Biography of Dr. Samuel Sevier

Physician in Franklin County in pre-Civil War days and State Senator

The people of Franklin County are primarily interested in only one of the eight children of John and Catherine (Sherrill) Sevier, Dr. Samuel Sevier, the second son. He was the progenitor of the Sevier family of Franklin County and of North Alabama. Dr. Sevier was one of the prominent physicians of Russellville in pre-Civil War days. He is buried in the same cemetery in which his mother was buried. On his tombstone is found the following inscription:

DOCTOR SAMUEL SEVIER
BORN
JUNE 16, 1785
DIED
OCTOBER 25, 1849
AGED
64 YEARS, 4 MONTHS, 9 DAYS.

Dr. Sevier is said to have located in Russellville, Juee 10, 1836, and with him came his mother, Bonnie Kate. As she died in October of the same year, the reader sees that her period of residence in Russellville was very brief, though it was her burial place for more than eighty-five years. Samuel Sevier lived at the old Peter Martin Place, or where W. J. Hurn and family now live. His wife, according to Mrs. T. S. Hyde, was a Miss. Jane Rhea. The Rhea family was also prominent in early Tennessee history. Several children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Sevier. Among them were: John; Rhea; Benjamin; Daniel Vertner; Brannon; Jane married Louis Chisholm; Joanna married —— Dickson; Catherine married ——Merrill; Margaret married ———— Tenant; Ruth died in college; Samuel, Jr.

The above list may not be accurate in the order of arrangement.

It appears that John Sevier lived for a number of years in Tuscumbia.

Rhea Sevier died in Mississippi.

Benjamin Sevier was a physician. He lived for a while in Baldwin, Miss., and was also located at Russellville and at Belgreen. He is buried in the.old Town,Cemetery at Russellville.

Dr. Daniel Vertner Sevier was one of the best known physicians in Franklin County. He is said to have been a graduate of the Louisville Medical College. Dr. Sevier was located at Frankfort during its days of glory and, and there his first wife, who was Miss. Safrona Chisholm is buried. He was at Russellville for many years and was a leading citizen of that place. Dr. Sevier was a bold, outspoken man, and like his illustrious grandfather, General Sevier, was very brave. He was a member of the Church of Christ and a Republican. He was State Senator from Franklin County in 1868, and in 1871-72. He and second wife, who was Miss. Catherine Keelon, daughter of John Keelon, a prominent Franklin County planter, are buried in the Knights of Pythias cemetery in Russellville. Dr. Sevier was born July 2, 1823, and died November 22, 1901.

His Descendants

Mrs. Nancy Irvin Hyde, wife of T. S. Hyde of Russellville, is the only child of Dr. D. V. Sevier, who resides in Franklin County. She was born to his second wife. Mrs. Hyde is the mother of several sons and daughters who reside in Russellville.

Among the other children of Dr. Sevier are: Adelia married a Mr. Baumer; Samuel G., a physician of Texas; Cullen; Daniel Vertner, Jr., resides in Texas; Catherine Keelon; Nancy Irvin married T. S. Hyde; Jane died when young.

The first four of the above children of Dr. Sevier were born to his first wife.

There is a host of other descendants of John and Catherine (Sherrill) Sevier scattered throughout the country, many of whom are very prominent in public and social life. Two others, who deserve mention here are Miss. Mattie Sevier and Miss. Corrine Chisholm. Miss. Mattie Sevier, a daughter of D. V. Sevier, Jr., performed a marriage ceremony at Russellville in 1912. She is said to have been the first woman in Alabama to have performed this rite.

Miss. Corrine Chisholm, is at the head of the Girl Scouts of the South. She owns the famous “Dismal” near Phil Campbell, Ala., one of the scenic wonders of the state. Each summer Miss. Chisholm holds a very interesting camp there composed of girls from all parts of the South. In this way she is doing much to attract outsiders to the beautiful scenery and natural resources of Franklin County.


Source: Source: James, R. L. Distinguished Men, Women and Families of Franklin County, Alabama. Russellville, Ala., Private Publication, 1928. 111 p.

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