EDGAR F. PEDEN, M. D. Bringing to his practice thorough scholastic training, innate soundness and accuracy of judgment, and a cheerful disposition, Dr. E. F. Peden has maintained a high position among the disciples of Aesculapius in Tennessee. The greater part of his professional life has been spent in Portland, where since 1904 he has ministered to the sick and built up a large and representative practice, and he has also been successful along commercial lines, owning a flourishing drug business and being part owner in a large business block. Dr. Peden bears the added distinction of being a native son of Tennessee, having been born in Sumner County, August 4, 1872. His paternal grandfather, Hosie Peden, was born in Virginia and accompanied his parents to Tennessee as a lad, passing the remainder of his life here in agricultural pursuits. On the maternal side, Dr. Peden's grandfather was also a Virginian, but was reared in Kentucky, where he became a successful farmer and merchant. J. W. Peden, father of the doctor, was born in 1838, in Sumner County, Tennessee, and as a young man enlisted in the Thirtieth Regiment, Tennessee Infantry, in the Confederate service, fighting with that organization until his capture by the Union troops. At that time he was confined at Fort Donelson, and continued to remain a prisoner for ten months. On receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to the duties of peace, taking up his residence on the old home farm, where he still resides, and which he owns.

He has developed a handsome, valuable property, and is considered one of the substantial men of his community. In politics he is a Democrat, and his religious belief is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married to Mary Anderson, who was born in Scottsville, Kentucky, in 1843, and she died in October, 1911, having been the mother of two children: W. H., who makes his home with his father on the old homestead; and Dr. E. F.

E. F. Peden received his early education in the public schools of Sumner County, following which he became a student in the Portland high school. In 1896 he entered the medical department of the University of Nashville, where he was graduated in May, 1899, with his degree, and first settled himself in practice at Mitchellville, Tennessee. Dr. Peden came to Portland in 1904, and here he has continued to reside to the present time. He has an excellent practice, drawn to him by his undoubted ability, his deep sympathy and his kindness of heart, and holds a high place in the esteem of his fellow practitioners. Not long after establishing himself in Portland, Dr. Peden opened a pharmacy, which he has continued to maintain, and in partnership with Dr. W. P. Moore is the owner of a business block.

Dr. Peden was married in 1901 to Lena Wright, daughter of G. T. Wright, a retired farmer of Portland. Dr. Peden is a valued member of the Odd Fellows and the Masons, and in his political proclivities is an independent Democrat. His religious convictions make him a Baptist, while his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and both have numerous friends in religious and social circles of the city.

Return to Sumner County Main Page