My Genealogy Hound

THOMAS MAHON, SR., was born January 6, 1779, in County Cork. Ireland. He was of wealthy parentage and a descendant of one of the noblest families of the Emerald Isle. He was educated for the priesthood, but as that life was not congenial to him he never assumed the duties of a priest. At the age of sixteen he left his home in Dublin, Ireland, and came to New York to transact some important business for his father, who was a merchant, and being charmed with this country, determined to make the “land of the free” his future home. After residing five years longer in Ireland he returned to America and spent some time in Philadelphia, where he married Miss Abigail Shute, a young lady of French descent, and a resident of North Carolina, who only lived a few years, and died in 1808 when their only child was two years old. Five years later Mr. Mahon wedded Miss Emily T. Brooks and came to Maury County, Tenn., where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a teacher for many years, and for a long time was surveyor of Maury County. He and his son by his first wife, Thomas E., were for many years engaged in erecting mills, but the venture proved disastrous. They lost, by floods and other misfortunes, seven mills and a factory. Mr. Mahon died in 1856 and his widow in 1872. Thomas E. Mahon, Jr., was born February 1, 1806, in North Carolina, and came to Tennessee with his father. He married Nannie B. Brooks, April 7, 1841. She was born July 17, 1818, daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Jones) Brooks, who came to Tennessee from North Carolina on horseback. The father was a good farmer and operated one of the finest mills in Tennessee. At his death he left a handsome legacy to each of his thirteen children. Thomas E. Mahon, like his father, was for many years a school teacher and county surveyor. He and his wife became the parents of the following family: Thomas E., Martha M., James, William S., George W., Brooks, John and Julia. His life was characterized by his strong religious principles and conscientious integrity. He was educated in Jackson College. He died July 14, 1883, leaving his widow and seven surviving children.