Dr. W. R. Tomkins, cashier of the Bank of Gallatin, was born in 1837, in Gallatin, Sumner Co., Tenn., a son of J. R. A. and Mary (Madding) Tomkins, both of whom were of Irish descent. The father was born in 1800 in South Carolina, and when six years of age came with his father, John Tomkins, to Gallatin, where he commenced merchandising at an early age, and was for many years one of the leading and most prosperous business men of the place. He was president of the cotton factory a number of years. In 1871, when the Bank of Gallatin was organized, with a capital stock of $75,000, he was elected president, and his son, Joseph M. became cashier. Both died in 1879. Mr. Tomkins owned 600 acres of land near Gallatin, and was one of the most esteemed citizens. His wife was born in Robertson County, Tenn., and married in Sumner County. She was the mother of five children, of whom only John A. and our subject survive. Her death occurred in 1846. Dr. Tomkins received a thorough literary education at Central College, Danville, Ky. At the age of twenty-two he began the study of medicine. In 1859 he graduated at the Nashville University as an M.D. In 1861 he again graduated and received the same degree at the University of New York, New York City. During two years of the war he was assistant surgeon in the hospitals at Nashville. After the restoration of peace the Doctor began his practice, which he continued with success until 1879, when he was appointed cashier of the bank in his deceased brother's place. In 1865 the Doctor married Miss Mary, daughter of R. S. Payne. One child was born to this union, Lewis M., who received a fatal injury from a falling brick wall October 6, 1886, and died twenty-two hours afterward. He was a young man of exemplary habits, beloved by all. The day of his funeral all the business houses were closed in respect to his memory. The doctor's second marriage was with his sister-in-law, Miss Alice Payne, who bore him one child, William R. His third union was with Miss Ida Lewis, of St. Louis, by whom he has one child, Charles. Mrs. Tomkins is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The Doctor owns 440 acres of valuable land in Sumner County, and is one of the most able and solid business men of Gallatin. He is a Democrat, a member of the Masonic fraternity, King Solomon Lodge, No. 94. He also belongs to the K. of H. and K. of P.