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James Hiram And Mary Ann Beaty Conatser
James Hiram Conatser was born in Fentress County Jan. 1, 1870, the first child of
George "Duke" Conatser and Rebecca Mathews (1841/1845-?). His grandfather was
David Conatser (1804/1808-?), born in either KY or TN, both states are given on the
census. His grandmother was Sebretta Beaty born 1813 in TN.
Mary Ann Beaty, born 1874 at Little Crab was his first wife. Mary Ann was the daughter of
Isaac "Tobe" ["Toke"?] Beaty (1852-1821/22) and Margaret Jane Hinds
(1852/56-1898).
Their children were Laura Belie born March 14, 1891 and Epsie A. born Jan. 1894. Mary Ann
died 1892-98 and is buried in the Dr. Chism or old Elias Bowden Cemetery in West Fentress
County.
"Jim" then married Martha Elizabeth Irving born 1862/64 in Fentress County. She
was thought to be the niece of Wade Irving. Upon her marriage, Wade gave her a farm
located on the curve of the Round Mountain Stockton Road where the old Round Mountain
School was located. The farm was considered to be "the richest in Fentress County at
one time". It obtained this description due to the meadows that were used for growing
hay. Atthe time, only wild hay was grown so farmers used cane or corn fodder for hay. The
farm was also well known because of the large bluff from under which many Indian relies
were dug. Because of the location of the farm, on Yellow Creek, "Jim" came to be
known as "Yellow Creek Jim" to distinguish him from other Jim Conatsers' in the
area.
Two children were born to the couple. They were Effie (1899-1937) and Maude A. (19041909).
Both are buried in the City Cemetery with their mother, who died Nov. 24, 1924, buried
between them.
After Martha's death, "Jim" married Fannie Copley (1880-1945). They had no
children. Fannie is buried in the Copley Cemetery near East Jamestown.
"Jim" was a small frame man known as a "real hard worker who didn't stop
even when it rained". At one time, he was "a wealthy man" but died a near
pauper on May 13, 1947. "Jim" was almost buried in the Stockton Cemetery but, on
the morning the grave was to be dug, a grandchild told the others that "Grandpa Jim
had wanted to be buried at Allardt Cemetery". Welter Gernt was contacted and the plot
chosen by "Jim", at Allardt, was used.
by Judy Moulton
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