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Below is a family biography included in The History of Dyer County, Tennessee published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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Capt. H. L. Fowlkes was born in Davidson County, Tenn., in 1827, being the son of Henry and Nancy (Green) Fowlkes. The father was of Welsh descent, born in Virginia in 1789, and followed the occupation of farming for a livelihood. In 1816 he came to Davidson County, where he remained until 1835, when he came to Dyer County, where he bought 400 acres of land in the Fifth District, and here he died February 12, 1865. He owned nearly 1,500 acres of land. His wife was born about the year 1790, in Virginia and died in November, 1867. She was the mother of ten children, only two of whom are now living. H. L. Fowlkes was reared on his father’s farm, receiving his education in Dyersburg and vicinity. He remained with his parents until the age of twenty years November 15, 1846, he married Miss Mary A. P. Wood, daughter of Archer Wood. Mrs. Fowlkes was born in Halifax County, Va., in 1827, and has borne her husband nine children as follows: Archer, John A., Thomas A., William L., Aaron B., Lula E., Robert L., Mary and Wilkes B. Soon after marriage, Mr. Fowlkes located on a 400 acre farm near the old place. He now owns 1,600 acres, which he has secured by industry and honorable business methods. His farm is one of the finest in Dyer County. He is also engaged in the lumber business. He has been a life-long Democrat. His first presidential vote was cast for Gen. Cass. He has served as magistrate, and in 1883 was elected to represent the county in the State Legislature, and was so efficient and popular as to secure a re-election in 1885. The county has no better citizen. In May, 1861, Mr. Fowlkes enlisted in Company K, of the Fourth Tennessee Confederate Regiment, and was elected first lieutenant, but when the company was finally organized he was elected captain, succeeding Strall. After the reorganization at Corinth, he joined Forrest’s command. He was in the battles of Price’s Cross Roads, Oklahoma, Athens, Sulphur, Fussell and in numerous skirmishes. He remained in the service until the close of the war. He is one of the county’s most respected citizens.

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This family biography is one of 128 biographies included in The History of Dyer County, Tennessee published in 1887 by Goodspeed.  The History of Dyer County was included within The History of Gibson, Obion, Dyer, Weakley & Lake Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Gibson, Obion, Dyer, Weakley, and Lake Counties of Tennessee

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