My Genealogy Hound

Bellfield C. Burgie was born in Nashville, Tenn., in 1830, and is a son of David and Elizabeth (Robbins) Burgie. The father was born in Newark, N. J., September 17, 1791, and was a cabinet-maker by trade. He was married in Pittsburgh, Penn., November 24, 1819. In December of the same year they removed to Nashville, Tenn., and Mr. Burgie was foreman during the erection of the bridge across the Cumberland. He worked at his trade in Nashville a number of years, and in 1831 moved to Montgomery County, and there resided about eight years. He then moved to Dickson County, where he resided until his death in 1864. His wife was of German descent, born in Pittsburgh, Penn., August 15, 1801. She died in 1877. Of eight children born to them, three are living: Elizabeth (Mrs. James H. Hurd), Jane Ann (Mrs. James Rye) and Bellfield C, who acquired the most of his education at home. After attaining his twenty-first birthday, he came to Dyer County and after working at the carpenter’s trade for some time, engaged in boating. In 1857 he established a livery and feed stable in Dyersburg, but in the fall of 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Forty-seventh Regiment Tennessee Infantry, and was chosen second lieutenant. He was at Shiloh, but owing to ill health was soon after discharged and returned home. In 1866 he purchased 154 acres of land near Dyersburg and here has since resided. He now owns 1,075 acres and has a good and comfortable home. He is a Democrat in politics, but previous to the war was a Whig. He is a Mason and a member of Hess Lodge, No. 93. January 1, 1859, he married Nancy Gibson, daughter of James and Izilla Gibson. Mrs. Burgie was born in Dyer County, December 25, 1835, and became the mother of seven children: Cora, Jefferson (deceased), Beulah, Docia (deceased), Nannie, Lalah and an infant daughter, deceased. Mr. Burgie and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. In 1859 and 1860 Mr. Burgie was mayor of Dyersburg, and in 1870 was elected magistrate of the Fourth District and served four years. In 1874 he gave up the office and, owing to his wife’s ill health went to California.