My Genealogy Hound

Chesley M. Gammill, a farmer and stock raiser of Franklin County, was born in Bedford County, Tenn., March 28, 1832, and is a son of Samuel and Eliza (Butler) Gammill. James Gammill, grandfather of Chesley M., was born in the boundary line between Virginia and North Carolina in 1772. His father was a leading man in that community, ably assisting the colonies in their troubles with the Indians, and serving in the war for Independence. James Gammill grew to manhood in his native place, where he was educated, married Hester Bedwell, and subsequently settled in Marshall County, Tenn. He served in the War of 1812, and held a commission as second lieutenant, afterward returning to his farm in Marshall County, Tenn., whence he removed to Hardin County, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1850; he was one of the best read men of his time, was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and prominent in all affairs for the advancement of his community. His family of eighteen children all grew to maturity, married and had families of their own. Samuel Gammill, father of our subject, was born in Marshall County, Tenn., in 1812, where he was reared and educated and engaged in teaching. In 1829 he married Eliza Butler, who was born in Virginia in 1814, and was a daughter of Joshua Butler, who was one of the leading farmers of Bedford County, Tenn. To this union were born eight children, of whom seven are living, viz.: Joshua, Adaline, Amanda, now Mrs. John Briley; Eliza, wife of William Jones; Chesley M., Rosa, Della, who married William Hill, and Simeon (deceased). Samuel Gammill located in Bedford County, Tenn., after his marriage, and in 1838 removed to Hardin County, which was his home until his death in 1871; he was one of the most enterprising men of his county, and was an extensive stock dealer. Mrs. Eliza Gammill died in 1879, a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church, and a most charitable woman. Chesley M. Gammill was reared and educated in Hardin County, Tenn., and spent his early life on a farm. December 23, 1853, he married Margaret S., daughter of Thomas Milam, and them were born eleven children, six of whom now live, viz.: Lorenzo C., Sterling P., Martha A., wife of H. a. Smith; Frank, William C. and James. Those deceased are Alice, Alonzo, Lillie B., Salina C. and an infant. After his marriage he was elected and served as collector of Hardin County, Tenn., after which he immigrated with his family on January 1, 1857, to Little Rock, thence to Van Buren, and in March, 1862, located on the farm where he now lives, which consists of 280 acres, with 135 acres at Sub Rosa under cultivation. January 1, 1864, he enlisted in Company E, Eighteenth Iowa, Union army, at Fort Smith, and was in active service until the close of the war, receiving his discharge at Little Rock July 21, 1865, when he returned to his home in Franklin County. Mr. Gammill served as justice of the peace in Mill Creek Township twenty-six years, and was a member of the board of county judges three years. He belongs to the Love Creek Lodge No. 136, of the A. F. & A. M., and he and wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, where he is class leader and steward.