Williamson Countg Historical Societg
r Publication number 23
Spring 1992
Pyblished by
Uliiliemson County Historical Society
Franklin, Tennessee
1992 Williamson Countg Historical Societg
Publication number 23
Spring 1992
Published by
Ulilliomson County Historicol Society
Franklin, Tennessee
1992 Wi l l iamson County Historical Society
Publ ication Number 23
Spring 1992
Edi tor
Richard Warwick
Of f i cers
Presi dent M i chae1 Bal l i et
First Vice President Rebekah Clark
Second Vice President Gerth Uthman
Secretary Marjorie Hales
Treasurer Herman Major
/ INTRODUCTION BY EDITOR
Wil liamson County has grown in population and changed greatly since 1944. Fortunately, much of its rich history has been preserved by a few biblical "Ebenezers" of our past. Miss Susie Gentry heads the list as Franklin's premier historian and patriot. Through her efforts historical sites were preserved and markers placed to honor our past. So it is that the 1991-92 JOURNAL is dedicated to honor Miss Susie Gentry's good works.
The articles presented in this issue had been kept for forty-seven years as Miss Susie left them in two cardboard boxes. After Miss Susie's death in 1944, Mr. Luther McCall , her friend and administrator, gave the material to Dr. Rosalie Carter for safekeeping. Dr. Carter, real izing the importance■of Miss Gentry's writings and the twilight of her own stewardship, offered them to me for publ ication in the Wil l iamson County Historical Society's JOURNAL. ^ I gladly accepted the two boxes and immediately commenced reading and selecting the articles appropriate for our publication.
The articles are presented as written by Miss Susie. Please keep in mind that they were written more as speeches than as formal essays. I hope you enjoy her Nineteenth
\ Century style and romanticism. May we al l be thankful for -V; \ those before us, who, l ike Miss Gentry, used their talents and energy to preserve the past and make us more mindful of the importance of history.
Richard Warwick
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Dr. Rosalie Carter 1901-1991
The passing of Dr. Rosalie Carter last Christmas proved a sad day for all who knew her. She remained a loyal , supporting member of the Wi l liamson County Historical Society until the end. Without Dr. Carter''s safekeeping of the writings and papers of Miss Susie Gentry, this journal would not have been possible. Dr. Carter followed her mentor. Miss Gentry, in promoting patriotic causes and preserving history for the next generation. Williamson County has been enriched by her writings and poetry. Dr. Carter was survived by a sister, Corinne Carter Ward, and a host of friends. The many organizations to which she belonged will miss her enthusiasm and encouragement.
i i i TABLE of CONTENTS
1. Whc's Who - In Wi l l iamson - Mrs. Jane Owen 1
2. Miss Susie Gentry's Obituary - Review Appeal 4
3. Wi l l of Miss Susie Gentry is Pub 1 ished-Review Appeal 5
4. Death Notice of Dr. Waston Meredith Gentry 7
5. Programme For The Benefit of The New Presbyterian Church 8
6. Stocketts 9
7. Wil l iamson County - Her Origin and Fame 13
8. Some Ancient and Interesting Papers 17
9. Venerable Men Living in Frankl in and Vicinity 19
10. The South - Before 'The War' 21
11. Watauga - Cumberland Association 28
12. Tennessee's Part in Making History 32
13. Founders of Tennessee and Traditions of Tenn. 47
14. Tennessee's Part in the Mexican War 53
15. Report of Susie Gentry, to Colonial Dames 59
16. History of The Presbyterian Aid Society, As I Recal l It 62
17. Old Newspapers - Their Historic Value 66
18. Report of The Committee of Historical Research of the Colonial Dames - May 1918 71
19. The Florence Crittenton Auxiliary of Franklin, TN 78
20. To The People of The City of Elmira, New York 81
21. Relating to Our Flag, and The History of "Flag Day" 83
22. Flag Day 1898 87
23. Flag Day 90
24. The Teacher in The Law Enforcement Campaign 91 25. Plans for Infusing a Knowledge of our State's History and a Feel ing of Patriotism in Grammar Grades 94
26. Mr. Summer A. Cummuningham As A Monument Bui lder 100
27. Mary Maury, Confederate Girl - A Short Story 101
28. Meredith P. Gentry 104
29. Index 115 Who's Who In Wil l iamson
By Mrs. Jane Owen
Review - Appeal March 7, 1940
Living out near the end of West Main Street in a two-story frame house whose front -is covered with a wisteria vine is one of Franklin's Widely known and best beloved citizens, Miss Susie Gentry, a very smal l person, and one the song writer must have had in mind when he composed "Little Old Lady."
One day recently she sat in her cozy l iving room where the sun came in the south-east window and fel l across her shoulders as she rocked in her easy chair paring an apple as she talked, tel ling of the days passed and gone, of Frankl in's former citizens, industries and pleasures. She is noted for her easy flow of speech and power of description. As she talked the years seemed to rol l from her shoulders and she relived the days and incidences of which she told.
"I was born in Shelbyvi l le, the county seat of Bedford, where our present governor. Prentice Cooper, was also born. Now, mind you, it was nowhere near the same year. I came here with my parents as a rosy cheeked girl of 9 years and my education was in the Tennessee Female Col lege under Dr. Hargrove and Mr. Vaughn and attended Peabody College; later I taught domestic science and art in the old Buford Col lege, Nashvil le, for a while.
"My father. Dr. W. M. Gentry, was a nephew of Col. Meredith Poindexter Gentry, a distinguished Wi11iamson Countian who for 14 years was a United States congressman and during the short-lived Confederate Congress was a representative at its capital city, Montgomery, Ala. My father was division surgeon under Bragg, in the Civil War, and for the last eighteen months of the confl ict was chief surgeon of the nine hospitals in Montgomery. After the war he was practicing physician and ski l led surgeon in this county. He died in 1919 here at the only home we ever had in Frankl in at the age of 88. While he retired from general practice several years before his death due to ill health yet a great number of his former patients would come to him for medicine and treatment, refusing to take 'no' for an answer. He ushered into the world more than a thousands souls and saw many times that number pass to the Great Beyond. "He was as a young man an honor student in Bel levue Hospital , New York City, and went abroad to study tropical diseases in Edinburgh, London and Paris. He went over on the ship that fol lowed the one laying the first cable.
"On many occasions father would remove ah arm or leg unaided by nurse or doctor in the patienfs home using the dining room table for the operation.
"When we came here in January 1870 we bought this place from the late Hoi 1 is Horton. It was built by a man named Hobbs, grandfather of our late circuit judge, J. C. Hobbs. I have lived here so long that every crook and cranny seems a part of me and one of the pleasures of my l ife is to celebrate George Washington's birthday by flying the United States flag from my front porch.
"I inherited my patirotic spirit from both parents. In 1897 I organized Old Glory Chapter, Daughters American Revolution, with fifteen charter members and I was its first regent. I also helped organize United Daughters of Confederacy and served as its first secretary. I am a member of the Thomas Hart Benton Chapter, Daughters of 1812. One of my trophies of which I am most proud is a gold medal I received at the World's Fair in 1904 held in St. Louis, Mo., on my gourd collection, the only one in the world. I also exhibited them at the Tennessee Exposition in 1897, held at Nashvil le. The collection consists of many species and odd shapes."
Among Miss Susie's many accompl ishments was her abil ity to draw and paint from life. In many homes in Franklin are specimens of her handiwork, some she has kept and others she has given away. Being liberal hearted she has also parted with much of her antique furniture. In her room is a lovely bed, however, in which she has slept since childhood and it is enough to create in any heart the pangs of envy. On her mantel is a clock that ticks off the hours correctly and is a beautiful piece of handcarving. She has another one much larger and handsomer but too tal l for the l ittle lady to wi nd.
When asked as to the changes she has noted in Franklin in her day she replied, "The people are about the same, some hustled, others loafed. Agriculture was the principal means of livelihood. Among the large landowners were the McGavock, Glass, and Ewing fami l ies. Drs. Parkes, Hanner and Cliffe were successful physicians along with my father and Dr. Shy in the country. Bates Li 1 l ie, grandfather of York Li 1 lie, came here from Canada and built the flour mil l that stil l bears hisname, and a brother, Jasper, father of Milton Li l l ie, was the first electrician; Joseph L. Parkes, grandfather of the Review - Appeals editor, was president of the •'Old Bank''; Mr. Clouston, the pharmacist; Dr. John White, the druggist; Jim Bennett, father of Walter, the leading hardware and grocery merchant. Noted lawyers of the Frankl in bar were Judge H. H. Cook, Sam House and son, Wi l l iam, father and brother of Sal l ie and Ike House; John Marshal l , a noted criminal lawyer and father of Park Marshal l . Of the large McEwen fami ly Mrs. Addie German is the only older representative left and of the Perkins name borne by so many a generation ago none are left in the county. Andrew Ewing keeps al ive his family branch and the Bradley name has also passed into history tho there are grandchildren of other names living here. These are only some of the older citizens that I recal l . Among the older preachers were Rev. Fred Thompson and Elder E. B. Cayce, father of Mamie Roberts. These names also are no longer on Frankl in's register.
"When I was a girl an ex-slave, Andrew Ewing, taught a large class of boys and girls to dance using the Masonic Hal l as a dance floor. Mrs. Ti l l ie Briggs, who was one of the town's prettiest girls, and I were considered among the most graceful performers. The first party I remember attending was in the home of Mrs. Newt Richardson. I recal l dancing with Tom Bradley, a most graceful young man and I had to tiptoe to reach his arms. It was at Everbrlght, the palatial brick home of Mrs. Rebecca Bostick that my mother, who was former Martha Anne Jones, was one of bel les of the bal l when the el ite of Middle Tennessee gathered for an al l night dance."
Miss Susie looked pensive for a while and with a far-away look as to gazed out the window she opened the conversation by saying, 'I taught Sunday School for many years; I was otherwise thrown with young girls. In seven of them I discovered traits that I would have selected for a perfect daughter. These are Mary Buckner, Corinne Channel 1 , Mary McGavock, Margaret Henderson, Effie Chapman, Lou Willie Hume and Ida Carlisle and I have adopted them in a way as my fami ly of girls. Every year we have a dinner together and I give them each a dime which they invest and bring back with its earnings to use for our work in the Presbyterian Church where I am one of its oldest members.
"I have read the Bible through thirty-three times from start to finish. I read daily some portion of it and from my hymnal too. Whi le I have been a great reader al l my l ife I confine myself now mostly to religious works. Since I was a smal l girl my motto has been 'Seek ye peace pursue it.'" MiBS Susie Gentry's Obituary
Review - Appeal
Thursday, April 6, 1944
Beloved Woman Goes To Reward
One of Franklin's oldest and most beloved citizens, Miss Susie Gentry, died Tuesday morning just as night was giving way to dawn, at her home in West End where she had resided since coming here with her parents, the late Dr. W. M. and Martha Jones Gentry, from Shelbyvil le, where Miss Susie was born.
She was educated in the Tennessee Female Col lege and Peabody Col lege, later taught in the old Buford Col lege, Nashvi l le, and was also wel l educated in art; much of her work is on display in Franklin homes.
Miss Gentry's father was for many years one of the county's best beloved physicians and during the Civil War served as a surgeon. She inherited from both parents the spirit of patriotism and in 1897 organized Old Glory Chapter, Daughters American Revolution, serving as its first regent. She was also instrumental in organizing the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and was its first secretary. She was also a member of the Thomas Hart Benton Chapter, Daughters 1812. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and for many years was a teacher in its Sunday School . A friend to those in need and extending to al l a helping hand, she wil l long be missed in the town where her name has been a household word.
The only relatives are cousins, S. P. Jones of Columbia; Mrs. T. A. Harwel l , of Florence, Ala; Mrs. Robert Jackson and Mrs. Mack Peebles, of Nashvil le.
Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Presbyterian Church by Rev. Kenneth Phifer. Interment was in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Serving as active pal lbearers were J. H. Campbel l , W. C. Jones, Glenn Eddington, Frank Gray, J. H. Chapman, Joe Pinkerton, Dr. B. T. Nolen, Luther McCal 1 and Jack Hood. Honorary: Members of the Daughters American Revolution and United Daughters Confederacy.
Regen & Smithson in charge. WILL OF MISS SUSIE GENTRY IS PUBLISHED
In the passing of Miss Susie Gentry, Franklin lost one of its best known elderly citizens. An account of her demise was publ ished in last week''s Review - Appeal. Her wi l l , which has been probated here, disposes of no l ittle property, as fol lows:
"I, Susie Gentry, of Franklin, Tennessee, make and publ ish this, my last will hereby revoking any and al l other details by me heretofore made.
"Item 1: I direct that my debts, funeral expenses and expenses of administration, - including all inheritance and succession taxes which are here made a general charge and expense of the administration of my estate, - be paid by my Executor out of the first money that comes to his hands.
"Item 2: I wish my real estate to be converted into money and my Executor, or his successor in office, is directed to sel l my real estate at such time and upon such terms as he deems best, and is authorized and empowered to execute and del iver proper deed or deeds to the purchaser or purchasers thereof.
"Item 3: My Executor, or his successor in office, wil l give my furniture, clothing and personal effects and trinkets to such needy persons as he may select.
"Item 4: All the rest and residue of my estate I give and bequeath as fol lows:
"First: One-fourth thereof to the Governing Board of the Wil liamson County Public Library, to be used in its discretion either in the purchase of books or equipment, or in whoie or in part in the purchase of a library building; this is given as a memorial to my deceased parents. Dr. Watson Meredith Gentry and Mrs. Martha Jones Gentry, and I request that acknowledgment be made by book plates in books purchased, or by placque or tablet in or on the library bui Iding.
"Second: One-fourth thereof to the Salvation Army Incorporated, at Nashville, Tennessee, to be used in the charity work which it is doing in Middle Tennessee,
"Third: One-fourth thereof to Little Sisters of the Poor, Home of Aged, Nashvi l le, Tennessee, to be used as the management may deem best in the charity work which said home is doing in Middle Tennessee. "Fourth: One-fourth thereof wi l l be deposited in the Harpeth National Bank at Franklin, Tennessee, in the name of Luther A. McCal 1 in paying admission or admittance fees to the Old Woman''s Home which is now located at 2817 West End Avenue, Nashvi l le, Tennessee, for one or more deserving old ladies from Wi l liamson County, Tennessee, to be selected by him and in his discretion. If there is no vacancy in said Old Woman's Home within five years after my death, or if there is a surplus remaining insufficient in amount to pay such entrance fee, then this fund or surplus may be used by Luther A. McCal 1 for aid to and rel ief or such needy"persons in Franklin as he, in his discretion, may think deserving.
"Item 5: I nominate and appoint my friend, Luther McCal1 , of Franklin, Tennessee, as Executor of this will , and ask that he be al lowed to qual ify and act as such without bond.
"In witness thereof, I, Susie Gentryv, have hereunto subscribed my name on this October 27, 1943.
Susie Gentry
"Signed and acknowledged by said Miss Susie Gentry as and for. her last wi l l and testament, in the presence of us, the undersigned, who at her request and in her presence and in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names hereto as attesting witnesses, the day and date above written. 3)ied:
Qt fu& Aome, "Itlapte^urit," an 'iTlain tdraet, at 2;i0 a'c£oc& Sunday afternoon
2)»«.^cd&an, ^iTlefedUA §ientf^ a^ed 88 (fca#>A, 8 mantAA, 47 da^.
^un&vt£ ^t*Qm tK& at 2:30 a'ciac& Sae^day. a^te^'naon, conducted ^ 3)c&: Slam, lTlc3)au,^ail and Gnderian.
fSetoiceA at tAe ^raee in 9m. 9lafie cemetery % 'TtlcSveen tBwouac.
Members of the Medical Fraternity of Franklin are requested to serve as active pall-bearers. Honorary pall-bearers: Members of the Bivouac> and W. C. ■ Kirkland> Capt. George L. Cowan> Judge H.H. Q>ok, J. W.Reid, J» H.Bowman, Jr., Geo. L Matthews, Charles M. McDaniel, W. S. McDaniel, Noah McAbee, R. S. Owen.
Franklin, Tennessee Monday, May, 19, 1919
7 OF THE P:N TERTAINMENT TO HE GIVEN THURSDAJ, FEBRUARY 22nd, 1886, towist Umler the iiiaiiageiiuiiir. of Mi'8."\V. M. Gentry and Mrs. Annie Chini], FOR THE HENEFIT OF ITIE^NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH,
"Thro' Blooming Meadows," - » Miss Alma Carter. "Perplexity," _ - . - - -Mi.ss Hnttie Priest. "Over the Hills to tlie Poor-house," Miss Flay den. "Marguerite," " Miss Irene White. "Oh! Julia Fair," - - - Miss Susie Gentry. "In the Starlight," _ . - . Messrs. C. V. Holderinan and E. M'ells "Valse. Op. Ill, .. - ■ - ■Mrs. Annie Chinn. Song, Miss Oma Armstrong. "Sweet Heather Bell,'' - - Frank Howard, Mr. Ed Wells. PART SECOND. '•Bolero," - - , • - , Rafl", Miss Rliitti^Bradley.^ "To be Sung on the Waters," - - - ■ SchubM't. Miss Eu)a BnehaDam "The WidoAv Biuhl,'' - - Mies Susie Gehir.v "Beautiful Moonlight," GI|Over. Mrs. and Miss Susie Gentry. '•La Ci Darem," - Mo^ai't. Miss 0, Arnistroiig and Mr. C. V. Hohlwman. "E.xeoMllon of Montrose," - - Aytoun. Miss Hnyden. Song, - - Miss Stella Sikcs. ••The Last Hyiim," , Farningham. Miss Hnttie Priest. fsong, - - _ _ Miss Oma Armstrong.
Admission 25 cts; Re.served Seats 50 i;t8. For sale at Beech's Drugstore. Doora 8 Stocketta Miss Susie Gentry's Eligibility to "The Daughters of Founders and Patriots" The Socketts of Anne Arundel County, Maryland trace their descent from Lewis Stockett of St. Stephen's Parish, County Kent, England, an officer of the household of Queen Elizabeth born 1558 and died 1603. His daughter, Jane, married Walter Ayleworth, son of John Ayleworth and his wife, Elizabeth Ashton; both of County, Kent. His son, Thomas, had two sons and one daughter,Thomas, Frances and Lucia. Thomas Stockett, Jr. married his cousin Frances Ayleworth, a daughter of Walter Ayleworth and Jane Stockett. The Stocketts were earnest adherents of Charles II and his wife, Henrietta Maria - undergoing all the dangers and hardships incident to the Civil War, to the extent of the confiscation of their estates. After the crushing defeat of the Royalists by the Army of the Commonwealth at Worcester, in 1651, the son of Thomas Stockett and Frances Ayleworth retired to this continent, and remained until amnesty were declared, when they returned to England, gathered what they could of their impoverished estates and in 1658 immigrated to the Province of Maryland, bringing with them many of their family servants and retainers. Lewis, the oldest brother was then about thirty-five years of age. Among the family papers was found this memoranda: "About or in ye yeare of our Lord 1667-8 I became acquainted with four gentlemen who were brethren and the dwellers here in Maryland. Ye elder of them went by ye name of Col. Lewis Stockett, and ye second by ye name of Capt. Thomas Stockett. Ye third was Doctor Francis Stockett and ye the fourth brother was Mr. Henry Stockett. These men were but ye newly settled or seated in Anne Arundel County, and had much business with ye Lord Baltimore, then proprietor of ye Province. My house standing convenient, they were often entertained there. They told me they were "Kentish men", or men of Kent, and yet forgot that they had been concerned for King Charles I, were out of favor with ye following government. They mortgaged a good estate to follow King Charles ye second in this exile, and at their return they had not money to redeem their mortgage, which was ye cause of their coming hither." Joseph Ti11ey This Joseph Til ley was the Register of all Hallows Parish, on South River in Anne Arundel County, where the Stocketts worshiped in the faith of their forefathers, and near which they lived and died. Samuel Chambers, merchant, a neighbor of the Stocketts and an administrator on Joseph Til ley's estate, found an ancient looking paper to which the Stockett coat - of - arms was attached, and wrote as follows: "Mr. Stockett: Looking over Mr. Til ley's papers, I found this coat - of- arms, which belongs to you. The seale in ye same with ye coat - of - arms. I am yours to my power. Samuel Chambers." Captain Thomas Stockett (son Thomas Stockett and Frances Ayleworth) was born 1626 - and immigrated to the Province of Maryland in 1658. The four brothers first settled in Baltimore Co., where they obtained their first grants of land. In 1668 the four moved to Anne Arundel County and there also took up lands, located on a stream afterwards and ever since known as "Stockett's Run." In the latter part of Liber N. 4, No. 1, Folio 15, one of the Land Record Book of Anne Arundel County, wil l be found the decision of a commission to ascertain the boundaries of "Stockett's Run." In Vol. Ill of Archives of Maryland, Proceeding of the Council from 1636 to 1667 will be found the commission of Col. Lewis Stockett, as Commander-in-chief of all the forces, dated 1664, 27th of June. June 16, 1666 he was again commissioned. Col. Stockett's services as officer in the armies of Charles the Second, were doubtless well known in the Province, and commended him to the council. Captain Thomas Stockett, obtained a patent for a tract of land in Baltimore Co., called "The Bourne", and his brothers also "Rapolta", "Delph" and Delph Island. These lands were granted them under - "The Conditions of Plantation", in consideration of their immigrations to the Province as settlers, and at their transporting thereto certain servants and retainers, whose names are mentioned in their respective grants. Capt. Thomas Stockett is my ancestor; among the members of his household - as a "retainer", also a tutor - was the very early historian George Alsop, whose writings are to be found in No. 5 of "Gowan's Bibliotheca American" with 10 copious notes by the eminent historian John Gilmary Shea. Alsop spent four years with Captain Stockett in his new home. He spoke in the highest terms of his kind treatment, by his master, and his lordly style of living and the lavish abundance that reigned in his hospitable mansion. Capt. Thcanas Stockett was a delegate from Baltimore County to the Assembly, which met at St. Marys on the 17th of April 1661, and continued to represent that county until 1666. He and Henry Stockett (his brother) were Judges of the County Court until 1668. Captain Thomas Stockett was appointed High Sheriff of Anne Arundel County, to which county he had moved, and continued to hold that office until 1671, when he died, the latter part of April. The tract of land he patented in Anne Arundel County, was called "Obligation" and included 2000 acres or more. The original patent was dated July 19th, 1669. Just before settling in Anne Arundel County, Capt. Stockett married Mary Wells, a daughter of Sir Richard Wells, of Herring Creek, Anne Arundel County, a prominent man in the colony who held many positions of honor and trust. Mary Wel ls Stockett died March 1699, and left Thomas and Frances. Thomas Stockett, Jr. married 1st, March 12, 1689, Mary, daughter of Thomas Sprigg, gentleman (my ancestress) of Anne Arundel County, 2nd Damaris Welsh, April 9th, 1700. The children by the first wife were: Eleanor, born Dec. 8, 1693. Thomas, born Nov. 18, 1691. The first wife died Jan. 27, 1694. The Spriggs were of the Prince George's County family. Thomas Stockett, Jr. died on his plantation "Obligation"; the latter part of Nov. 1732. Thomas Stockett - the third - in direct line of the Anne Arundel County Stocketts (son of Thomas Stockett, Jr. and Mary Sprigg) was born Nov. 18, 1691, and died Oct. 1762. He, his father, and his grandfather were men of classical education, and kept a tutor residing in the family, who was generally a clergyman of the Anglican Church, and rector of the parish in which they resided and master of a private school, located on the farm to which the neighboring gentry came to get their education. This Thomas Stockett was a pioneer first grower, especially of the apple, peach and pear. Before coming of age he visited his relatives in 11 England where he was most kindly received. On his return he built in 1743 the brick house in which the family continued to live until quite recently. He married in 1715, Elizabeth Noble (daughter of Joseph Noble and his wife Mary) who lived near Fiscal laway, in Prince George County. His will was probated Oct. 30, 1762. By it he left his son Thomas his plantation cal led "Taylor's Choice or Chance." This Thomas Stockett, born abut 1760-5, married Anne (family name not known) and died in 1775; his will bearing date of Jan. 2, 1775, and was admitted to probate, Aug. 10, 1775. He left surviving him his widow, Anne, and Thomas William (Captain Thomas William Stockett of Williamson County, Tennessee, my great-great grandfather), John Dockerra, and Joseph. (No doubt Anne above mentioned was a Dockerra, as it was the custom of that day to name the eldest sons for the grandfather). Thomas Wil liam, died on his plantation near Franklin, in 1824; having three children, Elizabeth, and Joseph Hol liday. His wife was Elizabeth Hol liday, but when married I do not know - prior to 1807, I do know. Elizabeth Stockett married Dr. Thomas Sappington, and her daughter, Rebecca Boyce Sappington, was born Feb. 28,1811; and married Theophilus Lacy Gentry in 1824. She died Jan. 10, 1838 leaving five children. Rebecca Boyce Sappington Gentry's (granddaughter of Captain Thomas William Stockett) third son, Watson Meredith Gentry is my father. Captain Thomas Wil liam Stockett was a prominent factor in Williamson County as the history of the county will show. His will is probated here, but his second wife Susan Beard only is mentioned - his first is my ancestor. Susan Beard had no chiIdren. 12 Williamson County - Her Origin and Fame From the Review - Appeal Sept. 27, 1923 By Miss Susie Gentry Having been requested to write on my County, I give with pleasure the little knowledge I possess of her history and resources. The county was named for Col. Hugh Williamson of North Carolina; and originally belonged to Davidson. An act establishing Williamson County was passed by the General Assembly on October 26, 1799; and the following commissioners were empowered to select a county'seat and erect a court house, jail and stocks: John Johnson, Daniel Perkins, James Buford, Wm. Edmonston and Captain James Spur lock; but on the organization of the county in 1799, we find the Legislature appointed "a board of town commissioners consisting of Samuel Crockett, Charles McAllister, David Figures, John Sappinton and Ewen Cameron, whose duty it was to select a site for a county seat, to be cal led Franklin, and to procure a tract of land for that purpose by purchase or donation." The Public Square was donated to the commissioners by Abram Maury - for whom Maury County was called and named in honor of Dr. Benjamin Frank 1 in. The first house in Franklin is said to have been built by Ewen Cameron in 1797; the courthouse was built in the spring of 1800. The first court met at the home of Thomas McKay; other settlers followed in rapid succession. The Indian tribes being extinguished north of Duck River, early settlers began to enter the Territory of Williamson before 1800. In 1798 David McEwen, of Seatsville, N.C., with several families, left Nashville and came to Williamson County near Franklin. Many Revolutionary soldiers were buried in the county; 61 are known to be within the bounds, whose resting places have been located and their names engraved on imperishable marble by "Old Glory Chapter", D.A.R. Williamson County is known abroad as the "Banner County" of Tennessee for Wheat - she having taken both a gold and silver medal of that product at the St. Louis Exposition of 1903; but her reputation does not rest there 13 only; for she was the home of some of the finest heroes three wars ever had. Today sleep hundreds of patriots of 1776, 1812, and 1861-1865 in her soil; nor does her reputation rest there. She produced some of the greatest statesmen America has ever known, who in their days of glory and usefulness were designated "giants" intellectually; nor does her reputation rest there. On her soil was fought one of the bloodiest and bravest battles chronicled in military annals; nor yet there does she lay her laurel down - she holds them aloft in a world-famed discoverer; a physician who revolutionized medicine and started the public school system in Missouri; a noted educator (and historian); and a young railroad promoter and builder. Matthew Fontaine Maury, the most famous American, was born near Federicksburg, Va., Jan. 24, 1806. When four years of age his parents came from Virginia to Williamson County, and settled a few miles west of Franklin. After being taught in the "field schools" of that day he was sent to Harpeth Academy of Franklin, a noted school taught by Rev. James Otey - the first Bishop of Tennessee, and first Rector of St. Paul''s Church of Franklin. Later he became a "West Pointer" and still later a discoverer and writer. Dr. John Sappinton was born in Maryland, May 15, 1776, the eldest son of Dr. Mark Brown Sappinton, Nashville's first physician, and was Franklin's first physician so far as know, came to Wiliiamson County in 1799 or 1800, as he was one of the commissioners appointed to seiect a site for the county seat, practiced some years and went to Missouri where he became the most famous physician of his day, and instituted the public school system by leaving in trust a $20, 000 fund for the schooling of "orphan and indigent children of Saline County. His book on "Fevers" was considered a great acquisition to the medical profession in 1843; and his proprietary "Anti-fever Pills" were a boon to humanity and made him a fortune. Edwin Paschai1 was born in Warren County, N.C. on March 22, 1799, the son of Anderson Paschal 1. He studied law, but found his "calling" was that of educator, and Tennessee never had a more distinguished and better one. Many of the noted sons of Tennessee were educated by him. He was known as an editor in both Williamson and Davidson Counties. While editing the "Daily Press", he was arrested and imprisoned by "Andy Johnson." While an educator there were no histories quite suited for school work, so he wrote "Old Time in Tennessee", but Just before its completion Death called him to "books" in a higher and better school, a "Mansion eternal in the skies." 14 Mr. Henry Hunter Mayberry was born in Williamson County about 50 years ago, the son of Henry Mayberry, also a native of the county. Mr. Mayberry had been one of the most progressive, enterprising and useful citizens the county ever produced. The splendid Interurban Railroad will ever stand as a memorial to his sense, energy and business qualifications, as well as a philanthropist - for what better could he give man-kind than the thing he most needed? The greatest resources of the county are wheat, corn and oats: although barley, rye, and millet are raised as well here as in any other county, often in very large yields. Tobacco and cotton are also grown. (There is now a tobacco warehouse in Franklin.) Large quantities of fine Irish and sweet potatoes are grown and sold. Many hogs are raised, fattened.and sold to buyers, as well as "packed", for the home trade and as an export. No better cattle is raised anywhere, for dairy purposes or for beef cattle. The lumber interest is one of the largest and most paying, as a continuous train of wagons is daily seen hauling stocks to the different sawmills, and railroad ties to the several railroads. The poultry interest is another profitable industry, many being engaged in it. Truck farming also pays in Williamson County. The wealth and prosperity of the county is shown by the three banks in Franklin: The Franklin National, The Williamson County Bank and Trust Company and The Harpeth Bank. Two fine schools in Franklin attest the progress and intellectually of the people. An excellent boy's school, the Battle Ground Academy, taught by Prof. Greer Peoples, and the Public School, taught by Prof. A. J. Haun. The standard of both is high and good work must be done. The public school system of the county is exceedingly good, being under the management of Prof. Fred J. Page, County Superintendent, who has faithfully and efficiently served the county for many years. The religious life is represented by the Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Cumberland Presbyterian, Christian, 15 Baptist, and Catholic Churches, all ably filled by good pastors. A most fraternal feeling exists between these different brethren. Two weekly newspapers give all the state and county happenings, grave, gay and of intellectual worth. The Review - Appeal is the oldest paper in the State of an unbroken publication. It has been published for 110 years, having been established in 1813. The merchandise interests are well represented in both the town and county by live, progressive men. The Mays Hotel and two restaurants are places the "inner man" can be satisfied with as good things as any other county produces. The lands are rich in phosphate, and much has already been sold in paying quantities. A large flour mil l in Franklin attests the cultivation of wheat, as does two immense warehouses where grain is stored for shipment. The railroads and "good roads" facilities are excellent; for like Rome of old where all roads led to Franklin would seem the Mecca, as seven pikes enter it: The Nashville, Columbia, Murfreesboro, Lewisburg, Hillsboro, Del Rio and Liberty. In Williamson have died many distinguished men: Matthew F. Maury, John Bell, Felix Grundy, Col. Meredith P. Gentry, Thomas H. Benton, Jesse Wharton, Perry Humphrey, and many lesser lights. To our thinking there is no better county in the state than Wi11iamson. 16 Some Ancient and Interesting Papers April 11, 1907 By Miss Susie Gentry Saturday afternoon we had the pleasure of examining some old papers of much historic interest brought us by Mr. Burns Petway. One was the "Pettway Genealogy" from 1716 to 1760, written in a clear beautiful hand. "John Pettway, son of Robert and Ruth Pettway, was born Oct 10, 1716; married El izabeth, daughter of Hinchea and Francis Mabry, Feb. 21, 1737. John and his wife died Feb. 10, 1770 and Jan 20, 1796, respectful ly." From this "Hinchea" - a surname and a pecul iar one - came "Hinchey Petway", the one-time citizen for whom a part of our town was named. In the early days of Franklin where Mr. Joe L. Parkes now lives was known as "Hincheytown." A grant of 200 acres of land from Wil liam Brown and his wife Sarah, of Prince George County, Virginia, to John Pettway of Brunswick County, Virginia, for "the sum of 180 pounds current money." March 13, 1769, Nathaniel Edwards and Boi ling Stark, witness D. Fisher, Deputy Clerk; acknowledged in Court of Brunswick County, July 24, 1769. A grant, or indenture of land from John Cummins to Wil liam Pettway for $1,000.00 both of Davidson County, Tennessee, July 11, 1799. Signed by the first clerk of Court, Andrew Ewing; Thomas Mol loy, Register. This Andrew Ewing was an ancestor of Mr. Randall Ewing, Mrs. Thomas Perkins and others of the Ewing and Ewin names. One of the Ewings became angry with another and changed his name by leaving off the g, and that branch here continued to spel l it. A "Power-of-Attorney" granted to Benjamin Johnston, lawyer, of Wil liamson County, Tennessee, by Sarah Watson Col l ier, that he might recover for her part of her aunt's, Lucretia, Pettway Watson, estate in Greenville County, Virginia, signed by Gi lbert G. Washington (who seems to have been a relative of the immortal "George" from his surname) and R. C. Foster, Justices of the Peace of Davidson County, Tenn, also Nathaniel Ewing, Clerk of the Court of Quarterly Sessions - 1825. The extra "t" in Petway was dropped sometime in the "20's," as it does not occur afterwards. 17 A parcel of land was sold to John Petway for $43. in January, 1831, by Robert Poyner - both of Wi l l iamson County. It was from this name that the celebrated Wil liamson County "Pinerchairs" got their name. Jesse Wharton and R. C. Foster were noted lawyers at the Frankl in bar once upon a time. Wharton was admitted May, 1800 along with Seth Lewis and Joseph Herndon; R. C. Foster ("Black Bob") between 1836 and 1840. Two other notable disciples of "Blackstone" just prior to the civi l war here were U.S. Senator Wi l l iam B. Bate and Ed. Baxter. Mr. Petway was asked to send these papers to Jamestown, but was afraid to part with them. It is such occasions as this Exposition that brings out history almost forgotten in a town and county; such revivals are quite beneficial things. 18 Venerable Men Living in Franklin and Vicinity Jan. 11, 1912 By Miss Susie Gentry The Bible admonishes us to "honor the hoary head" and Proverbs in describing the perfect type of a wife says; "Her husband is known in the gates when he sitteth among the elders of the land." It has occurred to us that we have cause for a feel ing of pride, and gratitude, that we have among us seven men whose combined ages make the sum of 603 years, more than six centuries of time. Mr. Robert H. Bradley will be 93 the 23rd of this month; Mr. John B. Murrey is 91; Dr. Dan B. Cl iffe wil l be 89 the 15th day of this month; Mr. Moscow Carter was 86 Dec. 5th 1911; Mr. Matt F. Maury is 82, and Mr. Joe Carl is also 82; Dr. Watson M. Gentry will be 81, Jan 31. Al l these men are notable in an individual way. Though Dr. Cliffe no longer "has the l ight of day" vouch safe him, he is an apostle of cheerfulness and patience; no word of complaint or regret has ever been heard from him, and physical ly he is as wel 1 as in middle- 1 ife. Mr. Bradley is a marvel of energy and vitality - is "93 years younger", as he express it, with mind unimpaired. Mr. Carter is stil l the best local historian of the county, and gets about remarkable wel l . Mr. Murrey (until very recently) has been as "spry" as anybody, and is mental ly alert as to the issues of the day. Mr. Matt Maury retains his vigor also, in body and mind, often drives in from home and keeps up with the day. Mr. Carl has found the source of "perpetual youth", his merry laugh, and relations of amusing incidents does the sou 1 good. Dr. Gentry, although a "shut in" on account of physical feebleness, is mental ly vigorous. He is often told of his remarkable memory, and grasp of knowledge. His retention of Latin, Greek and mathematics is marvelous. . He can readily give the derivation of any word asked him. 19 It is.a remarkable co-Incident that three of these seven men have their birthdays in this month (January). Dr. Cl iffe's is on the 15th, Mr. Bradley's the 23rd, and Dr. Gentry's the 31st. What could be kinder and more pleasing to them and their many friends than to remember their natal days with a "Post Card Shower?" We suggest that their friends be al lowed to, at least remember Dr. Cliffe in this way on his 89th birthday. A friend to them al 1 20 The South - Before 'The War' By Miss Susie Gentry The South - "In Dixie Land," where I was born - was a pleasant place to live before the war; and the term "before the War" always means the War between the States, in 1861 and 1865, with Southern people. They had a beautiful civil ization, much like that of England; their homes were refined and comfortable, many elegant, with their splendidly kept lawns, ample shrubbery, primeval parks of giant oaks, or avenue of equally commanding cedar trees leading from the entrance, or "big gate" to the mansion door. Bewildering gardens of flowers with the great summerhouse in the center, as large as the average bungalow of today, roof covered with shingles as a protection from the uncertain rains of Apri l ; and overrun with fragrant honeysuckle virginbower, and the sweet Eglentine rose, in whose leafy fol iage the mocking bird and other singers loved to trill their happy lay of content. In this summerhouse were seats around the four high vine covered posts, where one could sit and read unmolested by the hour. The garden had four walks that met at the summerhouse; all were flower bordered, and in the squares were the smal ler vegetables; and one was always the strawberry bed, another asparagus. The main garden was farther from the house and consisted of acres of land, from which in the late afternoon, the negroes would bring, not a washing tub, but a "cotton basket" of cucumbers daily, and other vegetables in like quantities. On the plantations would be the great orchards, peach trees In one and planted in rows alternately of white and pink blossomed; the apples in another each in extent longer than the eye could measure. Then the long rows of white-washed negro cabins - "The Quarters" - on either side of a wide roadway, just outside the rear yard fence, each of two or three rooms, and they were rooms too, possibly thirty feet, al l alike, and equal distance apart; about whose doors would be the oldfashioned hol lyhock the zinna, the marigold and the "pretty-by-nights," to cheer and give fragrance in the cool of the evening, after the days work of occupants was done; when the banjo was brought forth and the young "Buckra" or old "Uncle," leaned his chair against the side of the door and picked, while the little pickaninnies danced, till they 21 could dance no more; then the half-growns would "cut the pigeon wing" or "back step." There were the stables, with the blooded horses, the gold or si lver mounted equipages, satin l ined, in which 'Ole Miss' and 'Young Missus' "nd" when they left the plantation. The multitude of negroes in the immense fields, with the native melodies of far away Africa in their songs, that rose and fel l in the distance; the grinding of the sorghum cane, or ginning of the cotton; the soft shod crops of trained servants about the mansion; the pack of fox hounds; the gabble of geese, gobble of turkey, the piercing screech of the gorgeous peafowl , the "chay" of the guiney-fowL, quack of the duck and cluck of the chickens were cheerful and pleasant sounds to the Master, or "Old Mars", as he was affectionately cal led. The mingling of bright colors of innumerable visitors; the bri l l iance of cut glass and silver; the lavishness of everything that could tempt the eye or palate; al l were here; more l ike a picture from the scenes of Old-World splendor, than that of a young western republ i c. This is not a rare picture of the Old South, but the average, or usual one of plantation life; the homes of aristocracy, wealth, cultivation, travel , and of a pleasure enjoying people; who brought their blood ideals and mode of life to America from England and France, in their Caval ier ancestors. From this picture to one who did not know - might think the Southerners were a lazy people, - not so; they did not do manual or menial labor, but they worked. Daily "Old Mars" mounted his horse and rode over his vast domain, and planned, and saw that the 'foreman,' one of the oldest and most experienced farm laborers, or the 'overseer,' a white man, carried out these plans; then he inspected the stables, then the herds and flocks, and by that time the 'wind' of the dinner horn was heard and he gal loped to the house. After the prompt twelve o'clock dinner, where mirth and Jest went a merry round, he sat him down on the front 'piazza,' and slept a few minutes; then read the weekly Washington Intel l igencer, or some other newspaper. A selection from Milton, Byron or Pope, or may be, an oration in Latin or Greek, (for the Southern or was classical ly educated; at Princeton, Yale or Abroad), or it might be State craft of which he read, or thought - for we had statesmen 'then - not 'slick politicians'. This Southern planter overlooked his accounts careful ly, not as an avaricious accumulator, but to see that his financial 22 ability was not fal l ing behind that of his father or grandfather. "Ole Miss" had her tasks too; her's was to order the household from garret to cellar, see that the clothing was spun and woven, cut and made; that the sick, white and black, were properly cared for; the children taught courtesy - "their manners" - to both their equals and inferiors; there was no impudence given to even the negroes in that far day, it would have been "unmannerly and disgraceful"! The white man, woman and child must set the standard of behavior for the negroes, therefore they were looked upon 'as quality' - 'big folks'. "Ole Miss" - and she might not be old either but she was married, and mistress of the mansion, taught the children the Bible, and lived daily. "Young Miss," had her books, of which she could repeat pages, in conversation, especial ly Moore's and Byron's poems. She did the finest of embroidery, tatting, knitted lace, and rol ling and whipping of dainty ruffling for her thread cambric (our handkerchief l inen) and fine l inen chemises and gowns, they were high necked and bel1-sieeved, she embroidered her petticoats, '(not under skirts) and pantalettes that came as low as her boot tops' (shoes) if she wore them. Pers, sizes usual ly ones of twos; there were no sewing machines, and with her daily stitching of two threads taken up and two left, it required several negro seamstresses to sew daily also to make her clothes, for she visited her friends and clothing was long and yards wide. The responsibility of owning and caring for so many human beings weighed heavily upon the planter and his family, so that emancipation was a glad release to many. A planter was a very real and a very practical man of business, with all the pleasures of home, that to an outsider seemed picture-1 ike. To get food and clothing for his household and servants, required thought and watchful thrift. He kept his eye on the grain, tobacco, cotton and hog markets; he studied his soil ; knew the producing power of each field, exchanged ideas with his neighbors and developed a wonderful sagacity. He had a strenuous life, but kept himself wel l , hearty and happy by joining in the sports and diversion of his family, and his recreation of readi ng. In whist, chess and backgammon,, he was an expert; and could lead a pretty girl handsomely in a Virginia Reel , or Roger de Coverly, and the young people enjoyed him. 'Young Marster' or 'Mars John', was a "chip off the old block", - a repl icia of his father, and his companion and 23 comrade In both pleasure and business; he was a gay 'young blood' but never for one moment forgot who he was, and that his honor and intergrity must be kept above reproach,, was gal lant and courteous to all ladies, because they were women 1 ike his mother. Should the father become il l or die, he just gathered up the reins of government of the home and plantation, and things went on much as before, for he had been in training since early childhood, when he rode alongside of his father as he directed the work. The fol lowing poem - by Howard Weeden, gives a fine summary of plantation life: "OLE MISS" "You never knowed 01e Miss you say? Wel l , dat's a pity, shore; The sort of Quality she was Is gone- to come no more. Her Gracious word was like a queen's. So kind, and yet so strong; We all kep' time to her soft speech Like marching to a song. A nigger didn't dare to die. Nor marry on our place, Widout she give her blessin', and Her 'pinion on de case. She knowed more den de doctors cause God tole her whut to give; She knowed more den de preachers, cause. God tole her how to live. Dat .ole plantation hit was run On 'rangements 'bout 1 ike dis: De place b'longed to Marster - but Gle Marster b'long to Mis." There were, of course, some idle planters, who led easy lives, left their work to overseers, and managers; had poorly fed and clothed, and overworked negroes, who sometimes ran away. There were 'negro-traders' who bought and sold negroes, as fine stock is traded in now; but, they were not "Qual ity", and they and their fami l ies were merely tolerated, as we do the 'new rich of today'; and today unto the third and fourth■generations, when a descendant steps 24 short of the mark, you hear; "you couldn't expect anything better of him or her, they are true to the old stock, "negro-traders"; or rich, "poor white trasn" or "Blood wil l tel l" is said, and the story is told. The negro of the South, before the war, was a mild copy of his "white folks"; one could often tell to whom a valet, maid or Mammy belonged, by their manners, without asking their names, and to this far day, when an ante belium negro is met, you can say "Are you not one of the Smith or Brown negroes?" Between the negro and his marster there was ever a general feel ing of mutual respect and confidence; neither poverty nor ruin, nor changing conditions, disruption of every order, social or pol itical , was effectual in breaking this bond of loyalty and love. No more beautiful picture of the Old South could be drawn than that of the courtly old planter, high bred and gentle in face and manners, entitled to his name of "gentleman" - the plantation "Uncle" a counterpart in ebony of the Master, so loyally served and imitated; and the broad bosomed black "Mammy" with vari-colored or white "Head-rag" as she cal led her turban, spotless white apron, and a beaming face, the friend and helper of everything in the cabin or Mansion. "Mammy" 'ruled the roost', to use a slang expression - kindly but surely; even 'Ole Mis was told 'whut she ought to do' and usual ly she did it. "Mammy" and her housegirls, never less than four, were often taught by 'Ole Mis' and 'Young Missus' to read; and the maids would often have the benefit and instruction of the novel, and love letters of their young Mistresses. There existed a beautiful friendship between these two, but never a thought with either of social equality; it was always a kind superior, and a loving, loyal inferior, born and bred in the bone of each. The same condition existed between the young white man and his "body servant," know elsewhere as a valet. The Esquery of the Engl ishman of nobility, best represent the position of these two. The negroes of the plantation were taught the Bible, and often had their own church on the plantation, and 'Ole Marster' paid the white pastor for their instruction, as he employed the doctor by the year, for the health of their bodies; if near a city or town, and always in the country, if there was no church on the plantation, the church gallery 25 was set apart for such as wanted to attend services, or the rear pews were left for them. It was a unique, pleasing and unusual sight, to see along, single file, Indian-like, line of black negro women, dressed in their 'Sunday best', dotted dawn dresses in Summer, and pretty factory checks' in winter, file in and out of the 'big gate' on their way to and from church. The women walking behind the l ine of men, al l solemn, for they had been to 'cherch' and felt a nearness to God; had partaken of the Lord's shed blood and broken body, as symbolized in the Sacrement, from the same cup and plate, as their 'white folks';,they were served after the white congregation, with the same solicitude and deference, for the white man real ized that in God's sight the soul of each was equal ly dear to Him. When a negro died, al l work stopped until the day after the burial, and he or she was lovingly carried in a neat, black walnut or other wooden coffin, for al l were wooden at that time, on the shoulders of their nearest of kin, or best friends, to the Negro cemetery on the plantation, and given Christian burial ; the white folks attended and felt and showed their sympathy to the bereaved. In l ike manner were the marriages performed, by either a white minister, or a negro preacher, on the plantation, usually on the back gal lery of the mansion, or at the door, the time during Christmas, or when the "crops" were laid by, on a bright moon-light summer night; the wedding supper was set in the cabin of the bride to be and the white folks were formally invited to attend, by word of mouth, 'Old Mis and 'Mar's went always, and nibbled a bit to show their appreciation of the invitation, congratulated the couple, and left. Dancing was kept up unti l day-l ight, the bride generally had a white dress, and if she was desirous of 'putting a swath', her young Mis would lend her some jewelry for the occasion; often array her in some of her cast aside finery. Those were happy days, of a peculiar people and a condition of life, not seen before, or will be again. The l ife of the South was real ly three-fold, for there was another people in the South beside the planter and the negro, the - renter or artisian - he was as the ratio of two to the other's one. 26 These people had come to America as "Indentured Servants" or as Adventures; the Indentured, were those who leased passage from England, or France, was paid by the Caval ier who brought them to his possessions in America (inherited from his English or French forebears) to serve as tutor, or servant in whatever capacity needed his "retainers"; these persons paid in service for their transportation and "keep" for a definite term of years; when they had earn money enough, they either rented or bought said farms from the owners, and so became a peculiar class in the South. George Washington, "the first in peace, the first in war, and the first in the hearts of his countrymen," was a type of the Caval ier-planter. Abraham Lincoln cal led the "Great Emancipator," and the most honored and beloved President of the North, was born in Kentucky, of Southern parents, and trained by Southerners, his mother and stepmother being Southern born and bred; as the "Indiana Rai1-Sp1itter and river boatman he labored for and on the farm of James Gentry, a Virginian, from 1820 to 1839, when the family moved to Il l inois (See "Abraham Lincoln" by Nicholay and Hay, vol. I pps. 87-88, and "The Gentry Family of America," p. 269.) Abraham Lincoln was the type of the Renter and smal l farmer class of the South. President Andrew Johnson, (the War Governor of Tenn. in 1861-65) was another of the same class; he was born in Raleigh, N.C., and lived, died and is buried in Tennessee. Booker T. Washington, the world-famed negro educator, was the type of "the before the war" negro. He was born in Virginia, educated in West Virginia, and was an educator of his race in the State of Alabama. 27 Watauga - Cumberland Association By Susie Gentry May 6, 1909 We are all builders; we do not erect houses or temples on city streets for human eyes to see - but we build of "our todays and yesterdays" characters, that are influencing others to works that will live in deeds well and nobly done; or are like the deadly nightshade that leaves a blighting effect. How often these words have come to me, as they have doubtless to many of you club women: "Let me not die before I've done for thee My earthly work, whatever it may be. Let me not leave my space of ground unfil led; Impress this truth upon me, that not one Can do my portion, that I leave undone." Over a year ago a stranger wrote me from Arkansas, asking, "if I knew where a history of the men who settled on the Watauga could be found, or was there such as association?" She was trying to find some facts relative to her ancestors. There was no such "history" or "association" extant to my knowledge - but, the thought was pressed home to me why has Tennessee no such association after these long years? When at the headwaters of the Tennessee River, in 1772, the western pioneers of the Watauga Settlement "were the first men of American birth to establish a free and independent commonwealth on the continent." In the matter of setting up an independent revolutionary government, these Wataugans were still in the lead: Massachusetts was the first northern colony; South Carolina was a month or more ahead of Massachusetts, but North Carol inians led by James Robertson - the "Father of Tennessee" - was three years ahead of both Massachusetts and South Carolina. These facts crowded quickly on my mind while reading the above mentioned letter; and I told my love companion - my mother - that I was going to found, or organize a new club. She asked "What now. Babe?" and I informed her it. would be the "Watauga - Cumberland Settlers Association." 28 I felt that to me it had been unsolicited and unexpectedly presented an opportunity to honor these brave, American - born pioneer patriots, and a revering, so to speak, of a filial affection in their lineal descendant; which, if neglected would possibly cause another rest in oblivion of their glorious deeds for Tennessee of a century or more. I thought of those possible as chartermembers - for I intended it to be a state affair; I wrote a short newspaper article relative to my intentions and desires; and also to a few parties whom I thought eligible; soon I had a dozen names from the three grand divisions of our state; and then I chartered it under the laws of Tennessee, The Association's objects were: Educational , Historical and Patriotic; That we, the women of Tennessee may learn the history more ful ly, of these early settlers upon the Watauga and Cumberland Rivers; and that we may inspire and inculcate a true love of patriotism in all who come under our influence. That we may be the means, as descendants of these men who were the foundation stones of the "Volunteer State", of benefitting our state in papers written of their worthy deeds; to be preserved in our state archives." My enthusiasm seemed to be contagious and at every meeting (monthly, held in our state capita, Nashville) excellent papers were read; from which we received much benefit - and the future historian will get more. We have corrected several existing errors in Tennessee's history as written by wel l-known historians; even so fine and exhaustive a chronicler as Putman has written up James Robertson as a man of most meager education, and that little the result of his wife's labors; but in a finely printed footnote he somewhat corrects that impression. Where one has, and will read that footnote, hundreds will continue to believe his first statement that James Robertson was almost illiterate. That footnote .was printed after the Robertson family had given him excel lent data that could not then readi1y be put in. This was the first error corrected; when James Robertson's great-granddaughter conclusively proved by documentary evidence and the ancient Scotch coat-of-arms that had been in the possession of his immediate family time out of mind; and by the words from the lips of Mrs. Robertson as told to her son Dr. Felix Robertson and handed down by word of mouth to the narrator. We have learned much of the bravery of spirit of Charlotte Reeves Robertson - a fit companion of her il lustrious husband; and that the Charlotte Pike is a monument to her, and the affection her husband bore her. 29 The second error is in historians stating that Dr. John Sappington was Nashvil le's first physician; it was his father. Dr. Mark Brown Sappington, my great-great-grandfather who had his log "office" an the present site of Nashville, when it was a canebrake - one hundred and twenty-four years ago. Dr. Mark Brown Sappington's family were immigrants from England, founders of Ann Arundal Counties Maryland, before coming as founder to the wilderness of Tennessee, then a territory; and later, the eldest of his three doctor sons, John, was a pioneer to the Territory of Missouri with the Coopers. Boone and others; here in his old age he originated the public school, system of Missouri - by endowment - and was the father of the first proprietary medicine in the South and West. Another notable correction made was in straightening out of the records of the two John Gordons - "John Gordon of the Spies" (Nashville's first postmaster) and John Kennedy Gordon; the latter having been given the record of the former by so excel lent on authority as the late Col. A.S. Colyar; who, when the discrepancy was pointed out to him by the "Spy's" family tried to corrected it; but like the error of Robertson, many wil l not try to learn the truth, and will continue to give notable deeds to one that belonged to another; though both were patriots and soldiers. We have learned that the "Natchez Trace" was not so cal led from the terminus in Mississippi, but was the "Notched Trace" - the "blazed way" of travel of that day, that was corrupted into "Notchy" and then "Natchez." We have learned much of the brave women of that day; how Ann Robertson, a sister of James, and wife of Major John Cochrell, was granted lands for her soldier like qualities; having commanded a boat in the Done 1 son Expedition, and taken part in the massacre of Buchanan's Fort. Of Sally Ridley Buchanan, the first white girl child born in East Tennessee; of her prowess in time of war, ingenuity and physical courage. Of Annie Payne Pil low who could successfully ferry the swollen and turbulent Cumberland in time of need. Of Mrs. Timothy Demonbrum's savage use of an ax on headman of Indians to save the fort. Of the King and Woodson families; their military skil l and wealth; and Col. Thomas Woodson's daughter being the first girl child born in the fort at Knoxvil le. Of the Wal laces of East Tennessee, who were of the same blood and spirit as Wil liam Wal lace of Scotland. Of Thomas McCory, the veteran officer of two wars, who distinguished himself at the attack in Buchanan's Fort; and of his several instances of noble generosity to those in poverty and financial need. 30 Of the Overall family, who trace their lineage back to first Bishop, and whose family still keep the ecclesiastical fire burning; and whose memory is perpetuated in the historic stream of Rutherford County known as "Overall's Creek." This is but a small part of the good work we have done for Tennessee's next historian. In our research we have been impressed with the fact of the fine blood, refinement, attainments and often wealth of the families of these ill iterate "Backwoodsmen" of the Watauga and Cumberland Settlements, who were not frequently Revolutionary Soldiers. Another fact has been borne home, how little we can justly rate people by externals: and that the "blood" of America and Tennessee, today is not "arrayed like Solomon," nor "clothed in people and fine linen"; but in patriotism and high ideals that made their pioneer forefathers the men they were - who carved from a howling, savage forest this beautiful , fertile state for their sometimes unworthy descendants to enjoy. Through this effort to honor our estimable ancestry we have tried to make good the objects as set forth by our charter; and have formed many beautiful friendships; and also learned that "it is never too late to do well." I have been asked to send our collected papers - typewritten copies - to the Congressional Library at Washington, where so few Southern records rest within its wa1 1s. 31 TENNESSEE'S PART IN MAKING HISTORY By Miss Susie Gentry In all history there is not a more romantic and wonderful chapter than the one which tel ls of the march of DeSoto and his heroic band of adventurers in search of a new Eldorado. These were the first men of European blood of whom we have any account to visit the territory of what is now known as the State of Tennessee. In the month of May, 1539, they landed at Tampa Bay, Florida, and at once began the march which has been the wonder of al l subsequent ages. After two years of weary wandering in what are now the States of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and possibly among the picturesque mountains of East Tennessee, fighting with rugged nature and savage natives, they arrived at the site of the present city of Memphis at the Chickasaw Bluffs where they discovered the mighty Father of Waters, and where, after a few weeks rest, they crossed the Mississippi River and proceeded towards the West in search of glory and of gol d. Thus Tennessee history begins long before the first settlement at Jamestown. And, too, Tennessee shares in the history of that settlement of Wokoken, in 1585, and in the one at Roanoke in 1587 and in the romantic and tragic chapter which records the birth of Virginia Dare in the disappearance of that colony in which the cabalistic word "Croatan" plays a mysterious part. On the twenty-fifth of March, 1584, the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth, by Royal patent, authorized Sir Walter Raleigh to "discover and occupy such remote and barberous lands, not possessed nor inhabited by Christian people as to him should seem good. Under this patent Raleigh sent Captains Amasas and Barlow to explore the country then called Florida. They arrived on July the '4th 1585, and sailed along the shores until they found a harbor which they entered and took possession of in the name of the Queen of England. The place where they landed was on the island of Wokoken, in what is now North Carolina. After exploring the island and Albermarle Sound, they returned to England. The Queen, when she heard their reports, gave to the newly discovered country the name Virginia. From that date what is now Tennessee was claimed by England as a part of Virginia. Thus Tennessee shares in the history of all that pertains to Virginia until March 24th 1663, when Charles II. granted to the Earl of Clarenden and his associates, "al l the country 32 from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans included between the 31st and the 36th parallels of latitude, "and constituted them the proprietors and immediate sovereigns of the territory. To this new grant was given the name Carolina, and it embraced what is now Tennessee. North Carolina was given its first constitution in 1667, and in 1670 it adopted the John Lock's form of government, both of which applied as much to the unsettled as to the settled part of the colony. The visit of Hennipin to the Chickasaw Bluffs in 1661 is a part of Tennessee history. So too is the advent at the same place of La Sal le in 1682, when he erected a block house at the place where Wolf River empties its water into the Mississippi. That was the first edifice to be erected by white men in Tennessee. The first Englishmen of whom we have any account to set foot on Tennessee soil were Dr. John Bickell and a party of whites and Indians who explored the mountain region of North Carolina in 1634. They visited the Cherokee towns below Knoxville, and Dr. Bickell's report of the beauty and the fertility of the country soon caused other adventurous men to turn their attention to that land of promise. But if any of them passed into Tennessee they left no records of the fact. In 1748 came Thomas Walker and others who gave the name Cumberland to a range of mountains, and also to Powell's Val 1ey. Another tragic and romantic chapter in our states history relates to Fort Loudon, which was the first edifice to be built by men of Anglo-Saxon blood within the limits of the state. This was in 1756. Many stirring events occurred there during the four years of its occupancy by the royal troops. Finally, after a long siege, the fort was surrendered to the Indians who stipulated that the occupants were to be allowed to go back to the white settlements in Virginia or to the Carolines. Glad to escape starvation or slaughter, the English marched out, directing their course towards the Great Smokey Mountains. That night they camped at a little Indian town on the Tellico Plains in what is now Monroe county. The next morning a large body of Indians fell upon them and slaughtered men, women and children. Two or three hundred were slain; but few escaped. It must be remembered that there were "women and children" among the party of whites, and that they had occupied the fort for four years. Then is it not probable, may almost certain, that children were born there during that time? If so, then Russell Bean was not the "first white child to be born in Tennessee." 33 Tennessee was a part of North Carolina when, in 1765, the people rebel led against the stamp act, and resolved that they would not pay the tax, and an armed body of men informed the royal governor that they had determined that the stamps should not be landed. The next year the stamp act was repealed as a consequence of that rebel lion. Tennessee was a part of North Carolina when, in 1768, the Regulators were organized with the object of protecting the people against the oppression of the tax gatherers who were plundering them under a form of law. Tennessee shares in the glory of the first battle of the American Revolution which resulted in the Independence of the colonies and the formation of the American Union. The battle of the Alamance was fought between about two thousand Regulators and eleven hundred royal troops under Governor Tryon, in March, 1771. The Regulators, having exhausted their ammunition, retreated, leaving twenty dead and a number of wounded on the field. The Royal loss was, in killed, wounded and missing, sixty-one. Many of the brave men who participated in this battle later moved farther to the west and into what afterwards became Tennessee, where their descendants now live. As early as 1772, three years after the first settlers arrived, the men of Tennessee began to show the metal of which they were made. Finding themselves without government, a great distance from the settlements on the east, with several chains of mountains intervening, without roads or other means of communication, they could not look to the mother government for protection from lawless white men nor the savage Indians. In this crisis, the loading men of the Watauga settlements met and organized the first government west of the Allegheny Mountains. This new government was called the Watauga Association. It adopted the laws of Virginia so far as they were applicable to their needs. For three years they lived and prospered under this simple government, the settlement being continually augmented by new arrivals. The battle of Lexington, Mass., was fought on April 19, 1775, but it was until May 19th that the people of North Carolina, at Mecklinburg, learned of the occurrence. When the news reached them it so happened that there were a large number of people assembled. They immediately held a convention, and after remaining in session all night, on the morning of May 20th, they passed resolutions of independence. The Mecklinburg Declaration of Independence was drawn by Dr. Ephriam Brevard; the meeting was presided over by Mr. Abraham Alexander. As it was the men of North 34 Carolina who fought the first battle of the Revolution, at Alamance, it was also the men of North Carolina who first declared their independence of the mother country, and Tennessee, as a part of North Carolina, shared in these glorious acts. Several patriots, afterwards moved to the territory embraced within the limits of what is now Tennessee, and where many of their descendants now reside. The first territory in the United States to be named for the "Father of His Country" was Washington county. North Carolina, now Tennessee, and it was the first to be formed west of the Allegheny Mountains, and its seat of government, Jonesboro, was the first Anglo-Saxon to be built west of the mountains. Never in all the history of our country was another such as arduous undertaking, carried to a successful termination, as was the voyage of the little fleet of flat boats and dug-outs which left Fort Patrick Henry in the extreme upper end of East Tennessee, led by Col. John Done 1 son. These adventurous men, women and children started on December 22nd 1779, floated down the Holston to the Tennessee, and down the Tennessee to the Ohio, thence up the Ohio to the mouth of the Cumberland and up the Cumberland to the site of Nashville where they arrived on the 24th of April, 1780, a distance of over one thousand mi 1es, through a country infested by savage Indians, in the dead of winter. Now white men had ever undertaken the journey before, and the country was unknown and for the most part unexplored up to that time. Several times they were attacked by Indians, and a few were killed and other captured. But finally, after undergoing unparalleled hardships, the survivors met their friends and husbands and sons, fathers and brothers in the land of promise on the site of future building homes* But they did not find peace. For years they were constantly harassed by a savage foe, and were beset by difficulties and dangers seldom experienced by mortals. Many men, women and children lost their lives in the raids of the Indians; others were maimed for life. Property was destroyed and homes burned by the marauders who seemed determined not to yield their ancient homes and hunting grounds. Many times the settlers were on the point of yielding and fleeing for safety in the older settlements. But fate decreed otherwi se. As did the first settlers of the Watauga, the pioneers of the Cumberland, soon after their arrival , organized a government, or entered into an agreement called the Cumberland Compact. They elected officers, both civil and military, for mutual protection and defense. This was the second government to be formed west ot the mountains, and 35 James Robertson, the father of Nashville, was a member of both. Tennessee had her ful l share in the honors of the battle of King's Mountain, "the turning point in the Revolution." John Sevier and Isaac Shelby, two of the men who most distinguished themselves in that battle, and their followers, were citizens of what is now Tennessee, and the rendezvous from which that noble army of patriots set out on its march to meet the British was on the soil of Tennessee. It was the pioneers of Tennessee who bore the brunt of wars with the Cherokee and the Creek Indians, and finally made their country habitable. They had no help or encouragement form the Federal Government, nor from the mother state. In fact they were hampered in their efforts to protect themselves and their property. In 1784, North Carolina ceded to Congress all her western territory, what is now Tennessee, but it was not accepted by Congress, thus leaving the people, as they considered, without a government and without protection other than their own strong arms and brave hearts. The patriotic pioneers met the issue by cal ling a convention and organizing a new state to which they gave the name "Franklin," elected John Sevier governor and chose the other officers necessary to conduct a civil and military government. The years of the existence of the new state were few and full of trouble, for it was neither recognized by Congress nor by North Carolina, which state reasserted her authority and Jurisdiction. After four years of turmoil the people of Franklin were forced to yield to the inevitable and return to their allegiance to North Carolina. Few, if any other state, made such rapid growth in population during its early period as did Tennessee. It was 1769 that the first white settler built his cabin in Tennessee. In five years the population had increased to 77,262 souls. The first literary institution to be established in the Mississippi Valley was founded by Rev. Samuel Ooak in Washington county, chartered in 1788 under the name of Martin Academy. It was in the hills of the northern part of Middle Tennessee that the "first distinctively female school chartered in the South, and one of the first in America," was established. It was founded by Moses Fisk, and was called Fisk Female Academy. It was located at Hi 1 ham in pverton county. In her schools and educational facilities Tennessee is second to none of her sister states. 36 It was Tennessee citizen soldiers, under a Tennessee cGnimander, who humbled the fierce and haughty Creek Indians and gave peace and security to the settlers in the states of Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. It was a citizen of Tennessee, Andrew Jackson, who humbled the British army, fresh from the victorious campaign against the great Napoleon, at New Orleans on the 8th of January, 1815, and a majority of the men under him were his fel low citizens neighbors and friends, as were most of t he few men who lost their lives in that famous battle. The first President of the United States to come from the west, and south of Virginia, was a citizen of Tennessee. It was a Tennessean -by adoption- who led the gallant army of Texans when they threw off the galling yoke of Mexico and established an independent republic. And it was this same Tennessean, Sam Houston, who was the first president of that republic. And when the republic became a state in the American Union the same Sam Houston became its first governor, and later one of its senators in Congress. Another Tennessean, Edward Burlison, was the first Vice-President of Texas. Among the last to yield their lives a bloody Alamo were two Tennesseans, David Crockett and James Bowie. Col. Jack Hays, one of the most renowned of the Texas Rangers, was also a Tennessean. When the war between the United States and Mexico broke out Tennessee was called upon for 2,800 soldiers. Promptly thirty thousand men volunteered. And no state had a more brilliant history in that was than Tennessee. The men from the "Volunteer State" distinguished themselves on every battle field. Among her most conspicuous sons were Gen. Pillow, Col. William B. Campbell, Col. William Trousdale, Col. William T. Haskell, Col. B.F. Cheatham and Lieutenant Colonel John H. Savage. Besides these there were many others of lesser rank who made names. The first Methodist, and probably the first Protestant missionary to Texas was Robert Alexander who was born in the hills of Smith County Tennessee and went to Texas in 1837. He was a member of that same family who were among the signers of the Mecklinburg Declaration of Independence. He, in company with Dr. Thrall, in 1849, established the first Protestant paper ever published in Texas. It was a Tennessee scientist. Dr. James Baxter Bean, who while freezing to death on Mont Blanc, continued to write in his diary until his hand was stilled by death. Commodore Mathew Fontaine Maury, "the path finder of the sea," was reared for the most part in Tennessee, from 37 the age of four years until his appointment as a midshipman by Sam Houston, he had his home in Williamson county. Few men, during the short time he was in the public eye, attracted more attention of the world than did William Walker, "the Grey-eyed Man of Destiny," who was born and reared in Nashville. The world renowned astronomer, Edward E. Barnard, was born and began his career in Nashville. Prof. S.S. Curry, the founder and the present director of the Boston school of Expression and author of several works in his line, is a native of Chattanooga. More than six hundred Tennessee and, native and adopted, have been authors of books of more or less note. Judge Ben Barr Lindsey, "the boys friend of Denver, a man of deservedly national fame, was born and received his education in Jackson, Tennessee. In the halls of Congress Tennessee's statesmen and orators have ranked with the greatest of the land. Among others of these may be mentioned Hugh Lawson White, John Bell, Felix Grundy, Meredith Gentry, Gustavus Henry, James K. Polk, Edward W1. Carmack, Andrew Johnson, but the list is too long to be names here. Tennessee has given governors to other states and territories as follows: Governors Alabama: Clement C. Clay, George S. Houston, and Joshua L. Martin. Arkansas: Elias N. Conway, James W. Conway, Thomas W. Drew, James P. Eagle, William S. Fulton, A.H. Garland, Simon P. Hughs and John S. Roan. California: Robert M. Anderson and,Peter H. Burnett. 111inois: John L. Beveridge and W.A. Northcut. The latter was Lieutenant Governor. Kansas: John L. Martin and Frederick P. Stanton. Kentucky: Linn Boyd, Lieutenant Governor, Joseph Desha and Isaac Shelby. Lou i s i ana: William C.C. Claiborne, Henry 38 Johnson and Edward Douglas White Mississippi: John L. Pettus, William L. Sharkey, and John M. Stone. Missouri: Joseph W. Folk and Austin M. King. Rhode Island: L.F.C. Garvin. Texas: Sam Houston and James W. Throckmorton. Joseph W. Jones, G.C. Pendleton and A.B. Davidson were Lieutenant Governors. Virginia: Henry A. Wise was for a short time a citizen of Tennessee. Wash ington: James Patton Anderson and William McCrosky. Wyoming Ty: George W. Baxter. Philippine Islands: Luke Wright. Senators in Congress A1abama: William Kelly, John T. Morgan, Geo. S. Houston. Arkansas: A.H. Garland, John N. Heiskell, William K. Sebastian, Ambrose H. Sevier and William S. Fulton. Galifornia: Wi11iam M. Gwin. Florida: Jessee J. Findley Georgia: John P. King. Indiana: John Tipton. Kansas: John Martin and William A. Pfeffer. Louisiana: Alexander Barrow, Wm. C.C. Claiborn, Solomon W. Downs and Alexander Porter. Missouri: Thomas H. Benton and David Barton. 39 Mississippi: Robert Adams, Stephen Adams and John Sharp Williams. North Carolina: Jeter J. Prichard. Ohio: Stanley Matthews who lived for a time in Tenn. Texas: Sam Houston and John H. Reagan. R.A. Irion was a Senator in the Texas Republic, and was also its Secretary of State. Edward Burlison was a Senator in the Congress of that Republic. Washington: Poindexter. Representatives in Congress A1abama: Clement C, Clay, Wm. R.W. Cobb, George W. Crabb, George S. Houston, Joab Lawler, Samuel W. Maldis, Joshua L. Martin, Felix G. McConnell, Charles M. Shelby and Alexander White. Arkansas: William C. Cate, Henry W. Conway Edward Cross, L.P. Featherstone, John C. Floyd, Thomas M. Gunter, Lucius C. Gause, Thomas C. Hindman, Phillip D. McCullock, A.A.C. Rogers, William L. Slemmons and Archibald Yell. David Cunningham, A.H. Garland, George W. Royston and Hugh F. Thompson were members of the Confederate Congress. Cali fornia: John K. Lutrell , Pleasant B. Tully and Samuel D. Woods. Connect icut John C. Til son. Ar izona: Curtis C. Bean and John F. Wilson. F1 or i da: Jesse J. Findley. James Patton Anderson and St. George Rogers were members of the Confederate Congress. Georgia: Dudley M. Dubose. 40 Colorado: John C. Bell and Hosea Tounsend. II 1inois: William Allen, Wil liam J. Al len, Isham W. Haynes and Thomas J. Henderson. Indiana: Joseph Defrees, George J. Kennard and Johnathan McCarthy. Pennsylvania: Rufus K. Polk. Kansas: William D. Vincent and John W. Whitfield. Kentucky: Vincent Boering, John D. Clardy, Andrew R. Boon, Linn Boyd, Joseph Desha, H.M. Watterson, Henry Watterson and John A. Whi te. Louisiana: Joseph H. Acklin, Jhn B. Dawson, Albert B. Irion, Henry Johnson, Walter H. Overton, Edward W. Robertson and Nathaniel Dick Walker. Mi ssi ssippi: Stephen Adams, Ethelbert Barksdale, William Barksdale, Frederick G. Barry, Henry Cage, Reuben Davis, W.S. Featherstone, James B. Morgan, Joseph L. Morphis, Benjamin J. Nabors, John A. Wilcox, John Sharp Williams and Daniel B. Wright. Missouri: George Anderson, N.E. Benton, S.H. Boyd, Thomas Hackney, John Hailey, Austin R. King and James P. Walker. Montana: Wi11iam V. Dixon. New York: Martin Littleton. Texas; Charles H. Bell, Reece C. DeGraffenreid, Lemuel D. Evans, George W. Jones, R.B. Hawley, J.F. Miller, G.C. Pendleton, George W. Smyth, James W. Throckmorton, W.S. Oldham, John H. Reagan, G.W. Whitmore, and in the Congress of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston, Sterling C. 41 Robertson and Thomas J. Hardeman Virginia: Henry A. Wise. Washington: James Patton Anderson. Not all of these were natives of Tennessee, but al l of them had their homes in this state for a longer or a shorter period. I will not attempt to name the many Tennesseans who have become members of the Supreme Courts of others state; nor general officers in armies, nor diplomats. But alien Tennesseans have had their full share in these honors. The tense feeling between the people of the Northern and of the Southern States which had been growing for many years, was intensified in 1860 when Abraham Lincoln was elected to the presidency, and when on December 20th 1860, South Carolina passed an ordnance of secession, the crisis was on. Within thirty days Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas withdrew from the Union and established the Southern Confederacy. Virginia, Missouri, Kentucky, North Carolina, Arkansas and Tennessee, while claiming the right to secede, and hoping to find means of peaceful settlement, remained in the Union which they loved and which they had helped to establish. The Tennessee legislature met on January 7, 1861, and ordered an election in which the people should decide whether or not a convention should be held to consider what was best for the state to do in the threatened contest. The election was held, and 57,798 votes were cast for the convention and 69,675 against it. For delegates who favored a convention there were 24,749 votes, and for delegates who favored remaining in the Union, 88,803. Thus it was shown that Tennessee was overwhelmingly in favor of the Union. When, on April 12, 1861, President Lincoln issued his call for seventy-five thousand troops, and declared the ports of the South blockaded, and that the Federal Government would resort to coercion, -there came a quick and decisive change in the sentiment of the people. On April 25, the legislature met in extra session, and on May 1st, resolutions were adopted authorizing the Governor, Isham G. Hariss, to enter into a military league with the seceding states. Six days later the ordinance of secession was passed and submitted to a vote of the people at an election to be held June 8th. 42 The election was held and the ordinance was adopted by a vote of 104,913 to 47,238. A majority of the votes against the proposition came from East Tennessee. Immediately after the voice of the people had been heard, acts were passed to raise and equip an army of 55,000 men and to appropriate five million dollars for the defense of the State. Gideon J. Pillow and Samuel R. Anderson were commissioned major generals and Felix K. Zollicoffer, BenJ. F.Cheatham, Robert C. Foster, John L.T. Sneed and William R. Caswel l Brigadier generals. A complete staff was appointed and the organization of the army was soon under way. Before the end of 1861 seventy-one regiments of infantry, twenty-two batteries of artillery, twenty-one regiments of cavalry, nine battallions, and enough independent companies and partisan rangers to have made eight ful l regiments were ready to take the field. A proclamation of Governor Harris, issued June 24th, formally too Tennessee out of the Union and made her a member of the Southern Confederacy. One week later, June 31st, the Provincial Army of Tennessee with all its equipment and stores was transferred to the Confederates States. In this brief sketch it would be impossible to follow the Tennessee troops during the four years of awful conflict which followed. In almost every battle, whether fought on Tennessee soi1 or on that of other states, Tennesseans had their part, and their bones were left to bleach on the bloody fields of carnage. Thousands of her gallant sons, fathers, husbands, sons and brothers yielded their lives and were buried where they fell. Tennessee furnished to the Confederate cause two lieutenant generals, A.P. Stewart and N.B. Forrest; eight major generals: B.F. Cheatham, J.P. McCowan, Daniel S. Done 1 son, Cadmus M. Wilcox, William B. Bate, Bushrod R. Johnson, John C. Brown, and W.Y.C. Humes. And thirty-one brigadier generals: John Adams, Samuel R. Anderson, Frank C. Armstrong, Tyree H. Bell, Alexander W. Campbell , Wm. H. Carroll, John C. Carter, H.B. Davidson, George G. Dibrell, John W. Frazier, George W. Gordon, Robert Hatton, Benjamin J. Hill, Alfred E. Jackson, William H. Jackson, William McComb, George Maney, Joseph B. Palmer, Gideon J. Pil low, Lucius E. Polk, William A. Quarrels, James E. Raines, Preston Smith, Thomas B. Smith, O.F. Strahl , Robert C. Taylor, Alfred J. Vaughan, Jno C. Vaughn, Lucius M. Walker, Marcus J. Wright, and Felix K. Zol licoffer. Of these Generals Adams, Carter, Hatton, Rains, Strahl, Tyler, Walker and Zol licoffer were kil led while gallantly leading their men in the face of the foe. Tennessee furnished to the Confederate armies one hundred and fifteen thousand men and boys. Thirty thousand 43 served in the Union army. This does not include about fifteen negroes, and seven thousand whites who entered the Union army from other states. The great Union admiral, David 6. Farragut, was a native of Tennessee. In the Federal army there were six Tennesseans with the rank of brigadier general, three of them major generals by brevet. Tennessee furnished her full quota to the Confederate navy. Commodore Maury, whi le a native of Virginia, entered the Naval Academy from Tennessee where he had spent his youth. Lieutenants George W. Gift, John W. Dunnington., W.P.A. Campbell, Thomas K. Porter, A.D. Wharton, George A. Howard, W.W. Carnes, Dabney M. Scales, and other rendered distinguished service on the seas. Among the generals appointed from other states, but who were Tennesseans, were James Patton Anderson, Jesse J. FIndley, appointed from Florida. Wil liam W. Barksdale who was killed at Gettysburg, W.S. Featherstone, and Reuben Davis from Mississippi. Tom Green, William, P. Hardeman, Ben McCullock, killed at Pea Ridge, Ark., Henry A. McCullock John C. Moore, Wil liam R. Scurry and James W. Throckmorton from Texas. Thomas C. Hindman, John S. Roane, and John C. Tappan from Arkansas. John S. Raines from Missouri, John P. Morgan and Charles M. Shelby from Alabama. Leon Idas Polk from Louisiana. John H. Reagan, Post Master General of the Confederate States was a native of Tennessee. But one Confederate State led Tennessee in the number of battles fought on its soil. As to the number authorities differ. Phisterer's Statistical Record names seven hundred and seventy-four battles and skirmishes. Many of them, like those of Fort Donelson, Shiloah, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, and Franklin were as desperate and as boldly as any of the war, and some of them were disastrous to the Confederate cause. In the scope of a sketch like this it would be impossible to even mention the many gallant deeds of Tennessees soldiers during the long and bloody struggle in the war between the states. But that ever memorable act of a boy soldier, Sam Davis, should never be omitted when writing or speaking of those years of carnage. While facing an ignoble death on the gal lows, he was offered life and freedom if he would divulge certain information which he alone could give. His reply was: "If I had a thousands lives I would give them all before I would betray a friend." And thus he died. The Daughters of the Confederacy, assisted by his comrades, have perpetuated his heroism in bronze on the grounds of the State capitol, where it will ever remain to teach.soldiers how to die. 44 How many brave Tennessee soldiers were killed in battle will never be known. Many companies and regiments were almost annihilated. Thousands died from wounds received in battle, and other thousands were maimed for life. Even now, half a century after the close of the great struggle, we meet daily men who left a leg, an arm, or lost an eye on the field of battle; others who were more or less desperately wounded have recovered. All the men who had passed the meridian of life when they entered the service of the Confederacy have passed away. Al l who were young men are now old and gray and have but a few more years to tell the story of wars hardships, of victories and defeats, of death and disaster. In the late spring and the early summer of 1865, after General Robert E. Lee, the greatest of the great, had surrendered the ragged remnant of his gallant army, the men who had formed that army began to straggle home, some on horseback, more on foot, many on crutches, others with arms in slings, some with an eye missing, others total ly blind, and nearly all penniless. Many found their homes in ruins, their families scattered or dead. To many, the day of their return was more dreadful than the eve of battle. Ruin and desolation stared them in the face. Then came the period of "reconstruction," more dreadful than war. The trials and privations, hardships and dangers the men in camp and field had to undergo were not worse than the sufferings which fel l to the lot of their mothers, wives, daughters and sisters at home. Deprived of their natural protectors, these tenderly nurtured women and children were not only exposed to hardships and physical suffering, but dangers insults and indignities were a part Of their daily routine. Their homes were invaded by brutal soldiers sand they were robbed of everything of use and value, frequently not even food for the next meal was left to them. Driven at the point of the bayonet from the shelter of their homes, they were often forced to witness the destruction of all they possessed by incendiary vandals. They saw their sick and wounded fathers, sons, husbands and brothers dragged from their beds and wantonly murdered. Where death lingered, in hospital and camp, the soft hands of the Confederate women were always found. They dressed the ragged wounds, bathered the fevered brows, and comforted the sick and wounded me who wore they gray. They played the dangerous part of spies, carried messages and dispatches on long and peri1ous journeys, knowing that if caught it meant death or the dungeon. It was at Pu1 ask i, Tennessee, in 1866, that a few ex-Confederate soldiers organized an association which sent 45 terror to the hearts of the foes of white supremacy in the South and saved its civilization. The Ku Klux Klan soon spread all over the South and it became a power its organizers never dreamed of. On the 25th of March, 1890, at Nashville, Tennessee, was chartered a patriotic society called "Ladies Auxiliary of the Confederate Home," with Mrs. M.C. Goodlett as its president. For two years the ladies of this association worked under that name. Then, at the suggestion of Mrs. Goodlett, the name was changed on May 10, 1892, to "Daughters of the Confederacy." On the 10th of September, 1894, a convention composed of two members of each ladies Confederate organization from each state, met at Nashville and organized the United Daughters of the Confederacy, with Mrs. Goodlett as its president, Mrs. White May of Nashville, Mrs. L.C. Raines of Georgia, and Mrs. Kate Cabel 1 Currie of Texas, Vice presidents. All of the subsidiary officers were Nashvil le ladies. This association embraced al l the ladies Confederate organizations in the South. A history of its patriotic and noble work would fill volumes. It has fed the hungry, clothed the naked, founded soldiers homes and taught the rising generation the truth of history, the principles for which the Confederates fought and pointed out the errors of so-called history written by our enemies. It has built monuments to commemorate the heroic deeds of the Confederate soldiers, and its work has only Just begun. How many Confederate monuments there are in Tennessee I have been unable to learn, but there are many, more than half a hundred I should say, and all of them are monuments to the patriotism, loyalty and devotion of the Daughters of the Confederacy. Without the combined efforts of these noble women there would have been but few of these pillars of marble, granite and bronze to commemorate the noble deeds of the soldiers of the South. While the Daughters of the Confederacy are erecting monuments to the men who were the gray, the few surviving soldiers, their sons and their sons sons, should bestir themselves to the end that a towering monument shal l be erected in every state in the South to coiranemorated the heroism of the grand women of the old South who, when the tocsin of war sounded in 1861, sent their men to meet an invading foe, and who surrendered al l their luxuries and most of the comforts and pleasures of life to the cause they loved so dear. Who took upon their delicate shoulders all the burdens of their families, the cares of their homes sand the responsibility of their servants. These grand women endured hunger and fatigue, insult and outrage; they saw their homes destroyed after having been plundered by the enemy of everything portable. They tolled in field and factory; they spun and they wove to help the men who were 46 fighting for what they knew was right. And when the shattered fragment of the Southern armies returned from the conflict, it was the Confederate women who cheered them to greater exertion to re-establish their civilization and build anew their hones. 47 Founders of Tennessee and Traditions of Tennessee by Miss Susie Gentry In "Dixie's land" where I was born, men have achieved much renown as patriots that each succeeding year adds to the glory of their undying fame. It was in Tennessee, at the headwaters of the Watauga River, in 1772, the first men of American birth established the first free and independent commonwealth on the continent. Theordore Roosevelt in his Winning of the West makes this statement, after having spent much time in the research of our archives and studying other sources of history. It is well to remember that Tennessee made many distinguished men but l ike other states they owe their birth to one of the thirteen colonies. Tennesseans wrote - the first compact of government West of the Allegheny Mountains. Tennessee "Backwoodsmen" under Tennessee leaders made King's Mountain a victory. A Tennessean - John Sevier, was the first congressman from the great val ley of the Mississippi. It was ex-Tennessee Governor Sam Houston who 1iberated Texas and became the first chief executive of that grand state. In Davy Crockett, the martyr of the Alamo, we find our first native born Tennessean that has fil led al l history of America with inspiration and hero-worship; and later down the pathway of time we find even a greater martyr of Tennessee, Sam Dayis - swinging from a gallows, a martyr to Truth and Honor. "0, Southland, fair from Sea to sea! 0, land of Washington and Lee! Poor is the nation that boasts no heroes, and beggared is that country that having them forgets," Tennessee raised, that greatest benefactor, scientist and discoverer of America, whose achievements are better known and appreciated in all the civilized world that at home - Commodore Matthew Fontaine Maury - of my own county - Williamson of Tennessee. Macau lay has justly said: "A people which takes no pride in the noble achievements of its remote ancestors. 48 will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote descendants." "Beneath the roots of tangled weeds, After in country churchyards l ie. The men whose unrecorded deeds Have stamped this nation's destiny. Beneath those tottering slabs of slate Whose tribute moss and mold efface. Sleep the calm dust that made us great. The true substratism of our race." These words are peculiarly true when we think of the founders of Tennessee, for most of the names that were well-known in 1796, are an unknown quantity to the youth of today. One of the names stil l continues in East Tennessee - that of Lewis. The prowess of the Lewis family was so thoroughly and experimental ly known to the Indians in that far day, that it gave rise to superstitions rumors; for example, it was thought that the red clover introduced by the colonists, was the indigenous white clover that had been dyed by the blood of the redmen slain in battle by the Lewises. Thomas Dunn English has thus expressed that superstition; "The mystery men of our nation declare that the blood you have shed has fal len so fast and so freely, that the white clover flowers are red." The first fort built in the territory of Tennessee by the English, was about 30 miles from Knoxville, on the Little Tennessee River, above the mouth of the Tellico, nearby opposite the site upon which the Tellico Block House was afterward erected. The name Lewis, through General Andrew, is thus first connected with Tennessee, as he had the fort of Loudon built. In the original patent signed by Governor Dinwiddie - which Tennessee has - a grant of 3,000 acres on the Indian River (cal led West Creek in Sul livan County) was conveyed to Edmund Pendleton for colonial services. This is the oldest patent our state possessed. Major Evans was another man of importance in the year 1787, as the records of the Davidson Court of October of that year show; it contains a resolution "that for the better furnishing of the troops now coming into the county under Major Evans for provisions, etc., one forth of the tax of the county be paid in coon, 2/4 in beef, pork, bear meat and venison; 1/8 in money to defray the expense of moving 49 the provisions from the place of collection to the troops: the prices should be as fol lows: corn 4 shil lings per bushel, beef $5.00 per hundred weight and salt $16.00 per bushel . This curious record, to us of today, reveals the fact that the currency of the Cumberland settlement - Nashville and vicinity - was something to eat; while that of the Watauga, in East Tennessee we know to have been something to wear, their currency being pelts. Timothy Demontbruen is notable in the annal of Middle Tennessee, he being the first permanent resident of Nashvil le. His plantation at that time included the present Custom House site and the street at ifs rear is cal led in honor of him. Before making his home in Nashville, he and young wife made their home in a cave, on the rocky-side of the Cumberland River between Stone's River and Mill Creek and there, their first child, Wil l iam, was born; so, Tennessee can boast a real cave dweller; who welcomed with all the vivacity of the French nation, a future King or Emperor of France, in the person of Louis Phillip when he visited Nashvil ie. History tells us that in 1785, Dr. Mark Brown Sappington, a Revolutionary soldier from Maryland, was Nashville's first physician, when the city was a canebrake and later had his office on the corner of what is now Cedar and Summer In School craft's great work on "Indian races of North America," the Achalagues forbears of the Cherokees - the most civilized of that race - occupied most of Tennessee, east of the Tennessee River. The Shawnee's were Tennessee inhabitants and are the only tribe that had a tradition of an origin beyond the seas and of landing from a sea voyage. Nancy Ward, "the Pocahontas of the West," Is a notable founder of Tennessee; had it not been for her kindly interest in the white race, and tel ling of an intended massacre, there might have been none left to tell the tale of the settlement. There are today in East Tennessee a good many persons whose veins flows her blood, though the name is almost extinct. She is buried near Benton, Tennessee. In 1782, General James Robertson, then Indian Agent, established a depot to which was sent the supplies for the 50 Indians. The Chickasaw Bluffs - now Memphis - became a kind of permanent post at which the English and Chickasaws met from time to time until the treaty of 1818; when the entire western portion of the state was transferred to the United States. The "Massac Trace", a noted Indian road of West Tennessee went to Fort Massac, Il linois; and another was a U.S. road near Waverly. Davy Crockett assisted in laying-off the town of Troy in 1825. Other founders of Tennessee, in the western portion; were Henry and John Rutherford, sons of General Griffith Rutherford, of the Revolutionary War. The first courts were held in 1824 at the home Colonel Richard Nixon, a grandson of a Revolutionary soldier and the first permanent settler of Haywood County in 1821. Colonel Ezekiel Polk, son William and son-in-law Thomas McNeal were also early settlers; Prudence McNeal and Major John H. Bills were the first couple in West Tennessee married by the laws of civilization. The first American white child born in Shelby County was John W. Wil liams in 1822. Woman seems to have had even at that early day an eye for business, as Peggy Grace purchased the first lot after the city of Memphis was laid off. To the fol lowing states Tennessee gave their first governors; Peter Burnett of Williamson County to Cal ifornia, Wil l iam C.C. Claiborne to Louisiana, James C. Conway to Arkansas, Isaac Shelby to Kentucky and Sam Houston to Texas. These Tennesseans have given lustre to other state's fame and history, and form a galaxy of which we are proud: To Mississippi - Robert H. Stone, Stephen Adams, ex-Gov. Matthews, Major Bradford, General Williamson, Amos Johnson, Alex Barrow, Ruben Davis - the greatest criminal lawyer of his time and a charming writer, the yergers and Bishop Robert Paine. To Arkansas - Governor Archibald Yel l Cof Buena Vista fame), Edward Cross, Wil liam Fulton, A.A. Garland, W.R. Sebastian, Ambrose Sevier and Sterl ing R. Cockrill, Senior and Junior. To Louisiana - Governor Edward D. White, Alex Porter, and Henry Johnson. To Kentucky - Harvey M. Watterson, Drs. Lumford P. Yandell, Senior and Junior and David Yandel 1 . To Alabama - Clement C. Clay, George H. Houston, Felix G. McDonnel l , Alex White and Senator Morgan. 51 To Texas - John Reagan, Dr. Sam H. Stout George and Lucius Polk. To North Carolina - Daniel L. Barington To Washington - Judge Frank T. Reid To Il linois - E.E. Barnard, the eminent astronomer To Indiana - John Tipton To Colorado - Wil l iam Gwian To U.S. Navy - Admire David G. Farragut and Samuel P. Carter "And their deeds - proud deeds shall remain for us. And their names - dear names, without stain for us. And the glories they now, shal l now wane for us Though dead, they stil l l ive for us In legend and lore." 52 Tennessee's Part In The Mexican War. By Miss Susie Gentry The part Tennessee bore was a most honorable, conspicuous and illustrious part in that war that meant so much to the United States. It was a Tennessean who declared that "War exists, not withstanding al l our efforts to avoid it, by the act of Mexico herself." Such was the message of James K. Polk, President of the United States, to Congress. Two days before his retirement from office. President Tyler signed a resolution of Congress, permitting under certain conditions, the annexation of Texas to the United States. Texas belonged to spain and had been considered a part of Mexico; the Spanish colonies in America revolting against the mother country, Mexico and Texas joined them. General Santa Anna, after numerous revolution's became President of Mexico, and in 1835, abolished the constitution and proclaimed himself dictator. Texas refused to acknowledge him and under the leadership of a Tennessean, General Sam Houston, gained her independence; which in 1836, was acknowledged by European powers, and the United States. Before the annexation of Texas, Mexico had declared her admission into the Union would be taken as an act of war; and had broken off diplomatic relations with the government at Washington. In 1844 and 1845 she was still contending over her boundaries, (though for nine years Texas had gal lantly maintained her independence) and in the summer of 1845, sent an army to the Rio Grande (the boundary claimed by Texas, and hers by natural right-geographically) while she, Mexico, claimed the Nueces River, one hundred and fifty miles inland. In September, 1845, President Polk sent General Zachary Taylor and his men into the newly acquired state as a protection, and as an act of humanity against the threatened invasion of the Mexican's. General Taylor took up his post at Corpus Christi , near the mouth of the Nueces River. Negotiations for peace were of no avail. Mexico carrying into execution her pugnations and persistent threat 53 of war; and oh the 8th of May, 1846, the first battle of the Mexican War was fought at Palo Alto (though a skimish had taken place at Matamoros, and Major Brown had been kil led); the Americans did not hesitate to press on the attack at Palo Alto, for "patience had ceased to be a virtue." It is a little strange that a Tennessean should have been President of the United States, at the same time that Tennessee's Chief - Executive - Aaron Vail Brown - made a cal l for Tennessee's apportionment of soldiers, 2,000, for that war, and 30,000 Tennesseans volunteered! Grand Tennessee, ever to the fOre, in war and peace! Then it was, that her patriotic sons won for her the name she loves to wear - "The Volunteer State" - the noblest and best among all pseudonymes. 2,400 troops <400 more than her apportionment) were accepted; 1,600 as infantry; and 800 as cavalry. It is remarkable that the Governor said, "that a draft would be necessary to compel the men to stay at home" if they did not stop pleading to go; these brave, military - daring sons of Tennessee. The state was divided into four military districts: one in East, two in Middle and one in West Tennessee. The "Volunteers" of the Middle division consisted of: Harrison Guards - R.C. Foster, captain Nashvi11e Blues - B.F. Cheatham, captain Shelbyville Guards - Edward Frierson, captain Polk Guards - R.A. Bennett, captain Tenth Legion - S.R. Anderson, captain Union Boys - W.B. Walton, captain Dickson Spring Guards - L.P. McMurray, captain Linioln Guards - Pryor Buchanan, captain Lawrencevi11e Blues - A.S. Alexander, captain Hickory Guards - J. Whitfield, captain Rich land Guards - H. Mauldin, captain Mountain Blues - A. Northcutt, captain These men rendezvoued at the race course near Nashville. The First Regiment, was organized June 3, 1846, with William Brown Campbell as colonel - who later on was known as the colonel of the "Bloody First." Colonel Campbell and these twelve companies led in the storming of Monterey. Even the women of Tennessee took a part in the Mexico War. Miss Irene C. Taylor, presented a beautiful flag to the First Tennessee Regiment in behalf of the young ladies of the Nashville Female Academy, Dr. D.C. Elliott, Principal. June the 4th and 5th, 1846, this regiment left for New Orleans; fol lowed with the "best wishes for success 54 and a safe return," from al l men and women of Middle Tennessee. The Second Regiment was ordered to assemble near Memphis, at Camp Carroll , June 15, 1846. These troops were sworn in by General Hay and consisted of the fol lowing companies: Tennessee Guards - H.P. Mancy, captain Avengers - T.P. Jones, captain Memphis Rifle Guards - E.F. Ruth, captain Gaines Guards - M.B. Cook, captain In addition to these were the fol lowing cavalry companies: Fayette Cavalry - J. Lenow, captain Eagle Guards - W.N. Porter, captain East Tennessee furnished the "Knoxville Dragons," with Captain Caswel l ; the "Claiborne Blues," with Captain Evans, and the Rhea County Cavalry, with Captain Waterhouse. The infantry companies from East Tennessee consisted of Captain Standifer's, from Hamilton County; Captain Lowery's from McMinn; Captain McCown''s, from Sevier, and Captain R.L. Kilpatrick's from Anderson. The officers were: J.E. Thomas, colonel , R.D. Al lison, l ieutenant-colonel , and Richard Waterhouse, major. This division of cavalry went by the way of Little Rock, Fulton, and San Antonio, and Joined General Taylor at Matamoras. The First Tennessee Regiment, consisting of twelve companies, embarked at New Orleans on June 17th, and arrived on the Brazos early in July, and were stationed at Camargo until August 29th, when the rest of the men were called to assist in the capture of Monterey. On account of the severely hot weather and sickness the regiment was greatly depleted in numbers before seeing active service. A Tennessean, is said to have been the first to reach the front in the Mexican War - William B. Bate, veteran of two wars. General , Governor, Congressman and United States Senator; like Washington "first in peace, first in war and first in the hearts of his countrymen." He had enl isted in a Louisiana Regiment, but later re-enl isted in the Third Tennessee Infantry, and was made a First Lieutenant of Company I. The First Regiment was attached to General Quitman's Brigade, and the Second Regiment to that of a noted 55 Tennessean - General Gideon J. Pil low's Brldgade. The American forces consisted of 6,000 troops, and the city of Monterey was defended by 10,000 Mexicans. The battle was fought September 21st; the city was strongly fortified both by nature and man, being at the foot of the Sierre Nevada Mountains. The points of deforce were from two sides, Taneria and the Black Fort on the east, and Bishop's Palace on the west. The Tennessee troops were to the left on the east, and their enthusiasm was unbounded to test their valor and strength with that of their opposing enemy, the Mexicans. They went within eighty yards before firing upon the Mexicans (though they were suffering terribly) and when they did fire, it was l ike the order of General Forrest once gave his men - "give'em Hell , Boys!" Their fire was like purgatory to their enemy, and the Mexican fusi lade was slackened. A rush was made for the parapets, and the "First Tennessee" were the first to plant their flag on the battlements of Monterey! Three cheers! for the glorious "First"! Of the 350 Tennesseans in the charge on the city of Nonterey, 105 were lost; 26 were killed, 77 wounded and 2 were missing. The city capitulated on the 25th of September. An armistice of four months followed the surrender, during which time efforts of peace were made. In the meantime the two Tennessee regiments had been placed under General Pil low. The time of service having expired, the remaining portion of the regiments were sent to New Orleans, when they were mustered - out. An attack was contemplated upon Vera Cruz, the movement commencing in Dec. 1846. About, or a l ittle before this time, a call .was made upon Tennessee for two additional regiments, the Third and Fourth, and a battal ion of six companies called the Fourteenth. Captain B. Franklin Cheatham was largely instrumental in raising the Third, consisting of companies from Middle Tennessee; and was elected colonel , and mustered Into service 8th of Oct. 1847. The Fourth Regiment was composed of twelve companies from East Tennessee; and Captain Richard Waterhouse was elected the colonel. The remaining forces of the state rendezvoued at Camp Carrol l , or Carroll ton, under Colonel Wil l iam Trousdale. These forces were al l taken to New 56 Orleans and thence by vessel to Vera Cruz, where they were formed into a brigade. The troops under General Gideon J. Pil low landed at Vera Cruz March 9, 1847, when they commenced to move on the city. The seize began on the 22nd and lasted until the 27th. On the 26th, a detachment of six companies of the First and Second Regiments was assigned the dangerous and honored duty of assaulting a barricade defending Madeline Bridge. The battal ion was led by the gal lant bri l liant orator, Wil l iam H. Haskel l. Captain R.C. Foster was first to leap upon the work: the place was carried with but a small loss. The city of Vera Cruz and the strong castle of San Juan de Ul loa surrendered on the 29th. February 22nd and 23rd 1847, was fought the famous battle of Buena Vista, in which two Tennesseans took a notable part! Captain Henry E. McCul lough, born and raised to manhood in Rutherford County, and went to Texas in 1837. He was the son of Major Alexander McCul lough. Aid - de - Camp to General Coffee in the War of 1812; and Col. Archibald Yel l , of Arkansas, who led his mounted troops with great gal lantry. Colonel Yel l had been the Governor of Arkansas, and was at the time of the Mexican War a Congressman from his adopted state. He left peace and plenty for war artd death. In the Mi l itary Chapel at West Point is a memorial tablet erected to the twenty-five officers who, while fighting that day "Knew wel l the watchword of the day was, 'Victory, or death'. The tablet bears this inscription: "Buena Vista, February 22-23, 1847. Colonel J.J. Hardin Colonel W.R. McKee Colonel Archibald Yell", and the remaining twenty-two names borne by men who fell in the defense and glory of their state and country. On the march to the city of Mexico, April 9th, General Scott;s progress on the 18th, was disputed at Cerro Gordo; in the assault that followed, the Tennesseans were on the left of the l ine. The attack was vigorous, but the Second Regiment, entangled in the chapparal in front of the works suffered terribly. 57 General Pillow and his troops were in advance upon the attack on the city of Mexico, and he was severely wounded at Cerro Gordo. He took part in the Battles of Churubusco, Chapultepee, Mol l no del Key, and the siege of that city. He was one of the Commissioners to negotiate the surrender of Mexico. Colonel Wil liam Trousdale was twice wounded at the Battle of Chapultepec; and for gallant service in this battle, was made Brigadier - General by Brevet in the United States Army. When we review Tennessee^'s part in the Mexican War, and think of Houston, Polk, Campbell , Trousdale, Pil low, Cheatham, Bate, Haskel l , Foster, McCul lough and Yel l - Brave, gallant undaunted lea,ders, with troops equally valiant, fighting with the odds of from two to four to one in almost every battle, we readily see that Tennessee had a part in the Mexican War. With Polk as the head of affairs pol itical - a man who planned four special things and did them during his four years of power; the reduction of the tariff, and independent treasury, the settlement of the Oregon boundary, and the Texan and Cal lforian acquisition - and such commanders and troops as Tennessee furnished, the fact has been well establ ished that we have a right to our State''s baptismal name of the "Volunteer State." The luster of her escutcheon grows brighter as the decades file past - il luminating the page of history with her illustrious names and imperishable renown. 58 Report of Susie Gentry, to Colonial Dames Chairman of Historical Research Committee. It should be said of us, as a patriotic society, as was said of one of England''s sons: "To one great point his faithful labors tend. And all his toil in Britain's interest end." As Coloniai Dames - according to the Constitution - we are expected to know history, and to preserve it in Mss., prints and by memorials of stone and bronze. Have we done it? The D.A.R. of Tennessee is doing work which we should do. The Watauga Chapter of Memphis created a sentiment that culminated in De Soto Park; and I am told the same chapter has raised the funds for a drinking fountain in Riverside Park, to mark the site of Fort Prud' home. There is stil l work left us to do, if we do not put it off so long that other societies will do it for us - rather, "get ahead" for us. Although Tennessee is a non-colonial state, still she has, as territory, Coloniai spots that should be preserved by our society. Fort Loudon, built by Andrew Lewis in 1756 or '57, by the command of the Earl of Loudon, Commander of King George's troops in America, and the Governor of Virginia, is remarkable in being the first Fort erected by the English in Tennessee. In 1758 Col. Bird of Virginia erected Long Fort, on the north bank of the Holston River, nearly opposite the upper end of Long Island; therefore Virginians have the honor of erecting the second Anglo-American Fort within the bounds of Tennessee. They thought it was within their own colony, but was not. Tel lico is another place of especial interest to al1 Tennesseans, for April 1730, Sir Alexander Cuming, to counteract the influence of the French and to flustrate their designs, summoned the Lower, Middle Valley and Overhil l tribes of Indians, and met the chiefs of the Cherokee towns, at Nequassa, tel1ing them that he was sent by King George, and they must render him obedience; they acquiesced in this with great solemnity. Sir Alexander with the unanimous consent of the chiefs nominated Moytoy of Tel 1iquo (now Tellico) Commander-in-Chief of the Cherokee nation. The crown was brought from the chief town, Tenasee, on the west bank of the Little Tennessee River, a few miles above the mouth of the Tel lico; which, with five eagle feathers and four scalps of their enemies, they begged Sir Alexander Cuming to lay at his sovereign's feet. From this circumstance - of bringing the crown from Tennessee - the Tennessee River and our State received their names. A 59 suitable memorial should chronicle the origin of our Colonial names. As far back as 1739,.Fort Assumption was need as barracks, we might say, by the French; Fort Assumption was on the "Chickasaw Bluff" - the site of Memphis - near the site where De Soto built his piragua almost two centuries before. This is another colonial spot that our society could mark advantageously. We have seen what West and East Tennessee possesses,- now we come to our own immediate vicinity. In 1714, Monsieur Charles Charlville had his store or trading post at the Big Salt Lick - Sulphur bottom - north of the Capitol. Not being a permanent settler of "Nashborough", or Nashville, we will let him pass on; and make the acquaintance of our first permanent colonial citizen of the city of Nashville - Timothe' De Mon Breun (Demin the Big Salt Lick. Most of us know that there is Demonbreun Street, south of the Custom House, and possibly that it was called for one Timothy; but what of his life? For a full biography of Timothy De Mon Breun we will have to apply to the Il linois Historical Society; and yet he was our very own for more than forty years of his eventful ninety-five. Timothy De Mon Breun was of the better class of French peasantry; born in 1731; came to Canada with the French soldiers and fought at Quebec; came to Nashvil le in 1760; had his first home on the site of what was later the Nashvil le Female Academy, on Church Street, near the east end of the viaduct. Later he lived and died d(in 1826) in his "farm house", which stood on Broadway, between the First Baptist Church and High Street. Demonbreun Street was run through the rear of the said farm. He and his wife lived one winter in a cave in the bluff of the Cumberland River, between Stone's River and Mill Creek; and in this primitive and natural domicile their first child was born - a cave-dwel ler of Tennessee! He, Timothy, was a Captain of the Virginia, or Continental Line, in the Revolutionary War; and the Government granted him lands for his services. In 1776, the Governor of Florida, his kinsman, gave him the right to hunt on the Arkansas River; but he reckoned without the Indians, who forbad the privilege. For a while he lived at Kaskaskia, Il linois, after the fall of Quebec; then in Vincennes; but after 1779, he made his permanent home in Nashvil le. When the three sons of the Duke of Orleans passed through Nashville, in 1796, on their way to New Orleans, Timothy De Mon Breun put on his gold watch bought from France; girded on his trusty sword weilded at Quebec; donned his white ruffled shirt, silk hose, knee brushes and silver 60 shoe buckles, and met the young men; and volubly conversed once more in his native language. You remember the eldest of these brothers later became Louis Phillip, King of France. He was an intimate friend of "The Father of Tennessee", James Robertson; and was a great factor for good during the earliest and darkest times of the first Nashvil le settlers; carrying messages of peace and friendship from the settlers of the different stations of the Indians. He built one of the first storehouses outside the stockade of the Fort of Nashvil le; was a highly respected and useful citizen. Think you not that as a Colonial resident of Tennessee he should be remembered in bronze and stone? These are the Colonial historic spots that await our attention. In my research work I have found that the Tennessee River was once cal led "Cherokee", by the French and English, and "Tensas" by the Indians; the Cumberland River was "Wariota" with the Indians and "Shauvanon" with the French. The Hiwassee was Euphasee with the Indians; the French Broad was Aquiqua; Nollichuckee was "Nonachumhee." Little River "Canot"; Wolf River was to the French "Neshoba". Sequashee, Hatchie, Ocoee, Loosahatchie and Wautauga have retained their Indian names. The Mississippi has had names too numerous to mention; the Il linois Indians cal led it "Messepi"; and Father Alonzo "Messipe." I have located photographs of the Colonial officer, and two "Dames"; a "grandfather's clock in Nashville, Tennessee, of Nathaniel Jones, of North Carolina, who was a provincial Congressman; and I am pleased to say was my great-great-grandfather; and this photograph of my great-grandmother, taken from a miniature. Her son, my grandfather. Dr. John Ridley Jones, would be, if living, one hundred and seventeen years of age. There are also the remains of notable Indian mounds on the Harpeth River not far from my town of Franklin; I can also get Coats-of-arms and genealogies of famil ies who aided in "the founding of this great and powerful nation." Lord Macau lay has justly said; "A people which takes no pride in the noble achievements of its remote ancestors, wil l never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote descendants." Respectful ly submitted, Susie Gentry 61 History of The Presbyterian Aid Society, As I Recal l It 1932 The women who performed the work of Aid to the Pastor, and Church, did not dignify themselves with the title of either "society or circle." They were known to themselves, and the town, as "The Presbyterian Aid." It was a goodly and Godly assembly of women, who, at set times were at one place - in the Sunday School room - in the "unity of the spirit and the bond of peace, to serve the Lord fervently, by helpful aid they could render and the service was happy and joyful in the Lord. The first President I recal l , was Mrs. John B. Cannon - nee Cyntha Graham) and by her side sat Mrs. John McGavock (nee Caroline Winder, of Miss.) elderly and "elect ladies" of the church. Mrs. McEwen with quiet dignity opened the meeting with the Lord's Prayer, a hymn was Joined in by al l present, and sung as "unto the Lord;" fol lowed by the minutes prepared and interesting read by Mrs. T.J. Wal lace (who we are so glad to have yet with us; of the few who now remain of that far Day). She was the secretary for many years. No rol l was cal led, if my memory serves me right. The Chairman of the Apron Committee gave her report, which could be seen in the pi les of checked gingham, of al l size checks and lengths; very many bolts of cloth were cut and made into "Presbyterian aprons." These aprons were cut, ready for the making, and each person was expected to take not less than two and return at the next meeting. They were sold, at what price I don't know; they were long, and wide enough to cover the entire dress skirt; and should one go to town in the morning, it was usual to hear a female voice issue from the home, and the good dame opened the door to take a look out to see if al l were wel l with the glown; then you real ized that the aprons of the "Presbyterian Aid" had about uniformed your street to town. Then came the making of the quilt, a patchwork of either silk or worsted in a "pickle dish" or "dol lar" pattern, on paper and "whipped" together; so many "dishes" and "rounds" of black were done at each meeting. Just before Christmas this wonder feel , real ly a memorial qui lt (as it was made of pieces of the members dresses), was auctioned off in a witty way, and often purchased for the sum of $25 or even $50.00, by either a love-smitten youth for his "Presbyterian Girl ," there were no "Sweeties" in that day. Whi le needles and thimbles pl ied the work of humble, but loving service to God and man, tongues rah in 62 pleasant, cheerful converse, of neighbor and friend, as to what they needed, and of the sick; and who would be the messenger to carry the glad tidings of a living Gospel . Then came the discussion of the Christmas Tree, or the "Church Picnic" held in May - to which went the whole church; men, to recal led again pleasantries of. the past, and Code's care through the years from chi ldhood to age; women told of their housewifely affairs and future hopes in God's saving grace; and mature youth both male and female talked of there present enjoyments and ambitions for the future - and the crown of all , a " l ittle bit of Love." The children revel led in the pleasures provided for them right now; the great long rope swings tied to the big oak trees, pushed by strong, husky boys, that would "most" carry a ton to heaven! and the keen enjoyment of "drop the handkerchief," foot races and croquet - how they did revel in the present, and wished that everyday was a picnic. When Christmas came, the joy of that season, was great when the young men and maidens brought from the woods the "Christ greens", of cedar and hol ly and the Tree that was to gladness al l hearts in its beauty of flour and Epsom salts, that made glistering snow; bright l ittle sleigh bel ls that tinkled when touched; colored bal ls of yarn, as decorations, yards and yards of big "Captains" of white popcorn, and all the many homely gifts of loving hearts and hands for men, women and children; and "Old Chris" sometimes, not always. The Story of the Heavenly Babe, did not need to be told, for al l knew it and felt it in this gay and happy place - it was almost heaven on earth! Remember, that was a day for recreation of the servants of God; for money could not buy Christmas bells, "sparklers," tinted bal ls and electric bulbs that goes to make the Christmas resplendent in this day. One Christmas there was a great-throated fireplace with (flash-pan fire) the high mantle-board hung with colored tartan stockings so big, that they might have been worn by "Gul l ivers" in his "seven-league boats", filled to their capacity with al l kind of goodies - and a real "Santa" gave them to the chi ldren; and then, there were bushel baskets more. In the summertime the helpful work went on; the ice cream festival one or several , given on the campus, then a yard, of the "Institute", the public school , just across the way from the church. Gayly colored Chinese lanterns strung on ropes and tied to the aged cedar trees, gave an oriental 63 look to the place; dotted thickly with white cover table, where a matron hovered around, and two or more of the prettiest, brightest white-gowned, pick, blue or red colored "sashed" (ribbon belt) girls, like a honey-comb, drew to their sweets, the boys, men, and children; a 25 or 15cts a help of delicious homemade ice cream and cake - and you got what you paid for; a saucer piled high with creams and a whole, big slice of cake; after which, you enjoyed the benches that said, "come abide a wee". The chief goal of the Aid was, the Pastor, his family" and up-keep of the manse, inside and out. Good-things to fil l the inner man, found their way daily to that blessed abode; but at Thanksgiving and Christmas, I know the table legs were real ly tired for the load they had to bear! Thirty-pound gobblers, as large hams, coco-a- nut mountain cake, that were small hills, of five or six layers; pickles by the gal lon, butter by the many pounds, everything of the season. The Aid kept the furniture al l right and the manse in repair; and the money made, in this kindly, business way was turned over to the Pastor and deacons to be used in such a way as they saw fit. In that day, a woman had no thought or knowledge that she could spend money right - she had never earned a dol lar in her life by real work of brains or muscle; and of course, it was the man''s part, to part with i t. When Dr. Samuel H. Chester and family came from Virginia to Franklin, and Mrs. Chester was elected President of the Aid, she presided differently from her predecessors; in that she said: Ladies we wil l have no more talking whi le we sew; this time I wil l read from this delightful book, while you sew. The ladies looked from one to the other in surprised consternation and dumb-founded; much to my (very) girlish entertainment and amusement. After the meeting closed; most of those ladies strutted out, like offended peacocks, and quietedly but determitty said; "Never before in my l ife did I have an overseer over me!!" It came to be almost a riot, of suppressed wrath; but at the next meeting the threatened storm had spent itself, and then commenced, we might say, the first organization as to mode of the Presbyterian Aid; after the first meeting turn-about was taken in reading; by invitation of Mrs. Chester. She became much beloved as did the Pastor and ch i1dren. 64 Mrs. George L. Cowan Some of you now are occupying them; I never look at them, without recal l ing those happy days of youth and God service, "While the evi l days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them." The first organized work of the women of this church started in the Sunday School - as it did in most al l the churches of the Presbytery. The Nashvil le First Church, formed a 'woman'^s union" , and went from one church to another in near by towns, and told how they did to get results, often the blackboard was used in il lustration. I recal l as speakers and workers - Mesdames Paine, John Chi 1 dress, John Marsha 11 , and Wi1 1iam Hume. The 1 oca 1 Presidents of the Presbyterian Aid I recal l are: Mesdames John B. McEwen, John McGavock, Wil liam O'Neal Perkins, Van Gi l lespie, Watson M. Gentry (my mother) Samuel H. Chester, and Dr. Dee Gordon. The motto of these dear, good women might have been: "Do al 1 the good you can, as often as you can, and wherever you can." "Blessed are they who die in the Lord, for their good works do fol low them." Respectful ly summitted, Susie Gentry, Auxiliary Historian 65 Old Newspapers Their Historic Value Our Regent was kind enough to al low me the choice of my subject. This subject came to me through the perusal of some newspapers from seventy to eighty-three years old. There is a lure to each of us of some kind and description. David Livingston found it in Africa; Dr. Greenfell in Labrador, Peary in the North Pole, Florence Nightingale in the Crimean War, Elizabeth Fry in English jail work, Frances Willard in Prohibition; the archaeologist finds it in the excavating of old forgotten cities; the student in the study of misty tomes of seemingly abandoned 1i terature. The lure to each is the thing to which he is best adapted, because he loves it and in which he can render the most efficient service. Had it not been the lure of ancestry and a desire to do that ancestry honor led a few women on, we would never have had the society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Colonial Dames organizations that have done more to inculcate the love and study of history than any other thing. To the "Daughters of Tennessee" is the State indebted for the chair of history that the lamented Professor Garrett filled so efficiently in the former College of Peabody; and may I add, that Old Glory Chapter, my own organization, was the factor that made it a realization, by writing our representatives in the Legislature that they must vote for it, and their vote the last, was the deciding vote. How many of the "Daughters" have been indebted to and blessed that old newspaper in which the obituary of her Revolutionary ancestor was found; that established traditions that had come down to her through successive generations, but which could not be proven by the histories at had, whose authority was deemed necessary, printed authent ici ty! These old newspapers reveal to us the thought, politics, social customs and religion of a day that was once filled as full of ambitions attainments, disappointments and sorrows, as shal l the papers of today those who succeed us. "Filed's Scrap Book" was once a classic of its kind and it was but newspaper clippings gathered by a discriminating mind. 66 I have learned more of my ancestry, their mental acumen, through their writings, piety, patriotism and material conditions from old newspapers of a century ago, than had been told me; for the reason that those who knew these matters had long ago "passed over the river and were resting under the trees." Some of the cleverest, best of campaign slogans and songs are to be found in these sear and yellow leaves of a day that is dead. My twelve years work of locating the resting places of the revolutionary soldiers whose dust hallow the soil of our beloved State, was made more dear when I but recently read some of their obituaries in old newspapers that told how they "died in the ful l assurance of a blessed immortal ity." I then knew one reason for their being such patriots; they had fought for "God, Home and Native land." Some of the best speeches of the greatest statesmen have been lost to us because they were only printed in the newspapers of their day, and none thought to preserve them. In sending genealogical and historic clippings to Washington, our D.A.R. officers have written how valuable they were, as often that particular line or data had not before been published; therefore, "despise not the day of smal l things," but read every very yel low, old scrap of a newspaper, not knowing what you may happily find. This wonderful ly applicable bit of war was taken from a sermon preached by the Rev. Jacob Prout, the night before the battle of the Brandywine, 140 years ago, and only seen in an old newspaper almost an hundred years old. "Soldiers: I look around upon your familiar faces with strange interest. Tomorrow morning we go forth to battle, need I exhort you to fight for your homestead, for your wives and your children?" "I might tel l you of your fathers butchered in the silence of midnight, on the plains of Trenton. I might tell you of a mother murdered or a sister outraged, the lonely farmhouse, the night assault, and the roof in flames; the pleading of pity by the innocent, if I thought you needed such wild excitement but I know you are strong in the might of the Lord." "You wi1 1 go forth in the morning to battle with light hearts and determined spirits, though the solemn duty (the duty of avenging the dead) may rest heavy on your souls. 67 In the hour of battle, when all around is darkness l it by the lurid cannon's glare and the piercing musket's flash, when the wounded and dead l itter your path, then remember, soldiers, that God is with you. He rides on the battle cloud. He sweeps onward with the march of the hurricane charge, God, the Awful and Infinite fights for you and you will triumph. You have taken the sword, but not in the spirit of wrong and.ravage, you have taken the sword for your homes, your wives and your children. You have taken the sword for truth, justice and right; and to you is the promise, "be of good cheer" for your foes have taken the sword in defiance of all man holds dear, in blasphemy of God, they shall perish by the sword; and now brethren and soldiers, I bid you farewel l. Many of us may fall in the.fight of tomorrow, God rest the souls of the falling. Many may live to tell the story of the fight of tomorrow; and in the memory of al l wil l ever rest and linger the scene of this autumnal night. When we meet again, may the long shadows of twilight be flung over a peaceful land. God in Heaven grant." The impressiveness and piety displayed in the opening of the first Continental Congress was more deeply impressed upon me when I read a description of that scene in an old newspaper; as was the life and works of that Revolutionary patriot and genius John Trumbul 1 , who joined the American forces as Adjutant to the 1st Conn. Reg't and later became the 2nd Aide-de-Camp to Washington; and whom Congress in 1817 employed to paint the historical pictures which now fill the four panels of the Rotunda of the capitol at Washington; which represent the "Declaration of Independence," "The Surrender of Cornwal l is," the "Surrender of Burgoyne," and the "Resignation of Washington." To our shame as D.A.R. be it said, we have in no way memorialized this distinguished Revolutionary soldier and painter by either portrait, tablet, of statue in our beautiful Memorial Continental Hal l , which was built as a memorial to the Revolutionary soldiers. I have written our President, General , Mrs. Guernsey, that this should be done, and I now ask of you. Madam Regent, that my suggestion be laid before the next continental congress. It was through a newspaper account that Beauchesne's important "Biography of Louis XVII, Dauphin of France," got much of its data; and the same is true of John 68 of Elenzer Wil liams, the Indian Missionary, in which he conciusively proves that Elenzer Williams, the Episcopal Missionary to the Indians was the dauphin of France; who, when a child was left with Thomas Williams, a half breed Indian, of the State of New York, and known as Elenzer Williams, after eleven or twelve years of age. In these old chronicles, we find strange and interesting things; records of marriages of U.S. Presidents, Society doings of notable people, deaths of men who made their mark in all avocations and walks of life; even marriage notices of Revolutionary soldiers and hundred years old, to maids of sixteen; and learn that in that far day there was divorce, which we regarded as an innovation of our modern life of unrest and the apartment houses, loss of home l ife to a certain extent. I was never more surprised than when I read the marriage notice of a distinguished Tennessee Judge's divorced wife, in a newspaper seventy-three years old. Many beautiful gems of poetry are to be found in these yeilowed memories of long ago. In carelessly reading a scrap of an old newspaper, this rare gem of thought, was discovered, whose authorship was uncertain for many years, many laying claim to it. "The Tapestry Weavers" by Anson G. Chester "Let us take to our hearts a lesson, no lesson can braver be. From the ways of the tapestry weavers on the other side of the sea. Above their heads, the pattern hangs; they study it with care; The while their fingers deftly work, their eyes are fastened there. They tell this curious thing, besides, of the patient plodding weaver; He works on the wrong side evermore, but works for the right side ever. It is only when the weaving steps, and the web is loosed and turned, that he sees his real handiwork, that this marvelous skill is learned. Ah! the sight of its delicate beauty, how it pays him for al l its cost; he rarer, daintier work than his was ever done by frost. Then the master bringeth him golden hire, and 69 giveth him praise as well, and how happy the heart of the weaver is, no tongue but his own can tell. The years of man are the looms of God, let down from the place of the sun. Wherein we are waiting always, till the mystic web is done. Weaving blindly, but weaving surely, each for himself his fate. We may not see how the right side looks; we can only weave and wait. But looking above for the pattern, no weaver need have fear. Only let him look.clear into heaven, the perfect pattern is there. If he keeps the face of our Savior forever and always in right, His toil shall be sweeter than honey, his weaving is sure to be right. And when his task is ended, and the web is turned and shown. He shall hear the voice of the Master, It shal l say to him, "well done.". And the white-winged angles of heaven, to hear him thence, shall come down, And God for his wages shal l give him, not coin but a golden crown." General Pershing and his expeditionary force are human shuttle and threads weaving the mystic web of Destiny, which God willing may ere long be shown in al l its glory and grandeur to a wondering and changed world, and they shall hear the grateful plaudit of many peoples" wel l done, good and faithful servants": and God for their "wages shall give them, not coin but a golden Crown." Old newspapers "Have power to make past things present, and availeth for the present in the future. Delivering thoughts, and words, and deeds, from the outer darkness of oblivion," as Tupper has most truly said. Why have I brought this subject to your minds? because I hope al l D.A.R. wil l use every resource to secure and preserve the glorious history of which we are rightly possessed; that future generations may the better know these from whom they sprang. Susie Gentry Nov. 8th, 1917 Read at Peabody College, Nashvil le, for D.A.R. State Conference. 70 • Report of the Committee of Historical Research of ithe Colonial Dames at the Home of Mrs. James E. Caldwel l May 1918 By Miss Susie Gentry, Chairman Browsing on my side of the fence and the other. I would say with Phoebe Cary in "A Prayer"- "I ask not wealth, but power to take and use the things I have aright; Not years, but wisdom that shal l make My life a profit and delight. I ask not that for me the plan Of good and il l be set aside; But, that the common lot of man Be nobly borne, and glorified." One feels this sentiment so keenly in trying to collect history - that it may be profitable for ourselves as a society, and for those who wil l come after us. It has been found that Timothy Demonbreum bones, the Evan Shelby's, have not been al lowed to rest in peace; for he was first buried in the Old City cemetery, section 28, about 1822, or earlier, then after his wife, Elizabeth's death, who died between the years 1825-30, were placed by her side in the Demonbreum burial ground located near Ashland City on the Nashvil le and Hyde's Ferry Pike, on Marrowbone Creek. After Timothy's death Mrs. Demonbreum married a Mr. Gerard, whose name sounds French. It would be a nice thing for the Colonial Dames to place a marker in the Old Cemetery stating the fact that Timothy Demonbreum, Nashvil le's pioneer settler, was first buried in this section. Today a limestone slab marks the graves of this faithful and loving couple in Cheatham County. I shal l not let you forget we have pledged at some future day to memoralize Timothy Demonbreum in the city of Nashv i1 1e. Another matter that we should, and can do, is to have the legislature repair Capt. Meriwether Lewis's monument which has been broken by,a fal ling tree. As it was built by the state to honor his excellent work as an explorer, it should be kept in repair by the same. 71 Men seldom think of these matters, and the preservation of historic spots belongs to us as a state society as much as the D.A.R. or 1812. I doubt if it is generally known that North Carolina had only five generals in regular service in the Revolutionary War, and one of those. Brigadier - General James Hogan, had an only son, Lemuel, to whom North Carolina issued - March 14, 1776 - a grant for 12,000 acres of land in Davidson County, Tennessee, near Nashville, as "the heir of Brigadier - General Hogan." Oct. 1792, the U.S. paid Lemuel Hogan $5,250, being the seven years half pay voted by Congress to General Hogan Heirs, he having died in service. Lemuel Hogan died in 1814 and is probably buried in the family burial ground in North Carolina. His widow and children in 1818 moved to Tuscumbia, Alabama. As a James Hogan was in 1831, the editor of the Weekly Western Review published in Franklin, Tennessee, I think it more than probable that he was a descendant of the said General Hogan. The Review above mentioned has the destination of being the earliest founded and with the longest uniterrupted publ ication in the state, being founded 1813 - during the War of 1812. I have today bound copies published as early as 1834, in my possession - great repositories of county and state history. These books should belong to Peabody Col lege, where students could have access to them; I am not their owner else they would be there. Who today is the owner or owners of the Hogan grant? It would be interesting to know. It is interesting to know that Gal latin, Tennessee is situated on apart of the 42 1/2 acres of land granted by North Carolina to James Trousdale for Revolutionary service; and named for Albert Gal latin, one of the members of congress who supported the right of Tennessee as a state! Whether Governor William Trousdale - an 1812 soldier, who is said to have fired the first shot at the Battle of New Orleans, killing a British soldier who attempted to pass him while on picket duty - is a descendant of James Trousdale is not known, it is possible as the Governor was born in Orange County North Carolina. When we go to Memphis, Tenn., a pilgrimage should be made to Elmwood Cemetery to do honor to the grave,.and see the beautiful monument erected to Mrs. Dorthea Spottswood Henry Winston, eldest daughter of Patrick Henry, who was almost a Colonial Dame in time of birth, being born at Red Hil l, Virginia, 1778, and died in Memphis, Tenn., and through the efforts of Mrs. Stephen C. Toof of Commodore Perry Chapter D.A.R. placed this memorial in 1905. 72 As McKendree Church, has so long been a landmark in Tennessee, not only to the Methodist denomination but to all citizens of the state, may be a nip in my Browsing in historical fields may be of interest: Before the purchase of Louisiana in 1803 many Americans settled west of the Mississippi River, enjoying some advantages over their brethren on the east side, principally exemption from taxation, but denied the privilege of rel igious freedom. The Spanish not permitting Protestants to practice their religion openly. The Catholic Church alone was recognized by the government. We must remember that Missouri was than a part of this territory. In 1804, Rev. Jesse Walker was stationed on the Livingston Circuit, at the mouth of the Cumberland River, and no doubt came over the newly acquired territory and travelled and preached to the people long bereft of religious instruction, arousing their latent religion, for when Rev. John Travis was appointed by the Conference in 1806, for the TranS'- Mississippi Circuit he found the people already organized: it is said that William McKendree (later Bishop), their presiding elder, delegated Rev. Jesse Walker to explore the new land and extend the influence of the gospel. The first Methodist Society authentically known was formed on Wil liam's Creek, in Cape Girardean district, Missouri ; and this Creek the society built n 1807-8 the church known as McKendree Chapel, named for the great Methodist leader, Wil liam McKendree, who after serving his country as a Revolutionary soldier, became a noted 'soldier of the cross." McKendree Chapel is the oldest Protestant Church still standing west of the Mississippi River, about two and a half miles south of Jackson, the county seat of Girardean County. The spot embrace's about two acres donated by William Williams, one of the first members of the first Methodist Society. The house was original ly huge poplar logs smoothly and well hewed, and afterward weatherboard. The first conference west of the Mississippi was held there in 1819 - a reversing of the figures of the present year - and lacking one of being and hundred years ago. The names McKendree and Jackson wil l ever be held in honor and revisrence by all Tennessean's as wel l as Missourians. How closely is the history of North Carolina and Tennessee interwoven is shown by the following: in the "Old cemetery" of Franklin, Tennessee, is a large granite box tomb with the following inscription "Sacred to the memory of Joseph Branch", only this, and nothing more; and yet, this man was Major Joseph Branch, of the North Carolina Militia, who died in Franklin, as a resident. May 24,1827; and was the father of Brigadier - General Lawrence O'Bryan Branch, C.S.A., killed at Antietam, or Sharpsburg, in 1862; he too, is buried in this cemetery. Major Joseph Branch was the 73 fourth son of Lieutenant - Colonel John Branch, a Revolutionary patriot of North Carolina; distinguished as a Justice of the Court of Pleas and Quarter SessionsCas Colonel of Mi 1itia, he served under General Nathaniel Green - who had a military grant of 25,000 acres in Tennessee. These facts I have obtained from North Carolina. I have given them here as I feel his relatives, the Bradfords, Branches, and O'Bryans should have some of the above data placed on the broad space that has waited so long to tel l the sightseer and student what he so much wishes to know of Joseph Branch. My father has told me that it was the fashion in his early youth - now 75 years ago - to so bury the dead; with no birth or death dates and no history; a poor, thoughtless fashion, as many are. Congressional records establishes the fact that the first treaty in Middle Tennessee between the United States and the Chickasaw Indians was held August 1830 in the old cemetery in Franklin in the church erected there in 1818 of which Rev. Gideon Blackburn was the pastor, and it was founded by him in 1811. This preceded his pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church in Nashvil le. Old Glory Chapter - which I organized 21 years ago (1897) - has restored and has the care of this haven of rest. Another bit of history connected with the Old City Cemetery of Nashville, that we should take cognizance of, and let the world know is, that Major Henry M. Ruthledge, only son of.Edward Ruthledge one of the signers of the Deciaration of Independence, and governor of South Carolina, is buried there. He was born in Charleston, April 1775 and died suddenly at the home of his son-in-law, France's B. Fogg. At the age of twenty Henry Rutledge Journeyed to Paris, France, and Join General Charles Pinckney in the U.S. Embassy as his private secretary; on his return to the U.S. in 1797, was commissioned as major in the U.S. Army, and became Aid to General Pinckney. He came to Tennessee in 1816. An iron, or metal tablet, l ike those used as markers on the battlefield at Chickamauga, could tabulate the data as to Timothy Demonbreun and Major Ruthledge, stating that the Colonial Dames brings to public notice these facts. The Buttorff Company does such work reasonably, for Mrs. Goodloe and I had some done in connection with the marking of the Natchez Trace in my county. All these suggestions are made now, but are to be done after we have won and settled the great world war. 74 Why is,Paris and Boston here, so highly regarded? Because they realized the educational worth of their history and put it in a visible form, that others might know it too. Since we have the great Dupont works here and others come - almost another city of a foreign population, as regards their being Tennesseans, we too must teach them Tennessee's history when they recreate in sightseeing. Let us never forget we have a charge to keep, a God, and country, to glorify. We can verbal ly teach it until the time comes when we can proclaim it in stone and bronze. God has told us "remove not the ancient land works"; and it was His finger that inscribed on stone the first memorial for man's instruction - but Moses, man-like- got mad and broke every one of the Commandments in one tantrum; then' he had the work and pleasure of hewing out the second table of stone on which God again wrote them. I feel this year, as your chairman, I have done some real work in two instances: Have been the means of supplying genealogical data wanted by North Carolina of Dr. Calvin Jones, a distinguished medical man and Mason - being one of that orders "worshipfuls' - who at one time lived in Tennessee; and finding a portrait of him that the Masons wished to have copied and hung with the State's other high dignitaries; and finding through the medium of Arkansas, the parents of Governor James C. Jones - "Lean-Jimmy" - in no biography found in Tennessee can you attain this bit of information; which always is interesting, especially to the female student. I have also found that the Brimage in Senator Wil liam B. Bates's name was one of distinction in both North Carolina and England, and that his colonial ancestor the Right Worshipful William Brimage, of North Carolina was appointed Grand Secretary of and for America by Provincial Grand Master (of the Masonic order) Joseph Montfort shortly after the latter received his commission from the Duke of Beaufort, Grand Master of England, in 1771; and that his "ancestress was Elizabeth Pollock Brimage. As a warm friend and war comrade of my father, I am sorry I did not have the pleasure of giving him this data, which he would so much have enjoyed, for he had had the Bate line traced back to England. I now come to two items of national interest to us all , the historical paintings that adorn the rotunda of our Capitol at Washington, arid the musical composers of America and Star Spangled Banner. I am sure that it is not generally known, that Colonel John Trumbull , a notable Revolutionary patriot painted said pictures. He was of Jonathan Trumbull of Connecticut, who in 1775, was paymaster of the northern department of the Continental Army, which pos.ition he held until- 1783; later became secretary and first Aid to General 75 George Washington; and Governor of Connecticut for ten years, until his death in 1809. This Jonathan was the son of Jonathan Trumbul l who was also Governor of the Colony in 1769, and continued through the Revolutionary War. So, you see Colonel John, the historical painter (who was also 2nd Aid to Washington in the earlier years of the war; and later Adjutant to General Gates was a patriot by inheritance. Having shown great talent for art he was sent to London, to study under our illustrious American painter Benjamin West. He, Trumbull, was arrested by the English as a traitor, and had it not been that West was then the principal historical painter for the king, he would have been kil led; as it was, he was imprisoned for eight months. In 1817 - an hundred and one years ago - he was employed by the U.S. Congress to paint the pictures that now fill the panels of the rotunda - the "Declaration of Independence", the "surrender of Cornwal l is", the surrender of Burgoyne", and the "Resignation of Washington." I wish our Tennessee Connecticut Dames would have an illuminated initialed parchment memorial of these facts made and hung on the wal ls of the Connecticut Room in Memorial Continental Hall, at Washington; it would from many aspects be a nice thing to do. Their names should be enrolled there on; the cost would not be much, and the time - this year - the psychological moment. Just now, when there is so much talk, and even fanaticism, against everything not American, even "America" the music of as being the tune of "God Save the King" is brought into the limelight, and the "Star Spangled Banner" is wanted as our national air, we are "between scylla and carybdis", for it, too, is Just as much English as is "America." The air of the "Star Spangled Banner" by those competent to inform, is generally admitted to be that of an old English hunting tune entitled "Anacreon in Heaven"; and was composed by Samuel Arnold, born in Oxford, England, Aug. 10, 1740, and at the age of 23 was composer for Convent Garden Theater; became organist to the king; composed for the Chapels Royal and conductor of the Academy of Ancient Music; and died Oct. 22, 1802. Another authority says: "The music to which Key's words were set was the air of an English convivial song published about the year 1770." The title as original ly published is as fol lows: "The Anacreontic", as sung by the Crown and Anchor Tavern in. the Strand, the words by Ralph Toml inson, Esq. late president of the society. The air became very popular and was soon adapted to other words: the music was composed by John Stafford Smith. It appears to 76 have been quickly brought to America, and became equally popular. Should we become two fanatical we, or the younger people, will lose the beautiful things of England and Germany: and what a loss would be the beauties of Goethe, Heine, Schiller as poets and Liszt, Wagner, Bach and Beethoven as composers. Let's accept the best in every nationality; and love the sinner, but hate his ways; and be content with things as they are in - "This beautiful , bright land of mountain and lea; Where clear streams ripple in exuberant glee. Where birds warble in song that lingers and thr il l , And herds roam lazily over sunl it hil l . Where the spirit of man is proud and free In our own blessed land, great Tennessee." 77 The Florence Crittenton Auxiliary of Franklin, Tennessee The circle was organized at the home of Mrs. H.P. Cochrane on April 1907, The Nashvil le Board of Managers were present, and inspired and encouraged the circle just beginning its life of rescue work. Mrs. Cochrane was elected the first president with the following officers: Vice President - blank Recording Secretary - Mrs. John R. Roberts Corresponding Secretary - Miss Susie Gentry Treasurer - Mrs. Freeman J. Hyde. The work done during Mrs. Cochrane's incumbency was most efficient - and notable - as al 1 pioneer work is. She having the prejudice to such work to overcome. During the seven years of the Franklin Circle's existence muchgood has been accomplished as to rescue work, and the awakening of the people at large to the sad need of such work. We have changed our President, treasurer. Recording and Corresponding secretaries but three times; though our offices are not by limitation of time. When Mrs. Cochrane sweetly, but absolutely, refused to be re-elected, she was succeeded by Mrs. Jas. McHatton, who had for many years worked for the Mission Home at Nashvil le Cher mother being a member of the board of managers, she had been trained for the work, so to speak), it was the work that greatly appealed to her, so of course, it was carried forward with enthusiasm until she had to give it up through removal to another home - to Pulaski, Tenn. As the first two year's work have been read to the Nashville ladies before, I wi1 1 take up the last five years, giving just an epitome to show the increase in interest and scope of the circle. You may not know that the mission rescue work of Nashville is twenty-seven years older than that now known as "The Florence Crittenton Mission Work", introduced by Mr. Charles Crittenton, as a l iving tribute and memorial to his little girl who left him to play with the angels in God's Garden of sweet "forget-me-nots." From the minutes of 1909, we find that the Frankl in Circle assisted the Nashvil le Board of Managers at the Tennessee Fair to serve lunch; also gave pickles and jel l ies to be sold for the benefit of the Home. 78 In this year the County Court was petitioned for an appropriation of $25.00. The Wil l iamson County Room was furnished in the Home. A delegate was elected to visit the Home, and her fare to be paid by the circle; $10.00 was sent as a Thanksgiving offering to the Home. . Rugs and screens were added to the Wil liamson County Room at the Home. A girl was admitted from Franklin during this year. Also useful articles contributed. In 1910, a girl was rescued by Mrs. Cochrane from the railway station and sent to the Home. A Franklin girl was given assistance, and rescued, but not sent to the home, because it was thought best to keep her with her mother. Useful and needed articles were sent to the Home. An advisory board of the ministers of the town was elected, some of whom gave a dol lar towards the rescue work. A Thanksgiving box sent to the Home, as wel l as the annual $25.00. Spectacles bought for the Williamson County girl in the Home. During this year $5.00 per month was pledged, and paid, for the teacher's salary. In 1911, the Board of Managers were tendered a reception at Mrs. Cochrane's - Feb.. 10th, which wil l ever be a bright spot in the circle's memory and life, for the fine talks made papers read and encouragement given. A committee was appointed to make baby dresses for the Home, the ladies contributing the material for the same. A girl send to the Home. A mission school was opened in the Ambrose neighborhood, hoping thereby to interest and help many ignorant, and several girls of questionable reputation; this was conducted by Mrs. Cochrane and her niece. Miss Maud Reid. It proved a success and when discontinued on account of the severe winter weather and distance from town, had 45 members enrolled. A Thanksgiving box and offering sent to the Home; assistance rendered to a former inmate of the Home and her mother. Mrs. Stonehill , a National Delegate, visited the Circle of Frank 1 in. Christmas of this year, 1912, was a notable one, as an entertainment was gotten up for the Mission School , and at its conclusion clothing and presents were distributed. A girl of the county who had once been an inmate of the Home, and her mother were gotten the positions of toll gate 79 keeper, which meant more to them than our words can express. A barrel of apples were sent to the Home. Also the annual Thanksgiving box and $50.00 county appropriations. Miss Weiman visited the Circle during this year, and did much to enthuse the members. Placards were proposed for the railway stations as follows; "Any woman or girl in trouble will receive help by calling telephone number During this year, at the last meeting that Mrs. McHatton attended, Mrs. Gray, the president just elected, presented her with a beautiful souvenir pin as a token of love and appreciation of the Circle; it was Mrs. Gray's sweet thought that made it a possibility; and her selection of the pin - a four-leaf clover - was an emblem that had played a sentimental part in the courtship and married l ife of Mr. and Mrs. Hatton. During Mrs. John Gray's two years as the Circle President much has been done, particularly in a spiritual uplift; roll cal l has been answered by Bible quotations on a given subject; beautiful music has been rendered and recitations given; the annual $50.00 sent the Home, the Thanksgiving box, and the teacher's monthly $5.00. Bell Stewart has been sent to the Home; and through Miss Gentry, the Circle gave 20 Bibles to the Home. Mrs. Gray should be commended for her unflagging interest and energy in the work; she has had to come in from the country to each meeting and pay her face of a half dol lar each month - stil l she never failed to come and came ful ly prepared. Our Presidents have been Mrs. Cochrane, Mrs. McHatton and Mrs. Gray. Our Recording Secretaries - Mrs. John R. Roberts, Mrs. O.E. Daniels, Mrs. Waco Webb and Miss Florence Napier, all most efficient: Our Treasurers - Mrs. Freeman J. Hyde and Mrs. Will Parks. We specially mention there as the real work falls more heavily on these officers in every Society. The officers al l , have done everything possible to make the Circle a success. We have never yet gotten quite to the $100.00 mark in our giving, nor fallen below $60.00. We average $75.00 to $85.00 per year. Present Officers: President - Susie Gentry 1. Vice President - Mrs. Chap Anderson 2. Vice President - Mrs. Mary Hanner 3. Vice President - Mrs. G.L. Cowan Recording Secretary - Mrs. Joe Cliffe Treasurer - Mrs. El la Kinnard 80 To The People of The City of Elmira, New York. I, Susie Gentry, of The "Frankl in Chapter", No. 14., have been appointed by Mrs. Herbert N. Leach, President of the Tennessee Division of The United Daughters of the Confederacy, a Committee of one to extend to the townspeople of Elmira, the thanks of the Tennessee Division of the U.D.C. for their care of the 2917 confederate soldiery's graves in "Woodlawn" Cemetery. To The Citizenship of the City of Elmira, New York. Greet i ngs: It is my pleasurable - yet sad - mission to extend to you the appreciative and grateful thanks of the United Daughters of the Confederacy of the Tennessee Division, for your tender and faithful care of our beloved dead for these many, many years, who so peaceful ly sleep in your beautiful , beautiful ly arranged, and beautiful ly cared - for cemetery of "Woodlawn." Where our affections are so deeply touched, words are a poor and feeble means to convey the heart felt, and lasting gratitude which we feel for you. Yours has truly been a " labor of love", and as each year of the forty-eight has rol led by your home remembered to lay a flower - a sweet "Forget-me-not" on the l ittle "Green lawn" wherein a lone, a confederate soldier rested his tired, sick and weary form until the Judgment Day; doubtless happier for your loving act of thoughtfu1ness, and the sympathetic tear which fel l as a diamond dewdrop on the flower which brightened his home of green. We thank you. You did this as "unto one of the least of these His brethren", therefore you "did it unto Him" - the Lord of G1ory. It is but recently that we been cognizant of your care of our heroes who wore the gray: through the thoughtful and generous gift of "Elmira Prison Camp" - the just delineation of a sad phase of our country's history - by your painstaking and scholar by Historian, Wm. Clay W. Holmes. A.M.: Therefore, you wil l pardon the tardiness of our thanks. "As faith without works is dead", we hope as soon as possible, to show our "faith by our works", in assisting the several states who are l ike interested in erecting fence and entrance gate to this silent city of our beloved dead. Again we thank you; and assure you that your loved ones who 81 rest under the velvet green of the sod of the "Volunteer State" receive the same loving care and sympathetic tear you have bestowed on our worthy dead. Again we thank you: and pray that many may be the happy years accorded you and your loved ones; and at the end of 1 ife's journey, "when comes" sunset and evening star, may there be no moaning of the bar When your put out to sea. Far tho' from out our bourne of time and place The flood may bear you far. We hope you may see your Pi lot face to face When you have crost the bar." "Where the blades of the grave-grass quiver Asleep are the ranks of the dead. Under the sod and the dew. Waiting the Judgment day; Under the one the Blue, Under the other the Gray. These in the sobings of glory, Those in the gloom of defeat, All with the battle-blood gory, In the dusk of eternity meet. Under the sod and the dew. Waiting the Judgment day; Under the laurel the Blue, Under the wi l low the Gray. From the silence of sorrowful hours. The desolate mourners go. Lovingly laden with flowers. Al ike for the friend and the foe; Under the sod and the dew. Waiting the Judgment day; Under the roses the Blue, Under the l ikes the Gray. No more shal l the war cry sever, An the winding rivers be red; They banish our angers forever. When they garland the graves of our dead! Under the sod and the dew. Waiting the Judgment day; Love and tears for the Blue, Tears and love for the Gray." Frankl in, Tennessee, July 3, 1914 82 Relating to Our Flag, and The History of "Flag Day" By Susie Gentry Our Flag is one of the most interesting bits of American history— its origin and evolution; and also how Flag Day came about. Someone has said: "History is his story," and such find the case in the study of our Flag "the Colors" ■ as it is designated by al l Army and Navy men. The word is a generic one and is derived from a Saxon verb fleogan, to fly, or flutter, or float, in the wind. In technical terms the part of the Flag nearest the pole, or staff, is termed the "hoist", or the widest part of the flag and the length is the "fly." Bear in mind that by flag, is meant that which flies from the side of a pole, or mast or yard, gaff or staff; if it hangs from a support crosswise it is a banner. There are many divisions of these two terms. The first flag planted on the Western Continent of which there is definite record, was that of Spain, by Christopher Columbus, 1492, on the Island of San Salvador and on the main land by him in 1498 near the mouth of the Orinoco in South America. In 1606, James I. joined Scotland to England and added the white cross of St. Andrew to the red cross of St. George; and it was under this flag that the settlers at one point endeavored in 1607 in Virginia to take hold on American soi l ; and the Pi lgrim fathers in 1620 at Plymouth. This flag with gradual changes was used in the English Colonies for a long period. The "Cromwel l" flag, as it was cal led, removed the crosses from the face of the flag making that crimson and them placed the two Crosses in the upper left hand corner. This was adopted by some of the Colonies in 1707, remaining the flag ti ll 1776. New England used a pine tree in the "canton" (as the upper left hand corner is known to flag makers) some of the Colonies used a snake. Indeed, South Carolina in 1776, adopted a rattle snake on a yel low flag, suggesting that it become the flag of al l the Southern Colonies. The vessels of the little navy of the colonists, seventeen in al l , used the pine tree flag on some, and others the rattle snake flag, with the motto, "Don't tread on me." 83 John Paul Jones, then a l ieutenant in the Continental Navy, records that, "the Flag of America was hoisted by my own hands on this vessel the Alfred, the first time it was ever displayed by a man of war." That is true but "the Colors" of the Continentals were first saluted by a Dutch Governor of the Island of Eustachio, in the West Indies, on the American Privateer, the Andrea Doria, in 1776; and the Governor was removed for so doing. The many flags used under the command of Washington made confusion necessarily; which brought forth a flag, of thirteen stripes, alternately red and white, with the crosses of the British flag, on a blue ground, in the upper canton; and this was hoisted with a salute of thirteen guns at Washington's headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, January 1 1776; and was al luded to in England as "The thirteen rebel lious stripes." It was carried by the Colonial fleet under Commodore Ezek Hopkins which sai led from the Delaware Capes, February 17, 1776. This was the first striped flag used by the Americans but a flag of thirteen stripes had been the flag of the British East India Company for a long period and therefore wel l known in Boston, New York and other harbors; it is almost an exact counterpart of the "Thirteen rebel l ious stripes;" though there is no record that the makers of the new flag intended to copy the British East India Flag. It was almost a year after the Declaration of Independence, or to be exact, on June 14, 1777, that Congress adopted the stars and stripes. Three weeks before the last date the American Congress in session at Philadelphia appointed a committee consisting of General Washington, Robert Morris and Colonel Ross to consider and report on a general standard for al l the troops of the colonies. In accordance with the discharge of their duty the "committee" cal led on Betsy Ross, widow of John Ross, who kept an upholster's shop on Arch Street, Philadelphia and passing into the back parlor to avoid publ ic view they asked Mrs. Ross if she could make a flag after a design they showed her. She said she would try. She suggested changing the stars Washington had drawn with six points, (the Engl ish rule) to five points, the French rule; her suggestion was adopted. Our flags always have the five pointed stars; our coin the six pointed. There is no doubt but that Betsy Ross made the first flag and that she made them for the government for several years. There is an entry of a draft on the United States Treasury May, 1777: "Pay Betsy Ross L 14, 12s, 2d for flags for fleet in Delaware River." This flay is thus described in the resolution adopted June 14, 1777; "the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, the Union to be 84 thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constel lation, the stars to be arranged in a circle." John Paul Jones brought about the first salute by a man-of-war, by a foreign nation, when he induced a French Admiral to salute Jones'' flag. The "Betsy Ross flag" continued without change, until Vermont and Kentucky having been admitted to the Union, Congress passed a resolution to add a stripe and star for each and therefore the flag was altered May 1, 1795, to fifteen stars and stripes, and so continued for twenty-three years. By 1817, the number of states had grown to twenty, Mississippi being admitted that year; when a committee of the House of Representatives reported in favor a change an increase in the stars sand stripes to that number: but the matter of a change in the flag was referred to Capt. S.C. Reid, a distinguished privateer captain of the late war. He advised reducing the number of stripes to the original thirteen but increasing the number of stars to the number of States in the Union -- forming a large star, with the Motto: "E. Pluribus Unum", which suggestion was approved by the committee and reported to Congress but is was "laid over" to come up for consideration at the next session when it was passed Apri l 4, 1818, to take effect the next 4th of July. Mrs. Reid made a flag under the new design proposed by Capt. Reid, and displayed it Apri l 13, 1818, over the House of Representatives with twenty stars in the field. The rule of making one large star of the stars was abandoned soon after its trial. "Old Glory" is a common name for our flag and it is attributed to Capt. Wil liam Driver, a sea captain, a native of Salem, Mass., l iving in retirement at Nashvi l le, Tennessee when the war between the states broke out. He had brought from his former home. Mass., a large flag which he had carried round the world on a voyage that had many, many associations connected with its history in which the flag had borne a part. Seeing the excitement pervading, even in his own family in 1860, he secretly sewed his flag, (which he had for years spoken of as "Old Glory") with the ski l l acquired at sea, inside a qui lt or comfort, and literal ly slept under his flag for months, although a member of the household, after Tennessee seceded, led a party in a search through the house for the hated emblem. 85 After the fal l of Fort Donelson, the Federals came up the Cumberland River, and took possession of the city; then Capt. Driver cautiously removed "Old Glory" from its hiding place and made his way to the Capitol , where the Sixth Ohio Infantry had displayed the regimental "Colors." Capt. Driver showed his larger "Colors" to the officer in command who permitted him to throw his flag to the breeze, on February 25, 1862, where it remained only one night, for the wind played such havoc with it in that time, that its owner asked to have another flag take its place. Somewhat dilapidated and faded, it is now in the Essex Museum of Sal em, Mass, but the name so treasured by Capt. Driver has gone around the world, as applied to our flag. Everybody in the Army and Navy is required to pay the uttermost respect to the "Colors" at al l times, thus keeping before them the sacredness of the emblem of our l iberty. The custom of rising and standing in respectful silence (it is demanded of al l persons in the service) whenever the "Star Spangled Banner" is played, at al l places where there is an assemblage of people, is a growing one, and it should become national and universal. To one who has offered his l ife and services in its defense, nothing can express the veneration he feels when he views "The Colors." Let the children be brought up to place "The Colors" next to the Cross, in their feeling of veneration. 86 Flag Day 1898 Once again I come before you as a Standard or Color-bearer. Twice in the history of our Country has a flag played a conspicuous and important part. Once it was adopted as an ensign of a free people; again it floated over a people who were struggl ing for Constitutional Rights, as they saw them. Once thirteen colonies fought for freedom to become states; again eleven states fought for their Sovere i gnty. In making this talk I have no desire to stir up partisan feeling, that having been relegated to the past. We are now one people with "one Country, one language and one flag." My only object is to cal l to mind a few facts in regard to these two flags which we have loved and served. As we know, "Old Glory" was composed of seven red stripes and six white ones, with a field of blue upon which were thirteen white stars arranged in a circle, and was adopted June 14, 1777. A woman was the first United States flag-maker- she was also Washington's shirt-maker and a notable upholster of Philadelphia- Betsy Ross. A committee composed of George Washington, Robert Morris and Col. George Ross (brother of Betsy) were appointed to devise a flag. Washington became the designer and carried his drawing to Miss Ross to have it made. She critically examined it and forthwith objected to the six-pointed Engl ish stars; these stars being a reminder and designed from the rowel-spurs of Heraldry. She quickly folded a piece of paper, and tis said, with one snip of her scissors, cut the five-pointed star, showing Washington its beauty and superiority over the English star. Loyal and true American that she was! She would have no English star on our glorious banner! Another woman has very beautiful ly given us the origin of our flag. "Hail! Emblem of Liberty- "flag of the free." When the lamps of night are alight overhead, departing day gives us - your color - the red, the nebulous cloud of luminous light. Another tint add - and gives us - the white. And the glorious stars, in their azure blue vault, were the last heavenly hints from which you were wrought." On Feb. 1, 1861, seven states. South Carolina, Miss., Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas, declared themselves no longer of the Union. On the 4th of Feb. 87 delegates from six of the states met at Montgomery, Ala. and organized provisional ly, a new government; which was cal led the "Confederate States of America." Jefferson Davis being chosen President and Alexander H. Stephens Vice President. Then came into existence this second flay of ours. It was two red stripes on either side of a white one, one blue field with ten stars in a circle and Texas, the "Lone star" in the center of the circle. It was first baptized in the thunder of Manassas. And has many times been perpetuated in song and story, and cherished in loving hearts from its departed glory. It was so much like the United States flag, that it had of necessity to be changed for they; could not be told, one from the other, at a distance. This was done, and we were given the one so well known, to even the child of present day, by the veterans button. Every Confederate veteran''s heart thril ls at the sight the "blue St. Andrew's cross" with its eleven white stars on a field of Red. After the Battle of Manassas June 21, 1861, this St. Andrew's cross flag was adopted and waved through al l those terrible four years "that tried men's souls." These Confederate flags that once so proudly floated to heaven's blue are now but a cherished memory of a hardy, stalwart people, whose heart has been tried as by fire; but who came forth loyal and true to the Union as it represents a great and glorious country. For ninety years our flag was made from English buntin imported for the purpose. Not till Feb. 23, 1866, did a truly. American flag float on the breeze of this,western world. , Geh. Benjamin F. Butler "For Freedom we were born. And like sons of the brave We'l l never surrender! But swear to defend her." We have much to be grateful for since our Confederate flag was floated and furled. We have proven ourselves a great people in that we did not falter when cal led upon to defend principles - as we saw them; we proved to others our loyalty and love for our.South 1 and; and were not whipped, but overpowered. We should be grateful for the wonderful improvements we have made as a people; the use of our inthought of recourses, and talents for different callings, and last but not least, for men who prove to the world their right to be cal led heros. Every mother in this fair 88 Southland is glad and proud that there was such a son as Sam Davis, who "would rather died a mil l ion deaths than betray a trust." A hero and a martyrs truth! We do not worship the man but honor and revere the principle as embodied in this noble youth of our dear land. Let us all , in whatever sphere we may be placed imulate his worthy example. True to al l trusts and convictions. "For us our God has wrought; For us our hero's have fought and we are free I " "Master of man and states. Builder, whose wil l creates Nations and powers! The pil lars Thou dost place; With lily-work of grace Crown Thou; that al l the praise Thine be, not ours." Susie Gentry June 14, 1898 "Flag Day" 89 FLAG DAY The Declaration of Independence was made on July 6, 1776; six months after Gen. Washington had invented and boldly floated "Old Glory" in the presence of the British Army. Almost another year elapsed before the Continental Congress, sitting in Philadelphia on June 14, 1777, officially adopted a flag. Inasmuch as June 14, 1777, was the day that the stars and stripes were officially recognized, it is but fitting to celebrate that day as Flag Day. George Bolch, who was in charge of a free kindergarten for the poor of New York City, originated the patriotic idea of Flag Day — that is now so generally observed by all patriotic orders and societies. Mr. Bolch had his small charges to observe the day; the Newspapers took it up, and commended it as good; the State Board of Education adopted the idea unanimously; finally it was incorporated into the laws of the "Empire State" which in Chapter 481. provides that: "It shal l be the duty of the State Superintendent of Public Schools to prepare a program making special provision for observance in the publ ic schools of Lincoln's and Washington's birthday. Memorial and Flay Day." Betsy Ross was Elizabeth Griscom, the sprightly fifth daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (James) Griscom and was born January 1, 1752. She was married when quite young to a John Ross, son of the Rev. Aeneas Ross, an Episcopal clergyman of New Castle, Del., whose brother, the Hon. George Ross, became one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly from Lancaster and in addition to his other patriotic services George Ross was interested in the furnishing of cannon balls with perhaps other military stores for the colonial defense; and it was while on guard at night over these, with other young men, that the nephew, John Ross, received an injury from the effects of which he died in January, 1776. His bright young widow, with grit and determination, bravely resolved to continue the business of upholstering at the little house which they rented on Arch Street. The first celebration of Flag Day in the South, so far as is known to us by careful reading and observation, occurred in Franklin, Tennessee in my own home, "Maplehurst", June l4, 1895. The second by Cumberland Chapter, D.A.R. in Nashville, Tennessee, 1896. 90 The Teacher In The Law Enforcement Campaign By Susie Gentry The downfal l of Rome and other kingdoms of the world sends a warning cal l to the nations of today. Individuals, too, leave their impress for good or il l , and we cite such monarch as Charles VIII of France, who lost al l that he had gained in the conquest of Italy because he became too fond ' of the wine and l icentious l iving of Southern Europe. But there is a greater lesson yet to be gleaned from history^s pages and that is this: Just as it has taken many thousands of years to progress from the stone fist hatchet to modern machinery, and just as the demand for representative government, though a burning issue for many years, is stil l in some parts of the world unsettled, so no great reform rises suddenly, but must needs go through a long process of evolution until the desired end is accomplished. Give the reform time five or ten years can't bring perfection to one law, when thousands of years find even the age-old Mosaic Law broken and trampled upon, to say nothing of the violation at some time of each one- of our national 1 aws. Engl ish, mathematics, and history lend their support in this present law enforcement campaign, but the most adaptable of al l studies is yet to be discussed. Sociology and economics, of al l subjects in high school and col lege curricular, present the best means of contact in the endeavor to encourage pupils to see this great problem through the naked eye. Natural ly the students raise the question of the fundamental reason for such a state of affairs and they find that it is due not alone to the immigrant of negligible education nor to uncontrol lable causes, but that in many cases the root of the trouble lies in a system of organized vice, at whose head we find the l iquor traffic. Hearsay is of the passing moment; facts discovered in the laboratory of community life are indisputable and cannot be denied. Those students wi l l tel l you that the only solution for the problem lay in the abol ition of the legal ized l iquor traffic and that today the crying need is to destroy and drive to utter oblivion the system of i l legal l iquor sel l ing. We review the principles of unity and find that in order to have this "one-ness" each sentence must contain one 91 thought, each paragraph one idea, and each theme the culmination of those ideas around a central thought. Then we find, too, that coherence meant "sticking together"; that in a sentence modifiers must stand next to the things they modify, that in a paragraph each sentence must grow out of the preceding one, and that in a theme each paragraph must evolve from the one which precedes it. Having therefore built the foundation, the time is opportune for the introduction of the subject, "Shal l Light Wines and Beers Return?" In assigning the next day's lesson, stress is laid on the fact, that the arguments both pro and con, should answer the requisite of unity and coherence in other words, the arguments must be logical and supported by facts. The next day the students came with arguments aplenty, but some were of the type whose foundation is bui lt on sand. Therefore the children were again set to work with a view to getting the facts, whether their arguments pleaded for the return of light wines or beer or whether they favored the retention of the present prohibitory law. Results the fol lowing day were much better, for the children had to dig for their material and they knew (or at least, most of them did) whereof they spoke. As I entered one class room that morning I noticed a great commotion, the cause of which I soon learned. Five of the boys in that division had radio sets and they had not only "listened in" to the debate in New York, between Mr. Wayne B. Wheeler, of the Anti-Saloon League, and a representative of the Association against the Prohibition Amendment, but had taken notes that were l iteral ly "stuffed" with valuable arguments. A division was made on the blackboard and on one side were written the arguments the children had advanced for the return of l ight wines and beer, while on the other were placed those against their return. It may be of interest to you to know that after a class discussion, the children of their own accord erased every argument for the reintroduction of l iquor, and left it to those for the strict enforcement of the Volstead Act. Natural ly there were some in the room who did not agree; but since this is a land of "majority rule", the wil l of the majority was decisive. At this same time a very interesting thing happened in the class already mentioned. The students had been holding the floor and it was hard to get a word in edgeways, but toward the end of the time al lotted to this work, I asked if I might have a few minutes to help them sum up their arguments and thus make it easier for them to finish their final paper, the first draft of which had already been written. So at the last I read them a part of Commander Evangel ine Booth's masterful speech, "Shal l America Go Back?" There was a thoughtful si lence at the conclusion unti l a bright boy in the front row, who up to this time had 92 been leading the discussion for the return of light wines on the grounds of personal l iberty, said, "Miss , may I rewrite my paper? That speech converted me." . . in the strife of the battle of l ife Ifs easy to fight when you're winning; It's easy to slave and starve and be brave. When the dawn of success is beginning. But to labor with zest and give of your best. Why, that's the real sunshine of living." "Carry on! Carry on I Fight the good fight and true; Bel ieve in your mission, greet life with a cheer; There's big work to do, and that's why you're here. Carry on I Carry on I Let the world be the better for you; And at last when you die, let this be your cry; Carry on, my soul I Carry on!" ********** 93 Plans for Infusing a Knowledge of our State's History and a Feeling of Patriotism in Grammar Grades. By Susie Gentry Education stands for the educing, leading or drawing out of the talent forces of the individual in all directions - that hearing he may understand, and in seeing that he may think and know. How often has the teacher heard pupils say, " I despise history anyway! Just old dates and facts that will never do anybody any good!" or similar sentiments voiced. The child being too new to earth to realize that there is no more important study, unless It be reading which is the key to all knowledge. History is the essence of innumerable biographies; and her ample page is rich with the spoils of time. Acts that have crystallized into facts, and like the diamond sheds effulgent rays of beauty and glory on the diadem of our country and state's worth and excellence. "Who, then, shall lightly say that Fame is but an empty name? When, but for these noble dead. All ages past a blank would be. Sunk in Celbivion's musky bed - A dessert bare - a shipless sea. They are the distant objects seen. The lofty marks of what has been; Where memory of the mighty dead. To earth-worn pilgrims' wistful eye The brightest rays of chunning shed That points to immorality." To make a subject interesting and beneficial it must have three factors, which are brought about in this way: It must touch our pride - if it be of our country; it must excite our curiosity as to what is real ly is - if it be history; and we wish to know what part our ancestors took in it - if it be war; a personal interest throughout, though we may not recognize it. 94 All these points should be clearly, concisely and graphical ly brought out in teaching our state's history - but, how to do it? No state in the union has where of to boast, more than Tennessee; for she can point with pride and say, "I am first in point of government." In his "Winning of the West", even our strenuous "northern brother" President Roosevelt tel ls us that the western pioneers of the Watauga Settlement organized a government at the headwaters of the Tennessee River, 1772, and that "they we're the first men of American birth to establ ish a free an independent commonwealth on the Continent." It was "the father of Tennessee", James Robertson, who was the leader of this "independent commonwealth." It was another Tennesseean, John Sevier, who represented the entire Mississippi Valley in the U.S. Congress. The Watauga Settlement should be vividly by impressed on the children's minds by showing them its location on the early and later maps: by describing the Wataugans' perilous and tedious Journey, from the overbearing tyranny of Governor Tryon to the forest hidden and hoped - for haven. Telling them of James Robertson's pathetic plight when lost on the mountain; cold, hungry, wet, sick and without a house or ammunition in the silent and primeval forest, where lurked a more ferocious and treacherous foe than ever panther or wolf - but God was good, and his feeble cries for help were heard by John Greer and Thomas Cartwright, who restored him to such health that like the spies of old, he could say of the land, "surely it floweth with milk and honey", to his North Carolina friends who had sent him to spy out a place of refuge for them. The picture of Robertson should be shown the children until they could easily recognize it as an old friend where ever seen. Having thus aroused their interest and curiosity, the history of the notable men and women - for women in that day were "help mates" in every sense of the word to their "men folks", as well as history-makers - should be entertainly told them - one or two at a lesson - until they are quite familiar with each; and the "Forts", the abiding places of these pioneers. Having exhausted the Watauga Settlement, the Cumberland Settlement with all its narrative of adventure, hardship and bravery as illustrated by Timothy 95 Demonbreun, James Robertson, Wil liam Overall, White, Swanson, Spencer, Castleman, Williams and Joseph Brown and John Done 1 son - the last mentioned being the brave sailors of the Cumberland Settlement should be told; how these men at this second settlement gave birth and permancy to our government through "the Tribunal of the Notables." If possible all children of Tennessee should once in their lives see the portraits of Robertson, Sevier and Major John Buchanan, also John Done 1 son;s Journal written in his own beautiful hand. These priceless relics - of a day that is dead, but whose memory still lingers like the perfume of_ "the alabaster box" of the Scriptures - are to be seen at the Watkin's Building. We are more closely drawn to one when we look on their likeness or handwriting; we realize this link as one that connects the past and present. Should a child see Ferguson's sash, Sevier's sword, and many other sacred momentous of the Revolutionary period - preserved by the Tennessee Historical Society in the Watkin's Building - Kings Mountain and "the tall Watauga boy's" part in it, will have a different interest for him; even if he does not see them, but telling him you have' will prove of benefit. Our third factor - the part our ancestry took in carving out of a savage - owned and howling wilderness this grand "Volunteer State", will prove of unusual interest to the children; the recounting of the wonderful work done by their ancestry while battling with the Red man incited and assisted by aliens employed by Spain, England and France. The world's map of War shows no more thrilling instances than is found in our Tennessee soldier's lives of this period. Griffith Rutherford's Expedition, the Nickojack, the Battle of the Bluffs, and the night Stack on Buchanan's Station; the lives of Robertson, Sevier, Joseph Brown, John Buchanan, Daniel Boone, David Crockett and Sam Houston, will tend to arouse the children's love of country and military spirit; and remind them that they too, can leave footprints on the sands of time." Such ideals prominently brought before them will make them strive to attain to the measure of their fullness. To any one of the above mentioned sons of Tennessee might this tribute be paid, that was laid at Fabin's feet: "Grave precepts fleeting notions may impart. But bright example best instructs the heart; Then look on Fabins, let his conduct show. From active life what various blessings flow. In him a Just ambition stands confess'd; It warms, but not inflames his equal breast. 96 See him in senates act the patriot's part. Truth on his lips, the public at his heart; There neither fears can awe, nor hopes control. The honest purpose of his steady soul. No mean attachments e'er seduced his tongue To gild the cause his heart suspected wrong; But, deaf to envy, faction, spleen, his voice Joins here or there, as reason guides his choice. To one great point his faithful labors tend. And al l his toil in Britain's interest end." with.4.U I?®the storiesIs will of Mrs.be particularly Charlotte Reeves interested Robertson, and impressed Mrs. Sally Ridley Buchanan, Mrs. George Mann, Granny White and Nancy Ward, "the Pocahontas of the West"; Charlotte Reeves wonderful presence of mind and steady nerve when brought face to face with such danger as even men would not care to face should be known to every Tennessee girl; her anxiety and suffering about her children when out of her sight; three of whom were kil led by Indians; her intrepid bravery when she took her perilous ride with a baby in front and a little negro, Ceasar, behind her on the horse which she hastily saddled to summon the men from the cornfields - now West Nashville - to fight the Indians. Of Mrs. Sally Buchanan's courage in the storming by the Indians of Buchanan's Fort; of Mrs. Mann's protection of her children While alone in their cabin awaiting the return of her husband, who had been killed by the Indians; of Nancy Ward's unfailing kindness to the Whites. Pocahontas is said to have saved Captain Smith's life but "Nancy" saved Robertson's, Mrs. Bean's and untold numbers when she averted oifterent raids and massacres contemplated by her race, through her sagacity. butw 4- they are the dweltmakers unduly of Tennessee long on history;these two and settlements when we start right, the end is of easy accomplishment. In being a good rencontre much is to be gained by both teacher and pupi ls: the teacher's ideas and vocabulary are broadened and enlarged, while the children by attrition get more than knowledge of history. histories are al l right, except too much is crowded into them; and often a year's study the child has a impression, with no period clearly defined in his mind. In learning of the men and women of our state through narrative, pictures, relics and monuments they will know the history of our state; and learn to love it, wil ling to serve it in what ever capacity they are titted. 97 Every child should know the counties and for whom named, or for what natural occurrence. How many can tell us how Lake came by its cognomen? How Tennessee got her name, and at what period she received her sobriquet? How Carter came by its name? Or, Giles, Smith, Lawrence and Union? Where was situated "Tennessee county?" All are important for their knowledge is history. It would be well to have in every school an album of pictures of Tennessee's notable sons; her Governors, Military heros and Legal rights - made by the teacher and pupils. Maps often studied are very helpful, as are monuments erected to our distinguished dead. Much is often to be found in old cemeteries. History classes are good where the teacher leads one time, and the pupil the next. Let them do it in their own way - sometimes let the child-leader make his or her selection of an incident or period. Latent talent in this way is often discovered and cultivated. Every child should know how many signers of the Declaration of Independence there were and the number each colony furnished; and that the Declaration means move that fuss (in the double sense of noise and fight> and a waste of ammunition on the 4th of July. Its real meaning should be clearly explained. Also the names and order of the Presidents; how many each state furnished; and not think President Cleveland was born in New York, as many "grown-ups" do. The "Signers" and Presidents are the property of all the states, and therefore should be known as such. Our boys especially, should be taught the history of our Flag - know of the circumstances that brought it into existence; the men and women who made it - for two of the later are said to have aided in its making. When first hoisted, it is said to have been composed of parts of a white shirt, a blue coat and a woman's red flannel shirt; and later Mrs. Betsy Ross made it, and showed Gen. Washington that the five-pointed stars (which she cut with one clip of her scissors) were more artistic than the six-pointed ones, copied from the Heralding of that day. They should know that the Flag is something more than a parti-colored rag, or gay piece of bunting, used when "big folks" come to town, or to decorate on Washington's birthday: That is a sacred emblem of the greatest government in the world; and in case of imprisonment, or injustice to one of America's citizens in foreign lands, if floated above, or wrapped around that citizen he has the 98 ^arantee of protection of the whole United States as vested in her Army, Navy and Legal talent; therefore, it should be reverenced. We of the South should have a "Patriotic Instructor", like the North and East, whose duty is to go from school to school and give talks on patriotism. A most excel lent innovation, and one whose work will tel l in years to come. Let every teacher use every incident and object that comes in his or her way to develop the powers of each child committed to their care; for in so doing they are laying up treasure "where thieves do not break through and steal, nor moth and mould doth corrupt. 99 Mr. Summer A. Cummingham As A Monument Builder By Susie Gentry Jan. 30. 1914 Strange to say our departed friend never comes to our mind in the role of a monument bui lder, although we known his work was notable along this l ine of visible and lasting patriotism; it is the personal ity of the man himself - his character - that has so indel ibly impressed itself in the sweetness, purity and manl iness, that we lose sight of his achievements in varied lines. Had he done nothing else but purpose, and work for the erection of the l ife - l ike monument that adorns Capital Hil l in the form of Tennessee''s, yes, America's boy hero, Sam Davis, he would have had cause to be cal led great. The same might be said of him in connection with the splendid monument of Jefferson Davis at Richmond, Virginia - though he did not propose it, yet through his efforts of publication in the "Veteran" many were reminded of it; and that is the purpose of al l memorials - from the Sphinx of Egypt to the smal lest tablet on the wal ls of Nashvil le - to remind one of the virtues of the one memorial ized, or the historic spot marked. "Beauvoir," the home of Jefferson Davis was preserved through the efforts of our friend; and as a last tribute to the Davis fami ly he advocated earnestly, and assisted the U.D.C. in erecting that very beautiful and pathetic monument to the. "child of the Confederacy, Winnie Davis, who so peaceful ly sleeps in historic Hol lywood cemetery, at Richmond; but his crowning glory in monument building, as he regard it, was the conceiving and placing of the Col. Richard Owen bust in the State House, of the Capital of Indiana, in speaking of himself in connection with this monument he says in the July "Veteran" of 1913. "He believes it is the crowning act of his l ife" - and such it proved to be, as it was his last act of large patriotism. This one act has done, and wil l do more to fraternize the North and South than any one thing that has occurred in the century; and to say, it was just like Mr. Cummingham to do, is but Just praise. The Bible tel ls us "to do unto others as we would have them do to us," so let us "Them rear a shaft above the sod And let him read who wi l l : "Made in the image of his God, He's kept that likeness sti l l ." 100 Mary Maury, Confederate Girl A Short Story By Miss Susie Gentry I, Mary Maury, was standing beside James Preston in the year 1863, with a minister of the gospel , pronouncing the closing words of the marriage ceremony - when there was a bang - a flash - and a bul let - cut - through his right - side - out at his left, through my dress sleeve and lodge itself in my brother's foot, and my lover-husband lay dead at my feet. Four days I lay prostrate, but the fifth I was on my feet - with forty thousand hissing demons stinging me on to vengeance. Tears! I had none. Al l womanly tenderness and softness gone. Revenge was what I craved. But , how was I to get it? What could I, a helpless girl , do? My home was situated near to a chain of mountains, passed through a portion of Alabama and Tennessee. Soldiers from both armies frequently passed by , as one or the other sides possessed the country. How often in the dead of night or when busi ly engage with my work, had I tried to uti l ize this circumstance. I knew many Partisan Rangers, who were always glad of any opportunity that promised adventure. Could I lay a trap that would cause some trespassing Yankee to get his neck stretched? Or could I so manage that when the stream rose rapidly in a cut in the mountains was past fording, direct some unwary enemy to attempt the crossing, and get himself drowned. These were dreadful thoughts, but it was a dreadful crime that cal led them up. Once when three of the hated blue coats, with their brazen impudence, had entered our house and ordered dinner, and were in the kitchen standing with their backs to the fire, where a hugh kettle of maple syrup was boi l ing, I gave it a tip for I saw it rested unsteadily, and catching my dress nicely between my knees, placing my heels firmly together, I bent over, caught up the paddle ostensibly to stir it, and over it came. Three Yanks got a foot-warming they wil l remember to their dying day. I flew from the room dancing and capering and screaming I was burned to death. I felt fiendish enough for anything, even to putting poison in their food and only the fear of the consequences to my parents and the neighborhood deterred me from doing it 101 for these staunch men of the "Union" bel ieved mightily in fire, and the flames would have been our portion. I even went so far as to think of trying my charms on someone the officers that frequented the neighborhood, and in our spooning, when I had induced him to walk with me through a beautiful wood, where there was a concealed chasm and when I had placed him properly - dash him headformost - in it. And oh! how I would laugh for joy, when I heard him crashing from rock to rock and knew that ere he reached the bottom, every bone in his body would be broken and l ife extinct. These barbarous thoughts and fancies for nearly a year were my dai ly and nightly companions. But vengeance came at 1ast. When Hood marched his army into Tennessee, in a certain narrow pass, an attack was made, it was only a quick skirmish fight, but it was a bloody one whi le it lasted. The dead and wounded left on the field the citizens had to care for. Five men were taken to our house. Two Federals, and three Confederates. I stood appal led before the sight. One was shot through the body. Just over the hips, his shirt, while, I know not why, was stained with blood up to the col lar. The perspiration of agony had spread it as it flowed from the wound; he was a l imp as a baby and as pale as death. He wore the "blue." The next was a confederate, shot in the forehead with a minie bal l fastened tight in his skul l ; he was in a stupor. The third was wounded in the mouth and throat, his breathing was frightful to hear as the blood trickled down his windpipe. The two died in a few minutes after being brought in. Oh, my God! this was what I had longed and prayed for! but how terrible, how terrible. Day and night I assisted my mother in the nursing. But my story deais particularly, with the man who was shot through the body. In the long weary nights when my turn came to relieve her, as .1 listened to the fevered mutterings of del irium, I would ponder the question, how is it, I am by the bedside of this hated yankee? How is it, when I think on what I have passed through, I do not ki l l him? Is it I? I that hate everything that wears the "blue" and is cal led northerner? Yet here I am nursing this viper, as tenderly as if I were his sister. As the fire burned low and the shadows fl itted and danced about and the wind sung weird horrors around the house corners, al l the old love and sorrow would come back. . I would recall the blissful hours spent with James. Every trivial scene and incident of our l ife, the years of anticipated happiness that lay before us - and our wedding 102 day! and now my blasted desolate life! What was I, a girl of eighteen, almost a wife, and altogether a widow. I would grow desperate; and creeping to where this creature lay, al l pale, and pinched with suffering. I would raise my hand to place it over his face that I might stop his breathing, when something would stay me, and I would steal back to my seat, gui lty and ashamed. Often I would catch his big hollow eyes fastened on me, as if begging for sympathy and I would turn my face away, that I might harden myself against human pity. Oh I the agony of those times. I did not want to die. I had no pleasure in l iving, the days were as years, the nights as eternity. The strains of martial music that floated to me on the breeze were as funeral dirges, my brain was so peopled in ghastly phantasi es. On night as I sat alone l istening to the distant music, my thoughts ful l of sorrowful recol lection, I heard a click, in a clump of trees in the shadow of the house, in a moment muffled men were in the house, bearing this wounded man away without an outcry from him or a word from them. They mounted their horses and sped away before we scarcely knew anyone had been there. I knew his doom, those bushwhackers had gagged him and would hang him to the first tree that suited their purpose, or else sink him in the river where he would never be heard tel l of more. At last the war was at an end. The pursuits of peace were resumed and quiet reigned. For eight years I had been teaching a l ittle school (eaking a tread wheel existence as best I might) when one day a stranger rode up to the schoolhouse and inquired for the mistress. I stepped to the door - it was the veritable Yankee, who was shot through the body, hung by the bushwhackers, there before me, living healthy flesh and blood. I fainted, and today I am his happy wife and now I leave it to you to form your own opinion of woman''s constancy. Of the reality of her love and hatred of how much pain and shock humanity can bear, and not succumb and of the fact that the actual occurrences of l ife are sometimes more strange than fiction. You may think it strange I knew him but there are faces that impress themselves indel ibly on our memories. 103 ^MEREDITH P. GENTRY.^ Characteristics and Recollections of One of Tennessee's Greatest Statesmen and Orators, By Susie Qentry. '^Whq, then, stiall sqy that Fqme Is but an empty name? When, but fur the^e, oqr mighty dea(j, All ages past a blank would be. They gre the distant qbjects seep, Theioity marks of what have been, ■fhqt point ip iinniprlaUty." The first Gentrys of whom we have any knowledge were two brothers (British soldiers,) who came to Virginia tP engage in the way between the colonists and Indians, aboyt ^643i P'"? possibly, as late as 1670. Their names were Richgrd and David Gentry, After the war ceased they settled in Virginia, but Dayidi after a time, left Virginia and went tP North Carolina, where he settled; and from this Gentry came Meredith Poindexter Gentry. The Poindexters tvere French Huguenots, who left France for England on account of the persecutions sometime between 1567 and 1600. There they Jived for some years. The first knowledge we have of them in the United States is in 1743, At the first meeting of the vestry of FrederickviHe and Trinity Parishes, in Louisa and Albeniarle Cgupties, Virginia, wms Johii Poindexter, and five other vestrymen, who tpoh pn oath of alle giance to the King (Charles). From this ancestor came Thep- docia Poindexter, the mother of Meredith P. Gentry, Hef mother was a Miss Chisholm. Such is the ancestry of our subject. His father, iVgtSon Gentry, married Theodocia Poindexter, and lived in Roeking- hani County, North Carolina, While living there ten ehildren. 1899: WILLIAMSON COUNTY NEWS PRINT FRANKLIN, T6NN. 104 were born to them. The eldest son, Joseph, was in the House of eommons of North Carolina in 1804, 1810 and 1811. This son never left North Carolina. Watson Gentry left his native State when his tenth child was two years old, to seek a home in the fertile lands of Williamson- County, Tennessee, near what is now the villagp known as Col lege Grove. He found a beautiful spot, and there built a fine house, for that day, and lived there, until his death. The old Gentry homestead has for many years now been known as the ''Old Jim Allison place." The names of the children were respectively: Joseph, Thomas, James, Charles Pinkney, William, Elizabeth, Jemima, Mary, Nancy, Theophilus, Tabitha and Meredith Poindexter. .Meredith P. Gentry s wonderful voice and remarkable con versational and oratorical powers were the gifts of his mother to her "little Benjamin," he being born when she was forty-eight years of age. A word about this Theodocia Poindexter. She was quite small and beautiful, and was noted far and wide for her wit, mimicry and rare conversational powers. Her mind was as strong and vigorous as a man's, distinguished particularly for quickness of perception, nice discrimination and extraordinarily good judgment. She was necessarily a great talker and as fipe-. a one a: so as couid be found anywhere in the county at any age. Her voice possessed the same remarkable quality as her distinguished sou's. She was cheerful and sociable in disposition and was fond of visiting. Frequently she would visit a con genial neighbor, but less fortunate than herseU in the possession of "filthy lucre, goods and chattels," and on these occasions she would moupt her nag, and taking one of her cooks on another, would proceed to the neighbor's fiouse and tell her she "hpd come to spend the day and to put Susan Jane in the kitchen with her Polly Ann and come and sit down and talk to her." The fine old times they would have telling their accumulated gossip and news, joking and detailing reminiscences of their earlier days! After the death of 1 er husband she spent some j'ears with her son Meredith, but after his election to Congress, spent", her 105 3 remaining years witli her son Theophilus. As was the cnstoin in those days, "an office," consisting of two rooms, was a little removed from the main house in the yard. Here Mrs. Gentry spent most of her time avoiding thereby the noise of her numer ous grandchildren. One night my grandfather was awakened by hearing a clarion-like voice break on the still night air with "Theophilus, O Theophilus, my son?" Quickly he ran to the office and found his mother standing in the doorway. "What is it, mother?" he asked. She replied: "Son, I think I am dying," and he also saw that death had set his seal upon her, and said, "I think so, too. Mammy," and taking her tenderly in his arms laid her on the bed, where she quickly breathed her last. Such was the death of this remarkable woman, the mother of Meredith P. Gentry. Her mental faculties, as vigorous at 87 as at 16, died of no disease, just the disintegrating of tissue. Meredith P. Gentry was born Sept. 25, 1809, at the Gentry homestead before mentioned, near College Grove. Mr. Stephens, his distinguished confrere, friend and biographer, says he was born in Rockingham, N. G., but that was my grandfather, Theophilus. Watson Gentry moved to Tennessee when my grandfather was but 2 years old, and he being the tenth child, Tibitha and Meredith were born in this County and State. His father was a man of industry, energy, and by looking well to his ways had accumulated au estate far above his neigh bors generally, aud men and maid servants galore. He was much given to hospitality, and being a man above the average in culture, you would at his house find the best the county afforded in brains and cheer. He was kind and lenient to his children and grandchildren, let them do pretty much as they pleased, so they did not become too "rip-roarious." I read recently a sketch from one of Bedford County's sons who sought to honor thio noted man, but was a little unjust to his father, I thought. He .says: "While the elder Gentry was manifestly au ideal father, so far as temporal comforts of his family were concerned, he does not seem to have appreciated the necessity for providing his children with those more substantial 106 4 equipments that would enable them to make their own way in the world. It was thus that Meredith's early education was sadly neglected and he allowed to simply give free vent to the buoyant impulses of boyhood. An imperfect acquaintance with the rudimentary English branches constituted the warp and woof of his mental fabric at the period when life was in the bud and blossom—uncertain earnest of the golden fruit that ripened in after years." The truth was, Meredith would not go to sehooj when small, and being the idol of his parents' heart, they did not force him to do so. Then there were but meagre opportunities for getting an education here, and so he concluded he would just quit, at the apofi4! Still he was no ignoramus, forabook was the delight of his soul. With his hands he would not work, but a paper or book you wotild always find in them, whether in the house or lying under a shade tree. So far as an education lay in text books and the dead classics be was not educated; b«t of that education that comes pf general information and a knowledge of people and the questions of the day, he was highly educated, What better education did a youth of his mental calibre and home influences neec^ than the close study of Shakespeare, Plutarch, Milton, Pope, Dryden, Addison, Byron, Burns, British Eloquence, Mclntosh, the National Intelligencer, which pub' lished the speeches delivered in Congress at that time, and that stirrer of British hearts who bore the nom de plnme of Jfuuius? These were his daily companions, better than any pedagogue, ■ Coming from the Poindexters as he did he would necessarily love books, for the very name recalls letters and art. One who knew him and wrote "Reminiscences pf the Elon.S of Long Ago," says on this point! "With en aptitude pf eomr prehension and richness of imagination, he was suparlor to all lus fellow-members of Congress; with every grape that careful reading of classic English authors eoiild give to dielion, bp stood with no compeer as a parliamentary debater." Apothef says! "Intellectually and physically, he was as near awpdelasypH could find. His face beaming with intelligence »nd spirft, In genuous, chivalrous, high-souled, hp walked and looked the AJas Telamon of men." One who signed hlipself "Harpeth" says 107 5 this of him: "He was a prince among men. He walked as if he .spurned tlie very earth; his air was like that of one next to the throne. I once saw Bishop George F. Pierce walk up an aisle of the McKendree Church to deliver what proved to he a Websterian oration upon the life and services of Bishop Capers, of South Carolina. At that time he was regarded the hand somest man on the continent. Gentry was as handsome as Pierce, and had a richer, sweeter voice. It is a tradition in Washington that Daniel Webster said that Gentry was the finest natural orator of the race, and had the best voice ever given to man." It is also said that G. P. R. James, the most multitudin ous, multifarious and voluminous writer of fiction in the English to,ngue, said, "that his English was the purest spoken in all Anglo-Saxondom." Another says "he had a fame as an orator co-extensive with the broad limits of the republic." Even his once hated rival, Andrew Johnson, said of him, "he was the most eloquent and popular of men." Mr. Stephens says: "He- was one of the truest and noblest gentlemen the writer ever met in his eventful life. No prolounder philanthropist, no one more devoted to constitutional liberty, ever lived in this or any other country than Meredith P. Gentry." I think it was one who wrote under the nom de plume of "An Old Fogy," who said, "While our representative in Con gress bis fame as a speaker, and as a man of power became world-wide and immortalized. He is one of Williamson's sons who have not only made the heart.s of Williamson Countians and Tenuesseaus feel proud, but by his power he has filled with pride the hearts of a nation of people." Mr. W. Z. Neal in his rem iniscences says: He was gifted with an oratory unexcelled by any man in Teunessee, he was the idol of Williamson Coumy. A great man was Meredith P. Gentry." So much for his intel lect, as otheis saw it. His political career commenced when he was in his 26th year. He had been made a Captain of a company of militia and was canvassing for the Colonelcy when he made his first .speech. 'This was before he was twenty-one, and it was such a magnifi cent effort that all were surpri.sed who heard it. He was imme diately be.sought to run for the legislature, but did not do so iin- 108 til in his 26th j'ear. He was then the youngest man in the House, as no man could take his seat under 25, such was the law. This was in 1835. While in the Legislature the question of chartering what was known for a long time as the Bank of Tennessee came up. He opposed this with all his might, and was brought in collision in the debate with the Hon. A. O. P. Nicholson, Hon. A. L. Martin and older and distinguished veter an statesmen of Tennessee. His objections to the bank were, that the powers conferred by the bill upon the Governor were such as in corrupt hands might be used very injuriously to the interests of the people. He loved his country and countrymen with all his big heart. Mr. Stephens says along this line: "His prototype in history is Tiberius Gracchus, Rome's noblest tri bune." As is well-known, he was a Whig, but as that term is a little misleading, I will again quote Mr. Stephens: "An expla nation of this term of party nomenclature at that time and for several years after in American politics may not be improper. It was first applied to those who opposed with great earnestness what they held to.be the dangerous doctrines of the centralizing principles embodied in Gen. Jackson's proclamation, against nullification in South Carolina in 1832, and other kindred acts and measures of Gen. Jackson's second administration, which were deemed abuses of executive power and dangerous to constitu tional liberty if not arrested, particularly his act of the removal of the public deposits from the Bank of the United States. "Mr. Webster in the Senate defended the proclamation with great ability, but on the other acts and measures of Gen.. Jack son referred to he united with Mr. Clap and Mr. Calhoun in op posing what they charged to be dangerous encroachments of power by the executive department of the government. This was the basis and the nucleus of a combined opposition to the Administration throughout the country. It was the first time that the great trio, Clay, Calhoun and Webster, had ever acted in political concert and harmony, and it was at this time that the old revolutionary name of Whig was revived and applied to this combination. Mr. Gentry was brought up in the school of Jeffersonian Democracy, but in that branch which was then known by the name of State's Rights or Strict Construction party. 109 7 and subsequently by the almost universal denomination of 'Whig,' as stated." The next speech after the one on the banking question (which seems almost prophetic at this time), which directed almost universal attention to him throughout the House and country, was in favor of the reception of abolition petitions. In it he said: "The Representatives of the South should look, at the question practically, without passion or resentment. They ought to meet it and discuss it. They ought to receive the petitions, refer them to a committee to be reported on, and that such report would show why it was that the prayers of the petitioners could be granted." His next speech, one of the ablest of that Congress, became a most effective campaign document in the exciting canvass for President in 1840. It was on the "bill to secure the freedom of elections and to restrict executive patronage." . He would not support Gen. Winfield Scott, because he did not think him safe for the South; and preferred ostracism from office rather than yield his conviction of right. "He would rather have died than concealed a principle or deceived a voter," so one said who wrote of him and knew him well. Of this speech, against the nomination of Scott, on says: "I was in his seat in Congress when he delivered his celebrated speech against the nomination of Scott in 1852, and heard the sparring between him and Stanley, of North Carolina. It was a grand display of intellectual giants. It was known the day before, that he would have the floor for the morning hour in committee of the whole. Congress met promptly at noon. Long before 10, every seat in the gallery was crowded. The morning busine.ss over, the House went into committee, and Gentry stepped into the aisle to his right, and delivered his terrible philippic against Scott, Seward and abolitionism, drawing with prophetic knowledge the future of the Whig party. It was a scene never to be forgotten! The entire diplomatic corps was out, the Senate, had adjourned and come to the House, and several members of the House were present, including Mr. Webster, himself with presidential hopes. Interest and expectation were on tip-toe, as the orator, with his proud, lordly bearing stepped forward. It almost-equalled the 110 8 trial of Warren Hastings, in the interest it excited and the crowds it drew forth of 'brave men- and fair women.' For the. hour alloted him, the accomplished orator proceeded; with^ warn ings to his partj'against the intention to-put forth Scott, who, he said, was 'but the tool of Seward,' and in terrific denunciation of Seward and abolitionism (Sewafd was on the-floor of the house, a Senator), and pleading for the salvation of 'his first love,' the Whig party. You could hear a pin drop, save when some ring ing sentence would touch the popular heart, and. the galleries would burst forth in applause. After Gentry had fiinshed, Stanley stepped forth to defend the Scott movement. He was brilliant, keen and cutting and for twenty minutes poured- 'hot shot' into Gentry. As he clo.sed Gentry stepped into the aisle, and:for five minutes I never heard'such invective in- so much parliamentary language! It was then, he told them 'you have determined to destoy the Whig party.' When rogues hold office 'the post of honor is a private station.' I will retire to my Sabine fields and pray for Rome." Sir Henry Littou Bulwer, brother to the^ novelist, himself one of the foremost orators in the British -Parliament, pro nounced Gentry the most accomplished parliamentary debater h.e ever, heard. He certainly ought to have been a judge—he heard Rirssell, Palmeston, Earle Grey and the younger Wyndham. Another wonderful speech was-during Polk's Administration . on the policy of the Mexican war. Mr. Stephens says of this speech: "It is doubted if Prentiss or Choate, or any other man in the. House ever made a more thrilling and rousing display of soul-stirring eloquence. Chatham was not more majestic in the British. Parliament in his denunciation of the abuses of power by a Tory administration in bringing on the war of the revolution." Mr. W. Z. Neal has told us in his most delightful; "Remin iscences" that William G. Childress, of Williamson, was. Gen try's standing Democratic competitor for Congress, but when;the votes were counted Childress was not "in it" to any very great extent.. From another source I got this incident. During one of his. catuDaigns, Mr. Childress was about closing his speech when Gentry told some of his friends he was in no condition to mount 111 9 the box, as he was suffering froui "tangle-foot," "but if I can get on that box with my back to the wall, I will eat liim. up. Send for Baitle." Gen. Joel Battle, the most ardent of Whigs, came. Gentry told him what I have just written, and Battle said he "should get there." So when Childress finished. Battle and some burly companions made a break for Gentry, and .shouting and hurrahing, in their enthusiasm, took him up bodily and placed him on the box. He quickly adjusted himself with his back to the wall, and it is said by those who heard him, they never heard such a speech fall from mortal lips. The last speech he made was in Faneuil Hall, Boston, which he delivered to an immense audience. In it he depicted in glow ing terms his love for the Union and how loth he was to give it up. He said friend after friend had deserted him until he was al most left alone. Presently the ship of secession hove in sight, gathered up the stray passengers, and the captain gave the or der, "All aboard." He said the little knot of Unionists that stood with him one by one stepped aboard, leaving him solitary and alone upon the shore, and looking back at the old flag he still hesitated, Then the order to "haul in the gangplank" was given, and as the order was about to be obeyed he could stand it no longer, and cried out, "Hold on, boys, I'll go with you, if you go to hell." He was in Congress for ten years, and refused three nomi nations. He was also a member of the Confederate Congre.ss in '62 and '63. He was elected a Congressman at 30, and died of a broken heart at 66. Andrew Johnson's victory over him has al ways been thought by the family to have hastened his death. Although Johnson proved himself a great man, he was nntritd at that time, and Gentry felt if he had to receive defeat at the hands of such a man as he regarded Johnson, he would just lie down and die, A right amtisiug thing occurred about Johnson's victory over Gentry, Johnson had been elected, and E, G, Eastman was then editor of the leading Democratic organ of the State, Short ly after the election William G, Brownlow and Col. Matt Martin visited Gentry at his country home, "Hillside." After .«per,d- 112 lO ino- several days, and on the eve of their departure, Gentry took a Bible from the book case and said: "I never permit a dis tinguished divine to honor me with a visit and leave without saying- prayers for the family and neighborhood. Brownlow, you must pray." They all seated themselves, and, after reading a chapter, Mr. Brownlow kneeled down to pray. During the prayer he prayed "that the Lord might send beams of grace up on the hearts of Johu.son and his man Eastman." "vStop, Brownlow, stop!" exclaimed Gentry, "if that petition is answered the plan of salvation will be exhausted, and the rest of us damned." As is well known he was married twice. The first wife was Miss Emily Saunders, by whom he had two daughters, Mary and Emily. The second wife was Miss Caledonia Brown, by whom he had two sous, Albert and Charles. At home he was ever "the prince of good fellows," urbane and affable—courtly in his treatment of all. My mother has frequently told me of a night she spent at his house during the war. The afternoon had been spent most pleasantly and they were invited in to tea, which consisted of cold hog's jowl, cornbread and turnip greens! Col. Gentry asked her to i)e seated and partake of his hospitality, then proceeded to ask a most reverent blessing with the most quizzical expression she had ever .seen. Such was his humor. Of his distinguished characteristic I must speak—his voice. One says in his "Reminiscences of the Lions of Long Ago;" "'He had a voice perfect in itself. Albani, Jenny Lind and Patti might have thrown their voices altogether and run them through the retort and crucible of nature, rejecting the dross and select ing the good parts of each, and could not have made one out of lhe.se so perfectly :is nature had given Gentry. It was music in harmony from the highest to the lowest pitch. Yancy was won derful on one key. Gentry on all keys. There was a magic and power in his voice that I never heard in any other man's. Speak ing loud, the man fifty yards away would hear distinctly, while the man under the staud would think he was speaking low. Then he would drop to a whisper, and the man near would think no one else heard, while the fellow out yonder on the fence heard 113 11 as plainly as he did the loud tones. His voice was simply per fect, and modulated to every key. He was a born actor, and on the stage would have excelled Garrick or Forrest." Mr. Stephens said of his voice: "His voice full volumed and rounded with a silver tone, which penetrated all parts of that old hall in which it was .so difficult for even Prentiss or Wise or Tom Marshall to be heard." Mrs. John B. Bond, the accomplished daughter of the illus trious Gen. Felix K._ Zollicoffer, pays this beautiful tribute to him in her grand poem, "Tennessee." "'Tis well to praise fair Tennessee, And countless hero-worthy deeds Of her great sons, who'll ever be The world's great men, while virtue needs True hearts and valiant arms, to fight 'Gainst powerful wrong for timid right. Though silent now. her leaders .still Are Gruiidy. Campbell, Polk and Bell; Still Gentry's .silvery periods fill Her memory's ear, as murmuring shell Is full of ocean's music roar Though it imbibes sea tones no more." While at "Hillside" this occurred: My father was visiting his uncle, and they were sitting on the front porch when the mail-boy rode off for the mail to the neighboring village, several miles distant. After talking a while Colotiel Gentry said, "By- George! I've forgotten those letters! but I will call Tom back for them." My father replied,, "Why Uncle, you know Tom can't hear from here." "Yes, he will," replied Gentry, and mounting the steps he shouted, "Tom, oh, Tom," then took his seat and resumed the conversation. After some little time had elapsed Tom came riding back, saying, "What is it. Mars?" Gentry a.sked him where he was when he heard him, and the place he designated was two miles from Hillside. When the secession movement came Gentry entered with his whole soul into the cause of his loved South and mother State, Tennessee. He sold his fine plantation for $100,000 dollars specie and put every cent into Confederate bonds to aid the cause. The war closed and he was a pauper, but a proud and faith ful one. He died soon after, a broken- hearted man, in the palatial residence of his sister-in-law, Mrs. Hoggett, in Davidson County. "Sic transit gloria mundi i" 114 INDEX Adams, John 43 Brown low, Wil liam G. 112 Adams, Stephen 51 Buchanan, John 96 Alexander, Abraham 34 Buchanan, Sal ly Ridley 30 ,97 Alexander, Robert 37 Bucknor, Mary 3 Al i i son, Jim 105 Buford, James 13 Al i i son, R.D. 55 Butler, Gen. Benjamin 88 Alsop, George 10 Burlison, Edward 37 Anderson, Mrs. Chap 61 Burnett, Peter 50 Anderson, James Pat ton 43 Campbel l, Alexander W. 43 Anderson, Samuel R. 43 Campbe1 1 , J. H. 4 Armstrong, Frank C. 43 Campbe1 1 ,Wi1 1 aim Brown 54 Arnold, Samuel 76 Campbe1 1 , W.P.A. 43 Ashton, El izabeth 9 Cameron, Ewen 13 Ayleworth, Walter 9 Cannon, Mrs. John B. 62 Barington, Daniel L. 50 Carl , Joe 19 Barksdale, Wi l l iam W. 43 Car l isle, I da 3 Barnard, Edward E. 37,50 Carmack, Edward 38 Barrow, Alex 50 Carnes, W. W. 43 Bate, Wi 1 1 iam B. 18,43 Carrol 1 , Wm. H. 43 Battle, Gen. Joel 112 Carter, John C. 43 Baxter, Ed 18 Carter, Samuel P. 51 Bean, Dr. James Baxter 37 Cartwright, Thomas 95 Bean, Russel l 33 Caswe1 1 , W i1 1 i am R. 42 Beard, Susan 12 Chambers, Samuel 10 Be 1 1 , John 16,38 Channe1 1 , Cor i ne 3 Be 1 1 , Tyree H. 43 Chapman, Effie 3 • Bennett, Jim 2 Chapman, J. H. 4 Benton, Thomas H. 16 Char 1V i 1 1e, Char 1es 79 Bickel 1 , Dr. John 33 Cheatham, BenJ. F. 56 Bi 1 Is, John H. 50 Chester, Dr. Samuel H. 64 Blackbun, Rev. Gideon 74 Childress, Wil liam G. 111 Bolch, George 90 C1aiborne,Wi 1 1 iam C.C. 50 Bond, Mrs. John B. 114 Clay, Clement. C. 50 - Booth, Evangel ine 92 C1i ffe, Dr. Dan B. 19 Bostick, Rebecca 3 C1 i ffe , Mrs. Joe 61 Bowie, James 37 Cochrane, Mrs. H.P. 59 Bradley, Robert H. 19 Cochre1 1 , John 30 Bradley, Tom 3 Cockril l , Sterl ing R. 50 Branch, Joseph 71 ,74 Columbus, Christopher 83 Brevard, Dr. Ephriam 34 Colyar, A.S. 30 Br i ggs, T i1 1i e 3 Conway, James C. 50 Br image, Wi 1 1 i am 75 Cook, Judge H.H. 3 Brown, Aaron V, 54 Cook, M.B. 55 Brown, Caledonia 113 Cooper, Prentice 1 Brown, John C. 43 Cowan, Mrs. G.L. 61 ,64 Brown, Joseph 95 Crocket, David 37,47 115 Crockett, David 37,47 Grace, Peggy 50 Crockett, Samuel 13 Gray, Mrs. John 61 Cross, Edward 50 Gary, Frank 4 Cuming, Sir Alexander 78 Green, Nathaniel 73 Cummingham, Summer A. 99 Green, Tom 43 Cummins, John 17 Greer, John 95 Currie, Katie Cabell 45 Grundy, Felix 16,38 Dav i dson, H. B. 43 Gwian, Wi11iam 50 Davis, Jefferson 87,99 Manner, Mary Davis, Ruben 43,50 Hardeman, William 43 Demonbreun,Timothy 71,74,79,95 Harris, I sham G. 42 Dlbrel1, George G. 43 Haskel1, Wi11iam H. 56 Doak, Rev. Samuel 36 Hastings, Warren 111 Done1 son, Daniel S. 43 Hatton, Robert 43 Driver, Capt. Wi l liam 85 Haun, A. J. 15 Dunnington, John W. 43 Hays, Jack 37 Eastman, E. G. 112 Henderson, Margaret 3 Eddington, Glenn 4 Henry, Gustavus 38 Edmonston, Wil l iam 13 Herndon, Joseph 18 El 1iott, Dr. D.C. 54 Hill , Benjamin J. 43 English, Thomas Dunn 48 Hindman, Thomas C. 44 Evans, Major 48 Hobbs, J.C. 2 Ewin, Andrew 3,17 Hogan, James 72 Farragut, David G. 43 Holmes,Wm. Clay 81 Featherstone, W. S. 43 Hood, Jack 4 Figures, David 13 Hopkins,Commodore Ezek 84 Findley, Jesse J. 43 Horton, Hoi 1 is 2 Fisk, Moses 36 House, Sam 3 Fogg, Frances B. 74 Houston, George 50 Forrest, Nathan B. 43,56 Houston, Sam 37,47 Foster, R.C. 18,42,55 Howard, George A. 43 Fulton, Wi11iam 50 Humphrey, Perry 16 Frazier, John W. 43 Hume, Lou Willie 3 Garland, A.A. 50 Humes, W. Y. C. 43 Gentry, Martha Jones 4,5 Hyde, Mrs. Freeman J. 59 Gentry, Merdeith P. 1,16,104 Jackson, Alfred E. 43 Gentry, Susie 1,4,5,8,9,13,17, Jackson, Andred 36 19,21,28,32,47, Jackson, William H. 43 52,59,61,70 James, G. P. R. 108 Gentry, Theophilus Lacy 12,106 Johnson, Amos 50 Gentry,Dr.W.M.1,4,5,7,12,19,38 Johnson, Andrew 112 German, Addle 3 Johnson, Bushrod R. 43 Gift, George W. 43 Johonson, Henry 50 Goodlett, Mrs. M.C. 45 Johnson, John 13 Gordon, George W. 43 Johnston, Benjamin 17 Gordon, John 30 Jones, Dr. Calvin 75 116 Jones, James C. 75 Neal, W. Z. 108,111 Jones, John Paul 83,85 Nicholson, A.O.P. 107 Jones, Nathaniel 80 Nixon, Col. Richard 50 Jones, S. P. 5 Noble, Elizabeth 11 Jones, T. P. 55 Nolen, Dr. B. T. 4 Jones, W. C. 4 Otey, Rev. James 14 Kilpatrick, R. L. 55 Overa11, Wi11iam 95 Kinard, El la 61 Owen, Col. Richard 99 Leach, Mrs. Herbert N. 81 Page, Fred J. 15 Lee, Robert E. 44 Paine, Bishop Robert 50 Lenow, J. 55 Palmer, Joseph B. 43 Lewis, Seth 18 Parkes, Joe L. 2,17 Li 11ie. Bates 2 Paschal 1, Edwin 14 Li 1 1 ie, York 2 Peoples, Greer 15 Lindsey, Ben Barr 37 Perkins, Daniel 13 Mancy, H. P. 55 Petway, Burns 17 Maney, George 43 Petway, Hinchea 17 Marshal 1 , John 3 Petway, John 17 Martin, A. L. 109 Phifer, Rev. Kenneth 4 Maury, Abram 13 Pierce,Bishop George F 108 Maury, Commodore Matthew Fountaine 14,37,47 Pillow, Annie Payne 30 Maury, Matt. F. 19 Pi 1 low, Gideon J. 42,56 May, Mrs. White 45 Pinckney, Charles 74 Mayberry, Henry Hunter 14 Pinkerton, Joe 4 McAl lister, Charles 13 Pocahontas 97 McCall, Luther 4,6 Poindexter, John 104 McComb, Wil l iam 43 Poindexter, Theodocia 105 McCory, Thomas 30 Polk, Ezekiel 50 McCowan, J. P. 43 Polk, James K. 38 McCu11ock, Ben 43 Polk, Leondias 44 McCul lock, Henry A. 43 Polk, Lucius E. 43 McCullough, Henry E. 57 Porter, Alex 50 McDonnel 1 , Felix G. 50 Porter, Thomas K. McEwen, Dav i d 13 Porter, W. N. 55 McEwen, Mrs. John B. 62 Poynor, Robert 17 McGavock, Mrs. John 62,65 QuarreIs, Wi11iam A. 43 McGavock, Mary 3 Raines, James E. 43 McHatton, Mrs. James 59 Raines, John S. 44 McKay, Thomas 13 Raines, Mrs. L. C. 45 McKendree, William 73 Reagan, John H. 44,50 McNeal, Prudence 50 Re id, Frank T. 50 McNeal , Thomas 50 Re id, S. C. 85 Moore, John C. 43 Richardson, Mrs. Newt 3 Morgan, John P. Roane, John S. 44 Morris, Robert 84,87 Roberts, Mrs. John R. 59 Murrey, John B. 19 Robertson, Charlotte Reeves 29,97 117 ■ n (rii /'f -f'' '■r^v " r-' Robertson, Dr. Fel ix 21 Vaughan A1fred J. 43 ■h Robertson,James 29,35,49,80,95 Vaughan, John C. 43 Rossevelt, Theodore 47 Walker, Jesse 73 -Ross, Betsy 84,85,87,90,98 Walker, Lucius M. 43 Ross, John 90 Walker, Thomas 33 Ruth, E. F. 55 Walker, W i1 1i am 37 Ruth ledge, Edward 74 Wal 1 ace,, Mrs. T. J. 62 Rutherford, Griffith 96 Ward, Nancy 97 Sappington, John 13,14,29 Washington, George 87 Sapplngton,Dr.MarK Brown 14,49 Waterhouse, Richard 55 Sappington, Dr. Thomas 12 Watterson, Harvey M. 50 Saunders, Emily 114 Wei 1s, Richard 11 Scales, Dabney M. - 43 West, Benjamin 75 Scott, Gen. Winfield 110 Wharton, A. D. 43 Scurry, Wil l iam R. 43 Wharton, Jessee 16,18 Sebastian, W. R. 50 Wheeler, Wayne B. 92 Sevier, Ambrose 50 White, Alex 50 ■ ^ Sevier, John ' 35,36,44 White, Edward D. 50 y\ Shelby, Isaac 35 White, Hugh Lawson 38 Smith, Preston 43 White, Dr. John 2 Smith, Thomas B. 43 Wright, Marcus J. 43 Sneed, John 42 Wil.cox, Cadmus M. 43 Sprigg, Thomas 11 Wi1 1 iams, Elenzer 68 Spur lock, James 13 Wil liams, John W. 50 Stephens, Alexander H. 88 Wi l l iamson, Col . Hugh 13 Stewart, A. P. 43 Woodson, Thomas 30 Stockett, El izabeth 12 Yande1 1 , Dav i d 50 Stockeett, Henry 11 Yandel 1 , Lumford P. 50 Stockett, Lewis 9,10 Yel 1 , Archibald 50 Stockett, Thomas Jr. 9,10,11 Zollicoffer, Felix K. 42 Stockett,Thomas Wi l l iam 12 Stone, Robert H. 50 Stout, Dr. Sam H. 50 Strahl , Q. F. 43 Tappan, John C. 44 Taylor, Irene 54 Taylor, Robert C. 43 Taylor, Zachary 52 Throckmorton, James W. 43 Ti1 ley, Joseph 9 Tipton, John 50 Toml inson, Ralph 76 Toof, Mrs. Stephen C. Trousdale, Wi l l iam 57 Trumbul l , John 68 Trumbul 1 , Jonatnan 75 . 118 ■ A- i'j