lelliott19
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After the November 29 failed assault on Fort Sanders at Knoxville, Longstreet abandoned the siege and retired further into East Tennessee. Leaving the city on December 4, 1863, his forces reached Rogersville, TN on December 9th. Following a return trip down the valley toward Knoxville for some skirmishes and engagements, the various brigades of Longstreets force settled in at Russellville, TN for an extremely cold and miserable winter.
It was here at Russellville, TN on or about December 22, 1863 that Lieut Gen James Longstreet established his headquarters at the Nenney House. The various brigades of Longstreet's command established winter quarters on nearby farms, as close to the railroad as possible. At the time, the Nenney house was considered a "fashionable" modern home. In 1834, William Nenney purchased the land and moved a small house onto it. Additions were made to the original house over the next decade, so that eventually, the original cabin became a wing of the main house.
Prior to 1850, William's brother, Charles Nenney, moved into the house with his wife Sarah Nenney and their children. Charles was a farmer and merchant, who helped to found the East Tennessee & Virginia Railroad. He also served as one of the first trustees of the historic Bethesda Presbyterian Church.
In 1857, Charles Nenney died, leaving Sarah a widow with six children. On the 1860 US Census, Sarah is listed as head of household, with three children at home and still attending school. Her daughter, Lucy, had recently died also.
Although this area of East Tennessee was heavily divided, the three sons of Charles and Sarah Nenney supported the Confederacy in various capacities. Son William served in the 3rd Engineers; James joined the 6th TX cavalry; and Charles served as Russellville's depot agent.