Sites marked by John Madison Chapter
Memorial Hall, First Presbyterian Church -- Jackson, TN
Reid House -- Denmark, TN
Restoration of TN Society State Marker of Fort Pruhomme
In 2009, while trying to locate the marker, John Madison members Benita Brown and her daughter Elizabeth Brown Watts discovered the stone lying facedown in the dirt. Through efforts of then State Chairman of Marking and Preservation of Historic Sites, Phyllis Little, also a chapter member, the marker was replaced and secured in a footing in 2010 by Memphis Park Services, who said they had always wondered what the large stone was, as no inscription was visible.
Following approval by the State Society, the marker was moved in 2017 to its new site in Tipton County, Tennessee on the second Chickasaw Bluff near present day Randolph, where, in 1682, Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salle, while exploring the Mississippi River, stopped on the Second Chickasaw Bluff and built Fort Prudhomme. That fort became his supply depot for his trip to the Gulf of Mexico where he claimed the Mississippi Valley for the King of France. Phyllis Little and Benita Brown are shown at right at the
rededication of the marker on March 25, 2017.
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Spragins-Williamson House -- Jackson, TN
The Spragins-Williamson House, built in 1939 in Jackson, Tennessee, was designed by world renowned architect, A. L. Aydelott of Memphis, TN. Though Al Aydelott, was noted for his modern architecture, the Spragins-Williamson house is a Federal style mansion. The house was originally sited on a large tract of land, which, at that time, was a considerable distance from downtown Jackson. The home was built by prominent Jacksonians, Mr. and Mrs. Hearn Spragins. It was later the home of their son’s family, Mr. and Mrs. Sid Spragins. Both of the afore- mentioned men were prominent attorneys, and community leaders.
The property, which has been the home of Dr. and Mrs. Felix Earl Williamson III and their three children since 1992, has always been lovingly cared for. The current owners have had additions made to the house within the last fifteen years that enhance its original design and are in keeping with its architectural style.
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Denmark Presbyterian Church & Cemetery-- Denmark, Tennessee
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The John Madison Chapter, Jackson, TN, unveiled two bronze markers at the Denmark Presbyterian Church and Cemetery on September 12, 2015 during a Marking Ceremony.
Serving a congregation that dated to 1820, the two-story church that stands today was built with slave labor that hand-hewed the lumber and fashioned the nails on site. After roughly five years of construction, the present structure was completed in 1854, and originally housed Masonic Lodge #154 on the second floor. Many of the Mason’s signatures and dates are still visible on the lodge’s wall and door. Though most of the earliest records were lost in the Civil War, the church has a rich history that even includes a story of Confederate soldiers escaping approaching Union troops by hiding under ladies hoop skirts during a Church service. The upper floor also housed captured Union soldiers, some of whose names can still be seen on baseboards.
In 2008, the restoration of the Church, which was by then in serious structural decline, was begun. The nearby church cemetery had its first burial in 1824, and many descendants of early church members continue to be interred in its grounds.
