TIPTON COUNTY TN - GOODSPEED - Biographies S-Z Surnames ******************************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Janet Johnson ******************************************************************************** Dr. T. J. Reid, a prominent citizen, druggist, and physician of Covington, Tenn., was born in Macon, Tenn., in September, 1838, and is one of a family of eight children born to William B. & E. H. (Brown) Reid, both natives of North Carolina. The father was born in 1800, and was married in his native State and about 1850 came to Tennessee, where he engaged in farming. He died in 1847. The mother was a few years younger than her husband, and departed this life about 1850. The subject of this sketch had the advantages of acquiring a good education, and in 1859 began reading medicine under Dr. Reamy, of Tulip, Ark. He remained with him one year, after which he took a course of lectures at the medical school known as the University of Pennsylvania, and from which Institution he graduated in 1861. In April of the same year he enlisted in Company B, Thirteenth Tennessee Infantry, and served one year as private, after which he was commissioned assistant surgeon, serving in the Thirty-second Tennessee Regiment until the surrender. In the spring of 1865 he returned home and located at Macon, Tenn., and began the practice of medicine. In 1868, he married Kate M. Neal, who was born in Macon, Tenn., January 15, 1847, and who is the daughter of Thomas G. and Anna Neal. To Mr. and Mrs. Reid were born four children: E. L., Emma N., Grant and William B. In 1868 our subject came to Tipton County and located at Mason, where he remained until February, 1886, when he came to Covington, and is building up a flourishing practice. He is a man well known and much esteemed for his many good qualities, a Democrat in politics, a member of the order of K. of H. and also a member of the Presbyterian Church of which he is a deacon. Dr. Thomas J. Roane, a well known physician of Tipton County, was born in Gloucester County, Va., May 17, 1839, and is a son of Robert and Emily (Davie) Roane, both natives of Virginia. The father was of Irish descent, born 1797, and died December 31, 1872. The mother was of Welsh descent, born in 1803, and died in 1871. Both were members of the Methodist Church. The father was a harness maker. In 1836 he moved to Lagrange, Lafayette Co., Tenn., and a year later to Tipton County, where he bought a farm, and followed farming the rest of his life. He was a Democrat, and very successful in farming. Dr. Roane received a good education at the Mount Carmel High School, under Rev. James Holmes, D. D, then read medicine a year under Dr. James Maclin, October, 1852, he went to the university of Virginia, entered the medical department and received a diploma the next June, and after graduating at this university, in Septmeber1853, he went to the medical college of Pennsylvania, and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in March, 1854. Dr. Roane then returned to Tipton County and located seven miles south at Covington, where he rapidly built up a large practice. In April, 1862, he entered the Confederate Army, and enlisted in Company K, Fifty- first Tennessee regiment and was made chief surgeon, and served in that capacity until the war closed. While acting as post surgeon at Brownsville, in April, 1865, he was captured and taken to the Irvin Block at Memphis, Ten., and held as a prisoner until the surrender. He then returned home, after an absence of three years, and resumed the practice of medicine. November 17, 1858, he married Mary H. Somerville, who was born in Virginia in 1839. To this marriage thirteen children were born--seven sons and six daughters; two sons have died. Dr. Roane is an emphatic Democrat, and with his wife and seven of the children belongs to the Presbyterian Church, contributing freely to the support of the church and to all charitable objects. He is a man of fine intellect and strict integrity. D. W. Ruffin, an able attorney at Covington, Tenn., was one of a family of four children born to William and Sallie (White) Ruffin. The father was bonrn in Hardeman County, Tenn., May 4, 1834, is a graduate of Oxford, Miss., also of the university of Virginia, is a man of fine literary attainments, and a lawyer by profession, practicing a short time, when he was elected secretary of the Memphis Gaslight Company, of which his grandfather, a very wealthy financier, was a charter member, and for many years its president. On his death William Ruffin was elected to the same position and for some years controlled the States of Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas, in the interest of the Missouri Valley Life Insurance Company. He was now retired from business and is residing at Courtland, Miss. Our Subject's mother was born in Georgia, April 2, 1838; she was granddaughter of ex-Gov. Rucker, of Georgia, who was founder of the first cotton-mills of that State, also a great capitalist. Her father was born about 1815, and died in 1859. He was a graduate in the same class with Alexander H. Stephens, and was valedictorian. He was one of the largest stockholders of the Mississippi & Tennessee Railroad, and was offered the position of president of the company, but declined in favor of his cousin, F. M. White. Mrs. Ruffin, departed this life April 16, 1864. Our subject was born at Memphis, November 1, 1858, and received his literary education mostly at the university of Tennessee, situated at Knoxville; he afterward received private instructions under Prof. W. Caldwell, and in February, 1879, began studying law at Memphis, with Taylor & Carroll, and also took lectures there. He was admitted to the bar,in May 1880, and in October of the same year, he came to Covington, and began the practice of law, but for the past two years has been obliged to devote much time to other business, owning considerable real estate in and near Covington. He is a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. George B. Sale, a prominent merchant and citizen of Munford, Tipton Co., Tenn., is a native of Fayette County born February 15, 1845, and is a son of Rev. Henry W. & Nancy Owen Sale. The father was a native of Virginia, born in 1784, and died November 20, 1845. The mother was born in Alabama, in 1800 or 1801, and died in 1867. They were married in 1820. In early life the father immigrated to Alabama, professed religion and joined the Methodist Church, and soon after obtained license to preach; later he moved to Fayette County, and remained in that county until his death. For many years he was a popular and strong local preacher of the Methodist Church, aiding the church in many ways--drawing freely on his large means to support the interests of his church, beside preaching many soul cheering and strengthening sermons to his congregations. George B. Sale was well educated in youth, and has engaged in the mercantile business most of his life. In the summer of 1863, he entered the Confederate Army, Company B, Seventh Tennessee Regiment of cavalry, and joined Gen. Forrest in northern Mississippi, and was with him in all of his engagements up to the battle of Harrisburg, Miss., where he received two wounds, one very severe, and was unfitted for active service again, and was sent home on parole just before the surrender. Mr. Sale was forced to use crutches for three years, and has never fully recovered. In 1867 he was a clerk in the store of McCloy & Co., at Belmont, Fayette County, and in 1868 bought the firm out, and commenced doing business for himself. November 17, 1869, he married Miss Lolo Wooten, a native of Tipton County and a highly cultured woman. Two sons and four daughters were born to them: Campbell, Wooten, Frank, Lolo May, Georgie B. & Nancie. Since 1881 Mr. Sale has been in the mercantile business at Munford, with his father-in-law, W. H. Wooten. He is a fine business man, upright in all of his dealings and a prominent member of the Methodist Church, contributing liberally to its support. Two or three years after his marriage he gave his attention to farming. Mr. Sale is an ardent Democrat, taking a deep interest in the success of his party, and is held in great esteem in his district. Benjamin J. Sanford, farmer and citizen of District 13, of Tipton County, is a son of George and Caroline E. (Jefferson) Sanford, and was born in Kentucky in 1825, being the only child living of three sons and three daughters. The grandfather, Richard Sanford, was a native of Virginia and derved as a soldier in the war of independence, and settled at an early day in Sumner County, Tenn., where he fled. The fathter of Irish ancestry, born in 1793. He received a good common-school and business education and spent a large portion of his time teaching. In 1820, he was married, and soon after moved to Cumberland County, Ky., and then to Mercer County, continuing his farming and teaching, and died in 1832. The mother was born in Maryland, in 1803, and was living in Cumberland County, Ky., when she married. She died in Tipton County, in 1882, having moved to the county in 1838. Our subject was raised and educated at home. He commenced as an employee on a farm, and in 1849 went to Mississippi as an overseer, which he continued until 1865, having at one time over 600 slaves under him. In 1865 he went West, but not being pleased returned to Tipton County, and in 1866 purchased his present farm on 275 acres of rich and well improved land six miles southeast of Covington. October 30, 1873, he married Susam M., daughter of Thomas and Smitha Jane Taylor. They had seven children, five living; Benjamin J., Jane Elizabeth, Ann Maria, Susan T. and an infant unnamed. Mrs. Sanford was born in Haywood County, in 1845, and is the sister of Hon. Zack Taylor, member of Congress from this district. The parents were natives of North Carolina. Mr. Sanford is a self-made man. Before the war he was a Whig, but is now a Democrat, and is an active Mason and an Old School Presbyterian. Mr. J. I. Sherrod, of Covington, Tenn., was born in Tipton County, January, 1833, and is one of nine children, five living. The parents were Irvine R. and E. R. Sherrod. The father was born in Northhampton County, N.C., in 1803, and came to Tipton County in 1832. He was a farmer by occupation and was for many years magistrate. He was also chairman of the county court and a prominent citizen. He died December, 1865. The mother was a Miss Shelton, born 1808, in Southhampton County, Va., and died in 1858. OUr subject was educated at Jackson (West Tenn.) College, and graduated there in 1852; then entered the office of Dr. A. D. Clement, of Mason, Tenn., and read medicine with him; then entered the Memphis Medical College for a term, then went to Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, graduating there in the spring of 1855, and for a year after practiced medicine in Fayette County, when he moved to Covington, and is now one of the oldest physicians in the place. In the spring of 1857 he married Miss L. J., daughter of Judge A. W. and Martha C. Smith. Mrs. Sherrod is a native of Tipton County, born in 1839, and by this marriage twelve children were born, eleven of them now living; Eliza, wife of J. C. Archer, John P., W. A., B. S., Kate, Jennie, Charley, Anna Edgar, Aubrey and Fred S. He is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic Lodge. Dr. and Mrs. Sherrod are members of the Episcopal Church. A. J. Sivels, a farmer of the Twelfth District, is a son of Wallace and Jane (Turner) Sivels, and was born in McMinn County, Tenn., in 1835, being one of nine children-five living. The father was of Irish-Descent born in Virginia in 1800. He was raised and married in that state and settled in McMinn County at an early day. He engaged in farming and died in 1846. Mrs. Sivels was a native of Virginia, and is still living in McMinn County. April, 1861, he entered the Confederate Army in Company G, Third Tennessee Regiment Infantry, and was in the battles of Manassas, Perryville and the seige of Vicksburg, then returned home. May 19, 1874, he married Sarah McMinn and they had one child-Robert Lee. Mrs. Sivels died February 14, 1874. She was born in Bradley County, Tenn., in 1847. July, 1876, he married Sarah S., daughter of P. E. and Sarah A. Larimore. In 1873 Mr. Sivels moved to Haywood County and two years later to Tipton County, and has since resided in the Twelfth District, farming and rafting timber. He owns 340 acres of land in different tracts in this district, and is pleasantly located in a handsome dwellig at Garland. Mr. Sivels has made his money by his own business capacity and energy, and is one of the most enterprising farmers of his district. In politics he was formerly a Whig, but is now a conservative Democrat. Mrs. Sivels was born in the Twelfth District in 1851, and is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Her parents were both natives of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Sivels are very popular in their neighborhood and are useful citizens. John R. Sloan, chancery court clerk of TIpton County, and a native of Tennessee, was born in Lincoln County, in 1850, son of S. H. and M. J. (McCalla) Sloan, both natives of South Carolina, the former born in 1822, and the latter in 1826 and died in 1872. The father resided in South Carolina til about 1834, when he came to Tennessee and located in Lincoln County. He is a tiller of the soil and is at present a resident of Shelby County. Our subject received a good academic education in his youth, and came to Tipton County when about twenty years of age. Soon after reaching his majority he entered the teacher's profession and taught at Center Academy two years. He was then appointed deputy of the circuit court clerk and at the end of two years was chosen to succeed the retiring clerk, who was elected to the State Legislature. Our subject was re-elected the following election by an overwhelming majority, and filled the office in a capable and efficent manner. At the expiration of this term of office he engaged in the mercantile business and continued in this up to the spring of 1865, when he was appointed to his present office. In 1877 he married Miss Ella Wood, a native of Mississippi, born in 1854, and the daughter of the late Hon. John W. and Maggie (Gatlin) Wood. Mrs. Sloan's father was a member of the Mississippi Legislature and a strong union man. To our subject and wife were born two children, Walker and Ella M. Mr. Sloan is an energetic, industrious man, and is held in high esteem by his acquaintances. He is an excellent officer, a good citizen and an obliging neighbor. He is a progressive Democrat in politicis and a strong advocate of temperance. R. W. Smith, citizen and merchant of Covington, Tenn., was born in North Carolina in 1824, and was one of six children, three of whom are living. The parents were John and Obedience Smith, both natives of North Carolina. The father was born about 1796, came to Tennessee in 1826, and located in Tipton County, being one of its first settlers of that county, was a farmer and died in 1863. The mother was a Miss Yarbro, born in 1794, and died in 1863, a few days previous to the death of her husband. They were members of the Old School Baptist Church. Our subject was educated in the county schools, and in 1862 he enlisted in Company J, Seventh Tennessee Cavalry, under Col. W. H. Jackson, who was a promoted to the rank of general, and Capt. Stocks taking Jackson's command. Mr. Smith was in the commissary department and remained a year, when he returned to his home. In 1867, he commenced merchandising at Covington, and still continues, being one of the oldest merchants in the place and quite successful in business. Mr. Smith also farms quite extensively, and owns 600 acres of land, 220 acres three miles south of Covington, and 360 acres four miles southeast of Fulton, and eleven miles northwest of Covington. Mr. Smith is a Democrat. In 1856 he married Miss Minerva J., daughter of William and Fannie McGuire. Mrs. Smith was born in Tipton County in 1830. They have four children: H. A., Ella M., Julia M., and R. C. Mr. Smith is one of the substantial business men of the place. Augustus W. Smith, of Tipton County, was born in Davidson Co., N. C., November 17, 1824, and is one of the pioneers of Tipton County. His parents were Leonard and Susan (Holmes) Smith, both natives of North Carolina and of Dutch descent. The father was born in 1784, and died in Tipton County, May 15, 1847. The mother was born October 16, 1788, and died in Tipton County, May 6, 1844. They came to Tipton County in 1830, and settled seven miles southwest of Covington, where the town of Brighton is now located. The father was a most successful farmer, and in politics a Whig. Though not a church member, he was a man of fine moral character, and in sympathy with the Missionary Baptist Church, of which his wife was a devout member. Our subject was the ninth of twelve children, and as soon as he left school, commenced farming. He was but six years of age when his parents moved to this country, to the amount of 800 acres. Mr. Smith has been in public office ever since he attained his majority; was first elected magistrate of the Seventh District in 1850 and filled this office until 1865. In 1866 he was elected constable, and four year later was elected sheriff of Tipton County by the county court, to fill au unexpired term. In 1872 he was again elected magistrate, and still holds the office, showing that he is trusted and esteemed by his fellow citizens. He is a Democrat, and an influential member of the Methodist Church, as is his wife. Two of the children belong to the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, and on to the Missionary Baptist. Leroy Smith, farmer and mechanic of Tipton County, was born in Chester County, S. C., september 18, 1838, and is a son of John and Mary (Wiley) Smith, both natives of South Carolina, and both of Irish descent. The father was born in 1801, and died in South Carolina in 1886. The mother was a few years younger, and died when our subject was quite small. The father was a successful farmer, and a consistent member of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, contributing liberally to its support, and he was a life-long Democrat. Leroy Smith received a good education in his native state; then moved to Tipton County, and being a mechanic worked at his trade, and soon became an expert machinist. In the spring of 1861, he entered the Confederate Army, in Company C, Ninth Regiment, which made a part of Gen. Cheatham's division, and after serving two years as a private in the infantry, was transferred to the engineering department, where he remained until the war closed. He was with the Western Army all of the time, and took part in the battles of Shiloh and Corinth, Miss., and was severely wounded at Harrodsbury, Ky., captured, and held a prisoner three months, but a Greenville, on the Mississippi River, by a suggestion of Col. Buford, deceived the enemy and made his escape, liberating at the same time another prisoner, Gladney McWright. Mr. Smith then rejoined his old company that was in Middle Tennessee; he was in the retreat from Dalton to Atlanta; he had only one furlough of thirty days from the time he entered until theh war closed and surrendered at Charlotte, N. C., and returned to his father's home in South Carolina, in the spring of 1865, and the next winter moved to Tipton. October 6, 1870, he married Flora Sherrill, a native of Tipton County, born in 1851. Mr. Smith is a man of energy and fine executive ability. He is a Democrat, but does not take an active part in politics. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are prominent and devout members of the Prebyterian Church, and are among the most highly esteemed citizens of the county. Don H. Smith, sheriff of Tipton County, Tenn., was born in that county April 12, 1853, and is a son of Moses and Frances Smith. His father was born in North Carolina in 1812, and came to Tipton County at an early day. He was a farmer by occupation, and was a magistrate for many years. He was well known and much esteemed by all. He was twice married, his second wife being a Miss Huffman. He died October 16, 1865. Our subject's mother's maiden name was Campbell; she was born in Tipton County, Tenn., in 1827, and is now residing with her son Don H. Our subject was educated principally at the schools near home. In 1871, he was united in holy bonds of matrimony with Sallie O. Goodman, a native of Tipton County, Tenn, born in 1852, and the daugther of William and F. M. Goodman. To our subject and wife were born four children: Irene, Moses, Percy and Daisy Don. For a few years after marriage Mr. Smith acted as salesman in the mercantile business at Covington. In 1882 he was elected constable of the First District, and at the same time was appointed deputy sheriff , and performed the duties of this office until in August, 1886, when he was elected to this present office. Mr. Smith is an active, energetic man, a good citizen, and an excellent officer. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. S. E. Stephenson, county court clerk of Tipton County, was born in York District, S. C., Septmeber 1, 1846, being the youngest of twelve children born to Hamilton and Mary (McCullough) Stephenson, both natives of South Carolina and of Irish Descent. The father was a farmer, born in 1794. He moved to Arkansas in 1853, and in 1860 to Tipton County, where he died in 1883. The mother was born in 1805, and died in 1884. Our subject was raised and educated at home, and to a great extent is self educated. In 1866 he married Annie, daughter of Capt. Efford and Bridget Owen, who were old residents of the county. The father held rank of captain under Gen. Jackson. Mrs. Stephenson was born in Tipton County in February, 1847. They have six children: Mary B. Elizabeth A., William E., Lorinda B., Samuel O., and Elmer Efford. For some time after marriage Mr. Stephenson continued farming, and also taught school. December, 1873, he was elected magistrate of the Third District, and served until January, 1883, when he was appointed deputy county court clerk, and in 1886, was elected county court clerk. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is a man of sterling good qualities, greatly liked by all who know him as a man and a citizen. W. H. Strange, farmer and miller, is a son of Edmund and Sarah (Smith) Strange, and was born in Tipton County, Tenn., in 1840. He and his sister, Mrs. S. G. Hicks, are the only children born to their parents union. The father and mother were born in North Carolina in 1810 and 1820, and died in 1882 and 1885, respectively. The father came to Tennessee about 1838, locating in Tipton County, Tenn., where he was engaged in milling and farming until his death. He was, in early life, engaged in carpentering and manufacturing cotton-gins and threshers. He was a blacksmith and an inventive genius. W. H. Strange, our subject, was educated in Covington under the instruction of Judge Byars. On his twenty-first birthday he joined the Confederate Army, Company B, Seventh Tennessee Cavalry, and was in the service nearly four years. He was surrendered at Gainesville, Ala., in May, 1865, and returned home. In October 1866, he married Miss S. E., daughter of J. B. and Pheriba Boyd. To them were born six children, four of whom are living: Clarence, Anna B., John B., and Sallie E. After his father's death Mr. Strange assumed control of the mill, which was destroyed by fire in 1884. He owns 1,000 acres of land, and his home farm consists of over 300 acres, in a high state of cultivation. He was elected magistrate in 1876, and held the office one term of six years to the general satisfaction of the public. He was formerly a Whig, and he and his wife were members of the Old School Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Strange was born in Shelby County about 1850. B. F. Strange, farmer and resident of the Thirteenth District, is a son of Jesse and Martha G. (Boyd) Strange. He was born on the farm where he now lives, in 1853, and is the only child. The father was of Moravian ancestry, born in Davidson County, N. C., in 1812. He was raised in that state, with few educational advantages. He came to Tipton County in 1838 and a few years later moved to Texas, and upon the breaking out of the Mexican war joined the Texas Rangers, under Col. Jack Hays; served until the war was over, and was disbanded in Texas. In 1849 he returned to Tipton County; was twice married, the first time to a Miss Smith, who died soon after the Mexican war, and in 1851, he married the mother of our subject. He was a farmer and a mechanic, and died in 1878, while on a visit to his native state. The mother was born in Georgia in 1826, and is still living in Tipton County, and in October, 1884, she married Isaac E. Clark. B. F. Strange was educated at Tabernacle and at Covington, finishing his studies at Lebanon, Tenn., in 1874. September 1, 1880, he married Willie E., daughter of James and Jane Lanier, of Tipton County. She was born in same county in March 1855; is finely educated, being a graduate of Ward's Seminary in 1875, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mr. Strange continued to reside at the old homestead, owning over 500 acres of land in the Thirteenth District, four miles east of Covington. Although Mr. Strange is still a young man, he is one of the most progressive farmers and influential citizens of the county. In August, 1882, he was elected magistrate and still holds the office. In politics he is a conservative Democrat. His first presidental vote was for S. J. Tilden, in 1876. Rev. James H. Strong, a well known and popular minister of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and resident of Tipton County, is a native of Chester County, S. C., born May 14, 1827, and a son of John and Martha (Strong) Strong, who were both natives of Chester County, S. C. In 1837 they came to Tipton County, and settled ten miles south of Covington, and were among the first settlers. They had four sons, and three daughters that lived to be grown. The Strong family has always been a substantial one, and one of the most interesting ones in that county, well known for their good morals, and Christian traits and have been a remarkably temperate people. The father was a successful farmer, a sound Democrat, and an influential member of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church; he died April 14, 1874, and was buried at Salem Church graveyard. The mother was born in 1795, and was a devout member of her husband's church and a woman who exerted a wide influence for good in the community in which she lived. Rev. James Strong, was the fourth child of a family of eight children, and had good educational advantages. In 1850 he went to Erskine College, South Carolina, where he received his diploma in 1856, then returned home and taught school for two years, and entered the ministry of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, and was called to take charge of Shiloh Church, Fayette County, Miss., and was pastor of this church for five years, then returned to Tipton County in 1862 and took charge of Salem Church, and for twenty-four years has been pastor of that church. August 14, 1854, he married Miss Hibernia A. Ellis, who was born in Abbeville, S. C., September 18, 1883, and they have had six sons and two daughters; one son and one daughter have died. Mr. Strong is a Democrat but not a party man, supporting first, always, principles and not parties. He has accomplished a great deal of good in his work, and is highly esteemed by the citizens of Tipton County. J. T. Talley, clerk of the circuit court of Tipton County, Tenn., was born in that county June 14, 1850, and is a son of Joseph and Caroline (Wesson) Talley. His father was born in Virginia, and came to Tipton County with his parents when a youth. He was a farmer and his career ended in Crawford County, Ark. The mother was born in Tipton County. Our subject received a fair education and after the death of his father, he and his brother and sister came back to Tipton where he has since resided. When about twenty one years of age he entered the store of William Hamilton and acted as salesman for him for four years. He has been in the mercantile business for many years until he went out to make the canvasass for his present office. January 9, 1878, he married Thomas F., native of Tipton County born January 6, 1862, and the daughter of Capt. Thomas Campbell, who was killed at the battle of Murfreesboro. By this union our subject became the father of three children: Gracie Merle, Milton Clark, and Thomas Campbell. Mr. Talley is an honest, industrious man and is much esteemed by all who know him. He is a Democrat in politics and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Wm. L. Taylor, merchant at Mason, Tipton Co., Tenn., was born in North Carolina May 18, 1850, and is the s/o Charles H. K. Taylor, who was a very prominent citizen of North Carolina, and was a member of the North Carolina Legislature for many years. Our subject was reared on the farm and received his education in early life from the common schools, but afterward atended Randolph Macon College in Mecklenburg County, Va. He followed farming in North Carolina until 1869, and in 1871 he came to Tennessee, and located at Mason, and has since been engaged int the mercantile business, and has met with more than an ordinary degree of success, as he started in business with a very small captial; he is now carrying a large stock of goods, and has his share of the trade in town and county. February 8, 1876, he married to Bettie S. Claiborne, daughter of Devreaux and Fannie S. Claibourne, of Tipton County; to this union were born four children: Fannie A., Eddie L., Bessie C., and Charles C. Our subject and his wife are church members in high standing. In politics Mr. Taylor is a Democrat. He belongs to the K. Of H. Henry M. Turnage is a son of Henry and Nancy (Colley) Turnage, and was born in Smith County, Tenn.; June 11, 1824, and ia the youngest of four sons and two daughters, only I. D. and H. M. living. The grandfather, William Turnage, was one of three brothers, who came from England at an early date and landed at Charleston, S. C., where William married and raised a large family; he served in the Revolutionary war. The father Henry Turnage, had no advantages for education; he moved to Smith County in 1812, married in 1813, and in 1825 moved to Tipton County, where he continued farming until his death in 1873. He served in the war of 1812. The mother was born in South Carolina in 1789, and died in 1868, a devout member of the Methodist Church. Our subject was raised and educated in Tipton County. October 16, 1851, he married Elizabeth, daughter of William B. and Elizabeth Tucker, and by this marriage had six children: John C., William H., Horace E.,( a merchant at Memphis), Alice May (wife of H. C. Polk, of Memphis), Ella K. and Emma. Since his marriage Mr. Turnage has resided in the Sixth District, except from 1858 to 1861, when he was in Mississippi, and in Arkansas until 1864; he then returned to Tipton County, and resumed farming until 1866, when he commenced merchandising at Mt. Zion, and is now carrying a well selected stock of merchandise, valued at $6,000. He owns 2,146 acres of land in Tipton County, in several tracts, and a half interest in another tract of 450 acres, making him one of the largest land owners in the county. Mr. Turnage commenced life as a poor boy, and by his perseverance and fine business capacity has secured this fine estate. In early life he served five years as constable, and several years as magistrate, and in 1870 was again elected magistrate, and has since held the office. In politics he was formerly a Whig, but is now a Democrat. He is a long standing and prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, and since 1853 has been grand master of Tipton Lodge, for twenty years High Priest, and for eleven years has taken the commanding degree. Mr. and Mrs. Turnage are promiment member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mrs. Turnage was born in North Carolina in 1828; both of her parents were natives of that state. Joseph C. Vaughan, a farmer, engaged in cotton-ginning and resideing in the Third District, is a son of Edwin and Rebecca (Owen) Vaughan, and was born in Halifax County, Va., in 1822, being one of nine children-five living. The grandparents James and Sarah Vaughan, were natives of England. The father, Edwin Vaughan, was born, raised and married in Virginia, and moved to Nashville, Tenn., in 1829, and to what is now Lauderdale County in 1830, and to Tipton County in 1831, where he engaged in farming for over twenty years. In 1854 he moved to Arkansas, and died the same year at sixty years of age. The mother was born in Virginia, and died in 1852 about fifty-six years old. They were both Missionary Baptists. Joseph C. Vaughan was educated at home, and only attended school a few months. February, 1846, he married Mary M., daughter of Spruce H. and Hannah McCoy, and of thirteen children born to this marriage nine are living. The oldest child, William R. died September 13, 1877. The ones living are Charles D., Thomas C., Joseph C., Mary J.,wife of Augustus Alston; Sarah F., wife of Milton McCuller; Theodocia, wife of Dr. J. R. Bartlett; Loyola Ann, Edwin L. and Milton H. Mr. Vaughan has been a resident of Tipton County since 1878. He owns 244 acres of land, 100 in the home tract, eight miles northeast of Randolph, and by his own labor and good management has accumulated his property. In 1865 he was appointed magistrate by Gov. Brownlow, and held the office two years. In 1862 he entered the Confederate Service under Capt. Maley, and served three months, when he was taken sick and returned home, and did not re-enter the service. Politically Mr. Vaughan has been a life-long Democrat. His first presidental vote was for James Buchanan. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan are prominent members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Vaughan was born in Lincoln County, Tenn., in 1828. Dr. W. H. Walton, a physician and citizen of the Second District, is a son of P. W. and M. A. (Collins) Walton; was born in Tipton County in 1845, and is one of eight children, seven living. The father was born in North Carolina in 1816, and came with his parents to Tennessee when a boy, and was raised in Tipton and Lincoln Counties. He was married in Lincoln County in 1843 or 1844, and located four miles west of Covington in 1855, where he died in 1862, having been waylaid and killed. He was a physician, having practiced medicine the greater part of his life, and was one of the leading physicians of Tipton County, and a man of considerable wealth and literary note. The mother was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, born in Tennessee in 1827, and is still living. Our subject was raised and educated in Tipton County. In 1864 he enlisted in the Confederate Army in Company I, Seventh Tennessee Cavalry, and served until the latter part of the year, when he was taken sick, sent home, and paroled. In 1866 he began the study of medicine, attending the Cincinnati Medical College, and taking one course of lectures in 1866-67, and a few years later continued his practice in his present neighborhood with great success, and stands well in his profession. Dr. Walton owns 115 acres of fine land five miles west of Covington. November, 1869, he married M. J., daughter of William W. and Sarah McIntosh, and of five children born to this marriage three are living: William W. W., Leona E. and Ashely E. Mrs. Walton was born in Nashville in 1851. Dr. Walton is a conservative Democrat. His first presidental vote was for H. Seymour. Dr. and Mrs. Walton are both Missionary Baptists. William H. White, farmer and citizen of the Twelfth District, is a son of William H. and Mary R. (Greer) White, and was born in Mississippi in 1840, being one of nine children--two sons and three daughters living. The great grandfather was a native of Ireland. The father was born in South Carolina, in 1806, received a fair business education, and married when twenty four years old, and moved to Haywood County, Tenn., in 1831, and in 1835 to Mississippi where he remained until 1856, then moved to Tipton County, and settled in the Twelfth District. He was a farmer and a mechanic, and died in 1872. The mother was born in South Carolina in 1808, and is still living in the Twelfth District with her children. Mr. and Mrs. White belonged to the Old School Presbyterian Church, and were highly respected. William H., Jr., remained at home until of age; he was educated in Tippah County, Miss. In December, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Fifty-first Tennessee Infantry, and served three years, being in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, siege of Vicksburg, Port Hudson, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta (Ga.,) and Jonesboro, Ga. At the latter place he was captured, August 31, 1864, and taken to Chattanoga, and while being transferred to Nashville, made his escape, and returned home, and was not permitted by the Federals to rejoin his service. He was also captured at Fort Donelson, and held a prisoner seven months at Camp Butler, near Springfield, Ill., he was also captured at Chuluhoma, Miss., in October, 1863, but made his escape the same night and rejoined his command. He entered the army as a private, but was made second lieutenant; he was wounded at Chickamauga, and furloughed and sent home. October 15, 1863, he married Helen, daughter of John S. and Henrietta D. Hill and they have six children: Ora Lee (wife of Frank Crunk), Eva G., Ulrich Clyde, Ermin S., Bruce E., and Otway Harvey. Mr. White lived in the Eighth District until 1873, when he moved to his present farm of 140 acres of the best land in the county, well improved, with a handsome dwelling, six miles northwest of Covington. He is a frugal, industrious man, self-made, and has given his children fine educational advantages. He cast his first vote for a president for H. Seymour and is a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. White are Old School Presbyterians. She was born in Tipton County in 1837, and was one of seven chldren. Robert H. White, an enterprising farmer of the Twelfth District, is a son of William Harvey and Mary (Greer) White, and was born in Tippah County, Miss., in 1851, and is one of nine children--two sons and three daughters living--and all in the Twelfth District. Robert H. was raised and educated in Tipton County, where his parents moved when he was five years old. March 23, 1870, he married Helen, daughter of Dabner and Jane Dewese, and they have had eight children--two sons and three duaghters living: Nellie Estelle, Earnest L., Olive E., Mary Grace, and Clarence Wilson. Since his marriage, Mr. White has lived on the farm on which he was raised, one and a half miles north of Center. He owns 360 acres of very fertile land, in different tracts. The home tract is well improved, has a large, nice dwelling, and beautiful surrondings. He is also extensively engaged in ginning, having one of the most complete machines in the county, with a capacity of ten bales a day. He has made his own way in the world, and is considered one of the best farmers and business men of the county. Since 1885 he has been notary public. His first presidental vote was for Horace Greeley, in 1872. He is a Democrat. Mrs. White was born in Alabama, in 1857, and is a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church, and highly esteemed in the church and social circles. Her parents were natives of North Carolina, and died in Tipton County, the father in the Twelfth District, and the mother near Brighton. Capt. D. J. Wood, an old resident and miller of Covington, Tenn., was born in Albermarle County, Va., June 6, 1825, and is one of a family of thirteen children, three of whom are now living, born to N. L. and Nancy (Key) Wood, both natives of Virginia. The father was born about 1770 and came to Maury County in 1825, where he remained one year. From there he removed to Tipton County, and engaged in agricultureal pursuits. He died about 1835, leaving a widow without means to educate her children as best she could. The mother was born about the same time as her husband and departed this life in the fall of 1877. Our subject received a good academic education at Mountain Academy, under Dr. Holmes. April 19, 1855, he married Mattie A. Gracey, a native of North Carolina, born in 1835, and the fruits of this union were two children: L. G. and Marianna, wife of J. L. McNeely. In 1847 our subject enlisted for the war with Mexico, and after a service of one year returned home. He started even with the world and in twelve years had accumulated $25,000. In the spring of 1861, Mr. Wood raised the first company for the Confederate Army that went out from Tipton County. He was promoted to the rank of captain and remained out one year with his company, and then raised another company, which he shortly turned over to Col. Green. He was with Gen. Forrest a few months, when he was obliged to retire from active duty on account of ill health, but did much for the Confederate cause by organizing companies. He came out of the war $5,000 in debt, but this was paid off in a few years, and he began again to accumulate. In 1873 he assisted to build the Covington Flour Mills, and in 1878 he built the flour-mill at Covington and has since been engaged in that business. The firm is known as Wood & Co. They have recently put in considerable new machinery, and the mill is now in fine running order. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church of which he has been an elder for many years. W. H. Wooten, farmer and merchant, of Mount Zion, is a son of Arthur F. and Elizabeth (Smith) Wooten, and was born in North Carolina in 1818, being one of eleven chldren, five living. The grandfather was a native of Scotland and came to the United States when a young man, served in the Revolutionary war, and settled in North Carolina, where he raised a large family--four sons and four daughters. The father of our subject, Arthur Wooten, was born in North Carolina in 1798, received a common school education, was raised in that state, and married, in 1817, Miss E. Smith,; came to Tipton County in 1828, and continued farming. Mrs. Wooten died in 1836, and in 1844 he married a Mrs. Joyce, formerly Ann Eliza Smith. They have six children; he remained in the Sixth District until his death in 1865. His first wife was born in North Carolina in 1798. W. H. Wooten was raised and educated in Tipton County. December 18, 1841, he married Caroline W. Howerton, and they had eight children, four living: Lelia, wife of G. B. Sale; James K., of Memphis; Estella, wife of John S. Dickson, and Rufus. Mrs. Wooten was born in Mecklenburg County, Va., in 1827, and died in December, 1860, and in 1861, Mr. Wooten married Mahala C., daughter of Allen and Mary Pickard; they had ten children, seven living; Walter, Josiah, Lucy, Kate, Elbert, Elizabeth, and Ann Maria. Mr. Wooten is one of the largest land owners in Tipton County, owning about 4,000 acres, besides considerable real estate in Memphis. In 1879 he commenced merchandising at Mount Zion, and is still engaged in it. The largest portions of his means he has made himself, being a man of great strength of character and strong will, with fine business qualifications. In 1850 he was elected sheriff of Tipton County, and held the office for six years; also served as magistrate several terms, before and since the war. In politics he was formerly a Whig; cast his first presidental vote for President, for Harrison in 1840. Since the war has been a Democrat; he formerly belonged to the I. O. O. F. Mr. and Mrs. Wooten are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mrs. Wooten was born in Tipton County in 1841, and was raised and educated in the county. Isom A. Wright, of Tipton County, Tenn., was born in Lancaster Co., S.C., January 12, 1826, and is a son of Alexander and Agnes (Cussy) Wright, who were both natives of South Carolina, and of Irish descent. The father was born in 1795, and died February, 1852, in Tipton County. The mother was also born in 1795, and died in 1858 or 1859. They moved from South Carolina to Tipton County in 1842 and settled nine miles south of Covington in the Eighth District. The father was a farmer and a sound Democrat. He was in sympathy with the Presbyterian Church though not a member of any. The mother was a consistent member of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, and a pious, noble woman. Isom A. Wright was the third child of seven children and received a good education at the county schools in his native state. When eighteen years old he came with his parents to Tipton County, and commenced farming, and is now regarded as one of the progressive farmers of the county, and by close application to business has been enabled to own 1,500 acres land, a steam, grist and saw-mill, and a cotton-gin, besides a first class country dry goods store. January 5, 1848, he married Miss Mary W. Bernard, born in Dickson County, Tenn., May 14, 1829, and by this marriage has had six sons and one daughter, the latter, and two sons died. In his political views Mr. Wright is a true Democrat and always supports that party. In 1848 he settled on a farm in the woods, which he improved and cleared for cultivation; and for ten years past he has held the office of magistrate in the Eighth Distirct. Mrs. Wright and three of the sons belong to the Methodist Church. Mr. Wright inclines to that church, but has never united with any. William A. Yarbrough, a prominent farmer of District No. 1, of Tipton County, is a son of Anderson C. and Mary (Larimore) Yarbrough, and was born in this county in 1828, being the oldest of thirteen children, only four now living, two sons and two daughters. His grandfather, Henry Yarbrough, was a native of the Old World and came to the United States and assisted in the War of Independence, and settled in North Carolina, and in 1821 moved to Tipton County, being the fourth white man to settle in the county, and assisted in its originization. He was one of the county's finest magistrates and died in 1842. Anderson Yarbrough, our subject's father, was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, born in North Carolina in 1810. He married in 1827 and settled in Indian Creek, Tipton County, in District No. 2, where he remained until 1847; then moved two miles north of Covington, and died in 1862. He was a man of prominence and for many years was a major of the militia, and was also a magistrate. Mrs. Yarbrough was born in Bedford County, in 1804, and died in 1876. They were formerly members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, but afterward joined the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Our subject was raised and educated at home and assist in the maintenance of theh family. Novemeber 13, 1852, he married Mary Elizabeth (wife of William L. Smith), John L., Ira E. and Ada Ann. The first two being married and settled near home on farms. Mr. Yarbrough owns 700 acres of valuable land under cultivation and well improved, the farm being two miles north of Covington. He is a kind and benevolent man and has worked hard, and by his own industry and energy acquired his present handsome property. He commenced life poor. During the late war, in 1862, he enlisted in the Seventh Tennessee Cavalry and was in active service until the surrender without being captured or wounded. He the resumed farming. He is a man of ability and influence. Soon after the war he was elected magistrate, accepting the place with reluctance, and after serving two years resigned. He was administrator of his father's estate, being one of the fourth generation who has acted in that capacity, and has in his own possession administrative papers bearing date of 1760. Mr. Yarbrough has been a life long Democrat. His first presidental vote was cast for F. Pierce. He is a man of fine moral character, though not connected with any church. Mrs. Yarbrough was born in Maury County, in 1827, and she and the children belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Her parents were among the early settlers of the county.