Losing the Way

This letter continues the path with James Davis and Susanna Dunlap Porter. The previous post contained a letter written pre-Civil War by James. After the war in which he participated with full-force and heart, he went back to his law practice and public service that usually kept him away from home for long periods.
On lost friends and causes, he had this to say to his wife:

Nashville

Jan. 21st, 1870

To Mrs. Jas. D. Porter, Jr.

Paris, Tenn.

"Dear Sue:
I have just received your letter of the 17th inst; all you say of the children is very pleasing to me I assure you, and creates a very great anxiety to see them as well as yourself. My baby boy must be a progressive specimen of young America, and I would be very happy indeed if I could see the little fellow today.
I dined on yesterday in company with a dozen ex-Confederation friends, members of the Convention, at the house of my friend, Alex Porter. It was the first time I have been out since I have been here, and I am sorry that I was too unwell to do justice to the elegant feast prepared for us; it was a reunion of army friends who had been in the 'imminent deadly breach' together and who had seen the flag of our hopes and lore go down in defeat. Often we had carried it bravely through four years of war and mainly strife. This meeting around the festive board was a happy one, and a sad one too. When an incident of our soldier’s life would be related, either of … and pride, or of bold enterprise, the memory of some fellow comrade would come upon us, only to remind us of the sad and unwelcome truth that the places of loved and lost friends are vacant forever. I have not seen such an elegant entertainment for many years or such an enjoyable one.
I have nothing special to write. I hope you are all well and happy, and with much love and kisses for all, believe me"
Faithfully yours,
Jas. D. Porter, Jr.

I find his formality of closure humorous and yet, probably indicative of the formality of the day.  I hope their time together (and apparently they had time together as evidenced by the continuing line of children) was less formal. He called her Sue. Wonder if she called him "James D. Porter, Jr.".  On paper, at least, there seemed an air of distance, and that was when he only traveled to Nashville. Later, Chile.

To be continued...

Oh Susanna

The most intimate portrait I can paint of Sue will begin with a letter her husband wrote to her while he was detained with the Legislature in Nashville during a special session in 1861. He was an active participant in the memorable proceedings of that session when Tennessee dissolved her relations with the Federal Government. He was the author  "Porter Resolutions" passed in 1861 which pledged Tennessee to co-operate with the South in case of war between the States, but stated he hoped there would be a peaceful solution.

Nashville

Jan. 28th, 1861

Mrs. Jas. D. Porter, Jr.

Paris, Tenn.

Dear Sue:

I have been the bluest, and the saddest poor fellow for several days, you understand, half sick with sore eyes, and away from you and the babies! Quite a formidable array of grievances, and with no certain prospect of relief from either….when can we leave, is the perplexing, question profounded by every member I meet who has any interest at home, and no one can give another much comfort or consolation, except it be to “crys“ a dozen or more talking machines, whose stock in trade seemed inexhaustible and who seem to have no idea how to dispatch business, except through the medium of long winded speeches, delivered to empty seats. I will be at home about night next, without fail, you may expect me then.

I received a letter from you this morning informing me that you and the children were doing “finely”. Just continue that style, will you? My love and a kiss to you and the little ones."

Faithfully yours,

Jas. D. Porter, Jr.

More from the couple in upcoming posts.

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.

Governor Porter's Path

This post is strictly a bio on James D. Porter and is from my book. This photo was taken on the front porch of the Porter home in Paris, Tennessee, and it pictures Gov. Porter, and two of his grandchildren, George Bibb Edmondson (my father) and Susanna Porter Edmondson (Susie Porter Hotelling)

Notes on James Davis Porter

Father of Susanna Dunlap Porter Bibb (my great grandmother)

From Family Documents

"JAMES DAVIS PORTER was born in Paris, Tennessee, December 7, 1828, and died May 18, 1912. Dr. Thomas Kennedy Porter married Geraldine Horton in Davidson County, Tennessee, February, 1824, and were the parents of James Davis Porter. His grandparents, Hannah  (Kennedy of the Old Stone House Kennedys)and William Porter, also named a child James Davis Porter, born in 1803; hence, their grandson later signed his name, James D. Porter, Jr. when he wrote personal letters

He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nashville in 1846. He went on to study law under his future father-in-law, as well as to serve in the Tennessee House of Representatives until the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1861, Governor Isham Harris appointed him Assistant Adjutant-General in the Provisional Army of Tennessee, and he continued to serve when the state's forces were transferred to the Confederacy, rising to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. Porter helped organize the Army of Tennessee and was Gen. B.F. Cheatham's chief of staff.

After the war ended, he returned to his law practice and then served as Judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit of Tennessee for four years before undertaking a successful campaign for governor. A strong advocate of education, Porter played a key role in establishing the George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville and during his administration the first black medical school-Meharry Medical College-was founded. Porter was less successful in resolving the problem of the state's debt. After leaving office, he became president of the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railroad Company. He served as Assistant Secretary of State under President Grover Cleveland from 1885 until 1887. In 1893 President Cleveland made him Minister to Chile, a post that he held for two years."

A reader might wonder about this photo. On the back is a  description typed by Gov. Porter. He says "This is a part of a mirror imported from Spain by Francisco Pizarro when he became Captain (dark spot covering writing) of Peru. It was presented to me at the national Palace by the President of the Republic of Peru, in 1891. Jas. D. Porter."

"Having already been chosen president of the Board of Trustees of the University of Nashville, he became the University's Chancellor in 1901, and in 1902 he was chosen to serve as President of Peabody Normal College. When the two schools merged, he became President of the new George Peabody College, serving until 1909."

Well, that read like an obituary. Enough said on him. I certainly respect his accomplishments, and there were plenty. I also admire his softer side. The more personal side shows when I get to his communications with his wife.

Stone House

I am really intrigued with old houses and wish like crazy walls could talk. Or at least, answer  some of my questions. Otherwise, I suppose it's best they can't.  One old house that has captivated my imagination is the Old Stone House of Covington, Kentucky, built by the Kennedy family in 1795 but, as I said yesterday, not completed until 1802.   Mary Hannah Krout's poetic prowess showed up in "the box" with this poem about the house. Her words indicate to me the lure of the house to generations who knew the walls well, as she obviously did.

The Old Stone House
M.H. Krout

Back from the noise of busy Street

The bustle of traffic and passing feet

With quaint queer windows and blackened roof

It proudly stands from the world aloof.

While the years with their changes have come and gone

From germ to blossom, from night to dawn

The shadows have fallen across the eaves

Of nearly a hundred summer leaves.

When the busy city spreads far and wide

The fruits of her labor in haughty pride

Unbroken forests stretched dark and still

The wild deer drank from the limpid rill

The Fox and Panther. The Wolf and the Bear

Wandered unharmed and unhunted there.

Save when the Indian with light bow bent

And through the coverts his arrows spent.

I'm skipping some of the verses to continue with the last two:

There life first throbbed in the baby’s breast

There the young grew aged and dreamed of rest

The bride came in at the open door

Where the dead went out to return no more.

There is little of life, of its joys and grief.

Its many trials, its pleasure brief.

Of birth, of marriage, of shine and knell

If its walls might speak what they could not tell.

It keeps its councils dark and dumb

It waits for the day that will surely come

When we shall be gathered to those that sleep

And others will struggle and trial and weep

Unclaimed by honor unknown to fame

A broken stone with a moss grown name.

It’s all of our story the world will know

While the years will come and the years will go

These strangers and aliens will tear it down

And give its place to the growing town.

Oakland Farm, Dec. 26, 1881

Her poem is unpublished and as far as I know, "the box" held the only copy. Sadly, the original house of the poem was torn down in 1909 after being purchased by Dr. Louise Southgate, a relative of the Kennedy’s. She had offered the house to the City of Covington as an historic building, but apparently the city turned her down, and Dr. Southgate had it demolished. A plaque in the George Rogers Clark Park, which is in front of the location of the house, shows a picture of it. Another Kennedy home, the Southgate Kennedy house, built in the late 1800’s, still stands at 2nd and Garrard.

Now I  can return to a bit more on James Davis Porter in the upcoming post.

Kentucky Two-Step

I changed course again. Instead of the correspondence I promised in yesterday's post,  I thought some ancestral background should come into the picture. Hence, the name of this post brings Kentucky's path into the limelight amid the twists and turns heading toward the southern bypass. It brings the trail from the Kennedys to the Porters, and aha! James D. Porter, the star (so to speak) of this section.

The following entry is an excerpt from another document found in the proverbial "box". The author puzzled me. Who in the world is M.H. Krout and why would she be writing about the Kennedy family and Old Stone House? The question led me on an interesting hunt to discover a woman before her time in Mary Hannah Krout. She lived in Crawsfordsville, Indiana, an unlikely place to find someone with first-hand knowledge about an old Southern family from Kentucky. But after I researched her, I found that she was an author, poet, newspaper reporter, world traveler, AND a leading feminist of her day. The tie-in came with the discovery that her paternal grandmother was a Kennedy from Covington.

Hand-written circa 1871

M. H. Krout

Thomas Kennedy, Sr. was born in the North of England, 1703, of Scotch Irish decent, and Presbyterian. He immigrated to America at an early day and settled in Chester Co. Pennsylvania, on Brandy Wine Creek near a Presbyterian Church of the same name, Brandywine. He was probably the only child. Thomas Kennedy, Sr. was married in Chester Co., Penn., to Margaret _____(name not known) and had two children, Margaret Crawford and Thomas Kennedy, Jr. (the first settler of Covington, Kentucky)."

And a bit more:

"Hannah Kennedy, daughter of Dinah and Thomas, married William Porter about 1793. She started on a visit to Penn. was followed by Wm. Porter and they were married probably at Limestone, Ky., now Maysville. Thomas Kennedy Porter (born Feb. 19, 1801) was their child.(and the father of James Davis Porter)"

Ms. Krout's family sketch is extensive and in some places, hard to follow. These old tales about who had who can become tedious. Believe me. I enjoy the real life stories of the places the people called home--like The Old Stone House. Here's what M.H. Krout said:

"Thomas Kennedy, Jr. (and) his wife, Dinah, and their five children came down the Ohio River, and landed at the mouth of the Licking River, where the city of Covington (Kentucky) now stands, May 1791. There was then standing a small cabin of some hunters. Rob Kyle and his wife Sallie Piersal and William Porter were in company with them. The Stone House in Covington known as the Kennedy House and which is still in possession of the descendents of Thos. Kennedy, was commenced by him in 1795 and not completed until 1802, but was occupied several years before..."

Now we know exactly how James Davis Porter entered the trail. Right? Sure. More on the Old Stone House and James D. Porter in the upcoming posts.

Moving Along

Before leaving Martha Dandridge Bibb, I applaud her pioneer efforts for working women. In “the box”, I found several small booklets entitled, “Association for Aiding Working Women and the Helpless”, of which M.D.B. was a Trustee. The Association was organized in 1881 in Montgomery and according to their Constitution--

“the object of the Association shall be to provide a home for Working Women and the Helpless in which they can obtain comfortable rooms to aid them in obtaining, work, so that they may be able to make a support for themselves and their children—to care for them in sickness, and to use every means to help them to help themselves.”

Martha Dandridge Bibb can rest on her laurels.

Introducing a new set of characters:

My other 2nd Great-Great-Grandmother

Susanna Eliza Dunlap Porter

June 17, 1832 - November 5, 1914
and her husband

Governor James Davis Porter
1828 – 1912

Governor Porter has been mentioned, but not properly introduced, nor has his wife, nor have the paths from Kentucky and Tennessee.

Enter here those paths. James Davis Porter of Paris, Tennessee, and Susanna Eliza Dunlap married June, 1851. She was the daughter of John Henry Dunlap and Marietta Beauchamp Dunlap also of Paris, Tennessee. Governor Porter’s wife was affectionately called “Sue” by him and perhaps others but I have no record of that. Her ancestors, the Dunlaps, were among the earliest settlers in Tennessee, and the founding settlers of Knoxville. James D. Porter’s family, the Kennedys, were the founding settlers of Covington, Kentucky, originally called Kennedy Landing or Kennedy’s Ferry until 1815, and the builders of the historic Old Stone House.

According to a newspaper clipping, tradition says that while visiting in the area, Harriet Beecher Stowe stayed with the Kennedys at the Old Stone House and while there, wrote several chapters of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”.

Next post, some of their correspondence.