Monroe County Observer, (Monroe Co. TN) May 1, 1974, Page 2:

“Descendants Of Pioneer Hagler, Stapp & Wear Families Sought---’My husband and I are Illinois teachers who recently spent part of our spring vacation in Monroe County. Mr. Gifford is a geologist, so he was particularly interested in seeing the terrain of the county, including a trip to the Lost Sea and the Tellico National Forest area. We both enjoyed the scenery, agreeing that the green-clad hills and valleys, the gorgeous Dogwood blossoms and the towering Smokies combined to make breathtaking beauty.’ Mary Ellen Stapp Gifford, Park Forest, Illinois, said in a letter to the editor [Dan Hicks] yesterday.

Her Letter follows:

“My primary interest in Monroe County is its history, since some of my ancestors were pioneer settlers, and I am gathering data for a family history. Isaac Hagler and his family and three Stapp brothers--Thomas, Robert and Achilles, migrated from Wilkes County, North Carolina about 1820, settling in the Ball Play and Tellico Plains area of Monroe County. Hugh Wear went to Monroe County very early also, probably from Blount County.

While we were in Monroe County last week, we “mined” the records in the court house where we found important data. We bought a copy of the Sesqui-Centennial edition of the Monroe County Democrat and read every word---twice!

We met Patrolman Lloyd Stapp and his wife of Sweetwater, and enjoyed hearing family stories. Many people were kind and helpful, but we owe special thanks to Mr. Robert T. Lee and to Lucy (Mrs. Jesse D.) Stapp, both of whom were especially gracious and cooperative.

I am eager to contact descendants of the pioneer Hagler, Stapp & Wear families who still reside in East Tennessee. To this end I am preparing an advertisement which I’d like for you to run in The Observer.”

Mary Stapp Gifford
321 Dogwood
Park Forest, IL 60466