Rogersville
Herald
This paper was published in Rogersville, Tn which lies
in Hawkins Co.
Will Mark the Grave of his grandfather High Upon a Mountain top
Knoxville Journal and Tribune
of 23 inst. says: - Many visitors to historic Hale Springs near Rogersville
have seen the grave of the first owner of the property. The grave is that
of Major James Richards.
It is located high upon the top of a spur of Stone mountain, perhaps three
thousand feet above sea level. Major Richards
came to these springs, which were then visited by the Indians who had great
faith in the healing power of the water, as early as 1825, and being well
pleased with the springs and picturesque country thereabout, he purchased
the six or eight hundred acres of land in the valley and along the mountain
sides.
Major Richards
came from Culpepper county, Va., bringing with him one of his daughters,
now Mrs. S. H. Hale,
of Rogersville, mother of Mr. Shell S. Hale
of this city. He continued to visit the springs every season and lived
like a prince, bringing slaves with him and driving over from Culpepper
county in his carriage. He was quite a sportsman, kept several packs of
hounds, a stable of fine horses and loved to hunt, spending much time following
these pleasures. He lived to the age of seventy and at his death, persuant
to his request, his body was buried on top of Stone Mountain where it was
suitable marked at the time. Trees have fallen over the grave and the brick
wall which was built about the grave has crumbled years since.
Many of the older citizens of
Rogersville remember Major Richards.
He was a conspicuous character, well liked, and a leader in politics. In
his latter years he was constantly about the springs. He wore long white
hair and walked with the aid of a cane.
Desiring to mark the grave of
his grandfather in a more permanent manner, Mr. Shell Hale
of this city, has had a monument built similar to the stone in the
court house yard marking the first site of the block house. This monument
was shipped yesterday and will be placed at the head of the grave. Over
the top of the monument is a masonic emblem, Major Richards
having been a prominent Mason from the time when he was a very young man.
The monument bears the following
inscription:
"Major James Richards.
Born Culpepper County, Va., February 2, 1774, died September 24, 1844.
The owner of the springs at the time of his death and by his request resting
here."
The Rogersville Herald
The poor house of Hawkins County will be moved into the 18th district the first of April. In 1840 the poor house was in the 9th district and was kept by old man Jimmy Jones, the grand-father of the present J.F. Jones, of the 18th district and at that time there was only one inmate, Lizzie Loughmiller, a half witten woman. She was the only inmate for years. She cost the county twelve dollars per year.
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