Taken from The Albany Banner January 7, 1892 Issue Typed as published and submitted Submitted by Laura Frost Wright July 29,2000 THE HISTORY OF THE BERTRAM FAMILY (Some parts are missing) WM. BERTRAM , the father of the BERTRAMS, who first settled in Wayne and Clinton counties, was born in Lee county, Va. He served seven years in the Revolutionary war, spending the best part of his life for the liberty and independence of his country. About the close of the war he moved to N.C. , and later to White county, Tenn. where he died in his 97th year. WILLIAM BERTRAM, son of the above was born in N.C. June 17, 1783, at a very early age he came to Wayne county, Ky and settled in the South Fork, in the eastern part of the county. Later he moved to Carpenter"s Fork, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a minister of the gospel and spent much time in organizing the Baptist Churches in this part of the state. He led a -missing-life, and possessed high moral courage , ever striving to elevate those by whom he was surrounded. He raised a family of twelve children, nine boys and three girls, of the nine boys three were ministers of the gospel, to wit: EPHRAM, JACOB, and JOHNATHON. A short time before he died he invited his children, grand-children, and great grand children to gather at his home. The number that responded to the invitation was seventy eight, after a short lecture from the old man , they separated never to meet again on earth, He died October 23, 1865 EPHRAM BERTRAM, was born in Wayne county, Ky. He was one of the greatest ministers of his day. He professed religion at an early age and united with the church at Plesant Hill, Ky Like Saul of --missing, after his own deliverance, feeling that it was his duty to go and preach the gospel to a cruel and ruined world. He at once set about to prepare himself for his office. ------Missing---- Barren County. Here he united with Mt. Plesant church and thus became identified with Original Barren River association. Among the people of this association, he spent the remainder of his life. He was held in high standing by the people with whom he labored and preached. He died at his home in Barren county in the year of 1887. JACOB and JOHNATHON, still live near the place of their births, and devote much of their time to the interests of religion, though each of them has passed his three-score years. REUBEN BERTRAM was born in Wayne county, Ky. At an early age he professed hope in Christ. For sometime he devoted himself to the study of the Bible. He was then ordained to the ministry and gave good evidence of his ability to fill that high office, after about three years of labor, death claimed him for its victim. He died January, 1891 ALVIN BERTRAM was born in Wayne County, Ky. Being of poor parentage. He was uneducated. In 1861 he married ROSA B. YOUNG and moved to Clinton County, Ky where he has since resided. In 1866, he professed religion and joined the church at Beech Bottom. In 1872 he was ordained to the ministry and for sixteen years had the pastoral care of his church. From time to time he has had the pastoral care of different churches. As to his character and standing, it is not for me to say but let the people among whom he has lived for the past twenty-seven years be the judge. Dr. JOEL BERTRAM, son of CALVIN BERTRAM was born in Clinton County, Ky. In the year of 1875 he conceived the idea of practicing medicine, though he had never been in medical school. He at once purchased a stock of medicines, and begun to practice having some success. Later he attended the lectures at Atlanta, Ga. where he obtained a diploma. He now has a fine practice, and is one of the foremost doctors of the mountain counties of Tennessee. JOE BERTRAM, was born in Wayne County, Ky. He proved himself to be a good student and made good progress in his studies.. He taught school and saved money enough to carry him to college. He attended the college at lexington, where he secured a fine education. About the year of 1876, he was elected to the State Senate. After his term in the Senate he made the two races for Congress, but was defeated in convention. In 1890 he was chosen county judge of his native county, which possion he now holds. E.B ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access.