Tinker Dave: The Life and Times of the Union's Most Ferocious Civil War Guerrilla

In my personal research I have been focusing on Tinker Dave Beaty, the famous Union guerrilla who resided in the Upper Cumberland area of Tennessee. I hope you all enjoy!!

David Crockett Beaty was born on February 19, 1817 in the Obed River Valley in Fentress County, Tennessee. He stayed in that area for his entire life. His father George and two of his uncles had settled in the Valley upon their arrival from North Carolina, in 1810. The Beaty family was a prime example of kinship. Based on what historians know about the Beaty family, it can be concluded that they were a very tight knit group. Not much is known about Beaty’s childhood. Beaty would become most famous for his actions during the war between the states, especially for his one man war against notorious Confederate guerrilla Champ Ferguson.

     By the middle of the 19th century, slavery had become a hot topic in the United States. The North wanted to abolish it, but the South wanted to keep it. David Beaty had no strong feeling one way or the other on the slavery issue. In 1860, he was appointed by the Tennessee state legislature as one of three state supervising officials in charge of improvements along the Obed River. Beaty continued to be uninterested in the war until Confederate General Willis Scott Bledsoe came riding in to his farm one day demanding that Beaty take sides. Beaty was reluctant to do so, but finally gave in. Following the Battle of Mill Springs, Beaty became one of the most outspoken Unionists in Fentress County.

     After the visit by Bledsoe to his farm, Beaty, along with his sons Claiborne and Dallas, formed a company of sixty men. This group became known as “David Beaty’s Independent Scouts.” Most of Beaty’s men came from his community, and most were extremely poor. Others were deserters from the Union army, that felt that they could “do more at home with Tinker Dave’s men.” Beaty even had a few men, most notably the “Treat Brothers,” that switched sides, for reasons unknown to fight alongside Tinker Dave. This enlistment process was met with opposition from men such as Sidney Smith Stanton, and John P. Murray, who encouraged men in the Upper Cumberland to join their regiments, instead of joining up with guerrilla bands, but their pleas were to no avail. Together these men became the most brutal band of Union guerrillas in the Tennessee-Kentucky region. Beaty received financial assistance from Dr. Jonathan Hale, a prominent Jamestown physician. His most trusted confidant was Elam Huddleston, of Adair County, Kentucky. Huddleston was later shot and killed by Champ Ferguson, for reasons unknown. In his confession, Ferguson denies killing Huddleston. This incident only fueled the fire between Beaty and Ferguson. Beaty was provided horses by the Union army. Most of the men who joined Beaty’s guerrillas, had been affected by Champ Ferguson and his men in some way. Beaty, unlike Ferguson did not force the Union beliefs on his men. Instead he taught them the ways of the Union, and let them make up their own minds.

     It took the Union Army months to figure out a way that they could effectively use Tinker Dave and his scouts. Eventually Beaty was given authorization by General Ambrose Burnside to go out and bushwhack roads, opening them up to him and his soldiers. In return for this, Burnside gave Beaty and his scouts all the ammunition they needed. He also wanted military governor Andrew Johnson to make Beaty a colonel. The offer must have been extended to him, because Beaty turned it down. He claimed that he was “doing the best work where he was, in what he was doing.” Beaty, while a rough man, protected all Unionists, especially those in the Upper Cumberland.

     It is unknown how Beaty got the nickname “Tinker.” Some believe it was because he was always “tinkering” with something. The most widely accepted theory is that there were two David Beatys in Jamestown. The other was a drunkard known as “Cooly.” Beaty was given the name “Tinker” to differentiate him from “Cooly.” For the rest of the war, the name Tinker Dave Beaty would strike fear into many a Rebel.

     After forming his guerrilla band, Tinker Dave took his men down to the Cherry Creek community in Sparta, Tennessee, and split them up into squads. The men then went around the community demanding meals from Confederate sympathizers, as well as stealing their horses and ammunition. Young Amanda McDowell recorded in her diary, the looting that Beaty and his men were doing in her community. Tinker Dave and his men later sold the horses and sometimes cattle to Unionists in Kentucky. Beaty wanted to cause as much trouble for the Confederates as he could. By doing this he realized that he could lure Champ Ferguson out into the open and accomplish his goal of killing him.

     Tinker Dave and Champ Ferguson did not like each other for many reasons. Besides being supporters of opposite sides, it is also believed that Beaty was responsible for going to Ferguson’s White County home and ordering his wife and daughter to strip naked and make them cook for him and his men. There is no proof of this however. It is widely believed that both men simply wanted to protect their communities and neighbors and they were standing in each other’s way. The two men only came face to face a few times, never accomplishing their goal of eliminating the other. This, however, didn't deter them from hunting each other with savage like ferocity throughout the war.

     Beaty and Ferguson used some of the same tactics. They both lived in the woods, stole and plundered for food and ammunition, and were quick to kill anyone who got in their way. Both men and their bushwhackers were tough to track, because they knew the Upper Cumberland so well. They took advantage of the area’s many caves, hollows, and valleys. The two men had known each other for twenty years prior to the Civil War. They had more in common then they thought, they were just on different sides of the conflict. Even without Beaty and Ferguson, guerrilla violence would still have developed,  in the Upper Cumberland. The reason being is that it was, and still is human nature to fight for your family, friends, neighbors, and beliefs. During the Civil War, the Upper Cumberland became known as “no man’s land,” because of all the guerrilla violence in the area.

     Tinker Dave and Champ Ferguson came face to face only a handful of times during the Civil War. The first time was at Beaty’s farm. Ferguson and his men rode in dressed as Union soldiers. Beaty’s wife came to the door, as Tinker was in the field working. It is unknown how far the field was from the house, as Beaty knew that the visitor was Ferguson right away. Ferguson, however, did not recognize Beaty, as he turned his horse around and left. The two men came face to face again at the Battle of Dug Hill. The battle was a minor skirmish that occurred along what is now State Highway 84 between Monterey and Sparta. Ferguson and his men were lying in the bushes waiting for the Union army led by Colonel John Stokes to come passing by. When they got in sight, the men jumped out of the bushes and ambushed them. Beaty was riding along with Stokes, and the two men came face to face, wounding each other. The goal of eliminating each other had not been accomplished, but they still wounded each other severely enough to have to lay in bed for a few days.

     In 1862, it was ruled that no raids be made into Albany, Kentucky or Livingston, Tennessee. Beaty actually laid down his arms for a short time. This was an attempt at a truce between Union and Confederate guerrillas. This truce did not last long, and later that year, Tinker Dave was back raiding. He and his men were able to intercept and raid a wagon full of medical supplies and cattle, heading South. Later they were able to get ahold of some paper going south at the Taylor Place. They captured the Rebels and sent them back to where they had come from.

     By 1863, Beaty and his guerrillas began to attract the attention of high ranking Confederates. General Braxton Bragg, sent orders to Colonel John M. Hughs to go throughout Middle Tennessee and cleanse the area of bushwhackers, deserters, and enforce conscription laws. Hughs had other ideas, his mission from Bragg was quickly transformed into an eight month campaign to rid the area of guerrillas and guerrillas only. Beaty was at the top of Hughs’ list. He and his twenty men were able to unite scattered guerrilla bands, including Ferguson’s, and to help in this effort. On September 8, he and Tinker Dave finally engaged in a skirmish. It is unknown where the skirmish happened, but Hughs was able to kill eight of Beaty’s men. It is interesting to note about this skirmish, that the official report was not filed until April 28, 1864, a full eight months after the fact. A possible explanation for this could be that Hughs was to busy looting with Champ Ferguson and did not get around to it until eight months had passed. Another reason could be that Hughs had contempt for Braxton Bragg and wanted to make him wait just to spite him.

     By the following February Hughs, along with Willis Scott Bledsoe and Ferguson engaged in a skirmish in Fentress County with the Home Guards there. At this skirmish the three men and their inferiors overwhelmed a few of Beaty’s scouts, along with Rufus Dowdy and his men. After four or five casualties, Dowdy retreated. Ferguson went after them and found two of the Union guerrillas hiding out at a nearby farm. He found a member of Beaty’s men near a woodpile and shot him on the spot. It is unknown where Beaty was during this brief, but deadly skirmish.

     Throughout the Civil War, most bands of guerrillas acted as nomads. They would move around from place to place, plundering, and killing, then they would move on. Beaty and his men moved like this occasionally, but also had a hideout known as “Beaty’s Cave.” The cave was located in the mountains of Morgan County, Tennessee. It was referred to by Beaty as “Morgan’s Court House.” The cave was trenched, fortified, and the men also had thousands of acres of corn planted. Whenever a Rebel force came near, “Beaty’s Horn” would sound. Members of the Union League, as well as various Union sympathizers took refuge inside “Beaty’s Cave.” There is an account of a skirmish that took place near the cave. The account states that a 1,500 man Rebel Cavalry force attacked the cave, and Beaty and his men forced them to retreat with a desperate slaughter. This story, while very interesting, is nothing more then legend. 

     Champ Ferguson was not the only Confederate sympathizer that wanted Tinker Dave Beaty dead. In Overton County, a man named William Windall was determined to bring “Fentress down to Overton,” for reasons unknown. He knew that Beaty was a leading citizen and Unionist in the area and he wanted him dead. His goal became “To kill Tinker Beaty, and take all he has.” Windall, like Ferguson was unsuccessful in his attempt to kill Beaty.

     For the remainder of the Civil War, Beaty and his men continued to hide out in their cave, and protect the citizens of Fentress County. If there were any reports of Rebels riding through the area, one could expect Beaty and his scouts to stop them. One account tells of a group of Rebels that had taken up headquarters in a Fentress County church building. These men were engaged in horse thievery, robbery, and murdering innocent Union men. They used the church building to play cards, drink, swap stolen horses, and think of new tactics to terrorize Union citizens. Beaty was eventually informed of these meetings. He and his men went to the church and waited for them. Some hid in the bushes, others under the building. When the Rebels came back, they spotted Beaty and the rest of the Union guerrillas. They fled, but not before Beaty could shoot four of them, killing two and wounding two others.

     Tinker Dave Beaty, like Champ Ferguson, showed no sympathy to those siding with the Confederates. Legend tells of the time when he shot a man, for reasons unknown, and then ordered the man’s horse to stomp on his face. Beaty spent his entire career not only chasing after Champ Ferguson, but also protecting his family, friends, and neighbors. 

     When General Robert E. Lee surrendered his army to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox on April 9, 1865, the Civil War was officially over. This was not the case for Champ Ferguson. Ferguson, unlike Beaty, refused to lay down his arms, and was still in hot pursuit of him. Three weeks after the war ended, Beaty was having supper at a friend’s home near Jamestown. Ferguson and his men rode up and ordered Beaty to surrender his arms, exit out of the house, and mount his horse. He then ordered Tinker Dave to take him to the home of Pleas Taylor. Beaty, being smarter then Ferguson, knew that it was a set up. He spurred his horse, and according to later accounts, “wheeled him like a flash.” Ferguson and his men were able to fire approximately twenty shots at Beaty, with only three hitting him, one in the back, shoulder, and hip. Beaty survived this abduction attempt, and it would all but seal the fate of Ferguson.

     Champ Ferguson was arrested at his home on May 26, 1865, and taken to the Tennessee State Prison in Nashville. In his confession, he stated that he “rarely aimed at anything but Tinker Dave.” His trial lasted from July until October of that same year. The first witness was called by the prosecution on July 20th. That person was none other then Tinker Dave Beaty. The testimony of Beaty took two days. He told the court that everything Ferguson was accused of doing, was true. When asked about the abduction attempt, Beaty raised his shirt and showed the court where the bullets had penetrated through his breast and shoulder. Beaty’s testimony was damning to Ferguson and resulted in him having little to no defense at all. Ferguson was sentenced to death, and hanged on October 20, 1865. If the South had won the Civil War, it could have very easily been Beaty on the gallows, rather then Ferguson.

     It is very much open for debate as to whether Tinker Dave Beaty was a regular bushwhacker, or a partisan. There is no evidence of him ever receiving a partisan commission under the Partisan Ranger Act, however according to the book Homegrown Yankees by James Alex Baggett, it can be proven that Beaty and his men received $125,000 as payment for their service during the Civil War. One unknown Union officer stated that “if Beaty had a regiment, he would do wonders.” Beaty was also widely regarded as a “rough man,” but the “savior of the Union” in his region. His brutality is often compared to notorious Kansas Jayhawker James H. Lane. Tinker Dave Beaty, while brutal in many of his tactics, was fully committed to protecting the people in his neighborhood, who shared his same beliefs, from Confederate threats.

     Tinker Dave Beaty passed away on August 22, 1876. His post war life is largely unknown, except for the fact that he served as a Jamestown Alderman. He is thought to have played a major role during Reconstruction. His son Claiborne became captain of the Tennessee State Guards, stationed on the Cumberland Plateau. This group was designed to protect freed slaves from Ku Klux Klan violence. Tinker Dave Beaty will be best remembered for his actions during the Civil War, but it is most interesting to note that Beaty was a common family man, and respected citizen, who wanted no part in the war, but ultimately realized that he had to take sides, in order to protect his family and friends. He became one of the most famous characters of his chosen side. His story is the stuff of legend, but in reality very far from it.

Champ Ferguson, the arch nemesis of Tinker Dave Beaty.

Tinker Dave Beaty and his greatest supporter, Dr. Jonathan Hale of Jamestown.

The grave of Tinker Dave Beaty, located in the Beaty-Lacy Cemetery in Jamestown.

The Obed River Valley, the area that made Tinker Dave Beaty.

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The Battle of Trenton

I know I said in my last blog post that I was going to go into more detail about Tinker Dave Beaty, but with Christmas coming up Sunday, I decided to change to this subject.


The Battle of Trenton was one of the deciding battles of the American Revolution. It occurred the day after Christmas 1776. The events leading up to the battle however made George Washington famous, and led to a renewed energy among the patriots. Washington's plan was to make a surprise attack against the Hessians at Trenton, New Jersey. The plan was to launch three coordinated attacks, from three different directions, against the Hessians. Washington and his men had to cross the Delaware River on Christmas night in order to reach Trenton. Each soldier was equipped with sixty rounds of ammunition, and three days worth of rations. The code word for the attack was "Victory or Death." During the crossing, it began to rain, as the temperature decreased, the rain turned to sleet, and eventually snow. During the crossing however, no one died, and no ammunition was damaged. The troops made it to Trenton by 3:00 in the morning, beginning their march an hour later at 4:00. As they marched, various townspeople joined them. The men marched for over two miles before they finally reached the battlefield. Just after 8:00 the Americans attacked. The Hessians, not ready for the attack, were caught off guard, and any attempt to stop the American advance, failed. The Patriots forced the Hessians to retreat into a nearby orchard, where they were surrounded. The Hessians were forced to surrender, ending the battle. The Hessians lost twenty-two killed, and another 83 wounded. The Americans took the other 896 of them captive. The Patriots only lost two men, and they died during the march to battle, of frostbite. Only five men were wounded during the battle. The Battle of Trenton led to a renewed confidence throughout all thirteen colonies. Washington called the victory "A glorious day for our country." This battle gave the Patriots, the increase in confidence needed to press on and win their independence. The Battle of Trenton can be considered a Christmas Miracle.

General George Washington crossing the Delaware River on Christmas night.

Battle of Trenton battle map.

The battlefield as it appears today, complete with a monument to honor the bravery displayed by the Patriots that day.

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The Civil War in the Upper Cumberland

The Upper Cumberland area of Tennessee was vital to both sides during the Civil War. The Upper Cumberland produced a geographical challenge to both the Union and Confederate armies. With its natural hollows, caves, mountains, and valleys, it was ideal territory for guerrilla warfare. Residents of the Upper Cumberland belonged to multiple social networks, but when the war came, the networks were destroyed. The Civil War ripped apart families, friends, and even churches. Most of the guerrillas in the area had been born and raised in the Upper Cumberland. Among the most feared were Champ Ferguson and Tinker Dave Beaty. Many residents of the Upper Cumberland joined up with these men. The goal of guerrillas were to stop the opposing army, and protect their communities. These men knew the area intimately, and therefore were difficult to catch. They also took advantage of social division and used it as a recruiting tool. Most men and boys from the area that did not join the guerrillas, were sent to Camp Trousdale, Camp Zollicoffer, or Camp Dick Robinson. The men were then divided up and sent all over the Union or Confederacy. Those that did not join, were funneled out of the area, by the Union Underground Railroad. The goal of this "railroad" was to prevent men and boys who did not want to join the fighting from being caught by conscription agents, or guerrillas. Commanders such as Sidney Smith Stanton and John P. Murray, encouraged men and boys, in the area, to join their armies, instead of joining up with guerrillas. Guerrilla activity got so bad in the Upper Cumberland, that it was referred to as "no man's land," for the remainder of the war. Unlike in Mississippi, South Carolina, or West Tennessee, slavery was not a big commodity in the area. The average slaveholder owned less then six slaves. Those that owned slaves, however, owned the most fertile land in the area. Following the Confederate defeats at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and Mill Springs, the Upper Cumberland officially fell under Union control. This led to the rise in power of William B. Stokes and his 5th Tennessee Cavalry. Their goal, was to work with Union guerrilla Tinker Dave Beaty and eliminate all Confederate threats from the Upper Cumberland. As much as the Confederates would have liked to regain possession of the area, it was not to be. The Upper Cumberland, saw no major battles during the war. Following the Civil War, people in the Upper Cumberland were forced to release their slaves. Many people were living in poverty. President Andrew Johnson set up Contraband Camps in the area so that freed slaves would have safety. To counter Ku Klux Klan activity, State Guards were appointed. Tinker Dave Beaty's son Claiborne was appointed head of this group. Some of the area's biggest Unionists became Radical Republicans. Putnam County, in general became primarily democratic. Investing in natural resources became a big commodity. Following the war, many men invested in resources such as coal. With this rise in demand came the need for transportation of these natural resources. These same men invested in the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St. Louis, as well as the Tennessee Central Railroads in order to access these natural resources. The Civil War made the Upper Cumberland stronger, it led to a boost both economically, with the rise in investing, and also socially, with the elimination of guerrilla activity and slavery. The Civil War, will forever be a vital part of the history of the Upper Cumberland.

Map of the Upper Cumberland, referred to during the Civil War as "no man's land."

Champ Ferguson: Confederate Guerrilla

Tinker Dave Beaty: Union Guerrilla, more coming on Beaty next week.

William B. Stokes

This picture illustrates the rise of the railroad and coal mining in the Upper Cumberland following the Civil War. 

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The Attack on Pearl Harbor

On the morning of December 7, 1941, The Japanese Imperial Navy carried out one of the most brutal acts of violence against the United States. The goal for the Japanese was to destroy the United States' Naval and Air Force fleet at the base in Pearl Harbor, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. They knew that if they did this, it would make the United States weak and allow them to capture the Dutch East Indies and Malaya. They also hoped that the attack would weaken American morale so much that they would sign a peace treaty with Japan. During the entire planning process, the mission was referred to as "Operation Z." There were two waves to the attack. The first wave was designed to attack ground targets, such as parked airplanes. The first wave of Japanese planes carried torpedoes, and other ammunition to destroy primary targets such as aircraft carriers. The second wave of airplanes attacked aircraft carriers first, cruisers second, and battleships third. There were a total of 353 Japanese airplanes involved in the attack. They were signaled to attack with the code word "torah, torah, torah." By the time the United States knew what was going on, it was to late. The Naval ships were already on fire, as well as most of the planes. The planes that they were able to get into the air, were surrounded by Japanese planes. Men who were stationed on the Naval ships were trapped inside. The Japanese were successful in making their attack a surprise. By the time the attack was over, all eight United States Navy battleships were damaged with four of them sunk, three cruisers and three destroyers were either sunk or damaged, 188 airplanes were destroyed, 2,403 Americans were killed, with another 1,178 wounded. Luckily for the United States, important base installations such as the power station, and shipyard were unharmed. The Japanese only lost 29 airplanes, with 64 men killed. The Attack on Pearl Harbor is one of the most brutal attacks on the United States. After the events of December 7th, the United States decided to enter World War II. In the years following the attack, 15 Medals of Honor were issued, along with 51 Navy Crosses, 53 Silver Stars, four Navy and Marine Corps medals, one Distinguished Flying Cross, four Distinguished Service Crosses, one Distinguished Service Medal, and three Bronze Star Medals. Even though the attack was a surprise, the United States military still fought bravely and did what they could to prevent the attack from being worse then it was. The Attack on Pearl Harbor has gone down as one of the most infamous days in history, as well as one of the saddest parts of our history.

Map of the Attack on Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor as it appears today.

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The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865, just five days after Robert E. Lee had surrendered his Confederate Army at Appomattox. The assassination plot was formulated and led by famous actor and Southern sympathizer John Wilkes Booth. Booth's original plan had been to kidnap the president and take him to the Confederate Army, using him as a bargaining chip in soldier exchange negotiations. It was at Lincoln's second inauguration that Booth decided and felt confident that he could assassinate Lincoln. Booth often boasted that he could have shot Lincoln at his inauguration, but did not for whatever reason. To help him carry out his plot, Booth recruited Samuel Arnold, George Atzerodt, David Herold, Michael O'Laughlen, Lewis Powell, and John Surratt. They held their meeting in the tavern owned and operated by Surratt's mother Mary. Booth assigned Atzerodt to kill Vice President Andrew Johnson, and Powell to kill Secretary of State William Seward, and he would take care of Lincoln himself. Booth also said he would stab General Ulysses S. Grant, but Grant and his wife declined Lincoln's invitation. Booth knew that Lincoln was going to be attending Ford's Theater, and watching a comedy called "Our American Cousin." Booth was familiar with the lay out of the theater, as well as the script of the play. His goal was to shoot Lincoln during one of the funniest parts of the play, when he knew there would be much laughter. On the night of the assassination, Booth was able to get into the theater without any problems, due to his celebrity status. He was able to walk right up to the Presidential Box and shoot Lincoln at point blank range. Major Henry Rathbone and his fiancee Clara Harris were in the box with Lincoln and his wife. Rathbone could do nothing until after the shot was fired. When he tried to confront Booth, he was stabbed in the arm. Booth jumped from the box, onto the stage, breaking his leg. He stood up, looked at the audience, and yelled "Sic semper tyrannis," meaning "Thus always to tyrants." The audience thought that this was all part of the play. Booth exited the theater and jumped onto the horse that was waiting for him. While all this was happening, George Atzerodt had not left the Surratt tavern. He ended up getting cold feet and never made his attempt to assassinate Andrew Johnson. Lewis Powell meanwhile had gone to the home of William Seward, where he had managed to get inside. He made it all the way up to Seward's bedroom, where he stabbed him, got in a fight with his son, and then escaped. Seward's family feared that he was dead, but the stab wounds were minor. On the outskirts of Washington D.C., Booth met up with David Herold. They were able to escape the town, and head back into Confederate Virginia territory. On the way they stopped at the home of Dr. Samuel Mudd, who set Booth's leg. Mudd had no idea who Booth was, and went ahead and provided him medical care. After leaving Mudd's home, Booth and Herold, with the Union army hot on their tail, took refuge in a barn. The Union soldiers set fire to the barn and Herold came out. One of the Union soldiers took out his pistol and fired into the barn, hitting Booth in the neck. Booth came out, lived for three hours, and then died. Before he died, he looked at his hands and said "Useless, useless." One of the largest manhunts in U.S. history was over. Back at Ford' Theater, there was complete chaos. Lincoln was taken across the street to a boarding house, where he was tended to the best the doctors could. At 7:22 the next morning, Lincoln passed away. He became the first U.S. president to be assassinated. All of Booth's conspirators including Mary Surratt and Dr. Samuel Mudd were tried and convicted for their roles in the assassination plot. All the conspirators were hanged except Dr. Mudd, who was sentenced to life in prison. Mary Surratt became the first woman to be hanged in U.S. history. The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln is one of the most tragic events in U.S. history, but will go down in history as a prime example of "true crime."

President Abraham Lincoln. This was the final sitting picture of Lincoln.

John Wilkes Booth

Ford's Theater as it appeared in 1865

Wanted poster for Booth and two of his accomplices.

 This picture of Lincoln's inauguration shows just how close he and Booth were. 

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Old Walton Road

The Old Walton Road was one of the first pioneer trails leading out of North Carolina and into Tennessee. It was completed in 1801 and connected Nashville with Knoxville. It was named in honor of Capt. William Walton, a Revolutionary War veteran. Most of the Walton Road had already been cut out by Native Americans long before the settlers arrived. Peter Avery, a long hunter, came to the Cumberland Gap in 1787, and assisted in forming the pioneer road. The portion of the road that Avery helped cut is known as Avery's Trace. This portion is what is now present day Highway 70 between Cookeville and Crossville. At various points along the road there were forts, or stations set up. Most of these places later became towns. The most notable station was White Plains. Perhaps the most challenging portions of the Walton Road were Buffalo Valley Hill and Monterey Mountain. Even though the Native Americans had already cut portions of the road, they were still subject to persecution by the settlers. Today remnants of the Walton Road can still be seen, note the picture above. Just between the small community of Mayland and Crossville, one is able, if looking close enough, to see an old stone covered bridge at the bottom of the Obed River, when crossing on Highway 70 or Interstate 40. The Walton Road was traveled by many famous people. Those people include the likes of Andrew Jackson, William Blount, and Francis Asbury. When the Tennessee Central Railroad was created, it followed the Walton Road. The Walton Road can still be traveled by way of Highway 70. Even the modern Interstate 40 follows the route of the Walton Road.

The beginning of the old Avery's Trace.

The White Plains Plantation was the most popular stop along the Walton Road.

Map of the Upper Cumberland portion of the Walton Road and Avery's Trace.

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14th Tennessee Colored Infantry

The 14th Tennessee Colored Infantry was organized during the month of November 1864, in Gallatin, Tennessee. The men were commanded by Lt. Col. Thomas Jefferson Morgan. Most of the recruits for the 14th Tennessee were former slaves from towns throughout Middle Tennessee. Morgan went all across Middle Tennessee looking for slaves that were willing to join this regiment. Morgan did not want to force men to join, he only wanted those that would voluntarily serve. In order for a slave to enlist, the owner had to provide consent. By providing consent, the owner was given a $300 bounty. By the time Morgan was finished recruiting, he had 120 men. Most new recruits were subjected to a thorough medical examination, but the 120 initial men were exempt. It is not known how many of the 120 were actually accepted into the regiment. The headquarters for recruiting, by this time, had been moved to Sparta, Tennessee. It is unknown how many of these recruits came to Sparta from surrounding counties in order to join up. Morgan had much success recruiting in Sparta, due to the high percentage of free blacks that lived there. The 14th Tennessee saw their first battle action during the Battle of Nashville. They were first ordered to charge up Overton Hill, in order to test the Confederate defenses, but were forced to retreat. They later charged up Shy's Hill, this time they forced the enemy to retreat, successfully turning John Bell Hood's left flank. In mid-January they were forced to retreat to Chattanooga. The troops had to wait a year before they were mustered. By volunteering to fight, and doing it well, it proved Morgan's theory that "negroes will fight." After the Civil War finally ended, most of the soldiers left the Upper Cumberland. The 14 Tennessee Colored Infantry will go down in history as being the only known group of colored troops that were able to take up arms against their masters and win.

Lt. Col. Thomas Jefferson Morgan

The above information is from research done by Dr. Troy D. Smith, I'm using it for the purpose of promoting Moore Historical Consulting, and doing some research for the Cookeville History Museum. The picture above is not the 14th Tennessee Colored Infantry, but a generic picture of a group of colored troops. 

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John Brown's Raid

John Brown was an abolitionist, from New York, that vehemently opposed slavery. He hated slavery so much, that he led one of the most deadly raids in U.S. History. Before his infamous raid, he commanded troops in Kansas. His goal while in Kansas was to prevent the spread of slavery by any means possible. As a result of his actions in Kansas, his homestead was destroyed, and his sons were killed. Brown later returned to New England, where he worked for two years gathering troops, and raising funds. The Massachusetts Committee provided Brown and his men with 200 Sharps Rifles. Charles Blair of Connecticut provided them with 1,000 pikes. The target of this raid was Harper's Ferry, Virginia. They wanted to raid the armory there, confiscate guns, and then give those guns to slaves to use against their masters. Harriet Tubman actually helped Brown out with some of his scouting. Brown asked her to gather up slaves that would be willing to help him in this raid. When Brown and his men reached Harper's Ferry the first thing they did was cut telegraph wires. When they got to the armory, they found it easily conquerable. They then gathered up hostages, and went around telling slaves that they were about to be liberated. Brown and his raiders did not think about the possibility of getting stuck in the armory, and needless to say they did. By the next morning the raiders were trapped in the fort, by local farmers, shopkeepers, and militia. The militia barged into the engine house, engaging the raiders in fighting. Brown eventually sent out his sons Watson, and Oliver, to wave the white flag. They were met with gunfire and shot dead. The back and forth fighting lasted throughout the day. By the next morning (October 18th), U.S. Marines surrounded the engine house. The engine house later became known as John Brown's fort. Future Civil War commander J.E.B. Stuart told the raider that their lives would be spared if they surrendered. Brown refused, so the door of the armory was broken down. Brown was wounded in the head during the brief fighting and was cornered. He was taken prisoner, tried, and later hanged. Brown and his men managed to kill four people, they also suffered ten casualties. Along with Brown, seven were captured, and five escaped. The John Brown Raid on Harper's Ferry has gone down as one of the deadliest and most brutal raids in U.S. history. Most historians believe that the raid was the breaking point that eventually led to the Civil War. What do you think?

John Brown, the mastermind behind the raid on Harper's Ferry.

The inside of the armory right before the walls were broken down.

John Brown being led to the gallows.

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Braxton Bragg

Braxton Bragg was the commander of the Confederate Army of Tennessee. He was commander for a little over a year. His effectiveness as a general is questioned by many. He was a West Point graduate, and gained his first military experience in the Seminole and Mexican Wars. In 1856, he retired from the military and became a planter. When the Civil War broke out, Jefferson Davis, whom Bragg fought with during the Mexican War, made him a brigadier general. Davis held Bragg in such high regard, because he saved his life during the Mexican War. Bragg eventually moved up the ranks and became a general. His task was to take back Tennessee for the Confederacy. Most of Bragg's men wanted him removed from command, due to his ineptness, but Davis would have none of it. It is believed that Bragg accidentally shot one of his men. Bragg was a very "by the book" commander. After his crucial "tactical" victory at Stones River, Bragg retreated due to the fact that he feared the river was rising, and he did not want to be trapped. In doing this he basically gave up Middle Tennessee, as well as all the momentum he had. To be fair to Bragg, his staff members suggested doing this. Following this incident, Bragg's senior generals Leonidas Polk, and William Hardee requested he be relieved of his duties. After retreating from Stones River, Bragg and his men went to Chattanooga. Bragg passed up a golden opportunity to "smash" the Union forces. Instead he let them retreat to Chattanooga. Nathan Bedford Forrest, who was at the battle, said to Bragg:
You have played the part of a damned scoundrel, and are a coward, and if you were any part of a man I would slap your jaws and force you to resent it. You may as well not issue any orders to me, for I will not obey them. . . I say to you that if you ever again try to interfere with me or cross my path it will be at the peril of your life.
Jefferson Davis continued to stick with Bragg, moving those who did not like him to different commands. Bragg was eventually fired by Joseph Johnston after the Battle of Missionary Ridge. Bragg was given a military advisory role with Jefferson Davis. After the war was over Bragg went home, where he lived out the rest of his days as a civil engineer. Braxton Bragg has gone down in history as one of the worst generals of the Civil War, and the most hated man of the Confederacy.

The book above is the latest book about Braxton Bragg. I won't comment much about it, since I haven't had the chance to read it. Based on reviews it is highly regarded by historians.

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Capshaw Elementary School

Capshaw Elementary School has one of the richest histories of any school in Putnam County. It was founded in 1939, as part of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal. The school was named for Robert Byrd Capshaw, whose farm, the school was constructed on. Capshaw was a prominent attorney in Cookeville, and was also one of the men responsible for the founding of Dixie College (now Tennessee Tech University). He died in 1928, so he never got to see the school bearing his name. The original school was constructed in 1909, and served as the home of the school for seventy-two years. The mascot was a cobra, later changed to a cougar. In 2002, a new school was constructed behind the old one. The original school was then razed, but the front entrance was left standing. Capshaw Elementary's history is second to none, and the legacy of Robert Byrd Capshaw continues to live on through the school named in his honor.

The original Capshaw Elementary School building, constructed in 1939. 

Robert Byrd Capshaw, namesake of Capshaw Elementary, and prominent Cookeville attorney.

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A Brief History of Henry Algood and his Drug Store

This is a history that I wrote for Moore Historical Consulting's first client.

     Henry Algood was a descendant of one of Putnam County’s first families. They settled in the northeast portion of the county as early as 1857. In 1893, Henry Algood’s father Joel sold his land to Alexander Crawford and his Nashville and Knoxville Railroad. A railroad depot was constructed, and eventually the town “Algood,” named for Joel, was born. Henry became a prominent citizen and businessman in Cookeville. Around the turn of the century, he established Henry Algood Drugs. The drug store was located on the western side of Cookeville’s courthouse square. Algood was one of the first pharmacists to sell fitted eye glasses. Algood was also one of two members of the Bank of Cookeville’s board of directors. It is unknown how long the drug store was in operation, but it was one of the first in Cookeville. 

     The building that housed Henry Algood Drugs, is located at 17 South Jefferson Avenue, next door to the iconic Cookeville Arcade Building. The structure was constructed no later then 1890, making it the oldest on the block. Based on photographs, it can be determined that the structure falls into the category of “Italianate storefront.” This is true based on the ornamental features toward the roof of the building. The “Italianate storefront” style was a very popular architectural style for commercial buildings from 1850 to the mid 20th century. Not much is known about the businesses that inhabited the structure after Henry Algood, but based on oral accounts of those who have grown up in Cookeville, the building was home to various other businesses such as law practices, a restaurant, and also housed Congressman Bart Gordon’s office. This building is one of the oldest on the square, and even though it has undergone many changes in tenants, its history rivals that of any other structure around it.

Picture of the Henry Algood Drug Store looking south on Jefferson Avenue. The building is the next to last one. This picture is from the 1930s/1940s.

Picture of the Henry Algood Drug Store from the 1980s.

The Henry Algood Drug Store building as it appears today.

The interior of the Henry Algood Drug Store building.

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Monterey Depot

The Monterey Depot is located at milepost 108.4 of the old Tennessee Central Railway route. The town has seen three buildings serve as the depot. It is unknown when the first structure was built, but it burned in 1902. It was not replaced until the late 1920s. Monterey served as the home base for the TC repair shops. The town of Monterey was vital due to its coal mines. The railroad helped the mines to transport their coal across the country. Monterey also was home to a 100,000 gallon water tower as well as a coal hopper. Monterey was important to the TC because it was the central point of the eastern division. This meant that instead of locomotives and other rolling stock having to be taken to Nashville for maintenance, the tasks could be performed at Monterey. Most of the shops were destroyed by fire in 1949. They were replaced by a single metal shed. To get to the coal mines, trains had to take the Crawford Branch Line up to Wilder. The city of Monterey, and their coal mines were not easy to get to, and required trains to double up on locomotives. Monterey also served as a crew change point for mainline freight trains coming from cities such as Nashville, or Cookeville. When the Tennessee Central went bankrupt in 1968, the Louisville and Nashville railroad purchased the Monterey Depot, as well as the Crawford Branch Line. The tracks were removed from Monterey to Harriman, making Monterey the end of the line. At some point along the way, the Depot was demolished. The town of Monterey went without a depot for many years. A sand quarry was formed in the area, with Nashville and Eastern trains hauling sand to and from it. But there was no Depot. Finally, in 2011 ground was broken and a replica of the old depot was completed in February 2012. This new Depot also serves as the Monterey History Museum. While not as unique and stately as the Cookeville Depot, the Monterey Depot is a structure that the citizens of Monterey can be proud of.

Inside the Monterey Depot Museum sits a railway maintenance vehicle. This vehicle would have been used to go down both the main and branch lines and inspect the tracks. 

The Monterey Depot Museum recently acquired an unrestored Tennessee Central Dining Car.

The old Tennessee Central Coal Hopper is still standing.

The old Monterey Depot and the new one bear a strong resemblance.

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Cookeville Arcade Building

The Cookeville Arcade building was constructed around the early 20th century. It is located on the west side of the Cookeville, Tennessee town square. Unlike other arcades, this building is a closed air arcade. It has been home to numerous companies over the years. It has been registered on the National Register of Historic Places. It has undergone numerous renovations throughout the years, but has always looked the same architecturally. Just like the Maddux Hardware building on the south side of the square, or the Gulf Service Station on the east side, the Arcade Building is a staple on the Cookeville Town Square, and Cookeville in general.

This picture allegedly shows the Arcade under construction. But one can look at the brick and wood, and tell that it is weathered. Also, why would one build a building with the windows already in it? Most likely this picture is of a remodel being done to the building.

The interior of the Arcade Building.

The Cookeville Arcade Building as it appeared in either 1930, or 1940. 

The building around 1960.

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