THOMAS BRAGG YANCEY, M. D.
Source: Tennessee, The Volunteer State 1769-1923. Vol II Page 875

Dr. Thomas Bragg Yancey, public health officer of Kingsport, was born in Somerville, Fayette county, on the 30th of March, 1878. His father, T. B. Yancey, was born in La Grange, Fayette county, where his family were among the pioneers settlers. Upon the outbreak of the Civil war he put all personal interests aside and enlisted in La Grange, Fayette county, where his family were among the pioneer settlers. battle of Peach Tree Creek. [sic.] At the close of the war Mr. Yancey returned to Fayette county and for some time was a member of the state legislature from that county. He was likewise United States marshal under President Cleveland and county court clerk of Fayette county for sixteen years. His widow is still living. She was also born in Fayette county, where her parents were early settlers. Her father, Dr. ."bury Warren; served throughout the Civil war in defense of the Confederacy. Mr. and Mrs. Yancey were married at Somerville in 1870 and to their union six children were born, three sons and three daughters, all living, the Doctor being the fourth in order of birth.

The public schools of Somerville afforded Thomas Bragg Yancey his early education and after graduating from the local high school he entered the University of the South at Sewanee. He was graduated from that institution with the M. D. degree in 1900. He immediately entered into the practice of his profession at La Grange, where he remained until 1904. While a resident there he was elected mayor and gave to that city a businesslike and progressive administration. In 1903 and 1904 Dr. Yancey went to Mobile, Alabama, as a member of the Mobile Guarantee Board. In the latter year he removed to Somerville, Tennessee, and established offices for the practice of his profession, remaining there until 1910. During that time, in addition to handling an extensive private practice, he was county health officer for Fayette county. In 1910 he became connected with the Tennessee state board of health and was field director of the Rockefeller hookworm commission, with which he was connected until 1916. During that time the Doctor assisted in laying the foundation of the rural public health system of today, and is prominently known throughout the state for his achievements in that line of work. Since 1916 he has been health officer for Kingsport and devotes his entire time and attention to discharging the many duties that devolve upon him in this connection. Kingsport is the only city in Tennessee, of like population, that maintains a full time health officer. Dr. Yancey is held in high esteem by his professional brethren and is an active member of the American Medical Association and of the United States Public Health Association.

In Birmingham, Alabama, on the 28th of October, 1904, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Yancey and Miss Clara Locke, a daughter of Robert Locke of Fayette county. They are parents of six children, four daughters and two sons: Virginia, seventeen years of age; Clara, twelve; Thomas B., Jr., ten; Aleck, six; Elizabeth, four; and Ruth, two.

During the World War Dr. Yancey was food administrator for Kingsport and chairman of the Medical advisory board. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal Church and he is a generous contributor to its support.