Elder Wiley W. Sammons, a prominent farmer of the Cedar Chapel District, was born in Hardeman County, November 11, 1827. His parents were Allen and Sallie (Long) Sammons, both of whom were of English extraction, born in Sussex County, Va., the father in 1788 and the mother in 1795. They were married in 1811, remaining in their native State until 1827, when they came to Hardeman County, being among the early settlers. Eleven children blessed their union, of whom only two are living. Mr. and Mrs. Sammons were zealous Christians. For thirty-three years, he was one of the most faithful and active ministers that the Primitive Baptist Church ever had. All his efforts in the noble work were given without price or money. In connection with his ministerial duties, he engaged in farming and was one of the most prosperous agriculturists of the county. He was a fife major in the war of 1812. He was a strong, straight Democrat. He departed this life in 1862, and two years later the mother, too, passed away. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, receiving a fair education. He remained beneath the parental roof until he attained manhood’s estate, then began farming on his own responsibility, and met with unusual success. Twice he was financially wrecked — once by the war, and again by parties whom he assisted when they were embarrassed, and they afterward proved faithless. Being possessed of a brave heart and much determination, he was soon again in flourishing circumstances, and now owns 312 acres of valuable land. For twenty-six years, he has labored as an elder without pecuniary considerations of any kind. Although, he has ridden thousands of miles between North Mississippi, West Tennessee and western Kentucky, he has never served for a salary. In 1850 he married Miss Martha F. Wilkes, a daughter of Joseph Wilkes. Mrs. Sammons was born October 16, 1833. A true Christian woman, and member of the Primitive Baptist Church, she died in 1885. Of the ten children born of this union, three daughters and two sons are living. J. A., the eldest son, is a minister. Late in the year of 1885, he wedded Miss Susan A. Price, who was born October 22, 1843. For fifty-nine years, Mr. Sammons has made Hardeman County his home and has seen the country change from a wilderness to a fine farming district. His family is one of the oldest, most useful and honored in the community.
Source: “The Goodspeed Publishing Co., History of Tennessee, 1886”