|
he Courthouse Square
From: Clarksville Tobacco Leaf
1 COURT SALE
September 27, 1877--Pursuant to decree in this cause, rendered at the July term 1877 of the Montgomery Chancery Court, I will sell publicly to the highest bidder at the Courthouse door in Clarksville on Saturday, Sept. 29, 1877, all that part of the Jackson, McKiernon & Co.'s lands in Civil District 18 of Montgomery County which were previously sold to Sechler, McCollough & Co., known as the Mt. Vernon Furnace with 4,700 acres of land attached.
This furnace is in good running order, with an abundance of first-class ore, convenient, three miles from the landing on Cumberland River and 2 1/2 miles from the switch on the railroad. Purchaser will have right-of-way to the river and the use of the landing; also right-of-way to the railroad and the right to iron ore from two lots of the lands not sold, from the lands known as the Hezekiah Davis and John P. Vaughan tracts; also, the right-of-way owned by Jackson, McKiernon & Co. through the lands of N.H. Allen, Polk K. Johnson, and C.& M._____.
From: Supreme Court Records 1869
2 HARRISON vs. WISDOM et al.
A.B. Harrison vs. B.H. Wisdom, Bryce Stewart, B.F. McKraye and Sarah A. Williams, administrix of Joseph F. Williams, deceased.
You are commanded to summon Cave Johnson, B.H. Wisdom, B.W. McCrae, administer of T.W. Wisdom, deceased, Bryce Stewart, B.F. McKeaye and Sarah A. Williams, administrix of J.P. Williams, deceased. McCrae, administrator, pleads that he has resigned as administrator of T.W. Wisdom and that J.H. Johnson is now administrator. A meeting of citizens was called at the Mayor's office in Clarksville, Tennessee on the 17th of February 1862, the day after the fall of Fort Donelson to take measures in reference to the whiskey in town. A witness saw A.B. Harrison, the plaintiff, on the street in front of the Mayor's office, who asked the witness what the meeting was about. The witness told him it was to take measures about pouring out the whiskey in town. Plaintiff was on his horse at the time.
From: Supreme Court Records 1866
3 WEST vs. NOLEN et al.
Bill of Complaint of Isaac D. West against James Nolen, Christopher Dudley of Kentucky, W.B. Russell, David Grant, administrator of Samuel Deaver, E. Adkins, H.C. Rye, B.B. Spicer of Humphreys County, John Stacker, W.L. Dunbar of Stewart County, Joshua Cobb and D.N. Kennedy, George T. Lewis, John Minor and Charles Minor, D. Weaver and Samuel Watson, a citizen of Nashville, George C. Allen, a citizen of Nashville, John Porterfield, a citizen of Nashville, Defendants, humbly complaining, your Orator would respectfully represent and show to your Honor that before and at the beginning of the war, he (Isaac D. West) was the owner in his right of 50-60 Negroes and about 13,000 acres of land, and upon this land there was and is a large iron furnace for smelting iron ore and a flouring mill, grist mill, saw mill, shingle machine, storehouses, there are also six farm and dwelling houses....
From: Supreme Court Records 1874
4 MICKLE vs. BROWN and O'NEAL
R.A. Mickle, M.C. Mickle, G.W. Clanton and wife, S.A. Clanton, Thomas Cooper and wife, A.M.P. Cooper, all of the County of Graves, State of Kentucky, J.G. Mickle of the city of Little Rock, State of Arkansas, A.B. Mickle of the State of Texas, and Mrs. L.E. Mickle of the County of Montgomery, State of Tennessee, against Albert G. Brown and Peter O'Neal of the County of Montgomery, State of Tennessee, represent to your Honor that they are the legatees of Jonathan C. Mickle who died in the County of Montgomery on or about August ___1859, having duly made and published his Last Will and Testament....
From: The Nashville American
5 SHARECROPPING REGULATIONS
December 22,1870---A large number of farmers met at the Courthouse in Clarksville for the purpose of uniting upon some plan to reform the labor system. The following regulations offered by Capt. Elliott were adopted: That the system of sharecropping is ruinous to both the laborer and the employer, and that it is detrimental to the public welfare and contrary to the interests of the farmer. A committee to draw up a petition was drafted by J.B. Killebrew, G.T. Abernathy, Willie B. Bryan, Capt. Elliott, Capt. Rawls, W.B. Marshall, W.S. Mallory, T.W. King and J.M. Quarles.
From: Supreme Court records 1870
6 BEAUMONT vs. BEAUMONT et al.
The Bill and Petition of C. W. Beaumont, guardian of Ida Hamilton Beaumont, Georgie C. and Franklin S. Beaumont, infant children of Franklin S. Beaumont, deceased, a citizen of Montgomery County, Tennessee against said Ida Hamilton Beaumont, Georgie C. and Franklin S. Beaumont, residents of said County of Montgomery, defendants. Your petitioner would represent and show to your Honor that he is the brother of the late Franklin S. Beaumont, deceased, who died intestate in the year 1861, leaving as his heirs at law and distributees of his estate, his three children, the said defendants Ida Hamilton Beaumont, aged at this time about 13 years, Georgie C. Beaumont, aged about 10 years and Franklin S. Beaumont, aged about 6 years. A short time after the death of said Franklin S. Beaumont, his wife also died, leaving said infant children to be cared for by their relatives. The said Franklin S. Beaumont left no personal property, at least not more than enough to pay the indebtedness of his estate. Sterling S. Beaumont, the uncle of said children took charge of them upon the death of their mother and has supported them ever since at his own expense and is now sending two of them to school and paying their tuition bills....He would show your Honor that said Franklin S. Beaumont died seized and possessed of the following described real estate in said County, to wit: one lot in Clarksville, Tennessee....
From: Supreme Court Records 1874
7 DANIEL vs. WEILL et al.
A Bill of Complaint of W.M. Daniel, a citizen of Montgomery County versus A. Weill and wife Lizzie Weill, Ida Hamilton Beaumont, Georgia C. Beaumont, Franklin S. Beaumont and C.W. Beaumont, guardian, all citizens of Montgomery County, Complainant shows to your Honor that on the 8th of January 1869, Defendant C.W. Beaumont filed his Bill in the Chancery Court at Clarksville against said I.H., G.C. and F.S. Beaumont, alleging that he was the regularly qualified guardian for the defendants, Ida H., Georgia C. and Frank S. Beaumont, minors under twenty-one years; that said minors were the children and heirs-at-law of F.S. Beaumont, deceased...
From: Supreme Court Records 1821
8 GEORGE NIXON vs. GEORGE WEST and PARRY W. HUMPHREYS
Your Orator, George Nixon of the County of Montgomery and State of Tennessee, humbly complaining represents that some years ago he became acquainted with one George West of the County of Montgomery and State of Tennessee and had dealings with the said George West to a considerable amount and upon a settlement with him, the said George West was found indebted to our Orator in the sum of $5,000 for which your Orator received a promissory note from the said George together with a mortgage on ten Negroes, to wit, a Negro man, Jack Stephen, Ruth, Flora, Fred, a Negro boy, Sam, Charles, Lall, Bobo and Bill and a girl Lavina.
From: Supreme Court Records 1870
9 EDDINGS et al. vs. KENNEDY et al.
The Bill of Complaint of L. Eddings, Ed S. Walton, B.E. Orgain, W.G. Pickering, James R. Drake and Edward L. Williams against D.N. Kennedy, a citizen of Montgomery County, Tennessee; W.C. McClure, a citizen of Memphis, Tennessee; D. Browder, a citizen of the State of Texas; W.C. Smith and wife Fannie V.; E.J. Smith formerly Howard, citizen of Bowling Green, Kentucky; Archie Howard, an infant under twenty-one years of age, a citizen of Kentucky; and E.M. Howard, also an infant under the age of twenty-one years, a citizen of Montgomery County, Tennessee.
From: Supreme Court Records 1868
10 J.T. DARDEN for HENRY HATCHER vs. JANE HATCHER, GRIFFIN ORGAIN and SALLIE
The question in this case arises under the Will of Henry Hatcher, died in which occur the following passages: 4th---I give to Sallie Orgain, my sister, $3,000, the money from the sale of my tract of land to be paid over to her by my executor..... 5th---I give to Mary Susan Hatcher, my niece, a Negro man, now in my possession named John, who is about 26 years old. I also bequeath to Mary Susan Hatcher $800 from the sale of my land. 6th---I give to my niece, Jane Hatcher, $2000 from the sale of my land. The remainder of the money from the sale of my land to be divided equally between my two nieces, Mary Susan Hatcher and Jane Hatcher.
From: Supreme Court Records 1868
11 JOHN R. ELLIOTT vs. LUCY ROSSON et al.
The Bill of Complaint of John R. Elliott, a citizen of Montgomery County, Tennessee and administrator upon the estate of William Rosson, deceased, against Lucy Rosson, widow of said William, and James Rosson, George Rosson, Logan Rosson, John Rosson, Caladonia Rosson, Robert W. Rosson, all citizens of Montgomery County, Tennessee, the last six named children and heirs-at-law of said William and all infants under the age of twenty-one years and against Elisha Luter who lives in the State of Kentucky.
From: Loose papers of Montgomery County Court Archives 1873
12 BOND
We, Tennessee Sanderson, Thomas Ramey, C.W. Wall and H.O. Wyatt are held and firmly bound unto the State of Tennessee in the penal sum of Two Thousand Dollars, witness our hands this day.... The condition of the above obligation is such that Whereas the above bound Tennessee Sanderson has petitioned the County Court and obtained a license to keep a public ferry on Cumberland River at the crossing of Clarksville and Charlotte Road, known as Rook's Ferry. To The Worshipful County Court of Montgomery County Your petitioner, Tennessee Sanderson, a citizen of Montgomery County, represents to your Worshipful body, that she is the owner of a ferry boat and of the land upon which is the ferry landing road on the north side of Cumberland River at the ferry known as Seven Mile or Rukes Ferry--just above the land known as Seven Mile Island. She states she has been keeping said ferry or having it kept for about two years and her husband kept it for a number of years before; But have done so by an arrangement with other parties, who claimed the ferry privileges at the place. Petitioner is advised that being the Legal Owner of one bank of the river upon which is the road from the ferry and the boat landing, she is entitled to ferry privileges at the place, which will be granted upon application to your Worshipful body...
Quarles, Drane & Quarles, Attorneys
W.S. Mallory, Clerk
From: Supreme Court Records 1831
13 SAMUEL WILLIAM & wife POLLY et al. vs. JAMES BOYD et al.
Samuel William, wife, and others, heirs of Richard Myrick vs. James Boyd, Phillip Duke and Patsey Duke, Executors of John Duke, deceased......and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that on the 28th day of February 1801, said James sold to said Richard 750 acres of land in Montgomery County for the sum of $1000... ...the Clerk & Master respectfully reports to the Court that a Bill of ___ was filed on the 12th day of February 1830 stating that James Boyd departed this life in 1828 intestate and no person has administered on his estate, leaving the following children heirs-at-law to wit: John, Thomas, Elisha, Andrew and Robertson Boyd; Jane intermarried with Timothy Anderson; Rebecca intermarried with Charles Miles; Elizabeth intermarried with James Powell. Subpoenas...issued against said heirs on the 13th of September 1830 and have been executed on all said heirs except Elisha and James Boyd, who reside in the States of Missouri and Kentucky and James Powell and wife.
Signed, R. McGavock, Clerk
From: Acts of Tennessee
14 NAME CHANGE
October 28,1817---William Hutcheson of Montgomery County is desirous that he should hereafter be known by the name of William H. Earl. The legislature granted his request.
From: Daily Leaf Chronicle
15 SUING
January 14,1904---Through her attorney, T.F. Martin, suit has been filed in the Circuit Court by Miss Susie Powers of Palmyra against the L&N Railroad. Miss Powers is suing for $1,950 for personal injuries alleged to have been sustained last October while she alighted from a train at the passenger depot in Clarksville.
From: Clarksville Semi-Weekly Tobacco Leaf
16 CLARKSVILLE
November 29,1889--Following are the names of the petit jurors for the term of the criminal court:
W.C. Harrelson
F.A. Carnes
George Leigh
W.C. Smith
J. Trotter
Ross Wilson
G.C. Welker
J.T. Martin
James Kennedy
John Turner
E.G. Dunlavy
Harvey Whitfield
Names of the Grand jurors
Forman, W.D. Taylor
Will Warfield
Acquilia Harris
I.P. Howard
S.P. Knox
J.B. Williams
Robert Wilson
George Armstrong
Robert Watkins
M.F. Haygood
J.E. Randall
William Garrad
William Caudle
From: Supreme Court Records 1816
17 LONG & REESE vs. KITTERELL et al.
Your orators, Anderson Long and Abraham Reese, Sr. humbly complaining show that in the year 1810, they instituted their Bill of Equity in the Muhlenberg Circuit Court against John Fairman, that during the tendency of said suit said Fairman died, having made his Last Will and Testament and thereby devised all his estate to Isaac Kitterell against whom said suit was revived. Your citizens show further that said Isaac Kitterell died before any final decree was entered in said cause, leaving Elizabeth Kitterell his personal representative against whom a final decree was entered in said cause at the September term of said court in the year 1816... Your orators state that there is no property in the State of Kentucky out of which said decree can be satisfied....They state of (Will of John Fairman)...Of Montgomery County and State of Tennessee....being of a low state of health and in good memory...I give to Isaac Kitterell after all my just debts are paid, all my real and personal estate...18th November 1809. ...We, Abraham Reese and Anderson Long of the County of Warren and State of Kentucky...demand, sue for and receive of the heir or heirs of John Fairman, deceased, or his heirs late of the County of Montgomery, State of Tennessee, the full and entire amount of a decree in our favor�
From: Montgomery County, Tennessee Will & Administrations
18 RACHEL HOUSE
Will Book A. Page 19
Rachel House, Guardian Bond
We, Rachel House, Brian Whitfield & Robert Prince
Dollars are bound in the sum of Five thousand to the justices, this 26th day of January 1797. The condition of the obligation is such that Rachel House is appointed guardian to Jackie House, orphan of James House. If she faithfully executes her guardianship by securing and improving all the estate which may come into her hands until the orphan comes of full age, then the obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force.
From: Montgomery County, Tennessee Will & Administrations
19 BRYANT WHITFIELD
Will Book A, Page 11
Power of attorney from Bryant Whitfield to Needham Whitfield. I, Bryant Whitfield of Montgomery County, Tennessee, do appoint my friend Needham Whitfield as my lawful attorney, to convey all my right to the following tracts of land, to wit, two tracts - one lying on Bull run, the other on Tennessee river, containing six hundred and forty acres. Six hundred and forty acres on the south side of Cumberland river, as he sees fit, this 23rd day of April 1798.
From: Montgomery County, Tennessee Wills & Administrations
20 JAMES HOUSE
Will Book A. Page 29
Settlement with administration of the Estate of James House, deceased.
Cash paid a judgment obtained in the court of Montgomery County principal $85.00.
To Sundries found the orphan as appears by vouchers $9.62
Agreeable to an order of court to settle with Joseph B. Neville, we find the accounts to stand.
John Stewart
From: Montgomery County, Tennessee Wills & Administrations
21 PATRICK MURPHY
Will Book A. Page 30
Indenture of Patrick Murphy to Hugh McClure
Patrick Murphy, an orphan of six years old, son of Patrick Murphy, deceased with the consent of George Neville, does bind himself as apprentice to Hugh McClure, Merchant in Clarksville, to dwell with him and serve him until he arrives at the full age of 21, and McClure will teach and instruct him in the trade of a Merchant, and to teach him to read and write. At the expiration of his term, McClure shall give him one full suit of good clothes and one hundred dollars in cash, or a horse & saddle to that value.
From: Montgomery County, Tennessee Will & Administrations
22 SAMUEL TARRANT
Will Book A. Page 14
Sale of the Estate of Samuel Tarrant, deceased
Buyers were:
James Taylor - bell & collar $1.00; trunk $1.10
Barkley William Pollock - one sorrel mare $30.00
James Patton - hoe $1.35
George Neville - hoe & one bed cord $2.31; drawing knife $1.00
Joseph B. Neville - axe & one bell $2.75; pair of chains & traces $3.00
Samuel Earl - tea canister $1.00; one set of plow irons $13.00
Henry Small - one two year old heifer $9.00
John Neville - saddle $6.00; bay horse $40.00
Nancy Tarrant - bed & furniture $3.25; dish, six plates,
two small basins $4.10;
set of horse shoes and one Testament $1.00;
one mare & bell $25.50
Robert Prince - bed & furniture $50.00; six knives & forks,
six tin cups $2.60; pot & hooks, one pair of cards $4.55;
cow & yearling $19.00; one brown horse #30.25
Christopher Owens - dish & six plates $6.75; flat iron $2.50
Ephraim Reese - basin, dish, oven & hooks $9.95; sifter $.05;
one pepper box & nutmeg grater $.30
Cornelius Anderson - six spoons & one basin $2.00
Michael Dillingham - one tin pan, frying pan $3.30;
rifle gun, razor $12.35;
Bible and one cow yearling & bell $24.35; bridle $1.00
From: Montgomery County, Tennessee Will & Administrations
23 JAMES HOUSE
Will Book A. Page 17
Sale of the Estate of James House, deceased
Buyers were:
Rachel House - bed & furniture $21.00; bed & furniture $18.00;
trunk $2.00; bay mare $410.00; axe $1.00; cow & yearling $12.00;
hoe & two tin jacks $.64 �; two table cloths, two towels,
pillow case $.25; churn & butter tub $.16;
hunting saddle & bridle $.25; tub, pegging & can $.75;
pot & Dutch oven $2.00; spider & shotgun $5.50;
piece of sole leather, tow padlocks $1.12 �; smoothing irons $1.00; set of tea, four knives & forks $1.10; dish, five plates, basin $.50;
two chairs, wool hat, raccoon hat $1.27.
Robert Prince - frow & iron wedge $6.80; shotgun,
pair of horse shoes $6.68; one old saddle & bridle $.30
James Taylor - two wagon bridles, side of leather $4.00; one bell & collar $.25
Lawrence House - bay mare with one eye$38.00; pair of saddle bags $2.75;
pair of horse shoes $.30
Caleb Lindsey - roan horse $27.00
William Reasons - sorrel horse & padlock $11.35
Buckner Killebrew - pair of horse shoes, curry comb #1.75;
set of old iron $.30.
Thomas Lainer - pair of horse shoes, currycomb $1.75; set of old iron $.30
Henry Williams - bell & collar $2.50
Bryant Whitfield - two pair hears; wagon & hind gear $75.50
Needham Whitfield - ax & shoemaker tools $4.25
David Bealer - saddle $10.00
Ruben Pollard - log chain $11.00
John Keathley - two hoes #2.60
Henry Small - one plow mold, bottle with Laudanum $2.75
James Patton - handsaw & bell $5.90
Joseph B. Neville - two augers, drawing knife $1.80; bay mare & bell $16.00
Total amount received from sale of the Estate was $299.68
From: Montgomery County, Tennessee Will & Administrations
24 BARKLEY WILLIAM POLLOCK
Will Book A. Page 30
Bill of sale from Barkley William Pollock to Christopher Owens
I, Barkley William Pollock of Montgomery county, Tennessee, have sold to Christopher Owens, one black or brown mare about nine or ten years old with a colt the mare has new suckling. Likewise, another black mare and colt, the mare three years old this last spring, the oldest mare branded T.S. for Thomas Starks of Robertson County, Tennessee, who raised the mare, this 23rd day of October 1798
Test:
M. Phillips
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
25 SEVEN-MILE FERRY
March 16,1907---The Supreme Court delivered opinions in a number of cases this morning among which was the following from Montgomery County.
W.T. RICHARDSON vs. C.B. LYLE
Montgomery County affirmed. The suit involved the ownership of the Seven-Mile Ferry. The county bought the ferry for $3500 and each of the litigants claims the amount as owner of the ferry. Richardson owns the land on one bank and Lyle on the other.
Some years ago, Gholson and Lyle bought the Seven-Mile ferry and later sold it to the county for $3500. The Richardson brothers entered suit against Mr. Lyle and the Chancery Court decided against them. The case was then appealed and today the Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the lower court in Mr. Lyle�s favor.
From: The Clarksville Weekly Chronicle
26 SALEM
January 18,1861---By order of the County Court of Montgomery County, Tennessee made at the January term of 1861, I will, on the 18th February next, sell to the highest bidder at the late residence of Mrs. Jane Ramey in Montgomery County the following Negroes: A Negro woman named Emily with three children very likely---on a credit of 12 months with interest form date with two good securities.
W.E. Newell
From: The Weekly Chronicle
27 COMMISSIONERS SALE OF LAND
C.C. WALL et als vs. WILLIAM WALL et als
In obedience to a decree of the county court of Montgomery County made in the above cause at the January Term, 1876, I will offer for sale to the highest bidder, at the Court House in Clarksville on Saturday January 29,1876 tracts of land situated in District 19 of Montgomery County, Tennessee, one containing 32 1/2 acres, bounded on the Northwest by P.H. Williamson, East by Jesse Jackson, North by C.C. Wall belonging to the estate of Susan Wall, deceased. This tract will be divided into two or more tracts, a plat of which can be seen at this office and will be sold to suit purchasers.
Terms: 1/3 cash, credit of 1 and 2 years. Notes with good security required, bearing interest form date, and a lien retained until all the purchase money is paid.
Peter O�Neal, Clerk & Com�r.
From: Clarksville Semi-Weekly Tobacco Leaf
28 JUDGE CHARLES W. TYLER
March 22,1881---In the House, 10th instant, Mr. Rhodes, of Montgomery, offered a resolution to appoint a committee of three to prepare charges and specification against Judge Charles W. Tyler. It was accompanied by the following memorial:
Clarksville, Tennessee March 16,1881
to the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of Tennessee
The undersigned respectfully represent to your honorable body that Charles W. Tyler, County and Criminal Judge of Montgomery County, is guilty of crimes and misdemeanors which render him wholly unworthy of the office, in this:
(1) Habitual neglect of duty as a public officer
(2) Drunkenness in office
(3) Drunkenness in off ice, materially interfering
with the discharge of his public duties
(4) Misapplication of all the revenue of the county
to purposes not authorized by law
(5) Misappropriation of the county funds
(6) Attempted assassination
We respectively pray your honorable body to take such steps as may satisfy you of the probable truth of the charges to the end that order may be taken for his due impeachment as provided by the Constitution and Laws of the State.
C.W. Beaumont, John S. Neblett, S.F. Beaumont, Henry Frech, John J. West, A. Howell, R. Tompkins, W.H. Crouch, H.C. Merrit, J.J. Crusman, G.H. Wilson, D. Kincannon, Thomas L. Yancy, B.W. Macrae, F.G. Irwin, and R.H. Williams.
On the 17th, Mr. Bagewell read the following letter form Judge Tyler:
Dr. Sir:
On yesterday, as I am informed, Representative Rhodes introduced into the House of which you are a member, a resolution which provides for the appointment of a committee to investigate charges then and there made, with a view to my impeachment. Will you do me the kindness to call up the resolution at your earliest opportunity, and ask that the same be adopted and the committee be appointed charged with the full investigation of said charges. By so doing you will greatly oblige.
Yours Respectfully,
Charles W. Tyler
The rules were then suspended and the resolution was adopted, and the letter of Judge Tyler was ordered to be spread upon the minutes.
The speaker announced the appointment of the following committee: Messrs: Rhodes, Jones, Cochran, Higgins, Cassells, Harrison, and Wilson. Mr. Rhodes asked to be excused from serving upon the committee, which was granted. Mr. Houston was appointed.
They met in Room #3 at noon today and adjourned until Monday.
They will ask the House to grant them the privilege of sending for persons and papers.
March 25,1881---James H. Holly, Sergeant at Arms for the special committee appointed to investigate certain charges against Judge Charles W. Tyler of Montgomery County, returned from Clarksville this morning, accompanied by about 15 witnesses who have been summoned to appear before the committee. The committee will meet in Judge H.H. Harrison�s office on Cedar St. tonight at 7:30 when the examination of witnesses will be proceeded with.
The following is a list of witnesses that has been summoned; H.C. Merritt, R.H. Burney, John S. Neblett, E.C. Campbell, Lewis Munford, R.D. Moseley, A. Howell, A.H. Munford, H.H. Lurton, B.H. Owen, John Pettus, G.H. Slaughter, R.D. Read, C.W. Bailey, C.E.L. McCauley, Ed Munford, C.H. Bailey, Henry Smith, C.G. Smith, John J. West, Clay Stacker, James E. Rice, C.D. Bailey, G.R. Harris, William Warfield, S. Kellogg and Duncan Marr.
Courier-Journal
The testimony did not show anything, except that the defendant was not on hand to attend to his duties as county Judge. The witnesses were of the opinion that he was under the influence of whiskey, but not incapacitated to attend business. He was absent several weeks once, when it was reported that he was drunk. When he came back, he appeared perfectly sober and at himself. Rumors as to his conduct were fearful.
Judge Tyler Himself, was present and examined the witnesses, and proved that they knew nothing positive as to any of the charges.
Mr. Bailey and Mr. Moseley, officials of Montgomery County, testified as above.
Mr. Howell, a banker in Clarksville, testified that in his opinion he had not seen Tyler under the influence of whiskey in the last two years. In examining his account with the bank, he found Tyler had given a check to his nephew for $25 for clerical work. He drew $467 form the railroad fund in 1879.
Mr. Slaughter said he had seen Tyler several times under the influence of whiskey, saw the check in favor of E.J. Munford.
The balance of the testimony amounted to little, being in reference to Tyler�s duties as financial agent of the county.
Col. Yancy represents the prosecutor and Judge Miliken the defense, both of Clarksville.
March 29,1881---C.W. Tyler comes by his attorneys and defends by general denial that he�s not guilty thereof, defendant respectfully asks leave to make the following general statement, that all of said charges now at issue are a repetition of charges made against him in two successive canvasses in Montgomery County for the office of Criminal and County Judge; that he met and disposed of the same before the people, who at the ballot-box decided in his favor; that then as now his defense consisted in facts admitted by all fair-minded men, public law records, and evidence, constituting a part of the public history of said county. But ready now as then to meet said charges, he here proceeds to reply to each and every one of said specifications.
Louisville Commercial---The Tyler investigation was continued this evening and the impression is that it is not going to amount to anything.
The American---Has the following: committee will report tomorrow morning that the testimony was insufficient to warrant the present articles of impeachment against that gentleman.
April 5,1881---In the house yesterday morning, Mr. Houston reported to the general assembly that there was insufficient evidence to warrant articles of impeachment and that the committee was closed and present cost of the investigation by the committee.
Legislature Notes---It is thought that the bill to abolish the office of County and Criminal Judge of Montgomery County will not be reached this session.
From: Clarksville Weekly Chronicle
29 COUNTY COURT
April 10,1880---An amount was appropriated by the County Court to pay the expense to Washington of Tim Conway, insane, formerly of the U.S. Army, for the purpose of placing him in the National Asylum, and B.W. Herring, Esquire, was appointed to take charge of him on his journey thither.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
30 LIBERTY BONDS
April 22,1918---T.E. McReynolds, Councilor to District 17 for the sale of Liberty Bonds, accompanied by Dr. Charles E. Diehl, went to Salem Methodist Church in that district Sunday, where Dr. Diehl delivered a splendid address, following which subscriptions amounting to $2150 were made. Mr. McReynolds is enthusiastic over the prospect in District 17 and states that he is expecting that section to go over the top without difficulty.
From: Clarksville Jeffersonian
31 PUBLIC COURT
June 1,1853---One of the b�boys engaged with laudable energy in stirring up a mess at the circus, where brought before Squire Ward, and had the pleasure of contributing $2 for the benefit of the State, according to the statute in such case made and provided.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
32 DISTRICT 13
July 28,1933--The criminal court returned a verdict of guilty against Clarence Byard, District 13 resident, giving him a sentence of eleven months and twenty-nine days in the workhouse and a fine of $100.00. Byard was found guilty of shooting Gracey Cotton with intent to kill. The testimony was conflicting in a number of details. Several of the witnesses admitted that they had been arrested and served sentences.
Witnesses for Cotton said that he did not appear to be drunk when seen after the shooting. Cotton said that he bought whiskey from Byard that afternoon and had gone back to get more whiskey when the shooting occurred. He claimed that he met Byard some distance at the back of the station and asked for whiskey. Byard refused, and according to Cotton's testimony, he called him a liar and at that, Byard began firing at him.
Witnesses for Byard said that someone came to the back door of the Brodie Filling Station located at the intersection of 48 and old 13 and knocked violently on the door. Byard rushed to the door with his pistol and as he opened the door, someone struck at him with a large stick. Byard then struck at the man with his pistol, his gun striking the man, he stated. Then as soon as he could he fired three times at the man, who fled without making any noise except the sound made while running.
Byard said that he did not know that he had hit anyone until the next day. Byard pleaded self-defense of his property.
See article #10 in Keeping the Peace
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
33 PALMYRA
April 24,1933--Submitting a plea of guilty, John Robert Davenport, about 25, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the criminal court jury today for the murder of Kleeman Hughes, aged 40, paralytic farmer of near Palmyra. Davenport gave three reasons why he "pulled this job." He had gathered ideas of high living, wanted an automobile, and wanted to get married. The defendant told the officers that he walked the railroad from Clarksville to Corbandale on January 15th of this year, the day he committed the crime. He then walked across a field where he cut the sassafras stick with which he struck Hughes. The stick, about 3 1/2 feet long and rough, was exhibited in court this morning. When he arrived at Hughes' farm, he met a Negro who engaged him in conversation. Then he went to the gate to wait for Hughes. It was about 8 o'clock Sunday night when Hughes returning home from church arrived. He first struck him with the intention of knocking Hughes unconscious so that he could rob him, he stated. He said that Hughes "hollered" and he struck him with more force the second time but did not intend to kill him.
Then, he went through Hughes pockets and removed $38.00, which he carried with him. Davenport went to Nashville and bought a car for $25.00. This car was given to Mr. Hughes' family by the officers. The court tried the case in less than two hours and the jury reached a decision of life imprisonment in about ten minutes.
See article #11 in Keeping the Peace
From: Daily Leaf Chronicle
34 DISTRICT 19
July 30,1923--Andrew Pulley and William Vaughn were held to the state on charges of assault and battery with intent to commit murder at the preliminary hearing at Sailor's Rest before G.W. Dinsmore and Marable McFall, Justices of the Peace. A coincidence in connection with the trial was the arrest of the prosecutor Vaughn on a warrant sworn out at the outset of the trial by Pulley, who charged Vaughn with assaulting him with a rock which he said caused him to cut Vaughn.
Charges against Frank Powell were dismissed.
See article #12 in Keeping the Peace
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
35 SOUTHSIDE
November 22, 1937--A $5 fine and a reprimand was administered Saturday afternoon by General Sessions Judge Ridley Goodpasture to Miss Dollie Harvey, 34-year-old resident of Southside Community, who was charged with whipping her mother, Mrs. Will Harvey, about 70.
The daughter said she resented an insinuation by her mother that she had "stolen" articles which were misplaced during laundering. The other said her daughter whipped her with some buckberry bushes and then struck her on the arm with an iron poker.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
36 HACKBERRY
January 22,1932--Tom Mixon, District 18 farmer, was held to the state under a $250 bond by W.B. Corlew, Justice of Peace, this morning on a charge of possession and transporting of a quart and a pint of liquor. Mixon�s arrest resulted from a raid on the home of Teamont Eads, also of District 18, Tuesday by Sheriff William Egbert Beaumont and Deputy Sheriff Tom Huggins.
A small still was discovered in the Eads home with a quart of liquor. Eads was arrested and pleaded guilty Thursday before Magistrate Corlew and was held to the state under bonds of $250 each for possession of liquor and owning and operating a still.
Mixon was implicated by Eades, who alleged that Mixon had been aiding him in the manufacture of the liquor. A warrant was served for the arrest of Mixon then and this morning he pled guilty to the charges.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
37 LONE OAK
September 9,1930--Ruling that the proof introduced by the state warranted his holding the defendant for further investigation and that the plea of defense counsel for bail was insufficient for him to act on, W.B. Corlew, Twelfth District Justice of Peace, this afternoon bound the charge of first degree murder against Joe Castleberry, Lone Oak Blacksmith, over to the grand jury and remanded him to jail without bond. �I will leave the decision as to bail to County Judge John Talley Cunningham� said the magistrate. (NOTE: Castleberry was later granted liberty under a $3,000 bond)
October 9,1931--With a jury empanelled at 10:45 a.m. the trial of Joe Castleberry got under way at 11:00 a.m. today.
The white-haired defendant pleaded not guilty to the indictment read by Attorney General Matt G. Lyle.
The first witness to take the stand was Mr. A.L. Akin, who said he is the father of sixteen children. Douglas Akin, he said, was married and the father of one child. The witness was chiefly used to establish the fact that Douglas Akin was slain and that the homicide occurred at Lone Oak in Montgomery County.
The second witness was Lynwood Tarpley. Mr. Tarpley, undertaker, said he sealed four wounds, three in the back and one in the right side.
The twelve men who are trying Castleberrry are:
F.M. Tanner, C.M. Blanks, Hugh Holt, J.B. Tucker, A.L. Stanley, J.C. Loggins, Hicks Polk, Lonnie Hogue, H.G. Heflin, J.L. Holt, E.S. Nicholson, and Floyd Swift.
October 20,1931-- Eight witnesses Monday afternoon testified they saw Joe Castleberry, Lone Oak blacksmith, shoot Douglas Akin on the morning of September 5,1930, and the number of shots fired varied from three to six. All said Akin was standing in the county road leading by Castleberry�s shop when Castleberry came out of the shop and began firing.
October 23,1931--Joe Castleberry was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to ten years imprisonment for the shooting to death of Douglas Akin. It was understood that the jury reached a verdict easily. Not a single juror was for first degree murder and the electric chair and not a single one was for acquittal.
December 18,1931--Joe Castleberry, on December 7, entered the state prison at Nashville voluntarily to begin his sentence. He took his own commitment prayers, preferring not to make an appeal and to enter the prison with out being escorted by transportation officers.
See article #37 in Keeping the Peace
From: As told by Robert Davidson (Duck's Journal)
38 HACKBERRY
April 26,1889--The Sanders case was called yesterday. Both sides announced ready. Eleven jurors were enlisted and the jury will be completed and testimony begun this morning. A large crowd from �the Goldenhorn� was in town today for the trial.
(The results of the trial were not listed in the paper. The girlfriend got married before the trial ever started. The children were named Norman and Morris. Morris was born May 30,1887. Norman ended up in Texas and Morris in Indiana. Robert Finney later married Rosa Lee Milam and had a daughter born on June 25,1891, about 26 months after the trial.
From: Daily Tobacco Leaf Chronicle
January 29, 1891---The Criminal Court is moving along with the docket at a moderate gait and several cases were disposed of yesterday. The case of The State against Finney Sanders, charged with the murder of his wife, was called and a nolle prosse entered.
Sanders, it will be remembered, has been tried on this charge twice in the Criminal Court here and each trial resulted in a hung jury. It was evident to the Judge and Attorney General that the defendant could never be convicted, hence the action.
See article #42 in Keeping the Peace
From: The Clarksville Star
39 LOUISE
December 24,1926--Ed York, 40, a cord wood cutter of the Louise community, was dismissed on a charge of incest by J.R. Harper, Justice of the Peace, Monday afternoon following the plea of not guilty entered by both York and his 19-year-old daughter, Viola. Viola was taken by force from the shanty near Louise owned jointly by J.H. "Carver" Marcum and Leslie Scott with whom he, Viola, and his 7-year-old daughter were spending the night last Tuesday.
The father and daughter both admitted that they confessed to be guilty of the charges on the night of the mob's visit but said it was because their lives were endangered and they knew of no other course to pursue. The men were masked and each carried a gun, they testified. York said he was dragged and kicked for a distance of some hundred yards from the shanty where he was whipped. He said members of the mob accused him of being a spy.
The daughter appeared highly indignant at the outrage committed against her father and declared he had treated her in a gentlemanly manner in every respect.
Scott and Marcum both told the court they had noticed no improper relations between the two on the afternoon and evening when they were at their home. Both testified that the father and the younger daughter slept with their heads in one direction and the older daughter was lying in the opposite direction.
Two other witnesses, Sam Byard and Ivy Hollis, with whom the father and daughter had also visited, corroborated the other witnesses' statements claiming they had seen nothing improper in the relationship between father and daughter.
See article #45 in Keeping the Peace
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
40 LONE OAK
October 12,1935--Owen and James Proctor, brothers of the Lone Oak community, were bound over to the grand jury under bonds of $250 each this morning when given a preliminary hearing before Magistrate John R. Dickson on charges of disorderly conduct.
Both of the men were charged with disorderly conduct and Owen was accused of the theft of $5 from Roscoe Baggett, which is alleged to have occurred during the making of change Saturday night at Baggett�s Lunch Stand at Lone Oak.
Baggett testified that Proctor took $5 of his money when he reached into the cash drawer without being invited. Proctor wanted change and Baggett would not give it to him.
From: The Leaf Chronicle
41 DISTRICT 22
January 19,1906--G.W. Maxey, a young white man from the 22nd District, was placed in jail yesterday. The circumstances surrounding Maxey�s incarceration are unusual. At the last term of Criminal Court, he was convicted of carrying brass knucks and fined. The fine was secured by two gentlemen whom Maxey was working for and everything went along smoothly until Maxey married several days ago.
Maxey, it is said, left the employ of the two men who secured his fine and the latter gave him up. He was arrested and will now have to secure other bondsmen or work out his fine.
From: Daily Leaf Chronicle
42 PALMYRA
March 22,1918--The trial of Jesse T. Bryant for the murder of Henry Baggett on October 29,1915 was begun in Criminal Court yesterday. Mrs. Bateman, formerly Mrs. Henry Baggett was the first witness for the State.
Her evidence on direct examination was in substance as follows:
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