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Below is a family biography included in The History of Dyer County, Tennessee published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887. These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary. Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more. There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.
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Mrs. E. L. Ford is a native of Arkansas and was born in 1841, being the daughter of Dr. David and Emily (Avery) Knowles. Her father was born in 1799, in Connecticut, and farmed and sold goods as well as practiced his profession. Soon after his marriage, in 1823, he moved to New Orleans, La., but in a few years went to Covington, Ind., and purchased a large tract of land, where he farmed and sold goods. About 1840 he moved to Mississippi County, Ark., bought 900 acres and continued farming. In 1864 he moved to Mount Vernon, Ind., but in 1881 he broke up housekeeping and went to Illinois to live with his eldest son. He died in 1883, full of years and honors. He was a consistent Methodist. His wife was born in Connecticut in 1801, and died in 1885. These parents had four boys and eight girls, five of which children are living. Mrs. Ford was educated in Mount Vernon, Ind., and February 2, 1859, was married to Joseph S. Ford, a native of Virginia. By this union seven children were born: William D. (deceased), Laura C. (deceased), Emily L., Julia E., Joseph H. (deceased), Grace A. (deceased) and Nettie M. (deceased). After her marriage her husband opened a store in Mount Vernon, Ind., and about 1867 formed a partnership with James Wier with a general store at New Harmony, Ind. In 1872 he came to Dyersburg and opened a hotel. About the same time he assumed charge of the Metropolitan Hotel in Union City, and in August, of 1872, died after an illness of two weeks. In September, Mrs. Ford returned to Dyersburg and continued hotel-keeping. In 1884 she assumed charge of the Tucker House. This is the best hotel in town and is first-class in comforts for guests. Mrs. Ford is an admirable entertainer.
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This family biography is one of 128 biographies included in The History of Dyer County, Tennessee published in 1887 by Goodspeed. The History of Dyer County was included within The History of Gibson, Obion, Dyer, Weakley & Lake Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Gibson, Obion, Dyer, Weakley, and Lake Counties of Tennessee
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