My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Tipton 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.

* * * *

Richard S. Barret, Esq., son of James and Nancy (Sanford) Barret was born in Sumner County, Tenn., January 8, 1821, and is one of a family of eight children, six of whom are living. Our subject received his education in the district schools of his neighborhood, and in 1846 united his fortunes with those of Mary Harris, a native of Louisa County, Va., born in 1832, and the daughter of John W. and L. Harris. This union resulted in the birth of five children: John H., Sallie (wife of W. B. Smith), Thomas M. (engaged in the railroad business), Eugenie (deceased) and James M. After marriage Mr. Barret continued farming and was also engaged in the milling business at Covington, until the war. In 1866 he was appointed county court clerk, and was elected to fill the same position the three succeeding elections, continuing in office until August, 1878. He has acted as magistrate of his district for the past five years, and has held public offices most of the time since coming to this county. He is a man well known and much esteemed by all his acquaintances, both as a public officer and citizen. He is a Democrat in politics and cast his first vote for Gov. Jones, who was elected on the Whig ticket. He is a Mason, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South His parents were both natives of Virginia, the father of Caroline County, Va., born about 1796; he was a farmer and died in 1872. The mother was born in Louisa County, Va., and died about 1872.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 91 biographies included in the book,  The History of Tipton County, Tennessee published in 1886 by Goodspeed.  The History of Tipton County was included within The History of Lauderdale, Tipton, Haywood, and Crockett Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Lauderdale, Tipton, Haywood, and Crockett Counties, Tennessee

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

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.