My Genealogy Hound

Thomas J. Parr, sheriff and native of Gibson County, Tenn., was born on the 15th of August, 1844, son of John A. and Martha (Jones) Parr, both of whom were born in Wake County, N. C. The father came to Tennessee in 1839 and located first in Madison County, and in 1840 in Gibson County, where he followed farming until his death, which occurred when Thomas J. was one year old. The mother survived him until December, 1877. Thomas J. Parr spent his early days on a farm and secured a common school education. In 1863 he enlisted in Capt. William Gay’s company, Col. R. M. Russell’s regiment of cavalry, and served until the surrender. He then began clerking in Trenton, and continued until 1872, when he engaged in the mercantile business here for himself. In 1878 he was elected constable and served faithfully in this office until 1884, when in August of the same year he was elected sheriff of Gibson County, and has discharged the duties of this office very satisfactorily to the present time. May 1, 1872, Mr. Parr married Mary R. Torance, a native of Mississippi. They have five children: Willie T., Annie R., Abdul, John Hess and Tommie, a daughter. Mr. Parr is a stanch Democrat in politics and a Mason and a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P. and A. O. U. W. fraternities.