Submitted by Rhonda, August 12, 1997
James M. Baker, one of the earliest settlers of Gibson County, Tenn., is a son of Leonard and Frances (Street) Baker, who were born in 1753 and 1762, respectively. Leonard Baker, after reaching man's estate, served in the Revolutionary war seven years, and after its close went to Virginia, where he married Miss Street. Previous to this he had married a Miss Birthright, by whom he had three children. He was the father of eight children by his second wife. The father was a minister of the Missionary Baptist Church for many years. He was a tailor by trade, and, in connection with this, farmed. In 1818 the mother died, and five years later the father, too passed away. They were worthy members of society and were industrious, frugal and highly respected by all. The father had three brothers, all of whom were Baptist ministers. James M. Baker, our subject, the only living member of the family, was born in Halifax County, Va., April 25, 1796, and at the age of seventeen began learning the tanner's trade, and afterward made that his occupation until 1838, when he came to Tennessee and located in Gibson County. In 1825 he married Harriet W. Gillispie, by whom he had twelve children. The farms that now surround Bradford, Tenn., were covered with dense forests, and they had literally to hew their farm out of the wilderness. They succeeded admirably, and became the owners of 1,280 acres of land; the most of which has since been given to his children. Leonard C. Baker, their son, is one of the leading farmers of Gibson County. He was born in Halifax County, Va., November 10, 1833, and was reared on a farm. He came with his parents to Tennessee when five years old, and from the time he was fourteen years of age he made his own way in the world. He managed his father's farm until 1854; then went to Texas and engaged in stock raising until the breaking out of the war. In 1861 he joined Capt. Joseph Caruther's company of heavy artillery, and remained in the same about two years. He then joined Forrest's command. He was elected captain but would not accept, but was commissioned first lieutenant, and held the position until the close of the war. He was in nineteen hard-fought battles, but was never wounded, and only taken prisoner once, and that at Vicksburg, where he was soon paroled. He returned home, and for about a year was engaged in merchandising. He then sold out and resumed farming. In 1869 he married Jane E. Goodman, who was born in 1842, and became the mother of nine children, seven living. Mr. Baker is a Democrat, the owner of 400 acres of land and a grocery at Bradford.
James H. Banks was born in Smith County, Tenn., October 9, 1831, being
one of three children born to the marriage of Elijah Banks and Ermenilda Chanbers. The
father was born in Virginia and came to Smith County, Tenn., when quite young. Here he
married, the mother being a native of that county, and followed farming till 1854, when he
came to Gibson County, locating near Gibson Wells. The father died in July, 1860, and the
mother in September, 1870. James H. remained with his parents, and after his marriage, in
January, 1859, to Melissa Hopkins, continued to make his home with them
until the father's death. After that his mother resided with him. In 1862 he enlisted in
the Forty-seventh Tennessee Infantry, remaining with the same a few months, then returned
home, and has since followed farming and stock raising. In 1870 he located on his farm of
250 acres near Gibson Wells. He also has two other farms in the county. To him and wife
were born three sons and three daughters. Two daughters are now dead. Mrs. Banks is the
only surviving member of a family of five children born to Isaac and Jane(McLeod)
Hopkins, of North Carolina nativity, and Scotch-Welsh descent. Mrs. Banks and
family are members of the Methodist Church, and Mr. Banks is a Democrat.
Hiram Banks was born in North Carolina in 1846, son of Ransom R. and
Sallie (Taylor) Banks. After the mother's death in 1847, the father
married Sallie Cope. He is one ofthe most successful farmers in the
county, and he and family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, he being an
elder in the same. His second wife died in 1885. Hiram Banks made his father's house his
home until he was twent-two years of age, at which age he was united in marriage to Mrs.
Patsy A. (Corley) Turner, widow of William Turner, by
whom she had one son and one daughter. She was born in Tennessee, in 1845, and became the
mother of five children by her last marriage; one daughter is dead. In 1884 Mr. Banks
purchased his present farm of 109 acres of well improved land, the principal productions
of which are corn, cotton, small grain and tobacco, also clover and grass. His property
has been accumulated by his own exertions and good management. He is a Democrat and his
first presidential vote was cast for Horace Greeley. He is a member of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and his wife of the Missionary Baptist Church.
John J. Bass is a son of Wyatt and Nancy (Thomas) Bass,
who were born in North Carolina in 1797, and 1803, respectively. A short time after their
marriage they moved to Middle Tennessee, and in 1830 came to Gibson County, and here spent
the remainder of their lives. The father served for a short time in the war of 1812 and
was a farmer and a Whig. He died in 1841 and his wife in 1843. She was a member of the
Missionary Baptist Church. John J. Bass was born in Franklin County, N. C., January 8,
1822. He was reared on his father's farm of 300 acres,and at the age of nineteen began his
career as a farmer, and has followed that calling up to the present time. He owns 650
acres of land and has been a highly respected resident of the county for fifty-six years.
He is a Democrat, but previous to the war was an old line Whig. In 1843 he married
Elizabeth Hunt, who was born in Wilson County, Tenn., July 13, 1820. Of
eleven children born to them eight are living. The family are members of the Missionary
Baptist Church.
Giles Belew is a son of Samuel and Mary (Bryant) Belew,
who were born, reared and married in the "Palmetto State." To them were born
fifteen children, their eight sons being farmers and highly respected citizens. They lived
in their native State until 1832, then came to West Tennessee and located in Gibson. Here
they spent the remainder of their lives in agricultural pursuits. Both were members of the
Missionary Baptist Church, and the father was a Whig. He died in 1841 and the mother in
1879. Their son, Giles, was born in the same State and district as themselves, March 13,
1826. He worked for his mother until he was twenty-one years of age and was married to
Nancy E. McPherson, who was born November 24, 1831, in South Carolina.
Their union was blessed in the birth of eight children. Mr. and Mrs. Belew and all the
children save one are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Belew was a Whig
before the war and has since been a Democrat. He owns 540 acres of land and is one of the
first citizens of the county.
Everett Bell, postmaster at Trenton, Tenn., is a native of Weakley
County, Tenn., born August 25, 1859, son of William N. and Kate L. (Blackmore)
Bell, born respectively in Weakly and Gibson Counties, Tenn. William N. Bell was
a well known and successful lawyer of the Weakly County bar, and was a brother-in-law and
partner of Hon Emerson Etheridge, at Dresden. He died in that county July
3, 1862. Everett Bell removed to near Trenton, with his mother, in 1871. He received a
good early education in the common branches, and followed farming at home until he became
of age. In 1882 he accepted the position of deputy postmaster, which he filled very
efficiently and faithfully until July, 1884, when he was appointed poster under President
Chester A. Arthur, and is now holding the office. Mr. Bell was connected
with the drug business of this city for about eighteen months, and in 1883 was elected
city recorder, which he resigned when appoined postmaster. He is a stanch Republican, and
has taken an active part in local campaigns. In 1882 he made the race for sheriff of the
county, but was defeated, owing to the hopeless minority of the Republican party. November
15, 1882, he married Miss Georgie Richmond, a native of Mississippi. They
have one child-Kate. Mr. Bell is a Knight of Honor, and is Chancellor Commander in the
local lodge of Knights of Pythias.
Edward E. Benton, editor and proprietor of the Gibson County Herald,
was born in Dyer County, Tenn., February 1, 1857, son of Dr. Abner and Mary A. (Wardlaw)
Benton. The father was a successful medical practitioner of Dyer County, and died
there of small pox in 1864. Edward E. was reared and educated in his native county, and
there learned the printer's trade. He left home at the age of fifteen, and worked at his
trade in West Tennessee until 1875, when he took charge of the Bellville Enterprise, in
Crockett County, which he conducted three years. He then followed agricultural pursuits
two years, and in 1880 began the publication of the Christian at Work, a religious paper,
published at Bell's Depot, Crockett County, conducting the same one and a half years, when
it was purchased by the Gospel Advocate, of Nashville. During this time Mr. Benton had
started the Bellville Progress, a weekly paper. In 1883 he had removed to Humboldt, and
published the Southern Fruit and Farm Reporter (an agricultural paper) for seven months.
After a sojourn of ten months in Arkansas, Mr. Benton came to Trenton, and in February,
1885, he established the Gibson County Herald, which he was conducted ably and
successfully to the present time. May 13, 1877, he married Miss Mittie White,of
Louisiana. They have one child, a daughter-Willie. Mr. Benton is a Democrat, and he and
wife are members of the Christian Church.
James L. Berry, dry goods merchant of Dyer, Tenn., was born in
Rutherford County March 27, 1836, son of John C. and Nancy B. (Ramsey) Berry, native
Tennesseans. James L. was brought to Gibson County when an infant, and was educated in
Trenton. In 1858 he engaged in the stock business for himself, but soon came to Dyer and
formed a partnership with B. F.Bobbitt in the grocery business, and was
thus engaged until the breaking of the war. He enlisted in the Forty-seventh Tennessee
Regiment and served until September, 1864, when he was wounded at Jonesboro, Ga. He
returned home and engaged in farming, and a year later resumed the grocery business with
his former partner. In 1868, however, they dissolved partnership, and he continued the
business with Benjamin Phillips and J. T.Grier. In 1872
Mr. Phillips died, and afterward a partnership was formed known as Berry Grier. In 1873
Mr. Grier died, and the business was then closed out. Later he and J. M. Hutchinson
engaged in milling and ginning, and the firm was in existence until 1876. Mr. Berry
followed farming one year, and then entered into his present vocation, but continues the
breeding of fine stock. In 1860 he married Mattie J.Grier, daughter of
Jacob T. and Elizabeth Grier, of Gibson County. They have five children: Nettie L., Ninn
L., an infant son, John C., and J. Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Berry are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church South, and he is a Democrat and belongs to the F. A. M. and K. of G. R.
Judge James B. Biggs, judge of the Gibson County Court, and native of
the county, was born September 11, 1824, and is a son of Luke and Marina Biggs, natives of
North Carolina. James B. began doing for himself at the age of seventeen, and was a
resident of Louisiana for one year. He then returned, but removed to Arkansas, thence to
Mississippi. He was overseer of a plantation in the latter State one year, and then
returned home and engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1858 he was elected tax collector
of Gibson County, and held the office one term. Since that time he has given his attention
to farming, and has also been engaged in the practice of law since 1870. In 1877 he was
elected chairman of the county court, and held the office until 1885. He was re-elected in
1886. In 1847 he married Elizabeth C.Thomson, and by her became the
father of three children: Parilee T., Mary C. and Henry L. Mrs. Biggs died in 1861, and in
1863, he married Addie M. Northern, who died in 1869. His third wife was
Eliza A.Carroll. Mr. Biggs is a Democrat, a member of the Christian Church, and of the F.
A. M.fraternity. He is also a member of the board of health of Gibson County. He was the
first male child born in Gibson County after its organization, and was born in the same
building in which the county was organized.
John R. A. Blackburn was born in North Carolina on 22d of May, 1826,
son of John and Martha(Harrison) Blackburn, who were also North
Carolinians. John R. A. was brought to Tennessee when about nine years of age, and settled
in Gibson County near where he now resides. In 1848, he engaged in the Mercantile business
at Trenton, and remained there one
year, when he sold out and began trading on the Mississippi River, continuing the same
until 1855, at which date he returned to Gibson County, and has since been a tiller
of the soil. He located on his 118-acre farm in 1866, and has been quite successful in his
business ventures. He is a Republican, and, November 30, 1854, married Martha P. Gibbs,
daughter of Turner R. and Harriet E. (Smith) Gibbs, of Gibson County. Mr.
and Mrs. Blackburn became the parents of eleven children, seven daughters and four sons:
Turner J., Harriet E., Samantha M., Frances V., Elvira B., Martha A., Charley M., Francis
P. (deceased), Louisa, Samuel R. and Willie E.(deceased).
Jacob D. Bledsoe, M. D., of Milan Tenn., was born in Carroll County
May 22, 1838, son of Yancey and Henrietta (Wilkes) Bledsoe, natives,
respectively, of North Carolina and Virginia. Jacob Bledsoe, grandfather of our subject,
came to Tennessee in 1825, locating in Carroll County, where Yancey spent the remainder of
his life in mercantile and agricultural pursuits. He died there in 1864. Jacob D. was
reared on a farm in his hative county, and secured a liberal education in his boyhood
days. He began reading medicine at the age of twenty, and was attending lectures when the
war broke out. He then joined the Confederate Army as first lieutenant of Capt. L. R. Clark's
company, Fifty-fifth Regiment Tennessee Infantry, and soon after was promoted to adjutant
of the regiment and later to captain of the company. At Atlanta he was seriously wounded
in the hand and retired from the service. He then farmed in Carroll County until 1867,
when he removed to Gibson County, and followed saw-milling two years. He then took a
course of lectures in the Louisville (Kentucky) University, and in 1870 began practicing
his profession in Henderson County. Since 1879 he has practiced in Milan, but of late
years has given considerable attention to farming. November 19, 1863, he married Mary W. Allen,
a native of Carroll County, Tenn. The following are their children: Yancey B., Lelia
Estelle (Mrs. A. M. Bigham), Newton O., William T. and Jacob D. The
Doctor is a Democrat, and he and Mrs. Bledsoe are members of the Christian Church. Dr.
William H. H. Bledsoe is a brother of Jacob D. Bledsoe, and was born in Carroll County
April 6, 1840. He was given a liberal education, and in 1861 enlisted in Capt. Lewis Clark's
company, Fifty-fifth Regiment Tennessee Infantry, and served one year. He did not
re-enlist on account of sickness. He was captured and kept a prisoner on Island No. 10,
and also at Madison, Wis. Here he escaped and came through to the Southern lines. He
taught school in Gibson and Carroll Counties until 1876, and during this time had taken up
the study of medicine. He attended a part of two courses of medical lectures at Vanderbilt
University, and in 1877 began practicing at Clarksburg. The following year he came to
Milan, where he has since been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession.
December 8, 1864, he married Myra E. Allen, who died September 4, 1872,
leaving two children: Walter E. and Zelma C. The Doctor is a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, and is a Democrat in politics.
William L. Bodkin is a son of John Bodkin, who was born in the
"Emerald Isle" in 1788, and when two years old was brought to North Carolina,
where he afterward married Jane Nail, a native of North Carolina, born in
1790. Of their four children two lived to be grown. After the mother's death the father
married Mary Sanford, by whom he had ten children. They came to Gibson
County in 1832, and here spent the remainder of their days in agricultural pursuits. John
Bodkin was a farmer and died in 1862. William L. Bodkin was born in Mecklenburgh County,
N. C., October 25, 1812, and owing to the demand for his services at home, received a very
limited education. After attaining his majority, he worked for others for about five
years, and then purchased fifty acres of land with the money he had saved. He kept
gradually increasing in wealth until he now owns 260 acres of land. He was a Whig before
the war, and has since been a Republican. He was married, in 1847, and was brought to this
county by her parents when a small girl. Their union resulted in the birth of ten children
- five sons and five daughters. Mrs. Bodkin is a Presbyterian.
W. H. Bobbitt, attorney of the firm of McFarland
Bobbitt, of Humboldt, Tenn., was born in Gibson County October 12, 1846, the eldest son of
D. J. and Elizabeth A. (Wallace) Bobbitt, natives of North Carolina and
Tennessee, respectively, the father of Welsh descent and the mother of English. W. H.'s
early days were spent on a farm. He received the advantages of the common schools, and at
the age of eighteen entered college at Clinton, Ky., clerking in general mercantile stores
during vacations. He entered school again at Bluff Springs, Tenn., where he finished his
course and began teaching. His vacations were occupied in reading law with his present
partner and he was admitted to the bar in 1874. The firm make a specialty of railroad
practice, and are retained by the Louisville Nashville Railroad. Mr. Bobbitt gives his
exclusive attention to the practice of law and is well qualified for his work. He is now
holding a position in Bethel College, lecturing on the elementary principles of law. He is
a Democrat. December 23, 1876, he married Ada J. McFarland, daughter of
W. I. McFarland, who died the following year. December 16, 1884, he wedded Sallie A. Harris,
and both are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Mercer C. Boone, a leading merchant of Bradford, Tenn., is a son of
Ratliff and Elizabeth (Adkins) Boone, who were natives of North Carolina,
and when young came to Gibson County,Tenn., where they were married and raised a family of
five children. The father is a well-to-do farmer, and in politics is a Democrat. His wife
died in 1885, but the father is still living, at the age of sixty-eight years. He had been
married to a Miss Hopkins previous to his union with Miss Adkins, but his
first wife lived only a few months. Mercer, the oldest son, was born in Gibson County,
November 23, 1851, and received a good English education. He taught school some three
terms, then turned his attention to farming. In 1876 he married Pennie Cain,
by whom he had two children, both sons. Mr. and Mrs. Boone are members of the Missionary
Baptist Church, and Mr. Boone is a Democrat in politics. Mr. Boone has held the office of
magistrate six years, and has been mayor of Bradford two years. He gave up farm life in
1880, and since that time has resided in Bradford, and is a general merchant of that town.
He has been successful financially, and the greater part of his property has been acquired
through his own exertions.
William B. Boyett, M. D., is a native of Gibson County, born on the
1st of September, 1830, son of Hon. Baptist and Mahulda (Crane) Boyett,
who were born in North Carolina. Hon. Baptist Boyett was a merchant at Mason Hall, in
Obion County, and at one time represented Obion and Lake Counties in the State
Legislature. Dr. William Boyett was reared on his parents' farm, and was educated in
Bethel College, at McLemoresville, Tenn. In 1853 he began the study of medicine, with Dr.
Charles Powell, of Gibson County, and in 1857 attended one course of
lectures at the University of Nashville. After his return to Obion County, he practiced
medicine until 1875, when he moved to the "Lone Star State," and there remained
until 1882. Since that time he has lived in Tennessee, and is considered one of the
reliable and efficient physicians of Gibson County. October 14, 1858, he united his
fortunes with those of Elizabeth Waddy, daughter of William K. and
Elizabeth (Hankins) Waddy. She died in October, 1863, leaving two
children: James M. and Charles D. April 20, 1865, Mr. Boyett married Nannie L. Bynum,
daughter of Eli and Luvica Bynum, of Kentucky. They have two sons and two daughters:
Baptist P., William L., Elizabeth T. and Mary L. Dr. Boyett is a Democrat, and is a member
of the F. A. M., and has been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church since 1850.
Dr. Abner F. Bone, of Yorkville, was born in Tennessee, in 1850, and
is a son of Dr. James T. and Melvina N. (Harris) Bone, who were
Tennesseans. The father began practicing medicine at an early day, and met with more than
ordinary success, being one of the most skillful phusicians in the West Tennessee. He
belonged to the Masonic order, and was a Whig in politics. He and wife were members of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he died in 1878, followed by his wife in 1885. Dr.
Abner Bone was reared in the village of Yorkville, and attended the best schools of the
place. At the age of eighteen he left home, and began clerking, and during leisure moments
read medicine. After attending medical lectures in the University of Nashville, during
1872-73, he practiced medicine in Yorkville until 1878, when he moved to Newbern, Dyer
County, and practiced there six years. In 1875-76 he was a partnership with Dr. Vaughan,
of this place. Since 1885 he has resided in Yorkville. Dr. Bone is a member of the I. O.
O. F., and is a stanch Democrat in politics. In 1875 he married Effie Townsend,
daughter of T. P. and Ariadne Townsend, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Kentucky.
Mrs. Bone was born in Tennessee, in 1858, and is the mother of three children. The Bone
family were from Ireland, originally, and the Harris family from Scotland.
Thomas M. Bogle, general merchant, was born in Wilson County, December
6, 1853, son of Joseph and Lena (Thomas) Bogle, who were born in Wilson
County, and of their four children our subject is the third. The father died in 1857, and
the mother in 1859. Thomas M. was raised by an uncle, and in 1871 came to Gibson County,
and carried on farming and stock raising until 1884, when he came to Kenton, and engaged
in the mercantile business with J. A. White. They are doing a successful business. In 1874
Mr. Bogle married Miss Sallie Fullerton, who was born in Gibson County,
Tenn., in 1853. They have three children: Clarence, Lelia and Joseph. Mr. Bogle is a
Democrat in politics, and he and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
He is a successful merchant, and owns 100 acres of the fine land in Gibson County, four
miles from Trenton.
Benjamin F. Bobbitt, general merchant at Dyersburg, was born November
6, 1828, in Rutherford County, Tenn., and is a son of James and Mary Bobbitt, who were
natives of North Carolina. He was raised a farmer and received his schooling in Gibson
County, whither his parents had removed when he was quite small. He was engaged in
agricultural business until 1858, when he embarked in mercantile pursuits at Dyer, at
which he continued until 1862, when he enlisted as a private in the Forty-seventh
Tennessee Regiment. When peace was declared he returned home, farmed a short time and then
re-embarked in merchandising at Dyer. In 1873 he sold out and returned to farming; but in
1879 again engaged in merchandising which has finally grown into his present large trade.
Mr. Bobbitt is a Democrat, a member of the F. A. M., is of English lineage, and he and
wife belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In 1850 he married Miss Martha,
daughter of J. and M. Dinwiddie, who bore him one daughter. Both mother
and child died. In 1854 he married Mary E. Berry, daughter of John C. and
Nancy B. Berry.
Robert D. Bradford is of English descent, and was born in Bedford
County, Tenn., July 23,1833, son of Absalom and Margaret (Warren)
Bradford, who were North Carolinians, and moved to Middle Tennessee when young. Here they
married and became the parents of twelve children. They came to Gibson County in 1836,
where they followed agricultural pursuits and spent the remainder of their days. Absalom
Bradford was a Democrat, and was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was with Jackson on his
Seminole campaign. He was a man of broad mind and liberality, and died in 1849. His widow
continued to reside on the old homestead, and died in 1878. Her mother's maiden name was
Bradford and she was a relative of Gov. Bradford, of Plymouth Colony. Robert D. Bradford's
early days were spent on a farm, and while growing up, his education was wholly neglected.
At the age of sixteen he began to battle his own way in the world. He delighted in gaming
and horse-racing, but at the same time carried on farming. In 1853 he married Mary Baker,
who was born January 8, 1830, and to their union were born eleven children. In 1855 Mr.
Bradford located in the woods on the present side of Bradford, and here has since made his
home. When the railroad was built, a town sprang up and took the name of Kimble;
but was afterward changed to Bradford in honor of our subject. Mr. Bradford owns eighty
acres of land adjacent to the town and in addition to farming, trades to some extent in
stock. In 1861 he joined Capt. Walker's company of Twelfth Tennessee
Confederate Infantry and was so severely wounded at Shiloh, that he was disabled for
further service. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Christian Church. His wife is a
Missionary Baptist.
Latimer Brickhouse is a native of the "Palmetto State" born
September 7, 1822, son of John and Frances (Bright) Brickhouse, who were
North Carolinians by birth. Latimer was given a common school education and resided on a
farm in his native State until 1838, when he came to Tennessee with his parents and
settled in Gibson County, where he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Since 1867
he has resided on, and owned his present valuable farm of 220 acres all of which he has
secured through his own exertions. In 1854 he married Susan Tinkle,
daughter of Daniel and Lettie Tinkle, of Gibson County. Their union resulted in the birth
of one child, Eudora. Mrs. Brickhouse died in 1857, and in 1861 he wedded Mary Odom,
who has borne him the following children: Emma, Ada, Addie, Booth, Bettie B., Callie H.,
Mary E. and John R. Mr. Brickhouse is a Democrat and of Irish descent. His wife's parents
are Samuel and Elizabeth Odom.
William M. Bradley is a son of Samuel and Nancy G. (Cardwell)
Bradley, and was born in Gibson County, Tenn., in 1825. The father was born in Maryland,
and the mother in North Carolina. They came to Tennessee when young, and settled in Smith
County. Here Samuel Bradley followed farming the greater part of his life, although a
wheelwright and blacksmith by trade. He served in the War of 1812, and was at New Orleans.
He was pilot on a boat taking troops from Nashville to that city, and made the entire run
without sleep. For services rendered during this time, he received a pension up to the
time of his death. He served as justice of the peace about forty years, and supported a
family of fifteen children. His wife, who died in 1854, bore him thirteen children. His
second wife, Martha E. (Charlton) Bradley, became the mother of two
children. He died in Trousdale County, Tenn., April 5, 1886, being one hundred years,
eight months and twenty days old at the time of his death. William M. Bradley remained at
home until twenty-two years of age. December 2, 1846, he married Martha J., daughter of
Andrew and Hannah (Walker) Barkley. She was born in
Tennessee in 1828 and became the mother of nine children; four are yet living. Three years
after his marriage William M. purchased land in Rutherford County, where he lived about
seventeen years. He sold out and moved to Gibson County in the fall of 1866, and now owns
246 acres of land near Yorkville, on which he raises corn, small grain and cotton. He has
a steam cotton-gin in Yorkville that is in excellent running order. He belongs to the I.
O. O. F. and Masonic orders, and in politics is a stanch Democrat. He and wife are members
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Alexander B. Buchanan, M. D., the leading physician of this district,
was born in Tennessee, May 8, 1833, son of Alexander and Mary T. (Ridley)
Buchanan. They were natives of Tennessee and Georgia respectively. The father was a
farmer, and owned quite a number of slaves. He was the father of eight children, and died
in Davidson County, in 1835. His widow married Everett Owen, in 1846, by whom she had one
child, and died in Williamson County, in 1848. John Buchanan, grandfather of our subject,
was county court clerk of Davidson County for a number of years, and was also county
surveyor for some time. Alexander B. Buchanan resided with his guardian, Dr. Everett M. Patterson,
after the death of his parents. He attended school in Nashville until eighteen years of
age, when he learned the millwright's trade, under the instruction of Robert Currin.
At the age of twenty-one he began studying medicine, under Dr. John A. Ewing,
of Rutherford County, and remained with him three years,attending, at the same time, the
University of Nashville, in 1854 and 1855. He graduated in 1856. He then practiced in
Shady Grove, until the fall of 1856, when he attended four sessions of lectures at
Nashville. He located near Humboldt, and practiced until 1861, when he enlisted in the
Confederate service, Capt. Russell's company, at Trenton. He served
twelve months, and the last six months was assistant surgeon. After the regiment was
reorganized, he was appointed surgion of Ballentine'sregiment, Third
Mississippi, and remained with them until the close of the war. From that time until
January, 1867, he practiced in Humboldt. Since that time he has resided in the village of
Rutherford, where he soon commanded a large and remunerative practice. In 1854 he married
Lou. A. Buchanan, daughter of Richard G. and Ann (Murphy)
Buchanan. She was born in Tennessee, in 1833, and became the mother of seven children,
only two of whom are living. Owing to ill health, he discontinued his practice in 1870,
and was in the life insurance business one year. He then resumed his medical practice. He
and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he is a Democrat. He
belongs to the I. O. O. F., and has taken all the degrees in masonry, including the
commandery degree.
J. F. Butler is a son of C. C. and Mary A. (McHaney)
Butler, who were born in Rutherford County, Tenn., in 1806 and 1818 respectively. They
moved to Marion County, Ill., and became the parents of seven children. The father was a
farmer, and came to Gibson County, Tenn., in 1846, where he died, in March, 1857. He was a
Democrat, and a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. His son, J. F. Butler, was born
in Marion County, Ill., December 11, 1841, and was brought to Gibson County, Tenn., when
five years of age. His educational advantages were limited, and he was reared on a farm.
Martha E. Shane became his wife, September 22, 1860. She died September
28, 1868, leaving one daughter. Mr. Butler married Mary Hold, in
February, 1869, and of five daughters born to them two only are living. This wife died on
the 23rd of January, 1878, and our subject, December 20, 1880, married Mattie C. Lewis,
and by her became the father of a son and daughter. Mr. Butler owns seventy acres of good
farming land, and is a Democrat, and a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. He has
served as constable of his district eight years. His wife is a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.
Dr. J. H. Burrow, a leading physician of Gibson County, Tenn., and
native of the same, was born December 4, 1833, and his boyhood days were spent on a farm.
His educational advantages were good, but, owing to ill health, was compelled to abandon
his studies. He became a student in the medical department of the University of Nashville,
and graduated in 1862. About two years before graduating, October 4, 1860, he was united
in marriage to Fannie R.Wright, who was born in Gibson County, Tenn., in
1839, and their marriage resulted in the birth of seven children: Anna E., Mattie H.,
Banks M., Fannie, Emma, Marvin and J. H., Jr. Mrs. Burrow is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church South. Dr. Burrow has been a Democrat since the war, but cast his first
vote with the Whig party. He has been a practicing physician for twenty-four years,
exclusively, and has met with a good degree of success. He has a small farm under
cultivation, and has been a resident of Gibson County all his live. He is so enamored with
his profession that he follows it for the benefit of his neighbors, rather than with the
view of amassing a fortune, and gives his services as freely to the poor as to the
wealthy. He is a Mason.
James B. Butler, M. D., was born in Lauderdale County, Ala., September
13, 1856, son of Rev. Darius D. and Martha (Gibson) Butler. The father
was a minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and followed his chosen calling in
Hardin, McNairy and Henderson Counties, Tenn., from 1865 until his death, in McNairy
County, in May, 1881. James D. was reared to manhood principally in Hardin County, and
secured a liberal education, acquiring some knowledge of Latin. He followed teaching two
years, and in 1878 began the study of medicine, reading with an uncle, Dr. G. H. Butler,
and later entered the medical department of the Vanderbilt University, of Nashville, and
graduated from the same in 1884. Previous to this, he had practiced two years in Humboldt.
In November, 1884, he came to Trenton, where he has since resided, and practiced his
profession, with well-deserved success. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of
the Gibson County Medical Society. He is also a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church.
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