WEAKLEY COUNTY TN - GOODSPEED - The Biographies of Weakley County TN D-H ********************************************************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Jane N. Powell ********************************************************************************************************** Biographies of Weakley County TN D - H (Not responsible for typos and errors. Please check the original Goodspeed before adding to your genealogical record as absolute proof --- and then remember that the family only told what that wanted the public to know.) Rev. J. H. DAVIS, a minister and farmer of the Eighteenth district, was born in Gilford County, N. C., January 12, 1820, and is the son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Howard) Davis, both natives of North Carolina. His father was a saddler by trade. Mr. Davis spent the days of his boyhood with John Kester, Esq., and his only education was that which he gained by his own exertions, studying at home. In August, 1841, he married Sarah McCrary, a native of North Carolina, who died in 1842. June 2, 1844, he married Sarah Clark, also a native of North Carolina, who was born November 22, 1822, and died March 4, 1864. To this marriage were born three children, viz.: Rebecca J., wife of A. L. Freeman; Lou, wife of James Hollis, and Agnes. Mr. Davis came to Tennessee in November, 1857, and located at Yorkville, Gibson County, where he lived for eight years, and then removed to Weakley County, where he has since resided. In October, 1864, he married Mrs. Collier, daughter of Archibald and Rebecca Rowett, who was born in Virginia July 81, 1830. To the last marriage three children have been born, two of whom are still living, viz.: P. A. and Emma P. Mr. Davis has been a preacher of the Baptist Church for over thirty years. He has been a zealous worker in the cause of religion, rendering effective service to the Lord. Politically he has affiliated with the Democracy since the death of the Whig party. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. E. R. DENT, magistrate and farmer of the Eighteenth District of Weakley County, Tennessee, is one of five children born to John B. and Nancy Dent, who were born in North Carolina July 30, 1812, and September 29, 1806, and died in Tennessee in 1884 and 1885 respectively. They were married about 1834. The father was a farmer. Our subject was born in Weakley County, Tenn., October 4, 1841, and obtained a common school education. October 3,1866, he married Martha A. Chambers, a daughter of J. W. and Margaret Chambers. Mrs. Dent was born January 9, 1847, and is the mother of six children, viz.: Minnie B., Ida L., Effie D., James R., Eugenie M. and Jessie. Mr. Dent has resided on two different farms in the Eighteenth District. His present farm consists of 140 acres of well improved and fertile land, about three miles from Martin. Mr. Dent has always been industrious and energetic and a man of good business principles. In 1870 he was elected to his present office of magistrate and has served by re-election up to the present time. He is a Democrat and his first presidential vote was cast for Horace Greeley. He is a member of the K. of H., and he and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Joseph E. DENT's birth occurred in North Carolina in 1807, and he is one of eight children born to the marriage of John Dent and Eda Williams. The former was born in North Carolina in 1783, and was married when about twenty-one years of age. He died about 1845 and his widow a few years later. His father, John Dent, Sr., was born in Maryland, and served as a private soldier in he Revolutionary war. Joseph E. Dent was educated in the common schools, and when about nineteen years of age immigrated with his eldest sister, Mrs. Willis Cook, to Maury County, Tenn., and began working rented farms. In 1828 he came to Dresden and worked for several years at the carpenter's trade, and in 1834 removed to Hickman, Ky., and after residing there until 1844 returned to Weakley County and took charge of his father-in-law's farm for about three years. Since 1875 he has resided on his present farm of 210 acres. He also owns several other tracts of land amounting in all to over 500 acres of land. He was formerly a Whig in politics, but since the war has been strictly conservative. He belongs to the I.O.O.F. In January, 1830, he married Catherine Jones, daughter of Israel and Margaret Jones. They have no children of their own, but in 1852 they adopted an orphan boy, George W. RACHELS, whom they reared and who is now living on the farm with themselves. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dent are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. H. N. EDMUNDS was born in Henry County Tenn., February 18, 1850, and is the son of Howell and Martha (Pitman) Edmunds. The father was born in Virginia in 1791, and was a farmer and a merchant by occupation. In youth he went to North Carolina, and about 1844 came to Henry County. Here he married in 1846. He farmed and sold goods. He owned at one time nearly 600 acres of land. He died in 1854, aged sixty-three years. Two of his live children are now living: Emma, wife of Benjamin Paris, and our subject. The mother was born in Virginia in 1832, and came to this State at the age of thirteen. Her second and present husband is Robert Boyd. Mr. Boyd was born in Henry County in 1838. Our subject was reared by his mother and was educated in Henry County, and in Logan County, Ky. In 1873, he became a resident of Weakley County. The following year he bought nearly 200 acres of land where he now lives. He is one of the most enterprising citizens of the county, and is universally respected. In politics be is a stanch Democrat. His farm now comprises 250 acres. B. B. EDWARDS, clerk and master of the chancery court of Weakley County, Tenn., is a son of Thomas C. and Paulina Bransford (Bondurant) Edwards, who were born in North Carolina and Virginia, in 1800 and 1809, and died in 1872 and 1883 respectively. Nathan Edwards, our subject's grandfather, came from North Carolina to Tennessee, in 1800, when the latter State was almost an unbroken wilderness. He died in 1832. Thomas 0. Edwards was educated in Gallatin, Tenn., and when about twenty-one years old began studying medicine. He traveled in several of the Southern States a few years, and in 1826 came to Dresden, Tenn. He married the following year, and eventually became one of the leading physicians of Weakley County. He retained a lucrative practice until old age compelled him to abandon active life. He was a man universally respected and esteemed, not only for his qualities as a physician but as a neighbor and friend. Seven of their children lived to be grown, namely: Mary C. (Mrs. H. C. McCutcheon), Benjaman B., Nathan N., L. B., Thomas C. a D. D. S., Charles E. and Alfred G. The last four live in Texas. Our subject was born in 1830, where he now resides, and was academically educated at Dresden. At the age of eighteen he began teaching school, continuing two terms. In 1849 he became a disciple of Blackstone, his preceptor being Hon. Emerson Etheridge. In 1851 he was admitted to the Tennessee bar and immediately began practicing. In September, 1856, he wedded Martha Morilla Cotton, who was a native of Sumner County, Tenn. She died the following year, and in October, 1860, he wedded Miss Hugh Allie Button, daughter of Benjamin and Lovey Sutton. She was born in 1840, in Sumner County, and is the mother of six children: Latham N., Morie, William T., Paulina, Nathan And Benjamin. While the war was going on, Mr. Edwards taught school two years, January 12, 1875, he was appointed clerk and master of the chancery court to fill the unexpired term of W. R. Ross, and at the end of the term was re-elected for six years, and in 1883 was again re-elected. As a lawyer he is regarded by his legal brethren and constituents as an able advocate and a safe counselor. He has always been a Democrat in politics and belongs to the K. of R. J. A. ESKRIDGE, a leading citizen and pioneer of the Fourth District, was born in 1844 in Granville County, N. C., and was one of a family of twelve children (five of whom still live), born to William and Mary Eskridge. His father was of Irish descent, and was born in Granville County, N. C., in 1798. In 1844 he removed to Weakley County, Tenn., and engaged in farming, continuing the same until his death, which occurred in December, 1876. His mother was also a native of the same county and State as her husband, and was born in 1808, and died February, 1878. Mr. Eskridge obtained his early education in the neighborhood schools, and afterward attended Columbus Academy, at Columbus, Ky. On May 26, 1867, he married Fanny, the daughter of E. P. and Sabina Latham, who was born in Weakley County, Tenn., on March 25, 1864, and died May 5, 181886. To them were born seven children: Walter, Lula, Laura, James, Maud, Minnie and Fanny L. Mr. Eskridge located upon his farm soon after marriage, and has continued to live there up to the present. His farm embraces 750 acres of excellent land, in a high state of cultivation. In 1866 he was elected constable, a position he filled for four years. He is a man universally respected, energetic and public spirited, and lends a willing aid to all public enterprises. He is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Gen. George B. McClellan for President. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Charles M. EWING, attorney at law, of Dresden, Tenn., was born in Davidson County, Tenn., in 1842, son of William B. and Martha (Graves) Ewing. The father was born in the same county as our subject, in 1801. He was a farmer, and was married about 1839, and located on the old home place near Nashville, where his father, Alexander Ewing, had settled at a very early date. In his boyhood days, Charles M. attended the common schools, and in September, 1860, entered the University of Virginia, but in May, 1861, returned home and espoused the Confederate cause. He enlisted in Company C, First Regiment, Tennessee Infantry, and participated in the battles of Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta, the Dalton Campaign, Franklin, Nashville and numerous severe skirmishes. He remained in the field until the final surrender, when he returned to his native county, and went to Lebanon and entered the law department of Cumberland University, where he remained until June, 1866. He then returned and settled in Nashville where he began the practice of law. He attended school at Lebanon, Tenn., for some time and there met Miss Bettie Caruthers, and in November, 1867, they were married. Mrs. Ewing is the daughter of Hon. Abraham Caruthers, who was the founder of the law department of Cumberland University, and was president of the same and one of the ablest lawyers in the State. Mr. and Mrs. Ewing have three children: Estelle, Caruthers and Charlie. In April, 1867, Mr. Ewing came to Dresden, where he has since practiced his profession. He is one of the leading lawyers of the Dresden bar, and is a fluent and forcible speaker, and commands a large clientage. He is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a K. T., a K. of P., K. of H. and a member of the A.O.U.W. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. J. B. EZELL, farmer, fruit and vegetable grower, is one of live children of G. W. and A. M. Ezell, and was born in Marshall County, Tenn., in May, 1848. The parents were born in Williamson and Marshall Counties, Tenn., in 1824 and 1880, respectively. The father is a farmer of Marshall County. The mother died in 1863. Our subject was reared and educated in his native county, attending Chapel Hill Academy, under Prof. Cooper, who was captain in the army. On the 21st of February, 1867, our subject and Miss M. A. Elder were united in marriage. Mrs. Ezell was born in the balmy State of Alabama, in Lawrence County, in 1843, and is the mother of six children: Annie B., Johnnie H., George W., Fain, Emma and Frank. Mr. Ezell located on his father's farm after his marriage, but two years later moved to Weakley County, and in 1870 bought the farm where he now resides. His farm consists of about 120 acres of valuable land well-improved. Since 1878 he has been quite extensively and successfully engaged in raising fruits and vegetables, shipping the same. He is a Democrat in politics, and he and wife are members of the Primitive Baptist Church. Mr. Ezell's parents were born in Lawrence County, Ala., the father in 1816 and the mother in 1819. Mr. Elder was a merchant and moved to Marshall County, Tenn., in 1850. He died July 27, 1885, and the mother in May, 1884. Their family consisted of eight children, seven of whom are now living. Thomas H. FARMER, cashier of the Bank of Martin, is a Weakley County Tennessean and was born February 20, 1861. His father, T. H. Farmer, was born in Halifax County of the Old Dominion, about 1835, and when a small boy was brought to Tennessee by his parents. He was a farmer and tobacco dealer, and died in September, 1869. The mother was born in the same place as her husband, but three years earlier. Her maiden name was Lovelace, she being a sister of J. B. Lovelace, of Martin, Tenn. Her ancestors on her father's side came from England about two centuries ago. There were four brothers, one of them being a man of no little literary ability. The wilds of the new world soon became distasteful to him and he returned to England, where he afterward, became Lord Lovelace. Mrs. Farmer is now residing with her daughter, Effie (Mrs. J. W. Hutcherson, of Martin). Thomas H., our subject, obtained his early education in Weakley County, and afterward graduated front the S. W. B. University located at Jackson, Tenn., completing his education in 1880. The next year his marriage with Lena, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Stevens, was celebrated. To them were born two children: Harris H. (deceased), and George E. After completing his education, Mr. Farmer and his uncle, J. R. Lovelace, engaged in the milling business continuing about three years, when our subject purchased the entire property, but at the end of a year and a half disposed of a one-half interest to M. P. Martin, and six months later sold the entire property to A. Hatler. In June, 1886, the Bank of Martin was established, and he is one of the stockholders and cashier of the same. Mr. Farmer is a man of energetic habits, and his efforts have been attended with marked success. He believes in National prohibition,and might be termed a Prohibitionist in politics. He cast his first presidential vote for James G. Blaine. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Alpheus D. FINCH, M. D., of Dresden, was born in Weakley County, in 1849. His father, J. M. Finch, was of English descent, born in Granville County, N. C., in 1824. He was brought to Tennessee when about two years of age. He married Melissa Montgomery, in 1848, and followed the occupation of farming. He is now one of the oldest citizens of Weakley County, and is highly esteemed for his many good qualities. In 1878 he was elected county court clerk and held the office four years with credit to himself. In 188a he moved to Gleason Station and there now resides. His wife was born in 1831, and became the mother of the following children: Alpheus D., Benana, Cornelia E., J. Bruce, Ella, Lillie May, Zula and Emma Hite. Our subject's grandfather was a farmer and carpenter by trade, and erected the first jail and assisted in erecting the first court house in Weakley County. He was one of the first magistrates of Weakley County. He and wife returned to North Carolina, their native State, on a business trip about the year 1842, and while they were returning, the carriage in which they were traveling upset at night and both were thrown out and killed. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Our subject, Alpheus D., received an academic education in the Gleason Masonic Institute, was elected valedictorian of his class in 1870, began the study of medicine in 1871, and entered the medical department of Nashville University in the fall of 1873, where he remained for one session. In 1874 he went to Howell County, Mo., but the following year returned home and located in Obion County, where he did a successful practice for six years. Owing to, ill health he abandoned practice, and in 1881 came to Dresden and opened a drug store. In the fall of 1884 he returned to his former alma mater and graduated as an M. D. in February, 1885. In May of that year he resumed his practice, in which he has been very successful. He is a Democrat, a member of the Methodist Church and of the orders of I.O.O.F. and Masonic fraternities. In November, 1875, he married Laura A. Terrell, who died in September, 1876, and in July, 1878, he wedded E. Augusta Jones, who was born in 1854. From this marriage there is one son, Carl D. Mrs. Dr. T. J. FRAZIER, a resident of Ralston, Tenn., was born in Weakley County, Tenn., in 1833, being one of two children born to Capt. Job and Agnes Rogers. Her father was a native of Granville County, N. C., and came to Weakley County, Tenn., in 1825, where he remained until his death in 1837. Her mother was Agnes Rust, and was born in North Carolina in 1790, and died December 6, 1850. Her father (our subject's grandfather) was born in 1794, and is still living, enjoying good health, being one of the oldest citizens in the county. Mrs. Frazier was educated at Shady Grove Institute, and September 10, 1850, she was married to Dr. T. J. Frazier, who was born in Knox County, Tenn., on January 22, 1822. He was educated at Paris, Henry Co., Tenn., and studied medicine under Dr. Mathewson, of that place, and afterward completed his medical course at the medical school of Louisville, Ky. After marriage he began practicing his profession in Weakley County, living on his farm, seven miles north of Dresden, where they continued to reside until 1867, when they removed to the village of Ralston, where he died January 8, 1880. He was a skillful and successful physician, and was well known throughout this and Henry County. He was public-spirited, enterprising and gave a liberal support to all laudable public movements. His death was universally regretted, as be was regarded as a good citizen and neighbor. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The subject's people were among the early settlers of Weakley County; and at present a large number of them are citizens of the county, all occupying prominent places in the estimation of the public. J. E. FREEMAN's birth occurred in Nottoway County, Va., in November, 1828, and of a family of five children he and his sister, Mary A. (Mrs. J. P. Wood), are the only ones living. Their parents, William H. and Lucy J. Freeman, were born in North Carolina and Virginia, in 1793 and 1800, and died in 1842 and 1869, respectively. They were married in Virginia and came to Tennessee in 1836, being among the early settlers of Weakley County. The father was a farmer and a soldier in the war of 1812. Our subject received an academical education, and in 1858 married Portia J., daughter of Dr. Samuel Allen. She was born in 1838 and died in 1868, leaving four children: Virginia M. (Mrs. W. R. Harris), Nola, Johnnie and James V. Mr. Freeman resided in Dresden until 1861, when he purchased a farm near Gardner's Station where he has since resided. He owns 482 acres of land. December 15, 1875, he married Elizabeth Rast, who was born in South Carolina in 1850. They have five children: Tilden C., Marvin R., Annie I., Newell C. and Otis W. He served as tax collector and deputy sheriff for some time, and then engaged in merchandising and tobacco dealing. He was magistrate of Dresden, and has served one term since coming to the Third District. He is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic and I.O.O.F. fraternities. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Freeman is a man of strong constitution, and for twenty-seven years after marriage there was not a single day that he was unable to attend to business. He is of very temperate habits, and has not tasted liquor of any kind for nearly forty years. Alfred E. GARDNER is a son of Alfred and Mary Ann (Stovall) Gardner, and was born near Dresden January 12, 1849. The father was born in Tennessee in 1805, and was a farmer by occupation. He came to Weakley County in 1826, and was married in 1832. He was a man of determination and energy, and eventually became the owner of 10,000 acres of land, notwithstanding the fact that he suffered many of the privations and hardships incident to pioneer life. He was one of Weakley County s most enterprising and influential citizens, and from 1829 to 1835 was sheriff of the county. He represented Weakley County in the State Legislature in 1835, and served several terms, giving universal satisfaction. He was a skillful rifleman, and was a great lover of hunting the various wild animals that infested the country in early times. He died in 1882, full of years and honors, having lived a long, useful and conscientious life. He was a man of excellent habits and was the noblest work of God---an honest man. He was the father of eight children, six of whom are living: Carrie, Eugenie (wife of Oscar Turner, who is a lawyer of Ballard County, Ky., and an ex-member of Congress), William H., Mary Russell (Mrs. T. N. Jones), Nora Lee (wife of W. F. Smith, of Evansville, Ind., a lawyer and prosecuting attorney), A. E. and Metta Ann (wife of John R. Thomason). Their mother was born in Virginia in 1819, and is residing on the old home place with two of her children. Alfred E. Gardner, our subject, was educated in the Dresden schools and made his home with his parents as long as he remained single. October 30, 1873, he married Miss Annie Edwards, daughter of Dr. Thomas and Mary Edwards. She was born in Tennessee, in 1854, and is the mother of three children: Lee, Mary Metta and Lillian Louise. After marriage our subject located one mile from Dresden, where he lived until 1885, following agricultural pursuits. At the latter date he erected a beautiful frame residence in Dresden and there now resides. He owns 700 acres of land and is a young man of fine business qualifications. His father, Alfred Gardner, immediately after the war was appointed agricultural correspondent of the United States Government from Weakley County, and after his death our subject was appointed in his place and now holds the office. He is a Democrat. A. C. GARDNER was born in Dresden, in 1841, and is one of five children born to Col. John A. and Maria Gardner. Our subject was educated in the schools near his home and in the Nashville University. In 1861 he enlisted in Company G, Ninth Tennessee Infantry, and after the battle of Shiloh was promoted to the office of captain,and held that position until the close of the war. He was in twenty-three engagements, many of them being the hardest battles of the war. He was a brave soldier and rendered valuable service to the Confederate cause. He received only a slight wound and returned home May 25, 1865, and the same year married Josephine R., daughter of Joseph and Henrietta Johnson. Mrs. Gardner was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., in 1844, and became the mother of seven children, five living: Mary E., Ada B., John A., Algernon and Joe. Immediately after marriage Mr. Gardner located where he now resides. He owns 200 acres of valuable and well improved land, and is a successful businessman. He is a Democrat in his political views and he and Mrs. Gardner are members of the Baptist Church. Col. John A. GARDNER, attorney at law, was born in Robertson County, Tenn., in 1809, and is one of two surviving members of a family of nine children born to the marriage of John Gardner and Patience Whitehead, which occurred about 1796. Both were of English descent and natives of Virginia, and left the Old Dominion for Tennessee immediately after their marriage, being among the pioneer settlers of Middle Tennessee. The father died in, 1845 and the mother in 1846. Our subject was reared and educated in Robertson County, and resided with his parents until seventeen years of age. In 1826 he came to Weakley County, and the following year went to Paris, Henry Co., Tenn., and established a weekly paper, The West Tennessean, editing it for one year. He then sold out and returned to Dresden and entered upon the study of law, his preceptor being Hon. William Fitzgerald. In 1829 he was admitted to practice law before the courts of Tennessee, and immediately opened a law office in Dresden. He soon won the confidence and esteem of the people and after a brief period became one of the leading lawyers of the Weakley County bar, and has practiced law for fifty years. In 1838 he edited the Jacksonian in Dresden for a few months. In 1841 he was elected to the State Senate and served six years. He delivered a speech of seven hours length before the State Senate, on the manner of electing United States senators, and was called one of the "Immortal Thirteen." In 1847 he was a candidate for Congress on the Democratic ticket, his competitor being William H. Haskell. He was defeated, however, as the Whig majority was 2,400 against him, which he reduced 1,400. In 1848 he was elector for Gen Cass, and in 1870 was a member of the Constitutional Convention. In 1878-79 he was a member of the lower house of the State Legislature. In 1828 he married Maria Terrell, daughter of Jephtha Terrell. Mrs. Gardner was a native of North Carolina, and is the mother of four children: Algernon C., Ada B. (wife of Hon. W. P. Caldwell, ex-member of Congress), Laura (wife of James Gardner) and Lou M. (wife of M. Z. Hankins). Mrs. Gardner died in November, 1848, and in 1850 Mr. Gardner married Agnes H. Cowardin, of Nashville. She was born in 1830 and is the mother of five children: Almus H., Ernest M., Percy W., Fannie G. and Josie Lee. Mr. Gardner resided on his 510-acre farm during the war, having purchased the same in 1840. He at one time owned 7,100 acres of land. Since 1865 he has resided at Gardner Station. In 1852 he organized the Nashville & Northwestern Railroad Company, and served as its president four years. The road passed through his farm and Gardner Station was named in his honor. Col. Gardner is one of the old settlers that yet remain. He has spent an active and useful life and has been a leader among men. He is a shrewd business man of superior social qualities, and very conscientious in the discharge of his duties. He is a Mason, and his wife is a member of the Episcopal Church. Joshua GARDNER's birth occurred in Robertson County, Tenn., March 30, 1800, he being one of seven sons and two daughters of John and P. Gardner, both born in South Hampton County, Va., about 1775. The father came to Tennessee about 1796, and after following a farmer's life in Robertson and Weakley Counties, died in the latter place about 1851. His wife died three years later. Joshua received such education as could be obtained in the primitive log schoolhouses of Robertson County and February 28, 1829, married Sarah C., daughter of James and Esther Donelson. Mrs. Gardner was born in Iredel County, N. C., in 1808, and departed this life in 1873. To them were born two children, both of whom are now dead. May 1, 1875, Tempie Delap, Hugh and Lucy Delap's daughter, became his wife. Mrs. Gardner was born in Davidson County, N. C., in 1821. Until 1840 Mr. Gardner was a resident of Henry County; at that date he moved to Weakley County and purchased 288 acres of land in the Third District. He at one time was the owner of 1,300 acres of land; but has only 150 acres in his possession at the present time. Mr. Gardner was a hard working, energetic man before he became too old for manual labor. He is a man of good business principles and lends his hearty support to all enterprises for the public weal. He was magistrate of Henry County a number of years and is a Democrat in his political views. He belongs to the Masonic order and he and Mrs. Gardner are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. J. Almus GARDNER is a native of Dresden, Tenn., born January 12, 1827, being the first male child born in the town of Dresden. He is one of six children of Jephtha and Emily Gardner. The father was born in Robertson County, Tenn., September 27, 1801. He and six brothers moved to Weakley County in 1825, being among the early settlers. He was a farmer and held the office of magistrate and kept hotel for about thirty years. He died in 1865. The mother was born in North Carolina, and was a few years younger than her husband. Her death occurred in 1832. Our subject acquired his education in the district schools and was a medical student two years in the office of Drs. Edwards & Gardner. He then entered the medical college known as the University of Louisville (Ky.), and graduated from that institution as an M. D. in 1848. He practiced in Dresden until 1866. In 1850 he wedded Martha, daughter of Hillary and Unity Bondurant. Mrs. Gardner is a native of the county, born in 1833. They became the parents of three children, two now living: Inez, Charley (deceased) and Eunice (wife of Warren Baker). After leaving Dresden, Dr. Gardner located at Gardner, a village taking its name from his uncle, Col. Gardner. He has been a very successful practitioner and is one of the first physicians of the county. He is a Democrat, and his first presidential vote was cast for Lewis Cass, of Michigan. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. W. A. GOODWIN was born in Calloway County, Ky., in 1850, where, till he was nineteen years of age, he worked on his father's farm. Having had but few educational advantages, his acquisitions are the result of his own toll. At the age of nineteen he entered Murray Institute, in his native county, which he attended one term and so distinguished himself that he was employed the following year as assistant instructor. His efforts as an educator were crowned with satisfaction to those whom he served; but brighter prospects rising before him, he left Kentucky in 1876 to take charge of Spring Hill Academy , Henry County, Tenn., where he served with that success that has ever characterized his efforts. During the second year of his connection with this school, 1877, he married Cora, daughter of W. E. and A. A. Pybas, of Trenton, Tenn. Having been educated at the Peabody High School at this place, she was eminently qualified to enter upon the work of educating the youth, which she did, in connection with her husband, immediately after their marriage. In 1879 they moved to Weakley County, Tenn., where they took charge of Central Academy. The school, under their skillful management, was raised to a degree of perfection never before reached. A new educational interest was awakened among the people, and the standard of education was raised to the first rank in the county. In 1883 they were called to take charge of the Martin School. They found the building poorly furnished and in bad repair; the school ungraded and in a state of disintegration, but under the management of Prof. Goodwin and wife the work of reconstruction commenced and continued, until now a nine-years high school graded course of study has been established; the building furnished and improved in a most creditable manner, a general plan for the upbuilding of the school having been vigorously prosecuted. Three years have passed under the new system, and the results have been gratifying to all. The government, in many respects, is peculiar. Rewards and punishments are not suspended upon single acts, but upon the aggregate of a sufficient number of acts to form a character. The pupils are led to engage in the study and work of character-building. The secret of good government is to make the pupils thoughtful builders; for there are few who are so depraved that they will thoughtfully and intentionally build a bad character. "Vigilance is the price of good discipline" only when it applies to habit, and not to single acts. When we consider its present excellent standing as the result of but three years work, we are constrained to say that the Martin School sprang into being, as it were, "at a touch of the magician's wand." It is the leading school of the county, its average daily attendance having increased from about sixty to 107 pupils, and requires the services of three teachers. The next term opens on the first Monday in September, 1886, and the outlook is even more flattering than the past has been. Col. M. Z. Hankins first saw the light of day in Henry County, in 1837. He was one of five children and is now the only surviving member of the family of S. W. and Caroline Hankins, born in Worth and South Carolina, November 9, 1809, and October 4, 1804, respectively. They were married in Tipton County, Tenn., August 23, 1836. The father, who was a Methodist Episcopal minister, began expounding the Gospel October 12, 1833, and was ordained deacon by J. O. Andrew, in Macon, Ga., January 17, 1836, and was afterward ordained elder at Granada, Mississippi, by Bishops Thomas and Morris. At the time of his death, in 1843, he was sojourning in Florida for his health. Re was a minister of no little ability and distinction and did much to aid the cause of Christianity. Our subject's grandfather, Samuel Hankins, was a minister and an early pioneer of Tennessee. He owned about 14,000 acres of land in Henry County, besides 5,000 acres in the extreme western part of the State. He became possessor of these lands through his wife, who was a Miss Howe. The immediate subject of our sketch went to Mississippi with his parents when about six years old, and was educated at the Masonic College at Granada, Miss. In 1861 he enlisted in Company G, Fifteenth Mississippi Infantry, being captain of the same at first and afterward colonel. He was at Shiloh, Baton Rouge, Corinth and Harrisburg, where he received a severe wound, from the effects of which he has never fully recovered. He returned home in May, 1865. In 1867 he married Lou M. Gardner. She was born in Weakley County, in 1843, and is a daughter of Col. John A. Gardner, and has borne her husband four children: Berah, Joseph G., Zadi and Zerle. Since 1837 Mr. Hankins has been a resident of Weakley County. He owns 200 acres of valuable land near Martin. In 1870 he was elected constable, and has been twice re-elected. He was then chosen magistrate, and is still filling the duties of that office, giving entire satisfaction to all. He is a Democrat and his first presidential vote was cast for John Bell. He is a Mason, and a member of the K. of H. He and wife belong to the Baptist Church. M. HANNINGS was born in Carroll County, Tenn., in 1817, one of ten children of J. G. and Eliza A. Hannings, who were born in Virginia, in 1809. They were married in their native State, and in 1841 came to Carroll County, Tenn., and remained until 1849. He then came to Weakley County, and died in 1881. The mother is yet living. Our subject was educated in the Glade School, near home, and in 1873 married Mary J. Craig, daughter of John Craig. Mrs. Hannings was born in Carroll County, in 1856, and is the mother of three children: Lycurgus, Moses C. and Herschel V. Mr. Hannings owns 157 acres of valuable land in the Fourteenth District, and is an active, industrious man. In 1878 he was elected to the office of constable, and held the office four years to the satisfaction of all. He gives his support to all laudable enterprises, and is a man who has the respect and esteem of all. He is a Democrat politically, and he and Mrs. Hannings are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Lea HARRIS, trustee, of Weakley County, Tenn., was born in North Carolina, in 1826. His father, Stephen Harris, was born in Virginia, in 1790, and followed the occupations of farming and shoemaking. He went to South Carolina in his youth, and after residing there a few years, left the Palmetto State and went to North Carolina, where he married Mary Lea, who was a native of that State. To them were born six children. The mother died in 1828, and the father took for his second wife Elizabeth Lea (sister of his first wife), and died in 1859. Lea Harris was educated in his native State, and when a small boy commenced working at the shoe- maker's trade with his father and continued until he was grown. September 9, 1844, he married Irena Lea, daughter of Barnett J. and Desdamony Lea. Mrs. Harris was born in North Carolina, February 15, 1823. They have three children living: Mary Frances (Mrs. G. W. Higgs), Stephen J. and Elzada A. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Harris left his native State and came to Weakley County, Tenn., and purchased property in the Fourth District, and began his career as a farmer. In 1868 he was elected constable and held the position four years. After a lapse of two years he was again elected to the same office, which he filled three years. In 1870 he began buying leaf tobacco, and for eleven years was the leading tobacco buyer, and was one of the most prominent citizens of Weakley County. In 1882 he was elected county trustee, and at the expiration of that term was re- elected , and again re-elected in 1886. He bought property in the town and is now a permanent resident of Dresden. He is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic fraternity, Lodge No. 9. He belongs to the Christian Church. A. HATLER, miller, of Martin, Tenn., was one of thirteen children, seven of whom are living, born to the marriage of Alexander Hatler and Elizabeth Russell, who were born in Barren County, Ky., in 1800 and 1805, and died in Henry County, Tenn., 1846 and 1875 respectively. They were married in their native county, and in 1825 moved to Henry County, Tenn., where the father built a mill on Old Town Creek, and there resided until his death. Our subject was born in Henry County in 1827, and was educated in the old-fashioned dirt-floored schoolhouses of early days. In 1854 he wedded Regina Richie, daughter of James and Lucy Richie. Mrs. Hatler was born near Nashville, Tenn., in 1827, and died in the spring of 1866, leaving two children: William L., now in Morgan County, Mo., and Alien, living near Martin. In 1867 Mr. Hatler married Columbia Hatler, who became the mother of one daughter - Regina, and died in 1869. Mr. Hatler married his third wife, Mrs. Shouklin, in 1870. To them were born two children, both of whom are deceased. Our subject married his fourth wife, Lucy A. Quarrels, in July, 1881. Mrs. Hatler was born in Weakley County in 1854, and has borne her husband one daughter - Harriett. From the time of his first marriage up to January, 1886, Mr. Hatler followed farming. He is now doing quite an extensive business in grist-milling, turning out about thirty barrels of flour per day and 150 bushels of corn meal. His farm of 156 acres, of land is in the Third District. He has given his children good educational advantages, and in politics is conservative, though formerly a Whig. He is a Mason. His great-grandfather came from Germany and located in North Carolina, and after a time the family gradually pushed westward, and are now citizens of Kentucky and Tennessee. Enoch HEATH, M. D., was one of nine children born to Ryland and Anna (Gilbert) Heath. The father was of Scotch-German descent and was born in North Carolina in 1781. His parents dying when he was young, he was reared by an aunt, who saw that he obtained a common school education. He was married about 1810, and removed to Tennessee; thence to Kentucky, where he resided until his demise in 1869. e was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was at the battle of New Orleans. is wife was born in Georgia, in 1789, and died in old Kentucky in 1872. Enoch Heath, after residing at home and being educated in the common schools, began the study of medicine in 1858, under the direction of Drs. Brazier, at Weston, Ky. A year later he began taking lectures in Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated as an M. D. from a medical institution in that city in 1860. June 9, of the same year, he visited his first patient at Weston, Ky., and has plied his profession ever since, meeting with good success. In 1862 he came to Weakley County, Tenn., and located on his farm of 125 acres, where he continued to reside and practice until 1876, with the exception of about two years spent in the Eleventh District. January 13, 1863, he married Anna Hughes, born in Weston, Ky., in 1841, by whom he has two children: John, an M. D. at Greenfield, and Hattie. Mrs. Heath's father, Joseph Hughes, was born in North Carolina, and the mother, Anna Hughes, in South Carolina. In 1876 Dr. Heath removed to Gleason, where he purchased a small tract of land and soon built up a good practice. He served about six months in the late war when ill health caused him to give up army life. He is a Democrat and Mason, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. William P. HILL, farmer and miller. was born in the Blue-grass State in 1818. His parents were William and Sarah (Copeland) Hill. The father's ancestors were of Irish birth. He was born in North Carolina in 1791, and was educated at Hillsboro, his native town, taking a theological course, and afterward pursued that study in a Presbyterian university of that State. He moved to Logan County, Ky., when a young man, and was married in 1816. He followed his calling in Adairsville, but was cut down in the vigor of manhood; his death occurring in 1818. About three years later his widow married Robert B. Payne, and died in 1856. William P. Hill resided with his mother and acquired a fair English education in the neighboring schools. In 1821 he removed with his mother and step-father to Weakley County, Tenn., where he has since spent the most of his days. In 1836 he entered a mercantile establishment at Dresden, where he was employed as salesman a number of years. In 1841 he commenced merchandising on his own responsibility at Christmasville, Carroll County, where he remained four years. He then farmed in Weakley County until 1850. He removed to Troy, Obion County, where he began merchandising, and in 1856 was elected county register, in which capacity he served the public four years to the general satisfaction of all. In 1860 he started to emigrate to Texas, but while in Arkansas was deterred from proceeding on his journey by the State forces, and was compelled to abandon his project and settle in that vicinity. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, First Missouri Regiment, and was made quartermaster. After the regiment was reorganized he was again chosen quartermaster with the rank and pay of colonel. He participated in many hard-fought battles. January 28, 1841, he was married to Miss Olive Taylor, and of their five children two are living: Erasmus and Laura V. (widow of Aaron Franklin). Mrs. Hill died in the latter part of 1865. In 1866 Mr. Hill married Louisa M. Null, by whom he had seven children, six of whom are living: James P., Mary O., Luella, Sterling Price, Robert Lee and William Bate. In 1885 Mr. Hill purchased 600 acres of land in the Fifteenth District, on which he now resides. He served a number of years as magistrate of Carroll County and as deputy sheriff of Weakley County. He is a Democrat, Mason and a member of the I.O.O.F., and his wife is a worthy member of the Baptist Church. Elliott D. HORNBEAK is a son of James and Sarah (Dean) Hornbeak, and was born in Hickman County, Tenn., in 1817. He was educated in the very primitive schools of his day, and after attaining his majority, continued to remain with his mother on the home farm, of which he afterward became the possessor. March 22, 1854, Elizabeth White became his wife. She is a daughter of J. A. and Prudence White, and became the mother of eleven children, the following nine now living: S. Prudence, Ann Eliza, William A., John B.. Allen B., George A., Thomas M., Ethelbert J. and Margaret E. Mr. Hornbeak's farm consists of 238 acres of very productive land. He is a man who is strictly honest in all his dealings, and possesses fine business qualities. He has always been a member of the Democratic party, and Martin Van Buren received his first presidential vote. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for nearly forty years, and he and Mrs. Hornbeak are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church; the latter was born in Jackson County, Tenn., in 1835, and departed this life October 8, 1881. Our subject's father was born in Tennessee, in 1782, and is of German descent. He was married when about twenty-two years of age. He was a farmer, and the owner of 353 acres of land, and died in 1849. The mother died in 1876, at the ripe old age of ninety-two years. Henry F. HUDSON, M. D., of Greenfield, Tenn., is a son of David H. and Martha J. (Parton) Hudson, and was born in Wilson County, on the 23d of November, 1846. His father's family are P. W., Emeline, Thomas, Wiley, Bannie, Eliza Ann., Sophronia, Rebecca, and our subject, who was educated in the schools near his home. In 1871 he entered Nashville University, but at the end of one year, entered a medical school at Louisville, Ky., and graduated in 1873. He then practiced his profession, near Bradford, Tenn., for about live years, when he removed to Greenfield, and there still resides. He is a successful practitioner, and ranks high among the members of his profession. January, 1869, witnessed his marriage with Lucy Baird, daughter of Henry and Almeda Baird. They have two children: Dovie and Etta. Mrs. Hudson was born in Wilson County, in 1847. Dr. Hudson is a man of good business qualifications, and was mayor of Greenfield for about three years. He is a Democrat, and his wife and daughter, Dovie, are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Hudson is the owner of some real estate in the village, also a stave factory about five miles from town. The Doctor's father and mother were born in Virginia and Tennessee, in 1822 and 1824 respectively, and were married in 1845; the father is a farmer, and in 1872 inmigrated to Texas, where he purchased land, and has since resided. W. W. HUGLETT, a prominent citizen and farmer, of the Sixteenth District, Obion Co., Tenn., was born in Henry County, Tenn., in October, 1832, being one of a family of twelve children, nine of whom are living. His parents were Moses and Elizabeth Hughlett, the former being of Scotch, and the latter of Irish descent. His father was born in Virginia, in 1798, and moved to Kentucky, while a young man, where he worked at the tailor's trade.Upon his marriage, in 1821, he removed to Henry County, Tenn., and was among the first settlers of that county, and assisted in laying out the town of Paris. After remaining for ten years in Henry County, he removed across the line into Graves County, Ky and from there to Weakley County, Tenn., where he lived until his death, in 1870. After his marriage, he became a farmer, which vocation he continued through after life. His (our subject's) mother, was born in Cumberland County, Ky., about 1808, and died in 1878. The subject of this sketch was brought up at home, and attended the neighborhood schools. In 1862 he was married to Margaret, daughter of Joshua A. and Mary Pate, she having been born in Williamson County, Tenn., in 1838. By this marriage, they have eight children, as follows: Mary B., (wife of W. H. Winsett), Thomas, Joseph, Sallie, Elizabeth, Maggie, John and Victoria. After marriage Mr. Hughlett turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which have since occupied his time, in connection with handling tobacco. He is an active, enterprising man, and is a Republican in politics, though formerly a Whig. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. G. W. L. HYNDS, a successful physician and farmer of the Eighteenth District, was born in 1839, being one of a family of six children, live of whom are yet living. His father was born in East Tennessee, in 1811, from where he removed to Rutherford County, and thence to Weakley County, in 1837, locating on a farm in the Eighteenth District, and residing there until his death, in 1884. His mother was born in Rutherford County, in 1817, and is now residing with her daughter, Mrs. James H. Sullivan, on the homestead farm, in the Eighteenth District. Dr. Hynds obtained his education in the common schools, and at the age of twenty-one years, began the study of medicine with Dr. Wm. Maxwell, at Mt. Pelia. After a year spent in reading medicine, he attended courses of lectures, first at the Memphis Medical School, and then at the Physio-medical Institute,of Cincinnati, Ohio. After completing his medical studies, he located in the Eighteenth District, where he began the practice of his profession, and at the same time engaged in farming. In 1870 he was married to Paralee, daughter of G. H. and Nancy C. (Crosser) Hattler, the former of whom was born in Allen County, Ky., July 12,1817, and the latter was born April 30, 1823, and died August 14, 1850. Mrs. Hynds was born in Weakley County, in 1844. To the Doctor and wife have been born nine children, all living at present, as follows - Nannie, Sallie, James Daniel, Mintie, Birtie, Joseph, Benjamin and Susan. Dr. Hynds is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the I.O.O.F. fraternity. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.