My Genealogy Hound

Rev. J. C. Long is a son of John C. and Matilda (Sanders) Long, and was born February 26, 1842. The father was a native of Tennessee, and after living in Alabama and Kentucky, came to this State during its early history, locating where Huntsville now is. He was one of the first grocers in the place, and also engaged in farming and stock-raising. He died in the faith of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The mother was born in Alabama, and was a sister of C. B. Sanders [see sketch]. After the death of her first husband she married Thomas McChristian. To her first union eleven children were born, eight of whom reached maturity, six now living, four residing in this county and two in California. Our subject remained at home with his mother, acquiring his education by hard personal effort. When the war broke out he enlisted in Company E, Third Arkansas, Walker’s State troops, and after serving three months entered the Confederate service in Company A, McIntosh’s regiment. He afterward joined Gordan’s regiment, where he remained throughout the war. He was captured during Price’s raid, and held a prisoner eight months. Returning home, he settled on the farm which he now owns, living there until 1880, with the exception of a year spent in the mercantile line at Huntsville, during which time he also served as sheriff for two terms. In 1881 he was licensed to preach in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in 1885 was ordained. He now has charge, under orders, of seven churches, and is preaching for eight. He is a successful farmer, owns 200 acres of good land one mile from Huntsville, and 100 acres at the Lake. July 22, 1884, he married Miss C. T. Skaggs, who was born in the county in 1847, on February 24. This union has been blessed with eight children, seven of whom are living: Thomas G., George B., William C., Arthur K., Hill, infant (deceased), Laura and John C. Mr. Long has always been a Democrat, is a Royal Arch Mason, and an enterprising citizen. His wife is also a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.