Volume 11 , Issue 14

Soddy & McGills of Hamilton Co. TN

As to the McGILLs of Hamilton County TN -- John says, "My mother-in-law is related to the McGill's as follows: Her mother was Melinda (Lena) Ann McGill (1892-1962). Her father was Abel Connor McGill 1865-1938 and his father was David Newton McGill (1826-1896). I would like to share information concerning these families and their ancestors. You may reach me at john.vanzant@gmail.com.

Are you familiar with the books by Steve Smith on the history of the Soddy area? There are many pictures of documents concerning David Newton McGill. Any information (document, pictures, references) you can share will be appreciated. Thanks!"

John VanZant says, "I have attached a picture of David Newton McGill which is on page 12 of the 3rd book." This image on the left shows the cover of a history book of "The Good Old Days - History of Soddy, Daisy & Montlake" in Tennessee."

It has history of David Newton McGill. When the writer was collecting photos and other papers for his first book, The Good Old Days - History of Soddy Daisy, he was told to contact Mrs. Mary Hutcheson of Soddy.

Mrs. Hutcheson is the granddaughter of David N. McGill, a fascinating fellow, to say the least. Mrs. Hutcheson told the writer how her grandfather poled his way down the Tennessee River from Knoxville on an old flatboat to settle in the Soddy area. A desk in Mrs. Hutcheson's house survived the trip down the river by Mr. McGill.

David N McGill kept most of his receipts from many of his transactions during his days while living in Soddy. An old ledger book, kept by Mr. McGill, contains lists of men that were hired by the Soddy Coal Company to build a series of locks and dams on Soddy Creek. Coal mined in the mountains around Soddy was transported by way of Soddy Creek and the Tennessee River downstream to Chattanooga. The ledger also includes lists of items purchased to continue work on the locks and dams. The ledger continues to be a fascinating piece of Soddy history.

Envelope after envelope is filled with tax receipts, including both poll and property tax receipts. Other envelopes are filled with invoices and receipts from many early businesses in Chattanooga, dating back to the 1870's. Some receipts were written at the Harrison Courthouse and the James County Courthouse.

Needless to say, for someone collecting local history, this collection is like discovering a gold mine. The writer learned a lot about life in this area during the period of time between the 1850's until the 1920's. David Newton McGill passed away in 1897, but his wife, Mary Wallace, continued his tradition of keeping receipts, until her death almost 25 years later.

The writer gave special thanks to Mrs. Mary Hutcheson for sharing these prized relics, giving us a small glimpse back in time of many of the activities that were once a way of life.
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