TIPTON COUNTY TN - GOODSPEED - Biographies A-F Surnames
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Benjamin Adams, of Tipton County, Tenn. was born in Sumner County, Tenn., April
12, 1812, and is the son of Collin and Martha (Goodsum) Adams, both natives of
Virginia. The father was born in 1768 and was married twice; first to Miss Mary
Tias, a native of Southampton, Va., and by this marriage had two sons and a
daughter. This wife died in 1801 or 1802, and in 1804 he married Miss Martha E.
Goodsum and they had seven children. The father did not unite with any church,
but was a true Methodist and had all his children baptized in infancy. He died
in 1814. The mother was also a devout Methodist and died in 1851. Benjamin Adams
received a good education at Rural Academy in Sumner County, and at an early age
commenced farming. His father died when he was an infant and upon the division
of his large estate, a large number of slaves fell to his share and a guardian
was appointed to look after his interests; but all of his slaves, excepting one,
were poisoned by an old negro woman; and after losing his slaves, which
constituted most of his property, he came to West Tennessee and settled in
Tipton County, being one of the early settlers, and by untiring energy and
perserverance, was soon able to own a little farm, and since then has been
gradually adding to it, and now owns 800 acres of the best land in Tipton
County, and though somewhat advanced in years, superintends his farm himself,
which yields him a large income. October, 22, 1835 he married Miss Sarah T.
Brown, a native of Sumner County, Tenn., born in May, 1814, and died February
1880. Mr. Adams is a sound Democrat and a strict member of the Methodist Church
and one of the prominent and worthy citizens of Tipton County.

John Adams, a prosperous, energetic farmer of Tipton County, was born in Chester
County, S. C., December 25, 1817. His parents were Samuel nad Mary (Parks)
Adams, who were both natives of Ireland. The father was born in 1781 and died in
1867. The mother was born in 1791, and died in 1863. In early life they came to
America, landing in Charleston, S. C., and located in Chester County, S. C., but
a few years later moved to Tipton County, Tenn., and settled ten miles south of
Covington, where they lived the rest of their lives. The father was a most
successful farmer. John Adams, by his own perseverance and application secured a
good education in his youth, and at an early age commenced farming. In 1846 he
went to Louisana, and settled on Red River near the Arkansas line; five years
latr he moved to Tipton County, and settled in the Seventh District, ten miles
south of Covington, near his father's place. In 1866 he moved to Richardson's
Landing, on the Mississippi River, but at the end of four years moved back to
Tipton County, to his present home in the Sixth District twenty miles southwest
of Covington. Mr. Adams has been married twice, first to Miss Amanda (Lamb)
Densford, who was born in Tipton County in 1840. Mrs. Adams died July 5, 1866,
and July 20, 1871, he married Miss Virginia L. Matthews, born in Shelby County,
Tenn., in 1847. No children have been born to this marriage. Mr. Adams has
possessed more than ordinary energy; having commenced life a poor boy; by his
close application to business and clear judgment he has acquired a handsome
property, now owning 750 acres of valuable land in Tipton County, and a good
cotton-gin, and during the past few years has been raising fine stock,
especially fine horses. Mr. Adams never fails to give his enthusiastic support
to the Democratic Party. He is a consistent of the Reformed Presbyterian Church,
and Mrs. Adams is a worthy member of the Baptist Church.

James L. Adams, a well known citizen, farmer and lumber dealer of Munford,
Tipton Co., Tenn., is a native of Robertson Co., Tenn., born June 24, 1838, and
is a son of Rev. Louis and Lucinda (Thacker) Adams. The father was born in
Virginia, October 11, 1798, the mother in Kentucky on October 1, 1803. The
father by his own efforts acquired a good education in youth; in early life he
commenced farming but but in 1828 he quit the farm and prepared himself for a
broader work, that of preaching the Gospel. He entered the ministry of the
Methodist Church, joining the Tennessee Conference, and for twenty-two years was
an itinerant preacher of that conference. In 1850, he was transfered to the
Memphis Conference, and was an itinerate preacher of that conference for
fourteen years, and in 1863 located and sustained superannuated relations with
the conference. He was a devout man and an able preacher, relying largely upon
the inspiration of the moment for his simple heartfelt utterances instead of
tedious preparation, which was one secret of his success. He died January 28,
1878, and was buried at the old family graveyard one mile west of Munford. The
mother died July 29, 1886, and was buried by her husband. James L. Adams
received a good education in his youth, and commenced farming when young; he
moved with his parents to Tipton County, and settled Sixteen miles soutywest of
Covington. In 1861 he entered the Confederate service, in Company A, Fifty First
Tennessee Infantry, and was placed in Gen. Cheatham's division. He took part in
the battle of Perryville, Ky., in the retreat from Dalton to Atlanta, and at
Franklin, Tenn., where he was severly wounded and captured, and after being sent
to Nashville, Louisville, and Camp Chase, Ohio, he got a parole at Richmond,
Va., March 5, 1865, and returned home and resumed his farming and lumber
business, and has met with good success. July 19, 1863, he married Mary C.
McFadden, born in Rutherford County, February 10, 1842, and three sons and a
daughter were born to this marriage; two sons are dead. Mrs. Adams died August
9, 1884. Mr. Adams is an enthusiastic Democrat, and an active and worthy member
of the Methodist Church. He is a generous and upright man.

William N. Armstrong, a substantial citizen, and farmer of Tipton County, was
born in Gaston County, N. C., September 26, 1845, and is a son of Andrew J. and
Mary J. (Robinson) Armstrong. The father is a farmer, and was born in North
Carolina, December 11, 1819, and is still living; the mother was born in South
Carolina, July 4, 1815, and moved to Tipton County in 1852, settling near old
Portersville, ten miles south of Covington. The father was a Democrat, and both
parents strict members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. William N. was the
oldest of four children; after completing his education, he commenced farming;
he was but seven years old when his parents moved to Tipton County, and has
since then made it his home, excepting one year (1867), that he spent in
Arkansas. November 5, 1867, he married Miss Sarah T. Boyd, who was born in South
Carolina, May 22, 1845; her parents moved to Tipton County, when she was a
child, and settled ten miles south of Covington. Three children have been born
to this marriage; Erastus O., born August 18, 1870; William L., died in infancy
and Vera C., September 19, 1884. Mr. Armstrong has always been a Democrat; in
August, 1882, he was elected magistrate in his district, and still fills the
office. In 1871 he bought a farm, placed good improvements on it and moved to it
the same year; he owns 280 acres of fertile land. Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Armstrong
belong to any church, but prefer and attend the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
He is a man of fine principles, and well liked by all.

N. W. Baptist, a prominent citizen and attorney of Covington, Tenn., was born in
Mecklenburg County, Va., October 10, 1846, and is one of a family of two
children, hiimself and a sister, now Mrs. Mary W. Wimbish, their parents being
R. R. and Mary L. (Wilson) Baptist, both natives of Virginia. The father was
born in 1810, was a lawyer by profession and served as clerk of the court, also
as attorney general one term. He died in 1868. The mother was born in 1820, and
is now residing with her daughter at Covington. In early boyhood our subject
attended the district schools of his native county, and at the age of fifteen
enlisted in Company A. Eighteenth Virginia Regiment (infantry), as private, but
was afterward promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. He participated in many
battles and skirmishes, and April, 1865, was captured, taken to Point Lookout,
Md., where he remained until August 24, 1865. After returning home he attended
college for ten months, and read law under his father for about two years. In
1869 he came to Tipton County, locating in Mason, and kept books for two years.
He was then elected magistrate, was chairman of the county court, which position
he held until September, 1886. For four years he has been practicing law with J.
C. Boals, and is one of the leading attorneys of the place. In 1871 he wedded
Belle Boyd, a native of Virginia and the daughter of Frank W. and Isabella Boyd.
To Mr. and Mrs. Baptist were born five children: Frank B., Richard B., Belle T.,
Mary L. and Lucy R. Mr. Baptist is a Democrat in politics, a member of the
Masonic Faternity and a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Richard S. Barret, Esq., son of James and Nancy (Sanford) Barret was born in
Sumner County, Tenn., January 8, 1821, and is one of a family of eight children,
six of whom are living. Our subject received his education in the district
schools of his neighborhood, and in 1846 united his fortunes with those of Mary
Harris, a native of Louisa County, Va., born in 1832, and the daughter of John
W. and L. Harris. This union resulted in the birth of five children: John H.,
Sallie (wife of W. B. Smith), Thomas M. (engaged in the railroad business),
Eugenie (deceased) and James M. After marriage Mr. Barret continued farming and
was also engaged in the milling business at Covington, until the war. In 1866 he
was appointed county court clerk, and was elected to fill the same position the
three succeeding elections, continuing in office until August, 1878. He has
acted as magistrate of his district for the past five years, and he held public
offices most of the time since coming to this county. He is a man well known and
much esteemed by all his acquaintences, both as a public officer and citizen. He
is a Democrat in politics and cast his first vote for Gov. Jones, who was
elected on the Whig ticket. He is a mason, and he and his wife are members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church South. His parents were both natives of Virginia,
the father of Caroline County, Va., born almost 1796; he was a farmer and died
in 1872. The mother was born in Louisa County, Va., and died about 1872.

Dr. William L. Barret, surgeon and physician of , Tenn., is a son of James and
Nancy (Sanford) Barret, and was born in Cumberland County, Ky., in 1832, being
the sixth child of a family of six sons and two daughters; one son died. The
father was of Anglo-Irish extraction, and was born in Virginia in 1792; was
raised there, and received a very limited education. When sixteen years old he
moved with his parents to Kentucky, and in 1814 married moving to Tipton County
in 1834, settling three miles souteast of Portersville, where he farmed until
his death in 1867. The mother was born in Sumner County, Tenn., in 1797, and
died in 1872. They were both members of Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Dr.
Barret was educated at the male academy, four miles southeast of Portersville,
and at nineteen began the study of medicine under Dr. Dickson, near
Portersville, and continued two years. In 1852 he enter the Memphis Medical
College, where he graduated in 1854, having practiced between sessions. He then
went to Mississippi and practiced there until 1857, when he removed to Phillips
Co., Ark., and stayed until 1861. Dr. Barret then enlisted in the Confederate
Army, in Company C, Wilburn's battalion, under Forrest, and remained six months,
when he was sent home on account of ill health. He then returned to Arkansas,
ans soon after went to Texas, and in a few months returned to his family in
Holly Springs, Miss. In 1864 he moved to Covington, Tenn., and practiced
medicine for twelve years; then located at , six miles northwest of Covington.
Dr. Barret has met with marked success in his profession, and is considered a
splendid physician. He has a beautiful place. August 31, 1854, he married M. L.
Roberts, near Holly Springs, Miss., and of eight children born to them four are
living: Dr. Walter M., of Quincy, Cal.; William R., of same place; engaged in
mining; Edwin W., a clerk in Barretsville, Shelby County, and Charles G.,
sixteen years old. Mrs. Barret died March 15, 1880, and June 1881, he married
Rebecca A., daughter of William and Frances A. Chism, of Fulton, Miss., who was
born in Holly Springs in 1843. Dr. Barret was formerly a Whig, but his first
presidental vote was cast for James Buchanan. Since the war he has been a
Democrat. He is an active and prominent Mason, and belongs to the Old School
Presbyterian Church, as his first did. His present wife is a Methodist.

S. D. Beaver, farmer and merchant of Fourth District, is a son of Dr. S. B. and
Elizabeth Beaver, and was born in Fayette County, in 1853, and is one of nine
children, five of them living: Mrs. Frances Freeman, Mrs. Isabella Sloop, James
B., S. D. and Sarah A. Allison. The father was of Scotis-Irish ancestry, born in
Alabama. When fourteen years of age he moved with his father to Fayette County,
where the latter remained until his death. S. B. Beaver had no advantages for
educating himself, but, in spite of this, through close application to study and
possessing a bright mind, he obtained a fine education and is one of the most
practical business man of Fayette County. He married at twenty-two, and at
twenty-four began the study of medicine without a preceptor, and soon after
commenced practicing medicine and was soon in possession of an extensive
practice, proving efficent and successful as a physician. He is a practical,
self-made man, never having attended a medical college, but preparing himself
for the profession by his own study. He is still living in Fayette County, at
the advanced age of seventy-eight years, being a man of considerable means. He
was captured by the Federal soldiers during the war, and for several weeks
served as a surgeon in the hospital in Lagrange, Tenn. The mother was born in
Henderson County, in 1810, and is still living. They are both Missionary
Baptists. Our subject remained at home until of age, was educated in the county
schools, and by self study. When twenty-two he moved to Tipton County and worked
as an employee for nine years, and in this time saved $1,000. December 27, 1880,
he married Maria, daughter of William and Mary Delashmit and had three sons:
Everett Lee, Claudus Gaston and John. He then took charge of the Alston
plantation and served as agent for three years, then purchased 187 acres of
land, where he now resides, six miles west of Brighton, and in 1863 commenced
merchandising in connection with his farming. He possess fine business capacity,
and is becoming one of the leading farmers and substantial business men of the
county. When a young man he was a constable for a year during an unexpired term.
Mr. Beaver is a Democrat and cast his first presidental vote for Grover
Cleveland. He is an active member of the I. O. O. F. Mrs. Beaver was born in
Tipton County in 1866.

Dr. Marmaduke Bell, a skillful physician of Tabernacle, Tipton Co., Tenn., was
born in Dickinson County, Tenn., August 10, 1834, and is a son of Thomas and
Mary J. (Bowen) Bell. The father was born in North Carolina, in 1895, and died
in 1867. He moved to Dickinson County with his parents when young, and farmed in
that county very successfully the rest of his life. He was a Democrat, and a
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The mother is a native of
Tennessee, born in 1818, and is still living, and is a member of the
Presbyterian Church. Dr. Bell received a good education in his youth and in the
fall of 1857 entered the medical department of the Nashville University, and
received his diploma in the spring of 1859. After graduating he located at
Chulahoma, Miss., and commenced the practice of medicine. In 1861 he entered the
Confederate Army and was made captain of a Comapany, Seventeenth, Mississippi
Infantry, but on account of ill health was soon compelled to resign his
commission and return home. In 1861, he located at Tabernacle and gave his time
to his professional duties, soon building up an extensive practice and making an
enviable reputation as a physician. May 17, 1865, he married Mrs. Sue H.
(Foster) Ligon, a native of Haywood County, Tenn. Two daughters and a son were
born to this marriage. Mrs. Bell died June 6, 1872, and January 20, 1875, Dr.
Bell married Miss Annie E. Hunt, born in Tipton County, January 27, 1848. They
had two sons and a daughter. One son is dead. Politically Dr. Bell is a true
Democrat and deeply interested in his party. His is not identified with any
church, but is by preference of doctrine a Presbyterian. Mrs. Bell is an
Episcopalian. They are highly esteemed in the social circles in their community.

James A. Billings, farmer and merchant of the Third District, is a son of David
ans Susan Ann (McCoy) Billings. He was born in Lincoln County in 1830, and is
the sixth child of a family of fifteen children-seven sons eight daughters; four
sons and three daughters living. The father was of German ancestery, born in
North Carolina in 1794. He was raised in his native state, and married when
about twenty-five years old, and moved to Lincoln County in 1825, farming there
until 1837; when he moved to Tipton County and located near what is now the
Twelfth District, where he died in 1851, being one of the early settlers. The
mother was born in North Carolina in 1892 and died in 1858. Our subject was
raised and educated in Tipton County. November, 1855, he married Nancy E.,
daughter of John and Sallie Roe. They had sixteen children-four sons and four
daughters living: Lucy Ann (wife of M. A. Phillips), Margaret, Elizabeth Jennie,
Mary Matilda, James Henry, Spruce, Holmes Cummings, and Pink. Mr. Billings spent
a year after his marriage in the Twelfth District, then moved to his present
farm, owning about 400 acres of land different tracts; 124 acres in the home
tract is well cultivated and is nine miles west of Covington, near Walnut Grove
Church. In 1874, he purchased a stock of goods and since then has been engaged
in mercantile business in connection with his farming. He is a good business
man, and was elected magistrate in 1876, holding the office for six years. He is
a firm Democrat. Mrs. Billings was born in Lincoln County in 1838, and is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Dr. James E. Blaydes, a well known practicing physician of Atoka, Tipton Co.,
Tenn., was born in Madison County November 28, 1839, and is a son of John K. and
Sallie (Coleman) Blaydes, who were both natives of Virginia. The father was born
in 1802, and in 1830 moved with his parents from Virginia to Madison Co., Tenn.,
where he lived for seven or eight years, then moved to Fayette County, and
settled at Macon, ten miles southwest of Somerville. The greater part of his
life was spent in farming, but a few years from his death, he was in the
mercantile and livery business at Wythe's Depot, in Shelby County. Mr. Blaydes
was always a Democrat, and with his wife, belonged to the Missionary Baptist
Church. He died July 18, 1876, aged seventy-four years. The mother was born in
1808 and died in 1861. Our subject received a good education, and in 1858
entered the Nashville Medical College, where he took his first course of
lectures. In 1861 he went to Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, and
received a diploma. In the summer of 1861 he volunteered as privat in the
Confederate service, enlisting in Company B, Seventh Tennessee Regiment of
cavalry, which joined Forrest. After serving six or eight months as private, he
was made surgeon of the Second Engineering Regiment of Gen. Loring's division,
where he remained until the war closed. He returned home in June 1865. The war
left him without means and it was difficult that he commenced the practice of
his profession; but he located at Portersville, Tipton County, and in a very
short time built up a large practice, and was soon recognized as one of the most
skillful physicians of the county. May 3, 1866, he married Matilda E. Payne, of
Tipton County, born February 20, 1839, and by this marriage had two sons and
four daughters-one son and one daughter living. Dr. Blaydes has been an
excellent prosperous man; his wife had a few thousand dollars and this, with the
income from his large practice, enabled him to buy land and sell to an
advantage. He own 3,500 acres. Dr. Blaydes is a Democrat. While not holding
membership with any church, he is a firm believer in the Christian religion, and
in sympathy with the doctrine of the Missionary Baptist Church. He is one of
Tipton County's most valuable citizens.

J. C. Boals, a leading attorney of Covington, Tenn., was born in Fayette County,
November 16, 1850, and is one of a family of six children born to J. N. and
Cynthia Boals. The former was born in North Carolina, April 19, 1810, and came
to Tennessee with his parents when a boy. He is now residing in Fayette County,
and is an ardent Democrat, and takes considerable interest in polictical
affairs, although he is now seventy-six years of age. His wife's maiden name was
Polk. She was a distant relative of James K. Polk, and was born in 1821 and died
March 1861. Our subject graduated at Macon College, before he completed his
eighteenth year, taking the degree of B. A. He then taught school in Hardeman
County, and a few years later entered the post graduates' department of Yale
College, remaining in that institution two years. He again taught school for
about a year and a half at Williston, and in 1874 returned to Yale College, and
in 1876 graduated with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. From that time until
May, 1878, he taught in Macon College, and then came to Covington and continued
to teach until June, 1879, and in September of the same year was admitted to the
bar. It was his intention to fit himself for the ministry and it was with this
intention that he enter Yale College, but later decided on law as his
profession. November 30, 1880, he wedded Anna, daughter of Dr. William and Sarah
R. Hall. Mrs. Boals was born in Covington in February, 1859, and is the mother
of three children: Clarence P., Harvey H., and Sarah R. Mr. Boals is an
enterprising citizen and an excellent lawyer, and is an ardent Democrat in
politics. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is a deacon in the same.

R. R. Boyd, of Covington, Tenn., was born in New Hampshire, in 1835, and was one
of six children, all living, born to Robert and Susan Boyd, both natives of New
Hampshire. The father was born in 1799; he was a farmer, and held some office of
polictical importance, including membership in the State Legislature for many
years, and was an elder in the Presbyterian Church. He moved to Ohio in 1852,
and died in 1872. The mother's maiden name was Riddle; she was born in 1800 and
died in 1849. Our subject was raised and educated at home. He came to Nashville
in 1853 and remained there until 161. He was first employed as a book-keeper,
and was then in the produce business for himself. In 1861 he enlisted in the
Confederate Army, and was in the commissionary department as clerk under Maj. G.
V. Rambeau until 1863, when he was discharged on account of ill health. In 1861
he married Harriet, daughter of John and Mary Black. Mrs. Boyd was born near
Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1835. They have three children: Robert B., George R. Grant
and Harry Findley. After Mr. Boyd returned from the army he located at Memphis,
and engaged in the lumber business, and for some time furnished wood for the
Louisville & Nashville Railroad Company, and then handled cotton, and engaged in
ginning. In 1876 he moved to Covington, continuing the latter business until
1886, then began dealing in and sawing lumber. Mr. Boyd is a Democrat, and a
member of the I. O. O. F., and with his wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church.
He stands well in the community and is a man of strict integrity and kind heart.

J. Nicholas Bringle, one of the early settlers of Tipton County, and a leading
farmer of the Twelfth District, was born in Rowan County, N. C. in 1825, and is
one of four children-two sons and two daughters-our subject and one sister
surviving. The parents were Thomas and Catharine (Limpaugh) Bringle. The father
was of Pennsylvania Dutch descent, born in Rowan County, N. C. in 1800. He had a
common school education, and was married at twenty-one; he was a carpenter by
trade and followed it for a living in early life. He came to Tipton County in
November, 1835, and settled in the Twelfth District, when the country was still
a dense wilderness; he died in 1845. The mother was born in Rowan County, N. C.
in 1806, and died in 1862. They were members of the Baptist Church. She was
married the second time in 1847, to Alex Woods. Our subject received most of his
education in the schools of Rowan County, N. C. July 14, 1846, he married
Margaret Billings, and they had nine children, eight of whom are living: Johh W.
(is a farmer of Arkansas), Charles A., James T., George L., Mary M. (wife of
John H. Smith), Sallie Ann (wife of Marion Miller), Peter A., and William H.
Mrs. Bringle was born in Davidson County, N. C., and died in 1863. December 25,
1863, he married Sarah F., daughter of Peter and Nancy Bringle, and by this
marriage had ten children, eight of them now living at his present farm for
twenty-eight years; he owns 425 acres of valuable land, five miles northwest of
Covington. He has earned his fine property by his own labor, and good
management, having started his life poor, but by perseverance overcame all of
the difficulties of pioneer life, and raised a large, industrious and
intelligent family, and he is considered one of the substantial farmers of the
county. In April, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, Seventh Tennessee Cavalary,
and served until June of the same year, when he was sent home on account of ill
health. He was formerly a Whig in politics, and still adheres to the principles
of that party; his first presidential vote was for Gen. Taylor, in 1848. Mrs.
Bringle was born in Tipton County, in 1836, and is a member of the Missionary
Baptist Church.

T. J. Bringle, one of the influential citizens of the Twlefth District, is a son
of Peter and Nancy (Verble) Bringle, and was born in Tipton County, in 1835,
being the fifth of ten children, two sons and three daughters living. The
grandfather was born in Germany, and the name was originally Pringle, which is
still retained by some of the descendants. The father was born in North Carolina
in 1794, and had poor school advantages. He was twice married, our subject being
a child of the second marriage. He moved to Hardeman County, Tenn., in 1825, and
a year later to Tipton County. One of its pioneers, he settled in the Twelfth
District, where he died in 1874. The mother was born in North Carolina in 1804,
and died in 1876, a devout Baptist. Our subject was educated in rough schools of
the forest. April, 1860, he married Elizabeth, a daughter of Isaac W. and Mary
N. Owen. They have six children: James P., Thomas L., Mollie A., Ernest N.,
Walter W., and Isaac L. Mr. Bringle spent the first twelve years of his married
life on his father's original tract and moved in 1873 to his present home, where
he owns 1,000 acres of land and 100 acres in District 2. He has been a man of
marked energy and quite successful, being one of the most extensive land owners
in the district. April, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, Seventh Tennessee
Cavalry, was captured in battle, and taken to Memphis and held as a prisoner
until September, when he was paroled and sent home, when he resumed his farming.
Mr. and Mrs. Bringle, are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. She was born
in Tipton County, in 1838; her parents were natives of North Carolina. He is a
conservative Democrat.

James H. Bringle, a citizen of Twelfth District, was born in Tipton County in
1841, and is one of twelve children, two sons and three daughters living, all in
Tipton County. The parents were Peter and Nancy (Verble) Bringle. The father was
of Dutch extraction; was born in Davidson County, N. C. in 1794. He was first
married when about twenty-four years old, and had one daughter. After his wife
died he married, in 1822, Nancy Verble, who was born in Davidson County, N. C.
in 1804, and died in 1876. He moved to Hardeman County in 1825, and in 1826 to
Tipton County, being one of the first settlers when the county was still a
wilderness. His wife and himself were members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
He was a farmer, and died in 1874. Our subject was raised and educated in Tipton
County. When the war commenced he enlisted in the Confederate Army, in Company
I, Seventh Tennessee Cavalry, but in three months returned home on account of
ill health; soon after joined Company G, Fifty-first Tennessee Infantry, and
remained for two years; then rejoined his original command in the cavalry, and
served until December, 1864, when he returned home after three hard years of
fighting and suffering, and resumed farming. November, 1868, He married Nancy J.
White, daughter of William and Robert White, and they had four children, two
living: William Floyd, Emmet W. Mrs. Bringle died August 19, 1880, and January
27, 1881, he married Eliza A., daughter of Capt. J. A. and Susan Ann McFerin;
they have one child, Nannie Sue. Since his first marriage Mr. Bringle has
resided on his present farm of 290 acres of the best land in Tipton County, six
miles northwest of Covington. Mr. Bringle is a self-made man, and has made his
property by his own industry. In 1876 he was elected magistrate, and held the
office two years, when he resigned. He is a Democrat, and an active member of
the Old School Presbyterian Church, being an elder in ti. His first wife
belonged to that church, but his present wife is a Methodist. She was born in
Cannon County, Tenn., in 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Bringle are greatly esteemed in
their community.

George B. Calhoun, of Tipton County, was born in Prince Edward County, Va., July
22, 1815, and is the son of Adam and Jane (Dianel) Calhoun, both natives of
Virginia. The father was of Irish Descent, and the mother's ancestors came from
Scotland. the father was a first cousin to the distinguished John C. Calhoun. He
was a farmer; born about 1778, and died in 1844 or 1845. The mother was born in
1790, and died in 1853. The father was always a farmer, and had the care of a
widowed mother and several children, and was very successful. He was a democrat,
and an influential member of the Presbyterian Church, and was an elder in the
same for over twenty years. The mother was also a devout member of that church.
Our subject received a good education, and commenced farming at an early age. In
1838 he moved from Virginia to Tipton County, and settled frour miles south of
Covington; was among the early settlers, and is now the only surviving one of
the first member of Mount Carmel Church. On January 9, 1840, he married Sarah F.
Bledsoe, a native of Summer County, Tenn. He was born near Castilian Springs,
March 2, 1821, and they have had eight children-five sons and three daughters;
one son is dead. In the spring of 1862 Mr. Calhoun entered the Confederate
service in Company C, Seventh Tennessee Cavalry, but only remained in the
service six months, when he returned home to fulfill a promise to his neighbors
to superintend their business during their absence. Mr. Calhoun has been an
active, enterprising mand and has acquired a large property, owning a fine farm
of 600 acres and a large cotton-gin. He has always voted with the Democratic
party. For fifty years he has been a member of the Presbyterian Church, and for
many years a deacon in it. His wife and six children hold worthy memberships in
the same church.

Mrs. M. D. Campbell, a resident of Covington, Tenn., was born at Evansville,
Ind., and was the daughter of T. J. and Rachel (Robinson) Duncan. The father was
of Scotch origin, born and reared in Georgia, his birth occuring in 1805. He
resided a short time in Alabama, and at the age of sixteen moved to Indiana and
spent the rest of his life. He was a farmer, and died May 16, 1849. The mother
was born near Knoxville, Tenn., in 1808, and died October 25, 1846. From 1862 to
1865 Mrs. Campbell was in the employ of the medical purveyor's department, at
Richmond, Va., and while there was well acquainted with many of the Confederate
Government officials. November 6, 1873, she married Thomas J. McGuire. He was
born in Mayo County, Ireland, April 23,1 1827, and came to America when four
years old. He lived at Philadelphia until 1856; then located at Cincinnati. He
served in the Federal Army fours years; then moved to Memphis in 1866, and was
inspector of the gas company until 1876, when he was appointed to a place on the
police force. He died of yellow fever September 10, 1879. April 20, 1880, our
subject married John H. Campbell, who is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born
February 22, 1848. In 1874 Mr. Campbell located at Memphis and served for two
years as deputy sheriff, and for a time was on the police force. In 1885, they
moved to Covington, where he is engaged in the saloon business, and Mrs.
Campbell is keeping a hotel, making a most kind and attentive hostess.

J. C. Culbreath, one of the leading farmers of the Thirteenth District, is a son
of John and Mary (Farar) Culbreath, and was born in Virginia in 1833, being one
of eight children, six living. The father is of Scotch-Irish ancestry, born in
Virginia in 1805; was raised in that state, and married in 1830; came to Tipton
County in 1834 and farmed in the Thirteenth District, of which he is still a
resident. The mother was born in Virginia in 1808, and died in 1856. They were
both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Our subject was educated
in Tipton County and began life as an overseer, and after working at this two
year went to Arkansas in the same capacity, continuing for six years. He entered
the Confederate Army, in Company B, Firt Arkansas Cavalry, where he served until
1863; was then transferred to the Army of the Cumberland, in the infantry under
Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, and in the retreat from Atlanta lost his left arm, and
immediately returned to Tipton County; was twice wounded in the infantry
service. April, 1868, he married Sarah J., daughter of E. R. and Josephine
Cockrill. They have four children: Farar, Mamie J., John E. and Charley G. After
his marriage he settled where he now lives, fives miles southeast of Covington,
on a farm of 500 acres, and also owns 100 acres more in the same district and a
half interest in another tract of 200 acres. Mr. Culbreath is a man of sound
judgment and fine business capacity; is a Democrat, and his first presidental
vote was cast for James Buchanan in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Culbreath belong to the
Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mrs. Culbreath was born in Tipton County in
1839. Her parents were natives of Middle Tennessee.

James F. Dickson, one of the substantial citizens of Covington, is a son of
Michael M. and Mary (Fentress) Dickson, and was born in Tipton County, in 1841,
and is one of eight children, two sons and three daughters living. The father
was of Irish ancestry, born in Dickson County, Tenn., in 1811. The grandfather,
Molton Dickson, was a native of Scotland, and located in Montgomery County,
Tenn., where he raised a family, and spent the rest of his life. Michael Dickson
received a good English and business education, and was a book-keeper for some
time. He married in Dickson County, in 1835, and soon after moved to Tipton
County, and engaged in farming, also in a saw-mill, and in merchandising. He was
a man of fine business capacity, and had considerable means. For a number of
years he was trustee of Tipton County, and held other official positions; he
died in 1855. The mother was born in Montgomery County, in 1816, and died in
1878. They were members of the Old School Presbyterian Church. All the Dicksons
of West Tennessee are supposed to be descended from Christopher Strong, who was
the grandfather of Michale M., on the mother's side, one of the early pioneers
of Dickson County, and one of the most extensive land owners in the West. Our
subject was chiefly educated at Portersville, one of the best schools in the
county, and when eighteen, enlisted in the Confederate Army, in Company G,
Fifty-first Tennessee Infantry, and was first orderly sergeant, then lieutenant,
and was in the battles of Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, around Atlanta,
and Jonesboro, N. C., and at Franklin, where he was captured and soon after
taken to Fort Delware, and held prisoner until July, 1865, when he returned home
after an absence of four years; honorable service, and resumed farming, which
has always been his occupation-except three years at Dickson's Landing, when he
was merchandising. November 23, 2865, he married Rachel J., daughter of Bunyan
and Nancy M. (Wright) Payne, and of eight children born to them, only three are
living: Vernon B., Fentress and Minneola. Mr. Dickson spent the first year of
his married life with his mother, then moved to the Miss. River, and remained
until 1876, when he moved to his father-in-law's farm and took charge of his
extensive business, and in 1881 moved to Covington, where he is pleasantly
located. Mr. Dickson is one of the most enterprising farmers and important
business men of Tipton County. He owns 1,600 acres of good land. In 1870 he was
elected magistrate and held office six years. He is a Democrat and a Mason, and
with his wife, belongs to the Old School Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Dickson was
born in Tipton County, in 1844. Her father was a native of South Carolina and
came to Tipton County in 1832, and became one of the wealthiest and most
influential citizens of the county; he died in 1878.

Robert A. Drewry, a substantial merchant of Mason, Tipton County, carrying a
general stock of goods, was born in Carroll County, Tenn., March 29, 1854, and
is a son of Thomas J. and Nancy (Gibson) Drewry, natives of Virginia. Our
subject was raised on the farm and received his education at McKenzie, Tenn. In
1870 he abandoned farming, and has since engaged in the mercantile business. In
1879 he moved to Mason, Tenn., and engaged in his present business, meeting with
the most encouraging success. Mr. Drewry started life without captial beyond a
fair business education, and is now one of the solid business men of Tipton
County. February 10, 1879, he was married to one of Sarah P. Ragsdale, a
daughter of Edward and Eliza Ragsdale, of Fayette County. Mr. Drewry is a
Democrat and a member of the K. of H. He stands well in his community as a
gentleman and a valuable citizen, taking an active interest in all that has a
tendency to advance the interests of his town.

Thomas P. Eddins, an enterprising merchant of Tipton Co., Tenn., is a native of
Wilson County, born in September 20, 1833, and the son of John and Nancy
(Hooker) Eddins. The father was born in South Carolina in 1792, and died
January, 1858. The mother was born in Wilson County, in 1792, and died in 1844.
The father was a farmer. They moved to Fayette County in 1834, and settled near
Somerville, where they spent the rest of their lives. The father was not a
church member but a true friend of the church, and liberal in responding to its
needs. The mother was a devout Presbyterian. Our subject, after receiving his
education, commenced to work at the mechanic's trade; when very young he moved
to Fayette County with his parents, and in 1855 moved to Shelby County, Tenn.,
and lived there five years, and in 1860 moved to Tipton County, settled at Mt.
Zion, and engaged in the mercantile business and farming, and in 1866 again
moved to Tipton Station, continuing the same business and farming and meeting
with success. Mr. Eddins is a strictly honest business man, correct in all of
his dealings. October 18, 1858, he married Miss Allie Tucker, a native of Tipton
County, born in 1827, and they have had ten children-two sons and eight
daughters-all living. Mr. Eddins always supports the Democratic party. While he
has never united with any church, he is a firm believer in the Christian
religion and a man of high moral character, liked and respected by all who know
him.

Joseph J. Elcan, M. D., a practicing physician of Mason, Tipton County, Tenn.,
was born in Haywood County, December 27, 1841, and is a son of George H. and
Elizabeth H. Elcan, native of Virginia and North Carolina. Our subject was
raised on a farm and received his education at Covington, Tenn., and in 1860
commenced the study of medicine under Dr. G. M. Whitthorne, of Bellemonte,
Fayette Co., Ten. In 1861 he entered the Confederate service; was under Gen.
Forrest in the Seventh Tennessee Regiment of volunteers until the close of the
war, and participated in most of the battles that Forrest's command engaged in.
When the war closed he again took up his chosen profession, medicine, and
commenced the study of it under Dr. A. D. Clement, and his brother, Dr. A. L.
Elcan, of Tipton County, Tenn., and in 1869-70 attended the Medical University
opf Louisville, Ky. Since then he has been constantly engaged in the practice of
medicine, and has established the reputation of being a well read and reliable
physician. Dr. Elcan was married March 4, 1874, to Kate Green, daughter of
Nathaniel and Lucy A. Green, of Virginia, and by this marriage has a son and a
daughter: Lizzie R. and Claude V. Dr. and Mrs. Elcan are members of the
Episcopal Church; he is also a K. of H., and in politics is a Democrat. He is
highly esteemed both as a citizen and a physician in his community.

W. C. Exum, of the firm of Boyd, Exum & Wimbish, was born in Davidson County,
Tenn., May 6, 1848, son of Dr. E. S. and Sallie (Carter) Exum, natives of
Halifax County, N. C. The former was born in 1810 and came to Tennessee when a
young man, where he practiced medicine for many years in Davidson and Cheatham
Counties. He died in 1865. His wife was born in 1820, and died in 1848. Our
subject was educated mostly under a private tutor, Prof. W. H. Fessey, a
prominent educator of Middle Tennessee. In 1873, Mr. Exum came to Covington, and
from that time until 1878 was connected with the Paducah & Memphis Railroad
Company as superintendant of bridge building. The company is now known as the
Newport News & Mississippi Valley. In February, 1875, Mr. Exum married Mary E.,
daughter of J. J. and Sophia Malone. They have three children; Bessie N., Anna
Lou, and Nellie. Mrs. Exum was born in Sumner County in Tenn., in March, 1852.
Her father was a Virginian by birth, born in 1814. He came to Hartsville, Tenn.,
when a boy and to Tipton County a few years ago. He is a farmer and miller and
was married to Miss Key, a cousin of ex-postmaster-Gen. Key. She was born in
Sumner County in 1829. Since 1882, Mr. Exum has been in the livery business and
in January, 1885, began in merchandising. He is held in high esteem by all of
his acquaintances and is a Democrat and belongs to the K. of H. He and his wife
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Prof. Fred P. A. Fisher, was born at Covington, November, 1839, was one of nine
children, four still living. The parents were C. G. and Elizabeth V. Fisher. The
father was born in Vermont, in 1800, and came to Covington in 1824, and was a
physician by profession, and one of much prominence; was widely known, and
formed a partnership with Drs. Green and Hall, the firm being known as Fisher,
Green and Hall. He died in 1879. The mother's maiden name was Dussham, born at
Nashville, in 1810, and died January 1886. Our subject was raised chiefly at
Covington, Tenn. At the age of twenty he commenced teaching, and except during
the war has since followed the work. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederated
Army in the Tipton Rifles, under Col. Neily and Capt. J. H. Maley, but was
afterward transferred to the Artillery Guards of Memphis, where he remained a
year, then joined Forrest's Cavalry, where he stayed until the war closed, under
Col. W. L. Duckworth, being second lieutenant. Prof. Fisher was married in
Mississippi, in 1867, to Miss Kate, daughter of D. A. and Fannie Ridgway. Mrs.
Fisher is a native of Columbus, Ga., born in 1847. She was educated at Columbus,
Ga., and Sardis, Miss. They have five children: Drury, Fannie, Vergie, Kate, and
Allan. After the war Prof. Fisher went to Missouri and taught in that state
eleven years, ten of them near Lexington. He then returned to Covinton to care
for his mother, his father having died. He has always possessed a great deal of
energy and perseverance, and ranks high among the educators of Tennessee. He is
a Democrat, and with his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

Samuel Fleming, farmer and citizen of the Twelfth District, is a son of Samuel
and Kesiah (Wilson) Fleming, was born in Rutherford County, in 1832, and is one
of seven children, three sons and two daughters living. The father was born in
North Carolina, in 1798, was married in that state, and moved to Rutherford
County, Tenn., and farmed until his death in 1835. The mother was born in
Alabama, about 1800, and died in 1873. Both parnets were members of the
Christian Church. Our subject was raised by his mother, and educated in
Rutherford County. June, 1850, he married Jane, daughter of William and Massey
Maxwell, and by this marriage had four children, three living; Don F., born in
1854; John Wesley, born in 1856, and Amanda, born in 1859, wife of John Smith
(deceased). Mr. Fleming came to Tipton County in 1853, and the first year lived
near Covington, but since then has been a resident of the Twelfth District, and
living on his present farm since 1864. He owns 320 acres of good productive
land. He has been a hard-working, industrious man, and has accumulated his
property by his own labor, and is a good citizen and kind neighbor. He was
formerly a Whig, but cast his first vote for President James Buchanan in 1856,
and is now a Democrat. Mr. Fleming is a true Christian though not identified
with any church. Mrs. Fleming was born in Middle Tennessee, about 1828, and is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. James H. Flowers, farmer and
substantial citizen of the Thirteenth District, is a son of John G. and Mary J.
(Cotton) Flowers, and was a in Haywood County in 1843, and is one of nine
children, two sons and five daughters living. The father was of Scotch-Irish
ancestry, born in Bladen County, N. C., in 1800. The grandfather was a native of
Virginia, and a man of considerable means. The father was raised in North
Carolina and received a good education, and when eighteen years old moved to
ownsville, Tenn., being one of its earliest settlers, and commenced as a clerk.
He was married in 1830, and engaged in the mercantile business on his own
account until 1849, when he moved to Tipton County and settled in the Thirteenth
District, when the county was still a wilderness and neighbors five miles
distant. He was a man of ability and influence, and served as a member of Tipton
County Court for years. He died in 1865. The mother was born in North Carolina
in 1811, and is still living. They were both Methodists and highly esteemed.
James H. Flowers was educated in Tipton County. He enlisted in the Confederate
Army, in Company B, Seventh Tennesse Cavalry, and was in active service through
the entire war. While on the retreat through Tipton County, in 1862, he was
captured, taken to Memphis and tried as a spy, but was acquitted and soon after
paroled, and in a few weeks was exchanged and rejoined his command under Gen.
Forrest. He was again captured, in August, 1864, in Mississippi, but made his
escape under heavy fire from the enemy. He surrendered at Gainsville, Ala, in
May, 1865, when he returned home and assumed charge of his father's business and
the family, giving them a good education. In January, 1873, he married Miss
Fannie V., daughter of Morgan C. and Julia Turrnetine, of Tallisa Falls, Ala.
They have four children: Jamie H., Morgan C., Julia Cotton and Susan Micou.
Since his marriage Mr. Flowers has resided at his present home, owning 450 acres
of good land seven miles southeast of Covington. Mr. Flowers is a man of fine
business capacity, and has made his money by his own energy and application to
business. He is a Democrat. Mrs. Flowers was born in North Carolina in 1851, and
is a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Her father was a
native of Georgia, and her mother of North Carolina.