J. S. ALEXANDER, proprietor of livery and feed stable, of Fayetteville,
begin business in 1876, and although his success was on a very small scale
at first, he is at present the owner of eight vehicles and twelve horses,
and is constantly increasing his stock. He was born in Lincoln County in
1838, son of Wiley M. and Nancy (RENEGAR) ALEXANDER, born, respectively, in Tennessee and North Carolina in 1816. The father was an early settler of
Lincoln County, and was a stock speculator and a man of exceptional
business capacity. He was married in 1835, and died in 1881. He was tax
collector and sheriff of the county several years. Of his eight children,
four are living: W. S., J. S. (our subject), W. W. and Philomena (Mrs. A.
J. CRISMAN). Our subject was educated in Mulberry, Tenn., and at the age
of sixteen began clerking in a dry goods store, and two years later went to
Shelbyville, where he was engaged in the grocery business for two years.
In 1861 he enlisted in Company B, First Tennessee Regiment, and fought in
the battle of Manasses, Gettysburg, Sharpsburg, Cedar Run, Seven Pines,
Richmond, Chancellorsville, Harper’s Ferry, Fredericksburg and Petersburg,
where he was wounded and taken prisoner, and was taken to Washington, D.
C., the day Lee surrendered. In 1865 he returned, after an absence of four
years. December 22, 1868, he wedded Florinda H. SMITH, daughter of
Champion E. SMITH. Mrs. Alexander was born in Lincoln County, Tenn., May
18, 1845, and is the mother of four children: George R., Claud, Frank and
an infant son. He farmed four years after the war, and in 1873 came to
Fayetteville, and established a retail liquor store, but ten years later
engaged in his present occupation. He is a Democrat, and cast his first
presidential vote for Stephen A. Douglas in 1860.

Anderson ALSUP, farmer, was born in Granger County, Tenn., July 16, 1809,
and was educated in the schools near his home. In March, 1831, he married
Sarah, daughter of John and Priscilla DAVIS. She was born in Lincoln
County in 1815, and is the mother of four children: J. F., Amanda E.,
(Mrs. T. H. KENNEDY), Mary A., (Mrs. R. P. SMITH) and W. B. Mr. ALSUP
located on the old home-place after his marriage, and there has since
resided, and at the present time owns about 400 acres of very fine land.
He has been a successful business man, and has given his children good
educational advantages. He has been magistrate of his district four years.
He is a Democrat, and cast his first Presidential vote for Andrew Jackson.
His wife belongs to the Baptist Church. Mr. ALSUP’s parents were James
and Abigail ALSUP, born in Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively, the
former in 1769. He came to Tennessee at an early date, and died in Lincoln
County in 1829. The mother departed this life in 1848.

William H. ASHBY, farmer, is a son of Halifax and Eliza Jane (HALL) ASHBY
and was born in Lincoln County, May 28, 1830. He was one of a family of
eleven children, ten of whom are living. The grandfather, also named
Halifax, was born in England, immigrated to North Carolina, where he reared
his family. Our subject’s father was born in North Carolina, in March,
1807, and received his education in the schools in the vicinity. He was
married in 1829, and followed agricultural pursuits, owning at the time of
his death, which occurred in October, 1873, 250 acres of good productive
land. The mother of our subject was born in North Carolina in May, 1808,
and died in March, 1876. William, our subject, received his education in
the common schools, and November 2, 1852, was united in marriage to Mary
Elizabeth RAMSEY. This union resulted in the birth of nine children, seven
of whom are living: Benjamin A., Sallie J. (wife of L. H. WILEY), James
H., Felix B., Tinnie, Mary E. (wife of William PYLANT) and Willie E. Mr.
ASHBY now owns 300 acres of valuable land and is in good circumstances.
June 30, 1866, Mrs. ASHBY died, and in August, 1868, Mr. ASHBY wedded Ellen
E. WADLEY, a native of Tennessee, born March 9, 1840, and a daughter of J.
B. and Matilda WADLEY. To Mr. and Mrs. ASHBY were born five children:
John M., David W., Susan C., Eliza D., and Ida May. Mr. ASHBY is a
life-long Democrat and was formerly a member of the I.O.O.F. He and wife
are leading members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Travis D. ASHBY, farmer, and the son of Peter and Mary J. (GEORGE) ASHBY,
was born in Lincoln County, Tenn., in 1847. The father was born in Lincoln
County, in 1821 and was a tiller of the soil. In 1844 he was married and
became the father of three children: Elzina (wife of S. E. KEITH,
deceased), Sallie H. (wife of LaFayette KIMES), and Travis D., our subject.
The father died in 1856. The mother of our subject was also born in
Lincoln County about 1830, and is now living in the Fifth District, and is
a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Our subject
remained with his mother till he was twenty-five years of age, and received
his education in the district schools. December 25, 1872, he was united in
marriage to Nancy J. CUNNINGHAM, daughter of Peter and Sarah CUNNINGHAM, and the fruits of this union were four children, three of whom are living:
        James N., Sallie E. and Luler T. About three years previous to his
marriage he purchased 100 acres of land where he now resides, and through
industry, frugality and close attention to business has added to his estate
till he now owns 365 acres of good, productive land. He is a Democrat in
politics, casting his first vote for Horatio Seymour. He is a Mason, and
he and wife are among the most respected members of the Primitive Baptist
Church.

J. W. BARNETT, groceryman and mayor of Fayetteville, Tenn., was born in
Salem, Va., in 1846, son of John L. and Lucinda (WILLIAMS) BARNETT. They
were of Scotch-Irish and Welsh-English descent, born in Virginia, in 1814
and 1821, respectively. The father followed merchandising in Virginia for
forty years, but is now living a retired life. He has been twice married
(the mother died in 1854), his second wife being Mary A. LOGAN. Two of the
three children by the first marriage are living. The second wife bore one
child. Our subject attended Roanoke College, Virginia, and at the age of
seventeen enlisted in the Salem Artillery of Hardway’s battalion, took an
active part in the battles of Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Richmond,
Appomattox Court House and others, and served until the final surrender.
In 1867 he began clerking in his father’s store but removed to Pulaski,
Tenn., in 1871 and continued clerking. In 1873 he came to Fayetteville and
formed a partnership with F. W. BROWN in a general merchandise store. In
1882 he established a staple and family grocery store, and has since been
engaged in that business. In January, 1874, he married Julia C. GORDON,
who was born in 1850, and has borne her husband four children: Clare Lou,
Mary B., James W. and Julius L. Mrs. BARNETT died in 1881, and the
following year Mr. BARNETT married Sadie E., sister of his first wife, born
in 1845, and daughter of John T. GORDON. Mr. BARNETT was chosen mayor of
Fayetteville in 1865 and yet holds the office. He is a Democrat and a
member of the K. of H. and A. O. U. W. He and wife belong to the
Presbyterian Church.

A. F. BASS, merchant at McDowell’s Mills, was born in Giles County February
7, 1854, and was one of three children of Farmington and Naomi BASS, born
in Giles County, Tenn., in 1818 and 1817, and died in 1884 and 1876,
respectively. They were married about 1840, and the father followed
farming through life. Our subject received such education and rearing as
is usually given a farmer’s boy, and in 1881 he and Janey BENNETT were
united in marriage. Mrs. BASS was born in Giles County in 1860, and is a
member of the Christian Church. After his marriage, Mr. BASS farmed for
two years, and then began merchandising at Bunker’s Hill, remaining one
year. In 1885 he located at McDowell’s Mills, where he keeps an excellent
general merchandise store, and is doing a paying business. He takes an
active part in all laudable enterprises and is doing much toward improving
and building up the place. He gives his support to the Democratic party.

Mrs. N. E. BENSON, of the Sixteenth District, was born in Lincoln County,
April, 1828, and was one of two children born to W. and Cynthia HAYES. Her
father was born in North Carolina in 1793 and died November 5, 1866. He
was in the war of 1812, under Gen. Jackson, and was a farmer by occupation.
The mother of our subject was born in Lincoln County, and departed this
life December 19, 1865. The other child of our subject’s parents was
Commodore P., who was a farmer and resided in Lincoln County. He died
December 25, 1867. Our subject received her education in the schools near
home, and December 4, 1845, was united in marriage to Curran D. BENSON, a
native of Giles County, born September 10, 1820. By this union, Mrs.
BENSON became the mother of three children – one of whom is living: Thomas
E., born November 14, 1846, and died August 22, 1876; E. F., born April 6,
1849, and died July 5, 1873; and Ella O., born June 15, 1857, and the wife
of W. G HARWELL, a farmer of Giles County. They have five children: Robert
E., William S., Fannie E., Sally M. and an infant. Mr. BENSON (our
subject’s husband) owned over 100 acres of valuable land at the time of his
death, which occurred August 20, 1868. The land was then divided among the
children and wife. The wife now owns about 200 acres, located near
Millville, and it is considered a fine farm.

Dr. William BONNER, dec’d., a native of Granville Co., N. C., was born
October 7, 1798, and came to Tennessee with his father December, 1808. For
two or three years the family lived in Williamson County, near Nolensville,
and then came to Lincoln County, where William BONNER and his brother Moses continued to reside until their death. The whole of the southern portion
of Middle Tennessee was then but sparsely settled, and William BONNER,
seeing that physicians, even in urgent cases, could be had only by sending
fifty or one hundred miles, young as he was, without prompting from others,
determined to study medicine. In 1821 he went to Nashville and began the
study of medicine under Drs. McNAIRY and OVERTON. He never ceased to speak of their kindness and of Mrs. McNAIRY as one of the noblest of women. In the winter of 1822-23 he attended a course of lectures at Lexington, Ky.
In the spring of 1823 he began the practice of medicine in Lincoln County,
and soon had a large and lucrative business, making money enough to pay his
unpaid bills in Nashville and bear the expenses of a course of lectures in
Philadelphia. He received his diploma in the spring of 1827. In extreme
and desperate cases he informed his patients and resorted to desperate
remedies, often with success. He took a tumor from the neck of a Mrs.
ABERNATHY, when his brother and other learned and experienced physicians
and surgeons declared she would die under the operation. She consented to
the operation and afterward lived many years. Dr. BONNER returned to
Lincoln County and continued the practice of medicine for thirty years. He
married Lucy Rosseau ROBERTSON on the 4th of July, 1827. He always seemed
indifferent to notoriety, and operated more than twenty times for lithotomy
and never lost a case. He collected over $100,000 from his practice and
never sued for a medical bill. In connection with his practice he engaged
in farming, and at the commencement of the late war he owned 8,000 acres of
land and three or four hundred slaves. He was a man of wonderful energy
and great physical and mental power. So strong, active and energetic was
he for fifty years of his life, and so prosperous, that he never fully
realized that any except those who were sick needed help. The result of
the war and freedom to his slaves did not embitter him, but he constituted
himself a guardian for every negro that lived with him. He died at Fayette
September 20, 1879, at the age of eighty years, eleven months and thirteen
days. He was a Democrat in politics, and never too tired to gain a vote
for his candidate if he could, but in the sick room he eschewed politics
and religion.

W. C. BRIGHT, M. D., is a son of John M. BRIGHT, who was born in
Fayetteville, Tenn., January 20, 1817. His father, James BRIGHT, was a
Virginian and an early pioneer of Tennessee. John M. was educated in
Fayetteville and Hillsboro, N. C. In 1839 he graduated from the Nashville
University. The subject of his graduating theme, “On the Classics,” was a
scholarly effort. He began studying law, and in 1841 graduated from the
Transylvania University, at Lexington, Ky., with credit to himself and
honor to the institution, delivering the valedictory address. He has since
practiced in Fayetteville. In November 1841, he wedded Judith C. CLARK,
daughter of Gov. CLARK, of Kentucky. She died in 1855, and two years later
he wedded Zerilda B. BUCKNER. Mr. BRIGHT has always been a Democrat, and
in 1844 stumped the State for Polk in his race for the Presidency. In
1847-48 he was a member of the State Legislature, and served on many
important committees. In 1848, he made a canvass for Cass and Butler, and
a leading journal wrote that it “would be hard to exaggerate the power and
brilliancy of his speeches.” The following are some of his speeches that
have been published: “The Obligations of the American Youth,” a speech
against Know-nothingism, “Charity,” “Life, Character and Public Services of
the Hon. Felix Grundy,” “Law, Lawyers, and Law-schools.” During the late
war he was inspector-general of Tennessee, with the rank of
Brigadier-general. In 1870 he was nominated and elected to the
Forty-second Congress. Mr. BRIGHT is very public spirited, and has done
all in his power to further the interests of his State and county. His
son, W. C. BRIGHT was born in Fayetteville in 1844, and was educated in
Fayetteville and at Richland Academy, in Marshall County. His school-days
were suddenly stopped by the breaking out of the war. May 4, 1861, he
enlisted in Company C, Eighth Tennessee Regiment, and took an active part
in the battles of Perryville, Murfreesboro, Peach Tree Creek, Chickamauga,
and Decatur. At the last named battle he was wounded in the left leg,
which unfitted him for duty for about fifteen months. After his return
home in 1865, he began the teacher’s profession, but in the fall of the
same year began studying medicine under Dr. KENNEDY. From 1866 to 1868, he
attended the medical department of the University of Nashville, and
delivered the valedictory address in 1868. He immediately began practicing
in his birthplace, where he has since resided with the exception of five
years spent in Edgefield and Nashville. February 4, 1871, he wedded Annie
BRAMLETT, daughter of Judge L.M. BRAMLETT. Mrs. BRIGHT was born in 1849 in Giles County, Tenn. They have three children: Bramlett, Mary, and Judith.
Dr. BRIGHT is one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Lincoln
County, and has a large and paying practice. He is a Democrat, and he and
wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Andrew J. CARLOSS is a son of Archelaus and Ruth (PRIDE) CARLOSS, is one of
their thirteen children and was born in North Carolina in 1815. The father
was born in North Carolina in 1767, and was a son of Edward C. CARLOSS, who
was born in Spain and immigrated to America when a young man. Archelaus’
parents died when he was small, and he was apprenticed to learn the
carpenter’s trade, and while serving his apprenticeship assisted in
building the first State capitol of North Carolina. He and wife died in
North Carolina in 1845 and 1826, respectively. Andrew J. received a
practical education, and at the age of nineteen came to Tennessee, where he
has always made his home, with the exception of a short time spent in
Alabama. July 30, 1839, he married Mary Ann FRANKLIN, granddaughter of
ex-Gov. FRANKLIN, of North Carolina, who died at the age of fourteen
years.* Mr. CARLOSS owns 2,800 acres of land, and is a man of undoubted
integrity. He has been a lifelong Democrat. His wife was born in Alabama
in August, 1821. Her parents, James and Frances FRANKLIN, were born in
North Carolina and Tennessee in 1794 and 1797, respectively.

Hon. Jo. G. CARRIGAN is an attorney at law, of Fayetteville, Tenn., and son
of Hiram and Fannie (RANDOLPH) CARRIGAN. The father came to the United
States with his parents when a small lad, and lived, first in North
Carolina, and then in Alabama, and finally, in 1854, came to Lincoln
County, Tenn. He was a blacksmith by trade, but for the past ten years has
lived retired from active business life. He and his wife became the
parents of five children, four of whom are living: W. R. (who is a teacher
and farmer), Susan (Mrs. G. W. HIGGINS), Josie (widow of A. W. BONDS), and
Jo. G., our subject, who was born in Madison County, Ala., September 7,
1835, and received his education at New Hope Academy, Marshall County,
Tenn., and Sulphur Springs Institute, Lincoln County, Tenn. He worked at
the blacksmith’s trade about six years and then entered the teachers’
profession and taught one year. In 1856 he purchased a few law books and
began his legal studies, being obliged to struggle along as best he could
without the aid or instruction of other lawyers. He was admitted to the
bar in 1858, and the same year became editor and proprietor of the
“Messenger”, at Lewisburg, but at the end of one year began the publication
of the “Union”, at Shelbyville, Tenn., which he continued until the
breaking out of the war stopped further business. In May, 1861, he
enlisted in Company G, Eighth Regiment Tennessee Infantry, Confederate
States Army, and participated in the Cheat Mountain campaign (of which he
has written a full account) and the battle of Perryville. In January,
1863, he was transferred to the quartermaster’s department, but in December
of that year was discharged, owing to the failure of his eyesight. In
August, 1865, he was elected to the State Senate, and served on several
important committees. His speeches on the elective franchise bill and the
restoration of the people of Tennessee to the control of the State
government attracted much attention. He moved to Fayetteville in 1867,
where he enjoys the confidence of a large clientage and his brother
attorneys. December 22, 1858, he was married to Fannie HIGGINS, who was
born in Lincoln County in 1838 and has born her husband two children: Emma
(Mrs. A M. McGLAUGHLIN) and Beulah. Our subject is a fluent and ready
speaker and an earnest advocate and safe counselor. He advocates the
principles of the Democratic party, and is a member of the Christian
Church. His wife belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

James H. CARY, farmer of the Twelfth District and a son of Robert and Sarah
(BLAIR) CARY, was born August 15, 1824, near his present residence. The
father of our subject was born in Ireland in 1781, and was of Scotch-Irish
descent. He was a weaver by occupation in his youth, and in later years
devoted his attention to the cultivation of the soil. In 1798 he left his
native country and came to the United States, landing at Charleston in
February. He located in Chester District, S. C., where he was living at
the time of his marriage, which occurred in 1807. In 1816 he immigrated to
Lincoln County, and the following year settled on the Fayetteville and
Pulaski road, six miles from Fayetteville, where he remained until his
death, in 1869. He was one of the early settlers of Lincoln County, and
was an industrious, hard-working man. He was the father of four children:
Margaret, born in 1817; Isabella, born in 1819 (wife of James I TATE),
John, born in 1821 (and died March 31, 1886, leaving a widow and five
children, who now reside on the old homestead), and James H., our subject,
who lives half a mile from the old home place with his sister Margaret, and
both are single. They have been industrious, persevering and economical,
and as a result own 473 acres of excellent land, and have a good home. Mr.
CARY is a Republican in politics, and cast his first vote for Lewis CASS in
1848. Margaret is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and has
been for the past thirty-six years. In 1862 James enlisted in Company I,
Starne’s battalion, Forrest’s command. He fought in the battle of Spring
Hill, and at the end of five months returned home.

M. H. CAUGHRAN is a Tennesseean, born in Lincoln County in May, 1829. He
is one of nine children, and the son of William and Elizabeth (WILEY)
CAUGHRAN. The father was of Irish descent, born in South Carolina in 1786,
and came to Tennessee in 1828. He was a farmer, and died on the 14th of
March, 1840. The mother was also born in South Carolina, in 1787, and died
August 30, 1870. Our subject was educated in the common schools, and
resided with his parents until twenty-two years of age. March 23, 1852, he
was married to Julia, daughter of S. S. and Polly (GIBSON) BUCHANAN. Mrs.
CAUGHRAN was born in Lincoln County March 22, 1831. After his marriage Mr.
CAUGHRAN looked after the interest of Mr. BUCHANAN’s farm for ten years,
and then purchased 100 acres of land near Petersburg, where he resided one
year. He then sold this farm, and in 1865 purchased 185 acres of land near
Fayetteville, where he resided ten years. He then purchased his present
farm of 115 acres, and by his good business qualifications has accumulated
quite an amount of property. He is a Democrat, and he and wife are members
of the Presbyterian Church. In the late war he served in Company B,
Twenty-eighth Tennessee Infantry for three months, then Gen. Bragg
appointed him special messenger, taking care of Governmental supplies and
distributing goods for the army. He remained in this capacity until nearly
the close of the war.

H. T. CHILDS, farmer of the Eleventh District, was born in Lincoln County,
of the same district, July 18, 1841 and was one of four children born to
Thomas and Sally (WILKINS) CHILDS. The father was born in North Carolina
March 9, 1796, and came to Lincoln County, this State with his people, in
1818. He bought 200 acres of land in the Eleventh District, and yet more
in other parts of Lincoln County. He died August 17, 1872. Our subject’s
mother was born in the Eleventh District in 1808, and departed this life
October 19, 1883. Our subject was reared in the country, and received his
education at the Sulphur Spring Institute. At the age of eighteen he
enlisted in Company D, First Tennessee Infantry. He took an active part in
the battles of Seven Pines, Cedar Run and Manassas, and was severely
wounded in the last named battle. At the end of six months he was
sufficiently recovered to return to active duty again. In the battle of
Chancellorsville he was again wounded, and did not return to duty for a
year. He then joined Forrest’s command, cavalry, and took part in numerous
cavalry skirmishes. In 1868 he wedded Sally C., daughter of Allen and
Martha TAYLOR, and a native of Lincoln County, born September 19, 1845.
This union resulted in the birth of five children, four of whom are living:
M. O., Mollie L., Annie N. and Thomas A. Mr. CHILDS owns 200 acres of
valuable land, all well improved, and located near Fayetteville. In 1873
he was elected magistrate of his district, and this position he now holds.
He is a strong advocate of good public schools, and a man who is
scrupulously honest in all his dealings. He is a Democrat in politics, and
a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Drs. R. E. & W. W CHRISTIAN, physicians and surgeons of Fayetteville,
Tenn., are the sons of Dr. D W. and Americus (FAULKNER) CHRISTIAN. The
father was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born in Knox County, Tenn., in
1817. At the age of eighteen he began studying medicine under Dr. COOPER,
and later graduated from the Louisville (Ky.) Medical College. He
practiced in Kentucky and Texas, and during the late war resided in
Louisville. In 1878 he established a drug store in Fayetteville, but died
March 9, 1880, after living a useful and well-spent life. He was a true
Christian, and left behind him an untarnished name. He was married May 16,
1844. His wife was born in Christian County, Ky., and since the death of
her husband has resided with her two sons in Fayetteville. She is the
second cousin of Gen. Robert E. LEE. Of her seven children five are
living: R. E., Lillie M. (widow of Dr. B. C. NEWMAN), Hattie Lee (Mrs. E.
D. STOCKING) Fannie Ella and W. W. R. E. CHRISTIAN is a druggist,
physician and surgeon of Fayetteville. He was born in Christian County,
Ky., in 1846, and was educated in the common schools and at Louisville, Ky.
In April, 1883, he entered upon his chosen profession, and in 1886
graduated from the medical department of the Vanderbilt University.
December 20, 1882, he married Josephine CARNEAL, born in 1859, daughter of
Walker CARNEAL. W. W. CHRISTIAN was born in Lexington, Tex., in 1857. He
attended school in Trenton, Paducah and Louisville, Ky., and Fayetteville,
Tenn. In August, 1880, he purchased some medical books and began the study
of medicine on his own responsibility. Two years later he entered
Vanderbilt University, graduating as a physician and surgeon in February,
1883. After his father’s death he and his brother, R. E., took control of
the drug store which belonged to their father, but in July, 1884, the
building caught fire and was consumed. They soon re-established, and keep
a fine stock of drugs. These enterprising young men are building up a fine
practice, and will rank among the leading physicians and surgeons of
Tennessee. W. W. belongs to the K. & L. of H., and both brothers are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Mrs. Harriet CLARK was born in Washington County, Va., December, 1802. Her
father, Zachariah SHUGART, was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Virginia.
The mother’s maiden name was Elizabeth OFFULT; she was born in Montgomery County, Md., and died in 1819. In 1824 Harriet SHUGART married William CLARK, who was also a Virginian, born in 1792 and died in June, 1871. Of the six children born to them, four are living: Elizabeth B. (Mrs. William
L. THOMAS), James (deceased), William B.*, Rebecca M. (Mrs. Joseph ROE),
Isabella J. (deceased) and C. S., a married son, with whom Mrs. CLARK now
lives on the old home-place. He is the youngest son, and has always looked
after the interests of the farm. In 1872 he married Susan, daughter of
Fenlie and Martha SMITH. His wife was born in Lincoln County, in 1846, and
she and her husband have three children: Martha, Willie and Lizzie. Our
subject is said to be the oldest person residing in the district, but is
yet quite hale and active. She belongs to the Presbyterian Church, and is
a very estimable old lady.

Hon. John CLARK, farmer, was one of ten children born to James and Nancy
CLARK. The father was of Scotch origin, and a native of Blount County, E.
Tenn. He was a farmer by occupation and lived to be over seventy-one years
of age. The mother was born in the same country as her husband, and died
at the age of forty-five. Our subject was also born in Blount County
August 2, 1815, and got his education in the country schools. In 1838 he
married Matilda THOMPSON, a native of Tennessee, born January, 1818. By
this union he became the father of these children: James H., B. A., Nancy
A., Martha J., J. P., Roena, Edward G., Will and Theodore. In 1859 Mrs.
CLARK died and in the same year our subject married her sister, Priscilla
THOMPSON. To the last union were born seven children: Margaret, Robert,
Richard, Mollie, Charlie, Lina and Gertrude. In 1863 Mr. CLARK was elected
to represent two counties in the State Legislature, and in 1870, shortly
after coming to Lincoln County, he was elected magistrate, and re-elected
in 1874, but resigned before the term expired to accept the position of
deputy sheriff. Mr. CLARK owns 225 acres of desirable land, mostly well
improved with good houses and outbuildings. He is a Democrat in politics
and a member of the Masonic fraternity.

W. B. CLARK, son of William and Harriet* (SHUGART) CLARK, was born in
Lincoln County, Tenn., in February 1832. He received his education in the
country schools, and remained with his parents until he was twenty-two
years of age. February 22, 1872, he wedded Laura J. MOUNTCASTLE, a native
of Mississippi, born in the year 1845, and to this union were born two
children: William M. and Harriet E. Mr. CLARK had 135 acres, which were
given to him by his father, and upon this he located after marriage. In
1874 he sold out and went to Colorado, where he remained over five years,
in that time acquiring a homestead of 160 acres, besides purchasing the
same number of acres. In 1880 he disposed of his property, returned to his
birthplace, where he purchased 162 acres in the Twelfth District, and is at
the present residing there. During the war he enlisted in the Confederate
service, in Company G, First Regiment Tennessee Infantry, under Col.
Turney; was in several skirmishes; but at the end of eighteen months was
discharged on account of ill health. Mr. CLARK is an enterprising,
industrious farmer, and bears the reputation of being an honest man and a
good citizen. He is a Democrat in politics, and he and Mrs. CLARK are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mr. CLARK’s father was a
Virginian, born in Washington County in 1792, and was an enterprising
farmer, and in connection with this occupation, worked at the blacksmith
trade. About 1824 he came to Lincoln County, Tenn., and located in the
Ninth District where he bought property and lived until his career ended in
1869. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and for his services his widow
draws a pension of $96 per year. He was twice married, his first wife
being Barbara TOLBERT. The mother of our subject was also born in
Washington County, Va. She is still living, and since the death of her
husband has made her home with her son, C. D. CLARK.

Lewis and Dr. J. C. COATS were born in Lincoln County, Tenn., in 1830 and
1853, respectively, sons of Thomas and Sarah COATS. The father was born in
North Carolina about 1802, and came to Tennessee with his widowed mother
when a boy. He was a farmer, and died November 2, 1874. The mother was
born in South Carolina about the same time as her husband. Her death
occurred June 9, 1870. Lewis COATS was married in 1851 to Mary SMITH, who
was born in Giles County, in 1830. Four children were born to them: J.
C., Drucilla A. (Mrs. J. S. PARKER), Mary L. (Mrs. J. P. BRUCE), and Orlena
T. Mr. COATS at one time owned 500 acres of land, but gave to his children
until he now owns 260 acres. He was married when about twenty-one years of
age, and as a Democrat cast his first presidential vote for Pierce. Dr. J.
C. COATS was educated in the schools near his home, and when about twenty
years of age entered the office of Dr. H. M. BEATY, in Blanche, and began
the study of medicine, continuing two years. He then entered Washington
University, at Baltimore, Md., and afterward took a course at Vanderbilt
University, from which he graduated in 1878. He has since practiced in
Blanche, and has treated all the diseases peculiar to that locality with
commendable success. In 1880 he began keeping a general merchandise store,
and has succeeded well from a financial stand-point. November 15, 1879, he
wedded Alice E. BYERS, born in 1862. They have three children: Mabel,
Louis M. and an infant. The Doctor is a Democrat, and he and wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Rev. A. B. COLEMAN, citizen of Lincoln County, and a native of the Keystone
State, was born in November, 1830, in Indiana County. He is a son of James
and Mary (CAMPBELL) COLEMAN, both natives of Pennsylvania, and both of
Scotch-Irish extraction. The father was born in Indiana County about 1795,
and followed the occupation of farmer. He died in 1857. The mother was
born in 1801, in Westmoreland County, and after the death of her husband,
lived with her children. She died in 1884, in her eighty-second year. She
was the mother of nine children, five of whom are now living: John, Mary
Jane (wife of Alexander LYONS), Margaret, Thomas W., and our subject, who
remained with his parents till he was thirty years of age. His academic
education was received at Elder’s Ridge Academy, Pennsylvania, under the
auspices of the Presbyterian Church, and at the age of eighteen he entered
the teacher’s profession, which occupation he continued for upward of ten
years, but not without interruption, however, as he attended school some of
the time. In 1857 he entered the Westminister College, Wilmington, Del.,
and commenced the study of the ministry proper. He graduated in June,
1859, and in 1861 he was licensed to preach. The following year he was
ordained as minister, and sent to Minnesota to do missionary work, where he
remained five years engaged in his religious duties. In 1867 he was sent
South to organize and lay a foundation for their church work. He came to
Lincoln County, Tenn., where he has since remained engaged in the good
work. The same year of his arrival he dedicated the first United
Presbyterian Church in the State of Tennessee. January 31, 1868, he
married Hannah B. TAYLOR, a native of Lincoln County, born in 1840, and the
daughter of Henry and Catherine M. TAYLOR. As a citizen Mr. COLEMAN is
highly respected and bears the reputation of being a man of high character
and one who leads a conscientious, straight-forward course through life.
During the war he affiliated with the Union cause and was a strong
supporter of the same. Mr. COLEMAN had the misfortune to lose his wife
December 10, 1883.

William COPELAND, distiller, and farmer of the Third District, and a native
of Lincoln County, was born in 1829, and is one of ten children born to the
union of John and Sarah (MASSEY) COPELAND. The father was born in South
Carolina in 1798, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He was a minister of
the P. B. Church; was also a soldier in the war of 1812, and was married in
the same year. The latter part of his life was spent in farming in
connection with his ministerial duties in Moore County, where he had a farm
of 250 acres. He died in the year 1865. The mother was born in South
Carolina in 1789, and died in 1857. Our subject received a good education,
and when about seventeen began teaching, and taught several terms. At the
age of twenty he took a trip to Arkansas, but returned home at the end of
twelve months, and was elected constable. In 1852 he entered the
mercantile establishment at Marble Hill in Franklin County, and clerked
there for three years. November, 1854, he married Mary Ann GEORGE, and by
this union became the father of eleven children, eight of whom are living:
Jefferson M., William C., Mollie H. (wife of John M. FRANKLIN), Thomas N.,
Emily E. (wife of H. SNOW), George M., Robert L. and Ida May. In 1857 Mr.
COPELAND sold his property, and entered the mercantile business at
Smithland, where he remained three years. He then sold out and bought a
farm of 300 acres, in the Fourth District, and for two years was revenue
tax collector of Lincoln County. In 1867 he engaged in the distillery
business, and this he still continues. In 1881 he purchased a distillery
at Flintville, since which time he has been engaged in the business at that
place. His machinery has a capacity of over three barrels per day. In
1885 he moved his family to the farm where they now reside. In politics he
is a Democrat. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs.
COPELAND is a member of the Baptist Church.

Judge H. C. COWAN, farmer, was born in Franklin County, Tenn., November 15,
1809, son of Capt. James B. COWAN, who was of Irish descent, born in 1777,
in Maryland. In 1797 he married Nancy WILLIAMS, who was born in Virginia
in 1782. Their family consisted of six children. They came to Tennessee in
1806, locating in Franklin County, and there the father died in 1831. He
was a captain in the war of 1812, and while living in East Tennessee two of
his sisters were killed, while making maple sugar, by a band of Indians who
came upon them suddenly. Retribution soon overtook them however, for a
company of men was raised and seventeen Indians sent to the “happy hunting
grounds” by the outraged settlers. The mother of our subject died in 1818.
H. C. COWAN clerked for about five years in several places, and taught his
first school in 1826, then went to Jackson County, Ala., and taught two
short sessions. He then sold goods one year in Sparta, White Co., Tenn.,
when owing to some little disagreement he returned home and taught two five
months’ sessions, when he received apologies from his former employers and
returned to them and sold goods a little over a year. He was then called
home by the death of his father, and farmed and taught school, and in
January, 1839, he became a resident of Lincoln County, and taught about
fifteen sessions of school in and around Fayetteville, and in 1841
purchased 156 acres of land, where he settled and has since resided. At
different time he has purchased 137, 45 and 75 acres. Two of his sons live
on the latter farms. Mr. COWAN served as magistrate for forty-four years,
and for fifteen years acted as chairman and one of the quorum of the county
court, thus illustrating the respect in which he was held by the people.
In 1869 he was elected judge of the county court, for eight years, but only
served three years, owing to ill health. December 22, 1842, he married
Agnes B. McDANIEL, who was born March 29, 1814, and six children blessed
their union, of which three are dead. Those living are Andrew J., William
Thomas and Louisa E. Judge COWAN began life poor in purse, but now owns
418 acres of fine land. He has a remarkably retentive memory, and is a
man, who, by his exemplary life, commands the respect and esteem of all.
He is a Democrat and a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His
wife died November 24, 1881, and since that time his daughter has been his
housekeeper.

W S. CURTIS, a farmer, and a native of Madison County, Ala., was born
November 14, 1823, son of Johnson D. and Isabella CURTIS, natives of
Georgia and North Carolina, respectively. The father was a farmer by
occupation and died in 1826. The mother was of Irish descent and died in
1824. Our subject was reared by his aunt, Mrs. McMURRAY, and received his
education in the Giles County schools. In 1844 he married Margaret
BUSSELL, a daughter of Robert and Nancy BUSSELL. Mrs. Curtis was born in
1822 and died August 19, 1858. By this union our subject became the father
of five children: Robert J., a farmer of Giles County; T. D., a resident
of Pulaski; W. A., a farmer of Giles County; James M., now in Lawrence
County, Mo., and J. D. of Lincoln County, Tenn. After marriage, Mr. CURTIS
bought 150 acres of land in Giles county, where he located and remained six
years. He then disposed of that property and bought 224 acres in the
Sixteenth District of Lincoln County, where he is now living. He now owns
300 acres of very desirable land. October 23, 1859, he married A. OLIVER,
a native of Lincoln County, born January 13, 1834, and a daughter of E. P.
and Sarah OLIVER. This marriage of our subject resulted in the birth of
eight children: Julia, wife of W T. WOODWARD; C. L., E. S., C. M., F. J.,
A. L., J. H. and Alexander. Mr. CURTIS has always been a hard working,
industrious man, and has been quite successful in business, and has given
his children the advantage of acquiring a good English education. He is a
Democrat in politics and cast his first presidential vote for Taylor. He
and wife are members of the New School Presbyterian Church.