This is a piece I've written for my forthcoming book on Cosby, Tennessee, ancestors. I share it in observance of Dedication Day (more commonly called Memorial Day), in memory of one of my ancestors who served the US Army during the Civil War: Asbury (sometimes spelled "Asberry") Fowler.
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| "Asberry" as contained in my family tree research. He is my paternal great-great-great grandfather. |
Asbury Fowler was born in South Carolina, a son of Lemuel and Elizabeth Fowler. The year of his birth was given as 1832 in the 1850 Cocke County, TN, census and as 1827 in the 1860 census. Such variations of age are not uncommon in early records.
Apparently Lemuel (1805-1884) and Elizabeth Fowler separated; by 1840 Lemuel and his second wife, the former Eliza Wilabouroughy, were living in Union County, SC.
Meanwhile Elizabeth Fowler, who was born around 1805, brought her children to Cocke County, where they first show up in the 1850 census, living in District 2. With Elizabeth were the children: Catherine, 19; Asbury, 18; Elijah, 16; Martha and Sarah, both 15 (twins apparently); Narcissa, 9; and Mary, 7.
In 1860, the family is recorded in the Taylorsville area, which is known today as Edwina. At the time it was District 8. Asbury, now age 33, is married to Elizabeth, age 26. They have three children: Elendor, 7; Elizabeth, 2; and Martha, 3 months. Living with the family is his brother-in-law John Holder, age 22, with Nancy, age 2 months. Nancy's mother is never identified; I assume she died in childbirth.
Also in 1860, Elizabeth Fowler, now only 50 years old, is living in the same district. Three children -- Elijah, 27; Narcissa, 20; and Mary, 18 -- are now at home.
Another Fowler household is recorded in District 11 in Cocke County in 1860, headed by Elijah Fowler, age 65, born in South Carolina, with wife Elizabeth, age 60, and the following children: Jenny, 22; Coleman, 18; John, 16; and Mack, 12. This is the only time they appear in the Cocke County census records. I believe they may have been related to Asbury, but exactly how is unclear.
District 11 encompassed the lower end of Cosby, near today's Cosby High School.
When the Civil War broke out, Asbury (as most farmers in upper East Tennessee) sided with the Union, serving with the 8th Tennessee Cavalry, where he rose to the rank of Captain. Attached to his service record is the following letter to his commander. The handwriting and grammar are excellent and reflect his education (though he only completed one year) at Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist Seminary in Jefferson City, TN:
Head Quarters 8th Tenn Cav. Vol.
Columbia, Tennessee's April 2nd, 1864
Sir
I have the honor herewith to tender you My Resignation as Captain, Company K., in the 8th Regiment of Tennessee Cavalry Volunteers on account of the Consolidation of the 8th with the 10th Tenn. Cavalry Volunteers. Said Consolidation was made in my absence and also very unsatisfactory in my feelings. 2nd. I having a family residing in Cocke County, East Tenn., where it is impossible for them much longer to exist without my assistance and feeling it my duty to move them, if possible, to Some point where Supplies can be obtained.
I Certify on honor that I am not indebted to the United States except what I am prepared to turn over to the proper officers on the acceptance of my Resignation. I was last Paid by Major Trousdale to include the 29th day of February 1864.
Very respectfully, your obt. Servt. Asbury Fowler, Capt. Co. K, 8th Tenn. Cav.
It appears Fowler was not allowed to leave, as his service record contains references to the Overland Campaign.
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| Captain Asbury in USA uniform, 1864 |
In later years, he became a member of Post 71, Newport, Cocke County's G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic), an organization for Federal soldiers from the Civil War. Its records state he was "discharged by Genl. Order" but does not give the discharge date. He was "Mustered into" the G.A.R. on April 3, 1888.
An interesting side not concerns Asbury's brother Elijah, who served in the same military outfit as Asbury, but in a different company, comanded by Robert Ragan. Elijah is described as being 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with a fair complexion, blue eyes, and light hair. Prior to the War, he was a farmer. At some point Elijah was charged with desertion, but later exhonerated. This notation is in his service record:
Charge of desertion removed. Was given recruiting Authority by the Capt. of his Regiment. Sept. 14, 1863 and while so about on such recruiting service was killed on or about Dec. 7, 1863 by a Rebel Soldier whom he was endeavoring to Capture. Signed C. Hammond.
Of further interest is the fact that records show a military monument for Elijah was "delivered to Cosby" but I have never been able to locate his grave.
Asbury married Louisa Elizabeth Holder (1835-1923). They were the parents of
- Ellendor/Elendor/Eleanor (1856-1934), who married J.H. Maddron
- Elizabeth (Feb. 6, 1853-Dec. 8, 1938), who married William Thomas Miller (1861-1934) -- lived in Laurel Springs community of Cosby and later in Jones Cove, Sevier Co.
- Martha Jane (1860-1929), who married Philip Gentry in 1878
- Lemuel A. Fowler (1862-1931) who married Celia Garver (1870-1928). Lemuel and Celia are my great-great grandparents on my paternal side.
- Eliza (1863-1911), who married John M. Thomas
- Elijah (known as "Lige") (1866-1943), who married Rebecca M. Shults in 1885
- Mary Lee (1872-1939), who married Houston Price in 1911
- Algia (1877-1917), who married Daniel W. Shults (1867-1940)
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| Asbury's store, undated (those pictured are believed to be family) |
On Apr. 4, 1882, a new post office was established at Costner, Tennessee, the area known now as Laurel Springs, Sevier Co. Asbury was named Costner's first postmaster. He was followed in that position by James R. Sneed on Feb. 16, 1900, James B. Williams on July 19, 1901, and James Camp, on Oct. 18, 1901. On Feb. 10, 1902, the post office was moved to Sevier County.
One newspaper article at the time of his death (1906) offered the following:
Capt. Asbury Fowler was a picturesque person of this date. He was a member of the County Court for 30 years. A noted orator, he was in much demand as a public speaker. It is said that the orator of the old fashion school of oratory could hold his audience spell bound.
On a decoration day program in his old age, he was called upon to speak. The voice which had thrilled and encouraged the growth of this section of the county wasn't strong enough to speak. So with his venerable head of white hair uncovered, he stood with tears coursing down his cheeks.
The Fowler property was extensive, covering the area from today's Ledford Road across the highway to the National Park. Asbury lived and died here on Feb. 15, 1906. He was buried in Fowler Cemetery, which lies partly in Sevier County. Elizabeth lived until 1921. In 1920, she is found in the household of her grandson Daniel Asbury and Maude (Cannup) Fowler and their family. At her death, she was buried on top of Asbury and later a separate marker was placed beside the grave for her.
On Oct. 2, 1928, the family sold 5.1 acres in Cocke County and 16.2 acres in Sevier County. Dan and Maude had lived in what was then District 9. The property is described as "half-cultivated; balance in various timber; 120 apple trees; dirt road; some wire fencing; 3-room boxed house; 1 barn; purchased by committed for $650.00; deed and check mailed Nov. 24, 1928; deed recorded and returned 12/4/28; deed delivered to the state 1/4/29. Released to Federal Government 2/6/30".
I am farily certain this is the same house and farm Asbury had kept for decades.