1

Volume 34, Issue 2 Sandra J Stacey, Editor February 2011

THE CORNSHELLERNewsletter of the Montgomery County

Historical Society

LOCATION

L&N Train Station

10th & Commerce Streets

Clarksville, TN 37040

931.553.2486

Officers:

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Billyfrank Morrison

Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reber Kennedy

Recording Secretary . . . . . . . . . . Linda Nichols

Correspondence Secretary . . . . . .Molly Cook

Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tracy Jackson

Historical:

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

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

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

Members at Large:

Rachel Pace

Gloria Davis

Cleo Hogan

Monthly MeetingThird Monday of the month unless otherwise noted

MCHS Programs will be held in the Gentry Auditorium, Kimbrough Bldg,APSU unless otherwise noted

Time: 7 p.m.

MCHS 2011 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

February 21 Joe FilippoHearts & Darts - The Course of True Love Along the Cumberland

March 21Ellen Kanervo & Co.- Nannie Haskins’ Diary

April 18Tom C. McKenney - Author of “Jack Hinson’s One-Man War”

May 16Antique Quilts - Carolyn Darke and Betsy Tummons

June Saturday 11 or 18 if bad weatherSummer outing, Dunbar Cave 2 – 4 p.m.Mr. Larry E Matthews, author of “The Showplace of the South”Refreshments: Lemonade, tea and cookies

July18Robert “Duck” Davidson - “South of the River”

August 15William Turner Christian County HistorianOn Golden Pond (Prohibition)

September Saturday 10 or 17 if bad weatherFall Outing…Mennonite CountryMr. Noah Yoder 2 – 4 p.m.Meet at Mennonite Church , KY Hwy 848 (Penchum Rd); 1/2 mi (rt) offKY Hwy 181 (Elkton Rd)Refreshments: Mennonite Fruit turnovers ($1.45 ea.) & lemonadeOptional: Afterwards visit to Country Pantry, KY Hwy 181

October17Mr. Carney Wright - History of Memorial HospitalFormer Administrator of Clarksville Memorial Hospital/Gateway

November 21Mr. David Straka – “History of Trains in Clarksville”

Christmas TBA

GUEST SPEAKER

Joe Filippo

This month’s guest speaker is Joe Filippo. Joe’saccomplishments are: 1991 recipient of APSU Na-tional Alumni Association Distinguished ProfessorAward, Professor of Theatre (1968-2004), AssistantVice President for Academic Affairs (1994-2004),Director of Enrichment Programs (1996-2003), Di-rector of Heritage Program (1993-1994), and Chairof Department of Speech and Communication andTheatre (1968-1985)

Most of us know Joe as past president 2010 of the Montgomery CountyHistorical Society. Joe’s theme “Hearts & Darts - The Course of True LoveAlong the Cumberland”, is quite appropriate for the month of February. Joeis a good speaker and his program promises to be quite entertaining.

2

COMMENTS FROM THE PRESIDENTBillyfrank Morrison

Well, we have our first meeting of 2011 behind us and things are falling inplace. If the presentation provided by Frank Lott and Brad Martin is anyindication of the quality of programs we are in store for – I can’t wait!There were 70 plus in attendance for the January presentation. That in-cluded several guests. We even brought Duck Davidson into town all theway from Palmyra for this one.I think it is important, and one of my responsibilities, to keep the member-ship informed regarding what the board, committees and others are doing,as it relates to the Society. I will try to do that throughout the year. I will doit both in my remarks here and at the Society monthly meetings.

I am really grateful for the response I have had for participation on commit-tees. We have all thirteen committees filled with a great group of people. Ifyou were not at the January meeting and did not see the list, it is posted atthe Train Station. There was some arm-twisting that occurred – CindyMarzcak agreed to chair the Historic Preservation Committee again, Margieand Tom Pressler, along with Barbara Wilbur have taken on the HospitalityCommittee responsibilities and Rubye agreed to head up the ProgramsCommittee again. These were hard to fill positions and we are fortunate tohave good people volunteering to take them. We are also lucky to have theduo of Bill and Carolyn Morris taking on the Entertainment Committeeleadership again. We were able to keep a lot of people on the committeeswho had served previously. That provided continuity. We also managed toinclude some “new blood” with them and that will encourage new ideas. Iappreciate each and every person serving on a committee.

I am going to ask the Vice President and chairman of the Promotion andPublic Relations Committee, Reber Kennedy, to select someone on thatcommittee to work with The Leaf Chronicle to have announcements of ourmeetings, coverage of special events and photos of our guest speakers withSociety members published. As soon as he provides me with a name I willlet you know. Articles in the newspaper will elevate awareness about, andencourage membership in, the Society.

I plan to bring up several matters with the board at the next meeting. Thefirst thing I would like us to do is develop a policy letter for granting re-quests for money, services, and/or the use of the Train Station. We putourselves on a slippery slope when we arbitrarily make these decisions. Ihope to have that policy ready by our March Society Meeting. I also wantto continue to find ways to ensure the board meetings and the business por-tion of the Society meeting remain as brief as possible -without neglectingsignificant issues. That will require some juggling but it can be done.

Two years ago Marjorie Wade was asked to create a scrapbook record ofSociety events and has done an admirable job. She had the scrapbook(s) ondisplay at the January meeting. If you did not get a chance then, be sureyou take a look at that during our next meeting. The beginning of the year iswhen our memberships expire. Be sure and get your dues to Tracy Jackson,Treasurer, or to Sandra Stacy, editor of the Cornsheller, as soon as you can.

On a personal note I am really looking forward to next month’s presentationby our past president, Dr. Joe Filippo. Joe is a great speaker and the subjectis certainly intriguing.As good as the Society is there is always room for improvement. If there arethings you feel the Society can do better please pass that on to me or one ofthe board members so that we can properly consider it. We welcome anynew ideas, suggestions or criticism – it is your involvement that will ulti-mately make us a better Society.

Randy Rubel will understand when I say the February meeting will not beheld at the laundry mat.

Thanks to each and every one of you for all you are doing. Please continueto help provide a forum where members can meet to learn and enjoy thehistory of Montgomery County.

HAMBAUGH FAMILY

The Hambaugh Family was one of the first families to attend Bethel UnitedMethodist Church (the Church in the middle of Highway 41-A) Montgom-ery County TN. Hambaughs found in the 1892 Sunday school records are:N.S.C., Jennie, Nisbet, and W.P. I met with Melissa McShane ScottHarrell, the 5th great grand-daughter of John Catlett. Melissa generouslyshared the Hambaugh history and pictures.

Bethel United Methodist Church by Sandra J Stacey

Melissa’s 5th great-grandfather John Catlett married Allie King. John served7 Oct. 1777 as a captain in the Virginia Militia in Frederick County VA.Matilda was born 3 Sept. 1794 and died 12 Sept. 1826 in Frederick CountyVA. John’s daughter Matilda Carolyn married Peter Hambaugh 3 Feb.1813 in Frederick County. She is listed in her father’s will even though heoutlived her. John’s will states “I will and bequeath unto my daughterCaroline Matilda Hambaugh the tract or parcel of land in ShenandoahCounty on Pinchmann known by the name of Kings Place with its originalboundaries also half of a house and the lot situated in Middlestown pur-chased by Samuel Rogers and myself of Leonard Crow as my daughterCaroline Matilda Hambaugh is deceased my will is that the above men-tioned lands should descend to her children (namely) Amanda Ham-baugh, Arabelle Hambaugh, Ally Ann Hambaugh, Amelia Ann Ham-baugh and Peter Catlett Hambaugh in case of any deaths the said propertyto be equally divided among the survivors."

Melissa’s 4th great-grandfather Adam Hambaugh, was born 8 Sept. 1825.He was the progenitor of the Hambaugh family. Adam was born and died inFrederick County VA. Adam and Matilda had four daughters and one son:Amanda, Arabell, Ally, Peter Catlett and Amelia Ann.

Son Peter Catlett Hambaugh, Melissa’s 3th great-grandfather was born 7Feb 1824 in VA and died 4 Feb 1903 at the age of 78 in Ringgold, Mont-gomery County TN. Peter received his education at Stewart College. He isburied in Greenwood Cemetery Clarksville, Montgomery County TN. Petermarried Virginia B "Ann" Jennie" Burgess 5 Oct. 1852 in MontgomeryCounty TN. She was the daughter of Mark J and Lucy Ann Burgess. Peterand “Jennie” had four children: William Poindexter I, Herbert O, John C.and Carolyn Jewell.

When Peter arrived in Clarksville he worked in a tobacco warehouse atTrice Landing New Providence TN. His next business was a grocery storein New Providence. He sold the store and moved to Ringgold TN where heworked as a miller. Peter moved back to New Providence and becamepresident of New Providence Savings Institution. The bank was moved toClarksville where it became Franklin Bank. For many years Peter sufferedfrom blindness and lived with his son W.P.

(Continued on page 3)

3

FEBRUARY 2011VOLUME 34, ISSUE 2

The enclosed clipping is thewedding announcement ofMelissa’s Grandmother ‘s wed-ding to William Poindexter III.

Melissa’s mother was namedJulia when she was born butMelissa’s grandmother changedher name to Billie when her fa-ther was killed in a train/truckcollision. Billie was about 6months old when she became

Billie Anne Hambaugh.

Melissa's mother died youngfrom cancer. This is her highschool picture.

After William died, Jean married Edmund Dabney Hadley son of Wade Hen-derson and Elizabeth Dabney Hadley. They lived in the Hambaugh housewhich was called Maplewood and is located in Ringgold, TN. Many a picnicwas held on the beautiful lawn.

(Continued on page 4)

(Hambaugh Family Continued from page 2)

Peter’s son William Poindexter I (16 Jul 1854 - 29 Dec 1904)Melissa’s great great-grandfather married Nina DeLaunay Nisbet 17Sep 1875. Nina was the daughter of John Henry and Emily MildredDeLaunay Nisbit. William and Nina had six children: Catlett Nisbett,Franklin, Nisbet Stovall Cooper, Virginia Bell, William Poindexter II

and Emelie 'Emmie" DeLau-nay. William Poindexter Iwas a graduate of StewartCollege. He owned an inter-est in a grocery store in NewProvidence.

William sold his interest andwith a partner rented Ring-gold Water-Mill and called itthe W.P, Hambaugh Com-pany. William bought themill and operated it until itburned. William and Ninaare buried in GreenwoodCemetery.

Ringgold Mill contributed by Melissa Harrell

Peter’s son William Poindexter I (16 Jul 1854 - 29 Dec 1904)Melissa’s great great-grandfather married Nina DeLaunay Nisbet 17Sep 1875. Nina was the daughter of John Henry and Emily MildredDeLaunay Nisbit. William and Nina had six children: Catlett Nisbett,Franklin, Nisbet Stovall Cooper, Virginia Bell, William Poindexter IIand Emelie 'Emmie" DeLaunay. William Poindexter I was a graduateof Stewart College. He owned an interest in a grocery store in NewProvidence. William sold his interest and with a partner rented Ring-gold Water-Mill and called it the W.P, Hambaugh Company. Williambought the mill and operated it until it burned. William and Nina areburied in Greenwood Cemetery.

William I’s son William Poindexter “Dexter”Hambaugh II was the great-grandfather ofMelissa. He was born 21 Dec. 1881 in Montgom-ery County and died 18 Jan. 1975 in PinellasCounty FL at the age of 93. William is buried inGreenwood Cemetery Montgomery County TN.William II married Ethel M McShane. Ethel andWilliam had four children: Edward Roy, EthelMarguerite, Anna Clementine and WilliamPoindexter III.

Contributed by Melissa Harrell

William Poindexter III was Melissa’sgrandfather. He was born 17 Mar. 1916 anddied 18 Nov. 1946 at the age of 30 in Mont-gomery County. He is buried in GreenwoodCemetery, Clarksville, TN. William III mar-ried Jean Foster 23 Dec. 1939 in Montgom-ery County. Jean was the daughter of Tho-mas and Dixie Ward Bridgewater Foster.She was born 28 Mar 1920 and died 20 Feb2006 in Montgomery County. William IIIand Jean had three children: Billie Ann,Olivia Jean and Virginia Bell. Billie Annmarried Arthur Floyd.

Contributed by Melissa Harrell

4

(Hambaugh Family Continued from page 3)

Original Photo of Maplewood from Melissa’s Collection

Picture of Maplewood painted by Melissa’s Aunt Dab Hadley Peacher

.

The Original tower on the house.Photo from Melissa’s Collection

Melissa’s 4th great-grandfather Peter Hambaugh’s other Children

Peter’s son Herbert O was born 4 Jun 1858 in Ringgold, TN. He died 23Sep 1915 and is also buried in Greenwood Cemetery. Herbert marriedNellie Cabaniss, 28 Mar 1882. She was the daughter of L.D Cabaniss, aprominent dentist. Herbert and Nellie had three children: Lucy Belle, EddieC (female) and Hebert Wagoner.

Herbert went into business with his father for a while then bought PeachersMills a woolen and flour mill. He also had an interest in a grocery store.Herbert’s business became known as J. C. and H. O. Hambaugh Enterprises.The business collapsed December 08, 1890 because of Black Friday (whenthe stock market crashed). Herbert a prominent citizen was a member of theF. & A.M. and Knights of Pythias. He attended Austin Peay and VanderbiltUniversity.

Peter’s son John C. was born 9 Aug 1863in Ringgold, TN and died 18 Oct 1902 inMontgomery County TN. He is also buriedin Greenwood Cemetery. John attendedCottage Home College in Logan CountyKY. John was a self-made business man.Instead of getting capital to start a businessfrom his father, John took out a loan at 10%interest and bought a grocery and generalmerchandise business. He was very suc-cessful and soon became partners with R.N.Wallace and Company in the leaf tobaccoLeaf business. (Information from“Picturesque Clarksville”)

From “Picturesque Clarksville”

Peter’s daughter Carolyn Jewel was born 26 Sep 1876 in MontgomeryCounty TN and died 8 Apr 1911 in Christian County KY. She is buried inRosedale Cemetery in Pembroke, Christian County KY. Carolyn marriedRobert Jameson Garrott 11 Oct 1893 in Montgomery County TN. Robertwas the son of Isaac and Ellen Jameson Garrott. Robert was born 26 Aug1872 and died 22 Mar 1963 in Christian County KY. Carolyn and Roberthad six children: Isaac, Kathryn Jameson, Virginia Belle, Ellen Edmonia,Leslie Othello and Jewell Hambaugh.

The picture below is either Ringgold Bridge or New Providence Bridge.Melissa isn’t sure which one it is. She has the original picture. The Ham-baughs were prominent citizens in both Ringgold and New Providence andowned the Ringgold Mill and Peachers Mills, so it could be either bridge

.

5

(TRIVIA CONTINUED)

Ladies wore corsets, which would lace up in the front. A proper and digni-fied woman, as in 'straight laced' wore a tightly tied lace.

******************************One more: bet you didn't know this!In the heyday of sailing ships, all war ships and many freighters carried iron

cannons. Those cannons fired round iron cannon balls. It was necessary tokeep a good supply near the cannon. However, how to prevent them fromrolling about the deck? The best storage method devised was a square-basedpyramid with one ball on top, resting on four resting on nine, which rested onsixteen. Thus, a supply of 30 cannon balls could be stacked in a small arearight next to the cannon. There was only one problem...how to prevent thebottom layer from sliding or rolling from under the others. The solution wasa metal plate called a 'Monkey' with 16 round indentations. However, if thisplate were made of iron, the iron balls would quickly rust to it. The solutionto the rusting problem was to make 'Brass Monkeys.' Few landlubbers real-ize that brass contracts much more and much faster than iron when chilled.Consequently, when the temperature dropped too far, the brass indentationswould shrink so much that the iron cannonballs would come right off themonkey; Thus, it was quite literally, 'Cold enough to freeze the balls off abrass monkey.' (All this time, you thought that was an improper expression,didn't you.)

INTERESTING & HISTORICAL TRIVIAFrom Randy Rubel

Did you know the saying "God willing and the Creek don't rise" was inreference to the Creek Indians and not a body of water? It was writtenby Benjamin Hawkins in the late 18th century. He was a politician andIndian diplomat. While in the south, Hawkins was requested by thePresident of the U.S. to return to Washington. In his response, he wassaid to write, "God willing and the Creek don't rise." Because he capi-talized the word "Creek" it is deduced that he was referring to the CreekIndian tribe and not a body of water.

******************************In George Washington's days, there were no cameras. One's image waseither sculpted or painted. Some paintings of George Washingtonshowed him standing behind a desk with one arm behind his back whileothers showed both legs and both arms. Prices charged by painterswere not based on how many people were to be painted, but by howmany limbs were to be painted. Arms and legs are 'limbs,' thereforepainting them would cost the buyer more. Hence the expression, 'Okay,but it'll cost you an arm and a leg.' (Artists know hands and arms aremore difficult to paint)

******************************As incredible as it sounds, men and women took baths only twice a year(May and October) Women kept their hair covered, while men shavedtheir heads (because of lice and bugs) and wore wigs. Wealthy mencould afford good wigs made from wool. They couldn't wash the wigs,so to clean them they would carve out a loaf of bread, put the wig in theshell, and bake it for 30 minutes. The heat would make the wig bigand fluffy, hence the term 'big wig.. ' Today we often use the term 'herecomes the Big Wig' because someone appears to be or is powerful andwealthy.

******************************In the late 1700's, many houses consisted of a large room with only onechair. Commonly, a long wide board folded down from the wall, andwas used for dining. The 'head of the household' always sat in the chairwhile everyone else ate sitting on the floor. Occasionally a guest, whowas usually a man, would be invited to sit in this chair during a meal.To sit in the chair meant you were important and in charge. Theycalled the one sitting in the chair the 'chair man.' Today in business, weuse the expression or title 'Chairman' or 'Chairman of the Board.'

******************************Personal hygiene left much room for improvement. As a result, manywomen and men had developed acne scars by adulthood. The womenwould spread bee's wax over their facial skin to smooth out their com-plexions. When they were speaking to each other, if a woman began tostare at another woman's face she was told, 'mind your own bee's wax.'Should the woman smile, the wax would crack, hence the term 'crack asmile'. In addition, when they sat too close to the fire, the wax wouldmelt . . . Therefore, the expression 'losing face.'

******************************Common entertainment included playing cards. However, there was atax levied when purchasing playing cards but only applicable to the'Ace of Spades..' To avoid paying the tax, people would purchase 51cards instead. Yet, since most games require 52 cards, these peoplewere thought to be stupid or dumb because they weren't 'playing with afull deck.'

******************************Early politicians required feedback from the public to determine whatthe people considered important. Since there were no telephones, TV'sor radios, the politicians sent their assistants to local taverns, pubs, andbars. They were told to 'go sip some Ale and listen to people's conver-sations and political concerns. Many assistants were dispatched at dif-ferent times. 'You go sip here' and 'You go sip there.' The two words'go sip' were eventually combined when referring to the local opinionand, thus we have the term 'gossip.'

(C0NTINUED)

TIDBITSBy Ann Alley

Clarksville Jeffersonian,January 3? [blurred],1861.

J. E. Bailey, Esq. of this city, was elected Colonel of the newregiment at Fort Donaldson on Christmas day. . . . Col. Bailey is agentleman of very superior abilities and we are confident will make an excel-lent officer. . . .

Our tall townsman, Alfred Robb, we are glad to hear is the Lieut.Colonel of the same regiment. He is a determined and talented gentleman,who, if we are not mistaken, carries his head nearer Heaven than any man inthe state of Tennessee.---The Federal who scalps him will have to have ascaling ladder with him.

You are invited to our Open House

Montgomery County Archives350 Pageant Lane, Suite 101-D

Tour the Archives, learn about how to use the Archives and our holdings

22 February 20119 am to 11:30 am

Any questions? 931.553.5159

6

Montgomery County Historical Society

P.O. Box 262

Clarksville, TN 37041-0262

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION/RENEWAL FORM

MONTGOMERY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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

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

PHONE: ________________________________ EMAIL: _________________________________________

Please check type of membership

(Membership period is January to December)

Please make checks payable to MCHS

Individual $20 Family $30 Student (K-12) $5 Life $200

Corporate $250 Institutional $500 Preservation Society (2 years) $2,000

New Member Renewal Member Changing Membership