Willie Dickson McLemore

Notes:

(Research):Listed as a child by MaryLynn Santa, but not in the home at the time of either the 1870 or 1880 census. It appears he most likely died at a young age.

Notes:

The biography below is courtesy of Mark Freeman. It includes excerpts from a Biographical sketch in Goodspeed's Tennessee History, Williamson County, pages 996 and 997.

"At seventeen years of age he entered Transylvania University at Lexington, Ky., and in 1849 he entered Lebanon Law School, where he graduated in 1851. In the same year he began to practice in Franklin, and in 1856 was elected county court clerk, and held this office until 1860, when he declined re-election and resumed the practice of law. In 1861 he enlisted in Company F, Fourth Tennessee Cavalry . . . " Transylvania University records show William S. McLemore in the 1847-1848 academic index as a member of the Adelphi Society (a literary society). William S. McLemore, Esq. is listed as a candidate for Attorney General for the district composed of Williamson, Davidson, and Sumner counties.

Editor of the Western Weekly Review newspaper in Franklin in 1861. From the Williamson County Circuit Court Minute Books Vol. 15: Monday 15, July 1861 court met according to adjourment. Present the Hon. Nathaniel Baxter, Judge. The Attorney Gen. of this Judicial District being absent, the court appoints William S. McLemore, Attorney General pro tem who appears in court and accepts of said appointment and having taken an oath to support the Constitution of the Confederate States of America and the Constitution of Tennessee and the oath of an Attorney General entered on the duties of his appointment.

A detailed account of Company F is provided in "The Williamson County Cavalry" by Michael Cotten, 1994. According to Thenie's diary he had 3 horses shot from under him during the war. One was at Thompson Station when he was shot through the canteen. John Rucker has the canteen with the bullet entry and exit holes. William S. McLemore was elected 1st Lieutenant of the Williamson County Cavalry shortly after the formation of the unit at Carnton, near Franklin, on 28 Sep 1861. He eventually commanded the 4th Tennessee Cavalry, and ended the war in command of a brigade. The 4th Tennessee fought under Forrest, and in all the major engagements of the Army of Tennessee. W.S. was in temporary command of the regiment as a Captain during the capture of Streight's raiders in Apr - May of 1863, COL Starnes being absent due to illness. He assumed command of the regiment 1 Jul 1863 after COL Starnes was killed at Tullahoma. Col. W.S. McLemore commanded a brigade of cavalry in President Davis's escort when they were captured at Washington Georgia 9 May 1865. The regimental colors of the 4th Tennessee were cut into pieces and divided among the couriers and staff of Colonel McLemore. "Dibrell's Old Flag was not Surrendered" by C.L. Nolen published in the "Confederate Veteran". Goodspeed's (con't): In 1865 he returned home and immediately began the practice of law, which he continued until 1972 when he was elected criminal judge. In 1878 he was elected circuit judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

The autobiography of Albert Sydney McLemore, USMC as well as Thenie's diary give accounts of the election and as W.S. as judge. W.S. McLemore's gavel and certificate as judge are in the Rucker law office on the square in Murfreesboro. In the settlement of a suit by G.A. Pope against John Dabney McLemore et al John Dabney McLemore is represented by the firm of McLemore, Bond, and Wallace. They request a fee of $300 for the suit. It was submitted 22 Apr 1869. Burke Bond is the step son of Barbara McLemore, W.S. McLemore's sister.

From: Historical Sketch of Maury County Tennessee Read at the Centennial Celebration at Columbia July 4, 1876. Columbia: Excelsior Printing Office 1876. Reprinted 1967 Maury Co. p. 74 "In 1872, a Criminal Court was established in the counties of Williamson, Maury, Giles and Marshall, when the Hon. William S. McLemore, of Williamson was elected Judge of said court, which office he holds at this time."

From: Century Review of Maury County 1805-1905 page 16&17 "Circuit Court . . . Wm. S. McLemore, 72 (1872), for six years as special judge for criminal cases" Trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Franklin. On the board of advisors for the Tennessee Female College in Franklin, 1885-1886. See Thenie's diary for a copy of his speech at her commencement. From a letter from Aunt Dorothy to Albert S. McLemore, a copy which Harriet Hough provided me: "I must tell you my favourite story about my grandfather: one day a Nashville girl came out to visit and he was delegated to drive her around and show her the countryside. He became fed up with her hoity-toity airs and citified questions and, when she pointed to some negro women hoeing cotton and asked what they were doing, he replied "oh, they're just hoers" - maybe the Scottish McLemores were lairds or thanes, but William Sugars was an earthy man!

The Whartons were intellectuals, which helps the family tree - and the Dabneys were aristocracy - but I don't know just where they fit in." THE MAURY PRESS VOLUME II NO.I WEDNESDAY JANUARY 9,1861 NEWSPAPER CHANGE--DR.S.P.HILDRETH has retired from the editorial management of the Franklin Review,succeeded by W.S.McLEMORE,Esq. MR.BALCH,one of the publishers also retired. THE MAURY PRESS VOLUME II NO.2 THURSDAY JANUARY 24,1861 WE HAD THE PLEASURE--on Sunday last,of a visit from W.S.McLEMORE,Esq.,editor of the Franklin Review. More About William Sugars McLemore CSA: Burial: 09 Aug 1908, Rest Haven Cemetery, Franklin, Williamson County, Tennessee55,56 Cause of Death: Paralysis Record Change: 01 Mar 2005

(Courtesy of Mark Freeman)

(Research):

Census Information:

1870 Federal Census
Tennessee, Williamson County, 9th Civil District, Post Office Franklin
Enumerated 7 June 1870 by Joel A. Anderson
Page 13, stamped 131
77-82
McLemore, Wm. 40 M W Lawyer $5000 $1500 Tenn
McLemore, Annie L 34 F W Keeping House Ala
McLemore, Annie 11 F W Tenn
McLemore, Bethenia 3 F W Tenn
McLemore, Albert S 1 m W Tenn
Grey, Susan 14 F B Domestic Servant

1880 Federal Census

Household:

Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace
W.S. MCLEMORE Self M Male W 50 TN Judge Of State Circuit Court TN TN
Annie MCLEMORE Wife M Female W 44 AL Keeping House VA AL
Annie Lou MCLEMORE Dau S Female W 21 TN At Home TN AL
Bethenia MCLEMORE Dau S Female W 13 TN At School TN AL
Albert MCLEMORE Son S Male W 11 TN At Home TN AL
Whorton MCLEMORE Son S Male W 9 TN At Home TN AL
Lizzie MCLEMORE Dau S Female W 1 TN TN AL
Source Information: Census Place District 9, Williamson, Tennessee
Family History Library Film 1255286 NA Film Number T9-1286
Page Number 126A

William married Annie Louise Wharton on 15 May 1856 in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee. Annie was born on 8 Mar 1836 in Alabama; died on 12 Apr 1907 in Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee; was buried in Rest Haven Cemetery, Franklin, Williamson County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Her headstone is engraved: Annie Louise Wharton, Wife of William S. McLemore, March 8, 1836, April 12, 1907. A Mother in Christ."

The death certificate of her son, William Wharton McLemore, shows her place of birth as Tuscumbia, Alabama.

Notes:

Married:
Marriage Notes for William McLemore and Annie Wharton: From Thenie's diary: "When Mama was a young pretty city girl (Nashville) she came visiting to Spring Hill and Papa's two sisters Margaret and Thenie McLemore came to call on her. They invited her out to their country home to a party and it was there Papa met and fell in love with her. He was not living there then but was a young lawyer in Franklin. Living only 8 miles from Thompson Station he was at home on a visit. I do not know how long they were engaged but they were married on Demonbreun Street in Nashville at her home on May 15, 1856, and came at once to live in Franklin."

Williamson County Historical Society journal 32, 2001, page 43, in a letter from Andrew B. Ewing to his son Hugh date 12 Apr 1859: "I have been very busy in my profession for several days - Billy McLemore's wife blessed him with Twin-daughters a few days since, which is the fourth woman I have attended with twins this spring - a very unusual number indeed even for a whole years business." (Courtesy of Mark Freeman)


(Courtesy of Mark Freeman)

Notes:

Mark Freeman has the following information posted on his website relating to Atkins Jefferson McLemore:

Williamson County Court Records have numerous entries for land and property transactions for A.J. McLemore. Misc. records Williamson county vol.4: 14 Nov 1823 "Atkins J. McLemore sells to William Dabney for the sum of $1000 a tract of land on the waters of West Harpeth . . ." One dated 1 Jan 1847 reads: "Rec'd of A.J. McLemore three hundred and seventy five dollars in full payment for a certain negro girl name Louisa, said negro we warrant sound body and mind, slave for life, and the right and title of said negro we warrant and defend against the lawful claims of all others this 23rd Dec 1846"

Misc records Williamson county vol 5: "Jesse Taylor, planter, charged with cutting Atkins McLemore, blacksmith, across the abdomen with intent to kill" 17 May 1823

From "Tennessee Tidbits 1778 - 1914, Vol. I" page 256 "McLemore - 14 July 1828 a report was made by Atkins J. McLemore as guardian of John D. McLemore, Polly M. McLemore, Robt. W. McLemore, and Peggy S. McLemore, minor orphans. (Wll TN, Co Ct Min, 10/55)" These would be his half brothers and sisters from his father Robert's marriage to Margaret S. Dabney.

From "The Maury Genealogist" by Jill K. Garrett May 1972 page 57 "State vs J.W. Cheairs, merchant, William Beauford, yeoman, Adkins J. McLemore, yeoman, Anderson McLemore, yeoman, Henry P. Pointer, yeoman, Thomas Pointer, yeoman, riot route and unlawful assembly true bill. On 5 June 1845 in Spring Hill they assaulted Robert C. Giddins". Will on file in Williamson County Will Book 9 page 303 dated Aug 1849.

Atkins married Bethenia Smith Dabney on 7 Sep 1821 in Williamson County, Tennessee. Bethenia was born on 25 Apr 1803 in North Carolina; died on 24 Jul 1857 in Thompson Station, Williamson County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Jane A. "Xan" Alexander emailed, in November 2011, that Bethenia Dabney was a daughter of John Dabney and Peggy Smith, and sister to the Margaret "Peggy" Dabney who became Atkins stepmother in 1812. Betty Pritchett notes that "Bethenia's father Captain John Dabney was a Revolutionary War soldier."

(Research):

Census Information:

1850 Federal Census
Tennessee, Williamson County, ED 11
9th September 1850 D. Cameron
Stamped 264
331-331
Bethenia S. McLemore 44 F $4000 N. Carolina
Andrew McLemore 27 M Farmer Tennessee
John McLemore 18 M Farmer Tennessee
Syddney McLemore 14 M Student Tennessee
Bethena McLemore 14 F Tennessee
Elizabeth McLemore 12 F Tennessee
Lemuel McLemore 9 M Tennessee
William McLemore 20 M Student

Notes:

Married:
Marriages of Williamson County, Tennessee 1804 - 1850, complied by Edythe Rucker Whitley, page 133:
"McLemore, Atkins J. to Bethenia Dabney, Sept. 7, 1821 BM: J. N. Charten.

(Courtesy of Jane A. "Xan" Alexander)

In the book "Sketch of the Dabneys of Virginia : with some of their family records" (Chicago: S. D. Childs, 1888, 206 pages), it is noted on p. 180, Record No. 120 supplied by Dr. William Wall Dabney, that "Atkins Jefferson McLemore and Bethinia Dabney, ninth child of John Dabney and Margaret Smith (were married)."

(Courtesy of Melba Gene McLemore)

Notes:

Sometimes shown as born in Warrren County versus Bute County.

Kevin McLemore mclemorek@charter.net descends from this line and shared information on Robert's descendants with Mark Freeman in March 2005, some of which is copied below.

1790 NC Census Halifax District, Franklin County lists Robert McLemore, 1 free white male 16 years and up and 4 slaves.

1799 Franklin County Tax List has McLemore, Rob. 2wp, 3bp, 450 ac (this is the parcel he inherited from his father)

1800 NC Census Franklin County lists Robert McLemore 1 male 10-16, 1 male 16-26, 1 male 26-45, 1 female 16-26, 9 slaves.

Franklin Co. NC Loose Estates Papers Vol. I has Robert McLemore buyer part of the estate of Benjamin Williams in 1804.

Equity Bond Docket, 1789-1817, Hillborough District and Orange County, N.C. number 264 lists Robert McLemore place of abode on 19 Apr 1803 as Tennessee.

Williamson County Deed Abstracts 1799-1811 Deed Book A2 page 91 "Page 378 Indenture 18 Oct 1806 John Spencer and Robert McLemore, $2750 paid, 1 tract on water of Harpeth, 220 acres, tr adj N T Perkins corner"

1807 Williamson County Tax Book lists McLemore, Robt. 220 acres W. Harp. 1 white 5 blacks.

"The Reconstructed 1810 Census of Tennessee, 33,000 Long-Lost Records" by Charles A. Sherrill lists:

McLemore, Robert Williamson County, 1810 Tax List

From "Maury County Tennessee Newspaper Abstracts 1810-1844" by Jill Knight Jarrett 1965: The Western Chronicle Sat 28 Mar 1812 "Whiskey - The High Bred Stallion will stand the ensuing season. Signed P.R. Booker. Affadavit of R.P. Curras and Robert McLemore of Williamson County".

Williamson County Deed Book E page 174 Thomas Shute conveyed to Robert McLemore 39 acres of land between Big & West Harpeth Rivers Registered 27th August 1817.

1820 Tennessee Census: Robert McLemore Williamson County: 2 males under 10, 2 males 10 to 16, 2 males 18 to 26, 1 male 45 and up. 1 female under 10, 1 female 10 to 16, 1 female 26 to 45. 24 slaves.

There were a couple challenges to Robert's will. One by his widow and her second husband wanting 1/3 of the estate, another by his son John D. McLemore for 1/4 of the slaves.

Will probated April 1823 Williamson County Will Book 3 page 625.

Williamson County, Tennessee County Court Minutes, May 1806-April 1812, by Carol Wells, Heritage Books, Inc., p. 176: [Book1, p. 577] "Monday 13th January 1812. Order Nicholas Perkins Senr Daniel Perkins Edward Warren & Robert McLemore any three settle with Hendley Stone gdn of Peter Pryor & Green Pryor orphans of John Pryor decd & report thereof to our ensuing County Court." [Book 1, p. 608] "Tuesday 14th April 1812.Settlement with Hendley Stone guardian of Peter & Green Pryor orphans of John Pryor decd returned."

Jane A. "Xan" Alexander emailed, in November 2011, that Robert McLemore wrote his will 14 Apr 1822. In his will and the probate file in Williamson County, Tennessee, we find: "beloved wife Peggy and our four children John Dabney McLemore, Polly Minor McLemore, Robert Weakly McLemore, and Peggy Smith McLemore"; "son Atkins J McLemore", "my daughter Bethenia Anne Greene McLemore" In the will he also says "I desire that my worthy friend Daniel Perkins should be guardian to my daughter Bethenia (who is also his granddaughter)". Thus we see that Atkins Jefferson McLemore and Bethenia Anne Greene McLemore were not children of Robert McLemore's last wife Peggy. Jane added that the current wife at the time of his death was Margaret "Peggy" S Dabney, daughter of John Dabney and Peggy Smith and sister to Bethenia Dabney who later married Atkins Jefferson McLemore.

(Medical):DNA R1b1

A direct male descendant of Robert McLEMORE is an exact 12 marker Y DNA match to descendants of both John McLEMORE, born 1822 in North Carolina and Keton Jones McLEMORE, born 1809 in Kentucky. This means there is an 80% probability that they share a common ancestor within the last 16 generations, and over a 90% probability that this ancestor occurred within 24 generations.

For more information see:

http://www.geneticousins.com/morrison/

Look for Group O. More about John McLemore and Keton Jones McLemore can be found in the index of this file.

The members of R1b are believed to be the descendants of the first modern humans who entered Europe about 35,000-40,000 years ago. Those R1b forebearers were the people who painted the beautiful art in the caves in Spain and France. They were the contemporaries (and perhaps exterminators) of the European Neanderthals. R1b is the most common Y haplogroup in Europe - more than half of men of European descent belong to R1b. Fourteen of the 30 most common haplotypes in the YSTR.org database are typical of R1b.

Robert married Barbara Williams on 16 Jan 1800 in Franklin County, North Carolina. Barbara was born on 2 Jun 1781 in Franklin County, North Carolina; died on 10 Oct 1803 in Davidson County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Betty Pritchett writes that " Her father was John Williams of Davidson County, Tennessee. She had one son before she died. His name was Atkins Jefferson McLemore (1801-1849)"

Notes:

Married:
Abstracts of Vital Records from Raleigh NC Newspapers 1799- 1819, compiled by Lois Smathers Neal, page 325, "M. on the 16th ult., Mr. Robert M'LEMORE to Miss Barbara Williams, both of Franklin County. RR 4 Feb 1800 3:5."

(Courtesy of Jane A. "Xan" Alexander)

Betty Pritchett shows the marriage date as 16 January 1800.