Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, April 3, 1929, Page 1:

“Route Two---Mrs. Charles Miller passed away at her home in Chattanooga, after a 
lingering illness with pellagra, and the remains were brought here and interred in 
the cemetery at the Chestua Methodist Church on Sunday, March 24. She leaves a husband 
and several children.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, April 10, 1929, Page 4:

“Gudger---We were sorry to learn of the death of Mrs. Charlie Miller of Chattanooga, 
who was buried at Chestua Methodist Church last Sunday afternoon under a beautiful 
mound of flowers.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, June 19, 1940, Page 1:

“Mrs. I.C. Lee, long a resident of Madisonville and this section, died Sunday at 5 a.m. 
at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J.L. Mize, in Loudon. Mrs. Lee was 88 years of age.
She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Lillian Mize of Loudon; Mrs. Dixie Sloan of 
Vonore and Mrs. Lula Taylor of White Pine; three sons, Frank, Arnold and R.T. Lee, all 
of Madisonville; a sister, Mrs. Mollie Autry of Arizona, and a brother, Joe F. Reagan 
of Maryville. Funeral services were held at the Biereley Funeral Home on Monday at 2:30 
p.m., the Rev. Hinch of Loudon officiating. Burial was in Notchey Creek Cemetery.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, July 17, 1940, Page 1and 4:

“Rev. Slaton Writes In Memory Of Mrs. I.C. Lee---My last aunt is gone. 
Another heart thread has broken. I am now considered an old man and the nearer the end 
of life’s journey I come, the more I realize the value of life and what it means to be 
severed from the loved ones who have been in our affections and lives even for a brief 
period of time. And the older I am and the longer I live in the world, the more I come 
to appreciate the values of life; and often after our loved ones are gone from us we 
realize the opportunities we let slip by when we might have done more to enrich both their 
lives and ours, had we only seized those opportunities to bring some act of kindness and 
joy into the lives of loved ones. But they have gone beyond the touch of our hands to bring 
deferred blessings. But we trust they are beyond the realm of need and neglect or failure 
on our part toward them has all been compensated for by the infinite Father of love and 
goodness, who never forgets nor is delinquent in affection and care toward His own.
Our hope of perfect reward and compensation is in Him who doeth all things well.
Aunt Laura (Mrs. I.C. Lee) was the devoted wife of my mother’s youngest brother, the late 
I.C. Lee. She was a most loving and affectionate mother of a fine family of children, and 
a beautiful neighbor; kind to all who came in contact with her. To know Aunt Laura was to 
love her and to enjoy her hospitable spirit. She loved her Savior and her church and many 
things might be said of her Christian life and faithfulness to her church and religion. 
She will be missed by the children, the church, the friends, the community, but she had 
lived more than the allotted “three score and ten” and had drawn a dividend of almost a 
score above her 70 years. Maybe the following little poem will compensate as a tribute to 
my loving and last aunt:

A long life here was given,
And now the vacant chair;
Now she is gone to Heaven
And is waiting for us there.

Kind hands have lost their burden,
But they are gathering there;
Since the death, all too sudden,
Has made the vacant chair.

One by one we are passing,
And then our loved ones see;
The long eternal resting
Soon comes to you and me.

When we’ve lived our time on earth
And lay our burdens down,
We will leave the scenes of birth
And with loved ones wear a crown.

God has been good to us here
And given Mothers dear;
They are waiting for us there,
And hence the vacant chair.

I note, too, Aunt Laura was laid to rest by her husband, I.C. Lee, in old Notchey Creek Cemetery, 
where my dear father was laid to rest back in 1874, when this writer was too young to remember 
even that he had a father.” ---J.W. Slaton, Walla Walla, Washington.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, June 15, 1938, Page 4:

“Local Items of Interest---Mrs. James Allen, aged 70 years, died recently at her home on Big Creek 
and was buried in Big Creek Cemetery. She is survived by her husband and several children.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, November 11, 1942, Page 3:

“Mrs. W.S. Griffith, 78, died at her home near here Sunday at 5 p.m. She is survived by two 
daughters, Mrs. J.T. Fitzgerald of Knoxville and Mrs. H.C. Wynn of Madisonville; five sons, 
Elisha of Washington, William of Maryville, Bonnie, Hildreth and John of Madisonville.
Funeral services were held at the home at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Burial in the Sunset Cemetery with Revs. 
McCoy Franklin and Ratliff officiating.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, January 4, 1933, Page 3:

“Local Items of Interest---N.C. Hawkins was thrown from a horse in the Ballplay section of the county 
two weeks ago, receiving injuries which later caused his death. He was 83 years of age. 
Two sons survive.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, January 11, 1933, Page 1:

“In Memory of Mr. N.C. Hawkins---The angel of death entered the Ball Play community on December 21 
[1932] at 5 o’clock p.m., and claimed for its victim Mr. N.C. Hawkins, who was 83 years, 4 months 
and 5 days old. Mr. Hawkins professed faith in Christ in his early boyhood days. He was a devoted 
member of the Antioch Baptist Church. He loved and practiced the old time religion all throughout 
these many years. We know that he has gone where pain and sorrow will be no more. He can never come 
back to us, but we can go to him. He was the father of 8 children, 4 sons and 4 daughters, 3 of whom 
are living, Mr. Noah Hawkins of Loudon, Tenn.; Mr. Kelley Hawkins of the Ball Play community and Mrs. 
Arthur Lewis of Tellico Plains, Tenn.; a wife, one brother, one sister, 22 grandchildren and 17 
great-grandchildren and a great number of other relatives and friends who all mourn his loss.
He was loved by all who knew him. He prayed daily for his many friends and neighbors.
His death was caused by a horse throwing him about five hours before his death, but he didn’t let 
pain cause his praying to cease. He continued in prayer all the way through and his dying words were 
he was going to Heaven, and he wanted his son, Kelley, who wasn’t prepared to face the judgment, to 
promise he would meet him there.Mr. Hawkins was a good husband, a kind father, a good neighbor and 
an honest, upright man, one who will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
His funeral took place at the Antioch Baptist Church, December 23, 1932, being preached by the Rev. 
O.R. Dotson, whom he had requested to preach his funeral.
The pall bearers were six grandsons, Rema, Manis, Zema and Verlin Hawkins, Fred Lewis and Earnest Best. 
Reba Lewis and Ocie Lee Hawkins bore the flowers, which were very beautiful.
After the services his remains were laid under a mound of flowers to await the Resurrection Morn.” 
---Written by a Granddaughter.
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, October 22, 1953, Page 10:

“James Harve Shepherd, 71, of Niota and formerly of LaFollette, died at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Epperson 
Hospital, Athens. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Linda Ford Shepherd; two daughters, Mrs. Hinton 
Sharp of LaFollette and Mrs. William Trotter of Cleveland; four sons, Troy of Pocahontas, Virginia, 
Adie and Luther of Niota and Kelly of Athens; 34 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; sisters, 
Mrs. Mary Bell Housley of LaFollette and Mrs. Delia Housley of Independence, Kansas; five brothers, 
Whitt, John and Russ, all of LaFollette, Bart of Anco, Kentucky, Newt of Independence, Kansas. 
Funeral services were held today (Thursday) at the Grantsboro Baptist Church near LaFollette, 
conducted by Rev. Lloyd Long of Dayton. Burial was in the church cemetery.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, May 29, 1929, Page 2:

“Tellico Plains Route One---Mrs. Ora Rogers, who had been sick for quite awhile, died at the home of 
her brother, Mr. John Perrine, May 15, and was buried at Shady Grove, May 16.”
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Monroe County Democrat, Wednesday, March 5, 1969, Page 17:

“Funeral services for Oscar C. Newman, 79, of Alcoa, were held Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Alcoa Central 
Baptist Church, with the Rev. Hoyt Shadden officiating. Mr. Newman, a former resident, of Tellico 
Plains, passed away Monday at 12:15 p.m. at his home in Alcoa. He was a retired ALCOA employee and 
was a member of the Alcoa 25-Year Club. He was a member of Central Baptist Church of Alcoa.
Survivors include the wife, Mrs. Kittie Cole Newman of Alcoa; sons, James and John, both of Knoxville, 
Harold of Long Beach, California, and Charles “Buck” of Alcoa; daughters, Mrs. Leonard Hancock of 
Maryville; Mrs. Dennis Miller of Alcoa; Mrs. George Fogleman of Washington, D.C.; sisters, Mrs. 
Cora Hunt of Tellico Plains; Mrs. Walter Mitchell of Akron, Ohio; Mrs. William Akins of Maryville; 
Mrs. Letha Akins of Longview, Texas; and Mrs. Burl Tallent of Madisonville; brothers, Claude of 
Maryville and Floyd of Lenoir City. Burial was in Clark’s Grove Cemetery.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, January 22, 1941, Page 3:

"James A. Ervin Passes At Rockwood Home After Long Illness---Mr. James A. Ervin, one of Rockwood's 
most prominent citizens, died Sunday at 12:10 a.m. at is home there. He had been in failing health 
for many months. Mr. Ervin was 82 years of age. He was president of the Rockwood Mills, the city's 
largest industry, and formerly was treasurer of the mills and president of the First National Bank.
Mr. Ervin went to Rockwood from Monroe County, where he was born. He entered the mercantile business 
and affiliated himself with many other business interests. He was an Elder in the First Christian 
Church of Rockwood. In 1884, Mr. Ervin was married to Miss Malissa Cornelia Kendrick, she having 
died three years ago. Surviving are four sisters, Mrs. J.E. Smith of Pittsburg; Mrs. Charles Parsons 
of Johnson City; Mrs. S.P. Hale of Madisonville, and Mrs. W.E. Lawrence of Rockwood.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the First Christian Church in Rockwood, the Rev. 
Stanley H. Dysart officiating. Burial was in Oak Grove Cemetery."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, June 28, 1944, Page 1:

“Rev. Slaton Answers Call To Life’s Rewards---It is with sincere regret that The Democrat learns of 
the death of the Rev. John Winslow Slaton, for years a Baptist minister and teacher in Monroe County, 
but who went to the Northwest some time ago. He passed away at a hospital in his home city of Walla 
Walla, Washington, where he resided at 557 Washington Street, after an illness of three years.
Rev. Slaton was born Jan. 22, 1871 in Monroe County, and death came on Sunday afternoon, June 18, 
1944. He is said to have been exceptionally cheerful all throughout his illness. After moving to 
the Northwest, Rev. Slaton transferred his membership to the Nazarene Church. Most of his church 
work was done in Texas and Oklahoma before he went to Washington to reside six years ago.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Emma Slaton; two daughters, Mrs. Odes Sloan of Kennewick, Washington, 
and Mrs. Truett Taylor of San Francisco, California; a son, Hawthorne Slaton of Monterey, California, 
and two brothers, James and Arch Slaton of Durant, Oklahoma.
Funeral services were held from a chapel in Walla Walla, the Rev. Charles Maxon officiating. Burial 
was in Dayton, Washington, beside the grave of his mother, Mrs. T.J. Slaton, who passed away in 1921.
Rev. Mr. Slaton for some time was a correspondent to The Democrat, and his letters were read with 
much interest by a large number of people. Some time ago he wrote touchingly of a dream in which 
he saw a beautiful chariot descend through the clouds, pause and return to the skies. Once again 
the chariot has returned, this time taking the immortal soul of our friend aboard and onto the 
place somewhere out yonder which we call Heaven, where his life’s work no doubt will be blessed 
by the kind Father and he can continue his work there where suffering is never known.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, July 5, 1944, Page 1:

“In The Long Ago---I was deeply grieved to learn of the death of Rev. 
John Slaton, of Walla Walla, Washington. In his younger days Rev. Slaton was a Baptist minister of 
note and one of our most outstanding Monroe County teachers. John Slaton was born in Monroe County 
and spent most of his young manhood here among us. Many hundreds of young men and women have been 
led to Christ through the preaching and teaching of this truly consecrated Christian minister and 
teacher. His whole life was spent in the service of his Master. How each of us will miss those 
interesting letters, “Northwest Breezes.” Our hearts are saddened deeply by his passing. We have 
lost a good friend and fellow correspondent, and I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to his bereaved 
family. Our friend has answered his Master’s call to that home in the far beyond, where there are
“No disappointments, no last friendships, Never a tear, or hearts that pain; But peace, peace, how 
sweet the echo, Mingled with our Savior’s name.”
---Vastine Stickley.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, August 16, 1944, Page 4:

“Another Soldier Has Fallen From Action---We were made very sad some weeks ago when we received 
news of the death of Rev. John W. 
Slaton---and we also rejoice as we think of the hope which he held and which he preached to others. 
As I think of his life, I think also of the last part of the verse from Paul, “I have fought a good 
fight, I have kept the faith.” How much suffering and trial it meant to Paul to keep the faith! And 
the same was true of John W. Slaton. A great and good man has fallen in Israel. We esteemed him highly, 
and in his passing we have lost a true friend. Here is an excerpt from a personal letter he wrote me. 
It is so beautiful that I want to give it to the readers of The Democrat: “As I am alone, and am 
thinking of you and the nice tribute and bouquet you gave me in last week’s Democrat, I feel I must 
not and cannot forbear reciprocating your love and esteem for me, though unworthy I am. But we do 
appreciate a few flowers as we go along life’s pathway and enjoy the roses without so many thorns 
occasionally. Life has enough thorns at the best, you know. So I assure you of my deepest and 
tenderest appreciation for the hand-picked flowers you gave me.”
I have often said that the joy I give to others is the joy that comes back to me, and so it is in 
this. And I am grateful. In conclusion, I want to say to the bereaved that the deceased has only 
fallen asleep in Christ. But now we are coming ever nearer to the time when the entire work of the 
Lord for this present age will be finished. How wonderful will be the resurrection with the gathering 
of all who have suffered so much for the Gospel---rejoicing in salvation. How little those sufferings 
and sacrifices will seem then. I can say no more; human consolation is weak. May God’s blessings rest 
upon you in your hours of sorrow, is the prayer of your loving friend.” 
---O.W. Hamilton, Dawson, Alabama.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, January 27, 1937, Page 3:

“Rex Lee, 45, former Monroe County register, died at his home here Sunday after a brief illness 
of pneumonia. Survivors are his wife, two daughters, Miss Juanita Lee and Mrs. Sanford Smith; 
two sons, George and Raymond Lee, all of Madisonville; his mother, Mrs. I.C. Lee of Loudon; 
sisters, Mrs. Calloway Sloan of Madisonville; Mrs. John Taylor of Dandridge and Mrs. J.L. Mize 
of Loudon; and three brothers, J. Frank, Arnold and Robert T., postmaster at Madisonville, all 
of this community. Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church here at 10 o’clock Tuesday 
morning, with the pastor, Rev. F.F. Essary, officiating, and burial was made in the Sunset Cemetery.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, November 22, 1962, Page 1:

“Sam William Harris, 62, of Tellico Plains, Route 3, passed at 1:30 p.m. Thursday of last week at 
Sweetwater Hospital. He is survived by his wife. Mrs. Allie Hunt Harris; three daughters, Mrs. 
Marie Forrester of Texas, Mrs. Willie Mae Nichols and Mrs. Margaret Odell of Tellico Plains; 
a son, Ted Harris of Tellico Plains; six sisters, Mrs. Mary Coleman of Georgia, Mrs. Esta Mae 
Harris and Mrs. Esma Harris both of Athens; Mrs. Nellie Woods, Mrs. Fannie Tallent and Mrs. 
Linda Walker, all of Tellico Plains; two brothers, Faye and Tom Harris, both of Tellico Plains.
Funeral services took place at 2 p.m. Sunday at Mt. Isabel Baptist Church, with Rev. James 
Thomas officiating. Burial followed in the Hunt Cemetery.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, May 4, 1938, Page 1:

“Samuel J. McConkey---Funeral services for Samuel J. McConkey were conducted April 27 at 1:30 p.m. 
at Bethlehem Church by Rev. John T. Stakely and Rev. Wash Mitchell. Burial followed in the church 
cemetery. Samuel J. McConkey was born June 28, 1863; died April 25, 1938; age 74 years, ten months 
and 17 days when God called him home. He was married to Brazella Hicks on June 10, 1886. To this 
union were born eleven children, two of whom, Luford and Browder, died in infancy. 
Thos living are Mrs. Fred Haun, Mrs. Elisha Watson and Miss Leona McConkey, all of Madisonvillel 
Ernest, Henry and Wesley McConkey of Lenoir City; Warner and Willie McConkey of Madisonville and 
Leonard McConkey of Tellico Plains. Samuel J. McConkey professed faith in Christ late in life and 
joined the Bethlehem Baptist Church in July 1925, and remained a faithful member until death.
Besides his devoted wife and children, he leaves to mourn his death two brothers, Reuben and Jimmie 
McConkey of Etowah; four sisters, Mrs. George Harris of Tellico Plains, Mrs. Fate Wilson of Athens, 
Mrs. Sidney Toomey of Englewood and Mrs. Arch Slaton of Oklahoma; also 22 grandchildren and a host 
of other relatives and friends. There’s no father now to guide us; he has left us here alone. Life 
was sweet with him here. He always spoke a kind and loving word to all whom he met. It was sad 
indeed to lose him, but he will be happier in Heaven, where it was God’s will to call him, to a 
mansion fair above.” ---A Daughter-in-law.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, April 28, 1937, Page 3:

“John Spradling Killed---John Spradling, aged about 25, was killed here Tuesday night by Night 
Policeman Orville Peck. We are unable to get any particulars as to the shooting.
Spradling was running a saw mill at Acorn. He lived in Binfield, near Maryville. He was taken to 
Sweetwater Hospital but died before arriving there. His body was sent to his home at Binfield for burial.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, May 5, 1937, Page 1:

“Three Point News---We were all sorry to hear of the death of Johnny Spradling, who was killed 
last Tuesday night at Madisonville. Johnny had been working in this community for some time. He 
was a hard-working, young man and the very picture of health and was loved by all who knew him. 
We want to say that Johnny leaves a vacant chair in his parents’ home that cannot be filled by him 
anymore. Where he has gone I do not know, but I hope we will meet Johnny in Heaven some bright day.”
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Madisonville Democrat, September 15, 1937, Page 3:

“G.O. Peck Exonerated Of Murder Charge---The trial of G.O. Peck, charged with killing John Spradlin 
of Blount County on the night of April 27, this year, on Tellico Street in Madisonville, was held 
this week. Mr. Peck was defended by R.R. Cramer of Maryville and Frank N. Bratton of Madisonville, 
and Attorney General Witt was assisted by Peace & Sloan of Madisonville and Ray Jenkins of Knoxville. 
Both sides were ably represented and it was one of the most bitterly fought cases in recent years.
There were only two eyewitnesses present when the deed was committed, Mr. Peck and Porter Hawkins. 
A part of their testimony was the same. We give below their testimony:

Porter Hawkins testified that Spradlin came to the Sandwich Shop about 10:30 and remained there until 
he closed up about 12 o’clock. He said Spradlin was out of gas and he told him he (Hawkins) would go 
down to the Standard station and wake up the proprietor and help him get the gas. Hawkins started ahead 
of Spradlin, but Spradlin did not come. A few minutes later he saw a car coming and flagged it down, 
thinking it was Spradlin. It was Mr. Peck. When he (Peck) stopped, he asked Hawkins what the trouble was. 
When Hawkins said no trouble, he was looking for some gas for a man from Blount County, Peck told Hawkins 
he believed the car went toward Sweetwater. Hawkins went on the hunt for Spradlin and found him and Peck 
on Tellico Street.

When he reached there, he said he heard Spradlin tell Peck if he had done anything out of the way he was 
willing to pay the price. About the same time Peck fired the fatal shot. The only utterance from Spradlin 
was, “Do something for me; I am bleeding to death.” Hawkins said he asked Peck to help him take the wounded 
man to the hospital, but Peck insisted that he call an ambulance, which he did.

Mr. Peck testified that when he first saw Spradlin he was in his car on the public square. He told Peck 
he was going to his home in Maryville. Peck asked him if he knew the road to Maryville, and he said he did. 
Spradlin started his car, and in place of going toward Maryville he went down past the jail. Peck said he 
knew Spradlin was drinking and he followed Spradlin and overtook him just above the jail and stopped him 
and told him he was too drunk to drive a car, and to come and go with him. He said Spradlin refused to go 
and he could not take him. He got into a struggle and Spradlin got Peck’s left thumb in his mouth, and there 
it was when Peck struck Spradlin with his black-jack, trying to make him let loose. At this point, Peck said, 
Hawkins came up and held him while Spradlin was beating him in the face and chest. Peck said it was then he 
fired the shot, believing his life was in danger.
The jury was out only a few minutes, when they came in and rendered their verdict of not guilty.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, December 16, 1942, Page 1:

“Mount Vernon---Miss Juanita Lee of Calderwood was present at the funeral of her uncle, Stickley Lee.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, January 7, 1931, Page 4:

“Mrs. Ann Devine, widow of Jacob Devine, died at 3 o’clock, Dec. 20, at the home of her son, Thomas 
Devine of Vonore, Route One, after a lingering illness. She was 75 years old. Mrs. Devine will be 
greatly missed by everyone in this community, where she was known by all for her cheerful Christian 
spirit. She was loved by everyone. She professed faith in Christ early in life and was a member of 
the Baptist church. Surviving are three sons, Thomas, Houk and Hobart of Vonore, Route One, and 
two daughters, Mrs. Lulu Lynn of Knoxville and Mrs. Maggie Spradlin of Madisonville, also a number 
of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sons and one daughter are deceased.
Funeral services were conducted at Mt. Zion and burial in the cemetery nearby to await the Resurrection.”
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Madisonville Democrat, September 26, 1963, Page 7:

“Tom Jenkins, of Tellico Plains, Star Route, passed away at 1:05 p.m. 
Tuesday. Survivors: daughter, Mrs. Charlie Best of Tellico Plains, Star Route; Sons, Otho Jenkins, 
Charlie Jenkins both of Tellico Plains, Star Route; 6 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren. Funeral 
2 p.m. Thursday at Tellico Baptist Church (Ballroad), Rev. John Stockley officiating. 
Burial in church cemetery.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, January 12, 1927, Page 3:

“Man’s Body Found---Was Tom Miller, 35, slain and his home on Cocker Creek burned to conceal the crime?

This question has confronted officers since the finding of Miller in the ruins of his home last Saturday 
night. An inquest Sunday resulted in a verdict that Miller came to his death at the hands of an unknown 
party or parties.

Miller lived alone in his dwelling, having been separated from his wife for several months. The house 
is located about eight miles from Tellico Plains.

The theory is considered that Miller met with foul play. This is strengthened by the statement of a 
neighbor, Andy Payne, that he had heard two shots in the direction of the Miller home about 7 p.m., 
but had not thought much about them until later his attention was attracted by light from the burning 
building.

Two copper jacketed bullets were found in the ashes of the home near the remains of Miller.

Neighbors, on seeing the flames, had hurried to the house but the red heat prevented them from 
entering it then.

When the corpse of Miller could be brought out, it was found in front of the hearth and indications 
were he had been sitting there comfortably at the time of his death. Whoever shot him to death may 
have slipped up on him and fired the fatal shots. The body was burned beyond recognition.

Sheriff Upton, Squire Mitchell and others Sunday went to the scene and conducted an investigation. 
A coroner’s jury was empanelled. After inquiry, it returned a verdict that Miller had come to his 
death at the hands of an unknown party or parties.

Miller is reported to have had some enemies and his life is said to have been threatened.”
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Madisonville Democrat, January 25, 1912, Page 1:

“Squire Samuel Young Minnis died at his home in East Madisonville, Sunday morning, January 14th. He 
was born in Madisonville, December 8th 1843. He married Martha Calfee on October 8th 1867. To this 
marriage were born ten sons and four daughters. One son, Gillford Y., died May 27, 1877, and one 
daughter, Martha Ellen, died October 14th 1893.
Squire Minnis had the respect of the entire community. He was the friend of everybody. Every position 
of life with which he entered he did his best. He was a blacksmith, wagon maker, mail carrier, post 
master, merchant, justice of the peace, and judge of the county court. In these positions he put his 
true self with an earnest purpose to succeed. He was strictly honest in all his dealings. He was 
industrious and benevolent. In his ordinary avocations he never sought riches, but expended his 
earnings with a wise and liberal hand upon his large family of children and grandchildren, and 
wherever he might find a friend in need, his last cent was often given to supply the need. He was a 
liberal hearted man. God has richly rewarded him in enabling him and his faithful, patient, economic 
wife to rear and educate nine sons, three daughters and four grandchildren. Few men have been more 
blessed. As a father and grandfather he was thoughtful, patient, kind and generous. 
His earnest desire was to make men and women of his family and he richly succeeded.
As a public servant, Monroe never had a more faithful, painstaking, honest man. He was Justice of the 
Peace for 36 continuous years. In all these years he so ordered his business that at the end he was 
more influential and esteemed than ever before. Few justices ever compromised as many lawsuits and 
made friends for those who were at variance as he. He sought peace and discouraged litigation. His 
decisions were always from an intelligent conviction that he was upholding the majesty of the law. 
He was the special friend of young men and boys and his kindly advice will live in the lives of a 
great company of these. As post master he gave satisfaction. As judge of the county court he was 
wise, faithful and economic. Squire Minnis was made a Master Mason of Tellico Lodge No. 80, F. & A.M. 
in 1870. The lodge never had a more popular master or faithful secretary. He made a record of attendance 
of more than 20 years without missing a meeting. He was a true and tried brother. He was never 
demonstrative but he was ever planning to do something for the good of Masonry. More than once 
he was known to take the last cent he had and give it to some poor beggar upon the streets of 
Madisonville. His work was well done. He was a Confederate soldier and was paroled at Vicksburg, 
Mississippi. He never united with the church until late in life. He had such high ideals of church 
membership, he hesitated to join the church, because of his unworthiness. He, with his wife, who 
had been a Christian for years, united with the Presbyterian Church at Madisonville only a short 
time before his death.
The funeral services were conducted by the pastor, Dr. J.L. Bachman, assisted by Rev. Eugene Blake 
and Rev. Browning. The large assembly at the church taxed the building to the utmost. The Circuit 
Court then in session, adjourned in order that the officials might pay their respects to the man 
whom they knew and honored. Dr. Bachman spoke of his life and character, as based upon the 16th 
verse of the 91st Psalms.
“With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.”
The body was laid to rest in Madisonville Cemetery, with Masonic honors.
“After life’s fitful fever, He sleeps well.” [A picture of Mr. Minnis accompanied the article]
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, April 23, 1941, Page 1:

“Mr. Stickley Writes Of Late Squire Minnis And His Family---S.Y. Minnis, son of James and S. K. 
Chaney Minnis, was born Dec. 8, 1843, and died Jan. 24, 1912, at the age of 69 years. He was 
married to Martha Calfee, daughter of Jeremiah Calfee, about the year 1867, and to this union 
were born 14 children, two of whom died in infancy. Of the remaining 12, all are living except 
two. Squire Minnis was a blacksmith by trade; a justice of the peace for a number of years; 
served as postmaster at Madisonville under President Harrison, and acted as secretary of 
Tellico Lodge, F. & A.M. for many years. Hid children are as follows:
Malinda K., who married John Pardue, died several years ago, and Robert A. died recently. James M. 
is in Colorado; George F. resides in Madisonville; Frank A. lives in Arizona; Hester, who married 
Wiley McGhee, lives in Wyoming; Horace N. lives in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, and is a former 
newspaper editor there; Oscar R. lives in Georgia and works for the Southern Railway; Wright 
lives in California; Clara M., who married A Mr. Taylor, lives in Johnson City; Samuel Henry 
and John R. live in Wyoming. As shown above, George F. is the only child living in Madisonville. 
He first married a Miss Matlock of McMinn County, who died, leaving two children, Louise Hart, 
who lives at Johnson City, and Nell Minnis, who lives in California. His second wife is Esther, 
the daughter of Henry Mason, and they have two very fine, promising sons, As stated above Linnie 
K. married John Pardue, a very handsome, young man, who was liked by everyone in town. He was 
postmaster under President Cleveland’s administration and died while in office. They lived where Dr. 
Kimbrough’s house now stands, and had two children, Beulah and John Franklin, the latter dying at 
the age of 14 years, with appendicitis. Mrs. Pardue lived with her father after her husband’s death, 
and taught school, thus maintaining her children. The daughter, Beulah, married W.O. Brakebill, a 
son of Peeler Brakebill, who has been one of the most successful businessmen of our town. He held 
the office of Trustee of Monroe County for four terms and is now sheriff of our county. They have 
four very interesting children. S.Y. Minnis’ mother was a sister of Mrs. William Spears, Mrs. 
William Williams and Mrs. John Minnis. She later married Mr. Love, of Coghill, McMinn County, 
and had one daughter, Josie Love, who married Judge H.B. Witt of Coker Creek. They are both 
now deceased, leaving a large family, two of whom are living in Madisonville, Mrs. H.L. Callahan 
and R. Beecher Witt, our present attorney general. Squire Minnis was a man who looked on the 
bright side of life, notwithstanding he had such a large family to support and educate. While 
he did not accumulate a great deal of material wealth, he left a treasure in his fine sons and 
daughters, all of whom are highly respected. He had two by-words that he used often, “by gosh” 
and “dod-snap it.” When he went to get married, he had made himself a nice buggy and bought a 
high-spirited horse. After the ceremony he assisted his bride into the buggy and started to their 
home in Madisonville. The horse began to run away, but he managed to rein it up in a fence corner. 
He jumped out of the buggy, got the horse by the bridle bits and looked back at his wife and said, 
“Martha, dod-snap it, why didn’t you jump?” He lived on the lot adjoining the cemetery, where Mr. 
Wright now lives. The house that he built was burned two or three years ago. His blacksmith shop 
was on the same side of the street that his house was on and very close to the house. Mrs. Minnis 
objected to it being there, so he bought a part of the Bolivar Academy property, just across the 
street and built a large shop and large barn there. At the end of the barn he built a nice, large 
room for his boys to stay in. When asked about this, he remarked that he had so many at the house 
he couldn’t turn around.” 
---Vastine Stickley.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, February 15, 1933, Page 2:

In Memory of Uncle James Payne---James W. Payne, 87-year-old veteran of the Civil War, died at the 
home of his daughter, Mrs. Nettie Roberson, Sunday, January 29th at 6:30 a.m., after a lingering 
illness. Uncle Jim, as he was known was long prominent in this section.
Funeral services were conducted by Rev. W.N. Cagle, Monday at 2 p.m. 
from the M.E. Church, South. Interment was in the Beulah Cemetery by the side of his wife who 
had preceded him nine years ago. Surviving are nine children, five sons and four daughters, Joseph 
Robert, Brunner and Walter of Tellico Plains, and Jack of Chattanooga; Mrs. Lon Patterson, Mrs. 
Nettie Roberson of Tellico Plains, Mrs. Annie Saffles of Akron, Ohio; and Mrs. Gussie Payne of 
Chattanooga; two aged sisters and a number of grandchildren.
Pallbearers were six grandsons, Cyril, Cecil and Bobuley Payne, Merle and Thurman Robinson and 
Earnest Cochran. Uncle Jim professed faith in Christ several years ago, and I can say, “weep not 
oh loved ones, for Uncle Jim has gone to a better world than this.” I pray that God’s richest 
blessings rest upon the family, in this, their hour of sorrow.” 
---Written by a niece, Mrs. Minnie Coppinger.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, February 22, 1933, Page 2:

“In Memory---On the morning of January 29th 1933, just as the sun was gilding the hilltops, the 
Lord spoke to a loving father, James W. Payne, and called him to his heavenly home.
Bro. Payne was born in 1846, being 86 years, 11 months and 4 days old. 
He was married to Annis Parks in 1869. To this union 11 children were born; 6 girls and 5 boys. 
One girl died in infancy and one, Mrs. Callie Cochran, died two years ago. His loving companion 
and wife preceded him to the grave 9 years ago. He had made his home with his daughter, Mrs. John 
Robinson for the past five years. All of his children that attended his bedside during his sickness 
done all that loving hands might do to make his suffering more easy. Bro. Payne was a veteran of 
the Civil War service and a faithful man to his country; always favored the right and opposed the 
wrong. The writer has known Bro. Payne all his life. He was a good neighbor, a kind-hearted man, 
and a loving father to his children, and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those who 
needed assistance. We might say as the king said, “A great man has fallen this day in Israel.”
Bro. Payne will be greatly missed by the community and neighbors, and most of all his children. 
Those visits to see father are privileges which they may no longer enjoy.
He made a profession of faith 43 years ago, but like many others did not live as he ought to in 
his Christian life, but in his last years he renewed his faith and lived a faithful Christian 
life until he was called by his Master. His going away leaves to mourn his children: Joe, Bob, 
Brunner, Walter Payne, Mrs. Lon Patterson, Mrs. John Robinson, all of Tellico Plains; Jack Payne 
of Chattanooga; Miss Gussie Payne of Georgia; Mrs. Annis Saffles of Akron, Ohio; two sisters, 
Mrs. Pokie Harris and Mrs. Mary Jane Hamilton of Tellico Plains; one brother, Dock Payne of 
Canada, and a host of grandchildren.
Funeral service was held at Beulah M.E. Church on Jan. 30, 1933, at 2 o’clock by Rev. W.N. Cagle.
Pallbearers were his six grandsons, Earnest Cochran of Georgia; Bobbie Payne of Chattanooga; 
Cyrel and Cecil Payne, Merle and Thurman Robinson of Tellico Plains.
The bereaved have the sympathy of all.” ---One Who Knew Him.
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, December 17, 1953, Page 1:

“Leon Wayman Dies As Aftermath Of Pistol Shot; Funeral Tuesday---Henry Leon Wayman, 25, died 
Sunday afternoon at Sweetwater Hospital, where he was taken on Friday suffering with abdominal 
injuries from a small caliber pistol blast, said to have been self inflicted.
The fatal shot was fired in an automobile on Old Athens Road, near Madisonville. He was 
accompanied by his wife, the former Miss Gena Margaret Atkins, who first brought him to 
the office of Dr. R.C. Kimbrough. Mr. Wayman spent his childhood in Madisonville, the son of Mr. 
& Mrs. J.M. Wayman, now of Knoxville. He was a former manager of moving picture theaters in 
North Carolina, Sweetwater and Madisonville. He is survived by his wife and a son, David; his 
parents, nine sisters and one brother. Burial occurred Wednesday afternoon in Sunset Cemetery 
following funeral services at First Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Harold Malone, pastor, 
and Rev. Wayne McMillan of Knoxville.”
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Monroe County Democrat, March 13, 1968, Page 8:

“Former Tellico Man Died Friday In Greenville---William Andrew Harris, 75, of Piedmont, S.C., 
formerly of Tellico Plains, died Friday in Greenville, SC.
Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Raymond Rogers of Tellico, Route 1; one son, Floyd Harris 
of Chattanooga; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Jim Harris of Tellico; 
several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Sunday at Brown Hill Presbyterian Church with the Rev. W.O. Beaty 
officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Kyker’s in charge.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, October 25, 1951, Page 8:

“William F. Denton Dies At Home Here---Funeral services for William Frank Denton, 55, were held 
on Monday afternoon at Hopewell Springs Baptist Church, Revs. John T. Stakely and James Patton 
officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Mr. Denton died at his home near Madisonville 
on Oct. 20, following an illness. Surviving are his wife, Stella Wilson Denton; four daughters, 
Mrs. J.L. Kiser of Buffalo, New York, Miss Marie Denton of Knoxville, Margie and Helen of the 
home; four sons, Winford, H.L., Jimmy and Cecil of the home; his mother, Mrs. H.L. Denton; three 
brothers and one sister.”
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Monroe County Democrat, Wednesday, March 26, 1969, Page 4:

“Wandering Thoughts---My grandfather, Zack Malone, who passed away in Etowah in 1931 at the age 
of 82, grew up and spent most of his life in the Notchey Creek community in Monroe County before 
he sold out there and moved to Madisonville and later to Etowah. He was one of the best and 
wisest men I have ever known. The Malone family was prominent and well known in this area 
several years ago and still has many relatives and friends in the Athens, Etowah, Englewood 
and Madisonville areas. In the last several years my grandfather lived in the Notchey Creek 
community, he lived just across the road (now Highway 68) from the Notchey Creek Baptist 
Church in what was later known as the Bob Patterson place, and since he was a carpenter and 
blacksmith he set up and operated a blacksmith shop down in the corner near the road. Here 
he did blacksmith work and made coffins for the people who died in the community.
In grandfather’s family of six children there was a son named Reillus. 
Now when Reillus was a boy of six years or so he was full of curiosity, had a good memory and 
sometimes would pick up words around the blacksmith shop which he never heard at home. These 
words he picked up often got him into trouble with his father. Once when the family went away 
to town or somewhere they left Reillus and his brother, John, two years older, at home and 
asked a neighbor who lived nearby to keep an eye on them. The family had hardly gotten out of 
sight when the two boys started a bonfire. The neighbor came with a pine brush and put out the 
fire. As soon as the neighbor left, the boys moved farther away and started another fire. Again 
the neighbor came with his brush and put out the fire. The boys then went down to where they 
thought they were out of sight and started a third fire. The third time the neighbor came with 
his brush and brushed out the fire. Then Reillus looked up and disgustedly said to the neighbor, 
“If you were to die and go to a certain place you would take along a brush and try to put out 
the fire.” Only Reillus was more specific about the place where the neighbor might take his 
brush and try to put out the fire. We do not have the space here to tell in detail about the 
time John, the older brother, fell off the old mare and thought his insides were coming out, 
or the time when Reed, the younger brother, after he was a grown man and a big man at that, 
while squirrel hunting on Starr’s Mountain, got his feet entangled in a crooked tree branch 
and stumbled and fell for thirty feet down the trail and landed on all fours, looking up with 
the most surprised, embarrassed, comical and ridiculous look on his face that I have ever seen 
on the face of any man. Some of you “boys” mention this to Reed the next time you see him.” 
---By W.C.R.
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, July 15, 1954, Page 8:

“Charles E. Dunn, 70, died Saturday at Riverside Hospital, Paducah, Kentucky. He was a retired 
Monroe County farmer. Survivors are: three sons, Oscar Dunn of Kingston; Harrison of Chattanooga 
and Charles, Jr. 
of Michigan.; two daughters, Mrs. J.M. Kearney and Mrs. Carl Timmons, both of Murray, Kentucky. 
Funeral services and burial occurred Tuesday afternoon at New Providence Church, Rev. Sam Wolfe 
officiating.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, February 12, 1941, Page 1:

“John Riley Crye, aged 77 years, died on Wednesday of last week at his home near Madisonville. 
Funeral services were held Friday morning at Williamson’s Chapel. Burial was in the church 
cemetery. Biereley’s in charge.
Mr. Crye is survived by his wife; three daughters, Mrs. Hubert Skeen of Jefferson City; Mrs. 
Jeff Fields of Alcoa; Mrs. J. Hubert Huff of Tallahassee, Florida; four sons, Frank Crye of 
Richmond, Indiana; Shimmon Crye of Maryville; Glenn and Clyde Crye of Knoxville.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, May 5, 1943, Page 4:

“Tulogahler---Mr. W.H. Harrison, one of our best and most respected citizens, passed away at 
General Hospital, Knoxville, on April 25. 
Funeral services were held at the home. Quite a large number of friends gathered to pay the last 
honors to one who was well and favorably known. 
Mr. Harrison had not been well for some time, but he was so energetic that he did not stop work. 
He was in the field directing some work when he was suddenly seized with such great pain that he 
was rushed to the hospital, where he received every medical attention that could be given. 
He leaves a widow; one son, Mack, and three grandsons to mourn his going. We will all miss Mr. 
Harrison. Dr. Miles and Rev. Floyd Watts of Maryville conducted the funeral service. He was buried 
in the Harrison Cemetery, Loudon, where many of his loved ones rest.” ---Eunice.
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Madisonville Democrat, June 2, 1965, Page 2:

“W.K. Tyler, 77, of Route 2, Tellico Plains, died at 1:45 p.m. Saturday at Lowry-Henshaw Hospital, 
Sweetwater. Survivors: wife; Mrs. Rinda Tyler; three daughters, Mrs. Charles Cockran, Mrs. Kathleen 
Wear, both of Tellico Plains; Mrs. Thomas Farmer of Knoxville; sons, Troy and Goodloe, both of 
Madisonville; sister, Mrs. C.W. Isbill of Tellico Plains; brother, Reid Tyler of Maryville; eight 
grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held 
at 4 p.m. Monday at Piney Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Horace Atkins, Rev, James Thomas and 
Rev. Tyson Matoy officiating. Interment in church cemetery.”

Page 14:

“Mt. Vernon News---Mr. Kash Tyler departed this life May 29th. It was 
good to have Kash on our baseball team back in 1908 through 1915. He was 
a clean sportsman and a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church.”
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Madisonville Democrat, June 9, 1965, Page 2:

“Jasper Tyler, age 88, died Thursday, June 3, at his home on Madisonville, Route 1. Survivors: wife, 
Tip Rogers Tyler; two daughters, Mrs. Fred Green of Madisonville, and Mrs. John Davis of Maryville; 
four sons, Theodore, Raymond and G.B. all of Maryville, and Marcus of Madisonville; 39 grandchildren; 
several great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Martha Wiseman of Madisonville; five brothers, Sam of 
Maryville, Jim of Sweetwater, Sherman of Madisonville, Conway of Dayton, Tenn., and Carter of Tellico 
Plains. Funeral services were held at Oak Grove Baptist Church, Saturday, June 5, at 2 p.m. with 
Rev. Chester Millsaps, Rev. Eli Henry and Rev. James Thomas officiating. Burial in church cemetery. 
Bierley’s in charge.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, March 27, 1929, Page 1:

    “Vonore Route Four---There have been a number of deaths about here, including Mrs. T.G. Brackett, 
Mrs. Bill Tyler, Mrs. Charles Davis and Mrs. Ty Starritt. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. To all the 
bereaved we can say weep not for those that are gone, for they are now living in a home where 
there is no sorrow, trouble or pain.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, November 16, 1932, Page 3:

“Mrs. Louis Miller Celebrates Birthday---Mrs. Louis Miller, widow of Dr. 
Louis Miller, who makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Landon Haynes, near Tellico Plains, 
celebrated her 92nd birth anniversary Sunday, Nov. 
13. Mrs. Miller, who has been blind for a number of years, was given a surprise party Saturday, 
Nov. 12, by the Bible Class of the Eleazar Methodist Church. Children, grand and great-grandchildren 
also visited Mrs. Miller, in addition to a host of friends who called Saturday and Sunday.
Mrs. Miller, although very feeble, has a mind of penetrating keenness and is a character worth 
knowing. All her life she has traveled a path of whole-hearted consecration to God. Mrs. 
Miller is the mother of five children, two sons and three daughters, four of whom are living. 
One son, Louis, Jr., died some years ago. Those living are Charles Miller of Chattanooga, Mrs. 
Fannie Haynes of Tellico Plains, Mrs. Sallie Gamble of Gudger and Mrs. Mattie Payne of Florida. 
There are also a number of grand and great-grandchildren.
Since celebrating her birth anniversary, the many friends of Mrs. Miller will be sorry to learn 
of her serious illness.” --- J. Harry Hawkins.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, November 21, 1934, Page 2:

    “Three Point News---I attended the funeral and burial of Uncle Billy Tyler. Uncle Billy, as 
we all call him was one of the oldest men in this county, being 94 years old. He was born in 1840, 
and was married to a Miss Poplin, and to this union there was born 13 children, who are all living, 
and were at the funeral except one who lives somewhere in Arkansas. He had 50 grandchildren. Uncle 
Billy was a Christian, and had been for many years, and had lots of friends who will miss him. Rev. 
W.M. Curtis preached his funeral and he was laid away in the cemetery at the Vonore Baptist Church, 
with Biereley Funeral Home in charge.”
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