GENEALOGICAL TIDBITS FROM THE MEMPHIS DAILY APPEAL
DURING THE CENTENNIAL YEAR OF 1876
By Jonathan Kennon Thompson Smith
Copyright, Jonathan K. T. Smith, 2002
MEMPHIS DAILY APPEAL
APRIL-JUNE 1876
(Page 27)
April 1, 1876
About three years ago two "German boys" established a mercantile business in Somerville, Tennessee; industrious and clever they accumulated about $20,000 worth of property. They were also circumspect, in behavior. In the early hours of March 31, 1876 a "party of about twenty men" broke into their store where the young men also had their living quarters, beat and dragged the Germans into the street and told them to leave town. A committee of townfolk organized to offer the young men protection and an attempt was to be made to determine the identity of the marauders. [April 4, 1876 issue, notes that the law-abiding citizenry of Somerville rallied to the support of the Germans whose names were JULIUS and JACOB HIRSH who had been beaten and robbed of $2000 on March 31.]
April 2, 1876
F. A. PARX, Memphis resident, died March 31, 1876. [Fred A. Park was aged 53 years.]
Colonel THOMAS C. FLOURNOY died in his residence on the Arkansas River, March 31, 1876. [His funeral to be held from mother-in-law, Mrs. A. M. Rice's on Orleans Street, Memphis, April 7, according to account in that day's paper. Burial in lot 538, Chapel Hill section, Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis, with tombstone: T. C. FLOURNOY Born Aug. 10, 1828 Died March 31, 1876]
(Page 28)
In Memoriam: JAMES K. LYTLE died of consumption in San Antonio, Texas, March 27, 1876, aged 25 years. "There is sadness in the old cottage-home, in the faraway Emerald Isle. As the gentle spring time comes apace, the aged sire [father] and loving sister will sit in lonely sadness and talk of the beloved one who will revisit the old homestead no more but who has found a quiet resting place among many warm friends in the home of his adoption; while the brothers and relatives who came to share the new-found home will sadly miss his companionship. . . " Signed R. M. D.
April 4, 1876
MARGARET O'BRIEN wife of Richard O'Brien died in Memphis, April 3, 1876.
INFANT CHILD of Louis and Permelia PODESTA died in Memphis, April 3, 1876.
JOHN THOMAS DREWRY died in Memphis April 3, 1876 in the 40th year of his age. Request that the Richmond, Virginia newspapers publish this notice.
"WILEY MITCHELL, the young man who lost both his legs by a railway accident near LaGrange at few days ago, died at the residence of his brother, on Pontotoc Street, Sunday night." [THE MASONIC JEWEL, Memphis, volume 6, #6, June 1876, page 159, notes that WILEY DAWSON MITCHELL, native of Georgia, died April 3, 1876 from a railroad accident injury at LaGrange, Tenn. on March 31. Resident of Burnsville, Miss.]
April 5, 1876
FRED HAYDEN, a single man, resident of Springfield, Illinois, working as clerk on the towboat, J. N. KELLOGG, was scalded to death when a steam pipe burst, forcing the steam into his room where he was sleeping; at the foot of Island 37 enroute to St. Louis, . Missouri, on the morning of April 4, 1876. [DAILEY AVALANCHE, April 5, 1876, recorded that Hayden was aged 21 years; unmarried; remains sent to his old home, Springfield, Illinois.]
April 6, 1876
CHARLES EDMOND SIDES only son of William and Margaret Sides, died in Memphis, April 5, 1876, aged 19 years.
LEOPOLD IGLAUER, LOUIS HANAUER, JOHN SCHEIBLER, F. S. DAVIS, M. MARX, J. SCHILLING, H. BENSDORF, N. M. JONES and JOSEPH UHL had applied for a charter of incorporation of the "GERMAN-AMERICAN BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION" in Memphis, today, and subscriptions for shares in this company were now available. [This institution kept in operation for years, surviving the economic downturn wrought by the yellow fever epidemics that beset Memphis in. the late 1870s. It becomes readily apparent to a close reader of the Memphis newspapers of this period that the German population played a highly significant role in the economic and cultural life of the city. In two/three years time this would change permanently. Many of this vigorous element moved to St. Louis after the devastating yellow fever epidemic of 1878 and that of 1879. "Many (yellow fever) refugees remained permanently in St. Louis. . . . (THE BIOGRAPHY OF A RIVER TOWN, MEMPHIS, ITS HEROIC AGE, by Gerald M. Capers, Jr., Memphis, 1966 edition, page 205. Despite his probable misogyny and olympian sneering, Capers wrote a readable, general history of Memphis although he almost completely ignored the political dynamism of the 1870s.)]
April 7, 1876
Among the real estate to be sold by THOMAS P. WINCHESTER, assignee, on April 24, 1876, belonging to D. H. TOWNSEND, who was bankrupt, was the latter's residence, "Woodlawn" near White's Station on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad; 178 acres with comfortable dwellings, barns and outbuildings, orchards and vineyards. Debts were owed by Townsend to the Planters Insurance Company.
(Page 29)
April 8, 1876
The Reverend ROBERT DAVIDSON, DD [Doctor of Divinity], of the Presbyterian Church, died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 6, 1876 aged 68 years; since 1867 he had served as director of the Princeton Theological Seminary.
April 9, 1876
WILLIE T. MERCER died in Bartlett, Tenn., April 8, 1876 aged 19 years; burial in Raleigh, Tennessee. [Willie T. Mercer, born in 1857, was one of the children of Isaac Barnett Mercer, December 11, 1825-Oct. 9, 1870, and Sarah Dorcas (Alexander) Mercer, August 3, 1829-February 17, 1904; this couple, formerly of Fayette Co., Tenn., moved to Shelby County about 1859, settling in what became the town of Bartlett, where he also became one of the founders of the town. After his death, Sarah Mercer kept a boardinghouse in her residence adjacent the depot in Bartlett. Willie's siblings were Alva T.; Sarah, wife of J. F. McCollum; Martha, wife of John T. Cochran; I. B., Jr. and Walter L. Mercer. Shelby County Probate Book 19, pages 436-437. Persons interested in this family may read the genealogical notes in folder twenty-two, "Isaac Barnett Mercer & Shelby Family, " in the J. K. T. Smith collection, Special Collections, McWherter Library, University of Memphis. Willie T. Mercer lies in an unmarked grave.]
W. H. McDONALD, Memphis, married M. L. GARDNER, Ogdensburg, New York, in Memphis, April 4, 1876. April 11, 1876
"A man named McNARY, hailing from near Grand Glaize, on White River [in Arkansas] and en route to Giles county in this state, with five motherless children, was picked up by the police last night perfectly crazy. His wife died about a month ago and having given up all he had in the world to pay doctors and drug bills he was trying to carry his children where they would be cared for. Those [persons] disposed to contribute to a worthy object of charity will find it at the stationhouse in the case of this unfortunate family."
JAMES D. WEIR, prominent citizen of Helena, Arkansas, died in Memphis, April 9, 1876; remains sent to Helena for burial.
I. K. CRAIN, in the employ of Metropolitan Bank of New York, was in Memphis on business for the bank; suffering from heart disease he died in the Peabody Hotel on evening of April 10, 1876. [The DAILY AVALANCHE spelled his surname as CRANE.]
April 12, 1876
CLAUDE F. MORFORD son of D. B. and M. M. Morford died in Memphis, April 11, 1876 aged 4 years, 4 months and 27 days old.
W. W. STEVENSON, superintendent of Wheeler and Wilson agency in Memphis, married LILLY B. KING of Memphis, at Calvary Episcopal Church, April ll, 1876. She was a daughter of H. S. King, a Memphis merchant.
ROSA WALKER, a supposed prostitute who had been found on the steps of a local church in Memphis a few nights ago died in the city hospital, April 10, 1876.
April 13, 1876
JOHN W. VOEGELI, administrator of the estate of HENRY SCHUE, dec., directed that all claims against this estate be filed with him promptly.
April 14, 1876
ISAAC A. CRANE of New York died in Memphis, April 10, 1876; funeral services to be held at the Peabody Hotel this morning.
April 15, 1876
SAMUEL KENDALL WATSON infant son of Samuel and Ellen Watson died in Memphis, April 14, 1876.
(Page 30)
April 16, 1876
JAMES B. EMMONS died in Memphis, April 14, 1876; funeral conducted by Holst undertakers today. [City death records give Emmons' age as 58 years.]
L. D. MYERS, attorney, Columbia, Tennessee, died there, April 14, 1876.
April 18, 1876
MARIAH BAYLISS LEWIS infant daughter of S. D. L. and Gellie M. LEWIS died in Memphis, ostensibly on April 17, 1876.
HARRIET T. SIMPSON wife of John C. Simpson, died April 17, 1876 in the 49th year of her age; funeral from her residence two and a half miles from Memphis on the Randolph road, today.
Dr. W. K. LOVE, planter and merchant, DeSoto Co., Miss., died in Louisville, Ky., April 16, 1876; burial at Love's Station in the family graveyard.
April 19, 1876
WILLIE W. only child of H. C. and Belle W. BIGELOW died in Memphis, April 18, 1876 aged 15 months; burial today.
Mrs. ALBERT PIKE, aged lady and widow of the prominent citizen of that name, died in Little Rock, Arkansas, April 14, 1876. [Albert Pike married Mary Ann Hamilton, October 10, 1834; she died in 1876.]
April 20, 1876
Mrs. J. W. WOLTERING died in Argenton, Arkansas, April 18, 1876; funeral from residence of her son-in-law, Joseph Konig, on Tate Street, in Memphis, today.
CHARLES CAMPBELL married ADDIE S. WELLS in residence of Mrs. S. A. Wells, Memphis, April 19, 1876.
April 21, 1876
Captain FRANK McNOLLY, resident of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, died of pneumonia in Louisville, Ky, April 19, 1876; remains sent to residence of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Mary Flaherty on Vance Street in Memphis. [April 22, 1876 issue gives his age as 43 years. His tombstone in Calvary Cemetery, Memphis, erected years after his death, gives his dates: born 1833; died 1875.]
ORESTES A. BROWNSON, LLD, well-known American writer, died in Detroit, Michigan, April 17, 1876; became a Universalist minister; in 1832 became a Unitarian minister and finally in 1844 joined the Roman Catholic Church. His religio-philosophical writings were influential. "The knowledge of God, he maintained, is intuitive."
April 22, 1876
In Shelby County, Tenn. Chancery Court: B. P. ANDERSON, commissioner of revenue vs MARY ELLEN BOGGIANO and Others. It appeared from the bill in this cause that Mary Ellen Boggiano was a resident of Italy; that the names of the heirs of Jackson BOWMAN, dec., were unknown; notice was hereby publicly given to these parties to file their claims on the land in these proceedings with Edmond A. Cole, Clerk and Master on or before the first Monday in June 1876.
April 23, 1876
HENRY D. BUCKLY and his wife, CLARA A. BUCKLY, had executed a deed of trust [mortgage] on July 12, 1870, to the trustee, C. B. WELLFORD, to secure an indebtedness, for their property in the Willoughby Williams subdivision, Memphis; the debt was unpaid and the property would be sold at public vendue, to the highest bidder, at the courthouse, May 13, 1876.
(Page 31)
April 25, 1876
JOY MOORE infant daughter of W. H. and L. O.Moore, Memphis, died April 24, 1876.
April 26, 1876
PATRICK "Pat" M. WINTERS, JR. died in his residence on Avery Street, Memphis, April 25, 1876; left a widow; funeral today from St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
Obituary of MARGARET J.BOWERS wife of Major Jacob Bowers, who died in Cross Co., Ark., April 8, 1876 in the 42nd year of her age; daughter of Samuel M. and Sarah Allen of Shelby Co., Tenn., where she married [June 26, 1850]; moved to Arkansas; had 13 children, 9 of whom survived her. Member of the Presbyterian Church; "thoroughly domestic in her disposition... she remained closely at home and endeavored by quiet but steady and strenuous efforts faithfully to discharge the many duties incumbent upon her."
April 27, 1876
TERRENCE O'CONNOR son of Patrick and Ellen O'Connor died in Memphis, ostensibly April 26, 1876 aged 10 years, 5 months and 18 days old; burial today.
MARTHA A.MULLINS wife of the Rev. L. D. Mullins, died April 26, 1876 in the 66th year of her age; burial from Hernando Street Methodist Church today.
EVELYN BELCHER COLLIER wife of Chalres H. Collier, died April 26, 1876 aged 23 years; burial from Calvary Episcopal Church, tomorrow. She had been a school teacher.
April 28, 1876
SARAH W.JONES widow of former governor of Tennessee, James C. Jones, died near Memphis, April 27, 1876 in the 64th year of her age.
THEO KREKEL married ANTONIE RITTER, in St. Mary's Catholic Church, Memphis, April 25, 1876.
April 29, 1876
Dr. D. S. JOHNSON'S medical dispensary, established in 1860, was located at 17 Jefferson Street in Memphis; he was especially known for his "treatment of private or secret diseases," including syphilis, involuntary loss of semen and libidinal impotence. [He had been named as guilty in providing an abortion for Kate McCormick in January! February 1876 but was exonerated of these charges in May 1876.]
April 30, 1876
HELEN M. youngest daughter of W. T. WILLIAMS died in Memphis, April 29, 1876 aged 12 years.
JAMES H. CROFT, aged 44 years and 24 days, died in residence of William WATT in Memphis, April 29, 1876;Confederate veteran.
ROBERT W.EDMONDS died April 28, 1876 in the 57th year of. his age; burial from his residence 11 miles south of Memphis on the Hernando road, tomorrow [burial in Elmwood Cemetery].
WILLIAM W. BUSBY, Memphis, married EVA BLACKMON, granddaughter of Dr. H. M. JETER of Coldwater, Miss., in Coldwater, April 27, 1876.
DELOS VAN BROKLIN married ISABEL SHEARON in the Christian Church, Memphis, April 3, 1876.
May 2, 1876
SALLIE OWENS wife of O. Q. Owens died in residence of her father, James M. COOK, near Lucy, Tenn., April 29, 1876.
May 3, 1876
Mrs. E. M. [Susan E.] AVERY died in Memphis, May 2, 1876. [She is buried in an unmarked grave, lot 238, South Grove, Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis.]
MARY E.BLANTON daughter of J. W. and Elizabeth H. Blanton died May 2, 1876 aged 7 years, 1 month and 5 days old.
(Page 32)
JOHN TRANTHAM died April 20, 1876 aged 62 years; burial in family graveyard near Ohio Branch, Mississippi.
Coroner held inquest in the death of MICHAEL LANIGAN, laborer in the ice-house, Memphis, who was found dead in his bed in Memphis, May 2, 1876; verdict was that he had died from heart disease.
HARRY C. YOUNG, a clerk on the steam "Dictator" was killed when the boat struck the Hannibal, MO. bridge April 17, 1876. He was described as about 32 years old; 5'10", blue eyed, light hair and mustache, fair complection; had a small scar on one temple.
Dr. JOSIAH S. WHITE, member of the 4th Texas Infantry, received his medal on May 2, 1876 as a veteran of the Mexican War, a heavy red, white and blue ribbon.
May 4, 1876
INFANT CHILD of John and Anne MULTER died in Memphis, May 3, 1876; funeral today.
CHARLES MILLER married Mrs. R. C. DREW, both of Memphis, May 2, 1876.
May 5, 1876
The funeral of LIZZIE LEE, daughter of SAMUELIA S. and the late Virgil V. MOORE, to be held, today.
R. W. SCRUGGS married Q. A. BAILEY, both of Germantown, Tenn., in Memphis, May 4, 1876.
THOMAS E. HENRY married LAURA ROSE GALLAWAY in Corinth, Miss., May 3, 1876.
Dr. GEORGE F. STEWARD married IDA MAY, daughter of Colonel Shelton WHITE, at Buntyn's Station, May 7, 1876.
G. E. NASH, administrator of the estate of VIRGINIA A. SRIRLEY announced that he would sell to the highest bidders her personal effects, i.e. household and kitchen furniture and gold watch, at A. E. Franklin & Co., auctioneers, Memphis, May 20, 1876.
In the celebration of the German MAIFEST in Memphis, May 4, 1876, the national centennial wag high-lighted.
May 6, 1876
Mrs. ANNIE MAURICE wife of N. [Nathan] Maurice, died May 431876. [She was buried in B'nai Israel Cemetery; remains later transferred to Temple Israel Cemetery; died from puerperal fever. The Memphis PUBLIC LEDGER, April 28, 1876 mentioned the birth of her son. Her husband was head bookkeeper at the Menken mercantile store.]
May 7, 1876
Miss FANNY CAIN died in Chelsea [in Memphis], May 6, 1876.
WILLIE HAMILTON LYTLE son of Alexander and Laura D. LYTLE died in Memphis, May 6, 1876 aged 3 months, 26 days; burial today.
May 9, 1876
EMMET MONROE BAXTER died Laconia, Ark., May 6, 1876 aged 4 years, 5 months, 18 days old.
NANNIE MOFFETT youngest child of John and Sarah Moffett, died in Memphis, May 7, 1876 aged 6 years, 6 months and 28 days old.
May 10, 1876
Shelby County, Tennessee Chancery Court: MOSES J. WICKS vs W. B. GREENLAW and Others. In the bill of this cause it appeared that W. B. Greenlaw, Jr. and wife, Fannie; their children, SALLIE, ANNA, and KATIE BELL were residents of Texas; by this public notice they were directed to make answer to claims of Kate B. and G. B. Peters, before Edmond A. Cole, Clerk and Master on or before the first Monday in June 1876.
(Page 33)
May 11, 1876
MAGGIE DWYER daughter of Owen and Lizzie J. Dwyer, was scalded to death in Chelsea [Memphis], May 10, 1876 aged 3 years, 7 months; burial today.
Mrs. MARY ENGLISH died in Memphis, May 10, 1876 aged 60 years; burial today. [DAILY AVALANCHE, May 11, 1876 calls her NANCY ENGLISH]
The OPENING of the GRAND EXPOSITION in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in commemoration of the national centennial, was held May 10, 1876.
May 12, 1876
ELIZABETH DAVIDSON wife of William Davidson died in Memphis, May 11, 1876 aged 78 years.
ALICE FLIPPIN MARSHALL daughter of E. and A. R. Marshall, died in Memphis, May 11, 1876, aged 3 months and 27 days old.
Mrs. EMILY McGHEE, widow of Captain Robert L. McGHEE, a former Memphis merchant, died in her residence near Montgomery County, Missouri, May 9, 1876. A daughter, Mrs. CLARENCE HUNT, lived in Memphis.
May 13, 1876
SUSIE WELLS daughter of Samuel A. and Margaret Wells, died at twelve o'clock last night, aged 3 years, 8 months and 14 days old.
May 14, 1876
EMMANUEL LEVY, a resident of Memphis for thirty-two years died in St. Louis, MO., May 10, 1876.
In Memoriam: ELIZABETH R. GRAHAM wife of W. L. Graham and daughter of the late Mrs. M. E. BAXTER, died May 7, 1876 on her 26th birthday [May 7, 1850]; had been married for two years; a feeling tribute to her memory written by her widower.
A black man "named ALLISON BOND was arrested in Brownsville last week, charged with burying alive an infant of which he was the father by his own daughter. The infant was exhumed, still alive, after having been buried twelve hours. Upon examination of the case before a magistrate it was charged that two other infants had met the same fate on former occasions. Two of his sons gave the testimony upon which all the charges are based. [On June 23, 1876 a grand jury of the Haywood County Circuit Court indicted Allison Bond "late" of said county, for a murder her allegedly committed May 8, 1876 when "with malice and forethought [he] did commit an assault upon the person of an infant male child born upon the person of FRANCIS BOND a colored woman by them and their burying said infant child in the ground whereby and by which means the said infant then and there received bodily injuries of which it then and there instantly did die." Bond was free on $2000 bond posted May 23 but he failed to appear for his trial, leaving his securities in the lurch. In June 1877 the case was stricken from the docket as Bond had absconded and his whereabouts were unknown. Haywood County Court Minute Book B, pages 334, 355, 578-579; C, page 357. Justice in the case of Allison Bond seems "to have slipped through the cracks." He was back in Haywood County by the summer of 1880 where he appeared in the census, given as residing in the same civil district west of Brownsville. The 1870 U.S. Census (August 16), Haywood Co., Tenn., Civil District 9, page 421: Alison Bond, age 55, farm labor; Adaline Bond, age 40; Ann Bond, age 19; Robert Bond, age 20; Burton Bond, age 16; King Bond, age 15; Clio Bond, age 14; Sarah Bond, age 9; Jane Bond, age 9; Henry Bond, age 6; Philis Bond, age 4; Fannie Bond, age 2; Francis, female, Bond, age 22; Allison Bond, age 4. Given as a black family.]
|
[table from Page 34 of print copy] |
||||
|
-The following is the mortality report for the week ending yesterday afternoon at six o'clock: |
||||
|
NAME |
AGE |
SEX |
COL'R |
CAUSE |
|
Inf't Th. Pohl |
4 m |
female |
white |
diarrhea |
|
Q.(?) V. Dickens |
22 |
female |
colo'd |
cons'mt'n |
May 17, 1876
MrS. ELIZA J. EANES died in Memphis, May l6, 1876; funeral today.
THOMAS A. STINSON married SUE E. WEAVER, both residents of I~o1umbus, Miss., in Memphis, May 16, 1876.
(Page 34)
[HTML editors note: a May 14 Mortality List, which appeared on page 34 of the print copy, has been moved to its proper chronological position in this HTML version.]
FRANK CONRAD, a local carpenter and his wife "rejoiceth" over the birth of their ten pound baby daughter; the mother and child doing well.
May 18, 1876
MrS. ELIZABETH A. TOWNSEND wife of D. H. Townsend, died May l7, 1876. [Burial from Calvary Episcopal Church, May 19. An obituary for her appeared in the DAILY AVALANCHE, June 11, 1876.]
WILLIA M. BROWN, Alexis, Miss married LULA STONE, Pine Bluff, Ark., married in Shelby Co., Tenn., May 17, 1876.
May 19, 1876
The steamer "Pat Cleburne" exploded its boiler six miles below Shawneetown, late on May 17, 1876; it burned; killed in this disaster were Capt. Fowler, charley Colton, Dick Partridge and a passenger; others who were injured would survive.
May 20, 1876
One of the twin sons of JOHN A. KIRDY and wife died May 19, 1876 at Ridgeway. [See May 26, 1876 issue.]
May 21, 1876
|
-The following is the mortality report for the week ending yesterday afternoon at six o'clock: |
||||
|
NAME |
AGE |
SEX |
COL'R |
CAUSE |
|
Eliza L. Webber |
68 |
female |
white |
old age |
|
Evaline Ford |
40 |
female |
colo'd |
ty. mal. f'v. |
May 23, 1876
JOHN MULRQY died of consumption, May 22, 1876 in residence of Peter HAGGERTY, in Memphis, May 22, 1876, aged 38 years. He had been president of the Irish Literary Association.
MARY A. wife of J. W. CROCKER died Pocahontas, Tenn., May 21, 1876 aged 37 years, 3 months and 1 day.
Misses SARAH, ESTHER and BETTIE BROWN, residents of Memphis for several years, left for Germany on Thursday.
May 24, 1876
B. F. COLEMAN, clerk of the Shelby County Circuit Court, married IMOGENE WOOTEN, Holly Springs, Miss., in Calvary Episcopal Church, Memphis, May 23, 1876.
May 24, 1876
B. F. COLEMAN, clerk of the Shelby County Circuit Court, married IMOGENE WOOTEN, Holly Springs, Miss., in Calvary Episcopal Church, memphis, May 23, 1876.
(Page 35)
May 25, 1876
The estate of JOHN B. GOTTI was declared insolvent; all persons with claims against the estate were directed to file same with the county court clerk of Shelby County on or before August 24, 1876. J. A. Anderson was estate administrator.
May 26, 1876
The unveiling of the "full sized figure" in pure Italian marble was held in Elmwood Cemetery, yesterday, that of JAMES P. ROBERTSON, late secretary of the Howard Association. He was born in Fayette County, Tennessee, December 24, 1847 and died in Memphis [of consumption, i.e. tuberculosis], May 14, 1874; his mother died when he was two years old, his father when he was six years old. Robertson was among the organizers of the Howard Association, a benevolent organization, in 1867; he served as its first president; served the public during the terrible yellow fever epidemic of 1873. "Not unacquainted with misfortune himself, he seems early to have adopted the beautiful principle of helping the unfortunate." An affectionate eulogy in his memory was delivered by General George Gordon, president of the Howard Association.
Robertson's death notice in the DAILY APPEAL, May 15, 1874:
|
ROBERTSON-At the residence of Colonel J. F. Dowdy, No. 337 Mississippi Avenue, at 2 a.m., May 14, J. P. Robertson. |
|
IN MEMORIAM At a meeting of the Howard Association, held at their rooms on the fourteenth instant, on motion a committee, consisting of General G. W. Gordon, A. M. Stoddard and E. J. Mansford, were appointed to draft rResolutions of respect to the memory of J. P. Robertson, late secretary of this Association. The committee reported the following resolutions which were adopted: Whereas, it has pleased the most high, in his great decrees, to take from us our beloved friend and brother, J. P. Robertson; and Whereas, by his uniform affability of manner, kindness of heart, generosity of nature and Christian course in life, he has endeared himself to us by the tenderest and most affectionate ties; and Whereas, we desire to attest our admiration for his character, our love for his memory and our sorrow for his death; Therefore, be it Resolved, that we deeply lament the death of brother Robertson, in whom we have lost an affectionate friend, the community a benefactor, and this association one of its most devoted members. Resolved, that we recognized in brother Robertson the true philanthropist, the good citizen and the faithful Christian. Resolved, that his efforts in behalf of the late distressed and afflicted during the late pestilence [yellow fever epidemic], were self-sacrificing, generous and noble. Resolved, that we sympathize with his sorrowing kindred in the loss of one so good, so faithful and true. Resolved, that the members of this association attend his funeral in a body and wear the usual badge of mourning for the period of thirty days. Resolved, that these resolutions be published in the morning papers and that a copy be sent to the friends of the deceased. J. H. Smith, Secretary |
[Robertson was employed in the mercantile firm of Colonel Joseph F. Dowdy, 1814-1895, a friend and likely a relative; it was the latter who paid for the elegant statue of the young man in the Dowdy family lot in the South Grove section of Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis.]
(Page 36)
[Public records indicate that James P. Robertson was one of the three surviving sons of Alezo P. and Amanda (Dowdy) Robertson. The U.S. Census, 1850 (October 4), Civil District 7, Fayette Co., Tenn., page 567: Martha Dowdy, age 64, born Virginia; Mary Dowdy, age 23, born Virginia; Alezo Robertson, age 38, born Virginia, carpenter; William B. Robertson, age 8, born Tenn.; Alfred R. Robertson, age 6, born Tenn.; James P. Robertson, age 4, born Tenn. A few weeks after the census-taker visited this household, Martha Dowdy executed her last will/testament, October 24, 1850 (probated December 2, thereafter); left her 172 acre farm to her children, Mary, Elizabeth, W. P., Mahaly Munroe and heirs of Handa C. Robertson. W. P. Dowdy, executor. (Fayette County Will Book A, page 406; county court minute book D, page 291) William P. Dowdy qualified as the administrator of A. P. Robertson's estate, May 7, 1855. (IBID.: minute book E, page 475) The three Robertson brothers grew up as extended members of their uncle, William P. Dowdy's household. (See, U.S. Census, 1860, Civil District 14, Fayette Co., Tenn., page 175.) The morality schedule of the U.S. Census, 1850, Tennessee, page 211, shows that Amanda Robertson, aged 38 years, born in Virginia, died in October 1849 of typhus fever. The mortality schedule lists only persons who died in the year BEFORE June 1, 1850.
The Dowdys were from Cumberland County, Virginia. In August 1843, William P. Dowdy, 1818-1891, was mentioned in a power of attorney, as administrator of Richard Dowdy's estate, regarding the decedent's interest in the estate of James Dowdy, dec., ostensibly of Cumberland Co., Virginia. (Fayette Co. minute book B, page 431)
In March 1862, James P. Robertson enlisted in Company I of the Third (Forrest's) Tennessee Cavalry Regiment, in nearby Hardeman County, Tennessee; he served with this regiment in Mississippi, west and middle Tennessee throughout the war and was with it at the surrender in Citronella, Alabama, May 4, 1865; his residence, then, was given as Somerville, Fayette Co., Tenn. (National Archives: Compiled Military Service Records of Confederate Soldiers, Tenn., Roll 13)]
The funeral of the twin sons of JOHN A. KIRBY would be held today in Elmwood Cemetery. On May 20, 1876 the newspaper had announced, "We deeply regret having to announce the death of one of the twin sons of Mr. John A. Kirby which occurred yesterday morning at seven o clock at Ridgeway. The other child . . . is dangerously ill."
[The twins' tombstone in lot 4, Lenow Circle, Elmwood Cemetery reads: J. A. & A. E. KIRBY, Born Mar. 13, 1876. Died May 4 [24], 1876. THE MASONIC JEWEL, Memphis, volume 6, number 5, June 1876, page 160, furnishes the death date of May 24, 1876 and the twins' birth date as March 14, 1876, although their little tombstone reads March 13, 1876. The DAILY AVALANCHE, March 16, 1876 gives their birth date as March 13, 1876.]
FANNIE J. ALLISON wife of T. J. Allison, formerly of Memphis, died in Terrell, Texas, of consumption, recently; she was born in Botetourt Co., Virginia, July 20, 1851; a Methodist.
JOSEPH M. THOMAS, Smith [Smyth] Co., Va., married LUCY daughter of John M. SCHOOLFIELD, Shelby Co., in Shelby Co., May 25, 1876.
May 27, 1876
JENNIE TAYLOR wife of Captain Nat C. Taylor, Memphis, died in Holly Springs, Miss., in residence of her uncle, William Crump, May 12, 1876 in her 34th year of age.
DEKALB TREADWELL, junior member of A. C. Treadwell & Co., died in residence of his brother, A. C. Treadwell, May 26, 1876, aged 36 years and 28 days. [A tribute of respect to his memory by the members of the Memphis Cotton Exchange, May 28, 1876 was published in the APPEAL, May 30 issue. He is buried in lot 72, Lenow Circle, Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis.]
[HTML editor's note: There are no pages 37 or 38 in the copy being scanned.
There is no break in chronology and no index listings for these pages.]
(Page 39)
May 28, 1876
EUGENIA GRIFFIN wife of Martin Griffin died in Memphis, May 27, 1876.
Mrs. KATIE ROACH died in the O. K. Station of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, May 26, 1876 aged 70 years.
DAN P. CLEARY married LUCY LANE in Memphis, May 15, 1876.
May 30, 1876
CORRIE LOUISE only child of J. B. and L. Ella FRANKLIN died in Memphis, May 28, 1876.
In a shooting "affray" between W. P. WALSH and JOHN C. HALE, on May 28, 1876 in Hot Springs, Arkansas the latter man was killed, being "in the prime of life."
May 31, 1876
The vestry of the Jewish BETH EL EMETH published an expression of gratitude to the Young Hebrews for the successful picnic held at James Park in Memphis on May 16, 1876.
June 1, 1876
MARY E. STROUD wife of G. Stroud died in Memphis, May 31, 1876; funeral today.
EDELEN AGNES daughter of Joseph P. and Emma A. CAREY died May 31, 1876 aged 3 weeks and 4 days old; burial today.
June 2, 1876
WILLIAM B. MITCHELL married AGNES H. MOORE in the residence of the bride's brother, William H. Moore, June 1, 1876. Mitchell was a partner in the Hill, Terry and Mitchell mercantile firm.
June 3, 1876
J. W. QUINN, formerly of Memphis, married S. E. CAMPBELL, Chillicothe, Ohio in that place, May 31, 1876.
June 4, 1876
BROWN & STRATTON, the cotton factor and commission merchant firm of J. H. BROWN and B. M. STRATTON, Memphis, was dissolved May 12, 1876. The latter man continued the business, singly, as B. M. Stratton & Company at 9-10 Magnolia Block, Union Street in Memphis.
June 6, 1876
FRANK W. VIGUS, JR. infant son of F. W. Vigus and wife died in Memphis, June 3, 1876 aged 1 year, 2 months and 23 days old.
TALULAH K. infant daughter of A. C. and Mary W. ROBINSON died in Memphis, June 5, 1876 aged 6 weeks; burial today.
JOHN STURLA married MARY CORDANO, both of Memphis, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, June 5, 1876.
June 7, 1876
Bankruptcies - all in the United States District Court in Memphis:
T. E. GLASS of Burnvill, Haywood County, Tennessee;
SAMUEL M. GATES, ALBERT M. WOOD, W. M. BROOKS, Memphis;
RICHARD T. BROADNAX, JR., Tipton County, Tennessee;
W. M. HALL, Tipton County, Tennessee;
J. G. BATTELLE, Shelby County, Tennessee;
JOSEPH FARRELL, Shelby County, Tennessee.
June 8, 1876
Mrs. E. J. TAGGART died in residence on Pontotoc Street, Memphis, ostensibly June 7, 1876 aged 57 years. [Burial in lot 761, Chapel Hill section, Elmwood Cemetery]
(Page 40)
June 9, 1876
Funeral of David M. "Davy" PHILP, aged 50 years, held today at Grace Episcopal Church, Memphis. He was born at Alloa [AllowayI, a seaport town at the head of Firth of Forth, Scotland; lmmigrated to Canada where he was a newspaper reporter as he was later in Memphis. [He lies buried in an unmarked grave in lot 486, Turley section, Elmwood Cemetery. The Memphis PUBLIC LEDGER, June l4, 1876, noted that Philp's will was probated June 13; of the $800 he left, most of it went to his mother and sister, with $50 going to a nephew living in New York. Philp was also a U.S. commissioner and notary public.]
RICHARD McCALE died from gunshot injuries, June 8, 1876, aged 21 years, 1 month and 4 days; funeral today.
June 10, 1876
Captain JAMES M. SCRUGGS, formerly of Memphis, son of Judge P. T. Scruggs, died in Holly Springs, Miss., where he was a lawyer, June 9, 1876.
D. B. GRISWOLD died of the flux, June 7, 1876; a major in Confederate army; burial in Elmwood Cemetery. [Unmarked grave in Confederate section, #385 (935)]
June 11, 1876
GEORGE infant son of N. B. and A. SUGGS died June 10, 1876 aged 5 months, 5 days old.
JESSIE FLORENCE daughter of Jesse F. and Lillie Rolfe BROWN died June 10, 1876 of scarlet fever, aged 5 years, 5 months old.
LIZZIE MONAGHAN daughter of Matt and Jane MONAGHAN died June 10, 1876 aged 15 months, 11 days old.
DAVID ROBINSON, father of James S. Robinson, died in Memphis, June 10, 1876 in the 68th year of his age; burial in Steubenville, Ohio.
Obituary of Mrs. ELLEN J. EANES who died in residence of her son-in-law, N. FONTAINE, in Memphis, May 16, 1876 aged 70 years. Cumberland Presbyterian.
June 13, 1876
JOHN LEE FINNEY, clerk on the steam "John B. Marde" died June 11, 1876; burial in St. Louis, MO.
June 14, 1876
Colonel ROBERTSON TOPP died in his residence in Memphis, June 13, 1876; burial today. [Burial in lot 573, Turley section, Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis. According to the BIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY OF THE TENNESSEE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, edited by Robert M. McBride, Nashville, 1975, volume 1, page 731, TOPP was born in Davidson Co., Tenn., April 20, 1807; his twin brother was Dixon Topp, Miss., who survived him; he began practice of law in Columbia, Tenn. but moved to Memphis where he attained prominence; served in the state legislature, House of Representatives, 1835-1839, representing Shelby County. The encomium to his memory in "Bench and Bar, " Memphis Bar, volume 1, page 107:
|
Robertson Topp. In writing of the lawyers in the City of Memphis, the list would be incomplete without mention of Robertson Topp. Robertson Topp was born in Davidson County, Tennessee, on the 20th day of April 1807. At the age of sixteen he left his home, entered the office of his brother, John S. Topp, then a distinguished lawyer in Lebanon, Tennessee, and commenced under his guidance and tuition to prepare himself for the bar. When he finished his studies he practiced a while in Columbia, and in the twenty-third year or his age, moved to Memphis, arriving in January 1831. In 1835 he was elected to the Legislature from Shelby County. He served two terms in the Legislature, and afterwards declined re-election. |
(Page 41)
|
He made a large purchase of South Memphis stock in addition to that which he owned before, and though still practicing his profession, was busy laying out and opening the streets of the new town of South Memphis, which was an addition to the old town. While attending the Legislature, he met Miss Elizabeth L. Vance, who afterward became his wife, in 1837. In the spring of 1841 they were living in their home on Beale avenue where he lived the balance of his life. In July 1841, he held the first public sale of town lots, and in 1842-43 he commenced to build the Gayeso House. From 1851 to 1861, there was no scheme of public advancement nor any political change in which Mr. Topp did not take parts and in all of which he responded freely, and gave his time, talents and money to their success. Robertson Topp towered among his contemporaries like an oak of the forest. Endowed with the 'highest order of natural gifts, his mind was richly stored with knowledge, and his conversational powers were equaled by few men. His speeches were marvelous for their ability and sound logic, his legal arguments were luminous and exhaustive. The energy of his nature was irrepressible and his sanguine nature made him invariably hopeful. He lost heavily by the Civil war, having put large amounts of money in plantations and negroes. He died in June 1876, survived by a widow, and eight children, being sixty nine years of age at the time of his death. In the truest sense or the word, he was one of the builders of Memphis, one or its most devoted and faithful citizens. |
[Topp died of dysentery.]
KATE wife of Martin FINN died June 13, 1876; burial today.
June 15, 1876
W. K. GORSUCH, aged 38 years, died in Memphis, June 14, 1876; "an accomplished gentleman."
HIRAM A. MERRIMAN, Williamsport, married MORIE, youngest daughter of Hon. D. K. McRAE, in Memphis, June 7, 1876.
WILEY WALKER, a 22 year old black man, drowned in Wolf River, June 14, 1876.
General JOHN C. FISER died June 14, 1876 [A tribute to his memory by the Confederate Historical and Relief Association, dated June 15, 1876, noted his birth at Dyersburg, Tenn.; served as a Confederate officer from Panola Co., Miss.; published in June 18, 1876 issue. His tombstone in lot 37, Chapel Hill section, Elmwood Cemetery: JOHN C. FISER, Born Dyersburg, Tenn., May 4, 1838. Died June 14, 1876.]
A biographical sketch of Fiser from THE OLD GUARD IN GRAY by J. Harvey Mathes, Memphis, 1897, page 250:
(Page 42)
|
FIZER, JOHN C., born in Dyer county, Tenn., in 1838; removed to Panola county, Miss., with his father's family when 10 years old; grew up in mercantile life; came to Memphis to live, but when the war broke out he went back to Mississippi, and was elected first lieutenant and became adjutant of the Seventeenth (Featherstone's) Mississippi Regiment; was in the first battle of Manassas and at Ball's Bluff. When the regiment was reorganized he was elected lieutenant-colonel; was soon after promoted, and was in the principal battles in Virginia and at Gettysburg. He came with Longstreet to Tennessee, and was in the battle of Chickamauga. It was at Knoxville that he lost his arm when in command of his brigade. He was afterward assigned command of a brigade in South and North Carolina, and was with General J. E. Johnston at the capitulation at Bentonville. This brief sketch gives only a faint idea of his brilliant career. After the war he engaged very successfully in business in Memphis and married here. He was proposed for membership in the C. H. A. by Major W. A. Goodman, Captain W. D. Stratton and Dr. J. H. Erskine, and elected April 28, 1870; succeeded ex-Governor Isham G. Harris as president of the Association in 1871, and died June 16, 1876, at the early age of about 38 years. |
[Fiser died of dysentery.]
From the Memphis PUBLIC LEDGER, June 16, 1876:
|
Resolution of Respect. At a called meeting, held this day, for the purpose of giving expression to our sorrow at the death of our lamented President, General John C. Fizer, it was A. S. Livermore, Vice Pres., T. R. Trezevant, Secretary. |
June 16, 1876
Captain N. E. HUGHES married Mrs. LIZZIE W. SEYMOUR, daughter of Dr. W. S. Gibson, dec., both of Bolivar Co., Miss., in Memphis, June 15, 1876.
June 17, 1876
RUTHERFOED B. HAYES was nominated as Republican candidate for President of the United States in Cincinnati, Ohio, at that party's convention, June 16, 1876. He was born in Delaware, Ohio, October 4, 1822; an alumnus of Kenyon Coilege; officer in the Federal Army, Civil War; Governor of Ohio.
June 18, 1876
SILVIA infant daughter of John MASSA and wife died June 17, 1876 aged 1 year, 6 months old.
Tribute of Respect in memory of THOMAS NEYLON, recently deceased, by the Knights of Ennisfall, Memphis, June 5, 1876.
June 20, 1876
ROBERT B. son of E. M. and Susan B. APPERSON died June 20, 1876 aged 29 years, 4 months and 19 days old. [Buried in unmarked grave, lot 7, Turley section. He died from tetanus.]
Mrs. JANE CULLINAN died in Memphis, June 18, 1876.
SAM BATTLE stepson of Jake WALDRAN died June 19, 1876 in the 18th year of his age.
BARBOUR LEWIS married JEANNIE FULTON, both of Memphis, in Philadelphia, May 18, 1876. [Judge Lewis was a leading radical Republican of this period in Memphis.]
June 21, 1876
A. P. OWENS, JESS OWENS, JOHN MURPHY, ARCH RANDOLPH, HENRY DAVIDSON, white men; IKE DAVIS, black man; cutting wheat in a field near Springfield, Tenn., were all killed by lightning recently.
(Page 43)
June 22, 1876
"We learned yesterday of the death of Major G. M. BARTLETT [born November 27, 18211], which sad event occurred at the residence of his sister, Mrs. [Barbara] FISER, at Cedar Hill, Robertson county, middle Tennessee, on the eighteenth of June of disease of the brain." The July 18, 1876 issue noted that the county magistrates had passed a resolution of respect in Major Bartlett's memory. These resolutions appear on pages 52-53 of Shelby County Court Minute Book J, July 1876-July 1878:
|
Since the last term of this Court we have received the painful intelligence of the death of G. M. Bartlett Esqr., so long our faithful associate in transacting the business of our county. |
(Page 44)
|
the Court, as means of perpetuating our estimate of one who while living so faithfully discharged the duties devolving on him in all the varied relations of a long and useful life. |
Henry Leigh Priddy's tribute to Major Bartlett, published in the NASHVILLE CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, volume 36, number 27, July 8, 1876, page 12, columns 1-2:
|
GABRIEL MASTON BARTLETT was born Nov. 27, 1821 at Cedar Hill, Robertson Co., Tenn.; died there June 18, 1876, at the residence of his sister, Mrs. [Barbara] Fiser, whither he had gone for the benefit of his health. In his twenty-fifth year he came to Shelby County and on Dec. 3 was married to Miss Elizabeth Glasgow of Hardeman County who lived but a few years thereafter, leaving an only son. On Jan. 4, 1854, he was married to Miss Rebecca E. Cross of Fayette County who survives him with an only son. He professed religion at Old Pisgah Church which stood three miles northeast of the present town of Bartlett in 1846 and joined the Methodist Church. He was made a steward that year and filled the office with acceptability until his death. He was noted for his liberality toward all worthy objects but more especially to his church. Whenever there was a deficiency in the collection of quarterage he handed over the amount out of his own pocket. Major Bartlett was modest, retiring in his nature and of a conservative, charitable disposition, possessing a mind well-stored with information. In 1855 he was elected a member of the [state] legislature upon the Whig ticket, served his term out and never filled a political office afterward. He filled the office of justice of peace for many years before the war and was reelected at its close, continuing until death. His opinions were always regarded with satisfaction and as a counselor he was just, prudent and safe. On the commencement of the war he had been successful in his business pursuits and had amassed a very considerable fortune but it was swept away. These reverses weighed heavily upon him and to them may be traced the causes of that disease which preyed upon his stalwart form and crushed him to death. No more shall we have his counsel in the church, the Sunday school, the Masonic lodge and the Grange. The inhabitants of the village of Bartlett, named in honor to him, feel they have sustained a loss in his death and deeply sympathise with his bereaved family. Major Bartlett was a remarkable man; he never complained about anything, was always possessed of a quiet, calm and even temperament and apparently, taking things in this life just as they came without a murmur; he never grumbled. His friendship and assistance to many a youth is kindly remembered. He was the poor young man's friend, always ready to extend a helping hand to struggling youth. He was fond of the society of young people - his home was open to them. The writer has been the recipient of many kindly acts from his dear deceased friend and it affords him pleasure to bear testimony to the many sterling traits in his character. Major Bartlett was the last one of the charter members of Woodlawn Lodge, No. 211, F. A. M., which was organized at Mt. Zion Church, Oct. 1851. He died away from home where his boyhood days were spent and all that mortal was deposited by the side of his parents by Thos. McCulloch Lodge, No. 302, F. A. M., Cedar Hill, Tenn. with Masonic honors. |
The Memphis DAILY AVALANCHE, June 22, 1876, noted that Major Bartlett's death and commented upon his usefulness as a citizen.
(Page 45)
June 23, 1876
JAMES WASHINGTON died June 22, 1876 in his Memphis residence. [Elmwood Cemetery records give the age of this black man as 42 years.]
June 24, 1876
Mrs. S. A. MOORE widow of David Moore died June 23, 1876 aged 46 years.
June 25, 1876
LEANORA BUSBY WENDEL wife of Edwin J. Wendell died in residence of her father, J. J. Busby, in Memphis, June 24, 1876, aged 20 years, 9 months; burial today.
Miss JEFFIE RANDOLPH, Panola Co., Miss., died there June 17, 1876.
June 27, 1876
On the morning of June 25, 1876, JOHN COSGROVE, Memphian and "noted ward politician" was found dead in his bed; jury of inquest found that he died of congestion of the brain [stroke?]. He was buried in Calvary Cemetery, Memphis, on June 26. [The present writer could not locate a tombstone for him there in the summer of 2002.]
June 28, 1876
HENRIETTA B. daughter of W. T. and Willie PRICE died June 27, 1876 in the 12th year of her age; burial today.
H. E. CARLTON married ETHEL BRANNOCK in McKenzie, Tennessee, June 19, 1876.
Dr. HOWARRD FORD married Mrs. FLORA A. RAGLAND, both of Memphis, June 27, 1876.
June 29, 1876
WILLIAM POSTAL died June 27, 1876 aged 87 years and 16 days [by this calculation born May 11, 1789].
The funeral of JAMES HARVEY, Kingston, Jamaica, was held from Calvary Episcopal Church, Memphis, today.
Right Reverend GEORGE DAVID CUMMINGS of the Reformed Episcopal Church died in Baltimore, Maryland, June 27, 1876.
June 30, 1876
MrS. ELIZABETH STEWART died in residence of son-in-law, W. M. HOMAN, in Memphis, June 29, 1876 aged 64 years.
MAGGIE daughter of Daniel and Bridget DUFFY died June 29, 1876 aged 4 years, 1 month and 11 days old.
Mrs. JENNETTE LUCAS died in residence of son-in-law, J. A. FISHER in Alabama, ostensibly June 29, 1876; funeral today.
Return to Contents