Submitted by Vicki Shaffer. Page created by Jane N. Powell
Claiborne C. Gentry, merchant of Trenton, Tenn., was born in Shelby County, Mo., August 8, 1843, son of Claiborne M. and Bertha (Kincheloe) Gentry, who were born in Tennessee and Virginia, respectively. The father was reared to manhood in Middle Tennessee, and left there when scarcely grown. After spending some time in Kentucky, Illinois and the Territory of Iowa, he located in Missouri, where he married and raised a family of three sons. He followed mercantile pursuits, and in September, 1865 came to Trenton and continued the same business two years; then returned to Missouri, and there died in July, 1875. Claiborne C. from early boyhood assisted his father in his store, and was in partnership with him from 1865 to 1867. In December, 1866, he married Dora Lassiter, and repaired to a farm where he followed agricultural pursuits to recuperate his health. Three years later he removed to Missouri, but after farming there a similar length of time he returned here in December, 1873, and has since been successfully engaged in the grocery business. He has been very unfortunate in matrimonial affairs, having lost two wives by death. In February, 1885, he married his present wife, who was Mrs. Bettie (Carter) Glass. He is the father of three sons by his first marriage: Claiborne M. , James H. and Charles T., and by his second marriage has two sons: Henry F. and Chester K. Mr. Gentry is a Democrat, a member of the K. of H., and he and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
John C. Gibbs is a son of Turner R. and Harriet E. (Smith) Gibbs, who were born, reared and married in Madison County, Va. They located in Gibson County, Tenn., in 1826, and here resided until their respective deaths. Their family consisted of five children, four of whom are living. Turner Gibbs was a Democrat, but never became connected with any religious sect. His wife was a most estimable lady, and was a consistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Turner Gibbs served with distinction during the Creek war, and during his lifetime amassed considerable wealth; but later in life lost most of his property. He held official positions of honor and trust and was one of the leading and influential men of the community in which he resided. After his wife's death, in 1837, he married Monen Milton, and while on his way to pay his old home a visit was taken with the cholera and died on the Ohio River. His father was a major in the Revolutionary war. John C. Gibbs was born in Madison County, VA., February 4, 1824 and received little or no education, owing to the undeveloped condition of the schools at that time. He worked for his parents until twenty-one years of age, then began doing for himself and worked for two years in a saw-mill in Mississippi. After he had obtained enough money, he purchased 200 acres of land and began his career as a farmer. In 1861 he enlisted in Company G, Twelfth Tennessee Confederate Infantry, and after a year's faithful service was discharged on account of disability. Previous to the war he had been engaged in merchandising at Lynn Point; but the war swept away nearly all his property. He now owns 250 acres of land. In 1850 he married Penelope Barker, and in 1862 married his second wife, Fannie Gallion, who died in 1872. Two years later, he wedded Elizabeth J. Robertson. Mr. Gibbs is a Democrat.
Enoch J. Glasscock was born in North Carolina on the 16th of June, 1823, son of Peter and Mary (Jones) Glasscock, natives also of North Carolina. Enoch J. came to Gibson County, Tenn., with his parents in 1827 and was one of the first settlers of Gibson County. Farming has been his chief business through life and he has been fairly prosperous in that calling. He started in life with no capital but a willingness to do his best, and is now the owner of 200 acres of very desirable land, all of the same being well improved. His marriage with Mary Phelanwas celebrated in 1844. She is a daughter of David and Susan Phelan, of Gibson County, and died in 1851. Mr. Glasscock took for his second wife, Cassie A. Barner, daughter of William and Pollie Barner. [*correct name is VARNER] She is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church and her husband of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican in his political views and belongs to the F. & A. M.
*correction made by Cheryl D. Walker
George S. Glenn, M.D., first saw the light of day in Madison County, Tenn. His parents, Dr. James R. and Emily (Yarbrough) Glenn, were North Carolinians. The father came to Tennessee in 1832, and located in Madison County, where he practiced medicine until his death in 1882. He was an able and experienced physician, and a citizen of high standing. He was reared and educated in his native county, and secured his literary instruction from his father, who was a fine classical scholar. George S. also began his medical studies under the tutorship of his father, and in 1872 entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, of New York City, from which celebrated institution he graduated in 1874. He then practiced in his native county, and February 1, 1884, after settling his father's estate, and relinquishing a good practice, he came to Trenton, where he has since resided. Dr. Glenn is a Democrat, and is a member of the Masonic and K. of P. fraternities; and, although he has lived but a short time in Gibson county, yet he is recognized as one of the foremost practitioners of medicine and surgery in the county.
John C. Glenn is the son of J. A. and Elizabeth (Williams) Glenn, of Welsh extraction, the father a native of North Carolina, and the mother of Kentucky. John C. was born in Rarrick County, Ind., and lived in Spencer County about ten years, and then, with his parents, removed to Hickman County, Ky. After living with other families for several years he came to Tennessee, in 1867, and in 1870 married Miss Bettie Coleman, only daughter of John and Elizabeth (Merritt) Coleman. Mr. Glenn is an enterprising man and a useful citizen.
John T. Gordon, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Gibson County, Tenn., on the 30th of September, 1845, and is a son of John and Nancy Gordon, who were native Tennesseans. John T. was educated in the common schools. He owns 150 acres of land, well improved, a part of the same in a fair state of cultivation. The principal products are corn, wheat and cotton. Mr. Gordon started in life very poor, financially, but, by industry and good management has accumulated considerable property and a good home. In 1867 he was married to Larceny F. Flowers, daughter of Henry and Mary T. Flowers, who were born in North Carolina. They became the parents of the following children: Addie A., John H., James F., William J., Milton P., Qualia F., Esta B., Dexter T., Tobert E., Joseph A. and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he is a member of the I.O.O.F.
John A. Grayson is a son of Benjamin and Jane (Lamb) Grayson. The father was born in East Tennessee and the mother in Virginia. They reside in the former place until the father's death in 1843. He was a Whig and farmer, and the father of ten children, eight of whom lived to be grown. After his death, the mother and children moved to Arkansas, where she died in 1855. John A. Grayson was born in Marion County, Tenn., October 23, 1832. His school days only amounted to about ten months, but he afterward acquired a fair education in the business affairs of life. He hired out by the month at the age of sixteen and gradually rose, until he finally began merchandising, which he carried on three years. He was book-keeper in a large store about three years, and in 1861 joined Company E., First Arkansas Mounted Riflemen (Churchill), and after serving one year in that regiment, was transferred to the Thirteenth Arkansas Infantry, and was elected first lieutenant. After the consolidation of the Thirteenth and Fifteenth Regiments he was made quartermaster and filled the position until the cessation of hostilities. He is the present owner of 100 acres of good land, which he has made by his own exertions. He is a Democrat and held the position of magistrate one year. In 1864 he married Avey R. Altman, born in Madison County December 12, 1844. To them were born nine children, seven of whom are living. Husband and wife and oldest son belong to the Christian Church. The oldest daughter is a Missionary Baptist.
Joseph W. Grier, M.D., a well known and successful physician of Gibson County, Tenn., was born in 1852, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Wyatt) Grier, who were born in Tennessee. Dr. Joseph Crier spent his early days on a farm and received his education in the common schools. He was an industrious "tiller of the soil" until 1880, when he began the study of medicine with Dr. A.W. Stephenson, of Gibson County, as his preceptor. In 1883 he attended the Memphis Medical College, and since 1884 has been a successful practitioner. At the latter date his marriage with Mattie Oliphant was celebrated. She is a daughter of Jack and Sallie Oliphant, of Gibson county, and she and the Doctor are church members. He is a Democrat in his political views and of English lineage.
David Griffin, junior member of the firm of Wade & Griffin, manufacturers of staves, is a son of Hampton and Jane (Ezell) Griffin, who were born , reared and married in Virginia. They came to Tennessee in 1860 and located in Gibson County, where the father followed farming for a livelihood. He was a Democrat and was captain of a company of State militia. He died in 1879 and his wife in 1881. Our subject is one of their twelve children. He was born March 25, 1838, in Halifax County, Va. He was reared on a farm and his early education was sadly neglected. He assisted his parents on the farm until he attained his majority. He started in life a farmer, and in connection therewith has worked at the carpenter's and wagon-maker's trade. He managed a cotton-gin for about ten years and for two years has been engaged in the manufacture of staves. In 1859 he was united in marriage to Frances Pool, who bore him eight children, seven of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Griffin and three of the children are members of the Methodist Church. He is a Democrat in his political views and is the owner of ninety-six acres of land, and owns a half interest in the stave factory.
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