| E. M. Midyett, hardware merchant of Bell’s Depot, and the son of P. Collier and Maria (Noel) Midyett, was born April 12, 1852, in this county. His father and mother were both natives of Virginia. The father was born in 1821, and died December 23, 1864. He was a farmer by occupation. The mother died about 1852. Our subject was of Irish and English descent. He grew to manhood on the farm and at the age of twenty-one engaged in the merchandise business as salesman, which he continued till 1878, when he began business on his own resources, and continued two years in the dry goods business, at which time the firm changed names. In 1881 Mr. Midyett began the hardware business with J. A. Montague, under the firm name of Midyett & Montague. In 1882 the firm changed to Midyett & Thomas, and again in 1886 to Midyett & Bell, the present style. Our subject was married September 8, 1875, to Willie C. Bell, daughter of William and Mary C. Bell. To our subject and wife were born two children: Mary Maria and James Collier. Mr. Midyett’s educational advantages were rather limited, and what education he received was after he reached maturity. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South; is also a member of the U.O.G.C. and politically a Democrat dyed in the wool. |
