White was born in Maury County, Tennessee, the illegitimate son of James White. (Although his parents apparently never married, his father acknowledged him, and the circumstances of his birth did not impede his education or future success.)
James White was the father of White, who was born in Maury County, Tennessee, as an illegitimate child. Despite their parents' lack of formal marriage, James acknowledged White, and this did not impede his educational opportunities or future success.