William J. A. Nesbitt was born in Dickson County, Tenn., February 14, 1840, being the eldest of eleven children. He entered the Confederate Army as a volunteer in May, 1861, joining Company C, Eleventh Tennessee Infantry. He was discharged October 18, 1861, on account of his health. The following August he joined Company E. Eleventh Tennessee Cavalry. He was captured December 20, 1863, and imprisoned at Rock Island, where he remained until February 28, 1865. Afterward he volunteered in the United States Army in Company G, Third United States Regiment, and served in Kansas and Colorado, and was mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, Kas., and returned home December 28, 1865. On his return he engaged in farming on Yellow Creek, where he has since continued at that occupation. He was married, August 31, 1868, to Sally Sligh. To them were born three children: Zudie Ellis, Reuel E. and Martha Susan (died April 22, 1884). In politics he is a Democrat.