My Genealogy Hound

John M. Smyth is a son of Alfred and D. G. (Gunter) Smith. The father was born in Dickson County, Tenn., in 1807, and always followed a farmer’s life, and held the office of magistrate about eighteen years, and died in November, 1875. His wife was born in Williamson County, Tenn., in 1812, and died in April, 1881. Their family consisted of seven children, four now living, our subject being the eldest. He was born in Weakley County November 18, 1833, and acquired a common school education. He learned the carpenter’s and joiner’s trade in his youth, and September, 1854, married Gabrilla A. Alexander, daughter of Joseph and Flora Alexander, natives of Tennessee. She was born in Henry County in 1839, and became the mother of eight children, seven of whom are living: Albert J., Jefferson M., Alice, Polk and Robert (twins), August Foster and Joseph Alfred. Mr. Smyth resided in different parts of the county for about twenty-one years after his marriage, but finally located on his present farm of 250 acres, which is well improved and under good cultivation. In 1862 Mr. Smyth joined the army, enlisting in Company H, Seventh Tennessee Cavalry, C. S. A., and was in the battle of Corinth and participated in quite a number of sharp skirmishes. After about one year’s honorable service he returned home. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. Both husband and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.