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WELL BUCKET, 60 ¢; PAIR OF PAINTS (sic), 50 ¢; DEWITT’S TOILET CREAM, 15 ¢; PAIR OF SHOES, $2.50; BOX OF SNUFF, 15 ¢; MELON SEED, 10 ¢; COTTON SCRAPER, $2.50; 38 YARDS OF CALICO, $1.90; 6 PAIRS OF HOSE, 60 ¢; SODA, 5 ¢; MOLASSES, 30 ¢; PITCHER, 25 ¢; HOE, 35 ¢; CASTOR OIL, 25 ¢; LADIES’ VEST, 20 ¢; CORSET, 50 ¢; GALLON OF MOLASSES, 40 ¢; 2 BARRELS OF FLOUR, $9.50; CUFF LINKS, 25 ¢; CAN OF SARDINES, 5 ¢; AXLE GREASE, 5 ¢; DIARRHEA MEDICINE, 25 ¢; BRIDLE, 90 ¢; BOX OF SODA, 5 ¢; UMBRELLA, $1.00; CAN OF OYSTERS, 10 ¢; BOX OF MATCHES, 5 ¢; A DOZEN FRUIT JARS, 75 ¢; PAIR OF SUSPENDERS, 25 ¢; SPOOL OF THREAD, 5 ¢; BURIAL GOODS, 45 ¢; SAFETY PINS, 5 ¢; OVERALLS, $1.05; PAIR OF SOCKS, 10 ¢; 6 LONG HANDLE SHOVELS, $4.50; CHILL TONIC, 50 ¢; 73 # 6 NAILS, $3.20; COLLAR, 10 ¢; SHAVING SOAP, 10 ¢; DISHPAN, 25 ¢; 6 CLEVISES, 50 ¢; WASHBOARD, 10 ¢; BED-TICKING, $1.55; LANTERN, 50 ¢; LADIES HAT, $1.25; PLOWPOINTS, 50 ¢; 11 YARDS OF CALICO, 55 ¢; COFFIN TRIMMING, 35 ¢; MORPHINE, 40 ¢; CHILL CURE, 50 ¢; MEDICINE FOR HEADACHE, 25 ¢; SOOTHING SYRUP, 75 ¢; PERFUME, 25 ¢; 4 SWINGLETREES (pronounced and most often spelled singletree). Located a few miles southeast of Claybrook, in the hills and hollows of Henderson County, off the Jackson-Lexington Road, was a favorite vacation place called CRAWFORD SPRINGS. There, in high summer, Jacksonians and some persons and families from other parts of Madison County gathered to enjoy a rustic holiday, staying in small cabins or tents. There was a log pavilion where dances were held. The big annual event, however, at the springs was the fox-hunting meet, the oldest having been the Forked Deer Red Fox Club. Fancy-dressed men and women (in later years) rode their horses, whooping and hollering, with horns blaring, hounds chasing foxes up and down the hills in this locality, sometimes proving a nuisance to local farmfolk who tolerated this temporary hullabaloo for the money “the spenders” brought with them to the little country stores and change for odd jobs. In 1907 Charley Key raised a shed at the springs, with the help of Henry Laws. In August, that year, he went into Jackson to purchase a stove and supplies for a small “lodge” and screened-in dining area that he and his wife operated during the season. They moved out there August 24 and remained while the crowds vacationed there.15 They hired local women to prepare the meals. The Keys kept up this seasonal enterprise for many years. Most of this area, including the old encampment area has been impounded in recent years for a lake, the exclusive domain of persons owning a small number of luxury residences on its shores. Down one hollow, though, by a clear feeder stream may still be found a “tombstone” (moved now from its original location), raised in appreciation to a hound dog; S. I. Biffle’s Ch./Champion/ May Raider, killed by car while running a fox at August 1929 meet.16 This springs eventually closed, fashions in vacationing and social shenanigans have changed. References: 15. Diary, 1906-1907, Charley Key, entries March 10, 1906;
Ref. Leo Scott, Feb 8, 1998 per his mother Annie Lee (Smith) Scott. Crawford Springs was on Spencers Creek off what is now Crawford Springs Road, and a short distance from the intersection of Gurley Road and Crawford Springs Rd. The road down to Crawford Springs was to the left (or east) off Crawford Springs Rd. Annie Lee lived in various houses in the area and she and Dewitt lived there when he went into the army. Annie Lee remembers when the caretaker, Mr. McArthur, killed himself (in April 1934) The Smiths (and/or Scotts?) lived on and tended his land. There was a big ruckus over land when or maybe before McArthur killed himself – may have been before and might be why he killed himself. After McArthur died, Crawford Springs just “dwindled” away. (Probably correct as Wash Cogdell built the log house on Hwy 412 at Blue Goose in 1935 from logs from 2 of the cabins at Crawford Springs). The area does not look like it did then. There were several acres of tillable land there then. People came there from everywhere. Fox hunters road horses to hunt foxes – damaged people’s cotton fields, etc. Mrs. Scott remembers when the dog that has the tombstone got killed. There was a big to-do about it. One time fox hunters released a fox near the intersection of what is now Independence Road and Dave Road. A Mr. ____ who lived near there had an old dog, it chased the fox, caught it (and killed it?) Made the fox hunters mad. There was a big fire at Crawford Springs and a lot of the cabins burned. Ref. Annie Lee (Smith) Scott, Feb 11, 1998 – McArthur, the caretaker, and his wife only had 1 child who died when she was little. She remembers only 2 cabins when she was there (she born ca 1917). There were 4 springs with sheds over them – real good water. They (her father Jap Smith) or she and her husband Dewitt Scott?) lived on the Keith place on top of the hill. She does not remember a big fire (!!) but they used to burn fields off to get rid of rattlesnakes but she doesn’t remember a fire that burned the cabins. Letter from Bess (Taylor) Jackson Bursey, El Paso, TX dated Mar 24, 1998 - We moved to Arkansas from Tennessee in 1908 so I only know what Andy (Jackson, her husband) told me. It was a resort where fox hunters met. They had a dance hall. Uncle Will Jackson and Aunt Pearlie were caretakers there …. I wonder if Uncle Tobe Cogdell, being a musician, might have helped with music for the dances. In 1934-35 Wash Cogdell built the log house at Blue Goose from 2 log cabins which were at Crawford Springs. He purchased roofing, windows, etc., in November 1934 and bought the 65 acres of land from David T. “Tobe” Cogdell in 1935 Helen June (Sykes) Hamilton, 8147 S. Kolmar Ave., Chicago, IL 60652-2013 Telephone call Feb 24, 1998 – Uncle Will McArthur (William McArthur b 1869 died 1934 buried at Maple Springs cem) who was caretaker of Crawford Springs was a half brother to June’s mother. Will married Alice Craven. Will’s mother, Mary Matlock McArthur, shot herself (b 1861 d 1936 buried at Maple Springs Cem). Will McArthur’s father, Daniel McArthur, married 2nd June’s grandmother _______. Daniel McArthur died in 1899. Will and Alice raised June’s mother. They lived on the property at Crawford Springs – where the house stood is now covered by waters of the lake. June’s mother met her father (Victor Sykes) at a dance at Crawford Springs. They were married in a buggy at Brown’s Church in (1914 or 1916?) The fox hunts and dances at Crawford Springs were fabulous. There was a huge pavilion – fiddle players, guitars and room for dancing. People came from all over the United States for the healing waters. June’s Aunt __?___ wrote in her diary August 12, 1895 that she had been to Crawford Springs, that 200 people were camping there. Ref. Robert Beal, Feb 2, 1998. There was an article on Crawford Springs in the Jackson Sun or the Lexington paper some years ago. He cut it out but doesn’t know where it is. There was a hotel and about 25 cabins at Crawford Springs. It was just off the old Jackson-Lexington Stage Road but not right on it. It was owned by Fox Hunter club but other people went there too. Ref. Bill Cogdell, Feb 3, and 12, 1998 – There were about 50 cabins at Crawford Springs – they burned and that was the end. Two spring houses remained for some years and finally rotted down. There was a small hotel and a dance hall. Jap Smith (William Jasper Smith b 1883 d 1961, wife Bertha Jones Smith) lived in the old dance hall building. There was about 300 to 350 acres of land, a hunt club owned it. When they built the lake, they weren’t allowed to let water submerge the dog’s tombstone because it is a historical marker. Neuce Mays, a black man, was one of the cooks at Crawford Springs. “Pop” Pearson (who is yet living) told Bill this. Will and Pearlie Jackson built a little 2 room house near Crawford Springs – later tore it down and moved it – twice – once on Ben Anderson’s place. Ref. Robert Beal, Feb 2, 1998 the dog’s tombstone was not covered by waters of the lake. It’s about 20 to 30 ft. from the edge of water of lake. The dog’s tombstone -- “S. I. Biffle’s C. H. May Raider killed by a car while chasing a fox August 1929 meet.” Ref. Ramelle (Tyler) Phipps, Feb 4, 1998 – Will and Pearlie Jackson (William C. Jackson b 1871 d 1945 and Pearlie Estes Jackson b 1872 d 1963) lived in one of the cabins when Ramelle was a very young child and went to visit them – the cabin had a dirt floor, it had more than 1 room. There were several cabins and a lodge. Had dances at the lodge. Fox hunters met there all the time. Other people from Jackson and other places came there too. There were 6 or 7 springs. Will Jackson family got water from the springs. Ref. Andy Woods, Feb 12, 1998 – He said the road he lives on (Thurman Lane) used to be called Crawford Springs Rd. Euther Singleton lived on out beyond the end of where Thurman Lane now ends. This road would have come out south of the lake, the lake is south of the springs. The springs, in addition to water run-off is what formed the waters of the lake. A government agency built the lake and then sold the land surrounding it. There are houses on the west side of the lake now. There is an iron gate going down to the lake off Crawford Springs Road. If the gate is open, you can go down there. Ref. Hollis Smith, Mar 20, 1998 – His dad (Robert Lee “Bob” Smith b 1892 d 1956) and Will Stratton, both of whom lived near the intersection of what is now Independence Loop and Dave Road, were walking through the field when Crawford Springs fox hunters released a fox for their dogs to run. Stratton’s old house dog chased the fox, caught it and killed it! Stratton cautioned Smith not to tell the hunters the dog was his. The fox hunters were mad because the mongrel killed the fox! Ref. Rudolph “Doc” Eason, Feb 19, 1998 – An Arkansas man put up the dog’s tombstone for his dog. People came there from all over the country – they gambled and drank during the day and fox hunted at night. Had cooks to cook meals – had a main building and some cabins when Doc went there. 1921 – The Lexington Republican, Aug. 26, 1921 – Poplar Springs news – V. N. Anderson, reporter. Almost everybody in the community went to Crawford Springs last Sunday to hear Governor Taylor speak. 1934 – The Lexington Progress, April 20, 1934 the death of William McArthur, suicide, the caretaker of Crawford Springs was reported. Maple Springs Cemetery:
Lexington Progress, July 20, 1994 – Poplar Springs news by Mrs. Guy (Ramelle Anderson) White – I have had 2 calls about the place called Happy Hollow. A Mrs. Lewis said there was a place at Natchez Trace called that name and a place at Crawford Springs by that name. Crawford Springs used to be a resort. People came from other states and spent their vacation there. I remember when it was a very busy place. At one time, Crawford Springs had a huge dancing hall. At one time it really was a busy place. That was years ago (Ramelle Anderson White was born Nov 1902 and died Nov 1995) Lexington Progress Aug 21, 1925, republished Oct 2, 1996 as submitted by Brenda Kirk Fiddler – J. M. Corbitt was in town last Monday and told us of the killing of a large rattlesnake on Wolfe Ridge last Sunday. Certain parties were coming from Crawford Springs and ran over the snake. The car was stopped, one of the men got out and finished the reptile which proved to have 17 rattlers and a button – each button, it is said indicating a year of age. Rattlesnakes are said to be increasing in numbers on that famous ridge of 800 or 1,000 acres. Henderson Co, TN Deed Book 30, Pg 562 This contract or deed witnesseth that for and in consideration of the sum of Two Hundred ($200.00) dollars cash in hand paid, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, we Lee A. Boren and wife Beulah Boren have this day bargained and sold and hereby transfer and convey unto The Forked Deer Red Fox Club, its assigns successors and transferees an one half undivided interest in and to the following described tract of land to wit. Lies in the second civil district of Henderson County Tennessee and is bounded as follows: Beginning R. M. Rogers SE corner runs thence south one hundred sixty eight poles to two hickory and ash pointers thence west one hundred forty four poles to a stake thence north six poles to a stake and to a black oak, thence west 58 poles to a stake thence north fix poles to a stake and to a black oak, thence west 58 poles to a stake and two black oaks thence north 14 poles to three black oaks, thence west 70 poles to a stake and white oak. Thence north 74 poles to a black oak, thence 35 poles to the county line; thence north 73 poles to three black oak thence east 134 poles to a stake and white oak; thence north 8 poles to a stake, thence east 160 poles to the beginning. Containing two hundred and eighty acres be the same more or less including and excluding are lot deeded to Hartmus and Puckett, one lot known as the Hampton lot and one to Reaves each containing one half of an acre be the same more or less. To have and to hold unto the said Forked Deer Red Fox Club, its assigns successors and transferees forever. And we covenant with the said Forked Deer Red Fox Club that we are lawfully seized and possessed of said land have a good and perfect to convey the same and that same is unencumbered. We further covenant and bind ourselves to warrant and defend the title to same to the extent of said undivided one half interest against the lawful claims of all persons whomsoever. For the further consideration of two hundred ($200.00) dollars, cash in hand paid, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, we William M. Key, John P. Key, Jesse R. Key, David L. Key, Charles Key and M. Bibb Key have this day bargained and sold and hereby transfer release and quit claim unto the said Forked Deer Red Fox Club our undivided one half interest in and to the tract of land hereinbefore set out and described in particular above, reserving to ourselves an easement in the Mineral Springs located on said land and known as Crawford Springs with the right of free ingress and egress to and from said springs. Said easement to extend for a reasonable radius around said springs sufficiently for use for neighborhood picn__ neighborhood gatherings for white people and the said gran__ herein by the acceptance of this conveyance dedicates said springs and said easement to the neighborhood for the ____osis above specified and for said uses during reasonable ___ of the day-time. To have and to hold said premises with above limitations to the said Forked Deer Red Fox Club its assigns successors and transferees forever. We David J. Wallace and wife Ida M. Wallace, join in deed to transfer and quit claim any interest we may have and to said land hereinbefore described and to ratify confirm the deed of said Mrs. Ida M. Wallace of date of September 5th, 1898, to Boren and Blackman. Witness our hands this 11th day of May 1907. Lee A. Boren
State of Tennessee Madison County: Personally appeared before me, W. G. Perry, Depty Clerk. . . J. P. Key and ____ the bargainors to the attached instrument . . . . . . Witness . . . 30 day of May 1907 W. T. Blackard, Clerk by W. G. Perry, D. C. State of Madison County: Personally appeared before me, W. Blackard, Clerk of the County Court of said County, J. R. Key . . . . Witness . . this 3 day of June 1907 State of Madison County: Personally appeared before me, DeRoy Pearson, a notary Public . . . W. M. Key, M. B. Key and D. L. Key . . . 28 day of May 1907 State of Madison County: Personally appeared before me DeRoy Pearson, a Notary Public, Char____ Key . . . and Mary Dean Key wife of the said Charley Key . . . 22 day of May 1907 State of Madison County: Personally appeared before me, Claire B. Newman, a Notary Public .. Lee A. Boren and Beulah Boren . . wife of the said Lee A. Boren . . . 5th day of June 1907 State of Madison County: . David J. W_____ and Ida M. Wallace . . wife of said ____ J. Wallace . . . __ day of June 1907 State of Madison County: Jno L. Sullivan, Register of ____ County, do certify that the fore___ deed . . was duly filed in my office for Registration this ____ 11 o’clock AM, noted in file book No. 14 and recor____ Record Book No. 30 on page 562-3-4. . . . this 30 day of September ____
Henderson Co, TN Deed Book 60, Pg 387 Know all men by these presents; That Forked Deer Red Fox Club through and by its officers and directors, John Meriwether, Jr, Secretary – Treasurer, and its officers and directors, J. H. Meriwether and D. Roy Pearson all of Madison County, Tenn; Dan Shaw, D. Evans and Bob Curlin, Haywood County, Tenn. For for and in consideration of the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) paid and to be paid by C. H. Scott, as follows: Two hundred dollars ($200.00) cash, and the remainder evidenced by note for $800.00 of even date, payable $200.00 Nov. 15th each year hereafter until paid, and to secure said note, a lien is expressly retained in, and upon the land hereinafter conveyed, have this day bargained and sold and by these presents do hereby transfer and convey unto C. H. Scott, his heirs and assigns, all the right, title, claim and interest of Forked Deer Red Fox Club, in and to that certain tract or parcel of land located 2nd district, Henderson County, Tenn. More particularly bounded and described as follows: (Same land description as in Deed Book 30, pg 562() . . containing 280 acres . . including and excluding one lot deeded to Hartmus and Puckett; one lot known as the Hampton lot and one to Reeves each containing one half of an acre . . . Deed covering said property is registered, Deed Book 30 pg 562-564, Register’s Office, Lexington, Tenn. This deed being made subject to the reserved in that deed by the grantors thereof. To have and hold said land and every part thereof unto C. H. Scott, his heirs and assigns forever. We, said Forked Deer Red Fox Club, covenants through and by its officers, that it is lawfully seized and possessed of said property have a good and perfect right to convey same, and that it is unencumbered except for taxes, year 1937, which are to be paid by the grantee herein. Said Forked Deer Red Fox Club further covenants and binds itself and its successors to forever warrant and defend the right and title in and to said land and every part thereof unto the said C. H. Scott, his heirs and assigns against the lawful claims of all persons whomsoever. In witness whereof the Forked Deer Red Fox Club has caused its name to be affixed hereby by its officers named herein on this 11th day of December 1937. FORKED DEER RED FOX CLUB John H. Meriwether Jr. Secretary and Treasurer D. D. Shaw
Acknowledgment unmarried man State of Arkansas County of White} On this 9 day of May 1938 personally appeared before me Thomas B. King of the above named county . . . E. O. Yancey (Notary Public) State of Tennessee Madison County Before me Mrs. John P. Gaffney . . personally appeared John H. Meriwether, Jr and J. H. Meriwether: DeRoy Pearson: D. W. Bond . . and who upojn their oath acknowledged John H. Meriwether Jr to be Secretary of Forked Deer Red Fox Club and H. H. Meriwether Jr to be secretary of Forked Deer Red Fox Club and J. H. Meriwether, DeRoy Pearson and D. W. Bond to be Directors of Forked Deer Red Fox Club located Crawford Springs, Henderson County, Tenn, the within named bargainor, a corporation and they and each of them as such officials, being authorized to do so, executed the foregoing instrument for the purposes therein contained by signing the name of the Corporation, Forked Deer Red Fox Club, by John H. Meriwether, Jr as Secretary and J. H. Meriwether, DeRoy Pearson and D. W. Bond as Directors . . . 25 day of May 1939 State of Tennessee County of Haywood Before me, F. R. Chapman, . . personally appeared D. D. Shaw, D. Evans and Bob Curlin . . acknowledged John H. Meriwether, Jr to be Secretary of Forked Deer Red Fox Club and D. D. Shaw, D. Evans and Bob Curlin to be directors . . . in Brownsville, TN . . 27 May 1939 State of Tennessee County of Henderson Register’s Office Dec 11, 1939 I. H. M. Teague, Register of said county, do certify that the foregoing deed and certificates are registered in said office in Book No. 60 page 387, that they were received Dec 11, 1939 at 11:45 o’clock A.M. and entered in Note Book 2 pg 132 |
