Pigue, Manier, Hall & Co., Nashville TN 1874

Here's a neat piece of business ephemera from Nashville, TN dated Dec. 2, 1874, from the Office of Pigue, Manier, Hall & Co."  A quick search told me that they were "manufacturer's and wholesale dealers of boots and shoes.  The search also produced an introducing result from "The People's Paper" of Huntingdon, Tennessee dated September 1, 1874:  "John C. Ezzell with Pigue, Manier, Hall, & Co. manufacturers and wholesale dealers in boots and shoes."

Being no stranger to the Ezzell name since Fannie Moran married James B. Ezzell, I immediately checked the family tree and found a John Chambers Ezzell. If my research is correct he was the son of Benjamin Gilbert Ezzell and Elizabeth Jetta Allen.  Benjamin G. Ezzell was a brother of Mason Ezzell, the father of James Ezzell making John C. and James B. first cousins.  It's just supposition on my part but it seems very possible that it's the same John C. Ezzell.

Young Lady, Off the Shoulder Evening Dress by Thuss

This lovely young woman is unknown to us.  The photograph was taken at Thuss Studios, 230 Cherry Street, in Nashville, Tennessee. I liked her so much I've included a closeup of her lovely face.

Nashville Photo of Unknown Clergy by Rodney Poole, 1870-1896

I can't tell you who the man is or if he was family or friend but it's obvious he was a clergyman and meant something to the Moran family. The photograph was taken by Rodney Poole between 1870 and 1896 when the Poole Art Co. was in business.

I can tell you a lot about the photographer, Rodney Poole. He was a well-known Nashville photographer owning his own studio from 1870 - 1896. He was born June 12 1837, a son of Horace Poole and Sophia Mahy, in Ohio. He was the oldest of eight children.  

1850 Census

Springfield, Clark County Ohio

Horace Pool (sic) is 42 and a grocer.  His birthplace is listed as New York.  Sophia is 37 and a native of France.   All of the children are listed as natives of Ohio.  Rodney age 12, Forrest age 11, Oscar age 9, Marilla age 4, Samma (actually I think this is Emma) age 1.  A William Pool is in the household, age 84 a native of Connecticut and most likely Horace Poole's father.

1860 Census

Springfield, Clark County, Ohio

The Poole family shows up in 1860, minus Rodney.  Horace is a merchant, native of Vermont. Sophia is 42, a native of the "Island Guernsey."  Forest, age 22, is also a merchant, born in Ohio. Oscar, age 20 is a clerk.  Marilla is 14, Louisa Emma is 9, Charles is 7, Ella F. is 5 and James is 3.

1870 Census

Springfield, Clark County, Ohio

Horace is now 63 years old and a farmer.   His wife, Sophia is 52 and Prussia is listed as her native

homeland this time around.  There oldest son Rodney is 32 and "book pedler".  Marilla is 24, Emma is 18.  Son Charles is 16 and it looks like he may have been apprenticed out.  Allen is 15 and James is 13.  Both are listed at school.  Mary May is 83 and is Sophia's mother. She is listed as being from Prussia.

1870 Census

Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee

Another 1870 Census, this time for Nashville TN, has Rodney, age 33 and "Millie", age 22, (I believe this is his sister Marilla) living in the home of Nashville Photographer J. H. Van Stavoren. Rodney is a photographer, maybe working at Van Stavoren's studio, the studio he ended up purchasing.  

1880 Census

Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee

In 1880, Rodney is 40 years old and still a photographer.  He's living with his brother James, age 23. James is a carriage merchant.

1900 Census

Civil District 15, Davidson County Tennessee

Rodney Poole is 62 years old and out of the photography business.   He heads the household and lives with siblings: Louisa Emma Poole, age 48, single, dressmaker, Charles Poole age 46 and single an electrician, Ella F. Poole age 45 and single and a dressmaker like her sister Louisa 

1910 Census

Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee

This time around Emma, age 45, is listed as head of household although she has no income, Rodney , age 70, does have an income an occupation is not listed.  Charles is 46 now and an electrician while Ella, age 40, is now an artist.

The 1915 Nashville City Directory shows that Rodney Poole is working at the Masonic Library as a librarian.  The 1920 City Directory lists no occupation and his address is 908 Berryhill.

Rodney Poole died at the Nashville City Hospital on January 29, 1921.  The death certificate is transcribed incorrectly as Rodway Poole and lists his parents as Harris Poole and Sophie Mahy which makes it a bit difficult to find him in a search.  The informant was his sister, Emma Poole and they were still living at 908 Berryhill Street.  Cause of death was chronic interstitial nephritis.  He was interred at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Nashville.

Known Interments at Mount Olivet:

Rodney Poole

Ella F. Poole

Louisa Emma Poole

Charles Poole

Jim Moran III and Nashville Group ca 1896

Ebenezer and Peter Calvert were painters and photographers in Nashville.  The Calverts were born in England and studied art there prior to moving to the United States.  They made their way to Nashville about 1870 and worked in several studios before setting up shop for themselves. Both taught art and worked in several mediums such as oil, watercolor and pastels.  Miniatures were exceedingly popular at that time, a medium in which Peter excelled.  They formed a partnership with Sam Taylor in 1896 to form Calvert Bros. & Taylor.  The partnership lasted just four years and they reverted back to the name Calvert Brothers.  Although they were accomplished artists their bread and butter came from photography, specifically class photographs like the one from Moran Place.  Middle row, seated, second from the left is Jim Moran III.

If you're visiting this page and happen to recognize any of the people pictured here please drop me a line so I can add their name.

Here's a closeup version.  Jim is seated in the center of the two rows.  Some of the people look vaguely familiar, perhaps I've seen them in other photo's but I don't know who they are.

Here is a larger version of the middle section.

And of course the right side folks.

Family Portrait of the Lyman Cephas Gunn Family, ca.1884

Lyman Cephas Gunn is a brother of Sophia Riley Gunn, the wife of John Williamson Moran.

Lyman married Sallie Boyd Dec. 14, 1870.  Their first son was Lyman Buckner Gunn, 1871-1876.  Daisy was born in 1873 and married Clyde Ezzell making her not only a cousin to Fannie Moran but her sister-in-law as well. Daisy died in Madison TN in 1972.  James Boyd Gunn was born 1874 and married Bess Ralston. James died in 1953 in Paris TN.  Mineola was born in 1876 and died in 1897 while the family was living in St. Louis.  Ellis Morehead Gunn was born in 1881 and died in Nashville in 1902.  Their last child was Carolyn "Carrie" Gunn who came along in 1887 after this picture was taken.  She married William Elbert Davis. Carrie died in Madison TN in 1972.

The picture has a nasty crease which I've attempted to erase via the magic of photoshop.  It's not the best job in the world but it's not the worst either.  :)  I've included the before and after.  The names go left to right in the photographs.

Jennings Business College Ephemera

Charles Harrell Moran attended Jennings Business College.  For more an in depth look at the College, his diploma and more be sure to look at the Jennings Business College Nashville TN post.

This is a piece of education ephemera celebrating Ratification Treaty between the Confederate States and the United States.  Side one is facsimile of a $500 CSA note.

Side two is entitled "Strong and Pointed" and has endorsements by various prominent Nashvillians.

Bishop Holland Nimmons McTyeire, while President of the Vanderbilt University, who never gave an opinion without careful study, said to a mother, whose son wanted a position: "Send him to Jennings' Business College; a certificate from R.W. Jennings to your son, recommending him for a position, will be of more benefit to him than all other influences, he could have." 

Gen. William Hicks Jackson  the distinguished proprietor of Belle Meade, says "Having known Mr. R.W. Jennings for a number of years, and being satisfied as to his business methods and efficiency as an educator of youth, to prepare them for practical business, I sent my son to his college, and it affords me pleasure to commend him to all who are contemplating the sending of their sons and daughters to such a school."

Judge Thomas H. Malone, Chancellor of this division and Dean of the law department of Vanderbilt University says: "I have known Mr. R.W. Jennings, of the Jennings Business College, for about thirty-five years.  Both as a practicing lawyer and Chancellor, I have had occasion to examine critically his statements of complicated transactions and his expositions of erroneous bookkeeping.  I always rely with great confidence upon his expert opinions, and believe that he, as an expert, has no superior among us.  I think he is eminently qualified to be at the head of a business college, and his success proves it."

Thomas D. Fite, Sr., a retired merchant of Nashville, and who was identified with the wholesale trade of the South for half a century, says:" "R.W. Jennings, the proprietor of Jenning's Business College, was my partner in the wholesale dry goods trade for six years,he having exclusive charge of the counting room, and it is needless to say his work was in the highest degree satisfactory; in fact, he has been for a long time considered one of the most scientific bookkeepers this country has ever produced.  I sent my two sons to his college for the reason that I knew the man, and knew that he had the entire confidence of the business community for thoroughness and reliability."

Mr. J.H. Fall, of the firm of J.H. Fall & Co., Nashville, one of the largest wholesale hardware houses in the South says:  "I have known Mr. R. W. Jennings, president of Jennings Business College, quite well for many years.  His long identity and close connection with the mercantile and banking world enables him to conduct a business college based upon actual experience, and this feature gives his school, in my judgment, a decided advantage.  Several of our employees were trained by Mr. Jennings, and all, without a single exception, are methodical, painstaking and reliable, I therefore, unhesitatingly endorse and commend this college to all who are seeking a business education."

For a catalogue of this noted school address Jenning's Business College, Nashville, Tenn.

School Days With Sophia Gunn, 1870

Sophia Riley Gunn

Before she became Mrs. John W. Moran at the tender age of 18, Sophia Riley Gunn was living in Nashville with her prominent father, Dr. Lyman Taft Gunn.  Dr. Gunn was reputedly one of the first if not the first dentist to open up shop in Nashville.  

Sophia's School Bell
ca. 1870

It is reputed that Sophia came to Dresden TN, probably in the late 1860's, as a teacher and that J.W. Moran fell in love her with at that time.  They were married December 27, 1871 in Weakley County, Tennessee.

Sophia rang the school bell to call the children to class each morning.  Education was of great importance to Sophia and John and this importance was passed down to their children.  Jim went on to become a lawyer and would take the position of Bank President at the death of his father in 1912.  Charles (Brud), attended business college and was the head cashier at the bank and though he didn't have the title of President, he was  responsible party of the two sons.  Their daughter Fannie followed in her mother's footsteps and upon graduating from college became a school teacher and later was heavily involved in civic activities and politics.  She was Tennessee's first Democratic National Committee woman and for a time an associate social editor on the Nashville Banner.  Ida had a love of music and her educational pursuits were along the lines of furthering her abilities as a pianist.  Marion, the youngest, was dedicated to educational pursuits and was a founding member of the Delta Beta Sigma Sorority.

Sophia's School Bell
ca. 1870

McKendree M.E. Church, South

McKendree M.E. Church, South, in Nashville Tennessee has played a variety of roles in the Moran family.  There have been weddings and funerals and family memberships.  Manie Campbell Hatton, daughter of Confederate General Robert Hatton and Sophie K. Reilly, was a member of McKendree.  Sophia Ezzell, grand-daughter of Captain John W. Moran, had a grand wedding ceremony at McKendree in November 1919 when she married Matthew Dobson.  The McKendree Church held a special place in the family, so much so that Virginia Shumate Moran kept this postcard in a folder with her children's school reports, letters, and other family items she held dear.

Frank & Co., Nashville TN ca. 1900

Dresden was a small town with limited shopping opportunities.  Many clothes were home made but if you wanted something that couldn't be found in town or couldn't be made you had to either make the trip to Nashville or you could place a mail order and get items that way.  We don't know what this empty envelope from Frank & Co. held but it's a sure bet it was something for Charles or Jim Moran.

John Philip Frank was the son of Morris Frank and W. Harris.  Morris Frank was born in Germany.  His wife was from Marshall County, Tennessee, which is where John P. Frank was born.  Searching ancestry.com I found John P. Frank in Nashville City Directories from the time he was just a clerk to when he owned Frank & Co.  I don't know if Martin S. Loventhal was his partner but he had to have played a prominent role in the company for him to appear on the package with John Frank.

Frank & Co. operated from the late 1800's through the early 1900's.  They made shirts to order, offered a variety of hats including Stetsons.  Before there was the Men's Warehouse or Urban Outfitters there was Frank & Co. Men's Outfitters located at 234 and 236 North Cherry Street, Nashville Tennessee.

O'Bryan Washington, Oct 1894 Letter from Nashville

O'Bryan Washington was born in Nashville, Tennessee on July 20 1870 to Allen Hall Washington and Sallie Ewing Garner.  He was married to Martha Lanier Scruggs about 1910. Her mother Martha Lanier was living with them when the 1910 census was taken but she died later that year on Oct 26 1910.  The couple had two children: Martha E. and O'Bryan Washington Jr.

O'Bryan is listed in many Nashville City Directories during the 1800's and his occupation was salesman.  The 1920 Census lists him as secretary at a hosiery mill and in 1930 he had moved up to become proprietor of the mill.  He and his wife are listed in the Nashville Social Directory, 1911-1915 as living at 110 16th Ave. S.

This information comes from the Sons of the American Revolution Magazine, volume 17:

O'BRYAN WASHINGTON, Nashville, Tenn. (37451).  Son of Allen Hall and Sallie (Garner) Washington; grandson of Francis Whiting and Eliza Mason (Hall) Washington; great-grandson of Warner and Mary (Whiting) Washington; great2-grandson of Francis Whiting, Lieutenant in Thurston's and Baylor's Regts., Virginia Cont'l Dragoons.

O'Bryan had a good lineage and was on the Nashville social register but on this date in 1894 he was just another friend or potential suitor of Fannie Moran.  There are a few holes in the letter and some staining which make a few words impossible to fill in.    He mentions Mrs. Moran, that would be Fannie's mother Sophia Riley Gunn Moran.  Sadly she died the following year.  He mentions Sousa and he wants Fannie to attend a Musicale the following month with him in Nashville.  He also mentions a trip to Texas that he had been putting off but had renewed his interest in going.  Possibly because Fannie and some of the other Moran's were going to visit their Texas cousins.

The Nicholson
Rates $2.00, 2.50 & 3.00

Nashville, Tenn. Oct 28, 1894

Dear Miss "Fannie",

Mr.______ - he is to be pitied.  Him yesterday and he looks as if he has been run through a grist mill, and your friend ______ I understand contemplated suicide.


I have such pleasure of informing all their_____ of their youthful appearance and you can consider me as your debtor.  Please just draw on me for any amount and the draft will be honored.

Have at last met your friends from Columbia, and like yourself, enjoyed my chat with him very much.

Mrs. Moran will tell you what a treat you missed in not meeting(?) Sousa and I will not attempt to tell you how disappointed I was, when I received your telegram.  Thought you understood you need not worry to wire unless you were coming and when  boy came in, my expectations were above par, but in a few moments there was a decided drop in the markets.  There will be a very swell "Musicale" here Nov. 27, and if you are here, am very anxious for you to go.

For some time have been wanting to put off my Texas trip, but lately have for some reason, taken new interest in it.  Can you account for it?  Please let me know when you intend coming and please if you can, come this week, as I will be here, and I am anxious for you to meet some of my friends.  If the Texas trip should be abandoned consider yourself engaged of foot-ball Thanksgiving.

Love to your family,
O'Bryan Washington












 The letter is written on stationery from The Nicholson Hotel which was built in 1894 in Nashville.  It replaced a boarding house of the same name that dates from the 1860's.  The Hotel was later renamed The Tulane and has a very interesting history including the Tennessee Centennial Exposition and Suffragettes.

The Beautiful and Fascinating Miss Moran 1891

William Edward Eastman
ca. 1890

Today I'm posting a letter to Fannie Moran from another one of her many admirers.  She is described as "beautiful and fascinating" by William Edward Eastman Jr., of Nashville Tennessee.  At the end of the letter I've included as much information as I could find in regards to Mr. Eastman and his family.  It appears he never married, did Fannie break his heart?

Fannie thought highly enough of Mr. Eastman to include him in a photo album of close friends and family.  He is about 18 years old in this picture. (Picture was added to this post on April 26, 2013)

Bank of Commerce
J.N. Brooks Prest.
C.B. Duncan, Cash'r
Nashville, Tenn Oct 17, 1891

Dear Miss Moran,

I am afraid that you are fast forgetting your old Nashville friends so I have taken the liberty of letting you know that one is still true and desires very much to be remembered.









I saw your very dear friend Mr. Ewing the other day and he informed me that the beautiful and fascinating Miss Moran was well and doing well.

I received a letter from Matt A. to day.  He is in St. Louis with the "St. Louis Republic." (Maybe you have heard that direct from him?)

I was awfully sorry not to have been able to bid you a fond farewell when you left here.

When are you coming to Nashville again?  Would like very much to have a "reunion."

It it would not be too much trouble to you I should be delighted to hear from you.

Yours very truly

   Will E. Eastman Jr.

William Edward Eastman Jr was born February 20, 1872 in Nashville Tennessee to William Edward Eastman Sr and Addie Florence Clark.  William Eastman Sr. appears in A National Register of the Society, Sons of the American Revolution, Volume 1:

Son of Elbridge Gerry and Lucy Ann (Carr) Eastman; grandson of Timothy and Abigail (Wilkins) Eastman; great-grandson of Nathaniel Eastman, private New Hampshire Continental Rangers.

William Eastman Sr. was one of the founding partners of The Nashville Banner and served as its first president.  He was also a member of the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons of the State of Tennessee and was a "Grand Scribe", "Grand Steward",  "Grand King", "Grand High Priest",  and a "Grand Master of Ceremonies" at one of the conventions.

William Eastman Jr. is listed in the 1900 Census.  He's living in Washington DC as a boarder and his occupation was accounting.  By 1910 he's living in Nassau, New York and is residing in the household with his brother-in-law Colin Studds, his sister, Maud Eastman Studds and their sons Carlin (possibly mis-written by the census take, most likely Colin Jr)  and Eastman Studds.  William Eastman is listed as single.  An interesting side note, Maud Eastman Studds is the grandmother of Gerry Eastman Studds, the first openly gay member of Congress.

In the 1920 Census William is now listed as head of household and his sister and her two children are living with him.  Oddly enough the census taker lists both of them as married which I believe is incorrect.  William was still single and his sister was now a widow since her husband Colin Auld Studds died in 1915.

In 1930 the Census has reversed the situation with Maud now being listed as head of household. His occupation is now that of District Passenger Agent for the railroad.  His marital status is single.

In 1940, the most current year census records are available, it is just he and sister residing in the home at Hempstead, Nassau County, New York.

I don't know where he died but William Edward Eastman died in 1950 and is buried in Pennsylvania with his sister Maud and her husband Colin Studds.

Nashville College for Young Ladies 1892

This letter comes from Alice Foxworthy, the "lady principal", at the Nashville College for Young Ladies and is dated December 13 1892.  She was writing to Fannie Moran explaining when the next term would begin and how much it would cost.  Fannie was interested in becoming a teacher and apparently she was asking about the coursework required to teach Kindergarten.  It's interesting to see that Miss Foxworthy was willing to take into account Fannie's previous library coursework and apply it toward her curriculum reducing the time she would have to attend the college.



Rev. Geo. W.F. Price, President
Alice S. Foxworthy, Lady Principal
Florence M. Pooser, Accountant
Patronage 1892           425 Pupils

Nashville College for Young Ladies (in small print under "Ladies" it says C.H. Green Nash, Tenn)
108 Vauxhall Street
Nashville Tenn

December 13. 1892

Dear Miss Moran,

Page 1

At the request of Dr. Price, I take pleasure in replying to your favor of the 12th inst.

There will be a new class in the kindergarten organized in Jan. at the opening of the new term, two terms of 10 months each are necessary to secure a diploma ten months awards a certificate but I should think five months of work by a young lady who had graduated in the library course would give you quite a good start for teaching.  You teach 3 hrs per day in the free kindergarten for the benefit of the experience so you see you put into practice what you learn every day, which is of utmost importance.  The tuition is $5 per month, from this is deducted $? for street care fare in going to and from the branch schools in the city.

Page 2

We do all we can to assist our people in securing positions.

Eng. Literature per month.        $1.40
Music Prof Groban " "                8.00
Kindergarten " "                         5.00
Board & Laundry " "                20.00
Expense per month                 $34.40

I am sure it would be to your interest to begin your work at once.  I am sure you could complete the course in fifteen months as you would have your whole time to devote to it and as I said before, your previous mental training so well prepared you for taking up the subjects and also fits you to accomplish more in less time, than the average kindergarten student could do.

Page 3

I hope you will pardon the length of my letter, also, the apparent presumption of a voluntary opinion.

Hoping you will consider the full benefits of the advantages our school offers, and that we may have the pleasure of having you with us at an early day.

I am yours very respectfully
(Miss) Alice S. Foxworthy









The following comes from Contributions to American Educational History, Volume 16, 1893
"Nashville College for Young Ladies"

On Broad and Vauxhall streets in Nashville stand three large brick buildings covering a half acre of ground.  The one immediately on the corner of Broad and Vauxhall is tall and massive.  It is five stories high above the basement and extends 108 feet along Broad and 68 feet along Vauxhall.  Further back on Vauxhall stands another brick, four stories high, with a frontage of 100 and a depth of 140 feet.  Between the two larger buildings is another four story brick 110 by 50 feet.  The first of these buildings is not yet completed; the second was erected in 1882, and the third in 1888.  These commodious structures are the home of the Nashville College for Young Ladies, and represent better than anything else can the growth of the school from 104 pupils in 1881 to 413 in 1891.  The institution took rise in the desire of the Methodists girls' school of their own denomination.  It was in response to this desire that Rev. George W.F. Price, D.D., of Alabama, opened on South Spruce street, in September, 1880 the Nashville College for Young Ladies, at his own expense, with the assurance that if it proved successful the means would be forthcoming for its enlargement.  It did succeed, the funds were raised, and a charter was obtained in November, 1881.  In November, 1882, the school was removed to its new quarters on Vauxhall street.

Although it is a Methodist institution, "Price's School" is not under control or care of any conference or number of conferences.  There is, however, a charter restraint laid upon the election to vacancies in the board of trustees; such elections are subject to the confirmation of the board of trustees of Vanderbilt University.  But that board appears never to have exercised its right.

In the Sprint of 1889 D.r Price was enabled by the addition of a new building to fit up the old chapel as a gymnasium for his own pupils and for the girls and ladies of the city who wished to attend.  The work of the college is organized in a number of departments, viz: Kindergarten, primary, intermediate, academic, collegiate, modern languages, art, music, and post-graduate.  A special comparative study is made of the literature of different languages.  The library is small, but is is composed of valuable books of reference and is so classified as to facilitate their use.  Dr. D.C. Kelley was instrumental in raising the funds for the inauguration of the Nashville College for Young Ladies on a larger scale, and he has always been the president of its board of trustees.

Freedman's Bank Record

George Washington Fergus Price was born in Alabama about 1831 and died in Nashville on April 7 1899 from a cerebral embolism..  His wife was Elizabeth Margaret Pooser.  She was born  June 22 1827 and died August 4 1872 in Huntsville Alabama.  

While searching on Ancestry.com I came across this record from the Freedman's Bank.  It's wonderful because of the variety of information it tells us about George Washington Furgus Price.  We know he was born in Butler County Alabama and that he was 40 years old, white, and living in Tuskegee Macon County, Alabama.  His occupation was Pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church South and he worked as a teacher and was the President of the Tuskegee Female College in 1871.  His wife was Elizabeth Margaret and his children were Wliza, Angie, George, Edwin and Betty. His parents were James Nicholls Price and Cornelia Price.  It even lists his siblings: William H.C in Brookly, Flora J wife of William Edward in Tuskegee Ala, and Sarah.

The 1880 census reveals that in addition to his own wife and children his household included a stepson, Julian D. Whitehurst who was a miner, and a step-daughter, Clara E. Whitehurst who was a teacher.  His nephew Francis Adams also lived in the residence and was a druggist.  Florence M Pooser (listed on the letterhead of the letter) is his sister-in-law.  His daughter Eliza is living there with her husband Lawrence W. Cooper who is a lawyer along with their child George Price Cooper.


The following information about Miss Alice S. Foxworthy comes From A Woman of the Century, Fourteen Hundred-Seventy Biographical Sketches Accompanied by Portraits of Leading American Women In All Walks of Life, 1893.

Miss Alice S., Foxworthy, educator, born in Mount Carmel, Fleming County, Ky., 22nd, December, 1852. (this differs from the date listed on the death certificate)  Through her paternal grandmother, Mary Calvert Foxworthy, she is a lineal descendant of Cecil Calvert, Lord Baltimore, of Maryland.  Her early education was received in the Stanford Academy, Stanford, Ky., and there she began her career of teaching immediately after her graduation.  In her native State she taught successfully in the Stanford Academy, The Catlettsburg high School and the East Kentucky Normal School.  From the last mentioned position she was called to the responsible post of presiding teacher in the Tennessee Female College of Franklin, Tenn. She next received a call to the position of lady principal in the Nashville College for Young Ladies.  Since 1884 Miss Foxworthy has occupied that position.  Dr. G.W.F. Price, the president of that college, early invested her with full authority, leaving her to work out her ideas in the practical organization and management of the school.  Miss Foxworthy's attainments are by no means insignificant.  Her school training has been continued and extended by reading and study during the whole of her professional life.  In 1890 the University of Nashville, Nashville Tenn, conferred upon her the degree of M.A.  Though the duties of principal have gradually withdrawn Miss Foxworthy from class-room work, her intimate acquaintance with each pupil under her care is not lessened.  The Sabbath-school class of over one-hundred pupils and the flourishing missionary society which she has built up give her an opportunity for a strong influence in forming the characters under her charge.  She is an original and impressive teacher of the Bible.  Her religion is a religion of justice and unselfishness, her energy is inexhaustible, her perseverance indomitable.  Her close observation, her keen and accurate judgment of men and things, and her long experience as a practical educator place her easily in the first rank of her profession.

Sophia Eleanor Ezzell Dobson, 1898-1995

This will b a long post due to all of the material I have related to the birth, wedding and funeral of the woman who was known as "Little Mother" to her children and Aunt Sophie to us, Sophia Eleanor EZZELL DOBSON.  In a way this is part two of a previous blog which explains why we are sharing all of this information.  On a visit to Aunt Sophie at her fantastic estate known as Harpeth Farms between Franklin and Nashville in the early 1990's she gave us the task of telling the Moran story.  One which has been easier since we acquired so much documentation about the family and one which we hope others will find interesting.

Sophia Eleanor Ezzell and
her grandfather, John W. Moran

Sophia Eleanor EZZELL was born September 21, 1898, in Nashville Tennessee. She was the daughter of Fannie Lemira MORAN and James Benjamin (sometimes seen as Battle) EZZELL. She was most likely the apple of her parents eye and the darling of her grandfather, John Williamson MORAN, since she was his very first grandchild. She, in return, adored her grandfather and was enamored with his stories about the Civil War and times past.  A love of family and history was something she carried with her always.

BIRTH OF SOPHIA ELEANOR EZZELL

Fannie and Jim received many letters of congratulations upon the birth of their daughter from family and friends.  It also becomes apparent that Fannie's sister Ida MORAN was staying with her during her confinement as there are many references regarding Ida.

The first letter is from Shepherd FOWLKES:

Shepherd Fowlkes pg 1

Dyersburg Tenn,

Oct. 2nd '98

Miss Sophia Eleanor Ezzell,

Dresden Tenn.

My dear little friend- I received your card a few days ago, and wish to send you back a welcome.  Are you pleased with your surrounds?  You must be.  Everyone is thinking of nothing but you-Father, mother, grandfather, aunts and uncles.  Do they try to kiss you all away?  Well you will have to endure that unpleasantness, for being so sweet.

You must try your best not to grow much until I can become better acquainted with you.  I have sized up your little fingers and enclose you a little remembrance.

Shepherd Fowlkes pg 2

Give my very best love to all your home people.  Tell Aunt Ida we are going to expect her down soon.

When you get to be a big girl, I shall expect an answer to this letter.

Give mamma a kiss and a hug and pretend it is,

Your old friend,

Shepherd Fowlkes.

The next letter of congratulations comes from George L. BURKE, from Kingston, Tenn.

George L. Burke letter

Kingston, Tenn.

Oct. 4th '98

Geo. L. Burke,

Attoryney at Law,

Office, Bank Building,

Kingston, Tenn.

Dear Mrs. Ezzell-

I want to congratulate you on the addition of a little daughter to your family.  I know you will find unbounded pleasure and comfort in her.  Mrs. Burke joins me in these expressions.  Give our love to your father's family and accept a (not sure of the word) portion for yourself.

Your friends

Geo L Burke

This letter is from Virginia GARDNER.  I know the Gardner's are related to the Moran's but I'm not sure of the exact relationship of Virginia to them.

Virginia M. Gardner pg 1

My dear Fannie

Accept my congratulations on the save arrival of Miss Sophia Eleanor Ezzell.  How soon may I come to see that young lady and your dear self?  Have been wishing to see you ever since my return from Chautauqua, but feared that a visit might be inopportune so denied myself the pleasure.  I trust that you may soon be in good health; and the the little girl may grow fast and grow to be like her mother.

Virginia M. Gardner pg 2

With kind regards for Mr. Ezzell, The family, and a kiss for Ida.

I am most lovingly your friend,

Virginia M. Gardner

Martin Sept 24 - '98

Nora Shannon Barr pg 1

The next note is from Leonora (Nora) SHANNON BARR.  We have pictures and other correspondence from the Barr's and we believe they are related to the Moran's but we haven't quite figured out the familial connection but it's on my to-do list!  I had previously blogged about the Barr's and posted pictures.

Nashville, Tenn.

Oct. 3, 1898

Dear Fannie-

Nora Shannon Bar pg 2

Your card announcing the birth of of little Sophia Eleanor was rec'd.  I had heard of her expected arrival and was very anxious about you.  Consequently was much relieved to receive the card.  I do hope that Mother & child are doing well.  I know you are .....for one of my long effusive will make it as brief as possible.  But I  wanted to send you a few lines and thank you for remembering me at such a time and forgive you for not answering my last letter.  I am expecting a visit from Ida as soon as you are able to spare her.  I may make my annual trip to West Tenn. some time this month.  I do not owe any of your family a visit but will call & pay my respects to the "little stranger"  We sent her a little present by express last week.  I hope you have received it.  Most kind regards to Mr. Ezzell and the Aunts & Uncles & Grandfather and much love to the mother

Nora Barr

Here is a card signed "Velda".  At least I think it says Velda.

With Love to Sophia,

From Valda

Mrs. Jennie Bondurant

Here's a quick not on a calling card from Mrs. Jennie BONDURANT.

With just Lots of love to Little Sophia.

The next note comes from Lillian GIBBS.

Lillian Gibbs note

Darling little baby girl

I appreciate your gift so very much something I need constantly.  May your life be filled with joy and sunshine and God grant that no shadow ever dim your beautiful baby face.

Your friend

Lillian Gibbs

Dec 26

Martha Helen Scott Moran letter
page 1

The last letter that I have come across in regard to Sophia's birth is from her first cousin Martha Helen MORAN who married Rufus Franklin Scott.  They made the move to Gainesville Texas in 1858 in a rockaway carriage.

Gainesville, Texas

Sept 23, 1898

Dear Fannie,

Your telegram received yesterday announcing the arrival of your expected guest.  Greetings, in return we send you our heartiest congratulation.  We feel that the little stranger has received a warm welcome from your loving hearts and that nursing and caring for her will be considered a privilege and not a sacrifice.  I feel sure she will be properly cared for all the time and with anxiety and love when suffering the diseases incident to childhood, thrush, croup, measles, etc.

Martha Helen Moran Scott letter
page 2

Dear Fannie, you must never lose sight of the immortal soul she possesses.  God has loaned her to you to bring up for Him, to love and honor her Creator her preserver her Redeemer.  She is not a doll given you to amuse and dress pretty and merely have a good time without regard to the future.  She lives forever and as you gaze upon her you must think of the possibilities of good or evil that lie within her, waiting to be developed by time.  A Mother's responsibility is great but I doubt not you will truly feel it's weight and by earnest prayer fit yourself for training your daughter up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  I hope you will have sufficient help from your husband but he will have to truly worship God and "remember to keep the Sabbath day holy."

Martha Helen Moran Scott letter
page 3

However I hope you are getting along nicely and you both live long to brighten your home and friends.  May God bless you all, now and forever.

Have Ida write soon.

With love to all,

I remain your devoted

Auntie.

WEDDING OF SOPHIA ELEANOR EZZELL & MATTHEW HUGHES DOBSON JR.

The Ezzell's and the Dobson's were prominent families in Nashville.  Their children went to private schools for the well-to-do.  They grew up learning the social graces and attending society events.  The wedding of their children would be if not the social event of the season, certainly one of the top weddings on the social calendar and was reported as such in the newspapers.

Sophia and Matt were married November 12, 1919 in Nashville Tennessee at McKendree Methodist Church which was named for the first American born Methodist Bishop, William McKendree.

Many Entertainments for Miss Sophie Ezzell

For Miss Sophie EZZELL, whose marriage to Mr. Matt H. Dobson will be an early November event, many charming prenuptial entertainments are planned.  They will be inaugurated on Friday by Miss Mary Harding BUCKNER (The Moran's are related to Simon Bolivar Buckner.  I wonder if Mary Harding Buckner is also a descendant.), who will give a luncheon for Miss Ezzell at her home, and will have the members of the bridal party as the guests.  A second luncheon will take place on Saturday at the Nashville Golf and Country club, when Mrs. Allen H. DOBSON will be the Hostess.  Miss Kathryn CRAIG will give a dinner for Miss EZZELL and Mr. DOBSON and the bridal party at the Golf club on Saturday evening and Miss Mary Lynn DOBSON will entertain the bride-elect at luncheon on Monday at her home in Richland.

Another affair that is planned will be a card party on Tuesday afternoon at the Nashville Golf and Country club, which Mrs. E.A. POTTER, Jr. will give.  Miss Frances DAVIES will entertain with a card party Friday afternoon, and Miss Cornelia WITHERSPOON has announced a buffet supper for the bridal party after the wedding rehearsal on Tuesday evening.

The plans for the wedding on Wednesday, November 12, at McKendree church insure its being an exceptionally artistic event, with beautiful decorative effects. The attendants will include: Miss Cornealia WITHERSPOON, who is to be maid of honor; the maids, Miss Agnes ZARECOR, Miss Mary Harding BUCKNER, Miss Mary Lynn DOBSON, Miss Katheryn CRAIG, Miss Helen MORGAN and Miss Gladys FITE, of Jackson.  (A side note: Miss Mary Harding Buckner Ragland lived to be 104 years old)

Mr. Allen dobson will be his brother's best man.  The groomsmen are:  Messrs. Caldwell BENNETT, Miller MANIER, Abram Tillman JONES, James KILLIBREW, Joseph ROACH, Harold (Harrell) MORAN of Dresden.

The ushers will be:  Messrs. Thomas P. KENNEDY, Wm. C. KIRKLAND, George KILLIBREW, C. Jack BLAIR.

The wedding will be solemnized at McKendree church at 7:30 o'clock on Wednesday, November 12.

WEDDING INVITATION:

Wedding Invitation

 Mr. and Mrs. James Benjamin Ezzell

Request the Honour of Your Presence

At the Marriage of Their Daughter

Sophia Eleanor

To

Mr. Matthew Hughes Dobson, Jr.

On Wednesday Evening, the Twelfth of November

Nineteen Hundred and Nineteen

At Half After Seven O'clock

McKendree Church

Nashville, Tennessee

NEWS ABOUT WOMEN AND PERSONAL MENTION

Brilliant Wedding at McKendree Church

Miss Sophie Ezzell, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. James B. Ezzell of Newsom Station, was married at 7:30 o'clock Wednesday evening at McKendree church to Mr. Matthew Hughes Dobson, son of Mr. and Mrs. M.A. Dobson.  The chancel rail was twined with smilax and the chancel itself was a mass of palms, ferns, white chrysanthemums and was studded with cathedral candles.  While the guests were assembling for the ceremony, a program of music was given by Miss Daisy SARTAIN and Mrs. Thomas H. MALONE, Jr. The numbers included; "For a Kiss," Tosti:  "I Love Thee," Hammond: "Because," D'Hardelot," and "Love Song," Cadman, was played during the ceremony.  Dr. W.B. TAYLOR and Dr. James I VANCE were the officiating clergymen.

The lovely young bride, who was given in marriage by her father, wore a gown of white duchesse satin.  Her veil was held in place by a coronet of orange blossoms.  She wore a platinum pin set in diamonds, the gift of the groom.  The bridal bouquest was a shower of lilies of the valley.  The attendants included Miss Vornelia WITHERSPOON as maid of honor, with the bridesmaids: Miss Mary Harding BUCKNER, Miss Gladys FITE, Miss Helen MORGAN, Miss Kathryn CRAIG, Miss Mary Lynn DOBSON and Miss Agnes ZAREOR, four of whom were gowned in green satin and georgette conbined with metal cloth, and two in orchid satin and georgette combined with metal cloth.

Miss WITHERSPOON wore white taffeta with corsage of silver roses.  They all carried French bouquets of pink roses, blue daisies and silver wheat, with streamers of orchid ribbon.

Mr Allen DOBSON was his brother's best man, and the groomsmen were Messrs. Abram Tillman JONES, Caldwell BENNETT, Miller MANIER, James KILLEBREW, Joe ROACH and Harrlson (Poor Harrell, everybody messes his name up) MORAN of Dresden.  The ushers were; Messrs. George KILLEBREW, Albert WOOD of Shelbyville, William KIRTLAND and Jack BLAIR.

Mrs. EZZELL, the bride's mother, was beautifully gowned in blue georgette embroidered in silver.  Mrs. DOBSON, the groom's mother, wore a handsome black reception gown.

After the ceremony Mr. and Mrs. EZZELL held a reception in honor of the couple at the Centennial Club, where a wedding supper was served.  The club was elaborately decorated with yellow chrysanthemums and Jackson vine.  In the foyer Miss Elizabeth BUCKNER presided over the wedding register.  The bride's cake was heart-shaped, artistically decorated with orchids and lilies of the valley.  Misses Susan and Eliza BAXTER supervised the cutting of the cake, which was in the tea room.  In the diningroom the decorations were all in white.  The table, where the bridal party were seated, had a large heartshaped plaque of white roses and lilies of the valley.  At each place were hand-painted cards carrying out the bridal idea.  mr. and Mrs. DOBSON left after the reception for their wedding tour.  When they return they will be at home with the groom's parents on Richland avenue.

Mr. DOBSON gave to his attendants Waldemar watches, and the bride's souvenirs for the maids were green gold bar pins.

Many relatives and out-of-town guests were present:  among the wer:  Mr. and Mrs. J.H. MORAN and C.H. MORAN (I guess they didn't realize C.H. Moran is the same as Harrell Moran who was a groomsman) of Dresden. Other Dresden guests were Mrs. Joseph E. JONES, Harry JONES and MRs. George S. BOYD.  J.L. SHANNON and Mary SHANNON of Lebanon, Clyde Ezzell of Greenfield, Tenn., Mr. and Mrs. Timberlake (Ida Moran and her husband Will Timberlake) of Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Cobb (Marion Moran and her husband Charles H. Cobb) and Miss Carolyn Cobb (their daughter).

SOCIETY NEWS

DOBSON-EZZELL Marriage is Brilliant Event

Ceremony at McKendree Church is Followed by Reception.

Miss Sophie Ezzell, a Nashville Belle, last night was married to Matthew Hughes DOBSON, Jr. at 7:30 o'clock at McKendree Church.  The event gathered a brilliant assemblage as it was of prime interest to the large circle of friends of the couple and the prominent families they represent.  The ceremony was followed by a reception at the Centennial Club, when only the bridal party and the two families were entertained.

In the wedding party were some of the most popular members of society, and they were grouped against a background of ferns and plants that developed an elaborate scheme of decorations.  A row of ferns outlined the rail of the pulpit space, and a mass of palms filled the chancel.  At intervals were placed cathedral candlesticks, and from the center of the bed of palms arose an enormous bouquet of white chrysanthemums.

Dr. TAYLOR, pastor of McKendree and Dr. James I VANCE were the officiating ministers, and previous to the reading of the marriage service, a msucial program was given by Mrs. Thomas H. MALONE, Jr., soprano and Miss Daisy SARTAIN, organist.

James B. EZZELL gave his daughter in marriage and accompanied her to the altar.  She is a beautiful girl and her handsome costume accentuated her loveliness.  It was of trousseau satin, with lace and pearl trimmings; a coronet of orange blossoms held the tulle veil to her hair dress and was finished with a court train.  A coronet of orange blossoms held the tulle veil in place.  A diamond pin which Mr. DOBSON had given her was worn, and a shower of lillies of the valley completed the toilette.

The bride was attended by a maid of honor, Miss Cornelia WITHERSPOON, and bridesmaids, Miss Kathryn CRAIG, Miss Mary Lynn DOBSON, Miss Agnes ZARECOR, Miss Mary Harding BUCKNER, Miss Helen MORGAN and Miss Gladys FITE, the latter two of Jackson Tenn.   James KILLEBREW, Caldwell BENNETT, Miller MANIER, Jo ROACH and Harrell (Yay they got it right) MORAN of Dresden, were the groomsmen.  The ushers were George KILLEBREW, William KIRKLAND, Jack BLAIR and James Albert WOODS of Shelbyville.

Four of the maids were in gowns of green satin and Georgette combined wth metal cloth, and two were in costumes of this material in the orchid pink shades.  They carried French bouquets of silver wheat, Columbia roses, and blue French daisies.

Miss WITHERSPOON wore a gown of soft white taffeta that was finished with a corsage of silver rose buds.  Her bouquet was similar to the maids.

Quantities of flowers were employed at the club in the decorations.  The use of the yellow chrysanthemums was confined to the foyer, where a register was presided over by Miss Elizabeth BUCKNER.  The pink flowers were in the drawing room and tea room, the latter being used as one of the dining rooms.  In the main dining room the bridal party were seated, and the white flowers with the evergreens were employed in there.  An enormous heart of the flowers and ferns filled the center of the table.  The bride's cake was very unusual, and supervising the cutting of this were Misses Susan and Eliza BAXTER.

Mrs. EZZELL appeared in a costume of blue Georgette, and carried a French bouquet.  Mrs. DOBSON appeared in a black reception toilette.

Mr. and Mrs. DOBSON left last night on a tour, and they will live at the groom's home on Richland Avenue when they return.  Mr. DOBSON gave to his attendants Waldemar watches and the bride's souvenirs for the maids were green gold bar pins.

The event brought a number of interested friends and relatives to the city.  Among these were Mr. and Mrs. J.H. MORAN and C.H. MORAN (Harrell) MORAN of Dresden.  Other Dresden guests were Mrs. Joseph E. JONES, Harry JONES, and Mrs. George S. GOYD, J.L. SHANNON and Mary SHANNON of Lebanon, Clyde EZZELL of Greenfield, Tenn., Mr.and Mrs. Timberlake of Jackson, Mr. and Mrs C.H. Cobb and Miss Carolyn Cobb.

MARRIED LIFE

Sophia and Matt DOBSON were married for 46 years.  During that time they had five children:  Matthew Hughes DOBSON III (b. 1920),  James Ezzell DOBSON (1924-1947) died in a traffic accident in Gettysburg PA, John Moran DOBSON was born in January 1927 and died just a month later, Lillian Ezzell DOBSON (b. 1932), and John Morehead DOBSON (1937-1960) died when the car he was driving hit a bridge near his parents home in Franklin, Tennessee.

FUNERAL OF SOPHIA ELEANOR EZZELL DOBSON

Matt DOBSON passed away in 1965.  Sophia did not remarry and she remained in their Harpeth Farms home for the rest of her life.  She was most definitely a lady from the past, holding onto the traditions and formality of the Southern way of life she embodied the spirit of the Old South.

West End United Methodist Church

2200 West End Avenue,

Nashville, Tennessee 37203

Order of Worship

Service of Death and Resurrection for

Sophia Ezzell Dobson

Organ Voluntary

Gathering

Word of Grace

Greeting

Pastoral Prayer

Scripture Lessons

Psalm 23 (Responsively).....No. 754

Psalm 121..........................Andrew L. HENRY

Organ Solo: Amazing Grace.....Dale WOOD

Scripture Lessons......Andrew L. HENRY

Romans 8:14-19, 35, 37-39

John 14:1-6

Sermon.....William J. MILLER

Affirmation of Faith: The Apostles' Creed...No. 881

Commendation

Solo: A Gaelic Blessing...John RUTTER

Benediction

Postlude: For All the Saints...G. Winston CASSLER

I expect to pass through this world but once.  Any good, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature let me do it now.  Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.

Stephen GRELLETT

Some people complain that roses have thorns; I'm grateful that thorns have roses.  The Christian tranforms everything because love has transformed him.

E. Stanley JONES

Lift up my eyes from the earth and let me not forget the uses of the stars.  Forbid that I shall judge others, lest I condemn myself.  Let me not follow the clamor of the world, but walk calmly in my path.  Give me a few friends who love me for what I am and keep burning before my vagrant steps the kindly light of hope.

Max EHRMANN

From Gems of Thought, a collection of inspiration thoughts for devotional use, shared by members of the Woman's Society of Christian Service, Sophia Ezzell DOBSON, leader.

Ms. Julie COX

soprano

Mr. Donald MARLER

organ

Rev. William J. MILLER

Christ United Methodist Church

Rev. Andrew L. HENRY

West End United Methodist Church

I Saw God's Face
Sophia Ezzell Dobson

I saw God's face upon a flower today;

I saw Him moving on the hills, and oh,

He walked upon the water of the stream;

I know! I know!

I heard God's voice; I saw His shining face;

He spoke to me; He moved along the land;

I reached through all the beauty of the day and touched his hand.

Sophia Ezzell Dobson

(Mrs Matt H. Dobson, Jr.)

The Matthew Hughes Dobson Family

Matt H. Dobson Jr.

Sophia Eleanor Ezzell Dobson

James Ezzell Dobson






                                             John Morehead Dobson













Lillian Ezzell Dobson







                                                                  Matt H. Dobson III