William J. Wynn, a retired farmer of Lake County, is the son of Ezekiel and Lucy (Threadgill) Wynn. His father was born in Virginia, and when a young man moved to North Carolina, where he married Miss Threadgill. In 1830 they moved to Wayne County, Tennessee, and in a few years to Obion County. They had eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. Mrs. Wynn was a Methodist; Mr. Wynn in politics a Whig. He devoted most of his time to farming, and was a good mechanic. He died in 1850, and his wife in 1862. His ancestors were of English descent.
W. J. Wynn was born January 11, 1818, in Anson County, North Carolina. Most of his boyhood was passed at work in the cotton field, never attending school over six months; and when eighteen years of age he relied upon his own resources to make his way in life. For awhile he hired out to cut timber for the first railroad in Louisiana; then gave his time to farming.
In 1843 he married Mary Barker, who was born in Benton County, Tennessee, in 1828. Of seven sons and six daughters born to this marriage six are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Wynn and five children belong to the Methodist Church. Mr. Wynn is a democrat, but gives his support to the best man, regardless of party. He has held the office of magistrate for thirty years. He has succeeded so well in business that he now owns 994 acres of land. He is a kindhearted, religious man, and has lived in Lake County ever since its organization.