FORT, Joel Battle, lawyer, farmer and lecturer; born Robertson Co., Tenn., Aug. 5, 1854; French Huguenot and English descent; son ofJosiah W. and Eliza P. (Dancy) FORT; paternal grandfather Joel Battle FORT; paternal grandmother Nancy Carr (Metcalfe) FORT, maternal grandfather William DANCY, maternal grandmother Nancy (Deggs) DANCY; educated at Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tenn., and graduated from same A.B. June, 1874; in early life was a farmer and later engaged in the practice of law; married Sallie D. MCKAY, april 5, 1877; member Masonic Lodge and Knights of Pythias; in politics straight Democrat; was a member of Tennessee 1887-9 and was chairman of Caucus that nominated William B. BATE for United States Senator, after four weeks of caucasing; for past six years has been actively engaged as Attorney in litigation against the Tobacco Truck in seven States, and appeared before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee on behalf of the tobacco farmesr; was one of the original leaders in the tobacco war and made first speech at Guthrie Sept. 24, 1904; in 1889 introduced and passed the law allowing the defendant in criminal cases to testify; member of Baptist church.
Source: Who’s Who in Tennessee: A Biographical Reference Book of Notable Tennesseans of To-Day. Memphis: Paul & Douglas Co, 1911.
