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The following is an exact copy of the article printed in the GAINESBORO SENTINEL at the time of John H. Stafford's death in April, 1925.
JOHN H. STAFFORD DIED UNEXPECTEDLY
John H. Stafford, age 77, one of the most prominent citizens of our town and county, died unexpectedly Friday morning, April 30, at three o'clock of neuralgia of the heart. Mr Stafford retired at his usual hour Wednesday night, after partaking of a hearty supper prepared by his wife. Just before retiring he told his wife that he thought from the way he felt that he had eaten too much and requested her not to let him eat too much again. She made a casual reply to this request and they were soon asleep. Mrs. Stafford was aroused at an early hour Thursday morning and realizing that Mr. Stafford was dangerously ill called a neighbor. A doctor was hurriedly called, but death occurred before any medical aid could be rendered.
Mr. Stafford had not been in good health since December, 1924, and during recent weeks had spoken to his friends and family, that he was of the opinion that he would not live but a short time. Only the day before his death he had settled some accounts stating that he did not want to leave any accounts unpaid, if he happened to die. His death was a great shock to the entire town and many friends throughout the county.
Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon by the Rev. H.A. Brown, pastor of the Church of Christ, who paid a fitting tribute to the life of the deceased, stating his love for his wife and children and the daily deeds of charity he performed went a long ways to determine the character of person in the future world.
Interment in the Stafford Cemetery four miles south of town. The active pallbearers were; L.G. Strode, P.J. Anderson, Harry Page, Landon Dudney, and J.F. Gaines. Honorary pallbearers: D.B. Johnson, G.G. Haile, J. M. Dudney, F.M. Anderson, F.L. Tardy, Chas. Brown. During the funeral the business houses were closed and the citizens of the town attended enmasse. Several beautiful floral designs were given by friends which attested to the high esteem in which the deceased was held.
Mr. Stafford was born in Jackson County January 24, 1848, and had been active in public life since a very young man. He enlisted in the Union Army at the age of 15 and served the last year of the Civil War as a private, being the youngest member of his company, and one of the few from this county serving in the Union Army. From his service in the Union Army he received the name of "Yankee John" and was so called by his friends. For a number of years following the war he was engaged in farming in which he was successful.
In August 1886, he was elected trustee of Jackson County and re-elected in 1888. In 1900 he was a candidate for county court clerk and defeated by only 31 votes. In 1902 he was tendered the nomination by the Republicans of the Tenth Senatorial district as their nominee for the State Senate, in opposition to John M. Davis, the Democrat nominee, and a very spirited election defeated Davis by a large majority. In July, 1908 he was appointed postmaster at this place by President Roosevelt, serving until 1914. He was a member of the local bar and had been employed as counsel in the important litigations of the county for 30 years. He made an excellent record as a public servant and served his county, state and nation well. He was a leader of the Republican Party in this county and the party's growth in the first district is due to the efforts he put forth. He was a member of the county courts from the First Civil district and always took an active part in the proceedings of the business sessions of the court. He was Mayor of Gainesboro two years and had served as deputy sheriff several years ago.
Mr. Stafford was married three times. His first wife, Miss Eliza Netherton, died in 1868. To this union was born one child. His second, Miss Martha Meadows, (they married in 1870) died February 28, 1898. Eleven children were born to this union. Five children proceeded him in death, Mary in infancy, Mrs. Lena Dixon, Palo age eight, Edward in San Francisco, California, soldier in the Spanish American War and Clay, age 10. He married for the third, Miss Laura Bilbrey of Overton County, January 23, 1900 who survives him. He is survived by seven children: Two daughters, Mrs. Lottie York, of Coalinga, California; Mrs Poston, of Gainesboro and five sons; J.R. Stafford of Nashville, Tennessee, G.C. Stafford and J.M. Stafford of Long Beach, California; George Stafford of Ventura, California; and J.W. Stafford of Gainesboro.
He was an associate of John J. Gore and Cordell Hull.
DOWN TO EARTH "YANKEE JOHN" KNEW HIS LAW - By Elmer Hinton
I would guess that the most unusual pleas ever entered in U.S. District Court here in behalf of a client was made by the late "Yankee John" Stafford, a colorful trial lawyer of Jackson County. Stafford (I have heard that he was the grandfather of singer Jo Stafford) was defending Marlin Heady, another Jackson County character who was continually in court on charges connected with illegal manufacture of moonshine liquor.
Yankee John was an ingenious lawyer. But this time the fellows around the courthouse at Gainesboro said he was bound to lose this case. They figured Heady was guilty as charged and he might as well plead like that, which could help his case with the judge. They should have known, though, that Yankee John wouldn't give in like that. Just before the time of entering the plea, Yankee John had a court conference with Heady."Marlin" , he said, "ain't you been known to have fits in yore lifetime?" "I shore have, Yankee John" replied Heady," and I can have another if you tell me to." "Well, I can't tell you to have a fit, " Yankee John said, "but if you happen to have a fit when the clerk asks you if you're guilty or not guilty, it might help your case." Well, when they called Heady around and asked if he wanted to plead guilty or not guilty, he spouted soap suds from his mouth, made a terrible face, snapped and growled, flailed the air with his arms and lunged forward toward the clerk. It made a big commotion in the courtroom. It took 3 deputy marshals to subdue Heady and the judge was terribly upset. When things quieted down a bit, the judge asked in a kind of trembly voice; "What attorney represents this man?" "I do, your honor", said Yankee John. "Then what plea do you want to enter for him?" asked the judge." Idiotcy, your Honor" replied Yankee John. Which was the first time, so far as anyone knew, that such a plea had been entered in any court in the country. But it worked. The case against moonshiner Heady was dismissed.
Census:
- District 1. Listed as James Stafford, age 13, in the househould of Duke and Malissa Young.
- District 1. Listed a farmer with 2nd wife Martha J., sons Eliza, Jno. W. & Jas. E., daughter Lena R., brother-in-law Jason Meadow age 20 b. TN, stepmother widow Betsy age 56 b. TN and brother Joseph age 25 b. TN. Parents born in TN.
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1848 - 1924 (76 years)
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