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Volume 39, Issue 9 Sandra J Stacey, Editor September

LOCATION

L&N Train Station

10th & Commerce Streets

Clarksville, TN 37040

931.553.2486

***MAILING ADDRESS ON BACK***

Officers:

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kurt Bryant

Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brenda Harper

Recording Secretary . . . . . . . . . . Gail Longton

Correspondence Secretary . . . . . .Opal Kennedy

Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Al Irby

Historical:

County Historian . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eleanor Williams

County Archivist . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jill Hastings Johnson

County Genealogist . . . . . . . . . . .Gail Longton

Members at Large:

Jim Moore

Molly Cook David Kanervo

All programs meet on the 3rd

Monday of each month

at 7:00 p.m. Unless otherwise stated.

All regular meetings will be held at the

Civic Center located in the Veterans’ Plaza

(*** NOTE Program Change Nov. 21 ***)

Sep 19 ELEANOR WILLIAMS, ELLEN KANERVO,

MINOA UFFLEMAN & PHYLLIS SMITH

SEREPTA JORDAN DIARY

Oct 17 BILLYFRANK MORRISON

HIGH PROFILE MURDERS "BACK IN THE DAY"

Nov 21 JIM LONG

“JACK HINSON, USING ARCHIVES RECORDS TO SEP-

ARATE FACT FROM LEGEND “

Dec 12 CHRISTMAS DINNER CIVIC CENTER

“The underlined items will take the place of our regular meetings. On these

months there will be no other meetings, just our outings.”

2016

“SMOKE: A BALLAD OF THE NIGHT RIDERS” David Alford’s riveting musical, set in this dark fired tobacco region, in 1904-1907, should not be missed. Professional actors and musicians chronicle the struggle of a young farm couple grappling with divided loyalties to family and ideals. Farmers organized to hold back their crop for better prices. When some won’t join violence ensues – at the hands of the vicious Night Riders. September 29, 30 and October 1,6,7,8, at 7 pm, Brooksher Outdoor Pavilion, Adams TN Tickets : $25.00 and $10.00 Students

“RED RIVER TALES” September 25, 3 pm FREE Admission Our favorite story-tellers are at the Brooksher Pavilion at Adams again. Rick Gregory and William Turner will educate and entertain us with tales of the Tobacco Wars, the Bell Witch, and the Trail of Tears. .

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBER OF THE MONTH BARBUR WILBUR

Barbara was born in the old hospital here in Clarksville. Since her parents, as well as most of her family, were living in the “camp area” when she was born her mother chose to come to Clarksville to a doctor and to the hospital here. In fact, when The Clarksville Academy began Barbara taught in the very same room in which she had been born. So, she is a Tennessean first and foremost. However, the family moved to Christian County, KY, just off Highway 41-A when the camp came and she grew up a Kentuckian. Therefore she claims “dual citizenship.” Barbara attended two, typical one teacher schools her first four years. At the second school there were no other children in fourth grade so the teacher obtained permission to place her in fifth grade. Not a good move. She never learned her multiplica-tion tables and was always the youngest in the class.

Beginning in sixth grade Barbara rode the bus (a real adventure) to South Christian School, a 1-12 school. She always loved school, even cried on Saturdays when in first grade because she couldn’t go to school. Literature and science were favorite subjects (says she didn’t have a “math gene”) and she pursued those disciplines when she came back to Clarksville and en-rolled in Austin Peay State College in the 1950s. With certification to teach grades 7-12 she began her teaching career at Montgomery Central High School, but later taught various grade levels in several different schools, including The Clarksville Academy and Ft. Campbell Junior High School. Barbara completed a Master’s in Education and did postgraduate work at George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. She then spent the last 16 years of her career at Austin Peay State University, first teaching biology and later directing the High School Upward Bound Program. After retire-ment Barbara volunteered weekly at Cumberland Heights Elementary School for several years.

Barbara has two birth children, Lou Ann and Clark, plus she claims Scott as a second “son”. Scott lived with the Wilburs while completing high school and he and his family are still an active part of the family. She has six grand-children and two great-grandchildren, twins, Amelia and Ben. These chil-dren and young adults are the major joys in Barbara’s life. But… she claims hundreds of former students as her “children” and delights in staying con-nected with them.

As a young child in the camp area Barbara and her family were active in the Bethel Methodist Church, then after moving they attended and joined Salem Baptist Church. When she came back to Clarksville she became a member of the Clarksville Cumberland Presbyterian Church where she has been in-volved as a teacher, an elder and the JOY (Just Older Youth) leader.

Having grown up on a farm Barbara has always had a special love for nature and the out-of-doors. Wildflowers and birds, along with gardening, have been long-time interests… and have given her good excuses for traveling through the years. Whether it’s a Pileated Woodpecker in her backyard or Puffins on an island in Maine, birds continue to get her attention. Due to her interest in wildlife Barbara was a founding member of the local Warioto Audubon Chapter; she is a life member of the TN Academy of Science and The Friends of Dunbar Cave.

Additionally, Barbara has long been interested in regional history and family genealogy. She is a life member of the Montgomery County Historical Soci-ety and an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her maternal family lines have been established, but her paternal lines are not so clear. Interestingly, her paternal great-great-grandfather Barnett has been traced to Port Royal in the 1830’s, but his ancestry and birth location have so far eluded her. She had two paternal great-great uncles who volunteered here in Clarksville for the Confederacy. Both were captured at Fort Donelson and imprisoned. Then they were later released and returned to continue fighting for the Confederacy. Both men were in the Battle of Franklin where one was killed. Her maternal great-grandfather also fought for the Confederacy in several battles in VA. So history continues to be a special interest in Bar-bara’s life, providing her with challenges to find lost relatives, fill in the blanks and tie up the links.

Note: A reward is being offered to anyone who finds the documented ances-try of Barbara’s long-lost ancestor, Samuel Barnett

Descendants of William Conroy

William Conroy was born in 1785 and died 14 May 1845 in Caherdrunia, Mitchelstown, CO. Cork at age 60. William married Margaret Sheehan Potter. Margaret Sheehan was born in 1798 in Killemera, Mitchelstown, CO. Cork and died 17 Apr. 1878 in Caherdrunia, Mitchelstown, CO. Cork at age 80. Children from this marriage were:

Nellie Conroy. Listed as sister in John's obituary.

Lillie Conroy died after 1905. Listed as sister in John' s obituary

Mary Rita Conroy. Listed as sister in John's obituary.

Mary Anecita Conroy died after 1905. Listed as sister in John's obi-tuary.

John Joseph Conroy born 5 Aug 1825 in Mitchelstown CO Cork, Ireland, (Listed by Hadley Family) died 10 Nov. 1905 in Clarksville, Montgomery CO TN at age 80, and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Clarksville, Montgomery CO TN. He married Hannah Philomena Mur-ray daughter of unknown Murray and Knot. Hannah Philomena was born in 1834 in Tarrytown, NY and died 6 Oct 1910 in Clarksville, Montgom-ery CO TN at age 76, and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Clarks-ville, Montgomery CO TN.

John’s obituary: CONROY, John J., Sr. Born 5 Aug. 1825 in Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland. Died 10 Nov. 1905, on Madison Street. Came to America in 1848. Came to Clarksville from Virginia, in 1857. Survivors are: sisters, Mary Rita, Mary Anecita, Misses Nellie and Lillie and one son, John, Jr. who was a member of Elder - Conroy Hardware Co. An excellent civil engineer. Buried at Green-wood Cemetery. Clarksville Leaf Chronicle. (11 Nov. 1905 p.1) Children from this marriage were:

Margaret Conroy born about 1856 in VA.

Kate Conroy born about 1859 in VA.

Mary Conroy born about 1860 in TN.

Nellie T. Conroy born 16 Jul. 1865 in Clarksville, Montgomery CO TN and died 30 Oct. 1927 in Clarksville, at age 62, and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Plot: Section 9, Clarksville, Montgomery CO TN. Nellie T. never married.

Molley Conroy born about 1866 in TN.

John Joseph Conroy was born 15 Sept. 1867 in Clarksville, Montgomery CO TN and died in 1936 in Clarksville, at age 69, and was also buried in Greenwood Cemetery. John Joseph married Al-ice Sophia Hanratty, daughter of James Han-ratty and Sarah Anne McCarty, on 28 Jun 1898. Alice Sophia was born 16 Dec. 1872 in Clarksville, and died 1 Jun. 1918 at age 45, and was also bur-ied in Greenwood Ceme-tery. Children from this marriage were:

(Continued on page 3)

Nellie T. Conroy Death Certificate

John Joseph Conroy Death Certificate

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SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME 39, ISSUE 9

John James Conroy was born 6 Jul 1899 in Clarksville, Montgom-ery CO TN and died in Clarksville. He married Louisa Drane Rodri-guez 31 Aug 1931 in Clarksville. She was born 25 Sept. 1900 in Tul-lahoma, Coffee CO TN and died 4 Nov. 1990 in Clarksville, at age 90.

George Joseph Conroy was born 30 Mar . 1901 in Montgomery CO TN and died 5 Feb. 1941 in Clarksville, at age 39, and was buried 7 Feb 1941 in Greenwood Cemetery, Clarksville. He married Faye Dick-inson daughter of Charles Clarence Dickinson 22 Oct. 1932 in Mem-phis, TN. They ended up divorced.

Charles Christopher "Stumpy" Conroy was born 10 Jun. 1905 in Clarksville, and died 11 Jul. 1979 in Mem-phis, TN at age 74, and was also buried in Greenwood Cemetery. He was a Lawyer and a Capt. in the Army in WWII. The enclosed article shows where Charles Christo-pher received a scholar ship. Also enclosed is his obit.

He married Mary Lucille Davenport. Mary was born 2 Dec 1909 and died after 1979. Children from this marriage were: Mary Chrisopher Conroy who died after 1979 and married Don Lay-ton. Children from this marriage were: Amy Conroy Layton, Christopher Allen Layton, and Charles Micheal Layton who died after 1979 and

Charles Michael Conroy who died after 1979.

Paul Phillip Conroy was born on 10 Dec 1905 in Clarksville, and died 13 Dec 1990 in Clarksville, at age 85, and was also buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Clarksville. He married Dorothy Ed-wards. Dorothy was born 30 Nov. 1903 and died 20 Jun. 1982 in Clarksville, at age 78, and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, The child from this mar-riage was: Margie Conroy. Margie mar-ried a Turner. Paul Phillip next mar - ried a Mary N.

.

Sarah Margaret Conroy was born 24 Oct. 1908 in Clarksville, and died 15 Oct. 1978 in Jefferson CO KY at age 69. She married Benjamin "Benny" F. Parker. He. was born in 1902 and died in 1992 at age 90. The child from this marriage was: . Benjamin Parker born in 1937 and died 1 Nov, 2006 at age 69

Vincent "Vinson" Conroy was born in 1869 and died in 1879 at age 10.

Elizabeth A. Conroy was born in 1873 and died in 1990 at age 117.

Lillian "lillie" A. Conroy died 23 Mar . 1960 in Clarksville, Mont-gomery CO TN and was Also buried in Greenwood Cemetery.

Sallie Conroy died after 1936.

John Joseph next married Julia Henneberry. Julia was born in

1836 and died in 1862 in Clarksville, Montgomery CO TN at age

26, and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Clarksville, Montgom-

ery CO TN. (Julia Henneberry's brother was archbishop of Cincin-

nati; her 2 sisters were "Sisters". Hannah Murray, the 2nd wife,

started the Catholic school here. by Randall Rubel)

Children from this marriage were:

William Conroy was born in 1859 and died in 1862 at age 3.

Mary Rita Conroy.

Mary Anecita Conroy was born in 1861 and died in 1884 at age 23, and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Clarksville, Montgomery CO TN.

Margie Conroy married a Turner. Children from this mar-riage were:

Scott Turner, Jeff Turner, Betsy Turner. married Ferrell,

Jacqueline "Jackie" Brame Turner. married John Edwin Danieley 19 Aug 1889.

and Benjamin Parker born 1937 and died 1 Nov. 2006 at age 69.

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WINDOW INTO THE PAST by

Sandra J Stacey

What Would you find if you looked in the “WindoW into the past” in september Clarksville Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee) - 4 Sep 1857, Fri - Page 3 3 Cents Reward ! I will give the above liberal reward for the biped puppy that defaced my sign last Tuesday night, if delivered at some secure doggery where he will be re-strained from disturbing decent people and be more in his proper element. J M. RICE. Sept 4 .

The Highland Weekly News (Hillsboro, OH), 18 Sept. 1862, Thu. P. 1 HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, WASHINGTON, August 29, 1862. The following officers of the Seventy first Regiment of Ohio Volunteers having published a card stating that they advised Col. R. Mason, who has been cashiered for cowardice, to surrender Clarksville, Tennessee, to the rebel forces, are by direction of the President dismissed from the service of the United States. First Lieut. N. J. Hunter, Second Lieut. Isaac Mason, First Lieut. Era L. Morris, Capt. Smith H. Clook, Capt. J. R. Woodward, Capt. F, W. Bowen, Capt. Solon J. Houck, Capt. C. H. Craum, Lieut. T. T. Moore (Adjutant.) Capt. Wm. H. Callender, Lieut. H. M. Drury, Lieut. L. W. Beaver. By order of the Secretary of War. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant General. Cleveland Daily Leader (Cleveland, Ohio) 23 Sept. 1862, Tue. Page 1 WASHINGTON ITEMS. WASHINGTON, Sept. 28. Satisfactory evidence having been submitted that Captain Solomon J. Houck, 71st Ohio volunteers, did not advise the surrender of Clarksville, Tennessee, and that he signed the card justifying its surrender under a misapprehension of its contents, the President directs that so much of general order No. 120, as cashiered him, be revoked. Clarksville Weekly Chronicle 26 Sept. 1874 Sat. p.3 We sympathise with our neighbor Ingram, in his bad luck in regard to his cow and calf, but do not see any use in his crying about his rations of milk and butter being cut off. he can fall back upon his favorites— whiskey and gravy. Clarksville Weekly Chronicle, 26 Sept. 1874 Sat. p3. DESTITUTE FAMILIES.—We are informed that there are two families by name of Martin and Kramer, living in South Clarksville who are in a destitute condition, and need prompt assistance. During Dr. Ringgold's stay here his daughter, Miss Daisey, looked after them, and was instrumental in having them provided for, but since her departure it has devolved solely upon the immediate neighbors. We call the attention of the public to this matter, so that all who feel inclined to can assist the neighbors of these people in contribu-tions such as they are able to bestow. They are represented to us as worthy of help, and if this be so, it should be promptly rendered. Clarksville Weekly Chronicle 26 Sept. 1874 Sat. p. 3 A NEW plan of delivering milk is suggested by the Boston Milk Associ--ation. Side racks are arranged on each side of the milk wagon containing quart and pint bottles of fresh milk. The customers return the bottles the next day after delivery, and no pitchers, pans or bowls are required. Each bottle is tightly corked, and can be put away in a pail of cold water or a refrigerator, keeping it fresh and sweet and taking up but little room.

The New Era (Humeston, Iowa) • 10 Oct 1894, Wed • Page 1 E. P. Holly, of New Providence, Tennessee, has invented a hydraulic bicycle. which he says will attain twice the speed of the present racing machines. The Tennessean (Nashville, TN)27 Sept. 1905, Wed. P. 10 CLARKSVILLE GETS BUSY Citizens Taking Steps to Secure New Enterprises and Population. CLARKSVILLE. Tenn., Sept. 26.—(Special.)—A committee from the chamber of Commerce. consisting of M. A. Stratton. President; W. B. Young. Chairman of the Committee on Industries. and H. D. Pettus went to Hopkinsville today to investigate the cannery. The Chamber has several propositions in reguard to starting a canning factory at this place. but is investigating that it may be able to recommend the best one. The Secretary is very busy with several new enterprises which want to come to Clarksville. among which are two furniture factories, a large paper company, boiler works. knitt The Immigration Committee met at the room of the Chamber yesterday afternoon to effect organization, there being present D. 'I'. Hamill Chairman: C. C Cocke, M. M. Hussey, W. D. Elliott, James T. Wood and President M. A. Stratton. It was decided that a canvas of the county should be made and all salable land listed, and that steps be taken immedi-ately to secure New York and other Eastern real estate men to list salable lands in Mont-gomery county. It was also decided to place the soil survey and other attractive circu-lars, describing the resources and advantages of Clarksville and Montgomery County in the hands of the proper foreign officials so that they might give them to immigrants coming to the United States.

"WindoW into the past” is closed.

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FUND RAISER WOW! Pam Gadsey sold 100 barbecue tickets, bringing to our trusty treasur-er, Al Irby, $1,000! Jeff Harris, again this year, sold 30 tickets. Congratula-tions to all others who hawked tickets, baked cookies/brownies and all who were part of the workforce in the kitchen and dining area. Not to forget Mol-ly Cook and Inga Fillipio's contribution, that of adorning the tables with cloths and beautiful flower arrangements. Those who chose to "dine in" were afforded an extra treat, that of partaking from a homemade dessert-laden table bearing caramel cake; chocolate chess pies; sweet potato pies; sticky-toffee pudding; pineapple/coconut pies; pecan pies and peach cobbler. Society member, Mark Clark, known for his culinary talents was baking until 2 a.m. the day of the feast. Mark also hosted a party of eight, one among them was Barbara McNelly from Guthrie, KY who sup-plied the sweet potato pies. A sincere salute to our worthy president, Kurt, whose brain child this barbe-cue was last year and again this year. Indicative of Kurt's popularity with his county co-workers was last year and again this, the number of county volun-teers who came to his aid. Among the county volunteers: Yvette Barton; Mark Stone (with his lovely wife, Teresa); Regina Day (and her energetic husband, Melvin). And then there was Robert Perigo at the pit (his own pit) and Eddie Farmer. Two others at the pit were: Also at the pitts were Jimmy Edwards and Mike Edwards, and the gilding of the lily was the four pretty CHS cheerleaders Destinye Stone; Emili Dyce; Shayna Stone; Arriyanna Waynick Brian Bowers at Hilltop Market gave Kurt a good price on the chickens so that the society could clear $2,600. Submitted by: Rubye Paich

MEMBERSHIP

Editor Sandra J Stacey

sandra.stacey@charter.net

Membership:

Our sympathies go out to member Eleanor Williams and her husband Jimmy on the death of sister-in-law. Blanche Shepherd. Blanche age 79 of Clarksville, went to be with Jesus on Mon., Aug. 8, 2016 at St. Thomas West Hospital. Blanche entered this life in Luray, VA on Nov. 21, 1936 to the late David Varner and Stella Hess Varner. In addi-tion to her parents, her son, James Blake Shepherd and granddaughter, Cara Roman preceded her in death. Blanche retired as a Registered Nurse and was devoted and supportive of her husband's ministry for many years. She was a member of New Faith Baptist Church. She was survived by her loving family, Rev. James Shep-herd; son, David Shepherd and his wife Cindi; brother, Jerry Varner and his wife Betty Sue; sister-in-law, Elea-

nor Williams and her husband Jimmy.

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This Author of the “Cornsheller” took a tumble 3 nights ago resulting in 4 broken bones in the top of my left shoulder. Luckily I am right handed and am able to finish this issue of the newsletter hopefully on time with few mistakes. Thank goodness for spellcheck!

Origin of Clarksville-Montgomery Historic Plaque Program

Do you or someone you know live in a home that has historical significance in Clarksville-Montgomery County? In many communities in the Southeast there are programs that recognize their historic homes and districts. Not surprisingly, Clarksville-Montgomery is no exception.

For nearly ten years the Montgomery County Historical Society has sponsored our local program for Historic Homes. When Bob Houston moved to Clarks-ville in 1999 from Mobile, AL, which has an established Historic Commission, he realized that Clarksville-Montgomery County also has a rich and distinct architectural community. This recognition planted the seed for our existing Historic Plaque Program.

In 2002, Bob Houston, Don Sharpe, and Jill Hastings-Johnson assembled a committee to investigate plaques as historic markers. Included were Eleanor Wil-liams, Randy Rubel, Tracy Jackson, and Shirley Tomasi Berardo (former coordinator of the Arts and Heritage Council). They worked with the Montgomery County Historical Society, then led by Joe Fillipo, to get the program started with hopes of illuminating some of Clarksville’s architectural gems. The group worked diligently for many months to determine the requirements and eligibility to qualify for a plaque. Finally, an attractive brochure was published in 2007 which is now available at the Montgomery County Archives, the L&N Train Center, and the Customs House Museum. Deciding on the design of the plaque itself required researching existing historic plaques or banners-shields from Mobile, AL, Columbus, GA, and Williamson County, TN. Finally, after much deliberation, a classic cast bronze design was chosen. Each individual plaque depicts the name of the original builder or owner of the house, the approximate date the home was built, and the historic district if applicable.

The mission of the Historic Homes Program is to recognize and to promote pride in the wealth of Clarksville-Montgomery County 19th and 20th century historic residences.

“Take pride in your neighborhood.”

Submitted by:

Bob Houston

Jill Hastings-Johnson

Blanche Shepherd

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Montgomery County Historical Society

P.O. Box 262

Clarksville, TN 37041-0262

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/RENEWAL FORM

MONTGOMERY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

***(Membership period is January 1 to December 31)***

NAME: ______________________ ________________________ ____________________________ ( First) (Middle) (Last)

ADDRESS _______________________________ ______________________ ________ _____________ (Street) (City) (State) (Zip)

PHONE: ___________ EMAIL: ___________________________________ DATE: ___________________

Please make checks payable to MCHS

Please check type of membership

Individual $25 Family $35 Student (K-12) $10 Life $500

Corporate $255 Institutional $500 Preservation Society (2 years)

$2,000

New Member Renewal Member Changing Membership