My Genealogy Hound

J. G. Christian, retired farmer, of Jonesboro Township, was born in Hickman County, Tenn., about seventy-five years ago. His parents, Jesse G. and Nancy (Higginbotham) Christian, were both natives of Georgia. They were among the pioneer settlers of Middle Tennessee, and when the subject of this sketch was six years of age moved to Monroe County, Miss., where a few years later the father died. A short time after the husband’s death the mother moved with the family to Tishomingo County, Miss., and in 1837 from there to Greene (now Craighead) County, Ark. Here the mother died about 1841. J. G. Christian was brought up on a farm, and from early boyhood was accustomed to hard work. His educational advantages were very limited, as after the father’s death much of the responsibility of caring for the family devolved upon him. This responsibility, like all others encountered during his long and eventful lifetime, was met and overcome. In 1844 at the old homestead he was united in marriage with Susan Mackey, who when a child came with her brother, Elias, from McNairy County, Tenn., to Arkansas. To this union were born the following children: Nancy, wife of Lewis Simonds, a farmer of Jonesboro Township; William W., residing near his father; Tersey, who married A. J. Wilson and died about seven years ago; Jesse, who grew to manhood, married Etta Graham, and died in September, 1887, aged twenty-four years; Polly, Rebecca, John and Tom, at home, and two others who died in childhood. Mrs. Simonds is a member of the Baptist Church. At her death Mrs. Wilson left four children, whom the grandfather is now rearing. Mrs. Christian died March 8, 1887, aged sixty-five years. Mr. Christian has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and at present owns a well-improved plantation of 185 acres. He is a Democrat in politics, unassuming but courteous in his manner, and one of the most useful and progressive citizens of Craighead County.