Joseph Natcher, boot and shoemaker in Gallatin, is a native of Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Penn., born January 18, 1823, and the son of George and Nancy (Kline) Natcher. The father was born in Cumberland County, Penn., was of German-Welsh descent, and a wagon-maker by trade. He was born, reared and passed his life in the same county. He died in 1828. His wife was a native of Philadelphia. After the death of her husband she married Frederick Sano, who was killed at Key West during the late war. She died in 1835. Our subject was five years old when his father died and only twelve when his mother passed away. What education he received was obtained outside of the schoolroom, as he had not attended school more than one year during his life. When quite young he served an apprentice in a blacksmith shop at Harrisburg, Penna., where he remained three years, but owing to his health was obliged to give it up. About 1841 he commenced learning the shoemaker's trade in Carlisle, and here worked for three years. In July, 1845, he came to Gallatin and worked a few months as journeyman for one Buckingham, after which he purchased Buckingham's stock and commenced business on his own responsibility. In 1852 he married Miss Caroline Lawrence, a native of Sumner County, born in 1828. Previous to this, during the war between the United States and Mexico, he joined the patriotic band, enlisting in Company I, First Tennessee Regiment, under Col. William B. Campbell and Col. S. R. Anderson. He fought at Monterey and Vera Cruz, but served only a few days over twelve months when he returned and at once re-enlisted in Company K, Third Regiment, under Col. B. F. Cheatham, William Hatton, captain, and Gov. Bate, first lieutenant. He was gone nearly two years, and at the termination of hostilities, went to Hartsville, thence to Arkansas, and in 1851 returned to Gallatin and opened up a shop, and here has continued to reside. He is counted among the oldest citizens, and is respected by all. By his marriage Mr. Natcher became the father of five living children: William H., who is a bookkeeper at Bowling Green, Ky.; Ada, wife of George Philips; George, merchant; Clarence M., shoemaker at Gallatin and Capitola. Mr. Natcher is a man who attends strictly to business and is a skillful workman. He is a Democrat in politics and an ancient member of the I.O.O.F. His wife is a member of the Christian Church.