Maury County TN Archives History - Books .....Columbia 1906 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/tn/tnfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com September 23, 2005, 12:42 am Book Title: Century Review COLUMBIA. Among the early settlers east and south of Columbia were the families of Brown, Bradshaw, Porter, Lindsey, Erwin, Kincaid, Thomas, Moore, Harris, Holland, Reeves, Hill, Love, Whittaker, Daniel, Lumpkin, Wilkes, Bell, Myrick, Kannon, Prewett, Lancaster, Gillespie, Breckenridge, and perhaps others prior to 1810. David Love built a small mill on the south side of Duck River, and a larger one at Fountain Creek. In 1810 Col. Brown built a tub mill on Lytle's Creek, near the Dr. Akin place. Saml. Prewett settled at Cave Springs in 1807, where his daughter, Phoebe, was born, said to have been the first white child born south of Duck River. Mangrum, White, Cherry, Lemaster, and Johnson were other early settlers. J. M. White married Sallie Johnson. Mr. White was a saddler in Columbia, and .they lived to celebrate their golden wedding. J. R. Shelton married Miss Alderson, and died here in her old age. Jas. Walker married a sister of Jas. K. Polk, and at their golden wedding had over one hundred descendants in this vicinity. The widow of Michael Lancaster died at Fountain Creek in, 1880, aged nearly one hundred. For other old names, see "Zion Church," "Mt. Pleasant," and other local articles. County Seat.-Jos. Brown, Jno. Lindsey, and Wm. Frierson, by the Act creating Maury Co., passed Nov., 1807, were made commissioners and directed to locate the county seat within three miles of the center east and west and as near to Duck River as practicable. On May 20, 1808, an agreement was made to purchase 150 acres for $500 from Jno. White, who lived at the spring still bearing his name beside the ice factory; and this was deeded to the commissioners July 28 following. The outlines bounding the tract were from Burns' spring by Ninth St. to Frierson; thence north to White's spring, east to Duck River, up the river to a point north of Burns' spring; thence south to the place of beginning. On June 21 prior the County Court had decreed."that the boundaries of Columbia should begin where Embargo St. intersects Free St.; thence to Garden, Garden to Mechanic (now Sixth), down Mechanic to Embargo; thence to place of beginning." Our Centennial.-The centennial of Maury Co. may be celebrated Dec. 27, 1907-one hundred years from the opening of the first court; or, more properly^ June 21, 1908-one hundred years from the establishment of the county seat by court decrees, when the entire county should celebrate its one hundred years of progress in fitting style. The location of the city gives excellent surface drainage, as the gutters are cleaned by gravity from every good shower; and the city has never had a serious epidemic. A system of sewers was started in 1880, and has been extended until it now covers several miles. This will doubtless be extended from year to year as the necessities demand. The city has but few sloughs or stagnant pools, is generally healthful, and has made the remarkable low average death rate of less than ten per thousand. There are many cases of longevity, among which Uncle Dick Porter, noted under "Courthouses," has reached the remarkable age of 121, and is believed to be the oldest man in this State. A Mrs. Trantham died in this county in 1834 at the extreme age of one hundred and fifty-four, which, according to biographical dictionaries, has seldom been excelled in the United States. She became a mother at sixty-five years of age. The son born at that time was eighty-nine years of age and robust when his mother died. First Lot Owners.-The commissioners commenced the sale of Columbia lots at auction on Aug. 1, 1808, and among the early purchasers were: Peter Bass, Jno. Caruthers, Lawrence Thompson, Wm. Daniel, Kavanaugh & Berry, Jno. Williams, Lucy White, Jos. Brown, Peter Cheatham, Hezekiah Almond, Jas. Bruce, Jno. and F. B. Spenser, Nelson & Kannon, Stump & Johnson, J. B. Porter, Richard Garrett, Jos. Lemaster, Jno. Bell, Robt. Weakley, Wm. Frierson, Britton Bridges, Jno. Lynn, Nicholas Cabler, Henderson & Rutledge, Perry Cohea, Saml. Taylor, Wm. & Abner Pillow, McPhail & McGilsey, Bird Hurt, Thos. Hardin, J. Newlin, Nicholas & Goodloe, Gabriel Benson, A. C. Yates, Jas. Gullett, Moses Chaffin, Geo. Cockburn, Alfred Bach, Isaac Roberts, Jno. Keenan, McGee & King, Thos. Deadrick, Edw. McGafferty, David Nolan, Saml. Polk, L. B. & Edw. Mangrum, Jno. Lindsey, E. W. Dale, H. Depriest, Pat. McGuire, Wm. Wallace, Wm. Anderson, E. B. Littlefield, Wm. Wood, M. Helm, W. T. Lewis, S. P. Maxwell, R. D. Shackleford, J. W. Egnew, Jethro Brown, Jno. Woodruff, Elisha Uzzell, Jno. Wormley, W. A. Johnson, Isaac Bills, Jas. Huey, Abram Whitlock, Richard Hanks, Jos. Love, W. R. Alexander. This first sale produced $20,153.25. Incorporated. - Columbia was chartered Nov. 17, 1817. The charter was amended in 48, 50, 56, 70, 79, and other minor amendments. Saml. Polk, Lemuel Prewett, and Saml. McDowell, by the first Act, were appointed auditors to settle with the commissioners and turn the funds and other property over to the municipality. The Columbia Water Co., incorporated Oct. 11, 1809, was authorized to draw $300 from the County Commissioners to build waterworks; but the project was delayed until about 1830, when Arnold Zellner constructed a rude system, by which a water wheel at White's spring was used to elevate the fluid. Later a dam and water wheel were built near the river, and a system of cedar-pipe mains was laid, which were in use for twenty-five years, and gave fairly good service. Progressive, - Columbia has good commercial houses and numerous industrial enterprises, a modern electric light and water service, a gas plant, an ice plant, an opera house, an elegant hotel, fine schools, churches, and lodges -all of which are noted under their respective headings. It needs an electric line, many more manufactories, a City Hall, Government Building, and other improvements which will be spoken of. The courthouse, now approaching completion, should inspire the proper government officials to appropriate a proper sum for a building for general governmental purposes. The city fathers doubtless see the necessity of a City Hall befitting the surroundings, and will soon begin plans with that in view. Let corner stones for these be laid at our centennial-or, better, may the buildings be dedicated at that auspicious time. Mayors.-The following have served as Mayors of Columbia since 1829, no record prior to that date having been preserved. The first year of election is given and the date in case of reelection after an interim: M. Helm, 1829, 35, 41-2, 48-52; Jas. Walker, 30-1; J. R. Plummer, 32-4, 36, 38; Jno. Kirk, 37; A. H. Buchanan, 39; Terry Cahal, 40: S. A. Hamner, 43, 45-6; L. Holman, 44, 47; W. J. Dale, 53; W. B. Wilson, 54; Thos. Keesee, 55-6; E. Kuhn, 57; J. R. Lamb, 58; Wm. R. Hodge, 59; Jno. P. McGaw, 60-3, 71; Gen. J. S. Negley, Military Mayor, Apr. to June, 62, when he returned civil affairs to McGaw; W. J. Andrews, 64-5; Jos. A. Walker, Nov., 65; E. Kuhn, 66, 72-3; J. A. Engle, 67-8; W. J. Dale, 69; J. T. L. Cochran, 70; T. W. Keesee, 74; J. P. Brown, 75; Jno. Latta, Jr., 76; J. T. Williamson, 77; J. M. Hodge, 78; L. W. Black, 78-80; W. J. Andrews, 81-3, 85; J. E. R. Carpenter, 84, resigned: J. G. Bailey, 1 month; Jos. Towler, 86-7; Robt. Pillow, 88-9; H. L. Hendley, 90-3; Jas. A. Smiser, 3 months; T. E. Lipscomb, 94-5; A. J. Nichols, 96-7: E. Yoest, 89-9, 1902-3; W. D. Cameron, 1900-1; J. A. Titcomb, '03: J. F. Brownlow, '04-5. Mayor Brownlow was born in Giles Co. in Feb., 1870; removed to Missouri with his parents in 1873: and in 1890 the family returned to Columbia. He is a deacon in the Baptist Church, connected with several lodges, cashier of the Farmers and Merchants' Bank, and favorably known in the city. City Treasurers.-Jas. Walker, 1830; A. C. Hayes, 31-2; L. H. Duncan, 33-8; Jno. Phillips, 39-41; J. H. Thomas, 42-3; W. Tucker, 44; Jas. Andrews, 45-6; Jas. . Akin, 47-8; Nash Burt, 50-5; A. Barr, 55-67, 77-81; T. W. Turpin, 70-1; Jno. Latta, Jr., 72-3, 75; H. L. White, 74, 76; E. W. Carmack, 82; J. H. Barr, 83; E. Yoest, 84-5; A. J. Nichols, 86-91; T. E. Lips-comb, 92; Jno. Latta, 93; since which time the Recorder has officiated as Treasurer also. Recorders.-Chas. W. Webber was chosen Recorder in 1829; P. Nelson, 30-1; Thos. Harney, 32-3; T. S. Alderson, 34-42; J. H. Thomas, 43; N. Baxter, 44-5; L. H. Estes, 46-7; records lost, but Moses Houston, 54; Wm. Wood, 65; J. W. Alderson, 66; J. C. Rye, 67; A. J. Armstrong, 68-70; J. L. Guest, 71-5; A. W. Stockell, 76; E. Y. Pillow, 77; Walker Green, 77; W. C. Taylor, 78; F. B. Hemphill, 79-83; F. D. Lander, 84-7; E. E. Erwin, 88-93: C. W. Witherspoon, 94; E. E. Erwin, 95-1905. Since 1894 the Recorder has also served as Treasurer and Tax Collector. Mr. Erwin was born two miles south of Columbia in 1848, located in Columbia in boyhood, and has been variously employed. He was in the post office for several years; from 1869 served in the several county offices; was manager of the Herald Co.; and has been Recorder continuously since 1887, excepting one year, serving two terms as State Senator in the meantime. In 1891 supervisors were elected to take charge of public works. E. E. Erwin, president; T. E. Lipscomb, treasurer; Jno. Latta, Jr., secretary, were chosen; but after a year of trial it was returned to the old plan. City Attorneys.-W. B. Gordon was first after the war; E. W. Carmack, now United States Senator, 80; W. C. Taylor, 84; E. S. Fowler, 93; Geo. C. Taylor, 94; Jas. A. Smiser, 96; L. B. Hughes, 98; G. T. Hughes, 99; W. J. Towler, 1902; J. A. Smiser, '04-5. Mr. Smiser was born near Helena, Ark., Feb. 22, 1862; attended Webb Bros. Academy and Southwestern University, graduating in law from Vanderbilt in 1885, practicing in Columbia since. He was Superintendent of County Schools in 1887-9; City Attorney, 1894-8, as above. City Marshals.-Jno. M. Cook was City Marshal about 1850-6; St. Ledger White, 57-61. He was born on Mt. Parnassus, Sept. 28, 1825; voluntered in Second Tennessee under Col. Bate; returning in 64, was again Marshal. E. L. Lansdown was Marshal in 67; Jno. Latta, Jr., 71; H. L. White, 74, 76; Latta again, 75, 79-87, 97-8, 1901-2; T. E. Lipscomb, 88-93; R. H. Guest, 94-6; J. W. Jackson, 99-1900; Love Webb, '03-6. He was born in Sept., 1865, in Rutherford Co., and came to Maury Co. in boyhood and to Columbia as Deputy Sheriff in 1887. After five years he was elected Sheriff, serving a term prior to becoming City Marshal. Health Officer.-An efficient Health Officer is indispensable to every city, as nuisances are thereby abated and epidemics held in check. The Health Officers for Columbia have been prompt in emergencies, and made a good record for the protection of the municipality. The following have served: Dr. Henry Cox, 1885; J. L. Voorhies, 93; C. A. Forgey, 98; W. J. Wilkes, 1901; O. J. Porter, 1899, 1902-5. Aldermen for Columbia 1829 to 1905. Abbott, A. H., 98-9, '02-3. Alderson, T. S., 1829-42. Akin, Jas., 46-7. Andrews, Jas., 45-6. Andrews, W. J., 65, 76-9. Anderson, J. T., 1904-5. Ashton, J. B., 96-7. Bailey, A. D., 1841. Bailey, J. G., 70-1, 75. Barr, A., 65-70, 76-9, 84-5. Baxter, Nathaniel, 43-5. Beasley, Esau, 1840. Bennett, Frank, 1902-3. Bond, J. B., 71. Boyd, L. A., 74, 76-9. Borum, J. B., 1904-5. Brazier, W. E., 94-5. Brownlow, J. F., 1900-1. Brown, A. H., 44-5. Buchanan, A. H., 38-9. Cahal, Terry H., 1840. Calvert, Jno., 68. Cameron, W. D., 83-9, 96-7, '04-5. Chaffin, Ed. H., 1832. Chaffin, W. B., 42-4. Chaffin, G. T., 69-71, 74. Chaffin, W. T., 83-5. Carpenter, J. H., 1904-5. Christwell, W. T., 70. Cochran, H. B., 88-89. Cochran, J. T. L., 90-1. Comstock, S. G., 79, 82-4. Cook, S. T., 85-9. Craft, G. R., 98-1903. Dale, W. J., 68, 71. Dale, W. A., 1904-5. Davis, W. D., 47. Davis, B. F., 98-9. Dodson, R. P., 94-5. Dodson, G. B., 69-70. Dugger, J. H., 70, 92-3, '02-3. Duncan, L. H., 32-7. East, Thomas, 46-47. Edmondson, Jas., 38-41. Embry, W. F., 84-6. Engle, J. A., 65-7. Estes, L. H., 1846. Ferguson, A. S., 43-4. Figuers, H. P., 96-7. Frierson, Gardner, 1837. Frierson, J. W. S., 1837. Frierson, L., 69. Frierson, Horace, 71. Frierson, C. M., 71. Frierson, A. D., 75. Frierson, R. M., 77-9. Frierson, Jno. W., 92-3. Frierson, J. H., 86-7. Galloway, Wm., 66-7. Gamble, E. W., 74, 78. Gant, J. N., 1900-1. Gartner, J. T., 53-9, 65, 73-4.78-9, 83-5. George, Wiley, 66-7. Grimes, J. M., 1904-5. Guest. R. H., 84-91. Halfacre, J. C., 85-7. Hamner, S. A., 43-7. Harlan, W. G., 96-7. Harlan, S. C., 1904-5. Harrahan, J. T., 77-9. Harris, A. O., 35-6. Harvey, Thos., 32. Hatcher, E. H., 83-5. Hayes, A. C., 29-34. Hayes, J. B., 39. Hayes, W. F., 92-3. Helm, M., 32-5, 38, 40-2. Helm, D. C., 68-9, 74. Herndon, S. D., 50-4. Herndon, J. P., 75-6. Hendley, H. L., 85-7. Hiett, J. M., 65. Hill, W. R., 38. Hodge, J. R., 68, 70. Hodge, J. M., 67, 72-3. Hodge, G. D., 74-80. Hodge, A. A., 98-99. Holding, R., 81-3, 86-7. Holman, L., 38-40, 43-7. Holman, N., 1876. Jamison, R. H., 70-3. Jones, N. M., 90-1. Keeble, J. G., 36-7. Kinley, L. W., 42. Kirk, Jno., 36-7. Kuhn, E., 51-7. Lamb, J. R., 65, 70-1. Latta, W. A., 73. Lavender, J. A., 1902-3. Law, J. S., 1841. Lazarus, David, 88-95, 98-9. Looney, R. G., 36-7. Lytle, Wm., 33-34. Martin, Geo., 72-3. Matthews, L. M., 67, 72-5,86-8, 92-5. Matthews, Andrew, 32. Massey, P., 98-9. Mayes, S. F., 67-8. Mayes, J. M., 67-9. McClannahan, W. T., 98-'01. McGaw, J. P., 65, 69, 79-80,84-5. McGaw, H. P., 34. Moore, R. B., 47. Moore, J. D., 66-7. Nelson, P., 31, 33, 39. Nelson, H. P., 34. Nichols, G. W., 1904-5. Nicholson, J. H., 1900-1. 0akes, Jno. A., 96-7. Parker, J. M., 70-1. Payne, S. P., 1900-1. Phillips, Jno., 39-41. Phillips, E. W., 66-7. Pillow, Wm. R., 66. Pillow, Robt., 75. Pillow, Eugene, 75. Pillow, A. L., 77. Plummer, J. R., 32-6. Porter, J. T., 30. Porter, Jack. 68. Polk, Wm., 50-5. Polk, Gideon, 56-9. Powell, I. M., 45, 72-3. Rains, T. B., 72-3. Rankin, R. B., 47. Rea, T. J., 96-7. Richardson, T. W., 88-9. Rushton, W. J-, 78-9. Ruttle, W. A., 96-7. Sellars, A. T., 92-5. Sheppard, W. C., 66-7. Smiser, J. A., 92-3. Sullivan, I. M., 82-4. Thomas, J. H., 41-3. Thompson, T. A., 65, 69-70. Titcomb, H. B., 69, 73. Titcomb, J. A., 1902-3. Towler, Jos., 82-4, 88-9. Truett, W. L., 70. Tucker, Jno. A., 53-5, 71, 76. Tucker, W., 41-4, 53-5, 66-7. Tucker, W. F., 74, 84-6, '02-3. Turpin, T. W., 71. Vaught, N., 42. Voorhies, Wm., 29-31. Voss, T. M., 92-3, 1900-1. Walker, Jas., 1829-31. Walker, J. A., 53-8, 65. Wilkins, Ashby, 1902-3. Williamson, J. T., 70-1, 74-5. Wilson, Henry, 47. Wilson, E. D., 94-5. Wood, Wm., 65. Woodside, J. B., 68. White, Jas. M., 45-6. White, St. L., 84-6, 94-1903. Whitney, Ed., 29-31. Wright. J. D., 79-80, 88-9. Worley, W. P., 1903. Yoest, E., 90-1. (City Matters, churches, schools, etc., on later pages. See Index.) Additional Comments: From: CENTURY REVIEW 1805 - 1905 MAURY COUNTY, TENNESSEE A Condensation of the Most Important Events of the Past One Hundred Years, and Descriptive Sketches of the Cities and Villages File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/tn/maury/history/1906/centuryr/columbia19gms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/tnfiles/ File size: 15.8 Kb