Part I I I
(Continued excerpts from the manuscript of Henry Lee Knott, descendant of the Tribe of Gad.)

The 1890s was a time of building in Gadson Town. Up to that time all residences were built of logs, but prosperity had given the opportunity to improve. Those who built were E. Knott, James Gadson, Isaac Staples, William Cox, Isaac Cox, B.J. Gadson, Lawrence Jones, Isaiah Gadson and Richard Jones.

Up to that time church and public school were held in the same building. The East Tennessee Conference sent one of the sons as pastor -- the Rev. E, Knott. He immediately took steps to get support from the church extension society to build a new church, which was erected in 1892 and named Havens Chapel.

The rites were performed by the ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Samuel Clark was the man who used the trowel and placed the cornerstone. Rev. E. Knott was the officiating minister, who placed the money, bible, corn, and wine in the foundation under the stone.

The generations of all the Gadsons gathered at their old church and marched up to the new one, singing as they went. Their song was one they thought best fitting for them on such an occasion. It marked a great milestone in their progress of 27 years of freedom - all homes paid for, children in school and being able to serve God under their own vines and fig trees. So they sang with all their might, soul and strength and shouted for joy:

	"I've reached the land of corn and wine
	And all its riches freely mine.
	Here shines undimmed a blissful day
	and all my nights have passed away.
	Oh, Beulah Land, sweet Beulah Land . . ."

It must be remembered that the Gadson family was very religious, as well as clannish and independent - patterning their live after the children of Israel. They felt that the hopes, dreams and prayers of their ancestors were fulfilled that day, so you see, to them, it was a great day of feasting, rejoicing and thanksgiving.

The cornerstone laying was a very interesting affair. The families who moved to Harriman were back with their families for the celebration, Frank Anderson presiding.

It is significant that the church lot was donated by Isaac Cox for the price of $1 to make it legal. Every one cooperated in the building effort, old and young, and we all felt like one great big loving family.

Nelson Thomas was the first sexton; William Cox the first Sunday school superintendent. Local preachers wer Nannie Jones, John Gadson, James Gadson, Isaac Gadson, Harrison McSwain. The Rev. Elijah Knott was the first pastor.

The standard of life that the Gadson maintained caused their young to be sought after in marriage. The youngsters who came from Georgia were soon married. The next younger set to begin married life were Nannie Cox to Charles Moore, a shoemaker of Clinton; Emma Thomas to Harrison McSwain, a civil war veteran, political stump speaker and local preacher. Some of our boys were Lawrence Jones to Beatie Black, Isaiah Gadson to Mattie Calloway; Isaac Worthington to Mary Lee; Lincoln Cross to Temme Black; Charlie Cox to Callie Marshall; Lotsy Lea to Barbara George; Isaac Gadson to Narris Gennie Staples; Nancy Martin to Will Griffin, and many others. Henry Lee married Texas (no last name given), who lived a short time, bearing two sons, Will and Eppy. He remarried to Agnes Knott, daughter of Rev. E. Knott, who bore him two daughters, Henrietta and Ethel.

Clinton furnished most all of our school teachers, until our children had some college training. Names as follows: Mr. Preston, Johnathon King, Josephine McAdoo, who served us four years. Also Minnie Dixon, Laura McAdoo, Albert Knott and others.

Our post office, Bull Run, was one and one-half mile away. Mail came twice per week, the weather being nice enough to permit. Mail was carried on horseback. A good rain would cause the creeks and river to be too deep to ford, until they subsided. The next post office, three and one-half miles away, was Heiskell. No dangerous water to cross and mail ran every day by train. Finally rural free deliver was petitioned for and obtaioned. Thanks to Henry Shelton, our first mailman.

Gadson Town Women

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