My Genealogy Hound

J. D. LESTER’S birth occurred near Lebanon, Tenn., in 1839; son of Henry D. and Malinda (Jones) Lester. He received his education in Cumberland University and Jefferson College, and at the breaking out of the war between North and South he enlisted in Company D, Seventh Regiment Tennessee Cavalry, and during his service took an active part in many of the principal battles and skirmishes of the war. He returned home May 20, 1865. June 18, 1862, he was married to Marcella Henderson, daughter of William and Mary Henderson, and by her became the father of nine children: Henry D., Gertrude, Robert E., Albert D., Floyd H., Jessie F., Blanche, Wade H. and Joseph A. In 1867 Mr. Lester began working in the flouring-mill of Carter & Lester, as book-keeper, remaining with them in this capacity eight years. In 1875 Mr. Lester purchased a one-fourth interest in the mill, but in August, 1877, sold his interest and purchased 200 acres of land near Lebanon, which he has since increased to 330 acres. He uses modern methods of cultivating the soil and his land yields him rich returns. In politics he is a Democrat and is a member of the Baptist Church and his wife of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.