HARDEMAN COUNTY TN - BIOGRAPHIES - 1887 Biographies of Hardeman Co. TN M-Z
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J. A. Manson
Hon. J. A. Manson, a resident of Saulsbury, was born July 28, 1842, in McDonough,
Ga. His parents were Dr. F. E. and Mary B. (Bethune) Manson. The father was born
March 19, 1800, in Virginia, and immigrated to Georgia about in 1820, where he was
prominently connected with the political affairs of that day. He was a member of
the Legislature a number of terms, being a Representative at the time Georgia
seceded. His death occurred in 1874. The mother was born in Georgia, in 1810, and
departed this life in 1852. She was a sister to the distinguished Gen. James
Bethune of Pennsylvania. Our subject received an excellent education at Emory
College, Oxford, Ga., where he was at school when the war broke out. He entered
Company A, Cobbs, Ga., as private. In 1863 was promoted to rank of lieutenant;
November 29, 1863, he received a wound from the explosion of a hand grenade, at
Knoxville, and was disabled for about thirty days. April 6, 1865, he was captured,
and imprisoned at Johnson’s Island, where he was held about two months. After his
release he resumed his studies at college, graduating in 1867. He taught school at
Bolivar, La Grange and Saulsbury until 1880. In the meantime, 1873, he received the
degree of A.M. He was elected to represent Hardeman County in the State
Legislature, in 1876. He served with so much credit and distinction that he was
chosen each succeeding term until 1884. In 1885 he became speaker of the house.
July, of the same year, he was appointed deputy revenue collector, which position
he still holds. He is a strong Democrat, and very influential. He is intelligent,
enterprising and honorable. He has, by his own efforts, accumulated considerable
fine property and means. He is a sincere member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
South, and prominently connected with the Masonic order, K. of’ H., and K. & L. of
H. June 28, 1870, he married Miss Fannie E., daughter of W. W. Elliotte, Sr. To Mr.
and Mrs. Manson an interesting family, consisting of three boys and two girls, have
been born: Joseph A., Minnie J., Frank E., Mary J. and Grover Cleveland.
David W. McAnulty
David W. McAnulty, a prominent merchant of Hickory Valley, is native of Hardeman
County, born October 14, 1847, the elder of two children born to Joseph S. and
Margaret A. (Woods) McAnulty. The father is a native of North Carolina, born May
12, 1821, and came with his parents to Hardeman County in 1835, where they lived
the remainder of their lives. He is engaged in agricultural pursuits and has been
successful in securing this world’s goods. He is a Democrat and a member of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The mother is a native of Hardeman County, born May
14, 1833, and is a worthy member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. David W.,
by his own efforts, secured a good practical education, after which he was engaged
in the farming interests on his father’s farm. In 1865 he became a salesman in the
store of J. H. McClellan & Co., of La Grange, Tenn., where he remained one year,
and the year following was connected with the firm of Graves & Gaither in the same
capacity. December 10, 1867, Mr. McAnulty married Miss Martha R. Moorman, an
accomplished daughter of Rev. R. A. Moorman of Hardeman County. They are the
parents of eight children, six of whom are living. For about five years after his
marriage, Mr. McAnulty was engaged in farming, with fair results, but in 1873
established a store in La Grange in partnership with a brother-in-law, J. P.
Ferguson, which he continued one year. In 1874 they moved their stock of goods to
Hickory Valley, and since then Mr. McAnulty has been of the enterprising and
energetic business men of that place, now owning one-half interest in the store
which is valued at $10,000, besides 300 acres of land. He is a Democrat and
contributes liberally to the support of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of
which he and wife are members.
Joseph A. Mathews
Joseph A. Mathews, planter of Hardeman County, is a native of Abbeville County,
S.C., born January 15, 1830, the thirteenth of fourteen children born to Joseph C.
and Margaret (Brough) Mathews. The father, of Irish descent, was born in Abbeville
County, S.C., and his occupation was farming and tanning. He was a Democrat in
politics and an elder in the Presbyterian Church for many years. He died in his
native county in about 1854. The mother was also .a native of Abbeville County,
S.C., and a member of the Presbyterian Church, and her death occurred in 1860.
Joseph A. secured by his own efforts a practical education and for several years
followed the tanner’s trade in South Carolina, but in 1848 immigrated to Tennessee
and settled in Fayette County. He here followed the same business for four years
but in 1852 bought four horses and began teaming from West Tennessee and northern
Mississippi to Memphis. In the summer of 1860 he took a prospecting tour through
Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana, but did not buy and soon returned to Fayette County
and gave his attention to farming. In 1865 Mr. Mathews purchased the place where he
now lives in Hardeman County, where he moved the next year, and now owns 850 acres
of laud in this county. September 15, 1857, he married Miss Ellen Morrow, a lady of
highly respected family, born in Greenville County, S.C., June 22, 1822. She was a
member of the Presbyterian Church and died February 27, 1880, leaving two children:
William M., a young lawyer of much promise, and Jennie, a young lady of many
accomplishments. December 1, 1881, Mr. Mathews married Miss Fannie Campbell, a most
worthy lady, born in Mississippi, May 15, 1800. Mr. Mathews is a Democrat, and he
and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
William A. May
William A. May, merchant and planter of Hardeman County, is a native of Fayette
County, born December 6, 1861, one of two children born to William A. and Mildred
(Davis) May. The parents were natives of Virginia and were married in New Castle,
Hardeman Co., Tenn., in about 1857. The father was born about 1815, was a Democrat,
a merchant and planter, and died in Fayette County, Tenn., in 1885. He was a
prominent member of the Missionary Baptist Church. The mother was born about 1840,
was a highly cultured lady, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her death
occurred in Fayette County, June 2,1877. The subject of this sketch received good
educational advantages, was educated at Culleoka, Tenn., and University of Alabama.
After completing his education he was engaged in farming interest for two years
with good success. In 1879, in partnership with W. T. Scott, he established a store
of general merchandise in Hickory Valley, and has since been an active and
successful business man. Mr. O. B. Polk has recently entered this firm. Mr. May
owns one-third interest in this house. He also owns 3,000 acres of land in Hardeman
and Fayette Counties. February 26, 1884, he married Miss Annie Morgan, an
accomplished lady, a native of Memphis, Tenn. They have a child, William A., born
January 15, 1885. Mr. May is a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife are
members of the Presbyterian Church.
John E. McCaskill
John E. McCaskill, farmer is a native of Hardeman County, born October 24, 1837,
the third of five children born to Taylor and Nancy McCaskill. The parents were
natives of North Carolina, where they married in about the year 1832 and in 1835
they immigrated to Tennessee and settled in Hardeman County, where they spent the
rest of their days. The father was of Scotch descent, born in 1809, was a farmer, a
Democrat in politics, and a worthy member of the Missionary Baptist Church. His
death occurred in Hardeman County, August 10, 1841.. The mother was of English
origin, born February 16, 1812. She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church and died at Hardeman County, April 9, 1883. John E. received a good
practical education and began early in life as a farmer, and except the time spent
in the Confederate Army has always made Hardeman County his home. In the spring of
1861 he enlisted in Company B, Fourth Tennessee Infantry, and was received into
Cheatham’s division, and participated in the battles of Perryville, Murfreesboro,
Chickamauga, etc. He was wounded at Jonesboro, Ga., in August, 1864, and was
compelled to return home, when he again resumed farming. In 1865 he purchased half
of the farm where he now lives from his brother, and now owns 240 acres of good
land in his county. May 1, 1866, Mr. McCaskill married Miss. Cynthia Sutton, a
native of Hardeman County, born November 25, 1849. Unto this union have been born
ten children — seven sons and three daughters — one son deceased. Mr. McCaskill is
a Democrat, and he and wife are strict members of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.
Thomas E. Mercer
Thomas E. Mercer, an enterprising merchant of Toone and member of the firm of
Mercer & McGlathery, is a native of Madison County, Tenn., born February 5, 1844,
the fourth of eight children, four now living, born to Thomas B. and Catharine
(Crisum) Mercer. The parents were married in Madison County about the year 1830 and
in 1843 came to Hardeman County, where they have since lived. The father was born
in Currituck County, N.C., in December, 1816, is a farmer, a Democrat, and a member
of the Missionary Baptist Church. The mother is a member of the same church, born
in Middle Tennessee in 1818. Our subject’s education at seventeen was interrupted
by the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in Company B, Thirty-third
Tennessee Regiment Infantry; was received in Cheatham’s division and participated
in the battles of Shiloh, Perryville, Ky., Murfreesboro and of Chickamauga. At the
latter place he received a severe wound which caused him much suffering. After a
partial recovery he returned to the service but was officially placed on the
retired list at Greensboro, Ga., in July, 1864. Mr. Mercer then returned to
Tennessee and re-entered school, and after completing his education he was engaged
as clerk in different mercantile houses for five years. In 1869 he formed a
partnership with a brother, W. A. Mercer, and James Little and opened a grocery
store in Toone which he continued with some changes in the firm for seven years. In
1876 he and brother opened a store of general merchandise, but in 1883 the brother
sold his interest to F. M. McGlathery, now one of the firm. Mr. Mercer also owns
300 acres of land in Fayette, Madison and Hardeman Counties. September 6, 1870, he
married Miss Lizzie Cartwright, a lady of Fayette County, born in 1843, and to them
have been born eight children, six now living. Mr. Mercer is a Democrat and a
member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Mercer is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
Frank M. McGlathery
Frank M. McC-lathery, of the firm of Mercer & McGlathery of Toone, is a native of
Alcorn County, Miss., born June13, 1847, a son of Samuel E. and Nancy S. (Surratt)
McGlathery. The parents were married in northern Alabama in 1839, and moved the
same year to what is now Alcorn County, Miss., where they have since lived. The
father is of Scotch descent, a native of Lincoln County, Tenn., born February 10,
1818. He was engaged in farming until the year 1880 when for four years he sold
goods in Corinth, Miss., but since then has lived a retired life. He is a Democrat
and a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The mother was born
in Alabama June 10, 1821, and is of French ancestry. She is a member of the same
church as her husband. Frank M. enjoyed fine educational advantages, receiving a
good academical education, after which he clerked in his uncle’s store at
Boonsville, Miss., one year. In 1869 he entered the firm of .A. J. Borroum & Co.,
druggists at Corinth, Miss. In 1870 he secured a position as assistant depot agent
at Bolivar, Tenn., and at once began the study of telegraphy and soon became an
expert in that branch of railroad work. November, 1872, Mr. McGlathery was
appointed operator and agent at Voiden, Miss., and in May, 1873, was transferred to
Toone, Tenn., where he was connected with the railroad business for eleven years.
He then resigned and has since given his attention exclusively to mercantile
interests, and now owns one half interest in a stock of goods valued at $15,000 or
$20,000. May 1, 1872, Mr. McGlathery married Miss Mattie E. Mercer, who was born
May 14, 1850. Mr. and Mrs. McGlathery are the parents of six children — three sons
and three daughters — two sons deceased. Mr. McGlathery is a Democrat and he and
wife are influential members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
J. R. Miller
J. R. Miller, a prosperous farmer and well known resident of the Fourth District,
was born July 28, 1853, in the house where he now resides. His parents were John
and Mary E. (Bradford) Miller. The father was born in Haywood County, in 1827, the
mother in same county, in 1831. They were wedded in 1847, and soon afterward moved
to Hardeman County. They had four sons and four daughters, five of whom are living.
Both parents were consistent members of the Methodist Church. The father was a
stanch Democrat. His chief occupation was farming, which he carried on to a great
extent. For twelve years he was interested in merchandising. In all financial
matters he was one of the most successful and shrewd men in the county. He was
prosperous in all his undertakings. He met a sad and distressing death in 1879;
while coming out of a house in Centreville he was shot and instantly killed by an
unknown party. The cause of the deed remains enshrouded in mystery. The mother died
in 1886. Our subject, owing to delicate health, received but a meager education.
When quite a young man he began his career as an independent farmer. In 1877 he
married Miss Rebecca Franklin, who was born August 3, 1856, in Hardeman County. She
is a sincere member of the Methodist Church, and the mother of two children: Robert
P. and John F. Mr. Miller is a conservative in politics, but takes no active part
and seldom votes. For three years he has been constable, but does not aspire to
offices of public trust. He has always been an enterprising and fortunate
agriculturist, owning over 500 acres of land in the best portion of the county. He
is deeply interested in the raising of fast, blooded horses. He has Clipper, Tom,
Hal, and Highland breeds.
Martin Moore
Martin Moore, a prominent farmer of the Fourth District, was born April 11, 1819,
in Pitt County, N.C., in which State his parents were born, raised and married. His
father, William Moore, while a resident of his native State, was a magistrate for a
number of years, and a constable until he was forced to sell the household goods of
a family. He was of so kind and sympathetic a disposition, that he resigned rather
than perform such duties. He married Miss Frances Forrest, of English origin, by
whom he had five sons and three daughters. In 1835 he moved his family to
Tennessee, locating in the western district, Haywood County. He was a prosperous
farmer and Jeffersonian Democrat. His death occurred in 1836, and his wife’s in
1873. Both were Christian people, true and honorable, but never united with any
church. The grandfather Forrest was a faithful soldier of the Revolutionary war.
Our subject was raised on a farm; his educational advantages were inferior, but by
his own efforts and application he has acquired an extensive amount of practical
information. At the age of fourteen he began life for himself. After working as a
laborer for ten years, he engaged in agriculture on his own responsibility. By hard
work, economy and good management he has prospered to such an extent that he now
owns 1,700 acres of land. He belongs to no church, but is liberal to all
denominations, charitable institutions, and all who are in distress. For forty-
three years he has made his home in Hardeman County, where he is well known as a
worthy, honest man. He is a stanch Democrat. In 1841 he married Miss Martha E.
Sammons, who was born January 20, 1822. Their union resulted in the birth of twelve
children, five of whom live. The oldest son, Gee. W.. was wounded at Perryville,
Ky., from the effects of which he died in prison. Benjamin F. was a professor in
the Medical College, at Little Rock, Ark. Mrs. Moore was an earnest member of the
Primitive Baptist Church. Her death occurred in 1864. In 1868 Mr. Moore wedded Mrs.
Elizabeth E. Brogden. by whom he had one son, deceased. Mrs. Moore is a Cumberland
Presbyterian.
James A. Moore
James A. Moore, Esq., one of the leading farmers of the Fourth District, was born
August 8, 1837, in Hardeman County. His parents were William A. and Mary A.
(Coates) Moore, both born in Halifax County, Va., the former in 1808 and the latter
in 1810. They were married in their native State, residing there until 1836, when
they moved to Hardeman County. To their union four sons and four daughters were
born, only one surviving. Mr. Moore was an old school Whig, and after the war a
Democrat. He never aspired to office of public trust, but preferred the quiet life
of a farmer, in which occupation he was prosperous, In 1884 he died, a consistent
member of the Missionary Baptist Church, to which his wife also belongs. Mrs. Moore
makes her home with her only child, our subject. The grandfather Moore was a major
in the war of 1812. J. A. Moore, Esq., was raised on a farm, and educated in the
common schools. In 1861 he volunteered in Company E, Seventh Tennessee Cavalry.
After a year’s service, and while home on a furlough, he was elected first
lieutenant of Company F, Fourteenth Tennessee Cavalry, Confederate Army, holding
that rank until the close of the war. During his active and gallant service, he was
neither wounded nor taken prisoner. After the restoration of peace he returned to
the farm. In 1865 he married Miss Margaret A. Mitchell, who was born January 17,
1843. Their marriage resulted in the birth of seven children — two sons and five
daughters. Squire Moore and his estimable wife are active and respected members of
the Missionary Baptist Church. Squire Moore is a stanch Democrat. In 1882 he was
elected magistrate, which office he still fills. As an agriculturist he has been
very successful. He owns about 580 acres of good land. He is well known throughout
the entire county, and universally esteemed.
R. A. Moorman
Rev. R. A. Moorman, M. D., a well known retired physician and a popular preacher in
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Hardeman County, is a native of Campbell
County, Va., born April 8, 1808, son of M. C. and Easter (Alexander) Moorman, both
natives of Campbell County, Va. They were married in that county, and afterward
immigrated to Alabama, where they spent the remainder of their lives. R. A. is the
third of six children born to this union, and the only one now living. He received
an academical education in his native State, and at the age of nineteen came to
Hardeman County, Tenn. In 1831 he entered the medical school at Lexington, Ky.,
where he received his diploma, and after his graduation he returned to this county,
and commenced the practice of his profession, where he was a physician of fine
reputation until the beginning of the war. In 1836 Dr. Moorman obtained license to
preach in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and for fifty years has been a
faithful minister in this church. While he has been a physician and minister he has
also been engaged in farming, and now owns 640 acres of good land in this county.
Rev. Moorman has been twice married; for his first wife he married Miss Martha A.
Morgan, May 21, 1838, and to this happy union were born eight children — four sons
and four daughters. This excellent woman was born in Hardeman County in about 1821,
and died March 24, 1857. October 24, 1858, he married Mrs. N. T. (Young) Watson,
who was a native of Madison County, and ‘died January 16, 1884. One daughter was
born to this union. Both wives were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
John T. Morrow
John T. Morrow was born in Greenville County, S.C., October 4, 1829, the youngest
of fourteen children born to Col. William and Jane (Reid) Morrow, both natives of
South Carolina. The parents were married in South Carolina about 1812, and in 1834
they came to Tennessee, and settled in Fayette County, where they spent the
remainder of their days. The father was of Irish descent, born in 1778, was a
farmer, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was colonel of the State
militia, and a soldier of the war of 1812, and died in Fayette County in 1864. The
mother was of Scotch ancestry, born in 1787, a member of the Presbyterian Church,
and died in Fayette County in 1873. John T. attended the country schools of Fayette
County, and afterward turned his attention to farming, and after forty years spent
successfully in Fayette County, he came to Hardeman County and purchased the farm
where he now lives. He was a heavy loser by the war, but has regained much of his
loss, and now owns 1,150 acres of land. September 14, 1854, Mr. Morrow married Miss
Margaret F. Marsh, a daughter of Daniel H. and Mary Marsh, born in Chatham County,
N.C., September 20, 1835. Her parents made a settlement in Hardeman County at an
early day. Mr. and Mrs. Morrow are the parents of nine children — four sons and
five daughters — three now living, two sons and one daughter. Mr. Morrow is a
Democrat, and he and wife and daughter are members of the Presbyterian Church.
Bartley H. Moss
Bartley H. Moss, a prominent citizen and well-to-do farmer, of Hardeman County, is
a native of McMinn County, East Tenn., born September 15, 1836, the sixth of nine
children born to Eli and Dicy (Brock) Moss. The parents were natives of South
Carolina, and were married in that State. Early in life they immigrated to
Tennessee, and settled in McMinn County, where they spent the remainder of their
days. The father spent his life in agricultural pursuits, at which he was fairly
successful. He was a Democrat in politics and a man who had many warm friends who
honored him for his integrity and appreciated him for his kindness of heart.
Bartley H. secured a good academical education and having selected farming for an
occupation, at an early age began tilling the soil. He lived in McMinn County until
the year 1873, when he came to Hardeman County and settled eleven miles southwest
of Bolivar where he now lives. He began life rather poor, but by industry, economy
and close application to business has secured a competency, now owning 220 acres of
land well cultivated. About thirty years ago Mr. Moss was united in marriage to
Miss Eliza Martin, who was born in McMinn County about 1836. They are the parents
of nine children — four sons and five daughters — all living. Mr. Moss in his
political views is rather inclined to the Republican party. Though not a member of
any church he is a firm believer in the Christian religion and is an honored and
respected citizen of his community.
P. H. McKinnie
P. H. McKinnie, M.D., is one of the prominent physicians of Hickory Valley, a
native of the same county where he resides, born February 3, 1844, a son of Rev.
Arthur and H. D. (Lee) McKinnie, who were natives of North Carolina. The father is
a native of Wayne County, born in 1811; was a local preacher in the Methodist
Episcopal Church and rendered that church much valuable service. He was also a
farmer, at which he was very successful. His death occurred in Hardeman County. The
mother was born in Rockingham County in 1810 and died in Hickory Valley in 1886.
They were married in Hardeman County. P. H. McKinnie is the youngest of seven
children born to his parents and received a good collegiate education. In the fall
of 1862 he entered the Confederate States Army and enlisted as a private of
volunteers in Company E, Seventh Tennessee Regular Cavalry, and was received in
Gen. Forrest’s command under Brig.-Gen. James R. Chalmers. He participated in the
battles of Hernando, Miss., Moscow, Tenn., Harrisburg, Miss., Union City, Tenn.,
Nashville and Franklin; returned home in 1865 and took the oath of allegiance at La
Grange, and soon after entered the school at New Castle where he attended one year
and then entered the college at Georgetown, Ky., and having chosen the medical
profession went in the fall of 1873 to the medical college at Louisville, Ky.,
where he duly received his diploma in 1880. He then returned to Hardeman County,
and located in Hickory Valley, where he soon built up a large practice and has
since been a popular and successful physician. February 29, 1876, he married Miss
Susan M. Scott, born February 27, 1861, in Hardeman County, and to them has been
born the following family: Claude S., born October 24, 1877; Arthur S., born April
28, 1882, and William H., born April 13, 1884. Dr. McKinnie is a Democrat in
politics and a consistent member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. McKinnie is
a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Edward A. Mullen
Edward A. Mullen, planter, of Hardeman County, was born in York County, S.C.,
February 1, 1827, the oldest of a family of eleven children born to Alexander and
Jane (West) Mullen. The father was born in Ireland about 1786, and came to America
when twelve years of age. He was a farmer all his life. The mother was of English-
Irish descent, born in South Carolina about 1793, and died January, 1877. They were
married in South Carolina, and in 1829 immigrated to Tennessee, and after two years
they settled in Madison County, where the father died March 13, 1853. Edward A.
came to Tennessee when an infant and has spent his entire life in farming in
Madison and Hardeman Counties. In 1851 he settled where he now lives, which is one
of the best portions of Hardeman County, and owns 1,000 acres of land in this and
Madison County. December 13, 1849, Mr. Mullen married Miss Eliza Summers, a native
of Madison County, born July 31, 1827. She was a member of the Missionary Baptist
Church and died April 11, 1879. May 15, 1881, he married Miss Adaline Westbrook,
who is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. In 1862 Mr. Mullen entered the
Confederate Army, was received under Forrest’s command and served under him until
the fall of 1864, when he returned home on account of ill health. He is a Democrat
and a believer in the Christian religion.
Rufus P. Neely
Gen. Rufus P. Neely, an early settler of Hardeman County, is the son of Charles and
Lousa (Polk) Neely. The father was born in Virginia in 1787, and when young moved
with his parents to Middle Tennessee. The mother was born in North Carolina in
1787, and was the daughter of Col. Ezekial Polk, of Colonial distinction, and the
originator of the Polk families in Tennessee. They were among the early settlers of
Maury County. The parents of our subject reared a family of four children, all of
whom are living. At the breaking out of the war of 1812 Charles Neely, as captain,
led a company under Jackson, and while on this campaign he saw a beautiful scope of
country near Tuscumbia, Ala., where he moved after the war. He followed farming for
a livelihood. In 1820 he passed away while yet in the prime of life. His young
widow returned to Maury County, Tenn., and in 1822 came to Hardeman County before
Bolivar was started, and when not more than half a dozen families lived in the
county. Here she married Dr. C. C. Collier, by whom she had three children, all of
whom are deceased. She died in 1869. Our subject was born November 26, 1808, in
Maury County, near Spring Hill, and inherited Irish blood from both father and
mother. He secured a good academic education, and in 1821 came to Hardeman County
on a pony loaded with bacon, in company with Ezekial Polk, before mentioned. Mr.
Polk had purchased extensive tracts of land and came to locate them. In 1829 our
subject married Elizabeth Lee, and the result of this union was ten children, five
of whom are living — one son, a physician at Bolivar, and four daughters. Mr. Neely
is a Democrat in politics, and has held the offices of register, county court
clerk, and has served in every clerkship in the county. In the Legislature of 1839-
40 he represented Henderson County. In the days of militia the General held the
position of brigadier-general, and when the trouble arose between Texas and Mexico
he offered the services of his command, but his forces were authoritatively
disbanded, inasmuch as it was contrary to the law of nations for the Government to
allow her troops to participate. In 1839 the General led a company to assist in
removing the Indians to their territory. He offered the services of his command in
the Seminole war and also in the war with Mexico, but there being a surplus of
troops his were left out by lot. In 1861 he enlisted as captain of Company B,
Fourth Tennessee Infantry (Confederate Army), and in May of the same year was
promoted to colonel of his regiment. During his service he was three times
imprisoned, twice at Alton, Ill., and once at Camp Chase, Ohio. For many years he
has been intimately connected with the railroad interests of the South. He it was
who built the Mississippi Central, of which he was president for several years and
receiver by appointment of Gov. Porter; he was president of the Memphis & Knoxville
Road, and is now one of the board of directors of the Mississippi & Tennessee Road.
For sixty years he has been a resident of Hardeman County, and is one of its most
highly respected citizens.
James J. Neely
Dr. James J. Neely, Jr., a prominent physician of Bolivar and a son of Gen. R. P.
and Elizabeth (Lee) Neely, was born September 12, 1848, in Hardeman County. He was
reared on a farm and received his early education at Bolivar, but subsequently
attended the University of Mississippi, finishing the sophomore year. In 1863 he
enlisted in Company E, Seventh Tennessee Cavalry (Confederate Army), and during
eighteen months of service never received a wound nor was he taken prisoner. In
1868 he began the study of medicine under Drs. Moore and Tate, of Bolivar, and
entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, graduating from that institution in
1872. He then located in Bolivar, and has enjoyed a good practice. In 1876 he
married Julia A., daughter of Judge Thomas Smith of Memphis. To this union were
born three children: Rufus P., Jr., Thomas S. and Francis F. Mrs. Neely is a member
of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Neely is a stanch Democrat in politics, and has had
the honor of holding the position of health officer of the county and local surgeon
of the Illinois Central Railroad. For fourteen years he has been practicing his
profession in Bolivar and has met with good and well deserved success, as his many
patients now living can testify.
Thomas M. Newsom
Thomas M. Newsom, circuit court clerk of Hardeman County, was the sixth of a family
of eleven children born to Michael J. and Mary C. (Cosbey) Newsom. The father was a
Virginian. He moved to Middle Tennessee when quite a young man. There he was
married. During his residence in that section of the State he assisted in the
laying of the corner-stone of the State Capitol. About 1850 he settled in Hardeman
County, where the remainder of his life was spent. He was a prosperous
agriculturist, owning some 700 acres of valuable land. For six years he was
magistrate and served eight years as constable. He was a stanch Democrat. He died
in 1871, a consistent member of the Methodist Church, to which his wife also
belongs. Mrs. Newsom is still living on the homestead. She is about sixty-three
years of age, a true Christian woman, beloved by all who know her. Of her family of
children ten are living. Our subject, Thomas M., was born in Hardeman County, March
17, 1858. He was raised on a farm. In his early years his educational advantages
were very meager, but later he received the benefits of a much better class of
schools. At the age of eighteen he began teaching-school, which he continued for
about eight years, meeting with considerable success, and giving entire
satisfaction to his patrons. In 1886 he was called to the important and honored
position which he now holds. Thus far he has proved to be a most efficient officer,
and his friends have no doubts concerning his future discharge of duties. He is an
ardent Democrat, a genial, intellectual gentleman, well known and highly respected.
John S. Norment
John S. Norment, one of the oldest and best known residents of Hardeman County, was
born in the county January 31, 1828. His parents were Nathaniel E. and Sarah
(Menifee) Norment. The father was a Virginian of English descent; the mother was of
English-Dutch extraction, born in Knox County, Tenn. When quite young they moved to
Alabama, where they were married and lived until 1826, when they came to Tennessee,
settling near Whiteville, Hardeman County. To their union seven children were born,
two of whom are living. Both parents were Methodists, but late in life Mrs. Norment
united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Her death occurred in 1881.
Previous to Mr. Norment’s marriage with Miss Menifee, he had been twice married. By
his first wife he had two children, and by the second wife four children. He was
one of the most prosperous farmers of the section in which he lived, and built the
first and only cotton factory in the county. He departed this life in 1839. The
subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, receiving such education as the common
schools of that day afforded. At the age of nineteen he engaged in agricultural
pursuits, to which he has given his attention since that time. For a short time
previous to the war he was interested in merchandising. He is a consistent member
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a liberal contributor to all charitable,
religious or worthy enterprises. He was an old time Whig, and is now a stanch
Democrat. Few men in the county are older or more respected residents than he. In
1847 Mr. Norment married Miss Nancy Burford, born March 10, 1829. To them six sons
and five daughters were born. Mrs. Norment died in 1874, a sincere Christian, an
estimable woman and devout member of the Methodist Church. Her parents were Dr.
Jonathan and Nancy (Chaflin) Burford. The father was a native of North Carolina.
Early in life he moved to Alabama, where he was at one time clerk of the court. In
1828, after his marriage, he came to Hardeman County, where he was a successful
practicing physician until failing health caused him to retire from active life. He
was an old school Whig. His death occurred in 1849. Mrs. Burford was a Virginian,
the mother of ten children, of whom only two are living. She died in 1838. Both
were members of the Methodist Church.
William M. Norment
Rev. William M. Norment, one of the leading and best known ministers in the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, was born September 21, 1829, near where Whiteville
now stands. His parents were Nathaniel E. and Sarah (Menifee) Norment. The subject
of this sketch was raised in the country, receiving a liberal education in the best
schools in the community. When sixteen years of age he took a year’s work at the
Cumberland University. At the early age of nineteen he married Miss Martha B.
Miller, born November 6, 1831, in Virginia, and brought her to Hardeman County when
a mere child. This union resulted in the birth of twelve children, of whom two sons
and five daughters are living. The mother and family are all members of the same
denomination of which he is a clergyman. After marriage Mr. Norment settled on a
farm. He had devoted considerable time to theological study and in 1852 entered the
ministry, being ordained two years later, in which noble work he has since been
engaged for the past thirty-four years with most favorable and satisfactory
results, laboring zealously from a sense of duty, always putting aside pecuniary
considerations. In connection with his ministerial duties he was interested, for
several years previous to the war and immediately afterward, in mercantile business
in Whiteville. He has also run a saw-mill for a number of years. He is still
engaged to some extent in farming. He owns about 250 acres of valuable land.
Jesse Norment
Hon. Jesse Norment, attorney at law and proprietor of the Bolivar Bulletin, was
born Aug. 20, 1849, in Hardeman Co. where he has been raised and received his
education in the common schools. He is a son of John S. and Nancy S. (Burford)
Norment, also natives of the same county. The mother was born March 10, 1829, and
departed this life in 1874, an exemplary Christian, an affectionate wife and
mother. The father was born January 31, 1828. He is one of the prosperous
agriculturists and most worthy residents of the county. The grandparents on both
sides were among the earliest and most respected settlers of Hardeman County. The
subject of this sketch entered the Lebanon law school in 1869 and was admitted to
the bar one year later, since which time he has been having an extensive and
lucrative law practice in his native county. He is a strong and influential
Democrat and for several years has led a public life. He first served as mayor of
Bolivar, discharging the duties of his office in a highly commendable manner. In
1882-84 he represented Hardeman and McNairy Counties in the State Senate, and in
1886 had the honor of being re-elected, which was a practical demonstration of the
regard in which he is held by the people. He is an able lawyer, an efficient public
servant and a courteous, popular man. In 1873 he married Miss Sallie Black, who was
born January 21, 1855, in Bolivar, Tenn. Their union has been blessed with four
interesting children: Hamilton, Nancy E., Jesse B. and Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Norment
are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
William Nuckolls
William Nuckolls, an old and highly esteemed resident of Hardeman County, was born
August 15, 1804, in Robertson County, Tenn. His parents were Richard and Temperance
(Walton) Nuckolls; both were natives of Virginia and came to Middle Tennessee about
1798. They had a family of five sons and two daughters, our subject being the
youngest and only surviving one. He received a very limited education. In 1824 he
located in Hardeman County where he has since resided. In 1852 he wedded Zarilda
Cotton, who was born in 1818. To them were born six children, of whom two sons and
two daughters are living. Mr. Nuckolls was for a short time magistrate, having
received his appointment from Brownlow. He has been a Democrat nearly all his life
and during the war was a strong Union man. His chief occupation has been the saw-
mill business in which he has amassed quite a snug fortune. He is also interested
in farming. He began life without capital but by industry and attention to his
affairs is now the possessor of about 2,600 acres of fine land. He has lived in
Hardeman County many years and is universally regarded as an able, substantial and
worthy citizen. Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Nuckolls have ever united with any
denomination.
John W. Nuckolls
John W. Nuckolls, M.D., a well known physician and extensive planter, a resident of
Toone, Hardeman Co., Tenn., is a native of the county where he resides, born
December 7, 1840, the fourth of nine children, eight now living, born to Starling
and Narcissa (Whitaker) Nuckolls. The father was of Welsh descent, born in Virginia
in 1784, but when a child came to Tennessee and settled in Robertson County. He was
engaged in farming and the milling business and was a prominent man of his day. He
died in 1860. It is thought the mother was a native of Lincoln County, Tenn. She
was much younger than her husband and died in Hardeman County in 1876. John W. in
the fall of 1861 entered the Confederate States Army and joined what was known as
Capt. J. J. Neely’s company of cavalry and was received in Forrest’s command. He
served two years under him but was captured in December, 1863, and was held as a
prisoner of war several weeks in Bolivar, but was finally released upon taking the
oath of allegiance. December 5, 1867, he married Miss Fannie R. Anderson, daughter
of Edward Anderson, of Hardeman County. She was born in 1845, and they are the
parents of eight children, six now living. Immediately after his marriage he began
the study of medicine, and in 1870-71 attended the Medical College of Nashville,
after which he returned home and began practicing in connection with Dr. J. R.
Anderson establishing a drug store at the same time. Dr. Nuckolls dissolved
partnership with Dr. Anderson after two years’ connection. He now owns a fine
residence in Toone valued at $5,000, besides 4,000 acres of land in Hardeman and
Madison Counties. Dr. Nuckolls is a Democrat in politics and his religious views
are in sympathy with the Missionary Baptist Church.
Noah C. Nuckolls
Noah C. Nuckolls, one of the leading livery men of Bolivar, is a son of William and
Zarilda (Cotton) Nuckolls, and was born September 8, 1855, in Hardeman County. He
was reared on a farm and had good educational advantages. After reaching manhood he
spent some time in Texas, Middle Tennessee and Arkansas. He then returned to
Hardeman County and farmed till 1885, when he moved to Bolivar and opened a livery
stable, which he is now operating with evident success. Though in business only a
short time Mr. Nuckolls has succeeded in gaining his share of the patronage of the
county. Mr. Nuckolls’ fine rigs for the accommodation of the public are to be had
at the very lowest prices. Those having had any business transactions with him have
found him pleasant and prompt in all his dealings.
T. A. Parran
T. A. Parran, farmer of Hardeman County, was born June 18, 1829, in Memphis and
received a rather limited education. On reaching manhood he began his career as a
farmer, which he has continued up to the present. In 1848 he married Maria Wood, a
native of Hardeman County, born in August, 1830, and to them were born three
children: David, Anna and Thomas C. Both he and wife and all the children are
members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Parran has always been a
Democrat. He is not one who aspires to places of public trust. but performs the
duties of a public-spirited citizen. He holds the position of alderman of the town
of Bolivar. In 1875 he came to this town and has been engaged to some extent in
selling machinery in partnership with his son David. His chief occupation is
superintending his plantation, which consists of 1,200 acres. He has made this
county his home the principal part of his life, and is considered an excellent
citizen. His parents, Thomas O. and Anna (Carr) Parran, were natives of Calvert
County, Md., and Albemarle County, Va., respectively. They were married in Memphis
and to this union was born one child, a son. By occupation the father was a
journalist, having established one of the first newspapers of Memphis. He died
while in the prime of life, and his widow soon followed him.
James M. Pettigrew
James M. Pettigrew, a prominent farmer of Hardeman County, was born in Haywood
County, Tenn., October 24, 1843, a son of Samuel E. and Nancy (Nicholson)
Pettigrew. The father was born in Virginia, and the mother in North Carolina, but
were brought to this county when very young, and here they married. To them a
family of eleven children were born of whom one son, and one daughter are living.
The father when only a boy served under Jackson, at New Orleans. He was a stanch
Democrat. Although not a church member he was an honest and esteemed man. By trade
he was a carpenter and assisted in building the first houses in. Bolivar. After
living in this county many years, they moved to Haywood County, where the mother
died in 1859. During the war the father went to Arkansas where he died. The subject
of this sketch was raised on a farm, receiving a good common-school education. He
began life for himself at the age of seventeen. Some time afterward he engaged in
the grocery business. In 1870 he married Mrs. L. L. Miller, nee Doyle, who was born
May 19, 1841. By her first marriage she had two children, of whom Mary is living.
To Mr. and Mrs. Pettigrew seven children were born, five of whom are living: Carrie
B., James C., Joseph V., Edna L. and Nannie P. Soon after marriage Mr. Pettigrew
moved to Humboldt, Tenn., engaging in the cultivation of fruits. In 1S79 they
returned to Hardeman County, settling at Centerville, where they have a fine farm,
consisting of about 665 acres. He is an industrious, prosperous and most worthy
citizen. He and his estimable wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
W. A. Pledge
W. A. Pledge, a resident and undertaker of Grand Junction, was born December 1,
1823, in Virginia, and immigrated to Tennessee in 1849, locating in the immediate
vicinity of his present residence, where he has since lived. His parents were
Archie and Mary E. (Garthright) Pledge, both natives of Virginia. The father was
born January 1, 1782, and came to Hardeman County in 1850, where he died June,
1858. The mother was born in 1791, and departed this life in 1861. They were
respected, good people. The subject of this sketch on his arrival to this place
entered upon his present occupation, in connection with various branches of
mechanical trade. November 1, 1849, he married Elvia W. Yancy, a native of North
Carolina, whose parents came to Tennessee about 1837. This marriage resulted in the
birth of Olivia, wife of E. L. Estep, present proprietor of the Stonewall Hotel;
Joel A., whose death occurred in 1862; and William W., died in 1878. Mr. Pledge
entered the Confederate service in 1862, in Company G, Thirteenth Tennessee
Infantry. July 22, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga., he was shot in the right shoulder, which
disabled him for further service, but his feelings were so strong, that he did not
return home until the surrender. He is a stanch Democrat, and has been an active,
consistent member of the Missionary Baptist Church since 1842. He is in good
standing with the Masonic order and K. of H. He is one of the most substantial and
worthy citizens in the entire community.
Oscar B. Polk
Oscar B. Polk, an extensive planter of Hardeman County, is a native of the county
where he resides, born March 1, 1849. He came of the old Polk family of State and
national fame, and was a near relative of James K. Polk. For sketch of parents see
biography of Thomas Polk. Oscar B. received good educational advantages in youth
afterward attending the St. Louis University and the Oxford College of Mississippi.
After completing his education he engaged in agricultural pursuits on his father’s
farm until 1871 when his father died. He then took charge of the farm which was a
large cotton plantation and fine success attended his efforts. November 25, 1879,
Mr. Polk was united in marriage to Mrs. Ada C. Lowe, whose maiden name was Boyle,
an accomplished lady, a native of Hardeman County, born in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Polk
are parents of two children: Oscar B. and Ada C. Mr. Polk has been an active
business man all his life and is perhaps the most extensive planter in the county.
He also owns a third interest in the firm of Polk, May & Scott at Hickory Valley,
and owns over 5,000 acres of land in Tennessee, Arkansas and Texas. He is not a
member of any church but a believer in the Bible and a man of good moral character.
Mrs. Polk is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
Thomas Polk
Thomas Polk, a well known merchant of New Castle, Hardeman Co., Tenn., is a native
of the county where he resides, born November 27, 1852, a son of J. J. and T. J.
(Bowels) Polk. The father was a native of North Carolina, born in 1808 and died in
Hardeman County, September, 1871. The mother was born in Virginia, in 1816, and
died in Hardeman County in 1879. In early life the father immigrated to Tennessee
and settled in Hardeman County, where he spent the remainder of his life as a
farmer, and was one of the most extensive planters in the county. He was a Democrat
in politics, and he and wife were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Our subject came of one of the most eminent families that has ever made a home in
Tennessee, J. K. Polk, the President, being one of its illustrious members, Thomas
secured a good education in his youth, and after farming until 1872 he then
established a store in New Castle, and since then has been an active merchant and
has secured a fair competency. He now owns a stock of goods valued at $10,000, and
owns 800 acres of good land in the county. July 15, 1874, Mr. Polk married Miss
Willie Roders, a highly cultured lady, a native of Louisiana, born March 1, 1855.
To this union have been born four children: John J., born April 28, 1875; Florence
E., born May 17, 1877; Sarah T., born August 20, 1879, and Lola M., born November
27, 1881. Mr. Polk is a Democrat and he and wife are influential members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church South.
Thomas E. Prewitt
Dr. Thomas E. Prewitt, a leading and skillful physician and surgeon of Grand
Junction, was born July 31, 1838, in South Carolina, of which State his parents
were also natives. His father, James Prewitt, was born November, 1797, and moved to
Hardeman County in 1845, and there died in 1875. His wife was Elizabeth Hill, born
in 1804 and died in this county October, 1869. The grandfather Prewitt’s name was
David. The maternal grandfather was an Englishman by birth and an extensive
agriculturist of South Carolina, where he resided for many years. Our subject is
the sixth of nine children. He was raised on a farm, attending the schools in the
vicinity. At the age of nineteen he entered Bethel College, at McLemoresville,
Carroll County, where he continued for three years. he then returned home and began
the study of medicine with his brother, Dr. N. H. Prewitt. In 1859 he began a
course at the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Penn., and graduated at the
University of Nashville, February, 1861. The spring of the same year be began
practicing at Grand Junction. Soon afterward the late war broke out, and with
others he entered the Fourth Tennessee Infantry, Confederate service. In a short
time he was made surgeon of artillery, and the spring of 1862 was assigned surgeon
of the Twelfth Tennessee infantry, which he retained until the surrender. After
peace was restored he went to Arkansas, locating in Drew County, where he remained
until 1875, when he moved to present place of residence, forming a partnership with
his brother. Dr. Nathan Prewitt, who was medical railroad inspector, employed by
the National Board of Health. Dr. Thomas E. Prewitt was surgeon of the Illinois
Central Railroad, and inspector of the State and National Boards of Health during
the yellow fever siege of 1879, and is now director of the board of health at Grand
Junction, which position he has filled for past eight years. He is one of the most
popular and successful physicians and surgeons inn the county, and has performed
some wonderful operations within most favorable results. He is of good social
standing, highly respected, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and
prominently connected with the Masonic order and K. of H., also a stanch Democrat.
July, 1866, the Doctor wedded a daughter of Judge Dudley Dix Daniel of North
Carolina, Miss M. E. Daniel. To this union seven children were born, five of whom
are living: Dudley, James H., Malcolm Lee Roy, Bennona F. and Thomas W.
T. P. Pulliam
T. P. Pulliam, a well known farmer of Hardeman County, is a native of Montgomery
County, N.C., born October 6. 1822, the sixth of sixteen children born to Silas and
Sarah (Morgan) Pulliam, both natives of Montgomery County, N.C., where they were
married. In 1837 they immigrated to Tennessee and settled in Hardeman County. This
father, who was a farmer, was a Democrat in politics and was born in 1787 and died
in Hardeman County December 4, 1873. a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. The mother, who was several years younger than the father, was a devout
member of the same church as her husband; she died in about 1862. T. P. secured by
his own efforts, a good academical education and at an early day began farming. At
the age of fifteen he came with his parents to Hardeman County, and except about
six years spent elsewhere he has made this his home ever since. In 1874 he settled
where he now lives, sixteen miles southwest of Bolivar. Mr. Pulliam has been a man
of unusual energy all his life and has been very successful as a planter. He began
life poor but with a good name, and by industry and economy has secured a fine
competency. Although he lost considerable by the late war, he yet owes, clear of
all encumbrances, upward of 800 acres of good land in his county. December 19,
1854, he married Mrs. Martha J. (Reagan) Hinson, a native of Hardeman County, born
April 6, 1828. They are the parents of nine children, five now living. Mr. Pulliam
is a stanch Democrat and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mrs.
Pulhiam and three children are members of the same church.
William and Tabitha Reynolds
Prominent among the early settlers of Hardeman County were William and Tabitha
(Coburn) Reynolds, both natives of North Carolina. In 1824 William came to Hardeman
County and helped clear the forest from the spot where the town of Bolivar now
stands. Some time after this he married and settled in this county, making it his
permanent home. Their family consisted of seven children, only three now living.
The father was a Democrat before the war and a strong out-spoken Union man
afterward. For a calling in life he followed manufacturing and selling furniture.
He died in 1878. The mother is still living, is over three score and ten years of
age and is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. William H., the eldest
son of William and Tabitha (Coburn) Reynolds, was born June 21, 1837, in Bolivar,
where he received his education. At the age of eighteen he took charge of his
father’s business, learning the cabinet-maker’s trade, at which he has worked ever
since. In 1867 he married Jennie Estes, and the fruits of this union were six
children, five of whom are living. In 1859 William H. went to Arkansas, where he
remained for some time. In 1866 he returned to Bolivar and since then has been
engaged in the undertaking and furniture business. In 1884 he opened a grocery and
hardware store and is engaged in this business at the present. He is also somewhat
interested in farming. He is a Democrat in politics and for forty-nine years has
made this county his home. Twenty years of that time he was intimately associated
with the business interests of Bolivar. Although not a church member, he is liberal
toward churches, schools and all other worthy enterprises. He also took an active
part in raising the funds and helped survey the grounds, etc., for the new asylum.
He is of Scotch-Irish origin.
Abraham Rhea
Dr. Abraham Rhea, a leading and skillful physician of Whiteville, was born February
25, 1830, in Maury County, Tenn. His parents were Matthew and Mary (Looney) Rhea,
both natives of Sullivan County, Tenn. Thie father was of Scotch-Irish extraction.
He was married and resided in Maury County until 1836, when he moved to Fayette
County and there passed the remainder of his life. His family consisted of thirteen
children, only five of whom are living. He and his wife were consistent members of
the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Rhea was a man of great culture and intellect. He had
a thorough liberal education and was considered a fine classical scholar. In early
life he completed a law course but never practiced to any great extent. After
abandoning his profession he taught school awhile, then turned his attention to
farming, but spent a great portion of his time with his books, of which he was very
fond. He made the first map of Tennessee, taken from a survey of the State. At
Somerville there is also a map he drewof Fayette County. He died in 1870 at the age
of seventy-five years. Mrs. Rhea, who was of English descent, departed this life in
1884, having attained the full ripe age of eighty. The grandfather, Mathiew Rhea,
was an officer of the Revolutionary war; for his gallantry, had the honor of being
presented with a very fine sword by the distinguished Gen. Greene. The great-
grandfather, Joseph Rhea, was a graduate of the University of Glasgow, Scotland,
and was a Presbyterian minister. The subject of our sketch spent his early days on
a farm; later he lived in Somerville, where his literary education was received. At
the age of eighteen he began the study of medicine under the guidance of Dr. A. F.
McKenzie. In 1853 he graduated at the Memphis Medical College. After several years
of extensive practice, he became a great sufferer from rheumatism and afterward
sold drugs for three years. In 1861 he volunteered in Company B, of the Thirteenth
Tennessee Infantry, Confederate service. After serving some fourteen months, he
stood an examination and was appointed surgeon, remaining in that position until
close of the war, when he came to Whiteville to practice medicine. He has met with
unusual success, receiving a liberal and lucrative patronage. He is acknowledged
throughout the section as one of the most able and popular physicians. In 1869 he
married Miss Emma L. Cross, who was born in 1846. To their union three sons and
four daughters have been born. Mrs. Rhea is a member of the Methodist Church and
the Doctor of the Presbyterian. He is also a strong Democrat and was a Whig
previous to the war.
John S. Robertson
Dr. John S. Robertson, a farmer and retired physician of Whiteville, was born July
7, 1819, in Wake County, N.C., the only survivimig member of a family of nine
children born to John and Mary (Barrham) Robertson. The father was a native of the
same State and county as his son. The mother was born in Virginia, but immigrated
with her parents when a small child to North Carolina, where sue was married. Both
were of Scotch-Irish extraction. In 1820 they moved to Madison County, Tenn., being
among the first settlers west of the Tennessee River. They were not connected with
any church, but were honorable and respected people. The father was a Whig; during
his entire life was a planter and very prosperous. He employed a large number of
hands. His death occurred in 1821, after which the mother lived with her family
until 1852, when she departed this life. The subject of this sketch was raised on a
farm and educated in the old field schools. About the time he attained his
majority, he began the study of medicine; afterward took a course in the Ohio
Eclectic Medical School at Cincinnati, where he graduated ni 1844. He immediately
began to practice in Henderson County, and in 1848 located in Hardeman County,
three miles west of Whiteville, where he engaged in the exercise of his profession,
and also agriculture, meeting with success in each. In 1870 he moved into the town,
where he has since resided. For fifteen years he was postmaster, at same time
keeping a drug store. After thirty-four years of active and profitable practice he
retired from his professional duties in 1880, and since that time has been giving
his: attention to his plantations. He owns some 700 acres of valuable land. Before
the war he was a Whig but since that time has affiliated with the Democratic party.
In 1844 the Doctor married Miss Amanda M. Wood, born in Henderson County, October
1, 1826. To their union three sons and one daughter were born: Andrew L., who was
in the army under Gen. Forrest’s command, and was killed at the battle of Memphis;
Eugenia C., Christopher W., also in Forrest’s command; and John B. Mrs. Robertson
was a true Christian woman, an earnest member of the Methodist Church. Her death
occurred in 1860. Three years later the Doctor wedded Miss Nannie M. Carnes, who
was born April 4, 1835. This marriage resulted in the birth of two children: Mary
W. and Carnes. The Doctor and Mrs. Robertson are active and esteemed members of the
Methodist Church.
Wiley W. Sammons
Elder Wiley W. Sammons, a prominent farmer of the Cedar Chapel District, was born
in Hardeman County, November 11, 1827. His parents were Allen and Sallie (Long)
Sammons, both of whom were of English extraction, born in Sussex County, Va., the
father in 1788 and the mother in 1795. They were married in 1811, remaining in
their native State until 1827, when they came to Hardeman County, being among the
early settlers. Eleven children blessed their union, of whom only two are living.
Mr. and Mrs. Sammons were zealous Christians. For thirty-three years he was one of
the most faithful and active ministers that the Primitive Baptist Church ever had.
All his efforts in the noble work were given without price or money. In connection
with his ministerial duties he engaged in farming and was one of the most
prosperous agriculturists of the county. He was a fife major in the war of 1812. He
was a strong, straight Democrat. He departed this life in 1862, and two years later
the mother, too, passed away. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm,
receiving a fair education. He remained beneath the paternal roof until he attained
manhood’s estate, then began farming on his own responsibility, and met within
unusual success. Twice he was financially wrecked — once by the war, and again by
parties whom he assisted when they were embarrassed, and they afterward proved
faithless. Being possessed of a brave heart and much determination, he was soon
again in flourishing circumstances, and now owns 312 acres of valuable land. For
twenty-six years he has labored as an elder without pecuniary considerations of any
kind. Although he has ridden thousands of miles between North Mississippi, West
Tenmiessee and western Kentucky, he has never served for a salary. In 1850 he
married Miss Martha F. Wilkes, a daughter of Joseph Wilkes. Mrs. Sammons was born
October 16, 1833. A true Christian woman, and member of the Primitive Baptist
Church, she died in 1885. Of the ten children born of this union, three daughters
and two sons are living. J. A., the eldest son, is a minister. Late in the year of
1885 he wedded Miss Susan A. Price, who was born October 22, 1843. For fifty-nine
years Mr. Sammons has made Hardeman County his home and has seen the country change
from a wilderness to a fine farming district. His family is one of the oldest, most
useful and honored in the community.
J. D. Sasser
Dr. J. D. Sasser, a respected resident and popular physician of Middleton, was born
September 18, 1846, in Hardeman County. His parents, John and Mary Ann (Ewing)
Sasser, were natives of North Carolina. The father was born in 1784, and immigrated
to Tennessee at a very early day, settling in the Twelfth Civil District of
Hardeman County, where he remained until his death in 1876. The mother was born
about 1818, of Irish origin. She bore three sons and three daughters, all of whom
with their aged and beloved parents are still living. The Doctor was brought up on
a farm, and educated in the common schools. In 1872 he began the study of medicine
under guidance of Dr. T. B. McKey, and entered the Medical University of Louisville
September, 1874, graduating March 1, 1876, and returned to the old homestead where
he commenced the practice of his chosen profession. In December, 1877, he moved to
Middleton where he has since enjoyed an extensive and lucrative practice, in
cominection with which he is interested in merchandise business, the firm being
known as J. D. Sasser & Co. He is a devout member of the Missionary Baptist Church,
and belongs to the Masonic order and K. of H. He is a stanch Democrat. October 1,
1868, the Doctor married Rachel M. Grantham, whose father, Thomas G., was one of
the pioneer settlers of Tennessee. To this union two children were born: Rachel
Ann. and Margaret Grantham. Mrs. Sasser died September 25, 1872. The Doctor married
again January 23, 1878, to Isabella Swineboard of Bolivar, Tenn. There is no
inssue.
J. D. Sauls
Dr. J. D. Sauls, a prominent resident and physiciamin of Saulsbury, of English
descent, was born October 18, 1833, in Hardeman County. His parents were Burrell
and Jane (Mathis) Sauls. The father was born in North Carolina, August 17, 1800. He
went to Alabama in 1819, and shortly afterward immigrated to Tennessee, locating in
Hardeman County. He was a very prosperous and respected man. The town of Saulsbury
was named in honor of him. He donated considerable property for a depot site, and
did all in his power for the improvement of the place. The mother was born in
Georgia in 1812, and departed this life April, 1886. The subject of this sketch was
raised in Saulsbury. He began the study of medicine January, 1854. He entered the
Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Penn., October of 1854, and graduated at
the University of Louisiana at New Orleans, in 1853. He returned to his native home
where he has since resided, and enjoyed the benefit of an extensive and lucrative
practice. He is a substantial and worthy citizen, esteemed by all who know him. He
is connected with the Masonic order, and is a stanch Democrat. September, 1857, the
Doctor married Diza Ann Jones, who died in 1873, without issue. He was wedded in
1874 to Mrs. A. M. Jones, whose husband died in October 1867 of yellow fever. She
is a daughter of J. M. and S. E. Oliver, whose births occurred respectively in 1800
and 1806, and died in 1842 and 1869. To Dr. and Mrs. Sauls two children have been
born: Diza E., who died in 1882, and Joseph. Mrs. Sauls has two children by her
first union: Moses L. and Mollie V. Jones. The Doctor and wife are consistent and
active members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Jefferson C. Savage
Jefferson C. Savage, trustee of Hardeman County, was born May 27, 1820, in Monroe
County, Ky. He is the only surviving one of a family of twelve children born to
Hamilton and Elizabeth (Martin) Savage, both of whom were born, raised and married
in North Carolina. Soon after marriage Mr. Savage moved to Kentucky, and about 1824
to Tennessee, locating in Hardeman County. He served in the war of 1812. He was a
Whig before the civil war, and afterward a strong Democrat. He was a successful
farmer. After the death of his first wife, he married Mrs. Paie. He was of English
descent, and Mrs. (Martin) Savage, Scotch-Irish. Both were members of the
Missionary Baptist Church. He died in 1865 at the age of eighty-four. The
grandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war; by birth a Virginian. He lived
to the remarkable age of one hundred and ten years. The subject of this sketch was
raised on a farm. His educational advantages were very limited, attending school
only about twelve months. He was an affectionate, dutiful son; devoted himself to
his parents as long as they lived. In 1843 he married Miss Lucy Dean, who was born
in 1811. To them six children were born — two sons and four daughters — two of whom
are living: Giles M., and Eudora F., wife of W. F. Prewitt, a farmer of the county.
In 1878 Mrs. Savage died. She was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Four
years later Mr. Savage married Mrs. Sallie Black. There is no issue. 1862 Mr.
Savage entered the army, first in Capt. Wilson’s company, and shortly afterward was
transferred to the company of Capt Wiley Higgs of which he was made first
lieutenant, serving in that capacity until close of war. During all of his active
and gallant service he was neither wounded nor captured. After the restoration of
peace he began farming, continuing until 1872 when he was called to his present
position. He has discharged the duties of his office in such a satisfactory and
creditable manner that he has been re-elected eight times in succession. He has
resided in the county for sixty-one years. He began life as a poor man, but by
honesty, industry and enterprise has accumulated nearly 900 acres of fine land and
considerable means. He is a generous contributor to all charitable and religious
institutions. He is an esteemed and worthy citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Savage are both
consistent members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
Reuben S. Scott
Reuben S. Scott, farmer of Hardeman County and resident of Hickory Valley, is a
native of Wake County, N.C., born February 23, 1825, son of Joseph and Susanna
(Halliburton) Scott. The parents were both natives of Wake County where they were
married and lived all their lives. The father was born in 1781 and was of Scotch
descent. He was a planter by occupation; for a number of years held the office of
magistrate and was at one time deputy sheriff of his county. He served as second
lieutenant of infantry in the war of 1812 and died in his native county at the age
of eighty-seven years. The mother was of English ancestry, born about 1786 and died
in the ninety-fourth year of her age. Reuben S. is the eleventh of a family of
twelve children and secured a good education. In 1849 he immigrated to Hardeman
County, Tenn., and with the exception of two years has ever since innade it his
home. In 1862 he enlisted as first lieutenant in Company L, Thirteenth Tennessee
Regiment (Infantry), was received in Cheatham’s division and participated in the
battles of Shiloh, Richmond, Perrysville and Murfreesboro, and on account of ill
health was honorably discharged in 1863. In 1868 he purchased the farm thirteen
miles southwest of Bolivar where he lived five years, but early in 1874 he moved to
Hickory Valley and has since been one of its substantial residents. He owns upward
of 400 acres of land, besides a town lot within sixty acres connected. May 23,
1850, Mr. Scott married Miss Ehiza J. Perry, a native of Chatham County, N.C., born
October 27, 1827. To this marriage have been born eight children, three of whom are
living. Mr. Scott is a Democrat in politics and he and family are members of the
Cumberhand Presbyterian Church.
Thomas Shea
Squire Thomas Shea, a respected resident of Pocahontas, Hardeman County, was born
February 1, 1844, in Kerry County, Ireland. He was the oldest of six children born
to John and Bridget Shea; all are living. The father died December, 1880. Our
subject with parents immigrated to America in 1852; they located in Memphis, Tenn.,
where they resided three years, then moved to Pocahontas where they have since made
their home. Squire Shea entered the Confederate service in 1861, at the early age
of sixteen years, in Company F, Ninth Tennessee Infantry. At Shiloh, April 7, 1862,
he was shot through the left lung, the ball entering about the seventh rib, and
coming out near the spinal column. This wound disabling him for active infantry
service, he consequently joined the cavalry troops, remaining with them until the
close of the war. He was captured May, 1863, near Tupelo, Miss., and imprisoned at
Alton, Ill. He was soon afterward exchanged. He was again taken prisoner October,
1863, at Bolivar but made his escape. After the surrender he returned home and
engaged in farming until 1878, when he embarked in merchandise, continuing in that
line until February, 1886. He was elected magistrate of the Nineteenth District in
1876, and has served the people in that capacity up to present date. He is acting
justice of the peace. October 1, 1865, he married Mollie E., daughter of Thomas H.
and Helen E. Neese, nee Patterson. This union resulted in the birth of six
children: John Neese, Clara E., Robert E., Mary Helen, Daniel O’Connell and James
Mack. Squire Shea is a self-made man, and respected, worthy citizen. He has always
been honest and industrious, by which means he has been enabled to accumulate
considerable means and property. He is a devout and consistent member in good
standing of the Roman Catholic Church, and a sound Democrat.
Benjamin A. Simmons
Benjamin A. Simmons, a prosperous farmer of the Fourth District, was born October
3, 1834, in Halifax County, N.C. He was the only son of James B. and Sarah
(Worrell) Simmons, both of whom were born, raised and married in 1829, in same
county and State that Benjamin was. They had four children. In 1853 the family
moved to Hardeman County, where the mother, who was a Primitive Baptist, died in
1867. Mr. Simmons was of English origin. He was a strong Democrat, and served many
years as magistrate, in his native State. By occupation he was a farmer, owning
quite an extensive plantation. In 1883 he wedded Miss Clara Willoughby, and in 1886
departed this life. The grandparents on both sides were Virginians. The subject of
this sketch spent his early life on a farm. He received an excellent academic
education. He made his home within his parents until long after his majority. In
1861 he married a daughter of Thos. H. Harris, Miss Martha O., who was born in
Hardeman County, September 20, 1844. Their union has been blessed with two sons and
three daughters. In 1861 Mr. Simmons volunteered with the South. Shortly afterward
he returned home and joined the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Senior Regiment of
Tennessee, serving until the close of the war. He was never captured, but received
a severe wound at the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., and two others less serious. After
the restoration of peace, he returned home and found all of his stock, provisions
and household goods destroyed and gone. He began with absolutely nothing, but by
industry and judicious management has met with great success, and now owns 1,400
acres of laud. Thirty-three years he has lived in Hardeman County where he is
universally and favorably known. He is very liberal to all churches, schools or
beneficial enterprises.
Robert W. Smith
Robert W. Smith, farmer and magistrate of the Ninth Civil District of Hardeman
County, is a native of what is now Chester County, but at that time was a part of
Henderson. He was born March 17, 1847, and is the fourth of six children, all now
living born to Dr. John D. and Isabella (Dickson) Smith. They were married in
Chester County about the year 1841. The father was a physician of large practice,
and spent thirty years of his life in this profession. He was probably of English
extraction; was a native of North Carolina, born in 1804 and died in Chester
County, January 25, 1881. The mother was of Scotch-Irish descent, born in 1807, and
died in Chester County in 1851. They were both influential members of the
Missionary Baptist Church. Robert W. was principally educated at the college for
gentlemen at Jackson, Tenn., and after completing his education he taught school
for two years. In 1870 he formed a partnership with William G. Moore, and
established a general merchandise store, which business he soon exchanged for the
more congenial occupation of farming. In 1871 he took charge of the farm where he
now lives, a portion of it coming into his possession by his marriage. He now owns
1,500 acres of land, six improved lots in the town of Henderson, and a steam
cotton-gin and grist-mill. August 25, 1869, Mr. Smith married Miss Hattie A. Ham,
daughter of Daniel and Harriett Ham. The father died June 1, 1871, and the mother
is still living, making her home within her daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two
children: R. Frank, born August 3, 1874, and Joseph Dickson Smith, an adopted son.
Mr. Smith has held the office of magistrate for eight years, is a Democrat, and he
and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
Elias B. Stewart
Ehias B. Stewart, planter, is a native of Jefferson County, Ala., born November 3,
1832, the fifth of a family of mine children born to Elias and Elcy (Neighbors)
Stewart. The parents were married in Alabama, and in 1835 came to Tennessee and
settled in Hardeman County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The
father was born in 1801 in Middle Tennessee, was a farmer, and a Democrat, and died
in 1854. The mother was a native of Jefferson County, Ala., and died in 1866. Elias
B. secured good educational advantages in youth, and began farming at an early age.
When an infant he came with his parents to Hardeman County, and has ever since made
it his home with the exception of four years, when he was in the Confederate Army.
In 1862 he enlisted with the South and was received into Forrest’s cavalry,
participating at Shiloh and Chickamauga and several other important engagements. He
was honorably discharged in the spring of 1865 in Mississippi, and then returned
home to resume farming. In 1873 he purchased the farm where he now lives, eleven
miles west of Bolivar, and has made life a success, owning at present 1,280 acres
of good land, besides owning a steam cotton-gin and grist-mill. January 27, 1859,
Mr. Stewart married Miss Lucy M. Farris, a native of Hardeman County, born in 1836,
and an estimable lady. They are the parents of eight children, six of whom are
living. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Mrs. Stewart and five children are members of the same church.
Thomas C. Stuart
Thomas C. Stuart, a leading merchant of Whiteville, is the eldest of six children
born to Arlington C. and Mary F. (Rochelle) Stuart. The father was of Scotch-Irish
descent, born in Sussex County, Va., in 1816; the mother is of French origin, born
in Southampton County, Va., in 1826. In 1844 they were married and moved to Haywood
County, Tenn., spending a portion of their time in that and Madison County, until
Mr. Stuart’s death, which occurred in 1861. He was a Democrat. Although not a
member of any church he was an honest respected and intelligent man. He and his
wife were highly educated, and engaged in schoolteaching many years, which
profession Mrs. Stuart still follows. After her husband’s death she and her
children settled in Hardeman County, where she is generally known, and is an
esteemed member of the Missionary Baptist Church. The subject of this sketch was
born September 4, 1845, in Haywood County. He was raised on a farm, forming a taste
f or that sort of life; he began agricultural pursuits on his own responsibility at
the age of sixteen. In 1863 he volunteered in Company K, Fourteenth Tennessee
Cavalry, Confederate service. He soon became courier for the colonel of his
regiment, so continuing until the close of the war. After the restoration of peace
he resumed his farming, and in 1869 married Mrs. Henrietta C. Sammons, daughter of
Joseph Wilkes. By her first marriage she had two children, and four by the union
with Mr. Stuart. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and his wife
belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian. In 1879 Mr. Stuart moved into Whiteville;
he was interested in various kinds of business. In 1884 he established a grocery
store, since which time he has added a stock of dry goods, and is still engaged in
farming. He has been a magistrate for the past four years, still holding that
position. He has made his home in Hardeman County for a quarter of a century, and
been intimately connected with the mercantile interests of Whiteville for several
years. He is accounted a man of fine ability, and honorable and worthy citizen. He
is a Democrat.
H. W. Tate
Dr. H. W. Tate, one of the leading physicians of Bolivar, was born March 14, 1840,
in Burke County, N.C., and is a son of William Caldwell Tate, who was also a native
of North Carolina. The father was of Irish descent and a graduate of the medical
colleges at Charleston, S.C., and Philadelphia, Penn. He was a skillful physician
and a prominent man. He married Mrs. Laura (Wilson) Polk, a widow within two
children. By her union with Mr. Tate she became the mother of seven children — four
sons and three daughters. The oldest son, J. W., is a grocery and commission
merchant, and is doing a lucrative business. Robert A. is a practicing physician
and J. K. a farmer. The mother was of English extraction and died in 1848. Her
husband followed her in death in 1868. Our subject received a liberal education,
completing the same at Davidson College, North Carolina. After a course of medical
lectures at the University of New York he graduated at the Richmond Medical College
of Virginia in 1861, and immediately afterward entered the Confederate Army as
surgeon, in Stonewall Jackson’s command, where he continued until the close of the
war. In 1866 he came to Bolivar, where he has since resided, engaged in an
extensive and lucrative practice. He is also the owner of some valuable land and
considerable means. In 1867 he married Fannie, the daughter of Robert H. Wood, one
of the leading lawyers of West Temmnessee and the granddaughter, on the maternal
side, of Maj. John H. Bills, who was one of the original settlers of this place.
Mrs. Tate was born April 13, 1848, and by her union with our subject became the
mother of two children: Mary Lucy and Robert Wood. She is a worthy member of the
Presbyterian Church. Mr. Tate is a Democrat in politics and an excellent man.
Robert H. Walton
Robert H. Walton, one of the old and most respected residents of Hardeman County,
was born April 7, 1818, in Davidson County, Tenn. His parents were Mabrey and
Martha (Exum) Walton, both of English origin and born in Virginia. They came to
Sumner County, Tenn., when quite young; there they married and hived until about
1816, when they moved to Davidson County. In 1835 they settled in Hardeman County,
where the remainder of their lives was spent. Their family consisted of nine sons
and one daughter. Both parents were true members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
Mr. Walton was a farnier by occupation. He met a sad and shocking death when about
sixty-five years of age. He was staniding by a chimney during a severe storm, the
lightning struck it, killing him instantly. The mother lived to the advanced age of
eighty-two. The grandfather Walton served seven years in the Revolutionary war, and
the maternal grandfather procured supplies for the army. The subject of this sketch
was the fifth child; he was raised on a farm, receiving his education in the old
field schools. At eighteen he began life on his own repoininsibility. After keeping
a toll bridge across Hatchie River, he volunteered in Capt. R. P. Neely’s company,
to remove the Indians to their territory. After his return he began farming, which
has since been his occupation. In1842 he wedded Mrs. Sarah Kearney, by whom he had
three children, two of whom are living: Mary E., wife of D. E. Durrett, and Charles
A. April, 1886, Mrs. Walton died, she was an exemplary Christian, and a member of
the Missionary Baptist Church, a loving wife, a kind and affectionate mother,
useful and valuable member of society. Mr. Walton is also connected with the
Missionary Baptist Church. He is a strong old school Democrat. For six years he was
a magistrate, and coroner same length of time. As an agriculturist he has met with
great success having started in life within almost nothing, he has by judicious
management and energy been ennabled to purchase 500 acres of fine land. He has made
Hardemnan County his home for more than fifty years. He is well known as an honest
man and worthy, upright citizen.
Andrew J. Walton
Andrew J. Walton, farmer, was born in Davidson County, Tenn., March 25, 1828, the
ninth of ten children, three now living, born to Mabrey and Martha (Exum) Walton,
both natives of Virginia and of English descent. They were married in Middle
Tennessee and moved to Davidson County soon after. In the latter part of 1835 they
came to Hardeman County and here spent the rest of their days. The father was born
October 7, 1785, was a farnier, a Democrat and a member of the Missiommary Baptist
Church. His death was caused by a stroke of lightning July 15, 1851. The mother was
born February 1, 1787. She was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church and died
in Hardeman County May 16, 1868. Andrew J., at the age of seven years, came with
his paremits to Hardeman County and he has practically made this his home ever
since. In youth he received a good education and decided to make farmimig his life
occupation. In 1852 he purchased a portion of the old homestead and in a few years
became owner of the whole tract and has now 370 acres of hand in his county. In
1863 he entered the Confederate Army, enhisting in Company C, was received into
Gen. Forrest’s command and served under him until November, 1864, when by reason of
ill health, he returned home. Septemuber 10, 1868, Mr. Walton married Mrs. Nancy
(Marsh) Smith, a native of Hardeman County, born June 29, 1831. He is a Democrat in
politics, and although not a member of any church, is a firm believer in the Bible
and the Christian religion.
Alexander White
Alexander White, a well known resident of the Fifth District, of English origin,
was born June 4, 1823, in North Carolina. His parents were natives of the same
State. They were King and Telithia White. They moved to Tennessee and engaged in
farming. The father died in 1838, after which Alexander took control of the
homestead, which he is managing with success up to the present. He was married
February, 1847, to Mary E., daughter of W. D. and Maria Simmons. Their union
resulted in the birth of Maria Jane, wife of James Pirtle; George A.; James B.;
Tabitha Ann, the wife of Wm. Pirtle; Mary Emma, widow of Walter Pirtle; John H.,
Mathias O. (deceased); Jefferson Davis; Sarah Ann; Lucie F.; and Susie E. Mr. White
is a self-made man, who has accumulated his possessions by industry, economy and
judicious management. He is of good social standing and highly respected. Previous
to the late war he was a Whig; since that time he has been a Democrat.
Rufus D. Whitley
Rufus D. Whitley, one of the leading and well known farmers of Hardeman County, was
born September 12, 1840, in Johnson County, N.C. His parents were Haywood and
Esther (Gouringhiam) Whitley. Both were born, raised, married and died in the same
State and county in which Rufus first saw the light of day. Each was of Primitive
Baptist faith, although neither united with the church. They had two sons and one
daughter. The father was a Democrat and farmer by occupation. He died about 1846.
Mrs. Whitley married the second time to Henderson Graham, by whom she had seven
children — three sons and four daughters. One of the boys, E. B., is a Methodist
minister. The mother departed this life in 1861. The subject of this sketch was
raised on a farm. His educational advantages were very limited. In 1861 .he
volunteered in the Confederate service, Company D, of the Third North Carolina
Cavalry, in the division of Wm. H. Lee. During more than four years of faithful and
active service he was never wounded. At Comeus Crossing, south of Pittsburg, Va.,
he was taken prisoner and retained at Point Lookout for eight months. While in
confinement he learned to make horsehair watch-guards and thus earned the means
with which he supplied himself with the extras of prison life. After the close of
the war he returned financially ruined; he began life again by hiring on a farm and
teaching school. In 1867 he started to Mississippi, but his means gave out, and
meeting Martin Moore, he was induced to come to Hardeman County to work for him. In
the fall of same year he married Miss Margie R. Hammond, who was born November 3,
1839, in Haywood County. Their union has been blessed with four children: William
T., Jesse B., Rufus M. and Joseph A. Mr. and Mrs. Whitley and three older sons are
members of the Methodist Church. In politics Mr. Whitley is an ardent Democrats but
has never aspired to places of public trust, but by close attention to his affairs,
industry and economy, has risen from a tenant to the proprietor of 360 acres of
valuable and productive land as can be found in the county. He lends a liberal and
helping hand to all churches, schools and good enterprises. No man is more
respected or better known.
John A. Wilson
John A. Wilson, one of the leading merchants of Bolivar, was born May 27, 1832, in
Hardeman County, a son of John and Mary C. (Stuart) Wilson, both of whom were
natives of Kentucky where they were raised and married. They came to Hardeman
County in 1824 before the days of Bolivar. Their family consisted of two sons and
five daughters; three only are living. The father was an extensive planter. He was
a strong Whig. He belonged to no church but was a good and noble man. His death
occurred in 1837. He was of Irish origin, his father a soldier of the Revolutionary
war. The mother was a true Christian woman and member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. She departed this life in 1872 after a lengthy widowhood. She
was of Scotch descent. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm and received
a common-school education. From the age of sixteen until the outbreak of the war he
managed his mother’s farm. In 1859 he was married, in Marshall County, Miss., to
Miss Ann E., daughter of Hardin Frankhin, and granddaughter of Gov. Franklin of
North Carolina, in which State Mrs. Wilson was born in 1838. The fruits of this
union have been five children — three sons and two daughters. In 1862 Mr. Wilson
entered the Confederate service, Company B, under command of Gen. Forrest. He
served ten months, then was discharged. In 1866 he embarked in the mercantile
business in which he has been successfully engaged since that time. Previous to the
"late unpleasantness" he was a Whig and is now a stanch Democrat. For fifty-four
years he has been a resident of Hardeman County; twenty years of that time he has
been connected with the business interests of Bolivar. He is a man of ability and
honor. He has never been insolvent nor sued. He is an exemplary member of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church and his wife of the Methodist.
J. W. Wilson
Squire J. W. Wilson, a prominent resident of Middleton, was born March 23, 1834, in
South Carolina. His father, Ashley H., was born in same State February 10, 1810. He
immigrated to Tennessee in 1840 and one year later moved to Tippah County, Miss.,
where he still lives an old and respected man and extensive farmer. The mother,
Martha P. (Janes) Wilson, was born in 1810 and departed this life in April, 1872.
She was the daughter of John Janes, an Englishman. The paternal grandfather, Joseph
Wilson, was a native of Ireland. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm
and worked at that occupation until 1854. He then taught school until date of the
late war. He entered the Confederate service in 1861 in the Thirty-second
Mississippi. He was appointed recruiting officer and returned to Mississippi where
he organized a company, being elected first lieutenant of the same. They were
called Company K, Tenth Mississippi Regiment. He was wounded September 20, 1863, at
the battle of Chickamauga, receiving a shot through the right thigh which disabled
him for further service and since that time for manual labor. After the restoration
of peace he resumed teaching which, with the exception of two years in the drug
business, he has followed altogether. He was married in November, 1862, to Martha
A., the daughter of Joseph and Annie Janes. To the union six children were born,
four of whom are still living: Cora, Maurice, John and Joseph Ashley. Mr. Wilson is
a good man and respected citizen, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
He is connected with the Masonic order and a true Democrat. In August, 1876, he was
elected magistrate and has retained the office since that time. He is also notary
public for this end of the county.
J. W. Wilkes
Squire J. W. Wilkes, one of the best known residents and natives of Hardemon
County, was born September 17, 1835, the third of a family of three sons and six
daughters born to Joseph and Naomi M. (Barnett) Wilkes. The father was of English
descent, born in Davidson County, Tenn., in 1807, and raised in Humphreys Coumity.
His educational advantages were very limited. When only seventeen years of age he
plied a fiatboat on Hatchie River. Later he and his brother went to Haywood County,
and for several years kept "bachelors’ hall," and in 1826 he settled permanently in
Hardeman County. In 1829 he married Miss Barnett, who was of Irish extraction, born
in Kentucky in 1809 and died in 1847. His second union was with Mrs. Rebecca J.
Kirkpatrick, by whom he had two sons and four daughters. The second wife died in
1875. Some time afterward he wedded Miss Ann Robley. He and each of his wives were
members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, he having joined when a lad of
twelve years. He was a stanch Democrat, and successful agriculturist. Having
started in life a poor man, by hard work and good management he became owner of
more than a thousand acres of land. He died March 3, 1881. The subject of this
sketch was reared on a farm. After attending the schools in the vicinity he took a
thorough course in the McLemoresville College, Carroll County, preparatory to the
study of. medicine, but failing health compelled him to abandon this desire, and he
turned his attention to farming. In 1858 he married Emily J. Mitchell, who was born
in Middle Tennessee November 17, 1838, a daughter of James and Mary W. Mitchell, a
most highly respected family. The father was a native of South Carolina, and the
mother of Tennessee. Squire and Mrs. Wilkes have two children: John W., Jr. and
Emmett C. Mrs. Wilkes is a member of the Methodist Church, and Mr. Wilkes of the
Cumberland Presbyterian. He is a strong Democrat. He was a stanch Union man, but
when war became the last resort he went out, in 1863, in Company F, Fourteenth
Tennessee Cavalry, Confederate service. During more than two years of active duty
he was neither wounded nor captured. At the close of the war he returned home, and
resumed farming with comparatively nothing, but by hard work, energy and judicious
management he has accumulated considerable property, owning 1,100 acres of fine
land. In 1866 he was made magistrate, giving so much satisfaction that he held the
office for eighteen years, declining to serve any longer. He has been a residemit
of Hardeman County all his life, and no man in the community has a fairer name. He
is charitable, and an honest, worthy citizen.
Charles Wood
Charles Wood, a well known and enterprising farmer of Hardeman County, is a native
of Virginia, born in Albemarle County, March 25, 1824, son of James and Frances A.
(Allen) Wood, both of English descent and natives of Albemarle County, Va. They
were married in Virginia in 1823, and in 1826 immigrated to Tennessee and settled
in Hardeman County. The father was born February 22, 1797, was engaged in the
mercantile business in Virginia, but after coming to Tennessee gave his attention
exclusively to farming. He was a Democrat, and a member of the Presbyterian Church.
He died in Hardeman County, February 7, 1867. The mother was born in June, 1804; is
a member of the Presbyteriamin Clmurch and is now living in Hardeman County.
Charles received his education at Danville, Ky., and in 1846 settled on a. farm six
miles west of Bolivar, and has since been one of Hardeman County’s substantial and
worthy citizens. In 1872 he located where he now lives, and owns upward of 2,400
acres of hand. June 22, 1858, Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Miss Blanche E.
Wharley, a native of Michigan, born November 5, 1838. She is a lady highly esteemed
by all and a member of the Episcopal Church. They are the parents of nine children
— five sons and four daughters. Mr. Wood is a Democrat and a member of the
Presbyterian Church.
John D. Woods
John D. Woods, magistrate of the Second Civil District of Hardeman County, is a
native of the county where he resides, born August 29, 1847. His ancestors were
among the first settlers of Hardeman County. His grandfather, David Woods, who was
a native of North Carolina and of Scotch-Irish descent, made a settlement in this
county as early as 1824. The parents of the subject of this sketch were Samuel M.
and Narcissa (Robinson) Woods. The father, who was a native of Orange County, N.C.,
born February 16, 1821, came with his parents, when an infant, to Hardeman County.
He was a farmer by occupation, a Democrat in politics, and died in this county May
5, 1849. The mother is of Scotch-Irish-French descent, born in Hardeman County,
March 29, 1824, and is now a resident of Tipton County, the wife of Joseph H.
Shinault, to whom she was married in 1852. John D. is the elder of two children
born to his parents, and received a good education in his youth, whinich has since
been greatly improved by extensive and select reading. For several years he taught
school, and in 1879 came into possession of the old homestead, and since then has
been an active an enterprising planter. August 2, 1879, Mr. Woods married Mrs.
Annie (McLarty) Hunt, a cultured lady, born in Hardeman County November 26, 1846.
To this union two children have been born: David, born July 14, 1880, and Bessie,
born March 2, 1883. In August, 1882, Mr. Woods was elected to the office he now
holds, and for six years has been school director of the Second District, and being
a man of liberal views he is a strong advocate of the free school system; has done
much toward advancing the educational interests of the county. He is a Democrat,
and though not a member of any church, is a firm believer in Christianity and is in
sympathy with the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, of which Mrs.
Woods is a member.
R. M. Wright
R. M. Wright, a member of the prominent firm of Wright & Durden, of Saulsbury, was
born December 3, 1834, in Madison County, Ala. His parents were John annd Hannah
(Moore) Wright. His father is supposed to have emigrated from Ireland to Virginia
at an early day, and moved to Alabama, where he died about 1837. The mother was a
native of Alabama and died when our subject was a very small child. H. M. worked on
a farm until about nineteen years of age, at which time he obtained a situation as
clerk in the drug store of W. B. Wright & Co. of Memphis. As he had almost no early
educational advantages he had to work for his board and clothes half of the day and
night, attending the public schools of the city the remainder of the day. Thus he
struggled on, applying himself every spare moment to study, until he has acquired a
valuable and practical store of information. September, 1857, he came to Saulsbury
and engaged as a salesman for A. G. Dennis & Co., for the small amount of $150 per
annum. This place he kept until the war. He entered the Confederate service in
Company C, of the Twenty-second Tennessee Regiment. He was appointed sergeant by
Gen. Bragg, which position he retained during the conflict. He participated
actively in all the engagements into which his command was drawn, but met with no
serious accident. After the surrender he returned to Memphis and clerked for
Taylor, MeEwen & Co. for a short time. August, 1865, he secured a place with W. W.
R. Elliotte of Saulsbury. January, 1867, he formed a partnership with W. Durden and
established a store, where they have since been engaged, and with no small amount
of success. Mr. Wright is today one of the most solid and honored citizens in the
community. He began life without capital and with little education, but had
sufficient ambitioi and courage to overcome the difficulties with which he was
surrounded. He is an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a prominent
member of the Masonic fraternity and K. of H. He is a stanch Democrat. August,
1865, he was married to Samuella Bunting, a daughter of Samuel and Eliza Bunting.
This union resulted in the birth of four children. Mrs. Wright died August, 1874.
January 28, 1875, Mr. Wright wedded Maggie Williams, a daughter of Joe C. and Mary
Ross (Lake) Williams. This second union has been blessed with two sons and two
daughters.
Hiram B. Wynn
Hiram B. Wynne, a prominent merchant of Whiteville, was born February 16, 1851, in
Humphreys County, Tenn. His parents were John W. and Frances S. (Traylor) Wynne.
The father was born in Benton County, Tenn., in 1818, and the mother in Humphreys
County, same year. John W. was a captain of flatboats, owning an interest in some
of them. In his early life he was rather careless of his means, which rendered him
an objectionable suitor, but he afterward settled down and became one of the best
men in the community. Of the eight children born to their union, two sons and one
daughter are living. In politics Mr. Wynne was a Jacksonian Democrat and a strong
Union man. His wife was a true, good woman. She never united with any church. The
subject of this sketch was raised and received an excellent education in his native
county, remaining at home until 1878, when he began life for himself. In 1879 he
married Miss Annie Sedden, born July 20, 1861. Their family consists of Willie B.,
Albert E. and Annie C. Mrs. Wynne is an estemiable lady and sincere member of the
Cumberland Presbyteriau Church. The year of his marriage Mr. Wynne opened a first-
class grocery store, and in June, 1886, he purchased a drug stock of Mitchell and
another of Robertson. Both houses are in a flourishing condition and receiving an
extensive patronage. He is also interested in farming. He is the postmaster of
Whiteville, and well versed in law, practicing in the magistrate’s office. He has
been a resident of Hardeman County eleven years, and with the exception of a short
period, closely associated with the commercial interests of the town in which he
lives, and is regarded ae one of the most substantial, enterprising and upright
citizens. He is a stanch Democrat.
Alex F. Yopp
Alex. F. Yopp, sheriff of Hardeman County, where he was born January 10, 1846, is
the eldest of a family of seven children born to Dr. Wm. T. and Elizabeth (Coleman)
Yopp. The father is of English descent, was born in North Carolina in 1826, and the
mother in Rutherford County, Tenn. Both came to the county when quite young, where
they were raised and married. Dr. Wm. Yopp received his education in Memphis. For
thirty-five years he was one of the most successful and popular physicians in the
entire section. He retired from practice in 1883, and since that time has been
engaged in agricultural pursuits. He and his wife are consistent and respected
members of the Methodist Church. Our subject was raised on a farm and received his
education in the common schools of the county. Before the age of fifteen, in 1862,
as a volunteer, he entered the Confederate service, Company A, Fourteeminth
Tennessee Cavalry. During three years of bravery and active service he was but once
taken prisoner; he was held about four months. At the battle of Franklin he
received a wound in the face by a minie-ball. After the war he engaged in farming
until 1876, when he moved to Bolivar. He held the position of deputy sheriff from
1872 to 1876. He was twice a candidate for the office of sheriff and each time
defeated, but in 1882 was elected. He has given such entire and perfect
satisfaction that he has been enabled to retain the place since that time. In
connection with his official duties he deals extensively in horses. For eight years
he has been a public servant, and has proved himself an efficient officer, an able
and honorable man. In 1867 he was united in marriage to Miss Pattie Yoakum, who was
born in 1847. To them have been born four children: Elmo, Neely, Ike and Harry.
Mrs. Yopp is an earnest and respected member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Yopp has
never united with any denomination. In politics he is a Democrat.