Sixteen Jarnagin Descendants to Attend Glenmore Mansion 150th Birthday Celebration

During Glenmore Mansion’s 150 years of existence only two families have called the mansion “home.” The John Roper Branner family that built the mansion in 1868 and Milton P. Jarnagin family who bought the property in 1882.

After her husband’s death, Deborah Branner lived at Glenmore for only 13 years, selling the property to Milton P. Jarnagin and wife Agnes who lived out their natural life at Glenmore, raising five children. Their oldest son, Frank Watkins Jarnagin returned to Glenmore and with his wife, Mary, raised their three children, living at Glenmore for 53 years. Thus, two generations of Jarnagins, called Glenmore home for some 83 years.

On June 9th some 16 Jarnagin descendants will be returning to help the local Glenmore Preservation Society celebrate Glenmore’s 150th year. Jarnagin descendants will be arriving in Jefferson City from Iowa, North Carolina, Florida, and Chattanooga, Tennessee to visit Glenmore, renewing memories of visiting grandparents Frank & Mary Jarnagin and establishing links to the past for great-great grandchildren who may not have visited Glenmore.

Festivities begin at 10:15 AM with a formal program highlighting a history of Glenmore Mansion. Bob Jarnagin, Jefferson County Historian, will emcee introductions of special guest and memories shared by Jarnagin descendants. Visitors will step back in time by listening to Dr. John Welton give a first-person monologue of John Roper Branner, circa 1868, followed by Glenmore docent, Phil Kindred, speaking as Milton P. Jarnagin, circa 1890. Dr. Brad Bull will share his memories of living at Glenmore in the 1970’s when his family served as resident caretakers living in the mansion’s Doll Town wing.

Lunch will be available for purchase on-site from Two Coaches BBQ and complimentary birthday cake will be served to all in attendance from the front porch.

Beginning at 1:00 PM and ending at 4:00 PM the following activities will be available. (1) the Mansion will be open for self-guided tours, (2) Sons of Confederate Veterans and Daughters of Confederate Veterans will be in period dress and have static encampment display and uniform display will be on the Glenmore lawn. (3) Several local historical and genealogical groups will also have displays and persons present to help you learn about Jefferson County and Mossy Creek local history and tracing your genealogical roots. (4) Live Blue Grass music will be provided throughout the afternoon for your listening enjoyment. Local band Blue Moon and the Bob Climer Family will perform on the stage near the big tent on Glenmore’s east lawn. (5) Local “storytellers” will share memories of past Mossy Creek events in the Glenmore Parlor and (6) Barbara Aston-Wash will host a book signing for her new book, Bless Her Heart, chronicling the life of former Jefferson County resident, Ellen McClung Berry.

Bring your folding camp chair, sit under the tent or a shade tree and enjoy the day. All Glenmore events are FREE, BBQ lunch with two sides and drink can be purchased on-site