My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Smith 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.

* * * *

Thomas Prowell, a prosperous farmer of the Seventh District and member of one of the oldest families in the section, was born in Smith County in 1834. He was the third of a family of six children born to David and Hannah (Baird) Prowell. His father was also a native of Smith County and died about 1852. The mother departed this life in 1847. His grandfather Prowell was a valiant soldier of the war of 1812, and took part in the battle of New Orleans. The maternal grandfather (Baird) was a native of North Carolina. He entered the matrimonial state when only sixteen years of age, and entirely without capital. He immigrated to Smith County in 1803, when the country was almost a wilderness, and filled with wild animals. He and his wife made their own clothing. Their shoes were often made from the skins of the beasts with which the woods abounded. Mr. Baird was a shrewd, close manager and became very wealthy; a large portion of his money was made by ginning cotton. The subject of our sketch went to live with his uncle, as both his parents died. He wedded Miss Minerva Waters, by whom he had five children: Bettie K., Ira and Iva (twins), Thomas Waters and William (deceased). For several years after marriage Mr. Prowell rented land and farmed until he was enabled to purchase 160 acres, where he now resides, and to which he has since added thirty-seven acres. His farm lies five miles north of Alexander, on Brush Creek. It is in a good state of cultivation and well improved; all has been bought by his own industry, economy and judicious management, as he never inherited but $170 in his life. In 1862 he enlisted in Capt. James’ company, and served faithfully for fifteen months. On account of sickness he was honorably discharged in 1863 at Rome, Ga. He is independent in politics and votes for the best man, regardless of party. Mr. and Mrs. Prowell and daughter are sincere and esteemed members of the Presbyterian Church.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 62 biographies included in The History of Smith County, Tennessee published in 1887.  The History of Smith County was included within The History of Sumner, Smith, Macon & Trousdale Counties of Tennessee. View the complete description here: History of Sumner, Smith, Macon and Trousdale Counties of Tennessee

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

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.