John C. Askew was born in North Carolina March 18, 1839. His father was Augustus Askew, a native of the same State, born in 1808, and while yet there married Elizabeth Watford. In 1845 he moved to this county, locating near Norwood. He was a prosperous farmer, and died about 1868. The mother was a North Carolinian, and died in this county in 1864. Both father and mother were most estimable people. John C. was reared a farmer, and has since followed that calling. When the late war broke out he joined the Confederate Army, enlisting in the Sixth Tennessee Confederate Regiment. He fought at Shiloh, Chickamauga and Resaca, and was wounded at Chickamauga and thereby disabled for six months. At Resaca he was wounded and disabled two months. He served through and was surrendered at Greensboro, N.C. January 11, 1865, he married Miss Louisa C., daughter of V. B. Woolfolk, who has borne her husband four children, two now living: Julia R. and Floyd V. Mrs. Askew was born in this county in 1839. Mr. Askew is a Democrat, and he and lady belong to the Missionary Baptist Church. He owns 105 acres of land at Spring Creek, fourteen miles northeast of Jackson. He is one of the best citizens of the county.

Goodspeeds History of Tennessee