J. A. GARNER was born in what is now Princeton District, Caldwell County, September 3, 1839, and is the only child of William and Nancy E. (Davidson) Garner. His father was born in Tennessee, his mother in Kentucky; her father was a native of North Carolina and a soldier in the war of 1812. Subject's father came to Kentucky when a young man and settled in Princeton, this county, where he first bought 160 acres of land. In 1847 he came to Fredonia District, and at one time owned about 450 acres of land on the head-waters of Livingston Creek. In 1873 he came to Fredonia, where he resided until his death, which occurred in April, 1881, at the age of sixty-five. Subject's mother died a few days after her husband. J. A. was reared on a farm and early became his father's partner in managing the homestead. He now owns about 210 acres of land, of which about 160 acres are in cultivation. In 1872 he came to Fredonia, and began merchandising in partnership with R. R. Morgan. This firm discontinued business at the end of one year, and Mr. Garner subsequently formed a partnership with Mr. Byrd, which also lasted about a year. He next renewed his business relations with Mr. Morgan, and this firm remained in business some four years. In 1882 he took in Mr. McChesney as partner, and the business is now running under the firm name of Garner & McChesney. They carry a stock of about $4,500, and do quite an extensive business. Mr. Garner was married, October 8, 1860, to Miss Mary D. Wigginton, daughter of Seth B. and Sarah M. (Gates) Wigginton, natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Garner was born May 21, 1840, and died June 25, 1876. To her were born six children, of whom five are now living: William, Linnie G., Bird D., Lawrence W. and Isabella. Mr. Garner's second marriage was January 30, 1877, to Miss Virginia McChesney, a daughter of J. H. and E. J. (Milliken) McChesney. Mrs. Garner was born May 23, 1851, and is the mother of two children: Mary H. and Irvin. Mr. Garner is now serving his second term as police judge. He was appointed postmaster at Fredonia, January 1, 1877, and is still serving. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. Garner of the Baptist Church. He is a member of Fredonia Lodge, No. 247, A. F. & A. M.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Page 697.