John H. Ashley | James G. Aydelott | Robert B. Bigham | Benjamin W. Blanton | F. M. Bowling | T. B. Brown | John S. Butler | Charles L. Cannon | J. A. Clark | A. B. Conley | Alexander A. Cooper | Dr. Robert W. Couch | J. A. Dement | I. J. Dodson | J. F. Elliot | Hon. T. J. Fisher Sr. | Col. John A. Fite | G. C. Flippin | R. A. Hancock | James Hoover | J.M. & J. L. Jennings | Dr. J. L. Jones | J. H. Keaton | Prof. William B. King | Dr. William H. Lytle | Mrs. Julia Lytle | W. H. Magness Jr. | Dr. A. W. Manire | Hon. William F. Millican | E. H. McGowan | James McMurry | P. W. Norman | John W. Overall | Granville C. Pearson | George W. Read | Elon H. Tate | William F. Tittsworth | James R. Tubb | John W. Wells | S. H. Wood M. D. | W. M. Wright, M.D. |
John H. Ashley, high sheriff of Coffee County, and a prominent citizen of Manchester, was born in Rutherford County, June 13, 1848. He is the son of son of W. F. and Lidia a. (Mankin), both natives of Tennessee and of english descent; the former was born near Beech Grove in 1822 and died November 5, 1878; the latter, still living, was born in Rutherford county, in 1822. The elder Ashley was a farmer and a sound Democrat. Our subject was the oldest of seven children; received his academical education at Beech Grove Academy chiefly, and for sixteen years successfully pursued agriculture. In 1884 he was elected high sheriff of coffee County and was honored by re-election two years later by a handsome majority. He has risen, a self-made man, to his present successful position. December 18, 1868, he was married to Mattie E. Hightower, born in Murfreesboro in 1859, and a graduate from the Female Institute in her native city. Two children were born to them: Freelin H. born February 11, 1881, and Mamie, born September 7, 1883. Mr. Ashley is a stanch Democrat and a member of the Separate Baptist Church, while his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is an influential lady.
James G. Aydelott, lawyer and one of the most prominent citizens of Tullahoma, Tenn., was born in Hickman, Ky., November 3, 1845, and is the son of John D. and Sarah (Grizzard) Aydelott. The father was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., in 1818, and died at Hickman, Ky., in 1852. The mother, born in Nashville, Tenn., in 1827, is the daughter of James Grizzard, the pioneer merchant of Tullahoma. When a small boy our subject removed with his mother to Tullahoma, where he has since resided. While a man of good education, his attendance at public school did not exceed three months altogether, having been taught entirely by his mother, who was a lady of fine education and more than ordinary attainments, educated as she was at the old Nashville Female Academy. In 1860 our subject entered the store of J. B. Witherby as clerk, remaining there until the occupation of Tullahoma by Gen. Bragg. He then entered the Confederate Army news depot, serving in that position until the Georgia campaign, when he went on duty at the headquarters of the Army of the Tennessee, where he remained until after the surrender in North Carolina, having been under Gens. Johnston, Bragg and Hood. At the close of the war he returned home and occupied a position as clerk in the store of Crane & Witherby, being at the same time a member of the firm of Aydelott & Stevens, manufacturers of harness, saddles, boots and shoes. In 1869 he entered into partnership with Joel Witherby in general merchandise, in which he was engaged until 1873, when the firm was dissolved by the retirement of the senior member to private life. He next became a member of the firm of Aydelott, Davidson & Co., in 1875, but retired from the same in a few months. In 1876 he formed a copartnership with John P. Bennett, and remained in the same until 1878. In 1880 he engaged in the lumber and produce business, continuing until 1883. For a year and a half he was actively engaged in developing coal mining in East Tennessee, in which he was largely interested, but in 1885 closed out the controlling interest, since when he has been devoted to his law practice and office work. Mr. Aydelott is, and has been for eighteen years a member of the county court, member of the board of aldermen, mayor of Tullahoma, twice, four and five years each time, and recorder the same number of times. He has been for the past twenty years an active member of the I. O. O. F., being elected in 1884 Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, and in 1885 was elected Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge of the Sovereign Grand Lodge, serving in that capacity at the session of the same at boston, Mass., in 1886. His term of office will extend to and include the meeting of the Sovereign Grand Lodge in Denver, Col., in 1887. In 1886 he was elected Grand High Priest of the Grand Encampment, I. O. O. F., of Tennessee. He is also a member of the Tullahoma Lodge and Chapter, F. & A. M., and of Tullahoma Lodge, A. O. U. W., representing the latter in the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. In politics he is a Democrat and belongs to the progressive Democracy of the new South; while having never asked for office, he has always taken an active part in politics, and has been a delegate to every county, congressional and State Convention held by his party in fifteen years. He is a director of the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway, also a director of the Tullahoma National Bank and is prominently connected with various other corporations. Our subject was married March 20, 1872, to Sallie, daughter of George and Delilah (Troxler) Cortner, of Bradford County, Tenn. She was born in 1851. To them have been born three children, as follows: George Cortner, born August 5, 1873; johan Doak, December 6, 1875, and Jessie Mai, January 9, 1881. Mr. Aydelott is a member of the Episcopal, while his wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
ROBERT B. BIGHAM, farmer and trader, was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., July 4, 1828, son of Elihu H. and Mary (Lisenby) Bigham, and of Irish descent. The father of our subject was born in North Carolina in 1799, and his mother in Anson County, N. C., in 1805. They were married in Rutherford County, Tenn., about 1823, and became the parents of five children, of whom our subject is the third. The Bigham family were among the early settlers of Tennessee, having come tot he State when the father of our subject was a small boy and settled in Rutherford County, Tenn. Elihu H. Bigham died on the old homestead in 1873, and the mother, who is eighty-one years old is still living and enjoying good health and an unusual amount of activity for a person of her age. Our subject received a fair education in the common schools and remained with his parents until he reached his majority. Since then he has followed the business of farming. During the civil ware he enlisted in the Confederate Army and was assigned a position in the commissary department under Maj.-Gen. James P. Cummings, where he served throughout the war. Our subject has been married twice, the first time, January 21, 1851, to Miss Mary J. Hoover, who was born October 6, 1833, and who is the daughter of William Hoover. To this union were born five children: William L., Granville H., Samuel B., Robert L. and Sallie A. Mr. Bigham was married the last time, February 13, 1883, to Miss Sue F. Burks, of Bedford County, Tenn., born April 13, 1853. To this union was born one son, Roy B. Mr. Bigham is a Democrat, a Mason, and he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. The grandfather of our subject, Samuel Bigham, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He participated in the battle of Camden, under command of Gen. Gates, where the American forces were totally defeated. There is a $2 bill of the old Continental issue still in possession of the family and in a good state of preservation, which he received from the government in payment for services in that war.
BENJAMIN W. BLANTON, a leading merchant of Wartrace, was born November 22, 1835, in Rutherford County, Tenn. He is the fifth of ten children born to Benjamin and Martha (Farmer) Blanton, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Tennessee, and both of English descent. In 1818 the father of our subject immigrated to Rutherford County, Tenn., and partly on ho his farm was fought the battle of Murfreesboro. During the battle his dwelling-house and other buildings were used as a hospital for the Federal Army, and the farm was completely devastated. In 1865 he sold this farm and moved to Unionville, Bedford County, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1885. The mother of our subject died in 1869. Our subject was educated at Asbury Academy, near Murfreesboro, and at the high school in the latter place. He remained with his parents until reaching his majority, and then followed railroad bridge building until 1873, when he went into the mercantile business at Wartrace, where he still remains. He carries a large stock of goods and does a very successful business. In 1871 he married Miss F. E. Bray, of Lincoln County, Tenn., and the fruits of this union were three children: Lula, Annie and Robert Lee. Mr. Blanton is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows' fraternities, and , with the exception of three years prior to the present year, he held the office of mayor of Wartrace ever since 1873. He is now president of the Wartrace Male and Female Institute, also of the Wartrace Hollywood Cemetery, and a member of the board of education, of Wartrace. He is secretary of the Democratic Executive Committee, of Bedford County, and he an family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
F. M. BOWLING, son of Joseph and Elizabeth Bowling, was born eight miles east of Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tenn., September 23, 1847. He resided with his parents near Bradyville, in the same county, till ten years old, then removed with them near Murfreesboro, where they are (1886) living. The first twenty years of our subject's life were spent upon the farm, devoting his leisure time to study, and caring for his disabled father and four brothers and one sister. In January, 1868, he entered Union University at Murfreesboro, Tenn., and remained there until June 12, 1873, receiving the degree of A.M. Previous to this he had chosen teaching as his profession, and in August, 1873, he took charge of a large school at Leeville, Tenn., and after successfully conduction it to its close he accepted a position with Prof. J. E. Nowlin in the Masonic Institute, Hartsville, Tenn., and afterward became a partner with him in the school. While in this school, August 26, 1874, he wedded Miss Susan E. Sanders, daughter of Jesse B. and Mary A. Sanders, who resided near Murfreesboro. To them were born three children: Herbert Manly, born July 9, 1875; Edna Frank, born June 29, 1877, and Mary Myrtle, born May 23, 1882. Mr. Bowling and Prof. Nowlin dissolved partnership by mutual consent, and in January, 1876, he took charge of Unionville High School, where he is now (1886) living. He has been principal of the school ever since, with the exception of the spring term of 1881, when he was associated with Prof. B. F Hooker, as joint-principal of Milan college, Milan, Tenn. He has devoted himself earnestly and faithful to the cause of education and has taken part in many educational enterprises in the hope of elevating his chosen profession, and has been called upon to fill prominent positions in different education institutions in the county. He follows no text-book in particular, but selects the best methods from different books. He joined the Missionary Baptist Church in the fall of 1865, and takes a deep interest in Sunday-school work, and is now superintendent of the Unionville Sunday-school, which has an average attendance of ninety-five. He is also a strong supporter of temperance.
T. B. Brown, farmer and proprietor of a saw-mill, was born in Page County. Va., March 31, 1844. He is one of six children born to Isaac and Rachel A. (Wood) Brown. The father was of German-Irish lineage and was born in Virginia in 1819. He was a cooper by trade and this occupation he followed the principal part of his life. He died in 1885. The mother was also of German-Irish lineage and was born in Virginia in 1821, and is at present living in DeKalb County, Tenn. The subject of this sketch assisted at home until he was twenty-two years of age, receiving his education in the schools of the county. In July, 1862, he enlisted in Company B. Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, Volunteers. He took an active part in the battles of Stone River, Missionary Ridge, Nashville and many other minor engagements. He remained in the field until the close of the war, when he returned home. In 1867 he wedded Cauras, daughter of Howard and Pattie Compton. Mrs. Brown was born in Tennessee in 1846. In 1869 Mr. Brown married Annie, daughter of Isaac and Sarah Smith. To our subject and wife were born four children: Candis, Sally, Lulecta and Daisy. In 1871 Mr. Brown bought four town lots in Alexandria, Tenn., and the year previous had purchased the saw-mill which he is at present operating and has operated successfully for the past sixteen years. In 1876 he purchased 155 acres of land in Wilson County and began tilling the soil. He is now the owner of over 300 acres of land and in connection with his farming carries on the saw-milling business. He has been quite successful in life. He is a Republican in politics and a worthy member of the Christian Church.
JOHN S. BUTLER, clerk and master of the chancery court of Bedford County, was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., March 13, 1832, being one of nine children raised by William S. and Nancy E. (Campbell) Butler. The father was a native of North Carolina and came to Shelbyville in 1816, and till 1830 pursued the carpenter's trade. In 1819 he removed to Rutherford County, where he married the mother, and followed farming after 1830. He died in 1873; the mother is still living. The subject of this sketch engaged at the age of eighteen on the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, occupying various positions, among which were, conductor, telegraph operator, ticket and express agent, remaining in that employ for eleven years. He enlisted in Maney's First Tennessee Regiment, Confederate States Army, and was captain on the first and second organization of Company F. He was appointed military superintendent of telegraph lines in 1863, of Bragg's division, and served in that capacity throughout the remainder of the war. After the war he lived one year in Nashville as agent of the Nashville & Northwestern Railroad. In 1866 he came to Shelbyville and engaged at farming and saw-milling and still continues farming. He was elected magistrate of the Twenty-first District about 1876, and September 5, 1883 was appointed to his present office. Politically he is a Democrat. In 1866 he was married to Mary A. Sims, a native of this county. Four children have been born to this union, viz.: Nancy J., Laura, Mary and John S.
CHARLES L. CANNON was born February 14, 1813, in Shelbyville, Bedford Co., Tenn., and is now the oldest living person born in that town. His father, Clement Cannon, was a native of North Carolina, born in the later part of the last century. He was of English descent and immigrated to Tennessee with his parents, locating in Williamson County, where he was reared and became a surveyor of lands. He afterward purchased a large tract of land in Bedford County, and in 1806 he donated 100 acres of this to the county where Shelbyville now stands for a county seat. He married Miss Susan Lock, a native of Virginia and a resident of Rutherford County. To this union were born six children. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812 and died January 19, 1860. Our subject was educated at Shelbyville and upon reaching his majority began the business of farming, which he has always followed. December, 1842, Miss Mary A. Hooser, a native of this county and a daughter of William and Rebecca (Coots) Hooser, became his wife. To this union the following children were born: Susan R. (deceased), Maria L. (deceased), William H., Thomas C. (deceased), Lettie C. (now Mrs. Phillip Wilhoite), John H. (deceased), Mary R. (now Mrs. William H. Tilferd), Charles L. (deceased), Macon B. and Charles B. Our subject owns a farm on 550 acres about five miles east of Shelbyville, where he now resides. He is a Democrat in politics and he and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mr. Cannon is a nephew of Gov. Cannon and also a nephew of Gen. Robert Cannon.
J. A. Clark, farmer in Coffee County, was born in Rutherford County, August 22, 1822. His parents, Anthony and Sallie (Dunlap) Clark, natives of North Carolina, came to Tennessee in 1800 remained until 1850 and then went to Texas. Here the father died about 1871, and the mother a year later. They were of Irish and English descent. Our subject married Millie Wilkinson in 1844. Born to them are nine children: John, November 5, 1845; Rufus, November 10, 1846; R. S., January 19, 1849; I. M., November 5, 1851; Ellen, March 3, 1854; Sallie, April 4, 1856; James, April 7, 1859; Elizabeth, August 17, 1861;, and Willie D., August 30, 1865. Mr. Clark, his wife and six children are members of the Christian Church. He has educated his children, one of whom is teacher in the Winchester Normal School, one principal of Hillsboro (Tex.), schools, and a third also teaching in Texas. Mr. Clark is a Democrat
A. B. Conley, merchant, and a prominent citizen of Tullahoma, Tenn., was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., November 7, 1847; the son of A. W. Conley, a native of Tennessee. Our subject was reared on a farm in what is now a part of Crockett County. He acquired his education in the common schools and in 1867 began the study of medicine. He attended the Eclectic College at Cincinnati, Ohio, the medical department of the University of Louisiana at New Orleans, and graduated in 1884 from the American Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati. From 1871 to 1880 he practiced in Louisiana and then went to Milan, Tenn. June 17, 1886, he came to Tullahoma and engaged in general merchandising, his present occupation. At the age of fourteen he ran away from home, joined the Confederate Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry. After a year's service he returned home on account of sickness. He was married in 1869 to Mattie J., daughter of Washington Mitchell of Rutherford County, Tenn. Three children were born to them - one girl and two boys; Our subject is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows, K. of P., K. of H., K. & L. of H. and A. O. U. W. orders.
ALEXANDER A. COOPER was born January 12, 1832, in Rutherford County, Tenn., son of Micajah R. and Sarah (Vincent) Cooper. The father was a native of Rowan County, N. C., born December 28, 1806. When nine years of age he moved with his parents to Cannon County, this State, and in 1829 he was married. To this union were born twelve children, our subject being the second. The father of our subject died February 16, 1874, and the mother in May, 1864. Our subject was educated in the country schools and at Union University at Murfreesboro. After reaching his majority he followed various occupations, such as teacher, merchant and trader up to the late war, when he was appointed by the commissary-general and permanently detailed by the Secretary of War as general purchasing agent of the commissary department for the Confederate Army which position he held during the war. He then returned home and resumed merchandising at Wartrace, which he continued for two years. He then located on the farm where he now lives. He also served as deputy clerk of the county court of this county for ten years. He has held several minor offices and has been magistrate of his civil district six years. October, 1862, he married Miss Mary E. Singleton, daughter of Dr. Robert L. Singleton, of Fairfield, now deceased. To our subject and wife were born the following children: Robert S., Henry V., Constance, Alexander A. and Sarah A., all living. Mr. Cooper is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows' orders, and owns a farm of 100 acres near Fairfield on the Wartrace & Beech Grove Turnpike. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Duck River Academy, and takes an active part in educational matters.
DR. ROBERT W. COUCH was born March 13, 1834, in Bedford County, Tenn., and is the son of Joseph and Catherine Patton Couch. (For further particulars of parents see sketch of R. C. Couch.) Our subject received a practical education in the Duck River Academy at Fairfield, in this county, and his medical education at the University of Nashville, from which institution he graduated in 1855. He then began the practice of his profession, and was surgeon of the Tennessee Iron Works in Wayne County until the beginning of the late war. He then joined the Ninth Tennessee Confederate Cavalry as a lieutenant, and was afterward appointed surgeon of the regiment. He was captured at Fort Donelson and held as a prisoner until May, 1862, when he made his escape from Mound City, Ill., and walked to Corinth, Miss., and from there to his relatives in the county. Since that time he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. May, 1860, he married Miss Lucy Tucker, a native of Rutherford County, and daughter of Maj. Lewis and Harriet Tucker. To our subject and wife were born the following children: Robert, John R., Kittie, William, Lizzie and Mary, all living but John R. Mr. Couch owns a farm of 315 cares in District No. 2, all well cultivated and in a flourishing condition. He is an Independent Democrat in politics, a Mason, and he an wife are members of the Christian Church.
J.A. Dement, an enterprising farmer of the First District, was born in Rutherford Count, Tenn., in 1823. He was the only son of Cader and Mary (Andrews) Dement. The father was born in Tennessee in 1777. He took part in the war of 1812 under Gen. Jackson. He was a farmer by occupation, but filled some minor political offices. He was well known and universally respected. He was three times married and raised thirteen children. His death occurred in 1849. The subject of this sketch received his education in the schools of his native county. In 1847 he married Margaret, daughter of Alexander Lockey of Rutherford County. She died in 1851. A few years later our subject wedded Miss Jane J., daughter of Rev. E. McMillian of Gallatin, Tenn. By this union there are three children living: Mattie (widow of D. Hogwood), Albert M. and Wilson M. In 1847 Mr. Dement located where he now resides. He has always been an energetic, worthy citizen and a generous supporter of all laudable enterprises. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for fifty years; his wife belongs to the same church. He is a Democrat, but was a Whig previous to the war.
I. J. Dodson, merchant, of Lebanon, Tenn., was born July 3, 1853, in Wilson County, Tenn., and is one of four children of Isaac J. and Levina (Edwards) Dodson. The father was born in Davidson County, but was a resident of Wilson County at the time of his marriage. He was twice married and the father of eight children. He died in 1853. His widow married S. T. Nix, with whom she lived until her death in 1883. Our subject was left without a father at the age of one month. His education was obtained in Lawrence College, DeKalb County, Tenn., and Cumberland University, Lebanon. November 17, 1874, he married Sallie Cox, daughter of T. J. Cox. She was born September 8, 1857, and is the mother of five children: Tommie, Sallie L., Maggie, Harry and Isaac J. From 1871 to 1873 Mr. Dodson was salesman for Fondill & Bennett, grocers, of Lebanon, and he then engaged in the business on his own responsibility. A year later he sold out, and he and his father-in-law formed a partnership in the hardware business, the firm being known as Dodson & Cox. Later they disposed of their stock, and Mr. Dodson purchased 400 acres of land and began tilling the soil. In 1879 he sold out and returned to Lebanon, and with John W. Price started a hardware store, and later became connected with J. T. McClain in business, and the firm was later known as McClain Bros. & Co. They have about $30,000 stock, and are doing an extensive business. Mr. Dodson is a man of fine business capacity, and in politics is a Democrat. He is a member of the K. of P. and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church South. His wife is a Baptist.
J. F. ELLIOTT, a native of Rutherford County, Tenn., was born April 24, 1824, son of B. and R. (Freeman) Elliott. The father was born about 1784, in Virginia, and immigrated to Tennessee in about 1804. His death occurred in 1869. The mother was also a native of Virginia, and lived to be very old. Our subject worked for his father on the farm till he was twenty years of age. He soon went to West Tennessee and engaged to agricultural pursuits. He remained there about ten years, after which he returned to Middle Tennessee and engaged in the same business. In 1961 he entered the Confederate Army, Forty-fifth Tennessee Infantry, under Capt. Lythle, and was discharged at Shiloh on account of bad health. After returning home he engaged in agricultural pursuits again. In 1867 or 1868 he moved to Kentucky and remained there but one year, after which he moved back to Tennessee and has lived there ever since. In 1846 he wedded Harriet C. Daniel, of Rutherford County. This union resulted in the birth of seven children: Tennessee, Rebecca C., James M., Sarah K., Josie, Albery J., and Harrriet L. Our subject is a good, substantial citizen and is so considered by his neighbors. He an wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mr. Elliott is a Democrat in politics.
Hon. T. J. Fisher, Sr., attorney at law, of Carthage, was born in De Kalb County, Tenn., February 22, 1847. he was a son of James and Rachel (Plunkett) Fisher. The father was born in Smith (now De Kalb) County in 1819. He was a prosperous farmer, owning 300 acres of land. He died in 1873 in the county where he was born and married. His parents were natives of North Carolina. His wife was also born in De Kalb County and died in 1864, at the age of forty-five. Their family consisted of seven sons and seven daughters, of whom twelve are living, our subject being the third child. He remained at home until his nineteenth year. His educational advantages had been meager and his desire to gain information great. He soon entered the New Middleton Institute, where, by application, his efforts were crowned with success. His means were limited, which occasioned him to leave school now and then to earn the necessary funds for the continuation of his education. For eighteen months he taught at Shop Springs, Wilson County, and then returned to his studies. During his last session he was assistant instructor. In 1871 he graduated with high honor, being the valedictorian and receiving the degree of A. M. He resumed teaching, but this time in the Geneva Academy at Carthage, and six months at Campbell's Institute, during which time he also studied law, his preceptor being Col. W. H. Dewitt, now of Chattanooga. He was admitted to the bar in 1873, and same year became superintendent of public instruction. He organized the schools under the present system and served a year and a half. In 1876 he was elected to the State Legislature, serving in the Ways and Means Committee, also taking an active part in passing the "four-mile law." In 1884 he was elected attorney-general of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Tennessee, to fill an unexpired term of H. C. Snodgrass, who resigned. In 1886 he was a candidate for chancellor; was defeated on account of there being six Democratic candidates, which so divided the vote that a Republican was elected. Our subject received more votes than any of his competitors in his party, 4,597 being the number, his next competitor receiving about 2,300 votes. September 2, 1875, he married Amelia, daughter of Nelson J. and Minerva Bryan, of Wilson County. Mrs. Fisher was born November 12, 1848, and educated at the Mary Sharpe College, graduating in 1875. To this union six children have been born: Albert Ernest, James Nelson, Minnie, Virgie, Alice and Thomas J. Our subject is one of the leading and most able lawyers in the county and has an extensive practice. In private life he is courteous and highly esteemed. He is a Council Mason. He and his wife are earnest members of the Baptist Church.
Col. John A. Fite, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, Tennessee, was born in 1832, in De Kalb County, a son of Jacob and Matilda (Baird) Fite. The father, of German origin, was born in North Carolina, and with his father came to Davidson County, then Smith County, and finally settled in De Kalb County, where he passed his days. Jacob married there, and was merchant at Alexandria as well as farmer. In 1846 he moved to near Lebanon, and died at the age of eighty-three. The mother, born in Hickman County, Tenn., died in 1876. Four of their eleven children are Dorcas R., widow of Leonard Scott; John A.; Dr. J. G. of Lebanon, and Edwin C. When fourteen years old our subject went to Wilson County and was educated in the university at Lebanon, and at Irving College. He began studying law at twenty-two, and in 1855 graduated from the law department of Cumberland University, and immediately began practice with his brother at Carthage. His brother being elected circuit judge in 1858, he formed partnership with Hon. W. D. De Witt, now at Chattanooga. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Seventh Tennessee Regiment, Moore's Guards, and was elected captain and fought in Seven Pines; promoted major in 1862; he was in Mechanicsville (where he had two ribs broken), Chancellorsville, Cedar Run (where he received a wound in the leg), Fredericksburg and Gettysburg (here he was captured and taken to Fort McHenry), thence to Fort Delaware, thence to Johnson's Island, where he was retained for nineteen months, and paroled in February, 1865, but remained in North Carolina. After the war he resumed practice with his brother, and in 1871 was appointed clerk and master of chancery court holding it for over six years. In 1878 he and H. M. Hale became partners, and in 1882 he was elected to the State Legislature to fill an unexpired term, and elected to his present position in 1886. December 29, 1866, he married Mary M., daughter of Leroy H. and Eliza Mitchell, and born in Smith County in 1841. Their two children are Bettie and Mattie. He is a Master Mason and he and Mrs. Fite are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. For years he has been one of the leading lawyers of Smith County bar.
G. C. Flippin, a prominent contractor and builder, was born in Smith County in 1822. He is a son of Abner A. and Eliza (Hobson) Flippin. The father was born in 1799 in Cumberland County, Va., where his wife was also born in 1806. After marriage in 1824 he came to Smith County where, in 1836, he was elected captain of State militia, serving in that capacity until 1845, when the law abolished the militia. He was an influential and highly respected man; his death occurred in 1860. His wife, who was the mother of thirteen children, died in 1877 in De Kalb County, Tenn. Our subject received a liberal education in the common schools of his native county. In 1849 he went to Nashville, where he was engaged as clerk in a city hotel, for about six years, after which he returned to Smith County, Seventeenth District, where he now resides and owns 50 acres of land. In 1856 he married Parthenia, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Heelmantoller, who was born in the county in 1828. To this union have been born Robert H., Candace P., Tenn F., Bettie G., John A. and Joseph C. At the outbreak of the war in December, 1861, Mr. Flippin entered the Confederate Army. He enlisted in Company C, Fifty-fifth Tennessee Infantry Volunteers. On December 25 he was promoted to regimental commissary, acting at same time for the brigade. He took part in the battle of Shiloh; he was honorably discharged in May, 1862. He is connected with the K. of H., and is one of the most esteemed, honorable and worthy citizens of the county. Mr. Flippin and wife are active and earnest members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
Hon. R. A. Hancock, farmer, was born in Wilson County, Tenn., January 17, 1827, and is one of twelve children of Lewis and Frances (Adams) Hancock, horn in Virginia in 1788 and 1791, and died in Tennessee in 1866 and 1864, respectively. The father was of English origin, and came to Tennessee with his brother, Richard, in 1809. He was married in 1812. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days on a farm and acquired the rudimentary portion of his education in the schools near his home, and afterward attended the Liberty school in DeKalb County, Tenn. January 12, 1858, he married Ann J. Sneed, daughter of John and Annie Sneed. Mrs. Hancock was born in Wilson County, January 29, 1835. She and husband became the parents of these children: Delta (deceased), Etna (wife of Jacob Young), Addie (deceased), Walter, Hallie and Myrtle. After attaining his majority, Mr. Hancock began farming for himself, but at the end of three years went to Texas where he remained six years. He then returned and purchased 500 acres of land in Cannon County, where he remained until the fall of 1879. In 1870 he purchased his present farm and now owns 250 acres of valuable land, also 166 acres of fine land in Cannon County, including the old home place of his father. Mr. Hancock has held various civil offices, and in 1884 was chosen to represent Wilson County in the State Legislature. He is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is always ready to assist laudable enterprises, and has been instrumental in organizing and starting a number of schools. He is a grandson of Benjamin Hancock, who helped prepare the Declaration of Independence. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church.
JAMES HOOVER was born July 29, 1814, in Rutherford County, Tenn., son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Lotspeech) Hoover. The father was born about 1776, in Germany, as also was the mother of our subject. James Hoover was the eleventh of thirteen children born to his parents. He worked on the farm until he was twenty-three years of age after which he engaged in farming for himself. He has lived in this and the two adjoining counties (Rutherford and Coffee) all his life. December 26, 1837, he was united in marriage to Susan Moore, a native of Virginia, born about 1820. This union resulted in the birth of nine children: Robert W., Clementine F., Calladona J., Martha A., Mary E., Elizabeth E., Susan O., Charles M. and Hugh L. The mother died about 1859 in the full fruition of the Christian's hope. In February, 1862, Mr. Hoover was married to M. J. Winn, of this county. This union resulted in the birth of eleven children: Alice D., Effie M., George C., Edward O., Harvey F., Cleopatra, James F., Benjamin, Nancy E., Albert A. and Anna M. Mr. Hoover was elected to the office of magistrate several years ago, but only served a short time. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and is politically a Democrat.
J. M. and J. L. Jennings constitute the firm of Jennings Bros., merchants of Statesville, Tenn. They are two of five children of J. L. and Martha (Doss) Jennings. who were born in Wilson County. Tenn., and DeKalb County, Tenn., October 20, 1827, and July 7, 1828, respectively. They were married in 1830 and located near Statesville, where they still reside. J.M. Jennings, the older member of the firm, was born in Wilson County September 31, 1836, and in 1880 entered into partnership with his cousin A. L. Jennings in the mercantile business, continuing for about eighteen months when he purchased his cousin's interest, and up to 1885 carried on the business by himself. At that time his brother J. L. became his partner. He was married January 26, 1885, to Miss Lena, daughter of J. P. Hale. She was born August 17, 1867, and has borne one child--Mamie. Mr. Jennings is a Democrat, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. J.L. Jennings was born December 25, 1858, and remained with his parents until he attained his majority. He purchased a farm near Statesville, on which he lived several years, and in 1885 became a partner with his brother in the mercantile business. He is also proprietor of a hotel in Statesville, and controls a large share of the traveling public. October 13, 1881, he wedded Miss S. A., daughter of Dr. T. H. Knight. He is a Democrat, and he and his brother are recognized as honest and upright business men.
Dr. J. L. Jones was born in De Kalb County, Tenn., in 1849, one of ten children of Fredrick and Maria (Squires) Jones. The father, of Scottish origin, and a tailor by occupation, was born in Surry County, Va., and came to Smith County in 1837. After working at his trade until 1855, he engaged in the hotel business at Nashville - the Rock City Sun. From 1859 to 1870 he lived on his farm, of 200 acres, in Bradford County, but returned to Nashville, where he died in 1881. The mother was born in Smith County in 1811, and died at Nashville in 1873. Our subject was educated at Elmwood Academy, Bedford County, and at Union University, of Murfreesboro; graduated from the medical departement of Nashville University in 1872, since when he has had an extensive practice. In 1874 he married Mary W., daughter of Joel M. and Martha L. Nichols, and was born in Smith County in 1854. Their two children are Mattie I. and Pearl. In politics he is a Democrat, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
J. H. Keaton, farmer of the Twenty-first District, and a native of Carroll County, Tenn., was born May 30, 1831, and is one of a family of nine children born to C. W. and Mary (Hays) Keaton, natives respectively of Virginia and South Carolina. The father was born in Patrick County, in 1797, and when about ten years old came to Tennessee, located in DeKalb County, where he was married, and remained there till 1819. He was a farmer by occupation and was magistrate of his district for twenty-five years. He died in 1871. The mother was born in 1799 and died in 1873. Our subject grew to manhood on the farm and received his education in the schools near home. December 29, 1851, he married Martha M. Leach, a native of Carroll County, born in October, 1832, and the daughter of Abner and Sallie Leach. Seven children were born to our subject and wife by this union: Laura A., Mary, Elizabeth, Emma, Ella, Beatrice and John D. Mr. Keaton owns 500 acres of well improved land situated one mile east of Atwood, and also about the same number of acres in Arkansas. In 1871 he began the milling business, by sawing lumber; this he continued until March, 1885, when he built a saw and grist-mill combined, at Atwood, and is now engaged in doing a good business. He is interested in a saw and grist-mill in Gibson County, at Cade’s Switch, on the Illinois Central Railroad. He is a Republican in politics, a Mason, an Odd Fellow, and he and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
PROF. WILLIAM B. KING, president of Hutchings college, Hutchings, Tenn., was born in Bedford county of that state, Nov. 26, 1868, his parents being John B. and Sarah F.(Isom) King. The ancestry of Professor King can be traced back without difficulty for several generations. His grandfather, Charles Brandon King, came to Bedford county from Virginia with his parents, Jefferson and Achia(Dale) King, at a very early date. Charles B. King married Cyrene McQuiddy, whose father, Newton McQuiddy, came from Ireland before the Revolutionary war. He served in the American army during that conflict, afterward settling in Bedford county. On the maternal side, the grandfather was James Isom, who came to Bedford county from Ireland. He there married Louisa Holt, a native of the county , and the descendants of these families have been represented in Bedford county for more than a century. During the Civil war the father of Professor King served in Company K, Forty-fourth Tennessee infantry, for two years and eight months. He and his wife are now living at Malakoff, Tex. He is a Free Mason and a Democrat, and both he and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, in which for a long time he was an elder. Of the fourteen children born to them, ten are now living. Professor King received his education in the public schools, Center academy and Manchester college. At the age of seventeen he began teaching, which has ever since been his vocation. He has occupied important positions in the Auburn academy, the Verdie Normal school, as associate principal of Central college and is at present the president of Hutchings college, of White county. Professor King is a Democrat in his political views, belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has for twenty years been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He was married, in 1894, to Miss Ella Gunter, of Cannon county, Tenn.,and they have one child, Jesse Dale. Mrs. King is a member of the Christian Church.
DR. WILLIAM H. LYTLE, a practicing physician, was born in this county Sept. 30, 1827, and is the son of William and Violet (Henderson) Lytle, natives, respectively, of Tennessee and North Carolina. The father was a man of energy and perseverence his death was universally regretted. The Doctor studied medicine under the eminent physicians--Drs. Wendel and Watson. Our subject's marriage to Miss Lavinia J. Dashiell, was solemnized in 1819. To this union were born six children-three of whom are living: Annie R., wife of John B. Johns: Violet H., wife of Leroy B. Wade, and Sophis D. wife of Frank Henderson. The Doctor did not participate in the late civil war between the North and South, but his sympathies were with the South. The Doctor and wife are exemplary members of the Presbyterian Church, and have the confidence and respect of all their acquaintances.
MRS. JULIA LYTLE, an enterprising and eminently successful land owner, was born in this county in 1824 and is the daughter of Col. William and Sarah (Morton) Searcy, natives, respectively, of North Carolina and Virginia. The father died in the year 1846 and the mother in 1832. The subject of this sketch was married June 12, 1844 to Col. Ephraim F. Lytle, and to this union were born eight children---seven of whom are living: Mary E., wife of Henry Murphy, a prominent farmer of this county; Catherine, widow of Robert Lytle; Sallie E., wife of E. C. Cannon, a merchant at Murfreesboro: John; Lizzie S., wife of H. D. Nichol, of Davidson County: E. F. and Thomas B. Mr. Lytle took an active part in the late civil war between the North and South. and was made lieutenant-colonel of the Forty-fifth Tennessee Infantry, and served in this capacity until the beginning of 1863. At that time his health failed and be resigned his commission and refrained from further participation in the war. He was a Methodist in inclination and was justly regarded a moral, upright man. He departed this life February 10. 1868. Mrs. Lytle still survives him and is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
W. H. Magness, Jr., merchant, was born in De Kalb County May 15, 1856, the son of Rev. Perry G. and Martha J. (Webb) Magness, both of Irish origin, and natives of what is now De Kalb County. The father was born in 1826 and died in De Kalb County September 29,1877. The mother, born in 1831, is still living in Warren County. The father's ancestors came from North Carolina. He was a prominent Primitive Baptist minister, and was county clerk of De Kalb eight years atter the war. Receiving a liberal education at Water's & Walling's College, McMinnville, in 1876 he established a general store at Magness' Mills in De Kalb County. In 1880 he came to Sparta and has since been in the merchandise business. January 31, 1878, he married Florence Crowder, who was born in White County March 20, 1859. Three children were born to them -- one son and two daughters. He is a Democrat politically, and is a member of the church to which his wife belongs, the Primitive Baptist.
DR. A. W. MANIRE, a prominent and eminently successful practitioner, was born in this county February 8, 1837, and is the son of Lemuel and Susan(Jackson) Manire, both natives of Virginia. The subject of this sketch was married March 11, 1858 to Miss Julia W. White, and to this union were born the following children: Dr. .John W.: Eliza J., wife of John Lamb: Josephine, wife of J. N. Cothran: Florence E.: Julia A. : Susan O. and Ella M. The Doctor is a stanch Democrat and is now a candidate for, and will probably be elected, clerk of the circuit court. The Doctor took an active part in the late civil war, enlisting in Company A, Twenty fourth Tennessee, serving in the capacity of hospital steward and detailed assistant surgeon. He resigned his commission in 1862, came home and resumed his practice and has been an active practitioner since. The Doctor is a member of the Primitive Baptist and his wife of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and they are justly recognized as influential citizens of the community.
E. H. McGOWAN was born and reared in Rutherford County, Tenn. His birth occurred September 26, 1842. At the age of nineteen he entered the Confederate service, enlisting in Company C, Twenty-third Tennessee Regiment, and served out his term of enlistment (twelve months). From that time up to 1869 he farmed, and then engaged in the merchandise business at Poplins' Cross Roads, where he has done well, from a financial standpoint. November 8, 1863, Nancy A. Crowell became his wife and the mother of nine children: Robert F., Henry C., William C., Margaret J., Nancy F., Rebecca W., Florence, Isabella and Eddie. Mrs. McGowan was born in 1844 and died August 30, 1885. Mr. McGowan is a Democrat and is a son of Samuel G. McGowan, who was born in Tennessee, and who married Rebecca Halts. They died, respectively, in 1853 and 1852.
James McMurry, a resident and farmer of Haywood County, is a native of Rutherford County, born September 21, 1812, and is the son of Robert and Mary T. (Montgomery) McMurry, both natives of South Carolina. The father was born February 7, 1783, and died July 31, 1837; the mother was born June 20, 1786. Our subject, after receiving his education, commenced farming. Mr. McMurry is a firm Republican, and thirty-five years ago he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and is now a leading member of that church. December 17, 1837, he married Miss Frances A. Gordon, who was born in Henry County, May 24, 1816. Five children-three sons and two daughters-were born to this union (one son is dead): Robert A., Amanda J., born January 14, 1840; James K. P., born October 25,1842; Thomas J., born January 8, 1845, and Ann Eliza B., born November 5. IM. James K. P. died September 24, 1843. Three of the children are married - Ann Eliza S. married first Richard M. Joyner, May 1, 1870, and January 17, 1877, married D. A. Stewart; Amanda J. married William L. Richardson, April 12, 1860, and Robert A. married Nancy F. Richardson November 7, 1860.
HON. WILLIAM F. MILLICAN, postmaster at Rockwood, Tenn., was born on a farm in Roane county, June 12, 1862, his parents being John H. and Susan E.(Abel) Millican, both natives of Tennessee. His father served for twelve years as a member of the county court, was deputy sheriff for six years, held other minor offices, and is now a notary public. He and his wife are living on a farm in Roane county, both being members of the Baptist church, in which he holds the office of deacon. The paternal grandparents were Moses Scott and Narcissus(Underwood) Millican. The maternal grandparents were J. C. Abel and Annie(Hinds) Abel. Of their nine children three survive. After the death of his first wife he married again, and is now living at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. William F. is the second of a family of eight children. He attended public schools in this boyhood days, after which he worked on a farm and on the public works at Rockwood. From a laborer he advanced to the position of mine foreman, which he was filling when he met with an accident, in November, 1896, which incapacitated him for further work in that line. On July 1, 1897, he received the appointment of postmaster from the late President McKinley, and was reappointed by President Roosevelt. Prior to that, he served as city clerk one term and in the legislature, being elected in 1894 to the forty-ninth general assembly of Tennessee, and was a member of the session that settled the memorable Evans-Turney contest. As a member of the house, he served on the committee on labor and several other important committees. Mr. Millican is one of the public-spirited men of Rockwood, always taking an interest in movements to advance the interests of the city, and has the name of being one of the best postmasters in Eastern Tennessee. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has three times represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge. He has been twice married. His first wife, to whom he was married, Nov. 4, 1883, was Miss Anna Joseph, a native of Wales and a daughter of John and Jane Joseph, of Rockwood. By this married he had five children: Jennie May, now Mrs. John T. Dickson; Emma, a clerk in the postoffice with her father; Anna, in school; Harry, died at the age of five months, and Maude. The mother of these children died in June, 1893, and on March 28, 1895, Mr. Millican married Miss Lizzie, daughter of Samuel J. and Letha(Kendrick) Acuff, of Roane county. Four children have been born to this second marriage: Hobart, died at the age of five weeks; Madge E., William F. Jr., and Neil Wright. Mr. Millican's first wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he and his present wife belong to the Christian church.
P. W. NORMAN was born June 20, 1818, and spent his boyhood days on a farm, receiving a common school education. He began life as a farmer, and was married in 1840 to Miss T. E. Webb, daughter of Isaac Webb, of Rutherford County, and six children have blessed their union: Elizabeth A., Catharine J., Sarah G., Amanda R. and James L., and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Norman died in 1874, and Mr. Norman took for his second wife Mrs. Fannie E. (Smith) Webb. Her father, Morgan Smith, died at his home near Shelbyville, October 4, 1875. He was a Democrat. Mr. Norman's last marriage occurred November 2, 1884. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. His father, Henry Norman, was born in the "Palmetto State," and came to Tennessee with his father when he was but nine years of age. He was married when quite young to Elizabeth Aubery, and by her became the father of seven children, only two of whom are now living. Mrs. Norman died in 1850, and her husband took for his second wife Mrs. Sallie White, in 1851. She died in 1854, and he then married, in 1857, Mrs. Becky Caldwell. Mr. Norman died in 1867.
JOHN W. OVERALL, of Nashville, Tenn., United States Marshal for the middle district of Tennessee, was born in DeKalb county of that state. His father, Wesley Overall, was a son of the Jacob Overall who came to Tennessee from Virginia in 1800. He was a veteran of the Revolutionary war. John W. Overall secured his higher education in the Cumberland university at Lebanon. In 1886 he engaged in business at Liberty, Dekalb county, and was country superintendent of schools there for four years. He has been a member of the county board; always prominent in public affairs, especially in politics; is a Republican and was a delegate to the national conventions at Minneapolis, St. Louis and Philadelphia; was appointed United States marshal for Middle Tennessee by President McKinley, March 10, 1897, and reappointed by President Roosevelt. In 1894 he was married to Mary Oliver, of Smith county, daughter of Luther Oliver, who was killed in the Confederate army. Mr. Overall is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He is interested in the firm of Overall Bros. of DeKalb county, owning the pike from Lebanon to Smithville, thirty-seven miles, the finest in the state, and has large farming and mercantile interests.
GRANVILLE C. PEARSON, farmer, was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., July 20, 1831, son of Hiram and Matilda B. (Wilson) Pearson, and of English descent. The father was born in Pittsylvania County, Va., April 9, 1797, and in the year 1819 he wedded Matilda Wilson, who was born in Sumner County, Tenn., May 12, 1802. The father died November 29, 1876, and the mother February 14, 1877. To this worthy couple were born ten children, our subject being the sixth. The Pearson family was among the early settlers of Tennessee, the father of our subject having settled in Rutherford County in 1818. Our subject received a fair education in the common schools, and at the breaking out of the late war he enlisted in the Confederate Army, Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, under Col. Starnes. He took an active part in the battles of Chickamauga, Knoxville, Resaca and other actions. He was with Gen. Forrest when he captured the large Federal forces under command of Gen. Straight, and was a member of Jefferson Davis escort from Raleigh, N. C. to Washington, Ga. He has now in his possession eighteen Mexican silver dollars of the coinage of 1861, which were paid to him by the order of President Davis for services in the army. These he prized very highly as relics of that memorable struggle. Our subject has a fine farm of 110 acres, on which he lived, surrounded with the general comforts of life. He devotes the principal part of his time and attention to raising fine stock - horses, cattle and mules. The father of our subject was among the most enterprising stock raisers of his locality, owning oat one time 500 acres of land, but lost heavily in the war.
GEORGE W. READ was born in Dyer County, Tenn., November 29, 1824, and is a son of Robert an Elizabeth (Gentry) Read. The father was born October 28, 1796, in Virginia. and immigrated to Tennessee about 1802. He remained in this State up to the time of his death, which occurred in December, 1883. The mother was born in 1802 and died about 1841. Our subject's educational advantages were rather limited, but, notwithstanding, he is considered a man of sound judgment and good sense. September 30, 1846, he wedded Ann E. Brooks, of Rutherford County, Tenn., and the result of this union was the birth of eleven children: Sarah E., Robert C., Mary J., Martha W., Ann E., James C., John B., William L., Lou H., Aldorla and George S. The five eldest died within ten days of each other, of scarlet fever. The tenth died in early childhood. Mr. Read has been very successful in his business transactions. He is scrupulously honest and honorable in every particular. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Democrat in politics.
Elon H. Tate (deceased) was born in Grundy County, Tenn., October, 15, 1817, and was engaged in cultivating the soil in Warren and Grundy Counties, until his removal to Decatur County, August 12, 1870, He located at Decaturville where he remained until his death December 10, 1879. Mr. Tate was a life-long Democrat and a most worthy citizen. His wife, Jane (Turner) Tate, died May 8, 1865. Their family consisted of five children, two of whom died in infancy, and George was killed at Decaturville November 30, 1877. John L. and James H., the two remaining children, were brought up on a farm and accustomed to hard manual labor from boyhood. John L. secured a good common school education at Philadelphia, Warren County, and James H. at Decaturville. John L. was born December 7,1849, in Warren County, Tenn., and enlisted in Forrest's Confederate cavalry in 1864. He participated in several skirmishes and was on duty until the close of the war. He returned to Warren County, and followed farming until 1869, when he came to Oak Grove, Decatur County, and the following year came to Decaturville, where he followed merchandising. September 20, 1871, Miss Martha J. Welch, daughter of Henry Welch, became his wife. To them have been born seven children: Mary and Maggie the two oldest, and John Elmer and Grover Cleveland, the two youngest, are deceased. These three are at home: William H., Carrie B. and Anna Jane. Mr. Tate commenced his mercantile business at Decaturville in 1870, and by liberality and close application to business has succeeded in building up a large trade. He is prominently connected with the Masonic order, Lodge No. 218, and is also connected with the K. of H. James H. engaged in the mercantile business, in partnership with John L. In 1884 he went to Perryville and engaged in business there until May 6, 1885, when he lost a large part of his property by fire. He then returned to Decaturville and has been dealing extensively in cotton. He was born in DeKalb County, September 30, 1855, and married December 21, 1875, to Miss Emma Jones, daugbter of Dr. T. W. Jones of Decaturvllle. She has borne him five children, one of whom, Emma Myrtle, is deceased. The others are Jesse, Allie, Lewis L. and James P. John L. and James H. are known throughout the county as good substantial business men, who have made their own way in life, James H. is also a member of the Masonic order and K. of H.
William F. Tittsworth, of Sparta, Tenn., tax collector of White county, was born in DeKalb County, Tenn.,Jan 11,1864. His parents were Frederick and America(Cantrell) Tittsworth, both born in DeKalb County. During the Civil war the father served in the Confederate army. He died in DeKalb county, June 9, 1864. The mother is still living, and now resides in Warren county. They had five children, three of whom are yet living. The paternal grandfather was Richard Tittsworth, a native of Virginia, and one of the pioneers of DeKalb county. The maternal grandfather Watson Cantrell, was also a Virginian by birth, and came to DeKalb county at an early date. William F. was educated in the common schools, at Short Mountain academy, at Burritt college, of Spencer, and at Doyle college. He went to college when he was twenty-eight years of age, having prior to that time been engaged in farming. After leaving college he taught school for about ten years, and in 1902 was elected to the office he now holds. Mr. Tittsworth is a Democrat, politically, and is always ready to stand up for his political convictions. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also belongs to the Daughters of Rebekah. He was married in 1885, to Miss Mary Florence, daughter of John and Tabitha(Norris) Walker, of White county. Her father was a son of Samuel Walker and was born in DeKalb county, and her maternal grandfather was Avey Norris, a native of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Tittsworth have had seven children, viz.: John B., Virgil E., Ulysses(deceased), Otha, Bethel, Zettie Florence and Hattie Low. Besides his business of tax collector, Mr. Tittsworth is engaged in farming, and owns a fine farm eight miles west of Sparta.
JAMES R. TUBB, mayor of Sparta, Tenn., and son of John B. and Harriet(Richardson) Tubb, was born in DeKalb county, Tenn., May 30, 1852. His paternal grandfather, Col. James Tubb, was a native of Virginia, and won his military title in the war of 1812. He was one of the pioneers of DeKalb county, where he was a prominent man, and at the time of his death was one of the largest land and slave owners in the county. The maternal grandfather, James Richardson, was also a Virginian, but came with his father to DeKalb county at a very early date. The great-grandfather formerly owned the land where the town of Smithville now stands. John B. Tubb, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a lawyer by profession, and at the time of his death, in 1859, was circuit court clerk. His wife is still living, aged seventy years. They had three children, two of whom are still alive. James R. was seven years of age when his father died. With such an education as could be acquired in the common schools, he began life as a merchant at Smithville. In 1879 he came to Sparta, where he was for some time engaged in the business of buying and shipping produce. In this line he was very successful, and at one time had four branch houses. He afterward engaged in the milling business for eight years, but in 1898 he sold out and engaged in the manufacture of spokes. He is also interested in the Manchester Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of rims and spokes. In all his business ventures Mr. Tubb has been successful, owing to his foresight and sound judgment. Politically, he is a Democrat of the rockribbed type, has served as councilman and on the school board of Sparta, and is now mayor of the city. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Woodmen of the World. In 1876 he was marred to Miss Laura Bronson, of Spart, and nine children have been born to this union, viz.; Jessie, Bailey, Lula, Otis(deceased), Leslie E., Claude E., James R., Leon and Catharine.
JOHN W. WELLS was born May 15, 1843, in Rutherford County, Tenn. His father, Thomas P. Wells. was a native of Virginia, born in September, 1811. When a young man he moved to Williamson County, where he married Miss Susan Smith, a native of this State. To this union six children were born, of whom our subject is the fourth. The mother of these children died when our subject was about nine years old, and the father afterward married Miss Frances Tune, and by her he became the father of two children -- a son and daughter. Thomas P. Wells moved to Illinois in 1866, where he now resides; he is a minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and is also a farmer. Mrs. Frances (Tune) Wells is now dead. Our subject came to this county with his parents when but eight years of age, and here he was educated at the Flat Creek Academy. In October,1861, he enlisted in the Forty-first Tennessee Confederate Infantry and served in that command about two years. He was then left at Jackson, La., on account of illness, and was there captured and paroled by the Federal Army. He had been captured with his regiment at Fort Donelson and held as a prisoner of war until September, 1862, when he was exchanged. In September, 1866, he married Miss Sarah E. Shoffner, a native of this county and a daughter of Col. L. Shoffner. To this union were born two sons, Othniel D. and Willie S., both living. The mother of these children died September 4, 1873, and in 1874 their father married Miss Margaret C. Jenkins, a native of this county and a daughter of Rev. William Jenkins. To this union the following children were born: Susan M., Thomas E., Edgar J., Ethel and Herbert, all living. Our subject owns a farm of 235 acres on Duck River, all rich bottom land. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and belongs to Shelbyville Benevolent Lodge, No. 122, and he takes an active interest in educational matters. He and wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
S. H. Wood, M. D., a physician of Hillsboro, was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., November 13, 1824. His parents, Thomas and Susan (Baldridge) Wood, are natives of Orange County, N. C., immigrating to Tennessee about 1806. A blacksmith by trade the elder Wood moved to Hickman County, Ky., in 1827, remaining there to the close of his life in 1837. Reared on the farm, our subject began the study of medicine in 1844, and before beginning to practice in Bradyville, Tenn., attended Louisville University. Since 1866 he has had successful practice at his present home. He married Elizabeth Lyon, of Rutherford county, in 1849. Born to them were John, May 14, 1850, and Mary F., June 10, 1852. His wife died July 10, 1853. He next married Mary J. Lyon, by whom he had seven children. Her death occurred May 2, 1872, at Hillsboro. In 1874 he married Sarah C. Huffar. They have six children. He is a member of the Christian Church. In 1861 he was State representative, and is now justice of the peace. Politically he is a Democrat.
W. M. Wright, M.D., was born in DeKalb County, Tenn., November 6, 1838, son of Dr. Ebenezer Wright, who was born in Massachusetts in 1800. He came to Tennessee when a young man, and in 1841 removed to Huntingdon where he was engaged in the practice of medicine for twenty years. He was a man of extended learning and a prominent physician of his day. He died in Huntingdon in 1860, lamented by all who knew him. The mother of our subject was Olivia A. Wright whose maiden name was Moore. She was born in 1812, and died in 1841. She was a daughter of Col. William Moore, who was editor of one of the first newspapers of Tennessee. He was a man of distinction, and died in Carthage, Middle Tenn. The subject of this biography is the youngest of three children and is of Scotch-Irish extraction. He has one sister, Mrs. E. M., wife of Judge L. L. Hawkins, of Huntingdon. The only brother of our subject was Col. Moses H. Wright, who was born in Dekalb County, Tenn., in 1836. When only a few years of age, he was brought by his parents to Huntingdon and here he passed his early life and received an academic education. In 1854 he was appointed by Hon. Emerson Etheridge (then a member of Congress) to a cadetship at West Point where he graduated with high honors in 1859 in the class with such men as Gen. Horace Porter, of the Federal Army and Gen. Wheeler, of the Confederate Army. During the war he served in the Confederate Army with the rank of colonel in the ordnance department, and gained a high degree of prominence, ranking second only to the chief of his department. In 1863, near Atlanta, Ga., he married Miss Sallie Lehon, of Nashville, daughter of Rev. E. W. Lehon, who was a prominent divine of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. At the time of Col. Wright’s death, January 8, 1886, he resided in Louisville, Ky., and was a member of the firm of J. Balmforth & Co., of that city. He and J. Balmforth, one of his partners, were killed on the day above stated, by the falling in of their business house. He was an earnest Christian and one of the most prominent business men of Louisville. Dr. W. M. Wright received an academic education at Huntingdon and began the study of medicine in 1859 under the direction of his illustrious father. During the war he was assistant surgeon in the Confederate Army and was commissioned such in 1862. He was graduated from the Mission Medical College at St. Louis. Since 1865 he has been located at Huntingdon, and is one of the leading physicians of West Tennessee. He is a Democrat politically, and for quite a number of years has taken an active part in politics. He was a member of the constitutional convention, which met at Nashville in 1870. In 1871 he was appointed superintendent of prisons four years and was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention at St. Louis in 1876. Dr. Wright was married in 1870 to Erin Hanna, of Paris, Tenn., born in 1850. They have four children: Jamie McNeill, Charles Hanna, William Eben and Thomas McNeill. Dr. and Mrs. Wright are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South and are among the prominent people of the county.