My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Weakley County, Tennessee published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887.  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.

* * * *

J. A. Eskridge, a leading citizen and pioneer of the Fourth District, was born in 1844 in Granville County, N. C., and was one of a family of twelve children (five of whom still live), born to William and Mary Eskridge. His father was of Irish descent, and was born in Granville County, N. C., in 1798. In 1844 he removed to Weakley County, Tenn., and engaged in farming, continuing the same until his death, which occurred in December, 1876. His mother was also a native of the same county and State as her husband, and was born in 1808, and died February, 1878. Mr. Eskridge obtained his early education in the neighborhood schools, and afterward attended Columbus Academy, at Columbus, Ky. On May 26, 1867, he married Fanny, the daughter of E. P. and Sabina Latham, who was born in Weakley County, Tenn., on March 25, 1846, and died May 5, 1886. To them were born seven children: Walter, Lula, Laura, James, Maud, Minnie and Fanny L. Mr. Eskridge located upon his farm soon after marriage, and has continued to live there up to the present. His farm embraces 750 acres of excellent land, in a high state of cultivation. In 1866 he was elected constable, a position he filled for four years. He is a man universally respected, energetic and public spirited, and lends a willing aid to all public enterprises. He is a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Gen. George B. McClellan for President. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 108 biographies included in The History of Weakley County, Tennessee published in 1887 by Goodspeed.  The History of Weakley County was included within The History of Gibson, Obion, Dyer, Weakley & Lake Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Gibson, Obion, Dyer, Weakley, and Lake Counties of Tennessee

To view additional Weakley County, Tennessee family biographies, click here

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