Jessie C. Eldridge
J. C. Eldridge M. D., a prominent practicing physician of the Second Civil District, James County, Tenn., was born near his present location July 9, 1846, and is the son of S. M. and Nancy Eldridge. The father was born in Roane County, Tenn., about 1811. He came to this location in 1835. He is a farmer, and has been very successful. The mother is also still living. Our subject is the eldest of nine children; he has an academical education, secured at Savannah Seminary, and afterward at Riceville, McMinn Co., Tenn. He studied medicine under Dr. T. H. Roddy, at Ooltewah, James Co., Tenn. In the summer of 1863 he enlisted in Company H of the Fourth Tennessee Cavalry (Federal Army), and was elected corporal. He was in active service until February 16, 1865, when he lost his left arm at Memphis, and was in the hospital until October 18, 1865, when he returned home. In 1871 he attended lectures at Vanderbilt University, in Nashville, and in 1874 began the practice of medicine at his present location, continuing two years, when he went to Igou's Ferry, but returned to his former location after five years. He has secured a large and increasing practice by untiring energy. He is also engaged in farming. March 10, 1875, he married Miss Mary E. McGill, who was born in Hamilton County, Tenn., November 23, 1857. She has a good education, secured at Soddy Seminary. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is the daughter of D. N. and Mary A. McGill. Our subject's union has resulted in the birth of six children, all living, their names being James W., Simeon A., David N., Mary C., Betty G. and Isaac C. Our subject is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Democrat.
“Goodspeed’s History
of East Tennessee,”
1880