Susanna's Backroads

Susanna Eliza Dunlap married a fellow who worked for her father's law firm. His name--James Davis Porter. Background check on Susanna and her folks begins here.

From family records, the document written by Dr. J. G. M. Ramsey is an unpublished piece written for James D. Porter. Dr. James Gettys McGready Ramsey was one of the earliest successful doctors in Knox County and later became the most respected historian of the period. His book, Ramsey's Annals of Tennessee, which he wrote from 1840-1853, was considered the most authentic coverage of that period. He and James D. Porter were friends.

Excerpts

Sketches—Incidents—Dates-- of the Life of Devereaux Gilliam, and of his Son-in-law,

Hugh Dunlap, Sr.

Author Dr. J. G. M. Ramsey

"Devereaux Gilliam came …to this Frontier (upper end of Knox, then Hawkins or Greene). His grant from North Carolina embraced, I think, about 800 acres. Beginning at a stone marked D. C. 20 poles above the confluence of the Holston with the French Broad River, running in straight line nearly to the mouth of Swan-Pond Creek on the east branch of Holston—thence with the meanders of that stream to the junction with French Broad and with its up course 20 poles to the rock, the beginning corner."

The land description is certainly more colorful than those of modern times. I suppose the stones and mounds worked sufficiently. Again, a house is described and a home is established in new territory.

"A most beautiful point—having a large mound perhaps 100 yards from each river. I do not know when Mr. G. erected his buildings. I believe it was in 1788 or 9, it was the best dwelling house in this then now country, 24 by 18 stone chimney, the first house two stories high covered with joint shingles and nailed with hammered penny nails, and the most elegant and complete house in the general neighborhood. Soon after its erection, it became Gilliam’s Fort or Station. It was built of logs well hewed and closely notched down, with port holes between the logs."

A little about their early lives and personal characteristics, and then, Susanna.

"Mr. G. was from Virginia, a perfect gentleman of the old school of culture and refinement, well-informed, hospitable, courteous, fond of dogs and sports of the chase, liberal alike to poor and rich, full of enterprise, fond of good living and fun. His house was open to all and a centre of attraction. He was convivial and social, moral, but did not belong to any church, though he contributed the full share to the salary of …of the Presbyterian Pastor of Lebanon church, close-by his residence. Mrs. Gilliam, his wife, was a lady of taste and culture, also from Virginia. She was always distinguished for her loveliness, benevolence, and her piety and devotion to domestic duties. In short, she possessed all the good qualities and graces...Her oldest daughter became the belle of the Frontier of Tennessee. She became the wife of Hugh Dunlap, Esq. After their marriage in about the year 1792, this young couple settled in Knoxville. Their house was between Cumberland and Main Streets on what was then Water now Crozier Street. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap were thus among the earliest citizens of Knoxville. Their first child was Richard Gilliam Dunlap, the first male child born in our city…"

One of Hugh Dunlap's thirteen sons was General John H. Dunlap of Paris, Tennessee, He was the father of Susanna Eliza Dunlap (Porter).  Pictured here is the Dunlap/Porter family in Paris, Tennessee.