James O. and William Me. Earnest, brothers, are farmers in the First District, and were born in Greene County April 1, 1813, and May 19, 1822, respectively, and sons of Felix and Sarah (Oliphant) Earnest. The father was born in Newtown, Va., September 19,1762, and died February 16, 1842, in Virginia. The mother was born in Pennsylvania July 16,1784, and died in Tennessee February 10, 1874. The father was a farmer, respected of all. The brothers have farmed together since their boyhood. In 1867 William married Margaret Hunter, and their children were a daughter (deceased), Felix, George, John, James, F. B. and William Me. The mother died in 1883, and in 1885 he married Rhoda Inman. Both brothers are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
