My Genealogy Hound

John D. Tarrant, ex-postmaster and farmer, is a son of John and Nancy (Croft) Tarrant, who were born, reared and married in the Palmetto State. They soon after moved to Alabama, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Their family consisted of five sons and six daughters. The father was a Whig and a strong Union man, and as farming was his chosen calling, he followed it quite extensively in early life. His wife died in 1854 and he again married, He died in 1867. Mr. Tarrant inherits English blood from his ancestors. Our subject is the tenth child of the family and was born October 21, 1849, in Cherokee County, Ala. At the age of seventeen he began to battle his own way in the world and for four years worked at the carpenter’s trade and expended the fruits of his labor in educating himself. He came to Lauderdale County in 1867 and has since made it his home. After residing in Ripley a short time he entered a mercantile house as salesman, continuing until 1872, when he became one of the firm of Greaves, Tarrant & Co. Their stock and store burned in 1874, and Mr. Tarrant accepted the position of deputy sheriff, which position he filled sixteen months, doing all the business of the office. In 1876 he acted as tax collector and has filled the office of deputy marshal four years, and was re-appointed but resigned. From 1881 until 1885, he served as postmaster, and since that time has followed farming. He owns 400 acres of farming land and 571 acres in timber. In 1879 he married Anna Alexander, who was born July 7, 1852. They have three children: Anna Marie, John and Genevieve. Mrs. Tarrant is a Missionary Baptist. Mr. Tarrant is a Republican and for twenty years has been a resident of Lincoln County. He has been a successful business man, and as a citizen has the interest of the community at heart. He was Mayor of Ripley two years.