Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas BIOGRAPHICAL and HISTORICAL MEMOIRS of EASTERN ARKANSAS comprising A Condensed History of the State, a Number of Biographies of Distinguished Citizens of the same, a Brief Descriptive History of each of the Counties named herein, and numerous Biographical Sketches of the Prominent Citizens of such Counties. ILLUSTRATED CHICAGO, NASHVILLE AND ST. LOUIS: THE GOODSPEED PUBLISHING CO. 1890. Page 1 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas [INDEX HERE] Page 2 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas PREFACE THIS beautiful volume has been prepared in response to the popular demand for the preservation of local history and biography. The method of preparation followed is the most successful and the most satisfactory yet devised - the most successful in the enormous number of volumes circulated, and the most satisfactory in the general preservation of personal biography and family record, conjointly with local history. The number of volumes now being distributed seems fabulous. Careful estimates place the number circulated in Ohio at 50,000 volumes; Pennsylvania, 60,000; New York, 75,000; Indiana, 40,000; Illinois, 40,000; Iowa, 30,000; Missouri, 25,000; Kansas, 20,000; Tennessee, 20,000; Kentucky, 25,000; Georgia, 20,000; Alabama, 20,000, and all the other States at the same proportionate rate. The entire State of Arkansas, which until recently had scarcely been touched by the historian, is now being rapidly written. The design of the present extensive biographical and historical research is to gather and preserve in attractive form, while fresh with the evidence of truth, the enormous fund of perishing occurrence. In gathering the matter for the historical sketches of the counties, it was thought wisest, owing to the limited space, to collate and condense only the most valuable items, by reason of which such sketches are a credit to the book, and of permanent worth. In the preparation of this volume the Publishers have met with nothing but courtesy and assistance from the public. Nothing promised is omitted, and much not promised is given. About fifty pages of State history were guaranteed; over twice that number are given. Special care was employed and great expense incurred to render the volume accurate. In all cases the personal sketches were submitted by mail, and in most instances were corrected and returned by the subjects themselves. Coming as they do from the most illustrious families of the State - all worthy citizens from the upper, middle and lower classes - they form in themselves the most complete account of the Eastern Counties ever written, and their great value to future generations will be warmly acknowledged by all thoughtful people. With many thanks to their friends for the success of such a difficult enterprise, the Publishers respectfully tender this fine volume to their patrons. THE PUBLISHERS. January, 1890. Page 3 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CONTENTS CHAPTER I. Geology - Importance of Geologic Study - Area and Climate - Boundaries - Principal Streams of the State - Tho Mountain Systems - The Great Springs - Diversity of Soils - Caves - The Mines, Their Wonderful Deposits and Formation. CHAPTER II. Archaeology - Remains of flint. Arrow and Spear Heads, and Stone and Other Ornaments - Evidences of Prehistoric People along the Mississippi - Mounds, can, in Other Portions of the State - Local Archaeologists and Their Work - The Indians - Tribal and Race Characteristics - The Arkansas Tribes - The Cession Treaties - The Removal of the Cherokees, Creeks and Choctaws - An Indian Alarm - Assassination of the Leaders, etc., etc. CHAPTER III. Discovery and Settlement - Du Soto in Arkansas - Marquette and Joliet - La Salle, Hennepin and Tonti - French and English Schemes of Conquest and Dreams of Power - Louisiana - The “Bubble” of John Law - Tho Early Viceroys and Governors - Proprietary Change of Louisiana - French and Spanish Settlers in Arkansas - English Settlers - A Few first Settlers in the Counties - The New Madrid Earthquake - Other Items of Interest. CHAPTER IV. Organization - The Viceroy and Governors - The Attitude of the Royal Owners of Louisiana - The District Divided - The Territory of Arkansas Formed from the Territory of Missouri - The Territorial Government - The first Legislature - The Seat. of Government - Other Legislative Bodies - The Duello - Arkansas Admitted to Statehood - The Constitutional Conventions - The Memorable Reconstruction Period - Legislative Attitude on the Question of Secession - The War of the Governors. CHAPTER V. Advancement of the State - Misconceptions Removed - Effects of Slavery upon Agriculture - Extraordinary Improvements Since the War - Important Suggestions - Comparative Estimate of Products - Growth of the Manufacturing Interests - Wonderful Showing of Arkansas - Its Desirability as a Place of Residence – State Elevations. CHAPTER VI. Politics - Importance of the Subject - The Two Old Schools of Politicians - Triumph of the Jacksonians - Early Prominent State Politicians - The Great Question of Secession - The State Votes to Join the Confederacy - Horror of the War Period - The Reconstruction Distress -The Baxter-Brooks Embroglio. Page 4 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER VII. Societies, State Institutions, etc. - The Ku Klux Klan - Independent Order of Odd Fellows - Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons - Grand Army of the Republic - Bureau of Mines - Arkansas Agricultural Associations - State Horticultural Society - The Wheel - The State Capitol - The Capitol Building - State Libraries - State Medical Society - State Board of Health - Deaf Mute Institute - School for the Blind - Arkansas Lunatic Asylum - Arkansas Industrial University - The State Debt CHAPTER VIII. The Bench and Bar - An Analytic View of the Profession of Law - Spanish and French Laws - English Common Law - The Legal Circuit Riders - Territorial Law and Lawyers - The Court Circuits - Early Court Officers - The Supreme Court - Prominent Members of the State Bench and Bar - The Standard of the Execution of Law in the State. CHAPTER IX. The Late Civil War - Analytical View of the Troublous Times - Passage of the Ordinance of Secession - The Call to Arms - The first Troops to take the field - Invasion of the State by the Federal Army - Sketch of the Regiments - Names of Officers - Outline of field Operations - Cleburne and Yell - Extracts from Private Memoranda - Evacuation of the State - Re-occupation - The War of 1812 - The Mexican War - Standard of American Generalship. CHAPTER X. Public Enterprises - The Real Estate Bank of Arkansas - State Roads and other Highways - The Military Roads - Navigation within the State from the Earliest Times to the Present - Decadence of State Navigation - Steamboat. Racing - Accidents to Boats - The Rise and Growth of the Railroad Systems - A Sketch of the Different Lines - Other Important Considerations. CHAPTER XI. The Counties of the State - Their Formation and Changes of Boundary Lines, etc. - Their County Seats and Other Items of Interest Concerning them - Defunct Counties - New Counties - Population of all the Counties of the State at every General Census. CHAPTER XII. Education - The Mental Type Considered - Territorial Schools, Laws and Funds - Constitutional Provisions for Education - Legislative Provisions - Progress since the War - The State Superintendents - Statistics - Arkansas Literature - The Arkansaw Traveler. CHAPTER XIII. The Churches of Arkansas - Appearance of the Missionaries - Church Missions Established in the Wilderness - The Leading Protestant Denominations - Ecclesiastical Statistics - General Outlook from a Religious Standpoint. Page 5 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER XIV. Names Illustrious in Arkansas History - Prominent Mention of Noted Individuals - Ambrose H. Sevier - William E. Woodruff - John Wilson - John Hemphill - Jacob Barkman - Dr. Bowie - Sandy Faulkner - Samuel H. Hempstead - Trent, Williams, Shinn Families, and Others - The Conways - Robert Crittenden - Archibald Yell - Judge David Welker - Gen. G. D. Royston - Judge James W. Bates. CHAPTER XV. White County - Location and Description - Boundary Lines - Topography and Geology - Water Supply - Drainage - Streams - Timber - Soil - Resources - Lumber Interests - Census Enumeration - Taxable Property - Live Stock Industry - Real and Personal Property - Railroad Facilities - Population - Ere of Settlement - County Organization - Seat of Justice and Public Buildings - County officers - Politics - Court Affairs - Roll of Attorneys - Civil War History - Towns and Villages - Schools - Churches – Biographical. CHAPTER XVI. Woodruff County - Period of Settlement - First Pioneers - County Formation - Seat of Justice - Buildings for Public Use - Judicial History - Legal Bar - Political Statue - Directory of Officials - Military Affairs - Geographical Situation - Boundary end Area - Topography - Physical Description - Resources - Census Statistics - Valuation end Taxation – Transportation Population - Educational and Religious Facilities - Society and Commercial Centers – Biography. CHAPTER XVII. Cross County - Act of Formation - Early and Subsequent Settlements - Names of Pioneers - Origin of County Name - Seats of Justice - Judicial Transactions - Buildings for Public Use - Situation, Boundary and Area - Surface Description - Municipalities - Court Affairs and Bench and Bar - Noted Cases - Ecclesiastical History - Schools - List of Officials - Secret Societies - Political Status - Railroads - General Development - Family Record. CHAPTER XVIII. Crittenden County - Act of Organization - The Name - Early Settlements and Land Entries - Tribunal Centers -Public Edifices - Material Advancement and Progress - The Crittenden of Today - Its Desirability as a Place of Residence - Resources, Location and Topography - Military Affairs - Official Directory - Military Road - Railroads - School Matters - Religious Condition - Newspaper Press - Towns and Villages – Biography. CHAPTER XIX. St. Francis County - Its Advantageous Location - Area and Boundary - Streams - Population - Navigation - Period of Entry - First Settlers - Mound Builders - First Building and County Seat - William Strong - Soil - Climate and Production - Stock Raising - Growth and Material Progress - Valuation - Organization - Court Affairs - Prominent Cases - War Record - Sketch of Forrest City - Political History and Directory of Officers - Summary - Biographical. Page 6 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER XX. Monroe County - Transportation Facilities - Taxation, Valuation, etc. - Bonded Indebtedness - Productions - Live Stock - Horticulture - Location - Topography - Variety of Soil - Drainage - Streams, etc. - Timber - Original Occupancy - Pioneer Settlers and first Homes - County Organization - Seat of Justice and Public Buildings - List of Officials - Political Aspect - Population - Court Affairs - Civil War - Towns and Villages - Schools and Churches - Private Memoirs. CHAPTER XXI. Lee County - Recent Organization - Creative Act - Scat of Justice - Officers of Trust - During War Times - Political Complexion - Valuation - Development - Churches and Schools - Period of Settlement - Locution, Area and Population - Streams, Soils, etc. - Natural Yields - Stock Raising Interests - Sketch of Marianna and Haynes - Numerous Selected Sketches. CHAPTER XXII. Arkansas County - Boundary and Area - Valuation - Topographical Presentation - Springs and Mounds - Early Settlement - Names of Pioneers - Population - During War Times - Bench and Bar - Prominent Cases - Interesting Historical Records - Territorial Officers - Cities, Towns, etc.-Church Organizations - Transportation Facilities - County Papers - Municipal Townships and Post offices - Resources - Schools - Biographical Memoirs. CHAPTER XXIII. Prairie County - History of Settlements - Act of Organization - Public Structures - Centers of Judiciary Affairs - Judicial Districts - Courts - Names of Official Incumbents – Political History - Location, Topography, etc. - Physical Features - Soil and Productions - Railroads - Agricultural Wheel - Civil War Items - Valuation and Taxation - Towns and Villages - Public School System - Church Organizations - Personal Sketches. CHAPTER XXIV. Phillips County - Judicial Center - Buildings for Public Use - Political Life - Population - Courts of Equity – Roll of Legal Practitioners – County Situation and Physical Features – Geologic Formation – Water supply and Drainage – Farming Lands – Live Stock Interests – Shipping Facilities – Pioneer Settlements – Military Affairs – Sketch of Helena – Other Towns, Villages, etc. - Interest, Scholastic and Religious – Individual Memoirs. CHAPTER XXV. Speech of Hon. T. F. Sorrells on the Deep Water Question – A Matter of Prime Importance – Eastern Arkansas Interests – Necessity of Deep Water – Methods Employed, etc., etc. Page 7 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas PORTRAITS S. E. Dent Hon. F. P. Laws James B. Dent Capt. J. M. Levesque Maj. James F. Barton Hon. Asa Hodges Col. O. P. Lyles Dr. Philip Van Patten Dr. T. J. Brasher Dr. F. D. Dale B. B. Conner Col. Hoggatt Clopton Thomas Cotton Press Works Page 8 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas HISTORY OF ARKANSAS Page 9 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER I. GEOLOGY - IMPORTANCE OF GEOLOGIC STUDY - AREA AND CLIMATE – BOUNDARIES – PRINCIPAL STREAMS OF THE STATE – THE MOUNTAIN SYSTEMS – THE GREAT SPRINGS – DIVERSITY OF SOILS – CAVES – THE MINES, THEIR WONDERFUL DEPOSITS AND FORMATION. Such blessings Nature pours, O’erstocked mankind enjoys but half her stores. - Young THE matter of first importance for every civilized people to know is the economic geology of the country they inhabit. The rocks and the climate are the solution in the end of all problems of life, as they are the prime sources from which all that human beings can possess comes. The measure of each and every civilization that has adorned the world is in exact degree with the people’s knowledge of the natural laws and the environments about them. The foundation of civilization rests upon the agriculturists, and nothing can be of more importance to this class than some knowledge of what materials plants are composed, and the source from whence they derive existence; the food upon which plants live and grow; how they are nourished or destroyed; what plant food is appropriated by vegetation itself, without man’s aid or intervention, through the natural operations in constant action. The schools will some day teach the children these useful and fundamental lessons, and then, beyond all peradventure, they will answer very completely the lately propounded question: “Are the public schools a failure?” The knowledge of the elementary principles of the geology of this country is now the demand of the age, made upon all nations, in all climes. The character of vegetation. as well as the qualities of the waters and their action upon vegetable and animal life, is primarily determined by the subjacent rocks on which the soil rests. Earth and air are but the combinations of the original gases, forming the solids, liquids and the atmosphere surrounding the globe. The soil is but the decomposed rocks - their ashes, in other words, and hence is seen the imperative necessity of the agriculturist understanding something of the rocks which lie beneath the land he would successfully cultivate. He who is educated in the simple fundamental principles of geology - a thing easier to learn than is the difference in the oaks and pines of the forest - to him there is a clear comprehension of the life-giving qualities stored in the surface rocks, as well as a knowledge of the minerals to be found in their company. A youth so educated possesses incomparable advantages over his school companion in the start of life, who has concentrated his energies on the classics or on metaphysical subjects, whether they enter the struggle for life as farmers, stock raisers, miners or craftsmen. It is as much easier to learn to analyze a rock, mineral or soil, than to learn a Greek verb, as the one is more valuable to know than the other. All true knowledge is the acquirement of that which may aid in the race of life, an education that is so practical that it is always helpful and useful. The geology of Arkansas, therefore, so far as given in this chapter, is in fact but the outline of the physical geography of one of the most interesting localities of the continent, and is written wholly for the lay reader, and attempted in a manner that will reach his understanding. Page 10 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Within the boundary lines of the State are 53,045 square miles, or 33,948,800 acres. It has 3,868,800 more acres of land than the State of New York, and multiplies many times the combined natural resources of all the New England States. It has 2,756 miles of navigable rivers. It had a population in 1880, as shown by the census, of 802,525. Of these there were 10,350 foreigners and 210,666 colored. In 1820 the Territory had a population of 14,255; in 1830, of 30,338; in 1840, of 97,554; in 1850, of 209,897; in 1860, of 435,450; in 1870, of 481,471. (This was the Civil War decade.) In 1885 the population had advanced about 200,000 over the year 1880, or was near 1,000,000. In 1887 it reached the figures of 1,260,000, or an increase of more than a quarter of a million in two years, and there is reason to believe this increased ratio will pass beyond the two million mark in the next census. At least, an increase of one hundred per cent in the ten years is indicated. Keeping in mind that there are no great populous cities in the State, it will be known that this has been that healthy increase of population which gives glowing promises for the future of the State. Here the agricultural districts, and the towns and cities, have kept even pace, while in some of the leading States of the Mississippi Valley the great cities have grown while the rural population has markedly decreased. These are serious problems to reflective minds in those States where the cities are overgrowing and the country is declining. Happily, Arkansas is troubled with no such indications of the disturbed natural distribution of its people. The State, since it emerged from the dark and evil days of civil war and reconstruction, has not only not been advertised in regard to its natural resources, but has been persistently slandered. The outside world, more than a generation ago, were plausibly led to believe the energy of its citizens was justly typified in the old senseless ballad, “The Arkansaw Traveler,” and the culture and refinement of its best people are supposed to be told in the witty account of Judge Halliburton’s “first Piano in Arkansas.” The ruined hopes, the bankrupted fortunes and the broken hearts that are the most recent history of the Western deserts, form some of the measure the poor people are paying for the deceptions in this regard that have been practiced upon them. These silly but amusing things have had their effect, but they were pleasant and harmless, compared to the latest phase of pretexts for persistent publications of the cruelest falsehoods ever heaped upon the heads of innocent men. But, in the end, even this will do good; it is to be seen now among the people. It will put the people of the State upon their mettle, resulting, if that is not already the fact, in giving it the most orderly, law abiding, peaceful and moral people of any equal district of the Union. The State is in the central southern portion of the great Mississippi Valley, and in climate, soil, rocks, minerals and water may well be designated as the capital of this “garden and granary of the world,” with resources beneath the surface that are not, taken all together, surpassed on the globe. Its eastern line is the channel of the Mississippi River “beginning at the parallel 36° of north latitude, thence west with said parallel to the middle of the main channel of the St. Francois (Francis) River; thence up the main channel of said last mentioned river to the parallel of 36° 3O' of north latitude; thence west with the last mentioned parallel, or along the southern line of the State of Missouri, to the southwest corner of said State; thence to be bounded on the west to the north bank of Red River, as designated by act of Congress and treaties, existing January 1, 1837, defining the western limits of the Territory of Arkansaw, and to be bounded west across and south of Red River by the boundary line of the State of Texas as far as the northwest corner of the State of Louisiana; thence easterly with the northern boundary line of said last named State to the middle of the main channel of the Mississippi River; thence up the middle of the main channel of said last mentioned Page 11 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas river, including an island in said river known as Belle Point Island, and all other land as originally surveyed and included as a part of the Territory, or State of Arkansas, to the 36° of north latitude, to the place of beginning.”* * The above descriptive boundary lines are in the authoritative language of the State Constitutional Convention. To understand the south and west lines necessitates a reference to the treaties and acts of Congress. The following would simplify the descriptive part of the west and south lines: Beginning at the southwest corner of Missouri, or in the center of Section 19. Township 21, Range 34 west of the fifth principal meridian line. thence in a straight line south. bearing a little east to strike the east line of Section 4, Township 8 north. Range 32 west; thence in a straight line south, bearing a little west to where the line strikes Red River in Section 14. Township 13 south. Range 83 west: thence along said river to the southwest corner of Section 7, Township 14 south, Ran e 28 west; thence south to the northwest corner of the northeast quarter of Section 18, Township 20 south. Range 28 west: thence east along the 83° of latitude to the middle of the channel of the Mississippi River; thence up said river to the place of beginning. The State lines run with the lines of latitude and the meridional lines. and not with the government survey lines. The State includes between its north and south boundary lines the country lying between parallel of latitude 33° north, and parallel of latitude 36° 30 north, and between its east to west lines the country between longitude 90° and a little west of longitude 94° 30'. Its geographical position on the continent assures the best conditions of temperature, salubrity and rainfall, this being shown by the absence of the intense heat and the cold storms of the higher latitudes and the droughts of the west. From the meteorological reports it is learned that the average rainfall in the State during June, July and August is sixteen inches, except a narrow belt in the center of the State, where it is eighteen inches, and a strip on the western portion of the State, where it is from eight to fourteen inches. Accurate observations covering fifteen years give an average of seventy five rainy days in the year. Of twenty-three States where are reported 134 destructive tornadoes, four were in Arkansas. The annual mean temperature of Los Angeles, Cal., is about 1° less than that of Little Rock. The watershed of the State runs from the north of west to the southeast, from the divide of the Ozark Mountain range, except a few streams on the east side of the State, which flow nearly parallel with the Mississippi River, which runs a little west of south along the line of the State. North of the Ozark divide the streams bear to a northerly direction. Of the navigable rivers within its borders the Arkansas is navigable 505 miles; Bartholomew Bayou, 68 miles; Black River, 147 miles; Current River, 63 miles; Fourche La Favre River, 73 miles; Little Missouri River, 74 miles; Little Red River, 48 miles; Little River; 98 miles; Mississippi River, 424 miles; Ouachita River, 134 miles; Petit Jean River, 105 miles; Red River, 92 miles; Saline River, 125 miles; St. Francis River, 180 miles; White River, 619 miles. Page 12 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas These streams flow into the Mississippi River and give the State an unusual navigable river frontage. and they run so nearly in parallel lines to each other and are distributed so equally as to give, especially the eastern half and the southwest part of the State, the best and cheapest transportation facilities of any State in the Union. These free rivers will in all times control the extortions of transportation lines that are so oppressive to the people of less favored localities. The Arkansas River passes diagonally across the center of the State, entering at Fort Smith, and emptying into the Mississippi at Napoleon. South of this the main stream is the Ouachita River and its tributaries; the Saline River, which divides nearly equally the territory between the Arkansas and Ouachita Rivers; and the Little Missouri on the southwest, which divides the territory between the Ouachita and Red Rivers. North of the Arkansas, and about equally dividing the territory between the Mississippi and the Arkansas Rivers, i3 White River, running nearly southeast. Its main tributary on the west is Little Red River, and on the northeast Black. River. which enters the State from Missouri, and flows southwesterly and empties into the White at Jacksonport, Jackson County. Another important tributary is Cache River, which flows 3 little west of south from Clay Co., emptying into the White near Clarendon. Eel River is in the northeast corner of the State and partially drains Craighead County. Eleven Points, Currant, Spring and Strawberry Rivers are important tributaries of Black River. St. Francis River flows from Missouri, and from 36° 30 north latitude to 36° north latitude it forms the boundary line between Missouri and Arkansas, and continuing thence south empties into the Mississippi a few miles above Helena. Main Fork of White River rises in Madison County and flows northwest in and through Washington County into Benton County; thence northeast into Missouri, returning again to Arkansas in Boone County. Big North Fork of White River rises in the south central part of Missouri, flows southward, and forms its junction in Baxter Co., AR. La. Grue River is a short distance south of White River; it rises in Prairie County and joins the White in Desha County. Middle Fork of Saline River rises in Garland County and flows southeast. Rolling Fork of Little River rises in Polk and passes south through Sevier County. Cassatot River also rises in Polk and passes south through Sevier County. Clear Fork of Little Missouri rises in Polk County and passes southeast. East Fork of Poteau River rises in Scott County and runs nearly due west into the Indian Territory. L’Auguille River rises in Poinsett County and flows through Cross, St. Francis and Lee Counties, and empties into the St. Francis within a few miles of the mouth of the latter. Big Wattensaw River rises in Lonoke County and runs east into Prairie Co., and empties into White River. Muddy Fork of Little Missouri River rises in Howard County and runs southeast. Yache Grass River runs north through Sebastian County had empties into the Arkansas River east of Fort Smith. Terre Noir River runs from northwest to the southeast in Clark County and empties into Ouachita River. Sulphur Fork of Red River enters the State from Texas, about the center of the west line of Miller Co., and running a little south of east empties into Red River. Sabine River flows south through the central southern portions of the State, and empties into the Ouachita River near the south line of the State. There are numerous creeks forming tributaries to the streams mentioned, equally distributed over the State, which are fully described in the respective counties. Page 13 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Besides these water-courses mention should properly be made of the nineteen bayous within the State’s borders. The Ozark Mountains pass through the northern portion of Arkansas, from west to east, and form the great divide in the watersheds of the State. Rich Mountains are in the central western part. and run east from its west line, forming the dividing line between Scott and Polk Counties, and also between Scott and Montgomery Counties, and run into Yell County. South and east of the Rich Mountains are the Silver Leaf Mountains, also running east and west from Polk Co., through Montgomery to Garland County. These are the mountain formations seen about Hot Springs. Sugar Loaf Mountain is in Cleburne Co., and receives its name from its peculiar shape. It is in the northern central part of the State. Another mountain of the same name, containing the highest point in the State, is in Sebastian Co., and extends into the Indian Territory. Boston Mountains are in the northwestern part of the State, running east and west in Washington, Crawford and other counties. These include the main mountainous formations. There are many points in these ranges that have local names. It would require volumes to give a complete account of the variety of the innumerable springs which ‘burst forth with their delicious waters - warm, hot and cold, salt, mineral and medicated. The fame of some of the medical, and the Hot Springs of Arkansas, are known throughout the civilized world, and pilgrims from all nations come to be washed and healed in them. They were known to and celebrated by the prehistoric peoples of America; and the migrating buffaloes, ages and ages ago, came annually from the land of the Dakotas to the spring waters of Arkansas. The instincts of the wild beasts antedate the knowledge of man of the virtues and values of the delicious waters so bountifully given to the State. Nearly all over its territory is one wonder after another, filling every known range of springs and spring waters, which, both in abundance of flow and in medicinal properties, mock the world’s previous comprehension of the possibilities of nature in this respect. When De Soto, in June, 1542, discovered the Mississippi River and crossed into (now) Arkansas, and had traveled north into the territory of Missouri, he heard of the “hot lakes” and turned about and arrived in time where is now Hot Springs. Even then, to the aborigines, this was the best known spot on the continent, and was, and had been for centuries, their great sanitarium. The tribes of the Mississippi Valley had long been in the habit of sending here their invalids, and even long after they were in the possession of the whites it was a common sight to see the camp of representatives of many different tribes. The whites made no improvement in the locality until 1807. Now there is a flourishing city of 10,000 inhabitants, and an annual arrival of visitors of many thousands. The waters, climate, mountain air and grand scenery combine to make this the great world’s resort for health and pleasure seekers, and at all seasons of the year. The seasons round,with rarest exceptions, are the May and October months of the North. In the confined spot in the valley called Hot Springs there are now known seventy- one springs. In 1860 the State geologist, D. D. Owen, only knew of forty. Others will no doubt be added to the list. These range in temperature from 93° to 150° Fahrenheit. They discharge over 500,000 gallons of water daily. The waters are clear, tasteless and in-odorous; they come from the sides of the ridge pure and sparkling as the pellucid Neva; holding in solution, as they rush up hot and bubbling from nature’s most wonderful alembic, every valuable mineral constituent. In the cure, especially of nearly all manner of blood and chronic diseases, they are unequaled, and their wonders have become mainly known to all the world by the Page 14 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas living and breathing advertisements of those who have proven in their own persons their wonderful curative powers. To reach Hot Springs and be healed, is the hope and aspiration of the invalid, when all other remedies have failed. And it is but just now that the pleasure seeker, the tourist, the scientist. and the intelligence and culture of the world are beginning to understand that this is one of the world’s most inviting places to see and enjoy. But the marvels of the district are not confined to the immediate locality of Hot Springs. Here is indeed a wide district, with a quantity and variety of medical springs that are simply inapproachable on the globe. Going west from Hot Springs are systems of springs running into Montgomery County a distance of forty miles. As continued discoveries of other springs in Hot Springs are being made, and as these widely distributed outlying springs are comparatively of recent disclosure. it may be assumed that for many years to come new and valuable springs will become celebrated. In Carroll Co., in the northwest part of the State, are Eureka Springs, only second to Hot Springs in the wide celebrity of fame as healing waters. They, too, may well be considered one of the world’s wonders. There are forty-two of these springs within the corporate limits of the city that has grown up about them. They received no public notice until 1879, when with a bound they became advertised to the world. Their wonderful cures, especially in cases of rheumatism, cancer, dyspepsia and other, if not nearly all, chronic diseases, have bordered on the marvelous, if not the miraculous. In White County are the noted White Sulphur Springs, at Searcy, and the sulphur and Chalybeate springs, known as the Armstrong and the Griffin Springs, and the medical springs - Blanchard Springs - in Union County; the Ravenden Springs, in Randolph Co., and the Sugar Loaf Springs, in Cleburne County; the very recently discovered Lithia Springs, near Hope, in Hempstead Co., pronounced by a leading medical journal, in its January issue. 1889, to be the most remarkable discovery of this class of medical waters of this century. These are some of the leading springs of the State which possess unusual medicinal properties. By a glance at the map it will be seen they are distributed nearly equally all over its territory. Simply to catalog them and give accompanying analyses of the waters would make a ponderous volume of itself. In the above list have been omitted mention of the fine Bethseda Springs in Polk Co., or the fine iron and Chalybeate springs near Magnolia; Bussey’s Springs, near Eldorado, Union County; Butler’s Saline Chalybeate Springs, in Columbia County; the double mineral spring of J. I. Holdernist, in Calhoun County; a large number of saline Chalybeate springs in Township 10 south, Range 23 west, in Hempstead Co., called Hubbard’s Springs; or Crawford’s Sulphur Springs; or those others in Section 16, Township 12 south, Range 10 west; or Murphy’s or Leag’s Mineral Springs, all in Bradley County; or Gen. Royston’s noted Chalybeate springs in Pike Co., and still many others that are known to possess mineral qualities, though no complete examination of them has yet been made. Special mention should not be omitted of the Mountain Valley Springs, twelve miles northwest of Hot Springs. The fame of these springs has demanded the shipment of water, lately, to distant localities in vast and constantly increasing quantities. The knowledge of them is but comparatively recent, and yet their wonderful healing qualities are already widely known. Innumerable. apparently, as are the health springs of Arkansas, they are far surpassed by the common springs found nearly all over the State. Page 15 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Mammoth Spring is in Fulton Co., and is unrivaled in the country. The water boils up from an opening 120 feet in circumference, and flows uninterruptedly at the rate of 9,000 barrels a minute. From the compression of so large an amount of carbonic acid hold in solution, the whole surface of this water basin is in a continual state of effervescence. Spring River, a bold stream, is produced by this spring, and gives an unlimited amount of water power. The general division of the surface of the State is uplands and lowlands. It is a timber State, with a large number of small prairies. East and near Little Rock is Lonoke Prairie. and other small prairies are in the southwest part. In its northeast portion are some large strips of prairie, and there are many other small spots bare of timber growths, but these altogether compose only a small portion of the State’s surface. The variety and excellence of soils are not surpassed by any State in the Union. The dark alluvial prevails in nearly all the lowlands, while on many sections of the uplands are the umber red soils of the noted tobacco lands of Cuba. About two- thirds of the State’s surface shows yellow pine growth, the great tall trees standing side by side with the hardwoods, walnut, maple, grapevines, sumac, etc. A careful analysis of the soils and subsoil of every county in the State by the eminent geologist, Prof. D. D. Owen. shows this result: The best soils of Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota are inferior to the best soils of Arkansas in fertilizing properties. The following reports of State geologists tell the story: Ark. Minn. Iowa. Wis. Organic and Volatile Matter . . 14,150 6,334 6,028 6,580 Alumnia . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,715 5,585 3,288 4,610 Carbonate Lime . . . . . . . . . 21,865 690 940 665 In fertilizing qualities the only comparative results to the Arkansas soils are found in the blue limestone districts of Central Kentucky. Analysis of the soils shows the derivative geological formation of soils, and their agricultural values; their losses by cultivation, and what soils lying convenient will repair the waste. Arkansas Co., the mother of counties in the State. lying in the southeast. shows the tertiary formations. Benton Co., at the opposite northwest corner, has the sub-carboniferous. The tertiary is found in Newton County; Clark, Hempstead and Sevier show the cretaceous; Conway, Crawford, Johnson, Ouachita, Perry, Polk, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, Scott, Van Buren, White, Garland and Montgomery, the novaculite, or whetstone grit; Greene, Jackson, Poinsett and Union, the quaternary. In addition to Benton, given above, are Independence, Madison, Monroe, Searcy and Washington, sub-carboniferous. The lower silurian is represented in Fulton, Izard, Lawrence, Marion and Randolph. These give the horizons of the rock formations of the State. The State has 28,000,000 acres of woodland - eighty- one and one-half per cent of her soil. Of this twenty-eight per cent is in cleared farms. If there be drawn a line on the map, beginning a few miles west of longitude 91°, in the direction of Little Rock, thence to the north boundary line of Clark Co., just west of the Iron Mountain Railroad, then nearly due west to the west line of the State, the portion north of this line will be the uplands, and south the lowlands. The uplands correspond with the Paleozoic, and lowlands with the Neozoic. The granitic axis outbursts in Pulaski, Saline, Hot Springs, Montgomery, Pike and Sevier Counties, and runs from the northeast to the southwest through the State. In Page 16 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Northern Arkansas the disturbance shows itself in small faults, gentle folds and slightly indurated shales; but nearer the granite axis, greater faults, strata with high dip and talcose slate, intersected with quartz and calcite veins, become common. These disturbances are intimately connected with, and determine to some extent, the character of the mineral deposits of the State. The veins along the granite axis were filled probably with hot alkaline waters depositing the metalliferous compounds they contained. Almost every variety of land known to the agriculturist can be found, and, for fertility, the soils of the State are justly celebrated. Composed as they are of uplands and lowlands, and a variety of climate, they give a wide range of products. In the south and central portions are produced the finest cotton in the markets, while the uplands yield fruits in abundance and variety. No place in the great valley excels it in variety of garden vegetables, small and orchard fruits, grasses, grains, and other field crops. Among agriculturists in Arkansas, truly cotton has been king. It is grown upon lands that would produce a hundred bushels of corn to the acre. All over the State a bale of cotton to the acre is the average - worth at this time $50. Per acre it is about the same labor to raise as corn. In the varied and deep rich soils of the State are produced the vegetation - fruits, vegetables and plants of the semi-tropic regions, and also the whole range of the staple products of the north. Cereals, fruits and cotton grow as well here as anywhere. In the uplands will some day be raised grapes and tobacco that will be world famous. That portion of the hilly lands in Clay, Greene, Craighead, Poinsett, St. Francis, Lee and Phillips Counties, known as Crowley’s ridge, has a soil and vegetable growth distinctive from any other portion of the State. Its principal forest growth is yellow poplar, which is found in immense size. With this timber are the oak, gum, hickory, walnut, sugar and maple. The soil is generally of a light yellowish or gray color, often gravelly, very friable and easily cultivated, producing abundant crops of cotton, corn, oats, clover, timothy and red top, and is most excellent for fruits. The prevailing soil is alluvial, with more or less alluvial soils. The alluvial soils, especially along the streams, are from three to thirty feet deep, and these rich bottoms are often miles in width. There are no stronger or more productive lands than these anywhere, and centuries of cultivation create no necessity for fertilizers. The swamp lands or slashes as a general thing lie stretched along between the alluvial lands and second bottoms. They are usually covered with water during the winter and spring, and are too wet for cultivation. though dry in the summer and fall. They can be easily reclaimed by draining. The second bottoms are principally on the eastern side of the State, extending from the slashes to the hills. The soil is mostly gray color, sometimes yellowish, resting upon a subsoil of yellowish or mulatto clay. The rich, black lands prevail largely in Hempstead. Little River. Sevier, Nevada, Clark, Searcy, Stone, Izard and Independence Counties. In the mountainous range of the Ozarks, in Independence Co., are remarkable cave formations. They are mostly nitre caves and from these and others in the southeast and west of Batesville, the Confederacy obtained much of this necessity. Near Cushman, Independence Co., are the wonderful caves. The extent and marvelous beauty of formations are in the great arched room. the “King’s Palace.” This cave has been Page 17 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas explored for miles under the earth. and many wonders and beauties are seen on every hand. On the side of the mouth of one of the caves in this vicinity a strong spring leaps from the mountain’s side and into the cave, and the rumbling of the rushing waters beneath the earth can be heard quite a distance. The notable saltpetre caves are in Marion. Newton, Carroll, Independence, Washington and Benton Counties. There are gold mines in Arkansas, yet no remarkable finds that is, no marvelous wonders have as yet been uncovered. The universal diffusion of milky quartz in veins, seams and beds, as well as all the other geological tokens which lead on to fortune. are recent discoveries, and the intelligent gold hunters are here in abundance. Who can. tell what the future may have in store? But should no rich paying gold fields ever be found, still in the resources of the State are ores of silver, antimony, zinc, iron, lead, copper, manganese. marble, granite, whet and hone-stone, rock-crystal, paints, nit-re earths, kaolin, marls, freestone, limestone, buhr and grindstone and slate, which may well justify the bold assertion of that eminent geologist, Prof. D. D. Owen. in 1860, after carefully looking over the State. “that Arkansas is destined to rank as one of the richest mineral States in the Union.” Its zinc ores compare favorably with those of Silesia, and its argentiferous galena far exceeds in percentage of silver the average of such ores of other countries. Its novaculite (Whetstone) rock can not be excelled in fineness of texture, beauty of color, and sharpness of grit. Its crystal mountains for extent, and their products for beauty, brilliancy and transparency, have no rivals in the world. Its mineral waters are in variety and values equaled only by its mineral products. Anticipating the natural questions as to why the mines of Arkansas are not better developed, it will be sufficient to condense to the utmost Prof. Owen’s words in reference to the Bellah mine in Soviet County: “It is the same vein that is found in Pulaski Co., and runs northeast and southwest nearly through the State. Some years ago the Bellah mine was explored and six shafts were sunk. Three of the principal shafts were about thirty feet deep. The work was done under the supervision of Richard W. Bellah, afterward of Texas. There was a continuous vein, increasing in thickness as far as he went. On the line other shafts were sunk from six to twelve feet deep. all showing the ore to be continuous. About five tons of ore were taken out. A portion of this was sent to Liverpool, England, to be tested, and the statement in return was ‘seventy three per cent lead, and 148 ounces of silver to the ton.’” Mr. Bellah wrote to Prof. Owen: “I am not willing to lease the mines; but I will sell for a reasonable price, provided my brother and sister will sell at the same. I have put the price upon the mines, and value it altogether [460 acres of land] at $10,000.” Such was the condition of affairs at this mine when the war came. Substantially, this is the antebellum history of the Arkansas mining interests. Prof. Owen reports picking up from the debris of these deserted shafts one that analyzed seventy-three per cent lead and fifty-two and one-half ounces of silver to the ton of lead. That these rich fields should lie fallow-ground through the generations can now be accounted for only from the blight of slavery upon the enterprise and industry of Page 18 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas people. the evils of a great civil war, and the natural adaptation of the soil and slavery to the raising of cotton. On the line of this vein, in Saline Co., from very superficial explorations. were discovered veins bearing argentiferous lead and copper. Lead is found in about every county in Northern Arkansas. These are a continuation of the Missouri lead ores. The richest argentiferous lead ores reported are in Pulaski, Saline, Montgomery, Polk, Pike, Ashley and Sevier Counties, being found in the quartz and calcite gangues. It is associated in the north of the State with zinc, copper, and with antimony in Sevier County. One of the latest discoveries is the value of the antimony mines of Polk and Sevier Counties. A mine is being worked successfully for antimony, and the increase of silver is improving as the shaft goes down. At any hour in the progress of the work, according to the opinions of the best scientific mining experts, this shaft may reach one of the noted silver deposits of the world. In the Jeff Clark antimony mine, at a distance of 100 feet down, was found a rich pocket of silver. In every particular, so far, this mine is a transcript of that of the noted Comstock mine. The Comstock mine showed silver on the surface; so did the Sevier County mine; then it passed down 100 feet, following a vein of antimony; so has the Sevier mine; then in each has silver been found. There is an unchanging law which governs the rock and mineral formations. Nature never lies, and there is no doubt that the Arkansas mineral belt, through Montgomery, Polk, Howard and Sevier Counties, will prove to be one of the richest mining districts of the world. The antimony mine has been quite successfully worked the past two years. The Bob Wolf mine, Antimony Bluff mine, and Stewart Lode are being profitably worked. Capital and the facilities for reducing ores by their absence are now the only drawback to the mineral products of the State. Iron is found native in the State only in meteorites. The magnatite ore is found plentiful in Magnet Cove. Lodestones from this place are shipped abroad, and have a high reputation. This is one of the best iron ores, and the scarcity of fuel and transportation in the vicinity are the causes of its not being worked. The limonite iron ore is the common ore of 311 Northern Arkansas; immense deposits are found in Lawrence, where several furnaces are operated. In the southern part of the State is the bog iron ore. The brown hematite is found in Lawrence, Randolph, Fulton and other counties. Workable veins of manganese are found in Independence County. This valuable ore is imported now from Spain; it is used in making Spiegel iron. Bituminous and semi-anthracite coal is found in the true coal measures of the uplands of Arkansas. That of the northwest is free from sulphur. The semi- anthracite is found in the valley of the Arkansas River. These coal fields cover 10,000 acres. There are four defined coal horizons - the sub-conglomerate, lower, middle and upper. The coal fields of this State belong to the lowest - the sub- carboniferous - in the shale or millstone grit less than 100 feet above the Archimedes limestone. In the Arkansas Valley these veins aggregate over six feet. The veins lie high in the Boston Mountains, dipping south into the Arkansas Valley. Shaft mining is done at Coal Hill, Spadra and many other points. It is shipped down the river in quantities to New Orleans. Page 19 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Aluminum, corundum, sapphire, oriental ruby, topaz and amethysts are found in Howard and Sevier Counties. Strontianite is found in Magnet Cove - valuable in the purification of sugar. In the synclinal folds of Upper Arkansas common salt is easily obtained. Good salt springs are in Sevier Co., also in Dallas and Hot Springs Counties. Chalcedony, of all colors, carnelian, agates, novaculite, hone- stone, buhrstone, varieties of granite, eight kinds of elegant marble, sandstone, white, gray, red, brown and yellow, are common in the grit horizon; flagstones, roofing and pencil slates, talc, kaolin, abound in Saline, Washington, St. Francis and Greene Counties. The potter’s clay of Miller, Saline and Washington is extensively worked. “Rock oil” has been discovered in large pockets in Northwest Arkansas. In the development of its mineral resources the State is still in its infancy, so much so, indeed, that what will prove yet to be the great sources of wealth are not even now produced as a commercial commodity. In some respects this is most remarkable. For instance, Arkansas might supply the world, if necessity required, with lime and cement, can produce the best of each at the least cost, and yet practically all these consumed are imported here from other States. Years ago Prof. D. D. Owen called attention to the valuable marls in the southwest part of the State, but the great beds lie untouched and cotton planters send OR for other fertilizers. So also of the great beds of gypsum that lie uncovered and untouched. The outside world wants unlimited supplies of kaolin, fire-clays and such other clays as the State possesses in inestimable quantities, and yet the thrifty people seem to be oblivious of the fact that here is the way to easy sources of wealth. People can live here too easily it seems. In this way only can a reason be found for not striking boldly out in new fields of venture, with that vigor of desperation which comes of stern and hard necessity. Where nature is stubborn and unyielding, man puts forth his supremest efforts. Magnet Cove probably furnishes more remarkable formations than any other district in the world. The “Sunk Lands” in the northeast part of the State, the result. of the disturbance of the New Madrid earthquake 1811-12, present features of interest to both lay and scientific investigators. The curious spectacle of deep lakes, beneath which can be seen standing in their natural position the great forest trees, is presented; and instead of the land animals roving and feeding among them are the inhabitants of the deep waters. The natural abutments of novaculite rocks at Rockport, on the Ouachita River, with the proper outlying rocks on the opposite side of the river, are a very interesting formation. Cortes Mountain, Sebastian Co., as seen from Hodges Prairie presents a grand view. The bars hard rock looks as though the waves in their mighty swells had been congealed and fixed into a mountain. It is 1,500 feet high. Standing Rock, Board Camp Creek, Polk Co., is a conspicuous and interesting landmark. It rises from out the crumbling shales, like an artificial piece of masonry, to the height of ninety feet. The Dardanello Rock as seen from the Arkansas River, opposite Morristown, is composed of ferruginous substance, and the great column dips at an angle of 40° toward the river. From one point on the southeast is the wonderful Dardanello Profile. All the features of the face, with a deep-cut mouth slightly open as if in the act of listening to what one is going to say to it, and the outlines of the Page 20 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas head, neck and shoulders. are faithfully produced. Its faithfulness of detail and heroic proportions are its strong characteristics. Sandstone Dam across Lee Creek, Crawford Co., is a curious instance of nature’s perfect engineering. The formation here possesses as much interest to the scientist as the noted Natural Bridge. Investigations of the Mammoth Spring lead to the conclusion that it has underground connection with Havell’s Valley, MO; that here the waters from many springs, some rising to the surface and others not rising, are as the head of a vast funnel, which pour down the subterranean channel and, finally meeting obstructions to further progress, are forced up through the solid rock and form the Mammoth Spring, 3 navigable subterranean river in short, whose charts no bold seaman will ever follow. North of Big Rock are the traces of a burnt out volcano, whose fires at one time would have lighted up the streets of Little Rock even better than the electric lights now gleaming from their high towers. The track of the awful cataclysm, once here in its grand forces, is all that is left; the energies of nature’s greatest display of forces lost in the geological eons intervening. Page 21 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER II. ARCHAEOLOGY - REMAINS OF FLINT ARROW AND SPEAR HEADS AND STONE AND OTHER ORNAMENTS – EVIDENCES OF PRE-HISTORIC PEOPLE ALONG THE MISSISSIPPI – MOUNDS, ETC., IN OTHER PORTIONS OF THE STATE - LOCAL ARCHAEOLOGISTS AND THEIR WORK – THE INDIANS – TRIBAL AND RACE CHARACTERISTICS - THE ARKANSAS TRIBES – THE CESSION TREATIES - THE REMOVAL OF THE CHEROKEES, CREEKS AND CHOCTAWS – AN INDIAN ALARM – ASSASSINATION OF THE LEADERS, ETC., ETC. Some lazy ages, lost in sleep and ease, No actions leave to busy chronicles; Such whose superior felicity but makes In story chasms, in epochas mistakes. - Dryden. In the long gone ages, reaches of time perhaps only to be measured by geological periods, races of men have been here, grown, flourished, declined and passed away, many not even leaving a wreck behind; others transmitting fossil traces, dim and crumbling, and still later ones, the successors of the earlier ones, who had no traditions of their predecessors, have left something of the measure of their existence in the deftly cut flints, broken pottery, adobe walls, or great earth works standing in the whilom silent wilderness as mute and enduring monuments to their existence; man, races, civilizations, systems of religion passing on and on to that eternal silence - storm-fully from the inane to the inane, the great world’s epic that is being forever written and that is never writ. Arkansas is an inviting field for the investigation of the archaeologist, as well as the geologist. Races of unknown men in an unknown time have swarmed over the fair face of the State. Their restless activities drove them to nature’s natural storehouses and the fairest climes on the continent. Where life is easiest maintained in its best form do men instinctively congregate, and thus communities and nations are formed. The conditions of climate and soil, rainfall and minerals are the controlling factors in the busy movements of men. These conditions given, man follows the great streams, on whose bosom the rudest savages float their canoes and pirogues. Along the eastern part of the State are the most distinct traces of prehistoric peoples, whose hieroglyphics, in the form of earthworks, are the most legible to the archaeologist. Here, earthworks in greatest extent and numbers are found, indicating that this section once swarmed with these barbaric races of men. In Lonoke Co., sixteen miles southeast of Little Rock, and on the Little Rock & Altheimer branch of the St. Louis, Arkansas & Texas Railroad, is a station called Toltec. It is located on the farm of Mr. Gilbert Knapp, and is near Mounds Lake. This lake is either the line of what was a horse-shoe bend in Arkansas River long ago, or is the trace of a dead river. The lake is in the form of a horse-shoe, and covers a space of about three miles. The horseshoe points east of north, and the heels to the southwest. Here is a great field of large and interesting mounds and earth. works. A little east of the north bend of the lake are two great mounds - one square and the other cone shaped. The cone shaped is the larger and taller. and is supposed to have been 100 feet high, while the other was about seventy-five feet in elevation. About them to the north and east are many small mounds, with no apparent fixed method in their location. These have all been denuded of their Page 22 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas timber and are in cultivation, except the larger one above mentioned. Upon this is a growth of heavy timber, elms, hickory, and oaks with as high as 500 rings, and standing on an alluvial soil from eight to fifteen feet deep. These large mounds are enclosed with an earth wall starting out from the bank of the lake, and circling at a considerable distance and returning to the lake, and keeping nearly an equal distance from the larger mound. The sloping base of each mound reaches the base and overlaps or mingles with the base of its neighbor. Around this big wall was once an outside ditch. The humus on the smaller mounds shows, in cultivation, a stronger and deeper alluvial soil than the surrounding land. There are evidences in these mounds that while they were built by one nation, for objects now problematical, they have been used by other succeeding peoples for other and different purposes, much after the manner that are now found farmers with well-kept gardens on the tops of the mounds, or stately residences, or on others growing cotton and corn. In them human and animal bones are seen, and there are indications that, while they were built for purposes of worship or war, when the builders passed away more than one race of their successors to the country used them as convenient burial grounds. They were skillful stone workers and potters, and their mason’s tools are frequently met with. Nearly every implement of the stone age is found in and about the mounds. Mr. Knapp, who has given the subject considerable intelligent study, is so convinced that these works were made by the Toltec race that he has named the new station in honor of that people. On the line of this earth-wall mentioned are two deep pools that never are known to become dry. East of Toltec thirty or more miles, in Lonoke Prairie, are mounds that apparently belong to the chain or system which runs parallel with the river, through the State. The small mounds or barrows, as Jefferson termed the modern Indian burial places. are numerous, and distributed all over Arkansas. What is pronounced a fortified town is found in well marked remains on St. Francis River. It was discovered by Mr. Savage, of Louisville. fie reports “parts of walls, built of adobe brick and cemented.” On these remains he detected trees growing numbering 300 rings. He reports the brick made of clay and chopped or twisted straw, and with regular figures. A piece of first-class engineering is said to be traced here in a sap-mine, which had passed under the walls of the fortification. The bones and pottery and tools and arms of the prehistoric peoples of Arkansas are much more abundant than are found in any other spot in the United States. Mrs. Hobbs, living four miles southeast of Little Rock, has a very complete collection of the antiquities of the State. It is pronounced by antiquarians as one of the most valuable in the country. The Smithsonian Institute has offered her every inducement to part with her collection, but she has refused. It is hoped the State will some day possess this treasure, and suitably and permanently provide for its preservation. When the white man discovered and took possession of North America, he found the red man and his many tribes here, and under a total misapprehension of having found a new continent, he named this strange people Indians. The new world might have been called Columbia, and the people Columbians. Again, instead of being sparse tribes of individuals fringing the shores of the Atlantic Ocean there were 478 tribes, occupying nearly the whole of the north half of this western hemisphere; some in powerful tribes, like the Iroquois; some were rude agricultural and Page 23 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas commercial peoples, some living in houses of logs or stone, permanent residents of their localities; others warriors and hunters only. and still others migratory in their nature, pirates and parasites. One characteristic strongly marked them all a love of liberty and absolute freedom far stronger than the instinct of life itself. The Indian would not be a slave. Proud and free, he regarded with contempt the refinements of civilization. He breathed the same free air as did the eagle of the crags, and would starve before he would do manual work, or, as he believed, degrade himself in doing aught but paint himself, sing his war songs and go forth to battle, or pursue the wild game or meet the savage wild beasts in their paths and slay them in regular combat. To hunt, fish and fight was the high mission of great and good men to his untutored mind, while the drudgery of life was relegated to the squaws and squaw-men. His entire economic philosophy was simply the attainment of his desires with the least exertion. In a short time he will have filled his earthly mission, and passed from the stage of action, leaving nothing but a dim memory. From their many generations of untold numbers has come no thought, no invention, no action that deserves to survive them a day or an hour. The Indians of today, the few that are pure blood, are but the remnants, the useless refuse of a once numerous people, who were the undisputed possessors of a continent, but are now miserable, ragged and starving beggars at the back doors of their despoilers, stoically awaiting the last final scene in the race tragedy. And, like the cheerful sermon on the tombstone, who shall say that white civilization, numbers and power, will not in the course of time, and that not far distant, be the successors of the residue of wretches now representing the red race? “I was once as you are, you will soon be as I am.” A grim philosophy truly, but it is the truth of the past, and the great world wheels about much now as it has forever. What is now Arkansas has been the possession of the following Indian tribes; no one tribe, it seems, occupied or owned the territory in its entirety, but their possessions extended into the lines, covering a portion of the lands only, and then reaching many degrees, sometimes to the north, south and west: The Osages, a once numerous tribe, were said to own the country south of the Missouri River to Red River, including a large portion of Arkansas. The Quapaws, also a powerful nation. were the chief possessors, and occupied nearly the whole of the State, “time out of mind;" the Cherokees were forced out of Georgia and South Carolina, and removed west of the Mississippi River in 1836; the Hitchittees were removed from the Chattahouchee River to Arkansas. They speak the Muskogee dialect - were 600 strong when removed; the Choctaws were removed to the west. after the Cherokees. In 1812 they were 15,000 strong. The Quapaws, of all the tribes connected with Arkansas, may be regarded as the oldest settlers, having possessed more of its territory in well defined limits than any of the others. In the early part of the eighteenth century they constituted a powerful tribe. In the year 1720 they were decimated by smallpox; reduced by this and other calamities, in 1820, one hundred years after, they were found scattered along the south side of the Arkansas River, numbering only 700 souls. They never regained their former numerical strength or warlike importance, but remained but a band of wretched, ragged beggars, about whose hunting grounds the white man was ever lessening and tightening the lines. January 5, 1819, Gov. Clark and Pierre Chouteau made a treaty with the tribe by which was ceded to the United States the most of their territory. The descriptive part of the treaty is in the following words: “Beginning at the mouth of the Arkansas River; thence extending up the Arkansas to the Canadian Fork, and up the Canadian Fork to its source; thence south to the big Red River, and down the middle of that river to the Big Raft; thence in a direct line so as to strike the Page 24 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Mississippi River, thirty leagues in a straight line, below the mouth of the Arkansas, together with all their claims to lands east of the Mississippi River and north of the Arkansas River. With the exception and reservation following, that is to say, that tract of country bounded as follows: Beginning at a point on the Arkansas River opposite the present Post of Arkansas, and running thence a due southwest course to the Washita River; thence up that river to the Saline Fork, to a point from whence a due north course would strike the Arkansas River at the Little Rock, and thence down the right bank of the Arkansas to the place of beginning.” In addition to this a tract was reserved north of the Arkansas River, which the treaty says is indicated by “marks on the accompanying map.” This west line of the Quapaw reservation struck the river about where is now Rock Street. In November, 1824, Robert Crittenden, the first Territorial secretary, effected a treaty with the Quapaws, at Harrington’s, AR, which ceded the above reservation and forever extinguished all title of that tribe to any portion of Arkansas. The tribe was then removed to what is now the Indian Territory. The other original occupants or claimants to the Arkansas Territory were the Osages. Of these there were many tribes, and in 1830 numbered 4,000 strong, but mostly along the Osage River. Their claim lapped over, it seems, all that portion of the Quapaw lands lying north of the Arkansas River. The title of the Osages was extinguished to what is now Arkansas by a treaty of November 10, 1808, made at Fort Clark, on the Missouri River. By this treaty they ceded all the country east of a line running due south from Fort Clark to the Arkansas River, and down said river to its confluence with the Mississippi River. These Indians occupied only the country along the Missouri and Osage Rivers, and if they were ever on what they claimed as their southern boundary, the Arkansas River, it was merely on expeditions. About 1818, Georgia and South Carolina commenced agitating the subject of getting rid of the Indians, and removing them west. They wanted their lands and did not want their presence. At first they used persuasion and strategy, and finally force. They were artful in representing to the Indians the glories of the Arkansas country, both for game and rich lands. During the twenty years of agitating the subject Indians of the tribes of those States came singly and in small hands to Arkansas, and were encouraged to settle anywhere they might desire north of the Arkansas River, on the Osage ceded lands. The final act of removal of the Indians was consummated in 1839, when the last of the Cherokees were brought west. Simultaneous with the arrival of this last delegation of Indians an alarm passed around among the settlers that the Indians were preparing to make a foray on the white settlements and murder them all. Many people were greatly alarmed, and in some settlements there were hasty preparations made to flee to places of safety. In the meantime the poor, distressed Cherokees and Choctaws were innocent of the stories in circulation about them, and were trying to adjust themselves to their new homes and to repair their ruined fortunes. The Cherokees were the most highly civilized of all the tribes, as they were the most intelligent, and had mingled and intermarried with the whites until there were few of pure blood left among them. They had men of force and character, good schools and printing presses, and published and edited papers, as well as their own school books. These conditions were largely true, also, of the Chickasaws. The Cherokees and Chickasaws were removed west under President Jackson’s administration. The Cherokees were brought by water to Little Rock, and a straight road was cut out from Little Rock to the corner of their reservation, fifteen miles above Batesville, in Independence Co., Page 25 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas over which they were taken. Their southeast boundary line was a straight line, at the point designated above Batesville, to the month of Point Remove Creek. The history of the removal of the Cherokee Indians (and much of the same is true of the removal of the Chickasaws and Creeks), is not a pleasant chapter in American history. The Creeks of Florida had waged war, and when conquered Gen. Scott removed them beyond the Mississippi River. When the final consummation of the removal of the Cherokees was effected, it was done by virtue of a treaty, said to have been the work of traitors, and unauthorized by the proper Indian authorities. At all events the artful whites had. divided the headmen of the tribe, and procured their signatures to a treaty which drove the last of the nation beyond the Mississippi. The chief men in making this treaty were the Ridges. Boudinot, Bell and Rogers. This was the treaty of 1835. In June, 1839, the Ridges, Boudinot and Bell were assassinated. About forty Indians went to Ridge’s house, Independence Co., and cruelly murdered young Ridge; they then pursued the elder Ridge and,overtaking him at the foot of Boston Mountains, as he was on his way to visit friends in Van Buren, AR, shot him to death. It seems there was an old law of the nation back in Georgia, by which any one forfeited his life who battered any part of their lands. The Choctaws by treaty ceded to the United States all their claim to lands lying within the limits of Arkansas, October 20, 1820. On the 6th of May, 1828, the Cherokees ceded all claim to their lands that lay within the Territorial limit of Arkansas. This was about the end of Indian occupation or claims within the State of Arkansas, but not the end of important communication, and acts of neighborly friendship, between the whites and the Cherokees especially. A considerable number of Indians, most of them having only a slight mixture of Indian blood,remained in the State and became useful and in some instances highly influential citizens. Among them were prominent farmers, merchants and professional men. And very often now may be met some prominent citizen, who, after even an extended acquaintance, is found to be an Indian. Among that race of people they recognize as full members of the tribe all who have any trace of their blood in their veins, whether it shows or not. In this respect it seems that nearly all races differ from the white man. With the latter the least mixture of blood of any other color pronounces them at once to be not white. The Cherokee Indians, especially. have always held kindly intercourse with the people of Arkansas. In the late Civil War they went with the State in the secession movement without hesitation. A brigade of Cherokees was raised and Gen. Albert Pike was elected to the command. The eminent Indians in the command were Gen. Stand Waitie and Col. E. C. Boudinot. Until 1863 the Indians were unanimous in behalf of the Southern cause, but in that year Chief Ross went over to the Federal side, and thus the old time divisions in the Indian councils were revived. Col. Elias C. Boudinot was born in Georgia, in August, 1835, the same year of the treaty removing the Indians from that State. Practically, therefore, he is an Arkansan. He shows a strong trace of Indian blood, though the features of the white race predominate. He is a man of education and careful culture, and when admitted to the bar he soon won a place in the splendid array of talent then so greatly distinguishing Arkansas. A born orator, strong enough in intellect to think without emotion. morally and physically a hero, he has spent much of his life pleading for his people to be made citizens - the owners of their individual homes, as the only hope to stay that swift decay that is upon them, but the ignorance of his tribe and Page 26 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas the scheming of demagogues and selfish “agents,” have thwarted his efforts and practically exiled him from his race. A few years ago Col. Boudinot was invited to address Congress and the people of Washington on the subject of the Indian races. The masterly address by this man, one of the greatest of all the representatives of American Indians, will be fixed in history as the most pathetic epilogue of the greatest of dramas, the curtain of which was raised in 1492. Who will ever read and fully understand his emotions when he repeated the lines: Their light canoes have vanished From off the crested waves - Amid the forests where they roamed There rings no hunter‘s shout. And all their cone-like cabins That clustered o’er the vale, Have disappeared as withered leaves. Before the autumn gale. Page 27 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER III. DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT - DE SOTO IN ARKANSAS - MARQUETTE AND JOLIET - LA SALLE, HENNEPIN AND TONTI - FRENCH AND ENGLISH SCHEMES OF CONQUEST AND DREAMS OF POWER - LOUISIANA - THE “BUBBLE” OF JOHN LAW - THE EARLY VICEROYS AND GOVERNORS – PROPRIETARY CHANGE OF LOUISIANA – FRENCH AND SPANISH SETTLERS IN ARKANSAS – ENGLISH SETTLERS – A FEW FIRST SETTLERS IN THE COUNTIES – THE NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKE – OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST. Hail, memory, hail! In thy exhaustless mine From age to age unnumbered treasures shine! Thought and her shadowy brood thy call obey, And place and time are subject to thy sway. - Rogers HERDINAND DE SOTO, the discoverer of the Mississippi, was the first civilized man to put foot upon any part of what is now the State of Arkansas. He and his band of adventurous followers had forged their way over immense obstacles, through the trackless wastes, and in the pleasant month of June, 1541, reached the Mississippi River at, as is supposed Chickasaw Bluffs, a short distance below Memphis. He had sailed from San Lucas in April, 1538, with 600 men, twenty officers and twenty-four priests. He represented his king and church, and came to make discoveries for his master in Florida, a country undefined in extent, and believed to be the richest in the world. His expedition was a daring and dangerous one, and there were but few men in the tide of time who could have carried it on to the extent that did this bold Spaniard. The worn and decimated band remained at the Chickasaw Bluffs to rest and recuperate until June 29, then crossing the river into Arkansas, and pushing on up the Mississippi River, through brakes and swamps and slashes, until they reached the higher prairie lands that lead toward New Madrid; stopping in their north course at an Indian village, Pacaha, whose location is not known. De Soto sent an expedition toward the Osage River, but it soon returned and reported the country worthless.* He then turned west and proceeded to the Boston Mountains, at the headwaters of White River; then bending south, and passing Hot Springs, he went into camp for the winter on the Ouachita River, at Autamqua Village, in Garland County. In the spring he floated down the river, often lost in the bayous and overflows of Red River, and finally reached again the Mississippi. Halting here he made diligent inquiries of the Indians as to the mouth of the great stream, but they could give him no information. In June, one year from the date of his discovery, after a sickness of some weeks, he died. As an evidence of his importance to the expedition his death was kept a secret, and he was buried at night, most appropriately, in the waves of the great river that gave his name immortality. But the secrecy of his death was of no avail, for there was no one who could supply his place, and with his life closed the existence, for all practical purposes, of the expedition. Here the interest of the historian in De Soto and his companions ceases. He came not to possess the beautiful country, or plant colonies, or even extend the dominions of civilization, but simply to find the fabled wealth in minerals and precious stones, and gather them and carry them away. Spain already possessed Florida, and it was all Florida then, from the Atlantic to the boundless and unknown west. Page 28 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas * It is proper to here state the fact that some local investigators. and others who have studied the history of De Soto’s voyaging through Arkansas do not believe that he reached and discovered the river as high up as Memphis. They think he approached it a short distance above the mouth of Red River and from that point made his detour around to Red River. Others in the State, who have also studied the subject thoroughly find excellent evidence of his presence in Arkansas along the Mississippi, particularly in Mississippi County. See “History of Mississippi County. Ark." After examining the testimony carefully I incline to the account as given in the context as being the most probable - Ed. The three great nations of the old world had conquered and possessed - the Spaniards Florida, the English Virginia and New England, and the French the St. Lawrence. The feeblest of all these colonizers or conquerors were the English, and they retained their narrow foothold on the new continent with so little vigor that for more than a century and a half they knew nothing of the country west of them save the idle dreams and fictions of the surrounding savages. The general world had learned little of De Soto’s great western discoveries, and when he was buried in the Mississippi all remained undisturbed from the presence or knowledge of civilized men for the period of 132 years. Jacques Marquette, a French Jesuit priest, had made expeditions along the Northern lakes, proselyting among the Indian tribes. He had conceived the idea that there was a great western river leading to China and Japan. He was joined in his ambition to find this route, and the tribes along it, by Joliet, a man fired with the ambition and daring of the bold explorer. These two men, a with five employee, started on their great adventure May 17, 1673. They found the Upper Mississippi River and came down that to the mouth of the Arkansas River, thence proceeding up some distance, it is supposed to near where is Arkansas Post. Thus the feet of the white man pressed once more the soil of this State, but it was after the lapse of many years from the time of De Soto’s visit. Marquette carried into the newly discovered country the cross of Christ, while Joliet planted in the wilderness the tri-colors of France. France and Christianity stood together in the heart of the great Mississippi Valley; the discoverers, founders and possessors of the greatest spiritual and temporal empire on earth. From here the voyagers retraced their course to the Northern lakes and the St. Lawrence, and published a report of their discoveries. Nine years after Marquette and Joliet’s expedition, Chevalier de La Salle came from France, accompanied by Henry de Tonti, an Italian, filled with great schemes of empire in the new western world; it is charged, by some historians of that day, with no less ambition than securing the whole western portion of the continent and wresting Mexico from the Spaniards. When Canada was reached, La Salle was joined by Louis Hennepin, an ambitious, unscrupulous and daring Franciscan monk. It was evidently La Salle’s idea to found a military government in the new world, reaching with a line of forts and military possession from Quebec, Canada, to at least the Gulf, if not, as some have supposed, extending through Mexico. He explored the country lying between the Northern lakes and the Ohio River. He raised a force in Canada and sailed through Green Bay, and, sending back his boat laden with furs, proceeded with his party to the head waters of the Illinois River and built Fort Creve Coeur. He detached Hennepin with one companion and sent him to hunt the source of the Mississippi. He placed Tonti in command of Creve Coeur, with five men, and himself returned to Canada in the latter part of 1681, where he organized a new party with canoes, and went to Chicago; crossing the long portage from there to the Illinois River, he floated down that stream to the Mississippi and on to the Gulf of Mexico, discovering the mouth of the Mississippi River April 5, 1682, and Page 29 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas three days after, with becoming pomp and ceremony, took possession, in the name of France, of the territory, and named it Louisiana, in honor of his king, Louis XIV. The vast region thus acquired by France was not, as it could not be, well defined, but it was intended to embrace, in addition to much east of the Mississippi River, all the continent west of that current. After this expedition La Salle returned to France, fitted out another expedition and set sail, ostensibly to reach the mouth of the Mississippi River and pass up that stream. He failed to find the river, and landed his fleet at Metagordo Bay, Texas, where he remained two years, when with a part of his force he started to reach Canada via Fort St. Louis, but was assassinated by one of his men near the Trinity River, Texas, March 19, 1687, and his body, together with that of his nephew, was left on the Texas prairie to the beasts and buzzards. La Salle was a born commander oi men, a great explorer, with vast projects of empire far beyond the comprehension of his wretched king, or the appreciation of his country men. Had he been supported by a wise and strong government, France would never, perhaps, have been dispossessed of the greatest inter-continental colonial empire on earth - from the Alleghenies to the Rocky Mountains. This was, in fact, the measure of the territory that La Salle’s expedition and military possession gave to France. The two great ranges of mountains, the north pole and South America, were really the boundary lines of Louisiana, of which permanent ownership belonged forever to France, save for the weakness and inefficiency of that bete noire of poor, beautiful, sunny France - Louis XIV. In the irony of fate the historian of today may well write down the appellation of his toadies and parasites, as the grand monarque. La Salle may justly be reckoned one of the greatest founders of empire in the world, and had poor France had a real king instead of this weak and pompous imbecile, her tri-colors would I have floated upon every breeze. from the Alleghenies to the Pacific Ocean, and over the islands of more than half of the waters of the globe. The immensity of the Louisiana Territory has been but little understood by historians. It was the largest and richest province ever acquired, and the world’s history since its establishment has been intimately connected with and shaped by its influence. Thus the account of the Territory of Louisiana is one of the most interesting chapters in American history. Thirteen years after the death of La Salle, 1700, his trusty lieutenant, Tonti, descended the Mississippi River from the Illinois, with a band of twenty French Illinois people, and upon reaching Arkansas Post, established a station. This was but carrying out La Salle’s idea of a military possession by a line of forts from Canada to the Gulf. It may be called the first actual and intended permanent possession of Arkansas. In the meantime, Natchez had become the oldest settled point in the Territory, south of Illinois, and the conduct of the commandant of the canton. Chopart, was laying the foundations for the ultimate bloody massacre of that place, in November, 1729. The Jesuit, Du Poisson, was the missionary among the Arkansans. He had made his way up the Mississippi and passed along the Arkansas River till he reached the prairies of the Dakotahs. The Chickasaws were the dreaded enemy of France; it was they who hurried the Natchez to that awful massacre; it was they whose cedar bark canoes, shooting boldly into the Mississippi, interrupted the connections between Kaskaskia and New Orleans, and delayed successful permanent settlements in the Arkansas. It was they who weakened the French empire in Louisiana. They colleagued with the English, and attempted to extirpate the French dominion in the valley. Page 30 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Such was Louisiana more than half a century after the first attempt at colonization by La Salle. Its population may have been 5,000 whites and half that number of blacks. Louis XIV had fostered it by giving it over to the control of Law and his company of the Mississippi, aided by boundless but transient credit. Priests and friars dispersed through tribes from Biloxi to the Dakotahs, and propitiated the favor of the savages. But still the valley of the Mississippi remained a wilderness. All its patrons - though among them it counted kings and high ministers of state - had not accomplished for it in half a century a tithe of that prosperity which, within the same period, sprung naturally from the benevolence of William Penn to the peaceful settlers on the Delaware. It required the feebleness of the grand monarque to discover John Law, the father of inflated cheap money and national financial ruin. In September, 1717, John Law’s Company of the West was granted the commerce and control of Louisiana. He arrived at New Orleans with 800 immigrants in August of that year. Instead of coming up the Mississippi, they landed at Dauphine Island to make their way across by land. The reign of John Law’s company over. Louisiana was a romance or a riot of folly and extravagance. He was to people and create a great empire on cheap money and a monopoly of the slave trade. For fourteen years the Company of the West controlled Louisiana. The bubble burst, the dreams and illusions of ease and wealth passed away, and but wretched remnants of colonies existed, in the extremes of want and suffering. But, after all, a permanent settlement of the great valley had been made. A small portion of these were located at Arkansas Post, up the Arkansas River and on Red River, and like the most of the others of Law’s followers, they made a virtue of necessity and remained because they could not get away. John Law was an Englishman, a humbug, but a magnificent one, so marked and conspicuous in the world’s history that his career should have taught the statesmen of all nations the simple lesson that debt is not wealth, and that every attempt to create wealth wholly by legislation is sure to be followed by general bankruptcy and ruin. The Jesuits and fur-traders were the founders of Illinois; Louis XIV and privileged companies were the patrons of Southern Louisiana, while the honor of beginning the work of colonizing the southwest of our republic belongs to the illustrious Canadian, Lemoine D’Iberville. He was a worthy successor of La Salle. He also sought to find the mouth of the Mississippi, and guided by floating trees and turbid waters, he reached it on March 2, 1699. He perfected the line of communication between Quebec and the Gulf; extended east and west the already boundless possessions of France; erected forts and carved the lilies on the trees of the forests; and fixed the seat of government of Louisiana at Biloxi, and appointed his brother to command the province. Under D’Iberville, the French line was extended east to Pascagoula River; Beinville, La Sueur, and St. Denys had explored the west to New Mexico, and had gone in the northwest. beyond the Wisconsin and the St. Croix, and reached the mouth of and followed this stream to the confluence of the Blue Earth. D’Iberville died of yellow fever at Havana, July 9, 1706, and in his death the Louisiana colony lost one of its most able and daring leaders. But Louisiana, at that time, possessed less than thirty families of whites, and these were scattered on voyages of discovery, and in quest of gold and gems. France perfected her civil government over Louisiana in 1689, and appointed Marquis de Sanville, royal Viceroy. This viceroy’s empire was as vast in territory as it was insignificant in population-less than 300 souls.* By regular appointments of viceroys the successions were maintained (including the fourteen years of Law’s Page 31 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas supremacy) until by the treaty of Fontainbleau, November 3, 1762, France was stripped of her American possessions, and Canada and the Spanish Florida; everything east of the Mississippi except the island of New Orleans was given to England, and all Louisiana, including New Orleans west of the Mississippi River and south of the new southern boundary line of Canada, was given to Spain, in lieu of her Florida possessions. Hence. it was November 3, 1762, that what is now Arkansas passed from the dominion of France to that of Spain. * The title of France to the boundless confines of Louisiana were confirmed by the treaty of Utrecht. The contentions between England and France over the Ohio country, afterward. are a part of the annals of the general history of the country. The signing of this treaty made that day the most eventful one in the busy movements of the human race. It re-mapped the world, gave the English language to the American continent, and spread it more widely over the globe than any that had before given expression to human thought, the language that is the alma mater of civil liberty and religious independence. Had France permanently dominated America, civil liberty and representative government would have been yet unborn. The dogmatic tyranny of the middle ages, with all its intolerance and war, would have been the heritage of North America. Thus re-adjusted in her domain, Louisiana remained a province of Spain until October 1, 1800, when the Little Corporal over ran Spain with his victorious legions, and looted his Catholic majesty’s domains. Napoleon allowed his military ambition to dwarf his genius, and except for this curious fact, he was the man who would have saved and dis-enthralled the French mind, and have placed the Gaul, with all his volcanic forces, in an even start in the race of civilization with the invincible and cruel Anglo-Saxon. He was the only man of progressive genius that has ever ruled poor, unfortunate France. The treaty of St. Ildefonso, secretly transferring Louisiana from Spain again into the possession of France, was ratified March 24, 1801. Its conditions provided that it was to remain a secret, and the Spanish Viceroy, who was governor of Louisiana, knew nothing of the transfer, and continued in the discharge of his duties, granting rights, creating privileges and deeding lands and other things that were inevitable in breeding confusions, and cloudy land titles, such as would busy the courts for a hundred years, inflicting injustice and heavy burdens upon many innocent people. In 1802 President Jefferson became possessed of the secret that France owned Louisiana. He at once sent James Monroe to Paris, who, with the resident minister, Mr. Livingston, Opened negotiations with Napoleon, at first only trying to secure the free navigation of the Mississippi River, but to their great surprise the Emperor more than met them half way, with a proposal to sell Louisiana to the United States. The bargain was closed, the consideration being the paltry sum of $15,000,000. This important move on the great chess-board of nations occurred April 30, 1803. The perfunctory act of lowering the Spanish ensign and hoisting the flag of France; then lowering immediately the tri-colors and unfurling the stars and stripes, it is hoped never to be furled, was performed at St. Louis March 9, 1804. Bless those dear old, nation-building pioneers! These were heavy drafts upon their patriotic allegiance, but they were equal to the occasion, and ate their breakfasts as Spaniards, their dinners as Frenchmen, and suppers as true Americans. The successful class of immigrants to the west of the Mississippi were the French Canadians, who had brought little or nothing with them save the clothes on their Page 32 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas backs, and an old flintlock gun with which to secure game. They colonized after the French mode of villages and long strips of farms, and a public commons. They propitiated the best they could the neighboring Indian tribes, erected their altars, hunted, and frolicked, and were an honest, simple-minded and just people, but little vexed with ambitious pride or grasping avarice. The mouth of the Arkansas River was the attractive point for immigrants on their way to the Arkansas Territory, and they would ascend that stream to Arkansas Post. There were not 500 white people in the Territory of (now) Arkansas in 1803, when it became a part of the United States. In 1810 the total population was 1,002.80 soon as Louisiana became a part of the United States, a small but never ceasing stream of English speaking people turned their faces to the west and crossed the “Father of Waters.” Those for Arkansas established Montgomery Point, at the mouth of White River; making that the transfer place for all shipments inland. This remained as the main shipping and commercial point for many years. By this route were transferred the freights for Arkansas Post. The highway from Montgomery Point to the Post was a slim and indistinct bridle path. The immigrants came down the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers to the Ohio in keel boats and canoes, and were mostly from Tennessee; beckoned to this fair and rich kingdom by its sunny clime, its mountains and rivers, and its productive valleys, all enriched with a Flora and fauna surpassing the dream of a pastoral poem. The French were the first permanent settlers of Arkansas, and descendants of these people are still here. Many bearing the oldest French names have attained to a position among the most eminent of the great men of the trans-Mississippi. Sometimes the names have become so corrupted as to be unrecognizable as belonging to the early illustrious stock. The English-speaking people speaking French names phonetically would soon change them completely, The Bogys and Lefevres, for instance, are names that go back to the very first settlements in Arkansas. “Lefevre ” on the maps is often spelled phonetically thus: “Lafaver.” Representatives of the Lefevre family are yet numerous in and about Little Rock, and in other portions of the State. Peter L. Lefevre and family were among the very first French settlers, locating in the fall of 1818 on the north side of the river on Spanish Grant No. 497, about six miles below Little Rock. His sons were Peter, Enos, Francis G., Ambrose, Akin, Leon and John B., his daughter being Mary Louise. All of these have passed away except the now venerable Leon Lefevre, who resides on the old plantation where he was born in the year 1808. For eighty-one years the panorama of the birth, growth and the vicissitudes of Arkansas have passed before his eyes. It is supposed of all living men he is the oldest representative surviving of the earliest settlers; however, a negro, still a resident of Little Rock, also came in 1818. The first English speaking settlers were Tennesseans, Kentuckians and Alabamians. The earliest came down the Mississippi River, and then penetrating Arkansas at the mouths of the streams from the west, ascended these in the search for future homes. The date of the first coming of English speaking colonists may be given as 1807, those prior to that time being only trappers, hunters and voyagers on expeditions of discovery, or those whose names can not now be ascertained. South Carolina and Georgia also gave their small quotas to the first pioneers of Arkansas. From the States south of Tennessee the route was overland to the Mississippi River, or to some of its bayous, and then by water. A few of these from the Southern States brought considerable property, and some of them negro slaves, but not many were able to do this. The general rule was to reach the Territory Page 33 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas alone and clear a small piece of ground, and as soon as possible to buy slaves and set them at work in the cotton fields. In 1814 a colony of emigrants, consisting of four families, settled at Batesville, then the Lower Missouri Territory, now the county seat of Independence County. There was an addition of fifteen families to this colony the next year. Of the first was the family of Samuel Miller; father of (afterward) Gov. William R. Miller; there were also John Moore, the Magnesses and Beans. All these families left names permanently connected with the history of Arkansas. In the colony of 1815 (all from Kentucky) were the brothers, Richard, John, Thomas and James Peel, sons of Thomas Peel, a Virginian, and Kentucky companion of Daniel Boone. Thomas Curran was also one of the later colonists from Kentucky, a relative of the great Irishman, John Philpot Curran. In the 1815 colony were also old Ben Hardin - hero of so many Indian wars - his brother, Joab, and William Griffin, Thomas Wyatt, William Martin, Samuel Elvin, James Akin, John Reed, James Miller and John B. Craig. Alden Trimble, who died at Peel, AR, in April, 1889, aged seventy-four years, was born in the Cal Hogan settlement, on White River, Marion Co., June 14, 1815. This item is gained from the obituary notice of his death, and indicates some of the very first settlers in that portion of the State. Among the oldest settled points. after Arkansas Post, was what is now Arkadelphia, Clark County. It was first called Blakelytown, after Adam Blakely. He had opened a little store at the place, and about this were collected the first settlers, among whom may now be named Zack Davis, Samuel Parker and Adam Highnight. The Blakelys and the names given above were all located in that settlement in the year 1810. The next year came John Hemphill, who was the first to discover-and utilize the valuable waters of the salt springs of that place. He engaged in the successful manufacture of salt, and was in time succeeded by his son-in-law, Jonathan O. Callaway. Jacob Barkman settled in Arkadelphia in 1811. He was a man of foresight and enterprise, and soon established a trade along the river to New Orleans. He commenced navigating the river in canoes and pirogues, and finally owned and ran in the trade the first steamboat plying from that point to New Orleans. He pushed trade at the point of settlement, at the same time advancing navigation, and opened a large cotton farm. In Arkansas Co., among the early prominent men Who were active in the county’s affairs were Eli I. Lewis, Henry Scull, O. H. Thomas, T. Farrelly, Hewes Scull, A. B. K. Thetford and Lewis Bogy. The latter afterward removed to Missouri, and has permanently associated his name with the history of that State. In subsequent list of names should be mentioned those of William Fultony, James Maxwell and James H. Lucas, the latter being another of the notable citizens of Missouri. Carroll County: Judges George Campbell and William King, and John Bush, T. H. Clark, Abraham Shelly, William Nooner, Judge Hiram Davis, W. C. Mitchell, Charles Sneed, A. M. Wilson, Elijah Tabor, William Beller, M. L. Hawkins, John McMillan, M. Perryman, J. A. Hicks, N. Rudd, Thomas Cullen, W. E. Armstrong. Chicot County: John Clark, William B. Patton, Richard Letting, George W. Ferribee, Francis Rycroft, Thomas Knox, W. B. Duncan, J. W. Boone, H. S. Smith, James Blaine, Abner Johnson, William Hunt, J. W. Neal, James Murray, B. Magruder, W . P. Reyburn, J. T. White, John Fulton, Judge W. H. Sutton, J. Chapman, Hiram Morrell, Reuben Smith, A. W. Webb. Page 34 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas In Clark Co., in the earliest times, were W. P. L. Blair, Colbert Baker, Moses Graham, Mathew Logan, James Miles, Thomas Drew, Daniel Ringo, A. Stroud, David Fisk and Isaac Ward. Clay County: John J. Griffin, Abraham Roberts, William Davis, William H. Mack, James Watson, J. G. Dudley, James Campbell, Singleton Copeland, C. H. Mobley. Conway County: Judge Saffold, David Barber, James Kellam, Reuben Blunt, James Barber, James Ward, Thomas Mathers, John Houston, E. W. Owen, Judge B. B. Ball, J. I. Simmons, T. S. Haynes, B. F. Howard, William Ellis, N. H. Buckley, James Ward, Judge Robert McCall, W. H. Robertson, L. C. Griffin, Judge W. T. Gamble, D. D. Mason, George Fletcher and D. Harrison. Craighead County: Rufus Snoddy, Daniel O’Guinn, Yancey Broadway, Henry Powell, D. R. Tyler, Elias Mackey, William Q. Lane, John Hamilton, Asa Puckett, Eli Quarles, William Puryear. In Crawford County were Henry Bradford, Jack Mills, G. C. Pickett, Mark Beane, J. O. Sumner, James Billingsley. Crittenden County: J. Livingston, W. D. Ferguson, W. Goshen, William Cherry, Judge D. H. Harrig, O. W. Wallace, S. A. Cherry, Judge Charles Blackmore, S. R. Cherry, John Tory, F. B. Read, Judge A. B. Hubbins, H. O. Odors, J. H. Wathen, H. Bacon. Fulton County: G. W. Archer, William Wells, Daniel Hubble, Moses Brannon, John Nichols, Moses Steward, Enos O. Hunter, Milton Yarberry, Dr. A. C. Cantrell. Greene County: Judge L. Brookfield, L. Thompson, James Brown, J. Sutfin, G. Hall, Charles Robertson, Judge W. Hane, Judge George Daniel, G. L. Martin, J. Stotts, James Ratchford, Judge Thompson, H. L. Holt, J. L. Atkinson, J. Clark, H. N. Reynolds, John Anderson, Benjamin Crowley, William Pevehouse, John Mitchell, Aaron Bagwell, A. J. Smith, Wiley Clarkson, William Hatch. In Hempstead County: J. M. Steward, A. S. Walker, Benjamin Clark, A. M. Oakley, Thomas Dooley, D. T. Witter, Edward Cross, William McDonald, D. Wilburn and James Moss. Hot. Springs County: L. N. West, G. B. Hughes, Judge W; Durham, G. W. Rogers, T. W. Johnson, J. T. Grant, J. H. Robinson, H. A. Whittington, John Callaway, J. T. Grant, Judge G. Whittington, L. Runyan, R. Huson, J. Bankson, Ira Robinson, Judge A. N. Sabin, C. A. Sabin, W. W. McDaniel, W. Dunham, A. B. McDonald, Joseph Lorance. Independence County: R. Searcy, Robert Bean, Charles Kelly, John Reed, T. Curran, John Bean, I. Curran, J. L. Daniels, J. Redmon, John Ruddell, C. H. Pelham, Samuel Miller, James Micham, James Trimble, Henry Engles, Hartwell Boswell, John H. Ringgold. Izard County: J. P. Houston, John Adams, Judge Mathew Adams, H. C. Roberts, Jesse Adams, John Hargrove, J. Blyeth, William Clement, Judge J. Jeffrey, Daniel Jeffrey, A. Adams, J. A. Harris, W. B. Carr, Judge B. Hawkins, B. H. Johnson, D. K. Loyd, W. H. Carr, A. Creswell, H. W. Bandy, Moses Bishop, Daniel Hively, John Gray, William Powell Thomas Richardson, William Seymour. Page 35 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Jackson County: Judge Hiram Glass, J. C. Saylors, Isaac Gray, N. Copeland, Judge E. Bartley, John Robinson, A. M. Carpenter, Judge D. O. Waters, P. O. Flynn, Hall Roddy, Judge R. Ridley, G. W. Cromwell, Sam Mathews, Sam Allen, Martin Bridgeman, John Wideman, Newton Arnold, Joseph Haggerton, Holloway Stokes. Jefferson County: Judge W. P. Hackett, J. T. Pullen. Judge Creed Taylor, Peter German, N. Holland, Judge Sam O. Roane, William Kinkead, Thomas O’Neal, E. H. Roane, S. Dardenne, Sam Taylor, Judge H. Bradford, H. Edgington, Judge W. H. Lindsey, J. H. Caldwell. Johnson County: Judge George Jameson, Thomas Jenette, S. F. Mason, Judge J. P. Kessie, A. Sinclair, William Fritz, W. J. Parks, R. S. McMicken, Augustus Ward, Judge J. L. Cravens, A. M. Ward, M. Rose, A. L. Black, W. A. Anderson, Judge J. B. Brown, A. Sinclair, William Adams, W. M. H. Newton. Lafayette County: Judge Jacob Buzzard, Jesse Douglass, Joshua Morrison, I. W. Ward, J. T. Conway, W. E. Hodges, J. Morrison, George Dooley, J. M. Dorr, J. P. Jett, W. B. Conway, W. H. Conway, T. V. Jackson, G. H. Pickering, Judge E. M. Lowe, R. F. Sullivan, James Abrams. Lawrence County: Joseph Hardin, Robert Blane, H. Sandford, John Reed, R. Richardson, J. M. Kuykendall, H. R. Hynson, James Campbell, D. W. Lowe, Thomas Black, John Rodney, John Spotts, William J. Hudson, William Stuart, Isaac Morris, William B. Marshall, John S. Ficklin. Madison County: Judge John Bowen, H. B. Brown, P. M. Johnson, H. C. Daugherty, M. Perryman, T. McCuiston. In Miller County: John Clark, J. Ewing, J. H. Fowler, B. English, C. Wright, G. F. Lawson, Thomas Polk, George Wetmore, David Clark, J. G. Pierson, John Morton, NY Crittenden, Charles Burkem, George Collum, G. C. Wetmore, D. C. Steele, G. F. Lawton and Judge G. M. Martin. Mississippi County: Judge Edwin Jones, J. W. Whitworth, E. F. Loyd, S. McLung, G. C. Barfield, Judge Nathan Ross, Judge John Troy, J. W. Dewitt, J. O. Bowen, Judge Fred Miller, Uriah Russell, T. L. Daniel, J. G. Davis, Judge Nathan Ross, J. P. Edrington, Thomas Sears, A. G. Blackmore, William Kellums, Thomas J. Mills, James Williams, Elijah Buford, Peter G. Reeves. Monroe County: Judge William Ingram, J. O. Montgomery, James Eagan, John Maddox, Lafayette Jones, Judge James Carlton, M. Mitchell, J. R. Dye, J. Jacobs, R. S. Bell. Phillips County: W. B. R. Homer, Daniel Mooney, S. Phillips, S. M. Rutherford, George Seaborn, H. L. Biscoe, G. W. Fereby, J. H. McKenzie, Austin Hendricks, W. H. Calvert, N. Righton, B. Burress, F. Hanks, J. H. McKeal, J. K. Sandford, S. S. Smith, C. P. Smith, J. H. McKenzie, S. C. Mooney, I. C. P. Tolleson, Emer Askew, P. Pinkston, Charles Pearcy, J. B. Ford, W. Bettiss, J. Skinner, H. Turner and M. Irvin. Pike County: Judge W. Sorrels, D. S. Dickinson, John Hughes, J. W. Dickinson, Judge W. Kelly, Isaac White, J. H. Kirkhan, E. K. Williams, Henry Brewer. Poinsett County: Judges Richard Hall and William Harris, Drs. Theophilus Griffin and John P. Hardis, Harrison Ainsworth, Robert H. Stone, Benjamin Harris. Page 36 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Pope County: Judge Andrew Scott, Twitty Pace, H. Stinnett, W. Garrett, W. Mitchell, Judge S. K. Blythe, A. E. Pace, J. J. Morse, F. Heron, Judge Thomas Murray, Jr., S. M. Hayes, S. S. Hayes, R. S. Witt, Judge Isaac Brown, R. T. Williamson, W. W. Rankin, Judge J. J. Morse, J. B. Logan, W . C. Webb. Pulaski County: R. C. Oden, L. B. Curran, Jacob Peyatte, A. H. Renick. G. Greathouse, M. Cunningham, Samuel Anderson, H Armstrong, T. W. Newton, D. E. McKinney, S. M. Rutherford, A. McHenry, Allen Martin, J. H. Caldwell, Judge S. S. Hall, J. Henderson, William Atchinson, R. N. Rowland, Judge David Borer, J. K. Taylor, R. H. Callaway, A. L. Langham, Judge J. H. Cooke, W. Badgett, G. N. Peay, J. O. Anthony, L. R. Lincoln, A. Martin, A. S. Walker, Judge R. Graves, J. P. and John fields, J. K. Taylor, W. C. Howell, J. Gould, Roswell Beebe, William Russell, John O. Pony. Randolph County: Judge P. R. Pittman, B. J. Wiley, William Black, R. Bradford, J. M. Cooper, B. J. Wiley, B. M. Simpson, John Janes, James Campbell, Samuel McElroy, Edward Mattix, Thomas S. Drew, R. S. Bettis, James Russell. St. Francis County: Andrew Roane, William Strong, S. Crouch, Judge John Johnson, T. J. Curl, G. B. Lincecum, William Lewis, Judge William Strong, Isaac Mitchell, David Davis, Isaac Forbes, Judge William Enos, NC Little, W. G. Bozeman, H. M. Carothers, Judge R. H. Hargrove, H. H. Curl, Cyrus Little. Saline County: Judge T. S. Hutchinson, Samuel Caldwell, V. Brazil, O. Lindsey, A. Garrick, Judge H. Prudden, G. B. Hughes, Samuel Collins, J. J. Joiner, J. R. Conway, R. Brazil, E. M. Owen, George McDaniel, C. P. Lyle. Scott County: Judge Elijah Baker, S. B. Walker. James Riley, J. R. Choate, Judge James Logan. G. Marshall, Charles Humphrey, W. Cauthorn, G. C. Walker, T. J. Garner, Judge Gilbert Marshall, W. Kenner. Searcy County: Judge William Wood, William Kavanaugh, E. M. Hale, Judge Joseph Rea, William Buttes, Joe Brown, V. Robertson, T. S. Hale, Judge J. Campbell. Sevier County: Judge John Clark, R. Hartfield, G. Clark, J. T. Little, Judge David Foran P. Little, William White, Charles Moore, A. Hartfield, Judge J. F. Little, Henry Morris, Judge Henry Brown, George Halbrook, Judge R. H. Scott, S. S. Smith. Sharp County: John King, Robert Lott, Nicholas Norris, William Morgan, William J. Gray, William Williford, Solomon Hudspeth, Stephen English, John Walker, L. D. Dale. John C. Garner, R. P. Smithee, Josiah Richardson, Judge A. H. Nunn, William G. Matheny. Union County: John T. Cabeen, John Black, Jr., Judge John Black, Sn, Benjamin Gooch, Alexander Beard, Thomas O’Neal, Judge G. B. Hughes, John Cornish, John Hogg, Judge Hiram Smith, J. R. Moore, John Henry, John Stokeley, Judge Charles H. Seay, W. L. Bradley, Judge Thomas Owens. Van Buren County: Judge J. L. Laferty, P. O. Powell, N. Daugherty, Philip Wail, L. Williams, Judge J. B. Craig, Judge J. M. Baird, J. McAllister, Judge William Dougherty, A. Morrison, George Counts, A. Caruthers, W. W. Trimble, R. Bain, J. O. Young, George Hardin, A. W. McRaines, Judge J. C. Ganier. Page 37 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Washington County: L. Newton, Lewis Evans, John Skelton, Judge Robert McAmy, B. H. Smithson, Judge John Wilson, James Marrs, V. Caruthers, James Coulter, J. T. Edmonson, Judge J. M. Hogs, James Crawford, John McClellan, Judge W. B. Woody, W. W. Hester, Judge John Cureton, L. C. Pleasants, Isaac Murphy, D. Callaghan, Judge Thomas Wilson, W. L. Wallace and L. W. Wallace. White County: Judge Samuel Guthrie, P. W. Roberts, P. Crease. Michael Owens, M. H. Blue, S. Arnold, J. W. Bond, William Cook, J. Arnold, Milton Saunders, James Bird, Samuel Beeler, James Walker, Martin Jones, Philip Hilger, James King, L. Pate. John Akin, Reuben Stephens, Samuel Guthrie. Woodruff County: Rolla Gray, Durant H. Bell, John Dennis, Dudley Glass, Michael Haggerdon, Samuel Taylor, James Barnes, George Hutch. John Teague, Thomas Arnold and Thomas Hough. The above were all prominent men in their localities during the Territorial times of Arkansas. Many of them have left names and memories intimately associated with the history of the State. They were a part of those pioneers “who hewed the dark, old woods away,” and left a rich inheritance, and a substantial civilization, having wealth, refinement and luxuries, that were never a part of their dreams. They were home makers as well as State and Nation builders. They cut out the roads, opened their farms, bridged the streams, built houses, made settlements, towns and cities, rendering all things possible to their descendants; a race of heroes and martyrs preeminent in all time for the blessings they transmitted to posterity; they repelled the painted savage, and exterminated the ferocious wild beasts; they worked, struggled and endured that others might enjoy the fruits of their heroic sacrifices. Their lives were void of evil to mankind; possessing little ambition, their touch was the bloom and never the blight. Granted, cynic, they builded wiser than they knew, yet they built, and built well, and their every success was the triumphant march of peace. Let the record of their humble but great lives be immortal! The New Madrid earthquake of 1811-12, commencing in the last of December, and the subterranean forces ceasing after three months’ duration. was of itself a noted era, but to the awful display of nature’s forces was added a far more important and lasting event, the result of the silent but mighty powers of the human mind. Simultaneously with the hour of the most violent convulsions of nature, the third day of the earthquake, there rode out at the mouth of the Ohio, into the lashed and foaming waters of the Mississippi, the first steamboat that ever ploughed the western waters - the steamer “Orleans,” Capt. Roosevelt. So awful was the display of nature’s energies, that the granitic earth, with a mighty sound. heaved and writhed like a storm-tossed ocean. The great river turned back in its flow, the waves of the ground burst, shooting high in the air, spouting sand and water; great forest-covered hills disappeared at the bottom of deep lakes into which they had sunk; and the “sunk lands” are to this day marked on the maps of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas. The sparse population along the river (New Madrid was a flourishing young town) fled the country in terror, leaving mostly their effects and domestic animals. The wild riot of nature met in this wilderness the triumph of man’s genius. Where else on the globe so appropriately could have been this meeting of the opposing forces as at the mouth of the Ohio and on the convulsed bosom of the Father of Waters? How feeble, apparently, in this contest. were the powers of man; how grand and awful the play of nature’s forces! The mote struggling against the “wreck of worlds and crush of matter.” But, “peace be still,” was spoken to the vexed earth, Page 38 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas while the invention of Fulton will go on forever. The revolving paddle-wheels were the incipient drive-wheels, on which now ride in triumph the glories of this great age. The movement of immigrants to Arkansas in the decade following the earthquake was retarded somewhat, whereas, barring this, it should and would have been stimulated into activity by the advent of steamboats upon the western rivers. The south half of the State was in the possession of the Quapaw Indians. The Spanish attempts at colonizing were practical failures. His Catholic majesty was moving in the old ruts of the feudal ages, in the deep-seated faith of the “ divinity of kings,” and the paternal powers and duties of rulers. The Bastrop settlement of “thirty families,” by a seigniorial grant in 1797, had brought years of suffering, disappointment and failure. This was an attempt to found a colony on the Ouachita River, granting an entire river and a strip of land on each side thereof to Bastrop, the government to pay the passage of the people across the ocean and to feed and clothe them one year. To care for its vassals, and to provide human breeding grounds; swell the multitudes for the use of church and State; to “glorify God” by repressing the growing instincts of liberty and the freedom of thought, and add subjects to the possession and powers of these gilded toads, were the essence of the oriental schemes for peopling the new world. Happily for mankind they failed, and the wild beasts returned to care for their young in safety and await the coming of the real pioneers, they who came bringing little or nothing, save a manly spirit of self- reliance and independence. These were the successful founders and builders of empire in the wilderness. Page 39 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER IV. ORGANIZATION - THE VICEROY AND GOVERNORS - THE ATTITUDE OF THE ROYAL OWNERS OF LOUISIANA - THE DISTRICT DIVIDED - THE TERRITORY OF ARKANSAS FORMED FROM THE TERRITORY OF MISSOURI - THE TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT - THE FIRST LEGISLATURE - THE SEAT. OF GOVERNMENT - OTHER LEGISLATIVE BODIES - THE DUELLO - ARKANSAS ADMITTED TO STATEHOOD - THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS - THE MEMORABLE RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD - LEGISLATIVE ATTITUDE ON THE QUESTION OF SECESSION - THE WAR OF THE GOVERNORS. In the preceding chapter are briefly traced the changes in the government of the Territory of Louisiana from its discovery to the year 1803, when it became a part of the territory of the United States. Discovered by the Spanish, possessed by the French, divided and re-divided between the French, Spanish and English; settled by the Holy Mother Church, in the warp and woof of nations it was the flying shuttle- cock of the great weaver in its religion as well as allegiance for 261 years. This founding, this waif of nations was but an outcast, or a trophy chained to the triumphal car of the victors among the warring European powers, until in the providence of God it reached its haven and abiding home in the bosom of the union of States. As a French province, the civil government of Louisiana was organized, and the Marquis de Sanville appointed viceroy or governor in 1689. UNDER FRENCH RULE. Robert Cavelier de La Sulle (April 9, formal) . . . . . . . . 1682-1688 Marquis de Sanville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1689-1700 Bienville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1701-1712 Lamothe Cadillar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1713-1715 De L’Epinay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1716-1717 Bienville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1718-1723 Boisbriant (ad interim) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1724 Bienville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1732-1741 Baron de Kelerec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1753-1762 D’Abbadie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 1763-1766* UNDER SPANISH RULE. Antonio de Ulloa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1767-1768 Alexander O’Reilly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1768-1769 Louis de Unzaga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1770-1776 Bernando de Galvez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1777-1784 Estevar Miro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1785-1787 Francisco Luis Hortu, Baron of Carondelet . . . . . . . . . . 1789-1792 Gayoso de Lemos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1793-1798 Sebastian de Cosa Calvo y O’Farrell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1798-1799 Juan Manual de Salcedo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-1803 * Louisiana west of the Mississippi, although ceded to Spain in 1762, remained under French jurisdiction until 1766. From the dates already given it Will be seen that the official acts of Salcedo during his entire term of office, under the secret treaty of Ildefonso, were Page 40 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas tainted with irregularity. Thousands of land grants had been given by him after he had in fact ceased to be the Viceroy of Spain. The contracting powers had affixed to the treaty the usual obligations of the fulfillment of all undertakings, but the American courts and lawyers, in that ancient spirit of legal hypercritical technicalities, had given heed to the vicious doctrine that acts in good faith of a de facto governor may be treated as of questionable validity. This was never good law, because it was never good sense or justice. The acts and official doings of these vice-royalties in the wilderness present little or nothing of interest to the student of history, because they were local and individual in their bearing. It was the action of the powers across the waters, m reference to Canada and Louisiana, that in them wide and sweeping effects have been nearly omnipotent in shaping civilization. Referring to the acquisition of Canada and the Louisiana east of the Mississippi River, Bancroft says that England exulted in its conquest;* enjoying the glory of extended dominion in the confident expectation of a boundless increase of wealth. But its success was due to its having taken the lead in the good old struggle for liberty, and it was destined to bring fruits, not so much to itself as to the cause of freedom and mankind. * Bancroft. vol. iv.-457; Gayarre’s Histoire de la Louisiana, vol. ii.-121. France, of all the States on the continent of Europe the most powerful, by territorial unity, wealth, numbers, industry and culture, seemed also by its place marked out for maritime ascendancy. Set between many seas it rested upon the Mediterranean, possessed harbors on the German Ocean, and embraced between its wide shores and jutting headlands the bays and open waters of the Atlantic; its people, infolding at one extreme the offspring of colonists from Greece, and at the other the hardy children of the Northern, being called, as it were, to the inheritance of life upon the sea. The nation, too, readily conceived or appropriated great ideas and delighted in bold resolves. Its travelers had penetrated farthest into the fearful interior of unknown lands; its missionaries won most familiarly the confidence of the aboriginal hordes; its writers described with keener and wiser observation the forms of nature in her wildness, and the habits and languages of savage man; its soldiers, and every lay Frenchman in America owed military service, uniting beyond all others celerity with courage, knew best how to endure the hardships of forest life and to triumph in forest warfare. Its ocean chivalry had given a name and a colony to Carolina, and its merchants a people to Acadia. The French discovered the basin of the St. Lawrence; were the first to explore and possess the banks of the Mississippi, and planned an American empire that should unite the widest valleys and most copious inland waters in the world. But over all this splendid empire in the old and the new world was a government that was medieval - mured in its glittering palaces, taxing its subjects, it would allow nothing to come to the Louisiana Territory but what was old and worn out. French America was closed against even a gleam of intellectual independence; nor did all Louisiana contain so much as one dissenter from the Roman Church. “We have caught them at last,” exultingly exclaimed Choiseul, when he gave up the Canadas to England and the Louisiana to Spain. “England will ere long repent of having removed the only check that could keep her colonies in awe. She will call on them to support the burdens they have helped to bring on her, and they will answer by striking off all dependence,” said Vergennes. Page 41 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas These keen-witted Frenchmen, with a penetration far beyond the ablest statesmen of England, saw, as they believed, and time has confirmed. that in the humiliation and dismemberment of the territory of France, especially the transfer to England of Canada, they had laid the mine which some day would destroy the British colonial system, and probably eventuate in the independence of the American colonies. The intellect of France was keeping step with the spirit of the age; it had been excluded of course from the nation’s councils, but saw what its feeble government neither could see nor prevent, that the distant wilderness possessed a far greater importance on the world’s new map than was given it by the gold and gems it was supposed to contain; and that the change of allegiance of the colonies was the great step in the human mind, as it was slowly emerging from the gloom and darkness of the middle ages. Thus it was that the mere Territory of Louisiana, before it was peopled by civilized man, was playing its important part in the world’s greatest of all dramas. The first official act of our government, after the purchase of Louisiana, was an act of Congress, March 26, 1804, dividing Louisiana into two districts, and attaching the whole to Indiana Territory, under the government of William Henry Harrison. The division in Louisiana was by a line on the thirty-third parallel; the south was named the District of Orleans; that north of it was named the District of Louisiana. This is now the south line of the State of Arkansas. In 1805 the District of Louisiana was erected into the Territory of Louisiana. It was however a territory of the second class and remained under the government and control of Indiana Territory until 1812. By act of June 4, 1812, the name of Louisiana Territory was changed and became the Missouri Territory, being made a territory of the first class, and given a territorial government. Capt. William Clark, of the famous Lewis and Clark, explorers of the northwest, was appointed governor, remaining as such until 1819, when Arkansas Territory was cut off from Missouri. The act of 1812, changing the District of Louisiana to Missouri Territory, provided for a Territorial legislature consisting of nine members, and empowered the governor to lay off that part where the Indian title had been extinguished into thirteen counties. The county of New Madrid, as then formed, extended into the Arkansas territorial limits, “down to the Mississippi to a point directly east of the mouth of Little Red River; thence to the mouth of Red River: thence up the Red River to the Osage purchase,” etc. In other words it did not embrace the whole of what is now Arkansas. December 13, 1813, the County of Arkansas, Missouri Territory, was formed, and the county seat was fixed at Arkansas Post.* * During the latter part of the eighteenth century, something of the same municipal division was made. and called “Arkansas Parish," the name being derived from an old Indian town called Arkansea. Besides Arkansas Co., Lawrence County was formed January 15, 1815, and Clark, Hempstead and Pulaski Counties, December 15, 1818. Missouri neglected it seems to provide a judicial district for her five southern or Arkansas counties. Therefore Congress, in 1814, authorized the President to appoint an additional judge for Missouri Territory, “who should hold office four years and reside in or near the village of Arkansas,” - across the river from Arkansas Post. Page 42 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas March 2, 1819, Congress created the Territory of Arkansas out of the Missouri Territory. It was only a territory of the second class, and the machinery of government consisted of the governor and three judges, who constituted the executive, judicial and legislative departments, their official acts requiring the consent of Congress. President Monroe appointed James Miller, governor; Robert Crittenden, secretary; Charles Jouett, Andrew Scott and Robert P. Letcher, judges of the superior court. The act designated Arkansas Post as the temporary seat of government. In the absence of the Governor, Robert Crittenden, “acting governor,” convened the first session of the provisional government on August 3, 1819. The act continued the new territory under the laws of Missouri Territory. The five counties designated above as formed prior to the division of Arkansas, had been represented in the Missouri Territorial legislature. Elijah Kelly, of Clark Co., was a representative, and he rode on horseback from his home to St. Louis. The session was probably not a week in length, and the pay and mileage little or nothing. This first Territorial legislature appointed a treasurer and auditor, provided a tax for general purposes, and divided the five counties into two judicial circuits: First, Arkansas and Lawrence Counties; Second, Pulaski, Clark and Hempstead Counties. April 21, 1820, Congress passed an act perfecting the Territorial organization, and applying the same provisions to Arkansas that were contained in the act creating Missouri into a Territory of the first class. The first legislative body elected in Arkansas convened at Arkansas Post, February 7 to 24, 1820. In the council were: President, Edward McDonald; secretary, Richard Searcy; members, Arkansas Co., Sylvanus Phillips; Clark Co., Jacob Barkman; Hempstead Co., David Clark; Lawrence Co., Edward McDonald; Pulaski Co., John McElmurry. In the house of representatives: Speaker, Joseph Hardin (William Stephenson was first elected, served one day and resigned,.on account of indisposition); J. Chamberlain, clerk; members, Arkansas Co., W. B. R. Horner, W. O. Allen; Clark, Thomas fish; Hempstead, J. English, W. Stevenson; Lawrence, Joseph Hardin, Joab Hardin; Pulaski, Radford Ellis, T. H. Tindall. This body later adjourned to meet October following, continuing in session until the 25th. At this adjourned session the question of the removal of the Territorial seat of government from Arkansas Post to “the Little Rock,” came up on memorial signed by Amos Wheeler and others. “The Little Rock” was in contradistinction to “the Rocks,” as were known the beautiful bluffs, over 200 feet high, a little above and across the river from “the Little Rock.” In 1820 Gov. Miller visited the Little Rock - Petit Rocher - with a view to selecting a new seat of government. The point designated was the northeast corner of the Quapaw west line and Arkansas River. Immediately upon the formation of the Territory, prominent parties began to look out for a more central location for a capital higher up the river, and it was soon a general understanding that the seat of government and the county seat of Pulaski Co., the then adjoining county above Arkansas County on the river, would be located at the same place. A syndicate was formed and Little Rock Bluff was pushed for this double honor. The government had not yet opened the land to public entry, as the title of the Quapaws had just been extinguished. These parties resorted to the expedient of locating upon the land “New Madrid floats,” or claims, under the act of February 17, 1815, which authorized any one whose land had been “materially injured” by the earthquake of 1811 to locate the like quantity of land on any of the public lands open for sale. Several hundred acres were entered under these claims as the future town site. The county seat of Pulaski County was, contrary to Page 43 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas the expectation of the Little Rock syndicate, located at Cadron, near the mouth of Cadron Creek, where it enters the Arkansas River. On the 18th day of October, 1820, the Territorial seat of government was removed from the Post of Arkansas to the Little Rock, the act to take effect June 1, 1821. The next Territorial legislature convened in Little Rock, October 1 to 24, 1821. The council consisted of Sam O. Roane, president, and Richard Searcy, secretary. In the house William Trimble was speaker, and A. H. Sevier, clerk. The third legislature met October 6 to 31, 1823. Sam C. Roane was president of the council, and Thomas W. Newton, secretary; while T. Farrelly was speaker, and D. E. McKinney, clerk of the house. The fourth legislature was held October 3 to November 3, 1825. Of the council, the president was Jacob Barkman; secretary, Thomas W. Newton. Of the house, Robert Bean was speaker; David Barber, clerk. The fifth Territorial legislature was held October 1 to 31, 1827, and a special session, held October 6 to October 28, 1828; E. T. Clark served as president of the council, and John Clark, secretary; J. Wilson was speaker of the house, and Daniel Ringo, clerk. In the sixth legislature, Charles Caldwell was president of the council, and John Caldwell, secretary; John Wilson was speaker of the house, and Daniel Ringo, clerk. The seventh legislature held October 3 to November 7, 1831, had Charles Caldwell as president of the council, and Absalom Fowler, secretary; William Trimble was speaker of the house, and G. W. Ferebee, secretary. In the eighth legislature, October 7 to November 16, 1833, John Williamson was president of the council and William F. Yeomans, secretary; John Wilson was speaker of the house, and James B. Keatts, clerk. The ninth legislature met October 5 to November 16, 1835. The president of the senate was Charles Caldwell; secretary, S. T. Sanders. John Wilson was speaker of the house and L. B. Tully, clerk. This was the last of the Territorial assemblies. James Miller was succeeded as governor by George Izard, March 4, 1825, and Izard by John Pope, March 9, 1829. William Fulton followed Pope March 9, 1835, and held the office until Arkansas became a State. Robert Crittenden was secretary of State (nearly all of Miller’s term “acting governor”), appointed March 3, 1819, and was succeeded in office by William Fulton, April 8, 1829; Fulton was succeeded by Lewis Randolph, February 23, 1835. George W. Scott was appointed Territorial auditor August 5, 1819, and was succeeded by Richard C. Byrd, November 20, 1829; Byrd was followed by Emzy Wilson, November 5, 1831; and the latter by William Pelham, November 12, 1833, his successor being Elias N. Conway, July 25, 1835. James Scull, appointed treasurer August 5, 1819, was succeeded by S. M. Rutherford, November 12, 1833, who continued in office until the State was formed. Page 44 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas The counties in 1825 had been increased in number to thirteen: Arkansas, Clark, Conway, Chicot, Crawford, Crittenden, Lawrence, Miller, Hempstead, Independence, Pulaski, Izard and Phillips. The territory was divided into four judicial circuits, of which William Trimble, Benjamin Johnson, Thomas P. Eskridge and James Woodson Bates were, in the order named, the judges. The delegates in Congress from Arkansas Territory were James W. Bates, 1820 - 23; Henry W. Conway, 1823-29; Ambrose H. Sevier, 1829 - 36. The Territorial legislature, in common with all other legislatures of that day, passed some laws which would have been much better not passed, and others that remained a dead letter on the books. Among other good laws which were never enforced was one against dueling. In 1825 Whigs and Democrats allowed party feelings to run high, and some bloody duels grew out of the heat of campaigns. Robert Crittenden and Henry W. Conway fought a duel October 29, 1827. At the first fire Conway fell mortally wounded and died a fortnight thereafter. December 4, 1837, John Wilson, who, it will be noticed, figured prominently in the preceding record of the Territorial assemblies, was expelled from the house of representatives, of which body. he was speaker, for killing J. J. Anthony. A constitutional convention, for the purpose of arranging for the Territory to become a State in the Union, was held in Little Rock, in January, 1836. Its duty was to prepare a suitable constitution and submit it to Congress, and, if unobjectionable, to have an act passed creating the State of Arkansas. John Wilson was president, and Charles P. Bertrand, secretary, of the convention. Thirty-five counties were represented by fifty-two members. June 15, 1836, Arkansas was made a State, and the preamble of the act recites that there was a population of 47,700. The first State legislature met September 12 to November 8, 1836, later adjourning to November 6, 1837, and continued in session until March 5, 1838. The president of the senate was Sam C. Roane; secretary, A. J. Greer; the speaker of the house was John Wilson (he was expelled and Grandison D. Royston elected); clerk, S. H. Hempstead. The second constitutional convention, held January 4 to January 23, 1864, had as president, John McCoy, and secretary, R. J. T. White. This convention was called by virtue of President Lincoln’s proclamation. The polls had been opened chiefly at the Federal military posts, and the majority of delegates were really refugees from many of the counties they represented. It simply was an informal meeting of the Union men in response to the President’s wish, and they mostly made their own credentials. The Federal army occupied the Arkansas River and points north, while the south portion of the State was held by the Confederates. It is said the convention on important legal questions was largely influenced by Hon. T. D. W. Yonly, of Pulaski County. The convention practically re-enacted the constitution of 1836, abolished slavery, already a fact, and created the separate office of lieutenant-governor, instead of the former ex-officio president of the senate. The machinery of State government was thus once more in operation. The convention wisely did its work and adjourned. The next constitutional convention was held January 7 to February 18, 1868. Thomas M. Bowen was president, and John G. Price, secretary. The war was over and the Confederates had returned and were disposed to favor the constitution which they Page 45 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas found the Unionists had adopted in their absence, and was then in full force in the State. Isaac Murphy (Federal) had been elected governor under the constitution of 1864, and all the State offices were under control of the Unionists. His term as governor would expire in July, 1868. This convention made sweeping changes in the fundamental laws. The most prominent were the disfranchisement of a large majority of the white voters of the State, enfranchising the Negroes, and providing for a complex and plastic system of registration. This movement, and its severe character throughout, were a part of the reconstruction measures emanating from Congress. Arkansas was under military rule and the constitution of 1864, and this condition of affairs, had been accepted by the returned conquered Confederates. But the Unionists, who had fled to the Federal military posts for protection, were generally eager to visit their vanquished enemies with the severest penalties of the law. A large part of the intelligence and tax-payers of the State were indiscriminately excluded from the polls, and new voters and new men came to the front, with grievances to be avenged and ambitions to be gratified. The unusual experiment of the reversal of the civic conditions of the ex-slaves with their former masters was boldly undertaken. Impetuous men now prevailed in the name of patriotism, the natural reflex swing of the pendulum - the anti-climax was this convention of reconstruction to the convention of secession of 1861. The connection between these two conventions - 1861 – 1868 - is so blended that the convention of ’61 is omitted in its chronological order, that the two may be set properly side by side. March 4, 1861, a State convention assembled in Little Rock. The election of delegates was on February 18, preceding. The convention met the day Abraham Lincoln was inducted into office as president of the United States. The people of Arkansas were deeply concerned. The conservative minds of the State loved the Union as sincerely as they regretted the wanton assaults that had been made upon them by the extremists of the North. The members of that convention had been elected with a view to the consideration of those matters already visible in the dark war-clouds lowering upon the country. The test of the union and disunion sentiment of that body was the election of president of the convention. Judge David Walker (Union) received forty votes against thirty-five votes for Judge B. C. Totten. Hon. Henry F. Thomasson introduced a series of conservative resolutions, condemning disunion and looking to a convention of all the States to “ settle the slavery question ” and secure the perpetuation of the Union. The resolutions were passed, and the convention adjourned to meet again in May following. This filled the wise and conservative men of the State with great hopes for the future. But, most unfortunately, when the convention again met war was already upon the country, and the ordinance of secession was passed, with but one negative vote. The few days between the adjournment and re-assembling of the convention had not made traitors of this majority that had so recently,condemned disunion. The swift-moving events, everywhere producing consternation and alarm, called out determined men, and excitement ruled the hour. The conventions of 1861 and 1868 - secession and reconstruction! When the long - gathering cloud-burst of civil war had passed, it left a century’s trail of broken hearts, desolated homes, ruined lives, and a stream of demoralization overflowing the beautiful valleys of the land to the mountain tops. The innocent and unfortunate negro was the stumbling block at all times. The convention of 1861 would have founded an empire of freedom, buttressed in the slavery of the black man; the convention of 1868 preferred to rear its great column of liberty upon the ashes of the unfortunate past; in every era the wise, conservative and patriotic sentiment of the land was chained and bound to the chariot-wheels of rejoicing Page 46 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas emotion. Prudence and an intelligent insight into the future alone could prevent men from “losing their reason.” The constitution of 1868, as a whole, was not devoid of merit. It opened the way for an age of internal improvements, and intended the establishment of a liberal public free school system, and at the same time provided safeguards to protect the public treasury and restrain reckless extravagance. Then the legislatures elected under it, the State officers, and the representatives in the upper and lower Congress, were in political accord with the dominant party of the country. Gen. Grant was president; Powell Clayton, governor; Robert J. L. White, secretary of State; J. R. Berry, auditor, and Henry Page, treasurer. The first legislature under the constitution of 1868 passed most liberal laws to aid railroads and other internal improvements, and provided a system of revenue laws to meet the new order of affairs. During 1869 to 1871 railroad aid and levee bonds to the amount of $10,419,773.74 were issued. The supreme court of the State in after years declared the railroad aid, levee and Halford bonds void, aggregating $8,604,773.74. Before his term of governor had expired, Gov. Clayton was elected United States senator (1871-77), and in 1873 Hon. Stephen W. Dorsey was elected to a like position. The climax and the end of reconstruction in Arkansas will always be an interesting paragraph in the State’s history. Elisha Baxter and Joseph I Brooks were the gubernatorial candidates at the election of 1872. Both were Republicans, and Brooks was considered one of the most ardent of that party. Baxter was the nominee of the party and on the same ticket with Grant, who was candidate for president. Brooks was nominated on a mixed ticket, made up by disaffected Republicans, but on a more liberal platform toward the Democrats than the regular ticket. On the face of the first returns the Greeley electors and the Brooks ticket were in the majority, but when the votes were finally canvassed, such changes were made, from illegal voting or bulldozing it was claimed, as to elect the Grant and Baxter tickets. Under the constitution of 1868, the legislature was declared the sole judge of the election of State officers. Brooks took his case before that body at its January term, 1873 - at which time Baxter was inaugurated - but the assembly decided that Baxter was elected. and, whether right or wrong, every one supposed the question permanently settled. Brooks however, went before the supreme court (McClure being chief justice), that body promptly deciding that the legislature was by law the proper tribunal, and that as it had determined the case its action was final and binding. Baxter was inaugurated in January, 1873; had been declared elected by the proper authorities, and this had been confirmed by the legislature, the action of the latter being distinctly approved by the supreme court. The adherents of Brooks had supposed that they were greatly wronged, but like good citizens all acquiesced. Those who had politically despised Brooks - perhaps the majority of his voters - had learned to sympathize with what they believed were his and their mutual wrongs. Baxter had peacefully administered the office more than a year, when Brooks went before Judge John Whytock, of the Pulaski circuit court, and commenced quo warranto proceedings against Baxter. The governor’s attorneys filed a demurrer, and the case stood over. Wednesday, April 15, 1874, Judge Whytock, in the absence of Baxter’s attorneys, overruled the demurrer, giving judgment of ouster against Baxter, and instantly Brooks, with an officer, hastened to the State house, demanded the surrender of the office, and arrested Baxter. Thus a stroke of the pen by a mere circuit court judge in banc plunged the State into tumult. Page 47 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Couriers sped over the city, and the flying news gave the people a genuine sensation. Indeed, not only Baxter but the State and the nation received a great surprise. As soon as Baxter was released, though only under arrest a few minutes, he fled to St. John’s College, in the city, and from this headquarters called for soldiers, as did Brooks from the State house, and alas, poor Arkansas! there were now again two doughty governors beating the long roll and swiftly forming in the ranks of war. Brooks converted the State house and grounds into a garrison, while Baxter made headquarters at the old Anthony Hotel, and the dead-line between the armed foes was Main Street. Just in time to prevent mutual annihilation, though not in time to prevent bloodshed, some United States soldiers arrived and took up a position of armed neutrality between the foes. If there can be anything comical in a tragedy it is furnished just here in the fact that, in the twinkling of an eye, the adherents and voters of the two governors had changed places, and each was now fighting for the man whom he had opposed so vehemently. And in all these swift changes the supreme court had shown the greatest agility. By some remarkable legerdemain, Brooks, who was entrenching himself, had had his case again placed before the supreme court, and it promptly reversed itself and decided that the circuit court had jurisdiction. The wires to Washington were kept hot with messages to President Grant and Congress. The whole State was in dire commotion with “ mustering squadrons and clattering cars.” The frequent popping of picket guns was in the land; a steamboat, laden with arms for Baxter. was attacked and several killed and many wounded. Business was again utterly prostrated and horrors brooded over the unfortunate State; and probably the most appalling feature of it all was that in the division in the ranks of the people the blacks, led by whites, were mostly on one side, while the whites were arrayed on the other. Congress sent the historical Poland Committee to investigate Arkansas affairs. President Grant submitted all legal questions to his attorney-general. The President, at the end of thirty days after the forcible possession of the office, sustained Baxter - exit Brooks. The end of the war, the climax of reconstruction in Arkansas, had come. Peace entered as swiftly as had war a few days before. The sincerity and intensity of the peoples happiness in this final ending are found in the fact that when law and order were restored no one was impeached, no one was imprisoned for treason. The report of the Poland Committee, 1874, the written opinion of Attorney-General Williams, the decision of the Arkansas supreme court by Judge Samuel W. Williams, found in Vol. XXIX of Arkansas Reports, page 173, and the retiring message of Governor Baxter, are the principal records of the literature and history of the reign of the dual governors. The students of law and history in coming time will turn inquiring eyes with curious interest upon these official pages. The memory of “the thirty days” in Arkansas will live forever, propagating its lessons and bearing its warnings; the wise moderation and the spirit of forbearance of the people, in even their exalting hour of triumph, will be as beacon lights shining out upon the troubled waters, transmitting for all time the transcendent fact that in the hour of supreme trial the best intelligence of the people is wiser than their rulers, better lawgivers than their statesmen, and incomparably superior to their courts. The moment that President Grant officially spoke, the reconstruction constitution of 1868 was doomed. True, the people had moved almost in mass and without Page 48 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas leadership in 1873, and had repealed Article VIII of the constitution, disfranchising a large part of the intelligent tax-payers of the State. The constitutional convention of 1874, with the above facts fresh before it, met and promulgated the present State constitution. G. D. Royston was president, and T. W. Newton, secretary. The session lasted from July 14 to October 31, 1874. From the hour of its adoption the clouds rolled away, and at once commenced the present unexampled prosperity of the State. Only here and there in Little Rock and other points in the State may one see the mute but eloquent mementos of the past. in the dilapidated buildings, confiscated during the lifetime of some former owner, mayhap, some once eminent citizen, now in his grave or self expatriated from a State which his life and genius had adorned and helped make great. Municipalities and even small remote districts are paying off the last of heavy debts of the “flush times.” Long suffering and much chastened State and people, forgetting the past, and full of hope for the future, are fitly bedecking (though among the youngest) the queenliest in the sisterhood of States. In this connection it will be of much interest to notice the names of those individuals, who, by reason of their association with various public affairs, have become well and favorably known throughout the State. The term of service of each incumbent of the respective offices has been preserved and is here given. The following table includes the acting Territorial and State governors of Arkansas, with date of inauguration, party politics, etc: Page 49 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Territory Year of Date of Length Party and State Election Inauguration Term Major Total ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- James Miller Appt’d Mar 3, 1819 George Izard Appt’d Mar 4, 1825 John Pope Appt’d Mar 9, 1829 William Fulton Appt’d Mar 9, 1835 J. S. Conway 1836 Mar 18, 1836 4 yrs. Dem. 1,102M 7,716 Archibald Tell 1840 Nov 4, 1340 4 yrs. Dem. Samuel Adams Acting Apr 29 to Nov 9, 1844 T. S. Drew 1841 Nov 5, 1844 5 yrs. Dem. 1,731P 17,387 J. Williamson Acting Apr 9 to May 7, 1846 R. C. Byrd Acting Jan 11 to Apr 19, 1849 J. S. Roane 1849 Apr 19, 1849* Dem. 163 6,809 R. C. Byrd Acting 1849 J. R. Hampton Acting 1851 E. N. Conway 1852 Nov 15, 1852 4 yrs. Dem. 8,027 27,857 E. N. Conway 1854 Nov 17, 1856 4 yrs. Dem 2.363 42,861 H. M. Rector 1800 Nov 15, 1860 2 yrs. I. D. 2,461 61,198 T. Fletcher Acting Nov 4 to Nov 15, 1862 Con. (no record) H. Flannagin 1862 Nov 18, 1882 3 yrs. Con. 10,012 20,266 I. Murphy 1864 Apr 18, 1864 Fed. (no record) P. Clayton 1868 Jul 18, 1868 4 yrs. Rep. (no record) O. A. Hadley Acting Jan 17, 1871 2 yrs. Rep. (no record) E. Baxter 1872 Jan 6, 1873 2 yrs. Rep. 2,948 80,721 A. H. Garland 1874 Nov 12, 1874 2 yrs. Dem. 76,453 W. R. Miller 1876 Jan 11, 1877 2 yrs. Dem. 32,215 108,633 W. R. Miller 1873 Jan 17, 1379 2 yrs. Dem. 88,730 T. J. Churchill 1880 Jan 13, 1881 3 yrs. Dem. 52,761 115,619 J. H. Berry 1882 Jan 18, 1883 2 yrs. Dem 28,481 147,169 B. T. Embry Acting Sep 25 to Sep 30, 1883 S. P. Hughes 1884 Jan 17, 1885 2 yrs. 45,236 156,310 J. W. Stayton Acting S. P. Hughes 1888 2 yrs. Dem. 17,411 163,889 D. E. Barker Acting J. P. Eagle 1888 2 yrs. Dem. 15,008 187,397 * Special election. The secretaries of Arkansas Territory have been: Robert Crittenden, appointed March 3, 1819; William Fulton, appointed April 8, 1829; Lewis Randolph, appointed February 23, 1835. Secretaries of State: Robert A. Watkins, September 10, 1836, to November 12, 1840; D. B. Greer, November 12, 1840, to May 9, 1842; John Winfrey, acting, May 9, to August 9, 1842; D. B. Greer, August 19, 1840, to September 3, 1859 (died); Alexander Boileau, September 3, 1829, to January 21, 1860; S. M. Weaver, January 21, 1860, to March 20, 1860; John I. Stirman, March 24, 1860, to November 13, 1862; O. B. Oates, November 13, 1862, to April 18, 1864; Robert J. T. White, Provisional, from January 24, to January 6, 1873; J. M. Johnson, January 6, 1873, to November 12, 1874; B. B. Beavers, November 12, 1874, to January 17, 1879; Jacob Frolich, January 17, 1879, to January, 1885; E. B. Moore, January, 1885, to January, 1889; B. B. Chism (present incumbent). Page 50 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Territorial auditors of Arkansas: George W. Scott. August 5, 1819, to November 20, 1829; Richard C. Byrd, November 20, 1829, to November 5, 1831; Emzy Wilson, November 5, 1831, to November 12, 1833; William Pelham, November 12, 1833, to July 25, 1835; Elias N. Conway, July 25, 1835, to October 1, 1836. Auditors of State: Elias N. Conway, October 1, 1836, to May 17, 1841; A. Boileau, May 17, 1841, to July 5, 1841 (acting); Elias N. Conway, July 5, 1841, to January 3, 1849; C. C. Danley, January 3, 1849, to September 16, 1854 (resigned); W. R. Miller, September 16, 1854, to January 23, 1855; A. S. Huey. January 23, 1855, to January 23, 1857; W. R. Miller, January 23, 1857, to March 5, 1860; H. C. Lowe, March 5, 1860, to January 24, 1861 (acting); W. R. Miller, January 24, 1861, to April 18, 1864; J. R. Berry, April 18, 1864, to October 15, 1866; Stephen Wheeler, January 6, 1873, to November 12, 1874; W. R. Miller, October 15, 1866, to July 2, 1868; John Crawford, January 11, 1877, to January 17, 1883; A. W. files, January, 1883, to January, 1887; William R. Miller (died in office), January, 1887, to November, 1887; W. S. Dunlop, appointed November 30, 1887, to January, 1889; W. S. Dunlop, January, 1889 (present incumbent). Territorial treasurers: James Scull, August 15, 1819, to November 12, 1833; S. M. Rutherford, November 12, 1833, to October 1, 1836. State treasurers: W. E. Woodruff, October 1, 1836, to November 20, 1838; John Hutt, November 20, 1838, to February 2, 1843; John C. Martin, February 2, 1843, to January 4, 1845; Samuel Adams, January 4, 1845, to January 2, 1849; William Adams, January 2, 1849, to January 10, 1849; John H. Crease, January 10, 1849, to January 26, 1855; A. H. Rutherford January 27, 1855, to February 2, 1857; J. H. Crease, February 2, 1857, to February 2,1859; John Quindley, February 2, 1859, to December 13, 1860 (died); Jared C. Martin, December 13, 1860, to February 2, 1861; Oliver Basham, February 2, 1861, to April 18, 1864; E. D. Ayers, April 18, 1864, to October 15, 1866; L. B. Cunningham, October 15, 1866, to August 19, 1867 (removed by military); Henry Page, August 19, 1867 (military appointment), elected 1868 to 1874 (resigned); R. O. Newton, May 23, 1874, to November 12, 1874; T. J. Churchill, November 12, 1874, to January 12, 1881; W. E. Woodruff, Jr., January 12, 1881, to January, 1891. Attorneys-general: Robert W. Johnson, 1843; George C. Watkins, October 1, 1848; J. J. Crittenden, February 7, 1851; Thomas Johnson, September 8, 1856; J. L. Hollowell, September 8, 1858; P. Jordon, September 7, 1861; Sam W. Williams, 1862; C. T. Jordan, 1864; R. S. Gantt, January 31, 1865; R. H. Deadman, October 15, 1866; J. R. Montgomery, July 21, 1868; T. D. W. Yonley, January 8, 1873; J. L. Witherspoon, May 22, 1874; Simon P. Hughes, November 12, 1873, to 1876; W. F. Henderson, January 11, 1877, to 1881; C. B. Moore, January 12, 1881, to 1885; D. W. Jones, January, 1885, to 1889; W. E. Atkinson, January, 1889 (present incumbent). Commissioners of immigration and of State lands: J. M. Lewis, July 2, 1868; W. H. Grey, October 15, 1872;. J. N. Smithee, Juno 5, 1874. These officers were succeeded by the commissioner of State lands, the first to occupy this position being J. N. Smithee, from November 12, 1874, to November 18, 1878; D. W. Lear, October 21, 1878, to November, 1882; W. P. Campbell, October 30, 1882, to March, 1884; P. M. Cobbs, March 31, 1884, to October 30, 1890. Superintendents of public instruction: Thomas Smith, 1868 to 1873; J. C. Corbin, July 6, 1873; G. W. Hill, December 18, 1875, to October, 1878; J. L. Denton, Page 51 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas October 13, 1875, to October 11, 1882; Dunbar H. Pope, October 11 to 30, 1882; W. E. Thompson, October 20, 1882, to 1890. Of the present State officers and members of boards, the executive department is first worthy of attention. This is as follows: Governor, J. P. Eagle; secretary of State, B. B. Chism; treasurer, William E. Woodruff, Jr.; attorney-general, W. E. Atkinson; commissioner of State lands, Paul M. Cobbs; superintendent public instruction, W. E. Thompson; State geologist, John C. Brauner. Board of election canvassers: Gov. J. P. Eagle, Sec. B. B. Chism. Board of commissioners of the common school fund: Gov. J. P. Eagle, Sec. B. B. Chism, Supt. W. E. Thompson. State debt board: Gov. J. P. Eagle; And. W. S. Dunlop, and Sec. B. B. Chism. Penitentiary board - commissioners: The Governor; the attorney-general, W. E. Atkinson, and the secretary of State. Lessee of penitentiary: The Arkansas Industrial Company. Printing board: The Governor, president; W. S. Dunlop, auditor, and W. E. Woodruff, Jr., treasurer. Board of railroad commissioners (to assess and equalize the railroad property and valuation within the State): The Governor, secretary of State and State auditor. Board of Trustees of Arkansas Medical College: J. A. Dibrell, M. D., William Thompson, M. D., William Lawrence, M. D. The Arkansas State University, at Fayetteville, has as its board of trustees: W. M. Fishback, Fort Smith; James Mitchell, Little Rock; W. B. Welch, Fayetteville; C. M. Taylor, South Bend; B. F. Avery, Camden; J. W. Kessee, Latour; Gov. Eagle, ex- officio; E. H. Murfree, president, A. I. U.; J. L. Cravens, secretary. Of the Pine Bluff Normal, the president is J. Corbin, Pine Bluff; the board is the same as that of the State University. Board of dental surgery: Dr. L. Augspath, Dr. H. O. Howard, Dr. M. C. Marshall, Dr. L. G. Roberts, and Dr. N. N. Hayes. State board of health: Drs. A. L. Breysacher, J. A. Dibrell, P. Van Patten, Lorenzo R. Gibson, W. A. Cantrell, V. Brunson. Board of municipal corporations: Ex-officio - The Governor, secretary of State and State auditor. Board of education: The Governor, secretary of State and auditor. Board of review for donation contests: The Governor, auditor of State and attorney- general. Board of examiners of State script: The Governor, secretary of State and auditor. Page 52 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Reference to the presidential vote of Arkansas, from the year 1836 up to and including the election of 1888, will serve to show in a general way the political complexion of the State during that period. The elections have resulted as follows: * 1836 - Van Buren (D), 2,400; Harrison (W), 1,162; total 3,638. 1840 - Harrison (W), 5,160; Van Buren (D), 6,049; Birney (A), 889; total 11,209. 1844 - Polk (D), 8,546; Clay (W), 5,504; total 15,050. 1848 – Taylor (W), 7,588; Cass (D), 9,300; total 16,888. 1852 - Pierce (D), 12,170; Scott, 7,404; total 19,577. 1856 - Buchanan (D), 21,910; Fillmore, 10,787; total 32,697. 1860 - Douglas (D), 5,227; Breckenridge, 28,532; Bell, 20,297. 1864 - No vote. 1868 - Grant (R), 22,112; Seymour, 19,078; total 41,190. 1872 - Grant (R), 41,377; Greeley, 37,927; total 79,3Co. 1876 - Tilden (D), 58,360; Hayes (R), 38,669; total 97,029. 1880 - Garfield (R), 42,435; Hancock (D), 60,475; total, 107,290., 1884 - Cleveland (D), 72,927; Blaine, 50,895; total, 125,669. 1888 - Harrison (R), 58,752; Cleveland (D), 88,962; Fisk, 593; total, 155,968. * Scattering votes not given. In accepting the vote of Arkansas, 1876, objection was made to counting it, as follows: “First, because the official returns of the election in said State, made according to the laws of said State, show that the persons certified to the secretary of said State as elected, were not elected as electors for President of the United States at the election held November 5, 1876; and, second, because the returns as read by the tellers are not certified according to law. The objection was sustained by the Senate but not sustained by the House of Representatives.” Page 53 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER V. ADVANCEMENT OF THE STATE - MISCONCEPTIONS REMOVED - EFFECTS OF SLAVERY UPON AGRICULTURE - EXTRAORDINARY IMPROVEMENT SINCE THE WAR – IMPORTANT SUGGESTIONS – COMPARATIVE ESTIMATE - ESTIMATE OF PRODUCTS - GROWTH OF THE MANUFACTURING INTERESTS - WONDERFUL SHOWING OF ARKANSAS - ITS DESIRABILITY AS A PLACE OF RESIDENCE - STATE ELEVATIONS. Look forward what’s to come, and back what’s past; Thy life will be with praise and prudence graced; What loss or gain may follow thou may’st guess, Then wilt thou be secure of the success. - Denham BEFORE entering directly upon the subject of the material life and growth of Arkansas, it is necessary to clear away at the threshold some of the obstructions that have lain in its pathway. From the earliest settlement slavery existed, and the negro slave was brought with the first agricultural communities. Slave labor was profitable in but two things - cotton and sugar. Arkansas was north of the sugar cane belt, but was a splendid field for cotton growing. Slave labor and white labor upon the farms were never congenial associates. These things fixed rigidly the one road in the agricultural progress of the State. What was therefore the very richness of heaven’s bounties. became an incubus upon the general welfare. The fertile soil returned a rich reward even with the slovenly applied energies of the slaves. A man could pay perhaps $1,000 for a slave, and in the cotton field, but really nowhere else, the investment would yield an enormous profit. The loss in waste, or ill directed labor, in work carelessly done, or the want of preparation, tools or machinery, or any manner of real thrift, gave little or no concern to the average agriculturist. For personal comfort and large returns upon investments that required little or no personal attention, no section of the world ever surpassed the United States south of the 36° of north latitude. Wealth of individuals was rated therefore by the number of slaves one possessed. Twenty hands in the cotton field, under even an indifferent overseer, with no watchful care of the master, none of that saving frugality in the farming so imperative elsewhere upon farms, returned every year an income which would enable the family to spend their lives traveling and sightseeing over the world. The rich soil required no care in its tilling from the owner. It is the first and strongest principle in human nature to seek its desires through the least exertion. To raise cotton, ship to market and dispose of it, purchasing whatever was wanted, was the inevitable result of such conditions. This was by far the easiest mode, and hence manufactures, diversity of farming or farming pursuits, were not an imperative necessity - indeed, they were not felt to be necessities at all. The evil, the blight of slavery upon the whites, was well understood by the intelligence of the South, by even those who had learned to believe that white labor could not and never would be profitable in this latitude; that - most strange! the white man who labored at manual labor, must be in the severe climate and upon the stubborn New England soil. It was simply effect following cause which made these people send off their children to school. and to buy their every want. both necessaries and luxuries - importing hay,corn, oats, bacon, mules, horses and cattle even from Northern States, when every possible natural advantage might be had in producing the same things at home. It was the easiest and cheapest way to do. In the matter of dollars and cents, the destroying of slavery was, to the farmers of the Upper Mississippi Valley, a permanent loss. Now the New South is beginning to send the Page 54 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas products of its farms and gardens even to Illinois. The war, the abolition of slavery, the return of the Confederates to their desolated homes, and their invincible courage in rolling up their sleeves and going to work, and the results of their labors seen all over the South, form one of the grandest displays of the development of the latent forces of the great American people that can be found in history. There is not a thing, not even ice, but that, in the new social order of Arkansas, it can produce for its own use quite as well as the most favored of Northern States. The one obstruction in the way of the completed triumph of the State is the lingering idea among farmers that for the work of raising cotton, black labor is better than white. This fallacy is a companion of the old notion that slavery was necessary to the South. Under proper auspices these two articles of Arkansas - cotton and lumber - alone may make of it the most prosperous State in the Union and the magician’s wand to transform all this to gold is in securing the intelligent laborer of the North, far more than the Northern capital prayed for by so many. The North has its homeless millions, and the recent lessons in the opening of Oklahoma should be promptly appreciated by the people of this State. For the next decade to manufacture every pound of cotton raised in the State, as well as husbanding and manufacturing all the lumber from these grand old forests, is to solve the questions in the race of State prosperity and general wealth among the people. When free labor supplanted slave labor what wonderful advance it gave the whole section; when intelligent skilled labor supplants ignorance and unskilled labor. what a transcendent golden epoch will dawn. There is plenty of capital to-day in the State, if it was only put in proper cooperative form, to promote the establishment of manufactories that would liberally reward the stockholders, and make them and Arkansas the richest people in the world. Such will attract hundreds of thousands of intelligent and capable wage workers from the North, from all over the world, as well as the nimble-witted farm labor in the gardens, the orchards, the fields and the cotton plantations. This will bring and add to the present profits on a bale of cotton, the far richer dividend on stocks in factories, banks, railroads and all that golden stream which is so much of modern increase in wealth. The people of Arkansas may just as well have this incalculable abundance as to not have it, and at the, same time pay enormous premiums to others to come and reap the golden harvests. Competent laborers - skilled wage workers, the brawn and brain of the land - are telling of their unrest in strikes, lockouts, combinations and counter combinations; in short, in the conflict of labor and capital, they are appealing strongly to be allowed to come to Arkansas - not to enter the race against ignorant, incapable labor, but simply to find employment and homes, where in comfort and plenty they can rear their families, and while enriching themselves to return profits a thousand fold. Don’t fret and mope away your lives looking and longing for capital to enter and develop your boundless resources. Capital is a royal good thing, but remember it is even a better thing in your own pockets than in some other person’s. Open the way for proper, useful labor to come and find employment; each department. no matter how small or humble the beginning, once started will grow rapidly. and the problem will have been solved. Only by the North taking the raw product of the South and putting it in the hands of skilled labor has their enormous capital been secured. The profits on high priced labor will always far excel that on ignorant or cheap workmen. The time is now when this kind of labor and the small farmers and gardeners are awaiting a bidding to enter Arkansas. When the forlorn hope returned from the late war, they met the stern necessity, and demonstrated the fact that here, at least, the people can create their own capital. Let them now anticipate the future by this heroic triumph of the past. The Gods help those only who help themselves. Page 55 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves." To the Northern home-seeker the thing of first importance is to tell of the temperate climate at all seasons, and its extraordinary healthfulness, curing him of the false idea spread so wide that the topography of the State is seen from the decks of steamers, or on the lines of railroad which are built along the swamps and slashes, mostly on account of the easy grades on these lines. Then show from the records the low rate of taxation and the provisions of the law by which high taxation is forever prevented. From this preliminary may be unfolded to him some of the wonderful natural resources which are awaiting development. Here both tongue and pen will fall far short of telling all or nearly all. In climate, health, soil, timber, minerals, coal, rocks, clays, marls, sand, navigable streams, mineral and fresh waters, Arkansas may challenge any similar sized spot on the globe. It has more miles of navigable streams than any other State in the Union, and these are so placed as to give the whole territory the advantages thereof, as though the engineers had located them. It has unequaled water power - the Mammoth Spring alone furnishing enough water power to propel all the machinery west of the Mississippi River. The topography of the State is one of its most inviting features. Its variety in this respect is only equaled by the diversity of its soils. The traveler who in approaching this section concludes that it consists chiefly of swamp bottoms, and water-covered slashes, may readily learn from the records that three- quarters of the State’s surface is uplands, ranging from the gentle swells of prairie and woodland to the grandly beautiful mountain scenery; and on the mountain benches, and at the base, are as rich and beautiful valleys as are kissed by the rays of the sun in his season’s round. Take the whole range of agricultural products of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kansas, and all can be produced quite as well in Arkansas as in any of these States. In the face of this fact, for more than a generation Arkansas raised scarcely any of the products of these Northern communities, but imported such as it had to have. It could not spare its lands from the cultivation of the more profitable crops of cotton. In a word, the truth is the State was burdened with natural wealth - this and slave labor having clogged the way and impeded its progress. With less labor, more cotton per acre and per band, on an average, has been produced in Arkansas than in any other Southern State, and its quality has been such as to win the prize wherever it has been entered in competition. Its reputation as a fruit-growing State is not excelled. In the New Orleans Exposition, in California, Ohio and everywhere entered, it has taken the premium over all competitors. Its annual rainfall exceeds that of any Southern State, and it cannot, therefore, suffer seriously from droughts. There is not a spot upon the globe which, if isolated from all outside of its limits, could sustain in health and all the civilized comforts a population as large as might Arkansas. fifty thousand people annually come hither and are cured, and yet a general nebulous idea prevails among many in the North that the health and climate of the State are not good. The statistics of the United States Medical Department show the mortality rate at Little Rock to be less than at any other occupied military post in the country, There is malaria in portions of the State, but considering the vast bottom stretches of timber-land, and the newness of the country’s settlement, it is a remarkable fact that there is less of this disease here than in Pennsylvania; while all the severer diseases of the New England and Northern States, such as rheumatism, consumption, catarrh and blood poison, are always relieved and generally cured in Arkansas; malignant scarlet fever and diphtheria have never yet appeared. That dreadful decimator, yellow fever, has only visited the eastern portion of the State, but in every case it was brought from abroad, and has never prevailed in this locality as an epidemic. Therefore, the largest factories, schools and universities in the world should be here. The densest population, the busiest haunts of men, will inevitably come where their Page 56 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas rewards will be greatest - the struggle for life less severe. five hundred inhabitants to the square mile will not put to the full test the limitless resources of this wonderful commonwealth. Ten months of summer without one torrid day, with invariable cool and refreshing nights, and two months only of winter, where a man can work out of doors every day in the year in comfort, with less cost in physician’s bills, expense in food, clothing and housing, are some of the inducements the State offers to the poor man. There are millions of acres of fertile lands that are offered almost without money and without price; land nearly any acre of which is worth more intrinsically than any other similar sized body of land in the world. There are 5,000,000 acres of government lands in the State, and 2,000,000 acres of State lands. The rainfall in 1886 was 46.33; average mean temperature, 58.7°; highest, 97.8°; lowest, above zero, 7.6°. Of the 33,500,000 acres in the State there are soils richer and deeper than the Nile; others that excel the alluvial corn belt of the Northern States; others that may successfully compete with the noted Cuba or James River, Virginia, tobacco red soil districts, or the most noted vineyards of France or Italy. Here is the land of wine and silk, where side by side will grow the corn and the fig - the land overhung with the soft, blue skies, and decked with flowers, the air laden with the rich perfumes of the magnolias, on the topmost pinnacle of whose branches the Southern mocking-bird by day and by night swells its throat with song - "Where all save the spirit of man, is divine." The artificial and local causes which have obstructed the State’s prosperity are now forever gone. There is yet the unsolved problem of the political negro, but this is in Illinois, Kansas and Ohio, exactly as it is in Arkansas. It is only the common problem to the Anglo-Saxon of the United States, which, in the future as in the past, after many mistakes and even great wrongs, he will forever settle and for the best. Throw politics to the winds; only remember to profit by the mistakes of the North in inviting immigration, and thereby avoid the ominous presence of anarchism, socialism, and those conditions of social life latent in “the conflict of labor and capital.” These are some of the portentous problems now confronting the older States that are absent from Arkansas; they should be kept away, by the knowledge that such ugly conditions are the fanged whelps of the great brood of American demagogues - overdoses of politics, washed down by too much universal voting. It is of infinitely more importance to guard tax-receipts than the ballot boxes. When vice and ignorance vote their own destruction, there need be no one to compassionate their miseries, but always where taxes run high, people’s liberties run low. The best government governs the least - the freest government taxes the least. Offer premiums to the immigration of well informed, expert labor, and small farmers, dairy. men, gardeners and horticulturists and small traders. Let the 7,000,000 acres of government and State lands be given in forty-acre tracts to the heads of families, who will come and occupy them. Instead of millions of dollars in donations to great corporations and capitalists, give to that class which will create capital, develop the State, and enrich all the people. Railroads and capitalists will follow these as water runs down the hill. Arkansas needs railroads - ten thousand miles yet - it needs great factories, great cities, universities of learning and, forsooth, millionaires. But its first and greatest needs are small farmers, practical toilers, skilled mechanics, and scattered all over the State beginnings in each of the various manufactures; the beginnings, in short, of that auspicious hour when it ceases to ship any of its raw materials. It is a law of life, that, in a society where there are few millionaires, there are few paupers. Where the capital of a country is gathered in vast aggregations in the possession of a few, there the children cry for bread - the poor constantly increase, wages Page 57 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas fall, employment too often fails, and the hoarse mutterings of parading mobs and bread riots take the places of the laughter and the songs of the laborers to and from the shops and the fields. The following from the government official reports of the growth and value of the manufactures of the State is to be understood as reaching only to 1880, when it had but commenced to emerge from the old into the new life: Year Estab Capital Males Fem Chld Wages Materials Products ======================================================================= 1850 261 $ 305,045 812 30 $150,876 $ 215,789 $ 537,908 1860 518 1,316,610 1,831 46 554,240 1,280,503 2,880,578 1870 1,070 1,782,913 3,077 47 82 673,963 2,506,998 4,629,234 1880 1,202 2,953,130 4,307 90 160 925,358 4,392,080 6,756,159 Ideas of values are most easily reached by comparisons. The following figures, taken from official government reports, explain themselves: Farm Machinery Livestock Products ============================================================= Arkansas $00,000,000 $00,000,000 $00,000,000 $00,000,000 Nebraska $00,000,000 $00,000,000 $00,000,000 $00,000,000 Iowa $00,000,000 $00,000,000 $00,000,000 $00,000,000 Kansas $00,000,000 $00,000,000 $00,000,000 $00,000,000 Minnesota $00,000,000 $00,000,000 $00,000,000 $00,000,000 The products are the profits on the capital invested. Words can add nothing to these figures in demonstrating the superiority of Arkansas as an agricultural State, except the explanation that Southern farming is yet more or less carried on under the baneful influences of the days of slavery, unintentional indifference and the absence of watchful attention by the proprietor. Cotton grows finely in all parts of this commonwealth and heretofore in two-thirds of its territory it has been the main crop. In the fertile bottoms the product per acre has reached as high as 2,000 pounds of seed cotton, while on the uplands it runs from 600 to 1,000 pounds. The census of 1880 shows that Arkansas produces more cotton per acre, and at less expense, than any of the so-called cotton States. In 1880 the yield was 608,256 bales, grown on 1,042,970 acres. That year Georgia raised 814,441 bales, on 2,617,138 acres. The estimated cost per acre of raising cotton is $6. It will thus be seen that it cost $9,444,972 in Georgia to raise 256,185 more bales of cotton than Arkansas had grown - much more than double the land to produce less than one-fourth more cotton. Less than one-twentieth of the cotton land of the latter State has been brought under cultivation. The superiority of cotton here is attested by the fact that the greatest cotton thread manufacturers in the world prefer the Arkansas cotton to any other in the market. The product has for years carried off the first prizes over the world’s competition. The extra census bulletin, 1880, gives the yield of corn, oats and wheat products in Arkansas for that year as follows: Corn, 24,156,517 bushels; oats, 2,219,824 bushels; wheat, 1,269,730 bushels. Remembering that this is considered almost exclusively a cotton State, these figures of the cereals will be a genuine Page 58 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas surprise. More wheat is grown by 40,000 bushels and nearly three times as much corn as were raised in all New England, according to the official figures for that year. From the United States agricultural reports are obtained these interesting statistics concerning the money value of farm crops per acre: Corn Rye Oats Potato Hay ============================================= Illinois $ 6.77 $ 6.64 $ 6.46 $30.32 $ 7.66 Indiana 8.86 7.30 5.92 30.08 7.66 Ohio 11.52 9.08 7.90 34.48 9.85 Kansas 6.44 5.98 6.12 37.40 5.89 Virginia 7.52 5.16 5.34 43.50 17.30 Tennessee 7.91 7.32 5.73 28.08 14.95 Arkansas 11.51 9.51 11.07 78.65 22.94 The following is the average cash value per acre on all crops taken together: Maine $13.51 North Carolina $10.79 New Hampshire 13.56 South Carolina 10.09 Vermont 11.60 Georgia 10.35 Massachusetts 26.71 Florida 8.52 Rhode Island 29.32 Alabama 13.49 Connecticut 16.82 Mississippi 14.76 New York 14.15 Louisiana 22.40 New Jersey 18.05 Arkansas 20.40 Pennsylvania 17.68 Tennessee 12.39 Delaware 15.80 West Virginia 12.74 Maryland 17.82 Kentucky 13.58 Virginia 10.91 Ohio 15.58 Michigan 18.96 Kansas 9.11 Indiana 14.66 Nebraska 8.60 Illinois 12.47 California 17.18 Wisconsin 13.80 Oregon 17.11 Minnesota 10.29 Nevada, Colorado Iowa 8.88 & Territories 16.18 Missouri 10.78 Texas 14.69 The advance of horticulture in the past decade in the State has been extraordinary. Twenty years ago its orchard products amounted to very little. By the census reports of 1880, the total yield of fruit was $867,426. This was $100,000 more than the yield of Florida, with all the latter’s immense orange groves. As universally as has the State been misunderstood, it is probably in reference to its fruits and berries that the greatest errors have long existed. If one visits the apple and peach regions of the North, it is found to be the general belief that Arkansas is too far south to produce either, whereas the truth is that, especially in apples, it has no equal either in the United States or in the world. This fact was first brought to public attention at the World’s Fair, at New Orleans, 1884-85, where the Arkansas exhibit was by far the finest ever made, and the State was awarded the first premium, receiving the World’s medal and a special notice by the awarding committee. Thus encouraged, the State was represented at the meeting of the American Pomological Society, in Boston, in September, 1887. Sixty-eight varieties of Arkansas seedling apples were in the exhibit, to contend with all the champion fruit growers of the globe. The State won the Wilder medal, which is only given by Page 59 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas reason of extraordinary merit, and in addition to this was awarded the first premium for the largest and best collection of apples, consisting of 128 varieties. The collection which won the Boston prizes was then shipped to Little Rock, and after being on exhibition there twenty days, was re-packed and shipped to the National Horticultural meeting in California, which met at Riverside, February 7, 1888. Arkansas again won the first prize, invading the very home of Pomona, and bearing off the first honors as it had in eastern and northern sections of the Union. The “Arkansas Shannon” is pronounced by competent judges to be the finest apple now grown anywhere. Strawberries are another late discovery of the resources of Arkansas. The yield and quality are very superior. So rapidly has the industry grown that, during the fruit season, the Iron Mountain road runs a special daily fruit train, leaving Little Rock late in the afternoon and reaching St. Louis early the next morning. This luscious product, of remarkable size, ripens about the first of April. Of all cultivated fruit the grape has held its place in poetry and song, in sacred and profane history, as the first. It finds in Arkansas the same conditions and climate of its native countries, between Persia and India. The fruit and its wine produced here are said by native and foreign experts to equal, if not surpass, the most famous of Italy or France. The vines are always healthy and the fruit perfect. The wild Muscadine and Scuppernong grow vines measuring thirty-eight and one-half inches around, many varieties fruiting here to perfection that are not on the open air lists at all further north. The nativity of the peach is the same as that of the grape, and it, too, therefore, takes as kindly to the soil here as does the vine. Such a thing as budded peach trees are of very recent date, and as a consequence the surprises of the orchardists in respect to this fruit are many. Some of the varieties ripen in May, and so far every kind of budded peaches brought from the North, both the tree and the fruit, have improved by the transplanting. The vigor of the trees seems to baffle the borers, and no curled leaves have yet been noticed. In quality and quantity the product is most encouraging, and the next few years will see a marked advance in this industry. For fifty years after the settlement of the State peach seedlings were grown, and from these, as in the case of the apple, new and superior varieties have been started, noted for size, flavor, abundance and never failing crops. The Chickasaw plum is so far the most successfully grown, and is the best. It is a perfected fruit easily cultivated, and is free from the curculio, while the trees are healthy and vigorous beyond other localities. In vegetables and fruits. except the tropical plants, Arkansas is the banner State. In the fruit and vegetable kingdom there is found in luxuriant growth everything in the long list from corn to the fig. The yield and quality of Arkansas tobacco is remarkable when it is remembered that this industry has received so little attention. Thirty years ago State Geologist Owen informed the people that he found here the same, if not better, tobacco soil, than the most favored districts of Cuba. The yield of tobacco, in 1880, was 970,230 pounds. Yet so little attention or experiment has been given the subject that an experimental knowledge of the State’s resources in this respect cannot be claimed to have been gained. Page 60 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas In 1880 the State produced: Barley, 1,952 bushels; buckwheat, 548 bushels; rye, 22,387 bushels; hay, 23,295 tons; Irish potatoes, 492,627 bushels; sweet potatoes, 881,260 bushels. From the census reports of the same year are gleaned the following: Horses, total, 146,333; mules and asses, 87,082; working oxen, 25,444; milch cows, 249,407; other cattle. 433,392; sheep, 246,757; swine, 1,565,098; wool, 557,368 pounds; milk, 316,858 gallons; butter, 7,790,013 pounds; cheese, 26,310 pounds. All parts of the State are finely adapted to stock-raising. The excellence and abundance of pure water, the heavy growth of blue grass, the cane brakes and abundant mast, sustain the animals during most of the winter in marketable condition. In respect to all domestic animals here are presented the same conditions as in nearly every line of agriculture - cheapness of growth and excellence of quality. The improvement in cattle has been retarded by the now conceded fact that the “ Texas fever ” is asserted by some to be seated in the State. This affects Northern cattle when imported, while it has no effect on native animals. Except for this unfortunate reality there would be but little time lost in developing here the great dairy industry of the country. But good graded cattle are now being raised in every portion, and so rich is the locality in this regard that in stock, as in its fruits, care and attention will produce new varieties of unrivaled excellence. Arkansas is the natural home and breeding ground of animals, all growing to great perfection, with less care and the least cost. Taxes here are not high. The total taxation in Illinois in 1880, assessed on real and personal property, as per census reports, for State, county and all civil divisions less than counties, was $24,586,018; the same year in Arkansas the total tax was $1,839,090. Farm lands are decreasing in value in Illinois nearly as fast as they are increasing in Arkansas. The total taxation in the United States in 1880 was the enormous sum of $312,750,721. Northern cities are growing, while their rural population is lessening. The reverse of this is the best for a State. The source of ruin to past nations and civilizations has all arisen from an abuse of the taxing powers. Excessive taxation can only end in general min. This simple but great lesson should be instilled into the minds of all youths, crystallized into the briefest maxim, and written over every threshold in the land; hung in the porches of every institution of learning; imprinted upon every plow handle and emblazoned on the trees and jutting rocks. The State that has taxed its people to build a $25,000,000 State house, has given deep shame to the intelligence of this age. Taxes are the insidious destroyer of nations and all liberty, and it is only those freemen who jealously guard against this evil who will for any length of time maintain their independence, equality or manhood. The grade profile of the Memphis Route shows the elevations of the various cities and towns along that line to be as follows in feet, the datum plane being tide water of the Gulf of Mexico: Kansas City, 705; Rosedale, 825; Merriam, 900; Lenexa, 1,040; Olathe, 1,000; Bonita. 1,125; Ocheltree, 1,080; Spring Hill, 1,020; Hillsdale, 900; Paola, 800; Pendleton, 855; Fontana, 025; La Cygne. 840; Barnard, 810; Pleasanton, 865; Miami, 910; Prescott, 880; Fulton, 820; Hammond, 875; Fort Scott, 800; Clarksburg, 885; Garland, 805; all in Kansas; Arcadia, 820; Liberal, 875; Iantha, 900; Lamar, 1,000; Kenoma, 080; Golden City, 1,025; Lockwood, 1,005; South Greenfield, 1,040; Everton, 1,000; Ash Grove, 1,020; Bois d’Arc, 1,250; Campbells, 1,290; Nichols Junction, 1,280; Springfield, 1,300; Turner, 1,210; Rogersville, 1,475; Fordland, 1,600; Seymour, 1,680; Cedar Gap, 1,685; Mansfield, 1,520; Norwood, 1,510; Mountain Grove, 1,525; Cabool, 1,250; Sterling, 1,560; Page 61 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Willow Springs. 1,400; Burnham, 1,360; Olden, 1,280; West Plains, 950; Brandeville, 1,000; Koshkonong, 970; Thayer, last point in Missouri, 575; Mammoth Spring, Ark, 485; Afton, 410; Hardy, 370; Williford, 330; Ravenden, 310; Imboden, 300; Black Rock, 290; Portia, 285; Hoxie, 295; Sedgwick, 270; Bonnerville, 320; Jonesboro, 275; Nettleton, 250; Big Bay Siding, 250; Hatchie Coon, 250; Marked Tree, 250; Tyronza, 240; Gilmore, 225; Clarketon, 240; Marion, 235; West Memphis, 200; Memphis, 280. Page 62 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER VI. POLITICS - IMPORTANCE OF THE SUBJECT - THE TWO OLD SCHOOLS OF POLITICIANS - TRIUMPH OF THE JACKSONIANS - EARLY PROMINENT STATE POLITICIANS - THE GREAT QUESTION OF SECESSION - THE STATE VOTES TO JOIN THE CONFEDERACY - HORROR OF THE WAR PERIOD - THE RECONSTRUCTION DISTRESS -THE BAXTER-BROOKS EMBROGLIO. In knots they stand, or in a rank they walk. Serious in aspect, earnest in their talk; Factions, and favouring this or t’other side, As their weak fancy or strong reason guide. - Dryden. In one sense there is no portion of the history of Arkansas more instructive than its political history, because in this is the key to the character of many of its institutions, as well as strong indications of the trend of the public mind, and the characteristics of those men who shaped public affairs and controlled very largely in the State councils. Immediately upon the formation of the Territorial government, the President of the United States sent to Arkansas Post Gov. James miller, Robert Crittenden, secretary, and C. Jouett, Robert P. Letcher and Andrew Scott, judges to organize the new Territorial Government. Gov. Miller, it seems, gave little attention to his office, and therefore in all the early steps of formation Crittenden was the acting governor; and from the force of character he possessed, and his superior strength of mind, it is fair to conclude that be dominated almost at will the early public affairs of Arkansas. This was at the time of the beginning of the political rivalry between Clay and Jackson, two of the most remarkable types of great political leaders this country has produced - Henry Clay, the superb; “Old Hickory,” the man of iron; the one as polished a gem as ever glittered in the political heavens - the other the great diamond in the rough, who was of the people, and who drew his followers with bands of steel. These opposites were destined to clash. It is well for the country that they did. Robert Crittenden was a brother of John J. Crittenden, of Kentucky, and by some who knew him long and well he was deemed not only his brother’s peer, but in many respects his intellectual superior. It goes without the saying, he was a born Whig, who, in Kentucky’s super-loyal fashion, had Clay for his idol, and, to put it mildly, when to dislike. President Monroe had appointed the first Territorial officers, but the fact that Crittenden was secretary is evidence that politics than were not running very high. Monroe was succeeded in 1824 by John Quincy Adams. It would seem that in the early days in Arkansas, the Whigs stood upon the vantage grounds in many important respects. By the time Adams was inaugurated the war political to the death between Clay and Jackson had begun. But no man looked more carefully after his own interests than Jackson. He had large property possessions just across the line in Tennessee, besides property in Arkansas. He induced, from his ranks in his own State, some young men of promise to come to Arkansas. The prize now was whether this should be a Whig or Democratic State. President Adams turned out Democratic officials and put in Whigs, and Robert Crittenden for a long time seemed to hold the State in his hand. Jackson’s superiority as a leader over Clay is manifested in Page 63 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas the struggles between the two in Arkansas. Clay’s followers here were men after his fashion, as were Jackson’s men after his mold. Taking Robert Crittenden as the best type, he was but little inferior to Clay himself in his magnetic oratory and purity of principles and public life; while Jackson sent here the Seviers, Conways and Rectors, men of the people, but of matchless resolution and personal force of character. No two great commanders ever had more faithful or able lieutenants than were the respective champions of Old Hickory and Harry of the West, in the formative days of the State of Arkansas. The results were, like those throughout the Union, that Jackson triumphed in the hard strife, and Arkansas entered the Union, by virtue of a bill introduced by James Buchanan, as a Jackson State, and has never wavered in its political integrity. As an evidence of the similarity of the contests and respective leaders of the two parties here to those throughout the country, it is only necessary to point out that Crittenden drew to his following such men as Albert Pike, a genius of the loftiest and most versatile gifts the country has so far produced, while Jackson, ever supplying reinforcements to his captains, sent among others, as secretary of the Territory, Lewis Randolph, grandson of Thomas Jefferson, and whose wife was pretty Betty Martin, of the White House, a niece of Jackson’s. Randolph settled in Hempstead County when it was an unbroken wilderness, and his remains are now resting there in an unknown grave. Clay, it seems, could dispatch but little additional force to his followers, even when he saw they were the hardest pressed by the triumphant enemy. There was not much by which one could draw comparisons between Clay and Jackson - unless it was their radical difference. As a great orator, Clay has never been excelled, and he lived in a day when the open sesame to the world’s delights lay in the silver tongue; but Jackson was a hero, a great one, who inspired other born heroes to follow him even to the death. Arkansas was thus started permanently along the road of triumphant democracy, from which it never would have varied, except for the war times that brought to the whole country such confusion and political chaos. Being a Jackson State, dominated by the blood of the first governor of Tennessee - Gen. John Sevier, a man little inferior to Jackson himself - it was only the most cruel circumstance that could force the State into secession. When the convention met on the 4th of March, 1861, “on the state of the Union,” its voice was practically unanimous for the Union, and that body passed a series of as loyal resolutions as were ever penned, then adjourning to meet again in the May following. The convention met May 6, but the war was upon the country, and most of the Gulf States had seceded. Every one knew that war was inevitable; it was already going on, but very few realized its immensity. The convention did not rush hastily into secession. An ordinance of secession was introduced, and for days, and into the nights, running into the small hours, the matter was deliberated upon - no preliminary test vote was forced to an issue. Delegates were present in anxious attendance from the Carolinas, Alabama and Georgia. They knew that the fate of their action largely depended upon the attitude of Arkansas. If Arkansas voted no, then the whole secession movement would receive a severe blow. The afternoon before the final vote, which was to take place in the evening, these commissioners from other States had made up their minds that Arkansas might possibly vote down secession. When the convention adjourned for supper, they held a hurried consultation, and freely expressed their anxiety at the outlook. It was understood that the discussion was closed, and the night session was wholly for the purpose of taking a vote. All was uncertainty and intense excitement. Expressions of deepest attachment to the Union and the old flag were heard. The most fiery and vehement of the secessionists in the body were cautious Page 64 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas and deliberative. There was but little even of vehement detestation of the abolitionists - a thing as natural then for a Southern man to despise as hatred is natural to a heated brain. At a late hour in the evening, amid the most solemn silence of the crowded hall, an informal vote was taken. All except six members voted to secede. A suppressed applause followed the announcement of the vote. A hurried, whispered conference went on, and the effort was made to have the result unanimous. Now came the final vote. When the name of Isaac Murphy, afterward the military governor, was reached. it was passed and the roll call continued. It was so far unanimous, with Mr. Murphy’s name still to call. The clerk called it. Mr. Murphy arose and in an earnest and impressive manner in a few words explained the dilemma he was in, but said, “ I cannot violate my honest convictions of duty. I vote 6 No.9 H When the day of reconstruction began, at first it was under the supervision of the military, and it is yet the greatest pity that Congress did not let the military alone to rehabilitate the States they had conquered. Isaac Murphy was made governor. No truer Union man lived than he. He knew the people, and his two years of government were fast curing the wounds of war. But he was turned out of office. The right to vote compels, if it is to be other than an evil, some correct and intelligent understanding of the form of government prevailing in the United States, and of the elementary principles of political economy. The ability to read and write, own property, go to Congress or edit a political paper, has nothing to do with it, no more than the color of the skin, eyes or hair of the voter. The act of voting itself is the sovereign act in the economic affairs of the State; but if the government under its existing form is to endure, the average voter must understand and appreciate the fundamental principles which, in the providence of God, have made the United States the admiration of the world. Arkansas, the Democratic State, was in political disquiet from 1861 to 1874 - the beginning of the war and the end of reconstruction. When in the hands of Congress it was returned at every regular election as a Republican party State. The brief story of the political Moses who led it out of the wilderness is of itself a strange and interesting commentary on self government. When the war came there lived in Batesville Elisha Baxter, a young lawyer who had been breasting only financial misfortunes all his life. Utterly failing as a farmer and merchant, he had been driven to study law and enter the practice to make a living. An honest, kindhearted, good man, loving his neighbor as himself, but a patriot every inch of him, and loving the Union above all else, his heart was deeply grieved when he saw his adopted State had declared for secession. He could not be a dis-unionist, no more than he could turn upon his neighbors, friends and fellow citizens of Arkansas. He determined to wash his hands of it all and remain quietly at home. Like all others he knew nothing of civil war. His neighbors soon drove him from his home and family, and, to save his life, he went to the Northern army, then in Southern Missouri. He was welcomed and offered a commission in the Federal army and an opportunity to return to his State. He declined the offer; he could not turn and shed the blood of his old neighbors and former friends. In the vicissitudes of war this non-combatant was captured by an Arkansas command, paroled and ordered to report to the military authorities at Little Rock. He made his way thither, and was thrown into a military prison and promptly indicted for high treason. Then only he began to understand the temper of the times, for the chances of his being hanged were probably as a thousand to one to acquittal. In this extremity he broke jail and fled. He again reached the Northern army in which he Page 65 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas accepted a commission, and returned to his old home in Batesville, remaining in military command of the place. He was actively engaged in recruiting the Union men of Northern Arkansas and forming them into regiments. It goes without saying that Baxter never raised a hand to strike back at those who had so deeply wronged him, when their positions were reversed and he had the power in his hands. At the fall election, 1871, Baxter was the regular Republican candidate for governor, and Joseph Brooks was the Independent Republican nominee. The Republican party was divided and each bid. for the Democratic vote by promises to the ex- Confederates. Brooks may have been elected, but was counted out. Baxter was duly inaugurated. When he had served a year the politicians, it is supposed, who controlled Arkansas, finding they could not use Baxter, or in other words that they had counted in the wrong man, boldly proceeded to undo their own acts, dethrone Baxter and put Brooks in the chair of State. An account of the Baxter-Brooks war is given in another chapter. Thus was this man the victim of political circumstances; a patriot, loving his country and his neighbors, he was driven from home and State; a non-combatant, he was arrested by his own friends as a traitor and the hangman’s halter dangled in his face; breaking prison and stealing away like a skulking convict, to return as ruler and master by the omnipotent power of the bayonet; a non-party man, compelled to be a Republican in politics, and finally. as a Republican, fated to lead the Democratic party to success and power. The invincible Jacksonian dynasty, built up in Arkansas, with all else of public institutions went down in the sweep of civil war. It has not been revived as a political institution. But the Democratic party dominates the State as of old. Page 66 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER VII. SOCIETIES, STATE INSTITUTIONS, ETC. - THE KU KLUX KLAN - INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS - ANCIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS - GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC - BUREAU OF MINES - ARKANSAS AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATIONS - STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - THE WHEEL - THE STATE CAPITOL - THE CAPITOL BUILDING - STATE LIBRARIES - STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY - STATE BOARD OF HEALTH - DEAF MUTE INSTITUTE - SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND - ARKANSAS LUNATIC ASYLUM - ARKANSAS INDUSTRIAL UNIVERSITY - THE STATE DEBT Heaven forming each other to depend, A master, or a servant, or a friend. Bids each on other for other to depend, Till one man’s weakness a grows the strength of all. - Pope. SECRET societies are a form of social life and expression which,in some mode of existence, antedate even authentic history. Originally a manner of securing defense from the common enemies of tribes and peoples, they have developed into a social and eleemosynary institutions as advances in civilization have been made. At first they were but a severe necessity, and as that time slowly passed away, they became a luxury and a pleasure, having a peculiar and strong attraction to nearly all men. That part of one’s nature which loves to lean upon others for aid, even in the social scale, finds its expression in some of the many forms of societies, clubs, organizations or institutions that now pervade nearly all the walks of life. In every day existence, in business, church, state, politics and pleasure, are societies and organizations everywhere - for the purposes of gain, charity and comfort - indeed, for the sole purpose of finding something to do, would be the acknowledgment of many a society motto. The causes are as diversified as the bodies, secret and otherwise, are numerous. The South furnishes a most remarkable instance of the charm there is in mystery to all men, in the rise and spread of the Ku Klux Klan, a few years ago. Three or four young men, in Columbia, Tenn, spending a social evening together, concluded to organize a winter’s literary society. All had just returned from the war, in which they had fought for the “ lost cause,” and found time hanging dull upon them. Each eagerly caught at the idea of a society, and soon they were in the intricacies of the details. Together, from their Sparse recollections of their schoolbooks, they evolved the curious name for the society. The name suggested to them that the sport to be derived from it might be increased by making it a secret society. The thing was launched upon this basic idea. In everything connected with it each one was fertile it seems in adding mystery to mystery in their meetings and personal movements. The initiation of a new member was made a grand and rollicking affair. So complete had the members occasioned their little innocent society to be a mystery, that it became in an astonishingly brief time a greater enigma to themselves than even to outsiders. It swiftly spread from the village to the Co., from the county to the State, and over-ran the Southern States like a racing prairie fire, changing in its aims and objects as rapidly as it had grown. From simply frightening the poor night-prowling darkeys, it became a vast and uncontrollable semi-military organization; inflicting punishment here, and there taking life, until the State of Tennessee was thrown into utter confusion, and the military forces were called out; large rewards were offered for the arrest even of women found making any of the paraphernalia of the order. Government detectives sent to pry into their secrets Page 67 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas were slain, and a general reign of terror ensued. No rewards could induce a member to betray his fellows; and the efforts of the organizers to control the storm they had raised, were as idle as the buzzing of a summer fly. Thousands and thousands of men belonged to it, who knew really little or nothing about it, and who to this day are oblivious of the true history of one of the most remarkable movements of large bodies of men that has ever occurred in this or perhaps any country. It was said by leading members of the order that they could, in twenty-four hours, put tens of thousands of men in line of battle, all fully armed and equipped. It was indeed the “Invisible Empire.” By its founders it was as innocent and harmless in its purposes as a Sunday-school picnic, yet in a few weeks it spread and grew until it overshadowed the land - but little else than a bloody, headless riot. The imaginations of men on the outside conjured up the most blood-curdling falsehoods as to its doings; while those inside were, it seems, equally fertile in schemes and devices to further mystify people, alarm some and terrify others, and apparently the wilder the story told about them, the more they would enjoy it. Its true history will long give it rank of first importance to the philosophic and careful, painstaking historian. Among societies of the present day, that organization known as the Independent Order of Odd Fellows is recognized as a prominent one. The Grand Lodge of the order in Arkansas was organized June 11, 1849. Its first past grand master was John J. Horner, elected in 1854. His successors to date have been as follows: James A. Henry, 1858; P. O. Hooper, 1859-1866; Richard Bragg, Sr., 1862; Peter Brugman, 1867, 1868, 1871; Isaac Eolsom. 1873; Albert Cohen, 1874; John B. Bond, 1876; E. B. Moore, 1878; James S. Holmes, 1880; Adam Clark, 1881; W. A. Jett, 1882; James A. Gibson, 1884; George W. Hurley, 1885; H. S. Coleman, 1886, and A. S. Jett, 1887. The present able officers are R. P. Holt, grand master; J. P. Woolsey, deputy grand master; Louis C. Lincoln, grand warden; Peter Brugman, grand secretary; H. Ehrenbers, grand treasurer; H. S. Coleman, grand representative; A. S. Jett, grand representative; Rev. L. B. Hawley, grand chaplain; John R. Richardson, grand marshal; J. G. Parker, grand conductor; William Mosby. grand guardian; W. J. Glenn, grand herald. In the State there are eighty-two lodges and a total membership, reported by the secretary at the October meeting, 1888, of 2,023. The revenue from subordinate lodges amounts to $13,832, while the relief granted aggregates $2,840. There were sixteen Rebekah lodges organized in 1887-88. The Masonic fraternity is no less influential in the affairs of every part of the country, than the society just mentioned. There is a tradition - too vague for reliance - that Masonry was introduced into Arkansas by the Spaniards more than 100 years ago, and that therefore the first lodge was established at Arkansas Post. Relying, however, upon the records the earliest formation of a lodge of the order was in 1819, when the Grand Lodge of Kentucky granted a dispensation for a lodge at Arkansas Post. Robert Johnson was the first master. Judge Andrew Scott, a Federal judge in the Territory, was one of its members. But before this lodge received its charter, the seat of government was removed to Little Rock, and the Arkansas Post lodge became extinct. No other lodge was attempted to be established until 1836, when a dispensation was granted Washington Lodge No. 82, at Fayetteville, October 3, 1837. Onesimus Evans, was master; James McKissick, senior warden; Mathew Leeper, junior warden. In 1838 the Grand Lodge of Louisiana granted the second dispensation for a lodge at Arkansas Post - Morning Star Lodge No. 42; the same year granting a charter to Western Star Lodge No. 43, at Little Rock. Of this Edward Cross was master; Charles L. Jeffries, senior warden; Nicholas Peay, junior warden. About this time the Grand Page 68 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Lodge of Alabama granted a charter to Mount Horeb Lodge, of Washington, Hempstead County. November 21, 1838, these four lodges held a convention at Little Rock and formed the Grand Lodge of Arkansas. The representatives at this convention were: From Washington Lodge No. 82, of Fayetteville, Onesimus Evans, past master; Washington L. Wilson, Robert Bedford, Abraham Whinnery, Richard C. S. Brown, Samuel Adams and Williamson S. Oldham. From Western Star Lodge No. 43, of Little Rock, William Gilchrist, past master; Charles L. Jeffries, past master; Nicholas Peay, past master; Edward Cross, past master; Thomas Parsel, Alden Sprague and John Morris. From Morning Star Lodge No 42, of the Post of Arkansas, John W. Pullen. From Mount Horeb Lodge, of Washington, James H. Walker, Allen M. Oakley, Joseph W. McKean and James Trigg. Of this convention John Morris. of Western Star Lodge No. 43, was made secretary. Mr. Morris is still living (1889), a resident of Auburn, Sebastian Co., and is now quite an old man. Mr. John P. Karns, of Little Rock, was in attendance at the convention, although not a delegate. These two are the only ones surviving who were present on that occasion. The Grand Lodge organized by the election of William Gilchrist, grand master; Onesimus Evans, deputy grand master; James H. Walker, grand senior warden; Washington L. Wilson, grand junior warden; Alden Sprague, grand treasurer, and George C. Watkins, grand secretary. The constituent lodges, their former charters being extinct by their becoming members of a new jurisdiction, took new numbers. Washington Lodge, at Fayetteville, became No. 1; Western Star, of Little Rock, became No. 2; Morning Star, of the Post of Arkansas, became No. 3, and Mount Horeb, of Washington, became No. 4. Of these Washington No. 1, and Western Star No. 2, are in vigorous life, but Morning Star No. 3, and Mount Horeb No. 4, have become defunct. From this beginning of the four lodges, with a membership of probably 100, the Grand Lodge now consists of over 400 lodges, and a membership of about 12,000. The following are the officers for the present year: R. H. Taylor, grand master, Hot Springs; J. W. Sorrels, deputy grand master, Farmer, Scott County; D. B. Warren, grand lecturer, Gainesville; W. A. Clement, grand orator, Rover, Yell County; W. K. Ramsey, grand senior warden, Camden; C. A. Bridewell, grand junior warden, Hope; George H. Meade, grand treasurer, Little Rock; Fay Hempstead. grand secretary, Little Rock; D. D. Leach, grand senior deacon, Augusta; Samuel Pests, grand junior deacon, Batesville; H. W. Brooks, grand chaplain, Hope; John B. Baxter, grand marshal. Brinkley; C. C. Hamby, grand sword bearer, Prescott; S. Solmson, senior grand steward, Pine Bluff; A. T. Wilson, junior grand steward, Eureka Springs; J. O. Churchill, grand pursuivant, Charlotte, Independence County; Ed. Metcalf, grand tyler, Little Rock. The first post of the Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Arkansas, was organized under authority from the Illinois Commandery, and called McPherson Post Page 69 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas No. 1, of Little Rock. The district then passed under command of the Department of Missouri, and by that authority was organized Post No. 2, at Fort Smith. The Provisional Department of Arkansas was organized June 18, 1883, Stephen Wheeler being department commander, and C. M. Vaughan, adjutant-general. A State encampment was called to meet at Fort Smith, July 11, 1883. Six posts were represented in this meeting, when the following State officers were elected: S. Wheeler, commander; M. Mitchell, senior vice; R. E. Jackson, junior vice; H. Stone, quartermaster, and the following council: John F. Owen, A. S. Fowler, W. W. Bailey, A. Walrath, Benton Turner. There are now seventy-four posts, with a membership of 2,500, in the State. The present officers are: Department commander, A. S. Fowler; senior vice commander, John Vaughan; junior vice commander, E. A. Ellis; medical director, T. G. Miller; chaplain, T. R. Early. The council of administration includes A. A. Whissen, Thomas Boles, W. S. Bartholomew, R. E. Renner and I. B. Lawton. The following were the appointments on the staff of the department commander: Assistant adjutant-general, N. W. Cox; assistant quartermaster-general, Stephen Wheeler; judge advocate, S. J. Evans; chief mastering officer, S. K. Robinson; department inspector, R. S. Curry. Headquarters were established at Little Rock, AR. There are other bodies in the State whose aims and purposes differ materially from those previously mentioned. Among these is the Arkansas Bureau of Mines, Manufactures and Agriculture, which was organized as a State institution at the session of the legislature in 1889. The governor appointed M. F. Locke commissioner, the latter making M. W. Manville assistant. They at once proceeded to organize the department and open an office in the Statehouse. The legislature appropriated for the next two years for the bureau the sum of $18,000. This action of the legislature was in response to a demand from all parts of the State, which, growing in volume for some time, culminated in the meeting in Little Rock of numerous prominent men, and the organization of the Arkansas State Bureau of Immigration, January 31, 1888. A demand from almost every county prompted Gov. Senior P. Hughes to issue a call for a State meeting. The meeting was composed only of the best representative citizens. Gov. Hughes, in his address, stated that “the State should have an agricultural, mining and manufacturing bureau, which should be a bureau of statistics and immigration, also.” Hon. Logan H. Roots was elected president of the convention. He voiced the purposes of the meeting still further when he said, “ We want to educate others on the wealth-making properties of our State.” A permanent State organization was effected, one delegate from each county to constitute a State Board of Immigration, and the following permanent officers were chosen: Logan H. Roots, of Little Rock, president; Dandridge McRae, of Searcy, vice-president; H. L. Rommel, of Newport, secretary; George R. Brown, of Little Rock, treasurer; J. H. Clendening, of Fort Smith, A. M. Crow, of Arkadelphia, W. P. Fletcher, of Lonoke, additional executive committee. The executive committee issued a strong address and published it extensively, giving some of the many inducements the State had to offer immigrants. The legislature could not fail to properly recognize such a movement of the people, and so provided for the long needed bureau. Arkansas Agricultural Association was organized in 1885. It has moved slowly so far, but is now reaching the condition of becoming a great and prosperous institution. The entire State is soon to be made into sub-districts, with minor Page 70 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas organizations, at least one in each Congressional district, with a local control in each, and all will become stockholders and a part of the parent concern. A permanent State fair and suitable grounds and fixtures are to be provided in the near future, when Arkansas will successfully vie with any State in the Union in an annual display of its products. The officers of the Agricultural Association for 1889, are as follows: Zeb. Ward, president, Little Rock; B. D. Williams, first vice-president, Little Rock; T. D. Culberhouse, vice-president first Congressional district; D. McRae, vice-president Second Congressional district; W. L. Tate, vice president Third Congressional district; J. J. Sumpter, vice-president Fourth Congressional district; J. H. Vanhoose, vice-president fifth Congressional district; M. W. Manville, secretary; D. W. Bizzell, treasurer. Arkansas State Horticultural Society was organized May 24, 1879, and incorporated January 31, 1889. Under its completed organization the first fair was held in Little Rock, commencing Wednesday, May 15, 1889. President, E. F. Babcock; secretary, M. W. Manville; executive committee, S. H: Nowlin, chairman, Little Rock; George P. C. Rumbough, Little Rock; Rev. B. H. Buchanan, Little Rock; E. C. Kinney, Judsonia, and Fred Dengler, Hot Springs, constitute the official board. In 1881 three farmers of Prairie County met and talked over farm matters, and concluded to organize a society for the welfare of the farming community. The movement grew with astonishing rapidity. It was organized as a secret, nonpolitical society, and in matters of trade and commerce proposed to give its members the benefit of combination. In this respect it advocated action in concert with all labor unions or organizations of laborers. A State and National organization was effected, and the sub-organizations, extending to the smallest school districts, were required to obtain authority and report to the State branch and it in return to the National head. Thus far its originators sought what they believed to be the true cooperative method in their business affairs. The next object was to secure beneficial legislation to farmers - each one to retain his political party affiliations, and at the ballot-box to vote for either farmers or those most closely identified with their interests as might be found on the respective party tickets. The officers of the National society are: Isaac McCracken, president, Ozone, AR, and A. E. Gardner, secretary and treasurer, Dresden, TN. The Arkansas State Wheel officers are: L. P. Featherstone, president, Forrest City; R. H. Morehead, secretary, White Chapel, and W. H. Quayle, treasurer, Ozan. The scheme was inviting to honest farmers and the humble beginning soon grew to be a most prosperous society - not only extending over the State, but reaching boldly across the line into other States. When at the zenith of its prosperity, it is estimated there were 60,000 members of the order in Arkansas. This was too tempting a prospect for the busy political demagogues, and to the amazement of the better men in the society, they soon awoke to the fact that they were in the hands of the wily politicians. It is now estimated that the ranks in Arkansas are reduced to 20,000 or less - all for political causes. The movement now is to purge the society of politics and in the near future to meet the Farmer’s Alliance in St. Louis, and form a combination of the two societies. It is hoped by this arrangement to avoid the demagogues hereafter, and at the same time form a strong and permanent society, which will answer the best interests of the farming community. Page 71 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas As stated elsewhere, the location of a capital for Arkansas early occupied the attention of its citizens. On November 20, 1821, William Russell and others laid OR and platted Little Rock as the future capital of the Territory and State. They made a plat and a bill of assurances thereto, subdividing the same into lots and blocks. They granted to Pulaski County Lots 3 and 4 in trust and on the conditions following, viz.: “ That the said county of Pulaski within two years” should erect a common jail upon said Lots 3 and 4. Out of this transaction grew a great deal of litigation. The first jail was built of pine logs in 1823. It stood until 1837, when it was burned, and a brick building was erected in its stead. This stood for many years, but through the growth of the city, it in time became a public nuisance and was condemned, and the location moved to the present site of the stone jail. The Territory was organized by Congress in 1819, and the seat of government located at the Post of Arkansas. In the early part of 1820 arose the question of a new site for the seat of government, and all eyes turned to Pulaski County. A capital syndicate was formed and Little Rock Bluff fixed upon as the future capital. The one trouble was that the land at this point was not yet in market, and so the company secured “ sunk land scrip” and located this upon the selected town site. The west line of the Quapaw Indian reservation struck the Arkansas River at “the Little Rock” and therefore the east line of the contemplated capital had to be west of this Quapaw line. This town survey “west of the point of rocks, immediately south of the Arkansas River, and west of the Quapaw line,” was surveyed and returned to the recorder at St. Louis as the new town site and Territorial capital - called Little Rock. The dedication of the streets, etc., and the plat as laid off, was dated November 10, 1821. Grounds were given for a State house, and other public buildings and purposes, and for “the permanent seat of justice of said county (Pulaski)” was dedicated an entire half square, "bounded on the north by Markham Street and on the west by Spring Street and on the south by Cherry (now Second) Street” for court house purposes. In return the county was to erect a court house and jail on the lots specified for these purposes, “within ten years from the date hereof.” A market house was to be erected by the city on Lots 4 and 5, Block 99. The latter in time was built on these lots, the upper story containing a council chamber, which was in public use until 1864, when the present city hall was erected. By an act of the legislature, October 24, 1821, James Billingsly, Crawford Co., Samuel C. Roane, Clark Co., and Robert Bean, Independence Co., were appointed commissioners, “ to fix on a proper place for the seat of justice of the County of Pulaski;” the act further specifying “ they shall take into consideration donations and future divisions.” The latter part of the sentence is made still more important by the fact that at that time the western boundary of Pulaski County was 100 miles west, at the mouth of Petit Jean, and the eastern boundary was a few miles below Pine Bluff. October 18, 1820, the Territorial seat of government was removed from the Post of Arkansas to the Little Rock, the act to take effect June 1, 1821. It provided “ that there shall be a bond * * * for the faithful performance of the promise and good faith by which the seat of government is moved.” In November, 1821, about the last of the belongings of the Territorial capital at the Post were removed to Little Rock. It was a crossing point on the river of the government road leading to Missouri, and the place had often been designated as the “Missouri Crossing,” but the French had generally called it Arkapolis. Page 72 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas During the short time the Territorial capital was at Arkansas Post, no effort was made to erect public buildings, as from the first it was understood this was but a temporary location. When the capital came to Little Rock a one story double log house was built, near the spot where is now the Presbyterian Church, or near the corner of Scott and fifth Streets. This building was in the old style of two rooms, with an open space between, but all under the same roof. In 1826 the log building was superseded by a one-story frame. March 2, 1831, Congress authorized the Territory to select ten sections of. land and appropriate the same toward erecting capitol buildings; and in 1832 it empowered the governor to lease the salt springs. With these different funds was erected the central building of the present capitol, the old representative hall being where is now the senate chamber. In 1836, when Arkansas became a State, there was yet no plastering in any part of the brick building, and in the assembly halls were plain pine board tables and old fashioned split bottomed chairs, made in Little Rock. In 1886, at the remarkably small cost of $35,000, were added the additions and improvements and changes in the capitol building, completing it in its present form. And if the same wisdom controls the State in the future that has marked the past, especially in the matter of economy in its public buildings, there will be only a trifling additional expenditure on public buildings during the next half century. The State buildings are sufficient for all public needs; their plainness and cheapness are a pride and glory, fitting monuments to the past and present generation of rulers and law makers, testifying to their intelligence and integrity. The State library was started March 3, 1838, at first solely as a reference and exchange medium. It now has an annual allowance of $100, for purchasing books and contains 25,000 volumes, really more than can suitably be accommodated. The Supreme Court library was established in January, 1851. It has 8,000 volumes, including all the reports and the leading law works. The fees of attorneys’ license upon admission to the bar, of ten dollars, and a dollar docket fee in each case in court, constitute the fund provided for the library. The State Medical Society, as now constituted, was formed in May, 1875. It held its fourteenth annual session in 1889, at Pine Bluff. Edward Bentley is the acting president, and L. P. Gibson, secretary. Subordinate societies are formed in all parts of the State and are represented by regular delegates in the general assemblies. In addition to the officers for the current year above given are Z. Orts, assistant secretary, A. J. Vance, C. S. Gray, B. Hatchett and W. H. Hill, vice-presidents in the order named. The State Board of Health was established by act of the legislature, March 23, 1881. It is composed of six commissioners, appointed by the governor, “a majority of whom are to be medical graduates and of seven years’ practice in the profession.” The board is required to meet once in every three months. The secretary is allowed a salary of $1,000 per annum, but the others receive no compensation except traveling expenses in the discharge of official duties. The present board is composed of Dr. A. L. Breysacher, president; Dr. Lorenzo R. Gibson, secretary ; Doctors J. A. Dibrell, P. Van Patton, W1 A. Cantrell and V. Brunson. The beginning which resulted in the present elegant State institution for deaf mutes was a school established near the close of the late war, in Little Rock, by Page 73 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Joseph Mount, an educated mute, who gathered a few of these unfortunate ones together and taught a private school. The State legislature incorporated the school and made a small provision for it, July 17, 1868, the attendance that year being four pupils. The buildings are on the beautiful hill just west of the Union Depot, the improvement of the grounds being made in 1869. The attendance in 1870 was 43 pupils, which in the last session’s report, 1888, reached the number of 109; end the superintendent, anticipating an attendance for the current two years of 150, has solicited appropriations accordingly. The board of trustees of the Deaf Mute Institute includes: Hon. George E. Dodge, president; Col. S. L. Griffith, vice-president; Maj. R. H. Parham, Jr., secretary; Hon. W. E. Woodruff, treasurer; Maj. George H. Meade and Col. A. R. Witt. The officers are: Principal, Francis D. Clarke; instructors: John W. Michaels, Mrs. I. H. Carroll, Miss Susan B. Harwood, Miss Kate P. Brown, Miss Emma Wells, S. (1. Bright; teacher of articulation, Miss Lottie Kirkland. Mrs. M. M. Beattie is matron; Miss Lucinda Nations, assistant; Miss Clara Abbott, supervises the sewing, and Mrs. Amanda Harley is housekeeper. The visiting physician is J. A. Dibrell, Jr., M. D.; foreman of the printing office, T. P. Clarke; foreman of the shoe shop, U. G. Dunn. Of the total appropriations asked for the current two years, $80,970, $16,570 is for improvements in buildings, grounds, school apparatus, or working departments. The Arkansas School for the Blind was incorporated by act of the legislature, February 4, 1859, and Opened to pupils the same year in Arkadelphia. In the year of 1868 it was removed to Little Rock, and suitable grounds purchased at the foot of Center Street, on Eighteenth Street. This is not an asylum for the aged and infirm, nor a hospital for the treatment of disease, but a school for the young of both sexes, in which are taught literature, music and handcraft Pupils between six and twenty-six years old are received, and an oculist for the purpose of treating pupils is a part of its benefits; no charge is made for board or tuition, but friends are expected to furnish clothing and traveling expenses. It is estimated there are 300 blind of school age in the State. The legislature has appropriated $140 a year for each pupil. On this allowance in two years the steward reported a balance unexpended of $1,686.84. In 1886 was appropriated $6,000 to build a workshop, store-room, laundry and bake-oven. In 1860 the attendance was ten - five males and five females; in 1862, seven males and six females. The year 1888 brought the attendance up to fifty males and fifty-two females, or a total of 102. During the last two years six have graduated here - three in the industrial department, and three in the industrial and literary department. F our have been dismissed on account of recovered eyesight. The trustees of the school are: J. R. Rightsell, S. M. Marshall, W. C. Ratcliffe, J. W. House, and D. G. Fones; the superintendent being John H. Dye. Another commendable institution, carefully providing for the welfare of those dethroned of reason, is the Arkansas State Lunatic Asylum, which was authorized by act of the legislature of 1873, when suitable grounds were purchased, and highly improved, and buildings erected. The in institution is three miles west of the capitol and one-half mile north of the Mount Ida road. Eighty acres of ground were originally purchased and enclosed and are now reaching a high state of improvement. The resident population of the asylum at present is 500 souls, and owing to the crowded conditions an additional eighty acres were purchased in 1887, making in all Page 74 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas 160 acres. A careful inquiry shows there are in the State (and not in the asylum, for want of room) 198 insane persons, entitled under the law to the benefits of the institution. Of the 411 patients in the asylum in 1888, only four were pay patients. John G. Fletcher, R. K. Walker, A. L. Breysacher, John D. Adams and William J. Little are trustees of the institution, while Dr. P. O. Hooper is superintendent. In 1885 the legislature made an appropriation of $92,500 for the erection of additional buildings and other needed improvements. This fund was not all used, but the remainder was returned into the State treasury. The total current expenses for the year 1887 aggregated $45,212.60. The current expenses on patients the same year were $29,344.80. The comfort of the unfortunates - the excellence of the service, the wholesome food given them, and at the same time the minimum cost to the tax payers, prove the highest possible commendation to those in charge. The Arkansas Industrial University is the promise, if not the present fulfillment, of one of the most important of State institutions. It certainly deserves the utmost attention from the best people of the State, as it is destined to become in time one of the great universities of the world. It should be placed in position to be self-supporting, because education is not a public pauper and never can be permanently successful on charity. Any education to be had must be earned. This law of nature can no more be set aside than can the law of gravitation, and the ignorance of such a simple fact in statesmen and educators has cost our civilization its severest pains and penalties. The industrial department of the institution was organized in June, 1885. The act of incorporation provided that all males should work at manual labor three hours each day and be paid therefor ten cents an hour. Seven thousand dollars was appropriated to equip the shops. Practical labor was defined to be not only farm and shop work, but also surveying, drawing and laboratory practice. Mechanical arts and engineering became a part of the curriculum. The large majority of any people must engage in industrial pursuits, and to these industrial development and enlightenment and comfort go hand-in-hand. Hence the real people’s school is one of manual training. Schools of philosophy and literature will take care of themselves; think of a school (classical) endeavoring to train a Shakespeare or Burns! To have compelled either one of these to graduate at Oxford would have been like clipping the wings of the eagle to aid his upward flight. In the education at least of children nature is omnipotent and pitiless, and it is the establishment of such training schools as the Arkansas Industrial University that gives the cheering evidence of the world’s progress. In its continued prosperity is hope for the near future; its failure through ignorance or bigotry in the old and worn out ideas of the dead past, will go far toward the confirmation of the cruel cynicism that the most to be pitied animal pell-melled into the world is the new-born babe. The University is situated at Fayetteville, Washington County. It was organized by act of the legislature, based on the “Land Grant Act” of Congress of 1862, and supplemented by liberal donations from the State, the County of Washington, and the city of Fayetteville. The school was opened in 1872. March 30, 1877, the legislature passed the act known as the “Barker Bill,” which made nearly a complete change in the purview of the school and brought prominently forward the agricultural and mechanical departments. “To gratify our ambitious” [but mistaken] “youth,” says the prospectus, “we have, under Section 7 of the act, provided for instruction in the classics." Page 75 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Under the act of Congress known as the “ Hatch Bill,” an Agricultural Experimental Station has been organized. Substantial buildings are now provided, and the cost of board in the institution is reduced to $8 per month. The attendance at the present time is ninety-six students, and steps are being taken to form a model stock-farm. The trustees, in the last report, say: “ We recommend that girls be restored to the privileges of the institution.” The law only excludes females from being beneficiaries, and females may still attend as pay students. A part of the University is a branch Normal School, established at Pine Bluff, for the purpose of educating colored youth to be school teachers. These Normal Schools have for some years been a favorite and expensive hobby in most of the Northern States. There is probably no question that, for the promotion of the cause of education among the Negroes, they offer unusual attractions. The following will give the reader a clear comprehension of the school and its purposes. Its departments are: Mechanic arts and engineering, agriculture, experiment station, practical work, English and modern languages, biology and geology, military science and tactics, mathematics and logic, preparatory department, drawing and industrial art, and music. To all these departments is now added the medical department, located at Little Rock. This branch was founded in 1871, and has a suitable building on Second Street. The tenth annual course of lectures in this institution commenced October 3, 1888; the tenth annual commencement being held March 8, 1889. The institution is self-supporting, and already it ranks among the foremost medical schools in the country. The graduating class of 1888 numbered twenty. The State Board of Visitors to the medical school are Doctors W. W. Hipolite, W. P. Hart, W. B. Lawrence, J. M. Keller, I. Folsom. The debt of Arkansas is not as large as a cursory glance at the figures might indicate. The United States government recently issued a statistical abstract concerning the public debt of this State that is very misleading, and does it a great wrong. In enumerating the debts of the States it puts Arkansas at $12,029,1Co. This error comes of including the bonds issued for railroad and levee purposes. that have been decided by the Supreme Court null and void, to the amount of nearly $10,000,000. They are therefore no part of the State indebtedness. The real debt of the State is $2,111,000, including principal and accumulated interest. There is an amount in excess of this, if there is included the debt due the general government, but for all such the State has counter claims, and it is not therefore estimated in giving the real indebtedness. Page 76 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER VIII. THE BENCH AND BAR - AN ANALYTIC VIEW OF THE PROFESSION OF LAW - SPANISH AND FRENCH LAWS - ENGLISH COMMON LAW - THE LEGAL CIRCUIT RIDERS - TERRITORIAL LAW AND LAWYERS - THE COURT CIRCUITS - EARLY COURT OFFICERS - THE SUPREME COURT - PROMINENT MEMBERS OF THE STATE BENCH AND BAR - THE STANDARD OF THE EXECUTION OF LAW IN THE STATE. Laws do not put the least restraint Upon our freedom, but maintain it; Or if they do, for our good. To give us freer latitude; For wholesome laws preserve us free By stinting of our liberty. - Butler. The Territory when under Spanish or French rule was governed by much the same laws and customs. The home government appointed its viceroys, who were little more than normally under the control of the king, except in the general laws of the mother country. The necessary local provisions in the laws not strictly required to be submitted for approval to the master powers before being enforced in tho colony. Both governments were equally liberal in bestowing the lands upon subjects, and as a rule, without cost. But the shadow of feudal times still lingered over each of them, and they had no conception that the real people would want to be small landholders, supposing that in the new as in the old world they would drift into villeinage, and in some sense be a part of the possession of the landed aristocracy. Hence, these governments are seen taking personal charge as it were of the colonies; providing them masters and protectors, who, with government aid, would transport and in a certain sense own them and their labor after their arrival. The grantee of certain royal rights and privileges in the new world was responsible to the Viceroy for his colony, and the Viceroy to the king. The whole was anti-democratic of course, and was but the continued and old, old idea of “the divine rights of rulers.” The commentaries of even the favorite law writers today in this democratic country are blurred on nearly every page with that monstrous heresy, “the king can do no wrong” - the governing power is infallible, it needs no watching, no jealous eye that will see its errors or its crimes; a fetish to be blindly worshiped, indiscriminately, whether it is an angel of mercy or a monster of evil. When Cannibal was king he was a god, with no soul to dictate to him the course he pursued. “ The curiosities of patriotism under adversity” just here suggests itself as a natural title-page to one of the most remarkable books yet to be written. The bench and bar form a very peculiar result of modern civilization - to-day fighting the most heroic battles for the poor and the oppressed too morrow, perhaps, expending equal zeal and eloquence in the train of the bloody,usurper and tyrant. As full of inconsistencies as insincerity itself, it is also as noted for as wise, conservative and noble efforts in behalf of our race as ever distinguished patriot or sage. The dangers which beset the path of the lawyer are a blind adherence to precedent, and a love of the abstruse technicalities of the law practice. When both or either of these infirmities enter the soul of the otherwise young and rising practitioner, his usefulness to his fellow man is apt to be permanently impaired. He may be the “learned judge,” but will not be the great and good one. Page 77 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas The history of the bench and bar should be an instructive one. The inquirer, commencing in the natural order of all real history, investigating the cause or the fountain source, and then following up the effects flowing from causes, is met at the threshold with the question, Why ? What natural necessity created this vast and expensive supernumerary of civilization. The institution in its entirety is so wide and involved, so comprehensive and expensive, with its array of court officials, great temples, its robes, ermine and wool-sacks; its halls, professors, schools and libraries, that the average mind is oppressed with the attempt to grasp its outlines. In a purely economic sense it produces not one blade of grass. After having elucidated this much of the investigation as best he can, he comes to a minor one, or the details of the subject. For illustration’s sake, let it be assumed that he will then take up the consideration of grand juries, their origin, history and present necessity for existence. These are mere hints, but such as will arrest the attention of the student of law of philosophical turn of mind. They are nothing more than the same problems that come in every department of history. The school of the lawyer is to accept precedent, the same as it is a common human instinct to accept what comes to him from the fathers - assuming everything in its favor and combating everything that would dispute “ the old order.” It is the exceptional mind which looks ancient precedent in the face and asks questions, Whence? Why? Whither? These are generally inconvenient queries to indolent content, but they are the drive-wheels of moving civilization. One most extraordinary fact forever remains, namely, that lawyers and statesmen never unfolded the science of political economy. This seems a strange contradiction, but nevertheless it is so. The story of human and divine laws is much alike. The truths have not been found, as a rule, by the custodians of the temples. The Rev. Jaspers are still proclaiming “the world do move.” Great statesmen are still seriously regulating the nation’s “balance of trade,” the price of interest on money, and through processes of taxation enriching peoples, while the dear old precedents have for 100 years been demonstrated to be myths. They are theoretically dead with all intelligent men, but are very much alive in fact. Thus the social life of every people is full of most amusing curiosities, many of them harmless, many that are not. The early bench and bar of Arkansas produced a strong and virile race of men. The pioneers of this important class of community possessed vigorous minds and bodies, with lofty ideals of personal honor, and an energy of integrity admirably fitted to the tasks set before them. The law of the land, the moment the Louisiana purchase was effected, was the English common law, that vast and marvelous structure, the growth of hundreds of years of bloody English history, and so often the apparent throes of civilization. The circuit riders composed the first bench and bar here, as in all the western States. In this State especially the accounts of the law practice - the long trips over the wide judicial circuits; the hardships endured, the dangers encountered from swollen streams ere safe bridges spanned them; the rough accommodations, indeed, sometimes the absence of shelter from the raging elements, and amid all this their jolly happy - go-lucky life, their wit and fun, their eternal electioneering, for every lawyer then was a politician; their quickened wits and schemes and devices to advantage each ether, both in and out. of the courts, if all could be told in detail, would read like a fascinating romance. These riders often traveled in companies of from three to fifteen, and among them would be found the college and law-school graduates, and the brush graduates, associated in some cases Page 78 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas and opposed in others. And here, as in all the walks of life, it was often found that the rough, self-educated men over matched the graduates in their fiercest contests. While one might understand more of the books and of the learned technicalities of law, the other would know the jury best, and overthrow his antagonist. In the little old log cabin court rooms of those days, when the court was in session, the contest of the legal gladiators went on from the opening to the closing of the term. Generally the test was before a jury, and the people gathered from all the surrounding country, deeply interested in every movement of the actors. This was an additional stimulus to the lawyer politicians, who well understood that their ability was gauged by the crowd, as were their successes before the jury. Thus was it a combination of the forum and “stump.” Here, sometimes in the conduct of a noted case, a seat in Congress would be won or lost. A seat in Congress, or on the “wool sack,” was the ambition of nearly every circuit rider. Their legal encounters were fought out to the end. Each one was dreadfully in earnest - he practiced no assumed virtues in the struggle; battling as much at least for himself as his client, he would yield only under compulsion, even in the minor points, and, unfortunately, sometimes in the heat of ardor, the contest would descend from a legal to a personal one, and then the handy duello code was a ready resort. It seems it was this unhappy mixture of law and politics that caused many of these bloody personal encounters. In the pure practice of the law, stripped of political bearings, there seldom, if ever, came misunderstandings. They must have been a fearless and earnest class of men to brave the hardships of professional life, as well as mastering the endless and involved intricacies of the legal practice of that day. The law then was but little less than a mass of unmeaning technicalities. A successful practitioner required to have at his fingers’ ends at least Blackstone’s Commentaries and Chitty’s Pleadings, and much of the wonders contained in the Rules of Evidence. Libraries were then scarce and their privations here were nearly as great as in the common comforts for “ man and beast.” There have been vast improvements in the simplifying of the practice, the abolition of technical pleadings especially, since that time, and the young attorney of today can hardly realize what it was the pioneers of his profession had to undergo. A judicial circuit at that early day was an immense domain, over which the bench and bar regularly made semi-annual trips. Sometimes they would not more than get around to their starting point before it would be necessary to go all over the ground again. Thus the court was almost literally “in the saddle.” The saddle-bags were their law offices, and some of them, upon reaching their respective county- seats, would signalize their brief stays with hard work all day in the court-room and late roystering at the tavern bar at night, regardless of the demurrers, pleas, replications, rejoinders and surrejoinders, declarations and bills that they knew must be confronted on the morrow. Among these jolly Sojourners, “ during court week” in the villages, dignity and circumspection were often given over exclusively to the keeping of the judge and prosecutor. Circumstances thus made the bench and bar as social a set as ever came together. To see them returning after their long journeyings, sunburned and weather-beaten, having had but few advantages of the laundry or bathtub, they might have passed for a returning squad of cavalry in the late war. One eccentric character made it a point never to start with any relays to his wardrobe. When he reached home after his long pilgrimage it would be noticed that his clothes had a stuffed appearance. The truth was that when clean linen was needed he bought new goods and slipped them on over the soiled ones. He would often tell how he dreaded the return to his home, as he knew that after his wife attended to his change of wardrobe he was “ most sure to catch cold.” Page 79 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas On one occasion two members of the bar met at a county seat where court was in session a week. They had come from opposite directions, one of them riding a borrowed horse seventy miles, while the other on his own horse had traveled over 100 miles. Upon starting home they unwittingly exchanged horses, and neither discovered the mistake until informed by friends after reaching their destination. The horses could hardly have been more dissimilar, but the owners detected no change. It was nearly the value of the animals to make the return exchange, yet each set out, and finally returned with the proper horse. No little ingenuity must have been manifested in finally unraveling the great mystery of the affair. Surrounded as they were with all these ill conditions, as a body of men they were nevertheless learned in the law, great in the forum, able and upright on the bench. Comparisons are odious, but it is nothing in disparagement to the present generation of courts and lawyers, to say that to be equally great and worthy with these men of the early bench and bar of Arkansas, is to exalt and ennoble the profession in the highest degree. Sixty years have now passed since the first coming of the members of this calling to the State of Arkansas. In 1819 President Monroe appointed James Miller, governor, Robert Crittenden, secretary, and Charles Jouett, Andrew Scott and Robert P. Letcher, judges of the Superior Court, for the new Territory of Arkansas. All these, it seems, except Gov. Miller, were promptly at the post of duty and in the discharge of their respective offices. In the absence of Mr. Miller, Mr. Crittenden was acting governor. These men not only constituted the first bench and bar, but the first Territorial officials and the first legislature. They were all located in the old French town of Arkansas Post. The lawyers and judges were the legislative body, which enacted the laws to be enforced in their respective districts. At their first legislative session they established but five statute laws, and from this it might be inferred that there were few and simple laws in force at that time, but the reader will remember that from the moment of the Louisiana purchase all the new territory passed under the regulation and control of the English common law - substantially the same system of laws then governing England. It is a singular comment on American jurisprudence that this country is still boasting the possession of the English habeas corpus act, wrung by those sturdy old barons from King John,-a government by the people, universal suffrage, where the meanest voter is by his vote also a sovereign, and therefore he protects himself against - whom f - why. against himself by the English habeas corpus act, which was but the great act of a great people that first proclaimed a higher right than was the " divine right of kings.” When these old Englishmen presented the alternative to King John, the writ or the headsman’s ax, he very sensibly chose the lesser of the two great inconveniences. And from that moment the vital meaning of the phrase “the divine right of kings” was dead in England. .In America, where all vote, the writ of habeas corpus has been time and time again suspended, and there are foolish men now who would gladly resort to this untoward measure, for the sake of party success in elections. There is no language of tongue or pen that can carry a more biting sarcasm on our boasted freemen or free institutions than this almost unnoticed fact in our history. One of the acts of the first legislative session held in August, 1819, was to divide the Territory into two judicial circuits. As elsewhere stated, the counties of Arkansas and Lawrence constituted the first circuit; Pulaski, Clark and Hempstead Counties forming the Second. Page 80 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas The judges of the Superior Courts were assigned to the duties of the different circuits. At the first real Territorial legislature, composed of representatives elected by the people, the Territory was divided into three judicial circuits. The courts, however, for the different circuits, were all held at the Territorial capital. There was no circuit riding, therefore, at this time. Judicial circuits and judges residing therein were not a part of judiciary affairs until 1823. The judges of the first circuit from that date, with time of appointment and service, were: T. P. Eskridge, December 10, 1823; Andrew Scott, April 11, 1827; 1 Sam O. Roane, April 17, 1829 - 36. The list of prosecuting attorneys includes: W. B. R. Homer, November 1, 1823; Thomas Hubbard, November 5, 1828, to February 15, 1832; G. D. Royston, September 7, 1833; Shelton Watson, October 4, 1835; A. G. Stephenson, January 23, 1836. Of the Second circuit the judges were: Richard Searcy, December 10, 1823, and J. W. Bates, November, 1825, to 1836; while the prosecuting attorneys were R. C. Oden, November 1, 1823; A. H. Sevier, January 19, 1824 (resigned); Sam C. Roane, September 26, 1826; Bennett H. Martin, January 30, 1831; Absalom Fowler, - ; D. L. F. Royston, July 25, 1835; Townsend Dickinson, November 1, 1823; A. F. May, March 29, 1825 (died in office); W. H. Parrott, April 21, 1827; S. S. Hall, August 31, 1831; J. W. Robertson, September 17, 1833; E. B. Ball, July 19, 1836. Samuel S. Hall was judge of the Third circuit, serving from December, 1823, to 1836. As prosecuting attorneys, are found the names of T. Dickinson, January 10, 1823; A. D. G. Davis, June 21, 1829; S. G. Sneed, November 11, 1831; David Walker, September 13, 1833; Thomas Johnson, October 4, 1835; W. F. Denton, January 23, 1836. The appointment of Charles Caldwell as judge of the Fourth circuit dates from December 27, 1828; while E. T. Clark, February 13, 1830; J. C. P. Tolleson, February 1, 1831; and W. K. Sebastian, from January 25, 1833, served as prosecuting attorneys. The Supreme Court of Arkansas has ever comprised among its members men of dignity, wisdom and keen legal insight. The directory of these officials contains the names of many of those whose reputation and influence are far more than local. It is as follows: Chief justices: Daniel Ringo, 1836; Thomas Johnson, 1844; George C. Watkins, 1852 (resigned); E. H. English, 1854 (also Confederate); T. D. W. Yonley, 1864 (Murphy constitution); E. Baxter, 1864 (under Murphy regime); David Walker, 1866 (ousted by military); W. W. Wilshire, 1868 (removed); John McClure, 1871, (removed); E. H. English, 1874. Sterling R. Cockrill is present chief justice. Associate justices: Thomas J. Lacey, 1836; Townsend Dickinson, 1836; George W. Paschal, 1842; W. K. Sebastian, 1843; W. S. Oldham, 1845; Edward Cross, 1845; William Conway, 1846; C. C. Scott, 1848; David Walker, 1847 and 1874; Thomas B. Henley, 1858 (resigned); F. I. Batson, 1858 (resigned); H. F. Fairchild, 1860 (died); Albert Pike, 1861 (also Confederate); J. J. Clendenin, 1866 (ousted); T. M. Bowen, 1868; L. Gregg, 1868; J. E. Bennett, 1871; M. L. Stephenson, 1872; E. J. Searle. 1872; W. M. Harrison, 1874; J. T. Bearden, 1874 (appointed); Jesse Turner, 1878; J. R. Eakin, 1878; W. W. Smith, 1882; B. B. Battle, 1885, re-elected. By law three additional judges were elected April 2, 1889: Simon B. Hughes, W. E. Hemingway and Mont. H. Sandals. Page 81 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Reporters: Albert Pike, N. W. Cox, E. H. English, J. M. Moore, L. E. Barber, B. D. Turner and W. W. Mansfield (present incumbent). Clerks: H. Haralson, L. E. Barber, N. W. Cox, and W. P. Campbell (in office). Special chief justices: William Story, F. W. Compton, J. L. Witherspoon, S. H. Hempstead, C. B. Moore, Thomas Johnson, R. A. Howard, George A. Gallagher, B. B. Battle, Sam W. Williams, A. B. Williams, G. N. Cousin, Isaac Strain, N. Haggard, Edward Cross. R. C. S. Brown, L. A. Pindall, Sam O. Roane, George Conway, Sackfield Macklinin, John Whytock, C. C. Farrelley, W. W. Smith, W. I. Warwick, B. B. Morse, B. D. Turner, George W. Caruth, S. H. Harrington. In this list are the names of nearly all early members of the Arkansas bar. Commencing here as young attorneys in their profession, many of them have left illustrious names - names that adorn the history of the State and Nation, and time will not dim nor change the exalted esteem now given them. Not one of them but that was an example of that wonderful versatility of American genius - the young lawyer becoming great in the practice of his profession in the wild wood; or celebrated on the bench for decisions that came to the world like beacon lights from the unknown land; or as senators holding civilized people spell-bound by their wisdom and eloquence; and all, at all times, listening for their country’s call to play as conspicuous a part in camp and field as they had in the walks of civil life. To undertake all these things is not wonderful with a people so cosmopolitan as those of the west, but to be pre-eminent in each or all alike is most remarkable. Of this brilliant galaxy of pioneer legal lights - giants indeed - there now remain as a connecting link with the present generation only the venerable Gen. Albert Pike, of Washington City, and Judge Jesse Turner, of Van Buren. Writing in a reminiscent way of the bench and bar, Albert Pike says: “When I came to the bar there were William Cummins, Absalom Fowler, Daniel Ringo, Chester Ashley, and Samuel Hall, at Little Rock. I served on a jury in 1834 where Robert Crittenden was an attorney in the case; the judge was Benjamin Johnson, who died in December, 1834, at Vicksburg. Parrott and Oden died before I went to Little Book. Judge William Trimble was an old member of the bar when I entered it, as was Col. Homer, of Helena. Thomas B. Henley had recently come to Helena from Louisiana. I think Maj. Thomas Hubbard and George Conway were practicing at Washington in 1835. Judge Andrew Scott had been Territorial judge, but retired and lived in Pope County. Frederick W. Trapnall and John W. Cocke came from Kentucky to Little Rock in 1836, and also William C. Scott and his partner, Blanchard. I think Samuel H. Hempstead and John J. Clendenin came in 1836. John B. Floyd lived and practiced law in Chicot County.” Gen. Pike further mentions Judge David Walker, John Linton, Judges Hoge and Sneed, John M. Wilson, Alfred W. Wilson, Archibald Yell, Judge Fowler, Judge Richard C. S. Brown, Bennett H. Martin, Philander Little, Jesse Turner and Sam W. Williams as among the eminent lawyers of the early courts of Arkansas. The list of those who have occupied positions as circuit judges and prosecuting attorneys in the various circuits, will be found of equal interest with the names mentioned in connection with a higher tribunal. It is as below, the date affixed indicating the beginning of the term of service: Page 82 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Judges of the first circuit: W. K. Sebastian, November 19, 1840; J. C. P. Tolleson, February 8, 1843; John T. Jones, December 2,1842; Mark W. Alexander, - ; George W. Beasley, September 6, 1855; C. W. Adams, November 2, 1852; Thomas B. Henley, - ; E. C. Bronough, August 25, 1858; O. H. Oates, March 3, 1859; E. C. Bronough, August 23, 1860; Jesse M. Houks, September 17, 1865; John E. Bennett, July 23, 1808; C. C. Waters, February 23, 1871; M. L. Stephenson, March 24, 1871; W. H. H. Clayton, March 10, 1873; J. N. Cypert, October 31, 1874; M. T. Saunders, October 30, 1882. Prosecuting attorneys: W. S. Mosley, November 14, 1840; A. J. Greer, November 9, 1841; S. S. Tucker, January 20, 1840; Alonzo Thomas, August 5, 1842; W. N. Stanton, December 2, 1842; N. M. Foster, December 4, 1843; A. H. Ringo, March 2, 1849; H. A. Badham, March 12, 1851; L. L. Mack, September 6, 1855; S. W. Childress, August 30, 1856; Lincoln Featherstone, August 23, 1860; Z. P. H. Farr, December 1, 1862; B. C. Brown, January 7, 1865; P. O. Thweat, October 15, 1866; C. B. Fitzpatrick, March 16, 1871; W. H. H. Clayton, March 23, 1871; Eugene Stephenson. April 23, 1873; C. A. Otey, October 31, 1874; D. D. Leach, October 13, 1876; P. D. McCulloch (three terms); Greenfield Quarles, October 30, 1884; S. Brundridge, October 30, 1886. Judges of the Second circuit: Isaac Baker, November 23, 1840; John C. Murray, August 18, 1851; W. H. Sutton, January 11, 1845; John O. Murray, August 22, 1858; Josiah Gould, February 26, 1849; W. M. Harrison, May 17, 1865; T. F. Sorrells, August 22, 1853; W. C. Hazeldine, April 14, 1871; J. F. Lowery, December 12, 1863; L. L. Mack, October 31, 1874; William Story, July 23, 1868; W. F. Henderson, April 26, 1874; J. G. Frierson, October 31, 1882; W. A. Case, vice Frierson, deceased, March 17, 1884, elected September 1, 1884; J. E. Riddick, October 30, 1886. Prosecuting attorneys: John S. Roane, November 15, 1840; Samuel Wooly, September 19, 1842; J. W. Bocage, November 20, 1843; S. B. Jones, April 20, 1846; T. F. Sorrells, February 26, 1849; W. P. Grace, August 22, 1853; S. F. Arnett, August 23, 1856; D. W. Carroll, August 30, 1860; C. C. Godden, May 17, 1865; W. F. Slemmons, October 15, 1866; D. D. Leach, December 16, 1868; R. H. Black, May 6, 1873; J. E. Riddick, October 13, 1876; W. A. Cate, October 14, 1878; E. F. Brown, May 5, 1870; W. B. Edrington (four terms), October 30, 1880; J. D. Block, October, 1888. Judges of the Third circuit: Thomas Johnson, November 13, 1840; William Conway, November 15, 1844; W. C. Scott, December 11, 1846; B. H. Nealy, February 28,1851; W. O. Bovine, August 23, 1856; W. R. Cain, August 23, 1860; L. L. Mack, March 15, 1866; Elisha Baxter, July 23, 1868; James W. Butler, March 10, 1873; William Byers, October 30, 1874; R. H. Powell (three terms), October 30, 1882; J. W. Butler, May, 1887. Prosecuting attorneys: N. Haggard, November 30, 1840; S. S. Tucker, January 20, 1842; S. H. Hempstead, February, 1842; A. R. Porter, December 2, 1842; S. C. Walker, December 2, 1846; J. H. Byers, March 5, 1849; W. K. Patterson, August 30, 1856; F. W. Desha, August 30, 1860; L. L. Mack, July 8, 1861; T. J. D. Baber, October 15, 1866; W. A. Inman, December 8, 1868; J. L. Abernathy, October 31, 1874; Charles Coffin, October 14, 1878; M. N. Dyer (two terms), October 30, 1882; W. B. Padgett, October 30, 1886; J. L. Abernathy, October, 1888. Judges of the Fourth circuit: J. M. Hoge, November 13, 1840; S. G. Snead, November 18, 1844; A. B. Greenwood, March 3, 1851; F. I. Batson, August 20, 1853; J. M. Wilson, February 21, 1859; J. J. Green, August 23, 1860; Y. B. Sheppard, May 9, 1863; Thomas Boles, August 3, 1865; W. N. May, April 24, 1868; M. L. Stephenson, July 23, 1868; C. B. Fitzpatrick, March 23, 1871; J. Huckleberry, April 10, 1872; J. M. Pittman, October 31, 1874; J. H. Berry, October 21, 1878; J. M. Pittman (three terms), October 31, 1882. Prosecuting attorneys: Alfred M. Wilson, November 13, 1840; A. B. Greenwood, January 4, 1845; H. F. Thomasson, September 6, 1853; Page 83 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Lafayette Gregg, August 23, 1856; B. J. Brown, December 1, 1862; J. E. Cravens, January 7, 1865; Squire Boon, October 15, 1866; Elias Harrell, August 11, 1868; S. W. Peel, April 26, 1873; E. I. Stirman, October 13, 1876; H. A. Dinsmore (three terms), October 14, 1878; J. Frank Wilson, October 30, 1884; J. W. Walker, October 30, 1866; S. M. Johnson, October 30, 1888. Judges of the fifth circuit: J. J. Clendenin, December 28, 1840; W. H. field, December 24, 1846; J. J. Clendenin, September 6, 1854; Liberty Bartlett, November 12, 1854; E. D. Ham, July 23, 1868; Benton J. Brown, September 30, 1874; W. W. Mansfield, October 31, 1874; Thomas W. Pound, September 9, 1878; W. D. Jacoway, October 31, 1878; G. S. Cunningham (three terms), October 31, 1882. Prosecuting attorneys: R. W. Johnson, December 29, 1840; George C. Watkins, January 11, 1845; J. J. Clendenin, February 17, 1849, to 1854; J. L. Hollowell, September 8, 1858, to 1860; Sam W. Williams, May 10, 1860; Pleasant Jordan, September 7, 1861; Sam W. Williams, July 6, 1863; John Whytock, December 19, 1865; R. H. Dedman, October 15, 1866; N. J. Temple, August 15, 1868; Arch Young, August 24, 1872; Thomas Barnes, April 23, 1873; J. P. Byers, 0ctober 31, 1873; A. S. McKennon, October 14, 1878; J. G. Wallace (two terms), October 31, 1882; H. S. Carter, October 30, 1886. Sixth circuit - judges: William Conway, December 19, 1840; John field, February 3, 1843; George Conway, August 1, 1844; John Quillin, March 2, 1849; Thomas Hubbard, August 22, 1854; A. B. Smith, February 7, 1856; Shelton Watson, September 26, 1858; Len B. Green, April 5, 1858; A. B. Williams, January 28, 1865; J. T. Elliott, October 2, 1865; J. J. Clendenin, October 31, 1874; J. W. Martin, October 31, 1878; F. T. Vaughan, October 31, 1882; J. W. Martin, October 30, 1886. Prosecuting attorneys: G. D. Royston, November 11, 1840; O. F. Rainy. June 12, 1843; Isaac T. Tapper, January 18, 1844; A. W. Blevins, January 11, 1847; E. A. Warner, March 3, 1851; Orville Jennings, August 23, 1853; E. W. Gantt, August 22, 1854; James K. Young, August 30, 1860; Robert Carrigan, September 13, 1865; J. F. Ritchie, October 15, 1866; T. B. Gibson, January 11, 1868; Charles C. Reid, Jr., April 30, 1871; F. T. Vaughan, September 18, 1876; T. C. Trimble, September 30, 1878; F. T. Vaughan, September 30, 1880; T. C. Trimble, October 31, 1882; R. J. Lea, October 30, 1884; Gray Carroll, October 30, 1886; R. J. Lea, October 30, 1888. Seventh circuit - judges: R. C. S. Brown, 1840; W. W. Floyd, November 30, 1846. (December 20, 1849. the State was redistricted into six circuits. Hence this was abolished for the time.) William Byers, July 8, 1861; R. H. Powell, May 11, 1866; John Whytock, July 23, 1868; J. J. Clendenin, May 29, 1874; Jabez M. Smith, October 31, 1874; J. P. Henderson (three terms), October 31, 1882. Prosecuting attorneys: John M. Wilson, November 20, 1840; J. M. Tebbetts, December 5, 1844; Elisha Baxter, December 7, 1861; W. B. Padgett, August 29, 1865; W. R. Goody, October 15, 1866; E. W. Gantt, July 81, 1868; J. M. Harrell, May 5, 1873; M. J. Henderson, October 31, 1874; James B. Wood. October 14, 1878; J. P. Henderson (three terms), October 31, 1882; W. H. Martin, October 30, 1888. Eighth circuit - judges: C. C. Scott, December 2, 1846; William Davis, July 3, 1848 (abolished December 20, 1849); James D. Walker, July 25, 1861; Elias Harrell, May 8, 1865; William Story, March 27, 1867; E. J. Earle, July 23, 1868; T. G. T. Steele, February 23, 1873; L. J. Joyner, October 31, 1874; H. B. Stuart, October 31, 1878; R. D. Hearn, October 30, 1886. Prosecuting attorneys: Richard Lyons, February 5, 1847; N. W. Patterson, October 25, 1865; C. G. Reagan, January 7, 1865; J. C. Pratt, July 23, 1868; T. M. Gunter, October 15, 1866; Duane Thompson, January 4, 1874; George A. Kingston, July 26, 1871; J. D. McCabe, October 31, 1874; J. H. Howard, April 26, 1873; Rufus D. Hearn (three terms), July 6, 1874; Lafayette Gregg, November 13, 1862; W. . M. Green (three terms), October 30, 1884. Page 84 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Ninth circuit - judges: H. B. Stuart, November 28, 1862; W. N. Hargrave, - , 1865; E. J. Searle, February 25, 1867; G. W. McGowan, July 23, 1868; J. T. Elliott, April 26, 1873; J. K. Young, October 31, 1874; C. F. Mitchell, October 31, 1882; L. A. Byrne, November 4, 1884; A. B. ‘Williams, vice Mitchell, resigned, September 10, 1884; C. E. Mitchell, October 30, 1886. Prosecuting attorneys: A. J. Temple, July 8, 1861; A. T. Craycraft, January 7, 1865; E. J. Searle, February 19, 1866; R. G. Parker, October 15, 1866; N. J. Temple, January 20, 1867; J. R. Page, January 9, 1869; J. M. Bradley, April 26, 1873; Dan W. Jones, October 31, 1874; B. W. Johnson, October 13, 1876; John Cook, October 14, 1880; T. F. Webber (four terms), October 31, 1882. Judges of the Tenth circuit: H. P. Morse, July 23, 1868; D. W Carroll, October 28, 1874; T. F. Sorrells, October 31, 1874; J. M. Bradley, October 30, 1882; C. D. Wood, October 30, 1886. Prosecuting attorneys: J. McL. Barton, March 29, 1869; H. King White, April 20, 1871; M. McGehee, April 29, 1873; J. C. Barrow, October 31, 1874; C. D. Woods, October 30, 1882; M. L. Hawkins, vice Woods, October 10, 1886; R. C. Fuller, October 30, 1888. Eleventh circuit - judges: J. W. Fox, April 30, 1873; H. N. Hutton, July 24, 1874; John A. Williams, October 31, 1874; X. J. Pindall, October 31, 1878; J. A. Williams (two terms), October 30, 1882. Prosecuting attorneys H. M. McVeigh, April 26, 1873; Z. L. Wise, October 31, 1874; T. B. Martin, October 10, 1878; J. M. Elliott (five terms), October 10, 1880. Twelfth circuit - judges: P. C. Dooley, April 26, 1873; J. H. Rogers, April 20, 1877; R. B. Rutherford, October 2, 1882; John S. Little, October 20, 1886. Prosecuting attorneys: D. D. Leach, April 26, 1873; John S. Little (three terms), April 2, 1877; A. O. Lowers (two terms), September 20, 1884; J. B. McDonough, October 30, 1888. Thirteenth circuit - judges: M. D. Kent, April 26, 1873; B. F. Askew, October 30, 1882; C. W. Smith, October 30, 1886. Prosecuting attorneys: W. O. Langford, April 26, 1873; W. F. Wallace, June 5, 1883; H. P. Snead (three terms), October 30, 1884. Fourteenth circuit - judges: George A. Kingston, April 26, 1873; R. H. Powell, May, 1887. Prosecuting attorneys: Duane Thompson, April 26, 1873; De Rosa Bailey, May, 1887. L. D. Belden was appointed judge of the fifteenth circuit April 20, 1873, the prosecuting attorney being G. G. Lotta, elected April 23, 1873. Sixteenth circuit - judge: Elisha Meats, April 1 26, 1873. Prosecuting attorneys: H. N. Withers, September 27, 1873; V. B. Shepard, April 30, 1874. By an act of April 16, 1873, the State was divided into sixteen judicial circuits, but two years later a reduction to eleven in number was made. Page 85 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER IX. THE LATE CIVIL WAR - ANALYTICAL VIEW OF THE TROUBLOUS TIMES - PASSAGE OF THE ORDINANCE OF SECESSION - THE CALL TO ARMS - THE FIRST TROOPS TO TAKE THE FIELD - INVASION OF THE STATE BY THE FEDERAL ARMY - SKETCH OF THE REGIMENTS - NAMES OF OFFICERS - OUTLINE OF FIELD OPERATIONS - CLEBURNE AND YELL - EXTRACTS FROM PRIVATE MEMORANDA - EVACUATION OF THE STATE - RE-OCCUPATION - THE WAR OF 1812 - THE MEXICAN WAR - STANDARD OF AMERICAN GENERALSHIP. The cannon’s hushd! nor drum nor clarion sound; Helmet and hauberk gleam a upon the ground; Horsemen and horse lie weltering in their gore; Patriots are dead. and heroes dare no more; While solemnly the moonlight shrouds the plain. And lights the lurid features of the slain. - Montgomery. ARKANSAS was not among the States that may be called leaders in inaugurating the late war. It only passed a secession ordinance May 6, 1861, nearly a month after hostilities had commenced, and Lincoln had issued his call for 75,000 ninety-day troops to put down the rebellion.” The reluctance with which the State finally joined its sister States is manifested by the almost unanimous refusal of the State convention, which met in March, 1861 - the day Lincoln was inaugurated - and nearly unanimously voted down secession and passed a series of conservative resolutions, looking to a national convention to settle in some way the vexed question of slavery, and then voting a recess of the convention. When this reassembled war was upon the country, and the ordinance of secession was passed, only, however, after full discussion, pro and con. There was but one vote against secession finally, and that was given by Isaac Murphy - afterward the military governor of Arkansas. Local authorities received instructions to arm and equip forty regiments of State troops. The ruling minds of the State were averse to war, and resisted it until they were forced into the position of siding with their neighbors or with the Union cause. In the South, as in the .North, there were inconsiderate hot-heads, who simply wanted war for war’s sake - full of false pretexts, but eager for war with or without a pretext. These extremists of each party were, unconsciously, perhaps, but in fact, the two blades of the pair of scissors, to cut asunder the ties of the Union of States. Slavery, possibly not directly the cause of the war, was the handiest pretext seized upon at the time, with such disastrous results. In the dispensations of heaven, had the fanatics of the North and the fire-eaters of the South been hung across the clothes-line, as a boy sometimes hangs cats, and left in holy peace to fight it out, what a blessing for mankind it would have been! The history of the late war cannot yet be written. Its most profound effects are not yet evolved. The actual fighting ceased nearly a generation ago, and the cruel strife is spoken of as over. It is the effects that true history observes. The chronicle: records the dates and statistics, and files these away for the future historian. It is highly probable that there is no similar period in history where the truth will be so distorted as by him who tells “ the story of the war.” Anyone can begin to see that there are many things new that were unknown before the war. Great changes are still being worked out, and whether or not yet greater ones are to come, no one knows. The abolitionists thirty years ago hated the slave Page 86 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas owners, - the slave holders loved slavery. The former thought to forever end slavery on this continent by liberating the slaves, and now the once alarmed slave owner has discovered that the great benefits of the abolition of slavery have been to the whites far more than to the blacks. There is little idea of what the real historian one hundred years from now will be compelled to say of these “ blessed times.” He will most probably smile in pity upon all this self-laudation and wild boast. If men could have known the effects to follow in all the important movements of peoples, it is highly probable there would have been no civil war. Those who “sectionally hated” may sleep quietly in their graves, because they died unconscious as to whether their supposed bloody revenge, driven hurtling at the enemy,was a bullet or a boomerang. The Southern individual may look with envy to the pension fund now being poured out in Northern States, while, instead of this, he should only remember that the Southern soldier is making his way unaided in the world. It should not be forgotten that the rapid development of the South is sadly in want of the constant labor of thousands of immigrants, and that the New South is just entering upon a period of surprising and unexampled prosperity, which certainly must continue. In Arkansas, as in Illinois, when Fort Sumter was fired on, instantly there was a storm of excitement to “let slip the dogs of war.” Action took the place of argument. The best men in the community, those who had so long talked and pleaded against war, closed their mouths, and with sore hearts turned their eyes away from the sad outlook. The young and the inconsiderate seized the power to rule, and (though they knew it not) to ruin. Bells were rung, drums were beaten, and fifes made strident martial music, and people rushed into the streets. Open air meetings for the Confederate cause gathered, and songs and speeches inflamed the wildest passions of men. Poor men they little recked the cruel fate into which they were plunging their country - not only themselves, but generations to come. A fifer and drummer marching along the streets, making harsh and discordant noises, were soon followed by crowds of men, women and children. Volunteers were called for by embryo captains, and from these crowds were soon recruited squads to be crystallized into armies with heavy tramp and flying banners - the noisy prologue to one of the bloodiest tragedies on which time has ever rung up the curtain. The first official action of the State was that authorizing the raising and equipping of seven regiments. These were soon ready to report with full ranks. Seven regiments Even after the war was well on foot, men were forming companies in hot haste. in fear that before they could reach the field of action the war would be over. And after they were mustered in and at their respective rendezvous, without uniforms and with sticks for guns. learning the rudiments of drill, they were restless, troubled seriously with the fear that they would never see or feel the glory of battle. The youths of the State had rushed to the recruiting stations with the eager thoughtlessness with which they would have put down their names for picnic, hunting or fishing expeditions, and the wild delights of a season of camp life. Perhaps to some came indistinct ideas of winning glory on the field and a triumphant return home, to be met by the happy smiles of a people saved - when the bells would ring and flowers be strewn in the highway. The seven regiments first authorized by the military board (the board consisting of the governor, Col. Sam W. Williams and Col. B. O. Totten) had hardly been formed when more soldiers were wanted. Ten additional regiments were authorized, and of the ten seven were recruited and organized. Fourteen infantry regiments besides the cavalry and artillery had been a strong demand on the people, but the calls for men Page 87 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas were increased. By voluntary enlistments twenty-one infantry regiments were finally in the field. Including cavalry and artillery, Arkansas had about 25,000 volunteer soldiery. Then came the remorseless conscription. The glamour of soldiering was now all gone. Ragged, hungry, wounded and worn with hard marches, men had suffered the touch of the hand of the angel of destruction. The relentless conscripting went on. The number of years before old age exempted was lengthened, and the age of youth exempting was shortened, until as said by Gen. Grant, they were “robbing the cradle and the grave” to recruit their decimated ranks in the army. There are no records now by which can be told the number of men Arkansas had in the Confederate army, but it is supposed by those best informed to have had nearly 40,000. In addition to this the State furnished soldiers to the Union army. In the history of wars it is doubtful if there is anything to exceed this in the heroic sacrifices of any people. The original seven regiments were authorized as the first exuberant war expression of the State. They were State troops, armed and equipped by the State; but the fact is that the poorest men went into the army at their individual expense and armed and equipped themselves. This was the rule - not by men only who were fighting for their slave property, but largely by men who had never owned or expected to own a slave. When the Union army under Gen. Curtis was bearing down to invade Arkansas, ten more regiments were authorized and responded to this call, and seven additional regiments were raised and mustered into the State’s service. A military board had been provided for, consisting of three men, the governor and two advisers, who had a general supervision in organizing and equipping the army. The first regiment raised in the State is known as the Pat Cleburne regiment. Patrick E; Cleburne, colonel, was soon made a general, and took his brigade east of the Mississippi River. The gallant and dashing leader was killed in the battle of Franklin, November 30, 1864. At the first call to arms he raised a company and named it the Yell Rifles, of which he was first captain, and on the formation of the first regiment he became colonel, rising up and up by rapid promotions to a major-generalship. The names of Yell and Pat Cleburne are entwined closely in the hearts of the people of Arkansas. Yell was killed at the bloody battle of Buena Vista, Mexico, at the head of his charging column. The military lives and deaths of the two men were much alike. Their names and fames are secure in history. There is a touch of romance about Pat Cleburne’s life in Arkansas. A Tipperary boy, of an excellent family, born in 1828, he had, when not more than sixteen years of age, joined the English army, where he was for more than a year before his whereabouts became known. His friends secured his release from the army. when he at once bade adieu to his native land and sailed for America. Stopping in 1849, a short time in Cincinnati, he was for a while a drug clerk. In 1859 he came to Helena, AR, and engaged here also as a prescription ‘clerk, in the meantime reading law; he was made a licensed attorney in 1856. In the bloody street affray soon after, between Hindman and Dorsey Rice, he was drawn into the fracas and was shot through the body by a brother of Rice’s, who came upon the ground during the melee. The latter noticed the encounter, and seeing that Cleburne stood at one side, pistol in hand, fired. On turning to see who had shot him, Cleburne saw James Marriott, a brother-in-law of Dorsey Rice, with pistol in hand. and under the mistake that he was the assailant, shot him dead. Cleburne lingered a long time from his wound but finally recovered. Page 88 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas In the yellow fever scourge in Helena, in 1855, he was at one time about the only well person remaining to care for the sick and dying. He was a strict member of the church and for some years a vestryman in St. John’s Episcopal Church, Helena. He was engaged to wed Miss Tarleton, of Mobile, when he fell upon the battle field, and the dead soldier lay upon the ground, with his arms folded over his breast, as if even in death he would protect the sacred tokens of love that he were next his heart. The military board elected two brigadier-generals - James Yell and N. B. Pierce. The latter was sent to Northwestern Arkansas, where was fought the first battle on Arkansas soil - Pea Ridge, or as it is better known in the South, Elkhorn. This was a severe engagement, and a decisive one. There is yet some confusion in referring to the respective numbers of the Arkansas regiments. Gen. Pierce, supposing he had full power, gave numbers Third, Fourth and fifth to what the board, the proper and only authority, designated as numbers Second, Third and Fourth. The following shows the board’s numbering and names of the colonels: first, Col. P. H. Cleburne; Second, Col. Gratiot; Third, Col. Dockery; Fourth, Col. Davis Walker; fifth, Col. D. C. Cross; Sixth, Col. Lyon; Seventh, Col. Shaver; Eighth, Col. W. K. Patterson; Ninth, Col. John Roane; Tenth, Col. T. D. Merrick; Eleventh, Col. Jabez M. Smith; Twelfth, Col. E. W. Gantt; Thirteenth, Col. J. C. Tappan; Fourteenth, Col. W. C. Mitchell, (never completed); fifteenth,Col. Dawson; Seventeenth, Col. G. W. Lamar, Lieut.-Col. Sam W. Williams. In the scraps of records now to be found there are mentioned as the different arms in the Confederate service of Arkansas men, in addition to those above given, the following: Light artillery, Hill’s; batteries, Blocher’s, Brown’s, Etter’s, Hughey’s, Marshall’s and West’s; cavalry battalions, Chrisman’s, Crawford’s, Hill’s, Witherspoon’s; detached companies, Brown’s, Coarser’s, Desha’s, Ranger‘s, Fitzwilliam’s, Miller’s and Palmer’s; regiments, Carroll’s, Dobbins’, Newton’s; infantry, regiments from one to thirty-nine, inclusive. Four regiments of infantry of Federal recruits were raised in Arkansas, the first commanded by Col. M. La Rue Harrison; the Fourth by Elisha Baxter. The first Arkansas Light Artillery was 150 strong. The Arkansas Infantry Brigade was under command of Col. James M. True. August 5, 1863, Adjust-Gen. Thomas made a trip to the Southwest for the purpose of gathering in all the Negroes possible by scouting bands, and to enlist the able bodied men. The first Arkansas Battery was commanded by Capt. Dent D. Stark, and the first Arkansas Cavalry by Maj. J. J. Johnson. The Second Arkansas Cavalry is mentioned. Lieut.-Col. E. J. Searle, authorized to raise the Third Arkansas Cavalry, reported 400 strong. The Fourth Arkansas Cavalry comprised nine companies, commanded by Capt. W. A. Martin. The Second and Third Arkansas colored infantry regiments are mentioned, in addition to the Second and Third white regiments. In the spring of 1861, the Richmond government authorized Col. T. B. Flournoy to raise a regiment. It was collected in and about Little Rock and Col. Fagan was elected commander. This command went to Virginia. Gen. Churchill organized the first regiment of cavalry, with rendezvous at Little Rock. Gen. T. C. Hindman organized Hindman’s Legion. It consisted of infantry and cavalry and had fifteen companies. He took his command east of the river. Under the direction of the Page 89 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas military board Col. Rosey Carroll’s regiment of cavalry was raised. The Second Arkansas Regiment. of Mounted Infantry was mustered at Osage Springs, by Col. Dandridge McRea. James McIntosh became colonel and Capt. H. H. Brown, major. J. P. Eagle was first lieutenant-colonel and afterward colonel. Col. McIntosh was killed at Pea Ridge, but had been promoted a brigadier-general a few days before his death. The absence of war archives from the State, the most of them that were preserved until after the war being new in Washington, and the passing away of so many of the prominent participants, and a common fault of human memory, make it well-nigh impossible to gather for permanent form any satisfactory roster of the different Confederate commands or the order of their organization. No Arkansan so far, which is much to be regretted, has attempted to write a history of the State in the civil struggle. Gov. J. P. Eagle happened to keep duplicates of certain reports he made while in the service, and discovered them recently where they had been laid away and forgotten among old papers. Fortunately when he made the reports the idea occurred to him to keep a copy for himself, that some day he might look over them and be interested. “ This is a list of the killed and wounded in my regiment,” he remarked, “the Second Arkansas, from May 8 to August 31, 1864, and the other is a report of the same from November 26, 1864, to March 21, 1865.” The Second Arkansas at the beginning of the war was a mounted regiment, commanded by Col. James McIntosh. It was dismounted early in the conflict. Col. McIntosh was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general in the spring of 1862. He led his brigade bravely into the heaviest fighting at the battle of Elkhorn (Pea Ridge), where he was killed. He was succeeded by Col. Embry, who was soon after succeeded by Col. Flannagin, afterwards the “War Governor” of Arkansas. Flannagin was succeeded by Col. James Williamson, who lost a leg at the battle of Resaca, GA, May 14, 1864. Col. J. T. Smith then became colonel. He was killed July 28 following, in the fight at Lick Skillet Road, and J. P. Eagle, now governor of Arkansas, became colonel. Col. Eagle had been wounded at Moore’s Mills, and at the time of his promotion was not with the famous regiment. He remained in command until the regiment was consolidated with other regiments and the whole formed into one regiment, with Col. H. G. Bunn commanding. Gov. Eagle became lieutenant-colonel and George Wells, major. The battle of Elkhorn checked the advance of Curtis’ army into Arkansas, and the Federals remained hovering in the southwest of Missouri and northwest of Arkansas for some time. Immediately after the fight Van Dorn’s forces were with. drawn and taken east of the Mississippi to resist the Federal advance down the river to Vicksburg. Gen. T. C. Hindman returned and took command of the Confederates in Arkansas and established headquarters at Little Rock and slightly fortified the place. Gen. Curtis then moved with the Federal army down the valley of White River, acting in conjunction with the river fleet, and when he reached Cotton Plant a flank attack was made on his army and the battle of Cotton Plant was fought. The Confederates were repulsed, and Curtis moved on and took possession of Helena, the Confederates retiring. Northern and Northeastern Arkansas were then in the possession of the Union army. The Federals were in the possession of the Mississippi down to a point just above Vicksburg. The Confederates made a futile Page 90 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas effort to re-capture Helena, July 4, 1863, but heavy rains, swollen streams and impassable roads thwarted every move. June 2, 1862, Gov. Rector issued the following: “It being essential that but one military organization shall exist within the Trans-Mlssissippi department, all Arkansas troops are hereby transferred to the Confederate service.” (Signed) H. M. Rector. Gov. & Prest. Mil. Board. The authorities at Richmond, as well as in the Trans-Mississippi district, were anxiously awaiting news of the war steamer, “Arkansas,” then building up the mouth of Red River. June 2, 1862, she steamed out of that river and passed the fleet guarding the river for the purpose of capturing the rebel steamer. The attempt and success in running the fiery gauntlet was one of the most exciting scenes ever witnessed on western rivers. Proudly the vessel kept on her course, sending volleys into every vessel to the right and left, and at nearly every turn of her wheels encountering new enemies. A Federal surgeon of the Union fleet said that wonderful trip of the “Arkansas” reminded him of the Irishman’s advice on going into the “free fight” - “wherever you see a head hit it.” The Confederate reports say two Federal gun-boats were captured and others disabled. August 7, following, the “Arkansas,” when five miles above Baton Rouge on her way down the river, again encountered Federal gun-boat. Her machinery being disabled, after she had fought long and well, her crew “blew her up, and all escaped.” January 3, 1863 Gen. J. M. Schofield wrote to Gen. Curtis, from Fayetteville, Arkansas. The operations of the army since I left it have been a series of blunders, from which it narrowly escaped disaster * * At Prairie Grove (fought in December, 1862) Blunt and Herron were badly beaten in detail and owed their escape to a false report of my arrival with reinforcements.” It now is revealed that Hindman did not know the extent of his victory, but supposed he was about to be overwhelmed by the enemy. Thus the two armies were as secretly as possible running away from each other. July 13, 1863, Gen. E. Kirby Smith wrote from Shreveport, headquarters of the Trans-Mississippi district, to Govs. Thomas C. Reynolds, F. R. Lubbock, H. Flannagin and Thomas O. Moore, calling on these, as the heads of their respective States, to meet him at Marshall, Tex. August 15, following: “I have attempted to impartially survey the field of my labor. * * I found on my arrival the headquarters of Arkansas district at Little Rock. * * Vicksburg has fallen. The enemy possesses the key to this department. * " The possession of the Mississippi River by the enemy cuts 03 this department from all communication with Richmond, consequently we must be self-sustaining, and self-reliant in every respect. * "With God’s help and yours I will cheerfully grapple with the difficulties that surround us." etc. This was a gloomy but a correct view of the situation west of the Mississippi River after the fall of Vicksburg. On January 11, 1863, from Helena, Gen. Fiske reported to Washington: “Found Gorman actively organizing expedition to go up White River to co-operate with Gen. Page 91 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas McClernand on Arkansas River. Twenty-five transports are waiting the signal to start.” From “Prairie Landing, twenty-five miles up Arkansas, January 13, 1863,” Amos F. Eno, secretary pro tem of Arkansas and adjutant-general, telegraphed Staunton: “ Left Helena on 11th, and took with me hooks and papers office of military government of Arkansas.” January 14, 1863, the Federals captured St. Charles, the Confederates evacuating the day before. January 18, Gen. W. A. Gorman occupied Devall’s Bluff, which the Confederates had also evacuated. These captures and evacuations were the preliminary movements looking toward Little Rock, the Federals clearing out the small outposts, and the Confederates gathering in their forces. On August 5, 1863, Gen. Frederick Steele “assumed the command of the army to take the field from Helena, and advance upon Little Rock. ” In his order for movement mention is made of the following: first division - cavalry under command of Gen. J. W. Davidson; Second division - Eighteenth, Forty- third, fifty-fourth, Sixty-first, One Hundred and Sixth, and One Hundred and Twenty-sixth regiments, Illinois Infantry; Twelfth Michigan, Twenty-second Ohio, twenty-seventh Wisconsin, Third Minnesota, Fortieth Iowa and Forty-third Indiana Infantry regiments; Third division - Twenty-ninth, Thirty-third and Thirty-sixth Iowa, Forty-third Indiana, twenty-eighth Wisconsin, and Seventy-first Ohio Infantry regiments; and the fifth Kansas, first Indiana Cavalry, and a brigade under Col. Powell Clayton. Four batteries of field pieces - five wagons to each regiment; 160 rounds of ammunition, 40 rounds to each cartridge-box; 400 rounds to each piece of artillery, and sixty days’ rations for the whole army, were the supplies granted these forces. Gen. Steele was occupied in the expedition from Helena to Little Rock, from August 5 to September 10. The cavalry under Gen. Davidson had to scour the country to the right and left as they made their slow advance. Twelve miles east of Little Rock, at Bayou Meta bridge, was a heavy skirmish, indeed, a regular battle, being the first serious effort to check the Federal advance upon the capital. Again there was heavy fighting six miles east of Little Rock, at what is now the Brugman place. Here Confederate Col. Coffee, of Texas, was killed. This was the last stand made in defense of the city, and in a short time Davidson’s cavalry appeared in Argenta, and trained their field pieces on the city, and fired a few shots, when the place was surrendered by the civil authorities, September 10, 1863. The Confederates hag! evacuated but a few hours before the Federal cavalry were galloping through the streets, and posting sentinels here and there. There was no confusion, no disorder, and none of the usual crimes of war under similar circumstances. In an hour after Gen. Steele was in possession of the city he had it under strict control, and order prevailed. Gen. Reynolds was put in command of Little Rock.“ The Confederates wisely retreated to Arkadelphia. They were pursued by the Federals as far as Malvern, but no captures were made and no heavy skirmishing occurred. Page 92 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas It is said that Price evacuated Little Rock under the impression that his force was far inferior to that of Gen. Steele. Those who were Confederate officers and in Little Rock now believe that his force was equal at least in numbers to Steele’s. * Abstract from consolidated tri-monthly report of the Army of Arkansas, Maj.-Gen. Frederick Steele commanding, for September 10, 1863; headquarters, Little Rock: Absent Art Officer Men Prsnt Prsnt Piece First Division (Davidson) . . . . . . . . 200 3,328 5,372 7,735 18 Second Division (Englemann) . . . . . . . 140 2,047 2.990 6,885 Third Division (Rice) . . . . . . . . . . 123 1,683 2,316 4,007 Infantry Brigade (True) . . . . . . . . . 89 1,796 2,250 2,825 8 Cavalry Brigade (Clayton) . . . . . . . . 30 445 736 1,200 5 Artillery (Hayden) . . . . . . . . . . . 15 495 607 844 28 Cavalry escort (McLean) . . . . . . . . . 4 64 91 124 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 619 9,854 14,302 23,620 57 Gen Price had not made a mistake of the comparative strength of the two armies. The commissary informs me that on the morning of the evacuation he issued 8,000 rations - full number. They think that Price had based his idea of the enemy’s numbers by allowing the usual proportion of armies of infantry and artillery to cavalry. They believe also that the Confederates at Little Rock at the evacuation had between 11,000 and 12,000 men present - not the number for duty - basing this upon the number of rations issued that day. After the occupation of Little Rock the Federals dominated all that portion of the State north and east of the Arkansas River, and yet their actual occupied posts were the only grounds over which Confederate rangers were not frequently roving with impunity. The Confederates exercised ruling power all south and west of the Ouachita River, and for quite a while the territory between the Arkansas and Ouachita Rivers was a kind of “No Man’s Land” so far as the armies were concerned. Steele early in 1864, having been re-enforced, began to move on Arkadelphia. Price retreated to Camden, where the Confederates had several factories for the manufacture of war materials. Price made a stand against Steele and fought the battle of Prairie D’Ann, but there was nothing decisive in this engagement, although it was a severe one. Price withdrew and fell back on Rondo, in the southwest corner of the State. In the meantime Banks’ expedition was ascending Red River, the plan being to catch Price between Banks and Steele, and destroy the Confederate army. Price and Gen. Dick Taylor did not wait for Banks, but met and overwhelmingly defeated him. Having defeated Banks, they turned and gave Steele battle at Jenkins’ Ferry, and defeated him. This was the great and decisive battle of the Trans-Mississippi district. Steele retreated and fell back on Little Rock, his superior generalship being shown in extricating his badly crippled army and saving it on the withdrawal. Page 93 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas The Federal expeditions were well planned for “bagging” the whole Confederate Trans-Mississippi army, but the vicissitudes of war ordained otherwise. Banks’ expedition and its overwhelming misfortunes mined him as a military man throughout the North, while the brilliant successes of Price raised the hopes of the Confederacy. Some, however, still criticize. Price failed to follow up his advantage and either destroy or capture Steele’s entire army. Had he fully known the condition of affairs at Richmond possibly he might have adopted that course. The Federals were confined within their fortified posts and Confederate bands were again scouring over the State. Price, losing no time, then started on his raid back into Missouri to carry out his long cherished hope of re-possessing that State. The history of that raid and the dissolution and end of the Confederacy are a familiar part of the country’s history. Other wars than that mentioned have occupied the attention of people of this section, though perhaps not to such an extent as the great civil strife. There were not people in Arkansas to go to the War of 1812, and the State becomes connected with that struggle chiefly because Archibald Yell, the brave young hero, was at the battle of New Orleans, and afterward became one of the most prominent citizens of Arkansas. He was born in North Carolina, in August, 1797, and consequently was but fifteen years of age when the second war with England began. But the lad then and there won the inalienable friendship of Gen. Jackson. Arkansas acquired no little fame in the Mexican War, chiefly, however, through the gallantry and death of Gov. Yell, the leader of the Arkansas forces. When troops were called for in the year 1846, in the war with Mexico, Yell was a member of Congress. A regiment of cavalry was raised and he was asked to take the command, and obedient to this request be promptly resigned his seat to assume leadership. Albert Pike was a captain in the regiment. At the battle of Buena Vista, on February 22, 1847, Yell led his cavalry command in one of the most desperate charges in the annals of war. In his enthusiasm he spurred on his horse far in advance of his men. He was charging the enemy, which outnumbered his force more than five to one. He reached the ranks of the enemy almost alone, and raising himself in the saddle commenced to slash right and left, totally unmindful that it was one against thousands. Just as the foremost of his men came up he was run through the body and killed. William A. L. Throckmorton, of Fayetteville, it is agreed, was the first to reach the side and catch the falling form of his loved leader. Mr. Throckmorton says he saw the man who gave the fatal thrust and quickly killed him, thus avenging so far as the wretched greaser’s life could go the life of as gallant and noble a knight as ever responded to bugle call. He was the dashing cavalier, great in peace, superb in war. Leading his trusty followers in any of the walks of life, death alone could check him, nothing could conquer him. After the war was over the government brought his remains and delivered them to his friends in Fayetteville, his home, who lovingly deposited them beneath the cold white marble shaft which speaks his fame. The burial ceremony occurred August 3, 1847, and a vast concourse of people, the humblest and highest in the State, were the sincere and deep mourners on the occasion. Arkansas won everlasting laurels through its gallant soldiers in the Mexican War. Page 94 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Omitting all reference to the Revolutionary War, there are conclusions to be drawn from the wars our countrymen have been engaged in since the days when Gen. Jackson was the national hero. None of these were significant enough to be used by the philosophic historian from which to draw conclusions as to the character of modem or contemporary Americans as warriors, or their distinguishing characteristics as a warlike nation. The late Civil War, however, furnishes a wide and ample field for such investigation. An impartial view of the late struggle presents first of all this remarkable fact. In by far the longest and greatest war of modern times, neither side has given the age a great captain, as some call greatness, though one furnished Grant, the other, Lee, both men without a superior; whilst in the ranks and among the sub-commands, no battles in history are at all comparable for excellence and superior soldier-ship to those of the great Civil War. On both sides there were any number of great field commanders, as great as ever drew a sword. But they received orders, did not give them, and iii the execution of orders never were excelled. Lee, Grant, Jackson, Sherman, Hancock, Johnston. Sheridan and hundreds of others on both sides, to the humblest in the ranks, were immortal types of the soldier in the field. These men were like Napoleon’s marshals - given a command or order they would risk life itself to execute it. But on neither side was there the least exhibition of the qualities of a Napoleon or Von Moltke. Napoleon was his own secretary of war, government, cabinet, and commander in the field, and for this very reason, he was Von Moltke’s inferior as a great commander, whose genius saw the weak point, the point of victory on the map of the enemy’s country, and struck it with a quick and decisive blow. Our Civil War and the Franco-German War were closer together in time. War was hardly over in America when it commenced in Europe. Any student of German history who has studied the German-Prussian war, can not but know that Von Moltke was the pre-eminent captain in all the histories of wars. Had Washington or Richmond had his peer at the commencement of our struggle, the high probabilities are that the war would have been over before the first twelve months had expired. In war, it is a fact, that it is the strategy before the armies meet in battle array which decides the struggle. It is only thus that one man can become more powerful than a million with guns in their hands. It is in this sense - this application of the science of modern warfare, that a commander wins battles and decides victories. He conquers enemies, not by drawing his sword, but, studying his maps in his quiet den when others sleep, he directs the movements of his armies and leaves the details of the actual fight to others. He is indifferent to the actual fighting part of it, because he has settled all that long beforehand by his orders. In all actual battles, as was testified by the Federal commanders before Congress about the battle of Gettysburg, if victory is not organized beforehand, all is chance, uncertainty, and both armies are little else than headless mobs - ignorant of whether they are whipping or being whipped. The field commander may save the day and turn the tide and gain a victory, but what is it after all, so many men killed and captured on either side, and then recruited up, and tested a little, only to repeat the bloody carnage again and again. Let it be assumed that the absence of great military genius on both sides is the highest compliment that can be paid to American civilization. War is barbarism. The higher civilization will eradicate all practical knowledge of the brutality of warfare from men’s minds. Then there will be no wars, save that of truth upon the false - intelligence upon ignorance How grandly divine will be, not only the great leaders in this holy straggle for victory, but the humblest of all privates! Page 95 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Page 96 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER X. PUBLIC ENTERPRISES - THE REAL ESTATE BANK OF ARKANSAS - STATE ROADS AND OTHER HIGHWAYS - THE MILITARY ROADS - NAVIGATION WITHIN THE STATE FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES TO THE PRESENT - DECADENCE OF STATE NAVIGATION - STEAMBOAT. RACING - ACCIDENTS TO BOATS - THE RISE AND GROWTH OF THE RAILROAD SYSTEMS - A SKETCH OF THE DIFFERENT LINES - OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS. The first session of the new State legislature, among other acts, incorporated the State Bank, and as if further that determined to show that the legislature was at least in the front in those days of wild-cat bank enterprises, proceeded to make money cheap and all rich by incorporating the celebrated Real Estate Bank of Arkansas. Already John Law’s Mississippi bubble had been forgotten – the old continental money and the many other distressing instances of those cruel but fascinating fictions of attempts to make credits wealth. No statesman in the world’s history has ever yet made an approach to the accomplishment of such an impossibility, and still nearly all financial legislation is founded upon this basic idea. State and national banks have been the alluring will-o’-the-wisps in this persistent folly. All experience teaches that the government that becomes a money-changer soon becomes the powerful robber, and the places of just rulers are filled with tax bandits - there the lordly rulers are banditti, and the people the most wretched of slaves. The State Bank was, as were all such institutions of that day in any of the States, demoralizing in the financial affairs of the people, encouraging extravagance and debt, and deceiving men with the appearances of wealth to their ultimate ruin. The Real Estate Bank, as its name indicates, was for the purpose of loaning money on real estate security. Up to that time the American farmer had not learned to base his efforts upon anything except his labor. To produce something and sell it was the whole horizon of his financial education. If, while his crop was maturing, he needed subsistence he went to his merchant and bought the fewest possible necessities on credit. It was an evil hour when he was tempted to become a speculator. Yet there were some instances in which the loans on real estate resulted in enabling men to make finely improved cotton plantations. But the rule was to get people in debt and at the same time exhaust the cash in the bank. The bank could collect no money, and the real estate owner was struggling under mortgages he could not pay. Both lender and borrower were sufferers, and the double infliction was upon them of a public and individual indebtedness. The Real Estate Bank made an assignment in 1842, and for years was the source of much litigation. It practically ceased to do business years before it had its doors closed and was wound up, and the titles to such lands as it had become the possessor of passed to the State. The old State Bank building, in front of the State house, is the only reminder of the institution which promised so much and did so little for the public. The old building is after the style of all such buildings - a low, two-story brick or stone, with huge Corinthian columns in front, having stone steps to ascend to the first floor. Similar structures can be found in Illinois. Missouri and all the Western and Southern States. The one in Little Rock is unsightly and gloomy and does little else but cumber the ground. It is in the way, owing to a difficulty in Page 97 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas the title, of such a modern and elegant building as would be in keeping with the rapidly advancing and beautiful “ City of Roses.” Roads and highways have always occupied public consideration. Being so crossed with rivers passing from the west toward the Mississippi River, the early settlers all over the confines of this State passed up the streams and for some time used these as the only needed highways. In the course of time they began to have bridle-paths crossing from settlement to settlement. The United States military road from Western Missouri passed through Arkansas and led on to Shreveport, La. This extended through Eastern Arkansas, and Arkansas Post was an important point on the route. It was surveyed and partially cut out early in the nineteenth century. A monthly mail proceeded over the route on horseback, the mail rider generally being able to carry the mail in his pocket. A trail at first was the road from the mouth of the White River to Arkansas Post. This portage soon became a highway, as much of the business and travel for the Post was landed at the mouth of White River and transported across to the Red River. In 1821 Congress authorized the survey and opening of a public highway from Memphis, via Little Rock, to Fort Smith. The work was completed in 1823. This was the first highway of any importance in the Territory. The other routes mentioned above were nothing more than trails, or bridle-paths. A weekly mail between Little Rock and Memphis was established in 1829. In 1832 a government road leading on a direct line from Little Rock to Batesville was cut out, and the Indians removed from Georgia were brought by water to the capital and taken over this road. At that time it was the best public course as well as the longest in the State, and became in time the main traveled road from the northern part of the State to its center. Arkansas was settled sparsely along the Mississippi River some years before Fulton invented the steamboat. The first steamboat ever upon western waters passed down that river in the latter part of 1811 - the “Orleans,” Capt. Roosevelt. The Indians had their light cedar bark canoes, and were remarkably expert in handling them. These were so light that the squaws could carry them on their backs, and in their expeditions in ascending the streams frequently saved much time by traveling across the great bends of the river and carrying their conveyances. Of course in going with the current, they kept the stream, skimming over the waters with great speed. At one time the migratory Indians at stated seasons followed the buffalo from the Dakotas to the Gulf, the buffalo remaining near, and the Indians on the streams. The latter could thus out-travel the immense herds and at certain points make forays upon them and so keep an abundant supply of meat. The buffalo had the curious habit of indulging in long stops when they came to a large river in their course, as if dreading to take to the water and swim across. They would gather on the bank of the river at the selected crossing-place, and after having devoured everything near at hand and hunger began to pinch, would collect into a close circle and begin to move, circling round and round, the inside ones ever crowding the outside ones closer and closer to the water. This continued until some one, crowded into the deep water, had to make the plunge, when all followed. These animals when attacked by other animals, a or when danger threatened, formed in a compact I circle, with the cows and calves on the inside and the bulls on the Page 98 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas outer ring. In this battle array I there was nothing in the line of beasts that dared molest them. The white man came and to the canoe he added the skiff, the pirogue, the raft, the keel boat and the flat boat. The raft never made but one trip and that was down stream always, and when its destination was reached it was sold to be converted into lumber. Other water crafts could be hauled back by long tow lines, men walking on the banks and pulling them up stream. There are those now living who can remember when this was the only mode of river navigation. The younger people of this generation can form no adequate idea of the severity of the toil and the suffering necessarily involved in the long trips then made by these hardy pioneers. If the people of to-day were compelled to procure the simple commodities of life at such hard sacrifices, by such endurance, they would do, without them, and go back to fig leaves and nuts and roots for subsistence. When Fulton and Livingston had successfully navigated their boat from Pittsburgh to New Orleans, they made the claim of a sort of royal patent to the exclusive navigation of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. This claim was put forth in perfect good faith and it was a new question as well as a serious one for the courts, when these claimants arrested Captain Shreve upon his arrival in New Orleans with his boat and carried him before the court to answer in damages for navigating by steam the river that belonged to them as the first steam navigators. This curious incident indicates how little even the inventor of the steamboat appreciated of what vast importance to civilization his noble, invention really was. To him and his friend it was but a small personal right or perquisite - a licensed monopoly, out of which they could make a few dollars, and when they passed away probably the invention too would die and be forgotten. How infinitely greater had the noble, immortal originator builded than he knew! The revolving paddles of the steamboat: were but the wheels now whirling so rapidly beneath the flying railroad trains over the civilized world. From this strange crude craft, the “Orleans,” have evolved the great steamships, iron-clad war vessels, and the palatial steamboats plying the inland waters wherever man’s wants or luxuries are to be supplied. The genius and glory of such men as Fulton belong to no age, much less to themselves - they and theirs are a part of the world, for all time. In 1812 Jacob Barkman opened up a river trade between Arkadelphia and New Orleans, carrying his first freights in a pirogue. It took six months to make a round trip., He conveyed to New Orleans bear skins and oil, pelts, and tallow secured from wild cattle, of which there were a great many; these animals had originally been brought to the country by the Spaniards and French, and had strayed away, and increased into great herds, being as wild and nearly as fleet as the deer. He brought back sugar, coffee, powder, lead, flints, copperas, camphor, cotton and wool cards, etc., and soon after embarking was able to own his negro crews. He purchased the steamboat " Dime ” and became one of the most extensive and enterprising men in the State. With his boat he ascended rivers, and purchased the cotton, owning his cargo, for a return trip. In 1819, James Miller, the first governor of the Territory, and a military suite of twenty persons, embarked at Pittsburgh in the United States keel; boat, “Arkansas,” for Arkansas Post. The trip occupied seventy days, reaching the point of destination January 1, 1820. It was difficult to tell which excited the greatest curiosity among the natives - the new governor or the keel-boat. The flood-tide of western river navigation reached its highest wave soon after the close of the late war. The Mississippi River and tributaries were crowded with Page 99 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas craft, and the wharves of cities and towns along the banks were lined with some of the finest boats ever built, all freighted to the water’s edge and crowded with passengers. Builders vied with each other in turning out the most magnificent floaters, fitted with every elegance and luxury money could procure. The main point after elegance, in which they rivaled most, was the speed of their respective craft. From the close of the war to 1870. steam-boating was the overshadowing business on western waters. Of the boats of this era, some will go into history, noted for their fleetness, but unlike the fleet horses of history, they could not leave their strain in immortal descendants, rivaling their celebrated feats. Racing between boats that happened to come together on the river was common, and sometimes reckless and dangerous, as well as exciting. Occasionally a couple of “tabs,” as the boys called a slow boat, engaged in a race and away they would go, running for hours side by side, the stokers all the time piling in the most inflammable material they could lay hands on, especially pine knots and fat bacon, until the eager flames poured out of the long chimney tops; and it was often told that the captain, rather than fall behind in the race, would seat a darkey on the end of the lover of the safety valve, and at the same time scream at the stokers to pile on the bacon, pine knots, oil, anything to make steam. Roustabouts, officers, crew and passengers were all as wildly excited as the captain, and as utterly regardless of dangers. From such recklessness accidents of course did happen, but it is wonderful there were so few. Not infrequently commanders would regularly engage beforehand for a race of their boats; fixing the day and time and as regularly preparing their vessels as a jockey trains and grooms his race-horse. The two most noted contests of this kind on the Mississippi River were, first, in the early times, between the “Shotwell” and “Eclipse,” from Louisville to New Orleans. The next and greatest of all was just at the time of the commencement of the decline in steam-boating, between the steamers “Robert E. Lee” and “Natchez,” from New Orleans to St. Louis. The speed, the handling of these boats, the record they made, have never been equaled and probably never will be, unless steam-boating is revived by some new invention. The race last mentioned took place in 1868. Fearful steamboat calamities, from explosions and from fires, like the awful railroad accidents, have marked the era of steam navigation. The most disastrous in history occurred in 1865, in the loss of the “ Sultana,” on the Mississippi, a few miles above Memphis, a part of the navigable waters of Arkansas. The boat was on her way up stream from New Orleans laden principally with soldiers, some of them with their families, and several citizens as passengers. There were 2,350 passengers and crew on the vessel. A little after midnight the sudden and awful explosion of the boilers came, literally tearing the boat to pieces, after which the wreck took fire: Over 2,000 people perished. The early decline of the steamboat industry kept even pace with the building of railroads over the country. Main lines of railroads were soon built, the streams being used as natural road beds through the rock hills and mountains. In passing over the country in trains one will now often see the flowing river close to the railroad track on one hand, when from the opposite window the high rock mountain wall may almost be touched. Then, too, the large towns were along the navigable rivers, lakes and ocean. The sage conclusion of the philosopher when he went out to look at the world, and was impressed with the curious coincidence that the rivers ran so close by the big towns, is a trite one: A great convenience to those who need water. Page 100 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas The first railroad built in Arkansas was the Memphis & Little Rock Railroad. Work was commenced with the intention of first constructing it from Little Rock to Devall’s Bluff, on White River, whence passengers might proceed by boat to Memphis. It was started at both ends of the line and finished in 1859, the next year being extended to St. Francis River, and then in 1860 completed to the river opposite Memphis. When the Federal army took possession of the Mississippi River, and their forces began to possess the northeastern portion of the State, the Confederates as they retired toward Little Rock destroyed the road and burned the bridges. Indeed, when the war ended in 1865, Arkansas was without a mile of railroad. Soon after the war closed the road was rebuilt and put in Operation, and for some time was the only one in the State. The next was the old Cairo & Fulton Railroad, now the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Road. It was organized in 1853, and in 1854-55 obtained a large Congressional land grant in aid of the enterprise, and built first from Fulton to Beebe, in 1872; it was completed to Texarkana in 1873, and soon came to be the most important line in the State. The Camden branch, from Gurdon to Camden, was completed in 1882. The Memphis branch, from Bald Knob to Memphis, ninety-three miles, was finished and the first passenger train passed over the line May 10, 1888. The branch from Newport to Cushman, a distance of forty-six miles, was built in 1882. The Helena branch, from Noble to Helena, 140 miles, was completed in 1882. The main line of the St. Louis & Iron Mountain Railroad enters the State on the north, at Moark (combination for Missouri and Arkansas), and passes out at Texarkana (combination for Arkansas and Texas). The distance between these two points is 305 miles. The first section of the St. Louis, Arkansas & Texas Railroad, from Clarendon to Jonesboro, was built in 1882, and the next year completed to Texarkana. It was built as a narrow gauge and made a standard gauge in 1886. Its northern terminus for some time was Cairo, where it made its St. Louis connection over the St. Louis & Cairo Narrow Gauge Road, now a standard, and a part of the Mobile & Ohio system. The Magnolia branch of this road runs from McNeal to Magnolia, about twenty miles, and was built in 1885. The Altheimer branch, from Altheimer to Little Rock, was constructed and commenced operation in 1888. The main line of this road enters the State from the north in Clay Co., on the St. Francis River, penetrating into Texas at Texarkana. The Little Rock, Mississippi River & Texas Railroad, now in course of construction, is a much needed road from Little Rock to Pine Bluff, on to Warren and Mississippi, and will form an important outlet for Arkansas toward the Gulf. This was built from Arkansas City to Pine Bluff, and then completed to Little Rock in 1880. The Pine Bluff & Swan Lake Railroad was built in 1885. It is twenty-six miles long, and runs between the points indicated by its name. The Arkansas Midland Railroad, from Helena to Clarendon, was built as a narrow gauge and changed to a standard road in 1886. The Batesville & Brinkley Railroad is laid as far as Jacksonport. It was changed in 1888 to a standard gauge, and is now in course of construction on to Batesville. The Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis Railroad enters the State at Mammoth Spring, and runs to West Memphis. Its original name was Kansas City, Springfield & Memphis Railroad. It now is a main line from Kansas City to Birmingham, Ala. Page 101 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Work was commenced on the Little Rock & Fort Smith Railroad in 1871 at Little Rock, and built to Ozark; later it was finished to Van Buren, there using a transfer, and was completed to Fort Smith. The Hot Springs Railroad, from Malvern, on the main line of the Iron Mountain Railroad, to Hot Springs, was built and is owned by “Diamond Joe” Reynolds. Operations were commenced in 1874. The line of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad passes near the west line of Arkansas adjacent to Fort Smith. There is a branch road of this line from Jensen to Mansfield, sixteen miles long. It looks a little as though the sponsor for the name of the Ultima Thule, Arkadelphia & Mississippi Railroad intended to use the name for a main track through the State. It was built in 1887 for the use of the Arkadelphia Lumber Company. Eureka Springs branch runs from Seligman to Eureka Springs. Another branch goes from Rogers to Bentonville. Still another, extending from Fayetteville to St. Paul, is thirty-five miles in length. The branch from Fayetteville is now in course of building. The Russellville & Dardanelle Railroad is four miles long, extending from the south bank of the Arkansas River to Russellville. The Southwestern, Arkansas & Indian Territory Railroad indicates that there is nothing in a name, as this road is but twenty-seven miles long, running from Southland to Okolona on the west, and also extending east from the main line. A line is being surveyed and steps actively taken to build a road from Kansas City to Little Rock, which is to cross the Boston Mountains near the head waters of White River. Several other important lines are at this time making preparations to build in the near future. Charters for nearly 100 routes in the State have been seemed since 1885. There is not only plenty of room, but a great necessity for yet hundreds of miles of new roads here. They will greatly facilitate the development of the immense resources of this favored locality. Page 102 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER XI. THE COUNTIES OF THE STATE - THEIR FORMATION AND CHANGES OF BOUNDARY LINES, ETC. - THEIR COUNTY SEATS AND OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST CONCERNING THEM - DEFUNCT COUNTIES - NEW COUNTIES - POPULATION OF ALL THE COUNTIES OF THE STATE AT EVERY GENERAL CENSUS. Not chaos-like, together crushed and bruised; But as the world, harmoniously confused: Where order in variety we see, And where, though all things differ, they agree. - Pope. PERHAPS to many, no more interesting subject in the history of the State can be presented than that referring to the name, organization, etc., of each county within its limits. Careful research has brought forth the following facts presented in a concise, but accurate manner: Arkansas County was formed December 13, 1813. As the first municipal formation within the boundary of the State, in Lower Missouri Territory, it was first a parish under Spanish rule and then under French. October 23, 1821, a part of Phillips County was added to it; the line between Pulaski and Arkansas was changed October 30, 1823; Quapaw Purchase divided between Arkansas and Pulaski October 13, 1827; line between Arkansas and Phillips defined November 21, 1829; boundaries defined November 7, 1836. County seat, De Witt; first county seat, Arkansas - opposite Arkansas Post. Ashley, formed November 30, 1848, named for Hon. Chester Ashley, who died a United States Senator; line between Chicot changed January 19, 1861. County seat, Hamburg. Baxter, March 24, 1873; line between Izard and Fulton defined October 16, 1875; line between Marion changed March 9, 1881. County seat, Mountain Home. Benton, September 30, 1836, named in honor of Hon. Thomas H. Benton. County seat, Bentonville. Boone, April 9, 1869; named for Daniel Boone; line between Marion defined December 9, 1875. Harrison, county seat. Bradley, December 18, 1840; part of Calhoun attached October 19, 1862; part restored to Ashley County January 1, 1859. Warren, county seat. Calhoun, December 6, 1850; named for John C. Calhoun; part added to Union and Bradley November 19, 1862. County seat, Hampton. Carroll, November 1, 1833; named in honor of the signer of the declaration; boundary defined December 14, 1838; line between Madison defined January, 11, 1843, and again January 20, 1843; line between Marion defined December 18, 1846; line between Madison defined December 29, 1854, and again January 16, 1857; part of Madison attached April 8, 1869. Berryville, county seat. Chicot, October 25, 1823; boundary defined November 2, 1835; part attached to Drew December 21, 1846; line between Ashley changed January 19, 1861; line between Drew changed November 30, 1875; line changed between Desha February 10, 1879. Lake Village, county seat. Page 103 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Clark, December 15, 1818, while Lower Missouri Territory; named in honor of Gov. Clark, of Missouri; the line between Pulaski and Clark, changed October 30, 1823; divided November 2, 1829; line between Hot Springs and Dallas changed April 3, 1868; line between Pike defined April 22, 1873; line between Montgomery changed April 24, 1873; line between Pike changed March 8, 1887. Arkadelphia, county 5931:. Clay, March 24, 1873; named for Henry Clay. This Co., formed as Clayton Co., was changed to Clay on December 6, 1875. The act of March 24, 1873, changed the boundaries of a large number of counties. Boydsville and Coming, county seats. Cleburne, formed February 20, 1883; named in honor of Gen. Patrick A. Cleburne. Heber is the county seat. Cleveland, formed in 1885; named for President Cleveland; was formed as Dorsey County. Toledo, county seat. Columbia, December 17, 1852; part of Union County added December 21, 1858; line between Nevada defined April 19, 1873. Magnolia, county seat. Conway, December 7, 1825; named after the noted Conways; the northeast boundary defined October 27, 1827; line between Pulaski and Conway defined October 20, 1828; part of Indian purchase added October 22, 1828; line between Conway, Pulaski and Independence defined November 5, 1831; part added to Pope January 6, 1853; part added to White January 11, 1853; act of March, 1873; line between Pope defined May 28, 1874. County seat, Morrillton. Craighead, formed February 19, 1850. Jonesboro, county seat. Crawford, October 18, 1820; boundary was changed October 30, 1823; divided and county of Lovely established October 13, 1827; part of the Cherokee Country attached to, October 22, 1828; boundary defined December 18, 1837; line between Scott defined; line between Washington defined November 24, 1846; line between Franklin defined March 4, 1875; line changed between Washington March 9, 1881. Van Buren, county seat. Crittenden, October 22, 1825; named for Robert Crittenden; St. Francis River declared to be the line between St. Francis and Crittenden Counties November, 1831; portion attached to Mississippi County January, 1861; act, March. 1873. Marion, county seat. Cross, November 15, 1862, 1866, 1873. Witteburg, the county seat. Dallas, January 1, 1845; line between Hot Springs and Clark changed April 3, 1869. Princeton the county seat. Desha, December 12, 1838; named for Hon. Ben Desha; portion attached to Drew January 21, 1861; part of Chicot attached February 10, 1879; also of Lincoln, March 10, 1879. Arkansas City, county seat. Drew, November 26, 1846; part Chicot attached December 21, 1846; part of Desha attached January 21, 1861; March, 1873; line between Chicot changed November 30, 1875. Monticello, county seat. Faulkner, April 12, 1873; line defined December 7, 1875. Conway, county seat. Page 104 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Franklin, December 19, 1837; line between Johnson defined December 14, 1833; line between Crawford defined March 4, 1875. Ozark, county seat. Fulton, December 21, 1842; part attached to Marion County January 18, 1855; part of Lawrence attached January 18, 1855, March, 1873; line between Baxter and Izard defined February 16, 1875. County seat, Salem. Garland, April 5, 1873; named after Gov. A. H. Garland. Hot Springs, county seat. Grant, February 4, 1869. Sheridan, county seat. Greene, November 5, 1833; act March, 1873. Paragould, county seat. Hempstead, December 15, 1818, when this was Lower Missouri Territory; Lafayette County carved out of this territory October 15, 1827; line between Pike defined December 14, 1838. Washington, county seat. Hot Spring, November 2, 1829; certain lands attached to March 2, 1838; Montgomery taken out of December 9, 1842; line between Saline defined December 23, 1846; line between Montgomery changed December 27, 1848; line between Saline changed February 19, 1859, and changed again January 10, 1861; line between Clark and Dallas changed April 3, 1869; March, 1873. Malvern, county seat. Howard, April 17, 1873. County seat, Center Point. Independence, October 20, 1820; part of eastern boundary defined October 30, 1823; Izard County formed of October 27, 1825; part of Independence added October 22, 1828; line between Independence and Izard defined November 5, 1831; line between Independence and Conway, November 5, 1831; between Independence and Jackson, November 8, 1836; between Izard February 21, 1838; December 14, 1840; Lawrence changed December 26, 1840; March, 1873; Sharp County defined February 11, 1875. Batesville, county seat. Izard, October 277/1825; western boundary line extended October 13, 1827; part of the Indian purchase added October 22, 1828; between Independence and Izard defined November 5, 1831; between Conway and Izard, November 5, 1831; southern boundary established November 11, 1833; line between Independence defined February 21, 1838, and December 14, 1838, and December 21, 1840; western boundary line defined December 24, 1840, March, 1873; between Baxter and Fulton defined February 16, 1875; between Sharp changed March 9, 1877. Melbourne, county seat. Jackson, November 5, 1829; line between Independence defined November 8, 1836; part of St. Francis attached January 10, 1851. Jacksonport, county seat. Jefferson, November 2, 1829; boundaries defined November 3, 1831, and again October 29, 1836; line changed between Lincoln and Desha March 20, 1879. Pine Bluff, county seat. Johnson, November 16, 1833; southern line defined November 3, 1835; east line defined October 5, 1836; line between Franklin defined December 14, 1838, 1848; between Pope February 19, 1859, again March 27, 1871; line between Pope reestablished on March 6, 1875; between Pope changed March 9, 1877. Clarksville, county seat. Page 105 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Lafayette, October 15, 1827; the line between Union defined November 26, 1846. Lewisville, county seat. Lawrence, on January 15, 1815, while Lower Missouri Territory; east line defined October 30, 1823; between Independence changed December 20, 1840; part attached to Fulton January 18, 1855; part attached to Randolph January 18, 1861; nearly half the county cut off the west side to form Sharp Co., 1868. Powhatan, county seat. Lee, April 17, 1873. Marianna, county seat. Lincoln, March 28, 1871; part transferred to Desha Co., March 10, 1879. Star City, county seat. Little River, March 5, 1867. Richmond is the county seat. Logan, originally Sarber Co., March 22, 1871; amended, February 27, 1873; changed to Logan, December 14, 1875; line between Scott changed, March 21, 1881. Paris, county seat. Lonoke, April 16, 1873; named for the lone oak tree, by simply spelling phonetically - the suggestion of the chief engineer of the Cairo & Fulton Railroad. Line between Prairie defined November 30, 1875, and again, December 7, 1875. Lonoke, county seat. Lovely, October 13, 1827; abolished October 17, 1828. Madison, September 30, 1836; west boundary changed on November 26, 1838; between Carroll defined January 11, 1843, and again January 20, 1843, 1846; between Newton, December 21, 1848; between Carroll, April 8, 1869. Huntsville, county seat. Marion, September 25, 1836; originally Searcy County; changed to Marion, September 29, 1836 (Searcy County created out of December 13, 1838); west boundary defined November 18,1837; between Carroll defined December 18, 1846; part of Fulton attached January 18, 1855; between Van Baron and Searcy defined January 20, 1855, and March, 1873; line between Boone defined December 9, 1875; line between Baxter changed March 9, 1881. Yellville, county seat. Miller, April 1, 1820; the greater portions fell within the limits of Texas; county abolished therefore, 1836; re-established, December 22, 1874, and eastern boundary extended. Texarkana,county seat. 1 Mississippi, November 1, 1833, 1859; portion of Crittenden attached, January 18, 1861. Osceola, county seat. Monroe, November 2, 1829; boundaries defined December 25, 1840; line between Prairie changed December 7, 1850; line changed April 12, 1869, March, 1873, April, 1873, and May 27, 1874. Clarendon, county seat. Montgomery, December 9, 1842; line between Yell defined January 2, 1845; between Perry, December 23, 1846; between Perry re-established I December 21, 1848; between Hot Spring changed December 27, 1848; between Polk changed February 7,1859, March,1873; between Clark changed April 24, 1873; line between Pike defined December 16, 1874. Mount Ida, county seat. Page 106 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Nevada, March 20, 1871; line between Columbia defined April 10, 1873. Prescott, county seat. Newton, December 14, 1842; line between Madison defined December 21,1848; between Pope I January 10, 1853. Jasper, county seat. ) Ouachita, November 29, 1842; line between Union changed January 6, 1853. Camden, county I sent. Perry, December 18, 1840; line between Pulaski, Saline and Montgomery defined December 23, 1846; old line between Montgomery reestablished December 21,1848. Perryville, county seat. Phillips, May 1, 1820; part attached to Arkansas County October 23, 1881; west boundary defined October 30, 1823; act to divide and create Crittenden County October 22, 1825; divided and St. Francis County created October 13, 1827; line between Arkansas County defined November 21, 1828, 1840, March, 1873. Helena, county seat. Pike, November 1, 1833; line between Sevier defined November 15,1833; between Hempstead, December 14, 1838; between Clark, April 22, 1873; between Montgomery, December 16, 1874; between Clark defined March 8, 1877. Murfreesboro, county seat. Poinsett, February 28, 1838, 1859. Harrisburg, county seat. Polk, November 30, 1844; line between Montgomery changed February 7, 1859; part of Sebastian County added by ordinance of convention, June 1, 1861. Dallas, county seat. Pope, November 2, 1829; part added to Yell January 5, 1853; part of Conway attached January 6, 1853; line between Newton, January 10, 1853; part of Van Buren attached January 12, 1853; between Van Buren defined February 17, 1859; between Johnson, October 19, 1859, March, 27, 1871; between Conway, May 28, 1874; between Johnson re-established March 6, 1875; between Johnson changed March 9, 1877. Dover, county seat. Prairie, October 25, 1846; between Pulaski changed December 30, 1848; between Monroe changed December 7, 1850; line changed April 12, 1869; between White defined April 17, 1873; line changed April 26, 1873, May 27, 1874; between Lonoke changed November 30, 1875; separated into two districts, 1885. Devall’s Bluff, county seat. Pulaski, December 15, 1818, while a part of Lower Missouri Territory; line between Arkansas and Pulaski October 30, 1823; between Clark changed October 30, 1823; divided October 20, 1825; Quapaw Purchase divided - Arkansas and Pulaski, October 13, 1827; northwest boundary defined October 23, 1827; between Pulaski and Conway, October 20, 1828; line between Saline defined February 25, 1838, December 14, 1838; between White changed February 3,1843; between Saline defined December 21, 1846; between Perry defined December 23, 1846; between Prairie changed December 30, 1848; between Saline defined April 12, 1873; again, December 7, 1875. Little Rock, county seat. Randolph, October 29, 1835; part of Lawrence attached January 18, 1864, March, 1873. Pocahontas, county seat Saline, November 2, 1835; boundaries defined November 5, 1836; between Pulaski, February 25, 1838, December 14, 1838, December 21, 1846; between Hot Spring, December 23, 1846, February 19, 1859, January 19,1861; between Page 107 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Pulaski, April 12, 1873, December 17, 1875. Benton, county seat Scott, November 5, 1833; boundaries defined October 24, 1835; between Crawford, December 16, 1838; part of Sebastian attached by convention June 1, 1861; line between Logan changed March 21, 1873. Waldron, county seat. Searcy, November 5, 1835; boundaries defined September 26, 1836; name changed to Marion September 29, 1836; county created out of Marion December 13, 1838; between Van Buren defined October 2, 1853; between Van B11an and Marion defined October 20, 1855, March, 1873. Marshall, county seat. Sebastian, January 6, 1851; part attached to Scott and Polk by the convention June 1, 1861. Fort Smith and Greenwood, county seats. Sevier, October 17, 1828; boundaries defined November 8, 1833; between Pike, November 15, 1833; southeast boundary defined October 29, 1836. Lockesburg, county seat. Sharp, July 18, 1868; act March 3, 1873; between Independence defined February 11, 1875; line between Izard changed March 9, 1877, 1883. Evening Shade, county seat. St. Francis, October 13, 1827; St. Francis River declared boundary line between Crittenden November 3, 1831; part attached to Jackson January 1, 1851, March, 1873. Forrest City, county seat. Stone. April 21, 1873. Mountain View, county seat. Union, November 2, 1829; boundaries defined November 5, 1836; line between Lafayette, November 26,1846; line between Ouachita changed January 6, 1853; part added to Columbia, December 21, 1851; part of Calhoun attached October 19, 1862. El Dorado, county seat. Van Buren, November 11, 1833; boundaries defined November 4, 1836; part attached to Pope January 12, 1853; between Searcy and Marion defined January 20, 1855; between Pope defined February 17, 1859. Clinton, county seat. Washington, October 17, 1828; certain lands declared to be in Washington County October 26, 1831; line between Crawford defined November 24, 1846; line changed between Crawford March 8, 1883. Fayetteville, county seat. White, October 23, 1835; line between Pulaski changed February 3, 1843; part, of Conway attached January 11, 1853; line between Prairie defined April 17, 1873. Searcy, county seat. Woodruff, November 26, 1862; but vote, in pursuance to ordinance of conventions 1861, 1866, 1869; line changed April 26, 1873. Augusta, county seat. . Yell, December 5, 1840; northern boundary, December 21, 1840; line between Montgomery, January 2, 1845; part Pope attached January 6, 1853. The following table will prove valuable for comparison in noting the growth in population of the counties throughout the State in the various decades from their organization: Page 108 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas AGGREGATE POPULATION BY COUNTIES. 1 TABLES Page 109 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER XII. EDUCATION - THE MENTAL TYPE CONSIDERED - TERRITORIAL SCHOOLS, LAWS AND FUNDS - CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS FOR EDUCATION - LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS - PROGRESS SINCE THE WAR - THE STATE SUPERINTENDENTS - STATISTICS - ARKANSAS LITERATURE - THE ARKANSAW TRAVELER. Delightful task! To rear the tender thought, To teach the young idea how to shoot; To pour the fresh instructions o’er the mind, To breathe th’ enlivening spirit, and to fix The generous purpose in the glowing breast. - Thomson. THERE is one subject at least in the economic institutions of our country where men do not divide on political lines. To the historian it is a restful and refreshing oasis in the arid desert. From the Canadas to the Gulf communities and States earnestly vie with each other in the establishment of best public schools. The present generation has nearly supplanted the former great universities with the free public high schools. A generation ago the South sent its boys to him North to school; the North sent its boys to the old universities of Europe. Oxford and Heidelburg received the sons of ambitious, wealthy Americans of the North, while Yale, Harvard and Jefferson Colleges were each the alma mater of many of the youths of the South. The rivalry in the schools between the two sections at that time was not intense, but the educated young men of the South met in sharpest rivalry in the halls of Congress the typical Northern man. As the highest types of the North and the South in active political life may be placed Thomas Jefferson and Daniel Webster. In peace or in war the differences in the intellectual advancement of the two sections were more imaginary than real. The disadvantage the South met was the natural tendency to produce an aristocratic class in the community. Cotton and the negro were impediments in the Southern States that clogged the way to the advancement of the masses. They retarded the building of great institutions of learning as well as the erection of large manufactories. This applied far more to collegiate education than to the common or public school system. The Southern man who was able to send his children away from his State to school realized that he gave them two advantages over keeping them at home; he aided them in avoiding negro contact and association, and provided the advantage of a better knowledge of different peoples in different sections. Arkansas may have lagged somewhat in the cause of education in the past, but today, though young as a State, it is far in advance of many older communities who are disposed to boast greatly of their achievements in this direction. When still a Territory the subject of education received wise and considerate attention. March 2, 1827, Congress gave the State seventy-two sections of land for the purpose of establishing “a seminary of learning.” A supplemental act was passed by Congress, June 23, 1836, one week after it became a State, offering certain propositions for acceptance or rejection: 1. The sixteenth section of every township for school purposes. 2. The seventy-two sections known as the saline lands. By article 9, section 4, State constitution of 1869, these lands were given to the free schools. Page 110 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas 3. The seventy-two sections, known as the seminary lands, given to the Territory in 1827, were vested and confirmed in the State of Arkansas for the use of said seminary. October 18, 1836, the State accepted the propositions entire; and the legislature passed the act known as “ the ordinance of acceptance and compact.” December 18, 1844, the general assembly asked Congress for a modification of the seminary grant, so as to authorize the legislature to appropriate these seventy-two sections of land for common school purposes. Congress assented to this on July 29, 1846, and the lands were added to the free school fund. These congressional land grants formed the basis of the State’s free school system. The first State constitution of 1836 recognized the importance of popular education, and made it the duty of the general assembly to provide by law for the improvement of such lands as are, or may be, granted by the United States for the use of schools, and to pass such laws as “ shall be calculated to encourage intellectual, scientific and agricultural improvement.” The general assembly of 1842 established a system of common schools in the State, which was approved and became a law February 3, 1853, providing for the sale of the sixteenth section, and election of school trustees in each township, to expend the money from the sale of land in the cause of education. The act required schools to be maintained in each township “for at least four months in each year, and orthography, reading, writing, English grammar, arithmetic and good morals should be taught.” The trustees were required to visit the schools once in each month, and the school age was fixed at from five to twenty-one years. The act also provided for the establishment of manual labor schools. It went to the extent of appropriating a sum of money for the purchase of textbooks. This was a long step in advance of any other portion of the country at that time. To the fund arising from lands the act added “all fines for false imprisonment, assault and battery, breach of the peace, etc.” This act of the assembly placed the young State in the vanguard of States in the cause of free schools. It is an enduring monument to the men of that legislature. Under this law the reports of the county commissioners of education were ordered to be made to the State auditor, but if so made none can be found in the State archives. A State board of education was provided for by the act of 1843, and the board was required to make a complete report of educational matters, and also to recommend the passage of such laws as were deemed advisable for the advancement of the cause of education. By an act of January 11, 1853, the secretary of State was made ex- officio State commissioner of common schools, and required to report to the governor the true condition of the schools in each county; which report the governor presented to the general assembly at each regular session. The provisions of an act of January, 1855, relate to the sale of the sixteenth section, and defined the duties of the school trustees and commissioners. Article 8, in the constitution of 1867, is substantially the same as the provisions of the law of 1836. From 1836 to 1867, as is shown by the above, the provisions of the law were most excellent and liberal toward the public schools; legislative enactments occur at frequent intervals, indicating that the State was well abreast of the most liberal school ideas of the time, and large funds were raised sacred to the cause. Page 111 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Investigation shows that from the date of the State’s admission into the Union, until 1867, there were many and admirable stipulations and statutes, by which large revenues Were collected from the sale of lands, but the records of the State department give no account of the progress of free schools during this period, leaving the inference that but little practical benefit accrued to the cause from these wise and liberal measures put forth by Congress and the State. By act approved May 18, 1867, the legislature made a marked forward movement in the cause of education. Considering the chaotic conditions of society, and the universal public and private bankruptcy, the movement is only the more surprising. The act stipulated that a tax of 20 cents on every $100 worth of taxable property should be levied for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a system of public schools. The second section made this fund sacred - to be used for no other purpose whatever. The fourth section provided for a superintendent of public instruction and defined his duties. The eighth section provided for a school commissioner, to be chosen by the electors of each Co., who should examine any one applying for a position as school teacher; granting to those qualified to teach a certificate, without which no one could be legally employed to teach. Prior to this a license as teacher was not considered essential, and there was no one authorized to examine applicants or grant certificates. The Congressional township was made the unit of the school district, the act also setting forth that in the event of the trustees failing to have a school taught in the district at least three months in the year, the same thereby forfeited its portion of the school revenue. These wise and liberal arrangements were made, it must be remembered, by a people bankrupt by war and suffering the hard trials of reconstruction. No regular reports were made - at least none can be found - prior to 1867, the date of the appointment of a superintendent. Though reports were regularly received from the year mentioned, the most of them were unsatisfactory and not reliable. The constitution of 1868 created some wise amendments to the previous laws. It, caused the schools to become free to every child in the State; school revenues were increased, districts could have no part of the school fund unless a free school had been taught for at least three months. The legislature following this convention, July 23, 1868, amended the school laws to conform to this constitutional provision. In addition to State superintendent, the office of circuit superintendent was created, and also the State board of education. The constitutional convention of 1874 made changes in the school law and provided for the school system now in force in the State. The act of the legislature, December 7, 1876, was passed in conformity with the last preceding State convention. This law with amendments is the present school law of Arkansas. Hon. Thomas Smith was the first State superintendent, in office from 1868 to 1873. The present incumbent of that position, Hon. Woodville E. Thompson, estimates that the commencement of public free schools in Arkansas may properly date from the time Mr. Smith took possession of the office - schools free to all; every child entitled to the same rights and privileges, none excluded; separate schools provided for white and black; 8 great number of schools organized, school houses built, and efficient teachers secured. Previous to this time people looked upon free schools as largely pauper schools, and the wealthier classes regarded them unfavorably. Hon. J. C. Corbin, the successor of Mr. Smith, continued in office until December 13, 1875. Page 112 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Hon. B. W. Hill was appointed December 18, 1875, and remained in office until 1878. It was during his term that there came the most marked change in public sentiment in favor of public schools. He was a zealous and able worker in the cause, and from his report for 1876 is learned the following: State apportionment. $213,000; district tax, $88,000; school population, 189,000. Through the directors’ failure to report the enrollment only shows 16,000. The total revenue of 1877 was $270,000; of 1878, $276,000. Mr. Hill was succeeded in 1878 by Hon. J. L. Danton, whose integrity, earnestness and great ability resulted in completing the valuable work so well commenced by his predecessor - removing the Southern prejudices against public schools. He deserves a lasting place in the history of Arkansas as the advocate and champion of free schools. The present able and efficient State superintendent of public instruction, as previously mentioned, is Hon. Woodville E. Thompson. To his eminent qualifications and tireless energy the schools of Arkansas are largely indebted for the rapid advance now going on, and which has marked his past term of office. From his biennial report are gleaned most of the facts and statistics given below. The growth of the institution as a whole may be defined by the following statistics: In 1879 the revenue raised by the State and county tax was $271,000; in 1880, $285,000; in 1881, $710,000; in 1882, $722,000; in 1883, $740,000; in 1884, $931,000; in 1885, $1,199,000; in 1886, $1,327,000. The district tax in 1884 was $346,521; in 1885, $343,850, and in 1886, $445,563. The district tax is that voted by the people. Arkansas today gives the most liberal support to her free schools, all else considered, of any State in the Union. It provides a two mill tax, a poll tax, and authorizes the districts to vote a five mill tax. This is the rule or rate voted in nearly all the districts, thus making a total on all taxable property of seven mills, besides the poll tax. The persistent neglect of school officers to report accurate returns of their school attendance is to be regretted. The number of pupils of school age (six to twenty-one years) is given, but no account of attendance or enrollment. This leaves counties in the unfavorable light of a large school population, with apparently the most meager attendance. The following summaries exhibit the progress of the public schools: Number of school children, 1869, 176,910; 1870, 180,274; 1871, 196,237; 1872, 194,314; 1873, 148.128; 1874, 168,029; 1875, 168,929; 1876, 189,130; 1877, 203,567; 1878, 216,475; 1879, 236,600; 1880, 247,547; 1881, 272,841; 1882, 289,617; 1883, white, 227.538; black, 76,429; total, 304.962; 1884, white, 247,173; black, 76,770; total, 323,943; 1885, white, 252,290; black, 86,213; total, 338,506; 1886, white, 266,188; black, 91,818; total, 358,006; 1887, white, 279,224; black, 98,512; total, 377,736; 1888, white, 288,381; black, 99,747; total, 388,129. The number of pupils enrolled in 1869 was 67,412; 1888, 202,754, divided as follows: White, 152,184; black, 50,570. Number of teachers employed 1869, 1.335; number employed 1888, males, 3,431, females, 1,233. Total number of school houses, 1884, 1,453; erected that year, 283. Total number school houses, 1888, 2,452; erected in that year, 269. Total value of school houses, 1884, $384,827.73. Total value, 1888, $705,276.92. Total amount of revenues received, 1868, $300,669.63. For the year, 1888: Amount on hand June 30, 1887, $370,942.25; received common school fund, $3l5,403.28; district tax, $505,069.92; poll tax, $146,604.22; other sources, $45,890.32; total, $1,683,909.32. Page 113 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas While there were in early Territorial days great intellectual giants in Arkansas, the tendency was not toward the tamer and more gentle walks of literature, but rather in the direction of the fiercer battles of the political arena and the rostrum. Oratory was cultivated to the extreme, and often to the neglect apparently of all else of intellectual pursuits. The ambitious youths had listened to the splendid eloquence of their elders - heard their praises on every lip, and were fired to struggle for such triumphs. Where there are great orators one expects to find poets and artists. The great statesman is mentally cast in molds of stalwart proportions. The poet, orator, painter, and eminent literary character are of a finer texture, but usually not so virile. Gen. Albert Pike gave a literary immortality to Arkansas when it was yet a Territorial wilderness. The most interesting incident in the history of literature would be a true picture of that Nestor of the press, Kit North, when he opened the mail package from that dim and unknown savage world of Arkansas, and turned his eyes on the pages of Pike’s manuscript, which had been offered the great editor for publication, in his poem entitled “Hymn to the Gods.” This great but merciless critic had written Byron to death, and one can readily believe that he must have turned pale when his eye ran over the lines - lines from an unknown world of untamed aborigines, penned in the wilderness by this unknown boy. North read the products of new posts to find, not merit, but weak points, where he could impale on his sharp and pitiless pen the daring singer. What a play must have swept over his features as his eye followed line after line, eager and more eager from the first word to the last. To him could this be possible - real - and not the day dream of a disturbed imagination. This historical incident in the literature of the wild west - the pioneer boy not only on the outer confines of civilization, but to the average Englishman, in the impenetrable depths of a dark continent, where dwelt only cannibals, selecting the great and severe arbiter of English literature to whom he would transmit direct his fate as a poet; the youth’s unexpected triumph in not only securing a place in the columns of the leading review of the world, but extorting in the editorial columns the highest meed of praise, is unparalleled in the feats of tyros in literature. The supremacy of Pike’s genius was dulled in its brilliancy because of the versatility of his mental occupations. A poet, master of belles lettres, a lawyer and a politician, as well as a soldier, and eminent in all the varied walks he trod, yet he was never a bookmaker - had no ambition, it seems, to be an author. The books that he will leave, those especially by which he will be remembered, will be his gathered and bound writings thrown off at odd intervals and cast aside. His literary culture could produce only the very highest type of effort. Hence, it is probable that Lord North was the only editor living to whom Pike might have submitted his “ Hymn to the Gods ” with other than a chance whim to decide its fate. There was no Boswell among the early great men of Arkansas, otherwise there would exist biographies laden with instruction and full of interest. There were men and women whose genius compelled them to talk and write, but they wrote disconnected, uncertain sketches, and doubtless often published them in the columns of some local newspaper, where they sank into oblivion. The erratic preacher-lawyer, A. W. Arrington, wrote many and widely published sketches of the bench and bar of Arkansas, but his imagination so out-ran the facts that they became mere fictions - very interesting and entertaining, it is said, but entirely useless to the historian. Arrington was a man of superior natural genius, but was so near a moral wreck as to cloud his memory. Page 114 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Years ago was published Nutall’s History of Arkansas, but the most diligent inquiry among the oldest inhabitants fails to find one who ever heard of the book, much less the author. Recently John Hallum published his History of Arkansas. The design of the author was to make three volumes, the first to treat of the bench and bar, but the work was dropped after this volume was published. It contains a great amount of valuable matter, and the author has done the State an important service in making his collections and putting them in durable form. A people with so many men and women competent to write, and who have written so little of Arkansas, its people or its great historical events, presents a curious phase of society. A wide and inviting field has been neglected and opportunities have been lost; facts have now gone out of men’s memories, and important historical incidents passed into oblivion beyond recall. Opie P. Read, now of Chicago, will be known in the future as the young and ambitious literary worker of Arkansas. He came to Little Rock from his native State, Tennessee, and engaged in work on the papers at that city. He soon had a wide local reputation and again this soon grew to a national one. His fugitive pieces in the newspapers gained extensive circulation, and in quiet humor and unaffected pathos were of a high order. He has written several works of fiction and is now running through his paper, The Arkansaw Traveler, Chicago, a novel entitled “ The Kentucky Colonel,” already pronounced by able critics one among the best of American works of fiction. Mr. Read is still a comparatively young man, and his pen gives most brilliant promise for the future. His success as an editor is well remembered. Page 115 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER XIII. THE CHURCHES OF ARKANSAS - APPEARANCE OF THE MISSIONARIES - CHURCH MISSIONS ESTABLISHED IN THE WILDERNESS - THE LEADING PROTESTANT DENOMINATIONS - ECCLESIASTICAL STATISTICS - GENERAL OUTLOOK FROM A RELIGIOUS STANDPOINT. No silver saints by dying misers giv’n Here bribed the rage of ill-requited Heaven; But such plain roofs as piety could raise, And only vocal with the Maker’s praise. - Pope. IN all histories of the early settlers the pioneer preachers and missionaries of the Church are of first interest. True missionaries, regardless of all creeds, are a most interesting study, and, in the broad principles of Christianity, and they may Well be considered as a class with only incidental references to their different creeds. The essence of their remarkable lives is the heroic work and suffering they so cheerfully undertook and carried on so patiently and bravely. Among the first pioneers to the homes of the red savages were these earnest churchmen, carrying the news of Mount Calvary to the benighted peoples. It is difficult for us of this age to understand the sacrifices they made, the privations they endured, the moral and physical courage required to sustain them in their work. The churches, through their missionaries, carried the cross of Christ, extending the spiritual empire in advance, nearly always, of the temporal empire. They bravely led the way for the hardy explorers, and ever and anon a martyr’s body was given to the flames, or left in the trackless forests, food for ravenous wild beasts. The first white men to make a lodgment in what is now Arkansas having been Marquette and Joliet, France and the Church thus came here hand in hand. The Spanish and French settlers at Arkansas Post were the representatives of Catholic nations, as were the French-Canadians who came down from the lakes and settled along the banks of the lower Mississippi River. After 1803 there was another class of pioneers that came in - Protestant English by descent if not direct, and these soon dominated in the Arkansas country. The Methodists, Baptists and Cumberland Presbyterians, after the building of the latter by Rev. Finis Ewing, were the prevailing pioneer preachers. Beneath God’s first temples these missionaries held meetings, traveled over the Territory, going wherever the little column of blue smoke from the cabin directed them, as well as visiting the Indian tribes, proclaiming Christ and His cause. Disregarding the elements, swollen streams, the dim trails, and often no other guide on their dreary travels than the projecting ridges, hills and streams, the sun or the polar star; facing hunger, heat and cold, the wild beast and the far fiercer savage, without hope of money compensation, regardless of sickness and even death, these men took their lives in their hands and went forth. Could anything be more graphic or pathetic of the conditions of these men than the extract from a letter of one of them who had thus served his God and fellow-man more than fifty years: " In my long ministry I often suffered for food and I spent no money for clothing. * * The largest yearly salary I received was $1Co.” Were ever men inspired with more zeal in the cause of their Master? They had small polish and were as rugged as the gnarled old oaks beneath whose branches they so often bivouacked. They never tasted the refinements of polite life, no doubt despising them as heartily as they did sin Page 116 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas itself. Rude of speech, what eloquence they possessed (and many in this respect were of no mean order) could only come of their deep sincerity. These Protestant missionaries trod closely upon the footsteps of the pure and gentle Marquette in the descent of the Mississippi, and the visits to the Indians amid the cane-brakes of the South. Marquette’s followers had been the first to ascend the Arkansas River to its source in the far distant land of the Dakotas in the Northwest. Holding aloft the cross, they boldly entered the camps of the tribes, and patiently won upon them until they laid down their drawn tomahawks and brought forth the calumet of peace. These wild children gathered around these strange beings - visitors, as they supposed, from another world, and wherever a cross was erected they regarded it with fear and awe, believing it had supreme power over them and their tribes. He who would detract from the deserved immortality of any of these missionaries on account of their respective creeds, could be little else than a cynic whose blood is acid. Marquette first explored the Mississippi River as the representative of the Catholic Church. The old church baptismal records of the mission of Arkansas Post extend back to 1764, and the ministrations of Father Louis Meurin, who signed the record as “missionary priest.” This is the oldest record to be found of the church’s recognition of Arkansas now extant. That Marquette held church service and erected the cross of Christ nearly one hundred years anterior to the record date in Arkansas is given in the standard histories of the United States. Rev. Girard succeeded Meurin. It may be gleaned from these records that in 1788 De La Valliere was in command of Arkansas Post. In 1786 the attending priest was Rev. Louis Guigues. The record is next signed by Rev. Gibault in 1792, and next by Rev. Jannin in 1796. In 1820 is found the name of Rev. Chaudorat. In 1834 Rev. Dupuy, and m 1838 Father Donnelly was the priest in charge. These remained in custody of the first mission at Arkansas Post. The second mission established was St. Mary’s, now Pine Bluff. The first priest at that point was Rev. Saulmier. Soon after, another mission, St. Peter’s, was established in Jefferson Co., and the third mission, also in Jefferson Co., was next established at Plum Bayou. In order, the next mission was at Little Rock, Rev. Emil Saulmier in charge; then at Fort Smith; then Helena, and next Napoleon and New Gascony, respectively. The Catholic population of the State is estimated at 10,000, with a total number of churches and missions of forty. There are twenty-two church schools, convents and academies, the school attendance being 1,6Co. The first bishop in the Arkansas diocese was Andrew Byrne, 1844. He died at Helena in 1862, his successor being the present incumbent, Bishop Edward Fitzgerald, who came in 1867. From a series of articles published in the Arkansas Methodist, of the current year, by the eminent and venerable Rev. Andrew Hunter, D. D., are gleaned the following important facts of this Church’s history in Arkansas: Methodism came to Arkansas by way of Missouri about 1814, a company of emigrants entering from Southeast Missouri overland, and who much of the way had to cut out a road for their wagons. They had heard of the rich lands in Mound Prairie, Hempstead County. In this company were John Henrey, a local preacher, Alexander and Jacob Shook, brothers, and Daniel Props. In their long slow travels they reached the Arkansas River at Little Rock, and waited on the Opposite bank for the completion of a ferry-boat then building. When these people reached their destination they soon set up a church, and erected Page 117 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas the first Methodist “meeting-house” in Arkansas, called Henrey’s Chapel. “Father Henrey,” as he was soon known far and wide, reared sons, all preachers. This little 001- l any were all sincere Methodists, and nearly all their first generation of sons became preachers, some of them eminent. Jacob Shook and three of his sons entered the ministry; Gilbert Alexander, his sons and grandsons, became ministers of God’s word, as did two of Daniel Props’ sons. ; The small colony was truly the seed of the church I in Arkansas. In 1838 two young ministers were sent from Tennessee to the Arkansas work, and came all the way to Mound Prairie on horseback. The church records of Missouri show that the conference of 1817 sent two preachers to Arkansas - William Stevenson and John Harris. They were directed to locate at Hot Springs. It is conceded that these two missionaries “planted Methodism in Arkansas.” In 1818 the Missouri Conference sent four laborers to Arkansas, with William Stevenson as the presiding elder of the Territory. The circuits then had: John Shader, on Spring River; Thomas Tennant, Arkansas circuit; W. Orr, Hot Springs; William Stevenson and James Lowrey, Mound Prairie. What was called the Arkansas circuit included the Arkansas River, from Pine Bluff to the mouth. After years of service as presiding elder, Stevenson was succeeded by John Scripps; the appointments then were: Arkansas circuit, Dennis Willey; Hot Springs, Isaac Brookfield; Mound Prairie. John Harris; Pecan Point, William Townsend. The Missouri Conference, 1823, again made William Stevenson presiding elder, with three itinerants for Arkansas. In 1825 Jesse Hale became presiding elder. He was in charge until 1829. He was an original and outspoken abolitionist, and taught and preached his faith unreservedly; so much so that large numbers of the leading families left the Methodist Episcopal Church and joined the Cumberland Presbyterians. This was the sudden building up of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and nearly fatally weakened the Methodist Church. Some irreverent laymen designated Elder Jesse Hale’s ministrations as the “Hail storm ” in Arkansas. Fortunately Hale was succeeded by Rev. Jesse Green, and he poured oil on the troubled waters, and saved Methodism in Arkansas. “ Green was our Moses. ” The Tennessee Conference, 1831. sent eight preachers to Arkansas, namely: Andrew D. Smyth, John Harrell, Henry G. Joplin, William A. Boyce. William G. Duke, John N. Hammill, Alvin Baird and Allen M. Scott. A custom of those old time preachers now passed away is worth preserving. When possible to do so they went over the circuit together, two and two. One might preach the regular sermon, when the other would “exhort.” Under these conditions young Rev. Smyth was accompanying the regular circuit rider. He was at first diffident, and “exhorted” simply by giving his hearers “Daniel in the lion’s den.” As the two started around the circuit the second time, on reaching a night appointment, before entering the house, and as they were returning from secret prayer in the brush, the preacher said: “ Say, Andy, I’m going to preach, and when I’m done you give ’em Daniel and the lions again. ” Evidently Andy and his lions were a terror to the natives. But the young exhorter soon went up head, and became a noted divine. The Missouri Conference, 1832, made two districts of Arkansas. Rev. A. D. Smyth had charge of Little Rock district, which extended over all the country west, including the Cherokee and Greek Nations. Page 118 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas The formation of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, occurred in 1844. This is a well known part of the history of our country. In Arkansas the church amid all its trials and vicissitudes has grown and flourished. The State now has fifteen districts, with 200 pastoral charges, and, it is estimated, nearly 1,000 congregations. The Methodist Episcopal Church has a comfortable church in Little Rock, and several good sized congregations in different portions of the State. This church and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, are separate and wholly distinct in their organization. The Baptists are naturally a pioneer and frontier church people. They are earnest and sincere proselyters to the faith, and reach very effectively people in general. The Baptist Church in Benton celebrated. July 4, 1889, its fifty-third anniversary. Originally called Spring Church, it was built about two miles from the town. The organization took place under the sheltering branches of an old oak tree. One of the first churches of this order was the Mount Bethel Church, about six miles west of Arkadelphia, in Clark County. This was one of the oldest settled points by English speaking people in the State. The church has grown with the increase of population. Rev. James M. Moore organized in Little Rock, in 1828, the first Presbyterian Church in Arkansas. He was from Pennsylvania, eminent for his ability, zeal and piety. For some time he was the representative of his church in a wide portion of the country south and west. He was succeeded by Rev. A. R. Banks, from the theological seminary of Columbia, SC, who settled in Hempstead County in 1835 - 36 and organized and built Spring Hill Church, besides another at Washington. The next minister in order of arrival was Rev. John I M. Erwin. He located at Jackson, near the old town of Elizabeth, but his life was not spared long after coming. He assisted Revs Moore and Banks in organizing the first preshytery in Arkansas. In 1839 Rev. J. M. Moore, mentioned above, 5 removed to what is now Lonoke Co., and organized a congregation and built Sylvania Church. His successor at Little Rock was Rev. Henderson, in 1840. The death of Rev. Henderson left no quorum, and the Arkansas presbytery became functus officio. Rev. Aaron Williams, from Bethel presbytery, South Carolina, came to Arkansas in 1842, and settled in Hempstead Co., taking charge of a large new academy at that place, which had been built by the wealthy people of the locality. He at once re- organized the church at Washington, which had been some time vacant. Arkansas then belonged to the synod of Mississippi. In 1842, in company with Rev. A. R. Banks, he traveled over the swamps and through the forests 400 miles to attend the Mississippi synod at Port Royal. Their mission was to ask the synod to allow Revs. Williams, Moore, Banks and Shaw to organize the Arkansas presbytery. They obtained the permission, and meeting in Little Rock the first Sunday in January, 1843. organized the Arkansas presbytery. The Rev. Balch had settled in Dardanelle, and he joined the new presbytery. In the next few years Revs. Byington and Kingsbury, Congregational ministers, who had been missionaries to the Indians since 1818, also joined the Arkansas presbytery. The synod of Memphis was subsequently formed, of which Arkansas was a part. There were now three presbyteries west of Memphis: Arkansas, Ouachita and Indian. In 1836 Arkansas was composed of four presbyteries - two Arkansas and two Ouachita. Rev. Aaron Williams assumed charge at Little Rock in 1843, where he remained until January, 1845. There was then a vacancy for some years in that church, when the Rev. Joshua F. Green ministered to the flock. He was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Fraser, who continued until 1859. All these had been supplies, and in 1859 Little Rock was made a pastorate, and Rev. Thomas R. Welch was installed as first pastor. Page 119 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas He filled the position the next twenty-five years, and in 1885 resigned on account of ill health, and was sent as counsel to Canada, where he died. About the close of his pastorate, the Second Presbyterian Church of Little Rock was organized, and their house built, the Rev. A. R. Kennedy, pastor. He resigned in September, 1888, being succeeded by James R. Howerton. After the resignation of Dr. Welch of the first Church. Dr. J. C. Barrett was given charge. Rev. Aaron Williams, after leaving the synod, became a synodical evangelist, and traveled over the State, preaching wherever he found small collections of people, and organizing churches. He formed the church at Fort Smith and the one in Jackson County. A synodical college is at Batesville, and is highly prosperous. Page 120 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER XIV. NAMES ILLUSTRIOUS IN ARKANSAS HISTORY - PROMINENT MENTION OF NOTED INDIVIDUALS - AMBROSE H. SEVIER - WILLIAM E. WOODRUFF - JOHN WILSON - JOHN HEMPHILL - JACOB BARKMAN - DR. BOWIE - SANDY FAULKNER - SAMUEL H. HEMPSTEAD - TRENT, WILLIAMS, SHINN FAMILIES, AND OTHERS - THE CONWAYS - ROBERT CRITTENDEN - ARCHIBALD YELL - JUDGE DAVID WELKER - GEN. G. D. ROYSTON - JUDGE JAMES W. BATES. The gen’ral voice Sounds him, for courtesy, behaviour, languages And ev’ry fair demeanor, an example; Titles of honour add not to his worth, Who is himself an honour to his title. - Ford No history of Arkansas, worthy of the name, could fail to refer to the lives of a number of its distinguished citizens, whose relation to great public events has made them a part of the true history of their State. The following sketches of representative men will be of no little interest to each and every reader of the present volume. Ambrose H. Sevier, was one of the foremost of the prominent men of his day, and deserves especial mention. The recent removal of the remains of Gen. John Sevier from Alabama to Knoxville, TN. (June 19, 1889), has awakened a wide-spread interest in this historic family name. The re-interment of the illustrious ashes of the first governor, founder and Congressman of Tennessee, by the State he had made, was but an act of long deferred justice to one of the most illustrious and picturesque characters in American history. He founded two States and was the first governor of each of them; one of those States, Tennessee, he had, in the spirit of disinterested patriotism, erected on the romantic ruins of the other - the mountain State of “Franklin.” A distinguished Revolutionary soldier, he was the hero of King’s Mountain, where he and four brothers fought. He was first governor of the State of “Franklin,” six times governor of Tennessee, three times a member of Congress, and in no instance did he ever have an opponent to contest for an office. He was in thirty-five hard fought battles; had faced in bitter contest the State of North Carolina, which secretly arrested and abducted him from the new State he had carved out of North Carolina territory; was rescued in open court by two friends, and on his return to his adherents as easily defeated the schemes of North Carolina as he had defeated, in many battles, the Cherokee Indians. No man ever voted against . “Nolichucky Jack,” as he was familiarly called - no enemy ever successfully stood before him in battle. A great general, statesman, and patriot, he was the creator and builder of commonwealths west of the Alleghenies, and he guided as greatly and wisely as did Washington and Jefferson the new States and Territories he formed in the paths of democratic freedom; and now, after he has slept in an obscure grave for three- quarters of a century, the fact is beginning to dawn upon the nation that Gov. John Sevier made Washington, and all that great name implies, a possibility. The name, illustrious as it is ancient, numerous and widespread, is from the French Pyrenees, Xavier, where it may be traced to remote times. St. Francis Xavier was of this family, and yet the American branch were exiles from the old world because of their revolt against papal tyranny. Sturdy and heroic as they were in the faith, their blood was far more virile, indeed stalwart, in defense of human rights and liberty, wherever or by whomsoever assailed. Page 121 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas In France, England and in nearly every Western and Southern State of the Union are branches of the Xaviers, always prominent and often eminent in their day and time. But it was reserved to the founder of the American branch of the Seviers to be the supreme head of the illustrious line. He builded two commonwealths and was impelled to this great work in defense of the people, and in resistance to the encroachments of the central powers of the paternal government. In Arkansas the Soviets, Conways and Rectors were united by ties of blood as well as by the ever stronger ties of the sons of liberty, independence and patriotism. Here were three of the most powerful families the State has ever had, and in public affairs they were as one. The political friend and worthy model of Gov. John Sevier was Thomas Jefferson. Indeed, Gen. Sevier was the fitting and immortal companion- piece to Jefferson in those days of the young and struggling republic. The Seviers of Arkansas and Missouri were: naturally the admirers of Andrew Jackson - champions of the people’s rights, watchdogs of liberty. Ambrose H. Sevier, was the son of John, who was the son of Valentine and Ann Conway Sevier, of Greene Co., TN. Ann Conway was the daughter of Thomas and Ann Rector Conway. Thus this family furnished six of the governors of Arkansas. In 1821, soon after Mr. Sevier’s coming to Arkansas, he was elected clerk of the Territorial house of representatives. In 1823 he was elected from Pulaski County to the legislature, and continued a member and was elected speaker in 1827. He was elected to Congress in August, 1828, to succeed his uncle, Henry W. Conway, who had been killed in a duel with Crittenden. He was three times elected to Congress. When the State came into the Union, Sevier and William S. Fulton were elected first senators ,in Congress. Sevier resigned his seat in the Senate in 1848, to accept the mission of minister plenipotentiary to Mexico, and, in connection with Judge Clifford, negotiated the treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo. This was the last as well as crowning act of his life. He died shortly after returning from his mission. The State has erected a suitable monument to his memory in Mount Holly Cemetery, Little Rock, where sleeps his immortal dust. How curiously fitting it was that the Sevier of Arkansas should follow so closely in the footsteps of the great governor of Tennessee, his lineal ancestor, and be the instrument of adding so immensely to the territory out of which have grown such vast and rich commonwealths. As builders of commonwealths there is no name in American history which approaches that of Sevier. A part of the neglect - the ingratitude, possibly - of republics, is shown in the fact that none of the States of which they gave the Union so many bear their family name. William E. Woodruff was in more than one sense a pioneer to Arkansas. He was among the distinguished men who first hastened here when the Territory was formed, and brought with him the pioneer newspaper press, and established the Arkansas Gazette. This is now a flourishing daily and weekly newspaper at the State capital, and one of the oldest papers in the country. Of himself alone there was that in the character and life of Mr. Woodruff which would have made him one of the historical pioneers to cross the Mississippi River, and cast his fortune and future in this new world. But he was a worthy disciple and follower of Ben. Franklin, who combined with the art preservative of arts, the genius that lays foundations for empires in government, and the yet far greater empires in the fields of intellectual life. He was a native of Long Island, Suffolk Co., NY Leaving his home in 1818, upon the completion of his apprenticeship as printer, with the sparse proceeds of his earnings as apprentice he turned his face westward. Reaching Wheeling, VA, he Page 122 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas embarked in a canoe for the falls of the Ohio, now Louisville, where he stopped and worked at his trade, finding no sufficient opening to permanently locate in this place, he started on foot, by way of Russellville, to Nashville, TN, and for a time worked at his trade in that place and at Franklin. Still looking for a possible future home further west, he heard of the Act of Congress creating the Territory of Arkansas, to take effect July 4, 1819. He at once purchased a small outfit for a newspaper office and started to the newly formed Territory, determined if possible to be first on the ground. He shipped by keel-boat down the Cumberland river, the Ohio and the Mississippi Rivers to Montgomery’s Point, at the mouth of White River; thence overland to Arkansas Post, the first Territorial capital. Montgomery Point was then, and for some years after, the main shipping point for the interior points of the Arkansas Territory. From this place to the capital, he found nothing but a bridle-path. He therefore secured a pirogue, and with the services of two boatmen, passed through the cutoff to Arkansas River and then up this to Arkansas Post, reaching his point of destination October 31, 1819. So insignificant was the Post that the only way he could get a house was to build one, which he did, and November 20, 1819, issued the first paper - the Arkansas Gazette. He was the entire force of the office – mechanical, clerical and editorial. Today his own work is his fitting and perpetual monument - linking his name indissolubly with that of Arkansas and immortality. His genius was in the direct energy and the impelling forces which drove it with the sure certainty of fate over every opposing obstacle. Broad, strong and great in all those qualities which characterize men preeminent in the varied walks of life; a true nation founder and builder, his useful life was long spared to the State, which will shed luster to itself and its name by honoring the memory of one of its first and most illustrious pioneers - William E. Woodruff. Reference having been made to John Wilson in a previous chapter, in connection with his unfortunate encounter with J. J. Anthony, on the floor of the hall of the legislature, it is but an act of justice that the circumstances be properly explained, together with some account of the manner of man he really was. John Wilson came from Kentucky to Arkansas in the early Territorial times, 1820. His wife was a Hardin, of the noted family of that State - a sister of Joseph Hardin, of Lawrence Co., AR, who was speaker of the first house of representatives of the Territorial legislature; The Wilsons and Hardins were prominent and highly respectable people. When, a very young man, John Wilson was elected to the Territorial legislature, where he was made speaker and for a number of terms filled that office. He was a member of the first State legislature and again was elected speaker. He was the first president of the Real Estate Bank of Arkansas. Physically he was about an average-sized man, very quiet in his manner and retiring, of dark complexion, eyes and hair, lithe and sinewy in form, and in his daily walk as gentle as a woman. He was devoted to his friends, and except for politics, all who knew him loved him well. There was not the shadow of a shade of the bully or desperado about him. He was a man of the highest sense of personal honor, with an iron will, and even when aroused or stung by injustice or an attack upon his integrity his whole nature inclined to peace and good will. He was a great admirer of General Jackson - there was everything in the natures of the two men where the “ fellow feeling makes us wondrous kind.” The difficulty spoken of occurred in 1836. Wilson was a leader in the Jackson party. Anthony aspired to the lead in the Whig party. At that time politics among Page 123 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas the active of each faction meant personality. It was but little else than Open war, and the frontier men of those days generally went armed, the favorite weapon being the bowie knife - a necessary part of a hunter’s equipment. Unfriendly feelings existed between Wilson and Anthony. Upon the morning of the homicide (in words the substance of the account given by the late Gen. G. D. Royston, who was an eye witness) Mr. Wilson came into the hall a little late, evidently disturbed in mind, and undoubtedly ruffled by reason of something he had been told that Mr. Anthony had previously said about him in discussing a bill concerning wolf-scalps. A seriocomic amendment had been offered to the bill to make scalps a legal tender, and asking the president of the Real Estate Bank to certify to the genuineness of the same. Anthony had the floor. When Wilson took the speaker’s chair he commanded Anthony to take his seat. The latter brusquely declined to do so. Wilson left the chair and approached his opponent, who stood in the aisle. The manner of the parties indicated a personal encounter. As Wilson walked down the aisle he was seen to put his hand in the bosom of his vest. Anthony drew his knife. Gen. Royston said that when he saw this, hoping to check the two men he raised his chair and held it between them, and the men fought across or over the chair. They struck at each other inflicting great wounds, which were hacking blows. Wilson’s left hand was nearly cut off in warding a blow from Anthony’s knife. Wilson was physically a smaller man than Anthony. Royston held the chair with all his strength between the two now desperate individuals. So far Anthony’s longer arm had enabled him to give the greatest wounds, when Wilson with his shoulder raised the chair and plunged his knife into his antagonist, who sank to the floor and died immediately. It was a duel with bowie-knives, without any of the preliminaries of such encounters. Wilson was carried to his bed, where for a long time he was confined. The house expelled him the next day. The civilized world of course was shocked, so bloody and ferocious had been the engagement. Wilson removed to Texas about 1842. locating at Cedar Grove, near Dallas, where he died soon after the close of the late war. Mrs. A. J. Gentry, his daughter, now resides in Clark Co., AR. The Hardins, living in Clark Co., are of the same family as was Mrs. Wilson. John Hemphill, a South Carolinian, was born a short distance above Augusta, Ga. He immigrated west and reached (now) Clark Co., AR, in 1811, bringing with him a large family and a number of slaves, proceeding overland to Bayou Sara, La., and from that point by barges to near where is Arkadelphia, then a settlement at a place called Blakelytown, which was a year old at the time of Mr. Hemphill’s location. He found living there on his arrival Adam Blakely, Zack Davis, Samuel Parker, Abner Highnight and a few others. Mr. Hemphill was attracted by the salt waters of the vicinity, and after giving the subject intelligent investigation, in 1814 built his salt works. Going to New Orleans, he procured a barge and purchased a lot of sugar kettles, and with these completed his preparations for making salt. His experiment was a success from the start and he carried on his extensive manufactory until his death, about 1825. The works were continued by his descendants, with few intermissions, until 1851. Jonathan O. Callaway, his son-in-law, was, until that year, manager and proprietor. There is a coincidence in the lives of the two men who were the founders of commerce and manufacturing in Arkansas, Hemphill and Barkman, in that by chance they became traveling companions on their way to the new country. Page 124 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Two brothers, Jacob and John Barkman, came to Arkansas in 1811. They worked their passage in the barge of John Hemphill, from Bayou Sara, La., to Blakelytown, near Arkadelphia. They were a couple of young Kentuckians, full of courage, hope, and strong sense, seeking homes in the wilderness. Their coming antedated that of the first steamboat on western waters, and the history of the river commerce of this State with New Orleans will properly credit Jacob Barkman with being its founder. Considering the times and realizing what such men as Jacob Barkman did, one is constrained to the belief that among the first settlers of Arkansas were men of enterprise, foresight and daring in commerce that have certainly not been surpassed by their successors. On a previous page the methods of this pioneer merchant in the conduct of his business have been noted. His miscellaneous cargo of bear oil, skins, pelts, tallow, etc., found a ready market in New Orleans, which place he reached by river, returning some six months later well laden with commodities best suited to the needs of the people. Indeed his “store” grew to be an important institution. He really carried on trade from New Orleans to Arkadelphia. In 1820 he purchased of the government about 1,200 acres of land on the Caddo, four miles from Arkadelphia, and farmed extensively and had many cattle and horses, constantly adding to the number of his slaves. Having filled the field where he was he sought wider opportunities, and in 1840, in company with J. G. Pratt, opened an extensive cotton commission business in New Orleans, building large warehouses and stores. Mr. Barkman next purchased the steamboat “ Dime,” a side-wheeler, finely built and carrying 400 bales of cotton. He ran this in the interest of the New Orleans commission house; owned his crews, and loaded the boat with cotton from his own plantation. In 184-4 his boat proudly brought up at New Orleans, well laden with cotton. The owner was on board and full of hope and anticipated joy at his trip, and also to meet his newly married wife (the second), when these hopes were rudely dashed by the appearance of an officer who seized the boat, cargo and slaves, everything - and arrested Mr. Barkman and placed him in jail under an attachment for debts incurred by the commission house. His partner in his absence had wrecked the house. To so arrange matters that he might get out of jail and return to his old home on the Caddo, with little left of this world’s goods, was the best the poor man could do. He finally saved from the wreckage his fine farm and a few Negroes, and, nothing daunted, again went to work to rebuild his fortune. He erected a cotton factory on the Caddo River, and expended some $30,000 on the plant, having it about ready to commence Operating when the water came dashing down the mountain streams in a sudden and unusual rise, and swept it all away. This brave pioneer spent no hour of his life in idle griefs at his extraordinary losses. Though unscrupulous arts of business sharks and dire visitations of the elements combined to make worthless his superb foresight and business energy, he overcame all obstacles, and died about 1852, a wealthy man for that time. When Arkansas was yet a Territory, among its early pioneers was Dr. William Bowie, whose name has become familiar to the civilized world, though not in the way that most men are emulous of immortality. Dr. Bowie had located, or was a frequent visitor, in Helena, AR, and was a typical man of his times - jolly, careless and social, and very fond of hunting and fishing. Among the first settlers in Little Rock was a blacksmith, named Black. He possessed skill in working in iron and steel, and soon gained a wide reputation for the superior hunting knives he made. When nearly every man hunted more or less, and as Page 125 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas a good knife was a necessity, it will be seen that Black was filling a general want. The material he worked into knives consisted of old files. One day while he was just finishing a superior and somewhat new style of hunting knife, Dr. Bowie happened to enter the shop. The moment he saw the article be determined to possess it at any price. Black had not really made it to sell - simply to gratify a desire to see how fine a blade he could make, and keep it. But a bargain was finally arranged, the blacksmith to complete it and put Bowie’s name on the handle. The inscription being neatly done read: “Bowie’s Knife.” Its beauty and finish attracted wide attention, and all who could afford it ordered a similar one, the name of which was soon shortened into “ Bowie Knife.” Bowie died a patriot’s death, fighting for the independence of Texas, by the side of David Crockett. The one preeminent thing which entitles the Arkansas pioneer, Sandy Faulkner, to immortality is the fact that he is the real, original “Arkansaw Traveler.” He was an early settler, a hunter, a wild, jolly, reckless spendthrift, and a splendid fiddler. He was of a wealthy Kentucky family, and settled first in Chicot County and then on the river only a few miles below Little Book. By inheritance he received two or three moderate fortunes, and spent them royally. Of a roving nature, a witty and rollicking companion, he would roam through the woods, hunting for days and weeks, and then enliven the village resorts for a while. He was born to encounter just such a character as he did chance to find, playing on a three stringed fiddle the first part of a particular tune. Now there was but one thing in this world that could touch his heart with a desire to possess, and that was to hear the remainder of the tune. After meeting this rare character in the woods what a world of enjoyment Sandy did carry to the village on his next return! “With just enough and not too much,” with fiddle in his hand, the villagers gathered about him while be repeated the comedy. His zest in the ludicrous, his keen wit and his inimitable acting, especially his power of mimicry and his mastery of the violin, enabled him to offer his associates an entertainment never surpassed, either on or OR the mimic stage. After the war Faulkner lived in Little Rock until his death in 1875, in straitened circumstances, residing with a widowed daughter and one son. Another son was killed in the war; the two daughters married and are both dead and the son and only remaining child left this portion of the country some years ago. When Faulkner died - over eighty years of age - he held a subordinate office in the legislature then in session, which body adjourned and respectfully buried all that was mortal of the “Arkansaw Traveler,” while the little morceau from his harmless and genial soul will continue to travel around the world and never stop, the thrice welcome guest about every fireside. What a comment is here in this careless, aimless life and that vaulting ambition that struggles, and wars and suffers and sows the world with woe that men’s names may live after death. Poor Sandy had no thought of distinction; his life was a laugh, so unmixed with care for the morrow and so merry that it has filled a world with its ceaseless echoes. Though there may be in this country no titled aristocracy, there are nobles, whose remotest descendants may claim that distinction of race and blood which follows the memory of the great deeds of illustrious sires. It is the nobles whose lives and life’s great work were given to the cause of their fellowmen in that noblest of all Page 126 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas human efforts - liberty to mankind. There is something forever sacred lingering about the graves, nay, the very ground, where these men exposed their lives and struggled for each and all of us. All good men (and no man can really be called good who does not love liberty and independence above everything in the world) cannot but feel a profound interest in the lineal descendants of Revolutionary fathers. “My ancestor was a soldier in the war for independence!” is a far nobler claim to greatness than is that of the most royal blue blood in all heraldry. W. P. Huddleston, of Sharp’s Cross Roads, Independence Co., has the following family tree: Israel McBee was for seven years a soldier in a North Carolina regiment in the Revolutionary War. He died in Grainger Co., TN, aged 110 years. He was the father of Samuel McBee, who was the father of Rachel McBee, who married John Huddleston, the grand father of W. P. Huddleston, Jr. The McBees were originally from Scotland. Samuel S. Welborn, of Fort Douglas, Johnson Co., was the youngest son of Elias. Samuel was born December 30, 1842. His grandfather, Isaac Welborn, was seven years a soldier in a Georgia regiment, and died at Hazel Green, AL, in 1833, aged eighty- four years. Samuel H. Hempstead is a name illustrious in Arkansas outside of the fact that it is descended directly from a soldier in the war for independence. The above-named was born in New London. Conn., in 1814, and died in Little Rock in 1862. He was a son of Joseph Hempstead, born in New London in 1778, and died in St. Louis in 1831. Joseph was a son of Stephen Hempstead, born in New London in 1742, and died in St. Louis in 1832. Stephen was a soldier in the American Revolution, serving under Col. Ledyard at the battle of Fort Griswold, near New London, when these towns were captured by the British under Benedict Arnold, September 6, 1781. Hempstead was wounded twice during the engagement - a severe gunshot wound in the left elbow disabling him in the arm for life. He wrote and published in the Missouri Republican in 1826. a detailed account of the battle. Stephen Hempstead’s father was also Stephen Hempstead, born in 1705 and died in 1774. The records of Connecticut, Vol. VII, show that he was made an ensign in a train band company, by the colonial council, in October, 1737, where he served with distinction through this war, known as King George’s War. In May, 1740, he was made surveyor by the council. He was the son of Joshua Hempstead, born in 1678, and died in 1758. He was a representative in the Connecticut council in October, 1709; a member of the Royal council in October, 1712; ensign in train band company in 1721; lieutenant in same company in May, 1724; auditor of accounts in May, 1725. He was the son of Joshua Hempstead, Sr., born in 1649, and died in 1709; Joshua Hempstead, Sr., was a son of Robert Hempstead, born in 1600 and died in 1665. The Last-named was the immigrant to America, one of the original nine settlers of New London. Conn., the founder of the town first called Hempstead, on Long Island. In 1646 Robert Hempstead built a house at New London for a residence, which is still standing, an ancient relic of great interest. It is occupied by descendants of the builder, named Caits, from the female branches. Though much modernized the old house still shows the port-holes used for defense against the Indians. A daughter of Robert Hempstead, Mary, was the first white child born in New London, March 26, 1647. Fay and Roy Hempstead, Little Rock, are descendants of this family. Other descendants live in St. Louis, Mo. Page 127 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Jesse Williams, of Prince William Co., VA, enlisted under Dinwiddie’s call in the French Indian War on the English settlers in 1754, under then Lieut.-Col. Washington, of the first Virginia Regiment of 150 men. The command attempted to reach where is now Pittsburg to relieve Trent’s command at that place. Two descendants of the Trents now live in Washington County. In this hard march to Fort Duquesne the men dragged their cannon, were without tents and scant of provisions, and deprived of material or means for bridging rivers. They fought at Fort Necessity. Washington cut a road twenty miles toward Duquesne. On July 3 the fight took place, and July 4 Washington capitulated on honorable terms. In 1755 Jesse Williams again entered the service under Washington and joined Braddock at Fort Cumberland. In 1758 he was once more with Washington when Forbes moved on Fort Duquesne, being present at the capture, and helped raise the flag and name the place Pittsburg. In the Revolutionary War he was one of the first to enlist from Virginia, and was commissioned captain, and was present in nearly all the battles of that long war. The maternal ancestor of the Williams family was Thomas Rowe, of Virginia, a colonel in the war for independence, who was at the surrender of Yorktown. David Williams, a son of Jesse, married Betsy Rowe. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and served with distinction, and also in the Seminole War. He settled in Kentucky, Franklin County. .His children were Jacob, Urban V., Betty, Millie, Hattie and Susan; the children of Urban V. Williams being John, Pattie and Minnie. Bettie married Jeptha Robinson, and had children, David, Owen, Austin, May, Hettie, Ruth, Sue, Jacob, Frank and Sallie. Hettie married Dr. Andrew Neat, and had children, Thomas, Estelle (Brinkley), Ella (Ford), Addis and Ben. Sue married George Poor, and had children, George, Lizzie. Sue and Minnie. Jacob Williams, the father of Mrs. Minnie C. Shinn (wife of Prof. J. H. Shinn, of Little Rock), Otis Williams and Mattie Williams, Little Rock; Joseph Desha Williams and Maggie Wells. Russellville; Lucian and Virgil. Memphis, are all of this family. Jacob Williams was a private in the fifth Kentucky, in the late war, under Humphrey Marshall. Among the pioneers of what is now the State of Arkansas, there was perhaps no one family that furnished so many noted characters and citizens as the Conway family. Their genealogy is traced “ back to the reign of Edward I, of England, in the latter part of the thirteenth century, to the celebrated Castle of Conway, on Conway River, in the north of Wales, where the lords of Conway, in feudal times presided in royal style.” Thomas Conway came to America about the year 1740, and settled in the Virginia colony. Henry Conway was his only son. The latter was first a colonel and afterward a general in the Revolutionary War. His daughter, Nellie, after marriage, became the mother of President Madison, and his son, Moncure D., was brother-in-law to Gen. Washington. Thomas Conway, another son of Gen. Henry Conway, settled, during the Revolutionary period, near the present site of Greenville, TN. He married Ann Rector, a native of Virginia, and member of the celebrated Rector family. To this union seven sons and three daughters were born, and all were well reared and well educated. In 1818, Gen. Thomas Conway moved with his family from Tennessee to St. Louis, in the Territory of Missouri, and soon after to Boone Co., where he remained until his death, in 1835. Henry Wharton Conway, the eldest son, was born March 18, 1793. in Greene Co., TN, and served as a lieutenant in the War of 1812 - 15; subsequently, in 1817, he served in the treasury department at Washington, immigrated to Missouri Page 128 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas with his father in 1818, and early in 1820, after being appointed receiver of public moneys, he immigrated in company with his next younger brother, James Sevier Conway, who was born in 1798, to the county of Arkansas, in the then Territory of Missouri. These two brothers took and executed large contracts to survey the public lands, and later on James S. became surveyor-general of the Territory. During the twenties Henry W. Conway served two terms as a delegate in Congress, and received the election in 1827 for the third term, but on the 29th of October of that year, he was mortally wounded in a duel with Robert Crittenden, from the effects of which he died on the 9th of November, following. [See account of the duel elsewhere in this work.] A marble shaft with an elaborate inscription, erected by his brother, James S. Conway, stands over his grave in the cemetery at Arkansas Post. James S. Conway became the first governor of the State of Arkansas, upon its admission into the Union, serving as such from 1836 to 1840, after which he settled on his princely possessions on Red River in the southern part of the State. He was a large slave holder and cotton planter. He died on the 3d of March, 1855, at Walnut Hill, his country seat, in Lafayette County. Frederick Rector Conway, the third son of Gen. Thomas Conway, was a noted character in Missouri and Illinois. John Rector Conway, the fourth son, was an eminent physician, who died in San Francisco in 1868. William B. Conway was born at the old homestead in Tennessee, about 1800. He was thoroughly educated, read law under John J. Crittenden, of Kentucky, and commenced the practice at Elizabethtown in that State. He moved to Arkansas in 1840, and in 1844 was elected judge of the Third circuit. In December, 1846, he was elected associate justice of the supreme court. He died December 20, 1852, and is buried by the side of his noble mother, in Mount Holly Cemetery, Little Rock. The sixth son, Thomas A., died -in his twenty-second year in Missouri. The seventh and youngest son, Gov. Elias N. Conway, was born May 17, 1812, at the old homestead in Tennessee, and in November, 1833, he left his parents’ home in Missouri, and came to Little Rock, and entered into a contract to survey large tracts of the public lands in the northwestern part of the State. Having executed this contract, he was, in 1836, appointed auditor of State, a position which he held for thirteen years. In 1852 and again in 1856, he was elected on the Democratic ticket as governor of the State, and served his full two terms, eight years, a longer period than any other governor has ever served. Much could be said, did space permit, of the eminent services this man has rendered to Arkansas. Of the seven brothers named he is the only one now living. He leads a retired and secluded life in Little Rock, in a small cottage in which he has resided for over forty years. He has no family, having never been married. Robert Crittenden, youngest son of John Crittenden, a major in the Revolutionary War, was born near Versailles, Woodford Co., KY, January 1, 1797. He was educated by and read law with his brother, John J. Crittenden, in Russellville, that State. Being appointed first secretary of Arkansas Territory, he removed to Arkansas Post, the temporary seat of government, where on the 3d day of March, 1819, he was inaugurated and assumed the duties of his office. On the same day James Miller was inaugurated first governor of the Territory. It seems, however, that Gov. Miller, though he held his office until succeeded by Gov. George Izard, in March, 1825, was seldom present and only occasionally performed official duties. This left Crittenden to assume charge of the position as governor a great portion of the time while Miller held the office. Crittenden continued as secretary of the Territory Page 129 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas until succeeded by William Fulton, in April, 1829, having served in that capacity a little over ten years. In 1827 he fought a duel with Henry W. Conway, the account of which is given elsewhere. According to Gen. Albert Pike, with whom he was intimately associated, “ he was a man of fine presence and handsome face, with clear bright eyes, and unmistakable intellect and genius, frank, genial, one to attach men warmly to himself, impulsive, generous, warm hearted.” He was the first great leader of the Whig party in the Territory, and continued as such until his death, which occurred December 18, 1834, at Vicksburg, Miss, whither he had gone on business. He died thus young, and before the Territory, which he had long and faithfully served, became a State. Archibald Yell, not unfamiliar to Arkansans, was born in North Carolina, in August, 1797, and while very young immigrated to Tennessee, and settled in Bedford County. He served in the Creek War as the boy captain of the Jackson Guards, under Gen. Jackson, also under the same general in the War of 1812 - 13, participating in the battle of New Orleans, and also in the Seminole War. He was a man of moderate education, and when the War of 1812 closed, he read law and was admitted to the bar in Tennessee. After the close of the Seminole War, he located at Fayetteville, Lincoln Co., TN, and there practiced law until 1832, when President Jackson gave him the choice to fill one of two vacancies, governor of Florida or Territorial judge in the Territory of Arkansas. He chose the latter and in due time located at Fayetteville, in Washington County. He was a man of fine personal appearance, pleasant and humorous, and possessed the faculty of making friends wherever he went. He was elected and served as grand master of the Masonic fraternity in the jurisdiction of Arkansas; was a Democrat in politics, and the first member of Congress from the State of Arkansas; was governor of the State from 1840 to 1844; was elected again as a member of Congress in 1844, and served until 1846, when he resigned to accept the colonelcy of an Arkansas regiment of volunteers for the Mexican War. He was killed in the battle of Buena Vista, February 22, 1847. In his race for Congress in 1844, he was opposed by the Hon. David Walker, the leader of the Whig party, and they made a joint canvass of the State. Yell could adapt himself to circumstances - to the different crowds of people more freely than could his antagonist. In 1847 the Masonic fraternity erected a monument to his memory in the cemetery at Fayetteville. Gov. Yell was a man of great ability, and one of the great pioneer statesmen of Arkansas. The eminent jurist, Judge David Walker, descended from a line of English Quakers, of whom the last trans-Atlantic ancestor in the male line was Jacob Walker, whose son George emigrated to America prior to the war of the Revolution, and settled in Brunswick Co., VA. Here he married a lady, native to the manor born, and became the first American ancestor of a large and distinguished family. One of his sons, Jacob Wythe Walker, born in the decade that ushered in the Revolution, early in life removed to and settled in what is now Todd Co., KY. Here, on the 19th day of February, 1806. was born unto him and his wife, Nancy (Hawkins) Walker, the subject of this sketch - David Walker. Young Walker’s opportunities for obtaining a school education in that then frontier country were limited, but, being the son of a good lawyer, he inherited his father’s energetic nature, became self-educated, read law and was admitted to the bar in Scottsville, KY, early in 1829, and there practiced until the fall of 1830, when he moved to Little Rock, AR, arriving on the 10th of October. Soon after this be located at Fayetteville, Washington Co., and remained there, except when temporarily absent, until his death. From 1833 to 1835 he was prosecuting attorney in the Third circuit. He was one of the many able members of the constitutional convention of 1836. In 1840 he rode “the tidal wave of whiggery” into the State senate, in which he served four years. In 1844 he led the forlorn Page 130 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas hope of his party in the ever memorable contest with Gov. Yell for Congress. In 1848, while on a visit to Kentucky, and without his knowledge, a legislature, largely Democratic, elected him associate justice of the supreme court over strong Democratic opposition, embracing such men as Judges English and William Conway, both of whom afterwards succeeded to the office. He had always been a lover of the Union, but when the Civil War came on, having been born and reared in the South, and having become attached to its institutions, he finally chose rather to cast his fortunes with the proposed Confederacy than with the Federal Union; In February 1861, he was elected a delegate to the State convention which convened on the 4th of March, and finally, at its adjourned session, passed the ordinance of secession. He and Judge B. C. Totten were candidates for the chairmanship of this convention, the former representing the Union strength, and the latter the disunion element as it was then developed. Walker received forty out of the seventy-five votes cast, and thereupon took the chair; but owing to the rapid change of sentiment all of the majority, save one, finally voted with the minority, and Arkansas formally withdrew from the Union, with Judge Walker as a leader. In 1866 he was elected chief justice of the State, but in less than two years was removed from the office by military power. At the close of the reconstruction period he was again elected to the supreme bench and served thereon until September, 1878, when he resigned at the age of seventy-two, and retired to private life. He died September 30, 1879. He was a pious and conscientious man, an able jurist, a pioneer of Arkansas, highly respected by its citizens. Gen. Grandison D. Royston, a son of Joshua Royston and Elizabeth S. (Watson) Royston, natives, respectively, of Maryland and Virginia, and both of pure English descent, was born on the 9th of December, 1809, in Carter Co., TN. His father was an agriculturist and Indian trader of great energy and character, and his mother was a daughter of that eminent Methodist divine, Rev. Samuel Watson, one of the pioneers of the Holstein conference in East Tennessee. He was educated in the common neighborhood schools and in a Presbyterian academy in Washington Co., TN. In 1829 he entered the law office of Judge Emerson, at Jonesboro, in that State, and two years after was admitted to the bar. Subsequently he emigrated to Arkansas Territory, and in April, 1832, located in Fayetteville, Washington Co., where he remained only eight months, teaching school five days in the week and practicing law in justices’ courts on Saturdays. He then moved to Washington, in Hempstead Co., where he continued to reside until his death. In the performance of his professional duties he traveled the circuits of the Territory and State in that cavalcade of legal lights composed of such men as Hempstead. Fowler, Trapnall, Cummins, Pike, Walker, Yell, Ashley, Bates, Searcy and others. In 1833 he was elected prosecuting attorney for the Third circuit, and performed the duties of that office for two years. In January, 1836, he served as a delegate from Hempstead County; in the convention at Little Rock, which framed the first constitution of the State; and in the fall of the same year he was elected to represent his county in the first legislature of the State. After the expulsion of John Wilson, speaker of the house, who killed Representative John J. Anthony, Royston was on joint ballot elected to fill the vacant speaker-ship but declined the office. In 1841 President Tyler appointed him United States district attorney for the district of Arkansas, which office he held a short time and then resigned it. In 1858 he represented the counties of Hempstead, Pike and Lafayette in the State legislature, and became the author of the levee system of the State. In 1861 he was elected to the Confederate Congress, serving two years. In 1874 he was a delegate from Hempstead County to the constitutional convention, and was elected Page 131 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas president of that body. In 1876 he represented the State at large in the National Democratic convention at St. Louis, and voted for Tilden and Hendricks. He was always a Democrat, a man of culture, refinement and winning manners, and enjoyed in a large degree the confidence of the people. He obtained his title as general by serving on the staff of Gov. Drew with the rank of brigadier-general. He died August 14, 1889, in his eightieth year. He, too, was one of the last prominent pioneers of Arkansas, and it is said he was the last surviving member of the constitutional convention of 1836. Judge James Woodson Bates was born in Goochland Co., VA.. about the year 1788. He was educated in the Yale and Princeton Colleges, graduating from the latter about 1810. When quite young he attended the trial of Aaron Burr, for treason, at Richmond. Soon after graduating he read law. In the meantime his brother, Frederick Bates, was appointed first secretary of Missouri Territory, and was acting governor in the absence of Gov. Clark. About 1810 he followed his brother to the West, and settled in St. Louis. In 1820 he removed to this Post of Arkansas and there began the practice of his profession, but had scarcely opened his office when he was elected first delegate to Congress from Arkansas Territory. In 1823 he was a candidate for reelection, but was defeated by the celebrated Henry W. Conway, an able man, who commanded not only the influence of his own powerful family, but that of the Rectors, the Johnsons, Roanes and Ambrose H. Sevier, and all the political adherents of Gen. Jackson, then so popular in the South and West. The influence and strength of this combined opposition could not be overcome. After his short Congressional career closed, he moved to the newly settled town of Batesville, and resumed the practice of his profession. Batesville was named after him. In November, 1825, President Adams appointed him one of the Territorial judges, in virtue of which he was one of the judges of the superior or appellate court organized on the plan of the old English court in banc. On the accession of Gen. Jackson to the presidency, his commission expired without renewal, and he soon after removed to Crawford Co., married a wealthy widow, and became stationary on a rich farm near Van Buren. In the fall of 1835 he was elected to the constitutional convention, and contributed his ability and learning in the formation of our first organic law as a State Soon after the accession of John Tyler to the presidency, he appointed Judge Bates register of the land office at Clarksville, in recognition of an old friend. He discharged every public trust, and all the duties devolved on him as a private citizen, with the utmost fidelity. Strange to say, whilst he possessed the most fascinating conversational powers, he was a failure as a public speaker. He was also a brother to Edward Bates, the attorney general in President Lincoln’s cabinet. He was well versed in the classics, and familiar with the best authors of English and American literature. He died at his home in Crawford County in 1846. universally esteemed. Page 132 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas CHAPTER XV. WHITE COUNTY - LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION - BOUNDARY LINES - TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY - WATER SUPPLY - DRAINAGE - STREAMS - TIMBER - SOIL - RESOURCES - LUMBER INTERESTS - CENSUS ENUMERATION - TAXABLE PROPERTY - LIVE STOCK INDUSTRY - REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY - RAILROAD FACILITIES - POPULATION - ERE OF SETTLEMENT - COUNTY ORGANIZATION - SEAT OF JUSTICE AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS - COUNTY OFFICERS - POLITICS - COURT AFFAIRS - ROLL OF ATTORNEYS - CIVIL WAR HISTORY - TOWNS AND VILLAGES - SCHOOLS - CHURCHES – BIOGRAPHICAL. O the pleasant days of old, which so often people praise! True, they wanted all the luxuries that grace our modern days; Bare floors were strewed with rushes, the walls let in the cold; O how they must have shivered in those pleasant days of old. - Brown. WHITE COUNTY is located in the northeast part of Central Arkansas, and is bounded north by Cleburne,Independence and Jackson Counties, east by Woodruff, south by Prairie and Lonoke, and west by Faulkner. Its boundary lines are as follows: Beginning in Range 3 west, at the point where White River crosses the line dividing Townships 9 and 10 north; thence west on the township line to the line dividing Ranges 5 and 6 west; thence north on the range line to the line dividing Townships 10 and 11 north; thence west on the township line to the line dividing Ranges 7 and 8 west; thence south on the range line to Little Red River; thence up said river, in a westerly direction, following its meanders, to the middle of Range 8 west; thence south on section lines to the line dividing Townships 8 and 9 north; thence west on the township line to the line dividing a Ranges 10 and 11 west; thence south on the range line to Cypress Creek in Township 5 north; thence down Cypress Creek following its meanders to the line dividing Ranges 5 and 6 west; thence north on the range line to the line dividing Townships 5 and 6 north; thence east on the township line to White River; thence up White River following its meanders to the last crossing of the line dividing Townships 7 and 8 north; thence west on the township line to the southwest corner of Section 35, Township 8 north, Range 4 west; thence north on section lines until White River is again intersected; thence up the river following its meanders to the place of beginning; containing an area of 1,015 square miles, or 650,000 acres. Of this about 12,000 acres belong to the United States, 27,000 to the State, 81,000 to the St. Louis, Iron Mountain 8:. Southern Railway Company, and the balance to individuals. Only about 10 per cent of the land is improved. Prices range from $5 to $25 per acre for improved, and from $1 to $10 for unimproved property. The face of the county is somewhat rolling, with three-fifths hilly and two-fifths level. The course of the streams show that the general trend is toward the southeast; White River, forming the eastern boundary line, is navigable for large vessels to points above. All the other streams of the county empty into this river. Little Red River enters from the northwest, and flows in an easterly and southeasterly direction through these limits and empties into White River near the line dividing Townships 6 and 7 north. It so divides the county as to leave about one-third of its area to the northeast and two-thirds to the southwest. Glaize Creek makes its appearance from the north, in Range 5 west, and flows thence in a direction east of south, emptying into White River a short distance above the mouth of Red River. Bayou Des Arc rises in the county’s western part and, flowing southeasterly, finds an outlet in Cypress Creek at the southern boundary near the Page 133 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas line between Ranges 6 and 7 west. Cypress Creek, which forms most of the southern boundary, runs in a general eastern direction and empties into White River at a point southeast of the county; These, the principal streams in this territory, together with their several tributaries, supply the entire drainage of the immediate region. Little Red River is navigable at all seasons of the year as far as West Point, and in high water it has been ascended to a point opposite Searcy. The United States has recently completed a dredge and two other boats at Judsonia, making necessary preparations to dredge and enlarge the river that it may be navigable at all seasons up to Judsonia. There are numerous springs throughout the Co., from which flows the purest of water. The most noted possessing mineral properties are the White Sulphur, Chalybeate and Alum Springs, at Searcy; the Armstrong Spring, nine miles west, and Griffin’s Spring, four miles south. Well water of the best quality can be obtained at nearly all points at a moderate depth. The supply of water for family use is had from wells, springs and cisterns. Of timber, many varieties are common here, such as white, black, red, post, Spanish and overcup oak, black walnut, hickory, ash, cedar, pine, pecan, cypress and sweet and black gum. Valuable white oak grows abundantly in nearly all parts of the county. The most conspicuous geological feature of the county is the escarpment of sandstone along the bluffs of Little Red River, known as the “ Bee Rock.” The sandstone forming the cliffs in the foreground of this landscape is part of the conglomerate and millstone grit formation that intervenes between the overlying coal measures proper, and the underlying sub-carboniferous limestone. The pebbly sandstones and millstone grit, which occur along the escarpments of Little Red River, attaining a thickness of from 150 to 200 feet, impart wild and romantic scenery for many miles along the banks of the stream. The clip of these sandstones at the old Patterson Mill is one and one-half to two degrees to the south, or a little west of south. In digging wells in the vicinity of Searcy, a blackish gray, indurated, argillo-siliceous shale is encountered, containing small scales of disseminated mica. This material is brittle and crumbles, by exposure, to a clay. Similar shales are struck, usually ten feet below the surface, under the red land situated west of Searcy. The first ten feet passed through, generally consists of soil, subsoil and gravel overlaying the shales. The red soil of these level farming lands is quite productive, yielding good crops of cotton, corn, wheat and the finest oats in ordinary seasons: 800 to 1,500 pounds of cotton in the seed to the acre, 20 to 25 bushels of wheat, and 40 to 60 bushels of oats, when there are seasonable rains.* This description of land covers a large proportion of the area of the county. The bottom lands along the streams are largely alluvial and exceedingly productive. The soil of that portion not previously mentioned, is composed of vegetable mold, sand and clay, and With proper cultivation all the lands of the Co., excepting some thin soil on the ridges, yield abundantly. There are some mineral deposits, such as iron, manganese, lead and coal here, but they have not yet been developed in paying quantities. It is thought, however, that a few of these ores may be found to exist to that extent which will warrant their mining. * Quotations from State Geological Report. Among the resources of the Co., lumbering constitutes a considerable industry, there being many saw and shingle mills throughout its territory. Manufacturing has also been commenced; there is a wagon factory at Searcy, and a fruit-canning factory, and a factory for the manufacture of fruit boxes and crates at Judsonia. Page 134 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Agriculture is here, as elsewhere, the leading occupation, but both horticulture and the raising of live stock are beginning to receive attention. The agricultural products are cotton, corn, wheat, oats, rye, peas, grass, potatoes, turnips, sorghum, etc. “Cotton is King,” and is raised largely to the exclusion of other crops. Farming might, perhaps, be carried on more scientifically, as the lands have been cropped from year to year, some of them for half a century, without a proper rotation, with but very little fertilizing matter being returned to the soil. Glover and the tame grasses succeed well, and are most profitable for re- fertilizing the lands. In 1880 there were 2, 319 farms in White Co., 83,679 acres of improved lands, and the value of all farm products for the year 1879 amounted to $925,392. The cereal and vegetable productions were as follows: Indian corn, 444,893 bushels; oats, 95,359 bushels; rye, 399 bushels; wheat, 17,220 bushels; hay, 295 tons; cotton, 11,821 bales; Irish potatoes, 14,876 bushels; sweet potatoes, 23,098 bushels; tobacco, 28,184 pounds. These actual statistics taken from the reports of the United States census show conclusively what the soil is best adapted for. In the cultivation of sweet potatoes and tobacco the county then ranked as third in the State, in Irish potatoes fifth, and in cotton fourteenth. The number of head of live stock, as given by the same census report, was: Horses 3,048; mules and asses 1,860; neat cattle 15,944; sheep 5,388; hogs 29,936. The abstract for taxable property for 1888 shows the following: Horses 4,157; males and asses 2,052; neat cattle 19,839; sheep 3,678; hogs 23,330. Of the first four grades of animals there was a large increase from 1880 to 1888, a probable decrease being noticed in the other two. Perhaps the decrease in sheep is real, while that in hogs is only apparent, for the reason that the abstract of taxable property shows the number on hand when the property was assessed and does not include those slaughtered and sold during the year, as is the case with the census report. Live stock is receiving considerable attention of late, and the county is well adapted to its growth. Improved breeds are being introduced to a great extent. Horses, mules, cattle and hogs succeed best, and sheep do tolerably well. The stock business is steadily increasing and will be one of the most profitable industries of this locality in the near future. The county’s horticultural resources (especially the raising of small fruits) are being developed to a considerable extent along the line of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railway. Peaches, plums, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are already quite extensively raised and shipped from Bradford, Russell, Judsonia and Beebe. These fruits are all grown to perfection; apples and pears, however, do not succeed as well. Grapes are also grown and used to some extent in the manufacture of domestic wine. The increasing demand for fruits will make this variety a leading industry here. It is very evident that owing to natural resources, mildness of climate, the trifling cost of fuel, and the small amount of feed and care required to winter live stock, a farmer can live much cheaper and with greater pecuniary profit hereabouts, than in the cold settlements of the north and northwest. The industrious poor man desiring to emigrate to a new country, where may be had a home of his own, will do well to investigate the many advantages offered by this and contiguous portions of Arkansas, before venturing with his all into cold and forbidding regions of less favored localities. Let a farmer practice the same economy and industry here that usually prevail in Indiana, Illinois and other Page 135 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Northern States and he will find it comparatively easy to gain a competency within a few years. In 1880, the real estate of White County was assessed for taxation at $1,850,394 and the personal property at $744,821, making a total of $2,595,215, on which the total amount of taxes charged for all purposes was $32,633. In taxable wealth it then ranked as fourth in the State. In 1888, the real-estate assessment was $2,440,883, and personal property $1,252,715, aggregating $3,693,598. The total amount of taxes charged thereon for all purposes was $56,407.88. These figures bear evidence that from 1880 to 1888 the taxable wealth of the county increased a little over 42 per cent - a most encouraging showing. The St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad enters White County about five miles west of its northeast comer, and runs thence through the limits in a southwesterly direction, its length here being about thirty-nine miles. It was completed in 1872. Soon after the Searcy & West Point Railroad was constructed, running from West Point to Searcy, and crossing the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern at Kensett. The cars on this road are drawn between Searcy and Kensett by an engine, and between Kensett and West Point by horses. Its length is ten and a half miles. The Memphis branch of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad connects Memphis with the main line at Bald Knob in the county’s northeast part, its length being about ten miles, thus making the combined length of railroads within the county sixty-one miles or more. These roads, together with White River as a navigable outlet, afford excellent transportation facilities. The population of White Co., according to the United States census reports, has been as follows at the various decades mentioned: 1840, 920; 1850, 2,619; 1860, 8,316; 1870, 10,347; 1880, 17,794. Immigration to the county since 1880 has been so large that at the present its population must considerably exceed 20,000. The colored population was, in 1860, 1,435; in 1870, 1,200; in 1880, 2,032, at about which figure it still remains. The Royal Colony, consisting of several families from Tennessee, was founded by James Walker and Martin Jones at the head of Bull Creek, in the northwest part of what is now White County. Lower down on Bull Creek were the settlements of fielding and Frederick Price. Lewis Vongrolman founded a German settlement on Big Creek and Little Red River with John Magness, Philip Hilger, James King, the Wishes, Yinglings and others. Philip Hilger established and kept the “Hilger’s Ferry” across Little Red River, on the old military road leading from Cape Girardeau to Little Rock. Farther north, near the Independence County line, was the Pats Settlement, founded by Lovic Pate. Alfred Arnold, John Akin and John Wright founded the settlement on Little Red River below where West Point is situated. Near the present town of Judsonia was a settlement founded by William Cook and Henry R. Vanmeter. Reuben Stephens settled in the Pate Settlement on the creek that now bears his name. Samuel Guthrie and John Dunaway also settled in that neighborhood. The list just given includes the names of some of the most prominent pioneer settlers, all of whom according to the best information now obtainable, located in their respective places during the decade of the 2O's. Others soon followed, and by the date of the organization of the Co., 1836, all parts of the territory composing it were more or less sparsely settled. By reference to the population previously stated it will be seen that the settlement, until since the close of the Civil War, continued slow and gradual. Since 1880 there has been a large influx from the northern and eastern States. Most of the early settlers came from Tennessee and other southern States. The early county officers and all mentioned elsewhere in Page 136 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas connection with the organization of the county were, of course, pioneer settlers. The names of those likewise prominent in county affairs will be found in subsequent pages of this volume. White County was organized in accordance with the provisions of an act of the legislature of Arkansas Territory, approved October 23, 1835. The first sessions of court were held at the house of David Crise, on the place now known as the McCreary farm, three and a half miles east of Searcy. The organization of the county was completed early in 1836. The place where the courts were first held, and the site of Searcy became competing points for the location of the permanent seat of justice. The commissioners who located the seat of justice were John Arnold, Jesse Terry, Byram Stacy, David Crise and Reuben Stephens. A majority of them were in favor of locating it at Searcy, where it has ever since remained. Soon after the site was selected, a log-cabin court house was erected at a point about 100 yards southwest of the present court house, and the first term of the circuit court was held therein in November, 1838. The next court house was a two-story frame, erected on the site of the present one. A short time before the Civil War this was moved away preparatory to erecting a new one. It now stands two blocks south of the public square and is known as the Chambliss House. The war coming on, the proceedings for the erection of the new court house were stopped, and until the present one was erected, the courts were held in the Masonic Hall at the southeast corner of the public square. In 1868 the county court appropriated $25,000 .for the erection of a new court house, and for that amount the contract was let to Wyatt Sanford of Searcy, who erected the present court house in 1869 - 70. It is a large and substantial two-story building, the first story containing cross halls, a large fireproof vault and county office, being constructed of stone, and the second, containing the court room, of brick. Above the center of the building is a handsome tower containing a “ town clock.” The first county jail was made of hewed logs, ten inches square, and was two stories high. The first story or “dungeon” was entered by means of a trap door from above. It stood on the same lot on which the present jail stands. The second jail, built on the same lot, was a one-story brick building containing four iron cells and cost $1,8Co. Becoming unsafe it was removed. The present jail and jailer’s residence, standing about 100 yards northwest of the court house, was erected in 1882 - 83 by James E. Winsett at a cost of about $3,8Co. It is a two-story brick building containing three iron cells, a dungeon, and jailer’s residence. The county owns a “poor farm” on which the paupers are supported. It consists of 120 acres, with ample buildings, and is located one and a half miles east of Searcy. The following official directory contains names of the county’s public servants with date of term of service annexed from date of organization to the present: Judges: Samuel Guthrie, 1836 - 42; William Cook, 1842 - 44; Samuel Guthrie, 1844 - 46; M. Sanders, 1846-50; P. H. McDaniel, 1850-52; J. F. Butts, 1852 - 54; John Hutches, 1854-56; L. S. Poe, 1856 - 58; William Hicks, 1858 - 60; R. M. Exum, 1860 - 61; John Hutches, 1861 - 62; M. Sanders, 1862-64; John Hutches, 1864 - 66; M. Sanders, 1866 - 72; A. M. Foster, 1874 - 78; L. M. Jones, 1878 - 82; F. P. Laws, 1882 - 84; R. H. Goad, 1884-88; N. H. West, present incumbent, elected in 1888. Clerks: P. W. Roberts, 1836 - 38; J. W. Bond, 1838 - 44; E. Guthrie, 1844 - 46; J. W. Bond, 1846 - 48; Samuel Morgan, 1848-52; R. S. Bell, 1852-56; Dandridge McRae, 1856 - 62; J. W. Bradley, 1862 - 68; J. A. Cole, 1868-72; A. P. Sanders, 1872 - 80; J. J. Bell, 1880 - 84; L. C. Canfield, 1884 - 88; C. S. George, present incumbent, Page 137 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas elected in 1888. From 1872 to 1874, Allen Mitchel was circuit clerk, and from 1880 to 1882, T. C. Jones was county clerk, and from 1882 to 1884, J. R. Jobe was county clerk, and from 1884 to 1886, R. H. McCullough was circuit clerk. J. J. Bell is the present circuit clerk. Sheriffs: P. Crease, 1836 - 38; William Cook, 1838 - 40; Milton Sanders, 1840 - 44; T. J. Lindsey, 1844 - 46; J. G. Robbins, 1846 - 50; J. M. Bowden, 1850 - 52; J. G. Robbins, 1852 - 54; R. M. Exum, 1854 - 60; J. W. Bradley, 1866-62; B. B. Bradley, 1862 - 64; W. C. Petty, 1864 - 66; J. G. Robbins, 1866 - 67; W. O. Petty, 1867 - 72; N. B. Petty, 1872 - 78; B. C. Black, 1878-84; J. H. Ford, 1884 - 88; R. W. Carnes, present incumbent, elected in 1888. Treasurers: Michael Owens, 1836 - 38; John Arnold, 1838 - 42; James Bird, 1842-44; T. R. Vanmeter, 1844 - 46; J. Below, 1846 - 48; J. M. Johnson, 1848 - 50; E. Neaville, 1850 - 52; W. T. Gilliam, 1852-54; W. B. Isbell, 1854 - 56; John Critz, 1856 - 60; S. B. Barnett,” 1860 - 68; R. J. Rogers, 1868 - 72; W. A. B. Jones, 1872 - 74; M. B. Pearson, 1874 - 80; D. L. Fulbright, 1880 - 84; J. M. Smith, 1884 - 88; J. G. Walker, present incumbent, elected in 1888. Coroners: M. H. Blue, 1836 - 10; Hiram O’Neale, 1840 - 42; Samuel Beeler, 1842 - 44; D. Dobbins, 1844 - 46; E. K. Milligan, 1850-52; G. W. Davis, 1852 - 56; Alex Cullum, 1856 - 58; T. T. Britt, 1858 - 60; W. G. Sanders, 1860-72; T. L. Miller, 1872 - 74; Z. T. Haley, 1874 - 82; J. P. Baldock, 1882 - 84; J. H. Claiborne, 1884- 86; J. M. Carter, 1886 - 88; Frank Blevins, present incumbent, elected in 1888. Surveyors: S. Arnold, 1836 - 52; I. M. Moore, 1852 - 54; Thomas Moss, 1854-56; W. B. Holland, 1856 - 60; Thomas Moss, 1860 - 64; W. B. Holland, 1864 - 66; Thomas Moss, 1866 - 68; J. O. Hurt, 1868 - 72; Pres. Steele, 1872-74; J. P. Steele, 1874 - 76; Thomas Moss, 1876 - 80; B. S. Wise, present incumbent, elected in 1880, and served continuously since. Assessors:"l T. W. Leggett, 1868 - 70; I. S. Chrisman, 1870 - 72; J. H. Black, 1872-74; D. L. Fulbright, 1874 - 76; B. B. Bradley, 1876 - 84; J. J. Deener, 1884- 88; G. W. Dobbins, present incumbent, elected in 1888. Delegates in Constitutional Conventions: 1836, W. Cummins, A. Fowler and J. McLean, for Pulaski, White and Saline Counties; 1861, held March 4 to 21, and May 6 to June 3, J. N. Cypert; 1864, held January 4 to 23, not represented; 1868, J. N. Cypert and Thomas Owen; 1874, J. N. Cypert and J. W. House. The first State senator for White County was R. C. Byrd, and the first representative in the house was Martin Jones. The number of votes cast at the late elections for several candidates, as stated below, will show the political aspect of the county. At the September election 1888, for Governor, James P. Eagle, Democrat, 1,608; C. N. Norwood, combined opposition, 1,949. November election in 1888, for president, Cleveland, Democrat, 1,948; Harrison, Republican, 550; Streeter, Union Labor, 249; Fiske, Prohibition, 45. The various courts held in the county are county, probate, circuit and chancery. The regular sessions of these bodies are held as follows: County court, commencing on the first Monday of January, April, July and October; probate, on the second Page 138 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Monday of the same months; circuit, on the third Monday of January and July; chancery, on the second Monday of June and December. The chancery court was made a separate court by an act of the General Assembly approved March 15, 1887, and was attached to the first Chancery district, composed of Lonoke, Pulaski, Faulkner and White Counties. Prior to that time the circuit court had jurisdiction of all chancery business. The legal bar (local) of White County is composed of the following-named attorneys: W. R. Goody, J. N. Cypert, D. McRae, B. Isbell, John B. Holland, S. Brundidge, Jr., J. F. Rives, Sr., J. F. Rives, Jr., E. Cypert, John M. Battle, John T. Hicks, J. D. DeBois, C. D. James and J. E. Russ. Upon the approach of the Civil War a strong Union sentiment prevailed in White Co., and when the Hon. J. N. Cypert was elected representative in the State convention held in March, 1801, he was instructed to, and did, vote against the secession of the State from the Federal Union. Afterward, when the “dogs of war” were let loose, and President Lincoln called upon the State for its quota of the first 75,000 troops for the Union army, the sentiment materially changed, and the people concluded to cast their lot in general with the Southern project of establishing a separate Confederacy. To this end companies of soldiers began to be organized, and in 1801, five companies first commanded, respectively, by Capts. F. M. Chrisman, John C. McCauley. Henry Blakemore, J. N. Cypert and J. A. Pemberton, and in 1802 three companies first commanded, respectively, by James McCauley, B. C. Black and Boothe Jones, were enlisted and organized within the county for the Confederate army. All were infantry companies except that of Capt. Chrisman, which was cavalry. Capt. James McCauley’s company was mounted infantry. Some individuals joined commands outside of the county. No troops were organized within this territory for the Federal army, but a very few persons who refused to yield their Union sentiments left the county and enlisted as their principles dictated. In 1862, when a division of the Federal army was moving from Batesville to Helena, an escort of its forage train, numbering about 500 men, was suddenly attacked at Whitney’s Lane, five miles east of Searcy, by about 150 Confederat9s under Capt. Johnson. The latter made a bold and sudden attack and then retired, losing only about five men, while the Federals lost from fifty to 1Co. This was the only fight worthy of mention within the county. The county was overrun by scouting and foraging parties of both armies, and much provision was thus taken from the citizens. Three or four men were killed in the county during the war by scouts. White County contains within its territory a number of towns of prominent local importance, besides those whose size has given them substantial reputation in the outside world. Of these Beebe is a flourishing place situated on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, about sixteen miles southwest of Searcy. It began to build in the spring of 1872 (upon the completion of the railroad), but did not improve much until 1880, when it had reached a population of 428, and since then it has more than doubled in population. It has ten general, four grocery, three drug, two hardware, one furniture, two millinery and one notion store; also the White County Bank, two hotels, several boarding houses, two meat markets, two blacksmith and wagon shops, one saw and grist mill combined, two cotton-gins, two livery stables, railroad depot, post office, one photograph gallery, a fruit evaporator, five church edifices for the white and two for the colored people, a public school-house, five physicians, a dentist, two weekly newspapers, etc., etc. The Beebe Argus, published by W. B. Barnum, is an eight-column folio, Democratic in politics, and has for its motto: “A school-house on every hilltop and not a saloon in the valley." The Arkansas Hub is a seven-column folio, published by Sam J. Page 139 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Crabtree, and is independent in politics. Both of these papers are ably edited and are well sustained, proving important factors in the influence of the community. Beebe is the center of one of the best fruit growing regions on the line of the St. Louis. Iron Mountain & Southern Railway, and ships a vast amount of fruit, especially small fruits, berries, tomatoes and the like, to the city markets. It is incorporated and has a full line of corporate officers. It also has lodges of the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities. It is thirty-three miles from Little Rock. Bradford is a shipping station on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, near the northern boundary of the county. It contains four general, one drug and one millinery store, one grist and one saw mill, a public school-house, two blacksmith shops, two physicians and a lodge each of Masons, Knights of Honor and Triple Alliance. The school-house is used for religious meetings. The population is about 1Co. Bald Knob is situated in the northeastern part of White Co., on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad at the junction of the Memphis branch. It contains three general, one hardware and grocery, one grocery, one drug and grocery and a millinery store, a grist-mill and a sawmill, school house, etc., etc. Garner and Higginson are shipping stations on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, the former about ten miles south of Searcy, and the latter five miles southeast. Judsonia, formerly Prospect Bluff, is located on the west side of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, and on the north bank of Little Red River. It is a comparatively old town. About the year 1870 a colony from the East settled there, and secured the change of the name of the town from Prospect Bluff to that of Judsonia. The place now contains four general, one dry goods, three grocery, one hardware, one hardware and furniture, one harness, one millinery and two drug stores; also a music store, meat market, two blacksmith shops, a wagon shop, a fruit and vegetable canning factory, fruit-box factory, two sawmills, a grist-mill and cotton gin, a grist-mill and wool-carding mill, a tanyard, two hotels, a restaurant, a bakery, two livery stables, two church edifices for the white and two for the colored people; also a public school-house for the white and another for the colored people, three physicians, a lodge each of several secret and benevolent societies, a newspaper, the Judsonia Weekly Advance, etc., etc. The Advance is a six-column folio published by Berton W. Briggs, and has for its motto, “ Overcome prejudice. Let free thought and free speech be encouraged.” The Judsonia University is also located at this place. [See Schools.] The White County Agricultural and Industrial Fair Association was organized at Judsonia in 1883, and grounds fitted up where exhibitions are held in the fall of the year. The first fair was held in October, 1883. That of the past fall was a successful one. The present officers are Capt. D. L. McLeod, president; James L. Moore, vice- president; Charles D. James, secretary, and J. S. Kelley, treasurer. Messrs. D. L. McLeod, J. D. DeBois, J. S. Eastland, S. N. Ladd, Willis Meadows, James L. Moore, E. C. Kinney and J. S. Kelley are directors. Judsonia’s location in the midst of a wonderful fruit-growing community gives it prominent intercourse with the outside world. In 1889 immense shipments of fruit were made from this point, and in 1888 some 96,000 packages found their way to different sections. This will be the head of navigation on Little Red, River when Page 140 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas the Government shall have finished its work of improvement, for which appropriation was made. Judsonia, like Beebe, is located in the center of a great fruit-growing region, is surrounded with many small fruit farms, and ships immense quantities of fruits, berries, tomatoes, etc., to the city markets. The town is incorporated and has a mayor and other corporate officers. It had a population of 207 in 1880, and now boasts of about 600, besides a dense population on the small fruit farms adjoining and surrounding it. Kensett is situated on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad, at the crossing of the Searcy & West Point Railroad, four and a half miles east of Searcy. It contains the railroad depot, a general store, post office, hotel, a grocery, blacksmith shop, a church edifice and a few dwelling houses. Russell is a station on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain 85 Southern Railroad, between Bradford and Bald Knob. It contains two general stores, a drug and a millinery store, a saw-mill, grist-mill, cotton-gin, railroad depot, post office, etc. There are some other em all villages in the county containing a post office, general store, etc. Searcy, the county seat, is situated in the geographical center of the Co., at the western terminus of the Searcy & West Point Railroad. Its origin has been given in connection with the organization of the county. It was established in 1836, and a Mr. Howerton opened the first hotel in a double log-house south of what is now Spring Park. Moses Blew opened the first store, and was soon joined in the mercantile business by John W. Bond. At the beginning of the Civil War the place contained about six business places facing the public square. Its business was almost wholly destroyed during the war period, but revived soon thereafter. It now contains thirteen general, four grocery, three drug, two hardware, one furniture, one undertaking, one harness and saddle, two millinery stores, two meat markets, two restaurants, a bakery, two hotels and several boardinghouses, two grist and planing mills and cotton-gins combined, a wagon factory, two livery stables, six church edifices - three for the white and three for the colored people - s lodge each of Masons, Odd Fellows and Knights and Ladies of Honor, 8 Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, Women’s Aid and Woman’s Missionary Society, seven physicians, a dentist, three tailors, jewelers, etc. In addition to the interests mentioned, there are the Searcy Male and Female College, the Galloway Female College and three public schools - two for white and one for the colored people. One of the public school-houses, used by the former, was built for a male and the other for a female academy. Two weekly newspapers are also published here, the Arkansas Beacon and the White County Wheel. The former is a five-column quarto, published by Holland & Jobe. It is now in its eleventh volume, and is Democratic in politics. The latter is also a five-column quarto, published by R. A. Dowdy. It is in its second volume, and is published in the interest of the labor movement. These journals faithfully represent the interests of this section. Spring Park, at Searcy, enclosing several acres, is located near the center of the city. It contains three never failing mineral springs - White Sulphur, Chalybeate and Alum. The former of these have the most health-giving qualities, aiding digestion and curing constipation. This park contains bath-houses, is shaded by natural forest trees and is a very pleasant retreat for all persons. The town of Searcy is laid out “square with the world,” its streets running east and west and north and south. It is beautifully located and is substantially built up, both in Page 141 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas its churches, colleges, residences and business houses - the latter being mostly of brick. The healthfulness of location of the place is all that could be desired. The city is an educational center, and, especially a summer health resort, as many health and pleasure seekers spend their summer months here. Its population is estimated at from 1,500 to 2,000. The residences are generally owned by the occupants, and there are very few renters, probably less than in any town of its size in the State. The town is incorporated and has a full complement of corporate officers. West Point is situated on an eminence on the south side of Little Red River, at the eastern terminus of the Searcy & West Point Railroad. It was laid out in 1850 by J. M. West, hence its name, West Point, it being the point to which the river was navigable at all seasons of the year. At the beginning of the Civil War it had attained a population of 350 and did an immense amount of business, being the distributing point for a large scope of country to the westward. During the war period it lost nearly all its business, but afterward revived and flourished until the Iron Mountain Railroad was completed through the county. Then it again lost its prosperity, and in 1880 its population had run down to 123. Its population is now about 150. It contains three general stores, a drug store, a grist-mill and cotton- gin, a blacksmith and wood shop, a church edifice, a public school-house and the railroad depot. It is supplied with a daily mail. The advancement made in the cause of education in White Co., under the free school system, is best shown by the following statistics as given in the report of the State superintendent of public instruction for the year ending June 30, 1888: Scholastic population: White, males 3,384, females 3,173, total 6,557; colored, males 410, females 404, total 814. Number of pupils taught in the public schools: White, males 2,159, females 1,971, total 4,150; colored, males 295, females 283, total 578. Number of school districts, 101; districts reporting enrollment, 76; number of districts voting tax, 44. Number of teachers employed: Males 86, females 41, total 127. Average monthly salaries paid teachers: first grade, males $50, females 340; second grade, males $45, females $35; third grade, males 830, females $27.50. Amount expended for the support of the public schools: For teachers’ salaries, $20, 5Co. 79; for building and repairing, $3,275; for treasurers’ commissions, $565.60; total $24,341.39. Assuming these statistics to be correct, only 63 per cent of the white and 71 per cent of the colored scholastic population were taught in the public schools. It must be noticed, however, that out of the 101 school districts, twenty-five failed to report the enrollment in the schools, which if ascertained and added to those that made reports, would largely increase the per cent of scholastic population attending. The fact that the school law does not compel full statistical reports to be made, is a strong argument in favor of its revision. Education for the masses is growing in popularity. On July 23, 1888, a normal institute was opened at Searcy by Prof. T. S. Cox, conductor. This institute was in all respects a grand success. Its beginning noted the presence of thirty-four teachers, though seventy-one were in attendance at the close. A strong effort had been put forth by the county examiner, Mr. B. P. Baker, to secure a large attendance, and his energies in the work was the cause of bringing out nearly all the progressive teachers of the Co., and many others friendly to education. Great interest was manifested, and much good work accomplished. Page 142 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas The Searcy Male and Female College is a chartered institution for the higher education of young men and women. The building is located within a campus of five acres, on a beautiful site in Searcy, convenient to the public square, and yet sufficiently removed to avoid the noise and bustle of business. It was organized in 1883, by Prof. W. H. Tharp (who conceived the idea of starting a reputable educational institution), and it at once become recognized as a school of a high order. Gen. D. McRae is president and Col. V. H. Henderson is secretary and treasurer of the board of trustees, and W. H. Tharp is president of the faculty. The members of the faculty are selected from colleges and universities of national reputation and most of them have supplemented their college or university course by thorough normal training, and hence in their teaching are prepared to use the most approved methods. Following the Preparatory Department is the Collegiate Department, divided into these Schools: Ancient Languages, Modern Languages, History, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Philosophy and Belles-Lettres, Engineering, Elocution, Biblical History, Pianoforte, Vocal Culture, Harmony, Theory and Art. A Normal Class is also taught, and the college cadets are organized into a company under the immediate supervision of the instructor in military tactics, Lieut. Albert J. Dabney (U. S. Naval Academy) commanding company. The buildings consist of college hall, president’s office and mathematics, a two- story boarding hall, music and art department, primary department, president’s residence and cooking department, all separate, the dining-hall being under college hall. The history of the founding of this institution is most interesting. Prof. Tharp was aided in his work of starting the school by Prof. Conger of Ouachita College, Arkadelphia, the latter serving eighteen months as one of the principals. Subsequently Prof. Tharp was left in entire charge. Upon starting thirty-seven pupils were enrolled. A noticeable growth attended the worthy efforts of the founder and last year 204 pupils were in attendance. The capacity of the college has been doubled and still more room is needed. Its graduates have included persons of ability and influence, who have attained to prominence in their varied walks. The collegiate course is being strengthened and improved yearly, and every effort is being made to make this the leading educational institution of the State. Galloway Female College was organized in the spring of 1888, under supervision of the several Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in the State of Arkansas. The citizens of Searcy secured its location by subscribing $25,000 toward its erection. The college building stands between a half and three-fourths of a mile southeast of the court house, on an eminence in a beautiful native forest, consisting of eighteen acres. It was erected in 1888 - 89, and consists of the main building and an east, west and north wing, with the kitchen department on the east side of the north wing, and its entire length from east to west is about 200 feet. Above the southern or front entrance is a tower eighty feet high. The building, the walls of which are constructed of brick on a rock foundation, has four stories above the basement, and contains a chapel 48x60 feet in size and twenty feet in height, five recitation rooms, a dining-room forty-eight feet square and twelve feet high, two double parlors, four reception halls, sixty-four bed-rooms, three bath-rooms, eleven halls and a kitchen with four rooms, storeroom and pantry. In the basement is the furnace room with two engines. The building in general is heated with steam, the rooms are all supplied with fire-places, and it is lighted ‘with gas. The corner, or memorial stone, sets in the south wall, east of the main entrance, and has on its face the following inscription: Page 143 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Galloway Female College. C. B. Galloway, Bishop. Building Committee. P. A. Robertson, G. B. Greer. B. P. Baker. A. W. Yarnell, J. E. Skillern. Elliott & Elliott, A. B. Melton, Builders, Architect. Near the building is a superior bored well, ninety-three feet deep, with sixty feet of water in it. The grounds cost $2,000, and the building about $32,000. The building is well supplied with piazzas, and is exceedingly well ventilated. R. W. Erwin is president of the college. The first session opened in September, 1889. Too much can not be said in favor of the location of this college, on account of the healthfulness of Searcy, the morality of its people, and many other advantages. Judsonia University is a Baptist school located at Judsonia. It was founded by the colony that came from the East and located about the year 1870. The school-house is a large frame structure. The faculty is composed of five teachers. It is a good school and has the advantages of being in a quiet, moral town, removed from the vices and temptations of large cities. The several religious denominations of White County are the Methodist Episcopal, Methodist Episcopal, South, Baptist, Presbyterian, Cumberland Presbyterian and Christian. . Of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, there are the following: Searcy Station, Rev. J. M. Talkington, pastor, with a membership of 210; Searcy Circuit, consisting of six appointments, Rev. E. M. Baker, pastor, membership 386; El Paso Circuit, consisting of four appointments, Rev. H. F. Harvey, pastor, membership about 250; Lebanon Circuit, consisting of seven appointments, Rev. W. A. Pendergrass, pastor, membership 356; Bradford Circuit, consisting of seven appointments, Rev. C. H. Cary, pastor, membership 164; Beebe and West Point, O. H. Gregory, pastor, membership 225; Red River Circuit, only three appointments in this Co., Rev. James A. Brown, pastor, membership about 150; and Kentucky Valley Circuit, with six appointments, Rev. M. B. Corrigan, pastor, membership 359; thus making an aggregate of 2,100 members. The Sunday-schools of this denomination have also a large membership. These organizations all belong to Searcy District of the White River Conference, of which Rev. George M. Hill is the presiding elder. Of the Methodist Episcopal Church there is Beebe Station, Rev. B. R. Fletcher, pastor, membership 44; Judsonia Station, Rev. George H. Feese, pastor, membership 118; and Bald Knob Circuit, consisting of four appointments in White County and one in Jackson, Rev. F. M. Hughes, pastor. These comprise all the organizations of this denomination within White Co., and all belong to the Little Rock District of the Arkansas Conference. The Baptist Church organizations, pastors and memberships within the Co., are as follows: Beebe, Isom P. Langley, 134; Bethlehem, W. H. Hodges, 27; Cane Creek, W. J. Kirkland, 20; Centre Hill, J. D. Doyle, 141; Elon, same pastor, 55; El Paso, same pastor, 206; Garner, L. F. Taylor, 12; Hepsibah, W. H. Hodges, 32; Higginson, R. J. Coleman, 13; Judsonia, B. F. Bartles, 116; Kensett, J. M. Davis, 38; Kentucky Valley, J. A. Chamblee, 39; Liberty, J. M. Davis, 112; Plateau, John Stephens, 26; Rose Bud, M. T. Webb, 78; Searcy, 137; Shiloh, W. J. Kirkland, 76; South Antioch, J. A. Chamblee, 57; Wake Forest, W. J. Kirkland, 13; West Point, J. M. Davis, 54. All of these belong to the Caroline Baptist Association, from the last published proceedings of which the above information has mostly been taken. Since then some changes may have been made in pastors, and the memberships may have increased. The aggregate membership as above given is 1,386. Page 144 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas There are two Presbyterian Church organizations within the Co., one at Searcy, Rev. Richard B. Willis, pastor, with a membership of 53, and one near Centre Hill, Rev. W. S. Willbanks, pastor, and a membership of 14. Below is the list of Cumberland Presbyterian Church organizations in White Co., together with names of pastors and membership of each annexed: Beebe, finis Wylie, 60; Stony Point, J. A. Pemberton, 40; Antioch, same pastor, 86; Pleasant Grove, same pastor, 40; Gum Spring, finis Wylie, 60; New Hope, J. C. Forbus, 40; Good Springs, Rev. Barlow, 60; aggregating a closely estimated membership of 386. Of the Christian Church there are Beebe, Clear Water, Garner and Bald Knob. The first has a membership of 70, and the others have a fair membership. Elder J. B. Marshall is pastor of the Beebe organization, and Elder Brown of Clear Water and Gamer. There are also a number of church organizations among the colored people, at Searcy, Beebe, Judsonia and other places. Sunday-schools are taught with much success in connection with most of the churches, and all in all much is accomplished in the cause of Christianity. Saloons for the selling of intoxicating drinks are not allowed in the county. The people are generally moral and law-abiding, and cheerfully extend the hand of welcome to all honest and industrious newcomers. H. K. Adams, merchant at El Paso, AR, and one of the leading citizens of that city, was born in Rockingham Co., NC, January 29,1846, being the son of Samuel and Francis (Reid) Adams. Samuel Adams was a farmer by occupation, and a native of Virginia, but most of his life was passed in North Carolina. He was married in that State (where he had a fine farm), and died there in 1870, at the age of sixty-three years. He was magistrate for a number of years, and an energetic, enterprising citizen, and in whatever place he resided that locality might well consider itself the better for his citizenship. His wife died in 1854. She was a sister of Ex-Gov. Reid, of North Carolina, and her mother was a lady of national fame, who had near relatives on the supreme bench of Florida. H. K. Adams is the fifth in a family of eight children, five of whom are now living: Fanny B. (wife of J. W. Thompson, teacher in the Edinburgh High School, in Cleburne Co., AR), Henrietta (wife of W. P. Watson, a farmer of Monroe Co., AR), Reuben (a teacher in Prattsville) and Frank R. (a printer, married, and residing in Texas;) Those deceased are: Samuel F. (who lost his life at the hands of raiders, in 1865), David R. (died in college at Madison, NC, aged eighteen) and Annie E. (who died in infancy.) H. K. Adams was reared on a farm, receiving a good common-school education at the district schools, and at the age of twenty-one launched his bark and began life for himself. He had nothing with which to cope with the world but a stout heart and his wit, and though it was rather discouraging, he never lost heart, and as a natural result was successful. He began first as a clerk in a country store at Boyd’s Mill, NC A year later he enlisted in Company E, Forty-fifth North Carolina Regiment, and served until the surrender, in May, 1865, participating in the battle of the Wilderness and numerous other skirmishes, but through his entire career was never wounded. At the battle of Spottsylvania he was taken prisoner and held at Point Lookout and Elmira, in all about six months. He was again captured on the retreat from Petersburg, a few days before the surrender of Gen. Lee, and carried to Point Lookout, and remained in prison six weeks after the close of the war. After this Mr. Adams returned to his native State and engaged in farming until 1869, then coming to Arkansas (St. Francis County) where he resided two years. His next move Page 145 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas was to El Paso, and after tilling the soil some two years he was engaged as clerk for W. H. Grisard, a prosperous merchant, for several years. For two years he was with C. P. Warren, and at the end of that time (1884) formed a partnership with J. T. Phelps and J. C. Harkrider, under the firm name of Adams, Phelps & Co. A short time later Mr. Phelps sold his interest to the other gentleman, the firm name becoming Adams & Harkrider. Mr. Adams eventually purchased the entire stock, and after a time formed a partnership with B. A. Neal, whose interest he bought, and then Mr. J. T. Booth purchased an interest, and since that time the firm has been known as Adams & Booth. They are doing a splendid business, and carry a well assorted stock of general merchandise. Being wide-awake merchants and eminently responsible they command the respect of the entire community. Mr. Adams was united in marriage June 7, 1874, to Miss Florence Harkrider, a native of Alabama and a daughter of W. H. Harkrider, a farmer and mechanic of White County. Their union has been blessed with ten children, six of them now living: Martha F. (born in April, 1875), William S. (born in July, 1876, died in August, 1883), Hugh K., Jr. (born - in March, 1878, and died in September, 1879), David C. (born in November, 1879), Dean (born in May, 1881, died in August, 1883), Eva E. (born in November, 1882), Horace E. (born in July, 1884), Sarah Florence (born in November, 1885, died in July, 1886), Myrtle I. (born in January, 1887), and Grace (born in February, 1889). Mr. Adams is giving his children all the advantages of good schools, and is determined that they shall have every opportunity for an education, regardless of expense. Himself and wife are members of the El Paso Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Adams is at present a member of the school board and a notary public. He has served his township as bailiff for a number of years. In addition to his mercantile business he owns a small farm, which is carefully cultivated and yields excellent crops. In his politics views he is a Democrat, but not an enthusiast. James H. Adkins, a man of good repute and thoroughly respected in his community, is a Tennessean by birth and is the son of Elcaney N. and Elizabeth (Hughes) Adkins. The mother of the subject of this sketch was a daughter of Harden and Sarah Hughes, of Tennessee. Mr. Adkins followed farming in Tennessee, and in 1845 immigrated to White Co., AR, and died shortly after his removal to this Co., leaving three children: James H., William and Visey. James H. was born in 1844, and enlisted in the cavalry service when eighteen years old, in the Confederate army, and saw some hard fighting from the time of his enlistment, in 1864, until peace was declared. After the war he returned to this county and bought eighty acres of land and commenced to farm for himself. He now owns 140 acres, with over one-half of it in a good state of cultivation, and he vouches that his farm will produce almost everything. Mr. Adkins was married, in 1866, to Frances E. Woodle, a daughter of Turner and Catharine (Matthews) Woodle. Mrs. Adkins died September 3, 1867, leaving one daughter, Sceproney B. Mr. Adkins took unto himself a second wife (their marriage being solemnized in 1876), Mary F. Cullum, a daughter of Matthew and Margaret C. (Childers) Cullum, natives of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Adkins are the parents of eight children: Dora A., Martha A. (deceased), William O. (deceased), Henry B., James S., Cynthia L. (deceased), Robert C. and Ella A. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Adkins is an A. F. & A. M., belonging to the Mount Pisgah lodge No. 242. He takes a prominent part and is deeply interested in all work beneficial to the community. Hon. John M. Allen, well and favorably known in this vicinity as a prosperous farmer, and, indeed, throughout this portion of the State, was born in Tennessee, in 1839, being one of two children born to the marriage of Thomas J. and Anna E. (Black) Allen, the father a native of Tennessee, born about 1812, and a son of Daniel Allen, who was a descendant of the famous Ethan Allen. Thomas J. was reared and married in his native State, the latter event taking place about 1834, and Page 146 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas there he reared the following family of children: William, John, Neal S., Richard J., Allie, Mary and Hall B., who is deceased. Mr. Allen was a farmer throughout life, and is now living in Arkansas with his son John, and is about eighty years of age. He is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and he and his wife, who died in 1872, were members of the Baptist Church. John M. Allen received excellent educational advantages in Tennessee, and completed his education in Pulaski College, after which he (in 1856) started out to fight the battle of life for himself and engaged in farming, and this occupation has received his attention up to the present time. In 1859 he married Emma Sparkman, a daughter of William Sparkman, of Tennessee, but in 1877 he was called upon to mourn the death of his wife, she having borne him a family of five children: William (who is married and resides in Beebe), Lizzie (Mrs. Hubbard, residing in Dogwood Township), Arch, Claude and Eugene. Later Mr. Allen wedded Mrs. Hannah (Walker) Seawell, and by her has three children: Adella, Eula and Lonnie. In 1860 Mr. Allen moved with his family to Butler, MO, and from there, in 1861, enlisted in Company B, Col. Lowe’s regiment, as captain, and was shortly promoted to the rank of major. After the battle of Belmont his company was disorganized and his regiment transferred to the Army of the Tennessee and was in nearly all the principal battles of the war from that time until the close. He returned to Missouri after peace was declared and engaged in farming and the mercantile business, but becoming dissatisfied with his location he came to White Co., AR, in 1880, and a year later purchased the farm of 320 acres now belonging to him in Dogwood Township. He has 150 acres under cultivation, but, as his home is in Beebe, he only goes to his farm to attend to the gathering of his crops., He has always been found ready to assist worthy enterprises, and for years past has given much of his attention to politics, and is a member of the Farmers’ and Laborers’ Union of America, and is the present representative of that party in the State legislature from White Co., AR. He belongs to the State executive committee and is a Mason, holding a demit from Faithful Lodge No. 304. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. Through his grandmother he is a distant relative of Chief Justice Hale. Thomas Smith Anderson, a prosperous merchant and cotton dealer, of El Paso, AR, was born in Madison Co., TN, August 2, 1832, and is a son of Samuel Lindsay Anderson, who is of Scotch-Irish descent and was born in the “ Palmetto State.” His ancestors, as well as his wife’s (Eliza Braden), came to this country while it was still subject to the British crown and fought in the Revolutionary War. The paternal grandparents were married in Newberry District, SC, and removed to Tennessee between 1800 and 1812, their son, Samuel L., being born in 1800, and died May 22, 1884, his wife dying in Tennessee in 1847. A great uncle, Joshua Anderson, was under the jurisdiction of Gen. Jackson during the War of 1812, and took part in the battle of New Orleans. In 1858 our subject came to Arkansas and located in Pulaski County (now Faulkner), where, in company with his brother, James A. Anderson, he purchased 420 acres of land, and at the time of his brother’s death, in June, 1885, had cleared about 100 acres. In July, 1861, Thomas S. Anderson enlisted in Company B, Tenth Arkansas Infantry, Confederate States army, and served as second sergeant until the fall of 1862, when he was promoted to brevet second lieutenant, remaining such until the summer of 1865. He was at the battle of Shiloh in charge of the commissary department of his regiment. He was captured at Port Hudson, La., and was a prisoner of war for twenty-one months, being confined at Johnson’s Island, Lake Erie, Point Lookout (Md.), and then transferred to Fort Delaware, about forty miles from Philadelphia. He was exchanged at Richmond, Va, and started to rejoin his command at Marshall, TX, but in his attempt to regain his regiment he was compelled to endure many hardships, and, owing to exposure, he contracted rheumatism, but finally managed to reach Shreveport, that garrison being under command of Gen. Kirby Smith, and with him surrendered. He arrived at home the Page 147 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas middle of June, and again, in company with his brother, who had also been in the Confederate army, took up farming. On May 12, 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ann Laws, of Haywood Co., TN, origin, and a daughter of J. P. and Minerva (Leathers) Laws, who were born in North Carolina. In 1878 Mr. Anderson purchased a stock of general merchandise and Opened a store at El Paso, where he has successfully conducted business ever since, and in connection with this, keeps a line of such furniture as is demanded in his community. He is also an extensive dealer in cotton, and his annual sales for this commodity amount to $10,000 to 812,000. Mr. Anderson votes with the Democratic party, and while a resident of Faulkner Co., and since the war, he has served as justice of the peace. He is a Mason, having been initiated into that society in 1859; was secretary of El Paso Lodge for several years, but has been demitted to Velonia Lodge, being its Master one year. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Moses E. Andrews has been actively and successfully engaged in farming in White County since twenty-one years of age. He was born in Lincoln Co., TN, in 1844, to the union of Samuel and Marion (Adking) Andrews, natives of Virginia and Tennessee, respectively. They were married in Lincoln Co., TN, and there remained until 1851, when they removed to Arkansas, and located in White Co., near the place upon which the village of Judsonia is now located. This was then in the woods, but Mr. Andrews cleared up a good farm and made a home. He was a prominent Democrat, and served as justice of the peace for several years, and died May 20, 1867, at the age of fifty- six. Mrs. Andrews died in 1864, leaving a family of seven children, two of whom only are living: Moses E. (our subject) and Joseph D. (who is a farmer of White County.) Moses E. Andrews was married in 1873 to Elizabeth Eaton, a daughter of E. S. Eaton, an old settler of White County. She was born in 1851. They are the parents of two children: Benjamin W. and Rosella. Mrs. Andrews is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Andrews is a prominent Democrat and a leading citizen. Moses Morgan Aunsspaugh, farmer and stock raiser of Little Red, AR, is one of the much respected and esteemed residents of Denmark Township, where he has made his home for many years. He is the son of Benjamin and Ruhama (Hartley) Aunsspaugh, the former of German descent and a native of Pennsylvania. George Aunsspaugh, the great grandfather of the subject of this sketch, came from Germany at an early day, located in Pennsylvania, and served in the Colonial army from that State in the capacity of drum-major in Gen. Washington’s immediate command. The great- grandfather Hartley was a native born Englishman, came to America before the Revolution, settled in Pennsylvania, and served as a private soldier. Grandfather Aunsspaugh was a soldier in the War of 1812, and arrived in New Orleans the day after the battle, having served with the Ohio State troops. Benjamin Aunsspaugh came to Arkansas in 1833, in company with John Hartley and his family, and located in Jefferson Co., of that State," all having traveled from Zanesville, OH, on a keel-boat, leaving that point in the early part of the fall of 1833, and arriving in the above county in December of the same year. Benjamin married Miss Ruhama Hartley in Jefferson Co., AR, and the following children were born to this union: Jobe (born 1834), Moses Morgan (born 1835), John (born 1837), George (born 1839) and Amos (born 1840). The mother of these children died in the last of June, 1845, in White Co., AR, whither Benjamin Aunsspaugh had moved with his family in October of the previous year, and here the father also died in 1876. In this county Jobe, Moses and John grew to manhood. Moses Morgan Aunsspaugh was born on the keel-boat, upon which his father and the Hartley family journeyed from Ohio, on April 12, 1835. He attended school about three weeks and had got as far as “ baker ” in his spelling book when his school days suddenly terminated. He learned the blacksmith trade with his father and followed this occupation for a number of years. On January 17, 1858, he was wedded to Miss Sarah Winford, a native of Tennessee, and Page 148 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas the daughter of Samuel and Martha (Morris) Winford, who came to Arkansas in 1844, settled in Poinsett Co., where the father died the same year. The Winford family consisted of these children: Margaret (married Thomas Anderson and became the mother of eight children; she died in 1859), Jane (married Dave Ellster, and has one child) and Sarah. To Mr. and Mrs. Aunsspaugh were born three children: Martha Ann Ruhama (born November 4, 1858), Samuel Benjamin Franklin (born August 31, 1862) and George Washington (born April 25, 1872). Martha Ann Ruhama married Albert M. Bryant on August 4, 1874, and became the mother of four children: John Thomas, Lindsay E., Oliver and Mary Ella. Samuel B. F. married Miss Martha Porter on March 4, 1879, and became the father of three children. He, his wife and all his children are deceased. Benjamin Aunsspaugh bought eighty acres of land in White Co., improved it, and in 1846 moved to Searcy, where he carried on his trade as blacksmith. He and his son Moses ironed the first wagon sent out of White County to California in 1849. In 1851 he returned to the neighborhood of his old home, and there bought 160 acres of land, subsequently adding to this until he at one time owned 320 acres. At the time of his death he owned 240 acres, with thirty acres under cultivation, and in connection with tilling the soil he also carried on the blacksmith trade up to that time. Benjamin Aunsspaugh was married the second time in 1853 to Mrs. Jane McDonald, a native of Alabama, and these children were the result: William (born 1854), twins (born 1855), James and an infant who died unnamed and another infant died unnamed. James W. married Mrs. Jennie Copeland, who bore him three children, two living. He resides on a farm in White County. Moses M. Aunsspaugh made his first purchase of land in 1858, paying 50 cents an acre for eighty acres. In 1862, much against his will, he was conscripted by the Confederates, and served three years in that army, participating in the battle of Helena, but did not fire a gun. He served his company in the capacity of cook, and returned home in 1864. He sold his first purchase of land in 1860, and in 1861 purchased 160 acres near Searcy, which was partly improved. He then cleared twelve acres, erected a log-house 16116 feet and lived there for eight years, two and a half years of which time he rendered Union service in the Confederate army. In 1869 he sold his farm and moved to his present property, where he has since made his home. He first purchased 170 acres, but afterward added to this eighty acres, and soon had fifteen acres under cultivation, and resided in a log-house for six years. In 1875 he erected his present comfortable house, and there he has since resided. The same year he noticed a peculiar looking stone on his place, picked it up, called the attention of an experienced geologist to it, and it was pronounced gold quartz. Mr. and Mrs. Aunsspaugh are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and their daughter Martha D. and her husband are members of the United Baptist Church. Mr. Aunsspaugh is a member of the Agricultural Wheel No. 176. William C. Barclay, postmaster and merchant of Russell, AR, of Jackson Co., AL, nativity, and whose birth occurred January 28, 1858, is the son of James C. and Melinda (Wright) Barclay, natives of Alabama. James C. Barclay is still a citizen of Alabama, and follows farming for a livelihood. The wife of James C. died in November, 1864, having borne him eight children: Anna, Penelope, Tommie, John R, James E, William L., Jane and Sarah, all living. Mr. Barclay again married, choosing for his second wife Miss Ransom of Jackson Co., Ala, and the result of this marriage is one child, Wiley F. Barclay, born in 1868. In February, 1875, Mr. Barclay was married the third time to Miss Galbreath of De Kalb Co., AL, and to them has been given one child. The grandparents of William O. came direct from Ireland to Alabama. Our subject was reared in Jackson County. His advantages for learning were limited in his youth by reason of the Civil War and its attendant and subsequent hardships. But by constant study and close observation, he is well informed on the important events of the day. Mr. Barclay began for himself in July, 1870, as a farm hand, then as a salesman in a general merchant mill in Alabama. In Page 149 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas 1877 he moved to Arkansas, settling in White Co., and engaging in farming followed it for two years. At the expiration of the two years he accepted a position as salesman in Russell, but soon after accepting this he was appointed railroad and express agent of that city, which office he filled for one year. Mr. Barclay then started a general merchandise business, in this meeting with flattering success. He carries a good stock, which is valued at $2,500 to $3,000, and by his courteous manner and upright dealing has obtained a liberal patronage from the surrounding community. Mr. Barclay was united in matrimony, December 23, 1880, to Miss Fannie N. Watson, 8 daughter of Hiram B. and Henrietta (Bankston) Watson, of Columbus Co., Ga. By this marriage two children have been born: Fred B. (born August, 1881, now deceased), and Frank Carlton (born November 28, 1884). Mr. Barclay received the appointment of postmaster at Russell in 1881, holding that position until 1885, when he was reelected, and is still filling the office, discharging the duties that devolve upon him in a manner that is entirely satisfactory to all and commendatory to one in that responsible position. He is president of the school board, and takes an active part in all educational interests; contributes liberally to the relief of the poor, and is a thorough worker in all public enterprises. He is a Democrat in his political views and a Methodist in religious belief, though not a member of the church. Mr. Barclay is a Master Mason in good standing, also belongs to the Triple Alliance, a mutual benefit association. John M. Bartlett is the son of George Bartlett, who was born in Kentucky in 1811, being married in Illinois, about 1830, to Mahala Gowens. She was brought up among the Indians and had Indian blood in her veins, her mother being a half Cherokee. Mr. Bartlett after his marriage settled in Illinois, where he remained three years. He then moved to Kentucky and remained there until his death, which occurred in May, 1864, his wife also dying within a few days. They were the parents of six children: Martha J., William, Thomas J., John M., Dudley and Elizabeth P. Thomas and Dudley are deceased. John M. Bartlett was born in Fulton Co., KY, in 1843. At the outbreak of the war, inspired by patriotism, he enlisted, May 1861, in the fifth Tennessee Infantry and participated in the battle of Shiloh and in a number of skirmishes. After his term of service had expired he returned home before the close of the war and engaged in farming, and married, in 1864, Miss Josephine Baldridge, a daughter of one of the early pioneers of Kentucky. Following his union Mr. Bartlett immigrated to Arkansas, and settled in Van Buren County and three years later, came to White Co., where he has since made his home. He has a fine farm of 120 acres, seventy-five of which are under cultivation. Mrs. Bartlett was a Free Will Baptist, and died in 1883. leaving four children: George (deceased), Jennie, Ida and Josephine. Mr. Bartlett was married the second time to Mrs. Sutton, a widow. By his second marriage he has one boy: Edgar. Mr. Bartlett is a member of the Christian Church, and is a member and the vice-president of the County Wheel. His influence in the affairs of this community has been of decided good. Judge J. J. Bell, the present efficient clerk of the circuit court and recorder of White Co., is a native of Arkansas and a son of Robert S. and Louisa (Jacobs) Bell, natives of Kentucky and Vermont, respectively. Robert S. Bell was born in 1805, and when a young man moved to Arkansas and located in Monroe Co., being one of the early settlers of that locality. In 1850 he became settled in White Co., where he was engaged in his work as a Presbyterian minister, also serving as county clerk for four years. While in Monroe County he served as county clerk, and besides occupied the office of county judge for several years. He remained in White County ten years, but subsequently removed to the Chickasaw Nation, going there as a missionary and a teacher to that tribe. In their midst he remained until his death, which occurred in 1880. He was a son of James Bell, of Irish descent, who was a missionary Baptist minister, and died in White County. Louisa Jacobs was a daughter Page 150 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas of Joseph Jacobs, of Vermont, who came to Monroe County at an early day, being one of the early settlers, and where he died. Mrs. Bell died in 1848, after which Mr. Bell married Arvilla A. Waterman, who is still living. By his first marriage he was the father of six children, our subject being the only one living. By his second marriage there are two children: Robert S., Jr. (who is a resident of the Indian nation), and Albert G. J. J. Bell first saw the light of day in Monroe County December 11, 1841, but accompanied his parents to White County when nine years of age. When sixteen years old he commenced farming for himself, at which he was occupied until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in the Eighth Arkansas Infantry, serving as second lieutenant of Company K, and participating in the battles of Murfreesboro,Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta, and a number of others. He was captured at Jonesboro, GA, September 1, 1804, and was held twenty- one days when he was exchanged and rejoined his regiment. At the battle of Murfreesboro he was wounded by a gunshot in the forehead, and at the battle of Nashville he was again slightly wounded in the head. After the war he went to Tyler, TX, then to Ouachita Co., AR, and in 1870 returned to White Co., when he again turned his attention to farming. In 1880 Mr. Bell was elected clerk of the circuit court, which office he held for four years. In 1887 he was elected to fill the unexpired term in the office of county judge, and in 1888 was again elected clerk of the circuit court. His official duties have been discharged in a manner above reproach, and to the satisfaction of all and his own credit. Mr. Bell was married May 22, 1865, to Miss Sarah A. Banks, who was born in Alabama August, 1846. She came to White County with her parents when a child. Mr. and Mrs. Bell became the parents of eleven children, eight of whom are still living; William H., George E, Franklin, Charles E., Joseph T., Richard L., Sarah A., and Katie. Mr. Bell is a member of the Agricultural Wheel and is a strong Democrat. He and his wife are also associated with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. John W. Benton has been worthily identified with White County’s affairs for a long period. His parents, William and Malinda E. (Wilson), were natives of Virginia and Georgia, respectively. The former was born in 1803, and was a son of John Wilson, who moved from Virginia to Georgia when the father of our subject was a boy. William Wilson married in 1824, and was engaged in the milling business all of his life. He became the father of eight children: Willis R., James W., Catharine, William M., Lucinda, John W., Steven and Martha. Mr. Benton died in 1887, and his wife in 1843. John W. Benton’s birth occurred in Georgia in 1839, he spending his early life in the mill of his father. In 1858 he was married to Rachel Burket, a daughter of William and Rachel (Hughs) Burket, in White Co., AR, whither he had moved some two years before. Mr. and Mrs. Benton are the parents of thirteen children: Linda E. (who married David Volenteer), Francis B. (who married Frances Nipper), John Steven (married to Katie Coffey), James W. (married to Emma Horton), William M. (who married Etta Scruggs), Willis R. (married Jennie Copper), Jessie A., David H., Fannie S., Elneo L., Charley W., Mamie L. and Henry V. Mr. Benton enlisted during the war (in 1863) in Capt. Thompson’s company, and took part in the Missouri raid, being captured at Van Buren and taken to Little Rock. Mr. Benton has a fine farm of 160 acres, with over half of it cleared. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Benton being one of the elders. He is a Democrat in politics, and an esteemed citizen. T. B. Bobbitt, M. D., is one of the most worthy men engaged in the practice of medicine in White Co., and is much esteemed and respected by all his medical brethren. He was born in Gibson Co., TN, November 8, 1849, and while assisting his father on the farm, he attended school at every opportunity, and by applying himself closely to his books he, at the age of twenty years, had a much better education than the average farmer’s boy. Not being satisfied with the education Page 151 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas thus acquired, he entered the high school at Gibson, TN, and formed while there a desire to enter the medical profession. In 1872 he entered the Nashville Medical College, graduated in the class of 1873 and the following year engaged in selling drugs. He next farmed one year and in 1876 began the practice of medicine in Madison Co., TN, continuing there until 1879, when he settled in White Co., at Antioch Church, and in 1886 came to Beebe. Since his residence here he has practiced his profession, kept a drug store and has farmed, and in all these enterprises has been successful, being new the owner of 500 acres of good farming land, lying in several different farms, and has 200 acres under cultivation. In 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Eddie James, a daughter of Edward James, a native of Tennessee. They have four children: Nora (born March 1, 1875), Pinkie (born in 1879), Lawson (born in 1881) and Edgar (born in 1886). The Doctor is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and was a member of the K. of L. He and his wife and eldest daughter are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His parents, T. J. and Elizabeth (Wallace) Bobbitt, were born in South Carolina and Tennessee, respectively, and the former at the age of seven years was taken to Tennessee by his father, James Bobbitt, who had previously been an influential planter of South Carolina. They were married in Gibson Co., TN, in 1835, and reared the following family: William H. (a lawyer of Humboldt, TN.), Caroline (wife of W. F. Lawson, at present mayor of Eureka Springs, AR), James (a carriage and wagon maker of Joplin, Mo.), Mattie (who died at the age of twenty at Eureka Springs, AR), Ellen (wife of H. M. Brimm, a druggist at Eureka Springs), Mollie (wife of William Boyd, an editor of Seneca, Mo.) and Lena (who died in infancy). Both parents are living in retirement at Eureka Springs and are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the former a Mason and a member of the Union Labor party. J. N. Wallace, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the War of 1812, was a farmer and one of the pioneers of Tennessee. Robert I. Boggs, a leading planter and stock raiser of White County owes his nativity to the State of Mississippi, and was born in June, 1843, being the son of John W. Boggs, of South Carolina. The former was born in 1815 and received his education in Yorktown, S. C., immigrating to Mississippi in 1840, where he married Catherine J. Smith in 1841. Mrs. Boggs was a daughter of John and Martha Smith, and a devout member of the Methodist Church. Her death occurred in 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Boggs were the parents of fifteen children: Mandy, Joseph W. (deceased), Robert I., James P., Newton J. (deceased), John (deceased), Martha (deceased), Lucy and Sarah (died at the ages of twenty-five and twenty-three, respectively), Franklin L. George P., Charley “7., Margaret M., Addie E. and Harrison B. Mr. Boggs was a Democrat and a man who manifested a great interest in all church and educational matters. He helped to organize the first church at Mount Pisgah, Mount Pleasant and Oak Grove, and has acted as class-Reader in the Methodist Episcopal Church for fifty years. He is a member of the Wheel and also the Grange, and is enjoying good health, though passed his seventy fourth year. Robert I. received his education in the county schools of White County near Searcy, and there married November 12, 1867, Miss Eliza J. Whisenant, of Mississippi, and a daughter of Nicholson and Nancy Whisenant, natives of South Carolina. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Boggs six children have been born: Ida M., James M., Edward, Robert O., Annie J. and John W. Ida and Edward are deceased; the rest reside at home. Mr. Boggs owns-about 150 acres of good land, sixty in cultivation, and well stocked with all that is requisite to successfully operate a farm of that size. He is a member of the Wheel, in which he has held the office of president and vice-president, discharging in a highly commendable manner the duties of that office. He served in the late war on the Confederate side and entered in October, 1862, returning home in 1863, but again enlisted, remaining only a short time. In 1864 he enlisted again under Gen. Page 152 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Dobbins, his first hard fight being at Devall's Bluff. He was wounded in the Big Blue fight by a ball which struck him in the left cheek, but did not prove serious. Mr. Boggs received an honorable discharge and at once returned home, engaging in farming, which has been his occupation ever since, and proving very successful. He is a member of twenty years’ standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife has held a membership in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for twenty-three years. M. Love Booth, retired farmer and merchant, was born in Middle Tennessee, Bedford Co., in 1819, but owing to his father’s early removal to Haywood Co., he was reared there. The parents, James and Mary (Lofton) Booth, were both Virginians, and after residing in Tennessee for many years they removed to White Co., AR,: and died at the home of their son in 1861. He was I a member of the Baptist Church, a Mason, a life long Democrat, and was for years sheriff of Bedford County. After his wife’s death, which occurred in 1851, he married again and came to Arkansas. M. Love Booth is the third of their six children, four now living: John (deceased, who was a farmer in Tennessee), William (a farmer of West Tennessee), Samira (deceased), M. Love, Susan (the wife of Henry Bacon, of Mississippi) and Louisa (who is the wife of a Tennessee farmer). Our subject has been familiar with farm work from I his earliest boyhood, but his early advantages for acquiring an education were not so good. At the age of twenty he was a farm hand, later a-trader and stock breeder, and after his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Budrell he became an overseer, and successfully followed that occupation for forty years. He then gave up that work and built a livery stable in Brownsville, his establishment there being the largest of the kind in the State. In 1858 he came to Arkansas and purchased 320 acres of land near El Paso, seventy acres of which he cleared the first year. He was signally successful until the war broke out, when all his personal property was lost. He did not espouse either cause, and was not molested during those turbulent times. When he came to El Paso there were only two farms open here, but now the greater part of the land is in a high state of cultivation. After the war he, with Themes Warren, built a large mill, which was destroyed by fire, when he returned to his farm, which he again began to till. He became the possessor of 1,000 acres, and has cleared over 300 acres, and since giving each of his children a farm he still holds 310 acres. His wife died October 1, 1887, and since that time he has made his home with his children, and is at present living with J. T. Phelps, his son-in-law, in El Paso, where he has an interest in the store of M. L. Phelps & Co. Mr. Booth was the first man to build a store in El Paso after the war, and is now managing a livery stable in that place, and, although he has attained the age of seventy years, he is an excellent business manager and is very active. Although quiet in his habits of life, he has always been interested in the public affairs of the Co., and has done his full share in making the county what it is. He joined the Masons while in Tennessee, and he as well as his children are members of the Baptist Church. His children’s names are here given: Nancy (is the wife of Mono roe Oakley, a prosperous farmer of White County), Rebecca (is the wife of John C. Harkness, a farmer of El Paso), Elizabeth L. (is the wife of Thomas K. Noland, a farmer of the county), Narcissus (is the wife of John Russ, a farmer and president of the State Wheel), Martha A. (is the wife of J. T. Phelps, a merchant of El Paso), Mosella B. (deceased) and three infants, deceased. Gilliam Harper Booth, known to the citizens of White County as one of its wide- awake, energetic, ever-pushing men, is of Tennessee nativity, and a son of William A. and Delis Jane (Leathers) Booth, who claim Virginia and North Carolina, respectively, as the land of their birth. William A., the father of our subject, was born in 1811, and when a young man came with his parents to Mississippi, and later on removed to Fayette Co., TN, and thence to Haywood County. He was married Page 153 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas in Fayette County. In 1856, after the election of James Buchanan to the presidency of the United States, they removed to Arkansas. He was an emphatic Democrat, casting his vote with that party, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. William A. Booth was a son of Harper Booth, a Revolutionary War veteran, who served in that memorable conflict, and who died in 1859 at an extreme old age. The grandfather was a Virginian by birth, and a descendant of the Harper family from whom Harper’s Ferry derives its name. Delia Jane Leathers was born in 1817, and was taken to Tennessee by her mother when a child of seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Booth were the parents of twelve children, four of whom are still living: Isabella J. (the wife of Dr. W. P. Lawton), Martha Ann (the wife of Capt. Rayburn, deceased), Gilliam H. (our subject) and Charles L. Gilliam H. Booth received his education at the public schools of West Point and at Judsonia University. His birth occurred August 26, 1850, in Haywood Co., TN. He has been actively engaged in teaching school, clerking and farming, and owns a fine farm of 358 acres, with 150 under cultivation. In religion he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and a Prohibitionist, but, being a radical free trader, inclines toward the Democratic party, voting that ticket. In the community in which he lives he is regarded as a highly respected citizen. William F. Bradley is a traveling salesman for a Lynchburg (VA.) tobacco firm, and is a gentleman who enjoys the respect and esteem of the people of White County. He was born in Caldwell Co., NC, June 6, 1847, and is a son of Jackson and Martha (Ferguson) Bradley, who were born, reared and married in that State, the latter event taking place in 1841. Mrs. Bradley was born in 1825, was of Scotch descent, her grandfather having emigrated from Scotland to North Carolina before it became a State, and took part in the Revolutionary War, being in sympathy with the cause of the Americans. Jackson Bradley was born in 1818, and was of Welsh descent, his ancestors having come to America long before the Revolution. After his marriage he was engaged in farming in his native state until 1855, and after residing successively in Mississippi, Georgia, and Missouri, he came to Arkansas in 1861, and to White County in 1875. He resided on a farm two miles east of Beebe till his death in March, 1887, his wife preceding him to the grave by ten years. Both worshiped in the Missionary Baptist Church. William F. Bradley was the third in a family of seventeen children, the following of whom are living: Madelia (Mrs. Thomas), Amelia (Mrs. Mosier), Susan (Mrs. Bailey), Burton and William F. The latter received his education in the various States in which his father lived, and after attaining his twenty-first year, he worked as a farm hand for two years, then attended school at Butlerville, Lonoke County for ten months. After teaching one term of school he engaged as a clerk at Beebe, at the end of six years engaging in the same business in partnership with J. T. Coradine, under the firm name of Bradley & Coradine. At the end of two years they took a Mr. Burton into the business, the firm then becoming Bradley, Coradine & Co., continuing such one year. Mr. Bradley then sold his interest, and became associated with Richard S. Bradley under the firm name of W. F. & R. S. Bradley, general merchants; but a few months later they made an assignment, losing all their goods. After this misfortune Mr. Bradley began working as a salesman, then secured a position as traveling salesman for Charles G. Peper & Co. of St. Louis, but at the end of a few months was compelled to give up this position on account of poor health. After recovering he worked for some time as a railroad clerk, then resumed clerking, continuing until May 1, 1889, when he accepted his present position with J. W. West & Co., tobacco manufacturers of Lynchburg, VA. He is nicely situated in the town of Beebe, and has a pleasant and comfortable home, and socially is a member of Beebe Lodge No. 145, of the A. F. & A. M. He has belonged to the city board of alderman, and he and wife, who was a Miss Emma S. Dement, and whom he married November 4, 1874, are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. They have a charming young daughter, Maud Page 154 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas E., who was born October 26, 1876, and is attending the schools of Beebe. Mrs. Bradley is a native of De Soto Co., MS, and is a daughter of James T. and Ellen (Binge) Dement, the former of Alabama, and the latter of Tennessee. Mr. Dement was a farmer, and in 1872 came with his family to White Co., dying there a year later, at the age of forty-five years. His wife survives him, and lives with Mrs. McIntosh in Beebe. The following are her children: Betty J. (born in 1857, the wife of Dr. McIntosh, the leading physician of Beebe), Emma S. (Mrs. Bradley, born June 24, 1859), Ella (born 1861, wife of A. M. Burton, a prosperous merchant of Beebe), Jennie (wife of Maxwell Welty, a railroad agent at Beebe), and James T. (who was born in February, 1874, and is attending the high school at Beebe). William Sackville Brewer. Ever since his connection with the agricultural affairs of White Co., AR, Mr. Brewer has displayed those sterling characteristics - industry, perseverance and integrity, that have resulted in awarding him a representative place in matters pertaining to this community. The paternal ancestors came to America prior to the Revolutionary War and settled in Virginia, the grandfather, Barrett Brewer, an Englishman, participating in that struggle. He married Malinda Pollard, and by her became the father of four children: Martha (Mrs. Sanders), Sarah (who first married a Mr. Harder, and afterward a Mr. Scott), Benjamin and John Pollard (the father of our biographical subject). The maternal ancestors were also English, and came to America while it was still subject to the crown. The maternal grandmother was a Sackville, belonging to the distinguished English family of that name. John Pollard Brewer was married to Susan Jefferson Townsend September 1, 1833, and to them the following children were born: William Sackville (born June 10, 1834), Martha M. (born July 18, 1836), James M. (born July 3, 1838), Pollard J. (born October 24, 1810), Sarah W. (born March 5, 1843), Andrew T. (born November 19, 1845), Benjamin A. (born May 19, 1848), John B. (born January 22, 1851), Mary E. (born September 19, 1853) and Karilla W. (born July 2, 1855). The father and mother of these children were born October 15, 1812, and March 14, 1817, respectively, the latter being of German descent, and a daughter of Andrew Criswell and Elizabeth (Barnett) Townsend. The father was one of the early settlers of Alabama, and represented Pike County in the State legislature. William Sackville Brewer was born in Pike Co., AL, and was educated in the subscription schools and reared on a farm. At the age of nineteen years he left home and united his fortunes with those of Miss Eliza H. Clayton, their union taking place October 10, 1852. She was born in Fayette Co., GA, June 6, 1834, and is a daughter of Richard and Jane (Carter) Clayton, the paternal ancestors being emigrants from Ireland to America prior to the Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer have a family of ten children: Susan E. (born September 6, 1853, became the wife of W. J. Turner in 1872, and died in 1883, leaving two children), Howell C. (born December 8, 1855, and died September 3, 1863), John William (born January 8, 1858), Ara Anna (born March 30, 1860, and died September 12, 1864), James R. (born September 18, 1862), Lela Lewis (born January 8, 1865, married D. A. King in 1882 and became the mother of two children), Henry W. (born September 1, 1867, and died June 8, 1871), Minnie Lee (born August 4, 1870), Robert B. (born March 23, 1872) and Richard J. (born December 24, 1874). Mr. Brewer has been a resident of Arkansas since 1873, and for two years fanned on rented land near Searcy. He continued to farm rented land until 1878, when he bought the farm of 129 acres where he now lives, of which about thirty-five acres are under cultivation. The buildings on the place were badly dilapidated, but Mr. Brewer now has all the buildings in excellent repair and his farm otherwise well improved. Mr. Brewer and his wife are professors of religion, and he at one time belonged to the Masonic fraternity, and is now a member of the Agricultural Wheel. Charles Brown, M. D., was a native of Virginia, and was born May 3, 1783. He was the son of Bernard and Elizabeth (Dancy) Brown. He received his early education in Page 155 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Virginia, and later attended the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, from which he graduated about 1807, subsequently settling in Charlotteville, Albemarle Co., VA, and commenced the practice of medicine. Mr. Brown was married April 1, 1813, to Mary Brown, a daughter of Bezakel and Mary (Thompson) Brown, originally of Virginia, who was born April 24, 1790. They were the parents of the following children: Bernard O. (deceased), Elvira (deceased), Elizabeth D. (now Mrs. Jones, of Virginia), Bezaleel T. (deceased), Charles T., Algerion R. and Ezra M. Mr. Brown held the office of high sheriff of his county for two terms. His death occurred in 1879, at the age of ninety-six years; at the time of his death he was still a strong man with a wonderful memory. Algerion R. Brown was born in Albemarle Co., VA, March 5, 1831. He attended the University of Virginia and in 1850 left it and studied medicine with his father a short time, and in 1852 went to Marshall Co., Mississippi, where he engaged in the mercantile business until the war broke out. Mr. Brown was married January 20, 1855, to Mary F. Williams, a daughter of Alexander and Martha (Delote) Williams, of North Carolina nativity. Mrs. Brown was a native of Tennessee. Mr. Brown enlisted in 1861 for three years or during the war, in Company F. of the Thirty-fourth Mississippi Infantry in the Army of Tennessee. During the first twelve months he was first lieutenant, afterward was on staff of “general inspector,” and after the battle of Lookout Mountain he went back to his regiment and was placed in command of three companies for some time and was then promoted to captain of the engineer department of staff duty, filling this position till the time of surrender. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, and nearly all of the principal battles during the terrible conflict. Mr. Brown removed from Mississippi to Tennessee in 1881, remaining there four years, then moved to White Co., AR, settling in Cane Township on eighty acres of land, where he now has about thirty acres under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have a family of five children and one deceased: Martha E. (deceased), Mary W., Susan W., Charles E., Samuel H., Walter L. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Brown has served as delegate to the district and annual conferences, and is one of the stewards of the church. He is an energetic and well-educated man, and a fine talker, and takes an interest in all school and religious work. He was one of the committee from Mississippi to the New Orleans fair in 1883. Dr. R. L. Browning, physician and surgeon, Judsonia, AR. Prominent among the comparatively young men of White Co., whose career thus far has been both honorable and successful, is the subject of the present sketch. His father, R. C. Browning was a native of Kentucky, and while attending school in Indiana, met and married the mother of the Doctor, her maiden name being Miss Eliza Frady. She was born in North Carolina, but was reared in Indiana. After their marriage the parents settled in Kentucky, and here the father followed teaching until 1849, when he moved to Sac Co., Iowa where he followed agricultural pursuits for a means of livelihood. He took an active part in politics, was county treasurer of Sac County one term, and in the fall of 1870 moved to Judsonia, where he continued tilling the soil. In 1877 he engaged in merchandising and still continues in that business. He and wife reside in Judsonia. Their family consisted of the following children: J. H. (married and living in Judsonia), W. C. (married and residing in Kirksville, MO, engaged in merchandising), R. L., Maggie (now Mrs. Marsh, of Judsonia), Viola (now Mrs. Drake, of Judsonia). Dr. R. L. Browning was born in Sac Co., Iowa, in 1859. assisted his father on the farm and received his education in the Judsonia University, one of the best schools of the county. He commenced reading medicine in Judsonia in 1877, and in 1878 - 79 took a course of lectures at the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Institute. Cincinnati, OH, graduating in the class of 1882. He then came back and commenced the practice of medicine, where he was reared, and continued the same until the summer of 1882, having met with success and built up a Page 156 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas big practice. He was married in Judsonia, AR, on November 27, 1882, to Miss Emily B. Ellis, a native of New York, and the daughter of John Ellis, of English origin. Mr. Ellis came to this country, settled in New York, was civil engineer, and also engaged in horticulture. He came to Judsonia, AR, in 1882, and died the same year in San Francisco, 0111., the mother dying in New York in 1872. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Browning were born two children (only one now living): Harry R. (who was born in 1887), and Carroll Ellis (who died in 1884, at the age of eight months and twelve days). Dr. Browning is not very enthusiastic in regard to politics, but his vote is cast with the Republican party. Socially he is a member of Judsonia Lodge No. 45, I. O. O. F., at Judsonia, and has been Noble Grand of the order. He belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church and Mrs. Browning to the Episcopal Church. The Doctor is secretary of the Building Association, also of the board of Judsonia University, and is one of the first men of the county. He has been unusually successful in his practice and has won the confidence and esteem of all. Prof. Augustine W. Bumpass, a prominent citizen and teacher of White Co., is a native of Madison Co., West TN, where he was born, near Jackson, on January 22, 1851. He is the eldest son of Dr. E. L. and Lucinda E. (Young) Bumpass. His father was a native of Giles Co., TN, where he was born April 13), 1816, being reared in Lauderdale Co., AL, and there educated both in literature and medicine. Graduating at the Louisville Medical College, in the class of 1841 - 42, with the highest honors, he was for many years a prominent physician in Alabama, but removed to Madison Co., TN, in the latter part of 1850, where he resided until 1856, at which time he removed to Arkansas and settled in Prairie (now Lonoke) County. Here, in a wild and unsettled country, he purchased land and Opened up a farm, which he conducted in connection with his practice until his death, December 3, 1883. He was a man of generous and humane impulses, a warm-hearted and devoted Christian, and a member of the Christian Church. He was a Master Mason and a member of the I. O. 0.1F., standing high in both of those societies. An old line Whig until the dissolution of that party, he then affiliated with the Democratic party until his death. The mother of our subject, Lucinda E. (Young) Bumpass, was a native of Alabama, where she was reared, educated and married. She was the daughter of Elder James Young, a prominent minister of the Christian Church in Alabama. He died in 1852. Mrs. Bumpass died on December 5, 1881, aged fifty-nine years, eight months and nine days. Dr. Gabriel Bumpass, grandfather of Augustine W., was a native of North Carolina and died in Lauderdale Co., AL, in 1875, aged one hundred and seventeen years. He was the oldest physician in America, if not in the world, having practiced medicine for more than eighty years. He was a remarkable man in many respects, and as physician, farmer or merchant, was very successful. Our subject’s parents were married in Lauderdale Co., AL, on May 18, 1845. To their marriage seven children were born, five sons and two daughters, five of whom are living, as follows: Mary E. (at Pine Bluff, AR), Augustine W. (near Searcy, in White Co., AR), Samuel J. (at Lonoke, (Ark), Edward K. and Ross H. (at Pine Bluff’, AR). The two last named are mechanics and buggy and carriage manufacturers; Samuel J. is a farmer, stock-raiser and trader. Romelia C., the eldest, a daughter, and Robert W., the fourth child, are dead. A. W. Bumpass was reared in Tennessee to the age of five years, and from that time in Arkansas, where he was educated, obtaining a good academic instruction and preparing himself for the profession of law. However, he began teaching early in life and has paid but little attention to the law, except in the lower courts. Commencing for himself at the age of eighteen as a teacher in the public schools of his State, he has been occupied in teaching more or less for twenty years, gaining an enviable reputation in many counties where he has been engaged in the public and private schools and academies. He is a politician of some note, and represented his Page 157 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas county (Lonoke) in the legislature, in 1879 and 1880, taking always an active interest in the campaigns of his party, Democratic. He was married in Lonoke Co., AR, on April 25, 1875, to Miss Virginia O. Kirk, a native of Marshall Co., MS, born April 11, 1856, a daughter of Richard L. and Virginia (Hayes) Kirk. Her father is dead, but her mother is a resident of White Co., at the home of her daughter. Prof. Bumpass and wife have five children, four sons and one daughter: Edward W., Herbert R., Robert H., Prentice and Mary Moyner. The Professor is a member of the Christian Church and takes an active interest in church and Sunday-school matters. He has been Sunday-school superintendent for many years, was notary public from 1885 until 1889 in White Co., and is a highly educated, intelligent gentleman, having the respect and confidence of those with whom he comes in contact. Generous to a fault, he aids all worthy enterprises to the extent of his time and means. Patrick Burns was the second settler in White Co., and for this reason, if for no other, deserves prominent mention in the present volume. Now the oldest resident of the Co., he came here in 1844 and located some land, having to make the journey from Springfield on foot and passing about fifteen days en route. His arrival was in September and he remained in the wilderness country until the following February, when he returned on foot to Sangamon Co., IL, going thence to Ohio in the same manner. After about one year’s stay in the Buckeye State he again came to White County and was engaged in farming until 1863. Going to Missouri he worked there at farm labor also, and in 1865 settled permanently on the farm where he now lives. His career since that time has been one of which he need not feel ashamed. Mr. Burns was born in Washington, D. G., in 1814, being a son of Thomas and Katie (Larner) Burns, of Irish descent. Thomas Burns was a laborer, and after marriage settled in Washington, where he died from the cholera, in 1833. His wife had preceded him a few years. Patrick was reared up to ten years of age in Washington, and then passed his time on a farm in Virginia, attending the subscription schools of that State. He went to Ohio in 1835, but one year later removed to Morgan Co., Ill. Three years following he became settled in Sangamon Co., IL, his home until 1844. His subsequent travels have been noticed. Mr. Burns first opened up a farm of 120 acres here, which he has given to Mr. Sparrow, his father-in-law. Mr. Burns was married in 1850, in Pulaski Co., to Edith Sparrow, a native of North Carolina. He was formerly a member of the Grange, and is now connected with the Agricultural Wheel. George T. Burton, like so many agriculturists of White Co., AR, is also engaged in fruit culture, and has been exceptionally successful in these occupations. His birth occurred in Indiana, in 1849, and he is one of nine children born to Eli and Mahala (Conley) Burton, the father having been born in North Carolina in 1812, the youngest child of John P. and Mary Burton, who were born in the “ Old North State.” After living in his native State until he reached manhood, he moved to Indiana, settling in Lawrence Co., where he followed farming and coopering and was married in 1834, his wife being a daughter of John Conley, who was born in North Carolina and came to Indiana at an early day. They reared a large family of children: Simpson, Wiley G., Catherine, Rebecca, Isom, John W., William BL, George T. and Milton P. The father is a Republican in politics, and has held many public offices in the State of Indiana, and is still living. His wife died in 1852. George T. Burton received his education in the State University of Indiana, and in 1872, started out in life for himself, following the occupations of farming and fruit growing, which callings have received his attention up to the present time. After his marriage, in 1877, to Miss Mary E. Bundy, a daughter of William and Sarah (Cobbell) Bundy, of that State, he came to White Co., AR, and bought a farm of 160 acres, seventy-five acres of which he devotes to corn and fruit of various kinds, being especially successful in the cultivation of strawberries and grapes. He takes Page 158 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas a deep interest in all matters pertaining to the good of the county and is agricultural reporter of White County for, the Government. He is an earnest member of the Baptist Church and politically is a Republican. His children are: Eli N., Morton, Ethel B. and Benjamin H. Mr. Burton is a Mason and is a demitted member of the Grand Lodge of the State. Robert W. Canada, a well-to-do farmer and stock-man, residing near Beebe, AR, has been a resident of White County for a period of time. He was born in Madison Co., TN, April 3, 1829, and is a son of Hugh and Melissa R. (Duckworth) Canada, who were born in North Carolina, in 1808 and 1810, respectively. They were married in 1828, and in 1832 removed from Madison to Haywood Co., TN, and here the father’s death occurred in 1856. Their children are Robert W., Catherine (born January 1, 1831, and died at the age of four years), William J. (was born on May 16, 1833, and lost his life in the Confederate service, being killed in the battle of Atlanta, in 1864, and is now filling an unknown grave), Joseph V. (was born April 16, 1835, and died February 17, 1879, a farmer of White County), James R. (was born July 27, 1837, and died at El P330 in December, 1879, a merchant by occupation), John F. (who was born February 8, 1840, and died at Okolona, Miss, in 1863, being a soldier in the Confederate army), Alpha C. (was born April 16, 1842, and died August 8, 1881, the wife of A. L. Fisher, a farmer of Union Township), Mary E. (was born February 21, 1844, and is the wife of Richard Hill, a farmer of El Paso, AR.) and Miles C. (who was born on September 20, 1846, and is now a farmer near Stony Point). Robert W. Canada spent his youth on his father’s farm and attended the old subscription schools of his youth. At the age of twenty-one he began life for himself, and spent the first few years of his freedom as an overseer. This he followed in connection with farming until coming to White Co., AR, and a few months later entered 100 acres of land three miles east of El Paso, which he began to develop. Four years later he sold this farm and bought eighty acres near Beebe, but after residing here a term of four years he went to Illinois, and there made his home during 1865. In 1867 he made the purchase of his present farm of 100 acres, and by good management has increased his acreage to 500, and has 200 acres under cultivation, his land being well adapted to raising corn, cotton and fruits. Small grain does well also, and strawberries grow to perfection and are one of his most profitable crops. Since his residence in the State he has cleared over 200 acres of land and has built more good barns than any other man in the section of White County. Although his principal occupation has been farming he has been engaged in other occupations at different times, and in 1873 erected a livery stable in Beebe, the first establishment of the kind ever erected there. He managed this a few months and at the same time acted as constable, and later served as justice of the peace for eight years. In 1882 he kept a grocery in Beebe and during this time, and for three subsequent years, he acted in the capacity of postmaster of the town, having received his appointment in 1881. He has been a Republican since that party has been in existence, but he has never been an office seeker. He is a member of Beebe Lodge No. 145, of the A. F. & A. M., and has held all the offices of his lodge with the exception of Senior Warden. He is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and is one of the influential men of the Co., and although he differs from the most of the citizens in his political views, yet he is highly esteemed and his opinions respected. When Gen. Grant was elected to the presidency Mr. Canada was the only man in Union Township who voted for him. He has always been an advocate of schools and has contributed liberally to the building of churches, schoolhouses and to the general improvement of the county. October 28, 1851, he was married to Miss Mahala Hendrix, a native of Hardeman Co., TN, born October 24, 1838, a daughter of William and Nancy (Clements) Hendrix, who removed from their native State of South Carolina to Tennessee in 1856, and were among the pioneer settlers of White County. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Canada are Sonora E. (born October 27, 1852, and died Page 159 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas December 7, 1856), Almeda (born November 10, 1855, and died June 3, 1857), William R. (born April 26, 1858; is a merchant in business with C. A. Price, of Beebe), Joseph B. (was born September 17, 1860, and is a farmer of Union Township), Martha A. (was born October 15, 1869, and is a school teacher, residing with her parents) and Mary M. (who was born September 24, 1874, and died August 29, 1876). Mr. Canada has given all his children good educational advantages, and he and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, he having been a steward in that church for the past thirteen years. Mr. Canada’s mother still lives and makes her home with him. R. W. Carnes, sheriff, Searcy, AR. This gentleman was elected to his present office in September, 1888, and has filled that position in a capable and efficient manner ever since. He owes his origin to Carroll County. Tenn., where his birth occurred in 1849, and is the second in a family of five children born to John D. and Sarah (Dunn) Games, natives of Tennessee. The father was a physician and surgeon and died in Tennessee in 1857. He took quite an active part in politics in the early history of the country. The mother came to White Co., AR, in 1868, settled on a farm near Searcy, and here her death occurred in 1885. Of their family five are now living: R. W., Barbara A. and Alice (now Mrs. Magness), still residing in White County. R. W. Games passed his early life in duties upon the farm and in securing an education in the common schools of Tennessee. In 1868 he came to White Co., following farming until 1882, when he engaged in general merchandising at Centre Hill, White Co., and there continued for three years. In 1885 he embarked in the same business at Searcy, and continued at that for some time. He is not very active in politics, but votes independently and for the best man in the Co., and in national affairs votes with the Democratic party. He is also deeply interested in educational affairs and is a member of the school board. Socially he is a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M., and has been “worshipful Master of the lodge. He was married in White County in 1875 to Miss Anna Montgomery, a native of White County and daughter of J. W. and Ophelia A. (West) Montgomery, the former of North Carolina and the latter of Monroe Co., AR. The father is now deceased. Mrs. Montgomery resides on a farm. Mr. Carnes lost his wife in 1880 and was left with two children: Anna Belle and John D. His mad marriage took place in White County in 1884, to Miss Elnora Neelly, a native of White County and daughter of Samuel D. and Sally (Montgomery) Neelly, natives of Tennessee and North Carolina, respectively. Her parents came to White County in 1855, and there their deaths occurred a number of years ago, the mother in about 1874, and the father in 1885. They were the parents of three children: Sally Mattie, Neelly and an infant. Mr. Games has seen many changes in the country since coming here in 1868, and has always taken an interest in the country. He is one of the prominent and representative men of the county. William H. Carodine, known to be reliable and honorable, is a liveryman and planter of White Co., and a native of Mississippi, being born October 3, 1843, in De Soto County. His father, William Carodine, was born in Tennessee, but immigrated to Mississippi, where he married Miss Emily Hall, also of Tennessee. Soon after their marriage they came to Arkansas (in 1860) and settled first in White Co., but subsequently moved six miles west of Beebe, and in 1873 moved two miles south of this town, where the remainder of their life was spent. William H. was reared on a farm and passed his boyhood days in the pioneer schools, obtaining a good education there and in the common schools of Mississippi and Arkansas. In 1862 he started out in this world for himself, their first venture from home being to enlist in the Confederate army, under Col. Glenn McCoy’s brigade, in which he served four years. He was in the battles of Prairie Grove, Pilot Knob, Jefferson City, Boonville, Lexington, Independence, and at Wilson’s Creek, in Missouri. He was with Price on his raid through Missouri, and also at the battle of Helena, where he was slightly wounded, but during his entire service in the war he was never once captured. At Page 160 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas the time of the final surrender he was home on a furlough. At the close of the struggle Mr. Carodine rented a farm and began working it with nothing but his own exertion to depend on, yet it is not strange that he succeeded, for with his great determination of purpose, the lack of “filthy lucre” would not prevent him at least from making an attempt to cope with the many hardships incident to his start in life. In October, 1867, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Massey, a native of Tennessee, but whose parents came to Arkansas in 1858. To their union three children have been born, two of them now living: Mary Jane, William (deceased) and Jones D. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Carodine purchased his father’s homestead and conducted that place for several years, but in 1878 he traded his farm for town property in Indiana, which he still owns. It consists of a lot and good residence in Bainbridge, Putnam Co., IN In 1878 he bought what is known as the Massey place (160 acres) and took up his residence at that place, remaining there until the fall of 1888. He then purchased the rolling stock in the livery business, which he is now successfully conducting. In connection with his other property he now owns eighty acres of land, two miles east of Beebe and of that farm fifty acres are cultivated. The farm is in an excellent locality, and is adapted to all kinds of crops. Since his residence in White County he has Opened over 160 acres of land, and has done his full share in developing the country round him, and it is to his credit, be it said, that very few have done as much. In 1875 Mr. and Mrs. Carodine took an extended trip through Texas, for the latter’s health, and after an absence of a year they returned, her health being greatly improved. Mr. Carodine thought Texas a very fair country, but concluded that, as far as he had been able to judge, Arkansas had no superior. He is a member of Beebe Lodge No. 146, A. F. & A. M., also at one time was a Wheeler. In his political views he sides with the Democratic party. He has been a member of the school board for a number of years, and with his family warships at the Beebe Methodist Episcopal Church. W. B. Carter, Searcy, AR. Among the most skilled and reliable druggists of Searcy may be classed Mr. Carter, who is a member of the well known firm of Carter 8: Son. This firm is doing a good business and carries a full line of drugs, chemicals and everything kept in a first-class drug store. He came to Searcy in 1851, engaged in the dry goods and boot and shoe business, where the Perry Block is building, then purchased a frame building across the street, and later moved to the north side of the public square, where be erected the second brick building in Searcy. At this time the firm title was Carter, McCanley & Co., under which it continued until some time during the war. From 1861 to 1865 Mr. Carter was out of business, and in 1867 he engaged in general merchandising under the firm name of J. C. McCanley & Co. He continued with him until 1873, when he embarked in his present business on the north side of the square, and in 1884 moved to his present location. Mr. Carter was born in Prince William Co., VA, in 1822, and was the eldest in a family of six children born to James P. and E. J. (Davis) Carter, natives of the Old Dominion. The father was a planter and opened up a large farm in Virginia, where he remained until 1838 and then moved to Independence Co., AR, where he entered land and there passed his last days. His death occurred in about 1860. His wife died in 1876. Of their family these children are now living: W. B. (subject) and T. E. Carter (who is married and resides on a farm near Sulphur Rock, AR). W. B. Carter was early initiated into the duties of farm life, and received his education in the schools of Virginia. He moved to Pike Co., MO, in 1837, engaged in farm labor, and in 1838 moved to Independence Co., AR, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He purchased land in that Co., but sold it and in 1851 came to Searcy, then a very small rough place, but soon after a class of settlers moved in and the town was soon built up. Mr. Carter was an enrolling officer for some months during 1863, was taken prisoner and held during the winter of 1863 and 1864 at Johnstown Island. He was paroled in March of the last-mentioned year and taken to Point Lookout, thence Page 161 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas to Richmond, and finally went on foot from Mississippi across the swamps to Southern Ark, where he joined the army. After the surrender he returned to Searcy. In 1867 be engaged in business continuously for thirty-four years, and is one of the oldest and most reliable merchants in Searcy. He is not active in politics but votes with the Democratic party, and held the office of justice of the peace for about four years. He was appointed postmaster under President Buchanan and served four years. He was married in White County in 1853 to Miss E. J. McCanley, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of James and Mary (Fletcher) McCanley, natives of North Carolina. Her parents immigrated at an early day to Tennessee, and in 1851 came to White Co., AR, where both passed their last days. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Carter: Ella (now Mrs. Patterson, of Little Rock), and W. F. (who is married and resides in Searcy) and two deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Carter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and socially Mr. Carter is a member of the Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M., of which he has been secretary and warden for many years. He is a member of Tillman Chapter No. 19, R. A. M., of which he is King. He is also a member of the council, and has been for some time. Alfred T. Carter, 3 leading citizen and of an old and highly respected family, was a native of Mississippi, and was a son of Alfred and Drucilla (Wilkins) Carter, of Tennessee nativity. Alfred Carter first saw the light of day in 1812, and lived in Tennessee (where he was married) until 1830, when he moved to Panola Co., MS, and in 1859 came to Arkansas, locating in White Co., where his wife died in 1871, at the age of fifty-nine. He then married a Mrs. Conner, a widow, who is still living. The senior Carter was the father of seven children by his first wife, three of whom are still living: S. R. (a farmer of Logan Co., AR), Alfred T. (our subject) and Sarah (the wife of W. H. Bailey). By his second marriage he became the parent of two children, both living: Fannie and Alfred. Mr. Carter belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, as did also his first wife. He died in 1878. Alfred T. Carter was born in Panola Co., MS, on February 3, 1851, but has resided in Arkansas since: eight years of age. At the age of twenty be commenced farming for himself, and in the fall of 1870, bought forty acres of land in the woods, and began clearing it. He now is the owner of 280 acres, with ninety under cultivation, which he has made by hard work and economy. On August 28, 1870, he was married to Miss Emma Ward, also a native of Panola Co., MS, and who was born April 22, 1854. They are the parents of eleven children, six of whom are still living: Ella J., Sallie M., Albert J., George O., John T. and Penina. Mr. Carter is a prominent Democrat, and was elected to the office of constable in 1882, which office he held for six years. Mr. and Mrs. Carter belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of which he is trustee, and officiated as class leader for several years. J. M. Cathcart, one of the members of the popular and well-known Enterprise Basket and Box Company, manufacturers of fruit and vegetable boxes, etc., was born in Elkhart Co., IN, in 1844, and was the youngest of three children born to B. F. and Joanna (Calkins) Cathcart, the former having been born in that State in 1818, his youthful days being also there. His children are Royal (who died in infancy) and Harrison (who served in Company K, Ninth Indiana Regiment, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh). The mother of these children, who was a daughter of Caleb Calkins, died in 1845, and the father married again, his second wife being a Mrs. Mary (Newell) Ireland, daughter of John and Mary (Crockett) Newell, a native of Kentucky. She bore him one child, J. F., who resides in Arkansas, and is in business with our subject, J. M. Cathcart. After her death he wedded Sarah J. Calkins, an aunt of his first wife, the children of this marriage being Anna and Royal W. and Rosa (twins). Mr. Cathcart is still living, but his parents, James and Paulina, have long been dead. Page 162 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas J. M. Cathcart’s youth was spent in following the plow on his father’s farm in Indiana, and in attending the district schools, but these sober pursuits he put aside upon the opening of the Rebellion, and at the age of seventeen years he enlisted in Company C, Ninth Indiana Regiment, and after participating in a number of engagements he was captured and confined in the county jail at Stanton, Va, one month and in Libby two months. After being paroled he went back to Indiana, and was married there, in 1872, to Miss Anne Snyder, a daughter of William and Lavina (Knight) Snyder, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Cathcart was in the railroad business for about thirteen years, as clerk and station agent on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad. Resigning his position as agent in 1881, he engaged in the manufacturing business with his brother, J. F., at Bristol, IN In 1885 they moved their machinery to White Co., AR, and established the Enterprise Basket and Box Company, known as the Cathcart Bros. They employ on an average about thirty hands, and during the fruit season have a much larger force. Mr. Cathcart is a member of the G. A. R., a Republican in his political views and is one of the aldermen of Judsonia. The junior partner of the firm, J. F. Cathcart, married Miss Flora Boyer, by whom he had two sons, John and James, born in 1880 and 1884, in Indiana. John F. spent his youthful days on a farm raising fruit and in attending the public schools of Indiana. He engaged in the manufacturing business while still a resident of his native State, and after coming to Arkansas in 1885, engaged in the same calling. He is the inventor of the Cathcart’s ventilated berry case, which has proved a decided success. His wife, who is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, is a daughter of John and Hannah Boyer, the former a Pennsylvanian. Mr. Cathcart is an excellent musician and is the leader of the band in Judsonia. R. W. Chrisp, farmer, Searcy, AR. This prominent agriculturist owes his nativity to Gibson Co., TN, where his birth occurred in 1835, and is the ninth of seventeen children born to the union of William and Mary J. (Elder) Chrisp, natives of the Old Dominion. The father was a tiller of the soil, and moved to Rutherford Co., TN, entered land, and there remained until 1831. He then settled in Gibson Co., TN, and made that county his home until his death, which occurred in 1863. He was in the War of 1812, and took quite an active part in politics. His wife died in Searcy in October, 1884. Of their family the following children are now living: R. W., Frances W. (now Mrs. Lane, of Gibson Co., TN), Horace (married, and resides in Higginson Township) and L. M. (who is married, and resides on a farm in the last- named township). One son, John W., enlisted in the army from Gibson Co., TN, was Gen. Pillow’s commissary, and died of pneumonia in 1863, at Memphis, TN. Another son, William B., was a member of the One Hundred and Eleventh Tennessee Infantry, and after the war was a cotton factor of Memphis. His death occurred in 1870. Two other sons, Henry and Starks, were in Gen. Forrest’s cavalry, and both died in 1883. R. W. Chrisp was early taught the duties of farm life, and received his education in the subscription schools of Tennessee. In 1857 he came to White Co., AR, then being a single man, and taught the Gum Spring schools during 1858 - 59. He was married in White County in the last-named year, to Miss Sarah F. Neavill, a native of Jackson Co., AL, and the daughter of Elihu and Margaret (Jones) Neavill, natives of Alabama. Her father was in the Florida War, came to White County in 1844, and was for many years engaged in farming and in the tannery business, becoming quite wealthy. His death occurred in 1851 and the mother’s in 1887. They resided in White County for over forty years. After marriage Mr. Chrisp settled in Gray Township on a timber tract of land, which he rented for a few years, and then, in 1867, purchased 240 acres, partly improved. This he sold, and bought forty acres in the timber which he immediately commenced clearing, erecting buildings, and added to this land from time to time until he now has 280 acres, with 100 acres Page 163 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas under cultivation, besides a home farm of twenty acres just outside the corporation. Mr. Chrisp lost his excellent wife, October 9, 1887. The result of this union was the birth of the following children: William H. (married, and resides on the subject’s farm), Vinnie R. (at home, attending Galway College), James Everett, Henry Beecher and Benjamin Clark. July 4, 1861, Mr. Chrisp was elected second lieutenant of Company K, but held first position in the Seventh Arkansas Infantry, commanded by Robert Shaver. He was in the battle of Shiloh, after which the company was reorganized, and he came to Searcy to recruit for the Trans-Mississippi Department. He then entered the ranks as private in the cavalry, and was temporarily promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel in front of Helena. He was in the Missouri raid, participated in the battles of Pilot Knob, Ironton, Jefferson City, Newtonia and Mine Creek. He returned to White Co., AR, from Fayetteville, and engaged in farming, but later was occupied for about a year in merchandising in Searcy. He has taken an active part in politics, and although originally a Whig, votes with the Democratic party. He has taken an active interest in schools and has been a member of the school board for twenty years. In 1883 he was sergeant-at-arms for the State of Arkansas. He received the nomination for representative, but was declared disfranchised in the reconstruction days. Mr. Chrisp is a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M., and is also a member of Tillman Lodge No. 19. He has been Worshipful Master of Searcy Lodge, and has held office in Chapter. He is practically a self-made man and all his property is the result of his own industry. Although fifty-five years of age he has never drank a drop of liquor. Arthur Smith Claiborn, eminently fitted and well worthy to be numbered among the successful farmers and stock-men of White Co., AR, is a son of John B. and Perlina E. (Thomason) Claiborn, the former a Tennessean of Irish descent and the latter a native of North Carolina. They were married in Tennessee, and in 1859 moved to Kansas, purchasing a partly improved farm, consisting of 160 acres, in Prairie County. After considerably improving this land they moved to White Co., settling on a tract of railroad land, where the father died seven years later, September 17, 1874, his wife having died October 16, 1870. Their children are as follows: Mary Jane (who became the consort of L. D. Hendrickson, deceased, and is living in Kentucky with her five children), Millie C, (married Jasper Scott, and in 1856 moved to Illinois; her husband was killed at the battle of Nashville, in 1865, leaving her with six children), W. B. (was killed at Franklin, KY, while a member of the Eighth Tennessee Regiment), Mary F. (was married to R. H. Ferguson, but died after having borne two children), John H. (residing in Texas, and by his wife, who was Miss Mary Ware, is the father of six children), Perlila C. (was wedded to John Hodges, and upon her death left two children), Pleasant T. (died at Jackson, Miss, while serving in the Confederate army), Arthur Smith (our subject), Thomas J. and Samuel B. Arthur Smith Claiborn was born in De Kalb Co., TN, February 3, 1847, and was educated in the subscription schools of his native Co., but it must be acknowledged that his advantages were very meager, and at the time he had attained his twenty-first birthday he had only received three months’ schooling. He immediately began business for himself upon attaining his majority, and for two years raised crops of cotton and corn on shares, and at the end of this time was married to Miss Martha J. Hale, a native of Mississippi and daughter of Francis J. and Louisa (White) Hale, who were among the old settlers of Arkansas, having come to the State in 1859. Their marriage took place December 2, 1869, and of eight children born to their union seven are living: Elnora (born October 7, 1870), William B. (born August 20, 1872), James (born July 25, 1874), Mattie J. (born in September, 1876, and died in August, 1877), Annie (born October 16, 1878), Alcora (born March 28, 1882), Arthur S. (born February 27, 1885) and Aver A. (born February 26, 1886). After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Claiborn settled on eighty Page 164 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas acres of land belonging to the latter, and in 1876 Mr. Claiborn became able to purchase 116 acres of wild land, which he has improved and to which he has added eighty acres. He now has seventy-five acres under cultivation, a good frame house, good barns and one tenant house. He rented his land on shares until this year (1889) but now rents for cash. Mr. and Mrs. Claiborn and two of their children, Elnora and William, hold memberships in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and Mr. Claiborn is a Democrat in his political views. He has always been a liberal contributor to the advancement of religious, social and educational institutions, and has also given generously to all enterprises which he deemed worthy of support. Green B. Clay is a well-to-do farmer and stock raiser of Cadron Township, and was the youngest in a family of ten children of John and Diallia (Morris) Clay. Mr. Clay was a native of North Carolina. His family consisted of the following children: Nancy, Harriet, Louisa, Jackson M., Emily, Sarah, Susan, William H., Martha and Green B. (our subject.) He was reared on a farm in Tennessee, where he was born in 1827, and started out in life when he was sixteen years of age. In 1851 he was married to Mary W. Mizzells, a daughter of Miles and Elizabeth (Rooks) Mizzells. In 1868 Mr. Clay bought a farm in Tennessee. He subsequently sold it and moved to Arkansas, settling in White Co., where he bought a farm of 560 acres, clearing about seventy-three acres. Mrs. Clay was the mother of eighteen children, eight of whom are still living: John M., Joseph H., Zachariah M., Francis M., James N., George A., Charles C. and Albert A. He was married the second time to Nancy E. Burton (see Neal), a widow. To them have been given five children: Walter L., Nathan B., Stephen M., Neoma Parlee and an infant which is not named. Mr. and Mrs. Clay are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He is a strong Democrat and a member of the County Wheel. He is deeply interested in all work for the good of the church, school or any public enterprise. J. O. Cleveland, M. D., was born in Independence Co., November 19, 1852, and is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Butcher) Cleveland, natives of Georgia and Alabama, respectively. Mr. Joseph Cleveland moved to Alabama when a young man, where he was married and in 1852, he removed to Independence Co., AR. He served his county a number of times in an official capacity, and in 1873 he represented his county in the legislature. He served eighteen months in the Confederate army, during which time he was taken prisoner and held at Fortress Monroe eight months before he was exchanged. He was with Gen. Price in his raid through Missouri and Kansas. He was a Republican and belonged to the Masonic fraternity, in which he had taken the Royal Arch degree. He died in the early part of the year 1887, at Newport, AR, at the age of sixty-one. Mrs. Cleveland is still living and a resident of Newport, AR, and is the mother of eleven children, nine of whom still survive: Martha E. (wife of J. W. Kennedy), J. C. (our subject), Henry P. (a lawyer by profession), Mary A. (wife of J. D. Cantrell), Susan A. T. (wife of L. D. Bownds), James E, Charles E., Samuel and Edward. Dr. J. O. Cleveland began his career as a school-teacher in his nineteenth year, following that profession till 1883, when he began the study of medicine. He graduated from the Missouri Medical College in 1888, first having taken lectures at the Kentucky School of Medicine, Louisville. Dr. Cleveland was married, November 7, 1875, to Miss Nancy E. Vick, a daughter of Dr. T. A. Vick. She died in 1885, having had three children, only one of whom survives, Lavina E., who is still living with her father. Dr. Cleveland was again married, in 1886, to Miss Nannie F. Goad, who is the mother of one daughter: Susan Estella. Mrs. Cleveland is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a strong Republican. He is now a resident of Bald Knob, where he has built up a large and successful practice, and is an enterprising and highly respected citizen. Page 165 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas John D. Coffey is a well-known citizen of White County and was born in Macon, Fayette Co., TN, June 19, 1838. His father, David P. Coffey, was a Presbyterian clergyman, and first saw the light of this world in Tennessee in November, 1805. He was given all the advantages for an education to be had at that time, and applied himself so assiduously to his studies, that he became an accomplished and finely educated gentleman. He was married in his native State November 12, 1835, to Miss Mary C. Cogville, a daughter of Charlie and Pollie Cogville, and to their union fourteen children were born, of which John D. is the second child and the oldest son. Of that family seven are now living, six residing in this State. The Rev. Coffey immigrated from Tennessee, in 1854, and located near Searcy, where he died in 1883, his good wife surviving him but two years. He was a member of the Masonic lodge, and also a Royal Arch Mason, and was the originator of the first church that was ever organized in Stony Point, the denomination being the Cumberland Presbyterian. This township, where John D. Coffey now resides, derived its title from his father, in whose honor it was named. John D. served in the late war on the Confederate side, and enlisted in 1861, in Douglas Co., in Brown’s Tennessee Regiment. His first hard fight was at the battle of Shiloh, and he also engaged in numerous other engagements. He was captured at Port Edson, but was soon after paroled, and at once returned home to claim his promised bride, Miss Malicia G. Harris. After his marriage Mr. Coffey returned to the war and accompanied Price on his raid through Missouri, and received his final discharge from service in 1865. To Mr. and Mrs. Coffey have been born a family of eight children: John H., Mary, Josephus, Lucy E., David P., Hugh, James S., Minnie C. Mr. Coffey has a good farm of forty acres, finely stocked, and with all the conveniences and modern improvements to make the home comfortable. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and highly respected by every one. John Reed Coffey is a prominent farmer and miller of White Co., AR, and owes his nativity to the State of Tennessee, the date of his birth being December 19, 1856. His father, Wiley D. Coffey, was born in Bedford Co., TN, October 6, 1827, where he received his education, and there married Narcissa A. Muse,August 5, 1850. Mrs. Coffey is a daughter of Richard and Margaret Muse, and a very estimable lady. To their union eight children were born, five of them now living: Mary C., John R., Richard H., Sarah H., Joseph H. The other three died in infancy. Mr. Coffey is a teacher and minister, and owns 286 acres of good land with 100 in cultivation. He immigrated from Texas to Arkansas in 1871, locating in White Co., which has been his home ever since. When he came to this county his worldly possessions consisted of a team of horses and a wagon, but he is now worth $5,000, and a farm well supplied with all the necessary stock for its successful operation. Mr. Coffey has educated three of his children for teachers. He has held a membership in the I. O. O. F. and in the Wheel, but has severed his connection with the latter order. He served in the Confederate War, enlisting in 1862, in Company A, Forty-fourth Regiment, and received his discharge in the same year. J. Reed Coffey acquired his education at home by the aid of the fire light, and when twenty-one years old began life for himself, working for two years, then returned home and worked with his father to pay a debt that hung like the sword of Damocles over the old homestead. At the age of twenty-eight years he was married to Sarah A. Harries, their marriage occurring in October, 1885. She was a native of Illinois, and a daughter of Johnson and Keziah Harries. They are the parents of two children: Clifton B. and Robert L. He owns 400 acres of good land, which lies southeast of Bald Knob and is well stocked with all the necessary appurtenances required to operate a farm. He is a Democrat politically, and as might be supposed by his home surroundings of English descent. Mrs. Coffey is a member of the Baptist Church, and a favorite in her wide Page 166 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas circle of acquaintances. Mr. Coffey richly merits the reward which has attended his efforts during life. Active, industrious and prudent, he enjoys wide-respect. William R. Cook, a man of no little prominence throughout White Co., AR, is a wealthy farmer, stock-man and fruit grower, residing near J11dsoma, and, although born in Tennessee in 1836, he has been a resident of Arkansas since 1848, although he first resided in Independence County. He was the eldest of six children, born to John and Ann (Anderson) Cook, the former of whom was born in that state in 1814, and was educated as a Methodist minister, being a son of William and Margaret Cook. He was married in Tennessee in 1835 and followed farming there until his removal to Arkansas, his wife hearing him in the meantime these children: William R., Mary, Eliza, Lavinia, Arkansas and Andrew. They took up land in Arkansas and here the father died in 1879, and the mother in 1872. The maternal grandparents were Anderson and Dorcas Clark, Kentuckians, who came to Tennessee at an early day. William R. spent his youth in Tennessee but received the most of his education in Arkansas, and in the year 1860 started out in life for himself. A year later he joined Company B, Seventh Arkansas Infantry, first Arkansas Brigade, and took part in the battles of Shiloh, Perryville, Murfreesboro, Big Creek, and was with Price on his raid through Missouri, and with Bragg in Kentucky. He received his discharge in 1865 and after coming home was married (in 1866) to Albina, a daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Price) Bownds, and by her became the father of four children: Ida, Ella, Maggie and John (the latter dying in 1881). Mr. Cook was the owner of 240 acres of land in Independence Co., but sold this and removed to White Co., purchasing 460 acres near Judsonia, of which he now has 225 acres under cultivation. He is a steward in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his wife is also a member. He belongs to Anchor Lodge No. 384, of the A. F. & A. M., and is Deputy Grand Lecturer of his district. In his political views he is a Democrat. In 1879 he was called upon to mourn the death of his wife, and he afterward espoused Isabel Sisco, a daughter of Zedichire and Thurza Sisco, the father a native of Alabama and the mother of Middle Tennessee. They came to Arkansas about 1838, and here Mrs. Cook was born. The father died in 1858 and the mother in 1862. Mr. Cook and his present wife have had two children, both of whom are now deceased: Reuben P. and Sterling, the farmer’s death occurring in 1881 and the latter’s in 1883. Joshua J. Crow was attending school in this county at the time of the outbreak of the war, when he laid down his books, left family and friends to join the Confederate Army. He enlisted in Taylor’s regiment of Texas troops, and later in the Second Trans-Mississippi Department, in the Second Arkansas Cavalry; also took part in the battles of Jenkins’ Ferry, Helena, Poison Springs, Little Rock, and a number of other battles and skirmishes. After peace was once more declared he went to West Point and engaged in the mercantile business, remaining there until 1870, when he removed to Searcy and subsequently filled the position of traveling salesman for a wholesale grocery house at St. Louis, MO, for the next six years. In 1876 he started in the saw-mill business which he still follows. In 1877 he was married to Miss Emma J. Jones, a daughter of B. F. and J. C. Jones, and is the mother of three children: Frank E, Norman and Norton B. Mr. Crow owes his nativity to Mississippi (being born in Marshall Co., June, 1844) and is the son of Joshua B. and Lavinia (West) Crow, natives of Alabama. Mr. Crow, Sr., was born in 1810, and when a young man removed with his parents to Northern Alabama, where he resided until his marriage when he immigrated to Marshall Co., MS, and lived there until 1847, then came to De Soto Co., same State, and in February, 1849, came to Arkansas, locating in White County. He was a passenger on the second steamboat which came up Red River. He was a Democrat in politics, a member of the Masonic order, and in religions faith belonged to the Missionary Baptist Church, as did also his wife, and was one of the best-posted men in regard to real estate in his Page 167 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas county. His death occurred in 1866 and his wife’s in the same year, at the age of fifty-three. They were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are still living: Mrs. J. N. Cypert, Mrs. T. D. Hardy (of this county), Mrs. T. P. Boon (of Los Angeles, Cal.), Joshua J. (our subject), M. C. (of West Point), Mrs. J. R. Hardy (of Mississippi) and Miss Ella Crow (of West Point). The mother of our subject was a descendant of Gen. Israel Putnam,of Revolutionary fame. Himself and wife are connected with the Missionary Baptist Church, in which they take an active part. He owns 1,400 acres of fine farming land, and is a prominent Democrat in his county. Jesse N. Cypert, is an attorney, at Searcy, AR. Among the leading firms of attorneys in this city is the well known one of Messrs. Cypert & Cypert, of which Jesse N. Cypert is the senior member. This gentleman is one of the pioneer settlers of Searcy, AR, and was born in Wayne Co., TN, in December, 1823, being one of eleven children, the result of the union of Jesse and Jemimah (Warthen) Cypert, the father a native of North Carolina, born 1781, and the mother of Pennsylvania, born 1783. The grandparents on the mother’s side were of Welsh descent, and at an early day moved to North Carolina. Jesse Cypert, Sr., was married in 1802, then moved to Knox Co., TN, where he farmed and resided until 1819, after which he moved to Wayne Co., of the same State, and there his death occurred in 1858. He was a private in the War of 1812, Tennessee Volunteer, Carroll’s brigade, and was in the battle of New Orleans under Gen. Jackson. He was sheriff and collector one term, and justice of the peace and member of the county court for a number of years. The mother died in 1857. Jesse N. Cypert’s time in early life was divided between working on the farm, clearing and developing the home place, and in attending the subscription schools of Wayne Co., TN, in a log cabin with dirt floor, etc. Later he attended the district schools of that State. He then studied law in the office of Judge L. L. Mack, of Wayne Co., and was admitted to the bar at Waynesboro, TN, in 1849. Subsequently he went to Walker Co., GA, engaged as clerk, and in May, 1858, came to Crittenden Co., AR, and began practicing at Marion. Here he remained for eight months, and in February, 1851, came to Searcy, AR, where he began the practice of law and this has continued successfully ever since. In connection with this he also carries on farming. During the war, or in October, 1861, he served as captain of the Confederate army, fifth Arkansas Battalion, and on the organization of the battalion at Pocahontas, Randolph Co., AR, in October, Mr. Cypert was elected major. He was east of the Mississippi River, and after the battle of Shiloh he resigned and came home on account of health. Later he entered the commissary department, purchasing supplies for the troops, and was thus engaged until after the surrender of Little Rock. He was taken prisoner in October, 1863, detained at Little Rock about three weeks, and paroled as citizen the same month. He was in the convention that passed the ordinance of secession in 1861, and was a delegate to both conventions. He continued the practice of law after the war, and this has continued ever since. He has taken quite an active part in politics, votes with the Democratic party, and was a delegate to the convention that voted the State into the union in 1868. He was also in the convention in 1874 that furnished the constitution that the State is under now. Mr. Cypert was elected judge of the circuit court in September, 1874, and served eight years, two terms. Socially he is a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M., Tillman Chapter No. 19, R. A. M. He was married in White Co., in February, 1855, to Miss Sarah Harlan Grow, a native of Alabama, and the daughter of Joshua B. and Lavinia (West) Crow, natives of South Carolina. Her parents moved to White Co., AR, in 1849, settled on a farm near the present town of Kensett, and here the mother died in April, 1866, and the father in August of the same year. To Mr. and Mrs. Cypert were born three children, two living: Florence (now Mrs. W. M. Watkins, of Searcy) and Eugene (a partner in the firm of Cypert & Cypert, he having read law in the office of his father, and was Page 168 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas admitted to the bar in 1884). The other child, Mary Alice, married H. A. Smith, a merchant of West Point. She died in February, 1886, and left one child, Eugene Austin, and the subject of this sketch is rearing this child. Mr. Cypert takes an active interest in all that pertains to the good of the Co., and is one of the pioneers of the temperance cause. He ran for the legislature in 1854, on the temperance question and received a good number of votes. He was the first president of the Temperance Alliance, and served in that capacity for two years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and Mrs. Cypert is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. J. W. Darden, the efficient and popular lumber manufacturer and flour-mill operator of Rosebud, is engaged in manufacturing all grades of lumber of oak and pine. He commenced this enterprise in 1861 within one mile of where he is now doing business. In connection with this business he is engaged in operating a flouring- mill, his establishment being the second of the kind erected in White County and the first one in this vicinity. He has been a resident of Arkansas since 1860, and since that date has been a resident of Kentucky Township, removing thither from his native State of Tennessee. He was born in Warren County in 1833 and was the fourth in a family of seven children born to Robert and Elizabeth (Woten) Darden, who were also of Warren Co., and were there married. In 1855 they moved to Greene Co., MO, where Mr. Darden had a blacksmith shop for some years, and in 1864 they came to White Co., AR, where Mr. Darden followed the same calling and also that of farming, occupying himself with these callings until his death, in 1886, his wife’s death occurring some two years previous. The following are the names of the surviving children: J. W., Elizabeth (now Mrs. Clymer, of Taney Co., Mo.), Mattie (unmarried and a resident of Faulkner County) and Sarah (now Mrs. Williams, a widow, residing in Faulkner County). J. W. was educated in the schools of his native county and commenced life for himself by trading in stock. He remained with his father for one year after the latter’s removal to Missouri, then returned to Tennessee and was married there in 1856 to Miss Nancy Layne, who was a native resident of that State. Her father, George Layne, was a farmer, and died in Tennessee in 1848, his wife, who was a Miss Aramintie Dickerson, removing with her daughter, Mrs. Darden, to Arkansas, and dying in White County in 1867. Upon the beginning of the Civil War J. W. Darden was detailed by the Confederate Government to operate his mill, and in this work he has continued for nearly thirty years. After purchasing land he began improving it, and now owns in this and adjoining counties 2,000 acres, with something over 100 acres under cultivation. He is rapidly converting his timber into lumber, and, although he lost about $10,000 by fire in 1875, he has retrieved this loss in a great measure and is now doing well. In politics he casts his vote with the Democratic party, yet is not an active politician. Socially he is an A. F. & A. M., belonging to St. Mary’s Lodge No. 170. He also belongs to Tillman Chapter and Searcy Council. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Darden have been born four children: Allie (now Mrs. Dr. Moon, of Rosebud), William, Elzie and Lula. Dr. James M. Davis, an able and learned physician, but now retired from the active practice of his profession, is engaged in farming and stock raising on his farm, which comprises 1,000 acres, about one mile southeast of Beebe. He has something like 400 acres under cultivation and a number of acres that is yet in its wild state and very heavily covered with timber. The soil is good and is well adapted to raising all kinds of grain, and besides this property he has about 1,000 acres of equally as good land in Prairie County. He was born in Pearson Co., NC, December 13, 1830, but in 1836 came with his parents to Madison Co., TN., and there made his home until 18 56, at which time he took up his abode in Arkansas. His father, Dr. George N. Davis, was born in North Carolina of .Scotch-Irish descent, his wife, Page 169 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Sarah Goldman, a native of North Carolina, being of Welsh lineage. The paternal grandparents, Edward and Margaret A. (Yarbrough) Davis, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of England, sloped from England to America, coming to North Carolina, and were married here. On the Davie side the family are lineal descendants of Sir Humphrey Davy. Dr. George N. Davie was born in 1800, his wife in 1805, their marriage taking place in 1829 and their deaths in 1836 and 1883, respectively, Both were finely educated, and the father was a physician and surgeon of considerable prominence, and his early death left our subject an orphan at the age of six years. His early childhood was spent on a farm and in attending the country schools, later entering higher schools, and at the age of twenty years was a pupil of the school at Huntsville, TN, having for a room-mate Dr. A. M. Westlake, of New York, who induced him to take up the study of medicine. They entered Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, Penn., and after an attendance of two years in that institution, graduated in the class of 1854. The two following years Dr. Davie spent in traveling over the States of Arkansas and Texas, and in 1856 located in Hickory Plains, Prairie Co., AR, and there practiced his profession one year. In 1857 he purchased his present farm in White Co., but in 1861 gave up farm work to organize a company of 125 men for the State service, and was chosen captain of the same. In 1862, seeing the need of the general army, he disbanded and reorganized his company, and became connected with the regular Confederate service. He was promoted several times, and when the war closed was colonel of the Thirty- sixth Arkansas Infantry. He was badly wounded in the battle of Helena, was slightly wounded at Prairie Grove, and for several months was on post duty at Camden, and with this exception participated in all the engagements of his command. Upon hearing of Lee’s surrender be stacked arms, in Texas, and started for home, and in the latter part of July, 1865, was paroled at Little Rock. He resumed the practice of his profession, regained what he had lost during the war, and until 1874 was a successful practitioner of the Co., since which time he has devoted his attention to farming with the above results. He is a Democrat on general principles, but is an independent voter, and although often solicited by his friends to run for office, has always refused to do so. He is a demitted member of Beebe Lodge No. 1- 15, of the A. F. & A. M., and also belongs to the I. O. O. F., and was connected with the Agricultural Wheel. In October, 1859, he was married to Miss Emma Z. Bowling, a native of Tennessee, their union taking place in Obion Co., but her death occurred in July, 1872, she having borne four children: George C. (an intelligent and well-educated young farmer of the county), Mattie (who died in infancy), Isom (who also died in infancy) and John C. On April 2, 1874, Mr. Davie led to the altar Caroline M. Bowling, a sister of his first wife, but on December 26, 1881, she died of that dread disease, consumption. His third union, on December 9, 1885, was to a Mrs. Hinson, a daughter of Major Thomas, one of the early settlers of Prairie Co., AR. J. C. R. Davis is a prosperous general merchant of Rosebud, where he has been engaged in business since 1875. His store building, which he erected in 1885, is a substantial frame building, 22160 feet, and in addition to handling merchandise, he buys and ships cotton. He has been a resident of White Co., AR, since 1874, coming from his native county of Barbour, AL, being born in 1852. He was the youngest of nine children given to John and Mary (Mooney) Davis, the former of whom was born in North Carolina, and the latter in Georgia. Their wedding took place in the latter state in 1827, and later on they moved to Alabama (1846), and the father opened up a plantation. He died in 1871 and his wife in 1878. He and his father-in-law, Jacob Mooney, were participants in the Indian War of 1836, the latter being killed in battle. J. C. R., our subject, was reared to farm life and was educated in the schools of Alabama, being married there January 6, 1875, to Eugenie Stevens, whom he brought with him to Arkansas. By exercising judgment and ingenuity and prudence Page 170 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas he has become the owner of 800 acres of land, lying in White, Cleburne and Faulkner Counties, and has about 200 under cultivation. Although he affiliates with the Democratic party he is not an active politician, but being the people’s choice for the office of constable, he filled that position during 1877 and 1878. He is a Mason. In religion he and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Their union has been blessed with six children, five of whom are living: John Green (who died in 1877 aged eleven months), Tay B., Ora O., Hattie O., Grover C. and M. E. Mrs. Davis is a daughter of Green and Margarette (McRae) Stevens. The father was a planter and in 1871 came to White Co., AR. Here he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1885. His wife died in Alabama. James D. Davis is a we11-known farmer and stock raiser of Bald Knob, and came to Arkansas, locating in the woods of Whits County in 1871, when but nineteen years of age. The first four years he lived with J. H. Ford, while he was clearing up his farm, after which his marriage to Miss Delanie Watters was solemnized. She was born in Perry Co., A1a., May 28, 1854, and is the mother of three children, two of whom are still living: William D. and Susie H. Mr. Davis first saw the light of day in Perry Co., Ala, on November 26, 1852, and is the son of Huriah and Tobitha (Morris) Davis, who were also natives of Alabama, and married in that State, residing there until after the war. He enlisted in the Confederate army in 1861, in the Eighth Alabama Infantry, and died on the battlefield. Mrs. Davis then removed in 1873 with her children to Mississippi, where they remained several years, subsequently coming to Arkansas and locating in White Co., where they made their home with James D., who had preceded them several years. In 1888 she went to live with a daughter at Springfield, MO, where she now resides. She was the mother of nine children, six of whom are still living: Frances (now Mrs. Goodnight, of Mississippi), William C. (of Logan County), Caroline (wife of William Green, of Logan County), James D. (our subject), Nancy (wife of James Finney, of Springfield, Mo.) and Thomas H. (a farmer of Pope County.) Mr. and Mrs. James Davis are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, as were also his parents. In politics he is a Democrat, and also belongs to the Agricultural Wheel. He has been a very successful farmer and stock raiser, and deals in all kinds of live stock. John D. DeBois is a distinguished attorney at law and real-estate dealer of Judsonia, AR, of which place he has been a resident since 1871, coming from Henry Co., TN, where he was born in 1848. He was the elder of two children born to John and Mary C. (Guinn) DeBois, the former a native of West Virginia and the latter of North Carolina. The father was reared in the “Buckeye State ” and was married in Tennessee, the latter State continuing to be his home until his death in 1851, he having been a harness-maker by trade, and after marriage directed his attention to farming. His wife died in June, 1888, at Judsonia, AR. John D. DeBois spent his early life on a farm and received his education in the academy of Henry, TN, and in the schools of Lebanon, Ohio. Upon his removal to White Co., AR, in 1871 he engaged in the mercantile business at West Point and in 1872 came to Judsonia and for some time was associated with Dr. J. S. Eastland in the drug business. During this time he began the study of law under the preceptorship of Coody & McRae, and in July, 1878, was admitted to the White County bar and has practiced continuously ever since. Since 1880 he has been in the real-estate business and now owns about 1,000 acres of land, comprising six farms, and has from 350 to 400 acres under cultivation. Mr. DeBois is a Democrat and has been a member of the State and County Conventions at different times. Socially he is a member of the Anchor Lodge No. 384, of the A. F. & A. M. In December, 1872, he was married to Miss Mollie V. Hicks, a daughter of John T. and Martha W. (Heigh) Hicks, originally from North Carolina, who came to White Co., AR, in 1854, settling in Judsonia. Mr. Hicks was a physician and surgeon of many years’ standing, and while serving in the Confederate Page 171 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas army during the late conflict between the North and South, he received a gunshot wound in the knee (in 1863) from the effects of Which he died. His wife survives him, making her home in Wylie, Tex. The children born to this marriage are James Tatum, Flora Blanche, Mary Martin, Iola Opal, Duke Howard (who died in January, 1887, at the age of twenty-two months), and Pattie. Mr. DeBois has taken an active interest in school matters and has served as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, while his wife worships with the Missionary Baptist Church, being a member of that church. John J. Deener is a native of Virginia, and is a son of John Jacob and Tobitha (Hamolen) Deener, natives of Virginia. Mr. John Deener. Sr., was born February 25, 1790, and learned the millwright’s trade when a boy, and lived in Virginia, where he married, until 1836, when they removed to Fayette Co., TN. He then engaged in farming, in which he was very successful. Mr. Deener died in 1867, and his wife in 1849 at the age of forty-four. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and were the parents of seven children, three of whom are still living: Martha Ann (wife of William A. Old, deceased), John J. (our subject) and James B. The paternal grandfather of our subject was John Jacob Deener, and a native of England, and came to this country during the Revolutionary War in which he took an active part, on the side of the Americans, and served under Gen. Washington and under Gen. Francis Marion. After the war he settled in Virginia, where he died, leaving three sons: George, John Jacob and William. The Deener family as a race are of small stature. John J. Deener, our subject, was born April 22, 1830, and received his education at the Macon Masonic College, and when nineteen years of age he left school and worked on a farm, and also engaged in clerking in a store. During the war he was occupied in teaching school. After the war he went into partnership with Samuel E. Garther, of Williston, TN.. in the mercantile business! where he remained about six years, then removing to Arkansas and locating on the farm where he has since resided. In 1883 he was elected assessor of the Co., and held the office four years, also officiated as justice of the peace for twelve years while in Tennessee. Mr. Deener was married on November 13, 1851, to Miss Sarah A. Gober, who was born in Franklin Co., GA, in 1832. They were the parents of four children: Eliza Hamblin (wife of George W. Dobbins), Lula A. (wife of S. S. Putty). Richard S. (a Methodist Episcopal minister) and John J. Mr. and Mrs. Deener are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in which they take an active part. Mr. Deener also belongs to the Masonic order, and is a strong Democrat. G. W. Dobbins, county assessor, Searcy, AR. Every life has a history of its own; and although in appearance it may seem to possess very little to distinguish it from others, yet Mr. Dobbins’ career as a farmer and stock raiser, as well as his experience in the political affairs of the community have contributed to give him a wide and popular acquaintance with, nearly every citizen of White County - if not personally, then by name - and serves to make his career a more than ordinary one. His birth occurred in Monroe Co., AR, in 1851, and was the second in a family of three children born to A. M. C. and Frances Ann (Carlton) Dobbins, natives of North Carolina. The father was a prominent physician and surgeon, and after his marriage, which occurred in his native State, he immigrated to Tennessee, and there followed his practice until about 1850. He then moved to Monroe Co., AR, settled at Clarendon, followed his profession there until 1857, when he went to Izard County and settled at Evening Shade. He remained there until March, 1860, when he moved to North Carolina. His wife died in Izard Co., AR, on January 1, 1860, and in the fall of 1861 he enlisted in the Thirteenth North Carolina Regiment and participated in the battle of Seven Pines, where he received a gunshot wound. He was taken prisoner at the second battle of Fredericksburg and confined at Rock Island, IL, and was also confined at Johnstown Island, where he was paroled in June, 1865. He then Page 172 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas returned to North Carolina, remained there until 1867, and then moved to Fayette Co., TN, where he engaged in his practice. His death was caused by yellow fever in 1878. He was a strong temperance man. His children were named as follows: Frances Ann (now Mrs. Baxter, of Gray Township), G. W. and John M. (married and resides in Marion Township, White County). G W. Dobbins was educated in the schools of North Carolina, and commenced for himself as a clerk in a store, where he remained two years with a salary of $8 per month. In 1869 he attended the Olin College, in Iredell Co., NC, and in 1870 went to Fayette Co., TN, where he again engaged in clerking. This he followed until 1875 when, in that and the following year, he, in partnership with J. J. Deener, engaged in the mercantile business, thus continuing for nearly two years. He then followed farming in 1877, and the same year came to White Co., AR, where he purchased and improved a farm of 180 acres, and now has sixty-five acres under cultivation. He is raising considerable stock. He is not very active in politics but votes with the Democratic party, also with the Wheel or County Alliance, and is a member of the Agricultural Wheel. He was elected county assessor in September, 1888, and has been deputy tax collector twice, in 1885 and 1886. He has also been deputy tax assessor two terms, in 1885 and 1888. He has been a member of the school board four years, and takes an active interest in educational affairs. He was married in Fayette Co., TN, on August 26, 1873, to Miss Eliza H. Deener, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of J. J. and Sarah A. (Gober) Deener, natives of Virginia and Georgia, respectively. Both are living at the present time, and reside in White Co., whither they moved in 1877. To Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins were born these children: Lula Alma, Jessie Eva, Samuel Harold, George Milas, Mary Sadie, Shelly Gober and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he has been church secretary since 1878. He takes a deep interest in church affairs. Charles L. Douthat received his education at Buchanan, Botetourt Co., VA, and when eighteen years old, was employed as salesman for nearly two years, and then worked at the tinners’ trade for about three years. He then went to Memphis, TN, where he was employed as salesman in a wholesale grocery house, until 1859, when he came to West Point and started in the mercantile business, with a capital of a few hundred dollars, which he had saved out of his salary. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate army, in the first Arkansas State Troops, but which soon after disbanded, when he then joined Ben McCullock’s first Arkansas Mounted Rifles, and was with that command until the close of the war. He was elected to take an official position, but preferred remaining in the ranks as a private. On coming out of the army, Mr. Douthat was financially broken, and again returned to Memphis, and was employed by a wholesale grocery house as salesman, where he remained about two years, then returned to West Point, and entered into business with W. C. West, and afterward with A. T. Jones, with whom he was engaged for three years, then running the business alone. He has built up a large trade, and carries a fine stock of goods. Mr. Douthat was born in Rockbridge Co., VA, in 1831, and was the son of William H. and Susan (Lewis) Douthat, natives of Richmond, Va, and of Irish descent, the ancestors coming to this country before the Revolutionary War. Robert Douthat, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was the owner of the Rock bridge, or Natural bridge, and was the proprietor and builder of a large woolen mill, and brought many workmen from Ireland. William H. Douthat was a prominent Mason of Virginia, and died in 1858, his wife surviving him till 1883, at the age of seventy-two years. They were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom are still living: Mary J., Robert 11., Charles L. (our subject), Henry O., Susan, fielding (now a stock raiser in Montana), Warner L. (in California), Sarah and Annie (who still lives in Virginia). In 1866 C. L. Douthat was married to Mary O. Whitney, who was born in Fayette Co., TN, in 1842. They are the parents of three children: Effie L., Alma and Charles W., all of whom are at home. Mr. Douthat and family are Page 173 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is a strong Democrat, and a prominent citizen of West Point. William T. Dowdy, a sharpshooter in the late war, came to White County in 1855 with his father, who bought 320 acres of wild land and commenced improving it, and cleared up forty or fifty acres before the war. His father, Andrew J. Dowdy, was a native of North Carolina and came to Tennessee when he was a young man, where he was married, in 1835, to Sarah Sutherland, of Tennessee origin, and a daughter of Thomas Sutherland. After his marriage he was employed as overseer on a plantation for thirteen years. He was the father of three children: Anna E. (afterward Mrs. Barger), William T. (our subject) and James S. (deceased). William T. owes his nativity to Western Tennessee, being born in 1839, and spending his younger days in that State. He was married in White Co., in 1860, to Emeline E. Barger, a native of Tennessee, and who died on December 10, 1860. He was married the second time on April 17, 1866, to Elizabeth Sessums, also of Tennessee. They are the parents of four children, two of whom are still living: Richard A. (editor of the Economist at Searcy, AR.) and James A. Mr. Dowdy enlisted in 1861 for twelve months, and afterward for four years or during the war, in Company D, of the Thirty-first Arkansas Infantry, and was one of the Confederate sharpshooters who did such valuable service for the Confederate cause. He took an active part in the battles of Corinth, Stone River, Chickamauga and a number of others, and was taken prisoner on July 22, 1864, near Atlanta, GA, and then to Camp Chase, OH, when he was released on parole, February 12, 1865, and went to Richmond, where he received a furlough. He then went to Western Tennessee, where he remained until the close of the war. He then returned home and has since engaged in farming. He owns a farm of 200 acres, with sixty-five acres under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Dowdy are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Dowdy is also connected with the County Wheel, of which he has been chaplain since first entering the society. He is also a constituent of the Centre Hill Lodge No. 114, of the Masonic order. Mrs. Dowdy was a daughter of Richard J. and Rachel (Little) Sessums. Mr. Sessums was born in North Carolina in 1805 and died in 1863. He was married in 1833, and was the father of five children. R. A. Dowdy is editor and publisher of The Arkansas Economist, the official journal of the Farmers’ and Laborers’ Union of Arkansas, Searcy, AR. Mr. Dowdy has had charge of the paper since its name was so called, or during 1889. It was made the official organ July 26, 1889, at Hot Springs, and it has quite a circulation and is building up a good State circulation. Prior to the above-mentioned date it was a local paper. Mr. Dowdy took charge of the paper in May, 1888; was partner until April 1 of the following year, when he purchased the full interest in it. The paper was organized in October. 1887, under the name of “White County Wheel,” and remained thus until after the meeting at Hot Springs, when it was issued under the present name in August, 1889. Mr. Dowdy was born in Des Arc Township, White Co., AR, in 1868 and is the eldest in a family of four children born to the marriage of William T. and C. E.- (Sessums) Dowdy, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively. The father came to White Co., AR, in 1859, settled in Des Arc Township, and here met and married Miss Sessums. Both are now living and reside in White County. R. A. Dowdy received his education in the district schools, and then took a course in Quitman College in 1885. After leaving college he engaged in teaching in Cleburne County for a few terms but later engaged in editorial work on his present paper. Socially, Mr. Dowdy is a member of the Farmers’ and Laborers’ Union, and takes a deep interest in all things pertaining to the good of the county. Page 174 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas T. A. Duncan enjoys the reputation of being not only a substantial and progressive farmer, but an intelligent and thoroughly posted man on all matters of public interest. In his dealings with his fellow-men he has been upright and honorable, and his character will stand any investigation which may be given it. His native birthplace was Jackson Co., AL, where he first saw the light of day in 1830,.he being the eldest of eight children born to Jesse and Nancy E. (White) Duncan, who were Tennesseans, the father reared at Nashville and the mother near Winchester. They were married in Tennessee and at an early day removed to Alabama, and here Jesse Duncan followed the occupation of millwrighting and erected ,one of the first mills in the Co., also opening a large plantation. He died in 1884 and his wife in 1883. Their children are: T. A. (living in White Co., AR), W. R. (who is married and resides in Texas), James H. (married and living in Alabama), J. C. (married and living in Kansas), Mary (Mrs. Selby, living near Iuka, Miss.) and Elizabeth (who also resides at Iuka). T. A. Duncan’s early life was like the majority; of farmers’ boys, and he assisted his father in clearing up the home farm and began that work for himself at the age of nineteen in Alabama. He was married in Jackson Co., of that State, in January, 1849, to S. B. Pace, and upon the opening of the war he enlisted from Jackson County in the Confederate army, for three years, or during the war, becoming a member of Berry’s artillery. He was in the battle of Peach Orchard Gap (GA, Jackson (Miss), Resaca, and was taken prisoner at Spanish Fort and sent to Ship Island and afterward to Vicksburg. Upon being paroled in 1865 he returned to Jackson Co., Ala, and in 1872 came to White Co., AR, and bought a timber tract of 180 acres which he began clearing and upon which he erected good buildings. He has 110 acres of his 400-acre farm under cultivation, all of which he has cleared since coming to the county. He is a Democrat, has been magistrate nine years, and taken an interest in the finance of the Co., which was in bad shape at that time, and succeeded in settling affairs. He is also a member of the school board, and has always taken a deep interest in school matters. He and wife are the parents of the following children: William F. (who is married and resides in White Co., AR), Cassie (who died in 1885 at the age of twenty-eight years, was married to Mr. Holleman), B. E. (who is married and lives in the county), J. J. (married and living in Cleburne County), Mints (who married A. J. Holleman after the death of Cassie, and lives in White Co., AR), Nancy (Mrs. J. F. Lawrence), C. A. (who married F. W. Mrs. Duncan’s parents, William and Elizabeth (Wininger) Pace, were both members of old Virginia families, and moved to Alabama about the year 1827, being among the earliest to enter land in that State. The father died in 1870 and his wife one year later. James Dupriest is a farmer and ginner of Marshall Township, and owns 850 acres of land, of which 300 acres are under fence, 200 in pasture, and 100 acres under cultivation. He is a native of Georgia, his birth occurring in 1821. His father, Martin Dupriest, was also of Georgia origin, where he was educated and subsequently married, and to this union was born a family of eight children. James D. was a twin, being sixth in order of birth and a prosperous boy. He lived in Georgia until 1840, when he moved to Alabama with his father, locating in Coosa County and there remained seventeen years. He was married to Sarah Malcolm and moved to Arkansas in 1856, and by her had two children who died in infancy. His wife died in 1864 and in 1865 was married to his second wife, Mrs. Louisa Henry, and to this union has been born a family of seven children: Ebbie, Burton, Thomas, Cathron, Cullen, McFerrin, Joseph. His second wife had one son by her first marriage, Fenton Henry, he being a thoroughly and highly educated man. James Dupriest honors the Democrats with his vote and takes quite an interest in politics though not an enthusiast; he is also a Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge. Himself and wife worship with the Methodist Church to which they belong. Page 175 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Dr. J. S. Eastland is one of the foremost physicians and surgeons of White Co., AR, and his practice lies among the wealthiest and most intelligent people of the county. He has been a resident of Judsonia since March, 1872, having, prior to this, been a resident of Richland Co., Wis. He was born in Hinds Co., MS, December 18, 1844, and was the second of a family of ten children born to David J. and Mary E. (Cameron) Eastland, the father born in Genesee Co., NY, and the mother in Hinds Co., MS. When a young man the father went to the vicinity of Schoolcraft, Mich, and at the age of twenty years removed to Mississippi, and was engaged in teaching school in an academy at Cayuga, and was married there about the year 1841. From 1852 until the present time he has been engaged in milling in Richmond Co., and is making his home on a large farm which he purchased near Sextonville. Dr. J. S. Eastland was about eight years old when he was taken to Wisconsin, and he received his education in the schools of Richland County. In 1863 he enlisted at Madison, WI, in Company H, Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry, and was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee. He was a participant in the engagements at Chattanooga, Resaca, Buzzard’s Roost, Kenesaw Mountain, and was with Sherman in his memorable march to the sea, and in the Carolina campaign. He was at the grand review at Washington, D. O., but received his discharge at Madison, WI, in June, 1865. After returning home he began reading medicine, and took a course in the Eclectic Medical Institute during the winter of 1869 - 70. The following year he entered Blakely Hospital of Philadelphia, Penn., and after graduating the same year he came to Arkansas, taking up his abode in Randolph Co., but only remained there until 1872, since which time he has been a resident of White County. In September, 1886, he opened a fine drug store at Judsonia, which is in a flourishing condition, and in addition to managing this establishment and practicing his profession, he is employed as surveyor of the Iron Mountain Railroad. He is a Democrat, a member of the board of medical examiners of White Co., and socially is a member of Anchor_Lodge No. 384, of the A. F. & A. M., and was Worshipful Master of the lodge for some years. He was married in White Co., in 1873, to Miss Samantha W. Boatwright, a native of White Co., and a daughter of Charles W. and Virginia (Subbaugh) Boatwright, who were natives of Virginia. In 1856 they settled at West Point, White Co., AR, but Mr. Boatwright is now residing at Jonesboro, AR. The mother died in 1889. When Dr. Eastland first came to White County the country was, in a great measure, unsettled, and there was a great deal of sickness among the settlers, but it is now much healthier. Mrs. Eastland is a member of the Baptist Church. J. W. Edie. Among the early settlers of Judsonia will be found the name of J. W. Edie, who came from Buchanan Co., Iowa, and settled in the town in 1873. After following the lumber business for some twelve years he began making a specialty of sash, doors and blinds, and does an extensive business. He was born in Harrison Co., OH, December 6, 1834, and is the eldest of two children born to Thomas and Levina (Palmer) Edie, who were born in the “Keystone State.” They immigrated to Ohio with their parents in 1819 and 1821, respectively, and were married in that State in February, 1834. The father was a farmer, and followed that occupation both in Ohio and after removing to Iowa in 1853, in the latter State paying much of his attention to the manufacture of lumber also. These occupations received his attention until his removal to Judsonia in 1877, and from that time until his death, in February, 1883, he lived a retired life. His wife survives him. The paternal grandparents, James and Mary (Ward) Edie, were born in Pennsylvania and England, respectively, and settled in the State of Ohio, in 1819; the great- grandfather was a Scotchman. The maternal grandparents, James and Margaret (Arnold) Palmer, were born in Maryland, and moved to Ohio in 1821, from which State they removed to Iowa in 1853, making the latter their home until his death in 1857, at the age of eighty one years. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. His wife died in 1868, at the age of eighty-three years. The children of Thomas and Levina Edie are: Page 176 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Margaret (now Mrs. Wagner, of Judsonia, whose husband is in the Government employ) and our subject (who was reared on his father’s farm and received his education in the schools of Ohio. After his removal to Iowa with his parents, he resided there until 1856, when he was married, in Buchanan Co., to Miss Rebecca J., a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Garner) Chitester, of Pennsylvania. The father was a millwright, and in 1845 moved to Shawneetown, IL, and, in 1850, to Iowa. Since 1885 they have resided in Judsonia, AR, and have passed the sixtieth milestone of their wedded life. After his marriage, Mr. Edie made his home in Iowa until 1873, then came to Judsonia and engaged in business as mentioned above. He is not an active politician, but votes the Democratic ticket, and has been mayor of the town in which he lives three terms, and has also been a member of the city school board. Socially he is a member of Anchor Lodge No. 384, of the A. F. & A. M., and has been Worshipful Master of his order. He belongs to Tillman Chapter No. 19, and Occidental Council No. 1. Mr. and Mrs. Edie are worthy members of the Baptist Church, and their union has been blessed in the birth of eight children, seven being new alive: Silas A. (died in 1878, at the age of twenty-two years), O. F. (is unmarried, and is an engineer on the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad), Ida (now Mrs. McDearman, lives in Judsonia), T. M. (is married, and lives in the town; a carpenter and joiner by trade), Ada Aletha (Mrs. Sims), A. J. (a resident of Little Rock), Eva (Mrs. Croy, of Darke Co., Ohio) and Stella. Mr. Edie is public-spirited, and is a member of the board of directors of the Judsonia University. William H. Edwards. Among the many old settlers of White Co., AR, there is none more highly esteemed than the subject of this sketch, for in his walk through life he has been honest and upright in every particular. He was born in Madison Co., TN, August 7, 1811, and is a son of Sanford and Mary (Thetford) Edwards, both of whom were born in Greenville District, S. C., the former in 1787 and the latter in 1805. They were married in Tennessee, reared their family in the western portion of that State and there spent their lives, the father‘s death occurring in 1874 and the mother's in 1869. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he was a soldier in the War of 1812, and in his political views was an old line Whig, but was not an enthusiast in politics, being one of those quiet men whose life was without reproach. Their family was as follows: Nancy (deceased, was born in 1806 and became the wife of a Mr. Fussell), Anderson (deceased, was born in 1808), William H. (the subject of this memoir), James F. (deceased, was born in 1814 and died in May, 1889, a farmer of White County), Rebecca (deceased, was born in 1817, and was the wife of James Stowbuck, a blacksmith of Tennessee), Ina (deceased, was born in 1819), Joseph (was born in 1822, and is a farmer of White County), Elizabeth (was born in 1823 and is the wife of Enoch Terry, of Texas), Sophronia (deceased, was born in 1828 and is the wife of William Tedford), and Sanford (who was born in 1831 and is a farmer of Tennessee). William H. Edwards received very poor chances for acquiring an education, owing to the newness of the country during his youth and to the fact that his services were required on the home farm, on January 4, 1835, he was married to Miss Lucinda Dockins, and to them were born the following children: James M. (a farmer of White Co., born in 1836), William L. (born in 1837), George W. (born in 1839) and Mary E. and Rebecca J. (twins, born in 1841, Rebecca being the widow of James Powers). Mrs. Edwards died in 1844 and January 28, 1846, Mr. Edwards married Lucinda Wilson, daughter of James Wilson. She was born in Tennessee in 1825 and by Mr. Edwards became the mother of four children: Sarah Ann (born in 1847 and died the same year), Joseph M. (residing near his father, was born in December, 1848), Susan A. (was born September 26, 1851, and died August 1, 1852), an infant (died unnamed) and Noah A. (who was born November 15, 1854, and is a farmer of this county). After his marriage Mr. Edwards worked for his father two years and then began tilling his father’s farm for himself, continuing until 1852, when he purchased a farm of his own, on which he resided for seven years. Since that date he has resided in White Co., and in 1860 purchased the farm of 160 acres Page 177 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas where he now lives. He has seventy acres under cultivation and his farm is well adapted to raising all kinds of farm produce. He was reared a Whig, but since the war, in which he served on the Confederate side three years, he has been a Democrat. He became a Mason at Stony Point twenty-six years ago, but is at present a member of Beebe Lodge No. 145, A. F. & A. M., and has held every office in that order. He is also a valued member of the Agricultural Wheel and has always taken hold of every movement that had for its object the social or educational welfare of the community in which he resided. He has ever lived in peace and harmony with his neighbors and he and family are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Thomas J. Edwards. Hayden S. Edwards, the esteemed father of the subject Of this memoir, was born in Shelby Co., KY, on April 2, 1811, and was a son of Rev. James P. Edwards, one of the first Baptist ministers that came to the State of Arkansas. He was also a surveyor and came to this State to assist a corps of engineers, and was over a large part of the State. Hayden S. was married to Miss Mary Lumkins, a native of Knox Co., TN, on January 26, 1832, and in 1853 removed to Arkansas, locating in White Co., on the farm now owned by his son, Thomas J., who took charge of the farm and cared for his parents the latter years of their lives. Hayden Edwards was a school-teacher in his younger days, and also served in the Mexican War as wagon master. He was a strong Democrat and a member of the Masonic order, and was connected with the Missionary Baptist Church, as was also his wife. He died in 1887. His wife was born in 1815, and died in 1882, leaving a family of six children, Thomas J., the principal of this sketch, being the only one living. He was born in Ballard Co., KY, on April 17, 1841. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate army, under Col. Patterson, and took part in all of the battles in the Missouri raid. He was wounded at Little Rock, and was taken prisoner but soon escaped. After the close of hostilities he returned home and found his family stripped of every thing of value, and as he was without means he was obliged to start from the beginning, but with a will that overcame all obstacles has risen to an eminence of success, and is now the owner of 280 acres of land in the old homestead and eighty south of Bald Knob, and has about 130 under cultivation. In 1884 he was married to Miss Ida N. Maxwell, a daughter of Joseph Maxwell, and who is the mother of one daughter, Mary Stokes, who was born February 5, 1885. Mrs. Edwards is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Edwards is a Democrat and a prominent citizen of White County. James H. Edwards, one of White County’s leading citizens, is a son of James and Eliza (Simmons) Edwards, natives of Haywood Co., TN, who moved to Arkansas in 1850, and located in White Co., and later moved to Cleburne Co., where Mr. Edwards, Sr., still lives” in his sixty-eighth year. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and also of the Masonic order. He is still engaged in farming, and owns 460 acres of fine land. His wife died on August 26, 1889, at the age of sixty-two. They were the parents of fourteen children, ten of whom are still living: John E, Thomas H., Tennie (wife of J. W. Blasingim), James H. (our subject), Mary J. (wife of J. R. Fortner), Martha Ann (wife of Frank Epps), Ann Eliza (wife of Richard Davis), Nannie, Benjamin and Henry. James H. Edwards claims White County as his birthplace, his birth occurring on April 26, 1854, and remained on his father’s farm until twenty-seven years of age, though part of the time was spent in farming for himself. He married Miss Emma Fortner, a daughter of J. E. and Mary C. Fortner, and who was born in White Co., in 1861. Joseph E. Fortner was born in Wayne Co., NC, December 4, 1812, and died in White Co., AR, July 5, 1888. In 1832 he was genuinely and soundly converted to God and joined the Presbyterian Church. After a few years of devotion to that branch of God’s church he joined the Methodist Church, in which he kept his membership until God called him home. From North Carolina he moved to Tennessee, and from there to Arkansas, where he lived for thirty-four years, being Page 178 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas among the pioneers of this country. He was the father of fifteen children. His seat was never vacant at church, unless sickness kept him away. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are the parents of two children: Adga May and Hollice Taylor. He owns a fine farm which is well under cultivation, and has been a very successful and highly respected citizen. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a prominent Democrat, and also belongs to the County Wheel. Thomas B. Ellis. Benjamin Ellis was a native of the Old Dominion, where he was married to Mary Malone, also of that State. They removed to Kentucky in 1807 or 1808, and the following year moved to Alabama, where they made their home until their death, Mrs. Ellis passing away in 1853 and Mr. Ellis in the following year. They were the parents of eleven children: Benjamin B. (married and residing in Shelby Co., TN), Sallie M. (Harris), Nancy H. (Norris), Mary H. (deceased), Thomas B. (the subject of this sketch), James B. and William T. (both deceased), Joseph F. and John W. (residents of Alabama). Thomas B. Ellis was born in Madison Co., AL, in 1820, where he resided for over thirty years, and where he was married to Judith A. Critz, of Alabama, who died in 1850, having two children: Mary E. (now Mrs. Hussey, of Searcy, White County) and Olivia O. (now Mrs. Goodlow, also of that place). Mr. Ellis was married the second time, in 1851, to Mary A. Corrington, of Marshall Co., MS, who died in 1860, leaving three daughters: Sarah A. (Mrs. Menus, residing near Nashville, Tenn), Martha E. (now Mrs. Lanier, of Searcy), Roberta A.(now Mrs. Dickey, residing near the old homestead). His third and present wife, was Mary A. Montgomery, a daughter of Edward and Tobitha Montgomery, of White Co., AR, to whom he was married in 1860. They are the parents of four children: Virgil B., Nora, Thomas B. and John E. (deceased). Mr. Ellis came to Arkansas in 1856, settling in Des Arc Township, White Co., where he bought a farm of 560 acres with 110 cleared, and on which he still lives. He enlisted in 1861 as a forager, in which capacity he served a short time, and was then given an honorable discharge on account of age. He returned to his farm, which he found in a state of decay and dilapidation. He has since resided on the farm and been very successful as a farmer, remaining here until the last year, when he removed to Centre Hill and started in the grocery business. Mr. Ellis is a member of the Masonic order, and belongs to Centre Hill Lodge No. 114, and is Master of his lodge. Mr. Ellis and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Ellis is a prominent Democrat, and held the office of constable shortly after the war. James Figg was born in Gates Co., NC, January 31, 1804, and received a practical education in the schools of his native State. He was married March 19, 1829, to Miss Margaret Lewis of North Carolina, who was born March 19, 1809. To their union ten children were given: Mary J. (deceased), Sophia A. (Mrs. W. H. Hallford), F. O. (Mrs. Samuel Gray, deceased), John L. (now residing in Alabama), one child who died in infancy (unnamed), Martha R. (who married F. M. Rice), George A. (deceased), Emma J. (Mrs. L. Byrd), Joseph J. and Mary E. Mr. Figg was a man who took an active interest in political affairs, being a Whig up to the time of the war, and a strong secessionist. A farmer and mechanic by occupation, he owned 120 acres of land highly cultivated at the date of his demise. He was a Master Mason and had held office as Tyler in Newton Lodge No. 224, in Alabama, and was a member of Mount Pisgah Lodge No. 242 in Arkansas at the time of his death, which occurred February 10, 1873. He and wife were members of the Methodist Church, South, and he was one of the prominent factors in organizing the church in the neighborhood where he lived; ever taking an active interest in all church and educational matters. Joseph J. Figg received his education in Alabama, and at the age of twenty-one immigrated to Arkansas and settled in White Co., where he is now residing. Reaching an age Page 179 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas where he realized that it was not good for man to be alone, be selected for his life’s companion Miss Mary F. Andrews, who was born February 16, 1853, a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Andrews. Their marriage was consummated January 13, 1875, and five children have blessed their union: Lelia V. (born May 20, 1877), James L. (born February 2, 1879), Robert G. (born June 20, 1881), Maggie E. (born November, 22, 1883), and one who died in infancy. Mr. Figg is a farmer and school-teacher, and owns 120 acres of hill and bottom land, with twenty-five acres under cultivation. He is Master Mason, and has held office as Junior Deacon for one term in Mount Pisgah Lodge No. 242; he was also formerly a member of the Wheel, but has recently resigned. During his connection with that order he acted as secretary of the lodge; he has held the office of justice of the peace for three consecutive terms in the township in which he resides, serving in an acceptable manner. Mrs. Figg is a consistent member and an earnest worker of the Baptist Church. W. E. Fisher. It has long been acknowledged that, no matter what a man’s occupation in life may be if his energies are directed toward advancing the interests of the community in which he resides, he is a useful and respected and prominent man. W. E.’s early life was surrounded with many hardships and privations, and his early education was acquired by reading at night by the flickering light of a brush fire after his day’s work was done. Upon commencing life for himself the occupation he had been taught when young naturally became his by adoption, and he now owns 353 acres with about 155 acres under cultivation. Mr. Fisher was born in Wilson Co., TN, November 25, 1819, and on August 11, 1840, he was married to Miss Martha Adkinson, her death occurring on September 19, 1852, after having borne a family of seven children: Anderson L. (born August 23, 1841, was married to Miss Martha Canada, became the father of six children, and is a farmer of White County), David (born in 1843 and died in infancy), David L. (born September 19, 1844), Cordelia M. (was born December 23, 1846; first married John Winford, by whom she became the mother of three children, and after his death she wedded John Drenon), Amanda J. (was born February 14, 1849, and married Thomas Martin, a farmer of Pope Co., becoming the mother of seven children), Eliza J. (was born February 16, 1851, and married Paton Burris, who left her a widow with one child, and she afterward married Frank Massey, a farmer of Searcy County). In January, 1855, Mr. Fisher wedded Mrs. Susan Brown, of Carroll Co., but she too died on May 31 of the following year. He espoused his third wife, Miss Harriet Agours, of Fayette Co., TN, June 24, 1857, and their children are as follows: Mary E. (born June 30, 1863, is the wife of S. J. Crabtree, editor of the Arkansaw Hub at Beebe, by whom she has one child living and two children deceased), Martha E. (was born Apri12, 1858, and is the wife of James Martin, who keeps a meat market in Brinkley), Laura E. (was born February 23, 1865, and wedded John Watson, and they also have one child living and one deceased), Harriett A. (was born October 25, 1867, and is the wife of John Shelton, only one of their two children being now alive), George W. (born September 27, 1859), Joseph E. (born April 7, 1861), Maggie (deceased), Sallie (born November 13, 1871) and Jimmie (born July 16, 1873). All Mr. Fisher’s children have received good school advantages and are intelligent young people. Our subject removed with his family to Arkansas on November 23, 1860, and located about three-quarters of a mile west of the farm on which he is now living, where he purchased 162 acres of land, and after making his home here for about nine years he bought the farm on which he is now residing. Mr. Fisher affiliated with the Democrat party until 1885, when he united with the Agricultural Wheel, and has been a member of the State Deputy Organization and has also served faithfully and well in the capacity of State lecturer. At the present time he is chairman of the State Central Committee. He is a man who has always taken a deep interest in public affairs, and is well informed in all matters pertaining to Co., State and national matters, taking that side in politics which he deemed best calculated to promote the interests of the Page 180 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas people. He has served his county in the State legislature and filled this position to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He holds membership in Beebe Lodge No. 144, of the A. F. & A. M., and has served as Senior Warden and is a Royal Arch Mason of El Paso Lodge. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, as are also eleven of their children. Mr. Fisher is a son of Anderson Fisher and Sinie Johnson, the former of English ancestry, his people having come from England prior to the Revolutionary War. Anderson Fisher was a scout under Gen. Jackson in the War of 1812, and for a few years prior to his death drew a pension, although he had refused to do so up to that time. He died in 1876 at the age of eighty-three years, four months and six days. He was the father of ten children: Jeremiah, Eliza, Sarah, James, W. E., Leonard B., Elizabeth, John H., Anderson M., Lucinda A., and Cordelia, who died in infancy, the remainder of the family growing to manhood and womanhood. J. B. Foreman is a successful plaster of South Carolina nativity, and has been a resident of White Co., AR, since 1859. He was born in ‘York District, in 1836, and was the third in a family of seven children born to the marriage of James T. and Elizabeth Luraney (Rowell) Foreman, who were also born in York District, SC, and were there married. The father was a planter and the year following his wife’s death, which occurred in South Carolina, October 6, 1859, he removed to White Co., AR, where he became the owner of 620 acres of timber land. He died on this farm March 26, 1873, and left three children to mourn his loss: William Bowell (who is married and resides in Howard Co., AR), Elizabeth L. (who is a Mrs. Mann and lives in the county) and J. B. The latter left South Carolina, a young man, and came direct to White County and purchased 160 acres of land on credit, but before getting it in shape to be tilled was compelled to rent land. In 1862 he joined Company B, Gen. McRae’s regiment, and was in the battles of Helena, Prairie Grove, Little Rock and Cache River, and then joined the cavalry under Col. A. R. Witt, and was in the Missouri raid, taking part in the battles of Pilot Knob, Jefferson City, Independence, Kansas City and thence to Fayetteville. Upon his return home he resumed farming, and has opened up sixty acres of land. He is a Democrat, a member of the Agricultural Wheel, a Mason, belonging to St. Mary’s Lodge No. 170 of the A. F. 85 A. M., and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He was married in White Co., in October, 1860, to Martha Ellen, a daughter of Valentine and Alice (Carr) Harlan, who were born in Georgia, the father a farmer and carpenter by trade. He came to White Co., AR, in 1857, and here died in 1873, his wife dying November 18, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Foreman have these children: James V. (a resident of Kentucky), William Edward (in Kentucky), Ann E., Martha E., Wade E., Bernie P. and Alice E. Mary E. died August 30, 1886, when nearly five years old. John C. Fussell, farmer and stock raiser. The life of this gentleman affords an example which might well be imitated by the young men of the present day, for his capital on commencing life for himself was limited, and throughout his career he has been industrious and frugal. He was born in Madison Co., TN, February 23, 18- 15, and was brought to Arkansas by his parents in 1859, they having been married in 1840. They first settled on railroad land in White Co., but later preempted 160 acres of wild land and began building a home, but traded this in 1876 for eighty acres where our subject, John O., now lives. Wyatt Fussell, the father, prior to coming to Arkansas, was a business man of Jackson, TN, and kept one of the best livery stables in the place. He was marshal of the town for several years, and in his political views was an old line Whig. He and wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Mattox, were members of the Baptist Church, and their deaths occurred in Arkansas, August 12, 1889, and Tennessee, in 1853, respectively. Of six children born to them four lived to be grown: William N. (who is a physician of Denmark, Page 181 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Tenn), John C., Elmira (deceased, the wife of J. J. Rogers, a farmer of Lonoke County) and Mary E. (the wife of J. B. Shelton, of White County). John C. Fussell was reared to a farm life, and although his facilities for acquiring an education were very poor, he acquired a thorough knowledge of the three R’s. Until twenty- Jive years of age he worked for his father and sisters, then was married to Miss Mary E. Powers, a daughter of A. M. Powers, a farmer of Tennessee, who came to Arkansas in 1800. Their union resulted in the birth of three children, two of whom are living: James W. (a young man residing with his father) and Betty O. Jennie died in childhood. Mr. Fussell is a man who has always been interested in the welfare of his Co., and always supports enterprises which tend to benefit the same. He is a member of Stony Point Lodge No. 20, of the Agricultural Wheel. His wife is a daughter of A. M. and Eliza (Moore) Powers, who were Tennesseans, and as above stated came to Arkansas in 1860, locating near Beebe, where he became the owner of a large number of slaves, and resided for fourteen years. He and his wife reared a family of eight children to manhood and womanhood, their names being as follows: Mary E. (Mrs. Fussell), Robert (a mechanic), Nancy (wife of William L. Edwards, a farmer of White County), Martha (wife of James Edwards, also a farmer), Jennie (widow of William Hartbrooks), William (a farmer of Beebe) and Sophia (is wife of John Lestie, of Lonoke County). Uriah E. Gentry is a native of South Carolina and a son of Cornelius and Mary (Johnson) Gentry, also natives of that State, where they lived until after their marriage, removing thence to Georgia when our subject was a child. Later they became located in Tennessee, and in 1836 in Alabama, where the father died in 1842 at the age of thirty-nine. After this unhappy event Mrs. Gentry went to Mississippi with her family and located on the head waters of the Tom Bigbee River, going in 1856 to Texas, and remaining until 1868 when they came to Arkansas, settling in Independence County. The family consisted of nine children the following being the only ones living at this time: Susanah (now Mrs. Provence), Thomas, Uriah E., M. V. and Parthenia (wife of Elisha Bass). Uriah E. Gentry was born in Spartanburg, S. C., on July 12, 1830, and continued with his mother until twenty-two years of age when he commenced for himself as a farmer. In 1863 he enlisted in the Confederate army, in the Twenty-ninth Texas Cavalry, in which he served only a short time, having received a wound; after this he was put on detached duty. Upon the close of the war he rented a farm in Texas for two years, but coming to Independence Co., AR, here bought a farm and remained until 1874 when he sold out and located in White County. He now owns a farm of 200 acres with a large portion of it under cultivation, and has also helped his boys in getting a substantial start in life. Mr. Gentry was married after reaching manhood to Mary Davis, who died in 1864, leaving a family of children, two of whom only are living: Robert C. (a farmer of this county) and Louisa (the wife of a Mr. Saulefor, of Independence County). In 1865 he was married to Miss Winnie Bass, who died in 1868, having borne two children: Thomas R. and Jerry L., both farmers of this county. In 1869 Miss Elizabeth Thomas became Mr. Gentry’s third wife. She died in 1872. In 1873 his fourth matrimonial venture resulted in his marriage to Miss Estelle Churchwell. They are the parents of six children: Carrie L., Mary T., Sallie, Jessie B., Ora B. and Mattie J. Mr. and Mrs. Gentry are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The former belongs to the Masonic order, and is a prominent Democrat. He is recognized as one of the leading men of his township and enjoys a well deserved popularity. . M. N. Gentry, grocery-man, Searcy, AR. The family grocery trade of Searcy is well represented by honorable commercial men, who are full of enterprise. Among those who hold a leading position in this line is Mr. Gentry, firmly established in his business and enjoying an excellent trade. He carries a full line of queensware, Page 182 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas groceries, etc., and started his house in 1876. In April, 1882, he was burned out, and in the same year erected a good one-story brick building, 100 x 25 feet. Mr. Gentry moved to Independence Co., AR, in 1868, remained a short time, and in the same year moved to West Point, White Co., where he resided until 1869. He then moved to Gray Township and followed farming. He owes his nativity to Tishomingo Co., MS, where he was born in 1856, being the third in a family of four children, the result of the union of N. J. and Jane (Eaton) Gentry, natives of South Carolina and Alabama, respectively. The father when a boy moved to Alabama, was married in that State, and followed agricultural pursuits for a livelihood. In 1856 he moved to Red River Co., TX, remained there until 1866, then moved to McLennan Co., where he resided until 1868. He then moved to Independence Co., AR, and later to White Co., purchased land, improved it, and in 1876 engaged in business under the firm name of Ward & Gentry, which title continued until 1878, after which it was changed to Gentry & Son, remaining so until 1887. The father died in June of that year. Socially he was a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M. The mother is still living, and resides at Searcy. Since 1887 the firm title has been M. N. Gentry. The children of the above-mentioned couple are named as follows: W. C. (married, and resides in Navarro Co., TX, engaged in farming): J. T. (married, residing at Hillside, Ten, and is a railroad agent), M. N. and Mary (who resides in Searcy). Mr. Gentry was reared to farm life, and received his education in the schools of Texas, and in White Co., AR, attending one year in Searcy. He assisted his father in clearing and developing the home place, and remained on the farm until he engaged in business in 1876. Socially he is a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M., and served as Junior Warden for six years, Senior Warden for one year, and Worshipful Master for two years. He is at present one of the masters of ceremonies. He served four years as a member of the city council one of which was known as the Dade council, and during that year sheds were erected over the springs. Mr. Gentry takes an active interest in everything for the good of the county. He aids in all enterprises for the public good, and is one of the substantial citizens. C. S. George, clerk of the county and probate court, Searcy, AR, is well known to the residents of White Co., as one, who, in all his relations to the public, has proven himself faithful to the trusts committed to him. Whether in his private or official capacity no taint of dishonor can be found. He was born in Coahoma Co., MS, in January, 1853, being the fourth of eight children, born to C. L. and Catherine M. (McDermott) George, natives of Kentucky and Ohio, respectively. The parents were married at Helena, AR, and later settled in Mississippi, where the father followed agricultural pursuits. His father took an active part in politics, was clerk of Phillips Co., AR, was also assessor in the early history of the Co., and county judge of Coahoma Co., MS, and in 1867 moved to Lawrence Co., AR, where he purchased an improved farm. From there he moved to Searcy, in 1876, lived a retired life, and there died in November, 1881. His excellent wife still survives and resides in Searcy. C. S. George was reared to the arduous duties of the farm, and received a fair education in the schools of Mississippi and Arkansas. He commenced for himself as deputy clerk of Lawrence Co., AR, in 1871, served two years and moved to White Co., AR, in 1876, locating at Searcy. He then entered the office as deputy county clerk in 1880, served eight years, and in 1888 he was elected clerk of the Co., having the honor of being the only one elected on the Democratic ticket. He has been connected with the records of White County longer than any one else now living. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, Searcy Lodge No. 49. is also a member of Tillman Chapter No. 19, R. A. M. Mr. George was married in Searcy, in February, 1880, to M. B. Isbell, a native of White Co., and two children living are the fruits of this union: Herbert L. and Leland S. Those deceased were named: Lillie (who died in 1882) and Charley (who died in 1884). Mr. George is a member of the school board, and takes an active interest in all that Page 183 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas pertains to the good of the community. Mrs. George is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Robert N. Gill, though one of the younger citizens of the Co., has risen to a worthy place among its farmers and merchants. He was born in Tennessee in the year 1855, and is the oldest in a family of five children in the family of W. F. and Ollie A. (McDowell) Gill. The former was a native of Tennessee, and spent his life in farming, which occupation proved very successful to him. Moving to Marshall Township, White Co., AR, in 1853, he purchased 300 acres of land, and at once proceeded to carefully cultivate this property. His wife died in Arkansas in 1875, leaving five children: Robert, James N., Ellen, Molly, aha Georgia A. Mr. Gill subsequently married again and reared a family of four children; he was called to his final home in 1889. Robert N. passed his early life on a farm, and received a good education in the schools of Arkansas. He was married in 1874 to Miss Johanna Thompson, daughter of ~Henry Thompson, and a native of Arkansas. To their union six children have been born: Frank M., Ora B., Olie E., Johnie M., Jessie Lee and Elmer. Mr. Gill is an expert mechanic, and has built many houses in the country, which are excellent specimens of his skill. In 1887 he embarked in merchandising business in Romance, where he carries a large and carefully selected stock, and is building up a substantial and lucrative trade, also owning a fine farm of 120 acres, of which seventy-five acres are under cultivation. He has observed a very great change in the country since taking up his residence here, and in the general growth and advancement has borne a faithful share. In politics Mr. Gill is a Democrat, and with his wife worships at the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Emmet O. Gilliam was the fifth son in a family of six children, of William and Mary (Spencer) Gilliam, natives of Virginia and North Carolina, respectively. William Gilliam was at one time a resident of Mississippi, and later became settled in Tennessee, finally coming to White Co., AR, where he opened up a farm of 160 acres, in Gray Township. After remaining here for three years, he sold out and moved to Des Arc Township. The children of himself and wife were named: Albert A., William S., Robert H., Leona L. (deceased), Emmet O. (our subject) and Edward C. Emmet O. Gilliam was born February 8, 1860, in White Co., on the farm where he now lives. Consequently he is numbered among the community’s younger citizens. In 1880 he took charge of the old homestead, consisting of 160 acres, of which 100 acres are under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Gilliam is a strong Democrat, and although a young man in years, takes an active and influential interest in politics. His energy and determination promise to render him one of the leading men of his county. James Monroe Gist, M. D., medical practitioner and a resident of Beebe, AR, was born December 31, 1833, in Carroll Co., TN, being a son of Joseph B. and Dorcas (Mitchell) Gist, the former of English descent. In 1739 the Gists first came to America and Dr. Gist can trace his ancestry back five generations. Grandfather Mitchell was a participant in the battle of New Orleans and in 1858 came to White Co., AR. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Scott in 1812, while a resident of Kentucky. Dr. James M. Gist received his early education in the private schools of his native county and began his medical studies under Dr. J. W. McCall, of Carroll Co., and took his first course of medical lectures in the medical department of the University of Tennessee at Nashville, during the winter of 1857- 58 and 1859 - 60, graduating in the latter year. In 1858 he had removed to Arkansas and after his graduation he returned here and settled at Austin, Prairie County. In the spring of 1860 he moved to Stony Point, White Co., being there united in marriage January 5, 1861, to Miss Mary Eleanor Thomas, a native of Marshall Co., MS., a daughter of John Franklin and Nancy Thomas, both of whom were of English descent, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Mississippi. To the Doctor and his wife two children were born: Nancy Dorcas (born January 10, 1867, was married to J. E. Page 184 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Fisher in 1885 and died, July 9, 1887, at her home in Texas, of cardiac rheumatism, having given birth to a daughter, Myron Gist Fisher, December 6, 1886), Minnie Laura (the younger daughter, was born October 22, 1869). When Dr. Gist first came to Arkansas game was very abundant, the country being very wild and unsettled. There were two log school-houses in the southern part of the county in which religious services were often held, but the morals of the people were at a very low ebb. In the summer of 1862 the Doctor joined the Confederate army as a private in Col. Dandridge McRae’s regiment, but was detached from his company and assigned duty in the hospital serving in the Trans-Mississippi Department, in which service he remained for a period of eight months, being discharged by reason of disability. He returned to his home at Stony Point where he was living at the time ,of his enlistment, and again engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1865 he embarked in mercantile pursuits with H. B. Strange at Stony Point, carrying a general stock of goods, but the firm dissolved partnership in 1872. Dr. Gist then engaged in the drug business for about eight years. In 1873 he was elected by the Democratic voters of his county to represent them in the State legislature, serving two terms in the regular session and in the extra session called by Gov. Baxter in 1884. In the spring election of 1876 he was chosen mayor of Beebe and has served at different times two or three temps. The Doctor has held a membership in the Masonic fraternity for a number of years,and has attained the Chapter order. He and wife are members of the Christian Church and are charitable and hospitable. George W. Goad, planter and stock raiser of Denmark, AR. This enterprising agriculturist is a son of John and Elizabeth (Hardin) Goad, natives of Kentucky, born 1806 and 1809, respectively. The father was of English descent, and his ancestors came to America prior to the Revolutionary War. They first settled in Virginia, but as the country developed moved farther west, and were among the first settlers of Tennessee. Benjamin Hardin, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a participant in the War for Independence. John Goad and Elizabeth Hardin were married in Graves Co., KY, in the year 1826, and to their union were born the following children: Susan (born August, 1827), George W. (born July 21, 1830), Mary (born 1833), Nancy (born 1836), Sarah Ann (born 1839), John (born 1841), James J. (born 1844), Elizabeth (born 1847), an infant (died unnamed) and Louisa S. (who was born in 1853). Seven of these children grew to maturity. Elizabeth died in the spring of 1852, John died in 1861, Louisa died in 1864 and Mary died in 1853. John Goad left his home in Kentucky to move to Arkansas, and located ii1 Denmark, White Co., of that State, on February 3, 1846, after a tedious journey overland of two months. His was the first family to settle in that part of White County. In 1847 he took a claim of 320 acres, improved it and resided upon the same until 1875, when he sold out. He then settled upon Section 31, Denmark Township, and after the death of Mrs. Goad, which occurred in the fall of 1875, he married a lady by the name of Miss Clarissa Pinegar, and resided in Denmark Township until his death, which occurred on December 3, 1887. five of his children are still living and all married. Susan is now living with her second husband, G. C. Caruthers, and is now residing in Independence County. She had eight children by her first husband, Steven Whilton. Nancy, married Nicholas Lovell and became the mother of seven children. Sarah Ann, married George Swick (deceased), became the mother of five children (one living) and is now living with her second husband, Wiley Westmoreland. James J. Goad married Miss Quintilliss Barnes, resides in Jackson County and has one child living. George W. Goad received a limited education in the common schools of Kentucky and at the tire side at home. He was reared principally to the arduous duties of the farm, but also learned the tanner’s trade with his father, which business the latter carried on, both in Kentucky and Arkansas. George W. Goad selected for his wife Miss Elizabeth J. Riddle, a native of Tennessee, supposed to be of Irish descent, and the wedding took place on Page 185 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas December 25, 1851. Ten children were born to this marriage, six now living: James E. (born September 19, 1852), William (born January 16, 1854, and died March 29, 1864), Mary J. (born February 10, 1855), Harmon M. (born April 23, 1856), Stephen (born May 29, 1857), John (born December 29, 1858, and died April 6, 1864), Lewis W. (born June 16, 1860), an infant (born and died in 1862), Andrew (born February 2, 1863,) and Elizabeth T. (born November 15, 1866, and died August 28, 1868). Mrs. Goad died on November 15, 1866, and Mr. Goad took for his second wife Mrs. Julia A. Wilson, whom he married on August 1, 1867. The following children were the result of this marriage: Margaret (born May 20, 1868), Gabrey (born February 22, 1870), George H. (born January 18, 1872), Jacob (born November 25, 1875), Susie (born August 6, 1880). Of the first children, Mary married William Morgan on December 25, 1873, and has seven children; James married Miss Virginia McCauley, and became the father of seven children; Stephen married Miss Mollie Yarbrough, and has three children; Harmon married Miss Jane Wagoner, in 1882, and has five children; Lewis married Miss Florence Wagoner, in 1883, and has two living children. And of the second marriage, Margaret married Roy M. Hodges, on January 27, 1889, and has one child. Mr. Goad was in the Federal army during the war, served about one year in Col. Baxter’s regiment, which was organized at Batesville in the latter part of 1863 and fore part of 1864. The regiment participated in a number of severe skirmishes. Mr. Goad made his first purchase of land in 1855, buying forty acres, upon which he has since made his home. By subsequent purchase he added to the original tract until he owned 480 acres, but now owns 340 acres, with 100 acres under cultivation. He gave his children a liberal portion of land. Mr. Goad is a Republican in politics, is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and he and wife are members of the Regular Baptist Church. Joseph H. Grammer is a native of Virginia, and was the eldest in a family of five children, born to P. W. and Mary B. (Tyus) Grammer, both of whom were also Virginians by birth. P. W. Grammer was reared on a farm in the Old Dominion, and in 1836-moved to Haywood Co., TN, where he died in 1853, his wife preceding him one year. They were the parents of the following named children: Joseph 11., Rebecca, Edmond W., B. F., and one whose name is not given. Joseph H., the subject of this sketch, first saw the light of day in Petersburg, VA, in 1829, removing to Tennessee with his parents when seven years of age. He commenced farming for himself in 1851, and in 1853 was married to Miss Josephine W. Pettey, a native of Alabama, and a daughter of G. G. and Elizabeth (Capell) Pettey, of Virginia birth. Two years after his marriage Mr. Grammer came to Arkansas and settled in Des Arc Township, White Co., where he bought 320 acres of land, near the present site of Centre Hill. To himself and wife eight children have - been born, three being deceased: William Henry (deceased), Emmett L., William N., Nora., Fannie E., Hattie Lee, Jennie B. (deceased) and Jennie D. (also deceased). They also have three grandchildren. Mr. Grammer is a strong Democrat, and has been called upon to serve in various official capacities. He held the position of deputy sheriff of White Co., was postmaster of Centre Hill for a number of years, and was appointed postmaster of Mount Pisgah, in April, 1889, by President Harrison. Mr. and Mrs. Grammer and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The former has been engaged in farming all his life, and in connection therewith has given his attention to the mercantile business for a number of years, commencing that branch of trade in 1872, at Centre Hill, and in 1889 at Mount Pisgah; his family, however, still residing on the farm. Mr. Grammer is a member of the Masonic order, and belongs to Centre Hill Lodge No. 114, and to Chapter No. 19. He has been instrumental in aiding many worthy movements hereabouts and helped to build the first church and first schoolhouse in White County. Page 186 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas B. F. Grammer, a Tennessean by birth, a farmer by occupation, a Methodist in his religious preferences, a Democrat in politics and a veteran of the Civil War, has been a resident of White County since December, 1856, a period of sufficient length to render him well and favorably known. His parents were P. W. and Mary B. (Tyus) Grammer, both natives of Virginia, as were also their parents. B. F. Grammer was united in marriage in January, 1861, to Miss Sarah J. Neal, who was. I born in Fayette Co., TN, a daughter of James and Mary (Smith) Neal, also of Tennessee origin, and who came to Arkansas in about 1852. Mr. Grammer enlisted in 1862 for three years’ service during the war in the Thirty-sixth Arkansas Infantry, and participated in the battles of Oak Grove and Pleasant Hill, whither his regiment was sent as reinforcement to Gen. Dick Taylor who had been in a siege of eighty- three days. His next engagement was at the ford of the Saline River, after which he was sent to Marshall, Texas, on garrison duty. Upon the close of the war he returned home and again engaged in farming. Mr. 1 and Mrs. Grammer are the parents of seven children, all boys: John B. (married, and resides at Centre Hill), James H. (attending school), Elmer, Horace, Edwin L., Marvin F. and Tyus G. Mr. Grammer has a farm of 125 acres, which he has cleared himself, besides some timber land. Himself and wife and three oldest sons are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. His acquaintance throughout this territory is a wide one and he enjoys universal esteem and respect. Philip Yancey Graves. The estate upon which Mr. Graves now resides, and to which he has given such close attention in its cultivation, embraces 520 acres, a well- improved farm, substantial and convenient buildings being a leading feature of these improvements. He is a son of John and Mark (Yancey) Graves, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Tennessee, their marriage taking place in the latter State, where the father died in 1841. Philip Y., his son, inherits Scotch blood from his paternal ancestry, and was born in the State of Tennessee, on October 8, 1830, and after his father’s death, being the eldest of the children, the support of his widowed mother and three younger children devolved almost entirely upon him. He worked out by the day and month, and at the age of fifteen years, began working on a tract of timber land, on which his father had held a claim, and which was partly improved. He began clearing off’ the timber and making it into shingles and clapboards, for which he found a market at Somerville, Macon, Moscow and other places. After clearing 011’ the timber from about five acres, and erecting thereon a good log-house, he was compelled to give up all claim to the land, as others had a clearer title than he. In 1855, in company with Joseph Hollis, he purchased some cypress timber near La Grange, TN, and this was made into shingles and sold at that place for the academy and college, which were in process of erection at that time. He followed this occupation in Shelby and Hardeman Counties, but in 1857 he gave this up and moved to Tippah Co., MS., where be rented land and engaged in general farming. About one year later he removed to Arkansas, and was married in Mississippi Co., of this State, to Mrs. Elizabeth Hollis (see Tingle), the widow of Joseph Hollis, his former partner. In the fall of 1859 he returned to Mississippi, but owing to rheumatism contracted from exposure while pursuing the shingle business, he was compelled to give up work for about four years. From 1861 to 1865 he farmed in Marshall Co., then returned to Arkansas and purchased 160 acres of land, four miles north of Beebe, upon which were some log buildings and other improvements, twenty acres being under cultivation. He now has 150 acres under the plow, and seven acres in an orchard consisting of peach, apple and plum trees. He finds a market for his fruit at Beebe, his peaches averaging about 50 cents per bushel, and the apples 60 cents. He also ships to St. Louis. His land is well adapted to raising any kind of grain or grasses, and he has raised as high as twenty-two bushels of wheat to the acre. Mr. Graves is a Democrat, a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and he and family are members of the Cumberland Page 187 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Presbyterian Church, at Antioch, AR. Mrs. Graves had five children by her first husband, two of whom are now living: Arminta (married in 1866, R. W. Bell) and Caroline (who became the wife of S. S. Hayney in 1868, and is now Mrs. F. W. Rodgers). The children of Mrs. Graves’ second marriage are: Penelope (born March 22, 1859, is the wife of N. M. Parker, who has a farm near Beebe, but works at the carpenter’s trade. They have three children: Fred D., John W. and Gertrude). Ella was married to John H. Pendleton, a native of Tennessee, in 1881, and has two children: James D. (born March 6, 1884) and Bettie Estelle (born November 13, 1885). Alfred Greer enjoys a deserved reputation as a prominent planter of White County. Born in Davidson Co., TN, February 22, 1820, he received his education in Alabama, near La Fayette. His father, Elijah Greer, was a Virginian by birth and when about twenty-two years old immigrated to Kentucky, where he married Miss Mary Acors, of that State. To them a family of fourteen children were born, twelve of whom grew to maturity, Alfred being the thirteenth child. Elijah Greer manifested a great interest in politics, and served in the War of 1812 as a fife-major. He was a farmer by occupation, and moved from Kentucky to Tennessee in 1810, going in 1830 to Georgia, and settling in Pike County. He resided in that State until his death, in 1841, his wife surviving him only three years. Alfred was married October 13, 1839, in Alabama, to Miss Elizabeth J. Waters, a daughter of William and Feriberry Waters, and their union has been blessed by the birth of ten children, three boys and seven girls: William V., Elisha J., Hiram A., Mary F., Nancy, Feribey, Lucinda, Susan F., Georgia F. and Margaret E. who died in 1846. Mr. Greer owns 160 acres of land, with seventy-five under cultivation. He is a member of the Wheel, in which he has held the office of chaplain for three months. He served in the late war, and enlisted in 1864 under Capt. Choshea, as a home guard, and at the final surrender, returned at once and resumed his occupation of farming, which he has continued with good results since that time. Mr. Greer and wife are members of the Baptist Church, in which the former has acted as deacon. He was one of twenty-four who organized Mount Olive Church, and many other enterprises, which have proven of substantial worth, may be attributed in a large degree to his energy and support. James E. Gregory. There are a number of men prominently identified with the agricultural affairs of White Co., but none among them are more deserving of mention than Mr. Gregory, who was born in Rutherford Co., TN, on September 5, 1837. He was reared in his native Co., and after attending the common schools until nineteen years of age, he took a one-year’s course in Bethel College, Carroll Co., TN. After entering on the active duties of life, he clerked one year for Woods & Herrell, of Bell Station, TN, and in 1859 came to Arkansas, and spent nearly one year in this section of the State, hunting and enjoying himself in his own way. Upon returning to the State of his birth, he again clerked several months, then returned to Arkansas for the purpose of purchasing land for his friends, but before they could make a settlement the war came up and Mr. Gregory enlisted, November 4, 1861, in the Seventh Tennessee Cavalry, and served three years as second lieutenant of Company F, known as Fork Deer Rangers, being under that intrepid soldier, Gen. Forrest, and with him participated in many battles. He was captured three times, first at Brays Station, TN, January 18, 1863, and for four months was kept a prisoner at Alton. Camp Chase and Fort Delaware, and was exchanged at City Point, VA, May 4, 1863. His second capture was in November at Corinth, Miss. After the battle of Harrisburg he returned home and never rejoined the army. From that time until the present, with the exception of 1865, 1866 and 1867, when he was engaged in milling, he has followed farming es an occupation. In 1872 he came to White Co., AR, and purchased 214 acres of land, two miles west of Beebe, on the Iron Mountain Railroad, and after living the life of a bachelor for one year he was married, Page 188 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas March 17, 1873, on his father’s birthday (he being sixty-one years old), to Miss Mary Burns, and by her became the father of the following family: Maud Lee (deceased), Odem S., Richard, Isabella and Elena. On February 6, 1882, he was called upon to mourn the death of his wife, and after remaining a widower until November 7, 1888, he led to the altar Mrs. Henrietta McClelland, the widow of Newton McClelland, of Crockett Co., TN. Since locating on his present farm he has cleared about ninety acres of land, and in all has 140 acres under cultivation, his farm comprising 260 acres of exceedingly fertile land. He is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, the I. O. O. F. and the K. of H., and being interested in the cause of education, he is a member of the school board of his district. His parents, Madison and Julia E. (Mason) Gregory, were born in Rutherford Co., TN, March 17, 1812, and May 2, 1817, respectively, and were married in their native county about 1835, remaining there unti11846, when they removed to Haywood Co., making their home there until their respective deaths. The father was an extensive planter and slave holder, and at the time of the Civil War was the owner of thirteen Negroes. His plantation comprised 480 acres, and 300 were under cultivation. He and wife were Methodists, and he died at the home of our subject on August 15, 1881, his wife preceding him to the “Silent Land” July 18, 1880. Their children are as follows: James E., Mary F. (deceased), Sarah E. A. (wife of Young Wortham, a farmer of White County), the next in order of birth was an infant who died unnamed, Isabella (wife of James H. Hubbard, a farmer of Parker City, TX), Susan P. (deceased, was the wife of James Hart, a farmer of Crockett Co., TN.), Emeline (wife of John Blades, a druggist of Pettey, Lamar Co., Ten), Mosella (wife of Henry Graves, a farmer of Pettey, Lamar Co., Ten), Madison (a farmer, residing near Alamo, TN.) and Joseph H. (a farmer of Johnson Co., Tex). Edwin Gregory, the paternal grandfather, was a Virginian, and was one of the early settlers of Rutherford Co., TN, whither he moved in 1808, there following the occupation of farming. The maternal grandfather was Joseph Mason, a Revolutionary soldier, and a native of Tennessee. He was for many years a planter, and also kept a tavern, his establishment being midway between Nashville and Murfreesboro. He educated himself after having children large enough to go to school, all attending the sessions together. He filled the office of esquire forty-nine years in succession; all cases stood as be rendered judgment, but one. He freed sixty-seven slaves, and owned 1,500 acres of land. His father was one of the first settlers of Nashville, TN. He raised eight children: Elizar, Julia, Polley, Allen, Rinier, Martin, Susan and Isabellar, all lived to be grown and have families. Joseph died in November, 1868. Dr. Albert Griffin, physician and surgeon, of El Paso, and a graduate of Shelby Medical College of Nashville, TN, is a native of Louisiana, and was born in Assumption Parish September 6, 1836, the son of Solomon and Charlotte T. (Edney) Griffin, originally from North Carolina. They were married in West Tennessee in 1834, and the same year moved to Louisiana, where Mr. Griffin engaged in the sugar business, owning a large refinery and plantation. His death occurred in 1837 at the hands of some slaves. Immediately after her husband’s demise Mrs. Griffin returned to Williamson Co., TN., and resided there until 1840, when she was married to Dr. Bruce, a native of North Carolina, but who had been for years a resident of Tennessee. She accompanied him to his home in Haywood Co., and died there in 1872. Dr. Bruce was a prominent physician, and his record is one that will be an honor to his children and their offspring. By ‘her last marriage Mrs. Griffin-Bruce was the mother of seven children, five of them now living. Albeit Griffin, the subject of this sketch, was the only child of his mother’s first marriage. He received his primary education in the schools of Brownsville, TN, supplementing this course by an attendance at Andrew College at Trenton, Gibson Co., TN. He then took one year’s course in the Emory and Henry College, in Washington Co., VA, leaving that school at the age of twenty years with an excellent English training. In the spring of 1857 young Griffin began the study of medicine under the efficient tutelage of his Page 189 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas step-father, Dr. Bruce, with whom he continued for one year, adding to this one year’s instruction with Drs. Taliaferro & Turner. In the fall he entered Shelby College, from which he graduated in 1859, as before intimated. The year 1860 witnessed his marriage to Miss Mary E. Laws, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of James P. Laws, of White County. Dr. Griffin enlisted in Carroll’s Partisan Ranger Regiment during the war, but was detailed to attend the sick at home by the request of the people of his county. He has been a member of his school board for years, and Mrs. Griffin belongs to and is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Griffin has a beautiful little home in the suburbs of El Paso, which is made cheerful with carefully attended flowers and shrubs. He is a Democrat, and exerts no little influence in local politics, having held various positions on committees in his party. He takes an active interest in schools, churches, etc., is an enterprising citizen and a valuable acquisition to any place. Elijah Guise has been a resident of White Co., AR, since 1868, and his example of industry and earnest and sincere endeavor to succeed in life, especially in the occupation of farming, is well worthy of imitation. He was born in Hardeman Co., TN, in 1846, and was the youngest of a family of seven children born to Enoch and Nancy (Patterson) Guise, both of whom were born in the State of Alabama. They were reared and married, however, in Tennessee, and were engaged in farming there until their respective deaths, in 1863 and 1866. Enoch Guise was a minister of the United Baptist Church, and in his early days of labor for the cause of the Master, he was compelled to take long rides in order to preach at his different appointments. His children are: Gann (living in White County), Rebecca (Mrs. J. H. Sellers), Alvira (Mrs. Daniel Campbell), J. L. (residing in White County), Rachel (Mrs. James Sellers) and Elijah. The latter, after remaining with his father until he was eighteen years of age, began farming for himself, in his native county. He was married, in Shelby Co., TN, in 1866, to Miss Lenora Ann Singleton, a native of De Soto Co., MS, and a daughter of Dr. A. J. and Margaret L. (Guinn) Singleton, both of whom were born in Georgia and Tennessee, respectively. They were married in Mississippi, moved to Tennessee and thence to Arkansas, in 1859, settling in Izard Co., from which county he enlisted, in 1861, in the Eighth Arkansas Regiment, Infantry, Company A, and afterward took part in the following, battles: Greenville, Corinth, Iuka, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro, Lookout Mountain and siege of Vicksburg. He was one time taken prisoner, but shortly afterward exchanged, and rejoined his family in Mississippi, and in the latter part of 1865 went to Memphis and was in business in that city for one year. He then farmed near there until 1868, when he purchased land in Big Creek Township, Van Buren Co., AR, and there erected a mill. In 1869 he removed to Cleburne County and there died, in 1882, still survived by his wife, who is a resident of White County. A. J. Singleton was also a minister of the Primitive Baptist and a physician of repute. After coming to Arkansas, in 1868, Mr. Guise bought a partly improved farm of 160 acres, and, this farm has greatly improved in the way of buildings and in the amount of land he has cleared, having now forty acres under cultivation. He is a Democrat in politics and has held a number of local offices, and is a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. He and wife have had three children: Joseph Andrew, Lillie Ann (who died at the age of two months, in 1867) and Emma Florence (who died in 1874, when five years of age). John M. Hacker is a farmer and fruit grower of Harrison Township, White Co., AR, and was born in the “Hoosier State” in 1831, being the third in a family of eight children born to John and Cynthia (Becler) Hacker. The father was born in the State of Tennessee and inherited Irish and Scotch blood from his ancestors. He was the second of five children and after spending his younger days in Tennessee he moved to Indiana, going thither after the celebration of his marriage, which occurred in 1827. The children born to him in his adopted State are as follows: Malinda, Joseph D., George W., Margaret A., Mary E., Conrad D., James K. and John M. In 1832 the Page 190 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas family moved from Indiana to Illinois, settling on a farm in the southern part of the State, and at a still later period moved to St. Louis, where the father engaged in the mercantile business until 1843, when he moved to Jefferson Co., of the same State, where he died four years later. He was survived by his wife until February, 1888, when she, too, died. The early childhood of John M. Hacker was spent in Illinois and Missouri, but his education was received principally in the latter State. Being of an enterprising disposition, he determined to start out in life and seek his own fortune, and accordingly, in 1853, went west to California and spent some time in mining in Eldorado Co., becoming thoroughly familiar with western life and the hardships and privations which the miners were compelled to undergo in those days. After his return to Franklin Co., MO, he engaged in farming and in 1862 was married to Martha F. Johnson, daughter of Thomas J. and Mary F. (Falweele) Johnson, who were Virginians, the grandparents having been early settlers of that State. The paternal grandfather was in the War of 1812, and Gen. Joseph E. Johnston was an uncle of Mr. Hacker. Mr. and Mrs. Hacker have a little daughter, born in August, 1881. They are quite well-to-do and own 112 acres of good farming land in Missouri, 130 acres in Harrison Co., AR. (which is under fruit culture), and the farm on which he now lives, comprising 130 acres, seventeen of which he devotes to strawberries. He has an orchard of about 4,000 trees and he has just purchased a farm of forty acres in Fulton Co., on which he expects to raise fruit. He is a member of Anchor Lodge No. 384, A. F. & A. M., and he is deeply interested in churches and schools, he and wife being members of the Missionary Baptist Church. James William Hall was born in Calhoun Co., MS, on January 12, 1850, and is a son of Hiram and Sarah (Holifield) Hall, natives of Madison and Gibson Counties, TN, respectively, the former of English birth. The father moved to Chickasaw Co., MS, in 1844, and engaged in farming and cotton ginning there until January, 1869, when he sold out and moved to De Soto Co., and eventually became the owner of large tracts of land in that county.. Here he died on January 17, 1888, his wife having departed this life in 1859. Of seven children born to them four are living: John Calvin (who was captured in the battle of Fort Donelson in 1862, and died in prison at Indianapolis, IN, in the same year), Samuel H. (living), Henry T. (deceased), James William, Sarah S., Senath A. (who became the wife of John W. Wynn, and the mother of two children; she died in 1876 at the birth of her second child, who died at the same time as the mother). The first child, Virginia, is living in Crawford Co., AR, and Hiram E. James William Hall followed the life of the farmer’s boy, and received a fair education in the subscription schools. May 8, 1870, he was married to Margaret A., a daughter of G. W. McKinney, of Monroe Co., MS, and for a number of years after he and a brother operated and managed a mill which their father had erected, our subject having an interest in the business, which was fairly successful. On October 7, 1872, he removed to Arkansas and located upon the farm on which he is now living, his worldly possessions at that time consisting of $200 in cash, two mules, a wagon and some household furniture. His original purchase of land comprised 160 acres in a wild state, but he has now 440 acres and 100 acres under cultivation. His children are: Beulah Ann (born March 5, 1871, and died June 22, 1872), Sarah Cornelia (born December 24, 1872), Hiram Luther (born on December 3, 1875, and died November 12, 1886), Helen Caroline (born May 24, 1878) and Georgia Etta (born January 12, 1886). Jacob Alah Hammons, planter and stock-man, Hammonsville, AR. Among the many successful agriculturists of White Co., none are more worthy of mention than the subject of this sketch, who owes his nativity to Autauga Co., AL, where his birth occurred on March 7, 1822. His parents, John and Hannah (Dodson) Hammons were honored and respected citizens in the community in which they lived, and the father was a native of Virginia, his birth occurring in that State in 1784. The paternal Page 191 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas ancestors came to America prior to the Revolutionary War, and some of them were soldiers in that world-renowned struggle. Grandfather Dodson was a native of England, and came to America before the Revolutionary War. Grandmother Dodson was a native of Germany. John Hammons was a soldier in the War of 1812. Jacob Alah Hammons received a limited education in the subscription schools of Cherokee Co., AL, and was one of eleven children born to his parents: John W. (born in 1817), Elizabeth (born 1820), Jacob A. (born 1822), Jane (born 1824), Martha (born 1826), Luzella (born 1828), Lavina (born 1830), Mary and Susan (twins, born 1832), William P. (born 1835) and Thomas. Luzella died in 1868. In 1846 Jacob A. Hammons went to Cherokee Co., GA, where he assisted in erecting a mill which he afterward operated. In 1847 he returned to Cherokee Co., Ala, purchased a tract of eighty acres of land, about ten acres of which was under cultivation, but with no other improvements, and there remained until 1849. He then came to Arkansas, followed ’agricultural pursuits, and in 1852 was united in marriage to Miss Jane Goodman, a native of Cherokee Co., AL, born on May 18, 1837. Two children were born to this union: John W. (born July 19, 1855) and Minerva L. (born October 6, 1858). In 1856 Mr. Hammons purchased a tract of land with about four acres under cultivation, and a small log-hut being the only improvement on the place excepting the fencing. Mr. Hammons erected a log house, 16:16, in which he lived for about a year, and then erected another log house, 18118, in which he resided until 1870. He then erected the fine frame house which is such an ornament to his farm, and in which he has resided since that time. One hundred and twenty acres of the first purchase are under cultivation, and he is now the owner of 320 acres of land. Some of his land has been under cultivation for thirty-five years, and although it has never been fertilized, it produces fine crops. In 1864 he enlisted as a private in a company of Col. McRae’s regiment, and served one year, participating in the Missouri raid under Gen. Price. Mr. Hammons is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. John William Hammons, merchant and farmer, Hammonsville; Ark. For a number of years past the town of Hammonsville has been noted far and wide for its excellent mercantile establishments, and particularly that of Mr. Hammons, who is one of the representative business men of the place. Aside from this he is also engaged in farming, and is the owner of 106 acres of land. He was born in Van Buren Co., AR, on July 19, 1855, and is the son of Jacob D. and Jane (Goodman) Hammons. In 1857 the father moved to White Co., AR, and there reared a large family of children, seven now living. John W. Hammons was reared in White Co., AR, and received his education in the private schools of that county. He assisted his father on the farm for some time, and then commenced business for himself by teaching school, which profession he followed for some time. In 1874 he made a prospecting tour through California and Oregon, in which States he sojourned for nearly three years, and while there followed various lines of industries, viz.: mining, farming, saw- milling, teaming, etc., obtaining some knowledge of farming and mining as conducted in those States. In 1877 he returned to Arkansas, and there resumed the profession of teaching, organizing a school at Hammons’ Chapel, near what is now the village of Hammonsville. This he conducted for two years, during which time he also followed agricultural pursuits, having purchased 160 acres, which he hired help to clear and improve. On January 28, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Nelson, daughter of George Nelson, and her death occurred in 1878. In 1879 Mr. Hammons married Miss Mollie J. Nelson, of White Co., AR, and a sister of his former wife. By this marriage six children were born: Edgar L. (born June 13, 1880), John R. (born November 4, 1882), Eva (born in 1883), Grover Cleveland (born March 2, 1885), Troy M. (born November 23, 1886) and an infant son (born in August, 1889). Edgar died in November, 1881, and Eva in 1884. In 1879 Mr. Hammons moved to his farm, followed tilling the soil, and also speculated in patent rights. He also ran Page 192 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas a well-auger. In 1885, in partnership with J. T. Phelps, he erected a store building at Hammonsville, and engaged in merchandising under the firm title of Phelps & Hammons. The partnership lasted but a short time, and in 1887, in company with Messrs. Moore & Rollon, at Quitman, Cleburne Co., AR, he again engaged in merchandising. In 1888 he bought the interest of his partners, and located at Hammonsville, where he has since remained. About September Mr. Hammons completed the building in which he now does business, and it is a large, commodious structure. His stock of goods consists of a good line of dry goods, boots and shoes, clothing, groceries, drugs and plantation supplies. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and has held the office of justice of the peace. At present he is the postmaster at Hammonsville. Abraham Hancock. John Hancock was a native of North Carolina, and was born July 26, 1804, and was married in 1828 to Miss Martha Harrington, who was born in North Carolina June 10, 1809. In 1836 he moved to Madison Co., TN, and there engaged in his trade of blacksmithing until 1858, and after a residence of several years in Van Buren County came to White Co., where he now resides with his aged wife. Mr. Hancock is of Irish descent and an own cousin of Gen. W. S. Hancock. He has held the office of sheriff in Van Buren Co., but has never aspired to office. His wife is of English descent, and both are adherents of the Baptist faith. To them have been born a family of nine children, all living, in which Abraham, the subject of this sketch, is the eldest. He is a native of North Carolina, and was born November 22, 1830. He was reared on a farm and learned the saddle and harness-maker’s trade: which has been his principal work, but is also a good carpenter. He was given a good education in the common schools of his native State, and at the age of twenty- one began life for himself, first as office boy in a bank, and later as clerk for a cotton ginner. He was married on March 20, 1851, to Miss Leana C. Jones, and to their union one child was born, Martha R. (now the wife of J. J. Martin, a farmer of Faulkner Co., AR.) Mrs. Hancock died in September, 1857, and in March, 1858, Mr. Hancock was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca A. Bertram, a native of Tennessee. To this union five children have been born, two of whom are now living: John S. (a farmer of White Co., and who married Elizabeth Landers, a daughter of Thomas Landers, of White County) and Vera A. (born March 14, 1883). Those deceased are William H., Paralea A. and Lena. In May, 1861, Mr. Hancock enlisted in Company B, Twelfth Tennessee Infantry, and served until the surrender in 1865. He participated in the battles of Belmont (MO), Shiloh (TN), Richmond (KY), Murfreesboro (TN), Chickamauga (GA), Missionary Ridge, and at the latter place was wounded by a gunshot, and was helpless for one year. At the battle of Shiloh, he was shot through the hip, and from that wound he still suffers. The last engagement that he took part in was the encounter at Franklin, where he was injured, and which disabled him for some time. During the entire war Mr. Hancock served as orderly- sergeant, his military record being one without a blemish. He received his parole in 1865, and at once returned home; here he resumed his trade of harness making until 1871. He then came to White County and purchased a farm of sixty acres. One year later he moved to El Paso and worked at his trade there, and has since been engaged at farming and carpentering up to the present time. Mr. Hancock has erected some twelve or fourteen gin powers in White County alone, and there are many marks of his handiwork in different parts of the country. He is a Democrat in his political views, but is an independent voter. He has held the office of constable and deputy sheriff in Tennessee, and in 1885 was elected to the position of justice of the peace of Royal Township, which office he is at present filling. Mr. Hancock is an honorary member of El Paso Lodge No. 65, A. F. & A. M., and was secretary of said lodge for eight years; he is also a member of Lodge No. 6, and is E. S. W. P. of that lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Hancock are members of the El Paso Baptist Church, and the former always gives his support to all laudable enterprises for the public Page 193 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas good. Mr. Hancock is a member of New Hope Wheel No. 32, in which! he was the efficient secretary for years, and is an ardent worker for his order. Edward Harper, an influential citizen of Romance, is the son of the late Edward Harper, Sr., who was born in North Carolina in 1774, and was an only son of Samuel Harper. His parents died when he was a small boy and he was left with an uncle. He married, in about 1801, Elender Scallorn, a native of Maryland, after which he moved to Alabama, where he engaged in farming, thence moving to Tennessee and in 1855 came to Arkansas, settling in Prairie Co., where he died three years later. His wife died in 1862, leaving a family of eleven children: Overton W., Jefferson 13., Andrew J., Durinda, Edia, Malinda, Pomelia, Edward (our subject), Joseph A., William A. and Sarah A. Edward, Jr., was born in Alabama, in 1821, and spent his early life in Western Tennessee, where he received a good common-school education. He taught school in Tennessee for a number of years, and was married in 1851 to Mary Kyle, who was a daughter of Marvin and Sarah (Dement) Kyle, originally of Alabama and Virginia, respectively. To this marriage the following children were given: Martha S. (now Mrs. J. B. Matthews), William K., Edward L., Julia T., James H., Ellen O. (deceased), Jefferson D., Sidney K., Marvin A., John F. and Adolphus. In 1856 Mr. Harper came to White Co., AR, where he purchased 240 acres of land, and now has nearly 100 acres cleared and under cultivation. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Harper belongs to the Masonic order, affiliating with Mount Vernon Lodge No. 54, and has taken the degree of Royal Arch Mason. Mr. Harper is a highly respected citizen, and has held the office of justice of the peace for twelve years. Rev. Henry F. Harvey, one of the leading planters and a popular minister of White Co., AR, is a native of Tennessee, and was born in 1842. His father, Jesse F. Harvey, was born in Alabama, in 1818, where he received his education, and afterward immigrated to Mississippi with his parents, there marrying Miss Mary C. Wyatt, in 1841. To their union was born a family of twelve children, of which Henry F. is the oldest. Jesse Harvey and his estimable wife were respected members of the Church (Methodist), and always manifested a great interest in all worthy enterprises. Henry F. was educated in Mississippi, and moved from that State to Arkansas with his parents in 1869. His marriage with Miss Sarah J. McCleskey was consummated on November 26, 1867. Mrs. Harvey was the daughter of John and Nancy McCleskey, and was born in 1849. To their union eight children have been born, six boys and two girls, seven of whom are now living: John F., Mary Ida, Luther E, William P., Eugene B., Walter W., Samuel J. and Mattie M. Mr. Harvey owns 232 acres of land, with 125 cultivated. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, and has held the office of secretary of Lodge Chapter, Centre Hill No. 45, also affiliates with the Wheel, in which he held the office of State Chaplain for one year. He has been a member of the council for twelve years. He served in the late war on the Confederate side, and enlisted in 1861, under Gen. Buckner of Kentucky. His first hard fight was at Fort Donelson, where he was captured and carried to Camp Morton, Indianapolis, and imprisoned for seven months. He was then exchanged and again captured in Virginia, near Petersburg, and taken to Point Lookout, MD, and incarcerated for seven months, then exchanged at Richmond, where he received his parole. After the war he returned home at once and began teaching school, which he continued for one year, and then commenced farming and preaching, his present occupation. He is an eloquent and brilliant speaker, and makes many converts to his faith (Methodist), to which he and wife belong. Richard D. Harris, familiarly known as “Uncle Dick” Harris, was the eldest son in a family of thirteen children born to Newton and Nancy (Spencer) Harris, natives of North Carolina. Newton Harris, the father, was born in 1801, and married in 1821; Page 194 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas he was the son of a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He was the father of the following children: Richard D. (our subject), D. C., Louisa, Roland (deceased), Victoria M. (deceased), Milton, M. D., Newton (deceased), Wesley (deceased), Sidney (deceased), Steven D. and Dolly. Richard D. Harris first saw the light of this world in Tennessee in 1824, and was married October 20, 1846, to Arcissie Bowman, a daughter of Maj. William and Cassander (Wade), who were of Maryland nativity. Mr. Harris settled on a farm in Tennessee after his marriage, and in 1862 enlisted in Company C, of the Forty-seventh Tennessee Cavalry, and, participated in the battles of Corinth, Richmond (KY), Perrysville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Kenesaw Mountain and Franklin. He received his discharge in 1863, on account of deafness and a weakness in the back. He then entered the cavalry under Forrest, but served only a short time when he returned home badly disabled. He had eight brothers in the Confederate army, one of whom, Leven, only was wounded. His first wife died October 2, 1858. She was the mother of nine children: Cassander (deceased), Ella (now Mrs. John Banks, of Tennessee), Molly (now Mrs. Reid), John D., E. A., Abbilow (McDinworthy), Decksy (Turnage) and Effie. Mr. Harris came to Arkansas, settling in White Co., in 1871, where he purchased a quarter section of land, of which there were about sixty acres cleared. He was married the second time in 1881 to Elizabeth McDougald, a daughter of Alexander and Ellen (Wade) McDougald. Mr. Harris is a strong Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for James K. Polk. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are members of the Presbyterian Church, but most of his children are Methodists. Hubbard P. Heard, a most successful agriculturist and stock raiser, of White Co., received his education in this Co., where he grew to manhood, and remained at home until the organization of the Third Arkansas Confederate Cavalry, in the early part of 1861. His regiment took part in sixty-five engagements, and of the 104 men which started out, only eight returned, and he had many narrow escapes. He was in the siege of Corinth, at Beauregard’s retreat into the river, at the battles of Shiloh, Thomas’ Station (where three flag bearers and the colonel of his regiment were killed), Missionary Ridge; also at the capture of Knoxville, and many others, including those in the Georgia campaign, where he was in constant fighting for sixty days. He was taken prisoner near Holly Springs, and carried to Cairo, IL, where he was kept for nearly three months; then he was exchanged with 1,100 Confederate soldiers. After peace was declared he returned home, and at the death of his father commenced farming, and in 1880 he engaged in the saw-mill business, which occupation he followed for five years, since which time he has given his attention exclusively to farming and stock raising, and owns 400 acres of land, with 150 under cultivation. Our subject was born in Heard Co., GA, August 1, 1840, and is the son of Hubbard P. and Mary (Ware) Heard. The paternal grandfather of Hubbard P., Jr., Thomas Heard, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and also in the War of 1812, and was county judge of Heard Co., which was named in honor of him. Hubbard Heard, Sr., was born in 1800, and was married in Georgia, and came to Arkansas and located within ten miles of Augusta, Woodruff Co., in 1840. and in 1849 removed to White Co., where he was engaged in farming and stock raising the rest of his life. He was a prominent Democrat and a constituent of the Masonic order, and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mrs. Heard died in February, 1862, at the age of sixty-one, leaving six children, five of whom are now living: Eliza (widow of John Griffin), Sophia (widow of John Wesley), Amanda (widow of James Asque), Martha (widow of David Duke) and Hubbard P. (the principal of this sketch). After the death of his first wife Mr. Heard married Mrs. Sarah Pierce, who is now deceased. The senior Heard died in White County in 1800, and was highly respected by all who knew him, and had been a very successful farmer, but met with heavy losses financially during the war. Hubbard P. Heard was married in 1870 to Miss Jennie Martin, a native of Tennessee, Page 195 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas and who was the mother of five children, four of whom are still living: Dora V., Joseph W., Hubbard, Jr., and James H. He was married to his second wife, Olive B. Markham, in 1884, who lived but three years after their marriage, and was the mother of one daughter, who died soon after her mother. Mr. Heard is a Democrat in politics and in secret societies belongs to the Masons. Col. V. H. Henderson, Searcy, AR. In preparation of this brief outline of the history of one of the most influential citizens of White Co., appear facts which are greatly to his credit. His intelligence, enterprise, integrity and many estimable qualities, have acquired for him a popularity not derived from any factitious circumstance, but a permanent and spontaneous tribute to his merit. He is at present proprietor and manager of Searcy College and is also actively engaged in the real estate business. He owes his nativity to Haywood Co., West TN, where his birth occurred in 1833, and is the fourth in a family of nine children born to the union of T. C. and Eunice (Haraldson) Henderson, both natives of South Carolina. The parents moved to Tennessee at an early day, thence to St. Francis Co., AR, in 1849 and located in what is now Woodruff Co., where the father followed agricultural pursuits. He died in Mississippi in 1844, and the mother afterward came to Arkansas and thence to Texas in 1858. Col. V. H. Henderson came to Arkansas at the age of sixteen years, engaged in merchandising in Got“ ton Plant in 1857 and continued at that until the beginning of the war. In that year he enlisted at the above-mentioned place in Capt. Stephen’s company, was elected second lieutenant, but served only a short time when he was discharged on account of ill health. He then engaged in the pursuit of farming on a large scale, and in connection carries on merchandising extensively at Cotton Plant. He came to White County in 1884 for the purpose of recruiting his health, which had become impaired, and purchased a farm of 240 acres, which be improved and which is now known as the Griffin Springs, a great watering place. He also raises some fine stock and is extensively engaged in the real-estate business. He has been active in building up the town and is deeply interested in educational matters. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics, although not, active, votes with the Democratic party. He selected for his companion in life Miss Sarah J. Simpson, a native of Mississippi, and was married to her in Woodruff (then St. Francis) Co., AR, in 1857. Her death occurred in 1871, leaving one child as the result of this union: Robert O., who is now married and resides at Cotton Plant. Col. Henderson was married to his second wife, Miss Martha A..Davies, a native of North Carolina, in 1872, and the fruits of this union are four children: Freddie Davis, Mary Virgie, Carl C. and Ross K. Col. and Mrs. Henderson are members of the Presbyterian Church. John T. Hicks, attorney, Arkansas. This gentleman is the junior member of the well- known law firm of House & Hicks, and practices in this and adjoining counties. He was born in Searcy, AR, on July 21, 1861, and was the second in the family of six children born to William and Martha A. (Lytle) Hicks, natives of North Carolina, born near Hillsboro. The father, when about eighteen years of age, came to Searcy, AR, read law at that place, and was admitted to the bar. He then began practicing and followed this during life. He took an active part in politics and was senator from this district in 1866. Prior to that he was county judge. He was a prominent Mason, was a Chapter member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, and was a member of Tillman Chapter No. 19. He met the mother of the subject of this sketch while attending college, and was married to her in Fayette Co., TN, in 1857. .Six children were the result of this union, two of whom are living: John T. and Willie (who resides in Searcy): The father was a progressive man and took an active part in building up the town and county. He was also deeply interested in educational matters, and as a man, well and favorably known. He was a member of the Episcopal Church. During the late war, or rather at the beginning of the late war, Mr. Page 196 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Hicks had strong Union proclivities, but after the State seceded, he joined with the State, recruited a company, and was promoted to the rank of 001onel. He was in the battle of “ Whiting Landing,” was wounded by a shell at Helena, and was with Gen. Price on his raid through Missouri. After the war he returned to Searcy, resumed his practice, and died August 13, 1869, at the age of forty-one years. He was the son of Howell T. and Sally (Roberta) Hicks, natives of North Carolina, who came to Searcy in 1846, settled in Gray Township, and engaged in tilling the soil. The grandfather died in 1858, and the grandmother in 1881. The maternal grandparents of the subject of this sketch, John C. and Sarah (Graham) Lytle, were natives of North Carolina. At an early day they moved to Tennessee, where the father followed farming, but also continued the trade of a mechanic. The grandmother died in Tennessee, and her husband came to Searcy (1870), where he is now residing. John T. Hicks was liberally educated in the schools at Searcy and at Fayetteville, AR, after which he took a course at the University of .Virginia. After this he took a law course in 188182 and was admitted to the bar in 1883, after which he commenced practicing. He was married at Searcy in 1883, to Miss Minnie Snipes, a native of White County and the daughter of Dr. J. A. and Elizabeth (Murphy) Snipes, natives of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively. Both are residing at Searcy. Mr. and Mrs. Hicks have two children: Everette B. and Willie B. Mr. Hicks takes an active part in politics and was mayor of Searcy from 1884 to 1887. Socially, he is a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, Masonic fraternity, and is Junior Warden in that order. He is a member of Tillman Chapter No. 19, R. A. M. He is a member of the Episcopal, and she of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. N. B. Hilger, a native of this Co., is a son of John and Catharine (Yenglan) Hilger. John Hilger was born in Monhan, Germany, on the Rhine, in 1802, and spent his school-days in that country and was married there. A few years after his marriage he emigrated to America with his family, locating in White Co., AR, where he entered a quarter section of land, and at the time of his death, in 1853, owned 900 acres of land. His wife was born in 1807 and died in 1878, leaving thirteen children: John, Bardoia, Philip and Shibastas (who were born in Germany) and Elizabeth, Catharine, Louisa, Louie, Minerva, Nancy, Mary, N. B. (our subject) and Margaret (who were born in this county). N. B. Hilger was married, in 1868, to Frances Elliott, who died the following year, leaving one child, also deceased. In 1873, he married Lucy A. Crump, a native of Alabama, and who is the mother of three children, two of whom are living: Noah and Laurie. He owns the old homestead on which he lived when a boy, and has 440 acres of land, about half of which is under cultivation and which he helped to clear. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic order and is school director of his district, and is a successful farmer and raises good stock, and is well and favorably known throughout the township. Rev. William H. Hodges. The father of our subject was James L. Hodges, a native of South Carolina, where he was born about 1787, and was the son of William and Elizabeth Hodges, also of South Carolina. Mr. Hodges, Sr., was married, in about 1810, to Sarah Comings, and they were the parents of eleven children: Francis, Nancy, Thomas, Elizabeth, William H., Sarah, Margaret, James, Mary, Martha and Benjamin F. William H. was born in South Carolina on March 22, 1822, and came to Mississippi with his parents when but eight years of age, where he was reared on a farm. He was married, in 1844, to Sarah F. Boseman, a daughter of Samuel and Frances (Hill) Roseman. After his marriage he settled on a farm, where he resided until 1869. As the result of this union the following children were born: James S., Casandria E. (deceased), Thomas H., John F., William A., Benjamin F. (deceased), Marshall L., Sarah E, Archie N. (deceased), Emmett L. and Joseph T. They also have twenty-seven grandchildren. Mr. Hodges commenced preaching the Gospel in Choctaw Page 197 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Co., MS, in 1863. In 1869 he came to Arkansas and settled in White County and in Cane Township, on 240 acres of land, of which he now has about 100 acres under cultivation. Mr. Hodges is pastor of the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. He has been a very active worker in his labors and has organized four churches in this I neighborhood; 1 John G. Holland, one of the editors and proprietors of the Beacon, owes his nativity to Wake ii Co., NC, where his birth occurred on December 10, 1845. He is the son of Willis B. and Lucinda (Barbee) Holland, natives of Wake County, NC, the former born in 1818 and died in 1869, I and the latter born in 1814 and died in 1888. The I parents moved from North Carolina to Henderson Co., TN, in 1851, and nearly two years later to White Co., AR, where the father followed several different avocations - farming, surveying and civil engineering. He was also deputy county surveyor for several years. Both he and wife were members of the Missionary Baptist Church; he was I a Royal Arch Mason, and of the Council degrees, I and in his political views affiliated with the Democratic party. Of the five children born to this union, John G. Holland is fourth in number of birth. He received a liberal education in the schools of White Co., and during the late war: served a few months in the Confederate army in the capacity of private. At the age of twenty-one , years he turned his attention to the reading of law under Judge Cypert, and in 1867 was admitted to I the bar. He practiced his profession until 1882, when he turned his attention to the newspaper business. He was associate editor of the Arkansas Beacon, and in 1883 became partner. In December of the same year John R. Jobe became a partner in the paper, and they have so continued ever since. In 1877 he was mayo; of the city of Searcy, continuing in that capacity one year. In 1885 - 86 he was justice of the peace. He is at present president of the school board of Searcy. In 1877 he was elected assistant clerk of the lower house of the General Assembly, and in 1879 was elected to the position of chief clerk in the same; in 1881 he was elected secretary of the senate, and has served in that capacity ever since. On January 14, 1879, he married Miss Ella M. Henley, daughter of B. F. and Mary J. Henley, and she died in April, 1889, leaving five children: Lillie O., Della, Percy, Bessie and Lewis F. Mr. Holland is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church at Searcy, and is clerk of the same. He is a Council Mason, is a member of the K. & L. of H., and in his political views affiliates with the Democratic party. W. G. Holland, M. D. In recording the names of the prominent citizens of White Co., the name of W. G. Holland, M. D., is given an enviable position. He was a faithful student in his chosen profession, and truly merits the prominence accorded him in the medical fraternity, as well as the confidence and respect shown him by the entire community. He owes his nativity to Tennessee, and was born in Henderson Co., April 6, 1847. His father, Dr. James C. Holland, was born in Wayne Co., NC, December 12, 1807, and he received his education in his native State, and in 1833 he was united in marriage to Rebecca, daughter of Frederick and Lucy Collier, and by her became the father of six children: Julia F., Eliza, Maria R. (deceased), Charles E. (deceased), W. G. and his twin brother (who died in infancy). Mrs. Holland died at Searcy, May 10, 1861, and for his second wife, Dr. Holland chose Miss Ellen Kirby of Tennessee. Dr. Holland was both physician and silversmith by occupation for over fifty years. He immigrated to Arkansas from Tennessee in 1853, and located in Searcy, where he resided until his death in 1887. He was a man of considerable influence, and a politician to some extent. He was a devout member of the Methodist Church, as was also his wife. He held a membership in the Masonic lodge for over forty years, being a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, and Tillman Chapter No. 19, where he discharged the duties of secretary and treasurer up to the Page 198 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas date of his death. W. G. Holland received a good practical education in the schools of Searcy, but obtained his medical knowledge in the University of Louisville, KY, during the years 1869-71. After his graduation Dr. Holland returned to his home and built the foundation of his present large and lucrative practice. He was married December 8, 1872. to Annie Goad, a daughter of Henry and Mary Goad, and their union has been blessed with three children: Mary E., William E. (deceased), and an infant, who died unnamed. Mrs. Holland died August 10, 1887, and in 1889 Dr. Holland was united in marriage to Rachel V. Fancette, their marriage occurring September 1. Dr. W. G. Holland served in the late war, entering in 1864 under Gen. Shelby. He was wounded at Pilot Knob, September 28, 1864, and also captured and taken prisoner to Alton, thence to Rock Island and Richmond, VA, where he was exchanged in March, 1865. receiving his parole at that point, He at once returned home and entered the literary school for three years, and began the study of medicine in spring of 1868. Dr. and Mrs. Holland are members in high standing of the Methodist Church. I A. B. House is accounted a prosperous farmer and stock-man of Red River Township, and like the majority of native Tennesseans, he is progressive in his views and of an energetic temperament. He was born in Maury Co., in 1822, and is the youngest in a family of nine children born to Joseph and Alcy (Bedwell) House, the former of whom is a native of North Carolina, born in 1775. When a lad he was taken to Tennessee, and about the year 1800, was married in that State and engaged in farming and raising stock, his land amounting to 200 acres. He died in 1862, and his wife in 1845, both having been I earnest and consistent members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Their children are: Mary (deceased), Reuben (who is married and lives in White Co., AR), John (married and lives in Tennessee), Patience (Mrs. Haines, now deceased), Charlotte (the wife of John Myers, is also dead), William (and his wife, formerly a Miss Bedwock, are deceased), Marcenie (is the wife of Mr. Brazele and resides in West Tennessee), Jane (and her husband, D. House, are both dead) and A. B. ( the subject of this memoir). The paternal grandfather was John House, and the mother’s father was Reuben Bedwell, a native of Tennessee. A. B. House resided in his native State until he arrived to manhood, then came to White Co., AR. He reared his family in his native State, and with the assistance of his wife, Eliza Wilkes, whom he married in 1840, he succeeded in giving them good educations. Their names are: Thomas (who married Mary Minifee, by whom he has two children, resides in Arkansas), Joseph (who married Ina Dowdy and lives at Little Rock, the father of four children), James P. (married Lou Parcel), but is now a widower and lives in Augusta with his one child) and Mary (who married Mr. Harville. She died, leaving one child, who was reared by his grandfather). Mrs. House died after their removal to Arkansas, in 1884. She was a daughter of Thomas and Ruth Wilkes, and was one of a family of thirteen children. After coming to Arkansas Mr. House settled on a woodland farm of 140 acres, and now has eighty acres under cultivation. He raises some of the finest stock in the county and many of his animals have won first premiums at the county fairs. He is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic order and he and his present wife, who was Martha McMillan and whom he married in 1884, are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, his first wife being also a member of this church. Andrew J. Hughs is the son of Harden Hughs, a highly respected man who was born in Tennessee, in 1791, and took a prominent part in the French and Indian Wars of 1813 and following. He was married in 1813 to Miss Sallie Jones, and they were the parents of eight children: Thomas, Katie, Polly, Betty, Andrew J. (the principal of this biography), Marian, Louisa and Harding. The senior Hughs immigrated to Arkansas and settled in White Co., in 1842, where he purchased a quarter section, of land and on which he lived until his death, which occurred in 1858, his wife surviving him until 1871. Andrew J. owes his nativity to Tennessee, his birth Page 199 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas occurring in 1828, and was fourteen years of age when his parents came to Arkansas. He was married on January 30, 1850, to Miss Sarah Marsh, who was born in Tennessee, January 7, 1831, and was the daughter of Roland and Sarah (Webb) Marsh. Her parents both died in Tennessee, in 1835, and she then came to Arkansas with her brothers, John and Harvey Marsh, who located in White County. Mr. and Mrs. Hughs were the parents of eleven children, four of whom are deceased: Francis M. Mary M. (deceased), Thomas F., Harden M., Martha (now Mrs. Asia Buchanan), Sarah Jane (now Mrs. Woodell), John A. (deceased), Ulysses M., Rachel A., Cymantha and Emma. They are also the grandparents of sixteen children. Mr. Hughs has 300 acres of land, with 180 acres under cultivation, which he and his father before him have farmed for the past forty-five years, and which Mr. Hughs says is as fine a piece of land as there is in the State. He and his wife have been members of the Methodist Church for over thirty-five years, and take a very active part in all church work. He also belongs to the County Wheel. He takes an active interest in all public matters, and was on the Review in 1866 and helped to reconstruct the State. D. W. Holiman is a citizen in good standing, and is held in high esteem by his associates. He was left an orphan at the age of four years, and cared for and reared by his older brothers and sisters, on a farm in Mississippi. At the age of twenty-one he started out for himself, and came to Arkansas, and located in Van Buren Co., and four years after removed to White County. In 1876 he married Lucinda Bouliand, a daughter of J. W. and Martha A. (Harvey) Bouliand, originally of Kentucky, and who came to Arkansas at an early day, and settled in White County. His nearest town and market at that time was Little Rock. Mr. Holiman was the youngest son in a family of ten children, born to Willis and Eliza (Virnan) Holiman, natives of South Carolina, and parents of the following children (and two others deceased, whose names are not given): James P., Malinda, William E, John, Martha, Bell, Willis and D. W. (our subject, who was born in Mississippi in 1849). D. W. Holiman and wife are the parents of four children: Martha J., Willis W., Eddie Lee, Hettie J., all of whom are at home. He has a farm of 258 acres, with fifty under cultivation. In religious belief, he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, in which they take an active part. He is also a member of the County Wheel. Mrs. Holiman has seen a great change in White County during her lifetime, having been born and reared in this county. Mr. Holiman is a strong Democrat, and a, good citizen. George Irwin is a general farmer and fruit grower of Harrison Township, White Co., AR, and although a native of Kentucky, born in 1822, he has been a resident of this State for the past thirteen years. His father, Joseph Irwin, born in Kentucky in 1782 in a small neighborhood stockade, called Fort Hamilton, in the western part of Nelson Co., was of Scotch-Irish descent, being one of a family of nine children born to John Irwin, who came from Ireland before the Revolutionary War. Joseph spent his youthful days on a farm, and on March 30, 1808, was married in Kentucky to Sarah Thompson, and by her became the father of the following sons: Hardin, James, Joseph, George, John and Benjamin. In 1828 he moved to Indiana, and died in Knox Co., in 1858, having been a member of the Whig party, and he and wife members of the Baptist Church. His wife’s death occurred in Parke Co., IN, in 1862. George Irwin acquired a fair education in the subscription schools of his native Co., but at the age of seventeen years he left home and went to the pineries of Wisconsin, and until the spring of 1850 followed the lumbering business. In 1850 he resolved to seek his fortune in California, and after reaching the “ Eldorado of the West,” he engaged in mining, and succeeded far beyond his expectations. At the end of two years he returned to Indiana, and settled down to the peaceful pursuit of farming, and there, in 1854, was united in the bonds of matrimony to Catherine Black, a daughter of Thomas and Lavina (Dudley) Black, of Sullivan Co., IN After remaining Page 200 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas in Indiana some ten years, Mr. Irwin immigrated to Dallas Co., Iowa, and twelve years later came to White Co., AR, buying, almost as soon as he reached the Co., 160 acres of land where he now lives. . He has sixty acres under cultivation, and owing to the attention which he gives to the minutest details of his work he is doing well. He belongs to the Agricultural Wheel, and although formerly a Republican in his political views, he is now a Prohibitionist. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and are the parents of these children: May (Mrs. Charles Briggs, residing in White County), Broughan (who died in 1887), Dudley, and Grace, the youngest, who was eighteen years old in March, 1889. James M. Jackson, of Russell, AR, was born in Perry Co., AL, February 18, 1853, and is the son of Lorenzo D. Jackson, of North Carolina. The former’s birth occurred in 1811, and at the age of twenty-two years he moved from North Carolina to Alabama, where he was residing at the time of his death, in 1865, when fifty-four years old., He was a farmer by occupation, and quite successful in his chosen profession. In his party views he sided with the Democrats, though not a political enthusiast. He was a member of the Baptist Church and a zealous worker in religious and all charitable enterprises. His wife, Anna (Winston) Jackson, was a daughter of James Winston, and a native of North Carolina. Her marriage with Lorenzo D. Jackson was consummated in 1833, and after her husband’s demise she resided with her son, James IL, until her death in 1886. To Mr. and Mrs. Jackson a family of eight children were born, three sons and five daughters, four of whom are now living: Anna (wife of L. D. N. Huff, of White Co., AR), Fannie (first married to Britt Perry, now the wife of Henry O. Strange, of White County), Mary S. (Mrs. John Huff), James M. (the subject of this sketch) and Lacy J. (wife of Reuben Bennett, now deceased). William L. died in the Confederate army, and was one of the first volunteers of the war. Thomas was killed at the battle of Sharpsburg, in the Confederate army, and Martha died in Alabama. James M. received his education in the common schools of his native State, and at the age of eighteen came from Alabama to White Co., AR, where he launched his own canoe, and began life for himself. His choice of an occupation was farming, to which he had been carefully drilled by his father. Mr. Jackson now owns 160 acres of good land in a fair state of cultivation, divided into two farms. He is also interested in a large grist-mill and cotton-gin at Russell. Active, energetic and industrious in his efforts, he is on the high road to prosperity. He was first married, January 10, 1877, to Miss Nannie, daughter of William and Emily Plant. Mr. Plant is a native of Tennessee, but moved to Arkansas in 1859, his being one of the oldest families in this county. Mrs. Jackson died November 20, 1877, leaving one child, William D. In 1886 Mr. Jackson was united in marriage with Miss Virginia L. Shelton, of Arkansas, and at that time a resident of Jackson County. To this union two children have been born: Robert L. and Frank Earl. Mr. Jackson served as township bailiff and deputy sheriff for two and a half years, discharging the duties of that office faithfully and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Baptist Church at Russell, AR. In societies he is identified with the Masonic order, is a Knight of Honor and a member of the Triple Alliance Mutual Benefit Association. He is a liberal contributor to his church, and the needy are never sent from his door empty-handed. Indeed too much praise can not be accorded Mr. Jackson for his upright course, for he is noble-minded, generous, and of that caliber of men who build up a community to places of thrift and enterprise. J. R. Jobe, who is one of the editors and proprietors of the Beacon, owned by Holland & Jobe, became connected with the paper in December, 1884, and has continued with it ever since that time. He was born at Ringgold, GA, on August 24, 1855, and was the fifth in a family of thirteen children born to David and Sarah Page 201 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas (Hardin) Jobe, natives of East Tennessee and Georgia, respectively. The father was a farmer by occupation and came to Columbia Co., AR, in 1857, settled on a farm, remained there one year and then removed to Des Are, Prairie Co., AR, where he followed mercantile pursuits until 1861. He then moved to Pope Co., AR, remained there until 1863, when he moved to White County and settled in Union Township, where he followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in May, 1888. His excellent wife, still living, resides at Russellville, Pope County. J. R. Jobe’s early life was divided between assisting on the farm and in attending the district schools of White Co., although he greatly improved his education by personal application in later years. He started out on the highway of life at the age of twenty years, engaged in farming until he was elected county clerk in 1882. and in October moved to Searcy, where be filled the above-mentioned office to the satisfaction of all for two years. He then purchased the interest of the Beacon from Rev. Z. T. Bennett, who was the founder of the paper in 1878, and has been connected with it ever since. He is active in politics and votes with the Democratic party. He was married in White County in November, 1878, to Miss Cora E. Harris, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of Dr. D. C. and Susan E. Harris, natives of Tennessee, who came to White Co., AR, in 1874. Her mother died in 1879, but her father resides at Beebe, and aside from being a practicing physician is also engaged in mercantile pursuits. By his marriage Mr. Jobe became the father of three children: Edgar Wilmett, John Bertram and Lucille. Mr. Jobe was elected in January, 1886, to fill an unexpired term of city recorder and ex-officio treasurer, and has filled that position satisfactorily since that time. He is also corresponding secretary of the Arkansas Press Association, and is now serving the second term. . Wiley A. Johnson, the senior member of the well-known and representative firm of W. A. Johnson & Son, wagon manufacturers of Beebe, AR, was born in Indiana, October 12, 1832, being the son of Daniel S. and Nancy (Parker) Johnson, natives of New York and Pennsylvania, respectively. Daniel Johnson’s younger days were spent in the State of his birth, but when grown to manhood he went to Indiana and there married in 1822. He was a tailor by trade, and a few years before his death served as county clerk of the county in which he resided, in Tennessee. His demise occurred in 1833, at the age of thirty years, Wiley A. Johnson at that time being only one year old. After his father’s death the latter moved to Weakley Co., TN, with his mother, who remained in her widowed state for sixteen years, at the end of which time she was united in marriage with Mr. George Winston, but only lived one year after that event. The parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were held in high esteem by all who knew them. Wiley A. Johnson was educated in the schools of Dresden, TN.. proving a bright and intelligent scholar, and when seventeen years old became an apprentice to a blacksmith. After completing his apprenticeship, at the age of twenty, he at once went to work for himself, and for several years was employed in different shops all over Western Tennessee. In 1856, settling at Union City, Obion Co., he was there married to Nanny Carlin, a native of that Co., on October 14, 1856, and to them one child has been born, William W. Following his marriage, Mr. Johnson settled in Union City, and carried on his business of blacksmithing and wagon-making for nine years, moving thence to Trenton. Gibson Co., where he remained for three years. After living in Verona, Miss, and Sulphur Rock, AR, he came to Beebe in 1885 and formed the present firm, now having a large and substantial trade. Mr. Johnson and son are among the leading business men of this section, and enjoy the respect of all, both as business and social factors. They are public spirited and lend their support to those enterprises that are intended for the good or growth of the country. In his religious belief, Mr. Johnson clings to the Methodist faith, of which church his wife is also a devout member. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this Page 202 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas sketch, Collert Johnson, was probably a native of Pennsylvania, and a wealthy planter of Indiana. He had several sons who figured prominently in the early wars, and when last heard from were residing in Southern Indiana. Included in Mr. Johnson’s maternal relations, of whom he knows but little, were two uncles, Lorenza and Gideon Parker, both holding high offices in the Florida War. Thomas P. Jones, a distinguished citizen of White Co., and a native of South Carolina (his birth occurring in Abbeville District, October 13, 1830), is the son of Clayton and Nancy (Miford) Jones, natives of the same State and district. Clayton Jones was of Welsh descent, and first saw the light of day July 11, 1802. He honored the Democratic party with his vote, and in his religions belief was a member of the Baptist Church. He was a farmer, and quite successful in the accumulation of wealth, and a very prominent citizen, contributing liberally to all church and charitable works. In short, he was a good man in all that the term implies. He died February 2, 1885, at the age of eighty-three years, sincerely mourned by his many friends and acquaintances. Mrs. Jones received her education in South Carolina, and from an early age was a consistent member of the Missionary Baptist Church. She was a faithful wife and an indulgent mother, loved by all who knew her, and at the time of her death (in her fifty-fourth year) was residing in South Carolina. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Jones five children were born: Elizabeth (wife of Jackson Clements, deceased, and now residing in Anderson District, S. O.), T. P. Jones (living in White Co., and the subject of this sketch ), Samuel C. (who died in South Carolina), James S. (deceased in Mississippi) and Clayton W. (died in Virginia). Thomas P. Jones received the limited advantages for an education that the schools of the period afforded, and began for himself at the age of twenty-four, being employed as a farmer in his native state. In June, 1854, he was united in marriage to Margaret A. Tribble, of South Carolina, and a daughter of John and Essa Tribble, of Welsh and Irish descent, respectively. The result of their marriage was eleven children, ten of whom are now living: James M. (a farmer of Cross Co., AR), Thomas C. (also of Cross County), Martha J. (wife of Thomas J. Futrell, a prosperous farmer of Cross County), Christopher E., William N., Emma J., Laura T., Dixie A., Leona A., Samvann and George A. (killed by machinery in 1877). Mr. Jones moved from South Carolina to Georgia in 1854, whence, after a residence of two years, he returned to Pickens District. At the end of two years he came to Jefferson Co., AL, and there resided until the opening of the Civil War. His family returned to South Carolina at the commencement of hostilities, and remained there until joined by Mr. Jones at the final surrender. Removing from South Carolina to Cross Co., AR, in 1868, and thence to White Co., in 1882, where he is at present residing, he now owns a farm well improved and very productive, besides 240 acres of woodland, in two farms. Mr. Jones’ second marriage was to Mrs. Tabitha Berry, the widow of Fenwick Berry (deceased), of Cross Co., AR. Mr. Jones enlisted in the Confederate army in December of 1861, in Blount’s Battalion, Alabama Volunteers. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, the battles around Corinth, and other engagements of minor importance; was captured at Missionary Ridge and taken to Rock Island, where, for nineteen months, he endured all the horrors and privations of prison life. He was exchanged at the mouth of Big Red River, in May of 1865, the last exchange of prisoners during the war. He was a gallant soldier, nobly espousing the cause, and truly merited the many marks of commendation and praise that he received from his superior officers. At the close of hostilities he returned home and came to Arkansas, as above stated. Mr. Jones is a stanch Democrat, though not an enthusiast in political matters. He is a Master Mason and a Knight of Honor, and a prominent and influential member of the Missionary Baptist Church. A leader, and not a follower, in worthy enterprises, he contributes Page 203 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas liberally to all charitable objects, and enjoys the confidence and respect of his fellow-men. H. C. Jones, M. D., was a son of H. C. and Nancy (Akin) Jones, natives of North Carolina and Alabama, respectfully. The father went to Alabama from his native State, where he married, and in 1846 moved to Mississippi. Himself and wife were the parents of the following children: Silas S. (deceased), Rufus C., Happach (now Mrs. Braddock, of Texas), Josephine (now Mrs. Maddox). H. O. (our subject), Perry Q., Nancy and Adel J. (now Mrs. Leppard). Mr. Jones died in February,1868, but his widow still survives him and lives in Mississippi. H. C. Jones, Jr., was born in Itawamba Co., MS, at old Correllville, now Baldwyn, where he resided until 1871, when he removed to Arkansas and settled in White County. Having previously obtained a good medical training, be commenced practicing here in 1873, and has met with that success which close attention to business and careful, painstaking effort always merit. Dr. Jones, was married in 1869 to Sarah Q. Alford, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Alford, of St. Clair Co., AL. They have a family of three children: Angie, Mark P. and Irena, all of whom are at home. Mr. Jones is an active Democrat; his wife and family are members of the Baptist Church. Dr. Jones is a very successful physician, and enjoys an extensive practice. He is also an excellent school worker, taking the lead in his township in all school enterprises, and is a local politician of some note. Arthur Clifford Jordan, M. D. Among the younger members of the medical profession in White Co., AR, is he whose name heads this sketch, already well established as a physician of merit and true worth, and regarded with favor by those older in years and experience. He was born March 10, 1860, and is a son of John B. and Ella (Emmons) Jordan, of Scotch and English descent, born in Alabama and New York, respectively. They were married at Blackhawk, Miss, in 1858, and became the parents of three children: Arthur C., John Preston (born February 19, 1865, is a bookkeeper in the city of Memphis), Lena Lee (born in 1870, lives with her mother who is now widowed, her husband having died in October 1885). Dr. Arthur Clifford Jordan was reared in his native county (Holmes Co., MS), and acquired a fair education in the Yazoo District high school. At the age of sixteen years he matriculated in the Literary Department of the University of Nashville, Team, and after attending school there for two years he began the study of medicine, being guided in his studies by his father, who was an able practitioner at Blackhawk. After holding the position of principal of the Masonic Male Academy, of Carrollton, Miss, for two terms, and teaching in the public schools of Holmes and Carroll Counties, he (in 1884) entered the Medical Department of the Vanderbilt University, and was graduated as an M. D. in 1886. In March of that year he returned to his home in Mississippi, and completed his preparations for his removal, to Arkansas. He settled in Beebe in May of that year, commenced practicing, and has continued it with such success that an unusually brilliant future is predicted for him. He has performed many of the intricate operations which pertain to major and minor surgery. The Doctor is a Democrat and has served as alderman of Beebe, and is a member of the board of school directors. January 12, 1888, he was married to Miss Florence Merrill, who was born in Michigan October 25, 1871, and by her has one child, Mable Clare (born July 27, 1889). The Doctor and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and are among the honored residents of Beebe. His maternal grand father was a major in the Revolutionary war. J. S. Kelley, retired, Judsonia, AR. Not very far from the allotted age of three- score years and ten, Mr. Kelley has so lived that no word or reproach against his character as a man has ever been heard; for his whole ambition has been to do his duty in every capacity, as a father, husband, citizen or friend. Progressive in all Page 204 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas matters, he has kept outside of the political arena, though a Republican in politics. Like many of the older inhabitants of this community Mr. Kelley is a native of Vermont, his birth occurring in 1822, and is the son of Daniel and Mary (Ballard) Kelly. The father was born in Rhode Island, but when a boy immigrated to Vermont with his parents, and was reared in that grand old mother of States. Later he moved with parents to Vermont, and there met and married Miss Ballard, the daughter of David Ballard, a native of the last mentioned State. After his marriage Mr. Kelley settled near Rutland, followed farming and there reared to maturity the following children: David, Erastus, Alonzo, Smith, Daniel, Julia, J. S., Moses and Elisha. The father died in Vermont in 1859, and his widow followed him to the grave in 1865. J. S. Kelley was taught the principles of farm life when young and secured a fair education in the district schools of Vermont. He was married in that State in 1846 to Miss Mary Hall, a daughter of David and Esther (Wheaten) Hall, natives of Pittsford, VT, and two children were the fruits of this union: Emma A. and Ella A. (twins). The former is now deceased, but the latter is the wife of Rev. James Tompkins, of Galesburg, IL, and now resides in Chicago. She is the mother of four children. J. S. Kelley left Vermont in 1854 and settled near Wheaten, Du Page Co., IL, where he followed agricultural pursuits until 1872. He then moved to Judsonia, White Co., AR, and in 1875 his wife died at Hot Springs. In 1876 he was married to Miss Willie Key, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Brown) Key, who settled in White Co., AR, in 1859. Mrs. Kelley was second in a family of nine children, who were named as follows: Cassie M., Willie P., “Alpha 3., George F., Etoils S., Benjamin F., Harriet O., Lena G. and Maud M. The parents of these children are still living and reside in Judsonia. By his marriage Mr. Kelley became the father of four interesting children: Fannie J., James O., Elmer L. and Ira W. Elmer died at the age of eighteen months. Mr. Kelley was a member of the Masonic lodge and also of the I. O. O. F. lodge in Illinois. When first coming to White County he engaged in the milling business, but later engaged in the livery business, which he continued for a number of years. He is now living a retired life. Mrs. Kelley is an honored and much-esteemed member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. James M. Key, retired farmer, Judsonia, AR. This much-esteemed citizen owes his nativity to the Old Dominion, where his birth occurred in 1814, and is the youngest in a family of fourteen children born to the marriage of John and Elizabeth (Watson) Key, natives also of Virginia, the father’s birth occurring in 1760. James M. Key was early taught the principles of farm life, and when twelve years of age went to Philadelphia, where for six years he attended school, there and at Burlington, N. J. In about 1833 he went to Alabama, and after remaining there a short time, removed to Tennessee, where he was married, in 1836, to Miss Mary Scruggs, a native of Virginia, and daughter of Robert and Mary Scruggs, who were also natives of that State. To the marriage of Mr. Key were born the following children: Hettie, John, Sidney, Mary A., Myra A., James R., Fannie W. and Floyd B. Mr. Key lost his wife in 1848, and was married again, in 1854, to Miss Elizabeth M. Brown, daughter of Colonel William R. and Sarah P. Brown. The result of this union were the following children: Sarah M.. Willie P., Alfred B., Sallie E., Benjamin F., Harriet O., Lena (deceased), Maud and May. Mr. Key settled in White Co., AR, in 1858, followed agricultural pursuits on a farm consisting of from 300 to 400 acres, and there remained twelve years. He then moved and purchased a farm of 160 acres, seven miles from Judsonia, where he remained until 1888. He then retired from active pursuits and moved to Judsonia, where he expects to spend his declining years. He has seen many changes in the country since residing here, and is one of the county’s most respected and honored citizens. He votes the Democratic ticket; is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South; has been magistrate and takes great interest in all that pertains to the good of the Co., schools, churches, etc., having helped to found the first churches in this part of the country. In Page 205 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas early days Mr. Key took great interest in hunting and was quite a marksman. He had two sons in the late war. His wife is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Blount Stanley King, farmer and stock raiser, Little Red, AR. The entire life of Mr. King has been one without any material change from the ordinary pursuits of farm toil, and yet not devoid of substantial results as an agriculturist. He is a native-born citizen of White Co., his birth occurring in October, 1845, and is one of seven children born to the union of James and Susan (James) King, the father a native of East Tennessee, and probably of German descent. The ancestors came to America prior to the Revolutionary War, and the grandfather participated in that world-renowned struggle. Mrs. Susan (James) King was a native of North Carolina. The parents came to Arkansas on January 6, 1829, and settled in Caldwell Township, White Co., AR, where Blount S. King received a limited education in the common schools. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and has followed that calling all his life, meeting with substantial results. On June 4, 1871, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Pinegar, and the fruits of this union were three children. Jerome L. was born April 1, 1874, but the other children died in infancy. Mrs. King died on September 5, 1875. On December 24, 1876, Mr. King took for his second wife, Miss Caroline Virginia Clark, a native of Kentucky, born May 10, 1855, and whose parents came to Arkansas from Kentucky, in 1856. This second union resulted in the birth of the following children: Noah Lot (born October 13, 1877, and died August 81, 1886), Austin Ward (born August 22, 1881), Willia M. (born October 7, 1883), Daniel D. (born July 31, 1885, and died April 23, 1888), and Florence Orenia (born on August 14, 1888). Mr. King came into possession of his farm by will from his father, eighty acres, with about eighteen under cultivation, and well adapted to agriculture or horticulture. He takes an interest in all matters relating to the good of the Co., and his children are having as good educational advantages as his means will admit. He is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and he and his wife are members of the United Baptist Church. John Thomas King, planter and stock raiser, Little Red, AR. A lifetime devoted with perseverance and energy to the pursuit of agriculture, have contributed very materially to the success which has attended the efforts of Mr. King, a man of substantial and established worth. He was born in 1849, and is the son of James and Louisa (James) King whose marriage took place in 1846. This union resulted in the birth of six children: Newton (born in 1847), John Thomas (born in 1849), Pinkney McDonald (born in 1851), Joseph (born in 1853), Jesse (born in 1855) and William (born in 1857). Previous to this James King married a sister of his second wife, Miss Susan Jam es, in 1829, and by her became the father of seven children: Sophia (born in 1830), Richard (born in 1832), Jasper (born in 1834), Robert (born in 1837), Marion (born in 1839), Allen (born in 1842) and Blount S. (born in 1845). John Thomas King owes his nativity to White Co., AR, and his education was obtained in the subscription schools of that county. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and when grown was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Pinegar, a native of Tennessee, born in 1848, and the daughter of William and Clarissa (Redmond) Pinegar. The wedding of our subject took place July 17, 1864, and ten children were born to them: Jesse (born in 1866), James (born in 1868), Eliza (born in 1870), Lafayette (born in 1872), Frances (born in 1874), Laura (born in 1876), Rose (born in 1878), Viola (twin, born in 1880), Minnie (born in 1882) and David (born in 1884). Viola’s twin sister died at birth. John T. King received by deed from his father eighty acres of land in Jackson Township, which he began to improve. In 1879 he purchased the old homestead which adjoined his eighty acres, and made the purchase just prior to the death of his father, receiving a deed from the latter and a dowery from his step-mother, she being his father’s fourth wife. The father died on November 4, 1879, at the age of seventy-seven years. Our subject lived on Page 206 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas the old home place, consisting of eighty-five acres, until 1886, when he moved to his present home in Denmark Township, where he now owns 275 acres of land with 100 acres under cultivation. His eldest son, Jesse King, was married to Miss Louisa Turley, a native of Arkansas, and the daughter of Samson and Mary Jane (Howell) Turley, and the result of this union has been two children: Commodore (born in 1886) and Fred (born in 1888). His son James was married November 21, to Miss Laura E. Middleton, daughter of Dr. P. A. and Amanda (Moseley) Middleton. Mr. and Mrs. John T. King are members in good standing in the United Baptist Church and are much respected by all acquainted with them. Mr. King is a member of the Agricultural Wheel No. 76. He is giving his children good educations and takes a deep interest in all school matters. His son Jesse is a professor of penmanship and LaFayette is well advanced in the English branches and is taking a commercial course at the Commercial College at Batesville, AR, the present winter. E. C. Kinney, editor and proprietor of the Judsonian Advance, is a newspaper man of experience, and his connection with this paper dates from 1880, he being its organizer. He managed the paper until 1885, then sold out to B. W. Briggs, and then engaged in the general mercantile business, selling out in the fall of 1889. September 18 of that year he again resumed control of the Judsonian Advance, and its advance under his management has been more noteworthy and rapid than formerly. At the present time it is recognized as a journal of decided merit, its editorials being written with a clearness and force which indicate a writer of ability. He was born in Livingston Co., NY, in 1843, and is the eleventh of twelve children, born to Ezra and Louise (Clough) Kinney, the former a native of Connecticut, and a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1817, during the early history of Livingston Co., NY, he became one of its settlers, and experienced many of the hardships and inconveniences which are incident to early pioneer life. He died in 1855, and his wife in Walworth Co., WI, in 1868. E. C. Kinney was reared in Mount Morris, NY, and in youth learned the harness-maker’s trade, and followed it some ten years. Upon the breaking out of the Rebellion he enlisted at Rochester, NY , in the fifty-eighth New York Infantry, Company E, as a private, and was promoted to corporal-sergeant, and in 1862 to second lieutenant. After participating in the battle of Manassas, he was on detached duty for some time, but was taken sick, and after remaining in the hospital at Annapolis, MD, about six months, he, in 1863 returned to Mount Morris, NY, and began following his trade. In 1865 he removed to Painsville, OH, and was married there in 1866, to Miss Anna R. Abbott, a native of Salem, Mass. Becoming dissatisfied with his location in Ohio, be determined to push westward, and in 1868 settled in Independence, Buchanan Co., IA. Two years later he became connected with a circus, and was thus enabled to travel over the greater part of the United States. In 1870 he became connected with Sprague, Warner & Griswold, and later with Kinney &. Co., and when with the latter company, traveled with a team from Chicago to New York City, making every town on the route selling goods. In 1878 he left Iowa and went overland to Davidson Co., Dak., and homesteaded land, remaining there a sufficient length of time to see the full growth of Mitchell and Alexandria. In 1880 he came overland to White Co., AR, arriving here on May 17, and engaged in the hotel business. He has followed horticulture ever since his arrival in the Co., and owns two fruit farms adjoining Judsonia, also one near Little Rock. He is an active Republican, and was president of the first Republican convention ever held in White County. He is the present mayor of the town, and has held other offices of public trust. Socially he is a member of Anchor Lodge No. 384, of the A. F. & A. M., and has been secretary of his order. His children are: George (a printer), Myrtie, Earl and Carlie. Hon. H. C. Knowlton. If industry united with a strong and determined perseverance can accomplish the desired ends, Mr. Knowlton should be, and is one of the well-to- Page 207 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas do planters of the county. He came to the county in 1870, from the State of Tennessee, but was born in Vermont in 1825, being the youngest in a family of three children born to James and Lydia (Cheney) Knowlton, who were natives of the Bay State. They were married in that State in 1813, afterward settling in Vermont, where he worked at the blacksmith’s trade until about 1829, at which time he moved to Lenawee Co., Mich, and settled on a farm between Adrian and Tecumseh. He was one of the pioneers of this Co., and became one of its wealthiest farmers. In 1842 he went to Anderson, IN, and made that his home, and here his death 06curred in 1847, his wife’s death following his in 1860, her demise occurring in Tennessee. H. C. Knowlton learned the trade of a general mechanic in his youth, and after moving to Hardeman Co., TN, in 1845, followed his trade until the opening of the war. He was married in Hardeman Co., four years after his arrival in the State, to Miss Mary Agnes Stone, a native of Fayette Co., TN, and a daughter of William H. and B. P. (Johnson) Stone, the former a Virginian, and the latter a native of North Carolina. At the age of eighteen the father went to Missouri, and assisted in surveying that State, then went to North CaroIina, and was married there in 1818, after which he moved to Tennessee and engaged in farming, making this his calling until his death in 1866. His wife died in 1877. In 1870 Mr. Knowlton came to White Co., AR, and purchased an improved farm of 200 acres, and at the present time has sixty acres under the plow. Although not an active politician, he supported the Democratic party until he affiliated with the Labor party in 1884, and in 1887 was elected on that ticket to the State legislature, serving one term. He is a strict temperance man, a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and socially is a member of Mount Pisgah Lodge No. 242, of the A. F. & A. M., and is treasurer of his order. The following are the children born to himself and wife: Mary O. (Mrs. Dr. Wells, of Marion Township), Horace C. (a farmer of the township), R. S. (a resident of Oregon), C. M. (who died in 1886), E. E. (who is married and lives in the township), J. D. (married and living in Big Creek Township), W. H. (married and living in the township), Lelia F. (Mrs. Gate) and W. B. (who died in 1875). Mr. and Mrs. Knowlton are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Enoch Langley, who is an able representative of the ginning interests of the county as well as the agricultural class, is of Georgian nativity, being born March 31, 1847, and was the third of seven children born to Enoch and Elizabeth (Stone) Langley, who were also of Georgia, and whose births occurred in the years 1824 and 1828. They were united in the holy bonds of marriage in 1843, and as a result of this union seven children came to gladden their hearts: Nancy, Oswell, Enoch (our subject), William B., Mary, Jepha and Kattie. Enoch Langley, heeding the call of his country, enlisted iii 1864, in the Thirty-fifth Georgia Infantry and participated in the battles of Cross Junction and the battle of the Wilderness. After the close of the Rebellion he returned to Georgia and, in 1868, was married to Josephine Hopper, who was born July 5, 1852, and a daughter of Thomas C. and Martha (Hendrix) Hopper. Soon after this event Mr. Langley settled in Floyd Co., GA, and farmed for awhile, but in 1874 immigrated to Arkansas and settled in Des Arc Township, White Co., and in 1880 bought 235 acres of land in Cadron Township, which he commenced to improve, and he now has 120 acres in a high state of cultivation. Nine children call Mr. and Mrs. Langley father and mother: John M. (born January 9, 1869), James T. (born November 26, 1870), Martha E. (May 30, 1874), Larah B. (January 10, 1878), Luther C. (April 27, 1878), Alice I. (July 18, 1882), Enoch P. (November 28, 1884), Isam I. (December 9, 1887), Oscar B. (April 13, 1889). Mr. Langley is giving the ginning business, in which he has been very successful, his most watchful and careful attention. He is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and politically a strong and stanch Democrat, and anything relating to his adopted county or to any public enterprise receives his most hearty support.’ Page 208 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Rev. Isom P. Langley, pastor of the first Baptist Church of Beebe, owes his nativity to Arkansas, and was born in Clark Co., September 2, 1851. His parents, Samuel S. and Mary J. (Browning) Langley, were natives of Arkansas and Alabama, respectively. Samuel S. Langley was born October 29, 1831, in Clark Co., and is the son of Miles L. and Sally (Butler) Langley, natives of North Carolina, who came to Arkansas in 1818, and were married in this State in 1819. The maternal grandfather, Francis J. Browning, was a native of Georgia, and was born in 1800. His wife was a native of Alabama, and they were of English descent. The maternal ancestors were all finely educated, and figured as prominent men during their life. Francis J. Browning was a teacher and farmer, also a great and earnest worker in the Baptist Church, having served as a delegate to the first Baptist association that ever met south of the Arkansas River. This meeting was held at Spring Creek Church, near Benton, Saline Co., August 12, 1835, and he was also one of the originators of Mount Bethel Church, six miles west of Arkadelphia, in 1835. At the time of his death, and for a number of years before it, he had been occupied as a teacher. He died in 1884, his wife having been called to her final home in 1879. Miles L. Langley died in 1831, and his wife in 1848. They were among the first settlers of Clark Co., and endured all of the privations and hardships incident to that time. To them a family of seven children were born: John (was in the Mexican War, also in California during the gold excitement, and is now a prosperous farmer of Clark Co., AR), Joseph (deceased, was a leading farmer of Clark Co., where his family now live; his death occurred in 1882.), William (deceased, was a farmer, and lost his life by a tree falling on him, 1864, and at the time a soldier in the Confederate army), Miles L. (deceased, a very prominent Baptist minister. He was a member of the State Constitutional Conventions of 1864 and 1868, and was a chaplain in the State Senate. He died December 27, 1888.), Isom P. (is a prosperous farmer of Clark Co., AR), Jensey (deceased) and Samuel S. (the father of the subject of this memoir, who is still living, and is a prosperous farmer of Pike Co., AR. He served four years in the Confederate army as second lieutenant, and was prisoner of war for nineteen months at Johnson’s Island. He was also captain, and was acting commander at Helena. He and his estimable wife are earnest workers of the Baptist Church, and he is a Master Mason of considerable note). Rev. Isom P. is the eldest in a family of thirteen, ten of whom are now living: Thomas (deceased), Porter (deceased), Mary O., Andrew V., Permelia G., Abi (deceased), Samuel S., Jr., Annie, infant not named, Sallie, Robert, Penn and Frank. Our subject was reared to farm life, and spent his schooldays in the schools of his Co., and later took up the study of physiology and phrenology, under the tutorship of Miles L. Langley, his paternal uncle, and a man of very fine attainments; at the same time, and under the same teacher, he studied the English language. At the age of twenty-two he began the study of law under Gen. H. W. McMillan, of Arkadelphia, and Judges M. P. Dobey and H. H. Coleman. He completed his law course, and was admitted to the bar in 1875, and practiced his profession at Arkadelphia and Hot Springs until 1885, when he was obliged to discontinue it on account of throat disease. He joined the Baptist Church at the age of sixteen years, was licensed to preach in 1868, and ordained in 1869, since which time he has been engaged in the work of the ministry. He has filled the pulpits of Arkadelphia, Hot Springs, and that of the first Baptist Church of Little Rock, but a large share of his time has been devoted to churches where there was no regular pastorate. In 1880 he formed a partnership with Capt. J. W. and J. N. Miller, the firm name being Miller, Langley & Miller, editors of the Arkadelphia Signal, conducting the same with marked success until 1881. Mr. Langley then withdrew from the firm, and started the Arkansas Clipper, in 1882, a Greenback Labor paper, of which he was sole owner. This he published until 1883, then sold it and went to Hot Springs, and in company with a Mr. Allard founded and edited the Daily and Weekly Hot Springs News. In 1886 he became the editor of the Page 209 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Industrial Liberator, the official organ of the Knights of Labor, and made that paper a decided success, in the meantime having sold the Hot Springs News. He resigned his position in June, 1886, and engaged in the insurance business. He also purchased a controlling interest in the National Wheel Enterprise, acting as its editor until December 17, 1888, when he retired from the newspaper business, and in doing so deprived the literary and newspaper world of one of its brightest lights. In 1885 Mr. Langley became a member of the Local Assembly 2419, K. of L., at Hot Springs, the first assembly ever organized in the State, acting at present as one of the national organizers of that order. He is a member of Union Lodge 31, A. W., and was a delegate to the State convention that met at Litchfield in 1886. While at that convention he was elected as one of the delegates to the National Wheel, which met at the same time and place, and was its acting secretary. It was at this assembly that he wrote the constitution for the National Wheel, and at this same meeting was elected National Lecturer, and in that capacity wrote the demands of the National Wheel that were adopted at McKinzie, TN, November, 1887, and in all the conventions he has taken a very prominent part, and in behalf of the National Wheel made the response to Senator Walker’s address of welcome at Meridian, MS, December 5, 1888. That speech which elicited such favorable comment from the press, was the crowning effort of his life, and placed him at the head of the list of deep thinkers and eloquent speakers in the labor ranks. On October 20, 1887, he became President of the Famous Life Association, of Little Rock, and served one year, managing its affairs with extraordinary ability. In 1886 he was nominated by a labor convention as a candidate for Congress against Judge J. H. Rogers, of the Fourth Congressional District, and polled more than twice the labor votes of his district. As a stump speaker he has no superior in the State. He has always figured prominently in schools, and was the secretary of the board that reorganized the splendid school system of Arkadelphia. Mr. Langley has done all kinds of work, from the hoeing of cotton to the highest calling man can perform, and is one of the best posted men in the State. In August, of 1870, he was married to Miss Martha A. Freeman, a native of Arkansas, and a daughter of Thomas J. Freeman. He was born in Little Rock, 1821, and settled in Clark County in 1840. where Mrs. Langley was born in 1851. To these parents have been born a family of five children, all living: Florence R., Charles E., Ada J., Katie and Lessie. Father, mother, and the three oldest children are members of the Baptist Church. Socially Mr. Langley affiliates with the I. O. O. F., and has filled all the offices of that order. He is a typical Arkansan, and perhaps is without his peer in public value in the State, considering his age. Fayette T. Laster, well known to the residents of Russell, AR, is a native of West Tennessee, his birth occurring in Decatur Co., May 27, 1866. His father, William W. Lester, also of Tennessee, was born in 1837, and there married in 1860 to Sinthey A. Wright, of Tennessee, her birth occurring in 1840. Soon after their marriage they came to Arkansas and settled in White Co., where they remained until their respective deaths. Mr. Laster was claimed by the grim destroyer, Death, 1886, and his faithful wife only survived him a few months, less than a year. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Laster three sons were born, of whom only one, Fayette T. (the subject of this memoir) is now living. Albert and John both died in Tennessee. Mr. Laster was a farmer, a hard-working and law-abiding citizen, and by his in-ostentatious manner gained many friends. At the date of his demise he had succeeded in amassing quite a comfortable amount of property and money. Fayette T. moved with his parents, when quite a boy, to Arkansas, where he grew to manhood with nothing but the monotonous routine of the pioneer’s life to occupy his attention. His educational advantages were from necessity limited, as the schools at that time were far from satisfactory. He started out for himself at the age of twenty-one and began farming and stock raising, in which he is still engaged, and is meeting with Page 210 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas very fair success. He now owns 200 acres of excellent bottom-land, well improved and in a high state of cultivation. On September 28, Mr. Laster was united in matrimony with Ida (Lee) Mote, adopted daughter of John and Hattie Mote, and own daughter of Arcy and Martha C. Lee. To Mr. and Mrs. Laster’s union two children have been born: Elva Theola (born September 10, 1878, and died December 6, 1888) and Belle Alrietia (born November 4, 1889). Mr. Laster is independent in his political views, casting his vote for the best interests of himself and the country at large. He is a prosperous young farmer, of industrious and frugal habits, and has gained the good will of his fellow-citizens. Winfield Scott Lay is a native Arkansan, his birthplace being Van Buren Co., where he received his education. He enlisted at the age of seventeen in the Confederate Cavalry (twenty-seventh Arkansas), in which he served until the close of the war, being with Gen. Price on his raid through Missouri. Subsequently he attended school, remaining two years, and in 1868 came to Searcy, where he engaged as a clerk in a store and followed this for three years, then commenced business for himself on a capital of $600, and is now one of the leading business men in Searcy. In 1884 he was burned out, losing several thousand dollars worth of goods, but immediately built up again, and the following year did the largest business he has done before or since, selling $52,000 worth of goods. He was born on November 24, 18-16, and is a son of William H. and Polly (Bacon) Lay, natives of Virginia and Tennessee, respectively. William H. Lay went to Knox Co., TN, when a young man, where he was married and resided until .1839, when he came to Arkansas and located in what was then Van Buren Co., but which is now Cleburne Co., where he farmed until his death. In his political views he was a strong Democrat, and while in Tennessee served several years as deputy sheriff, and afterward as sheriff. The Lay family is of English descent, the paternal grandfather of our subject coming to this country from old England. Mr. and Mrs. Lay were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. They were the parents of eight children, seven of whom are still living: Allen S., Elizabeth Witt, Emma Simmons, Sarah Fulko, Mattie Manus, Winfield Scott (who heads this sketch), and W. L. (now a resident of South America). W. S. Lay was married in Searcy on September 13, 1870, to Miss Nannie Stevenson, a daughter of the Rev. Alexander Stevenson, pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, at Searcy, and who was born in White County in 1853. Mr. Lay is one of eight stockholders in the Searcy and West Point Railroad, of which he is also a director and secretary. He is a strong Democrat, and a wide-awake business man, and has one of the largest trades in his line in Searcy. Hon. F. P. Laws, president of the local board of immigration at Beebe, AR, also engaged in selling wagons, buggies and farming implements, has probably done more to develop the resources of White County than any other one person, and is a very popular man wherever he is known. He is a native of Missouri, and was born in what is now Benton County May 10, 1840. His father, Joel J., was a native of North Carolina, and was born February 17, 1812, in Wilkes Co., and was considered one of the best farmers of his section. His wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was also of North Carolina nativity, her birth occurring about 1814. Her name was Martha Grissum, and was of English ancestry, as was also her husband. She was a bright and highly cultured lady. Mr. and Mrs. Laws were married in North Carolina in 1838, and the same week left for Missouri, settling in what is now Benton Co., and there lived for about two years. They then moved to Farmington, St. Francis Co., but at the time of Mr. Laws’ death, in 1848, they were residing in Ste. Genevieve County. He was a life-long Democrat, though not an active politician. In his religious faith he was not identified with any particular church, but was a man of high moral character, honor, and strict integrity, and one who always left a pleasant impression and a desire to enlarge acquaintance with him. After her husband’s death Mrs. Page 211 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Laws married again, her second marriage taking place in 1850 to Mr. Harvill Shepherd, a farmer of Ste. Genevieve Co., and by him became the mother of four children. She was left a widow in 1858, and is at present living with her third husband, Mr. Humphfrey, a farmer of Miller County. Hon. F. P. Laws is the oldest in a family of four children as follows: Hon. F. P., Jane (Mrs. A. J. Humphfreys of Crawford County), Mary (married, living in Miller Co., Mo.), Marion J. (married, and a well-to-do farmer). F. P. was reared to farm life, and received such advantages for an education as the schools of that period afforded. At the age of seventeen he left his step-father’s home and started out to make his fortune, facing the world with nothing to back him but his courage and determination to succeed. He went first to Franklin Co., MO, and engaged in the lumber business for about four years, and was very successful. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate army, and served for one year. He then returned to Washington, MO, and resumed his work in the lumber business, and while there fell in with his friend, Mr. Morris, of New Orleans, and from him secured the contract to furnish the heavy square timbers for the first grain elevator ever erected in the city of St. Louis. This contract was successfully carried out, and was the means of his securing lucrative employment in the way of large contracts. During the years 1872 - 73 he built sixty miles of fence for the ‘Frisco Railroad, but the panic of 1873, in which so many were financially embarrassed, left him without regular work until 1875. He next traded for a tract of land fourteen miles north of Beebe, AR, and moved to Beebe at once, but the same year sold the saw-mill and land, continuing the timber business in Beebe, also building several houses there. Ever since his residence in White County he has been interested in all movements for the good of the Co., and is a liberal contributor to all worthy enterprises. He engaged in the real-estate business in 1888, and when the Beebe Board of Immigration was organized he was elected president, and has since given his time and attention to that work. In September, 1883, Hon. F. P. Laws was elected on the Democratic ticket as a Prohibitionist to the office of county and probate judge, and in that capacity did more for the county in the way of internal improvements than had ever been done before by any one county judge. He built a good fire-proof jail on the latest improved plans, bettered the condition of the county farm by erecting three new and comfortable houses, and took special care of the county poor. He repaired all the existing bridges, and built five new ones in different parts of the Co., where they were greatly needed, also bought a copy of the field notes of the county and placed them on file in the county clerk’s office. At the expiration of his term of office he left the county without a saloon in it. Judge Laws organized the Beebe Artesian Well Company, in August, 1889, and is acting president of the same, and fills the same position in the Southern Building & Loan Association. October 17, 1864, witnessed Judge Laws’ marriage with Miss Lorinda J. Johns, a native of Missouri and a daughter of one of the oldest families of Franklin County. To their union six children have been born, only one now living: Nellie, a charming young lady of fourteen. Mannie, Eddie, Charlie, Jennie and Bessie are deceased. Judge Laws was made a Mason in Pacific Lodge No. 159, A. F. & A. M., in 1864, at Pacific MO, and with his wife and daughter is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He was a lay delegate to the general conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, which met at Richmond, VA, in 1866, and was a delegate to the annual conference which met at Searcy December 11, 1889. George W. Leggett, the well-known dry-goods merchant, of Floyd, has been engaged in the mercantile business since 1878, first in Mount Pisgah, and two years later in Floyd, where he is at present engaged. He was born in Hardeman Co., TN, in 1849, and was a son of E. S. and Polly (Whitford) Leggett. E. S. Leggett owes his Page 212 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas nativity to Tennessee, being born in that State in 1811, and is son of Daniel Leggett, who settled in Tennessee at an early day. He engaged in the mercantile business in Tennessee in 1849, and later came to White Co., AR, where he still continues in business. Mrs. Leggett was a daughter of David Whitford, of Tennessee, and died in White County in 1885. George W. was married in 1875 to Lue Bailey, who died in 1885, leaving one child, also deceased. Mr. Leggett was married the second time to Miss Vincie Greer (a daughter of O. and Coraline Greer, of this county). They are the parents of two children: Vincie Pearl and Henry L. Mr. Leggett was appointed postmaster under President Garfield, and has held the position ever since. He carries a large stock of general merchandise, and does the largest business in his line in the place, having a trade of about $1,500 to $25,000 per year. He also owns a farm of 140 acres, eighty of which are under cultivation. In politics Mr. Leggett is a strong Democrat. Dr. John L. Leggett, known to be one of the most progressive farmers in his township, and well qualified to discharge the trust reposed in him by the people, commenced the study of medicine shortly after the war, under Dr. M. F. Dumas, and upon obtaining his certificate in 1876, located at Little Red, White Co., and commenced practicing. On coming out of the army he was without means, but taking up the study of medicine he became very proficient and very successful as a physician, hut in 1883 he turned his attention to the mercantile business and to farming, and now owns a fine farm of 250 acres on the Red River, mostly bottom land, with 150 acres under cultivation, and is one of the most extensive farmers in Jackson Township. The Doctor was born in Madison Co., TN, October 9, 1844, and is a son of E. S. and Polly (Whitford) Leggett, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. E. S. Leggett came to Madison Co., TN, when a boy with his parents, and after his marriage was engaged in farming in that State until 1860, when he removed to Arkansas, locating in White County. He has filled the office of justice of the peace for a number of years, is a Democrat and belongs to the Baptist Church, as did also his wife, who died in 1876, being the mother of ten children, five of whom are still living: F. M., J. B., George, Martha (now Mrs. Rushing) and John L. (our subject). The senior Leggett is still a resident of White Co., and is eighty years of age. Dr. Leggett enlisted in the Confederate service, in 1861, in the Eighth Arkansas Infantry, in which he served one year. He then came home and joined the Tenth Missouri Cavalry, and took part in the memorable Missouri raid, and also in a number of hard-fought battles. In 1866 he was married to Miss Bettie Martin, a native of Alabama. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are still living: Mary (wife of D. C. Middleton, a farmer of this county), William L., Lewis T., Icy, Ida, Charles, Lida and Isaac. Mrs. Leggett is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Leggett is one of the most enterprising men of his community, and a leading Democrat, and has served as postmaster at Little Red since 1876. John H. Leib. Near the little town of Lancaster, OH, on November 13, 1836, John H. Leib first saw the light of day, being one of ten children born to the marriage of John and Elizabeth Leib. John Leib, Sr., was born in York, Penn., in the year 1800, and his wife was born the same year in Juniata Co., Penn. They were united in marriage in Bremen, Fairfield Co., OH, in 1823, and spent fifty-seven years in happy wedded life. Mr. Leib died in 1883, at the age of eighty-three years, and at the time of his death was in Russell, AR. His wife had gone to her final rest in the year 1880, aged eighty years. They resided in the States of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, and were quite successful in the accumulation of wealth, being quiet, industrious people. For many years Mr. Leib was an old line Whig, but at the dissolution of that party he united with the Republican, though was not active in party measures or campaigns. In their family of ten children only five are now Page 213 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas living: James (a farmer of Lagrange Co., IN), Benjamin (farmer, resident of Crawford Co., IN), John H. (the subject of this sketch), Anna E. (living in White Co., AR, and Mary J. (Mrs. William Poindexter, of Crawford Co., IN). Lydia, John and Augustus were born and died at Bremen, Ohio. Hamilton deceased at Russell, and George S. died at Chauncey, Ill. John H. resided at Bremen, OH, until sixteen years of age, at that date removing with his parents to Lagrange Co., IN His education was limited to the common schools of the period, and though they were far from satisfactory, he managed to acquire a thorough knowledge of business, and is now a well-informed man. In November of 1861 Mr. Leib entered the United States army as a volunteer in the Forty-eighth Indiana Infantry, in Col. Eddy’s regiment. He enlisted as a private, but was soon promoted to the office of first lieutenant in Capt. Mann’s Company G. His ability was recognized and commented on by his superior officers, and in 1865 he was given the title of captain, commanding a company until the close of the war. He participated in the siege of Corinth, Vicksburg, and in the battles of Iuka, Corinth, Raymond, Champion’s Hill, Jackson and Black River Bridge in the State of Mississippi, Altoona and Bentonville in Georgia, also in Chattanooga, TN. He was with Gen. Sherman on his famous march to the sea. After the close of hostilities, Mr. or rather Capt. Leib returned home and engaged in farming and stock raising, which is still his occupation. He is a Royal Arch Mason, having reached the seventh degree, and is a liberal contributor to schools, churches and all public enterprises. Benjamin W. Lewis, David and Elvira (Hagler) Lewis, the parents of the subject of this sketch, were natives of North Carolina and settled in Tennessee at an early day, rearing a family of thirteen children: Benjamin W., Nancy F., J. L., Elizabeth, Lucy, Polly, Lucinda, John L., Elvira, Sarah, William, Richard (also a resident of Kane Township, White County) and Martha. Mr. Lewis died in Tennessee in 1870, and his wife in 1852. B. W. was born in Western Tennessee, where he grew up on a farm and was educated in the common schools. He was married on January 2, 1851, to Mary E. Hastings, a daughter of John M. C. and Elizabeth (Sexton) Hastings, of North Carolina nativity, and who immigrated to Tennessee at an early day. After his marriage Mr. Lewis settled on a farm in Henry Co., TN, where he lived until 1870, when he removed to Arkansas, and settled in Gray Township, White Co., and three years later bought a farm of 160 acres in Cane Township, where his home now is. He enlisted in the fall of 1862 in the Forty-sixth Tennessee Infantry, commanded by Col. J. M. Clark, and was in the service five months. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have a family of eight children, all of whom were born in Tennessee: Nancy J. (now Mrs. Osborn), John D. (lives in this township), William L., James W. (deceased), L. D., Henry W., Elvira (wife of Dr. V. W. Ware, of this township) and Benjamin F. In politics he is an active Democrat, and takes a strong interest in all work for public improvement, and has been school director for the past five years. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Lewis is one of the trustees. Jefferson Pinkney Linder is one of the enterprising and industrious agriculturists of this region, and is a son of Abraham W. and Itea (Templeman) Linder, the former of whom was born in Spartanburg District, S. O. He was of English descent, his grandfather having emigrated from England to America before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, and took an active part in that struggle on the side of the Colonists. He settled in North Carolina, and there reared his family, his son John, the grandfather of our subject, being born there. He was married in that State and at an early day removed to South Carolina, where his son Abraham W. was educated and grew to manhood. He was also married there and eight of his children were born there prior to the year 1844, after which they moved to Alabama and settled in Benton Co., where four more children were given them. Their names are as follows: Page 214 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas John A. (born July 18, 1823), Calvin D. (born July 1, 1825), Elizabeth Ann (born July 10, 1827), Delilah E. (born September 9, 1829), James Templeman (born April 17, 1832), Lewis M. (born October 24, 1834), Austin A. (born March 17, 1837), Jefferson Pinkney (born August 10, 1839), Mary A. (born October 6, 1841), Arcena S. (born March 21, 1844), Virgil Taylor (born June 3, 1848) and Martha O. (born on March 8, 1851). The father and mother of these children were born on September 23, 1803, and February 27, 1807, respectively, and in 1857 they came to Arkansas. Abraham Linder and his sons were opposed to secession, but Lewis M. and Austin A. espoused the Confederate cause after the ordinance of secession had been passed, and served as members in a company of Arkansas Volunteer Infantry. Lewis M. died of measles while at home on a sick furlough, and Austin was mortally wounded at the battle of Helena, AR, on July 4, 1863, and was taken from the field where he fell by the Federals to a hospital at Memphis and there died. Jefferson Pinkney Linder (our subject) was reared to farm life and received his education principally in the subscription schools of Alabama, whither his father had moved from South Carolina. He embraced religion at the age of twenty-one years, and is now a member of the Presbyterian Church. On December 4, 1861, he was married to Miss Lucinda Jane Shelton, a daughter of John F. and Martha Payne (Milam) Shelton, of Shelby Co., TN, her birth occurring in that county on May 8, 1846. The names of their children are here given: Thomas Jefferson (born March 28, 1863), Laura Eudora (born August 24, 1865), Margaret Itea (born December 26, 1867), John Robert (born January 6, 1870), Charles Henry (was born on February 1, 1873, and died August 1, 1875), McWilliam (was born on August 4, 1875,) Oscar B. (was born on September 5, 1877), Albert Lee (born February 8, 1880), Mertie Velmer (born March 23, 1882, and died October 9, 1884), Vida May (born June 16, 1884, and died August 3, 1886), Burrilah (born on February 14, 1887). Thomas J. was married to Miss Fannie Dennis, of Henderson Co., TX, on December 23, 1886, and is now farming in Monroe Co., AR. Laura E. became the wife of S. N. Trotter, and lives in Monroe Co., AR. Margaret Ites bore one child by her husband, J. W. Acree, but is now separated from him by mutual consent. Mr. Linder has been noted for his industry and thrift, and on commencing life these constituted his capital stock and well he has made use of them, being new the owner of 360 acres of land, his first purchase being only eighty acres. He has 100 acres under cultivation and makes a specialty of stock raising, his mules being of a fine grade, and he also has some very fine horses of the Tone Hal breed. Mr. Linder was troubled for some time with a scrofulous white swelling on one of his legs which finally resulted in the loss of that member, the operation being performed in 1879. He is a man possessing a fund of useful information and is a Democrat in his political views. Himself and wife and four children are members of the Baptist Church. Elder Benjamin H. Lumpkin, a prominent Baptist minister of White Co., is a son of Robert and Jane (Harden) Lumpkin, and owes his nativity to Arkansas, his birth occurring May 2, 1849. Robert Lumpkin was a native of Georgia, and his wife of Ballard Co., KY. They were married in the latter State and came to White County in February, 1835, settling near Denmark, said Co., where Mr. Lumpkin died in 1855. He was a Universalist in belief and a farmer by occupation. Mrs. Lumpkin was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, and closed her eyes to the trials and tribulations of this world in 1857. Mr. Lumpkin in his political views was a Democrat, and manifested an active interest in party campaigns. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lumpkin eight children were born, three sons and five daughters: Louisa (wife of Elder J. M. Butler, a Baptist missionary to the Cherokee Indians), Susan M. (Mrs. Rainer, of Shelby Co., TN), Sophia E. (now Mrs. J. F. Burket, residing in Northern Arkansas), Benjamin H. (subject of this sketch), John (died while in the Rebel army at Bowling Green, KY.). Noah (deceased in boyhood, in White County), Charity (wife of Thomas Simmons, a farmer of Fulton us Co., AR.) and Rebecca (died in White Co., AR, in 1868). Benjamin H. passed his early life near Denmark, AR, and received but meager advantages for an education in his youth, but Page 215 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas is now a well-read gentleman, and conversant on all important subjects of the day. He began preaching at the age of twenty-nine years, and by his earnest and eloquent expounding, has made many converts to his faith. He began farming at the age of fifteen years, which he continued until he reached the age of thirty. In 1883 Mr. Lumpkin embarked in the mercantile business in connection with his preaching, and has been very successful in that departure. He carries a stock of carefully selected groceries, valued at $15,000. Mr. Lumpkin was married July 19, 1870, to Rachel F. Ruminor, of White Co., and a daughter of James Ruminor. By this marriage five children have been born, two sons and three daughters: Allie F., Hayden A., Maggie A., Benjamin T. and Lena Rivers (deceased). Mr. Lumpkin was elected justice of the peace in September of 1888, for a period of two years, and is discharging the duties of that office in a manner that proves beyond a doubt his ability to satisfactorily fill that position. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church in his religious belief, and a stanch Democrat in politics. Mr. Lumpkin contributes liberally to all worthy enterprises, and lends his valuable support to all church, school and charitable movements. In societies he is identified with the Masonic order, in which he is a member in high standing. Dr. J. F. McAdams, physician and surgeon, Searcy, AR. There are few men of the present day whom the world acknowledges as successful more worthy of honorable mention or whose life history affords a better example of what may be accomplished by a determined will and perseverance than that of Dr. J. F. McAdams. This gentleman was born in Shelby Co., AL, in 1830, and was the fourth of seven children, the result of the marriage of James and Sarah (Foreman) McAdams, natives, respectively, of South Carolina and Tennessee. The father was a planter, and when a young man went to Alabama, where he married Miss Foreman and settled on a farm within five miles of Columbiana, where he lived for over fifty years. His death occurred in 1867, and his wife died in February, 1889. Of their family the following children are living: Isaac F. (resides in Dallas, TX), J. F., Elizabeth (now Mrs. Edwards, of Shelby Co., A1a.), Sarah (now Mrs. Horton, resides in Shelby Co., AL), and Dr. Henry Clay (who is married and resides in Shelby Co., A1a.). Dr. J. F. McAdams was reared to plantation life and secured a good practical education in the schools of Shelby Co., AL, subsequently taking a three-years’ course in Talladega, Ala. After leaving school he engaged in teaching, and at the same time commenced reading medicine at the Mobile Medical Institute, graduating in the class of 1861. After this he practiced some and in the spring of 1862 came to Searcy. He was the leading physician of the county during the war, and remained at home by request. He was married in Perry Co., A1a., in 1859, to Miss Sarah J. Grow, a native of Perry Co., AL, and daughter of Joseph W. and Elizabeth (Hopper) Crow, natives of Alabama. Her father was a successful agriculturist and his death occurred in 1865. His wife died in 1876. When coming to Searcy in 1862 Dr. McAdams found the town very small, and where fine business streets now are was then undergrowth. The Doctor opened his office in the public square and began practicing, which he continued all through the war without molestation. He is not very active in politics, but votes with the Democratic party. Socially, he is a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M. To his marriage was born one child, Frank Waldo, who is book-keeper for F. Lippman, at Olyphant, AR. Dr. McAdams has seen many changes since first residing here, both from an educational and moral standpoint. The customs of the people have also changed. He and Mrs. McAdams are members of the Baptist Church. Maj. John C. McCauley, Searcy, AR, is one of the well known and esteemed pioneer residents of this Co., having come to White County in 1851. He was born in Orange Co., NC, February 24, 1834, and was the second in a family of nine children born to James and Mary A. (Freeland) McCauley, both natives of North Carolina. The father Page 216 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas grew to manhood near Chapel Hill, NC, settled on a plantation and made that his home until 1836, when he moved to Tennessee. He first settled in Fayette Co., then Tipton Co., and kept a hotel at Concordia, TN, in 1851. Later than this he came to White Co., settled in Gray Township, speculated in land (being also a contractor), and erected a great many houses in Searcy. Be there closed his eyes to the scenes of this world in December, 1888, at the age of seventy-nine years. His excellent wife died in 1883. The father was a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M., and was charter member of the same. Of their family, seven children are now living: E. J. (now Mrs. E. J. Carter, who resides in Searcy), Maj. John O., Mary A. (now Mrs. William T. Holloway, of Searcy), Martha E. (now Mrs. Joseph R. Hall, resides in Tipton Co., TN, near the old homestead), James (is married, and resides on the father’s homestead near Judsonia), Catherine B. (now Mrs. John D. Sprigg, resides at Searcy), and George O. (who married Miss Emma Black, resides at West Point, White County). The paternal great-grandfather, John McCanley, was a captain under Gen. Marion in the War of the Revolution. He was at Antrim Island in the war against England, retreated and took secret passage on a Colonial vessel, in which be safely crossed the ocean to America. He landed in North Carolina, and made that State his home. Grandfather John McCauley was a soldier in the War of 1812, and held the rank of colonel. He represented Orange Co., NC, in the legislature for many years, and his death occurred in that State. On the mother’s side, the family was of Scotch descent. Maj. John C. McCauley was nearly seventeen years of age when he came to White Co., and received his education under the tutelage of Dr. James Holmes, an able educator. After coming to Arkansas he commenced studying law under Scott McConaughey, but in 1852 engaged in merchandising, which business he has since continued, with the exception of four years during the war (1861 - 65). He has had different partners, the present firm being McCauley & Son, which has continued since 1865, and carry everything to be found in a general store. In 1861 Mr. McCauley raised Company K, first State Guards, and entered the State’s service January 1, 1861. Later he was transferred to the Seventh Arkansas Infantry, and remained there during the war. He was in the bombardment of Columbus, KY, and was at Bowling Green and Shiloh; was twice wounded, and was confined in the hospital at Tupelo, Miss, and Blount Springs, Ala. After the battle of Shiloh the company was reorganized, and the subject of this sketch was the only one of the company re- elected, and he was promoted to the position of major. He was in Farmington, took the battery and then rejoined Gen. Bragg in his invasion of Kentucky. After the battle of Chickamauga, GA, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and after the battle of Missionary Ridge he was detailed and put in charge of a company to recruit men. He was captured by the Third Missouri Cavalry near Batesville and taken to the military prison at Little Rock, where he was paroled by Col. Chandler at the house of Mrs. Green, remained two months, and was then taken to Johnston Island, where he was exchanged on January 9, 1865. He surrendered on May 9, 1865, after which he returned to White County and engaged in merchandising. He has taken quite an active part in politics, and votes with the Democratic party. He was deputy postmaster for many years before the war, and was postmaster under President Hayes, filled the same position under President Cleveland, and occupies that position at the present time. He has been Master of the Masonic Lodge No. 49, Searcy, for six years, is a member of Tillman Chapter No. 19, and has been High Priest and King; is also a member of the Council, having been Thrice Illustrious. Maj. McCanley was married in Tipton Co., TN, in 1855, to Miss Eliza J. Hall, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of Thomas S. and Mary Hall, natives of North Carolina. Her father was a farmer and tanner, and both he and wife died in Tennessee. They were related by marriage to Stonewall Jackson. To Mr. and Mrs. McCauley were born four living children: Aurora (now Mrs. Fancette, resides in Searcy), Charles E. (widower, and is postal clerk on the Iron Mountain Railroad between St. Louis and Little Rock), Ernest J. and James Thomas. Mr. McCauley and Page 217 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas wife are members of the Old School Presbyterian Church, and he is deacon and Bible- class teacher in the same. James A. McCauley, farmer and ginner, White Co., AR. Permanent success in any calling in life is largely dependent upon the energy, perseverance and enterprise of an individual, and this, together with honest, upright dealing, will eventually bring him to the front. Mr. McCauley was originally from Tipton Co., TN, where his birth occurred in 1842, and was the fifth of seven children, the result of the union of James and Mary (Freeland) McCauley, natives of Orange Co., NC The parents were married in Chapel Hill, NC, and in 1836 moved to Tipton Co., TN, where the father tilled the soil unti11851. He then came to White Co., settled at Prospect Bluff, now Judsonia, and in connection with his former pursuit, ran a steam saw-mill, one of the first in the Co., and doing the grinding for several counties. In 1885 he moved to West Point, White Co., and there his death occurred on December15, 1888. His wife received her final summons in Searcy, in 1882. James A. McCauley attained his growth on the farm, received his education in the schools of Searcy, and on April 13, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Seventh Arkansas Infantry, as a private, for one year. He was in the battle of Shiloh, and after this disastrous engagement he re-enlisted for three years or during service, in the same company and regiment. He was in the battles of Perryville and Murfreesboro, and at the reorganization of the company he was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant. This was after the last-named battle. The regiment was consolidated with the Sixth Arkansas Infantry, and Mr. McCauley was transferred to Gen. Kirby Smith. He was put in Turnbull Camp, Washington, Hempstead Co., for four months, drilling troops, and was then transferred to Dobbin’s brigade, McGee’s regular cavalry. He was with Gen. Price on the Missouri raid and was paroled at Jacksonport, AR, in 1865, after which he returned to White County. Mr. McCauley then embarked in mercantile pursuits in Searcy, in 1866, but the following year sold out and returned to the farm. His marriage occurred in White Co., on December 13, 1865, to Miss Nancy A. Bond, a native of White Co., and the daughter of John W. and Emily (Smith) Bond, natives of North Carolina and Georgia, respectively. The father moved to Arkansas Territory in 1836, and was residing there when it was admitted into the Union. He was the first county clerk of White Co., was one of the prominent and first merchants of Searcy, and started his store in the woods. His death occurred in 1887. His wife died in 1869. Mr. McCauley settled where he now resides in 1856, and in 1874 he purchased 715 acres of land, and now has 315 under cultivation. He raises grain and cotton. Mr. McCauley has been running a cotton-gin ever since he settled on the farm, and has been quite successful. In his political views he is a cotton-mouth Democrat. To his marriage were born ten children: James Walton, Emma, Holmes, Stonewall, Lee, Hardee, Pat Cleburne, Jeff Davis, Allen and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. McCanley are members of the Presbyterian Church. George C. McCauley is not unknown to the many readers of the present volume. He learned the miller’s trade when a boy, and operated a gristmill and cotton-gin at Judsonia for six years, after which he engaged in farming on the old Beeler place, where he remained nine years. Moving thence to West Point, he engaged in farming and in the cotton-gin business, in which he is still engaged, enjoying the confidence and liberal patronage of his many acquaintances. On October 24, 1877, he was married to Miss Emma Black, a daughter of W. G. Black, who was born in 1860, in Searcy. They became the parents of three children, two of whom are still living: Mattie May and Maud E. Mr. McCauley is a strong Democrat, and a liberal donator to all enterprises for the benefit of church or educational work. He was born in Tipton Co., TN, on February 5, 1851, being the son of James and Mary Ann McCauley, natives of North Carolina, who were reared near Raleigh, where they were married and made their home for some time. After residing awhile in Tennessee and Missouri, they finally came to Arkansas in 1851, settling in White County. Mr. McCauley was one of the most successful farmers that ever found a home in Arkansas, being the owner of 1.200 acres of land at the time of his Page 218 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas death, which occurred in December, l888, at the age of seventy-seven years; his wife had died in 1882, in her seventy-second year. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church, and were the parents of ten children, seven of whom are still living: Elizabeth (the wife of W. B. Carter, of Searcy), John C. (the present postmaster of Searcy), Mary (wife of W. T. Holloway), Martha (wife of J. R. Hall), James A. (farmer of this county), Catharine B. (wife of Capt. J. D. Spriggs, now deceased) and George C. (our subject). R. H. McCulloch, farmer and stock raiser, Searcy, AR. In reviewing the lives of those individuals mentioned in this volume no adequate idea of the agricultural affairs of White Co., or of its substantial citizens, would be complete, which failed to make mention of Mr. McCulloch, or of the substantial property which he owns. Originally from Murfreesboro, Rutherford County. Tenn, his birth occurred August 26, 1849, he passing his boyhood days and early manhood in Tennessee. He was educated in Andrew College of that State, and after leaving school began the study of pharmacy, subsequently going to Giles Co., TN, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits from 1870 to 1871. The next year he became bookkeeper at Plum Bayou, in Jefferson Township, on the Arkansas River. In March, 1873, he came to Gray Township, White Co., and finally locating at Beebe, entered the employ of Strange & Ward as book-keeper, with whom he remained for two years. Deciding to settle in Union Township, he purchased a farm of 120 acres, with sixty-five under cultivation, and now has eighty-five acres of it, improved. On October 27, 1884, Mr. McCulloch moved to Searcy, having the previous September been elected clerk of the circuit and Chancery court, and also recorder, and served efficiently in that capacity until October 30, 1888, when he was engaged as traveling salesman for Mitchell & Bettie, of Little Rock, continuing on the road until March 1, 1889. He then moved to his present farm, having bought in 1887 eighty acres, with thirty acres under cultivation. He now owns a good place of 200 acres, with 115 acres under substantial improvement, besides a timber tract of 169 acres. Mr. McCulloch is the eldest in a family of five children born to Dr. P. D. and Lucy V. McCulloch, both being natives of Tennessee. The father, was a physician and surgeon by profession, and in 1876 moved to Hot Springs, AR, where he still resides. He has been active in the Masonic order, having just retired as Grand Knight of the Grand Templars of the State. He represented the Grand Lodge of Tennessee in all its various offices. The mother of R. H. McCulloch died in July, 1865, in Gibson Co., TN. In their family were the following children: R. H., P. D. (married, and resides in Lee County; is an attorney and an extensive planter), E. A. (married, and an attorney in Lee County) and Lydia B. (now Mrs. J. T. Hogg; resides in Trenton, TN.; her husband is traveling salesman for a Memphis firm). R. H. McCulloch was married in White Co., AR, November 25, 1874, to Miss Anna E. Cobb, a native of Tennessee (Haywood County), and the daughter of T. T. and Mary (Rose) Cobb, of North Carolina origin, who immigrated from that State in 1832 and 1833, respectively, to Tennessee. In 1858 they came to White Co., AR, settling in Union Township, and there the father’s death occurred in 1881. The mother died about 1860. Mr. McCulloch lost his excellent wife in 1876, and was married again in White Co., June 30, 1878, to Mattie L. Cobb, a Tennessean by birth, and the daughter of S. P. and Eliza (Rose) Cobb, originally from North Carolina. The parents moved to Tennessee in 1832, coming thence to White Co., AR, in 1870, and settling near Beebe, where the father followed agricultural pursuits. Both parents are now living. To Mr. and Mrs. McCulloch were born five children: Samuel R., Philip D., Bertha O., Maggie and R. H., Jr. Mr. McCulloch is a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. &A. M.; was Worshipful Master of Beebe Lodge No. 145 for about ten years; is a member of Tillman Chapter No. 19, R. A. M., and belongs to Searcy Lodge, K. of H., at Searcy. He has been for a number of years a member of the Grand Lodge, and for the past three years has been secretary and treasurer, and chairman for two years. Page 219 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Miles O. McDowell, actively occupied as a farmer and stock raiser, of Marshall Township, White Co., AR, is the son of Harvey and Ruth (Walker) McDowell, and was born in Tennessee in 1854. Harvey McDowell, also a native of Tennessee, dates his existence from July, 1806, as a son of Joseph and Olive McDowell. He spent his younger days on a plantation, and in the schools of Tennessee, and was married in April, 1834, to Ruth Walker, becoming by her the father of the following family: Ollie (Mrs. W. F. Gill, now deceased), Parthena (Mrs. L. Jones, also deceased), Louisa (widow of Mr. Greegs), William (married), Gideon, Robert, John, Harriet C. and Miles C. (the subject of this memoir). Harvey McDowell died soon after the war, his last days being spent in Missouri, where he had moved with his family from Tennessee. After his father’s demise, Miles O. came to Arkansas in company with his mother, and purchased land in White County which he soon after sold, and subsequently acquired another 120 acres in the same township, one mile south of Romance. This farm he bought in 1888, and now has forty acres in an excellent state of cultivation. His farm is well and carefully stocked, and in many respects is the equal of any in the country. His mother, who is residing with him, is an estimable lady, and is hale and hearty for a person of her age. Mr. McDowell takes decided interest in all those movements which promise good to the Co., and never fails to give his support to any worthy cause. George W. McKinney is one of the most enterprising and progressive farmers of White County and one who has done a great deal in changing the country from a dense wilderness to what is now a prosperous and thrifty community. Born on May 0, 1826, in Monroe Co., MS., he came to Arkansas in 1870, and settled on the farm that he now owns, buying 1‘20 acres on which was a small log-cabin and about ten acres cleared, but shortly after he purchased 200 acres more, and erected a good house, barns, fences, etc., having here 135 acres under successful cultivation, and all the necessary improvements of the present day. Mr. McKinney is a model farmer, as everything around his place indicates; negligence and degeneracy being traits unknown about his home. He is the son of John and Rosanna (Land) McKinney, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively, who were married in the latter State and shortly afterward moved to Mississippi, there becoming engaged in farming. Mr. McKinney was a Democrat, and soldier in the War of 1812, also serving as magistrate of his county for several years. His death occurred in 1832, his wife surviving him until 1872. They were the parents of nine children,.five now living. The oldest son, J. G., is a prosperous farmer in Texas. Susan C. (Mrs. Chesley Malone, at present resides in Calhoun Co., MS), Andrew J. (is a farmer of Chickasaw Co., MS), and one daughter (Mrs. R. E. Brewer). George W. was reared to farm life, and received a good education in the common schools of the period. He cared for his aged mother until her death, giving her all the comforts necessary to her declining years, and in his twenty-fourth year was married to Miss Helen C. Gibbs of Mississippi birth, by whom he became the father of eight children, six now surviving: W. T. (a farmer of Royal Township, White County), John M. (also a farmer in Royal Township, White County), George W. (at home), T. A. (a farmer of Royal Township, White County). Margaret A. (wife of James W. Hall, a prominent farmer of Royal Township), J. R. and Julia E. (now Mrs. Thomas S. Kitchen). Mrs. McKinney died in 1889, and Mr. McKinney chose for his second and present wife, Mrs. M. E. Malone, a native of Mississippi. At the time of the war Mr. McKinney was justice of the peace and consequently did not enter the service until 1863, when he enlisted in Col. Duff’s regiment, remaining until the final surrender. He was in McCullough’s brigade in the cavalry service, and participated in several brisk skirmishes, but was never wounded. Page 220 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas He was ordered to Mobile with Col. Duff, and advised by that colonel to go to his family. While in Mississippi Mr. McKinney held the office of justice of the peace and overseer of roads and men. He is a member of El Paso Lodge No. 65, A. F. & A. M., and was made a Mason in 1865. also belonging at this time to New Hope Agricultural Wheel No. 32, T. A., and is treasurer of the Wheel. He is at present a member of his school board, and takes an active interest in schools, churches, and gives his influence and help to all public enterprises. In his political views Mr. McKinney is a Democrat, but casts his vote irrespective of party and where he considers it will do the most good, supporting always the best man for the position. D. L. McLeod, who, though comparatively young in years, has had an experience such as but few men enjoy, is now a prosperous planter and fruit grower of White County. When only fourteen years of age he became a “sailor boy,” and in 1869 received the honor of being made captain in the merchant service. He was born in Prince Edward’s Island, Canada, April 27, 1841, and is the son of Donald McLeod, also a native of Canada, who there married Miss Annie Henderson, her birth also occurring on Prince Edward’s Island. A family of six children blessed this union, five of whom are still living. Donald McLeod was principally engaged in agricultural pursuits during life, in which he was very successful. Himself and wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he had been deacon for a number of years, rigidly upholding the tenets of his belief. His wife died some years previous to his demise, which occurred in 1886. From January, 1864, D. L. McLeod served as chief quartermaster in the United States navy, receiving honorable recognition for the manner in which he discharged his duties. His term of service in the navy expired in May, 1867, but he at once returned to the sea and engaged in the merchant service continuing until 1879. One noteworthy event marks his career during this time: A beautiful marine telescope was presented to him in 1873, awarded by the King of Norway for a brave and noble deed in rescuing a Norwegian crew, on the Atlantic Ocean. Mr. McLeod was married, in 1874, to Susie K. Kitchen, a daughter of William and Jane Kitchen, and a native of Ontario, Canada. To this union two children have been born: Lillie J. (born in Akyobe, India, April, 1875, and died in 1880), William (born in February, 1877, and died at sea May, 1878, and is buried at Belfast, Ireland) and Arthur R. (who is now seven years old). In 1880 Mr. McLeod became a resident of Iowa, where he remained for three years engaged in fine stock raising, in Fayette Co., but in 1883 he moved to Arkansas and located at Judsonia, White Co., where he still lives, successfully occupied in fruit growing. He owns 240 acres of excellent land, and has a fine residence, which he has erected during his abode here. He is a Master Mason in good standing and is also president of the Arkansas Fruit Growers’ Union, which was organized in 1886. Besides this he is first vice-president of the State Horticultural Society, and, with his wife, belongs to the Baptist Church. Dandridge McRae, attorney at law. Searcy, AR, has every reason to be proud of both its law courts and the members of the bar who support them. Among the leading firms of attorneys in Searcy, is the well-known one of Messrs. McRae, Rives & Rives, who are notable representatives of the learned profession. Mr. McRae has also been expert for the United States treasury department, appointed in 1889, and this business is to gather statistics for that department. He was born in Baldwin Co., AL, on October 10, 1829. and the eldest in a family of eleven children born to the union of D. R. W. and Margaret (Braey) McRae, the father of “feet Florida Parish, Miss, and the mother of South Carolina. The parents were married in Alabama in 1828, and were the owners of a large plantation, which he carried on although he was a lawyer by profession. He took quite an active part in politics, was sheriff" of Clark Co., and represented that county in the legislature. His death occurred in Page 221 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas March, 1849. After the death of her husband and the same year, Mrs. McRae came to White Co., AR, settled in Little Red River Township, entered land, improved it, bought several claims, and in 1859 moved to Pulaski Co., near Little Rock, and made that her home until 1861. After this she visited the Lone Star State, but returned, and her death occurred at the home of her son, Dandridge McRae, iii Searcy in 1867. Those members of the family living are: Dandridge, Rebecca (Mrs. Col. G. F. Bancum, of Little Rock), Ann (wife of A. T. Jones, near West Point, White Co., AR.) and Mrs. Mona Rawles (at Perryville, Perry County). Dandridge McRae was early trained to the arduous duties of the farm, received his education at home under a private tutor, and later entered the University of South Carolina, from which institution he graduated in the class of 1849. He then aided in opening up the farm in Red River Township, but in 1853 moved to Searcy, and there commenced reading law. He was admitted to the bar by Justice O. C. Scott, of the supreme court, in 1854, and commenced the practice of law immediately afterward. In 1856 he was elected county and circuit clerk of the Co., and served six years. In 1861 he was actively engaged in organizing troops for the State, and in the same year was sent by the military board to muster Gen. N. P. Pierce, brigadier of State troops, while even at that time the Missourians were driven from the State by the Federal Generals Lyon and Siegel. Gen. Ben. McCulloch in command of the Arkansas and Indian Territory, issued a proclamation to the people of Arkansas to go to the border and repel invaders. Many companies organized reported to Mr. McRae, and at the request of the General, the former took command and moved into Missouri, toward Springfield, to make a diversion, while the General moved to Carthage to relieve Gen. Parsons of the Missouri State Guards. Upon his return to Arkansas Mr. McRae organized a regiment under the direction of Gen. McCulloch, and was made colonel of the same. He served until 1862, was with Gen. McCulloch at Wilson’s Creek, Pea Ridge and Corinth. He returned to Arkansas in 1862, raised another regiment by June, and was assigned by Gen. Hindman the command of a brigade. This brigade served until 1862, when Mr. McRae was promoted in December, to the rank of brigadier-general, and served in that capacity until the close of the war. He was in the battle of Helena, captured the only fort taken, also Jenkins’ Ferry, Prairie Grove, and returned to Searcy, White Co., in 1865. He engaged in the practice of law until 1881, and was then deputy secretary of State for four years. In 1885 he was acting commissioner for Arkansas, at the World’s Fair at New Orleans, and in 1886 was the commissioner. Mr. McRae was appointed expert on December 26, 1888, by United States treasury department for gathering information. He was vice-president of the bureau of emigration of Arkansas in 1887. Socially, he is a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M., and was Worshipful Master of the same; is a member of Tillman Chapter No. 19, and a member of the Council. Mr. McRae was married in De Soto Co., MS, on January 10, 1855, to Miss Angie Lewis, a native of Mississippi, who bore her husband two children: Annie (now Mrs. Neeley, residing in Searcy) and Minnie (now Mrs. J. F. Rives, Jr., residing in Searcy). Thomas Jefferson Malone, planter and stock raiser at Pleasant Plains, AR, is the son of Stephen and Sarah (Parks) Malone, natives of North Carolina, being born December 16, 1816, in Henry Co., TN. He was reared in the arduous duties of the farm, received his education in his native Co., and on December 20, 1846, he was married in Fayette Co., TN, to Miss Pinie E. Ozier, a native of North Carolina, where she partly received her education. In about 1848 Mr. Malone purchased a tract of land, consisting of 160 acres of unimproved land, and this he went to work to improve. After clearing about twenty-five acres and erecting good buildings, he sold this property and came to Arkansas. To his marriage were born six children, four of whom are now living: Sarah Frances (born in 1847), William Thomas (born in 1849, and died in 1857), Alice Jane_(born in 1858), an infant (died unnamed), Charles Calvin (born May 7, 1861) and Lititia (born in 1863). Sarah Frances married Page 222 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas W. Yarbrough, a native of Tennessee, is the mother of three children, and now resides in White County. Calvin C. married Miss Ella Boen, a native of Alabama, and now resides with parents. Martha Ann married James Kilo, a native of Arkansas, and has one child. They also reside with the parents. Mr. Malone came to Arkansas in 1856, located in Independence Co., and there made their home for one year, he engaged in tilling the soil. In 1857 he came to White Co., located on his present farm, and there he has since made his home. The original tract contained about 194 acres, which were uncultivated at that time. Mr. Malone has purchased other tracts at various times and has always sold to advantage. He has put all the improvements on his place and has about fifty-three acres under fence. The soil is of good quality and furnishes nearly all the necessaries of life, corn and cotton being the principal crops. Vegetables of all kinds grow in abundance, and he also raises some tobacco which is of good quality. Mr. and Mrs. Malone are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have held membership since 1843. They live true Christian lives and have the love and esteem of a large circle of friends. Mr. Malone is a member of Cedar Grove Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and is also a member of the Agricultural Wheel No. 88. The parents of Mr. Malone were natives of North Carolina, and were married in that State. They were of Scotch-German descent and their ancestors on both sides came to the United States prior to the Revolutionary War. Grandfather Malone served seven years in the Colonial War and drew a pension for some years previous to his death, which occurred at the age of eighty-one years. Grandfather Parks also participated in that war, serving in the capacity of colonel, and ,died about 1804. To Stephen and Sarah (Parks) Malone were born thirteen children, all of whom grew to maturity. Mrs. Malinda J. Malone, proprietress of a well kept hotel at Auvergne, AR, is a daughter of Henry R. and Mary E. (Follis) Bray, the former a Baptist minister and a native of Virginia, and the latter born in the “ Palmetto State.” They were married in Alabama in 1832, and shortly afterward moved to Lynnville, TN, where they made their home for twelve years, Mr. Bray being engaged in conducting a large wood yard, blacksmith’s shop and also attended to his ministerial duties. In 1850 Rev. Bray removed with his family to Alabama, where he followed the occupation of farming and preaching until 1860, when he settled in Madison Co., AR, and two years later moved to Cotton Plant, in Phillips Co., where he resided five years. In the fall of 1867, he came to Jackson Co., and purchased 250 acres of land and was here residing at the time of his death in July, 1870, his wife's death occurring five years later. Mrs. Bray was a daughter of. William and Mary (Dickinson) Follis who were natives of South Carolina, and removed to Alabama at an early day. The father’s ancestors were Virginians and of Irish descent. Mrs. Malone is the eldest of a family of nine children and is the only one now living, her birth occurring on November 23, 1837. The remainder of the family were: William R. (born March 14, 1839; he was twice married and died January 3, 1888, two children and his last wife surviving him), Mary E. (was born August 1, 1841, and was married to Gabriel Couch of Jackson Co., AR, and died in 1871), Sarah A. (was born in 1843, and was the wife of G. O. Harrison, by him becoming the mother of three sons; she died in 1882), Charity E. (was born 1845 and was twice married, her first husband being William Johnson and her last Newton Bleakley; she died in 1880, leaving two sons, Charley W., who resides with Mrs. Malone and William, who lives in New Mexico), Iradel (was a farmer of Texas, but in 1881 moved to Jackson Co., AR, and died the same year), Martha (was the wife of Levi Blakely and died in 1871 leaving no issue), Boldon (died in 1877 at the age of eighteen years) and a little sister, Katie (died in infancy). Mrs. Malone was reared in Lynnville and in that town and in Rogersville, AL, received her education. In 1854 she was married to B. T. Malone, she at that time being only fourteen and a half years of age and he nineteen. Their children are named as follows: John T. (a miller at Athens, A1a., has a wife and two Page 223 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas children, Charlie and D01lie), Henry E. (a man of Thornton, Miller Co., AR. ; is married and has had five children but now has only three, Emmet, aged nine; Lulu, aged seven, and Lucile, aged five), Emma (is a young lady at home), Mollie L. (was born in 1863 and is the wife of J. A. Canada, a merchant of Beebe; she died in 1885 and her husband and one child survive her), Dollie (was born August 1, 1872, and died May 7, 1886), Mattie (was born August 2, 1866, and died August 6, 1877), Linnie (was born January 1, 1877 and died April 1, 1879), James W. (was born August 3, 1858 and died June 2, 1859) and Charles (born August 2, 1876, and died in infancy). After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Malone resided in Tennessee until 1859 and after a short residence in Northern Alabama they settled in Mississippi and there made their home for ten years. In 1869 they removed to and purchased a large plantation in Jackson Co., AR, and there also managed a mercantile establishment up to 1877, when they sold their land and moved to Beebe, purchasing considerable town property at that place on which they erected good buildings. Mr. Malone was also engaged in merchandising; in his political views was an active Democrat and held the offices of magistrate and notary public for a considerable length of time. He was a leading member of the Baptist Church and was a member in good standing of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Malone died in 1884 and his widow immediately put her shoulder to the wheel, increased her stock of dry goods and carried on the business at Beebe, and also erected a store at Auvergne which she put in charge of her son Henry E., her eldest son conducting the business at Beebe. In 1877 Mrs. Malone located in Auvergne and took charge of the Auvergne academy and for one year filled the office of matron of that institution. In September, 1888, she opened a hotel which she is at present successfully conducting and since the death of her husband she has so successfully conducted the property he left that it has greatly increased in value. She is a lady of great force of character and more than ordinary powers of mind and has reared her family in such a manner as to win the respect of all with whom she comes in contact. She is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church and her family are also church members. Jeremiah E. Manasco. The Manasco family, , or rather that branch to which the subject of this sketch belongs, were early settlers of Arkansas, having originally come from Alabama, and were in all probability of French descent. Mr. Manasco, our subject, was born in Tipton Co., TN, in 1833 or 1834, and is a son of James and Ruby E. (Crawford) Manasco, both of whom died about the year 1841, and although he was the youngest of a family of nine children, he was left to shift for himself, and became a bound boy to his brother John, and was reared by him to manhood on a farm. He suffered the trials of the orphan, and although his school advantages were very limited, and he was compelled to work very hard, he remained faithful to his bondsman till he reached his twenty-first year, when he drifted out into the world to try his own powers. He first engaged as a farm hand, doing all kinds of heavy work, becoming in the meantime thoroughly familiar with the details of farm work. In 1857 he was married to Miss Mary J. Flanagan, a native of Tennessee, and by her became the father of six children, three of whom lived to be grown: John F. (a railroad man of Little Rock), William J. (a resident of Tennessee), Preston V. (deceased), Amandeville W. (living) and twin girls, Emily and Martha (who died in infancy). The mother of these children died in September, 1869, in full communion with the Methodist Episcopal Church. After remaining a widower two years, Mr. Manasco married Miss Virginia P. Wooten, a native of Tennessee, and of their large family of ten children all are living: Nellie Naomi, May L., George W., Calla D., Bedford F., Reuben B., Fanny, Helen, Bertha and Leonora M. In 1864 Mr. Manasco joined the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, but owing to weak eyes soon left the service. Before the war and afterward till January. 1872, Mr. Manasco carried on farming in his native State, and in this calling succeeded far beyond his expectations, but sold his property in December, 1871, and in 1872 removed to Prairie Co., AR, where Page 224 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas he rented land and farmed for three years. Since that time he has resided in White Co., and in 1875 purchased 160 acres of land, on which were erected some log cabins on fifty acres of cleared land. He set energetically to work to improve his property, and soon had one of the finest homes in White County. In June, 1885, he had the misfortune to lose his residence and nearly all its contents by fire, but he has since rebuilt, and now has one of the most substantial residences in the county. By subsequent purchases he has increased his lands to 245 acres, and has 100 acres under cultivation. The land is well adapted to raising all kinds, of grain, but his principal crops are corn, cotton and oats. Mr. Manasco is public- spirited and enterprising, and has always favored worthy movements. He is a member of El Paso Lodge No. 65 of the A. F. a A. M. John S. Marsh, one of the well-known farmers and stock raisers of White Co., is the son of Roland and Sarah (Webb) Marsh, his birth occurring in Warren Co., TN, July 28, 1825. Roland Marsh was born and educated in North Carolina, emigrating when quite young to Tennessee in company with his parents, where he met and married Miss Webb, also of North Carolina nativity, and the daughter of Elisha and Sarah Webb. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Marsh five children were born, four of them now living, and residents of Arkansas. They are Harry, Pollie, Sarah, Rachel and John S. Mr. Marsh was a farmer, and quite successful in the accumulation of wealth. He died in 1835, and his estimable wife only survived him about a year. Both were members of the Baptist Church. John S. passed his boyhood days in the schools of Warren Co., TN, and in 18-15 was united in the bands of matrimony to Annie Potter, also of Tennessee. Ten children blessed their marriage: Rollin, Tillman, Sarah J., Thomas M., Jackson R., Martha, William H., Martina and Martisia (twins) and Johnnie. Mrs. Marsh died in 1873, and in 1879, Mr. Marsh chose for his second wife Sarah Gordon, a resident and native of Tennessee. In 1849, when the subject of this sketch immigrated to Arkansas from Tennessee (locating in White County), he found himself the possessor of a single wagon and a yoke of oxen, the two comprising his worldly all. He now owns 120 acres of land well cultivated, and having exercised great care in the selection of his stock, has some excellent animals. His farm, though not as large as some in the Co., is perfectly complete in all its appointments, and its general appearance is indicative of peace and prosperity. Mr. Marsh takes a great interest in all educational matters, and is determined that his children shall be deprived of nothing that tends to advance their intellectual training. He is one of the organizers of the first church established in Mount Pisgah, and is an influential member. His wife and entire family are all members of the Methodist Church. He belongs to Lodge No. 460 of the Masonic order, in which he has held the office of treasurer. John W. Matthews was the eldest son in the family of Robert and Annie (Howard) Matthews, the former of whom came upon the stage of life’s action in Alabama, in 1802. His parents were Walter and Rachel Matthews, of South Carolina origin, but who moved to Alabama at an early day. Robert Matthews was married about 1830, and followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. Coming to Arkansas in 1836 (his family following him in 1852), he settled in White County; his wife had died shortly before his removal. Mr. Matthews enlisted as a soldier during the Civil War in 1863, and served until his death, which occurred at Rock Port in 1864. Himself and wife had a family of three children: John W., Sarah J. and Delia F. John W., the only surviving member, was born in Alabama in 1832, and was married in 1858 to Nancy Brady, daughter of William and Mirah (Cordal) Brady. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews are the parents of nine children: Mirah Ann (now Mrs. Pruett), Mary Jane (married S. M. West), James O., William R., John W., Joseph E., Benjamin F., Ester A. and Nancy N. Mr. Matthews enlisted in 1861 in Morse’s company, Fourth Battalion, Arkansas Infantry, and took part in the battles of Cotton Plant, AR; Columbus, KY, Page 225 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas and a number of other engagements. He now owns a fine farm of 313 acres of land, 175 acres of which are under cultivation. Mrs. Matthews is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Matthews is treasurer of the County Wheel, and is an influential and highly respected citizen. Burwill M. Merrill is a member of the go-ahead, enterprising firm of Merrill & Reed, dealers in real estate in Beebe, AR, a native of the “Empire State.” He was born in Chautauqua County in 1835, as the son of George and Eliza (Millard) Merrill, natives of Massachusetts and Canada, respectively. George Merrill was born in 1809, and died in 1884, his wife, who was also born at an early date, dying at Burwill’s birth. The latter, .the only child of his father’s first marriage, when about five years old, moved to Michigan with his parent, who became a very successful farmer in the “Wolverine State,” giving his careful and undivided attention to that occupation. By his second marriage Mr; Merrill became the father of two children, only one now living: Letitia (wife of John Gordon, a farmer of Floyd Co., Iowa). Burwill M. Merrill was given such advantages for obtaining an education as the excellent schools of Michigan afforded, and at the age of twenty- one assumed the responsibility of his father’s farm, the care of which he continued until the latter’s death in 1884. In 1854 he was married to Miss Lydia Wilson, a native of Canada, and to their union two children were born: Letitia (the wife of J. C. Covert, manufacturer of store fronts and other building materials, at Belmont, Iowa) and De Forest (a mechanic at Detroit). Mrs. Merrill died in 1867, having been a devoted wife and mother, and a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Merrill chose for his second wife Miss Alviria Cross, who also died in Clinton Co., MI, in 1884, having become the father of two children: George W. (who died at the age of eighteen, unmarried) and Florence L. (now the wife of Dr. A. C. Jordon, a prominent physician of Beebe, AR, with which daughter Mr. Merrill now resides). He came to Arkansas in 1885, that he might find a home in a more genial climate, also desiring to try small fruit raising in this favored section. Purchasing sixty acres in White Co., one mile west of Beebe, he at once turned his attention to the cultivation of small fruits and grasses. Mr. Merrill has tried all kinds of grasses, and is thoroughly convinced that the soil of White County will produce liberally any of the various kinds grown so bountifully in the East and North. Red clover, three feet in length, was raised on his farm one season, which was something of a curiosity. He is now successfully raising regular crops of clover and timothy. Strawberries and root crops yield immensely. Garden vegetables are especially productive, sweet potatoes yielding 350 bushels per acre. Mr. Merrill is a member of Beebe Lodge No. 47, I. O. O. F., and has passed all the chairs in the subordinate lodge. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, and is a public-spirited, enterprising man, giving his hearty support to all movements that betoken the good or growth of the county. Christian Miller is a farmer and fruit grower of White Co., AR. This gentleman was born on Bornholm Island, Hasley, Denmark, in 1842, and is the second in a family of ten children, the result of the union of John and Elizabeth Miller, natives, also, of Denmark, and who died in their native land. Their children were named as follows: Mary, Christian, Sena, John, Petra, Lena, Otto Line (deceased), Andrew, James and Julyno. Four of these children came to this country, two of whom reside in Wyoming. Andrew and the subject of this sketch came to Arkansas, and settled in White County. The latter spent his youth in his native country, was educated there and came to America in 1865, but first settled in New York. Later he moved to Illinois, remained there until 1871, and then, as stated above, came to White Co., AR, and settled in Harrison Township. He purchased eighty acres of timber land, improved it, and has added to the original tract until he now owns ‘240 acres, with 130 acres cleared and 100 acres devoted to horticulture. Mr. Miller was married in Page 226 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Illinois in 1871 to Miss Mary Hahn, daughter of Saro Hanson and Eline Christian Hahn, natives of Denmark. Mary Hahn came to America in 1861, first settling in Illinois. Mrs. Mary Hahn’s marriage to Christian Miller was in 1871. After his marriage Mr. Miller moved to Arkansas, where he has remained ever since. He has about sixteen acres of land devoted to the raising of strawberries, ten acres in raspberries, and an extensive peach orchard of sixty acres. He is one of the most extensive shippers in Judsonia. He is also the owner of a good town property in Judsonia. Socially, he is a member of Anchor Lodge No. 384, A. F. & AIM” and he and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, of which he is a deacon. He is active in church and educational matters, and, in fact, takes a decided interest in all enterprises for the good of the county. John S. Mitchell, M. D., whose professional career is one in which he may take just pride, is a son of a veteran of the Mexican War. James S. Mitchell, and has been a resident of White County since 1858. James S. Mitchell was born in Monroe Co., K32, on August 14, 1793, and was married shortly after his return from the War of 1812, in which he was actively engaged, to Miss Sarah Scott, a Tennessean by birth, born January 18, 1795. They were the parents of seven children: Dorcas (afterward Mrs. Gist), Frances (Wilson), Mary (Dies), Matilda (Barger), John S. (our subject) and Louis B. (who is also a physician of Monroe County. Mrs. Mitchell’s family were also originally from Tennessee. The Mitchells were connected with the celebrated Boone family of Kentucky. John S. was born in Kentucky November 14, 1824, growing to manhood on a farm, and accompanying his father to Henderson Co., TN, when a boy. He was married December 30, 1849, to Miss Sarah J. Dotson, daughter of Thomas and Charlotte (Pipkin) Dotson, who were married in 1815, and became the parents of four children. After his marriage, Dr. Mitchell returned to Tennessee, living there nine years. In the spring of 1858 he came to White Co., where he bought a farm of two hundred acres of unimproved land, clearing the same himself, and placing over half of it under cultivation. Himself and wife have been blessed with seven children, five of whom are living: Irena F. (Swinford), James B., William B., John T. (deceased), Albert G., Sally A. and Virgil. Dr. Mitchell also has ten grandchildren. He is a strong Democrat, and served as justice of the peace during the war and until the reconstruction. A Master Mason, he belongs to Centre Hill Lodge No. 114, and to Centre Hill Chapter. Dr. Mitchell and wife are connected with the Christian Church. Two of their children only are living at home at the present time. Nathaniel Lee Mitchell. The entire life of Mr. Mitchell has been passed in an industrious manner, and not without substantial evidences of success, as will be seen from a glance at his present possessions. His birth occurred on April 11, 1828, and he is a son of Charles B. and Nancy (Miller) Mitchell and a native of Boonville, Cooper Co., Mo. His paternal ancestors came to America in 1760, and the paternal grandfather, Thomas Mitchell, was born in the State of Virginia. The Millers came to America prior to the Revolution, probably about 1750. Owing to war troubles Great-grandfather Miller was forced from his home, and without his family, which consisted of his wife and infant, he was compelled to flee elsewhere for protection. Grandfather Miller was born in North Carolina, about 1780. Nathaniel Lee Mitchell received his early education in the district schools of his native Co., and afterward entered the high school of Boonville, his school-days ending in the State University at Columbia, 11:10., in 1850. In 1850 he crossed the plains to the gold region of California, and there worked in different mines for about one and a half years, his labors being attended with fair results, and he then returned to his home in Missouri, and the following year became second assistant of Solomon Houck, who was engaged in freighting goods between Kansas City, MO, and Santa Fe, Page 227 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas NM., making one trip which required about eight months’ time. In 1853 he again crossed the plains to California, via Salt Lake City, Utah, and as before only met with moderate success. At the end of two years he engaged in the butcher’s business, and in 1857 bought a farm in Yolo Co., consisting of 160 acres of improved land. In addition to managing this farm, he engaged in teaching, but in 1859 concluded to return home, so sold his property, and after returning home, engaged in collecting notes, and in 1861 rented a farm near Sedalia. The troubles incident to the war coming up at this time, he left his farm and enlisted in Company G, Second Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, Confederate States Army, under Gen. Price, who was at that time commanding the Confederate army in Southwest Missouri. Almost immediately after joining he was called to duty in the commissary department, and was given the rank of captain. After holding this position two years he resigned, and returned to duty with his company as a private soldier, and was at various times under the famous cavalry leaders: Price, Forrest, Chalmers and Armstrong. He surrendered with his command at East Port, Tenn, and was paroled at Columbus, settling soon after at Panola, Miss, where he became acquainted with Miss Susan A. Hall, to whom he was united in marriage on November 30, 1865. She is a Mississippian by birth, and is a daughter of Porter and Mary Hall (the father of Scotch-Irish descent, and a native of South Carolina). Some of his ancestors were soldiers in the Continental army during Revolutionary times. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell rented and farmed land for one year, and in 1866 immigrated to Missouri, and took up their abode on a farm near Kansas City, on which they resided three years. In 1870 they came to White Co., but eleven years later moved to Washington Co., where they purchased a forty-acre tract of land. Since 1884 they have resided on their present farm. Their children are: Mary M. (born August 30, 1866, and died in September, 1872), Charles Porter (born May 18, 1868, and is now studying medicine under the tutelage of Dr. McIntosh, of Beebe. He was married November 15, 1888, to Miss Mattie Byram, a native of Arkansas, and a daughter of William W. and Margaret (Williams) Byram), and William Nathaniel Mitchell (born January 6, 1871). These children have received good educational advantages, and are a credit to their parents. Mr. Mitchell is a Democrat, serving his party for years as justice of the peace, and he and his wife, and their son Charles and wife, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Mitchell is favorable to educational and religious advancement and in fact all worthy movements. He became a Mason in 1859, joining Cooper Lodge No. 36, and now holds a demit from that lodge, bearing date January 23, 1886. Josiah J. Moncrief, M. D., Hammonsville, AR. This able and successful practitioner owes his nativity to Harris Co., GA, where his birth occurred on April 13, 1858, as the son of George W. and Emily A. (Calhoun) Moncrief. The father is a native of Georgia, and of French descent, his ancestors having emigrated to America prior to 1770, and settled in Georgia. The grandfather, Lebanon Moncrief, was a soldier under Gen. Jackson, and was at the battle of New Orleans in 1812. The maternal ancestors were of Irish descent. Dr. J. J. Moncrief moved with his parents to Alabama in 1857, acquired a good English education, and in 1881 entered the office of D. Dunlap, M. D., where be commenced the study of medicine in St. Clair Co., of that State. In 1887 he attended a course of lectures in the Medical Department of the University of Arkansas, situated at Little Rock, and later located at Tupelo, Jackson Co., AR, where be practiced medicine for a short time. In April of 1889, he came to Hammonsville, where he located, and where he contemplates making his home. The Doctor is a member and secretary of Hammonsville Lodge of the A. F. & A. M. He also holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Page 228 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas William Bird Moon, M. D., is a native of Georgia; born June 12, 1821. He was reared and educated in his native State, receiving his medical education in Louisville Medical Institute, now the Medical University of Kentucky, following which he began practicing physio in 1845. After having remained in Georgia eight years he moved to Alabama and continued in active practice for nineteen years, coming thence to White Co., AR, in 1872, where he purchased real estate, upon which he now lives. Dr. Moon was married October 19, 1845, to Roena Catherine Spratlen, daughter of Henry and Mary Spratlen, natives of Georgia. The Doctor and his wife are the parents of eleven children: Mary Caroline (born August 15, 1846, married S. S. Pearson in 1867, and died January 27, 1878), Francis L. (born April 21, 1848, married H. M. Ware, died March 26, 1876), Jacob Oliver (born July 31, 1856, died October 31, 1877), Susan C. (born June 20, 1854, married D. G. Copeland, and died March 27, 1888), James Calhoun (born October 8, 1864, died August 27, 1865), Theodosia Earnest (born May 31, 1866, died October 6, 1873), William David (born February 11, 1850, married Allie E. Darden), Ana P. (born April 19, 1852, married H. McKay), Emma Wilkinson (born September 6, 1858, married W. E. Powel), Robert Urial (born July 22, 1860, married G. H. Neely), and Alice Virginia (born September 5, 1862, married G. C. Layne). Dr. Moon is a son of Jacob and Mary Ann (Staples) Moon, who were also of Georgia nativity. Their ancestors came originally from Virginia. Jacob Moon was born September 28, 1795, and died August 13, 1877, and his wife, whose natal day was December 6, 1799, died November 16, 1876. Dr. Moon’s brothers and sisters are: Lavina (born December 28, 1817, died in 1840), David Staples (born November 16, 1819), John Chapel (born August 15, 1824, died April 9, 1855), Thomas (born February 24, 1827, died March 21, 1852), Mary Ann (born February 18, 1829), Susan E. (born July 9, 1841). Dr. Moon is a devoted Democrat. He and his wife are members of Missionary Baptist Church, and take active interest in all laudable enterprises. He is deacon of his church. William D. Moon, M. D., is a worthy son of one of the most esteemed residents of this county. His parents were Dr. William B. and Roena C. (Spratlen) Moon, natives of Georgia, who moved to Alabama in 1853, as stated in the biography which immediately precedes this. William D. Moon first saw the light of day in 1850, improving to the utmost the advantages enjoyed for receiving an education in the common schools of Alabama. In 1877 he attended the medical college at Louisville, where his father had studied, and in 1878 commenced practicing in White Co., AR, which locality has been his parents’ home for some years. His later career has been an encouraging and highly satisfactory one. Dr. Moon was married in the fall of 1872, to Allie E. Darden, daughter of J. W. and Nancy H. Darden. They have a family of four children: Robert E. Lee (deceased), Lena L., Yandell and William Darden. Dr. Moon and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. The former is a Democrat in politics and is a highly respected citizen. Yandell is named after the Yandells in Louisville, KY, who were fellow-students and teachers of the Doctor’s grandfather, and several of them belonged to the medical faculty when the father was attending medical lectures in 1877. Moore & Lyon are proprietors of the largest livery, sale and feed stables at Searcy. The senior member bf the firm, James L. Moore, is a son of Robert W. and Sally (Carter) Moore, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. In 1858 the father moved to Arkansas and settled in White Co., where he died March 24, 1884. His wife still survives him and resides in Cleburne County with her daughter and younger children. James L. Moore came originally from Tennessee, where his birth occurred July 27, 1857. A year after this event his parents moved to White Co., AR, where he has since made his home, gaining by his upright course a wide and honorable acquaintance. He was engaged in farming until 1887, when he moved to Searcy and embarked in the livery business, the patronage accorded this Page 229 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas establishment being liberal and of increasing dimensions. Jack F. Lyon, associated with Mr. Moore in the conduct of the stables referred to, was born in Mississippi, on September 5, 1858, as one of a family of William and Lydia (Arnold) Lyman, of Alabama origin. Mr. and Mrs. Lyman moved to Tennessee in 1864, where the former engaged in farming and remained until 1883, then becoming located in Cross Co., AR. Here he died three years later. Jack F. Lyon removed to White County in 1881, and was occupied in stock raising for the following six years. In 1887 he settled at Searcy and entered into the livery business in company with Mr. Moore. Mr. Lyon has two brothers similarly occupied in Wayne, Cross Co., and another brother is engaged in farming in Cross County. Messrs. Moore & Lyman are doing the largest business, in their line, of any firm in Searcy, and are very popular, being affable and obliging in their intercourse with the public. M. M. Morris, proprietor of cotton-gin, gristmill and planing-mill, Searcy, AR. There are few men of the present day whom the world acknowledges as successful, more worthy of honorable mention, or whose history affords a better illustration of what may be accomplished by a determined will and perseverance, than Mr. Morris. He owes his nativity to Kanawha Co., WV, where his birth occurred February 25, 1828, and is the third in a family of nine children born to the union of P. H. and Ann (Summers) Morris, natives of West Virginia. The father was a miller by trade, but in connection carried on farming, and became the owner of a large plantation. His death occurred in 1842. The mother is still living, makes her home in West Virginia, and is in perfect health, although eighty-three years of age. Their children were named as follows: Floyd W. (married, and resides in West Virginia), Henry (was killed in White Co., by a mule, in 1868), M. M. (subject of this sketch). F. T. J. (married, and resides in Garner, White Co., AR), F. F. (married, and resides in West Virginia), Nancy Jane (now Mrs. Poindexter, of West Virginia), William (married, and resides in West Virginia), George L. (married, and resides near Searcy). and Harriet Ann (now Mrs. Crisp, resides in the Lone Star State). M. M. Morris was reared in a town in West Virginia, received his education in the subscription schools of that State, and there learned the blacksmith trade. On January 13, 1850, he came to Searcy, engaged in blacksmithing in front of the Gill House, and continued there a number of years. Later be erected the first steam-mill in White Co., on Red River, near Searcy, and one year later, or in 1851, at Searcy Landing. Mr. Morris ran the mill over one year, and then sold it. He next engaged in cutting wood, and the same year erected a mill and went to work. He was married on October 22, 1852, to Miss M. J. Story, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of Henry and Annie (Moore) Story, who were originally from Tennessee. Her parents came to Independence Co., AR, settled in Batesville, in 1841, and here the father followed merchandising the principal part of his life. His death occurred in 1845 or 1846, but his wife survived him many years, and made her home with her son, M. M. Morris. She died in 1868. To Mr. and Mrs. Morris were born seven children: M. G. (married to Miss Pruitt, and is the father of five children), T. J., W. F., Mary Ellen (widow of Andrew McGinnis), George L., Henry (died in 1875), Charley and Hattie. Mr. Morris lost his excellent wife in April, 1885. He has been continuously in business for nearly forty years, and, although starting with little or no means, he is now one of the successful and progressive men of the county. He owns sixty- eight acres of land joining Searcy; has about 400 acres under cultivation, and has some fine buildings on his farms, one costing $3,3Co. He has all the latest machinery for running his farm, and follows agricultural pursuits more extensively than any other man in Gray Township. - He is not active in politics, but votes with the Democratic party. Socially, he is a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M. He takes an active interest in all matters relating to the good of the Co., and has been a member of the Methodist Page 230 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Episcopal Church for many years. His wife was also a member of the same church. During the late war Mr. Morris was boss workman of a Texas Brigade shop, in Texas Brigade, Col. Taylor’s regiment. George L. Morris, one of the representative men of White Co., came to this locality when nineteen years of age. When the war-cry sounded he joined the Confederate army, under Col. McRae, remaining in service until the declaration of peace, mostly on detached duty as wagon master and marshal of trains. After the war he engaged in farming, and, though financially embarrassed when leaving the army, he has, by hard work, good management and economy, become the owner of one of the best farms in White Co., 800 acres of land in extent, with 400 of these thoroughly cultivated. Mr. Morris was born in Putnam Co., WV, in 1840, and is the son of Harry and Annie (Summers) Morris, natives of Old Virginia. Mr. Morris, Sr., was a farmer, miller and distiller. He departed this life in 1840, when about forty years old. Mrs. Morris afterward married Richard Chandler, now deceased. She is still living, somewhere in the neighborhood of eighty-nine years, and has been a consistent and faithful member of the Baptist Church for seventy-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Morris were the parents of nine children, eight of whom are still living: Floyd (a farmer of Putnam Co., WV), M. M. (resides in Searcy), William (an attorney of West Virginia), Ferdinand, Nancy (now Mrs. Poindexter), Harriett (now Mrs. Crisp, of Texas) and George L., our subject, who was united in marriage on May 20, 1808, to Sarah Sewell, a daughter of Frank Sewell, and was born in Tennessee on October 8, 1850. They were the parents of nine children, eight of whom are still living: M. M., John W., Eura May, George W., Minnie Lee, Eura, Kate and Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison worship with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Morris is steward. To him this society is largely indebted for their church edifice, he furnishing the ground on which it stands, and also a part of the material. He is engaged in raising mules and cattle, which he ships to the Southern markets. James R. Neal is a citizen of Centre Hill, popularly and well known as a prosperous farmer of White County. He is a native of Fayette Co., TN, and was born in 1840, being the son of William D. and Mary A. J. (Parham) Neal, also of Tennessee origin. William D. Neal’s birth occurred August 14, 1809, and in business was a prominent planter of Tennessee. He was married August 19, 1831. His father was also a native of Tennessee, who lived and died there. He had a family of eight children: Betsey, Ann, William D. (the father of our subject), Meredith H., James M., Polly, Nancy and John H. Our subject’s maternal grandparents, Thomas and Nancy Parham, were natives of Georgia, and came to Tennessee in 1820. William D. Neal was the father of fourteen children: James T., Martha J., John W., William M., James R. (the principal of this sketch), Elica T., Samuel A., Nancy E. (now Mrs. Clay), Sarah A. (Hicks), Eunice M. (Harrison), Susan H. (deceased), David J., next an infant (who died before it was named) and Newton H. Mr. William D. Neal came to Arkansas in 1842, settling in Searcy Co., and in 1853 moved to White Co., where he bought a farm of 160 acres, all timbered land, and cleared about sixty of these. James R. Neal spent his early boyhood on the farm and attended the subscription schools. He was married to Mary J. Holland, a native of North Carolina, as were also her parents and grandparents on both sides. James R., his father and four of his brothers were all in the Confederate service. He enlisted on September 13, 1861, in T. H. McRae’s regiment, for twelve months, at the end of which time he enlisted for three years or during the war. He participated in the battles of Prairie Grove, Helena, Little Rock and many others, and received his discharge June 5, 1865. He was married while in the service and while home on a furlough. After the war he settled on a farm in this county where he has since resided. To this union were born seven children: Alice C. (Brumlow), Kiddee S., Lucy A. (deceased), Mary J. (Harrison), John W., Ella F. and Henry W. Mr. Neal is a Mason, and belongs to Page 231 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Centre Hill Lodge No. 114. Himself and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church; he has a fine farm of 160 acres, with fifty improved and in a high state of cultivation. He is a prominent Democrat, and takes an active interest in all public improvements, or all work for the good of the community. John H. Neal, Searcy, AR. This much respected citizen and pioneer came to White Co., AR, in 1850, and settled in Searcy, where he followed merchandising. In 1851 he embarked in the grocery and general merchandising business, and this continued until 1854, he being one of the pioneer business men of Searcy. In 1854 he engaged as clerk in dry-goods business houses, and this continued until 1861. He was born in Maury Co., TN.. in 1830, being the youngest in a family of nine children, born to James and Sarah (Dodson) Neal, natives, respectively, of North Carolina and South Carolina. The father was a planter, and at an early day moved to Tennessee, where he died, in Fayette Co., in 1845. The mother died the same year. In their family were the following children: William D. (married, and came to Arkansas in 1844, settled in Searcy Co., and followed farming. He enlisted in Van Buren Co., in 1861, and received a gunshot wound through the thigh. He was taken to Camp Dennison, OH, remained as a prisoner until exchanged, and returned in 1863; he died in 1869), Meridith H. (came to White Co., in ‘1852, and lost his first wife the same year. He was a Methodist Episcopal, South, preacher, and returned to Memphis in the fall of 1852, taking charge of South Memphis Church. In 1874 he returned to White Co., AR, and in 1877 went to Tennessee, where he died in 1883), James M. (married, came to White Co., October, 1850, and settled in what is now Des Arc Township, where he opened up a farm. His death occurred in 1852), Nancy (married P. L. Downey and moved to Searcy Co., AR, in 1846. Her death occurred in about 1857 or 1858), Elizabeth L. (married W. R. Johnson and moved to Searcy Co., AR, in 1846. She died in Fulton Co., AR, in 1877), Mary G. (married J. J. Crouch, a Methodist minister, and came to Searcy Co., AR, in 1849. He was a pioneer preacher of that county. Her death occurred in 1850), Martha A. (now Mrs. Evans, the only surviving daughter, lives in Izard County) and an infant named Sarah. John H. Neal was reared to farm life, received his education in the schools of Fayette Co., TN. He commenced for himself at Searcy, AR, in business, in 1850, and continued thus employed for some time. He was married in Searcy, AR, in 1852, to Miss Mary A. Clay, a native of Louisiana, but reared in Missouri, and the daughter of Lewis A. and Mary Clay, natives of Virginia. Her father came to White Co., AR, at an early day and died in Searcy in 1874. The mother died some years before. To Mr. and Mrs. Neal were born five children, three now living: Augustus E. (died in 1887, at the age of thirty-three years), James A. (died in 1865, at the age of ten years), John D. (is a prominent educator, and is teaching in the public school at Newport, AR, where he has taught for six years), Henry Clay (is married and resides in Corsicana, Texas, and is engaged in commercial pursuits) and Mary A. (who is now Mrs. Hale, resides at Texarkana, AR). Mr. Neal lost his wife in November, 1863, and was married again, in White Co., in 1864, to Mrs. Kiddy A. Neal (see Holland), a native of North Carolina, and the daughter of Willis B. and Lucinda (Barbee) Holland, natives of Wake County of the same State. The father was a planter by occupation, and in February, 1851, immigrated to Henderson Co., TN., where he continued his former pursuit, and in connection taught school. In 1852 he came to White Co., AR, resided in Gray Township for three years, and in 1854 moved to Des Arc Township, settling where Centre Hill is now located. He sent in the petition and established the post office at that place, and was made the first postmaster. In 1860 he moved to Van Buren Co., and in 1863 returned to White Co., where he remained until 1865, and then moved to Searcy. His death occurred at that place on March 7, 1869. His excellent wife survived him until January 2.2, 1888. The father was county surveyor, surveyed and resurveyed a great deal of the country. Socially, he was a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M., was also a member of Tillman Page 232 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Chapter No. 19, R. A. M., and was High Priest of the same. He was also a member of Searcy Council No. 12, and aided in the organization of Centre Hill Lodge No. 114. He was a charter member and was Worshipful Master of that lodge. There is a lodge, Holland Lodge No. 158, in Van Buren Co., which was named for him. To Mr. Neal’s second marriage were born no children. Socially, Mr. Neal is a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. &. A. M., and was the second .Mason initiated into that lodge, having joined in 1852. He has been a Worshipful Master of the lodge, and assisted in organizing Centre Hill Lodge No. 114, and was Worshipful Master of that. He is a member of Tillman Chapter Lodge No. 19, B. A. M., and has been High Priest in the same. He is also a member of Searcy Council No. 12, and has thrice been Illustrious Master of it. Mr. Neal is a member of the Eastern Star Chapter No. 5, and is one of the representative men of the county. Mrs. Neal is a member of the Eastern Star, has been Worthy Matron several times, and was elected first Grand Matron of the State, in 1876, and served one year. She is a member of the Baptist Church, and he a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and both have been members for thirty-six years. During the war Mr. Neal was postmaster and justice of the peace, and after the war (in 1871) he engaged in the undertaking business, which he has carried on successfully ever since that time. John A. Neavill, Searcy, AR. There are many citizens represented within the pages of this volume, but none more deserving of mention than Mr. Neavill, who is not only one of the pioneers of the Co., but is universally respected by all who know him. He was born in Jackson Co., AL, in 1826, and was the eldest in a family of nine children, born to the union of Elihu and Margaret (Jones) Neavill, the father a native of Alabama, and the mother of North Carolina. Elihu Neavill was married in his native State, in about 1825, settled on a claim and followed agricultural pursuits there until 1844, when he came to White Co., AR. He settled near where his son James A. now resides, entered land, erected a tanyard, and in connection carried on farming and the tannery business until his death, which occurred April 17, 1888. He was a resident of the county for over forty years, and had the esteem and respect of all. He was in the Florida War, was orderly-sergeant and was in service twelve months. He was of French descent, and the mother of Scotch-Irish. Of their family the following children are the only ones living: James A. (subject), Elijah (married and resides in Cane Township), William H. (married, and is the marshal of Searcy) and Mary (now Mrs. F. W. Smith, of Gray Township). James A. Neavill was early taught the rudiments of farming, and received his education in the subscription schools of Alabama and White Co., AR. He was eighteen years of age when he came to Arkansas, and he was employed for a number of years in assisting his father in clearing up the farm. After this he began farming for himself near where he now resides. He was married in White Co., AR, in 1853, to Miss Smith, a native of Mississippi, who bore him two living children: J01m and William B. The latter is married and resides in Gray Township. Another child, Mary, was the wife of John Gilliam, and died August 9, 1884. Mrs. Neavill died in 1856, and Mr. Neavill selected his second wife in the person of Mrs. Mary (Barkley) Britt, widow of Mr. Davis Britt, a native of Middle Tennessee, and the daughter of Andrew and Hannah C. (Walker) Barkley. The father was a native of Tennessee, and his ancestors were the earliest settlers of that State. He followed agricultural pursuits and opened up a large tract of land. His death occurred in 1862. The mother was a native of North Carolina, and died in Tennessee, Rutherford Co., in 1887, at the advanced age of ninety years. To Mr. and Mrs. Neavill was born one child: Andrew A. After his marriage, which occurred in 1875, Mr. Neavill moved to his present residence, and is now the owner of a good farm of 125 acres, with about seventy acres under cultivation. He is active in politics, and votes with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, takes an active interest in educational matters, and has been a member of the school board. He has also filled Page 233 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas the position of constable of his township, and in a highly satisfactory manner. Mrs. Neavill is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Grandfather Neavill was in the War of 1812, and was at the battle of New Orleans with Gen. Jackson. Mr. Neavill (subject of this sketch), came to Arkansas in 1844, and can hardly realize that it is the same country now, on account of the many and rapid changes made since that time. Searcy was in the woods, and there were but three houses between that town and Beebe. 03 the main traveled roads there were no settlements, and Mr. Neavill has killed many a deer on land now under cultivation, at a distance of 175 yards. He still has in his possession his trusty gun. During the war he was with Gen. Price, in his raid through Missouri, and enlisted in Capt. Black’s company, participating in the following battles: Pilot Knob, Ironton, Newtonia, Blue GA, etc; He was with Gen. Price until reaching Fayetteville, AR, when he returned to White County. Charles E. Newman, farmer, fruit grower and educator of White Co., AR, was born in Madison Co., IL, on February 17, 1844, and is the eldest of six children born to William E. and Martha A. (Harrison) Newman, the former a native of Madison Co., IL, the latter originally of Kentucky. William E. was also of a family of six children. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and one of the early settlers of Illinois, locating in the territory as early as 1804. They trace their family name back five generations to Ireland. William E. Newman lived and died in the county in which he was born. His birth occurred in February, 1821, was married in 1843, and died June 17, 1886. He and his wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and became the parents of the following named children: Charles E. (the subject of this sketch), Eliza (now Mrs. fields, living near the old homestead), Mary (Kimball, now deceased), Henry (still living near the old homestead), Ida (deceased) and Mattie (married October 5, 1887, now living in Montgomery Co., IL). The mother of these children still resides at the old home, and is a daughter of William and Mary (McClure) Harrison, Virginians, who at an early day removed to Kentucky, in which State she was born, being one of four children: Maria, Martha, Elizabeth and Benjamin. Charles E. obtained his education in the common schools of Illinois, and assisted his father on the farm. August 9, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Seventeenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Col. R. M. Moore, and went to the front to do battle for his country, participating in a number of battles and skirmishes during his three years’ service. He received his discharge June 3, 1865, and upon returning home, commenced teaching school in the same room he left three years before to wear the blue. After spending two years teaching, he took Horace Greeley’s advice and went West, locating near Paola, Miami Co., KS, again engaging as a pedagogue, remaining in the same school seven years. He was married November 9, 1871, to Amanda L. Porter, daughter of John and Amanda (Hampton) Porter, people from Ohio, in which State Mrs. Amanda Newman was born June 11, 1849. Mr. Newman was engaged in horticulture in Kansas, in connection with teaching, but the grasshopper scourge of 1874 caused him to return to Illinois, where an educator received better pay and a longer school term. He followed teaching until 1884, when, September 3, of that year, he came to Arkansas, and settled at Judsonia, where he has followed farming, fruit growing and teaching. He has sixty-five acres of good second bottom land under cultivation, devoted to general farming and fruit growing. He takes an active interest in the political issues of the day. In religious faith himself and wife are Cumberland Presbyterians. They have three children: Lillian (born September 3, 1872), Edna (born September 26, 1877) and Ethel (born February 3, 1887). Elijah B. Norvell. Although in his active career through life Mr. Norvell has not amassed the wealth which has fallen to the lot of many others, yet he is in comfortable circumstances, and has gained to an unlimited extent the confidence and esteem always awarded Page 234 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas integrity, honor and industry. His birth occurred in Bedford Co., TN, April 5, 1841, and is a son of David and Martha (Bomar) Norvell, who were also born in that State, and were of Scotch-Irish and Dutch descent. By occupation the father was a farmer, and for several years he served his county as bailiff and deputy sheriff. He died in the State of his birth in 1858, his wife dying at her home in White Co., AR, in 1889. Their children are: David (a physician of Johnson County), Elijah B., B. B. (a farmer of Texas), Mary (wife of Charles Devers, a farmer of Johnson County), William (a farmer of Boone County), R. H. (a mechanic of Texas) and Martha (wife of James Holiday, of Johnson County). Like the majority of farmers’ boys, Elijah B. Norvell was compelled to work hard in his youth, and received very little schooling, but being possessed of a bright intellect, and through his own exertions he obtained a very good general knowledge of the world of books. In 1861, when he was in his nineteenth year, he joined the army, enlisting in Company B, Forty- fourth Tennessee Infantry, and during his service of nearly three years, he was in the battles of Shiloh, Hoover’s GA, Tullahoma and others, being wounded in the first-named engagement. After his return home he worked as a rail. road hand for about three years, then engaged in the liquor business in Tennessee, continuing one year, and in 1866 came to Arkansas, conducting the same business at Stony Point a year longer. Since that time he has been engaged in farming, the first two years renting land, after which he purchased a farm of forty acres on Bull Creek, which he improved and four years later sold. In 1886 he purchased eighty acres of his present farm, and now has 120 acres, of which fifty-five are under cultivation. The soil is fertile, and is well adapted to raising corn, cotton, oats and all kinds of fruit. He has given considerable attention to experimental farming, trying different kinds of seeds and fertilizers, and has succeeded far beyond his expectations,and the past year had perhaps the best cotton in Union Township. In 1881 he purchased property in Beebe, and was a resident of that town for three years in order to give his children the benefit of the city schools, but farm life being more congenial to his tastes, he has since lived in the country. He has been a member of Lodge No. 35 of the Union Wheel ever since its organization, and in 1885 was a delegate to the National Wheel, which met at Little Rock, and to the State Wheel, which convened at the same time and place. Although formerly a Democrat in politics, he has been a member of the Union Labor party for the last few years. In 1869 he was married to V. A. Mossey, a native of Shelby Co., TN, and a daughter of Jerry Massey, a farmer and later a merchant of Beebe. Of a family of seven children born to them, four are now living: Robert H. (who is at present attending the schools of Beebe, and is in every respect an exemplary young man, was born in October, 1871), Virginia (was born in 1878), George’s birth occurred in 1880, and Ruth was born in 1883. Mr. Norvell and his family worship in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he has filled the office of steward. T. J. Oliver, farmer and stock raiser, Searcy, AR. A lifetime of hard, earnest endeavor in pursuing the occupation to which he now gives his attention, coupled with strict integrity, honesty of purpose and liberality in directions, have had a result to place Mr. Oliver among the truly respected and honored agriculturists of the county. To this he has continually added improvements of a high order, until now about the place everything is in excellent condition. He was born in Maury Co., TN, in 1833, was the eleventh in a family of thirteen children born to Hezekiah and Mahala (Shumac) Oliver, natives of the Old Dominion. The father was a tiller of the soil, and in 1820 moved to Maury Co., TN, where he entered land, and made that his home a number of years. Later he moved to West Tennessee, where his death occurred in 1867. His wife died about 1848. He was in the War of 1812. T. J. Oliver was reared to farm life, and received his education in the schools of Tennessee. When it became necessary for him to start out in life for himself, he very naturally and wisely chose the occupation to which he had been reared, and from that time to the Page 235 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas present his success has been such as only a thorough acquaintance with his calling and years of experience might lead him to achieve. At the age of twenty-one be commenced farming in Madison Co., TN., and purchased a timber tract, which be improved. He was married in Gibson Co., TN, in 1860, to Miss Mary E. Scott, a native of Arkansas, born in Fayetteville, and received her education at the Memphis (Tenn) State Female Academy. She is the daughter of Dr. Scott, who was assassinated at Memphis in 1864. After his marriage Mr. Oliver settled in Madison Co., and in 1861 enlisted in the Twelfth Tennessee Infantry for twelve months, from Gibson Co., TN, and participated in a number of skirmishes. On account of ill health he was discharged in 1862, and returned to Tennessee, where he engaged in farming. In 1883 he came to White County Ark, purchased an improved farm of 100 acres, with eighty under cultivation, and on this has many good buildings. He is not very active in politics, but votes with the Democratic party at State elections. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South; he has been Sunday-school superintendent for six years, and is one of the progressive men of the town. To his marriage were born these children: Edgar (married, and resides at Greer, AR), Benetta (now Mrs. Witt, of Conway), Roland O., Eugene, Wilber, Herbert Earl and Bertram. William De Berry Overstreet, now residing on Section 34, Caldwell Township, White Co., AR, is a son of William and Caroline (Jumper) Overstreet, the father a native of South Carolina, and of English ancestors. His forefathers probably came to America before the War for Independence. The maternal ancestors were of English- German descent. The parents of our subject were married November 23, 1832, in Alabama, came to Arkansas in 1860, located near Little Red post-office, in Harrison Township, and there rented land and farmed until 1864, when they moved to Caldwell Township. Here they still continued to till the soil and here the father died October 28, 1832. Their family consisted of the following children: Samuel D. H., David J., Elicas S., Mary Ann, John H., Martha E. C., Eliza F., William De Berry, Dora A. and Paralee J. All the children were born in Tishomingo Co., MS, with the exception of Paralee, and all grew to maturity with the exception of her. William De Berry Overstreet comes of a long-lived race, some of his ancestors living to be over ninety years of age. He was born October 19, 1850, and his educational advantages were enjoyed in the subscription schools of White County. He attended part of a term near what is now known as Little Red Post-office, also part of a term at Clear Water, then Clear Springs school-house, the whole time of attendance not being more than two months. Mr. Overstreet is a diligent reader, is observing, and is probably better posted on the majority of subjects than man y who have had better educational advantages, having made the best use of his opportunities. At the time of the death of his father he was the only son at home, his brothers being away in the Confederate army, and the support of the family, consisting of the mother and three sisters, devolved upon his shoulders until 1865. Then his brother, John H., returned from the war and took part of the duties upon himself for about a year. By the end of that time he was married and the duties again fell upon the shoulders of William, who took care of his sisters until they were married. He is now the counselor of the family. Mrs. Eliza F. Gordon lost her husband in 1878 and was left with four helpless children, but Mr. Overstreet again came to the assistance, and Mrs. Gordon is now living upon his farm and receives help from him. Her children are now almost large enough to contribute toward her support. October 28, 1870, Mr. Overstreet was united in marriage to Gabriella Lumpkin, a native of Jackson Co., born in February, 1857, and the daughter of George W. and Sarah (Martin) Lumpkin, who died when their daughter was but a child. She was then taken by her uncle, Hoyden Edwards, with whom she lived until her marriage. To this union have been born ten children, five of whom are now living: William David (born September 13, 1871), Mary Anna (born May 1, 1873), Dora Lee (born January 7, 1875, Page 236 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas and died September 18, 1878), Lula May (born February 20, 1877). Laura Della (born February 10, 1879), Mattie Maud (born February 22, 1881), John Marvin (born October 29, 1885) and three infants, who died unnamed. Mr. Overstreet made his first purchase of land in 1871, and this consisted of 160 acres. He has made all the improvements on his farm, and has one of the most comfortable and home-like places in the county. He has three dwellings on his farm, one occupied by his aged mother and another by Mrs. Gordon. He has good barns, cribs, sheds, etc., and is a thrifty, industrious farmer. He also has a fine peach orchard, which supplies the family with this luscious fruit, and also leaves a surplus for the market. He raises principally cotton, corn, oats and grass. He has a fine grade of cattle, being a cross between the Durham and the native stock, and is also raising some fine hogs, a cross between the Poland-China, the Berkshire and the Chester White,which experience has taught him is a very profitable venture. In politics Mr. Overstreet is a Democrat, but has never been an office seeker. In his religious belief he is a Methodist, and has been a member of that church for twenty-two years. He is a liberal supporter of schools, churches and all laudable enterprises, and is much respected by all acquainted with him. Mrs. Overstreet is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev: William M. Owen, pastor of the Missionary Baptist Church, Shady Grove, one mile from Bald Knob, is a native of Tennessee, and a son of Felix and Permelia H. (Plant) Owen, of Kentucky and Alabama origin, respectively. Felix Owen came from Kentucky to Fayette Co., TN, when a young man, and remained there until 1849, when he again moved with his family to Arkansas and located in White Co., when the country was but sparsely settled, and with the aid of his family cleared up a farm, on which he lived until a few years before his death (which occurred in 1883. at the age of seventy-four), when he removed to Judsonia. Mrs. Owen is still living at this place and is the mother of eight children, six of whom are living: William M. (our subject), Sarah C. (wife of Rev. E. T. Church), Robert H. (in business in Judsonia), Green B. (a Baptist minister of this Co., also engaged in farming), Elizabeth and Melinda (wife of John O. Kelley, of this county). Rev. William M. Owen was born in Fayette Co., TN, on October 29, 1839, and was educated at the common schools and by self-study at home, and when arriving at the age of manhood (twenty-one), began life as a farmer. In June, 1861, he joined the Third Arkansas Cavalry, remaining in this company until the close of the war, having bad part in the battles of Corinth (where he was taken prisoner and held captive at St. Louis and Alton, IL, for four months), Chickamauga, Atlanta, and many others. After the war he returned home and again commenced farming, in which he has ever since been engaged. In 1867 he joined the Missionary Baptist Church, and in ten years thereafter (1877) was licensed to preach, and the following year was ordained, and since his ordination he has been faithfully engaged in preaching the Gospel, having under his charge three or four churches at a time, and has also been instrumental in organizing a number of new churches, among them the one at Bald Knob. In 1866 he was married to Miss Laura Coffman, a native of Alabama, who died in 1875. She was the mother of four children, only two surviving her: Leander and Mark. In 1877 he was married the second time, to Mrs. Edwards (see Patty), a widow. They are the parents of three children: Gracie M., Willie E. and Edith M. Mrs. Owen, with her two oldest children, belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church. Littleberry B. Parker is a prominent farmer of White Co., and first saw the light of day in Northampton Co., NC, on February 8, 1831, and is a son of Saul and Miriam (Hicks) Parker. Saul Parker was born in England and came over to this country when a boy, and participated in the War of 1812 at Craney Island. He subsequently located at Norfolk, VA, and later removed to North Carolina, where he died in 1835, while yet comparatively a young man. He was a brick-mason by trade. His wife was a Page 237 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas native of North Carolina and was the mother of seven children, four of whom are still living: Samuel (a farmer and ex-sheriff of Jasper Co., MS), Tabitha T. (wife of Jesse Lassiter of Northampton, NC), Jacob J. (a farmer and brick-mason, of Lonoke County) and L. B. (our subject). After the death of her husband, Mrs. Parker removed with her family to Galloway Co., KY, subsequently to Madison Co., TN, and in 1852 came to Arkansas locating in Lonoke Co., where she died in 1881, at the age of eighty-four years, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. L. B. Parker remained with his mother until eight years of age, when he was bound out to James B. Wheeler, a cabinet-maker and farmer of Northampton Co., NC, with whom he remained until Mr. Wheeler’s death, which occurred four years later, when he was hired out to a farmer for $1 per month, part of which was to be paid him in money and the balance in clothes. He remained there one year and was then (1844) hired out for a year for $10 for the year, but quit in April and joined an emigrant train and worked his way to Kentucky, where he found employment at $5 per month, and remained there until 1847 when he went to Madison Co., TN, where he was engaged as a mail-carrier during the year 1847. He then farmed for a short time, after which he was employed on a flat-boat running to New Orleans. One year later he came to Arkansas, locating in White County. At the outbreak of the war he joined the Confederate army in the Fourth Battalion Arkansas Infantry. He served until the surrender of Island No. 10, when his battalion was the only one which escaped by wading back through the water twelve miles to the boat, which they carried to Fort Pillow. Mr. Parker becoming disabled received his discharge at Corinth. He then returned to Arkansas and located in Prairie Co., but after the cessation of hostilities he came back to White County locating on the farm which he now calls home, and which was then in the woods. He is the owner of 320 acres, with 100 under cultivation. In January, 1852, he was married to Miss Hannah E. Longmire, who was born on March 22, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Parker never had any children of their own, but have reared three orphan children: George W. and James Coleman and Mary F. (who is now the wife of William Tidwell). Mrs. Parker is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Parker has taken the Council degree in the Masonic order, and has represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State several times. He is a strong Democrat and a respected and valuable citizen. John T. Patterson is one of the well-to-do and successful agriculturists of White Co., AR, and although he has only resided here since 1881, coming from Tennessee, he has become well and favorably known. His birth occurred in Franklin Co., AL, in 1834, and he was the third of a family of nine children born to James and Catherine (Gray) Patterson, the former born in the “Old North State” and the latter in the “Keystone State.” James Patterson went to Alabama when the country was new, and opened a plantation which he afterward sold, moving thereafter to Hardeman Co., TN. with his wife, whom he married in Alabama. They settled on a farm in Tennessee in 1844. and here the father spent his declining years, his death occurring in 1873. He served in the Seminole War. His wife passed from life in 1888. Their children are: Mary Jane (Mrs. Ethridge, resides in Tennessee), William (lives in Kentucky), John T., Hugh (residing in Conway Co., AR), Jacob (who died in Tennessee, in 1863), Joseph (who also died in that State in the same year) and Enoch and Franklin (both residents of Tennessee). Joseph Gray, the maternal grandfather, was born in England, and served in the Revolutionary War. John T. Patterson spent his youthful days in attending school and in farm work, and after attaining his twentieth year he began working for himself. He was married in McNairy Co., in 1855, to Miss Emeline Brown, a native of North Carolina, and a daughter of Isaac and Millie (Dunn) Brown, who were born, reared and married in the State of North Carolina. In 1844 they removed to McNairy Co., where they settled on a farm, on which the mother died, in 1855. The father moved to Bell Co., TX, in 1858, and there is now making his home. From the time of his marriage until 1858, Mr. Patterson lived in Page 238 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Tennessee, then spent two years in Texas, after which he returned to McNairy County. On March 4, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-second Illinois Infantry, United States army to defend the Constitution of the United States, but left his wife and two children in the South, with little hope of ever returning to them, but through the kind providence of God returned to them in safety. He was wounded at Shiloh on April 6, 1862, and was confined in the hospital at Savannah, TN, for some time, being honorably discharged on July 31, 1862, after which he returned to his home and resumed farming. Since 1881 he has been the owner of 160 acres of land in White Co., AR, and has fifty under cultivation. He is an active supporter of the Republican party, and not only has he been a prominent supporter of schools, but he is a member of the school board. Socially, he is a member of Rock Springs Lodge No. 422 of the A. F. & A. Illinois, of which lodge he has been Worshipful Master for some years. He and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and are the parents of the following children: Green Harrison (deceased), Melissa (Mrs. Martindale), Alice (Mrs. Holmes), Isabelle (Mrs. Stringfellow), Arca (Mrs. Langley), Elizabeth, Cordelia, Elzora, Cora Lee and Florence. Two children died in infancy. Rev. J. A. Pemberton is an elder of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and by occupation is a farmer, and being one of the old settlers of White Co., has figured prominently in public affairs. His native county is Wilson, Tenn, where he was born on December 13, 1825, and is the only one now living of a family of five daughters and three sons born to Thomas J. and Mary (McHaney) Pemberton, who were born in Virginia in 1804 and 1800, respectively. They were married about 1822, and followed the occupation of farming, both being members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Pemberton took part in the Creek and Florida War, and assisted in the removal of the Creek and Seminole Indians to the western reserves. He died February 26, 1871, and his wife in August, 1861. The Pemberton family came to the New World prior to 1700, from their native country, England, and settled in Virginia, and the great- grandfather was one of four sons of the first settler. When the Revolutionary War came up the grandfather Pemberton was only twelve years of age, so of course did not take part in that struggle. He was one of the first settlers of Tennessee, and iii this State reared his family, his son, Thomas J., being a relative of Gen. Pemberton of the Southern army, in the late Civil War. Andrew McHaney, the maternal grandfather, was born in Ireland, and as a boy joined the American army and took part in the Revolutionary War, serving from the beginning until the close. He was in Col. William Washington’s command, and was present at the battle of Cowpens and witnessed the personal encounter between Washington and Tarleton, in which the latter fled with a sword gash in his hand. After the war was over he settled in Tennessee, where he became a wealthy planter, and died at the age of sixty-five years. Rev. J. A. Pemberton, our subject, attended subscription school in the old fashioned log-houses of his day, and at the age of twenty-one years began an independent career. In 1846 he married Miss Sarah C. Harrison, and with her removed to Arkansas in 1857 and entered 100 acres of land a few miles northwest of where Beebe now is. When the war came up he, in July, 1801, enlisted in the Tenth Arkansas Infantry, and was made captain of a company which he had assisted in organizing. While in the infantry service he participated in the battle of Shiloh, but in the latter part of 1862 he became a member of the cavalry, and was at Helena, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Pilot Knob, and was with Price until that General’s command was divided at Fayetteville, in 1864. The same year he was captured at Augusta, and was held a prisoner of war until peace was declared. After his return home he continued to farm near Antioch until 1879, then came to Beebe to live. He became a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1865, and since 1874 has been a minister of that denomination and has preached in Beebe and vicinity. He has been a very active worker for the cause of his Master and has Page 239 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas expounded the doctrine of his denomination in nearly all the principal churches of White County. He was a member of the General Assembly that met at Bowling Green, KY, in 1876, and for the last two years has been the representative of the Arkansas Synod. He has never been an office seeker, but since his residence in Beebe has been a member of the board of aldermen, and during the reconstruction period was a member of the board of supervisors of White Co. He is a Royal Arch Mason and is a member of Beebe Lodge No. 145. He and wife have never had any children of their own, but have given homes to a number of orphan children, and have reared three from infancy. Mrs. Pemberton is a daughter of J. P. and Ann C. (Sweeney) Harrison, who were born in Virginia, the former of whom was an active soldier in the War of 1812. Joshua W. Pence, an old settler and prominent citizen, of White Co., and postmaster of Egbert, is of Tennessee nativity, and a son of George J. and Rebecca (Webb) Pence, natives of South and North Carolina, respectively. George J. Pence was born in 1802, and was married in Alabama in 1825, and remained there until 1829. when he removed to Warren Co., TN, and six years later to Williamson County of that State. In 1839 he immigrated to Wilson Co., where he died in 1852. He was a member of the Christian Church and a man of decision and strong will power, and was an old-time Jacksonian Democrat. Mrs. Pence was born in 1806, and in 1855, after her husband’s death, came to Arkansas, locating in White Co., on the farm on which our subject now lives, and where she died on July 16, 1888. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and was the mother of thirteen children, three of whom are still living: Louisa (widow of William Allen), Joshua W. (the principal of this sketch) and Marion T. (a farmer of Prairie County). Joshua W. was born in Warren Co., TN, May 18, 1830, and when twenty-two years of age, commenced farming for himself, which occupation he has since followed, and in 1855 commenced farming the place on which he still lives, his mother living with him during the last twenty years of her life. He now has a fine farm of 252 acres, with about seventy-five under cultivation. In June, 1862, he enlisted in the Eighth Arkansas Infantry, but remained only a short time, being discharged on account of disability. Upon his discharge be returned home and found his farm in a state of dilapidation. In 1866 he was elected justice of the peace, which office he held for sixteen consecutive years, and was appointed postmaster of Egbert in February, 1887, which position he is still holding. He was married in February, 1854, to Miss Damaris L. Grissom, a native of Tennessee, who died in 1874, leaving nine children, six of whom are still living: Matilda (now Mrs. Hood), George L. (farmer and justice of the peace, of Dogwood Township), Oren D., Oscar D., Ira R. and Lillie A. Those deceased are Wiley H., Joshua M. and Barbara E. In 1874 he was again married to Mrs. Freeman (see Belton, a widow, and who died in 1883, leaving no children), and on December 19, 1888, he married his third and present wife, Mrs. Ellen M. Rimer (nee Strodder, also a widow). Mr. Pence and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a prominent Democrat and a member of the Knights of Labor, and of the County Wheel. He joined the Freemasons in July, 1867, of which he is still a member in full fellowship,in West Point. Lodge No. 24. December 23, 1873, he-joined the Grange No. 137, and has since filled several prominent offices in that society, such as Master, Overseer, Chaplain, Steward, etc. He and wife also belong to the Famous Life Association of Little Rock, AR, their policy of membership being limited to the amount of $3,000. N. B. Pettey. Among the early settlers of White County was our subject, N. B. Pettey, who came to this county with his widowed mother in 1855. Mr. Pettey was a son of George G. and Annie E. (Chappell) Pettey, natives of South CaroIina and Virginia, respectively, and was born in Limestone Co., AL, August 26, 1839. Mr. George G. Pettey settled in Alabama at an early day, and later moved to Page 240 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Mississippi, where he died in 1850. five years later his widow moved to Arkansas with her family, where she died in 1861. N. B. Pettey was raised and educated in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas, and at the age of sixteen went to Hickman County and engaged in clerking, where he remained two years. In 1856 he came to White Co., AR, landing at Negro Hill in September, where he worked at farm labor in the summer season and attended school in the winter. He then went to Searcy and accepted a position as clerk for W. B. Carter, where he remained until 1861, when he enlisted in July of that year in Company E of the Third Arkansas Cavalry, enlisting for three years, or during the war, as private. Mr. Pettey was in the_battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, and was with Bragg in his invasion of Kentucky, and was in the Georgia campaign. He was captured as a prisoner November 1, 1864, and was taken with Sherman to the coast, and up to Point Lookout, where he was paroled February 21, 1865, and returned and joined his command prior to the battle of Bentonville, NC He arrived home at Searcy on January 7, 1865, and took up farming. In 1871 he was elected deputy sheriff, and the following year elected sheriff of the county (W White), serving three successive terms. In 1879 Mr. Pettey bought an improved farm of sixty acres, near Centre Hill, and commenced farming, and also engaged in merchandising, which he followed some two or three years. He served as postmaster under President Cleveland’s administration. Mr. Pettey was married on September 20, 1866, to Jennie Dannelly, a native of Mississippi, and daughter of Rev. George A. and Annie E. (West) Dannelly, originally of South Carolina and Alabama, respectively. Rev. G. A. Dannelly immigrated to Phillips Co., AR, at an early day, then to Jackson Co., where he joined the Methodist Episcopal Conference at Batesville in 1856. He is now in Woodruff County. His wife died in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Pettey are the parents of two children: George G. and Napoleon B. Mr. Pettey has seen the complete development of the county and has taken an active interest in all work for the good of the community. He is a prominent Democrat, and a member of the I. O. O. F. Mrs. Pettey is a member of the Methodist Church. Her grandfather Dannelly was a member of the Masonic order, of which he held the office of Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State, and was Grand Lecturer of the State some five or six years, and was District Deputy Grand Master in 1871. He was also prominently connected with the order of the I. O. O. F. John Andrew Phelps is a merchant doing business and residing in El Paso, and to him may be applied that often much abused phrase, “self-made man,” for he started out in life for himself at the early age of fifteen years, and has attained his present enviable place in business and society. He was born in Haywood Co., TN, on January 16, 1852, and is one of two children (the other member being J. T. Phelps) born to Philip P. and Arkansas (Overton) Phelps, both of English descent, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia. They were married in Tennessee about the year 1850, and in Hardeman County of this State; the father died eight years later. John Andrew Phelps followed various employments until the year 1875, when he began clerking in a mercantile establishment belonging to D. H. Thorn, of Jonesboro, AR, and during a three years’ stay with this gentleman became thoroughly familiar with all the details of the work. During this time Mr. Thorn was sheriff of the Co., and Mr. Phelps acted as his deputy, and in this capacity rendered valuable, service. Upon leaving Mr. Thorn he rented land in Craighead County of the Hon. W. H. Cate, who, taking a fancy to our subject, gave him an excellent chance and furnished him with stock to till his land. During this time he also acted as foreman of Mr. Cate’s cotton-gin, and upon leaving this gentleman, took with him about $500 in money which he had earned. On April 3, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Avey Broadway, by whom he has one child, John Andrew, who was born on November 30, 1884. In 1879 Mr. Phelps engaged in merchandising in El Paso in company with his brother, J. T. Phelps, and M. L. Booth, under the firm name of Booth & Phelps, continuing in business with those gentlemen until 1882, at which Page 241 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas time Mr. Booth withdrew from the firm and the two brothers continued alone under the firm name of Phelps & Bro. This partnership was dissolved in 1883, and the firm then took the name of Phelps & Co., and from 1885 to 1888 Mr. Phelps was in business alone. The firm has since been known as Warren & Phelps, and they carry a large and well-selected stock of general merchandise, and in connection they carry on a harness and saddlery shop, and in this establishment employ none but the best workmen. They are also extensive dealers in cotton, and in the year 1888 they shipped 1,330 bales to St. Louis and Memphis. In invoicing their goods in July, 1889, they found in accounts and stock on hand $40,000, their average stock amounting to $12,000. Mr. Phelps is a Democrat, a member of El Paso Lodge No. 65 of the A. F. & A. M., and in his business relations is shrewd and enterprising. He and wife are rearing a little girl named Mamie Canada, whose mother died in 1881, when she was but two weeks old. Her father is Thomas J. Canada, and her mother was a Miss Ada Booth. Joseph T. Phelps is a prosperous merchant of El Paso, AR, and in his relations with the public has ever proven trustworthy and reliable. By his superior management and rare business ability and efficiency he has done not a little to advance the reputation the county enjoys as a commercial center, and is well liked and esteemed by all. He was born in Hardeman Co., TN, June 25, 1854, and is the son of Philip and Arkansas (Overton) Phelps, who were Virginians, but were married in Tennessee, and lived the lives of farmers in that State. The father was an Englishman by descent and was a man who, had he lived, would have become wealthy, but he was cut down in the prime of life, in 1858, at the age of thirty- five years. In 1860 his widow married P. Rainer, a farmer of Tennessee, who came to Arkansas about 1870, and are residing in Craighead County. The mother, as well as her first husband, were members of the Old School Presbyterian Church, but she is now a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Joseph T. Phelps was left fatherless at the age of three years, but was reared to a farm life by his step- father, and in his youth acquired a fair education in the common schools of Tennessee and Arkansas, paying his own tuition. At the early age of fourteen years he began life on his own responsibility, and for about three worked as a farm hand, earning sufficient money to take a course in a higher grade of school. Upon leaving his step-father he could neither read nor write and had very little clothing. He made his home with an uncle, with the agreement that he should work one-half the time and go to school the remainder, but his uncle failed to live up to the contract and he left him. He next made his home with a lady who treated him kindly, and later with a Mr. Turner, Who took considerable interest in him, and at the age of sixteen years, through the recommendation of this gentleman, he succeeded in obtaining a good position with a Mr. Parker, of Bolivar, TN, and remained with him six months, attending school and working in his store, doing chores to pay for his board. After teaching school for a short time, he obtained a situation as clerk in a dry-goods store at Bolivar at $10 per month, a position which he held for six months; then became newsboy on the Mississippi Central Railroad, continuing for three months. In the fall of 1872 he came to Craighead County and he and his brother bought a house and lot in Jonesboro, and followed the occupation of saw- logging a sufficient length of time to get enough logs to build a house, but the mill burned and their property was lost. Their next bad luck was the discovery that the title to their house and lot, for which they paid $100, was worthless, but nothing daunted, they went in debt for forty acres of land, and their first year’s crop paid for the property. At the end of one year our subject sold out to his brother and began teaching a subscription school, which was a great success. He next engaged in clerking in a store in Jonesboro, but came to El Paso after a few months, and spent eight months in school at that place. After cutting cord wood for about three months, he hired to M. L. Booth as a farm hand, at $20 a month, working one year. December 21, 1876, he was married to Miss Martha Booth, a daughter of his former employer, and her birth occurred in Haywood Co., TN. This union has been Page 242 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas blessed with six children, four of whom are living: Roberta H. (born August 2, 1878 and died August 2, 1888), Reuben C. (born February 8, 1880), Philip L. (born June 19, 1883, and died December 20, 1884), Joseph H. (born October 15, 1884), Oklahoma (born February 6, 1887) and an infant (born March 29, 1889). After his marriage, Mr. Phelps made one crop on his father-in-law’s farm, but in the fall of 1878 he began the mercantile business with a Mr. A. P. Poole, under the firm name of Poole & Phelps. This partnership lasted two years, then Mr. Phelps sold out and engaged in business with M. L. Booth, the firm name being Booth, Phelps & Co., for one year. During his business connection with Mr. Poole, he was appointed postmaster at El Paso, and served in this capacity for six years. He is now engaged in merchandising under the name of M. L. Phelps & Co. His life has been an eventful one, and notwithstanding the many difficulties which have strewn his pathway, he has been successful and is of material benefit to any community in which he resides. He and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is a member of El Paso Lodge No. 65 of the A. F. & A. M., in which organization he has held all the offices with the exception of Worshipful Master. Wiley D. Plant. Hilary Plant was born in South Carolina, July 7, 1812, and, when quite young, moved to Alabama, where he met and married Mercy Tatum, a native of Alabama. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Plant immigrated to Kentucky, thence to Arkansas, where the remainder of his quiet, uneventful life was passed. Mr. Plant was a stanch Democrat, and a consistent member of the Methodist Church, South, for many years. He was a quiet, law-abiding citizen, charitable, industrious and frugal, and at the date of his death, in 1880, had amassed quite a fortune. Mrs. Plant is now a resident in White Co., AR, aged eighty-five years. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Plant ten children were born, five sons and five daughters, four of them now living: Nance B. (widow of George Hamby, of Jackson County), Charles F. (a farmer of White County), Wiley D. (the subject of this sketch), Green L. (a planter of White County), Andrew W. (died in Woodruff County), Robert L. (died in Conway County), Mary A. (widow of George M. Smith, deceased in White County), Susan M. (died in Jackson County) and Sarah F. (wife of N. E. Kidd, died in Woodruff County). Wiley D. Plant was reared in White Co., and received excellent advantages for an education, which he was not slow to improve, and is a well-informed man. He is a typical Arkansan, and a native of that State, his birth occurring in Conway (now Faulkner) Co., January 19, 1847. He began for himself at the age of twenty. one years, first as a farmer, which was his occupation for a few years, but realizing that his vocation lay in another direction he turned his attention to the mercantile business, in which he has been successful. He located at Bradford, White Co., where he is now one of the prominent men of the community. His stock consists of general merchandise, valued at $8,000. and by his courteous manner and straightforward dealing he has established a permanent and lucrative business. Mr. Plant is well worthy the liberal patronage bestowed on him, for he endeavors in every possible way to please his customers, considering their interests his, and the petty, disagreeable traits of so many merchants are entirely foreign to his characteristics and nature. In May of 1885 Mr. Plant led to the hymeneal altar Mrs. Sarah E. Moore, daughter of William and Prudence McKnight. To their union two bright children have been born, Bessie and William D., who, with their childish prattle, make the house bright and joyous, and gladden the hearts of their devoted parents. He is a Democrat in politics, takes an active part in the elections, and is a strong partisan. He is a believer in the Methodist faith, though not a member of any denomination. He is a leading citizen, contributes liberally to all public movements; is a prominent personage in his town and community, active and progressive. Page 243 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Henry W. Pope is a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Cane Township, a native of Georgia, and a son of Micajah and Hattie (Bruce) Pope. Micajah Pope was born in Virginia, November 21, 1808, and was a son of John and Mary (Morris) Pope of Virginia origin, and was married in 1827. John Pope moved to Georgia in 1818, and settled on land where Atlanta now stands. Mrs. Pope, the mother of Henry W., was a daughter of Daniel and Sallie (Prenct) Bruce, who were the parents of eleven children. Our subject was born December 28, 1835, and was married December 27, 1855, to Mollie E. Rea, a daughter of Rev. W. T. Res and Rhoda (Brown) Rea. Mrs. Rea was a daughter of William and Nancy Pruet. After his marriage Mr. Pope found employment in teaching, following this for several years. All of his brothers were in the Confederate army, and Henry W. was mustered in, but was unable to stand muster, and was discharged. In 1867 he removed to Jefferson County and taught school, and two years later came to White County. In March, 1878, he came to Cane Township, and commenced farming on s quarter-section of unimproved land, and, by his energy, has 100 acres of it under cultivation. To this union have been given twelve children: Sarah F. (now Mrs. Earnest, and the mother of six children), Mollie H. (now Mrs. Langforo, and the mother of two children), William H. (married, and has one child), Mamie (now Mrs. Cagle), John D. (a professor of penmanship), Horace E. (deceased), Ella (deceased), Katie B., Daniel W., Samuel T. (deceased), Albert J. and James E. Mr. Pope is a strong Democrat, and takes an active part in politics, and is now holding the office of justice of the peace of his township. Himself and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He always takes an active interest in the temperance movement. Frederick R. Price, one of Gen. Price’s soldiers in his raid through Missouri, Kansas and Mississippi, is the fifth son of a family of twelve children, born to Russell and Mary (Turner) Price. Russell Price was the son of Joseph Price, who died in South Carolina in 1833. Russell Price was born in 1790, and was married about 1810, and was the father of the following ten children, and two whose names are not given: Delia, Thomas, Jane, fielding, Frederick R., Minerva, Mahaley, Joseph, Mary Ann and Nancy. He followed farming in South Carolina, and moved to White Co., in 1836, taking up eighty acres of land, and where he died two years later, his wife surviving him until 1844. Frederick R. first saw the light of this world in South Carolina, March 2, 1821, and was married at the age of twenty to Lucinda Jones, a daughter of B. Jones, of Cane Township. After his marriage he commenced farming for himself. By this marriage they had eleven children: John T., Russell, Levi (deceased), Polly (deceased), William (deceased), Sarah J. (deceased), Louisa, fielding, Lucy C. (deceased), Elizabeth and George W. (deceased). Mr. Price’s first wife died in June, 1872. He was married the second time, in 1873, to Ruth J. Taylor (see Chrisman), widow of W. H. Taylor. She was born in 1831, and was the daughter of Isaac S. and Lucinda (Allen) Chrisman, natives of Lee Co., WV, who came to White County in 1856, both of whom are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Price are the parents of one child, Allie O., who was born May 29, 1874. Mr. F. R. Price moved to White Co., in 1836, where he has ever since lived. Himself and family belong to the Methodist Church, of which denomination his wife has been a member since eight years of age. He is also a member of the County Wheel, and has been honored with the office of president. In his younger days he was engaged principally in hunting. He is a highly respected citizen, and always has the good of his community at heart. Amaziah M. Price is what might be called a life resident of White Co., having been born on the farm which he now calls home, and where he has always lived. It is a fine tract of 240 acres, 100 of which are under cultivation. Joseph R. Price, the father of A. M. Price, was a native of South Carolina, and was a son of Russell and Sarah (Turner) Price, both of South Carolina origin. Mr. Price was married in Page 244 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas March, 1846, in White Co., to Martha Guthery, a daughter of Joseph and Susie (Wood) Guthery, also natives of South Carolina. To their union were born seven children: Mary A. (deceased), A. M. (our subject), Arva J. (now Mrs. Chumbley), Carrel A., Rhodie J. (married James Hodges, of this county), Monroe and Susan (who married William Chumley). Mr. Price died in 1860, and his wife some ten years later. A. M. Price was born on November 13, 1849, received a common-school education, and was married in 1882 to Miss Susan M. Taylor, a daughter of James M. and Maggie J. (Barker) Taylor. Mr. Taylor is originally from Tennessee, and a son of Alexander and Margaret (Davis) Taylor. Mrs. Taylor was a daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Dodson) Barker. Mr. and Mrs. Price are the parents of two daughters: Lenna (born September 14, 1883) and Bertha (born November 21, 1885). He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and his wife of the Baptist Church. Mr. Price is a strong Democrat, politically, and takes an active interest in all work for the good of the community. Carroll A. Price. A glance at the notes from which this sketch has been prepared indicates at once that the mercantile career of Mr. Price has been one of ceaseless activity, and that he has been successful is well known. His parents, Joseph and Mary (Guthrie) Price, were of French and Scotch descent, and were born in North and South Carolina, respectively. After their marriage they came to Arkansas, and became farmers of White County. The father died in 1859 and the mother in 1866, their union having been blessed in the birth of seven children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood: Mary Ann (was born in 1846, was married to M. J. H. Jenkins, but was left a widow with six children in 1887), A. M. (was born in 1848, married Miss Susan Taylor, a native of Tennessee, and has two children), Zennance (was born in 1850, and was married to J. M. Couch, by whom she has two children), Carroll A. (our subject, was the fourth child), Rhoda J. (was born in 1852, became the wife of J. S. Hodges, of Mississippi, and is the mother of seven children), Monroe (was born in 1856, married Nancy Gibson, a native of North Carolina, and by her has four children), Susan (born in 1858, married to W. T. Chumley, of Illinois, and has two children). The paternal great-grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Carroll A. Price was born November 13, 1852, and was educated in the private schools of White Co., and attended a male academy for two terms, paying his way through this institution with money earned by industry, perseverance and economy. In 1874 he became a salesman for his uncle, Nelson Guthrie, in Pope Co., but at the end of one year returned to White Co., and engaged in farming and stock dealing, which calling he continued to pursue until 1878, then came to Beebe and engaged as a clerk with D. C. Harris, with whom he remained until 1880. The following year he formed a partnership with J. M. Liles in general merchandising in the town of Beebe, and successfully conducted business at that place until 1887, when they dissolved partnership, Mr. Liles buying Mr. Price’s interest. The latter invested his money in real estate, but in the spring of 1887 went east and purchased an excellent line of general merchandise, his stock being now valued at $10,000, and he controls a large share of the patronage of town and county. On September 17, 1883, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary G. Gibbs, of Arkansas, their marriage taking place in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in Beebe, Rev. B. T. Wylie officiating. In his political views Mr. Price is a liberal Democrat,‘ and he and wife are earnest members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of Beebe. He is progressive in his views, and contributes liberally to all religions, social, educational and political interests. L. M. Pyles, a prominent fruit and vegetable grower of Judsonia, was born in Maryland, near Washington, DC, in 1849, and was the eldest son in a family of thirteen children given to William V. and Margaret A. (Ryan) Pyles, also owning Maryland as their native State. Mr. William V. Pyles was a son of William and Massie (Allen) Pyles, who was born in 1825 and was married in 1847 to Margaret A. Ryan, daughter of William and Sarah (Kingsburry) Ryan, of Maryland. To the union of Page 245 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Mr. and Mrs. Pyles were born the following children: L. M. (our subject), Anna S. (deceased), Laura V. (now Mrs. Allen), Emma J. (married Bud Ball), Maggie (now Mrs. Stewart), Fannie (married Robert Padgett), Amanda (Mrs. Middleton), Lucy (now Mrs. Langley), Jennie, William H. and Thornton. Mr. L. M. Pyles was married in 1877 to Laverna Clark, daughter of Alfred and Mary Clark, who were of Ohio origin. After his marriage Mr. Pyles moved to Cincinnati, and thence to Warren Co., Ohio where he started in business as a butcher, which he followed for seven years. His wife died in 1881, in Warren Co., leaving two children: Mary M. and William L. After the death of his wife Mr. Pyles returned to Maryland, remaining in that State but a short time, and then came back to Ohio and located in Darke Co., where he was married the second time, in Greenville, in 1884, to Almeda Good, daughter of Samuel and Margaret Good, of Ohio. The year following be removed to White Co., AR, and located in Judsonia, where he made the raising of fruit and vegetables a business for two years, and then opened a meat market, in which business he continued for a limited time, and again took up the employment of growing fruit and vegetables, giving his principal attention to the raising of fine strawberries, which he ships to northern markets. Mr. and Mrs. Pyles are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is also connected with the I. O. O. F., holding the office of Noble Grand. Mr. Pyles is a strong Republican and a member of the town council. He owns some property in Judsonia, and is widely known and highly respected as a citizen. His father was one of the three men who were allowed to cross the Potomac on the night of President Lincoln’s assassination. Thomas Jefferson Quick. Since commencing life for himself Mr. Quick has given his attention to two callings, that of farming and stock raising, and in these enterprises has met with well merited success, for he is not only progressive in his views, but is intelligent and thoroughly posted in all public affairs. He was born February 11, 1842, and is a son of Nathan and Pency Emeline (Hubbard) Quick, the father, being in all probability, of Spanish descent, his birth occurring in the “Palmetto State.” The mother was a Georgian, and her union with Mr. Quick resulted in the birth of nine children, eight attaining manhood and womanhood: Nancy Melissa (was born in 1838, and was married to W. R. T. Singleton of Mississippi), William (was born in 1840, and died in 1852), Thomas Jefferson (the subject of this memoir), Martha Adeline (born in 1844, was married to J. M. Butler, of Mississippi, in 1865), Eliza Permelia (born in 1846, wedded to L. R. Butler, of Mississippi, in 1865), James Robert (born in 1848, espoused Miss Mary Allen, of Mississippi, and died in Arkansas, in 1882), Mercy F. (born in 1850, married James E. Timms, of Mississippi), Sarah Ellen (born in 1852, wedded Thomas Hill, also of Mississippi), Amanda R. (born in 1854, became the wife of J. H. Roberts, a Mississippian), Matthew Isom’s birth occurred in 1856, and he took for his wife Miss Evaline Summons. Mr. Quick, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, received his education in the subscription schools of his native county (La Fayette Co., MS), and has been familiar with farm work from his earliest boyhood. This work continued to receive his attention until he had attained his seventeenth year, when, with the enthusiasm of youth, he enlisted as a private in Company F, Nineteenth Regiment Mississippi Volunteer Infantry, the first battle in which he participated being Williamsburg. On March 3, 1865, he was captured at Petersburg, VA, and taken to Hart’s Island, NY, where he was kept in confinement for two months and a half. On being paroled he went to New York City, embarking there on a steamer for New Orleans, going from there up the Mississippi River to Memphis, from there by rail to La Fayette Station, thence on foot to Oxford, Miss., a distance of seventy miles, to his father’s plantation, two miles east of that place, arriving at home May 6, 1865. He assisted his father on the farm for two years, and on January 16, 1867, wedded Miss Mary A. Callaway, of Georgia, and started out in life for himself. November 18, 1869, he came to Arkansas, and settled in White Co., Page 246 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas residing for one year on a farm he had purchased, then sold out and removed to Van Buren Co., and after purchasing a saw-mill near Quitman, operated it for one year. Being dissatisfied with this location, be resolved to return to White Co., and here purchased a farm, comprising 320 acres, all wild land. He resided on this until 1884, then sold it, having in the meantime made many valuable improvements, among which was the clearing and putting under cultivation of 120 acres of land. In 1884 he took up his abode in El Paso, but in 1885 purchased his present farm, consisting of 106 acres, on which was an in-completed house and fair stables. He has since completed the house, and has erected a cotton-gin, which has a capacity of six bales per day. On May 4, 1880, his wife died, and September 7, 1881, he married Sallie E. Crosby, of the State of Arkansas, and to them were born two children: Lawrence Bernard (born June 28, 1882, and died October 31, 1882), Clarence Leonard (born June 28, 1882, and died August 12, 1889). The mother of these children died October 17, 1884, and June 21, of the following year, Mr. Quick took for his third wife Mrs. Elizabeth (Arnold) Griffin, a daughter of John and Cynthia (Smith) Arnold, the father about one-fourth Cherokee Indian, and the mother of Irish descent. The following children have been born to Mr. Quick’s last marriage: Thomas Fletcher (born July 16, 1886) and Quro (born October 26, 1888). At the present writing Mr. Quick owns 200 acres of land, with eighty acres under cultivation. His land has on it a fine peach and plum orchard, and a vineyard of about 100 vines. Mr. Quick is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and also of El Paso Lodge No. 65, A. F. & A. M. William C. Rainey is an extensive planter and cotton-ginner of Union Township, and was born in Madison Co., TN, in 1829, being a son of Isaac and Parthena (Rainey) Rainey, who were also people of Middle Tennessee. The father was a farmer by occupation, and a son of Zebulon Rainey, a soldier in the War of 1812. Both parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in Middle Tennessee, after rearing a family of six children: William O., Theophilus (who died in youth), Addison Levi (a farmer of West Tennessee), Samuel (a farmer of West Tennessee), James W. (of Lauderdale Co., TN.), Henderson A. (of Haywood Co., TN), Delicia F. (widow of Joseph L. Hendron, of TN), Amanda (wife of W. Coffman, a merchant of Woodville, TN. ), Elizabeth (who died at the age of four years), and Martha (who died in 1856, aged eighteen years). William C. Rainey began life for himself when twenty-two years of age, and after working one year as a farm hand and from that time up to 1858 was an overseer. In the fall of 1856 he was married to Elizabeth Coffey, a daughter of Rev. D. P. Coffey of Tennessee, and by her has had a family of eleven children, eight of whom are living: James D. (who was born November 25, 1857), Mary F. (wife of Jeff Walker, was born May 14, 1860), Leonidas E. (was born January 12, 1866), William J. (born February 29, 1868), Thomas (born October 7, 1870), Samuel (born November 30, 1872), Jesse C. (born March 4, 1874), Joseph L. (born December 27, 1879), and Eddie (born February 27, 1877). On December 20, 1854, Mr. Rainey first set foot in White Co., AR, and for two years he acted as overseer for one of the well-to do planters of this region. After his marriage he moved to Hickory Plains, and in 1857 came to this portion of the county and settled on the land where Beebe now stands. After a one year’s residence at this place he sold out and settled in the vicinity of Stony Point, and here has since made his home. His first purchase of land was 160 acres, and in 1856 he erected the first gin put up in the south part of White Co., which he is still operating. Prior to 1883 the machinery was run by horse-power but since that time he has used steam. Mr. Rainey is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and he and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, as are the most of their children, Mr. Rainey and his eldest son being ruling elders in that church. During the war he served in Company D, Tenth Arkansas Regiment, but after May 28, 1862, became a member of Forrest’s cavalry and served under him until the close of the war, when his company Page 247 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas was disbanded on January 9. He was at Shiloh, Corinth, the gunboat fight on the Big Sandy in Tennessee, Murfreesboro, Guntown, Franklin, and was in the various engagements in which Forrest’s cavalry participated. John F. Randall, a worthy and conscientious representative of White Co., was born in Cape Girardeau Co., MO, near the city of Cape Girardeau, March 31, 1832. His father, William C. Randall, was born in Lexington, KY, December 15, 1805, and died in Arkansas, February 4, 1863, aged fifty-eight years. He was a regular apprentice to the boot and shoemaker’s trade, and an expert in that profession. He was an old line Whig, and manifested great interest in all party campaigns. In 1831 Mr. Randall was united in marriage with Sarah A., daughter of Anthony and Mary Randol, and a native of Missouri. She received her education in her native State, where the greater part of her life was passed, and at the date of her death, in 1854, she was residing in Stoddard Co., Mo. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Randall twelve children were born, all of whom grew to maturity. Those living are: John F., Sarah E. (wife of James Samuels, of Missouri), Orlando L. (of Hood Co., TX), Martha J. (widow of Joseph M. Lean). Those deceased are: William O., Carrol V., Mary 2., Eliza A., Charlotte V., Rebecca L., Edward L. and Harvy C. John F. received but limited advantages for education, as the schools of his boyhood days were very few, but he received a practical knowledge of farming, which occupation he has always followed in connection with stock raising. He owns 320 acres of excellent land, highly cultivated, and everything on his farm indicates thrift and prosperity. He was first married in Calhoun Co., IL, in 1859, to Martha J. Scott of that State, and the result of this marriage was two children, who died in infancy. His second marriage occurred in 1862 to Edna P., daughter of Andrew and Nancy Woodley, of Pike Co., GA, and by her he became the father of three children: William O. and a daughter (dead), and Edward L., now living. He also reared W. R. Randall, a nephew, born June 7, 1860, and Mattie Lee Woodley, a niece, born March 25, 1877. Mr. Randall enlisted in the Union army, July 27, 1862, in Company A, first Arkansas Mounted Rangers. This regiment was reorganized in 1863, at Benton Barracks, 110., with John E. Phelps as colonel; the regiment afterward being known as the Second Arkansas Cavalry. He acted most of the time as recruiting officer, and in the capacity of scout and escort duty. He participated in the battles of Independence, Jefferson City, Kansas City, Big Blue and many others of minor importance. He received his discharge as first sergeant from said regiment, Company A. For twenty years Mr. Randall has acted as justice of the peace in White Co., where he has lived since 1860, and is now filling said office and discharging its manifold duties in a creditable and exemplary manner. He is a Prohibitionist in politics, though not in any way a partisan. He is one of the most prominent members of the Methodist Church, South, and takes an active interest in all the affairs and work of the church, also contributing to all charitable enterprises. He is a member in high standing in the Masonic order. James F. Ray, M. D., is a substantial and well known practitioner of Arkansas, his first field for the practice of medicine being in Centre Hill in 1883. His early days were spent in Jackson Co., where he was born in 1854, and in White Co., and when nineteen years of age he commenced the study of medicine. Dr. Bay was the son of Samuel and Jane (Sorrell) Ray. Samuel Bay was born in Alabama in 1824, and was a son of Samuel M. Bay, a native of North Carolina. He moved to Arkansas in 1854, settling in Jackson Co., and in 1860 came to White Co., where he followed farming. He enlisted in 1862 and served in the Confederate service. Mrs. Bay was born in Alabama, in 1828, and was a daughter of James F. and Flora Sorrell, and died in White County in 1869. They were the parents of three children: James F., John and William. Dr. Bay was married in 1877 to Susan E. Barnett, a daughter of Z. H. and Emiline (Stewart) Barnett, natives of Tennessee. To these parents were given seven Page 248 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas children, four of whom are still living: Floyd B., Mary E. (deceased), Arthur Curtis (deceased), Mamie 11., Samuel H. (deceased), Ethel I. and Blanch W. In 1885 Dr. Ray moved to Mount Pisgah, where he still lives and practices, and is the owner of a forty-acre tract of fine timber land. Himself and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. When the Doctor first came to this Co., bear, dear and wild turkey were abundant. Politically he is a strong Democrat, and although not taking an active part in politics, has held the office of bailiff’ of the township; he is a highly respected citizen, and enjoys a large practice extending throughout the adjoining townships. William P. Reeves, a miller and ginner, of Cadron Township, was born in Alabama, in 1850, and was the second son in a family of eleven children of Emery G. and Elizabeth A. (Davis) Reaves, also of Alabama. Their family consisted of the following children: Emily, William P., Amandy, John T., Narsiscey, Nancy A., Sarah E., George W., Sarah J., Thomas and David. Mrs. Reaves died in 1879, and Mr. Reaves was again married, in 1881, to Susan Foster, and they are residing in Alabama, and have a family of small children. William P. Reeves, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, was married at the age of seventeen, to Majourie O. Monk, a daughter of Silas and Nancy (Youngblood) Monk. Her father was a Primitive Baptist minister. Mrs. Reaves died in 1885, having been the mother of nine children: Tresser T. (deceased), Tulula, Mary M., William Lee, Ransom L., Caroline (deceased), Georgia (deceased), James (deceased) and Effie (deceased). Mr. Reeves came to Arkansas in 1877, and settled in this township, and in 1882 started a saw-mill and is now sawing and converting the pines of Arkansas into lumber. He was married the second time in 1887 to Anna Drain, the daughter of the Rev. William W. Drain. To this union have been born two children: Isaac E. and Jessie J. Mr. Reaves owns 160 acres of fine timber land, and has twenty acres cleared and under cultivation. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Rock Springs Lodge No. 422, and also a member of the County Wheels He is a prominent worker in all matters relative to educational and school work, and is one of the esteemed directors of School District No. 28. J. F. Redus came with his parents to White Co., in 1851, they settling in Marion Township. He was born in Alabama, in 1844, and was the second son in a family of nine children born to Joel S. and Susan J. (Gill) Redus, also of Alabama nativity. The senior Redus had a land warrant for service in the Mexican War, and on which he settled and broke land for a farm, where he lived until he died in 1858, his wife surviving him ten years. The family consisted of the following nine children: W. G. (who resides in this Co., and who enlisted in Company B of Thirty-sixth Arkansas Infantry), J. F. (our subject), L. S. (who also served in the Confederate army), L. E. (now Mrs. Simmons, of Cleburne County), John C. (deceased), D. J., Joel S. (deceased), M. G. and T. J. J. F. Redus assisted his father in opening up the farm, and in 1861 enlisted in the Confederate service for twelve months, in Company K, of the Seventh Arkansas Infantry. After the reorganization of the company, he reenlisted for three years, or during the war. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Perrysville (KY), Liberty GA, Chickamauga, and in the ninety- days’ fight before Dalton, also at Lookout Mountain, Atlanta and a number of others. He marched barefooted from Franklin, TN, to Pulaski, TN. Immediately after the cessation of hostilities, he returned home and again took up farming. He now owns a farm of 160 acres, with eighty-five acres under cultivation. He takes an active part in politics, and is a strong Democrat, and was candidate for county treasurer in 1889, but was defeated by combined efforts. He and entire family are members of the Baptist Church. Page 249 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Jackson V. Reynolds, a prominent farmer and 8 fruit grower of White Co., was born in Tennessee in 1844, and is a son of Samuel and Margaret (Maderis) Reynolds, natives of Alabama. I Mr. Samuel Reynolds was born in 1808, and was I married in 1831, after which he moved to Tennessee, and in 1851 came to Arkansas, settling in White Co., where he bought a farm of 160 acres, on which he lived until his death, which occurred in 1861. His wife survived him twenty years, and was the mother of nine children, three of whom are living: Jackson V. (our subject), Samuel T. and Marquis L. Jackson V. Reynolds was reared on a farm, educated in this Co., and was married, in 1866, to Margaret Thompson, a daughter of James and Martha Thompson of Tennessee origin, and who came to Arkansas at an early day. Mrs. Reynolds died in 1880, leaving five children, four of whom are still living: Edward, Minnie, Mary and Florence. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Reynolds married Mrs. Mitchell (see McMurtry), a widow, and by this marriage became the mother of three children: Willie, Effie and Van. In 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate army, serving in Capt. Hick’s regiment, but was wounded at the battle of Helena, and received his discharge. Mr. Reynolds has a farm of 237 acres, with 140 acres under cultivation, and devotes the most of his attention to fruit growing. James P. Rheu, planter, Stevens [Stephens] Creek, AR. White Co., is acknowledged by all to be one of the best agricultural portions of the State, and as such its citizens are men of advanced ideas and considerable prominence. A worthy representative of this class is found in the person of Mr. James P. Rhea. He was originally from Dickson Co., TN, where his birth occurred on November 23, 1824, and is the son of John and Margaret (Dunnegan) Rheu, natives, respectively, of North Carolina and Kentucky, and both of Scotch-Irish descent. The maternal grandparents probably came to Alabama before the Revolutionary War. John Rheu and family moved to Kentucky in about 1830, located in McCracken Co., where they remained until about 1840, and then moved to Graves County. There be improved a farm, and made his home until death, which occurred in 1855. The mother died about 1827. James P. Rheu was early initiated into the duties of farm life, and received a liberal education for those days. In 1857 he came to Arkansas, located at Denmark, Jackson Co., and engaged in merchandising, which he continued successfully for many years. On May 15, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha V. Edens, a native of Fayette County and the daughter of H. and Ann (Price) Edens, natives of Lincoln Co., TN, and probably of Irish descent. The maternal great-grandfather of Mrs. Rheu was connected with the commissary department of the Colonial army, and her grandfather Price, was a soldier under Gen. Jackson, in the War of 1812, participating in the battle of New Orleans, also in the subsequent Indian Wars. To Mr. and Mrs. Rheu were born four children: Ider E. (born June 11, 1860), Lelia C. (born October 8, 1865), William F. (born February 8, 1875), and Maggie A. (born February 22, 1876). Ider E. married J. C. Meadows on November 30,1879, and is the mother of four children: Claude L., Ollie V., Lillian M. and Homer O. Mr. Meadows is a farmer by occupation. Mr. Rheu’s other children are at home. In the fall of 1862, Mr. Rheu had become nicely fixed in business, had erected a fine dwelling-house, also a store, and excellent outbuildings upon his place; was also speculating in cotton, and had about ten bales on hand, when his buildings were set on fire, and his store, his entire stock of goods and his cotton were destroyed. After this severe loss he rented land, followed farming near Denmark, and there remained until 1866, when he bought a farm in Jackson County. This tract contained eighty acres of improved land, and there he resided until 1871, when he moved to his present property, arriving there on December 20 of that year. He purchased one hundred acres, with about fifteen under cultivation, and erected their present house the same year. At present he has about thirty acres under cultivation. He is a member of 1 Anchor Lodge No. 40, A. F. and A. M., and has served the lodge in the capacity of Senior Warden and Junior Warden, and has also been secretary for seven years of Page 250 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Fredonia Lodge No. 229. He holds a demit from Tillman Chapter No. 19, R. A. M., Searcy, AR. In his political views he affiliates with the Democratic party. Mrs. Rheu, and her daughter Lelia, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and Mrs. Ider E. Meadows is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Mary M. Rhoden is the daughter of Jacob Free Coffman (deceased), who, from an early period in the country’s history, gave to Independence County (to which he came in 1851, locating on the White River) the best energies of his life as one of the most worthy and respected citizens, and to the community and all among whom he lived, the example of a life well and usefully spent, and the influence of a character without stain. In this county he bought a farm of 400 acres, on which he lived till his death in 1858. His birth occurred February 10, 1805, and he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Young on March 17, 1826, in Lauderdale Co., TN. He was the son of Lovell and Sallie (Greene) Coffman, the former a native of Virginia, of German descent, and whose ancestors came to America previous to the Colonial War. Sallie (Greene) Coffman was a relative of Gen. Greene of Revolutionary fame. Mrs. Catherine (Young) Coffman was the daughter of Samuel and Keziah (Hogue) Young. Samuel Young was a native of South Carolina, was of English descent, and his grandfather came to America about 1740 and located in South Carolina where Samuel was born. Keziah (Hogue) Young was a native of South Carolina, her parents being of English descent. The maternal grandfather (Doolittle) was killed by Tories in South Carolina during the Revolutionary War. Jacob Free and Catherine (Young) Coffman were the parents of these children: Sarah Ann K., Samuel Lovell, Mary Margaret, John Tillmore, Daniel A., Martha Jane, Elizabeth O., Amy Evaline, Susan Rebecca and Laura Malinda. Mary M. Coffman was the third daughter of the above-mentioned family, her birth occurring on January 25, 1832, in Franklin Co., Ala, and she received a good English education in the subscription schools of her native county. There she grew to womanhood and was united in marriage to John Harrison Rhoden, a native of Alabama, on November 11, 1847, in Lawrence County. To this union were born eight children: Archie C. (born August 2, 1848), Frances Catherine (born November 3, 1849), Martha Jane (born September 6, 1851. and died in December of the same year), Rebecca Walker (born November 2, 1854, and died on September 5, 1858), Sarah E. (born January 25, 1856), Laura Sophronia (born September 6, 1858), John Breckenridge (born October 15, 1860) and Lucy Coleman (born December 20, 1862). All the children were born in Arkansas, with the exception of Archie, whose birth occurred in Alabama. Archie C. married Miss Matilda J. Means, a native of Virginia, and Frances C. married J. W. Moseley, a native of Kentucky, who is now residing in White County; Sarah E. married Lawrence Westmoreland, a native of Georgia, who is now deceased, Sophronia married William Woodall, a native of Arkansas, John B. resides in Texas, Lucy C. married Dr. Joseph H. Fillinger, a native of Virginia, and now residing in White County. The settlement of the Rhoden family in Arkansas was made in 1849 when the country was an unbroken wilderness. Mrs. Rhoden is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, having united with that denomination in 1849. The family purchased 160 acres when they first settled in this State, and Mrs. Rhoden now owns 120 acres of that farm. Dr. Willshire Riley is engaged in the drug business at Judsonia, AR, and has been established there since 1880. He was born in Auglaize Co., OH, in 1828, and in 1866 settled in White Co., and after residing in Searcy one year, he moved to Red River Township, and for some years was engaged in shipping corn at Riley’s Landing. He was educated in the schools of Ohio, and in 1849 was married in Mercer Co., of that State, to Miss Ruth Lindsey, removing in 1854 to Toledo, where he acted as deputy collector of customs. He also published the Toledo Daily, but in 1856 went to Perry Co., IL, and began practicing medicine, having previously taken a course in the Cincinnati Medical College, graduating in the class of 1856. He remained in Perry County until 1866, then came to Searcy, and has been in business Page 251 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas here since that time. He took an active part in politics during reconstruction days, and in 1870 and 1871 was senator, representing White and Pulaski Counties. He has been interested in the cause of education, and has aided all enterprises which were for the good of the community. He is a Douglas Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of five children born to them, three are living: Horatio (who is married, and resides in Pine Bluff), Kate (Mrs. Hines, resides in Van Buren County) and Willshire (a druggist of Pine Bluff). Dr. Riley is a member of Lodge No. 384 of the A. F. & A. M., and belongs to Tillman Chapter No. 19, and Searcy Council. He is one of the family of six born to James W. and Susan (Ellis) Riley, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of New York, and their union took place in Ohio. Mr. Riley was a Government surveyor, and did the most of the surveying of Northwest Ohio and Indiana, but was also a lawyer by profession. He died in January, .1876, and is still survived by his wife, who is a resident of Denver, CO. The paternal grandfather, Capt. James Riley, was born in Middletown, Conn., and was the author of Riley’s Narrative. Being appointed by President Jackson to survey the Northwestern Territory, he came to Ohio in 1819, and laid out the town of Willshire. Being a sea captain he returned to his calling, and died on the ocean while on one of his voyages in 1840. Elbert A. Robbins, the eldest son of D. and Olivia (Shinpouch) Robbins, natives of Alabama and Mississippi, respectively, dates his existence from December 23, 1857. His father became a resident of Arkansas in 1856, settling in White Co., on a farm of 160 acres of land, ten miles south of Rose Bud, where he died in 1865, shortly after returning from the war. His wife survived him nine years, leaving a family of five children: Elbert A. (the subject of this sketch), J. W. [reference to whom follows], C. D., Molly and Samuel. E. A. Robbins started out in the world for himself at the age of fifteen without means or influence. He worked on a farm for three years, with but little success, after which his time was spent in a saw-mill until in April, 1881, when he bought a saw-mill, selling it, however, in October of the same year. In 1882 he farmed, but commenced the mercantile business at Rose Bud, in January, 1883, in partnership with his brother, J. W. Robbins. This he has followed ever since, with encouraging results. Besides his only brother he has one sister, Mollie Holmes, still living. Mr. Robbins professed religion, and joined the Baptist Church in 1887. He was married, in 1878, to Miss Ida Crooms, and to them have been born six children, three of whom are living: Emma, Walter and Maudie; those deceased are Mollie, Elmer and an infant. Mrs. Robbins is also a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. He takes an active part in the Sunday-schools, and exerts his whole influence for the promotion of religious and educational institutions. J. W. Robbins, a brother of E. A. Robbins, commenced in life on his own account at the age of fourteen, in 1883 entering into the mercantile business in White County. He was born in this county in 1860, his parents being D. and Olivia (Shinpouch) Robbins [reference to whom appears in the sketch which precedes this]. J. W. Robbins was married, in 1886, to Susan I. Thomas, a daughter of W. A. and Jane (Post) Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Robbins are the parents of two children: Oscar (living) and Laura A. (deceased). Mr. Robbins is a strong Democrat, and takes an active interest in all work for the interest of schools or general public good. John A. Roberson. Among the farmers and stock-men of White Co., AR, none are more [ prominent than our subject, who, though he is a native of Rutherford Co., TN, born November 19, 1835, has been a resident of White County since 1870. He was reared to a farm life and his 5 knowledge of the “Three R’s” was acquired in the common schools. He was thrown on the world to fight his own way through life at the early age of sixteen years on account of the death of his father, and until his marriage on November 17, 1854, he worked as a farm hand. His wife, Angeline Redmon, Page 252 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas was a native of Haywood County and bore Mr. Roberson eight children as follows: George (who died in infancy), a child who died unnamed, William (who is a farmer of White County), James (also a farmer), Anna (wife of Elijah Cupp, died leaving one child), Lela (is the wife of William P. Brickell, a farmer of Phillips Co., AR), Thomas (farms in Texas) and Edgar (who was born on June 20, 1873). Mr. Roberson departed this life on July 27, 1888, an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Mary (Coleman) Murphy, a native of Alabama and a resident of Arkansas for about nineteen years, became his wife February 24, 1889. After his first marriage Mr. Roberson farmed and acted as overseer until 1864 when he went into the army and served until the cessation of hostilities. He then became manager of a large farm owned by a wealthy planter of Haywood Co., but since 1870 has resided in White Co., he being now the owner of 320 acres of land. At the time of his purchase there were sixty-five acres under cultivation, but he now has 110 acres under the plow and has added 130 acres to his original purchase. His land is well adapted to raising all necessary farm products, and for several years past he has devoted much of his time to stock raising. He has been an active worker for the cause of Christianity for many years and socially is a member of Beebe Lodge No. 145 of the A. F. &A. M. His parents, Jesse and Mary A. (Vaughn) Roberson, were born in Virginia and South Carolina in 1815 and 1810, respectively, and were married about 1834. They died in Tennessee, the former in Haywood County in 1851, and the latter in Davidson Co., in 1848. Three of their eight children died in infancy: William (lived to be grown and lost his life in the battle in June, 1863, and was buried in a soldier’s cemetery), Mary (is the wife of James Tatum, of Bell Station, Tenn.). Fidelia (is the wife of James Collins, an Englishman, residing in Tennessee), Eliza (is the wife of Robert Pitner, a farmer of Tennessee). and John A. (our subject). A. T. Rodmon has ably served his county as commissioner four years, as school director six years, and also as president of the board of registration. His parents, James and Jennie (Kell) Rodmon, were natives of South Carolina, his paternal and maternal grandfathers being of Irish origin, who came to this country at the same time and settled in South Carolina. Grandfather Rodmon had a family of four children: John, Thomas. Sarah and James. James Rodmon was married in 1828 or 1829, and had a family of five children: A. T. (our subject), Mary A. (who married a men by the name of Blunt). Susan (Ballard), John C. and James G. Mr. Rodmon died on July 13, 1849, in South Carolina, to which State his family moved from South Carolina that year. A. T. Rodmon was married, after attaining manhood, in 1856 in Mississippi, to Miss Mary Williams, a daughter of P. W. and Nancy (McDowell) Williams, and of North Carolina birth. After this event Mr. Rodmon settled on a farm and devoted himself to agricultural pursuits for four years, then moving to White Co., AR, in 1859, and locating on a farm twelve miles south of Searcy. In 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate army and served on detached duty during the war. In 1873 he removed to Kane Township, where he now resides, enjoying at this time a wide and honored acquaintance. Mr. and Mrs. Rodmon have had twelve children, four of whom only are living: Alice M.. Nora E., Frank and Clinton J. These are at home and attending school. In 1868 Mr. Rodmon was appointed justice of the peace, and the same year elected county commissioner, which position he held four years. In 1872 he was elected president of the board of registration, and is now school director, having discharged the official duties connected therewith for six years.: He is a member of the Masonic order, and has been connected with the I. O. O. F. Himself and wife have been members of the Baptist Church for the past thirty-two years, Mr. Rodmon having held the position of church clerk for seventeen years. He has also acted as president of the County Wheel for six years, besides holding the office of district deputy for two years. Mr. Rodmon is a strong Republican and has taken an active interest in the politics of his county. A highly respected citizen, he worthily deserves the universal esteem bestowed upon himself and family. Page 253 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Benjamin Rogers, in his active career through life, has amassed considerable wealth, and is new owner of a fine farm, comprising 400 acres, 120 of which he has put under cultivation, clearing ninety acres himself. He has around him every convenience, and his buildings, fences and orchards have been placed on his property by his own hands. From his earliest remembrance he has been familiar with farm life, but his youthful advantages for acquiring an education were very limited. He came with his father to Arkansas, and made his home with him until twenty-six years old, having married, at the age of twenty-four, Miss Anna E. Bailey, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of J. J. Bailey, a pioneer settler of White County. Mrs. Rogers died in September, 1862, and on January 15, 1865, he married Miss Hannah J. Jackson, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of H. Jackson, a blacksmith by trade. Eleven children have been born to them, of whom ten are living: Marion F. (born February 24, 1866, and lives on his father’s farm), J. M. (who was born October 13, 1868), William H. (born August 27, 1869), Robert E. (born June 23, 1871), Mary E. (born August 6, 1873, and died September 2, 1887), Minnie B. (born January 30, 1875), Bettie H. (born November 13, 1878), Benjamin D. (born February 9, 1880), Calvin J. (born January 27, 1883), Ava L. (born January 27, 1885), and Arthur L. (born April 25, 1887). Mrs. Rogers, the mother of this large family, departed this life February 7, 1889, having been a lifelong member of the Missionary Baptist Church, a faithful wife and mother, and her death is not only mourned by her immediate family, but by all with whom she came in contact. In 1861 Mr. Rogers bought 160 acres of the farm where he now lives, going in debt for the same, and notwithstanding the fact that the war came up and scattered his property, he has succeeded admirably. In June, 1862, he joined Company A, Thirty- sixth Arkansas Regiment, and was in the battles of Prairie Grove, Helena, Little Rock, besides numerous skirmishes. He was not wounded nor taken prisoner during his term of service, and was a faithful soldier to the cause he espoused. Upon his return home he found himself robbed of all his property, except the land for which he was considerably in debt, but he began devoting his entire attention to his farm, and has succeeded in putting himself and family beyond the reach of want. He is a Democrat, a member of Beebe Lodge No. 145 of the A. F. & A. M., and for the past seventeen years has been one of the most faithful members of the latter organization. He is public-spirited, and keeps thoroughly space with the times on all matters of public interest. He was born in Haywood Co., TN, on August 1, 1836, and is a son of William and Sarah E. (Powers) Rogers, the former born in North Carolina in 1809, and the latter in 1811. They were married in Tennessee about 1830, and in 1854 came to White Co., AR, and settled on what is well known as the Williams’ farm, near where Beebe now stands. Mr. Rogers bought 400 acres of woodland, and until he could build him a log-house his family lived in a tent Like the majority of the pioneer settlers of early times “He cut, be logged, he cleared his lot, And into many a dismal spot He let the light of day.” During his lifetime be cleared over 100 acres of land, and at the time of his death (in 1871) he was one of the wealthy men of the county. In politics he was an old line Whig. His wife died in 1838, and in 1842 he married again, having by this union five children, only two now living, Rufus H. and Robert E., both farmers. His first marriage also resulted in the birth of five children, Benjamin and Elizabeth (wife of Oliver Greene) being the only ones alive. Thomas J. Rogers, another of the prominent pioneer settlers of White Co., has been located here for a period of over forty years, and has not only become well known, but the respect and honor shown him is as wide as his acquaintance. He came to Page 254 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas White County in 1848, settled with a brother, Robert J., within three miles of Searcy, which at that time contained two small supply stores, one made of log and the other of plank, and a blacksmith shop. Mr. Rogers was born in Chatham Co., NC, in 1826, was the sixth in a family of ten children (all dead but two), born to Absalom and Hannah (Johnson) Rogers, natives of North Carolina. The parents immigrated to Tennessee at an early day and there the father carried on agricultural pursuits. He was one of the jury that convicted J. A. Merrill. His death occurred in Tennessee, in 1840, and his wife died in North Carolina. Grandfather Rodgers is buried in North Carolina, of which State the family were pioneers. Brought up as an agriculturist it would have been quite natural had Thomas J. Rogers followed in the footsteps of his father, but his tendencies inclined elsewhere, and after securing a fair education in the subscription schools of Tennessee and Arkansas, and farming one year, in 1849 he came to Searcy, where he clerked for Bond & Maxwell, general merchants. He remained with this firm until 1851, and went into partnership in a separate house with the firm, taking the management. In 1852 Mr. Rogers purchased the full control and continued in business until 1862, when he had everything taken from him, it all becoming common property. During the war he raised a company and followed guerrillas, but later he moved to Urbana, IL, purchased property and remained until the close of the war. The people were anxious to know what he was going to do, so in 1865, he returned to Searcy, AR, but before coming back liquidated his debts at ‘25 and 50 per cent with Philadelphia houses. He paid it and received their receipts in full, and later paid it in full with interest, in 1867. After this Mr. Rogers engaged in the real-estate business, in which he is now interested, and is the owner of 20,000 acres in White and Cleburne Counties. He has twenty improved farms in these counties, is renting out land and owns a fine body of timber situated on White and Red Bayou, Des Arc. Politically, Mr. Rogers is the father of the Prohibition party in this county and bought the Lever by the thousands, distributing them gratuitously through the country. He fought for the Local Option bill, was successful, and all rejoiced. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Searcy Lodge No. 49, and was charter member of the same. He was married in White Co., AR, in 1859, to Miss Susie M. Lewis, a native of Mississippi, and to this union were born seven children, five now living: Thomas B., Hallie B., Angie (now Mrs. Jones, of Memphis, TN.), Susie M. and Naomi. The mother of these children closed her eyes to the scenes of this world in 1877. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which Mr. Rogers also belongs, having joined in 1840; he has been a scholar and teacher ever since. In 1852 Mr. Rogers joined the Sons of Temperance, but now considers that their work was largely in vain. In 1880 he was sent to Cleveland, OH, to the Prohibition National Convention, became a member of that party, and has been on the executive board ever since; was sent to the National Prohibition Convention, which met at Indianapolis, IN, in 1888, and assisted in forming the Prohibition platform, every plank of which exactly suited him. The same year he was also delegate to the Arkansas State Convention at Little Rock, which adopted the national party platform. Hon. John P. H. Russ is a man who needs no introduction to the reader of this volume, for he has been usefully and honorably identified with the interests of this county and with its advancement in every worthy particular for many years. His early paternal ancestors were of Scotch-Irish descent and were among the original settlers of Jamestown, VA, but the two immigrants, Vincent and John, spelled their name Rusk, although the old Scotch way of spelling the name was Russ, a fact which was discovered by Charles E. Russ, the father of our biographical subject, while reading Scotch history, during his attendance at Hillsboro (N . C.) College. He adopted the old way of spelling the name, and as such it has continued to the present time. Charles E. Russ and his brother, John P. H., afterward graduated from Raleigh College, Raleigh, NC, and the latter subsequently became a prominent politician, and was honored with the office of Secretary of his native Page 255 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas State, a position he held several terms, serving in the interests of the Democratic party. Charles E. Russ was strongly opposed to secession, and stumped the “Old North State” and Georgia in opposition to that measure. His wife, Sarah A. Parker, was a daughter of Harrison and Sarah (Parrish) Parker, the former of Scotch-Irish descent and the latter of French. Hon. John P. H. Russ was born in Floyd Co., GA, April 27, 1852, and in 1859 he was taken by his parents to Charlotte, S. C. After a residence of a few months in Florida they settled in Marengo Co., AL, remaining there until 1866, when Denmark, TN, became their home. Their first settlement in Arkansas was in the year 1869, when they settled at El Paso, in White Co., purchasing a farm of 160 acres, twenty acres of which was heavily covered with timber. Here both father and mother died, in 1884, the former in January and the latter in June. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and Mr. Russ was a Mason, his wife belonging to the Eastern Star Lodge. Their family consisted of four sons and two daughters, two of whom are living besides our subject: James E. (who ,was married to Miss Belle Andrews, a native of Kentucky, is an attorney at law of Beebe, AR.) and Laura J. (the wife of Thomas Midyett, a resident of El Paso Township). This couple was married in Tennessee and came to Arkansas in 1870, and are here rearing their family of three sons: Henry, Charley and Bascom. Hon. John P. H. Russ first commenced attending school in Red Mountain, AL, but was afterward a student in the common schools of Tennessee, and finished his education in the Methodist graded school under the supervision of Prof. J. W. Thompson. June 23, 1872, he was united in marriage to Miss Narcie L. Booth, a daughter of M. L. and Elizabeth (Bushel) Booth [a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work], and their union resulted in the birth of the following family: Mary E. (born May 18, 1873, and died September 4, 1885), Samira M. (born March 14, 1875), Charles L. (born March 23, 1877), Lena Mora (born December 4, 1880, and died March 4, 1889), Walter M. (born February 9, .1882), Otey S. (born February 28, 1884), John T. (born April 2, 1886), and Laura B. (born January 21, 1888). Mr. Russ always voted with the Democrat party until 1883 and, as he says, did more for the party than his Satanic Majesty, the Devil, ever did, but he left it in consequence of dissatisfaction with the corruption of both the Democrat and Republican parties and identified himself with the Labor movement; and at a meeting of the White County Wheel, May 7, 1884, he was elected a delegate to the State Wheel, which was held at Little Rock, on June 9, of the same year. At this meeting a full county ticket was organized and Mr. Russ, the delegate, was told to use his own judgment as to which to support - a Labor State or a Wheel ticket. The result was the nomination of the Labor State ticket, and Mr. Russ was chosen by the committee as chairman of the committee for drawing up a platform, and wrote the first four planks. He was afterward elected chairman of the State and Labor Central Committee, and when a meeting was called at Litchfield, Jackson Co., on July 27, 1884, he again filled out the ticket, and Charles E. Cunning was the nominee for Governor and received 19,706 votes in twenty-three counties organized in the State, out of seventy-five. At this meeting the delegates met under the shade of a tree and nominated a ticket for Congress, their nominee, R. B. Carl Lee, receiving a small vote in the district. At a meeting of the State Wheel at Little Rock, in 1884, Mr. Russ was elected as a delegate to the Labor Convention at Cincinnati, OH, the meeting to be held February 2, 1885. At the meeting of the Union Labor party in White County he was chosen permanent chairman, and was a delegate to the State convention with instructions to put in the field a full State ticket, using his judgment in favor of the best man. He did so, and a vigorous canvass was carried on, the result being the election of Hon C. M. Norwood, an ex-Confederate, one-leg soldier, as Governor, by a majority of from 8,000 to 10,000 votes. In 1886, at a meeting of the State Wheel, he was elected a member of the executive committee of that body, and was re-elected for three consecutive terms. He was also a delegate to the National Agricultural Wheel, the meeting of all Labor organizations, at Page 256 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Meridian, Miss, in December, 1888; was a member of the first National Cotton Committee, also at that place, and the second one, held at Atlanta, Ga. In 1886 he represented the Arkansas State Wheel, at Raleigh, NC, and was elected by that body to the Farmers’ Union to be held at Shreveport, La., in 1887. At a meeting of the State Wheel held at Little Rock, the same year, he was chosen State Lecturer, and was reelected in 1888. The following year, at a meeting of the State Wheel at Hot Springs, he was chosen president of the State Wheel of Arkansas, and was at the same time elected a delegate to the National Farmers’ and Laborers’ Union, which was held in St. Louis, in December, 1889. October 19, of the same year, as president of the above-named body he issued a proclamation dissolving the State Wheel, and adopting the Farmers’ and Laborers’ Union of America, as agreed at the meeting of all the Labor organizations in 1888. Mr. Russ was president of the first district Wheel ever organized in White Co., and filled the same position for the twenty-seventh, the first senatorial Wheel, comprising White and Faulkner Counties. He discharged the duties of this position also for the Second Congressional Wheel, to which office he was elected in 1884, and he has been re-elected each succeeding year. He has held the office of Lecturer in the subordinate 0609 for five years, and in this capacity has lectured in a great many counties. He is a strict temperance man, and for many years has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and in support of the latter, as well as in the cause of education, he has been exceedingly liberal and free-hearted. He is now acting as deputy sheriff of White Co., and although repeatedly urged to run for representative of White Co., he has declined, thinking he could do more good for his party off the ticket than on. In 1873 Mr. Russ purchased from the United States Government 160 acres of wild land, and by subsequent purchases has increased his land to 660 acres, of which 122 are under cultivation. His first farm was heavy timber land, but after many years of arduous labor and with the assistance of his worthy wife, who has proved to him a true helpmate, he has become one of the wealthy agriculturists of the county. In the comparatively short time which has elapsed since he commenced doing for himself, he has developed and improved two fine farms, and has made all the property he now has by the sweat of his brow as, at the time of marriage, he only possessed $23, a horse and a gold watch. At the time of locating, he, his wife and father could carry their effects on their backs, and the furniture with which their house was provided was made of lumber from their own land. Many changes have occurred since this esteemed citizen first located here, and he has witnessed the growth, of what was once a vast wilderness, to one of the most prosperous and influential counties of the State. He and wife have hosts of warm friends, and as they look back over their past careers they can see little to regret, while the future in the life to come stands out brightly before them. James E. Russ, an attorney at law and notary public, of Beebe, is recognized as a prominent member of the legal fraternity of White County. A native of North Carolina, he was born in Orange Co., November 9, 1855, being the son of Charles E. and Sarah A. (Parker) Russ, also of North Carolina origin [a sketch of whose lives appears on a previous page, as well as a history of this illustrious family]. Charles Russ was born in 1819 and his wife in 1826. They were of Scotch-Irish and English descent, and were married in their native State in 1843, moving in 1859 to Alabama, where Mr. Russ conducted an extensive plantation, and managed a large force of slaves until after the war (in which he held the rank of major for four years). He subsequently went to Tennessee see and after a residence there of four years, moved again, this time settling in El Paso, AR, where he followed the occupation of farming until his death in 1885. He was a Universalist in his religious belief, his wife, who only survived him a few months, being a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Russ was a member of high standing in the Masonic order, and Mrs. Russ of the Eastern Star. James E. was the Page 257 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas fifth in a family of six children, as follows: Laura J. (wife of Thomas H. Midyett, a wealthy farmer of El Paso), J. P. H. Russ (farmer and president of the State Wheel of Arkansas), Charles W. (who died at the age of twenty-two, unmarried), Mary and Robert (who both died in their youth). James E. was reared to farm life, but his opportunities for obtaining an education were very limited, three months being the extent of his entire schooling. At an early age, however, he became a careful student and constant reader at home. When twenty-one he entered upon the reading of law, at the same time managing the farm and supporting his parents. This course he continued until 1883, when he was admitted to the bar at Little Rock, having passed a critical examination before Judges W. F. Hill, T. J. Oliphant and J. M. Rose, committee, with Judge F. T. Vaughn as presiding judge. After passing this examination Mr. Russ formed a partnership with Judge Oliphant, under the firm name of Oliphant & Russ, which relation existed nearly two years. Compelled to withdraw at that time on account of ill health, he passed several months in traveling, later returning to Arkansas, and finally settled in Beebe, where he has since resided, gaining by his upright course and recognized ability, the confidence and esteem of all acquaintances. As a practitioner he has built up an enviable and lucrative clientage, having a general law business in all courts of the State. In January, 1887, he lost his residence and contents by fire, but by energy, economy and strict integrity, has recovered from that disaster almost entirely. In December, 1883, Mr. Russ was united in marriage with Miss Belle Andrews, an estimable lady, daughter of William Andrews, a lawyer of Paducah. Ky. To them have been given a family of two children: Paul Eaton (born in September, 1884) and Jane (born November 2, 1886). Mr. and Mrs. Russ age members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and both are deservedly popular in society circles. The former votes the straight Democratic ticket, but has never been looked upon as an aspirant for political preferment. During the year 1888 he was a member of the real-estate firm of Merrill, Russ & Co. Christopher N. Saunders, a farmer and stock-man of Dog Wood Township, White Co., AR, was born in Virginia in 1822, and is the second child born to Wren and Mary D. (Teatroff) Saunders, who were also Virginians, the father’s birth occurring in 1822. His parents, Reuben and Frances Saunders, were born in that State, and there reared their family, of which State their son Wren is still an inhabitant. He was married in 1840, his wife being a daughter of John Teatroff, and he and wife reared a family of eleven children: Columbia I., Christopher N., Jane (who was a Mrs. Hunt, and is now dead), Reuben, Daniel (who died young), Mary (also died in childhood), Ellen and Logan (both died in infancy), Millard P. (a resident of West Virginia), Artemas and Leanna D. (married). The mother of these children died in 1865, a consistent member of the Christian Church at the time of her death. Christopher N. Saunders spent his youth on s farm, and also received his early schooling in his native State. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, Twenty-fifth Virginia Cavalry, and the first battle in which he participated was near Richmond. After the war he began farming for himself, and in 1871 was married to Malina Owen, a daughter of William and Karon Owen, natives of Virginia, both of whom are now dead. Mr. Saunders and his wife reared a family of six children: Wren, Minnie, Claudius, Keron, Clifford G. and Charles C. John W. died in childhood, and Mattie Lee died in October, 1889. In 1876 our subject removed with his family to White Co., AR, and in 1881 bought his present farm of 160 acres. He has forty acres under cultivation, and is doing well. He is a Democrat, and he and wife belong to the Christian Church. Elihu Q. Seaton is the son of George W. Seaton, a native of Alabama, who was born near Huntsville, Madison Co., N. AL, on June 13, 1820, moving when quite young with his parents to Panola Co., MS., where he grew to manhood. In 1841 he was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Smart, also of Alabama origin, her birth occurring in Page 258 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Florence, Lauderdale Co., April 9, 1820. When a young girl she accompanied her parents to Mississippi. George W. Seaton was by profession a farmer, but spent a greater part of his time in teaching school, being a man of superior education and refinement. He was an exemplary member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and took an active part in all church and charitable enterprises, particularly so in his later years. In his political views he sided with the Democrats, and held many offices of trust, discharging his duties in a highly commendable manner, and winning great credit for himself and family. He was a Mason in high standing, and recognized as a prominent and influential citizen. Mrs. Seaton, though a professor of religious faith from a very early age, was not connected with any church. She and her husband were descendants of some of the oldest and best families of Northern Alabama. Removing from Mississippi to Lonoke Co., AR, in 1878, they were residing there at the time of Mr. Seaton’s death in September, 1880. Mrs. Seaton then went to Texas, but soon returned to her home in Lonoke Co., where she now lives. To their union nine children were born, seven of whom survive: William (a farmer of Panels, Miss), George S. N. (a planter of Sevier Co., AR), Sarah S. T. (the wife of J. M. Smith, of Faulkner Co., AR), Elihu Q. (the subject of this sketch), Albertine, J. (now Mrs. J. D. McPherson, of Collins Co., TX), Lucy A. (wife of Elias Harrell, of Prairie Co., AR), Georgiana A. (Mrs. Frank White, a prosperous farmer of Lonoke Co., AR), Frances H. (widow of William Mason; now the wife of Andrew Lowe), B. A. (the wife of L. J. Pardue, and died in Lonoke County in 1887). Elihu Q. Seaton’s educational advantages in youth were limited to the inferior schools of the period, but by constant reading and close observation, he has obtained a good practical education. He began for himself at the age of twenty years, first as a farmer, and then as a teacher in the public schools, where for eight years be instructed the young idea, and gained an enviable local reputation as an instructor. For the last three years Mr. Seaton has been engaged in the mercantile business, and is now located at Russell, AR. He carries a general stock valued at $2,000, and has been quite successful in this business, and in the accumulation of property. He was married January 13, 1889, to Miss Frances A. Gamble, of White Co., and a Kentuckian by birth. To this marriage one child has been born, Benjamin A., on October 11, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Seaton are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, to which they give their support. In all worthy enterprises Mr. Seaton is a leader, not a follower, and has accomplished, by his progressive spirit, many things that might otherwise still be in an embryo state. He is a conservative Democrat, and a member in high standing of the Masonic order. In 1888 he received an appointment as notary public for a term of four years. Andrew C. Shoffner, M. D., deserves honorable mention as one of the successful practitioners of the healing art in White Co., and since 1876 has been actively engaged in alleviating the sufferings of the sick and afflicted, his services being in demand among the best people of the county. He was born in Tennessee, in 1830, and is a son of Martin and Jane C. (Johnson) Shoffner, and grandson of John and Christenia Shoffner. Martin Shoffner was born in North Carolina, in 1806, and inherited German blood from his parents. He was married in 1828, and the children born to his union are as follows: Andrew O., Mary A. (Mrs. Johnson, living in Tennessee), Minerva A. (Mrs. Powell, now deceased), James H. (a resident of Mississippi), Elizabeth J. (Mrs. Howard, living in Mississippi), Susan A. (Mrs. Vick, also a resident of Mississippi), John F. (who was killed in the battle of Chickamauga), Josephine (Mrs. Curl, of Mississippi) and Francis M. (living in De Soto Co., MS). Martin Shoffner followed the occupation of farming all his life, and spent his declining years in Marshall Co., MS, his death occurring there in 1858, his wife’s death having occurred in 1851, both being members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Dr. Shoffner, our subject, spent his youth on a farm in Tennessee, and completed his education at a private school. In 1862 he enlisted in Page 259 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas the army, but was shortly after discharged on account of ill health and returned home. He was married in 1851 to Miss Julia A. Vick, a daughter of Ransom and Elizabeth Vick, the former of Virginia, and the latter a Tennessean. Of a family of thirteen children born to the Doctor and his wife, only one is dead. Those living are: Robert L. (who married Sallie A. Walker, and resides in the county), Cordelia (Mrs. Smith, a resident of Marshall Co., MS), Jennie (Mrs. Walker, is a resident of Dog Wood Township), Ella (Mrs. Davis, lives in Argenta, AR), James M. (lives at Searcy), Laura (Mrs. Beaver, is a resident of Arkansas), Augustus F., Lucy E., Henrietta, Idonia and Addie, all single. In 1866 Dr. Shoffner came to White Co., AR, settling in Searcy Valley, but since 1874 has been a resident of Dog Wood Township, where he has a farm of 100 acres, with fifty under cultivation. He devotes his time to the practice of his profession, and leaves his sons to manage the farm. He is ever interested in all good works, and gives liberally of his means in the support of schools and churches. Politically he is a Republican, and socially, belongs to the Masonic fraternity. Thomas Smith. Personal popularity results largely from the industry, perseverance and close attention to business which a person displays in the management of any particular branch of trade, and in the case of Mr. Smith this is most certainly true, for he has adhered closely to farming and the stock industry, and helped in so many ways to advance all worthy interests in the community, that he has won the admiration and respect of all. His parents, Matthew and Mary (McCue) Smith were born in Killeshandra Village, Ireland, and to them were given three sons: Peter (born in 1821), Thomas (born in 1822), and James (born in 1824). The father died in 1824, and his widow resided in her native county until 1831, when she with her family moved to the city of Balbriggean, County Dublin, and there lived until her demise in 1840. Seven years later Thomas Smith and his brother James emigrated to ‘America, the elder brother, Peter, having emigrated to this country in 1845. They landed at New York, May 27, 1847, and after a few days’ stay in that city they joined their brother Peter in Delaware Co., Penn., he having secured work with a farmer, S. 1‘. Walker. They were also fortunate enough to find employment, and from the time they reached Pennsylvania until three and one-half years later Thomas was engaged in farm labor. In 1850 he, with his brother James, removed to Arkansas and settled in Faulkner County (then Conway County), each be coming the owner of 160 acres of land, both of which are in the possession of our subject at the present time. In 1850 he was married in the Catholic Church of Old Chester, Penn., to Miss Mary Ann Collins, a native of County Donegal, Ireland, and after their removal to Arkansas they both set energetically to work to clear and improve their farm, which was a heavy timber tract inhabited by all kinds of wild game. Their capital consisted of a pair of willing hands and a determination to succeed no matter what the obstacles might be, and to say that they had been successful would not do the subject justice. The year following their arrival in the State they built them a substantial log-house, and the first letter they received after settling in their new home, was from a friend in Pennsylvania, Mr. Smith walking to the nearest post- office, a distance of twenty miles to receive it. He has cleared 150 acres of his farm from timber, and now has some of the most fertile land of which the county can boast. Having experienced the many hardships and privations which beset a man in his journey through life, Mr. Smith never turns the more unfortunate from his door, but is always generous, charitable and hospitable. The following family was born to him and his first wife: James (born August 19, 1851), Mary Ann (born in 1853), Sarah (born in 1855), Susan (born in 1856), Thomas (born in 1857) and Edward (born in 1859), all of whom died in infancy, the-mother also dying August 1, 1859. In 1861 Mr. Smith espoused his second wife, Miss Elizabeth Hogans, of Arkansas, but her death occurred in 1870, in giving birth to her son, Henry. The children of this union are: William (born January 20, 1862), Alice (born May 9, 1864), Thomas (born Page 260 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas October 24, 1865), Hugh (born April 17, 1867), Edward (born April 27, 1867), Robert (born December 9, 1869) and Henry (born January 27, 1870). On January 18, 1871, Mr. Smith’s union with his third wife took place, her name being Elizabeth Wilson. Mr. Smith and wife are members of the Catholic Church, and all their children have been baptized in that faith, but were never confirmed. Mr. Smith is a Democrat, and a member of the Agricultural Wheel No. 99. Joel W. Smith, a prominent farmer of White Co., is a son of Alexander and Sarah (Follwell) Smith, natives of Virginia. Alexander Smith was married in 1816 or 1817, and had a family of five children: Catharine, William H., James M., Sarah A. and Joel W., our subject. Mrs. Smith died in 1828, in Alabama. Mr. Smith then married his second wife in 1830, her maiden name being Miss Margaret Ellis. They were the parents of nine children: Aaron G. (deceased), Keziah, Alyrah, Mary, George, Margery, Lottie, Victoria and Martha. Joel W. Smith was born in Limestone Co., Ala, in 1826. He was reared on a farm, and received but little education, his father dying in 1852. Upon arriving at maturity he was married on November 25, 1845, to Elizabeth F. Lewis, also of Alabama nativity, and a child of William and Jane (Rogers) Lewis, being the second daughter in a family of ten children. Her birth occurred May 8, 1820. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of six children: Henrietta (Redus), John A., Edward F., Margaret J. (Yearby) Sarah F. (Alford), and Harriet A. (Sowel). Mr. Smith came to Arkansas in 1858, and settled in White Co., whence he enlisted in 1862 in Company B of the Arkansas Infantry, under Capt. Critz, Col. Schofer being in command of the regiment. He was taken sick and received his discharge and returned home, but re-enlisted in 1863, under Col. Geyn. He was in the battle of Helena, and was taken prisoner and carried to Little Rock, later to Walton, IL, and afterward to Rock Island, IL, being confined until the close of the war. Mr. Smith has a farm of 300 acres, with over 200 under cultivation. He is a member of Centre Hill Lodge No. 114, A. F. 8; A. M., and himself and wife belong to the Baptist Church. Mr. Smith is a strong Democrat, and has been school director for the past six years, taking great interest in the work. Frank W. Smith, Searcy, AR. Another pioneer settler of the Co., and a much- respected citizen is the above-mentioned gentleman who came to White Co., AR, in 1853, from Mississippi. He was born in Fayette Co., MS, in 1833, and was the eighth in a family of nine children, the result of the union of John and Rebecca Smith, natives of Tennessee. The father was a planter, and in connection carried on merchandising at Oxford, Fayette Co., MS. In 1830 he moved to Benton Co., AR, remaining there a short time, and then returned to Mississippi in 1831, making that his home until his death which occurred at Oxford, Miss., in 1844. His widow survived him many years, came to White County in 1853, and there her death occurred in the fall of that year. Their family consisted of the following children: Harrison (married, and a farmer of De Soto Co., MS), Benjamin (married, and resides in Gray Township), Margaret (wife of William Graves, of Howard Co., AR), Catherine (died in White Co., AR, in 1889; she was the wife of John Boggs), Thomas (married and resides in Gray Township). William (died in White County in 1871), John (married and resides in Gray Township), Frank W. and Mary (wife of James Neavill; she died in 1858). The father of these children participated in the War of 1812. Frank W. Smith’s youth in growing up was passed in attending to duties about the home place, and in the subscription schools of Mississippi. He commenced farming for himself in White Co., AR, at the age of twenty-one, and in 1855, in partnership with his brother, John, purchased 160 acres of land which he improved. Later the brothers separated, each doing for himself. F. W. Smith has erected all the buildings, and has added to his farm from time to time until he is now the owner of 400 acres, with 150 under cultivation, and 100 acres or more in pasture. He does mixed farming, raises corn and cotton and also considerable horses and cattle, and Page 261 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas is one of the wide-awake farmers of the county. He enlisted in the army at Searcy in 1862, and for twelve months was in Capt. Davis’ company, Gen. McRae’s regiment. He participated in several skirmishes and later went into the State troops, where he remained but a short time. At the close of the service he returned to the farm. He was married in White County in 1855 to Miss Mary L. Neavill, a native of Alabama, and the daughter of Elihu and Margaret (Jones) Neavill, natives of Alabama. Mr. and Mrs. Neavill came to White County in 1844, settled in Gray Township, and he was one of the influential men of the Co., being treasurer of the same one term. His death occurred in 1852 and the mother’s in 1888. After marriage Mr. Smith settled where he now resides, and there he has since remained. Although not very active in politics he votes with the Democratic party; is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, of which organization he was steward, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. To this union two living children were born: Sarah and Kirby (of which Kirby is married and resides with his father). Mr. Smith came to this county when all was wild and unbroken, and when game was in abundance. Now fine farms cover the country, and everything is in a prosperous condition. He is practically a self-made man; having started with little he is now very comfortably fixed, and can pass the remainder of his life in ease. William Smith. Faulkner County is rapidly coming into a position as one of the foremost stock counties in the State, and it is but uttering a plain fact to say that to a few men in this community is due the credit for advancing stock interests here and establishing a reputation in this department which is bound to stand for years. Mr. Smith has had not a little to do toward developing the stock matters of this region and if for no other account he is accorded a worthy place in this volume. His parents, Ebenezer and Permelia (Murphy) Smith, were married in Tennessee, in 1823, but the former was born in the State of Mississippi. He was left fatherless when a small boy, his paternal parent dying in Georgia, after which his widowed mother moved with her family to Tennessee, where she died, having borne a family of five sons and two daughters. Ebenezer Smith and his wife became the parents of eleven children, who grew to manhood and womanhood, seven of whom were born in Mississippi and four in Tennessee. After the mother’s death in 1855, Mr. Smith married again, his second wife being Miss Elizabeth Chambers of Mississippi, their marriage being solemnized in 1856; six children were born to this union. William Smith, our subject, was reared to a farm life and received a limited education in the subscription schools of Tishomingo Co., MS. He grew to manhood, and on April 26, 1856, was married there to Miss Melvina Dotson, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride’s parents, William and Nancy (Bales) Dotson. Victoria 14., their eldest child, was born March 26, 1859, and June 14, 1874, became the wife of D. A. Thornton, a farmer who resides in Faulkner Co., by whom she has four , children. Sidney, the youngest child, was born August 15, 1860, and died August 24, 1864. September 15, 1886, witnessed the celebration of Mr. Smith's second marriage to Mrs. Mattie E. (Tucker) Beasley, daughter of LaFayette and Jane (Knight) Tucker, who were born in Mississippi, the father being of Irish origin. At the age of twenty-one years, Mr. Smith’s-father made him overseer of his plantation, and for his services gave him a one-fourth interest in the profits of the farm, and at the end of one year he had accumulated sufficient property to enable him to purchase eighty acres of land, all of which was heavily covered with timber. During the six following years, he cleared thirty acres of this tract, and erected thereon a dwelling-house, and the necessary outbuildings. Owing to the turbulent state of affairs during the war he, with his wife and children and a few articles of household furniture, removed by wagon to near Union City, KY, making their home there for about ten months, and raising one crop. They next settled in Tennessee, near Island No. 10, and here Mr. Smith left his family and went to Paducah, .KY, where he enlisted in the first Kentucky Calvary, Confederate States Page 262 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Army, and served six months or until the close of the war. He then returned to his family and soon after purchased 100 acres of wild land in Gibson Co., and this he resided on and continued to improve until 1870, since which time he has been a resident of the State of Arkansas. The farm upon which he is now residing consists of 243 acres, the original purchase consisting of 160 acres. Only a small portion of this land had been cleared, but at the present writing seventy acres are in high state of cultivation, the soil being well adapted to the raising of cotton, corn, oats and all varieties of vegetables. Both Mr. Smith and his wife are professors of religion, the former a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and the latter of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Smith is a supporter and member of the Agricultural Wheel, belonging to El Paso Lodge No. 158, is a man of enterprise and progress, and being hospitable and generous is a valuable addition to the county of his adoption. Abner F. Smith received his education at the high schools of Powhattan Co., VA, but left his implements of study and literary pursuits in May, 1861, to take up the instruments of war. Joining the Confederate army he entered the Powhattan Rifle Company and was in the battles of Prairie Grove, Cotton Plant, Helena, Little Rock, Jenkins’ Ferry, and a number of skirmishes. After the war Mr. Smith went to Grand Glaize, AR, and commenced farming, and in 1870 engaged in the grocery business in partnership with John Thurman. Two years later he started alone, but the credit business proved unprofitable to him and he embarked in the timber business, being engaged in getting out ties for the Iron Mountain Railroad. In 1886 he opened up a store in Bald Knob, and is now enjoying a large and lucrative patronage. Abner T. Smith was born in Chesterfield Co., VA. in 1843, being the son of William S. and Elizabeth (Edwards) Smith. The former was a railroad contractor and also contractor for public works while in Virginia, but after his removal to Arkansas carried on merchandising at Grand Glaize. He was a Whig in politics, and belonged to the Masonic order at the time of his death, which occurred in 1864, when forty-eight years old. Mrs. Smith has long been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. She was born in 1815 and is still living in Bald Knob, AR. In this family were six children, only two of whom are living: Abner F. (our subject) and Alonzo (who is in business with his brother). Mr. Smith was married February 22, 1867, to Miss Fanny Heard, daughter of Baily E. Heard. She died in 1873, leaving three children, only one of whom is living: William B., a student at Searcy College, and who intends entering a law school after graduating at Searcy. June 24, 1874, Mr. Smith married Lucy C. Patrick, who died April 20, 1871, leaving one child: Edward A. He was married to his present wife, Adeline Allen, March 4, 1876. Mrs. Smith is a daughter of Dr. John Allen, of White Co., and is the mother of one daughter: Mamie. Mr. Smith is a strong Democrat and belongs to the Masonic order, also holding membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. While in Jackson County he was appointed justice of the peace by Gov. Garland. Dr. J. A. Snipes, Searcy, AR. The career of Dr. Snipes as a physician and surgeon has long been well and favorably known to the many who have tested his healing ability, and his popularity as a druggist is firmly established. He owns a good two-story brick business building, 100130 feet, carries a full line of drugs, paints, oils, etc., and does a thriving trade. He first engaged in the drug business in the early part of 1885, and since then he has been thus employed. He was born in Orange Co., NC, in 1825, was the third in a family of seven children born to E. P. and Nancy (Burnett) Snipes, natives of North Carolina, the father born in 1800 and the mother in 1801, and in Orange and Chatham Counties, respectively. The parents were married in Chatham Co., NC, in 1821, and the father followed agricultural pursuits there until 1845, when he moved to Madison Co., W. Page 263 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Tenn. After residing there until 1854 he moved to Haywood Co., TN, purchased an improved farm, and still owns 560 acres in Jefferson Co., with 350 acres under cultivation. The father is still living, and makes his home with the Doctor. He has been a very industrious, energetic man, was magistrate of several counties, and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for sixty years. The mother died in Madison Co., TN, in 1857. The paternal grandparents, Thomas and Martha (Williams) Snipes, were natives of the Old Dominion, and moved to North Carolina when children. The maternal grandparents, Isaiah and Jane (Herndon) Burnett, were natives of North Carolina, and always made that State their home. They died many years ago. The seven children born to E. P. and Nancy (Burnett) Snipes are named as follows: Walter A. (married, and in 1850 came to White Co., locating in Marion Township, fol lowed farming, and there remained until 1857, when he went to Jefferson Co., and there continued his former occupation; his death occurred in the winter of 1884-85 and he left one child, William E., who is a machinist and resides in Jefferson Co., AR), Eliza J. (widow of C. B. Horton, resides at the Doctor’s), Dr. J. A., Farrington B. (married, resides in Madison Co., TN, and is a lawyer and farmer), Julia A. (now Mrs. Allen, of Brownsville, TN.), Martha M., (now Mrs. J. T. Key, of Searcy, AR.) and Thomas J. (who enlisted in the army in Jefferson County in 1862, and died of smallpox in Mississippi two years later). Dr. J. A. Snipes was reared to farm labor and was favored with such educational advantages as the district schools of that day afforded. After coming to Tennessee he engaged in teaching and also read medicine for about three years, subsequently attending that far-famed institution, the Jeffersonian Medical College, at Philadelphia, Penn., in 1848. In 1851 he began the practice of medicine in Dyer Co., TN, thence in 1852 went to Madison Co., TN, and finally in 1854 came to White Co., locating in Searcy, and has practiced his profession in White County continuously for thirty-five years. He is one of the earliest practitioners and is one in whom all have confidence. Aside from his practice he has also been engaged in farming in this and Marion Townships. He resided in the last-named township from 1856 to 1868, and opened up a large farm in Big Creek. He has resided in Searcy since 1868, with the exception of three years, when he resided on his farm in the suburbs. Dr. Snipes was married in Lauderdale Co., TN, in December, 1853, to Miss Elizabeth J. Murphy, 3 native of Halifax Co., VA, and the daughter of Thomas and Lucy (Coleman) Murphy, natives of Virginia. Her father died in that State, and the mother afterward immigrated to Tennessee (1842), thence to Searcy in 1854, and made her home with the Doctor until 1867, when she was killed in the memorable cyclone of May 27 of that year. By this union five children were born, three now living: Anna B. (now Mrs. W. H. Lightle, of Searcy), so Minnie (now Mrs. John T. Hicks, of Searcy) and Emmett (a pharmacist in the drug store of the Doctor). Mrs. Lightle has four children: Minnie H., Edward J., Bettie K. and Julian. Mrs. Hicks has two children: Everett B. and Willie Burnett. The Doctor’s deceased children are named as follows: Everett (died, in 1876, at the age of eighteen years, and Camillus (died, in 1874, at the age of fourteen years). Socially, the Doctor is a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M., and is a member of Tillman Chapter No. 19, R. A. M. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge at Searcy. Dr. Snipes has seen the full growth and development of Searcy during the many years of his residence here. What is now Mrs. Chambless’ hotel was the court house at that time, and many and great have been the changes. He took an active interest in working for the location of the State University that was finally located at Fayetteville, but union not existing in Searcy, that city failed to get it. The Doctor, his wife and all the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Snipes has always been deeply interested in educational matters. Omal H. Stanley is the eldest son of a family of eight children born to John H. and Elizabeth (Yancey) Stanley. John H. Stanley, born in about 1800, was a native of Page 264 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas Halifax, VA, and a carriage-maker by trade, his marriage occurring in 1829. He afterward moved to Jackson, TN, where he went into the carriage business, and there he died in 1848, his wife following in 1873. O. H. Stanley learned the carriage- maker’s trade of his father when a boy, and upon reaching manhood was married, in Jackson. TN, in 1852, to Jane M. Lauffort, originally from Madison Co., TN, born in 1835. Her father held the office of county clerk in 1848 and for four years following, and in 1852 was elected county treasurer, occupying this official position for two years. In 1856 he moved to Arkansas, where he died in 1862. After his marriage, Mr. Stanley started a carriage shop at Jackson, remaining until 1860, when he removed to Austin, Prairie Co., AR, and carried on business there until 1864, excepting one year, while serving in the Confederate army, in Glenn’s regiment; he was in the quartermaster’s department. Upon receiving his discharge, in 1864, he went to Perry Co., IL, but thirteen months after, or in September, 1865, came back to Arkansas, and settled at Devall’s Bluff, where he took charge of the Government shops. Four years later he started a shop in Searcy, tarried two years, then moved to a farm on Dead River, where he remained four years, and in 1874 came to Gene Township, White Co., purchasing 160 acres of wild land. This he has partially cleared (about sixty acres), and on it has erected a good house and other buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley were the parents of ten children, nine of whom are still living: Edgar H. (deceased), James R., Jason O., Mary E. (now Mrs. Smith), Elanora, Willie B., Oscar L., Gertrude, Emma. L. and Charles W. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Stanley being chairman of the board of trustees. He is a strong Democrat in his political preferences, and takes an active interest in all movements for the good of the community. J. W. Starkey is a representative and wide-awake farmer of White Co., AR, having been a resident in this county since 1870. He first saw the light of this world in Tuscaloosa Co., Ala, in 1853, and was the second in a family of twelve children given to John B. and Nancy (Weaver) Starkey, the former born in North Carolina and the latter in Alabama. They married in the latter State in 1851, and after clearing and living on a farm there until 1866, he immigrated to Itawamba Co., MS. Four years later he settled in White Co., AR. ; here he purchased a partially improved farm of 160 acres, and now has 100 under the plow. In 1862 he enlisted from Alabama in the Confederate army, and served three years. His death occurred in White Co., January14, 1889, and at the time of his demise was counted one of the members of the Wheel organization. His wife still lives, and resides on the old homestead. Their children are: Martha A. (Mrs. Weeks), John W. (the subject of this sketch), D. A. (a resident of the county), E. J. (Mrs. Worthen, of Kentucky Township), N. B. (Mrs. Troxell, of the same township), M. F. (Mrs. Rissell, of the same township), R. O., Ellen, George Robert, Robert Bruce, William Bedford and Ollie B. John W. Starkey learned the carpenter’s trade in his youth, in addition to becoming familiar with farm work, and received the greater part of his education in the schools of Mississippi. At the age of twenty-four he began farming for himself, and was married to Mattie Jones, a native of Georgia, purchasing soon after a timber tract of eighty acres, and now has fifty-five cleared and improved. He gives considerable attention to raising stock, and is succeeding in his enterprises. In politics he is a Democrat, and he, with his wife, worships with the Missionary Baptist Church, to which they belong. They are the parents of five children: John T., Alwilda, Nancy Jane, Grover Cleveland and Bersada. Mrs. In 1870 he settled in Brownsville, Prairie Co., AR, but a year later removed to Searcy, White Co., and, in 1885, to Texas, where he now resides. His wife died in Searcy, in 1873. Hon. Lee Thomas Stewart, 8 man who has hold public office every year since he was twenty-one years old, of Beebe, AR, was born in the county in which he is now residing on April 16, 1863, and is one of seven surviving members of a family of thirteen Page 265 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas children born to Robert M. and Catherine (Walker) Stewart, from whom he inherits Scotch-Irish blood. The father and mother were born in North and South Carolina, respectively, and were among the early immigrants to White Co., AR, settling about ten miles from Searcy on the Searcy and Des Arc road. Here Mr. Stewart improved a farm and at the time of his death, in 1868, owned considerable land, of which seventy-five acres were under the plow. When the war broke out he owned fifteen slaves, but of course they were all lost during the Rebellion. R. M. Stewart moved to this State in 1856. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a Mason, standing high in this order and was buried with Masonic honors. He also helped build the first church and schoolhouse in the southern part of White County. The following are the members of his family: Joseph (was born in 1842 and died during the war while in the hospital in Little Rock), Adaline (who was born in 1844 and became the wife of Isaac Chrisman, a farmer residing on the Arkansas River in Lonoke County), J. G. (who was born in 1.846, and wedded Mrs. Nancy Carter nee Myrick; he is a school-teacher and farmer near Pine Bluff), Bettie (born in 1848, became the wife of Edward Barnes, a farmer and stock-man of Texas, and died in November, 1882), D. M. (was born in 1850, he being also a farmer and stock trader, and he was married to Miss Allie Allen), Susan (was born in 1852 and died at the age of twenty-two), Robert G. (was born in 1854, and by occupation is a druggist being now a resident of the town of Dayton, AR), W. C. (was born in 1856, and he is a practitioner of dentistry at Dripping Springs, TX), Mollie (was born in 1858, and is the wife of Dr. J. D. Harris, of Butlersville, AR), Dora and Cora (were born in 1860, and are both deceased, Cora dying in infancy and Dora at the age of twelve years). The next in order of birth is Lee Thomas (our subject) and Rena (who was born in 1865, and died in infancy). Lee Thomas Stewart remained on his father’s farm until about fifteen years of age and received the greater portion of his early education in the schools of Searcy, being an attendant at the high school for two years. After returning to the neighborhood in which he was reared he taught a subscription school for three months and the three following years worked as a tiller of the soil. After coming to Beebe he clerked in the general mercantile establishment of D. C. Harris for about eighteen months and then devoted the entire year of 1883 to the study of telegraphy, after which he went to Hoxie, on the Iron Mountain Railroad, where he held the position of telegraph Operator for some time. In the winter of 1883 he returned to Beebe and resumed clerking in Dr. Harris’ store, but the following year engaged in the same business with T. S. Neylon. This connection lasted for two years, then Mr. Stewart sold his interest and the next six months acted as book-keeper for J. M. Liles, after which he spent six months in the study of law. In January, 1888, he began clerking in the drug store of Dr. Ennis, but in the spring of 1889 was elected to the office of mayor of Beebe over his competitor, a popular gentleman, and is at the present time the incumbent of that office. He was elected by the Democrats to the position of alderman when only twenty-one years of age and served two terms. Mr. Stewart is progressive in his views, liberal in his opinions and labors and contributes willingly to the advancement of the county and State and is an ardent advocate of education. Though thoroughly democratic in his views politically, he respects very highly the opinions of others who differ with him in matters generally. A. L. Stowell was born, reared and educated in Bureau Co., IL, the former event taking place August 8, 1841. Just after commencing his apprenticeship as a carpenter, the war broke out and Mr. Stowell, full of youthful enthusiasm, joined his destines with the cause of the Union, enlisting in Company B, first Battalion of Yeats’ Sharpshooters, and served in Mississippi, being present at the battles of Corinth and New Madrid (1110.). He was stationed one year at Glendale, near Corinth, after which his regiment returned to Illinois and was reorganized, or rather veteranized, into the Sixty-fourth Illinois Infantry. While serving in this Page 266 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas capacity he was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and was at the siege of Atlanta, where he was under fire for sixty days. He carried his knapsack to Washington, DC, and was present at the grand review. He was as well acquainted with the face of Gen. Sherman as that of a brother, and when the latter came to part with his command, on July 4, 1865, he made the division that Mr. Stowell was in a special speech and wept like a child, so warm 3 place had these veterans gained in his heart. The company was mustered out of service at Louisville, KY, and was disbanded at Chicago, IL, and for three years Mr. Stowell was president of the reunion of this command. He is now vice-commander of his post of G. A. B. After his return from the war he resumed the carpenter’s trade, which had been so suddenly broken 011‘, and continued this occupation at McComb, IL, until 1883, at which time he settled in Beebe, Ark, and engaged in fruit growing, making strawberries a specialty. In order to save his fruit he commenced making his strawberries into wine, some five years since, and in this enterprise has established a remunerative business. Mr. Stowell is a member of the I. O. O. F. and in his political views is a Republican. He was married March 19, 1887, to Miss Sarah B. Kissinger, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1843. The earliest facts known in the history of the Stowell family is that they were originally Normans, and removed to England with William the Conqueror, and were there knighted. Two brothers came from that country to the United States, one settling in California and the other in the eastern part of the United States, and all the Stowells in this country are their descendants. The parents of our biographical subject are Joshua and Amanda (Harrington) Stowell, the father being born in the Green Mountains of Vermont. He was a harness-maker by trade, and after residing for many years in Princeton, IL, be removed to Chicago, where he is now living. The Harringtons were of German descent. Henry Beverly Strange is a general merchant and farmer, of Beebe, AR, and is well known throughout the county as a business man of honor and integrity. Like many other prominent men of the county he is a Tennessean, his birth having occurred in Maury Co., September 29, 1830, where he was also reared and educated. At the age of twenty years he started out in life for himself as a book agent, and for two years sold “ The Southern Family Physician” and other books, meeting with signal success in this undertaking. In 1859 he came to White Co., AR, and engaged in business at Old Stony Point until 1872, when the Iron Mountain Railway reached Beebe, and in order to get a station at this point Mr. Strange built a depot and gave it to the company. He then moved his goods here and has since done a prosperous general merchandise business, being particularly successful in house furnishing. He has the largest business of any firm in the town, and his residence property is the finest in the place. He also has a store at Ward which nets a good income. He was first married in 1859 to Miss E. Ward, a native of North Carolina and a daughter of Whitman Ward, who was one of the prosperous farmers of Tennessee. Mrs. Strange died in 1870, leaving one child, Florence, wife of John Walker, five other children she bore having died in infancy. Mr. Strange married Sallie Apple in 1872, she having come from North Carolina to Arkansas at an early date, and their union resulted in the birth of three children, two of whom are living: Hubert (a youth of fourteen) and Vida (about sixteen years of age). Mrs. Strange is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he belongs to Beebe Lodge No. 145, A. F. & A. M., and also to the K. of H. and the A. L. of H. He is vice-president of the American Building, Loan & Savings Association, and is one of the public-spirited men of Beebe and takes an interest in all movements designed for the public good. He is a son of Beverly and Susanna (Martin) Strange, who were Virginians, and removed from that State to Tennessee shortly after marriage, and there engaged in farming. At Page 267 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas the time of their deaths both were worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. William H. Strayhorn is a worthy descendant of Gilbert Strayhorn, who ,was a native of North Carolina, and was engaged in farming all his life. He died about 1835, having been the father of six children: John D., William James, J. K., Margaret and Rebecca. John D., the eldest, was born in Tennessee, in 1800, and was also a farmer by occupation. He married in 1829. Mary A. Stevenson, a Tennessean by birth, and a daughter of Henry and Ann (Robinson) Stevenson. John D. Strayhorn was familiarly called major on account of being, as a general thing, the commanding officer on celebration days. He was a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church. To himself and wife only one child, a son, William 11., was born. William H. Strayhorn first made his appearance upon the scenes of this world in Tennessee, in 1833. He moved to Arkansas, in 1850, with his grandfather Stevenson, who settled in White County; his father died and his mother marrying the second time, in 1840, W. R. Fortner. Mr. Strayhorn, in 1854, took for his wife Mary J. Burket, daughter of William and Rachel (Hughs) Burket, natives of Tennessee, who moved to White Co., AR, in 1848. They have become the parents of eleven children (two of whom are deceased): Josiah, William 11., Jobs D., Samuel W., Alexander, Poney, Benjamin, Mary A., Rachel E., Elvira (deceased) and Elizabeth (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Strayhorn are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The former settled on the farm upon which he now resides, July 14, 1856, having a place of 230 acres, 150 being under cultivation. He is a strong Democrat, and although not taking an active part in politics he has held the office of justice of the peace for two years, Mr. Strayhorn says he can raise any crop here that can be grown at all, and thinks Arkansas is the State of the Union. Alfred B. Sutton’s war experience is perhaps similar to that of many other soldiers, mentioned in this volume, but they are all interesting, and give the present generation some idea of the hardships and perils endured by the gallant and brave boys, thousands of whom now fill an unknown grave. In 1861 Alfred Sutton entered the Confederate service, and fought under Col. McCarver. His first serious engagement was at the battle of Corinth, Miss, from which he escaped serious injury. He was captured at Vicksburg, Miss., and taken to Indianapolis, where he remained for three months, then being removed to Port Delaware, and from there to Point Lookout on the Chesapeake Bay. In the latter place he was incarcerated for nine months and nine days, receiving his parole in December, 1864. He was in several engagements and skirmishes, but escaped serious wounds. After receiving his parole he returned to Camden to his command, and in 1865 was discharged, and at once returned to his home, resuming his former occupation of farming, which he has followed principally ever since. His father, Jesse Sutton, was born in Wilson Co., TN, in 1817, where he received his education, there marrying Elizabeth Eight, of the same State. Their union was blessed with a family of nine children, of whom Alfred B. is the second, his birth occurring in 1840. He was a farmer by occupation, owning 500 acres of excellent land at the time of his removal from Tennessee to Arkansas, in 1848. He located in Cleburne Co., and there resided until his death in 1887, his wife having preceded him a few years. Mr. Sutton and his estimable companion were devout members of the Christian Church, and he was a man who took a great interest in all enterprises, especially those of an educational nature. Alfred B. received a common-school education in the schools of Arkansas, and in February of 1867 was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Bailey, daughter of Henry and Frances Bailey. To their union have been born a family of three children: Henry, Jesse L. and Nora L. Mr. Sutton is a prosperous farmer, and owns 160 acres in White Co., and 200 acres in Cleburne County; of this amount 100 acres are in a high state of cultivation. He is Past Master of the Masonic lodge, and has Page 268 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas represented that order in the Grand Lodge two different times, besides having held various other offices. He has served as school director for twelve years, and is a man respected and esteemed by the entire community. Rev. J. M. Talkington, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Searcy, took charge of the church at that place in December, 1888, but prior to that time, from 1885 to 1888, was presiding elder in the White River district, embracing about seven counties. He joined the White River Conference at Mount Zion in 1870, and was located in the Searcy circuit, consisting of several pastoral charges adjacent to Searcy and in White County. He remained on that work from 1871 to 1873, after which he received a call to West Point, and after remaining there some time, moved to the El Paso charge, where he was given the presiding elder-ship one year. He subsequently left the Searcy circuit, went to Lebanon circuit, then returned to El Paso circuit, thence to Helena district, then to the pastoral charge in Beebe in 1884, where he remained two years. From there he went to the Searcy district, remained there until 1888, and in that year received a call to the pastorate of Searcy Church. Mr. Talkington is a native of Jackson Co., AL, where his birth occurred in 1835, and was the oldest in a family of nine children, the result of the union of Andrew Jackson and Mary Ann (Isbell) Talkington, natives of Alabama. The father was a farmer by occupation, opened up a plantation and remained on the same until his death, which occurred in 1856. The mother’s death occurred in 1889, at the advanced age of seventy-three years. The father was a soldier in the Florida War. Their children were named as follows: J. M. (the subject of this sketch), Henry F. (married and resides in Union Township), Jane (died in Lonoke Co., AR, in 1887), Elizabeth (died in 1857, in Alabama), Margaret (wife of Joseph Pace, of Alabama), William T. (died in Alabama, in 1857), John (married, and is farming in Alabama), Vincent (died in 1855, in Alabama) and Mary S. (who died in Alabama, in 1855). Rev. J. M Talkington was educated in the schools of Jackson Co., AL, and came to White Co., AR, at the age of nineteen, where he engaged as clerk for Isbell & Co., general merchants, and remained with them some time. In 1855 he engaged in teaching in Searcy, and followed this profession in White County for ten years. He was married in that county in 1856 to Miss Sarah A. Wright, a native of Independence Co., AR, and the fruits of this union have been eight children: Mary Ann (now Mrs. Arnold, in Gray Township), Julia (now Mrs. Sherrod, resides in Gray Township), Pearl Josephine, Virginia, James M., William Pierce, Cora Ann and John Wesley. While teaching school Mr. Talkington was also engaged in agricultural pursuits, and in 1867 was licensed to preach. From that date up to 1870 he did local work, and in 1877 he purchased a partly improved farm of 170 acres. This he has since improved, and has ninety acres under cultivation, with forty-five acres in fruit. He is deeply interested in horticulture, and now has one of the best fruit farms in the Co., raising all variety of fruit that does well in this climate. Mr. Talkington - was made a Mason in Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M.; is also a Mason of Tillman Chapter No. 19, R. A. M. In his pastoral work Mr. Talkington has organized many churches in the Co., and has organized some of the principal churches in this and adjoining counties. He has seen a vast change in the county since living here, and the greatest is from a moral standpoint. Andrew B. Tate, a prominent citizen of Gray Township, is a native of South Carolina, and was born in Chester District. March 21, 1840, being the son of Samuel and Mary J. (Collins) Tate. Samuel Tate was also of South Carolina origin, as was his wife; they were married in Chester District, and moved to Lincoln Co., TN, in 1841, where the remainder of their lives were passed. They were members in good standing of the Presbyterian Church, and held in high regard by all who knew them. Andrew’s grandfather came to America from the Emerald Isle, at the age of twenty- seven and located in Chester District, SC, where he was recognized as an Page 269 of 848 ** PAGE BREAK ** Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas influential and enterprising citizen. Mrs. Tate’s people came from England. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Tate the following children were given them: William V., Andrew B. (the subject of this memoir), Agnes J., Sarah M., Robert J., Caroline and Tirzah A.; Lavenia G. and James L. (deceased). Samuel Tate died at the age of forty-nine, and his wife in 1866, at the age of sixty-three. The early days of Andrew B. Tate were spent in Lincoln Co., TN, but when quite young began for himself as a farmer, which has been his principal avocation ever since. His home was in Lincoln County until 1877, when he decided that there was a better opening in Arkansas, to which place he came, locating in White Co., and has never had cause to regret the change. He was married on February 6, 1879, to Miss Emma N. Wortham, a daughter of Young Wortham, and to their union two children have been born: Anna B. (born April 18, 1880) and Hettie B. (born April 26, 1885). Mr. and Mrs. Tate, in their religious sympathies, are with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Tate, in his political views is an uncompromising Democrat, and served in the late war, enlisting in the Confederate service in April, 1862, in Col. Stanton’s regiment of Tennessee Infantry. On account of disability he was honorably discharged after three months’ active service. In social fraternities he is identified with the Masonic order. A. Byron Tapscott, M. D., although a young man, is one of the leading physicians of West Point, and has a large practice, enjoying a reputation of which many older in the professional experience might well be proud. Dr. Tapscott is a native of Tennessee, and a son of Ira and Mary (Jones) Tapscott, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. Ira Byron was also a physician, and a graduate of the Medical College of Richmond, VA. He was a surgeon in Forrest’s cavalry, in the late war, and after that struggle practiced in Tennessee until 1872, when he removed to Arkansas, continued his professional duties at West Point. He was a strong Democrat, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also of the I. O. O. F., and died in January, 1887, at the age of fifty-one years. Mrs. Tapscott is still living in