Robin Garland has more information about my branch of the Weems Family than any one that I know. The information here is a pure treasure, I hope it helps any of you that are doing serious genealogical research an opportunity to fill in the blanks. I am deeply indebted to Robin,

                                                                                         John Weems
 

Hello John,

Here is information from an article written by Edward Dotson on Hickman County Third Civil District as appeared in the Hickman County Times 14 Jan 1954. Mr. Dotson and I communicated by mail and phone a few times. He sent me a lovely packet of misc Weems materials he had gathered over the years. He functioned as the Hickman County Historian for many years. Interestingly, this particular article actually came to me by way of Diane Weems Mistovich (grandchild of Oscar Ernest Weems).

"William Locke moved to Bon Aqua in 1829. He bought the Bon Aqua Springs property in 1837 and assumed management in 1840. At the death of Weems in 1852, the Bon Aqua property was inherited by Phillip Van Horn Weems, son of his second marriage to Ann Burchette. Phillip Van Horn Weems was never married. Under terms of his will, his plantation, the Bon Aqua property and three of his negros were willed to his brother Joseph Burch Weems. Joseph Burch Weems married Mary Ann Brewer. Their children were John B., who married Emma Clark; William J., who married Ada Tucker; Susan Elizabeth; Mary Lee, who married Victor Hash of Warren County; Franklin Van Horn who died in his teens; and Nathaniel Chapman, who married Mary Lewis, sister of John Lewis of Bon Aqua. The children of Nathaniel Chapman and Mary Lewis are Ann Elizabeth, who married M.C. Gray of Clarksville; Dollie, who married C.O. Jordan of Nashville; Victor Hash Weems, who married Violin Gossett of Dickson; Mary, the wife of Roe Luther of Bon Aqua; and Franklin Van Horn Weems, who married Lona Thomas of Burns. Frank and Lona now live at the old homeplace near Bon Aqua Springs."

I had not looked at this article in some time, noting I have myself recorded it in 1998. I copied the following from Spence's History of Hickman County, Tennessee (page 51; entry on Dist 3):

"For some time after 1834 the larger portion, if not all, of the present Third, Thirteenth, and Fifteenth Districts were in one civil district. The voting place was at the place where William McEwen now lives, William Weems living there then."

(page 69, 70; entry on Dist 5):

"Near Bon Aqua Station are the famous Bon Aqua Springs. William Locke Weems was the first to make of this a famous watering place and health resort. He was born in Prince George County, Maryland on Dec 9, 1792. He married Elizabeth Taylor Birch, who was born in the same county on Apr 11, 1797. She was a cousin of Gen. Zachary Taylor. Weems came to TN in 1825 and located on Lick Creek. In 1826 he lived near Vernon, on the W.F. Mays place; and in 1827 he moved to the William McEwen place, in the 3rd District, at which place he lived until 1839. In 1837 he bought the springs, which he named 'Bon Aqua' -- good water. He bought the springs and 406 acres of land. He afterwards added to this until he owned 1800 acres. These lands were bought from McKenzie and Long and from Dickey and Long, who had grants from NC. In 1839 Weems, having an idea of the true value of the springs, and believing that they could be made profitable to himself and beneficial to mankind in general, erected 15 cabins of hewn logs and began to advertise his springs as a health resort.

From that date the name and fame of Weems' Springs went far and wide and visitors from many places and many states came from year to year. Weems also commenced to improve his farm, and, with the assistance of his slaves, which he owned to the number fifty, he opened about two hundred acres of farming land. In 1840 the springs were managed by William H. Dreadman, who lived on Leatherwood Creek. He was a native of VA. After this year Weems assumed in person the management of the springs, and continued as manager until his death in 1852. He was buried at the McEwen place, in the 3rd District. After his death...(summary of Phillip Van Horn Weems)...After the close of the war the springs were bought by the Bon Aqua Springs Association.

This company placed many expensive improvements here. Numerous nice cottages took the place of the log cabins, and a large hotel was erected at a cost of $40,000. Bon Aqua took first place among watering places in TN, and for several years enjoyed an era of great prosperity. Here rested from their labors some of the most prominent men of TN. In August 1888, misfortune came. The large hotel burned, and has never been rebuilt. A small hotel and a number of neat cottages yet remain. Nathaniel Weems...(summary of Nathaniel, son of WL)...Another son, Hon. Joseph Weems, represented this county in the Lower House of the 44th General Assembly. He was born in Prince George County, Maryland, on Sept 19, 1820, and was brought by his father to Hickman County, Tennessee in 1825 (further summary of the children of WL)..."

  I note I have not been successful in learning WHO exactly was involved in or represented by the above mentioned 'Bon Aqua Springs Association.'

Robin

July 7, 2009

Hello John Weems,

I am writing after visiting your website and reading some of your genforum posts. We are cousins sharing the line of Joseph Burch Weems and Mary Ann Brewer (married August 27, 1850 in Williamson County). I hope you are still interested in stories and related concerning the Weems family.

My grandmother was Nell Weems who married McClain Thomas March 8, 1914 in Hickman County. Nell was the daughter of William Joseph Weems, married Ada Tucker, son of Joseph Burch Weems. William Joseph Weems died at age 50 and Ada carried on in Hickman County as a widow. They were the parents of Nell, Oscar Ernest, John Claud, and Katie Lee.

My grandmother was a teacher in Hickman and Davidson Counties before and slightly after her marriage. She shared stories of having taught "Minnie Pearl" of Grand Ole Opry fame as one of her students. She married McClain Thomas of Burns, Dickson County (some of his family still farm there). They moved to Ohio before 1920 where my grandfather worked for the railroad. Later, grandma's brother, Ernest (also known as Pud), would come to Ohio to live.

Joseph Burch Weems lived in Ohio for a time with cousin, Victor Hash Weems. They are found in Youngstown, Mahoning, Ohio in 1930 living near my grandparents:

WEEMS, Victor H, 35, TN TN TN, fireman steam railroad

Violin, 30, TN, MS, TN

Mary, 11, TN, TN, TN

Dorothy, 9, TN, TN, TN

Joseph B, cousin, 39, TN, TN, TN, straightener steel construction

My father, Thomas McClain Thomas, was a veteran of WWII. He served under Patton. My grandmother loved to talk about George Patton's family being distant relation to the Weems and the family known in Bon Aqua. Years later I would finally discover that George Patton's mother was Ruth Wilson and somehow related to the Albert Wilson who married Elizabeth Weems, daughter of William Loch, sister of Joseph Burch.

My grandmother and father would bring me along on visits to Tennessee as a child where we would visit Hickman and Dickson Counties as well as Nashville. I remember visiting the old homestead once when a very small child (the one later sold to Johnny and June Cash). I understand Cash told stories of the old Mexican War veteran who had owned the home...and one story saying that "Weems" had once shot some Union men who came to the property to confiscate goods (who knows the origins of that story).

I fondly remember Mary Lee Weems, a favorite cousin of my grandmother. I recall visiting her in Nashville and spending time in her home, going on shopping trips and out to lunch 'in town.'

Another who had frequent contact was Maimie Weems Luther (Maimie, daughter of Nathaniel Chapman Weems and Mary "Molly" Lewis). Over the years I have spoken with Maimie's son, Don Luther, while working on genealogy.

I've also exchanged with John Cullen who descends from Mary Weems who married Victor Hash. His mother had once worked on the Weems genealogy, exchanging with the Slaydens and WEEMSANA.

I am happy to see others of the Joseph Burch line online. I'm also happy to share anything I have collected over the years that you might be interested in.

So much of the early line is well documented that I have taken most at face value. I have, however, tried to verify as much of the Tennessee line as possible. Dr Ann Agee, who has done considerable work on the Maryland Weems, aided John Cullen and myself in discovering the identity of the 3rd wife of William Loch Weems. That marriage did not prove to be a pretty piece of our history and it resulted in law suits being brought by the bride's brother.

Did you know that Joseph remarried late in life? He married Susan Elizabeth Gardner (someone I think some have confused as his daughter). The marriage was recorded 22 Oct 1890 in Hickman County (Joseph Weems to Lizzie Gardner). Susan E. is then found as a neighbor to my great grandmother, Ada, in 1910.

Finally, a brief note as to myself. I live in Huron, Ohio on Lake Erie and work at Bowling Green State University. My husband, Ray, is a contractor. We have 2 adult children, Angela and Brandon.

Robin Thomas Garland

***********************************************************

Second letter, July 9, 2009

Oh, John, how wonderful to exchange with someone who helps me piece memory together! I swore in my exchanges with John Cullen and other Weems researchers that I distinctly remembered a 'Burch Weems' from my childhood but those memories in Ohio. I had let others convince me that I must have confused childhood remembrances!

I recall various family members who came to my grandmother's home for a cup of coffee or to have lunch...and in my memories I swore one to be Burch Weems. Your note proves that my memory was not so faulty afterall.

I lived with my grandmother from the ages of 4 to 7 while my mother attended school (over the years I spent so much time there that the period of uninterrupted sleepovers didn't seem unnatural to me).

I most remember the visits of "Uncle Pud" (grandma's brother, Oscar Ernest). He was a big man of few words who was faithful to his sister and came to visit her at least weekly. Pud and I hit it off. I was a shy child and neither of us talked much. I'd sit on his lap throughout his whole visit, even while he ate his lunch and sipped his coffee. His visits always ended with a pat on the head and a, "I'll see you later, squirt." Uncle Pud worked for years and years at the steel mill situated across the street from his home.

Most of Pud's children were also tall. Some of the boys actually exceed 7 foot (and they, too, were star basketball players). One of them, Stanley, was a favorite of mine who never minded playing with a little cousin. Stan is an engineer for the railroad and lives out west. I've heard from him from time to time over the years. Pud's daughter, Jeanette, married an FBI agent and they lived in Akron.

I was the youngest of all of the grandchildren and so often the last I saw some of those who would move on would be at a young age. I sometimes struggle to even place them in the right family group!

My grandparents helped raise the children of my grandmother's sister, Katie Lee. Katie married George Nelson Plunkett. He was older than she and already had four children when they wed. Katie and George Plunkett had Charles, Ray Norris, McCloy (Mack), Joyce, and Evelyn. Evelyn died as a baby and Katie died shortly thereafter, both victims of a flu epidemic (I think that was 1929). Joyce lived with my grandparents continuously and the others were often there. Growing up they were always Aunt and Uncles to me and I think I was 9 or 10 before I even knew they weren't the natural children of my grandparents. When I learned this I assumed both parents had died. Years later my father told me that the father, George Plunkett, lived on for many years and lived in Tennessee and Texas. Joyce Plunkett Jenkins is the last surviving of these children. She lives in Poland, Ohio and we still communicate. She doesn't talk about the children being sent to live with relatives...so I don't ask. I know that Evelyn and Katie are both buried in the Weems Cemetery you reference.

In reality my grandparents had 2 children, Marjorie Ruth Thomas (married Everett "Pete" Paulin), and my father, Thomas McClain Thomas (married Geraldine Williams). Both are deceased now. My grandmother always made her home with Pete and Ruth (my grandfather died of a sudden heart attack in the 1940s while my father was in the service). There was 10 years difference between my aunt and father. My grandmother had difficulty with pregnancy and she told me many times that both she and my grandfather dreamed of having more children but never had the opportunity.

When my father was a baby he was ill, had breathing difficulties, and his heart stopped more than once. My grandmother would relate that my father's poor health was my grandfather's 'salvation.' She said my grandfather was known to 'lift a few' before my father's birth...but during my father's illness he made promise to God that if his son be spared he would not touch a drop of spirit for the rest of his days. Grandma said he was true to his word and never touched alcohol again in his life.

For her, I am certain, that would mean his salvation. My grandmother was a stout Baptist who attended church 3 times weekly, read her bible daily, and prayed each morning and each night. She walked the talk! She was a wonderful example to me with a heart of gold.

I think Frank and Lona were the glue between the original Bon Aqua Weems. If memory serves they (at least Lona as I believe Frank was dead by then) were the actual residents of the old homestead before it passed hands to the Cash family.

I definitely remember Lona. She always made chicken and dumplings for us when we visited. There was only one other who made the dish nearly as well as she and that was my grandmother!

The last visit I made to that area with family was with my father in the 1970s. I'm not sure we saw any Weems on that visit. I remember we went down for a Thomas reunion. The remaining Thomas uncles were up in years. As I recall we spent just 4 days and it was a whirlwind. It was also a time shortly after I had been seriously ill and still moving (and thinking) slow.

You mention the depot...my Aunt Joyce once gave me a clay flower urn. She told me at the time to care for it as she had brought it back from the 'Bon Aqua depot' in Tennessee as a keepsake. I had it for years before the poor thing just crumbled. I'm chuckling now because members of my family often referred to the depot as 'our depot' when they talked about it.

Yes, I too had been of the impression that the springs was still in the family when it burned. I've tried to obtain documentation on it, once even corresponding with the county historian. I also have conflicting reports so I am just not sure.

I've noticed activity the last few years to have the place marked and recognized as a historic site. Do you know the current status?

I'm confused as to the parentage of Mary Ann Brewer wed Joseph Burch Weems. John Cullen reports her father as Lewis Brewer. I've not been able to place her conclusively. I see some online reports listing her as a Mary Ann Brewer with a father, Lewis, but in his HH in 1850 (I believe reported as Maury County but without those references at my fingertips at this minute I might have that confused). I've concluded this is not the case. Joseph and Mary Ann wed in August of 1850. The Hickman County census was completed in October of 1850 and Mary was living with the Weems family then:

William L Weems, 58, farmer, 8000, Maryland

Elizabeth, 40, Virginia

Joseph, 30, Maryland

Mary, 23, Tennessee

Phillip, 13, Tennessee

(also present in the HH are William J Royster, 63, VA; John Clifford, 39, Ireland; and Andrew J Willis, 20, VA). William Royster was a witness to William's will in 1852.

Perhaps some researchers have concluded Mary a daughter of William's???

John Cullen reported he was always told that Mary Ann was a sister of Sterling Brewer...but which Sterling? She would seem young to be a sister of the Sterling Brewer who was active in Dickson County politics as early as 1805 (although not impossible).

Some have said she was born in Stewart County. Again, not sure of evidence for this. If the census can be relied upon then both she and your grandfather, John Brewer, reported her on the 1880 census as born in Dickson County.

Since the family lived in Dickson County in 1860 I thought this a possibility. When I next get an opportunity to visit the Tennessee archives I shall make it a point to investigate Brewer land entries in that county.

I was to Nashville this past winter for a conference. I stayed over a few days and did work at the archives. I was able to find more details on my Thomas line during that visit but turned up nothing new on the Weems search.

The courthouses in both Hickman and Dickson suffered much over the years. Dickson County at least retains a fair number of early land records that I have found helpful.

I see that you have left blank the death entry for your John Brewer. I shall try to locate that as I thought I had that information. Should I locate that I will send it to you.

What a wonderful keepsake you have in the cane! I loved to see the picture and read the engraving on your website.

I knew that Mary Lee had passed in Nashville. I can not swear but thought my Aunt Ruth attended the funeral. In any event, I recall the time. I was hospitalized when I learned so I think that was either 1973 or 1974. Which ever year it was I had a life saving surgery and was in and out of a coma...a long story...but for a year of time memories are sketchy at best. But I thought that I was told that your aunt left a small sum to each of us (my cousins, Marsha and Julie Paulin, my sisters, my brother, and me). That illness left me with a 2 year period of jumbled memories so I might have this information confused.

I have certainly rambled on in this post. I will finish by trying to give you my line of Weems:

Joseph Burch Weems (Mary Ann Brewer) to

William Joseph Weems (Ada Tucker) to

Nelle Weems (McClain Thomas) to

Thomas McClain Thomas (Geraldine Marie Williams) to

Robin Ruth Thomas (Ray Allen Garland Jr.); parents of Angela Renee and Brandon McClain (and hopeful grandparents of those yet unknown!!!)

Oh, John, how wonderful to exchange with someone who helps me piece memory together! I swore in my exchanges with John Cullen and other Weems researchers that I distinctly remembered a 'Burch Weems' from my childhood but those memories in Ohio. I had let others convince me that I must have confused childhood remembrances!

I recall various family members who came to my grandmother's home for a cup of coffee or to have lunch...and in my memories I swore one to be Burch Weems. Your note proves that my memory was not so faulty afterall.

I lived with my grandmother from the ages of 4 to 7 while my mother attended school (over the years I spent so much time there that the period of uninterrupted sleepovers didn't seem unnatural to me).

I most remember the visits of "Uncle Pud" (grandma's brother, Oscar Ernest). He was a big man of few words who was faithful to his sister and came to visit her at least weekly. Pud and I hit it off. I was a shy child and neither of us talked much. I'd sit on his lap throughout his whole visit, even while he ate his lunch and sipped his coffee. His visits always ended with a pat on the head and a, "I'll see you later, squirt." Uncle Pud worked for years and years at the steel mill situated across the street from his home.

Most of Pud's children were also tall. Some of the boys actually exceed 7 foot (and they, too, were star basketball players). One of them, Stanley, was a favorite of mine who never minded playing with a little cousin. Stan is an engineer for the railroad and lives out west. I've heard from him from time to time over the years. Pud's daughter, Jeanette, married an FBI agent and they lived in Akron.

I was the youngest of all of the grandchildren and so often the last I saw some of those who would move on would be at a young age. I sometimes struggle to even place them in the right family group!

My grandparents helped raise the children of my grandmother's sister, Katie Lee. Katie married George Nelson Plunkett. He was older than she and already had four children when they wed. Katie and George Plunkett had Charles, Ray Norris, McCloy (Mack), Joyce, and Evelyn. Evelyn died as a baby and Katie died shortly thereafter, both victims of a flu epidemic (I think that was 1929). Joyce lived with my grandparents continuously and the others were often there. Growing up they were always Aunt and Uncles to me and I think I was 9 or 10 before I even knew they weren't the natural children of my grandparents. When I learned this I assumed both parents had died. Years later my father told me that the father, George Plunkett, lived on for many years and lived in Tennessee and Texas. Joyce Plunkett Jenkins is the last surviving of these children. She lives in Poland, Ohio and we still communicate. She doesn't talk about the children being sent to live with relatives...so I don't ask. I know that Evelyn and Katie are both buried in the Weems Cemetery you reference.

In reality my grandparents had 2 children, Marjorie Ruth Thomas (married Everett "Pete" Paulin), and my father, Thomas McClain Thomas (married Geraldine Williams). Both are deceased now. My grandmother always made her home with Pete and Ruth (my grandfather died of a sudden heart attack in the 1940s while my father was in the service). There was 10 years difference between my aunt and father. My grandmother had difficulty with pregnancy and she told me many times that both she and my grandfather dreamed of having more children but never had the opportunity.

When my father was a baby he was ill, had breathing difficulties, and his heart stopped more than once. My grandmother would relate that my father's poor health was my grandfather's 'salvation.' She said my grandfather was known to 'lift a few' before my father's birth...but during my father's illness he made promise to God that if his son be spared he would not touch a drop of spirit for the rest of his days. Grandma said he was true to his word and never touched alcohol again in his life.

For her, I am certain, that would mean his salvation. My grandmother was a stout Baptist who attended church 3 times weekly, read her bible daily, and prayed each morning and each night. She walked the talk! She was a wonderful example to me with a heart of gold.

I think Frank and Lona were the glue between the original Bon Aqua Weems. If memory serves they (at least Lona as I believe Frank was dead by then) were the actual residents of the old homestead before it passed hands to the Cash family.

I definitely remember Lona. She always made chicken and dumplings for us when we visited. There was only one other who made the dish nearly as well as she and that was my grandmother!

The last visit I made to that area with family was with my father in the 1970s. I'm not sure we saw any Weems on that visit. I remember we went down for a Thomas reunion. The remaining Thomas uncles were up in years. As I recall we spent just 4 days and it was a whirlwind. It was also a time shortly after I had been seriously ill and still moving (and thinking) slow.

You mention the depot...my Aunt Joyce once gave me a clay flower urn. She told me at the time to care for it as she had brought it back from the 'Bon Aqua depot' in Tennessee as a keepsake. I had it for years before the poor thing just crumbled. I'm chuckling now because members of my family often referred to the depot as 'our depot' when they talked about it.

Yes, I too had been of the impression that the springs was still in the family when it burned. I've tried to obtain documentation on it, once even corresponding with the county historian. I also have conflicting reports so I am just not sure.

I've noticed activity the last few years to have the place marked and recognized as a historic site. Do you know the current status?

I'm confused as to the parentage of Mary Ann Brewer wed Joseph Burch Weems. John Cullen reports her father as Lewis Brewer. I've not been able to place her conclusively. I see some online reports listing her as a Mary Ann Brewer with a father, Lewis, but in his HH in 1850 (I believe reported as Maury County but without those references at my fingertips at this minute I might have that confused). I've concluded this is not the case. Joseph and Mary Ann wed in August of 1850. The Hickman County census was completed in October of 1850 and Mary was living with the Weems family then:

William L Weems, 58, farmer, 8000, Maryland

Elizabeth, 40, Virginia

Joseph, 30, Maryland

Mary, 23, Tennessee

Phillip, 13, Tennessee

(also present in the HH are William J Royster, 63, VA; John Clifford, 39, Ireland; and Andrew J Willis, 20, VA). William Royster was a witness to William's will in 1852.

Perhaps some researchers have concluded Mary a daughter of William's???

John Cullen reported he was always told that Mary Ann was a sister of Sterling Brewer...but which Sterling? She would seem young to be a sister of the Sterling Brewer who was active in Dickson County politics as early as 1805 (although not impossible).

Some have said she was born in Stewart County. Again, not sure of evidence for this. If the census can be relied upon then both she and your grandfather, John Brewer, reported her on the 1880 census as born in Dickson County.

Since the family lived in Dickson County in 1860 I thought this a possibility. When I next get an opportunity to visit the Tennessee archives I shall make it a point to investigate Brewer land entries in that county.

I was to Nashville this past winter for a conference. I stayed over a few days and did work at the archives. I was able to find more details on my Thomas line during that visit but turned up nothing new on the Weems search.

The courthouses in both Hickman and Dickson suffered much over the years. Dickson County at least retains a fair number of early land records that I have found helpful.

I see that you have left blank the death entry for your John Brewer. I shall try to locate that as I thought I had that information. Should I locate that I will send it to you.

What a wonderful keepsake you have in the cane! I loved to see the picture and read the engraving on your website.

I knew that Mary Lee had passed in Nashville. I can not swear but thought my Aunt Ruth attended the funeral. In any event, I recall the time. I was hospitalized when I learned so I think that was either 1973 or 1974. Which ever year it was I had a life saving surgery and was in and out of a coma...a long story...but for a year of time memories are sketchy at best. But I thought that I was told that your aunt left a small sum to each of us (my cousins, Marsha and Julie Paulin, my sisters, my brother, and me). That illness left me with a 2 year period of jumbled memories so I might have this information confused.

I have certainly rambled on in this post. I will finish by trying to give you my line of Weems:

Joseph Burch Weems (Mary Ann Brewer) to

William Joseph Weems (Ada Tucker) to

Nelle Weems (McClain Thomas) to

Thomas McClain Thomas (Geraldine Marie Williams) to

Robin Ruth Thomas (Ray Allen Garland Jr.); parents of Angela Renee and Brandon McClain (and hopeful grandparents of those yet unknown!!!)

Robin Thomas Garland

John,

This is the information I have on dates for John Brewer Weems, buried Weems Cemetery:

31 May 1851 to 26 Oct 1926

I received my Weems Cemetery listings from John Cullen. I understand that he and his mother walked the cemetery and recorded all the Weems buried there (at least those stones that could be read). He sent me the list and pictures of the graves of Evelyn and Katie Weems Plunkett.

Robin

John,

This is the information I have on dates for John Brewer Weems, buried Weems Cemetery:

31 May 1851 to 26 Oct 1926

I received my Weems Cemetery listings from John Cullen. I understand that he and his mother walked the cemetery and recorded all the Weems buried there (at least those stones that could be read). He sent me the list and pictures of the graves of Evelyn and Katie Weems Plunkett.

Robin

William L Weems Will, 1852

Williamson County, TN

Transcribed from photocopy of original as located in Tennessee Divorce and Other Records 1800 - 1965 by Robin Garland

I William L. Weems of the County of Hickman County and state of Tennessee do make and ordain this to be my last will and testament hereby voiding and making void all former wills by me heretofore made.

1^st I direct that after my funeral expenses are paid, that all my debts be paid with as little delay as possible.

2. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth Ann Weems the following slaves with their future increase to wit

Cutty, Angeline, Horace, Blanner, Ben, Isaac, Ellick, Beck, & Jilia Ann, all the household and kitchen furniture, except two feather Beds, two Bed  steads (sic), two sheets, two pillows one bolster, two blankets and one cover lid for each bed. And I furthermore give and bequeath to my wife as aforesaid all my farming utensils, all my horses and mares, mules, oxen, cows and calves and stock of every kind, wagons (sic), carts, and carriages ____ and the use of Bon Aqua Springs Mill and farm attach d jointly with my son Phillip Vanhorn Weems.

3. I give and bequeath to my youngest son Phillip Vanhorn Weems Bon Aqua Springs and all my lands on the waters of Big Spring Creek and Mill Creek, after the death of his mother. I also give and bequeath to my said son Phillip Vanhorn Weems, the following servants to wit Robert and Mary his wife, and their three children and future increase Henry, Hanson (Hansen?) Kit. Ally, Jane, Daniel, Rose and child Laura Jane Clagett, Matt & his wife Rose and her three children To wit Charles, Happy & George and the future increase of all said Negroes.

4? (ink blotch) I give and bequeath to my son Nathaniel C. Weems, the following slaves to wit, Oscar, Jim (?Tim), David. Minty and her two children and future increase Clary and her three children and future increase and old Kilby (?Killy).

5. I give and bequeath to my son Joseph Weems the following slaves to wit Tom and his wife Tish Louisa and her two children and future increase, Simpson, Joe Romulus, Lofson? And his wife Tilly and future increase and one feather bed and furniture

6^th. I give and bequeath to my daughter ?Mrs Elizabeth Wilson the following servants to wit Cassandra and her two children, Margarett Ann. Charlotte and Lucy and their future increase and one thousand dollars to be paid in equal annual instalments (sic) of two hundred and fifty dollars.

7. I give and bequeath to my grand daughter Albertine Wilson negro girl Angeline Charlotte youngest daughter and her future increase

8^th. I give and bequeath to my grand daughter Eleanor Ann Nicks one feather bed and furniture, one cow and calf, one work horse or mule to be worth fifty dollars, yoke of oxen and one hundred dollars

9. I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth Ann Weems and my son Phillip Van H Weems (after paying all my debts on leg___ mentioned and provided in the aforesaid will) the balance and residue of my Estate

10^th. I do, hereby nominate and appoint my beloved wife Elizabeth Ann Weems Guardian to my son Phillip V H Weems without ___ (ink blot) or security for the performance of the Trust

11. I do hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my dearly beloved wife Elizabeth Ann Weems sole Executor of my last Will and Testament without Bond or security for the performance of the Trust

12^th. And lastly. It is my sincere wish and desire that in all matters touching the interests of my beloved wife Eliz Ann Weems and my son Phillip Van Horn Weems that my estimed and particular Friends Col? Wallace Dixon, Maj Wm H Marshall of Tenn, and Wm H Bulloch Esq of Ala all or either of them should be consulted and for their council and advice to have due weight and influence. In Testimony whereof I have herein set my hand & seal affirm this 22 day of May in the year of Our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and fifty two (1852).

Sig Wm L Weems

Signed and published and declared in our presence and we have ____ subscribed our names as witnesses in the presence and at the request of the Testator and in the presence of each other

Witnesses

Wallace Dixon

Leroy Perkins

William J Royster

     Robin has much information to share. Take a look,

Final Notes on Bon Aqua Ownership‏

Hello once more..

.

Having completely sorted my file titled "Bon Aqua" I have this list of ownership and details from a variety of sources.

At one point totaled nearly 2,000 acres.

Three hotels; one built after civil war which burned in 1888; replaced; third and final was finished in 1901 containing 110 rooms.

After civil war purchased by a group of men under title of Bon Aqua Springs Association.

1877 W.B. Russell and J.R. Winburn of Columbia were listed as proprietors.

1895 A.T. Russell announced that he had taken charge of Bon Aqua Springs.

1901 Dean and Walker were listed as owners.

1925 Mr. and Mrs Harry L. White of Memphis purchased Bon Aqua Springs and hotel.

Robin

***************************************************

Birth/Death dates for Franklin Weems, son of Joseph and Mary‏

Hello John,

Corresponding has been delightful as this has proven an opportunity for me to organize old notes and add tidbits to my family files. It seems I did make one Weems discovery on my trip to Nashville this past winter (and I had forgotten this). I have not seen listings of the dates for Franklin, son of Joseph and Mary, in all the information that is posted out there.

From the Tennessee Records Repository; Death Notices from the Christian Advocate, Nashville, Tennessee, 1880-1882, #2; composed by Jonathon Kennon Thompson Smith; copyright Jonathon K.T. Smith, 2005; transcribed by Laurel Baty:

Franklin Van Horne son of Joseph and Mary Weems born March 15, 1861 died January 24, 1880; mention of his sister Mollie (I imagine as she was still at home)

Robin

Frank & Lona Weems, burials‏

Hello John,

I thought I had the burial location of Frank and Lona and unearthed these entries in my notes. The year posted for Frank threw me off initially so I will list cross-referenced materials as clarification. Frank's birth year was simply misread or incorrectly labeled by the recorders.

Bon Aqua Church of Christ Cemetery; Big Spring Creek Road (931-670-7709) as recorded by Jim Rice and Patricia Corbitt April 1, 2003 (posted to internment.net)

Weems, Frank V Aug 28 1847 - Nov 11 1954; husband of Lona Weems (Row 9)

Weems, Lona Aug 10, 1896 - Dec 9, 1982, wife of Frank V Weems (Row 9)

Also recorded in Row 9 are:

Luther, Mamie W Apr 25 1893 - Feb 13 1977

Luther, William O May 25 1893 Dec 16 1978

This cemetery is the same as the burial location of Jesse Dalton Tucker, brother to my Ada Tucker who married William Joseph Weems, son of Joseph Burch Weems.

Growing up I only knew "Roe" Luther. It took me time to locate, but I am confident that the following are entries for the two men listed above.

Frank Weems married Miss Lona Thomas 11 Jul 1915 Hickman County

Frank Weems WWI Registration in Hickman County lists date of birth 28 Aug 1889

William Osroe Luther married Miss Maime Weems 14 Oct 1920 Hickman County

William 'Asroe' Luther WWI Registration in Dickson County lists date of birth 25 May 1893

1910 Hickman Dist 5 census

WEEMS, Nathaniel C, 51, married 25, TN, Maryland, TN farmer

Molly C, 49, married 25, 7 children, 5 living, TN, TN, TN

Frank VH, 22

Anna, 21

Dolly, 19

Maime, 17

Victor H, 15

(family of Nathaniel Chapman Weems, son of Joseph Burch Weems)

Robin

Edward Dotson Article and Related on the Springs‏

Hello John,

Here is information from an article written by Edward Dotson on Hickman County Third Civil District as appeared in the Hickman County Times 14 Jan 1954. Mr. Dotson and I communicated by mail and phone a few times. He sent me a lovely packet of misc Weems materials he had gathered over the years. He functioned as the Hickman County Historian for many years. Interestingly, this particular article actually came to me by way of Diane Weems Mistovich (grandchild of Oscar Ernest Weems).

"William Locke moved to Bon Aqua in 1829. He bought the Bon Aqua Springs property in 1837 and assumed management in 1840. At the death of Weems in 1852, the Bon Aqua property was inherited by Phillip Van Horn Weems, son of his second marriage to Ann Burchette. Phillip Van Horn Weems was never married. Under terms of his will, his plantation, the Bon Aqua property and three of his negros were willed to his brother Joseph Burch Weems. Joseph Burch Weems married Mary Ann Brewer. Their children were John B., who married Emma Clark; William J., who married Ada Tucker; Susan Elizabeth; Mary Lee, who married Victor Hash of Warren County; Franklin Van Horn who died in his teens; and Nathaniel Chapman, who married Mary Lewis, sister of John Lewis of Bon Aqua. The children of Nathaniel Chapman and Mary Lewis are Ann Elizabeth, who married M.C. Gray of Clarksville; Dollie, who married C.O. Jordan of Nashville; Victor Hash Weems, who married Violin Gossett of Dickson; Mary, the wife of Roe Luther of Bon Aqua; and Franklin Van Horn Weems, who married Lona Thomas of Burns. Frank and Lona now live at the old homeplace near Bon Aqua Springs."

I had not looked at this article in some time, noting I have myself recorded it in 1998. I copied the following from Spence's History of Hickman County, Tennessee (page 51; entry on Dist 3):

"For some time after 1834 the larger portion, if not all, of the present Third, Thirteenth, and Fifteenth Districts were in one civil district. The voting place was at the place where William McEwen now lives, William Weems living there then."

(page 69, 70; entry on Dist 5):

"Near Bon Aqua Station are the famous Bon Aqua Springs. William Locke Weems was the first to make of this a famous watering place and health resort. He was born in Prince George County, Maryland on Dec 9, 1792. He married Elizabeth Taylor Birch, who was born in the same county on Apr 11, 1797. She was a cousin of Gen. Zachary Taylor. Weems came to TN in 1825 and located on Lick Creek. In 1826 he lived near Vernon, on the W.F. Mays place; and in 1827 he moved to the William McEwen place, in the 3rd District, at which place he lived until 1839. In 1837 he bought the springs, which he named 'Bon Aqua' -- good water.

He bought the springs and 406 acres of land. He afterwards added to this until he owned 1800 acres. These lands were bought from McKenzie and Long and from Dickey and Long, who had grants from NC. In 1839 Weems, having an idea of the true value of the springs, and believing that they could be made profitable to himself and beneficial to mankind in general, erected 15 cabins of hewn logs and began to advertise his springs as a health resort. From that date the name and fame of Weems' Springs went far and wide and visitors from many places and many states came from year to year. Weems also commenced to improve his farm, and, with the assistance of his slaves, which he owned to the number fifty, he opened about two hundred acres of farming land. In 1840 the springs were managed by William H. Dreadman, who lived on Leatherwood Creek.

He was a native of VA. After this year Weems assumed in person the management of the springs, and continued as manager until his death in 1852. He was buried at the McEwen place, in the 3rd District. After his death...(summary of Phillip Van Horn Weems)...After the close of the war the springs were bought by the Bon Aqua Springs Association. This company placed many expensive improvements here. Numerous nice cottages took the place of the log cabins, and a large hotel was erected at a cost of $40,000. Bon Aqua took first place among watering places in TN, and for several years enjoyed an era of great prosperity.

Here rested from their labors some of the most prominent men of TN. In August 1888, misfortune came. The large hotel burned, and has never been rebuilt. A small hotel and a number of neat cottages yet remain. Nathaniel Weems...(summary of Nathaniel, son of WL)...Another son, Hon. Joseph Weems, represented this county in the Lower House of the 44th General Assembly. He was born in Prince George County, Maryland, on Sept 19, 1820, and was brought by his father to Hickman County, Tennessee in 1825 (further summary of the children of WL)..."

I note I have not been successful in learning WHO exactly was involved in or represented by the above mentioned 'Bon Aqua Springs Association.'

Robin

Re: Tracing Women is not easy‏

Hello John,

Having pulled the old list of Bon Aqua Weems Cemetery entries sent to me by John Cullen in 1999 I provide you the ones from my direct line:

Joseph Weems (one newer stone noted as probably Government issue and low to the ground recording him as Pvt. Co A 1 Regt. Tenn. Inft. Mexican War)

Upright headstone (weathered) - Sep 19, 1820 to Apr 3, 1906

Mary A., wife of Joseph Weems, - Dec 19, 1828 to Nov 11, 1889

Infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Weems - Dec 14, 1928

Evelyn Weems, born & died, - Nov 1929

Katie Weems Plunkett - Jul 15, 1893 to Dec 13 1929

Double Stone WEEMS:

Father, W J, - Jan 8, 1854 to Dec 5, 1901

Mother, Ada B., - Jun 19, 1864 to Jun 19, 1947 

Please let me know if you'd like any of the others.

Robin

Yes, and I have her name as Docia Emmeline (but I can not say if that is what is on the stone or simply how John recorded it):

19 Mar 1854 to 13 Nov 1939

John was a wonderful friend and we exchanged much information. We stayed in touch until he made a move somewhere in Tennessee. His health was worsening and his emails dropped off. I have not reconnected with him since that move. John also suffered from a retinal (eye) disorder just like my grandmother. My grandmother was blind in one eye by age 50 and totally blind by 70. I fear that if John may still be with us that his eyesight is such that he can no longer use the internet to communicate since when we did last speak he told me he had to purchase a stand magnifier in order to read at all.

Still...this may be of interest since you have found the Weems site by the Cullen brothers. Among their pictures is one of Phillip Van Horn Weems (CW Capt and son of William Loch) which you may have seen before. Also there is a picture of Mary "Molly" Weems who wed Victor Hash. When John sent me a copy of that picture I was floored...I could have been looking at a picture of my sister, Jennifer. I am not exaggerating...the resemblance is unbelievable!

Also on the site is a picture of my William Joseph Weems (my brother, Richard, looks a great deal like him) and family that I had sent to John. It features William Joseph, his wife Ada, and all four of his children. That picture has been cherished by the family. It is certainly not a fancy portrait. William Joseph died shortly after that picture was taken and it is the only known shot of all of them together.

Tonight has been fun! But now, off to bed for me. More later, I'm sure!

Robin

33. CAPT. WILLIAM LOCH⁷ WEEMS (NATHANIEL CHAPMAN⁶, WILLIAM LOCH⁵, JAMES LOCH⁴, DAVID³ WEMYSS, JAMES², DAVID¹)^312,313 was born 09 December 1792 in Billingsley, Prince George's County MD³¹⁴, and died 16 September 1852 in Hickman County TN^315,316. He married (1) ELIZABETH TAYLOR BURCH³¹⁷ 01 August 1814 in Prince George's County MD³¹⁸, daughter of JOSEPH BURCH and ELEANOR TAYLOR. She was born 11 April 1797 in Prince George's County MD, and died 1825 in TN. He married (2) MARY R. HATTON³¹⁹ 10 November 1832 in Prince George's County MD³²⁰, daughter of HENRY HATTON and MISS DAVISON. She was born Abt. 1795 in Prince George's County MD³²¹, and died 29 March 1835 in Hickman County TN. He married (3) ELIZABETH ANN BURCHETT Abt. 1836 in TN, daughter of COL. BURCHETT. She was born Abt. 1810 in VA, and died 24 June 1855 in TN³²².

CAPT. WILLIAM LOCH WEEMS:

16 Jan 1815: executor of Jonathon H. Burch's will (brother in law)

1820 Census PG County

Came from Maryland ca 1825

1830 Census Hickman County TN: Wm L. Weems age under 40 [born 1790-1800]

male 10-15; female under 5; female under 10; female 10-15; female under 20; female under 40

Founded Bon Aqua Springs Resort, Hickman County TN, ca 1837

1840 Census Hickman County TN: Wm L. Wimms male age 40-50 [born 1790-1800]

1 male under 5; 2 males 20-30; 1 female 10-15; 1 female 15-20; 1 female 30-40

1850 Census Hickman County TN: William L. Weems age 58 born MD

see John Cullen's Web site:

http://www.logantele.com/~cullen/weems.htm

CAPT. WILLIAM LOCH WEEMS:

Burial: McEwen Farm, Third District, Hickman County TN

ELIZABETH ANN BURCHETT:

1840 Census Hickman County TN: HH William L. Wimms, female age 30-40

1850 Census Hickman County TN: Elizabeth Weems, age 40, b. VA in HH of WL Weems

History of Tennessee (Vol IV. 867) says that Ann Elizabeth Borchett was a cousin of Theodore Roosevelt's mother, who was a Miss Bullock.

                      WILLIAM WEEMS and ELIZABETH BURCH are:

                                Child of WILLIAM WEEMS and MARY HATTON is:

                               Child of WILLIAM WEEMS and ELIZABETH BURCHETT is: