My Genealogy Hound

J. S. Prowell, a well known farmer of the Seventh District, was born about 1830 in Smith County. He is the second of six children born to David and Hannah (Baird) Prowell. The mother was a native of the Seventh District. The father was born about 1784 in North Carolina. He was an extensive and successful tobacco dealer. He sent the tobacco to New Orleans by boat, thus made twenty trips; twice he returned on foot. His father (grandfather of subject), Thomas Prowell, was a shoe maker by trade, at Cowpens, N. C. He was burned to death while at work on his bench in the fort when it was fired by the British Army. The maternal grandfather served in the war of 1812 under Gen. Jackson, and took part in the battle at New Orleans in 1815. The subject of our sketch received a fair education in the common schools of his native county. After his father’s death he made his home with his uncle until his twenty-second year, when he began to teach writing, and traveled for three years. March 7, 1855, he wedded Miss Louisa Waters. To them were born five children: Martha J. (Mrs. Agee), William D., Dora J., Sarah C. and James W. (deceased). Mrs. Prowell died April 28, 1879. He was married the second time September 26, 1880, to Miss Sarah Sykes. After marriage Mr. Prowell moved to a farm in Crittenden County, Ky., which he had previously purchased, but only remained there a few months and returned to Smith County, where he bought fifty acres, which he sold afterward and then invested in 275 acres, where he now resides. It is in a fine state of cultivation and improvement, located six miles northeast of Alexandria, on Hickman’s Creek. With the exception of $110 inherited from his first wife, he has accumulated his possessions and means by his own efforts. Mr. Prowell witnessed the cars running on the first fifteen miles of railroad west of the Mississippi River. He is independent in politics, voting without regard to party. He and his family are consistent and respected members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.