James H. Akin facts for kids

James H. Akin (1832–1911) was an American farmer and politician. He was also a veteran who fought for the Confederate side during the American Civil War. In 1899, he served in the Tennessee House of Representatives. He represented Williamson County, Tennessee as a member of the Democratic Party.

Early Life and Family

James H. Akin was born on August 12, 1832. His birthplace was Maury County, Tennessee. His father was Samuel W. Akin, and his mother was Millie Biffle. James grew up on a farm with his eight brothers and sisters.

His family had a long history in America. James's great-grandfather, William Akin, came from Scotland. He settled in South Carolina. James's grandfather, Reverend John Akin, was a Methodist minister. He fought in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783). In 1808, he moved to Maury County. When he died in 1821, he freed the people he had enslaved. James's other grandfather, Jacob Biffle, also fought in the Revolutionary War.

Career as a Farmer and Soldier

In 1847, James Akin started working as a farmer. He also raised livestock in Maury County.

When the American Civil War began (1861–1865), James joined the Confederate States Army. He became a captain in Company E of the 9th Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry. He was stationed at Fort Donelson. In 1862, he was promoted to the rank of major. He fought in battles in Mississippi and Louisiana.

After the war ended, James returned to farming. He continued to farm in Maury County until 1881. From 1882 onward, he moved to Williamson County. There, he owned a large farm of 420 acres.

Political Life and Public Service

James Akin was an active member of the Democratic Party. He held several public offices. From 1870 to 1872, he worked as the tax collector for Maury County.

Later, he served as a justice of the peace in Williamson County. This role involved handling minor legal cases. He held this position from 1882 to 1890.

James also served in the Tennessee House of Representatives. From 1890 to 1891, he was a "floterial representative." This meant he represented a group of counties: Maury and Williamson. In 1895, he represented Maury, Williamson, Giles, and Lewis counties. Finally, from 1899 to 1901, he was a direct representative for Williamson County.

Personal Life and Legacy

James Akin was married three times during his life. His first wife was Marinda Cecil. They married in 1859 and had three children. Only one daughter, Bettie Jones, lived to adulthood. She passed away in 1867.

In 1881, he married his second wife, Sophia Burnett Kernan. They had a son named Andrew Kernan and two daughters, Ethel Johnson and Jimmie Hatton. Sophia died in 1893. James married his third wife, Lena Oden, in 1900.

James Akin was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He was also a Freemason, which is a member of a fraternal organization.

James H. Akin passed away in 1911.