James C. Everhart was born December 16, 1831, in Hawkins County, the oldest child of William and Betsy Stewart Everhart.

In September 1853, he had married Sarah Emaline Presley, and by the time his brothers went off to war in November 1862, he and Emaline had five small sons. He had a family to care for, was older than his brothers, and may have been less passionate about their cause as he stayed home until near the end of the war.

James C. Everhart was 5 feet 8 inches in height, of dark complexion, black eyes, and black hair. In 1860, he and Emaline were living in Hawkins County Civil District # 1 with a post office address of St. Clair. His occupation was listed as a miller, and he owned real estate valued at $400.

We do not know what happened to change his mind about fighting in the war, but on June 12, 1864, James C. Everhart enlisted in the Federal Army. He was honorably discharged at Knoxville on November 30, 1864, after suffering injuries to his eyes as well as his hips and back. He returned home but never fully recovered. His military pension records mentioned his injuries and that he wore dark colored glasses.

By August 1870, they had moved back to Civil District #15 where James C. had been born. James occupation was farmer. Their real estate was valued at $600 and personal property at $700.

James and Emaline were the parents of six children:

In 1880, James and Emaline were still farming in Civil District #15, and Andrew, David and Minerva were still living at home. By 1900, James C. was living alone on the homeplace near Persia.

James C. Everhart died at the home of his grandson on January 14, 1919, just one month after his 86th birthday. He was buried at the Persia Cemetery.