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Western Carolinian Volume 65 (66) Number 23 (25)
No full textThe Western Carolinian is Western Carolina University's student-run newspaper. The paper was published as the Cullowhee Yodel from 1924 to 1931 before changing its name to The Western Carolinian in 1933
Western Carolinian Volume 66 (67) Number 11
No full textThe Western Carolinian is Western Carolina University's student-run newspaper. The paper was published as the Cullowhee Yodel from 1924 to 1931 before changing its name to The Western Carolinian in 1933
Journeys Through Jackson 2020 Vol.30 No.03
No full textJourneys Through Jackson is the official journal of the Jackson County Genealogical Society, Inc. The journal began as a monthly publication in July 1991, was published bimonthly from 1994 to 2003, and continues today as a quarterly publication. The journal issues in this digital collection are presented as annual compilations.Journeys
Through
Jackson
The Official Journal of the Jackson County Genealogical Society, Inc.
Vol. XXX, No. Ill 2020 Vol. 3
JACKSON COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY, INC,
2 0 2 0 O f f i c e r s
President
Vice Presidents
Kenneth Nicholson
Norma Bryson Clayton, Jean Hooper Scott
Secretary.
Treasurer
Librarian
... Lynn Hotaling
Michael Clayton
.. George Frizzell
IT.
Editor.
Office Manager Mary Buchanan Smith
Kirk Stephens
.... Sanji Talley Watson
Journeys Through Jackson is the official publication of the Jackson County Genealogical Society. Members and non-members are invited to
submit genealogical materials for publication, with the understanding that the editor reserves the right to edit these materials for genealogical
content, clarity, or taste. The Society assumes no responsibility for errors of fact that may be contained in submissions, and except where noted,
the opinions expressed are not those of the editor or of the Jackson County Genealogical Society. The Society accepts no advertising for this
publication except for notices from other non-profit groups.
2020 has been a year of uncertainties. Everything has been stopped, postponed, cancelled and
put off. With a global pandemic happening as we speak, we are all trying to "feel" our way
through this. Our ancestors have faced adversity before us and we can weather this also. (We all
come from strong stock!)
Consider writing a remembrance of this time to leave with your research for your
descendants. It would be something that your descendants would appreciate hearing about how
we all came through this.
We are needing updated surveys of the county's cemeteries, if you would like to help, please
let the Editor know which one (or several) that you would be willing to do. We are attempting
an update to the county cemetery book.
As always, if there is pictures, stories, or information you would like to share, please feel free
to drop it off at the Society or to contact the Editor.
From the Editor
Happy Me^ry av^d H-«p"py New y t a r l
Mfly be better for every oiA/e!
Journeys Through Jackson 2020 Vol. 3
Table of Contents
Table of Contents 89
JCGS Photo Album 90-94
JCGS Awards Eight Scholarships 95-100
1880 Jackson County Census Records 101-104
Descendants of William Solomon Parker, Sr 105-108
1957 & 1958 Jackson County Death Certificates 109-112
Outline Descendant Report for Frederick (Baumgarten) Bumgarner 113-116
A Bear Hunt in Jackson County, NC 117-119
A Word From President Kenneth Nicholson 120
Fontana Removal Cards 121-124
Reminder 125
This and That 126
Index 127-128
Our office is open on an appointment basis. Feel free to come in and work
on your research. AW safety protocol is being followed. Now is a good time
to drag out your rzseardrx and work on it. If we can help in any way, please
feel free to call and come in.
Please remember that dues for the calendar year 2021 are due at the
first of the year. Individual dues are 30. We also
have life-time memberships available. Please see the inside back cover
for more information.
If you would, please consider updating your Information for our
membership list. We would appreciate updated addresses, phone
numbers, email addresses and family of interest.
Journeys Through Jackson 2020 Vol. 3
JCGS Photo Album
Here are some more pictures that were shared with the Society by Larry Crawford.
The lady in the picture to the
left has been identified as Mattie
Blanton. Who is she?
The picture below was
developed at Donahoe Studio in
Sylva, but the gentlemen in the
picture are unknown. Does
anyone know who these men
are?
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Journeys Through Jackson 2020 Vol. 3
JCGS Photo Album
These three pictures are also of
unidentified people. If you know who they
may be, please let us know.
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Journeys Through Jackson 2020 Vol. 3
JCGS Photo Album
The picture above left is a post card picture, on the back is inscribed: Mr. Richard Hoyle, and
Mr. Grady Blanton. In the address portion of the picture is the name Mrs. J. E. Norman. Larry
Crawford wrote note: "From the west. Little boy is one of John's, adult is his first cousin."
The ladies in the picture on the right are identified on the back by only their first names,
"Margaret, Evelyn and Cleatus." If anyone knows who this is, please let us know. Looks like
they have been picking berries of some kind.
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JCGS Photo Album
The picture above identifies this couple
as Thad Ensley and Nancy Thalitha
(Nannie) Fisher Ensley.
The picture to the left is identified by
Larry Crawford as: "Baxter and Fanny
with: back row; Wayne, Wade. Baxter and
Fannie in the next row; then in front, Paul,
Annie, Carrie Jay.
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Journeys Through Jackson 2020 Vol. 3
JCGS Photo Album
Here are a few pictures that we had received recently.
The picture above is of the James
Marion Shook and Jamima Elizabeth
Middleton Shook family. Back row:
Mary Elizabeth (Davis), Bertha Mae
(Fisher), Martha Ann (Orr), Nancy
Jane (Chastain), Jamima Elizabeth
(Tucker), Ida Lee (Owen). Middle Row:
James Clyde, Willard, Vernon Vess,
George Alfred. Front row: Daniel Fate,
Elizabeth Jamima Middleton Shook,
James Marion Shook.
The picture to the left is of the Shook
boys. Back row: Willard (29 Mar 1916-16
Jan 1996); Vernon Vess (23 Mar 1907-1
Nov 1979); Daniel Fate (21 Feb 1925- 11
Mar 2004). Front row: James Clyde (16
Oct 1932 - 2020); George Alfred (27 Oct
1929-4 Jul 2013).
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Journeys Through Jackson 2020 VoL 3
JCGS Awards Eight Scholarships
Jackson County Genalogical Society is pleased to announce that they have awarded eight scholarships to well
deserving students in Jackson County. Each student must fill out an application and write a short essay on genealogy,
history of Jackson County, or about a person, place or thing in Jackson County.
SYLVA ROTARY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP;
Evelyn Pavey is a graduate of Smoky Mountain High School, she participated in the Show Choir, musical theatre.
The World Language Competition, also the Fishing Club and a member of the Nationals Honors Society.
She has helped prepare and serve meals at Haywood Pathways Center in Haywood County, and has worked as a
stage manager at Folkmoot USA. She has worked as the stage manager and led the production design for the past three
musicals at the school. She is also the alto leader in the Show Choir.
She plans on attending Western Carolina University's School of Stage and Screen to study Entertainment Design
and Technology with a minor in Spanish.
The Importance of Genealogy
Imagine the brisk, cool breeze blowing through your hair and writhing your clothes on a tepid Appalachian evening.
The calm wind blows the smell of sweetgrass and willow into your nose. Look up and see the stars above you,
depicting constellations that tell storied of the past. Notice the lush green earth beneath your feet. You are in western
North Carolina, and these are the same sensations that my ancestors have been influenced by for hundreds of years.
The very culture of western North Carolina has roots that run deeper than the rushing rivers of the Appalachian
Mountains through not only nature, but the people themselves. This land was settled thousands of years ago by the
Cherokee people and were later joined by immigrants hailing from places such as England, Ireland, and even slaves
forced to work here by the trans-Atlantic slave trade. All of these populations have combined to create a unique culture
and society in western North Carolina.
On an extremely broad spectrum, many people know about where they came from, but could they dig deeper?
Those who wish to seek a deeper meaning of self often search through temporary and unfiilfilling vices, but it is often
overlooked to simply look behind you. No matter what area of the world you came from, there are people before you
that have survived on this Earth and have essentially been the only reason for your existence, and they all make up a
small portion of who you are. This is especially prevalent of those with family histories through western North
Carolina. Many people here have ancestries through several cultures that they may not even know about, and
researching that can lead down a ftilfilling path, as it will reveal to you who you truly are. This can help to unify people
of all cultures throughout the world. Simply learning that your name comes from someone in your family history will
cause you to feel as though someone is watching over you.
Genealogical research is a fantastic way to learn more about your family and where you come from and can lead
to a more united community. After I have completed my own genealogical research, I view everything differently
knowing that I gaze upon the same stars as my ancestors once did. Almost everything about us as people comes from
those before us, and if they can make it through the world, then without a doubt, so can we.
ROBERT GLENN AND HAZEL NORMAN CRAWFORD SCHOLARSHIP:
Kaitlyn Stewart is a graduate of Blue Ridge Early College. She has participated in Varsity sports (Volleyball,
Softball, Basketball and Soccer): Interact Club; Student Body Government Association as President; Math Club; and
Prom Committee. She has worked as a Junior member of the Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad and also referee for
youth sports in Jackson County. She plans on attending Southern Wesleyan University with a major in Biology, with
a possible minor in Chemistry, with the plans of attending Medical School and becoming a Doctor.
The Importance of Genealogy
Genealogical Research is important because it lets us know where we came from and who we are. The research
allows us to gain insight on our family background and lets us discover what our ancestors had to go through to bring
us where we are today. You learn how your existence and who you are is shaped by not only your actions, but also
the actions done by the ones who came long before you. Doing research on the history of your family can help you
Journeys Through Jackson 2020 VoL 3
not only leam more about relatives that you have lost touch with, but also people that you may not have known you
were related to. Not to mention that as you continue to research and grow your knowledge on where you came from
(regardless of the difficulty with records, names, family connections, etc.) you also continue to gain knowledge on the
people that you care about and are related to. It is really an amazing opportunity to leam more about your ancestral
roots.
While some chose to go into genealogy because of things they do not know, some go into it to leam more about
the things they already know. Genealogical not only has the side that everyone sees in the commercials; where they
research and fmd out they're related to a celebrity or famous person. The research also has very practical uses that can
be helpful and possibly benefit the people in your family. For example, you can get to the bottom of all your family
heritage stories and find out if they are tme or not. Research can also help people find out how their ancestors might
have contributed to a specific historical event and possible cause a spark of interest in the topic too. One use that I
think is really cool is tracking medical conditions through genealogy research. Imagine having a genetic medical
condition and you have no idea where it came from, naturally, you're going to want some answers sooner or later.
This type of historical research allows people to track down some much more than just names and birth dates, it's a
way of discovering so many new aspects that you may have never even known about, it's a way of finding yourself
WILLIAM LORANZO CRAWFORD SCHOLARSHIP
Autumn Cunningham has graduated from Smoky Mountain High School where she participated in Soccer; Spring
Track; the Spring Musical; Student Health Advisory Council; Women's Bible Study. She has volunteered helping
Costa Rica elementary students; working at Catman2 shelter; Operation Christmas Child boxes; Blood drives and
blanket drive. She plans on attending Southwestem Community College, with the plans of obtaining a degree in
Outdoor Leadership, with plans of becoming a Recreation Manager/Director or Park Ranger.
Susie Cook McMahan
Great-Great Grandmother to Autumn K. Cunningham
This is a story about my great-great grandmother Susie Cook McMahan a well-known midwife in Jackson County,
North Carolina. Susie was the daughter of William Floyd Cook and Alice Parker Cook. Susie Cook was bom July
1, 1901 and married Lawrence McMahan and at the age of 24 Susie began her midwife career.
Susie had 11 children of her own who were raised on Caney Fork in Cullowhee, North Carolina. In her own words
this is how she got her start, "I happened up to a place one day where a woman was having a baby. The father said,
'Susie you know what to do' and 1 fixed it." A midwife had been called but didn't arrive until after the birth. There
was a real need for midwives back in Susie's youth. There were few doctors to cover the rural mountainous areas.
Susie had to walk miles back into the mountains sometimes to deliver a baby. She often spent two or three days with
the mother before she left her and seldom received any material reward for her work but she couldn't refuse to help.
She would sometimes be given a few chickens or home canned foods. Many times, when she delivered a child the
family wouldn't have a stich of any clothing for the baby but she came prepared with her big white bag in which she
always found just what she needed.
When Susie realized she had a gift to save mothers and babies, she began to take training at the courthouse in Sylva
under Mrs. Roberta Sauter, county health nurse. Susie leamed how to disinfect soap and materials needed during
deliveries and became what she called, "B" nurse. She also filed birth certificates for each child she delivered at the
Jackson County courthouse. Susie told many stories of her trips to deliver babies during severe weather and the 1940
flood, but weather never stopped her from helping those in need. Susie helped out area doctors like Doc Wilkes, Big
Doc Nichols, and Little Dock Nichols. She said often Doc Wilkes would stay till she could get there, then leave
mother and baby in her capable hands. Susie recalls the good doctor telling his patients, "I know Mrs. McMahan can
do as good as I can", and then he would leave. When trails arose Susie would use her instincts to save lives. Susie
never lost a child or mother except for a couple of babies that died before she could get to them. As a midwife, probably
some of Susie's most proud births were her own grandchildren, many of which she helped bring into the world.
When arthritis set in, Susie retired in 1966 when she said women could more easily get to doctors and hospitals.
After 2,000 successfijl deliveries, Susie earned her retirement and the respect of a lot of families in Jackson County.
Susie passed away Febmary 1, 1990, the last member of the William Floyd Cook family.
Several articles were published about Susie McMahan's career as a midwife, one of those articles was published
by Angela GrifRn, a writer for the Sylva Herald and Ruralite in the Thursday, July 28,1988 edition. Upon her passing
John Parris wrote an article about Susie entitled "Last of the Old-Time "Granny Women'". Daniel Johnson
published a book in 2001 about the William Floyd Cook family entitled, "Keep the Banner Wavin'". This story was
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about my great-great grandmother Susie Cook McMahan whose son is L. C. McMahan my great grandfather. His
daughter Pat McMahan Sluder (my grandmother) and her son Michael Derrick Cunningham, who is my father.
ROBERT LARRY CRAWFORD SCHOLARSHIP
Mallorie Mahoney is a graduate of Smoky Mountain High School, who plans to attend Southwestern Community
College, to pursue a degree in Radiography. After graduating from SCC, the plans are to attend Radiation Therapy
School. Overall career plan is to become a Radiation Therapist. She has participated in: HOSA; Women's Bible Study;
SHAC, Student Health Advisory Council; National Honor Society. She has volunteered in several activities including:
CatMan2 Shelter; Blood Drives with HOSA; Tutoring elementary students; Operation Christmas Child and many
more.
The Second Oldest Home in Jackson County
Behind every family, there is some type of story to tell. Mine happens to be on a place of local heritage. In my
family is a historical structure that has housed eight generations. It is also the second oldest standing home in Jackson
County. The house is located on Fisher Creek in Sylva, North Carolina The poplar log cabin was built one hundred
fifty-five years ago. Over the years, this house has held a significant amount of importance to my family.
The log cabin was completed being built in 1869 by Western Farmer. He started building right after the Civil
War ended in 1865. Weston Farmer was the great grandfather of my great grandfather, Dennis Ensley. Jane Farmer
Ensley, Dennis Ensley's grandmother lived in the log cabin after Weston Farmer. After Jane and her husband, Joseph
moved out to a nearby house, the cabin was used as a boarding house. In 1925, Dennis Ensley's parents, Dewey and
Fannie (Anthony) Ensley moved into the cabin.
There was no indoor plumbing featured in the house until 1960s. Dewey and Fannie Ensley celebrated their 50"'
anniversary in the house and almost celebrated their 60"* before Dewey passed away in 1985. After he died, Fannie
continued living there for many years before she passed away. Fannie was known for always having fined apple pies
waiting for any guests. My great grandfather, Dennis Ensley, was bom in the house and ended up living there until
1951when he joined the military. He later married Lois Hooper and had three children. His children spent their
summers at the house while their grandparents lived there.
From 2003-2007, my father, Chris Mahoney and my mother, Katie Mahoney lived there with my sister and I.
We were the seventh generation to live in the historical structure. After the cabin we moved into a house on the same
road. The cabin underwent some big renovations after we moved out. After my family, the eighth generation lived in
the house. My uncle Randy Ensley, who was Dennis and Lois (Hooper) Ensley's son, lived in the cabin with his wife.
They lived there for about 3 years until moving into another family house below the cabin. The cabin is now used for
any family members to stay when visiting Jackson County.
The log cabin is an important place of local heritage to my family. It all started with Weston Farmer building this
home for his family and it now turned into the second oldest standing house in Jackson County. Weston Farmer
probably had no idea the cabin was going to house so many generations when he completed the cabin in 1869. There
is a lot of historical significance the log cabin holds. Eight generations and many guests were able to experience this
over the past one hundred and fifty-five years.
SCOTT FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
Dallas Dean was awarded the Scott Foundation Scholarship. She was a graduate of Blue Ridge Early College.
She has volunteered to teach others to play soccer, and several different instruments. She has also competed in 5K
races. She works part-time at Ingles. She plans to attend Western Carolina University, pursuing a major in Chemistry.
She would like to work for NASA or SpaceX after graduation.
The Importance of Genealogy
Genealogy can be thought of as the study of families, family history, lineages and ancestry. Often times when
researching genealogy, people are able to not only figure out information about their family as a whole, but they are
also able to discover new information about themselves. Many people do not realize the extent of information that
they have access to, just by researching their genealogy.
When researching genealogy, most websites will be able to display a family tree, an ethnicity report, and much
more. By taking a look at the family tree, people are able to see who their relatives and ancestors are. Aside from the
Journeys Through Jackson 2020 VoL J
natural curiosity, there are many reasons that someone may wish to know who they are related to. For example, a child
that has been adopted may wish to know who their biological parents and other relatives are; someone who has no
remaining family members that are currently living may wish to know their relatives were. By knowing your biological
bloodline, you are able to better understand your genetic makeup and therefore see if you are at higher risk for illnesses,
likely to pass away at a young or old age, and much more information that can help you live your best life, while also
being smart about your choices. Family trees also have the power to show whether or not you are related to someone
famous, your family's life long stories are true, and where you get those big blue eyes from.
Another benefit of researching your genealogy is getting your ethnicity report. Just like when looking into your
family tree and seeing what medical risks you have, you can do the same with your ethnicity. Some ethnic groups are
more at risk than others for certain illnesses and this information could become very dire during your life time.
Knowing your ethnicity can also give you a sense of pride in who you are. It can also help you to become more in
tune with your cultural background and relate to others that share that background.
When researching my own genealogy, I found that I was related to the famous co
Working at Mead Paper Corporation
No full textThis undated image shows a man working at the Mead Paper Corporation, Sylva Division. Prior to July 1941, the plant was called Sylva Paperboard Company. The Sylva Paperboard Company, a subsidiary of the Mead Corporation, was organized in 1928 and a new plant was built across the tracks from the existing tannery and extract plant. Ernest Lyndon McKee (1871-1952) persuaded Mead to take advantage of a new process using chestnut chip by-product and turning it into paper for cardboard boxes. Already the head of the tannery and extract plant, McKee became vice president and manager of the newly built paper mill
Football game at Bryson City High School
No full textThis image shows a football game on the west end of Bryson City High School field and was taken by “Doc” Kelly Bennett (1890-1974). Players are wearing helmets with no face guards and the Bryson City Cemetery can be seen in the background. Bennett was a prominent pharmacist in Swain County, NC. Owner of the Bryson City Drug Company, Bennett served as alderman and mayor of Bryson City, on the Swain County Board of Education, as well as several terms as NC State Senator and NC State Representative. He participated in numerous other initiatives and organizations. Known as the “Apostle of the Smokies,” Bennett was an instrumental figure in the movement to create the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He was also an avid photographer, skillfully documenting a wide variety of people, places, and events in Swain County and the surrounding area
Football game
No full textThis image shows a football game at an unknown location and was taken by “Doc” Kelly Bennett (1890-1974). Bennett was a prominent pharmacist in Swain County, NC. Owner of the Bryson City Drug Company, Bennett served as alderman and mayor of Bryson City, on the Swain County Board of Education, as well as several terms as NC State Senator and NC State Representative. He participated in numerous other initiatives and organizations. Known as the “Apostle of the Smokies,” Bennett was an instrumental figure in the movement to create the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He was also an avid photographer, skillfully documenting a wide variety of people, places, and events in Swain County and the surrounding area
Swain County High School football team banquet
No full textThis image shows Coach Peewee Jones speaking during the 1955-1956 Swain County High School football team banquet, and was taken by “Doc” Kelly Bennett (1890-1974). Carroll Wright is seated at the table on the right. Bennett was a prominent pharmacist in Swain County, NC. Owner of the Bryson City Drug Company, Bennett served as alderman and mayor of Bryson City, on the Swain County Board of Education, as well as several terms as NC State Senator and NC State Representative. He participated in numerous other initiatives and organizations. Known as the “Apostle of the Smokies,” Bennett was an instrumental figure in the movement to create the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He was also an avid photographer, skillfully documenting a wide variety of people, places, and events in Swain County and the surrounding area
Interview with Dawn Neatherly
No full textDawn Neatherly talks about growing up in a liberal family and not being aware of issues surrounding sexuality. She attended Western Carolina University from 1980 to 1984 and again from 1986 to 1988 and talks about the lesbian and gay culture during that period, Lavender Bridges, and her own experience being bisexual. She worked for a time in the North Carolina prison system and shares her first-hand experience with gender and racial inequality within the system. Neatherly shares her recent work with Circles of Jackson County helping people to obtain financially security
Interview with John Miele
No full textJohn Miele tells about he and his partner moving to Jackson County and opening a small business in Dillsboro. They became active with the Merchant’s Association and active in politics on the town and county level and were welcomed in the community. They were present at the formation of Out in the Mountains and stayed involved with that organization for many years. Miele discusses losing his partner to an aneurysm. He also shares his comical and supportive coming-out-to-his-family story
Interview with John Wermuth
No full textJohn Wermuth was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and moved to Sylva from Atlanta, Georgia with his partner of 27 years. He shares his experience being a gay business owner in downtown Sylvas and with the LGBTQ community of Jackson County in general