LOWELL THOMAS PARCHMAN JR MAKES EAGLE SCOUT

The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only in Scouting but also as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service. The award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years. Not every boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about 4 percent of all Boy Scouts do so. This represents more than 1 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1911. Nevertheless, the goals of Scouting?citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness?remain important for all Scouts, whether or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank. In a small ceremony at the Erin Methodist Church on the 5th of December with Scout master friends and family Thomas joined the ranks that only one president has achieved Gerald Ford. The list of greats that have achieved this is small but they have and are doing great things in this country and we expect no less out of Thomas. We were pleased to take a few

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SEVENTH ANNUAL TOY RUN HELD IN HOUSTON COUNTY

By TERESA N. SETTLE
TENNESSEE EXPRESS NEWS WRITER
Photos by MIKE DAVIS

* The seventh annual Houston County Toy Run took place last Saturday, Oct. 16,
netting over $4,000 plus a trail and a truck bed full of toys.
* The chilly morning weather may have deterred a few, but over 150 motorcycles
made the 17-mile trek from Danville to Erin’s Court Square.
* However, by the time the bikers got downtown, the weather was just right, and
Court Square was packed with cyclers, clad in their riding gear and black
leather. Strapped to their Harleys, Hondas, and other varieties of motorcycles
were a vast assortment of children’s toys.
* Erin Police Chief Tommy Parchman and Erin Fire Chief David Hardin, along with
Gina Bell, Director of the Toys for Tots program, were all excited about the
turnout and the haul.
* The toys and money collected will be used to help make needy children’s
Christmas this year in Houston County.
* Area residents sat in their yards in lawn chairs or stood on the roadside
waiting to get a glimpse of all the motorcyles as they made their way to
downtown Erin.
* Just across from the Southernaire Restaurant in Danville, Paul Baggett and
his daghter Mary Morgan Baggett, age 8, of Clarksville, lounged on their four-
wheelers.
* The two, who have a campsite in Danville at the Tennessee River, were in
Houston County for “a weekend getaway,” according to Paul. When they woke up at
their campsite, they heard lots of motorcycles, so they went to the bait shop
to find out what was going on.
* Toy run participants got to enjoy Houston County’s rural scenery, from
horses, barns, creeks, tractors, and country front porches, to the trees just
changing from greens to yellows, reds, and browns.
* They travelled from Danville via Hwy. 147, then turned right at Gray’s
Crossing in Tennessee Ridge, onto Hwy. 49 to make it to Erin’s Court Square.
This year, rather than gathering at the Betsy Ligon Park Pavilion, the cyclists
just parked right in the middle of the square, where music, food, and an
auction beckoned.
* For an event to raise money for children,it was neat to see two local youths
contributing themselves. Jack Jennings, a seventh grader at HCMS, and his
brother Sam, a fifth grader at Erin Elementary School, decided to empty their
piggybanks for the charitable event.
* Their mom Lou Anne Jennings of Erin said her sons has been collecting rolled
pennies, change, and dollar bills for months, but they gave it all today.

LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT
* It wasn’t just bikers or wanna-be bikers who came out to the event, either.
* David and Gloria Green say they come every year.
* “It’s getting bigger and better every year,” David said.
* The couple’s daughter, Kathleen Wallace, an eighth grader at Houston County
Middle School, also seemed to enjoy the event.
* Entertaining the crowd prior to the arrival of the bikers was another eighth
grader, Mica Massie.
* Massie, 14, has been singing since she was little. Some of the songs she sang
were “No One Else On Earth,” “Crazy,” and “Red Neck Woman.”
* Among her many supporters were her dad Jessie Massie of Erin and her proud
grandmother, Wanda Self.
* Massie has a spot every Saturday night on “The Grand Ole Hatchery” in
Dickson. She sang earlier this year at the Magnum Toy Drive, and she tried out
recently at the Wild Horse Saloon. Massie was named Junior Miss Houston County
2003.
* Other entertainers were the “Rambling Breeze Band.” They included three
locals: Howard Bailey and Glenn Bailey, playing rhythm guitar, Don Rye of
Dickson playing bass, and Marlene Edwards of Erin singing and playing rhythm
guitar.
* Edwards also served as a lively emcee of the event. A regular on “The Grand
Ole Hatcher,” Edwards said, “I think it’s absolutely wonderful,” referring to
the day’s events.
* “Bikers do an awful lot of good things,” she said.

TOYS FOR TOTS
* Toys for Tots Director Gina Bell was very busy overseeing the auction,
entertainment, and Toys for Tots booth sales.
* “We had a great day and a good turnout,” she said. “We appreciate everybody
coming in to Houston County to help out the kids.”
* “All year long we work at this,” Bell said, adding that area churches and
missions help the Toys for Tots program by providing lists of deserving
children who may not have a great Christmas with this program.
* Local auctioneer Randy Gill contributed his time to help with the event.
* If you want to contribute to the program or nominate a deserving child,
contact Bell at 289-1919 or Parchman at 289-2727.
* Helping at the Toys for Tots booth were: Sandi and Alex Short, Peggy and
Ashley Parchman, Ruby Simmons, Betty Beard, and Laurel Crook.
* At the booth you could buy hot dogs, chips, and drinks, or you could purchase
Toy Run Smart Cards, patches, or T-shirts commemorating the event.

ERIN POLICE DEPARTMENT
* Erin Police Chief Tommy Parchman was very pleased with the event’s success.
Chief Parchman told a huge crowd of community members and bikers down at the
square, “Thank everybody for being here and showing up.”

ERIN FIRE DEPARTMENT
* Erin Fire Chief David Hardin said this year’s event was a smooth ride for all
involved.
* “It was great. The weather was great. The people in town were great,” he
said, adding that on a typical Saturday you won’t find a packed square in
downtown Erin.
* Hardin said no accidents were reported as the cyclers moved rapidly from
Danville to Erin. Erin Police officers and fire department volunteers helped
with the toy run traffic flow at intersections.

BIKERS WHO CARE
* The Clarksville BWC has been the “driving” force of this local event,
bringing many out-of-town participants to the small town of Erin to help a
neighbor in need. BWC member Booger Watson presented the police department with
a check for $500.
* “It’s great that it’s seven years and still happening,” Watson said of the
Houston County toy run. “The turnouts are getting bigger and better. [We were]
blessed with beautiful weather.”
* Watson, the assistant director of the Clarksville BWC, said about 40 members
from Clarksville attended this event.
* “I’m proud to ride with a bunch of giving people,” he added.
* Steve Eckart, webmaster for the BWC group, was snapping lots of digital
pictures of the event, too. You can see a listing of BWC events and his
pictures by going to bikerswhocare.org.

BETTY WYATT MEMORIAL FUND
* The family of the late Betty Wyatt of Houston County was also on hand to
participate in this year’s event. Danny and Sandy Wyatt said their mother loved
Christmas and kids.
* She used to manage the local Dollar Store and often donated toys at Christmas
time. After she died, her family decided to continue the tradition. It’s their
fifth year to be a part of the run.
* This year the Betty Wyatt Memorial Toy Fund came up with a grand total of
$1,700 worth of toys, plus a $500 check.
* They always hold a yard sale the first Saturday in June on Main Street, and
back in September, they hosted a poker run.
* They also choose to hold this year’s toy run in memory of Danny “Spider”
Spears, a local Houston Countian who died last Dec. 4.
* His son JoDann Spears and his mother Dale were present also for the Toy Run.
Throughout the year, they have yard sales and sponsor a dance as a fundraiser.
“It’s a lot of fun and a lot of work,” he said.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL BIKER?
* At the toy run, it was really hard to tell what makes a “typical” biker, but
here are a few glimpses:

* Becky Winegardner and her husband Steve looked the part of the “typical”
biker couple. Steve looked macho on his Harley, wearing a ball cap instead of a
helmet. His wife, who sported a bowl-shaped helmet, was styling on a brand-new
2004 Harley Custom Low Rider.
* Their occupations? He’s the pastor of First Assembly of God church in Erin,
and she’s the music minister, as well as a language arts teacher at Houston
County Middle School.

* The event was a great father-son outing, according to Dennis Downs and his 11-
year-old son Jed. Jed, a sixth grader at HCMS, has ridden in the toy run for
the past several years.
* He and his father enjoyed breakfast at Southernaire Restaurant before the toy
run, while Jed’s sister and mother stayed at home.
* Even though he was bundled up against the chilly weather, Jed said, “I loving
riding the Harley,” and he even predicted having a motorcycle himself one day.

* Larry Sykes, President of the local motorcycle club “Wheels of Freedom,” rode
in the toy run with his wife Pam. Sykes said the local group, which has 47
members, was well-represented. They meet once a month and ride more often than
that.

* Erin Mayor Rhyne Largent, along with his wife Melissa, rode with several of
their regular riding buddies: Kristie and Bret Parker of Erin, Ben and Lori
Pendergrass of Erin, and Dan Baker of Tennessee Ridge.
* It was actually the mayor’s first time to ride in the toy run. His wife said
he is often out fishing, instead.
* Largent said what he and his wife enjoy about riding is the “enjoyment of the
togetherness” with their friends. Kristie added, “No kids.”
* The Largents had a baby doll and an Elmo doll to donate at the toy run, while
the Parkers had a doll and a monster truck set. The Pendergrasses had a toy
oven, and Baker had a Dale Earnhart racecar that he said was donated by NAPA
Auto Parts of Tennessee Ridge.

* Baker, a Vietnam Vet (Airborne), who is retired, doesn’t just spend time on a
motorcycle. In fact, this is his busy season since he raises and sells mums. A
few years ago he drove to Kentucky to pick up mums for resale. Later, he
decided to raise his own.
* According to Baker, he learned about the watering system and now raises his
own mums on about a half acre.
* He plants in June and harvests the last of September.
* This year he raised 2,000, and he has already sold 1,900. Anyone interested
in mums for $3 or $4 may call him at 721-2416.

* Riding isn’t just for the young and restless. Ask local residents Bonnie and
Frank Rayl (ages 69 and 74, respectively). The two enjoy their Honda Shadow.
Frank has been riding for at least 50 years.
* “You’re just out there by yourself doing your thing,” he said.
* When asked if he had ever wrecked, he stated, “I’ve put ‘em down, but I’ve
never had a wreck.”
* Bonnie is not at all worried about riding with her husband. “He’s a great
driver. I wouldn’t be on there if he wasn’t.”
* The two have five children, seven grandchildren, and nine great-
grandchildren, who all seem very understanding of the Rayl’s hobby.
* “They get a thrill out of it,” said Bonnie. “They think it’s neat.”

* Larry Key of Clarksville, a Bikers Who Care (BWC) member, served his first
time as Santa for the event. Key said he was standing in for his brother Billy,
who usually serves as Santa. Tragically, Billy wrecked his bike back in April
and has been paralyzed from the chest down.

* Ronald “Donkey” Nolen was riding a softtail Harley. He traded in his Ultra
Classic dresser for the softtail in February of this year. Nolen, mechanic
supervisor at Standard Gypsum, was not alone. His working buddy, Jesse Juter,
maintenance manager at Standard Gypsum, rode in the run and brought a Heritage
doll set to donate.
* Earl Wallace, a retired TVA steam plant employee, was in high spirits before
the toy run.
* “I’m the mayor of West Dover,” Wallace said, sporting a unique helmet with
two-foot long horns on it.
* “This whole thing is about the kids,” Wallace said. “We do all of this for
the kids. They enjoy it.”

* Cumberland City alderman David Dunlap, a TVA employee, stated, “I enjoy
riding ever second I can get on it. I enjoy doing stuff for kids,” he said.
* Dunlap said the Cumberland City Fire Department has a toy run in August which
was also successful.

* Caryn Largent wasn’t riding a Harley, but she was DRIVING a Harley-Davidson
truck.
* Largent, office coordinator for Magnum Manufacturing, was actually only
borrowing Doug Shroeder’s spiffy Harley truck, one of only two owned locally.
She was accompanied by Tammy Eads, accounts payable specialist.
* The back of the the Harley truck was loaded with toys that Magnum employees
have collected and donated.
* When asked how she liked driving the Harley truck, Largent was blasé when she
replied, “I drive it all the time.”
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HOUSTON COUNTY ENJOYS THREE-STAR STATUS

By TERESA N. SETTLE
TENNESSEE EXPRESS NEWS WRITER

* Erin, Tennessee Ridge, and Houston County are still riding high after a
recent trip to Nashville to attend this year’s Governor’s Conference on
Economic and Community Development (ECD).
* That’s because Houston County was officially recognized by Gov. Phil Bredesen
as being a Three-Star community.
* Underneath the Eye of the Batman Building, Houston County Area Chamber of
Commerce Chairman Dana Miller and President-Elect Becky Averitt kept a large
group of County ambassadors upbeat throughout the day.
* Our little community, population 8,000-plus–including about 1,500 in Erin and
1,400 in Tennessee Ridge–achieved bragging rights, thanks in large part to the
Houston County Leadership Class.
* According to Erin City Recorder Linda Bratschi (a former Chamber President
herself and a very active member of the community), the area representatives
took with them a booth that is representative of the community.
* It covered such areas as tourism efforts, business and industry, agriculture,
recreation, other activities, and, of course, the annual Houston County Irish
Celebration.
* Bratschi said the display showed how Erin, Tennessee Ridge, Houston County,
and the Stewart-Houston Industrial Park “all share in the three-star award.”
* Tonnie Trotter, Regional Economic Development Specialist with the Tennessee
Department of Economic and Community Development, said this is the second year
in a row that the community has been certified as a three-star community.
She said we were also the 70th community to do so under the governor’s old
plan. A total of 74 communities were recognized at the Sept. 28 conference.
* According to Trotter, three of the categories that the Houston County
community had to work on were economic development, community development, and
workforce development.
* “They worked real hard here,” Trotter said recently while visiting Erin. “The
Houston County Leadership group... took that as their class project.”
* Trotter, who has assisted other communities in the three-star process, said
she was very impressed with the commitment of the people involved in the three-
star process. She said the partnering and working relationships that went on in
the process were excellent.
* “I’m just impressed,” she said. “People do notice when things are going on.
They may not participate, but they notice.”
* Other locals who attended the conference, along with Miller, Averitt, and
Bratschi, were the following: Rhyne Largent, G.E.
Clark, Kay and Randall French, Mike Davis, Sheila Settles, Ronnie Bratschi,
Julia Presson, Kristy Spurgeon, Robin Fielder, and Laura Mobley.
* At the conference, ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber stated, “Gov. Bredesen and I
are pleased to congratulate these outstanding communities for their
achievements... Our goal with this program was to develop something that would
be more comprehensive and beneficial to communities and help them close the gap
between economic stagnancy and competitiveness.”
* Kisber said the program’s focus on education, community leadership, and
infrastructure helps local communities identify key marketing strengths to grow
and retain jobs, improve quality of life, and better prepare for sustainable
growth.
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State Senator Kuritav welcomed to Erin with meet-and-greet

Story by Teresa N. Settle TENNESSEE EXPRESS NEWS WRITER
Photos by Mike Davis


* When Tom Osborne moved to Houston County last year, he was welcomed to the area with open arms. Margaret Mann, owner of Five Oaks Bed & Breakfast in Erin, even went so far as to introduce him to State Senator Rosalind Kurita. * From there, Osborne has never looked back. The former ABC bureau chief at the U.N. now teaches a course at Austin Peay State University called “U.S. Policy and the United Nations.” He also does private writing and is on a college circuit lecturing about U.S. Policy with regard to Iraq.* This week, however, Osborne was at home organizing a meet-and-greet social for Senator Kurita here in Houston County. Kurita has served two full terms in the Tennessee senate and is up for re-election. She is running against Republican Brenda Radford of Clarksville.* So where else would Osborne think to host the event but back at Five Oaks, since Mann first introduced him to Kurita. The weather was perfect for the event as local Democrats, friends and supporters gathered under the awning outside the beautiful two-story mansion to eat and mingle as Kurita visited with residents.* “I just wanted to do something for Rosalind because when I got here, she welcomed me into the community and the county,” Osborne said. “She was so generous in introducing me to others. I want to see her leadership back in there.”* Osborne continued, “Plus, I think she’s a great senator.”* He went on to mention a couple of her achievements, including addressing a reorganization in the state senate and such basic issues as banning smoking in the state capitol.
* Among locals seen at the social were Tom and Bee Brewer, Judge Roland Roby, Nina Finley, Ronnie and Linda Bratschi, G.E. Clark, Dr. Jim Branson, Ann Morrison, Robin Freeman, Jeff Hargrove, Rusty and Byde Simpson, and many more.* Tom Brewer is the chairman of the Houston County Election Commission, while his wife Bee is currently secretary of the Houston County Soil Conservation office. * “[We’re here] because we love Kurita, and she’s done a wonderful job. We’re supporting her 110 percent,” said Bee. * Houston County Mayor G.E. Clark said, “I’m just glad to be here,” he said, adding that Kurita assists the county in applying for grants to fund worthwhile projects in the county. Of those projects, Clark said grants are helping to double the size of the local health department, providing $500,000 for a water project, and helping with solid waste issues, to name a few. * Clark was also ecstatic that Houston County’s budget passed the night before without a tax increase. He said this is a major achievement when many surrounding counties are having to look at tax increases during budget shortfalls.* Erin City Recorder Linda Bratschi attended the event with her husband Ronnie and her grandson Cody, who also helped out during the meet-and-greet.* When asked what attributes best describe Kurita, Bratschi replied, “She is very accessible. You can call her, and she will return the call—if she doesn’t answer the phone herself.”* “Whatever problem you have, she helps,” Bratschi stated simply. “She gets it done, and she takes it to heart.”* One prime example of her assistance to the City of Erin is helping with bridge project grants. According to Bratschi, the city is going to replace the Roby Street bridge (which was barricaded today) and replace the low-water Maple Street bridge with a regular bridge. The Maple Street project is due in large part to the enthusiasm and determination of City Councilwoman Wanda Lockhart.* Dr. Jim Branson enjoyed the fellowship, but he also raved about the food. He had never had smoked beef brisket before (on homemade yeast rolls), and he definitely liked it. * Also on the menu were: meat balls in barbecue sauce, finger food quiches and spirals, cheesy carrots, lacy cheese rounds, veggies and dip, pumpkin cake, chocolate iced brownings, and homemade pound cake. * Helping out in the kitchen was Sharon Tomlinson, who said, “I’m just here to show my support of Sen. Kurita.” Tomlinson also shared her recipe for the lacy cheese rounds. (*See the bottom of this story.) * The social occasion also attracted young helpers. Megan Neilson, a sixth grader at Houston County Middle School, helped set the tables and pick up after everyone. She is the daughter of Bill and Angie Neilson.* Also making the evening affair special was the soothing voice of Glenn Lill, as he strummed melodies on an acoustic guitar. Lill’s wife Brenda met Kurita face-to-face for the first time at the event, although she says she has seen her many times previously at Erin’s many parades. Brenda was impressed at the number of volunteers helping out at the event. * Kurita appeared to enjoy the social just as much as everyone else, taking time to listen and talk with guests. * “Houston County has always been special in my heart,” she said. “I have wonderful friends here.” * She went on to say, “I love my job, and I try to represent everyone.”* Kurita said her office has a simple mission statement: “We Help People.”* “We can’t always solve every problem, but we certainly always try,” she said.* To contact State Sen. Kurita at her Nashville office, call (615) 741-2374. Her legislative assistant is Pam George.MORE PHOTOS
* Lacy Cheese Rounds

Cut cheddar cheese into small squares. Heat in oven at 375 degrees about 15 minutes until flat. The edges will be brown. Add small amount of avocado dip or ranch dressing. Top with seeded tomatoes and cilantro. Makes a unique finger food.

AROUND TOWN. . .
By TERESA N. SETTLE
Tennessee Express News Writer

TOYS FOR TOTS IN THE SUMMER???
* It’s not even Christmas in July, but Houston County’s Toys for Tots program
is already in full swing, hoping to make this Christmas brighter for more
children than ever. The organization was in downtown Erin on the Fourth of July
raising money by selling watermelon and other goodies.
* Erin Police Chief Tommy Parchman was working the crowd with a tray of
watermelon and being trailed by his daughter Ashley. You could be a big slice
of the juicy, flavorful fruit for only $1.
“We’re here trying to raise money and get the community involved in a good
project,” said Gina Bell from the booth set up at the God & Country Day event.
* The organization has two more fundraisers planned for this month alone. On
Aug 15th beginning at 3:00pm if rain will be moved to the next sun , Erin Rotary Club is sponsoring a Community Fund Day in Erin, with the
proceeds going to Toys for Tots.
* Then, on July 31, there will be a dance at Erin City Hall beginning at 7 p.m.
David Ross will be the D.J. Everyone is encouraged to come out, have a good
time, and help raise money in order to give needy children in the area a better
Christmas.

GOING TO STATE
* The Houston County Dixie Youth Softball (Girls, Ages 11 & 12) were also
raising money last week in Erin. That’s because they are GOING TO STATE! They
were celebrating the Fourth of July by selling homemade ice cream with their
moms and friends.
* Megan Lowe has been playing softball since she was five years old. Playing
two positions, pitcher and first place, she says she is very excited about
going to state because she has never been before. When asked if she was nervous
about it, she replied, “No.”
* Katie Selph, who will be going into the eighth grade, has also played since
she was five. When asked what position she plays, she said, “Pitcher, first
base, second, and third... basically everything!”
* What she likes most about softball is “My favorite Coach, Randy Lowe.” Katie
said he had to shave his head two days ago because the girls won the district
tournament. The assistant coach, Kenneth Dunavant, also shaved his head.
* “I love it [playing ball] because it’s fun,” Katie said.
* Like Megan, Jamie Tolley will be going into sixth grade at Houston County
Middle School this year. She plays shortstop and centerfield. When asked what’s
hard about softball, Jamie stated, “You gotta be ready at all times.”
* Also on hand selling ice cream was Brooke Torres. She plays second base and
shortstop. When asked which position was her favorite, Brooke quickly replied,
“Shortstop.”
* The girls, their families and friends will all be headed to state July 16. We
wish them the best of luck.


PARK BENCHES UP FOR GRABS
* Have you seen the pretty green benches in Erin? Some are at the courthouse,
and some are in the park. According to Erin City Recorder Linda Bratschi, you
can help put a bench in the park or on the walking trail by purchasing one in
memory or honor of someone.
* The Houston County Leadership Alumni purchased one in memory of Bobby Pitts,
former Houston County Commissioner and a Leadership 2003 graduate. Pitts
recently died after an extended illness.
* Erin Councilwoman Martha Greenfield, a longtime high school English teacher,
recently purchased two of the benches in memory of her husband David.
* Houston County has purchased five benches to go on the courthouse lawn as a
part of the beautification instigated by the Leadership class in conjunction
with County Executive George E. Clark’s office.
* If you are interested in purchasing a bench, you may contact Bratschi at Erin
City Hall at 289-4108.

2004 MTSCA North-South All Star Teams

The Middle Tennessee Coaches Association would like to announce our first North-South All Star game. For a girl to have been selected her high school coach had to be a member of the MTSCA and to have sent in her statistics to the committee to decide on the players. We had several girls who weren’t chosen who had a great year and were worthy to be on the team. We limited the team to only 15 players per team so the selection committee had a very difficult time in choosing the top 15 players.

We are very excited about our association and we hope next year we will have additional coaches to become involved in our great sport. The games this year will be played at Riverdale High School on July 6 at 6:00 p.m. We will be playing a double header and if both teams split we will play international tiebreaker to determine the winner. This should be a very exciting night to see some of the most outstanding softball players in the mid-state from all classes competing against one another. We will also be recognizing the All-Academic Team, as well as the All-Mid-State team on July 6.

We will be releasing next week the Coaches All-Mid-State Team. Our association is in the very
early stages of becoming a great organization and we sincerely hope all coaches will take a part next year.

Things planned for next year:
1. Tournament for all Classes- the profits will go for scholarships to be given to the players.
2. Clinic for all area coaches (summer as well as high school)
3. TSSAA Rules meeting at our clinic.
4. All-Star Game
5. Mid-State Selections
6. All Academic Team

Please continue to check our web page for up dates and times for our meetings. Everyone is welcome to come to the meetings. We also would like to thank Kenny Watson for maintaining our web page where we have had almost 5,000 hits since the middle of January. Thanks Kenny for a great job!!!

John Conditt
President MTSCA
Antioch High School

NORTH TEAM
Megan Rhodes Lipscomb HS
Jenni Smithson Page HS
Erin Currier Cookeville HS
Nicki Levering White House HS
Dawn Helweg Hendersonville HS
Brittany Roland Goodpasture HS
Jessica Moore Waverly HS
Deena Brown Lebanon HS
Audrey Goolsby Smith County HS
Alecia Alexandria McGavock HS
Tabby Key Macon County HS
Jessica Dickerson Greenbrier HS
Amy Eden Mt Juliet HS
Brittany Farley Rossview HS
Megan Brown Waverly HS

COACHES
Gary Davis Lipscomb HS
Julie Head Greenbrier HS
Phil Burkhart Rossview HS
John Davis Hermitage Springs HS

SOUTH TEAM
Allison Tyree Brentwood HS
Amanda Vaught Riverdale HS
Erica Warren Warren County HS
Taylor Newberry Dickson County
Laura Mathews Franklin Road Academy
Natalie Brock Ezell Harding Christian
Shayna Fleenor Coffee County HS
Whitney Darlington Tullahoma HS
Jessica Boyce Oakland HS
Becky Bales Father Ryan HS
Amanda King Hillwood HS
Heather Knox Columbia Academy
Ashley Hodge Oakland HS
Ashley Camp LaVergne HS
Cassie McGinness Warren County HS

COACHES
Jeff Breeden Riverdale HS
Don Freudenthal Ezell Harding Christian
Phil Davidson Father Ryan
Troy Smith Lincoln County HS

The Skirmish at the Irish Shanty

A Presentation by Dr. Calvin James
Houston County Historical Society
City Hall, Erin Tennessee
Tuesday, April 13, 2004, 2:00 p.m.
Public Invited


On July 2, 1863, a Union Calvary unit dispatched from Clarksville, Tennessee disembarked from their boat at Cumberland City on the Cumberland River. The unit traveled south following the Yellow Creek Road. The evidence suggests its mission was to capture southern guerillas said to be frequenting a location known as the Irish Settlement.

On that same morning, a small band of men (Dr. Aaron James, Dr. Peyton Washburn, Jonas, Spicer, William Few, James Washington Shelton, Euphrates Shelton and John Box) from Dickson and Humphreys Counties had assembled at a drinking establishment known as the Irish Shanty. This location is at or near the present site of Tennessee City in Dickson County. Several were boiling eggs over an open fire in the yard in front of the shanty.

Upon the arrival of the forward elements of the union troops a skirmish ensued and 6 men were captured. They were returned to Clarksville to stand trial as southern guerillas before a military commission. Later that year, "The New York Times" reported that President Abraham Lincoln disallowed one conviction & sentence of death handed down by that commission. Abraham Lincoln did, in fact, disallow the conviction of Dr. Aaron James of Dickson County (later of Humphreys Co.).

Dr. Calvin James is a great, great grandson of Dr. Aaron James. He researched the people and events surrounding the episode finding the complete trial transcripts at the National Archives in Washington D. C.

The trial transcripts discovered by Dr. James provide an insightful look at guerilla activity along Yellow Creek during the Civil War and provide some perspective of attitudes and loyalties of area citizens. Numerous Dickson and Humphreys citizens were called as witnesses as were the union soldiers involved in the skirmish. The surprising verdicts and the aftermath of the trials are equally intriguing.

The public is invited to this first public presentation of Dr. James' research.

For further information call: (931) 764-0473