Maury County, Tennessee, Goodspeed D

MANN DAWSON, a well known and well-to-do farmer of Maury County, Tenn., was bern October 11, 1838, and is the youngest of a family of six sons and five daughters born to John and Martha G. (Hunter) Dawson, who were natives of North Carolina, born in 1786 and 1798 and died in 1843 and 1878, respectively. John Dawson came to Tennessee at an early day and became one of the pioneer settlers of Maury County, and there passed the remainder of his days. Mann Dawson attended the common schools of Maury County and assisted his parents on the farm. Later he attended the college at Lebanon, Tenn., where he finished his education. At the breaking out of the ]ate civil war, in May, 1861, he joined Col. Wade's company, Third Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, and took an active part in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Fort Donelson, Chickamauga, Atlanta and numerous others. He was captured at Fort Donelson, and kept a prisoner at Camp Douglas, Chicago, seven months. He was exchanged at Vicksburg, Miss., in September, 1862, and returned to his home in May, 1865. He was formerly a Whig in politics, but is now a Democrat. He is a Freemason.

GEORGE W. DAVIDSON, farmer, of Maury County, Tenn., is a son of George W. and Elizabeth J. (Wasson) Davidson, and his birth occurred in Lawrence County, Tenn., June 22, 1847. His father was born in the "Old Dominion" in May, 1812, and, came with his parents to Tennessee at an early day, locating on a farm in Lawrence County. Our subject spent his early days on a farm and obtained a good common school education. He enlisted in the Confederate Army in the latter part of 1862 in Company D, Ninth Tennessee Cavalry and participated in the battles of Franklin, Thompson Station and several minor engagements. He was paroled May 12, 1865, and returned to Lawrence Co, and engaged in farming. He was married, October 16, 1868, to Chirena I. Alford, and the birth of two sons and one daughter is the result of their union: George M., James W. and Elizabeth J. Mrs. Davidson was born in 1845. She is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and a faithful wife and mother. Mr. Davidson is a Democrat, and was elected magistrate of the Thirteenth District November 4, 1884, and is giving entire satisfaction. He resides on a farm near Mount Pleasant, and is doing well financially.

WILLIAM H. DAVIS, a native of Maury County. Tenn., was born January 6, 1823, son of Ephraim and Eliza T. (Allen) Davis, whose marriage occurred 1829. The father was a Democrat and was justice of the peace one term. He was a man of sound judgment and good sense. His death occurred .January, 1882. The mother was born in Virginia in 1804 and was the daughter of Hamblin and Silvina (Maneer) Allen. They were natives of Virginia and came to Tennessee about 1812 or 1813, locating in Maury County, where they tilled the soil. Eliza, our subject's mother, was a member of the Baptist Church, and died in 1878. Our subject spent his boyhood on the farm, and owing to circumstances received a rather limited education. March 26, 1857, he married Martha E. Cannon, a native of Lincoln County, Tenn., born December 20, 1837. and the daughter of George M. and Nancy M. (Holeman) Cannon, both natives of Tmmessee, born 1820 and 1822, respectively. Our subject enlisted in Company G, Ninth Tennessee Cavalry and served until the close of the war. He was in many battles and had some narrow escapes. He is the father of nine chihlren: Jennie M., born in 1858; Benjamin, born in 1859; Felix Z., born in 1862; William E., born in l866; Eliza M., born in 1869; Mary A., born in 1871; Hay, born in 1873; Leah, born in 1875, and Omega H., born in 1878. Mr. Davis has been constable for four years in the Twenty-first District of Maury County, and was constable from 1876 to 1880. He has been school commissioner for eighteen months, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is also a member of the K. of H., a Democrat; in politics and is recoznized as an honest, upright citizen.

RALEIGH P. DODSON, a well known liveryman and one of the proprietors of the Bethel House of Columbia. Tenn., is a native of Maury County, born September 6, 1845, son of Raleigh and Lucinda (Witherspoon) Dodson, who were born in North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. The father was a prominent farmer and stock raiser, and died a day or so after our subject's birth. Raleigh resided with his widowed mother in the county and secured an ordinary common school education. He served in the late war in Company G, First Tennessee Infantry, and at the battle of Perryville was captured by the Federals and afterward paroled. After his return he engaged in the livery business in Columbia, which he has continued to the present time, being a partner of M. C. Mays. In 1871 he marricd Loretta Gill, a native of the county. Mr. Dodson is a Mason, Knight Templar degree and a Democrat, and is a prosperous and influential resident of the town.

THOMAS J. DORSETT'S birth occurred in Maryland April 22, 1831. He is a son of Thomas and Harriett (Clagett) Dorsett. of Maryland. The father was a tiller of the soil. He died in the Episcopal faith April 7, 1847. The mother still survives and is a resident of Maryland. The subject of our sketch was married on the 2d of March, 1852. to Miss Mary Robinson, daughter of Stewart Robinson. a resident of Maryland. To Mr. Dorsett and wife were born thirteen children, only six of whom are living: Laura R. (wife of Otey Walker. a successful merchant at Williantsport), Lillie G. (wife of Samuel Gray, of Nashville), Thomas J., Mary E., Harriett and Pauline. Mr. Dorsett did not participate in the late war. He is a warm Democrat and belongs to the Masonic fraternity, Royal Arch degree. Both he and wife are members of the Episcopal Church and are esteemed citizens of Maury County.

WALTER C. DORSET, M. D.,was born in Anne Arundel County, Md., July 19, 184l, being a son of Thomas J. and Harriett (Clagett) Dorset, of Maryland, where the father died and the mother still resides. Walter C. was reared to manhood on a farm, and completed his education at the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, Va. In 1867 he came to Maury County and resided with a relative, Mrs. Jane H. Y. Greenfield. He began studying medicine with the late Dr. Samuel Frierson. Later he attended Belleview Hospital Medical College, of New York City, and graduated there as a physician in l870. Since that time he has practiced in Columbia. and has met with more than ordinary suceess. He is strictly a self-made man, and by his own efforts and devotion to his calling has gained an enviable reputation. In January, 1886, he was elected health officer of Maury County by the county court, for a term of four years. Marion and Hallie B. are the children born to his marriage with Miss Janie M. Arnell. which occurred in 1871. Dr. Dorset's political views are Democratic. He is a Mason, and he and family are members of the Episcopal Church.

SHADRACH S. DUGGER is the fifth of eight children born to David and Catherine (Bailey) Dugger. David was born in Virginia, and Mrs. Dugger near Bowling Green, Ky. The father was a Democrat and died about 1829, after living a useful and prosperous life. The mother died about 1860, in Henry County, Tenn. Our subject was born in Maury County February 20. 1830, and has passed the life of an agriculturist. July 20,1850, he was married to Martha J. Laneare, who was born in Virginia March 12, 1835, and is the daughter of Howell and Elizabeth (Epperson) Laneare. They were born in Virginia and came to Tennessee when our subject's wife was a small child and located in Giles County.The father died in 1845 or 1846, and the mother in 1881. To our subject and his wife were born four sons and four daughters: Samuel G., born in 1851; Thomas J., born in l852; Corinna, born in 1856; Elizabeth L., born in 1860; Daniel B., born in 1866; Leroy S., born in 1869; Lorinda, born in 1872, and Isolana, born in 1876. Mrs. Dugger is a member of The Christian Church, and her husband is a Democrat. He has resided on his present farm for thirteen years, and success has attended his efforts.

JOHN H. ELLETT, a well-known citizen of Maury County, Tenn., was born on the 29th of October. 1836, the only child of Thomas P. and Susan (Griffith) Ellett. Thomas P. Ellett was born near Richmond, Va., in 1802, and came to Maury County with his parents at an early age. He was a participant in the Seminole war, and was a strong temperance man. He died in Maury County. His wife was born in that county about 1806 and died in 1836, an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Our subject obtained the rudiments of his education in Maury County, and later attended Cumberland University at Lebanon, Tenn. He was married August 15, 1801, to Miss Ophelia Kindel, and to their union five sons and three daughters were born: John C. (deceased), James K. (deceased), William M., Wadkins B., Felix M., Anna L. (deceased), Martha W. (deceased) and Katharine. In 1862 Mr. Ellett enlisted in the Confederate Army, Company D, Third Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, and was a participant in the following bloody battles: Vicksburg, Raymond, Jackson, Miss., Port Hudson. Chickamauga and others. He served as first lieutenant of his company until May, 1865, when he returned home. Previous to the war Mr. Ellett was a Whig, but since that time he has been a Democrat. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

THOMAS Y. ENGLISH, farmer, was born in Giles County, Tenn., March 19,1835, and is one of a large family of children born to John and Clara (Willeford) English. The father was born in North Carolina in 1800, and was by occupation a farmer. He came to Tennessee with his mother in 1810, and settled on a farm in Giles County, where he lived a long and prosperous life. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and died July 26, 1879. The mother was a native of South Carolina, born in l8l0. She was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church, and was a faithful, conscientious Christian. Her death occurred September 26, 1885. Our subject was reared on a farm, and educated in Giles County. He came to Maury County in 1875, and settled on a farm in the Eleventh District, where he has since resided. He enlisted as a private in the Confederate Army May 12, 1861, Company I, Third Tennessee Volunteer Regiment, commanded by Col. John C. Brown, of Tennessee. He participatqd in the battles of Fort Donelson, Chickamauga, Bayou, Raymond and several minor ones. He was taken prisoner at Fort Donelson, and taken to Camp Morton, Indianapolis, Ind., where he remained until his release May 11, 1865. He was married :November 8, 1881, to Lissie Spain, a native of Maury County, and the result of this union is the birth of three sons: Thomas Y., born August 8, 1882; John W., born February 25, 1884, and Robert J., born February 23, 1886. Mr. English is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a Democrat in politics, and one of Maury County's best citizens.

EPHRAIM E. ERWIN, local editor and business manager of the Columbia Herald, is a native of Maury County, Tenn., born September 18, 1848, son of William H. and Jemina A. (Voss) Erwin. The father was a native of Maury County, and was a prosper ous farmer and stock dealer. He served as constable a few years, and died in 1858 or 1859. Ephraim E. resided under the paternal roof until his father's death, and secured a somewhat limited education in his youthful days. This he overcame in later years by his own efforts. After attaining his majority he served as deputy postmaster of Columbia four years, and was made register, and later served as clerk of the county court. In 1876 he accepted the position of accountant in the chancery court, filling the position with credit to himself and the satisfaction of the people, until 1883. By much desultory study he had become well versed in legal lore, and in 1884 was admitted to the Maury County bar. but never entered into the practice regularly. In March, 1885, he accepted a position on the Herald, and it may be truthfully said that the success of the paper is in a large measure due to his untiring energy and ability. In 1872 he married Bessie R. Porter, of Maury County, who died in March, 1874, leaving one son. Mr. Erwin is a Democrat, and belongs to the Masonic, K. of P. and A.O.U.W. fraternities. He is also a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

ERVIN T. ESTES' birth occurred in Maury County, Tenn., March 16, 1855. He is a successful merchant, and was united in marriage August 5, 1877, to Miss Virginia T. Grant, daughter of Thomas U. Grant. Mr. Estes is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and are considered among the reliable and prominent citizens of the county. Our subject's parents were Orrin T. and Hester J. (McBride) Estes, who were born in the State of Tennessee, and spent their lives as farmers. The father was an honest and upright man, and died in 1855, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The mother still survives him, and is a resident of Maury County, Tenn.

FLAVIUS J. EWING, a well-known business man of Columbia, Tenn., and partner in the firm of Elam & Ewing, was born in Marshall County, Tenn., August 19, 1831, son of James V. and Elizabeth Ewing, who were born in Virginia and Georgia, respectively. The father was one of the pioneer farmers of Tennessee, and suffered all the privations incident to early life in Tennessee. He died in MarshalI County in 1881. Our subject was reared and educated in his native county and finished his education in Jackson College of Columbia, and several of the best Colleges of Virginia. In 1860 he came to Maury County and located on a farm in the Twenty-first District, where he followed farming and stock raising until 1882, when he removed to near Columbia, and in 1883 engaged in his present business in the city, and has by his many good business qualities contributed largely to the success of the firm. Mary L. Akin became his wife in 1859, and their union resulted in the birth of two sons and four daughters. Robert L., the eldest son, is in business with his father. Mr. Ewing was originally a Whig in politics, but since the war has voted the Democratic ticket. He served two years in the quartermaster's department of the Confederate Army, Gen. Hardee's Corps. Mr. and Mrs. Ewing are members of the Presbyterian Church.

H. F. FARISS, postmaster of Cohunbia, Tenn., son of Hugh W. and grandson of James Fariss. who came to Maury County, Tenn., from the Carolinas in 1806. H. F. was born November 19, 1839, and at the age of thirteen removed with his parents to West Tennessee, and secured a common school education. At the age of twenty-two he returned to Maury County and tilled the soil until 1865, when he engaged in the mercantile business in Hampshire, in which he still retains an interest. In 1866 he was appointed postmaster of Hampshire, and served ahnost continuously until 1882, when he was elected county trustee, serving until 1884, then resigned and was appointed to the post- mastership at Columbia, by President Arthur. As evidence of Mr. Fariss' popularity it need only be stated that he has successfully held various public offices notwithstanding the fact that he is a Republican in politics. He is the father of seven children by Mary E. Brooks, whom he married April 15, 1866. Mr. Fariss and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he is a Mason and a member of the K. of H.

FRANK L. FITZGERALD, merchant, was born September 23, 1861, and is a son of Francis M. and Caroline (Chandler) Fitzgerald, both natives of this county. The father was born October 8, 1833, and received his education in the common schools. He came to this county at an early date and followed the occupations of farming and stock raising, in which he has been moderately successful. He was married in 1857 and is the father of five children: Margaret L., Frank L., Willie L., George V. and one who died in infancy. Mr. Fitzgerald is a Democrat in politics and he and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate Army, Company A, Forty- eighth Tennessee Regiment, and served as first lieutenant in that company for three years. He was the son of Maston and Margaret (Harder) Fitzgerald, both born in Virginia. Maston was one of the early settlers of this county and a soldier in the war of 1812. He died in 1879, and his wife in 1868. Our subject's father and mother are still living and are residing on the old Chandler homestead. Our subject was reared on the farm and received a good education in the district schools. At the age of twenty-two he engaged in his present business, in which he has been very successful. He is a Democrat in politics and an enterprising and successful business man.

WILLIAM STUART FLEMING, chancellor of the Eighth Chancery Division of Tennessee, was born in Maury County, April 23, 1816, eldest son of Thomas P. and Margaret E. (Armstrong) Fleming, who were members of a colony that came from South Carolina to Tennessee in 1805. They were of Scotch-Irish descent, and strict Presbyterians. William S. Fleming was taught the English branches by his father, and his preparatory Greek and Latin was expounded to him by John Barland, a teacher of New York City who visited him two years. He entered the Sophomore class of Yale College, and graduated in 1838. He taught school in Maury County a short time, and then began his legal studies, being admitted to practice in 1842. He immediately opened a law office in Columbia and soon commanded a large practice, which he retained as long as he remained in the practice of his profession. In 1860 he removed lo his elegant country seat, which was destroyed by fire, during Hood's raid in Tennessee, by the Federal commander as a military necessity, entailing a loss of $22,000. He also had fifty slaves emancipated, and thirty head of horses and mules impressed. In 1870 he was elected chancellor, and has held the position by re-election to the present time. He is quite an eloquent orator, and for a period was editor of a literary paper, and later of a political paper, but at the same time continued his practice. He was a Whig, and although a Southern sympathizer, was not a participant in the war. He is now a Democrat. and had been a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church for twenty-three years. He has been thrice married, having lost two wives by death. September 5, 1839, he wedded Frances M. Stephenson, who died in 1849, having borne six children, three of whom died in infancy, and only two now living: Thomas F. Fleming and Mrs. A. N. Dobbins. January 12, 1854, he married Mary Witherspoon Frierson, who died in 1858. having borne three children, all of whom died in infancy. February 8, 1860, he took for his third and present wife Ruth A. (Johnson) Booker. To them were born three children, one now living, William Stuart, also a member of the legal profession.

L. G. FLEMING was born on the 14th of February, 1847, in Maury County, Tenn. His parents, William O. and Winnie (Richardson) Fleming. were natives of Maury County, the father born in 1808. He was a farmer, and succeeded well in his business undertakings, and became the father of eight sons and six daughters. He was a member of the I. O. O. F., and a Democrat in politics. He was a man of strict integrity of character, and a successful farmer. His wife died in 1879 and he in 1860. Our subject is a well-to-do farmer and stock raiser, and was married December 1, 1874, to Manda Dodson, a daughter of W. W. Dodson. To them was born one son, George W., August 29, 1875. Mrs. Fleming died October 30, 1875. December 30, 1879, Mr. Fleming married Sammie E. (Evans) Fleming, born in 1855, a daughter of John Evans. She was first married to Nathaniel Fleming. brother of our subject, and by him became the mother of two daughters: Winnie, born in 1873, and Hattie, born in 1875. To her last marriage has been born, one son and one daughter: Ella E., born in 1881. and John O., born in 1883. Mrs. Fleming belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and her husband to the Christian Church. He is a Democrat and a member of the I. O. O. F.

ARCHIBALD C. FLOYD was born in Granville County, N. C., November 16, 1857, son of John W. and Margaret J. (Campbell) Floyd, of North Carolina, where the father lived and died and the mother now resides. Our subject resided with his parents and was educated at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. graduating in 1882. During this time he has taught school at intervals to secure means to enable him to complete his collegiate course. The year following his graduation he became a disciple of Blackstone, and entered the law department of his old alma mater, and graduated October 1, 1883. He then taught school a short time, and obtained a license to practice from the supreme Court of that State. In February, 1884, he came to Columbia, and has since praticed his profession with good results. He is a partner of George W. Hayes. Since February, 1886, Mr. Floyd has been principal of the Andrews Public School of Columbia, and is giving good satisfaction. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

LUNSFORD B. FORGEY, M. D., a successful practitioner and farmer of Maury County, Tenn., was born September 18, 1825, and is a son of Hugh and Salina (Shorter) Forgey, natives, respectively, of Tennessee amt Georgia. The father was a wealthy farmer and died about 1879. His widow is still living and is a resident of the "Lone Star State" Dr. Forgey, our subject, began reading medicine under Dr. W. W. Dabner, and graduated at the university of Louisville, Ky., one of the class of 1851. He began the practice of his profession. in Maury, his native county, and has met with the success his, knowledge of medicine and his skill deserves. In October, 1856, he led to Hymen's altar, Miss Sarah D. Adkin, who has borne him eight children, seven of whom are living: William S., Charles A., James H., Addison H. and Anna Lee (twins), Walter E. and Thomas B. Dr. Forgey is a Democrat and Mason and his wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

JAMES M. FRIERSON, an influential farmer of Maury County, Tenn., was born in, that county October 18, 1818, son of Thomas J. and M. A. E. (Blakely) Frierson. The father was a native of Williamsburg District, S.C., born October 17, 1784, and was a tiller of the soil. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and noted for his many acts of charity. He died in Maury County, November 16, 1846. The mother was also a native of South Carolina, born in 1797, and was for many years a faithful servant to the cause of Christianity. She died in December, 1865. Our subject's early life was passed in merchandising in Columbia. After five years of successful business transactions. he remained on the farm where he has since remained. In 1849 he wedded Martha G. H. Dawson, a native of North Carolina, and to this union were born nine children: John D., Anna E., Martha G. (who died in 1880), Ella T., Sallie R., Lillie A., Narcissa A.. who died in 1883, Irene H. and Nettie. Mr. Frierson is a well-to-do farmer, having a fine farm of 250 acres, all well cultivated except fifteen acres of good lumber. He is a democrat, a member of the I. O. O. F. and also a member of the Presbyterian Church.

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Frank D. "Denny" Thomas, Volunteer for Maury County

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