My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT S. & DAVID G. DOUTHAT, boot and shoe manufacturers, of Fayetteville, Tenn., are the sons of John H. and Margaret (Burke) Douthat. The father is of Scotch-Irish origin, and was born in 1816, in Fincastle, Va., and when a youth began learning the blacksmith’s trade, which he mastered, and at which he worked for over fifteen years. He then began manufacturing wagons and plows, but for the past twenty-five years has been engaged in manufacturing boots and shoes. The mother is of German descent, and was born in Virginia in 1818. Eleven children blessed their union ten of whom are living. Robert was born in 1844, and at the age of nine years began learning the shoe-maker’s trade. In 1867 he left the paternal roof, und came to Fayetteville, where he continued working at his trade. October 27, 1867, he wedded Mary Ann Noblett, who was born in Tennessee, in 1844. In 1872 Robert and his brother, William B., established a boot and shoe shop in Fayetteville, continuing until 1884, when David G. was taken into partnership. In 1873 William was elected postmaster of the city, and his brothers, Robert and David, became sole proprietors. They are good workmen, and have been fairly successful in their business. They are stanch Republicans in politics, Robert casting his first presidential vote for U. S. Grant and David for R. B. Hayes. David was born in Virginia, in 1853, and, like his brother, learned the shoe-maker’s trade, and left home when quite young, coming to Fayetteville. In August, 1875, he married Susan D. Bell, daughter of James H. Bell. Mrs. Douthat was born in 1855, and has borne four children: Robert H., John F., Margaret and David G.