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Below is a family biography included in The History of Lawrence 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 M. Metcalf, a native of Lincoln County, was born June 1, 1845, being a son of William H. and Jane (Kennon) Metcalf, natives, respectively, of Kentucky and Tennessee. The father moved to Tennessee in 1840 and followed merchandising until his death, in 1873. The mother died in 1863. Upon reaching his majority James M. (after securing a good classical education, finishing in Bethany College, in Giles County), began life for himself. In 1862 he enlisted in Freeman’s (Confederate) battery, with which he continued to serve until the close of the war. At Parker’s Cross Roads, Tenn., he was seriously wounded, from which he has never completely recovered. After the war he traveled three years and then engaged in the mercantile business at Petersburg, as a clerk. After two or three years he continued the same business at Fayetteville, and about four years later started in the mercantile business for himself at Columbia. In 1878 he removed to this county. In 1882 he established his present business. In 1876 he married Miss Felicia, daughter of Gen. F. K. Zollicoffer, who has borne her husband four children, two living — Mary L. and Felicia L. Mr. Metcalf is a Democrat and was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland. He is a Mason, and his wife is a member of the Episcopal Church.

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This family biography is one of 79 biographies included in The History of Lawrence County, Tennessee published in 1886.  The History of Lawrence County was included within The History of Lawrence, Wayne, Perry, Hickman & Lewis Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Lawrence, Wayne, Perry, Hickman and Lewis Counties of Tennessee

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

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