The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1914-06-25
HISTORIC ESTATE is HOME
OF SENATOR ]. X. SHIELDS

The following description of Sena-
tor John X. Shields estate, "Clipeh-
dale" was read at an open meeting
of the Tennessee Woman's Press and
Authors club by Mrs. Hortense Nc
Donald:
Interested Tennesseans always
view with pride the ante-bellum
homes scattered through the state,
and on this account the visit this
morning to 'Clinchdale,' the beauti-
full country place of Senator John X
Shields, near Tate Spring, was
courtesy especially enjoyed by the
delegates to the convention. Mr..
and Mrs. John Jarnigan were respon-
sible for this special attention at
forded the visitors to Granger coun-
ty.
over 1000 acres make up this
ideal country place, for the larger
part the most historical land in Ten
nessee. The white-columned portico
and sweeping lawn are distinctly
southern, and the impression they
convey is one of romance and charm,
such as one might find in an illus
tration for Thomas Nelson Pages
books.
According to Senator Shields, the
history of 'Clinchdale dates back just
100 years, at time when East Ten
nessee was a large factor in the MAX
ing of our country. The land is a
part of the Bean grant, which was
first occupied by William English and
his wife, early settlers who were kill
ed by the Indians.
"The house is located on the fam
GUS Old Emigrant road, used by An
drew Jackson and other travellers
who occasionally went to New York
and Washington. AT short distance
from the house the road is crossed
by another thoroughfare, known long
ago as the South Carolina road. The
crossroads point has figured promi-
nently as a history-making site in
this state, having been a strategic
point in the battle of Bean Station.
The breastworks of the fedral SOL
diers may still be seen on an emf
nence commanding the road.
AL 10
Stand, one of the few existing road
houses of pioneer days. This inn
was one, Of the GSsf fgaEsa heuses
built in Tennessee. The boards were
sawed by hand with 'whipsaw,' and
the nails made by a blacksmith. 1t
Is said that Gen. Jackson spent the
night there en- route to his Inaugural
ton at Washington. A man by the
rame of Copeland was the genial
Lost who dispensed good cheer to the
weary stage coach travellers.
Somewhere near this place, on
what is now the Shields estate, stood
block house, one of the first senti-
nels of an encroaching civilization.
The sad fate of the settlers, William
English and his wife, made this nee
cssary, and it was here that the Eng
lish children were brought after the
captivity among the Indians. In this
old fort were housed members of the
Bean, Guild, Jarnigan and Shields
families, who still may be found re-
siding on their original grants.
"Clinchdale' was very beautiful to
the visitors today in its lovely set
ting of June roses and magnolia trees,
The old garden remains the same as
it did sixty years ago, when 1t was
tended by the careful hands of Judge
Shields mother. Here, hemmed in by
lilac hedge, holly-hocks, peonies
honeysuckle and roses, are riot OF
loneliness.
"The house, with its old-fashioned
adjoining offices of before-the-war
days, is a beautiful example of south
ern architecture. Beautifully kept, il
is a fitting reminder of half century
ago. Inside the old world atmos-
phere is faithfully preserved by many
specimen pieces of rare mahogany
The library and dining room were es-
pccially attractive, with the sunlight
altering in through half-closed
blinds and reflected on the polished
wood and the crystal appointments Of
table and buffet. 'Clinchdale' is es.
scntially home and one which East
Tennessee should claim with pride"