Goodspeed’s Biography of James Madden Alford
Source: Goodspeed’s History of Lawrence, Wayne, Perry, Hickman, and Lewis Counties Tennessee, published 1886
James M. Alford was born in Tennessee in 1822. Son of Isaac W. and Mary P. (Edminston) Alford. The father was a North Carolinian by birth, and was an early immigrant of Tennessee. He was a farmer and merchant, and held the office of trustee for ten years. He was a follower of the Democratic party and died in Lawrence County in 1859. His wife died in 1876. James M. clerked in his father’s store until twenty-five years of age, and closed out the stock at the latter’s death, and also settled up the estate. In 1858 he wedded Martha F. Childress of Tennessee, born 1838, daughter of Adian D. and Nancy (McGuire) Childress. The following are the children born to this union of Mr. and Mrs. Alford: Emma C., William R., (deceased), Joseph H., Charles A., Edward C. (deceased), George T. (deceased), Joseph H., and Maggie S. Mrs. Alford died May 25, 1886. In 1862 Mr. Alford enlisted in Company D, Ninth Tennessee Cavalry Confederate States Army, as a private, and was elected orderly sergeant and served faithfully until the close of the conflict. Since his return in 1865 he has farmed and worked at the carpenter trade. In 1868 he was elected circuit court clerk, holding the office until 1870, when he resigned and opened a general merchandise establishment at the noted watering-place, Wayland Springs. He also carries on farming and is a stanch Democrat in politics, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, as was his wife previous to her death.
FamilySearch Tree profile: https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/LVCJ-93K
This biographical sketch was transcribed by Reita Jones Burress and posted on-line by Jane N. Powell on September 10, 1998, with the following caveat:
Not having a hard copy to proof read, errors will probably occur in the following document. Reita and I will correct them to the original Goodspeed from time to time. Thank you for your patience.
If you have corrections or wish to provide more information about the individual, please contact us (link in menu).