John Gordon & Related Family Documents

Goodspeed's History of Tennessee

Smith County History

Goodspeed Publishing Company

Nashville, TN. 1887

Transcribed by Timothy R. Meador, Jr.

For The Smith County TNGenWeb Project

SMITH COUNTY

The county of Smith is bounded north by Trousdale and Macon Counties, east by Jackson and Putnam, south by DeKalb, and west by Wilson. It lies mostly in the central basis, and is drained by the Cumberland River, which flows through it from east to west, and so divides it as to leave about three-fourths of its area on the south side, and the other fourth on the north side. The tributaries flowing into the Cumberland from the north are Peyton Creek and Defeated Creek, and other smaller streams. The principal one flowing into it from the south is Caney Fork, which is navigable for small vessels about forty miles from its mouth, which is just above the town of Carthage. The spurs of the Highland Rim extend far into the county from the north and east, thus making that part lying north of the Cumberland and east of Caney Fork extremely hilly and uneven. The balance of the county has a more even surface. The streams have broad valleys, and the “the soil of the county, with the exception of the caps of the ridges, rests everywhere on limestone belonging to the Nashville and Lebanon formations, but principally the former. The tops of the ridges present the siliceous rocks of the highlands, being the sub-carboniferous. Immediately below these siliceous rocks, and separating them from the limestone, is the black shale formation.”* [“Resources of Tennessee.”] The lands having a limestone soil are rich and productive, and those on the highlands produce an excellent quality of tobacco, but the yield is light. The timber is similar to that of Trousdale County.

William Walton, original proprietor of the site of Carthage, settled, according to best information, on the north side of the Cumberland, opposite the mouth of Caney Fork in 1787. He is said to have been the first settler in the territory now composing Smith County. Daniel Burford, Richard Alexander, Tilman Dixon, William Saunders and Peter Turney were among the first settlers in the vicinity of Dixon Springs. Peter Turney was the father of the noted lawyer, Hopkins L. Turney, and grandfather of Judge Peter Turney, now of the supreme bench of the State. The best agricultural lands being in the vicinity of Dixon Springs, that locality soon became the most thickly settled one in the county. Micajah Duke was an early settler in what is now the Second District; David Apple in the Eight; William McDonald in the Eleventh; Armstead Flippen in the Thirteenth; William Goodall, and James Hodges, with his son Richard, and Arthur S. Hogan in the Fourteenth; and Zachariah ford in the Fifteenth. Other early settlers were David Cochrane, John Baker, Thomas Dies, George T. Wright and also all persons hereinafter mentioned in connection with the organization of the county. “The grandfather of S. M. Fite, with his family, and two other men, with their families, made the first settlement on Smith Fork, fifteen miles south of the Cumberland River. The first night after camping Mr. Fite had family worship, no doubt the first Christian worship ever made in the vast region.* [“Resources of Tennessee.”] When the first settlers appeared in Smith County, they found the territory inhabited with Indians, and many kinds of wild animals, such as bears, wolves, panthers, wild-cats, deer, etc. Wild game was also abundant, and those hardy pioneers, during their struggles to subdue the forest and establish civilization in a vast wilderness, often supplied their families with meat secured by means of their rifles. Bear meat, venison and wild fowl were then common articles of food. The Indians were here about ten years after the first settlers located, and during this time the pioneers, no doubt, had many encounters with them; the history of which, unfortunately, has not been preserved. One incident which occurred in this county before it was settled, between citizens of Sumner County and the Indians, may be related here. “In February, 1786, John Peyton (father of the late Hon. Bailie Peyton); Ephraim Peyton, his twin brother; Thomas Peyton, another brother; Squire Grant and John Frazer were out hunting and surveying. They encamped on an island in Defeated Creek, near where Capt. C. N. West now resides. On Sunday night they sat up late playing cards, when they were attacked by the Indians. Four out of the five were wounded—all except Ephraim Peyton. They separated and fled leaving their horses instruments. The Indian party was commanded by Hanging Maw. All made their escape and survived, and the next year John Peyton sent word to Hanging Maw to return the stolen horses, to which the chief replied, ‘that the horses were his, that he (Peyton) had run away like a coward and left them, and as for his ‘land-stealer,’ the compass, he had broken that against a tree.” * [“Reminiscences of Gen. William Hall.] Robert Smith and Lucy Gordon were the first couple married in Smith county, and Richard Hodges and Delilah Risen the second. The latter were married by Arthur S. Hogan, Esq, in 1803.

Large tracts of the best land in the country were entered by surviving soldiers of the war of the Revolution, or by their assignees, by locating the land warrants granted to said soldiers by the State of North Carolina. These tracts ranged from 640 to several thousand acres. The early settlers of Smith County were mostly from North Carolina, Virginia, and East Tennessee, and after erecting their rude log cabins, they began the clearing of their lands, and the raising of the cereals. Subsequently, and for many years, including the decade of the twenties, they raised cotton to a considerable extent, and afterward abandoned its cultivation. The cultivation of tobacco was early introduced and this crop has always been, and still continues to be, a staple production of the county, which ranks as the sixth county in the State in the amount of that article produced. The cultivation of blue-grass, and the raising of fine breeds of cattle were introduced into the county in 1836, by Dr. F. H. Gordon, who was then a teacher in Clinton College. He went to Kentucky and on his return, brought to the farm on which the college is located, a herd of Durham cattle, and began to sow blue-grass for pasture. Since that time considerable attention has been given to the raising of fine breeds of stock of all kinds, and to the cultivation of the grasses. The cereal, and other productions of Smith County, according to the census of 1880, were as follows: Indian corn, 1,071,050 bushels; oats, 47,240 bushels; rye, 3,228 bushels; wheat, 104,945 bushels; orchard products, $11,927; hay, 2,730 tons; Irish potatoes, 13, 817 bushels; sweet potatoes, 29,335 bushels; tobacco, 1,799,981 pounds; live stock and its production—horses, 5,112; mules and asses, 1,973; cattle, 8,623; sheep, 10,234; hogs, 31,871; wool 40,393 pounds; butter, 221,381 pounds. The population of Smith County in 1860, including that part which has since been attached to Trousdale County, was a follows: White, 12,015; colored, 4,342; nearly all of the latter were then slaves, and in 1880 it was—white, 14,215; colored, 3,578. Notwithstanding the reduction of the territory, and the ravages of civil war, the white population of the county increased 2,200 in the twenty years following 1860, while the colored population decreased 764 during the same period. The transportation of produce and merchandise to and from Smith County has always been by way of the Cumberland River. But the citizens are now anticipating the early completion of the Middle & East Tennessee Central Railroad, and also the Nashville & Knoxville Railroad through the county by way of Carthage. These railroads when completed will be of great advantage to the county, in hastening its future development.

Smith County was organized in accordance with an act of the General Assembly of the State, passed October 26, 1799, providing “That a new county be established by the name of Smith, to be contained within the following described bounds: Beginning on the south bank of Cumberland River, at the south end of the eastern boundary of Sumner County; thence north with the said eastern boundary to the northern boundary of the State, and with the said boundary east to where it is intersected by the Cherokee boundary, run and marked agreeably to the treaty of Holston; thence with that boundary to the Caney Fork of Cumberland River; thence with said fork, according to its meanders, to the mouth thereof; thence down the south bank of Cumberland River, according to its meanders, to the beginning.” According to this description Smith County originally contained a portion of what is now Trousdale, DeKalb, Putnam, Jackson, Clay and the greater part of Macon Counties. By an act passed November 6, 1801, the county was changed in size by attaching to it a large portion of Wilson County, lying south of the Cumberland River and west of Caney Fork, and by cutting off a portion on the east side to constitute the county of Jackson. And by a subsequent act of the same session of the Legislature Smith County was extended southward to the line between Tennessee and Alabama—thus causing the county to embrace a strip of territory extending from the northern to the southern boundary of the State. In 1805 an act was passed to reduce the county to its constitutional limits of 625 square miles, still allowing its northern boundary to reach the Kentucky line. And by an act passed January 18, 1842, the northern portion of Smith County became a part of Macon County in its formation. And in 1870 a tract in the northwestern part of the county was cut off to form a part of Trousdale County. And thus by these and other acts of the Legislature Smith County has been reduced to its present limits, embracing about 360 square miles. In accordance with the act of creation the first bench of justices of the peace for Smith County, consisting of Garrett Fitzgerald, Wm. Alexander, James Gwinn, Tilman Dixon, Thomas Harrison, James Hibbetts, Peter Turney and Wm. Walton, met at the house of Tilman Dixon, near Dixon Springs, on the 16^th of December, 1799, and organized the court of pleas and quarter sessions by electing Garrett Fitzgerald, chairman thereof, and Moses Fisk clerk pro tempore. The next day the following county officers were permanently elected by said court, to wit: Sampson Williams, clerk; John Martin, sheriff; Chas. F. Mobias, coroner; James Gwinn, trustee; Daniel Burford, register; Bazel Shaw, ranger, and Benj. Sewell, State’s attorney. Amos Lacy, Silas Jonokin, Robt. Cotton, James Strain, James Wright, Wm. Levington and Henry Huddleston were then appointed constables, and thus the organization of the county was completed. Then on motion of Tilman Dixon it was “ordered that all tavern-keepers be allowed to sell spirituous liquors at the following rates: Good whisky and brandy, 12 ½ cents by the half-pint; for breakfast, dinner and supper, 25 cents; for corn and oats by the gallon, 12 ½ cents; for two bundles of fodder, 2 pence; for pasturage twenty-four hours, 12 ½ cents; for lodging, 6 ¼ cents.” The next action of the court was to grant to Tilman Dixon, the mover of the aforesaid motion, a license to keep a tavern at his house. License was then granted to Edmond Jennings to keep a ferry near the mouth of Jennings Creek, at the following rates: “For man and horse, 18 1/3 cents; single man and single horse, each 9 cents; wagon and team, $1.25; cattle, hogs and sheep, 6 ¼ cents each.” For many years after the organization of the county no person was allowed to keep a tavern, or a ferry, or to build a mill-dam without license from the court, which also established the rates to be charged by the persons obtaining such privileges. Henry McKinsey, Wm. Saunders, Samuel Caruthers, Elisha Oglesby, Wm. Gillespie, Wm. Gilbreath and others were then appointed overseers of certain public roads.

The first grand jury in Smith County, consisting of Grant Allen, Willis Haynie, John Barkley, James Draper, William Pate, Anthony Samuel, James Ballow, William Kelton, Daniel Mungle, John Crosswhite, Thomas Jemison and Nat Ridley were impaneled by the court of pleas and quarter sessions at its March term, 1800. The county not being then divided into civil districts, assessors were appointed to list the taxable property in each captain’s company of the militia. The following persons were then appointed assessors for the year 1800, to wit: Garrett Fitzgerald, for the Flinn Creek company; Charles Hudgspath, for the Obed and Roaring River company or settlement; William Walton, for Capt. Vance’s company; Thomas Harmand, for Capt. Pate’s company; Peter Turney, for the Peyton Creek company; Tilman Dixon, for Capt. Bradley’s company; James Hibbetts, for Capt. Shaw’s company, and James Gwinn, for Capt. Gwinn’s company. Several persons then appeared in court and had their stock marks recorded, it being the custom then to allow the stock to run at large on the unoccupied lands, and each man had his own peculiar stock mark. The bounty on wolf scalps was then established at $1. And David Venters was allowed to build a mill on Goose Creek near the Big Spring. The same year, 1800, William Saunders was permitted to build a saw and grist-mill on Dixon Creek, about 200 yards below the Blue Spring. The dam was not to be over twelve feet high, and the water was to be drawn off, if requested by Mr. Dixon, by the 15^th of June each year. At the June term, 1801, of said court the sheriff returned a long list of delinquent tax lands belonging to non-resident owners. Many of their tracts contained several thousand acres, and all were ordered to be sold to satisfy the taxes and costs charged thereon. The court of pleas and quarter sessions continued to be held at the house of Tilman Dixon until June, 1802, when it was held at the house of William Saunders. And from that time till 1806 it was held alternately at the houses of the said Dixon, Saunders, William Walton and Peter Turney. At the December term, 1804, Willis Jones, Benjamin John and Wilson Cage were appointed commissioners to select and purchase a site for the seat of justice, and to lay out a town thereon, and to sell the lots and appropriate the proceeds to the payment of the land, and the erection of the public buildings. These commissioners selected the site of the present town of Carthage, then owned by William Walton and from him purchased the same, consisting of fifty acres, for the consideration of 1 cent, and secured title thereto by deed dated December 28, 1804. And during that winter they laid out the town of Carthage and sold the lots thereof and erected the first courthouse for the county, on the public square, in 1805. This courthouse was constructed of brick and was about fifty feet square, with four offices and a hall on the first floor, and two offices and the court room on the second. All the rooms had large wood fireplaces. The first term of the court of pleas and quarter sessions held in the courthouse was in March, 1806. This courthouse stood until 1877, when it was taken down and the present one erected in its stead at a cost of about $18,000. This is a substantial two-story brick building of considerable architectural beauty, with the county offices and hall on the first floor and the court room and some small rooms on the second. Col. Fite was the general superintendent of the erection of this building, and Henry C. Jackson, of Murfreesboro, was the contractor and builder. The first jail in the county was built about the year 1812 by James Walton. It was made of logs and contained two rooms, one above the other, and cost about $700. It stood on the site of the present jail and was replaced by the latter about the year 1835. The old poor-farm on Peyton Creek, consisting of seventy-five acres, was purchased and fitted up in an early day. It was sold in 1871 to Henry, William and Thomas Hacket for $761, and at the same time another farm containing 211 acres was purchased in the horse-shoe bend of the Cumberland River, in District No. 20 for $1,200. Buildings were erected thereon and other improvements made, costing about $3,500. The location of this farm being considered unhealthy, as well as very inconvenient, it was afterward sold and the present one purchased. The latter is situated two and a half miles west of Carthage and contains forty-five acres of good tillable land. The poor asylum, which is a substantial and safe brick building of modern architecture and heated with two furnaces, was erected in 1885 at a cost of $9,000. At present writing there are fourteen paupers in the asylum.

During the early history of the county, the revenues were not assessed and collected according to the value of the property. To illustrate the method, the rates for the year 1811, which are similar to other years of that period, are here given as established by the then authorities. They are as follows: For county purposes—on each 100 acres of land, 12 ½ cents; each white poll, 12 ½ cents; each black poll, 25 cents; each town lot, 25 cents; each stallion, $1; each retail store, $5. For Jurors—on each 100 acres, 6 ¼ cents; each white poll, 6 ¼ cents; each black poll, 6 ¼ cents; each town lot, 6 ¼ cents; each stallion 25 cents; each retail store, $1. Thus it will be seen that the taxes were levied on specific property, without writing any regard to its value. The taxable property of the county at present writing consists of 202 town lots valued at $84,835, and 197,279 acres of land valued at $2,335,195, and personal property valued at $347,125, and other property valued at $25,755, making a grand total of taxable property of $2,792,910. There are also 2,709 taxable polls. The total taxes levied on the foregoing property and polls for the year 1886 amounts to $32,788.51. The finances of Smith County have always been so well managed that her warrants have seldom if ever been below par. The county is well supplied with public buildings, all of which have been erected without the issuing of bonds. And at present the county has no outstanding bonds or warrants, and is entirely out of debt. The following is a list of the county officers with dates of service: County court clerks—Sampson Williams, 1799-1804; Robert Allen, 1804-12; Joseph W. Allen, 1812, a few months and died; Robert Allen, 1812-19; Jonathan Pickett, 1819-35; John I. Burnett, 1835-48; W. V. R. Hallum, 1848-56; David C. Sanders, 1856-64; E W. Turner, 1864-68; John P. Yelton, 1868-70; B. F. C. Smith, 1870-1874; Samuel Allison, 1874-82; John B. Jordan, 1882-86; and re-elected. Sheriffs—John Martin, 1799-1802; Lee Sullivan, 1802-04; George Matlock, 1804-12; John Gordon, 1812-16; Wm. Goodall, 1816-27; David Burford, 1827-29; S. B. Hughes, 1829-34; Samuel P. Howard, 1834-38; Wyatt W. Bailey, 1838-44; John Bailey, 1844-48; John Bridges, 1848-52; Samuel Allison, 1852-58; John W. Hughes, 1858-60; B. B. Uhles, 1860-62; Larkin Cornwell, 1862-64; H. S. Patterson, 1864-66; J. H. Smith, 1866-68; J. E. Clark, 1868-70; Wm. Arrington, 1870-72; J. H. Corder, 1872-76; John B. Wilson, 1876-80; Wm. T. Barrett, 1880-84; A. J. Dawson, 1884-86, and re-elected. Registers—Daniel Burford, 1819-25; Alex Allison, 1825-32; Harvey Hogg, 1832-42; A. S. Watkins, 1842-46; David C. Sanders, 1846-54; Quaintance C. Sanders, 1854-58; S. R. Thompson, 1858-62; J. P. McKee, 1864-70; W. P. Pettie, 1870-74; A. N. Williams, 1874-78; Joseph P. King, 1878-80; W. W. Ford, 1880-82; E. B. Price, 1882-86; D. C. Sanders, 1886. Trustees since 1840—David K. Timberlake, 1840-52; A. W. Allen, 1852-54; John P. Haynie, 185-56; Ira W. King, 1856-62; J. H. Newbell, 1862-66; Joseph A. Pendarris, 1866-70; E. H. Knight, 1870-72; D. J. Lynch, 1872-74; D. A. West, 1874-76; S. R Johnson, 1876-78; N. J. Kemp, 1878-80; W. V. Harrell, 1880-82; W. J. Johnson, 1882-84; J. B. Duke, 1884-86; W. M. Johnson, 1886. Circuit court clerks—Robert Allen, 1810-13; John W. Overton, 1813-20; Charles Sherwood, 1820-23; Wm. Hart, 1823-48; Henry Wm. Hart, 1848-52; N. B. Burdine, 1852-56; Thomas Fisher, 1856-64; Ira W. King, 1864-65; John L. Arendall 1865, March to August; W. J. Cleveland, 1856-66; Thomas Waters, 1866-68; W. B. Pickering, 1868-70; Thomas Fisher, 1870-74; W. B. Pettie, 1874-82; T. B. Read, 1882-86; W. W. Ford, 1886. Clerks and Masters of chancery courts—Robert L. Caruthers, 1825-27; John G. Park, 1827-37; Wm. C. Hubbard, 1837; one term; John G. Park, 1837-38; A. Moore, Jr., 1838, to the civil war; D. H. Campbell, 1865-71; John A. Fite, 1871-77; Wm. D. Gold, present incumbent ever since 1877. For list of congressmen see history of Sumner County.

The court of pleas and quarter sessions, for many years after its organization, had jurisdiction over all kinds of business, both civil and criminal. One of its early criminal cases was that of the State vs. Dr. Charles F. Mabias. The defendant was indicted for stealing a cow bell, of the value of 6 cents, from one Joseph Cannon. He was tried and found “not guilty,” whereupon the costs of the prosecution were all taxed against Mr. Cannon, the prosecutor. This occurred when the court was held at the house of Wm. Saunders. The following novel resignation was discovered in the records of the May term, 1814, of said court:

A justice of the peace, you see,

No longer now I mean to be;

I therefore now resign to you,

As by these lines you see it true.

You therefore now your order may

Give to the clerk without delay,

That he may your right transmit

To the next session when they sit.

--Henry McWhorter.

The last term of the court of pleas and quarter sessions was held in February, 1836; and the first term of the county court, which was established instead of and to succeed the court of pleas and quarter sessions, was held in May, 1836. The county court was then composed of forty-two justices of the peace, all of whom were present and to whom the oath of office was administered by Judge Abraham Caruthers. Exum Whitley was elected chairman of the court. This court is now composed of forty-five justices of the peace, and its present chairman is Irenus Beckwith. The Third Judicial District of the State, including the counties of Smith, Warren, Franklin, Sumner, Overton, White and Jackson, was formed by an act of the Legislature passed November 16, 1809. The circuit court, according to this act, was to be held in Smith County, beginning on the fourth Monday of March and September of each year. The first term of this court was probably held in March, 1810, but the records thereof not being found among the records of the clerk the exact date cannot be given. Hon. Nathan W. Williams was the first judge of the district, and he continued to preside alternately for many years with Judges Archibald Roane, P. W. Humphreys, Thomas Stewart, Bennett Searcy, J. C. Isaacks, Charles F. Keith and others until 1834, since which time the court has been presided over by the following judges, to wit: Abraham Caruthers, 1834-47; Wm. B. Campbell, 1847-51; Alvan Cullom, 1851-52; James T. Quarles, one term in 1852; John L. Goodall, 1852-58; S. M. Fite, 1858-64; Andrew McClain, 1864-69; S. M. Fite, 1869-75; N. W. McConnell, 1875-86; John A. Fite, 1886. The chancery court of Smith County was established by an act of the Legislature passed October 29, 1824, and its first term was begun and held on the third Monday of May, 1825, with Hon. John Catron presiding as chancellor, and Hon. Robert C. Caruthers clerk and master. Prior to 1840 this court was presided over by Chancellors John Catron, Robert White, Nathan Green, Will A. Cook, Wm. B. Reese and Thomas L. Williams, in the order here named. From 1840 to 1860 Hon. Bloomfield L. Ridley was chancellor and presided for forty terms, and then Smith County was changed by act of the Legislature from Ridley’s district. Since 1860 the chancery court has been presided over as follows: Josephus C. Guild, 1860-61; Jas. O. Shackelford, 1865-66; Thomas Barry, 1866-67; B. C. Tillman, 1867-69; Charles G. Smith, 1869-70; W. W. Goodpaster, 1870-72; W. G. Cowley, 1872-86; W. W. Wade, 1886—elected. The bar of Carthage has contained many resident members whose reputation for ability was widely extended. Among those who rose to eminent distinction may be mentioned the Hon. Robert L. Caruthers, Judge Abraham Caruthers, Gen. Wm. Cullom, Wm. B. Campbell, the noted jurist, soldier, and subsequent governor for the State; Judge Samuel M. Fite, Hon. James B. Moore, Col. W. H. DeWitt, Capt. W. W. Ward, Capt. J. W. McHenry, Col. Jordon Stokes, Judge John D. Goodall and Hon. Andrew McClain; all too well known to need further mention here. The present bar of Carthage consists of the following honorable gentlemen: E. L. Gardenhire, A. A. Swope, John A. Fite, judge of the circuit court; H. M. Hale, T. J. Fisher, Sr., J. B. Jordon, W. D. Gold, Col. A. E. Garrett, C. W. Garrett, E. W. Turner, B. F. C. Smith, J. B. Luster, W. W. Fergusson, J. M. Fisher, W. V. Lee, L. A. Ligon, the present representative in the State Legislature, and D. A. Witt.

Smith County was represented in the war with Great Britain in 1812-15 by two companies of soldiers commanded respectively by Capt.--Roberson and James Walton. These companies went to New Orleans and participated in that famous battle under the heroic Gen. Jackson. There were four companies of soldiers raised in this county, which served through the Mexican war; two of them, commanded respectively by Capts. Wm. Walton and L. P. McMurry, served in the First Regiment of Tennessee Volunteers, commanded by Col. (since governor) William B. Campbell. Capt. Don Allison’s company served in a Tennessee regiment of cavalry, commended by Col. Thomas. And soon after entering the service Capt. Allison was promoted to the office of lieutenant-colonel of his regiment. Capt. John D. Goodall’s company served in the Fourth Regiment of Tennessee Volunteers, commanded by Col. Waterhouse. The first three companies entered the service in 1846, and the latter in 1847, and all served to the close of the war. At the approach of the late civil war there was a strong Union sentiment in Smith County, but being inside the Confederate lines when the war began, no companies of soldiers were organized for the Union Army. Several Union men subsequently joined Federal commands. There were twelve companies raised in Smith County for the Confederate Armies. The first one was raised in April, 1861, and was commanded by Capt. (now judge) John A. Fite. It joined the Seventh Tennessee Regiment. Two other companies, commanded respectively by Capts. W. W. Ward and—Cossett, served in Col. Bennett’s regiment. Three companies, commanded respectively by Capts.—James, H. W. Hart and Alex Dillaha, served in the Twenty-fourth Tennessee Regiment. One company commanded by Capt. W. H. McDonald, served in the Twenty-fifth Tennessee Regiment. Capt. Q. C. Sanders’ company served in Col. Baxter Smith’s regiment of cavalry. Two companies, commanded respectively by Capts. Tom King and A. B. Cates, served in Col. Bartow’s regiment of cavalry, and two companies commanded respectively by Capts. H. B. Haynie and William B. Burford, served in other regiments. Including with the companies raised in the county, the individuals who joined companies raised in adjoining counties, it is estimated that fully 1,200 men served in the Confederate Army form Smith County. Being outside of the direct line of march of the contending armies, Smith County did not suffer as much as many other counties from the ravages of war. The first occupation of Carthage by Federal troops took place in February, 1863, when Gen. George Crooks with his command took possession of the town. He was relieved in June following by Gen. Spears, who commanded a brigade of East Tennesseans, and subsequently the town was occupied by Col. Jordon Stokes and his command. From the time Gen. Crooks first occupied it until the close of the war, it was in possession of Federal troops.

Carthage was laid out as heretofore stated in the year 1805, on lands purchased from William Walton, and being the oldest town in a large place of considerable business importance. In 1830 it contained, according to the “Tennessee Gazetter,” “about 700 inhabitants, eight lawyers, three doctors, one divine, thirteen stores, four taverns, one grocery, two tailors, two blacksmith shops, one printing office, one tanyard, one male and female academy, one church and a steam grist and saw-mill.” As the country became settled other towns were established, which took the trade away from Carthage, so that its business has declined to that of a small village. It now contains, aside from the county buildings, the general store of Joseph Myer & Son, the drug, hardware and furniture store of Capt. T. P. Bridges, two groceries kept by E. B. Price and T. B. Read & Son, the wagon and blacksmith shop of W. I. Chandler, a few other mechanics’ shops, two printing presses, three hotels—the Carthage Hotel, the McDonald Hotel and Fisher’s Hotel—two schools (one white and one colored), four physicians, five churches (four white and one colored), two livery stables and a lodge each of Free Masons and Good Templars. The names of the physicians are J. S. Cornwell, Frank Swope, H. M. Blair and H. C. McDonald. The population of the town is about 400. The Carthage Mirror and The Record are weekly newspapers, both having a good circulation and both being well sustained. The former was established in May, 1883, by J. B. Luster, who continues its publication, and the latter was established in the fall of 1883, by W. D. Gold, who continues its publication. Dixon Springs contains three general stores, one drug store, one grocery, one saddler’s shop, one livery stable, one grist and saw-mill, two hotels, one union church, an academy and a colored school. Gordonsville was established in 1804, and named after John Gordon, its first merchant. It now contains two store, a livery stable, one school, two churches, a tobacco factory, some mechanics’ shops, and about 175 inhabitants. Chestnut Mound, in District No. 8, contains three stores, a cabinet shop, livery stable and a school. Elmwood, located east of Cane Fork, contains two stores, one church and the Elmwood Institute. Rome, situated on the Cumberland, at the mouth of Round Lick Creek, contains several business houses. Monoville, Riddleton, Stonewall, Grant, Lancaster and Middleton are post villages each containing from one to four stores, etc.

According to the custom in all newly settled countries, the children of the first settlers of Smith County were deprived of many educational advantages. As soon, however, as a neighborhood became sufficiently settled, a private school or academy was established therein. There being no free schools, the children of the poor who were not able to pay “rate bills,” continued to remain without school privileges. Among the first schools of note in the county was the Geneva Academy established at Carthage in the first decade of the century. This was a county school entitled to the public school fund, meager though it was, of the county. The Carthage Female Academy was established in 1842, and subsequently made a branch of Geneva Academy in order to enable it to draw a portion of the aforesaid public fund. The building of the original Geneva Academy was sold a few years ago, and the Female Academy, which is still sustained, was then opened to both sexes. The most noted school the county has ever had was Clinton College, founded by Dr. Francis H. Gordon, James B. Moores and Willie B. Gordon, and established in October, 1833, on the Lebanon and Trousdale Ferry Turnpike. Dr. F. H. Gordon and Prof. James B. Moores (the latter of whom became an eminent lawyer) were for many years the principal teachers in the college, the doors of which were permanently closed some time during the decade of the fifties. There are several high schools distributed throughout the county, prominent among which are the Elmwood Institute and Dixon Springs Academy. To show how the county is progressing under the free school system, the following statistics are taken from the last published report of the State superintendent of public instruction: Scholastic population—White: male, 2,775; female,2,440; total, 5,215. Colored: male, 629; female, 626; total 1,255; Number of pupils enrolled during the year—White: male, 1,461; female, 1,338; total, 2,799. Colored: male, 398, female, 358; total, 756. Number of teachers employed—White: male, 44; female, 12. Colored: male, 14; female, 4; total, 73. Number of schools, white, 56; colored, 17; total, 73. Amount of money expended during the year, $11,916.79. By comparing the above figures it will be seen that only a little over one-half of the white children attended the free schools while a larger percentage of the colored children were in attendance.

It is thought that the Baptist organized the first religious society in the county, at the house of Grant Allen near Dixon Springs in the year 1799. It is now known as the Dixon Creek Baptist Church. Rev. John McGee, a noted pioneer minister of the Methodist Church, settled near Dixon Springs in 1798, and a meeting-house was built on his land, called the McGee’s Meeting-house. And this was no doubt the first Methodist Church in the county.* [Reminiscences of Dr. J. W. Bowen.] Rev. McGee was noted of the active part he took in the great religious revival at the beginning of this century. Other noted pioneer ministers of the county were Revs. John Page, John Maffit, David K. Timberlake, John Mann, David Halliburton, Sr., Jesse Moreland, Stephen B. Lysle, Wm. Cherry, Wm. H. Johnson, Ira W. King and Robt. Trawick. The first church in Carthage was built by the Methodists at the upper end of Main Street soon after the town was established. The next was the present Methodist Church built jointly by the Methodists and Cumberland Presbyterians about the year 1830. The Cumberland Presbyterians built their church a few years later. The Baptist and Christian Churches in Carthage are both of recent construction. The first camp-meeting ground, known as the Hodge’s camp-ground was established one and a fourth miles west of Carthage. The site of it is now in possession of Horace Oliver. A meeting-house was erected at that point soon after it was settled. The noted evangelist, Lorenzo Dow, preached in Carthage to the soldiers raised for Jackson’s army, just before their departure for New Orleans. This was about the year 1813. The Methodists, Baptists and Presbyterians were the pioneer Christian denominations of the county, and they have always been, and still continue to be the leading religious sects. The establishment of the Christian Church in the county has been of a more recent date. The people of Smith County are primitive in their habits and customs—generous and hospitable, and sustain a high standard of morality.

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Marriage License of Ancestors on file at Carthage, Tennessee Library

Aron Webb Bond Issued Oct. 30, 1880

To No license or return recorded

Lean Gordon

J. H. Gordon Issued Jan. 21, 1880

To Sol. Jan 22, 1880

J. H. Perkins By D. N. Jarrard M.G.

Dop Gordon Issued Dec. 23, 1879

To Sol. Dec. 23, 1879

Susan Cowan By Gilbert Bridgewater M.G.

Philip Gordon, Col Issued Dec 15, 1880

To Sol. Dec. 16, 1880

Evaline Boulton, Col By C. L. Seward M. G.

Dillard McDonald Issued Dec. 23, 1879

To Sol. Dec. 25, 1879

Winnie Gordon By David Whitley M. G.

Harry Hogan Issued March 23^rd 1877

To Executed March 24^th 1877

Manerve Gordon By H. L. Trawick M.G.

Eli P. Gordon Iss. March 26^th, 1866

To Sol. April 1^st, 1866

Phillis Thomas By D, M Bradford, J. P.

John Haynes Iss. January 14^th 1876

To Sol. “ 17^th 1876

Rachel Webb By James A. Barrett, J. P.

Wm. Gordon, Col Iss. May 16^th, 1873

To Sol “ 17^th, 1873

Sarah Bridgewater, Col By J. A. Barrett, J. P.

Wm. Gordon, Colored Issued May 16,1873

To Solemnized May 17, 1873

Sarah Bridgewater, Col By James A. Barrett

Alfred Gibbs Iss Dec. 29, 1874

To Sol Dec. 30, 1874

Callie Gordon By D. W. Jarrard M.G.

John H. Gordon Issued June 25, 1868

To Solemnized June 25, 1868

Miss Susan Alexander By D. H. Suite, J. P.

Francis H. Gordon Issued February 13, 1838

To Solemnized Feb 22, 1838

Catherine C. Moon Moore By John W. Brown, M. G.

Mathew A. L. Gordon Issued March 20, 1849

To Solemnized March 22, 1849

Lucy L. Ward By J. R. James, J. P.

Francis M. Orange Issued April 27, 1853

To Solemnized April 28, 1853

Martha McGee By Wm. B. Whitley, J. P.

James Haynes (?) Issued November 17, 1847

To Solemnized Nov. 25, 1847

Mahala McCall By Joel Whitten, M.G.

Henry Givens Issued June 7, 1855

To Solemnized June, 1855

Elizabeth Gordon By Wm. B. Whitley, J. P.

George W. Gordon Issued Jan (?) 1864

To No return

Parnetha J. Massey

John W. Gordon Issued June 25, 1868

To Executed 25 June 1868

Susan Alexander By D. H. Suit, J. P.

John W. Glasgow Issued January 28, 1868

To Solemnized Jan. 28, 1868

Mary Gordon By Rev. W. J. Price

Felix G. Perkins Issued November 24^th 1869

To Executed November 25^th 1869

Frances E. Gordon By D. R. Timberlake, M. G.

Geo. W. Gordon Iss. Oct. 25, 1873

To Sol. Oct 26, 1873

Dialtha C. Coffee By Elijah Dickens, M. G.

H. C. Orange & Jane McDonald, July 24, 1881. R. A. Ware. J. P. Orange is 24 years old and a farmer; Jane is 16 years old and lives in Smith Co. at the time of the marriage.

Gilbert Gordon & Sarah Cowen, March 29, 1882. O. Green. (No other information given).

J. L. Orange & S. E. Orange, August 23, 1882. B. A. James, J.P.

R. H. Johnson & Ella Gordon, December 24, 1882. H. J. Perkins, J.P. Johnson, 23, a farmer, was born and lives in Smith Co., TN. Gordon, 21, was born in Leek (sic), Co., Mississippi; lives in Stonewall, Smith Co.., TN. Witnesses: James Johnson and Green Shepherd of Stonewall, TN.

Thomas Gordon & Ella McKinley, August 30, 1889. W. F. Wyatt, J.P.

William Clark & Phillis Gordon, March 23, 1890. H. J. R. Williams, M. G.

J. B. Allen & Mahala Green Orange, July 4, 1893. W. H. Lincoln, J. P.

Gentry Gordon & Bettie Bass, July 7 1894. Ned Seay, M. G.

W. G. Orange & Donie B. Roberts, December 27, 1894. C. K. Carlock, M. G.

R. H. Gordon & Maggie Sircy, July 19, 1896. W. M. Johnson, J. P.

Haskell Womack & Minnie Orange, November 8, 1903. A. L. Prewett, J. M G.

J. R. Chapman & Mrs. Donie Orange, January 4, 1905. W. P. D. Clark, M. G.

Bob Preston & Neily Orange, November 17, 1907. Robert Nixon, J. P.

Will Orange & Maye Smith, November 24, 1907. W. A. Davis, J.P.

G. W. Orange & Mrs. Dona Chapman, November 18, 1910. Orin Lynch, J. P.

Jessie Denney & Novia Orange, license issued June 12, 1915; no evidence of marriage solemnized.

Herbert Orange & Myrtle Manning, December 28, 1915. R. M. McDonald, J.P.

Cecil Nixon & Nettie Orange, February 18, 1917. J. B. Gwaltney, J.P.

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Court Records and Documents

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Joseph Gordon - 1802

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

This Indenture made this twenty eighth day July in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred & two between Dennis Kelley of the State Tennessee of Wilson County of the one part & Joseph Gordon the State aforesaid and Smith County of the other part Witneseth that the said Kelley for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and forty Dollars to him in hand paid the receipt whereof he doth give warrant sell and confirm unto the said Joseph Gordon a certain plantation on tract of land containing two hundred & eighty eight acres being granted to George Summers from States office in the State of North Carolina bearing Date the twentieth of May in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety three lying and being in the County of Smith situate on ___________ fork a fork of the Cany fork of Cumberland River Beginning at a white oak and _______ running North two hundred and forty three poles to an ash thence west one hundred and ninety poles to a stake thence South one hundred and forty three poles to an ash thence to the first station together with all woods water mines minerals hereditaments and appurtenances to the said land belong to of appertaining to hold to the said Joseph Gordon his heirs or assigns forever they yielding to & paying such sums of money yearly or other wise as the General Assembly from time to time May Direct and said Dennis Kelley and his heirs the said the tenniments and premises to and every part thereof against himself his heirs and against every other person or persons to the said Joseph Gordon his heirs or assigns shall and do hereby warrant and forever defend in witness whereof the said Kelley hath hereunto set they hand and seal in the Day and year above written

(His

Dennis X Kelley (Seal)

Mark)

Assigned Sealed Delivered in presence of

John Rooney |

Samson Bilhatt | State Tennessee Smith County

Sept Term 1802

The execution of the within Deed of Conveyance from Dennis Kelley to Joseph Gordon has acknowledged in open Court

Let it be Reg.

Reg 13 Dec 1802 F Williams

(Note: Every effort was made to transcribe the original document. Blank space is where no discernable word could be determined from copies of the documents. Rather than inserting what I think the wording should be, they are left blank for you interpretation. /s/ Vernon H. Drewa)

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Robert Harper Will – 1807

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Robt Harper Dec will

In the name of God amen

I Robert Harper of the county of smith and State of Tennessee being of sound and perfect mind and memory do this twenty fifth day of May in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seven make and publish this my last will and Testamont manner and form as follows That is to say first of all it is my will for all my just-debts to be paid

Then I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Pheby Harper my gray mare and the faster horse and the 2 cows and calfs that I know I have and one feather bed and furniture that we commonly lay on and her side sadle and also equal part of all my property that is not mentioned exclusive of the legacy above mentioned I also leave to my wife Pheby during her widowhood my young Negro girl named Easter

Item I also give and bequeath to my daughter Mary McDonel five dollars besides what I have given her before. I also leave and bequeath to daughter Margaret Bird five dollars besides what I have given her before.

Item I also give and bequeath to my daughter Patsy Harper my mare known by the name of The Young Black mare and also a side sadle that was called hers and bridle and also one feather bed & furniture commonly called hers

Item I give and bequeath to my son Jonathon Harper one Sorl mare and colt and the young horse that he claims exclusive of his equal part

Item I also give and bequeath to my son Isaac Harper one horse that is called Jack also one young mare That has been called his Exclusive of his equal part

Item I also give and bequeath to my son Wm B Harper one young mare called Cale Exclusive of his equal part

Item I also give and bequeath to my son Mathew Harper one mare called Satfoster __________ her two first colts that said mare has The first colt I give to my son Sampson Harper and the second to my son Robert Harper Exclusive of their equal part

Item I also give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Harper one feather bed and furniture that is called her Exclusive of her equal part and also my will and desire is that my executors make _________ as they think proper for my son John Harper Exclusive of his equal part and my will and desire is that all the rest of my property that was not mentioned to be sold and equally divided at the discretion of my Executors between my wife Pheby Harper and my son Jonathan Harper & Isaac Harper & Wm B Harper & Sampson Harper and Robert Harper & John Harper and James Harper and my Daughter Sarah Harper and June Harper and each one of the children to receive their part as they come of age and also my will and desire is and do appoint Matthew Harper and James Boarland my Executors to this my last will & testament ___________Thereof I do set my hand and affix my seal in the presence of

Charles Mundine Robt Harper (Seal)

Test Shelton (his X mark) Craghead Jurat

Jesse (his X mark) Candy Jurat

State of Tennessee| September Term 1807

Smith County |

I do hereby certify that the Executors of the written will of Robert Harper Died was duely proven by the oath of Shelton Craghead and Jesse Crand_____ ______ of the subscribing witnesses thereto in open Court and admitted to record

Robt Allen Clk

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John Gordon – Martin - 1807

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Judgement in behalf of the State and County against said lands for the ______ary and charges and thereon amounting to eight dollars and thirty five and a here appoint a writ of fieri facias executed to this Sheriff of said County Commanding him to expose Said land to Sale or to __________ thereof as will satisfy said land and did after having advertised ____________ _____________ ____________ place did after of the sale of the said land according to Said publicity on the third day of August 1807 at the Court house in Carthage upon said tract of land to sale where and when John _______ offered to pay the aforesaid tax and Charges for the same and ______ _________ offering to pay the same for ________ land he then and there became the lowest and _________ bidder for the same and no parcel having _______ land by paying the land and charges as aforementioned within twelve months after the date of said sales _____ ________ Indenture made this the month and day of august in the Yar of our Lord eighteen hundred and eight between John Gordon Sheriff of Smith County and State of Tennessee of the one part and John L. Martin of said County and ______ of the other part Witnesseth that the said John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid by virtue of his office as Sheriff and by virtue of the _______ aforesaid & by virtue & __________ of the act of the general assembly in ______ __________ _________ and provided and in consideration of the ________ of money aforesaid stated to him in hand said by said John L. Martin the receipt whereof is hereby ______ ________ hath this day bargained sold _____ ___________ conveyed and confirmed unto the said John L Martin his heirs and assigns forever all the right title and interest of said Baumum to the aforesaid six hundred and forty acres of land as before mentioned which is ______ and bounded as follows lying and being in the County of Smith on the dividing ridge between Cumberland River and Bannon waters beginning at a hickory and ash about a half a mile where a _________ road cropes said ridge running South three hundred and twenty poles to a dogwood and red oak thence North three hundred and twenty poles to a stake thence East to the beginning together with all and singular the appurtenances here unto belonging and appertaining to have and to hold the said and bargained premises unto the said John L. Martin his heirs and assigns forever and as full and affectual manner as the said John Gordon by virtue of the writ of firei facias aforesaid and the act of assembly in such case made and provided hath authorized and enable him to covenant and convey and transfer the said premises in witness whereof the said John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid hat hereunto set his hand an seal this the day and year first above written convey and transfer the said premises in witness whereof the said John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid hath hereunto set his hand and seal this the day and year first above written

John Gordon Sheriff (Seal)

Signed Sealed and Delivered | of Smith County

In presence of |

Marlo R _____________

State of Tennessee |

Smith County | September Term 1808 Then the within named John Gordon Sheriff acknowledged the within deed of conveyance as his act and deed for the purposes within mentioned and ordered to be registered

Test

Robert Allen

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John Gordon to Martin-1808

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Where as at a Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions held for the County of Smith at their June Session 1806 one Douglas Esquire former Sheriff & Collector of the publick Tax in said County for the year 1803 made report to said Court that the Tax remained Due and unpaid on one thousand acres of land in said County returned for taxation for said year in the name of Thomas Love & that he could find no goods & chattels of said Love in his County whereon to distress for the same whereupon it was ordered by the Court that their Clerk make out a Certificate of the same together with the amount of the Tax & Charges due thereon, & cause the same to be published in the Knoxville & Nashville Gazettes seting forth that the same would be sold & no person having come forward to pay the same the said Court did at their December Term 1806 enter up Judgement in behalf of the State & County against said land for the Tax & Charges due thereon amounting in all to Eight Dollars & 12 & ½ cents & thereupon & writ of fieri facias issued directed to the Sheriff of said County Commanding him that, he cause to be made said Tax & Costs out of said Land & and whereupon said Sheriff after duly advertising the time & place of the sale of said Land did on the twenty eighth day of February 1807 at the Court House in Carthage publickly offer the same for sale & then & there John L. Martin offered to pay said Tax & Charges for the whole of said land & no person offered to pay the same for a less quantity of said Land he therefore became the lowest & last bidder for the same & whereas afterward (to Wit) at March Term 1807 the aforesaid John Douglas Sheriff & Collector of the State & County for the year 1802 in said County did report to said Court that the Tax remained due & unpaid on one thousand acres of land in said County returned for taxation for the year 1802 in the name of Thomas Love and that he could find no goods & chattels of said Love in his County whereon to distress for the same, it was thereupon ordered by said that their Clerk make out a Certificate of the same together with the amount of the Tax & Charges due thereon seting forth that the same would be sold for the same and cause the same & cause the same to be published in the Knoxville & Nashville Gazettes according to law & whereas no person came forward to pay said Tax & charges the Court did at June Term 1807 enter up Judgement in behalf of the State & County against said Land for the Tax & charges due thereon amounting in all to Eight Dollars & two cents whereupon a writ of Venditioni exponas issued to the Sheriff of said County Commanding him to expose to Publick Sale said tract of Land or as much thereof as would be sufficient to satisfy said tax & Charges due thereon & whereupon said sheriff did after duly advertising the time & place of the sale of the same Publickly on the third day of August 1807 at the Courthouse in Carthage expose to sale said tract of One Thousand acres of land in the name of Thomas Love when & where John L. Martin became the lowest & last bidder for the amount of Tax and Charges as aforesaid and no person having within twelve months from the Date of the aforesaid Sales came forward & redeemed said land by paying said Tax & Charges this Indenture made this Ninth Day of September in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred & eight between John Gordon Sheriff of said County of one part & John L Martin of Smith County & Sate of Tennessee of the other part witnesseth that the said John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid by virtue of his said office as Sheriff and by virtue of the Executions & Judgements & by Virtue & force of the act of the General Assembly in such case made and provided & in consideration of the aforementioned sums of money to him in hand paid by the said John L Martin the receipt where of is hereby acknowledged have bargained sold aliened executed conveyed & confirmed & does by these presents Bargain Sell, Convey Alien Execute & confirm unto the said John L. Martin his heirs & assigns forever all the right Title Claim & interest of said Thomas Love of in & to one thousand acres of land at the time of the taxation of the same for the years 1802 and 1803 which said land is butted & bounded as follows (to wit) lying & being in the County of Smith on the North side of Cumberland River beginning at a white oak & Sugartree Saplin South east corner to Anthony Harts track of two thousand and one hundred & ninety four acres North of Grant 440 thence North four hundred & twenty poles to an Ash & Lynn thence west three hundred & eighty one poles to a stake in the line of the patent thence East three hundred & eighty one poles along the line of the same to the beginning. To have & to hold the aforesaid bargained premises with the appurtances thereunto belonging unto the said John L. Martin his heirs & assigns forever in as full and effecutual a manner as the said John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid & by virtue of the Executions affixed and the act of Assembly in such cases made & provided hath authorized & enabled him to Grant Convey & Transfer the said premises In testimony whereof the said John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid hath hereunto set his hand & seal this day & year first above written. Signed Sealed & Delivered

John Gordon Sheriff ( Seal )

In Presence of of Smith County

T McNutt

State of Tennessee |

Smith County | September session 1808. then John Gordon Sheriff & acknowledged the within to be his act & deed for the purposes therein mentioned & was ordered to be registered

Test

Robert Allen Clk

Regd this 27^th of Nov 1808

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John Gordon-Chamberlain-1808

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

This Indenture made this eighth day of June 1808 between John Gordon Sheriff of Smith County in the State of Tennessee of the one part & William Chamberlain of the County & State aforesaid of the other part witnesseth that whereas an Execution issued and was levied upon two thirds of lott No 66 in the town of Carthage the property of John Sims at the instance of Lewis Johnston dated the 19^th Day of March 1808 and Sold agreeable to Law after having been duly advertised on the 28^th of May 1808 and whereas the said William Chamberlain became the purchaser thereof being the last & highest bidder agreeing to pay the sum of Thirty Seven Dollars Eleven Cents for the said two thirds of said Lott levied upon as aforesaid & which grew up out of a Judgement obtained by said Johnston against said Sims & Sterling Cato & for in Consideration of the sum of aforesaid to him the said John Gordon in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath & doth by these presents give & grant sell & convey to the said William Chamberlain his heirs & assigns forever in as full & ample a manner as he the said John Gordon can or ought to do as Sheriff aforesaid all the estate right title interest & claim which the said John Sims had at the time of the sale thereof to the aforesaid two thirds of said lott No 66 to hold to the said William Chamberlain his heirs & assigns forever in witness where of the said John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid hath hereunto set his hand & seal the day and date above

John Gordon Sheriff ( Seal)

State of Tennessee |

Smith County | _____________ Term 1808 I Robert Allen Clerk of the County court of Smith aforesaid do certify that the Execution of the within Deed was duly acknowledged in open Court. Let it be registered

Robert Allen Clk

Regd the 1^st day of July 1808

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John Gordon- Foreclosure-1808

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Whereas at a Court of Pleas and quarter session held for the County of Smith at their June term 1806 John Douglas Esquire former Sheriff and collector for said County made report before said Court that the tax remained due and unpaid on an six hundred and forty acres of land returned as taxable in said County for the year 1803 together with Sundry other tract in the name of John and James Banner whereupon it was ordered by said Court that their clerk make out a certificate of the same together with the amount of the taxes and charges due therein and cause the same to be advertised according to law & and no person having come forward to pay the same the said Court did at their December Term 1806 enter up a judgement in behalf of the State and County against said land for the taxes and charges due thereon amounting In the whole to Seven Dollars and forty cents and thereupon a writ of fieri facias issued to the Sheriff of said County Commanding him that of said land and tenements he should cause to be made the tax and charges aforesaid & whereupon said Sheriff did after having advertised said tract of land and the time and place of the Sale of the according to law publicly at the Court house in Carthage on the twenty eighth day of February 1807 expose to sell said tract of land and then and there John L Martin offered to pay the aforesaid tax and charges due thereon for the said six hundred and forty acres of land and no person offering to pay the same for _______ land of said tract. He thereupon became the lowest and sole bidder for the same and wherein aforesaid the said John Douglas former Sheriff and Collector of the public lands for said County of Smith did report to said Court at March term 1807 that the land remained due and unpaid are six hundred and forty acres of land together with Sundry other tracts returned for taxation for the year 1802 ________Said County in the name of John and James Banner and that he could find no goods and chattels of said Banners within his County whereon to distress for the same it was thereupon ordered by the Court that their Clerk make out a certificate of certification of the same together with the amount of the tax and charges due thereon and Cause the said to be published on the Knoxville and Nashville Gazettes according to law & and whereas no person came forward to pay the same the said Court did at the June term 1807 enter up judgement in behalf of the State and County against said lands for the taxes and charges and thereon amounting to eight dollars and thirty five cents whereupon a writ of vendition exponas issued to the sheriff of said county Commanding him to expose said land to sale or the ______ thereof as would said tax & charges Due there on & whereupon said Sheriff did after having advertised the time & place of the sale of the said land according to law publickly on the third Day of August 1807 at the Courthouse in Carthage expose said tract of land to sale when & where John L. Martin offered to pay the aforesaid tax and charges for the same and no person offering t pay the same for this land he then and there became the lowest and last bidder for the same and no person having redeemed the land by paying the taxes and chares as aforesaid within twelve months after the date of said sales now this Indenture made the this ninth day of August in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred & Eight between John Gordon Sheriff of Smith County and State of Tennessee of one part & John L. Martin of said County and State of the other part witnesseth that the said John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid by virtue of his office as Sheriff and by virtue of the executions aforesaid & by virtue of force of the Act of the General Assembly I such cases made and provided & in consideration of the of money aforesaid stated to him in hand paid by said John L. Martin the receipt where of is hereby acknowledged hath this day Bargained sold aliened conveyed & confirmed & doth by these Convey Alien _________ & confirm unto the said John L. Martin his heirs & assigns forever all the right title & interest of said Banners to the aforesaid six hundred and forty acres of land is before mentioned which is butted & bounded as follows lying & being in the County of Smith on the dividing ridge between Cumberland River and Bannon waters beginning at a hickory and ash but a half a mile where a ______________ road cropes said ridge running south three hundred and twenty poles to a dogwood and red ash then North three and twenty poles to a stake thence East thence east to the beginning together with all and singular the appurtenances thereunto belonging and appertaining to have and to hold the said land and bargained premises unto the said John L. Martin his heirs & assigns forever in as full and effecutual a manner as the said John Gordon Sheriff by virtue of the office as Sheriff as aforesaid and by virtue of the writ of Fieri Facias aforesaid and the Act of Assembly in such case made and provided hath authorized & enabled him to covenant and convey & transfer the said premises In witness whereof the said John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid hath hereunto set his hand and seal this day & year first above written. Signed Sealed and Delivered

John Gordon, Sheriff (Seal)

In presence of | of Smith County

Marlo R ______

State of Tennessee |

Smith County | September term 1808 then the within named John Gordon Sheriff acknowledged the within of conveyance as his act and deed for the purposes within mentioned and ________ ordered to be registered

Test

Robert Allen Clk

Regd this 27^th of Nov 1808

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John Gordon-J. C. Hamilton-1808

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

This Indenture made this 10^th day of June in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred & eight between John Gordon Sheriff of Smith County in the State of Tennessee of the one part & John C. Hamilton of Sumner County & State aforesaid of the other part witnesseth that whereas at a court of Please & Quarter Sessions held for Said County of at June Term in the year one thousand eight hundred & six John Douglas the former Sheriff of Smith County did report to Court that the Taxes remained due and unpaid on a certain tract of Land containing twenty five hundred & sixty acres returned for taxation in the said County of Smith in the name of William Bushes, Heirs for the year eighteen Hundred & three & that he knew of no goods & chattels on which he cold distress for the same And whereas Robert Allen Esquire their Clk did by direction of said Court make out a certificate of said land, liable for the Judgement of said Tax, together with the amount the cost & charges due thereon and cause the same to be inserted in the publick Gazette at Knoxville & in the Gazette at Nashville agreeable to Law seting forth

That the same would be sold for the said Tax & costs & no person having come forward to pay the said Tax & Cost aforesaid the said Court did at their June Sessions in the year Eighteen Hundred & six enter up a Judgement for the amount of the taxes due if all accruing Costs and charges amounting together to the sum of Eight Dollars and fifty five cents for which by direction of said Court a Writ of Fieri Facias issued Returnable to the next ensuing Term on which the Sheriff made return to March Term following ( not sold) on which alias Writ of Fieri Facias returnable to June Term following which Writ of Fieri Facias delivered to John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid who in virtue thereof & by Force of the Act of Assembly in such case made & provided did after having duly published the time & place for the disposal of the same agreeable to said did expose the same or so much thereof as would satisfy the Tax & Costs due thereon as aforesaid twenty five hundred & sixty acres of land bounded as follows on both sides of he East fork of Thompsons Creek on the South side of Cumberland River beginning at a Hackberry & Cedar on Capt. Ash’s South boundary then East with his line six hundred & forty poles to a hackberry & gun then South six hundred forty poles to a white oak then West six hundred & forty poles to an Elm & Cedar, then North six hundred & forty poles to the beginning now the said John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid on the 18th day of May in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred & seven at the Court House in the town of Carthage did sell the said Twenty Five Hundred & Sixty Acres of Land as above described to the said John C Hamilton for the sum of Eleven Dollars & sixty cents who was the best and last bidder & became the lawful purchaser thereof for the aforesaid sum of eleven dollars & 60 cents which sum was the amount of the Tax & all accruing costs & charges due thereon as aforesaid now this Indenture witnesseth that the said John Gordon Sheriff aforesaid in virtue of said Writ of Fieri Facias by force of the act of Assembly as aforesaid as also land in consideration of the sum of Eleven Dollars & sixty Cents to him in hand paid by the said John C Hamilton the receipt whereof is hereby fully acknowledged hath bargained Sold & by these presents doth bargain & sells to the said John C Hamilton his heirs & assigns forever the aforesaid Twenty five hundred & sixty acres of land & bargained premises with all & singular the Hereditaments thereunto belonging & all the estate right title interest Property claim & demand of them the said William Bushes Heirs therein to have & to hold the said land & premises unto the said John C Hamilton his heirs & assigns forever as fully & effectually as the said John Gordon by virtue of his office as Sheriff as aforesaid the Writ of Fieri Facias & the Act of Assembly has enable him to transfer & convey the same witnesseth whereof the said John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid hath hereunto set his hand & seal the day & year first above written – Signed Sealed and Delivered in presence of

John Gordon Sheriff (Seal)

State of Tennessee |

Smith County | I Robert Allen Clerk of said County of Smith do certify that the execution of the within deed of conveyance was duly acknowledged in open court & ordered to be registered

Robert Allen Clk

Regd the 11^th of June 1808

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John Gordon-J. C. Hamilton-1809

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

This Indenture made this Ninth Day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred & eight between John Gordon Sheriff of Smith County in the State of Tennessee of the one art & John C. Hamilton of Sumner County & State aforesaid of the other part Witnessseth that whereas George Matlock ( late sheriff did report to the Court of Appeals and quarter session for the said County of Smith of the March Session in the year one thousand eight hundred & seven that the Taxes remained due & and unpaid on a certain Tract of Land containing six hundred and forty acres returned for Taxation in said County in the name of Obediah Baker for the year one thousand eight hundred & six & that he knew of no Goods & Chattels on which he could distress for the same & whereas Robert Allen Esquire their Dl3rks did by direction of the said Tax together with the amount of costs and charges due thereon & caused the same to be inserted in the publick Gazette at Knoxville & in the Gazette at Nashville agreeable to Said seting forth that the same would be Sold for the said Tax & Costs & no person having come forward and to pay the same the said County Court did at their June Session in the year one Thousand Eight Hundred & Seven enter up Judgement for the amount of the Tax & all accruing costs & charges amounting together to the sum of Five Dollars & thirty five cents for which by direction of said Court a writ of Fiera Facias issued returnable to the then next Ensuing Term, which said write of Fiera Facias was advertised to the said Sheriff as aforesaid who in virtue thereof & by force of the Act of Assembly in such cases made & provided did after having duly published the time & place for he disposal of the same agreeable too Law did Expose to Sale or so much thereof as would satisfy the Tax & Costs due thereon as aforesaid this said Six hundred & forty acres of land bounded as follows on Smiths fork the waters of Caney fork. Beginning at a Red Oak & a white Oak on the East side of Said Creek on a high Nob with some Cedars on it runs West three hundred & twenty poles cropping said Creek to a Beech thence North three hundred poles to a stake thence East three hundred & twenty poles to a stake cropping said Creek to the Beginning now the said John Gordon, Sheriff as aforesaid did on he the Third day of August one thousand eight hundred & seven at the Court House in the Town of Carthage sell the said Six Hundred & Forty Acres of Land as above described to the said John C. Hamilton for the sum of five dollars & thirty five cents, who was the best & last bidder became the lawful purchaser for the aforesaid sum of five dollars and thirty five cents which sum was the amount of the Tax & costs due thereon as aforesaid, now this instrument witnesseth that the said John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid in Virtue of the said Write of Fiera Facias & by the force of the Act of Assembly as aforesaid as also for & in Consideration of the said sum of five dollars & thirty five cents to him in hand paid by the said John C. Hamilton the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged bargain & by these presents doth bargain & sell to the said John C. Hamilton his heirs & assigns forever the aforesaid six hundred & forty acres of land & bargained premises with all & singular the hereditaments thereunto belonging & all the estate right title interest property claim & demand of him the said Obediah Baker therein to have & to hold the said Land & premises unto the said John C Hamilton his heirs & assigns forever as fully & effectually as the said John Gordon by virtue of his office as Sheriff as aforesaid the write of the fieri facias & the act of assembly has enabled him to transfer & convey the same in witness whereof the said John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid hath hereunto set his hand & seal the day & date first above written signed sealed & delivered in presence of

John Gordon Sheriff (Seal)

of Smith County

This Indenture further witnesseth that the said John C. Hamilton his heirs & doth by these present quit claim & convey to Thomas T Williams all his interest of the before recited tract of land conveyed to him as aforesaid for value recurred but is not bound for the title of the land should it be taken by prior claims or otherwise or for any other consideration whatever for the true of which the said John C. Hamilton hath hereunto set his hand & seal the date aforesaid

J. C. Hamilton (Seal)

State of Tennessee |

Smith County | December ____th 1808

Then Execution of the within Deed of Conveyance from John Gordon Sheriff to John C Hamilton was duly acknowledged as well as the annexed transfer for John C Hamilton to Thomas T Williams in open Court & ordered to be registered

Robert Allen Clk

Regd this 6^th of Febry 1809 of Smith County Court

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The original deed (foreclosure) as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy and transcription were done by Gail and Vernon Drewa in August 2001

Gordon – Bowen Foreclosure 1815

This Indenture made the Eighteenth day of September Eighteen Hundred and fifteen between John Gordon, Sheriff of the County of Smith V.sucysn. in office to George Matlock former Sheriff of said County of the one part & John H. Bowen of the other part. Witnesseth that whereas heretofore two alias writ of fieri facias was issued from the office of the Clerk of the Court of pleas for Smith County bearing test the _______ Monday in March 1812 commanding the Sheriff of Smith County that of the goods & ______ lands, tenements of one Armstreet Stubblefield he should make the sums of two hundred forty seven dollars, twenty seven & half cents principal & twenty five dollars seventy three cents cost which sum William Lane lately in said Court had recovered from said Armstreet Stubblefield by the judgement of said court for his right & _______

aforesaid which said writs of fieri facia on the _______ day of ________in the year Eighteen hundred twelve came to the hands of the said George Matlock lived on a tract of land situated in the County of Smith aforesaid containing six hundred & forty acres. The property of the said Armstreet Stubblefield lying on Peytons Creek and the same on which Uzzi Panky then lived and after advertising same agreeable to law did on the thirteenth of May in the said year of 1812 offer & expose the same to sale at the Courthouse in said County to be sold to satisfy the executions aforesaid. At _______ which sale John H. Bowen offered a bid for said land the sum of three hundred and fifty seven dollars and no person offering or bidding any higher sum for the same he became the purchaser thereof & paid the said sum of three hundred fifty seven dollars. And whereas it is represented to me that the said George Matlock has failed to execute a deed to the said John H. Bowen for the said tract of land. Now I John Gordon, high sheriff of the County of Smith for and in consideration of the promises & in pursuance of my duty as Sheriff as aforesaid do by these present bargained & sell convey & transfer to said John H. Bowen his heirs, & assigns forever the said tract of land on which Uzzi Panky then lived & all the right title & claim which the said Armstreet Stubblefield had to the same which is ________ & bounded as follows on the North side of Cumberland River Beginning on the south east corner of Turners six hundred & forty acre tract running North three hundred &Eighty five poles crossing Waltons road at two hundred & ninety six poles, Peyton Creek at three hundred & twenty poles to two hickories & hackberry thence East ninety seven poles to two Sugar trees on Elijah Haynes line thence south one hundred & sixteen poles crossing said Creek to a Beech on the bank then East two hundred & twenty eight poles to a Sugar tree, then South two hundred & eighty one poles to a Beech on Walton’s North boundary, then West with said line three hundred & twenty four poles to n Ash then North twelve poles to the beginning. Surveyed the 20^th November 1807 with the hereditaments & appurtenances thereto belonging & appertaining to & to hold to the said John H. Bowen his heirs & assigns in as full & complete a manner as I as Sheriff can convey the same. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name & affixed my seal the date aforesaid.

John Gordon Sheriff

Smith County

State of Tennessee February Term 1819

Smith County Then the within deed of conveyance was duly acknowledged in open Court & ordered to be certified for registration.

Test:

Robert Allen Clk.

Smith County

Registered this 22 day of April 1819

J. Pickett Register

Smith County

(Note: Every effort was made to transcribe the original document. Blank space is where no discernable word could be determined from copies of the documents. Rather than inserting what I think the wording should be, they are left blank for your interpretation. /s/ Vernon H. Drewa)

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Gordon vs. Overall Trust Deed 1815

The original deed (Trust) as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcribing were done by Gail and Vernon Drewa in May 2001.

This Indenture made and entered into this 30^th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifteen between Jacob Overall of the County of Smith and State of Tennessee of the one part and John Gordon as Trustee & for the benefit of my wife Elizabeth Overall of the County and State aforesaid of the other part witnesseth that for and in consideration of the mutual agreement between my said wife Elizabeth and myself to live separate and apart from each other. I do by these present, grant, bargain & convey, and have by these present granted, bargained & conveyed to the said John Gordon as Trustee aforesaid for the support and maintenance of my wife Elizabeth the following description of property. One tract or parcel of land containing one hundred acres lying and being in the County of Smith & State aforesaid, so as to include the cleared land where William Trammell now lives, and likewise the cleared land where John Crows now lives; from thence to_______ as Smiths fork up and down the creek so as to again _________ Crows line, so far as his said line extends on that boundry, during the life of the said Elizabeth and at her death to be equally divided between her six children to wit, Israel, Elizabeth, Jacob, Isaac, Lucinday and Andrew; also a stock of hoggs to amount to fifteen head and to include three breeding sows; also half of the stock of cattle which the said Jacob Overall owns at this time, and the said Elizabeth is to keep the possession of her children until they arrive to the age of 21 years. Provided she brings them up in a decent, orderly and industrous maner, or in case the said Elizabeth should get married after a divorce takes place between her and myself, and the said Elizabeth is to board and cloath the said children until they arrive to the age of 21 years and the said Jacob farther agrees on his part to send the said children to Scool until they get what is called a common English education and it is agreed and contracted on the part of the said John Gordon as trustee aforesaid, not to sell or covey the life estate of the said Elizabeth to the aforesaid Tract, or parcel of land as is conveyed by this deed, and it is expressly agrees between the contracting parties to this deed. That it is not to have effect force and virtue in law until there is a divorce obtained between the said Elizabeth Overall and the said Jacob Overall, given under our hands and seals the day and year first above written.

Witnesseth: Jacob Overall (Seal)

Henderson Lewis Elizabeth (his + mark) Overall (Seal)

William Walker Jurist John Gordon (Seal)

William Jenkins Jurist

State of Tennessee Smith County May Term 1820. Here the within deed of trust was duly proven in open court by the oaths of William Walker and William Jenkins subscribing witnesses thereto and an motion ordered to be certified for registration.

Test: J. Pickett

Clk. Smith County Court

Registered June the 8^th 1820,

D. Burford, Regt.

Smith County

(NOTE: Every effort was made to transcribe the original document from it’s original format. Blank Space is where no discernable word could be determined. Rather than inserting what I believe the wording should be, they are left blank for you interpretation. /s/ Vernon H. Drewa)

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The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Gordon-Bowen - 1815

This Indenture made the Eightenth Day of September eighteen Hundred & fifteen John Gordon Sheriff of the County of Smith & sucifs in office to George Matlock former Sheriff of said County of the one part and John H Bowen of the other part witnesseth that whereas heretofore _______ _________ writ of fieri facias was _____ _______ the office of the Clerk of the Court of pleas _______ for Smith County _______ lest the ______ Monday in March 1812 commanding the Sheriff of smith County that of the good chattel lands ______ of me Armstreet Stubblefield he should make the sum of five hundred forty seven dollars, twenty seven & half cents principle & twenty five dollars seventy three cents cost which sum William Lane lately in said Court for his ____& _____ aforesaid which said writ of fieri facias in the ______ day of ________ in the yar eighteen hundred & twelve came to the ________ of the George Matlock lived on a tract of land situated in the County of Smith aforesaid containing six hundred & forty acres the property, the property of the said Armstreet Stubblefield lying on Peyton’s Creek and the same on which Uzzi Panky then lived and after advertising the same agreeable to law did on the thirteenth of May in the said year of 1812 offer _______ the same to sale at the Courthouse in said County to be sold to satisfy the executions aforesaid.

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Gordon – Ginkins – 1816

This Indenture made this eighth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixteen between John Gordon of Smith County and State of Tennessee of ____ one part and John Ginkins of the county and State aforementioned, heir of Joseph Ginkins _________ of the other part witnesseth that the said John Gordon for and in consideration of the sum of four hundred dollars to ________ in hand the receipt

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

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Gordon – Ginkins 1816 Deed

This Indenture made this eighth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixteen between John Gordon of Smith County and State of Tennessee of the one part and John D. Ginkins of the county and state aforesaid, heir of Joseph Ginkins deceased of the other part witnesseth that the said John Gordon for and in consideration of the sum of four hundred dollars to him in hand the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath this day given granted bargained sold alined confirmed & conveyed with him the said John D. Ginkins heir of the said Joseph Ginkins deceased to him and his heirs and assigns forever a certain track or parcel of land lying and being in the County and State aforesaid are __ ___ of Mulherine Creek, being part of a 2560 acre tract granted by Robert Douglas bounds as follows ______ Beginning on a walnut and black oak the south west corner of said Douglas tract running thence North two hundred and five poles to a beech thence East ninety one poles to a dogwood in John Moores line thence south two hundred and five poles to a beech and sugar tree in the south boundry line of the original ___ thence West to the beginning containing one hundred and sixteen and one half acres to the same more less. To have and to hold the aforesaid land with all and singular the rights and profits and herediments and appurtenances of in and to the same belonging as improvised appertaining to the only proper and behalf of him the said John D. Ginkins heir of Joseph Ginkins deceased to his heirs forever and the said John Gordon for himself his heirs _______ _________ and ________ the said John D. Ginkins heir of Joseph Ginkins deceased as aforesaid and with his heirs and assigns forever that the before strip land and bargained premises ______ will warrant and forever defend against the right title and interest or claim of all and every person or persons whatever. In testimony whereof the said John Gordon hath __ set his hand and affixed his seal this day and year above written, signed sealed and delivered in presence of us.

John Gordon (Seal)

Wm. Moores

State of Tennessee Smith County

August Term 1816

Then the deed execution of within deed of conveyance was acknowledged in open court and on motion ordered to be registered.

Robert Allen Register

of Smith County

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The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Gordon – McGee – 155 Acres - 1816

This Indenture made this 29^th day of March one thousand eight hundred and sixteen between John Gordon Sheriff of Smith County in the State of Tennessee of the one part and John McGee of the County and State aforementioned of the other part Witnesseth that whereas John Gordon Sheriff did ______ and to the court of pleas and grantor _______ for the said County of Smith at their August session in the year one thousand eight hundred and 4 that the _______ remain due and unpaid on a certain tract of land containing 155 acres in the said County in the name of Edwin Willoughby and that he knows of no goods and chattels and which he could _______ for the same, and whereas Robert Allen clerk of said Court did by the direction of the said court make and a certificate of the said land buyable for the payment of the tax together with the amount of the cost and charges due thereon and causes ______ the same to be mailed in the public Gazettes agreeable to an act of the general Assembly in that card _______ and provides setting forth that the same was to be sold for the said taxes and cost on the 1^st Monday I November and succeeding day in the year one thousand eight hundred and 14 and no person coming forward before that time to pay the said land cost and charges and the said Sheriff as aforesaid did by virtue of the said land being duly advertised according to laws and by the authority vested in said Sheriff by and act of the General Assembly in that case made and provided before the sale of the said land or so much thereof as would satisfy the tax and cost due there and as aforesaid. The said tract of land bounded as follows to wit Beginning at a Hackberry on the North side of the Cumberland River the beginning corner of said Willoughbys 273 acre tract running up the rive with its meanders South 20 degrees East one hundred and thirty poles, thence South 40 degrees East one hundred and ninety poles to a Beech and sugar tree thence North two hundred and sixty poles to a white oak, thence west one hundred and sixty poles to the beginning Now the said John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid on the 1^st Monday in November 1814 at the Court house in the Town of Carthage did sell the said 155 acres as above described for the sum of three dollars and 87 cents. He being the lowest bidder for the same. Now this Indenture witnesseth the said John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid invested and by force of said Act of Assembly as aforesaid as also for and in consideration of the said sum of three dollars and 87 cents to him in hand paid by the said John McGee the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath bargained and sold and by these presents doth bargain and sell into the said John McGee his heirs and assigns forever by aforesaid tract of land and bargained premises with all and singulary this hereditaments thereunto belonging and all the estate _______ right _______ interest property claim and demand of him the said Edwin Willoughby heirs and assigns forever as fully and effectually as the said John Gordon Sheriff by virtue of his office as aforesaid and the said act of Assembly has enabled him to transfer and convey the same. In witness whereof the said John Gordon Sheriff as foresaid hat herewith set his hand and seal this day and year above written.

John Gordon Sheriff (Seal)

Signed Sealed and Delivered

In presence of

State of Tennessee Smith County May Term 1816 then the _____of the motion deed of conveyance and was duly acknowledged in open court and ordered to be registered.

Test. Robert Allen Clerk

Registered 3^rd March 1817

J. Pickett, Register

of Smith County

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The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Gordon-Hickman 1816 Deed

This Indenture made this fifteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixteen. Between Thomas Hickman of Davidson County in the State of Tennessee of the one part and John Gordon of Smith County in the State aforesaid of the other part witnesseth that the said Thomas Hickman for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and twelve dollars to him in hand paid by the aforesaid John Gordon the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath bargained and sold, and do by these present, grant, bargain, sell, convey, transfer and confirm unto the aforesaid John Gordon and his heirs forever a certain tract or parcel of land containing twenty eight acres by the same more or less, lying and being in Smith County in the State aforesaid, and including the plantation where on the said Gordon now lives, or as much thereof as lies between the lines of two old surveys the one on the south Granted by John Kingsberry and the other on the north granted to Francis Child and _______ and bounded as follows (to wit) Beginning on Vincent Rust corner in Francis Childs south boundary line of the tract above named on a beech running west ninety poles to a beech the north East corner of a tract of one hundred acres granted by the State of Tennessee to the above named John Gordon by patent No. 7926 then south fifty poles to an elm, dogwood and white oak in Kingsberrys north boundary lines then east with said line ninety poles to a stake, below said Gordons fence, being the southwest corner to a tract conveyed by the aforesaid Thomas Hickman to Vincent Rust, then north fifty poles to the beginning with all and singular the hereditaments and appurtenances there unto appertaining or belonging to have and to hold the aforesaid twenty acres of land and bargained premises unto the aforesaid John Gordon and his heirs forever and the said Thomas Hickman for himself his heirs & do agree to and with the said John Gordon and his heirs that he will warrant and forever defend the aforesaid twenty eight acres of land unto the aforesaid John Gordon and his heirs forever against the lawful claim or claims of all person or persons in any wise claiming whatsoever. In witness whereof the said Thomas Hickman hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal the day and date first above written.

Signed sealed and delivered in presence of

Ths. Hickman (Seal)

Test: James Collins

Willie Sullivan

George Matlock

State of Tennessee

Smith County

Thus the execution of this with deed was duly acknowledged in open court by the party thereto and on motion ordered to be registered.

Test: Robert Allen, Clk.

Registered 11^th day of February 1817

J. Pickett, Register

Of Smith County

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Indenture 1817

The original deed (foreclosure) as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy and transcription were done by Vernon H. Drewa in May 2001.

“ This Indenture made this 20^th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & Seventeen between John Gordon Sheriff of Smith County in the State of Tennessee of the one part, and Vincent Rust of the County & State aforesaid of the other part witnesseth, that whereas a certain alias writ of fieri facias issued out of the Circuit Court of Smith County bearing Text the fourth Monday in September 1811 directed to the Sheriff of said County commanding him that of the goods & chattels lands and tenements of Josiah Strange in his County he should cause to be made as well the sum of one hundred and thirty six Dollars and fifty seven cents debt which Thomas Ball reserves against the said Josiah Strange as also the sum of Eight Dollars forty nine cents cost and charges in the said suit expanded whereof the said Josiah Strange was convict, and liable as appears to us of record, and that he should have the same ready to render to said Thomas Ball at the next Circuit Court to be held for the County of Smith at the Court House in the Town of Carthage on the fourth Monday in March then next following; who in virtue thereof, and by force of the act of the General assembly in such cases made and provided, did seize. Execute and take into his possession a certain Lott of Land with the appurtenances thereunto belonging;; vituate lying and being in the Town of Carthage on the west side of the main street, and known and distinguished in the plans of said Town by Number forty two. The property of said Josiah Strange; and after publishing the time & place of the sale of the same according to law, George Matlock the then Sheriff f the County of Smith aforesaid by his deputy John Gordon on the 30^th day of November 1811 did sell all the right, title, claim, and interest of the said Josiah Strange in and to the said Lot of land above described, to the aforesaid Vincent Rust, for the sum of one hundred and fifty Dollars, he being the highest , best and last bider, became the lawful purchaser thereof for the aforesaid sum of one hundred & fifty dollars. Now this Indenture Witnesseth that the said John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid, in virtue of the said alias writ of scaria facias, and by force of the several acts of the General assembly in such cases made and provided, and in Virtue of the sale made by George Matlock former Sheriff by his deputy John Gordon, as also for and in consideration of the said sum of one hundred and fifty dollars to him in have paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath bargained and sold, and do by those present bargain & sell unto the said Vincent Rust his heirs and assigns forever, all the right, title, interest, property, claim & demand of him the said Josiah Strange in and to the said Lot of Land, and bargained premises with all and singular the hereditaments thereunto belonging, or in anywise apportionary. To have and to hold the said lot number forty two and bargained unto the said Vincent Rust his heirs and assigns forever, as fully and as effectually as John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid, by virtue of his office as Sheriff as aforesaid the writ of fieri facias, and the several acts of the General assembly has enabled him to transfer and convey the same. In witness whereof the said John Gordon Sheriff as aforesaid hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal, this day and year first above written.

Ack: John Gordon (Seal)

Sheriff of Smith County

State of Tennessee Smith County May Term 1820

Here the within deed of conveyance was duly acknowledged in open court, and are motion, ordered to be certified for registration.

Test J. Pickett, Clk.,

Smith County Court

Registered 27^th June 1820

D. Burford, Regt., Smith County”

(NOTE: Every effort was made to transcribe the original document. Blank space is where no discernable word could be determined. Rather than inserting what I think the wording should be, they are left blank for your interpretation. )

/s/ Vernon H. Drewa)

James G. Gordon – Rust - 1818

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Know all men by these presents that I Vincent Rust of Smith County and State of Tennessee for and in consideration of the sum of one thousand dollars is me in hand paid by James G. Gordon the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath bargained and sold and delivered unto him the said James G Gordon a certain Negro man a slave

by the name of Simon about thirty years of age, which Negro Simon I warrant to be healthy, sound & sensible and do further warrant and defend the title of said Negro unto the aforesaid James G. Gordon and his assigns forever against the lawful claim, or claimed of all land every person, or persons in anywise claiming whatsoever. In witness whereof the said Vincent Rust hath hereunto set his hand and affixed seal this 16^th November 1818

Vincent Rust (Seal)

Test John Gordon |

William M Gordon |

State of Tennessee Smith County Court August Term 1820

Then the execution of the within bill of sale was duly proven in open court by the oaths of John Gordon and William M Gordon and order to be certified for registration.

A Copy Attest J. Pickett Clerk

Smith County Court

Registered Oct 10^th 1820

D. Burford Reg, Smith County

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J. Gordon & John Baker from Pickett - 1818

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

This Indenture made this Eighteenth day of May in the yea of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred & Eighteen between Jonathon Pickett of the county of Smith & State of Tennessee of the one part and James G Gordon & John Baker of the County and State aforesaid of the other part witnessth that the said Jonathan Pickett for and in consideration of the sum of four dollars & seventy nine cents to him in hand paid by the said James G Gordon & John Baker the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged & hath bargained ______ & quit claimed and by these present doth bargain sell _____ & quit claim unto the said James G Gordon & John Baker and to their heirs and assigns forever all my right title claim or interest that I hold to a certain tract of land formerly belonging to William Cock containing three hundred acres lying and being in Smith County on the waters of Hickmans Creek and adjoining Joseph Collins & Joseph Elston and also a tract of one thousand acres granted by the State of North Carolina to William Blount which said land was sold on the tenth day of May 1817 at the court House in Carthage for the taxes due thereon by John Gordon Sheriff of said County to have and to hold the said tract of Land together with all and singular the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining to thereon the said James G Gordon & John Baker their heirs & assigns forever in Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal the day and year first above written

Signed Sealed & Delivered in presence of J Pickett (Seal)

State of Tennessee |

Smith County | May Term 1818 Then the written deed of conveyance was duly acknowledged in open court & ordered to be Certified for Registration

Registered this 30^th June 1818 Test

Robert Allen Clk

J Pickett Register of Smith County

Smith County

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Indenture 1817

Above Indenture Registered - 1820

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Census Year 1820               Microfilm # M33-125            State Of Tennessee             County Of Smith        Enumerator Price F. Martin

             |White Males                                  |White Females                        |  F   |Occupations        |Slave Males                    |Slave Females                 |Free Black Males                   |Free Black Females             |      |

                                           |  0   |   10   |  16   |  18   |  26   |  45   |  0    |  10   |      16   |  26   |  45   |  O   |   A   |   C   |   M   |   0   |   14   |  26   |        45   |  0    |  14   |  26   |  45   |  0    |  14   |  26   |  45   |  0    |  14   |        26   |  45   |  O   |

               Head of Household           |  to  |   to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |        to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  R   |   G   |   O   |   A   |   to  |   to   |        to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |        to   |  to   |  to   |  T   |

P#      L#      Last Name      First Name   | 10  |   16   |  18   |  26   |  45   |  +    |        10   |  16   |  26   |  45   |  +    |  I   |   R   |   M   |   N   |   14  |   26   |        45   |  +    |  14   |  26   |  45   |  +    |  14   |  26   |  45   |  +    |  14   |        26   |  45   |   +   |  H   |   Remarks

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62      854     Hatchet        Edward         4       1       .       .       .       1       1        1       .       1       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       Handwritten Pages 436 & 437

62    855    Haynes      Thomas            1     1     .     .     1      1      .       1       .       .       1       .       3       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .

62      856     Hatchet        Parish         .       2       .       .       1       .       1        1       1       .       .       .       2       .       1       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      857     Hibbet         James          .       1       1       3       .       1       .        .       1       .       1       .       2       .       2       3       2       .       .        .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      858     Hargiss        John Sen.      2       2       1       1       .       1       2        .       .       1       .       .       3       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      859     Holt           Jesse          .       .       .       .       1       .       2        .       1       .       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      860     Highers        George         1       .       1       3       .       1       2        3       .       1       .       .       4       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      861     Hodges         Robert         1       .       .       1       .       .       .        .       1       .       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        1       1       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      862     Hayes          Reuben         2       .       .       .       .       1       .        2       3       .       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      863     Hale           Joil           1       .       .       1       .       .       .        .       1       .       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      864     Harris         John           2       1       .       .       1       1       1        1       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       1       1       1       .        .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      865     Harper         Matthew        3       2       1       2       1       .       3        2       .       1       .       .       3       .       .       3       .       1       .        4       1       1       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      866     Hodges         James          1       .       .       1       .       1       1        .       1       .       .       .       1       .       .       1       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      867     Hall           John           1       1       2       .       1       3       1        .       1       .       .       .       3       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      868     Herrod         James          1       .       .       .       1       .       1        .       .       1       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      869     Hyatt          Simeon         2       1       3       .       1       1       .        .       .       1       .       .       2       .       1       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      870     Holland        Britton        3       2       .       .       1       .       1        2       .       1       .       .       3       .       .       .       .       .       .        1       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      871     Hale           Ezekiel        1       .       .       1       .       .       .        .       1       .       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      872     Hellum         Andrew         3       .       .       .       1       .       1        .       1       .       .       .       3       .       .       2       .       1       .        3       1       1       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      873     Hughes         William        2       .       .       2       .       1       1        .       1       1       .       .       3       .       .       3       2       .       .        1       1       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      874     Harvey         William        2       1       .       .       1       .       2        1       .       1       .       .       1       .       .       1       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      875     Howard         Thomas         5       2       .       .       .       1       1        1       1       .       1       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      876     Harris         Turner         1       1       .       1       1       .       2        .       2       .       .       .       2       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      877     Huff           William        3       .       1       1       .       1       1        2       .       1       .       .       2       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      878     Herrald        Enos           .       .       .       1       .       1       .        1       1       .       1       .       2       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62    879    Haynes      David       3     2     .     .     .     1        2       2       .       1       .       .       3       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .

62      880     Harvell        James          1       2       .       .       1       .       1        .       .       1       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      881     Hughes         Simon P.       1       .       .       1       .       .       2        1       1       .       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      882     Harris         Micajah        1       .       .       .       .       1       1        .       1       1       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      883     Hallum         Henry          2       2       .       .       1       .       2        1       .       1       .       .       2       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      884     Hallum         Cyrus          .       .       .       .       1       .       .        .       .       1       .       .       2       .       .       1       .       1       .        2       2       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      885     Hallum         William        4       .       .       .       1       1       1        2       .       1       1       .       4       .       .       4       1       1       .        3       3       1       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62    886    Haynes      John        2     .     .     1     .     .        .       .       1       .       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .

62      887     Hubbard        Robert         1       1       1       2       .       1       2        1       1       .       1       .       3       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      888     Hunter         Samuel         2       1       1       1       1       .       1        .       1       .       1       .       3       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      889     High           Winston        2       .       .       .       1       .       3        .       .       1       .       .       2       .       .       .       1       .       .        1       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      890     High           John           1       .       .       1       2       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       3       .       .       .       2       .       1        1       1       1       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

62      891     Haney          William        .       .       .       .       1       1       .        .       .       .       2       .       2       .       .       .       .       2       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

Gordon Census Year - 1820

        Census Year 1820               Microfilm # M33-125            State Of Tennessee             County Of Smith        Enumerator Price F. Martin

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

                                            |White Males                                  |White Females                      |  F   |Occupations           |Slave Males                    |Slave Females              |Free Black Males              |Free Black Females             |      |

                                           |  0   |   10   |  16   |  18   |  26   |  45   |  0    |  10   |      16   |  26   |  45   |  O   |   A   |   C   |   M   |   0   |   14   |  26   |        45   |  0    |  14   |  26   |  45   |  0    |  14   |  26   |  45   |  0    |  14   |        26   |  45   |  O   |

               Head of Household           |  to  |   to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |        to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  R   |   G   |   O   |   A   |   to  |   to   |        to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |  to   |        to   |  to   |  to   |  T   |

P#      L#      Last Name      First Name   | 10  |   16   |  18   |  26   |  45   |  +    |        10   |  16   |  26   |  45   |  +    |  I   |   R   |   M   |   N   |   14  |   26   |        45   |  +    |  14   |  26   |  45   |  +    |  14   |  26   |  45   |  +    |  14   |        26   |  45   |   +   |  H   |   Remarks

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59      743     Griffin        John           1       .       .       2       1       .       3        3       .       1       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       Handwritten Pages 430 & 431

59      744     Gammon         Jeremiah       3       .       .       .       1       .       .        .       1       .       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      745     Gifford        Gideon         2       2       .       .       1       .       2        .       .       1       .       .       2       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      746     Gammon         John           .       1       .       2       .       2       .        1       .       .       3       .       4       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      747     Gullick        John           2       .       .       .       1       .       1        2       .       1       .       .       2       .       1       1       1       .       .        .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      748     Gregory        George         1       .       .       2       .       .       1        .       1       .       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      749     Goard          Peggy          3       .       .       .       .       .       1        .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       1       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      750     Gile           James          .       .       .       .       .       1       .        .       3       .       1       .       1       .       .       .       .       1       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      751     Gill           Jesse          .       .       .       1       .       .       2        .       1       .       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      752     Gresham        Peter          .       1       .       .       .       1       .        1       .       1       .       .       2       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      753     Gregory        William Sen.   1       2       .       2       .       1       .        .       .       .       .       .       6       .       .       1       1       .       .        .       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      754     Gregory        Bry            .       1       .       .       .       1       .        1       .       .       .       .       2       .       .       .       1       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59    755    Gordon      John        2     3     1     2     2     1        3       1       .       1       .       .       9       2       1       3       3       2        .       1       3       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .

59      756     Gilliam        William        .       2       .       .       .       1       .        .       1       .       1       .       2       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      757     Gregory        William Jun.   .       .       .       .       1       .       4        .       1       .       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      758     Gregory        Harbard        3       .       .       .       1       .       .        .       1       .       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      759     Gregory        Henry          2       .       .       .       1       .       2        .       1       .       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      760     Grisham        Lambeth D.     1       .       .       1       1       .       2        1       2       1       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      761     Gregory        Major          .       .       .       1       .       .       .        .       1       .       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      762     Gregory        Stephen        .       .       .       1       .       .       1        1       .       .       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      763     Garrison       Obadiah        2       .       .       1       .       .       .        .       .       1       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      764     Garrison       Samuel         1       .       .       2       1       1       1        1       .       1       .       .       2       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      765     Garrison       David          3       1       1       1       1       .       3        .       .       1       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      766     Garrison       Ephraim        3       1       .       .       1       .       2        .       .       1       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      767     Garrison       Jane           .       1       .       .       .       .       2        2       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      768     Gobble         John           2       .       .       1       .       .       1        .       1       .       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      769     Gunter         John           1       1       .       .       1       .       2        1       .       1       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      770     Gunter         James          2       .       .       .       1       .       1        .       .       1       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      771     Givens         William        2       1       .       .       1       .       2        1       1       1       1       .       2       .       1       3       1       .       .        1       1       1       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      772     Goggin         William        2       .       .       .       1       .       1        .       1       .       .       .       2       .       .       1       .       .       .        1       1       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      773     Griffin        Matthew        .       1       .       .       .       1       .        2       2       .       1       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      774     Givens         Nancy          1       1       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       2       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      775     Gibbons        Samuel         .       .       .       .       1       .       .        .       1       .       .       .       2       .       .       .       .       1       .        .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      776     Gray           George H.      3       1       .       .       .       1       .        1       1       1       .       .       3       .       .       2       1       .       1        2       1       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      777     Griffin        Elias          1       .       .       .       1       .       3        1       .       1       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      778     Griffy         Jonas          .       .       .       1       .       1       2        1       .       1       .       .       2       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

59      779     Garner         John           3       .       .       .       1       .       3        .       .       1       .       .       1       .       .       .       .       .       .        .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .       .        .

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John Gordon Deed, W. Wilson, 2^nd Feb., 1820.

This Indenture made this second day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and twenty, between John Gordon of Smith County and State of Tennessee of the one part, and William Wilson of the County State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said John Gordon for and in consideration of the sum of twelve hundred Dollars, to him in hand paid, the Receipt which is here by acknowledged, hath and by these present, _______, grant, bargain _______ and convey unto the said William Wilson, his heirs and ________ a certain tract, or parcel of land containing one hundred and ninety three acres, be the same more or less, lying and being in Smith County & State afore said on the water of Mullins Creek being part of a tract or 35 ____ _____, originally granted to Robert Douglas by patent of So89. Beginning on a line and red oak on the bank of the creek, then south one hundred and fifty three poles to a _____ and buck eye on a small branch, then west two hundred and eighty poles to a stake in Samuel Watkins field, then North one hundred and fifty three poles to three _______, then east sixteen poles to Thomas Hookers corner course continues with his line one hundred fifty seven poles to John Grisham line, then south with his line one hundred and fourteen poles to a ________ __________ ________ corner to said Grisham, then east eighty six poles, to said Grishams southeast corner, then North and east to the beginning; To have and to hold the aforementioned land and bargained promises, with all and _________ the rights, profits ______________ and appintonances of in and to the same belonging or in anywise appintaining to the only proper use and behalf of him, the said William Wilson and his heirs forever and the said John Gordon for himself his heirs and assigns __oth by these present covenant and agree to and with the said William Wilson that he will warrant and forever __fine the said tract of land and bargained promised against the lawful claim or claimed of all and every person or _____________ in anywise claiming whatsoever. In _______ whereof, the said John Gordon hath herewith set his hand and affixed his seal, the day and year first above written.

Witnes. Present John Gordon (Seal)

John Duncan

Benj. Moore

State of Tennessee Smith County, February Term 1820. Th________ the Execution of the written deed of conveyance was duly acknowledged in open Court & an motion orders to be Certified for registration.

Attest: J. Pickett, Clerk

Smith County Court

Registered March 4^th, 1820

D. Banford, Regt., Smith County

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John Gordon – John & Bird Orange - 1820

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

This Indenture made this 10^th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty and between John Orange of the one part and Bird Orange of the other part witnesseth that wherein the said Bird & John __________ as friend ___________ _____________ tract or parcel of land situated lying & being in Smith County containing one hundred and seventy five acres which tract of land and convey to John Gordon to said John and Bird by and _____ ________ 30^th day of June 1814 and by the mutual consent and agreement of the said John and Bird they have _______ same tract of land by the following described marked lien beginning on a __________

In Henry Cockerhams line about three poles west of his south east corner running South _____ their tract to two beeches in John Gordon’s north line ______ the aforesaid John Orange on his part doth by these present convey transfer relinquish and quit claim unto the aforementioned Bird Orange and his heirs forever all that part of the aforesaid one hundred & seventy five acres of land which lies west of the before described dividing line and _________ warrant & forever defend the same unto said Bird & his heirs from the lawful claims of any persons what ever Since the aforesaid Bird Orange on his part doth by these present convey transfer relinquish & quit claim unto the aforesaid John Orange & his heirs forever all of that part of the said One hundred and seventy five acres of land which lie east of the aforementioned ____ in described dividing line & said warrant and convey defend the same unto the said John & his heirs forever against the lawful claim of any persons _______ In testimony whereof the aforesaid John Orange & Bird Orange hath herewith set their hand and seal the date above written

John Orange (Seal)

Bird Orange (Seal)

Witnesses present

John Gordon

Jas G Gordon

Robert Temple

State of Tennessee |

Smith County Court | February Term 1822

Then the execution of the within deeds of relinquishment as was duly acknowledged in open Court by John Orange and Bird Orange parties thereto and on motion ordered to be conveyed for registration

Attest Jonathan Pickett Clerk

Registered 11^th April 1822

____________Burford Regtr

Smith County

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The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Gordon – John Orange – 1825

This Indenture made this 4^th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred twenty five between John Orange of Smith County and State of Tennessee of the one part and John Gordon of the County and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the aforesaid John Orange and in consideration of the sum of five hundred dollars to him in had paid the receipt whereof is hereby hereby acknowledged _______ Bargained and sold and doth by these present Bargain sell convey and confirmed unto the said John Gordon and his heirs and assigns forever a certain tract or parcel of land containing one hundred acres to be the said acres or _______lying & being in said County of Smith on the waters of Mulherine Creek bordering the farm and plantation______ ________ by said John Orange being part of the tract heretofore conveyed by said Gordon to said Orange and surveyed as follows. On the west by Bird and Yerby Orange on the north by Matthew Harper on the last by Isaac Mattox and on the south by the aforesaid John Gordon to have and to hold the aforesaid one hundred acres of land and bargained premises unto the said John Gordon and his heirs ________ and the said John Orange doth covenant and agree with the said John Gordon that he will warrant & forever defend the before _______ ________ land and bargained premises against the lawful claim or claims of all and every person or persons in any wise claiming whatsoever. In testimony whereof the said John Orange hath hereunto set his hand and affixed seal the day and year first above written.

John Orange (Seal)

Signed Sealed and Delivered

In presence of

John Smith

C.T. Thomas

Wm. ________

State of Tennessee

Smith County Court

February Term 1822

Then the execution of the within deed of conveyance was duly acknowledged in open court by John Orange party thereto and on motion ordered to be certified for Registration.

Attest: Jonathan Pickett Clerk

Of Smith County Court

Registered. 11^th April 1822

D______ Burford Regst.

Smith County

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1830 Smith County Census

98  11  Gordon        F. H.         pg0089.txt

57  17  Gordon        Francis       pg0053.txt

67  18  Gordon        John          pg0065.txt

31  13  Gordon        John H.       pg0029.txt

6 Gordon William H. pg0029. txt

  2   Haynes        Richard       pg0053.txt

77  14  Haynes        Richard       pg0077.txt

104 6   Haynes        Robert        pg0101.txt

57  5   Haynes        Sarah         pg0053.txt

103 16  Haynes        Thomas        pg0101.txt

103 22  Haynes        Thomas        pg0101.txt

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Thomas H Gordon, slave purchase -1821

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Know all men by these that I James B Crowder and of the Constables in and for Smith County for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and Eighty seven dollars to me in hand paid the ___________ whereof is hereby acknowledged hath bargained and sold and doth by these presents bargain & sell unto Thomas H Gordon two certain negroes to wit a woman by the name of Violet & her child a boy by the name of George which two negroes I sold on the present day to the highest bidder at public sale as the property of Thomas R Burnett at the instance of John Porter Isaac Morris & Daniel Casey & others_________________ negroes & warrant unto the said Thomas H Gordon his heirs against the lawful claim of all persons & claiming under said Thomas R Burnett as far as my authority as Constable aforesaid & the laws of the State will authorize me to convey

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 7^th July 1821

J. B Crowder (Seal)

Test Court

C T Thomas

Mathew Nichol Tennessee Smith County April Term 1826 of the Circuit Court of said county This day to wit 12 April 1826

Then ____ of said _____James B Crowder (Constable) & Thomas A Gordon ______ Negroes Violet & George was duly proved in open court by the oaths of Champion T Thomas & Mathew Nichols the subscribing witness thereto & ordered to be certified for registration

Test

________ Hart Clk

Registered April 13^th 1826

________ ________ Regst of Smith County

***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** John H. Gordon to F H Gordon – 1831

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Know all men by these present that I John H. Gordon of the County of Smith & State of Tennessee have this day bargained & sold to F. H. Gordon & Jake Herd the following property (viz) a Negro Woman named Casey, Seventy five barrels of corn one hundred acres of land lying in said county on Homes creek wherein David Tyree formerly lived forty nine head of hogs, 8 head of cattle, 1 gig & harness, 1 clock, 3 head of Horses, four feather beds & furniture, one ox cart one loom, one china press, one cupboard of furniture, two tables two harness, two hundred gallons whiskey and all my household & kitchen furniture to have & to hold I said John H Gordon bind myself my heirs& to said F. H. Gordon & I hand their heirs & to warrant & defend forever the title of said property.

The condition of the above article of transfers is as herein & after described namely wherein said F H Gordon & J. Herd have heretofore assigned for me two notes of land payable to Matthew Harper agent for William Gaston, then one for four hundred & ninety nine dollars and the other for two hundred & sixty two dollars both bearing the date the 15^th of Feby 1831 and payable the first of December in the same year Now to _________ said F H Gordon & J Herd from any ________ in case that I should fail to pay said notes and they should fall upon them, J Herd from any ______ in Case that I should fail to pay said note and they should fall upon them, I have given them all my right & interest in said property, and authorize Willie B. Gordon to proceed in the character of trustee and sell said property to the highest bidder giving ten days notice from and after the time when said notes shall become due provided they shall not have been paid off & settled, and if at any time previous to the date when they will be due, said notes shall be paid off this transfer will then and ever after be null & void now if according to the above conditions my said Trustee shall have to sell said property I hereby direct and authorize him to pay the proceeds of the sale to F H Gordon the bidder in _________. J. Herd as a renumeraton for the damages they may & have sustained in consequence of said securityship, Signed sealed & delivered this 9^th March 1831

In the presence

James B Morres John H Gordon (Seal)

State of Tennessee |

Smith County | Court of pleas & quarter sessions Nov Term 1831

Then the within deed in trust from John H Gordon to F. H. Gordon & J Hand for one hundred acres of land and a Negro woman named Casey & sundry personal property was duly proven in Open Court by the oath of James B Moores witness thereto and on motion order to be certified for registration

Registered Feby 21^st 1832 | Attest Jonathan Pickett Clk

Alex Allison Register | of Smith County

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John H Gordon to McGee 1831

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

This indenture made this 1^st day of September A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty one between John H. Gordon of the one part and Hiram McGee of the other part of the County of Smith and State of Tennessee witnesseth that the said John H Gordon for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and twenty six dollars to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledge & has bargained and sold and by them present doth grant bargain & sell unto said Hiram, his heirs & assigns all that parcel or tract of land lying on the waters of the dry fork of Mulherins Creek in the County aforesaid and demarcated designated and bounded as follows (viz) Beginning at a sugar tree in William Bruces Northeast boundary, and running with said line north sixty five degrees west ninety six poles to a Buckeye, Thence due north forty eight poles to a stake, thence South eighty degrees (NOTE on Court document between this and the above line: Thence North 32 degrees East from poles to a Stake.) East twelve poles to a stake thence ____ East twenty poles to a Beech, thence due south, twenty seven poles to a stake Thence East fifty four poles to an oak Thence South sixty four poles to the beginning containing in all thirty two acres more or less to have and to hold together with every appurtenance thereto, for the only proper use of said land his heirs & assigns forever the said John H. Gordon for himself his heirs shall &will warrant the titled of said land against the claims of all and every person and will forever defend it unto the same. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this day and year above written.

Signed in the presence of:

John Ward

Sterling Ward John H. Gordon (Seal)

State of Tennessee |

Smith County | Court of pleas and quarter sessions, February Term 1832. Then the execution of this deed and bargain of sale from John H. Gordon to Hiram McGee was duly proven open court by the oaths of John Ward and Sterling Ward witness thereto and on motion ordered to be certified for Registration

Attest

Registered 17^th April 1832 | Jonathan Pickett Clerk

Alex Allison Reg. | of Smith County Court

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John Gordon from Champion Thomas-1832

(The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.)

This Indenture made this fourth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two between Champion T Thomas of the one part and John Gordon of the other part all of Smith County and State of Tennessee Witneseth that whereas John H Gordon’s _________to a deed in trust executed by the aforesaid Champion T Thomas to the said John H Gordon for the benefit of John Gwaltney did on the twenty sixth day of April last past sell at public sale sixty five acres of land and John Gorden being the highest & best bidder became the purchaser for the sum of two hundred & twenty one dollars the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged therefore I the aforesaid Champion T Thomas hath given granted bargained sold conveyed & confirm unto the aforesaid John Gordon his heirs & assigns forever the sixty five acres of land sold as aforesaid situate lying & being in Smith Count & State of Tennessee and bounded as follows; Beginning in John Gwaltney line in two dogwoods a sugartree & ash being the north east corner of a tract conveyed by William Person to the aforesaid Champion T Thomas then South fifty poles to a beech, then west with the line that divides the land of William Person & Benjamin Person who hundred & eight poles to four beeches in Hardy Jones west boundary line, then north fifty poles to four beeches being Handy Jones northwest corner then east five hundred eight poles to the beginning. There & to hold the aforesaid sixty five acres of land with all & singular, the rights profits & _______ hereditaments & appurtenances of in & to the same belong or in anywise of pertaining to the only ___________ proper use & behoof of him the aforesaid John Gordon his heirs & assigns forever and the aforesaid Champion T Thomas for himself his executors & administrator doth covenant & agree to & with the aforesaid John Gordon his heirs & assigns that the before __________land & bargained premises he will warrant & forever defend against the right, title, in ______ claim of all and every person or persons whatsoever. In witness whereof the aforesaid Champion T Thomas doth hereunto set his hand & affix his seal the day and year first above written.

C T Thomas (Seal)

Witness present

________ Evans

W. M. Gordon

Jno Walker

W. Thomas (his “X” mark)

State of Tennessee Smith County. Court of pleas & quarter session May Term 1833. Then the execution of the deed & bargain of sale from Champion T Thomas to John Gordon was duly acknowledged in Open Court by Champion T Thomas party thereto, and on motion ordered to be certified for registration

Attest Jonathan Pickett Clk

of Smith County Court

Registered Augt 16, 1832

Alex __________ Regtr.

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Matthew Harper Will – 1839

(The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.)

In the name of Almighty God amane

I Matthew Harper of Smith County and State of Tennessee being of sound mind and disposing memory decree whilst living to direct that such Disposition be made of my property when Ded as well most likely to Conduce to the quite and comfort of my family do hereby make declare and publish this my last will and testament in form following

Item 1^st I desire that all my just debts be paid

Item 2th I give and bequith to my youngest son Matthew one hundred dollars making him equill with the rest of my children for property I give them and not charged

Item 3th I leave to my Beloved Wife Sarah Harper during her natural life all my tract of land where I now live that lise on the Est side of the harcan branch including my Dwling house where I now live and other ought houses

Item 4^th I leave to my Beloved Wife Sarah Harper during her natural life or widough hood Seven Negroes and fore head of horses & fore cows and calves and one yoke of oxen her choise of all the Negroes horses and cattle that I may own at the time of my deth together with all my Stock of hogs and sheep and honeybees and all my poultry that I may own at the time of my Deth to gather with all my house hold and kitchen furniture and farming tooles and Crop on hand or a growing on the said part of parsel of land mentioned in the Third Item together with one hundred Dollars in money but if she should Marry again then she shal take a Childs part and share equal with all my children

Item 5^th The remaining part of my Estate both real and personall wish it to be equilly divided between all my beloved children _________ Henry and Logan and Grogan and Alfred and Elizabeth Gordon.

(Note: No signature on document /s/ Vernon Drewa)

State of Tennessee

Smith County

December Term County Court 1839

This the last will and Testament of John Logons _____ produced in open court for probate and was duly _____ in open Court of the oaths of Alfred M. Betz (Seal)

Ira _______ in Subscribing on motion ordered to be entered.

Attest John J. Burnet Clk

Of Smith County

(Note: It is not known how this Certification connects with Matthew Harpers will, but it was copied at the bottom of William Harpers will. /s/ Vernon Drewa)

John H. Gordon-Moses Bolton- 1834

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Know All men by these present that Whereas I have this day Borrowed of John H Gordon one hundred & thirty dollars in Consideration of Said Lien I have given Said Gordon a deed or bill of Sale to my Negro boys Harry 45 years of Age and Bill above 60 years of age to have and to hold as his property until the Said Moses Bolton pays to the Said Gordon the above Sum of one hundred and thirty dollars to him advanced this day the Receipt of Which is hereby acknowledged now when the Said Gordon gets the above name Harry to him is now runaway he is to have and to hold as his property until the Said Sum is paid and the Recording this deed of Transfer these with and there with and this trust is to be Considered Due on the 1^st day of April and Swan Thompson is hereby appointed as Trustee who is herby authorize by these present to Sell Said property from and after that time providing he is ordered by Said Gordon to do so and give ten days notice before the day of Sale given under my hand this 8^th of March 1834 in the presence of

David Whitley Moses Bolton (Seal)

James Harper

John Hallum

State of Tennessee |

Smith County | The execution of the within bill of Sale from Moses Bolton to John H Gordon was duly proven ______ by the oath David Whitley James Harper and John Hallum Witness thereto and ordered to be Certified for Registration at office on the 8 of March 1834

J Pickett Clk

Registered March 20^th of Smith County Court 1834

Harvey Hogg Regr

of Smith County

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Francis Orange from Granger – 1837

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

I Yearby Orange have this day bargained and sold and do hereby transfer and convey to Francis M. Orange and his heirs and assigns forever for the consideration of four hundred dollars to me paid all my entire right title and interest whether equity or redemption or other right or interest a certain tract of land containing Estimation by thirty seven acres and one half more or less lying in civil district #15 Smith County Tennessee bounded on the North by Thomas Cookerhouse land south by John Gordon land east by said Gordon and L B Coleman land and west by widow Holly Ward and D W Thomas land it being it being the same whereon myself and family have resided for thirty odd years and mortgage to John Gordon the sixth day of May 1837 to secure the payment of one hundred and thirty four dollars to have and to hold the same to said Francis M Orange his heirs and assigns forever I covenant and bind myself my heirs and representatives to forever warrant and defend the title right and interest as above described to the said Francis M. Orange his heirs and assigns forever against the lawful claims of all persons whatever the amount if any of mortgaged money yet justly due to John Gordon is to be paid at my expense if paid by the said Francis M to discharge its incumberance if any and the said Francis M Orange is entitle to my right of recoverance from John Gordon October the 14^th 1837

Yearby Orange (Seal)

Attest by

P. Gold

W. H. Winfrey

Tennessee Smith County

Personally appeared before me William M. Hallum Clerk of the County Court of Smith County Yearby Orange the within named bargainer with whom I am personally acquainted and who acknowledged that he executed the within deed for the purpose therein witness my hand have at office this 14^th day of October 1837

Thereafter 14^th Oct 1837 at 1 PM ___________________________ Clerk

U. R. William Regr

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Benjamin Jones Will –1840 W/Orange & Gordon

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

I Benjamin Jones of Smith County and State of Tennessee, do make and publish this as my last will and testament, hereby revoking and making void all other wills by me at any time made.

First. I direct that my funeral expenses and all my debts be paid as soon after my death as possible, out of any money that I may die possessed of or may first come into the hands of my executor.

Secondly. I direct that my Executor sell all my estate both real and personal, as soon after my death, and as such time as he may designate.

Thirdly. After my just debts and all necessary expenses are paid, I give and bequeath the residue of my estate to be equally divided amongst the five persons herein after named, (To wit) my Daughters, Averilla Jones, Elvira Gray, Elizabeth Thomas and Sophrona Orange and my grandson Irving Jones, son of Levi Jones.

Lastly. I do hereby nominate and appoint Exum Whitley my Executor to this my last will and Testament. I n Witness whereof I do to this my Will, set my hand and seal this 23^rd March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty.

(his

Benjamin X Jones (Seal)

mark)

signed, sealed and published in our presence, and we have subscribed our name hereto in the presence of the Testator, the date above written.

John Gordon

John A. Farmer

(his

William X Ashly

mark)

Josiah Harper Will – 1840

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

I Josiah Harper of Smith County and State of Tennessee do make and publish this my last will and testament heare by revokeing and making void all other wills by me at any time heare to fore made

First I decreet that my body be decently entered in a manner suitable to my condition in Life and as to such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to in trust tome with I disposeof the same as follows first I dereet _____ that all my debts and Funeral expences be paid as soon after my decase as possible out of any moneys that I may die ______ of or may first come in to the hands of my Executor from any portion of my Estate real or personal

Secondly it is my wish that my beloved wife Sally Harper be deacently supported out of the rent of my Farm during her natural life and also any ___Sire Stock that I may give her

3^rd I give to my wife one cow and calf the cow is known by the name of white face also one bed and furniture I ____ also give to my wife one Roan mare all the above described property at the death of my wife to go back to my children to be equally deeded amongst them

4^th it is my will and wish that all the balance of my property both personal and real be sold on a twelve month credit to the Highest Bidder and then divided Equally amongst all my children to wit John Harper, Sally Blue, Josiah Harper Junior Thomas Harper Rachel McGuffee, Robert Harper Rebecca Smith Benjamin Harper It is expressly understood ___________my farm is to be sold as the balance of my property at the death of my wife

I also give to my son Josiah Harper Junior twenty five dollars more than any of the Rest of my children as I consider I owe him that amount I do hearby make ordain and appoint my Sons John Harper and Benjamin Harper executors of this my last will and testament

In witness whereof I Josiah Harper senior the __ Testator have to this my will written on one sheet of paper set my hand and seal this 9^th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty seven

Signed sealed and published in the presence of the testator and of each other

Josiah Harper (Seal)

Attest

James McDonnald

(her

Lucy x Meyerson

mark)

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Smith County Tax Districts - 1835

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Benjamin Jones Will –1840 W/Orange & Gordon

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

I Benjamin Jones of Smith County and State of Tennessee, do make and publish this as my last will and testament, hereby revoking and making void all other wills by me at any time made.

First. I direct that my funeral expenses and all my debts be paid as soon after my death as possible, out of any money that I may die possessed of or may first come into the hands of my executor.

Secondly. I direct that my Executor sell all my estate both real and personal, as soon after my death, and as such time as he may designate.

(his

Benjamin X Jones (Seal)

mark)

signed, sealed and published in our presence, and we have subscribed our name hereto in the presence of the Testator, the date above written.

John Gordon

John A. Farmer

(his

William X Ashly

mark)

**************************************************************************************************************************** Josiah Harper Will – 1840

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

I Josiah Harper of Smith County and State of Tennessee do make and publish this my last will and testament heare by revokeing and making void all other wills by me at any time heare to fore made

First I decree that my body be decently entered in a manner suitable to my condition in Life and as to such worldly Estate as it hath pleased God to in trust tome with I dispose of the same as follows first I dereet _____ that all my debts and Funeral expences be paid as soon after my decease as possible out of any moneys that I may die ______ of or may first come in to the hands of my Executor from any portion of my Estate real or personal

Secondly it is my wish that my beloved wife Sally Harper be decently supported out of the rent of my Farm during her natural life and also any ___Sire Stock that I may give her

Signed sealed and published in the presence of the testator and of each other

Josiah Harper (Seal)

Attest

James McDonnald

(her

Lucy x Meyerson

mark)

F. H. Gordon Sale to Wyatt Jenkins- 1848

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Rev | This Indenture made and concluded this 30^th day of December 1848 Stamps | Witneseth that for and in consideration of five hundred & forty six dollars and 75 cents to me paid the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged J David Palmer trustee of F H Gordon have bargained and sold to Wyatt B Jenkins a tract of land in Smith County & District No 17 and bounded as follows (vis) beginning on a beech tree the northeast corner of a tract of Gregory Moore thence east ninety six poles to a stake thence north with the west boundary of William D. Haly tract one hundred & twenty eight poles to a stake G. F. Carpenters southwest corner thence west with said Carpenters south boundary seventy two poles to a stake in a branch __________ thence up said branch South 29 degrees east 6 poles (22) to a beech thence south 22 degrees west 36 poles to a (45) stake thence south 87 poles to the beginning containing in all Seventy two acres & 26 poles to have and to hold the condition of the foregoing contract is the following the said Jenkins has given me three notes of hand for one hundred & eighty two dollars & 31 1/3 cents each payable the first day of March 1849 the first of March 1850 & the first of March 1851 respectively now if the said notes shall be duly paid as they specify therein when their whole amount shall be paid I bind myself to make said Jenkins a deed to said land conveying all the rights and interest to it as vested in me as trustee of said Gordon

Test Jorden Filzen David Palmer (Seal)

George F Carpenter

and when the above note shall all be paid I the said Gordon and bind myself & my heirs to make for said Jenkins& his heirs

Test Jorden Kolger F. H. Gordon (Seal)

George F Carpenter

the written described note of hand for five hundred & forty six dollars and ninety four cents having been paid I the within named Francis H. Gordon do here by convey & confirm the described land to Wiatt B. Jenkins & his heirs & I do bind myself & my heirs to warrant & defend the title of said land to said Wiatt & his heirs forever against all other claims October 23^rd 1865

F. H. Gordon ( Seal)

Witness Gregory Moore

W. S. Neal

State of Tennessee Smith County personally appeared before me E W Turner Clerk of the County Court of Smith County aforesaid Gregory Moore and W S Neal subscribing witness to the anset deed who being first sworn disposed and said that they are acquainted with F. H. Gordon the bargainer and that he acknowledged the same in their presence to be his act and deed upon the day it being date witness my hand at office this 4^th day of November 1865 E W Turner Clerk

Recd at 11 oclock AM

November 15^th 1865 Jas P. McGee Reg

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(Note: The following was obtained from the library in Carthage, Smith County, Tennessee in 1999 by Vernon H. Drewa, a descendent of John Gordon.)

John Harrison Gordon – 1852

John Harrison Gordon, a prominent merchant of Stonewall, was born in 1852, one mile north of Gordonsville, in Smith County. He is one of six living children of a family of ten born to Matthew A. L. and Lucy Lee (Ward) Gordon. Both parents were natives of Smith County. The father was a Scotch-Irish descent, born in 1828. He was a prosperous farmer. The principal portion of his life was spent tilling the soil. In 1853 Matthew took his family to Mississippi, where he had purchased a farm in Leake County. He remained there until the close of the war, when he returned to Tennessee and bought a tract of land, a portion of his grandfather’s estate, where he died in 1876. The mother was born in 1830, and departed this life in 1879. The subject of our sketch received his education in Joaquin Valley. At the expiration of that time he returned to his father’s place and carried on the same business. In 1878 he and his uncle, F. M. Ward, bought the mercantile stock of Perkins, Durham & Co. The firm of Gordon and Ward continued about three years, when J. A. Ward, a son, bought Mr. Gordon’s interest in the concern. During the following year he traded extensively, and made a prospecting tour to Arkansas. After his return he purchased some stock and F. M. Ward’s farm, which included the ferry and blacksmith shop. He also handles a great deal of tobacco, and with more success than the majority of traders. He is an enterprising, genial and well respected young business man, who by shrewdness and judicious management has accumulated considerable means, all since his return from California and by his own efforts. He is a member of the Methodist Church and a Democrat; gave his first presidential vote for Samuel J. Tilden in 1876. In 1880 he wedded Julia Hatten, daughter of Squire Henry and Araminta Perkins. Mrs. Gordon was born about one mile north of Stonewall in 1862. Four children were born to this union, two of whom are living: Elzie Lee and Herschel P. Henry A., the second child, was born April 3, 1882; died May 2, same year. An infant, now deceased, was the last born. Mrs. Gordon is an estimable lady and consistent member of the Missionary Baptist Church.

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A copy of John Gordon’s original (following the transcribed copy) will was made by Vernon Drewa, however the following transcribed version was provided by Roy Ingersoll of Watsonville, California, July 2001.

John Gordon from H W Hart - 1856

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

I Henry W Hart have this day bargained and sold & do hereby transfer and convey to John Gordon his heirs and assigns forever for the consideration of two thousand three hundred & fifty dollars to me paid the following described tract of Land in the State of Tennessee Smith County Beginning __________ _________ ash corner on the head of the dry branch thence South 75 degrees East 20 poles to a black walnut thence South fifty six poles to a stake thence East twenty eight poles to a ham beans thence South 2 poles to a stake thence East 29 poles to a beech Nichols corner thence South 82 East 50 poles to a stake South 87 East 29 poles to a beech stump another of Nichols corner thence South 27 East 46 poles to a small beech thence South 38 Eat 20 Poles to 2 small beeches on the highest point of the ridge thence South 46 East 28 poles to a stake thence South 26 East 32 poles to a dogwood at a point where the ridge turns West thence in a Westerly direction on the extreme height of said ridge with its meanders 169 poles to a stake in the gap of the ridge with two sugartrees & hickory _____ thence nearly _______

Down a steep hollow to a sugartree corner of the land sold by H. B. McDonald to said H. W. Hart thence a new marker line to four ___________ a corner thence in a western direction 55 poles to a stake in Trousdales line thence North with said line 53 poles to his North East corner thence West with his line to Baileys corner thence with the line of said tract conveyed to said Bailey to John Gordon to the beginning including & excluding the lot; heretofore conveyed to John Bachman to the Trustees of a church now standing on said Lott supposed to contain two hundred and eighty three acres be the same more or less to have & to hold to the said John Gordon his heirs & assign forever I hereby covenant and bind myself my heirs and personal representatives to the said John Gordon that I am _______ seized of said land have a good right to convey to _______ that the same is unimcumbered I further bind myself my heirs & personal representatives to warrant & defend the title of said land and every part thereof to said John Gordon his heirs and assigns against lawful claims of all persons whatever this 7^th of M______ 1856

H W Hart (Seal)

Attest

John W Bowen

M B McDonald

Tennessee |

Smith County | Personally appeared before me David C Sanders Clerks of the Smith County Court Henry W Hart with whom I am personally acquainted & who acknowledged that he executed the forgoing deed for the purposes therein contained

Witness my hand at office the 7^th July 1856

D. C Sanders Clk

Recd July 6^th 1856 at 9 AM

J. C. Sanders Reg

(Note: Two Sanders brothers held office during this time frame. /s/ Vernon Drewa

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Gordon from Trousdale - 1857

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Know all men by these present that I William Trousdale of the County of Smith & Sate of Tennessee have bargained & sold & by these present bargain sell convey & confirm unto John Gordon of the County & State aforesaid for the consideration of one thousand dollars to be in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged a certain tract or parcel of Land lying & being in the said County of Smith in the Tenth Civil District are the East side of Cany fork contain one hundred & twenty five acres to be the same more or less & bounded as follows Beginning on a sugar tree the South East corner of John Trousdales old tract of 640 acres tuning west sixty four poles to an Elam M Nichols South East corner thence North West said Nichols line one hundred & fifty Eight poles to an Ash then West Eighty Eight poles to a white oak then North fifty one degrees west twenty seven poles with said Nichols line to a sweet gum & white oak thence North twenty five degrees East thirty six poles to a white oak thence East one hundred & sixty three poles to an ash on he west boundary of said John Trousdale tact then South two hundred Eighteen poles to the beginning To have & to hold ___ tract of Land & bargained premises to the said John Gordon his heirs& assigns forever & the said William W Trousdale do Warrant & forever defend the title of said Land against the Lawful claim of all & every person whatever In testimony whereof the said William W Trousdale hath herewith set his hand & affixed his seal this fourth day of April one thousand eight hundred & fifty seven

William W. Trousdale (Seal)

Test: W W Baily

John W Bowen

Tennessee |

Smith County | Personally appeared before me David C. Sanders Clerk of the County Court of Smith County William W Trousdale with whom I am personally acquainted & who acknowledged that the Execution the within deed for the purposes therein contained

D C Sanders Clk

Recd April 6, 1857 at 11AM

J C Sanders, Reg

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John Gordon Will - 1859

I John Gordon of Smith County in the State of Tennessee being of good health and Sound mind do make and publish this my last will and testament.

First, I direct that my Burial expenses and all my Debts be paid as soon after my death as possible out of any monies that may come into the hands of my Executor.

Secondly, I give and bequeath to my Son George W Gordon all the Tract of land where

Whereon I now live lying North of the road leading from Trousdale ferry to Nashville to East of John Wards land reserving to my Wife Alice Gordon a life estate.

Thirdly, I give and bequeath to my two grand Children John R Bowen and Mary Bowen all my land lying south of said road reserving to their mother Francis L Bowen a life estate in same.

Fourthly, All the money I have on hand at my death I give and bequeath to my wife together with as much of my personal property of any Discription as she may choose to select for her own purpose use and benefit.

Fifthly, My will and desire is that the residue of my estate be distributed in the following manner ( To Wit ) My son Francis H Gordon shall have one share, my son George W Gordon shall have one share my son William M Gordon shall have one share my son Willie B Gordon’s two Daughters Jointly shall have one share my son John H Gordon’s four children Jointly shall have one share my Daughter Nancy’s children Jointly shall have one share all of which shares shall be equal ( near theirs ) any monies or other articles which has been received Or standing charged on my Books or any notes or receipts for payment made for any of them or any of their parents share be taken and considered as so much of their share as above stated respectfuly. And my son James G Gordon shall be allowed for his share the amount as charged against him on my Books and no more. As the Balance on my Books with facilities he has already received will be equal to any of the shares of my other Legaties.

Sixthly, If any diffrence of opinion shall arise as to the meaning of any of this foregoing writing the same shall be submitted to my Honorable friend Abraham Caruthers and William B Campbell or either of them whose opinion shall be taken as the true consideration of the same and Lastly, I do herby appoint my son Francis H Gordon my whole and sole Executor to this my last will and testament and no security shall be required of him for the due execution of the same.

Witness my hand and seal this day of May 1849

Signed sealed and published in our presence and we hereto subscribed our names in the presence of the Testator this 15^th Nov 1849

Witness

Samuel M Fite

R. D Allison

Codicil to J Gordons will

I John Gordon having heretofore made and published my last will and testament Do make and Declare this as a codicil there “To Wit”

I Execute my note to James G Gordon for a sum some where about fifteen Thousand Dollars Due the first of January next and more mature consideration and examination I am convinced said note was given without a valid consideration. Therefore instruct and direct my Executor not to pay said note until a full and fair statement be made of all the monies which should have Been applied to the payment of our debts. How much for furnishing his house with rich furniture. How much in traveling with wife and servants as far as Philadelphia & New York in the year 1835. How much going to Kentucky & returning home every year with Family and servants. How many servants has been kept about the house that should have been in the farm and what their value would have been in the farm. How much was paid for Grand Gulf Bank Stock. How much was taken in his wifes name. How much has been expended annually for the Support and fine Dressing his family & house Servants and for Refurnishing his house. How much he paid B R Owen out of the firm for an Individual debit of his own. If all the above expenditures have been paid to the debt of the firm what amount of interest might have been earned.

Lastly, It is my desire that this codicil be attached to and constitute apart of my will to all intent and purpose. This 15^th day of Nov 1849 signed Seal and published in our presence The date above Written

John Gordon (Seal)

Witness

Samuel M Fite

R D Allison

Codicil to J Gordons Will

I John Gordon heretofore make and publish my last will and Testament Do make and declare this as a codicil Thereto ( To Wit ) in the will I gave and bequeathed to my son George W Gordon all the Land I have around Lying North of said Lebanon road and East of John Wards Land including the house and plantation on where on I now live. Since making and publishing Said will he has departed this life and I have acquired more land South of Said Road and Said Road is now changed to Turnpike Road, Therefore I now give and bequeath ALL THE LANDS I now own Lying North of Said Turnpike Road and East of the Carthage Road to my Grandson John Randal Bowen and all the lands I now own Lying South of Said road and West of the Carthage road I now give and bequeath to my Grand Daughter Mary and Millie Bowen. But it is my express will and desire that my said Daughter Fanny L. Bowen posses and enjoy the use and benefit of all the land above bequeathed to my three Grand children so long as she may live. I also give and bequeath to my three Grand children above named all my stocks in the Lebanon and Trousdale Ferry Turnpike road so that the same Shall not be sold or transferred so long as any one of more of them shall die then and in that case she said Stock belong to the Survivors or Survivor as the case may be, so the last liver of the issue shall inherit the whole stock.

It is my will and express direction to Francis H Gordon may not make any Distribution of my Estate amongst my heirs and representatives until all claims or demands against my Estate is Distributed each one shall be accountable for all that has been received as well by them and by their parents in their lifetime and all accounts on my Book against of them be charged accordingly. It is also my will and Instruction that my son Francis H Gordon shall not be required to account for any money he has received from me since the year 1851, and it is my Desire that this Codicil be attached to and constitute a part of my will to all interest and purposes.

Witness my hand and seal this 16 January 1854

John Gordon (Seal)

Witness present

J B Smith

E A Wright

P Gold

Tennessee County Court May Term 1860

Smith County/ this the last will and Testament of John Gordon, Deest was produced in open court for probate and was duly proven in open court for probate and was Duly proven in open court by the oath of Samuel M Fite and R D Allison subscribing witness thereto also, also amend Codicil to produce in open court for probate at the same time and the first one was duly proven in open court by the oath of said Samuel M Fite and R D Allison and the other was duly produced in open court by oath of J B Smith E A Wright and P Gold subscribing witness that when on motion said last Will and Testament & codicil moved to be filed and recorded

Attest DC Sander (Seal)

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The following is a declaration given by Sarah A.Bilbo daughter of William M.and Elizabeth Harper Gordon.Sarah A Bilbo was the wife of John Bilbo deceased of Leake Co. Mississippi. Date of declaration October 31,1861.

The within declaration the

4 Nov.1861

therein witness my hand at office the Rec. 4^th Nov.1861 11 AM DC Sanders clk

Reg.15 Nov.1861 SB Sanders (?)

I Sarah A. Bilbo this day hereby give grant and convey to my two minor children Josephine F. Bilbo and Nancy J. Bilbo in consideration of the love and affection I leave to them to take effect and become absolute at my death my entire share and inheritance to me by law as by ______ in the state of my grandfather John Gordon deced. Late of Smith County, Tennessee where the land, slaves and chattel property in other words whether real, personal or mixed. This gift and conveyance are intended to embrace only the principal of my said share and interest in said Estate remaining to myself. The interest on the funds ,rents of land and heirs of slaves if any during my natural life and at my death ,said principal to belong equally to my said two children or to the succession of them and if I should survive both of them, then this deed to his land and in that event the property and effects hereby given, granted and conveyed to______ to me. This deed is no wise to interfere with the legitimate steps taken in court or out of court in settling up said estate by dividing the property of the same as __________the land and slaves into money in order to a distribution_______________ to interfere with payment of any just debt which I at the present time owe and my _____ to be paid out of said share and legacy. I declare my object to be in this instrument to give my said children Josephine F. and Nancy J. Bilbo the principal of my said share and legacy to my_______ and using at my discretion whatever property in the way of interest as the money next of land ,heir of slaves maybe realized during my life and I here by appoint Abel H. Bilbo the uncle of my said children trustee to receive from my agent and attorney or from the executor and representative of my grandfathers estate and take charge of my said share and legacy and to leave out the funds next the land and heir out the slaves if any during my life time to my use and according to my directions the interest, rents and heirs arising there from and nothing more .This appointment of Mr. Bilbo is being made upon condition to execute bond and security to be appointed of by the County Court of Smith Tennessee or the County Court of Leake County State of Mississippi or the County Court of any County in Tennessee or Mississippi .In which county at the time of the bond my said children may be residing and if said Bilbo should fail or decline executing said Bond and Trust, this on hand then the County Court of Smith Tennessee or Leake County Mississippi or some other County Court of Tennessee or Mississippi in which or was which for the time my said children may be residing is authorized and requested to appoint a trustee in the name of said Bilbo with the duties, power and privileges there created by this instrument by said trustee is to act as guardian as well as trustee for my said children so far as property and funds hereby given or_________ before signed, given under my hand and seal Oct.31,1861

Sarah A.Bilbo

Tennessee }

Smith County } Personally appeared before me David C. Sanders Clerk of Smith

County Court. Sarah A. Bilbo the foregoing ________with whom

I am personally aquainted and……………..

This copy is from microfilm found at the Smith County Library , in Carthage, TN., by Vernon Drewa, Jr.

Sarah Bilbo Will – 1861

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

I Sarah A. Bilbo this day hereby give grant and convey to my two minor children Josephene G. Bilbo and Nancy J. Bilbo in consideration of the love and affection ___________ I have to them to take effect and become absolute at my death my entire Share and interest coming to me by law or by _______________ in the state of my grandfather John Gordon decd late of Smith Court Tennessee where the land _________ as chattel property in other words whether real personal or mixed this gift and conveyance are intended to embrace only the principle of my said share and interest in said estate reserving to myself the interest on the funds of land and heir of slaves if any during my natural life and at my death said principal to belong equally to my said two children or to belong to the ________________________ of them and if I should survive both of them then this deed to land ______________ and in that event the property and effects hereby given granted and conveyed to revert to me this deed is no wise to interfere with the legitimate steps taken in Court in settling up said estate by ________________________ the property of the same as converting the land and slaves as in to money in order to a distribution nor is it to interfere with payment of any just debt which I at the present time owe and my direct to be paid out of said shares and legacy I declare my object to be in this instrument to give my said children Josephine G & Nancy J Bilbo the principal of my said share and legacy to enjoying and using at my discrection whatever profits in the way of interest on the money ____________________ of land heir of slaves may be realized during my life and I hereby appoint Abel H. Bilbo the uncle of my said children trustee to receive from my agent and attorney or from the executor and representative of my grandfathers estate and take charge of my said share and legacy and to loan out the funds rent the land and Lier out the slaves if any during my lifetime applying to my use and according to my directions the interest rent and lien arising there from and nothing move this appointment of Mr. Bilbo is trustee ______________ upon condition to execute bond and security to be appointed of by the County Court of Smith Tennessee or the County Court of Leake County State of Mississippi or the County Court of any County in Tennessee or Mississippi which county at the time of officing the Bond. my said children may be residing and if the said Bilbo should fail or decline executing said bond and trust this on hand then the County Court of Smith Tennessee or Leake County Mississippi or some other County Court of Tennessee or Mississippi in which or ________________ which for the time my said children may be residing is authorized and requested to appoint a trustee in the name of said Bilbo with the duties powers and privileges then created by this instrument my said trustee is to act as guardian as well as trustee for my said children so far as the property and funds hereby given or consent intended before signed

Given under my hand and seal Oct 31^st 1861

Sarah A. Bilbo ( Seal )

Tennessee |

Smith County | Personally appeared before me David C Sanders clerk of Smith County Court Sarah A. Bilbo the foregoing bargainor with whom I am personally acquainted & who acknowledged that she executed the foregoing deed for the purposes therein contained witness my hand at office the 31^st October 1861

D. C. Sanders Clk

S. R. Samons Reg

Recd 15^th Nov 1861 at 11 AM

Reg 22 Nov 1861

The following is a declaration given by Sarah A. Bilbo daughter of William M. and Elizabeth Harper Gordon. Sarah A Bilbo was the wife of John Bilbo deceased of Leake Co., Mississippi. Date of declaration, October 31,1861.

The within declaration the ________ therein __________ witness my hand at office the

4 Nov.1861.

Rec. 4^th Nov.1861 11 AM DC Sanders clk

Reg.15 Nov.1861 SB Sanders (?)

I Sarah A. Bilbo this day hereby give grant and convey to my two minor children Josephine F. Bilbo and Nancy J. Bilbo in consideration of the love and affection, I leave to them to take effect and become absolute at my death my entire share and inheritance to me by law as by ______ in the state of my grandfather John Gordon deced. Late of Smith County, Tennessee where the land, slaves and chattel property in other words whether real, personal or mixed. This gift and conveyance are intended to embrace only the principal of my said share and interest in said Estate remaining to myself. The interest on the funds, rents of land and heirs of slaves if any during my natural life and at my death ,said principal to belong equally to my said two children or to the succession of them and if I should survive both of them, then this deed to his land and in that event the property and effects hereby given, granted and conveyed to me. This deed is no wise to interfere with the legitimate steps taken in court or out of court in settling up said estate by dividing the property of the same as the land and slaves into money in order to a distribution ____ to interfere with payment of any just debt which I at the present time owe and my ______ to be paid out of said share and legacy. I declare my object to be in this instrument to give my said children Josephine F. and Nancy J. Bilbo the principal of my said share and legacy to my______ and using at my discretion whatever property in the way of interest as the money next of land ,heir of slaves maybe realized during my life and I here by appoint Abel H. Bilbo the uncle of my said children trustee to receive from my agent and attorney or from the executor and representative of my grandfathers estate and take charge of my said share and legacy and to leave out the funds next the land and heir out the slaves if any during my life time

________ to my use and according to my directions the interest, rents and heirs arising there from and nothing more .This appointment of Mr. Bilbo is being made upon condition to execute bond and security to be appointed of by the County Court of Smith Tennessee or the County Court of Leake County State of Mississippi or the County Court of any County in Tennessee or Mississippi .In which county at the time of

__________the bond my said children may be residing and if said Bilbo should fail or decline executing said Bond and Trust, this on hand then the County Court of Smith Tennessee or Leake County Mississippi or some other County Court of Tennessee or Mississippi in which or was which for the time my said children may be residing is authorized and requested to appoint a trustee in the name of said Bilbo with the duties, power and priveliges there created by this instrument by said trustee is to act as guardian as well as trustee for my said children so far as property and funds hereby given or before signed, given under my hand and seal Oct.31,1861

Sarah A. Bilbo

(Smith County, Tennessee }

Personally appeared before me

David C. Sanders Clerk of Smith County Court.

Sarah A. Bilbo the foregoing with whom I am personally aquainted and……………..

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This copy is from microfilm found at the Smith County Library , Carthage, TN., by Vernon Drewa, Jr. John H. Gordon - 1852

John Harrison Gordon, a prominent merchant of Stonewall, was born in 1852, one mile north of Gordonsville, in Smith County, He is one of six living children of a family of ten born to Matthew A. L. and Lucy Lee (Ward) Gordon. Both parents were natives of Smith County. The father was of Scotch-Irish descent, born in 1828. He was a prosperous farmer. The principal portion of his life was spent tilling the soil. In 1853 Matthew took his family to Mississippi, where he had purchased a farm in Leake County. He remained there until the close of the was, when he returned to Tennessee and bought a tract of land, a portion of his grandfather's estate, where he died in 1876. The mother was born in 1830, and departed this life in 1879. The subject of our sketch received his education in the common schools of his native county, remaining with his parents until his majority, when he went to California. For two and a half years he engaged in farming and trading in the San Joaquin Valley. At the expiration of that time he returned to his father's place and carried on the same business. In 1878 he and his uncle, F. M. Ward, bought the mercantile stock of Perkins, Durham & Co. the firm of Ward & Gordon continued about three years, when J. A. Ward, a son, bought Mr. Gordon's interest in the concern. During the following year he traded extensively, and made a prospecting tour to Arkansas. After his return he purchased some stock and F. M. Ward's farm, which included the ferry and blacksmith shop. He also handles a great deal of tobacco, and with more success than the majority of traders. He is an enterprising, genial and well respected young business man, who by shrewdness and judicious management has accumulated considerable means, all since his return from California and by his own efforts. He is a member of the Methodist Church and a Democrat; gave his first presidential vote for Samuel J. Tilden in 1876. In 1880 he wedded Julia Hatten, daughter of Squire Henry and Araminta Perkins. Mrs Gordon was born about one mile north of Stonewall in 1862. Four children were born to this union, two of whom are living: Elzie Lee and Herschel P. Henry A., the second child, was born April 3, 1882; died May 2, same year. An infant, now deceased, was the last born. Mrs. Gordon is an estimable lady and consistent member of the Missionary Baptist Church.

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The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were provide by Roy Ingersol of Watsonville, California in August 2001.

Alice Gordon Will - 1864

In the name God Amen

I Alice Gordon being of Sound mind and disposing memory do herby make and publish this my last will and testament in the words and figures following to wit.

Item 1^st I will and bequeath to my son Francis H. Gordon and my daughter Nancy Moores the following named Negroes with their increase to be equally divided between them (vis) Phelis, Edwin, Elija, Rhoda, Malvina & her child, Ann & her child, Jane, Autumott, Laura, Alfred, William, George, Ben, Willson, Park, Austin, Gilbert, Martimer, Alfred Lewis & ______ _______ Gulina, Matilda, Hannah & Linda in the division of said Negroes between my said son Francis H. & Daughter Nancy, my desire is that respect shall be had to the relations of Husband, wife & parent & child wasting amongst Said Negroes & my will further is that that portion of said Negroes going to my daughter Nancy upon the division aforesaid shall be hers during her natural life, ant at her death said Negroes as set apart to her together with the increase of said Negroes shall go to the children my said daughter Nancy Moores and their heirs forever Should go to the children of my said Daughter Nancy Moores & their heirs for ever & those set apart in division to my son Francis H. Gordon to his & his heirs for ever.

Item 2^nd I will and bequeath to my Son Francis H Gordon & to my Daughter Nancy Moores to be equally divided between them all the money I may have on hand at my death after paying all my just debts together with all the notes and accounts that I have a right to out of my late husband estate amounting at this time to be about forty four thousand dollars and also the notes and accounts that may be due to me individually at my death to be theirs & their heirs for ever.

Item 3^rd I will and bequeath to my Daughter Frances Bowen all of my household & kitchen Furniture to be hers & her heirs forever.

Item 4^th I hereby appoint my son Francis H. Gordon Executor to this my last will & testament & authorize him to execute the same without giving Security for the faithful performance of said duty.

In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 22^nd of August 1860.

Witnessed in the presence of the testatrix

Cyrus Wm McClain Alice Gordon (Seal)

P Gold

Thomas Gualtney

This 5^th December 1864

State of Tennessee | County Court Feb Term 1865

Smith County

Decet. Produced in open court for probate and was duly proved in open court by the oath of P. Gold & Thoas Gualtney Subscribing witnesses there to this said witness being first sworn deposed Stated that they were aquainted with the handwriting Wm McClain the other subscribing witness who is now dead and that the Signature purporting to be this is genuine where as motion said will is ordered to be filed & recorded.

Atest. E. W Turner

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Gordon Estate Contested by Mary Allen-1866

The original deed as copied from the Smith County, Tennessee Court House. The copy, and transcriptions were done by, Gail and Vernon H. Drewa in August 2001.

Rev. Stamps

50 Cts.

Know all men by these present, that I Mary A. Allen of the County of Logan and State of Kentucky have this day nominated constituted and appoint George H. Orange of the County of Butler and State aforesaid my true and lawful attorney in fact my said attorney is hereby fully authorized and impowered by me to ask give receive and recover from F. H. Gordon Executor of John Gordon deceased late of Smith County and State of Tennessee any and all sums of money now due me or which may be here after due me from the estate of John Gordon Decd in the hands of the said F. H. Gordon or any other person or persons my said attorney is hereby fully authorized by me to sign my name and seal to any bond or bonds receipt or receipts necessary effect said object all of which acts my said Attorney Shall do Shall be as binding on me, my heirs & and as if personally done and performed by me hereby satisfying and confirming the same

Witness my hand and Seal this 10^th day of February 1866.

( her

Mary X A. Allen (Seal)

mark)

Test