January 25, 1898 An intensely interesting event was enjoyed at the old homestead of the DeVaults at Austin’s Springs Washington county Tenn Jan 25 1898. The ninetieth birthday of Mrs Elizabeth Hannah (more familiarly known as "Grandma Hannah" was the occasion of a large assemblage of her friends and relatives and all the living children were present — and her children’s children unto the third and fourth generation were there as Mrs Hannah and her family are all well known by many an account of this event will not be uninteresting.
Mrs Elizabeth Stover was married to Mr. George Hannah on their birthday Jan 25 1826 at the stone residence of her parents in Roanoke county the garden spot of Virginia. Her father’s farm is now the site of Roanoke City. Mr Hannah was a citizen of the same county. When their family had multiplied to the Scriptural number seven they concluded to emigrate to East Tennessee (which was then a new country) where their children could have better opportunities. In September 1841 they commenced their journey in wagons hacks etc etc. It was before the day of railroads. They crossed the Blue Bidge Mountain following what is now the valley route of the railroad until they came to Watauga River They found this beautiful stream past fording from recent rains. They pitched their tents and went into camp on her bank until they could cross and make their way on down to the rich valleys below.
Mr. Valentine DeVault Sr. [b. 1776, married Susannah Range] the landlord of the bank on which they [George and Elizabeth Hannah] were camping came down to see who the movers were. The acquaintance proved to be agreeable on both sides so much so that Mr DeVault invited Mr Hannah to take his family to the house and be entertained there — which hospitality was accepted
A mutual friendship sprang up the ties of which -have grown stronger through all the intervening years since and which was the foundation of the ninetieth birthday celebration of the only living head [Elizabeth] of these two families. Mr DeVault persuaded Mr. Hannah to occupy a house on his land a mile up the river until he would have time to seek a satisfactory location. There were two houses in the same yard one was empty and one stored with grains fruits and vegetables. Mr. Hannah moved his family into the empty one. Mr. DeVault told Mr and Mrs Hannah to use all they needed of the stores there and that it was unnecessary to keep any accounts.
Mrs. Hannah was an expert with her needle and as it was before the days of sewing machines it was a valuable accomplishment With much nice neat work she tried to return the many favors received. The two eldest children were girls Mary Elizabeth and Edna They were experts for their age being only fourteen and eleven years with knitting needles which was also a valuable accomplishment in those days. Hose and gloves grew like magic and were given by Mrs Hannah to Mrs DeVault for herself and family.
Mr Hannah bought a farm of 300 acres one mile south of what is now Bluff City seven miles from Mr DeVault’s In two years Mr. and Mrs DeVault sickened and died within two days of each other, leaving their lands to their three young sons Isaac - - - Jacob and Valentine who were at that time in their young manhood.
A large brick house was in course of erection. It was finished by them. The contractor Mr Jordan was a courtly young man for whom they formed a high regard. Soon after the house was finished Mr Jordan married. They gave him a grand reception to which the Misses Hannah were invited who had grown to be beautiful winsome young ladies. Mary Elizabeth was a blonde small with bright intellect and modest deportment. Edna was a brunette tall amiable and modest. They made their debut at this reception.
Isaac, Jacob and Valentine were in the full development of young manhood — were well-proportioned erect — six feet high and over — handsome gallant and courtly and were considered the best opportunities for husbands in all the country. Cupid put in his arrows on that “infair” occasion and from that time the gallant Isaac went wooing the fair Mary Elizabeth. Herparents were highly elated. After a few months he asked for her hand in marriage. Their consent and blessings were graciously given.
Then came a wedding and reception at the old homestead They went to housekeeping in the house she had occupied with her father at first until a new palatial brick residence on the same ground was built.
Jacob married the accomplished Miss Elizabeth Clark of Nolachucky They located immediately across the river and built one of the prettiest houses in the county
The union of Isaac and Mary Elizabeth threw Edna and Valentine much together Soon it was known Cupid had successfully used his arrows again. After a time Edna’s hand was asked by the greatly favored Valentine — again! as with the first couple with the hearty consent of the parents. Again nuptial ties were celebrated and the kind Edna with dark brown eyes and hair as black as a raven's wing became the mistress of the grand old homestead whee they have lived and loved all these years since and where Mrs Hannah has made her home in these later years.
Had all men been like Valentine and all women like "Grandma Hannah" there never would have been the sarcasm written about mothers-in-law tliat law has been.
Twelve children were horn to Mr and Mrs Hannah first three girls then three boys then three girls and three boys: Marv E Edi' Sarah J John IV E Mark Jamoc S Lucy 0 N Francis Charlotte S George M Andrew’ J and Farel Bratcher Two —
Sarah J and James S — died in their childhood
Mary E died leaving a family of five children N Fanny who married Dr James Stewart died leaving a family of three children
The eight living were present at the recent celebration
Mrs Edna DeVault J
ohn W of Tusculum
Mark of Austin’s Springs
M
rs Lucy C Jarnagin of Morristown
Mrs Charlotte McFerrin of Bristol
George M of Austin’s Springs
Dr Andrew J and
Dr F B of Umatilla Fla ...
