USA > Tennessee > Bedford County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 67
USA > Tennessee > Marshall County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 67
USA > Tennessee > Wilson County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 67
USA > Tennessee > Maury County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 67
USA > Tennessee > Williamson County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 67
USA > Tennessee > Rutherford County > History of Tennessee, from the earliest time to the present; together with an historical and a biographical sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford and Marshall counties, besides a valuable fund of notes, reminiscences, observations, etc., etc, Vol.2 > Part 67
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COL. ROBERT B. JETTON, register. and native of Rutherford County, Tenn., was born February 15, 1813, and is one of eight children born to the marriage of Robert Jetton and Nancy Wilson, both natives of North Carolina. The father came to this State about the beginning of the present century. He was a farmer and a Democrat of the Jacksonian school, being a major under Jackson in the Seminole war. He was a member of the Leg- islature a number of terms, and was recognized as one of the leading spirits of Democracy in the connty during his time. He was prominently identified with all private and public enterprises and was a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church, in which faith he died December 26, 1840. Our subject resided with his parents on the home farm and re- ceived a good collegiate education, attending the Nashville University. At the age of twenty-two he began farming for himself. continuing the same until the ravages of war almost ruined him financially. After the war he made an attempt to regain his former financial standing, and succeeded in part. Later, owing to financial embarrassments, he was compelled to abandon farming and seek other employment as a means of livelihood, and for a time was deputy under Hardy Murfree, register of the county, and served two years. Mr. Murfree died about this time and Mr. Jetton was elected to fill the nnexpired term, and in 1882 was elected to the office by the people. He has been unfortunate in matrimonial affairs, having lost two wives by death. His present wife was Miss Esther L. Murfree, whom he married in 1857. They have five children living. He had one danghter by his first wife, now Mrs. G. W. Fall, of Nashville, who was reared by ex- President Polk's wife. Mr. Jetton is a Democrat and he and family are members of the Presbyterian Church.
ELIIIU C. JOB. one of the enterprising farmers of Rutherford County, was born Au- gust 7, 1809, in Murry County, Tenn. He is the son of James and Catharine (Pitt) Job, natives, respectively, of Virginia and North Carolina. The father came to Maury County at an carly date and settled on a farm. He is one of the constructors of the first cotton- gins in that county. His death occurred in 1833. The son was a farmer boy, and received a good common schooleducation. At an early age he served an apprenticeship in a cabi- inet shop. After finishing his trade he started in business for himself in Rutherford
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County. He purchased the farm on which he now resides, and has met with evident suc- cess. In 1833 he married Miss Mary W. Smith. and to this union were born eight chil- dren, of whom six are now living. namely: Luke E., Elizabeth C .. Benjamin A., Nancy P. (wife of T. H. Hollowell), Martha . A. (wife of J. T. Beesley) and Lavina S. (wife of W. T. Edwards). Mr. Job is a Master Mason and a Democrat. He is considered a good citizen and a kind neighbor.
COLUMBUS N. JOHNSON, a successful farmer, was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., in 1831, and is the son of John and Jane (Miller) Johnson, both natives of this county. The father died in the year 1866, and the mother in 1838. They were consistent members of the Baptist Church, and died happy in the faith of a blessed Redeemer The subject of this sketch was married, in 1854. to Miss Mary Davis, and to them were born eight children, six of whom are living: Tilman D., Robert B., Raymond R., Sillie G., Charles C. and Tabitha J. When the late war broke out Mr. Johnson shouldered his musket, and with many a gallant companion enlisted in Company D, Forty-fifth Tennes- see Infantry, serving in this capacity for three years. At the expiration of that time, ow- ing to ill health, Mr. Johnson left the army and refrained from further participation in the war. Mr. Johnson is a stanch Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Bap- tist Church, and are kind neighbors and good citizens.
WILLIAM S. JONES & BROS., dealers in dry goods and groceries, boots and shoes. queensware and general merchandise at Jefferson, Rutherford Co .. Tenn. The junior member of the firm succeeded his uncle, W. E. Jones, in 1878, in the business, and in 1986 his brother, A. M. Jones, purchased a partnership in it. The subject of our sketch, Will- iam S .. was born September 9. 1840, in this State. and is the son of Albert and Nancy J. (Jones) Jones, natives, respectively, of Tennessee and Virginia. The father was one of the leading farmers of the county, a Democrat in politics, and was elected sheriff of this county for one term, and was magistrate of the Fifth District for twelve or thirteen years. Himself and family were leading members of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject was reared on the farm, and received an education like the average country boy. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in Company E, Forty-fifth Tennessee, serving as a high private until the close of the war, when he returned home and engaged in the mer- cantile business with his uncle until he started in his present business in 1878. Mr. Jones is a single gentleman, a Democrat in politics and a member of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church. He is spoken of as one of the enterprising and successful business men of the county.
MRS. LIZZIE H. JONES, widow of Amzi Jones, who died November 18, 1878, is a native of this State, born at Murfreesboro September 23, 1846, being a daughter of Alfred and Narcissa (Bradford) Miller, natives, respectively, of Alabama and North Carolina. The father was a money broker of considerable note in this county. Amzi Jones was a prominent and energetic farmer of this county, born near Smyrna October 7, 1841. He lost both of his parents when an infant, and was adopted by his half-brother, Dr. George Jones, and lived the greater part of his younger days with him in Memphis, Tenn. He received his education at Georgetown, D. C., and enlisted in the army of the Confederate States at the breaking out of the war. He was wounded in the battle of Stone River, but continued in the army until the war closed. He contributed largely to the literary depart. ment of the county papers, and was a gentleman of much intelligence and possessed an untiring energy, which was depicted in a business transaction only a few hours before his death. He was always strictly exact in his business transactions, meeting his obligations faithfully and promptly. At the close of the war he was engaged in the cotton business, being a very successful trader. In 1870 he came to this county, purchasing a farm close to the one his widow now resides on, and in January, 1578, reinoved to her present farm. at which place he died one month later. Mr. Jones was a successful farmer, was univer- sally esteemed, and had many friends. The subject of our sketch, Mrs. Lizzie Jones, has lived ou and controlled the farm since his death, and in 1882 finished building a grist-mill which her husband had commenced shortly before his death. She has conducted this
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business in connection with her farming interests up until the present time. Their mar-' riage occurred in 1869. They have one child by this union-Amzi. Mrs. Jones is a pleas- ant and very intelligent lady: is a member of the Methodist Church, and is justly recog- nized among the leading families of the county.
EDWARD L. JORDAN. president of the First National Bank of Murfreesboro. and one of Rutherford County's wealthiest and most prominent citizens. Our subject first saw the light of day in Williamson County. Tenn., July 23. 1817. Archer Jordan, our sub- ject's father, was born in Lunenberg County, Va., about 1770, where he was reared to manhood and married our subject's mother. Elizabeth Walker. also a native of that county. In 1795 Archer Jordan emigrated West, locating first in Kentucky, but the fol- lowing year came to Tennessee, and crossing the Cumberland River on the ice with his wife, and his father and family, and all their earthly possessions, which was limited to a few essential household articles, he located in Davidson County, but soon after- ward removed to Williamson County, where he was elected magistrate of the dis- trict, in which he resided until his death in 1835. Edward's mother dying when he was but fourteen years of age, and his father three years later. he was left upon his own resources at the age of seventeen, and consequently his education was somewhat lim" ited. At the age of eighteen years he entered a mercantile house at Hardeman Cross Roads, now Triune, Williamson County, as clerk, continuing three years in this capacity, when, in company with William P., son of the late Gov. Cannon. he bought out his employers, Thomas F. Perkins & Co. The new firm conducted the business successfully together until Mr. Cannon's withdrawal, in 1841, after which Mr. Jordan owned and con- ducted the business alone three years. He then repaired to a farm in that county, where he resided until 1851. He then removed to this city and conducted a mercantile business. successfully until the breaking out of the late war, when he was compelled to close out the business. as well as many others, at a great sacrifice. Mr. Jordan was a non-partic- ipant in that bloody strife, but strongly maintained his position in favor of the preserva- tion of the Union, although he extended a sympathizing and helping hand to his suffering and sometimes helpless brethren of the South. Mr. Jordan has always taken an active lead in all publie and private enterprises in this city, and has contributed largely to the prosperity of the county. He was one of the directors of the Planters' Bank prior to the war, which was never reopened after that time, but in company with others Mr. Jordan established the savings bank, of which he was president until it united with the First National, when he became one of the directors of the latter, and finally its president, which position he fills in a faithful and highly efficient manner. He has also, since the war, devoted a great amount of time and attention to the collection of war claims from the United States Government, in which he has been very successful. Mr. Jordan has been very unfortunate in matrimonial affairs, having lost two wives by death. In 1810 he married Martha, daughter of the late Montford Fletcher, of this county. She died in 1852, leaving four children-three of whom are now living: Montford F., Mary (the widow of the late Dr. G. S. Nuckolls, of Alabama) and Leland. His union with Mrs. Jane Cook, daughter of the late James Carothers. of Williamson County, was without issue. In 1858 he was united in matrimony to Mrs. Mildred Williams, his present wife, and daughter of the late Dr. George Hopson, of Montgomery County, Tenn. The following named children are the result of this union: Maggie (the wife of the Rev. E. A. Taylor, of Knoxville, Tenn. ) and Edward L. Mrs. Jordan has three children by her former mar- riage. They are Mrs. E. R. Thomis and Mr. H. H. Williams, of this city, and Jobn P. Williams, vice-president of the First National Bink of Nashville. Mr. Jordan was for- merly an old-line Whig before the war, but has, since that party ceased to exist, been strictly independdent in his political views. Himself and wife are leading members of the Missionary Baptist Church of this city, and he is justly recognized as one of the most enterprising and successful business men of Rutherford County, and is a reliable and consistent Christian gentleman. His aged brother, Dr. Clement Jordan, is living a retired life at our subject's home, at the advanced age of eighty five years. Hle also has a sister,
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Mrs. Ralston, eighty-six past, living in West Tennessee. Mr. Jordan is one of six .ons and six daughters who lived to maturity, who all raised large families with exception of two-three sons and one sister now living.
MINOR C. JORDAN (deceased) was a very successful agriculturist. and was a native of Rutherford County, Tenn., where he was born September 29, 1820, and is a son of John - son and Rachel (Hill) Jordan, who were born in the " Old Dominion." Our subject was married July 20, 1842, to Miss Elizabeth W. Jordan, and to their union fourteen children were born, seven of whom are living : Martha J. (wife of D. S. MeCullough), Mary W. (wife of W. T. Allison), Clement J. (married to Martha Lytle), John A., Minor C. E. James S. and Lulu B. Mr. Jordan, who was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, died February 14, 1879. Mrs. Jordan still survives and is a member of the same church as her husband. She is very charitable to the poor and is a woman worthy of all respect.
DR. ROBERT F. KEYES, a well-known and eminently successful practitioner, was born in Ontario, in 1844, and is the son of Henry and Martha (Taylor) Keyes. The father was one of the few men who were born on the Atlantic Ocean. The mother was a native of Ireland. The subject of this sketch is a graduate of the Queen's Medical College at Weymouth, is a licentiate of Great Britain, a member of the United States Board of Health, and also a member of the State Medical Association of Tennessee. He was one of the representatives of this association at the World's Fair. The Doctor was married March 27, 1867, to Miss Jo-ephine Hood, and this union was blessed by the birth of two children : George L. and John W. Our subject is a radical Democrat of the most pro- nounced type, and is a consistent member of the Baptist Church. His wife is a devout. and worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Doctor and wife are promi- nent and respected citizens of the community in which they reside.
CAPT. WILLIAM D. KILLOUGHI, a prominent farmer of Rutherford County, Tenn., who was born in said county March 15, 1838, and is son of James and Matilda (Martin) Killongh. The father was a prosperons agriculturist and engaged in commercial broker- age to a considerable extent. He was a Presbyterian and died in 1863. The mother is still living and is a resident of this county. Our subject was united in matrimony to Miss Alice Cunningham in 1872, and two children blessed their union: Martin C. and William D. Mr. Killough took an active part in the late civil war and enlisted in Company I, Forty-fifth Tennessee Infantry, and was soon made fourth corporal. He achieved distinc- tion in this position and was raised to the rank of orderly sergeant, and was soon after promoted to first lieutenant, and later was made captain of his company and served in this capacity two years. He was wounded at Stone River and was brought home. He was paroled to report when his health would permit his rejoining his regiment, but. as there was no exchange of officers, he bever reported but remained at home, not participat - ing further in the war. The Captain is a very firm Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church and are worthy citizens of the county.
MRS. AMANDA (FRAZIER) KIMBRO, a widely known and eminently success. ful land-owner, was born in north Alabama, October 11, 1832. The subject of this sketch came to this country in 1852. and was wedded to John Bell Kimbro October 12. 1852. Mr. Kimbro was a gentleman possessing large business ability and wealth. He was the first president of the First National Bank at Murfreesboro, and a Union min; did not take an active part in the late war, being religiously opposed to it. In 1872 Mr. Kimbro died, leaving his wife and eight children, six of whom are now living: Clarence S., John B., Frazier, Azariah, Fitzie and La Salle. Mrs. Kimbro is a devout and consist- ent member of the Baptist Church; is an enterprising and estimable lady, and i ju-tiy recognized as a prominent and influential member of the community in which she lives
COL. JAMES MOORE KING (deceased), who was one of Rutherford County's most highly respected pioneer citizens, was born near Clinton, Sampson Co., N. C., November 18, 1792. He came to this county with his mother in 1809; was a soldier in the war of 1812. He participated with his regiment and company in the battle of New Orleans, and was also a volunteer in Jackson's expedition against the Seminole Judians, taking an act-
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BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
ive part in all the battles of that campaign. He was not a regular enlisted soldier in the late war, but was engaged in seven battles and cavalry skirmishes, spending the greater part of his time during this period in the camps and on the battle field. In 1863 he went south and did not return until after the close of the war. November 29, 1821, he married Miss Martha Batey, an excellent woman, and to them were born nine children: Julia, wife of C. W. Moore; Helen J., widow of Capt. Lythe; James M .; Charles II .; Bettie K., wife of Col. Thomas G. Morley; Thomas M .; Morrison D .: John H. and William H. Charles HI. King, a prominent farmer of Rutherford County, was born October 8, 1835, and is a son of Col. James Moore King. He was reared on a farm and received a fair ed. ucation at Salem Academy. and at the age of eighteen took charge of his father's farm. and two years later engaged in farming on the place where he now resides, inheriting the land, which now consists of 262 acres, from his father's estate. July 18, 1856. he was married to Miss Ann Wood, and to them were born seven children: Nettie M., Mary F., George W., Pattie B., Charles H. and Anna M. Our subject is a Democrat, and in 1861 en- listed as private in Company [ of First Tennessee Regiment; was promoted to lieutenant. and served one year in that capacity. He then volunteered as private in the same company. remaining until 1863. when he was paroled, and went on detached duty as a scout after- ward. During the battle of Perryville he received a wound in the left arm, which dis- abled him from active service for three months. He is a Knight Templar, a Mason, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal and Primitive Baptist Churches. respectively. John H. King, a brother of Charles H. King and a son of Col. James Moore King, was born October 10, 1845, in Rutherford County; was reared on a farm, and received a limited education. In 1867 he took charge of his father's farm and remained there one year. He then commenced for himself, farming on a portion of his father's land. where he lived until his father's death, which occurred in 1879; he then purchased the old homestead, where he now resides, and supports his aged mother. May 18, 1882, he was married to Miss Ophelia (Alexander) Rucker, and to this union was born one child- Robert P. Mr. King is a Democrat, and at the age of fourteen, in 1862, he enlisted in the war. He was a participant in all of the battles in which the command was engaged, and in 1865 returned home. He is a Master Mason, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a moral and upright citizen. William H. King, another son of Col. James Moore King, was born December 7, 1847, in Rutherford County, and received a collegiate education at Union University, in Murfreesboro. At the age of twenty-one he began farming for himself on a portion of his father's property, it afterward being deeded to him. He has succeeded remarkably well in his farming interests, and at the present he has over 200 acres of. excellent land. November 29, 1871, he was married to Miss Olivia M. Jamison, and this event took place the same night of his father's golden wedding. To Mr. and Mrs. King were born seven children: S. Moulton, Jeannette M., Anna B., Henry J., John C., James R. and Dorsey T. Mr. King is a Democrat, and he and wife are mem- bers, respectively, of the Old and Primitive Baptist Churches. He is respected by all who know him, and is an honorable, upright man.
ROBERT N. KNOX, a prominent physician and farmer, was born April 7, 1846. in Rutherford County, and is the son of William F. and Armenia E. (Brown) Knox, natives of Rutherford County. The father, a successful farmer of this county, died about 1850. The son was reared on a farm and received a good literary education at Oak Hill and Science Hill Seminary of Tennessee. After reaching his majority and in order to make a livelihood, he first taught school in this county, and two years later he entered the medi- cal university at Nashville and Vanderbilt of the same place. He graduated and received his diploma from both institutions. In 1874 he began the practice of his profession in Coffee County, and after living there one year moved to this county, where he purchased the farm where he is now living. January 4, 1871, he was married to Miss Lucy Catharine Fox. a native of this county, and to them were born the following children: Sallie E. and William C. Mr. Knox is a stanch Democrat, and enlisted in 1864 in Company E, Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, as a private, serving until the close of the war. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
1
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JOHN J. LEE, farmer, was born May 1, 1845, in Rutherford County, Teun., son of Asa and Elizabeth (Jacobs) Lee. both born in Tennessee, the former in Coffee County and the latter in Rutherford County. The father was a house carpenter, and was born in 1819 and died in 1868. He was a Democrat and a leading member of the Baptist Church. Our subject received an academic education, attending the Big Spring Academy, and after reaching his majority worked at his trade seven years. He then purchased a farm. which he worked four years. After residing in different parts of the county, he in IS$1 pur- chased the farm where he now resides. He has made his own way in the world. and has met with well deserved success. September 9, 1866, he married Amanda M. Jernigan. who bore him nine children: Sarah E. (wife of Calvin Lowe). Anna E., Mary MI., William A., Thomas E., Zoror E .. Shelley J .. Oder M. and Kate. Mr. Lee is a Democrat, and in July. 1864, enlisted as a private in Company E. Fourth Tennessee Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and is a Master Mason, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church.
NATHANIEL M. LEWIS, M. D., a prominent physician and merchant of Florence Station, Rutherford Co .. Tenn., is a native of this county, born November 24, 1849. son of John W. and Elizabeth (Miller) Lewis. The father was a successful farmer, and is now extensively engaged in stock raising. He is a Democrat, and himself and family are members of the Primitive Baptist Church. Our subject spent his boyhood days on a farm and received but twenty months schooling until he was twenty years of age, at which time he engaged in the mercantile business under W. H. Alexander. At the age of twenty-one he returned home and attended school, and also assisted his father on the farm. He studied medicine at nights. In 1875 he engaged in the dry goods business for himself at Walter Hill, and met with good success. In 1880 he attended the Vanderbilt University at Nashville, Tenn., and graduated with first honors in 1881. He practiced medicine in Nashville during the small-pox epidemic of 1882. He then returned to his father's farm, and in 1883 engaged in merchandising in Florence, where he has continued to the present time, meeting with good success. February 6, 1883. he was married to Miss Estella L. Andrews, daughter of John T. Andrews, deputy clerk of the Williamson County Court for a number of years. Dr. Lewis is a well known and prominent physician, and is one of the leading business men of the county.
L. K. LOWE, an enterprising and successful farmer, was born in Wilson County. this State, January 9, 1837, and is the son of Neri and Elizabeth (Keeling) Lowe, both of whom were natives of this State. The subject of this sketch was married September. 1860, to Miss Mary E. Davis, and to this short but happy wedded life were born three children, two of whom are living. namely: Margaret E. and Rosy B. Mr. Lowe was soon called to mourn the death of his wife which occurred in 1866. In the year 1870 he took for his second wife Miss Sophia P. Williams, and to this happy union nine children were born, seven of whom are living: Elizabeth P., James W .. William T., George K., Leonard K., Effie S. and Mary D. Mr. Lowe took an active part in the late war, enlisting in the Third Ken- lucky Cavalry, serving in this capacity until his capture, which occurred May 10, 1863. He was soon exchanged, and returned to his original command, where he remained until the close of the war. He is a Democrat of the most pronounced type, and he and wife are worthy members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and are respected by all who know them.
JAMES M. LOYD. a prominent teacher and citizen of Smyrna. Tenn., is a native of the State, born in Wilson County, March 9, 1838, son of James and Matilda (Morris) Loyd, born in Alabama and Tennessee, respectively. The father was a farmer, and died February 17, 1852. The mother died in 1869. Our subject secured a limited early educa- tion, but finished his education by hard study at home. At the age of twenty years he be- gan teaching school, and has since made that his profession. August 12, 1885, he came :0 Smyrna, where he has had charge of the schools, and is considered an excellent instructor. He is very original in his methods of instructing, and does not contive himself to the text- books. He has gained the confidence and respect of the patrons, and has made the
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