There are 2 Nathan/Nathaniel Mathis' b. 1795, one in NC and one in VA. This is where I hit a wall. Working backwards, I cannot connect either to my 3rd great grandfather, John William Mathis b. 1823 in TN. His ID is 1622. I do have evidence that Nathaniel was in the same county as Johnny, as there is an entry in an 1845 store ledger.
Thank you,
Lori