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The Family Garden
Notes
Sterling MCDEARMAN
Sterling McDearman was born in Virginia in 1797. His wife Lucinda (Lucy) Hurt was born in Virginia in 1801. They both died in 1863 and are buried between Como and Paris, TN. They moved from Virginia to Henry County, TN in 1836. They had 13 children. Five children were born in VA: William D. - 1821, Susan A. -1825, Patience A - 1830, John Smith - 1832, and Clement Clark - 1834. Three children were born in Henry County: Elizabeth R - 1836, Lucinda L - 1842 and Virginia S. -1844. Susan A McDearman never married. She died in Paris, TN in 1907. Patience married Jimmy McGeehee in Paris, TN on 2 Jan 1854. They had three children: Jack, Sam and Charlie (a girl). William D. married S.E. Burnett in Paris, TN on 20 Feb 1863. They had these children: Horace who died at age 15, Mary who married Charlie Owen, and John John is buried at Lewis Cemetery in Paris, TN. Clement Clark married Mary Darby on 14 May 1854. They had no children. His second wife was Rebecca Ann Edwards, married on 12 Apr 1863. They had two children,Thomas Dudley who is buried in Woodlawn cemetery in Sharon, TN, and Mary Lou (Effie) born in 1868, married in 1888 and died in 1920. Virginia S. died at age 16 in Paris, TN in 1860. What happened to Elizabeth R. is unknown. John Smith McDearman is our Grandpa Mac -history on another page.
A John McDearman died a wealthy man in Danville, Pittsylvania County,Virginia. He was a brother of Sterlings.
W.J. Hurt, a brother of Lucy Hurt McDearman, was a county judge in Henry County. Also a pioneer minister in Carroll County. His two sons were ministers in Carroll County also.
Mary Jane McDearman married C.W. Puckett in Paris, TN. They had one son Billy Hall Puckett. He lived somewhere in TX.
These notes were in the McDearman genealogy book created by Laurie Jeanne Karnes Graves (my mother). I do not know where she obtained the information. These notes say that Sterling and Lucinda had 13 children, but only 8 are listed here and on the Family Group Sheet. (Note, in William D. McDearman's obituary, it says he is one of 13 children -- see notes for William D. McDearman).
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1840 Census, Henry County, Tennessee
(notes are mine)
McDerman, Sterling
Males 5-10 years old: 3
note: John, Clement and unknown child
Males 10-20 years old: 1
note: William
Males 40-50 years old: 1
note: Sterling (the father)
Females under 5: 1
note: Elizabeth
Females ages 5-10: 1
note: Unknown child
Females ages 10-15: 2
Patience and unknown child
Females ages 15-20: 1
Susan
Females ages 30-40: 1
note: Lucinda (the mother)
Slaves
Male ages 55-100: 1
Females under 10: 1
Females ages 36-55: 1
Notes: This census accounts for 9 children born to this family in 1840. I can only account for 6 of them. The missing ones may be among the children I cannot identify yet (I have 9, documents refer to 13 children in total).
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1850 Census, 5th Civil District, Henry County, Tennessee, Household #23-24
McDeamon, Sterling, age 53, male, Occupation: Farmer, Real Estate: $300, b. Virginia
Lucinda, age 40, female, b. Virginia
Susan A., age 25, female, b. Virginia
Patience A., age 20, female, b. Virginia
William D, age 29, male, b. Virginia
John S., age 17, male, b. Virgnia
Clement C. age 16, male, b. Virginia
Elizabeth R., age 14, female, b. Virginia
Lucinda L., age 8, female, b. Tennessee
Virginia S., age 6, female, b. Tennessee
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1860 Census, P. O. Paris, 5th District, Henry County, Tennesee, Household # 284-292
McDermon, Sterling, age 62, male, Occupation: Farmer, Real Estate Value: $1,500, Personal Property Value: $300, b. Virginia
Lucinda, age 59, female, b. Virginia
Elizabeth R. age 24, female, b. Virginia
Clemen C., age 25, male, Occupation: Farmer, Personal Property Value: $650, b. Virginia
Mary E., age 2, female, b. Tennessee
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Slave Schedule, 1860, Henry County, Tennessee
Sterling McDerrmon
One slave: age 60, female, black
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Research Notes for possible parents/relatives of Sterling:
1. (Possible brother)
1870 Census, Como, 5th District, Tennessee, page 19, Family # 116, Enumeration Date: 18 Jul 1870
McDermon, C. age 96, father and grandfather, value of real estate $1000, value of personal estate $1000, b. Virginia (estimated birth year 1774)
S., father, male, age 75, b. Virginia (estimated birth year 1795)
R. A, female, age 26, b. Tennessee (estimated birth year 1844)
S. F., female, age 46, b. Tennessee (estimated birth year 1824)
T. D., male, age 6, b. Tennessee (estimated birth year 1864)
W. H., female, age 3, b. Tennessee (estimated birth year 1867)
M. E., female, age 1, b. Tennessee (estimated birth year 1869)
Hurt, R., female, age 26, b. Tennesee (estimated birth year 1844)
Note, birth years are my estimates based on age in census.
I have a strong feeling this family is related to our Sterling McDearman based on the following:
Sterling was born 1797 in Virginia and moved to Tennessee and lived between Como and Paris. This C. McDermon is found in Como, TN in 1870 and was born circa 1774 in Virginia. There is also a R. Hurt living with this family. Sterling married Lucinda Hurt, so the Hurt families likely maintained relationships after they moved to Tennessee. Sure wish the census taker had written names instead of inititals! 2. Possible Brother: James McDemeath m. 1 Dec 1797 Nancy Sutton, Spotslyvania Co. Marriage Records
Richard McDearmon m. 14 Mar 1789, Lettie Ford, Sur. Alberry Ford, Amelia Co. Marriage Bonds.
3. Possible Brother: Michael McDearmon m. 26 Feb 1787 Sally Ford, Sur. Henry Ford, Amelia Co. Marriage Bonds.
*Source: Marriages of Some Virginia Residents, 1607-1800, Dorothy Ford Wulfeck, Vol II
Amelia County Marriage Bonds - Volume 16, No. 4; Pages 269 - 283,
Page 269.
February 26, 1787 -- McDearman, Michael & Sally Ford.
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RESEARCH NOTES
The following records were provided to my mother by the VA-NC Piedmont Genealogical Society from a query sent to them. Address: P. O. Box 2272, Danville, VA. 24541. The envelope is posted 8 Jan 1990. Marriages of Pitts County, Virginia 1831-1861
A Thomas R. McDearman maried Elizabeth A. Hurt, sur - Obadiah Ecbels, Sarah Hurt, mother by Rev. Joel Habbard on 22 Oct 1845
James M. McDearman to Elizabeth E. Motley, Sur. Hez G. Archer, s/c J. Gailand by Rev. John L. Pritchard
This couple is found on the 1850 census for Pitts County, VA
Thomas R. McDearman, age 16
Elizabeth McDearman, age 27
James McDearman, age 2
Living next to them is:
James McDearman, age 29
Elizabeth McDearman, age 21
Some death dates for the Period of 1853-1896 from Pitts Co, VA:
2 infants of Thomas & Elizabeth, May 1860, another 1862, each 3 days old.
One infant, Joseph M. McDearman, JR. son of Joseph and Elizabeth, 30 Sep 1861. Could this be James?
Greenhill Cemetery, Records, Vol. 2
T. R. McDearman
b. 12 Aug 1823 - d. 7 Apr 1899
Elizabeth McDearman Blanton
wife of Jesse Blanton
b. 19 Dec 156 - d. 14 Nov 1889
Mary Matilda McDearman, b. 9 Dec 1861, d. 28 Jan 1841
Leemont Cemetery Records
Elizabeth McDearman, b. 26 Oct 1825 - d. 25 Jun 1905
J. M. McDearman, b. 16 Aug 1821 - d. 14 Feb 1892, CSA
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Mom was researching a Capt. Thomas McDearman - I don't know why.
Lucinda (Lucy) HURT
She is mentioned serveral times in her father's will which was executed in 1819, so it is assumed she married after his death.
Susan A MCDEARMAN
Copy from an unknown newspaper, found in my mother's documents: Aunt Susan McDearman, aged eighty three years, died at the home of her brother, Eld. C. C. McDearman, on last Saturday, death being due to the infirmities of old age and from injuries recieved in a fall one week before here death. Aunt Susan, as she was familiarly called by her friends, was a model woman; she was a God-fearing woman and her life had been consecrated to the cause of herMaster, in whose faith she lived and died. The body was interred Sunday at the Jolly Springs burying ground, services being conducted by Elders Matheney and Powers. To the aged brother, who has labored long and faithfully in the Master's vinyard, we extend profound sympathy.
Mary E. MCDEARMAN
She is probably not a child of Sterling and Lucinda, more likely a grandchild, but am keeping her here until I find out who her parents were. She is listed on the 1860 census with Sterling. (see notes for Sterling McDearman).
John Perry HANSON
Found in the 1890 Tax Rolls for White Co, AR:
Hanson, J.P., Harrison Township, School Dist. 39, no occupation listed.
J. C. GILL
Excerpt from : (From "A Centennial History of Arkansas", edited by Dallas T. Herndon, the Director of the Dept. of Archives & History, published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago-Little Rock,1922.) about W. W. Gill, DDS, son of J.C. and Fannie Gill:
His parents being J. C. & Fannie J. (Hanson) Gill, who were natives of Tenn. & of Alabama, respectively. The father came to Ark. in 1871, settling in White Co. He was a carpenter & devoted most of his time to his trade, being among the early carpenters of this state (Arkansas). He also farmed to some extent. He was married here & afterward took up his abode in Judsonia, where he continued to make his home until his demise, which occurred in 1885, when he was 38 years of age. His widow long survived, departing this life in 1914, at the age of 56 years. They were the parents of 4 children, of whom 3 are living, WW.; R. H. a resident of Memphis, Tenn, and GG., who is located in Judsonia. One child of the family died in infancy. The mother was a faithful follower of the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Fannie J. HANSON
Data from Louise Birchfield, 1996.There is no record of her in 1860.
Fannie J. HANSON
Data from Louise Birchfield, 1996.There is no record of her in 1860.
James HURT
James Hurt married his step-sister, Agnes Mann Harrison, daughter of Robert and Phoebe Mann, and widow of Peterson Harrison.
James was not listed as "one of four children in 1763" in his father'swill.
"Marriage Bonds & Ministers' Returns of Halifax Co., VA 1753-1
OCCUPATION: Baptist Minister
MILITARY: Revolutionary War; Private in the Virginia Continental Linefor 3 years. For this service he was given a land grant of 100 acres.
CENSUS: 1790,1800,1810 Campbell Co., VA
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James Hurt's WILL:
My last will and testament. Item 1st I commit my body to the groundfrom whence it came and my soul to God who gave it. 2nd and astouching such worldly goods the following manner.
Item 3rd it is my desire that all just debts be paid the principles ofwhich is due to Thomas Rudd for Paula W. Clarks land a considerableportion of which has been paid and a faithful statement is entered onmy book in the desk.
Item the loan to my wife Agness the tract of land whereon Inow.....natural life. Also five negroes to wit, Andrew and Riller hiswife, David and Edith his wife and Betty..Woman during her naturallife.
Item 5th I give and bequeath to my before said wife one third part ofmy stock of horses cattle, hogs and sheep, household and kitchenfurniture, to her and her heirs forever.
Item 6th I give and bequeath unto my son John Man Hurt all theaforesaid land loaned to her at her death together with the tract of land purchasedof Jacob Key near Liberty Meeting house containing one hundred andfifty acres also a small slipe of the land I purchased on Moon lyingthe west side of the present road leading to Hatt Creek, all of which tracts I give to him and his heirs forever.
Item 7th I give and bequeath unto my son Harrison H. Hurt my tract ofland lying in Pittsylvania containing near three hundred acres lying and being on Hazel Run to him and his heirs forever.
Item 8th as a token of gratitude to my servant Jacob Millstone cutter that from and after the 1st January next he enjoy all the benefits of his own labor under the patronage of my wife during her life and thatof my executors at her decease that in case of inability to suppor thimself upon his residing with some on of the family that he draw reasonable support.
Item 9 I give and bequeath unto my son William C. Hurt one tract ofland on Staunton River containing one hundred and thirty two or three acres together all of which I give to him and his heirs forever.
Item 10th I give and bequeath unto my daughter Matilda my Forigedd Mare one feather bed and one cow and calf to her and her heirs forever with the first choice of my negroes not already disposed of to her and her heirs forever.
Item 11th I give and bequeath unto my daughter Lucinda S. Hurt my Saltrom Mare, one feather bed and furniture one cow and calf togetherwith the second choice of my negroes not already disposed of to her and her heirs forever.
Item 12th I give and bequeath unto my two aforesaid daughters Matilda and Lucinda all of the tract of land I purchased of ..ding to MattCreek.
Item 13th It is my will and desire that all my negroes except Jacob and Bowling and the two my daughters and Milley be divided into four equal parts and one part to each of my daughters namely Polly H.Maddox, Patience P. McHaney, Matilda Hurt and Lucinda Hurt, to them and their heirs forever.
...children be accounted for and as I owe none of my children anything so I forgive them all they owe me.
Item 15th I do appoint and constitute my sons John M. Hurt and William C. Hurt executors to this my last will and testament revoking and disannulling others heretofore made.
Item 16th I give and bequeath unto my little granddaughter Martha H.Hurt a small negro girl named Millie heretofore excepted to her and her heirs forever. In testimony whereof that this is my last will and testament I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 9th April 1817.
CODICIL TO WILL
...rty in the main body of my will to which I annex this as a codicil proceed to dispose of said property as follows. Wit, the two thirds of my perishable extate not heretofore disposed on consisting of household and kitchen furniture stock of horses, cattle hogs, sheep and also three stills and black smith tools, I give to my beloved wife Agness during her natural life, except a gray mare big coat and saddle which I have given to my son John to be received by him at my death as also the books hereafter named and disposed of to be received by those to whom they are given. I give to my son John Mann Hurt one gray mare saddlebags and big coat as above named at my death as also the Walnut desk and book case with glass in the door pains on the death of myaforesaid wife Agness. I give unto my son Harrison H. Hurt the Walnut chest of drawers on the death of my aforesaid wife. I give unto my daughter Matilda furniture to the bed heretofore given on my death and the walnut cupboard after the death of my wife. I give unto my daughter Lucinda a walnut cupboard and a new side saddle to be furnished her at the expense of my estate, further I desire to make the following disposition of my viz, to my daughter Matilda 8 vols of Rollins ancient History 3 Vol of Newton, life of Washington by Weems.To Lucinda 8 vols of the Spectator Prudens concordance buck Dictionary, Johnsons Dictionary 2 Vols-my interest in the H Creek Library and Youngs Medical Companion to Harrison Hurt my Big family Bible to my granddaughter Martha Hurt Burkitt on the N.Testament. The balance of my library of books not here designated to be equally divided between my...Haney. It is further my desire that my grandson James T. Hurt have one gun and one horse colt. Given under my hand and seal this 29th April 1819. James Hurt
At a court held for Campbell Co. November 8th 1819. The Witness Last Will and Testament.
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"James Hurt m. 30 Jan 1782, Agnes Harrison, Halifax Co."
*Source: Marriages of Some Virginia Residents, 1607-1800, Dorothy Ford Wulfeck, Vol I, p. 342
Agnes MANN
"Marriage Bonds & Ministers' Returns of Halifax County, VA1753-1800" pg 49; Jonesboro, AR Public Library
"Agnes (Mann) married ___ Harrison."
*Source: Marriages of Some Virginia Residents, 1607-1800, Dorothy Ford Wulfeck, Vol I, p. 248
William Dudley MCDEARMAN
Obituary:
W. D. McDearmon
Mr. W. D. McDearmon was born in Danville, VA., in 1830, being one of a family of thirteen children. He passed into the great beyond December 3, 1919, at the ripe old age of eighty-nine years. His parents came to West Tennessee, near Paris, when he was only six years old, yet he remembered much of that journey. He grew to manhood and was married to Miss Susan Barnett March 5, 1863. To this union, five children were born. Wife and children all proceeded him to the heavenly country many years, except one daughter, Mrs. Mary McDearmon Owen. But, five bright, capable grandchildren came into his life to bless and comfort his old age. Their thoughtful, loving ministrations, together with those of his daughter and her husband, Mr. Charles Owen, were beautiful to see. He was converted and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, very early in life, there being no organization of the church of his choice, the Cumberland Presbyterian, near him at that time; but when the congregation of Cumberland Presbyterians was organized and established at Gum Springs, Hopewell Presbytery, West Tennessee Synod, he at once united with that communion, being among the charter members; and from that day to the time of his departure, he lived in faithful and ......his loyalty and love. With his Christian principle, he extended a kindly hand and loving heart of fellowship to all Christians of whatever faith.
"Uncle Buck"--how the name thrills us!--young and old with sweet memories of untiring Christian activity, of loving devotion to his church, of beautiful companionship and affectionate association with his friends and loved ones, so many of who he spoke of in his dying moments, desiring to see them once again, not forgetting the dear little children of his beloved Sunday School, who he met week after week as the superintendent and teacher, interceding with God on their behalf. His mind was clear and strong to the very last moment of his earthly life. Once as friends and loved ones sat around his dying bed, he spoke of a little token he wished given to one of the children when he was gone. "O", he said, "I wish I had something to leave all of you." What a heritage, indeed, did he leave? Richer far than all the gold and gems of earth. The example and influence of a long life of consecrated Christian service and absolute loyalty to his honest convictions of right. We can but feel that "Uncle Buck" yet lives and walks and talks with us in this perfect way. His heart-broken daughter and family, and his brother, the only surviving member of the original thirteen, the Rev. Clem McDearmon, of the Missionary Baptist Church--should be comforted that with his last expiring breath he praised God. "It is all over," said he, "praise the Lord, O my soul!". The united heart of the community throbs with sympathy, deep and keen, for the bereaved family and relatives. At his request, the funeral services were conducted at Gum Springs Church, by the Rev. Burgess Cunningham, of Union City, assisted by R. L. Johns, of McKenzie, his pastor. Music selected and led by Miss Maggie Diggs, organist, of whom he was very fond and with whom he loved to sing. "Death cannot long divide.
Death doth hide,
But not divide!
Thou art but on Christ's other side.
Thou art with Christ and Christ with us
In him united, still are we."
--Mrs. Walter Crawford.
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1870 Census, P. O. Como, 5th District, Henry County, Tennessee. Enumeration Date: 22 Jul 1870, Page 31, Household # 197
McDearmon, W. D., age 37, Farmer, b. VA
S. E., age 27, female, b. TN
L., age 1, female, b. TN
L. W., age 9, black, b. TN
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1880 Census, District 8, Henry County, Tennessee, Page 126A, Call # T9-1262
McDearmon, William D., age 49, Farmer, b. VA, both parents b. VA
Mary G., daughter, age 9, b. Tennessee, father b. Virginia, mother b. Tennesee
John C., age 3, b. Tennessee, father b. Virginia, mother b. Tennessee
S. E. BARNETT
Her husband is listed as a widow on the 1880 census. See notes for William McDearman.
John MCDEARMAN
He is reportedly buried in Lewis Cemeteryin Sharon, Henry County, Tennessee.
Clement Clark MCDEARMAN
He was born the 12th of March, 1834 in Halifax County, Virginia. The son of Sterling and Lucinda (Lucy) Hurt McDearman. His parent moved to Henry County, TN in 1836 when Clem was two years old. They lived on a farm between Como and Paris, TN. His brothers and sisters were: William D. born in 1821, John Smith born in 1832, Elizabeth R born in1836, Lucinda A born in 1842, Virginia S born in 1844 and Patience Aborn in 1930.
After growing up, Clem married Mary Darby on 14 May 1854. She lived just a little while after they were married. There were no children born from this marriage. He then married Rebecca Ann Edwards on the 12th of April 1863. From this marriage there were three children born that I know of: Dudley, Susan and Effie. Dudley and Effie married (spouses names unknown). Susan never married. She lived to be in her early nineties and is buried close to Jolly Springs, TN in a church cemetery.
Clem McDearman moderated several Baptist churches in Weakley County,TN. One was in Jolly Springs in 1888. The original building is still standing, but had been added on to. Another one was in Mack's Grove. It is located on the Dresden, Palmersville Highway. Mack's Grove was first built about 2 miles from it's present location on a gravel road.This Church was established in 1894. It is still a growing congregation. The New Hope Church minutes show a church started at Bible Union on 12 Oct 1899 moderated by Brother Clem. The only church there now is a Church Of Christ. Old New Hope minutes show people as being baptized into the United Baptist Church of Christ. Sometime through the years their doctrine changed and is now called the Church of Christ. New Hope Church was where Brother Clem preached for many years. It is outside of Palmersville between Gleason and Palmersville. It is called today the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Brother Clem pastored at New Hope three different times.From 1870-1873, 1874-1875 and again from 1881 until his death in 1921.
Clem McDearman's third wife was Mary E. Webb. There were no children born to this marriage. They were married the 25th of Apr 1878 in Henry County by John W. Bell, Minister.
Clem died the 25th of Jun 1921 at his home after a long illness. His wife Mary died 22 Mar 1940. They are both buried in the New Hope Church Cemetery. Clem was a Baptist preacher for a total of 53 years. At the time of Clem's death he lived on a 34 acre farm just outsideof Dresden, TN. Mary E. Webb was born 15 Sep, 1858 in Camdon, BentonCounty, TN.
Clem joined the Army during the Civil War in the summer of 1861. He enlisted in Paris, TN with Company G. 7th Calvary under the command of Captain Stokes. He held the rank of Private . His regiment surrendered in May, 1865 at Corinth, Mississippi. Clem was not with the regiment when they surrendered. He had been furloughed home in 1862 to care for his ailing parents. Both of his parents died in 1863 and are buried on what was then the McDearman farm between Como and Paris. Clem never returned to his regiment.
After the death of Clem McDearman, his 34 acres of hill country was sold to pay off debts. His wife was left with her bed, a trunk and $280.00 She lived off the help of the state and church members until1 928 when she applied for Clem's Civil War Pension.
Clem was known to his family and friend as "Pappy Mac". He was a highly thought of and respected person. This information came from Clem's wife's Civil War Pension application and Mae Griffith of Palmersville TN. She has done a lot of historical research on the New Hope Baptist Church. A copy of her book is in the library in Dresden,TN.
Source: Notes compiled by Laurie Jeanne Karnes Graves
The following story was written by Virene Maddox At Tennessee College in 1933:
MY GREAT-GRANDFATHER
Back in the days of little comfort and many hardships, a little logcabin nestled in the picturesque hills of Pittsylvania County,Virginia. Nature alone seemed to remember this little home, but the golden sunset passing through the foliage of the trees to make a light on earth's green carpet was perhaps a compensation for the lack of things of better days.
There amidst God's handiwork was born one of God's noblest men. This little blue-eyed baby boy was the fourteenth child of Sterling and Lucy McDearman. Lucy McDearman before her marriage was Lucy Hurt, niece of Henry Harrison, and direct descendent of Pocahontas, the famous Indian princess. The McDearman children were also cousins of James K. Polk, the eleventh president of the United States.
Clement Clark was born of truly pioneer parents. He was only two years old when they were lured by the call of the West when more and better land could be obtained. They packed their few belongings in an ox wagon and left homes, friends, and even four of the children, and started for West Tennessee. After weeks of hardships and many difficulties, they arrived and settled six miles west of Paris,Tennessee, in Henry County.
Clem, as he was called, was a strong, jolly lad. He enjoyed all kinds of sports, but was especially fond of fox hunting. He always kept good fox hounds and horses.
At the age of fifteen, he professed faith in Christ and joined the Missionary Baptist Church. This had a great influence on his life,and afterwards, changed it completely. When the Civil War broke out,he was very young. He immediately joined the Seventh Regiment,Company G., Tennessee Cavalry. But, by this time, his father and mother were old and worn by hard work. They did not have any means ofsupport and he was discharged from the army to go and take care ofthem.
At the age of twenty, he wooed and won the heart of his first wife, Miss Mary Darby, but she lived only four and a half years after their marriage. He lived a widower for four years and married Miss Rebecca Edwards. After twelve years of married life, she died leaving five children. After three years of widowhood, he was married to Miss MaryE. Webb.
When thirty-three years old, he was ordained to the full work of the ministry at Old Center Church in Henry County. He preached his first sermon in the little log church at Russell's Spring. He chose for the text of the first event toward this new life, John 3:16. He faithfully stuck to his job, and during pretty or bad weather, he rode horseback to his church.
In a few years, he moved to Weakly County. Here he lived a beautiful Christian life. He organized eight churches of the Weakly County Association, which was more than anyone had every done.
His influence was far-reaching, especially with boys and young men. He had lived the life of a normal and fun-loving boy. Their little taste and dislikes were understood by him and many times he heard the woes of a youngster whose parents would not listen to him. For why couldn't they tell him? He could appreciate their practical jokes whether they were on him or on some one else. He was a veryinteresting talker and could hold the attention of boys for hours at a time.
He was especially fond of getting jokes on his quite, precise wife. Once he and his wife stopped at a home a little after dinner time. The hostess was very much concerned and wished to fix dinner. Grandmother insisted that they were not hungry, that they had a late lunch. Then, as he told it, the late summer breeze came drifting fromthe kitchen filled with the delicious odor of good things to eat. He looked up in a mild, childish way and said to the hostess that his wife might not be hungry, but he was starved. Imagine the embarrassment of this dignified lady!
He loved children and farm life, for to him God spoke through the Little Ones and the beauty of Nature. For a holiday he would go to a County Fair or a Fourth of July Celebration. He would always go early and stay late and would try to shake the hand of everyone that he had ever met. Then he could also be seen with a dirty, little child looking at the "Old Plantation" show or watching the house racing.
He was known more by his sweet and sympathizing words at a funeral than by his preaching. He was never so busy at work that he would not stop and go for miles on horseback to conduct a funeral. He was more than a preacher; he was a good and sympathizing friend.
He was elected pastor of New Hope Church, the strongest County Church in the County. Here here served for fifty-three years. He missed very few services during all those years, these absences were caused by the weather. In the latter part of his life, he offered his resignation but as a wonderful a life as he head, must have its reward. Instead of accepting his resignation, they elected him pastorfor life. The also got a helper for the times that his health or the weather would not permit him to preach. Before his death, the Church made arrangements for him to be buried in the center of the cemetery and to have the largest stone placed in recognition for the valuable life he had spent in the church.
His health was exceedingly good. During his eight-seven years, he was never sick a day till the illness that caused his death. He planted a little crop the spring he was eight-seven. Grandmother said that whens he would insist and almost demand for him to get rid of his livestock, he would become more angry than at anything else. He really never got old. The attending physician remarked just before his death that except for an inflamed bladder, his body was as sound as a dollar.
He had lived a very influential life. People were ready to listen to him when he offered advice, for his past had been clean and noble. The Lord could truly call him "a good and faithful servant."
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Documents in my possession for Clement Clark McDearman:
30 Oct 1862 - Civil War Service
Company Muster Roll, Co. G, 7 (Duckworth's) Tennessee CavalryEnlisted: 2 Dec 1861 in Henry Co, TN
6 Nov 1864 - Civil War Service
Co. G, 7 (Duckworth's) Tennessee Cavalry
Appears on a list of deserters - See notes below for his widow's application for pension
From my father's notes:
McDearman, clement C.,, Weakly County, Pvt. G company, 4th TN Cal, 15 Nov 61 to ___1 year. Gleson Station , P.O., surrendered at Tiptonville, TN. 2 Apr 1863 - TN Marriage Licenses Record Book
Clem C. McDearman and Rebecca A. Edwards
25 Apr 1878 TN Marriage Licenses Record Book
C. C. McDearman and Mary E. Webb
24 June 1921 - Death Certificate
C. C. McDearman b: 12 Mar 1834 age: 87 years, 3 months, 12 daysOccupation: Minister Birthplace: Halifax Co, VA
Father: Sterling McDearman Birthplace: VA
Mother: Lucy Hurt Birthplace: VA
Gleason First Baptist Church History (Weakly Co, TN) Shows C. C.McDearman in the Record of ministers to the Church
29 Sep 1928 - Widow's pension application filed by Mary E. McDearman(for Confederate Service)
Notes from document: He left Mississippi in the latter part of spring 1862 on a passionate(?) furlough to care for his sick Father and Mother who died in 1863.
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