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You are here: Experts > Cities/Towns > Tennessee > Nashville > Thanks/Cheatham County
Nashville - Thanks/Cheatham County
Expert: Jan Duke - 11/2/2009
Question
Dear Ms. Duke - I hope this is an appropriate way to contact you to thank you for your "Historic Photos of Nashville" which I recently purchased. It is a very fine example of what local history should be. Although I was familiar with most of the Civil War era photos, those from the turn of the century - especially of early Union Street and the Public Square - are marvellous and important to me because of family associations. Now the question, which I ask in view of your interest in Cheatham County history: Do you know of any photographs of the commercial area of Ashland City that date from about 1910 or earlier? In particular I am interested in what was the original pre-1860 courthouse but was later called the "Central Hotel." My great grandfather operated it about 1880-1887, as confirmed by Goodspeed's History. (Goodspeed also confirms that another Adams ancestor added colorfully to the county's history by being murdered in Ashland City's last saloon.) I have been told that the building burned, but it was probably located where (alas) the McDonald's now stands. So much vernacular architecture has been lost, but perhaps there is a photograph. Any suggestions as to where to look would be much appreciated.
And do keep up the good work.
Regards - John P. Adams - Birmingham
Answer
Hi John,
Yes my interest in Cheatham stems from husband's family (Demonbruens) who settled in the Marrowbone community (once part of Davidson County/Nashville) as well as some others who settled in the Scottsboro area (Davidson/Cheatham)
My research indicated that:
In 1858, a temporary courthouse is built on the corner of corner of Main and
Cumberland Street. It's a two story structure that was in use for 11 years and until
the completion of the first permanent courthouse. It is then sold and used as a
hotel named Central Hotel. Records indicate that this building burnt down sometime around 1936.
I believe that the local historical society would be able to offer you more detailed information. They are currently working on a museum and pretty sure they have been cataloging all of the old records that were in the courthouse- which would no doubt also include info on the old courthouse hotel as well as a photo or two.
The Museum is located in the same complex as the Cheatham County Library - it is staffed by volunteers so you might have to leave a message.
Link to CCHS http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~tncchga/
If you run into any snags or serious delays, please feel free to email me directly at mid-tntoday@charter.net and I can give you some local names, contacts information, numbers, etc.
Hope this helps,
Jan
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