Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, August 20, 1947, Page 4:
"Death of Aunt Betty Watson Mourned---We were sorry to give up a good, old
friend, Aunt Betty Watson, who died on Tuesday at 7:30 a.m., but we have rich
hope of seeing her again.
Aunt Betty was always kind to everyone. She leaves her husband, J.C. Watson;
one son, Reuben Watson; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Callie Watson; nine grandchildren,
six great-grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.
She was 92 years, one month and nine days of age. Needless to say, she will be
greatly missed by many.
The sorrowing relatives have our sincere sympathy." ---A Friend.
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, July 30, 1959, Page 1:
"Tellico Plains Man Passes Saturday---A.L. (Alonzo) Akins, 68, died at 3:10 p.m.
Saturday at the home of his sister, Mrs. Bert Self in Tellico Plains.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Ben Thompson of Mazomonie, Wisconsin
and Mrs. Ernie Hawkins of Chicago, Illinois; two sons, Easley Akins of California
and Ulis of Wisconsin; four sisters, Mrs. Self, Mrs. John Odell and Mrs. John
McKee, all of Tellico Plains and Mrs. Alma Wood of Madisonville; and two brothers,
Carlie and Oley Akins, both of Tellico Plains.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Hard Shell Baptist Church,
followed by burial in the church cemetery."
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, January 7, 1960, Page 1:
"Mrs. Mollie Brakebill Bowlin, 77, died at her home on Niota Route 1, Monday night
at 10 o'clock. Survivors: husband, Robert H. Bowlin; three sons, Roy T. Sneed
of Niota, F. Gordon Sneed of Dayton Route 3 and Ralph G. Brakebill of Radcliff,
Ky.; 41 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Mrs. Ann Watson of
Madisonville Route 2, Mrs. Bertha Petty of Sweetwater and Mrs. Carrie Sanderson
of Madisonville Route 3, and one brother, Luther Moser of Madisonville Route 3.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Key's Chapel, Hiwassee. Burial
was in Hiwassee Cemetery."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, October 14, 1936, Page 4:
"Isaac Thomas Welch---Funeral services for Isaac Thomas Welch, 69, were held
from the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Sunday, at 10:00 a.m., with Rev. J.M. Shope
and Rev. W.R. Williams officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
Mr. Welch died from an illness of four hours, not being able to speak after becoming ill.
He died at his home in the Citico community. He had been a member of the Baptist
church for forty-six years.
He is a former Deputy Sheriff, serving under Sheriff Tom Crowe four years and under
Sheriff Hugh Webster two years.
Surviving are his widow, and the following children: Theodore and Willie Welch, Miss
Hettie Welch, Mrs. Isadore LeQuire, Mrs. Laler Cooper and Mrs. Delie Millsaps, all of
the Citico community. Also one brother and three sisters: Jake Welch of Lenoir City,
Mrs. Druselle Johnson of Proctor, N.C., Mrs. Mandy Williams and Mrs. Pamelia
Garland of North Carolina."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, February 11, 1931, Page 3:
"Local Items of Interest---James E. Wyatt, aged 85 years, one of the few remaining
Confederate veterans in Monroe County, died at his home near Chestua last Wednesday
morning. Funeral services were conducted at Chestua, Thursday morning by the Rev.
J.H. Atkins. Besides his wife, several children survive."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, December 21, 1932, Page 2:
"Madisonville Route Two---Mr. Hugh D. Joines passed away after a lingering illness
last Sunday night. His loss will be keenly felt by the members of his family and in the
neighborhood in which he had lived all of his life.
The funeral and burial took place at the Chestua Baptist Church on Tuesday morning
at 10 o'clock.
Page 3:
"Hugh D. Joines---Funeral services for Hugh D. Joines, 56, was held at the Chestua
Church, Tuesday morning. Mr. Joines death occurred Dec. 18, at his home in
Englewood.
Besides his widow, the following children survive: Mrs. Rankin Lee and Misses
Alice, Clyde, Ruth, Erskine, Sue, Kate and Fay Joines. The following sisters survive:
Mrs. Bob Cochran, Mrs. Will Lee and Mrs. Jess Stalcup."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, February 15, 1933, Page 4:
"Mrs. O.R. Thompson---On January 31, 1933, the dark winged angel of death entered
the home of Mr. Oliver Thompson and claimed as its victim his dear, loving wife,
Vira Thompson. She was born on October 17, 1890, being 42 years, three months
and fourteen days old at the time of her death.
Mrs. Thompson was married twice. She was first married to Mr. Gus Roberts, who
died something like twenty-three years ago. To this union one girl was born, Lila
Roberts, now Mrs. Orr.
Then in the year of 1910, she was married to Mr. Oliver Thompson. To this union eight
children were born, six boys and two girls. The boys are Vastine, Ones, Rud, Ramon,
Calvin and the baby, Uley. The girls are Edith and Pauline. A husband, a mother, Mrs.
Partheney Powers and two sisters, Mrs. Rachel Freeman and Mrs. Mary Ann Powers,
and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn her death. A vacant chair that cannot
be filled with one like mother, but weep not for her, for she has gone on to Heaven,
where there is no more dimmed eyes, nor sickness and death cannot enter; where all is
joy and peace and happiness. All I can say is for husband and children to live right and
be ready to meet Vira when your time come to go." ---Requested and written by a Friend.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, October 24, 1934, Page 3:
"Carl Gourley Injured---Carl Gourley is in the Sweetwater Hospital with an injured
thigh caused from wounds inflicted by gun shot. Mack Yearwood is being held in the
county jail here on a charge of felonious assault. The shooting occurred in the Acorn
Gap section, while the two boys were attending a Holiness church service. Witnesses
stated that an argument started and Yearwood fired, hitting Gourley in the thigh,
crushing the bone."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, September 18, 1935, Page 2:
"Corntassel---Mrs. Adeline Howard who lived near Hopewell Springs, passed away
on Sunday night at her home. The burial took place Tuesday at Mount Zion, we
understand. Mrs. Howard was ninety-one years of age, and her death is attributed
to senile debility. The bereaved family have our sympathy."
Page 4:
"Mrs. Adeline Howard, 91, passed away at the old family home at Hopewell, Sunday
night, Sept. 15, after a lingering illness. Mrs. Howard was a true, Christian lady,
beloved by all who knew her. She was buried Tuesday in the Mount Zion Cemetery."
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, December 12, 1957, Page 1:
"Last Rites Held For Sweetwater Druggist---Funeral services for Raymond L. Thompson,
70, a Sweetwater druggist for years, were held Friday afternoon at the home. Burial was
in West View Cemetery.
Mr. Thompson died Wednesday night of last week at Sweetwater Hospital.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Alma Haliburton Thompson; one daughter, Mrs.
C. Freeman Borth of Severy, Kansas; a brother, S.E. Thompson of Sweetwater;
four nephews and a half-sister, Mrs. E.B. Heabler of Knoxville."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, August 23, 1950, page 6:
"Elijah F. Thompson Died August 12 At Age Of 84 Years---Elijah F. Thompson was
born May 30, 1866, and departed this life August 12, 1950, being 84 years, two
months and 13 days of age. He was married to Cynthia Miller in the fall of 1880;
she preceded him in death 10 years ago.
To this union were born eight children, two of whom died in infancy, leaving two
daughters and four sons: Lula Lethcoe of Tellico Plains, Maggie Jane Belcher of
Delana, Oliver and Fred Thompson of Erie, Arvil of Delano and Harvey of Niota.
He is also survived by one brother, Will Thompson of Ellijay, Georgia; 36 grandchildren,
43 great-grandchildren, other relatives and a host of friends.
He professed faith in Christ in early life and remained a faithful Christian until called
away. He was a member and active deacon of Miller’s Chapel Baptist Church and
attended services until a few months ago.
Funeral services were held at Mt. Isabel Baptist Church on Monday, August 14,
conducted by Revs. J.W. Newman, Enos Hunt, J.W. Mitchell and John Ellis.
Burial was in the church cemetery."
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Madisonville Democrat, February 1, 1912, Page 1:
"Circuit Court---Hendrix Cline, for murder of Deputy Sheriff Blair. After 3 days the
jury reported that they could not agree, and a mistrial was entered. The case was
continued until the September term 1912."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, February 15, 1928, Page 1:
"Interesting News On Route Six---One of the good old pioneer circuit riders was Rev.
W.H.H. Duggan. He used to serve a circuit in Knox County before the Civil War and
was a near neighbor of ours. He died in August 1872. He officiated at the marriage of
my sister, Mary A. Stakely and Samuel Bogart in April 1857, four years and one month
before I was born. W.H.H. Duggan and wife were members at Eleazar, but joined the
M.E. Church, North, when the church was divided, but their son, James A. Duggan,
never moved his membership." ---Georgia A. Stakely, February 11, 1928.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, March 8, 1933, Page 1:
"I enclose in this a letter I had from Rev. H.D. Duggan, in 1913. He was a son of Rev.
W.H.H. Duggan, and was born and raised here in sight of my home.
He was born on July 4, 1842. He was a soldier in the Union Army. He went to the
war the year I was born, so I do not remember him until peace was made and he
returned to his home. He married Miss Susie Wear of McMinn County.
His widow is still living. He was indeed a fine preacher; was a brilliant
conversationalist. He died some years ago at his home at Iola, Kansas."
---Georgia A. Stakely, March 5, 1933.
Mr. Duggan's letter:
"Iola Kansas, Friday, March 21, 1913: Mr. Georgia A. Stakely, Madisonville, Tennessee,
My Dear Friend: "I am in receipt of your card bearing the sad news of the death of
my only brother, and not only so, but the last of the entire family, except myself. It is
really a sad affair with me. Not so sad as it would have been, had I no hope beyond the
grave for his eternal salvation. I fee sad for Callie and the children, for I know what it is
to give up the head of the family. You have felt the sting in like manner, and I sure did
sympathize with you and the girls when you had to part worlds with your father. His
picture is now hanging up in my office, and I love to see him and think of what a kind
man he was. It seemed that no one could be disconsolate where he was, for he always
looked on the bright side of everything.
Georgia, I want you to write and tell me all about your family. You told me that Lou
and Artie were living with you on the old home place, but you said not a word about
any other member of the family. I would love to see you and the girls so well. I may
go out there in the near future, and if I do, I will see you all once more.
Tell Callie for me not to grieve about that which she cannot prevent, for all her grief is
of no avail. I think if ever there was a woman that treated her husband just right, that
she was one of them, and has no regrets on that line. How about The Madisonville
Democrat? Is it still running on the same line? I have written some articles in the past
for that paper, but never knew whether or not they were published. If I knew that the
Editor had space and the inclination to publish religious articles, I would write quite
often. Tell me if Tom Garner is still living. What has become of Sam Bogard?
What has become of John W. Dailey? Is Lige Webb still living? Anything that you would
tell me would be of much interest. Give my special regards to your dear sisters that are
at home with you. I will now ring off lest I weary you." Your admiring friend, H.D.
Duggan.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, January 16, 1935, Page 1:
"Interesting News From Route Five---And another shadow has come into the hearts
of relatives and friends around old Bethlehem Church. G.H. Duggan, eldest son of
James A. and Callie Gibson Duggan, died suddenly at his home at Benton, Arkansas,
on yesterday morning. He was born and raised here in sight of my home; he left in his
young manhood days and went to Benton, Arkansas, where he has made his home
since going there. He married Miss Lillie Bridges, and they have six children. Four
of their children are married. His mother, his brother, Robert, his sister, Florence
Duggan Toomey, his brother, Doake, his sister, Mrs. Maggie Duggan Dunn, his
brother-in-law, J.W. Toomey, and four of his nephews have gone to Benton,
Arkansas, to attend his funeral, which will be held at that place on tomorrow, Jan. 14,
1935. Gib and I have often been together before he went to Arkansas, and when he
would come in to see his people here, he would come to see us too. He was a man
of fine character, studious and practical in habits, educated, and was a splendid
school teacher. One by one our friends are passing on---"The places that know us
now shall shortly know us again no more forever" ---yet it seems so sad and strange
that I shall never see Gib coming anymore to the dear old home here to make us a
visit.
I think that Gib was about fifty-three years old. James A. and Callie Gibson Duggan
had nine children, all of whom are living except Gib.
Our hearts go out in sympathy to his mother and all the bereaved relatives and friends.
No boy ever had a better, truer mother than Gib Duggan had."
---Georgia A. Stakely, January 10, 1935.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, February 20, 1935, Page 1:
"Interesting News From Route Five---Ever go on a mind-racing adventure?
Billy, Willie Mae, Ruth and Gertrude, Gib Duggan and Henry Patterson used to come
and stay till bedtime, until 11:00 p.m., with me and we would go on such trips; one of
us at a time would be allowed five minutes time to visit in mind all the places to which
he'd like to go. At the end of the five minutes he would tell something about every place
to which he went, and tell by what mode of conveyance he traveled. And it was wonderful
how many things and places could be described---it would take us some time in which to
tell all that we saw and all the places to which we went in imagination during five minutes
time.
Henry, Gib and I always found these mind races to be very pleasant and instructive.
Geography was always my favorite study and so those races just suited me. Gib has
now gone on to the better land; Henry is in Chattanooga.
When our big, old house was torn away, this house I live in was built to the old kitchen
chimney, and Gib and Henry and I would study and also run those mind-racing
excursions sitting around the same old chimney fireside."
---Georgia A. Stakely, February 12, 1935.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, March 20, 1935, Page 1:
"Interesting News From Route Five---Guilford Harrison Duggan---I stand on my porch
and look down the highway one-fourth of a mile southeast and I see the old homestead
of Rev. W.H.H. Duggan; I see the house he built and moved into in 1847. He and his
wife and their older children had been living in a house nearby for some time. But this
house which I see is the old homestead which he built and moved into in 1847. His
wife, Mrs. Matilda Brown Duggan, was a Presbyterian lady; her husband was an
old-fashioned Methodist Circuit rider.
Their children were Guilford Cannon Duggan, Harvey Doake Duggan, Elizabeth Ann
Duggan, James Augusta Duggan, Newton Albiner Duggan, Alice Angeline Duggan,
Robert Duggan and Mary Jane Duggan. After her marriage to Rev.
W.H.H. Duggan, Mrs. Matilda Duggan joined the Methodist church and remained
an honored member of that church until her death some years ago. Guilford Cannon
Duggan and Henry Doake Duggan were soldiers in the Union Army. After peace was
made they came home; Guilford C. Duggan located at Morganton, Tennessee; he
married Miss Emma Blackman of Morganton. He taught a fine school there for some
years. He and Emma died and both are buried in the Morganton Cemetery. Harvey
Doake Duggan married Miss Susie Wear of McMinn County, Tenn. After several years
residence in Tennessee, Doake and Susie and their children went west and located in
Iola, Kansas. Harvey Doake was for many years before his death, one of the ablest
clergymen of the Baptist church. He out-lived his parents and all his brothers and
sisters. He died and is buried at Iola, Kansas. His widow is still living at Iola. Elizabeth
Ann married Elijah Webb, and one of their sons, Harrison Webb, served as Sheriff of
our county. He and his parents are all dead. James Augusta Duggan was born in 1847,
the year his father built the old homestead, and James was only a little infant when his
parents and the older children moved into their new home. Newton Albinos Duggan
married Margaret Sutton, both of them are dead. Alice Angeline Duggan married
Robert Patterson in 1875, and in
1877 a little daughter was born to them whom Alice named Betty Ann for her sister,
Elizabeth Ann. Alice lived only a few days after little Betty Ann was born, and before
she died, she gave her little daughter to her mother.
Robert Duggan and Mary Jane Duggan both died in infancy. James A. Duggan was
married to Miss Callie N. Gibson in 1880. Nine children were born to them.
Ella, Guilford Harrison, Georgia Florence, John Houk, Robert Ervin, Horace Greely,
Margaret, Gussie and Dock, all of whom are married except Ella and John, who live
with their mother. Ella, the oldest child and John Houk, the second child, still reside
at their home of gentleness, refinement, virtue, sobriety and industry, where no weary,
wayworn traveler was ever turned away. Guilford, "Gib" as we called him, left here
in his early manhood days and went to Benton, Arkansas, and located there, where by
hard work and good management, accumulated a competence of this world's goods. He
married Miss Lillie Bridges, who has always been a true helpmate to him. They have five
children, Gladys, James, Guilford, Wayne and Agnes, who with their parents were
members of the Methodist church at Benton. Gib died suddenly at his home on February 12,
1935. The funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Benton on February 14,
conducted by Rev. A.C. Carraway of the Methodist church, Rev. J.B. Cothran of First
Baptist Church and Rev. Gordon Gray of the Presbyterian church. The floral offerings were many
and beautiful. His grave was completely covered with costly and beautiful flowers. Gib
was born here at the homestead on February 17, 1883. I have known him all his life of
51 years, 11 months and 25 days. Goodbye for only a little while, dear old friend and
neighbor boy, I'll not forget you, Gib." ---Georgia A. Stakely,
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, April 9, 1930, Page 2:
"Tellico Plains Route One---A gloom of sadness was cast over this community Tuesday
when the angel of death called for its victim, Ersa, the wife of John Kirkland. To know
Ersa was to love her, for she was a sweet, loving girl. She leaves a host of relatives and
friends to mourn her departure. The bereaved relatives have our sympathy, especially
Johnnie, who is left with twin baby girls to care for. May God bless all of the bereaved
ones in our county who has recently had to give up loved ones. Its sad to part with our
loved ones, but God does all things well. We must be submissive to His will.
We know not when the death angel is coming for us. So let's be ready when the
summons comes."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, November 19, 1941, Page 2:
"Turkey Creek---The death angel has visited the home of Mr. James Riley Kirkland
of the Mt. Isabel community on Sunday, Nov. 16, and claimed his soul. Mr. Kirkland
had been ill for several months." ---Maggie Belcher.
Page 4:
"Rafter---Mr. Jim Riley Kirkland died Sunday evening at his home on the road
between Rafter and Mt. Isabel." ---Columbus Shaw.
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, June 16, 1955, Page 1:
"Burl Wilson, 65, died last week at his home at Coker Creek. He was a timber worker.
Funeral services and burial occurred Thursday at Epperson Baptist Church."
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, February 6, 1958, Page 1:
"Mrs. Fowler Dies At Home Near Vonore---Mrs. V.D. (Dal) Fowler, 62, died suddenly at
noon Tuesday at her home near Vonore.
She is survived by her husband; two sons, Cecil E. Fowler of Madisonville and Herbert H.
Fowler of Vonore; three daughters, Mrs. Arnold Akins of Vonore, Mrs. Calvin Akins of
Madisonville and Mrs. Clifford Davis of Harriman; 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren;
two brothers, Charles Bright of Athens and Luke of Belmont, N.C.; two sisters, Mrs.
Arthur L. Fowler of Vonore and Mrs. Norman Brackett of Loudon.
Funeral services and burial occurred this Thursday afternoon at Mt. Zion Baptist Church."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, September 20, 1939, Page 2:
"Vonore Route 1---Several from this place attended the funeral of Miss Blanche Fowler
at Mt. Zion, Friday."
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, July 5, 1951, Page 7:
"Mount Vernon---We were grieved to learn of the death of Jeff McConkey. He was
once a merchant and lumber dealer here. He was 89 years old and was once a Monroe
County school teacher."
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, July 12, 1951, Page 1:
"J.F. McConkey, former merchant and lumber dealer of Monroe County, who died in
Tampa, Florida, was buried in City Cemetery, Friday afternoon following funeral
services held at the Methodist Church, Rev. B.H. Greene of LaFollete and the pastor,
Rev. George Naff officiating."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, August 9, 1939, Page 1:
"James R. Reagan, 65, retired farmer of Vonore, died at 6:20 p.m. Wednesday, August 2,
at the home of a daughter, Mrs. L.V. Sutton in Knoxville.
He had been in failing health for a year and had been visiting at the home of his daughter
in Knoxville for six weeks under the care of his physician.
Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Ellen Reagan; seven sons, Walter Reagan of
Townsend, Bruce Reagan of Caton, N.C., Lewis and Lloyd Reagan of Newport,
Mack, Charlie and Frank Reagan of Vonore; three daughters, Mrs. Florence
Sutton and Mrs. Myrtle Reagan of Knoxville, and Mrs. Lola Mendenhall of
Washburn.
The body was brought to Biereley’s Funeral Home and from there taken to the
home at Ballplay for burial.
Funeral services were held at Ballplay Church at 10 a.m., August 3. The Rev. Roy
Hinchley of Knoxville and the Rev. Mr. Long of Etowah officiated."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, September 30, 1942, Page 2:
"Elgena Smith was born in Monroe County on June 21, 1914. She attended the Burris
School on Ballplay, completing its course, going on to Friendsville Academy where
she was graduated in 1934, afterward taking teacher training at Hiwassee College.
She taught school for seven years in Monroe and Blount Counties and at the time
of her death was a teacher in Friendsville Academy. On September 22, Elgena took
her students on a campfire supper to a nearby farm, where they played games and
enjoyed being with them. After returning home she was taken ill. After suffering
painfully for two days she took her mother's hand and said, "Blessed Jesus, I've
served You all of my life; now give me sweet peace and rest." The suffering peacefully
left her and she rested until her Savior called her to her mansion to be with Him
forever.
At the age of 12 years she gave her heart to Christ and united with the Oak Grove
Friends Church, where she has proven a faithful member with more than a usual
interest, identifying herself with the activities of the church as Sunday School teacher,
Christian Endeavor worker, leader in song and social affairs. She loved her Saviour
and willingly gave to Him her strength and talents. She made many lasting friendships
and was true to her friends.
On March 16, 1940, she was united in marriage with Mack Reagan, with whom she
lived happily through the few short years they lived together. Besides her husband,
she leaves her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Ross Smith; three sisters, Mrs. Myrtle Cosner and
Mrs. Evelyn Key, both of High Point, N.C., and Mrs. Flora Kennedy, three nieces and
many friends.
In the early morning of Sept. 25, she slipped peacefully away to be forever with her
Lord.
Funeral services were held at the Oak Grove Friends Church on Sunday afternoon,
conducted by Rev. J.Edward Ransome, assisted by Rev. Erna Nixon of Friendsville
and Jimmie Dotson of Chilhowee School. A quartet composed of Mr. & Mrs. Marvin
Jones of Friendsville and Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Mangus of Aloca, with Mrs. Bruce
Roberts of Alcoa as pianist, sang three favorite selections. Pallbearers were Ralph
Best, Reed Harrison of Oak Grove, Carra Giles, Bill Thompson of Maryville,
Raymond Mason, Thomas Vaden of Tellico Plains. Flower bearers were Miss Tilda
Best of Atlanta, Marene Bright of Detroit, Michigan, Sallie Reagan of Townsend, Mrs.
Raymond Mason, Mrs. Thomas Vaden of Tellico Plains, Mrs. Bill Thompson, Mrs.
Carra Giles, Miss Elizabeth Humphreys, Mrs. Clarence White of Maryville and Lovena
Humphreys. The many beautiful floral offerings showed the love and esteem in which
she was held. The body was laid to rest in the new Oak Grove Friends Cemetery.
"Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, yea, saith the Spirit, for they do rest from
their labors."
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, October 1, 1953, Page 8:
"Maggie Smith, 58, of Sweetwater, died at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday in Gilford Sanitorium,
Jamestown, N.C. Survivors: one sister, Mrs. J.D. (Dave) Bright of Loudon; two
brothers, John Smith of Sweetwater and Jerry C. Smith of Knoxville. Funeral services
are being held at 3:30 p.m. today (Thursday) at North Sweetwater Baptist Church
with Revs. W.F. Lingerfelt and Paul Myers officiating. Interment in West View
Cemetery."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, December 17, 1947, Page 4:
"Mrs. Martha Green Dies At Hiwassee---Mrs. Martha Green of the Hiwassee community
died on Dec. 9 and was buried on Dec. 11 in New Hope Cemetery, following funeral
services held in the church there.
Mrs. Green was a resident of this section for 60 years. She was born in 1865. She
was the daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Lunsford of North Carolina and
was the widow of the late Lewis Green. She is survived by several children."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, January 30, 1929, Page 2:
"Tellico Plains Route One---Several from this community attended the funeral of Miss
Ida McDaniel at Tellico Plains, Wednesday, and also Mrs. Christina Millsaps McDaniel
on Friday at the same cemetery. Both were members of Unicoi Baptist Church; were
good Christian women. Their presence will be missed in the church, for we have lost
two good members, but our loss is Heaven's gain. They both leave a host of relatives
and friends to mourn their departure. The two aged mothers have our sympathy in
their bereavement. Oh! We hate to give up our loved ones, but they have only paid
a debt we all have to pay and are in a better world than this."
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, March 28, 1957, Page 1:
"Early Millsaps Dies At Tellico Plains Home---Early Millsaps, 56, died Thursday of
last week at his home in Tellico Plains following a long illness.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ruby Rogers Millsaps; a son, Robert; three daughters,
Christine, Kathleen and Loretta, all of Tellico Plains; a brother and two sisters.
Funeral services and burial occurred Saturday afternoon at Tellico Plains Baptist
Church."
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, October 3, 1957, Page 1:
"Charles L. White, 65, Passes Sept. 26 At Clinic In Sweetwater---Charles Lewis
White Sr., 65, for years a Madisonville businessman, died Thursday night of last
week at Lowry Clinic, Sweetwater, following several months illness.
Survivors include his wife; three sons, Roy F. White of Maryville, Lee and Charles Jr.,
of Madisonville; four daughters, Mrs. Porter Hawkins, Mrs. Philip Hunt and Miss
Margaret White of Madisonville, and Mrs. Hoyt Sutton of Indiana; 10 grandchildren;
his mother, Mrs. Sarah White of Lenoir City; two brothers, Ed White of Athens and
Bill of Lexington, Ky.; four sisters, Mrs. Fred Matlock and Mrs. Mack Quillan of
Lenoir City, Mrs. Reed Summitt of Rossville, Ga., and Mrs. Cecil Burns of
Birmingham, Alabama.
Funeral services took place Sunday afternoon at the First Baptist Church. Burial was
in Sunset Cemetery."
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, July 10, 1958, Page 1:
"Mack White Dies At Home Of Daughter---Mack B. White, 74, of the Lakeside
community, died Thursday of last week at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Tate S. Jones,
Madisonville Route 3.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Dollie Tallent White; four sons, Robert White of
Loudon, Norman, T.G. and Kenneth "Jack," all of Madisonville; three daughters,
Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Boyce Forshee and Mrs. Blake Cardin of Madisonville; 25
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services and burial took place Saturday afternoon at Oak Grove Baptist
Church."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, January 30, 1929, Page 2:
"Some Points of History Relative to Major Joe Divine, A Native of
Monroe County, Tennessee---Major Joe Divine, during the Civil War,
captured by the Confederates in the town of Madisonville, about 64
years ago, from the basement of the old brick house east of the public
square, formerly owned by Dr. Upton, which house is still standing,
now owned by Johnson brothers. Major Divine, of that day, was a great
man, and was honored to the honors of his country in which he lived.
He was the son of Thomas Divine, who died in the year of 1856, also
an uncle to Major Paul E. Divine of Johnson City, Tenn.
Mr. Divine was carried to McMinn County by the soldiers and put to
death. He was buried where he was killed in an open field, where he
remained for one year, after which he was brought back to Big Creek
to the old family cemetery.
The Major was always a brave, courageous and fearless man, and willing
to die for what he believed to be right. The Major shot one of the
soldiers and the wounded man died. Of course I guess this piece won't
be much interesting to the folks of today, but it will be borne in
mind that his kinsmen will honor him as being a great man."
---Shelley Webb.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, June 9, 1937, Page 1:
"Loss Of Our Elder Brother---My elder brother, William E. Clark, of Los Angeles,
California, passed away May 30. He was born at Loudon, Tenn., May 30, 1853.
His passing on May 30, 1937, made an even span of 84 years.
My mother always called him "Willie," and it was not till after he had gone from
home that I learned he was only my half-brother. Father's first wife was a sister
of that fine old Scotchman, Donald McKenzie, of Hiwassee College. Will's mother
died when he was only two or three years of age. The father married Mary Ann
Brunner, who became my mother.
Will left us when I was only seven---not knowing anything about half-brothers.
I recall the surprise of reading on an old tombstone over in the old Kellar graveyard
"Here lies beloved wife of E.P. Clark'" Mother explained it then; why she had
loved Willie too much to admit he was not a full son. Our father was E.P. Clark.
Will left us in 1875 to go to Trenton, Mo., to study law. He was admitted to the bar
and became Claims Attorney for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway with
offices in Topeka, Kansas. About 20 or more years ago he was retired and lived thereafter
in Los Angeles, Calif. Besides numerous relatives, he leaves two sons living in Topeka,
one a coroner---that city---the other on the engineering staff of his father's railroad.
I think the first letter I ever wrote was to this elder brother of mine. I will write you a
fiew lines," it said. In Will's reply, mention was made that I might use a few less letters
of the alphabet in fiew."
Of late years we have written each other often---two or three times a month sometimes.
He lived all alone---wishing to be independent. Near two months ago, he failed to reply
to a letter of mine. He had been ill with flu, but his last letter said he "was on the mend."
He had written me he might take another trip back home.' Then a letter came to me from
Will's close friend, Charlie Cooke, of San Pedro, asking what had become of my elder
brother. Mr. Cooke is a nephew of the late Mrs. Bland Clark. He said he had written Will,
inviting him to dine with them, but received no reply. I jumped to the conclusion Will had
skipped out to Tennessee without further notice, and wrote Mr. Cooke so. But a nephew
of ours living near Los Angeles went to Will and found him needing a doctor's care. He
sent him to a hospital. The dear old fellow, I fear, had too little faith in doctors---as the aged,
living alone, are often set in their wish to be let live their lives as they choose.
That tells the story. I shall miss his letters sorely. He was all to me an elder brother can be.
His counsel to me has been that of a father. A good man is gone. I was thinking of him
when I quoted Eugene Fields' story of the two little boys recently.' ---Dick Clark, Porterville,
California.
Page 3:
"William E. Clark, a boyhood resident of the Sweetwater vicinity during the Civil War days,
died Sunday, May 30, at Los Angeles, Calif. Had he lived one day longer he would have
been 84 years of age. Interment will be at Osborn, Mo., beside the remains of his wife,
who died in 1886.
Mr. Clark was born in Loudon, Tenn., on May 31, 1853, the son of Edward P. & Nancy
McKenzie Clark. The father served four years in the Confederate Army, was twice
wounded, and became a captain before the end of the war. Both parents died at Sweetwater,
the mother in 1858 and the father in 1889. Both are buried at Sweetwater.
After attending Hiwassee College, Mr. Clark continued his education at Oberlin College,
Ohio, and went to Osborn, Mo., about 1876 as a school teacher. Later he entered the claim
department of the Rock Island Railroad, continuing in that capacity at Trenton and later at
Topeka, Kansas, until he was retired on pension in 1923. Since then he has lived in Los
Angeles.
During the early summer of last year, Mr. Clark visited his boyhood home in Tennessee,
visiting Sweetwater, Madisonville and other places in this vicinity. Although 83 years
of age at that time, he made the trip from California to Tennessee unaccompanied. He
had been a subscriber to Madisonville and Sweetwater papers almost continuously since
he left Tennessee as a young man.
Mr. Clark is survived by two sons, Dr. H.L. Clark and C.O. Clark, both of Topeka, and
two brothers, Oscar M. Clark of Summerton, Arizona and J. Dick Clark of Porterville,
Calif. Mrs. Carl Calfee of Madisonville is a niece."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, February 21, 1940, Page
"Madisonville Route 1---We were indeed sorry to learn of the death of Mrs. J.D.
Clark of California. I'm glad I sent her a little personal message Christmas."
---Mrs. Will Kinser.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, August 14, 1940, Page 2:
"Madisonville Route 2---Words are inadequate to express the deep sorrow with which
we learned of the death of Uncle' Dick Clark, while in the office of The Democrat on
Monday morning. We shall all greatly miss his contributions to our beloved Democrat.
Let us as correspondents endeavor with renewed efforts to make newsletters a little
better each week and in this manner we may in a measure make our paper more interesting.
Like the inimitable Rec. C.M. James EcCentric,' Mr. Clark had a style which was all
his own, and none of us can imitate it. Therefore, our paper has lost a valued contributor.
Peace to his ashes."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, August 21, 1940, Page 1:
"Dr. Gilbreath Writes Tribute To J. Dick Clark---The news of the death, due to an
automobile accident, of Dick Clark brought sadness to his multitude of friends.
Dick, through his letters published in the The Democrat, had made friends of many more
people than knew him personally. All who did know him personally were his friends. I
don't think he had an enemy. This is a tribute that should bring pride to his family.
Dick Clark and I were first cousins, our mothers being sisters. These two sisters, Mary
and Jane, and their brother, John H. Brunner, lived in the old Hiwassee neighborhood.
Dick was about six months older than I. We were boyhood companions. We hunted
rabbitts together in the sedge fields in the Short Bark community. Together we pretended
to swim in the muddy mill pond up the creek from the old mill. We worked together in
corn fields, in wheat harvest and in threshing time. When I married Norma Henley, the
daughter of Charles F. and Kitty Jones Henley, Dick went with me on the perilous
journey and Joe E. Lowry accompanied us as the officiating minister at the wedding.
Soon after that, Dick moved from the old community and a little later with his wife went
west. I had seen him only once or twice during these many years, although we kept in
contact with each other through correspondence. Dick loved with an intensity of feeling
the scenes, associations and associates of his boyhood days. He loved the mountains,
the knobs, the birds, the trees, the flowers, the friends of the land where he was born
and spent his early life. He seemed to remember them all, even the Negroes with whom
he had worked in the fields together.
He is survived by only two members of the family, Kate Clark Billings of Franklin, N.C.,
whom I visited less than a month ago, and Oscar Clark, who lives in California and Ed
Clark, the youngest member of the family, whose home is in Knoxville.
He was of a deeply religious nature but, unlike many of the people with whom he was
early associated, he did not worship the superstitious, the forms, or the ceremonies of
religious life. His faith went beyond these things.
We loved Dick for what he really was. We mourn his passing as the departure of a gentle
soul and loyal friend." ---Sidney G. Gilbreath, Atlanta, Ga.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, August 28, 1940, Page 1:
"Another Letter From The Great Northwest---This writer was shocked and very grieved
when an account in The Democrat told of the death of Uncle Dick Clark. Yes, "Uncle
Dick" has written his last article to the old home paper. He will be missed from the
columns of the paper he loved, and the circle of correspondents and the whole
Democrat family will look in vain for his jolly, friendly, homey' familiar articles to
which all had become accustomed, and for which all looked forward to reading in the
old home paper. Yes, Uncle Dick is gone, but he can never be forgotten, as a part of
the life of The Democrat and the community about Hiwassee College, of which he
was a warm friend and booster.
Mr. Clark had ambitions and desires for his dear alma mater and wished for her the
highest favor and success. It is the wish of this writer that the college association and
organization of which he was the originator and first elected president, may commemorate
Mr. Clark by giving greater effort and support in the building up of a greater college.
Such an effort and such a celebration would be a beautiful tribute both to the college
and to Mr. Clark. In this connection it is preeminently fitting that Mr. Clark's kinsman,
cousin, I believe, Prof. S.G. Gilbreath, who is the vice-president of the organization of
graduates and students and a former president of the college, assume and exercise the
function of president of the society and plan for a memorial celebration of the college
and Mr. Clark jointly. The writer is making this suggestion at long range, but it seems
appropriate even at this distance.
But back to Mr. Clark's passing. It was a sudden shock, no doubt, to his children,
and following the passing of his wife, Mrs. Clark, so recently and to whose memory
this writer composed a simple poem for which Uncle Dick' thanked us.
I was very glad if the verses pleased him. Now he is gone and cannot read what is said
about him in The Democrat by his sorrowing friends; his children and friends, I am
sure, will appreciate any kind word said about the dean' of correspondents. He
has no successor." ---John W. Slaton, Walla Walla, Washington.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, July 16, 1941, Page 1:
"Oscar Muller Clark Passes In California---I have just received a message informing
me of the death of my uncle, Mr. Oscar Muller Clark, of San Diego, California.
I feel that he has many friends among the readers of The Democrat who will be
interested to hear of his passing. He was born and reared at Hiwassee College, a
son of E.P. and Mary Clark. He died of cerebral hemorrhage which came very
suddenly and unexpected.
He was born July 8, 1873, and passed away on June 23, 1941. He was married in
1894 to Miss Josie Henley, who survives him. He is also survived by four sons, a
daughter and one brother, E.P. Clark, Jr., of Knoxville." ---Mrs. C.L. Calfee.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, February 18, 1942, Page 1:
"W.E. Clark, Blind Since 1928, Has Succeeded Despite Grave Handicap---The following
is from the Yuma, Arizona, Times, and was submitted to The Democrat by Mrs. C.L.
Calfee. Mr. W.E. Clark is the son of the late "Uncle Dick" Clark of Porterville,
California:
"Refusing to let misfortune claim him, a former Yuma graduate of the Yuma Union
High School, today rates among the most successful poultry raisers in California,
despite the fact that he has been totally blind since 1928 and did not launch his
venture in the poultry industry until 1930.
The man is W.E. Clark, now 39 years old, a nephew of O.M. Clark, who is a widely
known Yuma Valley rancher.
Clark, working for the Federal Government on plant disease research and weed control,
lost his eyesight in 1928 while in the Shafter District of California.
Acids used in his work exploded, scarring his face and destroying his eyes.
Undaunted at a time when no social security could have been resorted to, Clark
heeded the suggestion of friends and in 1930 spent his savings for a small eight-
acre place six miles from Porterville, California.
There, in the fall of 1930, he began his poultry business with 800 pullets, half
Barred Rock and half White Leghorn.
Laying houses, new pens, and other structures were added to the small farm, the
four-room home was remodeled and beautified, and the place converted from a
cotton patch to one of the most attractive rural farmsteads in Tulare County. Today,
Clark has a flock of White leghorn hens varying from 3,500 to 4,000 in number,
depending upon the season.
His average annual egg yield is around 46,000 dozen. White Leghorns are used
exclusively, and Clark has only the best stock, raises his own breeding hens.
The blind poultry man does all of the work---or most all of it, as Mrs. Clark assists
at time---but he gathers the eggs, does his own carpentering and repairing,
painting and maintaining, feeds the flocks, cares for the brooders and incubators.
He walks about the place, opens gates without missing a catch, goes directly---day
or night---to any door of the poultry houses with more exactness and directness than
the average man who can see.
A cooling house is used to place and keep the eggs pending weekly delivery to the
San Joaquin Valley Poultry Producers.
An intricate and efficient cleaning machine is used for the dirty eggs, which are kept
separate from the clean, and the eggs are sized and graded.
W.E. Clark resided in Bard for many years before starting work with the Government
in which he lost his eyes and it was while residing in Bard that he attended the high
school here. Clark is remembered by scores of Yumans, with whom he worked and
played during his school days in this district.
His achievement, the result of individual effort in the face of the most severe handicap,
is cited throughout California as an example of what can be done."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, June 16, 1926, Page 2:
"Howard's Chapel News---We are sorry to learn of the death of Mr. Rufus White of
Loudon. But bereaved ones, he is better off, and let's all prepare to meet him."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, January 25, 1950, Page 1:
"Uncle Bill White Passed On Friday---Funeral services for William Clayton White,
one of Madisonville's oldest and best loved citizens, were held Sunday afternoon
at First Baptist Church, the pastor, Rev. C.J. Veatch, officiating.
Mr. White was 84 years of age. He was born in Monroe County and spent his life here,
having for many years operated a blacksmith and woodworking shop in Madisonville,
until his health failed some time ago. He passed away on Friday at Sweetwater Hospital.
He was familiarly known as "Uncle Bill" by many friends who experience deep sorrow
at his passing.
Surviving are five daughters, Mrs. G.L. Loveday of Sweetwater, Mrs. Agnes Parsons
of Chattanooga, Mrs. Cora Arnold of LaFollete, Mrs. Milton Breith and Mrs. Royston
Cagle of Madisonville; one son, Ross White of Madisonville and several grandchildren."
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Madisonville Democrat, October 17, 1963, Page 1:
"Local Businessman Died Thursday In Baptist Hospital---Leonard A. White, local
businessman and civic leader passed away unexpectedly this morning, Thursday, at
2 a.m. at Baptist Hospital in Knoxville.
Mr. White had been hospitalized for the past 10 days."
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Madisonville Democrat, October 24, 1963, Page 1:
"Death Takes Leonard A. White---Leonard A. White, 58, Madisonville, passed away at
1:45 a.m. Thursday at Baptist Hospital, Knoxville, after a brief illness. He was an active
member of First Baptist Church, Madisonville, also active in civic affairs. Mr. White
was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Lion's Club and Optimist Club. He was
a director in both the Bank of Madisonville and the Hiwassee Furniture Co., as well as a
member of Monroe County Court, and a former member of the Monroe County Board
of Education. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Clyde Smith White; a son, Kendred Alan White;
daughter-in-law, Peggy Cowling White; sisters, Mrs. E.K. Grissom, Mrs. Alfred Mason
and Mrs. Ted Wood of Madisonville, Mrs. Ernest Giles of Akron, Ohio, Mrs. Lois
Burns of Baltimore, Md., Mrs. John Whitley of Knoxville; brothers, William R. of
Madisonville, B.F. of Lenoir City; several nieces, nephews and many other relatives
and friends. Funeral services were held at First Baptist Church, Madisonville, Saturday
at 3 p.m., Rev Dillard Wynatt and Rev. George Goodman officiating. Pallbearers: David
White, Eugene White, Eddie Wood, J.R. Cagle, Billy Cagle and Jimmy Lynn Cagle, all
nephews of Mr. White. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Lions Club, Optimist
Club and local businessmen. Interment in Sunset Cemetery."
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