1909 – 1970
Married: Mamie Grigsby

Paul Agee was born on a farm 5 miles west of Lebanon on August 4, 1909 to A. J. Agee and Caldonia Williams Agee. He was the third born of 10 children. His father raised Durocs and gave Paul one at an early age. He lived and breathed hogs from this moment on.

At 16 he was showing hogs at local fairs; winning ribbons and becoming known for his Duroc’s pure bloodlines. At 17 he dropped out of school to help on the farm and raise hogs. At 20 he was on the fair- circuit.This was 3 months on trains and at fair grounds. He showed in TN. – IL.- MO.- IND.- KY.- SC.-NC.- LA.- ARK.- GA.-. Wilson County newspaper stated "exceptional herd of Durocs shown by Paul Agee". At the Rutherford County Fair he won GRAND CHAMPION BOAR AND GRAND CHAMPION SOW – ALL BREEDS.

When he was 21 it all started to happen for him. He was farming with his father and breeding his hogs. Paul Agee’s name was becoming nationally known. When he was 27 he went on the fair circuit again. He showed in 12 cities and won championships in all but Atlanta. He was paid $100 to show in the pens – (he could not show at the fair unless he was a GA resident). Paul purchased a farm on old Lebanon Road in late 1939.

He married Mamie Grigsby in 1941 and they moved to the farm where he sold hogs, farmed and raised pure bred bird dogs. He started a new and improved sale barn; completed in 1948.He had champion hog sales every year and people came from every state. This continued for 11 years .

Paul and Mamie were members of First Baptist Church and were founding members of Trinity Baptist Church. Paul was an original incorporator of Wilson County Farm Co –op. About this time he went into the Hereford business. He built his herd originally on Don Blanchard females with herd sires from Pete Graves and Coley Hereford Farm and FOUR L Hereford Farm. This was another successful breeding endeavor for him.

He was active in the Wilson County Hereford Breeders and was V. P. in 1955. He also served that year as Secretary for the Tenn. & Tenn. Valley Duroc Breeders Assocociation.

In the 50’s Paul won trophies for PREMIUM DUROC SIRE ( 5 X ‘s) ; ALA. JR. & GRAND CHAMPION BOAR ; CHAMPION BOAR at the TENNESSEE STATE FAIR & NATIONAL PREMIER SIRE (2)

In January 1959 Paul was tragically burned in an accident on the farm trying to thaw frozen pipes at the barn. He was in the hospital for 3 months. Seven months later the Duroc News stated "all of Paul’s friends will be glad to know that he is better after a long hard time of getting to feel as well as he does. He is planning on being at the Congress and the fairs this fall". AND HE WAS.

There was no sale in 1959 but resumed in 1960. Paul was on the Board of Wilson County Farm Bureau in 1960 and 1961.Elected by the people of his district. He continued to show and win. He won PREMIER SIRE ( 5 X ‘s ) in Memphis, Knoxville and Alabama he won every year (1965 thru 69 ) TENNESSEE PREMIER in 1969.

Early in 1970 Paul was diagnosed with lung cancer. He passed away 12- 20 -70 at the age of 61. He was honored in the Tennessee State Fair – Premium List. BUT the Duroc News said it best. "Paul has probably shown at as many fairs and shown as many champions as any Duroc Breeder in modern times.

He showed several champions this past fall and had the PREMIER SIRE at the Tenn. State Fair. Paul also served as Director of the United Duroc Swine Registry and was well known by Duroc breeders and hog men of all breeds.

Billy Joe was born in Smith Co. and moved to Wilson Co. at an early age. He was an only child to Victor and Irene Winfree Allison. His parents owned a grade A dairy farm where he learned milking when he was very young. They also grew tobacco, hay and corn. Jean grew up on her parent’s farm approximately five miles from the Allison farm. Her parents were Lacy and Ethel Simpson. She has one sister, Mrs. Jackie Wright. Jean always loved the farm following her Father many times to check on livestock. He was a farmer and livestock trader. They raised sheep, hogs, cattle, mules and goats.

Billy Joe graduated from Watertown High in 1955 and Jean followed in 1956. Jean went on to attend Cumberland University and Billy Joe went to work in Nashville at Western Electric. In 1958 they were married and moved to the farm where they still live. This started their farming career on nights and weekends. However, the dairy cows were calling, so in 1964 they built a Grade A milk barn which began a thirty-year shared career. In 1993 the dairy cows were sold and so began the Allison’s commercial beef herd which allows them to travel. Jean has served on the Farm Service Agency County Committee for nine years. She currently serves a minority advisor for this committee; a position she has held for six years. Billy Joe has served as a director for the Wilson Farmers Co-op and the Wilson County Farm Bureau. Jean and Billy Joe are members of the Wilson County Livestock Association. Billy Joe was an original member of the Community Council for Wilson Bank and Trust.

In 1989 they were recognized as the Conservation Farmer of the Year and have completed the Master Beef Producer program. They are both members of the Commerce Church of Christ. Home is the same farm where they have lived for sixty-one years. Their picturesque farm can be seen on the north side of I-40E being the last farm in Wilson County. They will tell you farming is and has been a rewarding life. Their greatest accomplishment is their children and grandchildren and the caring people that they have become.

1925 – 2004

Married: Elsie Hall – October 1949

Children: Marsha Johnston, Melinda Arnett, Mark Arnett

2 Grandchildren

Melvin H. Arnett was born on the family farm in Athens, TN. He was the youngest of ten children. His parents both died in 1936. After their death, he lived with a brother and sister until he went to college.

He attended TPI which in now Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, TN. He milked cows and delivered milk to help pay tuition. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1948. Later in his career, he earned a Master of Science Degree from the University of Tennessee in 1973.

Upon graduation from TPI, Mr. Arnett accepted a job with Carnation Milk Co. in Tupelo Mississippi. In 1950 he was transferred to Watertown, TN. While there he expressed interest in working with 4-H youth as an Assistant County Agent and asked to be considered for the job if the position was funded by Wilson County. First he served two years as Asst. County Agent in Wayne County. Then was hired December 18, 1954 as Asst. County Agent and moved his family to Lebanon. In 1973, Mr. Arnett was promoted to the position of County Agent for Wilson County. He served in this capacity until 1979 when he was appointed as District Supervisor over twenty-two counties is Middle TN. He retired from U.T.Extension Service in 1989.

During his career, he was the recipient of the U.T. Extension Distinguished Service Award. He was chairman of the National 4-H Talent Review. In 2003 the Education Bldg. at the James Ward Agricultural Center was named in his honor. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, serving one term as president. He was involved with the Farm Bureau. He was an active member of First Baptist Church and a 32nd Degree Mason. Upon his retirement from Extension, he was given the honor of serving as Community Coordinator at Wilson Bank & Trust. He was instrumental in organizing the WB&T’s Solid Gold Club for seniors which now boast a total of 6900 members.

1914 – 2000

Married: Annie Bernard and Hazel Allen Ward

3 Stepchildren, 11 Grandchildren, 6 Great-Grandchildren, 3 Great-Great Grandchildren

Wiley T. Bernard was reared in Covington, TN. He graduated from Tennessee A&I State College in 1940 with a BS degree in Agriculture. In 1959 he earned a MS degree in Poultry Science.

He served as a County Agriculture Extension Agent in Wilson County from 1946 until his retirement in 1979. He was the second African American Agriculture Extension Agent in "Negro Work" to serve in the county. Mr. Bernard is remembered by so many for his enthusiasm and ingenuity. Although resources were limited, he always found ways to finance 4-H Club and Future Farmer activities.

He even arranged for parents to accompany students so that they too could learn about agriculture and family living programs. He organized eighteen community clubs and each club was given the mission to improve their homes and farms. The USDA recognized his many accomplishments by awarding him the Distinguished Service Award in 1959. Mr. Bernard was inducted into the Tennessee State University Hall of Fame in 1998

Edgar J. Bilbro: 1903 - 1998

Mattie Martin Bilbro: 1907 – 1997

Married: 1951

Mr. Bilbro was the Wilson Co. Farm Bureau President from December 1962 until September of 1982. Prior to his election as president, he was an elected Director for the Farm Bureau board of directors, where he continued until 1987. He held many offices for the Farm Bureau: President, V-President, Sec-Treas. While a director and officer, he served on the Executive Committee as well as several State and Regional committees. He was a Wilson County Voting delegate for the majority of the years he served on the board.

He also represented Tennessee at the National Farm Bureau Convention on three different occasions. He was a member of the National Egg Council and appeared before a Congressional Committee in Washington D.C. on their behalf. Mrs. Bilbro was a fierce supporter of her husband and his endeavors and a faithful advocate of agricultural issues in Wilson County and nationwide.

They were longtime members of Gladeville United Methodist Church and huge supporters of Liberty University. They were a generous couple with their time, energy, and financial contributions.

Sam Stratton Bone Jr.

DOB: 4/12/1938

Spouse: Martha (Marty) Smith, 1974

Son: Doug Bone

Sam Stratton Bone Jr. was born in Lebanon, TN on April 12, 1938, to parents Sam Stratton Bone, Sr, and Margaret Frances Talley Bone. His father was a Cumberland College executive who was instrumental in bringing both electricity and water to the homes and businesses of Wilson County.  During World War II, his father coordinated the county’s participation as a training site for soldiers headed to Europe.  Stratton had two brothers, Dr. Robert Carver Bone and Harold Gordon Bone.  Stratton married Martha (Marty) Smith on February 20, 1974.  They have one son, Doug Bone. Stratton graduated from Lebanon High School. He received his associate’s degree from Cumberland College in 1958 and bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry in 1961 from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. He is a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lebanon.  Stratton farmed all his life primarily focusing on raising beef cattle, worked in Residential Construction and was a member of the Tennessee Air National Guard.

He served on the Wilson County Commission from 1969-1978 and 1982-1996. He was one of the commissioners that recommended the purchase of the land for the James E. Ward Agricultural Center in 1974. In addition, he served on the James E. Ward Center Management Committee from 1993 to 1997.

He was elected to the Tennessee State House of Representatives representing the 46^th District (Cannon, Trousdale, and part of Wilson Counties) in 1997- 2010 in the 100^th through 106^th General Assemblies.  He served as Chair of the House Agriculture Committee as a member of the House Finance Ways and Means Committee and the House Calendar and Rules Committee and the Joint Committee on Pensions and Insurance. In 2001, he started the first Ag Day on The Hill to draw attention to the importance of Agriculture in Tennessee. He arranged to bring "Millie" the first cloned calf in the United States from the University of Tennessee to the Capitol for the event.

In 2005, he sponsored the legislation creating the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP). Since its inception, this program has provided over $289 million to farmers in all 95 Tennessee Counties to conduct over 92,500 projects for the purpose of making long term investments on farms and rural communities.

Over the years, Stratton has been a member of the Lebanon-Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, Lebanon-Wilson County Development Board, Hartsville -Trousdale County Chamber of Commerce, Historic Cannon County Chamber of Commerce, Lebanon Noon Rotary Club, Wilson County Library Board, Highland Rim Library Board, Wilson County Farm Bureau, Wilson Couty Livestock Association, Wilson Farmers’ Cooperative, Wilson County Soil Conservation Board, Wilson County Antique Power Association, the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, Rehabilitation Corporation of Tennessee Board and the University of Tennessee Agriculture Development Board.

Stratton has been honored by numerous organizations with the following awards:  Honorary State FFA Degree , Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity Hall of Fame, Distinguished Alumni of UT Block and Bridle Award , TN Veterinary Medical Association Presidents Award,  TN Angus Association Distinguished Service Award, TN Forestry Association Legislator of the Year Award, American Heart Association Advocate of the Year, The Adjutant Generals Distinguished Patriot Award, The National Guard Charles Dick Metal of Merit Award, Tennessee Development District Association Legislator of the Year Award,   County Officials Association Outstanding State Representative, City of Lebanon Leadership Award, Lebanon High School Distinguished Alumni Award, Lebanon Special School District Business Education Friend Award,  Watertown FFA Honorary Chapter FFA Degree and the Long Rifle Award of the Boy Scouts of America.

1938

Married: Martha (Marty) Smith

1 Child: Doug Bone

Sam Stratton Bone, Jr, was born in Lebanon, TN on April 12, 1938, to parents Sam Stratton Bone, Sr, and Margaret Frances Talley Bone.  Stratton had two brothers, Dr. Robert Carver Bone and Harold Gordon Bone.  Stratton married Martha (Marty) Smith on February 20, 1974.  They have one son, Doug Bone. Stratton graduated from Lebanon High School. He received his associate’s degree from Cumberland College in 1958 and bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry in 1961 from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. He is a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lebanon.  Stratton farmed all his life primarily focusing on raising beef cattle, worked in Residential Construction and was a member of the Tennessee Air National Guard.  He served on the Wilson County Commission from 1969-1978 and 1982-1996. He was one of the commissioners that recommended the purchase of the land for the James E. Ward Agricultural Center in 1974. In addition, he served on the James E. Ward Center Management Committee 1993-1997.  He was elected to the Tennessee State House of Representatives representing the 46^th District (Cannon, Trousdale, and part of Wilson Counties) from 1997 to 2010 in the 100^th through 106^th General Assemblies.  He served as Chair of the House Agriculture Committee as a member of the House Finance Ways and Means Committee and the House Calendar and Rules Committee and the Joint Committee on Pensions and Insurance. In 2001, he started the first Ag Day on The Hill to draw attention to the importance of Agriculture in Tennessee. He arranged to bring "Millie" the first cloned calf in the United States from the University of Tennessee to the Capitol for the event. In 2005, he sponsored the legislation creating the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP). Since its inception, this program has provided over $289 million to farmers in all 95 Tennessee Counties to conduct over 92,500 projects for the purpose of making long term investments on farms and rural communities.

May 1, 1907 – June 23, 2002

Married: Boone Edwards, Walter Brown

Child: Thomas A. Edwards

3 Grandchildren

4 Great-Grandchildren

7 Great-Great-Grandchildren

Mrs. Vicie was the daughter of Tom T. Jones of the Norene community in Wilson County. Her business training began at an early age as she helped her parents grind corn at their grist mill for feed for many area farmers. They also made and sold straw brooms.

She attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and was the first woman in the state of Tennessee to be educated on how to do blood work on poultry. In 1938 she bought her first incubators and began hatching eggs. In 1941 she founded Edwards Feeds, Hatchery, and Supply. The business was expanded to the current location in 1954. This family business was continued by her and her son, Thomas, for almost 50 years and is now owned and operated by her grandson, Tim Edwards.

Early on in the business, she traveled the county to sex the flocks of local farmers. She was able to sex a chicken just by looking at them. Mrs. Vicie kept a close eye on accounts at the store well into her eighties and was one of the first women to own a business in Wilson County.

October 9, 1911 - October 21, 1979

Married: Lillian Alberta Mosley

Children: Robert S. "Sam" Burton, Jr., Mary Jane (Morgan) Burton, Scott Burton, and Martha Ann Burton

Grandchildren: Leanna Burton Aguiar, James R. "Bob" Burton, Je Suiś A. & Josiah N. Scott, Aaron W. & Bryan A. Scott, and Seth T. Huber;

6 Great-Grandchildren

Robert S. "Bob" Burton was born in the LaGuardo community of Wilson County. He received his elementary education in LaGuardo; graduated from Mt Juliet High School in 1931; and was awarded his L.L.B. Degree from Cumberland School of Law at Cumberland University in 1933.

He volunteered to serve in the United States Marine Corps in 1943. He earned a Bronze Star, Silver Star, 2 Purple Hearts and a Gold Star in lieu of a 2nd Bronze Star for his military service in WWII, on the front lines of combat on Roi Namur, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. He married in September 1950; Lillian was a school teacher; a 4-H Club leader, a gardener, his intellectual equal and love of his life.

He bred horses from the great stallion, Nasr, at Travelers Rest Arabian Stud Farm in Nashville and five gaited trotters; also Walker fox hounds. For many years he was a member and was elected as President of the Wilson County Fox Hunter’s Association. He loved his horses, his dogs and the hunt.

In the late 1930’s the Burton’s were one of the first to grow strawberries locally. He helped his Dad and Uncles raise one of the first "burley tobacco crops for sale" in Wilson County, a crop he continued to raise until 1977. In the late 1960’s his tobacco acreage was the largest single owner base in Wilson Co. He always planted a large garden and shared the harvest. He invested in a sprinkler irrigation system, with over 1 mile of pipe, to maximize benefit of the lake/creek to our crops, and he loaned it to others without charge.

He volunteered his time to community organization: the LaGuardo Ruritan Club serving as President in 1960; as Director of Wilson Co. Farm Bureau; President of Green Hills Utility District; and as an active member of LaGuardo Church of Christ serving as Treasurer and Sunday School Teacher most of his adult life.

In 1936, he was first elected as a County Magistrate serving the 4th Civil District, Wilson Co. Court, then to the Tennessee 75th General Assembly as State Representative in 1946; then returned to elected office in Wilson Co.; he served on the 1st Wilson County Planning Commission; on the Road Commission; and was one of the1st Directors of the Wilson Co. Library Board. In 1975,

Burton was chosen the official "Uncle Sam" for the 1976 Bicentennial Celebration here in Wilson County. In March 1974 he made the motion to purchase 104 acres; while some said "that’s too much"; he had a vision for the future, and his leadership carried the day – it is that acquisition of property that led to the James E. Ward Agricultural and Community Center.

He served 39 years in elected positions. He loved people and politics; this was expressed in public service to his community, county, state and country.

William Carlos (WC) CLAY

August 29, 1891 – February 17, 1964

Niece: Carolyn Clay Hudspeth

Married July 20, 1935

EDDIE SMITH CLAY

January 7, 1898 – February 13, 1999

Nieces: Virginia White Hale, Margaret White Nelson and Mary Ann White Brett (Eddie)

Eddie, as everyone knew her, was born in Wilson County and lived here for 101 years. She graduated from Oakland Elementary, Lebanon High, and Cumberland University Preparatory School. In 1917 she was a member of the first 4-H Canning Club. They were individually required to plant ½ acre of tomatoes, tend, harvest, and then can the produce. In 1918 she went to work for Union Bank and Trust where she continued until 1935. Eddie was a lady of many talents. She was a farmer, artist, designer and author. She received a degree from the Norman Rockwell School of Art in 1965 and published her book "Memories of Yesteryear" in 1992. Many of her paintings of historical buildings in Wilson County are proudly displayed in various businesses throughout the county. She was a familiar figure painting from the bed of her pickup truck. She was a member of the Town and Country Garden Club and won many awards for her floral designs.

WC Clay was born to parents, William B. Clay and Prudence Warren Clay. The Clay family came to Tennessee from Prince Edward County, Virginia in 1830. When he was young, there were no schools in the county so his father hired a tutor, Rubye Smith, to teach WC and his sister. Later he came to Lebanon public schools and graduated eighth grade. He then graduated from Jennings Business College in 1909. At 19 WC and his father travelled collecting for the Wrought Iron Range Co. He then was a teller for American National Bank and entered the United States Army in 1918 where he quickly became company clerk due to his accounting abilities. When he returned he built and opened Lebanon’s first gas station in 1920 on the corner of North Cumberland and West Market Streets. Through the years the name changed to WC Clay Oil Company/Pure Oil where he retired in 1956.

Together Eddie and WC raised sheep on their farm. They were instrumental in organizing a wool pool and on June 6, 1941 the first Lamb Festival. WC was the program chairman and served a Grand Marshall of the Lamb Festival Parade. The Clays were huge supporters of the 4-H program, particularly the steer and heifer shows. For many years Eddie presented the WC Clay Memorial trophy at the local show, which is still given every spring. The Clays were also the first farmers to sow KY 31 Fescue, harvest the seed and sell it in Wilson County. WC and Eddie were active members of the Wilson County Farm Bureau. In 1963, WC loaned the Wilson County Farm Bureau the money to buy the Nath Robertson Pony and Carriage Barn on Gay Street, which had been converted into a residence. At Clay’s death, the loan was paid in full. WC was also President of the Wilson County Chamber of Commerce in 1942.

The Clays will long be remembered for their kind and generous contributions not only to the agricultural community but to all of Wilson County.

1925 - 2007

Married: Celia DePriest Coley

Children: Catherine Coley Melear, John William Coley

4 Grandchildren

William H. Coley was the second of two sons of O.M. and Maude Coley of Westmoreland, Tennessee. He was raised on a diversified family farm, including diary, livestock, tobacco, row crops, and hay. Bill Coley graduated from Westmoreland High School in 1944 where he was Senior Class President, was involved in the Future Farmers of America and was awarded the Middle Tennessee Star Farmer award.

Bill Coley enrolled in the University of Tennessee College of Agriculture in the fall of 1945. While at UT, he was active in the AG Club, served as treasurer of the All Students Club, and was a member of the Scarabbean Society. Like many students at the time, Mr. Coley worked a variety of jobs to support his education, including as a server in a boarding house and a milker at the UT dairy.

Upon graduating from the University of Tennessee in 1948, Mr. Coley was hired as the Vocational Agriculture teacher at McMinnville High School. While there he met his future bride, Celia DePriest. After two years of teaching at McMinnville High School, Mr. Coley was drafted into the United States Army and served with the 45th Infantry Division in the Korean Conflict.

Bill Coley returned from military service in 1952 and was hired to fill the position of Vocational Agriculture teacher at Mt. Juliet High School. A year later he married Celia DePriest, and they lived the remainder of their lives in Mt. Juliet. Mrs. Coley also served as a teacher, first as an elementary teacher at Dodson Chapel Elementary School, later as a home economics teacher at Mt. Juliet High School, and finally as an elementary teacher at West Elementary School.

The Coleys raised two children, Catherine Coley Melear, now Professor of Child Development at Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois, and John William (wife, Betty) Coley who is an attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Coleys were grandparents to Carolyn and Will Coley and step-grandchildren, Eric and Rachel Melear.

Bill Coley taught vocational agriculture at Mt. Juliet High School from 1952 until 1965. During his years as Mt. Juliet’s agriculture teacher, Mr. Coley especially enjoyed working with the students in their FFA activities including public speaking, leadership development, agriculture skills training, dairy and livestock judging, and attendance at numerous camps, state and national conventions and other field trips. Mr. Coley’s students were regular exhibitors at county and state fairs and won numerous FFA contests, degrees, and officer elections. The opportunity to work with students and their families and the life-long friendships that followed was the great joy and privilege of his life.

Mr. Coley left teaching in 1965 when he was appointed Area Supervisor for Vocational Education in Tennessee. Throughout the remainder of his career as a Supervisor of Vocational Education for the Tennessee Department of Education, Mr. Coley remained involved with student activities, particularly through the FFA. After his retirement in 1990, Mr. Coley continued his involvement in agriculture by volunteering his time in support of the local FFA chapters and their various activities and events.

Bill Coley served as director of the Wilson County Farm Bureau, was past president of the Mt. Juliet Kiwanis Club, Wilson County Teachers Association and Retired Teachers Association. He also served as a commissioner of the West Wilson Utility District. Bill and Celia Coley were members of Cloyd’s Cumberland Presbyterian Church where Mr. Coley served as a Sunday School Teacher, Elder and Trustee.

In his retirement, Bill Coley enjoyed gardening and tending to his hens to supply himself, his family and friends with fresh vegetables, flowers and eggs. Mr. Coley was a big sports fan. He loved the University of Tennessee and was a particularly avid supporter of high school sports at Mt. Juliet. He especially enjoyed the activities of his grandchildren and traveling with family and friends.

Allie Ruth Cunningham Correll

DOB – 12/08/1947

Spouse – Lanford "Lanny" Correll - 1971

Ruth is the daughter of Harold H. and Carmine Wilson Cunningham. She and her sister, Helen Cunningham McPeak, grew up on the family farm which is near the Greenvale and Norene communities in Wilson County. The family farm, established in 1808, is a recognized Century Farm.

It was like the many other family farms at that time, a "diversified" farm. This meant that farmers had several types of livestock and/or crops.  They fed their families as well as marketed what they produced for family income. The farm produced beef cattle, operated a dairy, also had sheep and goats.  Tobacco and hay were the main crops.  I am so thankful I had the opportunity to grow up on a farm.  Not only was it a wonderful place to grow up but I learned valuable life lessons. The farm activities of milking, feeding and caring for the animals, gardening, growing tobacco and harvesting hay drove her decision to major in agriculture in college.

Ruth attended schools at Greenvale and Watertown, graduating from Watertown High School where she played basketball and was a member of the 4-H Club.  She also attained a BS (1969) and a MS (1972) degrees from Middle Tennessee State University.  Her majors were Animal Science, Biological Sciences and Microbiology.

Ruth married Lanny Correll in 1971. Lanny was pursuing a career in the USAF, As a military spouse, Ruth taught secondary level science and math in North Carolina, Arkansas and Guam. After Lanny’s  retirement from the USAF, they decided to make their home in Wilson County, TN.

After returning to Wilson County, Ruth had an opportunity to work with the University of Tennessee Extension. She had never considered a career in Extension, but this opportunity turned out to lead to the career of a lifetime.  "I appreciate Jon Baker, who was the County Director for UT Extension at that time, for giving me this opportunity." This finally made her college major come to fruition

Ruth worked in several different positions while working for UT Extension. She worked in the Expanded Food and Nutrition program,  the 4-H program, and as an agricultural agent and County Director.  Someone once said, "if you enjoy what you do, you will never work a day."  That is how Ruth felt about her opportunity to work with Extension.

Ruth enjoyed the relationships built while working with the 4-H youth and their families through in-school clubs, after-school and homeschool groups and judging groups in forestry, wildlife, equine, dairy, land and livestock.  She thanks the many project group leaders who gave of their valuable time on behalf of the youth.

Ruth transitioned from youth work to adult agriculture after the retirement of Jon Baker.  She was responsible for working with all farmers, homeowners and agricultural businesses as an advisor and educator by providing research-based information and bridging the gap between the farmer/homeowner and resources and best practices.  Ruth gave leadership to the Master Beef and Small Ruminants programs as well as many other educational programs.  "It was truly my pleasure to serve." She learned early in her career that she "did not have to know the answer to every question because she was "attached" to those who do."  Ruth extends her thanks to the many Extension Specialist and other Extension Agents.

Ruth received several awards and recognition throughout her career.  "I am proud and honored for the recognition for each one. But the things I treasure most are the relationships I built with the Wilson County farmers, the Wilson County 4-H youth and their families, the agribusinesses that supported our education programs and endeavors, and the organizations I worked with such as NRCS, FSA, the Wilson County Livestock Association and the Wilson County/Tennessee State Fair.

Ruth has volunteered with the Wilson County Fair since 1993. She is a life member of the TN Agricultural Agents and Specialists and the National Agricultural Agents and Specialists.  She is a member of TN 4-H Alumni, the Wilson County Livestock Association, the TN Cattlemen’s Association and the Wilson County Farm Bureau Women

Married: Lanny Correll

Ruth is the daughter of Harold H. and Carmine Wilson Cunningham. She and her sister, Helen Cunningham McPeak, grew up on the family farm which is near the Greenvale and Norene communities in Wilson County. The family farm, established in 1808, is a recognized Century Farm. It was like the many other family farms at that time, a "diversified" farm, which meant that farmers had several types of livestock and/or crops. They fed their families as well as marketed what they produced for family income. The farm produced beef cattle, operated a dairy, also had sheep and goats. Tobacco and hay were the main crops. The farm activities of milking, feeding and caring for the animals, gardening, growing tobacco and harvesting hay drove her decision to major in agriculture in college. Ruth attended schools at Greenvale and Watertown, graduating from Watertown High School where she played basketball and was a member of the 4-H Club. She also attained a BS (1969) and a MS (1972) degrees from Middle Tennessee State University. Her majors were Animal Science, Biological Sciences and Microbiology. Ruth married Lanny Correll in 1971. Lanny was pursuing a career in the USAF. As a military spouse, Ruth taught secondary level science and math in North Carolina, Arkansas and Guam. After Lanny’s retirement from the USAF, they decided to make their home in Wilson County. After returning, Ruth had an opportunity to work with the University of Tennessee Extension. She had never considered a career in Extension, but this opportunity turned out to lead to the career of a lifetime. Ruth worked in several different positions while working for UT Extension. She worked in the Expanded Food and Nutrition program, the 4-H program, and as an agricultural agent and County Director. Ruth has volunteered with the Wilson County Fair since 1993. She is a life member of the TN Agricultural Agents and Specialists and the National Agricultural Agents and Specialists. She is a member of TN 4-H Alumni, the Wilson County Livestock Association, the TN Cattlemen’s Association and the Wilson County Farm Bureau Women.

January 3, 1929 – May 1997

Children: Tim Edwards, Thomas A. Edwards, Jr., Linda Edwards

5 Grandchildren

6 Great-Grandchildren

Mr. Edwards was a lifelong resident of Wilson County. He graduated from Lebanon High School where he was a member of the FFA. He, along with his mother, Vicie Mae Edwards Brown, founded Edwards Hatchery, now Edwards Feeds. They worked along side of each other for 50 years.

Mr. Edwards was a member of the Sportsman Club and the Southeast Broiler Committee. He served as President of the Tennessee Egg and Poultry Association, and was also elected V-President of the Dixie Poultry Association. He furthered his education by attending poultry courses taught by Dr. Salsbury of Charles City, Iowa.

He was honored by the Wilson County Livestock Association as ??????????. At the height of the hatchery business, the Edwards owned 9 chicken farms all in Wilson County housing over ½ million birds year round. The family business is now owned and operated by Thomas’ son, Tim Edwards.

1905 - 1984

Wife: Mary Ferguson Gaines

Daughters: Martha Anne Sap, Mary Hugh Skeen

4 Grandchildren, 6 Great-Grandchildren

Mr. Evans, son of Della S. and Jesse C. Evans, was reared in the Gladeville community. His brothers were the following: Turner S. Evans, W. Kelly Evans, and Haskell Evans. In Wilson County, he was educated at Concord School and Gladeville High School. On a scholarship he attended and received his B.S. degree from Tennessee Polytechnic Institute. He earned a Masters degree from George Peabody College.

His first teaching experience was in Mississippi, which lasted for seven years. In 1937 he returned to Lebanon to become Lebanon High School’s F.F.A. advisor. After teaching there for thirty-three years, he retired in 1970. As young boys, he and his brothers worked hard on a family farm. Because of this and his education, he conveyed his knowledge of farming to his students. The content area of teaching agriculture not only included the farming curriculum, but life skills, welding, and building. While teaching, he took his boys to F.F.A. camps, conventions (both state and national), contests where they participated in public speaking, parliamentary procedure, and livestock judging. During his career, he had students who received "The American Farmer Degree." Mr. Evans loved all of his boys.

After the war, Mr. Evans worked through the G.I. bill in supervising the teaching of farming skills to World War II veterans.

He was a member of the Lebanon First United Methodist Church, Jaycees, a charter member of the Lions Club, the Munsey Grange, the Farm Bureau, the Wilson County Association of Retired Teachers, and the Retired Vocational Teachers organization.

Mr. and Mrs. Evans and two generations of their family have taught approximately 120 years in Wilson County. He instilled the love of teaching to his family.

Raymond
10/27/1929 - 07/20/2014

Jo Ann
8/8/1938

Married: 1968 – August 2009

Children: Julie Walker, Katie Henson, Raymond Jr. (Ray), and Haskell

Grandchildren: Trey, Cody, and Lexi Walker; Evan and Emma Henson; Wyatt, Cory, Christine, and Ethan Evans

Raymond was born in Gladeville TN. He was the first of four boys born to Turner and Neva Evans. He attended numerous Elementary schools in Wilson County including Flat Rock and Mt. View before graduating from Lebanon High in 1947. He was a member of the FFA throughout his High School Career.

Raymond started farming while in high school and that continued after graduation. He raised goats, sheep, hogs, and started a herd of dairy cattle. He made several improvements to the farm around this time including adding a cooler room for the milk and a trench silo with concrete floor and sides. Raymond then increased the size of the dairy herd and built an 8 cow milk barn.

Jo Ann Lassiter was the ninth of eleven children born to William McKinley and Katie Ruth Lassiter. She attended several elementary schools including Goodlettsville Elementary. Growing up, she spent much of her time caring for the tobacco crop. She graduated for White House High School in 1956 and went on to attend Martin Methodist College graduating there in 1958.

Jo Ann worked for National Life Insurance until shortly after she and Raymond were married in March 1968. Together they continued to operate a dairy farm until April of 1976 when they decided to sell the dairy herd and start raising beef cattle, tobacco, and truck farming; at times raising as many as 7000 tomato plants. They joined the Nashville Food Fairs, a group of farmers who sell their produce at different churches throughout the greater Nashville area, and remained members for over 33 years. Raymond was elected President of the "Food Fairs" 4 times.

During the time he was milking Raymond was: a Kraft Patron, a member of the Nashville Grade A Milk Producers, and President of the Young Farmers and Ranchers. Raymond has also been: a long time member of the Wilson County Livestock Assn., a longtime member of the Tennessee Fur Harvesters Assn., a member of the Wilson County Soil Commission, and was in the movie "Billy Graham: The Early Years".

Jo Ann was a full-time farmer and homemaker. She was a relentless champion of the four children and their community school, Southside Elementary. She enjoyed volunteering in every capacity during the years that her children attended Southside and served as the PTO treasurer for many, many years(even after the youngest had moved onto high school.) Jo Ann exhibited her giving spirit by sharing her knowledge with second graders at Farm Day for several years. She and Raymond were members of Gladeville United Methodist Church for many years with Jo Ann teaching Sunday School classes almost every Sunday until her death in August 2009.

Born: April 7, 1954

Married: Lesa Brown Fletcher

Children: Amy Fletcher Welch, Justin Latimer, Rachel Fletcher Lemon, Kristen Vaughn, Leslie Morgan Fletcher

Grandchildren: Ansley, Harper and Haylee

Louis was born to Morgan and Betty Fletcher. Louis was the youngest of three children. Older sisters, Myra Anne and Lois Jean. Myra died at the age of 10 in 1961. Diane and Theresa Huddleston became a part of the family in 1964 after both parents past away. The family was raised on a farm between Beckwith and Leeville in the Western part of Wilson County.

The family farm was a general farming operation that consisted of swine, beef cattle, tobacco, hay and corn. In 1964 the Fletchers got into the poultry business with AJ Smith from Nashville. The poultry operation consisted of 11,000 layer hens. All the children helped in the operation by gathering, washing, grading and packaging the eggs

Louis attended Leeville Elementary and Mt. Juliet Middle School. He graduated from Lebanon High School in 1972. While in high school, he was a member of the Lebanon FFA Chapter and a member of the Wilson County 4-H club. Louis served as chapter president his senior year and participated in several district, regional and state contests. Louis received his State FFA Degree and State Proficiency award for poultry production. His agriculture teachers were Hugh P. Evans and Hale Moss. The FFA organization and his agriculture teachers inspired Louis to want to be an agriculture teacher.

Louis enrolled at the University of Tennessee the fall of 1972 after graduation from high school. He became a member of the Farm House Fraternity and served as the fraternity president. While in college, he worked at the plant science farm, Stafford Angus Farm in Maryville, Staggs’ cabinet shop and the Gulf Service Station at 17th Avenue and I-40 in Knoxville. In August of 1975, Louis graduated from UT with a degree in Agriculture Education and a minor in Animal Science and was employed the same month to teach agriculture education at Antioch High School in Davidson County. While teaching at Antioch, Louis took members of the chapter to the National FFA Convention where he received his American FFA Degree.

After one year in Davidson County, Louis was employed by Wilson County Schools to teach agriculture education at Mt. Juliet High School. In 1980, the first greenhouse at a high school in Wilson County was built at Mt. Juliet High School as part of their agriculture program. Louis helped build seven other greenhouses for the Wilson County Schools. In 1987, the Mt. Juliet FFA Alumni was organized and is still very active. The Alumni provides the 1st and 2nd place Regional Skills Contest trophies each year and the Danny Gleaves’ Scholarship annually.

During his 25 years at Mt. Juliet High School, he had the first female to receive to State FFA Degree and the first female State FFA officer. Seven of his former students have become agriculture teachers. Numerous students received State FFA Degrees, American Degrees and Proficiency Awards.

Louis received his Master Degree in Vocational Technical Education from Middle Tennessee State University in 1988. In 1990, he received his +45 in Supervision and Administration from MTSU.

Louis left Mt. Juliet High School after 25 year to go to the new Wilson Central High School in the fall of 2001. During that first year, a new FFA Chapter was charted, a new greenhouse was built and the new shop was organized under his supervision. He also assisted teachers and coaches with their classrooms, shops and athletic fields. The teachers selected Louis as the Outstanding Teacher of the Year for WCHS to represent them in the county wide Teacher of the Year Program.

Louis left Wilson Central after one year to be the newly appointed assistant principal at the Wilson County Career Technical Center in Lebanon. He supervised students from all of the county high schools that attended the center to take CTE courses. He also continued to work with the agriculture teachers in the county during this time. He served as an assistant principal for 10 years until the center was closed, and the teachers and programs were moved to the new Lebanon High School that was opened the fall of 2012. Louis was assigned to Lebanon High to serve as one of the four assistant principals at the new school.

Experience from teaching agriculture was very helpful to him in being an assistant principal. Louis noticed that students didn’t care what you knew until they knew that you cared. Students liked to be called by their names and not by numbers. Louis had the skill to remember students by their names. His philosophy was to treat and talk to students the way you would want your own child to be treated and talked to.

After 38 years in education, 37 years in Wilson County, Louis retired from the education system in 2013 with 369 unused sick and personal days. He now does what he loves to do, as well as, raises beef cattle and talks to people about agriculture.

On May 16, 1933, Sammie Forbes was born at home, on the family farm located on Shop Springs Road in Wilson County. He was the only son born to Ebb and Maude (Merinda) Tucker Forbes. The log cabin that Sammie was born in was relocated to the Fiddler’s Grove Historic Village in 1992. Sammie began school at the age of four and attended Shop Springs School first through eighth grades. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1950. He was an active member of FFA, 4-H, and he proudly played high school football. Sammie began farming early in life. He raised a variety of livestock which included both beef and dairy cattle, horses, mules, chickens, turkeys, goats, sheep and hogs. Tobacco was grown; but the primary focus of the farm was growing produce. When not in school, to financially help his parents, he went to work for his Uncles in the food concession and meat business.

In the 1960s, Sammie purchased the family farm from his parents where he continued to farm. In 1953, Sammie married Edna Gannon from the Norene community and they began married life living with Sammie’s parents. Shortly afterwards, they purchased a house on State Highway 26 (now known as State Highway 70 East, Sparta Pike). Unbeknownst to them at the time, this purchase would prove to be one of the most valuable decisions in Sammie’s life. At the Sparta Pike location, in 1963, Sammie began his Shop Springs produce stand; now known as Shop Springs Farms. Sammie became known as "The Tomato Man" to all his roadside customers. He earned that name due to his outstanding ability to grow an excellent and early tomato crop as well as other garden produce. He ran his roadside Farmer’s Market for 52 years before handing it over to the next generation in 2015. Sammie became the owner of the family’s food concession and part-owner of the family’s Tucker’s Sausage meat business. He would sell his own home-grown farm products through these two businesses.

Sammie was a "Master" salesman and promoter. Even though Sammie was in many businesses, if "Occupation" was asked, he always answered "Farmer"; his proudest achievement. As an adult, he was active in his community. Sammie was a member and a past President of the Lebanon High School Parent-back Club. He coached several Lion’s Club Babe Ruth baseball teams and was an avid fan and supporter of his children’s and grandchildren’s sports teams, especially Watertown football. Sammie and Edna were honored in 2008 as Old Timer’s of the Wilson County Fair and Grand Marshals of that year’s Fair. Sammie was a member of Greenwood’s Bethel Church of Christ and attended that church his entire 83 years; from birth until death.

1939-2007

Married: John Bryan Freeman

Children: Delaine Freeman Smith, and John Bradford Freeman

7 Grandchildren and 1 Great-Grandchild

Betty Bradford Freeman was born to Thomas "Lester" and Lucille Bradford in Pulaski Tennessee and soon after she and her brother Thomas L. "Buddy" and parents moved to Lewisburg Tennessee where she was raised in the middle of Walking Horse Country. Betty’s father would often carry her to the training barns with him and she would ride anything they would let her get on, as you can probably guess she inherited her love of horses from her Daddy.

She attended school in Marshall County and graduated from there. She then attended Laboratory School in Nashville Tennessee and became a licensed Lab Technician and started working in Dalton Georgia but soon came back to Tennessee to further her education and attended Middle Tennessee State College and met John Bryan Freeman. Soon after she earned her MRS. Degree and married John and they moved to Camp Lejune North Carolina.

After starting a family and living in town for several years she and John purchased some land out in the country as it was known then and this property was were their new home and the beginning of FREEMAN FOALS was begun on Crowell Lane in 1976. Betty attended every Equine Reproductive Management course she could possibly go to and began with a couple of mares and over the years has produced many World Champions but the one World Champion that was raised here in Wilson County that earned her great breeding recognition among her peers was Generator’s Santana. Ironworks, Complicated Lady, I’m A Buzzsaw, Extra Ebony are just a few that won World Championships. In her breeding career she raised over 300 foals and was looked upon by her peers as one of the breeding experts in the Tennessee Walking Horse World. She was always willing to help answer questions about foaling to any other breeder no matter the breed of horse, she loved horses of all breeds but Walking Horses were her specialty and she bred for the most natural gaited going horse.

Betty was an Executive Director and board member of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association and helped to make blood typing the horses for genealogy mandatory. She also served on one of the first Wilson County Agriculture Committees under Don Simpson. She was the co-founder of the Lebanon Democrat Charity Classic horse show here in Lebanon. Betty was a past president of the Lebanon Jacyettes. She was also a member and past president of the Year Round Garden Club here in Lebanon. She was on the Board of Directors of Hearthside Retirement. Betty was the treasurer of her Sunday School class at College Hills Church of Christ and also one of their first women bus drivers for the church bus, since it wasn’t much different than driving a horse trailer, she drove many people on class trips and for visitation.

One of her proudest accomplishments besides her horses was her family. Family came first and meant the world to her. Her family carries on her legend in the Tennessee Walking Horse World with the business of Freeman Foals still raising foals out of her legendary broodmare band and standing one of her stallions Watch Out Jose’ at stud for outside mare owners to breed to.

"Grand Old Man of the Harness Turf"

1851 -1924

Married: Mamie Smith

4 Children

"Pop" Geers was born on a farm near Lebanon, TN in 1851. Geers was sometimes referred to as "The Silent Man from Tennessee" because he was a modest, unassuming man, quiet to the point of shyness. But he earned wide acclaim as a breeder, trainer and driver of horses.

At the age of twenty he won his first race at the Wilson County Fair with Little Dave to a wagon in 3:04, and four years later opened his own stable at Major Brown's Swell Stock Farm in Springhill, TN. His first star was Mattie Hunter, 2:12½, who, in July 1879, gave "Pop" his first world record. Brown Hal, 2:12½ and Hal Pointer brought Geers to the forefront in 1889 and he continued in 1890 with Hal Pointer to set a mark of 2:09¾. He raced Robert J. to his time of 2:01 ½ in 1894. In 1916 he set the record of 1:59 ¾ driving his beloved Napoleon Direct.

When the bike wheel was introduced, "Pop" was one of the pioneers to use it and to prove it. He drove many champions during the remainder of his career.

"The Silent Man" died as a result of a racing accident at Wheeling, WV, on September 3, 1924, which, ironically, had been proclaimed Geers' Day" at the West Virginia State Fair.

December 24, 1897 to April 17, 1973

Married: Bertha Swaffer March 2, 1929

Adopted: Great Nephew Jim Goodall

Albert Harrison Goodall was born December 24th, 1897 to William Hardin Goodall and Bell Carson Goodall. He was the youngest of 5 sons, all born in the Tuckers Crossroads community. He was a member of Bethlehem Church of Christ all his life.

Albert’s father died when he was an infant, but the farm continued to operate under his mother’s guidance along with the help of his older brothers. This was an exceptionally hard time for Albert and his family, but with hard work and help from the community they made it through.

Albert later purchased the farm from his brothers and started his own farming operation raising hogs, sheep and cattle. Later he implemented a grade B dairy operation. He soon found his passion was in Angus cattle. He became a member in the American Angus Association in 1944, then began showing registered Angus cattle on the local, state and national levels. He was very successful in this endeavor and won many trophy’s, ribbons and awards in the process.

In later years he focused solely on raising and showing registered angus cattle, becoming one of the top breeders in the area. He enjoyed not only showing his own cattle but was very involved in helping young people in the 4H and FFA. He was always open to new and improved technology that had anything to do with breeding or agriculture. He welcomed the new artificial insemination form of breeding to bring superior genetics to the herds of Wilson County.

On November 21, 1949 Albert was on of a group of farmers that had a dream to organize a farm supply store where farmers could pool their purchases for a better selection and more affordable prices. At the time money was hard to come by, but Albert being one of the visionary farmers who seeing the obvious need went door to door selling Co-op membership for $1.00 each. He severed on the first Board of Directors for the Wilson Farmers Cooperative along with eleven other farmers who had the same vision.

He was elected in 1954 to serve on the Quarterly Court now known as the Wilson County Commission representing the Tuckers Crossroads area.

With losing his father so early in life he learned the importance of being helped and helping others. This life lesson and passion for helping people, especially farmers, served him well in the position of manager of the Production Credit Association. There he was able to loan money to farmers who might not be able to borrow from traditional lending institutions. He served the community in that capacity for 21 years helping farmers with their farm credit needs.

August 25, 1924 - June 8, 2012

Married: Zuelma Simpson

Children: Barbara Bellione, Martha Norman, Mary Beard

6 Grandchildren, 3 Great-Grandchildren

Mr. Walter Goodall was born and raised on a farm in the Tuckers Crossroads Community. He graduated from Lebanon High School and attended Tennessee Tech in Cookeville. He served two years in the Army and was stationed in Italy for thirteen months. He started working for the Soil Conservation Service in 1955 in Pulaski, TN where he worked for three years. He then transferred to the Wilson County office. During his time with the Soil Conservation Office he received many awards for his outstanding service. Mr. Goodall’s primary job was to work with farmers on planning and applying conservation practices to their land. He surveyed, designed and supervised construction of ponds, terraces, diversion terraces, grass waterways, small stream channel improvement, underground tile drainage and concrete watering troughs and pipelines. He designed approximately 2000 farm ponds in Wilson County. He assisted the FFA and 4-H in land judging contests.

Mr. Goodall has been married to Zuelma Simpson Goodall for 55 years. They have three daughters, Barbara Bellione, Martha Norman, and Mary Beard. He has six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. His parents were Earl and Ada (Purnell) Goodall. Mr. Goodall has been very active in his local church by serving in many positions including serving as a song leader, teacher and elder.