James Carden, farmer and stock dealer in Coffee County, was born there September 28, 1831, and is the son of Lewis and Catherine (Simpson) Carden, of Scotch-Irish descent, the former born May 17, 1809, and now living, and the latter born about 1815 in North Carolina, and deceased July 16, 1869.
Our subject lived with his father until twenty four years of age, from whom he received 125 acres, living on this for nineteen years, when he came to his present place. He married Pharaba Simpson, born August 16, 1837, in Coffee County, January 18, 1855. Twelve children were born to them, ten living: Peter R., Joseph S., Robert L., Emily P., Sarah E., Dora, John A., Mary L., Thomas F., Minnie O., William A. (died May 6, 1884), and Eva C., (died April 30, 1883). After five months in the confederate service Mr. Carden was disabled and discharged. He owns altogether 562 acres of land and has always been in politics a democrat.