Nathaniel P. Tatom was one of the early settlers of the Eighth District of Dyer County, and a farmer; he is the son of John C. and Mary (Stokes) Tatom, and was born in Norfolk, Va., about 1817, and was an only child; his father was also a native of Norfolk, Va., where he received his education. About 1817 he was married to Miss Mary Stokes. He was a carpenter by trade, but died in 1818. Mrs. Tatom was born in Norfolk, and died in 1824, consequently, our subject was left an orphan when only six years of age; and until seventeen years old his home was with his uncle, James Tatom; he then began as an apprentice to learn the carpenter's trade, which has since been his chief occupation. In November, 1843, he married Miss Matilda, daughter of Andrew and Anna Boyles. In 1839 he moved to Dyer County, where he bought fifty acres of land, on which he located and has since resided. Mrs. Tatom died April, 1848, and in December of the same year he married Miss Mary J., daughter of Archibald and Mona Wilkins, by whom he had ten children, five of whom are now living: Mary B., George M., John S., Archibald B. and Ella. Mrs. Tatom was born in North Carolina, in 1827, and died in 1881. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mr. Tatom commenced life poor, but by energy, economy and upright dealing, accumulated a handsome property, at one time owning 620 acres of valuable land, and still owns 420 acres of the best land in Dyer County, part of it being four miles southeast of Newbern. Mr. Tatom is a strong advocate of universal education. He has been a life-long Democrat, but his first presidential vote was cast for Wm. H. Harrison; he is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.