William Dean Thompson, Jr.
March 2, 1944 – June 4, 1998

Nelda McDonald Thompson
July 9, 1945

Children: Chris Thompson, Melissa Gilmore, Courtney Carter

5 Grandchildren, 1 Great Granddaughter

William Dean Thompson was born in the Bairds Mill community in 1944 to William Dean Sr. and Mildred Neal Thompson on the farm where Nelda still lives today. Nelda Ann Thompson was born on Grandpa McDonald’s Farm on Gilmore Hill Road in 1945 to J.A. and Louise Tripp McDonald. At age 5, Nelda moved to Beasley’s Bend where she helped her mother on the farm by milking the cows and helping in the garden.

William Dean’s father died in 1961 leaving he at age 17 and his brother, Terry age 9, to keep the farm going. He was a junior at Lebanon High School. Raising tobacco, Suffolk sheep, hogs, beef cows and milking before and after he went to school, he graduated in 1963 to begin farming full time. After graduation he worked with Mr. Berry and Mr. Goodall, soil conservationist for a short time, while building a dairy barn and milking.

In 1966 he married Nelda McDonald who was raised on a farm - she fit right in. She worked at Lebanon Bank for 4 years until the first child, Chris, was born in 1970. She then stayed home to raise the family. Melissa was born in 1972 and Courtney in 1974. Nelda placed a playpen in the barn to watch the children as she milked cows everyday. These children were literally raised in the barn.

Thompson Dairy has always been a family affair. A new dairy barn was built in the early 70’s along with a silo and free-stall barn. Crops of hay and silage were also grown on the farm. They also grew tobacco for many see that years. Nelda and the girls would rather milk cows any day!

Everyone in the family had jobs to do: William Dean and Chris mainly did crops – chopping silage, hay, feeding the herd on the 146 acres; Melissa and Courtney were feeding bottles, cleaning stalls and helped with the milking; Nelda was the homemaker, the accountant but she was the milkmaid most of the time.

William Dean and the children all took Artificial Insemination courses at Select Sires in Franklin, TN. Melissa and Courtney were the youngest girls to take the class at the age of 15. A top producing herd was built based off of this knowledge. Melissa’s love for registered Holsteins won her many awards for top producing cows. She carries her love on today by showing Holsteins at county fairs, state and national expos and passing this tradition along to her girls.

William Dean received the Agricultural Accomplishment Award in 1962. In 1969, he received the Outstanding Young Farmer from the Jaycees. In 1980, he received the Wilson County Outstanding Conservation Farmer. In 1985, he received the Wilson County Top Alfalfa Hay Producer. Multiple years they were recognized by DHIA with the Top Dairy Herd. Wm Dean was a deacon at Adams Grove Church of Christ. He was a board member of the following: Select Sires; Wilson Farmers Co-op; Wilson County Fair Board (William Dean and Nelda). He was a member of th e Holstein Association of America and Wilson County DHIA (William Dean served as President).

Nelda retired from Wilson County Schools in 2014 after 14 years as a special education assistant. She still attends Adams Grove Church.

The love of the farm and agriculture continues today with all three children continuing to be involved in agriculture. Chris all beef herd cow-calf operation and raises hay on both farms. Melissa and her family have beef cattle and produce hay. Courtney and her family continue to farm and have a beef cattle herd. All 3 children graduated from MTSU with agriculture degrees.

As you can see, the entire family is still involved in agriculture and hopes to continue. There is no better life!

Married: Denise Dolland Harris

2 Children

Dr. Michael Harris was born and raised on the family farm in the Gladeville community of Wilson County. During his middle and high school years, Mike was active in 4-H and FFA. He was a member of the State 4-H Council and in FFA, he was chosen as an Outstanding Leader in 1970 and awarded the Degree of American Farmer in Kansas City at the FFA National Convention in 1972.

Dr. Mike (as he is fondly called) started his college career at Cumberland University as an agriculture major. After two years, Dr. Mike transferred to the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He went on to veterinary school at Auburn University and obtained his degree in 1978. He practiced in Austin, Texas for 5 years. When Dr. Mike moved back to Tennessee, he bought a farm in Gladeville and started a veterinary practice, The Animal Care Center, in Mt. Juliet. Mike served two terms as President of the Wilson County Livestock Association and also served as Vice President of the Tennessee Salers Association.

During much of his career, Dr. Mike was an active member of the Mt. Juliet Big Brothers, serving two terms as President. Additionally, he was a member of the Kiwanis Club for 4 years. He served on the Board of the Bank of the South for four years and was on the Community Council for Wilson Bank and Trust. Dr. Mike is a life-long member and supporter of the Gladeville United Methodist Church. He is married to Denise Dolland Harris and the couple have two children, Drew and Haley.

1906 - 1987

Married: Elsie Margaret Ivy Smith

4 Children

6 Great-Grandchildren, 13 Great-Great Grandchildren

Dave Smith, Sr. was born in Wilson County in 1906. He grew up on the family farm on Coles Ferry Pike. He attended Oakland Elementary School as a child. Later he bought 120 acres on Horn Springs Rd. Dave, Sr. was a lifelong farmer. He raised beef and dairy cattle, hogs, tobacco and had a large sheep operation for many years. At one point he farmed over 450 acres. He worked for his brother, Fisher Smith, at the Wilson County Livestock Market and graded tobacco at the Hancock Barns in Gallatin for many years. He served as the President of the Wilson County 4-H Leaders Association.

Dave, Sr. was very active in civic organizations and took pride in serving his community. He served on the Wilson County Board of Education from Feb. 1964 until August of 1971, serving as Chairman of the Board during part of his tenure. He served on the Board of Directors of the Wilson County Farm Bureau from 1960 - 1984 and again in 1987 - 1988. He was a member of the Wilson County Livestock Association and the Wilson County Sportsman Club. He was a long time member of the Ruritan Club. Dave attended New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he served as deacon, elder, Sunday School teacher and Sunday School Superintendent.

Dave, Sr. married Elsie Margaret Ivy in 1940. The couple had three daughters, Ruby Lynn Steele, Margaret Ivy Hyde, Mary Beth Malone, one son, Dave William Smith, Jr., six grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren. Mr. Smith passed away in 1987.

1921 - 1975

Married: Betty Patton

3 Children

8 Grandchildren

7 Great-Grandchildren

Troy Vanatta was born in 1921 on a farm in the Mahone Community near Watertown. He had an identical twin brother, Roy Vanatta. Troy was raised on the family dairy farm
where they milked cows, raised tobacco, corn and other similar crops. He attended Watertown High School where he graduated with honors in 1940. He was drafted in July 1942 during World War II and when the war ended he returned home to help his parents on the family farm.

In 1951 he started working as a technician for the Tennessee Artificial Breeding Association with office's and bull stud located i n Brentwood, TN. His area of service was Wilson and DeKalb Counties. In 1968 he was elected to the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee and the Bull Committee of the Central Association of the Tennessee Artificial Breeding Association. In the late 60's Select Sire's bought the Tennessee Artificial Breeding Association and their operations in Brentwood and Troy continued as one of their top technicians. For many years he served on the Wilson County Fair Board, usually in charge of the dairy section at the fair. He and Roy where also part owners of the fair in the late 60's.

He was a member and Deacon of First Baptist church in Alexandria. He served over 30 years as their song leader. He was Chairman of the Building Committee, and was instrumental in planning a new church building, that was built six months after his death in 1975. He married Betty Patton of Watertown in 1947 and they had three daughters. Wanda Vanatta Craig, Gay Vanatta, Amy Vanatta Buckner, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Born: 1933

Married: Wilma Hall Wright

3 Children

7 Grandchildren

9 Great-Grandchildren

In 1933, James H. Wright was born one of five siblings. He was always helping the family in farming. After his graduation from Mt. Juliet High School in 1951, James began farming and later, James took a few public jobs to support his family. The jobs always involved heavy equipment and the family traveled from Tennessee to Florida, building the interstates and highways we all know now. They eventually returned to the Mt. Juliet farm. This is when the joint effort of farming and excavation began.

James began his dozer business and formed a partnership with the Soil Conservation Program that exists to this day. James told of his relationship with Mr. Walter Goodall, Soil Conservationist at the onset of his career. In the
beginning, Mr. Goodall would accompany James to the site of the ponds and would stay onsite to make sure that it would be done correctly. It didn't take long for him to see that James was going to do it right, so he would discuss the project and leave him alone until he finished it and the outcome was pleasing to both. In the early 1980's,

James was one of the first farmers to grow a "No-Till" corn crop. It was a great success and earned him the honor of being the "Soil Conservationist of the Year". Mr. Wright currently owns a 325 acre farm in Taylorsville. The
dozer business complemented farming as James was instrumental in clearing and digging ponds for many farmers in this area along with doing his own work. In 1955, James married Wilma Hall Wright. Mr. and Mrs. Wright were married 58 years, until her passing in 2013. The couple had three children, Mark Wright, Eric Wright, Lisa Wright Thompson, seven grandchildren and nine great Grandchildren.

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.

1895-1990

Married: Maggie Piercey, 1919

Daughter: Margaret J. Ferrell

2 Grandchildren, 2 Great-Grandchildren

James C. Johnson was born in Clinton County (Albany), Kentucky, in 1895. He was one of ten children. As a young man he lost all the fingers of his left hand in an accident while working in a sawmill.

Despite his disability, he was determined to achieve and saw education as the path to that goal. He attended Berea College, Berea, Kentucky, and Milligan College, Elizabethton, Tennessee; then began his first career as a schoolteacher. He taught school in Pickett and Trousdale Counties before moving to Wilson County.

In 1919 he married Maggie Piercey of the Centerville community in Wilson County. When their only child, daughter Margaret, was young; Mr. Johnson moved his family to the Taylorsville community, where he began a teaching job at Taylorsville School. There he also began farming. He grew tobacco and vegetables and raised a few head of cattle.

As livestock farming took hold in the Middle Tennessee area in the 1930’s, Mr. Johnson saw a need for area farmers to be able to buy and sell their animals locally. About his time he gave up teaching and embarked on a second career as an agricultural entrepreneur. With a business partner, he opened the Wilson County Livestock Market, and went on to start similar ventures in Hartsville, Lafayette and Cookeville. Although he eventually sold his interest in the markets, the Lebanon market (generally known as the "sale barn") was always a special place to him. In fact, he continued to visit the "sale barn" regularly right up until the time of his death in 1990.

In the1950’s and early 1960’s, Mr. Johnson worked for Commerce Union Bank (now Bank of America) as a farm appraiser. He bought a farm in the Shop Springs community where he raised beef cattle. He was an active supporter of 4-H cattle shows, and one of his proudest moments in that arena came in 1961 when his grandson showed the Grand Champion steer at the Wilson County 4-H Livestock Show.

His passionate belief in the investment value of pastureland for livestock farming led to Mr. Johnson to start a real estate company with partner Billy Hobbs. Their firm, Johnson & Hobbs Real Estate, specialized in farm properties. Through Mr. Johnson’s effort and enthusiasm, Johnson and Hobbs became one of Lebanon’s leading real estate auction firms in the 1960’s and ‘70s.

Mr. Johnson took great pride in Wilson County and was an active participant in civic life. "Mr. Jim" as he was known to many, served as Wilson County Trustee from 1944-46, and later as an alderman for the City of Lebanon in the early 1960’s. He was a member of the Lebanon Lions Club, Wilson County Sportsman’s Club and the College Street Church of Christ. He was one of the owners of Wilson County Fairgrounds when it was located on the Coles Ferry Pike, and served as President of the Wilson County Fair Association for several years in the late 1960’s and 1970’s. The success of the fair in its early years left a legacy that enable the development of the Wilson County Fair into the nationally known event it has become today.

Throughout his life Mr. Johnson’s love of cattle farming never diminished, and over the years he owned several properties on which he raised beef cattle, including his home and farm on Hartsville Pike in Lebanon (part of which in now the Johnson Heights subdivision).

Because of the passion and vision of men like James C. Johnson, livestock farming grew to play a dominant role in the mid-20th century economy of Wilson County and Tennessee. "Mr. Jim" is fondly remembered by the re-telling of stories by many beef cattle producers and the people of Wilson County.

Willam Edward Rice, Sr.

1913-1999

Married: Mamie L. Smith (1937)

Children: William E. Jr . & James D.

5 Grandchildren

William Edward Rice, Jr.

May 29, 1938

Married: Ginger Crockett (1960)

Children: Vickie Pelfrey, William "Bill" III, & Virginia "Ginny" Dabbs

3 Grandchildren, 1 Great Grandchild

Ed Rice, Sr. was born in 1913, to William & Mary Rice, the eldest of 8 brothers and sisters. Ed Sr. grew up on a farm on North Greenhill Rd and later on a farm on South Green Hill Road in Mt. Juliet. After graduating from Mt. Juliet High School, he went to work for his Uncle Edd Hunter in his country store on Lebanon Road in Mt. Juliet. The store was built in 1886, and stands today as the retail outlet for Rice's Country Hams. He purchased the store from his Uncle in 1935. He married Mamie Smith in 1937.

In 1949 and 1950, the country grocery business began to slow down. In looking for a way to support his family, his brother-in-law Buford Smith suggested he cure some country hams. Not knowing anything about curing country hams, Ed Sr. went to the Agricultural Extension Service in Lebanon and got a booklet written by Dr. Curtis Melton, The first year he cured 18 hams. All but one of these hams were stolen. It took two years before he could afford to buy hams again. Before retiring in 1981 Ed, Sr. was curing over seven hundred hams each year, many of which were served to Presidents, country music stars and other celebrities.

William Edward Rice, Jr. was the eldest child of Ed Rice, Sr. Ed, Jr. and his brother Jim grew up working in the country store and helping their father cure country hams. Ed, Jr. spent his life learning and mastering the art of curing country hams from his father in their backyard smokehouse.

Ed, Jr. also attended Mt. Juliet Schools. He was a member of the FFA, and Vice President of his senior class. In 1958 Ed Jr. won the Safe Teenage Driving Championship for the State of Tennessee. He won a college scholarship and represented the State of Tennessee in the National Contest in Washington D.C. He attended Tennessee Tech on his scholarship.. He was active in the community and was a pioneer in starting the Mt. Juliet Little League. He was a member of the Lions Club.

In May, 1960 Ed, Jr. married Ginger Crockett and began working forGlass Plant in June,1960. He retired in 1991. In 1981 Ed, Jr. took over the Country Ham Business. Ed and his wife Ginger worked side by side, to transform the business from a small family concern into a large direct-shipping and retail operation that is renowned throughout the nation. Ed, Jr. has been featured on several television shows, including Tennessee Crossroads, Nick Beres' Morning Line, The Martha Stewart Show, The Larry Brinton Show, Talk of the Town and Living Green Tennessee.

The Rice Family have been winning awards at State and County Fairs for over forty years for their country hams. The family has lost count as to how many awards they have won but, know that they have had forty-three Grand Champion Hams since 1971.

Ed, Jr. retired for the second time in 2004. At that time he was curing over forty-five hundred country hams each year. The country ham business contitonues thive throughthe leadership of his daughter and son-in-law Ginny and Scott Dabbs. It is the oldest retail business still in operation in Mt. Juliet.

Once again in 2013 a Rice's Country Ham won the Grand Champion at the Tennessee State Fair. Dr. Curtis Melton, the author of the original manual Ed Rice, Sr. used to learn how to cure country hams was the judge.

1948

Married: Nancy Baker

Children: John, Mitzi Pigg, Paul

7 Grandchildren

Dr. Cliff Ricketts, the son of Hall and Louise Ricketts, was raised on a dairy farm in Mt. Juliet. He is a graduate of Mt Juliet High School. He attended Middle Tennessee State before transferring to the University of Tennessee where ihe received a BS degree in Agricultural Education. While teaching agriculture at Mt. Juliet High School, he got a Master’s Degree from the University of Tennessee in Education Administration and Supervision. He received his PhD in Agricultural Education from The Ohio State University in 1982. He has been a Professor of Agricultural Education at the School of Agribusiness and Agriscience at Middle Tennessee State University for 37 years.

His distinguished academic career has focused on alternative fuels for the future and exemplary work with students that have a desire to teach Agricultural Education at the secondary education level. Dr. Ricketts’ commitment to students is exemplary. Ricketts developed the first dual-credit grant in the State of Tennessee to allow high school students to receive college credit for courses through MTSU while attending high school. He continues to mentor MTSU students who have followed in his footsteps. Many of his former undergraduate students have obtained their Ph.D. in various agriculture-related programs. He s continues to serves as advisor to the MTSU Collegiate Future Farmers of America.

He has run engines off ethanol from corn, methane from cow manure, soybean oil, solar electric, hydrogen from water, natural gas, and developed a vehicle that runs of four different fuels: gas, ethanol, electric and hydrogen from water. He is internationally known for his alternative fuel research. He and his team went coast to coast on only sun and hydrogen in March 2013

Dr. Ricketts has received many awards and accolades over the years of his distinguished teaching career include 6 Outstanding Agricultural Eduction Teacher awards, MTSU Outstanding Teacher Award, 2 Alpha Gamma Rho Agriculture Teacher of the Year awards, MTSY Outstanding Public Service Award, MTSU Career Achievement Award and The Silver Column Award. He also received the FFA Blue and Gold Award, the Meritorious Teacher Award from NCATA, was named Top Agricultural Education Program in the Southeastern United Stated by the American Association of Agricultural Educators, the Bob Womack Outstanding Teacher Award in 2003 and is one of only seven to have received the National FFA VIP Award.

In 2006 Dr.Ricketts was selected as one of the top six Agricultural Technology Instruction Programs in the nation by the National Association of the State Departments of Agriculture and R. J. Reynolds Industries, Inc. Dr. Ricketts has written over 27 curriculum guides for Agricultural Education, Division of Career-Technical Education, and State of Tennessee. He has written six textbooks, including texts for Delmar-Thomson Learning on leadership, and two textbooks on Agribusiness all printed in English, Chinese, and Spanish. He has made approximately 1,000 presentations throughout the state and nationally on the topics of Leadership and Alternative Fuels in his 37 years at MTSU. He has partnerships with Tractor Supply Company. TVA, Bridgestone/Firestone Tire, Valspar Paints and HyPower Fuel of Calgary, Canada. Dr. Ricketts has received several hundred thousdand dollars in grants during his 37 year tenure at Middle Tennessee State University.

Dr. Ricketts is still active farming with his 60 herd Cow Calf Operation on his 200 acre farm in Mt. Juliet as well as at MTSU still preparing future agricultural education teachers and working on a couple more alternative fuels to help America become engine independent in the future.

Dr. Ricketts has one brother, Johnnie Ricketts, who has had a cow/calf operation for several years. The oldest son, John, is an Agricultural Education Professor at Tennessee State University. His daughter, Mitzi Ricketts Pigg, is an Agricultural Education teacher at Mt. Juliet High School. His youngest son, Paul, has a cow/calf operation on the outskirts of Lexington, Kentucky and works at the Lexington Sale Barn. His wife, Dr. Kris Ricketts, teaches at the University of Kentucky in Agricultural Leadership.

He began the Agricultural Education Program at MTSU. He taught for 6 years at Mt .Juliet High School. Among other accomplishments, his FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team won the State Championship, his chapter was the top FFA Chapter in Middle Tennessee, and his program was selected as the top program in the Southeastern United States. He attended graduate school at UTK where he received his Master’s Degree in Education Administration and Supervision. Dr. Ricketts has been on the faculty of the MTSU for 37 years as a

Professor of Agricultural Education in the School of Agribusiness and Agriscience and He received his PhD in Agricultural Education from The Ohio State University in 1982.

His distinguished academic career has focused on alternative fuels for the future and exemplary work with students that have a desire to teach Agricultural Education at the secondary education level. Dr. Ricketts’ commitment to students is exemplary. Ricketts developed the first dual-credit grant in the State of Tennessee to allow high school students to receive college credit for courses through MTSU while attending high school. He continues to mentor MTSU students who have followed in his footsteps. Many of his former undergraduate students have obtained their Ph.D. in various agriculture-related programs. He s continues to serves as advisor to the MTSU Collegiate Future Farmers of America.

He has run engines off ethanol from corn, methane from cow manure, soybean oil, solar electric, hydrogen from water, natural gas, and developed a vehicle that runs of four different fuels: gas, ethanol, electric and hydrogen from water. He is internationally known for his alternative fuel research. He and his team went coast to coast on only sun and hydrogen in March 2013

Dr. Ricketts has received many awards and accolades over the years of his distinguished teaching career include 6 Outstanding Agricultural Eduction Teacher awards, MTSU Outstanding Teacher Award, 2 Alpha Gamma Rho Agriculture Teacher of the Year awards, MTSY Outstanding Public Service Award, MTSU Career Achievement Award and The Silver Column Award. He also received the FFA Blue and Gold Award, the Meritorious Teacher Award from NCATA, was named Top Agricultural Education Program in the Southeastern United Stated by the American Association of Agricultural Educators, the Bob Womack Outstanding Teacher Award in 2003 and is one of only seven to have received the National FFA VIP Award.

In 2006 Dr. Ricketts was selected as one of the top six Agricultural Technology Instruction Programs in the nation by the National Association of the State Departments of Agriculture and R. J. Reynolds Industries, Inc. Dr. Ricketts has written over 27 curriculum guides for Agricultural Education, Division of Career-Technical Education, and State of Tennessee. He has written six textbooks, including texts for Delmar-Thomson Learning on leadership, and two textbooks on Agribusiness all printed in English, Chinese, and Spanish. He has made approximately 1,000 presentations throughout the state and nationally on the topics of Leadership and Alternative Fuels in his 37 years at MTSU. He has partnerships with Tractor Supply Company. TVA, Bridgestone/Firestone Tire, Valspar Paints and HyPower Fuel of Calgary, Canada. Dr. Ricketts has received several hundred thousdand dollars in grants during his 37 year tenure at Middle Tennessee State University.

Dr. Ricketts is still active farming with his 60 herd Cow Calf Operation on his 200 acre farm in Mt. Juliet as well as at MTSU still preparing future agricultural education teachers and working on a couple more alternative fuels to help America become engine independent in the future.

Dr. Ricketts has one brother, Johnnie Ricketts, who has had a cow/calf operation for several years. The oldest son, John, is an Agricultural Education Professor at Tennessee State University. His daughter, Mitzi Ricketts Pigg, is an Agricultural Education teacher at Mt. Juliet High School. His youngest son, Paul, has a cow/calf operation on the outskirts of Lexington, Kentucky and works at the Lexington Sale Barn. His wife, Dr. Kris Ricketts, teaches at the University of Kentucky in Agricultural Leadership.

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.

Born: 12/6/1941

Wife: Loretta K. Haley (1974)

Children: Wayne Yelverton, Jason and Justin Haley

Grandchildren: Emily, Ashley, Kelsey, and Courtney

Bobby Haley was born and raised on a farm in the Watertown/Alexandria area in Wilson County. His parents are Johnny Garvin Haley and Ruby Neal Haley and he is one of six siblings. During his youth, Bobby’s Dad was a Baptist minister and farmer. Bobby helped the family by milking and working on the farm. His father is ninety‐ three and now lives in Warren County.

Bobby graduated from Watertown High School. He was a member of the FFA and the football team. Bobby continued his education at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he was a member of the Block and Bridle Club. A tour of duty in the United States Navy interrupted his college career. Bobby returned to college at Middle Tennessee State University where he was a charter member of the Block and Bridle Club, and graduated in 1968 with a degree in Agribusiness.

Bobby worked as a sales representative and poultry technician (chicken doctor) for Central Soya, Decatur, Indiana. In 1969, Bobby returned to the farm in Watertown and began raising tobacco and beef ca􀆩le. That same year he opened the Watertown Farm Supply and managed it until 1976, but continued to own it until 1993 1976, but continued to own it until 1993. In 1974 Bobby married Loretta Haley and they moved to a farm that had been in Loretta’s family and now is registered as a Century Farm known as Haley Farm. Bobby’s grandfather was John Haley and Loretta’s grandfather was John Haley (no relation) and they both had farms on either end of what is now Haley Road. They are still very active in beef cattle and cropping. In 1977 Bobby began a trucking business to assist farmers with their hauling needs. Bobby has served Wilson County in many capacities:

• District Commissioner (1982 - 2002),
• Chairman, Finance Committee
• Chairman, Education Committee
• Chairman, Ag Center Committee
• Board Member of Wilson Farmers Coop
• Wilson County Farm Bureau
• Wilson County Livestock Association
• Wilson County Election Committee (2003 - present) as Chairman and Secretary.

He has been a Wilson County Fair Board member since 1982 and Chairman of the Century Farm Luncheon beginning in 1993. Bobby was the 1995 Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year. He is a Master Beef Producer and Gardener. He is a retired member of the Watertown Lion’s Club having served as President and was a charter member of the Sue Talley Scholarship Fund.

Commander and Adjutant of American Legion Post 76, Adjutant and Vice Commander, Boys State and Girls State Chairman of American Legion Post 15, and Commander of VFW Post 5015 exemplify Bobby’s continued commitment not only to Wilson County, but Tennessee and our Nation.

Loretta and Bobby are members of the Lebanon Cumberland Presbyterian Church where Bob teaches Sunday School. Bobby’s dearest accomplishment is seeing his family happy and watching his grandchildren laugh and grow.

1928 - 1997

Married: Dorothy Feirick

Children: Katherine (Kellie) and Melissa

Grandchildren: Kathleen Evins, Caroline Evins, Lindsey Laine Simpson, and Fred Maxwell Simpson

Fred was born May 18, 1928 to Howard and Katherine Laine. He married Dorothy Feirich in 1957 and they have two children Kelly and Melissa. They have been blessed with four grandchildren.

Fred attended elementary and high school in Wilson County. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Master of Science Degree. After graduating from college, he joined the United States Army and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1953.

During his military career, he graduated from The Southeastern Signal School as a high speed radio operator. He also attended the Army Language School in Monterey, California majoring in Russian language. Later he attended the Officer Career Course at the United States Army Security Agency Training Center and School (USASATC&S) at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Fred retired after more than twenty years of military service as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was awarded the Army Security Agency Certificate of Achievement, The Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and many others.

In 1975 Fred was asked to substitute at Lebanon High School teaching Agriculture. It turned into a full-time job lasting fifteen years. During his teaching career, he touched the lives of many of his students and helped them prepare for life after high school. His students won many awards (local, state, and national) because of his mentoring and teaching skills. Awards for the Lebanon FFA Chapter included: Superior Chapter. He also had three students selected as State FFA President and two State FFA Vice-Presidents. Fred was the first FFA Advisor in Wilson County to be eligible to take a team to compete in the National Soil Judging Contest in Oklahoma. After classroom teaching , he served at the Board of Education until his retirement. In 1999 a number of Fred’s FFA students established the Fred G. Laine Memorial Scholarship administered by the Tennessee FFA Foundation. Each year since a deserving Wilson County FFA member has received a scholarship to help them continue their education in the field of agriculture. This scholarship is a loving tribute for the influence he had on his own students and a lasting tribute to the outstanding FFA students that never had the opportunity to know him.

Fred served as a dedicated Wilson County Soil Conservation District Supervisor from 1976 until his death in 1997. The Wilson County Soil Conservation District has given the Fred G. Laine Memorial Land Judging Award to the High Individual since 1997 to honor his contributions to education and conservation in Wilson County.

Fred was a member of the Optomist Club. Governor Ned McWherter appointed him an Honorary Page of the Tennessee House of Representatives and Colonel, Aide de Camp on the Governors Staff. He also received a Senate Joint Resolution to honor his memory from Senator Robert Rochelle and Representative Stratton Bone.

Perhaps quotes from former students say it best: "We learned about Ag, but we learned more about being a man or woman", "Mr. Laine could take any student and instill in them the desire to be better and reach their potential", and "He was my mentor even when I did not understand what that was".

Fred has received many awards and tributes, but he was the most proud of his family and their accomplishments. His daughters and grandchildren were the light of his life.

Born: October 3, 1935

Married: Lynda Bass Patton (1954)

Children: Kimberly Patton Tuggle (Brian Tuggle)

Son: James Anthony (Tony) Patton

Grandchildren: Kristin Tuggle Sagerholm, Dr. Jessica Patton, and Cole Patton

Great Grandchildren: Isabella and Vikka Sagerholm

On October 3, 1935 the third child of Maggie and Dayton Patton was born in Crossville, Tn. Harold has two sisters and three brothers(one deceased). During his early years the family moved several times whenever his Dad’s job led them. Harold began school in Franklin, TN. The family moved to the family farm in Watertown when he was in the third grade and then he became a young farmer. He continued helping his Dad in the dairy and growing crops through his high school years. Milking cows, football practice and games were time consuming, but Harold lettered 4 years and was team captain his senior year. He was active in FFA and music and was selected "Best All-Around Student". After graduating in 1953, he began working in Nashville with Ragland-Patton Co. (a wholesale food distributor).

In 1954 he married his high school sweetheart, Lynda Bass. They lived in Watertown for 5 years and moved to Shop Springs Community to help care for Lynda’s Dad and brother.

In 1958 Harold was employed by Tennessee Farmers Co-op. First working in inventory control, then moving to a buyer in the hardware division. After 11 years at TN Farmers Co-op, he came to Wilson Farmers Co-op to work as assistant manager with Mr. Ira Partlow. When Mr. Partlow retired in 1969, Harold became manager. In 2002 Harold retired with 43 years of combined service to the farmers of Wilson County and Tennessee.

Harold is very active in our community. He is a deacon, treasurer and assistant music director at Shop Springs Baptist Church. He has served on the board of directors for Wilson Bank & Trust for 25 years. Harold is also a member of the Wilson County Fair Board and Wilson County Livestock Association. He raises registered Angus and Chiangus cattle and owned the 1994 National Chiangus Champion Female and the 1995 National Chiangus Cow-Calf Champion. Harold has received the Mike Baker Award.

Harold enjoys going by the Co-op and visiting with customers he has known for many years, gardening, and traveling. Lynda and Harold are most proud of all of their family and happy that their son and daughter live in Wilson County.

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.

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.

Born: 1929

Married: Thelma Bush

Children: Diane Jenkins Marsh and Darrell Jenkins

Grandchildren: Lorie Marsh, Aaron, Tabitha and Tiffany Jenkins

Newell "Red" Jenkins was born to parents, Harry and Velma Mofield Jenkins, in the Rawls Creek Community of Smith County. Newell had two brothers Haskell and Harold Jenkins (who died at the age of 2) and a sister Delia Sanders Wilson. He attended Union Heights Elementary School in the Rock City community of Smith County.

When he was 6 years old, his daddy purchased a little red wagon for he and his brother. At the time, his daddy had hogs and they used the wagon to carry corn to feed them. They wore out the little red wagon hauling that corn.

Then at the age of 7, he and his brother (9 yrs) had their first tobacco crop. Together, they raised about 9/10 of an acre and set the entire crop by hand. The crop was worked by a pair of mules who knew more of what to do than he and his brother did. When his daddy sold the tobacco crop for them, they got $7.50. With the money, they purchased a Sears Roebuck radio.

His daddy owned a sawmill in the Rawls Creek community which was later moved to the Rome community of Smith County. At age 14, he started hauling logs with an old 1929 Chevy truck carrying logs to the sawmill. The truck was found sitting in a barn on Mr. Bascum Cooksey’s farm where Five Oaks Subdivision is located now. The old truck did not run at the time so he had to get it running. When he got the truck running, he built a 6x11 wooden bed to place on the back of it. The truck had no doors, an old wooden cab and it just had 2 wheel brakes. He hauled logs from Beasley’s Bend Road in Smith County crossing the Cumberland River at Rome on the old ferry boat to the sawmill. At that time, the only way to cross the river was riding the ferry boat. The ferry had an old one-cylinder engine that powered the boat. The floor of the boat had cracks in it that you could stick half of your hand through. Mr. Ike Napier was the operator of the ferry boat at that time. When I drove on at the Beasley’s Bend side and we started across the old boat would be just about to sink when we reached the other side. When I drove off to get unloaded, Mr. Ike would patch the holes with old burlap bags and sit there and wait for me to return to go back and get another load. He never left me no matter what time of day or night, because he knew I needed to get back across the river. I hauled logs for Mr. Comer Hailey (Jerry and Mark Andrews great granddaddy), Mr. Paul Caplenor and Mrs. Georgia Mitchell. The last ferry boat to cross the Cumberland River at Rome was named "Jere Mitchell", who was the son of Mrs. Georgia. He got killed in World War II.

In Newell's Words:

In 1940, the Cumberland River froze over at Rome and I walked across it. At times, there would be as many as 35-40 people crossing at one time.

On June 15, 1948, at the age of 17, I married Thelma Bush Jenkins (age 15). My first cousin, John M. Mofield and his wife took us to Rossville, Georgia. We lived in Rome from 1948 to 1955. In 1955 I moved to Wilson County and purchased 235 acres from Mr. Sam Patton Thompson and in 1966 I purchased 110 acres of the Will Harlan estate located on Sugar Flat Road which was considered at that time to be in the Tucker’s Crossroads community. Later in 19___, I purchased 43 acres of the Elam Farm on Hwy 70N that joined my property on Sugar Flat Road.

In 1962, I bought a Lime and Rock business at Rome from Mr. Allison Bilbrey. He owned the rock quarry at Rome and I hauled his rock and lime. When the state started construction of the five bridges that cross the Caney Fork River on I-40, I hauled all the rock for the pillars and for the beams built. I later got out of the rock business and continued hauling lime. I have been in the lime business for 50 years.

In 1973, I was named Wilson County Conservation District’s top conservation farmer in the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company’s annual soil and water conservation awards program. At that time, I followed a long-range conservation plan developed with the help of the Soil Conservation Service technicians. Over a period of years, I established over 300 acres of improved pastures, 8 farm ponds, one fishpond and 6 acres of grassed waterways. Other conservation practices applied included farming and crop rotation.

In the late 70’s and early 80’s, I was a member of the Tucker’s Crossroads Grange #1240. We met in the school gymnasium once a month. The grange had a beauty pageant where all the men dressed as women and I really did not want to do it, but being a good sport I decided to enter the contest. It is one of my most memorable experiences. Also, I was one of the original owners that purchased the land to build the ball park in the community. This park was built and named after Paul S. Neal of the community who also was a member of the grange for lots of years. The park was sponsored by the Grange and the Grange members volunteered their time to build and run it.

I became a member of the Wilson County Livestock Association in the 1980’s where I served on the Board of Directors and am now a Lifetime member. I hosted the association’s annual field day on numerous occasions.

In the 1990’s, I became an avid supporter of the Wilson County 4-H program and the University of Tennessee Extension Service. At the 4-H County Livestock Expo in 1994 I purchased market lambs at the sale and in 1995 I purchased the Grand Champion Market Lamb. I hosted a County Agents delegation in 1996 on my farm. To this day, I continue my support of these programs and support their endeavors any way possible.

In 1997, I was awarded the Wilson County Conservation Farmer of the Year. I was commended by the district for the work in conserving the natural resources of my beef cattle and row crop farm.

For numerous years I could be seen each night at the Wilson County Fair. You would find me and Thelma on the white benches near the main gate visiting with friends and neighbors. In 2007, we were honored to be named the Wilson County Fair "Old Timers".

The 300+ acres is still a working farm. I continue to raise beef cattle, hay and tobacco with help from my son and grandson. I am member of Wilson County Farm Bureau, TN Cooperative Service in Wilson and Smith Counties and Hillcrest Baptist Church.

Some people have asked me, "When are you going to retire?" I tell them with a chuckle, "when I get old enough."

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.

Born: June 11, 1929

Married: Vondell Green June 12, 1951

Children: Celia Oldham, Lucy Cowley, Jim Lancaster, John Lancaster

12 Grandchildren and 13 Great-Grandchildren

Jim K. Lancaster was born to parents, Edward and Dimple Knight Lancaster, in the Lancaster Community of Smith County. Jim arrived twenty minutes before twin brother Joe and was raised in the log cabin on the family farm. He attended the Lancaster Elementary School and graduated from Gordonsville High School. Both boys attended Tennessee Tech on football scholarships. While at Tech he served as President of the "T" Club and was elected to "Who’s Who among College Students. Athletically, he received "All Conference honors as a single wing tailback. Mr. Lancaster graduated from Tennessee Tech University in 1951 "With Highest Honors" and a B.S. in Agronomy (Soil Science) Agriculture. He then married Miss Green and accepted a position with University of Tennessee Extension as assistant county agricultural extension agent in Morgan County. Then in January, 1952 he moved to Wilson County to head up the Wilson County office of the Tennessee Farm Bureau where he remained as manager for more than 43 years. During this time he led the company in life insurance production every year. In 1972 he earned Certified Life Underwriter – American College in Byrn Pennsylvania. In 1973 he received the Advanced Estate Planning degree and additionally in 1982 became a chartered Financial Consultant. Though he retired as the Agency Manager in 1995, he continued to be one of the company’s top life agents for several more years.

Mr. Lancaster is very humble when discussing his accomplishments at the Wilson County Farm Bureau and gives credit and thanks to the agricultural community for their support and business during his 43 year career. He also is quick to point out that even though he received most of the recognition, Mrs. Geneva Vance was the true reason for his success and the growth of the Wilson County Farm Bureau Office.

Mr. Lancaster is a charter member of Westland United Methodist Church in Lebanon. He also served in many community organizations including: President of Lebanon Jaycees, Lebanon Rotary Club, President of Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, local camp president of Gideons International. He is an active member of the Cumberland University Board of Trust. He also was the Chairman of the Board of Peoples Bank. Mr. Lancaster has been very involved with Scouting, serving as Chairman of the Walton Trail District and as an Executive Board Member for Middle Tennessee. In 2000, he was inducted to the Robert E. Musto Insurance Hall of Fame and received the honorary degree of Doctor of Literary Letters from Cumberland University in 1994. Mr. Lancaster has received the Jaycees’ Distinguished Service Award and Tennessee Tech’s "Outstanding Service Award in 1983. He has been recognized by his peers and organizations for his career work and community service. But he considers his family his greatest blessing and reward.

Jim and Joe Lancaster continue to own the land in Smith County where they grew up, and the log cabin has been restored. The cabin has been relocated to Fayettville, Tennessee to a city park where generations of children can visit the home of children of the past generations.

Charles B. Moss
1918 - 1990
Married: Ilene Hale.
Children: Hale Moss and Susan Owen.
4 Grandchildren

Louis A. Moss
1920 - 1952
Married: Virginia Powell

John M. Moss
1924 - June 2, 2014
Married: Martha Dale.
Children: Louis, Mack, John Dale & Kyle Moss
5 Grandchildren & 2 Great Grandchildren

In the early 1950’s, three Moss brother and their Dad (Charlie Mack) established Moss Brothers Seed Company. The Moss family moved to Mt. Juliet in Wilson County from Smith County in the early 1900’s where they continued the family traditions of farming and living off the land along with their mentor and uncle Noel Nokes. The Moss brothers, Charles, Louis and Johnny, came from a large family which included sister, Betty Moss Powers, Josephine Moss Reynolds and Alice Moss Trice. Their parents were Charlie Mack Moss and Florence Beasley Moss.

Charles, Louis and John had several successful ventures in farming including cattle, hogs and sheep. In 1958, Charles and John also started a "pig parlor" which was a new method of raising "porkers" from birth to market in the same building. The parlor was a 26 by 36 foot building with a concrete floor, automatic waterers, farrowing stall and heat lamps.

They also raised crops that included corn, KY 31 fescue and clovers. They expanded their farming into an agri-business that began on Division Street in Mt. Juliet. When their growing business needed to expand they purchased land on Highway 70 and moved their "state of the art" seed cleaning operation which featured all electric equipment such as corn shellers, graders, separators and gravity table to prepare seed for the market. Tragically, Louis Moss died in an accident while helping to construct the new building in September, 1952.

Moss Brothers Seed Company catered to farmers in the farming community. Their store carried seed, feed and fertilizer. The company became a member of the Tennessee Crop Improvement Association where Charles served as president for several years. The association marketed the products produced by Moss Brother such as certified hybrid seed corns "Tennessee 10" and "Dixie 17". Along with huge stacks of bagged fertilizers and seed inside the store, local farmers would gather each day to discuss the weather and local politics. Many fine crops were planned and political situations resolved around the old coal burning stove. Mr. Johnny fondly remembers those days while today the business continues to operate as a garden center and florist serving the changed West Wilson County community. Though the business has changed with the times, Mr. Johnny’s philosophy is still that the keys to success have been "integrity, the golden rule and repeat-generation customers."

1918 – 1996

Married: Sara Dotson

Children: Ginny Perdue, Ed Stanford

5 Grandchildren and 4 Great Grand Children

Harold Edwin Stanford was born to parents, R.D. and Myrtle Meredith Stanford, on November 23, 1918 in Oklahoma City, but his family moved to Donelson, Tennessee in 1919 when he was just 6 months old. He grew up in the ante-bellum home "Bellair" on Lebanon Road with siblings, R.D. Jr. and Myrtle. His favorite time as a boy was spent on the family farm, where his father had Hereford and Angus cattle. He graduated from Donelson Elementary and High School. Later he graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1940 and then enlisted in the United States Navy.

In 1947 Harold began Stanford Farms where he established a herd of registered Aberdeen Angus. In 1959 he moved to Wilson County and bought a farm on Big Springs Road, where he actively farmed until the dispersal sale in 1991.

Stanford Farms showed the Supreme Champion Bull at the 1962 American Angus Futurity and the Grand Champion Supreme Champion Bull in the 1966 American Angus Futurity. However it was it 1972 when the first Chianina/Angus cross calves were born on his farm that Mr. Stanford began his work as one of the founding breeders of the Chiangus breed. Stanford Farms is assigned the 96th member number of the American Chianina Association. Mr. Stanford believed intensely that Chianina genetics should be used on his excellent registered Angus herd. He has been described as a visionary breeder, pioneer and the ultimate cow man. Mr. Stanford was not one to follow fads in the cattle business. Back in the ‘70s and ‘80s when bigger was supposedly better, purebred breeders of all breeds could not get their cattle big enough, fast enough. He was breeding the same type of cattle when he dispersed his herd in 1991 as he was 19 years before. He never wavered from the kind of cattle hat he liked and belief that the cattle industry would eventually return back to his kind of cattle. Mr. Stanford developed the most valuable maternal genetic line in the Chiangus breed, but his most enduring legacy is the genuine and sincere interest in giving advice to younger Chiangus breeders. When he dispersed his herd in 1991, he had two aged Angus cows that were 17 years old. He didn’t have the heart to send them to the sale barn, so he gave the cows to young Chiangus breeder, Tyler Winegardner. Several popular show animals are a direct result of that generous gift.