THE CORNSHELLER Newsletter of the Montgomery County Historical Society

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1 THE CORNSHELLER Newsletter of the Montgomery County Historical Society Volume 36, Issue 2 Sandra J Stacey, Editor February 2013 All programs meet on the 3 rd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Unless otherwise stated. All regular meetings will be held at the Civic Center located in the Veterans Plaza *February 14 Thursday 5:00 Executive Board Meeting* February 18 DR. KRISTOPHER RAY War of 1812 *March 14 Thursday 5:00 Executive Board Meeting* March 18 by society members with historic items (5 minutes each) Show & Tell *April 11 Thursday 5:00 Executive Board Meeting* April 15 Buddy Caldwell The Donelson Journey *May 16 Thursday 5:00 Executive Board Meeting* May, 4 SATURDAY Spring Outing at Charlie s Hill Civil War RR s, Tracy Jackson RR s in general, Gary Ostlund *June 13 Thursday 5:00 Executive Board Meeting* June 17 Bob Welch & Co Historic McFadden Inn Documentary *July 11 Thursday 5:00 Executive Board Meeting* July 15 Kurt Bryant (grandson) Hod Lisenbee, Major Leaguer *August 15 Thursday 5:00 Executive Board Meeting* August 19 Billy Frank Morrison Bird Cage at Camp Campbell *September 12 Thursday 5:00 Executive Board Meeting* September 16 (4-member panel) Trail of Tears *October 17 Thursday 5:00 Executive Board Meeting* October Saturday Fall Outing to Montgomery Bell State Park History of the Place and the Man *November 14 Thursday 5:00 Executive Board Meeting* November 18 Drs. Richard Gildrie & Howard Winn History of Early Colleges situated on Campus of APSU Officers: LOCATION L&N Train Station 10 th & Commerce Streets Clarksville, TN ***MAILING ADDRESS ON BACK*** President Sandra J Stacey Vice President Jim Moore Recording Secretary Mary Nell Wooten Correspondence Secretary......Opal Kennedy Treasurer Jill Hastings Johnson Historical: County Historian Eleanor Williams County Archivist Jill Hastings Johnson County Genealogist Gail Longton Members at Large: Cleo Hogan Marjorie Wade Jim Marshall Immediate Past President:... Billyfrank Morrison FORT DEFIANCE INTERPRETIVE CENTER TO COMMEMORATE THE 151 ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE SURRENDER OF CLARKSVILLE The Fort Defiance Interpretive Center, located at 120 Duncan Street, will host a living history weekend to commemorate the 151 st anniversary of the Surrender of Clarksville, Saturday, February 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, February 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. Come see uniformed Civil War re-enactors from the 50 th Tennessee Reenactment Group who will provide living history and musket firing demonstrations. Musket firing demonstrations will take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Visitors can also tour the permanent exhibit which includes the 18-minute film, Crossroads of Change The surrender of Clarksville was a significant event in our Civil War history. Once Ft. Defiance and the city fell, there was nothing to stop Union gunboats from capturing Nashville, which was the first Confederate state capital to fall to the North. Upon the surrender, the citizens of Clarksville endured four years of Union occupation. This two-day event is free and open to the public. For a more information, please visit or call

COMMENTS FROM THE PRESIDENT sandra.stacey@charter.net I would like to correct a BIG mistake I made.

Bill and his lovely talented wife Carol are an important part of our society. At all of the Christmas dinners I have attended, Bill and Carol have been the focal part of the entertainment.

2 COMMENTS FROM THE PRESIDENT I would like to correct a BIG mistake I made. For some reason I listed the musical program chair of our Christmas dinner as Bill Morrow, when actually his last name is Morris. Bill and his lovely talented wife Carol are an important part of our society. At all of the Christmas dinners I have attended, Bill and Carol have been the focal part of the entertainment. Without them our outings and events would not be the success they are. Cindy Marczak has been doing a great job of keeping volunteers at the train station. She will be setting up a date for a training session for volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering to work at the station please contact me at: or sandra.stacey@charter.net. Volunteer days are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please consider signing up to work on a fundraiser for this year. I am going to make FUNDRAISING a separate committee. Once we get enough members to sign up, we can have a meeting to decide what the event will be. A historic scavenger hunt has been suggested. Contact me to sign up and let s get going! THE WAR OF KRISTOPHER RAY By Howard Winn The War of 1812, often referred to as the Second War of Independence or the Forgotten war, transformed Middle Tennessee and the southeastern United States. The military campaigns associated with Andrew Jackson first against the Creek Indians, allies of England, and later with the British Army itself profoundly altered what had been and created what became the future of Clarksville, Montgomery County and Middle Tennessee. Billy Blunt from Clarksville was the Governor of Tennessee from and was responsible for activating the Tennessee militia commanded by Jackson to counter the Creek Indian menace in This campaign resulted in the decimation of the Creeks in the battle of Horseshoe Bend in It allowed Jackson's forces to move and retard plans of the British to attack the United States via Mobile or Pensacola. The British were forced to attack at New Orleans with the debacle there for British fortunes. DESCENDANTS OF JACOB SYKES (SIKES) A friend asked me to look up some information on the Sykes family for him, so I decided to use the information for this month s family. Our guest speaker s topic this month is the War of Jacob s son Warren, served in the War of As you can see the war also affected Montgomery Countians. Jacob Sykes was born abt in NC and died 21 Dec in Clarksville, Montgomery County TN at the age of 71. I found one son named Warren although there may have been more that were hard to trace during that time period. Jacob and Warren were both found in the 1920 Montgomery County TN Census record. Warren son of Jacob was born abt in NC and died 19 Dec in Clarksville, Montgomery County TN. Warren married Elizabeth (last name unknown). Elizabeth was born abt in NC and died abt in Clarksville, Montgomery County TN. Warren and Elizabeth had children: Jesse W. and Tabitha. Warren s obituary is as follows: SYKES, Mr. Warren. Age 74 yrs. Born in North Carolina. Died 19 Dec in Montgomery County, TN. A soldier in the War of 1812 he served in Col. Cock s Regiment at the Battle of New Orleans. Jesse W. son of Warren and Elizabeth Sykes (Sites) was born abt in TN and died 8 Aug in Clarksville, Montgomery County TN. Jesse married Elizabeth Rose. Elizabeth was born in 1808 in Montgomery County TN. Jesse and Elizabeth had children: William (Wiley) L., Warren Elisha, Margaret and John Richard. His obituary is below: Sykes, Jesse. Age ca 80 yrs. Died 8 Aug in jail. Being homeless. Mentioned having sons and daughters. Clarksville Weekly Chronicle (11 Aug p3.) William (Wiley) L son of Jesse and Elizabeth Rose was born 3 Sept in Montgomery County TN, and died 12 Sept in, Montgomery County TN at the age of 59. He is buried in Sykes-Smith Cemetery, Slayden, Montgomery County TN. William married Eleanor (Ellen) N. Harris daughter of John and Sarah (Sallie) Harris 13 Dec in Montgomery County TN. Eleanor was born July 1846 in Montgomery County TN and died 15 Aug 1934 in Slayden, Montgomery County TN at the age of 88. She is buried in Sykes-Smith Cemetery, Slayden, Montgomery County TN Ellen Sykes Death Certificate Eleanor (Ellen) N. Harris Seven regiments of militia volunteer units were raised in Montgomery County and adjacent counties. The most significant was the second regiment of West Tennessee militia commanded by the sheriff of Montgomery County Colonel John Cocke. This unit was under the command of William Carroll of New Orleans. Captain John Weakly on this regiment was Jackson's breastworks at the Battle of New Orleans. The society is fortunate to have Dr. Kristopher Ray to explore this most significant event. Dr. Ray is associate professor of history at Austin Peay State University and editor of the Tennessee Historical Quarterly and the author of Middle Tennessee, :Progress and Popular Democracy on the Southwestern Frontier (2007), a major work on our region. (Continued on page 3) 2

VOLUME 36, ISSUE 2 (Continued from page 2 - descendants of Jacob Sykes (Sikes) William and Eleanor had children: John (Johnnie) Hartwell, William Burrell, Charles (Charlie) and Allen H.

3 VOLUME 36, ISSUE 2 (Continued from page 2 - descendants of Jacob Sykes (Sikes) William and Eleanor had children: John (Johnnie) Hartwell, William Burrell, Charles (Charlie) and Allen H. John (Johnnie) Hartwell son of William (Wiley) L and Eleanor (Ellen) N. Harris was born 11 May 1863 in Montgomery County TN and died 8 June 1950 in Montgomery County TN at the age of 87. He is also buried in Sykes-Smith Cemetery. John married Eliza Virginia Chambers, daughter of Ely Jackson and Lucy Caroline Chambers 24 Mar.1885 in Montgomery County TN. Eliza was born 9 Jan in Montgomery County TN and died 9 Aug in Montgomery County TN at the age of 66. She is also buried in Sykes-Smith Cemetery. John (Johnnie) and Eliza had children: Wylie Jackson, Sally Byde, Isham Lee, Ambros Hartwell, Etha O., Lola Mae, Mary Jackson and Connie B. Johnnie Hartwell Sykes Death Certificate FEBRUARY Ellen Marie daughter of Wylie and Dixie Jamina Underwood was born 18 Feb in Shiloh, Montgomery County TN and died 3 Apr in Montgomery County TN at the age of 63. Ellen married Leslie Smith. 2. Margie Ann daughter of Wylie and Dixie Jamina Underwood was born 18 Feb in Shiloh, Montgomery County TN and died 19 Nov in Taylor, Wayne County MI at the age of 66. Margie married Clifton Trotter. 3. Bobbie June daughter of Wylie and Dixie Jamina Underwood was born abt She was found in the 1940 civil district 20 census record in Montgomery County TN. Bobbie married Walton Harris. 4. James Ray son of Wylie and Dixie Jamina Underwood was born 26 July 1934 in Montgomery County TN and died 4 Dec in Erin, Houston County TN at the age of 73. James is buried in Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery, Cunningham, Montgomery County TN. James married Betty E. Koons. Betty was born 11 Feb She is also buried in Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery. 5. Donna Ruth daughter of Wylie and Dixie Jamina Underwood was born abt in TN. She was found in the 1940 civil district 20 census record in Montgomery County TN. Donna married Hatton Gennett Batteman Jr. Sally Byde daughter of John (Johnnie) Hartwell and Eliza Virginia Chambers was born 3 June 1906 in Montgomery County TN and died 28 Oct in Montgomery County TN at the age of 80. Sally married Alex Meredith Underwood 18 Dec in Montgomery County TN. Alex was born 21 Aug.1907 in Montgomery County TN and died 25 July 1975 in Montgomery County TN at the age of 67. Sally and Alex had son Edwin Meredith. Wylie Jackson son of John (Johnnie) Hartwell and Eliza Virginia Chambers was born 20 July 1901 in Slayden, Montgomery County TN and died June 1980 in St. Clair, McComb County MI at the age of 78. He is buried in Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery, Cunningham, Montgomery County TN. Wylie married Dixie Jamina Underwood daughter of E.J. and Dora Harness Underwood Mar.1923 in Montgomery County TN. Dixie was born 27 Dec.1902 in Montgomery County TN and died 17 Oct in Montgomery County TN at the age of 52. She is also buried in Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery. Wylie and Dixie Jamina had children: Ellen Marie, Margie Ann, Bobbie June, James Ray and Donna Ruth. Isham Lee son of John (Johnnie) Hartwell and Eliza Virginia Chambers was born 28 Oct in TN and died 26 Jan at the age of 80. Rev. Ambrose Hartwell (A.H.) son of John (Johnnie) Hartwell and Eliza Virginia Chambers was born 16 Mar Death date is unknown. He is buried in Sykes-Smith Cemetery, Slayden, Montgomery County TN. Rev. Ambrose married Dora F. (last name unknown). Dora was born 9 Oct and died 9 Oct at the age of 22. She is also buried in the Sykes-Smith Cemetery. Rev. Ambrose and Dora had children: Arthur Ramon and James Y. Events concerning Rev. Ambrose: Wylie Jackson s Delayed Birth Certificate Revival, 16 Sept. 1908, Hackberry, Montgomery County TN Revival services began at Hackberry Sunday night conducted by the pastor, Reverend Sykes, assisted by Reverend S.A. Sadler, pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of this city. Last night there was one addition to the church and two conversions. Great interest is being shown and the meeting will continue through this week. 27 Sept Montgomery County TN Wilson Chapel out on Yellow Creek has been reorganized and taken into the Clarksville Presbytery with Reverend A.H. Sykes as pastor (Continued on page 4) 3

(Continued from page 3- descendants of Jacob Sykes (Sikes)) 1. Arthur Ramon son of Rev. Ambrose Hartwell (A.H.) and Dora was born 11 Aug. 1892 and died 15 Jul. 1893.

daughter of John (Johnnie) Hartwell and Eliza Virginia Chambers was born Feb. 1891 in TN.

4 (Continued from page 3- descendants of Jacob Sykes (Sikes)) 1. Arthur Ramon son of Rev. Ambrose Hartwell (A.H.) and Dora was born 11 Aug and died 15 Jul He is also buried in Sykes- Smith Cemetery. 2. James Y. son of Rev. Ambrose Hartwell (A.H.) and Dora was born 2 Feb and died 22 Jun He is also buried in Sykes-Smith Cemetery. Etha O. daughter of John (Johnnie) Hartwell and Eliza Virginia Chambers was born Feb in TN. I do not know who she married, but the 1940 census lists her as divorced, owned her own house, and her widowed father lived under her household. Lola Mae daughter of John (Johnnie) Hartwell and Eliza Virginia Chambers was born13 Oct in TN and died 16 Aug at the age of 71. Lola married Burrell Edward Allen 16 Mar in Shiloh, Montgomery County TN, and it made the newspapers big time. The article is below: James B. son of William Burrell and Sarah Donnie Morriam was born 14 Oct in Montgomery County TN. He was the twin brother of Allen Harris. James B was found in District 20 in the 1900 Montgomery County TN Census record. William W. son of William Burrell and Sarah Donnie Morriam was born abt in Montgomery County TN and died 2 May 1916 in Clarksville, Montgomery County TN. His occupation was listed as shirt factory worker. Below is his obituary and death certificate: SYKES, Mr. William. Born in Montgomery County, TN. Age 21 yrs. Died 3 May 1916, on High St. Youngest son of Mrs. William Sykes. Presbyterian. Interment at family burying ground, in Shiloh, TN. Clarksville Daily Leaf Chronicle. (3 May 1916 p.8 & 4 May 1916, p.8) March 17, A runaway wedding which resulted in a pitched revolver battle took place at Shiloh in the county Sunday evening. The groom received a bullet in the head said to have been used be Wash Mitchell, also of Shiloh vicinity. Burl Allen, who is a thrifty young person of this section, and Miss Lola Sykes were married yesterday by Esquire H.E. Allen, member and Chaplain of the Montgomery County Quarterly Court and brother of the groom. After the ceremony, the couple, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Cleve Allen, went to Palmyra to take a train. At the depot, they were overtaken by the bride s father, John Sykes, accompanied by Wash Mitchell and the shooting followed. Mitchell, it is said, claimed he was deputized to arrest Allen. After his wounds were dressed, Gus Carver, a Deputy Sheriff at Palmyra, brought him to Clarksville this morning. It is claimed no warrant ever was sworn out for him, and he was released. It is understood a warrant has been sworn out for Mitchell, who it is now claimed, is posing as an officer without authority. Allen s statement said Mitchell fired in his face. William Burrell son of William (Wiley) L. and Eleanora (Ellen) N. was born Oct. 1861in Montgomery County TN. William Burrell married Sarah Donnie Morriam in 1882 in Montgomery County TN. Sarah Donnie was born 18 Oct 1865 in Montgomery County TN and died 15 Dec in Granite City, Madison County IL at the age of 69. William Burrell and Sarah Donnie had children: Ellen N., Florence Belle, Emma E., Allen Harris (Twin), James B. (Twin), William W., Cora Belle Brown and Mollie M. Ellen N. daughter of William Burrell and Sarah Donnie Morriam was born 28 Jul and died 18 Aug at the age of 90. She is buried in Sykes-Smith Cemetery, Slayden, Montgomery County TN. Florence Belle daughter of William Burrell and Sarah Donnie Morriam was born 28 Dec in TN and died Dec at the age of 84. She married George W. Martin. Florence Belle and George had children: Hattie and Mary L. They were all found in the 1910 Boxville, Todd County KY Census record. Emma E. daughter of William Burrell and Sarah Donnie Morriam was born Oct in TN. She was found in District 20 in the 1900 Montgomery County TN Census record. Allen Harris son of William Burrell and Sarah Donnie Morriam was born 14 Oct in Montgomery County TN and died Dec in Nashville, Davidson County TN at the age of 79. He was the twin brother of James B. Allen Harris occupation was listed as a carpenter. In the 1910 census he was found living under his brother-in-law George W. Martin s household in Boxville, Todd County KY Cora Belle Brown daughter of William Burrell and Sarah Donnie Morriam was born 3 Jul in Clarksville, Montgomery County TN and died 9 Oct in Granite City, Madison County IL. Cora Belle married Jesse Everett Martin. Cora Belle and Jesse had children James Edward, Richard Harding and Estelle Cora. Mollie M. daughter of William Burrell and Sarah Donnie Morriam was born Nov in TN. Mollie M. was found in District 20 in the 1900 Montgomery County TN Census record Charles (Charlie) son of William (Wiley) L. and Eleanora (Ellen) N. was born Feb in Montgomery County TN. Charles (Charlie) was found in District 20 in the 1880 Montgomery County TN Census record. Allen H son of William (Wiley) L. and Eleanora (Ellen) N. was born Mar Warren Elisha son of Jesse and Elizabeth Rose was born 1812 in TN and died 8 Aug in Clarksville, Montgomery County TN. Warren married Mary Elizabeth Jackson daughter of Edmond L. and Susie Ann Hunt Jackson 29 Sept in Montgomery County TN. Warren Elisha and Elizabeth had children: Melissa, Tabitha (Tabbie), Reed and George Andrew. (Continued on page 5) 4

5 (Continued from page 4 - descendants of Jacob Sykes (Sikes)) Melissa daughter of Warren Elisha and Mary Elizabeth Jackson was born Dec in Montgomery County TN and died in She married Henry Jackson Lyle 24 Dec Melissa and Henry Jackson had children: Oney, Lanney, Mary, Burrell, Ervin, Betty, Amanda (Mandy), Etha and Fanny. Tabitha (Tabby) daughter of Warren Elisha and Mary Elizabeth Jackson was born Feb in TN and died in Palmyra, Montgomery County TN. She married John Robinson Williams. John was born 25 Nov in Stewart County TN and died 11 Dec in Montgomery County TN at the age of 76. Tabitha and John had children: Altha (Alsie), Cruseman and Frances Melissa (Fannie). While researching I found a note that said John served 2 yrs. Prison time on trial in TN State Pen. Upon investigation I found the following article that explains why. 8 Aug Age: 30 Palmyra, Montgomery County, Tennessee, Frances Melissa "Fannie" Williams and William Pugh Jackson had a child together but never married. Frances' father, John Robinson Williams, shot and killed William Pugh Jackson. Reed son of Warren Elisha and Mary Elizabeth Jackson was born Feb in Nashville, Davidson County TN. He married Rhonda Jackson in Reed and Rhonda had son Ramey. George Andrew son of Warren Elisha and Mary Elizabeth Jackson was born 1 Mar in Montgomery County TN and died 9 Dec in Montgomery County TN. He is buried in Sharptop-Jackson Cemetery, Montgomery County TN. George Andrew married Tennie Hunt in Tennie was born 26 Mar in TN and died 25 Nov She is also buried in Sharptop-Jackson Cemetery. George Andrew and Tennie had children: Alva, Burney and Gholson. Margarett daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth Rose was born abt in TN. She was found in the 1880 district 18 census under her widowed father's household in Montgomery County TN. Allen, Patricia Barton, Carl & Judy Bruning, Beth Thompson Burney, Katherine Connell, Mike M. Davis, Frank & Mary Doubler, John & Sally Downey, Danya Kendall Elliott, C. David & Susan Evans, Scott & Jacklyn Evans, Warren & Nancy Fitzgerald, Bill & Ruth Gadsey, Carl & Pamela Goad, Sue S. Gooch, Robert (Bob) Griffin, Helen Hancock, Jim & Nancy Hartz, Amelia Hastings, Jill Jolly, Charlotte Kennedy, Reber & Opal Angie Lynn Rodesky 753 W. Accipiter Clarksville, TN sharedmemories@hotmail.com Kurt M. Bryant 776 Gholson Rd. Clarksville, TN Kurt.bryant@gmail.com 2013 MEMBERSHIP Continued from Last Month WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Longton, Gail Lowe, Reginald Marczak, Lucinda (Cindy) Morris, Bill & Carol Morrison, Hazel Nichols, Linda Parker, William Frazier Pesely, George E. Sharpe, Don & Patricia Sivley Mr. & Mrs. Charles Vernon Taylor, Shirley Thompson, Barbara J. Thweatt, Mr. & Mrs. James Vann, Harold & Carolyn Vaughn, Eddie & Pattie Williams, James & Eleanor Winn, Valerie Young, Christine John & Cornelia Mitchell 1236 Madison St. Clarksville, TN jlmitchell@charter.net Sharon Oehler Harpstead 701 Cheyney Rd. Cheyney, PA sdoh701@aol.com John Richard son of Jesse and Elizabeth Rose was born 19 Mar in Montgomery County TN and died 14 Feb in Houston County TN at the age of 89. John Richard married Nancy Catherine Davis. John Richard and Nancy Catherine had children: Amelia, Redford, John, Amy and Ettie. James & Christa Holleman 1949 Norwood Trail Clarksville, TN hollemanjg@att.net Lorraine Fritch Roanoake Temecula, CA WAYLOR@VERIZON.NET My name is Cindy Marczak and I will be taking over as train station volunteer coordinator. I would like to schedule a refresher/information sharing meeting in late February. All volunteers please let me know by either or phone by the 10th of February what days are NOT good for you in February. I will let you know of the date. This would be a good time for anyone interesting in volunteering to get information. Rental of the station contributes a considerable amount of the Society s income. When there are no volunteers there are no rentals, thus it is a very important duty. Officers are encouraged to attend. We are also trying to get a hand on the security issue. If ANY- ONE has a key who is NOT either a volunteer or officer, please let me know. We need an accurate key log. If we cannot get one, we may need to rekey, which can be costly. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. I hope to hear from you soon. THANK YOU, WILLIAM! William Turner, Christian County s official historian has been WONDERFULLY generous to bring interesting programs to our historical society every year since 2002 when he spoke on the clairvoyant, Edgar Cayce. Actually, he missed 2007 but in 2005 AND in 2006 he came to us twice, four times in two years, a total of 13 times over past years. He vows he has spoken on every subject he knows. Who believes that? What about the intriguing Boddie family, millionaire eccentric farmers owning many, many acres on what is now Ft Campbell reservation. And then there is "our" Govenor Austin Peay, a Christian County native. Do we dare ask William to bring either of these programs OR do you have another idea? He's one of a kind. Please advise Rubye Patch 5

6 Montgomery County Historical Society P.O. Box 262 Clarksville, TN MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/RENEWAL FORM MONTGOMERY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY NAME: ( First) (Middle) (Last) ADDRESS (Street) (City) (State) (Zip) PHONE: DATE: Please check type of membership ***(Membership period is January to December)*** Please make checks payable to MCHS Individual $20 Family $30 Student (K-12) $5 Life $200 Corporate $250 Institutional $500 Preservation Society (2 years) $2,000 New Member Renewal Member Changing Membership 6

THE CORNSHELLER Newsletter of the Montgomery County Historical Society

THE CORNSHELLER Newsletter of the Montgomery County Historical Society Volume 35, Issue 8 Sandra J Stacey, Editor August 2012 2012 HISTORICAL SOCIETY PROGRAMS All programs meet on the 3 rd Monday of each