Rutherford County Tennessee Historical Society

10/21/2026

Riverdale High School Under Construction
The Daily News-Journal
Sun, Jan 02, 1972 ·Page 1

10/20/2026

Here's a great opportunity to learn more about the Coffee County Historical Society - the work we do and the stories we uncover.

10/20/2026

Our prayers and condolences go out to the family of Bill Stickley, a RCHS Member, who recently passed away. Bill's roots go way back to the Crosswaite-Ridley family of Rutherford County, TN.

View William "Bill" Stickley's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

10/20/2026

10/20/2026

Stories of Service and Sacrifice

Tom Miles was born in 1894 to parents Webb and Lelia Miles in the state of Tennessee. In 1914, World War I had begun overseas. Shortly after U.S. involvement, the call to serve was sent out. Tom Miles enlisted with the U.S. Army on April 29, 1918, at Camp Lee, Petersburg, Virginia.

He served as a private in Company A of the 320th Service Battalion, Quartermaster Corps. These service battalions, often referred to as labor battalions, were primarily African American units whose work sustained the front: loading and unloading ships and trains, building trenches, bridges, and roads, transporting supplies, staffing depots, and supporting artillery movements. In this role, Tom Miles and the 320th formed an essential backbone for operations in France, keeping the army moving and supplied as the war evolved.

Private Miles remained overseas for the duration of WWI and was sent back to the United States when the war ended. He was honorably discharged on July 9, 1919, and returned to Maury County, Tennessee, where he resumed civilian life.

Utilizing the skills he learned while in service, Tom became a laborer for the railroad. He continued this profession well into his late-30s.

On March 20, 1922, at the age of 28, Tom married Dona Buckanan, in Maury County, Tennessee. The two had twelve years of life together before Tom was admitted to the Rutherford County Veteran’s Hospital on May 24, 1934. Although it is unclear as to why Tom was initially admitted to the hospital, he would spend only 2 weeks there before he died. On June 6, 1934, Tom Miles would die due to a pulmonary infarction at just 40 years old. He left behind his wife, Dona, and no known children.

Tom Miles is laid to rest in Stones River National Cemetery in plot Q-6160.

You can read more about Tom and other stories spanning more than 160 years of service to our nation and its ideals at go.nps.gov/sacrifice.

Stories of Service and Sacrifice is an initiative remembering at least 250 individuals buried at Stones River National Cemetery and their contributions to our nation’s 250-year story.

10/20/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoO1mUXl7aQ

Versailles native Pettus Read tells the story of Browns Mill in Las...

10/19/2026

Gen. Hardee's Corps are at Eagleville, between Triune and Murfreesboro.
Memphis Daily Appeal
Wed, Dec 17, 1862 ·Page 2

10/19/2026

Ladies of the South, Nashville Organization sent Ladies of Eagleville much needed supplies for afflicted soldiers under their care.
The Tennessean
Wed, Nov 27, 1861 ·Page 3

10/19/2026

A Military Company was organized at Eagleville.
Republican Banner
Sat, Jun 22, 1861 ·Page 2

10/19/2026

A Union Pole at Eagleville
Daily Nashville Patriot
Wed, Feb 06, 1861 ·Page 3