Marshall County TN

Slave Narrative of Cecelia Chappel

Cecelia Chappel, at 102 years old, recalls her life as a slave in Marshall County, Tennessee. She was raised under the Lords, who provided adequate food and clothing but enforced strict discipline. Although she learned skills like sewing and weaving, education was prohibited for enslaved people. After emancipation, she faced challenges in adjusting to freedom and has worked in various roles since. Chappel reflects on community, family, and her hardships, emphasizing her faith, memories of slavery, and the ongoing struggle for sustenance in her later years.

Biography of Joseph L. Weaver

Joseph L. Weaver, born on November 20, 1828, in Marshall County, Tennessee, to John and Barbara Weaver, embodies the progressive agricultural spirit of his native state. After moving to Missouri in 1840, he became a successful farmer and businessman, eventually settling near Ozark. Weaver married Sarah Garrison, with whom he had eight children. A member of the Christian Church, he actively supported the Union during the Civil War and transitioned from a Whig to a Democratic political stance. He is known for his substantial landholdings and community respect.

Biography of Judge W. W. Luna

Judge W. W. Luna, born December 11, 1852, in Tennessee, has been a prominent figure in Ozark County, Missouri, since acquiring his 280-acre farm in 1883. The farm showcases his commitment to land improvement and agriculture. His father, a Mexican War veteran, moved the family to Missouri in 1855. Judge Luna, married to Sarah Patrick, has six children and has been active in local politics as a Republican, serving as probate judge since 1890 and currently campaigning for sheriff. He is known for his public spirit and commitment to the Christian Church.

Biography of Samuel D. Cole

Samuel D. Cole, born May 30, 1843, in Tennessee, was a significant pioneer of Wallowa County and a dedicated soldier in the Civil War, enlisting at 19 in the Thirty-ninth Volunteer Iowa Infantry. He fought valiantly in multiple battles, enduring captivity and sustaining only a minor wound. After the war, he settled in Iowa and then Nebraska before moving to the Grande Ronde valley in 1879. Cole, an esteemed agrarian, was married to Lucy Greenfield and fathered several children. He is remembered for his integrity and contributions to his community.