WEAKLEY COUNTY TN - GOODSPEED - The Biographies of Weakley County TN T - W ********************************************************************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Jane N. Powell ********************************************************************************************************** Goodspeed Biographies T - W Edward A. Tansil was born in North Carolina in 1813, one of nine children born to Edward and Piety (Thomas) Tansil, who were born in North Carolina in 1770 and 1780, respectively. The father followed the occupation of farming through life, and a few years after his marriage was also engaged in the mercantile business. He came to Tennessee in 1825, and in 1849, while visiting in Texas, was taken sick and died. He owned at the time of his death 320 acres of land, on which our immediate subject is now residing. Mrs. Tansil departed this life in 1862. After receiving the education and rearing of the average farmer's boy, Edward A., September 8, 1842, married Caroline, the daughter of John and Winnie Jenkins, by whom he had seven children: Ann Eliza (wife of Dr. E. J. Shannon), Elenora (wife of Dr. T. J. Moore), Mollie (wife of Dr. B. T. Bondurant), Albertine W., Thomas J., Virginia Alice (Mrs. C. W. Moore) and Ernest L. Mrs. Tansil departed this life in 1862, and in 1866 Mr. Tansil married Mrs. M. Lou (Goodson) Gardner, who died in 1878. Mr. Tansil owns a well cultivated and improved farm of 200 acres near Sharon. Previous to the war he was a Whig in politics, but since that time he has affiliated with the Democratic party. He is one of the influential members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South and formerly belonged to the I.O.O.P. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J. N. Terrell, a farmer of Weakley County, Tenn., was born in Dresden in 1848, he being one of six children born to Peleg and Martha Terrell. The parents were born in 1803 in Virginia and Tennessee, respectively. The father came to Tennessee at an early day, and was a farmer and served as sheriff a number of years. He will be remembered by many of the old citizens of the county. He died in 1855. The mother died about 1858. Our subject was reared at home and received the greater portion of his education at Macon Ga. January 18, 1870, he married Miss L. M., daughter of L. R. Walker. She was born on the farm where she and her husband now live, February 1, 1853, and is the mother of four children: Arthur, Cress, Ross and Maud. Since his marriage, Mr. Terrell has resided on his father-in-law's old homestead. He owns about 600 acres of land, a portion of which is in Obion County. Mr. Terrell raises and deals quite extensively in stock and is a man of active and energetic habits. He is a Democrat and a member of the I.O.O.F. In 1861 he went to Macon, Ga., and resided there and in Mississippi until 1866, when he returned home. He had two brothers, John and Thaddy, who were taken sick and died while serving in the Confederate Army during the late war. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capt. G. C. Thomas, a prominent citizeu, and postmaster, of Martin, is one of thirteen children, and was born in Weakley County, in 1837. His father, W. 0. Thomas, is a Kentuckian, born in Henry County in 1811, and became an inhabitant of Tennessee when nineteen years of age. He is a farmer, and has been twice married. The mother, Mary Elizabeth Thomas, was born in North Carolina, in 1812, and departed this life in 1863. Her parents were eighty-four and ninety-two years of age, respectively, at the time of their deaths. Our subject was educated in the district schools near his home, and in August, 1861, enlisted in Company K, Thirty-flrst Tennessee Infantry, C.S.A. For the first lix months John Elliot was captain of the company; after that our subject himself was chosen captain. He was at Perryville, Murfreesboro, Missionary Ridge and in many other engagements of note. July 22, 1864, he was wounded at the battle of Peach Tree Creek and was obliged to remain in the hospital until the surrender. He returned home in May, 1865, after having rendered valuable service to the Confederacy. He was wounded eleven times and has part of the bone of one of his arms entirely gone. Mr. Thomas farmed until 1878, when he was elected sheriff of Weakley County, and being re-elected, resigned in 1880, and moved back to his farm, where he continued to reside until December, 1885. At that date he was appointed postmaster of Martin, a position he still continues to fill. In February, 1878, he naarried Sarah E. Gibbs, who was born in Weakley County, in 1857. Mr. Thomas is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic and K. of H. fraternities, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He had five brothers in the Confederate Army: Joseph V. (deceased), John F., a farmer of Kentucky; W. A., who was killed at the battle of Franklin; C. G., a farmer of Obion County, Tenn., and J. B., a farmer of Weakley County. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capt. J. G. Thomason, clerk of the Circuit Court of Weakley County, was born in Henry County, Tenn., in 1825. His father, Richard Lee Thomason, was born in North Carolina, in 1801, and was a farmer by occupation. In 1820 he left his native State and came to Rutherford County, Tenn., where he married Elizabeth Smith the same year of his arrival. He resided in Henry and Weakley Counties the remainder of his days and died in the latter county in August, 1881. He was magistrate of his district in Henry County for about twenty-three years, and was a man of sound judgment and true worth. His wife was born in North Carolina in 1802, and came to Tennessee in 1820. She is yet living, and although in her eighty-fifth year, is in good health. Of their nine children, seven are living. J. G. Thomason was educated in Henry County, and at the age ,of twenty began clerking in a dry goods store. In 1845 he was elected constable of the Tenth District and served four years. October 18, 1851, he married Sarah C. Peck, born in Weakley County, in 1834. They have five children: Temperance E. (Mrs. Robert Carman), Lela May (Mrs. E. H. Ayers), John P., Sarah G. and Stella. In 1852 Mr.Thomason moved to Weakley County and began merchandising in Gleason. In 1854 he bought a farm and followed tilling the soil for seventeen years. He was elected circuit court clerk of Weakley County in 1860, but in the spring of 1861 raised Company G, Fifty-first Tennessee Infantry, and was elected captain. He was at Shiloh, Perryville and in numerous severe skirmishes, and in 1863 was captured near his home and taken to Johnson's Island, where he was retained three months. After his exchange he served until the Surrender of Richmond, then returned home. In 1870 he was again elected circuit court clerk and has been re-elected four times in succession. He has been a life-long Democrat and belongs to the Masonic, I.O.O.F. and K. of H. fraternities. He and Mrs. Thomason are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- W. G. Trent, an old resident and druggist of Martin, Tenn., was born in Halifax County, Va., July 11, 1838, and is one of two surviving members of a family of six children of R. T. and Susan Trent. The father is of English descent some generations back, and was born in Henry County, Va., in 1811. In December, 1888, he removed to Tennessee locating in Weakley County, where he followed the occupation of farming, and died in 1845. The mother was born in King and Queen County, Va., a few years later than her husband, and departed this life in 1813. Our subject was educated in the schools near his boyhood home, and December 7, 1865, his marriage with A. E. Freeman was celebrated. Mrs. Trent, a worthy woman, was born in Henry County, Tenn., May 22, 1840; daughter of John and Ann E. Freeman, and has borne her husband the following children: Inez, Edith J., Anna and Mary W. For three years after his marriage Mr. Trent farmed, and the following five years sold drugs at Cottage Grove. Since that time he has resided in Martin, and now is the oldest business man in the town. His stock of drugs amounts to about $2,500, and he does an annual business of about $5,000. Mr. Trent is energetic and reasonably economical, and, as a consequence, has prospered financially. May 20, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Fifth Tennessee Infantry as sergeant, and was at Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Franklin, and assisted J. E. Johnson in fighting Sherman, while on his raid through Georgia. He was in the army four years to a day, and during his entire service was neither captured nor wounded. Mr. Trent is a Democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Breckinridge. He is a Mason, and himself and wife are church members. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alex M. Tucker (deceased) is a Weakley County Tennessean, born January 20, 1828; son of Daniel and Pruey (Myzell), Tucker. The father was a North Carolinian, and came to Tennessee at an early day. He was married in Weakley County, but afterward moved to Obion County where he died. Of his seven children, only two are living: William and Goodin. Alex M. resided with his parents until twenty-five years of age. April 25, 1850, he married Elizabeth Mayo, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Ross) Mayo. Mrs. Tucker was born February 28, 1829, and became the mother of five children: Susan Martha, Sarah Caroline (Mrs. James A. Kelley), Thomas G. (who died June 27, 1884), Mintie Pruey (wife of J. M. Nanney, who died February 8, 1886), and Neal Marshall. The same year that Mr. Tucker was married, he purchased 160 acres of land near Dresden. Here he died July 19, 1884. He began life poor in purse, but by close application and good business management, became the possessor of 800 acres of land. He was a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. Since his death, Mrs. Tucker has lived on the old home place with her son. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C. J. Tully is a son of Michael and Eliza (Nolan) Tully, was born in Albany N. Y., in 1854, and is one of ten children. The father was a native of Ireland, being born about 1828. His mother died when he was quite small, and, in consequence, his early education was somewhat limited. When about twenty-four years of age he immigrated to America, and located in Albany, N. Y. Here he married in 1852, and remained about five years, and then removed to Chicago, Ill., where he died in 1885. The mother is still residing in Chicago. The subject of our sketch received his education in Chicago. He began working at his trade, as an employe, at the age of eleven years, and in 1868 went to Benton Harbor, Mich., and was engaged in fruit tree grafting, and in working at his trade. In 1874 he was married to Katie Pender, of Benton Harbor, by whom he had two children: Katie and Eddie. Mrs. Tully died about 1877, and in 1881 Mr. Tully removed to South Haven, Mich., and in company with I. T. Pierce and T. A. Shaffer, opened their fruit package manufactory, continuing about six months, when Mr. Shaffer retired from the business, and about four years later, our subject did the same. November 17, 1884, Mr.Tully married Jennie, daughter of Admiral Bartholomew, of South Haven, Mich. They have one child - Jennie. In the fall of 1885 Mr. Tulley came to Greenfield, and purchased a one-third interest in the Tennessee Box and Basket Manufactory, at that place. The firm is doing a thriving business, and is engaged in an occupation that has already proven itself to be of inestimable value to the town and county. They give employment to, about thirty-five men and boys. Mr. Tully is conservative in politics, and he and wife are members of the Catholic Church, the latter being born in Holland, in 1865. H. P. Walker, of the Eighteenth District, was born in North Carolina, in 1820, and is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Walker, both of whom were natives of North Carolina. His father was born in 1795, and came to Weakley County, Tenn., in about 1846, locating on a farm in what is now the Eighteenth District, where he lived the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1850. His mother was born in about 1795, and died in 1847. Mr. Walker was brought up on the farm, receiving his education at the neighboring schools, and in 1845 was married to Kisiah, daughter of Isbam and ----- Collier, who was born in Weakley County, Tenn., in 1828, and is now deceased. By this marriage one child, Eliza, wife of Warren Billingsby, was born to Mr. Walker. In 1853 he purchased 100 acres of land, upon which he located, and where he has since resided. In 1855 he married Susan B., daughter of Barnett and Sophia Winstead, and to them have been born seven children, all of whom are living: Sophia B., wife of Thomas Laws; Letitia A., wife of Budd Russ; William J., Granderson A., Jemima A., Mary T. and Emma. Mr. Walker has lived an active and energetic life, and has been quite successful. He is a member of the Democratic party, and his first vote was cast for James K. Polk. His wife is a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rev. J. W. Waters, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Martin, Tenn., was born in Calloway County, Ky., in 1854. His parents, R. G. and Mary E. Waters, were born in North Carolina, in 1818 and 1829, and died in 1863 and 1884, respectively. They were married in their native State and moved to Calloway County, Ky., in 1854. J. W. Waters obtained his early education in the schools near his home, and at the age of nineteen entered the McKenzie College (now known as the McTyeire Institute), and completed his education there in 1876, taking a theological course at that place. Immediately after this he entered the ministry and has continued that calling ever since. He joined the Methodist Episcopal Conference in 1881, and that same year witnessed the celebration of his marriage with Lois A., daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Summers, of Milburn, Ky. Mrs. Waters was born in 1859, and is the mother of two children: Fletcher and Mary. From 1881 to 1883, Rev. Waters preached in Weakley County, Tenn., and then spent one year at Hickman, Ky. Since that time he has resided in Martin and has been engaged in ministerial labors at Martin, Ralston, Gardner and Freeman's Chapel, all the churches being in a flourishing condition. The church at Martin was organized in 1875 and now has a membership of 175. Rev. Waters is an energetic worker for the Master and as a minister is universally loved and respected. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mrs. L. A. Whitlock was born in Weakley County, Tenn., December 27,1847, and is the daughter of J. H. F. and Lucy A. Atkins. Her father was born June 25, 1811, and came to Weakley County at an early date. He was a farmer by occupation and was well known, and died December 16, 1874, having been twice married. Her mother's maiden name was Dabney, and was born in Maury County, Tenn., on March 24, 1818, and died November 28, 1868. Our subject was married to Charles D. Whitlock, January 12, 1864. He was born in Calloway County, Ky., April 1, 1838, removing to Tennessee when a small boy, and with his parents removed thence to Texas. At the age of twenty-two he returned to Tennessee. In 1873 he located on his farm near Ralston, where he died November 7, 1880, after a life of activity and usefulness. He was universally respected by his neighbors and acquaintances. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The marriage resulted in the birth of eight children, five of whom are still living, they being as follows: Annie, wife of John R. Rector, now living in Bell County, Tex.; W. H., Lucy D., C. D. and Fannie. Mrs.Whitiock has a fine farm of 240 acres, in a high state of cultivation, located just soutli of Ralston. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Whitlock was a Republican in politics. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Williams, farmer, merchant and mechanic, of Weakley County, Tenn., was born in Chatham County, N. C., in 1815. His parents, Allen and Elizabeth (Davis) Will iams, were born in Virginia and North Carolina in 1786 and 1792, respectively. The father was a farmer, and moved to Kentucky in 1827. The following year he brought his fami ly to Weakley County, Tenn., where he lived at the time of his death in 1875. He was the father of ten children, only three of whom are now living: Jesse Jackson, a resident of Texas; Samuel G., living in California, and our subject. Their mother is yet living, and is in her ninety-fifth year. She is the oldest person in the county; lives entirely alone; does her own house-work; milks, and tends her own garden, being very active for so old a lady. Our subject came to eakley County when be was thirteen years of age, and resided with his parents until he was twenty-two years old. In September, 1837, he wedded Mary J. Turnbow, who was born in Alabama in 1821, and is the mother of six children, four now living: Mary Ann (Mrs. J. M. V. Cochran), James R., Cornelia L. (Mrs. B. N. Pullen) and Rachel Caroline (Mrs. Ira Nance). After marriage Mr. Williams moved to Calloway County, Ky., where he resided twenty years, engaged in farming, carpentering, milling and merchandising. In 1857 he moved to Farmington, Graves Co., Ky., where he farmed, bought and sold tobacco and general merchandise. In November, 1870, he moved to Tennessee, and he and his son James erected a saw and grist-mill, in which business they have since been engaged. In 1874 Elm Tree postoffice was moved to the mill, and Mr. Williams has since been its postmaster. October 15, 1855, he lost his wife, and April 16, of the following year, he married Martha Cochran, who was born in Kentucky May 12, 1832. They have six children: Amphion, Lucian A., Lucy, Chiron E., William and Sallie. Mr. Williams is a Democrat and Mason, and he and Mrs. Williams are members of the Christian Church. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- W. H. Wilson, a farmer of Weakley County, Tenn., was born In 1848, one of four children of W. P. and Mary E. Wilson, both born in Tennessee, the former in 1816 and the latter in 1821. The father came to Weakley County when a small boy, and served in the late war as colonel in the Federal Army. He was severely wounded in the spinal column during a battle, which disabled him for life. He is now living with our subject. The mother died in 1862. Our subject was reared at home, and educated in the Dresden Academy under Profs. Herbert and Bigle. In 1879 he married Willie Fields, daughter of Dr. James Fields. She was born in Missouri, in 1861, and departed this life in February, 1885, leaving three children: William J., Cecil L. and Verna B. Mr. Wilson owns 154 acres of land, on which he located immediately after marriage. Besides the homestead he owns 185 acres near Dresden, and 175 acres in the Third District. In 1882 he was elected to the offlee of magistrate, and still holds the position. He is well and favorably known throughout the county, and is a good neighbor and citizen. He is a Republican, and his first presidential vote was cast for U. S. Grant. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- George W. Winstead, attorney at lanv, of Dresden, Tenn., is a son of S. M. and Priscilla (Hearn) Winstead, who were born in North Carolina and Tennessee in 1805 and 1831, respectively. The father was a farmer, and became a resident of Weakley County, Tenn., in 1835. He was twice married, his first wife dying a few years after their marriage. He was a man of fine business qualities, and at the time of his death, in October, 1877, owned a large quantity of land. He was the father of eight children. The mother now resides upon the old homestead. Our subject, George W.Winstead, was born in Weakley County, December 28, 1857, and was academically educated in his native county, and in 1877 entered the East Tennessee Wesleyan University at Athens, now the Grant Memorial University, taking a complete course, graduating June 1, 1881. At the early age of seventeen he began teaching school, but after his graduation was elected principal of the Sharon schools, and in April, 1882, while teaching there, was elected county superintendent of schools, to fill the unexpired term of E. W. Edwards. In the fall of 1882 he was elected principal of the Dresden schools, all the while looking after the interests of the public schools. In January, 1883, he was re-elected to the office of county superintendent, and held the position until the summer of 1884, when he resigned. He was an ardent worker in building up the schools of Weakley County, and was one of its first educators. During this time he devoted his leisure hours to the study of law, and in 1883 opened a law office in Dresden, and entered upon the practice of his profession. January 1, 1884, he was admitted to practice law before the courts of Tennessee, and for the past three years has given the practice of law his entire attention. He is a young man of temperate habits, a close student, and one who applies himself closely to his profession, the results being very satisfactory. He has always been an earnest Republican in politics, and his first presidential vote was cast for James G. Blaine. In 1884 he was elector on the Blaine and Logan ticket, and canvassed the Ninth Congressional District in their behalf, his opponent being W. P. Caldwell, ex-member of Congress. Mr. Winstead is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.