John
W. Majors
J. W. Majors, keeper of the
county jail at Chattanooga, is a native of Marion County, Tenn., born April 7,
1839, and the only child of Nelson and Penelope (Conner) Majors. Mr. and Mrs.
Majors died when the subject of this sketch was quite small. He received his
education principally at Strawberry Plains, East Tenn. He was deputy sheriff
and jailor under A. B. Conner in 1867, after which he followed agricultural
pursuits until September, 1886, when he was appointed to the position he is now
holding. In June, 1862, he enlisted in the Sixth Indiana Cavalry, Company K, and
was orderly sergeant of the same. He was in the Atlanta campaign and in the raid
to Macon, under Gen. Stoneman. He was mustered out in 1864 at Indianapolis. In
1867 he married Miss Mary Smith, daughter of William and Jane M. (Macy) Smith.
Three children were the result of this union: Cicero H., Jennie P. and John W.
In politics Mr. Majors is Conservative, although reared a Republican. He has
served the city as city and Metropolitan police, acting in the latter capacity
six months and the former twelve months. He was brought to Hamilton County when
only two years old, where he has since resided. He is a good man as his many
friends can testify.
Goodspeed's
"History of East Tennessee" 1887
1880 US Census, District 5, Hamilton Co., TN Census; Page 55.