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

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Alexander T. Dobbins (deceased) was born in Limestone County, Ala., September 15, 1815, and was a prominent and successful planter. He was one of three children of David and Martha Dobbins, who were born in North Carolina, and after their marriage moved to Alabama, where they resided a few years. They then came to Tennessee, and here our subject acquired such education as could be obtained at that early period. He at one time owned and managed three mercantile houses, one in Center Star, Ala., one in Lexington, Ala., and one at his home at Appleton, Tenn., and his business career was marked with wonderful success. He dealt extensively in stock, besides superintending his extensive plantation. He was a man of generous and benevolent disposition and contributed liberally to all enterprises for the public weal. He was never under the influence of intoxicating liquor, nor indulged in the use of tobacco or profane language. He died of cancer, July 30, 1884. He was three times married. His first wife, Zilpha McMasters, bore him five children, four of whom are living: James P., John J., Favor A., and Elizabeth Calladonia. Their mother was born April 19, 1824, and died December 15, 1856. In 1859 Mr. Dobbins married Nancy C. Cox and five children were born to them. Zilpha M. (widow of William Couch), George W., William P., Martha Camilla and Robert T. Mrs. Dobbins was born July 14, 1828, and died October 28, 1870. November 7, 1871, Mrs. Mary J. (Hammond) Powell became his wife. She was born in Lawrence County April 22, 1833 [for biography of her family see sketch of G. W. Hammond], and resides on a fine farm of 525 acres, and is assisted by her step-sons in raising the cereals and livestock.

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This family biography is one of 79 biographies included in The History of Lawrence County, Tennessee published in 1886.  The History of Lawrence County was included within The History of Lawrence, Wayne, Perry, Hickman & Lewis Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Lawrence, Wayne, Perry, Hickman and Lewis Counties of Tennessee

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

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