My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Haywood County, Tennessee published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1886.  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.

* * * *

Mrs. Mary (Reid) Clarke, an estimable lady, and resident of Haywood County, is a native of North Carolina, born in 1818. In 1840 she married Mr. Hugh M. Clarke, born in the same State, April 17, 1812. They soon after moved to Haywood County. Mr. Clarke had received splendid educational advantages, and before twenty-one years of age he had taught several schools. They settled on a farm ten miles east of Brownsville and commenced farming, being very successful. For a number of years after marriage he continued to teach; his worth and ability as an educator was recognized in a new country, and the earnest solicitation of his friends kept him constantly in the school room. In 1845 he was elected to the Legislature, as the Whig candidate from Haywood County, defeating Gen. Robert Richardson, Democratic candidate. Mr. Clarke was an influential member of the Old School Presbyterian Church and contributed liberally to its support. Mrs. Clarke has never remarried; she is the mother of seven children—four sons and one daughter living, a son and daughter dead: John A., born January 1, 1847; Hugh M., born October 26, 1849; Mary R., born November 29, 1851; William W., born December 11, 1853; Catharine A., born February 23, 1856; James H., born January 14, 1860; Benjamin P., born February 16, 1861. Catharine died July, 1858; William W. died September 27, 1881. John A. married April, 1868, Miss Hattie Moore, of Haywood County; Hugh M., married Miss Ann F. Anderson, September 11, 1872; Miss Mary R. married Marcus V. Crump, in the spring of 1873.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 82 biographies included in the book,  The History of Haywood County, Tennessee published in 1886 by Goodspeed.  The History of Haywood County was included within The History of Lauderdale, Tipton, Haywood, and Crockett Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Lauderdale, Tipton, Haywood, and Crockett Counties, Tennessee

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

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