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Below is a family biography included in The History of Lincoln County, Tennessee published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1886.  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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J. H. SMITH, farmer, was born in Maury County, Tenn., in 1834, and received his early education at the schools near his home. He afterward attended New Hope Academy, Marshall County, Tenn., and Erskine College, at Due West, S. C. Here he graduated August 8, 1860. In September, 1863, he united his fortunes with those of Nancy M. Downing, a native of Marshall County, born October 23, 1884, and a daughter of John and Eliza Downing. This marriage resulted in our subject becoming the father of four children, three of whom are living: John F., Anna E. B., Eliza M. (deceased), and Elmer R. After graduating, Mr. Smith entered the teacher’s profession, and taught until hostilities broke out between the North and South. At the close of the war he resumed teaching and his wife also engaged in that occupation, which they continued for eleven years. In 1871 Mr. Smith purchased eighty-nine acres of land in the Thirteenth District, where he located, and where he has since resided. He now owns 187 acres of land in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Smith has given his children good educational advantages, and has given his support to all laudable public enterprises, and especially to educational and religious institutions. In 1876 he was elected to the office of magistrate and held this position for six years. He is independent in political belief and was much opposed to the principles of secession. He is a Mason, a K. of H., and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Smith attended school for some time at Columbia Tenn., and afterward assisted in teaching at Waco College, at Waco, Texas. Here she carried on her studies and graduated from that institution in May, 1860. Mr. Smith is a son of Franklin and Elizabeth Smith. The father was of French-Welsh descent, and was born in 1802. He died November 2, 1863. The mother was a native of South Carolina, born in 1807, and died in July, 1859.

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This family biography is one of 137 biographies included in The History of Lincoln County, Tennessee published in 1886.  The History of Lincoln County was included within The History of Giles, Lincoln, Franklin & Moore Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Giles, Lincoln, Franklin , Moore Counties of Tennessee

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