My Genealogy Hound

John Barnett was born on the 28th of February, 1840, in Lincoln County, Tenn. His parents, William and Ruth (Hampton) Barnett, were born in South Carolina, March 31, 1811, and May 8, 1814, and died February 27, 1885, and March, 1862, respectively. The father was a Confederate soldier. He married our subject’s mother May 10, 1837, and by her became the father of twelve children, our subject being the second of the family. He assisted his father on the farm until twenty-two years of age, when he began “tilling the soil” on his own responsibility. He began merchandising in 1881, and has continued the same up to the present date. April 27, 1862, he wedded Elizabeth Johnson, who was born February 28, 1843, and died March 15, 1868, leaving three children: Romie John, Ellen Ruth and Noah K. October 8, 1868, Mr. Barnett wedded L. A. Reaves, daughter of T. F. Reaves, and their union resulted in the birth of five children: Robert L. E., Elizabeth Annie, Emma Wright, Mary L. C. and Etna Laura. Mr. Barnett is one of the enterprising citizens of the county, and is a thoroughly self-made man, having started in life with no capital save will and determination to succeed. His worldly possessions amount to about $12,000. He is a Democrat.