My Genealogy Hound

Lewis Stunston, one of the influential farmers of District No. 1, was born in Weakley County, Tenn., in 1821, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Hancock) Stunston. The father was of English birth, born in the Palmetto State, December 10, 1776. He was a farmer, and after marrying came to Tennessee, and located in Stewart County (now Weakley County), being one of the very early settlers of the county. He died in 1847. His wife was of Scotch-Irish descent, born in South Carolina in 1786, and died September 26, 1838. Of their two children, our subject is the only one living. He was educated in the neighboring schools, and at the age of fifteen became the architect of his own fortune, and soon began speculating in stock, lands, etc., and met with good success. February 9, 1866, he led to the hymeneal altar Annie Sims, daughter of John and Jane Sims. Mrs. Stunston was born October 22, 1842, and became the mother of one child— James L. Mr. Stunston is the oldest native male resident of Weakley County, he being the first male child born in that county. He began life a poor boy, but by energy and economy has succeeded remarkably well, owning 1,700 acres of land, which he is actively engaged in looking after. He belongs to the Democratie party, but was formerly a member of the old Whig party. His first presidential vote was cast for Henry Clay. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church.