City: Benton
WITT, Benjamin B.C., lawyer; born Polk Co., Tenn, Sept. 11, 1858; Irish and Scotch descent; son of John H. and Malisa (Presswood) WITT; father’s occupation farmer; paternal grandparents Burges and Delphia (Carpenter) WITT; maternal grandparents Austin and Mary (Harper) PRESSWOOD; received common school education; taught school early in life; later entered politics and was for four years Deputy Sheriff, and eight years Circuit Court Clerk of Polk Co., Tenn.; began practice of law in 1892, and pressing suit against Cooper Mining Companies at Ducktown, Tenn., for abatement of nuisance to a successful conclusion in Supreme Court of Tenn., became known as the “Smoke Nuisance Lawyer;” married twice, first Maggie RYMER March 17, 1880, second Alice HILLIARD March 17, 1890; member F. and A.M. NO. 212 (Past Master), I.O.O.F. No. 295 (Vice-Grand); Democrat.
