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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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Stephen Chitwood is one of the substantial farmers of the Seventh District of Dyer County, and is the son of Squire and Mary (Ray) Chitwood. He was born in Virginia, in 1806, being one of ten children, only three surviving—Susan, wife of C. Ray, Green and himself. His father was a native of Virginia, where he was raised, married, and in 1830 died; he was also a farmer. Our subject was raised at home, receiving only a limited education. In 1835 he moved to Dyer County, and purchased 100 acres of land. In 1856 he sold this tract and bought 340 acres, where he now resides, four miles southeast of Newbern. The land is exceedingly good, and contains fine improvements. He also owns 300 acres of timbered land in the Eighth District, and he is one of the most extensive farmers in his district, his success being the result of his own efforts. After moving to Tennessee, he spent one year in Mississippi, and three in Arkansas as an overseer; in politics was previously a Whig. Mr. Chitwood belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and commands the respect and confidence of all who know him.

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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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