Giles County Tennessee

Many biographical and genealogical sketches of Giles County ancestors have been collected and presented here. They derive from a great variety of sources, such as books, periodicals, vital records, war records, etc. Combined, these sketches reveal the history of Giles County, Tennessee. This edition has been revised with new content added. I hope this publication is valuable to all of those with roots connected to Giles County.

It was the summer of 1863 at the height of the U.S. Civil War. Federal troops fanned across Tennessee, the final state to secede from the Union, and emancipated its slaves. By July they reached Giles County and the slaves belonging to the extended family of the Abernathys, Easons, Rivers, and Tarpleys. While some chose to remain on those plantations, at least 59 of their slave men enlisted to the Union Army. They were divided among 6 colored regiments, provided essential services, participated in 12 battles and skirmishes, and were mistreated by Confederates for 9 months as prisoners of war. Many of their stories are told in their own words. It is from their military service records and pension files that their stories of slavery, family, bravery, suffering, love, and loss are revealed. This book honors their lives and is dedicated to their descendants. This book is intended to be a tool to help African-Americans break through the genealogical brick wall of slavery. ISBN 978-0-9772822-8-9

Many biographical and genealogical sketches of Giles County ancestors have been collected and presented here. They derive from a great variety of sources, such as books, periodicals, vital records, war records, etc. Combined, these sketches reveal the history of Giles County, Tennessee. This edition has been revised with new content added. I hope this publication is valuable to all of those with roots connected to Giles County.

Giles County was founded on November 14, 1809, and is known as the land of milk and honey. The county is home to over 30 National Register properties, Civil War skirmish sites, a varied cultural heritage, and intersecting Trail of Tears routes (Benge's and Bell's). It is also the beginning place for many well-known African Americans, such as noted architect Moses McKissack, founder of McKissack and McKissack. Giles County is a place where many ancestral lineages return home to their roots for research or to discover their rich African American history and heritage.

Giles County was founded on November 14, 1809, and is known as the land of milk and honey. The county is home to over 30 National Register properties, Civil War skirmish sites, a varied cultural heritage, and intersecting Trail of Tears routes (Benge's and Bell's). It is also the beginning place for many well-known African Americans, such as noted architect Moses McKissack, founder of McKissack and McKissack. Giles County is a place where many ancestral lineages return home to their roots for research or to discover their rich African American history and heritage.