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Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Hardeman County, Tennessee published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1887.  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.

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J. A. and A. J. Barrett, the proprietors of a prominent dry goods store of Bolivar, are natives of Hardeman County. Their parents, John and Salina (Birkhead) Barrett, were born in North Carolina and came to West Tennessee when small with their parents, who were among the very early settlers. After marriage Mr. Barrett located in Hardeman County; was one of the best known and most enterprising agriculturists in the section. He belonged to no church. He was a Democrat. His career ended in 1885. Mrs. Barrett, who is still living, is a devout member of the Methodist Church; she has been the mother of nine children—five sons and four daughters. Three of the boys, Anderson, Thomas and Kindred, served in the Confederate Army. The second, after passing safely through all the dangers and hardships of four years’ warfare, met a sad and shocking death. He was killed by the “Home Guards,” who mistook him for a man for whom they were lying in waiting. J. A., the senior member of the firm, was born March 12, 1852. He received a good education in the common schools. When about eighteen years of age he began the mercantile business as salesman. Failing in health he went west, and spent about four years in roaming. In 1880 he returned to Bolivar greatly improved, and sold goods in the house which he now occupies. In 1885 the existing partnership, under the name of Barrett Bros., was formed. A. J., the junior member, was born March 12, 1857. His early education was acquired in the common schools; afterward he attended the Henderson High School and Conference School at Montezuma. After his return he spent four years as a clerk, two years as traveling salesman and six years in Arkansas. Since 1885 he has been engaged with his brother as above stated. The Barrett brothers are warm Democrats, and wide-awake, accommodating, able, business men: They are having a flourishing trade. Their ancestors were of Scotch-Irish extraction.

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This family biography is one of 101 biographies included in the book,  The History of Hardeman County, Tennessee published in 1887 by Goodspeed.  The History of Hardeman County was included within The History of Fayette and Hardeman Counties of Tennessee. For the complete description, click here: History of Fayette and Hardeman Counties, Tennessee

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

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