William Acklen
Location:
Fairvue Plantation and Belmont Mansion
Relations:
Son of Maria; siblings include Ezekiel and Mary Ann
Documentation:
1849 – May – Listed in Joseph Acklen marriage contract as belonging to Adelicia. Since William was not listed in the 1847 inventory of Isaac Franklin’s estate, it is likely he was born between September 1847 and May 1849.
1857 - October 8 - Listed in legal document in which Adelicia changed the trustee of her estate from her father, O. B. Hayes, to her husband, Joseph Acklen.
1866 - A William Acklen, age 19, a former slave of Adelicia's and a servant after the war, was called as a witness for damages that occurred at Belmont during the Civil War. This document indicated his birth year as 1847.
Other Possible Sources:
1865 – September 28 – A William Acklen or Ackler was married to Rosa Powers by Rev. Lemon in Davidson County. [book 5 page 75] William, son of Maria would have been 18 if born in 1847 and 16 if born in 1849. No other references to this couple have been located.
1889 – April 4 – A William A Acklen was married to Mary A. Boyd by J.M. Mitchell in Davidson County. (Book 9, page 155)
1889 – Nashville City Directory listed a William R. Acklen as a driver. Also listed with the same occupation in 1890.
1890 – Nashville City Directory listed a William Acklen living on Deluge Street. This person is not listed in the 1889 or 1891 directory.
1890 – July 31 - A William (Billy) Acklen died at the age of 70. He was born in Tennessee, married, and resided on Deluge Street. He died of dysentery, and his death was certified by Dr. Richard Cheatham (son of Adelicia’s third husband Dr. William A. Cheatham). He was buried at Mt. Ararat Cemetery. This is probably not the same William Acklen as this man would have been born around 1820.
1893 – Nashville City Directory listed a William R. Acklen as a salesman.
1896 – Nashville City Directory listed a Mary Acklen, widow of William, lived at 819 High Street.
1900 – Nashville City Directory listed a William D. Acklen was listed as a porter.
1900 – Nashville City Directory listed a William R. Acklen is listed as a painter. Also listed with the same occupation in the 1902, 1903, 1909, and 1913 directories.