My Genealogy Hound

Michael Lancaster, an old resident and well-known farmer of the Ninth District, was born in Smith County, November 25, 1815, within one and a half miles of his present place of residence. He was the youngest of seven children born to Thomas and Frances (Lancaster) Lancaster. Both parents were natives of Virginia. The father, Thomas, was born about six months after the death of his father, and fifteen days after he entered this world, the mother, too, passed away, and he was raised by his grandparents. In 1808 he moved to Kentucky. After participating in the war of 1812, under command of Col. Allen, he settled with his family in Smith County, where after many years of prosperity he died in 1855. Our subject received a fair education in the common schools of his native county. He was about ten years of age before he ever had a pair of boots or shoes, either in summer or winter. The first pair he had were made of cow’s hide, and tanned in a trough. He inherited from his father a number of slaves and about $5,000 worth of property. The war, of course, liberated his negroes, and desolated most of his land. He now owns 2,000 acres, a part of which is located on Smith Fork, and Caney Fork. From 1851 to 1861 he served as post master, and gave great satisfaction. He was also justice of the peace for six years, and constable four years, and always made an efficient officer. He has never united with any denomination, but is a liberal contributor to all charitable, religious, or worthy purposes. He was a Whig previous to the war, and is now a Democrat. May 8, 1845, he wedded Miss Jane Kelly, with whom he had several children, only one living to maturity — Mary Frances, now Mrs. Kelly. Mrs. Lancaster died in 1855, and the following year he married Miss Rox Laney Cowen. Their union resulted in the birth of ten children: Michael, Thomas, James, and the deceased are William R., Sarah M., Ira C., J. W., Wade C., West and an infant. Mr. Lancaster is an industrious, honorable and esteemed man, and in comfortable circumstances; would have been in affluence had he not had the misfortune to have several security debts to settle.