My Genealogy Hound

W. A. Pledge, a resident and undertaker of Grand Junction, was born December 1, 1823, in Virginia, and immigrated to Tennessee in 1849, locating in the immediate vicinity of his present residence, where he has since lived. His parents were Archie and Mary E. (Garthright) Pledge, both natives of Virginia. The father was born January 1, 1782, and came to Hardeman County in 1850, where he died June, 1858. The mother was born in 1791, and departed this life in 1861. They were respected, good people. The subject of this sketch on his arrival to this place entered upon his present occupation, in connection with various branches of mechanical trade. November 1, 1849, he married Elvia J. Yancy, a native of North Carolina, whose parents came to Tennessee about 1837. This marriage resulted in the birth of Olivia, wife of E. L. Estep, present proprietor of the Stonewall Hotel; Joel A., whose death occurred in 1862, and William W., died in 1878. Mr. Pledge entered the Confederate service in 1862, in Company G, Thirteenth Tennessee Infantry. July 22, 1864, at Atlanta, Ga., he was shot in the right shoulder, which disabled him for further service, but his feelings were so strong, that he did not return home until the surrender. He is a stanch Democrat, and has been an active, consistent member of the Missionary Baptist Church since 1842. He is in good standing with the Masonic order and K. of H. He is one of the most substantial and worthy citizens in the entire community.