My Genealogy Hound

J. W. Altman is the eldest child of Richard and Zilpha (Burns) Altman [see sketch of Wylie A. Altman], and was born in Wayne County, N. C., January 12, 1828. He was only eighteen months old when his parents moved to Madison County, Tenn., and sixteen years old when he came to Gibson County. He attended school only about six months during his life, and as his father was blind, and he was the oldest son, he was obliged to assist in supporting the family. He remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age, then began doing for himself, and for some time worked by the month. He took a lease on his father’s farm for five years, but sold it before the time was out, and went to Madison County. Here he was married to Rachel A. Maddox, in 1850. She was born in Campbell County, Va., December 19, 1826, and became the mother of eleven children seven of whom are living. Their second son, J. T., is a rising young physician of Gibson County, and a graduate of the medical department of Vanderbilt University. Mr. and Mrs. Altman and five children are members of the Missionary Baptist Church; the other two are Presbyterians. Mr. Altman is a Democrat, and is a well-to-do farmer of the county. He owns 287 1/2 acres of land. In 1862 he joined Company A, Col. Lee’s regiment, Tennessee Confederate Infantry, but was discharged, after serving a short time on account of ill health. After recovering, he joined Gen. Forrest’s cavalry, and served until the close of the war.