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Dr. James R. Sanford, son of Robert W. and Frances D. Sanford, was born in Covington, Tenn., on May 24, 1836, and died in Covington on 21st of June, 1920. In 1859 he was married to Miss Anne D. Tipton, who preceded him in death.

In 1861 Dr. Sanford volunteered in the Confederate army, and when the 51st Tennessee Infantry was formed he became its assistant surgeon and so continued until ill health compelled his discharge from the army. His health being restored, early in 1864 he joined Company I, 7th Tennessee Cavalry, and surrendered with that regiment at Gainesville, Ala., in 1865. For most of this time he was assistant surgeon of the 7th Regiment.

Dr. Sanford took his degree in medicine at Nashville when very young, and after practicing a while he took a post-graduate course in medicine at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. It can be truthfully said that more than sixty years of his life were devoted to the service of humanity. For many years he was one of the surgeons of the Illinois Central Railroad, county health physician of Tipton County, a charter member of the Tri-State Medical Society, and for a full term served as its president.

Dr. Sanford was a man of quick and tender sympathy, broad and generous in his views, interested in all public enterprises, never shirking any duty in either war or peace; and no matter what the hardship, with him the call of the distressed woman or child never went unanswered. Advancing age and infirmities had caused him to retire from the practice of medicine, and yet his interest in public affairs continued unabated. He was one of the best-loved men who ever lived in Tipton County. In early life he joined the Presbyterian Church and continued a member the remainder of his life-a humble, devout Christian.