My Genealogy Hound

George W. Thackston, a prosperous merchant of Chestnut Mound, was born in 1855 in Jackson County, Tenn. He is a son of Anthony W. and Elizabeth (Dillard) Thackston. Both parents were of English descent, and natives of Smith County. The father was born about 1830. He was a cabinet-maker and carpenter, at which trade he worked until the outbreak of the war, when he enlisted in the Confederate service. He was a brave and valiant soldier, and met his death in 1863, at Baton Rouge, where he was shot. The mother died when George was about six months old. He was raised and educated by his grandfather, Blake B. Thackston. When about fifteen years of age he began clerking in a store at Snow Creek. Eighteen months later he bought an interest, and entered into partnership with J. N. Ford, in a general merchandise business, in which he has since been engaged. The firm has once changed, Mr. Ford going out and Wm. C. Boye being admitted. By their fair dealing and courtesy to patrons, they have established a large and substantial trade, being among the leading merchants of the county. Mr. Thackston, who began life with the small amount of $2, now owns a two-thirds interest in a fine farm of 215 acres, on Snow Creek, and a half interest in a good stock of first-class merchandise. He is an energetic, industrious man, and greatly respected. He is a stanch Democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Samuel J. Tilden in 1876. He is Master Mason of Snow Creek Lodge, No. 346. In 1879 he was united in marriage to Fanny B., daughter of Jesse and Martha (Vaden) Nichols. The ceremony took place at the residence of the bride’s grandfather, B. J. Vaden, on Snow Creek where Mrs. Thackston was born in 1862. To this union three children have been born: Lela N., Earnest W. and Jesse V.