David McMackin, a farmer by vocation, was born in North Carolina February 14, 1821. He is the second of five children—three sons and two daughters—born to James and Elizabeth (Frick) McMackin, and of Scotch-Irish descent. His father was born in North Carolina in 1791, and was raised and educated in his native State. On attaining his majority he married and soon after immigrated to Tennessee. He lived one summer in Humphreys County, not far from Waverly. At the end of this time they moved to Carroll County and settled on the homestead now occupied by our subject. The father of our subject was an early settler of this county, and one of the prominent and respected citizens of the locality in which he lived. He aided in cutting out the first road in this part of the county, now known as the Huntingdon and Camden road, extending from Sandy River to Huntingdon, the county seat of Carroll County. He died at his home September, 1864. The mother of our subject was born in North Carolina and died at the homestead in 1858.
David McMackin was raised on the farm, receiving the usual education afforded by the common school in the country, and has given his time to agricultural pursuits. He was married in Carroll County in 1844 to Miss Mintie Rogers. Six children resulted from this union, of whom four were raised to maturity: James William, Nancy E., Eli A. and Mary A. James W. died August 23, 1876, and Eli A. died December 29, 1878. The mother of this family was also born in Carroll County, and died July, 1857. Our subject was married the last time September 11, 1860, to Miss Sarah E. Driver, daughter of William Driver, a farmer. This lady was born in North Carolina June 20, 1834. Mr. McMackin is a zealous Republican, and Mrs. McMackin is a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. He has nearly 700 acres of land, about 400 of it being in the home place. He raises stock to some extent, but devotes his chief attention to cotton and grain. The farm is situated two miles east of Hollow Rock, on the line of the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railroad, and is pleasantly located with the best water in this part of the county. The residence is well located, and is in every respect a most desirable home. Mr. McMackin is highly esteemed by all who know him as a man of fine character and sterling worth.
Transcribed by David Donahue
Source: History of Tennessee from the Earliest Time to the Present: Together with an Historical and a Biographical Sketch of Carroll, Henry and Benton Counties, Besides a Valuable Fund of Notes, Original Observations, Reminiscences, Etc., Etc. Easley, S.C.: Southern Historical Press, 1978.