Scott County's 102-year-old jail

Historic Scott Co. Jail soon to be history
By Bob Fowler
Sunday, July 27, 2008
"I figure they'll try to palm it off on me," said Irene Baker, for 25 years the president of the Scott County Historical Society. "It would be a good place to store county records," she said. (Irene is the capable President of the local Society and reminds me much of the past Claiborne County Historical Society President, Mary Parkey).


Downtown Huntsville is historic and charming with meaning unique sites many a tourists will miss. There needs to be a historic walking tour developed that includes the jail, the bank, lunch at C&K Café, a stop at the Historical Society, a walk in the park and possibly other sites.

TENNESSEE - Scott County - Vacant / Not In Use

Old Scott County Jail (added 1974 - Building - #74001927)
Scott County - Courthouse Sq., Huntsville
(20 acres, 1 building)

Historic Significance:	Event, Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer:	Barnwell,J.G.
Architectural Style:	No Style Listed
Area of Significance:	Architecture, Politics/Government
Period of Significance:	1900-1924
Owner:	Local Gov't
Historic Function:	Government
Historic Sub-function:	Correctional Facility
Current Function:	Vacant/Not In Use

A mistake from the TNGENWEB. They misspell my Great great Grandfather's first name and in an effort to infuse some sanctity to the Jehu name I have put this page online so as not to confuse the unknowing public. This sort of mistake should not be used knowingly by historians. The following taken from this TNGENWEB SITE.

Among the town’s earliest stores, there is a close "first and second" between Mr. KEEN’s first and Mr. J. HUGH (Misspelled by TNGENWEB - should be JEHU) & PHILLIPS’ second. Mr. KEEN may have had many things that Mr. (JEHU) PHILLIPS did not have; but there was one thing for sure: Mr. (JEHU) PHILLIPS had a way and a wit with customers never to be forgotten by those who have ever known or heard of him.

On an occasion during the Civil War, people were allotted rations very much like they were during World War II. The customers were lined up at daylight at Mr. (JEHU) PHILLIPS’ store, as he was the "examiner" for the government. If he thought you were in need, he would deal with you accordingly.

On this occasion a strange woman appeared in the line and made her way to the head of it three times, only to be taken away from it each time by the examiner. The last time, she wanted to know of Mr. (JEHU) PHILLIPS why? He told her to step aside until all the others were served, remarking, "I have been told you are a ‘furriner’ and besides a lewd woman. Now when I am through I am going to ‘zamine’ you and see about those charges." (I hope this reference made was not to suggest some inpropriaty by JEHU).

The following from - Index to the FNB Chronicles

Spring 2000, Vol. 11, No. 3
- Notes on Our Phillips Heritage, (1674-1996) - Probably about the time I gave information to my brother George Payne to take to Irene Sobodosky Baker and it was never returned to me.
- Follow Up on Joel Dyer Story
- The Last Will & Testament of John Phillips of Richmond County, Virginia

Back to Joe Payne's Claiborne County Page