Bridges, Joseph B.

JOSEPH B. BRIDGES was born about 1813 in . His parents are unknown at this time. Based on naming patterns of Joseph’s descendants, it is possible that Joseph B. Bridges’ father was Joseph and it is also possible that his mother’s maiden name was Terry. Again, this is speculation and nothing has been proved and no evidence has been found yet.

He married MALINDA (----?----) sometime around 1831. This date is only based on the birthdates of their children. Her maiden name and parents are unknown at this time.

The family first shows up in the 1840 federal census, living in Wayne County, Tennessee. Joseph Bridges is listed with a woman age between 20-30 (Malinda) and 4 females between the ages of 0 – 10 (daughters).

The family again shows up in the 1850 federal censuses (both the population and the agricultural censuses), living in District 4 of Wayne County, Tennessee. Listed are Joseph B. Brigs (head), Malinda (wife), Nancy (daughter), Rachial (daughter), Elizabeth (daughter), Elender (daughter), Mahala (daughter), George (son) and Joseph B (son).

In the 1860 federal censuses, the family is found in District No. 3 of Wayne County, Tennessee. J.B. Bridgess (head), Melinda (wife), Nancy (daughter), Eleanor (daughter), Mahala (daughter), George (son), Joseph (son), James (son), Walter (son), Mary (daughter).

In the 1870 federal censuses, the family is found in the 5^th civil district with Linden as the post office, of Perry County, Tennessee. Listed in the household are Joseph Bridges (head), Malinda (wife), Nancy (daughter), Mahala (daughter), Walter (son), Joseph (son). This census indicates that this entire family could not write, but does indicate they could read.

In July 1879, Malinda died of consumption, known today as tuberculosis. On 30 May 1880, Joseph remarried to Winnie Lineberry. In the 1880 federal population census, Joseph Briges is listed with his second wife Winnie. In their household is living his son James and his family.

The only other documentation I have seen is an inventory listing of the estate of Joseph B. Bridges dated 24 Oct 1885. I’m quite sure the entire probate file for Joseph Bridges would include much more information then this and be very useful. I have not yet examined this information.

(1)	NANCY ANN	b. 1832	d. between 1880-1888
(2)	ELIZABETH	b. 1833	d. between 1855-1860
(3)	RACHEL	b. 1834	d
(4)	ELEANOR	b. 1839	d
(5)	MAHALA	b. 1843	d. Aug 1879
(6)	GEORGE TERRY	b. 29 Mar 1847	d. 09 Mar 1924
(7)	UNKNOWN SON	b. 29 Mar 1847	d. as infant
(8)	JOSEPH B.	b. 1849	d. Aug 1887
(9)	JAMES M.	b. 1852	d. 1885
(10)	WALTER B.	b. 1855	d. 1892
(11)	MARY	b. 1856	d. 1861-1869