Submitted by Eddy Clark, August 3, 1997
S. D. Waddill, groceryman of Humboldt, Tenn., was born in Madison
County, Tenn., February
9, 1848; son of S. Q. and America (Meffield) Waddill, who were born in
Tennessee, and of
Scotch and English descent, respectively. The father was born in Williamson County, in 1818,
and was taken to Madison County when a small lad. His parents were Samuel D. and Elizabeth
B. Waddill, and his grandfather, John Waddill, was a
Highland Scotchman, and a supporter of
the house of Stuart in the rebellion of 1745 and 1746. After the disastrous
battle of Culloden,
John Waddill, with a number of his clan, took refuge in America, and he soon
after married
Rachel Quee, and after living a short time in South Carolina came to East
Tennessee, in 1818,
and was the founder of the Waddills in this State. He died in 1827 at one hundred and seven
years of age. He and his son came to West Tennessee when the country was a wilderness and
the woods were full of bear, deer, wolves and panther. They cleared a piece of land, raised one
crop, and then went back to East Tennessee, and removed the family thither in January, 1819. It
was six months before the mother saw a woman and she lived about six miles distant. There
were no roads at that time. S. Q. Waddill was a farmer through life, and was
married when
about thirty-five years of age. He served as justice of the peace and deputy sheriff, and took
considerable interest in raising fine horses. He was also a small slave owner. He was a
Democrat and died in 1862. S. D. Waddill, our subject, received a common
school education,
and when fourteen years of age was left homeless. At the age of fifteen he joined Gen.
Forrest'scavalry, Company B, Fourteenth Tennessee Regiment. He was at
Harrisburg, Franklin,
Yazoo City, Bolivar, Athens and many other important engagements. He returned home early in
1865, and began attending school in Humboldt and was a close student for fifteen months. After
farming two years, he began clerking for J. W. Pickler and after remaining with
him two years,
engaged in the grocery business with R. Stobaugh, remaining with him eleven
years. Since
December, 1880, he has been in the business alone. His stock amounts to about $5,000. He is a
Democrat and a member of the I. O. O. F. November 8, 1882, he married Nancy J.
Pearcy,
daughter of J. B. and Martha B. (Hicks) Pearcy. Mr. and Mrs. Waddill have
one daughter,
Bertha America, born August 9, 1885. Husband and wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
Richard R. Wade is a son of Hilliary and Louisa (Edwards)
Wade. The father was born in
Maryland, and when young moved with his parents to Rutherford County, Tenn., where he
afterward married. They lived in that county until 1832. when they moved to Gibson County and
spent the remainder of their days. In their family were six children, four of whom are now
living. The father was a saddler and farmer, and a Whig in politics. His death occurred in 1855
when he was fifty-eight years old. The mother spent the remainder of her days with her children,
and died in 1884, aged seventy-five years. Richard inherits Scotch blood from his father and
English blood from his mother. He is a Gibson County Tennessean, born on the 26th of
September, 1836. He attended the common schools, and at the age of twenty began to battle his
own way through life. He has always followed the occupation of farming, and in 1857 married
Elizabeth Lett, by whom he has nine children. Mr. and Mrs. Wade are members of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In 1861 Mr. Wade joined Company G, Twelfth Tennessee
Confederate Infantry, and served for two years. He is the joint owner of a good saw-mill, and
owns a one-half interest in two stave factories and 900 acres of good land. He belongs to the
Democratic party, and is considered a first-class financier and a highly respected citizen.
Hon. William Wallace Wade was born in Gibson County, Tenn., April 28,
1856, son of William
E. and Rebecca (Davis) Wade, who were born respectively, in Maryland and
Tennessee. The
father came to Middle Tennessee with his parents about 1813, being but seven years of age at
that time. In 1828 he came to Gibson County where he married and reared a family of four sons
and four daughters, and followed farming until his death, July 1, 1884. William W.
Wade was
reared on his father's farm and attended the literary department of the Vanderbilt University at
Nashville two years, and graduated from the law department of that institution in the spring of
1880. He returned to Trenton and began practicing with C. B. Herron and
formed his present
partnership with Thomas E. Harwood in 1881. Mr. Wade is
a Democrat and has taken an
active interest in local and State political affairs. In 1881 he was elected city recorder of
Trenton and served two years by reelection. In 1883 he was elected mayor of the city, and in
November of the next year was elected to the State Legislature and served with honor and
distinction during the sessions of 1885 and 1886, and is a candidate for re-election. He is
unmarried and is a Presbyterian in faith.
William A. Wade, editor and proprietor of the Milan Exchange, was born in
Lebanon, Wilson
Co., Tenn., June 14, 1840, son of Andrew Jackson Wade and grandson of
Charles Wade, who
came to Tenn. early in the present century and located in Middle Tennessee. He was captain of
a company under Gen. Jackson at the battle of New Orleans, His son, Andrew
J., studied law
early in life, and followed his profession successfully in Smith and Macon Counties, and was
clerk and master of the Macon County Chancery Courts up to the time of his death, in 1847. His
wife's maiden name was Louisa J. Geers. She was a Virginian. William A.
Wade was reared to
manhood in Lebanon, and there and in Nashville learned the printer's trade. He entered the
Southern Methodist Publishing House, of the latter place, where he remained until the breaking
out of the war. He enlisted as a private in Company H, Seventh Regiment Tennessee
Confederate Infantry, and served with the same until the battle of Gettysburg, where he was
captured with a large part of his command, and confined in Federal prisons until the surrender,
Soon after returning home he began editing and publishing the Lebanon Herald, conducting the
same, in partnership with various gentlemen, until 1870 or 1871. He then went to Nashville, and
was made secretary and treasurer of the Southern Newspaper Union. This he discontinued after
a short time, and from that time until 1874 kept a book and music store in Lebanon. At the latter
date he came to Milan, and since that time has been the efficient editor of the Milan Exchange.
In 1873 he married Virginia Ball, of Macon, Ga. She died in 1879, leaving one
child - Georgia
Evie. In 1880 he married his present wife, Cora Moore, and three children
have blessed their
union: Cora V., Emma A. and John. Mr. Wade is a Democrat, and has been
treasurer of the
Tennessee Press Association since 1874. He is Grand Master of the Exchequer of the Grand
Lodge of Tennessee of K. of P., and is also a member of the I. O. O. F. He and wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
John R. Walker was born in Dyer (now Crockett) County, Tenn.,
December 2, 1855, son of
Capt. William M. and Sarah (Davis) Walker, natives of Tennessee. The former
is of English nd
French descent, and the latter of Irish and English. John R. Walker was reared on a farm, and
attended the common schools until eighteen years of age, when he became clerk in a dry goods
store at Friendship, Tenn., continuing during his nineteenth and twentieth years, and reading law
in the meantime. He taught school four months, then entered the law office of Cooper
&
Buchanan, at Alamo, Tenn., and was admitted to the bar in 1877. He at once became a
partner
with his preceptors, the connection lasting until January 1. 1882. The firm then dissolved, and
our subject then entered upon his large practice in Gibson and Crockett Counties. He is one of
the leading attorneys of the county, and loves his profession, consequently is successful in his
undertaking. He is a stanch Republican, and is a worthy representative of his party in the county.
He was chosen mayor of Trenton, and in August, 1886, was candidate for judge of the chancery
court on the Republican ticket, and carried more than his party's strength in a three weeks' race.
He is a Mason, and was married, October 1, 1882, to Bessie B. Taylor, of
Haywood County,
born February 22, 1861, daughter of William L. and Mary P. Taylor. Mr. and
Mrs. Walker are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
Vernon L. Ware, attorney at law of Milan, Tenn., was born in Henderson
County, Tenn., March
4, 1854, son of Dudley L. and Martha M. (Spinks) Ware, both of whom were
born in Wilson
County, Tenn. The father was a minister of the Baptist Church and spent the greater part of his
life in Henderson and Decatur Counties, following his chosen calling. He died in the former
county in April, 1868. Our subject was reared in his native county and secured an ordinary
common school education. In 1872 he came to Milan and attended college one year. In 1875 he
began the study of law, reading under Judge John L. Williamson. He was
admitted to practice
in March, 1875, and for one year was a partner with W. M. McCall. Then was with Samuel
Williamson and later with G. W. Martin. From 1881 until
1886 he practiced alone, and at the
latter date his brother, William B. Ware, became one of the firm. June 4, 1878,
Mr. Ware
married Blanche Denton, of Lake County, Miss. They have two children: Le
Roy E. and Samuel
D. Mr. Ware is a Democrat and was mayor of Milan in 1879, and city attorney during 1876. He
is one of the first lawyers of the county and has the unbounded confidence of his brother
attorneys and his clients. Mr. Ware is a member of the Christian Church.
John W. Warmath is one of eight surviving members of a family of ten
children born to Henry.
and lizabeth (Fly) Warmath who were born in North Carolina in 1799 and
1803, respectively.
They came to Gibson County in 1832 and after a seventeen years' residence in that county,
crossed the line into Madison County where they afterward made their home. The father was a
Whig and farmer and died in 1849. The mother is yet living and is eighty-two years old. John
W. was born February 20, 1834, and although his early education was limited, he afterward
extended his studies to algebra, botany, chemistry and several other of the higher branches. In
1861 he joined Capt. Branche's company Forty-seventh Tennessee Infantry,
Confederate States
Army, and was a faithful soldier for three years. After his return home he resumed farming and
is now the owner of 568 acres of fertile land. He resided in Madison County until 1880, but has
since made his home in Gibson County. In 1865 he married Martha A. Jones,
born in 1845, and
their union has resulted in the birth of seven boys. Mr. Warmath is a Democrat and he, wife and
three children are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
George N. Whitson is one in a family of nine children born to George and
Priscilla (Vance)
Whitson, both of whom were born in North Carolina and came to Tennessee in 1800.
The
father was a farmer by occupation and a millwright by trade, and was fairly prosperous
financially. He and wife were members of the old Presbyterian Church, and he was living in
Coffee County at the time of his death, which occurred in 1825. His wife died six months
sooner. George N. was born in 1817 and when about eight years of age was left parentless. He
lived with an uncle until he was eleven years of age, when he was taken charge of by the court
and was bound out for a number of years to serve an apprenticeship at the tailor's trade. Three
years before his time expired he bought his freedom and began life for himself. He at once went
to Nashville and was employed as superintendent of the tailoring department of the penitentiary
at $50 per month, which position he held for three years. At the expiration of that time he
engaged in merchandising at Middleton, Tenn., and continued about one year. He then moved to
Bedford County and purchased the mill and land at the three forks of Duck River, which he
operated for about four years. In 1845, while in the mill business, he married Caroline
Smart,
daughter of Frank and Margaret (Davidson) Smart, she was born in Tennessee
in 1826 and
became the mother of seven children, one of whom is dead. At the expiration of his milling
career he moved to the Flatwoods country and farmed for one year, then purchased a farm in
Maury County, on which he lived about seven years. He then sold out and purchased the 700
acres of land where he now lives. His farm is well improved and in a good state of cultivation,
although especially adapted for stock raising. In 1861 he was conscripted into the Confederate
service and remained twenty days when he was released on account of being over age. His wife
died in February, 1864, and in December of the same year he married Margaret P.
Neely,
daughter of J. and P. (Sandy) Neely. She was born near Nashville, in 1835,
and bore her
husband five children, one son dead. He was magistrate in Maury County for seven years and he
is a prosperous and well informed citizen. He and wife are members of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. He is a Democrat and of Irish descent.
William R. White is a son of John and Sallie P. (Duncan)
White, natives of North Carolina and
Virginia, respectively. They were married in the former State and there resided until 1836, when
they came to West Tennessee and located in Gibson County, where they remained until their
deaths. The father was a Jacksonian Democrat, and a blacksmith and farmer by occupation. He
died about 1859. His widow resided on the homestead until a few years before her death, when
she begin residing with her children. She died in 1881. William R. was born in Burke County,
N. C., December 5, 1822, and received fair educational advantages. After reaching manhood he
attended school about two years, thus acquiring sufficient education to teach. After following
this profession one term his health failed and he then turned his attention to farming, and has
also followed blacksmithing to some extent. He owns 96 acres of land which he has obtained by
his own industry. Julia A. Armstrong became his wife in 1846, and after
bearing six children,
died in 1860. Three years later he married Jane Simmons, who bore him one
child. He and his
first wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, His present wife is a
Presbyterian.
Andrew J. Williams was born in Warren County, Tenn., February 13,
1815, and is one of four
surviving members of a family of seven sons and two daughters born to James and Martha
(Jones) Williams, natives of South Carolina. who had lived and farmed in
Kentucky previous to
coming to Tennessee. The father was with Gen. Jackson at New Orleans. He
died in Warren
County about 1817. His wife died in 1825. Soon after her death Andrew J. came to Gibson
County, and made his home with his brother near Milan till 1835; then moved to Mississippi and
farmed in Panoro and Desota Counties till 1845, when he returned to Gibson County, Tenn.,
locating five miles from Humboldt, where he remained until 1877; then purchased a one-half
interest in the Gibson County, Wells, and made that his summer home until 1881 (excepting one
year spent at Eureka Springs, Ark.). He then purchased the remaining interest, and moved to the
Wells. In October, 1837, he married Mary J. Seat, to whom one son and one
daughter were
born. The latter is deceased. The mother of these children died, and he then wedded V.
Fulghum, and after her death wedded Belle Towns, his
present wife. Mr. Williams is a member
of the Baptist Church, and his wife of the Episcopal Church. The waters of the Gibson County
Wells possess rare curative properties, and many almost miraculous cures are effected each
season. They have been deservedly renowned for about forty years, and before the property was
improved, hundreds of visitors would camp out in their vicinity during the summer season. The
present proprietor, Mr. Williams, built a commodious hotel in addition to the cottages, and he
and wife have made this an attractive summer home for many families throughout this and other
States.
James C. Williams, junior member of the firm of J. D.
Williams & Bro., is the second child of
Charles and Clara C. (Young) Williams, who were born in Alabama and
Kentucky, respectively.
They both came to Gibson County, Tenn., when young and, after reaching years of maturity,
married and raised a family of five children. The father was a member of the Missionary Baptist
Church, a Democrat and farmer. He died in 1885, about sixty seven years of age. The mother
still resides on the old homestead which was settled by herself and husband when Bradford was
a wilderness of woods. Her health is still good though she is nearly seventy years of age. James
C. Williams was born in Gibson County October 15, 1840. When twenty years of age he
married Virginia Blancett, who was born in 1844 and died in 1878, having
borne seven children.
In 1879 Mr. Williams married Millie Campbell, who was born in 1840, and
became the mother
of one daughter. In 1861 Mr. Williams joined Company G, Twelfth Tennessee Infantry, and
remained with the same until the close of the war. From that time until the spring of 1886 he
farmed, then joined his brother in the mercantile business in Bradford. In connection with this
he also farms his land amounting to 125 acres. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist
Church and his wife is a Presbyterian.
Thomas J. Williams, chancery court clerk, was born in Chatham County,
N. C., January 17,
1829, the youngest of eight children born to the marriage of Eli Williams and
Chloe Collins,
The former is of Welsh descent, born in Virginia and the latter is of Irish extraction and born in
North Carolina. When Thomas J. was an infant of twelve months old his parents removed with
him to Henderson County, Tenn., where he was reared a farmer's boy and received the
advantages of the old field schools. After attaining his twenty-first birthday he began clerking
in. a country store, remaining three years, at which time he engaged in the business in company
with his brothers, Wilson and Green, and continued four years. In the meantime Wilson
Williams died. Thomas J. retired from the business January 1, 1858, and in the
fall of that year
began buying cotton and produce at Humboldt and the following spring began handling a line of
general groceries in company with J. A. Shane, now of Memphis. This
connection lasted one
year. In February, 1862, Mr. Williams was appointed agent of the Louisville & Nashville
Railroad (then known as the Mobile & Ohio) and held the position until the road was
evacuated.
In March, 1866, he took the same position and held it for two years. In June, 1869, he was
appointed chancery court clerk at Humboldt and yet holds the position. He has been justice of
the peace and notary public for sixteen years and has been an active politician in the Democratic
ranks. He is a member of the K. of H., K. & L. of H. and K. of G. R. November 11, 1852,
Martha R. Cole became his wife. She was born October 2, 1832, daughter of
Samuel F. and
Olive (Walker) Cole, both of North Carolina and of Irish extraction. The
following are the
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams: Chippie, Wilson, Cora O., Florence
(deceased), Samuel
C. and Lily Pearl. Husband and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
Capt. E. H. Williams is a son of John and Susan (Fogg)
Williams, born in Virginia, in 1778 and
1786 respectively. The father was a farmer and school-teacher, and was married to Miss
Fogg in
Warren County, N. C., in 1815, and by her became the father of five children, two sons now
living - our subject and his brother John, who is living in the Lone Star State. The father was a
Democrat and died September 2, 1860. The mother died in 1848. Capt. E. H. Williams was
born in Warren County, N. C., January 11, 1820, and was reared on a farm. He received a
limited education, and in 1839 married Miss C. M. Sturdivant, who was born in
Halifax
County, N. C., January 27, 1822, and became the mother of five children, three of whom are
living. In the fall of 1843 they moved to Carroll County, Tenn., and May 29, 1861, Mr.
Williams joined the Twelfth Regiment, Tennessee Volunteers, Confederate States Army, and
during three years service, rose to the rank of captain. In 1865 he came to Gibson County. His
wife, who was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, died June 11, 1880. Capt.
Williams then married, M. S. Caldwell, who was born in North Carolina, July
13, 1833. Mr.
Williams is a Democrat and served as magistrate in this and Carroll Counties. He has been a
merchant but is now a farmer and owns over 300 acres of fertile land. He and wife belong to the
Methodist Episcopal Church South.
Nathan J. Williams is a son of Johnson and Elizabeth (Robb)
Williams, who were born in
Tennessee. The father in early life learned the blacksmith trade and followed it for a number of
years, making a success of the same financially. For some years previous to the war, slaves
carried on the work, but were superintended by him. He served as constable and sheriff, and
during the Rebellion was with the Union, yet sympathized with the Southerners. After the death
of the Whig party he was a Democrat. He was the first sheriff of Gibson County after the war,
being elected in 1870. He made his home in Trenton and was an excellent citizen and honest
man. He died in 1884. His wife died in 1853. Nathan J., our subject, is one of six children and
was born in Gibson County, in 1849. He was reared in Trenton and lived with his father until
1882, when he married Hattie L. Smith, daughter of W. L. and Ann I.
(Hall) Smith. She was
born in this State in 1858, and is the mother of two children: Earl H. and Gordon L. Mr.
Williams owns about fifty-five acres of land a mile and a half from the county seat, and
seventy-two acres nearer town. He also has an interest in fifty-one acres in another portion of
the county. He has been constable in his district, and served as deputy sheriff under his father a
number of years. He is a Democrat, and of Irish and English descent, and his family have always
been noted for their honor and integrity.
William H. Wilson, general merchant, was born in Gibson County, August
2, 1843, son of James
and Harriett (Wilkes) Wilson, and of Scotch-Irish descent. The parents were
born in Middle
Tennessee in 1816 and 1821, and died in 1858 and 1854, respectively. The paternal grandfather
was James Wilson, a North Carolinian and a son of James Wilson, one of the
signers of the
Declaration of Independence. The family came to Tennessee as early as 1810, and to Gibson
County in 1836. Our subject is the fourth of six children and was educated in the common
schools. In 1861 he joined Company T, Twelfth Tennessee Infantry, Confederate States Army,
but on account of ill health only served about one year. In 1869 he engaged in the saddlery
business in Kenton, but at the end of one year discontinued this and engaged in the grocery
business, putting in a general stock in 1874. The same year he formed a partnership in the
mercantile business with Henry Flowers, Jr., and Mr. Wilson has since
continued. He was
married, in January, 1865, to Miss N. B. Porter, who was born in Gibson
County in 1844. They
have one child, Dora H. Mrs. Wilson died in 1867, and in 1871 Mr. Wilson wedded Miss N. B.
Crane, who died in 1875. He again married in 1877 and is the father of two
children: Clara H.
and Cleveland A. Mr. Wilson is a Democrat and Mason, and his wife belongs to the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
M. S. Wilkes' birth occurred in 1821. His parents, John and Polly
(Halliburton) Wilkes, were
born in Virginia and Tennessee, respectively, The father was brought to Tennessee when quite
young, and became a moderately prosperous farmer. He was a Whig and served as magistrate a
number of years. He came to Gibson County in 1836 and died in l873. He served in the Creek
war under Jackson, and he and wife were members of the Missionary Baptist Church. She died
about 1853. At about the age of twenty M. S. Wilkes began doing for himself, and was married
to Mary Flowers, who was born in North Carolina in 1818. She came with her
parents, Henry
and Daisy Flowers, to Tennessee when quite young, and by Mr. Wilkes became
the mother of
six children, three of whom are dead. Mr. Wilkes located on his present farm in 1845. It
contains 165 acres of land and produces corn, cotton and small grain. In 1862 he enlisted in the
Confederate Army, serving in the Forty-seventh Tennessee Regiment, and was lieutenant of his
company. In May, 1863, he received his discharge, owing to sickness in his family, and returned
home and began farming. He and Mrs. Wilkes are members of the Missionary Baptist Church,
and he is a Democrat in politics. The Wilkes family are natives of England. The grandfather
came to the United States at an early day and was in the Revolutionary war and was present
when Cornwallis surrendered his sword.
Dr. C. J. Witt is a son of C. H. and Elizabeth (Hawn)
Witt, who were born in Jefferson County,
Tenn., in 1797 and 1799, and died in 1867 and 1856, respectively. They were married in 1816
and ten children were the fruits of their marriage. They came to Tennessee in 1832. The father
was a Democrat. Their son, C. J. Witt, is one of the leading dentists of Gibson County. He was
born in Carroll County, Tenn., October 12, 1839, and was brought to Gibson County when only
one year old. His boyhood days were spent in hard work on the farm. His father became
embarrassed by cotton speculation and he and his brother worked almost night and day to pay
off liabilities, consequently he received little schooling. At the age of nineteen he could not
write nor make a figure. He more than once felt his deficiency in this respect and resolved to
obtain an education. For some time he worked for thirty cents per day and accumulated enough
money to enable him to enter Bluff Spring College. After completing his education he worked
at the carpenter's trade for some time, and in 1861 volunteered in Company H, Twelfth
Tennessee Infantry, Confederate States Army, and served faithfully throughout the war. At the
battle of Shiloh he was struck in the breast with a grape-shot, tearing away a part of the left lung.
After about twelve months' suffering he recovered somewhat and joined the cavalry, but was
given many privileges. He still suffers from the effects of the wound. In 1864 he married Hassie
Black, who was born January 23, 1840, a graduate of the literary and musical
course at Trenton.
One child, Hassie L. M., was born to them. This wife died, and in 1868 Mr. Witt married Mollie
C. Hale, who bore him two children: Mollie V. and Charles C. The Doctor is a
Democrat and
served as trustee one term. In 1866 he began a course in dentistry, under W. B. Fisher, of
Lebanon, Tenn., and completed the same under W. B. Spencer, of Jackson,
Tenn. He has since
practiced with flattering success, and since 1870 has resided on his farm of 100 acres. He and
wife and two children are members of the Methodist Church.
W. H. Witt, another son of C. H. and Elizabeth (Hawn)
Witt, was born in Jefferson County,
Tenn., September 25, 1819. His education was limited, owing to the father's straightened
circumstances, and be was obliged to assist on the farm. At the age of nineteen he started out in
life as a mechanic and followed that vocation twenty years. He married Margaret
Arnold July 2,
1845. She was born in Perry County, Tenn., December 25, 1822, and bore her husband nine
children, six of whom are living. She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
and died in 1865. Mr. Witt afterward married Mrs. H. M. Nowell in 1866.
She was born in
Madison County, Tenn., August 18. 1837, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
Eight children were the results of this union; four survive. Mr. Witt is a Democrat, but does not
take an active part in politics. He owns 262 acres of well improved land and is an esteemed
citizen of Gibson County.
Thomas J. Wren is the son of James J. and Nancy W. (James)
Wren and was born in 1827. His
father was born in Tennessee and was a carpenter by trade, and held some minor county offices.
He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and moved to Gibson County in
1829, locating in the village of Rutherford in 1860, where. he died two years later. His widow,
who was a South Carolinian by birth, died in 1878. Thomas J. resided with his father until May,
1847, when he was married to Martha A. Tinkle, daughter of L. K. and
Rebecca C. Tinkle. She
was born in Tennessee in 1832, and became the mother of eight sons and four daughters. Four
of the children are dead. Mr. Wren resided near Rutherford about ten years, then moved to the
village and embarked in the saw and grist-mill business, but sold out in 1872, and for four years
ran a portable sawmill. In 1876 he erected a saw and grist-mill in Rutherford, but in 1885 rebuilt
the mill and changed it to the roller process. Its capacity is fifty barrels per day. By his energy
and good management, he has accumulated considerable property. In 1879 his wife died, and in
1880 he married Jennie, daughter of Henry L. Williamson. She was born in
Kentucky about
1845. Mr. Wren held the office of justice of the peace before and after the war and has made a
very efficient officer. He is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
South.
Prof. John E. Wright, one of the leading educators of Gibson County,
Tenn., is a son of Levi
and Mary M. (Shaw) Wright, both born in North Carolina, in 1800. They were
married in their
native State, and in 1826 came to Tennessee, locating in Gibson County. To them were born
two sons and five daughters, the younger son being killed at Atlanta. The mother died about
1845, and Mr. Wright then married Mary A. M. Clement, by whom he had two
children. The
father and both his wives were Methodists. He was a man of good literary attainments, and was
a school-teacher of North Carolina a number of years, being the founder of Wake Forest College.
He was county superintendent of schools of Gibson County for about six years and was also
magistrate many years. He was a stanch Democrat and was the owner of about 400 acres of
land. He was of English descent and died in 1861. John E. Wright's birth
occurred in Gibson
County, January 29, 1838. After attending the common schools his father placed him in Bluff
Spring College, from which institution he graduated in 1858. He began teaching but gave it up
in 1861 to join the army. He enlisted in the Confederate service, and in 1863 was promoted to
the rank of first lieutenant He was a faithful soldier for four years and was twice severely
wounded; once at Shiloh and once at Missionary Ridge. He was taken prisoner at the latter
battle and was taken to Camp Chase, Ohio, where he was confined four months, and then to Fort
Delaware, where he was kept a year. After his return home he resumed teaching, and in 1867
married Eveline C. Richardson, who was born February 14,1846. To them
were born four
children. The Professor, his wife and two oldest children are Methodists. He has been a teacher
for twenty years, and has taught ten months annually with the exception of one year. He is a
Democrat and owns 230 acres of land.
William A. Wyatt, a prominent citizen of Gibson County, Tenn., was born
in North Carolina, in
1835, and is a son of Alexander and Eliza (Banks) Wyatt, who were North
Carolinians, and
came to Tennessee in 1848, locating in Gibson County. The father was a farmer, and he and
wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He died in Gibson County, in
1882. His wife is residing with her children. Our subject was reared on a farm, and lived with
his father until twenty years of age. He was married to Margaret A. Reed,
daughter of Samuel
and Elizabeth (Parks) Reed. She was born in Tennessee, in 1831, and became
the mother of
five children. One son and one daughter are dead. In 1864 he was conscripted in the
Confederate service, serving in Russell's regiment, and remained until April, 1865, when he
returned home, being in one regular engagement while out, at Okolona, Miss. In 1855 he
located on the farm where he now resides, which was given to his wife by her father. The farm
consists of 200 acres, 100 acres of which were purchased by our subject. Mr. Wyatt and wife are
members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Golden Rule, the
Agricultural Wheel, and in politics is a Democrat. The Wyatt family were originally from
Ireland, and have made honorable and prosperous citizens.
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