My Genealogy Hound

B. J. VANHOOK, superintendent of county poor of Wilson County, was born in 1849 in Wilson County, Tenn. He is the son of Joel N. and Mary T. (Hickman) Vanhook. The father was of German lineage, born in 1822, on the line between North Carolina and Virginia, and was a farmer by occupation. He came to Tennessee with his mother, and at the time of his marriage, which occurred in 1841, was living in Wilson County. He bought land in Barton’s Creek, in the Twenty-first District, where he lived for forty years. In 1885 he moved to the Twenty-second District, where he now resides. He is the father of six children, all of whom are living. The mother was born about 1824, in Wilson County, Tenn., and is also living. Our subject received his education in the county schools. December 31, 1869, he wedded Virginia Ligon, a native of Wilson County, born March 31, 1850, and the daughter of Richard L. and Roseline Ligon. To Mr. and Mrs. Vanhook were born six children: Riley C., Orrie, Bettie V., Carrie, Huston and Howard. Our subject settled on Barton Creek, and in 1877 he was elected to the position he now occupies. The county farm contains 220 acres and is located five miles west of Lebanon. The average number of poor is about thirty, and they are properly fed, clothed and cared for by Mr. and Mrs. Vanhook. In politics Mr. Vanhook is a Democrat. In 1882 he was nominated and elected as magistrate of District No. 22, and is at present holding the office. In the same year he bought 130 acres in the Twenty-second District. Mrs. Vanhook is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.