My Genealogy Hound

Benjamin F. Bourn was born in this county September 26, 1841, the son of John D. and Nancy (Higbee) Bourn, natives of Virginia and Kentucky. The father came to this State about 1825, and in 1839 located in the northwest part of this county, where he followed farming until his death in October, 1877. The mother died in July, 1868. Their children are William, Joseph S., John J. and Benjamin F.; four are deceased. Our subject was trained as a farmer, and spent six years in the far west when a young man. He also worked at the carpenter’s trade. In 1876 he was elected county judge for a term of six years. He served but two years, however, when the new law made it necessary for him to be re-elected for four years. He was president of the county court, and in 1882 became tax collector. In 1883 he came to Memphis, and has for the last two years been one of the firm of Smith, Bourn & Co., grocers and dealers in stone, glass, and queensware. The other members of the firm are T. M. Smith and T. McAllister. They have a fine stock, and do a large business. Our subject has also an estate of 280 acres of improved land. He was married in 1872 to Victoria A., the daughter of the late William Colvin. By his marriage with Nancy Arnett his children are Byron, Arthur, Maud, Benjamin and Culvin. Our subject was elected by his party, the Democracy, to his positions of public trust. He is a Royal Arch Mason.