Martha Community

Comswellsy Simmons, her son, received the "Horseshoe Bend" of Guyan River, 

and a large portion of Heath's Creek land was divided into small tracts 

and sold, most of which has changed hands several times. The "Horseshoe" 

proper remained in the hands of the Simmons for a long while. 

Colonel Simmons being the oldest child of his mother's family was 

appointed guardian of his brother, Sampson Saunders Simmons, who was named 

for his uncle Sampson Saunders and made his home with Colonel Simmons 

until he became of age, at which time he received one- half of the 

"Horseshoe" for his portion of his mother's estate. The Colonel Simmon's 

half of this farm sold to Alvin Davis and the Sampson Simmon's half was 

sold to Bailey Thornburg. Later both Davis and Thornburg sold to Davidson 

Brother. Davidson Brothers sold to Attorney G. J. McComas, Mr. McComas 

sold to R. J. Armstrong and Charlie Miller. Armstrong sold to Pat Riley, 

the present owner. 

The balance of the 1800 acres fell to the other heirs, which were: Ann A. 

Love, wife of Peter E. Love; Naomi, wife of George O. Galliher; Malinda, 

second wife of George O. Galliher; and Mary Frances, wife of Dr. B. C. 

Vinson; all daughters of Mary Killgore Simmons. Since the latter three 

sisters lived in other sections of the country they sold their interests 

in the remaining 1000 acres to their sister Ann A. Love. This farm was 

known as the Peter Love farm. The back portion of the farm was divided 

into small tracts and sold. The front portion which is known as "Rich 

Bottom" contains about 300 acres is now owned by J. J. Perry. This estate 

has also passed out of the hands of the Sampson Saunder's heirs. The 

owners of all these lands are good citizens. 

The most important homesteads are the farms now owned by John W. Love and 

Joe Phipps. The farm of Love is one of the oldest in this community. The 

small stone house now standing in his yard is, perhaps, the oldest 

building in all this country. It was built sometime prior to 1800. A man 

by the name of Richey owned both the Love and Phipps farms and later sold 

them to Mr. Pennel, father of our Thomas Pennel who married Miss Nannie 

Rodgers. Later this farm passed into the hands of Major George McKendrie 

from whom it was purchased by J. W. and C. S. Love and was divided. C. S. 

Love sold his portion to Mrs. Joe Phipps. John Love's farm is now in the 

best state of cultivation of any farm in the community and supports a 

splendid dairy. John Love married Miss Kate Jackson of Boon County, 

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