In rememberance of mother, Bettye Wade

I just wanted to post this short video, which is a collection of pictures taken over the years throughout Bettye Jean (Williams) Wade's life with beach scenes interspersed between them.

While mother was somewhat fearful of the water, she always enjoyed going to the beach and collecting sea shells.

Sorry-so-tardy in posting this, but for some reason Blogger would not accept the video when I tried to post it before.

If all else fails, the video can also be seen at:  https://youtu.be/Atw6s829jmI

Bettye Jean (Williams) Wade, age 84 of Decatur, Tennessee passed away on April 10, 2017 at Athens Place in Athens after a long 4- year illness of vascular dementia. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, aunt and friend. She enjoyed her family and looked forward to the annual family reunions. A native of McMinn County, Bettye was born at home on a farm on August  2, 1932 to her parents Walter and Mendie Jewell Cooper Williams. She started at Claxton School as a primer in 1938 and continued there through most of the fourth grade. The family moved to Athens and she started at Forest Hill School in the fourth grade and graduated from the 8th grade in 1947. She then attended McMinn County High school and graduated in 1951. Betty played on the basketball team during the 8th grade at Forest Hill School and also had a part in an operetta called "Pirate of Penzance". In  high school, her activities were: Joy Club (Bible Club) president in 1948, Future Homemakers of America in 1949, senior play "Our Miss Brooks" in 1951, chorus member for two years, and alto delegate from McMinn High School to the All State Chorus in Nashville in 1951.  Bettye always enjoyed singing and started before an audience at the age of 5 at Double Springs Baptist Church with the help of the song leader, Buford Barker. She learned to sing alto from her older sister, Lucille. Later, while attending Valley View Methodist Church in Powell, Tennessee, she sang alto with other people in the church. Later, from 1985-1987 she sang with the "Galileans" quartet from Cleveland Tennessee. Her favorite music was Southern Gospel and her second choice was country music.  Bettye started waitressing in high school at Snow's Drugstore in Athens and then cashiered at Moore's Hardware Store. After high school, she started at Hamby Construction Company for one year as a secretary and payroll clerk. She married her husband, Paul Wade, on December 22, 1951, and they moved to Chattanooga. She worked at Blessing-Waterhouse Wholesale Company as a bookkeeper until she became pregnant with her first child, Deborah Ann Wade, who was born July of 1953. They made many more moves over the years with TVA. Their second child, Alan Derek Wade, was born in June of 1958. Bettye was a homemaker and Paul retired from TV in September 1988. They retired to the Rogers Creek farm and built a new house (at the site of the old house where Paul was raised). Their grandchild Kari Nicole Brooks, was born on November 16, 1989.

Ms Wade was preceded in death by: her husband Paul Wade, one infant brother John Henry Williams , three sisters and brother-in-laws: Ruth and Louis Leatherwood, Thelma (Honey) and Robert (Pug) Armstrong, Lucille and Birch Clarke, and James Wesley Shultz, one nephew, Robert (Bobby) Armstrong, and one niece Wanda June Jones.

Survivors:
one daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Mike Brooks of Decatur, one son and his girlfriend A.D. Wade and Betty Jo Whitehead of Decatur; one granddaughter and her fiance', Kari Brooks and Greg Culin of Knoxville; one sister, Sarah (Bill) Shultz of Athens, and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff and nurses of Athens Place for our mom's excellent hospitality and care.We have all become a big family at Athens Place. The family would also like to express their thanks for all the help and support provided by the members of the McMinn and Meigs Alzheimer's Support Group headed by Linda Garza. We would like to thank Joyce at Kentucky Fried Chicken,  Pebbles at Captain D's Restaurant, Cindy (our cousin) at Buddy's Barbecue, and the girls at Russell Stover's Candy Shop for the kind words and attention that they have given our mom during the lunches and ice cream we shared with her at these Athens restaurants.

The graveside service will be 2:30 pm Friday, April 14, 2017 at Thomas Cemetery with the Rev. Jamie Lonas and Rev. Bruce Vincent officiating.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the funeral home before the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The McMinn Meigs Alzheimer's Support Group c/o Linda Garza 714 Cartwright Street Athens, TN 37303

Those unable to attend may send condolences to www.laycock-hobbs.com  Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements.

THE BLESSING

    Each morning for exercise I walk over the place where W. C. and Harriet Owen Hughes once lived. The house burned several years ago, but there are still some large rocks out front on which I am able to sit down and rest. I also normally also stop and rest for a few minutes on a bench that sits in the old wellhouse in front of Geraldine’s house that also burned about the same time.

    Yesterday however, when I got back to Geraldine’s place I could see a small red pickup truck parked in front of Alan’s place at the foot of the hill. I did not know if Alan was home and decided, instead of stopping at Geraldines, I should proceed on and investigate. About that time the truck started up the hill and stopped where I was standing by the road.

    A man I had never seen before got out of the truck and walked over to where I was standing, stuck out his hand and said “Bless you brother, my name is Paul”. I shook his hand and replied my name was Paul also. He then opened his arms wide and said, “Can I have a hug”. So we stood there in the middle of the road hugging each other.

    He then offered me some coffee and and I declined and told him I had to get on down the road. Before leaving he stretched his hand out over the valley and said, “Bless this land in the name of Jesus”.

    I later told Alan of the incident and he checked his video security recorder and determined the man sat in front of his house in the edge of the road with his emergency lights flashing for nine minutes and never got out of his truck. I think I have figured out what he was about, but to explain my conclusion I must go back a few years.

    Grandpa Wattenbarger once owned and operated a country store at the intersection on current County Roads 180 and 187. Rogers Creek Church sat just across the road from the store and grandpa’s house sat on the other corner. Grandpa was hard of hearing and on Sunday, instead of going to church, he would load his wagon with food for the widows and the needy of the community and distribute it.

    I think the man in the little red truck was doing much as grandpa did, except he was going around and stopping in front of each house and and praying the family living there be blessed. It was Sunday and it was Christmas. What better thing could one do?

    To finish my story about grandpa after he closed his store he would sit on his front porch and read his Bible while others gathered in the church to worship. One day when grandpa’s eyesight had dimmed and he could no longer read the Bible, he managed to hobble across the road to the church while the congregation was singing.

    There were two doors in the front of the church where the custom was once for the men to use the one on the right and the women on the left. Once inside the men sat on the right and the women on the left side of the building. However over the years, either for the convenience of the pastor or to appease the ladies, the small congregation all sat on the left side of the church.

    Grandpa made it through the door and proceeded down the right aisle and sat down by himself on the right side of the building. My mother, who was seated on the left side of the building, got up, crossed over, and sat beside grandpa for the remainder of the service. He died shortly thereafter.

    Yesterday the man in the little red truck reminded me of grandpa.

Paul Wade - Dec 26, 2011

Gabriel's Farewell Visit

Gabriel’s Farewell Visit

I looked up and there he stood, in an open field about halfway between the barn and the house. How long he had been watching me I don’t know, but his manner seemed to reflect a question. “Should I go closer or should I just turn and leave” is what he appeared to be contemplating.

Recognizing his indecision I walked toward him and opened the cattle gate. As I moved closer he turned to run almost as if he did not recognize or recognize me. When I called “Gabriel”, he stopped as if hearing something out of the past.

The name Gabriel was intended to be synonymous with Angel, which is what my wife Bettye wanted to call him when we brought him home as a kitten. Thinking Angel was not an appropriate name for a male cat we comprised on Gabriel. His long black hair with white markings made him stand out as something unusual on the farm and the odor of skunks became quite common around out place as they apparently came by to see if Gabriel was one of their species.

His nature was also unusual; in fact his attachment to me was more like that of a dog. When I would go out to check the cattle fences, which I often did on rainy days, Gabriel would be close behind. Even when I made the infrequent rounds up through the woods on the backside of the place he followed every step of the way.

The cattle evidently considered him a threat because they would chase him if he came near. One day when it had been raining and the creek that ran through the meadow behind our house was near the top of its banks Gabriel had lagged had lagged behind to investigate some new discovery. The cattle, sensing I was not nearby to protect him, encircled Gabriel until his only means of escape was to swim the swollen creek, which he did not hesitate to do.

Perhaps it is time to reflect on what had transpired between then when we were inseparable and now as we face each other almost as strangers. Gabriel’s heaven began to develop storm clouds when we took in a second cat needing a home, a yellow shorthaired male kitten. Bettye named him “Sunshine”, a name that bore no relation to what he brought into Gabriel’s life.

At first Gabriel made Sunshine’s life miserable as might be expected when a male cat’s territory is being invaded. But as Sunshine grew larger and larger the tables began to turn. The loose cat fur around the woodshed began to change from yellow to black and white. The psychological effect on Gabriel was devastating. He stopped eating, his hair no longer sparkled and his overall demeanor changed. He retreated to the barn to sleep and would disappear for days and eventually weeks at a time.

But here once again he stood, the contrast between his long black and white hair as it once had been. “Gabriel” I called again, and he answered with that throaty rattling sound he used to communicate. One of his traits was to answer everything I said and if I went for sometime without speaking he would initiate the conversation. He looked at me, rattled one of his greetings, and lay down and rolled over on his back for me to tickle his belly. It took but a few seconds for us to be fully engaged in a conversation he probably understood much better than I.

His feeding dish was still in its usual place and I opened a can of his favorite cat food, which he patiently waited for me to prepare. As had been the custom, he would not start eating until I patted him on the head.

Leaving him to eat, it was perhaps thirty minutes before I returned to the shed where I left him to resume our reunion. After calling and receiving no response I looked toward the barn and he was about where I had first seen him an hour earlier. When he turned and took a few steps away I knew he was leaving, probably for the last time. I think he too sensed this would be his final farewell for he moved slowly, stopping every few feet to look back. In the time it took to brush away a tear he was gone, thus ending a special relationship I share with you from memory.

It was a cold January day some three years later that I found him, lying face down in the garden. He could have been resting but the ice crystals covering his back indicated something was terribly wrong. Whether he was hit by a car, poisoned by an unknown substance or had encountered some other fate will never be known.

I buried him on the southwest side of a large tree near the center of the forest where he had frequently accompanied me in happier times.  The afternoon sun shone down through the leafless trees and reflected off his long black and white hair, which, even in death continued to sparkle.

It did not seem proper that he be buried alone here in a gravesite known only to myself. Not wanting to leave just yet I began to carve his name on the trunk of a tree under which he now lay. As I finished carving the date it suddenly became darker. As the shadows lengthened, it was time that one must go and one must stay. This was my final farewell. There would be no more wondering, no more hopeful glances toward the barn. The feeding dish can now be put away.

The winter will pass and next spring when the forest comes to life Gabriel’s tree will undoubtedly be shrouded in green. Then all who pass this way to stop and rest in its shade will read and know, this is a special place. 

Paul Wade - January 10, 1998

In rememberence of dad, Paul Wade

I just wanted to post this short video, which is a collection of pictures taken over the years throughout Paul Wade's life with farm scenes interspersed between them. 

While it's not one of our farms, it is very similar to them.  There's even one old windmill still standing in the Rogers Creek Valley, over on the Eddie Bohannon III farm.  Each time I ride past it on the bicycle and the wind is blowing, I can hear a bearing squeak that seems to cry out for lube.

Tranquility Methodist Church (Athens, TN)

Paul Wade at 2012 Homecoming*

I stopped by last week to see Mary Ratledge so I could leave a donation for the Tranquility Methodist Church Cemetery Fund.  In the process of checking what dad had written about the church in the past, I came across the post entitled: THE LITTLE WHITE CHURCH ON THE HILL.  Noticing there was no picture of the church in that post, I managed to turn up a photograph I'd taken back in 2012, that even had dad in it!

Mary informed me that the following had made donations for the upkeep of the grounds there, in Paul's name:

Marvin and Samme Templin

Walter David Clarke

Eula Peavyhouse

Lula Herron Swann

Kenneth and Linda Clarke

Bradley Health Care

Tranquility Methodist Church always held a special place in dad's heart.  After all, he was able to frequent the same church where his own Great-Great Grandfather had sat and listened to sermons from the pulpit.  I myself have been to the church, in which my Great-Great-Great Grandfather James Wade attended during his lifetime.

In these modern times when people are so busy running to and fro, and so very few buildings even remain from over 100 years ago...it's actually quite a treat to be able to frequent the church of your own ancestors.  I'm sure dad is pleased with the contributions to the Tranquility Methodist Church and I myself hope it stands for several more generations to come.

If any others are interested in helping The Little White Church on the Hill, contributions may be made to Tranquility Methodist Church, c/o Mary Ratledge, 433 County Rd. 218, Athens, TN 37303-7855

*Homecoming for Tranquility Methodist Church will be on May 18th this year.

Paul Wade, (W4FYF)  of Decatur, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2014, surrounded by his children, only a few feet away from where he was born 83 years ago.

A native and resident of Decatur for most of his life, he was a son of the late Fred Silas and Maggie Lee Wattenbarger Wade, and attended Tranquility Methodist Church. He was a great-great-grandson of James Wade, Michael Wattenbarger, Jonathon Thomas, John Hart, George P. Owen, Samuel McKeehan and Moses Snyder, all settlers of northwest McMinn County. He was a former member of the Future Farmers of America, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Instrument Society of America, the National Management Association and the Electric Power Research Institute.

He was a career employee of the Tennessee Valley Authority, having worked at Watts Bar, Widows Creek, Johnsonville, Shawnee and Bull Run Fossil plants. In 1984, he left the position of plant superintendent at Bull Run Steam Plant near Oak Ridge to become manager of TVA's Fossil Operations in Chattanooga. He retired in 1988 as director of the Division of Fossil and Hydro Power with responsibility for fossil operations, hydro operations, maintenance and engineering and fossil fuels planning.

Although a mechanical engineer by profession, he was a mechanic by nature in the true Wade tradition. His way of life reflected his belief that an imperfect world with freedom to choose is preferable to a perfect world without choice.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Bettye Jean Williams Wade of Athens; one son, A.D. Wade and his girlfriend, Betty Jo Whitehead, of Decatur; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Mike Brooks of Knoxville; and one granddaughter, Kari Nicole Brooks and her boyfriend, Greg Culin, of Knoxville.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Thomas Family Cemetery in the Rogers Creek community with the Rev. Bruce Vincent officiating.

The family will receive friends from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home before the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Tranquility Methodist Church, c/o Mary Ratledge, 433 County Rd. 218, Athens, TN 37303-7855; or through the office of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Caris Healthcare for their sympathetic support and guidance.

Condolences may be sent to www.laycock-hobbs.com

Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home of Athens is in charge of arrangements.

Canaan's Land

As I stand where the old church once stood and look out across the valley I can still hear, "On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand And Cast A Wishful Eye, Toward Canaan's Fair And Happy Land Where My Possessions Lie."

Remembering the feel of new shoes on my feet, in my mind it is once again Homecoming Day at Rogers Creek."

With my eyes closed I look to my left and see my grandmother Gussie coming up the dusty road and crossing the old wooden bridge over the creek. She stops to rest in the shade of a large hickory tree beside the road as she is tired after the long walk from her big white house on top of the hill across the valley.

With my eyes still closed I look directly ahead and see the large yellow banner advertising Nehi that has been nailed along the front of Papa Wattenbarger's store porch. A dark skinned man from Athens is selling soft drinks and ice cream to the children lined up in front of the old porch.

I reach in my pocket and find the nickel that has been given to me for the occasion and take my place in line behind Jimmy, Ralph and Billie Rose. When the man hands me a cone of vanilla ice cream I give him my nickel, letting the ice cream melt and run down over my fingers before taking the first bite. I know the man will not be back again until next year.

I hear a squeaking sound and turn around to see Papa Wattenbarger sitting in his rocking chair on the front porch of his house just across the road from the store. I then smell something cooking and know Mama Wattenbarger is preparing dinner for all who will eat at her table today.

Coming Back to reality I realize this was a six year old boy's Canaan's Land, the best place on earth to be. I open my eyes hoping to see it once more as it was, but only empty fields lie before me. Where have all the people gone?

I search my fading memory and realize Gussie now lies on the hill behind me and near great grandpa John Hart and not far from Barg, Thelma and Agnes. Across the road at top of the hill to my right lies Jonathan and Jane, Marshal and Caroline, Jacob and Louisa, Grant and Lizzie, Maggie and Fred, Bobbye, Charlie and Aunt Dixie, who lived to be the oldest of all. Memories spanning 200 years of history they have taken to their graves.

I remember long ago when the church toll bell sounded across the valley all would stop to listen and wonder, for whom does it toll. Today I do not wonder. I know it tolls for me. "I Am Bound For The Promised Land, O Who Will Come And Go With Me, I Am Bound For The Promised Land." ------ "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, Blessed be the name of the Lord."

To the family I leave behind I give my love and take pride in who you are. And last I pray that future generations will know and honor our family's history that has at times been written in blood mixed with tears.

PAUL WADE (December 12, 1930 - March 26, 2014)

Paul Wade - Canaan's Land

Paul Wade, of Decatur, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2014, surrounded by his children, only a few feet away from where he was born 83 years ago.

A native and resident of Decatur for most of his life, he was a son of the late Fred Silas and Maggie Lee Wattenbarger Wade, and attended Tranquility Methodist Church. He was a great-great-grandson of James Wade, Michael Wattenbarger, Jonathon Thomas, John Hart, George P. Owen, Samuel McKeehan and Moses Snyder, all settlers of northwest McMinn County. He was a former member of the Future Farmers of America, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Instrument Society of America, the National Management Association and the Electric Power Research Institute.

He was a career employee of the Tennessee Valley Authority, having worked at Watts Bar, Widows Creek, Johnsonville, Shawnee and Bull Run Fossil plants. In 1984, he left the position of Plant Superintendent at Bull Run Steam Plant near Oak Ridge to become manager of TVA's Fossil Operations in Chattanooga. He retired in 1988 as director of the Division of Fossil and Hydro Power with responsibility for Fossil Operations, Hydro Operations, Maintenance and Engineering and Fossil Fuels Planning.

Although a Mechanical Engineer by profession, he was a mechanic by nature in the true Wade tradition. His way of life reflected his belief that an imperfect world with freedom to choose, is preferable to a perfect world without choice.
 
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Tranquility Methodist Church, c/o Mary Ratledge, 433 County Rd. 218, Athens, TN 37303-7855; or through the office of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home in Athens, Tennessee.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Caris Healthcare for their sympathetic support and guidance. Condolences may be sent to www.laycock-hobbs.com

Canaan's Land

As I stand where the old church once stood and look out across the valley I can still hear, "On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand And Cast A Wishful Eye, Toward Canaan's Fair And Happy Land Where My Possessions Lie." Remembering the feel of new shoes on my feet, in my mind it is once again Homecoming Day at Rogers Creek."

With my eyes closed I look to my left and see my grandmother Gussie coming up the dusty road and crossing the old wooden bridge over the creek. She stops to rest in the shade of a large hickory tree beside the road as she is tired after the long walk from her big white house on top of the hill across the valley.

With my eyes still closed I look directly ahead and see the large yellow banner advertising Nehi that has been nailed along the front of Papa Wattenbarger's store porch. A dark skinned man from Athens is selling soft drinks and ice cream to the children lined up in front of the old porch.

I reach in my pocket and find the nickel that has been given to me for the occasion and take my place in line behind Jimmy, Ralph and Billie Rose. When the man hands me a cone of vanilla ice cream I give him my nickel, letting the ice cream melt and run down over my fingers before taking the first bite. I know the man will not be back again until next year.

I hear a squeaking sound and turn around to see Papa Wattenbarger sitting in his rocking chair on the front porch of his house just across the road from the store. I then smell something cooking and know Mama Wattenbarger is preparing dinner for all who will eat at her table today.

Coming Back to reality I realize this was a six year old boy's Canaan's Land, the best place on earth to be. I open my eyes hoping to see it once more as it was, but only empty fields lie before me. Where have all the people gone?

I search my fading memory and realize Gussie now lies on the hill behind me and near great grandpa John Hart and not far from Barg, Thelma and Agnes. Across the road at top of the hill to my right lies Jonathan and Jane, Marshal and Caroline, Jacob and Louisa, Grant and Lizzie, Maggie and Fred, Bobbye, Charlie and Aunt Dixie, who lived to be the oldest of all. Memories spanning 200 years of history they have taken to their graves.

I remember long ago when the church toll bell sounded across the valley all would stop to listen and wonder, for whom does it toll. Today I do not wonder. I know it tolls for me. "I Am Bound For The Promised Land, O Who Will Come And Go With Me, I Am Bound For The Promised Land." ------ "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, Blessed be the name of the Lord."

To the family I leave behind I give my love and take pride in who you are. And last I pray that future generations will know and honor our family's history that has at times been written in blood mixed with tears.

PAUL WADE (December 12, 1930 - March 26, 2014)

AUNT LOU’S HOUSE IS NO MORE

 

    Louisa Owen was the youngest child of Marshal and Caroline Thomas Owen, having been born February 26, 1867. She married Samuel Brickell and together they reared five children on part of the Marshal Owen property she and Samuel later acquired title to following Marshal’s death in 1892.

    After Louisa’s death in 1950 the Brickell house and farm was bought by one of Louisa’s granddaughter’s and her husband who had a new house constructed. Since then the old house has mostly sat empty and abandoned. That granddaughter recently passed away and the house was purchased by the owner of the surrounding property, who had the house torn down and the undergrowth removed.

    Marshal Owen at one time owned all of the land on both sides of what is now McMinn County Road 181 from County Road 186 to County Road 189, comprising about six hundred acres. Starting at Marshal and and Caroline’s place moving west, the houses were in this order: Marshal and Caroline, W. D. and Jane Owen Wade, Samuel and Louisa Owen Brickell, W. C. and Harriet Owen Hughes, and last, Thomas and Martha Ellen Wade Owen. The original houses have either burned or been torn down over the years until the only original house left standing was that of Samuel and Louisa. Now, it too is gone.

    For years I have passed the house walking and before it became so overgrown would sometimes seek shelter on the front porch when I would unexpectedly be caught in a rain shower. While standing waiting for the shower to pass I would fondly recall my weekly visits to the Brickell house where I was sent by my mother to pick up a pound of butter from “Aunt Lou”. I remember her as a kind and gentle lady.

Spradling Home Place

The above drawing of the Spradling Home was made by Dr. Lewis W. Sradling from memory in October of 1932, some seventeen years after the house burned in 1915. William S. Spradling, son of Richard Spradling Jr., was living in the house with his family when it burned, but all escaped without injury. The house was located on a small bluff approximately three hundred feet west of the intersection of current McMinn County Roads 185 and 187.

    It is believed Lewis made the drawing for his Aunt Mary Tennessee Spradling who married William Thomas Land. Mary Tennessee could vividly recall and relate events of the Civil War and how the soldiers came to their home and confiscated much of their food. Mary Tennessee, the daughter of Richard Sprading Jr., went to live with her son, Robert Taylor Land, some time after the death of her husband in 1900.

    Hanging on the wall of the Land home in Athens was the drawing of the Spradling Homeplace. Mary Tennessee died in 1943 at the age of ninety and the house where she lived was eventually torn down to make way for the widening of the highway and also a doctor’s office. Fortunately the drawing was saved and taken to the home of Mary Tennessee’s granddaughter Madlyne in Chattanooga.

    When Madlyne entered a nursing home her children thought the best place for the drawing was back at the old homeplace where “Aunt Tenn” grew up one hundred and fifty years ago. Consequently they brought it to Richard and Billie Jean Land who currently reside on part of the Spradling homeplace.

THOMAS FAMILY CEMETERY

The Thomas Family Cemetery is located northeast of Rogers Creek Baptist Church on a hill behind the house built by Jonathan Thomas about 1840. Brick for the house were formed by slaves around the spring that flows from beneath the red clay hillside. The water that flows from the spring comprises a significant part of the headwaters of Rogers Creek.

Fifty-five identifiable graves can be found in the cemetery, four of which have unmarked field headstones. Each represent a father, mother or child which undoubtedly were laid to rest with sadness and sorrow.


The following is a listing of those persons in the order of their passing, starting with Jonathan Thomas in 1864. While the century in which they died has twice changed, the sorrow felt by those left behind is not lessened by generation. It is natural to die and it is natural to grieve. It is with love, respect and honor that we remember.

Name------------------- Born---------- Died

Jonathan Thomas - 07/25/1800 - 01/11/1864
Mary Ann Owen - 02/09/1863 - 02/23/1865
Elizabeth Owen - 08/30/1855 - 02/08/1867
Infant Son of M C Owen - 06/01/1869 - 06/01/1869
Emma E Thomas - 11/22/1872 - 11/20/1873
Mary M Thomas - 06/26/1875 - 10/17/1875
Texas Ann W Cagle - 12/28/1859 - 08/24/1878
James Thomas - 03/23/1859 - 10/04/1879
John Hughes - 10/06/1879 - 10/30/1879
Jane Thomas (86 Years) / / 11/24/1883
Infant Son of W C Hughes - 05/02/1886 - 05/02/1886
Caroline Thomas Owen - 10/19/1830 - 02/19/1889
Marshal C. Owen - 10/13/1833 - 06/30/1892
Louisa Thomas Wattenbarger - 07/10/1828 - 03/24/1893
Frank Thomas - 07/27/1862 - 05/15/1894
Bonnie Mae Wattenbarger - 05/07/1895 - 08/16/1895
Twin Infant Wattenbargers -10/01/1898 - 10/01/1898
Charlie Hughes - 09/15/1892 - 10/09/1898
Henry Creed Wattenbarger - 05/02/1896 - 01/06/1899
Infant Daughter of W C Hughes - 03/17/1900 - 03/17/1900
Harriet Fike - 09/23/1832 - 02/22/1901
Horace Thomas - 10/09/1882 - 11/28/1904
Jacob Wattenbarger - 05/05/1826 - 10/15/1905
Infant Daughter of J Thomas - 10/16/1907 - 02/02/1908
Mary Thomas Lankford - 11/06/1864 - 02/07/1909
Samuel A Brickell - 12/07/1860 - 06/18/1916
Carson D Hughes - 12/26/1913 - 02/10/1922
Alfred C Thomas - 1836 - 1924
Malinda Thomas - 1839 - 1924
Frank Thomas (Not found) 1860 -  1930
James H Thomas - 06/02/1868 - 12/03/1948
Louisa E Brickell - 02/26/1867 - 12/22/1950
James Grant Wattenbarger - 04/17/1866 - 04/29/1955
James Alfred Thomas - 08/04/1909 - 01/01/1957
Sallie Legg Thomas -10/06/1872 - 10/19/1957
Mary E Hart Wattenbarger - 02/05/1875 - 12/29/1959
Fred S Wade - 07/29/1898 - 02/20/1976
Lonna Mae Thomas Bohannon - 08/04/1902 - 04/21/1978
Phyllis Boyd Bohannon - 11/16/1926 - 11/15/1980
Edgar B Bohannon - 10/11/1898 - 04/20/1982
Rev. Murry Conrad Morgan - 05/21/1909 - 12/09/1982
Matthew Daniel McVey - 08/18/1987 - 08/18/1987
Bobbye Runyon Gilbert - 05/29/1935 - 09/16/1989
Maggie Wattenbarger W Morgan - 02/08/1910 - 01/05/1992
Rev. Charles Scott Runyon - 08/24/1905 - 11/04/1994
Eliza Bohannon Thomas - 10/17/1910 - 01/26/2001
Alma Paisley Thomas - 07/21/1928 - 07/12/2008
James Burkett Thomas - 02/03/1929 - 08/05/2009
Edgar B Bohannon, Jr. - 08/12/1924 - 01/19/2011
Dixie Wattenbarger Runyon - 07/14/1913 - 06/16/2012

AUNT DIXIE (1913 - 2012)

A lady bent and drawn with age sits in a wheel chair just inside the door of her granddaughter’s home. When someone enters she asks, “Do you have a car?” If the answer is yes, she then pleads, “Will you take me home?”

The home Aunt Dixie longs for is a place most do not know ever existed. Its location was approximately eight miles northwest of downtown Athens at the intersection of current County Roads 180 and 187. There Dixie’s father, J. G. Wattenbarger, once operated a country store which also served as Fiketon Post Office. Though all traces of the original structures are gone, the location is still designated on some maps as Fiketon.

In 1849 Dixie’s grandfather, Jacob Wattenbarger, traveled a few miles south from his parent’s home in the Tranquility community and married Louisa Thomas, daughter of plantation owner Jonathan Thomas. Jacob and Louisa acquired property from Jonathan in the vicinity of Rogers Creek Baptist Church and built a log house where they reared their family.

When the Civil War broke out, Jacob faced a dilemma. Being from the Tranquility Community, which supported the Union, he was living at the very center of a community which supported the South. Jacob hid out in the hills above his home to elude conscription into the Confederate Army and sometimes slept in a cave that to this day bears his name.

Dixie’s other grandfather was John Hart whose property joined that of her grandfather Jacob. John Hart was a strong southern supporter and fought with the Confederacy during the Civil War, enduring the Siege of Vicksburg and other battles. John Hart and Jacob Wattenbarger were each sincere in their beliefs. Now the two former adversaries lie on opposing hillsides, separated by the community that now only exists in the mind of Aunt Dixie.

Yesterday Dixie Wattenbarger Runyon returned to Fiketon and now lies at rest beside her husband Charlie and daughter Bobbye in the family cemetery overlooking her childhood home. It was a custom in Dixie’s grandfather’s day that one toll of the church bell be sounded for each year the deceased had lived. As Dixie was laid to rest, ninety-eight tolls rang out across the valley.

LOUISA SPRADLING WADE BRANDON

 

 Louisa Spradling

    Louisa Spradling was born to Richard Spradling and Elizabeth (Beaver) Baber in Virginia about 1808. She married James Wade in Albermarle County, Virginia, October 26, 1827. The following year with Louisa’ parents they moved to an area a few miles south of what is now known as Tranquility and settled on approximately three hundred acres south of and adjoining the property of Michael and Nancy Wattenbarger.

    Louisa’s parents settled on several hundred acres adjoining and to the south of the Wade place. The stream that was later to become known as Rogers Creek originated in the Wade spring from which the family got their water.

    Louisa bore five children to James before he died October 29, 1842. The ages of the children ranged from fourteen (William) down to James who was only two years old. There were four boys and one girl who they named Malinda. Malinda was also later known as Linny and eventually Minnie after she moved to Texas.

    Louisa then married Hiram Brandon, a “Minister of the Gospel” September 1, 1845. Hiram’s name is listed as one of those who helped organize Tranquility Methodist Church in 1848. The family appears in the census records of surrounding counties in the following years evidently as Hiram moved when he was called to different churches. The Wade children eventually disappeared from the Brandon census records and were replaced by the five children Louisa bore to Hiram.

    It is believed Hiram died sometime after 1889 and we know from the records  available Louisa died July 14, 1897, at approximately age ninety. We do not know where Louisa was living when she died or where she is buried. In a document dated July 20, 1897, and signed by five Brandon descendants, Louisa’s belongings were assigned to Silas to dispose of and distribute any remaining proceeds, above that required to meet expenses, to the rightful heirs. From this I surmise Louisa was probably living in the Mt. Zion area where other Brandon family members are buried.

    Silas paid his cousin Richard Spradling Jr. $1.00 to “Cry” the sale of Louisa’s belongings that were not divided among the heirs. The sale brought in $39.00. Silas paid James Colens $7.50 for Louisa’s “cofin”. He paid Steve Brandon $1.00 for “feeding the hogs”. He paid A. Wattenbarger $2.97 for “buring close”. He paid E. L. Harmon for 8 days $5.00 doctor bill. He pade out to Steve for “mesh” 50 cents. Total paid out  $17.97.

    Equally of interest is how this information is still with us. Following Silas’ death in 1902 his only living son, W. D. Wade, was appointed the administrator of his estate. W. D. gathered up all of Silas’ papers and notes, placed them in an old cardboard suitcase, and brought them down to his home in Rogers Creek.

    A few years later W. D. and his cousin W. S. Sradling formed a partnership and opened a “country store” out of the W. D.’s former father-in-law Marshal C. Owen’s house which he had purchased from his sister-in-law, Angeline Owen Campell. The attic of the old house was used for storage and that is where Silas’ old cardboard suitcase was placed.

    And there the suitcase remained until 1989 when Bettye and I tore down the old Owen house to make way for the new house. I looked through some of the papers and found Silas’ “Grand Army of the Republic” medal and many documents and records.     Also, there was one picture in the suitcase. Obviously someone who was important to both Silas and his son W. D. The fading tintype picture was of a lady who appears to be about ninety years old. Her face reflects the hardships of her life. Her eyes penetrate ones soul. Could this be Silas’ mother, Louisa Spradling Wade Brandon?

GRANDPA’S BARN

Grandpa’s old barn is the only original structure left standing on the homeplace. It sits on a small hill behind where the house once sat. But its days are now numbered as much of the metal roof has blown away leaving the wooden lathe and structural members exposed to the elements.

Geraldine has been in the nursing almost ten years and her brothers have all passed on, leaving no one to look after the upkeep of the once proud structure. Vultures can frequently be seen perched along the highest point of the barn, evidently on the lookout for any rodent that might venture out into the open.

The barn was constructed in the 1890’s not long after W D’s father Silas had an identical barn built on his place. Silas’ barn however, has fared much better. When Bowaters Paper Corporation purchased Silas’ place many years ago they began clearing the land to plant pine trees. Any buildings were put up for sale and removal.

Silas’ grandson Roy acquired the old barn and moved it down to his property just north of the intersection of McMinn County Roads 188 and 186. Following Dexter’s ownership the property was sold to a man who has enclosed the barn and it now is one of the better looking buildings in the community.

But back to Granpa’s place and realizing there is now little evidence of his former presence, Alan and I constructed a cover for the old well and carved his name into the cedar boards, W D WADE. I believe Grandpa would be proud.

JONATHAN THOMAS' ESTATE

Jonathan Thomas Dec'd Settlement with Executor

State of Tennessee ] 21st. day of September 1865

                   ] This day E L Miller Executor of the estate of Jonathan Thomas Dec'd came to the Clerk's Office and made Settlement as the law directs, n Will Book G page 86 said Executor is chargeable with, as per Inventory 1157.02

        Amt. rec'd from Harriet and Jane Thomas  $1600.00   

                                                 $2757.02 Vouchers

       One note to David Cleage with Interest   $ 753.30

       One note to David Cleage with Interest   $1743.92

                              Amt brt. forward  $2497.22

       One Account of Allen Butler              $   2.50  

       One  "  "   "  Nat Morrison              $  10.60

       One  "  "   "  Elijah Benton             $   2.00

       One  "  "   "  John Price                $  25.00

       Bal. of Note to Wm. Gowdin               $   3.00

        "   "   "    " A H Crow                 $  60.12

        "  on Judgement to H Brandy             $  10.00

       One Account of Robert Boyd               $  29.35

        "   "  "   " J W Blackwell              $  27.06

       Fees of Office to Clerk                  $  11.15

                                                $2678.00

                                                $  79.02

                     Allowed Extr. 5 pr Cent on $2757.02

                                                $ 137.85

                    Balance due Executor        $  58.83

Jonathan Thomas Dec'd. Inventory and Account of Sales

       Chas. Rufett           1 Rifle Gun                  $   9.50

       James Coffer           1 Cow                        $  20.50

       James Coffer           1 Yoke of Oxin               $  42.00

       James Coffer           1 Bull Ox                    $  23.00

       Jacob Wattenbarger     1 Steer Ox                   $  37.00

       Jane Thomas            4 Yearlings                  $  23.75

       Lewis Stanton          1 Jack Colt                  $  30.00

       A C Thomas             1 Mule Colt                  $  66.00

       Jane Thomas            1 Gray Mare                  $   5.00

       Harriet Thomas         1 Jinney                     $   6.00

       J L Thomas             1 Mule Colt                  $  47.00

       James Thomas           1 Bay Filly                  $  50.00

                                            Carried over   $ 359.75

       Jane Thomas            1 Bay Horse                  $  31.00

       J L Thomas             1 set of Smith Tools         $  50.00

       Jacob Wattenbarger     3 lots of Iron               $  11.00

       M Wattenbarger         1 lot of Iron                $   9.97

       Lewis Stanton          1 lot of Iron                $   5.51

       Nat Morrison           2 lots of Iron               $   5.96

       A C Thomas             2 bars of Iron               $  10.08

       Marshall Owens         1 bar of Iron                $   7.47

       J L Thomas             1 bar of Iron                $   7.47

       R Boyd                 1 bar of Iron                $   6.90

       Jacob Wattenbarger     Woodwork of Wagon            $  20.00

       Jacob Wattenbarger     1 Large Wagon                $  75.00

       Jacob Wattenbarger     Part of Wagon                $   4.00

       A C Thomas             3 Wagon Wheels               $  14.00

       T H Butler             1 Thrashey ???               $ 129.00

       Jacob Wattenbarger     1 Wagon Wheel                $   7.00

       R Boyd                 1 Set of Tyre                $  52.71

       R Faulkney             2 Chains                     $   2.50

       Jacob Wattenbarger     1 Crow Bar                   $   2.85

       Jacob Wattenbarger     1 Still 2 tubs               $ 172.50

       James Thomas           1 Still 2 tubs               $  97.35

       Cash received on J Williams Note                    $  50.00

       Cash received on P Davis Note                       $  25.00

                             FOR A TOTAL OF $1157.02  

  

The forgoing is a true Inventory and Account of Sales of the personal property of Jonathan Thomas Dec'd that has come into my hands, or the hands of any person also for me to the best of my knowledge and belief.

  Sworn before me 17 July 1865                 E L Miller

               R M Fisher Clk.                      Extr.

Note. The above accounting of property and sales does not include the 1735 acres of land upon which taxes were charged under the Act of Congress, entitled "An Act for the Collection of Direct Taxes in Insurrectionary Districts within the United States, and for other purposes" approved June 7, 1862, and the Act amendatory thereof approved February 6, 1863. The taxes in the amount of $21.11 were paid on in the name of Jonathan Thomas December 7, 1865.

Jonathan Thomas also advanced considerable sums of money to his children prior to his death and made these sums absolute gifts in his will dated February 28, 1863.

According to the above settlement of Jonathan Thomas' estate Jane and Harriet advanced $1600.00 to E L Miller, Executor, as the $1157.02 proceeds from the sale of Jonathan's personal property was not sufficient to cover his debts. Jane and Harriet received the homeplace as directed in Jonathan's will.

                                       

THE HART FAMILY

It has been passed down our ancestor John Hart traveled from South Carolina to Roane County Tennessee where he married Ruth Stout, daughter of Peter Stout, October 1, 1810. John Hart II until recently was the only known child of John and Ruth and his birth is listed in family records as January 27, 1813.

One hundred years later in an article that appeared in the local paper upon the retirement of McMinn County Sheriff James Franklin Hart states: Frank’s grandfather was killed in the “Battle of Horseshoe Bend” in 1814. The article also states John Hart Sr. had several children. The question arises as to who these children were and what happened to them, other than John Hart II who lived and died at Rogers Creek.

Adding to the mystery is the fact a John Heart is listed in the 1830 McMinn County census, age 40-50, with a wife and eight children born after 1814. This places the birth of the John Heart listed in the 1830 census between 1780 and 1790, which is consistent with our ancestor John Hart Sr. being born in 1789. This John Heart does not appear in the McMinn County Census Records after 1830.

Also a John Hart filed a Land Grant in 1827 on the East Half of the Southwest Quarter of Section 5 in McMinn County. It is unlikely this was John Hart II, as he was only fourteen years old at the time. Also relevant is the relationship of Elliot Heart, age 15-20 who is listed near John Hart at the time of the 1830 census and is shown living with a female age 15-20, evidently his wife. Elliot also disappears from the McMinn County Census records after 1830.

It seems to be more than coincidence when John Hart disappears from the McMinn Census after 1830 a John Hart born in South Carolina appears in the 1840 Greene County Missouri Census with eight children.

John Hart, age 61 SC, appears again in the 1850 Greene County Census with Caroline 23 Tn, Mary 19 Tn, Nancy E. 17 Tn, Lewis J. 14 Tn, Glovina 12 Tn. These are evidently some of the children of Benjamin Hart from Tennessee whose names match those listed in McMinn County Court Records CR 5 15 wherein John Hart was appointed guardian over said children 1 November 1841. One of the children of John and Ruth was named Benjamin who in turn was possibly the father of those children. Elizabeth’s name does not appear in the 1850 Greene County Census.

Elliot Hart 39 Tn and Ellen 38 NC and their nine children appear in the 1850 Madison County Mo. Census. I believe Elliot is the oldest son of John Hart Sr. and moved to Missouri with his father about 1840, leaving our ancestor John Hart II and his family in McMinn County.

Elliot Heart was living in Missouri and working as a blacksmith during the Civil War. His services were demanded by both the North and the South with threats of dire consequences by each side if he served to other. The situation became so bad Elliot hid out in a cave in fear of his life. He had twin sons who were listed as being thirteen in the 1860 Shannon County Missouri Census. They were both captured by the Bushwhackers. They tied a rope around the neck of one and told the other they would hang the first if he did not go get his father. Elliot came out of hiding and the bushwhackers cut off both his hands with the family watching. They then killed Elliot and left him for the women in the family to bury.

We are still left with the question as to which Hart died in the “Battle of Horseshoe Bend” in 1814. Could it have been the father of John Hart who was born in South Carolina in 1789? Did John Hart travel from South Carolina to Roane County by himself or was he part of a larger group and did that larger group include his father? I will leave up to the reader to decide.

The Group Record of the ancestral Hart families follow. There is some uncertainty in distinguishing between the children of John and Ruth from those of Benjamin over which John was appointed guardian in 1841. We believe Benjamin’s children begin with Serena Jane as she is the first of seven children listed in McMinn County Court records.

JOHN HART I

FAMILY GROUP RECORD

HUSBAND: John Hart, l
BORN: ca. 1789 PLACE: South Carolina
MARRIED: Ruth Stout 10/01/1810 PLACE: Roane County, TN.
DIED: ca.1861
FATHER:
MOTHER:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WIFE: Ruth Stout
BORN: ca: 1794 PLACE:
DIED: ca. 1841 PLACE:
FATHER: Peter Stout
MOTHER:

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CHILDREN
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elliot Heart
BORN: 5/14/1811 PLACE: Roane County, TN.
MARRIED: Dorcas Willis 1829 PLACE:
MARRIED: Mary E. Blackwell 1836 PLACE:
DIED: ca. 1864 PLACE: Missouri
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Hart
BORN: 01/27/1813 PLACE: Roane County, TN.
MARRIED: Mary Elizabeth Spradling 1834 PLACE:
MARRIED: Nancy A. Womack 10/02/1857
DIED: 06/17/1902 PLACE: McMinn County, TN.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cindrilla Heart
BORN: ca.1814 PLACE:
MARRIED: Overton Spradling PLACE: McMinn County, TN.
MARRIED: John W. Bradley PLACE:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Benjamin Heart
BORN: ca. 1818 PLACE:
MARRIED: PLACE:
DIED: PLACE:
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Julianna Heart
BORN: ca. 1820 PLACE:
MARRIED:
DIED: PLACE:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Franklin Heart
BORN: 03/04/1822
DIED: 1824
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The following are believed to be the children of Benjamin which
John was appointed Guardian over in 1841 in McMinn CO. TN.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serena Jane Heart
BORN: 08/20/1823 PLACE:
MARRIED: Sylvester Stokes 1842 PLACE: Greene Co. MO.
DIED: 06/23/1880 PLACE: Greene Co. MO.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William Jasper Heart
BORN: 09/22/1825 PLACE:
MARRIED: PLACE:
DIED: PLACE:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Martha Caroline Heart:
BORN: 10/11/1827 PLACE:
MARRIED: Martin Best 02/08/1853 PLACE: Greene Co. MO.
DIED: PLACE:
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Eliza Heart
BORN: 09/13/1828 PLACE:
MARRIED: Thomas L. Murphy 03/04/1845 PLACE: Greene Co.
DIED:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mary Ann Heart
BORN: 11/20/1831 PLACE:
MARRIED: John Sago 01/05/1852 PLACE:
DIED: PLACE:
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Nancy Elizabeth Heart
BORN: ca. 1833 PLACE:
MARRIED: Reuben Wiatt 05/07/1853 PLACE: Greene Co. MO.
DIED: PLACE:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lewis Jackson Heart
BORN: 01/30/1836
MARRIED: Pernita C. Snow PLACE: Crawford Co. Ark.
DIED:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glovina Heart
BORN: 02/17/1838 PLACE:
MARRIED: Thomas C. Presley 03/12/1856 PLACE: Greene Co.
DIED: PLACE:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JOHN HART II

FAMILY GROUP RECORD

HUSBAND: John Hart, II
BORN: 01/27/1813 PLACE: Roane Co. TN.
MARRIED: Mary Elizabeth Spradling 1834 PLACE: McMinn Co.
DIED: 06/17/1902 PLACE: McMinn Co. TN.
FATHER: John Hart, I
MOTHER: Ruth Stout
OTHER WIVES: Nancy A. Womack

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WIFE: Mary Elizabeth Spradling
BORN: 1818 PLACE: Virginia
DIED: Before 1847 PLACE: McMinn Co. TN.
FATHER: Richard Spradling, Sr.
MOTHER: Elizabeth Baber

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHILDREN
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth Hart
BORN: 02/04/1835 PLACE: McMinn Co. TN.
MARRIED: F. N. Million PLACE:
MARRIED: James Robeson PLACE:
DIED: 12/27/1910 PLACE:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard Hart
BORN: 09/16/1837 PLACE:
MARRIED: PLACE:
DIED: PLACE: McMinn Co. TN.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Benjamin Hart
BORN: 05/27/1838 PLACE: McMinn Co. TN.
MARRIED: Eliza Lawson 1860 PLACE:
DIED: 10/28/1894 PLACE: Strawn, Texas
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John Hart III
BORN: 04/16/1841 PLACE: McMinn Co. TN.
MARRIED: Henreitta Amelia Snyder 12/19/1866 PLACE:
DIED: 12/01/1935 PLACE: McMinn Co. TN.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JOHN HART II

FAMILY GROUP RECORD

HUSBAND: John Hart, II
BORN: 01/27/1813 PLACE: Roane Co. TN.
MARRIED: 10/02/1857 PLACE:
DIED: 06/17/1902
FATHER: John Hart, I
MOTHER: Ruth Stout
OTHER WIVES: Mary Elizabeth Spradling

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WIFE: Nancy A. Womack
BORN: 1831
DIED: 08/12/1910
FATHER:
MOTHER:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHILDREN
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lewis Hart
BORN: 07/30/1858 PLACE: McMinn Co. TN.
MARRIED:
DIED: PLACE: Dawson City, Alaska
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T Jefferson Hart
BORN: 02/14/1861 PLACE: McMinn Co. TN.
MARRIED: Sarah Fike 01/14/1883 PLACE:
DIED: 10/14/1891 PLACE: McMinn County, TN.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amanda Hart
BORN: 10/18/1863 PLACE: McMinn Co. TN.
MARRIED: Lungford B Jarvis PLACE:
DIED: 02/15/1898 PLACE:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Franklin Hart
BORN: 10/15/1866 PLACE: McMinn Co. TN.
MARRIED: Tina E Spradling PLACE:
DIED: 02/24/1921 PLACE:
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THE SPRADLING FAMILY

Excerpts from the January 30, 1930, writings of Dr. Lewis W. Spradling

Sometime in the late autumn of the good old year of our Lord, 1825, there came down the old Richmond, Va., & Dalton, GA. Stock-Road, a heavy loaded wagon train, laden with settlers from the vicinity of Charlottsville, Albemaree Co., Virginia; amongst which were the families of Humphrey Reynolds and Richard Spradling. There were other pioneer settlers of East Tenn. in that train, but of these two, the writer has culled from meagre historic detail of ancestral preservation, barely enuf of record to establish its authenticity, that we, as descendants may preserve for those of the future who may care to preserve their genealogy. The trend of modern human life however, is gradually away from ancient customs, especially in the pride of birth, and boast of ancestry. The youth of today, is amply pedigreed who knew his Great grand-parents. Beyond that, they are not concerned! (The large majority of mankind can trace their lineage no farther than the third generation)

This memorable train of horse-drawn, covered wagons brought into this mountainous section of Tennessee these two pioneer families from the sturdy, rustic yeomanry of one of the oldest settlements of Virginia. They came as "Home-Seekers"-following the "Hiwassee Purchase" of the great string of fine, native forest, hitherto the "Happy Hunting Ground” of the Cherokee and other Native Indian tribes, who, following this memorable deal, emigrated to Oklahoma; At that time, 1825 and after, there was practically no cleared land anywhere. They had to clear the timber from the land for their first crops.

When one reflects a moment upon the progress of this end of the good state of Tennessee, its a bit remarkable, considering that we are but one hundred and five years old! According to history left by our ancestors who were on the ground at the very beginning of civilization, 1825. Thirty six years later, came the war of the rebellion, which undid about much of the structural work, wrought under untold difficulties and hardships; -leaving in four years later-a blood-soaked, desolate waste!--Without schools, without public improvements of any kind, and. incalculable damage to all private property. Many were homeless; and even those who possessed the remnant of a former home, were in constant peril, from newly liberated, semi-savage negro race roaming at large, without homes, most of them, and encouraged by enemies their depredations, and thus made a common menace. Unconsciously, they were compelled to assume the enormous task. of civilizing and educating this race and at the same time overcome the enmity left in the hearts of the liberating slaves, who were at the outset, sold to the native southern planters by those very men who were largely responsible for the war that liberated them!

When the wagon train arrived at the spot known as the Picklesimer place they pitched camp, and it was here that Humphrey Reynolds Senior, made his home. Spradling proceeded farther on westward and decided to enter land on Rogers Creek and at last building his home there.
Richard Spradling died in 1872 on the homestead on Rogers Creek, which he entered upon settling there in 1825. He raised a family of six children: Stanley, oldest son, lived and died at his home near Soddy, Hamilton Co., in 1886. Mortimer, lived and died at his home in Nopone Valley, Meigs Co. Richard lived and died at the old home on Rogers Creek, in the old third District of McMinn Co. The three girls were Mrs. Louisa Wade, mother of Silas Wade; Mrs. Amanda Sligar, and Mrs. John Hart.

Richard Spradling II raised a family of ten children; five boys, Robert, Jasper, John, James and Will. Five girls, Elizabeth, (Mrs. G.G. Jones) Louisa (Mrs. Wm.O. Davis,) Amanda, (Mrs. A.A. Holland)-Tennessee, (Mrs. Wm. T. Land) and Adaline, (Mrs. Geo. A. Arnhart.)
Robert, Jasper and John were veterans of the Confederate Army in the “War of the Rebellion”, serving three years and nine months, to the surrender. All of the boys lived on shares of the large homestead; Will, the youngest living in the old home until it was destroyed by fire in 1915. Robert, the oldest, moved his family in 1880, to a farm near Euchee, on Tennessee river, in the upper end of Meigs Co., where he lived until 1890, when he was elected County Court Clerk, and he moved to Decatur, where he lived and served continuously in that office until his death in 1906, having served 17 years.

Note to reader: In an article that appeared in the local paper in 1901 at the time Dr. Lewis W. Spradling moved his practice from Rogers Creek to Athens it states Richard Spradling Sr. and his wife Elizabeth had seven children, rather than six as is listed above. The child not mentioned above is Overton, who was evidently the second born.