J. W. HOLLINGSWORTH, is a native of Caldwell County, and the third in a family of eight children born to Andrew J. and Sarah (Stone) Hollingsworth, both of Kentucky. Andrew Hollingsworth was a son of Lewis Hollingsworth, and a farmer by occupation. He spent the greater part of his life in Caldwell County, and died in 1843. Subject's mother was a daughter, of C. Stone, a native of South Carolina. Mr. Stone came from his native State to Kentucky many years ago, locating in Lyon County, where many of his descendants still live, among whom are several of Kentucky's distinguished men. He died in 1835 or 1840. Mrs. Hollingsworth was born in Lyon County, and survived her husband twelve years, dying in 1855. J. W. Hollingsworth was born October 5, 1845, and remained with his parents till their death. At the breaking out of the war, he espoused the cause of the Confederacy, and enlisted in October, 1861, in Company B, Eighth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, under command of Col. Henry Burnett, of Trigg County; served until June, 1863, when he was attached to the cavalry force of Gen. Forrest, serving with him until July 11, of the same year. Mr. Hollingsworth was with his regiment in many bloody battles, among which may be named Fort Donelson, Big Black River, Vicksburg, Raymond, Port Gibson, Port Hudson and Jackson (Mississippi), where he was wounded in the left leg by a musket ball, which shattered the bone, making a permanent wound. He was captured at Fort Donelson, and remained a prisoner seven months at Indianapolis, Ind. He retired from active service in 1863, but received the pay and emoluments of a regular soldier, until the close of the war. After the close of the war he became a student in Oxford College, Mississippi, where he remained several months, and later attended the high school at Memphis, Ala. In June, 1865, he came back to Kentucky, and entered the Huntington Academy, Lyon County, taking a four years' course. After leaving school, he commenced teaching, a profession he followed ten years in Caldwell County and adjoining counties. He commenced farming in 1872, teaching during the winter season, until 1880. He purchased his present home place of 136 acres in 1872, and since that time has gradually enlarged his farm until he now owns between 400 and 500 acres of fine land. Mr. Hollingsworth grows tobacco extensively, and he is also a successful stock raiser, making a specialty of cattle and hogs. Mr. Hollingsworth was married March 13, 1869, to Miss Mary E. George, of Caldwell County. Mr. and Mrs. Hollingsworth are the parents of six children, four of whom are living: Odie L., Arthur J., Lillie M. and Connie Belle. The deceased members of the family are Enoch C. and Bestus Y. Mr. Hollingsworth belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church, as does also his wife.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Pages 700-701.