My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT M. FOLLIS, a prosperous farmer of Marshall County, Tenn., was born in Giles County, Tenn., November 18, 1830. His early education was almost wholly neglected, and while growing up he learned the blacksmith’s trade with his father. After becoming grown he attended school until he had learned the three “R’s” and then resumed working at his trade. In 1851 he wedded Sarah Compton, by whom he had six children, all sons. She died in 1872, and the following year he married Mary Jones. To them were born three children. In 1862 he volunteered in Capt. Gordon’s company, Eleventh Tennessee Cavalry, and served for nearly three years. He resumed his trade, and in 1882 abandoned work, owing to his right arm giving out. He has farmed since that time, and owns 326 acres of land, the most of which he has made by hard work. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Martin) Follis, were born in North Carolina and Kentucky, respectively. The father moved to Kentucky when young, and there married, and soon removed to Giles County, where he lived until his death. They were the parents of eleven children, and were members of the Primitive Baptist Church. He was an old-line Whig in politics, and died in 1845. After his death the mother moved to Illinois, and there died in 1882.