William M. Adams was born in Roane County, East Tennessee, August 8, 1843, being the sixth of fourteen children born to Nelson and Martha (Mathis) Adams. The father was born in Hamilton County, Tenn., in September, 1813, and is still living in this county on the head waters of Yellow Creek. The mother was born in the year 1816. Our subject entered the Confederate Army at the age of nineteen years, joining Company G, Twelfth Tennessee Regiment, entering as second lieutenant and was afterward promoted to first lieutenant and in 1865 was made captain. At the close of the war he went West as a volunteer to fight the Indians. The following October he as discharged and came home. He entered the merchandise business with Jesse Daniels at Danielsville, but remained with him but a few years. He is a carpenter and built the Edgewood Schoolhouse. He was married, January 15, 1866, to Tennessee Dickson Daniel. She was born September 15, 1847. They have ten children: Jessie R., Bettie G., William W., Joseph A., Enola Ann, Emma A., Mattie L., Cora Hattie, Charles C. and Lewis Wade. Politically he is a Republican.

Isaac M. Bowers, a prominent merchant and tobacco dealer of Charlotte, is a native of Wilson County, Tenn., of which county his father, William W., was also a native. The mother was a native of Christian County, Ky., where the father married her. They settled in Wilson County and lived there till 1848, when they removed to Davidson County. In 1851 they made their home in Hopkins County, Ky., where the mother died in 1880 and the father in 1883. The subject of this sketch was born May 27, 1835, and was reared on a farm and secured a limited country school education. At the age of eighteen he went to Nashville, and for ten years clerked in a hotel. He then ran a billiard hall for three years. In 1861 he enlisted in Company K, First Kentucky Cavalry, in which he served one year, and then served in another company one year. After this he was one of the scouts for Gen. Forrest's command. Coming from the war he clerked in a hotel one year, then married and settled to farming in Kentucky for one year. In 1866 he went to Alabama and engaged in merchandising for three years. In 1869 he settled in Charlotte, where he has ever since run a general mercantile trade. He opened the tobacco trade in 1874; he was married, November 1, 1865, to Mrs. Mary C. Cayce, a daughter of Thomas McNeilly, of Charlotte. Five living children now bless this union: Maud, Julia, Horace J., Paul R. and Mary. He and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Democrat. He is highly respected as a valuable citizen of Dickson County.

Edward Brown, a superintendent and general manager of the N. & T., Narrow Gauge Railroad, was born in Lynchburg, Va., June 11, 1834, being one of the family of seven brothers and three sisters of Edward and Martha Anne (Rucker) Brown. The father was a native of Birmingham, England. He was a watchmaker and jeweler, who lived and died in Virginia; his death occurred in 1851. The mother was a native of Amherst County, Va., died in 1847. The immediate subject of this sketch was reared in Lynchburg, securing a common school education. At the age of seventeen years he served an apprenticeship in the machine shops on the old Virginia & Tennessee Railroad. At the age of twenty he began running an engine on the same road and continued to do so steadily till 1869, when he engaged in same vocation on the East Tennessee & Georgia Road for ten months. From that time till 1879 he was engineer on the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railroad. Since June 16, 1879, he has efficiently served his present trust to the complete satisfaction of all parties concerned. In 1856 he was united in marriage to Miss Susan W. Peters, of Sussex County, Va., the result of this union being one daughter, Edmonia P., now the wife of William S. Scott, of Dickson. This wife died in 1859. Mr. Brown then chose and wedded Anna McDaniel, of Lynchburg. This union has been blessed by a charming family of six children, viz.: Dollie W., Lizzie C., L. Leftwich, Alice H., Emma L. and John E. Capt. Brown and family are members of the Episcopalian Church. He is a member of the F. & A. M., K. of H., K. & L. of H., A. O. U. W. and Good Templar organizations. Politically he is of old line Whig ancestry, and he himself cast his first presidential vote for John Bell; since the war has been a Democrat. He is too thoroughly known as a most valuable citizen of Tennessee, for us to do other than speak of him as a very moral, upright and energetic man, who has made success by diligent and steady application to his trust.

J. R. Bryan, bridge superintendent of Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railroad, is a native of Robertson County, Tenn., and was born August 12, 1844. He was the sixth of eleven children born to the marriage of W. P. P. C. Bryan and Malinda Lenox. The father was superintendent of the Sycamore Mills of Robertson County. He died in 1881. The mother died in 1858. At the age of fifteen J. R. entered Company E., Eighteenth Tennessee Volunteers, Confederate States Army. After the fall of Fort Donelson he was transferred to Forrest's cavalry brigade. A short time after coming from the war he began the carpenter's trade on bridges, and worked but seven days when he was promoted to foreman of a squad of men on bridge construction of the Northwestern Road. In February, 1870, he was promoted to his present trust, and now has entire charge of all bridges of the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis and Northern & Tennessee lines of road. He is also engaged with J. A. Thomas in general merchandising in Dickson. He is senior member of J. R. Bryan & Co. in the manufacture of lime, staves, etc., and is merchandising at Burns' Station. He is also a member of the Dickson Oil Company. Since the date of his marriage, April 5, 1869, he has resided in Dickson. His wife was Anna M. Truby. This union has been blessed in the birth of five children, three of whom are now living, viz.: Maggie E., Mattie M. and Robert T. Mr. Bryan is a member of the F. & A. M. and K. of H. fraternities. He has always been a Democrat in politics. He is a very enterprising and successful business man.

Dr. W. C. Charlton, a worthy resident of White Bluff, was born January 9, 1831, being the fifth of six children born to John L. and Catherine B. (Pollard) Charlton, residents of Montgomery County, Va. The father was a very successful, wealthy and influential farmer and his brother, our subject's uncle, was a member of the General Assembly of Virginia for twenty years. Our subject received but a limited education while with his parents, and at the age of thirteen years left the parental roof and served an apprenticeship in the wagon and carriage-making shop of J. A. Clay for three and a half years. He then followed his trade a number of years, and with the money he accumulated attended a medical college in Nashville, with Dr. W. Bollen as instructor, and graduated after a three years' course. During the first year of his attendance he was janitor of the building, and during the remainder of the time was assistant in chemistry. He practiced his profession two years in Ashland City, three years in Erin, and in 1869 removed to White Bluff, where he is a successful practitioner. The Doctor is literary in his tastes and his library is one of the most complete in the county. He was married, November 28, 1855, to Nancy Ann Troublefield. To them were born seven children, three of whom are living: Nannie L., Willie C. and George M. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Dr. Charlton is a member of the F. & A. M. and I. O. O. F., and he is a firm Democrat and stands high in the estimation of the people.

Winfield S. Coleman, a prominent young business man of Dickson County, came to Dickson at the age of twenty-two in the fall of 1880, and formed a partnership with J. T. Henslee in the drug and general merchandise trade, in which he has been very successful. He retired from this firm in the spring of 1886 to assume an interest in the firm of J. R. Bryan & Co. in the manufacture of lime, staves, etc. He was the third of a family of five children born to the marriage of Thomas J. and Priscilla (Lugg) Coleman. The father was a native of Dickson County and was born in 1826. He was a school-teacher and farmer and died in 1864. The mother is yet living in this county four miles north of Dickson. W. S. was reared on a farm with his parents to the age of twenty-two and received a very limited education. He is a thoroughly successful and entirely self-made man. He is a member of the Democratic party and a very highly respected citizen of the county.

William C. Collier, a prominent merchant of Charlotte, was the eldest of eight children born to the marriage of John C. Collier and Mary Clemments. John C. Collier was a English descent and was born in Virginia. When young he came to Tennessee, where he married the mother, who was of Scotch descent. The father was an attorney at law and died in Charlotte, in 1869, where he lived for fifty years. The mother died in 1843. At the age of eighteen years our subject engaged as clerk in a store, and in 1846 succeeded his employer and has continued the business till the present, except a short time during the war. He also owns 250 acres of land. He was married, in 1853, to Louisa B. Woodward, the fruits of this union being nine children, three of whom died in infancy and six now living, viz.: John E., William C., James G., Nancy C., Mary E. and Sallie B. Himself, wife and eldest daughter are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was a Whig in politics before the war, but is now a Democrat and one of the eldest citizens of the county, his birth having been March 8, 1818, at Clarksville, Tenn. Christopher C. Collier, brother of the above, was born in Dickson County. At the age of twenty-two he began clerking and continued till 1865, with the exception of four years' service in Company C, Forty-ninth Tennessee Volunteers, Confederate States Army. He has been merchandising ever since 1865, and has been successful. Politically he is like his brother. Both these gentlemen are recognized as good and substantial citizens of Dickson County.

Joe Cox was born in Dickson County, Tenn., October 7, 1832, and is the eldest of five children born to William and Amelia (Brown) Cox. The father was born in this county and State in 1810, and the mother in Uniontown, Penn., in 1802. At the age of twenty years our subject went to Missouri, where he engaged in farming for four years, at the expiration of which time he went to California and engaged in teaming, mining and farming. After remaining there thirteen years he returned to Tennessee, in 1869, and engaged in farming, which occupation he still follows. In 1871 he took a trip through some of the Western States, but remained only a short time, when he returned. Politically he is a Democrat, and a man of good standing in his community.

James N. Cunningham was born in Dickson County, Tenn., February 24, 1864, being the son of Eliz and Harriet (Tally) Cunningham. The parents were natives of North Carolina. The father was a physician, having graduated at the medical college in Philadelphia in the year 1824. He practiced his profession in Dickson County until his death, which occurred in 1870. The mother is still living at the age of fifty-three years, making her home in Clarksville with one of her sons, she having three sons there who are engaged in the mercantile business. Our subject is about twenty-two years of age, and a young man of considerable energy. His life has been an eventful one, also one of hard labor. His father having died when he was but five years old, his educational advantages were rather limited, having received only a common school education. Practically he is a Democrat. His grandparents were some of the oldest pioneers of Tennessee.

Thomas S. Curtis was born at the old Cumberland Rolling-Mills, Stewart County, Tenn., July 26, 1855. His father was born at Spring Hill, Maury County, and at the age of fifteen began the manufacture of pig-iron. When eighteen years of age he was given the position of manager of the rolling-mills, which position he held until 1861, when he enlisted in the Southern Army. In the year 1866 he came to Cumberland Furnace, Dickson County, and assumed the duties of bank manager, which position he now holds. The mother died when Thomas S. was but nine years old. He was sent to school at Charlotte, then to Dickson, and from there to Union. He was then engaged as clerk five years for Droullard & Co., at Cumberland Furnace, after which he attended school for a short period at Cloudale College, and leaving school he traveled for the Nashville Nurseries. He then returned to the furnace, where he was employed as book-keeper, which position he still holds. His marriage with Eudora Grimes was solemnized October 25, 1880. Five children have been born to them, all of whom are dead. He and wife are members of the Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and is one of the most prominent men in this county.

Jesse Daniel was born in Dickson County, Tenn., June 24, 1822. His parents were James and Elizabeth (Ragan) Daniel. The father was born in North Carolina January 4, 1796, and died January 28, 1871. The mother was born July 7, 1802, and died in November, 1879. Our subject began teaching school at the age of eighteen years, and taught until the close of the war, when he engaged in merchandising at Danielsville, until 1876. Since then he has looked after the interests of his farm. He was elected to the office of magistrate of Dickson County in 1864, which office he held until 1884, during which time he also served as chairman of the county court for several years. He was married, December 31, 1846, to Phoebe Cooksey, of Dickson County. To them have been born ten children: Tennessee D., Missouri H. (deceased), Bettie Georgia, Enola N., Emily A., Sallie A. (deceased), Cornelia R., Cora F., Jesse (deceased) and William H. Our subject is a Democrat.

J. A. Dodson, clerk of the Circuit Court of Dickson County, was born in Halifax County, Va., August 11, 1827. He was the third of a family of seven children born to the marriage of William and Catharine (Davis) Dodson, both natives of Virginia. The father was a tanner, and in 1828 came to Davidson County, Tenn., and settled near the Hermitage. The family removed to Maury County the next year and lived there one year; then they moved to Hickman County. In December, 1833, they came to Dickson County, where they remained till they died. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812. He died in 1883 and the mother in 1865. The subject was reared mainly in Charlotte, securing a fair education and teaching school. At the age of twenty-one he was mercantile clerk for one year; then he opened a store and sold goods at Charlotte for three years. For eight years he vended merchandise at Raworth's Landing, on the Cumberland River. He then enlisted in Company D, Forty-ninth Tennessee Volunteers, and served till the surrender. Coming from the war he resumed farming, which he continued till 1870, when he was elected to the office which he has held continuously ever since. He was married, in 1849, to Mary A. E. Laird, who died May 3, 1879. March 27, 1884, he chose and wedded Eliza C. Hopkins, and this union has blessed them with one daughter­Sarah C. Both he and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He has always been a Democrat, and is recognized as one of the prominent and public spirited citizens of Dickson County.

William Easley was born in Hickman County, Tenn., January 27, 1828. His father was born in South Carolina in 1798, and came to Tennessee in 1812, and died in 1854. The mother was born in North Carolina in 1803 and died in 1883. Our subject was married, February 29, 1854, to Susanna Sugg. They have five children: Susanna E., born February 18, 1856; John R. L., born May 29, 1858, and died June 16, 1859; Mary Jane, born November 6, 1859; William J., born December 10, 1861, and Benjamin F., born December 15, 1867. In 1863 our subject enlisted in the Confederate Army, joining the Ninth Tennessee Cavalry. At the close of the war he came home and engaged in farming, which occupation he has successfully followed up to the present time. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He is a Democrat and enjoys the esteem of his fellow-citizens.

Stephen G. Eleazer is the son of Stephen G. and Elizabeth (Bibb) Eleazer and was born at Turnbull Forge in Dickson County, Tenn., September 25, 1833. His father was a native of South Carolina and died of cholera in 1835. His mother was born in Tennessee, her grandfather being one of the earliest settlers of the State. Our subject began work for himself at the age of twenty-four years, engaging in farm work, which he continued until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he entered the Confederate service, he being one of the first to volunteer, and went out under Col. Bailey. He was taken prisoner at Fort Donelson and confined at Camp Douglas as a prisoner of war for seventeen months. After the prisoners were exchanged at Vicksburg, Miss., and the company was reorganized he was appointed a commissary sergeant. Our subject went through the war without having been sworn into the service. On May 5, 1858, he was married to Susanna Woodard and to them were born eight children: Benjamin F., Sallie C., William M., Sleven G., George, John D., Elizabeth and Susie Ann. The wife died in 1882. Our subject is a successful farmer and a prominent man. He was elected and served as trustee of his county during 1874-75 and served as tax collector from 1876 to 1879.

Jonathan W. Elliott was born in Stewart County, Tenn., November 24, 1826. His father was born in Virginia in 1790 and died in 1866. The mother was born in North Carolina in 1805 and died in 1876. Our subject began farming at the age of twenty-one years, and continued in that business until 1866, when he engaged in general merchandising. March 20, 1880, he moved to Barton's Creek, three miles north of Charlotte, where he now lives. He was united in marriage July 8, 1850, to Isabella M. Wall. To them was born one child, Alma W., born March 23, 1851. The wife dying December 12, 1865, our subject was married to Arabella M. Wall. This union has resulted in five children: May, born February 10, 1868, and died May 23, 1874; Charlie, born June 13, 1870; Claude, born February 16, 1872; Allen F., born February 15, 1876, and Wall, born October 6, 1877. Our subject is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Charlotte Lodge, No. 97. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

R. D. Eubank, trustee of Dickson County, is a son of John and Eliza (Crumpler) Eubank, natives of Halifax County, Va., and Dickson County, Tenn., respectively. The father came to Montgomery County, Tenn., when young and served an apprenticeship to the tailor's trade, and then opened a tailor shop at Charlotte, where he continued at his trade until a few years previous to the war, when he engaged at farming, and was identified with public affairs. He served ten years in the State Legislature. He is now living about three miles east of Charlotte, having been born October 10, 1804. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained with his parents to the age of twenty-two, when he married. He was born March 14, 1839. In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Forty-ninth Tennessee Volunteers, and remained in the service until the spring of 1865. Since the war he has followed farming. In 1880 he was elected trustee of Dickson County, and is now the incumbent of the office. In 1860 he was married to Lucinda Corlew, who bore him four children, one son and three daughters: Leona, Catharine, Ada B. and Richard D. He was bereft of his wife September 17, 1882. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Eubank and one child are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Democrat and one of the highly respected citizens of Dickson County.

Rufus Ferbee was born in Dickson County, Tenn., February 6, 1831, being the youngest of six children born to Thomas and Mrs. Ferbee. The parents were natives of Norfolk County, Va. Our subject began farming at the age of twenty years, which occupation he followed for about twenty years, and has been quite successful in his business ventures. He has served one term as sheriff of Dickson County, and has also filled the office of constable, being elected to the latter office about 1871, and served two years. December 31, 1859, he was united in marriage to Elena S. Harris, and to them have been born twelve children­seven sons and five daughters­two of whom are dead. Our subject is at present engaged in farming, and is a highly respected citizen and a man of considerable influence in his community. He is a Democrat politically.

Col. Thomas K. Grigsby, one of Dickson County's prominent citizens and clerk of the county court, was born July 31, 1823, in Madison County, Ala., being the second of a family of eight children of Samuel and Dorcas (Wyly) Grigsby. The parents lived and died in Alabama, the father's occupation being that of a farmer. When our subject was but about seventeen years old he left home and began life for himself, working about on farms for two years. At the age of nineteen he came to Waverly, Tenn., and engaged as clerk in a store. In this vocation he continued until 1848, when he married and came to Charlotte and began merchandising, in which he was very successful until 1861. He then enlisted in Company B, Forty-ninth Tennessee, as captain. He was captured at Fort Donelson and retained as prisoner nine months. Upon the reorganization of the regiment he was elected lieutenant-colonel and was promoted to the colonelcy, which he resigned on account of physical disability. Returning home he engaged at farming for a few years. In 1870 he was elected to the office of which he is now the incumbent and has held it continuously by re-election ever since. He is extensively interested in real estate, and now owns over 3,000 acres of land. He was married in 1846 to Sarah A. Priestley, the result of this union being four children. The eldest son, James P., was a physician, and died of the yellow fever while bravely caring for those distressed at Erin in 1878. The others are Samuel W., William D. and Theodosia (the wife of D. S. Major of Cheatham County). This wife died in 1871, and Mr. Grigsby then chose and wedded, in 1874, Jane Hendrick, of Jefferson County, Tenn., by nativity. Five children have blessed this union, two of whom died in infancy, named Kelly and Mabel. The others are Thomas K., John W. and Harris. Both Mr. Grigsby and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Politically he was formerly an old line Whig, casting his first vote for Henry Clay. He is now a firm Democrat and is justly recognized as the most popular citizen of Dickson County.

William L. Grigsby, clerk and master of the Dickson County Chancery Court, was born March 25, 1854, in Dickson County. He was the youngest child born to the marriage of Thomas K. Grigsby and Sarah E. Priestley. The father's sketch appears above. William L. was reared in Charlotte and received a good early education in Tracy Academy and also attended commercial college at Nashville. His education did not stop with his schooling, he has been a close student all his major life and is fine scholar. He was employed as deputy in county court clerk's office, of which his father was the incumbent, to the age of twenty-one years. He also read law which thus engaged. On the day of attaining his majority he made his first law speech in a suit of $10,000 and since then he has been engaged in the practice of his profession, being now recognized as the leading member of the Dickson County bar. He was appointed to the office which he now holds in 1880, to fill an unexpired term. In 1884 he was reappointed. He deals very extensively in real estate and now owns about 4,000 acres of land. May 26, 1874, at the age of twenty he was united in marriage to Rosa McNeilly, a native of this county and daughter of John McNeilly, a prominent pioneer of the county. This union has been blessed in the birth of five children, one of whom (Annie) died in infancy. The others are Allie, Virgil, Homer and Clide. Mr. Grigsby and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Grigsby is steward in the church. He is also a member of K. & L. of H., K. of H. and Masonic fraternities. In the first named order he was honored with the commission as the State delegate to the Supreme National Convention in 1885 at Chicago. Politically he is a firm Democrat. He was delegate to the National Democratic Convention at Chicago in 1882. In this county and in this section of the State he is thoroughly known and highly respected, and he is one of the prominent men of the State, although he has always declined to accept political honor.

Samuel W. Grigsby, sheriff of Dickson, is the third of Thomas K. Grigsby's family. He was born January 26, 1852, in Charlotte, where he was raised. He remained with his parents to the age of seventeen and then went to Alabama, where he remained a short time. He returned and at the age of eighteen engaged in saw-milling on the Cumberland River in which he continued ten months. He then went to Texas and farmed three years. He then returned to Dickson County and has ever since carried on farming in the county, and now owns 140 acres of land. From 1876 to 1878 he was justice of the peace in District No. 6. He was elected sheriff of Dickson County in 1884 and is now the incumbent of the office. He was married, in 1869, to F. C. Hassell, a native of Dickson County. Five children have been born to this union, one of whom, Edwene, died in infancy. The others are Thomas W., Pearl P., Annie T., and James L. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He is a member of the Democratic party and of the F. & A. M. organization. As a citizen he is recognized as a valued member of the community.

Joe Grimes was born in Dickson County, Tenn., October 1, 1809, being the sixth of thirteen children born to the marriage of John and Margery (Carmack) Grimes. Both parents were natives of Virginia; the father was born January 2, 1775, and the mother in 1779. Our subject remained on the farm with his father until February 12, 1835, when he was married to Huldah Jane Walker. To them were born four children: Susan E., born March 16, 1836; John P., born October 10, 1842; Cornelius, born June 30, 1845, and Mary M., born February 17, 1849. The wife dying September 22, 1875, our subject was married to the widow of Gabriel Andrews. At different times Mr. Grimes served as constable, deputy sheriff and trustee of his county, serving in each office about two years. He is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and is a Democrat in his political views.

John P. Grimes was born in Dickson County, Tenn., October 10, 1842, being a son of Joe and Hulda Jane (Walker) Grimes. At the age of seventeen years he enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1861 under Capt. Malroy, Company E. Eleventh Tennessee Regiment, for twelve months, and served throughout the war, receiving a severe wound in the thigh at Chickamauga, which disabled him for work a year, during which time he was confined in the hospital at Montgomery, Ala. He now resides with his father, having never married. He is about forty-four years of age, and is quite well to do in worldly goods. He is a Democrat and highly respected by his neighbors.

Dr. J. T. Henslee, one of Dickson County's most prominent citizens, was born May 5, 1838, in western Kentucky, being one of a family of children born to the marriage of Joab Henslee and Nancy Justice. The father was a native of South Carolina, was a farmer and lived and died in Kentucky, his death occurring at the age of eighty-three years in 1878. The mother was a native of North Carolina, and at the age of eighty-six years, on Christmas day, 1885, she joined the innumerable dead. The immediate subject of this sketch was reared on a farm in his native State, and secured a common school education. He remained with his parents to the age of twenty-six years, having been in the war two years, in the Seventh Kentucky Volunteers, Confederate States Army. After his service in the war he studied medicine and attended the Medical College at Nashville, and in 1870 graduated in the Vanderbilt Medical College, having practiced about three years before receiving his diploma. He then engaged in the practice of his profession very successfully in Carroll County until 1879, when he located at Dickson in the practice of medicine, and also in general merchandising, including drugs. He justly met with very great success in his profession. In 1885 he retired from active practice to take charge of his business exclusively, transacting a business of about $20,000 per year. In 1870 he was married to M. F. Lipe, of Carroll County, who bore him one son, Pitt, now fourteen years old. This wife died in 1873, and in 1879 he chose and wedded D. M. Pickler, also of Carroll County. One daughter, Floy, has blessed this union. Mrs. Henslee is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Henslee is a member of the F. & A. M., K. of H. and K. & L. of H. orders. Politically he is a firm Democrat, and is widely known as an energetic and enterprising citizen.

Elbert J. Hicks was born in Dickson County, Tenn., May 6, 1821. His parents were James and Mary (Marlow) Hicks, the father being born in Virginia in 1781. The mother was born in North Carolina. Our subject was united in marriage, January 23, 1845, to Mariah C. Houston, who was born in Dickson County, Tenn., February 21, 1827. The result of this union has been eleven children: Martha E., born October 25, 1845, and died August 17, 1863; Mary J., born March 20, 1847; Sallie T., born January 15, 1849; James S., born February 28, 1851; John F., born April 18, 1853; Robert H., born May 20, 1856; Laura D., born November 5, 1858; Lula H., born August 29, 1861; Martha E., born January 30, 1864; Hester L., born October 7, 1866, and Faustina H., born April 27, 1872. Our subject is now justice of the peace of this district and chairman of the county court. He has served as magistrate for ten years. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church South, Politically he is a Democrat.

James C. Hunt was born at Clarksville, Montgomery Co., Tenn., July 28, 1839. His parents were Solomon and Ann R. (Hillyard) Hunt. The father was a native of North Carolina, and came to Tennessee about 1835. He was a prominent farmer and died in 1841. The mother was a native of Virginia. At the age of eighteen our subject was engaged as clerk at Williamsville for W. D. Balthrop, merchant, and remained with him two years, when he was married, November 17, 1859, to Serenia P. Slaydon. This union has resulted in nine children: William T., born July 23, 1860; Theodosia, born in 1862; Robert B., born in 1864, and died in his childhood; Solomon E., born February 5, 1867; Albert P., born August 20, 1869; John Franklin, born in 1871; James Morris, born in 1873; Noel Clarence, born in 1875, and Hartwell Slaydon, born in 1877. Our subject entered the Confederate Army, under Gen. Forrest, in 1861, in Company C, Tenth Tennessee Cavalry, and served throughout the war without receiving a single wound. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Yellow Creek Lodge, No. 319, and is a Democrat. He is a man of much influence in his community, and has accumulated a nice sum of money.

James Washington Hunter, a resident of the Seventh District of Dickson County, Tenn., first saw the light of day March 2, 1836. He is the eldest of six children of Burrell and Hixey R. (Simms) Hunter, both born in Dickson County. Our subject received a common school education, after which he farmed with his father and worked to some extent at the carpenter's trade. He was married, December 6, 1863, to Miss Martha Ann Pinson, who was a resident of Dickson County, and was born May 10, 1845. Their union was blessed by the birth of six children­three of whom are now living: William Benjamin, Eva and Erwin B. Our subject and his wife are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and in politics Mr. Hunter favors the principles of the Democratic party. His present property consists of 100 acres of good and well cultivated land on the Harpeth and Charlotte road. He also owns a blacksmith shop on the same property. He has been engaged in different occupations and is considered a good citizen.

James G. Jackson was born in Dickson County, Tenn., February 12, 1820, and was the son of Epps and Elizabeth (Ross) Jackson. The father was born in Virginia in 1796 and died in 1851. The mother was born in Dickson County, Tenn., and lived there until her death. Our subject was engaged as business manager at the Wayne County Iron Works when but twenty-one years old, which position he held for about five years. In 1848 his father founded the Webster Furnace in Montgomery County, of which James G. was given the management until 1850, when his father completed the furnace in Humphreys County called Hurricane Forge, and he took charge of that. He afterward came to Barton's Creek, three miles north of Charlotte, where he engaged in farming, at which occupation he is still employed. In October, 1844, he was married to Susan Eleazor. They have no children. He is a man of good standing in his community.

W. J. Mathis, a prominent merchant and proprietor of a livery stable, was born April 29, 1837, in Charlotte, Tenn., being the eldest of five children born to the marriage of Wilson J. Mathis and Louisa Roberts. The father was born in 1808 in Montgomery County. He was a cabinet-maker and farmer. He is now living near Charlotte, one of the prominent old citizens of the county, having been sheriff of the county a number of terms, and in the State Legislature two terms. The mother was a native of Dickson County and died when our subject was quite young. The subject of this sketch was reared with his parents in Charlotte to the age of eighteen, when he engaged as clerk at Ashland Furnace for two years. He then went to Palmyra and clerked in a store for several years, and after a trip to Texas joined Company C, Eleventh Tennessee Volunteers, as first lieutenant, and upon the reorganization of the company was made adjutant of the Eleventh Regiment. He was wounded by a gun-shot in the wrist. Returning from the army he engaged as clerk for a number of years. Then he married and farmed one and a half years. In 1870 he was made deputy clerk of the county court. He then moved to Hill County, Tex., and farmed one year; thence to Waco, Tex., where he followed auctioneering. From there he returned to Dickson County, Tenn., and in a short time opened, on a very limited scale, a family grocery store. He now carries a complete line of general merchandise and manages a first-class livery. He was married, September 10, 1868, to Sarah E. Larkins. He was reared in the air of Democracy, and is now a firm member of that party. As a citizen he is well respected.

Anthony A. Matthews, a native of Dickson County, Tenn., and a resident of Bellsburg, was born December 6, 1848, and is the eldest of five children of Buckner W. and Sarah C. (Weakley) Matthews, natives of Virginia and Tennessee, respectively. Our subject received a common school education, and when twenty-four years of age left home and engaged in selling fruit trees for two years. He then returned home and followed farming two years. He at that time went to Cumberland Furnace, and was overseer of the Furnace farm for one year. He then clerked four years in the Furnace store, and next engaged in the merchandise business with C. J. Phillips two years near Cumberland Furnace. He then sold out to his partner and purchased a stock of goods of J. P. Eleazor, and has succeeded quite well financially. November 10, 1880, he wedded Alice V. Hooper, a resident of Cheatham County. Our subject and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Matthews is a Mason, and has been constable two years and postmaster at Bellsburg one year. He is a Democrat

J. D. Martin was born in Dickson County, Tenn., July 13, 1835. His father was born in Virginia in 1810, and his mother in this State in 1812. The father served as sheriff of Dickson County for a number of years before the war. Our subject engaged in farming until the war, when he enlisted in Company E, Tenth Tennessee Cavalry, and served throughout the war, receiving only a flesh wound. On his return from the war he continued his farming, which occupation he has successfully followed up to the present. He was married April 8, 1858, to Amanda J. England, of this county. Four children have been born to them: Eunice A., Edward F., Hester L. and John E. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and died May 18, 1868. Our subject was again married in December, 1868, to Matilda M. England. The result of this union is five children: Cora D., William M., Ludova J., Samuel J. Tilden, and Emily M. Our subject is a Democrat and a man of good standing in the community. He has been very successful and is considered, probably, one of the most substantial men of his district.

William B. McFarland was born in Greenville, Mercer Co., Penn., October 11, 1826, being the son of Samuel and Lutitia (Beem) McFarland. The parents were natives of Mercer County, Penn., the father being born October, 1799, and the mother about 1804, the latter dying in September, 1880. Our subject came to Tennessee in June, 1867, and bought the farm on which he now resides, which is situated one-half mile north of Dickson. December 27, 1849, he was married to Elizabeth Biddle, also a native of Pennsylvania. This union has resulted in five children: Robert B.; Samuel O., died November 3, 1874; John P.; Seth P., died October 2, 1882, and Elizabeth L. His wife died September 11, 1880, a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is a man of considerable influence in his community. In politics he is a believer in and an advocate of the principles of Republicanism.

Rev. W. G. McMillan, a prominent citizen of Charlotte, was born September 14, 1846, in what is now Houston County, being the second of a family of twelve children of Daniel G. and Sallie Anne (Nichols) McMillan, natives of Houston County. He was reared on a farm, and secured a limited, early education, which he has much improved in his leisure hours. He has taught school about seventeen years. He is also a good surveyor, and learned the art under W. H. Fessey, of Montgomery County. He was elected county surveyor of Houston County in 1875, and held the position till 1877. He then removed to Dickson County and followed teaching till 1885, having been superintendent of instruction of the county from 1878 to 1884. In July, 1885, he was elected county surveyor of Dickson County, in the duties of which he is now employed. He is also a farmer by occupation, and owns 343 acres of land, 100 acres of which is bottom land and very valuable. He was married, December 27, 1876, to Susie Hutton, a native of Dickson County, the result of this union being four children: Anna, Maggie B., Fannie E. and Nora L. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he is a minister in that church. He is a worthy and enterprising citizen of the county and bears the esteem of his fellow-beings.

Augustus E. C. Miller was born in Gotha, Germany, December 8, 1825, being the son of John C. and Elizabeth Miller, both of whom were natives of Germany. In 1837 John C. immigrated to Pennsylvania, in which State he lived until his death. Elizabeth was born in 1798, and died November, 1878, in Dickson County. Our subject was the eldest child, his brother, Herman, being born in 1827, and his sister, Louisa, in 1830. At the age of twenty-five years our subject began teaming at the Pennsylvania Canal, at which he worked for about three years, when he began piloting on the above canal. Afterward he was captain of the "J. W. Igo." and subsequently owned and ran several boats in the same stream. In 1853 he sold his boats and engaged in farming in Pennsylvania, and in 1869 he came to Dickson County, Tenn., where he now lives. In 1851 he was married to Elizabeth J. Goan, of Pennsylvania, and to this union were born fifteen children, ten of whom are yet living. His wife dying he was married, June 10, 1883, to Laura E. Mitchell, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Our subject is a man of wealth, having accumulated about $15,000 by his own exertions. He has in his possession a pair of shoes which he wore at the age of one year, and has also an old German hymn-book which has been in the family for over 100 years. He was a man of considerable influence in Pennsylvania, and although receiving but three weeks' education in the English language is a very good English scholar. He takes much interest in church affairs, and has been in sight of the place where Martin Luther translated the Bible.

Pasivent S. Miller was born in Pennsylvania January 2, 1859, being the son of A. E. C. and Elizabeth (Goan) Miller. He is of German descent, and February 9, 1880, was united in marriage to Elizabeth E. Riser, who was also a native of Pennsylvania. To them one child was born. Cassius H., born October 26, 1881, and died March 3, 1883. Our subject has been engaged in farming interests all his life. Politically he is a Democrat and a man of good standing in his community.

John B. Monroe was born in North Carolina February 10, 1820, being the son of Johnson and Sallie (Hanks) Monroe. The father, with our subject, came to Tennessee in 1844, the mother having died when our subject was but three years old. The father died in Christian County, Ky., in 1858. Our subject was married March 1, 1849, to Nancy Ann Luttrel. The union has resulted in eleven children: Sarah E., born November 27, 1849 (deceased); Leegran, born May 25, 1851; Andrew J., born November 1, 1853; Rosa I., born March 5, 1856 (deceased); John W., born October 31, 1858; Susie W., born July 26, 1861; Mary C., born March 26, 1864; Robert J., born July 16, 1866 (deceased); Nancy A., born December 27, 1868; Thomas W., born December 21, 1871, and Elvira M., born October 31, 1877. Our subject has been an agriculturist all his life. In November, 1861, he entered the civil war, under T. Grigsby, at Charlotte, where he served for eighteen months, being taken prisoner at Fort Donelson. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Politically he is a Democrat. His wife is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

James Martin Moody was born in Dickson, County, Tenn., June 8, 1845. He is the son of William and Charity E. (Gardner) Moody. The father was born in Cheatham County, now Robertson, February 14, 1818, and was a graduate of the Philadelphia Medical College, and practiced his profession in Dickson County for over forty years, and died September 12, 1885. The mother was born in Sumner County, Tenn., November 25, 1826, and is still living, making her home with her son, Oscar N., at Gillem, Tenn. Our subject entered the Confederate Army at the age of seventeen, joining the Tenth Tennessee Calvary in Company E., and participated in a number of engagements. Ill health compelled him to leave the army in 1864, and returning home he entered his father's store at Gillem and remained there about three years, when he went to Texas and engaged at saw-milling. Two years later he returned to Tennessee. He was married to Maggie Blanks, of Dickson County, December 22, 1869, and to them have been born seven children: Florence, Claudie Lee, William Augustus, Elma, Alexander, Eugenia, Gulnah, Benjamin Franklin and Walker Edwards. After his marriage he engaged in farming, which he has successfully followed up to the present time. He was elected magistrate of the First District in 1874, and served three years when he resigned. At present he is acting as agent of the Tennessee & Chicago Land Company. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He is a Democrat.

Dr. Oscar Noel Moody is a practicing physician of Tennessee City, being the son of William and Charity E. (Gardner) Moody. The father was born February 14, 1818, in Cheatham County, Tenn., and was a physician; he died September 12, 1885. The mother was born in Sumner County, Tenn., November 25, 1826. Our subject graduated March, 1882, at University of Nashville and Vanderbilt University at Nashville; since then he has been a successful practitioner. He is unmarried and living with his mother, who is now sixty years of age. His educational advantages were very good, having been educated at Montgomery Bell's College. Politically he is a Democrat, and as a man and citizen is much esteemed.

Thomas C. Morris, a prominent attorney of Charlotte, was born September 27, 1833, in Charlotte, being the third of a family of six children of James K. and Eliza (McNeilly) Morris, natives of Tennessee. The father was a blacksmith and died in 1860 in Christian County, Ky., where he had lived a number of years. The mother passed from the living in 1844. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm in Humphreys County to the age of seventeen, when, in 1850, he came to Charlotte and began reading law, while engaged as deputy clerk in the county court. In 1854 he began the practice of law, and has ever since been a member of the Dickson County bar. In 1859 he was elected by the county court as its clerk, and in 1860 was re-elected by the people and held the office until the close of the war. Since that time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession and farming, now owning over 200 acres of land. He was a member of the State Constitutional Convention in 1870. Politically he is a firm Democrat. He was married, November 26, 1858, to Martha E. Rye, who lived to be the mother of five children, one of whom, Margaret G., died at two years of age. The others are Mary M., Robert J., Lizzie C. and James R. His wife died September 27, 1878, and in September, 1880, he was married to Anne G. Nesbitt, his present wife, who, with Mr. Morris, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Morris is a member of the K. & L. of H., K. of H. and F. & A. M. fraternities. He is an honorable and upright citizen of the community, and an able lawyer in Dickson County.

Col. George H. Morton, a highly respected and esteemed citizen of White Bluff, Tenn., was born October 10, 1836, in Haddington, Scotland, being the youngest of eleven children of Thomas D. and Marguerite (Donrad) Morton. The father was a native of Scotland and the mother was of French descent. Col. Morton received a liberal education in his native land, and at the age of fifteen came to the United States and worked at the carpenter's trade and at merchandising until the breaking out of the late war, when he enlisted under Capt. McNary of the First Battalion Tennessee Cavalry, Confederate States Army. By his faithful and efficient service he was raised from a private to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He was wounded six times, but at present suffers but little from the effects. May 1, 1866, he was married to Miss Dora Donelson, and to them were born seven children: George H., Thomas D., Turner H., James T., William Lee, Norman H. and Dora. Col. Morton is a member of the F. & A. M., I. O. O. F. and K. of H. He is at present engaged in the general merchandise business at White Bluff and carries a stock valued from $3,000 to $4,000. He was burned out in 1882, but with the exception of that has been quite fortunate in his business transactions.

Thomas J. Murrell was born in Dickson County, Tenn., January 11, 1825, the son of Thomas and Ella (Coen) Murrell, both of whom were natives of East Tennessee. The father was trustee of Dickson County for seventeen years. Our subject was first engaged in farming, which occupation he followed for twelve years, when he engaged in merchandising at Dickson, Tenn. He was married, December 28, 1845, to Mary Eliza Austin, who was also born in Tennessee. Their marriage has been blessed by ten children: Elenora, Mary Elizabeth (deceased), Missouri Alice, Thomas Franklin (deceased), James Samuel, Mary Franklin, George R. (deceased), William M., Lucinda E. (deceased) and Nannie Beulah. Our subject is a successful merchant and an influential citizen.

William M. Murrell was born in Dickson County, Tenn., October 3, 1862, being one of ten children born to Thomas J. and Mary Eliza (Austin) Murrell. Our subject was raised on the farm until his fifteenth year, at which time he entered school at Dickson, taking a five years' course. After leaving school he returned to the farm and remained for two years. He then engaged in merchandising at Dickson, which business he successfully follows. He was married, October 18, 1885, to Mattie H. Andrews, who was born in Hickman County, Tenn. Politically he is a Democrat.

Kendrick Myatt was born May 22, 1822, in Tennessee, the fifth of nine children. Our subject began work on the farm for himself at the age of twenty years, continuing at that avocation for about thirty years, during which time he was very successful. He then engaged in the saw and grist-mill business and carding machine, continuing at that for about five years. He has been postmaster at Burns' Station for twelve years, and was railroad agent about eight years of that time. He engaged in merchandising for a number of years and was burned out in 1879. In January, 1840, he was married to Cynthia Laftis, and to them were born seven children. His wife dying he was married to Jane Ross, and by her had one child, and, being again left a widower, he married Mary Jane Lambert, and by her has five children. The educational advantages of our subject were limited, yet he has been a very successful man throughout life, and is a man of reliability and influence. Politically, he is a Democrat.

Allston Myatt, a prominent merchant of Dickson, was born January 24, 1824, in Dickson County, Tenn., being the sixth of ten children born to the union of Kendrick and Elizabeth (Harmon) Myatt, both natives of North Carolina. In 1818 the father came to Dickson County where he followed farming until 1860, the year of his death. The mother died in August, 1885, at the age of ninety-four years. Our subject was reared with his parents on a farm to the age of twenty-one, when he went to Kentucky where he taught school two years. He then returned, married and began farming. He was county surveyor for eighteen years. In 1868 he opened a general merchandise establishment in Dickson and continued one year. He was then appointed by the governor as commissioner of registration and served in that capacity till the repeal of the act supporting the office. In 1872 he resumed his business and has continued it successfully, although with some trying adversities. He now owns about 2,000 acres of land. He was married, December 25, 1847, to Mary Ann Sugg, the result of this union being nine children, three of whom are now living: Kendrick H., James A. and Benjamin F. This wife died in 1869 and he then chose and wedded, December 25, 1870, Mrs. S. M. Fox. Four children bless this union: Samuel A. and Charlie A. (twins), Theodore L. and Mary C. Mr. Myatt and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He is a member of the F. & A. M. He was a Whig before the war and is a Democrat since. He is one of the enterprising citizens of Dickson.

William T. Nesbitt was born October 25, 1845, and is the son of Andrew F. and Nancy (Dilleha) Nesbitt. The parents were born in Tennessee, the father in 1820. He was a first lieutenant in the Confederate Army, and was killed at Brentwood while leading Capt. Minor's company. At the age of eighteen years our subject entered the Confederate Army, joining Company E, Tenth Tennessee Cavalry. He returned home after the surrender and engaged in school teaching for eight years. In 1874 he joined the Tennessee Conference, in which he remained about eleven years when he was located. December 26, 1876, he was married to Mrs. Cornelia White, nee Moore. To them four children have been born: Robert Moore White, Julia Edna Parthenia, Wilbur Foster, and Edgar Jones. Our subject is a Democrat.

Jerry Nesbitt was born in Dickson County, Tenn., June 14, 1848, and is the son of Andrew F. and Nancy (Dilleha) Nesbitt. The father was justice of the peace for several years. His death occurred March 26, 1863 (see W. T. Nesbitt for sketch of father). The mother was born in Dickson County in 1824, and died in 1866. Our subject was but fifteen years old at the time of his father's death, and has since then been at work for himself, being a farmer by occupation. February 24, 1875, he was married to Minerva J. Dickson, who was born in Houston County March 29, 1856. They have three children: Andrew J., Lillie Bell and Clarence V. The wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Politically our subject is a Democrat.

William J. A. Nesbitt was born in Dickson County, Tenn., February 14, 1840, being the eldest of eleven children. He entered the Confederate Army as a volunteer in May, 1861, joining Company C, Eleventh Tennessee Infantry. He was discharged October 18, 1861, on account of his health. The following August he joined Company E. Eleventh Tennessee Cavalry. He was captured December 20, 1863, and imprisoned at Rock Island, where he remained until February 28, 1865. Afterward he volunteered in the United States Army in Company G, Third United States Regiment, and served in Kansas and Colorado, and was mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, Kas., and returned home December 28, 1865. On his return he engaged in farming on Yellow Creek, where he has since continued at that occupation. He was married, August 31, 1868, to Sally Sligh. To them were born three children: Zudie Ellis, Reuel E. and Martha Susan (died April 22, 1884). In politics he is a Democrat.

Rev. George W. Nichols was born in Dickson County, Tenn., January 1, 1841, son of Nicholas H. and Eliza (Prather) Nichols. The father was born in Kentucky September 23, 1785, and came to Tennessee in 1831, locating at Lafayette Furnace, being manager of the same. Remaining there for twenty years, he moved to Bear Creek, Dickson County, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1874. The mother was born in Maryland in 1793. Our subject engaged in school teaching for several years, after which he engaged in farming. In 1874 he was licensed to preach by the Yellow Creek Quarterly Conference, and in 1882 he was ordained by the Tennessee Annual Conference. In the year 1885 he was transferred from the Methodist Episcopal Church South to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Since that time he has been regularly engaged in the ministry as a member of the Charlotte Presbytery. He was married, November 13, 1862, to Arrena S. Adkins. This union has been blessed with seven children: Beulah, Agnes (deceased), L. Ramah, Floudie V., Bovin G., Lester P. and Vida V. Our subject is a Democrat.

Barton W. S. Nicks was born in Hickman County, Tenn., and is the son of Absalom D. and Hester (Perry) Nicks. Absalom was born in North Carolina March 6, 1794, and came to Hickman County in 1800, engaging in farming and transporting salt to Salem, Ill. He moved to Arkansas in the fall of 1847 and died in 1848. Hester was born in South Carolina October 8, 1788, and died at Williamsport, Maury Co., Tenn., July, 1858. Our subject remained with his parents until twenty-two years of age, and then began manufacturing poplar shingles, and after a year's time engaged in transporting dry goods, groceries, cotton, etc., to Columbia and Williamsport. He then came to Montgomery County and entered the employ of Robert Baxter at the furnaces and forges. After working there four years he returned to Williamsport in 1850 and again engaged in teaming and farming. From there he went to Laurel Furnace, in Dickson County, and hauled pig-iron to Nashville for about three years. He was coal manager at Cumberland Furnace for a number of years. At present he is engaged in farming and stock raising three miles below the furnace. Our subject was married to America Agnes McGraw, who was born October 6, 1831, and to them have been born ten children: Mary R., born November 8, 1848; Martha E., born May 20, 1851; Henry Clay, born March 6, 1854; Newton C., born March 7, 1856, and died October 13, 1875; James Franklin, born January 22, 1858; Eudora Ann, born November 22, 1859; Ellenora W., born December 24, 1861, and died May 4, 1864; Barton W. S., Jr., born June 25, 1863; Florence A., born September 28, 1865, and Stephen U., born December 10, 1867, and died January 7, 1869. Mr. Nicks is a self-made man, and is worth about $8,000.

James F. Nicks was born at Cumberland Furnace, Dickson Co., Tenn., January 22, 1858, the fifth of ten children. December 24, 1879, he was married to Eliza H. Bartee, of Dickson County, and to them have been born three children: Jasper Newton, born January 24, 1881, and died January 11, 1885; Addie Lee, born June 6, 1883; Eula Agnes, born December 3, 1885. Our subject is a farmer by occupation, having followed that vocation since his nineteenth year. His educational advantages were limited, but he has made the most of his opportunities, and is a man highly esteemed by his neighbors. He is a member of the Democratic party, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.

William J. Norris was born in Dickson County, Tenn., January 27, 1844. His parents were William W. and Elizabeth (Balthrop) Norris, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. The father was born January 29, 1810; the mother March 24, 1815, and died December 2, 1858. Our subject enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1862, joining the Tenth Tennessee Cavalry. Remaining in the army but eighteen months he returned home and entered school, after which he taught for several months. After engaging in several other occupations he entered as partner with T. Rogers in the mill and merchandise business at Cave Mills, at which he continued for ten years, when he sold his interest and bought the farm that he now lives on, two miles north of Cave Mills on Yellow Creek. While at the above named place he was postmaster. He was married, October 15, 1865, to Dollie Ann Thompson. She was born in Dickson County, March 4, 1847. To this union eight children have been born: William J., Lillie Ann, Donie Alice, Minnie, Daisy, Milton, Mary and Jennie, of whom Milton and Mary are dead. Our subject has a fair education. He is a Democrat.

A. E. Pardue was born near Cheap Hill, Cheatham Co., Tenn., and is the youngest of six children born to the marriage of Oliver Pardue and Erilla Reeves, who were born in North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. Our subject received but limited school advantages, and is now a self-educated man. His mother died when he was quite small, and the family was separated, he going to Illinois to live with an uncle. He returned to Tennessee after a period of five years, and then went to the blue-grass State, where he lived with his brother for two years. He then returned to Tennessee and enlisted in the Second Tennessee Regiment, Confederate States Army, under Col. Bates and Capt. Chaney, and served four years, participating in the battles of Bull Run, Shiloh, Franklin, Perryville, Chickamauga, Atlanta, Missionary Ridge, Nashville and many skirmishes. He was wounded at the latter battle. December 28, 1871, he wedded Miss Bettie Edwards, a native of Dickson County. He and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal Churches, respectively. Since the war Mr. Pardue has resided on the homestead place, the plantation containing over 1,200 acres of valuable land, all of which he has earned himself. He is a stanch Democrat and highly respected citizen of the county, and in connection with his farming is a forwarding and commission merchant.

Cave Johnson Phillips was born April 28, 1842, being the third child of nine children born to Preston D. and Amanda (Appleton) Phillips. The father is still living, at the age of seventy-seven, with our subject. The mother died in Davidson County about the year 1857. January 18, 1871, our subject was united in marriage to Jane W. Matthews, who was born July 25, 1851. The results of this union are seven children: Rufus S., born October 13, 1871; Dottie E., born September 11, 1873; Anthony J., born January 12, 1876; Willie F., born September 21, 1878; Almedia A., born November 1, 1880 (deceased); Judie Ray, born April 6, 1882, and William L., born February 22, 1885. Our subject began business for himself at the age of twenty-nine. He first engaged in farming, where he now lives, in Dickson County, and afterward engaged in general merchandising. He has been very successful in business, having accumulated about $6,000 since 1871. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. Politically he is a Democrat and is highly respected.

Elridge Newson Phipps was born in Nashville, Tenn., April 4, 1831, and is one of twelve children born to Elridge W. and Sina (Castleman) Phipps. The father was born in 1801, and died in September, 1863. The mother was born about 1801, and died in August, 1846. Our subject engaged in farming for himself at the age of eighteen years, and continued at that occupation for eleven years. He then engaged in distilling for eight years, after which he began milling and general merchandising, which business he still follows at Shady Grove Mills, Dickson Co., Tenn. August 17, 1851, he was united in marriage to Cynthia H. Matlock, who was born July 25, 1824. She was the daughter of James and Sallie (Leesh) Matlock. Mr. and Mrs. Phipps are the parents of two daughters: Milbery, born June 6, 1852, and Mary J., born November 21, 1855; both of them are now married. Our subject is a self-made man, and has considerable influence in his community, and is worth at the present time about $13,000, all made by his own exertions. He is a Republican.

Daniel Rice was born in Strasbourg City, France, October 12, 1838. His parents dying during his infancy Daniel immigrated to the United States at the age of nineteen years, landing at New Orleans in 1851. After three years spent in horse trading he began merchandising, and continued at that business for two or three years, when he was taken sick with the yellow fever. Upon his recovery he went to Philadelphia, Penn., where he engaged for six months in the saloon business, after which he went to Wilmington, Del., where for several months he was engaged in superintending a concert. From there he came to Tennessee, locating at Charlotte, and began business as a traveling merchant in Dickson and Humphreys Counties. Our subject entered the Confederate Army in 1861, joining the Fourth Tennessee Regiment, and afterward traded places with a soldier in the Eleventh Tennessee, giving the soldier a quarter of beef to make the exchange. He was a musician for awhile, and afterward commissary sergeant. He was taken prisoner at Mission Ridge November 29, 1865. May 18, 1865, he was released from prison and returned to Charlotte, where he again engaged for a few months in merchandising, when he moved his business to Johnsonville, Tenn. While at the latter place he was seriously wounded by Tom Warrin, who was intoxicated, the ball passing entirely through his body. After spending twelve months in Johnsonville he returned to Charlotte and again entered business. His marriage with Blanch A. H. Long occurred April 26, 1868. She was born in Humphreys County November 11, 1849. After his marriage he moved to Tennessee and entered business. Six children have been born to them; those living are as follows: Sophia W., born July 7, 1872; Emily Lenora, born September 29, 1876, and Katie Elizabeth, born May 8, 1884. Our subject is a Democrat and is postmaster of his town.

John Rickert, proprietor of the Dickson Trade Palace, came to Dickson County in 1867 and began farming, which he still continues. 1871 he opened his general merchandise trade, in which he has met with success ever since. He owns about 400 acres of land adjoining Dickson, and a part of the town was laid out on his land. He was born in Pennsylvania 1818, being the youngest of family of nine children of Peter and Sophronia (Roth) Rickert, also natives of Pennsylvania. The parents lived and died in their native State, the father's death occurring in 1871 and the mother's in about 1865. The father was a farmer. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and had limited educational advantages. He married at the age of twenty-four, and followed farming in Pennsylvania till moving to Dickson County, in 1867. His marriage was in 1842 to Eliza J. Polley, of Pennsylvania. Nine children have been born to this union, viz.: Henry A., who was killed in the war; Herschel E., who died in Andersonville prison; Adolphus S., William E., John F., Maggie S. (deceased), Abner G., Elmer E. and Edwin E. Politically Mr. Rickert is a Republican, and he is one of the respected citizens of Dickson County.

Wiley M. Russell was born in Dickson County, Tenn., March 20, 1830, being the son of Lemuel S. and Nancy (Myatt) Russell. The father was born in Virginia, and came to Tennessee when quite small. The mother was a native of South Carolina. Our subject engaged in farming at the age of twenty-one years, and continued at that occupation for twelve years. He then engaged in distilling for about three years, after which time he worked some at the mechanic's trade, and then returned to his former occupation­farming­at which he is now engaged. He was married, December 4, 1850, to Serena P. Frasier. The result of this union is six children: Mary A., John D., Lauson H., James L., Silvesta and Sarah J. His wife dying in 1866 he was again married December 15, 1866, to Sarah M. Sugg. They have six children: John, James, Lula W., Nellie R., Alford R. and Florence. Our subject was in the Confederate Army, being a member of the Forty-ninth Tennessee Regiment. In 1863 he returned home, having been discharged on account of his age. Upon his return home he was elected magistrate of Dickson County. He also served one term as constable. He is a Democrat.

Dr. John D. Slayden was born in Dickson County, Tenn., June 16, 1843, a son of Hartwell and Jane (May) Slayden. The father was born in Virginia and came to this State at a very early age. He was engaged in the mercantile business, also in farming, and was considered a very successful man. His death occurred in the spring of 1845. The mother is a native of Tennessee, and is now living with her second husband, Rev. J. J. Piskett, in Dickson County. Our subject began work for himself at the age of seventeen, and after engaging in several different occupations, among which were superintending a cotton farm in Arkansas, and at the same time learning civil engineering; began the study of medicine and continued the same for about three months, when he enlisted in the Confederate Army, joining Company C, Eleventh Tennessee Regiment. During the war he was severely wounded in the wrist. On his return he again took up the study of medicine and entered the medical college at Nashville. After having taken one course there he studied for a year under a preceptor, when he entered the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, where he graduated in March, 1869. After returning home he began practicing as partner with Dr. Daniels, on Yellow Creek, but only remained with him a short time. He then came to Cumberland Furnace, Dickson County, where he now has a lucrative practice. In the winter of 1874 and 1875 he attended the hospital course in the University of New Orleans, La. September 27, 1881, he was married to Augustine M. Russell, who was born May 17, 1862. They have one child, Adella, born July 19, 1882. Our subject is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He and wife are members of the Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Democrat.

James B. Smith was born in Dickson County, Tenn., December 19, 1861, the son of John R. and Alphasarah (Von Schmittau) Smith. The father was born in Dickson County, Tenn., in 1833, and was of Irish descent. The mother was of Dutch descent, but was born in Dickson County, Tenn., in 1835. Our subject began farming at the age of twenty years, and continuing at that business until 1883, when he entered the store of James B. Stakes, at Beefrange, as salesman, where he remained until December, 1884, at which time he entered business for himself at the above place. September 3, 1882, he was united in marriage to Emma Stakes, who was born September 11, 1863. Two children have been born to them: Mattie Leona, born November 20, 1883 (deceased); Perry Barnett, born June 2, 1885. The wife is a member of the Christian Church. He is a Democrat, and is doing a good business.

John M. Speight was born at White Bluff, Dickson County, Tenn., January 7, 1856, the son of James Speight. His mother and father were both born in Dickson County, and are alive at present, living at the old homestead. At the age of seventeen our subject went to live with his uncle Benjamin McCaslin, in order to become a mechanic, and remained with him until 1876, at which time he engaged in railroading and continuing at that business for about a year, when he returned to his uncle and resumed work at his trade. Remaining two years he went to Fulton County, Ky., and worked at his trade for about eighteen months when he again returned to his uncle. He finally bought his uncle's business and ran the same until December, 1884, when he removed to Cumberland Furnace and engaged in merchandising, at which place he now resides. He was married April 30, 1882, to Eudora A. Micks. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a Democrat, a self-made man, and stands high in his community.

James R. Spicer, a prominent young merchant of Dickson, was born September 10, 1858, in Humphreys County, being the second of a family of five children of Charles and Eliza E. (Long) Spicer, natives of Humphreys County. The father was a farmer and died in 1861. The mother died about 1872. James R. was reared on a farm and had limited early educational advantages. He remained with his mother to the age of nine years when he went to live with a farmer with whom he remained two years. Then he engaged as clerk in a store for about five years. In 1876 he came to Dickson and engaged as clerk till 1882. He then opened a store with Henry E. Pickett, and continued with him for three years. In 1884 he started on his own hook his present business, in which he has been very successful. He was married, March 13, 1883, to Ida B. Williams, a native of Dickson County. One daughter, Effie L., has blessed this union. Mr. Spicer and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He is a member of the Good Templar organization. Politically he is a firm Democrat and is recognized as a prominent and enterprising business man and a valuable citizen.

Robert B. Stone, general manager of Cumberland Furnace, Dickson County, Tenn., was born at the furnace on September 16, 1837. His father was Hardiman Stone, who was also born in Dickson County on December 8, 1805, and died February 26, 1880. At the age of fifteen years our subject purchased his freedom from his father, paying for the same $500, and went to Texas, where he engaged in the manufactory of charcoal for two years. He then returned to the furnace where he has secured a position as manager. He was married, January 23, 1864, to Sarah M. Jackson. To this union have been born five children: Maggie V., born June 26, 1869; Epps H., born November 16, 1870; Ida F., born April 16, 1872; Effie S., born December 6, 1875, and Robert J., born March 15, 1878. Our subject's wife died March 23, 1881, and on January 15, 1885, he was married to Kate Richardson. Robert B. enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1861, being a member of the Fiftieth Tennessee Regiment. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while he is an Episcopalian. He is a Democrat and a man of much influence in the county.

Mrs. J. J. Wyatt was born in Dickson County, Tenn., August 16, 1834, the daughter of Solomon and Jerusha (Darwin) Petty. The father was born in South Carolina in 1784, and died in Dickson County in 1860. The mother was born in 1794, and died in 1873. They immigrated to Dickson County, Tenn., in 1811, where they lived until their deaths. Our subject's great-grandfather was a captain in the Revolutionary war for seven years under Gen. Green. November 16, 1854, our subject was married to William Wyatt, of Jackson County, Tenn. This union has been blessed with eight children: Eugene, Alice, Walter, James, Fanny D. (deceased), Sallie, Laura and Fredrick. Her husband is engaged as engineer for the Tennessee Manufacturing Company, at Nashville, which position he has held for fourteen years. She is a woman of fine executive ability and manages the farm in person. She and husband are members of the Christian Church.

William H. Taylor was born in Davidson County, Tenn., January 9, 1836, the son of Bartley and Mary Taylor. The father was born in Williamson County December 25, 1808. The parents came to Jones Creek, Dickson County, in 1861, where they are still living, making their home with William H. In the year 1861 our subject entered in the civil war, joining Company B, Forty-ninth Tennessee Regiment. He entered as orderly sergeant and was promoted to second lieutenant, which office he held till the close of the war. While at Atlanta, Ga., he received a severe wound in the right arm, disabling him for three months. In 1868 he was married to Mary E. Richardson. To them were born six children: Sallie W., Mary L., Henry T., Lavienia, Ellen J. and Edward. In his political views Mr. Taylor is a Democrat, and is a man of good standing among his fellow-citizens.

James J. Thompson was born July 13, 1842. His parents were Jeremiah and Angeline Thompson. The father was born December 7, 1801, and died March 2, 1864; the mother was born July 3, 1804, and died November 9, 1869. At the age of twenty our subject entered the Confederate Army as orderly sergeant, in 1862, joining Company E, Tenth Tennessee Cavalry, and served in the army until the surrender, when he returned home. He engaged in farming, which occupation he still follows. October 11, 1870, he was married to Irena S. Winstead. She was born in Humphreys County, Tenn., January 26, 1852. This union has resulted in seven children: Lela A., born September 11, 1871, and died March 18, 1873; Laura A., born January 30, 1873, and died January 21, 1874; Dorsey O., born August 7, 1875; Willie A., born September 30, 1877, died October 18, 1882; Hester L., born February 9, 1880; Lizzie M., born February 2, 1882, and Walter S., born May 5, 1884. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mr. Thompson is a Democrat.

Franklin Fulton Tidwell was born in Dickson County, Tenn., July 26, 1840, and was the eldest of nine children born to Moses and Nancy (McCaslin) Tidwell. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native county, living with his parents until the breaking out of the great civil war in 1861, when he enlisted in the Confederate Army, joining Company K, Eleventh Tennessee, of which company he was chosen first lieutenant, and afterward promoted to the captaincy. He was mustered into the service at Nashville, and served throughout the war. Returning to his native county he engaged in teaching school on Jones' Creek, near the present site of the town of Dickson. He then engaged in merchandising in Dickson, and was married while thus engaged, March 1, 1866, to Magdaline K. Petty, who was born in Hickman County, Tenn., January 8, 1848. This union has been blessed with ten children, all of whom are living: Mary Magdaline, born February 22, 1867; Nancy Hattie, born March 25, 1868; Hickman Benton, born August 23, 1869; Susan Razelia, born August 14, 1871; Albert Sidney, born February 24, 1873; Oscar Cromwell, born August 28, 1874; Roberta Josephine, born February 14, 1876; Vina Kansas, born August 9, 1877; Anna Elizabeth, born June 24, 1881, and Frankie Pellham, born January 3, 1886. While the early educational advantages of our subject were limited he nevertheless acquired a good common school education and has kept well abreast of the times and current events. He is now engaged in farming, owning 500 acres of land situated one and a third miles south of Burns' Station. He is a Royal Arch Mason, being a member of Dickson Lodge, No 478, F. & A. M., also a member of Charlotte Lodge, K. of H. He is an industrious and energetic man and is a stanch believer in the Democratic party. Hickman C., brother to our subject, was a brave and gallant soldier, going through the entire war and dying at the close at Greensboro, N.C.

Prof. W. T. Wade, proprietor and principal of Edgewood Normal School, Dickson County, Tenn., is a native of Lynchburg, Va., but is a graduate of the Lebanon Ohio College. He plied his vocation in West Virginia, Missouri and Texas, and then came to Tennessee, taking charge of a school at Waverly, Humphreys County, for two years. In 1885 he leased the school property at Edgewood for twenty years, and established and excellent school where all the higher branches are taught. He possesses the highest confidence of the community and is particularly esteemed for the deep interest he takes in the educational and moral welfare of youth.