My Genealogy Hound

J. W. Penn, M. D., was born in Gibson County August 31, 1836, the third son born to Josiah Penn (see sketch of W. C. Penn). He received an academic education, and at the age of twenty began reading medicine with Dr. C. T. Love. At the end of twelve months he went to Smyrna, Tenn., and read with J. W. Davis, M. D., until November, 1857, when he entered the medical department of the University of Nashville, graduating from the same in February, 1859. He remained with Dr. Davis during his vacations and after graduating began practicing his profession at his former home, and is now one of the leading, if not the leading, medical practitioner of Gibson County, and is vice-president of the State Medical Society. May 17, 1860, he married Miss C. H. Stilwell, of Humboldt, who was born September 4, 1838, near Florence, Ala., daughter of Dr. W. H. Stilwell. Seven children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Penn: James C., Ruth, George W. (M. D.), Florence, Bessie, Benjamin and Mattie Lou. Mrs. Penn died October 15, 1881. She was an accomplished and highly educated lady, a writer of some note and a fine musician. Dr. Penn married Mary A. Stilwell, a sister of his first wife, March 2, 1883. She was born February 16, 1844. Both are members of the Presbyterian Church.