My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of East 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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D. H. Meek, clerk and master of the county court, and a leading lawyer of Jefferson County, was born at Strawberry Plains, Tenn., April 3, 1840, the son of Adam K. and Elizabeth (Childers) Meek, of whom and the ancestors see an account in the sketch of John M. Meek. Our subject was reared on the farm, attended old Strawberry Plains College, and in 1861 graduated from Maryville College. From 1865 to 1874 he followed merchandising and railroading at Strawberry Plains, during which time he also served as postmaster. In 1874 he was appointed clerk and master of the chancery court, by Chancellor H. C. Smith, and reappointed twice, the last time by John P. Smith, serving twelve years in all, and. if he now serves out his time, making eighteen years, a longer term than any one man has ever held the office, which fact indicates the satisfaction he has given. In 1874 he began the study of law, and two years later was licensed, and has built up a fine practice at Dandridge, and established a high professional name. He is a prominent Republican, and in 1884 served as a presidential elector for James G. Blaine, and canvassed his district in that campaign. Since 1875 he has been a director of Maury Academy, Dandridge, and since 1883 the chairman of that board. He is also secretary and treasurer of the Jefferson County school fund, and has had the management of its $50,000 since 1881.

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This family biography is one of 938 biographies included in The History of East Tennessee published in 1887.  For the complete description, click here: History of East Tennessee

To view additional Jefferson County, Tennessee family biographies, click here

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