One of the most popular officials of Madison county is Howlett Lynn Caradine, who is serving his third term as county registrar. Although totally blind Mr. Caradine conducts his office in the most efficient manner, being ably assisted by Miss Emma Lou McClellan, who is a niece of his wife.

Howlett Lynn Caradine was born on the 25th of December, 1875, near Coldwater, Mississippi, a son of Andrew and Eliza (Payne) Caradine, likewise natives of that state. Andrew Caradine engaged in farming in his native state for some years and in 1880 came to Madison county with his family. He followed agricultural pursuits here, achieving substantial success, and he lived retired for some years prior to his demise in 1909. Mrs. Caradine's death occurred in 1884. In the acquirement of his early education Howlett Lynn Caradine attended the public schools of Jackson and after putting his textbooks aside engaged in railroad work. He had been an employe of the Mobile & Ohio road for nine years when he was the victim of an accident, which resulted in the loss of his sight. Being thus incapacitated for further railroad work he turned to the mercantile business and he was very successful in that venture. A man of great courage and determination Mr. Caradine commanded the respect of all with whom he came into contact, and in 1914 he was honored by his fellow citizens by being elected county registrar. He discharged the duties of that office so successfuly that he has been twice reelected and is now serving his third term. He is undoubtedly one of Madison county's most popular and highly esteemed public officials.

At Jackson on the 23d of December, 1896, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Caradine to Miss Alice Stovall, a daughter of John W. and Jennie (McClellan) Stovall, natives of Madison county. Mr. Stovall was county trustee of this county for eight years. He was likewise active as a farmer and merchant and at the present time he is engaged in the conduct of an insurance business in Jackson. Mrs. Stovall died when Mrs. Caradine was a child. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Caradine one child has been [p.394] born: Mary Alice, whose birth occurred on the 1st of May, 1901. She is one of the most popular of the younger set in Jackson. Since attaining his majority Mr. Caradine has given his stanch support to the democratic party and the principles for which it stands. He is well informed on all the living questions and issues of the day and his influence is ever on the side of advancement and improvement. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church.

Tennessee the Volunteer State 1769–1923: Volume 3