1 Volume 35, Issue 1 Sandra J Stacey, Editor January 2012 THE CORNSHELLER Newsletter of the Montgomery County Historical Society LOCATION L&N Train Station 10 th & Commerce Streets Clarksville, TN 37040 931.553.2486 Officers: President ..................Sandra J Stacey Vice President ...............Jim Moore Recording Secretary .......... Linda Nichols Correspondence Secretary ......Molly Cook Treasurer ................. Glenda Angus Historical: County Historian .............Eleanor Williams County Archivist .............Jill Hastings Johnson County Genealogist ...........Gail Longton Members at Large: Rachel Pace Cleo Hogan Marjorie Wade Immediate Past President: . . . Billyfrank Morrison 2011-2012 HISTORICAL SOCIETY PROGRAMS All programs meet on 3 rd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted by asterisk* January16 MODEL “T” J. R. Tate “A Thing I Learned on the Appalachian Trail/ Legacy of Harper’s Ferry & Battle Hymn of the Republic” February 20 FT DEFIANCE ROUND TABLE William Parker, Director of Civil War Interpretative Center Dick Gildrie Howard Winn Phil Kemmerly Clarksville surrendered to the Feds 150 years ago—Feb 19, 1862. March 19 WILLIAM TURNER, Christian Co Historian. “Say It Ain’t So!” April 16 ROSS HUDGINS, author/editor “Maggie”, Civil War Diary May 21 CAL JAMES, author “The Irish Skirmishes” * * * JUNE 15 Friday * * * SPRING ADVENTURE? (under consideration) A trip in cars to Ashland City to the (put-back-together-after- flood) RIVERVIEW RESTAURANT overlooking the Cum berland. Buffet is served on Fridays, $10 for seniors (plus gratuity), ALL YOU CAN EAT! 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. We can engage a guest speaker to give us the history of our close neighbor, Ashland City as well as the county of Cheatham (once part of Montgomery). OR * * * JUNE 16 SATURDAY * * * SPRING ADVENTURE (another consideration) Tour of FONTANEL MANSION ($17.00 per person, group price) 4217 White’s Creek Pike, Davidson County TN Mansion built by Barbara Mandrell. Added cost for Lunch or Supper at Farm House Restaurant at Fontanel July16 CHUCK RENDER, Author “Brandy: Portrait of an Intelligence Officer” August 20 JILL HASTINGS, Montgomery Co. Archivist “Interesting things I’ve encountered while researching” (Continued next column) (Society programs continued) * * * SEPT 15 SATURDAY * * * FALL ADVENTURE Noon lunch (optional) under $10.00 2 Kates Restaurant, on the square in Elkton, KY From I-24 overpass on Wilma Rudolph Blvd, Total mileage to Elkton square is approx. 22 mi? 2:00 p.m. JEFF DAVIS MONUMENT in Fairview, KY seven miles from Elkton, off Hwy 68 toward Hoptown. Park Ranger: Ron Syndor, will speak to us in the pavilion about Jeff Davis, the man. $2.00 each (group price) to go through the museum including going up in the monument. October 25 WADE BOURNE Author & Public Speaker “Oral History Up Close and Personal: Stories of Old St. Bethlehem” November 19 ROXY, History old and new by John McDonald December To be announced later.
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Volume 35, Issue 1 Sandra J Stacey, Editor January 2012
THE CORNSHELLERNewsletter of the Montgomery County
Marjorie WadeImmediate Past President: . . . Billyfrank Morrison
2011-2012 HISTORICAL SOCIETY PROGRAMS
All programs meet on 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m.unless otherwise noted by asterisk*
January16 MODEL “T” J. R. Tate“A Thing I Learned on the Appalachian Trail/Legacy of Harper’s Ferry & Battle Hymn of the Republic”
February 20 FT DEFIANCE ROUND TABLEWilliam Parker, Director of Civil War InterpretativeCenter Dick Gildrie Howard Winn Phil Kemmerly
Clarksville surrendered to the Feds 150 years ago—Feb 19, 1862.
March 19 WILLIAM TURNER, Christian Co Historian.“Say It Ain’t So!”
April 16 ROSS HUDGINS, author/editor“Maggie”, Civil War Diary
May 21 CAL JAMES, author“The Irish Skirmishes”
* * * JUNE 15 Friday * * *SPRING ADVENTURE? (under consideration)A trip in cars to Ashland City to the (put-back-together-after-flood) RIVERVIEW RESTAURANT overlooking the Cumberland. Buffet is served on Fridays, $10 for seniors (plusgratuity), ALL YOU CAN EAT! 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.We can engage a guest speaker to give us the history of ourclose neighbor, Ashland City as well as the county ofCheatham (once part of Montgomery).
OR
* * * JUNE 16 SATURDAY * * *SPRING ADVENTURE (another consideration)Tour of FONTANEL MANSION($17.00 per person, group price)4217 White’s Creek Pike, Davidson County TNMansion built by Barbara Mandrell.Added cost for Lunch or Supper at Farm House Restaurant atFontanel
July16 CHUCK RENDER, Author“Brandy: Portrait of an Intelligence Officer”
August 20 JILL HASTINGS, Montgomery Co. Archivist“Interesting things I’ve encountered while researching”
(Continued next column)
(Society programs continued)
* * * SEPT 15 SATURDAY * * *FALL ADVENTURENoon lunch (optional) under $10.00 2 Kates Restaurant, on the square inElkton, KY From I-24 overpass on Wilma Rudolph Blvd, Total mileage toElkton square is approx. 22 mi?2:00 p.m. JEFF DAVIS MONUMENT in Fairview, KY seven miles fromElkton, off Hwy 68 toward Hoptown. Park Ranger: Ron Syndor, will speakto us in the pavilion about Jeff Davis, the man. $2.00 each (group price) togo through the museum including going up in the monument.
October 25 WADE BOURNEAuthor & Public Speaker“Oral History Up Close and Personal:Stories of Old St. Bethlehem”
November 19 ROXY,History old and new by John McDonald
Incoming president Sandra Stacey was born in Elgin, Scott CountyTN. Born in her grandmother’s house her aunt Goldie Martin, MCHSmembers Glenda Angus and Gloria Davis’ mother helped deliver her.Goldie was her mother’s sister. Sisters married brothers so Glendaand Gloria are Sandra’s double first cousins. They have identicalfamily lines. The three of them have been doing genealogy for over20 years. They make many trips to graveyards and different statesin their pursuits and also attend genealogy conferences. Since theyare both Irish and Scottish they attend Scottish festivals when theycan.
Sandra was a “military brat” and lived in numerous places: BadHershfield Germany, Swinefort Germany, Okinawa and numerousstateside military bases. Sandra came to Clarksville, TN in 1958when her father was stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY.
Sandra is a recipient of the Long Rifle Award for her work with BoyScouts. She is a Past Matron of Mary Morrison #500 Order of theEastern Star. Sandra is currently Chair for the 200th anniversarycelebration of Bethel UMC. She also does volunteer work at theMontgomery County Archives.
Sandra graduated from the old Clarksville High School on Green-
wood Avenue. She received her BBA from Austin Peay State Uni-
versity. Sandra retired from the Clarksville-Montgomery County
School System as a Computer Operator in Information Systems Cen-
tral Records.
Sandra is an author. Her poem “This is Life” was published in The
Anthology of College Poetry. She is the author of the two volume
book Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools Pictorial and Historical
Collection Vol. I and II.
Sandra has been married to Fred Stacey for 30 years. Fred also
retired from the school system as a Maintenance Foreman. Between
them they raised six children: 3 boys hers and 3 girls his - together
ours. Sandra and Fred have 13 grandchildren and 7 great-
grandchildren. Sandra feels truly blessed to have such a wonderful
family. Sandra took care of a mother who had Alzheimer's for 20
years. Without the love and support of her family she could not have
accomplished as much as she has.
Sandra looks forward to working with the members and incoming
officers this upcoming year. The upcoming year is filled with wonder-
ful programs. Sandra hopes to see more of the membership attend.
PRIDGEN FARRAR
This month I am featuring Pridgen Farrar. Pridgen was
Worshipful Master in 1894 of Masonic Lodge #89 in
Clarksville, Montgomery County TN. As Past Matron of
Mary Morrison chapter #500 Order of the Eastern Star, I
had access to the building. It seemed important to pre-
serve all the wonderful pictures of the past Worshipful
Masters. So with permission, I scanned their pictures and
put them on a disc.
Pridgen was the 3rd great-grandson of George and Judith Jefferson Farrar.Their son John was Pridgen’s 2nd great-grandfather. Son John was born inFarrar Island, Henrico County VA about 1738. John married RebeccaPuryear. Rebecca was born in Warwick County VA about 1735. John andRebecca moved to Wake County NC where John died 11 Feb. 1808 andRebecca died 19 Jan. 1815. John was a Capt. in the Revolutionary War. On08 Feb. 1778, he took an oath as a Militia officer; on 09 June 1783, he tookan oath as a Captain in the Militia. John served under Captain ReubenVaughan's Company in the War. Children of John and Rebecca were: Samu-el, John Jr., Powell, Obadiah, Edward, Jane (Jincey), Jefferson, and Wil-liam.
John Jr. son of Capt. John and Rebecca Puryear Farrar was the great-grandfather of Pridgen. John Jr. was born about 1758 in MecklenburgCounty VA and died May 1812 in Person County NC. John Jr. marriedSabina Sarrett 3 Sep. 1794 in Person County NC. Susan was born abt. 1766in South Hyco Plantation, Caswell County NC and died abt.1824 in Nash-ville, Davidson County TN. John and Sabrina were found in the 1800 Per-son County NC Census (M-32, Reel 032, Page 212 F.G. 21010-10010).John Jr. and Sabrina had children: Polly Ann, John, George W., William F,Benjamin N. and Asa Thomas.
Benjamin N. son of John Jr. and Sabrina Sarrett Farrar was the grandfatherof Pridgen. Benjamin was born abt. 1803 in Person County NC and diedabt. 1849 in Camden, Benton County TN. He married Mary Elizabeth Ar-nold abt. 1824. Mary Elizabeth was born abt. 1805 in GA and died abt. 1865in Benton County TN. Benjamin and Mary Elizabeth had children: AlfredGaines, Mary Elizabeth, William, Louisa, George Lafayette and Martha.
Alfred Gaines the son of Benjamin N. andMary Elizabeth Arnold Farrar were Pridgen’sparents. Alfred Gaines was born 15 Aug.1825 and died 3 Aug. 1906 in Camden, Ben-ton County TN. Alfred married Isabella(Ebbie) Pafford. Isabella was born 2 May1826 in Humphreys County TN and 30 Apr.1899 in Benton County TN. Alfred Gainesand Mary Elizabeth had Children: pridgen,Henry Americus, Louis, William Elcana,Morning, James Riley, John Christopher,Aaron, Leander and Mary Wilmont. Alfred’sobituary is below:
Alfred Gaines and Isabelle Pafford Farrar
FARRAR. A.G.. age 80. died ca. 3Aug. 1906 at Camden, TN.Father of P. Farrar. Buried at Trot-wood Cemetery. Clarksville LeafChronicle. ( 6 Aug. 1906 p.7)
(Continued on page 3)
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JANUARY 2012VOLUME 35, ISSUE 1
Pridgen married Mary Franklin Romine 23 Feb. 1871. MaryFranklin was born 8 Oct. 1853 in AL and died 17 Apr. 1940 inMontgomery County TN.
Below is Mary Franklin’s obituary:
Mrs. P Farrar Dies: Funeral Set Thursday
Mrs. P. Farrar. Beloved 56 year old resident of Clarksville died at1:30 o’clock this morning at her home, 30 Dortch Street after along period of failing health. She had slowly weakened for the pastseveral months.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 o’clock tomorrow(Thursday) morning at Tarpley’s Chapel by the Rev. Willard H.Blue, Clarksville Methodist District Superintendent assisted by Dr.J.H. Lacy, pastor emeritus of the First Presbyterian Church. Buri-al will be in Riverview Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jesse Bor-ing, Slayden Bradley, Charles Campbell, Elliott Shelby, John Far-rar, W.D. Posey, J.W. Taylor and J.A. young.
Mrs. Farrar, the former Miss Mary Franklin Romaine, daughter ofthe late Russell and Irene Edge Romaine, was born at Decatur,Alabama on October 8, 1853. She came to Clarksville sixty-nineyears ago and lived here continuously since.
Although she was of a quite unassuming disposition, Mrs. Farrarwas a sincere Christian and a devoted mother. Her kind deeds andoften spoken words of encouragement to her family and her neigh-bors won her a lasting place in the hearts of those with whom shecame in contact. She was a member of Madison Street MethodistChurch.
Surviving Mrs. Farrar are three daughters. Mrs. Carlyle Thomasand Miss Genie both of Clarksville, and Mrs. Blanch Clymer,Nashville; one son Emmitt Farrar, Columbus Ohio; a brother JohnA. Romaine, Los Angeles and a sister, Mrs. Albert Crandell,Pinedale, Ari; fourteen grandchildren and eight great grandchil-dren.
Pridgen and Mary Elizabeth had children: Edward (Ed) Theodore,Blanch, Genie Sarah, James Montgomery, Clinton, Lillian Daisy,Ned Buntlyn, Emmett Peebles and Irene Elizabeth
Edward (Ed) Theodore son of Pridgen and Mary Elizabeth
Arnold Farrar was born 6 Jul. 1873 in TN and died 4 Jan.
1936 in Montgomery County TN. Edward is buried in
Greenwood Cemetery, Clarksville, Montgomery County
TN. His occupation was listed as Dry Good Merchant.
Edward married Fannie Bryant Meece 23 Oct. 1905.
She was born 20 May 1887 in Lyndeburg, TN and died
22 Mar. 1944 in Clarksville, TN. She is also buried in
Greenwood Cemetery.
(Continued on page 4)
(Pridgen Farrar continued from page 2)
Henry Americus son of Alfred Gaines and Mary Elizabeth ArnoldFarrar was born 16 Feb. 1848 and died 31 May 1910 in Ben-ton County TN. Henry Americus married Caroline Miller 8Nov. 1868. Henry Americus and Mary Elizabeth had children:Mary J., Laura J., Margaret C., and Launa E.
Louis son of Alfred Gaines and Mary Elizabeth Arnold Farrar wasborn 26 Apr. 1852 and died 24 Aug. 1907 in Benton CountyTN.
William Elcana son of Alfred Gaines and Mary Elizabeth ArnoldFarrar was born 27 Dec. 1853 in Benton County TN and died1 Jun. 1916. William Elcana married Sarah Virginia (Sally)Haley.
Morning (Monia) daughter of Alfred Gaines and Mary ElizabethArnold Farrar was born 3 Jun. 1856 and died 13 Oct. 1918 inBenton County TN. Morning married Lorenzo Dow Melton18 Jan. 1877 in Benton County TN.
James Riley son of Alfred Gaines and Mary Elizabeth ArnoldFarrar was born 22 Oct. 1858 in Benton County TN.
John Christopher son of Alfred Gaines and Mary Elizabeth Ar-nold Farrar was born 9 Apr. 1861 and died 15 May 1862 inBenton County TN.
Aaron son of Alfred Gaines and Mary ElizabethArnold Farrar was born 6 Apr. 1863 inBenton County TN and died 6 Apr. 1940 inHenry County TN.
Leander Travis son of AlfredGaines and Mary ElizabethArnold Farrar was born 17Jun 1866 and died 14 Apr1936 in Benton County TN.
Mary Wilmont daughter of AlfredGaines and Mary Elizabeth Arnold Farrar was born 17 May1869 and died in 1877 in Benton County TN.
Pridgen son of Alfred Gaines and Mary Elizabeth Arnold Farrarwas born 9 Jan. 1850 in Benton County TN and died 10 Jun.1925. He is buried in Riverview (City) Cemetery, Plot: Section 05, Row 10, Clarksville, Montgomery County TN. Hewas a Contract Carpenter.
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Below is Rowena’s obituary:
Richmond County, Virginia ObituariesOctober 30, 1999
FARRARRowena Rutherford Farrar, 96 years old, died Sunday,October 24, 1999. She was the wife of the late JamesMontgomery Farrar, Colonel USAF. "Ro"wrote morethan 500 short stories published in popular magazinesin America and abroad; two historical novels, "BendYour Heads All"and "A Wonderous Moment Then". Herlastbook, a biography of opera star Grace Moore, was published in l984. Natives of Nashville, Tenn. for more than40 years, the Farrars lived in the Fan District of Rich
mond. In l962, "Ro"founded the Richmond Branch ofthe National League of American Penwomen and servedas its first president. Both Farrars served two terms as
president of the Virginia Writers Club. From l962 tol964 she edited "The Penwoman", the official publication of the National League of American Penwomen,and was the first editor of "Fanfare", the official publiccation of the Fan District Association. She mentoredmany aspiring writers, lectured and taught classes inwriting. She is survived by one son, James MontgomeryFarrar and daughter-in-law, Gina Farrow Farrar of Annandale, Va.; two granddaughters, Sarah RutherfordFarrar and her husband Pieter Koedoot of Amsterdam,the Netherlands and Suzanne Wynne Farrar Fuller andher husband, Michael F. Fuller of Greenville, N.C.; andtwo great grandchildren, Jeremy David Fuller andMichaela Elizabeth Fuller. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, October 30, 1999, 4 p.m. at BlileyFuneral Home, 3801 Augusta Avenue, Richmond, Va.A private burial beside her late husband will be held atArlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, thefamily suggests contributions be made to the AmericanHeart Association.
Clinton son of Pridgen and MaryElizabeth Arnold Farrar wasborn 4 Feb. 1882 and died24 Sep. 1885 in Montgom-ery County TN. He is buriedin Riverview (City) Ceme-tery, Plot: Section 05, Row10, Clarksville, MontgomeryCounty TN. Clinton’s obitu-ary is below:
FARRAR, Clinton. Born on 4 Feb. 1882. Died 24 Sept.1885, of diphtheria, on First St. Son of Pridgen Farrar.Interment at City Cemetery. Semi-Weekly Tobacco Leaf.(25 Sept. 1885 p.1)
Lillian Daisy daughter of Pridgen and Mary Elizabeth Ar-nold Farrar was born 12 May 1884 in MontgomeryCounty TN and died 3 Sep. 1907. Lillian is buried inRiverview (City) Cemetery, Plot: Section 05, Row 10,Clarksville, Montgomery County TN. Lillian marriedRev. Edward James McKay.
(Continued on page 5)
(Pridgen Farrar continued from page 3)
Edward and Fannie had children: Mary Katherine and
Lucian M.
Mary Katherine Lucian M.
Blanch daughter of Pridgen and Mary Elizabeth ArnoldFarrar was born Jun. 1875 in TN and died 17 Dec1934 in AR. Blanch married Albert W. Clymer.Albert’s occupation was listed as Foreman for flour-ing mill in Nashville, Davidson County TN. Blancand Albert had children: Susie B. , Blanch W., Rus-sell and Ferris.
Genie Sarah daughterof Pridgen andMary ElizabethArnold Farrar wasborn 1 May 1877and died 9 Jun.1966 in Clarksville,Montgomery County TN. Genie is buried in River-view (City) Cemetery, Clarksville, MontgomeryCounty TN. Genie’s occupation was listed as Secre-tary to county judge John T. Cunningham.
James Montgomery son ofPridgen and Mary Eliza-beth Arnold Farrar wasborn 1 Jan. 1879 and died4 Jun. 1903. James isburied in Riverview(City) Cemetery, Plot:Section 05, Row 10,Clarksville, MontgomeryCounty TN. James mar-ried Jessie Mai Neece 25Dec. 1901 when he was22 and Jessie was 25.James and Jessie had sonJames Montgomery(Monty).
James was a Major in the Air Corps. He was execu-tive director of the army air base supply depot atRome, NY. He was a graduate of Vanderbilt Uni-versity. After graduating from Vanderbilt he was
connected for a time with theTennessee Highway Departmentprior to becoming office engi-neer for the road builders.James Montgomery married,Rowena Rutherford whose writ-ings have appeared in leadingmagazines for a lot of years.
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(Pridgen Farrar continued from page 4)
Lillian’s obituary is below:
McKAY. Lillian Farrar. Died 3Sept. 1907. Survived by father.P. Farrar. Leaves husband,Rev. E.J. McKay and a son 17mos. of age. Buried at CityCemetery. Clarksville LeafChronicle. (4 Sept. 1907 p.1)
Ned Buntlyn son of Pridgen andMary Elizabeth Arnold Farrar was born 4 Mar. 1887and died 19 Jul. 1918 in Clarksville, MontgomeryCounty TN. He is buried in Riverview (City) Ceme-tery, Plot: Section 05, Row 10, Clarksville, Mont-gomery County TN. Ned’s obituary is below:
FARRAR, Mr.Ned B. Born 4Mar. 1887. Age32 yrs. Died 19July 1918, onemile fromClarksville.Survived bywife, four children, parents, one sister and twobrothers. Methodist. Interment at City Cemetery.Clarksville Leaf Chronicle. (19 July 1918 p.4)
Ned’s occupation was listed as Machinist at a Button Factory At death he was a Clothing HouseClerk. Ned married Martha Elizabeth Haynes.Martha was born 25 Feb. 1890 and died 9 Oct.1960
in Clarksville, Montgomery County TN.
Emmett Peebles son of Pridgen and Mary ElizabethArnold Farrar was born 12 Nov. 1891 in Clarks
ville, Montgomery County TN and died 25 Feb.1958 in Franciscan MedicalCenter Dayton,MontgomeryCounty OH
(OH DeathCertificate13844). He isburied in Summitville Cemetery, Summitville, Coffee County TN. His occupation when he lived inClarksville, TN was listed as retail merchant for hisself, Greenwood Ave. Emmett married Mary Ellen24 Nov.1912.
THANK YOU
To all those who made our Christmas dinner and program a success we sendsincere thanks:
President Billyfrank Morrison who chaired and brought together theloose pieces.
Glenda Angus who created the beautiful printed programs
Glenda Angus and Tracy Jackson who kept up with reservation
Molly Cook and Mary Ann Hansen who decorated so beautifully
Bill and Carol Morris who brought to us their incredible talents
Marjorie Wade who enlightened us with song and imagination
Brenda Radford who sang, as usual, like a nightingale
John Doubler who picked like a pro (which he is) guitar and banjo
John and Lib Laida who, like two great sports, played Mr. and Mrs.Santa
Reber Kennedy, publicity chair, who saw that we were frequently re-minded
Cindy Marczak and her committee for their preservation work.
Phil Whittinghill for lending us Madison Street Methodist's adequateand easily-accessed Fellowship Hall
Joe Filippo for props
Margie Crain and Co. for a bountiful buffetSubmitted by Rubye Patch
To the Society:
Elwyn and I thank you for the honor of having received theJohn Montgomery Preservation Award. For our small effort intrying to help preserve a little bit of Clarksville's rich history,we feel it has been our privilege.
Rubye & Elwyn Patch
Irene Elizabeth daughter of Pridgenand Mary Elizabeth ArnoldFarrar was born 28 Aug. 1895and died Dec. 1979 in Mont-gomery County TN. She mar-ried Carlyle Thomas. Carlylewas born 18 Dec. 1895 inMecklenburg County VA anddied Jun. 1984. His occupationwas listed as Traffic Managerfor Pettus Transfer Company.Irene’s occupation was listed asSales Manager for Tiger Fence Company.
I found much more on this family, but space limits what I can use. I decidedto go to Riverview cemetery and take pictures of the Farrar headstones. Ifigured it was a perfect time with no snakes; but I didn’t figure on the cold.Thanks to the lady that works there (name unknown) I was able to locatethe stones quickly. Even though the office is closed on Sat., this lady wentout of her way to help me. I apologize for not asking her name, but shehad two beautiful German shepherds that took exception to me . THANKYOU!
