McNairy County Looking Back 3 (part 2 of 2)

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Latta, J H Smith, L T Smothers, J O
Leonhard, Fred Mrs. Spence, Erlene
Leonhard, Fred Spence, Hugh
Lipford, Taylor Springer, Vonley Mrs
Littlejohn, W M Springer, Claude
Littlejohn, Stanton Springer, Mollie
Mathis, Dewitt Springer, Vonley
McComack, Lucille Summers, Will
McCormack, Emitt Summers, Will Mrs
McCormack, Frances Sutton, Lester
McCormack, James Sutton, Willie
McCoy, Allen Teague, Alton
McCoy, Allen Mrs Teague, Irene
McCoy, Maggie Teague, Marvin
McCoy, Harlan Mrs Teague, Marvin Mrs
McCoy, J W Wardlow, Lizzie
McCoy, Harlan Wardlow, Leonard
Moore, Rob Washburn, John L
Mott, H L Washburn, John P Mrs
Mullens, G C
Nichols, Azalee
Norris, Della M
Norris, R F
North, J F
Pearson, Lowell
Pearson, Nell
Petty, George
Phelps, J W
Prather, Arbie
Prather, Raymond
Prince, J C
Randolph, W W
Randolph, Roxie
Richards, E F
Richards, E F Mrs
Samples, Kate
Samples, Tulon
Seay, Roy Mrs
Seay, Roy
Sharp, D R Mrs
Sharp, D R
Sims, John Henry
Sims, H E
Sims, Leola
Sims, J T
Smith, Hubert Mrs
Smith, Clarence
Smith, Hubert

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Washburn, Arbie
Washburn, Alma
Washburn, Sam C
Watts, T M
Weeks, Cord Mrs
Whirley, J A
White, Hattie
White, Claudie
Whitemore, Bonnie
Willis, Robert A
Woods, Warner
Wren, Lois
Young, Mack M
Young, Mack Mrs

SOME VERY EARLY SCHOOL RECORDS.
MOSTLY DISTRICT 20 BEGINNING 1842

All of these records were found in the McNairy County Archives. Courthouse, Selmer,
Tennessee, Nancy Kennedy, Director
Transcribed by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy

Some of the names were very unreadable, so I have spelled them the best I could. The names are spelled the same as written 163 years ago. In 1842, McNairy County being less than twenty years old and still thinly settled, there wasn’t many schools. These first reports cover Common School District Number 20. According to Marcus J Wright, in the early days some children had to travel up to ten miles to attend school; therefore the family names mentioned in the following lists may live quite a distance from Purdy It was indeed a privilege for children to attend school in the pioneer days of McNairy County. Nancy Wardlow Kennedy, May 1, 2005.

From the list of names this school district was around Purdy.
This is the school age children of each household

1842 - 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT
First page of 1842 missing.
Sarah McCann 4 Robert Burney 7
Kenneth McKaskill 2 Hardridge Walker 2
John McCann 1 John Beaty 1

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Total 90
Returned to the Clerk of the County Court on the 19th day of July 1842.
Signed: A M Brown, DC; John Plunk, Treasurer; Matthew Gage, Chairman.

Common School report for the 20th school district of McNairy County, July 1, 1842. 1st. Common school taught six months nd 2 The number of children taught in said district: fifty one. 3rd The number of scholastic population: ninety th 4 The amount of public money received: thirty dollars 5th The money received paid to teacher th 6 By subscription to teacher: fifty dollars. The whole amount of public monies received by the commissioners thirty dollars. By subscription fifty dollars. Paid to teacher eighty dollars. David Carson, Teacher Commissions: A M Brown, DC; John Plunk, Tr; Matthew Gage, Ch. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1843 - 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT A M Brown, John Plunk and Matthew Gage, common school commissioners of the 20th school district of McNairy County. By the removal of Matthew Gage out of said district, A M Brown and John Plunk proceeded to fill the vacancy by appointing Joseph Walker June 1843. A M Brown resigned. John Plunk and Joseph Walker proceeded to fill the vacancy by appointing Daniel Hill June 1843. After being qualified as the law directs, Joseph Walker was elected clerk of the district, John Plunk treasurer and Daniel Hill chairman. We the commissions of the 20th common school district proceeded to take the scholastic population of said district and found it to be as follows, to wit:

Returned to the Clerk of the County Court on the 19th day of September 1843.
Signed: Joseph Walker, DC; John Plunk, Treasurer; Daniel Hill, Chairman.

Common School report for the 20th school district of McNairy County, July 1, 1843.
1st. Common school taught six months
nd
2 The number of children taught in said district: fifty.

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3rd The number of scholastic population: eighty eight 4th The amount of public money received: thirty six dollars and 12 ½ cents 5th The money received paid to teacher 6th By subscription to teacher: fifty nine dollars and 87 ½ cents. The whole amount of public monies received by the commissioners thirty six dollars and 12 ½ cents. By subscription fifty nine dollars and 87 ½ cents. Paid to teacher ninety six dollars. Joseph Walker, Teacher Commissions: Joseph Walker, DC; John Plunk, Tr; Daniel, CH .

1844 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT John Plunk, Daniel (Hill) and Joseph Walker were elected common school commissioners of the 20th school district of McNairy County on the first Saturday in June 1844. Joseph Walker was elected clerk. John Plunk treasurer and Daniel Hill chairman. We the commissioners of the 20th common school district proceeded to take the scholastic population of said district and found it to be as follows:

Returned to the Clerk of the County Court on the 31st day of September 1844.
Signed: Joseph Walker, DC; John Plunk, Treasurer; Daniel Hill, Chairman.

Common School report for the 20th school district of McNairy County, July 1, 1844. 1st. Common school taught four months nd 2 The number of children taught in said district: forty five rd 3 The number of scholastic population: one hundred and ten 4th The amount of public money received: forty one dollars and 88 cents. Paid to teacher one dollar for record book and 88 cents remaining in the hand of the TR. 5th The whole amount of money received by the commissioners in said district forty one dollars and 88 cents. Paid to teacher forty dollars. A M Brown teacher. Commissions: Joseph Walker, DC; John Plunk, Tr; Daniel, CH ________________________________________________________________________

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1845 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT John Plunk, Daniel Hill and Joseph Walker common school commissioners of the 20th school district of McNairy County proceeded to take the scholastic population of said district and found it to be follows to wit August 1845

Returned to the clerk of the county Court on the 30th day of August 1845.
Signed: Joseph Walker, DC; John Plunk, Treasurer; Daniel Hill, Chairman.

Common School report for the 20th school district of McNairy County, July 1, 1844. 1st. Common school taught three months nd 2 The number of children taught in said district: fifty rd 3 The number of scholastic population: ninety three 4th The amount of public money received: forty one dollars and 07 cents and the 87 cents that remained in the hands of the treasurer and an extra amount of 6 cents paid by said treasurer. 5th The whole amount of money received by the commissioners in said district forty one dollars and 94 cents and 6 cents paid by the treasurer John Plunk. th 6 . Paid to teacher forty five dollars. L B Holbert teacher. Commissions: Joseph Walker, DC; John Plunk, Tr; Daniel, CH

1846 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT John Plunk, Joseph O Tacker and William Walker were elected common school commissioners of the 20th school district of McNairy County on the first Saturday in June 1846; after being qualified as the law directs, John Plunk was elected clerk, Joseph O Tacker treasurer and William Walker chairman. We the commissioners of the 20th school district proceed to take the scholastic population of said district and found it to be as follows: to wit: A M Brown 7 George Plunk 7 James Vititoe 1 A P Gage 1

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B J Walker 2

THE REST OF THIS YEAR IS MISSING (1846)

1847 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT
FIRST PAGE OF 1847 MISSING

Returned to the Clerk of the County Court on the 2nd day of October 1847.
John Plunk, Joseph O Tacker, Hardridge Walker.
________________________________________________________________________

1848 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT John Plunk, Joseph O Tacker and Hardrige Walker were elected common school commissioners of the 20th school district of McNairy County on the first Saturday in June 1848; after being qualified as the law directs, John Plunk was elected clerk, Joseph O Tacker treasurer and Hardridge Walker chairman. We the commissioners of the 20th school district proceed to take the scholastic population of said district and found it to be as follows: to wit:

Total 86

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Returned to the Clerk of the County Court on the eighth of September 1848.
John Plunk, Joseph O Tacker, Hardridge Walker

1849 - 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT John Plunk, Joseph O Tacker and Hardrige Walker common school commissioners of the 20th school district of McNairy County commissioners of the 20th school district proceed to take the scholastic population of said district and found it to be as follows: to wit:

Total 84
Returned to the Clerk of the County Court on the 27 of July 1849.
John Plunk, Joseph O Tacker, Hardridge Walker
________________________________________________________________________

1850 52ND SCHOOL DISTRICT Transferred on the 3rd of August 1850 to the 52nd district the following scholastic scholars and bounds commencing at the McMahan place thence to Alexander Plunk’s; thence to Samuel Houston’s; thence to the north east corner of Brown’s field to the Jackson Road, leaving Brown to the 20th district. Names and number that are transferred:

Total 23
By Joseph O Tacker and Marcus A Morrison

Common School report for the 20th District of McNairy County, October 10, 1850:
1st Common school taught 47 days
2nd The number of children taught in school district (Didn’t say)
rd
3 The number of scholastic population : seventy

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4th The amount of public money paid for tuition twenty nine dollars and 37 cents.
S B Rees Teacher
Commissioners: M A Morrison, James Wilson, Joseph O Tacker

1850 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT James Wilson, Joseph O Tacker and Marcus A Morrison were elected common school commissioners of the 20th school district of McNairy County the third Saturday in June 1850. After being qualified as the law directs, Marcus A Morrison was elected Clerk.

We the commissions of the 20th common school district proceeded to appoint James Wilson to draw 9 dollars that was due said district for the purpose of paying for 6 acres of land for the district school. We meet on the 13th of July for the purpose of paying over the money and received the rite to said land. We paid 9 dollars of the district money and 1 dollar and 60 cents of individual money and received the deed for the 6 acres of land that was purchased by the former commissioners of WM Whorton for the district school house.

We the commissioners of the 20th common school district proceeded to take the scholastic
population of said district and found it to be as follows, to wit:

Total 93
August 3rd assigned to the 52nd district 23
70

Returned to the Clerk of the County Court on the 10th day of August 1850.
Commissioners: Marcus A Morrison, DC, Jas Wilson, Chair, Joseph O Tacker, TR

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1851 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT Joseph O Tacker, A M Brown and John D Page common school commissioners of the 20th common school district of McNairy County proceeded to take the scholastic population of said district for the year 1851 and found it to be as follows, to wit:

Total 82

Returned to the Clerk of the County Court on the 11th day of September 1851.
Commissioners: Marcus A Morrison, DC, Joseph O Tacker, John D Page

________________________________________________________________________

1852 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT John D Page, Joseph O Tacker and Daniel Hill were elected common school commissioners of the 20th school district of McNairy County the second Saturday in June 1852. After being qualified as the law directs we the commissioners of the 20th common school proceeded to take the scholastic population of said district and found it to be as follows, to wit:

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John D Page 4 Total 81

Returned to the County Court clerk on the 25th day of September 1852.
Commissioners John D Page, Joseph O Tacker, Daniel Hill.
________________________________________________________________________

1853 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT John D Page, Joseph O Tacker, and Daniel Hill common school commissioners of the 20th common school district of McNairy County proceeded to take the scholastic population of said district for the year 1853 and found it to be as follows, to wit:

Returned to the County Court clerk on the 22nd day of August 1853.
Commissioners Joseph O Tacker, Daniel Hill, Jr
.

1854 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT June 1854. Hardridge Walker, Joseph O Tacker and John Plunk were elected common school commissioners in the 20th school district of McNairy County in June 1854, after being qualified proceeded to take the colasstic (the way it was spelled - really a lot the way it sounds) population and found it to be as follows: to wit:

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Returned to the County Court clerk on the 20th day of August 1854.
Commissioners: Hardrige Walker, Joseph O Tacker, John Plunk

1855 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT Hardridge Walker, Jos A Tacker, and John Plunk common school commissioners of the 20th school district proceeded to take the colastic population in 1855 and found it to be as follows to wit:

Total 56

Returned to the County Court clerk on the 15th day of August 1855.
Commissioners: Hardrige Walker, Joseph O Tacker, John Plunk
_____________________________________________________________________________

1856 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT A M Brown, George Bulliner and Elijah Hill were elected common school commissioners in the 20th school district of McNairy County on the first Saturday of June 1856, after being qualified proceeded to take the scholastic population and found it to be as follows: to wit:

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J A Plunk 3

SECOND PAGE IS MISSING

1857 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT June 1857. We the commissioners of the 20th common school district of McNairy County proceeded to take the scholastic population of said district and found it to be as follows:

Returned to the County Court Clerk, August 6, 1857.
A M Brown, George Buliner, Elijah Hill, Commissioners of the 20th School district.

1858 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT June 1858 George Bulliner, A S Morrison and A M Brown were elected common school commissioners in the 20th school district of McNairy County on the2nd Saturday of June 1858, after being qualified proceeded to take the scholastic population and found it to be as follows: to wit

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Hiram Ray 2 Eliza Fowler 2
Richard Piggott 4 P P Massey 3
A P Gage 3 A M Brown 6
Total 72

Returned to the County Court clerk, July 5, 1858.
Commissioners G Buliner, A S Morrison, A M Brown

1859 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT
1859 Sleastic pouplathon contends:

* 1 - Mary in next year
* 2 - Dougherty (misspelled in 1860 too. She may be the widow of John Dougherty
As he is not listed anymore and is not in the 1860 census.
*3 - McDonnel (misspelled in 1860 too.)
*4 - this name has been spelled many ways, even in the census, they left by 1880

(Note: this man couldn’t write and he couldn’t spell. I put the exact spelling so you can see some of the ways they spelled the names. The first ones had excellent penmanship. This is the reason we have so many corruptions or variations of names. Census takers, government officials and even school teachers could not always spell names and people that were illiterate learned to spell it the wrong way. )

Returned to the County Court Clarke (Clerk) July 1859
Commissioners: George Bulliner, A S Moreson, A M Brown
A school tate (I think he means taught) by Wurhenton (Washington) Wilson 41 dayes for 41
dollars this 1859

1860 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT June 1860. G C Simmons, J A Plunke and P P Massey was elected common school commissioners of the 20 colde distrate of Mcneary county the 2 saderday in June 1860 and after beinge qualifide as the law directs proceede to take the scholastic popuation and found it to beas folers to wit:

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Returned to the county courte clearke in Sexember in 1860.
Commissioners: J A Plunk, P P Massey

1861 20TH SCHOOL DISTRICT FIRST PAGE OF 1861 MISSING. Returnde to the countey courte clerke the colesticke population 50 by J A Plunk, P P Massey. (Note: The only way the writer of this document got population right is some one inserted the missing letters.)

Scol tote (taught) in 1861 by Monro Gray. 1 ½ monte at $25 pur monte. $27.50
Some date (?) By A N Mccalyre 17 days $23.75

1871 60 SCHOOL DISTRICT June 1, 1871. William Henry and John Ray common school commissioners of the 60th school district of McNairy County procedeed to take the scholastic population of sd district and found it to be as follers to wit:

Returned to the Clerk of the County Court on the 31th July 1871. John Ray, DC (district clerk ?) ; William Henry CTR (chairman and treasurer ?) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1872 - 60TH SCHOOL DISTRICT 1872. William Henry and John Ray common school commissioners of the 60th dis the scholastic population of the 60th school district:

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Total 30

John Ray and William Henry commissioners. Returned to the Clerk of the County Court on the 16th day of July 1872.

WRITTEN REPORT OF COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT TO THE COUNTY COURT OF MCNAIRY COUNTY, 1881 : Sirs: I have the honor submitting to your honorable body my first annual report as required by the School Law of 1873. It is by no means perfect, nor what we desired it to be, but it is the best we have been able to gather from the reports made to us by School Directors and Teachers. In our efforts to advance the educational interests of the county, we have labored under several dis-advantages, some of which, we feel disposed to mention in detail. First, we have entirely too many districts and directors. Our statistical statement shows 87 districts and 261 directors. The director is an important factor in our educational system and cannot with impurity be dispensed with, but there is such a thing as over-doing a good thing and this we certainly have done in this county in the way of making school districts. Just think for a moment of the finance of the county controlled by 261 men, the majority of whom were in no way capacitated to do such. What would be the results of bankruptcy inside of three years. This pretty fairly illustrates the present condition of school affairs in this county A great many of these directors come to town every First Monday to swap horses and frame some foolish question to ask the Supt and charge the county or school fund for the day’s work. The directors are in fact the disbursers of the school fund trustees. Homs (?) report to me for 79 shows, I think, a little more than $5000 paid to district clerks. The amount was so great that it was left out of this report - thinking it to be a mistake. The Trustee, Supt and Chairman of the Court may all be convinced of recklessness in the use of school money but they are powerless. They cannot lawfully interfere, hence the only possible remedy that can be applied is to have fewer directors and better ones. Let the School Districts be the same as the Civil with three directors for each, thus placing the management of the funds in the hands of 51 men instead of 261. This number could be judiciously selected and grand men could be found to fill the places. As it is known, the sheriff cannot lawfully hold election in all the school districts. I beg you gentlemen to give this matter a ---- careful consideration. Second: the want of suitable buildings in which to have the schools taught is another very serious difficulty in the way of educational progress. During the year I have visited and inspected about 50 school houses in 40 of which school was kept at the time of visit. Fifteen of this

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number might be said to be in good condition, ten possible, and the remainder utterly unfit for anything. Some of these were deserted tenant houses in the middle of an old field, a half a mile from shade or water. This is by no means an exaggeration but a solemn fact. No man or lady can teach a profitable school in such a house. The truth is no teacher who understands himself and his business will undertake it - hence such districts are obliged to take the proven class of teachers. Now in view of these facts and for the sake of the interest I know you feel in the education of your children, I beg your faithful, earnest cooperation in my endeavors to improve the school houseS of our county. Not withstanding these difficulties however, we have reasons to hope and believe that we have made reasonable progress and laid the foundation for better things in the future. I have blundered many times but have done the best I could and I indulge the hope that the Court and County will drop the mantle of charity over whatever may have sense to — a mistake and look to the future for brighter and better things. There are many other things I would be led to mention but time and space will not permit. Respectfully, G R Harrison, October 25, 1881.

(NK note: I would imagine this speech and report did not go over very well with the County court, however Mr. Harrison was a man before his time. He had visions of what it should be like, but probably never lived to see it. He apparently was a well educated man, he did not misspell a word in this report. Harrison was elected on the fourth ballot Jan 3, 1881 at $100 for two years. This was a big salary reduction. The year before was $300 and the next year was $250. Harrison did not fill out his two year term. He resigned Jan 2, 1882. I searched for something on G R Harrison, but could not find him in the 1870 or 1880 census. However a G R Harrison married D H McFall June 21, 1870 with DW Blankenship, MG. Nancy Kennedy, transcriber)

The 1881 School Report of G R Harrison, McNairy County Superintendent
Scholastic Population
White male - 2,866 White female - 2,693 5,559
Colored male - 443 Colored female - 425 868
Grand total 6,427
Teachers:
White male - 60 White female - 20 80
Colored Male - 8 Colored Female - 4 12
92

Number of Schools in County:
White 68 Colored - 12 80
Average numbers of Days taught during year - 60
Average Compensation of teachers per Month - $29.81
Average cost of tuition per pupil per month - .43 cents
Number of School Houses - 70
Stone or Brick - 2 Frame - 18 Log -50
The school systems received $15,624.77 for the year. Salaries of teachers was $8,228.80

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School sites buildings or repairs spent was $624.08 Paid Superintendent $300
Schools erected during the year - 2 frame and 3 log
Estimated valued of School Houses, including sites, desks, seats, etc - $17,355.00
Number of Private Schools taught in the County during the year - 25
Number of teachers at private schools - 30
Number of pupils enrolled in private schools - 1.200
Average daily attendance in private schools - 900
Average cost per pupil in private school per month $1.35

(NK note: I added the teacher’s salary, the superintendent salary and school repairs for te year,) (which I deducted from the $15,624.77 money received. This left $6,471.89 for the school ) (commissioner which was 79% of the teacher’s salary. )

THIS REPORT WAS MADE ON A BIG FORM FURNISHED BY THE STATE OF
TENNESSEE, LEON TROUSDALE, STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE 1888
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION
L SANDERS PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

Col Males 497
Col Females 472 969 ********************
Total 6323

Average Daily Attendance
White 3189
Colored 497
Total 3786

In Orthorgrapy 3112
In Reading 3214
In Writing 2123
In Arithmetic 1252
In English Grammar 628

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3 School houses erected this year
Teachers Licenses

Teachers
White Male 43 *********************
White Female 17
Colored Male 12
Colored Female 9 PETITION FOR SCHOOL 1900
Total 81
We the undersigned appeal to county court
School Districts in County 19 to grant us an other school house in the 19
Grade Schools 3 civil district of McNairy County:
Consolidated schools 3
Schools Controlled by Towns 2 Mrs Emily Braudaway

J M Mullin J H Richards
**************** C P Tenneson J K Wilkinson
Expenditures E H Williams L M Woods
Teacher’s salaries $9,041.97
School site, Buildings Rep 679.02 Number of signatures: 23
Furniture, etc 82.50
Paid Superintendent 212.56 The school is wanted on the Selmer
Other expenses 96.47 and Bethel Road about 2 ½ miles from
Selmer.
Balance on hand $7047.56

Avg. Teacher’s pay per month $30.00
Average per student - per month .80

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ELECTION FOR SCHOOL DIRECTORS FOR DISTRICT 52 - May 1902

J R Hurley 24 * winner S F Romaine 9 E W Wyatt 29 * winner J W Boshart 1 D D Michie 29 * winner J M Chapman 1 We the undersigned clerks and judges of school district No 52 do hereby certify that the above is a correct statement of votes cast for school directors for the above commissioner district. J R Hurley, Officer D L Michie, clerk E W Wyatt, clerk J M Chapman, judge S F Romine, judge J W Elam, judge

(Note: apparently the candidates could be officers of the election also.)

Poll list:

31 F M Meek

*******************************

Austin School - District 72 elected James Haynes, John Hawkins and John Davis as school commissioners. Each one got nine votes. No date. Apparently the people that held the election did most of the voting and the three candidates were among them. Nine people voted. Officer - James Haynes John Hawkins 0 Judge W J Mullen - Judge John Davis - Judge J C Mullens - clerk W M Graham - clerk Those that voted besides the above were: Vester Sweat, R M Gurley, G W Gurley

************************************************************************

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FILED WITH THE COUNTY COURT, JULY 2, 1883, J R ADAMS, CLERK We the undersigned Common School Directors and citizens of the 10th school district of McNairy County respectfully petition the County Court to annul its action by which the territory and scholastic population was reduced and a new district formed. Signed A C Moore, Cornelius Graham ((smeared, not sure this is correct) and W C Lewis, Commissioners. Also signed by H B Roberson, W W Roberson, J M Sanders, G W Moore, B P Moore, D H Robinson, J P McIntire, J R S Moore, J A Moore, J A Roberson, W H H Gillespie, L M Moore, Obed Coats, C A McAlin, Wm Laughling. We the designated citizens of the 13th district do not believe the portion added to our district and taken from the 10th district to be done. (No signatures)

TO THE WORSHIPFUL COUNTY COURT OF MCNAIRY COUNTY APRIL TERM 1883 - PETITION TO RE- ESTABLISH SCHOOL DISTRICTS. The undersigned would most respectfully represent that they as common school directors in the 80th district of said county. They would state that at the October term, 1882, of the County Court of said county a new district was formed and large portion of the territory was taken from district number 80, by which said district is reduced to such small number of scholastic population as to render it of but little value. Said action by the Court was without the authority or consent of your petitioners and they request that said action be set aside and the district be left as before. Respectfully, R C Murry and J P Smallwood, commissioners. We, D M Baker and H A Warren, School Directors of the 18th district of said county would state that the new school district formed by the County Court of McNairy County at the October term, 1882, took off the 18th district a large territory and reduced the scholastic population to about nineteen children which reduces the means of said district so much as to make it almost impossible to have a school that will be worth anything. We therefore ask that the action of the Court at the October term so fore as it ---- upon the territory of the 18th district be set aside and that the district be left as before that action. D M Baker, H A Warren, Commissioners.

MINORITY REPORT COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL DISTRICTS FILED JUNE 4, 1883, J R ADAMS, CLERK I, S L Warren, one of the committees appointed to adjust the differences between the 18th th and 80 and a new school district known as the Jopling District beg leave to submit this as a minority report. I find that said new district formed from fractions of the 18th, 78th and 80-th school district, and that the same was approved by the court upon the recommendation of a majority of the commissioners of the 78th district and by one of the commissioners of the 80th district. I find that the majority of the commissioners of the 18th and 80th district did not recommend or approve the same and that said new district was formed and established in violation of Section 977 of the code. I find that no 18 is so reduced in scholastic population as to render it impracticable to maintain a school for more than one month in the year. The south boundary line of the new district runs within 400 yards of the school house of the 18th district. The formation of said new district virtually destroys two respectable districts and make three which are practically worthless, all of which is respectfully submitted. S L Warren

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MAJORITY REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS - SCHOOL DISTRICTS 18th & 80 FILED JUNE 4TH, 1883, J R ADAMS, CLERK The majority of the committee appointed to adjust the differences between the 18th and 80ths and a new school district known as the Jopling District beg leave to report that we find on the books of the County Court that the new district was formed from fractions of the 78th and 80th school districts, and that a majority of the commissioners of the 78th and one of the commissioners of the 80th approve and recommended the formation of said new district and we are of opinion that the territory of the 18th district has not been en---- upon.; and we recommend that the new district be confirmed as established by the court, all of which is respectfully submitted. A N Fink and J T Lewter

This was in the envelope. Do not know which district is Chapel Hill district.

(This was very hard to read and some of the names are probably wrong. NK)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

McNairy County Superintendents taken from the notes of the C L Majors papers, that was in the possession of Charles Whitlow. It is all on tablet paper in pencil and the handwriting of C L Majors, and is now in the Archives of McNairy County. These facts are not verified by the transcriber because Mr Majors was the historian of McNairy County for many years.

Horry Hodges
J D Mullins
Terry Abernathy elected Jan 1903, 1905, 1907, 1909
Aaron Brooks Jan, 1913 to Sept 1914
A H Grantham 1914 to 1918

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J C Taylor 1948
(this was taken from three sheets of paper from the C L Majors file. C L Majors was
Superintendent 1924 to 1928.)

These papers were stapled together in the C L Majors file and much of the information will over lap. The last pages are typed as they were found, apparently as Mr Majors found the information. In another Volume of Looking Back by Nancy Wardlow Kennedy is an abstract of Mr. Major’s outlook on McNairy County Schools. The Legislature of Tennessee (the one preceding the meeting of the County court July 7, 1873) by act required the election of a county Supt of Public Instruction by the County Court. In obedience to that act the County Court on the 1st Monday, it being the 7th in July announced its decision to elect. Whereupon the following candidates came forward and announced their candidacies, the result of balloting by the Court being as follows: 1st ballot: Barry - 11 Kernodle - 11 Roach -1 ? McKennon - 4 2nd ballot Barry - 11 Kernodle - 13 Roach - 8 3rd ballot Barry - 11 Kernodle - 21 (Roach and McKennon having withdrawn.) Kernodle declared elected and salary fixed at $300 for 12 months. F B Kernodle, 1st Supt of Schools in McNairy County was a school teacher, taught in the old Browder’s school house on Oxford Creek, north of where Boss Hockaday now lives. R C, J T and Alus Alexander went to school to him. (Mr Majors wrote this a long time ago - Mr Boss Hockday has been dead many years. (I, Nancy Kennedy, today, May 1, 2005 live on a portion of the land that one Hockaday owned on what is now Hwy 142 in Selmer. Two men by the name of Hockaday owned a vast amount of this rich farm land north of Oxford Creek. Orlin Watson, aged gentleman about 90 years old, former McNairy County Road Supervisor told me the school was behind me about 1/4 mile and east about 1/4 mile.)

Court Meeting, 1st Monday, July 6, 1874, F B Kernodle, County Supt came before Court and resigned as Supt of Public Schools, having served one year. Election to fill the vacancy followed: 1st ballot: Thomas F Sanders - 17; Daniel Barry - 11; C A Wright - 4 Sanders was declared elected, having received a majority on 1st ballot. No mention of salary.

The Court met 1st Monday, Jan 4, 1875. This being time to elect Supt, Thomas F Sanders was duly elected and allow $25 per month for the previous 6 months from meeting in July to December 31, 1874, to be paid out of school funds. No mention of salary for 1875. At meeting of Court in January 1876, ordered salary of County Supt for the year 1875 be $300.

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On account of weather conditions not a quorum present for January 1877 term. Same conditions existed in February and therefore no court held. Court met April 2, 1877. This being the regular court to elect Supt. Thomas F Sanders received 29 votes and declared elected and salary fixed at $250 per annum.

Jan 6, 1879, Thomas F Sanders received a majority of all the votes cast and was declared duly elected Supt for one year ending with January term 1880 or until his successor be elected and sworn in.

At the January 5, 1st Monday, 1880 term, T F Sanders, Supt salary was fixed at $200 for
the year.

January 3, 1881 term. Ballot for Supt resulted on the 4th ballot in the election of George R Harrison to serve for the year 1881.

January 2, 1882. Ordered that resignation of G R Harrison as County Supt tendered to this term of court be received and that the office be declared vacant and then deferred election to fill the vacancy until the April term of court. Then the Court ordered allowed $100.00 for his services as Supt for year 1881.

April 3, 1882 term. On 3rd ballot L Sanders was elected County Supt to fill out the balance of G R Harrison term, that is rest of the year 1882.

January 1, 1883 term. Election of County Supt. After speeches by the candidates 1st ballot L Sanders received 16 votes, J D Sullivan and N F Kirkpatrick’s vote not recorded. L Sanders declared elected and then ordered to be allowed $150 for his services from April 1882 to January 1883. And then at the April 2, 1883 term ordered that L Sanders, Supt be allowed an additional fee of $100 as County Supt for the year 1882.

January 5, 1885 term, election of Supt declared in order 6th ballot resulted as follows: M R Abernathy 14; L Sanders 10; John Fisher 3. Abernathy declared elected. Ordered that L Sanders be allowed enough in addition to what has already been paid to him to make $250 for his services for 1884.

Jan 4, 1886 term. Ordered that M R Abernathy be allowed $300 for his services for 1885.

Jan 3, 1887 term. Election of supt declared in order: candidates - M R Abernathy, H O Norman, Lindsey Sanders, Davis. Lindsey Sanders received 17 votes on the 5th ballot. Sanders declared elected and allowed $200 for year 1887.

April 2, 1888. Ordered Lindsey Sanders Supt. Be paid salary of $250 for year 1888.

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Jan 7, 1889. Salary of Supt for year 1889 fixed at $200. Election of Supt being next in order: L Sanders 2, M R Abernathy 8, Alfred Whitehurst 0, B F Basinger 22, J H Davis 4. This was on the 3rd ballot. B F Basinger declared winner.

August 5, 1889. A vacancy in office of County Supt of Public Instruction caused by the death of our lamented friend B F Basinger it was announced that an election to fill said vacancy was in order when on the 2nd ballot J H Davis received 16 votes and was declared by Court elected Supt of Public School.

Jan 5, 1891. Election of Supt next in order of business. In short speeches candidates
announced as follows: M R Abernathy 24; R D Etheridge 6; Johnson 2; J H Davis 6. M R
Abernathy was elected on the first ballot.

Some of the next portion is a repeat of the above:

F B Kernodle first Supt of Schools in McNairy County was elected by County Court, July 7, 1873, on 3rd ballot. The other candidates were Daniel Barry, a Mr Roach and Mr McKennon. Kernodle served one year for $300.

Thomas F Sanders - elected on first ballot over Daniel Barry and C A Wright, July 6,
1874. Re-elected 1875-76-77-78-79-80. Salary $300

George R Harrison elected January 3, 1881 on the 4th ballot. Salary $100 for 2 years.
Resigned Jan 2, 1882. (Note: the big cut in salary from previous years.)

L (Lindsey) Sanders elected April 3, 1882 on third ballot. Other candidates J D Sullivan
and N F Kirkpatrick. Salary $250.

M R Abernathy, elected Jan 5, 1885 on the sixth ballot. Other candidates L Sanders and John Fisher. Salary $300. Re-elected January 3, 1887 on 5th ballot over H O Norman, Lindsey Sanders and Mr J H Davis. Salary $200 for 1887, raised to $250 for 1888.

B F Basinger elected January 7, 1889 on third ballot. Other candidates: L Sanders, M R
Abernathy, Alfred Whitehurst, J H Davis. Salary was $200 for 2 years. Died during summer.

J H Davis, elected August 5, 1889 on 2nd ballot for unexpired term of Basinger.

M R Abernathy elected Jan 5, 1891 on first ballot over R D Etheridge, J H Davis and Mr
Johnson. Re-elected Jan 2, 1893 first ballot over C (Calvin) Hamm.

C (Calvin) Hamm elected January 7, 1895 on second ballot. Other candidates: M R
Abernathy, J R Carothers, Miss Stanton (a woman?? In 1895 - this is amazing) and R A N
Lipford. Re-elected Jan 4, 1897 over R A N Lipford.

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July 6, 1896, ordered that G T Bourned, J C Crary and H G Thomas be appointed to
examine candidates for County Supt of Public Instruction for McNairy County

October 5, 1896, ordered by the Court that $28.75 be allowed to Luther Majors for bridge across Moss Creek in first district. (This had nothing to do with the school system - but it was noted, therefore it is included.)

October 3, 1898. Ordered that $15 be allowed the Commission for examining candidates
for the office of County Supt of Public Instruction.

January 4, 1897. Candidates for County Supt. Calvin Hamm, Jr declared elected over R
A N Lipford.

August 1, 1898. Ordered the R M Houston of Bethel, J D Mullins of Chewalla and Miss Amanda Thomas of Selmer be and hereby appointed as commissioners to conduct exam of candidates for County Supt of Public Schools for Mcnairy County and for sufficient reasons appearing to the court it is ordered that they meet in com (?) On Friday and Saturday before the 1st Monday in October next to conduction said exam

Horry Hodges elected January 2, 1899 over Calvin Hamm. Hamm 16, Hodge 22.

January 7, 1901. Candidate for Supt on the first ballot: Terry Abernathy 16, J D Mullins 23.

January 1903. County Supt of Public Instruction: John D Mullins 17, Terry Abernathy 21. Terry Abernathy declared Supt on first ballot. Re-elected Jan 2, 1905 over J D Mullins, 23 to 15. Re-elected Jan 7, 1907 without opposition and by acclamation. Salary $500. Again elected unanimously in 1909. Aaron Brooks Jan 1913 - Sept 1914 A H Grantham 1914- 1918 Terry Abernathy 1918 - 1924 C L Majors 1924 - 1928 (the writer of the document, apparently in 1948.) Roy Estes 1928 - 1936 B T Kiser 1936-1948 J C Taylor 1948 -

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

PETITION FOR SCHOOL - 9TH DISTRICT 1902 To the Worshipful County Court of McNairy County, Tennessee, October Term 1902: We the undersigned petitioners and citizens of the 9th civil district of McNairy County Tennessee, would most most (said most, twice) respectfully petition the honorable court to give them a another school district in the 9th civil district of said county and state, said school district to be described as follows:

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Beginning at the corner of Robert Wade’s field and extending down the ridge road, which is the public or mail road to the county line, including the families of Shelby Phelps, Andy Carroll thru woods east following the county line to the home of Tom Carroll thru west to the corner of said Robert Wade’s field including the families of Widow Carroll and Jesse Johnson. Families School Children H C Farris 5 L C Horn 1 G W Singleton 2 S F Wardlow 5 J W Cooksey 3 Ira Carroll 4 W H Hill 1 T A Carroll 2 Missie Kelley 3 Petition was granted

School District No ---- at W D Jopling’s School House, beginning at Sandy Creek from there to Clay (?) Murry’s from there to John Halmes, thence to W D Murry house, from there to Bedford Younger’s, thence from there to the foot of the hill west of John Lewter’ house, thence from the Lee Nance place from there to the Granny Rains field, thence from there to the forks of the road north of the Hugh Rains place, from there down the line of Big Springs district from there to the Curry place, from there to Pharr’s Mill from there up Cypress (Creek) to the beginning. Tom Hockaday, District Comm No 78; Henry Lumpkin, Comm District 90; can’t read name of other comm. No date but was entered on page 476 (probably County Court clerk Minutes)

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MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE, COUNTY COURT, JULY TERM 1880

TO THE WORSHIPFUL COUNTY COURT ) OF MCNAIRY COUNTY ) We the undersigned petitioners living in school district 88 of McNairy County respectfully beg leave to state that the present average – in school district no 88 is quite inconvenient and we desire to divide the district so as to have two schools, ours at Liberty Church in the south end of the district and the other at Mt Olivet, the usual place of teaching. This will divide the scholastic population about equal so that all can have a equal benefits. Whereas it has been impracticable heretofore for all to have equal share in the benefits of the free school. We therefore pray the Honorable County Court to approve three or more commissioners to so divide the distance as to insure an equal share of the benefits of all children living within the district and as in duty bound will ever pray, June 3rd, 1889 J M Mitchell John Ross

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William W Williams Iva (or Ina) Cornelius F A Bryant Mary Fitzpatrick J G Sumley (?) Elizabeth Green J A Asbill M N Coggains John Hardin John Blalack L H McCollum John Simpkins Ordered by the Court that — be appointed commissioners to divide school district No 88 into two districts and locate one school house at Liberty Church, the other at Mount Olivet and report the same to County Superintendent. ( My Note: This was in what is now the Michie area. There is a cemetery at Mt Olivet, in Albert Brown’s book it is called Tulu, but Tulu and Mt Olivet are two separate communities. Most of the markers have been vandalized at Mt Olivet. Liberty was almost at the Mississippi line. So this was in the southeast corner of McNairy County. N Kennedy, transcriber)

To the Worshipful County Court of McNairy County when holding court at Purdy on the 1st Monday in July 1880, it being the 5th day of the month. We the commissioners of the fifth school district of McNairy County respectfully petition and ask your Worship that owing to the extreme ------------ thus rendering our schools too inconvenient for our children (that you) allow and grant that a New School District be formed out of the fractions now included in said District Number 5 and be bounded as follows: viz Beginning at and including Jordin Hardin, thence north to Jacob Baker, thence NE to Garner Jimerson, thence South E to John Weeks, thence south to the Wm Ingle old place. Thence SW to the McBride house on Hue Patterson land, thence SW to D – Hardin on J R Morris land, thence NW to Pryar Jackson, thence north to Jordin Hardin to the beginning including all parties named as corner (?) Men. To grant above will confer a great favor and all interested. John Franklin Commissioner — School District J C Harris and John Carothers - Commissioner 4th School District No signature - Commissioner — School District

(Note: these names were faded and with the census book I was able to get some of them and these are guesses. This area was in Civil District 11 in 1880, somewhere around Leapwood. N Kennedy, transcriber.)

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D H Patterson 3

* Listed twice

We the undersigned agree to and recommend to the Worshipful Court of McNairy Court of McNairy County, Tenn that formation of a new school district to be formed of the fraction of Dist — and Dist ---- to be bounded as follows: Beginning where the county line between McNairy and Hardeman crosses Little Hatchie River run thence up Hatchie to a point opposite where Joseph Sanders Jacob Cain now lives, thence north Sanders house then north to said Cain’s house, northward passing where Cooper now lives on Whitton’s land to G D Freeman’s on Whitton Duncan’s place thence north to the new Bolivar road near where Moore lives on lockman’s land, thence with said road to Kies (?) Creek thence northward up said creek to the Chaffin Ford, thence west to the county line then south with the county line to the beginning. Respectfully submitted James P Grantham, Comm. District 12 W D Huddleston, Comm Dist 4 or 9 J M Grantham, Comm District 12 J S Carter, Comm Dist 4 or 9 Approved.

( Note: This western McNairy county north west of what is now Hwy 64, don’t know how far
back it went, probably in the area of Mount Pleasant. N Kennedy, transcriber)

******************************************

MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE, OCTOBER 1882 TERM OF COUNTY COURT

Ordered by the Court that a new School district be formed in the 7th civil district and that the — bounds as follows: School District No – at W D Joplings School house. Beginning at Sandy Creek, from there to Clay Murry’s, from there to John Holmes. Thence to W D Murry house, from there to Bedford Younger’s house, from there to the foot of the hill west of John Lewter’s house. Thence from there to Leo Nance’s place, from there to the Graney Rains field, thence from there to the forks of the road north of the Hugh Rains place, from there down the line of the Big Springs District, from there to the Curry place, from there to Pharr’s Mill, from there up Cypress to the beginning. Henry Lumpkin, Commissioner District 80

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T J Hawkins, Saml Hockaday Commissioners District 78.

Ordered by the Court that no more school district be changed or new one created
in McNairy County.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

SCHOOLS - GRADE SCHOOLS OR ACADEMY
CHARTER OF INCORPORATION
(Note: These were found in the McNairy County Deed Books)

Falcon Academy - July 15, 1879. Those that signed the charter: W E Atkins, Joe J Horn, Albert Adams, M R Abernathy, James M Nelson, Joe C Taylor.

Montezuma High School - Jackson District , October 4, 1879. Those that signed the charter
were: A W Skinner, W B Haltson, J W Perkins, W F Rowsey, Jo Carson, Wm C Carson, N C
Riggs.

Hepsidam - Jan 5, 1880 in the Third Civil District. Charter members: I A Mitchell, J A Maness, J E Mitchell, W M Massey, Francis Kirby, Grace Russom, James Kerby, W C Worsham.

Oakridge Institute, Nov 11, 1879, 8th Civil District. Those that signed charter were: Mose Kirkpatrick, N T Kirkpatrick, T B Malone, J H Malone, David Williams

Bethel Academy, March 15, 1880. Signing charter: A W Stovall, W W Stovall, W C Wilson, R
W Tatem, R L Kernodle, R K Hendrix, R D Wilson, A R McCalip, W W Turner

Speers Academy, March 19, 1875. Signing charter were R W Baker, R S Taylor, W L Trantham, Taylor Baker, M F Richardson, D C Trantham. This school was located between Guys and Chewalla.

Adamsville Male & Female Institution, August 16, 1879. Those that signed the charter were: John T Warren, J S Freeling, James Combs, P H Thrasher, G M (or W) Sipes, John J Prince MD, J S Carroll, WM S Wolverton, D A Hill, A A Farris.

Piney Grove Academy, March 19, 1877 was probably in the Second Civil District. I also have the date March 23, 1880 listed. Signing were J L W Boatman, J S Hanna, R H Smith, J H Wren, James J Smith, J N Smith, WM Taylor, John Bassham. (This school was located north west of Ramer, and was open until the 1930's. The reason I know is that Helen King, one of the ladies that help to type and keep the records of McNairy County went to school there.)

Stantonville Institute, January 12, 1880. Those that were listed on the charter were T R Beck, J A Romine, J C McConnell, John H Meeks, J R Hailey, D M Boon, J A McKenzie.

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Shady Hill Seminary, January 5, 1880. On the charter were H D Woodard, J T Young, F M Oneal, B I) Young, A J Martindale, Christian Martin, J H Holley. This was in the 16th District (This may have been in the Leapwood area)

McNairy Male & Female Institute, August 27, 1879, signing the charter were: S A Norwood, T M Patterson, J J Bradley, J P Rogers, E W Sheffield, J H Blakely, J W Conger, J W Fielding, L J Anderson, R J Jennings, J S Rogers, R P Kirby.

Ramer Academy, July 15, 1879, charter signed by A B Hamm, J L Fowler, J S Ramer, N S
Hudlespeth, F P Jeans, J F Monroe.

Purdy Temperance Institute, Sept 8, 1879. Those signing the charter were: J R Stovall, G D McBee, J M Harris, J R Adams, J W Purviance, G W Shipman, Job Bell, N C Riggs, T F Sanders

Others were: Austin Academy 1880, Bethel School 1896, Falcon Academy 1879, Georgia Wright Female institute (at Purdy) 1859, Gravel Hill 1881, Webb Fork in the Fourth District in 1880.

(There are probably more listed, these were the ones I found while searching for other facts.) OVER THE YEARS I HAVE COLLECTED SCHOOL INFORMATION WHICH I AM INCLUDING IN THIS BOOK(ABOVE.) . SOME OF IT MR FRANKLIN MITCHELL MAY HAVE IN HIS BOOK ON MCNAIRY COUNTY SCHOOLS. I DO NOT MEAN TO DUPLICATE HIS RECORDS, I AM JUST PUBLISHING THE INFORMATION I HAVE. Nancy Kennedy, May 1, 2005

REUBEN LONG
FRANCIS KERBY, ETAL VS C M CASON, ETAL
MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE CHANCERY COURT #273, 1872

Complaints: Francis Kerby, Joseph Long, William Walker and Susan his wife, James Long,
Robert Rankin & Josephine his wife, Acan Miffle, all of McNairy County, Tennessee

By Francis Cherry administrator of Robert Long, deceased of the County of Henderson, Tenn; John Ingraham and Nimrod Ingraham, administrators of A H Ingraham, deceased; and John Aldridge of the County of McNairy County; C M Cason of the County of Madison, Tennessee and A H Skinner, Administrator of J C Hollis, deceased of County of McNairy County.

Reuben Long departed this life in the State of Texas, Bowie County, about the month of October 1856 where his estate in said state was fully administrated. That said deceased at the time of his death owned effects in the State of Tennessee (Henderson or McNairy County.)

Reuben Long left surviving him the following children to wit: Jasper Long, Susan who
intermarried with William Walker, James Long, Josephine Long who intermarried with Robert

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Rankin, Sarah Long who intermarried with Acan Miffley who has since died, leaving no issue alive and Francis Long who is a minor under the age of twenty one years.

At the time of his death, Reuben Long owned considerable estate real and personal in said State of Texas and Tennessee, consisting of lands, slaves and other personal property and debts (owed to him). Robert Long was appointed guardian of minor children of Reuben Long, with John Aldridge and A H Ingraham as his sureties, Dec 6, 1858. Robert Long resigned his position as guardian in the year 1861 and J C Hollis and C M Cason were named as guardians of minors of Reuben Long May 6, 1861. After J C Hollis died, A H Skinner was appointed in his place as guardian. Robert Long removed said slaves to wit: Dick, Mose, Aney, Bell, George, Steve, Puss and some children about the year 1858 from the State of Texas to McNairy County. Robert Long (brother of Reuben Long) died intestate in McNairy County about the year 1868 and H M Burten was appointed his administrator, who resigned and Francis Cherry was appointed administrator. Susan Walker gave this deposition on August 30, 1875. Abstracts: Susan Walker was the daughter of Reuben Long, she will age 34 next month (September) “I returned to Tennessee from Texas in June 1858, all the white children came together at this same time. Robert Long, Sr and John Long moved the family.” Susan married William Walker on February 25, 1859 in McNairy County, Tennessee The negro men were brought back to Tennessee by Robert Long and a Wm Barnhill before Susan married. Susan’s mother had died and Reuben had married another woman, because Susan called her ‘step-mother’ and she had $90, a wagon, a horse and yoke of oxen when they left Texas. There were six children, 2 boys and 4 girls. Two boys being the oldest (Jasper, James, Susan, Josephine, Sarah and Francis. The boys lived or stayed with Robert Long. The step mother had one child by Reuben Long, does not give name or mention again that I could find.. William Walker sold Susan’s interest and Francis’ interest in their inheritance to C M Cason August 1872 for $600 each. Deposition of Francis Long, March 25, 1875. Abstracts: Her father, Reuben Long kept a record of births and she was born May 1, 1851. At the time of the deposition, she is living with her sister Susan. She traveled 26 miles round trip to Purdy for depositions. John Alderidge’s deposition, March 30, 1875: says he is about 51 years old When he became guardian of the minor children the slaves were: Dick about 65 or 70, his wife Anie about 50-55. Moses about 21. Bill 13, George 12-13, Steve age 8 and Puss about 6 year old and Babe about one year old. Reuben long went to Texas about one year before he died. John Aldridge traveled 24 miles round trip to Purdy. W J Long, says he did not know how old he was when they left Texas, but they made his step mother pay all the money, about $100 in gold, she had for expenses on the trip. His Uncle Robert Long and John Long came for them. John Long was a gambling man and they would stay as high as 3-4 days at one place. They all stayed with John Long’s the first year after they

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returned. Part of the family went to Robert Long and part went to William Walker’s. W J says he was a good size plow boy. There were six children , the step mother and her child. The reason for this case was that if Robert Long had any money or assets on hand as guardian of the children, it was turned over to Cason and Hollis. The slaves were hired out and it was mostly this money that was never divided among the heirs. This case went to the State of Tennessee Supreme Court in 1877 but was sent back to Chancery Court for defendants to offer additional proof. In the 1860 McNairy County, Tennessee census, transcribed by Harold Cox: Dist 14 HH 2036: William Walker 19, Susan 19, James Long 15, Josephine Long 13. Sarah Long 12, and Francis Long age 10. Jasper age 17, is living with John Long. District 8, hh 1261 I could never find Reuben Long’s second wife’s name or which child he had by her. It has to be the youngest, Francis, or the child was never recognized in this court case. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

D T SMITH VS R S SMITH
MCNAIRY COUNTY COURT
NOVEMBER 13, 1907 - PETITION TO SELL LAND

D T Smith, a resident of McNairy County, Tennessee vs D R Hurst, Alex Smith, Prudence Smith, Will Smith, Martha Ann Wyatt, Acy Wyatt, residents of the State of Alabama, Arkadell Jones, Oscar Jones, Nellie Smith, Will Smith, Bobbie Smith, Mattie Brooks and Frank Brooks, Alex Farris and his two minor children, residents of McNairy County, Levi Hurst, Mrs Frannie Stinnett residents of Hardin County, Alex Hurst resident of Lawrence County, W L Hurst and sister _____ Hurst, residents of the State of Alabama, John Hurst and Add Hurst residents of the State of Texas, Sam Hurst, Bettie Kennedy and J S Kennedy, residence unknown, George Rimmer and all his children by his wife Tennessee Hurst, their name, residence, age, sex of Rimmer children unknown, , Fannie Moody and J L Moody resident of the State or Arkansas, one minor child of James M Hurst, deceased. After reading this document, to the best of my ability, I found: W L. Hurst, Sr died July 4, 1904 and owned about 92 ½ acres in the 13th civil district of McNairy County. He left no widow or children, he never having been married, lived and died a bachelor. W L Hurst had the following brothers and sisters, some of whom are dead and died before he died: (1) D R Hurst, ( 2) Alex Hurst, (3) John Hurst, (4) Sam Hurst, (5) Mattie Hurst, (6) Jess Hurst, (7) James M Hurst.

(1) D R Hurst is still living at the time of the lawsuit, age 68 and living at Falcon.
(2) Alex Hurst is still living at the time of the lawsuit.
(3) John Hurst Sr is deceased and leaves his children:
Levi Hurst,
Fannie Hurst married Alonzo Stinnett who is now dead
John Hurst, Jr

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Mattie Farris (deceased) married Alex (Elihu) Farris and they had twin sons both of
whom were living at the time this lawsuit was filed but one died before it was
concluded. Odus survived.
Add Hurst, probably Adaline
(4) Sam Hurst died before the time of this lawsuit and leaves children:
Sam Hurst Jr
Bettie Hurst who married J S Kennedy
Tennessee Hurst who married George Rimmer (Tennessee died leaving several
children.)
(5) Mattie Hurst who married Frank Brooks
(6) Jess Hurst died before this lawsuit and left two children
W L Hurst Sr
Edie Hurst, deceased before 1907, married R S Smith, leaving her husband and the
following children:
D T Smith, Alex Smith,
Prudence Smith (apparently deceased) who married Will Smith,
Martha Ann who married Acy Wyatt,
Arkadell Smith who married Oscar Jones,
Nellie Smith who married Will Smith also
Bobbie Smith.

Hopefully this is correct as it was hard to read. NK
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

SAMUEL CHAMBERS, JUN VS A J KINCAID, ETALS
MCNAIRY COUNTY, TENNESSEE COURT, 1866 # 111

In this case Samuel Chambers, Senr died in 1844 leaving two sons, Samuel Jr and George W, both under the age of 21. John Chambers was appointed guardian until 1846 and A J Kincaid was then appointed guardian of the two minor children. Samuel Chambers Senr possessed a large estate, real and personal, but apparently the boys never received any benefits. It doesn’t mention the land in the part I copied, but mentions the money received by Kincaid by the hiring out of the slaves from 1846. At the time of Samuel Chambers Sen’s death he owned slaves: Nancy about 30 years old, Tilda about 7, Jeff and Sarah about 10 years old, Ann and Amanda.. After Mr Chamber’s death, Nancy had Jeff about 1846. There was a settlement on the 26th day of May 1860 but all Samuel and George Chambers received was worthless notes for the hiring of the slaves in years past.

DOCTORS WHO HAVE PRACTICED IN MCNAIRY COUNTY BY LESLIE HOUSTON One of the more interesting chapters in the history of McNairy County is the chapter about the family doctors who practiced here in the pre-hospital period of the county. Their service to the county was legendary, even though few of them had the advantage of a real sophisticated medical education, and none of them had a convenient hospital to help them care for the sick.

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It is impossible to learn the first names of all these old timers, so I will just refer to most of them by their last names and if I should miss a few of them, just remember my intentions are good. Adamsville had Dr Frank Sanders, Dr Jim Curry, Dr Hayse Abernathy, Dr Glen Abernathy and Dr Ernest Ledbetter. Finger had Dr Barnes and Dr Tucker. Bethel Springs had Dr Davis, Dr Motley and Dr Earnest Smith. Ramer had Dr Wallace and Dr Key. Chewalla and the Cypress Tank Area and Dr Harbin and Dr Fortune. Gravel Hill and Dr Davis and Guys had Dr Kirkland. Milledgeville had Dr Ross. Selmer had Dr Bell, Dr John Ross Smith, Dr R M Kendrick, Dr Warren Wallace, Dr Earnest Smith, Dr Joe Carter, Dr Flatt, Dr George Curry (1931-32) and Dr O L Hill (moved to Oklahoma 1938. Action had Dr John Abernathy Stantonville had Dr Henry Sanders and Dr Gerry Sanders Michie had Dr Charlie Chambers and Dr Barto Williams. It should be noted that these doctors practiced medicine in this county before the term ‘Family Practice’ had been invented. They were known as “Country Doctors.’ They were a hardy breed. They went where they were called. In fact, I think Shakespeare had them in mind when he penned the lines - ‘not snow, no not rain, nor heat, nor night keeps them from accomplishing their appointed rounds with all speed.’ Yes, old time country doctors are a vanished breed and we miss them.

JOHN GOOCH VS JESSEE GOOCH
MCNAIRY COUNTY , TENNESSEE CHANCERY COURT, 1872 # 277
BILL TO SELL LAND

John G Gooch, a citizen of McNairy County, would respectfully show unto your Honor
that Thomas Gooch died intestate in McNairy county on — 1864. He left surviving him the
following heirs:
1. J G Gooch age 63 years old, a resident of McNairy County,
2. Jessee Gooch, age 61 years old, a resident of the State of Mississippi
3. Nicholas Gooch, age 59 years old, a resident of the State of Arkansas
4. Margaret Gooch, deceased, who intermarried with E Dunaway, her heirs:
J T Dunaway, age 35, resident of McNairy County
W P Dunaway, age 33, resident of McNairy County
Polly Ann Dunaway, deceased, married Henry Ferguson (deceased)
Mary M Ferguson who married James Melton (McNairy County)
Nancy J Ferguson , deceased, married Wesley Ramer, no issue
James E Ferguson, age 20
Henderson Ferguson age 18
After the death of Henry Ferguson, Polly married Henry Roten, issue

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Robert Roten, age 16
Frances E Roten, age 12
Rachel Roten, age 10
Mary Ann Roten, about 2 years old.
5. Polly Gooch, deceased married W B Terry, deceased, issue
Amanda who married Dr Hodges, a resident of Mississippi
Annie Terry, married D M Wisdom, a citizen of Jackson, Tenn
Molly Terry married James Hart, a citizen of Jackson, Tenn
Jessie Terry, age unknown, resident of Jackson, Tenn
6. William Gooch, deceased left surviving him his wife Sarah and eight children:
John T Gooch, 30 yrs old, McNairy County
Henry Gooch, 27 years old, residence unknown
James Gooch, age 19, McNairy County
Elizabeth Gooch who married John Laron, residence unknown
Marguary married Chaney Miller, McNairy County
Caroline age 20
Johnnie Gooch, under age 20
Annie Gooch, under age 20
Thomas Gooch died seized of 200 acres and 147 acres of land in McNairy County.

SNAKE CREEK DRAINAGE TAX FOR THE YEAR 1916

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SNAKE CREEK DRAINAGE TAX FOR THE YEAR 1919

Name Tract Numbers Acreage
Carothers, J H 16 8

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Jackson, H H & J G Gillmire 41.1
Kerby, J J 86 33
Kirkpatrick, Unes & Nevena 71 8.75

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HONOR ROLL, WORLD WAR ONE
THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FROM MCNAIRY COUNTY
Taken from the works of Cordie Majors and Charles Whitlow
Pvt Sidney Barnhill (was a black man)
Pvt Charlie A Brown
Pvt Etherl E Burks
1st Lt Gover Carter
Pvt Robet L Curtis
Pvt Logan Doles
Pvt Lewis Erwin
Pvt Ed Evans
Pvt William A Forsythe
Pvt Dolphie Haddock
Pvt Luther G Hair
Pvt Bernard D Hamm
Sgt William A Hamilton
Pvt Ban L Howard
Pvt Oliver Hurst
Pvt Oscar Hurst
Pvt James W Ingle
Pvt Lawrence Jopling
Pvt Marvin Lee
Pvt John McAfee
Pvt Dee Hershall McDaniel
Pvt Ace Mitchell
Pvt Emmett Moore

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C E Springer (no rank given on the rest)
Albert Stovall
Edgar Surratt
Jimmie Thigpen
Gilbert Walker
Robert Avon Walker
Lacy Joe Whitaker
George P Wood

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