Goodspeed's
Tennessee History
McNairy County Biographical Index from Goodspeed's Tennessee
History.
|
Prof.
M. R. ABERNATHY, principal of the Purdy Male and Female
Institute, and superintendent of public instruction of
McNairy County, Tenn., was born in Alabama In 1844, and was
one of a family of eight children born to Dr. Smith and
Elizabeth ABERNATHY, both natives of North Carolina. The
father was born in Franklin County in 1902, was a physician
and followed that profession many years. He was a Whig in
politics and also a local preacher of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He died in 1876. The mother was born in
Chatham County in 1810 and died in 1867. Her maiden name was
RAMSEY. Our subject received his education almost entirely
through his own efforts. He came to McNairy County in 1866
and soon afterward began teaching, which occupation he has
followed the principal part of the time since. In 1869 he
married Miss Rachel M. COX, a native of McNairy County, born
in 1848, and the daughter of Anderson and Rebecca COX. The
result of this marriage was the birth of nine children
William K. Terry N, Florence W., Bessie L., Mary, Pearl,
George M. (deceased), Orpheus and an infant. In 1868 Prof.
ABERNATHY was elected county superintendent of public
instruction and occupied this position until 1871. In 1885
he came to Purdy to take charge of the Male and Female
Institute at that place. Previous to this he had taught a
few years at Adamsville. January 1885, he was chosen to his
present office of county superintendent, and has filled that
office to the general satisfaction of the people up to the
present. In 1886 he assumed control of the McNairy
Independent which under his able management will undoubtedly
become one of the leading newspapers of West Tennessee.
Prof. ABERNATHY is an independent Republican in politics,
and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.
Hon. R. D. ANDERSON, one of the leading farmers and
prominent citizens of the Sixth District, is one of six
children born to the union of Thomas and Jane (GATES)
ANDERSON. Two of the sons and two daughters are now living.
The father was of Scotch-Irish descent born in Logan County,
Ky., in 1805. After having lived in Middle Tennessee and
Alabama, went to Hardeman County, Tenn., where he married in
1834; shortly afterward moving to Tippah County, Miss., he
remained there Until 1844; when he came to McNairy County,
engaging in farming until his death in 1883. By close study
he obtained considerable practical knowledge, and held the
office of magistrate for a number of years. The mother was
born in Bedford County, Tenn., about 1812, is still living
in the Sixth District, is an earnest and esteemed member of
the church. Our subject was born in Tippah County, Miss., in
1840, was reared under the paternal roof and educated in the
common schools. He enlisted in the Confederate service in
1861, being of those eager and anxious to don the gray for
his country, was in a company of heavy artillery under
command of Capt. J. C. B. JONES, of Memphis, served in
different artilleries in the Army of Tennessee, until the
close of hostilities, taking active part in all engagements
in which his company participated. After nearly four years
of gallantry for his country, he returned home after the
surrender and resumed farming. In December, 1865 be married
Miss Eliza A., daughter of Thomas and Mary KERR, who was
born in Maury County, Tenn., in 1841, and came to McNairy
County when a child. To Mr. and Mrs. ANDERSON two children
have been born: Wm. R. and Mary Jane. Mr. A. has lived at
his present home since 1870 owns 180 acres of the most
productive and valuable land in the section; it is under a
high state of cultivation, well improved; upon it stands a
fine commodious dwelling four miles east of Falcon. Mr.
ANDERSON is a man of business capacity and ability, in his
early life spent years in giving instruction in penmanship,
being quite proficient in that art. In 1882 was brought
forth as the choice of the people to represent the county in
the Legislature; he was elected by a large majority. He
served the term with satisfaction to the people and credit
to himself. He is a Democrat, his first presidential vote
was for Horace GREELEY. He is a warm advocate and supporter
for any and all enterprises which may be beneficial to his
country. He and his wife are active and esteemed members of
the Christian Church.
Peyton ATKINS, a well known farmer and early settler
of McNairy County, and resident of the Ninth District, a son
of George and Martha (MARTIN) ATKINS, was born In North
Carolina in 1814. His grandfather, Joseph ATKINS, was a
native of North Carolina and a soldier in the Revolutionary
war. The father, George, was of Irish ancestry, born in
North Carolina in 1785, and while a resident of his native
State married a lady who was born there in 1790. In 1882
they came to McNairy County, where Mr. ATKINS engaged in
farming until his death in 1849. Mrs. ATKINS' death occurred
in 1874; she was a consistent member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church South. The subject of this sketch was
raised under his father's roof and received a fair education
at the common schools. January, 1841, he married Nancy,
daughter of William and Martha DONNELL. She was born in
North Carolina in 1817, and became the mother of nine
children---six sons and three daughters: Artimesia, wife of
V. A. SANDERS, of Corinth, Miss.; George, of Hardin County;
Martha wife of D. W. BABB, of Mississippi; Pinckney C., of
Arkansas; James R., of Hardin County; Adolpheus S., of
Arkansas; John PEYTON, of Hardin County; Nancy, wife of
Samuel CHAMBERS, and Robert TOLBERT. Mr. ATKINS has always
led an active and industrious life, and by his own efforts
has accumulated considerable valuable property, owning the
place upon which he resides, a farm of about 400 acres well
improved.
Hon. J. T. BARNHILL, one of the native citizens and
prominent farmers of District No. 14, is a son of John N.
and Elizabeth (CHAMBERS) BARNHILL. He was born In McNairy
County in 1848, and is one of ten children, three sons and
two daughters now living. The father was born in North
Carolina about 1811 and was of Scotch ancestry. His father,
William BARNHILL, removed to this county from Alabama about
1826 and afterward to Texas, where he died. John N. BARNHILL
received a good practical education and came to this county
about the same time that his father did. He was married when
about the age of eighteen or nineteen, and was a lifelong
tiller of the soil. He was a man of good business capacity
and led a public life for a number of years in various
capacities; was also one of the pioneers of this county,
having settled here when the country was a dense forest and
the settlers were few and far between. He died in 1881. The
mother was a native of Alabama, born in 1809, and is still
living in this county. Her parents were Samuel and Elizabeth
CHAMBERS, also early pioneers of McNairy County. Our subject
was reared at home on the farm where he was born and where
he now resides. His rudimentary education was received at
the common schools, but he subsequently graduated in the law
department of Cumberland University, at Lebanon, Tenn., in
January 1881. He has quite an extensive law practice in
connection with his farming interest. He owns about 1,500
acres of land in the vicinity of Chewalla. His home farm,
one mile north of that village, is under a high state of
cultivation and is in a desirable locality. Although Mr.
BARNHILL is comparatively a young man, he is already one of
McNairy County's most efficient and promising farmers,
active businessmen and politicians. In 1884 he represented
McNairy County in the Lower House of the State Legislature,
being elected by a large majority, and served during the
term with commendable distinction. He is a Democrat in
politics and cast his first presidential vote for H.
GREELEY. He is an active member of the Masonic fraternity.
February 22,1880, he married Miss Docia ROSSON, a native of
this county, born in 1859, and a member of the Missionary
Baptist Church. She is a refined and much esteemed lady, and
is the daughter of Joseph T. and Charlotte ROSSON.
John G. COMBS, a well-known and prosperous farmer of
the Seventh District, was born in Virginia in 1827, the only
child of Thomas and Catherine (STRATON) COMBS, both natives
of Virginia. The father was born about 1796, came to McNairy
County in 1831, was a carpenter by trade, also a farmer, a
man very highly respected; he died in 1864. The mother was
born in 1804 and died in 1871. The subject of this sketch
was raised at home, was educated at Savannah and Purdy.
About 1847 he married Margaret, daughter of Peter and Celia
SHULL, both old residents of the county. Mrs. COMBS died in
1864 leaving four children: Peter, Henry, John and Willie.
In 1865 he made a second marriage to Mrs. Frances PERRY, who
was born in Giles County, Tenn., in 1889, a daughter of
James and Mary ARNIS. This union resulted in the birth of
Maggie, James, Archibald, Lee and Guy. In 1862 Mr. COMBS
enlisted in the Confederate Army from Arkansas, joined
Company E, MCCRARY'S brigade, and was in active service a
short time when he returned home. He is an ardent Democrat,
and a Mason. He and his wife are members of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. Mr. COMBS has always been engaged in
agricultural pursuits, and with the exception of two years,
a resident of the county since childhood; he is an
industrious and respected man taking interest in and
supporting any enterprise for the improvement of the
community.
N. A. ERWIN, of the firm of ERWIN Bros. merchants of
Falcon, Tenn., was born October 20, 1848, and is the son of
N. A. and M. E. (MCKENZIE) ERWIN. The father was born in
Sumner County, Tenn., about 1818 and came to McNairy County
with his parents when about eight years old. At this early
period there were very few settlers in the county. He
cultivated the soil and was one of the leading citizens of
the county. His death occurred February 8, 1885. The mother
was a native of McNairy County, born about 1828. She died
September 1862. Our subject was reared under the parental
roof and secured his education principally at Pebble Hill,
this county. March 5, 1872, he married Miss Josie KERR, who
was born October 14, 1851, in McNairy County. She is the
daughter of Thomas and Mary A. KERR, and by her marriage
became the mother of two children: Mary D. and Pearl. In
1880 Mr. ERWIN and his brother engaged in mercantile
pursuits at Falcon, where they have since remained engaged
successfully in this business. He is a Democrat in politics
and a good citizen. Mr. ERWIN'S grandparents were Nathaniel
and Mary ERWIN, natives respectively of South Carolina and
North Carolina. The grandfather moved to Sumner County where
he remained some time. He then came to McNairy County and
followed agricultural pursuits. His wife was the only
daughter in a family of twelve children, and five of the
boys were soldiers in the war of 1812.
Dixon ETHERIDGE, a well-known farmer of the
Seventeenth District is a son of Kindred and Serena
Massingale ETHERIDGE, born in Dixon County, Tenn., about
1838. The father was a native of Edgecombe County, N. C.;
immigrated to Dixon County, Tenn., when but a boy, with his
father, Willoughby ETHERIDGE; he was raised and married in
that section. He moved to McNairy County in 1848. He was an
active and industrious man, engaged in farming until time of
his death about 1868. Our subject was reared under the
paternal roof. His educational advantages were limited. At
the age of twenty-five he married Miss Mary Jane, daughter
of James and Katie PATTERSON. To their union eight children
were born, seven of whom are living: Nathan Clark, Jackson,
Robert D., Mary E., John H., Julia Ann and Winnie. In 1875
Mr. ETHERIDGE settled on Sweet Lips, and moved to where he
now resides, two miles south of McNairy, which by his
industry, frugality and good management he owns; it consists
of about 873 acres. Mr. ETHERIDGE has always been a
hardworking, energetic man, is a most worthy citizen and
kind neighbor. He is an ardent Democrat, having cast his
first presidential vote for John C. BRECKENRIDGE. He has
been for several years a prominent member of the Masonic
fraternity. He and his wife are consistent and faithful
members of the Christian Church, and held in respect by all.
F. M. FREEMAN, hotel proprietor and merchant, is a
native of Adamsville, born in 1849. His parents were C. J.
and Mahala (WILLIAMS) FREEMAN. The father was born in
Mississippi in 1823 came to McNairy County, Tenn., in 1846,
returned to Mississippi in 1882, where he now resides; he is
a blacksmith. The mother was born in 1828 bore five
children; her death occurred in 1872. Our subject was raised
at home, received a good education in Hardin County. He
married Miss Mollie, daughter of J. S. MCWHIRTER, one of the
oldest settlers of the county. Mrs. FREEMAN was born in
Adamsville in 1849; is the mother of five children: Minnie,
Hattie, James, Napoleon and Josie. Mr. FREEMAN immediately
after his marriage moved to Texas where he remained four
years. In 1880 he located at Adamsville and began the drug
business. He has always been an enterprising, industrious
man and by his own efforts has accumulated considerable
property. He is a warm Republican, taking considerable
interest in politics; is a genial and worthy man.
W. A. GOOCH, a farmer and highly respected resident
of the Fourth District, is a native of McNairy County, was
born in 1840, a son of J. G. and Louvinia (BRUMBLOW) GOOCH.
The father was born in Alabama in 1809 and came to this
county with his parents when a child: they were among the
earliest settlers. He was a farmer by occupation and a
magistrate in the county over fifty years; a great portion
of that time was chairman of the county court, holding that
office for perhaps a greater length of time than any man in
the State of Tennessee. He was twice married, the father of
fifteen children. No man was better known or more esteemed.
His death occurred August 6, 1885. The mother was born about
1809, and bore six children. She died about 1845. The
subject of this sketch spent his boyhood at home, and
received a very good education in the district schools. He
served about nine months in the Confederate Army, enlisting
in the summer of 1861, in Company C, Twenty-first Tennessee
Infantry, under command of Col. PICKETT, Dr. WHITEMORE being
the captain. He is an ardent Democrat and is a Mason.
December 6, 1866, was married to a native of McNairy County,
who was born in 1846-Nancy M., daughter of James and Louisa
WARREN. Their union resulted in the birth of eight children:
S. W., J. R., J. C., W. T., Nancy L., D. C., Martha E. and
an infant. The most of Mr. Gooch's time has been given to
agricultural pursuits, in which he has been unusually
successful; has always taken an active part in any
enterprise which was for the country's good. August 6, 1886,
he was elected magistrate of the Fourth District, and
continues to fill the position. As a citizen, officer and
neighbor no man is more esteemed. He and his wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
John M. HAMM, one of the pioneers of the Fourth
District, and son of Thomas P. and Tabitha (HUGGINS) HAMM,
was born in Lauderdale County, Ala., in 1822, being the
third of thirteen children, two only living. The father,
Thomas P., was of Scotch-Dutch ancestry, born in Kentucky in
1778. The grandfather, John HAMM, was a native of South
Carolina, born about 1759 and when fourteen or fifteen years
of age volunteered his services in the Revolutionary war,
served under Gen. MARION; was married in his native State
and afterward went to Logan County, Ky., from there to
Middle Tennessee, then to Lauderdale County, Ala., finally
settling in McNairy County in 1826, where he engaged in
farming until his death, October, 1836. He was a magistrate
for a number of years. Thomas P. received a common-school
education, while residing in Kentucky; married in 1818, and
came to McNairy County in 1827, where, with the exception of
a few years spent in Hardin County, he remained until his
death in 1856. He was a farmer. The mother was born in North
Carolina in 1778, and died July, 1886. Our subject, John M.,
was brought up on his father's place; received such
education as the common schools afforded; came to McNairy
County with his family, and was married December, 1843, to
Elizabeth, daughter of Robert C. and Rebecca HOUSTON. She
was born in 1827. Their union was blessed with twelve
children, of whom are Archibald B., James R., Rebecca, wife
of Wilson A. SMITH, of Arkansas; Cynthia Ann, wife of Thomas
RAMER; Tabitha, wife of James PRATHER; Mary E., wife of Dr.
J. L. LAWSON; Fannie, wife of Jones REEDER; Sallie, wife of
Thomas BAKER; John H., William and Mac. Mr. HAMM has lived
in the vicinity and on his farm since 1865. He at one time
owned 800 acres of land, but has divided a portion of it
among his children; still has 400 of valuable acres under
high cultivation, well improved, three miles east of Ramer.
He is a man of great industry, and well informed, possessed
of fine business capacity. He takes a deep interest in the
advancement of education, has always a helping hand for
charitable and religious institutions. At about the time of
his majority was elected magistrate, held the office for
twenty-five years, was tax collector about twenty-seven
years, and in 1880 was census taker. He is a Democrat and
has always been. The first presidential vote he cast was for
James K. POLK, in 1844. He has been a member of the Masonic
fraternity thirty-five years, taking the Royal Arch degree.
Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.
A. B. HAMM, a leading merchant and prominent citizen
of Ramer, is a son of John M. and Elizabeth (HOUSTON) HAMM;
he was born in McNairy County in 1845, is the eldest of a
family of twelve children. He was brought up at his father's
home; received such education as the common schools
afforded. He enlisted in the Confederate Army January, 1863
in Company B, under command of Capt. W. P. BARNHILL,
Nineteenth Tennessee, under Col. J. FORREST'S command,
taking active part in any engagement in which his company
participated; surrendered at Gainesville, Ala., May, 1865.
He returned home and resumed the agricultural pursuits.
After several months of study at a select school he engaged
in teaching several years. In December, 1869 he married Miss
Nicy J., daughter of J. R. and Martha HURLEY. Mrs. HAMM was
born in McNairy County, 1849; became the mother of three
children, two of whom are still living: John Robert and
Flora Lillian. Mr. HAMM gave up farming in 1873 and entered
the mercantile business with T. J. HURLEY at Chewalla, the
firm being known as HAMM & HURLEY until 1874, when he bought
out his partner's interest, continuing the business alone
until 1876, since which time he has been at Ramer, where he
met with great success, now carrying a stock of general
merchandise valued at $12,000. He is one of the most
efficient and flourishing businessmen of the county; by
untiring industry, honesty and good management has
accumulated considerable means, and owns 151 acres near
Ramer, 175 acres in First District, houses and several lots
in Ramer. He is a strong Democrat; his first presidential
vote was given H. GREELEY. Mr. and Mrs. HAMM are
conscientious members of Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
well known and greatly respected.
J. M. HAMM, Jr., a well-known farmer and saddler of
the Fifth District, is a native of McNairy County; was born
in August 1848. His parents were Calvin and Emily Ann
(SPRINGER) HAMM. The father was born in Lauderdale County,
Ala., in 1822, and came to this county with his parents when
about eight years of age, making him one of the old
settlers. He is a respected farmer of the Fifth District.
The mother was born in Giles County, Tenn., in 1826. Of a
family of eight children born to her, five are still living.
Our subject was raised at home and received the educational
advantages of the district schools. In 1867 he married Miss
Laura .J. ROBERTSON, who was born in McNairy County in 1847,
a daughter of Pleas. and Margaret ROBERTSON, who came to the
county at an early day. By their union they have three
children living: Minnie, Myrtle and John Calvin. After his
marriage Mr. HAMM began farming, which occupation he carried
on for some time, when he learned the saddler's trade, in
which business he has been engaged since 1873, and has found
it very profitable, for by his energy, attention to business
and courtesy to patrons, he has succeeded in building up an
extensive trade. His work is in great demand. In March,
1886, he was elected magistrate of the district. He is a
stanch Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. HAMM are both members of the
Primitive Baptist Church, and esteemed by the community in
which they live.
B. S. MCINTIRE, a well known citizen and merchant of
Purdy, Tenn., was born In McNairy County, November 9, 1835;
was one of a family of five boys, two of whom are living.
His parents were John and Margaret (DAY) MCINTIRE The father
was born in Lincoln County, NC, in 1797, and located in
McNairy County in 1833. He was a farmer, married twice and
raised seven children. His death occurred in 1852. The
mother was born in Gibson County, Ind., in 1799, and died in
1844. Our subject was brought up on his father's farm and
attended the schools near his home, receiving a fair
education. During the war he enlisted in an independent
company under command of Capt. ALGEE, and was with them
about four months. In the spring of 1862 he enlisted in the
Confederate Army from Carroll County, was in Company K,
Tenth Tennessee Cavalry, first under Col. N. N. COX;
afterward William DE MOSS was colonel and Thomas HUTCHISON
captain. Mr. MCINTIRE took an active part in the battle of
Chickamauga, and in several other engagements. January 28,
1864, he was so severely wounded at Dibrell's Hill, Sevier
County, that it was necessary to amputate his leg the next
day. He returned home in the fall of the year. After the
restoration of peace he was salesman for T. K. HALL at
Paris, Tenn., in the mercantile business, and later with his
brother, R. W., who now resides at Jackson. In 1871 he left
Paris and located in Purdy, where he has since carried on an
extensive dry goods and grocery business, having by his
energy, good management and integrity, built up a large
trade. In 1875 he married a native of Purdy, who was born in
1852, Miss Maud, daughter of Dr. W. C. and Martha KINDEL. By
their union there is one daughter, Ophelia V. Mr. MCINTIRE
is a warm Democrat and man whom all respect.
Josiah JEANS, one of the best-known men of McNairy
County, is one of the six children born to James and Tabitha
(PRATHER) JEANS. The father was born in Virginia and went to
South Carolina when a young man, and there married a native
of the State. He came to McNairy County at an early day and
engaged in farming until the time of his death. The mother's
death occurred at the same place; she was a sincere
Christian and member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our
subject was born in South Carolina in 1804, was raised on
his father's farm, receiving his education in the common
country schools. In 1836 he immigrated to McNairy County,
located near Falcon on the farm upon which he has since
resided. By labor, energy and careful management, he has
risen from poverty to one of the most substantial men of the
county. He owns 500 acres of land, making him one of the
most extensive farmers in the section. In 1828 he married
Miss Elizabeth PRATHER, who became the mother of six
children, three of whom are living: James Newton, Josiah T.,
of Arkansas, and Laura Jane, wife of John CARTER, of Falcon.
Mrs. JEANS died in the spring of 1880, and in April, 1881,
Mr. JEANS married Miss Susan NORMAN, of Mississippi, who was
born in East Tennessee in 1824; she is a consistent and
earnest member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr.
JEANS is an old and stanch Democrat; his first presidential
vote was cast for Gen. JACKSON in 1828. No man is better
known or more generally esteemed.
Robert E. MCKINNEY, clerk and master of the chancery
court, of McNairy County, Tenn., was born June 18, 1857, and
received his early education at Purdy, but subsequently
attended the Mars Hill Academy, in Alabama. At the age of
fifteen he was appointed deputy circuit clerk, and afterward
held the position as deputy in the register's office for
some time. In the winter of 1878-79 he took a course of
lectures at the Louisville University, having previously
studied medicine at Purdy. In the spring of 1879 he began
the practice of his chosen profession, and in April of the
same year he received the appointment of the office of clerk
and master of the chancery court, was reappointed and
continued to hold that position. January, 1881, he married
Miss Mollie STUBBS, a native of Baldwin, Miss., born August,
1860, and a daughter of Thomas B. and Virginia STUBBS.
August, 1884, our subject was elected chairman of the
Democratic Executive Committee of the county and was also
congressional committeeman for the county for the same term.
He has been a public officer of the county most of the time
since be was fifteen years of age; he is a man well known
and much esteemed by all his acquaintances as an excellent
officer and an obliging neighbor. He is an ardent Democrat
in politics. He is one of a family of seven children born to
Judge J. F. and Julia A. (ADAMS) MCKINNEY. The father was
born at Fayetteville, Tenn., in 1823. He read law at his
native town and was admitted to the bar at that place, after
which he came to McNairy County and located at Purdy and
began the practice of his chosen profession. He was
twenty-four years of age at that time, and practiced in this
and adjoining counties for many years. He held the honorable
position of both circuit and chancellor judge by commission
from the governor, and was one of the leading lawyers of
West Tennessee. He died May, 1880. The mother of our subject
was born at Purdy, November, 1833, and is the daughter of B.
B. and Amanda F. ADAMS, native Virginians, who came to this
place at a very early day.
Gen. John H. MEEKS, one of the most influential
citizens and leading farmers of McNairy County, was born in
Lincoln County, Tenn., in 1814, was the youngest of three
sons and the only one now living. His parents were John and
Elizabeth (HENDERSON) MEEKS, both natives of Pendleton
District, S. C. The father was born in 1783, was well
educated, married the first time in 1810 to the mother of
John H., and after her death made a second marriage in 1819
with Elizabeth LANE, by whom he had six children. In 1811 he
moved to Lincoln County, and engaged in farming until 1844,
when he located in McNairy Co., and there resided up to the
time of his death, which occurred in 1877. The mother was a
daughter of Capt. John HENDERSON, a gallant and noted man of
Revolutionary fame. Mrs. MEEKS died in October, 1814, when
the subject of this sketch was but an infant; he was taken
by his grandfather, Capt. HENDERSON, with whom he remained
until manhood. He received liberal literary and business
education, and spent the time 1835 to 1838 as a teacher, in
which capacity he proved most efficient. Since the latter
date he has been tilling the soil, either carrying it on
himself or having it done by others. In 1830 he was sent by
Capt. HENDERSON to McNairy County, to take charge of a
number of men and raise a crop, after which he returned to
Alabama, his grandparents having moved there in his
childhood. In 1832 they settled in McNairy County. January,
1841, John H. was married to Ellen, daughter of George and
Martha ATKINS; she was born in Rockingham County, N. C., and
came to McNairy County with her parents in 1832. To them
were born eight children, only two sons and two daughters
are living: Martha E., wife of F. A. JOHNSON, of Dyer
County; Elder Rufus P., an earnest and influential minister
of the Christian Church, residing at Jackson, Tenn.; Marcus
Henry, a leading attorney at law of Jackson, Tenn., and
Zilpah, wife of W. D. ERWIN, a prominent merchant of Falcon.
Gen. MEEKS has been living on his present farm since 1851;
it is twelve miles east from Falcon, extends over 600 acres
of the county's most productive soil, which is highly
cultivated and improved; the dwelling-house is one of the
most elegant and well arranged in the country. He also owns
about 800 acres of Tennessee River bottomland in Hardin
County, which is very valuable. The General is a
half-brother to Orvil L. MEEKS, of same county. He is a man
of unusual strength of mind, a keen financier, and of
indisputable integrity; is an ardent advocate of universal
education, and gives liberally to all charitable and
religious institutions. He has always been a stanch
Democrat-the recognized leader of that party in McNairy
County, having held various responsible and prominent
positions. His public career began in 1849, when he
represented his county in the Lower House of the State
Legislature, being the first Democrat representative from
McNairy County; he was re-elected in 1851; was nominated
several times afterward, but declined further election. In
1855 he was offered the nomination for congressman in his
congressional district, but positively declined. He was a
member of the constitutional convention of 1870. His first
presidential vote was cast for Hugh L. WHITE in 1836. He has
been a Mason of good standing and prominence since 1848. The
entire family are members of the Christian Church. He
received the title of general from the militia votes of both
Hardeman and McNairy Counties; was not a soldier in the late
war, but had two sons who fought bravely in defense of the
lost cause. The elder of these, under the command of Gen.
FORREST, fell, mortally wounded, in 1864. Gen. MEEKS
earnestly opposed the first action of the South in bringing
about secession, but, finally, when the war was forced on
the Southern people, he was afterward an ardent supporter of
the lost cause.
Hon. Orvil L. MEEKS, farmer and miller, and one of
the leading citizens of District No. 14, is a son of John
and Elizabeth (LANE) MEEKS. He was born in Lincoln County,
Tenn., in 1822, and is the eldest child born to his parents.
The father was born In South Carolina in 1783, and was of
Welsh-English descent. He was reared In Georgia and received
his education in the common schools, was a farmer and
mechanic, and was twice married, his first wife being Miss
Elizabeth HENDERSON. His second marriage occurred in 1819 in
Franklin County, Tenn. He removed to Lincoln County at a
very early day, and from there to McNairy County in 1844. He
died about 1877. His father, Littleton MEEKS was also a
native of South Carolina, but afterward located in Georgia.
He was for many years engaged as a missionary among the
Indians. The mother of our subject was born about 1806 and
died at the age of seventy. She was a woman of rare
intelligence, fine culture and high moral attainments. Both
parents were members of the Primitive Baptist Church, and
much esteemed by their many friends. Our subject was reared
at home and received a common-school education. In 1841 he
came to McNairy County, and in December, 1845, he married
Miss Cynthia L., daughter of John and Rebecca CHAMBERS. In
1854 Mrs. MEEKS died; she was the mother of the following
children: John C., a wholesale merchant at St. Louis, Mo.;
Marcus W., merchant at Corinth, Miss., and Orvil L.
(deceased). October 11, 1859, Mr. MEEKS married Miss Martha
MICHIE, a native of McNairy County, born in 1839, the
daughter of G. G. MICHIE, and a member of the Christian
Church. This union resulted in the birth of eleven
children-three sons and eight daughters: George T., Lovinia,
James L., Henry, Zilpha, (Mrs. David SHARP), Ellen, Josie,
Kate, Lillie, Flora and Lucretia. Mr. Meeks has been a
resident of his present home since 1845, and is the owner of
about 1,500 acres of productive land, four miles southeast
from Ramer, nearly all of which he acquired by his own
industry. He is well known throughout the county as one of
its best and most successful citizens. He served for some
time as colonel of the militia. In 1855 be was elected by
the Democratic party to represent Hardeman McNairy and
Hardin Counties in the upper branch of the State
Legislature, where he served one term. During the latter
part of the late civil war he served for several months in
FORREST'S cavalry. In politics he is a stanch and active
Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for James K.
POLK in 1844. He has been a Master Mason for over thirty
years, and is one of the county's most respected citizens.
S. M. PERKINS, a prominent citizen and merchant of
Adamsville, Tenn., is one of twelve children, ten now
living, born to S. M. and C. PERKINS, both natives of Middle
Tennessee. The father was born in 1814, came to McNairy
County about 1834, and now resides in the Tenth District. He
is a farmer. The mother was born in 1817 and died 1850 her
maiden name was HOUSTON. Our subject was born in McNairy
County in 1840, and received his education in the schools
near home. In 1865 he began merchandising at Stantonville
and remained in the business at that place for three years.
He then engaged in tilling the soil and continued at this
until 1883 when he came to Adamsville and engaged
extensively in the sale of dry goods and general
merchandise. In 1867 he married Miss Mary A. HOWELL, who was
born in Hardin County in 1847, and who is the daughter of
Benjamin and Nancy HOWELL. By this connection our subject
became the father of five children: Josie, Samuel, Ida,
Estella and Bennie. Mr. PERKINS is thrifty, wide-awake and
is one of the town's most substantial businessmen. He is a
Democrat in politics and he and wife are worthy members of
the Christian Church. In 1861 he enlisted in Company G,
Thirteenth Tennessee Infantry (Confederate Army) under Col.
WILLIAMS, and served with his company two years, after which
he joined FORREST'S cavalry. He took .an active part in the
battles of Shiloh, Harrisburg, Ky., and Cross Roads. He was
with HOOD and was in many minor engagements and cavalry
skirmishes. He was slightly wounded four times and was a
brave and fearless soldier. He then returned home in the
spring of 1865.
J. P. PRINCE, a prominent citizen and merchant of
Purdy, Tenn., was born in Pendleton District, South
Carolina, June 29, 1817; was one of a family of nine
children born to James and Mary PRINCE. The father was born
in 1778, and was a farmer by occupation. In 1825 he moved to
Georgia and was for many years justice of the peace; his
death occurred there in 1863. The mother was Miss MEARS,
born in Virginia about 1786, departed this life November
1876. Our subject was raised at home, received his education
at Clarksville, Ga., and came to Tennessee in 1843, locating
in Hardin County, where he taught school for four years. He
was in a warehouse at Camp's Landing for five years, at same
time doing a mercantile business for himself, going from
there to Adamsville, selling goods until 1863, when he went
to Paducah, remaining there until the close of the war. For
eight years he was in the commission business in St. Louis,
Mo., and in 1873 settled in Purdy, meeting with great
success and is considered one of the leading merchants.
December of 1859 be was married to Eliza KERBY, who was born
in Hardin County in 1832 a daughter of John and Nancy KERBY.
Mrs. PRINCE died in 1858, leaving one son, Dr. J. J. PRINCE,
a physician and merchant at Bethel Springs. Mr. PRINCE is a
Republican, and a member of the Christian Church, a man of
good business capacity, a fine manager, who has always been
prosperous and respected.
John R. REEDER, a farmer, miller, ginner, and
prominent man of McNairy County, is a son of Jacob and Sarah
(WESSON) REEDER, was born in Lawrence District, South
Carolina, in 1822. His great grandfather was a native of
Germany, immigrated to the United States where he raised a
family of sixteen children, the grandfather of Jno. H.,
being the youngest boy-all of whom lived to marry and rear
children. The father, Jacob, was born in South Carolina in
1799, was married when about twenty-one years of age to a
lady of his native State who was born about 1800 and died
about 1856. In 1825 Jacob moved to Lauderdale County, Ala.,
where he engaged in agriculture up to the time of his death
in 1861. He and his wife were devoted and esteemed members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. John H. was raised
and educated in the common schools of his native State.
February, 1842, he married Miss Rosana, daughter of
Frederick JONES of Lawrence District. She was born in 1820;
became the mother of eight children, four sons and two
daughters still living: Wm. A.; Sarah, widow of Cicero
JEANS; James A.; Lydia, wife of J. S. RAMER: John Henry,
Jr., and Jones C. In 1843 Mr. REEDER came to this county,
but remained only a year, returning to Alabama in 1844; he
came back and located near Gravel Hill in 1848, where he now
owns 213 acres of good land, fertile and well improved. In
1886 he moved to Ramer, where he is at present engaged in
saw-milling and ginning. He is a man of great energy and
untiring industry; has accumulated his possessions by hard
labor and good management. He was in the mercantile business
from 1865 to 1875 and in all his undertakings has met with
success. He is a life-long Democrat; gave his first
presidential vote to James K. POLK in 1844. He was elected
magistrate in 1870, and held the office six years to the
satisfaction of the people. He has been a Mason a number of
years. He and his wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church South, both held in highest respect by the
community.
Dr. W. M. SANDERS, physician and surgeon at
Adamsville, Tenn., was born In McNairy County, August 9,
1849, and is one of a family of eleven children born to the
union of W. C. and Martha SANDERS. The father was born in
East Tennessee in 1819, and came to McNairy County, with his
parents when two years of age. He is an extensive farmer and
now resides in the Tenth District. The mother was a native
of Lincoln County, born about 1830, and her maiden name was
MOORE. Our subject received his education at the Adamsville
Male and Female Institute, and in 1871 began reading
medicine with Dr. L. N. PETTIGREW, of Adamsville, with whom
he remained until September, 1873 when be entered the
medical department of the Louisville University and took a
course of lectures. The next year he located at Adamsville
and began the practice of his chosen profession. In the fall
of 1879 he returned to Louisville and took a course of
lectures at the Kentucky School of Medicine where he
graduated In the spring of 1880. January 27, 1876, he
married Miss Jennie SCOTT, a native of McNairy County, and
the daughter of Frank SCOTT. By this union they have two
children living: Daisy and Alma. Since locating at
Adamsville Dr. SANDERS has built up an extensive and
lucrative practice and has made many warm friends. Since
1879, he and his brother, Dr. J. L., have been in
partnership. The brother studied medicine under our subject
and then completed his education at the medical department
of the University of Louisville. They have the leading
practice at Adamsville. The Doctor is an ardent Democrat in
politics and he and wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church South.
J. W. STUMPH, chairman of the county court of McNairy
County, Tenn., was born in Pennsylvania in 1836, son of W.
W. and Nancy (HYATT) STUMPH, both natives of Pennsylvania.
The father was born in 1816, and was of German lineage. He
was a merchant for many years, and then moved to Illinois,
where he cultivated the soil. He died in 1879. The mother of
our subject was born about the same time as her husband, and
is of English descent. She is now living In Illinois. Our
subject was one of a family of seven children, five of whom
are now living. He was educated at Uniontown College, and in
1858 moved to Savannah, Hardin County, and the next year
came to Purdy, where he has since been engaged in the
jewelry business. In 1860 he married Miss Margaret BRADEN, a
native of McNairy County, born about 1841, and the daughter
of P. H. and Sarah BRADEN, old and respected citizens of
McNairy County. Mrs. STUMPH died in 1872 leaving two
children: Fred and Sallie. In the fall of 1873 he married
Miss L. HUDDLESTON, a native of McNairy County, born about
1846, and the daughter of Calaway HUDDLETON The fruits of
this union were five children: Lockie, John, Calaway, Wynn
and Oliver. In 1870 Mr. STUMPH was chosen magistrate of the
Seventh District, and has held that position ever since. In
1876 he was made chairman of the county court and from 1870
to the spring of 1886 was postmaster at Purdy. He has always
been an active, energetic man, and has accomplished much
toward the general improvement of the place. He is a stanch
Republican in politics. In 1881 he was appointed United
States commissioner of McNairy County by Judge HAMMOND.
R. P. SWAIN, a well known farmer of the Fourth
District, son of William and Rebecca (WILLIAMSON) SWAIN, was
born In Lincoln County, Tenn., in 1820 The father was of
Irish descent, born in South Carolina in 1783; when about
thirteen years of age be went to Georgia, where he married
at the age of twenty-six. He moved to Lincoln County in
1812, and in 1828 went to Henderson, Chester County and
remained until 1840, when he settled In McNairy County,
resuming his farming and so continuing up to a year previous
to his death which occurred in 1871. The mother was born In
Georgia about 1788; died in 1861; she and her husband were
both faithful members of the Primitive Baptist Church. Our
subject spent his early life at home, receiving his
education from the common country schools. April, 1846, he
married Miss Melissia MERRELL, of McNairy County. They
became the parents of six children, all living but one:
Aurelius; Martha, wife of John MCCOY; William; Mary, wife of
Elihu Blasingain, and Elma. Mr. SWAIN first located in
McNairy County, in 1848 moved to Mississippi, in 1861
returned to the county and in 1874 settled on the farm which
he now occupies and owns, a place of seventy acres, one and
a half miles east from Ramer. He is a life-long Democrat,
having cast his first presidential vote for Jas. K. POLK.
Mr. and Mrs. SWAIN are interested and active members of the
Missionary Baptist Church and are esteemed by the community.
Hon. James WARREN, a farmer and pioneer of McNairy
County, was born to Claiborne County, Tenn., in 1810. He is
the only surviving one of a family of eight children born to
James and Nancy (MURPHY) WARREN. The father was a native of
Virginia, and moved to Caswell County, N. C., with his
father, James WARREN. While a resident of the State, he
married, it is thought, about 1798. A few years later he
located In Claiborne County and resumed his farming, which
occupation he continued until his death about 1813. The
mother is supposed to have been a native of North Carolina;
after Mr. WARREN'S death she again married and raised
another family of children; moved to Arkansas about 1847,
where she died. Our subject, bereft of a father's care at
three years of age, served as a bound boy until he attained
his majority. His educational advantages were of course very
meager, having attended school but a few months, but
possessing a bright, quick mind; a close observer and lover
of literature, by study and application he obtained fair
learning. He came to McNairy County with his master when
sixteen years of age. At his majority he began life on his
own responsibility as a tiller of the soil. March 80, 1836,
he married Miss Louisa, daughter of John and Ann RAINS, of
this county, but a native of Warren County, born in 1815. To
this union nine children were born, of whom five are living:
Hugh A.; John T.; Nancy, the wife of Wm. A. GOOCH; Lucinda
K., wife of Dr. L. H. C. PRATHER, and Martha E., wife of J.
T. JEANS, of Arkansas. The first year of Mr. WARREN'S
married life he was a tenant, but soon accumulated
sufficient to purchase a home. He has continued to reside in
this county, and has been in the Sixth Precinct since 1860.
He has always been an industrious active man, and by his own
efforts, became an extensive landholder, owning nearly 1,500
acres. He has risen from poverty and obscurity to be
recognized as one of the most prominent and successful men
in McNairy County. That he has the confidence and respect of
the people, is demonstrated by the fact that he has filled
various responsible offices for a number of years. He was
first elected constable, then became sheriff of the county
in 1838, serving six years; he was a member of the
Legislature during 1845 and 1847; was internal revenue
assessor a short Iength of time, and in 1880, was again
elected representative. He was formerly a Whig, casting his
first vote for Hugh L. WHITE; was a firm Union man during
the war; after that event he affiliated with the Republican
party until the organization of the Greenback party and the
adoption of their platform, which he accepted as the true
principles of government. He is deeply interested in the
public schools believing in universal education, and a
liberal supporter of all laudable public enterprises. He has
been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1845. The
entire family are consistent and devoted members of the
Missionary Baptist Church.
Hugh A. WARREN, one of the prominent farmers and
residents of the Fourth District is a son of James and
Louisa (RAINS) WARREN; he was born in McNairy County, in
1839, and is one of a family of four sons and five
daughters, of whom but five are living. Hugh A. spent his
boyhood under the paternal roof, receiving his education in
the common schools. He was married February 22. 1861, to
Julia, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth KNIGHT, who was born
in North Carolina, in 1837, and came with her parents to
McNairy County when she was quite young. She became the
mother of seven children; two sons and two daughters still
survive: Frances, wife of J. W. GOOCH; James A., Martha E.,
and John T. Mr. WARREN has occupied the farm upon which he
now lives for several years, owning 270 acres of fertile
land under fine cultivation, and upon which are the best of
buildings; is situated four miles southeast of Falcon. Mr.
WARREN has always been an energetic, prosperous farmer; is a
strong advocate of general education, a generous contributor
to charitable and religious institutions. Politically he is
strictly independent, adhering rigidly to principle and not
to party ties. His first presidential vote was for John BELL
in 1860. He is a sincere member of the Missionary Baptist
Church.
John T. WARREN, a merchant of Adamsville, Tenn., was
born in McNairy County, April 17, 1841; was one of a family
of nine children, five of whom are still living. His father
is James WARREN, a native of East Tennessee, born in 1810
and came to McNairy County at an early day, being one of the
oldest settlers. He is a farmer and lives near Falcon. The
mother was Miss Louisa RAINS, born in East Tennessee in
1815. Our subject was at home during boyhood, and educated
at the schools in the vicinity. After the war be located at
Purdy, entering into the mercantile business; from there he
went to McNairy Station; afterward was in business at Bethel
Springs. In 1877 he came to Adamsville where he has since
resided and carried on an extensive and profitable dry goods
and grocery trade. He has always been an industrious,
upright man, successful in all his undertakings. He is a
Mason in good standing, an Independent in politics, voting
for principle rather than party. In 1869 he married Miss
Jennie, a daughter of Dr. J. S. ROGERS, a prominent
physician of the county. Mrs. WARREN was born in this county
in 1848, and is the mother of seven children, two of whom
are living: Sousan Violer and Virginia D. Mr. and Mrs.
WARREN are esteemed members of the Missionary Baptist
Church. |
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