J. M. Phipps, an enterprising planter, of Hawkins County, was born where he now lived, thirty-four years ago, February 25, 1853, son of Joshua and Ann P. (Bachman) Phipps. The father was of English and Scotch descent; the other of Scotch-Irish descent. The father was born in Hawkins County in 1801, and died in Hawkins County in 1861. The mother, born in Sullivan County in 1827, is still living, and makes her home with the subject of this sketch. The parents were married in Sullivan County, and settled permanently in Hawkins County. The father was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was known as the most extensive and successful planter in upper East Tennessee. At one time he owned over 11,000 acres of land in Hawkins County. He was an old line Whig before the war, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. The mother is a member of this church. Our subject is the only child. He received a liberal education, which was commenced in the country schools of Hawkins County, and finished at Hamilton College, New York, though, before entering college, he attended some preparatory schools at Lookout Mountain and at Leroy and Clinton, New York. He left college in 1872, and since that date he has given his attention to farming. In due time he came in possession of the homestead. On June 4, 1873, he married Miss Mollie McKinney, a cultured Lady, and educated at the Rogersville Female College. She is the daughter of Maj. C. J. McKinney, deceased. There were born to this union seven children – four sons and three daughters; three are dead, one son and two daughters. Our subject is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Transcribed by Betty Mize from Goodspeed’s History of Tennessee, 1886.