My Genealogy Hound

William P. Fowlkes, Jr. (deceased), was born in Dyer County on the 2d of October, 1842, son of William P., Sr., and Mary Ann (Fowlkes) Fowlkes. The father was born in Davidson County, Tenn., July 9, 1812, and was a farmer by occupation. He came to Dyer County in 1833, and to Dyersburg in 1840. He resided in the latter place until his death in April, 1866. His wife was born in Virginia, June 14, 1811, and became the mother of seven children, all of whom are dead. Our subject was educated in the schools of Dyer County, and remained with his parents until twenty-two years of age. In May, 1861, he joined Company K, Fourth Regiment Tennessee Infantry, and after the reorganization of the army, was transferred to Forrest’s cavalry. In 1863 he returned home on furlough and June 23, of the same year, married Miss Sallie Connell, and by her became the father of the following family: William Connell, Martin W. (who died August 23, 1885, at nearly twenty years of age), Charles L., Carrie Lou, Sallie V. and Katie. Soon after his marriage Mr. Fowlkes returned to his command and served until the fall of 1864, when he returned home, owing to the failure of his eyesight, losing the sight of one entirely. He purchased a small tract of land, which he increased to 3,000 acres. The railroad passed through a portion of his land and a station was established and named Fowlkes Station in his honor. He was cut down in the prime of life, his death occurring March 12, 1882. He was a Democrat, a member of the I. O. O. F. and Mason, and a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In 1872 he erected a beautiful residence, where his widow and children have since resided. Mrs. Fowlkes’ parents, Thomas J. and Nancy Connell, were born in Davidson County, Tenn., in 1808 and 1816, and died in 1857 and 1878, respectively.