6,327 research outputs found
A letter from Channing R. Mann to Miss. Ida Wemple (February 10, 1919)
No full textA letter from Channing R. Mann to Miss. Ida Wemple written on February 10, 1919. In the letter, Mann includes his military experience and hopes that is the information Wemple was looking for.Channing R. Mann was a native of Lincoln, Nebraska and a graduate of Lincoln High School. He received his professional training at the Springfield College, then known as the International YMCA College. He graduated in 1916. From 1917-1919 he directed the Army YMCA program at Fort Jackson. In 1920, he became the first certified hygiene and physical training director of New York State, serving as the Director of Health, Physical Education in the public schools of Troy, New York, a position he held until 1963. Perhaps the pinnacle of his career was the creation of the Channing Mann Award. Channing Mann died on May 9, 1978
Laura Riding Jackson papers
No full textLaura Riding Jackson (1901-1991) was an American poet, critic, and editor. She was closely associated with the Fugitive group, a cluster of American Southern writers centered at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, which included John Crowe Ransom, Allen Tate, and Robert Penn Warren. She had a long partnership with Robert Graves; together they co-founded the Seizin Press, published several volumes of poetry, and co-edited the literary journal Epilogue. Jackson is generally acknowledged to have influenced the work of Graves, the New Zealand filmmaker Len Lye, and the writers James Reeves, Norman Cameron, T. S. Matthews, Jacob Bronowski, and W. H. Auden. The collection consists of correspondence between Jackson and Robert Nye, a British author, editor, and playwright, as well as manuscripts, newspaper and magazine clippings, and photographs. Subjects discussed include writers and writings, Martin Seymour-Smith, Robert Graves, and Nye
Dr. Duane M. Jackson, Morehouse College, July 2011
No full textThis video is a conversation with Dr. Duane M. Jackson. Dr. Jackson talks about his paper, "Recall and the Serial Position Effect: The Role of Primacy and Recency on Accounting Students' Performance." Jackie Daniel, AUC Woodruff Library, is the interviewer
The Existence of Didactic Values in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians Lightning Thief” Novel by Rick Riordan
No full textThis study aims to describe didactic values in the "Percy Jackson And The Olympians Lightning Thief" novel by Rick Riordan. This study employed a descriptive qualitative methodology. The method for gathering data in this study has several steps, namely novel identification, identification of unit analysis, data collection, and data categorization The data source for this research was Percy Jackson And The Olympians Lightning Thief novel by Rick Riordan. The Didactic values that were the focus of this research were Sharing, Responsibility, Empathy, and Helping Others. Based on the results of data analysis found didactic values as many as 26 data. The first number of findings, Sharing values were 6 (23%) findings. It was a value that focused on sharing activities that can be beneficial. Second, Responsible values with a total of 10 (39%) findings. It was a value that focused on being responsible in doing anything. Third, Empathy Values with a total of 6 (23%) findings. It was a value that focused on understanding what other people feel and think. And the Fourth is helping Other values with a total of 4 (15%) findings. It was a value that focused on helping each other. Thus, from this amount, it can be concluded that the novel Percy Jackson And The Olympians Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan found many didactic values with a total of 26 data findings and the most dominant Didactic values were found Responsible values with 10 data findings
Maynard Jackson Mayoral Administrative Records
No full textThe Maynard Jackson mayoral administrative records are extensive and consist of materials spanning the years 1968 to 1994. Within this digital collection are photographs, general correspondence, Mayoral campaign materials, and printed and published materials and correspondence related to the Atlanta Child Murders. The Atlanta Child Murders subseries in the Maynard Jackson Mayoral Administrative Records chronicles the time period between 1979-1981 when multiple young black children and adults were murdered in the city of Atlanta. The murders garnered national news coverage and caused panic across the country. The records in this digital collection reflect the response to the tragedy that were both created, collected and sent to the Atlanta Mayor's office during Maynard Jackson's second mayoral term.
At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at [email protected]
Journeys Through Jackson 2017 Vol.27 No.02
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. XXVII, No. II Spring/ Summer 2017
JACKSON COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY, INC.
2017 Officers
Presiden ................................................................................................................... Lynn Hotaling
Vice Presidents ............................................................... Norma Bryson Clayton, George Frizzell
Secretary ................................................................................................................. Deborah Blazer
Treasurer ..................................................................................................... Teresa Deitz Manring
Librarian...................................................................................................................... Marie Clark
Office Manager ......................................................................................................... Carol Bryson
Web Master, Computer Technician .................................................................... Jason N. Gregory
Chair, Publications (Editor) ........................................................................... 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.
From the Editor
Don’t forget that every second Thursday of the month, the Society offers great programs on a wide variety of topics. As always, they are open to the public and are free. Pass the word regarding our programs.
Always remember that our Society is as good as its members. If you have any pictures, stories or tidbits of information that you would like to share with everyone, please feel free to send it to the Society for publication in Journeys.
REMEMBER
The Rebel Cruise – In
Sunday October 1, 2017
1 – 4 pm
Sav-Mor Parking Lot
Sylva, NC
T-Shirts – Music – Food Trucks – 50/50 Raffle
Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Rat Rods Journeys Through Jackson Spring/Summer 2017
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents .............................................................................................................49
JCGS Photo Album.................................................................................................... 50-54
Dr. John R. Brinkley ................................................................................................. 55-64
1880 Jackson County Census Records ..................................................................... 65-68
Descendants of William Solomon Parker, Sr .......................................................... 69-72
Jackson County Genealogical Society Scholarship Winners ................................. 73-76
Descendants of John Thomas Tatham ..................................................................... 77-80
1944 Jackson County Death Certificates ................................................................. 81-83
The Oldest House in Jackson County ............................................................................84
Outline Descendant Report for Frederick (Baumgarten) Bumgarner. ................ 85-88
Gunter-Gooch From Jackson County to Idaho and Utah ..................................... 89-90
Denton Higdon Photo Album .................................................................................... 91-94
Index ............................................................................................................................ 95-96
The address for JCGS is now:
Jackson County Genealogical Society
Post Office Box 480
Sylva, NC 28779
In the Fall 2016 Issue of JTJ, we made a mistake in the transcription of one of the articles. We are human and all articles are edited for clarity, legibility, proper formatting. Here is the corrected paragraph that should be on page 185 in the Fall 2016 issue.
“We have known her all her life until the removal of herself and husband to Tennessee and that we firmly state that she is a woman of good character never having known of or heard of anything whatever derogatory to her character for virtue, charity, honesty, and sobriety and we further state that her father and family for a great many years were close neighbors only residing a short distance from us. Given under our hands this 19th day of August A. D. 1870.”
Journeys Through Jackson Spring/Summer 2017
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JCGS Photo Album
The pictures shown here was given to the Society by JCGS member, Bonnie Barker. Above left is a picture of John Robert Mills, taken at the old home place on Moses Creek. Above is Mitchell Melton, Pernell Griggs, and John Robert Mills taken at the Melton home in Little Canada. The photograph on the left is of John Robert Mills and Finley Mills. Recent research on this family reminded us that we had these pictures in the Bonnie Barker Collection. Journeys Through Jackson Spring/Summer 2017
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JCGS Photo Album
The photo above is of John Robert and Flora Arrington Mills family; included in this photo is Zeb Mills, Findly Mills, Mariah Etta Mills, Nellie Ann Mills, Ferry Mills and Winnie Mills. The photo on the bottom is also John Robert and Flora Arrington Mills family. With them in this photo are Nina Arrington, Ferry Mills, Mariah Mills, Nell Mills. These two photos were also part of the Bonnie Barker Collection located in the JCGS Library. Journeys Through Jackson Spring/Summer 2017
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JCGS Photo Album
Recently, there was a discussion in the JCGS office as to if the gentlemen in these two pictures are the same man. The photo to the top is a known photo of William Hamilton Bryson, (11 Nov 1832 – 18 Sep 1875), he was the son of William Holmes Bryson and Magdalene Cunningham. If anyone can identify the gentleman to the left, please let the society know his identity. Journeys Through Jackson Spring/Summer 2017
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JCGS Photo Album
In the JSGC Library, we have been very fortunate to have been given numerous old photographs. On the next two pages are some of the photographs that are unidentified. If you happen to know who any of these people are, please contact the office and let us know their identity.
Journeys Through Jackson Spring/Summer 2017
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JCGS Photo Album
Journeys Through Jackson Spring/Summer 2017
55
Dr. John Brinkley
By Lynn Hotaling and George Frizzell. This article will continue in future editions of JTJ.
Seventy-five years after his death, the man who is likely Jackson County’s most notorious native son is once again in the national spotlight.
Dr. John R. Brinkley, born July 8, 1885, in Beta, was raised alongside the Tuckaseigee River by his aunt, Sally Mingus. He left Sylva penniless but found fame and fortune during the 1920s and 1930s after he hit upon the idea of treating male impotence by transplanting goat glands into humans, performing hundreds of surgeries in hospitals he founded in Milford, Kan., Del Rio, Texas, and Little Rock, Ark. After Kansas authorities stripped him of his medical license in 1930, he built a new hospital in Del Rio, where he also constructed the world’s most powerful radio station across the Rio Grande River in Mexico, out of reach of U.S. regulation. He hosted a program introduced country music luminaries like the Carter family and local talent like Samantha Biddix Bumgarner and Harry Cagle to a national audience.
Brinkley ended his career in bankruptcy court and died a broken man in 1942, but along the way he revolutionized political campaigning by introducing radio advertising, sound trucks and airplane travel during his 1930 write-in attempt to win the Kansas governorship. Though not initially taken seriously as a candidate, Brinkley attracted such huge crowds traveling the state in his airplane that state officials – just three days before the election – changed the voting rules. The only ballots that would count, they said, were ones that read “J.R. Brinkley.” With no time to protest, Brinkley got on the radio and reminded Kansans non-stop that they needed to write “J period R period B-R-I-N-K-L-E-Y,” and that no other spelling would do. When votes were tallied, Brinkley had 183,278, not counting the estimated 30,000 to 50,000 ballots with “Doctor Brinkley” or other variations. His two opponents’ totals were 217,171 and 216,920, which means Brinkley likely would have won had the old standard of voter intent remained in force.
That insight into the 1930 election can be found in a 2008 Brinkley biography, “Charlatan: America’s Most Dangerous Huckster, the Man Who Pursued Him, and the Age of Flimflam” by Pope Brock. Since Brock’s book was published, interest in Brinkley has steadily increased. A documentary titled “Nuts!” was screened at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, where it won a special jury award for editing. That film is currently available through iTunes, Vimeo and Amazon’s screening service. A podcast on Brinkley’s exploits, titled “Man of the People” and featuring “Nuts!” director Penny Lane and “Charlatan” author Brock, aired in January of this year, and a film expected to star Robert Downey Jr. is in the works.
While Brock’s book doesn’t include much about Brinkley’s early life, or Jackson County, it does paint a detailed (and typically unflattering) picture of the goat-gland specialist’s activities after he left Western North Carolina. Brinkley himself, however, never forgot his roots and kept in touch with a few people he had known as a boy. Despite investigations into his questionable medical treatments, area newspapers treated Brinkley as a star, and his Jackson County comings and goings were often front-page news in local papers.
That all changed after his fall from grace when he was revealed to be a fraud. Hardly a mention of Brinkley is to be found in local newspapers in the three decades after his death. The Sylva Herald’s landmark 1951 Jackson County Centennial section, filled with stories of local history and luminaries, makes no mention of Brinkley, despite his national prominence and notoriety less than two decades earlier.
Once he came into wealth and power, Brinkley himself created his own markers here, erecting a monument to his beloved Aunt Sally in a sharp curve between East LaPorte and Tuckasegee and having his name spelled out on the rock walls at the entrance to the farm a few hundred yards south that he purchased in 1936 from Claude Wike.
Brinkley hired Will Smith, father of the late Bill Smith (a longtime local educator who won election as a county commissioner and Sylva board member), to manage the property for him. Bill Smith owned a collection of letters Brinkley wrote to his father, sometimes on an almost daily basis, directing day-to-day operations at the farm.
Ray Ashe of East Fork, whose grandmother Amanda Wike Jackson lived next door to Brinkley’s Aunt Sally, remembers visiting the farm as a boy.
“We went there one Sunday,” Ray said. “I remember he was very cordial and showed us everything, including their inner-spring mattresses.”
According to Ray, Brinkley was lonely as a child. He often ate meals at Amanda Jackson’s and turned to Ray’s mother, Annie; her sister, Maggie; and brothers, Walter and Albert; for companionship. He was close to Ray’s Journeys Through Jackson Spring/Summer 2017
56
grandmother, who he called “Aunt Amanda” or “Aunt Mandy,” and corresponded with her; Ray has saved some of the letters and postcards his grandmother received from Brinkley and his wife, Minnie, that were mostly written when Brinkley was at the height of his fame and fortune.
The first, dated Nov. 8, 1936, is in response to a letter Walter had written to tell Brinkley that Aunt Mandy was having trouble with her eyes. Just as he famously did during his radio shows, Brinkley offered advice, telling Aunt Mandy what to purchase at the “drug store in Sylva” to relieve her symptoms. “2-ounces of a ten percent solution of Argyrol and a medicine dropper. Dropping 5 or 10 drops in both eyes, rolling the eyeballs around and letting the medicine under the lids. I have found this to be of great relief to myself and others. The medicine is harmless, it is very black and stings the lids but that is of little consequence. I usually have it put in my eyes three times a day when I have eye strain or eye pain.”
That letter also describes recent weather in Texas (two early frosts) and mentions the banana tree outside Brinkley’s window at his Del Rio mansion.
Brinkley spared no expense on his palatial estate, filling it with tropical plants and animals. In “Charlatan,” Brock writes: “It was the home he created there – a mission-style manor and grounds near the Rio Grande – that had Texas talking: 16 acres of naked self-regard, part Versailles, part Barnum & Bailey.”
The bulk of the correspondence Ray has surrounds a trip to Europe Brinkley took with Minnie and their son, Johnnie Boy, in the summer of 1937. While traveling, Brinkley sent Aunt Mandy at least a dozen postcards as well as three brief notes.
Journeys Through Jackson Spring/Summer 2017
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(The letter on the right, dated April 21, 1937, was sent to Amanda Wike Jackson from Dr. John R. Brinkley. The note on the left \was written July 9, 1937, also by Dr. John R. Brinkley to Amanda Wike Jackson of East LaPorte. All these illustrations, including the postcard pictured above and sent before, are courtesy of Ray Ashe.)
Before the family left the Del Rio estate for their summer-long trip, the Brinkleys threw a big party – one so memorable that Brock describes it in his book, saying that 1,400 guests strolled the grounds while a stunt pilot did barrel-rolls overhead.
“It was the biggest party the doctor ever threw the biggest south Texas could recall. After short speeches and a big feed, the night was crowned by an apocalyptic fireworks display: dogs, cats, ducks, soldiers on horseback appeared in the heavens etched in flame, each greeted with gasps and applause. The last rocket spelled a message that shimmered and flared among the stars: ‘Bon voyage Dr., Mrs. Brinkley and Johnnie,’” Brock writes.
Brinkley wrote to Aunt Mandy before the trip. In an April 21 letter typed on “Brinkley Hospital” letterhead stationery, he tells her how busy he is and that he hopes to leave Texas by May 1. “We (are) up to our neck in work,” Brinkley writes. “I am having to go here and there besides operating every day, 5 operations yesterday, 6 this afternoon, many more are coming in.” After assuring Aunt Mandy that he and his family will call on her while they are in Tuckasegee, Brinkley says he will give a letter Aunt Mandy wrote to him to “Mrs. Brinkley” and that he’s sure Minnie will write Aunt Mandy if “she has time.” The letter is signed, “With lots of love, faithfully yours, J.R. Brinkley, M.D.”
In the promised April 23, 1937, letter to Aunt Mandy, Minnie tells her of their planned trip – they will be in Jackson County May 5 or 6 on their way to New York to catch the Queen Mary – and of the party mentioned above.
“Dr. Brinkley is giving a big garden party to several hundred (near 1,500) Del Rioians on next Sunday as a gesture of ‘good will,’” she writes. “We will be gone from Del Rio four months if our plans carry, so we do not want to be forgotten or not remembered with appreciation for the citizens’ good will.”
Brock’s book provides the reason for the European journey: Dr. Brinkley had been elected president of the Del Rio Rotary Club, and he was to represent the group at the international Rotary convention in Nice.
After leaving Del Rio in their airplane, the Brinkleys visited Aunt Mandy, who gave them some of her home-churned butter. These details are revealed in an undated letter Brinkley sent from the Queen Mary.
“Just to let you know we are all right and having a smooth sea,” Brinkley wrote. “We have the rooms used by former King Edward and his mother when they were on this ship.” Brinkley also told Aunt Mandy “Johnnie enjoyed Journeys Through Jackson Spring/Summer 2017
58
your butter in the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York.”
The subject of Johnnie and Aunt Mandy’s butter came up again in a postcard bearing a picture of the Notre Dame Cathedral mailed in July from Paris.
“Johnnie Boy says he is homesick for Aunt Amanda’s butter and claims yours is the best butter in the world,” Brinkley said.
On a postcard from Venice, dated June 21, 1937, that also bears a July 3 East LaPorte postmark, Brinkley wrote: “The streets here are water. You travel by boat. Love, J.R. Brinkley.”
He spent his birthday that year in Luxemburg, sending Aunt Mandy a postcard with the queen’s picture and reminding her “Today is my birthday, July 8, 1885.” Brinkley also wrote the next day on stationery from the “Hotel Kaiserhof und Augusta-Viktoria-Bad,” saying he thought she would like it as a souvenir, and adding “‘Bad’ means ‘bath’” and “Yesterday I was 52. Time flies.”
All the letters and cards are addressed simply to Mrs. Amanda (or Mrs. Mandy) Jackson, East LaPorte, North Carolina.
As mentioned above, Brinkley was a topic of interest to local newspapers all during the 1930s, and the following selection of stories reflects that fact. Reports on Brinkley’s activities were often front-page news.
Dr. John R. Brinkley in the Jackson County Journal, 1930 – 1940
(Transcribed by George Frizzell)
These are verbatim transcriptions of articles from the Jackson County Journal, a Sylva (N.C) newspaper, which often featured updates on Dr. John R. Brinkley’s life and exploits. In some cases, typesetting errors, such as in the form of repeated words or phrases, have noted at the end of the respective texts.
SEEK TO REVOKE BRINKLEY LICENSE IN MILFORD, KAN.
Jackson County Journal, May 1, 1930
Dr. John R. Brinkley, native of Jackson county, and famous goat gland specialist is under investigation out in Milford, Kansas, in an effort to revoke his license to practice medicine in the State of Kansas.
The complaint charges Dr. Brinkley with gross immorality and unprofessional conduct for the alleged perpetration of a fraud in obtaining his Kansas certificate in 1916. It also charges that he has pleaded guilty to and been sentenced on three liquor law violations at Junction City, Kansas in 1920, and that he had been placed under a 1,000 peace bond.)
Journeys Through Jackson Spring/Summer 2017
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GO TO BRINKLEY TRIAL
Jackson County Journal, July 17, 1930
V.V. Hooper, Julius Painter and Robert L. Madison are in Milford, Kansas, where they have been summoned to appear in behalf of Dr. John Brinkley, in the trial in progress there, in which it is sought to deprive him of his license to practice medicine, and to stop his radio broadcasting station.
BRINKLEY GOT 185,258 VOTES
Jackson County Journal, November 20, 1930
One of the most amazing election facts in recent years was that Dr. John H. [sic] Brinkley, native of Jackson county, entering the gubernatorial race in Kansas too late to have his name printed on the ballots, received 185,258 votes for governor, to 216,138 for the Democratic candidate and 215,468 for the Republican candidate. And every man and woman who voted for Brinkley wrote his name on the ballot.
The papers of Kansas and the middle west have been busy ever since trying to figure out how Brinkley did it.
He made his chief campaign over his radio station at Milford and it was the counties in that part of the State that voted for Brinkley.
It has the politicians and the papers out that way worried. They can’t fathom it. Even William Allen White, the Emporia sage, has devoted columns of space explaining the Brinkley vote.
Said the Kansas City Star, in beginning several columns o
Journeys Through Jackson 2013 Vol.23 No.01
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.c
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J o u r n e y s
T h r o u g h
J a c k s o n
L ,
T h e Official Journal of t h e J a c k s o n C o u n t y G e n e a l o g i c a l S o c i e t y , Inc.
V o l . XXIII, N o . I W i n t e r 2 0 13
JACKSON COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY, INC.
2013 Officers
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President Kenneth E. Nicholson
Vice Presidents Timothy Osment, William L. Crawford
Secretary .*. Karen C. Nicholson
Treasurer E. Lawrence Morton
Librarian. DorrisD.Beck
Office Manager Ruth C. Shuler
WebMaster. Deanne G. Roles
Computer Technician Jason N. Gregory
Chair, Publications (Editor) 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.
From the Editor
For 17 years, Journeys Through Jackson has been produced and edited by Robert Larry Crawford.
Through hard work and perseverance, he has taken the journal from its humble beginnings to the award
winning publication that we all receive. He has informed, educated, and at times entertained us with the
information that he has collected, been gifted with, and allowed to use by members and friends of the
society alike. He has dedicated untold hours to ensuring that our journal was as good as he could make it.
He is and will continue to be a valuable resource for the society. As the new Editor, I stand in awe of the
tremendous work and effort that Larry has given the society as Editor. I have no hesitation in saying I
cannot begin to fill his shoes, only hope that I can follow in his footsteps. Thank you, Larry, for all the
work you have done and will continue to do for the society.
Larry and I graduated from Sylva-Webster High School in 1963. Our paths did not cross again until I
became principal at Smoky Mountain High School in 1994. Larry was one of the best teachers that I have
had the opportunity to observe. His history classes were filled with students who were required to take
most of his classes. Although the classes were required, they came to love history and the teacher who
made history come alive. Larry respected his students and they respected him. One of his classes that
drew my attention to his rapport and respect from students was World Religions. Although this class was
not required and was listed as an elective it was always filled with students who knew that Larry would
continue to expect their best and they would respond with their best work.
Larry is very knowledgeable of the families of Jackson county. He is able to tell you about your
cousins, uncles, aunts, grandparents, parents and most other relatives that you might have. Larry has for a
number of years been the Editor of Journeys Through Jackson. His knowledge of and research for articles
are impeccable. His work ethic is never ending and his ability to write transcends you into the past as if
you were there.
Larry, I know that "rest" is not in your vocabulary so I know that you will continue to research and
write. As one famous person stated, "Thanks for all the memories that you bring to life for us."
— Kenneth E. Nicholson, President JCGS
Journeys Through Jackson Winter 2013
C T a b l e o f C o n t e n t s
Announcements and Expression of Sympathy 1
JCGS Photo Album 2 - 6
Prepublication Announcement 7-8
Financial Statement for 2012 9
Scott Foundation Scholarship Announcement 10
Of Mountains, Mountain People, and Mountain Waters That Call
Their Children Home 11 - 14
1927 Jackson County Death Certificates of Persons Born 1900 - 1 9 3 0 15 - 18
James Brown F a m i l y - Who are They? 19 - 24
A New JCGS Member's Ties to Jackson County 25 - 28
Franklin Descendants 29 - 32
A Native Son 33 - 36
Building the Glenville Dam 37 - 39
Continuation of Death Certificates and Library Acquisitions 40
Shepherd Photographs 41 - 46
Index 47-48
< ~
We offer our sincere sympathy to the family of JCGS member, Franlde Jean Shelton Stewart. Our
condolences to members: Naomi Beck Seago, R. O. Wilson, Rachel Brown Phillips, Edith Jamison
Cabe, Jim Wheatley, and Pearl Brown Smith on the passing of their family members.
A good friend to the society, who allowed us to interview her and put her life on paper, passed away on 2
Jan 2013. Mrs. Nancy Jane Shook' Chastain passed away after a long and eventful life. She enjoyed
being independent, having her own garden, canning and making quilts for people in need. She was born
on 23 Oct 1909 to James Marion and Clercy Jane Hooper Shook, She will be missed by many.
^
Q u e r y
We received two queries from Mrs. Linda McGuire of Durant, Oklahoma. She is a great-granddaughter of
James and Elizabeth Parker Moore. Hopefully, some of the members may be able to help Mrs. McGuire.
First Inquiry: Would anyone have information about:
Elizabeth J. Parker; b. 25 Aug 1840 in North Carolina, d. 12 Jan 1904, Indian Territory,
Oklahoma. She married James A. Moore; b 5 Apr 1830 in North Carolina, d. 10 Mar 1910. They came
to Indian Territory about 1890. Their daughter, Ella Wike remained in East La Porte. North Carolina.
My grandmother, Lula Caro Wells, lived in Indian Territory.
Second Inquiry: Does anyone know where the Masonic Lodge was located in East La Porte? James A.
Moore, a carpenter, is supposed to have carved the door to this lodge, and I would like a picture of it.
If you can help, contact Mrs. McGuire at: [email protected]
Journeys Through Jackson Winter 2013
J C G S P h o t o A l b u m u
S o c i e t y P r e s e n t s A w a r d s a t D e c e m b e r a n n u a l m e e t i n g .
From left to right: B. B. "Bud" Cantrell, James Monteith accepting for Kay Keefer Monteith, Ben H.
Battle, Jr, and Jane Gibson Nardy. Picture used with permission of the Sylva Herald.
^J
The Jackson County Genealogical Society presented its yearly awards as is customary at the annual
meeting. Three persons - Sue Kilby Fouts, Ben H. Battle, Jr. and Kay Keefer Monteith received the
JCGS Patron Award for their benevolent support of the Society.
The Daniel Washington Deitz Memorial Award was presented to longtime JCGS Vice-President B. B.
"Bud" Cantrell. Bud has served the Society in numerous ways, most notably as one of the program
chairmen, and always with his trademark grin.
Winner of the Robert Lee and Drucilla Holden Award for Distinguished Service to Genealogy was Jane.
Gibson Nardy. A JCGS life member, Jane is the author of several books, many articles (including some
for this publication), and is one of the mainstays of the Cashiers Historical Society. Accepting her award
with her usual wit and grace, Jane gave an anecdotal story that proves the "superiority" of genealogists.
Journeys Through Jackson Winter 2013
These Photographs are two of the
many from the estate of our late
member Willa Mae Dills Scroggs.
While we are not sure of the
identities of these persons, the
pictures are interesting examples of
social history relative to style.
Journeys Through Jackson Winter 2013
Also from the Scroggs pictures, and speaking of social history, we
don't find it bizarre to add a picture of "Old Sparky," the state's
electric chair.
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Journeys Through Jackson Winter 2013
C
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This fabulous picture is a likeness of Mrs. Sophia Hipps (1870-1956). She was the mother-in-law of one
of the Dillsboro Hensley family. Picture submitted by JCGS member Jean Hooper Scott.
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Journeys Through Jackson Winter 2013
\ J
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This Civil War portrait above is of Stephen H. Miller, who served in the North Carolina 29th. This picture
was submitted by bis great-great-grandson Brernm Hooper.
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Journeys Through Jackson Winter 2013
L ,
Announcing the reprinting of:
T h e H e r i t a g e o f
J a c k s o n C o u n t y , N C
V o l . O n e - 1 9 9 2
Long out of print, this could be your
last chance to obtain a copy!
Acid free, archival paper
9" x 12" coffee table size,'552 pages
Hardbound, collector's edition with rich
gold embossed arid gold foil stamped
cover, closely matching the first printing
Nearly 1250 Modern and Early family.
Genealogies stones and pictures .
Surname index; •
Topical History including.
Communities-
Churches
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T H I S I S A P R E -
P U B L I C A T I O N S A L E
O n l y t h o s e w h o o r d e r a n d p ay
f o r a b o o k i n a d v a n c e w i l l be
c e r t a i n of o b t a i n i n g o n e ;
D e l i v e r y -: S p r i n g 2 0 *3
O R D E R F O R M:
PLEASE ENTER MY ORDER FOR:
Jackson Co. Heritage -1992 Vol. 1 reprint
Copy(ies) @ 93.50 (shipped to your
homo.or office!)
TOTAL BOOKS TO BE SHIPPED
TOTAL BOOKS TO BE PICKED UP
.TOTAL ENCLOSED
D E A D L I N E : M a r c h 1 5 , 2 0 13
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Address
City.
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SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO:
Jackson Co., Heritage -:1992 Vol. 1 reprint
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PO.Box2108
Cullowhee, NC 28723-2108
Journeys Through Jackson Winter 2013
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F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a c t : ;
T h e J a c k s o n Co. G e n e a l o g i c a l S o c i e t y |
828-631-2646 o r 1
K e n o r K a r e n N i c h o l s o n . ;
828-586-2590 <
A n n o u n c i n g t h e R e p r i n t i n g of
T h e H e r i t a g e o f
J a c k s o n C o u n t y , N C
V o l . O n e - 1 9 9 2
i For f u r t h e r d e t a i l s c o n t a c t:
I T h e J a c k s o n C o . G e n e a l o g i c a l Society \
l Kenny and Karen Nicholson 828-586-2590
j [email protected]
! Tim Osment 828-273-761?
I • timosment(g!gmaiLcom .
| Ruth Shuler 828-293-5227:.
i rshuIer3383(g),frontier,com
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Journeys Through Jackson Winter 2013
F i n a n c i a l S t a t e m e n t
[Ed: The Financial Statement was provided by JCGS Treasurer, Larry Morton.]
^
Jackson County Genealogical Society
Net Cash Row
January 1 - December 31,2012
STARTING Balance
Regular Deposits
Book Sales
Copier
Refund-half of copier contract
Donations (incl royalties)
Fund Raiser
Grants Received
Interest Income
Family Memberships
Individual Memberships
Life Memberships
Received for Postage
Sales Tax Received
Petty cash
Total Regular Deposits
,
STARTING BALANCE + Deposits
' *•• .
Expenses ••
Advertisements'
Dues/Memberships other societies •
-., Insurance ,
Library Purchases - Cowan Fund
Miscellaneous- copier contract
Miscellaneous-Purchases for Resale -
Miscellaneous-Awards •.
. Office Supplies..
. Postofflce Box Rent
Postage i/
Prepaid postage .
Printing/Copylng/Reproducing
Program Presentation/Meals . .
Fund Raiser.
Office Rent, Storage Unit
Sales Tax Paid-
Utilities-Telephone
, Internet: DnetWebsite.Domain. A
Total Expenses
-• . ." ; ., .
Net Income
-..'.', •" v •• • •' . '•'
Ending Balance- .
Certificates of Deposit
Prepaid postage • permit 22
Total Cash Assets
YTD
9,269.20
4,079.93
224.25
133.79
826.01
10,333.00
200.00
4.80
825.00
2,180.00
750.00
160.25
318.47
(18.10)
20,017.40
29,288.60
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- 100,00
140.00
604.00
9343
282.51
217.50
463.11
557.23
100.00
298.63
468.17
4,090.82 ;
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1,626.48
4,536.00 !
243.96 ;
733.58
392.87
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5,121.11
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14,390.31
2,214.60
31.09
16,638.00
Journeys Through Jackson Winter 2013
S c o t t F o u n d a t i o n S c h o l a r s h i ps ^J
At the JCGS Christmas dinner and awards program in December, President Ken Nicholson
announced the endowment of a scholarship program to be administered by the Society. JCGS members
Jim and Jean Hooper Scott of Tryon provided a generous start-up fund to originate this program. A
Society committee was named and it has since met to establish the scholarship rules and parameters.
Applicants must be students at Smoky Mountain High School, Blue Ridge High School and Early
College, Jackson County Early College, or the Jackson County School of Alternatives. The applicant
must also write an essay related to family or genealogical research. The winners will then report to the
Society within one year.
In the first year, two scholarships valued at $750.00 each are to be awarded. Checks will then be
made to the college or university of the winners.
W o u l d y o u l i k e t o c o n t r i b u t e?
Make checks specifically to the Scott Foundation Scholarship Fund, and send to the Society's post office
address. This gift, of course, is tax deductible.
JCGS member Linda Hughes Collins with her great-grandson, Spencer Fitzgerald, who fished the
winning tickets in the JCGS raffle last October.
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Journeys Through Jackson Winter 2013
^
^
O f M o u n t a i n s , M o u n t a i n P e o p l e , a n d M o u n t a i n W a t e r s
T h a t C a l l T h e i r C h i l d r e n H o m e
[Ed. The following article was written and submitted by JCGS member Don Casada. Its principal subject, Elizabeth Holt, is a
granddaughter of JCGS member Christine Cole Proctor.]
Close on the heels of dog days, on a warm September morning, a shuttle boat carried a gathering of folks
across Fontana Lake. Shortly after leaving the launch area at Cable Branch, the boat passed over the
streambed of what was once a fine mountain river.
From way back in the mountains, hundreds of feeder streams laughed, jumped, played, and sang along
their descending way. Boisterous waters showered diamond sprays of life onto the stream banks where
ramps, sarvis, squirrel corn, bluets and yellow root reaped the blessings of their contagious joy. They
were living, life giving waters.
Trickles became branches, branches became forks, and forks became creeks. The accumulated
collections fed the Oconaluftee, Tuckaseigee, Nantahala and Little Tennessee Rivers, waters eons older
than the Cherokee names which predated the arrival of white men. The Tuckasegee, a man among men
flowing on an east-west course, met the south-to-north flowing lady of the Little Tennessee. It was love
at first sight, and the couple was married near the place that would become the little town of Bushnell.
Tuck, the gentleman, defied human convention and took on the name of his bride. Although they called
themselves the Little Tennessee, it was Tuck's east-west course that they followed from that point on, in
deference to his better judgment. For Tuck, unlike the sweet Little T, drew much of his life blood from
the Great Smoky Mountains which they would skirt along the rest of their way. Of all those who traveled
these mountains, no one knew every holler like Old Tuck.
Now more mature in demeanor than in their earlier rambunctious ways, the two that were now one
inclined to a gentler course, as if on a front porch swing of a Sunday afternoon. But they could still kick
up their heels every now and then. Like all couples, they'd occasionally have their issues, separating to
the left and the right around Calhoun Island near Wayside. Differences resolved, they rejoined hands
downstream, and the family continued to grow along the way.
Damned by progress and dammed by the TVA, laughter and family ties along this section of the Little
Tennessee have been silenced and broken for seven decades. The life-giving energy from North Carolina
Counties of Jackson, Macon (Macon's part includes a charitable donation from Rabun County, Georgia),
Graham and Swain is deadened by the dam, harvested by turbines, and sent by wires without payment
into Tennessee. The formerly vibrant river lies buried beneath 370 feet of stagnant water and silt
accumulation at the point where our boat passed over.
Our destination was Hazel Creek, a place where unhindered waters still flow and echoes of laughter yet
linger, unreachable by the roads of an uncivilized world. There are those who despair the lack of road
access to this land, including some of our little company. A sense of betrayal by the same federal
government - which took the land that many called home - underlies the despair. But were there now a
road to this place, I fear that the song it sings softly in minor mountain key would be lost in the discordant
strife and the noise. That has certainly been the case for Cades Cove, located just across the spine of the.
Smokies, where an armada of automobiles daily assault what was once a place of perspicacious people
imbued with both the spirit and ability to make do.
There are reasons aplenty to go to this place and others like it. I routinely find myself seeking the refuge
of walking and crawling, sometimes tumbling and sliding through these mountains, most often alone.
Whisperings of advice and signs of parental affection — as well as stern admonitions - from these
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Journeys Through Jackson Winter 2013
mountains (which are indeed our parents) are most readily perceived by the wonderfully lonesome, if .
somewhat prodigal, child. ^—^
But on this day, I was glad to be in the company of some like-minded companions. Though seeking a
place, ours was not a search for solitude. We were intent on congregating, cornmitting, honoring, and
remembering.
Proctor
The particular place on Hazel Creek to which we were headed has been known since the late 1800s as
Proctor. Sometime before 1830, Moses and Patience Proctor settled here and began raising a family.
Their home place was on what is now known as Shehan Branch in Possum Holler. It empties into Hazel
Creek - or directly into the lake itself when it is full - almost four miles from where Hazel Creek once
emptied into the Little Tennessee River.
The Proctors had come over the main spine of the Smokies from Cades Cove. If it was solitude and
elbow room they sought, they found it. Based on the sequence of names in the 1830 Macon County
census (this area is now in Swain County, but Swain wasn't formed until 1871) and knowledge of where
other families located, it was likely well over a half-dozen miles to their closest neighbors. Something
just felt right about this particular place, so they carved out a home and a life for themselves and their
children here. Bradshaws, Cables and others were soon to come to the area, but it remained sparsely
populated for decades.
In 1848, Joseph Brackett composed the Shaker Hymn, "Simple Gifts". Though penned a thousand miles
away near the northeastern end of the Appalachian Mountain range, the words could well have applied to
the lives of Patience, Moses, and their children in the Hazel Creek valley: v /
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'tis the gift to come down where you ought to be.
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
It will be in the valley of love and delight.
Times and seasons pass; lives and circumstances change. The Civil War took away two of their sons,
Moses, Jr. and Mansfield. Moses, Sr. died, perhaps of a broken heart, in 1864. Patience lived to see the
end of the war and the return of two sons and a son-in-law, but according to family tradition described by
Duane Oliver in Remembered Lives, she was never the same. She died in 1870, and is buried beside
Moses on the ridge near their home.
Over time, their children and their children's children drifted to and fro, ranging up the river and across
the mountains back into Tennessee. Ritter Lumber Company arrived and set up a massive operation in
the early 1900s, providing hundreds of jobs - for a time. But by the late 1920s, the raw materials of the
entire Hazel Creek basin had been sawn, kiln dried, cut to dimension, and shipped away to become floors,
furniture, books and toilet paper, so Ritter Lumber closed shop. While there were still several dozen
farnilies who owned land and lived in the area, including some descendants of Moses and Patience, the
vast majority of the Hazel Creek drainage was now owned by land speculators such as Jack Coburn and
George Stikeleather (to whom Ritter had sold its vast holdings). Private fishing waters were established ,
with uninvited natives unwelcome.
Physical connections to vestiges of life as it had once been were completely severed by the construction
of Fontana Dam in the early 1940s. Exercising powers of what might be called pre-eminent domain with
a will, TVA acquired all lands on the north shore of Fontana, removed the people and turned the land over ^ j
to the Department of Interior for inclusion in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is worth
12
Journeys Through Jackson Winter 2013
/ noting here that the entire area along the north shore of the Little Tennessee had been coveted for the Park
^ ^ since the 1920's; in fact, it had been included in the original park outline, drawn in 1926.
hi the course of a century, Hazel Creek witnessed the coming of the first white settlers, an era of slow
increase in families on subsistence farms, followed by a period of rapid industrial and job growth, an
equally rapid loss of resources - an thus industry and its jobs. By the time the 1930 census was taken,
there were but two dozen individuals on the entire north shore who listed saw mill or logging as their
trade, and most of these were well to the east of Hazel Creek.
Just over a decade later, there was to be no more permanent human presence.
And yet .... even now, there is something about this place which seems to want people around, and it
Faith Reyher Jackson papers
No full textAuthor, educator, dancer/choreographer and master gardener Faith Reyher Jackson was born in New York City in 1919 to author Ferdinand Reyher (1890-1967) and author and women's rights activist Rebecca Hourwich Reyher (1898-1985). Jackson attended Bennington College in Bennington, Vermont, where she studied under Martha Hill and Martha Graham, graduating with a degree in dance and the arts in 1939. Jackson pioneered a program in dance education at the Academy of the Washington Ballet, where she served as the headmistress from 1964 until her retirement in 1978. Upon her retirement, Jackson devoted considerable time to her gardening efforts, earning her the title of master gardener. Jackson's journalistic career includes positions as the beauty editor of the New York Post from 1945 to 1946 and book editor of the Miami Herald from 1948 to 1950, and she has written for a number of publications, including Dance Magazine, Home & Garden, Mid-Atlantic Country, and American Horticulturist. Her major publications include both fiction and nonfiction, beginning with a scholarly biography of landscape architect William Lyman Phillips, Pioneer of Tropical Landscape Architecture: William Lyman Phillips in Florida, published in 1997 by the University Press of Florida. Jackson's fiction includes Meadow fugue and Descant (2002), for which she was awarded the Washington Writers Award, and her most recent publication, Stone's Throw (2009). Faith Jackson died on November 12, 2012. The collection documents Jackson's literary and journalistic activities, as well as major gardening projects. Material includes correspondence, manuscripts, architectural drawings, photographs, publications, and clippings
Participating Publics: Implications for Production Practices at the BBC.
Full text linkThrough two production and audience studies, spanning a seven year period, the author argues that a reorientation towards a creative, innovative, and interactive public is necessary in order for Public Service Media to maintain position in the emerging participatory media landscape. 'Participatory Public Service Media: Presenters and Hosts in BBC New Media' (Jackson, 2009) looks at how the relationship between producers and audiences is alters in 'interactive' web-based media services. 'Children in Virtual Worlds - Adventure Rock Users and Producers Study' (Jackson, Gauntlett, and Steemers, 2009) argues for users to be involved at the earliest concepting stages when building participatory environments
Journeys Through Jackson 2012 Vol.22 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.y
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J o u r n e y s
T h r o u g h
J a c k s o n
as
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T h e Official J o u r n a l of t h e J a c k s o n C o u n t y G e n e a l o g i c a l Society, Inc.
C V o l . X X I I , No. S u m m e r 2 0 12
JACKSON COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY, INC ^j
2012 Officers
President Kenneth E. Nicholson
Vice Presidents B.B. Cantrell, William L. Crawford
Secretary Karen C Nicholson
Treasurer E. Lawrence Morton
Librarian Dorris D. Beck
Office Manager Ruth C. Shuler
WebMaster. Deanne G. Roles
Computer Technician Jason N. Gregory
Chair, Publications (Editor) Robert L. Crawford
Journeys Through Jackson is the official publication of the Jackson County Genealogical Society. Members and non-members arc 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.
From the Editor
Rosalind Rowlson Behrc.Sue Clement Bolick...Edith Jamison Cabe...Joy Cagle...Don
Casada.. .Joyce Cooper.. .Shirley Denton Ensley.. .Sandra Fergus.. .Brad Gimmestad.. .Vicki Greene.. .Karen
Grooman...Eucella P. Hamilton...Judy Harbour...Fern Parris Hensley...Tommy Jenkins...R.A. & JoAnn
Luker.. .William A. McEntire Jr.. ..Michael J. McLain.. .Celia Hooper Miles.. .Frances Fisher Moore.. .Leslie
A. Morgan...Kristi Nicholson...Charlie Norris...Donald Reece...Betty Raby Rowland...Lee & Tracy
Terry...Tracy J. Whitaker...Shirley Ann Wilkey...Jim & Faye Wood...Leeunah Vance Woods.
Why are these names so important? We know that each individual above is important to his or her
family and friends; we also realize the intrinsic worth (thus importance) of every human being. Above and
beyond all that, these persons listed above either chose to become members of this fine organization, or their
membership was a result of extraordinary generosity which they shared with JCGS. The names above are
FBRST-TIME MEMBERS. We acknowledge them proudly.
Find a big old glass of iced tea so sweet that it's probably sinful, and sit down with the efforts of your
fellow JCGS members. Enjoy the pictures submitted by Frankie Jean Shelton Stewart, Annette Moore
Shelton, Nelma Jean Bryson, Jean Hooper Scott, and Billie Monteith Bryson. Our lead article by Don Casada
and Wendy Meyers is extraordinary; Sanji Talley Watson's interview with Mrs. Chastain just gets better and
better; peruse the maps shared by Jason Gregory and Richard Hotaling; Deanne Gibson Roles shares a Civil
War document written by a man who coinciden tally shows up in Jean Scott's submission of her Grandmother
Rachel's memoirs; Frances Fisher Moore shared wonderful materials on a Fisher family whom we have never
spotlighted before; see the next installment of Betty Queen Monteith's work, which caused Bill Crawford to
remark, "These people are kin to everybody in the world!"...and of course the usual official records, along
with Dorris Dills Beck's faithful submission of our library acquisitions. Happy reading and happy hunting.
J
•Journeys Through Jackson Summer 2012
L ,
T a b l e o f C o n t e n t s
Announcements a n d Expressions of Sympathy 97
JCGS Photo Album 98-102
Bumgarner Home Place Visit, P a r t 1 103 - 1 0 8
Interview With Mrs. J a n e Chastain, P a r t 2 109 - 1 1 2
Jason Gregory a n d R i c h a r d Hotaling Share Old Maps 113 - 1 1 6
1925 J a c k s o n County Death Certificates 117 - 1 1 9
A Civil W a r Reminiscence 120
Thomas G. F i s h e r Family 121 - 1 2 6
The Story of My Life...Rachel Mazelle Green Hensley 127 - 1 3 0
Descendants of Thomas F r a n k l i n 131 - 1 3 4
1880 Jackson County Census 135 - 1 3 8
One T h i n g a n d Another 139 - 1 4 1
JCGS L i b r a r y Acquisitions 142
Index 143-144
I n M e m o r y T. W a l t e r M i d d l e t on
We dedicate this issue to the memory of JCGS member Walter Middleton. Walter hardly
needed any more words said about him, because when one is a bona fide war hero and a
published author many times over, the- accolades have always been present. What some
persons might have forgotten was that Walter was also a minister. One day we were talking
with him about the future, and he remarked, "I took care of that a long time ago." That
one simple statement speaks volumes about this man, who was minister, historian, and
friend. Our lives were better because of him.
Interesting note from JCGS member Thomas Gross in Maryland. He says that our picture
at the bottom of Page 52 in the Spring issue is a familiar sight to him because he grew up in
southern California. It was taken on Catalina Island, a place he had visited many times.
Next question for those who like music trivia: Who sang "26 Miles" and when? We say
The Four Preps in 1956. The connection should be obvious to those who remember popular
music before its metamorphosis in 1963.
Although we were able to do so personally, we again offer our sympathy to JCGS member
Betty Cope Andrews in the recent loss of her mother.
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J C G S P h o t o A l b u m
U
We might as well start off our Photo Album section this time with a classic. Above, the
Cullowhee Normal and Industrial School Class of 1912. Some of the persons in the picture
are Burder Long, Commodore Tilley, and Robert Shelton. Picture submitted cooperatively
by JCGS members Annette Moore Shelton and Frankie Jean Shelton Stewart. Below, in
the same collection, a World War I picture of Felix Shelton, one of the sons of William M.
Shelton and his wife Belle Rogers. He served in the 30th Division.
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J C G S P h o t o A l b u m
L ,
Also submitted by Annette and F r a n k i e Jean, t h e photograph above shows S.P.C.
Shelton a n d his second wife R u a h Wike. We consulted Monte W i k e ' s massive book
about the Wikes to learn that this couple m a r r i e d in 1868 (Shelton lost his first wife
7 J u n 1868), had six children, and moved to Brown County, Texas. S.P.C. (Samuel
Pierson Carson) Shelton (13 Apr 1833 - 1917) m. (2) R u a h Wike (15 Nov 1837 -
1906), daughter of Andrew Wike and M a r i a h Fullbright. Both are buried in
Zephyr Cemetery, Brown County Texas. The couple above h a d six children:
Robert Nixon Shelton (20 J u l 1869 J a c k s o n Co. - 1 1 Sep 1946 Brown Co. TX)
F r a n k Andrew Shelton (16 J a n 1871 J a c k s o n Co. d. prob. TX)
Wolford R. "Wood" Shelton (7 F e b 1872 Jackson Co. - 22 Oct 1949 Brown Co. TX)
H a t t i e Shelton (16 J a n 1874 Jackson Co. - Feb 1974 Brown Co. TX)
Minnie Shelton (4 M a r 1876 Jackson Co. - 1 5 Dec 1886 Brown Co. TX)
Miranda Shelton (Jul 1880 Jackson Co.)
We can deduce from the above dates of t h e children t h a t t h e family moved to Texas
in t h e 1880's.
Source: Wike, Monte and Noma, The Wike Family, Descendants of Jacob M. Weik of
North Carolina', Lubbock, TX, 2002: pp. 242 - 244.
y
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J C G S P h o t o A l b u m yj
Above are three siblings in the Battle family from the Qualla - Shoal Creek area. These are
Dave Battle, Sallie Battle Raby, and James Battle. From the JCGS book Cemeteries of
Jackson County, David K. Battle (2 May 1874 - 20 Jan 1952), Sarah J . Raby (1879 - 1965),
and James E. Battle (3 Oct 1876 - 21 Apr 1967); all are buried at Thomas Memorial
Cemetery. Picture submitted by JCGS member Nelma Bryson. Below, George Hensley
and Edward Hensley, sons of Robert and Edith Gunter Hensley. Picture submitted by Jean
Hooper Scott, with identifications by F r a n k Brooks. Jean's mother Gypsy Hensley Hooper
was a first cousin of these men, both of whom we believe are still living.
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J C G S P h o t o A l b u m
i y
^
Above, another example of the negatives donated to us and centering around the Wood
family of Canada's Grays Ridge community. This dude could be a Wood, or an
acquaintance of a Wood, or maybe there is another explanation. Some of us believe that
this picture is staged! We know next to nothing about the American West. What is evident
is that this picture was not taken in Jackson County. Colorado? Utah? Bill Crawford says
that the man has been leading the black horse and that the black horse was not exactly
willing to be led.
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Journeys Through Jackson Summer 2012
J C G S P h o t o A l b u m
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The pictures above are shared with us by JCGS member Billie Monteith Bryson. At the top
left, Candas Mariah Stillwell, wife of David Reed Ashe, shown on the right. They are
buried at Davis Cemetery at Almond. They are Billie's grandparents. In the bottom
photograph, Amos and Nancy Stiles Ashe, parents of David Reed Ashe.
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A V i s i t t o t h e F o r m e r H o m e p l a c e of
E p h r a i m a n d N a n c y B l a n t o n B u m g a r n e r , P a r t 1
Don Casada and Wendy Meyers
[Ed. We requested this article from JCGS member Don Canada because we believe that this'is vitally important We
will use Don's and Wendy's own words in this first of two articles.]
An Overview of Our Project
Anyone venturing out for a stroll on many of the trails of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
knowingly or unknowingly ventures through areas in which people lived, loved, raised families, and
buried their dead. As two avid hikers who are also great lovers of antiquity, we have engaged in an
exhaustive project to preserve the rapidly fading history of the individuals and families that
populated many of the sections of Swain County which now lie inside the boundaries of the national
park. To create as complete and well-rounded a portrait of life in this time as possible, we rely on a
number of sources such as topographic and land acquisition maps, deeds, census and vital records,
school records, old newspapers, photographs and written and oral -histories. However, the most
objective method we employ is to hike to and document these settlers' home sites.
We observe and make note of all evidence of the human presence such as chimneys, foundation
remains, detritus, non-native vegetation, excavations and anything else notable about .the site.
Coupled with what we are able to locate in other sources, we are often able to-"paint a picture," no
matter how small, of the family unit and their home environment. We have written this article to
share an example of this fascinating work, especially as it relates to an extended family long in
evidence in Jackson County: the Bumgarners. In this article, Don Casada provides the "feet on the
'ground" narrative from the home site search, and Wendy Meyers provides the historical background
and biographical sketches.
Background for the Day's Hike
One of the small feeder streams to Deep Creek, located approximately 2.5 miles from the present
gate near the Deep Creek campground, is named Bumgarner Branch. It is so named in honor of the
first known white family to settle on the branch, Ephraim and Nancy Bumgarner. Ephraim was
born ca. 1817 in what was then Haywood County, a member of a large family of Bumgarners living
in the area.1'3 He married Nancy Blanton 2 Mar 1850, and they went on to have five children; brief
biographical sketches are included at the end of this article.4 Sometime after 1860, Ephraim and
Nancy moved their family to this branch, faraway from their extended families, and established a
new life for themselves.2
On March 6, 2012,1 (Don) set out on a beautiful late winter morning'With the intent of making my
way to their home place, with a secondary goal'of locating and following, as best I could, the old
Pullback trail which went from Bumgarner Branch over the ridge and down to the famous Bryson
place, then to return by the Deep Creek trail.
One might conclude, from an examination of a 1931 topographic map5, that reaching the old home
place of Ephraim and Nancy Bumgarner would be a relatively easy trek of around three and a half
miles; that assumption is actually far from correct. Come walk (and crawl) along with me to see the
beautiful territory and broad range of society that existed on pre-1930 Deep Creek.
•The Deep Creek Trail - from Junevwhank parking area to Hammer Branch
For reference purposes, a section of the Ref. 1 map is shown as Figure 1. Our starting point is the
parking area at the mouth of Juneywhank Branch. Distances listed in parentheses in Figure 1 and
noted below are referenced to that beginning.
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Journeys Through Jackson Summer 2012
When I was a boy, a man with Bryson family roots in Jackson County, Ranger Bill Rolen and his
family (wife Lola, sons Ron and Billy) lived in the former Morris home located at the mouth of \J
Juneywhank Branch (Fig. 2). The place where Bill stands in the photo is now the paved parking area
from which the day began.
At just over one- quarter mile, one of the most easily accessible but also loveliest waterfalls in the
Park (Fig. 3), adorns the opposite side of the creek, with water cascading down Toms Branch in a
graceful stair step fashion.
One-half mile from the start, the first of three bridges on Deep Creek spans the stream just below a
popular pair of swimming holes. Beyond the bridge, a mild ascent begins. Another tenth of a mile
further along, shortly after completing the climb out, an attentive eye may note an old wagon road
above the trail on the right. The wagon road led around the side of the hill to Indian Creek. In the
same area, a dam owned by the town of Bryson City once pooled the waters of Deep Creek and used
the accumulated hydraulic energy to power a turbine-generator which provided power for the town.
The waters impounded by the dam backed up to a short ways above the mouth of Indian Creek,
which the Deep Creek Trail crosses at 0.8 miles. Indian Creek was significantly more populated than
was Deep Creek above their junction, in spite of the fact that its drainage area is but one-fourth that
of upper Deep Creek. Families with the surnames Blanton, Cathey, Harrzog, Kitchens, Laney,
Queen, Randall, Read, Shuler, Stiles and Wiggins lived on Indian Creek. Joining them were
Bumgarner descendants of Nancy and Ephraim, some of whom lived one-quarter mile up Georges
Branch, a feeder that runs into Indian Creek about three miles from the confluence with Deep
Creek.2*6-'
Just around the bend, a second bridge over Deep Creek is crossed at 0.9 miles. Hammer Branch,
which joins Deep Creek just below the bridge, was once home to the Moses Wiggins family (which
lived about three-fourths of a mile up the branch).10 The area also provided a retreat location for a i J
northern couple of considerable wealth and prestige, Marion and Ethelberta Pyne Russell Eppley.
Mrs. Eppley was descended from a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a general who
served under George Washington. Marion Eppley was a PhD chemist (Princeton, 1919) who had a
stellar military and business career, and left private foundations and charitable organizations that
continue to provide support for scientific research today2. Their 1930 home at Beacon Rock in
Newport, Rhode Island, included four live-in servants3. Both are buried in Arlington National
Cemetery.11
The Eppleys formed what must have been an exceptionally intriguing relationship with a mountain
character named Sam Hunnicutt, whose family, by oral tradition, lived at the mouth of Hammer
Branch. Census records confirm that the family lived in this area in 1910 and 1920, but we have not
established their exact residence.7'8 Hunnicutt wrote the book Twenty Years Hunting and Fishing in
the Great Smoky Mountains, a series of tales about individual hunting and fishing outings. It was
initially released in 1926 and republished in 1951, but had been out of print and in short supply for
decades until his granddaughter, Virginia Hunnicutt Zakroski, released an edited version in 2011.
The style may be a bit rough around the edges, but it affords an excellent sense of the times, people,
and the wealth of knowledge and ability required to get around in these mountains.
Continuing on the Deep Creek Trail - Hammer Branch to Bumgarner Branch
Turning to the north and leaving the mouth of Hammer Branch, the trail takes a northeasterly
course, paralleling that of the stream. In the next half mile, there were two homes above the road to
the west, on property owned by Edd Cline and Will Jenkins.10'12 At about 13 miles, one reaches the
lower end of an area that has long been known as "The Jenkins Fields." This was once a half-mile
long stretch of bottomland fields, owned and cultivated by the Jenkins family. Today, the fields
where tall stalks of corn and the vines of watermelons and pumpkins once held sway have been
replaced by a recovering forest. ""
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Journeys Through Jackson Summer 2012
Vui«-i4.i *.'••
Pulfeaclc^ i l ' ' /^
Trail'
Ephrsum, Martcy •.
fiumgarrtB'r place-
TofhsBranch'- * •
Falls' (o:i3) . ; .
^
Figure 1. Topographic map section and a few points of interest The numbers in parentheses are
distances from the trailhead at the Deep Creek parking area.
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Journeys Through Jackson Summer 2012
Figure 2. Bill Rolen standing in what is now the parking area at the mouth of Juneywhank Branch.
The ranger home in which he, bis wife Lola Caldwell Rolen, and sons Ron and Bill, Jr. lived was
owned by the Morris family before being taken by the Park. Photo courtesy of William T. Rolen, Jr.
\ J
~* T"i I "•""TiTK <V3l • ^ V
Figure 3. Toms Branch Falls. Toms Branch is reportedly named for Thomas Wiggins, who once
ran a mill along Deep Creek a short ways below tbe falls.
y y
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Journeys Through Jackson Summer 2012
At 1.8 miles, the final bridge over Deep Creek is reached. On the left, just before crossing the bridge,
a path leads steeply up the ridge to a cemetery with a handful of graves marked by simple field stones
without names inscribed. The orientation is northeast to southwest, which is consistent with the long-held
understanding that this was an Indian cemetery.
Although there was a bridge at the time the land was taken for the Park, there is visual evidence
suggesting that the area just below the bridge had been used as a ford in earlier days. Across the
bridge and just beyond the Deep Creek Loop Trail connector sat the Jenkins home (Figs. 4,5). Park
Service photographs ascribe the home to Will Jenkins, although the land the upon which the home
sat belonged to his father, George Washington Jenkins, whose property spanned both sides of Deep
Creek from the lower end of Jenkins Fields to above the bridge. Will owned property immediately
down the creek from his father, and this property also spanned both sides of Deep Creek.10'12
The modern day trail/road continues on the east bank of Deep Creek, first wandering from the creek
before swinging back to its banks. An older road climbed the side of the ridge behind the Jenkins
place, leaving the more level ground north of the home available for cultivation. Throughout the
Smokies, evidence of older roads that hewed more to the hills than the flat sections give evidence of
settlers intent on making the best use of available ground. At 2.2 miles into our walk, we reach a
place known as the Turnaround (Fig. 6). It is aptly named, being a wide circular loop that if
followed, turns one around and routes him back down the creek.
At the upper end of the Turnaround, the wide road diminishes to a backcountry trail - albeit one
that was used for wagon travel in days past - and begins an ascent as it continues on upstream.
Shortly above the Turnaround, the old wagon road that went behind the Jenkins place reconnects.
After a short climb, the trail levels and in wintertime, offers fleeting glimpses of Beaugard Ridge and
Coburn Knob. After traveling a short distance further, we reach Bumgarner Branch at 2.6 miles.
Nearby below the trail is the Bumgarner Branch campsite, by far the most easily reached
backcountry campsite in the Deep Creek area.
Figure 4. Jenkins home, viewed from the northwest (from approximately the current-day
Deep Creek Trail, perhaps fifty yards past the bridge). Photo 10331, Great Smoky
Mountains National Park, Sugarla'nds archives.
C
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Journeys Through Jackson Summer 2012
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Figure 5. Jenkins home, viewed from the east (from approximately the current-day Deep
Creek Loop Trail). Note that the chimney on this end of the house has been partially
dismantled. A stove pipe penetrates the wall. It is likely that the kitchen was on this end of
the house. Photo 10332, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sugarlands archives.
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Figure 6. Deep Creek Turnaround in 1936. Photo 11819, Great Smoky Mountains National
Park, Sugarlands archives.
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Journeys Through Jackson Summer 2012
L -
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I n t e r v i e w w i t h M r s . J a n e C h a s t a i n . . . P a r t 2
[Ed. We continue in this issue with the work of JCGS member Sanji Talley Watson.]
We lived with Don's father, James Robert Chastain in the house Don's mother Sarah, was
one of Absalom's daughters. She had died by the time I moved in.
He (Absalom Woodring) had built the house out of hemlock logs, the bottom where there is
fields now was full of big hemlocks. He built this house after an earthquake came and tore up
his first house, it tore the chimney down. He was gone about a month looking for a sawmill,
and he came back with one. He made th
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