build ing materials. The poplar trees are somewhat a rarity today. Blight took the chestnuts completely at a much later time. Sugar maple was used for furniture, but it survives today in small groves. The larger wildlife included white tail-deer, small herds of buffalo, though some large herds frequented salt licks in the southwest and above the northv/est corner of the county. Panther, bobcat, and wolves roamed

*A freely through the valley. The entire area within the present county had been inhabited for cen turies by Indians who, during the late Woodland Period about 2,000 years ago, had concentrated sizable populations in settlements in the northern part of the county on the Little Harpeth River east of Beech Creek and also on a site west of the Holt Knobs and on the Owl Creek and Mill Creek. Smaller bands inhabited no fewer than ten major permanent village sites within the present Brentwood city limits.''^ Some of these village sites as well as seasonal camp sites may have been inhabited as late as the 1780's as the first settlers found Indians

*2 Early Times in Tennessee. Carr. *3 Trees found in Williamson County Land Grant surveys; GRA file. Early Settlers and Settlements in Williamson County, Tenn.. by Fulcher. *5 (See Aboriginals of Williamson County, Tennessee, Prehistoric .and,Historic, hy Fulcher, for details of site explorations in the Brentwood area.) ■ , (.1 ; H . 19

everywhere constantly killing or plundering at isolated stations {for

tified homes).

The Cherokees and Chickasaws had driven the Shawnee out of the area

years before9 and the Chickasaws had badly defeated the Cherokees in

battles for the land in 1769. From that date the Chickasaws claimed the land by right of conquest.*® Just prior to 1780, Thomas Jefferson 9 governor of Virginiaj, had ordered George Rogers Clark to build Fort Jefferson*^ a few miles south pf the mouth of the Ohio on land claimed by the Chickasawsj without consulting them regarding the trespass. The Chickasaws laid seige to the fort, and it was abandoned in 1780. This one act alone precipitated the Indian Wars, which lasted for fifteen years and which stirred the Indians in vjhat is now Williamson and, surrounding counties to open hos

tility toward the white Settlers until the end of the Indian Wars in 1795-

96.*8 Another flare-up. occurred between the Indians and settlers in this

area in 1808-1809. ' No settlement attempts were made in the Williamson County area until 1787 although hunters and explorers probably traversed the area as early as 1714. ^ The area of Middle Tennessee' south to the Duck River was known.as the North Carolina Military Reservation and on October 6, 1783, by Act

of the North Carolina General Assembly, this area was named Davidson

County, North Carolina, in honor of General William Lee Davidson of

*6 Aboriginals of Williamson Co.,:Tenn.. Prehistoric and Historic, by Fulcher. : ^ *7 Virginia Historical File; AOM, GRA file. *8 American State Papers, The Colerain Treaty, June 14, 1796.^ *9 French trader M, Charleville established a trading post on the French Lick in 1714. 20 ■ ,

■ ''*10 ' ■ ■ Mecklenburg Co., North Carolina.\ This boundary covered more than three quarters of the present Middle Tennessee area< By fiay, 1780, dbout sbd in the Cuniberland Basin tfien called The North CarpHnd Military-ReserVaib^ The North Gafblina legisTatiye Act of 1782 awarded soldiers grants in the military reservation andrin 1784 North Carolina Commissioners began their surveys in january.f February, and March while the foliage was off the trees, making the job,easier. The following is a classification of grants: Privates, 640 acres; , non-commissioned officers, 1,000 acres; subalterns, 2,560 acres; captains, 3,840 acres; lieutenant colonels, 7,260 acres; and.brigadier 'generals, 12,000 aciitSi the three commissioner^ were Absolom Tatoitis Isaac Shelby, and AntHOny Biedsoe, who were likewise awarded grants for their ser-

By 1785 appfdxiiately 4,000 people were settled in the cumBerland Bastn-, but none ds'Ian so^ County area., Indian attadks wete ever ihcre^ing, Subsequent to the surveying of the area, land grants were issued in what i? now Wit')iam^on County beginning in the spring of 1786, and the grantees started preparations for their journey to Fort Nashborovgh, thence.to their new land. However; oh reaching Fort Nashbgrough most of the new. settlers foupd; Indian hostitiitiBS so intense they remained at Nash-- borough or.in pne pfthe surrounding forts in hope that the danger would

*10 Acts of North Carolina General -Assembly; N. C. State Archives File, • AQM,'CRA.. *11 territorial Papers, Spanish Possessions, Madrid Spain File; AdM,GRA. *12 North Carolina General Assembly, Acts of; N; C. State Archives. *13 Ibid. *1 *14 Early times in Tennessee, by Can- MoRTHtRH lipjhl^ Fof^TS i^CAB'^f^

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Several forts surrounded the French Lick on both sides of the Cumber

land River With the southernmost being no farther than four miles south of

the Nashborough Fort»

Southerlin Mayfield, according to available documents, was the first v/hite settler to begin improvements on his grant, part of which was

located within the present boundaries of Williamson County. He was the

assignee of Robert Morrison and Stephen Copeland, both privates in the

Continental Line. The grants for 640 acres each encompassed a rectangu

lar tract of land lying east of the head of Hurricane Creek crossing the

Indian Camp Creek and running north crossing the east fork of the Mill *15 Creek; thence the line ran westerly crossing Mill Creek.

Southerlin Mayfield in July, 1766, began working on the construction of a fort which was built near an old Indian village on the head of

the west fork of Mill Creek four miles above its junction with the east *17 fork.

On July 31, .1786, Southerlin Mayfield entered into an agreement with

one John Campbell to move said Campbell's family into Mayfield's Fort in

November of the same year to help with additional construction and the de fense thereof, to raise a crop and to remain at the fort for one year. *18 Campbell was to receive 200 acres of land for this service.

The fort constructed and improvement being carried on, Mayfield's

brothers-in-law, John Brown and John Haggard helped with the v/ork.

Several buildings were raised.

*15 North Carolina Military Warrants 641 and 783 and Land Grants 242 and 103 respectively; North Carolina State Archives. *16 Jones in Explorations of Aboriginal Remains in Tenn. states that a sculptured polished stone effigy was found at the Mayfield Station Indian site and was kept at Boyd's Tavern in Nashville for years. *17 Pioneers of Nashville, Tenn. by May, pp. 146 and Annals of Tennessee, by Ramsey, pp. 482. *18 Court of Davidson County, NC, Article of Agreement, July 31,1786 #190. 22

The year 1788 came and with it death and destruction as the Indians stepped lip their onslaught against the isolated forts. Nineteen whites ■ : *19 had been killed by October. Caution was the watch word everywhere, but tragedy v/as soon to strike again, Southerlin Mayfield had retained a soldier to serve as "look-out" at the station, and a Mr. Jocelyn was helping with the work at the station. On that tragic day in 1788, Mayfield and two sons and Mr, Jocelyn were building and baiting wolf pens at a considerable distance from the fort. As the sun sank lower toward evening, the anxiety of impending Indian attack was probably forgotten for a while as the fellows hastened to finish the pens before deak. The men had propped their rifles nearby. Something caused the guard to leave his lookout for a while. He walked down to the working group probably to lend a hand with a heavy task. Southerlin sent him and one son after logs or posts near where the rifles were propped.. Waiting for just this opportunity, ten to twelve Creek braves who had been hidden in the cane watching the men at work, quietly slipped between the men and their weapons, A few of the braves lay down behind a, log. As the guard and young Mayfield approached, the Indians sprang up from behind the Tog and fired. The guard and boy slumped to the ground dead and were immediately pounced on and scalped in full view of Southerlin Mayfield, his son George, and Mr. Jocelyn, Mayfield and Jocelyn sprang, for their rifles but Mayfield was mortally wounded immediately, and Mr. Jocelyn (afterwards a colonel in the militia) outran his assailants. George Mayfield was taken captive and was eventually taken to the Creek nation and held captive there for twelve years.

*19 History of Middle Tennessee, by ''utnam, p. 291-294. 23

The Creeks, satisfied with the captured rifles and boy, did not attack the fort v/here the womeri and children Wdre bJt retreated with their booty, , Darkness had come and the Sui^vivors huddled in the fort on guard thi*bugh the night praying for their menfolk to appear. Mr. Jocelyn finally came in but by daybreak Mayfield had not appeared. Cautiously a few survivprs slipped out of the fort and went to the wolf pens. There ; t: they found the bloody bodies of the boy and guard and a little way off they found Southerlin Mayfield who had also died from his wounds in the

night. ' Southerlin Mayfield's widow Margaret and orphans and the few who were living at the fort abandoned it and moved to Rains' Fort closer toilashborough.*^^ An inventory of Southerlin Mayfield's estate was recorded in David son County, North Carolina, showing his wife Margaret, administratrix. The inventory included livestock, household goods, farm tools, rifle guns, and brass skillet with a total value of tv/enty-three pounds eleven shillings. Just prior to 1780 James Mayfield, the father of Southerlin, left Jefferson County, Virginia, with his son Isaac and traveled to the

French Lick settlement. They probably settled at the Eaton's Fort on the Cumberland River, for it was near this fort James Mayfield was ambushed and killed by Indians

20 History of Middle Tenn.. Putnam, pp. 295-296, 339; Annals of Tenn.. Ramsey, pp..482-483; Pioneers of Nashville, May, pp. 146-147. *21 Davidson County Court Proceedings, April 178D, April 1790. : *22 Mayfield Historical Notes, Virginia State Archives, Richmond, Va.; GRA o 24

in 1780.*^^ In addition, to his sons Isaac and Southerlin, he was sur vived by his wife and sons Micajah, Alijah and Elisha, and at least two

daughters, one of whom had married John Brown and the other married John

Haggard, On Monday May 10, 1784, the North Carblina House of Representatives granted 640 acres of land in Davidson County, North Carolina, to officers

and soldiers of the Continental Life with the following additional stipu

lation; "and the conmittee are further of opinion that the heirs and devisees of,.,.James Mayfield,,..(and others) who were killed in the

settlement and defense of the said county of Davidson, receive grants for

the same number of acres in the same manner, and on the same terms and conditions as the former...,, also to.,.. Isaac Mayfield.... (and others).... "(who might have) arrived,..,, at the Cumberland settlement.... after the time prescribed by the law for obtaining pre-emptions expired../, (or where). before the expiration pf the time.... under age..,, (but)....

continued there ever since their arrival and assisted in defending the

country, it is the opinion of the, committee that they also receive free grants of the same number of acres as those mentioned above and be allowed

the liberty of laying them wherever they can find vacant lands and at

entering them with the entry officer at Davidson County on paying the usual

office fees..*."

James Mayfield's grant v^as located in present Williamson County

in an area east of the Wilson Pike and north of the Concord Road. It lay

on both iides of a buffalo run and Indian trail which forked at the head of

^23 Annals of Tennessee, Ramseyj Early Times in Tennessee. Carr, *24 North Carolina Acts, Vol. 24,;p. 629, North Carolina Archives. 25

*25 a branch of the west fork of Mill Creek. The trail forks meanderod'

southeast and southwest from the fork and these defiles can be easily

seen today from Old Smyrna Road.

After the death of James Mayfield, his son Micajah, who had stayed

in Jefferson County, Virginia, with the rest of the family, gave Isaac

his power of attorney to recover any of his father's land which might by law fall to the surviving children.*26 (According to Mayfield family history, Isaac was also killed by Indians shortly thereafter.) It

appears from available deeds that Micajah then inherited the land grant

of his father and by deed*27 conveyed ownership in 380 acres of property

to John, James, and George Mayfield and brothers-in-law John Champ and

■Robert Sconce. By the before mentioned power of attorney, Isaac was to

have 100 acres of the grant.

On this land, oh a bluff overlooking the spring from which flowed a l?ranch of the west fork of Mill Creek (just north of the present old Frost home), the Mayfields built a sturdy log fort.

Large trees were cut and squared by adze and the logs were used to

build a double log cabin with dog trot between. Rifle Port holes Were

notched in the logs around the outside walls. Split logs or planks

were placed on the roof and held in place by long poles. Probably

puncheon floors were used within the structure, and a stone chimney

was built on the end of the cabin.

A partial palisade of locust logs ringed the fortified house and other buildings at the station. From evidence at the site, the author

*25 Boundary details given in Land Grant, N. C. Military Grants; GRA. *26 Letter of Attorney, Jefferson Co., Va. Oct. 5, 1874, Virginia State Archives. *27 Deed Book, A2, pp. 410, 448, Williamson County, Tennessee 26

believes a shed and a,smokehouse or granary existed at the fort also,

along with a small corral, for livestock. Families from all the surrounding area sought protection at the

Mayfield Station during the threat of Indian attacks. It is believed the fort was so strong as to discourage any,.major attack upon it. Except for local tradition, the author finds no documentary evidence of any

attacks being made there.

It was probably in the fort that John Frost lived while he built his large brick home within a few yards of it in the early 1800's. The double log cabin fort was dismantled and most of the logs, being very sound, were used in the construction of other needed buildings at

the completion of the Frost home. Most of the logs went into the construction of a barn just east of the Frost house, and.with the logs being notched for the original construc tion, they had to be raised almost identical with its original shape. The old log barn was, therefore, a remarkable facsimile of the original fort structure. The log barn is now covered with weather-boarding, but the fort construction can be easily seen from inside. This was probably the earliest permanent fort structure within the present Williamson County boundaries. John and Rhoda Miles Frost came from Newberry, South Carolina, ca. 1808-1810 and bought land on the Mayfield grant and built their large brick home on the Indian trail overlooking the spring beside the Mayfield

Fort. John Frost served as a Captain of the 44th Regiment of Tennessee during the War of 1812 and was presented a citation by Governor Joseph

McMinn in 1815 for his service,*28

*28 1812 Service Citations, Tennesi Executive file, GRA, 27

He built his home on the heights above the spring and west of the

old Indian trail and buffalo run which crossed north and south behind

the house which the first settlers used for roads. The long narrow defile can still be seen plainly and it is interesting that in earlier days, it v/as called the Nashville-Chattanooga traiT by old timers in the area. This trail intersected a trail just north of the spring v^hich ran generally southwest, probably being the same trail to pass the Smith Fort which was located about two miles southwest of the Frost home. Mr. Frost operated a grist mill, trading store and a cotton gin in the spring hollow, and he donated land for the Smyrna Church on the hill north of the spring.

The Frost home was built with bricks hand-made from clay dug and fired on the slope just east of the old Frost home and south of the old barn near the road.

Mr. Miles Frost, the grandson of the pioneer, was regarded by this author as a gifted historian v^hose active interest in the history of his locality and his own family genealogy provided many answers to

Brentwood historical inquiries.

James Sneed and his wife Berthenia Harden Perkins Sneed came from Danville, Virginia, to the Cumberland settlements, and family tradition *29 holds the date to be 1798. On October 11, 1800, an indenture was made between George Mayfield and dames Sneed for 100 acres of land

*29 Sneed Family Historical File, N. C. Military Warrants; GRA file. John Sneed, the father of James Sneed, had served in the Revolution as a private and hacj obtained a military warrant for a land grant. On his death, his son James and perhaps his son-in-law John Hannah received the lahd but apparently the land was assigned to one Fred W, HulingVas Jaiiies purchased land v;hen he came to Tennessee instead of settling on the grant. '! - 28 encompassing the Northwest and Southwest boundary of the Old Mayfield

Station tract, On this land James Sneed built the traditional frontier double-log-cabin structure (with two rooms each) with dog trot between. The cabin was built on the south side of the Indian *31 trail (Old Smyrna Road) east of present-day Wilson Pike, -

In the same vicinitys John Henderson who had served as a guard to the commissioners, who had surveyed the original land grants, was like wise given an allotment of land. For service in the Continental Line, he had received 640 acres which encompassed the area on both sides of the Old South Road (now Wilson Pike), the north boundary being about the present Davidson County line and the south boundary being south of the present Old Smyrna Road including much of.the present Carondelet estates and bounded on the east by the Mayfield grant; it ran west to about the present Franklin Pike.

William Collinsworth, a land speculator, had bought up land grants to the south and southeast of the Henderson property encompassing the area between the present Carondelet estates and the Concord Road east of

Wilson Pike. The author finds no evidence of James Henderson's or William

Collinsworth's building stations on their grants.

On April 7, 1786, the state of North Carolina granted to Major Andrew

Crockett, a native of Augusta County, Virginia, 540 acres in Davidson County, North Carolina. This grant was located east and west of the Little

Harpeth and south of the present Concord Road. He left for settling the grant in 1790-91. Upon arrival he constructed a typical fort-home. Simply constructed of logs, the stri^cture contained two crude rooms, with rifle

*30 Deed Book A, pp. 84, Williamson Co., Tenn, *31 Sneed Family Historical Motes^ GRA file. " 29 slots throughbut. The house was built about 100 yards from the spring.

It was destroyed by fife in 1930, Captain James Leepef (whose marriage to Susan Drake in 1780 was the first marriage celebrated in Fort Nashborough) received a land grant from the state of North Carolina on June 26, 1793, which went to his heirs. He:was killed by the Indians in 1781 at Fort Nashborough; later his wife knocked a loaded rifle from its rack over a door, which discharged and killed her after her only daughter was born.

- This grant encompassed the area from Franklin Pike and the Little Harpeth River eastward across the Wilson Pike and northward to the Old Smyrna Road bordering-James Crbckett's grant on the south. Alexander Smith married Sarali Leeper on November 22, 17913, and they, went to live on this rich fbrkte land in the Little Hbrpeth Valley which had been granted to Saraih's father. Captain Leeper; they built a modest but sturdy structure wlfich likewise served as a fb# during the Indian uprisings-of 1808-09. Here the "Green Pastures" home, formerly the "Hadley Wood" home, wbs built by Denny Porterfield Hadley in 1840, v-Green Hill settled easterly of what is now Brentwood in 179b. He was a renowned preacher of early Methodism and a Tand speculatbr, having bought several miTitary grantf,,in the Middle Tennessee area. He built his fortified house, 'liberty HilT," south of the bfesent Concord Road between what are now Wifsbh and Edmondson Pikes. The 9th Annual meeting of the Western Cohferehce:bf the Methodist Church was held here October 1, 1808, v/ith Bishops Asbury and McKendree in attendance.

*32 Crockett Family Files, BB2, GRA. *33 Land Grarit Office, Nashville, Tennessee, Book G, p. 184./ *34 North Carolina Military Land Grants acquisitions, GRA file. *35 Early Methbdism in Tennessee, GRA files, BB. 19. 30

General Robert Irwin had been given 640 acres, by North Carolina which

encompassed an area north of Brentwood. This land was settled by Robert

Irvn'n's daughter Eleanor and her husband, James Moore, and seven children

in 1807, Soon after arriving, James Moore purchased 282 acres from Robert

Smith on theiFlatrock Branch of the Little Harpeth River on which was

built;a four-room stone house used as a fort for the older members of the

family,;during the Indian raids of 1808 and 1809, The children were sent to a fort (probably Mayfield's) two miles east, James Moore built a larger

home ,in 1810 which had the first glass windows in the county that could be

raised and lowered. The chimneys v/ere severely damaged by the earthquake

of 1811 that formed Reelfoot Lake,*36 Many other structures were damaged

and some destroyed,

Robert Smith acquired land, probably from the Leeper grant; on the

present Wilson Pike north and south of the^Oden Drive in Carondelet estates.

This was formerly known locally as, the old Smith-Hightower-Davis Place.

Robert Smith settled here with his wife Sarah Y. Clemmons,.; He built

a four-room-log-structure-fort on a rise about 100 yards north of a spring.

This structure was raised facing south toward the Indian trail which ran

east and west betv/een it and the spring. It had gun ports in every wall

and either a dog trot between rooms or a door on both the front and back

of the structure v/ith a stepping stone under each. The soring which was

fed by an underground stream had blind fish in it. The Smiths lined the

spring with rock and the.land around was cleared for planting. Bears and wolves were almost as great a threat as the Indians,[ Traps were set to catch v/olves during the night and bears were hunted with dogs in the Brentwood Hills to the great sport of the settlers,*^^

*36 Brentwood File, BB, GRA. *37 History of Middle Tennessee, by Putnam, pp. 296-297, 31

The children ra« barefoot at these stations, often wearing little bells so their whereabouts could be known should they wander from the fort. They learned to ride and help with chores at very early ages, there was ground clearing to do and the planting of Indian corri,and wheat and hunting for meat in the Brelitv/ood hitts. VeHiSbil, bear and turkey were tasty table fare for these pioneers, and if the weather permitted and their health held up, r perhaps-: roasted green corn and squash and beans v/ould add variety to the meat. Perhaps blackberries and summer grapes or wild plums would delight the chfTdren as would autumn's harvest of hickory nuts and black walnuts cracked on the hearth or steaming persiranon pudding/after the (first frosts.

The meats Were geherally cooked over an;open fire. Flour biscuits were a rare trealt in frontier Williamson County as the flour had to be ground from wheat pounded and winnowed from the chaff on the "flat rock over^hand"

on the Little Hardeth River just west of the Smith Fort. Corn meal hoe-cbkes were prepared by mixing a thick batter in a biscuit bowl (a Wooden batter b^ and dropping spoonsful! of the batter onto hot enters dr sitonds in the fire, Doctors were a rarity during these early days, so home remedies, many of them learned from the Indians, were concocted to cure the illnesses which plagued the early forts. Interestingly, the Smith Fort site and an Archaic Indian Village site sOuth of Brentwbdd both"had similar wild herbs and vegetables growing around them when studied a few years ago,*^® Robert Smith's wife Sarah died on February 8, 1809, and was buried in what is now the oldest marked grave in the cemetery on the property.

,*38 Stevens iMSS,-;GRA./ /;• *39 See Aboriginals of Williamson Co., Tenn.. Prehistoric and Historic. Fulcher, for study of herbs and plants used in mediiCTnal preparations or food found growing on aboriginal and fort sites. 32

Tha years 1608 and 1809 brought a renewed flare-up of Indian atrocities throughout the area and the Smith Fort and MayfleTd Fort were used by famiTies nearby as a piace. of refuge durlng these t1mes, The Individuals here mentfpned were some of the first of the earliest settlers In the Williamson COuhty area. The casualties suffered by them, their families and other settlers were the measure of their hardship - James Mayfleld « shot by Indians; Southerlln Msyfield - shot by Indians; young Mayfleld - shot and scalped; Mayfleld's soldier - shot and scalped; John Haggard - shot and scalped; Isaac M^leld - shot; John Brown - shot; young Dentbn> shot; George Mayfleld - captured by Indians; Mr, Graham, Mr, Brown, Mr# Tindal - shot by Indians. There were others from 1800 on to cut trails thf^u^ this W arid begin to clear their lands* and there were num erous hunters,, trappers and surveyors through the area before 1800; but the few diScUssed in the chapter were those hardy Individuals who manned the outer defense pehhimeter In the Cumberland settlements. Their stations or forts were for a slibrt time, the most Isolated and vulnerable to Indian attack; - their fortified homes were - for a while - truly the last outposts on the frontier.

This article, copyrighted In 1974 by Richard Carl ton Fulcher, Is repro duced by the special permission of the author for publication In the William- Son County Historical Society 1975 publication. Any further reproduction thereof, without the expressed written consent of the author. Is prohibited.

Legend: AOM and BB are historical file classifications of Information banks maintained by the Genealogical Research Association (GAR), under the directorship of Richard Carl ton Fulcher, 33

SO ,MUCH FOfi :S0 Limi

I.*;.>The story of two spies......

By: Glenn 1/ Johnson

History records many incidents of individuals who have given their lives for those things they believed. A fine example of this statement is Sam Davis, "Tennessee's Boy Hero," who was hanged v/ithout divulging his mission. History has drawn her clock of silence and secrecy around an event that preceeded the death of Davis by five months. It has been forgotten by some, discussed by a few, and only remembered by those who cherish the brave. I refer to the two confederates hanged as spies in Franklin, Tennes see, June 10, 1863. Their mission has never been known, their actions never explained. Any assumption as to the outcome of the war if they had escaped would be a figment of the human mind. They rode out of the dusk, tarried a while in the twilight, and then returned to the hot, murky night, bearing with them a question that history has never answered.^ This writer has heard tales pf the grandparents, the fragmentary as sumptions of the students of history, a reference or a paragraph in a history book for almost ten years, and he at last will attempt to assemble all the facts as he has gleaned them from books, articles, "word-of-mouth orations," and individual records.

If the two had lived, maybe the answer could be found in the pages of history. This was not to be; a hurried "Drum Head Court Martial" changed all.

The background of this story begins on June 8, 1863. The camofires of Camp Granger were dying to,embers. - The housewives of the little town of Franklin were preparing the evening meal or washing the late evening 34

meal dishes. The Battle of Stone's River had been fough^a and niany families

had lost a member there. The "Rebel Cavalry" menaced everything. "Federal"

Forrest rode at will capturing and destroying, The "Federals" were on edges

nervous and snappy. Franklin had been attacked on the 4th and Colonel Baird had been hard pressed to bpat off the "Rebels," It was a hot murky night on the 8th, and at Fort Granger headquarters

Col, John P. Baird of the 85th Indiana,Commandant sat outside the tent door

talking with Col. Van Bleck. Two men rode out of the dusk. They were su-

purbly mounted and their uniforms and equipment showed them to be officers of

rank and distinction. Colonels Baird and Van Bleck must have stared at their

new merino havelocks; as neither the Northern nor Southern armies used them.

They were regarded as something "foreign." They dismounted and strode for ward, tall, erect and dignified. The elder of the two introduced himself as Colonel Auton of the army of the Potomac, his companion as Major Dunlop, assistant in the inspection of the Western troops, for which business they had been sent from Washington, They had just come from General Rosecrans at

Murfreesboro. Of course, they came through Triune, and had seen General

Gordon Granter, too. As this Colonel Auton talked he made more and more of an impression on Colonel Baird. It was with positive regret that he heard that they must press on to Nashville that very night. The young men seemed possessed of those qualities ivhich make any man or men outstanding in any crowd, intelligence, wit, frankness, and an air of individuality, they must press on to Nashville at once.

Colonel Auton asked that their passes be made out. While their request was being complied with, he told them of their misfortune of becoming lost on their way from Murfreesboro and being attacked by rebels somewhere around Eaglevilie, and of his man-servant's capture along with their money. They 35

had esceped only by fast Hding and skillful strategy; the unfortunate situation of the Wo officers appealed to Coionel Baird. When the all-important passes to Nashville were brought out, only the two men found that they were made in the name of "Colonel Orton." At this point Auton led Colonel Baird to a point some fifty feet away, where in embarrassment and chagrin he confessed they were out of funds. He asked could Colonel Baird relieve this situation by a loan of one hundred dollars apiece or any sum for immediate and future expenses? Colonel Baird explained that he did not have the money on his person; but excused himself and went to see Colonel Van Vleck, who was nearby smoking and watching. On October 28, 1863, in a letter. Colonel Van Vleck gives his reply to Colonel Baird's request for the loan: I told him that I thought the men were not what they repre sented themselves to be; the novernment would not send two officers of their rank from the Potomac to inspect the army of the Cumber land, when we already have more inspections than we know what to do with. Neither would Rosecrans send them from flurfreesboro through enemy territory without an escort, and if they had done such,a " foolish thing, v/hy, if they are inspectors, do they not ask to inspect our troops, and why are they so determined to reach Nash ville tonight? Again, I added, is it not strange if true, that the Rebels should capture the Colonel's servant and coat and all his money and yet he himself get off so safely and with his lieu tenant? I declined to let the money go and immediately arose and went into my tent; as I passed my surgeon I remarked that the two men with havelocks were certainly spies." Colonel Baird was upset and a^/kwardly asked for their orders; Colonel Auton seemed to take no offense and readily handed over a long envelope with the following written on it:

Headquarters: Department of the Cumberland Murfreesboro, May 30, 1863 All guards and outposts vn'll immediately pass without delay. Colonel Auton and his assistant. Major Dunlop.

By command of Major General Rosecrans Chief of Staff and Assistant Adjutent General 36 ;

There were other papers in the envelope and Colonel Baird read theiii all, soberly and intentlyi Special Order- War Department Adj. General's Office Number 140 Washington May 25,-1863 Colonel Lawrence W. Aiitoh, Chivalry, United States Army and acting Inspector-General, is hereby relieved from duty along the "Line'of the Potomac." He will immediately proceed to the Western and minutely inspect the Department of the Ohio and the Department of the Cumberland, in accordance with special instruc tions numbers 140-169 and 185, furnished him from this office and that of the Pay-Master General. V. Major Dunlop, assistant Quartermaster, is hereby relieved from duty in this city. He will report immediately to Col. Auton for duty. By order of the Secretary of War: E. D. Townsend Assistant Adjutant-General

Another letter read thus: Headquarters, Department of the Cumberland s Murfreesboro, Tennessee . May 30, 1863 Colonel L. W. Auton, Cavalry, Special Inspector-General

Colonel: ■ ' " '* , • i ■ The Major-General commanding desires me to say to you that he desires, that if you can spare the time at present, that you will inspect his outpost before drawing un your report for the War De partment at Washington City. All Commanding Officers of outposts will aid you in this matter to the best of their ability.

The General desires me to give his resnects to you. I remain your obedient servant, J. A. Garfield Brig. Gen. of Vols; Chief-of- staff and Asst. Adj. Gen. Along the same vein of thought the General read another letter: " ' 37

Headquarters, United States Forces Nashville, Tennessee, June 5, 1853 _ All officers in command of trooos beionging to these forces Will give every assistance in their power to Col. L. Wi Auton, special Ihspector-General under direct orders of the Secretary of War.

By Command of General Morgan John Pratt Assistant Adj. General

Colonel J. P. Baird, Colonel of Volunteers, was more than satisfied.

He was also embarrassed as he handed the papers back to Col. Auton - imagine asking an officer acting under the command of the Secretary of War, to pro duce his papers and then reading them before subordinates. He apologized profusely and gave Col. Auton fifty dollars in money, a corrected pass, and the counter-sign, heartily wished them Good-Speed on their journey, and watched them ride away into the dusk of the evening. They were blotted out almost immediately as the heavy mist of the night was lowering its pro tective arm around the tii/o riders. The small town of Franklin was making its preparations for a foggy night - nothing unusual for this time of the year.

Then Colonel Baird went into his tent, maybe to ponder and think of the youths who had just left him, and maybe he thought of the joys ahead for them. We do not know why the thought of forgery ever entered his mind, the shock of it, the immense consequences that would follow if the two men were imposters and their papers forged. Imagine his position if they were, and then what if they were Federal Officers of importance who could not be lightly ordered back virtually under arrest? He had seen their papers once* He had no grounds for calling them back to see them again. He grew more confused there in the dark with no one to see. Perhaps he was an imaginative man, ,and in his mind he saw the two young men as they were presenting his pass to the advance pickets out there at Spencer's Creek 38

on the Nashville Pike, saw the pickets salute and the men n'de on. There must have been that subconscious thought, "How far down the Pike are they

now?" ' An officer of the "Old Army," Colonel Louis D. Watkins, Colonel of the Sixth Kentucky Cavalry, was mildly surprised when his superior officer came out of his tent and tbld him his suspicions and Van Vleck's charge. He then asked him; What would he do if their positions were reversed? After some grave disliboratibhs Colonel feaird decided that the men must be brought back and their papers scrutinized with greater emnhasis on possible forgery. Colonel Watkins was already mounting with his orderly following. Colonel Van Vleck's letter says that Colonel Baird hurried to him and asked his" opinion. He stated that his opinion was the same as before, whereupon the Colonel mounted his horse and followed Colonel Watkins., Many are the tales told of the pursued and the pursuer. The truth, as this writer understands it, is simple, Col. Watkins gave his orderly orders to unsling his carbine if and when they overtook the two; if the men offered resistance, shoot to kill. They did overtake the two men in question, before they reached the out post at Spencer's Creek, They were asked to return to the fort, to which they readily consented. If they were surprised that an officer of Colonel Watkins' rank had been sent posting after them to carry such a message, they showed no outward signs. At Colonel Watkins' tent they were told to wait. They thanked the Colonel and entered his tent. Colonel Watkins' rode on to consult with Colonel Baird. After sitting on a camp stool for a few minutes, Colonel Auton began striding the length of the tent; impatiently he raised the tent flap and looking out discovered that he and Major Dunlon were prison ers. The sentries surrounded the tent and would not let him pass. Presently 39

they were taken under guard to headquarters and brought before Colonel Batrd. this must have been a strange meeting indeed, but theri is no record of it. Perhaps angry words passed and threats were madei Per haps it was cold and dignified, Ghilly to the uneasy officers on both

sides. the papeH were examined minutely this time, the form and phrase ology of the message were above question^ the army did need insjiectors; they had just been Relieved of duty in the east for this particular assignment. It v/as all very regular as far as logic and circumstances were cdhcernedi

Some writers and not a few newspapers make much of the fact that the papers were not written on the regular form paper used by the War Department, this, however, seemed to make little impression on Colonels Baird and Watkins. After more talking and accusations. Colonel Watkins doggedly held them prisoners. In his nervousness and anxiety. Colonel Baird climbed the fog- shrouded hill to the signal station to receive at first hand an answer to his message that had been sent to triune, the signalman looked through his telescope at the darkness of the night in the east for a glimmer that would indicate that the forces in Triune were about to answer, then, lo back through the night came a signal that the commanding officer at triune could not understand the message, but he was sending Lieutenant Wharton to investigate. Colonel Baird was upset, triune was fifteen miles away, and the lieutenant would not arrive for several hours.

the colonel ordered the following message sent to Triune:

Franklin, June 8, 1863 ■

Brigadier-General Garfield, Chief-of-Staff 40

Is tlipre. any,such Inspectqr-pen.t'ral,,as Lawrence Orton, Colonel U. S', Army; and Asst. Major buhTo'p. If so, please describe their personal, appearance,and answer immediately.

J. P. Baird, Colonel - Commandinq Post There was no time given. It is surmised to be around nine o'clock.

The colonel and his staff waited. Two hours passed. The prisoners were shown every courtesy except liberty. When the colonel could wait no longer, he climbed the hill to the signal station again and sent another message to Brigadier-General Garfield, giving minute details and descriptions of both men in (^tiestion. After waiting fifteen minutes an answer to the first dis patch was received and then Lieutenant Wharton arrived from Triune. What a moment it must have been, as the prisoners arose to fact himi No, they had not'been at Triune that afternoon. Their stories were pure fabrications and their papers were forgeries! Then a telegram was received from headquarters

which read thus;

Headquarters, Department of the Cumberland Murfreesboro, June 8 Colbnel J. P. Baird, Franklin ■ there are no such men as Insp. Gen. Lawrence Orton, Col. U.S. Arriy, and Assistant Major Dunlop in this army or any other army as far as we know. Why do you ask?

Signed: J. A. Garfield Brig, Gen, & Chief-of-Staff The above message indicated a note of irritation and ridicule and Colonel

Baird did not like it. Later in the night, after lengthy questioning and probing. Colonel Baird jubilently sent Headquarters another message stating that the men have con fessed that they are a "Rebel" colonel and lieutenant, that one's name was Williams, who had been attached to General Winfield Scott's Staff of Second 41

Cavalry, Regular Army. He states that his bile was stirred and that some hanging would help his feelings. Later a telegram was handed Colonel Baird, answering his second mes- , sage. It rlad thus: Coibilel J* P. Baird, Franklin The two men are no doubt spies. Call a drum-head court martial tonight, and if they are found to be soies, hang them before morning without fail.

J. A. Garfield Chief-of-Staff The reader will notice that up to this particular moment no mention is made of the two men's personal belongings' being searched. It must

have been after the sending of the last message that.Colonel Baird de

cided that the men should be searched. There were found in their hat bands and elsewhere on their persons, their names and rank in the Confederate Army^ One sword, a fine piece of craftsmanship, bore the inscription, "Lieutenant Walter G. Peter, C.S.A.". The other sword bore the following "Colonel L. 0. Williams". The two carried approximately $!,50G in Con

federate money, a silver cup, and a few trinkets. The evidence was overwhelming that they were Confederates.

What transpired from midnight until three o'clock no one knows. No written record has been found. The reader can only imagine their thoughts,

emotions, and actions. The two captives were cousins, playmates in childhood, comrades in manhood. Colonel Williams would be twenty-fiVe within the month; Lieuten ant Peters was only twenty-one. The older led; the younger followed in boyish admiration. All who knew spoke of the boyish lieutenant's devotion to his older cousin, Orton, The feeling shared by those who khew v/as that the real purpose of the mission was never disclosed to the younger man;

he only followed. ■42

Sometime- after three o'clock orderlies hurried through the camp to the quarters of the officers and aroused them with the words, " The Colonel oi^'dei^s, Sih, that you assemble at once at headquarters for drum head court." This Was. repeated monotonously here, there, and any place officers were to be foundi The officers began assembling at once, greet ing each other in low tones. There was a great scraping of chairs and boots on the bare board floors. One of the lamps went out and an orderly placed a row of lighted candles along the edge of the long table. The row of tiny flames threw bizarre and wavering shadows on the faces and walls, flung a garish shimmer of light on the gold braid and brass but tons and side arms of the assemblage. The prisoners were brought in. The trial began; the trial of spies who had made no attempt to gain information, who had no drawings of forti fications, who had naught to condemn them but an intention that was never known to the assembled court and is unknown to history. In the official records of the "Union and Confederate Armies" Volume 23 part II pages 424 and 425, we find the following:

Record of the Military Commission Headquarters Post, Franklin June 9, 1863 Before a Court of Commission assembled by virtue of the follow ing order;

Headquarters Post of Franklin June 9 3:00 A.M. A Court of Commission is hereby called, in pursuance of orders from Major-General Rosecrans, to try Colonel Williams and Lieutenant Peters of Rebel forces, on charge of being spies, the Court to sit immediately at headquarters of the post'. Detail for the Court: Colonel Jordan of Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalry, President; Lieutenant Van Vleck, Seventy-eiahth "infan try; Lieutenant Colonel Hobitzel, Fifth Kentucky Cavalty; Captain Crawford, Eighty-fifth Indiana Infantry; and Lieutenant Wharton, Judge Advocate. 43

By order of J. P. Bairdj Colonel Comnandihg,Post. The Court and Judge having been duly sworn according to military law; the prisoners were arraigned upoii the follow ing charges: Charges and specifications against Colonel Lawrence Auton5 alias Williams, and Lieutehant WalteP G. Peters, officers in Rebel forces.

Charges: Being spies. Specifications: In this, that said Colonel Lawrence Auton, alias Williams, and Lieutenant Walter G. Peters, officers in the so-called Confederate States of America, did, on the 8th day of June, 1863, come inside the lines of the Army of the United States at Franklin, Tennessee, wearing the uniform of Federal officers, with a pass purporting to be signed by Major-General Rosecrans, Commanding, Department of the Cum berland, and represented to Col. J". P. Baird, Commanding Post of Franklin, that they were in the service of the United States; all of this for the purpose of getting information of the strength of the United States forces and conveying it to the enemies of the United States, now in arms against'the United States Government. ' '

Signed: E. C. Davis Capt.CCompany G. Eighty-fifth Indiana Infantry The evidence was weighty and all in favor of a conviction. Thoughts passed through the minds of these young men of their childhood, of their narrow escapes together in boyhood, pranks played upon friends and loved ones, their rides among the beauties of nature, the small-time jokes, little ihsignificent things at the time, but now looming big on the horizon of what tomorrow would bring. To one especially, there was the image of a face - one so dear, yet so far removed from this panorama of doubt, mis

trust, and unkind words. The prisoners were asked to make a statement, and this they did, giving in substance what the court wanted to hear. It was as follows: "That they did come into the lines of the United States Army at Franklin, Tennessee, on the 8th day of June, 1863, wearing the uniform they now had on their nersbns, which was that of Federal officers; that they went to the headquarters 44

of the commanding officer and represented to him that they were of the department commanded by Adjutant-General Townsend and assigned by him to inspect all departments of the army. That they did exhibit an order from Hajor-GeneraT Rosecrans and counter signed by Brigadier-General Garfield, Chief-of-Staff, That they had missed the road from Hurfreesboro and wandered too close to Eagleville and ran into Rebel picket-lines and had an orderly shot, and lost his coat.containing his moneys that they wanted some money and a pass to, Nashville. That when arrested by Colonel Watkins, Sixth Kentucky Cavalry that they.(did admit tHey wer'e of the Rebel Army, and that the Colonel was Lawrence Orton Wiljiams.,.'that he-had been in the Second Regular Army of the United States once, and on General Scott's staff in Mexico and was now a colonel in the Rebel ArmVj and Lieutenant Peter was hiis adjutant; and that he came into our lines knowing his fate, if taken> but asking mercy for his adjutant."

The Court having maturely considered the case, after hearing all the evidence, together with the statements of the prisoners, did find them guilty of the charge of being spies, found within the lines of the United

States Army at Franklin, Tennessee, on the 8th day of June, 1863,

Thomas J, Jorden Colonel Ninth Pennsylvania Cavalty Fhesident of the Commission

The trial ended. Thus it stood for history to record, for posterity to admire and almost forget.

Later Colonel Van Vleck wrote to Williams' sisters; a portion of the letter is as follows:

The party was called together and your brother freely con fessed his guilt as to the object of his mission, which is to this day a mystery to us all. In the course of a conversation with Colonel Watkins, your'brother said to him, 'Why, Watkins, you know me. We served in the same regiment of the United States Artny. I am he that was Lieutenant Williams.' Watkins at once recognized him.

In his remarks to the court, your brother said that he had undertaken the enterprise with his eyes open and knew what his fate must be if discovered; but said that the value of the prize at which he grasped fully justified the fearful hazard he had made to gain it, and acknowledged the entire justice of his sen tence, and said he had no complaint to make. He at no time denied being a spy; he only denied that he had designs against Franklin, I believe that he said the truth. He had a greater prize in view. 45

He asked for mercy for Lieutenant Peter, on account of his youth and. biBcause he was ignorant of the objects and dangers, of the mission. Your, brother did say that he iritehded to have gone to Europe immediately - if HiS mission had been successfu." The trial had lasted scarcely one Hour. When it was at an end, colonel Baird sent another telegram to His cohiiiiandihg officer* The mes'^ sage read: Franklin, June 9^ 196^ General Gairfield; Chiefiiof'tStaff: Colonel Watkihs saifs Colortel Williams is a first cousin of General Robert E. Lee, and he says so. He has been Chief of Artillery on Bragg's staff.

We are consulting. Must I hang him? If you can direct me to send him somewhe.re else, I would like it; but if not, or if I do not hear from you, they will be executed. This dis patch is written at the request of Colonel Watkins, who detained the prisoners. We are prepared for a fight.

J. P. Baird, Colonel, Commanding

What had happened in the minds of the officers? One message had been flippant and arrogant, the other almost painful and pitiful. Did both at long last realize the seriousness of the occasion? After a wait of almost an hour, back came the answer to the message that had been sent. It was a decree that was worded as follows:

Headquarters Department.of the Cumberland MurfreeSboro ■June 9,1863 4:40 .A.M.

Col, J, P. Baird - Franklin

The General commanding directs that the two spies, if found guilty, be hung at once, thus placing it beyond the possibility of Forrest profiting by the information they have gained.

Frank S, Bond Major and Aide-de-Camp Colonel Baird could only carry out the orders of his superiors. The night's business had been hard and nerve-racking. The Colonel stretched 46

his body and rubbed his eyes, they felt as if gravel had been thrown into th^m. Day was dawning. The camn was beginning to stir. Glances were

directed tov/ard headquarters. Whispers were passed among the enlisted men and then hushed words were spoken and individuals moved toward their ap pointed and natural tasks. The Chaplain, Rev. Robert Taylor of the Seventy-

eighth Illinois cleared his throat and announced his presence, later the ChapUin v/as to send words of comfort to the sister of one of the con

victed men. One of the letters states that when he was taken into the pres

ence of the two young men, they received the announcement of their plight

with sober dignity and sadness. The Chaplain states that afteV' hearing their sentence, the older man stated, "The charge of being spies we deny." They asked if they might write a few lettersj and when paper and pens

were brought the others withdrew. In his letter to his beloved sister Colonel Williams again states, "Do not believe that I am a spy; with my

dying breath I deny the charge," There was a letter to General Bragg.

Then there was one whose contents were meant for only the eyes of the lady

who had promised to be his wife; only a copy is left, written in a fine riiaseuline hand, and it reads thus, "When this reaches you, I will be no more. Had I been able to succeed, I would have been able to marry you in

Europe in a month. The fate of War has decided against us. I have been

condemned as a spy - you know I am not."

When the letters had been finished. Colonel Williams asked if he might send a telegram to General Rosecrans, who had known his father long ago.

Colonel Baird clutched at this straw of hope and ^the.telegram was sent:

Franklin, Tennessee June 9, 1863

General Garfield, Chief-of-Stnff; Will you not have any clemency for the son of.Captain Williams, who fell at Monterey, Mexico? As my dying speech, I protest 47

our innocence as a spy. Save also my friend.

Lawrence !a(» Orton (formerly W., Orton Williams) I send this as a dying request. The men are' condemned and we are preparing for their exe- . , cution. They also prefer to be shot. If you can answer before I get ready, do.

J. P. Baird, Colonel

No message came. , Twenty years later. Colonel William Prpsser, in writing for the "United States Magazine": stated that General Roseerans, being a sympathe tic and tender man and afraid that his senses and, judgement might be

overcome by pleas of mercy» gave an order that under no conditions was he

to be disturbed when he retired between three and four in the mornihg, ' and he gave General Garfield,instructions to carry out his former orders

rin regard to the two men who had been captured,

The responsibility was shifted in the true army fashion.; ;

Hours passed, restless moments slipped by:, and then Colonel Baird realized that the responsibility was his,-and he reluctantlyigave,the

:order for the execution. Thus the death knell was soundedi ;

LocaT history has said for many years that the young men came from

■I , ■-,/ siputh of the Federal lines. How-they penetrated the enemy Tines'only •fate knows. We,are told that they ate their last meal in theVQden home on Lewisburg Pike (how owned and operated by the vvell-known horseman,

JEdward Stalcup.) As far as the writer has been able to/ascertain, this

was their last meal - nowhere do we find a mention of their eating; after

being captured.

In the years that have passed since the execution, numerous accounts

of the execution have appeared, alTfragmentary, but all written and

spoken in a'note of respect and admiration for the two condemned men. 48

One wrote that they died in a truly heroic manher.i Ahother fnehlions that they ascended the scaffold with a firm step and chin high, and tb a young ■ f'; . • ' officer standing nearby Williams coimehted that the cruel fates of war had turhbd ac|ainst h^mi the hopes were adjusted around thd necks of the young men and they were told,just whet^e to stand on the "trap'door." At a signal, the trigger of the trapdoor was pulled and the two young souls ascended to

the haven of all good soldiers. Headquarters in Murfreesboro was notified of the ordeal, but Colonel

Baird was still convinced that he had not executed two ordinary spies.

Then it dawned upon him that these were the first officers of the Confed

eracy to be executed, A shiver ran over his body. The personal effects of the young men were carried to the Confederate lines under a flag of truce and given into the care of the outpost of the

Fifty-first Alabama Mounted Infantry under the command of Lieutenant-

Colonel Webb, For many years local historians have related and documented the fact that the two men were hanged from the limb of a tree. This tree was pointed out to succeeding generations as where the two young men v/ere hanged. All

evidence indicates that a gibbet or hangman's scaffold was erected near the

present location of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Stationi^ That a

tree v/as used as a hangman's instrument could be true, as history records the hanging of several Union soldiers for desertion in this vicinity. From information supplied in various dispatches, personal letters,

and other documents, we are able to determine that Lawrence Orton Williams,

was not the older man's name. Why he changed it from William Ortoh Williams is another mystery. Only four of the letters he-wrote during the

war reached the sister and one he closed with affection and signed his

name as "Lawrence Ortpn Williams," Why did he take the nameiOf: his elder - , ' 49

brother, an officer in the Federal Army? It caused disorder and confusion not only in the Federal Army, but also in the Army of the Confederacy, One report that has been cihciilated was that while serving on the staff of Bishop-General Polk, shortly before Shi 1oh, Williams discovered a ypting phivate disobeying ohO bf the cardinal rules of army lifli Whether this was sleeping on duty, insubordination, or any of the thOUSh'iid things a newly inducted citizen caft boifiifnit, we know not; Aii, argument ensued hnd the private waS killed. This cPuSed Willihms to become very unpopular among army persbnel* DOspite thiSj hO was mentioned twice for gallantry in general orders. He was transferred to General Bragg's Command, whether at his request or at the commanding officer's discretion, we know not, but it was at this time he changed his name. Colonel Williams was not a first cousin of General Robert E. Lee, but of General Lee's wife, who was of the Custis family, a direct descen- dent of Martha Washington, He was on the>staff of General Scott, Com- mander-in-chief of the army in Washington in 1851. On June 10, 1861, he

resigned his commission to proffer his sword to the South and die at

Franklin, Tennessee.

What was his mission? Indications were he had failed. Who knew his mission?. Not General Wheeler, on whose staff he had;served two months; not his companion, nor General Bragg, to whom he had written farewel1. Why did he not dignify his act by giving it the importance it deserved? Why - this writer cannot.answer except to say "he died a brave man's death, he was motivated by those principles that engender and elevate

certain men above the level, of the Common Herd." Many years, later there was found among the Confederate Correspondence in Richmond^ a portion of a letter that indicated a correspondence and 50 knowledge of Colonel Williams by Judah P. Benjamin, Secretary of War of the Confederacy: listed here as follows:

General Polk

Columbus, Ky. Feb. 20, 1862

Sir: I have received your several communications from Capt, Williams and he has been detained a day or two to enable us to obtain from him such information of the late engagement at Fort Donelson and the movement of our troops as would authorize a definite decision to our future movements.

Signed J, P. Benjamin Secty. Of War , Thirty-four years after the hanging, there came to light, among a dead man's private letters, another letter of Secretary Benjamin, a letter written but three weeks after Colonel Williams and his companion's death at Franklin, (of which this is a part, published in the Richmond Times of July 16, 1896 and republished in the papers of the Southern Historical Society Vol. #24): Department of State, Richmond, Va. July 3, 1863 (to Lieutenant J. L. Capston) Sir: you have in accordance with your wishes and proposals made to this department been detailed by the Secretary of War for special service under my orders. The duty v/hich is proposed to entrust to you is that of a private and confidential agent of this government for the purpose of proceeding to Ireland and there using all legiti mate means to enlighten the population as to the nature and character of the contest now waged in this Continent with the view of defeating the attempts made by agents of the United States to obtain in Ireland recruits for their army. It is understood that under the guise of assisting needy persons to emigrate a regular organization has been formed of agents in Ireland who leave untried ho method of deceiving the laboring population into emigrating for the obstensible purpose of seeking employment in the United States, but really for recruiting in the Federal armies.

Explain to them the true nature of Warfare which is being car ried on here. Picture to them the fate of their unhappy countrymen. Relate to them the story of Meagher's Brigade, its formation and its fate. Explain to them they will be called on to meet Irishmen in battle and thus imbrue their hands in the blood of their own countrymen and perhaps kinsmen in a quarrel which does not concern them and in which all the feelings of a common humanity should induce them to refuse taking part against. Contrast the policy of the Federal and Confederate States. . . 51

Lay all these matters fully before the people who are now called on to jbin these ferocious persecutors in the destruction of this natioiii i aril irr, respectfully Your dbedient servant (sighed) J. P. Benjamin Secty. of State Colonel Williams may not have been Lieutenant Capston's predecessor but who knOwS But that he too h'aii a personal letter - which was not a War Department Order from Judah P. Benjamin,' Secretary of State of the Con federacy? This thing of hiring Irish soldiers was serious on both sides. There were several "Irish Brigades" and "Irish Regiments" on both sides of the conflict. They were tough, quarrelsome, insubordinate, and overly fond of pillage. But they were rated high for generosity and good humor, and as fighters they were said to be unexcelled. The "Yanks" and the "Rebs" were both anxious to recruit the sons of the "Emerald Isle" and were fairly successful, as the North had over 150,000 scattered through its ranks and the South had approximately 85,000. Ireland contributed more soldiers than any other non-American country to the Confederacy. If Colonel Williams had survived and made his trip to Ireland, would it have changed the outcome of the War? Your thoughts are your own; I only know that he came to Franklin, and was hanged. I believe that is all we shall ever know,

(TAPS) 52

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

this writeif' is indebted to the foliowinn sourcesj writers and individuals in the tiheparation of this article: 1, The writings of Park Marshall of Franklin, Tennessee 2i ''Cleburhe artd His Corranand" Captain Irvin Buck C.S.A. 3. The articlesi ' written■ ' ■ ! by William Gilmore Bymer 4. "Lee's Lieutenant" by Douglas Southall Freeman 5. Those many individuals of Franklin and Williamson County who have discussed this subject to painstakingly with me, and given access to books, keepsakes, diaries and newspapers. The messages recorded here and the letters quoted are given verbatim as near as humanly possible. 53

. HOTELiS AHD TAVERNS OR

By: Ann Moran

In these days of interstate highways- it seems almost unreal that in

a trip from Nashville to Franklin would take the better part of two days. The traveler leaving Nashville by coach at dawn would reach Holly Tree Gap about dusk. After a gpod night's rest and two square meals he cbuld continue his trip to Franklin.

The old road to Franklin was a winding wopdsy lane going in a southerly directioni later it became known as the Granny White Pike.

This road was used prior to the organization pf Williamson County. It was on January 3, 1800, that the county planned a good road to Franklin. Located about halfway between Nashville and Franklin, at the foot of Holly Tree Gap, was Beech's Tavern. The location of this tavern was : such that, from the summit of the hill which the gap split into halves, a good view of an approaching traveler from either the north or the south could be had; so Beech's Tavern was a favorite hideout of outlaws. The notorious John A. Murrell chose it as one of his places to strike- so goes the legend.

In the Nashville Directory of 1853 Beech's Tavern is listed pro minently. Andrew Jackson and Aaron Burr were among, its frequent visitors. Following the Battle of Franklin, Schofield's army, in their retreat toward Nashville; stopped at the inn. They had with them thirty hostages, among whom were Henry Faulkner, Sr., and Mack Craig of

Franklin. The Confederates were warned that, in the event the retreating

Federal soldiers were molested, these young men would be immediately shot. During the period of reconstruction. Beech's Tavern was the scene of much-outlawry.* Holdups were frequent. It has been said that two 54

returriiihg Confederates were murdered close to the ihh. The original own^r of the inn was John Beech and the property was owned by the Beech family

until it was sold in 1931. In Historic Williamson County. Virginia Bowman gives an account of McDaniel's Tavern, five miles from Franklin. Both McDaniel's and Beech's were stagecoach stops and mail delivery posts. The Williamson County Court was authorized to hold its first meeting in Franklin ,at a place of their choosing and continue meeting at such place until a courthouse could be built. The court held the meetings of January 3, February 3, May, and August at the residence of Thomas McKay. After August the meetings wene to be at the courthouse. Thomas McKay was licensed to keep an "ordinary" and it was at this place that the court met. No doiibt, as was the custom, he lived in the house where he took boarders and, as every tavern keeper did, had liquor for sale. This house was on Bridge Street. One of the first proposals agreed upon by the court in its first meeting was the fixing of prices in all licensed taverns, grog shops, and "ordinaries." The scale of costs was fixed as follows: half-pint of good whiskey or brandy, 12% cents; half-pint of rum, 25 cents; French brandy, 25 cents; lodging or bed for one night, 8 cents; dinner, 25 cents; breakfast or supper, 18% cents; gallon of oats, 8 cents. The White House, or Lower Tavern, stood on lot 4; the transfer of that lot was made by Abram Maury to Chapman White in 1802. It was later owned by Joseph German, who sold it to Benjamin White in 1805. Benjamin White bought also the lot on the west from Joseph Maris, so he had a front of 198 feet for the tavern property. According to an article in the Review-Appeal of January 11, 1923, George Nichol states that this was the first "public house" in Franklin; it was built by Benjamin White, who was 'ilso a smith and had a wpodyard. 55

This house fetood. where the present jail is. General Andrew Jackson,,:, Felix Gruhdyrand thonias Behtdh were a few of the men who made frequent stops at Ben White's hotel. Mark IcJ. Smith advertised in the local paper on April 18i 1828, that he had become proprietor of the Franklin Hotel, which he planned to con tinue as a hPu^e of entertainment. HI had built a large and commodious stable on the premises Whlch^w^ be well-stocked with all kinds of provender and attended by a steady and careful hostler under his own immediate inspection. His beds would be well attended and kept in good manner, his tables supplied with everything the county would afford, and hjs bar filled with choice foreign and domestic liquor. The Franklin Inn of the early 1800's seems to have had a good bit of financial trouble. In the Independent Gazette of Nnvemhpr ?n. 1821, .Thomas L. Robinson informed his friends that he had taken back his old stand at operating the Franklin Inn and was prepared to serve both travelers and others. The rate for meals was 25 cents, a single horse fed, 25 cents. The lease on the Franklin Inn, all the furniture, bedding, and so on was sold for debt on January 7, 1827. But Thomas Robinson made it known on December 29, 1808, that he was going to operate the

inn again. Goodspeed's History stated that the Franklin Inn, operated by T. L. Robinson in 1831, was the Elliot House in 1866. The other hotel opera ting in Franklin was the Parrish House. The Elliot House was located on Main Street, where the Loy Hardcastle Dodge Company is now. Mr. Marshall Neely operated this hotel in the early 19G0's. The Parrish House was on the corner of Second Avenue and North Main Street. It was operated by Mrs. Sal lie Hughes and later by Tom Owen. On November 30, 56

1899s MrSo J. C. Owen advertised that she was operatirig the hotel with special rates weekly and monthly. Marshall Neely operated a hotel on the northeast corner of the Square, which was later purchased by a Mr. Mays. Mrs. Mays, who prior to this owned a rooming-hoUse on Third Avenue, operated the hotel and Mr. Mays ran a delivery-ice wagon from Nashville to Franklin. Edward Holt purchased a one-half interest in the hotel on October 20, 1920, as is stated in the

following from the Williamson County News: "Mays Hotel, Edward Holt, proprietor, has purchased,one- half interest in the Eggleston Building and will begin ai: an early date to enlarge the hotel property. The office occupied by Attorney P. E. Cox will be re modeled and converted into a modernly equipped ladies' parlor, where the guests of the hotel and the '.voinen of the county may find a place to rest and recreation when in town. The present ladies' parlor will be added to the lobby." .

Mrs. Mary Postlethwaite operated the hotel under the name Post Hotel for

many years. The Arlington Hotel was across the street from the Mays Hotel. It was built by Mrs. Lucy D. Bond of Spring Hill and operated by Laura Watson. Mrs. Bond purchased the property in 1890; before this it v/as the residence of John D. Bennett. J. Pink Caperton was the.operator in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The hotel stood until the property was bought by Mr. Jim King in 1912. Mr. King built and operated a Ford garage on the site for many years. This property is now the site of the Harpeth National

Bank. Benjamin King was operating a hotel on the Nolensville. Turnpike in 1850; it later became the Nolensville Hotel. J. W. Williams operated it from 1892 until 1898. E. K. Hardison was another operator. A two-story log building with twelve rooms and a large lobby was on the Nolensville-Huntsville Turnpike, "'ha stagecoach stopped at the inn, 57 where travelers could change horses or rent horses and buggies. Many salesmens or drummers, would stay at the hotel and rent and horse and buggy to call ph the smaller merchants in the area. The coach stopiDed operating abbut 1910. South of Franklin, Francis Giddens in the middle liSOO's built a hotel with sPme of the features of the Mitchie Tavern at Charlottesville, Virginia; among these were the closets in the three upstairs bedrooms which housed pull-down beds. Another was the circular drive at the front of the building.

Mrs. Dorothy Lea's home on Columbia-Franklin Pike was thought to be an inn or tavern. It had one large log room and there was a barn for the exchanging and housing of Irorses.

William Cayce was advertising his Medicinal Springs, formerly known as Kerr's. It was located about ten miles southwest of Franklin in Williamson County. The ad read: "To the invalid, to the sick, to those in pursuit of pleasure or health and change of scene and air he recommends a resort to the Springs." The prices at the Springs were: boarding for a month, $10.00; for a week, .$3.00; for a, boarding servant, $1.50 a week; a single meal, 25 cents; horse for a week, $1.00; per night, 35 cents; a single feed, 12 cents. The hotel was a large building and there were several little houses if you did not care to stay in the hotel.. The springs were a natural phenomenon in that seven kinds of mineral waters flowed from under one hill. Round bov^fls were placed on the twelve-foot vjalls of the springs so that one could partake of the water he desired. The water from one of the springs v/as supposed to have healing powers for the cyeS. Three other types of water were lime stone, freestone, and sulphur water. The hotel is now gone and the springs have become sources of a large pond. 58 In 1852 John A. WilkinSs prdfir'ietor of the Benton Springs Inn eight and a half miles fr6lii Frahklln, anhouhced that It was opdh for the re ception of visitors at ttie follbwihg charges: nian and hoi^se, $5.00 a week; single niahj $3.00 per week; children under ten and servants half- price. He stated that the medicinalijiialities of the watet were such as

to be favorable to invalids. The tables and other accommodations could

not be surpassed by any other southern places.

In the First District of the county, the v^/ater at Smith Springs had

been known for its medicinal qualities as early as the 1840's. When Samuel Smith's family sold the springs after the Civil War to John B. McEwen of Franklin, plans to develop the property into a flourishing spa

were carried out. A hotel accomodating one hundred and fourteen guests was built, and a number of cabins for families appeared on the hillsides. It became a popular place and the name was changed to Fernvale Springs.

McEwen and Cannon operated a daily stagecoach to Fernvale from Franklin; it met the trains. The route of this stage was Boyd Mill Pike to Bingham to Parker Branch Road to Fernvale. There were also stagecoaches from Bellevue which made daily trips to the Springs. Fernvale Springs was sold to W. P. Bruce and continued to exist until a disastrous fire and the trend of the times closed it in the early 1900's. Only a small sign is left to mark the Mayfield Spring of Fernvale. , Mr,, anp flrs^ purcftapd pbrj pf tfiq pyildinp;'§nf.brpp|(it thp^ log'wagon

Fernvale Springs Hotel. At the building of the present Franklin-Nashville Pike, Highway 31, in the 195pVs, Mr,. Glen Noble bought, land on the west side of the inter section of highway .31 and Old Hickory Boulevard. The:p: ih':'T954 Mr. and Mrs. Glenn A. Noble 'built Traveler's Rest Motel, and they still operate an ex-

--"-t

?®11 .,1!) Irintw#- I k ".t kMs* 0 • . '■ 59

About 1951 Mr. Bill Bethurum, Sr.^ built the Franklin Motel. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Smithsoh purchased the motel in 1953. After Mr. Smithson's death in 1961, Mrs. Smithson cohtinued to operate the motel, which U on East Main Street in Franklin. §0 we have come from a time wh^en guests in out hotels were largely froft a radius of fifty miles to a time when the majority of the guests are from other states or other nations. 61

THE HOG KILLING ,

;By: Sara Sprott Morrow

Cold weather Wi§-once essential for hbg killing. Farmers sniffed the aii^ in e^V'iy winter, watched for "siphs" which had been handed down orally for generat^brtli.waiting patiently for a prolonged "cold spell" ds in

surance against spoiled meat. Farm women, though dreading the ordeal of hog killing, in a sense

welcomed the day when their men announced, "We'll kill tomorrow."' It meant fresh meat, not common in days lacking electric refrigeration; it "meant lard for baking, hams, shoulders an^ sausage to be cured, furnishing

meat for a year. Neighbors and nearby relatives must be alerted. Hog killing was an occasion when gossip was exchanged by\the women, politics discussed by the

men. In addition, the neighbors frequently brought their own animals to be; slaughtered at a big hog killing. By any, criterion, hog killing in

volved a proper sense of. timing and hard work. My first-hand knowledge of a.hog killing is a fresh, vivid memory acquired in Williamson County at my grandfather's farm eleven miles south

of Franklin on the Lewisburg road sixty years ago. Hog killing time usually occurred between November 15 and Christmas. This meant that the grahdchildren (we lived in Nashville) were in school and I had never been present at the time. There was, however, one raemo-

rable year for me. The entire month of November and early December were unseasonably warm. Letters to my mother expressed concern about the lack of proper Vi/eather for hog killing. We, too, grew uneasy, because our family enjoyed the hog products that our grandparents shared generously with us through- dut the year. 62

ehristmas holidays began and, as always, I went joyfully to spend them with my grandparents. It required one hour to travel by train to Thompson Station whiehe I wd^ met by Iny youn^ uncle in a horse-drawri buggy and thaiisported f1Ve=lii1les to the farm, i write "transported'" be cause this journey was never a, joy* As we rode along., my lillcle S^'lci, "The clouds look like snow.''' It's been real cold." It was cold. I shivered under the heavy lap robe, ad justed my thick woolen mittens. Before we reached the farm', a light s.now powdered every twig of dead weeds and grass beside the road. Dried corn stalks standing in ,the fields rustled in the bitter,wind.'accepting the light burden which relieved their utter, desolate starkness. I began to sing, "Over the river, and through the.woods, To grand father bs house we go. The horse knpws the way to carry, the sleigh Through the white and drifted snow!" We were npt in a sleigh; we passed only over small creeks and beside the woods, but this made no difference to my nine-year-old reasoning; poetic license allowed me to improvise at wi 11. Snowi ng, i t was. "Looks like we'll be killing hogs npw," my uncle said when I had . finished with my song.

My heart jumped around in my chest. At last I would be at the farm for the great event. When we reached home, a decision was. quickly reached. Tomorrow would be the day! The news was spread by my uncle on horseback.. The message he carried was, to me, no less important than that of Paul Revere." The snow had ceased, which was, fortunate;, a deep fall would have postponed the killing'^;; , ■' The;preparations seemed endless. Food must be cooked' for a crowd of expected helpers. The black iron pots, the scalding trough; prepared and 63

set in their places. Knives were sharpened and I tiJrned the grindstone as

my grandfather honed them to a razor edge. Firewood had to be stacked near

the pots for the next day's boiling. I "ran my legs off" trying to be

helpful and accepted as a part of this momentous time. ,

Until I was sent early to bed, lying,buried under mountains of quilts , , ^rid. blankets,, it had hot occurred,to me that "hog killing" meant exactly Oiucw einoeq ij9Tn!oa v^r' i .onoo aq baq pnri I rb, pod sfld onryrjaqinoooc that. . W.liy, Some of my friendlyj gruhting little pigs of two summers ago nooD ' ri r r;K;D00 ■ tfio apoauoa aver' :;a uow eW .aoavM bns "anrfj rrb" nsvrp od were going to die! My apprehension grew; I was miserably unhappy. .adia bna qrid tbse-id While ,I accepted ,and enjoyed nothing to eat more than country ham, ^oooia -gnfi i r); .sr bojenroaoi Jiigra ortt dud .bosd ym niud od borod I not until my moment of revelation had all the implications risen to fret o'iOTsa as'.A/ dr .wi'rifio 9fi:t noqi.p 93,5[qnomiTio.o omoood Jon Lxrwi rid.aob dnoforv bno my mind. Dfifi stM a'nftM .smoo is'/ .loo bed I '-(.eW bfioW jofrdoiT!o.tu,6 Grid io ogs odj ,.Here, then, is what happened the next day. GOQdri fir r-GSf ;ro":"! ,odh -^nnodrieuera ardd nr nova saoqtuq bne yjrnprb My uncle crouched, waiting with his finger on the trigger, until the

huge black and white hog turned her head. The cold, early sunlight began

to redden the sky. Only a light sprinkling of snow covered the frozen

ground. I shivered and shook with the cold and the fear and the dread

and a feeling of deep compassion for the penned animal who had no choice,

but must die. She grunted and rushed around, seeming to sense her doom. All at once she was quiet, trying to hide her head amongst the naked corn

cobs in the enclosure. The neighbor men and relatives who had come to

assist in the hog killing stood beside the silent pen, their breaths b'UCw ohiGGq bGGO'OP .on-t Gd c.i" bGfi Grid 9" !■ vG making small funnels of steam on the wintry air. T' 103 n r •' .J r.3'.j ' f' 3 ■ V ' 3 ■ 1 j■■'T-ii r ; Tf f r- ^ ( 3 f* " J -1^"' V 3 -' j'"1 I tried to watch the rising of the sun "and to think of something ' else—the golden summers when we raced over th'l^gentie, s3dph'h'g"''fields'or ..bcifd .pnr f r r)l .sr'^ dGbririfoff ^ ;>'!'!■ 'rn.'i vr 'vrul Oj borv [ played in the nearby creek, which my uncle assured me ran firially to the bioled EiGw i'r e.nVt mQi- ooojopoRfnoo ofnoogd. Joa bed.rtf.•■•eb .ij?Gicrv.bnG sea. Rover, the brown-haired dog, came sniffing beside me and I patted risfi sjrf e'fjfiM pmoo davi i n bed j bf-vpW jQli-'Jomodui^orL-r to ona orlj' his head. He whined and I muzzled his mouth with my hand. ■i'fOjf f or ! aR, ; : "0 Rxi'f'i |.-n T'ioj fin Uio c srdj nr novo oaoq'ivjq bno ytrngrb ■ 64

Suddenly, the air was ripp^ by a rifle shot. My uncle jumped into the pen, raised his knife, which flashed in the light, and stabbed it quickly into the hog's throats He plungfed it again and again as the great animal heaved and resisted, bUt she weakened and at last lay still. She would never again suckle her youngi she would never again rush td the feeding trough to eat greedily, and yet, it seerhed to me, always gratefully. Though I had 'ii , ■ ^ .... • never loved this hog wilh the same dey.otion I had for Rover, or Patfey, the Jersey cow, or Tom or Bob, the horses, my stomach quivered and I wanted to scream dtlti as my uncle drove the sharp knife again and again. I,knew i liad no business to be there. Children and women did not watch the actual slaughtering of the hogs, my grandmother had told me over our lamplit breakfast. Their work came later, she told me, boiling fat for lard, grinding meat into sausage. But I had slipped away from the women in the dim light, and this once I intended to watch.

The work must all be done at once so the meat could "cool out" before another spell of warm weather. Neighbors had been bringing their hogs in wagons which began rumbling up the road before dawn while I shivered in my bed. My grandmother had kept her promise that I should get up at 3:30, eat breakfast and attend the hog killing. I was of sufficient age to help, for all of these people must be fed. Dishes must be washed and the many extra tasks accompanying the hog killing had to be done. The colored people would be given "chitlins" and livers. We would have sausage and cracklin' corn bread, backstrip and ribs. I tried to turn my head, but the sight fascinated me. Killing, blood, and violent death had not become commonplace upon the earth; it was before the age of the automobile; World War I had not yet come. Man's life had dignity and purpose even in this slaughtering rite, rr-?cl in laterr 65 years. War was something that had taken place,fifty years before and its agonies had been eased with the passing years. The sun was mounting the sky more quickly now and the horizon waSt streaked with red and through my head ran the foolish ditty,. "Good mor^- ning, merry sunshine! , How did you wake so soon?"

The men began to move about and I heard the murmur of their voices. "She's dead now." "Yeah, she's gone." And they leaped into the pen to help my uncle drag the bleeding hog from the enclosure. Her crimson blood stained the snow as the men dragged the great animal toward the scalding trough.

My uncle had risen long before I had and made a roaring fire to have the water boiling in the trough. Smoke and steam rose on the still air and the men heaved the great hog and lowered her body gently down into the boiling water to be scalded to loosen the bristling hair. "Don't leave her.too long," one man said. "It'll set the hair.";: "They lifted the dripping carcass and placed it upon a strong plat form of boards, but even its strength was tested by the weight of the hog and it sagged. They began to scrape at the hair with large knives. The body of the hog was soon naked,.pink and smooth. The men trussed her, lifted her and hung her from the limb of a great, strong ne^'^by tree. The sun gleamed on her waxen body; the blood ran from her mouth and snout and seemed to melt the snow.

The men talked about how big she was; they dashed buckets of cold- water over her body and wiped it clean with cloths. Their heavy work shoes crunched on the frozen ground and they talked continually—jqking and laughing. Hog killing time was a short season.of companionship and. visiting. Those country people had little time for such pleasures. There had been real fear that no weather cold enough would arrive before 66

Christmas. Its arrival had released the men's spirits and made them talka- •'! tive. They need not worry further that lard was low in the stands, or that the last haiti had disappeared from the table farei There would be an abun dance for ail. Neighbdr women had accompanied their then and were building fires be neath the iat'^e black pots to boil the fat. My uncle began to carve and butcher the hog. the heart, the rich,

dark liver, the entrails were exposed. They were cut out and cast into

waiting tubs. The women took their places at another slab table to cut the fat for

lard. I was given a knife; my stiff fingers clutched it and I began to slice at the pink, tender-looking flesh. It had cooled and now was begin

ning to be cold and stiff. My mind was full of the sight I had just witnessed. The women, too,

were talking and laughing. It was a great day for them. The unease of no

meat for Christmas was past and their tables would be fitly furnished for

all occasions. An elderly, white-haired man, a cousin, came and placed an affectionate hand upon my stocking-capped head. "How you like the hog killing, honey?" I commanded my voice not to shake. Perhaps he would think that I

shivered only from the cold. I managed a smile on my half-frozen face.

Another rifle shot cracked the stillness. I shuddered, but I replied,

"Fine, Cousin Charlie. Just fine." But I wished it were summer and Cousin Charlie was picking his banjo and.singing under the big hackberry tree in

the front yard as he sometimes did when he paid us a visit. The knife slipped and I cut my finger. It bled, but I sucked at the wound quietly. It was so small a nick--I was glad, I was happy that the flashing knife was not to be plunged in my own throat. 67

I stamped my ,feet in ari effort to warm them. My pin was filled with the cut blocks of fit and I took it to one of the black pots, the blue woodsmoke stung my eyes and tears trickled dowii rny cheekii I was glad because now I could wipe at them openly and have no one think that I was weeping because a hog had been killed;

Footnote: The persons referred to in this pieCe atei Grandparents—Milton and Martha Evans; the uncle, Leon Evans, presently living in Franklin; the cousin, Charlie Williams, grandfather of Franklin's Fleming Williams. The farm is located eleven miles south of Franklin on the Lewisburg Road. The 100-year-old house was built by my grandfather and is now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Hal Hurd. Trees - poplar - were felled and sawed on the place to build the house. 69

THE HART SITE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE

By: Malcolm Parker

More pre-historic artifacts have been found in Tennessee than.in any other state of our union. If ancient man considered the beautiful Cumberland country of Middle Tennessee comparable to a "Garden pf Eden," it is easy for us to understand why. If this were sbi what is now ; Williamson Cbiihty nibst have been i favorite corner that garden. Its many rivers, its favorable terird^n, itS pleasant clJinate, its forests filled with wild game and its abundance of berries, roots and nuts in sea son, most surely would have caused the leader of a migrating group to halt and to sgy, "Here we remain." It is not known at what date man first appeared in Middle Tennessee. It is known that it was a very long time ago. This ancient man's bones have as of this date not been found, but tools made and lost by him turn up occasionally and testify to the fact that at one time he walked this land. The name Paleo (dawn) man has been given to his culture. It ds thought that he was a hunter and a gatherer, never staying very long at one place. His remains, may some day be located and excavated. It is to be hoped that Should this come to pass that a carbpn-rl4 test will be taken.

Following Paleo man. in Williamson County came Archaic man. Arche- ologists do not agree upon the exact point.a'n history where a dividing line should be drawn. Be that as it may, the recently excavated;Hart Site falls within this time period. During the 19th century and the early part of the 20th, a number of sites were explored in Williamson. County from.which.many fine artifacts 70

were recovered, A good example is the account of the work done at Old

Town by Dr. Joseph Jones in 1868-69.

Early in March of 1972, Richard Norman of Nashville was surface- searching for arrowheads on the property of Rodes Hart of Brentwood, Tennessee. This particular area liies along the east bank of Owl Creek

near its confluence with the larger Mill Creek. Richard is a well- informed amateur archeologist and, upon saing indications that an ancient village had once occupied the site, he informed the writer of

his discovery. We contacted Mr. and Mrs. Hart and obtained their permission to ex plore and to excavate the ruins. We set up a "dig" to be executed by a limited personnel. A major percent of the workers were members of the Volunteer State Society. Other grbijps were also active, including the McGavock High School class in anthropology. All persons jja^ticipating in the dig had other work or interests that demanded their time. This resulted in an extended project that continued through 1972, 1973 and the first three months of 1974.

It was soon noted that not less than four different cultures had occupied the spot. Since no records are possible relative to tribal names, we decided to blanket bur references to these groups under the caption of the Owl Creek People. The carbon-T4 method of dating organic remains was used at the Hart Site. This entails a substantial financial budget. Ours was limited. Several styles of tools and weapons were unearthed that indicate that man occupied the banks of Owl Creek 6000 years before the birth of Christ. 71

Frorii a total of 618 burials that were excavated, we may have handled the bones of these people. We do not know. We do know that a settle ment existed there 3660 B.C. This information was obtained from carbon of bone samples'dated, by the University of Georgia. We were a bit awed by this reading at the time it was received. What'tould we learn from the earth about the people who lived ,tn WiTliatWson County 6000 years ago minus less than 300 years? 'mI'' This tribe lived by, hunting and gathering. Fresh wat^t,mussels ■ taken from.the streams made up a large portion of their meat supply. Fish, turtle,, and water snails served as a supplement to thi^'diet. Deer, turkey, beaver, and many other kinds of wildlife were a year- around source of food for the taking. Nuts, roots, and berries were I ' ■ , gathered and used. Bones from the midden (kitchen) area tell us this = story. Acorns and hazelnuts, left as charcoal by fire and thus pre--

served, were also discovered. The bow and arrow was used in securing wild game; -Many flint projectiles, knife blades and scrapers were found on all sections of the site. Limestone hammers and pestles were excavated numbering no less than a total of three hundred- After the roasted flesh of the deer was eaten, the pestles were then used to split the bones, from which the warm marrow was taken and served as a sort of dessert. Beautiful polished bone awls, flakers, and needles were plenti ful. Grooved sandstone whet-stones and abraders recovered by the dozens revealed the method by which they had been fashioned and sharpened. The atlatl (throwing device) was known to the Owl Creek People-. On other sites attribute^"to Archaic man, the stone weights and%he bone hooks associated with this weapon have turned up in goodly 72

numbersv At the Hart;sitej onig'complete weight and the fragments of two more; offer the only evidence, that this weapon was used

The remains of two lean-'to huts or shelters were excavated. Post molds, showing inclination angles of 45 degrees^ were uncovered. These, at one timei held long poles eight feet apart and implanted in parallel position. These, when covered with cane, tree branches, straw or skins,

provided shelter from heat or cold and from rain or snow. ; We found no evidence that agriculture was practiced in any fashion. No ornaments of stone, shell, copper, or bone were unearthed. It is likely that bright feathers and objects made of wood, fur and hide were used in a decorative way. s Archa.i.ct man believed in an afterlife, When he died his body Was flexed, (knees.jdrawn up under chin), wrapped in deer Skin, and plated within, thgiearth. ^ - Caches of well-mede fHpt knife blades and spearheads were often interred with a person of importance. One hundred arid fifty three such blades were.foupd at the Hart Site, the longest of this group beirig nine inches.,'.Some were broken by the Indians intentionally while others were unfractured. There are theories concerning this practice. The reasop is unknown. i t Prelity hairpins of bone were found associated with some burials. ' Pottery shards,rtdmpered with grit, were fairly plentiful. We have no carbon reading on any opgapic matter found near them. Such pottery, as a rule, is attribute|d to tpe Wopdland culture, who perhaps occupied the site fifteen hundred (1500) years ago. i q ifti. ; Stope box burials were found at the site. They were, hbwever, different frpm the stone boxes that, while not unique to Middle Tennessee, 73

occur here by the tens of thousands as opposed to a very few in Ulinois,

Missourij Arkansasj and Kentucky. : These were square. The skeletons

/' .... within them,were flexed. A carbon reading from oii4 such read,1200 A.D. There wos, however, a tolerance of plus or minus one hundred and thirty years. We must conclude, therefore, that- thiis sui^ests a WansltiOn : V cultqre. W.,,- Two complete pots (shell tempered)-wer^ recovered by Richard Norman from square box burials. The writer had the good fortune to find in one

a rare chunky stone of conglomerate material. This.^afrtifaCt is on dis play in the Grotto at the Parthenon/ih Nashville. We believe this group occiupiejd the fite arqund 1050 to 1200 A,D. There is spi^^ evidence, that an,early Mississippian culture existed here for a short period of time, fhree standaird elongated stone boxes viQre found with the skeletons extended. These few boxes suggest fhat an early Mississdppian gropp ma/ have camped there around the year 1200 A.D. A'spade of Dover flint was located.' This item made of this material is, as a ruler associated with bhrs culture. 'Other finds not readily related to a specific time.peribd are as /ed archaic); three;grooved axes icOHimon'to al'l cultures); bone rtoeclles with drilled eye (archaic or wdbtland); polished b^ (unknown)Vvertical post mblds indica- ting souarOr^*" obiong' huts (l i kely wbodlahd); storage pits' averagihg Vabodt^tenvfeol in leptp^ to be woodland); and.hearths or Clay and W stOne^^^lager u '' Mr. and MfSi' Hai^t were most kirid in permitting the excavation. They grbhled'lthei^S^^ in which to work; Mr; Thomas Scales, farm suberHspr/iwas n helpful and always interested in what might be developing at the site. 74

' • ^ ''Another ancient Village site located in Williamson County has been discovered by Bill SmithSbn, vibe-jsi^esident of the Volunteer State Society. It is Stibri td be e)(p1ohed. The writer, after visiting the ruihS', bel-jeves that it belbngS to yet another time period.

' ■ • .. I '

. -J v! U

I wiircitr ■■■ 'V., 75 WILLIArtSdN dlliNTY, TENNESSEE, MILITIA 4j|MMISSI0NS Prilpaired by: Henry 6. Wray and Erndst K. Johns .

.Theie >dSbi^bS are from "CommisfeiShs of Officers in the Tennessee Militia, 1796-1811, Volume 1 i" (Compiled by Mrs. John Trptwood Moore, one-time State Librarian. The years 1812-1815 were compiled by Mrs. John Trotwood Moore and published l!n Tennessee Historical Quarterlies June 1948, March 1949, September 1950 and December 1956. Under the Militia Law of 1803 the General Assembly adopted a numericaT system of identification, assigning a number to each regiment, in each county; again, however, these regiments were known locally as the First Regiment of the County, etc. The two regiments in Williamson County were known as 21st and 44th, The 2nd, or 44th, was organized

in 1811.

This list undertakes to include all the commissions issued to Militia Officers during the first three terms of Governor John Sevier. The volume which apparently covered the years 1801-1806 has not been found. This explains the gap in this listing. The spelling as it appears in the original records has been followed throughout, although in many cases it is obviously erroneous.

1800 Campbell, Patrick Lieutenant Nov. 12, 1800 Chambers, John Ensign Nov. 12, 1800 Crocket, Samuel Captain Nov. 12, 1800 Dooley, William Captain Nov. 12, 1800 Gentry, George Ensign Nov. 12, 1800 Hill, John Captain Nov. 12, 1800 Jones, Azor Ensign Nov. 12, 1800 McCrory, Thomas Lieut. Colonel Commandant June 23, 1800 \ McKinney, John First Major June 23, 1800 McMiTlen, William Lieutenant Nov. 12, 1800 Nelson, Samuel Captain Nov. 12; 1800 Nolen. Berry Captain Nov. 12, 1800 76

Porter» Jds(2ph' Second Major June 23, 1800 Reid, Williafh , Ensign Nov. 12, 1800 Rut!edge, William Lieutenant Nov. 12, 1806 Sommers, Abraham Lieutenant Nov. 12, 1800 Webb, Abie ; ^ .Ensign Nov.: 12, 1800 Wombill, Readirt Lieutenant Nov. 12, 1800

1807

Ailen, Charles Ensign .2lSt Regiment July . 24, 1807 Baxter ^ Robert ; Gapt. ■ " July 24, 1807 Bay, John Nov. 7, 1807 Benton, James LieutI " July 31, 1807 Brooks, Thomas, Sr. Ensign July. .31, 1807 Brunk, Solomon - Capt, Jtily 24, 1807 Buckly, Joab Ensign July 24, 1807 Clark, John Lieut. July 24, 1807 Cooper,, Abraham Ensign July 24, 1807 Cope!and., James Lieut. 24. 1807 Cow'ser, Freelahd Ensign Nov., 7, 1807 Craig, John Ensign 24, 1807 Craig, William a Capti July 24, 1807 Daniel,. Will tarn. Capt.. 24, 1807 Dennis, John Capt, July 31, 1807 Eames, Jonathan Lieut, July 25, 1807 Gillespie, Alexander Ensign " July 24, 1807 Goodrich, Samuei E. Lieiit. . " July 24, 1807 Gunter, Francis Ensign July 24, 1807 Hatgrove, James. Capt. ' July 25, 1807 Helton, Abraham.. Ensign July 24, 1807 Hinch, John Lieut. July 24, 1807 Holaday, Peter Lieut. July 24, 1807; Holloway, John; . Ensign July :24, 1807 Jones, tewis Lieut. July :24, 1807 i Love, John , Lieut. ' " July 24, 1007 McCradyi Alexander .■ Lieut. , . " July 31, 1807 : McGee, William Lieut. . '" July 24, 1807 Mackey, William Capt. Nov. 7, 1807 May, James Capt. July 24, 1807 Moritgomery, A1exander Capt. Nov. 7, 1807 Neely, John Capt. July 31, 1807 Philips, William Ensignv " July 25, 1807 Reed, Joseph Ensigii " July 31, 1807 Siimons, Thoma:^; Lieut. " July 24, 1807 Smith, . Ebenezer Ensign ". July 24 j 1807: Warner, John Ensign " July- 31, 1807 Watkins, Daniel Lieut., " July 31, 1807 Whitacer, John, Jr. Lieut. " July 25, 1807 Whitacer, John, Sr. , Ensign July 25, 1807 white, Stephen F. Ensign July 24, 1807 Williams, Joshua: : Capt, July 24, 1807 Woodrich, Josiah Erisign July 24, 1807 Woods, Daniel Capt. July 25, 1807 77

1808

Aydelott, Thomas Lieut. 21st Regiment Sept. 24, 1808 Barnon, William Lieiit. " " Sept. 24, 1808 Brooks, Thomas Ensign " " Sept. 24, 1808 Casten, Robert 2nd Major 21st Regiment May 21, 1808 Clift, Daniel Capt. 21st Regiment Sept. 24, 1808 Cook, John Capt. ^ " " Sept. 24, 1808 .Craig, Samue,l Lieut. " " Sept. 24, 1808 Depriest, John Lieut. " " April 2, 1808 puffey, William Ensign " " Sept. 24, 1808 tstes, Robert Lieut. " " Sept. 24, 1808 Gatland, Tfenias Lieut. " " April 2, 1808 Glover, Lancaster Ensign " " Sept. 24, 1808 Haggard, Samuel Ensign " " Sept. 24, 1808 Harden, Jacob Ensign " " Sept. 24, 1808 Hill, William Lieut. " " Sept. 24, 1808 Johnson, Charles Lieut. " " Sept. 24, 1808 Laurence, John Capt. " " Sept. 24, 1808 Lock, Richard S. Lieut " " Sept. 24, 1808 Long, Joseph Ensign " " Sept. 24, T808 McCretchen, James Capt. " " Sept. 24, 1808 McEwen, James 1st Major 21st Regiment May 21, 1808 Mackey, William Capt. 21st Regiment April 2, 1808 Mebane, George Capt. " " April 2, 1808 Neal, James Capt. " " Sept. 24, 1808 Patton, Isaac Capt. " " Sent. 24, 1808 Potters, Archibald Capt. " " Sept. 24, 1808 Shannon, Joseph Capt. " " April 2, 1808 Simmons, Thomas Capt. " ; " Sept. 24, 1808 Tateham, Peter Ensign " " Sept. 24, 1808 Thomas, James Lieut. " " Sept. 24, 1808 Walker, John Lieut. " " April 2, 1808 Whitesitt, Joseph Ensign " " Sept. 24, 1808

1809

Alexander, Thomas Capt. 21st Regiment Oct. 2, 1809 Andrews, Taplet Lieut. " " May 30, 1809 Andrews, Taply Lieut. " " July 21, 1809 Bond, William Ensign " " April 25, 1809 Bradshaw, Samuel Ensign " " Oct. 2, 1809 Buchannan, John Capt. " " May 30, 1809 Campbell, John Lieut. " " May 30, 1809 Campbell, John K. Lieut. " July 21, 1809 ColTen, Thomas Capt. " " Vol. Rifle Company Dec. 1, 1809 Crawford, John Capt. 21st Regiment April 25, 1809 Dickson, Josiah Lieut. " " May 30, 1809 Dodson, Samuel H. Capt. July 21, 1809 Eastes, Robert Capt.";" May 30, 1809 Gardner, John Lieut. " " Vol. Rifle Company Dec. 1, 1809 Harden, Jacob Lieut. 21st Regiment May 30, 1809 78

Hill, Green Ensign 21st Regiment July 21, 1809 Holloway, John Lieut. " " July 21, 1809 Joab, Samuel Lieut. " " July 21, 1809 Jones, Quignal Martin Ensign " , " May 30, 1809 Kizler, John Lieut. " " May 30, 1809 Mason, Abram Ensign " , " Vol. Rifle tompany Dec. 1, 1809 Murry, Francis Lieut. 21st Regiment April 25, 1809 Parks, John April 25, 1809 Patton, George Ehsign May 30, 1809 Patton, John May 30, 1809 Roulston, Alexander* Cafit. " April 25, 1809 Spral, John Ensign " May 30, 1809 Stobough, John C. Lieut. " Oct. 2, 1809 Walker, Noah Ensign " July 21, 1809 Wright, Robert Lieut. " April 25, 1809 Wright, William Ensign " April 25, 1809

1810

Alexander, Aaron Ensign 21st Regiment March 20, 1810 Burns, James . Ensign " " Jan. 15, 1810 Call en, Thomas 1st Major 2nd Regiment Aug. 29, 1810 Campbell, Hiram Ensign 21st Regiment Jan, 15, 1810 Cannon, Newton Lieut. Colonel Commandant 2nd Regiment Aug. 29, 1810 Crocket, Joseph Capt. 21st Regiment Aug. 29, 1810 Crucey, John Cornet 5th Brigade Cavalry Regiment Dec. 13, 1810 Garret, Jacob Capt. 21st Regiment Jan. 15, 1810 Giddens, James Capt. " " March 20, 1810 Holland, Thomas H. Capt. " Aug. 29, 1810 Hungarford, Richard Lieut. 5th Brigade Cavalry Regiment Dec. 13, 1810 Jackson, James Lieut. 21st Regiment Jan. 15, 1810 Jossling, James Lieut. " " March 20, 1810 Little, Neal Lieut. " " Aug. 29, 1810 McCrakin, Joseph Capt. " March 20, 1810 Orton, Richard Capt. 5th Brigade Cavalry Regiment Dec. 13, 1810 Roulston, Alexander 2nd Major 2nd Regiment Aug. 20, 1810 Saunders, Turner Capt. 21st Regiment Jan. 15, 1810 Stewart, Henry Lieut. " " Jan. 15, 1810 Tune, Lewis Ensign " " Jan. 15, 1810 Walker, Hance Lieut. " " March 20, 1810 Welks, Daniel Lieut. " " Jan. 15, 1810 Wells, Thomas Capt. " Jan. 15. 1810 Wilson, James, Jr. Ensign " Jan. 15, 1810 Wilson, John Lieut. " " Jan. 15, 1810

181!

Barns, George Capt. 2nd (44th) Regiment April 15, 1811 Bridges, John Lieut. " " " April 15, 1811 79

Buggs Ephraim M. Lieut. 2nd (44th) Regiment April 15, 1811 Campbellj Daniel Lieut. 21st Regiment Sept. 9, 1811 Cannon, Robert Capti 2hd (44th) Regiment Sept. 17, 1811 Carl ton,, Thomas Ensign " " " Nov. 13, 1811 Carrithers, John Ensign 21st Regiment April 24, 1811 Coldwell, David Lieut. " . . . Sept. 9, 1811 Crunk, John W. •Lieut. 5th Brigade Cavalry Regiment Nov. 12, 1811 Dal ton 5 John Capt. 2nd (44th) Regiment April 15, 1811 Davis, JOhh Ensign 21st Regiment Sept. 9, 1811 Dillard, Nicholas Capt. 2nd (44th) Regiment April 15, 1811 Dunn, David Capt. 21st Regiment Sept. 21, 1811 Elliot, Andrew Ensign " April 24, 1811 Estis, Samuel Lieut. 9th Brigade Cavalry Regiment Dec. 28, 1811 Fitzpatrick, Andrew Lieut. 2nd (44th) Regiment April 15, 1811 Gault, James Capt. April 15, 1811 Germain, Zacheus Cornet 5th Brigade Cavalry Regiment Dec. 28, 1311 oiltcery, i/Ji 11 i am F. Ensign 21st Regiment Sept. 9, 18:1 Hickman, William Capt. 2nd (44th) Regiment April 15, 1811 Hooker, William Capt. " July 3, 1811 Johnson, Charles Capt. " Apri 1 15, 1811 Lowry, David Lieut. " Apri 1 15, 1811 Mcknight, William Ensign " " " April 15, 1811 McMurtry, Joseph Ensign 21st Regiment Sept. 9, 1811 McNair, Thomas Lieut. 2nd (44th) Regiment April 15, 1811 McRory, Thomas, Jr. Lieut. 21st Regiment April 24, 1811 Mason, Isaac Ensign 2nd (44th) Regiment Vol. Rifle Company Sept. 17, 1811 Mason, David Lieut. 21st Regiment Light Infantry Company Oct. 7. 1811 Mason, Joseph Lieut. 2nd (44th) Regiment Sept. 17, 1811 Oslin, John . Ensign " " " Apri 1 15, 1811 Pate, Kinchen Lieut. " Nov. 13, 1811 Pettice, Horatio Lieut. " Sept. 21, 1811 Powers, Robert Lieut. 5th Brigade Cavalry Regiment April 24, 1811 Ragsdale, Lancaster Ensign 2nd f44th) Regiment Sept. 21, 1811 Reynolds, Reubin Lieut. " July 3, 1811 Riiley, James Capt. April 15, 1811 Rivers, Joel T. Cape. 21st Regiment Sept. 9, 1811 Sims, James Lieut. " April 24, 1811 Smith, Weeks Ensign 2nd (44th) Regiment April 15, 1811 Stewart, James Ensign 21$:: Regiment Light Infantry Company Oct. 7, 1811 Thompson, Leonard Ensign 2nd (44th) Regiment April 15, 1811 Waters, John Lieut. " April 15, 1811 Wilson, Jason Cornet 5th Brigade Cavalry Regiment Nov. 12, 1811 Wisener, Henry Lieut. .2nj (44th) Regiment April 15, 1811 Wisenar, James Ension " Apri 1 15, 1811 80

1812

Anglan, James Capt. 21st Regiment April 29, 1812 Armstrong, John M. fensign Company of Rangers June 1, 1812 ^ateman, William Ensign 21st Regiment April 29, 1812 Benton, Nathaniel Ensign " Vol. Infantry Company April 29, 1812 Benton, Thomas H. Capt. 21 St Regiment Vol. Infantry Company April 29, 1812 Caruthers, John Lieiiti 21 St Regiment April 29. 1812 Coffer, Reuben Ensign " Oct. 7, 1812 Grafton, John B. Ensign 44th " Light Infantry Company Sept. 8, 1812 Crawford, John Capt. 21st Regiment Vol. Rifle Company July 1, 1812 Griddle, Edward Lieut. 21st Regiment Vol. Rifle Company July 1, 1812 Currin, Jonathan 2nd Lieut. Company of Rangers June 1, 1812 Curtis, Joshua Lieut. 21 St Regiment Feb. 24, 1812 Duncan, James Ensign " April 29, 1812 Eaton, William B. 1st Lieut. Company of Rangers June 1, 1812 Gholson, Benjamin Ensign 21st Regiment Oct. 7, 1812 Hall, Allen Lieut. " Oct. 7, 1812 Harden, Jeremiah Capt. 44th " Light Infantry Company Sept. 8, 1812 Harden, Jeremiah, Jr. Lieut. 44th Regiment Light Infantry Company Sept. 8, 1812 House, James Ensign 44th Regiment July 4, 1812 Kavanaugh, Charles Capt. Volunteer Cavalry July 3, 1812 Kavanaugh, Lot 2nd Lieut. " " July 3, 1812 McCrory, Thomas, Jr. Capt. 21st Regiment April 29, 1812 McEwen, James Lieut. " " Vol. Infantry Apr i 1 29, 1812 McGhan, Eli Ensign 21st Regiment Feb. 24, 1812 Maden, Elisha Ensign " " Feb. 24, 1812 Marshal, Gilbert Lieut. 44th Feb. 24, 1812 Mason, David Capt. Company of Rangers June 1, 1812 May, Benjamin Lieut. 21st Regiment April 29, 1812 Perkins, William 0. Lieut. " April 29, 1812 Ragsdale, Edward 1st Lieut. Cavalry July 3, 1812 Ragsdale, John Cornet Volunteer Cavalry July 3, 1812 Shelton, John P. Lieut. 44th Regiment July 4, 1812 Sims, James Capt. 21st " Feb. 24, 1812 Sims, Robert Ensign " Oct. 7, 1812 Slater, Henry Ensign " " April 29, 1812 Staggs, Felix Ensign " " Oct. 7, 1812 Ste.ggs, Flemmon Ensign " " Feb. 24, 1812 Stanley,. Wright Ensign " " April 29, 1812 Swanson, Richard Lieut. Ensign 21st Regiment Feb. 24, 1812 Threat, Howard D. Ensign 21st Regiment Oct. 7, 1812 Wait, William Ensign " Vol. Rifle Company July 1, 1812 81

Walker, Elisha Ensign 44th Regiment Feb. 2^, 1812 Warren, Edward Lieuti 21 " Oct. h 1812 Wills, Edward Ensigh " " Feb. 24. 1812

1813.

Allen, George H. Lieut. 44t.h Regiment Jani 28, 1813 Armstrong, John Ensign 21st Oct. 1, 1813 Armstrong, John M. Lieut. " " Light Infantry Company Jan. 28, 1813 Brooks, James Ensign 21st Regiment Vol. Riflemen Company April 27, 1813 Cridle, Andrew Capt. 21st Regiment April 27, 1813 Dabney, Charles A. Capt. 21st Regiment June 14, 1813 Dill en, John Ensign " II . , July 7, 1813 Dunn, David 2nd Major 21st N April 27, 1813 Echolas, John Lieut. 21st April '27, 1813 Edmistort, William Capt. " It Apri 1 27, 1813 Ellis, James Lieut. " April 27, 1813 Ellis, John Ensign " 11 Apri 1 27, 1813 Gunter, Sterling Lieut. " II June 14, 1813 Hargrove, Stephen Ensign 44th II ' Jan. 28, 1813 Hill, James Ensign " 11 Jan. 28, 1813 Hill, John Capt. " 11 Jan. 28, 1813 Hobbs, Joel Ensign 21st II . . April 27, 1813 Holland, Frederick Ensign " II June 14, 1813 II . ■ Jackson, Thomas Lieut. 44th Jan. 28, 1813. Jartes, Amsey Ensign 21st II : June 14, 1813 McCutcheon, Robert Ensign " 11 April 27, 1813 McCutcheon, Robert Lieut. " II June 14, 1813 McEwen, David Lieut. " II April 27, 1813 McFadden, James Ensign " II June 14. 1813 McKiney, John Capt. " II April 27, 1813 Maury, Thomas T. Capti " If Light Infantry Company Jan. 28, 1813 Nunn, Thomas Ensign 44th Regiment March 22, 1813 Perkins, Nicholas T. Lieut. Colonel Commandant Cavalry Regiment 9th Brigade ' March 17. 1813 Perkins, William 0. Capt. 21st Regiment April 27, 1813 Pope, Thomas A Ensign " " Oct. 1, 1813 Porter, Thomas Lieut. " Jan. 28, 1813 Quinllian, William Ensign " Jan. 28, 1813 Reed, Andrew Lieut. " " Vol. Ri f1emen Company April 27, 1813 Reese, Beverly Ensign 21st Regiment Dec. 1, 1813 Richards, Hiram R. Lieut. " July 7, 1813 Richardson, Barnard Capt. " May 19, 1813 Simpson, William Capt. " Jan. 28, 1813 Stewart, John Ensign " " Oct. 1, 1813 Tripp, Samuel Lieut. " " June 14, 1813 Vaughn, Abner - Ensign 44th " Jan. 28, 1813 Wolf, Williairr Lieut. 21st " Dec. 1, 1813 82

1814

Bell9 Joseph Capt. 44th Regiment July 4, 1814 Brooks9 Price W. Ensign 21st " April 13, 1814 Bugg, Jesse Ensign 44th " March 30, 1814 Carson, William Capt. " " . March 30, 1814 Clemm,,James S. Ensign 21st " Light Infantry Company July 7, 1814 Dalton, John Lieut. 44th Regiment Sept. 24, 1814 Dawson, Hutson Lieut. 21st Nov. 19, 1814 Fitzpatrick, Andrew Capt. 44th Jan. 8, 1814 Hardeman, Peter Lieut. . N Sept. 24, 1814 Johnson, Alexander Ensign " " March 30, 1814 Jones, James G. Capt. 21st " April 13, 1814 Lamb, David Ensign 44th " March 30, 1814 ficAlister, James Lieut. 21st " July 7, 1314 McEwen, James Lieut. " " Dec. 7, 1814 Madden, Elisha Capt. " April 13, 1814 Manier, Lemuel Ensign 44th " July 4, 1814 Maury, Thomas T. Lieut. Col. Commandant 21st Regiment May 16, 1814 Perkins, Hardin 1st Major 21st " March 21, 1814 Pigg, James Ensign 21st " April 13, 1814 Ray, John Lieut. 44th " June 30, 1814 Reed, James L. Lieut. " June 30, 1814 Reese, Beverly Capt. 21st " July 7, 1814 Ross, James Lieut. " April 13, 1814 Rums, Henry Ensign " " Oct. 25, 1814 Scott, Arthur Ensign " " Oct. 25, 1814 Smith, Andrew Ensign " " Oct. 25, 1814 Smith, William Lieut. " Vol. Light Infantry Company 16, 1814 Stacy, John Lieut. 21st Regiment April 13, 1814 Stanfield, Goodloe Ensign " " Oct. 25, 1814 Stewart, James Capt. " Vol. Light Infantry Company May 16, 1814 Taylor, Abraham Ensign 21st Regiment July 13. 1814 Thompson, James Lieut. " July 7, 1814 Warren, R. H. Lieut. " " April 13, 1814 Williams, Elisha Ensign " Aug. 18, 1814 Young, William Ensign 44th " Dec. 9, 1814

1815

Andrews, Jones Lieut. 21st Regiment Rifle Company Sept,. 16, 1815 Andrews, Sapley B. Capt. 21st Regiment July 4, 1815 Benton, Samuel Capt. Cavalry Regiment 9th Brigade Dec. 2, 1815 Blythe, John Lieut. 21st Regiment July 4, 1815 Bond, Morris L. Ensign. " Light Infantry Company Julie 5,., 1815 83

Bowder, Willidrn Lieut. 21st Regiment Sept. 16, 1815 Bugg, E. M. Capt. " ftifle Company Sept. 16, 1815 Campbel1, John K, Cornet tavalry: Regiment §th Brigade Dec. 2, 1815 Clemm, James S4 Capti 21st Regiment Light Ihfantry Company 26, 1815 Dunevanti LednaH Lieut. 21 St Rei^iment 4i 1815 Dupreast, George G. Lieut. 44th Oct. 2, 1815 Dupreast, Wi'lliam Capti " Oct. 2, 1815 Edmiston, ZebuIon Capt. " Dec. 2, 1815 Foot, Berryman Ensign " June 22, 1815 Frost, John Capt. " Oct. 27, 1815 Goach, David Ensidh " June 22, 1815 Goodman, Benajah Lieut. " Dec. "2, 1815 Hardeman, Peter Capt. " Aug. 7, 1815 Helm, Meredith Capt. 21st Aug. 7, 1815 Hill, Joshua Cannon Ensign 44th Oct. 27, 1815 Holland, Frederick Capt. 21st July 4, 1815 Hyde, Richard W. Lieut. Cvalry Regiment 9th Brigade Jan. 16i 1815 Johnston, Alexander Lieut. 44th Regiment Dec. 2, 1815 Jones, James G. 2nd Major 21st " July 12, 1815 Keggler, Esias Ensign 44th " Oct. 2, 1815 Little, Joseph H.- Ensign 21st " Nov. 29, 1815 McClure, Henry Lieut. 44th " June 22,. 1815 McEwen, John L. Capt. 21st " Sept. 12, 1815 Orman, Adam Ensign " " July 4, 1815 Parks, Benjamin Lieut. 44th " Oct. 2, 1815 Pearce, Arthur Lieut. " June 22, 1815 Pinkston, Hugh Capt. " June 22, 1815 Prewitt, George H. Ensign 21st " Dec.. 2, 1815 Smith, Samuel Capt. 4th " June 22, 1815 Smith, William Capt. 21st " Light Infantry Company June 19, 1815 Stone, William Lieut. 44th Regiment .Oct. 27, 1815. Wilson, Samuel D. Capt. " " June 22, 1815 Young, E. Ensign 21st " Rifle Company Sept. 16, 1815 -

CONTRIBUTORS

MARY TRIM ANDERSON has taught English and history in the Franklin City, Maury County and Williamson County school systems, being currently employed by the latter. Although she professes a keen interest in the history of almost any place from ancient Egypt to any given village in Maury or Williamson County, she acquired a special enthusiasm for state and local history while enrolled in "The History of the Old SouthWests". 3 course in Tennessee history taught by Dr. Philip Hmer at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Hamer's text book was the state; he had visited every county and studied I'ecords in every courthouse. Being associated with such a historian was a rahe privilege, Miss Anderson says. One of the most pleasant experiences of her teaching career was sharing this enthusiasiti for learning of state, local and family origins with eighth graders for several years in her classes at Franklin Elementary School.

JAMES A BRUTCHFIELD was born, reared, and educated in Nashville, Tennessee, and has lived in Franklin for about two years. His interest in Williamson County history predated his arrival to the area, however, since his book. The Harpeth River; A Biography, was published three years ago. A past editor of the Tennessee Valley Historical Review, Mr. Crutchfield has also produced the Bi-Centennial Map of Williamson County, as well as a map por traying prehistoric Indian sites in the Cumberland Valley and one depicting historic sites in Davidson County. A second book. Early Times in the Cum berland Valley, is scheduled for publication in 1975. Mr. Crutchfield currently serves as President of the Williamson County Historical Society. RICHARD CARLTON FULCHER, professional genealogist, was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and reared in Williamson County, Tennessee. He presently resides in Brentwood. He is a director of the Genealogical Research Associates and a member of Western Europe Genealogical Societies. He is also an heraldic artist, archeologist and historian. Mr. Fulcher is currently engaged in final manuscript preparation for a four-volume Williamson County History. A specialist in Medieval Family Genealogical Research and Western Expansion Genealogical Research, he maintains the indexes to the Genealogical Research Associates' Historical and Genealogical Information Banks near Brentwood.

GLENN I. JOHNSON is Public Relations Supervisor, South Central Bell Telephone Company. He was born in Mt. Pleasant, Texas, and was educated at Austin College, Sherman, Texas, and Harding College, Searcy, Arkansas. He is a member of the Tennessee Historical Society, the Missouri Historical Society, and the Williamson County Historical Society. He is a charter member and past president of Williamson County Chamber of Commerce. He is also past president of Franklin Lions Club, past chairman of the board of Carter House Association, a former board member of Williamson County Public Library, and past president of Nashville Council of Telephone Pioneers. He also serves as a member of the Board of Trustee's of Carter House. ANN MORAN, a native of Williamson County, Tennessee, is employed as the library supervisor of the Williamson County School System. She is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and received her Master of Arts Degree 85 in library science from George Peabody College for Teachers. In addition to being a member of the Williamson County Historical Society, she is a member of the Tennessee Historical Society. Her hobbies include reading, travel and needlework. •

SARA SPROTT MORROW is a Nashville native. Her first successful shoVt story was based on Tennessee history. Later, fiction set in Williamson County was published in the Southern Agriculturist. MrS;. Morrow will soon have her fifth article to be published in the Tennessee ilistoricaT Quarterly, a brief history of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Franklin, which will be the cover article for the Spring 1975 issue. She has also .written for the Tenries- see Valley Historical Review. ■ - MALCOLM PARKER has been employed for the past.eleven years as director of the Parthenon Museum in Nashville. His hobby is amateur archeology aiid he is a member of various archeological societies including'the Voluriteer,State Archeological Society and the Indiana Archeological Society. He has beeri featured in Who's Who.in Indian Artifacts and is included in Who's' Who in America of the South and Southwest. Mr. Parker attended Middle Tennessee State University and served for three years in the U. S. Navy during. World War II.

HENRY G. WRAY was born in Nashville and reared in Birmingham,. Alabama. He graduated from Castle Heights Military Academy and attended law school in Washington, D. C. He engaged in Civil and Mechanical Engineering and folr lowed that profession until retirement. Mr. Wray is a charter member of Stones River Chapter^ Sons of the-American Revolution, a charter member of the Rutherford County Historical Society, a life member of the Masonic Order, past Master of. the Blue Lodge and the Past High Priest of the Chapteri •; His hobbies are genealogy and history. p,! ERNEST K. JOHNS is a native of Rutherford County, Tennessee^ He received his B.A. degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Tennessee in 1956. He served as an officer with the U. S. Air Force and since 1959 has been in the home construction business at Smyrna. Mr. Johns is a member of the Smyrna Lions Club, a charter member of Stones River Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution and a charter member of the Rutherford County Historical Society. 86

BIDEX

ALEXANDER' 77^7^ CAPS TON 50,51 ALLEN 76,81 CARLTON 79 ALSTON 8 CARRITHERS 79 AMDREl'JS 77,82 CARUTHERS 80 MGLAN 80 CASTM 77 AH^STRONG 80,8l CAYCE 57 ASBURY 29 CHAMBERS 75 ASHLEY" 2 CHAMP 25 AUTON 3^,35,36,37,38,^+3 CLARK 19,76 AYDELOTT 77 CLEMM 82,83 CLEMCNS 30 BAIRD 3^35,36,37,38,39,^0,1+1 CLIPT 77 ^3,^55'-^6,i|-75if8 COATES ll|- BARNON 77 COFFER 80 BARI'TS' 78 COLDlAfELL 79 BATEMAN 80 COLLEtT (CALLM) 77,78 BAXTER 76 COLLINSWORTH 28 BAY 76 COOK 77 BEEDH 53,5^ COOPER 76 BELL 82 COPELAND 76 BMMJAMIN 50,51 COUSER 76 BEiBTETT 56 COX 56 BELTTON 55,58,76,80,82 CRAFTON 80 BETHURUM 59 CRAIG 53,76,77 BLECK 3^ CRAVJFORD l■^2,77,80■ ' BLEDSOE 20 CRIDDLE (CRIDLE) 80.81 BLYIHE 82 CROCKETT 28,29,75,78 BOND 1+5.56,77,82 CRUCEY 78 BOVJDER 83 CRMK 79 BOIaJMAN 11,53' CURRIN 80 BRADSHAW 77 CURTIS 80 BRAGG CUSTIS 1+9 BRAIJDAU 11 BRIDGES 78 DABNSY 80 BRIGHB/ELL 2 DAL TON 79,82 BROOKS 76,77,81,82 DMIEL (DANIELS) llh,76 BROM 21,21-^,32 DAVIDSON 19 BRUCE 58 DAVIS 30,33,1+3579 BRUNK 76 DAVJSON 82 BUCK 52 DEARBORN 1+ BUCHAMALT 77 DEtlNIS 76 BUCKLY 76 DENTON 32 BUGG 82,83 DBPRIEST 77 BURSTS 78 DICKINSON 6 BURR 1,253,1+,11+,53 DICKSON 77 BYMER 52 DILLARD 79 DILLEIT 81 CAMPBELL 21,75,77,78,79,83 DODSON 77 CANIiTON 58,78,79 DOOLEY 75 CAPERTON 56 DOM 13 D.RAKE 29 87

DUFFEY 77 " ■ ■ ■ HARDISON 56 ■ 1)1^1cM 8a- ■ ■ ;-• HARGROVE 8l DUEEVMT 83 HART 70 DMLOP 3^,365385!+0 ■. HARTJE 13 DtJiw '79,81 ' y ■ hatgrove 76 byPREAST 83 HAY 5 " HEISKEL 12 ...... ■bAkss 76 HELM 83 EATON. 12.80 HELTON 76 ECHOLAS 81 HENDERSON 28 . -p-y ■ EDHISTON 81583- HICKMAN 79 ■ . EGGLEST0Ny:-56 b- HILL 29,75,77,-78i!83;,83. . ELLIOT 55,79 ' . HINCH 76 ... ■72.7^ ■ ELLIS 81 ^ yt."- ' HiNsoN 1,2 ■ ■■ . ..byy ■ ESTES (ESTIS,EASTES) 10,77,79 HOBBS 81 ■ . ■ •- •77:' ■ - EVANS 67 . F -LHi- .HDBITZEL. ...URi'- ...y-"' yRoLADA^; feyy.^'-'y ■ :• FAULKNER 53 ■. HOLLAND 78, 81, 8j-' - ••:.; ■ ■ FERGUsoN 8 y-. ; .y ^ HOLLO WAY 76,78-:.y' . FITZPATRICK 795,82 HOLT 56 ■y-.. 'y- FOOT 83 L-y . HOOKER 79 . .. FORREST 13 - HORN 13 ^ -ybb FOSTER^; :;1Q ■ : ■ ; ■' ■ y 'HOUSE ■ •^8o-y ^- ■' -•' y.y ' . ■ FREEMAN 52 HUGHES 55 y' FRO.ST y2:5,265 2;7'5 83 RULING 27 ^■■ -• GAINES 2 HUNGERFORD 7.8. ■ GARDNER 77 HURD 67 GARFIELD 3653'9,^l?^^5'^55'+65 V7 HYDE 83 . GARRET 78 GATLAND 77 IRWIN 30 GAULT 79 GEDTTRY 75 JACKSON 12,53-555,78,81 GERMAN (GERMAIN) 5^,79 JAMES* 81 GHOLSON 80 JEFFERSON 3,'+,19 GIDDMS 57,78 JOAB 78 GILLESPIE 76 JOCELYI^T 22,23' GLOVER 77 ■ JOHNSON• 77,79,82' GOACH ■ 83 JOHNSTON 83 - : - GOODMAN 83 JONES 8,10,70,75,76,78,82,83 GOODRICH 76 JORDAN: 13,^+2,7-^1- GRAHAM .32 JOSSLING 78 GPiANTER 3^+ GRAY 58 KAVAITAUGH 80 GRUNDY 55 KEGGLER 83 GUNTER 76,81 KERR 57 GUTTERY 79 KILLEBREl'J- 10 KING 56 HADLEY 29 KIZLER 78 haggard 21,2^+5 32,77 hall: '8o- - LAPIB 82 HAIRTAH. 27 LAURENCE 77 HAEDCASTLE 55 LEA 57' HARDEMAN 82,83 LEE 7-5,^9' HAPJDEN 77,80 LEEPER 29,30 88

LmiS 12 NEAL 77 LITTLE 78583 NEELY 55,56,76 LOCK 77 NELSON 75 ^ LONG 77 NICHOL 5^ LOVE 76 NOBLE 58 LOlffiY 79 HOLEN 75 NORI^^AIT 70 McALISTER 82 Nmm 81 McCLURE 83 McCRACKIN 78 ODEN ^7 ■ ■■ ' McCRAKIN 78 ORMAN 83 , ' ' McCRADY 76 0 RTON 3 5, i+0 jvi+l 5 ^^5 h7,7 8 McCRETCHEIf 77 OSLIH 79 V .■ Mccro;ry 75580 OWEN 55,56 McCUTCHEQN 81 ' McDANIEL 5'-l- ■ 'CJTINLLIAN 'Si ' ' McEWEN 58,77580,81,82583 McFADDEM ■ 8l . PARIIS 78,83 . McGEE 76 ' ■ PARRISH 55 McGHAN 80 ■ ' PATE 79 . McICAY 5^ ■ PATTON 77578 McKENDREE 29 PEARCE 83 ■ . ■ McKOTEY (McKINEY) PERKINS 1,2,35V, 5,1^-j27,80,81, McKIMIGHT &( 82 ■ . : ■ lIcMILLE3\r 75 ■ PETERS ■ Mfl, l+,2 51+3, , ^5' i • McMINN 26 ■ PETTICE 79 MciKJRTRY 79 PHARES 13 -v' ■ McNAIR 79 PHILLIPS 76, '^ ' ' M";,/:, McRAVEN 12 PIGG 82 ■ ■ McHOHY 79 '■r.T, PINKSTON 83 /v. POLK !+93 50 ■ HAGKEY .■76,77, ■ POPE 81 Vi" MADDEI^ ■ (MADEN) 80,82 PORTER' 76581.: ■ "vM' . MALONE 1' 1- postLethwaite ■ .,■56 1-IA^IER 82' " POTTERS 77 MRIS 5^ POWERS 79 MRSHALL ■ (IVIARSHAL) 10,52,80 PRATT 37 ■, ■ ■■ ■■ , I'-IASON 78,79,80' PREWITT 83 ./Mv, ■MURY 12,5=+, 81,82 ' ' PROSSER k7 i ' ■' y, MYFIELD 215 22,23,25,2 5,26,27, PRYOR 13 32 MAY (MAYS) 56,76580 RAGSDALE 79,80 ' MEAGHER 50 >- RAY 82 MEBANE 77 REED 76,81,82 ;■ MONTGOMERY 76 REESE 81,82 MOORE 30 REIDE 76 MORRIS 10 ■ REYNOLDS 79 MURRELL 13,1^,53 RICHARDS 81 I-IURRY 78 RICHARDSON 81" MYER 8,9 ^ RIDLEY '79' ' '' ' ""y'v RIVERS 79 ROBINSON 55 RODNEY 5 ROSECRAITS 3^^^'3-5;,^2, ^5, ^7 89

ROSS 82 WATERS 79 ■ ■ ■ ROULSTON 78 WATKIRS 38,39,2^-2+52^-5,76 RUMS 82 WATSOR 56 RUTLEDGE 82 WEBB 2-1-8 76 WELKS 78■ SAIBTDERS 78 WELLMAR 12-h SCHOFIELD . 53 WELLS 78 SCOHCE 25 I'HARTOR 39,21-052+2 SCOTT ^0,^+5^9,82 IHEELER 2+9 SEVIER 75 WHITACER 76' SKAimoR. 77 VHITE 52)-, 55,76 SHELBY 20 IHlTESITT 77 SHELTOR 80 WILKIRS 58 • • ■ SIMFIORS 78,77 WILLIAMS 21-0 3 , ^2 5 2+3 ,2+5-h5 2+5, SIMPSOR 81 2^652+7,2+8,2+9, 5-0, 51, 56,67,76, SIMS 79,80 82 SLATER 80 WILLS 81 SMITH 12,1^515,29,30531555, WILSOR 78,79,83 58576,79^82583 WISEI^TER 79 SMITHSOR 59 J 7^ WOLK 81 SREED 27,28 WOMBILL 76 SOBERS 76 WOODRICH 76 STACY 82 WOODS 76 STAGGS 80 WRIGHT 78 STALCUP k7 STAITFIELD 82 YOUMG 82,83 STARLEY- 80 STEMART 78,79,81,82 STOBOUGH 78 STORE 83 SWAITSOR 12,13,80

TAFT 6 TARKIRGTOR I3 TATEHAI^ 77 TATOM 20 TAYLOR 2+6,82 THOMAS 9,77' THOMPSOR 79,82 THREAT 80 THURSTOR 9,10 TIRDAL 32 TOMRSERD 36 TRIPP 81 TURE 78 VAR VLECK 35,38,2+2,¥+ VAUGHR 81

WAIT 80 WALICER 77,78,81 WAmiER 76 WARRER 81,82 WASHBTGTOR 2+9