My Genealogy Hound

Robert O. Hannah was born on the 1st of November 1844, in Polk County, Tenn. His parents, Capt. John F. and Gracie (Telford) Hannah, were born in East Tennessee, February 18, 1797, and June 4, 1810, and died in Arkansas and Kentucky, October 13, 1868, and November 16, 1867, respectively. They were married in their native State, and in 1867 removed to Washington County, Ark. The father was a surveyor and farmer, and became an extensive land-holder, and owned some slaves. He was a heavy loser during the late war, and during that time organized the first company in Polk County, Tenn., and joined the Third Tennessee Confederate Infantry, and after serving twelve months retired from the service, owing to his age and disability. He was county trustee for years, and filled some office during his entire residence in Polk County. He also represented the county in the State Legislature. He was a life-long Democrat, and was always opposed to secret societies and monopolies. His wife was for many years a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church. They were the parents of six sons and two daughters, three sons and two daughters now living: Vance, Elizabeth, wife of E. H. Stephens; Jane M., wife of William A. Skelton; George W. and Robert O. Those deceased are Thomas A., William and John H., who was captain of the third company that was organized in Polk County, and served in the Confederate army throughout the war, and afterward became major of the regiment. Robert O. Hannah remained at home until November, 1862, and then enlisted in Company F, Nineteenth Tennessee, Confederate States Army, and served until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, and was taken prisoner at Mill Creek, Ga., and was kept at Rock Island, Ill., for fifteen months. After the war he returned home and remained with his father until his death, at which time he began farming for himself, and is now the owner of 415 acres of land. He held the office of justice of the peace for four years, and for the past four years has been deputy sheriff. August 29, 1867, he was united in marriage to Mary E., daughter of Absalom Armstrong. She was born in Polk County, Tenn., November 2, 1845, and died in Washington County, Ark., October 22, 1871, leaving one daughter, Mattie, who is now living with her grandmother, in Polk County, Tenn. On the 15th of October, 1872, Mr. Hannah married Susan A. Pierson, who was born in Madison County, Ky., February 3, 1850, and is a daughter of Eli Pierson. They have three sons and four daughters: Mary, Emma J., Gracie E., Norah Lou and James B. William B. and Owen W. are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Hannah are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a Mason, a K. of H. and a Democrat, and he is ruling elder in the church, the highest office of his life.