J. Percy Priest: The Man Behind Middle Tennessee’s Beloved Lake
Stretching 42 miles from Smyrna northwest toward Nashville, J. Percy Priest Lake stands as one of Tennessee’s most popular recreational destinations. This man-made reservoir covers 14,200 acres across Davidson, Rutherford, and Wilson counties, serving millions of visitors each year. Yet behind this massive body of water lies the remarkable story of the unlikely politician for whom it was named—a humble newspaperman who defied all odds to serve Tennessee in Congress for sixteen years.
The Unlikely Congressman
James Percy Priest was born April 1, 1900, in Maury County, Tennessee. This slight, balding man was once memorably described by House Doorkeeper William “Fishbait” Miller as “ugly as homemade sin,” but possessed of a remarkably sweet and kindly nature that would endear him to colleagues and constituents throughout his career.
After attending State Teacher’s College in Murfreesboro
Congressman J. Percy Priest
and Nashville’s Peabody College, Priest taught school in Maury County before discovering his true calling as a reporter for the Nashville Tennessean. He later joined the editorial staff, initially working as a sports writer—a perfect assignment for someone who loved sports as much as he did.
During his newspaper career, Priest worked for the Tennessean under both Colonel Luke Lea and later Silliman Evans. The newspaper routinely battled its conservative rival, the Nashville Banner, over public policy and candidates, with the Tennessean championing liberal causes while the Banner supported more traditional conservative policies. This experience in the rough-and-tumble world of Tennessee journalism would serve Priest well in his future political career.
A Political Vacuum
Nashville’s congressional politics changed dramatically in the 1930s. Long-serving Congressman Joseph W. Byrns had risen to Speaker of the House by 1935, but his sudden death in June 1936 created a significant power vacuum. After a fierce Democratic primary battle, District Attorney Richard Atkinson won by just fourteen votes, only to be defeated in 1938 by Joseph W. Byrns, Jr.
The younger Byrns lacked his father’s political skills and gracious disposition. At age 34, he seemed more interested in Washington than his constituents, famously refusing to campaign at home in 1940, claiming he was “needed in Washington”—an odd assertion for a freshman congressman to make.
Did You Know? There was once a beach at Sewart Air Force Base & Percy Priest Lake
The Breaking Point
Byrns created a political firestorm when he opposed President Roosevelt’s call for conscription, siding with isolationist Republicans despite having run as an FDR supporter. Voters in the “Hermitage District” were appalled by this betrayal, and by September 1940, there were rumblings about an Independent candidate challenging Byrns in the general election.
Colleagues at the Tennessean began promoting Percy Priest for the race. On September 9, 1940, the unlikely candidate announced his candidacy, facing seemingly impossible odds. He had no money, no political experience, and was running against the Democratic nominee in one of the most Democratic districts in the country—a district that had been home to Andrew Jackson and bore the prestigious Byrns name.
David vs. Goliath
The campaign was fierce and dramatic. The Tennessean supported its own Percy Priest, while the Nashville Banner backed Byrns. Despite this opposition, even Banner publisher James Stahlman admitted Priest’s good qualities in his column, a testament to the newspaperman’s character.
Priest shrewdly attacked Byrns for siding with Republicans and associated himself with popular Democrats, declaring he wanted to “stay on the job with President Roosevelt, Cordell Hull, Senator McKellar, Senator Stewart, Albert Gore and other Democratic Congressmen.” Though many of these Democrats officially supported Byrns as the party nominee, Priest’s strategy resonated with voters.
The campaign took a memorable turn when Byrns was quoted saying he didn’t intend to go home “and shake hands with the clodhoppers to stay in Congress.” The Priest campaign promptly printed “clodhopper cards” and formed Clodhopper Clubs across the district, turning Byrns’ elitist comment into a rallying cry for the common people.
Victory Against All Odds
On election day, Byrns carried the rural counties of Macon, Montgomery, Robertson, Stewart, and Trousdale, but lost the two most populous counties—Davidson and Sumner. Percy Priest achieved the nearly impossible, winning as an Independent candidate by approximately 3,500 votes.
This stunning victory ended Joseph W. Byrns, Jr.’s political career. Byrns went on to serve in World War II and retired to Florida, where he died. Percy Priest, meanwhile, remained in Congress for the next sixteen years, gaining seniority and earning universal respect from colleagues and constituents alike.
A Man of Simple Pleasures
Throughout his congressional career, Priest remained true to his humble roots. He taught Sunday School, loved to sing, and genuinely enjoyed his work representing Tennessee. His colleagues respected his integrity and his constituents appreciated his accessibility and genuine concern for their welfare.
A Legacy Cut Short
In 1956, Priest was suffering from a serious ulcer and required surgery. Though he seemed to be recovering and had enjoyed watching a baseball game in his hospital room, he suffered a fatal stomach hemorrhage that took his life. By the time of his death, Congressman Priest had become quite skilled at his job and was well-positioned for continued influence in the House.
The Lake That Bears His Name
The massive reservoir that stretches from Smyrna toward Nashville serves as a fitting memorial to this remarkable man. Originally authorized in 1946 as the “Stewarts Ferry Reservoir,” the project was renamed in 1958 to honor Congressman Priest’s contributions to Tennessee and the nation. The lake, completed in 1967, has become a cornerstone of Middle Tennessee recreation, providing flood control, hydroelectric power, and endless opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, and water sports.
Today, as millions of visitors enjoy the pristine waters of J. Percy Priest Lake, they participate in the ongoing legacy of a man who proved that in American democracy, character and determination can triumph over money and political machines. The lake’s 42-mile expanse serves as a testament to the enduring impact one person can have when they commit themselves to public service.
Percy Priest’s ability to win his first election as an Independent candidate remains a rare feat in Tennessee political history. His story reminds us that sometimes the most unlikely candidates can become the most effective public servants, and that a humble newspaperman with a kind heart can leave a legacy that touches millions of lives for generations to come.
From the peaceful shores of the lake to the busy boat ramps filled with families creating memories, J. Percy Priest’s name lives on in the waters that bear his name—a lasting tribute to a man who believed in serving others and never forgot where he came from.
