HAYWOOD COUNTY TN - GOODSPEED - The Biographies of Haywood County TN A - C ********************************************************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Jane N. Powell ********************************************************************************************************** Biographies of Haywood County TN A - C (Not responsible for typos and errors. Please check the original Goodspeed before adding to your genealogical record as absolute proof --- and then remember that the family only told what that wanted the public to know.) Oliver ALEXANDER, an old resident and farmer of the Second District, was born May 26, 1816, in Blount County, Tenn., near Knoxville, on the south side of the Holston River. His father, Benjamin G. Alexander, was of Scotch descent, born in Virginia in 1779, came to Tennessee in 1796, and married in 1799 Ruth Wallace, who was born in North Carolina in 1776, and died in 1851. She was also of Scotch parentage. Mr. Alexander died in 1843. Oliver Alexander was raised on a farm, and remained with his parents until twenty-one. Then being without money and dependent upon his own exertions, he commenced clearing Government land and farming. In 1855 he moved to Dancyville, and engaged in merchandising until the war, and up to that time had accumulated about $60,000. He was colonel of the militia, and was solicited to take his regiment into the service, and started, but received orders to furnish thirty-two men and disband the others. Mr. Alexander was a magistrate in his district for nearly three terms, and in 1877 was elected to fill an unexpired term in the legislature. May 5, 1836, he married Elizabeth Lucas GEE. They had eight children: Sarah V. (Wife of William J. Lyle); George Lucas, Elizabeth Mary (wife of Joseph H. THOMAS; Felix M. and Olivia L. (Wife of Simon N. TUNLY): and three others that died in infancy. Mr. Alexander has now about $6,000, besides over $25,000 he has given to his children. He is a man of influence and fine social standing, and is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Politically he is a Henry Clay Democrat, and was elected to the Legislature on the Greenback platform. His wife died February 11, 1873, a devout Christian. In November of the same year he married Mrs. Sarah G. ALLEY, but lived with her only a short time when the separated by mutual consent without any unkind feeling on either side. She being from Arkansas, and her children being there, she was not contented away from them, and he could not leave his business in this State. Mr. Alexander has prepared a history of Haywood County, which has been published. He is widely known and respected. Littleberry M. ALLEN, one of Haywood County's reliable farmers and citizens, was born in Hanover County, Va., April 17, 1820, and is the son of Ampson and Ann S. (BROWN) Allen, both of them being natives of Virginia. The father was born in Louisa County June 22, 1794, and was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in Haywood County March 9, 1855. The mother was born in Louisa County, Va., March 24, 1800, and died in 1854. After receiving his education and when still quite young, our subject commenced working at a trade, having some talent for mechanics. Thirty-eight years ago he professed religion, and joined the Missionary Baptist Church, and has since been a useful and active member. September 1, 1852, he married Miss Martha E. GUINN, a native of Culpeper County, Va., born December 22, 1833. Four children were the result of this marriage, all of them boys, but three of them are dead. Ernest, the only surviving son is a very promising young man of about twenty years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are highly esteemed for their many excellent qualities and kindness of heart. They were married in March, 1816. Politically he is a true Democrat. Dr. Auguston ALSTON, a prominent physician of Haywood County, was born May 26, 1825, in Warren County, N. C., and is the son of Auguston and Martha (Macon) Alston, who were both Natives of North Carolina. The father died in his native State at the age of twenty-seven, and 1829 the mother married Rev. James S. SMITH, a very popular minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a native of Virginia, and a member of several years of the Virginia Conference. In 1831 Mr. and Mrs. Smith came to Haywood County, and settled ten miles north of Brownsville, where the village of Brooklyn (jnp - this is Tibbs) now stands. Mr. Smith continued to preach, but never entered the itinerant work after coming to this State. He died in 1834, and Mrs. Smith in 1881. Dr. Alston, after receiving a thorough literary education and selecting medicine as his profession, entered the medical university at Louisville; after graduating, he returned to Haywood County and commenced practicing; in 1849 he located at Brownsville and soon established an extensive practice, and for sixteen years was regarded as one of the most able and successful physicians of West Tennessee. In 1865 he went to Memphis, and was appointed clerk and master of the chancery court, which office he filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people, for six years. In 1871 he returned to Haywood County and purchased a farm near Brownsville, building a handsome residence on it. A unique summerhouse in the fount yard adds very much to the beauty of the place. He has named his home Haymouret. In is political views Dr. Alston was a Whig before the war and is now a stanch Republican. While not a member of any church, he is a firm believer in the Christian religion and a regular attendant of the Methodist Church. September 15, 1847, he married Mary B. HAY, daughter of David Hay, a native of North Carolina. Dr. Alston has one daughter, who in May, 1870, married Mr. Tiff SMITH, a native of Haywood County, who died August, 1885. Judge W. M. Smith of Memphis is a half-brother of Dr. Alston's. Robley H. ANDERSON, dealer in hardware, agricultural implements and furniture, at Brownsville, was born in Haywood County, January 10, 1853, being the son of H. Clopton, and Almira A. (CHERRY) Anderson, natives of Virginia and North Carolina. Our subject was raised on a farm, and in early life attended the schools in the county, then graduated at Bryant's and Stratton's Business College, at St. Louis, Mo., and in 1872 accepted a position with Anderson & Jones, at Brownsville, as clerk and book-keeper, when he filled until 1876, when he moved back to the farm and farmed until 1880, when he returned to Brownsville and commenced his present business, which he has managed so successfully, as to justly ranked as one of the enterprising substantial citizens of th town. April 19, 1876, he married Maggie M. GRAY, daughter of Alexander and May Gray, of Haywood County. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are church members of high standing, and he is a member of the K. of H.; in politics he is a Democrat, and is regarded as an intelligent, honorable gentleman. Douglas S. ANDERSON, dealer in stoves, tinware, furniture and gas and steam fittings, was born in Haywood County, twelve miles northwest of Brownsville, October 6, 1856, and is the son of Dr. H. Clopton and Almira A. (CHERRY) Anderson, natives respectively of Virginia and North Carolina. Our subject remained on the farm during youth and attended the common schools. In 1874 he finished his education at Bethel College, at Russellville, Ky., and abandoning agricultural pursuits engaged in the merchandise business at Toulon, Tenn., in Haywood County, with his brother, H. C. Anderson, where he remained until 1886, after which he came to Brownsville and engaged in his present business. He is also engaged in farming near Toulon, and has bed with evident success. He is one of the county's most substantial citizens and is a prosperous and successful young man. September 7, 1881, he was married to Betty J. HARVEY, daughter of Col. William P. and Annie M. Harvey, of Haywood County. Our subject is a Democrat and a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Anderson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. J. F. BAUCOM, citizen and farmer of the Tenth District, was worn in Maury County, Tenn., August 30, 1826, being one of six children born to Brittain and Elizabeth Baucom. The father was of English origin, born in Rockingham County, N. C., in 1796, and moved to Tennessee in 1814, locating in East Tennessee, but two years later moved to Maury County, and in 1829 to Illinois, where he engaged in farming and died in 1831. The mother was a Miss BARKER, born in Caswell County, N. C., in 1798, and died in 1874. H. F. Baucom was raised and educated at home. In 1853 he married Catharine T., daughter of James and Sarah BOND. She was born in Williamson County in 1829, and died in July, 1883. Mr. Baucom has seven children living: ---- , now teaching in the collegiate institute at Princeton, KY.; Dr. James B., living near Fort Worth, Tex.; John F., a merchant at Gates, Tenn.; Maggie, wife of A. S. WELLS; Josephine, wife of A. ALLEN; Hogue and Katie. In January, 1856, Mr. Baucom came to Haywood County and located where he now resides, four miles north of Woodville. April 14, 1862, he enlisted in Company L. Seventh Tennessee Cavalry, under Capt. Alex DUCKWORTH, and held the rank of sergeant, being with this company fifteen months; then went into Company G, Fifteenth Tennessee Cavalry, under Capt. Bruce SANDERS, and was in the battles of Corinth, Lafayette (Ga.), Harrisburg, Bolivar and Britton's Lane, and returned home in September, 1864. Mr. Baucom is a Democrat and a Mason, and belongs to the Presbyterian Church, having been an elder in it for thirty years. He is a kind man, and has been quite successful in business. Dr. Sam. C. D. BAIN, farmer and physician of the Tenth District, was born in Sumner County, February 14, 1831, and was one of ten children born to John R. and Sarah E. Bain. The father was born in North Carolina in 1793, and moved with his parents to Tennessee when a child. They located first in East Tennessee, then moved to Sumner County. He was a Presbyterian minister, and also engaged in teaching; he died in 1868. His mother's maiden name was CROCKETT. She was a distant relative of David Crockett, and was born in Williamson County in 1801, and died in 1878. Dr. Bain was educated at the Nashville University, and remained in that city until the close of the war. In 1851 he commenced reading medicine under Drs. Watson and Briggs, at the same time attending lectures at the medical university, and graduated in 1854, and the same year married Miss Delphine HALL, who was born in Giles County in 1836, and died in 1877. The had two children: J. Watson and Josie (wife of Baldwin LUCAS). Dr. Bain moved to Haywood County in 1857, and located where he now lives; he has had an extensive practice, and also engaged in farming, owning 640 acres of good land. In 1878 he married Miss Emma GRIFFIN, daughter of A. J. and Lean Griffin. Mrs. Bain was a native of Mississippi. Hugh, ages seven years; Ethel, aged five years; Emma May, aged three years, and Maunsel, aged about three months, are the children blessing their union. Dr. Bain is a Democrat and a Mason. Frank P. BOND, attorney at law of Brownsville, Tenn., was born in Bertie County, N.C., June 27, 1851, son of Lewis T. and Penelope (PUGH) Bond, natives of the same State and county. The father removed to Haywood County in 1866, and followed agricultural pursuits here until his death, being one of the successful planters of the county. He died in 1870. Our subject was educated in the university of Virginia, and studied law at Cumberland University, of Lebanon, Tenn., graduating in 1872. He was admitted to the bar at Brownsville the same year, and has been engaged regularly in the practice ever since, having met with good and well deserved success. Mr. Bond is an unswerving Democrat in politics, and has figured prominently in the political affairs of his county and district. In 1882 he was the Democratic nominee for State senator, but was defeated, owing to the hopeless minority of the party in the district, running, however, about 1,000 votes ahead of the ticket. He was a delegate to the national convention of 1884 that nominated President Cleveland, and was a candidate for nomination to represent his district in the United States Congress in 1886. On August 2, 1877, he married Miss Mildred BOND, a daughter of James Bond. The two living children: Minnie and Irene. Mr. Bond is recognized as an enterprising and reliable citizen and legal practitioner. Marcellus BOYD, ex-clerk of the county court of Haywood Co., was born in Brownsville, Jan. 23 1839, and is the son of Alexander and Anna L. (HARRISON) Boyd, the father being a native of Virginia and the mother of North Carolina. His father came to Tennessee in 1832, locating at Woodville, Haywood County, where he was a merchant until he moved to Brownsville in 1838, continuing his business; but a few years before his death he moved to a farm in the county, where he died in 1846. Our subject was raised and educated in Haywood County and for a number of years was a book-keeper, being in the employ of R. Y. LONGLEY about six years prior to the war. In 1861, May 19, he married Myra HAY, of his county, and they have nine children living: David H., Susan, Charles A., William S., Lucian B., Frank H., Dora A., Myra B., and Mary A. In 1865 he was deputy county court clerk; then moved to his farm four miles south of town, where he has since resided. In August, 1878, he was elected county court clerk, which he held by re-election, two terms of four years each, the last term expiring in September, 1886, and made a most efficient officer. He has always been a Republican. Mr. Boyd has conducted his farming interest very successfully and justly earned the reputation of being of Haywood County's most reliable and public-spirited citizens. John BRANTLY (deceased) was a native of Chatham County, N. C., born in 1787. In 1835 he came to Haywood County, and settled eight miles southeast of Brownsville, on what was then known as the McGuire road, but is now called the Jackson road. Mr. Brantly was well educated and early life commenced farming, which he continued until his death, with great success. Politically, he never failed to give his enthusiastic support to the Democratic party, and was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, always liberally contributing to its support, and to all charitable causes. In 1820 he married Miss Nancy PETTY, also a native of Chatham County, N. C., born about 1797; he died in October, 1872, and his wife in 1877. They had ten children - five sons and five daughters - four are living. William B. and J. B., the second and fifth sons, own the old homestead, and as neither of them have married, they live quietly and peacefully together; they both received splendid educations and like their father commenced farming when quite young, and both are stanch Democrats. William B. has been a magistrate in his district for eight years past, and is now a justice of the peace for the Fourth District. Neither of the brothers have united with any church, but are by preference Missionary Baptist. Judge Aaron D. BRIGHT, attorney at law, of Brownsville, Tenn., was born in Hinds County, Miss, August 10, 1838, son of Aaron D., and Mary G. (WILLIAMS) Bright, natives of North Carolina. The father came to Haywood County, Tenn., in 1832, and located on a farm five miles southeast of Brownsville. In 1836, he removed to Mississippi, where he died in 1840. His widow then returned to Haywood county, where she has since resided. Our subject was educated Emory and Henry College in Virginia, and East Tennessee University at Knoxville. He left the later institution in 1860, and upon the breaking out of the war, enlisted in the army of Northern Virginia, and serving one year, joined the cavalry service as provost- marshal, serving thus with the rank of captain until the surrender. Previous to the war, he had studied law and engaged in the practice of his profession after his return home. In May, 1883, he was appointed to a position on the referee county, at Jackson, Tenn., and filled that position ably for two years. October 24, 1867, he married Miss Adelaide R. RIVES, of Fayette County, Tenn., and by her is the father of three sons and two daughters: Prentiss, Aaron D., Mary and Lillie, and Henry Livingston (deceased). Judge Bright is a Democrat in politics and a member of the A. O. U. W., and G. R. fraternities. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he has been an officer of the church and chairman of the board on finance of the Memphis conference for a number of years. Robert CALDWELL, one of the influential farmers of long standing, of the Second district, is a native of Lincoln County, and was born October 25, 1822, and is the son of Alex Caldwell, who was born in 186, and died in Tipton County, in 1842. The mother was Elizabeth NICHOLLS Caldwell, who died when our subject was quite an infant. Robert Caldwell is of Irish descent; he was raised on a farm, and worker for wages until the date of the war; since then he has farmed for himself, and has accumulated quite a nice property, having commenced with no means. February 6, 1844, he married Nancy S. HARGIS of Fayette County; they have no children. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he is an enthusiastic Democrat. He takes a deep interest in all pertaining to the welfare of the county, and whenever he is called upon to contribute to any public enterprise, responds freely. J. F. CALDWELL, residing and living in the Second District, was born November 11, 1852, in Tipton County, Tenn., and is the son of Theophilus Caldwell, who was born in Maury County, Tenn., in 1826, and died at Warren, Bradley Co., Ark., in 1863. Our subject's mother was Catharine E. Caldwell, she was born in Maury County, and died in 1858 in Bradley County, Ark. J. F. Caldwell was raised on a farm with his uncle, Robert Caldwell, and remained with him until 1876, when he commenced farming for himself, which we has successfully continued, with stock raising, to the present time. December 14, 1876 he married Mattie WILLIAMS, daughter of Luke and Rebecca Williams, and by this marriage have had five children: Annie, Elizabeth, Lillian, Estelle, who died October 26, 1882; Robert Lee, James F., who died in infancy, and Theophilus W. Mr. Caldwell is a man with a fine sense of honor, and is a valuable citizen. In 1855 he was tax collector of the district; is in politics a Democrat, and is a popular man in his neighborhood. Mrs. Mary (REID) CLARKE, an estimable lady, and resident of Haywood County, is a native of North Carolina, born in 1818. In 1840 she married Mr. Hugh M. Clarke, born in the same State, April 17, 1812. They soon after moved to Haywood County. Mr. Clarke had received splendid education advantages, and before twenty-one years of age he had taught several schools. They settled on a farm ten miles east of Brownsville and commenced farming, being very successful. For a number of years after marriage he continued to teach; his worth and ability as an educator was recognized in a new county, and the earnest solicitation of his friends kept him constantly in the school room. In 1845 he was elected to the Legislature, as the Whig candidate from Haywood County, defeating Gen. Robert RICHARDSON, Democratic candidate. Mr. Clarke was an influential member of the Old School Presbyterian Church and contributed liberally to its support. Mrs. Clarke has never remarried; she is the mother os seven children --- four sons and one daughter living, a son and daughter dead: John A., born January 1, 1847; Hugh M., born October 26, 1849; Mary R., born November 29, 1851; William W., born December 11, 1853; Catharine A., born February 23, 1856; James H., January 12, 1860; Benjamin P., born February 16, 1861. Catharine died July, 1858; William W. died September 27, 1881. John A. Married April, 1868, Miss Hattie MOORE, of Haywood County; Hugh M., married Miss Ann F. ANDERSON, September 11, 1872; Miss Mary R. married Marcus V. CRUMP, in the spring of 1873. John CLINTON, postmaster at Brownsville, was born in Scotland, April 23, 1833, and is the son of John and Agnes (McCLURE) Clinton, of Gate House, Scotland. He was educated in Scotland, and when twelve years of age came to America and located at Brownsville, engaging in the tailoring business until 1861, when he abandoned business until the close of the war. In 1859, he married Susan BARCLAY, a daughter of James W. Barclay of Haywood County. Mrs. Clinton died in 1860, and in 1861 he married Emily R. Barclay, and to this marriage seven children were born --- three daughters and four sons: John, Susan, Eva, Christiana, Charley, Alfred, Freeman and James Russell. In 1865 Mr. Clinton was commissioned postmaster at Brownsville, and still has the office, having held it through every change of administration, and discharged the laborious duties connected with it in the most obliging and efficient manner. The children, John, Susan, Eva, Agnes, are members of the Presbyterian Church, in high standing. Mr. Clinton is a Republican, and a F. &. A. M., a K. O H., and also a member of the A. O. U. W. He is a man of strict integrity and clear judgment. Himself, wife and four children belong to the Presbyterian Church. William J. COPPEDGE, dealer in groceries and general merchandise at Stanton Depot, Haywood county, was born in Haywood County, November 27, 1856, and is the son of Thomas C. and Henrietta Coppedge, of the same county. Mr. Coppedge received a common-school education, and has always been a merchant. In 1884, he engaged in his present business, and has met with encouraging success, being regarded as one of the substantial business men of Stanton. January 17, 1880, he married Nettie NELSON, they have had one son, William B., born September 15, 2883. Mr. and Mrs. Coppedge are leading members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mr. Coppedge votes the Republican ticket, and he is a member of the K. of H. Jesse K. COX, an enterprising citizen and farmer of Haywood County, Tenn., was born in the same county, October 23, 1839, and is the son of Samuel and Bara (HAMMONS) Cox. The father was born in Missouri, March 7, 1779, and died November 27, 1878. The mother was born in 1810, and is still living. When our subject was an infant, his parents moved to Haywood County, and located four miles from Brownsville, where he was raised and educated, and has since farmed very successfully. He is a Democrat, and while not connected with any church, is an earnest believer in the Christian religion. September 14, 1865, he married Mary M. MOORE, born in Haywood County, April 6, 1849. Five sons were born to this marriage: Alphier Berry (born September 16, 1866), Samuel G. (born November 20, 1868), William T. (born December 2, 1872), Ivie F. (born February G. (born February 16, 1875), and Lemuel B. (born July 18, 1877.) Ivie F. died May 6, 1876. Mr. Cox is a man of intelligence and integrity, and has the esteem and confidence of all who know him. Newton CURRIE, a prosperous farmer and citizen of the Sixth District of Haywood County, was born in the same county, January 15, 1837; he is the son of Washington and Annie (WALKER) Currie, who were natives of North Carolina; the father moved from that State to Haywood County, in 1832, the mother in 1834, and they were married in 1836. Our subject and daughters were the result of this union. Newton Currie received a good education, and while still young, united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and is now an elder in the church. He entered the Confederate Army, enlisting in Company A, Sixth Tennessee Regiment, and shared many hard fought battles, and for gallant conduct was soon made first lieutenant. At the battle of Franklin, Tenn., he was severely wounded and was not able to enter active service again, remained with the army until the close of the war. Politically, Mr. Currie is a Democrat. In 1865 he returned to his home in Haywood County, and in 1866 married Miss Malvina P. TALLY, who presides with grace and dignity over his elegant and hospitable home, both of them being quite popular in social circles.