Robert J. AKIN, of the Eleventh District, was born in Decatur County, March 9, 1828. Wm. V. AKIN, his father, was a native of South Carolina, came to Maury County, Tenn., about 1801, was married first to Miss Edna, about 1810.
Our subject is the eighth of eleven children; received his education in the country schools, by careful and constant reading of books and papers of the day, has a well stored mind. His principal occupation since boyhood has been farming, but from 1856 to 1860 was engaged in boating staves to New Orleans; is a blacksmith by trade. He was married March 28, 1860, to Susan T. HANCOCK, of Decatur County. When war was declared Mr. AKIN enlisted in the Tenth Tennessee Cavalry, under command of Col. Cox; served gallantly in the battles of Chickamauga and Morristown, Philadelphia Tennessee and Brentwood. In the winter Mr. AKIN on account of sickness was on furlough; at the termination of the war he returned to the farm upon which he has since and is now living. Ho is a devoted member of the Methodist Church, a Mason and sincere Democrat, a man well known and respected. — Transcribed by David Donahue
History of Tennessee from the Earliest Time to the Present ; Together with an Historical and a Biographical Sketch of Henderson, Chester, Mcnairy, Decatur, and Hardin Counties, Besides a Valuable Fund of Notes, Original Observations, Reminiscences, Etc., Etc. Easley, S.C: Southern Historical Press, 1978.