My Genealogy Hound

R. W. MAJOR, Cadiz, was born January 13, 1842, in Trigg County. He is the second child of a family of eleven born to C. H. and Nancy (Wade) Major, both natives of Halifax County, Va. His father was born in 1817, and came to Trigg County in 1841; he first engaged in merchandising in Hopkinsville, where he continued about four years; he then removed to Trigg County and engaged in farming, continuing till 1875, at which time he moved to Canton, where he has since been engaged in the commission business. His mother died in 1849, aged thirty-two years. The subject of this sketch was reared on his father’s farm, and afterward taught school; he enlisted in August, 1861, Company G, Fourth Kentucky Infantry; was mustered in Second Sergeant, and afterward promoted to Brevet Second Lieutenant, then Second Lieutenant, and later to First Lieutenant, and at the close of the war he had command of the company; he participated in the battle of Shiloh; was under fire at Vicksburg, battles of Baton Rouge, Murfreesboro, Jackson, Lookout Mountain, and all the battles to Dalton. There he was in command of the company, and the last to leave the field; his next engagement was the battle of Resaca; there he was wounded and was obliged to leave the field. In about forty days he returned to the army and took charge of the company; he then participated in the battles around Atlanta, and was wounded at Peach Tree Creek ; also twice wounded at the battle of Jonesboro and then captured. After being out about twenty-five days he escaped and returned to his regiment, which was afterward mounted and sent to South Carolina. There they were engaged in a number of skirmishes. After the battle of Statesburg, on capitulated terms of surrender, they were paroled at Washington, Ga., and were the last troops that fired a gun east of the Chattahoochee. There they surrendered. He then returned to his father’s farm, and soon after was appointed Deputy Sheriff, afterward twice elected Sheriff. Since this term of office expired he has been engaged in merchandising. He has held the office of Police Judge two terms. Is a member of the Masonic order and Chosen Friends. Mr. Major was married October 16, 1873, to Miss Emma Chappell. She was born in Trigg County. Four children bless this union—-three sons and one daughter.