MIMS COTTON was born near his present residence, February 18, 1837, a son of Winfree and Sarah (Davis) Cotton, natives respectively of North and South Carolina. The father followed farming as his occupation during life. He was a son of Littleberry Cotton. Our subject has always remained in this county, engaged in farming pursuits. His farm of 180 acres is devoted to farming in its general branches. During the war Mr. Cotton lost many horses, and was otherwise troubled by guerrilla bands passing through the country, and as he was not allowed to work at home, he joined the Federal army, and served six months in the field. He married Martha A. Van Zant, a daughter of James and Rebecca Van Zant. This union has given eight children, five of whom survive: Josephine, Flora A., Franklin E., Martha A. and Fred. Mr. Cotton is a man of spirit and enterprise, and is one of the substantial farmers of this section.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Page 852.