Goodspeed's Henry County Biographies - W surnames
Pleasant C. Wade, farmer, and son of Robert
A. and Mary (Callicott) Wade, was born in Randolph County, N.
C., in 1819, and is one of twelve children, only two of whom are
living. The father was a native of Virginia, born in Halifax
County of that State in 1763. He received a good common
education and taught school for several years. At the age of
twenty-three he married, and soon after went to Randolph County,
N. C., where he remained till 1823, after which he came to Henry
County and settled in the Third District for seven years. He was
one of the very early settlers, and died in October, 1832. Mrs.
Wade was born in Prince Edward County, Va., in 1776, and died in
1848. Our subject received his education at Spring Hill
Seminary; worked on the farm till he was twenty-six years of
age, when he was married, January 2, 1845, to Mary Ann H.
Robinson, a native of Maury County, born April 16, 1820, and the
daughter of James S. and Malinda G. Robinson, natives,
respectively, of North Carolina and Kentucky. To our subject and
wife were born five children: Isadora, Malinda Alabama, Robert
J., Thomas R. and Pleasant A. Mr. Wade soon after marriage
settled near his present home, in 1847, and is now the owner of
about 270 acres in the home farm. In 1868 he was elected to fill
an unexpired term as magistrate, and has been three times
re-elected to the same office which he has held to the entire
satisfaction of the public. He is a Democrat in politics and
cast his first presidential vote for M. Van Buren, in 1840. He
has been a Mason since 1852, and since the war (1865) has passed
the Royal Arch Degree. Mr. and Mrs. Wade are worthy members of
the Primitive Baptist Church.
V. B. Walker, a prominent citizen and farmer
of the Sixteenth District, was born in North Carolina, March 21,
1827, and is one of a family of twelve children, born to the
union of James and Elizabeth (Edwards) Walker, natives,
respectively, of North Carolina and Virginia. The father was a
teacher and a farmer by profession. Our subject was reared by
his uncle, John S. Walker of Decatur County, and received his
education in that county. December 12, 1854, he married Louisa
Kendall, a native of Henry County, born October 1, 1838, and the
daughter of Eli Kendall. Mrs. Walker died October 12, 1878,
leaving a family of nine children, seven of whom lived to be
grown, and six of whom are now living: Robert J. (deceased),
Elizabeth (Mrs. R. M. Blackemore), Jarratt, Kate (Mrs. Ed. Wynns),
Joe, Lola P. and Alexander C. In 1849 Mr. Walker went to
Kentucky, where he remained till 1852, engaged in the tobacco
business. He then came to Henry County, located where he now
resides and was engaged in the tobacco business until 1869. He
manufactured plug tobacco and of such quality that many times he
won the prize for its excellence. Mr. Walker is now an extensive
farmer, owning as much as 800 acres in Henry County, and besides
has two sections of land in Mississippi. He is well known and
much esteemed by all his acquaintances both as a citizen and
neighbor. He was postmaster at Mt. Vista from 1852 to 1857, and
at the present time is deputy county surveyor. He is a Democrat
in politics and took a great interest in his State and county
affairs during the late war. He is a man who has read a great
deal and has made a careful study of all the great subjects both
of political and religious ethics. In religion, he is liberal to
the fullest extent, being a humanitarian.
A. J. Weldon, a prominent physician, was born
in Marshall County, Tenn., in 1831, and is one of ten children,
three of whom are living, born to W. B. and Lillian (Cook)
Weldon. The father was a native of Franklin County, N. C., born
in 1787, and was married in his native State, where he remained
till 1827, after which he came to Tennessee and located in
Marshall County. In 1841 he came to Henry County, and here
remained till his career ended in 1847. He was sheriff of his
native county for four years previous to 1827. The mother was
also a native of North Carolina, born 1793, and died in December
1876. Our subject was reared under the parental roof and
received his education in Henry County. He began teaching school
at the age of sixteen and followed this occupation for a number
of years, and at the same time added to his mental stock of
learning by studying all his spare moments during this time, and
afterward he read medicine with Dr. John Londis for two years.
He then took a course of lectures at Louisville, Ky., and in
1859-60 took a course at the Jefferson Medical College at
Philadelphia, where he graduated in the spring of the latter
year. He then located at Buchanan and began the practice of his
chosen profession. In 1868 he moved to Paris Landing, where he
still resides and practices medicine. Previous to this, in 1852,
he married Sarah McSwain, a native of Tennessee, born 1831, and
the daughter of David McSwain. Mrs. Weldon died in 1864, leaving
three children: Laura (Mrs. Dr. W. T. McClarin), W. E. and
Thomas J. In 1868 he married Virginia Chenoweth, a native of
Indiana, born in December, 1849, and the daughter of Richard
Chenoweth. They have five children by this union; Ida, Robley
D., John D., Stella and Mary. In 1866 the Doctor began the
mercantile business at Paris Landing, which he still continues.
He also built a cotton-gin and engaged extensively in growing
and dealing in cotton till 1880. He has for some years bought,
raised and dealt extensively in cotton, and has at the home
place 2,400 acres of valuable land, much of which is under a
fine state of cultivation. The Doctor has an extensive practice
and is one of the best physicians in the county. He is a member
of the American Medical Association and also of the State
Medical Association. In 1880 he built a mill and began
manufacturing lumber, shingles and staves. In 1884 he lost the
mill by fire, together with machinery and a large amount of
lumber. Recently he has rebuilt and now has the business in good
running order. He has also for many years been engaged
extensively in raising stock. He is a Democrat in politics and
since twenty-one years of age has been a Mason. He is also a
member of the K. of H.
W. E. Weldon, a member of the firm of the
Chickasaw mills, and traveling salesman for Rainwater, Booger &
Co., wholesale merchants of St. Louis, was born in Henry County
in 1855, and is a son of Dr. A. J. Weldon, of Paris Landing. Our
subject received his early education in the schools near home,
but subsequently graduated at the Military Institute in Murray,
Ky. In May, 1881, he married Bettie M., a native of Henry
County, born in 1861, and the daughter of Nathaniel and Maria
Currier. To our subject and wife were born two children: Sallie
and Louisa. Previous to moving to Chickasaw Mills Mr. Weldon was
engaged for five years in the mercantile business at Paris
Landing, where he was quite successful. He is a man of fine
business qualifications and a thorough gentleman. He is a member
of the K. of H., and one of the county’s best citizens.
Fitzgerald Williams, one of seven children
born to Isaac B. and Adeline (Fitzgerald) Williams, was born
March 29, 1842. The father was born in Sumner County, Tenn.,
near Fountain Head, April 13, 1812, and came to Henry County
when a boy. His own father being dead, he lived with his
stepfather, Capt. James Greer, for a few years, and then clerked
in a mercantile establishment and read law. He was licensed to
practice law, and entered the profession at Paris in 1835. About
1845 he was elected attorney-general of this judicial circuit,
and in 1854 was elected chancellor of this division, but
resigned in 1860 to resume practice. He was stricken with
paralysis in the summer of 1861 and disabled, but in 1865
resumed practice, and while in an argument in chancery court in
1869 he was again stricken, and lingered in the clasp of this
nervous affection till February 1, 1871, when he passed from
earth, honored as an able lawyer and one of the ablest
chancellors in the State, as well as a highly honored citizen.
He was appointed by Gov. Harris during the war to make a
settlement between Tennessee and the other Confederate States,
but could not attend on account of ill health. He was appointed
Confederate tax collector of Tennessee, but declined. In 1863 he
was commissioned circuit judge of the circuit. The mother of our
subject was the oldest daughter of Judge William Fitzgerald, who
was from 1845 to 1861 judge of this circuit, and was one of the
ablest and most polished men of this part of Tennessee. It was
he who (in 1851) defeated Davey Crockett for Congress, in which
body he served one term. He was in the Tennessee Legislature
prior to that time, and was attorney-general for several years.
He died in 1864 from a stroke of paralysis. Our subject was born
in Paris, and received a good practical and classical education
at that place. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate Army as
second lieutenant of Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth
Senior Tennessee Regiment, which was the first company that
entered the service. He was afterward elected first lieutenant,
and remained in the service until the close of the war. He was
wounded at Franklin. Returning from the war he resumed the
reading of law, which he had pursued eighteen months before. In
1870 he was admitted to the bar, and has ever since continued to
practice with evident success. He has adhered strictly to his
profession, and does not mingle much in political affairs.
Alex. Wilson, farmer and prominent citizen of
the Third District, was born in Trigg County, Ky., 1832, and is
a son of William and Dosia (Daniel) Wilson. The father was born
about 1808 and is of Scotch-Irish ancestry. He immigrated to
Trigg County, Ky., with his parents when but a boy, grew to
manhood, and was married in that county when about twenty-five
years of age. In 1849 he removed to Arkansas, but while on
business back to Kentucky, he was taken sick and died in 1852.
Mrs. Wilson was born in Trigg County, Ky., where she died in the
prime of life. Our subject remained with his father till his
death, and was educated in the common schools of Trigg County,
Ky. In April, 1856, he married Elizabeth Dawson and they had one
child, Elizabeth D. (Mrs. A. Dawson). Mrs. Wilson died in
February, 1865, and December 28 of the same year Mr. Wilson
married Mrs. Mary Ann (Willis) Caldwell, a native of Henry
County, born in 1835, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church South. She had two sons by her former marriage: R. D. and
William M. By her marriage to our subject she became the mother
of eight children; James A., Quitman L., Emma I., Etta and Ella
(twins), Mary S., Minnie and Miss Sammie. Mr. Wilson remained in
Trigg County till 1860, when he removed to Graves County, Ky.,
and in 1878 from there to Henry County, settling on the farm
where he now resides. This consists of about 200 acres of good
productive land, well cultivated and well improved. In April,
1864, Mr. Wilson enlisted in Company E, Third Tennessee Mounted
Infantry, Confederate Army, and took part in several severe
battles, was wounded at Harrisburg and rendered unfit for active
service but did not return home till the final surrender. He is
a Democrat in politics and cast his first presidential vote for
James Buchanan. He is a Mason and a member of the Reformed
Church.
Thomas R. Wilson, M. D., physician and
surgeon of Cottage Grove, was born in Wilson County, Tenn., in
1844, and is one of nine children, only one of whom is living.
The father, John R. Wilson, was born in 1800, and was of
Scotch-Irish ancestry. His parents were natives of North
Carolina, and settled in Wilson County at a very early day. John
R. received a practical education and at the age of twenty-three
married Mary Donaldson. He was a farmer and held the office of
magistrate for a long time. He died in 1858. Mrs. Wilson was
born in Wilson County about 1803, and died about 1850. Our
subject received his education at Silver Springs and at String
Town in Wilson County. In November, 1863, he entered the
Confederate Army in Company K, Sixteenth Tennessee Cavalry, as
orderly sergeant, and participated in nearly all the battles in
which his command was engaged. At the close of the war he
returned home, and in January, 1867, began the study of medicine
under his brother, Dr. A. R. Wilson, of Cottage Grove and in the
fall of the same year entered the medical department of the
Tennessee University, where he graduated in 1869. In 1871 he
commenced practicing medicine at Como, where he remained two
years. He then removed to Cottage Grove where he has continued
practicing with evident success, as his many patients now living
can testify. He is also running a store of general merchandise
in connection with his practice. In January, 1878, he married
Henrietta V. Freeman, a native of Henry County, Tenn., born in
1848, and the daughter of J. C. and Eliza Freeman. They have
four children: Mary Eliza, Robert Howard, Alfred Bluford and
Nellie. In politics the Doctor is a Democrat and cast his first
vote for Horace Greeley in 1872. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity and he and his wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church South.
William T. Wrather, dealer in general
hardware, agricultural implements, groceries, etc., established
his present business in 1877, in company with T. B. Ellison,
with whom he remained till 1884, when Mr. Ellison retired. Since
that time Mr. Wrather has continued the business alone with
evident success. He is carrying a stock to the value of about
$6,000, and his is one of the most flourishing business
enterprises in the city. His father, William B., was born in
Rutherford County, Tenn., of Welsh origin. About 1846 he married
Mary Kellow, by whom he had one child. About 1847 he removed to
Arkansas, where he resumed his farming, and died in 1848. The
family soon after returned to Rutherford County, where Mrs.
Wrather married H. H. Ozment. They afterward removed to
Arkansas, where Mrs. Ozment died in 1884. Our subject was born
in Rutherford County, Tenn., in 1847, was reared principally by
his mother, and educated mostly in the common schools of Henry
County. In 1871 he began clerking in a mercantile house, where
he remained till about 1876. He then engaged in the business on
his own responsibility at Crossland, Ky., and here remained one
year, after which he came to Paris and engaged in his present
business. September, 1874, he married Kate Matthewson, a native
of Murray, Ky., born in 1854, and the daughter of Daniel and
Gabriella Matthewson. Mr. Wrather has accumulated his property
by his own efforts, and is a man of good business and financial
ability. He is the owner of some real estate in Paris. In
politics he is a Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote
for H. Seymour in 1868. He and wife are members of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
C. N. Wright, now a resident and practitioner
of this place was born March 13, 1851, in Carroll County, Tenn.
He grew to manhood on the farm, and at the age of eighteen began
the study of medicine under Dr. Wright, of Huntingdon, Tenn. In
1870 he entered the medical university of Nashville (old
school), and graduated from that institution in the spring of
1873, after which he located at this place and began practicing
his profession with evident success up to the present date. He
is a self-made man, and has accumulated his property since 1872,
and is now in good circumstances, notwithstanding the fact that
he has labored under many disadvantages. His education
advantages were very limited, but by hard study and work he has
fitted himself for the enviable position he now holds. He is
also a man of good social standing, and is respected by all. In
politics he is a Democrat.
Iverson M. Wrinkle, produce dealer and
prominent citizen of Cottage Grove, was born in McNairy County,
Tenn., in 1840, and is one of nine children, eight of whom are
living. The father, Morgan Wrinkle, was born in Bradley County,
Tenn., in 1812, and was of Irish extraction. He received but a
limited education, and when a young man went to Hardin County,
where he was married; by this union one child was born. Mrs.
Wrinkle soon after died, and in 1836 he married Cloann Smith;
both were at that time living in McNairy County, where Mrs.
Wrinkle was burned to death about 1858. In 1860 Mr. Wrinkle
married Gensey McGarety, who died about 1881, and in 1882 he
married Mrs. Elizabeth Finley. Soon after his last marriage they
removed to Henderson, in Chester County, and are living a
retired life. Our subject was educated at the common schools of
McNairy County. In 1863 he entered the army as one of the “boys
in gray,” by enlisting in Company F, Twenty-first Tennessee
Cavalry, under Gen. Forrest, and took an active part in all the
battles in which his command was engaged; was severely wounded
by bushwhackers, in the latter part of 1864, which rendered him
unfit for duty. April 30, 1965, he returned home and was married
to Mrs. Clemmie J. Brown (nee Bowden), a native of
Cottage Grove, Tenn., born January 20, 1845. The fruits of this
union were four children, three living: Eurah Ann, Ola Jane, Iva
Josephine (who died March 11, 1881), and Estella D., who was
born February 9, 1882. Mr. Wrinkle spent the first year of his
married life in Kentucky, after which he returned to Cottage
Grove and formed for three years; he then entered a mercantile
house and acted as clerk until 1874, when he began the business
of his own responsibility, and this continued until 1886, with
complete success. He had very little of this world’s goods to
start in life with, but he has accumulated a fine property, and
now owns 120 acres of good land and a good residence in town. In
politics Mr. Wrinkle is a Democrat and cast his first
presidential voter for Horace Greeley. He is a member of the
Golden Cross and he and wife are active members of the
Missionary Baptist Church.
William G. Wynns, farmer and leading citizen, was born in
Stewart County, Tenn., in 1844, and is one of a family of two
children, only our subject is living. The father, William G.,
was born in North Carolina, in 1810, and immigrated to Stewart
County with his parents when he was but a boy. He was reared at
home and received a good common and business education, mostly
at Paris. When eighteen years of age he clerked in a mercantile
establishment at Dover, and about 1836 began the business on his
own responsibility. In September, 1838, he married S. Eveline
Atkins, of Dover, a native of Stewart County, born in 1824, and
the daughter of Henry L. and Sallie (Stell) Atkins. Mr. Wynns
led an active, industrious life and died in 1845. Our subject
received his education principally in the common schools, and
finished at Caledonia College. In September, 1864, he enlisted
in the Confederate Army, under Capt. William Hawkins, in
Forrest’s cavalry, and was wounded near Columbia, Tenn. This
rendered him unfit for further duty, but he did not return to
his home until near the final surrender. He taught school for
some time, and in 1873-74 was engaged in the mercantile business
at Paris, which he had to discontinue on account of ill health.
He traveled for some time, and in 1880 he purchased eighty-four
acres of land near Paris, on which he and his mother now reside.
He is a Democrat in politics and cast his first presidential
vote for Horatio Seymour. He and mother are worthy members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church South
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