James A. Soper, farmer of the Third District, is a native of Sumner County, born in 1843; son of James and Julia A. (Boon) Soper, both natives of Sumner County, Tenn. The father was born in 1819, and was a farmer by occupation. His father (subject's grandfather), John O. Soper, was a native of Maryland, who immigrated to Sumner County, Tenn., where he settled and remained until his career ended. The father of our subject married in Sumner County, and in 1850 he moved near Cole's Ferry, where he now resides, being one of the old citizens of Sumner County. His wife was born about 1815, and she too is living. They had four children only two of whom are living, our subject being the second child. He was educated in the common schools of his native county, and in 1861 enlisted in Company K, Eighteenth Regiment Tennessee Infantry (Confederate Army), and participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Dalton. At Fort Donelson he was captured and taken to Camp Butler, Ill., where he was retained about eight months, and then exchanged at Vicksburg, when he immediately joined his command. At Atlanta, August, 1864, he was captured and taken to Camp Chase, Ohio, where he was retained about six months. In February, 1865, he was paroled in Rome, Ga., and returned home May, 1865. December, 1867, he married Miss Melissa Ophelia Gourley, a native of Sumner County, and the daughter of Samuel and Rebecca Gourley. To our subject and wife were born three children: Annie, Edwin and Maud. Mrs. Soper died February, 1877, and in August, 1879, Mr. Soper married Mary E., sister of his first wife. To this union were born two children: Harmon and Samuel. In 1880 Mr. Soper located where he now resides. He has a good farm of 173 acres, and is an enterprising and successful farmer. In politics he is a conservative, voting for principle and not for party. Mrs. Soper is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.