Col. John W. Buford, clerk of the supreme court of Tennessee, at Jackson, was born in Williamson County August 24, 1836, and is the son of Spencer and Mary W. (Anthony) Buford, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Tennessee. His grandfather, James Buford, came to the State early in the present century, settling in Williamson County, where the father of Col. Buford was reared, educated and married, and his family were born. They were planters by occupation, and were useful and exemplary citizens. Col. Buford was reared in Williamson County, securing an academical education, and at the age of about nineteen years began the study of law under Judge David Campbell, and in due time graduated from the Lebanon (Tenn.) Law School, and was admitted to practice there in 1859. He removed to West Tennessee, and followed agricultural pursuits in Obion County until the breaking out of the late war, when, in 1861. he enlisted in Company H, Ninth Tennessee Confederate Infantry, and was elected captain of his company, which was known by the significant name of the Obion Avalanche. After twelve months' service as captain he was promoted to the position of lieutenant-colonel of his regiment, continuing there until the battle of Perryville, where he was dangerously wounded and captured by the Federals, and confined in military prisons until the middle of the year 1863, when he was exchanged. He rejoined his command at Shelbyville, Tenn., and officiated as lieutenant-colonel until the termination of the war. He then located in Williamson County, and there practiced his profession until 1872, when he came to Jackson, and has here since continued the practice. He has served as mayor of Jackson two terms, and in April, 1884, was appointed to his present position, a merited recognition of his standing in the community. In 1865 his marriage with Miss Emma S. Byers, of Kentucky, a niece of Gen. A. S. Johnston, was solemnized, and of this union there are three children, one son and two daughters. The Colonel is a Democrat, a member of the Masonic (Royal Arch Degree) and K. of P. fraternities, and himself and family are members of the Episcopal Church.

Goodspeeds History of Tennessee