Alex F. Yopp

Alex. F. Yopp, sheriff of Hardeman County, was born January 10, 1846, is the eldest of a family of seven children born to Dr. Wm. T. and Elizabeth (Coleman) Yopp. Alex F. Yopp was raised on a farm and received his education in the common schools of the county. Before the age of fifteen, in 1862, as a volunteer, he entered the Confederate service, Company A, Fourteenth Tennessee Cavalry. During three years of bravery and active service he was but once taken prisoner; he was held about four months. At the battle of Franklin he received a wound in the face by a minie-ball. After the war he engaged in farming until 1876, when he moved to Bolivar. He held the position of deputy sheriff from 1872 to 1876. He was twice a candidate for the office of sheriff and each time defeated, but in 1882 was elected. He has given such entire and perfect satisfaction that he has been enabled to retain the place since that time. In connection with his official duties he deals extensively in horses. For eight years he has been a public servant, and has proved himself an efficient officer, an able and honorable man. In 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Pattie Yoakum, who was born in 1847. To them have been born four children: Elmo, Neely, Ike and Harry. Mrs. Yopp is an earnest and respected member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Yopp has never united with any denomination. In politics he is a Democrat.

Source: “The Goodspeed Publishing Co., History of Tennessee, 1886”