MY OLD SALEM CEMETERY TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTIONS SCRAPBOOK
(Madison County, Tennessee)
Jonathan K. T. Smith
Copyright, Jonathan K. T. Smith, 1995

FAMILIES

Anderson
Betts
Brown
Burrus
Cladwell

Garrett
Greer
Henderson
Holt
Huntsman

Jones
Pavatt
Rogers
Warlick
Word

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WARLICK

U.S. Census, 1830, Madison Co., Tenn., page 67:
PHILIP WARLICK, one male, aged 20-30; 1 male, aged 30-40; 1 female, aged to five years; 1 female, aged 20-30. Some 16 slaves.

Madison Co. Deed Book 1, page 575. Thos. and Philip Shute sold to Philip Warlick, 200 acres in Surveyor's Dist. 9, Range 1, Sections 8-9 on the middle fork of the Forked Deer River, February lO, 1827. Registered Sept. 7, 1827.

Madison County Will Book 3, page 533. Will of Philip Warlick, executed June 17, 1841. Estate to wife for life; if she remarries, estate to be divided among herself and their children. Wife, Nancy Warlick and his brother, David Warlick, designated as executors.

Madison Co. Court Minute Book 5, page 103. Philip Warlick's will probated, March 7, 1842. IBID., page 105. March 8, 1842. Nancy Warlick and David Warlick qualified as executors of Philip Warlick's will.

Madison Co. Court Minute Book 5, page 402. Henry Shuford qualified as adm. of estate of David Warlick, dec. June 3, 1845. IBID., page 417. Shuford submitted account of inventory and sale held of this man's possessions; report submitted September 1845.

Madison Co. Deed Book 14, page 209. In Madison Co. Chancery Court, July 10, 1850 was heard the case, Nancy Warlick, executrix of Philip Warlick's estate v William G. Smith and wife, Cynthia J. Smith; John N. Warlick, Laura Ann Warlick, Frances Eliza Warlick, Emeline C. Warlick and James C. Warlick. Philip Warlick made his will in 1841, leaving estate to wife for her life and/or widowhood. She and his brother, David Warlick were appointed executors; the latter having died Nancy Warlick became executrix. For benefit of family she had sold 150 acres of land of the Warlick land in Surveyor's Dist. 9, Range 2, Section 8, Dec. 22, 1849 to T. C. Gayle for $775, as it lay across the Forked Deer River and about five miles from the family homestead. The court approved her action.

Madison Co. Deed Book 25, page 298. Nancy Warlick conveyed to her son-in-law, William G. Smith, 40 acres, part of the Philip Warlick lands located on Warlick's Creek in Surveyor's Dist. 9, Range 1, Section 9. January 1, 1861. Deed registered February 4, 1868.

U.S. Census, Madison Co., Tenn., Civil District 14, Nov. 1, 1850, page 678:
Nancy Warlick, aged 50, born Virginia; Real Estate valued at $6000. John Warlick, aged 17, born Tenn.; Laura A. Warlick, aged 16, born Tenn.; Eliza F. Warlick, aged 14, born Tenn.; Emily Warlick, aged 12, born Tenn.; James P. Warlick, aged 10, born Tenn.; W. G. Smith, aged 25, born Tenn.; merchant; Cynthia J. Smith, aged 21, born Tenn.; Alice Smith, aged 1, born Tenn.

National Archives: MF 369, Microcopy T227, Roll 4: Civil War Direct Tax Assessment, Madison Co., Tenn., Civil Dist. 14. 1865 taxes; paid early 1866. Nancy Warlick, 750 acres, valued at $9500.

Marriages, Madison Co., Tenn.:
Joseph E. McDonald married to Emma C. Warlick, October 6, 1859
William G. Smith married to Cynthia J. Warlick, January 18, 1848
Theophilus Bond married Laura Warlick, April 1, 1852

Warlick Creek, a tributary of the south fork of the Forked Deer River, is depicted on D. G. Beer's "Map of Madison County and Jackson, Tennessee," 1877. It is designated thereon as Wallick Creek.

 

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TRIBUNE-SUN, Jackson, Tenn., Jan. 11, 1878

Died. WARLICK. Near Lavenia, in Carroll County, on Tuesday, December 25, 1877, Mrs. NANCY WARLICK, aged 78 years. Deceased was indeed a mother in Isreal. To a noble energy and clear mind, she added the charm of real piety and womanly loveliness. She was a resident of Madison county for nearly fifty years and was one of the first members of the Presbyterian Church in this city. Left a widow many years ago with a large family, she succeeded by energy and sound judgment to amass a comfortable estate and educate her children for the highest social and business circles. Indeed she was remarkable for excellence of judgment, industry and piety and for those womanly graces which go to make up the charm and glory of domestic life. Fallen asleep in the faith of Christ at a ripe old age, she will be truly missed and deeply mourned. We tender her bereaved family our warmest sympathy. (The above was written three weeks ago, but was unaccountably mislaid in the composing room. Eds. T&S)

 

Phillip Warlick was one of the founding members of the congregation that came to be known as First Presbyterian Chureh, Jackson in the year 1826. (JACKSON DAILY WEEKLY, August 11, 1893)

 

ROGERS

Madison Co. Will Book 3, page 626. Will of James H. Rogers, executed June 5, 1840. Signed will with an "x." Wife, Elizabeth W. Rogers to have estate for benefit of their family; she to serve as executrix.

Madison Co. Court Minute Book 5, page 156. Will of James H. Rogers probated October 4, 1842. Elizabeth Rogers qualified as executrix thereof.

U.S. Census, Madison Co., Tenn., November 2, 1850, page 684:
Elizabeth Rogers, aged 55, born N.C.; real estate valued at $1000; Frances Rogers, aged 18, born Tenn.; Mildred Rogers, aged 15, born Tenn.; William Rogers, aged 14, born Tenn.

 

HOLT

U.S. Census, Madison Co., Tenn., November 2, 1850, page 684:
Jordan C. Holt, aged 28, born Tennessee; farmer. Rebecca Holt, aged 25, born Va.; Nimrod B. Holt, aged 7, born Tenn.; Adam C. Holt, aged 4, born Tenn.

Madison Co. Will Book 5, page 101. Clerk's notation that the will of Jordan C. Holt was missing. Refers to date it was probated, November 1851. County Court Minute Book 6, page 384. /Due to a case in Chancery Court regarding some of his land, it is likely the original will was filed with the loose papers of the case in chancery/.

Madison Co. Chancery Court Minute Book 2, page 12. Noted that Julia Rebecca Holt, widow of Jordan C. Holt, was executrix of his will, wherein he gave to said wife land for benefit of family. In case heard in Chancery, Sept. 12, 1854, their children were named: Nimrod B. Holt, Adam C. Holt, Nancy E. Holt, minors. She sold Holt's land, among same 162½ acres to John J. Anderson; then moved to Mississippi. Her actions approved in chancery.

Madison Co. Deed Book 17, page 80. Julia R. Holt, executrix of Jordan C. Holt, sold to John J. Anderson, 162½ acres, October 1, 1853. Registered January 11, 1854. Noted land was bounded on south by Alexander Greer.

 

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Madison Co. Deed Book 11, page 21. Thomas M. Greer sold 162½ acres of land to Jordan C. Holt, for $812, July 23, 1846. Deed Registered July 24, 1846.

 

WORD

U.S. Census, 1860 Mortality Schedule for Madison Co., Tenn., page 60: Elizabeth Word, aged 78, native of Virginia, died in April 1860, pneumonia.

 

CALDWELL

U.S. Census, 1830, Madison Co., Tenn., page 82:
James Caldwell; one male, aged 20-30; one male, aged 60-70; one female, aged 50-60.

Madison Co. Deed Book 1, page 320. James Caldwell sold 69 acres to Gabriel Anderson for $355, February 25, 1825. Land located in Surveyor's Dist. 9, Range 1, Section 9. Deed registered July 4, 1825.

IBID.: Deed Book 5, page 268. James Caldwell and Gabriel Anderson sold 12 acres of mutually adjoining lands to Wm. E. Butler, January 23, 1837. Deed registered March 15, 1837.

Madison Co. Will Book 3, page 465. Clerk of court noted that James C. Anderson, executor of James Caldwell's will had filed settlement of estate with him. Rebecca Caldwell, widow, had received her portion of estate as had James C. Anderson and John John H. Awbry. Report filed November 3, 1841.

 

BURRUS

U. S. Census, l830, Madison Co., Tenn., page 68:
Thomas Burros. one male, aged under 5; three males, aged 5-10; one male, aged 10-15; one male, aged 30-40; one female, aged 5-10; one female, aged 10-15; one female, aged 15-20; one female, aged 30-40. Some 5 slaves.

Madison Co. Deed Book 4, page 393. Atlas Jones sold to Thomas Burrus, 220 acres, Surveyor's Dist. 9, Range 1, Section 8, February 19, 1835. Part of Jones' 1000 acre tract. Sold for $1540. Registered January 6, 1836.

Madison Co. Deed Book 3, page 426. Thornas Burrus sold land to Philip Warlick, acreage not given, located in Surveyor's Dist. 9, Range 1, Section 9, August 3, 1830. Deed registered December 26, 1833.

Madison Co. Will Book 3, page 542. Will of Thomas Burrus, registered May 6, 1842. Wife, Susannah Burrus, life interest in estate, then to descend to children: Emily Mandervill Brooks, James A. Brewer, Martha J. Burrus, John Burrus, Stephen J. R. Burrus, Swaney Burrus. Wife, Susannah Burrus and son, John Burrus, executors.

Madison Co. Court Minute Book 5, page 108. April 1842, Thomas Burrus' will was probated. IBID., page 115. May 1842. John Burrus refused to serve as one of the executors. Susan Burrus qualified therefore as executor. /Inventory of personalty shows that family lived on 220 acre tract; showed comfortable estate, with holdings of plenty of livestock, a plentitude of household plunder, farming tools; a shotgun, etc./

U.S. Census, October 31, 1850, Madison Co., Tenn., page 677:
Susan Burrus, aged 63, born N.C.; real estate valued at $2500. Stephen Burrus, aged 23, born Tenn.; John Burrus, aged 27, born Tenn.; Elizabeth Burrus, aged 18, born Tenn.

Madison Co. Deed Book 23, page 246, shows that Susan Burrus of Yellow Bushy /Yalobusha/ Co., Miss. had sold her life interest in 225 acres in Madison Co., adjoining lands of T. P. Jones. January 4, 1862. Registered June 3, 1862.

Madman Co. Court Minute Book 5, page 372. John Burrus adm. of estate of Jame Burrus, dec. February 4, 1645.

 

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HUNTSMAN

Death of Hon. Adam Huntsman

            At a meeting of the members of the Bar at jackson, Tenn., on the 27th day of August, 1849, convened at the office of M & H. Brown, for the purpose of paying respect to the memory of the late ADAM HUNTSMAN.
            On motion the Hon. John Reid was called to thc Chair, and Hervey Brown was appointed Secretary. On motion of Samuel McClanahan,
            Resolved that Micajah Bullock and Milton Brown, Esqrs., be appointed a committee to prepare a Preamble and Resolutions appropriate to the occasion and report the same to an adjourned meeting of the bar.
            On motion the meeting adjourned to meet on tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock.

8 O'Clock, 28th August, 1849

            The Bar met pursuant to the adjournment, Hon John Reid in the chair.
            A. W. O. Totten, Esq., on behalf of the committee appointed for that purpose, reported the following Preamble and Resolution.
            The Bar has received the intelligence of the death of one of its most aged and esteemed members, the Hon. Adam Huntsman expired at his residence on the 23d inst.
            A native of Virginia, he removed to Knoxville in early life where he acquired his profession, under the auspices of the Hon. John Williams, then a distinguished member of the East Tennessee Bar, from thence he moved to Monroe. where he remained till about 1824, when he removed to his late residence near Jackson.
            For more than thirty years Mr. Huntsman has been an active, efficient and distinguished member of the profession, receiving a full share of its confidence and respect, its honors and its profits. He was a favorite of the Bar, especially of its junior members, towards whom his learning was ever kind, respectful and obliging.
            Often a member of the State Senate, whilst he resided in the Middle Division of the state and after his removal to the Western Division, a prominent and leading member of the State Convention of 1834, which framed our present Constitution. Mr. Huntsman has greatly influenced the Legislative policy of the State, and indelibly impressed his name upon its history.
            Finally, he was transferred to a larger arena--the Congress of the Union, where in that numerous body, he proved himself an able, efficient and independent representative.
            Often before the people, he was ever a popular favorite, and was never defeated in popular canvass, he never held office from any other source of power. In both professional and public life, therefore; he has had a long and distinguished career, but few comparatively, have attained so great success.
            But Mr. H. was no ordinary person-- he possessed a powerful and discriminating mind, much energy and steadiness of purpose, was interested, sincere and active in his friendship, frank, affable in intercourse.
            In this brief retrospect of the retrospect of the life and character of Mr. Huntsman, we may show how great has been our loss and that of his numerous friends and family. Therefore,
            Resolved That wehonor and admire his success in life, respect his character and regret his death.
            2d. That we respectfully tender to his bereaved and distressed family our sympathy and condolence on this melancholy occasion, and that a copy hereof be furnished them.
            3d. That it be moved before his Honor, the Judge of the Circuit court now in session, that these proceedings be enrolled on his records, as a perpetual memorial of respect and sympathy for the memory of the deceased.
            4. That these proceedings be published in the West Tenncssee Whig and the Nashville papers.
            Which Preamble and Resolutions were, on motion of G. C. Torbitt, Esq., unanimously adopted and Sam'l McClanahan, Esq., was requested to present the same to the Circuit Court now in session in this town, and move that the same be enrolled on the records of said court.
            Whereupon the meeting adjourned.

JOHN REID, Ch'm'n,
HERVEY BROWN, Sect'y

            The Nashville papers will please copy.

WEST TENNESSEE WHIG, Jackson, Tenn., August 31, 1849

 

            HUNTSMAN, Adam, a Representative from Tennessee; born in Virginia; moved to Jackson, Tenn., elected as a Jackson Democrat to the Twenty-fourth Congress (March 4, 1835-March 3, 1837); unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1836 to the Twenty-fifth Congress.
BIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY OF THE AMERICAN CONGRESS, 1774-1971 (Washington, D.C., 1971), page 1166

The life of the Hon. Adam Huntsman (1786-1849) has been very ably studied by Kevin D. McCann and the results published in ADAM HUNTSMAN: WEST TENNESSEE POLITICIAN (Jackson, 1993) and THE CORRESPONDENCE, SPEECHES AND WRITINGS OF ADAM HUNTSMAN, volume one (Ashland City, Tenn., 1995).

From McCann's ADAM HUNTSMAN: WEST TENNESSEE POLITICIAN, the three wives of Adam Huntsman are listed: Sarah Wesley Quarles (died 1825); Elizabeth Todd, whom he married in June 1829; she died in 1843. Nancy Waller Moseby, 1846.

Mr. McCann has told this writer that he found the documentary evidence showing that Adam Huntsman had a natural-born child (illegitimate) named Malinda Huntsman, whom he acknowledged and provided for. She died in 1826. With his Quarles wife, Huntsman had a daughter, Ann Huntsman who was married to Timothy P. Scurlock, an attorney, 1840, and they had several children; lived in Jackson, Tennessee. Huntsman's children with his second wife, Elizabeth Todd, were (ADAM HUNTSMAN:WEST TENNESSEE POLITICIAN, Appendix A: Notes on the Children of Adam Huntsman, pages 20-22): George T. Huntsman, who moved to Shelby County, Tennessee and died there in 1859; America Huntsman, who died unmarried in Marshall County, Miss. in 1859, but her body was returned for burial to Jackson; Paradise Huntsman, who was married to Nathaniel W. Williams, 1855; Adam F. Huntsman, who served in the Sixth Tennessee Cavalry, C. S. A. during the Civil War and moved to Arkansas; Susan Jane Huntsman.

The old two-story, brick residence of Adam Huntsman and his family was located off the old stage road from Jackson to Lexington, Tennessee about a mile northeast of Old Salem Cemetery. After his widow, Nancy Huntsrnan's death, the residence was sold several times, being purchased finally by the Malone family who lived there for many years.

Robert Henry Cartmell wrote in his Diary (vol. 33, 1915, page 18), January 11, 1915, that "He /W. G. "Pet" Malone/ owned the Adam Huntsman place. Adam lived and died about 1857 /1849/ a splendid brick home. The Norvells /John R. and Thomas G. Norvell/ built /it/, where ever you see a brick building /built/ by them it is the best."

In an article that appeared in THE JACKSON SUN, January 24, 1915, Captain Thomas M. Gates wrote, "I will take you to one of the most historical places in Madison County; the home of Adam Huntsman. . . . Within the walls of this old home many of Tennessee's gifted men of the past were entertained. . . . The heirs of Mr. W. G. Malone, deceased, now own the Adam Huntsman place."

Madison Co. Deed nook 87, page 403. The heirs of W. G. Malone sold to R. L. Hill, for $3000, 290 acres, the old Huntsman place, with its "improvements", i.e. buildings. March 24, 1916. Deed registered March 24, 1916. /Thus, the old house was inferentially still standing early in 1916./

Madison County Deed Book 103, page 294. R. L. and Fannie Hill sold to W. H. Collier 100 acres of the Huntsman place, which included the residence, for $12,084, August 27, 1923. Deed registered January 15, 1924. /Therefore, it appears that the old Huntsman residence burned, as local tradition explains its destruction earlier in the 20th century, sometime between 1916 and 1923, replaced on the same site with a substantial two-story brick residence which still occupies the site./

Madison Co. Deed Book 1, page 581. Adam Huntsman to George Todd, 6-8 acres at headwaters of Butler /Jones/ Creek, which lies north of the main road from Jackson to Lexington, between the Huntsman/Todd dwellings, about 4 miles east of Jackson, for consideration of 5-7 acres South of the road, adjoining the tract I /Huntsman/ now live on. July 20, 1825. Deed registered September 7, 1827.

 

(Page 20)

JONES

U. S. Census, 1830, Madison Co., Tenn., page 73:
Atlas Jones, one male, aged 15-20; one male, aged 20-30; one male, aged 40-50; one female, aged under 5; one female, aged 40-50.

Madison Co. Deed Book 2, page 59. Calvin Jones, Wake Co., N.C., power-of-attorney to Atlas Jones to sell his lands in Tennesee. October 3, 1825.

IBID., Book 2, page 70. Calvin Jones to Atlas Jones of Moore Co., N.C., for $4000 land on the waters of the Forked Deer River near Jackson, Tenn., 1000 acres, on both sides of Butler Creek /now Jones Creek/, adjoining the land of Adam Huntsman, John Childress. Known as the "Butler tract of land from having been first settled by a man of the name of Butler." Located in Surveyor's District 9, Range 1, Section 8. December 17, 1824.

Tennessee State Library and Archives: General Land Grant Book Y, page 284. Grant #19676 to Calvin Jones for 1000 acres, Surveyor's Dist. 9, Range 1, Section 8; began at NW corner of said section, line running south crossing the creek. Entered Dec. 6, 1820; surveyed April 13, 1821. Granted July 26, 1823.

From Nashville, Tenn. John C. McLemore wrote to Dr. Calvin Jones, in North Carolina, October 15, 1821, in reference to the latter's large tract of land he had entered near what became Jackson, Tennessee. "The best settlement in that country is forming near this tract, a short distance below it and near the /land/ office of the 10 /Surveyor's/ District, is spoken of with much confidence, as a suitable place for a town; in fact, I believe a town has already been laid off, called Shannonsburg. It is believed the seat of government of the county to be laid of f will be located there or near that place." (HISTORIC MADISON, by Emma Inman Williams (Jackson, 1946), page 486.

Madison County Will Book 3, page 478. Will of Atlas Jones, executed September 24, 1841. To his wife, Rebecca, he left "mansion house and all the other buildings and outhouses" for her life, held in trust for her and his daughter- in-law, Catherine Jones, separate from her husband, Timothy P. Jones, and then to their children. His wife was to have one half of sawmill and son, T. P. Jones the other half. Granddaughter, Rebecca Ann Fenner, a slave, Mary; granddaughter, Octavia Jones, a slave, Martha (and if she died, slave went to his daughter, Ann Fenner, wife of Dr. Robert Fenner and grandson, John Sabreski Fenner; and the latter grandson a slave also). He left a house and lot in Raleigh, N.C. to nephew, Atlas Reeves of Fayette Co., Tenn. after the death of Fanny Porter. Samuel Lancaster, James D. McClellan, Calvin Jones, his brother, Montezuma Jones, his nephew, to hold land in trust and also to serve as executors.

Madison Co. Court Minute Book 5, page 75. Will of Atlas Jones probated Dec. 6, 1841. IBID., page 151. September 1842. Samuel Lancaster qualified as principal executor.

Madison Co. Will Book 3, page 691. Atlas Jones referred to as Colonel Atlas Jones.

Madison Co. Chancery Court Minute Book 1, page 49. In the case of Atlas Jones who died previous to July 1848, leaving a will entrusting estate to Samuel Lancaster, James D. McClellan, Montazuma Jones, with Samuel Lancaster qualifying as executor. Octavia R. Jones, Sarah R. Jones and Catherine Jones, children of Catherine Jones, dec., represented in estate by their guardian, Timothy P. Jones. Ann M. Fenner, wife of Dr. Robert Fenner and daughter of Atlas Jones, had children (Rebecca Ann, Robert, John S., Richard, Walter C., Darwin P., Eliza Fanny and Rosa Matilda) with an interest in the estate. Rebecca, widow of Atlas Jones, with an interest in the estate. Three of the trustees had resigned and in their place were appointed Timothy P. Jones, Rebecca S. Jones and Julius

Timothy P. Jones enlisted as captain in Co. D, 2nd Inf. Tenn., June 1846; discharged May 25, 1847, New Orleans. Served in Mexican War.

In Madison Co. Deed Book 1, page 150, Atlas Jones is given as residing in Franklin Co., NC. December 1820.

 

(Page 21)

Calvin Jones (April 2, 1775-September 20, 1846), the brother of Colonel Atlas Jones, was a Physician, politician and newspaper publisher. He was born near Sheffield, Massachusetts. In biographical sketch about him, on page 315, DICTIONARY OF NORTH CAROLINA BIOGRAPHY, edited by William S. Powell (Chapel Hill, N.C., 1988), it is stated that Dr. Jones' father (hence, Atlas) was "Ebenezer Jones, /who/ was of Welsh ancestry, a descendant of Thomas Ap Jones, who arrived in Massachusetts in 1651. His mother was a descendant of William Blackmore, who came from England in 1665. Both parents were interested in their children's education. . . ." Calvin Jones was educated as a physician, moved in 1795 to Smithfield, N.C. and served as a member of the North Carolina House of Commons. He moved to Raleigh, N.C. in 1803, and along with Thomas Henderson edited the Raleigh STAR for several years. He was also a trustee of the University of North Carolina. Sold "Wake Forest" which was his estate in Wake County, N.C. in 1832 and moved to Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tennessee. He and his wife, Temperance Boddie Williams, widow of Dr. Thomas C. Jones, had children: Montezuma Jones (1822-1914); Octavia Rowena Jones (1826-1917), wife of Edward Polk; Paul Tudor Jones (1828-l904). (IBID., page 316)

U. S. Census, Madison Co., Tenn. Oct. 31, 1850, page 677:
Rebecca Jones, aged 62, born Virginia; Pickering /Timothy Pickering/ Jones, aged 36, born N.C.; Octavia Jones, aged 10, born Tenn.; Sarah Jones, aged 8, born Tenn.; Catharine Jones, aged 7, born Tenn.

Madison Co. Marriage Record: Robert Fenner married Ann M. Jones, July 23, 1828.

U. S. Census, Madison Co., Tenn., August 19, 1850, page 435:
Robert Fenner, aged 47, born N.C.; physician; Ann Fenner, aged 37, born N.C.; Rebecca A. Fenner, aged 19, born Tenn.; Robert Fenner, aged 17, born Tenn.; John S. Fenner, aged 15, born Tenn.; Richard H. Fenner, aged 12, born Tenn.; Walter C. Fenner, aged 11, born Tenn.; Darvin Fenner, aged 9, born Tenn.; Elizabeth Fenner, aged 7, born Tenn.; Fanny F. Fenner, aged 5, born Tenn.; Rosa M. Fenner, aged 3, born Tenn.; Ella Fenner, aged 1, born Tenn.; Madison Parker, aged 31, born N.C.; Frances C. Parker, aged 22, born Tenn.

U. S. Census, 1830, Madison Co., Tenn., page 69:
Robert Fenner. One male, aged 20-30; one female, aged 15-20. Some 9 slaves.

Madison Co. Will Book 3, page 280. Robert Fenner paid Catherine R. Jones and husband, T. p. Jones, $20,000 deducting his fees. May 1, 1840.

Civil War Direct Tax Assessment List, Civil Dist. 14, Madison Co., Tenn., for 1865 taxes, paid early in 1866 (National Archives: MF 369, micro-copy T227, Roll 4): T. P. Jones, 837 acres, valued at $13,000. Owned one mill, valued at $500.

 

HENDERSON

Madison County Will Book C, page 247. Will of /Miss/ M. E. Henderson, dated April 29 (no year given); probated Oct. 29, 1920. To Bunie Hicks $1000, including $200 for her daughter, Elizabeth and $100 paid her /unnamed/son. ". . . . expenses have been paid . . . on enclosure lot at cemetary is enclosed with concrete wall and tomb stone to my own." Balance to other relatives: Willie Garrett, Dr. Henderson; each $200. Robert Henderson, $400 "as my agent in selling and seeing, to work needed on lot including 4 graves." Laura Corwell, Etta Parish, each $25. Jim Hudson, Kate McClentock, each $10. /This helps to explain how the tombstone for Miss Henderson, grave-markers for her parents and other kindred were placed in the Henderson lot at Old Salem./

 

(Page 22)

Madison Co. Court Minute Book 5, page 256. James Henderson took oath as county trustee, for next two years, March 1844. IBID., page 475. Re-elected to this office again in the spring of 1846 and died in office.

IBID., page 628. December 6, 1847, administrators named to settle estate of James Henderson, dec. IBID., pages 633, 643. Dec. 7, 1847, year's support from estate of James Henderson to his widow, Elizabeth. IBID., page 674. Report filed March 1848 of the inventory and sale of his personalty. Hence: James Henderson, Madison County Trustee, 1844-1847.

Madison County, Tenn. Death Records, State of Tennessee. Volume 38, page 547, Martha Elizabeth Henderson, born July 19, 1844, died October 18, 1920; daughter of James Henderson and Elizabeth Brown. He was born in Tenn., she in Ky. Died from cancer of breast; buried at "Salem."

U.S. Census, August 22, 1850, Madison Co., page 454 (Civil District 15):
Elizabeth Henderson, aged 53, born Georgia; real estate valued at $1500; Nancy M. Henderson, aged 31, born Tenn.; William Henderson, aged 29, born Tenn., real estate valued at $1000; James H. Henderson, aged 22, born Tenn.; Sarah C. Henderson, aged 17, born Tenn.; Susan R. A. Henderson, aged 14, born Tenn.; Jesse W. Henderson, aged 12, born Tenn.; Fletcher Henderson, aged 9, born Tenn.; Martha E. Henderson, aged 7, born Tenn. Wm. C. Oliver, 19, born Tenn., tutor.

U.S. Census, August 18, 1860, Madison Co., Tenn., page 154:
Elizabeth Henderson, aged 58, born Georgia; real estate valued at $1700; Newton Henderson, aged 19, born Tenn.; Martha Henderson, aged 16, born Tenn.; John Henderson, aged 28, born Tenn.; Eliza Henderson, aged 54.

U.S. Census, 1840, Madison Co., Tenn., page 97:
James Henderson. One male, under age 5; one male, aged 10-15; three males, aged 15-20; one male, aged 20-30; one male, aged 40-50. Two females, aged 5-10; one female, aged 15-20; one female, aged 20-30; one female, aged 40-50.

Madison Co. Court Minute Book 9, page 726. Jesse H. Harper appointed adm. of estate of James Henry Henderson, who died recently. June 2, 1862. /Perhaps this is one of the persons buried in the Henderson lot at Old Salem, with only a grave-marker inscribed: Brother. The father of Miss M. E. Henderson, James Henderson and her mother, Elizabeth Henderson, have grave-markers inscribed only: Father, Mother.

Perhaps another brother, Newton Fletcher Henderson, is buried in the family lot at Salem. He died in 1867. Vivian Woolfolk qualified as adm. of his estate, May 1, 1867. He left a widow, Mattie. (Co. Min. Book 10, pp 464, 562)

 

GARRETT

Madison Co. Marriages:
Thomas H. Garrett married to Martha J. Brown, October 29, 1856
Thomas H. Garrett married to Susan B. Henderson, December 1, 1859

 

ANDERSON

U.S. Census, 1850 Mortality Schedule for Madison Co., Tenn., page 50:
Gabriel Anderson, aged 75, born South Carolina, died January 1850; farmer.

Madison Co. Deed Book 1, page 170. Lee Sullivan sold to Gabriel Anderson, 160 acres in Surveyor's District 10, Range 2, Section 9; part of land grant #17402. September 18, (1823?). Deed registered December 16, 1823.

IBID., page 317. Vincent Haralson sold to Gabriel Anderson, both of Madison Co., 58½ acres in Surveyor's Dist. 9, Range 1, Section 9. Feb. 25, 1825. Deed registered July 2, 1825.

IBID., Book 3, page 295. Samuel Snelling of Bedford Co., Tenn. gave power-of-attorney to "my friend," Gabriel Anderson, to sell town lot in Jackson

 

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(Lot #73). May 16, 1833. POA registered May 16, 1833.

Madison Co. Will Book 5, page 76. Will of Gabriel Anderson. To wife, Jane, all property she brought to their marriage. Son, James C. Anderson, a horse; Rebecca Nowell, a horse; servant, Jesse, to be set free, if laws permit; if not, J. J. Anderson to see that he lived as free "as far as it is lawful." His livestock, farming equipment, household plunder to be sold and the proceeds divided equally among his heirs: Samuel L. Anderson, Matilda Collins, Esther Renshaw; Mary G. Brodin; Samuel S. McElwee; Lucretia A. Cooper; Drucilla Williamson; Miriam L. Blackmon; John Jarred Anderson; Joseph H. Collins; Willjam S.Collins, children of Elizabeth S. Collins, dec. and wife, Jane. Slaves divided. Land on south side of stage road, adjoining tract given to son, John Jarred Anderson, to be sold and proceeds distributed to heirs. Son, J. J. Anderson and "old friend," Joshua Ewell to be executors. January 16, 1850. Probated February 1850.

Gabriel Anderson's second wife, Jane T. Anderson, is buried in Brown's Church Cemetery, with tombstone: Jane T. Anderson. Born Jan. 29, 1806. Died Nov. 23, 1880.

U.S.Census, 1830, Madison Co.,Tenn., page 82:
Gabriel Anderson. One male, aged 5-10;one male, aged 15-20; one male, aged 20-30; one male, aged 50-60. Two females under age 5; one female, aged 5-10; two females, aged 10-15; two females, aged 15-20; two females, aged 20-30; one female, aged 40-50.

John Jarred Anderson, a son of Gabriel Anderson, was a respected citizen of Madison County. He "was found dead near his residence about one-half mile east of this city /Jackson/, on the Spring Creek road. . . . He was discovered late Wednesday evening /January 29,1879/ in a little woods lot immediately in the rear of his residence and when found was lying on his face with both hands folded beneath him." The verdict of a jury of inquest (Jan. 30) in the case was that Anderson had been murdered and killed with a pistol or a rifle shot. Although Anderson was reported to have had a "derangement of mind" for some time and had left home several days before his death, wandering the countryside, having mailed his wife a postcard from Pinson, Tenn., his death was not a suicide. (TRIBUNE-SUN, Jackson, Jan. 31, 1879) The case was never solved. His tombstone at Brown's Church reads: J .J. Anderson. Born in Madison Co.,Tenn., March 31,1824. Died Jan.27, 1879. God gave. He took. He will restore. He doeth all things well. His wife, Martha W. Anderson's tombstone gives her dates: 1824-1889. From the TRIBUNE-SUN account:

            Mr. Anderson was born in Madison County, March 31st, 1824 and was married to Martha W. Fussell, Sept. 8th, 1847. He leaves a wife and large family of children to mourn his loss. He had long been a member of the M. E. Church South. Deceased was for many years
                              PROMINENT BUSINESS MAN
both in this city and in Memphis. As a business man he was remarkably successful and through his business tact, coupled with an indomitable energy, he succeeded in accumulating quite a fortune. In his death this community has sustained an irreparable loss that while he was forced to retire from active participation in the affairs of life on account of mental disease, yet he will long be remembered in this communityas a man of sterling integrety and high moral worth.

THE DAILY AMERICAN, Nashville, Tenn. January 31, 1879:

Jackson, Jan.30. A most foul and mysterious murder was committed here Monday evening last. Mr. John J. Anderson, a worthy citizen, about fifty-five years old, was found dead, yesterday morning, in a woods near his residence, shot through his head. The deed was evidently done by a murderer as no weapon can be found. For some years he /Anderson/ has been non compos mentis and frequently wandered off to visit relatives. Last Thursday he went to Pinson and was thought to be there when his body was discovered. He was seen on Sunday evening from the depot and was noticed walking in the lot about noon Monday. He is supposed to have slept in an outhouse Sunday night. About fifty dollars were found on his person which adds to the mystery. The most horrible suspicions are uttered, but no clue as yet obtained.

 

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BROWN

U. S. Census, August 22, 1850, Madison Co., Tenn., page 451:
Robert Brown, aged 46, born Virginia; carpenter; real estate valued at $3000; Susan Brown, aged 42, born Georgia; James M. Brovn, aged 21, born Tenn., carpenter; Martha J. Brovn, aged 19, born Tenn.; John P. Brown, aged 17, born Tenn.; Robert F. Brown, aged 15, born Tenn.; Sarah Brown, aged 13, born Tenn.; William F. Brown, aged 9, born Tenn.; Elisha C. Brown, aged 6, born Tenn.; Mary A. Brown, aged 8 months, born Tenn.; Caleb Rogers, 23, born N.C.; carpenter.

Madison Co. Deed Book 4, page 510. Robert L. Brown and wife, Susan L. Brown, formerly Brown, interest in land where widow of James Brown now lives to James R. Brown and James Henderson, February 25, 1836. Deed registered June 27, 1836.

Madison Co. Will Book A, page 429. Will of Robert Brown, executed Jan. 1, 1889; probated Feb. 1892. to "my aged and beloved wife the use and occupancy of my homestead." Daughter, Sarah M. V. Brown, a lot in Jackson "as a slight testimonial to her love and care for her mother and myself in our old age and declining years." Son, John P. Brown, $400. J. T. Beveride executor. /Beveridge/

In Lot 222, Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, Tenn.:

ROBERT BROWN
Born Mar. 25, 1804
Died Jan. 7, 1892

ELISHA H. BROWN
Born Nov. 10, 1845
Died April 7, 1868

SUSAN BROWN
Born Jan. 23, 1808
Died May 29, 1896

SARAH M. BROWN
Born 1858

Madison Co. Marriage Record: Robert Brown married Susan Brown, March 25, 1828.

 

GREER

U. S. Census, 1830, Madison Co., Tenn., page 73:
Alexander Greer. One male under age 5; one male, aged 5-10; one male aged 40-50. One female under age 5; one female, aged 5-10; one female, aged 15-20; one female, aged 30-40. Some 8 slaves.

U. S. Census, Nov. 2, 1850, Madison Co., Tenn., Civil Dist. 14, page 685:
Alexander Greer, aged 62, born N.C.; real estate valued at $20, 000. J. R. Robins, aged 24, born Tenn. Camillus Greer, aged 19, born Tenn.; Lafayette Greer, aged 15, born Tenn. Next door: James T. Greer, aged 25, born Tenn.

IBID., Civil Dist. 5, Sept. 19, 1850, page 535:
John A. Greer, aged 23, born Tenn.; farmer, real estate valued at $6500.
John R. Bobbitt, aged 25, born N.C.

Madison Co. Deed Book 1, page 206. John Gray Blount, Beaufort Co., N.C. sold to Alexander Greer, for $440, 360 acres in Madison County, Tenn., formerly Stewart Co., in Surveyor's Dist. 9, Range 1, Section 9. Feb. 25, 1821. Reg. July 2, 1825.

IBID., Deed Book 21, page 687. Alexander Greer for love and affection for his daughter, Emily E. Person, lot in Jackson, Tenn. with improvements. November 27, 1857. Deed registered Feb. 16, 1860.

IBID., Deed Book 17, page 297. Susannah Greer, Wm. M. Greer, Zenas A. Greer gave power-of-attorney to Alexander Greer to sell their land in Perry Co., Tenn., April 1, 1853. They lived in Mecklenburg Co., N.C. Registered May 15, 1854.

IBID., page 69. Margaret Greer, executrix of Andrew Greer, Mecklenburg Co., N.C. power-of-attorney to Alexander Greer to sell land in Madison Co., Tenn., Jan. 28, 1851. Registered Jan. 10, 1854.

 

(Page 25)

            John A. Greer, of this city, was born in Tennessee in 1827, and is the son of Alexander and Margaret (Spratt) Greer. The parents are natives of Mechlenburg County, N.C., and came to Tennessee in 1819. He lived in different counties until 1822, when he moved to Madison. He was a prosperous farmer and owned considerable real estate and slaves. Nine children were born to their union, six of whom lived to become grown, and two only are living at present. The mother died in 1841, the father following in death in 1858. Our subject spent his boyhood days on the farm, and received his education in the common country schools. At the age of seventeen he came to this city and spent two years clerking for Childs & Person; then, on account of ill health, returned to his father's farm, and after a vacation of about one year, he took a trip West, spending three months, and returned to receive a gift of 1,000 acres of land from his father, in the southwestern portion of the county, which he at once located on, remaining until 1854, when he began merchandising in the village of Denmark, this county, and continued until 1859, when he married and returned to his farm. His bride, Miss Louisa Ingram, was born in 1832, and is the daughter of Dr. John and Lydia (McMillan) Ingram. He remained on the farm until 1871, and then moved to this city, yet retaining possession and control of his farm. He is one of the directors in the First National Bank. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Masonic order, and also of the K. of T. In politics he is strictly Democratic.
Weston A. Goodspeed, HISTORY OF TENNESSEE, Madison County (Nashville, 1887), page 864

 

Madison Co. Deed Book 5, page 37: Margaret G. Neil, Thos. J. Greer, Andrew Greer, Wm. M. Greer, Zenas A. Greer, T. A. Greer, Archibald Whyte, grdn. for Margaret Jane Whythe, Mecklenburg Co., N.C. appointed Alexander Greer of Madison Co., Tenn. power-of-attorney to sell 345 acres in Giles Co., Tenn. and 640 acres in Madison Co. as legatees of Thomas Greer, dec. Also, the portion formerly belonging to "our sister", Catherine M. Greer. February 18, 1836. Deed registered August 28, 1836.

Mecklenburg Co., N.C. marriage bond: Alexander Greer to marry Margaret I. Sprott, August 12, 1818.

Madison Co. Court Min. Bk. 9, page 15. Jan. 7, 1860. Alex. Greer and Emily Person dividing father's slaves; total value, $32,300.

Mecklenburg Co., N.C. Will Book C, page 88. James Greer's will, executed Sept. 12, 1807; probated October 1808. Son, Alexander Greer, "that part of my plantation that he now lives on according to the dividing line I made between him and his brother James." Daughter, Agness, land. Also to Alexander Greer other land, including 250 acres out of 1000 acres "in the great bend of the Tennessee /River/." Also, "I will that my son James assist his brother Alexander with the carpentry work." Daughter, Margaret Davis, slaves and land. Son, James Greer, slaves. "The firewood needed by Agness is to be provided by my sons James and Alexander who are to see that she has what she needs as she nursed me in my old age." Executors, his two sons and two daughters.

Mecklenburg Co., N.C. Will Book A, page 161. Thomas Greer's will, executed Feb. 4, 1825; probated Feb. 1828. Wife, Susannah Greer, to manage plantation and if she marries, division among her and two daughters, Catherine and Susan: also to her, certain slaves. Daughter, Margaret Neel, slaves. Son, James Greer, plantation "he lives on that. I paid for." Son, Thomas J. Greer tract of land. Son, Alexander Greer, land and slaves and 250 acres in Perry Co. /Tenn./ Son, Andrew Greer, land and slaves. Son, Wm. M. Greer, land and slaves. Daughter, Catherine Greer, slaves. "I give to each subscriber in the Apostolic Congregation of Steele Creek /Presbyterian/ of which I am a member, a pocket Bible and a copy of the Acts and Testimony." Sons, Thomas J. and Andrew Greer, execs. In a codicil dated Jan. 23, 1828 Greer named additional executors, his son-in- law, Samuel Neese and friend, John Hart. Guardians of family, his wife and his nephew, Alexander Greer.

The Alexander Greer of the James Greer will, 1808, would appear to be the older Alexander Greer, who was a cousin of the man of the same name who probably was given the power-of-attorney by his siblings to sell their Tennessee lands. The Alexander Greer of Madison County was likely the son of Thomas Greer whose will was probated in February 1828.

 

(Page 26)

Madison County Will Book B, pp 160-161:
JOHN A. GREER, Feb. 20, 1901-February 16, 1903
Wife Alice Maclin Greer house, lot I live on, 4 acre and all property on the place; $12,000 in U.S. 4% bonds, $12,000 in U.S. 3% bonds, $6000 other U.S. 4% bonds, $6000 bank stock, First National Bank of Jackson. Also the storehouse lot on Main Street; another houselot now occupied by the Peoples Bank; $1000 money out of my est and lot in Riverside Cemetery where Dr. John J. Taylor is buried. To Lula Harris my first wife's niece $21,000 in 4% Water Works bonds, Jackson, Tn. $3000 of old Water Works bonds, $2000 in U.S. 5% bonds. To Louisa Moore dau of Lula Moore $6000 U.S. 4% bonds and $10,000 in school bonds, Jackson. Tn. To Ann I. DeBerry my sister-in-law $2000 U.S. 4% bonds. Louslla Meriwether who now lives with me $2000 U.S. 4% bonds. Eva Louise Taylor dau of Dr. John J. Taylor dec $10,000 U.S. 4% bonds and house lot on Baltimore St. in which her mother now lives. Ingram Taylor son of John J. Taylor $2000 in U.S. 4% bonds. Kate wife of E. L. Jamee $2000 U.S. 4% bonds. Willie Inqram $500 in money. W. D. Nelson $500 in money. John G. Nelson son of W. T. Nelson $250 in money. Thomas Crawford Long. Jr. son of my friend Thomas C. Long $500 in money. Presbyterian Church in Jackson $1000 in money. Sara Davis my family cook "who has lived with me for many years" the small house lot in Jackson. $1000 to be set aside for a monument for my grave similar to the one over first wife's grave. B. A. Persons my nephew $1000 in money, tracts of land (abt 145 acs, 90 acs, 11 acs, 200 acs). Emma Person dau of B. A. Person $2000 in U.S. 4% bonds. Lizzie Person dau or B. A. Person $2000 U.S. 4% bonds. Elenora Person dau of B. A. Person $2000 U.S. 4% bonds. Walter Person $4000 U.S. 4% bonds. Ben Person $1000 U.S. 4% bonds. Niece Hibernia Neal my storehouse, lot on Market St. Jackson and $2000 U.S. 4% bonds. Emma Gates my grand niece $2000 U.S 4% bonds. Falls Neill my grand nephew $2000 U.S. 4% bonds. Lula Tyson wife of Jo. N. Tyson storehouse, lot on sw corner of Main-Market strs in Jackson and $4000 U.S. 4% bonds. Anna Noel my niece house lot now occupied by R. Y. Dond as a grocery store and $4000 U.S. 4% bonds. Sallie Persons wife of Rush Person my nephew house, lot on Liberty St., Jackson and a small houselot on central Alley and 100 ace of land in CD 14, Madison Co. and $4000 U.S. 4% bonds. Leila Nicks wife of Jo S. Nicks, storehouse, lot now occupied by Hays Brown as a storehouse and my dwelling house on Baltimore St. now occupied by Mrs. Harris; a small brick house now occupied by Mrs. Blanchard; a small brick house on W. Chester St. and $4000 U.S. 4% bonds. Sister Emily Person $5000 U.S. 4% bonds. Residue of est div among my mister Emily's children. Julius W. Vaden, Will A. Caldvell execs. Wits John L. Wisdom, C. P. Slack. Cod, Oct. 14. 1901. Mrs. DeBerry has died so her share goes into est residue. Cod. March 6, 1902. I have given a small brick house on W. Chester St. to Mrs. Sally Person wife of Rush Parson. revoke giving it to Lula Hicks. Cod, Nov. 25. 1901. I gave my farm to Mrs. Sallie Person but now revoke that and give it to J. A. Vandeford, this 100 acs being in CD 14, Madison Co. B. A. Parson to have 126 ace in CD 18, Madison Co. Cod, Nov. 26. 1901. This enclosed package of U.S. bonds to Sallie Person, Jr. dau of Rush Person. To Master Greer Nicks these bonds (in an envelope). No wits.

Buried in Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, Tennessee:
Benjamin R. Person, Oct. 23, 1810-February 24, 1881
Emily E. Greer Person, Nov. 21, 1824-Oct. 3, 1915

The death certificate of Emily Greer gives these dates of birth and death; her parentage: Alexander Greer, Margaret Spratt, natives of North Carolina

The Madison Co. marriage records show that B. R. Person married Emily E. Greer, October 20, 1842.

Also buried in Riverside are (in Lot 183):

John A. /Alvis/Greer
Born Feb. 27, 1827
Died Feb. 7, 1903

Louisa Ingram, wife of J. A. Greer
Born in N.C., 1832
Died 1900

J. A. Greer md. (2) Mrs. Alice Macklin Ingram, Feb. 20, 1901.

Madison Co. Will Book 7, page 27. Will of Alexander Greer, executed August 13, 1858 and probated October 1858. Son, James T. Greer, place where he lives, located between Alexander Greer and Elizabeth Rogers on the east side of the Lexington road; also slaves and $5000 to him for life and then to his wife and children, if he had any. Funds to be raised from sale of his lands in Denmark, sold to J. A. Greer. Daughter, Emily E. Person, the lot of which Benj. R. Person now lives, slaves and $4000. Son, John A. Greer, the Denmark land adjoining the Rainey land and slaves. Son, Camillus P. Greer, the home tract four miles from Jackson and slaves. Books divided among my four children. Grandson, Benjamin Alexander Person, school books. Granddaughter, Hibernia Person, watch and chain. Grandson, Rush Person, double barrel shotgun that belonged to his son, C. L. Greer. Wm. Marshall Person a horse, bridle and saddle. Grandson, Charles L. Person, gold watch that had belonged to C. L. Greer. Slaves, Solomon, Rachael to live with whom they wish /among his children/. Benj. R. Person and John A. Greer, executors. Isham Burrow's son, named for him, was to receive at age 18, horse, bridle, saddle.

Madison Co. Will Book C, page 73. Will of Emily Person, excuted August 1909; probated August 1915. Among other provisions, expresses wish that Mr. L. Tyson take care of burial lots at Old Salem and Riverside Cemetery from funds from her estate.

Madison Co. Will Book 3, page 121. Will of Benjamin Person, executed Nov. 28, 1836; probated January 15, 1840. Names son, Benjamin Rush Person.

Tombstone of Benjamin Person, in Cotton Grove Baptist cemetery, states that he died Dec. 5. 1839, aged 61 yrs., 1 month and 24 days. Ann Person, his wife, tombstone dates: July 3, 1791-April 20, 1869.

 

(Page 27)

BETTS

Madison Co. Will Book 5, page 71, will of Seldon Betts was proven Sept. 1849. Clerk's notation that the original will could not be found.

IBID. Will Book 6, page 230. Nuncupative will of Peninah Betts, as explained to the county court by witnesses Joseph R. Sykes and Emily Parsons; given by Mrs. Betts, at her residence, March 6, 1856. To her brother, James B. Conger, $800. Rest divided among James B. Conger and "the other two" (unnamed); wanted P. D. W. Conger to "attend to it for her." Probated April 3, 1856. IBID., page 225. Sale of personalty of Seldon and Peninah Betts. Report submitted April 12, 1856.

IBID., page 187. Peninah Betts had received from P. D. W. Conger $2822. 83 from assets of her late husband, Seldon Bett's estate.

Davidson Co., Tenn. Marriage Records:
Seldon Betts /Bitts/ marriage bond, to marry Pernia Conger, July 26, 1825
John Pavatt marriage bond, to marry Peggy Conger, November 29, 1800

Madison Co. Chancery Court Minute Book 2, page 280. P. D. W. Conger v Stokely Betts and others. Heard, February 25, 1859. Seldon Betts died in the summer of 1849, leaving a will, naming Philander D. W. Conger executor. Wife, Penniah Betts half of estate and $50 each to his brothers and sisters and $250 to the Baptist University Seminary, Murfreesboro, Tenn. Penniah Betts died in Feb. /March/ 1856, leaving a half interest in her husband's estate, 100 acres and three slaves, Mary and a child and the girl Amanda. Executor still lacks $168 to pay the Betts siblings and the seminary. Chancery court ordered sale of estate.

IBID., page 298. February 21, 1860. Noted that April 11, 1859 the slaves, Mary, age about 40, infant about 2 months, Amanda, about 11 years were sold. P. D. W. Conger bought the 100 acres left in the Betts estate. Interest of the several heirs was conveyed to the purchasers of the slaves and land and so ordered in chancery. These heirs were: James B. Conger, John J. Betts, Lemuel Bowers, Evelina Bowers, Stokely Betts, Lovell Betts, Ann Williams, Elizabeth Coltharp, Eliza Demumbrane, Isaac W. Betts, William S. Betts, Leonidas Betts, Franklin Betts, Harriet Miller, John Conger, Caroline Priestley, Stephen C. Pavatt, L. P. Wiley /Wyly/, Margaret Williams, Sarah Williams, Pavatt Williams, John Nixon, H. S. Nixon, O. A. Nixon, Margaret Chappel /Chappell/, Mary Pavatt, Rowena Pavatt. Interest in slaves vested in J. F. Fletcher. IBID., page 386. Court allowed payment of fees to lawyers, August 29, 1860.

U. S. Census, 1850, Madison Co., Tenn., page 558:
J. B. Conger, aged 56, born Tenn.; Elizabeth Conger, aged 50, born N.C.; Adeline Conger, aged 24, born Tenn.; Roena Conger, aged 20, born Tenn.; John Conger, aged 17, born Tenn.; Sarah Conger, aged 14, born Tenn.; Margaret Conger, aged l0, born Tenn.

IBID., page 461:
P. D. W. Conger, aged 31, born Tenn.; Eliza J. Conger, aged 24, born N.C.; Martha C. Conger, aged 6, born Tenn.; Sarah E. Conger, aged 4, born Tenn.; Roena Conger, aged 2, born Tenn. /P. D. W. Conger married Eliza Jane Chambers, in Madison County, December 15, 1842./

Davidson Co., Tenn. Wills, Inventories Book 8, page 218. Zachariah Betts died leaving two tracts of land, i.e. 5611/2 acres on Mansker's Creek and 428 Ridge acres and six slaves. Recorded June 20, 1823 (report).

IBID., page 253. Year's provisions provided for Catherine Betts, widow of Zachariah Betts, out of his estate. Report recorded Oct. 8, 1823.

IBID., page 502. James B. Conger given as living on Mansker's Creek, Davidson Co., Tenn. in December 1825.

A funeral notice of the burial of Mrs. Elizabeth Conger, mother of P. D. V. Conger gave her funeral date as March 28, 1879. (Tenn. Room Collection)

 

(Page 28)

Davidson Co., Tenn. Deed Book R, page 251. Caty Betts, Seldon Betts, Eliza Betts, John Betts, Lemuel Bowers and Emeline Bowers, Stokely Betts sold for $500 to Stokely Betts "the tract whereon Zachariah Betts formerly lived." Feb. 4, 1826. Deed registered Nov. 24, 1826.

IBID., page 804. John Betts, Seldon Betts, Stokely D. Betts, Caty Betts, Eliza Betts and Lemuel Bowers authorized Enoch P. Connell to sell 298 acres in Rutherford Co., Tenn. formerly belonging to Zachariah Betts.

Davidson Co., Tenn. Wills, Inventories Book 8, 1821-1826, page 520. Seldon Betts and E. P. Connell, adms. of Zachariah Betts' estate, made report of hiring out of slaves from Jan. 1, 1826. March 10, 1826. IBID., page 465, The same parties, hiring out slaves, from Jan. 1, 1825. June 14, 1825.

Madison Co. Deed Book 7, page 313. P. D. W. Conger and James B. Conger, millers, millwrights, merchants, to form a company named James B. Conger & Son. P. D. W. Conger to have general management of firm. If James B. Conger dies, his sons James, John and Stephen are to have 1/2 interest in the mill belonging to the firm, with P. D. W. Conger continuing to manage the business, distributing funds to the others. January 4, 1841. Deed registered January 14, 1841.

IBID., page 304. James B. Conger sold to P. D. W. Conger 200 acres including the mill now being built. January 2, 1841. Deed registered Jan. 6, 1841. Madison Co. Deed Book 53, page 252. P. D. W. Conger conveyed homeplace in Jackson (bought in 1861) to Eliza J. Conger, his wife, and at her death to their children and grandchildren: Rowena Flippin, James B. Conger, Stephen R. Conger, John W. Conger, Charles G. Conger, Paul P. Conger, Stella Dibble and husband Eugene Dibble; Annie and J. B. Clark; Phi and F. Bailey; Mays Langford, Andrew Langford and Ben Langford. May 7, 1895. Filed May 31, 1895.

Robert H. Cartmell's 1902 Diary, page 37. August 7, 1902. P. D. W. Conger died yesterday /August 6/ at Mrs. King's (his sister) in Germantown. Born Middle Tenn, possibly Davidson Co. & came to Madison Co. as a child. Lived here until 2-3 years ago, when he went to live with children in Ark., then lately visiting his sister. "Phi Conger was a man of good practical sense."

HISTORY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, JACKSON, TENNESSEE, 1837-1912, by Henry Clay Irby (Jackson, 1912), page 30:
James B. Conger was born May 22, 1792 and died November 7, 1871 and ordained a deacon, 1849. "He was a man of strong convictions, had strong sympathy for the destitute and afflicted."

In his obituary, WHIG-TRIBUTE, Jackson, November 11, 1871, it was stated of Major James B. Conger that he died November 7 in his 80th year of age; was born in North Carolina and was one of the pioneers of Madison County. "He was for many years a valued contributor to the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN. . . . Whilst we sympathize with his afflicted family in their bereavement, yet we know that the old man is resting well." (He is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Jackson.)

Evander McIver Betts (1833-1913) was a son of John J. Betts and a grandson of Zachariah Betts. There are genealogical notes and an autobiographical sketch about him (dated Feb. 19, 1905) in which John J. Betts, among others, is given as a child of Zachariah. These items are in the Betts Collection, Tennessee Room, Jackson-Madison Co. Library. The name Evander Betts replaces that of Leonidas Betts in the list of heirs in the Sheldon-Peninah Betts chancery case in the second listing of heirs on page 299 of Chancery Minute Book 2 of Madison County. Evander M. Betts and family are featured on pages 39-41 of OUR CLAYBROOK HERITAGE (Jackson, Tenn., 1993) by Jonathan K. T. Smith.

WHIG-TRIBUNE. Jackson, May 3, 1873. "The new planing mill of P. D. V. Conger, on the Central Road, between West Lafayette and Main streets /has/ commenced. . . ."

THE WEEKLY TIMES, Jackson, Feb. 13, 1891. "The pioneer mills of Jackson was /sic/ established in 1871 by the father of the present owner, Mr. P. D. W. Conger. . . . The firm became known as Conger Bros. and in 1878 by purchase from his brother, Mr. S. R. Conger /P. D. W. Conger/ assumed full control."

 

(Page 29)

THE REPUBLICAN, Jackson, Tenn., May 23, 1845:

[HTML EDITOR'S NOTE: This item is an open letter "To the Citizens of West Tennessee" by J. B. Conger in which he describes the mills he has built. The item in the scrapbook is reduced and nearly impossible to read.

 

(Page 30)

PAVATT

John Pavatt and Margaretta (Peggy) Conger were married in Davidson County, Tennessee, November 29, 1800 (marriage bond date). She was likely the daughter of Stephen Conger who died early in 1806 in that county, where an inventory was submitted to the county court by his administrators, Peninah and John Conger in April of that year.[1] A report of the inventory and sale of Conger's personalty, indicating a modest estate, was submitted to the county court by his administrators in July of the same year.[2] Among the siblings of Peggy Conger were James B. Conger and Peninah Conger, who later married Seldon Betts.

John and Peggy Pavatt moved to Humphreys County, Tennessee shortly before 1820. He died about 1827, leaving his widow to raise their children, who were: Caroline Pavatt, born about 1802, who married James Priestley, November of 1817; Stephen Conger Pavatt, born in Sumner Co., Tenn., 1808 [3]; Narcissa Cordelia Pavatt, who married Henry Nixon [4]; Elmina Pavatt, who married John Light Chappell, December 18, 1838 [5]; Lemira Pavatt, who married Christopher K. Wyly in 1839 [6]; Felix J. Pavatt, born about 1816, who later lived in Henderson and Decatur counties, and died Sept. 28, 1855, shortly before he was to take his seat in the House of Representatives of Tennessee, serving from Decatur and Perry counties.[7]

Peggy Conger Pavatt continued to live in Humphreys County but in her older years she died in Madison County while living or visiting with some of her relatives there.

References

l. Davidson Co., Tenn. Wills, Inventories Book 1805-1811, pages 107-108.

2. IBID., pages 117-118.

3. Pavatt's birthplace is given as Sumner Co., Tenn. in his biographical sketch in the BIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY OF THE TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, volume one, 1796-1861 (1975), edited by Robert M. McBride.

4. Notice of the Nixon marriage appeared in the NATIONAL BANNER AND NASHVILLE WHIG, Nashville, Tenn., January 17, 1829.

5. CHAPPELL, DICKIE & OTHER KINDRED FAMILIES OF VIRGINIA, by Phil E. Chappell (1900), page 228. This couple lived near Jackson, Tennessee and had an only daughter, Margaret, who married Daniel Durham.

6. The descendants of Christopher K. and Lemira P. Wyly are given in THE WYLY SAGA (1981), by Jonathan K. T. Smith, pages 87-104. Lemira's dates: Sept. 4, 1819-March 30, 1876. She is buried in Camden, Tennessee.

7. Felix J. Pavatt is listed as a child of John and Margaretta Pavatt in a document recorded in Humphreys Co. Deed Book G, page 33. His death notice appeared in the NASHVILLE UNION & AMERICAN, October 4, 1855.

 

STEPHEN CONGER PAVATT

He was born in 1808 and died in 1863. He was educated for the practice of law; served as law clerk in the western branch of the state supreme court at Reynoldsburg, 1832-1833. He was married to Margaret Humphreys Hudson and about 1838 the Pavatts moved to Huntingdon, Tennessee where he practiced law; moved a few years later to Camden, Tennessee. He served in the state House of Representatives, 1833-1837; in state Senate, 1851-1853; as chancellor of the 6th Chancery District, 1854-1861. A biographical sketch about the Hon. Stephen C. Pavatt is given in THE WYLY SAGA (Memphis, 1981), by Jonathan K. T. Smith, pages 108-115.

NOTE: The parentage of the John-Peggy Pavatt family is listed in Humphreys County Deed Book G, page 33.

 

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