Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, January 29, 1959, Page 1:

“Death Claims John Lee At Hospital---John Wesley Lee, 59, of Madisonville
Route 2, died Thursday night of last week at Sweetwater Hospital.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Delzie Croft Lee; two sons, Hubert
Lee and Rev. Raymond Lee of Madisonville; two daughters, Mrs. George Kyle 
of Madisonville and Mrs. Harrison Dunn of Rossville, Georgia; sic grandchildren; 
a brother, Charlie Lee; three sisters, Mrs. Gracie Watson, Mrs. Mary Tallent 
and Mrs. Mamie Watson, all of Madisonville. Funeral services were held Saturday 
afternoon at Notchey Creek Baptist Church, Revs. James Patton and Chester 
Millsaps officiating. Burial was in McClellan Cemetery.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, February 26, 1959, Page 9:

“In Loving Memory---On Thursday evening, Jan. 22, the Angel of Death hovered over 
the bed and claimed as its victim our loving husband and father, Wesley Lee. Dad 
was born April 12, 1900 and died Jan. 22, 1959, being 58 years, nine months and 
nine days of age at the time of his death.
He was married to Delzie Crofts, April 17, 1921, and to this union were born four 
children; Rev. Raymond Lee and Hubert Lee of Madisonville; Mrs. Roxie Dunn of 
Rossville, Georgia and Mrs. Betty Kyle, also of Madisonville. He leaves to mourn 
his departure his wife and children and six grandchildren; one brother, C.B. Lee, 
and three sisters, Mrs. Mamie Watson, Mrs. Mary Tallent and Mrs. Gracie Watson, all 
of Madisonville, and a host of relatives and friends.
He was a loving husband and father. All was done that loving hands could do for him. 
Wesley, your chair is vacant---we miss you so in and around the home. Wesley was a 
good, Christian man who numbered his friends by his acquaintances. He said he wasn’t 
afraid to die and was ready to go. 
We hated to give him up, but we are going to try to live so that we may meet him in some 
better day.
Wesley just closed his eyes and went to sleep in Jesus, and we feel our loss is Heaven’s 
gain. “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Lonely are our hearts and sad our home, but oh a brighter home than ours is now his home. 
Weep not, my dear ones, for me, for I am going to a country, you see, where I cannot come 
back, but you can come to me.
He professed faith in Christ in August 1922. Funeral services were conducted at Notchey 
Creek Church by Revs. James Patton, Chester Millsaps, Robert Maxwell and William Smiley. 
He was laid to rest in McClellan Cemetery.” ---Mrs. Wesley Lee.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, February 15, 1933, Page 3:

“Local Items of Interest---A.E. Spurling, a former resident of Monroe County, died 
at his home in Lafayette, Georgia, Monday. His funeral services will be held at 
Cog Hill in McMinn County, today (Wednesday). 
We did not learn the cause of his death.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, October 6, 1910, Page 5:

“Boone Blankenship Killed---As a result of an altercation, Boone Blankenship was shot 
by Hudon Griffith on last Sunday about noon, and died at 6 o’clock Monday morning. The 
tragedy occurred in the main highway in front of the home of John Ridges, known as the 
Atwood place, four miles east of Madisonville, and there were several witnesses to the 
shooting, including John Ridges.
 From the best information obtainable, the two men became involved in the difficulty 
over a discussion and charges concerning some women of doubtful character.
Griffith’s friends claim that when the misunderstanding had reached an acute stage, 
Blankenship put his hand on his pocket as if to draw a pistol, whereupon Griffith pulled 
a pistol and shot him four times. One bullet passed through his throat just under the chin, 
another one in the shoulder, another through the bicep muscle into the body, a fourth 
through the wrist and into the body just above the hip, and all on the left side.
It is said the dead man had no pistol. Witnesses further state that Blankenship was 
drinking and that Griffith was not; the former having a pint bottle of whiskey in his 
pocket when shot.
Griffith made no attempt to escape, but gave himself up to the officers and is being held 
for a preliminary hearing set for Saturday of this week before Esq. Minnis.
Blankenship and Griffith were second cousins and both were married, the former being 
separated from his wife.”
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Madisonville Democrat, January 25, 1912:

“Circuit Court Proceedings---Hudon Griffith was charged with the murder of Boone Blankenship 
on Oct. 2, 1910. The trouble that resulted in the killing was originated over a bond that 
was signed by Griffith’s grandfather and his sons, for Frank Jenkins. Jenkins skipped and 
Taylor’s estate and sons were about to have to pay the bond. Griffith was a cousin to Frank 
Jenkins, and also to the dead man, and his mother was among the heirs who were to pay the bond. 
The proof showed because Griffith took an active interest in trying for the capture of Jenkins. 
Blankenship threatened him, and when they met the killing occurred.”
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Citizen - Democrat, May 3, 1967, Page 5:

“Claude W. Harris, age 49, of Dallas, Texas, formerly of Tellico Plains, died in Veterans 
Hospital, Waco, Texas, on Wednesday. Survivors: one daughter, Miss Claudette Harris if 
Ocmuglee, Oklahoma; father, W.A. Harris of Piedmont, S.C.; sisters, Mrs. Raymond Rogers, 
Mrs. Harold Hawkins both of Tellico Plains, Mrs. Ernest Myers of California; brothers, 
Floyd Harris of Chattanooga, Garfield and Alfred Millsaps both of Tellico Plains, Archie 
Millsaps of Kentucky and Pearlie Millsaps of California. Funeral services were held at 
2 p.m. Saturday at Brownhill Presbyterian Church, Rev. W.R. Childress officiating. 
Interment in church cemetery. Kyker’s in charge.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, October 17, 1928, Page 1:

“Funeral services for D. Lenderman were held at Coker Creek, Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock. 
Interment was in the Coker Creek Cemetery. 
Lenderman was shot Wednesday afternoon by his nephew, Hobart Webb, at the farm house of Hobart 
Webb at Coker Creek, fourteen miles from Tellico Plains, this county.
Webb, who was 27 years of age, died Wednesday night after he had been taken to the Howard-Henderson 
Hospital at Knoxville by Dr. W.A. Rogers of Tellico Plains.
Both men fired about the same time and both fired three times. Both men were shot in the abdomen, 
Webb with a .45 calibre automatic and Lenderman with a shotgun. The cause of the quarrel was not 
learned by Sheriff Kennedy, who went to investigate the tragedy, but he said both men were drinking. 
No one was near the scene of the shooting but Mrs. Webb, who was inside the house at the time of 
the shooting. She was the only eye-witness. The quarrel took place after the two men had been 
riding and had just gotten out of the car in front of Webb’s home.
The body of Webb was brought to Coker Creek, Thursday morning.
Webb leaves a wife and one child. Lenderman also has a wife and one child.
Webb was a farmer and a fire guard of the Cherokee National Forest. 
Lenderman was the son of Dave Lenderman and was employed at his father’s store at Coker Creek.
The men had been on good terms and no trouble had ever been known to exist between the two.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, March 27, 1935, Page 3:

“Todd Dalton Killed---Claude Harris, 17, has confessed to the shooting of Todd Dalton of near 
Tellico Plains, Saturday about 8 p.m., at the Dalton home. Dalton was sitting by the lamp 
reading and young Harris said he stood and watched him for just a few minutes, then fired 
the fatal shot. Dalton died instantly after the firing of the gun.
Andrew Harris, Holiness evangelist, father of Claude Harris, and Mrs. Todd Dalton, widow of 
the dead man, are being held in jail in connection with the murder. Neighbors stated that 
the elder Harris and Mrs. Dalton had been very close friends, going back and forth to church 
together. 
Mrs. Dalton seems undisturbed about the death of her husband, and she and the elder Harris have 
made no statements as to the cause of the tragedy. Young Harris in his confession, did not give 
any reason for the act. Young Harris was arrested at his home about 6 o’clock Sunday morning, 
but Andrew Harris and Mrs. Dalton were arrested and placed in jail immediately after the 
shooting occurred.
Young Harris in his confession is quoted as saying that when he arrived at the Dalton home he 
tapped on the window as a signal to Mrs. Dalton that was about to transpire, and said Mrs. 
Dalton left the room. It is said that Mr. Dalton was hard of hearing and could not hear the 
tap on the window.
The crime had the appearance of being well planned, as visitors at the home say that all the 
window shades were pulled down with the exception of one at which Dalton was sitting. The shade 
at that window was not only raised but the curtains were pinned back so as not to obstruct the view.
Dalton was a veteran of the World War, and his partial deafness was due to shell shock which he 
received while in service overseas.
A preliminary hearing was held at Tellico Plains, Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock before Justice 
Gardner. Andrew Harris and son, Claude, were held to court without bond. Mrs. Dalton was held 
on $2,500 bond, but was unable to make it and the three were brought here and placed in jail.”
_____________________________________________________________________
Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, May 8, 1935, Page 3:

“Claude Harris, Andrew Harris, his father, and Mrs. Ted Dalton will go on trial next Monday on a 
charge of killed Tod Dalton the night of March 23. Dalton was shot through an open window as he 
stood in the living room of his house near Tellico Plains.”
______________________________________________________________________
Madisonville, Wednesday, May 15, 1935, Page 3:

“Twenty One Years Each For Father And Son For The Murder Of Todd Dalton---Andrew Harris and son, 
Claude Harris, were sentenced to 21 years in the penitentiary for the murder of Todd Dalton in 
March of this year.
Andrew Harris, a Holiness preacher, became infatuated with Mrs. Dalton and tried to persuade 
her to leave her husband and go away with him. 
Being unsuccessful, he induced his son to go to the home of Dalton in the darkness of the night 
and put to death Todd Dalton, while he was sitting in his home reading a book. The son, believing 
that his father was in danger of his life, carried out his father’s preconceived plans and committed 
one of the worst crimes ever committed in Monroe County. 
The evidence follows:
Paul Kyker, the undertaker, was the first witness who described the nature and location of the wounds.
Sheriff Webster and Deputies Lattimore and Roberts testified as to the conversations they had with 
Claude Harris, also a letter written by Claude by Andrew Harris, his father, that he (Andrew) would 
tell him what to swear.
Ed Wilson testified that he saw Andrew Harris pass his house on the evening of the murder in a 
Chevrolet roadster with a rumble seat. The rumble seat was open and in it appeared to him that 
it contained the form of a man with a tarpaulin over it. He stopped his car a short distance from 
his (Wilson’s) home. In a few minutes he came back, going toward Tellico Plains.
Matt Patterson testified that he saw Andrew Harris pass in his car and also saw him retrace his steps.
Zach Powers and J.P. Murphy corroborated the former witnesses as to seeing Harris in that neighborhood 
on the night of the murder.
Mrs. Todd Dalton was then called to the stand and told of her intimate relations with Andrew Harris. 
She said she first made the acquaintance of Harris when he came to Holly Springs to hold a revival. She 
said he made frequent visits to her home after which he became infatuated with her and began to tell of 
his love for her. He asked her to forsake her husband and he would take her away and provide for her. 
She refused and Harris suggested that as Todd Dalton had stomach trouble, that she could poison him 
and the law would never know anything about it. She again refused, when Harris told her that the law 
did not amount to anything in Monroe County; that he had gotten by so far and was able to take care of 
himself. He then told her that if she ever repeated his words to anyone that he would kill her if she 
were the only woman in the world. She also related that Harris had come to their home and got into a 
fight with her husband and left him badly beaten and bruised. She stated she did not know the cause 
of the fight and did not see it because her husband and Harris were in the front yard, while she was 
back in the kitchen washing her dinner dishes. On Thursday evening, before the killing on Saturday 
night he said he would send the boy over to the Dalton home to carry out his wishes.
Kirby Byers testified that a letter was handed him by Andrew Harris to give to his boy, Claude Harris, 
and after Claude read it, be sure and see that it was destroyed. The letter contained information that 
his father would tell Claude what to testify in court.
Charles Garrett testified that Andrew Harris, when he came back from where he turned his car around, 
stopped at the home of Garrett’s brother and asked that he and his brother accompany him to a party 
on Coker Creek. When they reached Tellico Plains, Harris pulled out his watch and asked Charlie 
Garrett to see what time it was. Garrett stated the time was 7:30 o’clock.
Bill Brown, the last State witness, stated that he heard Todd Dalton tell Harris to stay away from 
his home.
The first witness for the defense was Claude Harris, who testified that he was taken to the scene by 
his father and that he was laying down in the rumble seat as was stated by Ed Wilson. He said he went 
to a window at the Dalton home and tapped on it, after which Mrs. Dalton got up off the bed and went 
into another room, after which he fired the fatal shot. 
He also said that his father told him that his life had been threatened by Dalton, and that he could 
save his life by killing Dalton, which he did.
Cora Harris, daughter of the defendant, testified that Mrs. Dalton told her that she tried three times 
to poison her husband with rat poison. She said one time she poured the poison into a bottle of whiskey, 
but it would not dissolve and turned the whiskey green.
Will Jones said the defendant came to his home to a party on the night of the murder, and on entering 
the home, pulled out his watch, stating that he was three-quarters of an hour coming from Hall’s 
filling station in Tellico Plains.
At this point, C.S. Harris, attorney for the defendant, asked that the case be dismissed on account 
of the warrant having been improperly drawn. After much discussion pro and con, Judge Blair announced 
that the defendant could not receive a higher sentence than the one who committed the crime. Both sides 
agreed to a sentence of 21 years in the penitentiary.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, May 22, 1935, Page 1:

“A Light Sentence---Andrew Harris who, masquerading under the cloak of evangelism, managed to break 
all of the commandments, escapes with a 21-year sentence at Madisonville, and capital punishment in 
Tennessee becomes a mockery. Harris should have been sentenced to electrocution.
We abhor the tendency of mockery to belittle the clergy, to scoff at things religious and to undermine 
the dignity of the cloth. Our belief that the capital punishment law in Tennessee is flouted by the 
Madisonville outcome is not due to the fact that Harris was a “Holiness” 
preacher. But, for the good of all who pretend to represent the Prince of Peace and to spread His 
gentle doctrine of love and compassion, such miscreants as this particular evangelist should pay 
for their transgressions.
Harris coveted the wife of Todd Dalton. The woman, ignorant and easy prey to the brand of religion 
which Harris preached, attended the revival services. The husband was deaf, and the evangelist 
would woo the woman in his presence.
He pleaded with her to poison Dalton, the widow testified. She declared the evangelist told her he 
“intended having her if it took ten years,” and when she told him “the law” would get him, she 
said he replied that “the law nowadays don’t amount to anything, and anyway he was slick, and 
had gotten by for a long time.”
Finally, Harris threatened his own 17-year-old son, and told him that he must kill Dalton. He took 
the young Harris to the Dalton home in a car and told him to “do it if he didn’t want to see Dalton 
kill his own father.” The youth shot through the window, killing Dalton as he lay reading.
If there ever was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, it is the murderer who glibly cloaks his black heart 
under all of the beatitudes, all of the mercy and gentleness of Christ’s teachings. This Harris 
wooed an ignorant woman in his revival services. He held as naught the sacredness of a man’s home. 
He even made a murderer of his own son.
This murderer could not have believed a word of the religion he preached from his revival pulpit. 
The terrible damnation of hell-fire which he held over the sinners in his congregations, he could 
not have believed in at all. His every sermon was, in his own heart, a lie. He was merely using 
religion and the story of the unbounded love of the gentle Galilean for a meal ticket, and an open 
road to the hearts of ignorant and shabby women in his flock. He talked in “unknown tongues” 
---in tongues at least unknown to any of the meek and compassionate philosophy of Jesus, from whom 
this evangelist claimed a mandate.
Now it develops that the woman, too, helped plot the murder, according to the testimony of the youth. 
She is said to have written young Harris that Dalton intended killing his father “unless something 
was done.” She saw young Harris come up to the window, and then she left the room.
Harris and his son pleaded not guilty but withdrew their pleas and accepted sentences of 21 years. The 
woman is yet to be tried.
The premeditation of this murder, the callous manner in which the man masqueraded as a Christian 
evangelist stamped upon the love of a son for his father, as well as upon the sacredness of marriage 
vows, the cold-blooded manner in which he laid every step for the shooting to death of a deaf farmer
---these merited capital punishment if any crime in Tennessee ever did.” ---Editorial in the 
Chattanooga News.

Page 3:

“Andrew Harris, 21 years in the pen, and Claude Harris 21 years to begin in the reformatory on account 
of his youth---these for the murder of Todd Dalton.”
_____________________________________________________________________
Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, January 21, 1942, Page 4:

“Writes of Squire E.E. Griffith---Squire E.E. Griffith was Circuit Court Clerk for a number of years, 
and lived in a large, two-story, log building which stood on the corner just across from Biereley’s 
Funeral Home. Squire Griffith was married twice and he married sisters, daughters of Tom White of 
Four Mile Branch. By his first wife he had the following sons: Tom, Joe Houston, Dick William and 
Charlie; and three daughters: Susie, who married John Dyer; Mrs. Smith Bayless and another.
By his second wife he had three children: Ed, who lives on part of the old home place at Notchey 
Creek; Rebecca, who married H.C. Stephens of Sink, and Lizzie, who married S.J. parks and lives 
in Madisonville.” 
---Vastine Stickley.
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, September 11, 1958, Page 7:

“Mrs. Pearson Succumbs At Chattanooga Hospital---Mrs. Ethel Mae Pearson, 65, widow of the late Art 
Pearson, died Thursday of last week at Memorial Hospital, Chattanooga. She was a native of the New 
Providence community.
Survivors include five sons, Theodore Dunn of Madisonville; Horace of Athens; Robert and Rudolph 
Dunn of Chattanooga; three daughters, Mrs. Luria Pearson of Madisonville; Mrs. James Oliver of 
Elizabethton and Miss Irene Dunn of Chattanooga; 15 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a 
sister, Mrs. J.H. Atkins of Tellico Plains, Route 2; two brothers, Herman Tate of Athens and 
Horace of Concord, and a half-brother, Woodrow Tate of Knoxville.
Funeral services and burial took place Saturday afternoon at New Providence Baptist Church.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, March 26, 1941, Page 2:

“Tellico Star Route---Several from this route attended the funeral of George White at Tellico 
Plains, Saturday.” ---N.A. White.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, April 14, 1948, Page 6:

“Williamsburg---We were sorry to learn of the death of Mrs. Etta McCarter. We pray that God will 
comfort the bereaved ones.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, November 25, 1925, Page 3:

“Local Items of Interest---W.P. Townsend of Tellico Plains, was in town Tuesday on business and 
had his name enrolled as a subscriber to The Democrat. Mr. & Mrs. Townsend suffered the loss of 
their little daughter, Eva, a short time ago, for which their many friends extend sympathy.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, February 3, 1943, Page 2:

“Old Grudge Is Blamed For Killing Of Man---An “old grudge” was said to have been the cause of a 
fatal stabbing Monday when Everett Mizer, 31 years of age, was killed at East Sweetwater. Robert 
M. Miller, 45, was placed under arrest.
The dead man is survived by a small daughter; three brothers, Lee, Frank and James Mizer; four 
sisters, Mrs. R.M. Miller, Mrs. Lane, Mrs. T.C. Carmichael of New Mexico, and Mrs. Ira Jackson 
of San Antonio, Texas.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, January 10, 1934, Page 2:

“News From Belltown---On Sunday evening about 4 o’clock, the death angel crept into the home of 
Mr. & Mrs. Gideon Hester and claimed “Uncle Gid,” as he was familiarly called, as a victim. 
Uncle Gid had reached the ripe old age of 90 years. He leaves to mourn his departure, a 
companion, two sons, and other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted at Center 
by the Rev. David Wolfe, after which the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery nearby.”
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, November 2, 1961, Page 6:

“Former Tellico Man Killed In Knoxville---Glen Holt, 48-year-old sheet metal worker, was killed 
instantly Sunday morning when a single shot from a high powered rifle ripped through his body 
during a family argument at a Knoxville service station, officers reported. He was a former 
Tellico Plains resident.
Deputies jailed Jimmy Howard Copeland, 27, of 6612 Rutledge Pike, a brother of the son-in-law 
of Mr. Holt, who officers said admitted firing the fatal blast after being slashed by Mr. Holt.
Mr. Holt’s address was listed by police as 1019 Eleanor Street.
Knox County Capt. C.H. Williams said Copeland suffered a laceration of his left arm which Copeland 
claimed was inflicted by Holt immediately before the shooting about 10 a.m. The scene was Neubert’s 
Service Station at Rutledge Pike and Love’s Creek Road.
State Trooper Bob Collins said Copeland gave this account of the slaying:
Copeland’s brother, Ronnie Copeland, became involved in an argument with his father-in-law, Holt, 
earlier yesterday. Later the two brothers were together and met Holt, driving his car, on the highway. 
They both pulled into the station and the argument continued. Holt pulled a knife on Jimmy Copeland, 
who told Holt he would shoot him if cut. Holt took a swipe at Copeland, cutting him on the left arm, 
and Copeland then shot Holt.
Trooper Collins said the rifle was a 30-30 and that the shot went through Holt’s body, killing him 
instantly. The station attendant was in the back and at first believed the shot to have been a 
firecracker exploding, the trooper added.
The trooper said the rifle carried in the Copeland car apparently was loaded before the final argument 
began and remarked it was illegal to carry a loaded rifle in a car. Why the two cars just happened to 
meet at that junction could not be explained, he added.
Knox County Detective Ed Hammond said statements had been taken from members of the family, verifying 
the squabble between the victim and his son-in-law. He said investigation was continuing and Jimmy 
Copeland would most likely be charged with murder.
Holt was dead on arrival at Fort Sanders Presbyterian Hospital. Copeland was treated there for the 
laceration on his left arm.
Funeral services for Holt, a sheet metal worker at the Stokely VanCamp plant at Newport, were held at 
2 p.m. Tuesday at Tellico Plains Baptist Church, with interment in Center Cemetery.
He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Barbara Ann Copeland; his mother, Mrs. Jessie Sutton; eight half 
brothers and six half sisters.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, March 21, 1934, Page 1:

“In Memory of H.L. Pearson---On Saturday morning, March 3, at 2:20 o’clock, the death angel visited 
the home of H.L. Pearson, our dear husband and father, and claimed him for its victim.
He departed this life on March 3, 1934, being at the time of his death 76 years, 5 months and 7 days old.
He was married April 11, 1883 to Dora Wilson, and to this union nine children were born, all of whom 
survive. He leaves to mourn his death, his wife, Dora Pearson; six daughters, Mrs. Minnie Harrison, 
Mrs. Gladys Patterson, Mrs. Pearl Harrison and Leota Pearson all of Tellico Plains; Mrs. Carrie Miller 
and Mrs. Mayme Sylvester of Athens; three sons, Art and Earnest Pearson of Tellico Plains, and Wesley 
Pearson of Knoxville; also two brothers, Tom and Jim Pearson of Tellico Plains; two sisters Mrs. Mary 
Robinson of Madisonville and Mrs. Alice Duncan of Texas, and a number of grandchildren and other relatives 
and a host of friends.
He had been in failing health for four years, but was only confined to his bed but a short time before his 
death. All was done that loving hands and medical aid could do but the time had come when he had to stand 
aside, for the Lord had said come and we could do no more. Father, it was hard to see you go, but we feel 
our loss is Heaven’s gain.
He professed faith in Christ in the year 1921 and joined the Presbyterian Church at Sink, of which he 
remained a member until death.
Funeral services were conducted by Rev. W.D. Wolfe from the Valley Church at 12 o’clock Sunday, March 4. 
Burial was in the cemetery nearby. 
The pallbearers were his grandsons and nephews, Carl Miller, Vernon Harrison, Birch Harrison, Vineyard and 
Maynard Wilson and Luther Hunt.
Precious Daddy how we miss you,
Since your precious form lies still,
The vacant place left in our home
Can never more be filled.
---Written by one of loved him.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, September 21, 1927, Page 3:

“Hudon Griffith Killed---Hudon Griffith , aged 45 years, was instantly killed last Sunday afternoon on 
the Hiwassee road about one mile from Madisonville when a car in which he was riding ran off a narrow 
culvert and turned bottom side up, pinning him beneath.
The other occupants of the car were Bill Satterfield, who was said to have been driving, Tom Dodson and 
Joe Williams. Tom Dodson was taken to the Loudon hospital where he is reported to be in a serious condition. 
Satterfield and Williams received only minor cuts and bruises.
Mr. Griffith leaves a wife and one son and numerous relatives to mourn his death.
Funeral services over the remains of Mr. Griffith were held from the family residence Wednesday afternoon, 
conducted by Rev. T.N. Orr of the Methodist Church, after which the remains were laid to rest in the family 
graveyard.
The family have the sympathy of all in their bereavement.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, August 25, 1960, Page 1:

“Mrs. H.L. Denton, 90, Dies Tuesday Night---Mrs. H.L. (Ida) Denton, 90, of Madisonville, Route 1, 
died at home at 8 p.m. Tuesday. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Joe Brakebill of Madisonville; 
three sons, Carl, Charles and Fred Denton, all of Madisonville; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at Hopewell Baptist Church, Friday at 2 p.m., with Rev. George Goodman, Rev. 
James Hammontree officiating. Burial in church cemetery.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, January 31, 1934, Page 1:

“Burton Hill---Pneumonia has laid its feverish hands on Mr. Isham Cagle, one of our oldest and most 
highly respected citizens and carried him away to yonderland. He was laid to rest in New Hope Cemetery 
by the Kyker undertakers. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. C.C. Seagle. A large crowd 
was present. He was 81 years old. His wife preceded him to the grave only two years ago. He was longing 
to go Home. This old world had lost its charm. He was a member of the New Macedonia Baptist Church. 
“Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.”
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Citizen-Democrat, (Monroe Co. TN) August 31, 1966, Page 7:

“Former Resident Dies In Missouri---News was recently received of the death of J. Edgar Thomasson, 
age 78, of Springfield, Mo. He was born and raised in the Gudger community; was the son of the 
late J.W. and Joda Thomasson. He left Madisonville as a young man for Missouri to attend Morrisville 
Scarrit College. Following graduation he received the doctor of veterinary medicine degree from 
the Kansas City School of Veterinary Medicine. He began his practice at Bolivar where he was also 
postmaster for 16 years. Dr. Thomasson recently received life membership and a 50-year pin from the 
Missouri Veterinary Medical Association for service in the field of veterinary medicine.
He was a member of Bolivar Methodist Church; Post Worshipful Master of Bolivar Masonic Lodge, and 
past president of Bolivar Kiwanis Club. With his wife, Grace, he moved to Springfield in 1959.
Mr. Thomasson is survived by his wife, Grace; two sons, Dr. David Thomasson of Springfield, Dr. 
Robert E. Thomasson of St. Louis; one daughter, Mrs. Paul Frantz of Silver Springs, Maryland, and 
eight grandchildren.”
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, December 14, 1927, Page 3:

“James A. Gilbreath, former Monroe County judge and a leading citizen of the Madisonville and 
Hiwassee College communities, died December 5th 1927, at the home of his son, John E. Gilbreath, 
on Signal Mountain near Chattanooga, in his 86th year. Although he had been in feeble health 
for a number of years, the illness which ended his long and useful life began only a little 
more than a week before his death. For several years it had been his custom to spend his 
winters with his son on Signal Mountain, in Atlanta and in Florida, and the warmer weather 
amid the more familiar associations of his native Monroe County, but he had recently come to 
Signal Mountain to take up his permanent residence.

Mr. Gilbreath was the son of John E. Gilbreath, East Tennessee Methodist minister and educator, 
and Isabella Edington Gilbreath, also a member of a prominent family of the upper East Tennessee 
section. He was born near Madisonville, May 26, 1842, and received his education in the schools 
of that vicinity. He enlisted at the outbreak of the Civil War in the 62nd Tennessee Infantry 
and served the Confederacy until the surrender of Vicksburg. At the time he attained his majority 
he was in the trenches of that beleaguered city, and for a considerable time after the surrender 
was invalided by the hardships of his military service.

In 1868, he was married to Elizabeth Brunner, sister of Dr. John H. 
Brunner, of Hiwassee College. Mrs. Gilbreath died in 1911, after their home in that community had 
been maintained for more than 40 years. 
Surviving children are Sidney G. Gilbreath of Atlanta, formerly state superintendent of Tennessee 
schools, superintendent of Chattanooga public schools, and until two years ago president of the East 
Tennessee State Normal School; Hugh A. Gilbreath of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Joe F. Gilbreath of 
Louisville, Kentucky; Mrs. A.L. Brunner of Cocoa, Florida, and John E. Gilbreath of Chattanooga. 
Grandchildren living in Chattanooga are Prof. S.G. Gilbreath’s daughters, Mrs. Frank G. Lee and 
Mrs. Paul Viall.

Mr. Gilbreath’s father was one of the founders of Hiwassee College. 
Associated with him in the establishment of that famous school were John Key, father of Judge D.M. 
Key and Summerfield Key; Lewis Carter and Joseph Forshee. Years later the daughter of John Key 
became the wife of Dr. Brunner, who served the college as president for more than a quarter of a 
century. Key’s Chapel, Hiwassee College, where Mr. Gilbreath had his church affiliations for many 
years and where his funeral services were held, bears the name of the John Key who aided in the 
founding of the college.

Friends and acquaintances of Mr. Gilbreath, congratulating him upon his long life, have commented 
upon the unusual span of years in the two generations represented by him and his father, whose 
birth antedated the death of George Washington.

The deceased for 30 years was a member of the Monroe County Court, a trustee of Hiwassee College, 
and influential in the democratic policies of this county. Upon the conclusion of his services as 
member of the court, Republicans and Democrats elected and re-elected him county judge. For a number 
of years, however, his feeble health, and the removal of members of his family from the county, 
have taken him away a great deal from his former associations.

Mr. Gilbreath’s body was brought to Hiwassee College. Funeral services were held there in Key’s 
Chapel, conducted by Rev. J.E. Lowry, former president of the college. Burial took place in the 
Hiwassee Cemetery. The pallbearers were the deceased’s four sons, with W.A. Ghormley and Will 
Hicks of Madisonville.”
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Madisonville Democrat, September 12, 1963, Page 1:

“James H. McCarter, age 76, of Route 2, Vonore, died suddenly last Tuesday at his home.
Survivors include a son, Kenneth McCarter of Route 2, Vonore; one daughter, Mrs. Jake (Dorothy) 
Bivens of Loudon; five step-daughters, Mrs. Ben Jenkins and Mrs. William West of Vonore, Mrs. 
J.R. Moore of Knoxville, Mrs. Robert Turner of Mohawk, and Mrs. Lloyd Powell of Chicago, 
Illinois; four step-sons, Willard Cooper and James Cooper of Vonore, (Charlie) Elmer Cooper 
of Madisonville and Rev. Perman Cooper of Knoxville; three brothers, Fate McCarter of Knoxville, 
Hugh McCarter of Gatlinburg and Earl McCarter of the Philippine Islands; six sisters, Miss Ida 
McCarter of Clinton, Mrs. Lila Cook of North Carolina, Mrs. Sarah Sims of Nashville, Mrs. Rex 
Parton of Gatlinburg, Mrs. Alton Young of New York and Mrs. Helen Renow of Kentucky.
Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Farr’s Chapel, with Rev. Carl Darnell, Rev. 
Moss T. Hunt and Rev. James Patton officiating.

Page 8:

“Ball Play---We have lost another one of our good men. James McCarter died suddenly at his home 
in Chestnut Valley community one night the past week. The family have our sympathy in their sorrow.”
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Madisonville Democrat, February 25, 1904, Page 1:

“Tellico Plains---Joe Raper, living near here, died Saturday morning with pneumonia. He was able 
to sit up and was thought to be out of all danger until a few hours before he died. He leaves a 
wife and a large family to mourn his loss. All sympathize with the bereaved ones.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, May 2, 1963, Page 1:

"John M. Murphy, Longtime Coker Creek Man, Passes---John Marion Murphy, 89, well-known factory operator 
at Coker Creek, passed away at Lowry-Henshaw Hospital, Sweetwater, at 2 a.m. Tuesday. Survivors are 
his wife, Mrs. Thelma Murphy; a daughter, Mrs. Opha Shaw of Coker Creek; two sons, Frank and Glenn 
Murphy, both of Coker Creek, and Bill Murphy of Florida; 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services are being held at 2 p.m. today (Thursday) at Coker Creek, with Rev. Sam Wolfe 
officiating. Burial in the church cemetery."
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, August 9, 1933, Page 3:

“Local Items of Interest---Mrs. Josie Webb died at the home of her son, Frank Webb, of the Rocky 
Springs community, Tuesday night, at the age of 73 years. Burial will be made at Prospect 
Cemetery this afternoon. Biereley Funeral Home in charge of the funeral services.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, September 13, 1933, Page 4:

“In Loving Memory---The dark angel of death visited the home of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Webb, August 8th 
at 4:20 p.m., and claimed as its victim Mr. Webb’s mother.
Josephine Burlison Webb was born October 15, 1859, being 73 years, 9 months and 22 days old at 
the time of her death. Mrs. Webb professed faith in Christ at an early age and joined the Union 
Hall Presbyterian Church, where she remained a faithful member until her death.
She was married to Elijah Webb in 1881. Mr. Webb departed this world 16 years ago. Mrs. Webb 
was always blessed with good health until February 1933. She was a loving mother and grandmother, 
a good neighbor, always willing to do what she could to help anyone in sickness and need as long 
as she was able. All was done for that human hands could do, but it was God’s will to take her 
to a home not made with hands. You are gone but not forgotten. 
These words will remain in our heart’s dreams:

“We dream for a day in a lonely way;
Of paths yet to be trod;
To the far away region of life insecure; To be alone with God.”

Thou are gone, our precious mother,
Nevermore can’st thou return,
Thou shalt sleep a peaceful slumber,
‘Til the Resurrection morn.

Mrs. Webb leaves to mourn her departure six children: E.W. Webb of Okron, Ohio; Mrs. H.E. Manius of 
Akron, Ohio; Howard Webb, Frank Webb, Mrs. Harless Watson and E.H. Webb of Madisonville, Tenn.; 31 
grandchildren, also one brother and one sister in Idaho; one daughter, deceased, Mrs. Bertie Mullins. 
Weep not children, for your loss is Heaven’s gain.
Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, also believe in Me. 
In my Father’s house are many mansions. 
If it were not so I would have told you. 
I go to prepare a place for you, 
I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.
Funeral services were conducted by Rev. George Watson. She was laid to rest beneath a mound covered 
with flowers in the Prospect Cemetery.” 
---A Daughter-in-law, Josie Webb.
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, February 22, 1950, Page 2:

“Card of Thanks---To the many friends who came to our assistance during the sickness and death of 
our aunt, Myrtle Denton, we are deeply grateful. The floral offerings, the many expressions of 
sympathy, the singing and services will never be forgotten. May God bless you and may we all meet 
in a better world some day.” ---The Denton Family.
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, October 18, 1951, Page 1:

“John K. Young To Be Charged In Accident---John K. Young of Greenback is to be charged with 
involuntary manslaughter this week as a result of an auto-truck collision on Highway 411 early 
Saturday, in which S. Charles Giles, 51, of Knoxville, and Lawrence “Tommy” Williams, 27, of 
Vonore, were killed, according to Blount County officers.
Giles and Williams were killed shortly after 5 a.m. Saturday when the 1950 Buick they were in was 
smashed from behind by a truck driven by Young. The impact of the collision rammed the truck into 
a power pole which snapped in two. Fire broke out from gasoline in the two vehicles and Giles was 
trapped in the backseat of the car and an attempt to rescue him from the flaming automobile was 
futile.
Both Giles and Williams were automobile salesmen in Maryville. The car they were in had been in 
the repair shop all day Friday and additional trouble developed when the two men were driving 
toward Maryville early Saturday. The car, being driven by Williams, was stopped in the highway 
with the lights turned off, Young told officers. After the collision, the Blount County Fire 
Patrol was called to extinguish the fire so that Giles’ and Williams’ bodies could be removed.
Young received injuries and cuts in the wreck and was treated at the Blount Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services for Williams were at 3 p.m. Monday at the Vonore Methodist Church. Revs. McCoy 
Franklin and R.B. Tickle officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery. He is survived by his 
parents, Mr. & Mrs. Boyd Williams of Vonore; a brother, Paul, in medical school at Memphis; and 
a sister, Miss Ruth Williams of Vonore. Funeral services were held for Giles at 2 p.m. Sunday 
at McCammon-Ammons Chapel in Maryville. His survivors include his wife; three brothers, J.R. 
of Tellico Plains, Frank and Marvin of Maryville; four sisters, Mrs. Raymond Mason and Mrs. J.D. 
Stapp of Madisonville, Mrs. Alfred Hampton of Vonore, and Mrs. Joe Taylor of Richmond, Virginia. 
The service was conducted by Dr. Graham, Maryville Presbyterian pastor. 
Burial was in Grandview Cemetery, Maryville.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, February 8, 1933, Page 2:

Mt. Vernon News---We are sorry to hear of the sickness and death of Mrs. 
Lizzie Peeler. She went to Wilson Station to the store on Saturday, January 28, came back by Mrs. 
George Roberts’ and stopped for awhile and had a stroke of paralysis. They worked with her and done 
everything that could be done, but nothing seemed to do any good. She was carried to Mr. H.H. 
Peeler’s and Dr. Rogers came and gave her medicine, but nothing helped her. She was unable to 
speak after the first stroke of paralysis. Tuesday afternoon she had the second stroke, and God 
called her home to Heaven. Mrs. Peeler will be greatly missed by her many friends.
Mrs. Lizzie Peeler was born Feb. 14, 1892; died January 31, 1933. She professed faith in Christ 
22-years ago and has lived faithfully ever since. Mrs. Peeler was a kind and loving mother and wife.
She leaves a husband and seven children; a step-mother and one step-brother, and a host of other 
relatives and friends to mourn her loss. Rev. Joe Atkins preached her funeral and her remains 
were laid to rest in the Ebenezer Cemetery.
It is hard for us to part from our friends when they go to leave this world, but let’s just 
remember when it’s our loss it’s Heaven’s gain. God knows best. We should be pleased with what 
God does. Let’s lend a helping hand to Mr. Joe Peeler and children in their hours of sorrow and 
need. May the children always walk in the footsteps of their mother, who has gone on to Heaven, 
and when Jesus calls for them, they can clasp hands with their sweet mother in glory. May God 
bless you all.” 
---Written by a friend.
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Madisonville Democrat, Thursday, July 12 1951, Page 6:

“Mrs. Louella Craig, colored, wife of a former principal of Park City School, died at the home of 
her father, Ed Toomey, Saturday. Funeral services are being held at the Holiness Church, Thursday 
afternoon. Burial will be in the colored cemetery.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, June 21, 1944, Page 1:

“Mrs. Mary Lou Fowler Thomasson, wife of Prof. A.A. Thomasson, died on Monday at 1 p.m. at Sweetwater 
Hospital. Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church in Madisonville on Wednesday (June 21) 
at 3 p.m. The body lay in state from 2 to 3 p.m. The Rev. B.H. Green, assisted by Rev. Paul Smith, 
conducted the services. Surviving, besides her husband, are one son, Fowler Thomasson; her mother, 
Mrs. J.W. Fowler, of Philadelphia [TN]; one brother, W.J. Fowler of Philadelphia, and one sister, 
Mrs. Cannon Lenoir of Loudon.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, November 29, 1950, Page 8:

“Mrs. Mary Martin, age 85, of the Sutton Chapel community, passed away at 7:55 a.m. on Monday in 
Foree Hospital, Athens. Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. J.D. Millsaps of Madisonville; Mrs. 
Ralph Jordan of Oakdale, California; Mrs. Bessie Cardin of Coeurdalene, Idaho, and Mrs. George Savic 
of Richmond, California; five sons, Jim of Niota, wayne of Hayden Lake, Idaho, Gordon and Leonard 
of Madisonville and Webster of Maryville. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. in the 
Methodist Church, Madisonville, conducted by Rev. McCoy Franklin. Interment will be in Sutton Chapel 
Cemetery.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, August 4, 1938, Page 2:

“Corntassel---A little son of Mr. & Mrs. Bud McLemore was buried in the Mullins graveyard near Hulin, 
Sunday, July 31. The child has never been strong and in the spring was taken to Dr. Burchfield in 
Maryville, where an eye was removed. He suffered intensely until death relieved him. He was just 
three years and four days old. Cancer was the disease. The parents have our heartfelt sympathy, 
and can rejoice that he is “Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on his gentle breast,” where suffering 
is no more for him.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, March 24, 1943, Page 1:

“Vonore Route 2---Mr. Bud McLemore died on March 11, at his home on this route. He was 82 years 
of age. Funeral services were held at Clifton Baptist Church, the Rev. Stakely officiating. Burial 
was in the Mullins Cemetery. Survivors are his sons, Columbus and Alis of Maryville, Marcus, Berry 
and Odd McLemore; daughters, Mrs. John Shields of Ball Play, Mrs. Isabel Samples of Vonore, Mrs. 
Josie Strickland and Mrs. Edd Hawkins; one brother, Elbert McLemore of Valley Mills, Texas; one 
sister, Mrs. Sarah Watson, and several grandchildren.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, January 12, 1944, Page 1:

Corntassel---Austin McLemore died at his home near the Ledford Mill recently of pneumonia. The 
remains were interred in the cemetery at Huling, where rest other members of the family. He 
leaves a wife and children to mourn the loss of a good husband and father. They have our sympathy.”
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Madisonville Democrat, Wednesday, July 1, 1942, Page 4:

Mrs. Mollie Slaton Rapier was born Dec. 22, 1859, and died June 27, 1942, at the age of 82 years, 
6 months and 5 days. She was married to Joseph Rapier in 1877.
To this union were born 12 children. Her husband died in 1904 and a son, Atlas, and a daughter, 
Mrs. Arlie Miller, died several years later.
Surviving are five sons, Enos, Washington and Eugene of Bradley, Illinois; Lester of Akron, Ohio, 
and Ben of near Etowah; and five daughters, Mrs. Nelle Brown and Mrs. Vira Fickle of Akron, Ohio; 
Mrs. Alice Patty and Mrs. Lona Doty of near Sweetwater, and Mrs. Neppie Pearson of Tellico Plains.
She united with the Piney Grove Baptist Church in 1896.
Funeral was held Monday afternoon at Center Church, with Rev. McCoy Franklin officiating.
Pallbearers were six grandsons, Earl Miller, Obed Patty, Frank Patty, Hubert Patty, James Patty 
and Woodrow Pearson. Flower girls were granddaughters, Lorene and Mary Pearson, Mrs. Marcellene 
Coppenger, Mrs. Stella Hale, Mrs. Essie Toomey, Miss Ruby Patty and Joyce and Etheluke Shaw.

Three of Mrs. Rapier’s favorite songs, “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere,” 
“It Is Well With My Soul” and “When the Saints Go Marching In,” were sung by the following quartet 
from Tellico Plains: Mr. Leonard Bowers and daughter, Helen; Mrs. Charles Moore and Mr. D.B. Stephens, 
with Mrs. George Williams at the piano.
She was laid to rest in the New Providence Cemetery under a mound of beautiful flowers.
Another dear old sweet soul has received her reward at the end of her goal.”
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