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Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Lauderdale County, Tennessee published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1886.  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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James O. Henry, one of the well known business men of Ripley, is a son of Alexander and Sarah (Carruth) Henry. Both parents were born and raised in South Carolina, and moved to Wilson County, Tenn., when young, where they married. In 1831 they moved to Madison County, and two years later to Lauderdale County, and five years later to Haywood County. Five sons and three daughters were born to them; only two now living. The father was a farmer and a Whig before the war, and a Democrat afterward. He had three brave sons in the war; one held the rank of captain, and one of first lieutenant. Mr. and Mrs. Henry were Presbyterians. James O. Henry, is of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born in Madison County, Tenn., April 4, 1832, and was raised in Haywood County. His educational advantages were limited; while growing up he learned the blacksmith’s trade, and when twenty one, commenced work for himself, and for thirty-five years has worked steadily at his trade. In 1855 he married Martha Hendren, by whom he had one son and six daughters; the entire family are Methodists; he is a firm Democrat. In 1860 he moved to Lauderdale County, and in connection with his trade farmed. In 1881 he moved to Ripley, to educate his children; he opened a blacksmith shop, and also took boarders. In 1884, he moved to the hotel which he now keeps, and is doing well, and he is also interested in the furniture business. Mr. Henry has been a resident of this county for twenty-six years, and for five years has been intimately connected with the business interests of Ripley. He is well known all over the county and highly respected.

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This family biography is one of 116 biographies included in the book,  The History of Lauderdale County, Tennessee published in 1886 by Goodspeed.  The History of Lauderdale County was included within The History of Lauderdale, Tipton, Haywood, and Crockett Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Lauderdale, Tipton, Haywood, and Crockett Counties, Tennessee

View additional Lauderdale County, Tennessee family biographies here: Lauderdale County, Tennessee

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