James M. Pettigrew, a prominent farmer of Hardeman County, was born in Haywood County, Tenn., October 24, 1843, a son of Samuel E. and Nancy (Nicholson) Pettigrew. The father was born in Virginia, and the mother in North Carolina, but were brought to this county when very young, and here they married. To them a family of eleven children were born of whom one son, and one daughter are living. The father when only a boy served under Jackson, at New Orleans. He was a stanch Democrat. Although not a church member, he was an honest and esteemed man. By trade, he was a carpenter and assisted in building the first houses in Bolivar. After living in this county many years, they moved to Haywood County, where the mother died in 1859. During the war, the father went to Arkansas where he died. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, receiving a good common-school education. He began life for himself at the age of seventeen. Some time afterward he engaged in the grocery business. In 1870, he married Mrs. L. L. Miller, nee Doyle, who was born May 19, 1841. By her first marriage she had two children, of whom Mary is living. To Mr. and Mrs. Pettigrew seven children were born, five of whom are living: Carrie B., James C., Joseph V., Edna L. and Nannie P. Soon after marriage, Mr. Pettigrew moved to Humboldt, Tenn., engaging in the cultivation of fruits. In 1879, they returned to Hardeman County, settling at Centerville, where they have a fine farm, consisting of about 665 acres. He is an industrious, prosperous and most worthy citizen. He and his estimable wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
Source: “The Goodspeed Publishing Co., History of Tennessee, 1886”