John Overton

John Overton

Born: 1766

Died: 1833

It is quite easy to argue that only John Overton that can be called the true father of Memphis. Not only did he purchase the land, he was the most active in the quick surveying, layout and promotion of the planned community. Truly the land would have been less valuable without the behind the scenes machinations of Andrew Jackson in ridding the land of Indians and other government favors, but even there it was Overton who brought Jackson in as a partner.

Overton, like all successful early Americans was a Virginian. His earliest Overton ancestors to appear on the continent came here in 1660. The youngest of five brothers John was born to tobacco growers who were struggling under poor conditions. He and his five brothers all migrated further south to Kentucky and Tennessee.

After finishing his studies John Overton moved to Nashville, or as he called it at the time “West Tennessee“. He took up lodging in the house of the Widow Donelson, whose daughter, Rachel Robeson would become one of the most well-known (for good and ill) women in America. One of the other boarders in Mrs. Donnelson's boarding house was Andrew Jackson, a young lawyer who was to become Overton's fast friend and partner for life. Jackson would go on to marry Rachel Robeson before her divorce was official, creating a great scandal during his presidency, but both men would go on to create many and sundry land deals that were to become profited nicely, in part due to Jackson's political power.

Overton first purchased the tract on the fourth Chickasaw Bluff from one Elisha Rice, the brother of the original owner John Rice who was killed by Indians before he could develop or profit from the area. As was the custom between Jackson and Overton, half of the property was considered to be Jackson's. Jackson paid Overton $100 for the half, although Overton's purchase price was $500. Whatever the consideration both men were apparently happy with the deal.

Once known as the richest man in Tennessee Overton was basically an administrator. Adroit, efficient, his reputation was that he administered without conflict. Overton served as Tennessee's Supervisor of Revenue, Judge of the Court of Law and Equity and Judge of the Superior Court. Over time he and his partner Jackson owned 80,000 acres of claims in West Tennessee.

Overton remained a bachelor most of his life. At the age of 54 he finally married. His bride, Mary McConnell White May was the widow of Francis May and the daughter of General James White and sister of Hugh Lawson White a senator and one-time presidential candidate. Nine inches taller and 17 years younger than Overton, Mary already had five children. Overton continued to take an interest in his children, nieces and nephews throughout his life.

The same year he married John Overton and business partner James Winchester traveled to the fourth Chickasaw bluff to look over their claim. The previous year Overton, Winchester and Jackson had signed a 10 year contract to hold their profits in common and Overton had successfully petitioned for the formation of Shelby County. The trip to Memphis was largely to sell lots, which proved a disappointment. At the time there were 53 residents within the county lines.

Before his death in 1833 Overton managed to insure the incorporation of Memphis. The sales had continued to be meager however as Memphis growth was quite gradual. Overton still died a very wealthy man with few detractors. His life was marked by work, diligence and sound financial judgment. There are certainly worse things that may be said of a man. Memphis's most beloved park is named for John Overton. The park and enclosed zoo are held so sacred by Memphians that the area constitutes one of only two breaks in Interstate 40 which otherwise spans the North American continent.