My Genealogy Hound

Wilson A. Bunnelle, a farmer of the Fourth Civil District of Dyer County, is a son of Isaac Bunnelle, who was born in North Carolina in 1792. The latter was a successful farmer, who came to West Tennessee and located in Gibson County about 1830. In 1847 he removed to Dyer County, where he bought a farm of 600 acres, upon which he continued to reside until his death, in 1876. He married Lavina O’Neal, a native of the same county as himself, born in 1802; she died in 1870. Seven children were born to them, four of whom are living: Adaline (widow of Miles McBride), Wilson A., Annie E. (now Mrs. Allen Rawles), and Isaac N. Wilson A. Bunnelle, who was born in 1835, came to Dyer County with his parents when he was about twelve years old. He received his education in the schools of Dyersburg, after which he engaged in farming. The war broke out soon after, and in 1862 he enlisted in a Tennessee battalion, under Col. Stewart. He was present at the engagement at Island No. 10 and numerous minor battles, returning home in the summer of 1863. On July 23, of the same year, he married Justianna, daughter of James W. and Mary H. Tarkington, a native of Ripley, Miss., born in 1839. After marriage, Mr. Bunnelle located at the old homestead, where he has since resided. He is the owner of 277 acres of land. Mrs. Bunnelle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. They have five children: Mary L. (wife of Hugh W. Tarkington), William H., John M., Isaac N. and Wilson B. Bunnelle.