Mt. Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society

Mt. Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society Mission: To emphasize the influence & contributions of African Americans in the Clarksville, TN area. Headstones have been found for 27 of the 32 veterans.

The following information is from a 2023 article that our organization published in volume two, issue two of the Second & Commerce Magazine, a Publication of the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center. Mt Olive Cemetery is a monument to the success of Clarksville’s African American community. Those interred at Mt Olive rose from enslavement, volunteered in the U.S. military and became free America

ns, serving the community with distinction. The cemetery connects Clarksville’s history to the development of African American institutions throughout the Reconstruction and Jim Crow periods and to its association with people of achievement within the African American community, who served as sources of pride and hope. On the National Register of Historic Places since 2020, Mt Olive Cemetery is truly a treasure in Clarksville’s own backyard. The Mt Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society, started by Genevia Ann Bell, has formed valuable and important partnerships over the last two decades. The Society hopes for this space to be one that the Clarksville community, the state of Tennessee, the United States and the world can embrace and celebrate together in unity and solidarity. A Historic African American Burial Ground
At 7.24 acres, Mt Olive Cemetery is one of the largest and oldest African American burial grounds in Clarksville. Ground penetrating radar (GPR), conducted in 2005 by Dr. Robert Freedland of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, identified an estimated 900 graves. GPR was conducted again in 2010 by Dr. Daniel Frederick of Austin Peay State University and some of his students, which found an estimated 400 additional graves. Thus, a conservative approximation of the total interments at Mt Olive Cemetery is 1,350, considering that previous GPR did not survey all 7.24 acres of the cemetery. Nearly all those interred at Mt Olive were enslaved or were descendants of enslaved persons, and more than 90% of the graves are unmarked, with the known headstones ranging from rudimentary hand carvings to elaborate monuments. The first burial was James Hunt, who died September 8, 1817, and the last burial was Oscar Jasper Holmes, who died February 22, 1958. The cemetery, tucked away amongst the trees off Cumberland Drive, was originally part of a 120-acre tract of land, which exchanged hands at least 10 times since 1880, without ever having an African American owner. Currently, 306 individuals interred at Mt Olive Cemetery have been identified: 273 civilians and 33 veterans. Thirty one of the veterans were United States Colored Troops (USCT), one was a Buffalo Soldier and one served during World War II. The Citizens of Mt Olive Cemetery: Building Clarksville’s Community
The 273 known civilians interred at Mt Olive Cemetery built Clarksville into the community it is today. The women buried there performed largely domestic labor, working as housekeepers, cooks, laundresses, teachers, midwives, nurses, tobacco sorters, dairy workers, hairdressers and hotel waitresses. Men labored mostly outside of the house, working as truck drivers, teamsters, shoemakers, barbers, carpenters, gardeners, farmers, painters, tailors, porters, ministers, tobacco laborers, butlers, miners, boot blacks, waggoneers, merchants, coopers, janitors, factory workers, plasterers and blacksmiths. The average life expectancy of the citizens interred at Mt Olive was 47 years for the women and 42.7 years for the men. Nearly 20% of these individuals died before the age of 18 and more than 7% died before the age of one. Veterans of Mt Olive Cemetery: Fighting for Freedom, Dignity and Respect
Of the 33 veterans interred at Mt Olive, the 31 USCT served in the 4th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 59th and 101st regiments. The one Buffalo Soldier served in the 24th Infantry Regiment, and the WWII veteran served in the 25th Infantry Regiment. Fort Defiance was built by enslaved African American men prior to the Union takeover of Clarksville in 1862. Beginning in December 1863, a recruitment station was set up in the vicinity of Fort Defiance for the 16th USCT Regiment, where nearly 2,000 enlistments occurred. It is important to note that arriving to the fort could be full of struggle and peril, as Confederate guerillas had patrols set up around Clarksville to prevent enslaved men from reaching their destination. The 101st USCT had their regimental headquarters in Clarksville at a home built by Robert West Humphries, later becoming the Howard D. Pettus House. This home and property were purchased by Austin Peay State College around 1967, and the building was razed to construct the Dunn Center, which opened in 1975. The 13th USCT played a pivotal role in the Union victory at the Battle of Nashville on December 16, 1864, effectively ending the war in Tennessee, albeit with catastrophic casualties. By 1865, President Abraham Lincoln stated, “Without the help of the Black freedmen, the war against the South could not have been won.”

Genevia Ann Bell: Founder of the Mt Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society
Mrs. Bell, a California native, was a Clarksville leader and activist. Earning her GED just prior to her 60th birthday, she then enrolled as a student at APSU. While working on a project at Mt Olive Cemetery for class, she immediately recognized its historical significance, and in 2004, she established the Mt Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society, a 501(c)(3) public nonprofit organization. She then convinced the City of Clarksville to accept the donation of the cemetery from its owners, Robert Davis and Mary Holt, with the proviso that the City quit-claim the property to the Society, which occurred June 9, 2005. On May 29, 2019, the Society honored Mrs. Bell’s memory with a bronze plaque at the cemetery. You Won’t Die Twice
Over the Society’s near 20-year existence, countless individuals, groups and organizations have offered their time, talents and treasures in order to further preserve and restore the cemetery, while remembering and honoring those interred. All of these people have helped advance the mission of the Society and are continuing our mantra of “You Won’t Die Twice.”

That is, although those at Mt Olive Cemetery have physically passed away, by cleaning their graves, saying their names and restoring and preserving the cemetery, we are keeping their memories alive and not allowing them to die twice. The Mt Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society honors and celebrates those buried here as often as possible through ceremonies, presentations, cemetery tours, cleanups, research and various other projects. If there are individuals, groups or organizations interested in supporting our mission of emphasizing the influence and contributions of African Americans regarding the history, education, development, growth and culture of the Clarksville area, then the Society invites you to join in our cause.

03/26/2026

Henry Anglin Biography
Henry Anglin was born in 1859 to Frank Anglen and Nancy Coke and was the second eldest of eight children. The 1870 census shows Frank Anglen, age 30 earning his living as a farmer in District 17. The family farm was located in the center of District 17. He was fairly well-to-do as the census recorded his real estate worth $250 and a personal estate worth $150. Nancy Anglen was 37 years old and is recorded as keeping house. The children listed in the household are, Manerva, aged 16, Henry, aged 13, Elizabeth, aged 10, Paulina, aged 8, James, aged 5, and a set of twins, Viola and John, aged 4 months. On December 26, 1877, eldest daughter, Minerva, married John Ramey.
The 1880 census recorded the family still in District 17. Frank, aged 59, was farming and Nancy, aged 49, was listed as a housekeeper. Minerva and John Ramey are living with the family. John is listed as a servant, and, curiously, Minerva is listed as single. Minerva, aged 25, Henry, aged 21, and James, aged 13 are listed as laborers probably working on the farm. Pauline, aged 16, is listed at home and the rest of the children, Elizabeth, aged 19, Violet, aged 12, and John, aged 10, are listed as attending school. Interestingly, now Violet and John are listed as two years apart while the previous census listed them as the same age. One addition to the family is daughter, Arrie, aged 7.
Henry married Mattie Adams on October 1, 1896 and started his own household. The 1900 census reported that Henry, aged 45, rented a house at 1040 College Street in Clarksville and was still working as a farm laborer. Mattie, aged 42 was working as a laundress. The couple had one child, Anna, aged 2. Sometime between the 1900 census and the 1910 census, Mattie and Anna must have either left Henry or died because in 1910 Henry, aged 53, was now living alone in a rented house on Fire Mill Ferry Road in District 12. He was working as a butcher in a meat market. He employed Mary Webb, aged 52, as a housekeeper and Alex Martin, aged 28, was boarding with him. On August 10, 1903, Henry was fined $6 in City Court for disorderly conduct.
In 1920, Henry, aged 63, was renting the same house and working as a butcher. He lost his boarder and was living still with Mary Webb who is now listed as an aunt. In the 1930 census, Henry, aged 79, is listed renting a house for $5 on Edmonson Ferry Road. He does not have an occupation but was listed as married which might indicate that Mattie left him taking Anna with her. Mary Webb, aged 72, also is listed without an occupation but is now recorded as Henry’s cousin.
Henry Anglin died on February 16, 1931 of kidney disease and exposure. The information on his death certificate was provided by Mary Webb. He was buried in Mt Olive Cemetery on February 18, 1931 by A. J. Winters. No further information has been found on either Mattie Anglin or Mary Webb.

Bibliography
“City Court.” The Leaf-Chronicle (Clarksville, Tennessee). August 10, 1903.
Montgomery County, Tennessee census (1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930).
Montgomery County, Tennessee Marriage Index, 1799-1953.
Tennessee Death Records, 1908-1958. Tennessee State Library and Archives. Nashville, TN.

02/19/2026

Mt Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society will be presenting their annual Black History Month program at Ft. Defiance, Clarksville, Tennessee on February 28, 2026 at 1 pm. I hope everyone can make it

Stocker (Stacker) Family BiographyLewis Stacker was born in 1840 to George Stacker and Bettie Ventress who were both fro...
02/19/2026

Stocker (Stacker) Family Biography
Lewis Stacker was born in 1840 to George Stacker and Bettie Ventress who were both from Yellow Creek in Montgomery County, Tennessee. The Stacker family cannot be located with any certainty in the 1870 and 1880 Montgomery County censuses because the name Stacker was very prominent in the White community. The White Stacker family was large and had several members named George. Lewis’s family was probably enslaved by the White Stacker family since they were heavily involved in the iron industry. Iron works and rolling mills required a large amount of laborers. The earliest record of Lewis Stacker is in 1895 when he married Bobbie “Barbra” Martin. The Clarksville City Directory of 1895 listed Lewis and Barbara Stacker living at 805 Elder Street.
Bobbie Martin Stacker was born in 1869 to Charlie and Clorian “Cloe” Martin. The 1870 Montgomery County, Tennessee census shows the Martin family living in District 20 with Shiloh as their post office. Bobie’s father was listed as a farmer with real estate valued at $300 and a personal estate of $500 which indicates he was well off economically. Bobie is listed as one year old and was the youngest of the eight children listed. The 1880 census indicates there was a younger child, Chadwick born in 1872. Ada, the child born the year before Bobie, was not listed in the 1880 census which means she probably died.
Apparently the house and lot where Lewis and Bobbie were living in 1895 belonged to Bobie’s father because in January 1898, Charles Martin deeded the house and lot to Bobbie with the proviso that they paid $200 by August 1, 1898. The deed acknowledges a payment of $90 that was already received. The deed stipulates that the transfer is to Bobbie Stacker and her heirs “to be her sole and separate estate free from the debts and control of her present or any future husband.”
The 1900 census recorded that Lewis Stacker, aged 60, was working as a porter in a dry goods store. They were still living at 805 Elder Street but were listed as renting the house. Bobbie, aged 55, was working in a to***co factory. Three children were listed: George, age 13, John, aged 11, and Cloe (Cara), aged 2. Both boys were attending school. Also in 1900, Bobbie’s father, Charles Martin died. His will states that Lewis and Bobbie failed to fully pay the $200 for their house so he left Bobie the house as her portion. He left the rest of his estate to his son Charles and a grandson. C. W. West.
Changes are evident in the household in the 1910 census. George and John had moved out on their own. Cloe was listed as Clara, aged 12 and Lewis, Jr., aged 9 months joined the household. Lewis, aged 50, was listed as a factory laborer and Bobbie was also working as a factory laborer. They were still listed as renting their house which was renumbered as 601 Elder Street.
On January 3, 1915, their son, John Stacker, aged 27, died of heart disease. He had been working as a tailor. John Stacker was buried in Mt Olive Cemetery the next day by William H. Keesee. His grave is unmarked by a headstone.
Lewis Stacker died on March 5, 1915 of heart disease. His death certificate noted that he was sick for the last seven months of his life. He was listed as 41 years old and was buried in Mt Olive Cemetery on March 9 by William H. Keesee. It should be noted that Lewis got younger with each documentation of his age. He is listed as 60 in 1900, 50 in 1910 and 41 in 1915.
The 1920 census listed Bobbie, aged 50, living at 805 Elder Street with no occupation and owning the house free of mortgage. Clara, age 20 and a son born in 1910 also named John, who was now 10 years old. It can be assumed that this son is actually Lewis, Jr. even though he is listed as John.
The 1930 census listed Bobbie, aged 60, living at 717 Elder Street. The house was valued at $600 and she is listed as owning it. Apparently, she went back to work because her occupation is listed as To***co classer in to***co factory. She is living with her aunt, Katie Eastley, aged 72 and two grandchildren: Jack J. Atkinson, aged 4, and Barbery Atkinson, aged 10 months.
On February 1, 1931, Bobbie Stacker died of pneumonia and organic heart disease. She was listed as 60 years old and was buried in Mt Olive Cemetery on February 3 by William H. Keesee. Lewis and Bobbie Stacker have one of the most impressive headstones in the cemetery. Their name on the tombstone is listed as Stocker but the majority of documentation found lists them as Stacker. Clora Adkinson, Bobbie’s daughter, posted a bond of $1000 on February 4, 1931 as the administrator of Bobbie’s estate.

Bibliography
Clarksville, Tennessee City Directory (1895, 1922).

Montgomery County, Tennessee Census (1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930).

Montgomery County, Tennessee Deed Book 31, pages 242-244.

Tennessee Death Records, 1908-1958. Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville, TN.

Will Books; Author: Tennessee County Court (Montgomery County); Probate Place:
Montgomery County, Tennessee. Will Books, Vol. R-S, 1869-1906.

Probate Records, 1913-1967; Author: Tennessee County Court (Montgomery County); Probate
Place: Montgomery County, Tennessee. Administrators Bond Book, Vol 5, 1928-1942.

11/19/2025

James Broaddus Biography
According to his death certificate, James Broaddus was born on December 15, 1862 in Bare Spring in Stewart County. Such a specific date is unusual since the birth of African American babies was not recorded, and parents usually estimated the year of a child’s birth. He was born to Thomas Broaddus and Mariah “Maria” Ventress and was part of a large family.
The 1870 census listed the family living in Civil District 12 which included Clarksville City proper. Thomas was 35 and working as a laborer. Wife, Maria, was 26 and keeping house. Four children: James, 7; Nannie, 5; Charlie, 3; and Sylvester, 10 months made up the rest of the household.
The family is living in Clarksville proper by 1880. Their address is described as between Marian & Jefferson, Spring & First Street. Thomas, aged 40 is still working as a laborer. Maria, aged 35 is still keeping house. James and Nannie had moved out on their own. It is probable that Sylvester had died between the two censuses. The six children living in the house during the 1880 census were: Ira, aged 16; Mary, aged 19; Charles, aged 12; Tom, aged 10; John, aged 7; and Alex, aged 3. James married Sallie Haskins on March 3, 1886 but between March 1894 when her youngest child was born and the 1900 census, Sallie Broaddus died.
James is listed as a 38-year-old widower working as a warehouse laborer in the 1900 census. The family was living at 5 Henry Street which James owned free of mortgage. Three children are living with him: Mariah, aged 13, James, aged 10, and Olivia, aged 6.
Due to the various spellings of Broaddus, the family has not yet been found in the 1910 census. The 1911 Clarksville City Directory listed James still living on Henry Street and working as a laborer. James Junior was working at the Dunlop Milling Company and Olivia was working as a laundress. By about 1917, James Junior had moved to Chicago, Illinois and was working at the Washburn Crosby Flour Mill when he registered for the draft. He was married to Lena Broaddus and was living at 6841 St. Lawrence Avenue. James Junior was inducted into military service on March 30, 1918 and sent to Camp Meade, Maryland.
James Junior was back in Clarksville by 1920 without wife Lena. The Broaddus family was living at the same house now numbered 516 Henry Street. James Senior, aged 58 was working as a laborer in a to***co factory. James Junior, aged 29, was working as a flour mill packer. Daughter, Mariah, aged 32, had married Horace Roach, aged 37, a farm laborer. They and their three children: Sara, 5; James, 4; and Marietta, aged 2 months were living with James Senior. Also in the household was granddaughter Imogene, aged 8.
Horace Roach, aged 48, was the head of the household by 1930. The family had moved to 412 Kellog Street and consisted of Horace who worked as a laborer in a to***co factory, wife Maria, aged 41, also laboring in a to***co factory, children Sara, aged 15, James, aged 14, and Marietta, aged 10. James Broaddus, aged 67 is living with them and has no listed occupation.
James Abraham Broaddus, Senior, died on August 24, 1939 of influenza due to exposure. He was buried in Mt Olive Cemetery by Roberts-Ivie-Vance Undertakers on August 28, 1939.

Bibliography
Clarksville, Tennessee City Directory (1911).
Montgomery County, Tennessee Census (1870, 1900, 1920, 1930).
Montgomery County, Tennessee Marriage Index, 1799-1953.
Tennessee Death Records, 1908-1958; Tennessee State Library and Archives,
Nashville, Tennessee.

The National Archives at Washington, D.C.; Washington, D.C.; Series Title: Lists of Men
Ordered to Report to Local Board for Military Duty in the District of Columbia; NAI Number: 1159403; Record Group Title: Records of the Selective Service System (World War I), 1917-1939; Record Group Number: 163

United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft
Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration.

Many African American men from the 16th and 101st USCT were treated and some died in this hospital
11/16/2025

Many African American men from the 16th and 101st USCT were treated and some died in this hospital

There is a scholarship endowment at APSU Military Alumni Association named after Mt Olive's Historian Phyllis Smith. The...
11/06/2025

There is a scholarship endowment at APSU Military Alumni Association named after Mt Olive's Historian Phyllis Smith. The link to donate is below. Any size donation is welcome.

Please provide the information below if you would like us to notify someone of your tribute. In cases where the family has expressed a preference, Austin Peay will honor the request of the family when sending acknowledgments for memorial gifts.

10/14/2025

Earley Carter Biography
Earley Carter was born in 1900 to Martin Carter and Matilda Kendrick. Earley Carter’s father Martin Carter was tried and acquitted for carrying a pistol on Jan 28, 1891. Later that year, Martin married Matilda “Tildy” Kendrick on Dec 26, 1891.
The 1900 Census listed the family living in Lafayette in Christian County, Kentucky. Lafayette is on Rt. 107 just north of Ft. Campbell and three miles from the Kentucky/Tennessee state line. It had a population of 177 in the 2020 census. Listed in the 1900 census was Martin Carter, aged 29, working as a farm laborer; Matilda Carter, aged 26, who had had seven children but only five were living in 1900; Lela Carter, aged 7; Al. L. Carter, aged 3; Bertha Carter, aged 2, and twins Ed and Early Carter, aged 4 months. The two children the family lost were probably born between Lela and A. L due to the age gap between them.
Lafayette’s close proximity to the state line may explain why on Sunday, November 18, 1900, Martin was in Montgomery County at the Boiling Springs Church probably at a revival since the newspaper article stated they had twenty-seven baptisms. Martin apparently stole a jug of whiskey from a man that was selling whiskey by the shot. The man fired his pistol at Martin who, it seemed was a fast runner. According to the newspaper article, Martin was dividing his energy between running and taking slugs of the whiskey.
The next census in 1910 listed their residence in Magisterial District Five. This district of Christian County contains Lafayette so they were probably living in the same area as the previous census. Martin, aged 39, was working as a farmer on a rented farm. Matilda, aged 37, had fourteen children only eleven are still alive. Lela, aged 17; Al L., aged 14; Brinthey (actually Bertha), aged 12; Eddie and Early, aged 11; Katie, aged 9, Martin, Jr., aged 8; Mattie M., aged 5; John, aged 4; Cehienlier (listed as Especulia in 1920 census), aged 2; and Opha, aged 1. The additional child that the family lost was probably between Martin and Mattie due to the age spread. None of the children have occupations listed but were probably working on the farm with their father.
The newspaper recorded that on May 17, 1912 two mules on Martin Carter’s farm were hit by lightning and killed. Martin is described as a “well-to-do colored farmer” who recently purchased the farm he was living on. The mules were valued at $190 and $175 and were not insured.
A WWI draft card listed Al Carter as married and living in Herndon in Christian County working as a farm laborer. Lelia also married and left home in this decade. The 1920 census listed the family living on Herndon & Bennetts Town Road in Bennetts in Christian County, Kentucky. This area seems to be a bit further northeast on Rt. 107 than their previous address. Martin, aged 48, now owns his farm free of mortgage. Also listed in the household were wife Matilda, aged 46; Eddie and Earley, aged 20 whose occupation is listed as farm work; Katie, aged 18; Martin, Jr., aged 16, also listed as a farm worker; Mattie, aged 13; John, aged 12; Especulia, aged 11; Other, who was listed as Opha in the 1910 census, aged 10; Annie, aged 9; and Thomas, aged 8.
Sometime between 1920 and 1923, Earley moved to Clarksville, Tennessee and was living at 512 Adams Street when on November 28, 1923 he died of Bronchio Pneumonia. His occupation was listed as farming laborer on his death certificate. He was buried in Mt Olive Cemetery on December 1, 1923. He was 23 years old. No headstone has been found for him. The rest of the family lived in the Herdon, Kentucky area for the rest of their lives although Earley’s twin, Eddie had moved to Princton, Kentucky and was working as a section hand on the railroad when he died on January 11, 1949. Eddie was buried with the rest of the family in Herdon, Kentucky.

Bibliography
Christian County, Kentucky Census (1900, 1910, 1920).

“Court Cullings.” Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle. January 29, 1891.

“He Could Drink as well as Run.” Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle. November 20, 1900.

“Lightning Kills Two Fine Work Mules.” Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle. May 24, 1912.

Montgomery County, Tennessee Marriage Index, 1799-1953.

Tennessee Death Records, 1908-1958. Tennessee State Library and Archives. Nashville,
Tennessee.

United States Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration
Cards, 1917-1918. National Archives Building, Washington, D. C.

09/17/2025

Willie Barbee Biography
Willie Barbee had a short life that left behind confusing records. He first appeared in the 1910 Montgomery County, Tennessee census as the two-year old son of Clara Barbee who was a 38-year-old widow. This would mean he was born in 1908. His death certificate listed his birth date as January 30, 1910. His death certificate listed his father’s name as Pearl Milam and his mother as Clara Barbee, however, Clara’s maiden name was Pettus. No information has currently been found on Pearl Milam and no record of a marriage between Clara Pettus and a man named Barbee has been found in Montgomery County, Tennessee records. The person who proved the information for Willie’s death certificate was not a family member which may explain some of the discrepancies in information.
The 1910 census listed five people in the Barbee household at 220 Fifth Street: Clara Barbee, aged 38, who was working as a Laundress and renting the house on Fifth Street. She was listed as the mother of nine children but only five were alive in 1910. The four children listed in the household were: Jasper, aged 17, who was working as an odd jobs laborer; Leela, aged 12, who was attending school; Frank, aged 8; and Willie, aged 2.
Sometime before 1920, Jasper was married and living in Aurora, Illinois. The 1920 Montgomery County, Tennessee census listed a Barbee household at a rented house on Hyman Street in Clarksville containing four people. Clara, aged 34, widowed with no occupation; Frank, aged 16, who worked as a servant for a private family; Willie, aged 11, who also worked as a servant for a private family; and Herbert, aged 7, who attended school. The 1922 Clarksville City Directory listed Clara working as a wash woman and Frank working as a laborer. Interestingly, Clara and Willie have not currently been found in the 1930 census. Herbert was an inmate in Central State Hospital for the Insane in Nashville, Tennessee in 1930. The Hospital was located on Murfreesboro Road and the 1930 census had the word feebleminded just after the hospital name. Jasper was living in Aurora, Illinois in 1930 working as a cook at a hotel. He owned a house valued at $3,500.
On July 28, 1931, Willie Barbee died by drowning. He was buried in Mt Olive Cemetery on July 30, 1931 by Nace Dixon and Company. On July 30, 1931 the Leaf-Chronicle reported on his death. According to the article, Willie’s body was recovered that morning in the Red River near the mouth of Little West Fork Creek. The authorities were reported believing that the body had been in the river for two days and that Willie had committed su***de. The paper reported that Willie was mentally unbalanced and he was frequently given a place to sleep and food at the jail for as long as he wished to stay. His mother, Clara was reported as being blind and living on Ford Street. According to the article, Clara stated that he tried to commit su***de on Sunday, July 26 by throwing himself into the Red River but was rescued by two men. When he died, Willie was at the most twenty-three years old.
It is possible that Willie was not in Montgomery County in 1930 due to being committed to an institution, but no record of this has been found. Clara Barbee reappeared in the 1940 Montgomery County census on Spring Street and was listed as blind. Clara Barbee died October 11, 1951 of unknown causes and was buried by Foston Funeral Home in Edgefield Cemetery on October 18, 1951.

Bibliography
Clarksville, Tennessee City Directory (1922).
Kane County, Illinois Census (1930).
Montgomery County, Tennessee Census (1910, 1920, 1940, 1950).
“Mrs. Clara Barbee.” The Leaf-Chronicle. October 12, 1951.
“Negro Youth, 21, Drowns Himself.” The Leaf-Chronicle. July 30, 1931.
Tennessee Death Records, 1908-1958; Tennessee State Library and Archives; Nashville,
Tennessee.

07/17/2025

Sampson Harland Biography
Sampson Harland was born in 1842 to Enoch and Ann Harland in Elkton, Kentucky. He must have been trained as a plasterer while enslaved since he is listed with that profession in every document. Plasterers are considered skilled tradespersons who apply plaster to exterior and interior walls and ceilings of buildings. Sampson married his wife Eddie Ann probably in Kentucky. Their four eldest sons on record were born in Kentucky. By 1887, the family had moved to Tennessee. The first record of the family was in the 1895 Clarksville, Tennessee City Directory which listed them living at 130 Vine Street. In 1889, Sampson was prominent enough in Clarksville’s African American Community that he was listed as one of the trustees of Mt Olive Cemetery.

The 1900 Montgomery County, Tennessee census listed the family living at 1404 Franklin Street. Sampson is listed owning the house with a mortgage. His occupation was plasterer. Ann was listed as having eight children living out of eleven born. The children were listed as:
Enoch, 23, steam boat laborer; James, 20, to***co factory laborer; Smith, 19, plasterer; Richard, 17, teamster; Archie, 13, student; Isaac, 9, student; and Henry, 4. On November 27, 1900, Enoch was fined $10 for carrying a concealed weapon.

The 1910 census shows quite a few changes in the family. They are still living on Franklin Street but only Isaac and Henry were still living with their parents. James had married Georgia Whitfield on December 25, 1901, and Archie married Dora Broaddie on November 27, 1909. Enoch had moved to Evansville, Indiana and was boarding with Rena Smith on Church Street. Smith was living with his first wife, Mattie on Dodd Street. No marriage license has been found in Montgomery County for this marriage. On May 19, 1910, Richard married Ellen Warfield. Smith got into trouble on May 28, 1910 for fighting on the carnival grounds and was fined $15.

Ann Harland bought a lot on Reynolds Street measuring 115 feet by 264 feet for $114 from N. L. Carney. Sampson is not listed anywhere on the deed. The 1911 Clarksville City Directory still lists Ann and Sampson living at 1304 Franklin with Henry and Isaac. Archie and his wife Dora were listed living on Glenn Street. Enoch was back in Clarksville listed having a restaurant at 1030 Commerce Street and living at 1402 East Franklin Street. Richard and Ellen were listed as living at 1030 Commerce Street which means they lived in the same building as Enoch’s restaurant. The occupation for all the males is listed as laborer.

The Leaf-Chronicle published a congratulatory article on “Negro Progress in Clarksville” that listed Sampson and his sons as “doing most of the plastering in Clarksville.” Of interest is the paper’s statement that all the mail carriers are African American and all the postal clerks are white. African Americans would not apply for the clerk positions and this is touted as a good understanding and collaboration between the races.

Sampson Harland died on January 24, 1915 with the cause of death listed as being hit by a train. No mention of this accident was published in the Leaf-Chronicle despite his prominence declared just three years earlier by the paper. Sampson was buried in Mt Olive Cemetery on January 26, 1915 by Nace Dixon’s Undertaking Company. A year later on September 4, 1916, Smith Harland married for the second time to Harriet Judkins. No record of first wife, Mattie’s death has been found. Smith registered for the draft in 1918 and was described as tall and stout with black hair and eyes. Eddie Ann Harland died on April 27, 1919 of organic heart disease. At the time of her death, she was living on the city lot she bought from N. L. Carney. She was buried in Golden Hills Cemetery on April 29, 1919. Four months later on August 4, 1919, Isaac Harland married Lilly May Proudy.

By 1920, Enoch had moved to New Orleans and was working as a plasterer. Living with him was his wife Jennie who worked as a seamstress. No children were listed. Enoch was arrested for being drunk and disturbing the peace on July 20, 1925. May 17, 1926 Smith suffered a stroke with paralysis while at work and six months later, Smith’s house on College and Ford Streets caught fire on December 20, 1926 and received considerable damage from water, smoke and fire. The fire started in the roof. Henry Harland married M. J. Fort on September 6, 1928.

In 1945, Smith’s health was not good because he wrote his will on April 27, married Cecilia Harris on May 9, and died of cardiac insufficiency on May 13. He was buried in Golden Hills Cemetery by Roberts, Ivie and Vance on May 20, 1945. The Roberts in that firm was Smith’s friend Albert Roberts who was named in Smith’s will as the executor of the estate. On July 9, 1945, W. D. Howser listed Smith’s house for sale in the Leaf-Chronicle.

On February 23, 1946, Henry Harland died of cerebral hemorrhage and was buried in Golden Hills Cemetery. Isaac Harland died on August 21, 1959 at his home in Los Angeles, California. Archie Harland died on April 13, 1968 at Memorial Hospital in Clarksville.

Sampson and Eddie Ann Harland had a large family composed of sons. Of these eight sons, only one grandson has been found listed in the records. Two or more of the sons moved away from Clarksville. No currently living decedents have been found.

Bibliography

“Archie Harland.” The Leaf-Chronicle. April 14, 1968.

“City News in Brief.” The Leaf-Chronicle. November 27, 1900.

Clarksville, Tennessee City Directory (1895, 1911).

“Death Notice.” The Leaf-Chronicle. August 24, 1959.

Evansville, Indiana Census (1910).

Montgomery County, Tennessee Deed Book 49, page 29.

Montgomery County, Tennessee Census (1900, 1910, 1920).

Montgomery County, Tennessee Marriage Index, 1799-1953.

Montgomery County, Tennessee Will Books, Volume T, Pages 179-180.

“Mt. Olive Cemetery.” The Leaf-Chronicle. July 12, 1889.

“Negro Fined $15.” The Leaf-Chronicle. May 28, 1910.

“Negro Progress in Clarksville.” The Leaf-Chronicle. July 24, 1912.

New Orleans Public Library; New Orleans, LA, USA; Arrest Records 1885-1931; Author: New
Orleans Police Department; Reference: TR6942; Roll Number: #924.

“Smith Harland.” The Leaf-Chronicle. May 14, 1945.

“Smith Harland.” The Leaf-Chronicle. July 9, 1945.

“Smith Harland Has Stroke of Paralysis.” The Leaf-Chronicle. May 20, 1926.

“Smith Harland’s Home is Damaged.” The Leaf-Chronicle. December 20, 1929.

Tennessee Death Records, 1908-1958; Tennessee State Library and Archives; Nashville,
Tennessee.

United States, Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration
Cards, 1917-1918. Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration.
M1509, 4,582 rolls. Registration State: Tennessee; Registration County: Montgomery,
Draft Card: H.

05/17/2025

Rudolph Shelton Biography
Rudolph Shelton was born in December 1889 in Ellis Mills, Tennessee, a small town in Houston County near Cumberland City. His father, Albert Shelton and mother Alice Ventris were both born in Ellis Mills. The 1900 census records the family living in District 7 of Houston County on a farm that Albert owned free of a mortgage. There were seven children living with the couple: Lula, aged 14, Olethious, aged 12, who was working on the farm, Annie, aged 10, Rudolph, aged 8, Charley, aged 6, Noble, aged 3, and Manard, aged 1.
By 1910, Albert moved the family to Clarksville, Tennessee where they lived in a rented house in Ward 9. The area they lived in was called the Franklin Extension and was probably part of Scufftown on the end of Franklin Street towards the Red River. During this time, the city was extending sewer lines and street car tracks on Franklin Street so this may have been the origins of the designation Franklin Extension. Albert was working as a preacher and Alice and Annie were working as laundresses. Rudolph and Charley were working as stemmers in a to***co factory. Lula worked as a hairdresser and Noble was a servant to a private family. Albert’s mother, Anne Childress, aged 65, was living with the family and had married again and been widowed. Between 1900 and 1910, Albert and Alice added three more children to the household: Boyd, aged 9, Chester, aged 7, and Bessie, aged 3 bringing the total number of children in the family to ten.
The decade between 1910 and 1920 witnessed the break-up of the family. On January 19, 1913, Rudolph married Bessie Reeves. The marriage was of short duration. Rudolph was working with a crew repairing the walls of the Madison Street Methodist Church on June 4, 1914. Rudolph was working forty to fifty feet above the basement level of the church. About 7:30 a. m., a fellow worker on the ground level heard an unusual noise and looked up. He saw Rudolph falling towards him and moved out of the way. Rudolph landed where he had been standing. A rope that had been suspending Rudolph as he worked broke causing the fatal fall. He was only 22 years old and was buried in Mt Olive Cemetery on June 6, 1914. No further record of his wife Bessie has been found. Sometime in this ten-year span, it is probable Alice Shelton also died. No record of her death has been found but the 1920 census records Albert living alone on a rented farm in District 13 of Montgomery County. He is listed as a widower.
Albert Shelton died on April 8, 1925 of Broncho pneumonia. He was buried in Golden Hills Cemetery on April 10, 1925. The eldest son Olethious moved to Ohio and became a minister. Chester Shelton died of organic heart disease at the age of 31 on August 23, 1934. Research is ongoing to discover what happened to the rest of the children in the family.

Bibliography
“Fall Kills Man Almost Instantly.” The Leaf-Chronicle. June 4, 1914
Houston County, Tennessee Census (1880, 1900).
Jefferson County, Ohio Census (1930).
Montgomery County, Tennessee Census (1910, 1920).
Montgomery County, Tennessee Marriage Index, 1799-1953.
Summit County, Ohio Census (1950).
Tennessee Death Records, 1908-1958; Tennessee State Library and Archives; Nashville, TN

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