Hiram K. Tramell came to Jellico in 1885 with less than ten dollars and soon became a successful businessman, lawyer, and civic leader. Over just more than thirty-five years, he worked in real estate, coal mining, lumber, and banking, founded the old First National Bank, and served as its first president. He studied law, gained admittance to the bar, and maintained a successful legal practice. He built Jellico's first two-story building, established its first drug store, took leadership roles in civic clubs, organizations, and the First Baptist Church, and served as Jellico's first elected mayor for several terms. In 1886 he married Charlotte Smith, daughter of Rev. T.M. Smith, the first pastor of the Baptist church, whose congregation had recently moved from Good Hope Baptist Church at Oswego and built on South Main Street to be nearer the newly founded and rapidly developing Jellico after the railroad arrived in 1883. The Tramells had five children: Stella, Beulah, Herman, Luther, and John.