Pioneer Families

Articles taken from the original manuscript of the "Senatobia Centennial Book" published in 1960. From the original manuscript very few articles were published in their entirety.

Compiler's notes were researched by Syble Embrey.

MEEK CARTER

Rural Mail Carrier

Rural mail delivery, right to each family’s own mailbox! Why, that was only a dream of the future when little MEEK CARTER moved, with his family, to Senatobia from Asheville, North Carolina. In that year of 1895 it was quite a problem to get mail to and from the relatives left behind in Carolina because the only rural mail was carried by "Star" routes to the tiny community post offices, and had to be called for there or at the Senatobia Post Office. This inconvenience may have been a determining factor in MEEK CARTER’S decision to become a rural mail carrier.

After working as a postal clerk on the Illinois Central Railroad trains from Memphis to New Orleans awhile, this young man took the necessary Civil Service examination and was appointed a rural carrier in 1910, working out of the Senatobia office. This was only 3 years after the establishment of this new service by the government.

The so-called "local" roads in these early years were mere dusty lanes in summer and in winter were almost impassable even with a horse and buggy. There were times when it was necessary to carry the mail on horseback in winter, even after this pioneer carrier bought his first automobile. Many times in bad weather twilight would find MR. CARTER just completing his route. This staunch-hearted carrier took events like washed-out bridges and fallen trees in stride. The fact that these things made for lost hours and many added miles did not stop him from the completion of his rounds.

MR. CARTER married soon after becoming a rural carrier and more than once his bride proved her worth by taking the mail alone, driving the horse and buggy. This was in the days before substitutes became a regular part of the mail system.

During the years when he used a horse and buggy, MR. CARTER and his good wife spent many cold winter nights doctoring on sick and ailing horses with home made poultices and remedies. This meant working by lantern light in the stable and keeping the old wood-stove in the kitchen going so as to have hot water.

One of the hazards of the horse and buggy days was runaway horses, and MR. CARTER carries scars that testify to his experiences in that long ago era. There were no telephones in the rural sections then to call a garage to send a wrecker for a shattered buggy. It was a matter of walking to the nearest house for help.

The patrons on these rural routes were happy with the service they got, for they now had an errand boy as well as a mail carrier. The requests they made of this public servant ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous, and he tried to oblige white and colored, going out of his way to do so if they situation seemed to demand that. He bought groceries and medicines, even turning around upon completion of his route and driving miles and miles back over his route to carry medicine to someone in need. He bought hair dressing for colored patrons, and many times he hurried to tell a doctor he was needed out in the country. It didn’t cost a penny to ask the mailman to deliver a message to neighbors further on down the road. And if someone who needed to mail a letter or package found themselves without the necessary funds for stamps, it did not take much persuasion to get the kind hearted mailman to reach in his own pocket for the amount needed.

In the early years of rural mail delivery MR. CARTER would sell money orders for whiskey by the gallon to as many as 35 or 40 persons in a day. Most of these orders were to B J SIMS and D CANALE in Memphis, but there was one draw back to getting their package. The senders of the money orders had to come to the Senatobia railroad depot to pick up their whiskey from the express agent.

Although there were rough times along the way, MR CARTER has many pleasurable memories, too. The people living along his routes showed their appreciation for his work by sharing their seasonal harvests with him. A red flag up on a mailbox did not always mean a stop to sell stamps. But to find a package protruding from it with the mailman’s name on it. This might mean freshly killed pork in the winter and fresh vegetables of every kind in season. Knowing that sometimes he was away from home all day long, his Friends would leave sandwiches in their mailbox. At Christmas time there were always some who left him boxes of cake and home made candy, and once in a while he would have a surprise such as a big batch of warm from the oven "tea cakes."

When MR. CARTER looks back over his 38 years of rural mail service with all its hardships he wonders if that is what some people mean when they say, "Those were the good old days."

Compiler’s note:

MEEK OBADIAH CARTER was born Oct 16, 1888 and died Apr 14, 1964. He married CORA WALLACE Feb 23, 1913. CORA WALLACE was born Jul 26, 1890 and died Dec 23, 1983. She was the daughter of GEORGE WASHINGTON WALLACE and JANIE CRENSHAW WALLACE. MEEK and CORA CARTER are buried in the Bethesda Cemetery in Senatobia, Tate County, MS. MEEK AND CORA CARTER’S daughter MARY ELIZABETH CARTER married WILLIAM RALPH GULLEDGE. Their children:

DR WILLIAM RALPH GULLEGE, JR one child ASHLEY GULLEDGE BRISTOW

                    WAYNE GULLEDGE an Attorney in Memphis, Tennessee

ANN GULLEGE McGEE SHUPP two children JEFFREY SCOTT McGEE and ELIZABETH SUSANNE McGEE.

WILLIAM R GULLEDGE and partner, W K BROWN, operated the automobile dealership, BROWN and GULLEDGE Motor Company, located in Senatobia, MS for 40 years. He was also a realtor, farmer and served on the Board of Aldermen in Senatobia. WILLIAM RALPH (BILL) GULLEDGE died Aug 23, 1989 and was buried in Bethesda Cemetery in Senatobia, Tate County, MS.

ANDREW HARPER CALDWELL

ANDREW HARPER CALDWELL was born Nov 29, 1814, near Charlotte, in Mecklengurg County, N.C. His parents both died before he was twelve years of age. His father, Rev S C CALDWELL, being a teacher in a Classical School, as well as a minister of the gospel, put his son to the study of the Latin language before his father died.

When a little more than seventeen years of age, he went to the University of Ohio at Athens entered the sophomore class and graduated with distinction. He rode from Carolina to Ohio on horseback and remained at the University until graduation, after which he returned on horseback to Mecklenburg County, NC.

Having decided to enter the ministry of the Presbyterian Church, he graduated from Union Theological Seminary, Prince Edward County, VA, at the age of 24.

After preaching for six months in Charlotte, he accepted a call to Bethesda Church in York County, SC. He married SARAH ANN WILLIAMSON March 22, 1844.

In the autumn of 1846, ANDREW HARPER CALDWELL and his wife, SARAH ANN WILLIAMSON CALDWELL, accompanied by many of her relatives, traveled in wagons to Mississippi.

They first settled in Marshall County, MS, where they helped establish the Philadelphia Presbyterian Church.

In February 1862, ANDREW HARPER CALDWELL and family moved to Sardis, MS, in Panola County. From there he served and established churches at other point’s north and south.

In 1873, he moved to Senatobia, MS, to become pastor of Bethesda Church that he had organized May 6, 1848. Bethesda Church was named for the church he had left in York County, SC, and was made up largely of the members of his old pastorate there.

He ministered to the Senatobia Bethesda Church for eighteen years, resigning that charge in 1886.

Of distinguished appearance, he possessed remarkable physical energy and unusual mental vigor. As a preacher, he was scholarly. He was a man of great physical courage and stamina, a man who blazed the trails of Mississippi, leaving in his path, wherever he went, the imprints of religion, culture and kindness.

He died April 28, 1893 leaving the following children:

JOHN WILLIAM CALDWELL, a merchant in Senatobia.

ANNIE HARPER CALDWELL, who married JOHN HILL BERNARD Nov 28, 1888.

She was a religious leader in town and state, also achieving some importance in literary circles.

ELIZABETH CALDWELL who married Judge EUGENE JOHNSON.

ANDREW HARPER CALDWELL, was also survived by three sons all of who were ministers in the Presbyterian Church: Namely—

DR WILLIAM DOBY CALDWELL, who served until his death as minister of the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, Texas

DR S C CALDWELL, for 40 years pastor of the Hazelhurst, Miss. Presbyterian Church.

DR W L CALDWELL, minister for 35 years of Woodland Street Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tenn.

DR W L CALDWELL, now 88 years old, is the only living member of this family, being retired from his ministry and living in Nashville, Tenn. (1960)

Compilers Note:

REV ANDREW HARPER CALDWELL, was the son of the REV SAMUEL CRAIGHEAD CALDWELL and the grandson of the REV DAVID and RACHAEL CRAIGHEAD CALDWELL. JOHN W CALDWELL was born Apr 7, 1891, died Dec 7, 1934, and is buried in the Bethesda Cemetery. The following inscription from the grave markers in Bethesda Cemetery — REV ANDREW HARPER CALDWELL, Nov 29, 1814-Apr 28, 1899, Father, born Mecklenburg Co., NC died Senatobia, Miss. SARAH ANN WILLIAMSON CALDWELL, Aug 17, 1827-June 12, 1911, Mother, wife of REV A H CALDWELL; born Mecklenburg Co, NC, died Senatobia, Miss; J H BERNARD, Jan 4, 1941 (only date); ANNIE CALDWELL BERNARD, Jan 20, 1868-March 31, 1959; JOHN W CALDWELL, 1848-1932; REBECCA CHEATHAM CLADWELL, Jan 4, 1959-Oct 8, 1896, wife of J W CALDWELL; ANDREW HARPER CALDWELL, M.D., Oct 16, 1883-May 17, 1912, son of JNO W and REBECCA CALDWELL. Children of J W & R C CALDWELL, LAWRENCE CALDWELL, May 16, 1885-Jan 31, 1887; NICHOLAS CHEATHAM CALDWELL, Aug 4, 1886-May 27, 1887; Infant son born & died Dec 16, 1889; Infant dau. Born & died Oct 28, 1893; ELIZABETH JOHNSON CALDWELL Oct 27, 1894-Oct 14, 1895; EUGENE JOHNSON, Mar 27, 1849-Apr 8, 1909, Lawyer; ELIZABETH C JOHNSON, 1885-1933.

REV SAMUEL CRAIGHEAD CALDWELL, D. D. is the S. C. CALDWELL above.

REV WALTER LINDSAY CALDWELL, D. D. is the W. L. CALDWELL above.

CALDWELL descendants living in Senatobia in 1974 were PERRIN L CALDWELL and his sons, PERRIN L CALDWELL, JR and THRUMAN V CALDWELL, grandson and great-grandsons of JOHN WILLIAMSON CALDWELL; MRS. WILLIAM PRESTON PERKINS, the former VIVIEN LINDSAY BERNARD, her son, WILLIAM PERSTON PERKINS, JR, and his sons and daughter, WILLIAM P PERKINS, III, JOHN SWAYNE PERKINS and FRANCES CROUCH PERKINS, daughter, grandson, and great-grandchildren of ANNIE CALDWELL BERNARD.

Source: A History of Tate County published in 1975.

JUDGE EUGENE JOHNSON’S

Obituary

This able jurist, esteemed citizen, excellent Christian gentleman, affectionate husband and father, faithful churchman and inspiring Sabbath School teacher, passed away at his home in Indianola, Miss, April 8^th, 1909.

EUGENE JOHNSON was born in Tippah County, Mississippi, March 27^th, 1949. He was prepared for college in boys’ school in Columbus and was for some time a pupil in a school of local note under the direction of PROF GATHRIGHT in East Mississippi. In 1866, he entered the freshman class in the University of Mississippi, where he graduated in 1870, with the First Honor. He was valedictorian of a large class of thoughtful and matured men, of whom quite a number afterwards distinguished themselves in professional and literary life. After a brief period of teaching and private study in Marshall County he went to Holly Springs and studied Law under COL H W WALTER. In 1872, he formed a partnership with COL D B WRIGHT in the practice of law in Ashland, Benton County. In 1874, he settled in Senatobia where he was for many years a member of the firm of SHANDS and JOHNSON.

On the 2^nd day of December 1874, he was happily married to MISS LIZZIE CALDWELL, daughter of the pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Senatobia. In 1892 he was appointed Judge of the Circuit Court in the Third Judicial District by Gov. J M STONE.

After leaving the bench he formed a partnership with MR. P C CHAPMAN in the practice of law where he continued to reside up to the time of his lamented death.

MR. JOHNSON was a man of rare mental endowments. He enjoyed the very best educational advantages in the State in his preparatory and college training. Very early in life he acquired those steady habits of application; systematic study, accurate investigation and clear thinking which marked his whole life. He had the instinct, the finest taste and perennial enthusiasm of a student. At the bar and on the bench his profession required profound study. In addition to this throughout a life of systematic habits he explored the fields of the world’s best literature. There was no vagueness about his reading. He was delightfully familiar with the classics, history, poetry and fiction, ancient and modern. He accumulated a library of well-selected books. Among these, surrounded by his living family, he entertained himself in winter evenings and in hours of leisure.

By nature he was social, genial, warm hearted and companionable. His wide reading and general information with a glowing friendliness made him a charming host under his own roof.

"A perception of the comic: says EMERSON, "seems to be a balance wheel in our metaphysical structure. We feel the absence of it as a defect in the noblest and most oracular soul. It is a tie of sympathy with other men."

There was no lack of this in the subject of this sketch. He had a perception of the comic, a fine sense of humor and a most exhilarating appreciation of wit. This gift was a relief to his ardent lovers, especially while on the bench.

Few men took more pleasure in family and home life. He was devoted to his household. He had a comfortable and attractive home in Senatobia, where he loved to entertain his friends. Only a few weeks before his death he had purchased a lot in Indianola and was studying plans for the erection of a residence.

In his college life and professional life he had formed many delightful and permanent friendships. He was sincere and "friendly." He cherished his old associates and never lost that boyish glow which gives such a rest to life’s enjoyments. Some of the most distinguished men in our state were his Oxford associates. To meet them in Jackson, Memphis and other places revived old memories and afforded unspeakable pleasures.

MR. JOHNSON’S early affiliations were with the Episcopal Church. He admired the well verbated "articles" and the beautiful ritual of that great church. The Book of Common Prayers had an honored and constant place on the table of his library. In 1884, he became a member of the Presbyterian Church. The people promptly recognized his fitness for official position and he was ordained and elder in the Senatobia Church. For more than thirty-five years he was a teacher of the Bible class. In Indianola, it was said that "He was the Sunday School." He kept it alive. He had a Bible class there. Those who sat at his feet said they had never had a teacher who taught them so much. They loved and respected him highly. He was popular in Indianola with everybody. He was a frequent attendant of the meetings of the church courts, Presbytery and Synods. He was a valuable member of committees and his counsels on the floor were valued and appreciated. He was moderator of the Presbytery and was a member of the General Assembly which met in North Carolina some years ago. As in law and literature, so was he also posted in the Doctrine, History and Policy of the Presbyterian Church.

He will be missed and his departure is deeply and sorely lamented in Senatobia and Indianola; the two towns with which he has been so closely identified.

He was greatly beloved by his family and a large circle of relatives and devoted friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife who has been his faithful and affectionate help-meet for almost thirty-five years; and three sons, HARPER, CLYDE and ELBERT. Two of these are lawyers and one a Presbyterian Pastor in Marianna, Florida.

It is proper that his last resting-place should be in Bethesda Cemetery, in the county in which were spent the greater and the best part of an honored life.

S.C.C.

Compilers Note:

HARPER JOHNSON born Feb 21, 1877, died Sept 8, 1953 served as Mayor of Senatobia. He served on the Board of Alderman and was appointed Town Clerk. He was the first City Attorney. HARPER JOHNSON and wife, JULIE HARPER JOHNSON, born Jul 29, 1878, died Jun 16, 1970, are buried in Bethesda Cemetery in Senatobia, MS.

MRS. A. L. McCORMICK

MRS. A. L. McCORMICK died at her home in Senatobia Tuesday afternoon, October 30, 1945 after an illness of several years. She was 78 years old. Funeral services were conducted at the

Senatobia Presbyterian Church Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock by DR. JAMES E. GREEN of Memphis, former pastor of the church and REV. L. O. ELMORE, pastor. Interment was made in Bethesda Cemetery with PATE and McCORMICK in charge of funeral arrangements. Active pallbearers were M. H. DANDRIDGE, GAITHER LAMAR, W. P. PERKINS, R. G. ROSEBOUROUGH, REGINALD MOORE, JACK NORFLEET, THURMAN VEAZEY and E. W. VARNER. Honorary pallbearers were citizens of Senatobia who through the years have been friends of the McCORMICK family.

MRS. MOLLIE ROYAL McCORMICK was the daughter of RICHARD DECATUR ROYALL and MARY CHRISTIANA MAYNARD ROYALL. She was born March 4, 1867 at Vicksburg, Miss., and came to Senatobia at the age of three. On January 27, 1887 she was married to A. L. McCORMICK of Senatobia and became the mother of six children two of whom, GLADYS McCORMICK and MRS. CHRISTINE McCORMICK RUST preceded her in death.

MRS. McCORMICK was a member of the Presbyterian Church and took an active part in her church's work until her health failed. She served several terms as president of the Women's Auxiliary of the local Presbyterian Church. She was an active leader for years in the social and civic life of her town and county. Being endowed with a gracious and charming personality and natural ability of leadership, she gave freely and generously of her time in promoting projects of social and civic nature. She was twice president of the Senatobia Cosmopolitan Club and led in the organization of the Senatobia Culture Club. She also served as Fourth District President of the Mississippi Federation of Women's Clubs. Any worthwhile and progressive movement in the Community had her wholehearted support.

One of the outstanding characteristics of her life was her love for the beautiful, especially the beauties of nature. She spent many happy hours in the flower gardens which surrounded the stately home she dwelled in from a short time after her marriage until her death. A true Christian, a devoted wife and mother, a woman of outstanding ability and charm, a gracious hostess, her life typified true Southern womanhood.

She is survived by her husband, A. L. McCORMICK, Senatobia; a son, R. R. McCORMICK, Senatobia; three daughters, MRS. CLAUDE M. McCORD, Memphis, MRS. H. H. COVINGTON, Cleveland, Ohio, and MRS. JAMES E. CAHILL, Senatobia; and eight grandchildren, MAJOR CLAUDE M. McCORD and MISS. MOLLIE ROYALL McCORD of Memphis, HERBERT, RICHARD, McCORMICK and GEORGE COVINGTON of Cleveland, Ohio, and ELEANOR and JIMMIE CAHILL of Senatobia.

Source: Tate County Democrat Obituary 1945

A. L. McCORMICK

ALONZO L. McCORMICK well known citizen of Senatobia died at his home Friday afternoon, Feb. 6, 1948, after a long illness. He was 88 years old.

Funeral services were conducted at the Presbyterian Church Sunday afternoon, Feb. 8, at 3 o'clock by REV. L. O. ELMORE. Interment was made in Bethesda Cemetery with C. O. PATE Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Active pallbearers were F. O. GIVENS, E. W. VARNER, WILLIAMSON ROSEBOUROUGH, W. B. HAYS, A. T. VEAZEY and JACK NORFLEET.

MR. McCORMICK was the son of the late ARCHIBALD and ELIZABETH SALMON McCORMICK. He was born Nov. 18, 1859 in South Carolina. He came to Tate County from South Carolina when a young child and in a few years began to identify himself with the progress and growth of the community. He received his education in the school of Tate County.

On January 27, 1887 he married MISS MOLLIE ELIZA ROYALL and they observed their golden wedding anniversary in 1937. To this union was born six children, GLADYS who died in infancy in 1898; MRS. CHRISTINE RUST who passed away in 1942; a son RAYMOND McCORMICK who died in December 1947 and three daughters who survive; MRS. C. M. McCORD of Memphis, MRS. H. H. COVINGTON of Cleveland, Ohio and MRS. J. E. CAHILL of Senatobia.

MR. McCORMICK was known throughout the Southland as a successful planter and business leader of Tate County. In 1890, he opened a livery business in Senatobia. In 1910 he became one of the first automobile dealers in the section. His hobby was thoroughbred horses and he owned a number of racehorses in his younger days. He had his own private race tract.

MR. McCORMICK had extensive farming interest in Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee.

His success in the realm of business was not the factor upon which HON. J. B. SNIDER, when editor of the Tate County Democrat a number of years ago, named him in the columns of the paper as "Senatobia's Most Constructive Citizen." MR. SNIDER wrote "We see no good reason for waiting until a man has passed from this life to tell him what the public thinks of his life's work especially if that work is good. Senatobia boasts of a citizen who never falters when called upon to help the town and county. A keen businessman of wide experience, he started with nothing. All of the North end of Front Street stands today as a monument to his constructive ability. It was only yesterday that an ugly ditch, usually filled with trash, impeded traffic in that part of town. Almost entirely due to this man's efforts this ditch has been covered over. We can all remember the unsightly buildings that once occupied North Front Street. In their place today there are several of the most modern and beautiful store buildings to be found in this section of the state. No request seems unreasonable to him. If by granting it he can advance the prosperity of his community. He has always championed every progressive move in the town and county. If a vote could be taken and his numerous services to this town taken into account we believe A. L. McCORMICK would be unanimously chosen as Senatobia's most constructive citizen. Given a dozen citizens like A. L. McCORMICK and Senatobia would soon become a model city with prosperity perching upon the threshold of ever home."

MR. McCORMICK was one who indeed loved his fellow man: kindly and indulgent with the interest of others ever close to his heart, he greatly enjoyed the privilege of helping and befriending any who might be in need of assistance. One of his outstanding characteristics was his love for his home and family.

Until a few years ago when his health failed him and he had to retire from business and other interest and his late beloved wife's health failed her, the stately McCORMICK home in the heart

Of Senatobia was the center of much of the social activity of the town. The gracious hospitality of MR. and MRS. McCORMICK and their family was a magnet which drew friends and strangers within their doors. The welcome they received, and the pleasant hours-spent are cherished memories of citizens thruout the Southland today. He was an active member of the Presbyterian Church for many years.

Out of town relatives and friends who attended the funeral were MR. and MRS. C. M. McCORD, MR. C. M. McCORD, Jr. and MISS MILLIE McCORD of Memphis; MRS. H. H. COVINGTON of Cleveland, MR. And MRS. JESSIE D. WOOTON of Memphis MRS. RIPLEY DABBS of Germantown; MR. MORRIS BUTLER and MR. and MRS. HOMER COLEMAN of Memphis; and MR. C. M. SWANGO, Jr. of Sardis.

Source: Tate County Democrat Obituary 1948

McCORMICK FAIRGROUNDS

McCORMICK Fairgrounds, owned by A. L. McCORMICK, was a place where not only Senatobians, but also people from all over Tate and the surrounding counties gathered for fun and frolic. There many friendships were renewed while they watched, and took part in, County Fairs and vied with each other in their produce and fancy cooking. Carnivals and sideshows of all kinds were there to add glamour to the occasions. Skeet shooting was a sport that attracted lots of attention, but the harness racing was the most outstanding entertainment. Mr. McCORMICK had his private racetrack there on the fairgrounds where he worked out his horses for the races. Other horse owners from nearby counties and states brought their horses for the races here. MR. McCORMICK'S horses were trained by "Pop" GREER of Memphis, Tennessee, a famous race Horse trainer and many of them raced on the Grand Circuit, the two fastest being "Search Me" and "Spy Direct."

MR. McCORMICK built the Senatobia Opera House in 1903, where stage shows and minstrels akin to those by gone days were drawing attractions. Church and County bazaars were held here, as well as school Commencement exercises, and end of the year school plays making the Opera House more or less a Community Center. A few years later, a skating rink was built adjoining the Opera House to make for more varied amusement.

DR. HARRY LELAND MARTIN

DR. HARRY LELAND MARTIN came to Senatobia as pastor of First Baptist Church April 1st, 1933 where he served 20 years. His outstanding work in the church was in getting a divided group to work together to pay the debt, build an educational addition and increase Sunday School enrollment from less than 100 to more than 400. In the county he encouraged the country pastors and churches. He was Moderator of Tate County Association most of the 20 years.

He helped in organizing the local Rotary Club and was its first president (1934), (1937). He served as District Governor 1936, 1937 and while governor organized 11 other clubs, more clubs than in any other years of the district's history.

DR. MARTIN held revivals all over Mississippi and in many of the southern states. He was in great demand as an orator, speaking at Commencement Services, Rotary Banquets and Church Banquets.

He headed the War Fund and U.S.A. Fund in World War II and this later developed into the Community Fund and Christmas Cheer which he led.

He was also prominent in Masonic work in town and the county and was a reporter to the Commercial Appeal about 20 years, covering the County as well as Senatobia.

HARRY LELAND MARTIN, JR.

HARRY LELAND MARTIN, JR. was a reporter and Amusements Editor of the Commercial Appeal for 19 years. He was named by Ex President TRUMAN on Freedom of Information Conference in Geneva in 1948, where he made the speech that proved the Russians had laws against freedom of information. (This was in answer to GROMYKO and silenced him).

He served 3 terms (6 years) as President of the American Newspaper Guild.

He was appointed by Ex President Truman as Labor Information Specialist and Advisor to AVERIL HARRIMAN in the Marshall Plan in the central office in Paris which later became the Economic Co-operation Administration. He resigned when the Republicans came into power and spent his last 3 years as Public Information Director for the American National Red Cross.

He was a member of Public Relations Advisory Council of United Community Funds. He was President of the Committee for Traffic Safety.

MR. MARTIN served 3 years in U. S. Navy in World War II. And was a member of French- Italian Cultural Association.

He was in "Who's Who in America" for 5 years and in "Who Was Who in America" the first year after his death.

Compilers Note: After a search of the Tate Co Cemetery records no record could be found. However a record in the C. O. Pate funeral records show HARRY LELAND MARTIN died 12-13-1955 and was buried at Stanton, TN.

DIARY OF MR. AND MRS. J. W. GARROTT AND CHILDREN

DEC 25, 1885

(Copied from diary written by MINNIE GARROTT 8 years old)

I went to the Christmas tree last night and got six percent the Baptist and the Christian and the Methodist and Presbyterian.

October 25, 1885-Turned down to-day missed "cymbal." I had been head of twenty-five scholars seven weeks.

ROBBIE GARROTT, February 2, 1886-Called on the bride yesterday, Mrs. Lillie Gill.

MRS. J. W. GARROTT (MOLLIE), February 15, 1886-Have started to the new college. 85 girls, MR. CRAYIER, the Principal; MISS CILIA JONES, first assistant; MISS CRAYIER, second assistant. I am going to work for a prize.

MINNIE GARROTT, February 20, 1886-Bro. P. H. McGUFFERY and family arrived and will preach for us this year at $200.00 per annum. His work will be an evangelist in the Miss. Bottom and on M & TRR as far south as Sardis.

J. W. GARROTT, May 18, 1886-A Union Sunday school picnic. Had a splendid dinner spread on the long table. Had the brass band from Coldwater.

ROBBIE GARROTT, July 7, 1886 - I forgot to tell you about going to MISS MAGGIE WILLIAMS and MR. WICK STILL'S marriage. She was dressed in white silk and looked like a fairy queen. She was married under a beautiful canopy covered with evergreens. Big Sister, IDA GARROTT, was one of the waiters. AMACA married them.

ROBBIE GARROTT, July, 1886-Foundation of Christian Church was laid now Latvian Church. Church finished February 6, 1887.

August 14, 1886-Reunion of Confederate Soldiers. A very large crowd. Had a cannon from Memphis. MISS ANNIE WILLIAMS delivered the address of welcome. JUDGE MORGAN responded. Twas a very hot and dusty day.

September, 1888-There is a great excitement about yellow fever. Senatobia has quarantined. Yellow fever is in Holly Springs. We are ready to refugee.

24^th-We are going out to UNCLE ALEX to stay. (Town was evacuated)!

1891-Teacher, MRS. MOORE, of Nashville, Tenn. and MISS BOYD of Covington, Tenn.

October 14, 1888-We had the first fair in Senatobia last Thrus. and Fri. I went to it. DAISY GARROTT got the prize for riding horseback. I had a nice time.

Nov 19, 1887-Missouri, Arkansas and Mississippi bottoms are on fire, thirteen thousand bales of cotton burned in Memphis yesterday and five thousand last Friday. The smoke here (in Senatobia) is almost unbearable. It is all in the rooms.

BANNER BROTHERS,

565 & 567 Broadway, Cor. Prince St., New York, Sept. 14, 1888

Dear Father:

I am very tired this evening. Have been hard at work for 3 ½ days, and believe I have done a little harder work than I should have done as the mental part of it was as great if not greater than the physical. I do not think I could have done the work if I had not rested well at night. I have not taken an hours time to use as pleasure or sight seeing since I have been here except one night at the Theater, and was sorry I went to that on that night as it rained and I got a little damp.

COL. BUCKNER, Salesman of the above firm, has been unusually kind to me both in allowing me to room with him and going with me to the different places of business. He went with me this morning to a Cloak house and stayed until I bought my bill of Cloaks and wraps. After we came out he said that I had made one of the finest selections of Cloaks for the amount of money he ever saw, and said I displayed unusual fine taste in my selections. I have bought between 3500 and 4000 dollars worth of goods and have yet to buy some neck wear and gents furnishing goods not more than 200 dollars, some Queens wear maybe, small quantity of rubber goods and then I am through. It is now 3 o'clock and I think I will take a chair and hold it down the balance of the evening. Don't think I will start for home before Monday eve.

Love to all,

Your Son J. W. GARROTT

Compilers Note: The above letter was written by J. W. GARROT who was on a buying trip for GARROT & Company which later became ROSEBOROUGHS.

J. W. GARROTT, was the son of ROBERT CLAYTON GARROTT who was born in Madison Co., AL on Aug 10, 1824 and died in Senatobia, MS, Tate Co., Jan 17, 1895.

ROBERT GARROTT first lived in Looxahoma, MS where he married MINERVA DEAN. They later moved to Senatobia where he bought a block of land where Northwest Mississippi Community College is presently located.

ROBERT GARROTT was a merchant and built his first store, a brick building, on the northeast corner of West Tate Street and Center Street in Senatobia, known as GARROTT and Company. Later the store GARROTT and ROSEBOROUGH, then ROSEBOROUGH and Sons. In the 1930's the store was moved to the southeast corner of Main and Center Streets. He was one of five builders of Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Buried at Bethesda Cemetery in Senatobia are: R. C. GARROTT, Father, Aug 10, 1824-Jan 17, 1895 born Madison Co., AL died Senatobia, Miss.

MINERVA C. GARROTT, Nov 15, 1827 - July 27, 1887, Mother, wife of R.C.GARROTT

SUE GARROTT, Sept 22, 1850-Nov 24, 1915, Sister

J.W.GARROTT, Jan 28, 1849-Apr 25, 1889, My Husband (M.E.GARROTT)

MOLLIE E. GARROTT, Mar 10, 1852-Jan 29, 1938

MINNIE GARROTT, Mar 12, 1877-Oct 21, 1933

MARY GARROTT HAVENER, Feb 25, 1887-May 16, 1969

JOHN ROY HAVENER Jul 4, 1883-Sept 7, 1969

JOE ADA GARROTT ROSEBOROUGH, 1865-1938

WILLIAM B. ROSEBOROUGH, 1856-1940

ADAH ROSEBOROUGH, born July 23,1903, aged 21 mos. & 27 days, dau. of W.B. & J.A. ROSEBOROUGH

DR. J. L. ROSBOROUGH

DR. J. L. ROSBOROUGH was a well loved, often quoted physician, who practiced in Senatobia from the late 1800's until about 1930. He married IDA GARROTT, daughter of merchant R. C. GARROTT. On the afternoon of his wedding he was chopping wood when a Negro reminded him he was to marry at four o'clock. "Now wouldn't IDA be disappointed if I didn't show up?" the doctor remarked.

His practice was the usual one of attending children with measles, mumps, cuts and bruises, setting broken bones, caring for the seriously ill and critically injured. His office was upstairs over a store in the business section, but his operating room might be anywhere. Often he sewed up the wounds of Negroes received in "stabbings" at "protracted meetings." In many of the cases the operating table was the wide steps of his big front porch.

He was called to attend the sick for miles around Senatobia. In the earlier days of his practice he rode horseback, later traveled by horse and buggy, and still later by car driven by a chauffeur. He would say "Whoa" to the car.

Driven on many occasions by his son, W. D., who also became a physician, DR. ROSBOROUGH had no fears of muddy roads. Once going through a muddy stretch of road, the car got stuck. Ever resourceful, DR. ROSBOROUGH walked to a nearby Negro Church and rang the bell. Shortly about 20 Negroes arrived and pushed the car to good ground. DR. ROSBOROUGH requested that they remain until he had made his call farther down the road to help him back through the bad road, which they did.

DR. ROSBOROUGH was an outspoken man, calling a spade a spade when he deemed it necessary and not always confining his comments to the practice of medicine, but he was also kind.

After becoming slightly ill himself, he would realize he had taken medicine to show some child that it wasn't bad to taste. Had he collected all the fees due him for services he would have been a rich man.

Some of his sayings are still quoted. It is said that a mule ran into a barn door. A bystander asked DR. ROSBOROUGH if the mule were blind. DR. ROSBOROUGH replied, "No, that mule just doesn't give a dam."

Now old and young often say, "He or she, or I" is like DR. ROSBOROUGH'S mule," and the meaning is clear.

When a pretty young lady asked DR. ROSBOROUGH his age, he replied, "Seventy, dam it." This too is frequently quoted.

Compilers Note: JOSEPH LEANDER ROSBOROUGH, M.D. was born in Sardis, MS, one of twelve children born to WILLIAM DANIEL and ELIZABETH WILLIAMSON ROSBOROUGH. In 1847, the ROSBOROUGHS with one son, JOHN CALHOUN, moved to Sardis, MS from Chester, S.C. They came with a group of seventeen others led by REV. HARPER CALDWELL and with REV. CALDWELL founded the Presbyterian Church in Sardis, MS, in 1847.

Grave Markers in Bethesda Cemetery in Senatobia of this family: J. L. ROSBOROUGH, M.D., Sept. 3, 1854-April 22, 1936

IDA G. ROSBOROUGH, Nov. 15, 1861-Sept. 4,1950

D. K. ROSBOROUGH, May 21, 1861-March 11, 1899

WILLIAM DANIEL ROSBOROUGH, M.D., May 29, 1896-Apr 4, 1981

J. L. ROSBOUROGH, JR, Dec 4, 1894-June 25, 1951

Source: Tate County History Book and Footprints in Time Cemetery Records.

Heard At The Bowman Filling Station

By: M. A. McKINNON

The many people who attended the picture show at Senatobia some time ago, "Jesse James," were not only charmed but came away partisans of the James Boys. Because of his mother's mistreatment by the agents of the railroad, who took her land without paying anything like its real value, they forget for the time being his infamous and bloody history. Whatever provocation he at first had didn't justify the many cold blooded and cowardly murders he afterwards committed. He valued human life as nothing when it stood in his way of getting money. Not only were the railroads made to suffer, but the banks and individuals as well. No matter what the impression the picture made on your mind, his name will go down in history as infamous and damnable. "He that liveth by the sword shall die by the sword," said the Holy Book. Killed by Bob Ford, a little cowardly cur, who murdered him for the reward of $10,000 offered by Gov. Grittenden of Missouri, he was just as brave as was Jesse James. It does not take a brave man to commit a murder, just shoot a man down who is unarmed and not expecting trouble. It takes a heartless beast to do that and that is what Jesse James frequently did. About the only difference between Ford and James was that Ford was nervous and jittery when it came time to shoot and James had killed so many it no longer made him nervous to do the same act. As far as I know this was Ford's first and only murder. He collected his blood money from the Governor, went west, boasting of what he had done to earn the money that he was throwing away like a drunken sailor and shot in the back in a barroom brawl and died as he has lived, a drunken little coward. The many crimes committed by the James boys in the State of Missouri had at last forced Gov. Crittenden to offer that large reward for his body, Jesse's dead or alive. But when he was assassinated by Ford, public sentiment which will exalt a man to the skies one day and the next hand him as high as Haman was hanged, veered around and condemned the Governor for offering the reward and when his term was out, he quietly slipped out of public notice and was heard no more of. Yes, yes, that must have been a find picture and bears a good moral, and that is just this: "Crime never pays".

Pierce Wait says that Jesse and Frank being in Memphis and hearing that his father, Butler Wait, not only had scads of money but a race horse, concluded to come down to Senatobia and get better acquainted with both the money and the race horse, that is win what money he was willing to bet and then rob him of the balance. So they came down on horseback and found him in his place of business. They inquired about racehorses and was told by Mr. Wait he had a quarter horse named Jake that he would back for a reasonable amount to run a quarter, 440 yards. At that time just north of Senatobia was a racetrack 440 yards long, no more. Having each put up $100.00 they repaired to the track. Mr. Wait placed his little jockey in the saddle on Jake and Jesse rode his own horse, and Jake won easily. Jesse then proposed to make the stake $200.00 and let his horse run without a rider, and the bet was made. Jesse leaving his horse at the starting point walked to the other end of the track where he took his stand. When the starter gave the word "Go"! Jesse called his horse by name and here they came. Poor old Jake was never in that race from start to finish and Mr. Wait cheerfully acknowledged his defeat and paid over the $200.00. Going back to town, they were given all they wanted to drink without charge and they forgot all about robbing him got on their horses and rode away. Mr. Wait had forgotten the whole thing until after Jesse was dead and Frank had been pardoned by the Governor of Missouri. He ran upon Frank one day in Memphis, and Frank hearing him called Butler Wait, made himself known to him and recalled the incident to his mind. How many people who saw that picture at Senatobia realized that the two men, Frank and Jesse, had once visited that town on business bent that business robbery and if necessary, murder?

Butler was nominated for Sheriff the first time in 1881 through the influence of Gov. G. D. Shands, Senatobia's most eminent citizen who had an almost uncanny way of judging men. It was through his great influence that no one else announced for office and Mr. Wait was nominated by acclamation. Two years before, through a fusion of Republicans, Greenbackers and a lot of sorehead Democrats, men who having asked for office and been defeated, they had swept the field electing Captain W. B. Wright of Looxahoma, Sheriff; Dan C Holland, at that time a grocery clerk in Coldwater, Chancery Clerk; John C. Clifton, Circuit Clerk; Major H. F. Bowman and Squire Chambliss, Representatives in the Legislature. And so on down the line. The Chancery and Circuit Clerks at that time held office for four years, all the rest for two years. It was now 1883 and time for both parties to nominate their tickets for the November election. Butler Wait was named for Sheriff. I think without opposition in his own party. The Fusion convention assembled pretty soon afterwards and proceeded to try to nominate a ticket. "Governor" J. V. Walker was named chairman. I accompanied one of the white delegates to the convention merely as a spectator, a looker on in Venice as it were, looking for fun and found it. The venerable old "Governor," bald headed, white whiskered and dignified, took his seat in the Judge's stand, picked up the gavel and called the convention to order. More than half the delegates were colored gentlemen and felt their importance and responsibilities. They arose almost as one man and pointing their fingers at the Chairman called out loudly, "Mister Chairman, Mister Chairman, I make this here motion," and pandemonium reigned supreme. The Chairman again seized his gavel, commenced to pound the table vigorously crying out loudly, Sit

down, sit down! I said sit down! but no one paid the least attention to him but continued to stand and offer motions with both hands and his tongue. The old Governor, having broken the handle out of his gavel, arose to his feet and spying a spectator in the audience whom he knew called him by name and asked him to go down and tell the Sheriff to come up into the court room. Soon Mr. Wait appeared and standing on a bench so he might see over the heads of that seething mass of delegates called to the Chairman to know what he wished. He was told that he wanted him to make those noisy delegates sit down and come to order. Whereupon, Mr. Wait, still standing on a bench, cried out, "Sit down, sit down! *!)*(!*! you, I SAID SIT DOWN!" And every one of those rambunctious delegates dropped as if they had been shot. That convention then proceeded to nominate a ticket and offered the old Governor the nomination of Representative, a place he had held when all of Tate belonged in the county of DeSoto, but he declined. He felt the ticket would be defeated and it was, overwhelmingly.

Coldwater, Miss., April 8, 1939.

End

From Memphis Commercial Appeal

Compilers Note:

Malcolm Alexander McKinnon, the Squire of Bowmantown was born at Oxford, MS. in 1862, where before the Civil War his father owned and edited a newspaper. The wealth of the McKinnon's was swept away by the Civil War and they moved to Tate County in 1864. At fourteen the Squire became a cripple for the rest of his life from polio.

Squire McKinnon lived and operated at Bowmantown, a store, cotton gin, blacksmith shop, grist, mill, and farm.

He was an accomplished politician and cultivated friendships with the leading political figures of our state. Mr. McKinnon should longest be remembered for his literary efforts; including poetry. In 1885 he wrote for the Tate County Democrat, Montgomery and Grenada County papers, and Memphis and Jackson papers area. His writing dealt with a wide range of subjects and his style was entertaining and vigorous.

Mr. McKinnon had seven children; Anse, Katy, Malcolm, Ethel, Mary Ellen, Louise and Ina. There are many descendents who reside in Tate County at this time.

M. A. McKinnon Jan 1, 1862 Jan 16, 1948

Mary Ellen Maxwell, May 12, 1865 - Feb 4, 1930, wife of M. A. Mckinnon

buried at Mt Zion Cemetery, Tate Co MS.

STOUT DRUMMER IN A MOTHER HUBBARD

MEMPHIS TRAVELING SALESMAN PAYS UNIQUE DEBT

The most comical and ludicrous looking man in Mississippi today is P. M. B. Wait, a traveling man, representing Fly and Hobson, of this city.

During the Senatorial contest in Mississippi, Mr. Wait was a staunch advocate of Gov. Longino. On being guyed about the kind of race the governor would make, Mr. Wait forthwith made the wager that if Gov. Longino did not carry twenty counties on the first ballot he would make a ten days' trip over his territory with a "Mother Hubbard" on.

The Governor did not carry the twenty counties and Mr. Wait is now paying his election bet.

He is not what could be called a heavy weight because he weighs only 395 lbs., and he cannot be accused of wearing loud colors, because his dress is made of nothing but turkey red. He does not of course look to be of gubernatorial size, but he has attracted more attention in Mississippi during the past week than either Vardaman or Critz, who are making the second race for Governor.

Towns in his territory have wired him that every merchant there would give him an order if he would come with his Mother Hubbard on. Every man, woman and child, with all of whom his is personally acquainted, has been at the station to meet the train.

P. M. B. Wait was born in 1847 and died on November 11, 1914, from a point of years spent as a resident here was Senatobia's oldest citizen. His father Dr. J. C. Wait, moved to this section from South Carolina.

Compilers Note:

Pierce Mason Butler Wait served 16 years (1880-1896) as Sheriff of Tate County. At the age of 14 he enlisted in the Confederate army as a member of Woods Regiment, Adams Brigade, Forest Cavalry: and fought throughout the 4 years of the war. He was a Captain and surrendered with his command at Gainesville, Georgia. The local chapter of the U. D. C. adopted his full name, P. M. B. Wait. He married Alice Day Fuqua they had 4 children: Minnie G. Wait born in 1871, married H. I Gill, they had one son Kinloch Gill who married Eleanor Dulin they had one son Dr. Kinloch Gill, Jr.; Mattie C. Waite born in 1873 married W. T. Bailey they had 3 children, Wait Overton Bailey; Mary Bailey (Mrs. C. O. Pate) had two daughters, Marijean (Mrs Bill Hrdin) and Martha (Mrs. Harry Jones) and Billy Bailey; Daisy W. Wait born in 1875 and died in 1898; and Alice D. Wait, born in 1877 never married she died in 1960. After the death of Alice in 1878, P. M. B. Wait married Mary Jane Stowers from Oxford, MS. They had two sons: V. P. Wait, born in 1880 and Vernon Wait born in 1883. V. P. Wait married Ruth Standifer and they had three children: Jean Eloise Wait (Mrs. Davis Whitfield) a baby boy who died in infancy, and Van Pierce Wait, Jr. who married Kathleen Wooten. They had one child, Kathy Wait. Vernon Wait married Ethel Veazey and they had two children, a baby boy who died in infancy, and Josephine Wait.

Source: A History of Tate County 1975

P.M.B.Wait May 10, 1847 - Nov 11, 1914

Mary J. Wait Oct 12, 1852 - July 19, 1918

Alice Day Wait Sept 15, 1853? - Sept 19, 1878

Alice Day Wait July 18, 1877 - Sept 16, 1960

Daisy Wait Sept 25, 1875 - Dec 15, 1898

Vernon M Wait 1883 - 1927

Ethel Veazey Wait Dec 18, 1880 - Dec 31, 1966

V. Pierce Wait 1881 - 1940

Ruth S. Wait 1891 - 1942

Dr. John C. Wait Sept 6, 1813 - Feb 10, 1867 born Laurens Dist SC died Senatobia MS

Jane A McCullough Oct 25, 1818 - June 21, 1901 Wife of Dr John C Wait

Buried at Bethesda Cemetery in Senatobia, MS.

Source: Footprints in Time Cemetery Book

TUCKER H. McCANTS

TUCKER H. McCANTS, born at Poagville, Miss., came to Senatobia in 1908. Prior to this, he had been a young merchant at Poagville. He began business in the store on Front St. which now comprise the space occupied by Fairway Grocery (V.H.SPIER) and POLLAND Dry Cleaner. At the front of the store was the grocery section after which came a café section, with the kitchen in the rear.

In 1914 Mr. McCANTS bought the building in which he now carries on the business of Wholesale and Retail Groceries. At this time he was married to the lovely NANNIE QUINN whose father came to this country from Ireland when a mere lad and migrated to Senatobia with the STILL family in the covered wagon days from the Carolinas. "Miss NANNIE" was gracious and lovable to all who made the McCANTS Fancy Grocery the mecca for daily visits. This included all the school children who hurried by each day "for the best candy in town"---and the MOST FOR THE MONEY if they could trade with "RILEY" and, later JIM. These were the younger brothers of TUCK and NANNIE. JIMMIE QUINN (JAMES ROBET) later became sheriff of Tate County and also Tax Assessor.

MR. McCANTS has the distinction of being in business under his own name longer than any other merchant in Senatobia. The VARNER Drug Store ranks second, E. W. VARNER, owner.

The first gasoline pump in Senatobia was put in by Mr. McCANTS and can now be seen in front of his store. When first putting it in, he was restrained by the Mayor and Marshall of the town until a Town Board meeting could be held. All feared the town would be blown up by this dangerous procedure. J. W. CALDWELL, a member of the town board, championed the action of Mr. McCANTS and exerting every ounce of influence he possessed, finally led the board to accede. Incidentally (or otherwise) Mr. CALDWELL had ordered a pump also and it was in transit at that time!)

Before this time gasoline was kept in a drum in a lot back of McCANTS store and when a sale was made it had to be strained through a chamois before putting in automobile tanks. And, at an early date, it was discovered that gas and water will not mix. A driver, bringing a tank of Standard from Como, stopped and sold ten gallons to a customer. He there upon filled the tank with water and delivered the correct number of gallons to Mr. McCANTS. He, in turn, sold it to all his customers with the result that cars began spitting, coughing and refusing to run. A loud clamor went up and there was much haste in Standard Oil's correction of damage done.

The fist car in Senatobia was owned by WILL HOPSON, a wealthy resident. Three other men, ROY BELL, Mr. McCANTS, and WILL HAM formed the FIRST AUTOMOBILE COMPANY, buying Three Fords with which to do business. It developed that this company lasted no longer than to obtain these scarce articles for themselves! SAM STEVENS had one of the first cars.

Mr. McCANTS also has the distinction of purchasing the first commercial refrigerator in Senatobia. It used ice blocks and when the freight agent delivered it he came on with the delivery "to see if TUCK had gone crazy." This refrigerator is still in active use but several years ago had a coil installed within it which converted it to an electric unit. Those having bought one of those ice-cold watermelons from its depths know about its efficiency.

Another item of interest connected with this store is the Bull Durham sign, which adorned the back wall when the building was purchased. A recent tobacco salesman noticed the sign and, through much persuasion, bought it for the company museum.

In later years Mr. McCANTS married the very charming and talented Miss RUTH HALL whose father and forebears have contributed much to the history and progress of this area. Also, a very integral part of this business establishment was his sister-in-law, Mrs. CORRINE JOHNSON McCANTS whose recent death cast a great shadow over the town and community. TUCK and RUTH are busily carrying on and expect many more years of progress.

Compilers Note:

TUCK HILL McCANTS Aug 30, 1879-May 7, 1969

NANNIE QUINN McCANTS Feb 2, 1888 - Aug 15, 1928

RUTH HALL McCANTS June 27, 1908 - Feb 1969

All buried Bethesda Cemetery, Senatobia MS

Source: Footprints in Time

ANDREW G. GAINEY

ANDREW G. GAINEY, first president of Tate County Agricultural School, (now known as Northwest Mississippi Junior College) was equally successful in lobbying with legislature for appropriations and teaching.

His outstanding qualifications were:

1. A splendid disciplinarian. Teachers under him could sense his presence or absence on the campus by the general behavior of the pupils. "We should note right here his method of discipline, namely: the use of his leather belt always handy and having the boys to work on digging up the oak stumps where trees had been felled."

2. An impressive extemporaneous speaker and an influential citizen. He could "hit the nail on the head" quickly and for that reason was in demand on issues concerning every phase of life in the county and town.

3. A good Christian. He was an active leader in the Methodist Church and encouraged students to take part in religious affairs.

4. A lover of good literature. He inspired his pupils and many others to appreciate and study good literature. Henry Van Dyke was one of his favorite authors, and being often called upon to speak, gave many selections from his works.

Professor GAINEY went into the insurance business in Meridian after leaving Senatobia. He died there a few years ago.

Mrs. GAINEY was a great asset and help to her husband and school. On moving to Senatobia, they had two boys and two girls.

ANDREW G. GAINEY JR. was born on the school campus, and has become a noted singer. I am sure many of you have heard him sing and read about him. He sings with the Metropolitan Opera.

ALBERT HOLLADAY TODD

ALBERT HOLLADAY TODD....Soldier....College….Professor.... Presbyterian Minister

ALBERT HOLLADAY TODD, son of JARED TODD and EDNA MOSELEY TODD. Born,

September 26, 1838, Prince Edward Court House, Virginia

Married..Miss LUCY ANN STONE...October 2, 1866

Died..January 16, 1930

ALBERT HOLLADAY TODD was educated in Virginia and was graduated from Hampden Sydney in the class of 1857.

When the Civil War began, Mr. TODD joined the army, serving in Company K, Third Virginia Cavalry. After the surrender Mr. TODD returned to Alabama to take charge of a "Classical School" which he had formerly had. There he married the beautiful Miss LUCY ANN STONE, of Talladega County. Soon he was offered a Professorship in the Kentucky Military Institute near Frankfort, KY. It was then the private property of Col. R.T.P. ALLEN, a West Pointer. Mr. TODD was put in charge of Latin, Greek, Belles Letters and assistant in Math.

Mr. TODD was happy with his young cadets but his charming young wife was mortified and embarrassed to leave their rooms as she was expecting the stork in the spring. Therefore, she left K.M.I. and visited in the home of friends until the blessed event. Mr. TODD resigned when school was out in the spring and took charge of a Presbyterian Synodical College. About twelve years later he went into the Ministry and was licensed in the Memphis Presbytery. The remaining years were spent in the Pulpit and the Classroom.

He was professor of "The Boy's School" in Senatobia 1891-1893 and also preached. He preached in the Presbyterian Church of Coldwater and taught there also. His three daughters assisted him, Miss "NELLIE" (HELEN ROTHROCK) TODD taught piano and literary courses. She later became Mrs. WILLIAM GRIFFIN CALLICOTT. Miss EDNA TODD taught Art, and Miss SUSIE TODD elocution.

MAJOR C. P. VARNER

Major C. P. VARNER was born in Spartanburg District South Carolina Jan 29, 1841. He enlisted in the Civil War at its outbreak and was a soldier in LONGSTREET'S Corps. They were marching to Fort Sumter when it fell. They were transferred and were marching to Washington and fought in the battle of Bull Run or Manassas. He was wounded during the course of the war three times. He was left on the battlefield for dead. Later he was carried to the home of 3 ladies who nursed him back to health. One of his prize souvenirs is the inkwell belonging to Gen. McDOWELL, who was the Commander in Chief of the Federal Forces. He was one of the soldiers at the battle of Gettysburg that heard Gen. LEE issue his famous orders to Gen. PICKETT: "Move forward when you hear Gen. HOOD'S guns on the right." At some minor battle Major VARNER, then a sergeant was cited for bravery and was given the rank of Major, but the war broke up shortly after that and he never received his commission.

After the war he returned to South Carolina which he found devastated by war. Mr. DOUGHLAS SHANDS, Mr. LANHAM and Mr. VARNER and some other families left South Carolina in covered wagons to Texas. Mr. LANHAM stayed in Texas; married a teacher who taught him to read and write, and later he became Governor. Mr. SHANDS and Mr. VARNER left Texas - first settled in Sardis and then Senatobia.

He married BETTY CLARK from Tyro and after her death he married her sister, JULIA CLARK. He had two children by his first wife and seven children by his second - one of whom is E. W. VARNER, the present Mayor of Senatobia, who will have served 15 years as Mayor at the end of this term.

Major VARNER loved to tell how he paid $10 for standing room to hear JENNY LYNN, the only time she made a personal appearance in America.

Another prized possession of his was a walking cane given to him by WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYANT, the golden tongued orator.

Major VARNER served as Justice of Peace of Senatobia for 33 years and died in Dec. 1923 at the age of 82.

Compilers Note:

 CLAUDE PERRY VARNER was born in Spartanburg District, South Carolina on January 29, 1841 and died in Senatobia, MS December 10, 1923. His first wife, BETTIE CLARK, was born in Marshall Co., MS on March 12, 1847. They were married in Panola County MS on December 24, 1867. She died August 11, 1871 and was buried in Tyro MS Cemetery. Their children were: CLAUDE PERRY VARNER and RODDY VARNER. CLAUDE VARNER had two children, LOUISA VARNER PINION and CLAUDE FERRELL VARNER, both of Memphis, TN. Children of RODDY VARNER are LOIS and JESSIE VARNER.

C. P. VARNER'S second wife, JULIA M. CLARK, was the sister of BETTIE CLARK. JULIA was born in Marshall Co MS July 22, 1851 and died May 3, 1935, buried in Senatobia MS Bethesda Cemetery. They were married October 26, 1873 and had six sons and one daughter. RANDOLPH VARNER, no children, drowned, buried in Senatobia; HOWARD VARNER, one daughter, LALLA ROOK VARNER, buried in Missouri.

THOMAS VARNER died as a young boy and was buried in Senatobia; CAROLL VARNER had two daughters, ROSE and MARGARET; one son, CARROLL, JR. He is buried in Senatobia. EARL VARNER had one son, ROGERS VARNER and was buried in Senatobia. ELLIOTT WILLIAM VARNER had one son, JOEL E. VARNER; two daughters, VIRGINIA VARNER PHILLIPS and ELISE VARNER WINTER. He is buried in Senatobia.

JESSIE VARNER married R. D. HINES, had one son, ROBERT DeSHA HINES, JR. and was buried in Yazoo City, MS.

Source: A History of Tate County 1975.

VARNER ANNOUNCES FOR ANOTHER TERM SENATOBIA MAYOR

Mayor E. W. VARNER, serving his second full term as Mayor of Senatobia, is announcing that he is a candidate for re-election, subject to the action of the Democratic Party in the Primary Election next Thursday, Sept. 14, 1959.

Mr. VARNER has been in office for the past five years. He completed one year of the term of the late SAM C. STEVENS and was elected twice for two-year terms in his own right. During his administration Senatobia has made rapid progress. Population of the town has grown from a little over 1700 to more than 2100; natural gas has been made available to the people of Senatobia; extensive building programs have been under way, including the opening of four new streets. All the paved streets of Senatobia have been resurfaced and several others have been paved for the first time. Senatobia's finances are in better condition now than at the time Mr. VARNER went into office even though a large amount of money has been spent on these improvements. Recently water distribution system in Senatobia was purchased by the Town and the $100,000 issue of revenue bonds was sold at a very low rate of interest. Eventually the operation of the water department by the Town will mean that Senatobia will enjoy a cheaper insurance rate and the property owners of the town will realize thousands of dollars savings each year as a result of this move. Not a spectacular accomplishment but certainly one that has proven its value time and time again is the building of the sidewalk along Highway 51 to the Junior College. This accomplishment came about almost single handed by Mr. VARNER who secured the support of the Highway Department and the improvement was made at only a slight cost to Senatobia.

Mr. VARNER, along with the members of the Board of Aldermen, has given unstintingly of his time in working for Senatobia. The time and effort working for the town far exceeds any financial remuneration he has received but he has gone about this civic work gladly because he is interested in the development of Senatobia. He and his accomplishments are well known to the people of the Town and, if elected for another term, he expects to devote his energy to the work of the Mayor's office just as he has in the past five years. Much has been done but there is still more to be accomplished and Mr. VARNER hopes the people of Senatobia will return him to office so that he can continue to take a leading part in realizing the plans that are already underway to expand Senatobia still further and to bring more advantages to our town.

Mrs. W. E. STILL

Mrs. W. E. STILL gets the credit for being the first white child born in Senatobia. She was the daughter of MARY ELIZABETH ARNOLD and JAMES MADOSPM WILLIAMS. The ARNOLDS and the WILLIAMS were among the first settlers of the region. Her grandparents, MARGARET and JEFF ARNOLD, came from South Carolina in a buggy with a group in covered wagons to their new homes in Mississippi. MARGARET, being a great lover of nature, tied beneath the buggy some young pines and a rosebush. One of the pines continues to live and is now growing where the ARNOLDS first settled. The four great grand daughters of Mrs. ARNOLD still have bushes from the original Woodland Margaret Rose.

During the Civil War some Union Soldiers were known to be on a nearby hill which is now known as Bethesda Cemetery. Mrs. STILL, as an infant was hidden behind the chimney for protection.

Mrs. STILL, better known to her friends as Miss MAGGIE, was educated in the local schools but studied music with the widely known Professor WINKLER of Memphis. As a schoolgirl her beauty, her intellect, her vivacious personality and her keen sense of humor charmed everyone who was so fortunate as to know her. For a number of years she taught piano lessons in Senatobia, admitting deplorably that she could teach more to other people's children than she could to her own offsprings.

Her marriage to WICKLIFFE E. STILL of Senatobia was one of the biggest and most unique social events of her time, culminating with an elegant supper served at the residence of her parents. To this happy union were born four daughters, BESSIE, CORINNE, MAGGIE and JOHN and one son, EMMETT.

A devoted wife and mother and a wonderful homemaker, Mrs. STILL always found time to serve her church and community. Faithful and loyal to the Baptist Church, she served well as President of the Missionary Society and has been described as the best interpreter of the Bible among her Baptist sisters.

Mrs. STILL was a charter member of the Cosmopolitan Club, a music and literary organization, to which she contributed talents in both fields. In her older days, younger members have said that she put them to shame by giving her parts on the program from memory, never referring even to notes.

Her unbounding zeal for the improvement of Senatobia reached its highest peak when she "stumper" the county making speeches in all the towns in her effort to have the Tate County Agricultural School, now Northwest Junior College, placed in Senatobia. She boastingly said, "In told WILL ROSEBOUROUGH exactly what to say in the speech that finally won the battle."

Her invaluable contribution to the Civic League of the town is well remembered, but when the members insisted on electing her president she answered them thus: "I'd like for everyone of you to drive by my house and look at our lot adjoining the house. You will see it piled up with rubbish that Mr. STILL has bought. He will buy anything that anybody has to sell. No! I won't be president of the Civic League."

Mrs. STILL was never idle. As a young woman she was taught to sew by her mother, which art she kept at all of her life. If a friend dropped in for a visit she picked up some handwork, her knitting or crochet, and kept right on being busy, never missing a stitch or a word of conversation.

To this day, her witty expressions in describing situations are often repeated.

Compilers Note: W. E. STILL, had farming interest, a drug store, served on the school board and was sheriff and supervisor of Tate County at one time. He lived to be eighty-five.

Tate Co Marriage Records & A History of Tate County 1975

WICKLIFFE E. Still married MAGGIE L. WILLIAMS 30 Jun 1886 Bk 4 Pg 301

BESSIE E. STILL married WALTER E. WHITE 14 Oct 1913 Bk 10 Pg 387

CORINNE STILL married ARTHUR TAYLOR 21 Jul 1920 Bk 11 Pg 361

MAGGIE STILL married CLAUDE MANSKER 23 Jul 1929 Bk 12 Pg 409

JOHN HENRY STILL, whose true name was LILLISE, coined by her mother from Lillian and Louise who were twins and first cousins. Her father wanted a boy and his nickname became more real to her, to her friends and business associates than her true name. This often caused confusion as well as amusement.

Buried at Bethesda Cemetery in Senatobia, MS Tate County.

WILLIAM EMMETT STILL, 1892-1964

MAGGIE WILLIAMS STILL, 1864-1954

WICKLIFFE E. STILL, 1854-1940

ANNIE W. STILL, Jan 13, 1900-Sept 23, 1902, dau of WICKLIFFE & MAGGIE STILL

MISS RUTH SMITH

No Castro or Kruschchev ever ruled with the iron hand that that lady wielded; or so I gathered from the stories and atmosphere that greeted me in the Fall of 1915 when I arrived in Senatobia, totally unaware of the precedent that was mine in the English department of the Senatobia High School. Day after day I felt the hot breath of her regime down the back of my neck; and I was never allowed to forget her "ladylike" behavior. A teacher, I was told never went downtown to the post office unattended by a male escort; and to walk through town on the way to church on Sunday was unthinkable for a "lady."

Most of these concepts of "Miss SMITH'S" had come because the law of the community, and anyone who made light of them was a hussy and unfit to be entrusted with the innocent minds of the youth of the fair town.

I was under constant pressure to follow the very straight and narrow path of my predecessor, especially in the house where I lived that first year, that of my landlady, Mrs. MAGGIE TUCKER, a staunch disciple of the SMITH regime. Alone with my three meals a day, I had a liberal helping of the SMITH doctrines.

So please for my sake and for the sake of other oldsters like me, please don't leave the phenomenon of a "lady" out of the pageant.

BY: MRS. J. B. SNIDER

Comment: "Why she had the whole town under her thumb!"

MISS RUTH SMITH

My teacher for four years and the smartest person I ever knew, but very peculiar, she didn't like boys and didn't approve of her girls going with boys. The school then was known as BLACKBURN COLLEGE for Girls. No boys attended this school; she liked that very much. One day a girl friend of mine stood inside the school grounds and let a boy take our picture. MISS SMITH came up while the picture was being snapped. She said "girls I'll see you after school," we were scared stiff. After school she lectured us about boys and told us "to go home and don't you look at a boy on your way home."

If MISS SMITH heard of any boy visiting one of her girls during a weekend, the following week would be full of lectures on the evils of fraternizing.

A Shakespearean play at graduation was one of her outstanding contributions, and many Senatobians give her credit for their love and appreciation for the Bard.

Submitter: Unknown

DUNCAN SISTERS

MISS SENATH, RUTH, LIZA and SALLIE DUNCAN, all old maids, called the DUNCAN sisters. When I knew them as a child their ages were from 75 to 85. They lived in 2 rooms and "lean to" kitchen. (On spot where Charles Dean lives now) Over the 2 rooms was an attic room which one could reach by going up some steps. No one was allowed to go up there. Everyone thought they had money up there but after their deaths none was found. They always wore sunbonnets and walked one behind the other single file, never together.

They made beautiful quilts and any kind of paper flowers. They were talented with their fingers. When a child I represented a jonquil in a school play. They made the jonquils I used and they were beautiful.

The DUNCAN sisters had a brother whom they adored and protected from all pit falls. A vivid memory of many OLE timers is the DUNCAN boy riding a mule while the sisters held the plow and held on umbrella over brother.

Submitter: Unknown

MISS SALLIE COBBLER

MISS SALLIE COBBLER was an old maid. She lived alone in the house where JACK DAVIS lives now (1965). She didn't like children so we thought she was peculiar. We lived across the street and would go over there to worry her. One day we were looking down in her cistern and she came out and ran us off, saying we might fall in and ruin her water. She was real old.

Submitter: Unknown

JUDGE N. A. TAYLOR

N. A. TAYLOR born 1850 - Chulahoma, Miss.

died 1915 - Father of 6 children

Appointed Judge by GOV. NOEL in 1910.

Was in Law Partnership with MR. IRA D. OGLESBY for a number of years. A very outstanding law firm for years.

He was married to JESSIE LOIS SHANDS, sister of EX GOV. DOUGAS SHANDS.

Submitter: Unknown

Compilers Note: NEWTON ALEXANDER TAYLOR was born Dec 7, 1849. He married JESSIE LOIS SHANDS May 22, 1879. She was born July 17, 1859 in Cross Anchor, S.C. near Spartanburg. Judge TAYLOR'S family migrated from the Carolinas, then Kentucky and settled in the Marshall-Tate County area. The SHANDS family moved from the Carolinas and stopped

over the same Mississippi area enroute to Texas. The family assumes the families met and marriage ensued. Judge TAYLOR died May 27, 1915 and JESSIE SHANDS TAYLOR died Sept 23, 1921. Both are buried in Bethesda Cemetery in Senatobia. Their children: LEROY ALEXANDER TAYLOR, born Feb 1880; JESSIE LOIS TAYLOR, born Jan 1883; RAYMOND STEADMAN TAYLOR, born Mar 1886 died 1938; OLIN CLAIR TAYLOR, born Jan 1889; VERNE ARTHUR TAYLOR, born Jan 1892; HUBERT SHANDS TAYLOR, born Mar 1895.

OLIN CLAIR TAYLOR married EDNA HOUSE, daughter of SAMUEL J. HOUSE and NELLIE DEAN HOUSE.

Source: Tate Co Marriage Records, Footprints In Time, A History of Tate Co 1975.

SAMUEL J. HOUSE

Born in 1841 in Huntsville Ala. Died in 1923. Father of 7 children. Served 4 years in Civil War. Settled in Senatobia right after war. Farmed and operated a gin. Had an accident at the gin in which his left hand was mangled. From then till his death he wore a black kid glove on that hand. He was appointed Deputy Sheriff by Sheriff BUTLER WAITE, the largest man who ever lived in Senatobia. He served 20 years as Chancery Clerk and four years as County Treasurer. He was in politics so long his wife used to say the reason they didn't have money was that they were eaten out of house and home as there was never a day that he didn't bring someone, sometimes four or five home to dinner. At the annual political picnics his wife, NELLIE, took lunch in a trunk in order to be able to invite everyone to eat with them.

Compiler's Note: In 1861, SAMUEL J. HOUSE enlisted in the 9th regiment, Mississippi Infantry and served one year at Pensacola FL and at Cumberland Gap. In April 1862 he re-enlisted as 1st Sgt., and served in Co. "D" 2nd Mississippi Cavalry until the close of the war. He fought in the battles of Iuka, Water Valley and Corinth, Miss., Adairsville, Dallas and Jonesboro, GA., Spring Hill, Denmark, Franklin and Thompson Station, TN. He was wounded at Thompson Station, TN March 1863, by a bullet through his left thigh and foot. He was hospitalized at Columbia, TN from there he was sent to Rome, GA after which he was furloughed home until his recovery. He returned to his command at Jackson, MS July, 1863. He gave up milling and farming after the gin accident in Nov. 1877 which resulted in his left hand and arm being severely injured. He was then appointed Deputy Sheriff of Tate County. He was elected Chancery Clerk of Tate Co. in Nov 1883 where he served until 1904. On Nov 5, 1915 he was elected Treas. of Tate County.

On May 22, 1884 he married NELLIE DEAN, daughter of DAVID LaVALLE and MARTHA A. WALKER DEAN. SAM and NELLIE were the parents of seven children, LOUISE died young, JOHN D. died young, SAMUEL L, NELL, EDNA, LaVALLE and MABEL died young.

SAMUEL LEON HOUSE married FRANCES LOUISE PORTER 22 May 1884 Bk10 Pg456 NELL HOUSE married VEO BUCK ALEXANDER 12 Apr 1914 Bk10 Pg121

EDNA HOUSE married OLIN CLAIR TAYLOR 26 Nov 1914 Bk10 Pg483

DAVID LaVALLE HOUSE married HELEN ELIZABETH CLARK 19 Apr 1919 Bk11 Pg237

Buried at Bethesda:

SAM J. HOUSE, 1841-1922

NELLIE DEAN HOUSE, 1860-1925

MABLE HOUSE, 1901-1909

ANNIE LOUISE HOUSE, Feb. 15, 1885-Aug. 11, 1893, 8 yrs., 5 mos., 26 days, dau. of SAM J. & NELLIE HOUSE

JOHN DEAN HOUSE, Jun 23, 1886-May 11, 1887, son of SAM J. & NELLIE HOUSE

DAVID LaVALLE HOUSE, Dec 31, 1896-Feb 25, 1945

VEO BUCK ALEXANDER 1886-1943

NELL HOUSE ALEXANDER 1880-1969

OLIN C. TAYLOR 1889-1960

EDNA HOUSE TAYLOR 1892-1976

Source: Tate Co Marriage Book, Footprints in Time and A History of Tate

MR W. E. PATTON

(1817-1897)

(Obituary copied from Presbyterian Church History)

MR. W. E. PATTON was born in South Carolina, November 22, 1817; moved to Tennessee when twelve years old, and then, at the age of twenty-three, married MISS AGNES ABIGAIL KARR, whom he survived about four months. In 1848 he moved to DeSoto County (now Tate), Miss., where he resided 'til his death January 14, 1897. Descended from Scotch-Irish parentage, he early in life developed that sturdy character which has ever distinguished this people who so largely compose the Presbyterian Church, and whose love of God and Country has given strength and perpetuity to both Church and State. MR. PATTON was a worthy son of this illustrious stock.

As a man he was above reproach. No one doubted his integrity; none questioned his rugged honesty. He always followed where duty led, regardless of consequences. As a friend he was faithful, just, and sincere. In fact his absolute freedom from hypocrisy and his unswerving devotion to truth frequently gave offense to those desiring to be fed on flattery. As a husband he was kind and affectionate, and the short time granted unto him after his wife's death was much given to a looking forward to their meeting beyond the skies. He was a model father and impressed upon his children that exalted code of morals and high standard of Christian living which adorned his life.

But we knew him best as a devout follower of the meek and lowly Jesus. At an early age he joined the Presbyterian Church and was a consistent member for about seventy years.

He took great delight in the sanctuary, and was for many years a ruling elder therein. No one, after being with him a short time, ever asked if he was a Christian, for his "speech betrayed him," and "all took knowledge of him that he had been with Jesus." By his death our community sustains a great loss; for "as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land," his pure life appeared upon life's sin-cursed desert, and wooed the wicked to a refuge in a Savior's love. Our church will miss him sorely, for none could look upon him as he sat near the sacred desk without the hope of growing in grace and without feeling in his own soul the peaceful bliss depicted upon our old brother's face. "He fought a good fight and died in the faith."

God grant that the mantle of this old father in Israel shall fall upon another of our flock; and as Solomon was blessed for David's sake, may our church continue to experience the sanctifying influence of our sainted brother's life and prayers.

W. B. ROSEBOROUGH)

EUGENE JOHNSON)

Committee

Compiler's Note: WILLIAM EWING PATTON was the son of THOMAS and KATHERINE McFADDEN PATTON. AGNES ABIGAIL KARR PATTON was the daughter of WILLIAM and ESTHER BOYD KARR.

WILLIAM and AGNES PATTON lived south of Senatobia near the Panola County line and just west of Old Panola Road, now Highway 51. WILLIAM was among the first members of the Bethesda Presbyterian Church formed in 1848. In 1851 he was elected clerk of the Session, which office he held for over 30 years and was ruling Elder for many years. In 1884, the Presbyterians bought the church that stood on the present location on Main St.

Their children: ALICE PATTON, LAURA PATTON, JAMES VIRGIL PATTON and SAMUEL REID PATTON. Two other children, MOLLY PATTON and THOMAS PATTON died at an early age.

JAMES V PATTON married MOLLIE L McFADDEN 03 May 1877 BK1 Pg395

LYNN PATTON married JOHN D MOTER 28 May 1900 Bk8 Pg516

Buried at Bethesda:

W. E. PATTON, Nov 22, 1817-Jan 14, 1897 (stone broken)

A. A. PATTON, 1821-Aug 1, 1896 (stone broken)

THOMAS V. PATTON, Feb 21, 1848-June 29, 1870, son of WE & AA PATTON (stone broken)

MARY ELLA E. PATTON, Oct 4, 1846-1870, dau of WE & AA PATTON (stone broken)

INFANT dau of WE & AA PATTON, died Dec 12, 1851 (stone broken)

THOMAS W PATTON, Oct 20, 1869-Aug 12, 1882, son of J.M. & E.N. PATTON

MARY L. McFADDEN PATTON, Feb 14, 1856-June 18, 1893, wife of JV PATTON

INFANT SON of JV & ML PATTON, June 10, 1893-July 3, 1893

JAMIE V PATTON, Sept 25, 1885-Feb 12, 1892, dau of JV & ML PATTON

INFANT DAU of JV & ML PATTON, born & died Sept 8, 1882

LYNN PATTON MOTER, Feb 22, 1878-Dec 25, 1901

ALICE PATTON SADLER, 1847-1926

SAMUEL O PATTON, 1832-1875

Source: Tate County Marriages, Footprints in Time, A History of Tate County 1975.

G. D. SHANDS

(Prominent citizen buried in Senatobia (request by Mr. Rutland)

From: Mildred Meacham

Senatobia, Miss., Sept. 8.-The low-hanging branches of a mammoth magnolia tree in Bethesda Cemetery here spread protectively over the grave of GARVIN DUGAS SHANDS, former lieutenant governor of Mississippi and Dean of the University of Mississippi law school.

Born Dec. 5, 1844 in Spartanburg, S. C., Judge SHANDS joined the Second S. Carolina Cavalry of the Confederate Army at the age of 16. After the Civil War and the completion of his college education, he moved in 1866 to Senatobia where he practiced law.

From 1880 to 1888 he served as Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi, which after years he resumed his law practice here. For two years, beginning in 1894, he was dean of the law school at the University of Mississippi, and from 1906 until his retirement in 1910 he was professor of common law at Tulane University in New Orleans.

He died July 1, 1917 in New Orleans.

Eulogizing Judge SHANDS after his burial here, the editor of the Senatobia Democrat wrote: "When the historian relates the important happenings in the life of Tate County, every chapter will be adorned with the name of G. D. SHANDS."

During his residence here, MR. SHANDS was active in civic affairs. He was instrumental in the establishment of Blackborn Female College, an elementary and high school for girls, and was a member of her board of trustees. He donated the lot on which was built the former Methodist Church and was a steward of that church until he left Senatobia.

An annual scholarship in memory of JUDGE SHANDS is given by his daughter, MRS. PAUL H. SAUNDERS of New Orleans, to a Senatobia student at the University of Mississippi. The only obligation of the student receiving the scholarship is the care of the cemetery lot on which are the ivy-covered graves of JUDGE SHANDS and his wife, the former MISS MARY E. ROSEBOROUGH of Sardis.

Compiler's Note: At age 16 GARVIN DUGAS SHANDS left college with 83 students to fight in the Civil War. He was one of 3 who fought for four years and survived the hardships. In 1870, he married MARY E ROSEBOROUGH and they lived at 224 Ward Street. He gave his corn patch to the Methodist Church later used as their parking lot.

On January 1, 1938 his four sons and a daughter presented his portrait to the Hall of Fame in the State Capital Building at Jackson Mississippi.

Their Children were: AUDLEY SHANDS, HUBERT SHANDS, STEADMAN SHANDS, MABEL SHANDS SAUNDERS, HARLEY SHANDS and CECIL SHANDS.

CECIL C SHANDS married S.B.JOHNSON 22 Dec 1892 Bk5 Pg299

Buried at Bethesda:

GARVIN DUGAS SHANDS, born Spartanburg, South Carolina, Dec 5, 1844 died New Orleans, LA, July 1, 1917

MARY EUDOSIA ROSEBOROUGH SHANDS, Dec 23-1849-Oct 8, 1934, wife of GARVIN DUGAS SHANDS

CECIL SHANDS, 1883-1912, son of GD & MARY E SHANDS Footstone: STEADMAN

ROBERT ARTHUR SHANDS, Dec 2, 1867-Nov 7, 1877, son of AC & MARTHA E SHANDS

ADA GERTRUDE, died Jan 12, 1882, aged 16 yrs

D: A.C. SHANDS, born South Carolina, Nov 10, 1816-Dec 12, 187?

MARTHA E SHANDS, born South Carolina June 15, 1834-May 2, 1878, wife of AC SHANDS

NATALIE SHANDS, died July 12, 1876, age 24 days, dau of GD & MARY E

SHANDS

Source: Tate County Educable Children, Footprints in Time, The Heritage of Tate County, A History of Tate County 1975, Tate County Marriages.

W. J. (G) COCKE

W. J. (G) COCKE, born 1861, died 1943 at the age of 79, was a native Tate Countain born south of town, but soon moved into town into the old COCKE Home which his father built and which was famous for its beauty and architecture, also noted for the lovely entertaining done there!

WRENNIE COCKE was always a good farmer for he loved the land but aside from big farming interests he was a charter member of the directors in the Senatobia Bank for more than forty years, holding the office of Bank President the last twenty-six years of his life.

He served as Commissioner on the Arkabutla Drainage Canal Board for many, many years.

He was Sheriff of Tate County for two terms and was known for his honesty and integrity and his high regard for the truth!

He had many friends throughout the County, in fact he was said to have never seen a stranger, he knew white and black alike, even the names of children and pets.

He was also known for his great generosity toward the under-dog. He helped many persons and families with no thought of gain and only they ever told anyone!

Compiler's Note: WRENNIE GRAY COCKE was the son of J. H. AND MARY JANE DAVIDSON COCKE. WRENNIE GRAY COCKE married HARRIET HARTON of Oakland, MS. They had two children, WRENNIE GRAY COCKE, JR and ELISE. WRENNIE JR had a tragic accident on the baseball field when he was only twenty-four years old which was fatal. J. H. COCKE was a contractor for the beautiful old courthouse. WRENNIE SR, made his first money driving a team of oxen from the local brick kiln to build the courthouse.

After J. H. COCKE died, MARY JANE COCKE was left all alone with three small children, ASHLEY, WRENNIE and CELIA. She would tell the children about the war. How they tried to hide everything, burying the silver etc. Then the Yankees came and took all they could and destroyed what was left, but she said the officers were always very kind and chivalrous toward her.

ELISE COCKE married JOHN GARRETT VEAZEY in April 1929. they had two children, WRENNIE COX VEAZEY married JOHN JOSEPH WEST and had three sons and a daughter. JOHN GARRETT VEAZEY, JR. (GARY) married REBECCA KAY HINER and had a son and a daughter.

WRENNIE GRAY COCKE, SR, Aug 31, 1864-July 6, 1943

HATTYE HARTON COCKE, April 27, 1875-May 19, 1961

WRENNIE GRAY COCKE, JR, July 6, 1914-Sept 10, 1938 "Dad's Pal"

JOHN GARRETT VEAZEY 1906-1970

ELISE COCKE VEAZEY, No Dates

Buried at Bethesda

Source: Footprints In Time, The Heritage of Tate County MS, Index To Tate County Chancery Court Dockets, Tate County Marriages.

MR. MAURICE PAUL MOORE

1847-1936

MR. MAURICE PAUL MOORE came to Senatobia in a buggy from Saulsbury Tenn. as a pioneer seeking new land in 1867. He married MISS BEATRICE JORDAN and settled in the Salem Community.

Until age 90, MR. MOORE was straight as an arrow, rode a black horse and carried a big black umbrella as he rode.

MR. MOORE was a true gentleman of the old South. He joined the Confederate Army at the age of 16 and served in the 18th Miss. Calvary, Company D till the end of the war.

Few men achieved the prominence in financial and social affairs that came to him. These things were the result of hard work, intelligent thought and constant application to business.

MR. MOORE was a staunch Democrat. Next to his Baptist religion his politics occupied a large place in his life. He was a leader in the reconstruction which reclaimed the south for the white civilization which we enjoy today.

M. P. MOORE was a kindly man. He was never too busy to discuss with the other fellow the other fellow's troubles and give him good advice. He did many acts of charity.

His children were LENA MOORE and E. E. MOORE, SR.

E. E. MOORE, SR. (1881-1937), leading businessman, planter, churchman, and civic leader of North Mississippi, was one of the largest landowners in North Mississippi. E. E. MOORE, SR. was in business with his father in the old J. T. GABBERT Company building. Following the death of MR. GABBERT sometime latter E. E. MOORE and M. W. GABBERT bought the interests of their fathers in the company and operated the business under the old name of the concern for ten years. Upon the dissolution of this partnership, MR. MOORE formed E. E. MOORE & Company, the business concern which he headed at the time of his death.

Compiler's Note: M. P. MOORE was born February 12, 1847, the son of MATHIAS J. MOORE and ELEANOR WILLIAMS, who migrated to Saulsbury, Tennessee in Hardaman County from North Carolina.

BEATRICE JORDAN was born Oct 26, 1849, the daughter of STEVE JORDAN and MARTHA ANN WILLIAMS. They moved to Tate County around 1855. They helped to organize Salem Baptist Church which was built on land adjoining their property.

On Dec 16, 1868 M. P. MOORE and BEATRICE JORDAN were married. They moved to Senatobia around 1875, built a home on College Street, and resided there until their deaths.

Four children were born to them: AVA, MABEL, LENA ROBERTA, and EDWIN EARLE MOORE. AVA and MABEL died in early childhood and MISS LENA, born April 12, 1875, lived to be 73 years old and resided in the home on College Street all her life. She died in August of 1948.

Their only son, Edwin Earle Moore, was educated at Union College in Jackson, TN and worked for several years in a cotton firm in Memphis before moving back to Senatobia. On June 14, 1904, while living in Memphis, Earle married MARIANNE BUCHANAN, the daughter of JUDGE JOSEPH WILLIAMS BUCHANAN and THELIA ANN SPRAGINS. She was born on August 17, 1881, in Okolona, MS where her family had moved from Buena Vista in Chickasaw Co.

MARIANNE BUCHANAN MOORE lived to be 83 years old. M. P. MOORE died when he was 56 years old. To them were born three sons and a daughter. MARUICE PAUL MOORE born April 28, 1905; EDWIN EARL born Sept 3, 1907; BUCHANAN born June 15, 1911; and VIRGINIA LOUISE born April 12, 1918.

MARUICE PAUL MOORE married ANNIE LOUISE FANT, the daughter of MR. & MRS ELLINGTON FANT of Clarksdale, MS on Nov 28, 1939. Three daughters were born to them: LOUISE MOORE, born August 7, 1941, married WALTER A. McKELLAR; ROSEMARY MOORE, born Mar 4, 1943 married DONALD LEE SEAGO; LUCILLE FANT MOORE, born Aug 17, 1945, married JAMES M. BREWER.

EDWIN EARL MOORE married NELL ALEXANDER, the daughter of VEO BUCK and NELL HOUSE ALEXANDER, on June 11, 1931. To this union were born two sons and one daughter: EDWIN EARL MOORE III, born May 15, 1935, married MARY LOU NEWMAN; BUCK ALEXANDER MOORE, born Aug 21, 1938, married BARBARA BURROW; PATRICIA ANN MOORE (PATSY), born June 6, 1943, married EDWARD JOSHUA BOGEN, JR.

BUCHANAN MOORE died in an automobile accident at Grenada, MS on Sept 25, 1935. He was manager of the Seed Loan Office there. He was 24 years old, and was graduated from the University of MS in 1932. He was an outstanding student leader and athlete, not only at Ole Miss, but also at Senatobia High School, where he was Valedictorian of the Senior Class. The BUCHANAN MOORE Community Center in Senatobia bears his name.

VIRGINIA LOUISE MOORE married THOMAS PRESLEY WILSON, the son of Mr & Mrs GEORGE CONINE WILSON, of Gurdon AR, on Feb 16, 1938. To this union were born three daughters and one son: MARIANNE MOORE WILSON, born Jan 4, 1939, married RONALD DAY VEAZEY; ROBERTA MOORE WILSON, born Nov 12, 1943, married RALPH POWELL MAYFIELD; HARRIET VIRGINIA WILSON, born Aug 25, 1954, married MICHAEL JOSEPH MASSEY; THOMAS PRESLEY WILSON, JR.,born May 7, 1958.

Buried at Bethesda:

MAURICE P. MOORE, 1847-1936

BEATRICE JORDAN MOORE, 1848-1938

LENA ROBERTA MOORE, 1875-1948

MABEL MOORE, 1878-1885

BAUCHANAN MOORE, 1911-1935

EDWIN EARLE MOORE, 1881-1938

MARIANNE BUCHANAN MOORE, 1881-1964

THOMAS PRESLEY WILSON, Jan 16, 1912-Aug 12, 1973

Source: A History of Tate County 1975, Footprints in Time

DR. A. M. (ARNOLD) FRENCH

DR. A. M. ARNOLD FRENCH was born Nov. 15th, 1829, the only child of POLLY ANN and GEORGE FRENCH. He married ELIZA ANN McGEE on the 15th of Sept. 1859, they had thirteen children, the only living one is ARNOLD FRENCH (1965) of Los Angeles, California. DR. FRENCH and his wife owned the FRENCH Hotel and operated it until 1912, after that time his son JESSE FRENCH was owner. He practiced medicine in Senatobia until 1903 and in 1878 was awarded a gold medal, "A Memorial for services rendered during the Epidemic of Yellow Fever in Senatobia." His favorite prescription for most any illness, was a "few drops of turpentine on a little sugar, followed by a generous dose of Castor Oil." He died in 1903 and is buried in Bethesda Cemetery.