This publication offers a complete history of Madison County, Tennessee, from its settlement in 1820 to the construction of the first church building in 1867. The author covers a range of topics, from the county's topography and agriculture to the first public roads, the development of the railroads, the first jail, lists of county Sheriffs and Circuit Clerks, the distribution of land, first stores and companies, newspapers, the legal system, military, schools, and religion. Biographies follow the history of Madison, providing extensive information on several former residents from birth, giving details on his parents, education, occupations, marriages, and more. A full-name index adds to the value of this work.