Joseph R. Grove, a farmer and fruit distiller of the Fifth Civil District of Warren County, Tenn., was born May 23, 1843, at Robertson Springs, Van Buren Co., Tenn., and is the son of Wm. M. and Peggy (Robertson) Grove. The father was born in Warren County, Tenn., December 10, 1809, and passed his life there. He was sheriff of the county for eight years, a Democrat in politics and a member of the Christian Church. The mother was born in Warren County March 10, 1809, and is still living. She is also a member of the Christian Church. Wm. M. and Peggy Grove were married February 3, 1831. Our subject was the seventh of ten children. After remaining with his parents until August, 1862, he enlisted in the Confederate Army in Company L, commanded by Capt. Brewster, but afterward by Capt. Rust, of the Eleventh Tennessee Cavalry, commanded by Col. D. W. Holdman. He was in active service for three years, and received a very severe wound. He was elected orderly sergeant when he enlisted, which position he held up to the surrender. He was in all the battles in which Forrest’s command was engaged, and was a brave and gallant soldier.

After returning home he remained with his parents until June 3, 1866, when he married Mary E. Forrest, a native of Warren County, Tenn., born September 12, 1848. This excellent lady has been well educated and is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. She is the daughter of Capt. C. M. and Annie Forrest. Her father, Capt. C. M. Forrest, was born in Warren County, Tenn., January 21, 1817, received an excellent education, and is a minister in the Missionary Baptist Church. In 1877 he moved to Bell County, Tex. He was captain in the Fifth Tennessee Regiment Confederate Army, and is a Democrat in politics. The mother of Mrs. Grove was born in Warren County, Tenn., in 1817, and is a member and an active worker in the Missionary Baptist Church. The result of our subject’s marriage was the birth of six children, four of whom are living: William, Charles F., Flora J. and Minnie. The two deceased are George D. and Albert. George D. was born in April, 1874, and died in July, 1874. Albert was born in November, 1875, and died in December, 1875. Our subject began business for himself as a farmer and was also engaged in trading in stock, which he continues up to the present. In 1872, in connection with farming he engaged in the fruit distillery business, which he also continues. He is a Democrat in politics and an active and enterprising man.