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Below is a family biography included in The History of Gibson 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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Alexander W. Rains, ex-chairman of the Gibson County Court and present deputy clerk and master of the chancery court at Trenton, Tenn., was born in the county, December 23, 1830, the eldest child of Col. E. W. Rains. He was raised on a farm in the county and secured a limited early education. This he has greatly improved, however, by years of experience in official life. In 1854 he became deputy county court clerk under his father, which position he filled until 1862. In December of that year he enlisted in Capt. J. A. Shane’s company, Col. R. M. Russell’s regiment of cavalry under Gen. Forrest, and served as a non-commissioned officer until he was wounded at Harrisburg. Miss., July 15, 1864. He was acting as adjutant at the time, but did not recover in time to re-enter service. He followed mercantile pursuits a number of years after the war, and in 1871 was appointed deputy clerk and master under his brother. In 1875 he was elected chairman of the county court and served three terms of one year each. During this time and down to the present, he has ably and efficiently filled his present office of deputy clerk and master. November 17, 1868, he married Miss Ninnie Crawford of Trenton. Mr. Rains is a member of the K. of H. and A. O. U. W. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he has been justice of the peace since February, 1874.
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This family biography is one of 242 biographies included in The History of Gibson County, Tennessee published in 1887. The History of Gibson 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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