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James Benjamin Joplin was born near Lynchburg, Va., September 10, 1838, and there his youth and early manhood were spent in the prosperous days of an ante-bellum civilization. At the outbreak of the war he entered the Confederate army as a private soldier in the 2d Virginia Cavalry under Col. T. T. Munford, and in his service he represented the highest type of soldier. He was several times offered an officer's commission, but his innate modesty kept him in the ranks as a private soldier. He followed Stuart until his death and then Fitzhugh Lee until the close of the war. After he had fought for his people, he returned to help them fight a war against poverty and distress. Those days of so-called "peace" called more loudly for men thana had the days of awful war. During the dark days of Reconstruction, of racial strife, of lawlessness and poverty he left Virginia and moved to Tennessee. Near Franklin he met and married Miss Julia Bradley, like himself, of high lineage. They went to Alabama and settled near the little town of Gurley and later became residents of the town until his death, August 18, 1915.

James Joplin was a man of the most lovable disposition, the soul of courtesy which means kindness of heart. He was a most approachable man and took great interest in the welfare of younger men. His quaint sense of humor and disposition to look on the bright side of life made him an enjoyable companion. He was a member of the Methodist Church and was esteemed by all his fellow men, regardless of creed, for his many virtues. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. It was beautiful on the August day when he was laid away in "God's Acre" to see the people of his home town and the surrounding country unite in paying his memory respect and honor. He lived a long and useful life, and as ripe grain ready for the harvest his noble and just left its earthly tenement for one that is eternal.