Thomas B. Bateman, farmer and prominent citizen of the Fifteenth District of Dyer County, was born in Humphreys County, April 28, 1832. His father, Edwin Bateman, was of English ancestry, born in North Carolina in 1797, and moved to Dickson County with his parents when ten years old. His father died in a few weeks, and as he was the oldest child, the chief support of the family devolved upon him, consequently he had no opportunity of receiving an education. The family soon moved to Humphreys County, and bought lands and when he was twenty-two he married Miss Frances Collier, by whom he had twelve children, five now living: Mrs. Rebecca M. Thompson (of Dickson County), our subject, Mrs. Mary E. Turner (of Texas), Edwin J. and William L. Mr. Bateman remained on his farm until his death in 1868. Mrs. Bateman died in 1848. Our subject had few advantages, but by perseverance acquired sufficient education to enable him to transact business. In 1871 he bought 100 acres of productive land two miles south of Trimble; it is finely improved, with good orchards, and small fruits. At the time of his marriage he lived in Newburn. When twenty-two years of age he learned the saddle and harness trade in Stewart County, and continued the trade in Humphreys County until 1859, when he moved to Newburn. In 1871 he married Miss Martha Ann, daughter of William and Malinda Marrell of Gibson County. She was born in Huntingdon, Tenn., December, 1840, her father being a native of Sumner County, and her mother of Carroll County. Mrs. Bateman is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Bateman is a Methodist. He was formerly a Whig, and cast his first vote for John Bell, but is now a Democrat.