Decatur County Genealogy & History

Decatur Co Tennessee
BIOGRAPHIES

"Tennessee Trails"

JOHN WESLEY FISHER "I was born December 6, 1816 on the road in Buncombe Co., NC while my parents were on the way to Bedford Co., Tennessee. Am now in my 89th year. We lived in Bedford Co., three years and went to Lost Creek in what was then Perry Co., Tennessee but is now Decatur County. We went from there to Phillips Co., Arkansas, in about 1821 and stayed there one year. Then came back to Lost Creek and have lived in this neighborhood ever since. I professed religion in 1823 and joined the Methodist church. I was licensed to exhort in 1840 and licensed to preach in 1845 at OId Center Camp Ground. My first sermon was preached from the text "I Am Now Ready to be Offered," (2 Tim: 4-6). I was ordained Deacon by Bishop Capers at Trenton, Tennessee in 1850, and was ordained Elder by Bishop Payne at Paducah, Kentucky, in 1867. "I was married April 6, 1837 to Nancy G. White and we lived together until she departed this life May 23, 1904. To us were born eleven children, seven who preceded her to the good world. I am now very delicate and don't expect it to be long before I will go to meet the loved ones who have gone before me. I've had a great many to tell me that I was the instrument to God's hand of their conversion and many of them have already gone home and will be there to meet me when I go. My address is Decaturville, Tennessee, R.F.D." [The Fisher Scrap Book 1730-1972]
Source: Leslie P. Rootsweb/World Connect
Said to have been written by the Rev. John W. Fisher. The original document was owned circa 1972 by Latham Blount, Decaturville, Tennessee:

MARTIN J. FISHER
c. 1825-1862 HOUSE, 34th (Confederate) General Assembly, 1861-62; representing Decatur and Perry counties. Born in Tennessee c.1824-25, exact date and place of birth unknown; appears to have been the son of Jacob F, Fisher, a wealthy landowner of Decatur County, and his wife Sophia. He was married, c.1845, to Lucinda A. maiden name unknown; three children— a daughter, Sophronia, and a son and daughter whose names are not known. Fisher was a large landowner in Decatur County, acting in buying and selling of land, 1846-54. Clerk of county court, 1856-60, He was killed in Decatur County in October 1862 by one Carroll Graves, reputedly over political differences. Graves was never brought to justice.
Sources: Goodspeed, History of Decatur County, 816; Decatur County Deed Books 1 and 2, 1846-54, indexes; U. So Census 1850, 1860, Decatur County. Biographical Directory Tennessee General Assembly 1796-1969 Preliminary No. 13 Benton and Decatur Counties TN State Library and Archives

WILLIAM HENRY FISHER
1887 - ?? HOUSE, 58th General Assembly, 1913-15; representing Decatur and Benton counties; Republican„ Born at Decaturville, Decatur County,, Dec. 28, 1887; son of Frank Fisher, Attended George Peabody College for Teachers, Nashville, Davidson County; graduated in law, 1909, from Vanderbilt University, Nashville. Married to Dora; family name of wife, date and place of marriage, and names of children, if any, not statedo Began career by teaching school in Alabama and Mississippi; went to Texas for health but returned, 1907, much improved; was in practice of law at Decaturville while in legislature; moved to Washington, D.C., 1918, where he held a government position; lived in Jackson, Madison County, for a timef but moved to Memphis, Shelby County, to practice law. Was living in Memphis, 1968, with office in First National Bank Bldg; residence, 607 Chelsea Ave,, Memphis 38107. No later information.

Biographical Directory Tennessee General Assembly 1796-1969 Preliminary No. 13 Benton and Decatur Counties TN State Library and Archives