E. B. Teachout, ticket agent, express agent and telegraph operator of Huntingdon, was born July, 1845, in Ohio, and is the son of S. M. and C. A. (Bolton) Teachout. The father and mother were natives of the Buckeye State and he was a farmer by occupation; for the past few years have been living in the city of New York. They have three children living; Frank, who resides in Memphis, railroading; Clara, wife of Joseph Payne, who lives in New York, and E. B., our subject.
He was educated in the schools of his native State, remaining with his parents there until he was fifteen years old. The first year after leaving home he worked on a farm. In 1863 he enlisted in Company I, Ninth Regiment Ohio Cavalry, United States Army. He took an active part in the battles at Decatur, Florence, Nashville and numerous minor engagements. After the battle at Nashville, and while on his way to Athens, he injured his right heel, as the result of which a surgical operation was performed. He has never fully recovered from the wound, receiving $4 per month as pension. He was honorably discharged six months previous to the surrender, on account of disability.
During his illness he commenced the study of telegraphy, at Brownsboro, Ala. In 1866 he assumed charge of an office at Tantallon, Tenn. While there he was attacked by a catamount while seated in his office. A long and bloody hand to hand fight ensued. As Mr. Teachout was about to get the better of the animal an assistant entered, and the animal was soon dispatched. In 1867 he went to Dresden, Weakley County, and was railroad operator at said place six or seven years. He then went to New York City and was proprietor of a hotel for eighteen months. In 1877 he came to Huntingdon and entered upon his duties at this place—the railroad office, which position he has since held with good satisfaction.
In July, 1868, he married Miss Addie Ross, daughter of W. R. and Adeline Ross. Mrs. Teachout was born in 1846, in Weakley County. They have four children: Charles, Olla, Stanley and Alva. Mr. Teachout is a man of good business capacity, courteous, obliging and very popular as a railroad official. He has a nice home and a beautiful residence. In politics he is a Democrat, voting for S. J. Tilden in 1876; and is an ancient member of A. O. U. W. He and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
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.