Balaam Rains (deceased) came to Decaturville in 1838 and was one among the earliest settlers of Decatur County. The old pioneer buildings he erected yet stand. "A fortress formed by freedom's hands," and a relic of the olden times. Mr. Rains was a native of North Carolina and a descendant of an old and. honored family who settled on the Atlantic coast at an early day. Anthony Rains, the father of Balaam, took an active and gallant part in the struggle for independence under the undaunted Gen. Marion. Our subject was engaged in agricultural pursuits during the greater portion of his life but was engaged in mercantile pursuits for a number of years. He married Miss Matilda Hudson of North Carolina, who bore him four children, William G., Rosetta V. (Mrs. Wm. Stout), Margaret P. (Mrs. James Coggins) and John H., who died when fourteen years of age. William G., the oldest child, was born in Randolph County, Tenn., October 20, 1837. His education was interrupted by the breaking out of the late war. After that event he began the study of medicine under Drs. J. H. Still and J. H. Leonard of Decaturville and completed a thorough and systematic course of instruction at the Nashville University in 1867. He began practicing at Sulphur Spriugs but in 1868 removed to Decaturville where he has since resided. He has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative practice and is recognized as one of the leading practitioners of the county. December 8, 1867, he married Miss Joan F. Parker, daughter of Joan F. Parker of Henderson County, and the fruits of this union are four children: Ethel C., William G., Lizzie E. and George H.