My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM G. NANCE, dealer in confectionery, fancy groceries, cigars and tobacco, in Pulaski, Tenn., is a son of Sterling A. and Eliza Nance, natives, respectively, of South Carolina and Alabama. They were married in the latter State in 1830, and became the parents of six children: John D., Elizabeth, James F., Sterling A., William G. and Mary E. The father died in 1859 and the mother in 1872. William G. was born in Lauderdale County, Ala., in 1840. After acquiring his rudimentary education in the common schools, he, in 1855, entered La Grange College, at Florence, Ala., and attended one session. In 1857 and 1858 he attended the University of Murfreesboro, Tenn., where he finished his literary education. He then farmed in his native State until the breaking out of the war. In 1864 he enlisted in the Tenth Alabama Cavalry, and served until Lee’s surrender. He then resumed farming, and in 1874 became clerk for J. Butler & Co., dealers in dry goods in Pulaski, Tenn. In 1878 he was compelled to suspend active business life, but in 1883 formed a partnership with his son, William J. Nance, in the liquor business, and continued the same until June, 1885, when he sold out and engaged in his present business. In November, 1860, he married Mollie Coffee, daughter of Joshua and Mary M. Coffee, of Alabama. They have five children: Willie J., Lula M., Adine P., Mamie and Sterling. Mrs. Nance died in 1874. Mr. Nance is a Democrat, and the family are church members.