THOMAS NANCE is a son of Clements Nance, of Bedford County, Tenn., who was born in 1810 and spent his boyhood on a farm. He received a practical education and wedded Mary Tune, daughter of William Tune, of Virginia, and to them were born William T., Thomas, Mary, Reuben and Clement. Three of the children are now living. In 1826 Mr. Nance immigrated to Tennessee, locating near Shelbyville, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1833 Mr. Nance went to Missouri and died in Ray County in 1841.
Thomas Nance, our subject, was born October 17, 1837, in Missouri. He came to Tennessee when he was but seven years of age, and his early days were spent in laboring on a farm and in attending the common schools of his neighborhood. He began blacksmithing and followed that occupation for about twenty years. In 1872 he moved to where he now resides. December 14, 1859, he wedded Miss Sarah B. Coates, daughter of P. H. Coates, and six children have been born to their union: Thomas H., James E., Julia E., Carrie E., William G. and Martha E., all of whom are living. In 1883 Mr. Nance was elected magistrate of his district and is filling the duties of that office at the present time. Mr. Nance is a Mason, and he and Mrs. Nance are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
Transcribed by Kathryn Hopkins
Goodspeed Publishing Co. History of Tennessee from the Earliest Time to the Present: Together with an Historical and a Biographical Sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford & Marshall Counties, Besides a Valuable Fund of Notes, Reminescences [Sic], Observations, Etc., Etc. Easley, S.C.: Southern Historical Press, 1988.