John B. Hart was born in Bedford County, Tenn., February 10, 1854, and now makes his home in township 11, range 7, Pope County. His father, Martin M. Hart, was born in the same county, and was a farmer by occupation, as was also his father, Henry Hart, who was born on the line between North and South Carolina, and was married to Nancy Rainy (Rainey?), of South Carolina. They emigrated to Tennessee early in life, and reared there (their?) family of fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters, of whom Martin was the sixth son, and one of the youngest of the family. Henry Hart died in Tennessee when about seventy years of age, and his widow died in Pope County when ninety years of age, about the year 1867. The pioneers of this family in coming to Illinois were James and John Hart, and in 1854 the parents of our subject came. The mother of our subject was Mary Morris, a daughter of Samuel Morris, of Tennessee. Mr and Mrs. Hart came to Illinois with their own teams, and were in humble circumstances at the time.

John B. Hart is the fifth child and fourth son of a family of seven. All are living. The father died January 1, 1863, in the prime of life, his widow living until 1871, and dying at the farm home aged sixty years. The names of the seven children are as follows: Henry, a farmer of Pope County; Samuel F., a physician at Eddyville; William J., a physician of Golconda: Aggie E., wife of A. E. Wasson, a farmer of Pope County, John B.; James D., a physician of Dongola, IL and Jess M., residing at Metropolis. John B. Hart was reared to farm life and received a fair common-school eduation. He left home in 1872, at the age eightenn, and was a saleman for patent medication for eight years. He was married at the age of twenty-six to Mary M. Dixon, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Hedrick) Dixon, of East Tennessee, who came to Illinois about 1832, before Mary was born. Mr. Hart and his wife began life on his farm in Pope County and at their present home. He commenced on one hundred and twenty-five acres, and he has since bought and sold different amounts, having at the present time two hundred and ninety acres, of which he cultivates over one hundred acres. He carries on general farming, and also carries on merchandising, opening a store at Grand Pier in 1890, though he had been engaged in merchandising somewhat before, opening his first store in 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Hart have buried one infant daughter and one son, Clement E., three years old. They now have three sons and two daughters; Adie E., twelve years old; Ethel, seven; Bryon E. five; Nellie D. three; and John R, one. Mr. Hart is a democrat and he and his wife are members of the United Baptist Church. They are good people and highly respected by all.

Biographical Review of Johnson, Massac, Pope and Hardin Counties Published 1893 page 531
Contributed by Margaruette Powell