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Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Hardeman 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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Squire Thomas Shea, a respected resident of Pocahontas, Hardeman County, was born February 1, 1844, in Kerry County, Ireland. He was the oldest of six children born to John and Bridget Shea; all are living. The father died December, 1880. Our subject with parents immigrated to America in 1852; they located in Memphis, Tenn., where they resided three years, then moved to Pocahontas where they have since made their home. Squire Shea entered the Confederate service in 1861, at the early age of sixteen years, in Company F, Ninth Tennessee Infantry. At Shiloh, April 7, 1862, he was shot through the left lung, the ball entering about the seventh rib, and coming out near the spinal column. This wound disabling him for active infantry service, he consequently joined the cavalry troops, remaining with them until the close of the war. He was captured May, 1863, near Tupelo, Miss., and imprisoned at Alton, Ill. He was soon afterward exchanged. He was again taken prisoner October, 1863, at Bolivar but made his escape. After the surrender he returned home and engaged in farming until 1878, when he embarked in merchandise, continuing in that line until February, 1886. He was elected magistrate of the Nineteenth District in 1876, and has served the people in that capacity up to present date. He is acting justice of the peace. October 1, 1865, he married Mollie E., daughter of Thomas H. and Helen E. Neese, nee Patterson. This union resulted in the birth of six children: John Neese, Clara E., Robert E., Mary Helen, Daniel O’Connell and James Mack. Squire Shea is a self-made man, and respected, worthy citizen. He has always been honest and industrious, by which means he has been enabled to accumulate considerable means and property. He is a devout and consistent member in good standing of the Roman Catholic Church, and a sound Democrat.

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This family biography is one of 101 biographies included in the book,  The History of Hardeman County, Tennessee published in 1887 by Goodspeed.  The History of Hardeman County was included within The History of Fayette and Hardeman Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Fayette and Hardeman Counties, Tennessee

View additional Hardeman County, Tennessee family biographies here: Hardeman County, Tennessee

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