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I discovered this hand written document, I am transcribing, in my late father's
papers. Dad, William Walker May (1908-1983), was the son of Dr. Pink May and
his second wife, Kitty Desdemona Walker May (m. Dec. 6th, 1899), daughter of
the Rev. and Mrs. John Floyd Walker. Dr. May was the son of James Julius
Jenkins Pinckney May (Pulaski merchant, banker, and trustee of Martin
College) and Susanna Harris Abernathy May (daughter of Charles Clayton
Abernathy). He was the stepson of Marietta Westmoreland May. His two full
siblings who survived to adulthood were Charles William May and Emma May
(Mrs. Alonzo) Westmoreland. Dr. May's grandparents, William and Leacy Boon
May moved to the Pigeon Roost Creek area of Giles County from Franklin
County, NC, around 1834.
I do not know the person who wrote this document nor the location of the
planted tree. Because it was written after Dr. May's marriage to Dezzie and
before my father's birth, we can determine that the event took place between
1900 and 1908.
Dr. May's children who are mentioned are Dr. Elmo May, Roy May, Julius
Pinckney May, Edna Elizabeth May, and Ruby May (Orr).
Questions may be directed to me, Patricia May Touw at [email protected]
Biography of Dr. Julius P. May
Dr. Julius P. May for whom I plant this tree was born in Pulaski, Tenn.,
February 23, 1854. He is the fifth child in a family of twenty-one children.
He was educated at Giles College under the tutorage of her mightiest
instructors, Col. Alfred H. Abernathy, Col. C.C. Rogers and Capt. W. R.
Garrett. He ranked high at this noble institution, and still farther
prosecuted his studies at the University of Tennessee on that beautiful and
massive mountain of which his sturdy character drank inspiration. After
completing his studies he accepted a position as clerk in his father's store.
While here he made many acquaintances who still love to call him by the
endearing name friend and benefactor. Leaving this work he taught
successfully for a term of years in his native county, and many of our best
men and women trace their ambition and worth to Dr. May as their faithful
instructor and guide. Feeling that he had not yet reached that field of labor
for which nature and his splendid opportunities best fitted him, he gave up
the noble calling of teaching to prosecute the study and practice of
medicine. He entered the University of Louisville Kentucky at the age of 28
and graduated with distinction at the age of 30. On November 15th 1876, he
linked his destiny with that of the beautiful and accomplished Miss Dora
Butler, daughter of Dr. J.P. and Mrs. Sarah Butler of Aspen Hill. Their
wedded life was beautiful and happy, and to them were born three sons and two
daughters to bless home and make happy old age. His eldest son, Dr. E. E.
May, is now one of the rising men of Birmingham, Alabama, and his other two
sons hold honorable positions in the same city. His daughters are yet in
their teens but bid fair to shed honor and lustre upon the fair names of
their honored parents. Losing his beloved wife, Dr. May chose as a second
union that esteemable woman Miss Dezzie Walker, with whom he now lives. Dr.
May, though quiet in disposition, is a man of strong character. He is as
gentle as a lamb to his friends, but when stirred is a genuine lion in
disposition. He was never known to quake or fail when duty called him and
would willingly sacrifice self in service for his friends. He enjoys a strong
and lucrative practice and is a master in that great and beautiful science of
medicine. When he sees no earthly aid nor science in medicine can prolong the
life of his patient, he points them to the meek and lowly Jesus, our Savior,
and a balm for all wounds, and the Son of God. Dr. May has proven himself a
worthy son of his distinguished parents, an honor to his profession and a
blessing to mankind. In christening this tree for Dr. Julius P. May, I
bespeak for it that lofty posture which he holds in the hearts and minds of
his fellow citizens.
Submitted by Patricia May Touw
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