Goodspeed, Gibson County TN Bibliography - C

C - Goodspeed Bibliographies, 1887, Gibson County TN

Submitted by Cheryl Osborn and Eddy Clark, coded by Jane Powell


John T. Cain, senior member of the firm of Cain & Son, is one of eleven children born to James C. and Rebecca (Bradshaw) Cain. The father was born in Illinois, near St. Louis, Mo. He served an apprenticeship at the cabinet-maker's trade in St. Louis, and afterward came to Dover, Tenn., where he worked as journeyman for some time and then moved to Weakley County. Here he resided twenty years, then moved to Hickman County, and finally died in Obion County, about twenty years ago. The mother is still living. After his boys were well grown Mr. Cain gave his attention to coopering, house carpentering, shoe-making, wagon-making and farming. He was a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He delighted in the chase, and as a marksman seldom found an equal. John T. Cain was born in Weakley County, Tenn., January 25, 1829, and was raised on a farm. He had little educational advantages, but by his own exertions gained a practical education. He was only sixteen years of age when he began to battle his own way in the world. In 1852 he married Lockey B. Ward, who was born in Gibson County in 1835. Of five children born to them four are living. Husband and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and in politics he is a Republican. Mr. Cain made his first advances toward fortune by chopping wood, and soon accumulated enough means to enable him to purchase some land. He now owns 230 acres of land, a grist and saw-mill near Bradford, and in 1881 or 1882 purchased a family grocery store at Bradford, his son, John T., Jr., being his partner. They are prompt and obliging business men, and have the confidence and respect of all.


Dr. B. D. Caldwell is a son of Dr. S. L. and M. (Sturdivant) Caldwell, who were born in Guilford and Halifax Counties, N. C.. January 3, 1824. and July 13, 1833, respectively. The father began the study of medicine at the age of twenty-one, and graduated from the Jefferson Medical College in 1847. He came to Carroll County, Tenn., in 1849, and in 1850 married and became the father of ten children, four now living. He died November 13, 1873. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a Mason and a Democrat. His widow is still living, and is now the wife of Capt. E. H. Williams. Dr. B. D. Caldwell is of Scotch descent by his father, and is a descendant of the French Huguenots on his mother's side. He was born in Gibson County, Tenn., January 15, 1860, and received a good education. In his eighteenth year he began the study of medicine and graduated from the medical department of Vanderbilt University March 1, 1880, and immediately began practicing in Gibson County, and although a young man, has been quite successful and has gained a good reputation for himself, both as a physician and as a neighbor. January 13, 1881, he married Anna Burrow, daughter of Dr. John Burrow. She was born in Gibson County July 31, 1862, and became the mother of two children, only one of whom is living. Dr. Caldwell is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.


Thomas Callis is of English-Irish descent, and was born in Gibson County, Tenn., August 31, 1836, son of Wilkins and Mary (Battle) Callis, born, respectively, in Virginia and Tennessee. Our subject was raised on a farm and was educated in the common schools of Gibson County. He has been a farmer from almost his earliest recollections, and has met with fair success in all his undertakings. He owns fifty-one acres of land, on which he located in 1881. It is well improved, a part of the same being in a fine state of cultivation. His other lands amount to about 116 acres. February 20, 1861, he was united in marriage to Harriet Mason, daughter of Richard and Lucy Mason, of Gibson County. Their union has been blessed in the birth of three daughters and one son: Mary A. C., Charley W., Lula B. and Florence V. L. Mrs. Callis died December 5, 1872, and September 23, 1876, he married Sarah T. Russell, daughter of Pinkney and Cassie A. Russell. Their family consists of two sons and one daughter: Theophilus, Ollie B. D. and Grover C. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and Mr. Callis is a Democrat and a member of the I. 0. 0. F. In 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate service and served one year.


William T. Caneer is a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Cole) Caneer, who were born in Mecklenburgh County Va., about 1794 and 1785 respectively. They were married in 1825, and in 1833 moved to Warren County, Tenn., and afterward to Benton County, where the mother is still living at the advanced age of 101 years. She is a member of the Christian Church. The father was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a Democrat. He died December 20, 1859. William T. Caneer is of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born August 13, 1834, in Warren County, Tenn. His early days were spent on a farm, and January 15, 1854, he married Sarah R. Karnes, who was born in Gibson County, Tenn., January 6, 1832. To them were born nine children. Their two eldest children, John A. and Mary E., are married, the latter being Mrs. R. M. Browning. Mr. and Mrs. Caneer are members of the Primitive Baptist Church. He was a volunteer under Forest in the civil war, but only served three months. He was a Democrat previous to the war, but since that time has been a Republican. He started in life with comparatively nothing, but now owns 134 acres of land.


John C. Carlton is one of sixteen children born to the marriage of Crawford Carlton and Martha Harris. He is a Tennessean, born in 1837, and up to the age of twenty he resided with his father on a farm. At that time he began to battle his own way in the world. At the age of twenty-two he was united in marriage to Sarah J. Ashley, daughter of Halford and Levina (Hale) Ashley. She was born in Tennessee in. 1838, and is the mother of live sons and three daughters-two sons and one daughter of whom are dead. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate service in the Forty-seventh Tennessee Regiment, under Col. Hill, and remained with the same about fifteen months; then joined Gen. Forest's cavalry, and remained with him until the close of the war. He arrived home in April, 1865, after participating in some of the hardest-fought battles of the war. Since his return he has farmed and worked at the carpenter's trade at intervals, and in 1870 located on his present farm, consisting of seventy-five acres of fairly improved land. He was ,elected justice of the peace in 1877, and is making a good and efficient officer. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, and he is a Democrat, a Mason, and belongs to the I. 0. 0. F. His parents were born in Tennessee, and the father was a farmer by occupation, and held the office of magistrate for many years previous to the war. He was a resident of Gibson County at the time of his death, which occurred in 1864, being in his fifty-third year.




J. H. Canon is a Gibson County Tennessean, born August 14, 1852, only son of Capt. Abraham W. and Mary E. (Huggins) Canon, natives of Tennessee and of Scotch-Irish descent. The father married at the age of twenty-three, and moved from Rutherford County, Tenn., to Gibson County in 1848, and taught school from that time until the beginning of the war. He removed to Humboldt in the spring of 1860, and took charge of the Humboldt College as principal. He was elected captain of a company of soldiers organized at Humboldt in the spring of 1861. The company was known as Company K, Twelfth Regiment Infantry, under Col. Russell. He was taken prisoner during the winter of 1863, and carried to Camp Douglas, where he was confined several months. While there he had two severe hemorrhages of the lungs, and was then induced to take the oath of allegiance. After returning home and recovering from his sickness, he resumed teaching, but was soon taken with another spell of hemorrhage and died February 26, 1866. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and a Free Mason. He has one son and two daughters living: Bettie E. (Mrs. J. M. Hannah) and Mollie Y. (Mrs. J. A. Word), and our subject, who was reared on a farm and attended the public schools and the Peabody High School at Trenton. He began depending on his own judgment at the age of fourteen, as his father died at this time, and has been fairly successful through life. He has been on the farm with his mother nearly all the time since his father's death. He voted the straight Democratic ticket up to 1884, when he voted for St. John, and he says the latter vote is the only one of which he is actually proud.


John David Carne, clerk of the Gibson County Court, was born in Henry County, Tenn., April 3, 1842, son of John D. and Nancy (Barnard) Carne, natives respectively of South and North Carolina. They were married in North Carolina, and came to Tennessee between 1833 and 1835, locating in Henry County, where he practiced medicine until 1850, when he removed to Gibson County, and took up his abode seven miles cast of Trenton. Here he farmed and practiced his profession until his death, May 28, 1865. The mother died in September, 1860, having borne seven children, only four of whom are living. The father's second wife was Jane A. Alexander, who still survives him. Our subject was reared on a farm and secured a good academical education, graduating from the Bluff Springs Seminary in 1861. A year later he joined the Confederate Army, serving in the Forty-seventh Regiment Tennessee Infantry. He was seriously wounded at Shiloh (being shot through both knees), and disabled for further service. After sufficiently recovering from his wounds he began teaching school in Gibson County, and followed that occupation irregularly until 1878, when he made the race for county court clerk. The returns showed but two or three votes difference between himself and his principal opponent, but owing to some complications in regard to declaring the successful candidate, Mr. Carne relinquished his claims to the office. He was elected to the office, however, in 1882, and has discharged the duties of the office very successfully up to the present time. Mr. Carne was re-elected to the office of county court clerk without opposition August, 1886, for four years. He is a stanch Democrat, a Mason (Knights Templar degree), a K. of H. and a member of the Presbyterian Church. In 1861 he married Mary F. Simmons, who died in June, 1875, leaving three children: John W., Nannie May and Emma. In 1876 Mr. Carne married Sarah A. Hale, and by her is the father of six children: Lena J., Mattie D., Mary Lou, Elizabeth S., Douglass B. and Arthur N.


Capt. William Neilson Chunn was born January 19, 1835, in Warm Springs, Buncombe Co., N. C., which was his maternal grandparents' old home. He was the youngest of five children born to Joseph and Catherine (Neilson) Chunn, born in North Carolina and of Scotch descent. Joseph Chunn was an extensive farmer and stock grower and was also a prosperous merchant. He died in 1847 or 1848. His wife was the daughter of William Neilson, one of the wealthy planters of North Carolina. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was given a land grant of 50,000 acres by the Government. Mrs. Chunn was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died at the age of fifty-two years. Our subject was brought to West Tennessee in his boyhood days and was reared on a farm. He was attending college when his elder brother died and he immediately returned and began overseeing the estate. In 1861 he joined the Confederate Army and was appointed second lieutenant of artillery and assigned duty with Capt. Andrew Jackson's company, at the Hermitage. He was made adjutant when the army was reorganized. He took an active part in many important engagements. He was captured at Vicksburg; but after being in captivity eight months, was released. At a later period he began serving under Gen. Forest, as first lieutenant of artillery, and served until the close of the war. He was a faithful and true soldier, and was ever at his post of duty. After his return he resumed farming, but a year later began merchandising at Humboldt, where he continued until 1884. He farmed on a small scale in later years, but is now living a retired life upon the fruits of a well spent life. He is a Democrat, and August 6, 1873, was married to Annie E. Transon, of Humboldt, born November 3, 1850, in Madison County. To them was born one son-Guy, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Chunn are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he is a member of the K. of H.


Dr. B. W. Clement (deceased) was born in North Carolina, on the 12th of November, 1813, son of William Clement. Dr. Clement was reared a farmer, and received a liberal education. In 1843 he married Elizabeth H. Lock, of Gibson County, who died May 30, 1851, leaving one daughter - America. Soon after the death of his wife, Dr. Clement began studying medicine, and attended lectures at a medical college at Memphis, Tenn., and graduated in the spring of 1853, attending the sessions of 1851, 1852 and 1853. He soon after located at Mason's Grove, in Crockett County, but two years later came to Humboldt, and soon acquired a large and paying practice. He also superintended a farm near town, and was a very successful practitioner. He was a Democrat and Mason. and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. His second marriage occurred December 22, 1858, to Catherine Matthews. She was born in Davidson County, in June, 1834, and is a daughter of Rev. A. Matthews, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To Dr. and Mrs. Clement were born four sons: William A., Benjamin Isham, Andrew E. and George E. (deceased). Dr. Clement died November 7, 1881. Mrs. Clement lives on the home farm, which is worked by her son, William A. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.


James K. P. Clements is a son of John C. and Cynthia (Utley) Clements, natives of Wake County, N. C., born in 1801 and 1802, respectively. They were married in 1825, and came to Gibson County, Tenn., three years later, and then moved to Carroll County. Of their nine children, five are living. The father was a surveyor and farmer, and a Democrat in politics. He died in 1841, and the mother November 29, 1865. Our subject's birth occurred in Carroll County, Tenn., April 24, 1843. His early educational opportunities were very limited, as he was obliged to work on the farm to assist his widowed mother. Aug. 6, 1861, he joined the Twelfth Tennessee Infantry, Confederate States Army, and served throughout the war. He was wounded at the battle of Belmont. September 3, 1868, he married Mattie T. Hurt, who was born in Carroll County, Tenn., June 9, 1851, and of their five children two are living: Minnie B., born June 23, 1869, and Benjamin D., born January 18,1874. Mrs. Clements was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and died August 30, 1879. Mr. Clements was engaged in the drug business at Milan, Tenn., for a short time but sold out, and afterward engaged in the milling business with his brother, but, owing to external affairs, failed in the business. He has since overcome, in a great measure, his liabilities, and is now in comfortable circumstances. He owns a good flouring-mill, three miles from Milan, and has built up a good business He is a stanch Democrat and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.


Agesilaus B. Clay, M. D., of Rutherford, Tenn., is a native of the State, born in 1846, son of John F. and Harriet (Anderson) Clay. The father was born in the " Old Dominion" and was a farmer and trader by occupation. He came to Tennessee when quite young and settled in Middle Tennessee. He was a Whig and a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. His wife died in 1853, and he then married Mrs. P. J. Landreth, and died in 1879. Until twenty-four years of age, our subject made his father's house his home. The last two years were spent in teaching school, after which he began studying medicine under Dr. W. F. Landreth and remained with him three years. He attended the medical department of the University of Nashville in 1871-72 and in 1874 located at Trimble, Dyer County, where be practiced medicine until 1881, with the exception of the courses of 1877-78 when he attended the Vanderbilt University at Nashville. He practiced for three years within two miles of Rutherford, then located in the town where he has since resided and where he has a large and remunerative practice. In 1873 he married Margaret A. Grier, daughter of David A. and Arminda C. (Browning) Grier. Mrs. Clay was born in Tennessee in 1851, and is the mother of four sons. The Doctor and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he has always been a stanch Democrat.


Robert A. Clopton, M. D., of Milan, Tenn., was born in Pittsylvania County, Va., October 19, 1834. His parents, John M. and Mary W. (Terry) Clopton, were born in the same State and county as himself, and there the father, who was an able and experienced physician, died in 1868. Robert A. was reared in his native State, and received a fair English education. He began studying medicine under his father when quite young, and in 1852 came to Tennessee, locating in Carroll County, where lie followed agricultural pursuits until the war broke out. He then enlisted in Company G, Col. Jackson's First Kentucky Regiment Cavalry, and served in the Confederate Army until he was taken prisoner by the Federals, in 1863. He was paroled two months later, but did not again enter service. He resumed farming in Carroll County, and followed neighborhood doctoring until 1873, when he became a regular practitioner. In 1878 he graduated from the Cincinnati (Ohio) Eclectic Medical Institute, after attending one course of lectures. In January, 1885, Dr. Clopton removed to Milan, and ha,-, since been a successful practitioner of that place. He has lost two wives by and in September, 1880, he married Martha A. Moore, his present wife, and by her is the father of one child. His second wife bore him six children, and his first wife three. He is a Democrat, and was one of the organizers, and was corresponding secretary, of the projected State Eclectic Medical Association.


Richard A. Coleman is, a Virginian, born in 1827, son of Robert S. and Sallie (Dunavant) Coleman, who were also Virginians, and came to Tennessee about 1828, settling first in Middle Tennessee, then in Gibson County. Robert S. Coleman was a farmer, and fought under Jackson in the war of 1812. He supported a family of thirteen children, and accumulated considerable property. Both parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father died in Gibson County, in 1858, and the mother in 1883. Richard A. resided with his parents until twenty-eight years of age. He began teaching at the age of eighteen, and in 1853 married Martha F. Trice, daughter of Zachariah and Martha (Strayhorn) Trice. Mrs. Coleman was born in North Carolina, in 1838, and came with her widowed mother to Tennessee in 1851. She became the mother of five sons and five daughters, two sons and two daughters of whom are dead. After his marriage Mr. Coleman engaged in farming and school-teaching, continuing both until 1882, when he discontinued the latter occupation. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South for thirteen years, but became a member of the Baptist Church in 1861, and obtained a license to preach. He was ordained in May, 1862. In 1870 he moved to Rutherford, and has a small farm of twelve acres attached to his residence, and fifty acres about one mile from town. He belongs to the I. 0. 0. F., and is a strong supporter of prohibition. In politics he is a Democrat.


Harrison Conlee, of the firm of Conlee & Fairless, millers, is a Gibson County Tennessean, born December 27, 1834, son of Russell and Mary A. (Rigsby) Conlee, who were born in Illinois and North Carolina respectively. Harrison was educated in the common schools, and has followed farming from boyhood. By his honesty and good management he is now the owner of 447 acres of valuable and well-improved land, in a good state of cultivation. In 1866 he engaged in milling at his present location, and has met with fair success in this business. In 1855 he and Nancy J. Fairless, daughter of Medy and Elizabeth Fairless, were united in marriage. Their union resulted in the birth of one son and one daughter: Theodocia E. and James E. Mr. Conlee is a Republican in his political views, and is a member of the F. & A. M. He is of Irish descent, and has been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church since 1865.


Nathaniel H. Corley is a Tennessean, born in 1825, and the son of Robert and Sallie (Crews) Corley, who were born in Virginia and came to Tennessee after their marriage. They lived in several counties in the State, but finally located in Gibson County. The father was a farmer and fought under Jackson in the war of 1812, and participated in the battle of New Orleans. He was a Democrat and became the father of seven children. His wife died in 1846, and he then married Mrs. Elfida (Crews) Cookwood, a sister of his first wife. She died in 1857, and he in 1858. Nathaniel H. resided with his father until he attained his majority. At the age of fifteen he began learning the tailor's trade, and after his marriage, which occurred October 29, 1846, he opened a tailor's shop in Yorkville and continued very successfully until 1856, when he closed out and engaged in the mercantile business. During the war he farmed, and after its close he resumed the mercantile business, and has since been engaged in the following pursuits: farming, blacksmithing, patent right business, cotton-ginning, and he operated the first wool and carding factory built in the county. In March, 1878, he moved to Rutherford and embarked in the hotel business. He owns 125 acres of fairly improved land. He is a Mason and Democrat. He married Nancy S. Cooper, daughter of Thomas and Eliza (Walton) Cooper. She was born in Tennessee March 3, 1826, and became the mother of seven children: John A., born October 31, 1847, and died December 3, 1849; Mary F., born November 19, 1849, and died October 16, 1850; William H., born October 2, 1851, and died August 8, 1852; Robert T., born June 20, 1855; Mary R., born October 6, 1858; Eliza C., born January 8, 1862; .)Martha A., born July 5, 1864, and Clint A., born May 1, 1868. Mrs. Corley died December 26, 1868. In 1871 Mr. Corley married Mrs. Martha L. (Frazier) Lamb, widow of Dr. B. F. Lamb, and two children blessed their union: Bell E. and Louisa P. Mrs. Corley was born in Tennessee in 1842, and became the mother of one child by her second marriage, Carrie G., who was born September 19, 1872.


Nathaniel C. Corley is a native Tennessean, born in 1843, son of Nathaniel and Annie (Corley) Corley, who were also born in this State. The father was a farmer and very prosperous until the breaking out of the war. He supported a family of ten children, only three of whom are living at the present time, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He is a Democrat. His son, Nathaniel C., remained with him until twenty-five years old, then married Miss Mary R. Smith, daughter of John B. and Mary (Nowell) Smith, who were born in North Carolina and came to Middle Tennessee after their marriage. The father was a carpenter by trade and a farmer by occupation. He and Mrs. Smith were members of the Presbyterian Church, and he was a Whig and died in West Tennessee in l868. His wife died in 1857, and he took for his second wife Mrs. Frances (King) McCleary. She died in 1870. Our subject's wife was born in Tennessee in 1846, and became the mother of five children-four sons and one daughter. Nathaniel C. and his wife located on a portion of the old homestead after marriage and there now reside. His farm consists of fifty-nine and one-half acres in a good state of cultivation. He is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church South. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate Army, in the Forty- seventh Tennessee Regiment, and remained in the service until 1864. He was taken sick and left at Shelbyville in 1863, and was there captured, but was retained only about two weeks. He spent a short time with his family, then rejoined the army and was wounded at Yazoo City, Miss. He returned home in the spring of 1864.


James M. Crews was born July 23, 1817, in Smith County, Tenn., son of John and Nancy (Shaw) Crews, born in Georgia and Tennessee respectively. James M. came to Gibson County with his parents when a small lad, and was brought up on a farm and educated in the common schools. When about twenty-one years of age, he engaged in agricultural pursuits for himself and has been thus engaged from boyhood. In 1844 he settled on his present farm of 160 acres of valuable land and has proved a successful and industrious farmer. He has been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church since 1853, and is a man of excellent moral character. December 26, 1843, he married Harriet Flowers, daughter of Humphrey and Polly Flowers, of North Carolina, and by her became the father of two children: Nancy J. and James H. In 1847, Mrs. Crews died, and October 8, 1849, Mr. Crews married Mary Pope, whose parents were Barnabas and Lecy Pope. To the second marriage ten children were born: William G., Amanda J., Mary A., John T., Susan J., David B., Annie E., George W., Joseph and Ada L. The family are of English-Irish descent, Mr. Crews has taken no part in political affairs since the war. He was formerly a Whig.


Dr. J. T. Crews, dentist, was born in Gibson County, May 14, 1856, second son of James and Mary (Pope) Crews, the former a native of Louisiana, and of English-Scotch descent, and the latter born in North Carolina, and of English lineage. Our subject acquired a common school education and before arriving at years of maturity began dealing in stock and grain from Dyer Station, in partnership with W. R. Kennedy. About two years later Dr. Crews retired from the business, and in the fall of 1877 began the study of dentistry at Dyer, with Dr. R. T. Davidson D. D. S. At the end of eighteen months be entered into copartnership with his preceptor, and in the spring of 1879 came to Humboldt and for three years was a partner of Joe L. McGee, D. D. S. Since that time Dr. Crews has practiced alone, and is doing well financially, having built up a tiny practice. He is a Democrat and is a member of the K. & L. of H. November 9, 1882, he married Nannie B. Atkins, born March 4, 1856, daughter of N. G. Atkins. Their children are Herman A. born September 2, 1883, and Irena born January 4, 1886. The Doctor is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and his wife is a Baptist.


Lee Cunningham is a native of the county in which he now resides, born May 13, 1844 son of Fleming and Jane (Lemons) Cunningham who we re born in the " Old Dominion." Lee Cunningham attended the common schools of Gibson County, and has followed farming from early boyhood. He located on his present farm of 186 acres of valuable land in 1885. Part of the same is tinder good cultivation, and the products are corn, wheat and cotton. He began life for himself with a very small capital, but by unswerving integrity and honesty has now a comfortable home. He gives considerable attention to fine stock breeding, and has for a number of years. In 1869 Malinda R. Stephens became his wife and the mother of his four children: Emma J., Lonna L., Jerry F. and Fain B. Mrs. Cunningham's parents, Aaron B. and Emeline (Lee) Stephens, are residents of Gibson County. Mr. Cunningham has been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church since 1879. He is a Democrat and of Irish lineage.


Algernon S. Currey was born in Nashville, Tenn., in 1820, son of Robert B. and Jane G. (Owen) Currey, who were born in North Carolina and Virginia respectively. The father was a farmer, and came to Tennessee with the noted Robertson family in 1790. His father was in the Revolutionary war, and was wounded at the battle of Guilford Court House, N. C. His father came from Belfast, Ireland, to the United States in 1727, and settled in Pennsylvania. Robert B. Currey was born in February, 1774, and was employed to lay off the city of Nashville, and was postmaster of the same in 1800, holding the office until 1827. He was also mayor of the city for some time, and held that office during La Fayette's visit to the city. In 1827 he retired to his farm, and there remained until his death, in 1848. His wife died in 1867. Algernon S. was reared in the city of Nashville, and lived there with his father until twenty-one years of age. He then came to Trenton, Gibson Co., Tenn., and began the practice of law, continuing two years. He then followed teaching until the breaking out of the war, and in May, 1861, he organized Company F, Fourth Tennessee Regiment, and he was chosen first lieutenant. The company was reorganized at the end of one year, and our subject being unable for duty, he was sent to the hospital at Memphis. After his recovery he returned home, and did not again enlist, as he was over age. His last engagement was at Shiloh. He taught school in Trenton until 1865, when he located on his present farm, of 500 acres of well-improved land. He was deputy clerk for many years, before and after the war, and in 1870 was appointed superintendent of public instruction, and held that office for eight years. In 1842 he married Martha A. Nimmo, daughter of Allen C. and C. (Owens) Nimmo. Mrs. Currey was born in Tennessee, and has borne her husband seven daughters and four sons, all of whom are married and settled in life, and, like their parents, are honorable and useful citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Currey are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he is a Mason, and was Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Tennessee one term. He is president of the Agricultural Wheel in this district, and is a stanch Democrat and an honest and trustworthy citizen.


James T. Curtis, a prominent lawyer of Gibson County, Tenn., is a native of the State, born in 1850. His parents, W. K. and Christian (Simmons) Curtis, were born in North Carolina, and came to Tennessee after their marriage, locating in Gibson County, where they followed the lives of farmers. Their family consisted of sixteen children, and they were worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and both (died in Gibson County, in 1870. At the age of fifteen years James T. entered the Gibson Wells Academy, remaining fifteen months. At the expiration of that time he began teaching school and reading law at the same time, W. M. Hallbeing his instructor in the latter. At the expiration of two years he became traveling salesman for Nashville wholesale houses, continuing in this business three years. In 1874 he was licensed to practice law, locating in Rutherford, where he has lived to the present time. He was mayor of Rutherford ten years, and in April, 1866, announced himself a Democratic candidate to represent Gibson County in the lower house of the State Legislature. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and Masonic fraternities, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He is agent in Rutherford for the Etna Insurance Company, and is a nephew of Judge Curtis, of California.


Charles J. Custer, proprietor of the Dunlap Hotel, of Humboldt, was born February 27, 1844, at Troy, Mo., being the eldest son and fifth born child of Joseph Custer, of Rockingham County, Va. The father was a well-to-do man and an old hotel-keeper. He was an active Democrat, a strong anti-secret society man, and one of keen intellect, great energy and endurance. He died in December, 1868, and is yet survived by his widow at the advanced age of eighty years. Charles J. Custer secured a fair education in youth, and in 1862 began clerking on a wharf boat at Columbus, Ky., where he remained two years; then became clerk on a packet line. During 1870 he clerked in a large hotel in St. Louis, Mo., and in 1872 came to Humboldt, Tenn., and accepted a clerkship in the office of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad Company, a position he retained for thirteen years. In February, 1886, he became proprietor of the Dunlap Hotel, which he manages in a highly satisfactory manner to the traveling public. May 22, 1878, Miss Ella, daughter of Judge W. R. Vance, became his wife. This lady was born July 8, 1848, and died March 20, 1883, leaving two sons: Vance and Charles. April 20, 1886, Mr. Custer wedded Sally T., daughter of Rev. Thomas Hall.



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