Samuel W. McDonald, a progressive farmer and stock
raiser, and one who has kept thoroughly apace with the
times, was born in Randolph County, Ala., in December,
1844, being the son of Sebbon McDonald, who was born
and reared in Georgia, but who was married in Alabama
to Miss Rhoda Blackston, a native of the last
mentioned State. Mr. McDonald served in one of the old
Indian wars. He was a farmer, and followed this
occupation in Alabama until his death, which
occurred about 1864. Samuel W. McDonald attained his
growth in Alabama, remained with his father until
grown, and in 1862 enlisted in the Confederate army,
Seventeenth Alabama Infantry, serving until the final
surrender of the Confederacy. He participated in the
fight near Dalton, and was stationed nearly all the
time at Mobile. He surrendered in 1865, and after
being paroled returned to Alabama, where he engaged in
farming in Randolph County. He moved to Arkansas in
1876, located in Clay County, remained there two
years, and then moved to Boone County, Ark., whence
after a residence of two years he returned to Clay
County, and settled on his present farm in 1881. He
has 120 acres of land, with about seventy-five fenced,
and some forty under cultivation. Mr. McDonald has
been married twice; first, in Clay County, in 1874, to
Miss Elizabeth Sexton, a native of Illinois, who was
reared in Arkansas. She died in 1885, and was the
mother of four children, who are named as follows:
William B., Riley S., Samuel W. and Ollie B. Mr.
McDonald took for his second wife Mrs. Adaline Melton,
in September, 1886, and the results of this union are
two children: John E. and Reuben H. Mrs. McDonald is a
native of Clay County, Ark., where she grew to
womanhood. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Mr. McDonald is a member of the Baptist
Church.

Thomas Cary McGuire was born in Carroll County, Tenn.,
June 9, 1850, and is a son of Dr. J. M. McGuire,
mentioned elsewhere in these pages. He became the
architect of his own fortune at the age of twenty
years, and was actively engaged in tilling the soil
until twenty-seven years old, when he was married to
Miss Louisa Jane Gossett, a native of Jefferson
County, Ill., and a daughter of William and Mary
Gossett, who were farmers. To Mr. and Mrs. McGuire
have been born the following family of children: America
Leota, born February 21, 1875, and died February 7, 1881;
Melissa J., born November 18, 1877; William Martin, born March
25, 1879; Dora, born September 4, 1880, and died
September 30, 1884; Mary J., born March 21, 1882;
Louella, born January 8, 1884; John H., born December
18, 1885; Fred, born February 14, 1887, and died June
11, 1888, and Ida May, born November 18, 1888. Mr.
McGuire has a good farm of eighty acres, twenty-five
of which are under cultivation, on which he raises
corn and cotton. This farm is well improved with good
buildings, fences and orchard, and in fact is one of
the best improved places in the county. He also
devotes a considerable amount of time to raising
cattle and hogs, and is active in furthering the cause
of education. He belongs to the Masonic order, is a
member of the Agricultural Wheel, and in his political
views is a Democrat.

George M. McNiel, ex-sheriff of Clay County, Ark., was
born in this county February 28, 1847, and is the son
of Neal McNiel, who was a native of Tennessee. The
father left that State about fifty years ago,
emigrating to Arkansas, and settling in what is now
Clay County. He was here married to Miss Nancy Thomas,
daughter of Matthew Thomas, one of the earliest
settlers of Arkansas. Mr. McNiel was for many years a
leading stock dealer of Arkansas, and died in 1857, at
Helena, Ark., while on a trip to New Orleans, with a
large drove of hogs and cattle, valued at $5,000.
After the stock was sold in New Orleans the money was
sent to his widow. She is still living, is eighty
years of age, and has resided near Rector for the past
thirty-eight years. George M. McNiel remained with his
mother until his marriage, which occurred in 1880, to
Miss Clara Rosaline Seegraves, daughter of J. H.
Seegraves, of Oak Bluff, Clay County, Ark. Mrs. McNiel
died in September, 1888, leaving three children: Ruth
Edith, George A. and Ethel. The mother was a worthy
and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and died in that faith. The children are now
living with Dr. Seegraves, in Rector. In 1874 Mr.
McNiel engaged in business in Oak Bluff, remaining
there about a year, and then went to Bollinger County,
Mo., where he accepted a position in the firm of Eli
Lutes, and there continued eight years. He then left
and took a place as deputy under his brother James,
who was sheriff of Clay County, and filled this
position for eight years. He was elected sheriff in
1886, and his brother was deputy under him for two
years, ending in 1888. Mr. McNiel is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and is also a member of the K. of
H., in which he has filled many important offices.
During the late war he was a member of Capt. J. J.
Allen's company, Davis' battalion, Clark's brigade,
under Gen. Price, and surrendered at Shreveport. La.,
in 1865, this command being the last army of the
Confederation to surrender.

James A. McNiel, ex-sheriff, and one of the sturdy
sons of toil of Clay County. Ark., was born in this
county at Oak Bluff, near where Rector now stands,
February 7, 1849, his parents being Neal McNiel and
Nancy (Thomas) McNiel, natives of East and West
Tennessee, respectively. The maternal grandfather,
Matthew Thomas, was a native of North Carolina. James
A. McNiel attended such schools as the country
afforded, which were very primitive up to the breaking
out of the late war, when all the schools were closed.
During that time he remained at home with his mother, and
still continued with her until 1878, when he was
elected to the office of sheriff of the county. He was
re-elected four consecutive terms, holding that office
until 1886, when his brother, George McNiel, was
elected to the same office. Mr. McNiel was married
November 19, 1879, to Miss Mary Luella Brake, daughter
of Jesse Brake, of Clay County, and five children were
the result of this union, four now living: Jesse
McNiel, Lillian Lee, Ralph Alonzo and Rudy Eugene, all
now at home. Since retiring from office Mr. McNiel has
followed agricultural pursuits, and has been paying
considerable attention to trading in stock. He has an
excellent farm of 580 acres, is the owner of one and a
half blocks in Rector, and is also the owner of his
residence in Boydsville. He is an honest, upright
citizen, and stands in the front ranks of his
townsmen. He is a member of Boydsville Lodge No. 75.
A. F. & A. M., is also a member of Boydsville Lodge
No. 16, I. O. O. F., and is a member of the local
Knights of Honor. Mr. McNiel is a Democrat in his
politics. His wife is a member of the Christian Church.

Daniel W. McPherson, who is recognized as one of the
county's best citizens, was born March 25, 1853, in
Lee County, Miss., and received a good practical
education in the common schools. At the age of about
seventeen, he began working on his own responsibility
as clerk in a grocery store, and this continued until
coming to Clay County, Ark., in 1879. After reaching
this county he had $2.75 in ready cash, and as soon as
possible he began clerking for G. W. Spraygins,
remaining with him and Capt. John J. Allen, for about
fifteen months. He then engaged in mercantile pursuits
on a limited scale, having but $77 in cash, and doing
business on a cash basis, as his capital would
indicate. He thus continued for about five years,
meeting with merited success from the beginning. He is
now conducting a general mercantile business, and is
also engaged in the liquor trade. Mr. McPherson is the
son of William B. and Fidelia W. (Ringo) McPherson.
The father was born in 1797, in Blount County, Ala.,
was of Scotch parentage, and after growing up followed
the occupation of a farmer. In 1849 he moved to Lee
County, Miss., where he died in 1881. His wife was a
native of Kentucky, and to them were born ten
children: Frank, Lot W., Wallace W., Charles, James
M., Daniel W., Mary, Josephine, Ellen and Catherine.
Daniel W. McPherson was married in October, 1881, to
Miss Lura Johnson, a native of Middle Tennessee (where
she received her education), and the daughter of John
R. Johnson. She came to Arkansas when grown, and by
her union to Mr. McPherson, three children were born,
two now living: Ella and Lena. Mr. McPherson is one of
the progressive young men of Arkansas, and is doing
well at his adopted calling. He is a Democrat in
politics.

John S. Magee was born in Pope County, Ill., September
19, 1833, being a son of Thomas and Nancy Magee, who
were born respectively in Tennessee and Kentucky. John
S. Magee began working for himself at the age of
eighteen years, first as a farm hand, and was married
in that State to Miss Abbie, a daughter of Austin and
Louisa Williams, who were farmers of Illinois. They
were married March 21, 1850, and about a year later
the mother and an infant died. Mr. Magee remained
single three years, then moved to Clay County, Ark.,
and was again married, September 17, 1854, his wife's
maiden name being Luvina Watson, of Kentucky. She bore
him four children, two of whom are living: W. R., born
August 7, 1855, and Nancy J., who was born April 16,
1861, and is the wife of Robert Hasten, a farmer of
Louisville, Tex. Eliza A. was born June 28, 1859, and
died January 1, 1883. May 19, 1881, Mr. Magee wedded
his present wife, Elizabeth Tittle, a daughter
of Peter and Rachel Tittle of Missouri. The last
marriage has been blessed in the birth of one son and
one daughter: John H., who was born March 13, 1882,
and Mary E., born August 6, 1885. Mr. Magee has made
the following changes of residence: From Kentucky to
Arkansas, in 1854; to Illinois, in 1863; to Kansas, in
1867; to Illinois, in 1868; to Clay County, Ark., in
1869; to Boone County, Ark., in 1875, and back to Clay
County, Ark., in 1877, where he has since made his
home, being the owner of 120 acres of land, forty-five
of which are under cultivation, the rest being heavily
timbered. He has good buildings, orchards, and fences,
and is considered one of the prosperous farmers of the
county. He and wife are members of the Missionary
Baptist Church, and he is a Republican in his
political views. During the late war he served the
cause of the Confederacy in the Home Guards.

J. F. Mahan is one of Clay County's worthy tillers of
the soil, residing near Vidette. He was born in Ozark
County, Mo., on the 30th of May, 1841, and is the
eldest of eight children, five now living, of the
family of Noah and Orinda Mahan, who were born in
Tennessee and Missouri, respectively. The father
emigrated with his parents to Missouri in 1840,
locating in Ozark County, where he and his wife died,
as did also his parents. They were among the early
settlers, and experienced many hardships and privations in
their endeavors to obtain a home. Noah Mahan cleared several
farms, and became quite wealthy. His children who are
living are: James F., William, Cynthia, Mary, Hansen.
James F., the oldest child, was reared on a farm in
Ozark County, but owing to poor school facilities at
that day, received a somewhat limited education. In
1862 he enlisted in Company F, Greene's regiment, and
served a little over two years, participating in the
battles of Helena, Little Rock, Camden, Shreveport,
Gaines' Ferry and several skirmishes. In the fall of
1864 he stopped on furlough in Clay County, Ark.,
having but $10 in Confederate money, and without a
whole garment on his back. He fell into the hands of
strangers, but was kindly cared for by his future
wife's father. After recovering, he worked out for
some time, and in 1869 bought a farm in Richwoods, on
which he lived until 1884, when he sold out and bought
the place where he now resides, consisting of 160
acres, about 100 of which are under cultivation and
finely improved. He has put over $1,000 worth of
improvements on his farm in the last five years, and
it is now one of the finest places in the county. He
usually devotes about thirty acres to cotton, and raises
about one bale to the acre. He was married, in 1867, to
Miss Susan J. Cleveland, a native of North Missouri, and
by her has five children: William T., Don, Mary, Hugh and
Edna. Mr. and Mrs. Mahan are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and he belongs to the Masonic order.
He has been a resident of Clay County for twenty-three
years, and is considered one of its best residents.

W. S. Malone is an agriculturist of prominence, who,
notwithstanding many reverses and discouragements, has
ever come boldly to the front, and, with the push and
energy characteristic of him, surmounted all
difficulties. He is a native Tennesseean, moving with
his parents to Mississippi when nine years of age, or
in 1841. They settled in Yalobusha County, and here W.
S. Malone remained until twenty years of age, after
which he went to Panola County. He continued in this
county until 1859, subsequently locating in Texas,
where he remained until the breaking out of the late
war. Then he came to Oak Bluff, in what is now Clay
County, and enlisted in the Fifth Arkansas Regiment,
Col. Cross commanding, and was elected lieutenant of
the company. He served in that capacity until the
winter of 1862, when he was discharged at Bowling
Green, Ky., but re-enlisted in Capt. Allen's company,
of which Mr. Malone was first lieutenant. Later he was
put into Col. Hart's regiment, and took part and
commanded the company during the battle of Helena,
Ark. He was with Gen. Price on his raid through
Missouri, and took part in all the fights that
occurred, always having command of the company. At one
time he was shot in the mouth, and lost two teeth. He
was disbanded at Cane Hill, and was paroled at
Vicksburg. In 1863 he was united in marriage with Miss
M. A. C. Daniels, daughter of John Daniels, of Clay
County. They settled on a farm of 120 acres, where
they have remained ever since. Shortly after marriage
they were burned out, losing all their possessions and
the first crop they had, and for a time had nothing
but dry corn bread as food, and straw, with a limited
amount of covering, for a bed. Now they are very
nicely fixed, having a comfortable house and good
outbuildings, and are prepared to enjoy life. In their
family were seven children, two having died in early
youth. Those now living are: Fannie L., married Andrew
Langley, and is the mother of three children; she now
resides near the home of her father; Margaret L.,
married Wade Thomas, a farmer who lives in Clay
County, and is the mother of two children: Willie
Genoa, a daughter, is now deceased; Lucy Ila. at home;
H. Eddie, at home, and Bob L., an infant. Mr. Malone is
a member of the Masonic fraternity: is an elder in the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and a Democrat in politics.
He is now fifty-nine years of age, and never sued nor was he
ever sued. He has not been in a fight since the war,
but at the battle of Jonesboro, Ark., was shot in the
mouth. During the entire time he has been engaged in
farming Mr. Malone has never bought a pound of bacon,
nor has he ever bought corn to eat, always raising
sufficient for his family. Mrs. Malone, who is a
daughter of Louisa and John Daniel, was born near
Cottage Grove, Henry County, Tenn., and remained there
until 1859, coming then to Arkansas. Three of the
children which she has borne, as well as herself, are
members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church: Maggie,
Fannie and Ila. The two sons, still small children, are being
trained in the right way, the hope of their parents
being to see them embrace religion before they enter
their teens. Mrs. Malone carries them to Sunday school
each Sunday, where she has a class of fifteen
scholars. Her father is deceased. Her mother, seventy-
eight years of age, but still quite active, resides
with the oldest daughter, Nancy. Mrs. Malone has three
sisters and one brother.

Patrick Martin's name is well known throughout
Northeast Arkansas by the traveling public, for since
September 10, 1885, he has been the proprietor of the
City Hotel at Corning, which establishment, situated
opposite the depot, is one of the best of its kind in
Clay County, and is quite commodious, consisting of
thirty good-sized rooms, with a large sample room. In
addition to managing the hotel, he keeps a fine stock
of liquors and cigars, having been engaged in this
business since coming to the county, in the fall of
1883. He was born at Donegal, in the North of Ireland,
March 17, 1858, his parents, Francis and Ann (Monday)
Martin, being also natives of that country, where they
are still living. In 1880 Patrick Martin emigrated to
the United States, and landed at New York City in the
month of May, but went directly from there to
Philadelphia, where he remained three years, acting as
clerk in a wholesale and retail liquor store, also
serving part of the time as manager. Since coming to
Clay County. Ark., in 1883, he has made his home at
Corning, but September 7, 1885, was married, at
Pocahontas, Ark., to Miss Nannie B. Lansdell, a native
of Virginia, as were also her parents. Her father was
a teacher of high standing in his native State, and
there spent his life. After the war her mother came to
Randolph County, Ark. After his marriage Mr. Martin
opened his present hotel, which he has since very ably
conducted. He possesses that feeling of kindly
hospitality which characterizes the people of
Arkansas, and has rendered the City Hotel a
comfortable and desirable hostelry. He has always been
quite active in politics, and has cast his vote with
the Democratic party. He and his wife are the parents
of one child. Andrew, and are rearing another child by
the name of Hattie Lausdell. They are members of the
Catholic Church.

Robert I. Masterson (deceased) was born in Cape
Girardeau County, Mo., June 25, 1836, being a son of
Samuel Masterson, who was a farmer by occupation.
Robert I. served a short time in the late war, and in
1866 removed to Clay County, Ark., locating where his
widow and children are now living. At that time there
was only a small portion of the farm under cultivation,
and but few improvements made, but previous to his death,
which occurred May 19, 1873, he did much
to better the condition of his farm. He was married,
about 1857, in Cape Girardeau County, Mo., to Miss
Mary Collins, by whom he became the father of eight
children, four of whom are living: Sarah I., Mary L.,
Robert F. and John H. After his death his widow, in
1878, married Elias Cunning-ham, who was shot December
2, 1878, by outlaws, while sitting by a window in his
home, and died on the 8th of that month. The widow and
family now live on the old homestead, which
consists of 160 acres, about eighty of which are under
cultivation. Robert F. and John manage the farm, and
are experienced and intelligent young men. They give
the most of their attention to raising corn and
cotton, their annual yield being very large. It is one
of the best farms in the northern part of Clay County,
and the house, which is on a high elevation, is
surrounded by natural shade trees.

Joseph Mellert, hotel proprietor and farmer of Knobel.
Clay County, Ark., was born in Germany, in 1836, and
is the fifth (with a twin brother) in a family of
twelve, born to F. and Mary Mellert, Joseph was reared
on a farm and attended school until fourteen years of
age, when he began learning the cigar-maker's trade,
and in 1859 came to the United States and
settled in St. Louis, where he worked at his trade for
about ten years, six years of that time being engaged
in business on his own account. In 1870 he moved to
Illinois, remaining there for six years; then moved to
Randolph County, of the same State, where he remained
six years more. He then located in Cape Girardeau,
Mo., and after working at his trade there for three
years, went to Pilot Knob for about one year, and in
1881 came to Knobel, Ark., and opened his present
hotel. He farms about twenty-five acres of land and
keeps quite a number of cattle and hogs. In 1861 he
married Miss Wilhelmina Branica, a native of St.
Louis, and by her has two children: August and Louisa.
Mr. Mellert is not very active in politics, but
usually votes with the Democratic party. Although he
has only resided in the county a short time, he has
seen many improvements made, and has aided materially in
advancing all enterprises for the good of his section.

Stephen C. Michell was born in Obion County. Tenn.,
September 21, 1860, and is the third of nine children,
four now living, born to the marriage of Stephen
Michell and Emeline Watts, who were born in Tennessee
and Indiana, in 1829 and 1844, respectively. Their
marriage took place in 1857, and they removed from
Tennessee to what is now Clay County, Ark., at an
early day, and became the owners of a good farm
comprising 160 acres of land, eighty of which they
succeeded in putting under cultivation, and greatly
improved their property by good buildings, fences and
orchards. During the Rebellion, Mr. Michell served for
about six months in the Confederate army, and after
the surrender returned home, where he resumed farming.
He was a member of the Grangers, the Masons, and the
I. O. O. F., and he and wife were first members of the
Methodist Church, but afterward became connected with
the Christian Church. His death occurred on the
1st of November, 1884. The following are his children:
Docis (Deckard), who died at the age of twenty years;
Wapallan, who died in Arkansas when fifteen years of
age; James D., who was accidentally killed by a pistol
shot when twelve years old; Margaret E., who died at
the age of eight; William, who is now twenty years of
age and resides in Clay County; Mary T. (Moran);
Elizabeth, who died when five months old; Robert
Theo., who lives at home, and Stephen C. The latter
owns a farm of 120 acres in Clay County, on which he
has resided for the past fifteen years, and has fifty
acres under cultivation, and devotes much of his time
to raising cattle and hogs. He is a member of the
Christian Church, a Mason, a member of the
Agricultural Wheel, and in his political views is a
Democrat, having been elected on this ticket to the
office of justice of the peace, on the 3d of
September, 1888. He has also been constable of the
same district a number of terms. April 10, 1887, he
married Miss Alice Dennison, a native of Arkansas.

J. T. Miller is a substantial farmer of Clay County,
who has become well known for his honesty, energy and
intelligence. His birth occurred in Hardin County,
Tenn., in September, 1844, his parents, James and Jane
(Black) Miller, being also natives of that State. In
1850 they emigrated to what is now Clay County. Ark.,
coming through in wagons, and located on the Little
Black River, and here the father died in the fall of
1866, his wife's death occurring in Tennessee. They
were the parents of two children. John T. being the
only one now living. He grew to manhood on a farm, and
received such education as could be obtained in
private schools. In 1882 be purchased the farm where
he now lives, consisting of 160 acres, about seventy
of which are under cultivation. He has made a great
many improvements since locating, and devotes the most
of his land to corn and cotton, but also gives much
attention to stock raising, being extensively engaged
in this business at times. He is intelligent and
enterprising, and is counted one of the influential
and prosperous farmers of his locality. He was
married, in 1866, to Miss Amanda Mulbullen, who bore
him three children: Pauline I., Lewis A. and Vandella,
who is deceased. In 1877 Mr. Miller wedded Miss Sarah
M. Mulhullen, and by her is the father of six
children, five of whom are living: Lucy I. (deceased),
John R., Leoter. Rosa M., Gertie C. and Thomas J. Mrs.
Miller is a member in good standing of the Christian Church.

Harvey W. Moore. Among the prominent and numerous
attorneys of Clay County may be mentioned Mr. Moore,
who was born in Fulton County, Ind., May 27, 1864. his
parents being Milton M. and Mary A. J. (Stone) Moore,
natives, respectively, of Indiana and Ohio. They were
married in Montgomery County. Ind, in 1855, and in
1863 located in Fulton County, where they made their
home until 1881, removing in January, of that year, to
Randolph County, and in the fall of the same year to
Clay County. Ark. For five years young Moore was here
engaged with his father in changing a dense forest into a
farm, and during this time all of his spare moments were
spent in the study of those branches that were required to
be taught in the common schools. After having taught school
successfully he entered the Corning high school, where he
took a course in the higher branches of study, commencing the
study of law in February, 1888, with F. G. Taylor,
the leading attorney of Clay County, and after reading
until August, 1888, he was admitted to the Clay County
bar. He located in Greenway, in the fall of 1888,
where he has since been actively engaged in the
practice of his profession and is doing well, giving
fair promise of becoming one of the leading lawyers of
Northeast Arkansas. He is well versed on all of
the general topics of the day, is a hard student, and
is a young man of exemplary habits and character.

John H. Mowls, Jr., a farmer of Clay County, Ark., was
born in Roanoke County, Va., March 29, 1853, and is a
son of Henry and Polly Mowls, the former of Scotch-
Irish and the latter of Dutch-English ancestry. The
father was a colonel in the Confederate army during
the Rebellion, and acted as recruiting officer, and
throughout life has followed the occupations of
farming, distilling, merchandising and mechanics, he
and wife being now residents of California. John H.
Mowls began fighting the battle of life for himself at
the age of eighteen years, working as a teamster at
the Cannelton Coal Mines of West Virginia for one
year, after which he moved to Portamouth, Ohio, where
he was engaged in engineering a tug-boat. He next
moved to St. Louis, thence to Kansas City, and from
there to Topeka, where he joined a trading expedition,
being thus connected for eighteen months. The
following two years he spent as a cow-boy at
Galveston. Tex., and then returned to St. Louis and
made three trips on the Mississippi River as engineer
on the tow-boat "Elliott," He next operated a shingle-
yard and farmed in Mississippi, spending one year at
each occupation, but was inundated by the great
overflow of 1873, which compelled him to move. He went
first to Cape Girardeau, Mo., then to Union County,
Ill., and was engaged in farming four years. He was
married there on the 13th of February, 1876, to Miss
M. A., a daughter of Daniel and Ann Cook, natives of
North Carolina and Australia, respectively. On the 10th
of August, 1877, Mr. Mowls left Illinois and located in
Nevada City, Mo., where he worked as a painter and mechanic
until February 27, 1878, when his wife died, leaving him
with an infant only two months old to rear. He took
the child to his mother, who cared for it until its
death at the age of six months. Mr. Mowls next went to
Chicago, and from there to Waterloo, Ill., where he
was occupied in engineering three months. He next
began railroading, continuing this three years. The
nuptials of his second marriage were celebrated on the
25th of December, 1879, his wife's maiden name being
Miss Emma A. Griffith, of Union County, Ill., a
daughter of W. T. and Jane Griffith, who are natives,
respectively, of Kentucky and Illinois. In 1880 Mr.
Mowls removed to Butler County, Mo., and in 1881 came
to Clay County, Ark., and is the owner of a saw, grist
and cotton-mill in Kilgore Township. He has been
engaged in managing various mills ever since removing
to Missouri in 1880, and has also been interested in
farming some of the time, and is at present following
this occupation, his principal crops being cotton and
corn. He is a Mason, a member of the Agricultural
Wheel, is independent in politics, and he and wife are
members of the Missionary Baptist Church. The
following are their children: Elmer R., born February
11, 1882; Lily M., born February 3, 1887, and Joseph
J., born July 13, 1887. Mr. Mowls was educated in the
common subscription schools, and expects to give his
children good educational advantages.

J. M. Myers, mayor of St. Francis, and one of the most
enterprising men of the town, was born in Upper
Sandusky, Ohio, and is the son of Michael Myers, who
came with his father from Pennsylvania, settling in
Ohio, and was there married to Miss Susan McClane, a
native of Ohio. J. M. Myers remained in Sandusky until
1886, when he came to St. Francis, where he engaged in
the lumber business and has continued this calling
since. He is the owner of 380 acres of land in his
native [p.236] State, and 8,000 acres of timber and
oval land in Morgan County, Ky. After arriving in Clay
County, Ark., Mr. Myers joined the firm of Juvenall,
Myers & Co., operating Mr. Rosengrant's mill.
Afterward in company with W. S. Bryon, of St. Louis,
he built a mill and opened under the firm name of J.
M. Myers & Co. This he still continues and has now
completed one of the largest and best equipped mills
in the county or State. When the town of St. Francis
was organized in 1888 Mr. Myers was elected to the
office of mayor to fill the interim until the first
municipal election, when he was re-elected, and is now
holding that position to the entire satisfaction of
all concerned. He has built, in addition to the two
mills, the finest residence in the county. Although
not a member of any church he has assisted materially
in the building of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South,
to which he contributed very liberally. He was married in
Ohio to Miss Ella Bair, who came from Pennsylvania with her
parents, Jacob and Amy (Uber) Bair, a number of years
ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Myers have been born five
children: Edith Floy, Sadie Grace, Gail Roena, Grover
C. and an infant unnamed. Mr. Myers is a Democrat in
politics.

Bertrand Nicolas, farmer and stockman of Clay County,
Ark., was born in France in 1844, being the second of
a family of eight children born to Bertrand and
Catherine (Johnson) Nicolas, who were also born in
France and came to the United States in 1847, landing
at New Orleans, and afterward settling at St. Louis,
Mo., where the father engaged in weaving. In 1858 they
moved to the country about twelve miles from the city,
where they lived ten years, and afterward located
about six miles north of Kirkwood, where both parents
died. Bertrand Nicolas, whose name heads this sketch,
was reared to a farm life and attended the schools of
St. Louis, receiving a good education. At the age of
twenty-eight years he began working for himself, and
was married at the age of thirty-two to Miss Rebecca
Towe, a native of Missouri, by whom he became the
father of two children, and at the birth of the second
child Mrs. Nicolas died. George, the elder, is
attending school in St. Louis. Katie died in infancy.
In 1884 Mr. Nicolas married his second wife, whose
maiden name was Miss Julia Mercille, a native of
Missouri. After his second marriage he remained in
Missouri one year, and then came to Arkansas in the
spring of 1885, settling near Peach Orchard, and at
the end of two years located upon his present farm,
where he is now tilling an excellent tract of fifty
acres.

Dr. J. Marshall Orr, physician and surgeon of
Greenway, Ark., is a native of Lee County, Miss.,
where he was born on the 5th of August, 1861. He was
reared to manhood here, and received a good English
education, at the age of eighteen years, commencing
the study of medicine under his father, Dr. Harvey C.
Orr, and took his first course of lectures in the
University of Louisville, Ky., in the winter of 1882-
83. After finishing his course, he returned to
Mississippi, and practiced his profession with his
father one year, when he located in the county and
began practicing on his own responsibility, continuing
there up to February, 1886. He then took another
course of lectures in the Hospital College of
Medicine, at Louisville, Ky., and graduated June 17,
1886. After completing his course, he located at
Greenway, Ark., and has built up a large and paying
practice, which is increasing steadily and profitably.
His father was born in the "Palmetto State," and,
after receiving his education and residing there until
reaching manhood, he went to Mississippi, where he met
and wedded Miss Mary E. Weatherall, who was born and
reared in Mississippi. Dr. Orr became settled in Lee
County of that State,where he has practiced for over
thirty years, and is still successfully following his
calling.

W. R. Paty, of Corning, Ark., was born in Humphreys
County, Tenn., August 28, 1849, his parents being
Matthew and Priscilla Roberts, of Tennessee. The
former's birth occurred about 1814, and in 1838 he was
married to one Miss Hendrix. They had three children
born to them, of whom two are yet living. The wife
died in 1845, and in 1847 he was married to Miss
Priscilla Roberts. They had nine children, of whom W.
R. Paty is the only living member. Matthew Paty was a
land holder in his [p.237] native State. In the spring of
1858 he moved to Ripley County, Mo., where he bought a
tract of land, consisting of 120 acres, on which he
resided three years, and then moved to Butler County,
of the same State, where he made his home until his
death, on the 15th of February, 1865. He was a
Democrat in his political views, and he and wife were
members of the Methodist Church. In the spring of 1867
the widow, with seven children, moved to Randolph
County, Ark., and by the 10th of May, 1884, they all
had died, except W. R. Paty. On the 30th of November,
1873, he was married to Miss Caroline Watson, of Clay
County, a daughter of Rev. Peter Watson. They had five
children born to them, all of whom died in their
infancy. Caroline Paty died October 12, 1883. On the
14th of September, 1884, W. R. Paty was married to
Mrs. Ruth A. Alexander, a native of Tennessee. She was
a widow with one child. Mr. Paty now owns
a farm, and lives on the same, ten miles west of
Corning, in Clay County, Ark., where he intends to
remain the rest of his days. He received very little
education in his youth, just learning the forms of the
letters, but by self application he has made rapid
strides in the acquirement of knowledge and
acquaintance with current events. He is independent in
his political views, and has served as school director an
road overseer. He is a member of the Agricultural Wheel.

Boswell B. Payne, Sr., retired farmer, is a native of
Rutherford County, Tenn., born February 1, 1815, and
is a son of James and Permelia Ann (Hitchcock) Payne,
born in North Carolina and Ireland, respectively,
though they were reared, married, and resided in
Tennessee, and died in that State about 1827 and 1828,
respectively. Boswell B. Payne grew to manhood in
Madison County, Tenn., and was married in Dyer County,
March 4, 1836, to Miss Nancy Nettle, a daughter
of Jesse and Catherine (Derosett) Nettle. Mrs. Payne
was born in Franklin County, Tenn., July 30, 1817, and
she and Mr. Payne reared a family of nine children,
all of whom are married and the parents of families.
They have forty-seven grandchildren and about eight
great-grandchildren. After their marriage they farmed
in Tennessee for seven years, then moving to Poinsett
County, Ark., in 1843, where they were engaged in
farming for about four years, coming thence to what is
now Clay County, and in 1847 locating near Green way
on the farm which he now owns. He built a good double
log house, cleared a farm of sixty-five acres, and
reared his family. He was a great hunter in his day,
and has killed many bear, elk, deer, and a great
amount of small game. He and wife are members of the
Missionary Baptist Church.

John H. Payne. The genealogy of this family can be
traced directly back to two brothers who, on coming to
America, settled on James River, Va., and were among
the early colonists. This family is among the old and
much respected ones of the country. J. H. Payne was
born in Greene County (now known as Clay County),
Ark., April 20, 1850, and is the son of B. B. and
Nancy (Nettle) Payne, and grandson of James Payne and
wife, nee Hitchcock, the latter being of Irish
extraction. In 1844 B. B. Payne came to Clay County,
Ark., with his wife and family consisting then of
three children, and is now living one and a half mile
from Greenway. There were nine children in the family,
five daughters and four sons, all now married, and six
of whom were born after their parents came to
Arkansas. There are seventy-five descendants to this
family in children, grandchildren and great-
grandchildren, living at the present time. Jesse
Nettle, the maternal grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, was of Welsh descent, and his wife, Polly
(Derosett) Nettle, was of French extraction. J. H.
Payne, one of the rising young men of the county, has
filled the office of magistrate for three consecutive
terms, and in 1885 he was elected to the XXVth General
Assembly of Arkansas. At the present time he is
occupied in timber speculations, but previous to this
he had made farming a specialty. He is a member of the
Missionary Baptist Church, holding credentials as a
preacher in the same, and at present is studying for
the legal profession. He chose for his wife Miss Susan
D. Nettle, a native of Clay County, Ark., and the daughter
of William R. Nettle, of Tennessee. She died September
16, 1888, and left five children: J. H., Jr., Laura
J., David L., James C. and George. He is a Democrat
and takes considerable interest in politics. He lives
in Piggott, and practices in the inferior courts of
the State.

Thomas L. Pierce, M. D., one of the many eminent
practitioners of Clay County, who has ministered to
the wants of the sick and afflicted of Clay County,
Ark., is a native of Tennessee and went with his
father, John J. Pierce, to Illinois in the spring of
1866. The father was a Union man in sentiment, but
during the war he remained in Tennessee, and sided
with neither the North nor South. After moving to
Illinois he settled near Vienna, the county seat of
Johnson County, where his son, Thomas L., grew to
manhood. The latter received a good practical
education in the schools of Johnson County, and in
1878, when twenty-two years of age, entered the
College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa.
Previous to this he had studied in the office with Dr.
T. L. Grissom, of Samoth, Ill., and after returning
from Keokuk he commenced practicing with Dr. J. H. Norris,
of Metropolis City, Ill. After remaining there one year he
came to Boydsville, Ark., where he opened an office in 1879,
and has been engaged in the practice of his profession
ever since. Aside from the large practice that the
Doctor has, he also finds time to pay some attention
to his farms lying in the neighborhood. He was united
in marriage, in 1880, to Miss Berlinda Betts, daughter
of John H. and Martha (Ford) Betts, of Dunklin County,
Mo., and the result of this union has been the birth
of five children: Norris, Lillie Myrtle, John Edgar,
Martha Lena (died at twenty-two months old) and Roy
Dwight. In his political views Dr. Pierce affiliates
with the Republican party.

Willis W. Pollard, druggist of Piggott, Ark., was born
in Union County, Ill., in March, 1852, being the son
of John and Nellie (Leight) Pollard, who were also of
Illinois nativity. In 1854 they moved to what is now
Clay County, Ark., where the father died in 1861,
after which Willis W. Pollard moved back to Illinois
with his mother, and there made his home until 1883.
He was in the family grocery business for two years
prior to coming to Arkansas, and after removing to
this State first engaged in the merchandise trade, and
has been one of the prominent business men of the
place. In July, 1884, he was appointed station agent
for the railroad at Piggott, which position he is
filling at the present time, being the first and only
agent at this point. The firm of W. W. Pollard & Co.,
druggists, has just been organized, and they carry a
well selected stock of drugs, medicines, paints, oils,
cigars and tobacco. Mr. Pollard has been married
twice; first, in Illinois in September, 1873, to Mary
Casper, a native of Union County, Ill., who died there
in December, 1876, having borne three children: Martha
I., C. Otto, and an infant, deceased. In 1877 Mr.
Pollard married his present wife, whose maiden name
was Amelia Beaver, who was born, reared and married in
Union County, Ill., and by her became the father of
five children, Charles W. being the only one living,
four dying in infancy. Mr. Pollard is an older in the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which his wife is
also a member, and he has filled all the chairs in the
I. O. O. F., and is the present District Deputy Grand
Master.

Dr. Henry C. Redwine. physician at Vidette, Ark., was
born in Graves County, Ky., June 15, 1854, and is a
son of Jacob and Mary Redwine, the former a native of
North Carolina, the latter of Tennessee. They moved to
Graves County while young, and are still residing
there on a farm. Henry C. remained on the farm until
his seventeenth year, when he began teaching in the
public schools of his native State, and continued this
occupation for seven years, being engaged in the study
of medicine in connection with his teaching, the last
two years of his pedagoguism. In 1878 he entered
Keokuk (Iowa) Medical College. from which he came to
Randolph County, Ark., where he remained until March
1, 1880, then removing to Clay County, Ark., and
locating within about two miles of where he now
resides. In 1884 he bought his present property, and
in 1888 became engaged in general mercantile business.
In September, 1888, a postoffice was established in his
store, the place taking the name of Vidette, and he
was appointed postmaster. He has a very extensive
practice, and is also meeting with good success in the
mercantile business.

Isaac Reed, a blacksmith and wagon maker at Corning,
Ark., is a native of Lee County, Va., where he was
born on the 12th of March, 1843, his parents, George
and Mary (Grabill) Reed, being born in West Virginia.
In 1849 they emigrated to Kentucky, locating in
Pulaski County, where the mother died ten years later.
Here the father resided, engaged in farming, until
1865, when he emigrated to Washington County, Ark.,
and there still makes his home. Of the eight children
born to himself and wife, five are living: Isaac,
Jane, Mary, Margaret and Nancy E. Isaac Reed was
reared principally in Kentucky, and in that State
received the most of his education. When the war broke
out, he enlisted, on the 24th of July, in Company K,
Third Kentucky Infantry, and served three years and
four months, being in the battles of Stone River,
Chickamauga,Mission Ridge, Buzzard Roost, Pumpkin Vine,
Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Siege of Atlanta
and Jonesboro. He was mustered out of service and
discharged October 14, 1864, at Louisville, Ky., after
which he returned home and remained one month, then
went to Lexington and was engaged in driving a post
team for the Government. There was a train of 300
wagons made up to go to Mexico, but on reaching
Louisville, all the men were discharged. He then
returned home and was engaged in farming until 1869,
when he went to Clark County, Ind., and engaged in
blacksmithing and farming, remaining ten years, at
which time he removed to Jefferson County, Mo. In 1880
he came to Corning, Ark., and has since been following
his present business, in which he is meeting with good
success. He does all kinds of repairing and his work
is always well performed. He owns several lots in the
town and a nice home. In 1865 he was married to Miss
Nancy L. Brown, a native of Kentucky, who bore him ten
children, six now living: Nancy A., William A. and
Isaac M. (twins), George W. and Henry C. (twins) and
Charles F. Mr. Reed is a member of the Agricultural
Wheel, and his wife is a member of the Baptist Church.

The Rouse Springs Sanitarium, so intimately connected
with the affairs of Clay County, is of such importance
to the interests of this portion of the State, that no
worthy history of the community could fail to make
mention of it, or of its worthy and well-known owner,
Dr. James Rouse. The experiences through which he has
passed, the honors conferred upon him by rich and poor
alike, the success which has attended his efforts
almost without exception, proclaim him a man worthy of
more than ordinary notice, so that a sketch of his
eventful life cannot but be of interest to the many
readers of this volume. Dr. Rouse comes from a noble
ancestry, having descended from Rouse who was lord of
admiralty during Cromwell's government. The Doctor's
great-grandfather commanded an English ship in the
wars between Spain, France and England prior to the
American Revolution. His grandfather and three
brothers served in the Revolutionary War in the
army of Washington, one of the brothers falling at
Yorktown while besieging that place. One of the
brothers rose to be a general, and settled at Rouse's
Point, N. Y. Dr. Rouse's father, James Rouse, served
in the War of 1812 under Gen. Brown, and rose to a
captaincy. He married Miss Helen Temple, of Aberdeen,
who descended by both her parents from the house of
Stuarts, her uncle being earl of Aberdeen. Dr. Rouse,
who is now sixty-seven years of age, was born in
Canada while his parents were there on business, but
was taken back to Virginia when only a few weeks old.
He was sent to school in Northern Ohio, and also
attended schools in Pennsylvania and New York,
studying medicine under Dr. Dustan, a French
physician, and Dr. Johns, an English physician. The
Doctor, although a Virginian, is cosmopolitan in
sentiment. He was a young man at the breaking out of
the Mexican War, but saw active service in that
conflict, his return being through the locality which
thirty-five years hence was to claim him as a resident.
It was then that he discovered the rare curative qualities
of the springs now bearing his name. The beginning of his
extensive travels had been made. Edinburgh College, of
Scotland, had given him a diploma as a graduate, and
being already possessed of an excellent knowledge of
the science of medicine, he has since added to his
learning by contact with different nations of the
world, and by observing closely the diversified methods
employed by various people. The experience thus gained has
proved of incalculable benefit. While occupied at one
time in three years of travel in Europe and Asia, he
was called upon to perform an intricate and delicate
operation upon one of Queen Victoria's army officers,
for which he was knighted. Two years were spent in South
America, and while there also the success attending his
efforts in saving the life of the daughter of the emperor
of Brazil, and restoring her to health, was rewarded by a
gift (in addition to a magnificent fee) of a solid gold
inkstand, weighing three pounds and three ounces, inlaid
with fine rubies, each valued at over $200. Besides this
Dr. Rouse possesses a number of diamonds and other precious
stones received from grateful potentates, who had been
the beneficiaries of his ability. Amid constantly
changing scenes time passed rapidly, and before
conscious of it the Doctor had passed the three-score
milestone, and was almost broken in health. The advent
of the St. Louis, Arkansas & Texas Railroad, through
this locality in 1882 caused him to turn his attention
in this direction, and in 1883 he settled here, and by
personal experience determined the effects of the
mineral waters so bountifully provided by nature. An
analysis made by the Washington University, of St.
Louis, indicates the presence of silica, iron,
magnesium, iodine, potassium, sodium and manganese,
ingredients sufficient to have wrought within the past
six years some wonderful cures. One of the most
noteworthy was the ease of Joseph Cochran, son of J.
Henry Cochran, banker of Williamsport, Penn., whose
condition had baffled the skill of physicians of wide reputation
for some six months. An abscess forming internally had
burst into the cavity of the bowels, discharging and
emptying large quantities of pus into the cavity of
the abdominal and peritoneal membrane. From an
incision ten inches in length through the abdominal
wall there was removed the matter discharged into the
peritoneal cavity from an abscess in cęcum. The case
was most critical as the constant discharge needed
frequent cleansing, and any little exercise caused the
bowels to protrude some six or eight inches. Hope had
almost been abandoned when Dr. Rouse undertook the
treatment. There were besides now two holes in cęcurn,
one three-quarters of an inch and the other half an
inch in diameter, from which feces were constantly
discharged. By patient, untiring attention and the
help of his good wife, with the aid of instruments
constructed for this particular case, the young man
was restored to sound health within three months, the
medicinal properties of the water used aiding greatly
in this result. The father, without considering the
usual formality of a bill, presented the Doctor with a
check for $5,000. The Sanitarium is beautifully
situated on an eminence overlooking the track of the "Cotton
Belt" Route. In it are contained many interesting and
curious specimens, viz.: fossils, shells, minerals,
etc., evidences of Dr. Rouse's taste as a geologist
and paleontologist; one of these is a piece of rich
quartz, containing $700 worth of gold. He owns over
700 acres of land in the county, his home place
containing some 2,000 peach and 200 apple trees, and a
garden surpassed by none in this portion of the State.
One variety of grape is produced from a vine the
original of which he brought from Riga, Russia; other
small fruit of Canadian origin grow profusely. It only
needs a visit to his wine cellar to demonstrate his
ability to preserve fruit after raising it, last
year's crop producing over $1,000 of wine. With
opportunities for gathering berries from the verge of
eternal snow to the tropics, and fruit from every
clime, he claims that there is no country like
Arkansas capable of producing such a variety of highly
flavored and useful fruits, while the roses here are
more fragrant than those of Persia. He already has one
of the largest farm residences in the county, to which an
addition will be built sufficient to accommodate fifty
patients by the fall of 1889. In addition to his duties about
the Sanitarium the Doctor is surgeon for the railroad, and
also has a [p.241] large practice in the surrounding
country. He is of untiring energy, ceaseless activity
and persevering industry, of lithe and sinewy form,
erect and of commanding presence, his hair tinged with
gray indicating a dignified age. He has been three
times married, his first wife bearing two children; by
his second wife he had six, three now living. His
first wife's children are both married; the eldest,
Helen, to Mr. Edwin Lovitt, of Liberty, Me.; the
second daughter to Mr. J. Henry Cochran, of Calais,
Me., now of Williamsport, Penn. His second wife's children are
also married: James W. Rouse, conductor on a railroad
in Colorado; Lizzie, wife of Mr. Frank Miller, an
electrician, of Philadelphia, Penn., and Eva Virginia,
married to a Mr. Winslow, of Maine. The present Mrs.
Rouse was born in 1855, and has proved of invaluable
benefit to her husband in the treatment of cases.
Pleasing in disposition, an agreeable companion and a
welcome visitor to the sick room, she has shared very
largely in the respect and esteem accorded her
husband. She is a lady of intelligence and worth,
having graduated from the normal school of her native
town, Fredericton, N. B., Canada. She is of Scotch
descent, her grandfather having been professor in
Edinburgh University. Her father, William Anderson, is
the recipient of a valuable gold medal given him as
the best school-teacher in the Dominion of Canada. Dr.
Rouse is a member of Orient Lodge No. 15, A. F. & A.
M., of Thomaston, Me.

E. N. Royall, a self made man and one who merits the
respect and esteem of all by his industry and
perseverance, is a native of Carroll County, West
Tenn., born October 17, 1836, and a son of Joseph A.
and Ollie (Steel) Royall, the latter a daughter of
John Arnold, of Virginia. After reaching manhood, Mr.
E. N. Royall engaged in merchandising in his native
State, and was there married to Miss Frances C. Ozier,
daughter of Reuben Ozier, of Tennessee, formerly of
North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Royall came to Clay County,
Ark., in 1869, settling on a farm about two miles
north of Boydsville, on what is known as "Big Creek,"
and a little later he was appointed assessor of the
county, when it was first formed as Clayton County,
and held this position two years. He was also the
first sheriff here, serving a full term, and after two
years was elected county and probate judge, in which
office he remained four consecutive terms, or eight
years. He has been agent for the St. Louis & Iron
Mountain Railroad for the past ten years, and is still
acting as such. He engaged in merchandising with James
Blackshare, with whom he continued for three years,
and was then in the same business with W. S.
Blackshare for some time. When first coming to Clay
County, Ark., with his family he had about $500 in
money and a horse. He is now the owner of some 1,500
acres of land and has some good property in the
village of Boydsville. To his marriage has been born
one son, B. L. Royall, who has been sent to Cape
Girardeau, Mo., and is also a graduate of the
Commercial College of Lexington, Ky., and is now
clerking in the store of A. L. Blackshare, of
Boydsville. Mr. Royall is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, Boydsville Lodge No. 75, and is a Democrat
in politics.

James R. Scurlock, a successful and prominent merchant
of Piggott, and the son of J. C. and Eliza (Davis)
Scurlock, was born in Union County, Ill., February 27,
1863. J. C. Scurlock was a native of Illinois, where
he grew to manhood and married Miss Davis, who was
also a native of the same State. Mr. Scurlock was a
prominent man of Union County, and held several local
offices. He died January 1, 1872. Mrs. Scurlock died
December 25, 1879. James R. Scurlock attained his
growth in Union County, Ill., receiving a liberal
education, and remained in Illinois until grown. He
came to Arkansas in November, 1885, located at
Piggott, and bought a mercantile house and has
continued merchandising up to the present. He carries
a stock of general merchandise, dry goods, hats, caps,
queensware and glassware, and has built up a very good
trade. In May, 1889, he formed a partnership and
engaged also in the drug business. He was married in
Illinois, Union County, July 19, 1888, to Miss Mary E.
Lingle, a native of Union County, Ill., where she was
reared and educated. She is a daughter of Moses
Lingle. and a member of the Baptist Church.

Joseph F. Schneider, of the Arkansas Stave Works, was
born in Clermont County, of the "Buckeye State," June
20, 1857, his parents being Adam and Anna (Weindle)
Schneider, both of German nativity: Joseph F.
Schneider remained with his father in his native
county until twenty-one years of age, and in 1879
moved west to St. Louis, Mo., where he continued
working at the cooper business for about six years. In
1886 he came to Greenway, Ark., and engaged in the
manufacture of staves and headings, and has been
manager of an established business ever since. This
enterprise gives employment to from fifteen to twenty
men, and the establishment ships from eighty to 100
cars of stock annually. The Arkansas Stave Works pays,
on an average, $1,000 per month, for help and
material. Mr. Schneider was married in St. Louis, Mo.,
May 15, 1883, to Miss Anna Schmitz, who was born,
reared and educated in St. Louis, and is the daughter
of Jacob Schmitz, of Union City, Tenn. Mr. and Mrs.
Schneider have two children: Cecelia and Clarence. He
and wife are members of the Catholic Church.

Dr. J. H. Seegraves, a prominent physician and leading
citizen of Clay County, Ark., was born in Surry
County, N. C., August 1, 1832, and is the son of
Gilbra and Sarah (Wilson) Seegraves. Gilbra Seegraves
was born in Virginia in 1800, of Scotch-Irish descent,
and was a brick-mason and farmer by occupation. He
immigrated to Macon County, Tenn., in 1839, and was
one of the pioneers of that locality. In 1874 he
removed to Arkansas, settling in Clay County, and
there died May 27, 1887, in his seventy-seventh year.
Sarah (Wilson) Seegraves was born in Ashe County, N.
C., and was reared and married in that State. The nine
children born to this union are named as follows:
Louis, William, Maxwell, Samuel T., Henry, Gilbra,
Sarah, Martha and John H. Mrs. Seegraves died December
31, 1885. Dr. J. H. Seegraves, the subject of this
sketch, was principally reared in Tennessee, and had
good school advantages. Later he studied for three
years under I. M. Livingston, M. D., of Lafayette,
Tenn., and then practiced in partnership with him for
four years. About this time the war broke out, and he
enlisted in the Federal army, as recruiting officer.
There being vacancies to fill, he, among others,
applied as assistant acting surgeon, of the United
States army, which required a man to be a graduate of
some reputable  college. There were four who applied for
the position, but three failed to pass. Dr. Seegraves
claimed an examination, and passed with honor, and
although not a graduate, was appointed to the place.
His commission was as below:

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT TENN., MEDICAL DIRECTON'S
OFFICE, NASHVILLE, TENN., September 21, 1865.

Special Order 33:–Surgeon Thaddeus Donahue, One
Hundred and Tenth United States Cavalry Troops, in
charge of Post Hospital, Gallatin, Tenn., will be
relieved of that charge without delay by Acting
Assistant Surgeon J. H. Seegraves, United States Army,
and return to duty with his regiment. He will turn
over his property to his successor. By order of the
Medical Director. JOHN E. McGUIRE,

Assistant Surgeon, United States Volunteers.

Following this Dr. Seegraves was ordered to report the
sale of property without reporting to superior
officers, a new departure in military affairs. He then
took charge of the hospital, after the abandonment of
which he received orders to sell and turn over the
proceeds, which was done, thus showing his standing.
Below may be found his discharge from duty, and his
standing:

PROPERTY DIVISION, SURGEON GENERAL'S OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 1, 1866.

Sir:–I am instructed by the Surgeon General to inform
you that your returns of public property belonging to
the Medical and Hospital department of the Army, for a
period commencing September 22, 1865, and ending
December 31, 1865, with vouchers thereto pertaining,
have been examined in this office, and found to be
correct, and finally settled. Relating to Gallatin,
Tenn.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,  W. C.
SPENCER, Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A.

Dr. Seegraves served in the medical department from
1864 until April 10, 1866, participating in the battle
of Nashville, and was honorably discharged at
Louisville. He then located in Illinois, began the
practice of his profession, and was offered the
position of chief surgeon of the West, but declined.
Later he settled in Clinton County, Ill., practiced
six years, then came to Arkansas, and settled in Clay
County, where he has since practiced his profession.
He is also engaged in the drug business, and is the
local surgeon of the St. Louis, Arkansas & Texas
Railroad, which is an honor held by few physicians.
Dr. Seegraves is also president of the Clay County
Medical Examining Board. He was married, in 1859, to
Miss M. A. Atkerson, a native of Macon County, Tenn.,
and the daughter of John W. Atkerson, now a resident
of Macon County, Tenn. To the Doctor and wife were born
four children living: Lydia A., Ida L., John O. and Cora
E. Those deceased were named Clara R., Ethel, J. O., and an
infant. The Doctor and wife are members of the
Missionary Baptist Church. He is a member of the G. A.
R. and I. O. O. F., joining the last-named
organization in Gallatin, Tenn., while surgeon of the
army, and while almost a stranger, being struck by the
grandeur of a procession. He also belongs to the K. of
H. Aside from his profession and the drug business,
Dr. Seegraves is one of the prominent farmers of the
county.

B. H. Sellmeyer & Bro., merchants of Knobel, Ark. This
firm is composed of Bernard H. and Joseph Sellmeyer,
who were born in Franklin County, Ind., in 1850 and
1862, respectively, and were the sons of John H. and
Elizabeth (Bruggensmith) Sellmeyer, who were native
Germans, and came to the United States, where they met
and afterward married. The father is a tanner by
trade, and is the owner of a tannery at Oldenburg,
Ind., which is managed by his eldest son, John. Our
subjects attended school in Oldenburg until a somewhat
advanced age, then following clerking in their
father's store. Bernard continued until about 1870,
when he went to St. Louis and clerked in a store in
that city for five years, later engaging in the
grocery business for himself, which he continued until
1880, since which time he has resided in Knobel, Ark.
He first engaged as a contractor in furnishing ties
for the Knobel & Helena Branch of the Iron Mountain
Railroad, in partnership with Crawford & Lintz, and in
about eight months furnished 350,000, and during this
time also did some grading on the White River Branch
of that railroad. In the fall of 1881 he started the
first store in Knobel, and it was practically the only
store in the place for about four years. In 1884 he
was joined by his brother Joseph, and they formed
their present partnership, and in connection with
their store they are extensively interested in the
timber business, making a specialty of piling, staves
and ties, which industry gives employment to forty or
fifty men. They are now about to erect a cotton-gin
and saw-mill, and owing to the erection of the former,
the farmers have been encouraged to increase their
cotton crop at least 400 per cent, which will prove of great
benefit to the county. In 1882 Bernard Sellmeyer was
appointed third postmaster of Knobel, and held the
position several years, and in 1888 Joseph became
postmaster, and is holding the office at the present
time. Since 1884 Bernard H. has held the office of
justice of the peace. In 1886 Joseph Sellmeyer
returned to Oldenburg, Ind., and accepted the position
of secretary of the St. Joseph Western Mill, of
Oldenburg, in which his father is an extensive
stockholder. In September, 1888, he was married to
Miss Dinah Damhus, a native of Indiana, and a daughter
of Bernard and Philema Damhus, who reside in that
State. The Sellmeyer brothers own over 2,000 acres of
land, more than half of which is excellent farming
land and susceptible of a high state of cultivation.
They have about 100 acres under cultivation, and are
constantly opening up new land, and their enterprise
and energy form a commendable example to the citizens
of the county.

Edward Silverberg, M. D., a physician and farmer of
Clay County, Ark., was born in Columbia, Marion
County, Miss., in 1829, and is the second of four
children of Johnson and Sarah (Jones) Silverberg, who
were born in Holland and Georgia, respectively. When
about sixteen years of age the father emigrated to the
United States, and soon after engaged in mercantile
business in Columbia, Miss., where he remained twelve
years, then removing to Canton, Miss., where he
resumed business in 1833, continuing until his death
in 1838. He and wife were married in 1825, the latter
being a daughter of one of the early pioneers of
Mississippi. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and
participated in the battle of New Orleans. Dr. Edward
Silverberg received his  education in the common
schools and the Masonic College at La Grange, Ky.,
leaving the latter institution at the age of eighteen
years. He was engaged in clerking for two years and
then began the study of medicine, graduating from the
Medical University of Louisville, Ky., in 1855, and
entered upon the practice of his profession in
Jessamine County, Ky. He then spent one year in
Columbus, Ky., two years in Louisiana, and came to
Helena in 1858, where he was in the drug business, and
from that time until 1861 resided in Helena. In May,
1862, he entered the Southern army as medical purveyor
under Gen. Hindman, who had command of the Trans-
Mississippi department, and later was under Gen.
Holmes, and was stationed with his office at Little
Rock, Ark. In 1864 he resigned this office and entered
the field as adjutant of what was known as Dobbins'
brigade, being in the battle of Big Creek, near
Helena, and in a raid south; was with Price on his
raid through Missouri, and took part in the battles at
Iron Mountain, Big Blue, Kansas City and Fort Scott,
then fell back to Benton County, Ark., and was in his
last battle at Fayetteville, in the winter of 1864. The
army was here divided and the Doctor's command was sent to
Northeast Arkansas, and in the winter of that year the
command started to Mexico with Gen. Shelby. He was taken sick
at San Antonio, Texas, and, after the final surrender,
returned to Kentucky. He was married in 1856 to Miss
Sallie Lockart, a native of Pennsylvania, by whom he
became the father of three children: Sallie L., wife
of Judge J. F. Humphries, clerk of the court at Helena,
Ark.; Edward, who is married and resides with his father,
and Ida, who died in infancy. In the spring of 1858 the Doctor
brought his family to Arkansas and settled in Helena, where he
was in the drug business when the war came on. In 1873, after
coming to Northeast Arkansas, and practicing for a
short time at Pocahontas, he went to Poplar
Bluff, Mo., but returned to Corning, Ark., in 1876,
remaining here six years, since which time he has
lived at Knobel and Peach Orchard. In 1885 he bought a
tract of land one-half mile south of Knobel, and on
this farm he has since resided and made many . He raises
considerable stock and has an excellent stallion for breeding
purposes. In partnership with his son he is extensively engaged
in the timber business, shipping staves, stave bolts and piling,
and making cross ties. He takes an active part in
politics, and has held the office of postmaster at
Peach Orchard three years, and at Knobel about the
same length of time. At both these places he carries
on general merchandising. He is chairman of the County
Democratic Convention, and was a delegate to the
Congressional Convention at Helena in 1888. He takes
quite an interest in the culture of fruit, and his
orchard consists of 300 peach trees, fifty pear, fifty
plum, twenty-five cherry and 200 apple trees, all of
which are doing well, and those that are bearing show
excellent fruit. His son, Edward L., was married to
Miss Annie Ratcliffe, a daughter of Hon. T. J. and
Huldah A. Ratcliffe. The father was a noted lawyer and
politician of this section and held the office of
State senator. He died in 1881, but his widow still
survives him and resides on the old homestead, one and
a half miles west of Peach Orchard.

G. W. Simmons, M. D., whose face is familiar in the
homes of the sick and afflicted of this county, was
born in Halifax County, N. C., in 1827, and is the son
of Jesse H. Simmons, whose father, John Simmons, was a
native of Scotland. Jesse H. Simmons married Miss
Nancy B. Whitaker, also a native of North Carolina,
and the daughter of James Whitaker. Her grandfather,
John Whitaker, was a native of North Carolina and was
a colonel of some note in the Revolutionary War, as
was also John Bradford, Mrs. Simmons' maternal
grandfather. Gov. John Branch, of North Carolina, who
was secretary of the navy in the cabinet of President
Jackson, was a cousin of Mrs. Simmons. The Whitaker
family was one of the most illustrious in the State.
G. W. Simmons moved to Wayne County, Tenn., at the age
of seventeen, and later was married to Miss Martha J.
Gee. daughter of Thomas Gee, of English and Welsh
parentage. He then entered the office of Dr. T. L.
Carter, where he studied medicine, and a few years
later opened an office, but in 1856 came to [p.245]
Clay County, and formed a partnership with Thomas J.
Harris, at Oak Bluff, near where Rector now stands,
and was the leading physician of the county. The
partnership continued for three years when Dr. Simmons
opened up business for himself, as his partner had
entered the Confederate army. Since that time the
Doctor has had the greatest practice of any physician
in the county, and says that after an experience of
thirty-three years, he can truthfully say it is an
error to make the statement that this is an unhealthy
country. In his earlier practice, when people were
very poorly housed and very little attention was paid
to the laws of health, they suffered from ill health, but
just in proportion to their improvement did they
become healthier. The Doctor's own family, consisting
of six robust children, is evidence enough of the
salutary condition of the country, and nowhere is to
be found a better specimen of young manhood than
William H. Simmons, who is clerking in his father's
store. Dr. Simmons, by his first wife, was the father
of six children, all of whom are now living: Jesse,
married, has three children, and resides near his
father; Alice married G. W. Webb, who is now living
near Oak Bluff, is a carpenter, and they have three
children; Ella married James Merriwether, son of Dr.
Merriwether, of Paragould, and has two children;
William H. is at home with his father and attends the
store; Charles lives with his father and attends to
the farm, and Mary married W. E. Spence, now circuit
clerk of the county, whose sketch appears in another
part of this volume. Dr. Simmons married Miss Carrie M.
Lavender, of Rector, who came from Georgia when a girl,
with her sister and brother-in-law, H. B. Cox. Her father,
James Lavender, was a native of Georgia, and her mother,
Malinda (Ansley) Lavender, was of Irish extraction. The
Doctor takes an active part in politics and votes the Democratic
ticket, as do his two sons who are old enough to vote.
He is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and
is a Royal Arch Mason, having passed through all the
chairs in that order, and for six years was District
Deputy Grand Master of the State. He has done much for
the benefit of the county in which he lives, has built
several of the finest houses in the vicinity, and is
now engaged in the general merchandise business,
having one of the best selected stocks in the town,
valued at from $1,500 to $4,000. When the Doctor first
settled in the county very little attention was paid
to education, but whisky was considered the staff of
life and was sold at every crossroads. Now a school-
house takes the place at the cross-roads and the
whisky seller receives a limited amount of patronage.

A. R. Simpson, M. D., physician and surgeon, was born
in Lawrence County, S. C., August 25, 1860, being a
son of D. D. and E. A. (Harris) Simpson, who were also
born in the "Palmetto State," the father being a
merchant and farmer by occupation. They are both
living and reside in their native State. The following
are their children: J. H., of Mississippi; Sallie R.
(Blakely), T. S., R. I. (Janes), P. A. and Dr. A. R.
The paternal grandparents were born in Ireland, and at
an early day emigrated to America, locating in South
Carolina, where they spent the rest of their days, and
died when very old. Dr. A. R. Simpson is the youngest
of his parents' children, and his youth was spent in
attending school and assisting on the home
farm. At the age of sixteen years he began the study
of medicine, and in September, 1879, entered the
University of Baltimore, Md., in 1881 entering as a
student the Louisville (Ky.) Medical College, from
which institution he was graduated in March, 1882,
being one of seventeen who graduated with honors out
of a class of 115. He began practicing his profession
in Lawrence County, S. C., and remained until 1884,
when he went to Marshall County, Miss., but only
continued here one year. In April, 1885, he came to
Corning. Ark., where he has since resided, and has
built up a large and lucrative practice. He is very
public spirited and is ever ready to advance any good
cause. He was married in October, 1886, to Miss Winnie
D. Whitehead, of Crystal Springs, Miss., and by her
has one child, Perry O. Dr. and Mrs. Simpson are
members of the Presbyterian Church.

J. B. Smith is a planter and stockman of Kilgore
Township, Clay County. It is a remarkable fact that
the majority of those men of Kentucky birth, who have
become residents of Clay County, have been peculiarly
successful in the accumulation of worldly goods, and
are considered superior farmers, and Mr. Smith is but
another example of this truth. He was born in Calloway
County, Ky., September 14, 1849, his parents, Gabriel
and Agnes (Shotwell) Smith, being natives of Kentucky
and Ohio, respectively. The father was an honest
tiller of the soil, and remained in the State of his
birth until 1861, when he removed to Randolph County,
Ark. (now Clay County), and opened a farm in Cache
Township, on which he resided until his death in 1881,
followed by his excellent widow two years later.
Jasper B. Smith, the subject of this sketch, was
brought up as a farmer's boy, and has ever devoted
himself to that calling, and with a perseverance and
industry which could not fail of favorable results. At
the age of twenty years he began depending on his own
resources to obtain a livelihood, and made his first
purchase of land in 1875, which consisted of eighty
acres near Black River. This farm he improved greatly,
then sold it and bought his present farm of 160 acres,
seventy being under cultivation, and forty of that
being devoted to the culture of cotton. His attractive
farm is especially fitted for the raising of stock,
which occupation receives a fair portion of his
attention, and his out buildings are all in excellent
condition. He has always voted the Democratic ticket,
and socially is a member of the Orient Lodge, at
Corning, and the Agricultural Wheel. He was married
in Arkansas on the 14th of March, 1869, to Miss
Harriet Pitcock, a native of Tennessee, whose parents
moved to Arkansas during the war; by her he is the
father of these children: Nancy Ella (Mrs. Park),
William Hastings, James Caswell, Marcus Vain, Bert,
Enola, Ernest and Joseph G. and Elgin Eugene, both of
whom died at the age of one year. Mr. Smith received
poor school advantages in his youth, but knowing the
value of a good education has given his children
excellent opportunities for acquiring learning. He and
wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He
has been remarkably healthy, never having had to call
a physician on his own account.

William E. Spence, circuit clerk of Clay County, also
county clerk and probate court clerk, was born in
Wilcox County, Ala., and is the son of Rev. Spence and
wife, nee Evelyn McNiel, and the grandson, on the
mother's side, of Hector McNiel. of Camden, who was of
Scotch descent. Rev. Spence was a native of Tennessee,
and moved to Alabama when a young man, where he
married Miss McNiel. In 1876 he settled with his
family in Greene County, Ark., where he remained
for about one year, and then moved to what was known
as Oak Bluff, locating about a mile north of the town,
where he taught school. He was also a preacher in the
Presbyterian Church, having been ordained about the
time he moved to Alabama. He was of English descent.
William E. Spence accompanied his parents to Greene
County, and always attended school to his father until
he attended the Commercial College, at Lexington, Ky.,
from which institution he graduated the
same year. After this he took a position as book-
keeper and salesman with the firm of Tatum & Bragg, of
Malden, Mo., where he remained for about two years, or
until the firm stopped business. He then went to work
at the same occupation for I. Harris & Co., also of
that place, remained about a year, and then came to
Boydsville, where he is now located, and accepted a
position with W. S. Blackshare & Co. He remained with
this company for about a year, when he engaged in
mercantile business for himself, thus continuing until
elected to his present office. He then closed out his
trade, and now devotes his whole time to his official
duties. He was first married to Miss Dora Pollock, who
bore him one child, which died with its mother in
1884. Mr. Spencer's second marriage was to Miss Mary
Simmons, daughter of Dr. G. W. Simmons, of Boydsville,
in December, 1888. Mr. Spencer is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and is also a member of the K. of
H. While modest and unassuming in his demeanor, he is
endowed with those very rare qualities of good sense
and good judgment, which, together with his genial and
pleasing manners, not only fit him for any position to
which he may be elected, but congregate around him
many warm friends.

Charles Stokes, farmer and mechanic of Haywood
Township, Clay County, Ark., was born in Winston
County, Ala., October 31, 1840, being a son of William
Stokes, who was born in Georgia, and was reared in
Warren County, Tenn. He was married in that State, and
afterward moved to Alabama, where he farmed for a
number of years and then came to Ark., locating in
this State about 1877, his death occurring in
February, 1884. Charles Stokes was reared in the State
of Alabama, and made his home with his father until
November 27, 1861, when he married Susan Smith, a
native of Tennessee, who was reared in Alabama. and in
August of the following year moved to Illinois, locating in
Massac County. He resided in this and Pope Counties
until the spring of 1868, when he moved to Arkansas,
arriving on the 5th of April of that year. A short
time afterward he homesteaded 120 acres, then bought
120, and has since increased his acreage to 600, all
of which is in Mrs. Stokes' name. About 100 acres are
under cultivation. They have a good residence, two
good barns and an excellent orchard. Mr. Stokes has
served as justice of the peace for about six years,
and has been a member of the school board a number of
years. He has filled several of the chairs in the
Masonic fraternity, and is a member of the
Agricultural Wheel. In addition to his farming he has
been doing considerable mechanical work, such as wagon
repairing, blacksmithing, carpentering, etc. He and
wife are the parents of the following children: J. R.,
A. J., J. H., F. M., T. A., Queen C., Pearlie and
Nancy A. Two children died in infancy.

Henry Swift was born in Orange County, N. Y., July 29,
1843, and is a son of John and Jane (Weloh) Swift, who
were born in Nottingham, England, the former's birth
occurring in 1815. His father, William Swift, was a
postman, and carried the mail from Longar to Elton, a
distance of four and a half miles, making two trips
per day, and in fifty-three years service did not lose
one day's time. John Swift served as a private in the
Crimean War, and was in the siege of Sebastopol, being
one of the only two surviving members of his camp. He
died in 1882, having been a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. and a well-to-do land holder. His
wife was also a member of the Methodist Church, and in
1843 came to the United States, locating in New York State,
but returned to England the same year, and died there in
October, 1846. Henry Swift lived with his grandfather
until his eleventh year, and received a good common
school education in the schools of Longar. He then
made a trip to the United States, and after living
three years in York State returned to England and
again attended school. Eleven years later he came
again to the United States, and lived with an uncle in
Jo Daviess County, Ill., for about three years, later
working out and residing among the farmers in that
county for two years more, attending school during the
winter and doing farm work in the summer months. While
the war was going on he traveled over the States of
Minnesota and Wisconsin, and at the close of
hostilities began working on the Mississippi River,
being engaged in the construction of the Belleville
Railroad, continuing such work until 1873, when he
came to Arkansas. He was occupied in farming in
Randolph County until 1885, since which time he has
been a resident of Clay County, and owns 280 acres of
fertile land, eighty-three of which are under
cultivation, although all could be easily put under
improvement. It was heavily covered with timber, but
is now furnished with good buildings and fences. He
gives much attention to breeding Poland
China hogs, and is a thrifty and successful farmer and
stockman. He was among the first to demonstrate the
fact that swamp and overflowed land could be tilled as
profitably as the sand ridges, and seven or eight of
his neighbors have followed his example and now
possess comfortable homes of their own. He is active
in school matters, is a Mason, and in
his political views is a Democrat. He was first
married February 7, 1879, to Miss Malinda Smart, a
daughter of Lemuel and Jane Smart, of Arkansas and by
her became the father of two children: Laura, who died
at the age of fifteen months, and an infant, deceased.
His wife died in 1882, and he took for his second
wife, in 1884. Miss Retta Boyd, a daughter of William
Boyd, of Shannon County, Mo. She died quite suddenly
in February, 1885, having borne one daughter:
Henrietta, who was born on the 22d of March, 1883.

Dr. C. C. Symonds. There are always, in the profession
of which this gentleman is a member, some individuals
who become eminent and command a large patronage, and
among these deserving of especial recognition is Dr.
Symonds, who is a skillful physician and surgeon. He
was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., February 15, 1829,
and was the fourth in a family of five children born
to the marriage of Shubel Symonds and Mary Baker,
natives of Rhode Island. They were early
pioneers of Syracuse, N. Y., where the father followed
tilling the soil, and resided for a number of years.
He died in Allegany County, of the same State, in
1853, at the age of seventy-six years. His excellent
widow still survives him, and resides at Flora, Ill.,
having reached the advanced age of ninety-three years.
Dr. C. C. Symonds attended the common schools of
Cayuga County, and after attaining a suitable age,
began the study of medicine. May 4, 1832, he was
married to Miss Sally Ann Sawyer, and soon after moved
to Allegany County, N. Y., and in 1857 to Clay County,
Ill., where he practiced medicine, and was also
engaged in merchandising and shipping grain. In 1878
he emigrated to Corning, Clay County, Ark., where he
has since been devoting his time to the practice of
medicine and surgery. He assisted in incorporating
Corning, and has been one of the foremost men in
building up the town, being now a member of the city
council. He has always been interested in educational
advancement, and is independent in his religious
views. He has never been very active in politics, but
casts his vote with the Republican party. He owns a
good farm in the western division of Clay County,
besides other property. He and wife are the parents of
the following children: Harriet (Mrs. Loppins),
residing in Clay County, Ark.; Amanda (Mrs. Marrow),
residing in Madison County, Ind.; Ida (Mrs. Noble
Stacey), whose husband is a druggist at Du Quoin, and
Marenous, who is married and resides with his parents.
Mrs. Symonds was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., and is
a daughter of Ebenezer and Laura (Smith) Sawyer, also
natives of New York State. The father was a sturdy
tiller of the soil, and remained in his native State
until his death, in 1854, his wife having died in
1844. The Doctor has three brothers: Syrenous, who is
married and resides in Cortland County, N. Y.,
seventy-three years of age; John S., who is married
and lives at Flora, Ill., of which place he is a
prominent resident (he represented his county in the
State legislature, and is now inspector of the
Southern Asylum), and Marenous, who resides in
Sedgwick County, Kas., near Wichita, and is engaged in
farming.

R. I. Taylor is a native of Henry County, West Tenn.,
and was born on the 9th of April, 1839, his parents
being John and Sarah (Carey) Taylor, the father a
native of West Tennessee and the mother of South
Carolina. The paternal grandfather was a Virginian by
birth, the maternal grandfather having come originally
from South Carolina. John Taylor emigrated from
Tennessee to what is now Clay County, Ark., about
1852, coming in a wagon drawn by an ox team, and
settled on the farm now owned by Robert Hawthorne, in
Carpenter Township, where he made improvements and
resided until about 1859. Then he removed to Howell
County, Mo., and died there in 1866. His wife died in
Stoddard County, Mo., on her way to Arkansas. To them
were born four children R. I. Taylor being the third
in order of birth. He was but thirteen years of age
when he came to this State, and received only limited
educational advantages as there were but few settlers
and no schools in the country at that time. Such
knowledge of books as he possesses was obtained at
home by self application. In the spring of 1861 he
enlisted in Company F, Seventh Arkansas Regiment, and
served until the close of the war, being a participant
in the battles of Shiloh, Perryville, Murfreesboro,
Mission Ridge and several hard skirmishes. He was
wounded by a gun shot in the left arm at Shiloh, which
has nearly ruined the use of that member, and was also
wounded by a gun-shot at Murfreesboro, but soon
recovered as it was merely a flesh wound. He served as
second sergeant and was paroled in 1865. He returned
to Clay County, and about 1872 located on his present
farm, which consists of 200 acres of land, with some
sixty-five acres under cultivation. He raises corn
principally, and gives considerable attention to
stock. Having followed farming all his life he is
thoroughly acquainted with its varied features. In
1867 he was married to Rebecca Howell, a native of
Missouri, by whom he has three children: John, Lewis
and Alma. By his second wife, whose maiden name was
Annie Heath, he had two children: Rosa, living, and
Rosella L., who is deceased. Mr. Taylor is a well-
respected pioneer of Clay County, having resided here
since the time when not more than a half dozen
families were within miles of him. He has aided very
materially in the advance and progress of the
community.

Daniel D. Throgmorton, who is classed among the
respected farmers and stock-raisers of Clay County,
Ark., was born on a farm in Henry County, Tenn.,
January 20, 1850, and is the son of James
W. Throgmorton, a native of North Carolina. James W.
Throgmorton was reared in Tennessee, and was there
married to Miss Eleanor Pollard, also of North
Carolina nativity. After marriage he resided in Henry
County, Tenn., until 1869, when he came to Arkansas
and settled in Clay County, where he died June 18, 1876.
His wife had died in Tennessee in 1866. Daniel D.
Throgmorton grew to manhood in Henry County, Tenn., came to
Arkansas in 1870, and later spent three years in Dunklin County,
Mo. In 1874 he settled on the place where he now
lives, and bought raw land, which he has since
cleared, and the town of Piggott is laid out on his
land. Mr. Throgmorton has about ninety acres, with
some forty acres under good cultivation. He was
married first in Dunklin County, Mo., February 15,
1878, to a widow, Mrs. Amanda E. Lively, who died May
23, 1883. Mr. Throgmorton was married in Clay County,
Ark., December 27, 1883, to Miss Nancy B. Featherston,
a native of Tennessee, who was reared in Dyer County,
and a niece of his first wife. This last union
resulted in the birth of three children: Thomas
Edward, born November 24, 1884, and Nora B., born
September 26, 1888. They lost one child, L.
Ora, who died October 15, 1887, at the age of thirteen
months. Mr. Throgmorton has been elected to and held
the office of justice of the peace for twelve
consecutive years, and has also filled other local
positions. Mrs. Throgmorton is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.

John Tisdial, a farmer residing near Corning, Ark.,
was born in Marshall County, Ky., July 22, 1837, and
is a son of Sherrill and Julia (Casinger) Tisdial, who
were also Kentuckians, and of German descent. The
paternal grandfather, John, was an early settler of
Kentucky, and there reared six children and resided
until his death. Sherrill Tisdial was reared and
educated in his native State and in 1838 emigrated to
what is now Clay County. Ark., making the toilsome
journey in wagons. He erected a little log cabin at
Rockfield, weighted down with poles, in which he
resided a few years, then locating one mile below on
the river. In the winter of 1866 he was thrown from a
horse and killed. He was an extensive stock dealer,
and was leading a steer when he became fast in the
rope. During the war he lost heavily, as all his stock
was taken from him by the soldiers. His widow is still living,
being in her seventy-fourth year. They were the
parents of thirteen children, twelve of whom grew to
maturity and six of whom are living at the present
time: John, Frank, Monroe, Elizabeth, Ellen and
Margaret. John Tisdial was an infant when brought to
Arkansas, and from earliest boyhood has had the
welfare of his adopted county at heart. In his youth
the country was nothing but a wilderness, with a few
scattering log cabins long distances apart, and he
assisted his father in clearing their farm and
remained with him until he attained his majority.
Although there were no schools at that time he applied
himself to such books as came in his way, and became a
well educated man. After his marriage in 1860 he moved
to a place of his own, and in the spring of 1864 came
to his present farm, which consists of 160 acres,
eighty being under cultivation. He was married to Miss
Polly Harriet, a native of Missouri, and by her became
the father of five children: William J., Euphemia D.,
Julia A., John, and one deceased. He took for his second
wife Miss Fannie Leslie, who has borne him two children:
Daniel H. and Thomas A. His third marriage was to Miss Long,
who has borne him three children: Avey and Noverller living,
and Bertha deceased. In 1863 Mr. Tisdial enlisted in
Company E, Second Missouri Cavalry, and served until
September 15, 1863, when he was discharged on account of
disability, and remained in the hospital until convalescent.
On entering the army he weighed 175 pounds in his stocking
feet, but on coming out only weighed ninety pounds. In 1864
he took his family away from Arkansas, though he returned in
1866 and has since lived here.

Marion J. Tucker, merchant and postmaster at Greenway,
Clay County, Ark., was born in Nashville, Tenn.,
November 14, 1844, his father, Col. Thomas J. Tucker,
being a native of Virginia. Upon remaining in the "Old
Dominion" until a young man, the father went to
Tennessee, where he was married to Nancy Nance, of
that State, and after residing in Nashville, Tenn.,
for several years, moved to Haywood County, Tenn.,
where he became the owner of a plantation, and lived
until his death, his wife having died some time
before. He was a colonel of militia, and was a
prominent and well-known man in his day. Marion J.
Tucker grew to manhood in Haywood County, and when the
war broke out, in 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate
service, Ninth Tennessee Infantry, and served until
captured at Chickamauga, and was held a prisoner of
war until the close of the conflict, most of the time
at Indianapolis. He was at first in Nashville, Tenn.,
and was placed with 115 others in the top story of the
Maxwell House, which broke through with them, and he
and the others were carried clear to the basement. Mr.
Tucker was badly wounded, and had one leg and an arm
broken. After remaining in the hospital until
convalescent, he was sent to Indianapolis. He was in
the engagements at Belmont, Chickamauga, Murfreesboro
and several others. After the close of the war he
returned to his home in West Tennessee, and was
married, in Lauderdale County, January 9, 1866, to
Mary Jane Chambers, a native of Tennessee and a
daughter of Thomas Chambers. After following
mercantile pursuits in Alamo. Tenn., for one year, he,
in 1867, moved to Lauderdale County, there being
engaged in farming up to 1874. when he sold out and
located in Clay County. Ark., purchasing a farm and
engaging in tilling the soil, also following the
occupation of merchandising. He established a
postoffice at that point, of which he became
postmaster in 1878. He continued this business until
1887, then gave the management of affairs into the
hands of his son, and moved to Greenway, where he
built a store and put in a stock of general
merchandise. He has a general stock of goods, and in
connection with this also owns and conducts a livery
barn. Since September, 1888, he has held the office of
postmaster of Greenway. He is a Master Mason, and is a
deacon in the Missionary Baptist Church.
January 20. 1889, his wife died, leaving him with a
family of nine children: Edgar M., Columbus, Laura.
Gaston, Wittie, Clyde, Lily, Luther and Lola. Mr.
Tucker owns two farms in Clay County, amounting to
about 300 acres, and has some 175 acres under
cultivation. He married his present wife, a Mrs. Annie
Gault, May 12, 1889. She was born in Illinois.

Dr. Wiley V. Turner, a retired physician and farmer of
Greenway, Ark., was born in Humphreys County, Tenn.,
May 19, 1836, his father. Wiley Turner, being a native
of South Carolina. He was reared in Wilson County,
Tenn., and was married in Davidson County to Miss
Maria Thompson, who was born near Nashville. He served
in the War of 1812 under Jackson, and was at the
battle of New Orleans, dying in Humphreys County. Dr.
Turner grew to manhood in that county and until he
attained his majority made his home with his father.
He received a good practical education in Waverly
Academy, and when twenty years of age commenced the
study of medicine under Dr. Ellis, taking his first
course of lectures in the winters of 1858-59 and 1859-
60, in the University of Nashville, graduating from
that institution in the spring of the latter year. He
then practiced his profession in Houston County until
the opening of the war, and in the fall of 1862
enlisted as a private in the Fiftieth Tennessee
Infantry, Confederate [p.251] States Army. He was soon
after detailed as assistant surgeon, and served in
this capacity until 1864, when he left the army and
returned home and resumed practice. Here he remained
until 1871, when he removed to Clay County, Ark., and
continued the practice of his profession for nine
years. About 1875 he was appointed postmaster of
Clayville, and in 1878 became the first postmaster of
Greenway. He kept a stock of general merchandise at
his residence, and continued for one year after the
location of the town of Greenway, when he moved his
store to about one-half mile from his residence. He
has also been engaged in farming for a number of
years. August 4, 1864, he was married, in Tennessee,
to Miss Louisa Skelton, a native of Tennessee, and a
daughter of A. B. Skelton. The Doctor and his wife
have four children: James, Joseph, Charles and Robert.
Minnie was the wife of B. B. Biffle, and died in
December, 1884. The Doctor and his wife are members of
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which he is a
ruling elder, and he belongs to the Masonic
fraternity.

Wright Ward was born in Webster, Hancock County, Ill.,
July 18, 1849, and is a son of Zebediah and Arzilla
(Wright) Ward, natives, respectively, of New York and
Tennessee, the former's birth occurring on the 23d of
March, 1816, in New York City. When a child he removed
with his parents to Dearborn County, Ind., where he
grew to manhood. and then located in Hancock County,
Ill., where he apprenticed himself to the wagon-
maker's trade. which calling has received his
attention up to the present time. He is a Democrat,
and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.
Their children are Wright, a farmer and mechanic;
Lorinda, who lives in Carthage, Ill., and Mark, a
farmer residing in Northeast Missouri. Wright Ward was
married in Illinois, on the 1st of May, 1878, to Miss
Elizabeth L. Pryor, a daughter of Lewis R. and Hannah
J. Pryor, natives of Hancock County, Ill., and by her
he has one child, Cora L., born October 21, 1874. Mr.
Ward moved with his family to Marion County. Mo., in
1875, and in 1879 to Randolph County, Ark., where he
rented land and farmed for four years, then coming to
Clay County, Ark., where he purchased a tract of land
containing 200 acres. He has fifteen acres under
cultivation. He has a good young orchard, and
substantial fences and buildings, and is preparing to
erect a new residence. He is a Democrat, is active in
his support of schools and churches, and is an
industrious farmer.

W. H. Watts, hotel-keeper at Boydsville, was born in
Humphreys County, Tenn., in 1846, where he remained
until after the war, although during that eventful
period he joined Gen. Forrest's cavalry and
participated in the battles of Athens, Ala.,
Johnsonville, Tenn., Paducah, Ky., Fort Pillow,
Parker's Cross Roads, Gun Town, and was on the Hood
raid from Florence, Ala., to Nashville, Tenn. He was
in thirteen fights, among which was the Franklin
fight, where fully one-third of the men in the company
and regiment were lost, and in the Nashville fight,
after which a retreat was made to Florence, Ala.,
continued skirmishing being experienced. During this
time Mr. Watts had his clothes riddled with bullets,
and his hat rim shot away in pieces, but he
miraculously escaped without injury to himself. He was
discharged in Mississippi, and sent to
 Nashville, Tenn., where he took the oath of
allegiance to the United States. He was offered $100
in gold by the officers to go to Texas and not to
Nashville. He then returned to Humphreys County,
Tenn., where he remained about two years, after which
he moved to Graves County, Ky., where he engaged in
agricultural pursuits for about seven years. In 1868
Miss L. F. Simpson, daughter of D. M. Simpson, became
his wife, and, in the spring of 1874, they moved to
Clay County, Ark., and settled where Boydsville now
stands. At that time the county seat question was not
settled, but the object was to have it at Boydsville,
and Mr. Watts built the first house on the ground. He
lived in one part of this house and sold goods in the
other, thus continuing until the fall, when he gave it
up for the county records, built a log house and
resided in that a number of years. In 1878 the county
erected the building at present used as the county
court-house. Mr. Watts now owns the house, a large
frame one, which he and Judge Holifield built in 1876,
and he has bought and sold several farms in this
locality. To his marriage were born four children, two
of whom were born in Kentucky, and three are now
living. They are named as follows: Laura C., wife of
C. B. Johns, and the mother of two children, now
resides in Boydsville, where her husband is engaged in
the stock breeding business; William H. and Albert
Sidney. Mr. Watts is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, and also a member of the K. of H., and he
and wife belong to the Primitive Baptist Church.

H. J. Weindel, manufacturer of all kinds of staves,
headings, also lumber and cooperage stock in general,
always carries a large stock, and has on hand from
4,000,000 to 5,000,000 staves. He runs the largest
factory in Northeast Arkansas, and pays out about
$5,000 per month for labor. The factory was organized
by L Weindel and L. Wirthlin, in 1862, at St. Louis,
and just at the completion of the Iron Mountain Road
was moved to Corning, where in 1883 the name was
changed to the Southern Cooperage Company. Mr. Weindel was
superintendent of the company from 1881 to 1885, after
which he purchased the business from the Southern
Cooperage Company, and has had charge of it since that
time. He has a large and extensive trade, and has made
the business what it is by upright and honest dealing.
He was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 9, 1861, and is
the only son born to the union of John and Mary
(Brobst) Weindel, also natives of Bavaria, Germany.
The parents moved to St. Louis in 1882, but in the
same year came to Corning, and here the mother died in
1882. The father is still living. H. J. Weindel came
to this country in 1880, first settling in St. Louis,
attended college, and there learned the English
language. Prior to this he had received a thorough
education in Europe, had taught school, was also a
teacher of music, and held an excellent position. He came to
Corning, Ark., in 1881, not with the intention of
remaining, but being so thoroughly satisfied with the
country, concluded to stay. He was married at Corning,
in 1886, to Miss Jessie McKay, a native of Illinois,
and the daughter of William and Mattic (Knowlen)
McKay, the father a native of Scotland, and the mother
of Alabama. Mr. and Mrs. McKay came to this country at
an early day, locating in Illinois, and in 1880 moved
to Corning, Ark. The father died in the spring of
1882, but the mother is still living, and resides in
Corning. After marriage Mr. Weindel settled where he
now lives, and there he has since lived. He has always
taken an active interest in building up the town, and
in all enterprises pertaining to the good of the
country. He is not particularly active in politics,
but votes with the Republican party. He is a member of
the Roman Catholic Church. To his union with Miss
McKay were born two children, one living, named
Hermina. The one deceased was Winifred.

Joseph Whitaker is one of Clay County's most
prosperous farmers and stockmen. His birth occurred in
Crawford County, Penn., in 1838, he being the second
of a family of ten children born to the marriage of
John Whitaker and Euphemia Ann Johnson, originally
from New York State. After their marriage in their
native State, they immediately moved to Crawford
County, Penn., where they bought land and were engaged
in farming for about fifteen years, then purchasing
land in Erie County, twenty miles from the city of Erie. Here the
father is still living, but the mother died in 1882.
Joseph Whitaker attended school until he was about
nineteen years of age, and on the 6th of May, 1861,
enlisted in Company D, First Pennsylvania Rifle
Regiment, which was known in the field as the "Old
Buck-tail Regiment." He was in the First Army Corps,
and was assigned to the Army of the Potomac,
participating in the battles of Drainsville, the
Peninsula Campaign, Second Bull Run. South Mountain. Antietam,
Fredericksburg. Gettysburg, and was with Grant until
the battle of Cold Harbor, which was the last combat
in which he took part. He received his discharge on
the 4th of July, 1864, and was mustered out at
Harrisburg, but soon after re-enlisted in the service,
joining the Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania Veteran
Volunteers, and was sent to the front after Johnston,
in North Carolina. When the latter surrendered, he
returned to Washington, D. C., but was mustered out at
Philadelphia. [p.253] After returning home he went to
Warren County, Penn., where he was engaged in the
lumber business for some time, and operated two
sawmills. In 1883 he sold out and came to Clay County,
Ark., and bought eighty acres in what is now the
village of Knobel, being occupied in sawing lumber for
a mill company from Burlington, Iowa. There were no
improvements whatever on his land, but Mr. Whitaker
immediately erected a comfortable house and out-buildings, and
cleared about twenty-five acres, which are under
cultivation. He has a good young orchard. He has sold
considerable of his land for town lots, and during his
residence here has taken considerable interest in
raising the grade of stock, and in December, 1888,
imported two registered Durham cattle, a cow and a
bull, which are the only registered animals in Clay
County. He was married, in 1866, to Miss Elizabeth
Searl, a native of England, and an estimable lady, who
died in February, 1886, having borne the following
children: Richard, in the employ of the Missouri
Pacific Railroad, his headquarters being at Jefferson
City, Mo., and Adelle, a young lady who manages her
father's household affairs.

Elvis B. Whitehorn, a successful fruit grower and
farmer of Clay County. Ark., was born September 30,
1846, in Carroll County, Tenn., being a son of Jacob
H., who was born in Virginia, May 13, 1815, and
grandson of George Whitehorn, also born in Virginia,
his birth occurring October 17, 1779. The latter moved
with his family to Tennessee in 1829, being among the
pioneers of Carroll County, and when the War of 1812
broke out he enlisted and served throughout that
struggle. Jacob H. Whitehorn grew to manhood in
Carroll County, but was married in Humphreys County,
to Miss Keziah A. Petty, a native of Tennessee. They
resided in that State, near Huntington, until their
respective deaths, and there reared their family. The
father's death occurred in 1878. Elvis B. Whitehorn
remained with his father until about eighteen years of
age and August 4, 1864, enlisted in the Twelfth
Tennessee Cavalry, Company M, serving until he
received his discharge October 7, 1865; he
participated in the fight at Pulaski, and was with
Hood on his thirteen days' raid, being in the battle
of Franklin. After this battle he was in the hospital
a short time, and was then sent to the Kansas
frontier, being discharged at Fort Leavenworth. After returning
home he resumed farming, and August 11, 1867, was married in Carroll
County, to Miss Pearlie Williams, who was born, reared
and educated in Carroll County. Mr. Whitehorn is a
carpenter by trade, and was engaged in house
carpentering and railroad bridge building for a number
of years. In the winter of 1880 he moved to Arkansas,
and located on his present home farm consisting of 200
acres, about 100 of which are under cultivation.
Besides this he owns 80 acres more. He has a comfortable home
and substantial buildings for his stock and grain, and
has an orchard consisting of 3,000 peach trees, 400
apple trees, and also many plum and cherry trees. He
raises strawberries in abundance. The year following
his arrival here he engaged in railroading, being
employed on the construction of the "Cotton Belt" Line
for about thirteen months. Mr. Whitehorn is a member
of the Agricultural Wheel and was elected President of
the County Wheel in 1888, being the second man in the
county to join that society after its organization. He
and wife are the parents of the following family: Mary
Alvira, Heater Caroline, Henry B., James G., George T.
and Joseph B.

H. H. Williams, manufacturer of lumber for
agricultural implements, first saw the light in Oneida
County, N. Y., in September, 1841, being one of nine
children, eight living, born to the marriage of
Herbert Williams and Jane Hughes, natives of Wales,
who came to New York State at an early day, where they
both spent their lives; the father being a farmer by
occupation. Their children who are living are: William
H., Evan H., Catherine, Mary, Amos, Sarah, Hattie and
Hugh H. The latter is the youngest of the family and
was reared and educated in Oneida County, receiving an
academic as well as a common school education. From
early childhood he was reared to a farm life, which he
followed until January, 1864, when he went to
Jacksonville, Ill., and was employed in the Insane
Asylum. From that time until 1876 he [p.254] was
engaged in the lumber business in Pulaski and
Alexander Counties, and at the latter date moved to
Scott County, Mo., locating near Morley, where he
remained two years, since which time he has lived in
Clay County, Ark., being a resident of Corning the
first year. He has since been occupied in the lumber
business in Williams, which he conducts on a very
large scale, and employs on an average about thirty
men, shipping his product north. In 1887 he shipped
from his mill $32,000 worth of lumber. This mill is one
of the largest in the county, and besides he owns a large farm
and several thousand acres of timber land. In September, 1888,
he had a postoffice established at his mill, which is called
Williams' postoffice. Mr. Williams is wide-awake and
enterprising, and takes an interest in all movements
to benefit the county. He belongs to the I. O. O. F.,
and in 1863 was married to Miss Kate B. Billings, a
native of Oneida County, N. Y. They have no family.

Francis A. Williams, one of the well-to-do farmers and
stockmen of the county, is a Carroll County
Tennesseean, and was born January 5, 1844, being a son
of Benjamin Williams, who was born in North Carolina,
but was reared in Tennessee. In this State he was
married to Hester C. Enix, a native of the State, and
settled on a farm in Carroll County, where he resided
until his death, in the summer of 1871. Francis A.
Williams made his home in Carroll County until twenty-
three years of age, and was married August 11, 1868,
to Mrs. Martha Wynn, a daughter of John Foster. She
was born and reared in Gibson County, Tenn. After
marriage Mr. Williams made three crops in Carroll
County, and in the fall of 1870 moved to Arkansas and
located in Clay County, where he bought the tract of
land where he now lives three years later. It consists
of 240 acres in one body, about 135 acres being
cleared and improved with a good frame residence and
out-buildings. He has two cotton-gins on his farm and
for the past ten years has been engaged in ginning
cotton. He has been a member of the Agricultural Wheel
ever since the organization of that society in the
county, and held some local offices in his township.
Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of nine
children: Hester, wife of Lee Wiley; Benjamin E., Mary
F., wife of Samuel Blackshare; Elbert, Ada, Edwin,
Lola, Lura and Alfred D.

Wilson Bros., proprietors of the Piggott Stave
Factories, at Piggott, Ark., are deserving of high
tribute for the enterprise and influence which have
contributed to the commercial success of this section.
All manufacturing establishments of modern times have
embraced many features of practical utility, and the
concern with which these brothers are associated is
worthy of high consideration. They located here in the
spring of 1884 and established at this point one stave
factory, but two years' experience was sufficient to
demonstrate the need of increased capacity, and
another factory was started in the summer of 1886 two
miles from Piggott. Even this has not proved adequate,
and at the present time another is being pushed
forward. Each factory has a daily capacity of ten
cords of timber, and forty men are actively occupied
in various capacities. The quality of work turned out
is unexcelled, and the attention given by the
proprietors to their product is a sufficient guarantee
as to its sale. It is evident that they have only
tried to make the merits of the work satisfactory to
all. Charles, Cyrus F. and H. S. Wilson are Kentuckians by birth,
and natives of Fulton County, their father now belonging to Hickman,
of that county. Dr. H. H. Wilson was born, reared and
educated in Tennessee, and there commenced the study
of medicine, subsequently graduating from one of the
medical colleges of Philadelphia. Afterward he located
at Hickman. Ky., and entered upon the successful
practice of his profession. He was first married in
Tennessee to Miss Lucy Davis, of that State,
after whose death he married again. Besides the three
sons living there is one daughter, a resident of
Kentucky. Cyrus F. Wilson grew to manhood at Hickman,
to which place he afterward returned and married,
February 29, 1888, Mrs. Bettie Pilant, a native of
Kentucky, and daughter of Judge Riley, of Hickman. She
was partially reared in Louisiana. One child was born
to this union. Nannie Belle. Mrs. Wilson is a member
of the Presbyterian Church. H. S. Wilson was
married at Martin, Tenn., March 28, 1878, to Miss
Jennie Anderson, of Tennessee, and the daughter of
Edwin Anderson. They have five children: Cora, Lucy,
Claud, Stanley and Aleck.

John S. Winstead, farmer and stock raiser of Haywood
Township, Clay County, Ark., is a native of North
Carolina, and was born in Person County May 4, 1836.
His father, Seth M. Winstead, was also of North
Carolina birth, and was there married to Miss Mary
Winstead, daughter of John Winstead. The Winsteads
were prominent pioneers of that State. Seth Winstead
moved to Tennessee about 1838, settling in Weakley
County, engaged in farming, and there reared his
family. He died in that State in 1882. John S. Winstead is the
second in order of birth of three sons and one
daughter born to his parents. He attained his growth
in Weakley County, remaining with his parents until
twenty-three years of age, and was married, in Obion
County, November 18, 1860, to Miss Victoria Rucker, a
native of Middle Tennessee, and the daughter of S. W.
and Eda Rucker. After marriage Mr. Winstead farmed in
Obion County for a number of years, but later sold out
and moved to Arkansas in 1872. Two years later he
bought and settled on his present farm, which he has
greatly improved. He has 100 acres cleared and sixty
acres in timber, all one tract. He has fair buildings
and a good orchard. This is a very desirable farm, and
is located one mile due west of Greenway. To Mr. and
Mrs. Winstead were born these children: Erasmus,
Charles, William Samuel, Minnie Ballard, John,
Zachariah T. and Victoria. They lost one daughter,
Emma, who grew up, was married, and died in February,
1888, leaving one child. Mr. and Mrs. Winstead are
members of the Christian Church, and Mr. Winstead
belongs to the Agricultural Wheel.

Louis M. Wolf, of the firm of Long & Wolf, merchants,
of Greenway, Clay County. Ark., was born in the city
of St. Louis October 12, 1863, and is a son of Raphael
Wolf, who was born and reared in Germany. After
reaching manhood he emigrated to the United States,
and was married, in St. Louis, Mo., to Miss Minnie
Schoen, also a native of Germany. He was a stock
dealer, trader and merchant in St. Louis until his
death, in 1871. Louis M. Wolf remained in St. Louis
until he was eight years of age, and was then sent to
Cleveland, Ohio, and was educated in a Jewish college
of that city. After completing his studies, at the end
of seven years, he returned to St. Louis and was
engaged in clerking there for a short time, going
thence to Topeka, Kas., and later to Missouri. After
clerking in Malden, Mo., for J. S. Levi & Co., for a
number of years, he, in April, 1887, came to Arkansas
and located at Greenway, where he bought property and
built a business house, and in connection with Louis
Long, of St. Louis, Mo., conducts a general mercantile
establishment, their stock of goods being large and
well selected, and their annual sales amounting to
$2,500. Mr. Wolf is an enterprising young business
man, and is doing a prosperous business. He is also a
member of the K. of P., and is connected with the
Hebrew Synagogue. His mother is residing with and keeping
house for him.

C. W. Woodall. Among the planters and stock dealers of
Kilgore Township, Clay County, Ark., who have attained
the highest round in the ladder of success, and are
counted among its worthy and honored citizens, may be
mentioned Mr. Woodall, who was born in Marshall
County, of the "Blaegrass State," in 1845, being the
second of eleven children born to the marriage of
Roland Woodall and Nancy Drennon, natives,
respectively, of North Carolina and Springfield, Ill.
The father was taken to Kentucky by his parents when three
years of age, and was there reared and educated, and
spent his days. He was an extensive planter, and owned
a large farm of 500 acres, successfully managing it
until his death, which occurred in 1864, and
throughout life he was an active politician. His
estimable wife survived him many years and died in
1886, at the age of sixty-nine years. Her father was
one of the first settlers of Marshall County, Ky., and
was the first one buried in the family cemetery in
that county. C. W. Woodall, whose name heads this
sketch, was reared on his father's plantation and
educated in the schools of his native State, but in
1863 left school, and August 29 of that year went to
Paducah, Ky., where he enlisted in Company A.
Fifteenth Kentucky Cavalry, for three years, and
afterward participated in the battles of Spring Creek,
Murfreesboro, and several skirmishes, serving as
orderly for Maj. W. W. Waller. He served until the
close of the war, and after receiving his discharge at
Paducah, Ky., returned home and engaged in farming,
and was married here on the 29th of August, 1867, to
C. A. Brazell, a native of Kentucky, by whom he is the
father of five children: Mary A., wife of J. Dudgeon;
Sarah Elizabeth, Ida Belle, Amy and Nora Arlena. After
his marriage Mr. Woodall purchased a plantation in Kentucky, on
which he resided until 1871, when he came to Clay County, Ark.,
and settled on the plantation which he now occupies.
November 12, 1872, he bought 120 acres of raw land,
which he has since improved and added to until he now
has 467 acres in the home plantation, and besides this
property has forty-one and a half acres at Corning,
and his old farm in Kentucky, besides selling 300
acres. On an average he devotes 100 acres to
cotton raising and about the same to corn, and the
greater portion of the remainder of his land is given
to stock, of which he is the heaviest buyer as well as
raiser in Clay County. He stall-feeds about sixty head
of cattle each year and from fifty to seventy-five
hogs, besides what he buys and ships. His property is
nicely improved by a good house and barns and a fine
apple and peach orchard. He has always taken great
interest in enterprises tending to benefit the county,
and has given much attention to school matters and to
the church. He is an admirer of the Jeffersonian
system and supports the Democratic party, and has
served on the United States grand jury two terms, and
the county grand jury nearly every year. Socially he
belongs to Orient Lodge No. 297, at Corning, Ark.; I.
O. O. F. Lodge No. 78, and he and wife belong to the
Eastern Star Lodge at Reno. Mrs. Woodall's parents,
Pleasant and Mary Jane (Hunt) Brazell, were born in
North Carolina and Virginia, respectively, but removed
with their parents to Kentucky at a very early day,
where they were reared, married, and spent the
remainder of their days.

William Wynn. In giving a history of the prominent
citizens of Clay County, Ark., the biographical
department of this work would be incomplete without
mentioning the gentleman whose name heade this sketch,
for he is deservedly ranked among its prominent
planters and stock dealers. His birth occurred in West
Tennessee in 1857, being the fifth of thirteen
children born to W. J. and Mary (Barker) Wynn, who were natives
of the "Old North State" and Tennessee, respectively.
W. J. Wynn became an early resident of Tennessee and
eventually acquired considerable wealth, owning some
1,500 acres of land, and he and wife are now residents
of Tiptonville. William Wynn while young aided his
father on the plantation, receiving his education in
the district schools and the schools of Tiptonville.
In October, 1885, he was married in Benton County to
Miss Arabelle Walker, a native of Tennessee, and soon
after this settled on his farm in Clay County, Ark.,
which he had purchased in 1884. It then comprised 160
acres of land, but since locating he has greatly
improved and increased his property until he is now
the owner of 696 acres in Kilgore and Carpenter
Townships. He has cleared about 200 acres
and has 400 under cultivation. He puts in annually 150
acres of cotton, and devotes the rest to the cereals
and to the pasturage of a large number of cattle,
horses, and mules, in which he is an extensive dealer.
He has the largest amount of land in a tillable
condition of any one in Kilgore Township, and has done
his full share in developing and furthering the
interests of Clay County, being especially concerned
in the cause of education, to which he gives his
liberal support. He has never been a very active
politician, but has always given his influence to the
Democratic party. In March, 1888, he lost his
excellent wife, who had borne him two children: Thomas
William and John Henry, and he was afterward wedded in
Clay County in September, 1888, to Mrs. Margaret
(Allen) Toms, who was born in Kentucky, and is a
daughter of Daniel Allen. The father was also a
Kentuckian, but in 1880 became a resident of Carpenter
Township, Clay County, Ark., where he and wife are
living at the present time, being worthy and
successful tillers of the soil. Mr. Wynn is a member
of the Agricultural Wheel, and during his short
residence in the county, he has become well known for
his intelligence, enterprise, and liberality, not only
in a business way, but socially, and commands the
respect, confidence and esteem of all who know him.

William L. Yancey, another prominent farmer and stock
raiser of Oak Bluff Township, and son of Robert and
Parthena Yancey, was born in Fayette County, Tenn.,
September 22, 1837. Robert Yancey was born in
Mecklenburg County, Va., grew to manhood there, and
was there married to Parthena Yancey, who was also a
native of Virginia. After marriage they moved to
Tennessee, settling in Fayette County, and here the
father followed farming and reared his family. He died
in 1849, and his widow in 1865. In their family were
two sons and one daughter, all of whom grew to mature
years. Both brothers grew up in Fayette County, Tenn.,
and both served in the Confederate army. William L.
enlisted, in March, 1862, in Col. Jackson's cavalry
regiment, commanded by Gen. Forrest, and served until
the final surrender. He was paroled at Gainesville,
Ala., in 1865, and was a participant in the following
battles: Jackson, Miss., Holly Springs, Miss.,
Guntown, Miss., Nashville and Franklin, Tenn., and was in a
number of minor engagements. After the war he returned
to Tennessee, farmed in Fayette County for two years,
and then moved to Arkansas in the fall of 1866, where
he remained for one year, when he bought the place
where he now resides, five acres being cleared. He is
the owner of 240 acres, all in one tract, 180 acres
cleared and one-half bottom and very rich land. He has
good buildings on his farm, five acres of bearing
orchard and five acres in young orchard. Mr. Yancey
has been three times married: first, in 1859,
September 22, to Miss Susan Bradsher, a native of
North Carolina, and five children were born to this
union, four now living. Mrs. Yancey died in Arkansas,
and Mr. Yancey took for his second wife Miss Jane
Wooten, a native of Arkansas, reared in Greene County.
She died in August, 1877, leaving one son. Mr. Yancey
married his present wife, Mrs. Martha Virginia Owen,
in January, 1878. She was born in Tennessee, and is
the daughter of Rev. A. M. Pickens, a minister in the
Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Yancey had one daughter by
her former marriage, Edgeworth, wife of Matthew
Thomas, and Mr. Yancey's children are named as
follows: Sarah P., wife of James Wooten; Willie Ann,
deceased; Mary E., wife of John Wamble; Robert J. and
James, by his first wife, and Stephen H. by his second
wife. Mr. Yancey and wife are members of the Methodist
Protestant Church. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, Dannelley Lodge No. 300, also belonging to
Evergreen Lodge No. 66, I. O. O. F.

Bustamente Yates, merchant, emigrated to Greene
County, Ark., in 1876. Going from Weakley County,
Tenn., to Texas, he remained three years engaged in
the photograph business, that being his profession,
and while in that State was quite successful
financially. Mr. Yates was born in Henry County,
Tenn., February 15, 1844, and when small came with his
parents to Weakley County, of the same State. He is
the son of Joseph M. and Ann W. (Davis) Yates, and
grandson of Lloyd Yates, who lived to be one hundred and four
years of age, and never had an ailment until his
death. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
Joseph Yates was born in North Carolina, and is now
living four miles from Rector, in his eightieth year,
and is hale and hearty. He is of Irish descent. During
his trip to this country from North Carolina he was
taken with measles, and was unconscious for seven
days, subject to the severe weather, snow, etc.,
during that time. While in North Carolina he was
planter and overseer, having charge of a large number
of negroes. Ann W. (Davis) Yates, was also born in
North Carolina, probably Orange County, but was
married after going to Tennessee, in Obion County. She
was the mother of eleven children, nine now living:
Lavinia V., Bustamente H., Roan, Cazelia F., Dalphin
W., Lanora M., John C., William H. and Emma. DeWitt
and an infant are deceased. The mother of these
children is still living. Grandfather Davis was from
Orange County, N. C., and emigrated to Tennessee many
years ago. He was [p.258] a farmer by occupation, and
followed this industry in Tennessee until his death.
Grandmother Davis was also from Orange County, N. C.,
and died a number of years ago in Tennessee. She was
probably of German descent. Bustamente Yates was
principally reared on a farm in Tennessee, and
received a common school education. After growing up
he went to Dresden, Tenn., and clerked for some time,
after which he engaged in merchandising until coming
to Arkansas, thirteen years ago. Since then he has
been interested in many different pursuits, and is now
in the mercantile business, being occupied also in the
liquor trade, and is the owner of considerable
property. In 1877 Mr. Yates was married to Miss Sarah
L. Eason, daughter of Alfred and Emily E. Eason, both
natives of Virginia, but reared in Tennessee, where
their daughter was born. Mr. and Mrs. Yates are the
parents of six children, four now living: Robert H.,
George, Joseph and Annie L. Rose and an infant are
deceased. Mr. Yates is not active in politics, but
affiliates with the Democratic party. He is a member
of the I. O. O. F., and also a member of the Masonic
fraternity.

Sorry, no names that start with Z.