WILLIAM W. ADAIR
William W. Adair, of Routt county, whose career covers several lines
of active and productive usefulness, has been successful beyond many men who have had greater opportunities because
his natural qualifications for business and thrift have made him so. He is a native of McMinn county, Tennessee,
born on December 19, 1856, and the brother of Samuel Adair, of the same county, a sketch of whom, containing the
family history, is to be seen elsewhere in this work. He received an elementary education in the public schools,
remaining at home with his parents until he reached the age of seventeen, when he took up the work of making his
own way in the world, learning his trade as a sawyer and working at it in his native state until 1878. He was
next with the Wason Car Works at Chattanooga for a year, then taught school one term. In 1881 he came to Colorado
and, selecting Routt county as his place of abode and future efforts, located through homestead and pre-emption
claims a ranch of three hundred and twenty acres ten miles west of Hayden. This he improved and on it conducted
ranching and stock industries until 1888, when he sold it and moved to Steamboat Springs, where he engaged in merchandising
until 1901. He then sold his business to A. and G. Whithers and purchased the ranch he now owns, which comprises
four hundred acres of arable land, all of which he has under cultivation and fruitful with good annual crops of
hay, grain, hardy vegetables and small fruits; and there also he carries on a large and profitable cattle business,
which is his main reliance from the ranch. The location is five miles south of Steamboat Springs, and the land
is of excellent quality and well supplied with water. Mr. Adair has also made good improvements in the way of
many ornate buildings and the other necessary equipments of ranch work in the best style. He has proven himself
one of the progressive and far-seeing ranch and cattle men of the county, and in the matter of public progress
and development one of its most energetic, broad-minded and patriotic citizens. He takes an active interest in
the fraternal life of his community as a Woodman of the World and in political affairs as a stanch and zealous
Democrat. On January 27, 1886, he was united in marriage with Miss Sallie C. Harris, a native of Monroe county,
Tennessee, and a sister of John L Harris, a memoir of whom appears on another page of this work. Although amid
scenes, associations, social customs and methods of farming far different from those of his youth, Mr. Adair has
shown ability to adapt himself thoroughly to his present conditions and surroundings, demonstrating the great adaptability
of the American mind, and the qualities of gentility and social courtesy of his own particular section, which make
the Southern gentleman at home everywhere and win him popularity and high regard from all classes of people.
(Source: Progressive Men of Western Colorado, Publ 1905. Transcribed
by Anna Parks)
GEORGE W. BOONE
A self-made and very successful and prosperous man, George W. Boone,
of near Craig, Routt county, furnishes in his career a stirring tribute to the value of self-reliance and persevering
industry, and illustrates forcibly what it is possible for these qualities to accomplish in such a fruitful field
for effort as Colorado. He is a native of McMinn county, Tennessee, born on July 10, 1861. The Civil war, which
was then already in progress, left that portion of the country with all its industries paralyzed, its commercial
forces stagnant and its people without the means to resuscitate and revitalize its creative and productive energies
at once. It was not possible therefore for him to secure much of an education, as family necessities demanded the
utmost work of every able hand, and he had therefore only a few terms of short duration at the district schools,
and these were irregular. Until he reached his nineteenth ear he remained at home and assisted his father on the
farm. Then, seeking a better outlook for himself, he made several trips to different parts of the West, in the
hope of finding a suitable location for the employment of his energies to his own advantage. In 1885, he took up
his residence near Rawlins, Wyoming, where he found employment as stock tender for the Overland Stage Company.
The next year he came to Colorado and homesteaded a portion of his present ranch, purchasing since one hundred
and eighty acres additional, so that his ranch now comprises three hundred and forty acres. While the land at the
time was wholly wild and unimproved, he was not deterred from the expectation of securing good results from continued
effort, and he went to work with a will to make his property habitable by erecting a dwelling and other necessary
buildings, and by reducing the land to productiveness and increasing fertility. He has so far succeeded that a
considerable acreage brings him good annual crops of hay, grain, vegetables and small fruits, and he has a main
reliance in a large cattle industry which thrives on the place. While taking an active and helpful interest in
public local affairs, and withholding no effort of his needed to promote good enterprises for the welfare of his
community, he is independent in politics. On June 6, 1889, he united in marriage with Miss Margaret Walker, a native
of Georgia. Mr. Boone’s parents were Allen and Anna (Hardy) Boone, natives of North Carolina, who became early
residents of Tennessee and passed the remainder of their lives there, the father dying in that state in 1885, and
the mother being still a resident thereof. Fourteen children were born to them, five of whom died. The nine living
are Thomas, James, John, Robert, George W., Susan, Martha, Mary and Julia. The father was an extensive farmer and
stood well in his community.
(Source: Progressive Men of Western Colorado, Publ 1905. Transcribed
by Kim Mohler)
MALCOLM PAUL CANTRELL
sheriff, McMinn County, born Etowah, McMinn Co., Tenn., Aug. 28, 1895;
French-Dutch descent; son of Thomas Washington Cantrell, a farmer and banker, and Parthina (Carlock) Cantrell;
paternal grandparents Franklin Marion and Maggie March (Hale) Cantrell; maternal grandparents James Chism and Kathaleen
Delina (Hoyle) Carlock; graduated from Etowah, McMinn Co., High 1912 and entered Maryville College 1913; upon leaving
college he became General Manager of Etowah Power and Light Company; also Director of Cantrell Banking Co., one
of the fastest growing financial institutions of this section. Elected sheriff of McMinn county in 1936 upon a
platform pledge of strict law enforcement and a business-like administration, he is the first Democrat to be elected
to this office in the past ten years. Married Ada Blanche Raby on June 25, 1926, and is the father of two children,
Laura Mintie, 9, and Carol Enloe, 7. He is a Mason, Shriner, Kiwanis, O.R.C., Democrat and a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church South.
Source: Prominent Tennesseans, 1796 - 1938; transcribed by Amanda Jowers
FRANK RUSSELL DODSON
Born at Athens, Tenn., June 22, 1892. Engaged in banking and insurance.
Married, Aug. 9, 1918, to Ethel Ballew; secondly, to Marie Fiske, April 14, 1927. Scotch-English descent, son of
Wm. C. and Malinda Caroline (Ballard) Dodson. Paternal grandparents Edward and Caroline (Forrest) Dodson; maternal
grandparents Washington and Harriett (Oliphant) Ballard. Attended the McMinn High School at Athens, Tenn.; Athens
College; University of Chattanooga, 1916. Member of the Baptist Church; Republican; Mason; Junior Order; Shriner,
and Knight Templar. In 1911, Mr. Dodson became connected with the Citizen's National Bank of Athens, Tenn., serving
for a time as its cashier; became its president in July, 1934. He was a member of the City Council from 1924-29;
mayor of Athens from 1929-37; a Republican member of the State Board of Election from 1934-37. Mr. Dodson's business
career and other connections have made him one of the outstanding men of this section of the state. He is the father
of four children: - Frank, Jr., Jean, Eddie, and Barbara.
Source: Prominent Tennesseans, 1796 - 1938; transcribed by Amanda Jowers
DR. RAY WILHOITE EPPERSON
Physician and Surgeon. Born at Charleston, Tenn. on Dec. 28, 1904. Of
Scotch-Irish descent. Son of Joseph Oscar and Mary Kate (Bolen) Epperson. Paternal grandparents are Joseph and
( ) Fuller Epperson. Maternal grandparents are ( ) Bolen. A member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church; Mason;
Phi Rho Sigma (Med.), State Amem. M. fraternities. Finished the public schools of Bradley Co.; U. of Tenn., M.D.
He is the owner and operator of the Epperson Clinic, hospital at Athens, Tenn. He has practiced his profession
since 1930. Married Lorene Asken of Model, Tenn.
Source: Prominent Tennesseans, 1796 - 1938; transcribed by Amanda Jowers
JAMES GETTYS FISHER
Banker; born of Scotch-German descent, May 30, 1863; son of Richard M.
and Ann M. (Gettys) Fisher.; married Lula Brigham June 15, 1915. Educated at East Tennessee Wesleyan; University
of Athens. Member M. E. Church, South; Democrat; Mason; Scottish Rite. President of the First National Bank of
Athens, Tenn., having served in this capacity for 29 years. Prior to his election to this position, he was cashier
for the same institution, he was cashier for the same institution for 12 years. Before the beginning of his banking
career, he was employed by the Knoxville Woolen Mills; was also employed by the Cowan-McClung and Co.; had many
other minor positions. One of the recognized leaders among the business men of his section of the state, he is
very active in all public and civic affairs, especially those pertaining to the health conditions of his town and
county.
Source: Prominent Tennesseans, 1796 - 1938; transcribed by Amanda Jowers
CLEMENT JAMES JONES
attorney at law; born Spartanburg, S.C., Dec. 18, 1874; son of Milnor
and Mary (Watkins) Jones; paternal grandfather Dr. Clement F. Jones, paternal grandmother Elizabeth (Chambers)
Jones, (daughter of U. S. Senator E. F. Chambers, Md.), maternal grandfather James Watkins, maternal grandmother
Mary (Calvert) Watkins; Welsh and Scotch descent; educated Oregon Agricultural College, Corvalis, Oregon, A.T.U.,
Harriman, Tenn.; graduated in law department A.T.U. in 1897; married Lillian Triplett Jan. 25, 1900; member Royal
Arch Masons, Harriman Chapter, Tri-Co. Lodge K. of P., Tenn. Society Sons of the Revolution; was chairman Congressional
Committee 2nd District Tenn. from 1904-1906; Mayor Oliver Springs (3 terms), 1906-1911; County Judge Anderson Co.,
one term, 1907-1908, by appointment of Gov. Patterson; Presidential Elector Democratic ticket 1908; served as Ord.
Sergt. 1st Tenn. Vols. war with Spain; served in Philippines during insurrection; Mayor Athens, 1917-1919; Member
of State Executive Committee, 1932-34; Attorney for L. & N. R. R., Tenn. Electric Power Co., Tenn. Railroad
Assoc., has wide law practice in McMinn and adjoining counties.
Source: Prominent Tennesseans, 1796 - 1938; transcribed by Amanda Jowers
LENTY LEE OWEN
Trustee of McMinn County, and farmer; born in McMinn Co. Tenn., May 30,
1896 of English-German descent; father James Franklin Owen, farmer; mother, before her marriage, Annie Arnwine.
Married Gertrude Murray on June 1, 1937. Paternal grandparents Thomas and Betty (Lawson) Owen; maternal grandparents
Mell F. and Bell (Coffey) Arnwine. Educated in the public schools of McMinn County, finishing at McMinn Co. High.
Member of M. E. Church South; Democrat. Elected Trustee of McMinn County on August 6, 1936 by a substantial majority
over his Republican opponent, the first Democrat to be elected to this office during the past 40 years. His high
degree of efficiency and courtesy to the general public makes him very popular with the people of his county. Before
his election he was engaged in the oil business, distributor for the Standard Oil Company. Engaged in farming for
a number of years, in which pursuit he is now engaged. He was a soldier in the United States Army during the World
War, serving with the A.E.F. for six months in Company I 331st Inf., 83rd Division; discharged on Feb. 8, 1919
at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. His grandfather Owen was a soldier in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. His hobby
is bird-hunting.
Source: Prominent Tennesseans, 1796 - 1938; transcribed by Amanda Jowers
PAUL JEROME WALKER
Engaged in banking and insurance; born at Nashville, Tenn. Aug. 28, 1903
of Scotch-Irish parentage; son of Thomas Martin and Emma (Bidwell) Walker. Married June 4, 1930 Cora Willoughby
Sherman. Educated in the public schools of Nashville, finishing Humd-Fogg High School in the Class of 1920. Member
of M. E. Church So.; Democrat; Mason, Scottish Rite; Kiwanas; Sec. C. of C. Became mayor of Athens, July 13, 1937
without his seeking the office, the citizens calling him into service. President of the Farmers' Bank of Athens,
which position he has held for four years. Manager of the Athens Ins. Agency. Prior to his coming to Athens, six
years ago, he was engaged in the insurance business in Knoxville. At the beginning of this business career, he
was special agent for the Home Insurance Company in both New York and Tennessee. His first experience was in the
office of Paul M. Davis of Nashville, to whom he attributes what measure of success he has attained. Takes an active
part in all public and civic affairs of his town and county. His grandfather Bidwell was a soldier on the side
of the Confederacy during the Civil War. He is the father of three children: -Janice, Jerry, and Laura. His hobby
is golf.
Source: Prominent Tennesseans, 1796 - 1938; transcribed by Amanda Jowers
FRED E. WANKAN
Publisher, lawyer, lecturer; born at Maryville, Cooke Co., Texas Feb.
5, 1891; Scotch-Irish, English and German descent; son of John S. and Nola B. (Miller) Wankan. Paternal grandparents
Wm. and Nancy Hargrove (Pounds) Wankan; maternal grandparents Geo. and Missouri Walker (Miller) Miller. Attended
Maryville Elementary School; Harfell High School; Polytechnic College, Ft. Worth, Texas; Cumberland Univ.; LL.B.
degree. Member of M. E. Church, South; Independent Dem.; A.F.M.; Royal Arch Mason; Knight Templar. Editor, owner
and publisher of the Daily Post Athenian, which business he purchased in 1930; began the publication of his present
paper on March 16, 1931. Has spent many years in the publishing business, beginning this work when he was 21 years
old. He has been connected with many of the country's leading newspapers. Practiced law for several years; served
as County Attorney at Gainesville, Texas from 1916-25. In 1924 he accepted a position with the Knights of the Ku
Klux Klan, lecturing throughout the U. S. He is the father of two children, Fred E. Jr., and Marise. Has identified
himself with many worthwhile projects in his section of the state and is widely known as a leader in civic affairs.
Source: Prominent Tennesseans, 1796 - 1938; transcribed by Amanda Jowers
JOHN JORDAN WARD
Born in Roane Co. June 14, 1878 of Irish descent; father Wm. Daniel Ward,
farmer and merchant; his mother, before her marriage, Gillie White. Married Jan. 4, 1898 Hattie Cooke. Paternal
grandparents Joseph Daniel and Sarah (Fry) Ward; maternal Joseph White, et ux. Attended the public schools of Roane
Co.; and Seven Island Academy. Member of the Baptist church; Republican; I.O.O.F.; Jr.O.U.A.M. Was elected county
Judge of McMinn Co. in January, 1933; reelected in January 1936, and again in 1937. Has been a member of the McMinn
County Quarterly Court for the past 18 years. Prior to his election as a member of the county court, he was engaged
in the mercantile business at Sweetwater, Tenn., for 12 years, afterwards removing to McMinn Co. His father was
a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War and was taken prisoner at Bell Island where he remained for fourteen
months. Judge Ward is the father of five children; - Mrs. Catherine Redman, Mrs. Helen Haskell, John J., Jr., Albert,
Dixie, and Mrs. Pauline Crabtree, deceased.
Source: Prominent Tennesseans, 1796 - 1938; transcribed by Amanda Jowers
TOM J. TAYLOR
Lawyer, public official; born in McMinn Co. March 6, 1903; Scotch-Irish
descent; son of Jas. R. Taylor and Emma (Ferguson) Taylor. Married Blanche Wallthall Oct. 15, 1932. Educated in
the public schools of McMinn Co.; Carson-Newman College, Jefferson City, Tenn., Cumberland Univ.; A.B., LL.B. and
M.A. degrees 1925-26. Has been engaged in the practice of law at Athens, Tenn., since his graduation in 1925. Elected
direct Rep. from McMinn Co. in the Tenn. General Assembly in 1931 session. Appointed Republican member of the State
Board of Election by Gov. Gordan Browning in 1938.
Source: Prominent Tennesseans, 1796 - 1938; transcribed by Amanda Jowers
