Source:  Goodspeed’s History of Lawrence, Wayne, Perry, Hickman, and Lewis Counties Tennessee, published 1886

R. L. McLaren was born in Lawrence County, Tenn., May 1, 1825. John McLaren, his father, was born in South Carolina, and when about twenty-three years of age married Mary McDougal, of Alabama, who bore him nine children, all residents of Texas, except our subject. The father was a farmer and an early resident of Tennessee; he died in 1863. R. L. McLaren began doing for himself when about twenty-two years of age, and in 1848 was united in marriage to Sarah E. Hale, daughter of John A. and Tolitha (Badgett) Hale. She was born in Tennessee in 1830, and is one of nineteen children, three of whom are living. Her mother died in 1835, and her father then married Martha Sullivan, who bore him six children. The father was a private in the Creek and Seminole Wars, and died in 1853. Shortly after our subject’s marriage he purchased a farm of 195 acres near Factory Creek, where he resided until 1868. He then purchased the farm on which he now lives, consisting of 333 acres. He was chosen magistrate in 1856, and faithfully performed the duties of the office for twelve years. He was enrolling officer of his district during the civil war, and since 1863 has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South: his wife belongs to the same church. He is a stanch Democrat in politics, and cast his first presidential vote for James K. Polk.

FamilySearch Tree profile:  https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/MV14-271

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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.

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