Martha Rose Woodward

Leoma, Tennessee Martha Rose Woodward

Located 89 miles south of Nashville, Tennessee, the unincorporated community of Leoma, Tennessee began as a town in 1893 when A. H. Freemon moved his sawmill to the area so he could ship lumber by rail. Settlers began to move to the area found to be full of trees, wild game, and plenty of sources for water. Prior to 1911, the rural area was known as Dean Switch because the train cars were switched out near the depot. When a post office was established the name was changed to Leoma by a railroad clerk. Using a humorous blend of rumors and gossip in order to record the history of their hometown to relatives and others, author Martha Rose Woodward and editor LaShawn Howell Baxter included vintage photographs, personal interviews, and records found at Lawrence County Archives, their own files and those of local residents.