OBITUARIES FOR EARLY MONTGOMERY COUNTY RESIDENTS

If you have an obituary for a member of your Montgomery County family that you would like to contribute, please e-mail me and tell me a little about them. All persons with Montgomery County roots are welcome and encouraged to submit their records. The only restriction is that the person listed in the obituary must have lived in Montgomery County at one time. Be sure to include your e-mail address. All entries are listed in groups by submitters and followed by the e-mail address of the submitter. Thank you for your willingness to help make the Montgomery County pages a valuable asset for online research.

WASHINGTON LAFAYETTE LEWIS

Following an illness of complications incident to age, Washington Lafayette Lewis, native of this county, and father of A. L. Lewis, freight agent here of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, died at 2:10 o'clock this morning at his home. 5106 Georgia Avenue, Nashville. Burial will be in Spring Hill Cemetery in Nashville tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon. Services being conducted at the home at 2 O'clock by the Rev J. E. Woodward.

Mr. Lewis was born in this county near Clarksville, May 27, 1848, and would have been 79 years of age on his next birthday. For a number of years he was engaged in farming in Montgomery and Dickson Counties and later became a merchant. He has lived in Nashville a number of years.

Surviving Mr Lewis are his widow, Mrs Eva Singleton Lewis; seven children. L. L., L. C. and D. C. Lewis, Mrs. W. M. Storey, Mrs J C Hallums and Miss Ona Lewis, all of Nashville, and A. L .Lewis of this city. A large number of grand children also survive.

Mr. Lewis was a member of the Methodist church and was a man of pleasing and likable disposition, beloved by all who knew him. He united with the church early in life and for many years was an active worker in all of its departments.

[The names for the initials given in this obit are as follows:
Widow: Eva Singleton Lewis is Fredonia Evline Singleton Lewis
L. L. Lewis is Lorenzo Lee Lewis
A. L. Lewis is Adrian L Lewis
L. C. Lewis is Leonard Cleveland Lewis
D. C. Lewis is Delmar Creighton Lewis
Mrs W. M. Storey is Nolia A Lewis
Mrs J. C. Hallums is Luna Stayton Lewis
Miss Ona Lewis is Beona Evline Lewis.]
Newpaper unknown but thought to be from Clarksville.

Submitted by S.L. Bargatze
 

Mrs. Ada Maud Abernathy, died 14 Apr 1878
Charles G. Abernathy, died 7 June 1884
"Little" Charles Abernathy, died 21 Apr 1886
Col. Gilbert T. Abernathy, died 4 Dec 1888
Capt. H. G. Abernathy, died "recently", 4 Sep 1888
Mrs. Emily B. Abernathy, died 9 Dec 1911
Mrs. Ariana Leftwick Abernathy, died 29 Oct 1926
Mrs. Susan Estell Abernathy, died 16 Nov 1926

Submitted by Jill Hastings-Johnson

"Prof. N.L. Whitfield, who resides near St. Bethlehem, died very suddenly yesterday afternoon between 5 and 6 o'clock at his home of heart trouble. He had gone to the field after the cows when the attack occurred and he fell to the ground, from which he never arose. His wife and daughter saw him fall and reached his side just as he died. Mr. Whitfield had had these attacks before, but nothing serious was apprehended from them and his death was not in the least expected, although he had not been in good health recently.
Prof. Whitfield was born in this county and resided here all of his life, always taking part in educational matters. For several years, he was superintendent of the county public schools and had just completed the session's work in a school near his home. He was a member of the Oakland church and a man of fine Christian character. He was about 65 years of age.

Prof. Whitfield leaves besides his wife, three children, Herbert Whitfield of this city, Edward Whitfield, who is now in Mississippi, and Miss Nannie Whitfield, who resides at her father's home. He was a prominent man in the county and known by almost everyone.

The funeral will take place this afternoon at 5 o'clock with interment at Greenwood Cemetery."

From the Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle dated June 3, 1898.

Submitted by David Lewis Whitfield

On the 30th ult. of Consumption, Mrs. Amanda, consort of Mr. A. Bagwell of this county.
(THE CLARKSVILLE CHRONICLE, February 3, 1842)

Submitted by Frances Osburn

Death, resulting from  heart disease, suddenly claimed Mrs. May Parham, aged 70, sister-in-law of R. L. Parham, of West avenue, this city, while she slept in a chair at the home of Mrs. W. W.
Barksdale, on Madison street, about 6 o'clock Thursday night.  Mrs. Parham, in her capacity as
nurse, had been in the Barksdale home for a number of days, ministering to Mrs. Katherine
Sickenberger, mother of Mrs. Barksdale.

Mrs. Parham had remained in an upstairs room when guests had arrived and had sunk into a light slumber.  The cook was sent to summon her and when she made no response others were called.  L. F. Sickenberger was also summoned and failing to detect her pulse, said she was dead.  A  physician who was called, said she had died instantly, probably while asleep.

Mrs. Parham was born at Iron River, Wis.  Her husband, James R. Parham, preceded her to the
grave some ten years ago while they resided in Branard, Minn.  Mrs. Parham since then had been a frequent visitor with her husband's relatives in this vicinity.

Services for Mrs. Parham were conducted at the grave in Greenwood cemetery at 4 o'clock this
afternoon by Dr. FJ. H. Lacy.

Submitted by Terry Sawzak.
I found this obituary in my grandmother's papers.  It is for her aunt, May Parham, and was sent to her by the administrator of her aunt's estate, R. L. Parham.  It is from an unidentified Clarksville newspaper.  Her date of death was Feb. 10, 1927.

It is our painful duty to chronicle the death of this aged and
influential citizen, which occured at his residence, in the 15th district of this county near McAdoo church, Wednesday morning. Maj. Pleasant Bagwell was a leading man in his community; he enjoyed the fullest confidence and trust of his neighbors and all who knew him. He was a devout Christian, a member and we believe, an elder in McAdoo church. He raised a large family, and, at the breaking out of the war, had assumed considerable property. his death created a vacancy in the family, the church and the community, that cannot be filled.

Tobacco Leaf   Sept. 5 1879

Submitted by Terrie Wyatt

        For some time Mrs. Nancy Bagwell, one of  the oldest ladies of this section, has been lying at the point of death, suffering from afflictions incident to old age, at the home of her son-in-law, Mr.Sam Wilkerson, of the Port Royal neighborhood. The end came this morning at 7:00.
Mrs. Bagwell was 88 years old, and had spent her long life of almost
four and one half score in this county. Her maiden name was Morrow, and
she was related to a number of the most prominent families in this portion of the state. The death of this Christian old lady removes one of the beloved women who ever resided in this section. Her life was one of Christian work and godly example.This incomplete mention of her death will by no means do her justice, for in her were combined all the attributes of a good woman. She was the grandmother of Mrs.James Hord, of this city and left behind a number of children and, grandchildren
and other relatives in this locality. The funeral services will be
conducted by Revs. Gardner and Free at McAdoo church tomorrow about noon, and the interment will be at the Bagwell burying ground near the church. Deceased has been a constant member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church for over half a century.

From the Clarksville Leaf Chronical dated February 5, 1898

Submitted by Terrie Wyatt

Service for W. H. Parker, father of 14 children, were held on Dec. 3, 1927, at 2 o'clock at the Clarksville City Cemetery. Mr. Parker, 66 years old, had been ill and confined to his bed since June. William Henry Parker was born March 1, 1861 in Dawson Springs, Kentucky, the son of Mr. & Mrs. Hiram Parker. He had been a long time resident of the Clarksville area. Mr. Parker was a farmer in the Blooming Grove community and was a member of the Christian church. Mr. Parker was proceeded in death by a daughter Franna Parker, and is survived by his widow, Isabelle Weakley Parker, and 13 children. Sons, Keltz, W.R., James, Cleveland, Joe, Dan, and twin sons, Luther and Arthur. Daughters, Mary Ann Mahan, Evie Harris, Hettie Gibbs, Florence, and Pauline. Mr. Parker had been married several times. His former wives were Ann Means Parker, Lucinda Pendegrass, and Dollie Burrs.

Source: Clarksville Leaf- Chronicle Dec 3, 1927.
Wm. Henry Parker death cert. # 27576 (1927)

Submitted by Julie Gibbs 

Entered Into Eternal Rest Wednesday June 28 1989
Willie Wall, 79, 425 Wall Road, Cunningham, died Wednesday,  June 28
1989 at Memorial Hospital.
A prayer service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Sykes Funeral Chapel with
the Rev. James Clark officiating.  Burial will be in Bulle Cemetery.
Visitation at the funeral home will continue until the hour of the
service.
Born in Montgomery County on Aug. 14, 1909, he was the son of Dee Wall
and Emma Christine Bulle Wall.
He was a farmer.
Survivors include his wife, Edna Painter Wall, Cunningham; four sons,
Billy Wall and Robert Allen Wall, both of Cunningham, Bobby Wall,
Clarksville, and Joe Wall, Cumberland Furnace; two daughters, Juanita
W. Bearden and Laverne Bailey, both of Cunningham; 12 grandchildren
adn six great-grandchildren.
Nephews and grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Clarksville Leaf -Chronicle, June 1989
 

Submitted by Michelle Bailey 

Mary's obituary appeared in the Clarksville Weekly Chronicle ("Obits
Compiled from  Newspapers of Montgomery County,"Gannaway)

     'Grant, Mrs. Mary born 7 Nov 1789, age 68 years 7 months 26 days.  Died  30 June 1858 near Port Royal, Montgomery Co.  Daughter of JOSEPH & NANCY WHELESS  who died in this county several years ago.  Joined Baptist Church Oct., 1804.  Married Zachariah Grant on 27 Dec 1810.  leaves husband, 3 sons & 3 daughters.  Buried Old Grants Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery in Dist # 5.'

Submitted by  Toni Moody

Nancy's Obituary in the Clarksville weekly Chronicle simply read...

DIED- -Mrs. Nancy Herring, near Port Royal; on the 3rd inst.; age 62 years.  Her remains were interred with honor by the Patrons of Husbandry.
(10 Jan 1874 ; page 3 and 31 January; page 2.)

Submitted by  Toni Moody

'Grant, Mr. David born Montgomery County, Tennessee 13 Feb 1813; age 65; Died 16 Nov 1878 of stomach trouble at home near Port Royal. Methodist for 25 years.  Leaves wife and several children.  Mentions brother Joe and Quill Grant.  Buried family plot.'

(Clarksville Tobacco Leaf: 21 Nov 1878, p 5 & Clarksville Weekly Chronicle:  23 Nov 1878, p 3 & 30 Nov 1878, p 2)

Submitted by  Toni Moody

'Grant, Willie, age 3 years, 3 months, 19 days, died 19
September 1859
of ulcerated sore throat in Montgomery County, Tennessee.
Daughter of David
Grant.'

(Clarksville Weekly Chronicle;  23 Sept 1859, p 3)

Submitted by  Toni Moody

 Submitted by Toni Moody

Underwood, John W.  b. 1866 d. 8-29-1931 of Compilications in Lone Oak, TN.
Married 33 years ago to Miss Bettie Morgan who is now deceased.  Leaves 2 sons: Clifford and Clay 2 daughters : Mrs.Nannie Green and Mrs. Lina Biter. Survived by 4 brothers:  Gill, Lewis, Felix, and Hiram Underwood,  2
sisters:  Mrs. Jetty Biggs and Mrs. Bec Newsome.  Interment at Davis Cemetery.
(Clarksville Leaf Chronicle 8-29-1931.)

Underwood, Gill  b. 10-13-1858 d. 3-16-1938 of a Stroke in Louise TN.
Married twice. First, Miss Thrennie Lee. Survived by second wife Rosa Fletcher Underwood. 1 daughter, Mrs. Ed Wood;  5 sons: Monroe, Floyd, Elbert, Melvin and Dennis.  2 brothers: Field and Louis.  Son of Lorenzo and Nancy Davis Underwood.
Interment at Davis Cemetery.
(Clarksville Leaf Chronicle 3-17-1938.)

Underwood, C. Hiram b. 12-18-1876 d. 7-5-1953 married to Carrie Baggett.
Survived by 2 daughters: Mrs. Eva Biter, Mrs. Vivan Alsobrooks,  3 Sons: Sherman, Marvin Otis and Howard Underwood.  Son of Lorenzo and Nancy Davis Underwood.  Burial at Gum Springs.
(Clarksville Leaf Chronicle 7-6-1953.)

Submitted by Debbie McMinn

 Death, sudden and without warning claimed  James Ferrell 70 years old, well known painter, who dropped lifeless from a chair in which he was seated at the S. A. Thomas grocery store on High street, at 5 o’clock Thursday afternoon. Mr. Ferrell was conversing in a humorous vein with Miss Katherine Perkins and Lee Logan a few minutes before his death. While he had been complaining for a week or more, his condition appeared to be greatly improved and his death was a shock to his friends and relatives.

Surviving Mr. Ferrell are four children, Mrs. Burt Corder, of St. Louis Mo., Mrs H. F. Halliburton of Nashville, Charles Ferrell of White Plains Ky. And Walter Ferrell of Hopkinsville, Ky. He is also survived by thirty-five grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted tomorrow morning at 10:30 o’clock from the John B. Tarpley funeral home. Burial will be in the City cemetery.

Mr. Ferrell was practically a lifelong resident of this county and in his trade brought him in contact with hundreds of people who respected his sterling character. Upon the afternoon of his death he visited the Thomas store where he had frequently whiled away spare time in chatting and joking with his old friends. For some thirty minutes he conversed freely and jokingly with Miss Perkins and Mr. Logan.  Without warning he fell from his chair and was dead almost instantly.

(Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, December 10, 1926.)

Mrs. Nannie Ferrell, wife of Jas. R. Ferrell, died of liver trouble at her home, on Barker Street in South Clarksville, near the water works, Saturday evening. The funeral sermon was preached yesterday afternoon at 3 o’clock by Rev. T. W. Noland. The remains were interred in the City Cemetery. She leaves a husband five children.

(Leaf Chronicle, Nov. 13,1889 .)

Submitted by Laura Ferrell Beard

Mrs. Emma Harris was born in Montgomery County, TN on April 11, 1855 and died at the age of 82 years August 4, 1937, at the home of her niece, Mrs. Will Sexton, on South First Street.  She was the daughter of the late James Manning and Evaline Gilbert Manning and wife of the late William Harris.  She was survived by two sons, Robert and James M. Harris; two brothers, A.B. and S.B. Manning; one sister, Mrs. Vicy Suiter.  She raised 2 granddaughters, Ada and Lena Mae Suiter after the death of her daughter, Nancy Harris Suiter.  Interment was a Pleasant View Baptist Church Cemetery.

(Source: Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle, August 4, 1937, page 1.)

Mrs. Harris is listed as Mrs. William Harris(April 11, 1856-Aug4, 1937) on page 40 of Volume 2.  She is buried among members of the Vick, Manning, Suiter, and Harris family.  I see her sons buried next to her husband, who died in 1918.
 
 

Funeral services for E.J.(Elias Jackson) Davis who died Sunday were held Monday morning at the Hopewell Baptist Church.  The Rev. Lloyd Ashby and the Rev. Garner Swift officiated.  Burial was in Baggett's Chapel Cemetery.

At the church the choir sang "Nearer My God to Thee", "Does Jesus Care", "Shall We Gather at the River", and Mrs. Herschel Baggett accompanied at the piano.

Mr. Davis is survived by two sons, Alvin and Raymond L. Davis of Clarksville, and three daughters, Mrs. Epps Mockabee(Dorothy) of Cunningham, Mrs. Reams Wyatt(Grace) of Clarksville and Mrs. Tommy Leftwick.
 
 

    The untimely death of Prof. James S. (Jimmy) Davis, member of the faculty of Vanderbilt University, brought to an abrupt close a life that had enriched many students and friends even though he was only 26 years old.
    "Jimmy" Davis died of meningitis Thursday at Vanderbilt Hospital.  He was a son of Mrs. Raymond L. Davis, Sr., First Street, Clarksville, and was a member of the First Christian Church of this city.  His body was returned to Clarksville for burial in Greenwood Cemetery.  The faculty of Clarksville High School sent a huge floral design to which a letter to him was attached and bore the signatures of all the faculty members.
    Mr. Davis was graduated from Clarksville High in 1958 and received a four-year National Merit Scholarship and graduated from Vanderbilt University Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Engineering Degree.  He then completed his Master's Degree in less than a year and was awarded an assistantship for his PH.D. Degree which he would have received in April of 1967.  Instead it was awarded posthumously.
    At the time of his death he was a professor of electrical engineering at Vanderbilt.  He was a member of Beta Chapter Pi Association.
    A scholar and dedicated instructor, Jimmy Davis gave generously of his talent in teaching others and his death is deplored by those who knew and loved him.

[ Emma Harris was gr-grandmother to Jimmy Davis.
Elias Davis was grandfather to Jimmy.]

 Submitted by Cathy Hollister

"Dr. G. B. Moody, dentist, whose residence is four and a half miles south of Adams Station, was born August 25, 1841, in Montgomery County, Tenn., and received his education in Montgomery and Cheatham Counties. In 1861 he enlisted with
the boys in gray in Company H, Fourteenth Regiment of Tennessee Infantry. He participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Seven Pines, Cedar Run, second Manassas, Antietam, Wilderness, Chancellorsville and others. While fighting at Petersburg he
was captured and made prisoner of war. He was retained for three weeks and then allowed to return home. In the fall of 1865 he commenced working in his father's mill and remained until the spring of 1867. In 1868 he entered the teacher's profession and taught for some time, meeting with good success. In 1870 he began the study of dentistry and kept it up for nine months after which he entered upon the practice. August 19, 1873, he married Mrs. M. S. Northington, daughter of Jordan and Mary A. Neblett. Mrs. Moody was born November, 1837, in Montgomery County and to her union with Dr. Moody became the mother of two children: Caesar and Charles W. Mrs. Moody had one child, Eugenia, by her first husband. In 1874
Dr. Moody located where he now resides and since 1883 has given his entire attention to his profession and is having a lucrative practice. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and he and wife are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church South. Our subject was the son of Samuel R. and Louisa D. (Dillard) Moody. The
father was born in 1806 in Montgomery County and was a miller by trade and in connection did farming. His parents were natives of Virginia. Samuel lived in Montgomery County at the time of his marriage and afterward settled in District No. 1, where he resided twenty-nine years, cultivating the soil. In 1859 he moved to Robertson County and located in the Sixth District, [p.1176] where our subject now lives. He built a grist-mill on Sulphur Fork and was proprietor of the same until 1879, when he sold out and has since been making his home with his son Samuel R., Jr. The mother was born in 1812,
in Montgomery County, Tenn. She died August 9, 1879."

Any info you have about these people would be appreciated.

Submitted by  Chris Moody

Retyped from the front page of the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, dated Monday, May 22, 1939

          Albert Franklin Speight, prominent Clarksville building contactor  for nearly half a century, died at 11:35 o’clock Sunday night at his home, 231 West Avenue, at the age of 81.
         Mr. Speight had been sick for four weeks.However his condition was not regarded as critical until Sunday when he suddenly took a turn for the worse.
         Funeral services will be conducted at four o’clock tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon at the First Baptist Church by the pastor, Dr. Richard N. Owen. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetary.
         Mr. Speight was born at White Bluff, Tennessee, on December 14, 1857, a son of the late James A. and Mrs. Mary Violet McCaslin Speight.  He began his career as a builder at an early age in Nashville, coming to Clarksville in 1895. He built many of the finest homes here as well as business houses. He founded the firm of A.F. Speight & Son.
         Kind and considerate, Mr. Speight was noted among Clarksville carpenters for his keen sense of fairness to all of his employees. He was quiet and unassuming and was beloved by hundreds.
         Mr. Speight took an active part in the religeous, civic, and social life of Clarksville. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and was prominently connected with the Masonic Lodge. He was a member of the Commandary of Knights Templar, the Knights of Pythias, and the old Royal Arcanum Lodge.
         Mr. Speight was first married to Miss Amelia Jones in 1889. She died three years later, leaving her husband with one small son, John Arthur Speight, who now resides at Dickson. In 1893, Mr. Speight was married to Miss Caroline Simpson who survives along with three sons, born to the second union. They are Clarence W. Speight, Clarksville architect: Albert B. Speight, Washington D.C.: and Carl E. Speight, Memphis. He is also survived by a brother, Clyde A. Speight, of Texas,
and a sister, S.P. Dendy, Cumberland Furnace.
                   ---------------------------------------------
 

      This obituary was copied, word for word. Obviously I never got to
      meet my great grandfather, but from what I can read here, and have
      heard from my grandfather, Albert B. Speight, Albert Franklin
      Speight was quite a man.
 

Submitted by  Thomas Albert Speight

Mrs. Virginia Trotter, wife of J. O. Davis, died at the home on Stafford Street Wednesday afternoon of pneumonia, from which she had suffered three weeks.  Mrs. Davis was born in Dickson County sixty-eight years ago, the daughter of the late J. C. Trotter.  On September 26, 1872, she was married to Mr. Davis.  They made their home in the Southside neighborhood for a number of years, coming here a few years ago to be with their daughter, Mrs. Robert Gray.  In 1877 Mrs. Davis joined the Methodist church and had since lived a consistent Christian life.  She has many friends who are deeply grieved by her passing.

Surviving are the husband and the following named children:  J. W. Davis and Mrs. Robert Gray of this city.  W. J. Davis of Houston Copunty, J. B. Davis of Cheatham County, W. B. Davis of Nashville, E. D. Davis of this county and Mrs. Newt Weems of Efling, Kansa.

The funeral was from the home this afternoon at 2 o'clock with services by the Rev. W. T. Haggard.  Internment was made in Greenwood cemetery.

The following friends served as pall-bearers: C. B. Lyle, W. P. Trotter, J. P. Trotter, G. B. Russell, Dr. A. H. Nesbitt and Jake Cooley.
 
 

A native of the Hackberry neighborhood, Mr. Davis spent most of his life in Montgomery County.  His wife, who was Miss Virginia Trotter, preceded him to the grave, March 22, 1922, leaving seven children: W. B. Davis, Nashville, J. W. Davis, Clarksville, W. J. Davis, McEwen, Tenn.,  P. B. and Ed Davis of Southside and two daughters, Mrs. Pollie ? Weams of Kansas and Mrs. Gray of this City. One brother, Burl Davis, of Hackberry, also survives.  Mr. Davis was a son of Josiah and Mrs. Elizabeth Martin Davis.
[Note:  The mane Josiah Davis, above, is in error.  Census records show the name to be Joseph Davis.  It is possible that the father of Mrs. Davis, was Josiah Martin.]
 
 

Russell L. Trotter, 4306 Glen Eden Drive, retired sales representative of Clark Grave Vault Co., Columbus, Ohio, died Sunday in a local hospital of a heart attack.

Services will be at 3 p. m. Tuesday at Marshall-Donnelly Combs Funeral Home with Reb. Stuart J. Nunnally, pastor of Belmont United Methodist Church, officiating.  Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

a native of Clarksville, Mr. Trotter was a son of the late James S. and Alice Swift Trotter.  He was educated in Clarksville public schools.

He was in the first class of the old Gupton-Jones Embalming School which opened here in 1920.

Mr. Trotter was the Tennessee and Kentucky representative of the vault company for more than 50 years, retiring recently.

He was a member of the Tennessee and Kentucky Funeral Directors Association and the Tennessee and Kentucky Funeral Supply Salesman Club.

A member of Belmont United Methodist Church, he served on the church's administrative board and finance committee.  He was a member of McAlister Masonic Lodge 402 at Cunningham for more than 50 years.

Neill E. Trotter, 80, died suddenly Wesnesday at his home in Southside after several years of impaired health.  He was a retired farmer.

Services will be conducted Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the Southside Methodist Church by the Reb. R. E. Stevenson.  Burial will be in Southside Cemetery.  The body is at McReynolds Funeral Home.

He was born in Montgomery County September 6, 1882, son of the late Jim and Alice Swift Trotter.
Survivors are his widow, Mrs. Mamie Aderhold Trotter, to whom he was married December 26, 1909; two brothers, Orville Trotter, Southside, and Russell Trotter, Nashville; a sister Mrs. Lucy Waller, Clarksville.

He was a member of the Southside Methodist Church and the Modern Woodmen of America.

Pallbearers will be John H. Trotter, William Russell Waller, Jack Adkins, Jr., Leonard Sowell, Robert Coke, Edward Coke, Thomas Lummus, and Lewis Dickson.

Submitted by Jean Hancock

Esq. John R. Elliott, one of the oldest citizens in the county, and possibly the largest land owner in the county,
died at his home near Port Royal, last Friday morning.  Esq. Elliott was eighty-five years old, yet so well
preserved was he that one would not judge him over seventy, while in the management of his business and the
transactions of the everyday matters of life, he had shown to within the last few weeks the vigor of a man of sixty.

In addition to his farming operations, Esq. Elliott dealt largely in real estate, buying and selling constantly, and
generally making money.  At the time of his death he owned possibly between four thousand and five thousand
acres of land in this county, Robertson, and Cheatham counties, besides some valuable property in this city.  His
estate is valued at $75,000 to $100,000.

For many years, Esq. Elliott had been a widower.  Only one child, Mrs. Editha LANKFORD, who lives near
Port Royal, survives him.  He was a man of exceedingly strong feelings and left some warm friends as well as
some bitter enemies.
 
 

Notes:    John Robert Elliott, born 6 August 1800, died 11 March 1885.
     He married Catherine Caroline Connell 12 February 1829.  She was born 13 February 1813, died by July
     1838. She was a daughter of William Connell and Sarah Prince Connell.
          Their only surviving child - Editha Anne Elliott - born 15 August 1834, died 8 April 1915. She married
          Charles Wheeler Langford 3 September 1851. He was born 18 April 1818 in North Carolina and died in
          Montgomery County 5 July 1871.

Date of record:     17 March 1885
Source:             Clarksville SEMI-WEEKLY TOBACCO-LEAF, Clarksville, Tennessee
 
 

John W. Langford, 88, prominent Sumner County farmer and landowner, died Monday night at 6:15 o'clock at
his home on North Water Street following a lengthy illness.

Mr. Langford was born and reared near Woodford in Montgomery County.  He moved to Sumner County in 1907
and located near Gallatin where he became a pioneer in large-scale tobacco raising in this county.  He was a
breeder of livestock.

He married Miss Virginia Williams in 1878.  She died in 1914.  To this union ten children were born. Langford
later married Miss Mary Walker who survives.  Other survivors include his ten children, Miss Pearl Langford,
Memphis; Gus, Charles, and Dick Langford, all of Gallatin; Mrs. Carrie Penn, Mrs. Myrtle Williams, Mrs.
Lucille Bouggus, Miss Florence Langford, all of San Marcos, Texas; R. J. Langford, Carbondale, Illinois; Mrs.
Gena Heflin of Nashville; his sister Mrs. Lizzie Gardner of Clarksville; three brothers, G. H. and J. O. Langford
of Adams, and Charles Langford of Nashville; seventeen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He was a member of the Gallatin Methodist Church.

Funeral services were held Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock at the residence by Rev. W. E. Doss assisted by
Rev. Dawson King.  Interment followed in the Adams cemetery.
 

Notes:    Virginia Frances Williams Langford died 1 June 1915, not 1914.
          Mary Walker Langford was from Montgomery County, the daugher of William and Rebecca Walker.
          His son, R. J. Langford, was known as R. J. Long by this time, due to a family quarrel.
          G. H. Langford was George Hiram Langford.
          J. O. Langford was James Oliver Langford.
 
 

Date of record:   6 March 1941
Source:        Sumner County NEWS, Gallatin, Tennessee

Submitted by Johnny Long

From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle

April 10,1925--Funeral services will be conducted at the Marion Church tomorrow for Marshall Baggett, 28 year

old World War 1 veteran who died Tuesday in the National Sanitarium at Johnson City, Tn. following two years

illness of tuberculosis.

Mr. Baggett was a native and life long resident of Montgomery County and a well-known farmer of the Marion

vicinity, and served seven months in the U.S. Army during the World War. He was the son of the late Landie and

Lula Baggett. Survivors are his wife, who was Miss Delma Blackwell, two children, Marshall Jr., age 3, and Martha

Delma, 5 months. Three brothers: Herschel and Calvin of Shiloh and Oscar of Florida also survive. He was a

member of the American Legion.

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From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle

June 1,1921--In the death of Aunt Amanda Collins on last Thursday May 26, Southside lost another one of its

familiar landmarks. She and her husband, Uncle John Fuller Collins, were among the pioneer settlers of old

Collinsville, now called Southside.

Aunt Manda as she was called, had been a very active woman all during her life and kept up her domestic work

until a few months ago when she was stricken with paralysis. It was her delight, when she could, to do something for

a friend and neighbor, and was very much devoted to her aged husband. She was a member of the Methodist

Church, and was 77 years of age at the time of her death. Besides her husband, she leaves five children. The

funeral was held at the residence Friday afternoon at 2:00 by her pastor, Rev. L. Hosale. Interment was in

Southside Cemetery.

Especial sympathy is extended to Uncle John Collins , husband of the deceased, who is now nearing the sunset, in

the evening of life, having just passed his 97th birthday. Though being blind, Uncle John enjoys the company of his

friends. He is very entertaining having read a great deal before he lost his sight, and has a splendid memory of his

travels when a young man, and says he is going to reach his one hundredth anniversary, if the Lord is willing.

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From: Clarksville Weekly Chronicle

March 7,1874--Edna Earl, only daughter of Dr. C.A. and Lucie H. Wilkins, of Collinsville, Tn. died February 27,

1874, age 5 years.

"The silver cord is loosed: the pitcher is broken at the fountain."

"The dust has returned to the earth as it was, and the spirit has returned unto God who gave it."

"The mournful wail of winter, while sighing its departing dirge amid the leafless forest, seemed to pause at the grief

stricken cottage, and sing a farewell requiem over the beautiful casket, that had loat its jewel. The wonderfully

beautiful bud waited not the coming of Spring. The mortal, through quivering waves of suffering, grasping the

immortal and winged its flight to that sun bright clime to bask in the smiles of a living God. Yes, that beautiful bud

will bloom in realms of never fading beauty. It looked more lovely than the Lily of the Valley."

Edna was one of thosee bright, surpassingly beautiful spirits, too pure for this sin-stained world. God, who gave it

for awhile to the fond parents, has taken it back again.

I.J.W. Feb.28,1874, Clarksville

***********************************************************************

From: Clarksville Weekly Chronicle

April 7,1877-- ABSALOM SWIFT

The person named above died in Houston County in November last at the advanced age of 105 years. He was for

seventy years a resident of this county, living in District 17 near the source of Budd’s Creek. He was 45 years old

at the time of the Battle of New Orleans and was in the thickest of the fight. He was twice married, the last time

being only a few years before his death; his youngest child was, at the time of Mr. Swift’s death, only eighteen

years old.

His was one of those compact, stout frames that wears always. A poor man, he must of necessity have led a frugal

life. A friend suggests that had he continued a citizen of this county, and Southside, he might have lived to a ripe old

age; but moving away to Houston County, with his son, he was suddenly stricken with disease.His father was also a

centenarian, having lived to the advanced age of more than 100 years.

********************************************************************

From: The Clarksville Star

November 28,1924-- Services were conducted at 2:00 Thursday by Rev. Charles H. Babb of the United Brethren

Church for Richard B. Fain, 45, former employee of the L&N Railroad whose death occurred at his home at 8:30

Wednesday night as the result, it is said, of a gunshot wound. Burial was in the Pleasant View Baptist Church

Cemetery with G.T. Welker, Thomas Winfield, James Spencer, Joe Carver, Ed Joslin, and William Burton serving

as pallbearers.

It is said that Mr. Fain had worked all day Wednesday on one of the bridge projects near the city and upon arrival

at home described himself as being exceedingly fatigued. He went to the front room of the house to make

preparations for a hunting trip on Thursday and a while later the report of the shotgun was heard. Members of the

family found him dead upon reaching the room.

Mr. Fain was for a number of years a section foreman on the L&N working out of Hampton Station. Recently,

however, he had moved to Clarksville. He was a member of the Southside I.O.O.F. Lodge, the Masonic Fraternity,

and the Railroad Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees.

Survivors are: eight daughters-- Mrs William Wall of Chicago, Misses Mary, Ermine, R.B., Mabel, Mildred,

Rachel, and Margaret, all of Clarksville; and one son, Lawrence. Five brothers-- W.B. of District 13, John of

Nashville, O.T. of Oklahoma, Edward of Marion Tennessee, and J. Thomas of Southside. Two sisters-- Mrs. Fannie

Waddy of Nashville and Alice Mockbee of Memphis.

**********************************************************************

From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle

November 7,1924-- Funeral services were conducted at 2:30 p.m. today at the Salem Church by Rev. Charles H.

Babb and Rev. W.H. Rollins for Ermine Trotter, 16 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Trotter of District 17,

who died at 10:30 Thursday morning in an infirmary in Nashville following a twelve month illness caused by a tumor

of the brain. Interment was in the Salem burial ground. Pallbearers were selected from members and friends of the

Salem Young Peoples’ Missionary Society.

At last resort, the anxious parents sent her to Nashville hoping that an operation would remove the cause of her

illness. On account of her condition rapidly growing worse, the operation was abandoned.

Miss Trotter was a member of the United Brethren Church. She is survived by her parents, three

grandparents--Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Trotter and T.W. Harper, and three brothers and four sisters.

**********************************************************************

From: Daily Tobacco Leaf-Chronicle

October 27,1891-- James Dunn, a Mineral Railroad laborer, who formerly lived in Palmyra, died last night in the

room Margaret Smith, colored, on Strawberry Street of pneumonia. He came to the city several days ago and went

on a protracted spree. He was taken in by the woman ostensibly for the purpose of shielding him from the police. It

is understood that McTighe and Company owe him enough money to insure decent burial and that he will be

interred by them. Dunn’s wife is in jail here now charged with raising some kind of disturbance at Palmyra a week

ago.

***********************************************************************

From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle

June 8,1921-- In the presence of 300 citizens of the community an impressive funeral was conducted at 11:00 today

at the Myers burying ground near Palmyra for Private James Stanley Lisenby, who died of influenza on October

4,1918, while serving with Company F 52nd Infantry.

The Rev. Fate Taylor, of New Providence, made an impressive address, and a salute was fired over the flower

strewn grave by members of the local Post of the American Legion.

Assisting the Clarksville men were-- B.M. Powers, J.H. Marable, Ivy Ellis, W.J. Powers, L.R. Powers, and C.P.

Myers, all of Palmyra.

***********************************************************************

From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle

June 15,1921-- Wilmuth, the sixteen year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Cherry, died about 9:00 Tuesday night at

the home of his parents on the James Haynes farm near Dotsonville, as the result of injuries sustained when he was

dragged a distance of 300 yards over a plowed field by a frightened mule which he had been working.

It was said by the attending physician, Dr. F.C. Outlaw, that the concussion was so great that the young mans brain

was loosed from the skull. The youth lived only about an hour and forty minutes after the accident without regaining

consciousness.

The boy, it is said, was returning to the house from the field about 7:00 when the animal became frightened and ran,

throwing the boy, his foot becoming entangled in the trace. The animal was stopped by Mr. Haynes.

The tragic death of young Cherry was a shock to the community. He was a popular young man, a faithful worker,

and unusually bright in his school work. Besides the parents, he is survived by one brother and five sisters.

Funeral services were conducted at 11:00 today at Palmyra by Rev. R.R. Langston. Interment was at the Palmyra

burying ground.

***********************************************************************

From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle

May 6,1926-- Alonzo Jones, three year old son of T.G. and Julia Jones of the 17th District, died Wednesday

following a two week illness of pneumonia. Interment in Brame Burial Grounds. Survived by parents and three

sisters-- Estelle, Edna, and Winnie Jones.

May 8,1926-- Second Jones child within a week - Winnie Jones, five years old, and the second child of Mr. and

Mrs. Tom G. Jones of Liverworth Community in District 17 to die this week, was buried this afternoon in the Brame

Cemetery beside Alonzo, three years of age, who died Wednesday and was buried Thursday. The little girl’s death

Friday followed a short illness of pneumonia.

***********************************************************************

From: Clarksville Semi-Weekly

September 21,1888-- News was brought to the city yesterday that Andrew J. Lyle, who lived near Antioch Church

on the south side, had died suddenly of heart disease. We understand that Mr. Lyle had gotten up at his usual hour

and while dressing himself, the fatal stroke came. He fell to the floor and died before members of the family, who

were present, could assist him to bed.

Mr. Lyle was about seventy years old and a good quiet citizen. He was born within two miles of the place of his

death and throughout his entire life, lived in that neighborhood. He was the father of a large family, all of whom are

grown. He had been successful as a businessman and left good property.

***********************************************************************

From: Semi-Weekly Tobacco Leaf

October 11,1895-- The death of Dr. N.T. Green’s little child, Willis which occurred about 10:00 at Louise. Death

was caused by membranous croup. Interment took place at the old family burial ground near L.F. Green’s.

***********************************************************************

From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle

May 23,1917-- Frank Kennedy, 43, a well-known farmer of Louise, Tennessee, died yesterday as a result

of a mule kick. Mr. Kennedy is survived by a wife and three children. Interment at Ramey burial ground.

He was a member of the Methodist Church.

***********************************************************************

From: Daily Leaf Chronicle

March 2,1899-- This morning, Squire Thomas Swift , who lives in the Mt. Zion neighborhood in the county , about

fifteen miles from Clarksville, fell from his wagon and broke his neck, causing instant death.

Squire Swift, who was 76 years of age, had just started to Clarksville with a wagon load of tobacco. No one was with

him at the moment the accident took place, hence it will probably never be known exactly how it all happened; but

he was found within three of four minutes after the fall, and was then quite dead.

The unfortunate man leaves a wife and four grown sons: Robert, Charles, Dowan, and Samuel. He was a brother of

the well known Dr. Swift. Funeral arrangements have not been made as we go to press.

**********************************************************************

From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle

December 30 & 31 1931-- Services were held today at the Pleasant View Baptist Church for Mrs. Mary Jane

Meeks Potter.

Mrs. Potter, one of the counties oldest citizens, was born August 25, 1845 in Warren City of Kentucky, daughter of

William and Mrs. Polly Grimsley Meeks. She married William Louis Potter on December 25, 1868. They came to

this section in November 1870 and have since resided here.

In 1885, Mrs. Potter became a charter member of the Pleasant View Baptist Church and remained active in its

various departments until her health became impaired.

Besides her husband, she leaves a living progeny of 92 including three sons: Alle, W.G., and J.L.; one daughter, 31

grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

Submitted by Kathy Reynolds and Patty Davis

Obituary for Thomas J. Rogers - reared in the Martha's Chapel community of Montgomery County

To The Memory of Thomas Rogers

BORN Mar. 7, 1829 DIED Mar. 29, 1901 Aged 72y., 22d.

Submitted by: Regena Whitten Grt-grt-grd-daughter

DEATH CALLS DR. MOODY....Passes Away at His Home in St. Louis, After a Long
Illness.
     Relatives here are in receipt of a telegram, announcing the death of Dr. J. C. Moody, which occurred in St. Louis, Mo., Tuesday evening at 6 o'clock.  He had been in failing health for some time.  Dr. Moody was born and reared near Sango in this county, being a son of the late Dr. Jos. Moody, who was recognized as one of the finest country physicians of his day.
     Dr. Moody was located at Adams for about thirty years, during which time he enjoyed a lucrative practice.  About fifteen years ago he removed to St. Louis to join his sons, who were in business in that place.  He is survived by his wife, who was formerly Miss Jane Herring, of this county; one son, and one daughter, Mrs. T. G. Ryman.
     The funeral was conducted in St. Louis this morning at 10 o'clock.

(This info was transcribed from an original news clipping --date and paper unknown, and is currently in the possession of John J. Moody, Sr., Pensacola, FL. The date of death is believed to be between 1910 and 1924. An obvious typo was the name of his father...it was not Dr. Joseph Moody but was actually Dr. Benjamin F. Moody, Sr.)

CLARKSVILLE SEMI-WEEKLY TOBACCO LEAF, Vol .XVIL.  No 77, Clarksville.
Tennessee; Friday, July 3, 1885; front page..." We regret to learn that Dr. B.F. Moody, Sr., successful and respected physician of this county, is dangerously ill at his son's in Adams Station.  Dr. Moody has been a sufferer from dropsy of the chest for some months, and had started to the Springs in search of relief.  He reached his son's, when his condition became such that it was not deemed advisable for him to attempt to go further."

                                                        *  *  *  *

CLARKSVILLE SEMI-WEEKLY TOBACCO LEAF, Vol. XVIL. No. 78, Clarksville,
Tenn., Tuesday, July 7, 1885; front page..." DEATH OF DR. MOODY, SR .....Dr.
B. F. Moody, Sr., whose serious illness we noted last Friday, died during that day.  Dr. Moody died of dropsy, at the residence of his son, Dr. James Moody, at Adams station, whither he had gotten while on his way to the springs.  His remains were brought to his late residence, in the 10th civil district, and on Saturday at 4 o'clock they were deposited in the grave at Bethel Church.  One of the largest funeral processions ever seen in the eastern end of the county assembled to pay this last tribute of respect to their neighbor and friend.  It was right that such should be the case. for Dr. Moody was a good citizen. a good neighbor, and a good friend."
                                                         *  *  *  *
 

CLARKSVILLE WEEKLY CHRONICLE, August 5, 1871, page 2; and August 12, 1871,
page 3.....' Moody, Maud age 2 months and 11 days, died July 31, 1871.  Infant daughter of James C. and Jane E. Moody, Montgomery County, Tenn.'...

" Suffer little children to come unto me and bid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God." Little Maud was the subject of more affliction almost from the hour of her birth until her death.  When about three weeks old she contracted hopping cough, which was a source of constant and excruciating pain until God relieved her suffering by taking her to his own bosom.  She
was a source of great comfort and pleasure to her parents, and it was hard to give her up, yet we should not murmur against the providence of Him who directs all things for the best.  In gathering the flowers and jewels of the earth to His heavenly kingdom, He never fails to pluck some young and tender buds, for without these Heaven would be deprived of some of it's brightest angels.  " The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of
the Lord."  In this we learn a lesson  of humbleness, and submission and should be constrained to exclaim:
      " Wherefore should I make my moan,
       Now the darling child is dead,
       She to early rest is gone,
       She to paradise has fled;
       I shall go to her, but she,
       Never shall return to me."

Again it was distressing to witness the agony of pain she endured constantly for several weeks, yet she bore her suffering with calmness and fortitude, only now and then fixing her bright, bline eyes on her parents as if imploring relief.  But she is no longer troubled with the distressing cough.  The tough phlegm no longer collects in her little throat and obstructs her breath; no longer her little brow is contorted, no more her little lips quiver with paroxysms of pain.  A few moments before she died her sufferings apparently abated, and she breathed out her life with calmness and ease.  Today her body rest beneath the sod while her spirit has taken the flight to
the home of the blessed.  My prayer is may her parents  be as pure and innocent, and meet death with the same calmness as their little babe..............BWH

                                                     *  *  *  *
Cedar Hill Items.
     Dr. Moody of Adams Station, has lost a little treasure, Anna, his oldest daughter, aged 4 years and a few months, died Monday, at break of day, Feb. 26.  She was buried out of sight, by her pastor, 12 miles away in Bethel Cemetery, Montgomery County, Tenn.  A large company of friends attended the funeral.  Anna was intelligent, beautiful and very affectionate, suited to the ways of an angel in the skies.  This is the second of three children.
      There is many an empty cradle,
      There's many a vacant bed,
      There's many a lonely bosom,
      Where light and joy have fled.
      __ er thick in every graveyard
      _________ hillocks rise,
      ____________lock represents
      __________________________.

(Date of death was February 26, 1877. Transcribed from original newspaper
clipping in possession of John James Moody, Sr. of  Pensacola, FL)

Submited by Toni Cain Moody

Lee Eldon Bennett
Aged 64 died at Memorial Hospital.  Services McReynolds-Nave Chapel with
Rev. C.J. Dexter.   Burial Resthaven Memorial Gardens.  Born Feb. 18, 1917
in Carroll Co.  Son of Ollie Wilson Bennett and Clara Barnhart
Bennett.  Employee of B.F. Goodrich.  Member of Prospect Baptist
Church.  Survived by two brothers and one sister.

Lloyd Leroy Swift
Mar. 29, 1963 paper is dated.  Died Thursday in Cumberland Furnace, Tn. at
age of 61.  Soules Chapel Methodist Church with Rev. Lexie Freeman and Rev.
Melving Brooks.  Burial in Dickson Co. Memorial Gardens.  Survived by
widow, son, three brothers (two of which of Clarksville), one sister, one
grandson.

.Luther Monroe Miles
Age 50, farmer of Stroudsville, died in Jesse Holman Jones Hosp.  Burial in
Resthaven, Clarksville.  Services at Associated Funeral Home.  Survived by
wife son, parents, two brothers, three sisters, one grandchild.

Audy Verlon Sisk
47, Clarksville Post Office letter carrier.  Services at Cumberland Drive
Baptist Church.  Died in Veterans Hospital in Nashville.  Burial in
Resthaven.  Native of Montgomery Co. Member of Cumberland Drive Baptist
Church.  Member of American Legion, VFW, Ft. Campbell Rod and Gun
Club.  Past president of Branch 364, National Asso. of Letter Carriers,
serving as secretary at time of death.  Survivors parents (Leonard Sisk),
widow, three sons, brother, two sisters, grandchild.

Thomas Joel Nelson
62, died Sept. 7, 1989 Memorial Hospital.  McReynolds-Nave Funeral Home
with Rev. Tom Wallace and Dr. WAlter Crow.  Resthaven.  Born May 3, 1927 in
Montgomery Co. son of Thomas Jefferson Nelson and Lillie Boaz
Nelson.  Retired inspector for Tn. Dept. of Transportation, Seabee during
WW II, member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4895.  Survivors one son,
fours sisters, two grandchildren.

Mohea Moore
34 d. July 24 at Memorial Hospital, resident of Clarksville.  Milligan
Funeral Home, Dover.  Rev. Riley Short and Rev. Herbert McConnell.  Fort
Donelson National Cem.  Born in Stewart Co. April 20, 1932, daughter of
Morris Folks.  Married April 19, 1952 to Dean Jobe Moore.  Survived by
three sons, one daughter, seven sisters.

From Jan . . .

OBITUARY...
Clarksville Semi-Weekly Tobacco Leaf:
Friday, December 13, 1880
John Gardner, an old citizen of the county, died at the residence of his son,
Cullen Gardner, in the Fifth district, Sunday morning, of consumption. He was
more than 70 years old and was a veteran of the Mexican War, for which he
received a pension from the general government.

Submitted by Toni Cain Moody

Milas Alex Bryant b. 11 April 1850,Stewart County, TN d. 12 Aug 1928 Stewart
County, TN. obit Newspaper Clarksville Leaf Chronical 13 Aug 1928 page 1.

                                                ***

The death of Captain Robert S. Payne, Thursday at Jordan Springs, removed one of the last, if not the
only, survivor of the First Tennessee Regiment in the Mexican War. His regiment gave the state the name
of "Volunteer State:, the number responding being about five times that required. Frank Cheatham of
Nashville was Colonel. Captain Payne was in a number of battles, including those of Monterey and Cerro
gordo. He also served through the Civil Was and was in the Charge at Shiloh where General Johnston was
killed. Captain Payne is survived by five children, three sons and two daughters. One of his grandsons,
Oswald Cuthbert is now a member of the Field Signal corps, now in Panama, which will probably be
ordered to Mexico in the present trouble. Two others, Robert and William Cuthbert, are connected with
the Tennessean and American. Captain