Goodspeed Biography of J.C. Abernathy

 J. C. Abernathy, a prominent, practicing physician, of Rhea Springs, was born March 30, 1824 at Morganton, Blount Co., Tenn. He is the eldest living of six children of Rev. Berry and Myra (Cobb) Abernathy. At the time of the religious persecution in Scotland three Abernathy brothers came to Virginia and located in the Jamestown Settlement. Rev. Berry Abernathy is a direct descendant of one of the brothers. He was born on the Catawba River, North Carolina. He moved to Blount County, Tenn., when about twenty-five years of age. Shortly afterward he was ordained in the Methodist Episcopal Church South by Bishop Asbury. He was a man of fair education for his day, and taught school in connection with his ministerial duties. He was one of the most popular and influential ministers of his day. He died November 6, 1870 on his eighty-sixth birthday.

The mother, who is still living, is daughter of Archibald Cobb. She was married in 1817, at the age of thirteen.

Four sons and four daughters were born to this union. Our subject remained with his father until he attained his majority. During his boyhood he attended school at Morganton, and afterward at Maryville College. He studied medicine under Dr. E. Collins. of Pinbook Landing, Meigs County. He graduated in the medical department of the University of Nashville. With the exception of some months during the Rebellion, he has practiced at his present location. 

In the fall of 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate service, In the Sixty- second Tennessee Infantry, as surgeon. He remained on active duty as long as his health would permit. He returned home and took the oath of allegiance. 

He Is a member of the Baptist Church, a Royal Arch Mason, and a Democrat. He is a firm supporter of all laudably enterprises, and is a worthy citizen. January 30, 1845 he married Nancy A., daughter of Young L. and Barbara M. Bicknell. She was born August 15, 1829. at Madisonville, Monroe Co., Tenn. Their union resulted in the birth of nine children. of whom but two are living: Young L. and John A. Mrs. Abernathy is a lady possessing a very good English education, and although not connected with any denomination, is a believer in the Presbyterian doctrine.

Published by The Goodspeed Publishing Co 1887