Throwback Thursday: Hunter and in-laws in the Mountains of N. Ga

Gnome Front of Sautee Store 

Throwback Thursday.  On December the 9th, 1967, we stopped here at the Sautee Country Store.  We were on our way to Unicoi State Park for our honeymoon.  We told the proprietor we were just married and gave us a unique copper  candelabra.  She told us she also had a store nearer to us in Vinnings, drop by and see her sometime.

I did not know it at the time but the Sautee Valley, just a few miles outside of Helen was rich with Hunter DNA history.

Just down the road a mile or two is the Stovall Covered Bridge.  It served as a prop and backdrop in the movie, I'D CLIMB THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN, which hired many extras locally, which included some Hunters.

Stovall Covered Bridge

On back up the road, heading back to the Sautee store was the Stovall Bed and Breakfast.  I do not know if it had changed names or not since we were there about ten years ago.

The Stovall House's claim to fame is that it was once owned by Moses Harshaw, who was given the nickname "The Meanest Man in Georgia". 

He earned that nickname by how he treated his slaves.  When they became too old to be productive  and became liability he simply  snuffed their lives out by pushing them off nearby Lynch Mountain or shooting them by the grave he just made them dig for themselves.  Moses also would not allow a slave to ride in the same buggy.  He would harness their head in leather and they had to run behind the buggy.  Heaven help them if they tripped.

Moses was also a lawyer, and was charged with man slaughter, regarding his slaves a number of time.  I think he was probably his number one client.

My g-g-g grandfather John Hunter's son William Johnson Hunter married Margaret England.  His sister Harriet Hunter married Margaret's brother Daniel England.  Margaret and Daniel England's aunt is Nancy England.  Nancy was Mrs. Moses Harshaw.

Harriet Hunter and Daniel England

Speaking of the England family of that area, they are the founding family of Helen, Georgia.

Neighbor of Moses and Nancy England Harshaw was Leander Newton Trammell (1830-1900) is my 1st cousin, 4 times removed.

Moses Harshaw House, more recently Stovall Bread and Brealfast

Leander went on to law school, earned his degree, and became a state representative.  As a state legislator he and others  certain lawmakers tried to keep the blacks subservient.  Also as a state representative, technically he was governor of Georgia for one day, between an outgoing governor and an incoming governor.  The Trammell House on Trammell Street was his.

Leander N. Trammell

Below are some genealogical notes I made on Leander Newton Trammell:

Leander Newton Trammell was raised in the Nacoochee Valley in northst Georgia.    At age 15  he attended a boarding school at Bates Creek in the Tennessee mountains..  It eventually became Hiwassee College.  Upon finishing his studies, Trammell settled in Mississippi, where he built a schoolhouse and begin instructing children of plantation owners.  In 1856 he married Zenobia Barclay and enrolled in the school of law at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee.  He was prcticing law in Ringgold, Georgia, when he was elected to the state House of Represenatives and Georiga succeeded form the Union.  He joined the 39th Regiment of the Georgia Volunteer Infantry as a captain in the Quatermaster Corps.

- MARIETTA, THE GEM CITY OF GEORGIA, by Douglas Frey, p179.

/In the book LIVING ON THE UNICOI ROAD by Matt GEDNEY a L. N. TRAMMELL is mentioned that would fit about the same time and area for Leander:

     In 1887, Mrs. Maria A. Jacqness of London, England, bought the "Trammell Place"  from L. N. TRAMMELL.  600 acres for $7000 in the Helen Valley (now know as Helen, Ga.).  L. N. moved near Dalton, in Whitfield County, Georgia.

     The unanimous choice of this gentlemen to preside over this body of the Senate of Georgia, whilst a just cause of pride and gratification to the numerous friends of Mr. Trammell, is at the same timea compliment paid to his integrity, high character and ability rarely if ever converred on any one before.  We tender our congratuations, and frankly express our conviction that the confidence envinced in Mr. Trammell by so dignafied a body as the Senate of Georgia is an earnest of his future usefulness and advancement. - THE ATLANTA SUN, January 9, 1873.

     Part of article signed "Coosa" from ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, May 1874:

     If ambition is a fault, if to want political postion is a fault, these are not faults which can be laid at the door of Colonel Trammell. That Colonel Trammell has a proper appreciation of official promotion, and fully understands the honor that flows to one who discharges a public trust with fidelity, I have no doubt.  But what I say is, that if he still an example of public men.  I regret it is a calamity when public men of high position suffer themselves to doubt the truth, and avow their doubts in the presence of young men.  My revered friend was fixed in his faith, openly profession the same and ended life holding to the saving truth of the Gospel.

     As a public servant of the State his career in the duties of war and peace was so varied, so continiuous, so faithful to duty, and so intelligent, that it may be truy said the history of Georgia for forty years past could be gathered about the thread of his individual life. His latest service in the very responsible position of Chairman of the State Railroad Commission was distinquished by such ability, such wisdom, and such conservatism that he left behind and almost perfected system of State control of railroad interests.  I can not speak of the particulars of his useful life at this hour.  I know that he has a high place in the esteem of his people, and has secured an enduring name in his State's history.  Let me commend the consolation of our holy relition to the bereaved family.  At last, after all the eulogy on a well-spent life, the best that can be said is, "He died in peace with God, and has his great reward in heaven."

     Colonel Trammell was reared on a farm.  His boyhood and youth were passed in working and going to school alternately.  When nineteen years old, he entered a boardingschool at Bates' Creek, now Hiwassee College, Tenn.  After spending fifteen months there, he taught school for awhile, and then read law under Simpson Reid at Blairsville, Ga.

     When he was married in 1856, he took his young wife to Lebanon, Tenn.,a and was the first year of his marriage life was spent at Law school.

     Being admitted to the bar, he located at Ringgold, Catoosta County, Ga., entering the practice as the junior member of the firm McConnell & Trammell.

     In 1861he was elected to the Legislature from Catoosa and re-elected without opposition.  In March, 1862, he entered the Confederate service as quartermaster, with the rank of captain.  The auditor complimented him in a personal letter on the excellence of his reports and stated that this was the only letter of the kind he had the pleasure of writing.

     In 1866, Colonel Trammell resumed the practice of law at Calhoun, Gordon County.

     He was elected to the Constitution Convention of 1867-1868, where he died the State good service.  He was the recognized leader of the patriotic little band of fourteen in that body known as the "Hancock Democracy".  It was through their tireless efforts that white supremacy was secured to Georgia in those dark days.  At the next election succeeding, Colonel Trammell was tendered the nomination for State Senator, but declined it.

     In 1870, he was elected to the State Senate and made the president of that body.

     When in 1871, Governor Rufus B. Bullock resigned and left the State, Colonel Trammell was by right Governor pro tem., but Benjamin Conley, the former president, claimed the right to perform the duties of Governor during the interregnum.  Serious consequences were narrowly averted. Leading Democrats urged Colonel Trammell to assert his rights, but forseeing that it would lead to disorder, he declined to do so.

     He was re-elected to the Senate in 1873, without opposition.  In 1876 he was made he was made a Tilden elector.

     It was in 1876 that the Seventh Congressional district was thrown into the furor of excitment by the first of a series of memorable campaigns, in which the lurid eloquence of Dr. Willam H. Felton lighted up that picturesque region like a series of bonfires.

     Colonel Trammell was nominated for Congress by the Democratic Convention and Dr. Felton, who became and independent candidate, attacked him with much acrimony and vigor.

     This sort of a campaign was not to Colonel Trammell's liking, and he soon retired, giving place to Hon. W.H. Dabney, of Rome, who made a stoud defence of the organized Democracy, but was defeated.

     He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1877, serving on the Committee of Revision.

     In 1881, he was President of the State Democratic Convention, and in 1882-1883 served as Chairman of the State Democratic Executive Committee.

     On the fifteenth of October, 1881, Governor Colquit appointed Colonel Trammell a member of the Railroad Commission to succeed Samuel Barnett, who term expired.

     The appointment was confirmed by the Legislature of 1882, and Governor Alexander H. Stephens issued a commission to Colonel Trammell on November 7th of that year.  The term was for six years.

     In March 1890, Colonel Trammell was made Chairman.

Marietta Daily Journal, Nov 22, 2005:

Built on 4½ acres, it originally faced Powder Springs Street with a road leading to the home. In 1927, R.H. Hutcheson purchased and subdivided the property and reoriented the home by moving it on logs pulled by mules. It now faces north, 100 feet from its original location. The City of Marietta then extended Trammell Street to Wright Street. When Rachel and Douglas Frey purchased the house in 1998, it had been divided into three apartments. They have recently completed a five-year renovation, transforming it back to its original configuration. A portrait of Col. Trammell, hangs in the State Capitol, but will be on loan exclusively for the tour, courtesy of the Georgia Capitol Museum, Office of Secretary of State Cathy Cox.

In the spring of 1887, Colonel Trammell began construction on a $4000   "magnificent structure of 13 rooms" on land he purchased from J.R. Winters.  Modeled after his previous residence in Dalton and built in the exuberent Queen Anne style, the Trammell House was designed by Atlanta's preeminent architects, Bruce and Morgan.  In a little more than 5 months local contractors L. Black and Son completed the home, and the Trammell family took up residence.

After he moved to Marietta it wasn't long before he was soon elected to the board of directors of the newly established First National Bank and the Brumby Chair Company.

Leander N. Newton with family,  Trammell House

Trammell House in 2012, present owners Doug and Rachel Frye.  The people shown are friends, they were giving a party the day I took tis.

Col Leander Newton Trammell, (1830-1900), My Cousin

Leander Newton Trammell 1830-1900).  Leander Newton Trammell was technically Governor of Georgia  for one day.  He was also head of the Georgia Railway System.  He and his family lived in Dalton, Whitfield  County, Georgia, and here in Marietta.  In each of his homes  in both towns they lived on Trammell Street.  Leander was my first cousin, four times removed.

Interesting his grandson, Niles Trammell , worked for the NBC Radio Network and signed on the radio series AMOS AND ANDY.  He later became president of NBC when they opened up televising.   Have you ever noticed on the AMOS & ANDY shows Marietta, Georgia (Niles Trammell) hometown was often mention, but the character George Stephens (Kingfish) as well as the actor who played him, Tim Moore,  was also  from Marietta, so I heard.

Ironically,  He was elected to the Constitution Convention of 1867-1868, where he died the State good service.  He was the recognized leader of the patriotic little band of fourteen in that body known as the "Hancock Democracy".  It was through their tireless efforts that white supremacy was secured to Georgia in those dark days.  was tendered the nomination for State Senator, but declined it.

Murder and Kinfolk

In the latest issue of GEORGIA BACK ROADS (Summer  2014) there is an article named FROM IMMAGRANT TO MAYOR by Scott Thompson.  It is about a German native, Henry Beusse,  who became Mayor of Athens, Georgia.  He was a natural leader and seemed to have his hand in every enterprise that proved good for the people, for example, he started Athens' Volunteer Fire Department.   Everybody seemed happy with him

However, three of his eleven children killed a man on the streets in Athens.  They had a fierce argument with the man one day, the next day, on the streets of Athens again, they demanded an apology and when he refused they got into a violent confrontation, which one of the Beusse Brothers used a heavy stick and hit the man over the head and killed him.    They were charged with murder and stood trial.

There is much more to the story than that - read it and see.  But I gave you a run down because it immediately reminded of my ancestor William Trammell's brother, Daniel Trammell (1745-1814).  He was shot by his step son on the streets near Athens.  Actually Wakinsville was the seat of of Clarke County, Georgia at the time.  Now, the county seat is only about 4 or 5 miles away in Athens, Georgia.

What I have on Daniel Trammell's incident in my genealogy information:

Daniel Trammell first married Mrs. Sarah BROWNFIELD, widow of John BROWNFIELD, who was killed by Indians.  In 1808, Sarah died and Daniel was the administrator of the BROWNFIELD Estate.  Children of John and Sarah BROWNFIELD did not like this situation:  Daniel TRAMMELL, their stepfather, had control of the money their real father had accumulated. Daniel married Fanny BOYD, 24 November 1809.  About the same time the BROWNFIELD children were suing Daniel for the estate.  As the years passed the feeling between their stepfather and them grew hotter.  On 21 November 1814, Sarah's son Benjamin THURMOND "murdered" Daniel.  The trial lasted ten days.  Ben was sentenced to be hanged 25 March 1815.  He escaped.  The authorities issued a three hundred-dollar reward for his capture.  He was recaptured and resentenced "to be hung or hanged by the neck at or near a gallows to be erected at or near Watkinsville, the county seat of Clarke County, Georgia, 14 April 1815."

Daniel Trammell (1745 - 1814)

My great g-g-g grandfather William Trammell (1752 - 1843) had 5 siblings and 6 half-siblings. 

One of his half siblings was Daniel Trammell  (1745-1814).  He was born in Virginia, and died in Clarke County (near Athens), Georgia.  He was married twice.  First to Mrs Sarah Brownfield, which they had  6 children and secondly, he was married to Fanny Boyd and they had 3 children.

Notes for Daniel Trammell:

He first married Mrs. Sarah BROWNFIELD, widow of John BROWNFIELD, who was killed by Indians. 

In 1808, Sarah died and Daniel was the administrator of the BROWNFIELD Estate.  

Children of John and Sarah BROWNFIELD did not like this situation:  Daniel TRAMMELL, their stepfather, had control of the money their real father had accumulated. Daniel married Fanny BOYD, 24 November 1809.  About the same time the BROWNFIELD children were suing Daniel for the estate.  As the years passed the feeling between their stepfather and them grew hotter.  

On 21 November 1814, Sarah's son Benjamin THURMOND "murdered" Daniel.  The trial lasted ten days.  Ben was sentenced to be hanged 25 March 1815.  He escaped.  The authorities issued a three hundred-dollar reward for his capture.  He was recaptured and resentenced "to be hung or hanged by the neck at or near a gallows to be erected at or near Watkinsville, the county seat of Clarke County, Georgia, 14 April 1815."

Book Report: KINGS MOUNTAIN by Sharyn McCrumb

The Battle of King's Mountain was October 7, 1780.

KING'S MOUNTAIN  by Sharyn McCrumb.   I knew this book was coming out and was eager to read it.  It is about the the Battle of King's Mountain in the Revolutionary War.  The reason I wanted to read it because my ancestor William Trammell and some of  his brothers fought in that battle. One of  William's arm was sliced off during the combat, but he lived into his 80s.  The battle itself lasted about one hour but of course it had a lot of events which were explained before and the many events afterwards. 

Interesting Kings Mountain is on the border of North Carolina and South Carolina, and it is not much of a mountain at all.  The book explains that it wasn't named in honor of a King as some thought, but after a man with the surname King who once owned much of the property.

The leading officers on both sides in the book were actually people that were actually there that fateful day, which was the turning point in the war.  Sharyn McCrumb gave the leaders conversations between themselves, which I  have mixed feelings about.  It is giving some credit for saying some very profound statements , which they may or may not have really said.  But if they didn't say what they are credited for  they should have, I suppose.

The book shows examples of the cruelties of war on both sides.  The British, the Tories, and the Patriots. Indians, and whoever else.   They were mostly* hanging  happy.   Hang your enemies and make good examples of them.  The good guys were just as bad, up to a point. In many cases it was neighbor against neighbor, even friend or relative against the same with deathly results.

Another thing McCrumb brought up I had never thought of but it makes sense, even as cold hearted as it is:  Before going into battle only the well-bodied men went.  It you were sick or weak you stayed behind without  much weapon power, the ones going into battle would need those.  That would leave a bunch of weak  weaponless men fend for themselves, in case the enemy Army came marching by and saw them.  It would have been a slaughter, but that didn't happen.

Sharyn did some very detailed research  to explains some behind the scenes that you will not find in the history books.  It was a good read and I feel I gained some knowledge reading it. 

*except the Indians, they were not mentioned much but they had killing methods, other than hanging.

And Then What?

After we declared our Independence from England we had to put up or shut up.  There was a war with a lot of hangings and shootings.  To make a long story short:  We won!

My ancestor William Trammell and his brothers fought the Brits  at different points in the Carolinas with the last one for him at the Battle of Kings Mountain, North Carolina.    His arm was sliced off during combat.  He lived to be about 86 years old and is buried at the First Methodist Church in Franklin, North Carolina.  

1st Color Broadcast on the 1st

Niles Trammell, pictured above, was President of NBC when it made history January 1, 1954, by broadcasting the Tournament of Roses from Pacsadena, California.*

I'm curious, how many people would have color TV sets then to receive the broadcast?

One year my son Rocky in the Sprayberry High School Band marched in the Tournament of Roses Parade playing his trombone.  A few years before, my first cousin, once removed in-law Paul Prance marched in that parade.

And while I am raking up for claims of fame through relatives, I should mention that Niles Trammell (above), is/was my 3rd cousin, twice removed.

*According to my UNCLE JOHN'S TV TRIVIA PAGE-A-DAY Calendar on this date.

Today In History, June 28:

1894:  Labor Day was establlished as a Federal Holiday.   However the way the trend is going in present time, it looks like the Holiday will be changed to "Executive Day".

1951: "Amos & Andy" premeired on CBS-TV.  Did I tell you my 3rd cousin, several times removed, Niles Trammell, as an excutive with NBC Radio before there was TV signed up "Amos & Andy" Radio Show?  Of course I did.

TRAMMELL, Party of 200.

Lillian Darden & B.Kirk

Mark Kirk

a Leander N. Trammell Descendant & Harlan Trammell (also)

Nell H? & Mayor Steve "Thunder" Tumlin

Bob Boston &; Daughters (Leander N. Trammell Descendants)

The Ghost on the 2nd Floor

Joe Kirby

Lillian & Buddy Darden

JoAnn & Stewart Campbell

We went to the 125^th  birthday party of the Trammell House yesterday.  We had a good time.  The owners Doug and Rachel Frey know how to throw a birthday party.   They seemed to be all over the house, keeping everything going smoothly.  They are excellent hosts.

Funny thing, I thought so anyway, was Congressman Buddy Darden and I both let out our wives  in front of the house then we  drove our vehicles almost around the block and parked at a parking lot on Wright Street, about a block away.  It was drizzling rain slightly and Buddy had an umbrella, which he held over my head too.   We walked and had a nice conversation.   There we were, an ex-United States Congressman holding an umbrella for a retired postal worker.  Shouldn’t it be the other way around?   Do you think other U.S. Congressmen of Georgia ex and present, such as Newt Gingrich, Tom Price, Bob Barr, or Phil Gingrey  would walk at my pace protecting me from the rain?

Two of Marietta’s Mayors were there, previously and present:  Bill Dunaway and Steve “Thunder” Tumlin, along with other notables.  There was a lot others such  friends, relatives, associates, and Trammell-kin (that is where we fit in, and hopefully as friends also).

Doug has done a tremendous amount of research on the Trammell House, the Trammell family, all the houses and the connected families for his excellent book MARIETTA, THE GEM CITY OF GEORGIA.

There is an article in Sunday’s Marietta Daily Journal about Doug, Rachel, the Trammell House and the original owner to the Trammell House, Leander Newton Trammell, and some of his off spring. I am not going to repeat the article, but give you a rundown of my own connection to the Trammell family (you may have read this a hundred times on Chicken-fat already, so if you have, click the exit X now.  Bail out why you still can!

My great grandfather William A. Hunter was born in 1842 in Franklin, Macon County, North Carolina.  His mother was Rebecca Trammell, who probably died before 1850.  William lived with his grandparents Jacob B. Trammell and Polly Hogshead, along with their children.  Polly was a full-blooded Cherokee Indian and died before 1860 while tending her fish traps in the Little Tennessee River.  Jacob and three brothers:  Robert, Jehu, and Javan Trammell.  Jehu and his wife Elizabeth Fain are the parents of Leander Newton Trammell, of the Trammell House in Marietta.

Their parents are William Trammell and Mary “Zilphia” Lynch.

Getting back to William A. Hunter, my great grandfather:  He grew up with the last name Trammell.  He enlisted into the CSA as last name of Trammell and married with that last name.

In the Summer of 1864 his unit fought on Kennesaw Mountain, here near Marietta.  He was shot in the knee and was placed in a private home  for recuperation near Woodstock but the war ended before he was able to rejoin his unit.  He returned to his wife Elmaline and son Charlie in Franklin, North Carolina.  After about a year his uncle, Van, who was the same age as he, killed a man arguing politics.  He was accused of being involved in the murder.  He and Van fled.  Van went to Arkansas where his brother moved  and William and his family went to Texas and spent several years.  They had a hard  time scratching out a living and returned east.  My grandfather was born on their way in 1879 near Paris, Texas.  His name is Frank Paris Hunter.  I think by his name they left Paris and the destination was Franklin. 

But by the time they were going through Georgia they stopped to visit people and friends where he recuperated and decided to settle there. By then he changed his name to William A. Hunter.

He was in his right, sort of, to change his name. Rebecca carried Jason Henderson Hunter to court to sue him for bastardy and won. And later after the Civil War William and Jason wrote letters to one another that reflected their father/son relationship.

Now, there are well over a hundred off-springs of William Hunter and his wife Emaline Ray in the Cobb County area.

Here is a coincidence that is not mystic or anything, just coincidental:  William's great grandfather William Trammell fought in the Revolutionary War and during the Battle of King's Mountain his arm was sliced off.  Then William Hunter, his name was William Trammell at the time was shot in the knee during the Civil War at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.  Get it?  At two wars fought on America soil, on Mountains with their names beginning with K two William Trammells were wounded in combat.


My great grandfather William A. Hunter and Col Leander Newton Trammell were first cousins, once removed. Col Leander Newton Trammell and I are first cousins, 4 times removed.  It doesn't matter that one of us is dead.

Who Do I Think I Am? Part 98

Parts of an email received from a distant relative in Texas and the last paragraph by me:

“Michael James “Mike” Smith b.1858 AL married 1rst Ida Virginia Moreman Jan 10, 1880 in Collin County Texas. After they married they went back to Mississippi where some of his family were. They had 2 sons John Franklin and Jesse James.

He brought Ida and the boys back to Collin County, Tx on the train left them with her family and returned to MS to bring household good and farm equip back to TX. They never heard from HIM AGAIN. HE NEVER RETURNED so they didn’t know if he had been killed or just run off.
After we started our research we found his brother Felix Smith’s Granddaughter in Newton County MS.
She told us the Mike’s brother Felix said that Mike and his younger brother Oliver had gotten into trouble by lynching a black man. They came to the Felix’s house to fill their guns and they told him they would never be caught alive and they were leaving and he never heard from them again. When we called his Granddaughter she vividly recalled this story and knew who our MIKE was… After 10 yrs of searching we found Mike Smith in the Indian Territory in OK in 1900. He had met up with the Gadberry’s and the Trammell’s in TX.

He married the 17 yrs old daughter of Jacob Van Buren Trammell and Cynthia Addington and her name was Idella Olive Trammell. We found their marriage license in Denton County TX.”


Then I put in my 2₵:
Idella Olive Trammell (1871-1930)’s, parents, as mentioned above were Jacob Vanburen “Van” Trammell and Cynthia Ann “Tennie” Addington. Van’s parents were Jacob B. and Polly Hogshead Trammell, my g-g-g-g grandparents. That makes Idella Olive Trammell Smith my first cousin, 3 times removed and her husband Michael James “Mike” Smith my cousin-in-law.

OM Rex Knight

This video was taken September 2010 at the Bell Reunion.

Rex mentions Sautee Valley near Helen, in north Georgia.
Sautee is the community my distant relative Leander Newton Trammell and his wife and kids lived for a while. Leander Trammell also had the Trammell House in Marietta built. It is also where my distant relative-in-law Moses Harshaw lived, who at the time was considered the meanest man in Georgia (because the way he treated his slaves).

Also in the Sautee area is a closed covered bridge. It was a backdrop in the movie “I’LL CLIMB THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN.”

Who Do I Think I am? Wow! part 32, the Alamo

The first of our Trammell line that came to America is Thomas Trammell. (about 1654-1720). He married Mary Alice Williams (after 1654 – 1689). They had 4 children. One of those was John Trammell (1674/75-1753). He married Mary Garrard Hutt. They had 9 children. One of them was Gerrard Trammell (about 1704- abt 1786). He married Mary Fields. They had 9 children. One of those was Phillip Trammell (1732-1819) . Phillip married Mary Jemima Grymes (1736-1826), They had 8 children. One of those was Sampson Trammell (d.1784).

He had at least two sons. One was Burk Trammell (d 06 Mar 1836 in San Antonio, , Tx.

TRAMMEL, BURKE (1810-1836). Burke traveled to Texas from Tennessee. He took part in the siege of Bexar.qv He later served in the Alamo garrison as a member of Capt. William R. Carey'sqv artillery company. Trammel died in the battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Daughters of the American Revolution, The Alamo Heroes and Their Revolutionary Ancestors (San Antonio, 1976). Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Muster Rolls of the Texas Revolution (Austin, 1986). Bill Groneman, Alamo Defenders (Austin: Eakin, 1990).

This is a claim to fame if you are related. There were only about 200 Americans that defended the Alamo. Take this document along with proof you are a senior citizen or a coupon to almost any fast food place and either get a free or a discount on your coffee.

Wow! Who Do You Think I am? Part 31

Speaking of Margaret Mitchell. And Trammell connections (see part 30):

Leander Newton Trammell (1830-1900) and his wife Zenobia Barclay (1834-1934) and nine children. One of the children was Fleta Barclay Trammell (1870- ? ), Fleta married Frank Mackey Boston (1870- ? ). They had three children, two boys and a girl.

The girl was Zenobia Barclay Boston (1897- ? ). A family story has been handed down that “Aunt Zenobia” owned a bookstore and was friends with Margaret Mitchell. Margaret was ran over just as she left the bookstore, which cost her her life.

Wow! Who Do You Think I am? Part 30

Above - Leander Newton Trammell Famiy on the lawn of the Trammell House in Marietta, Georgia.


Marietta has a Christmas season tradition every year of Tour of Homes or Marietta Pilgrimage. We have been going for the past ten or so years and each house we found interesting and enjoyable. A few years ago the Trammell House on Trammell Street was one of the five or six houses to be toured.

I knew quite a bit about the home’s original owner Leander Newton Trammell and couldn’t wait to see inside. It was a fine old house in excellent shape. The docents in each room told us the owner was an architect and restored the house to how it was originally.



Above, Trammell House picture about three years ago.

I wanted to take pictures but one of the rules on the tour is no photography inside the houses. I noticed a nice looking young lady taking pictures. She had a big camera, like a Canon or a Nikon. I thought she was probably from the Marietta Daily Journal. I thought I might get away with taking the pictures if I stayed close to her, people might think we were together. I got beside her and starting clicking away down the wide hallway upstairs. She turned around to me and said, “You are not suppose to take pictures inside houses on this tour.”



I wanted to retort, "You are!" But I have better sense, most of the time, to be more tactul.

I told her it was OK, I was related to the owner (“of long ago” I added in a mumble). She quickly informed me that she was the owner and she might have added that we were not related.

I admitted to her that I didn’t mean the present owner, I meant the man who built the house, and I gave her a quick rundown of my relation with the Trammell family.

She introduced herself as Rachel Frey and I got to know her and her husband (the architect) and we keep either other informed with our email and occasionally run into each other over the years.

The husband Doug has recently written a book about the grand old houses of the elite of Marietta and the area’s architect of long ago. From what I heard I think it is a very good book.

Also, not long ago NPR TV did a Margaret Mitchell study and they used the inside Trammell house and the director decided he was going to cast Rachel as Margaret Mitchell because she was so charming and photogenic. In one scene, she is typing away on an old manual type writer and she has a few lines here and there.

It will be aired in June, as Rachel tells us below:

Wow! Who Do I Think I am? Part 29

Niles Trammell

Colonel Leander Newton Trammell’s grandson, Niles Trammell, born in Marietta, became president of one of the most popular companies, and maybe one of the most powerful and influential, NBC. He was the president when National Broadcasting Corp extended their airwaves for television. But many would say he made his mark when, before he was president, when he signed up the radio program Amos & Andy's creators and writers Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll (notice that the cast members mentioned Marietta, Georgia, often – I don’t know for certain but I think it was in the originator contract, probably written by Niles Trammell, Marietta native.

Amos & Andy was on the radio from 1928 to 1955 and on TV from 1951 to 1953. Ironically CBS carried the TV show, not NBC.

Wow! Who Do I Think I Am? part 28

Above - Leander Newton Trammell
Other than Jacob Trammell William and Mary Zilphia Lynch Trammel had three other children, all sons.

Robert Trammel, who probably died in Gilmer or Fannin County, Georgia. Robert married Mary and 5 children.

Jehu Jasper Trammell. He held in trust Chattahoochee Methodist Church, just a few miles south of Helen, Ga., in the Sautee area. Jehu married Elizabeth Fain and they had seven children, one was Leander Newton Trammell, which more will follow.

Javan Trammell (1795-1857). Affidavit of J.S. Sutherland says in part: J. Van Trammell is an honest, hard working poor man and he took care of his father in his helpless old age. I hope that you make the money payable to J.Van Trammell and not to the widow as you have a full statement of the matter." Javan married Sarah Davis and they had 16 children. Javan died in Fannin County, Ga.

Now, back to Leander Newton Trammell (1830-1900), son of Jehu Trammell. Leander is/was my 1st cousin, 4 times removed. He is mentioned in the book LIVING ON THE UNICOI ROAD by Matt Gedney as having been next door neighbor to the meanest man in Georgia, an almost-Hunter relation, mentioned earliler. Leander was a very influencial Georgia State Represenative and I heard as a technicalilty he was Governor of Georgia for one day. He ended up as head commissioner of Georgia Railroads. He had a nice home on Trammell Street in Marietta and also another nice home in Dalton, Georgia, where he died. He married Zenobia Barclay and they had 9 children.

Here is what I am on my genealogical notes about Leander Newton Trammell:

Col. Leander Newton Trammell (1830 – 1900) lived in Marietta, among other places. He is descended from the Same William Trammell, Revolutionary War Soldier as most Hunters in the Marietta are. Here are various press clippings:

In the book LIVING ON THE UNICOI ROAD by Matt GEDNEY a L. N. TRAMMELL is mentioned that would fit about the same time and area for Leander:
In 1887, Mrs. Maria A. Jacqness of London, England, bought the "Trammell Place" from L. N. TRAMMELL. 600 acres for $7000 in the Helen Valley (now know as Helen, Ga.). L. N. moved near Dalton, in Whitfield County, Georgia.

The unanimous choice of this gentlemen to preside over this body of the Senate of Georgia, whilst a just cause of pride and gratification to the numerous friends of Mr. Trammell, is at the same timea compliment paid to his integrity, high character and ability rarely if ever converred on any one before. We tender our congratuations, and frankly express our conviction that the confidence envinced in Mr. Trammell by so dignafied a body as the Senate of Georgia is an earnest of his future usefulness and advancement. - THE ATLANTA SUN, January 9, 1873.

Part of article signed "Coosa" from ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, May 1874:

If ambition is a fault, if to want political postion is a fault, these are not faults which can be laid at the door of Colonel Trammell. That Colonel Trammell has a proper appreciation of official promotion, and fully understands the honor that flows to one who discharges a public trust with fidelity, I have no doubt. But what I say is, that if he still an example of public men. I regret it is a calamity when public men of high position suffer themselves to doubt the truth, and avow their doubts in the presence of young men. My revered friend was fixed in his faith, openly profession the same and ended life holding to the saving truth of the Gospel.

As a public servant of the State his career in the duties of war and peace was so varied, so continiuous, so faithful to duty, and so intelligent, that it may be truly said the history of Georgia for forty years past could be gathered about the thread of his individual life. His latest service in the very responsible position of Chairman of the State Railroad Commission was distinquished by such ability, such wisdom, and such conservatism that he left behind and almost perfected system of State control of railroad interests. I can not speak of the particulars of his useful life at this hour. I know that he has a high place in the esteem of his people, and has secured an enduring name in his State's history. Let me commend the consolation of our holy religion to the bereaved family. At last, after all the eulogy on a well-spent life, the best that can be said is, "He died in peace with God, and has his great reward in heaven."

Colonel Trammell was reared on a farm. His boyhood and youth were passed in working and going to school alternately. When nineteen years old, he entered a boardingschool at Bates' Creek, now Hiwassee College, Tenn. After spending fifteen months there, he taught school for awhile, and then read law under Simpson Reid at Blairsville, Ga.

When he was married in 1856, he took his young wife to Lebanon, Tenn.,a and was the first year of his marriage life was spent at Law school.
Being admitted to the bar, he located at Ringgold, Catoosta County, Ga., entering the practice as the junior member of the firm McConnell & Trammell.

In 1861he was elected to the Legislature from Catoosa and re-elected without opposition. In March, 1862, he entered the Confederate service as quartermaster, with the rank of captain. The auditor complimented him in a personal letter on the excellence of his reports and stated that this was the only letter of the kind he had the pleasure of writing.
In 1866, Colonel Trammell resumed the practice of law at Calhoun, Gordon County.

He was elected to the Constitution Convention of 1867-1868, where he died the State good service. He was the recognized leader of the patriotic little band of fourteen in that body known as the "Hancock Democracy". It was through their tireless efforts that white supremacy was secured to Georgia in those dark days. At the next election succeeding, Colonel Trammell was tendered the nomination for State Senator, but declined it.
In 1870, he was elected to the State Senate and made the president of that body.

When in 1871, Governor Rufus B. Bullock resigned and left the State, Colonel Trammell was by right Governor pro tem., but Benjamin Conley, the former president, claimed the right to perform the duties of Governor during the interregnum. Serious consequences were narrowly averted. Leading Democrats urged Colonel Trammell to assert his rights, but forseeing that it would lead to disorder, he declined to do so.
He was re-elected to the Senate in 1873, without opposition. In 1876 he was made he was made a Tilden elector.

It was in 1876 that the Seventh Congressional district was thrown into the furor of excitment by the first of a series of memorable campaigns, in which the lurid eloquence of Dr. Willam H. Felton lighted up that picturesque region like a series of bonfires.

Colonel Trammell was nominated for Congress by the Democratic Convention and Dr. Felton, who became and independent candidate, attacked him with much acrimony and vigor.
This sort of a campaign was not to Colonel Trammell's liking, and he soon retired, giving place to Hon. W.H. Dabney, of Rome, who made a stoud defence of the organized Democracy, but was defeated.
He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1877, serving on the Committee of Revision.

In 1881, he was President of the State Democratic Convention, and in 1882-1883 served as Chairman of the State Democratic Executive Committee.
On the fifteenth of October, 1881, Governor Colquit appointed Colonel Trammell a member of the Railroad Commission to succeed Samuel Barnett, who term expired.
The appointment was confirmed by the Legislature of 1882, and Governor Alexander H. Stephens issued a commission to Colonel Trammell on November 7th of that year. The term was for six years.
In March 1890, Colonel Trammell was made Chairman.

above - Col Leander Newton Trammell's obelisk in West Hill Cemtery, Dalton, Georgia

Wow! Who Do I Think I Am? part 27

Jacob & Polly Hogshead Trammell's last two children:

9. Violet Polina Trammell (1833-1877). I have little information on Violet. She married twice, (1) Calvin J. Phillips and (2) Andrew Jackson Gadberry. She moved to Arkansas.

10. Jacob Vanburen "Van" Trammell (abt 1836 – aft 1880). Pvt. Co.A. 7th Battalion NC Cavalry, CSA; Pvt. Co. e., 65th Regt. NC Troops, (6 Regt NC Cavalry), CSA

Van and his nephew William A. Hunter/Trammell. supposedly killed a Lambert man and fled to Macon Co.
Surname TRAMMELL from Darlene Lackey, posting 1405 June 18, 2004.

The mail I received years ago told me William Trammell and his brother Van killed a man. Van was actually William's uncle, but they were near the same age, had the same last name of Trammell, so probably some people thought they were bothers.


Van married twice (1) Mary Ann Morgan Macon County, NC, 1960 and they had 3 children and (2)) Cynthia Ann 'Tennie' Addingto, Benton County, Arkansas, 1867, and they had 4 children.

Wow! Who Do I Think I Am? part 26

A few more of my anscestor Rebecca Trammell's siblilngs.

6. William K. Trammell (1828 - ? ). Other then the land business transactions of William K. Trammell very little is known of him. I could not find a marriage record. He either moved on or went into the Civil War and was one of the many fatalities


7. Nancy Trammell (1829 – 1899). Nancy is another one that little is known about. She married Isam Evans (1822-1907). He fought in the Mexican War. They moved to Goldwait, Texas, where they spent the rest of their lives.

8. Harriet Trammell (c1832-1867). Harriet only lived 35 years. It is not known if she married or what. The only knowledge we have of her is from the Macon county, North Carolina, court records:

Sept 1854 - Bastardy - vs Enoch CUNNINGHAM
Sept 1855 - . Bastardy - vs Dewitt CUNNINGHAM

It appears the Dewitt didn’t learn from the errors of his probable brother.

Wow! Who Do I think I Am? part 25

5. Zylpha Trammell (1825-1916).

Zylpha also had some land dealings with her brother William K. Trammell, and ex-lover Jonathan Ford.. She moved with her sister Caroline to Benton Co., Grande Prairie Township, Arkansas.


Her bastardy court docket is interesting:

March 1847 vs Harry Stalcup
March 1848 vs Jonathan Ford. The defendant confesses judgement for costs and files bond in the sum of $500 to the State to indemnity the County.
March 1849 – Harry Stalcup B.H. Stalcup to pay $20 down, $20 in 12 months and $20 in 2 more year
March 1852 – Jonathan Ford.

Unless there 2nd case was a continuation of the first case, it appears that Harry Stalcup and Jonathan Ford did not learn their lesson the first time, so they came back for seconds.

Wow! Who Do I think I Am? part 24

Jacob and Polly Trammell's children continued.

4. Caroline Margaret Trammell (c1822 - ?)

There are quite a few, maybe dozens, Macon County deeds showing business transactions land on the banks of the rivers in and near Franklin, NC. between Caroline, her father Jacob, her brother William K. and their neighbor Jonathan Ford. It is interesting that her sister Zylpha sued Jonathan Ford for bastardy in 1848 and again in 1852.

Caroline Margaret married Swen Graham first and secondly Elijah Teague.

She moved with her sister Zylpha to Benton Co., Grande Prairie Township, Arkansas.