Francis Fentress, a member of one of Tennessee’s oldest and most honored families is a well known and leading attorney at law, of Bolivar, is a native of the place, born May 28, 1840, the son of David and Matilda (Wendel) Fentress. His early education was received in Hardeman County; at the age of sixteen he entered the Bandusia Seminary of Nashville, and later attended the La Grange Synodical College, completing the Freshman and Sophomore courses in one year. He graduated at the University of Mississippi in 1861. The same year, he entered the Confederate service as a volunteer, enlisting in Company E, Seventh Tennessee Cavalry, serving until the close of the war. After the restoration of peace, 1865, he began the reading of law under the guidance of his distinguished brother, Judge James Fentress, and was admitted to the bar the following year, since which time he has practiced in Bolivar. In 1870, he married Miss Bettie, daughter of General R. P. Neely. Mrs. Fentress was born September 2, 1849, and died in 1881, having three children: Elizabeth, Frank and Louise. Mr. Fentress’ second marriage was with Miss Bettie Bradley, of Franklin, Tenn., who was born June 12, 1857. To their union, one child has been born, Margaret. Mr. Fentress is one of the best informed and most prominent lawyers of Bolivar. For nineteen years, he has been local attorney for the Illinois Central Railroad, also the Memphis & Charleston Road. He is a "sky blue" Democrat, being at present chief superior of elections in the western district of Tennessee, appointed by Judges Jackson and Hammond of the United States circuit and district courts. Mr. Fentress has passed his life almost entirely in the home of his nativity where he is universally esteemed. He and his wife are earnest members of the Presbyterian Church.
Source: “The Goodspeed Publishing Co., History of Tennessee, 1886”