My Genealogy Hound

HON. JO. G. CARRIGAN is an attorney at law, of Fayetteville, Tenn., and son of Hiram and Fannie (Randolph) Carrigan. The father came to the United States with his parents when a small lad, and lived, first in North Carolina, and then in Alabama, and finally, in 1854, came to Lincoln County, Tenn. He was a blacksmith by trade, but for the past ten years has lived retired from active business life. He and his wife became the parents of five children, four of whom are living: W. R. (who is a teacher and farmer), Susan (Mrs. G. W. Higgins), Josie (widow of A. W. Bonds), and Jo. G., our subject, who was born in Madison County, Ala., September 7, 1835, and received his education at New Hope Academy, Marshall County, Tenn., and Sulphur Springs Institute, Lincoln County, Tenn. He worked at the blacksmith’s trade about six years and then entered the teachers’ profession and taught one year. In 1856 he purchased a few law books and began his legal studies, being obliged to struggle along as best he could without the aid or instruction of other lawyers. He was admitted to the bar in 1858, and the same year became editor and proprietor of the Messenger, at Lewisburg, but at the end of one year began the publication of the Union, at Shelbyville, Tenn., which he continued until the breaking out of the war stopped further business. In May, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Eighth Regiment Tennessee Infantry, Confederate States Army, and participated in the Cheat Mountain campaign (of which he has written a full account) and the battle of Perryville. In January, 1863, he was transferred to the quartermaster’s department, but in December of that year was discharged, owing to the failure of his eyesight. In August, 1865, he was elected to the State Senate, and served on several important committees. His speeches on the elective franchise bill and the restoration of the people of Tennessee to the control of the State government attracted much attention. He moved to Fayetteville in 1867, where he enjoys the confidence of a large clientage and his brother attorneys. December 22, 1858, he was married to Fannie Higgins, who was born in Lincoln County in 1838 and has borne her husband two children: Emma (Mrs. A. M. McGlaughlin) and Beulah. Our subject is a fluent and ready speaker and an earnest advocate and safe counselor. He advocates the principles of the Democratic party, and is a member of the Christian Church. His wife belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.