Capt. H. L. Fowlkes was born in Davidson County, Tenn., in 1827, being the son of Henry and Nancy (Green) Fowlkes. The father was of Welsh descent, born in Virginia in 1789, and followed the occupation of farming for a livelihood. In 1816 he came to Davidson County, where he remained until 1835, when he came to Dyer County, where he bought 400 acres of land in the Fifth District, and here he died February 12, 1865. He owned nearly 1,500 acres of land. His wife was born about the year 1790, in Virginia, and died in November, 1867. She was the mother of ten children, only two of whom are now living. H. L. Fowlkes was reared on his father's farm, receiving his education in Dyersburg and vicinity. He remained with his parents until the age of twenty years. November 15, 1846, he married Miss Mary A. P. Wood, daughter of Archer Wood. Mrs. Fowlkes was born in Halifax County, Va., in 1827, and has borne her husband nine children as follows: Archer, John A., Thomas A., William L., Aaron B., Lula E., Robert L., Mary and Wilkes B. Soon after marriage, Mr. Fowlkes located on a 400 acre farm near the old place. He now owns 1,600 acres, which he has secured by industry and honorable business methods. His farm is one of the finest in Dyer County. He is also engaged in the lumber business. He has been a life-long Democrat. His first presidential vote was cast for Gen. Cass. He has served as magistrate, and in 1883 was elected to represent the county in the State Legislature, and was so efficient and popular as to secure a re-election in 1885. The county has no better citizen. In May, 1861, Mr. Fowlkes enlisted in Company K, of the Fourth Tennessee Confederate Regiment, and was elected first lieutenant, but when the company was finally organized he was elected captain, succeeding Strall. After the reorganization at Corinth, he joined Forrest's command. he was in the battles of Brice's Cross Roads, Oklahoma, Athens, Sulphur, Fussell and in numerous skirmishes. He remained in the service until the close of the war. He is one of the county's most respected citizens.