John Anderson
John Anderson, Esq., a prominent citizen and planter
of the Fourth District, James County, was born in Bledsoe County, December 2,
1814. He is the youngest and only surviving one of six children of Col. John and
Betsy (McNair) Anderson. Both parents were of Scotch descent. The father was
born in Scott County, Va., October 5, 1778, and died October 27, 1814, while on
a march with his regiment to New Orleans. He was colonel of the State militia.
He was by occupation a farmer and merchant. The mother was born near Knoxville,
Tenn., March 31, 1783, and married in Knox County, November 5, 1805. Her death
occurred August 13, 1859, near Pikeville, Bledsoe County. They were devout
members of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject received a good education in his
native county. In his early days he dealt in corn on the Sequatchie River. In
1835 he moved to Hamilton (now James) County, and was one of the first settlers.
He opened the first store at Georgetown, where for a few years he engaged in
mercantile business. In 1838 he purchased and settled upon the farm where he now
resides. Since that date he has given his attention to agriculture and live
stock trading. From 1836 to 1886 he was postmaster at Georgetown. The office was
for a time in the village, and then at his residence. For forty years he was
justice of the peace. He resigned in 1886. He is a warm Republican. In the
latter part of 1835 he married Miss G. Allen, who bore him two children; she
died in 1838, an earnest member of the Methodist Church. January 16, 1840, our
subject wedded Purlymly Luttrell, by whom he has had ten children. Five of his
sons served in the Federal Army. J. M. received a mortal wound September 27,
1864, at Pulaski, Tenn., while engaged with Forrest's forces. He was brought
home by his father, and died the following 24th of December. Mr. and Mrs.
Anderson are active members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
“Goodspeed’s History of East Tennessee,”