Hugh
Whiteside
Hon. Hugh Whiteside, ex-mayor of Chattanooga, enjoys the distinction of being
the first native of that city, who has held the office of mayor, and the first
native of that city who has attained political prominence since the war. He was
born in Chattanooga in 1854, and is a son of Hon. James A. Whiteside, one or the
most distinguished men who has lived in this section since it was first settled.
Our subject entered college at Sewanee in 1869, and graduated in 1873 at the age
of nineteen. In 1877 he entered Washington Law University at St. Louis,
graduating in the ensuing year, and began to practice in 1879. After serving as
an alderman he was nominated for mayor by the Democrats by acclamation in 1883,
and with a majority of 500 to 750 against him, was elected by nine votes, after
one of the strongest fights ever made in the city. Mr. Whiteside's
administration of the city's affairs has been characterized by public spirit,
prudence and a fine sense of duty. In 1880 he married Miss Gertrude Staley, one
of the city's most accomplished young ladies, and they have an interesting and
happy family. In August, 1886, he was elected county judge for a period of eight
years, and is now filling that office. His father, Col. James A. Whiteside
(deceased), was a native of Kentucky, born September 1, 1803, and the son of
Jonathan and Thankful Whiteside. He came to the Sequatchie Valley in early
childhood, and carried mail to Chattanooga when a young man. In 1840 he moved to
Chattanooga, and practiced law until about 1850, after which he devoted his
whole time, studying internal improvements of the States. He was in the State
Legislature one term, and for many years was manager and vice-president of the
North Carolina & St. Louis Railroad, being instrumental in extending the St.
Louis branch from Nashville. He was also the originator or the Atlantic Great
Southern & Missouri Central Railroads. He was first married, February 5,
1829, to Mary J. Massengill to whom five children were born, two now living. She
died in April, 1843, and February 1, 1844, he married Harriet L. Stran, a native
of Virginia, who bore him nine children, one, Ann Newell, dying in infancy, the
balance are still living, viz.: James Leonard, of Chattanooga; Florence, of
Boston, Mass.; Helen, Mrs. R. Walkins, of Chattanooga.; Vernon, of Chattanooga;
Hugh, William, Charles and Glenn, all of Chattanooga. The Colonel at the time of
his decease, November 1, 1861, had great confidence in the future of
Chattanooga, and was a very large land holder at that place. Our subject's
mother, Harriet L., resides in Chattanooga, and is one of the wealthy and
enterprising business citizens.
Goodspeed's
"History of East Tennessee" 1887