Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas

CRITTENDEN COUNTY–ACT OF ORGANIZATION–THE NAME–EARLY SETTLEMENTS AND LAND ENTRIES–TRIBUNAL

CENTERS–PUBLIC EDIFICES–MATERIAL ADVANCEMENT AND PROGRESS–THE CRITTENDEN OF TO-DAY–ITS DESIRABILITY AS

A PLACE OF RESIDENCE–RESOURCES, LOCATION AND TOPOGRAPHY–MILITARY AFFAIRS–OFFICIAL DIRECTORY – MILITARY

ROAD–RAILROADS–SCHOOL MATTEES–RELIGIOUS CONDITION–NEWSPAPER PRESS–TOWNS AND VILLAGES–BIOGRAPHY.

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J. G. Wright, M. D., one of the prominent physicians and surgeons of Cross County, is a native of Illinois and was born in 1830, as the son of T. J. and Mary (Griffin) Wright, originally from Virginia, and of English descent. The father moved to Illinois in 1829, and settled in Edgar County, where he farmed until 1855, then going to Worth County, Mo. Buying a farm he resided until his death which occurred in 1866, at the age of fifty-four years. Mr. Wright served as justice of the peace four years in Missouri. Mrs. Wright still survives him and lives in Worth County, and though eighty years of age, she enjoys the best of health. They had in their family five children (two of whom are living): J. G., Martha (the widow of Samuel Adams, late of Missouri), C. C., Ester (deceased) and Elizabeth (deceased). Mrs. Wright is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Dr. J. G. Wright joined the United States army at [p.389] the age of sixteen, and served in the war with Mexico, participating in the siege of Vera Cruz, and a number of other prominent battles. After the engagement at Vera Cruz he received his discharge and returned home. During his time of service in that war he marched 500 miles on foot, and was disabled and laid up for eight weeks at the hospital at Matamoras. After coming home he entered upon the study of medicine st the age of eighteen in the office of Dr. Lenbrook, of Paris, Ill., a graduate of the Jefferson College of Medicine at Philadelphia. In 1849-50 Mr. Wright attended the Rush Medical College at Chicago, and in 1850 began his career as practitioner under his former instructor, where he remained for six years, then going to Worth County, Mo. Locating at Oxford, he continued the practice of his profession until 1886 and also served as county justice for two years, and was postmaster of Oxford for eight years. He then moved to Ottawa, Kan., but after six months came to this county. Dr. Wright was married in 1851 to Miss Julia Daugherty, of Ohio. They are the parents of five children: Florence E. (wife of W. D. Sharp, of Ottawa, Kas.), Alice D. (wife of J. W. Cubine, of Coffeeville, Kas.), C. J. C. and T. J. (both at home) and Mary M. (now Mrs. J. M. Tinson, of Kansas City, Mo.). Mrs. Wright is a member of the Baptist Church. Dr. Wright is a very decided Democrat, but does not take an active part in politics. He has a large and extensive practice as the constant demands made upon his time amply indicate, and his kindly manner makes him welcome in the sick room.

On the overwork'd soil

Of this planet enjoyment is sharpen'd by toil:

And one seems, by the pain of ascending the height,

To have conquered a claim of that wonderful sight.–Meredith.

PROPERLY speaking, the history of any definite locality commences with its formation. The county of Crittenden was formed by an act of the Territorial legislature of the territory of Arkansas, in 1825. It embraced a large part of what is now Cross, St. Francis and Lee Counties and portions have been out off from time to time as those various counties were formed. It now comprises less than half of its original area. This county was named in honor of Robert Crittenden, who was appointed first secretary of Arkansas Territory, and served in that office from 1819 to 1829.

The earliest record of land entries in Crittenden County are forty Spanish claim grants. Some of these grants are now located in other counties, as they were formed from parts of this. The first entry is dated 1828, and is by John J. Bowie, the patentee of the Bowie knife. In 1829 land was entered by Charles Kelley, Francis Duvall, W. D. Ferguson, Antoine Bearvis and Richard Searcy. The first entries of United States lands were in 1829; eighty acres by Joseph Hudson; eighty acres by Weldon Vanwinkle in 1881; eighty acres by Robert Larkin in 1832. In 1833 land was entered by Michael Elsberry, William Hagins and Preston Yeatman; in 1834 by James Erwin, James Shelby and Isaac Bledsoe; in 1835 by James Erwin, Isaac Bledsoe, Jonathan Hand, Robert Larkin, Daniel Harkelwood, Preston Yestman, Robert Larkins, Jonathan Hann and John J. Walton. In 1836, the year in which Arkansas was admitted as a State, there are too many to enumerate. In 1826 John Grace deeded a tract of 220 arpents to Nancy Procter. On the record book of this county there is on record a freedman's certificate given by William Williams, a notary public of New York, to John Brown, a negro, dated May 13, 1812.

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Benjamin Flooy was perhaps the earliest settler in Crittenden County. He was military commandant at the Spanish post or fort of Camp of Hope, [p.391] on the Mississippi River, opposite Memphis, now known as Hopefield. When this country was sold to France, by Spain, and his office was abolished, he remained at the old post and began farming. Here was made the first clearing, and here he lived and died and left children who lived here for many years after him. The old house which he built was standing till 1858, when the land on which it stood caved into the river, and this old landmark was destroyed.

Augustine Grandee came to what is now Crittenden County, as a Spanish officer, about 1801. Upon the sale of this country to France, he, like Commandant Flooy, concluded to remain and make this fertile land his home. He settled about four miles west of the Mississippi River, on a lake that has since borne his name, and near where the town of Marion is now built. He died on his plantation and left six children, of whom many descendants are still living in Eastern Arkansas.

Gen. Bradley settled on the Mississippi River, eighteen miles above Memphis, at an early day. He opened up a large plantation and became one of the prosperous planters in the pioneer period of Crittenden county.

A member of the State Confederate Convention, which met at Little Rock in 1861, he opposed the secession of the State with all power, and when he died it was with the same sentiment, though he was highly esteemed by all who knew him; he was the soul of honor, and while his course aroused the animosity of most Confederates, they soon promoted him to a command of a regiment, but on account of old age and feeble health he afterward resigned.

Some of the oldest settlers in this county were the Harklerodes, Burgetta, Foglemans, P. G. Pollock, E. Garrett, B. F. Allen and Maj. J. B. Lyles, who settled at Marion in 1841; at that time he bought and ran the old hotel which still stands in the village.

The Territorial legislature placed the seat of justice of Crittenden County, temporarily, at Greenock. This place was soon selected as the permanent county seat, and the first court was held here, in the house of William Lloyd in June, 1826.

The old record of deeds of this county shows that on June 13, 1827, H. N. Ferguson transferred to the county of Crittenden, a tract of land for county purposes. This place remained as the seat of justice for ten years, when it was permanently removed to Marion. The site of old Greenock has long since been washed away by the Mississippi River.

In 1837 the county court appointed J. R. James and John Owens commissioners to select a site for the county seat, as the people of the county had petitioned for a change. They chose a point fourteen miles northeast of Memphis, and four miles west of Oldham. On the records is found that on June 25, 1837, a deed was given to these commissioners in trust for the county of Crittenden for county purposes, by Marion Tolbert and wife, Temperance, for one-half of the lots in twenty acres. A town was here laid out, and, in honor of Mr. Tolbert, was named Marion.

The first court of Crittenden County was held in the house of William Lloyd, and it is not positively known whether a court house was ever erected at Greenock or not. Mr. A. H. Ferguson remembers seeing the old jail at that place, but the site of this old town disappeared beneath the waves of the Mississippi River so long ago, that no one now remembers whether there was a court house there or not; it is probable, however, that one was erected there.

Soon after the seat of justice was removed to Marion, the county erected a frame court house; this was destroyed by a cyclone, and thus for many years court was held in various buildings, in old churches or vacant store-houses, till 1873, when the new brick building was constructed. The contract for this building and the jail was let at $60,000, and county bonds were issued for that sum to pay the bill. For two years no work of any kind was done, but the county was required to pay the interest on the bonds. The building was completed in 1873-74, but before the indebtedness was canceled it cost the county over $100,000. It is, however, a neat, two-story brick building, commodious and thoroughly satisfactory for all purposes.

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From the first settlement of Crittenden, early in the nineteenth century, the productiveness of its lands have been phenomenal. With a climate mild and genial, admitting of outdoor labor almost every day of the year, and a soil that will yield abundantly every variety of plant or vine, and in addition that king of vegetable products–cotton, Crittenden soon began to secure a class of active, enterprising and wealth-acquiring citizens. During the latter part of the decade of 1840, and all through 1850, this county enjoyed unparalleled prosperity. By this time immense areas had been reduced to cultivation, and wild land was selling at from $10 to $35 per acre. The change in the current of affairs at the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, settled like a blight upon the fair fields of Crittenden, compelling a cessation of all farming operations, and this in an agricultural district, meant poverty and ruin. Most of the able-bodied men also enlisting in their country's service, left the land without protection or support. As a great part of the planters' wealth consisted in slaves, the close of the war found many ruined, while the homes of nearly all were despoiled, fences destroyed, and the land run to brush and bramble. Notwithstanding all these drawbacks the people began life after the war, under the changed condition of things, with hope and promise. Then followed the days of reconstruction, which proved for Crittenden County a far worse evil than the war. The people look back upon those times with horror, and speak about them with indignation. Nearly all the county offices were held by negroes, who, in the main, were both ignorant and incompetent. The State militia, mostly negroes, were quartered in the county for the better part of two years, during which time constant strife, many murders, and other crimes were constantly being committed. Taxation rose till it reached the limit of legal interest, while the county scrip depreciated to a value of 5 per cent on the dollar.

In 1874, under the adoption of the new State constitution, the county passed out of this crucifying period, and the prosperity of the people since has only been interrupted by the general overflows from the Mississippi in 1882-83.

Land is being rapidly cleared and improved in every township in the county, and the general condition of the people now is better than at any period of its past history. Under the wise administration of county and local affairs, taxation has been reduced to thirteen mills on the dollar, while the annual assessments are being constantly reduced.

The lands, both cultivated and in the timber, are rapidly rising in value, and, with the construction of a levee to protect the country from overflow, will in all cases advance at least 100 per cent more. The completion of this levee, which will unquestionably be an accomplished fact in a few years, will make hundreds and thousands of acres accessible to the farmer, and increase the county's wealth almost beyond belief; for these overflowed lands are the richest and most productive in the Mississippi basin, and will annually yield from one to one and a half bales of cotton per acre; practically inexhaustible, it may safely be said that for a hundred years their fertility would scarcely be impaired.

The erection of the Memphis bridge will bring new lines of railroads through Crittenden County, adding to her already favorable market facilities, while at its western terminus in this county, West Memphis, a large town will be apt some day to rise.

The county is well supplied with schools and churches and a condition of peace and tranquility, indicating continued prosperity for all, in apparent. Some of the grandest plantations to be found in the South, are situated in Wappanocca, Jasper, Jackson and Proctor Townships of this county, whose individual excellencies it would require too much space to record. Suffice it to say, that the owners of many of these places came here poor, and are actually self-made men, the wonderful fertility of the soil making it possible to accumulate a fortune here by farming operations in a few years. It is safe to assert that few localities in the United States can offer to the husbandman advantages like this.

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Wild lands in Crittenden County are still to be bought at from $1 to $10 per acre, on which [p.393] in many cases, the timber can be sold for an ample sum to pay the cost of clearing and preparing for the plow. This land may now be valued at from $40 to $100 per acre, and, with the most ordinary improvements in the way of buildings, will rent for cash at a price per acre which will yield a profitable investment for the latter sum, or even at $6 per acre, yielding an annual return of 6 per cent on $100. This is no exceptional instance, but is the general rule throughout the entire county. That this state of things should exist so near the thickly populated districts of the North and East, without more people from those sections taking advantage of the wonderful opportunities, can only be accounted for by the fact that Eastern Arkansas has long rested under the odium of prejudicial and falsifying reports.

It is true that for ten years following the war the condition of the State was most critical. During that period the eyes of the rest of the Union were intently gazing upon its various phases of life and action while passing through a most trying social and political ordeal. Hearsay evidence was often employed and political capital manufactured by the press out of the most ordinary occurrences of civil life. Anarchists in Pennsylvania and Illinois might murder citizens by the dozen in defiance of State authorities; railroad employes in Ohio might band together and obstruct general travel, to the danger of the lives of thousands of people; mobs might gather in New York and Massachusetts, demanding bread or work in menacing terms; anything else of a like nature and worse character might transpire in any Northern city without attracting special attention from the news agents, but the moment any trivial offense of law happened in Arkansas the whole country must be aroused to gaze upon the evil times in this unlucky State. But whatever hopes or fears may have been the secret of this unfortunate condition of affairs, they no longer exist, and no community in the land enjoys more absolute obedience and respect for the civil law, than the people of Crittenden County. There also exists abroad a very wrong opinion as to the healthfulness of Eastern Arkansas. Reports were circulated in the pioneer period of the county's history, based, perhaps, on reports from hunters, trappers, wood-choppers, etc., people whose exposed occupations would tell upon the strongest constitutions. At the present time, however, one may find, by six months' constant travel through Eastern Arkansas, as favorable a condition of health among its people, as could be expected in any new country; many of the citizens here report cases of continual good health among all the members of their families for many years. The leading physicians state that, as the land is being cleared, cultivated and drained, the proportion of sickness is materially decreasing. To all who contemplate removing to Crittenden County, or to Eastern Arkansas, it is not improper to state that no fear need be anticipated of serious ill health; the only requisite being to conduct one's self and live as people in a somewhat colder climate are compelled to do, and this will be found as healthy a locality as any section of the Mississippi Valley.

With all these advantages to attract immigration the citizens of Crittenden cordially invite and warmly welcome all worthy and enterprising settlers. This county is capable of supporting ten times its present population. Farm hands here, at the present time, are scarce, and a thousand laborers might secure employment the year round, such help being earnestly sought for and gladly employed.

To the actual settler who comes here with his family and buys his farm, need only be shown the many cases of the county's

self-made men as convincing proof that success is sure and fortune certain.

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Crittenden is purely an agricultural county, and as such ranks among the very first in Eastern Arkansas. While the staple product is cotton, almost any plant, vegetable or grain that thrives in a similar latitude can be produced here. Until recent years it was scarcely thought to be possible to raise domestic grasses, but it has now been demonstrated that no soil can raise better clover, timothy, orchard grass and red top. Vegetables of nearly every known kind grow here, planted as early as February. Fertilization is practically unknown, yet Irish potatoes yield on an average seventy-five [p.394] bushels to the acre, sweet potatoes from 150 to 200 bushels, turnips 250 bushels. Watermelons, muskmelons and pumpkins are of famous growth. Cabbage, peas, beans, lettuce and spinach do well.

A good variety of domestic and wild fruits is found: Apples, peaches, pears, cherries, plums and the several berries. Of apples, early varieties do best; of peaches, the medium and late; of plums, wild goose and other native plums; of the berries, strawberries and blackberries are the best, and requiring but little cultivation grow abundantly. At the New Orleans International Exposition, held in 1885, and at the California Exposition held in 1887, at San Francisco, Arkansas apples and other fruits took the first prizes. It must be remembered that though Crittenden County possesses great natural adaptability to produce all the above they are in almost every case made subsidiary to the one great crop–cotton; the majority of the people scarcely raising enough for their own use, and none producing any for market. It will thus be seen that as the field is wholly unoccupied in the production of these articles their cultivation would be attended with profitable results from the beginning; even corn, a greet and never-failing crop, is seldom raised in sufficient abundance to supply the home demand.

Of cotton, that grand agricultural product, immense quantities are annually procured. It is the only money-making crop which the people of this county handle at the present time, while the peculiar adaptability of the soil (a rich alluvial deposit of sand and sandy loam) makes it highly profitable. As scarcely one twentieth of the available land is under cultivation the capacity of the county is susceptible of a vast increase.

The luxuriant vegetation of natural grasses affords excellent grazing for horses, cattle and sheep. Corn, which thrives throughout the county, affords a nutritious food for stock. So far there are not many regularly established stock farms, but the business is beginning to develop. The mildness of the climate saves the great expense of costly stables, which falls so heavily on farmers of the North and East. At the same time stables sufficient to protect against the rain and spells of comparatively cold weather are not to be dispensed with by wise farmers. Raising hogs is also profitable, but there are not nearly enough raised to supply the home demands.

The value of the lumber-producing trees of Crittenden County is extensive and almost incalculable. This source of wealth remains to-day almost untouched, and only awaits the introduction of saw-mills and means of transportation to place hundreds of millions of feet of valuable lumber on the markets of the world. There are, throughout all sections of this locality, large areas of forests of cypress, oak of many kinds, ash, pecan, hickory, cottonwood, sycamore and many others that may be profitably employed in various articles of manufacture and commerce. There are yet but few saw-mills in this county, and still fewer stave and bucket factories, while there is an abundance of the best timber in the world for use for those purposes.

The rich and fertile county of Crittenden is situated in the eastern part of the State of Arkansas, and is bounded on the north by Poinsett and Mississippi Counties, on the east by the Mississippi River, which separates it from Tennessee and Mississippi, on the south by the Mississippi River and on the west by Lee, St. Francis and Cross Counties. It extends for seventy miles north and south along the river, and has an area of 660 square miles. The country is of an alluvial deposit and stretches a solid expanse of rich bottom land. There are many ridges that are above overflow, but by far the greater part of the county is subject to inundation from the annual river floods. Tyronza Bayou, in the northwestern part, is a navigable stream, and Lake Grandee, which communicates with the Mississippi at Mound City, is plied by small steamboats during periods of high water.

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Reference has already been made, in a general way, to the county's share in the results following the war of 1861-65. During that conflict, in proportion to its population, Crittenden sent more men to the field, perhaps, than any other county in Arkansas, while among these soldiers were many who won distinction for their valor on the battlefield, and shed glory on their name at home; also [p.395] giving an enviable distinction to their county in the annals of the Confederate cause.

Maj. J. F. Earle, early in 1861, raised a cavalry company of State troops. After a short time this company was turned over to the Confederate Government and attached to the army of Gen. Hardee, at Pocahontas. This company was in the Hardee division all through the war, and was in many severe battles.

O. P. Lyles enlisted in this company, but was detached after three months; he then returned to Crittenden County, and raised a company, known as Lyles company. This company joined the Twenty-third Arkansas Regiment, Infantry. This company was in the battles of Corinth, Inks, Davis' Bridge, Plaines Store (La.), siege of Port Hudson, and many minor engagements and important campaigns.

At Tupelo, the company was reorganized, and attached to Maury's division. Here its captain, O. P. Lyles, was made colonel, serving as such for two months, and was then put in command of a brigade, and sent to Louisiana to aid Gen. Villipig. The General died soon after Lyle's arrival, and Gen. Bealle was put in command of all the troops. The boys were then called the Fourth Arkansas Brigade. Bealle was succeeded by Gen. Gordon, and soon after that began the siege of Port Hudson, which continued fifty-one days and nights.

Capt. John B. Baxter, who commanded a company from Monroe County, was also in this fort during the siege. On one occasion he was directed by Col. O. P. Lyles to hold a point called the citadel, and informed by the Colonel that the enemy had already tunneled under him for eighty feet, and might at any time explode the mine beneath him. Having warned him of the danger, he elected to go himself, saying he "might as well brook danger as any of his men." He held the position that night, and the next night the surrender occurred. Col. Lyles was informed by the Federals that they were to have exploded the mine at 12 o'clock the next night, but he (Lyles) had planted a barrel of powder to have blown them up at 10 o'clock.

After the surrender the officers were sent to New Orleans and Johnson's Island, in Lake Erie, while the privates were allowed to return home on parole.

Capt. Crump, of Crittenden County, did good work at Belmont, where he was wounded, and deserves special mention. [A fuller account will be found in his biography.] Various other companies secured troops from this county, operating mostly on police duty and home defense. Of the men who so nobly and promptly responded to the call for troops from Crittenden County, about one-half fell in battle, or died in the hospital, or upon the march. The county officers of Crittenden County, at the present time, (1889), are: Judge, S. A. Martin; county clerk, Samuel Keel; sheriff, W. F. Werner; treasurer, A. H. Ferguson; coroner, C. E. Rasberry; surveyor, Ed. Cheatham; assessor, W. J. Harden; representative in the State legislature, Asa Hodges. Some of the former county officers are also here appended.

County judges: D. H. Harrig, Charles Blackmore, A. B. Hubbins, H. O. Oders, W. C. Trice, T. M. Collins (4), W. B. Hay, A. Mensinger, John Thorn, B. C. Crump, J. A. Alexander, W. P. Farnum, William Rives, G. W. Duke, J. F. Barton, Asa Hodges, A. B. Gatlin, T. L. Daugherty, R. B. Barton, J. H. Williams, Daniel W. Lewis and S. A. Martin.

Clerks: J. Livingston, S. R. Cherry, J. H. Wathen, J. Broadenax, W. Armistead, W. P. Cherry (5), S. T. Gilbert, J. J. Lyles, O. P. Lyles, J. F. Earl. J. Swepston, D. W. Lewis, T. W. Gibbs, A. H. Ferguson, David Ferguson and Sam Keel.

Sheriffs: W. D. Ferguson (served for twelve years), J. S. Neely, F. B. Read, C. Stubble, G. W. Underhill, C. J. Bernard, B. C. Crump (served for ten years), J. G. Berry, J. S. Halloway, J. T. Grooms, W. D. Hardin, E. B. Lewis, W. F. Beattie, J. Swepston (14) and W. F. Werner.

Treasurers: A. B. Hubbard (1), F. B. Read, G. S. Fogleman (served for twenty years), R. C. Wallace, B. Westmoreland, W. D. Hardin, Samuel Floyd, W. F. Werner and A. H. Ferguson.

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Surveyors: S. A. Cherry, F. B. Read, R. [p.396] Wallace, R. R. Williams, J. Bayless, J. Earle, A. Jones, J. C. Duncan, W. Fullwood, Q. M. Bellows, E. T. Wimpey, L. B. Hardin, R. Mosely, J. Brown, R. Henderson (12), A. Martin, S. A. Martin, Russ Davis and Edward Cheatham.

Coroners: W. Goshen, William Cherry, O. Wallace, John Tory, J. Withworth, H. Bacon, G. McMullen, J. B. Lewis (2), Joshua Hicks, T. M. Peak, John Peak, J. Markham, Wm. Maggerson, P. H. Berry, R. Hood, J. A. Lyles, J. W. Jones, P. Houston, M. L. Johnson, Jeff Rives, S. N. W. Whitting (6), B. Westmoreland, John Terry, S. R. Rushing (11), Shipp Cobb, J. Smith, D. Sumrell (15), C. E. Rasberry and Eli Jackson.

Assessors: B. C. Crump, A. J. Haynes (7), W. L. Copeland, Jubilee Adams, G. W. Oglesby, L. P. Berry, J. Wofford, H. Waterford, R. Y. Logan, J. R. Rooks and W. J. Harden.

In the Territorial legislature Crittenden County was represented by the following named: In 1827, John Johnson; 1829, W. D. Ferguson; 1831, James Livingston. In the council during these years, G. C. Barfield, E. H. Bridges and W. W. Elliot served.

In 1886 the Territory of Arkansas was admitted to the Union of States, and Crittenden, since that time has sent the following members to the General Assembly:

Senate: In 1836-40, W. D. Ferguson; 1842-44, A. G. Greer; 1844-45, P. G. Rives; 1846-53, G. W. Underhill; 1854-61, Thomas B. Craighead; 1865, T. Lamberson; 1866-67, O. P. Lyles; 1873, Asa Hodges; 1874-75, J. M. Pollard and C. L. Sullivan; 1879-81, R. G. Williams; 1883-85, R. F. Crittenden; 1887-89, Riddick Pope.

House: In 1837-38, C. N. Blackmore and J. N. Calvert; 1838, W. C. Trice and L. H. Bedford; 1840, T. M. Collins and A. J. Greer; 1842-43, Thomas M. Collins and P. G. Rives; 1844-49, Thomas M. Collins; 1852-53, J. A. Lovejoy; 1854-55, James F. Barton; 1856-57, Henry B. Edmonson; 1858-59, O. P. Lyles; 1860-61, B. L. Armstrong; 1864-65, F. Thrusby; 1866-67, R. C. Jones; 1868-69, Asa Hodges; 1871-73, Adam Johnson; 1874, S. P. Swepston and J. F. Smith; 1875, W. L. Copeland; 1877, James Wofford; 1879, A. C. Brewer; 1881, R. F. Crittenden; 1883, Daniel Lewis; 1885, Asa Hodges; 1887, S. S. Odom; 1889, Asa Hodges.

Many of the men who have served Crittenden County in these various official capacities, whether in State or in county positions, have been men of rare personal attainments and ability, highly educated and intelligent, some absolutely self-made, as Asa Hodges, who, from youth has been the architect of his own fortune. He served in the house of the General Assembly in 1868-69, was elected to the State senate in 1873 and while still a member of that body, was elected to the National Congress. Few men with brighter minds than Mr. Hodges are found in any land, none with a more patriotic devotion to his country. Conservative in his views, he is never blinded by trifles which float in the atmosphere of party strife, but always seeks with the mildest measures harmonious adjustment for the good of all. In his declining years his powerful mind still retains the activity of younger days, and Crittenden County had no better man than he to return to the General Assembly in 1888, at which election he received a large majority of votes, and the earnest support of the county's best citizens.

In 1832 the United States Government constructed a road west from Memphis to Little Rock, over which they moved the Indians from the States east of the Mississippi River. It passes west through Crittenden County a lengthof twenty-six miles, and immediately after its construction became the grand highway for emigration to all western points. This was the only passage through the Wilderness, as the Mississippi bottoms were called at that time, and Texas received its flood of pioneers from over this highway, as did Kansas, Nebraska and Western Missouri; so from the time of its completion till 1860 there was hardly a day of any month in all those years, but what, from any point along its path, long trains of wagons could be seen slowly wending their way beneath the overhanging trees, and through the swamps that often lay for many miles along their track.

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Crittenden County is well supplied with railroads, having in the aggregate about seventy-one [p.397] miles of track belonging to three different lines of roads, all passing through its territory and terminating at the river opposite Memphis.

The first road constructed through the county was the Memphis & Little Rock. It is nineteen miles long, passing southwest from Hopefield through Mound City and Proctor Township.

The Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis Railroad, completed in 1883, passes from West Memphis northwest through Mound City, Jasper, Wappanocca and Fogleman Townships, and has a length in this county of twenty-six miles.

The Memphis or Bald Knob branch of the Iron Mountain Railroad was completed through Crittenden County in 1888; it also has a length here of twenty-six miles, and traverses west from West Memphis, through Mound City, Jasper and Jackson Townships.

These various lines of railroads represent in value about one-half of the taxable property of the county.

In Crittenden County there are twenty-one school districts, in all of which school is held during several months of the year.

The county examiner's report of 1888 shows a total enrollment of 3,570 children of school age.

To employ teachers for the education of this large school population the county has abundant funds, for while the amount expended for teachers' salaries in 1888 was $9,874 the income from various sources was $16,934, leaving a balance in the hands of the county treasurer of over $7,000. With this large sum, and with the interest that the people of the county are taking in educational matters, it will be plainly seen that Crittenden County will soon have as good chools as any county in the State.

The Methodist Church of Marion was organized many years ago by some of the old pioneers of this section. In 1879 a fire in the town destroyed this church, soon after which the ladies of Marion, taking the matter in hand, were instrumental in raising funds for the erection of another edifice. The new building was completed a year or so later; it is a tasty and ornamental structure, costing about $800. Mr. Smith and Dr. Whitsitt, superintended the work, and lent such assistance as was needed from time to time.

In May, 1889, Col. J. F. Smith, and others started the Marion Reform, a weekly newspaper, whose purpose was to improve and elevate the morals of the citizens, and improve the intellectual condition of the people generally. A paper published by the colored people at Marion, called the Marion Headlight, had been in circulation for about two years, and was outspoken, and strenuous in inciting the colored people to discontent and discord. The promoters of the reform advocated a practice of fair and just dealing, showing the colored people, that as peace was their everlasting hope, its preservation was equally essential to all, both white and black. Mr. W. M. Holmes, the present publisher, has had it in charge but a short time, yet he is building his publication into a creditable county newspaper, and one that is destined to wield decided influence.

There are no towns in Crittenden County that can be properly so called except Marion, the county seat. This village is situated fourteen miles northeast of Memphis, and five miles directly west from the Mississippi River. The settlement near here was made early in the nineteenth century by Augustine Grandee, who settled on a lake that still bears his name. Around this old Spaniard's settlement soon clustered others, seeking favorable situations for a home, till, in 1826, when the commissioners appointed by the county court to select a site for the seat of justice for the county, chose this point; so on the banks of Lake Grandee, which is navigable in high water, the town of the future seat of justice was laid out. The alternate lots of twenty acres were deeded to Crittenden County by Marion Tolbert and wife, Temperance, and the name Marion given to the town was likely bestowed in honor of Mr. Tolbert. A postoffice was soon established, and the first postmaster was (upon the authority of Mr. William Vance) Sam Gilbert. Among the early merchants was Capt. McAlister.

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The principal industries now in the place are represented by the following: General stores, James Bassett, William M. Bingham, Lewis & Newman, Raymond Henderson, A. F. Ferguson, Samuel D. [p.398] Bassett, J. R. Chase, T. Ankrun and J. F. Smith; lawyers, L. P. Berry, R. F. Crittenden; physicians, W. M. Bingham, T. O. Bridgforh, W. R. Barton; blacksmith, G. W. Hunter; cotton-gins, Asa Hodges, J. F. Smith, S. C. Cox. R. H. Weaver, Sam Keel and John Burns. There is one white and one colored Methodist Episcopal Church, and three Baptist colored Churches in the place. C. L. Lewis is postmaster. The city officers elected in April, 1889, were: L. D. Blann, mayor; C. L. Lewis, recorder; L. P. Berry, James Bassett, James Brooks, A. W. Mathews, J. S. Smith, aldermen; John Painter, marshal, Frank Forrest, deputy marshal.

Marion is surrounded by a magnificent stretch of cultivated land, thousands of acres surrounding it on every side, while along the military road the plantations extend unbroken to the river, or for more than five miles. In the immediate vicinity are some of the largest and finest cotton plantations to be found in the South.

Marion Lodge No. 3114, K. of H., was organized by the Rev. Mr. Futrell, about 1885. Some of the original members were: C. L. Lewis, A. S. Grigsby, Sam Bassett, James Bassett, A. H. Ferguson, J. R. Chase and J. H. Smith.

In 1883 the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Galveston Railroad was completed to the bank of the Mississippi River opposite Memphis. The company at once built a station and made railroad yards, to which Gen. Nettleton gave the name of West Memphis.

In 1870 Robert and Hope Vance settled on about 600 acres that had been bought by their father, William Vance, for his children. This was all wild land, and the Vance boys built a log-cabin in which they "bached."

In 1875 Robert built a neat frame residence, which now stands opposite the railroad station. Up to the completion of the railroad these were the only houses at this point.

In 1884 Robert, Frank and Arthur Yance conceived the idea of laying out a town here. All the buildings erected there have been built on this site or on the land of Hope Vance, which has been laid out as an addition to the town.

In 1888 the Memphis branch of the Iron Mountain Railroad was completed to West Memphis, and the trains cross on the Kansas City transfer boats.

There are three stores there now, conducted by Winchester Bros., Richard Bros. and C. B. Gwin.

The St. Louis Wood & Willow Factory have just completed their large manufacturing establishment here, and in the near future will give employment to a large force of hands.

In 1885 a postoffice was established and Robert Vance was appointed first postmaster; he has since held the commission and had charge of the office.

The present population is about 200, but on the completion of the Memphis bridge, now in the course of erection, it will offer great opportunities for business investment.

In the early history of this county Mound City was one of its important points. It was located on the Mississippi, a few miles above Memphis, and was made the terminus of the military road. Early in 1850 and 1860 there were several stores here, and immediately after the war they did an extensive trade, it being the distributing point for all the interior country. There were several large hotels, only one of which is standing now, and that is a ruin. In 1865 the steamboat Sultana, crowded with discharged Federal soldiers returning home, blew up in the channel in front of Mound City. It was a horrible accident, in which it is estimated that 2,000 people lost their lives. The boat sank in the channel, and around the old hull a bar soon began to form. It enlarged from year to year, and soon changed the channel of the river. The bar thus formed about the sunken hull is now an island of considerable size, and completely shuts off Mound City from the river. So, as it has no river trade, and the railroads taking the freight to the interior, it is now nothing more than the barest remembrance of what it used to be. There is one store here, kept by John Malone, who is also postmaster. Several large and fertile plantations are around this old place.

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The village of Crawfordsville is situated in the eastern part of Jackson Township, in the western part of Crittenden County. It is in the center of [p.399] a farming district that was settled many years ago, and surrounded by some of the choicest and most productive lands in the State. It is a great cotton-producing section, and since the completion of the Memphis branch of the Iron Mountain Railway it is rapidly growing into an active business center.

There is a larger area of arable land about Crawfordsville than in any other part of the county.

The business interests consist of four general stores, conducted by A. R. Strong, J. H. Williams & Bro., Arthur Blann and R. G. Logan; one saloon by A. M. Gibson; two steam cotton-gins by Mrs. Jenkins and Mr. Swepston.

A white Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and several churches for the colored people are found, besides two schools for the colored children and one for the white. B. M. Williams is the postmaster, and the village has a population of about 200 souls.

Edmond M. Apperson, Jr., an enterprising citizen of Proctor Township, owes his nativity to the State of Kentucky, where he was born, in Shelby County, August 25, 1858, being the son of J. W. and Margaret A. (Thomas) Apperson, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively. J. W. Apperson was connected with the business house of E. M. Apperson, Sr., at Memphis, Tenn., prominent wholesale grocers, cotton factors and commission merchants, and met his death at the battle of Shiloh. Mrs. Apperson continued to reside in Memphis after her husband's demise, and gave her children liberal advantages for obtaining an education. By her union with Mr. Apperson she became the mother of three children: Edmond M., Jr., Bertha (wife of C. H. Bond, of Cuero, Tex.) and John W. (traveling salesman). Edmond M., Jr., passed his boyhood days in the schools of Memphis, and at the age of fifteen entered the college at Lexington, Va., a well-known and popular military institution. At the expiration of three years he accepted a position as shipping clerk in the firm of E. M. Apperson & Co. In 1886 he was united in matrimony with Miss E. D. Jeffies, and to their union two children have been born: William J. and Edmond M. (who died in 1888). Mr. Apperson and Mr. Jeffies are the owners of 240 acres of valuable land, as mentioned in the sketch of Mr. Jeffies. Politically the former is a Democrat and exerts considerable influence in the county during election. He comes from one of the oldest families to settle in Memphis, and is a man whom it is a pleasure to meet. Popular in business and social circles, he is well worthy the confidence and esteem reposed in him by the entire community.

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Maj. James F. Barton (deceased), whose portrait appears in this volume, was one of the most prominent citizens of this county as well as of the State. The Barton family is one that is well known in connection with the history of Arkansas, and is of English-Irish lineage. The first history that we have of them is a Barton, whose given name is unknown, that came to this country and settled in Charlotte County, Va., long before the Revolutionary War, where his son, James Barton, is supposed to have been born, and he is known to have immigrated to Abbeville District, S. C. He also had a son, James, who was born February 22, 1772, in Charlotte County, Va. He left his native State in 1784, going to South Carolina with his father, where he remained for ten years, when he married and went to Mercer County in 1794; in 1796 to Barren County, where he died September 24, 1846. He was a self-made man, having started with little but his hands, and a determined mind to make his fortune, which he did, for he was very wealthy when he died. He was an earnest worker in the Christian Baptist Church, very charitable, of a pushing and energetic turn of mind. James Barton, son of the above, was born July 5, 1794, in Mercer County, Ky., and in 1823 he moved to Henry County, Tenn., where he remained till 1835, when he moved to

Tipton County, Tenn., where he died March 5, 1852. James Forbes Barton, son of the above and subject of our sketch, was born in Henry County Tenn., December 7, 1824. He went to Barren County, Ky., where he reached his majority, and received the last years of his educational training. While in this county he was married [p.400] December 7, 1847, to Frances B. Edmunds, who was born December 7, 1831. In 1850 they moved to Texas, but at the request of his father returned in 1852, and settled in Crittenden County, where he purchased large tracts of land, on which he made many valuable improvements. He also engaged in steamboating, and having become very prominent in politics was elected to the legislature and was afterward county and probate judge. At the outbreak of the Civil War he was a sympathizer of the Union, but when the South seceded, he took sides with his State and joined the Confederate army, and after casting his lot with the South, he took active part and served with great credit. He organized a company in Crittenden County, of which he was made captain of the rank of major. He was assistant quartermaster under the then chief quartermaster of the Trans-Mississippi Department, Maj. John D. Adams, of Little Rock, Ark. He held the position of collector of cotton-tax till 1863, when he was recommissioned to organize a battalion in the Confederate States. Going into the service as a captain in

Col. Dobbin's regiment, he was commissioned by the department to go into Georgia to secure arms for the soldiers. After making four trips, he secured enough arms to equip nearly all of Gen. Price's army, previous to the last raid through Missouri, Kansas and Indian Territory. Near the close of the war he was made major, which office he filled till the close, when he surrendered at Mound City, this county, in 1865. During the war the Federal troops burned his home, leaving his family in very destitute circumstances, having neither food nor clothing. The war ended, he returned to his family and took active part in righting the wrongs brought on by the long contest. He held the office of county judge till the reconstruction, when he was disqualified. He then moved to Memphis, Tenn., where he owned considerable property, and lived there till his death, which occurred October 11, 1873, of yellow fever. While in Memphis he became very prominently engaged in the manufacture of cotton-seed oil, and was the cause of the establishing of the second cotton-seed-oil mill in the city of Memphis, and at the time of his death was superintendent of the Memphis Cotton Seed Oil Company. He never raised a bale of cotton in his life, but was mostly engaged in buying and selling real estate, and before the war owned quite a number of slaves; he also owned the ferry-boats that ran between Memphis and Arkansas from 1857 to 1860 and after the war for several years. He was always foremost in any movement to develop the county, was liberal and charitable to a fault, and was an active member of the church, having joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Louisville, and upon his arrival at Memphis united with the First Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at that place, and was later made steward of the same. Maj. Barton had a family of eight children, seven of whom lived to be grown, and five are still living, as follows: William Edmunds, James T., Charles F., Richard (deceased), H. F. (deceased in his twenty-fourth year), Dr. Robert W., John F. (who died at the age of twenty-two years) and Lee. After the death of the Major, his wife was married to Col. A. M. Hardin, of Marshall County, Miss. She visited, in 1888, her childhood's home in Barren County, Ky., hoping to be restored to health. While there surrounded by relatives, including three of her sons, she died expressing complete faith in Christ. She was for forty-four years a devout Christian and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. She was an estimable lady and loving wife, and cooperated with Maj. Barton during the adverse as well as the favorable circumstances of his life.

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Frank H. Barton (deceased), remembered as among the leading influential residents of this community, was born in Henry County, Tenn., February 22, 1832, and died August 30, 1884. He was reared in Tipton County, Tenn., and came to Crittenden County from Memphis in 1852, locating on an island near Marion, where he had only fourteen acres of land under cultivation. In the fall of 1859 he built the handsome residence in which his family still lives. From the small place of fourteen acres, under his energetic and careful management, grew the large farm that consisted of over 1,000 acres, with 500 acres in an excellent state of cultivation at the time of his death. He was elected treasurer of Crittenden County before the war, when he took an active part in political, school and church matters, and joined the Christian Church of Memphis in 1872. He joined the Confederate army near the close of the late war, and did active service till the close of the war. Mr. Barton was first married to Alice E. Fogleman, who was born November 22, 1842, in this county, where she was reared and where she died December 26, 1865. She was the daughter of John and Elizabeth A. (Trice) Fogleman, and was the mother of one child, Frank G., who is unmarried and living on the home place. Mr. Barton was a second time married January 8, 1867, his wife being Lizzie Edmunds, a native of Barren County, Ky., and the daughter of Charles P. and

Elizabeth (Eubank) Edmunds, who came from Virginia to Barren County. The father was born in 1811, and died in his seventy-second year; his wife was also born in 1811, and died November 24, 1881. They were both members of the Christian Church, of which he was also an elder. They reared a family of ten children to be grown, of whom Mrs. Barton is the sixth. She attained womanhood in Kentucky, where she was married to the subject of this sketch. This couple were the parents of eight children, of whom five are still living, viz.: Mamie B. (now the wife of G. A. Fogleman), Louis W., Charles G., Perry A. and Richard B.; those deceased are Charles E., James C. and Robert E. Most people are familiar with the history of the great disaster that occurred opposite Mound City, March 27, 1885, by the explosion of a boiler on the steamer Mark Twain. There were five white ladies on the boat, among whom was Mrs. Barton; there were two white men killed, both of whom were from Kentucky; seven colored men were also killed in the wreck. The names of the officers were as follows: Captain, G. A. Fogleman; pilot, J. E. Pennell; engineer, Henry Gayham, and the bar-keeper was Frank Huxtable. Capt. McLone, who had charge of the boat only a short time before, had his leg broken, and Capt. Fogleman had his leg broken in two places, and the pilot escaped without injury. Mrs. Barton's daughter and niece were also on board, but none of the ladies were injured. When the Sultana sank just below this place, in 1865, Mrs. Barton's people were the instruments in saving many of the doomed soldiers. The Barton family stands among the most prominent and best-liked people of Crittenden County. They are noted for their public-spirited and liberal-minded disposition, and have done much to advance the development of their county. [p.401]

JAMES F. BARTON. (DECEASED) CRITTENDEN COUNTY, ARKANSAS.

[p.403] R. B. Barton, a prominent citizen of Crittenden County, was born in Tipton County, Tenn., in 1839, and is the youngest of eleven children, born to James and Elizabeth W. (Hardin) Barton, who were natives of Kentucky. The father was a farmer by occupation, and died in Tennessee in 1851. The maternal grandfather was a major in the Revolutionary War, and fought in the battle of Cowpens. After the father's death, the family moved to Crittenden County, Ark., and settled on Rosebrough Island, in 1852. R. B. Barton lived with his brothers, J. F. and F. H., till 1865, when they moved to Mound City, where they bought 200 acres of unimproved land, of which R. B. cleared sixty acres up to the outbreak of the war. In 1861 he enlisted in a cavalry company, known as the Crittenden Rangers, which went to Kentucky, and was in Hardin's division, which took part in the battle of Shiloh. Then the regiment was reorganized, and Mr. Barton returned to Crittenden County, where, in company with Col. McGee, he raised a company of which he was elected first lieutenant. This company was engaged in scouting and police duty, and during the war captured three steamboats. Lieut. Barton was captured in 1863, and was placed in prison at Memphis for two months, when he was removed to Johnson's Island for eleven months. He returned home in 1864, and commenced the planting and timber business. In 1868 he went on a farm of thirty-five acres, at Mound City, and in 1885, when he had improved it till it was worth $14,000, he sold it. In 1888 he bought eight acres on the Bald Knob Railroad, where he built a station, and has put about $10,000 worth of improvements, consisting of a cotton-gin, with all modern improvements, at a cost of $3,000, a store, livery stable, hotel, and, in fact, he owns [p.404] everything at the station. Mr. Barton was married in 1865, to Miss Fannie K. Fogleman, a daughter of John Fogleman, one of the pioneers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Barton are the parents of three children, of whom two are dead, Lizzie (died at the age of fifteen years, while attending school at Fayetteville), Mary Alice (who is now attending school at Memphis) and Gussie (who died at the age of twelve years). Mr. Barton moved to Memphis in 1885, and has since resided there. He is a progressive and energetic business man, and has done very much toward the iprovement of Crittenden County.

James T. Barton is justly numbered in the list of Crittenden County's most prominent farmers. A native of Tipton County, Tenn., he is the second child in order of birth born to the union of James F. and Frances (Edmonds) Barton, natives of Kentucky. [See sketch of J. F. Barton.] James T. received his education in Memphis, Tenn., and at Louisville, Ky-, where he attended the graded schools, obtaining thorough and practical instruction. At the age of eighteen he went in company with his father to Memphis, and engaged with him in the Cotton Seed Oil Company., in which he held the position of foreman for some time. When twenty-six years old he came to this county, and embarked in farming and merchandising. During the war Mr. Barton was three times a prisoner before he had reached his thirteenth year, once in the Union Block, at Memphis. He has been twice married: first, in 1877, to Miss Lizzie B. Hardin, a daughter of Col. A. M. Hardin, of Mississippi, and by her became the father of four children, one now living, James A. (at home). Mrs. Barton died in 1882, and in 1888 he was united in marriage with Miss Vara M. Hoblitzell, of Baltimore, Md., whose parents, William and Henrietta (Gephardt) Hoblitzell, were natives of Maryland. They had a family of ten children, five of whom survive: Oliver, Fetter S., Lottie V. (wife of G. M. Wolf), Sue G. (now Mrs. J. C. Zimmerman) and Vara M. (Mrs. Barton). In 1877 Mr. Barton settled on lands purchased by himself, but at the present time is leasing some 2,000 acres, 1,300 of which he controls individually, and in addition 900, in which he has a partner. He raises about 1,000 bales of cotton on the two places, and is one of, if not the largest, land leasers in the county. It would be difficult to find a man more popular, or one who enjoys the undivided esteem and respect of all to a greater extent than Mr. Barton; always courteous, a perfect gentleman, jolly, quick at repartee, he never wounds a friend, and his mirth harbors no sting nor bitterness. He was appointed sheriff of this county, pending an election, to fill the unexpired term of Henry Ward, in 1878, and in the same year was elected to the office, which he filled with entire satisfaction. He also acted as county collector, and during that time the acting sheriff died, and Mr. Barton was again appointed to fill the latter position. He has served as justice of the peace of his township, and has been one of the associate justices of this county. He is a Knight of Honor, belonging to Crawfordville Lodge No. 3110, and is a member of the A. F. & A. M. Politically he is a Democrat. Both Mr. and Mrs. Barton are members of high standing, in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and are very popular in society.

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Robert W. Barton, M.D., considered among the profession as one of the leading physicans, and an upright and honest citizen of Crittenden County, was born in this county, March 17, 1860, to the union of James F. and Frances (Edmonds) Barton. [See sketch.] Robert W. Barton spent most of his youth in Memphis, Tenn., and was educated in the common schools of Louisville, Ky., and the Lincoln public school of St. Louis, Mo. In 1876, during the big strike in St. Louis, he volunteered as a soldier and served throughout that affray in that city, the youngest of 3,000 volunteers, and did active and honorable service for eleven days while quelling the riot. He was requested and urged by his officers to become a West Point cadet at large from Missouri, but owing to the fact that he was a son of a Confederate soldier he could not be appointed, although endorsed by Capt. Elerby, Lieut. Barlow and other officers, and quite a number of prominent men of both Nashville and Memphis, Tenn. In 1879 he entered the State University of Tennessee, and owing to his ill health remained for [p.405] only two years, and commenced the study of medicine in Memphis with Dr. Rogers as his preceptor, in 1882, and later he assisted R. D. Murray, United States army surgeon for four months. In 1883, he was appointed interne in the city hospital of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore, Md., from which school he graduated in 1884, and returned to Memphis, Tenn., where he commenced the practice of his profession. In July of that year he came to this county, where he has since practiced. While in Memphis he was a member of the State Medical Association of Tennessee, and is now of the Tri-State Medical Society of Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee, and president of the board of medical examiners of this county. Dr. Barton was married to Miss Mamie G. Grasty, who was born in Danville, Va., and was reared in Baltimore, Md., where she graduated from the Western Female High School, taking the Peabody medal. She then graduated from the Maryland Musical Institute, under Prof. May. Mrs. Barton is a very highly educated lady and is in every

way an estimable woman. She is the mother of two children: Phebe Housen and Francis Edmunds. She is an active and prominent member of the Second Presbyterian Church of Memphis, Tenn.

James Bassett, merchant and farmer of Marion, was born in Vicksburg, Miss., in 1845, and is the son of Samuel and Lydia (French) Bassett, who are natives of England. They came to the United States before their marriage and were united at Vicksburg, making their home there, whence he went into the Mexican War. Soon after his return from the war he died of yellow fever, and after his death the mother and family remained at Vicksburg where Mrs. Bassett was married to David McClure, a native of Mississippi. In 1856 Mr. and Mrs. McClure moved to Memphis, and in the following year to Crittenden County, Ark., where the aged mother still lives, her husband having died in 1871. To her first marriage were born two sons, James and Samuel D., and by the second marriage was born one child (now deceased). Before the war James Bassett made his home in Memphis most of the time and at the commencement of the war joined the Confederate army as a private in the Twenty-first Tennessee Regiment, under Col. Pickett. He served three years and was not in any battles of note; was in Memphis when that city was besieged. After the war he returned to Crittenden County, where he has since lived and has been engaged in farming, and in 1883 embarked in the merchandising business at Marion, and to-day is one of the most prominent citizens of that place. He was married to Mary A. Fox, who was born in Memphis and reared in Arkansas, and a daughter of John H. and Eva (Echeiner) Fox, natives of Germany. The mother died in 1889 at a very old age. To Mr. and Mrs. Bassett have been born four children: Lydia E., Mary E. (who is the wife of Dr. T. O. Bridge-forth), Samuel C. and Virginia M. Politically, Mr. Bassett is a Democrat and is a member of the Knights of Honor, Lodge No. 3114 of Marion. This family is composed of fine-looking people and has been noted for some time for its remarkable health. Mr. Bassett in many ways is a typical western man, imbued with that vim, enterprise and push so characteristic of the free sons of the West, and has done much for the advancement of his county.

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Samuel D. Bassett, a merchant and farmer of Marion, was born in Vicksburg, Miss., in 1846, and is the son of Samuel and Lydia (French) Bassett. [See sketch preceding.] When a small boy Samuel Bassett moved to Memphis with his mother, and from here they soon came to Crittenden County, Ark. During the war the mother and her two children went to Cincinnati, and after staying there a few months, Samuel returned to this county, and in 1864 attended the Christian Brothers' College, at St. Louis. After leaving college in 1865, he returned to this county, where he has lived ever since, except two years (1870 and 1871) that he spent in Texas and Kansas. He commenced business for himself at the age of twenty-one years, and has since been engaged in farming and merchandising. He first put in a stock of general merchandise, which he sold in 1878, and has since been doing a general business. He now has a stock of goods at Marion, and one at Gavin Station, where he had an establishment several years before the station was founded. This station is on the old [p.406] place that was first settled by his people, and on which his mother still lives. Mr. Bassett was married in 1875 to Miss Love Swepston, who was born in Ohio, and is a daughter of John Swepston. This union was blessed by one child (Musetta) in 1876. Mr. Bassett has always taken an active part in educational matters, and his prominence in these affairs has given him a position as director on the school board; he is also postmaster at Gavin Station. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of Lodge No. 3114, K. of H, of Marion. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are good Christian people, well liked by all.

William Matthews Bigham, M. D., a merchant and druggist, of Marion, Ark., is one of its most prominent business men. He is of Irish descent and was born in Shelby County, Tenn., in 1859, being the only survivor of a family of three children born to William M. and Mary F. (Winston) Bigham. The paternal grandparents were born in Ireland and came to America about the time of their son's (William M.) birth, which occurred in 1816. William M. Bigham was reared in North Carolina and moved to Mississippi and from there to Tennessee in 1850. In Mississippi he was engaged in farming and milling, and while here he met and married a Mrs. Matthews in Tennessee. The wife accompanied her parents to that State in 1832, when she was nine years of age. Here she attained her womanhood and was married to M. S. Matthews, a native of North Carolina, who died in Shelby County, Tenn., nine years after his marriage, leaving a wife and four children, two of whom are still living: Adolphus and Virginia. After Mr. Bigham was married to this lady he sold out his business in Mississippi and moved to Shelby County, Tenn., where he remained for one year, and in January of 1860 moved across the river into Crittenden County, Ark., living here until his death which occurred two years later. Mr. Bigham was a member of the Presbyterian Church and his wife of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Bigham is now sixty-six years of age and resides with her son William M. In 1865 the family returned to Tennessee, where William M. Bigham reached his majority. He had but poor advantage for an early education, and with the desire for a complete literary knowledge he commenced the study of medicine with his half brother, B. A. Matthews, who was a physician and graduate of the Old University of Nashville. Dr. Bigham remained here till he was nineteen years old, when he entered the Vanderbilt University of Nashville, and one year later went to St. Louis,

where he graduated in March, 1881. After his graduation he returned to Shelby County, Tenn., where he practiced his profession for two years, then moving to Arkansas; he has since lived here and practiced medicine, being engaged also in merchandising and the drug business. The Doctor married Mary E. Brown, who was born in this county, a daughter of James and Katie Brown, also among the native residents of Crittenden. Mrs. Bigham is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and is an estimable lady in every respect. Dr. Bigham is a Democrat politically and a member of the Baptist Church. He is an honest, upright and worthy citizen, having by his short time in business placed himself in a worthy position in the hearts of his fellow-citizens.

L. D. Blann is a young farmer and broker at Marion, Crittenden County. Born in De Soto County, Miss., in 1860, he is the oldest of a family of five boys of J. C. and Mary Jane Blann. The father was a farmer by occupation and came to this county in 1876, living here till his death, which occurred in 1885. His wife died while L. D. was a child. The latter spent his youth on his father's farm in Mississippi where he attended the free schools, and after his father came to Arkansas he was a student at the college at La Grange, Tenn., until 1881. Upon leaving college, Mr. Blann returned to Crawfordsville and engaged in buying cotton seed until 1884, when he moved to Marion, since giving his attention to buying cotton, cotton seed, cattle, etc. He has also been extensively interested in farming, and the past year, 1889, had in a crop f 100 acres of cotton. Mr. Blann was married to Miss Julia B. Johnson, January 9, 1885. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Lodge No. 375, at Crawfordsville, and is an industrious, energetic citizen.

[p.407] A. D. Blann is recognized as an energetic and enterprising young merchant at Crawfordsville. He was born in 1865, being the son of J. C. Blann, a native of Tennessee. [See sketch.] Mr. Blann reached his majority in Arkansas, having come to this county in 1875, and has since lived here. He was educated in the high schools of Memphis, Tenn. and commenced for himself in 1883 as a stock dealer, soon afterward entering into general merchandising at the above place. In a short time he closed out this business and entered the employ of E. Buck & Co., remaining from 1883 to 1887, when he resumed his former business at a place called Needmore. One year later he opened up the business at Crawfordsville. Mr. Blann is one of the most promising young men of this county, and is now enjoying a trade of about $60,000 per year. He conducts a general supply business, dealing also in cotton and cotton seed. He was married March 1, 1889, to Winnie Spicer, a native of Shelby County, Tenn., and the daughter of R. S. Spicer, one of the leading farmers of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Blann have an elegant home built in 1889. They are both social young people and are much respected by their host of acquaintances.

Levi Barton Boon, the present efficient and popular postmaster and a dealer in general merchandise at Gilmore, was born in Yates County, N. Y., June 24, 1841, and is the son of Eli Alonzo Hogaboom, a native of Germany, who came to New York when a young man, and lived there till his death. He was married to Miss Margaret Wells, who was born in New York, and is now living in Tioga County, Penn. To Mr. and Mrs. Hogaboom were born eight children, of whom the subject of our sketch is the fourth child. The mother was afterward married to a Mr. Boon, from whom L. B. Boon takes his name. L. B. was reared in New York, and never received a day's schooling in his life. In 1861 he enlisted in the Fourth Regiment of Ohio Cavalry, and did active service throughout the war, being discharged at Nashville, Tenn., July 20, 1865. During the civil strife he fought in the severe battles of Chickamauga, Murfreesboro, Lookout Mountain, Stone River, Atlanta, Ringgold, and was in Wilson's raid from Eastport, Miss., to Macon, Ga. He was wounded four different times, once by a spent-ball hitting him between the eyes, a scar of which he will carry to his grave; and once by being shot below the knee, besides two other slight wounds. After his discharge he remained in Nashville until 1868, when he went to Burning Springs,

Va., in the oil regions, and went from there to Kentucky the following year. He went from Kentucky to Jackson, Tenn., where he was married January 12, 1873, to Miss Charlotte Emaline Stock, who was born in Union County, N. C., in June, 1861. She is the mother of seven children: Amos Alonzo, Emma (deceased), Levi Barton (deceased), Margaret (deceased), John T., Nellie G. and Edwin. Mr. Boon commenced railroading at Jackson, Tenn., and followed this occupation till 1883, when he came to Gilmore in the fall of the same year. He opened the first street in the village of Gilmore, where he carries a stock of goods worth $1,500. He also has a livery stable and a farm of about 200 acres in cultivation. In 1883 he built the first cotton-gin in this part of the county at a cost of about $1,500. He has been a Democrat since casting his first vote, which was for McClellan. He is a Master Mason, and a member of Frenchman Bayou Lodge No. 251, in which he is Steward. He also belongs to the K. of H. Lodge at Marion. Mr. Boon is one of the most energetic business men in the county, and it is from his efforts that the village of Gilmore now exists. He was justice of the peace in the township for two years, and is at present serving his second term as notary public, having also been the same four years in Tennessee,

appointed by the Governor.

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William D. Brooks, a leading farmer and stock raiser of Crittenden County, was born in Shelby County, Tenn., October 5, 1856, and is the first of four children born to Hugh M. and Mattie J. (Scott) Brooks. The father was born in Nashville, Tenn., September 20, 1835. He was the son of Isaac Winston Brooks, who was born in Virginia and died in Tennessee. Mrs. Brooks was a daughter of Eli Scott, and was born in Shelby County, Tenn., October 17, 1840. She was the mother of four [p.408] children now living and four deceased; those living are William D., Hugh L., John M. and Frank S. Hugh M. Brooks, the father, was a prominent man who immigrated to this county from Shelby County, Tenn., January 7, 1861, and

located on 320 acres of land, which he purchased near where William D. now lives. He served three years in the Confederate army, and was appointed judge of this county by the Governor at one time. He was filling the office of justice of the peace at the time of his death, which occurred March 9, 1889. William D. Brooks was reared in Shelby County, Tenn., and received his education at the La Grange College of Tennessee, and was married October 20, 1880, to Birdie E. Shepard, who was born in Yazoo City, Miss., March 8, 1864, and is the daughter of C. D. and Bettie (Hottiman) Shepard. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks are the parents of two children, both living. Mr. Brooks now resides on the old homestead that his father purchased when he came to this county. He is a member of the Masonic order and is Master of the lodge to which he belongs; is also a member of the K. of H. He is a Democrat in politics, and cast his first presidential vote for Tilden. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, as his parents were, are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. They are prominent in their county, and enjoy the respect of their acquaintances.

William H. Brown, an enterprising farmer of Wappanocca Township, was born in Hardeman County, Tenn., May 10, 1834, and is the son of John Brown, whose birth occurred in Williamson County, Tenn., in 1806. He always resided in that State, following the calling of a farmer and merchant. He was married to Rachel Hamor, also of Tennessee nativity, and to them were born nine children, of whom William H. was the sixth. The father was a son of William Brown, of Irish descent; he died in 1875, and his wife followed four years later. William H. was reared in his native State, where he received a limited education, and was married to Mary N. Craig in 1859. She was also born there in 1840 and is the daughter of David and Nancy Craig, of Tennessee. Mr. and Brown are the parents of twelve children, of whom the following eight are now living: James W., Robert H., Charles F., Samuel F., M. Ellen, Alice, Minnie P. and Lester, all at home. In 1874 Mr. Brown emigrated from Lauderdale County, Tenn., to where he now lives, and in the following year purchased a farm of 160 acres, with sixty acres under cultivation. He now has one of the finest places in Crittenden County, there being about 125 acres under cultivation. In 1881 he erected a cotton-gin, which he has run very successfully ever since, and in 1889 attached a shingle-machine. The entire plant runs by steam, and cost about $2,000. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and are good, honest citizens, being held in the highest esteem by all that know them. The former is a Democrat in politics, and cast his first vote for Buchanan.

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Albert H. Campbell, one of the oldest settlers of Tyronza Township, was born on the farm on which he lives, in 1852, being the only child resulting from the union of Hiram and Julia Marriman (nee Richards) Campbell. Mr. Campbell had been previously married, and was the father of four children by his first wife, of whom Steve and John are the survivors. He came to this State in 1834, and was one of the earliest settlers in this county, having come here before there was any thing in the way of a farm in this section. He only took up 220 acres of land, where he farmed and run a store and also had a ferry on the Tyronza. He raised a great deal of stock and was one of the leading merchants of this county at the time of his eath, which occurred in 1852. Hiram Campbell was born and reared in New York, going from there to Illinois in 1821, and thence to Arkansas by way of the Mississippi River to Wappanocca Lake. Proceeding down that body of water to Big Creek, he floated down the Tyronza River and settled on the bank of the stream in the present Crittenden County. Mrs. Campbell died June 18, 1883, at the age of sixty-three years. Although coming to this State when there was much game, such as bear, elk, deer, turkey, etc., he did not spend much time hunting, but devoted most of his attention to his farms and in rafting logs. A. H. Campbell was reared to farm life and educated in this county, and at the age of sixteen years took charge of his mother's affairs, which he continued until 1885, when the farm was divided. Young Albert got 110 acres of land with seventy-five acres in cultivation, on the home place, and since that time he has added forty acres of wild and twenty acres of cultivated land. Like most farmers in this county he raises considerable cotton, though plenty of corn, hay, etc., is also grown, and he devotes a great portion of his time to cattle and horses in the bottoms, making a specialty of the former. In 1887 Mr. Campbell was united in wedlock to Miss Bettie, daughter of R. C. and Mary E. (May) Hampton, natives of Virginia and Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs. Hampton are the parents of five children, with four still living: Richard, Bettie, Thomas D., J. F. and L. L. (deceased). Mr. Hampton died in 1867 and his wife survived him eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are the parents of two children: Nancy S. and Charles A. Being quite an enterprising young man and a native of this State, Mr. Campbell appreciates the advantages derived from education and emigration, therefore he favors these as an opportunity to develop the excellent qualities of his life-long home.

Thomas Cashion (deceased) was born in Bullitt County, Ky., in May, 1858, and died December 3, 1888, in Crittenden County, Ark. When a boy he went from his birthplace to the State of Texas, where he was married to Miss Nannie E. Rives, January 11, 1880. She was born April 27, 1860, in this county, and is the daughter of Samuel D. Rives, who was born in Kentucky and died here on April 16, 1865. He came from the Blue Grass State, with his parents, when he was a boy. Mrs. Cashion's father was a well-to-do farmer; her mother was born and raised in this county, where she died December 31, 1879, having had four children of whom two are still living: Nannie E. and Edna (who resides in Galveston, Tex.). Mrs. Cashion, the second child, moved from Crittenden County to Texas with her mother, and received her education in the district schools of Collin County, afterward attending the high school in McKinney. She has borne three children: John P. (born October 12, 1880), Mary J. (born April 3, 1882), and Thomas E. (born October 4, 1884). Thomas Cashion, Sr., was an employe of the Houston & Texas Railroad, while in Texas, and remained in that position for nine years. Discontinuing railroading in 1884 he farmed in Texas one year, when he came to this county and located on the farm now owned by his widow, formerly the property of Mr, Rives. This contains 800 acres, with 375 acres in cultivation, and is located on the Mississippi River bottoms. The farm now belongs to Nannie and her sister and never has been divided. Mr. Cashion was a member of the Masonic and Knights of Honor fraternities, and was a good citizen and highly respected. His widow rents all her land, but lives on her farm. Her grandfather, Peter G. Rives, was one of the first settlers of this county, having come here before Pierce was president. He was a large land owner, and cleared most of the land south of West Memphis, and was a prominent and useful citizen.

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Anthony M. Clement (deceased) was a son of William and Mary E. (Brassfield) Clement, natives of North Carolina. He was born January 9, 1826, and was the twelfth child and seventh son of seventeen children, of whom Mary (widow of James Leach, residing near Beebe, Ark.) is the only surviving child. A. M. Clement was born in Tennessee, reared and educated in Gibson County, and at the age of twenty-one engaged in business for himself, principally merchandising, near Humboldt. In 1852 he was married to Mary Catherine, daughter of R. N. and Margaret (Froenabager) Patrick, natives of South Carolina and North Carolina, respectively, but at that time living in Gibson County. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom Mary Catherine was the eldest. During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Clement resided near Humboldt, but took no part in the contest. In the spring of 1867 he moved with his family to Crittenden County, Ark., locating on the Mississippi River, near Bradley's Landing, and in 1869 purchased the tract of land on which his widow now resides. He was of English descent, his grandfather (father of William Clement) having [p.410] come from England many years before the revolt of the colonies, settling in North Carolina. From the beginning of the Revolution he and his sons took an active part, he being surgeon and his sons soldiers in the American army. They were in the battle of King's Mountain, one son being killed. At the age of ninety he married a second wife, who was quite young (mother of William Clement) and lived to see a young family growing up around him. Mr. Clement and wife (parents of the subject of our sketch), were active members in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Clement died in 1867, aged eighty-nine, leaving a second wife, his first wife having died many years before. Anthony M. Clement and wife became the parents of eight children, five of whom are now living. They are: Matilda (who is the second time a widow), Josie M., Robert E. Lee and Benjamin C. (the youngest), all at home with their mother. Lillian, the sixth child and fourth daughter, was married September 13, 1888, to S. S. James, of Jericho, this county. Mr. Clement was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in Gibson County, Tenn., and a member of the A. F. & A. M., and at the time of his death was justice of the peace in his township. He was kind-hearted, genial, generous to a fault; though quick to resent an insult, ready to forgive an injury–a typical Southern gentleman. He died November 24, 1888, being sixty-two years of age. Mrs. Clement is a good, Christain lady, and a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Seth C. Cocks has attained a prominence and merited reputation as one of the leading farmers of this county. Born at the Gayosa Hotel of Memphis, in 1860, while his parents were on their way from Mississippi to Crittenden County, Ark., he was a son of Philip A. Cocks, of Kentucky nativity, who moved from there to Mississippi, where he was married (in Washington County) to Miss Anna C. Egg, a native of that State. Mr. Cocks moved to Arkansas in 1860 and located on the farm he had purchased the previous year. He was an energetic and prosperous farmer and died February 5, 1869, on the place he settled, and on which his family still lives. Mrs. Cocks, his widow, survived him till 1878. They were the parents of three children, of whom Minnie was burned to death at the age of three years, in Crittenden County, Ark.; Seth C., our subject, and Blanche D., an artist of talent, is the widow of Charles L. Lyles, son of Col. Lyles, now of Memphis. [See sketch.] Mr. and Mrs. Lyles gave birth to one son, Philip Lyles. Seth C. Cocks attained his majority in this State, having continued to live on the place settled by his parents in 1860. He is a man of great energy and business ability and one of the successes of his career is seen in the position he now occupies, as the owner of a large farm. His parents having died while he was very young, he has, by his own vim and push, kept up the old place. He attended school in Memphis for two years, and then after spending four years at the Frankfort Military Academy of Kentucky, returned to the home farm and was married to a very estimable lady, Miss Mary Belle Lyles, daughter of Col. Lyles, one of the old and prominent settlers, and for many years clerk of this county, now numbered among the leading lawyers of Memphis. Mrs. Cocks is a very highly educated lady and an excellent conversationalist, and is in every way a woman to be admired. She and her husband are the parents of three children: Amy, Blanche and an infant girl. Mrs. Cocks is a prominent member of the Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. Cocks is a Democrat. He owns a large farm under cultivation bearing all the latest improvements.

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Robert F. Collins, a prosperous planter of Proctor Township, is a native of this county, born December 16, 1843, and the son of Thomas M. Collins, who was born in Virginia, in 1813, and died in Memphis, in 1853. His parents moved from Virginia to Tennessee in an early day, and Thomas came to this State while yet single, marrying, in this county, Miss Virginia W. Hulbert, a native of Pennsylvania. After Mr. Collins' death she was married, in 1857, to W. E. Scanlan, and died in 1878. She was a sister of Henry T. Hulbert, who was a great literary man and a prominent lawyer of Memphis. Thomas M. Collins was one of the early settlers of this county, and a prominent [p.411] man, being popular as a politician; he was a member of the State legislature from an early day until nearly the time of his death, and could have been Governor had he been a Democrat instead of a Whig. He was a large owner of real estate, and was a prominent Mason; was very charitable, and educated many children with his own means. Noted for his integrity, he was mail contractor from Memphis to Little Rock for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Collins were the parents of eight children, of whom three sons are the only survivors. Robert F. Collins was reared in this county, and was educated in St. Joseph's College, of Kentucky, his brothers attending St. Mary's College of Kentucky. He lived with his mother and step-father till twenty-one years of age, when he commenced life for himself as a farmer, which he has followed up to the present time. He and his two brothers jointly own 205 acres of land, with 150 acres under cultivation. Mr. Collins was married January 5, 1870, to Miss Julia Wood, who was born in Brownsville, Tenn., September 4, 1847, and is a daughter of William P. and Ara A. (Leanard) Wood, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively; both died in Brownsville. To Mr. and Mrs. Collins have been given two children: Robert A. and Sadie W. Mr. Collins is a Democrat in polities, and cast his first vote for Hancock. He is a member of the K. of H., and he and his wife are members of the Catholic Church, and are good citizens, and highly respected.

Richard Stephen Combs (deceased), who was an enterprising farmer of Tyronza Township, was born in Carroll County, Va., October 25, 1853, and died October 15, 1889. His parents were both Virginians by birth and came t this county in 1876, locating where the widow of the subject of this sketch now lives. R. S. Combs was married October 23, 1883, to Mrs. Julia F. Cloar, who was born in this county October 11, 1856, the widow of Y. Y. Cloar and daughter of Joseph A. and Julia (Richards) Lyles. Mr. Lyles was born in Obion County, Tenn., and immigrated to Crittenden County, Ark., at an early day. He and his wife both died in this county, the former in 1862 and Mrs. Lyles in 1883. Mrs. Combs lives on the farm that she inherited from her father. It consists of 225 acres, with 125 in cultivation, upon which is a fine young orchard and good buildings. A part of her land is located on the Tryonza River. Mrs. Combs is the mother of one child, Mary Lyles Combs. She is an estimable lady, and is respected by all who know her. She is a sister of Albert H. Campbell, a sketch of whom appears on a previous page.

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Baxter C. Crump (deceased), one of the old and much-esteemed citizens of this county and who for many years was sheriff before and after the late war, was a native of Virginia, born in 1822, and died in 1874. He came to Arkansas some time previous to 1840, and when a young man held the office of county judge, also representing this county in the legislature, being a very prominent politician. He was a Union man at the outbreak of the Civil War, but deeming it his duty to stand by his people he raised three companies, of the second of which he was captain. He was slightly wounded in the ankle at the battle of Belmont, where all of his company but three men deserted him, whereupon he returned home and organized another company being made its captain. He was again wounded at the battle of Helena, Ark., and was afterward quartermaster, doing active service till the close of the war, when he surrendered with his regiment in Arkansas. At the cessation of hostilities he returned home to his family of small children, his wife, formerly Miss Lucy McPeak, having died in 1861, leaving five small children, two of whom are still living, namely: Mrs. Alice Geaurant, at Barton, Ark., and Mrs. Dellan Swepston, in Nashville, Tenn. Mr. Crump was subsequently married to Mrs. Mary E. (Butler) Higgs, a native of North Carolina and daughter of William C. and Courtney R. (Green) Butler, who were also of North Carolina origin, moving to Georgia in 1844. In Floyd County, Ga., Mrs. Crump attained her womanhood and was married to Marcus A. Higgs, formerly from North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Higgs moved to Memphis, Tenn., in 1856, where he practiced law, having studied and been admitted to the bar in Georgia. He remained in Memphis [p.412] until the fall of 1859, when he came to Crittenden County, Ark., and followed his profession, until the war broke out, when he joined the Confederate army and was killed in September, 1863. He and his wife were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of five children given them three lived to be grown, and of these Mrs. M. Aurelia Morgan, of Tennessee, is the only survivor. Paul C. and Randolph E. who attained their manhood and were promising young men are now deceased. Mrs. Crump's mother, Mrs. Butler, is still living and is making her home with her daughter; she is seventy-three years of age and is active and healthy. Her husband was a Master Mason, and was buried by that order with the highest honors. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and reared a family of six children to be grown, of whom the following three still survive: Mrs. Kate Ritche (who lives in Florida), Mr. L. W. Butler and Mrs. Crump.

Carlile Daniels is a substantial farmer of Wappanocca Township, and the son of Bevley and Charlotta (Measles) Daniels, having been born in this county, January 4, 1846. Bevley Daniels was a Virginian by birth, and came from North Carolina to this county, where he remained till his death, which occurred when our subject was a child. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, one daughter and six sons, three of whom are living, two in this county and one in Baxter County. After the death of Bevley Daniels, his wife was married twice; she died August 20, 1887. Carlile Daniels received his limited education in this county, and October 8, 1877, married Mrs. Alice A. Daniels, of Greenville, Miss., a daughter of Samuel Truley. Four children blessed this union, two of whom are now living, via.; Walter C. and Horace W. Mrs. Daniels-died May 28, 1887. Mr. Daniels and his brother, William B., own 300 acres of valuable land on the Mississippi River, about twenty miles above Memphis. About 100 acres of this are in cultivation, and under the skillful management of these gentlemen it produces a bountiful crop each year. Carlile Daniels served six months in the Confederate army near the close of the war. He is and has been a perfect Democrat since he cast his first vote, which was for Seymour. He is a member of the County Wheel, and has served very efficiently as school director for six successive years in School Districts No. 9 and 10. He, along with his mother and wife, has for a long time been a working member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

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Peter G. Daugherty, a well-to-do and enterprising farmer of Jackson Township, was born in Northern Alabama, in 1849, to the union of Noble and Judith (Gassett) Daugherty, natives of Virginia and Kentucky. The father moved to the Blue Grass State when a young man and remained there several years, then moving back to Alabama, where he was married. When Peter G. was but a child, both he and his wife died, leaving a family of seven children, of whom our subject is the fourth child; of that number three are still living. Peter G. Daugherty grew to maturity in Alabama, where, having been left upon his own resources, he commenced to earn his livelihood at the age of fifteen years, as an overseer on his uncle's plantation. There he remained for three years and then came to Arkansas, settling in Crittenden County, where he rented land for several years. Later purchasing a tract of wild land four miles from Crawfordsville, he settled upon and commenced to clear it, In 1876 he moved on another place and remained there till 1884, when he moved to the estate on which he now lives, where he has over 200 acres of land under cultivation, all the result of his own labor. He started in the world with nothing, and when be came to this State had only about $800 with him, which he took as a foundation; and today it has grown to be 320 acres of this county's best land. Mr. Daugherty served in Johnson's regiment from Alabama, during the latter part of the war, and was captured at Selma, Ala., being held prisoner for eleven days, when he made his escape and returned to his regiment; soon afterward he surrendered, with his regiment, at Mount Hope, Ala., in May, 1865. He takes but little part in political matters, but at all times votes the Democratic ticket. He has held some of the minor offices of the township, and is a hearty advocate of [p.413] schools and a liberal contributor to any movement that he deems worthy of support.

Samuel K. Davis has for some time been occupied as a planter and merchant of Bartonville. A native of Maryland, he was born in Hartford County in 1842, being the son of Philip and Louisa B. (King) Davis, both also of Maryland nativity. They moved to Vermilion County, Ill., in 1854, and remained till 1867, when they went to Missouri, locating in Barry County. Four years later Kingman, Kas., became their home, where the mother still lives. The father was born in 1811 and died in 1888; the mother was born in 1821. She is a good Christian lady and takes an active part in church and Sunday-school matters; she is a member of the Baptist Church and is superintendent of a Sunday-school. Mr. Davis was a member of the I. O. O. F. for many years before his death; was a Democrat in polities, and manifested a great interest in school matters and anything that would promote the welfare of the public. Himself and wife were the parents of ten children, of whom two died before leaving Maryland; one from a fall and one by drowning. The others lived to be grown and six are still living. Samuel K. Davis, the second born, attained his majority in Illinois, and moved to Memphis in 1862, entering the service of the Adams Express Company and remaining with them four years. He then commenced farming in Phillips County, Ark. (now Lee County), and in company with his brother Reece he tilled about 1,000 acres till 1874, and in 1875 he commenced merchandising. He was married in February, 1874, to Miss Augusta Holt, a native of Tennessee. Mr. Davis was engaged in merchandising at Phillips Bayou for several years, when he moved to Hot Springs, Ark., the year of the big fire at that place, and bought out Mr. King's interest in the firm of Gordon & King. The trade was made on Thursday and on Monday the establishment was in ashes. The morning after the fire his possessions consisted of but $6.15 upon which to again commence. His wife owned a house and lot, however, so he worked and sold goods for about six years, when he came to Crittenden County and started a store at Needmore, where he remained in business till he moved to Bartonville. He is now running a store with good success and a farm of 400 acres. Upon moving to this county from Hot Springs he had $800 and now owns a fine farm well equipped. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are the parents of two daughters and three sons: Fannie K., Florence Lee, Samuel K., and Claudie W. and Clarence W. (twins); one child is deceased, Effie May. Mrs. Davis is an active member of the Baptist Church, and her husband is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of which he has held several offices. He is a Democrat in polities, but takes little part in any party movement, giving his whole attention to his store and farm. Mr. Davis has been very successful in business and is a man of enterprise and decided business ability.

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Alexander H. Ferguson, the present efficient and popular treasurer of Crittenden County and also a merchant at Marion, was born at Greenock, on the Mississippi River, in this county, March 17, 1839, and is the son of Horatio N. and Jane G. (Proctor) Ferguson, natives of Tennessee and Arkansas. The Grandfather Ferguson went from Greenock, Scotland, to Virginia, while a young man, moving from there to Tennessee, where he lived until his death. He was the father of three children: William D., Allen McL. and Horatio N. (all now deceased). The boys came to Arkansas in 1820 and settled at Greenock, a Scottish town named after the town in which their father was born. William D. was the first sheriff of Crittenden County, holding the office from 1825 to 1835, and died at Memphis, Tenn., in 1866. He fought in the battle of New Orleans, January 8, 1815; was a member of the L. O. O. F. fraternity and belonged to the Presbyterian Church. He took active part in the development of this county and filled the office of deputy surveyor for several years. Allen McL. served as postmaster of Oldman, now Greenock, and was justice of the peace for several years. He died in Sharp County, Ark., in 1872. Horatio N. the father of our subject, came to this State when a young man, married upon attaining his maturity, and settled at what was afterward called Greenock, remaining here until 1835. Then he moved to a [p.414] place lower down the river. He was an extensive farmer and owned large tracts of land which he acquired after coming to Arkansas. He died in 1841 at Frankfort, Ky., where he had gone for his health. Jane G. Proctor, his wife, was also an Arkansan by birth, her parents having emigrated here about the beginning of the nineteenth century, settling below Memphis on the river. Mrs. Ferguson was a member of the Presbyterian Church and remained a widow till her death, which occurred in 1871. She was the mother of six children, two sons and four daughters, of whom three are now living: Mrs. Kate A. Brown (who lives at Marion), Mrs. Nancy E. Lyon (in this county) and Alexander H. (the youngest). The latter was reared in this county where he has always lived. As school advantages were not very good hereabouts in his youth he attended school at Memphis until the death of his brother, when he had to return home and assume charge of affairs. In that position he remained up to the death of his mother, when he was married to Miss Kate Ritche, of Memphis. In 1884 he located at Marion and has since been engaged in merchandising. In 1880 Mr. Ferguson was elected county clerk, and discharged the duties of that office until elected treasurer in 1884, in which position he is now serving his third term. He has always taken a great interest in the advancement of education and is also a hard worker in the Democratic party. He was married January 19, 1882, and after the brief space of eight months was left a widower. His wife was a true Christian lady and devoted wife, and was a member of the Baptist Church. Alexander Ferguson entered the Confederate army in August, 1862, and had served but a short time when he was wounded at the battle of Corinth, being several times hit in the body by grape-shot from a cannon. He was taken from the battlefield to a hospital at Iuka, where he had his leg amputated between the knee and ankle. He started home as soon as able to travel, coming to Memphis in a buggy, his sister, Sarah J., and Thomas Baldwin, having gone after him to the field of action. Mr. Ferguson is a competent officer for the place which he fills and is in every way worthy of the trust reposed in him.

Capt. LeRoy Fogleman, deceased, is remembered as a prosperous planter of Crittenden County, whose association with its material affairs proves of decided benefit to the community. He was born in this county October 7, 1847, and lived here till his death, December 24, 1879. John Fogleman, his father, was also a native of Arkansas, having been born April 29, 1813, and he lived to be over seventy years of age. [See sketch of G. A. Fogleman.] LeRoy was reared and received his education in the common schools of Crittenden County, where he tilled a farm, and was for a number of years captain of the steamer John Overton. After arriving at maturity he was married to Miss Sallie F. Barton, who was born and reared near Russellville, Logan County, Ky. She came to Arkansas with her husband in February, 1868. They are the parents of three children living and two dead. Those living are: Alice E., Carrie Lee, and John LeRoy. Fannie B., one of the sweetest of little girls, was killed by a cotton-gin when she was twelve years old and Sallie Hall died at the age of two years. Mrs. Fogleman is the third daughter of eleven children, of whom seven survive, born to John and Carrie (Edmonds) Barton, numbered among the oldest and most respected families of Kentucky, and who are still living at Union City, Tenn. Mrs. Fogleman was reared and educated in the State of Kentucky, and is not only a woman well esteemed, but one who commands the respect of all her acquaintances. She had never known what hardship and misfortune meant till the death of her beautiful little daughter, and the subsequent loss of her husband left her with a family of small children to care for. She has done most nobly, however, having kept up a large farm and educated those of her children that are old enough, and one daughter is a teacher in the Memphis high school, she having graduated at the Clara Conway School with the highest honors. Mrs. Fogleman has an excellent family of whom she is justly proud, and to whom she is a devoted mother. They are all active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Memphis.

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Capt. G. A. Fogleman has become thoroughly identified with Crittenden County's interests, and [p.415] is now conceded to be a well-to-do planter. Born October 21, 1852, in this county, he is the son of John Fogleman, whose birth also occurred here, April 13, 1813. His father, George Fogleman, was a native of Europe, where he lived till about middle age, then coming to the United States and locating in Arkansas, where the village of Hopefield now stands. ere he remained but a short time, when he moved to the place where the subject of this sketch lives. He improved a small farm, and, on account of the newness of the country, there being more red men than white in those days, built a huge log-house to protect himself and family from danger. He was a very brave man and knew no such thing as fear. A family of five children blessed his union, of whom George, the second child, was born at what is now Hopefield, being reared on the place where his son, G. A., now lives. His father having died when he was thirteen years of age, he had to work for the small sum of 25 cents per day to support his mother and two sisters, but by diligent perseverance and economy he laid the foundation upon which he afterward erected his fortune, consisting of 2,500 sores of land and many negro slaves. He dealt largely in timber, selling logs at the mills and rafting them to New Orleans. In 1865, when the steamer Sultana, loaded with about 1,700 Union soldiers, sunk opposite his place, he, with his family and friends, rescued and saved the lives of some seventy-five men. Although a stanch Confederate, he did all in his power to assist the perishing soldiers of the opposite faction. He did not himself serve in the late war, but took active part in contributing of his means and supplies to the Confederate forces. He delighted in telling the tale of having walked to Memphis on dry land from his place, which is five miles distant, and on the other side of the river. By the change in the channel of the river he did actually accomplish this feat, though it took him over twenty years to do it. Mr. Fogleman married Miss Elisabeth Trice, who was born of a most excellent family, February 28, 1821, in Kentucky, in which State she was reared. Her parents came to this State in 1842. When the late war broke out he moved to Mound City, where he died. Elisabeth was an earnest and true Christian lady, and was devoted to her family, which consisted of eight children, and of whom two are still living, viz.: Gustavus A. and Fannie K. (now wife of R. B. Barton, living in Memphis). The mother died February 26, 1858. Capt. G. A. Fogleman, the only son now surviving, has always lived in this county. About seventeen years of his life were spent on the river as captain of the John Overton and the Mark Twain, which, after it was rebuilt, was called the Alace; he was pilot on the same boats for a number of years, commencing when he was but a boy and continuing till February 1, 1889. He has a large farm, with 500 acres in a good state of cultivation, and this now receives his personal attention. Capt. Fogleman was first married to Anna Dickey, January 23, 1878; she died August 2, 1881, when twenty-one years of age, leaving one child, LeRoy, who was born December 1, 1878, and died September 25, 1887. Capt. Fogleman was married January 15, 1889, to Mamie T. Barton, an estimable lady. [See sketch of F. G. Barton.]

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John Gilmore (deceased) was, during life, the largest stock raiser in Crittenden County, having lived near Gilmore, which was named in his honor. He was born in Virginia, in 1831, and died while visiting in Texas, in 1888. His parents moved from Virginia to Missouri when he was a small boy, and he was mostly reared in the latter State, coming to this county when yet single. In 1860 he was married to Miss Sarah A. Mooring, who was born in Lexington, Tenn., in 1839, the daughter of Dr. John E. and Matilda (Johns) Mooring. They also immigrated to Crittenden County in pioneer days. Dr. Mooring was born in North Carolina, and his wife, Miss Matilda Johns, in Tennessee. The former died in Texas, the latter in Tennessee. John Gilmore was a pioneer settler in this county in early days. A successful raftsman, a famous bear hunter, a prosperous and prominent man, whom every body liked, he was the largest stock raiser in this county, a man of sterling integrity, who did all that he could to promote the interest of his country and the community in which he lived. He was a loving husband, an indulgent father, and a kind and considerate neighbor. His father, James Gilmore, spent the latter part of his life with his son at his Arkansas home. At the time of Mr. Gilmore's death he owned about 2,500 acres of land and 800 head of cattle, Mrs. Gilmore has now about the same amount of land and stock. She resides on the old homestead, at Gilmore, a station on the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Missouri Railway, with her two children: John Q. (a young man of sterling worth and Kimmie (a beautiful and accomplished daughter). Mrs. Gilmore is a true Christian woman, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

John P. Hackler. In giving the biographies of the prominent men of Crittenden County, that of J. P. Hackler should not be omitted. A native of Arkansas he was born in Phillips County, July 17, 1859, being the oldest child which blessed the union of John G. and Verturia (Harkelroad) Hackler, also of Arkansas origin. John G. Hackler's father came to Arkansas in 1836 and settled in Phillips County. He (John G.) served in the late war on the Confederate side, under Gen. Hindman, and while home on furlough was captured and taken to Memphis, then to Alton, Ill., and from there to Richmond, Va., where he was paroled in 1865. Returning home he resumed farming in Phillips County, but in 1874 moved to Crittenden County and was renting land until 1878. At that time John P. bought the farm where he now resides, and for one year Mr. Hackler made his home with his son, but at the date of his death, November 6, 1885, was living with his daughter, Mrs. Conlan. John P. and his sister, Mrs. Conlan, are the surviving members of their father's family. Mrs. Hackler had been married previous to her union with Mr. Hackler, her first husband being Mr. Thrailkill, and by him became the mother of five children, only one living: Emma (Mrs. Langston, residing in Tate County, Miss). Mrs. Hackler died in 1863, a member of many years' standing in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. John P. Hackler attended the schools of Phillips County in youth and received a practical education, being a careful student, and applied himself diligently to his studies. In February, 1881, he was united in marriage to Miss Annie Walker. Mr. Hackler owns 800 acres of fine bottom land with 175 under cultivation, and raises about eighty bales of cotton per annum. He also has engaged quite extensively in stock raising, in which he has met with fair success. He was elected justice of the peace, of Lucas Township in 1886; was re-elected in 1888, and is also postmaster, having held the latter office with creditable distinction for the past four years. In his political views he is a stanch Democrat, and a supporter of all worthy enterprises, that indicate the growth of the county, and especially favors immigration.

William J. Hardin is favorably known as the present assessor of Crittenden County, as well as one of its most energetic young men. Born in what is now Lonoke County, near Carlisle, Ark., in 1855, he is the son of John and Nascissa (Percefull) Hardin, natives of Mississippi and Arkansas, respectively. The Percefull family were among the first settlers in the section of country near Carlisle, and Uncle Johnie Percefull is now one of the oldest citizens living in Lonoke County. John Hardin died while his son, William J., was an infant in Lonoke (then Prairie) County. The mother died in the same county, in 1882, at the age of forty-two years. William J. Hardin lived with his mother until grown and came to Crittenden County in 1878, where he followed farming and clerking, until being appointed deputy sheriff in 1884, which office he held to the satisfaction of all for a term of four years. In 1888 he was put forward by the Democratic party for assessor and was elected, and now occupies that responsible position. He is a man of rare abilities, and has a bright future before him, being recognized as a leader in the Democratic party in Crittenden County.

Hon. Asa Hodges. The great men of our time are self-made. Born in the ordinary walks of life, with no especial advantage above their fellows, and forced in early youth to labor for their daily bread, they have risen above the common level by dint of personal effort, working their way up [p.417] the hill "difficulty," the true road to fame. The secret of their success is industry, perseverance and integrity. Firmness of purpose, rectitude of intention, and persistence in effort are their stock in trade, to which is very seldom added the jewel genius, the uncertain brilliancy of which too often dazzles, but to mislead. Its place is, however, supplied by a stock of that very uncommon article–common sense. A clear head, a quick eye, an accurate judgment, willing hands and self-reliance, are the true essentials to success. The great man is noted for his deeds of endurance; the man of power is known by his influence. While but a small proportion of the human family attain to positions of prominence, fewer still exhibit the ability to lead the masses. To achieve the greatness of power, one needs the ability to grasp, group and generalize the facts and ideas of the times in advance of the mass, to reason out the solution of the ever recurrent social problem, and make it patent to the popular mind, pointing out the path of improvement, mental, social, or

physical, and inducing the people to travel therein, not by the force of fire and steel, but through the high and loftier process of enlightenment. He who at once informs and impels is the true hero, the king among his fellow-men. Such a man is the subject of this sketch, such his sphere of action, such his influence, and it is indeed a pleasure to the historian of the present day to refer to a life so filled with usefulness, so encouraging to struggling youth, and so worthy of emulation by them. Asa Hodges was born in Lawrence County, Ala., January 22, 1822. His father was Hon. William Hodges, a brave son of North Carolina, who, smarting under the would-be tyranny of the mother country, bore with his father an active share in the colonies' struggle for independence. Great-grandfather Hodges was of sturdy Scottish birth, possessed of those sterling characteristics of honesty, uprightness and energy, that stamped him a man among men; and these noble traits have come down in a marked degree to his descendants. William Hodges, it almost goes without saying, was endowed with unusual vigor of character, and decided natural ability. A blacksmith in early life, he was held in universal esteem as a citizen, and in 1828 and 1829 was called upon to represent his native county in the General Assembly of the State, serving with a faithfulness and distinction that won for him permanent reputation. He was united in marriage with Miss Jeannette Daugherty, of Tennessee nativity, though her parents came originally from Nova Scotia. She attained to womanhood in the State of her birth, being married in Smith County, after which she accompanied her husband to Alabama, and there died in 1882. Firm in character and gentle in disposition, she was greatly beloved, the influence of her thorough training producing lasting impression upon the minds of her children. Of the original family of five sons and four daughters, two sons and two daughters survive. Of these Col. Fleming Hodges makes his home in Mississippi; Mrs. Townsend is a resident of Shelby County, Tenn., and Mrs. Phillips lives in Memphis. By the death of his father, in 1837, Asa Hodges was thrown upon his own personal resources at the age of seventeen. The family estate having been left in an embarrassed condition, he found himself face to face with the stern realities of life, never knowing much about the real pleasures of boyhood, but the very obstacles and struggles, which his self-dependent circumstances obliged him to undergo, served to develop those intellectual and moral characteristics which in after life made him a man of influence and mark among his associates. With praise worthy ambition he set about to acquire an education. To a young man possessing no means this was not an easy thing to do, but great determination and a "keeping-everlastingly-at-it" spirit overcame the serious difficulties which earlier surrounded him, and he passed the later years of his student life in attendance at La Grange College, an institution of wide repute at that day, conducted under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It was, perhaps, not strange that young Hodges should have turned almost intuitively to the legal profession as a field offering the greatest inducements for his talents; at any rate he became a student of law in the office of Hon. L. P. Walker, of Florence, one of the most able and successful practitioners in Northern Alabama, [p.418] under whose instruction he pursued a thorough course of study until qualified for admission to the bar. Upon receiving his diploma in 1848, as a regularly licensed attorney, he entered into partnership with the eminent Thomas M. Peters, afterward chief justice of the supreme court of Alabama, which relation proved mutually beneficial, and more than ordinarily lucrative until dissolved by the loud mutterings of civil war. Some years before Mr. Hodges had met and formed a pleasant acquaintance with Mrs. Caroline Chick, an estimable lady, whom he married April 17, 1858, Mrs. Hodges bringing to this union the culture, influence and wealth of a prominent family of South Carolina. Subsequently, and previous to the breaking out of the Rebellion, he purchased and settled upon a large and valuable plantation in Crittenden County, Ark., which he still owns. After locating here he was made judge of probate, the duties of which position he discharged with peculiar care and fidelity, winning unbounded commendation from his fellow-citizens, who soon transferred him to a seat in the State constitutional convention as a delegate under the reconstruction act of 1867. Following the adoption of the constitution he was elected to the General Assembly in 1868, and in 1870 was the choice of the people of his district as State senator, in which body he served as a member for a term of four years. While holding the latter position, Mr. Hodges was sent as a Republican to represent Arkansas in the XLIII Congress. Here, also, a loyal, consistent adherence to the best interests of those whom he represented attended his career. While there may have been no occasion for especial brilliancy of oratorical powers, or momentary manifestation of personal aggrandizement, there was always about him that quiet, thoughtful, dignified demeanor which is never without its influence. Indeed, it is well known that Congressman Hodges was a man able to do his own thinking and act upon a judgment rarely, if ever, at fault. Public service, honorably discharged, stands as a lasting monument to any man, and no words that might here be added could carry with them more power, or a greater appreciation of Mr. Hodges' public efforts than the verdict accorded him, "Well done, good and faithful servant." In his private life he is all that his national reputation would indicate him to be. Considerate, thoughtful, and always courteous, is it any wonder that he is so generally beloved? The large means given him have not been misused, as the many recipients of his open-handed charity stand ready to testify. His pecuniary success is well known. His immense plantation in this county, 3,000 acres in extent, laid out into highly cultivated fields, is a present reminder of his industry and labor, for when he moved upon it only seventy acres were cleared. Several other tracts in various parts of Crittenden are included in his possessions, some 2,000 acres of which are also worked. A 350-acre plantation in Bolivar County, Miss. (yielding a bale of cotton to the acre annually), another 1,000 tract in Monroe County, Miss., and city property in Memphis also comprise a part of his wealth, a single block in the latter city being valued at $40,000. The opinion gathered by ninety-nine out of every 100 individuals, from a survey of his appearance, would be that he is a man of good, sound, sterling, practical common sense; not afraid of work, persistent in effort, quick in perception and temper, straightforward, sincere, a fast friend, a man with a large heart, clear head, quick eye, and honest intentions. His character is this and more. There is nothing of the hypocrite about him, and he detests hypocrisy in others. As a friend to progress he is especially liberal, and it is his great desire to see this favored section become rapidly appreciated by the outside world. The accompanying excellent portrait of Mr. Hodges is reproduced from a photograph taken while he was a Congressman, and though twenty years have spread the mantle of declining years and left their silvery imprint on his hair, they have not dimmed the honest candor of his eye, obliterated the intellectual cast of his facial features, dulled the activity of his mind, nor quenched the milk of human kindness that has forever flowed from his generous heart. Here, in the meridian of life, happy in his domestic relations, he resides, enjoying the sincere respect of all who are favored with his acquaintance. [p.419]

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[p.421] Ralph Hathaway, a prosperous planter and saw-mill man of Crittenden County, is a native of North Carolina, born in 1836, and is the fifth of six children born to John and Lucy (May) Hathaway, natives of North Carolina, who moved to Shelby County, Tenn., about 1845, where they lived till their death. They were both earnest Christian workers, and members of the Baptist Church. Ralph Hathaway reached his majority in Shelby County, Tenn., and in 1856 commenced business for himself on a farm in that county, where he remained for four years, corning to Crittenden County in the spring of 1860. Here he purchased a lot of wood land and made improvements on it for two years, when he sold it, and for four years tilled a rented farm on the river in the same county. In 1867 he purchased land and commenced to open it up, and in 1872 commenced merchandising at Mound City. He sold his farm in 1876, and when he went out of the merchandising business two years later, he purchased the farm upon which he how lives, consisting of a good body of land in an excellent state of cultivation; also a gin and saw-mill attachments. He makes his home on his farm, but his family lives near Barton, Tenn. He served in the Confederate army during 1863 and 1864, and when the war ended he returned to his farm work. He was married to Eveline Carlton, a native of Tennessee, in 1856, and by this union were born seven children, four of whom are still living: Viola, Laura, Lelia and Wellington. Viola is the wife of W. O. Christie, of Dyersburg, Tenn. Mrs. Hathaway is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hathaway is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and is a Democrat in politics.

John D. Hodges was born in Lawrence County, Ala., in 1842, as the son of Milton and, Emiline E. (McCamsy) Hodges, who were natives of South Carolina and Alabama, respectively. When John D. was six years of age, his parents moved to Pontotoc County, Miss., and settled on a large plantation. Here he was reared, enjoying the advantages of good public school facilities, and when the Civil War-broke out, he was attending the Union University of Murfreesboro, Tenn. In August, 1861, he joined the Confederate army, in Company A, Forty-first Mississippi, and served four years and two months, under Col. W. F. Tucker, who was soon promoted to brigadier-general, LaFayette Hodges being captain. Mr. Hodges was wounded at the battle of Perryville, Ky., by a shot in the left ear. He was taken prisoner at Selma, Ala., in the Wilson raid, and was paroled at Montgomery, in 1865. Going thence to his home, he remained for two years, when he moved to Arkansas and purchased the farm upon which he now lives. In the following year, 1868, his parents came to Arkansas, and remained for two years, moving later to Memphis, where they lived till their death, which occurred in 1878, of yellow fever. Mr. Hodges' wife was formerly Miss Ella Kennedy, who was born in Cadiz, Ky., in 1845; she is the mother of seven children, of whom the following five still survive: Grace E., Dudley T., Jesse T., Nellie A. and Annie E.; those deceased are: Mary Ellen (who died an infant) and John M. (who died at the age of three years and nine months). Mr. Hodges is a member of the Baptist Church, and his wife of the Christian Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of Lodge No. 3114, K. of H. He owns a farm of 160 acres, most of which is under cultivation, and by his judicious management it yields an abundant crop anually.

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James F. Hodges in his association with the plantation interests of Lucas Township, has come to be very favorably known. He was born in North Carolina, September 29, 1846, being a son of Davis W. Hodges, a native of South Carolina, born April 10, 1825, whose father was John Hodges, a soldier in the War of 1812. Davis W. Hodges was married in South Carolina to Miss Susan J Davis, she having first seen the light of day in North Carolina in 1838. They are still living in South Carolina, where they follow farming for an occupation, and are the parents of six sons and one daughter, all living. James F. Hodges is the oldest son and he and his brother Milton are the only members of the family in Arkansas. He was reared and educated in the common schools of South Carolina and lived at home till he reached [p.422] his majority. In 1863, enlisting in Company I, of the Hampton Legion of the Confederate army, he served up to near the close of the war when he returned to his native State, remaining there till 1875, the time of his removal to this county. In 1879 he returned to his native State and was there married October 15, 1879, to Miss Lulu Archer, of South Carolina, born October 30, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Hodges have a family of four children: Walter D., Eva S., Harry G. and Freddie. Mr. Hodges now controls 2,000 acres of land, acquired since 1876, and upon which he has lived since 1883. A Democrat in politics, himself and wife are earnest workers in the cause of Christianity, belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Hodges raises from 750 to 1,000 bales of cotton per year. He is an honest, upright and hard-working man whom everybody respects.

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J. L. Holloway is a prominent and wealthy planter of Lucas Township, who was born in Monroe County, Miss., September 14, 1843, being one of ten children that blessed the union of Samuel and Sophia (Mitchiel) Holloway, natives of Edgefield District, S. C. Samuel Holloway was reared and educated in South Carolina, and at the age of seventeen accepted the position of manager of his uncle's business, which he successfully conducted until his twentieth year. He then moved to Tuscaloosa, Ala., and there married, and immediately took the management of his mother-in-law's estate, He afterward bought a farm in Tuscaloosa County, and though quite a young man, received the election of sheriff of that county, which office he filled with entire satisfaction to all concerned, for many years. In 1848 he moved to Monroe County, Miss., from there to Aberdeen, Miss., and in 1854 took his family to the latter place, where he had purchased a large plantation, and there remained until the close of the war. In 1848 Mr. Holloway bought a farm in Monroe County, Ark., which consisted of 400 acres in cultivation; this was owned by the family until 1862; and in 1858 he purchased a large piece of land in De Soto County, Miss., on the Mississippi River, consisting of 1,212 acres, 400 acres improved and highly cultivated. This is the family homestead, and now contains some 1,100 acres of the best of improved land, with good residences, barns, etc. Mr. Holloway died at age of fifty-seven, his excellent wife surviving him thirty-one years; her death occurred in 1889. He was a leading member of the Baptist Church, in which he was a deacon many years. His wife was connected for sixty-five years with the same church. J. L. Holloway passed his youth in Monroe County, Miss., receiving his education in the schools in the village of Aberdeen, and at the breaking out of the war was about to enter college. Notwithstanding that he had made every preparation and studied diligently, and passed critical examinations, he gave up the idea, and in 1861 joined Company B, Twentieth Mississippi Infantry as a private. He was soon after promoted to the office of assistant of commissary of Stewart's corps, and held that position until the close of the war. He participated in seventeen pitched battles, the first being on Gauly River, W. Va., at Fort Donelson, where he was taken prisoner and sent to Camp Douglas, Chicago, there being retained for nine months; he was exchanged at Vicksburg in 1862. His regiment was reorganized at Clinton, Miss., and engaged in various skirmishes from Jackson to Vicksburg, the hardest fight being at Champion's Hill, and it captured over 300 prisoners from Raymond back to Vicksburg, and held them until the surrender of that place. The regiment was not engaged in the city, but on the outskirts, and after the surrender of that place was dismounted and sent to Jackson, and afterward to Canton, Miss., for winter quarters, where it remained until the following spring. Being ordered to Resaca it participated in that famous battle, and in all the engagements around Atlanta, Ga., up to the time Gen. Hood took command. After his (Hood's) defeat, Mr. Holloway returned to Tupelo, Miss., and there the troops were furloughed for ten days. At the expiration Joseph E. Johnston was reinstated to the command, and Mr. Holloway rejoined the regiment at Raleigh, N. C., remaining with Gen. Johnston until the final surrender in 1865, after which he received his parole and arrived home in May of the same year. Upon the close of the war he found to his dismay that his worldly possessions were almost nothing, but not discouraged he set out resolutely, determined to succeed, and he has, for the word "fail" was unknown to him. He commenced farming, and as he had never done any manual labor, of course he encountered many obstacles, and a man of less determined purpose might have failed utterly. After farming rented land for some time, he returned to the homestead which now belongs to himself and the other heirs, only three of whom are living out of the large family of ten children: Ira G. (residing in Oxford, Miss., and a member of the State senate), Samuella (wife of Dr. George A. Cairns, of Oxford, Miss.), and J. L. (the subject of this sketch). Mr. Holloway was married at Clinton, Miss., in 1863, to Miss Jerusha E. Mosby, daughter of John and Nancy (Smith) Mosby, natives of Tennessee. Mr. Mosby was a colonel in the War of 1812, and retained the title so gallantly won, during his entire life. Himself and wife were the parents of nine children, five surviving: Mrs. William Priestly (of Canton, Miss.), Matthew A., Jerusha E. (Mrs. Holloway), Mrs. Augusta Coleman and William J. (druggist of Canton, Miss.). Mr. Mosby died in 1841, and his wife in 1861. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Holloway three children have been given: Willie (Mrs. Young of this county), Miss Elise and Corinne (Mrs. Richards of Crawford, Miss). Mr. Holloway has control of 6,800 acres of land on the Arkansas side of the Mississippi River, 725 of which are under cultivation, the rest being leased. He raises from his individual labor 100 bales of cotton, and corn sufficient to supply the Arkansas side of the farm. He receives for his rented land on the Arkansas side $1,825, and on the Mississippi side $800. Mr. Holloway is public spirited and progressive, and is a liberal supporter of all laudable enterprises, well deserving the confidence reposed in him by his fellow-citizens. He is a Democrat in his political views, a member of Indian Creek Lodge No. 2383, K. of H., and with his eldest daughter, a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Holloway and youngest daughter belong to the Presbyterian Church.

William M. Holmes, editor and publisher of the Marion Reform, was born in Memphis, Tenn., May 29, 1865, and is the son of George C. Holmes whose birth occurred in Georgia in 1834. The latter is a son of George L. Holmes, born in Massachusetts, of English descent. George C. Holmes was reared in Memphis from the time he was one year old, and was married in that city to Miss Ann Frances James, daughter of James C. and Sarah (Winkford) James, originally from Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively, the former of whom was at one time Governor and United States senator of his native State. Gov. James was a self-made man and an old line Whig and died in Tennessee in 1858. Mr. Holmes died in Memphis February 21, 1884, and his widow still resides in that city. William M. Holmes, the fifth in a family of eight children, of whom five are still living, was brought up and educated in Memphis, where he learned the printer's trade, mostly in the Avalanche office. He worked at his adopted calling for about nine years before commencing for himself and during that time rose from the lowest position to the highest in the Avalanche office, first being office boy, ad then, respectively, apprentice, compositor, proof-reader, assistant foreman, local reporter and lastly, commercial editor. In August, 1889, he came to Marion from Memphis and started the Reform, which is a splendid success as a local newspaper, published in a manner to win the commendation of all. In 1885 Mr. Holmes was married in Memphis to Miss Ruby Burrow, born in Humboldt, Tenn., July 20, 1868. She is a daughter of John Burrow. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes are the happy parents of two children: Frank E. and Eunice. Mrs. Holmes is an earnest worker in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, to which she belongs. Her husband is connected with the Typographical Union of Memphis, and has been a stanch Democrat since casting his first vote, which was for Cleveland. He is a man of intellect and deep thought, and the Reform promises to become a reforming power under the brilliant management of its present editor.

Sterling Hood deserves special mention as one of the oldest citizens of Tyronza Township. He was born in Limestone County, Ala, in 1818, being the second child of a family of three children [p.424] given to the union of Frederick and Elizabeth (Moseley) Hood, natives of Virginia, as were the grandparents. The paternal grandfather, Sterling Hood, was a soldier in the War for Independence and the maternal grandfather was Captain William Moseley of Revolutionary fame, who went to the war from near Halifax, Virginia; he died in Alabama about 1830. Frederick Hood went to Alabama when quite a small boy and was with General Jackson in the War of 1812. He was sick at the time of the battle of New Orleans, and died in Alabama in 1836 at the age of forty years; he had been twice married, first to the mother of our subject from which union resulted three children, Sterling, William (deceased) and Robert (deceased). After the death of Mrs. Hood, in 1822, Mr. Hood was married to Betsie Bowlin, and by her was the father of five children, two of whom are still living. Sterling Hood, reared to farm life, was educated in Alabama, and at the age of eighteen years he commenced life for himself as an apprentice to a brick mason, for whom he worked three years in Decatur, Ala. He helped do the brick work on the freight house of the Memphis and Charleston railroad and was present in 1836, when the first boat landed at Decatur. After learning his trade he left Decatur and went to Yalobusha County, Miss., where he manufactured and laid brick, but only stayed there a short time, going thence to Coahoma County, Miss., where he followed overseeing for Dr. Hobson and his son and son-in-law for two years. Later he went to Carroll County for a short time, but in the fall of 1839 settled in Brazoria County, Texas on the Brazos River, where he engaged in keel boating cotton from the upper Brazos to Brazoria. He then was occupied as captain of a sailing vessel from the mouth of the Brazos River to Galveston, and after remaining on the vessel for some time returned to his former occupation, overseeing, on the plantation of the Widow Whorton, close to the Brazos River. After staying here for eighteen months he left Texas in 1843 and started back to Mississippi by way of New Orleans. From that State he went to Memphis, resumed his trade and helped to build the navy yard(which was never completed), assisting also in erecting the first house in that city, built under the hill, by Enoch Davis for a tavern; the building has since been washed away by the river. He could have purchased one acre of land near where the Gayosa Hotel now stands, for $75, but thought it a poor investment. In 1840 Mr. Hood came to this county and two or three years later bought the land upon which he now lives, consisting of 120 acres of unimproved land, now having seventy-five aores improved. Since coming here he has devoted his whole attention to his land and the raising of stock. He was nearly ruined by the high inundations of the rivers in 1882 and 1883, losing over 100 head of cattle. When Mr. Hood first settled here there were but five or six families living on the Tyronza for a distance of fifty miles and no road to Memphis except a trail. What few people lived here were prosperous and happy and most of them depended on trapping for support. Many Indians still roamed the woods and the chiefs, Moonshine and Cornmeal, came with their tribes and hunted during the winter, but went west in summer. Also when first coming to this State Mr. Hood saw a number of the men that belonged to the Merrill clan. He was married in 1849 to Rhoda Richards of this State and a native of North Carolina, who came to Arkansas in 1839, settling where she and her husband now live. Mr. and Mrs. Hood are the parents of seven children, of whom five are living, viz.: J. W. (who resides in this county), Nancy (wife of B. F. Bush), Robert, Laura (wife of Thomas Wilkins, in Phillip's County) and Eddie at home. Mr. Hood was constable and deputy sheriff for twenty years and until he was too old to serve any longer. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and takes great interest in public schools, churches, etc., favoring all public improvement and extending a welcome to all white emigration, from whatever country they may come to this, the land of prosperity and plenty. The early settlers of this county were compelled to go to a horse mill at Crawfordsville, and Mr. Hood erected a band mill, two rawhide bands being attached to levers and pulleys and run by horse power. He, Hood, is still able to ride through the [p.425] bottoms to look after his land and stock, and is active as most men of forty-five or fifty years. He has taken very few doses of medicine and scarcely knows what sickness means either in himself or family.

W. P. Jeffries is one of the leading young farmers of Proctor Township, and owes his nativity to Mississippi, his birth occurring in Marshall County, in 1858. W. A. and Sallie M. (Moore) Jeffries, his parents, came originally from Alabama and Pennsylvania, respectively. The former was reared to farm life, and when a young man purchased land in Marshall County, Miss., where he resided for many years. In 1880 he came to Crittenden County, Ark., and settled in this immediate vicinity, purchasing the property where Mr. W. P. Jeffries now resides. It consisted of 160 acres, with very little improvement, hough 125 acres were cleared ready for the plow. It is nearly all cleared at the present time, and under a

high state of cultivation; a good frame residence and numerous outbuildings are among the recent improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffries became the parents of seven children, only two now living: W. P. and E. D. (the wife of E. M. Apperson, Jr.). Mr. Jeffries died in 1887, and Mrs. Jeffries is residing with her son, W. P. The latter was reared and educated in Marshall County, Miss., and always resided with his parents. Since his father's death he has managed his mother's estate, and has proven himself a man of unusual business aptitude and qualifications. He raises some eighty-five bales of cotton annually on his farm, and in company with E. M. Apperson, Jr., has bought a farm of 240 acres, adjoining his own homestead. About 180 acres of this farm are improved, in a moderate manner. On this plantation the yearly products are estimated at 125 bales per annum. Mr. Jeffries is a member of the A. F. & A. M. Mrs. Jeffries belongs to the ladies' department of the same order, and is a devout member of the Episcopal Church. He is always in favor of public improvements, being a liberal supporter of every laudable enterprise, and is "a man esteemed among men."

M. J. Johnson has long been considered one of the most prominent and respected citizens of this county. Born in North Carolina in 1827 he is the son of Devrick Johnson, a native of Wake County, N. C., who was married to Mary, daughter of Henry Boone, a brother of the noted Daniel Boone. In about 1836 Mr. Johnson, in company with his wife and son, M. J., his brother, Dudley Johnson and his family, with all of their slaves came to Memphis and settled. The father of our subject was a carriage manufacturer, and purchased a large gin-house and mill in Memphis, where he placed his factory. He had a family of four children, all sons, who lived to be grown; those surviving are M.J. and Thomas B. (who is living in Memphis). Thaddeus B. died in 1871, from disease contracted in the Confederate service, and Charles H. died in 1873 of yellow fever. While a boy M. J. Johnson served a six years' apprenticeship with Meraman & Clark, jewelers, going after he left them to Holly Springs, Miss.; where he engaged in the jewelry business and four years later added a stock of merchandise. He remained here for ten years, and was married to Miss Fannie Cole, a native of Mississippi, and daughter of Lamuel H. Cole, of North Carolina. Mrs. Johnson died at her father's home in 1850, leaving two children: Julia B. (wife of L. D. Blann) and William M. (now living at Wynne). Coming to Arkansas with his wife and father-in-law, Mr. Johnson purchased over 2,500 acres of land, on a part of which he now lives, and continued on this plantation till 1884, when he moved his family to Randolph County; one year later, however, he returned to the plantation. He was a second time married, this wife's maiden name being Miss Sally A. Torian. She was a Kentuckian by birth, but raised in Nashville by an uncle. By this marriage there are eight sons, four now living: Trice, Jacob, Mat and Boyd; those deceased are: Charles W., Thomas, Aca and Daniel B. Mr. Johnson is very active and a strong advocate of a better school system, and is one of the county's best citizens. He was wealthy before the war, and owned large and valuable tracts of land and over 100 negroes; now he has about 200 acres of land in cultivation on which are a good residence, cotton-gin, good outbuildings and all other modern improvements. He is a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a very reliable man, and is admired by all who know him.

Minos C. Jordan, as a leading physician of Proctor Township, deserves especial mention. He is a native of Rutherford County, Tenn., born March 27, 1843, and is the son of William Jordan, who came upon the stage of action in Williamson County, Tenn., March 4, 1801, and died October 17, 1867, in Rutherford County. The Jordan family is of English lineage, and their advent into this country was made by two brothers, one of whom settled in New York, and the other in Virginia. The father of William Jordan, Johnson Jordan by name, was born in Virginia. William Jordan married Miss Sarah J. Wood, also a native of Williamson County, Tenn., born in 1819, who is now living in Rutherford County. She is the mother of ten children, of whom only five are living, three having died in infancy, and one son was killed in the late war. Minos C. Jordan, the second child in this family, was reared and educated in Williamson and Rutherford Counties, Tenn., and after attending the common schools for a number of years, entered the College Grove School of Williamson County. When within ten months of his graduation the Civil War broke out, and on May 27, 1861, he enlisted in Company D of the Twentieth Regiment, Tennessee Infantry, Confederate States Army, being relieved from duty May 30, 1864, on account of disability, having been wounded by a ball in the right leg at that time; the bone was fractured, and he is now a cripple from the effects of that injury. He was acting as sharpshooter near Dallas, Ga., at the time he was wounded. During his service he was engaged in the following important battles: Shiloh, Fishing Creek, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Hoover's Gap, Mission Ridge, and various skirmishes of less note from Chattanooga to Dallas, Ga. After being wounded he was sent to a hospital and remained there till Lee's surrender, when he returned to Tennessee, and in 1866 taught a term of school. In 1868 he kept books for Miles & McKinley, of Murfreesforo, Tenn., and in 1869 commenced farming, which he continued for one year. Going to Texas, he was engaged in the cattle business for a few years. In 1874 he went to Alabama and commenced the study of medicine under Dr. A. C. Ashford, where he remained for one year, taking a course of lectures at the Medical University of Louisville, Ky. He then practiced for one year, and returned to the university, from which he graduated in 1878. From April, 1876, to January, 1879, he practiced in Lauderdale County, Tenn., whence he moved to Cottonwood Point, in Southeast Missouri, and followed his profession until December 11, 1881. Then he found a location in Crittenden County, Ark., and has since resided here, enjoying a practice that brings him an annual return of $1,500 or $2,000. On January 20, 1880, the Doctor was married to Miss A. D. Martin, of Holly Springs, Miss. She was born in Pemiscot County, Mo., December 5, 1853, and is now the mother of two children: Goston M. and William A. Dr. Jordan owns a house and lot at James' Landing, on the Mississippi. He is a thorough Democrat, and has been since casting his first vote, which was for the separation and representation of the State of Tennessee in the Southern Confederacy. His second vote was for Jefferson Davis, for President of the Confederate States of America. He is a jovial, good-natured man, and is liked by all of his neighbors.

Samuel Keel, though occupied with his present duties as clerk of the Circuit Court of Crittenden County but for a short time, has ably demonstrated his fitness for the position. He was born in Memphis, Tenn., in 1847, and is the third of a family of eight children born to E. T. and Louisa C. (Grace) Keel. The father was a native of North Carolina who moved to Tennessee in 1830, settling in Memphis, where he worked in a saw-mill for a time. In 1840 he formed a partnership with L. T. Gibson and embarked in the saw-mill business which he continued for several years. About 1850 he started a soap factory, and in 1852 opened a grocery store, this receiving his attention till he died at the age of sixty-one years, of yellow fever, in 1879. The Graces, of whom Samuel Keel's mother is a descendant, settled in this county when [it was first opened, and are of Spanish origin. A Mr. Grandee who was living here at the beginning of the nineteenth century, and who was a Spanish officer, is one of her ancestors. Lake Grandee, which lies beside Marion, is named after this old settler. Samuel Keel was brought up and educated in Memphis, and at the age of eighteen years commenced to clerk in his father's store, and later he was engaged with Arbuckle, Richardson & Co. In 1880 he came to Crittenden County and began planting on a farm inherited from his father, and which is situated one mile north of another very fine place of 375 acres, 200 being under cultivation. Since he took charge of this farm he has made many valuable improvements, among others a fine house that cost him about $1,700, a large and modern barn, and has cleared over 100 acres. Mr. Keel has been married three times; first, to Miss Mary Avery, a native of Tennessee, who died in 1873 of yellow fever, having borne one child, also deceased. He was married to his present wife, Miss Mary Moffett, a native of New York, in 1882. Mr. Keel has taken considerable interest in politics, and was elected clerk in 1888. He is a gentleman of winning manners and pleasant address, and all who know him are profited by the acquaintance of a worthy and honorable gentleman. He owns one of the finest and most productive farms in this county, which has become such by his skillful management. He is therefore prominent as a farmer, a citizen and a county official.

Fredrick Koser, an extensive planter of Wappanocca Township, first saw the light of day in Germany, September 3, 1835, and is the son of Gotlep Koser, who was born and died in Germany, Our subject was left motherless when an infant, and he was reared and educated under his father's care. At the age of seventeen, having decided to try his fortune in the West, he sailed for the United States, and located at Sandusky, Ohio. In 1857 Mr. Koser was married in Tennessee to Permelia J. Nokes, a native of Mississippi. They are the parents of four children, of whom Thomas F., who resides in Memphis, Tenn., is the only survivor. Mr. Koser is now living with his third wife, who is the mother of one child, Charles C. On Christmas day, 1867, Mr. Koser landed in this county from Shelby County, Tenn., and purchased forty acres of land, where he now lives, of which there were thirty acres in cultivation. Having every characteristic of a German he commenced to increase his possessions till he now owns 530 acres of unimproved land, and 350 acres of land under cultivation in Crittenden County; also a farm and a house and lot in Randolph County, Ark. Politically Mr. Koser is a Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Buchanan. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, and his wife and some of his children belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is the framer of his own fortune, and by his strict attention to business has made himself a comfortable income for life. He is a public-spirited man and an honest and honored citizen.

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J. T. Lambeth is a respected resident of Fogleman Township, and a man whose superior education and display of public enterprise have linked his name to the affairs of Crittenden County in such a way that he is admired and honored by all who know him. His birth occurred in Wilson County, Tenn., in 1847, and he is the son of J. T. and Susan (Wall) Lambeth, also natives of Tennessee. J. T. Lambeth, Sr., was a school-teacher by profession and was principal and one-half owner of the Clinton College. He sold his interest in the college before the war and moved to his plantation, on which he lived till his death, which occurred in Smith County, Tenn., November 8, 1857, when he was thirty-nine years of age. He was a man of considerable literary talent and wrote a book on biblical subjects, entitled "Number Seven;" also a work on temperance, called "Happiness and Wealth," beside a number of poems which were published in the different periodicals of the day. Mr. Lambeth was the father of three sons: J. T. and Warner (twins), being the first born. W. E. resides in Golddust, Tenn. Warner died on the 23d of August, 1889, at Golddust, Tenn., where he was engaged extensively in the mercantile business, now owned and operated by his brothers. Mrs. Lambeth has lived with her son, J. T., most of the time since her husband's death. J. T. Lambeth [p.428] was educated principally in Illinois, where his mother moved in 1858 and lived for twelve years. During his stay in Illinois he and his brothers purchased some town property in Weston, Crittenden County, Ky., also buying a saw-mill and carrying on the mercantile and saw-mill business under the firm name of Lambeth Brothers. In 1875 these enterprising men built a saw-mill and towboat which they called the Tidal Wave, and placed on the trade between Evansville and Memphis. In 1880 they bought the tract of land where J. T. now lives, consisting of 400 acres of timbered land for their saw-mills and seventy-five acres of improved land on which they have a cotton-gin and all other modern improvements. At this writing they have moved their saw-mills to replace them with a larger and more improved concern. In 1885 the Lambeth Brothers embarked in the mercantile and saw-mill business on a large scale at Golddust, Tenn., and in 1887 bought a farm of 1,200 acres, of which about 450 are improved, raising annually upon this tract about 400 bales of cotton. In addition to the amount ginned for themselves, they gin for others some 600 bales, making their capacity 1,000 bales of cotton. W. E. Lambeth was married, in 1883, to Miss Mattie Graham, of Illinois. Like his brother, he is noted for his business ability. J. T. Lambeth takes considerable interest in the political issues of the day, although he has no desire for public office. He is still unmarried and lives with and cares for his mother. Our subject and brother have spent considerable time on board of steamboats, and have filled the positions of captain and pilot of the same. J. T. Lambeth is practically a self-made man and can point with pardonable pride to the property he has amassed by his careful and intelligent business management.

Capt. John G. Lewis, a planter, merchant and deputy postmaster of Marion, was born in Hardin County, Ky., in 1827, and is the son of Coleman and Winneford (Nall) Lewis, of Virginia and Kentucky origin, respectively. William Lewis, the grandfather of our subject, was a native Virginian, being an extensive and prosperous planter in Culpeper County. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, enlisting when he was seventeen or eighteen years of age, and for his faithful service he was promoted to the rank of major, retaining and carrying this title with him to the close of the great struggle for liberty. He raised a family of fourteen sons, and one or two daughters, all of whom lived to be grown. Some of the sons of this family went to Kentucky, settling close together, and others went to Indiana, and the rest to Alabama. Coleman Lewis attained his majority in Virginia, then moved to Kentucky, where he was married and lived for several years; coming to a place called West Point, he opened a hotel and in connection with this did a commission business. He and several of his brothers fought in the War of 1812. He died in this county in 1845, at the age of fifty years. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Lewis moved to Mississippi where she died. Six children were born to these parents, of whom three are still living, two older sisters and Capt-Lewis. After the death of his father, in 1850, Capt, John commenced life for himself by taking an overland route to California, his means of conveyance being a mule which he rode. He remained in this State four years, and by pluck made clear of expense $3,000, then returning to his Kentucky home by way of the Isthmus of Panama and New Orleans. After spending about three years in Kentucky he went to Arkansas in 1857, locating in Crittenden County, on the little river Tyronza, where he has since lived and reared his family. He joined the Confederate army just before the fall of Vicksburg, enlisting in Company E, First Arkansas Cavalry, Dobbins' regiment. In the fall of the year of his enlistment he was promoted from the rank of sergeant to that of captain. He was in the battles of Helena, Ark., Big Creek, Phillips County, Nealy's Ferry on St. Francis River, Cross County, one in Prairie County, also at Little Rock, and was with Price on his last raid through Missouri, Kansas and Indian Territory. After his eventful career in the army he returned home and resumed his former occupation. He was first married to Camilla Lansdale, she being born in Kentucky in 1831, and died in Arkansas in 1874. She was the mother of six children, three sons and three [p.429] daughters, of whom three are still living: Charles L. (who is a merchant and postmaster at Marion), Louisiana (now the widow of C. J. Powell and lives with her father), Lena C. (who is unmarried and at home. Mr. Lewis was a second time married, his second wife being Mrs. Jennie (Young) Gatlin; she dying in 1887. Mr. Lewis and family are living in Marion, and his business is that of general merchandising. In religion Mr. Lewis is a firm Methodist, he belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church of his town. His son Charles is a worthy constituent of the K. of H., and is also secretary of that society. As a family they are held in high esteem by all who know them, and they are all imbued with that spirit of enterprise that makes them popular.

Mrs. Mary Lloyd, who lives three miles north of Marion, on a farm of 160 acres, of which she cultivates over 100, was born in Mississippi to the union of Mr. and Mrs. John Coble, natives of that State. When she was an infant her father died, and the mother was married, after five years of widowhood, to Henry Butler, who was also a native of Mississippi. Soon after his marriage he moved to Marion, Ark., and followed blacksmithing for a livelihood, and afterward moved to Poinsett County, where he resided till his death. The subject of this sketch was married August 9, 1867, to James Lloyd, who came originally from Mississippi County, Ark. He served as a soldier in the Confederate army, and after the war returned to Marion, Ark., where he engaged in farming, trading and trapping. He was an excellent farmer and business man. Mr. Lloyd died on April 3, 1881, leaving a wife and five children: Sophia, Willie, Belle, Le Roy and Robert Lee (deceased). Sophia is the wife of P. A. Bobbitt, who lives in this county. The other three are at home. Mrs. Lloyd owns two tracts of land besides the one on which she resides. She is industrious and enterprising, and keeps her property in good condition. She is a good true Christian lady and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

D. C. Louder is the son of Louis and Mary (Lawrence) Louder, and was born in 1854. Louis Louder, a farmer by occupation, was in moderate circumstances. He served in the War of 1812, and participated in the battle f New Orleans. He was twice married, by his first union becoming the father of seven children, only one now living, Minerve, wife of E. J. Lawrence, of Gibson County, Tenn. His last wife was the mother of D. C. Louder (the subject of this memoir), and the following family resulted from this marriage: Mrs. S. A. Harris (wife of Rev. Mr. Harris), Corretta (wife of Jones Evans, residing in Gibson County, Tenn.), Willie (now Mrs. James Evans, also of Gibson County), and E. J. (a well-known resident of the same locality). Mr. Louder died in 1865, his wife having been called to her final home just previous to the war. D. C. Louder was reared in Gibson County, Tenn., and at the age of eighteen began for himself as a farmer in that county, continuing until 1869, at which time he came to Arkansas, locating in Crittenden County and in this township. He has since followed the occupation of an agriculturist, mostly on rented land, and usually rents from 200 to 400 acres, proving beyond a doubt that he is the right man in the right place, for the number of small details of farming which many are wont to overlook, are to him as important in their way as the larger ones. Mr. Louder was married in 1875 to Miss Allicia Lowrance, of Memphis, Tenn., and by her is the father of four children, two of them now living: Fannie A. and Mamie B., both at Memphis, attending school. The home, which was so happy, was robbed of the devoted wife and mother in 1884, after a short illness. Mr. Louder is a successful farmer, and is rapidly accumulating a competence. He is extensively engaged in raising cotton, and is recognized as one of the principal cotton growers of the county. He is a member of Fountain Lodge No. 296, K. of H., at Memphis, Tenn., and is held in high esteem by all.

Col. O. P. Lyles, the extent of whose reputation is by no means confined to the immediate limits of Memphis, his present place of residence, has been so closely and worthily identified with the affairs of Crittenden County, both in an official capacity and as a private citizen, in the more humble but not less important walks of life, that an [p.430] omission of a brief sketch of his life from the present volume would be greatly to be regretted. A Tennesseean by birth and bringing up, he first saw the light of day in the month of November, 1829. From an early age he found it very necessary to exercise a firm determination to fit himself for the responsibilities of after-life. His first remunerative efforts were as clerk on a river trading-boat, an occupation to which he devoted himself until shout 1844, when he located at Marion, Ark. Self-educated and taught by bard experience the value of self-reliance, he rapidly demonstrated his worth and ability in his new home, and in 1850 was elected clerk of the circuit court, a position that he ably filled some eight years. During this time he began the study of law, and applied himself closely to an insight into the legal profession, being admitted to the bar in 1857. In 1858-59 he was representative from this county in the State legislature, and in 1861, when the threatening war cloud burst in all its fury, he became identified with that section to which his interests were so closely allied. Enlisting as a private, upon the reorganization of the army, he was unanimously elected colonel of the Twenty-third Arkansas Infantry Regiment, and participated in the hardfought battles of Corinth, Davis' Bridge, siege of Port Hudson, and various skirmishes, his career as a soldier being more severe and fraught with harder service than characterized the experiences of many noble "boys in gray." On July 9, 1863, he was taken prisoner after the siege of fifty-one days, and suffered the tortures of prison life for some time. During his military service he was in command of one or another of the wings of the army, and it is a matter of record that a recommendation was made to Jeff. Davis to bestow upon Col. Lyles a commission as major-general; a brigadier's commission was offered him, but this well-deserved honor he declined. At the expiration of the war the Colonel was sent to the senate, and while a member of that body was elected to the United States Congress, but was not allowed to take his seat. During the troublous period of reconstruction his life was often threatened; his personal bravery and firmness of position seeming to aggravate, especially, the bitter hostility of unscrupulous citizens. In 1868 he received a positive warning that the members of the Loyal League intended taking his life upon a certain night. Immediately removing to Memphis with his family, he awaited on the night of the intended attack the assault to be made, when at a certain hour a knock was heard, to which Mrs. Lyles responded by opening the door; immediately two ruffians brushed roughly by her, but being confronted by a gun in the hands of Col. Lyles quickly withdrew. From the time of residence in Memphis he has followed closely the practice of his profession, the result of which has placed him in a most desirable pecuniary position. He still claims Crittenden County as his home, where he has considerable property interests. His record as a public servant redounds greatly to his credit, and for the assistance which he has rendered this community, all refer to him in terms of the highest praise. Col. Lyles was married, August 13, 1848, to his present wife, Miss Jane McClung, daughter of James and Margaret McClung. Five children have blessed this union, three sons and two daughters: William L. (married and a resident of Texas), Charles L. (died in 1884), George W., Mary Bell (wife of Seth Cox) and Olive Blanche. The family are numbered among the active, influential members of the Methodist Church. As a man, Col. Lyles is possessed of sterling and irreproachable traits of character, enjoying in a high degree, the esteem and respect which those qualities create. Generous to a fault, kind and affectionate as a husband and father, he is alike admired in social and professional circles.

Benjamin Franklin McConnell (deceased) was born in Lexington, Ky., October 10, 1841, and died in this county December 16, 1887. He was a son of Francis McConnell, of Irish descent, who was the father of three sons and one daughter. The latter died in infancy and the two sons now reside in Lexington, Ky. The father departed this life in 1880, in his sixty-fourth year, at the home of his son James, in Arkansas. Benjamin F. was first married after reaching manhood to Mrs. Mary A. (Montgomery) Jones, who died in 1875, leaving [p.431] one son, Lewis F., now living with his step-mother. After her death Mr. McConnell was united in matrimony to Ella G. (Goff) Rives, who was born in Memphis in September, 1850, a daughter of James D. and Phoraty W. (McCoy) Goff. Mr. Goff was a Virginian by birth, and was killed in this county in 1866 by a man named Lake. Along in the fifties he was the largest merchant in the city of Memphis and at one time was worth about $500,000, besides having made and lost several other fortunes. He was an extensive planter in this county at the time of his death. Mrs. Goff died in Memphis in 1852. She was the mother of three sons and two daughters, of whom there are still living: George B. and Ella G. Ella G., the youngest child, was brought up and attended school in Memphis up to her sixteenth year, when she went to an educational institution at Nazareth, Ky., and remained for two years. She was first married May 18, 1870, to John G. Rives, whose birth occurred in Nashville, Tenn.; he died July 31, 1875. They were the parents of two children both now dead. He had two children by his first wife, and of these, one is still living, Florence H. (wife of James C. Hubert). Mrs. McConnell has four children by her second husband, viz.: Brodnax F., Ella G., John G. and Bennie. Mrs. McConnell resides on the farm left her by her husband which he purchased in 1882, containing 820 acres with about 200 under cultivation; this is located twelve miles south of Memphis on the Mississippi River. She rents her land for cash and it usually yields from 125 to 150 bales of cotton.

John C. Mann is practically a self-made man, having risen from a position without means to be a prosperous planter of Jasper Township. Born in North Carolina, in 1821, he is the son of John and Elizabeth (Cleves) Mann, who were also natives of North Carolina, and were planters in that State. John C. Mann attained his majority in North Carolina, and in 1844, in company with a body of immigrants, made his way into Mississippi, stopping in Marshall County, while an route, where he worked as a laborer and overseer for some time. In 1845, going to De Soto County, Miss., he remained for two years, and thence to Yazoo County, where he spent four years. Settling in Bolivar County, at a town called Lake Bolivar, he continued there and in adjoining neighborhood till he went to Arkansas, in 1879. Upon arriving in this State he located on a farm, about three and onehalf miles northwest of Marion, where he still lives, having a place of 360 acres, most of which is under cultivation. Besides this farm he has tracts of land in other parts of the county, most of it also being under cultivation, from the effects of his own supervision. Mr. Mann was first married January 24, 1850, to Indiana Hamberlin, a native of Mississippi; she died September 6, 1851, leaving one child, who also died, at the age of one year, five months and four days. On July 22, 1852, Mr. Mann was married to Miss Mary M. Yarborough, of Mississippi origin, having been born in Bolivar County, October 14, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Mann are the parents of two children; Amelia Ann (married William F. Loring, and became the mother of two children; after his death she was married to Robert A. Rolland, and by him had four children) and Mary Emma (married to James H. Mann, and lives on the home place with her parents, and is the mother of two children; one died in infancy; Eddie still lives). John C. Mann and family are prominent members in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he has acted as steward in that church for a number of years. Politically a Democrat, he is one of the most prominent men in his township. He came here without a dollar, and by his own hard work, amassed a fortune of $15,000, which he lost during the late war; but by good management, so characteristic of him, he has made what he now has–one of the finest farms in Crittenden County, containing all the latest improvements, among which is a large gin, placed there in 1881. He and his family are good Christian people, and are ornaments to the society in which they move.

Archibald C. May deserves mention as a leading farmer and stock raiser of Tyronza Township, Crittenden County. He was born in St. Francis County, Ark., March 1, 1843, as the son of Archibald May, whose birth occurred in North Carolina in 1808, he dying in St. Francis County in 1854. [p.432] His parents immigrated from North Carolina to Arkansas when he was a boy, and were among the first settlers of St. Francis County. They came to this State on sleds when Memphis had but one store. The father of the subject of this sketch was married to Miss May Casbeer, of Tennessee, the daughter of Thomas Casbeer, who moved from Tennessee to St. Francis County, Ark., with all his worldly possessions on horseback; he was one of the earliest pioneers of that county. Archibald C. May, the sixth child of a family of nine children, of whom four are still living, was reared in St. Francis County, there receiving his education in the common schools. Moving to Cross County he was married in 1863, his wife being formerly Miss Mollie Pigram, who was born in Tennessee, January 2, 1844. She died December 1, 1884, being the mother of five children, of whom the following three are still living: Archibald B., Joseph M. and Berry P. Mr. May was married to Ida Pickett, July 10, 1886. By this union two children have been born, Jimanna and an infant unnamed. Mr. May has lived in Crittenden County since 1877, and has a farm of 200 acres, with twenty acres in cultivation, located in the Tyronza River bottoms. He enlisted in the Confederate army June 16, 1862, in McGee's company, and served very efficiently till December 19, 1862, when he was accidentally shot in the shoulder and discharged on account of his disability. He was constable in his township in St. Francis County for four years. Politically, he has been a Democrat since casting his first vote, which was for Seymour.

G. F. Morris, a descendant of the well-known pioneer settlers of this county, whose name he bears, was born in 1857, and is the oldest of a family of three children born to the union of C. F. and Mississippi H. (Fogleman) Morris. His maternal grandfather, G. S. Fogleman, came to this county in a keel-boat from Ohio, about 1824, when land that is now worth from $6 to $8 per acre could have been purchased for ten cents. After locating here he followed the occupation of a wood chopper, and, not being able to buy a team, he and his wife carried the wood on their backs to the boat landing. After laboring in this manner for some time he bought a team, and from such an humble start was enabled before long to hire hands and contract on a larger scale, and he finally commenced buying negroes, at the time of his death owning sixty-five negro men besides a number of women and children. He was also the owner of twenty-one miles front on the Mississippi River, consisting of over 20,000 acres. He died in 1865 and his wife in 1857 or 1858. C. F. Morris and wife were married in 1856, at Fogleman's Landing, on board the steamer Kate Frisbey. Mr. Morris, at that time, was a steamboat man at Memphis, Tenn. His father, W. B. Morris, and grandfather were among the early settlers of Sumner County, Tenn., and were manufacturers of paper. W. B. Morris moved to Memphis when it was a village of only a few hundred inhabitants, and engaged in the mercantile business, remaining there till his death. His son, C. F. Morris, was the first steamboat agent at Memphis, and was clerk on the first boat built at that place, which was run in the Memphis and White River trade. Mr. Morris followed steamboating for twenty years, discontinuing it just before the commencement of the late civil strife. After the war he engaged in farming, his wife having inherited about 17,000 acres of land. He also followe the wood business till the boats began to burn coal. Mr. and Mrs. Morris were the parents of four children of whom two are still living; they are: G. F., Calvin M. (deceased), Cynthia (deceased), Lazinka E. (wife of A. M. Morrow). G. F. Morris was reared in this county and received his education in Memphis, being married, in 1880, to Miss Mary Speck, daughter of Lawrence Speck. Mr. and Mrs. Morris have a family of two children: Oliver W. and Frank K. When the former reached the age of fourteen years be embarked in life for himself in the wood business, which he followed till 1880, then starting as a farmer. This he continued for only a short time and soon secured a position on the Phil. Allen, serving many years as pilot on this boat and the G. W. Cheek. Since leaving the river he has been occupied in the mercantile and saloon business.

W. P. Phillips (deceased), whose name occupies [p.433] a substantial place in the memory of his many former acquaintances, was born in Tennessee, though reared in Alabama, having gone there when a child. He was a grandson of Col. John Phillips who fought in the War of 1812, and a son of John Phillips, a Kentuckian by birth. The subject of this sketch reached his manhood in Alabama, and there followed merchandising and farming, being very successful before the war. He was married to Miss Ann H. Stewart, also of Alabama nativity, and the daughter of William and Mary (Hogins) Stewart, originally from North Carolina. They were reared in Tennessee, where they were married, and later moved back to Alabama, where they were well-to-do farmers. The father died when Mrs. Phillips was but a little girl. She was the only daughter and remained with her parents till her marriage, which occurred in 1846. Mr. Phillips was a prominent and influential farmer and merchant, and during the war served in the commissary department till the close of the struggle, spending most of his time in Georgia. He lost very heavily in that conflict, but at its close resumed his farming and merchandising pursuits. In 1869 he moved with his family to Hale County, Ala., where he manufactured the Avery cotton-gin. He went to Memphis, Tenn., in 1873, having purchased large tracts of land in Crittenden County, Ark., in 1871, with the intention of opening a farm there, but he died before his plans were consummated. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips were the parents of four children, of whom three are yet living, namely: Mrs. Virginia Avery, Mrs. Alice Quinn and Mrs. Willie Cheatham. Minnie died of yellow fever in 1878. Mr. Phillips died December 31, 1874. He was an excellent man, a Master Mason, a firm believer in Christianity and the Bible, and was admired by all who knew him. Mrs. Phillips lived in Memphis till 1884, when she moved to Crittenden County on the land that her husband had intended to open, and where she has a good farm of 160 acres. She is an estimable Christian lady, and enjoys the universal respect of her neighors and

acquaintances.

La Fayette Pickett, by occupation a farmer and blacksmith, was born in Jefferson County, Ill., July 28, 1851, being the son of Benjamin Pickett. a native of Wayne County, Tenn., who was murdered in Ballard County, Ky., May 10, 1861. His father, James Pickett, was a Virginian by birth, and moved to Tennessee with his parents, being among the early settlers of that State. La Fayette Pickett came to Crittenden County with his mother and step-father in 1868. There were four children in the family, of whom only Mary E., besides the subject of our sketch, is living, and she is the wife of Dr. Martine. La Fayette Pickett lived in Kentucky till he was fifteen years of age, then coming to this county, where he received most of his limited education in the common schools. He was married in 1872, to Miss Sarah E. Goad, daughter of William and Amanda M. Goad, early settlers here, having located in the neighborhood in 1856. This was their home until called away by death. Mr. and Mrs. Pickett are the parents of five children: John H., Le Roy, Della, Cora and Alice. They have lived in their present place of residence, since 1881, and have 170 acres of land, with sixty acres in cultivation; upon it is an orchard of 120 trees and a blacksmith shop for his own work, in which he also does the custom work for his vicinity. Mr. Pickett is a member of the County Wheel, and is a Democrat in polities, having cast his first vote for Tilden. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a good Christian lady. Mr. Pickett is a hard-working, industrious and enterprising citizen.

John F. Rhodes, merchant of Earle and among the substantial citizens of Tyronza Township, was born in Tipton County, Tenn., in 1862, being the first child to bless the union of J. C. and Margaret E. (Fleming) Rhodes, natives of Tennessee. J. C. Rhodes is a trader and now lives in Mississippi. He has been twice married: first to Miss Townsend, of Tennessee, by whom he was the father of seven children, only two now living, Belle (wife of J. W. Clove, of Australia, Miss.), and W. H. (who resides at Frazier, Tenn.). In 1860 Mr. Rhodes married the mother of John F., and by her has had four children, all deceased except John F. He has again been left a widower, his wife having [p.434] died in 1875. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and R. A. John F. Rhodes was reared and educated in Tipton County, Tenn., and since 1875 has supported himself, having been cast upon the cold charity of the world at the age of twelve years. He has given himself a good business education, spending his thirteenth and fourteenth years in Texas as a farm hand, his fifteenth and sixteenth years in Tennessee at the same occupation, and his seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth years in Mississippi. In 1883 Mr. Rhodes came to Lee County, Ark., and entered a dry goods and grocery store at Bledsoe, where he remained for twenty months, when he commenced the grocery business at Memphis, Tenn. After one year there he returned to Bledsoe and associated himself with W. M. Taylor, buying one-third interest in the business of general merchandising. He continued with Mr. Taylor till January, 1889, when the firm dissolved, and he established his present business in April of that year, transacting $20,000 or $25,000 worth of business the past year. He runs a general country store, and has a large trade, employing two clerks besides himself. Mr. Rhodes is a pushing young man and his present business is due solely to his own efforts; he has the prospect for a bright and prosperous life.

James E. Richards, one of the oldest native citizens of Crittenden County, was born in 1856, and is the eldest child of a family of three children born to the union of W. A. and Sophroney (Gilmore) Richards, originally of South Carolina and Kentucky, respectively. When Mr. Richards came to this State there were but few roads in this part of the county, and only a few claims staked out, with from two to five acres in cultivation. People that lived here then spent most of their time hunting and rafting logs down the Tyronza River, and in raising stock. It cost nothing to raise cattle, and the timber which was rafted was close to the streams and could be had without expense, save the labor of cutting and rafting, which was mostly to New Orleans. Mr. Richards bought land and opened one of the first farms of any size in this section of the country, and devoted his time to farming and stock raising, which he continued until his death, January 10, 1875. To himself and wife three children were born, of whom two are still living: James E. and W. A. Mrs. Richards died in 1864, and in 1866 Mr. Richards was married to Mrs. Sarah (Rose) Vernon, becoming by her the father of four children; three of these survive: Addie, Meda and Katie. After the death of Mr. Richards, Mrs. Richards was married to Thomas Eskridge, who died in 1879; she subsequently married Mr. Davis, of Mississippi County, Ark., where she still resides. Mr. Richards held the office of justice of the peace in this county for a number of years, and during the Civil War, in which he took no part. James E. Richards was reared to farm life, and at the age of eighteen years commenced life for himself (or at the time of his father's death). He engaged in the timber business for some years and was later employed in the dry goods and grocery store of C. J. Powell, at Crawfordsville. At the age of twenty-two he was married to Miss Fannie Brown, of this county, the daughter of E. D. and Della (McGee) Brown, natives of Kentucky and Arkansas, respectively, who were the parents of two children: Richard and Fannie. Mr. Brown came to this State in an early day, and died in 1874; his wife died in 1864. To Mr. and Mrs. Richards have been born six children (of whom four are still living); the following are their names in order of birth: Della (deceased), Willie (deceased), Carrie, James C. and R. E. and Arthur (twins). Mr. Richards is principally occupied with his brother in rafting logs and the farming of 100 acres on the old home place. He has the largest interest in a 196-acre tract of land, with 100 acres in cultivation, and his wife owns a farm near Crawfordsville, consisting of 109 acres, with fifty acres in cultivation. Mr. Richards is a member of Lone Star Lodge No. 375, A. F. & A. M. of Crawfordsville, and takes great interest in educational and church matters; his desire to promote educational facilities has placed him on the board of school directors for his district for a number of years.

Capt. J. G. Sands, a farmer by occupation, and a man admired by all for his untiring efforts to promote the best interests of the county in which [p.435] he lives, was born in Tennessee in 1829, and was the fourth and youngest child of John and Jane (Reid) Sands, natives of Illinois. John Sands had been previously married, and had reared two children, Susan and Martha, who are now dead. When our subject was only six days old his mother died. The father then married Mrs. Betsie Pounds, who died in 1841, and after her death he again married, Miss Sarah Summers becoming his wife. This union was blessed by three children, all now deceased. Mr. Sands moved to this county in. 1843, and settled here while it was almost a wilderness. He followed overseeing, and rented land for his children to cultivate; was a brave soldier in the bloody Black Hawk War, and died in 1849. When Capt. Sands was three years old his father moved to Illinois, where he lived till coming to this county. At the age of sixteen he commenced business for himself in rafting logs, together with running a store and steamboats on the Mississippi River till 1861. His store-boats were floating general stores, and three steamboats ran from Mound City to Memphis, Hatchie River to Memphis, Osceola to Memphis, and on the St. Francis River to Memphis. At one time he owned an interest in seven flat-boats and store-boats. In 1861 he enlisted in Company F, of the First Regiment, Arkansas Cavalry, which was stationed west of the Mississippi River throughout the war. Capt. Sands fought in the battle of Helena, besides a number of smaller battles and skirmishes, and was captured in 1863. His captors started with him to Alton, but at the head of Island No. 40 he jumped from the boat and escaped to his home, although he broke his thigh in the fall, after which he never did any regular service. He, with twenty-seven of his company, out of eighty-six original members, surrendered at Memphis, Tenn. At the close of the war Capt. Sands returned home, and commenced farming and land trading, and in 1867 he moved to Mound City, where he engaged in the mercantile business, which he continues to the present day. He also has about 500 acres of good land in cultivation, 300 acres of which he rents; besides this he owns 2,100 acres in all of wild and improved land, of which about 500 acres could be cultivated without draining. At the close of the war Capt. Sands' possessions were valued at $100, and in 1868, when he was again getting a start, he was robbed of his mules and cattle, and his store was rummaged, leaving him in the same condition that he was at the close of the war. By his untiring efforts, however, he has made a fortune for himself, and has gained a prominence among his fellows in Crittenden County worthy of emulation. Mr. Sands was first married to Miss Casandra James, who was the mother of four children, all of whom died while young. Mrs. Sands was an ardent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She died in November of 1860. Mr. Sands was the third time married to Mrs. Mattie (Wallace) Osborn, and they were the parents of only one child, who is now dead; the mother died in 1864. In 1865 he was married to Miss Mary C. West, and by her was the father of three children, of whom one is now living, Gertrude Lyon (wife of John Stevens), residing with her father. Mrs. Sands died in 1879, and in the same year the Captain was married to Mrs. Sue (Kirbie) Dennis, to whom has been born one child, deceased. Capt. Sands is a member of Lone Star Masonic Lodge of Crawfordsville, Ark. He is a Democrat in politics, and favors all public improvement and white emigration. He has ever been a leading citizen, and is foremost in every movement for the upbuilding of the locality in which he lives.

George W. Scott justly deserves his present position as one of the well-to-do farmers and stock raisers of Tyronza Township. A native of Tennessee, he was born in Madison County, January 17, 1831, and is the son of Cyrus and Cyntha (Davis) Scott, natives of New York and Connecticut, respectively. The former immigrated from New York to Tennessee and from there to Missouri, where he resided about two years, moving thence to Illinois which was his home till death. Mrs. Scott survived her husband for a few years. She was the mother of seven children, of whom George W. is the fifth. He grew to manhood in Illinois, being educated in the common schools of Madison County, and upon reaching his majority went to Goodhue County, Minn., where he engaged in farming for four years. [p.436] Then moving across the Mississippi River, he bought an interest in a saw-mill and after a short time bought his partner out, and ran the mill alone till 1862, when he enlisted in Company G of the Fifth Minnesota Infantry Regiment, serving till the close of the war. He was wounded in the battle of Corinth, May 22, 1862, by being shot in the forehead with buckshot, after which he was sent to a hospital and was occupied on detached duty most of the time afterward. He was in the battle of Pleasant Hill in 1864. He was discharged at Memphis, Tenn, and after spending about one month in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin he came to Crittenden County, Ark., where he has since resided. Mr. Scott has lived at his present home since 1875; here he has a farm of 240 acres with about 120 in an excellent state of cultivation. He has in another place 640 acres, of which 140 are in cultivation. His home farm is on the Tyronza River and has upon it a good orchard and it is a fine stock farm. Mr. Scott was married in 1874 to Mrs. M. C. Thorn, who was born in St. Francis County, September 21, 1833, and had two children, a girl and a boy, by her first husband. Mr. Scott was justice of the peace for sixteen years in this township; was notary public for four years and postmaster of Blackfish postoffice for seven years. He cast his first vote for Pierce and has since been an ardent Democrat. He is one of Crittenden County's best farmers and an industrious and wide-awake man. Mrs. Scott is a sister of Archibald C. May. [See sketch.]

Capt. H. W. Sebree. Prominent among the farmers of Crittenden County, is Capt. Sebree, who was born in Kentucky, in 1817, being the son of Reuben and Jane (Watts) Sebree, natives of Virginia. Their parents were also Virginians by birth, the father of Reuben Sebree, Richard Sebree, being a very prominent and wealthy planter, who lived to be over ninety years of age, and died while our subject was a small boy. Reuben reached his majority in the Old Dominion, where he was married, and one child had been born to himself and wife, when he moved to Kentucky, and settled in Boone County. There he engaged in farming till his death. He was a well-to-do man and took an active part in the War of 1812. Some of his comrades were captains in the war, but owing to his age, he could not be admitted as a soldier. He was an old time Whig, and died in his seventy-third year, having been an upright, moral man, and well-liked, commanding the respect of all who knew him. His wife died several years afterward, being seventy-seven years of age. To this union were born six children, five sons and one daughter. All but one lived to be grown: Oner, one of the sons, fell in a well and was drowned at the age of four years. Only two of the children, Norman (an engineer living in Cincinnati) and Capt. H. W. (the fourth child) survive. At the age of twenty years, the latter went on the Hartford City, a towboat running between Pittsburg and New Orleans, of which he soon afterward became pilot, then captain, and the principal owner. He owned the Star, Argus, Rockford and several other boats, and was on the river from 1859 to 1876, holding positions on various boats, and had tree boats destroyed during the Civil War, the Queen of Memphis, Hartford and Star. Purchasing a fruit farm in Crittenden County, he lived at Mound City for a short time, when he moved to his farm on which he has since made his home. Here he has 350 acres of good land under cultivation, though only seventy-five were improved when he bought the place; he owns other lands that are unimproved. While living in Kentucky, he took an active part in political matters, and represented Boone County in the legislature, in 1856, also holding the office of sheriff, magistrate and several minor offices. He was a Whig till the war, and then a Democrat, but now gives his whole attention to his farms. Capt. Sebree was married to Elizabeth Wingate, a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of William Wingate, a wealthy planter of Boone County, who lived to be very old. Mrs. Sebree died November 4, 1888, in her sixty-ninth year. She was a good Christian lady, and one of the best women that the world has ever produced. She was the mother of eight children, the following two of whom are still living: Sarah J. (the wife of Moses Corey, living in Pennsylvania) and Katy Cole (wife of J. W. Cole, who lives on the home place with her parents; they [p.437] have one son, Howard W.). Mr. Sebree has been a very active, and is yet one of the most energetic men in the county. He is wide awake and pushing, and has done much toward the advancement of the locality in which he lives.

Otto Seyppel, a planter and merchant of Lucas Township, was born in Germany June 18, 1854, being the son of Achilles and Mina (Jacobs) Seyppel, also natives of Germany. The father was a magistrate by profession and died in his native land in March, 1860. Mrs. Seyppel was born in Germany about 1888 and died in Memphis in 1878, of yellow fever. She and her husband were the parents of two children: Alexander (who died of yellow fever at Holly Springs, Miss., in 1878) and Otto. Our subject, the second child, was raised in his native land till he was eleven years of age, and there received most of his education. He came with his mother to this country, and after spending a few months in New. York went to Memphis, Tenn., in 1865, living with the mother's brother till sixteen years old, when he commenced life for himself in the wood-yard business, which he continued for one year. He then entered a grocery store as a clerk, remained so occupied for two years, when he clerked for a coal firm for three years, and after leaving this firm was manager of the McCormick Ice Company of Memphis for four years. He then invested in steamboat stock and run a tow-boat from Memphis to New Orleans for eight months. While he was with the McCormick Ice Company he was married, February 13, 1878, to Mrs. Minnie (McCue) Burgett, who was born in Memphis September 25, 1854, being the daughter of John and Mary (McWilliams) McCue. Her first husband was waylaid and killed after they had been married but three weeks. Mr. Seyppel is a member of Germania Lodge No. 369, K. of H., of Memphis, and of the Knights of Pythias Lodge of the same city, as well as the German Bruder Bund Lodge of Memphis. He is an extensive farmer and owns 350 acres of land with 200 in a good state of cultivation, on which he raises annually from eighty to 100 bales of cotton. This farm is located twenty-nine miles south of Memphis and sixty miles north of Helena, and is known as the Burgett farm. He is postmaster of Seyppel postoffice, which was established in 1888. Mrs. Seyppel's father, Mr. McCue, was born in Stark County, Ohio, and is now living in California. He was married to Miss Mary McWilliams, who was born near Tuscumbia, Ala., in 1833, and died in Hernando, De Soto County, Miss., in 1871. Minnie was the only child born to this union. She was reared in Memphis till fifteen years of age and received most of her education in that city. At the age of fifteen she went with her mother to Hernando, Miss., where she remained until her marriage, in 1873, to Peter M. Burgett, who was born on the farm on which Mr. Seyppel now lives. He was a large planter and left a farm of 2,800 acres, situated on the Mississippi River, to his wife. His father, Isaac Burgett, settled the farm where our subject now resides, and was one of the early settlers in this section. He was born in Perry County, Mo., November 20, 1801, and died in this county December 18, 1865, at time of his death being the county's oldest citizen. He was a man of sterling good sense, great enterprise and unbending integrity, and at his death left a very large estate. He had six children, viz.: John C., Peter M., William L., Isaac W., Henry E., Bettie B. and Nannie P.

Albert Sinclair, a planter and carpenter of Jasper Township, and one of its oldest and most respected citizens, was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., in 1833. His parents having died while he was but an infant, he was reared by James and Rachel Cunningham, farmers, who came to Arkansas in 1844, and settled near Marion, where they lived till their death. Mr. Cunningham was a soldier in the War of 1812. Mr. Sinclair remained with this family until 1851, when he commenced life for himself as a laborer, and in 1859 was married, and leased a farm, on which he lived till after the war. At the commencement of the Civil War he joined the Confederate army, and hired a substitute, who served in his stead for one year, after which he took his place and served in Dobbins' regiment till the close of the war. He was taken prisoner below Marion, Ark., and kept at Hope Field for a time, when he made his escape [p.438] and returned to his company. After the close of hostilities he returned to his farm work, and in 1866 purchased land near Marion, on which he lived till 1882, when he moved to a farm that he had bought in 1874. This consists of 160 acres of splendid land, with a part under cultivation, upon which he has a good residence, gin and all modern improvements. He has occasionally worked at his trade, since the war, and has built several horsepower gins, and some of the fine residences that adorn this portion of the country. His possessions are wholly the result of his own labors, and he can say without boasting that he is a self-made man, for he commenced with nothing, and to-day is in very comfortable circumstances. His first wife was Mrs. Catherine M. (Lloyd) Garrett, who was born and reared in this county; they were the parents of three children, all girls, two of whom died, three hours apart, while small. The oldest daughter, Sarah C., is the widow of James R. Keel, and has two children, Floyd Atwilda and James A. L. Mrs. Sinclair was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in 1887, at the age of fifty years. After her death Mr. Sinclair was married to Fannie E. Everton, who was born in Mississippi, and came to this State in 1887. Mr. Sinclair and his daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and takes great interest in schools, churches, and in fact anything that will increase the morality and the business interests and prosperity of the county in which he lives.

J. F. Smith. The lives of noble men who have built up and fostered the interests of Arkansas are always read with pleasure, not only by their friends, but by a grateful people, who have watched its industrial, agricultural and moral development from year to year under the skillful management of those men who had the ingenuity and enterprise to cultivate its resources. Mr. Smith was born in Tennessee in the year 1834, and was the only child of William and Catherine (McCrimmon) Smith. His parents died when he was young, and at the age of seventeen he took his place in the world's great struggle and sought to carve for himself a name in the temple of fame. His first venture was to find employment, which he succeeded in obtaining in a store near his native place, remaining here until the outbreak of the Civil War. He responded promptly to the call of his country and began to make preparations to enlist, and at the option of the company which was being formed in the town of his birth, was elected to the rank of first lieutenant, and at the organization of the regiment (Thirty-first Tennessee Infantry) was appointed major. During his war career he took part in the battles of Columbus (Ky.), Fort Pillow, Corinth (Miss.), Harrisburg (Miss.), and several others. When the army was reorganized he was detached, but immediately formed a company of cavalry and was elected colonel of the Second Mississippi Cavalry, to which the company had allied themselves. In this capacity Col. Smith remained until the end of the war, fighting for the cause he so gloriously undertook, with all his heart and soul, even up to the final bitter moment when defeat at last crushed his hopes and the stars and bars of the Confederacy lay trampled in the dust. In 1866 Col. Smith came to Arkansas and located at Marion. Here he purchased a small farm of thirty-four acres, from which he cleared the timber and put it under cultivation, and now, what better evidence of his determined will and tireless energy can be found than to look over his broad acres, numbering over 2,000, and view with admiration the 800 that he has placed under cultivation. Col. Smith was married in 1857 to Miss Paralee Derryberry, but death entered his home in February, 1861, and took from it his estimable wife, leaving one son, Lee, who resides at Marion and is engaged in farming. His second marriage occurred in 1863 to Miss Martha J. Gidden, by whom he has had five children: Emma (now the wife of Thomas Koser), Willie S., Frank G., Mary G. and Charles Edgar. Col. Smith's plantation is without doubt one of the finest in Crittenden County, and the most of it he has placed under cultivation himself. In appearance he is a typical Southerner, of a tall and commanding figure, dark complexion, with prominent features and an eye that is piercing in its glance, and withal a courteous gentleman. As an army officer, Col. Smith stands without a peer in his rank, as his splendid record through the dark days of rebellion will show, when his courage and gallantry commanded the admiration of both friend and foe. Possessed in a strong degree with journalistic qualities, Col. Smith saw the need of a paper in Crittenden County, and was one of the leading promoters of the Marion Reform, which advocates those missions that will unquestionably be beneficial to both white and colored citizens. He held the office of mayor of Marion and during his administration made many improvements in the town, especially in laying the sidewalks, and was also one of the leading spirits in building schools for both white and colored children and the Methodist Church in Marion. He was also one of the principal advocates of prohibition in Marion, which was secured in 1885. During 1889 Col. Smith was levee commissioner, and an earnest advocate of levee protection. In his dealings with tenants on his plantation he is scrupulously exact that they shall have to the last penny their share, and as an evidence of the esteem in which he is held, some of his tenants have been with him since the war. In politics Col. Smith is one of the prominent men of his county, and in 1874 was sent to the State legislature. He is a director of the Memphis bridge now being built from a point in this county to Memphis, and in other affairs that tend to push forward the progress of Crittenden County he is always ready and generous with his assistance in every way possible. His name is an authority on many matters of public interest and he holds a place in the hearts of his fellow-citizens that will never be banished.

J. L. Smith could hardly be other than one of the leading and prosperous citizens of Crittenden County, because he is a son of Col. J. F. Smith, a worthy resident of this community. Born in McNairy County, Tenn., in 1863, he lived in that State till twelve years of age, when he came to Arkansas with his parents and has since remained here. Most of his education was received in the common schools, and in 1881 he commenced business for himself as a merchant at Marion, and in 1884 began farming on the island where he now lives. He was married to Miss Lillian Brooks, who was born in Tipton County, Tenn., in 1888, the daughter of James and Matilda Brooks, the father being deceased, but the mother is still living. To this young couple has been born one child, named Brooks Franklin. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Smith cultivates about 550 acres of land. Politically he is a Democrat, and is a young man of rare abilities. At the rate in which he has so far progressed he will have amassed a large fortune before he passes out of his prime.

J. W. Stewart is a shining light in and a credit to the medical fraternity. A native of Tennessee, his birth occurred in 1867, he being the fourth in a family of five children born to James R. and Ellen J. (Thomas) Stewart, natives of Tennessee and Mississippi, respectively. James R. Stewart was a merchant of Shelby Depot, now Brunswick, Tenn., and for many years was identified with prominent business houses of that place. Previous to his mercantile career he engaged in farming in the same county, and was quite successful. His death, in 1878, was sincerely mourned by his numerous friends and acquaintances. Mrs. Stewart is now residing in Brunswick, Tenn., with her daughter, Addah, the wife of E. E. Beaty; E. N. also resides in Brunswick; and besides these children there are Ana F., James W. (subject) and Lulla. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are of English descent. Mrs. Stewart traces her ancestry back to the Lords of England. Her maternal Grandfather McCullough was a lord of no slight prominence in England. James W. Stewart was reared and educated in Shelby County, Tenn., until eighteen years of age, leaving home at that time to enter the Memphis Medical. Hospital and College. He graduated from that institution in 1887, commencing his practice the same year in this county. His modest little sign would scarcely have attracted the passer-by, but his reputation as a physician and surgeon preceded him, as his brilliant college career and the commendation from the faculty were his passport to his present lucrative practice. His success is truly phenomenal, and would compare favorably with others who have practiced for years. Dr. Stewart purchased an interest in the firm of Williford & Whitaker, in 1889, that establishment now being known as Stewart & Co. The business amounts to $8,000 annually, and is rapidly increasing.

Mrs. Margie Strong. Among the enterprising and extensive farmers and fruit growers of Crittenden County will appear the name of Mrs. Strong, who is the wife of J. L. Strong, and daughter of William and Elizabeth (Barton) Dickson, all of Alabama. Mr. Dickson was one of the prominent men of Alabama before the late war and deeply interested in the progress and prosperity of this State. He was connected with Brinkley, Green-law, Tate and others, the original projectors of the Memphis & Little Rock Railroad, and with these gentlemen he purchased large tracts of land in this and adjoining counties, doing as much or more to advance the interest of the county and State in which he lived than any other man; and he is remembered with the kindest esteem for the industries that he put on foot, and which will live as monuments to his public-spirited efforts. Among the finest and most productive of the many farms owned by Mr. Dickson is the one upon which his daughter now lives and does business. Mrs. Strong was married to J. L. Strong in 1863 and in 1867 they moved to Tulare County, Cal., where they remained for thirteen years. Mrs. Strong has one brother, Barton, residing at Dickson, Ala., on the old homestead and one sister, Loutie, now Mrs. T. H. Ward, of Memphis, Tenn. Mrs. Strong's farm consists of 1,200 acres of land, of which there are 500 acres in cultivation. She is greatly interested in the culture of fruit, especially peaches and pears, of the former of which she has an orchard of fifty acres and an extensive orchard of the latter. From a statement by Mrs. Strong concerning the profits of fruit culture on Holly Grove farm, as her place is called, valuable information is gained. Besides the peaches and pears spoken of she has quite an extensive apple orchard, but does not find this branch of business as profitable as peaches, which she says can be grown more successfully here than in any other country in which she has been, with the exception, perhaps, of California. The profits of peach culture are certain and large. The orchards of Holly Grove farm have been bearing only three years. The net receipts for the first year were $159.34 per acre, the second year $103 per acre and the third year $136 per acre. Mrs. Strong gives valuable facts from her experience as to the relative benefits of budded and seedling trees. She finds the "Beatrice" the most profitable early peach on account of its uniform size and freedom from rot; also that all budded fruit bears fitfully, some years bearing heavy crops and some light; that they are also subject to rot. Her experience demonstrates seedling fruit to produce the best returns, because they are healthier and bear uniform crops, gradually increase and do not rot. The profits from seedling trees in 1889 was $232,36 per acre after deducting every conceivable expense. Mrs. Strong is the largest individual shipper to the Memphis markets and when the people there want the choicest fruit they seek out the package that bears the label "Holly Grove Farm." She is also a large shipper to the New Orleans market. The trees are grown and now ready to extend her peach orchard to 100 acres and the pear orchard to ten acres. She finds pear culture profitable also. She plants only the Leconte and Keiffer pear and they net $170 to $400 per acre. Mrs. Strong has originated twenty-four varieties of peaches on her farms and she will plant the entire increase with these, with the exception of the "Early Crawfords." She deserves the greatest praise for the large business which has sprung up under her own supervision. If one-half the men were as enterprising and energetic the world would be enriched and improved many fold.

A. R. Strong, one of Crittenden County's young men of note, and a merchant at Crawfordsville, is a native of Louisiana, born in 1859, and the son of A. R. and Elizabeth (Shaw) Strong, originally from New Jersey and Louisiana, respectively. The father went South when a young man and commenced dealing in timber, having gone South for his health from New York, where he had been keeping books. At the time of his death, which occurred in December, 1858, he had been a farmer for ten years. Three months after his death his wife gave birth to A. B. Strong, our [p.441] subject, who attained his majority in Louisiana, where he received his education in the common-schools. In 1876 he commenced business for himself on a farm in Mississippi, and continued for two years, returning to Louisiana, and taking up the same occupation there. Since 1881 he has been occupied in merchandising, going into business for himself in 1886, at Kilbourne, La., and following it till he came to Arkansas in January, 1889. He is enjoying a substantial trade at Crawfordsville, aggregating upward of $15,000 the past year, besides having a large business at his old place in Louisiana. Mr. Strong was married to Miss Mary Hill, a native of Chicot County, Ark.; they are the parents of three children: Merrietta, Jnlia and Creola. Mr. and Mrs. Strong are members of the Baptist Church, and be belongs to the K. of H. of this place. Mr. Strong's short acquaintance in this county has made him many warm friends, who will share with him in the success which is inevitable if he pursues his present course.

George T. Stull, M. D. Prominent among the citizens and the well-read and educated men of Crittenden County appears the name of Dr. Stull, who was born at Nashville, Tenn., in 1820. He is the son of Samuel and Rachel (Mathias) Stull. The grandfather, Zachariah Stull, was one of three brothers, of German descent, that came from Maryland, being among the first settlers of Marengo when Nashville was but a stockade, in about 1780. Soon after this two of the brothers were killed by the Indians. Zachariah Stull was an industrious farmer, and died near the place of his settlement, leaving two children: Samuel and George; the former of whom died in 1826, the latter in 1851. These two sons followed farming for an occupation, and Samuel was a surveyor and did considerable work on the government surveys of Alabama and Tennessee. He was a great lover of home, and was devoted to his fireside. His motto was, "Pay as you go," to which he adhered very rigidly and never went in debt. He was strict, but honest in all his dealings, and it is said that if he owed a dime he was not easy till it was paid. The mother was connected with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and was a devoted Christian. She died in 1844, leaving four children, two sons and two daughters: Isaiah (the youngest of the children, was killed at the battle of Atlanta), Mrs. Charlotte Scott (died at Nashville, in the winter of 1888), Mrs. Elizabeth Ledbetter (died at Nashville, in 1871), George T. Stull (the subject of this sketch) is the oldest of the family and is the only male member now living. He grew to manhood in Tennessee, where he graduated from the Nashville University, in 1842, and later cultivated a farm from the time of his graduation till 1848, when he went to the Philadelphia Medical College. After his graduation from this college he practiced in New Orleans for four years. Going from New Orleans to Fayette County, Tenn., he gave his attention to the profession till the close of the late war, when he moved to Memphis, where he engaged in buying notes, bonds, building, etc.; he remained in that city till 1888, then came to Crittenden County, Ark., and settled on the place where he now lives, adjoining Crawfordsville. Dr. Stull was first married to Elizabeth Williams, of New Orleans, who died in Fayette County, Tenn., on New Year's day of 1856, leaving one child, a girl, now deceased. In 1861 the Doctor was married to Sally Goode, of Giles County, Tenn., who died in 1870, leaving one daughter, Parmelia G., now the wife of W. S. Graham, of Forrest City, Ark., where he is engaged in general merchandising. Dr. Stull was married to his present wife, Mrs. Addie B. Pamphlin, of Memphis, Tenn., in 1880. He has entirely given up his profession since moving to Memphis, and devotes his time to his land, which he rents. He is a man of extensive travels, and is one of the best read men in the county. He spends his winters in the South and his summers in the North. He takes great interest in his gardens, orchards and vineyards.

Wilsie W. Swepston, a leading planter and ginner of Crawfordsville, was born February 9, 1848, in Vinton, Ohio, and is the son of John and Asenath (Darby) Swepston, originally of Virginia and North Carolina, respectfully. They came to Arkansas April 1, 1859, when our subject was eleven years old, and located at the Fifteen-mile Bayou in this county. Here the father ran a saw and grist-mill, [p.442] and was engaged in that business at intervals till 1868, when he was elected county clerk, and held this office for four years, and officiated in the same capacity several times afterward, and was holding the office of county sheriff at the time of his death. He took an active part in political matters in Ohio, as well as in Arkansas. He was not in favor of the secession of the States, so did not participate in the war. He filled some position of responsibility and trust most of the time after the reconstruction till his death; he was a conservative Republican in politics. His wife worshiped with the Christian Church, to which she belonged, and died in 1868, being the mother of ten children, of whom seven lived to be grown and six are still living. Wilsie W. Swepston is the second son, and attained his majority in this county, where he commenced life for himself by raising a crop on shares, on the Donegan Island, and in 1877, opened a general store at Marion and remained in this business for two years, when he came to Crawfordsville and followed merchandising till 1882. He has since been occupied in cultivating his farms, of which he has several, all in a good state of cultivation. In 1888 he built a gin on the Bald Knob Railroad, with the capacity of twenty-five bales per day, which is the largest and best equiped custom gin in the county; he uses the Thomas press and the Sailor system of elevating. He also has plenty of storage-room for cotton and cotton seed in connection with his gin. He was elected justice of the peace in 1888, getting every vote in his township, and has held this office for two years, and has never paid any attention to politics, but has given his time exclusively to his farms and gin. Mr. Swepston was first married in 1880 to Miss Ida H. Haley, of Memphis, Tenn., who died the same year. In October, 1882, he was again married to Mary W. Denton, a native of this county. The fruits of this marriage were four children: Edith, Pierre, Lee St. Clair and Io. Mr. Swepston is a very energetic worker in educational matters, and has been a live and active member of the school board for the past nine years, being elected on this board when the town had neither funds nor buildings, and by close and strict adherence to business they now have two nice school buildings, and a good corps of teachers. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and the K. of H. He always votes the straight Democratic ticket and is opposed to the sale of intoxicating liquors.

Lafayette Swoope, M. D., needs no formal introduction to the many readers of this volume, but in compiling the biographies of the principal citizens of Crittenden County, his name should not be omitted. Born in Augusta County, Va., in 1835, he is the son of Washington and Eliza (Trent) Swoope, natives of Virginia. Washington Swoope was a prosperous farmer, and came from one of the F. F. V's. He and his wife reared a family of nine children, seven of whom are now living: Dr. W. M. (living at Buckingham Court House, Va.), Mary M. (wife of Col. Forbes, of Virginia), Eliza M. (Mrs. William Carr), Sarah A. (Mrs. Col. G. W. Hull, of Virginia), Mariah A. (wife of Gen. Edward C. Cornington, residing in Virginia), Francis M., Bowling R. and Lafayette. Mr. Swoope died in 1870 and his wife in 1873. Lafayette was educated in the schools of Virginia, and at the age of eleven years entered the high school of Stanton, Va., attending when fourteen years old the high school at Lexington, Va. When fifteen he took a course at the Baptist College, at Richmond, Va., and about four years later became a student of the University of Virginia, at Charlottesville. He then took up the study of medicine, and subsequently entered the Richmond Medical College, from which he was graduated with honors. He embarked upon the prosecution of his chosen profession at Richmond, and at the time of his removal to Courtland, Ala., in 1860, had built up a comfortable practice. After one year's residence in Courtland, he moved to De Soto County, Miss., and located where Star Landing now is, then called Old De Soto Front. In 1861 Dr. Swoope joined the Confederate service, as lieutenant in Company I, Sixteenth Alabama Regiment (Wood's Brigade). After the battle of Mills Springs he was promoted to a captaincy, participating in the battles of Shiloh, Perryville, Murfreesboro and numerous engagements of minor importance. He received his discharge at the battle of Murfreesboro, on account of inability to serve, caused by exposure and a wound received at Shiloh. Returning [p.443] to Virginia, he remained out of the army twelve months, at the end of which time his health had sufficiently improved to admit of his serving again, so he entered the cavalry, and continued on the field until 1863. In August, 1863, he was captured on the Weldon Railroad, near the Yellow Tavern, and remained in prison at Point Lookout, Md., until the final surrender. After receiving his parole he returned to Virginia, but on Christmas day, 1865, started for Mississippi, and settled in De Soto County, resuming the practice which he had established previous to the war. In 1882 Dr. Swoope came to Crittenden County, Ark., and purchased a quantity of wild land, and at this time has about 150 acres improved, on which he produces annually about forty-five bales of cotton. He also devotes a large portion of his farm to the raising of corn and peas, owning besides this farm the southeast quarter of Section 5, which is wild land. Dr. Swoope in addition to being a prominent physician is very popular as a citizen. He is courteous, obliging, and one of the shining lights of society, and while not taking any active part in the politics of the day, is a strong supporter of the Democratic party and a liberal contributor and friend to all laudable enterprises.

Dr. James C. Throgmorton, a practicing physician of Tyronza Township, living near Earle, was born in Wayne County, Tenn., August 30, 1841, and is the son of Edward B. Throgmorton, who first saw the light in Halifax County, Va., in 1811, and died in this county, June 30, 1884. His parents were Robert and Mrs. (Crittendon) Throgmorton, they moving from Virginia to North Carolina when Edward B. was a child, and remaining there till he was twelve years old. Then they went to Bedford County, Tenn., and died there at a very old age. The Throgmortons are of English descent, three brothers having first come to this country from England, and two of them settled west and one east of Blue Ridge, Va. Edward B. Throgmorton was married in Bedford County, Tenn., to Patience West Jones, born in Tennessee in 1812, and is now living in Wayne County. Her parents were natives of North Carolina, and were of Irish origin. She is the mother of eight children, all of whom lived to be grown, and three daughters and the subject of this sketch are still living. Dr. James C. Throgmorton was brought up in Wayne County, Tenn., and received his literary education at the Clifton Masonic Academy. He began reading medicine in 1866, under Dr. Cicero Buchanan, at Waynesboro, Wayne County, and was with him until 1869, when he commenced practicing the same year. In July, 1872, he came near where he now lives, and was married March 6, 1873, to Miss Mary E. Pickett, originally of Jefferson County, Ill. In 1874 the Doctor moved to Southern Illinois, practiced there for about two years, and then returned to Crawfordeville, this county. To himself and wife have been born six children: Eudora, Ada, Clifford, Hayden, Jimmie C. and Walter E. In the fall of 1862 Dr. Throgmorton enlisted in Company G of the Seventh Tennessee Regiment, Confederate States Army, as a private; was captured at Fort Donelson and taken to Paducah, Ky., and made his escape from the Campbell Hotel on the night of April 6, while the battle of Shiloh was in progress. He then went to Corinth and again joined the command. He was in the Farmington fight, also the engagements at Jackson Lane, Meridian Station, Corinth, Spring Hill and Franklin, and was on the ground when Gen. Vandorn was killed; also taking part in many skirmishes of less note. He has been a stanch Democrat since casting his first vote, which was for Horace Greeley. He is a Master Mason and belongs to Lodge No. 375, at Crawfordsville, of which he has been. Worshipful Master for four years. Dr. Throgmorton is a believer in Universalism, and is a good citizen. He is a well-to-do man and commands a practice that occupies his undivided attention.

Emmett B. Tolleson, a substantial planter and merchant of Lucas Township, whose postoffice is at Pinckney, is a native of this State, born at Helena, March 14, 1842, and is the son of William P. Tolleson, originally from Spartansburg, S. C., who died about 1845. He immigrated from South Carolina to Helens, Ark., near the year 1830, and was one of the early settlers of that portion of the State. A lawyer by profession and circuit judge [p.444] of the Helena judicial district for several terms, he was an influential citizen, and as a Democrat in politics, was one of the electors of Polk and Dallas. He was married in Helena in 1836 to Miss Nancy Elliot Williams (then the widow West) who was born in Lexington, Ky., in 1809. She died in her native town in 1885, being the mother of one child by Mr. West and three by Mr. Tolleson: W. P. (deceased), Margaret W. McConnell (who resides at Lexington, Ky.) and Emmett B. The latter, the youngest child, grew up in Phillips County, Ark., receiving his education at the private schools of Helena. He lived with his mother till he was grown and then commenced for himself as a planter in the county where he now lives. He was married in Memphis, Tenn., to Miss Annie Elise Harris, September 29, 1874. Miss Harris was born in this county in 1853 and is a daughter of James Harris, of Columbia, Tenn. He was for a time book-keeper in Memphis and afterward became an extensive planter in Arkansas. His wife was Martha Arnold of Tennessee origin, where she died. Her father, Gen. William Arnold, was a graduate of West Point and a brigadier-general in the United States army, and died in Texas about 1836, owning vast landed estates. To Mr. and Mrs. Tolleson have been born five children, all living except one, viz: Martha E., Annie Imogene, Emmett B. and Marguerite A. Mr. and Mrs. Tolleson own two plantations, 675 acres of good land, with 350 in a fine state of cultivation, upon which are usually raised 200 bales of cotton. These are superior farms, located on the Mississippi River sixty miles north of Helena and thirty miles south of Memphis, and upon one Mr. Tolleson has resided since 1852. In 1861 he joined the Coufederate army, enlisting in Company E of the Third Arkansas Cavalry. He served till near the close of the war and participated in the following noted battles: Jonesboro, Ga., Chickamauga and was with Longstreet at Knoxville. He was captured at Island No. 40, near Memphis, in January, 1865, and was immediately paroled, returning to his home. He is a stanch Democrat and cast his first vote for Seymour. Mr. and Mrs. Tolleson are members of the Episcopal Church and are

highly respected.

William Vance, Jr. This much-esteemed and influential citizen is one of the most distinguished and prominent residents of West Memphis, and is of Irish birth. Born in Belfast; Ireland, in 1823, he is the son of William and Mary (Small) Vance, also of Ireland nativity, who came to the United States in 1827 or 1828, locating in New Orleans. He was a linen draper and bleacher, and lived in New Orleans till 1840, then moving back to Belfast, where he died. William Vance, Jr., was left at Belfast to be educated, after which he emigrated to New Orleans in the latter part of 1838, and commenced clerking in a wholesale grocery house. He remained with this firm for several years, then left them, and for five years kept books for one of the largest commission cotton houses in New Orleans. Locating at Memphis he was similarly occupied for the Planters' Bank a little more than a year. He then crossed the river and settled on and commenced farming his father-in-law's farm until 1856, when, the latter having died, he was made executor of the estate, and still remains as such. Mr. Vance purchased over 600 acres of land in what is now known as West Memphis, in 1869, and laid out the town of that name in 1870. He married Frances Winchester, a native of Tennessee, who died in 1867 at the age of forty years. To this union were born ten children, of whom the following seven are still living, viz.: Robert, Hopefield, Agnes (who is the wife of H. L. Bugg), Frank E., May (who is the wife of John C. Dunlap), Arthur and Stonewall J. The deceased are Lucy (wife of C. P. Williams, died in 1869, leaving two children, who died soon afterward); William (who died at the age of two years), and one infant unnamed. All the children are living in West Memphis except Agnes, who lives in Black Rock, Ark., and Arthur, in Memphis, Tenn. Robert and Hopefield were educated in Toronto, Canada; his three daughters were educated in Memphis, Tenn., and the other son, at home. The entire family are adherents to the Presbyterian Church, but at present are not members. Mr. Vance has received several prominent appointments from the Governor, among which are those of assessor, auditor, and circuit court clerk, all since the war. Politically, [p.445] he was an old line Whig before the civil strife, but since then he has voted for the best man. In 1871 he made a general division of his property among his children, and in 1881 presented them with deeds for the same. Hopefield Vance is married to Bettie Sweeney, a native of Virginia, and is the father of three children: Leslie, Ralph and Hope. Robert Vance is married to Miss Lula Franklin, a native of Tennesses, and has four children; Walter, Robert, Nellie and Lottie.

R. N. Wallace, prominently identified with the mercantile affairs of Bartonville, was born in Weakley County, Tenn., in 1840, being the son of James Wallace, originally from Barren County, Ky., who came to Tennessee about 1820 with his parents when eight years of age. He grew to manhood in Weakley County, and engaged in farming there, becoming married to Miss Mary E. Goldsby, a Kentuckian by birth, who went to Tennessee with her parents in 1852 when she was a child. After they were married Mr. and Mrs. Waliace moved back to their native State, and lived there till their death. They were both members of the Baptist Church, and the parents of three sons and three daughters, of whom three sons and one daughter lived to be grown. J. G. Wallace, the youngest of the children, was reared by his grandfather, and is now a practicing lawyer in Russellville, Ark. R. N. Wallace, the oldest son, was left on his own resources at the age of sixteen, his father having died at that time, and he came to Arkansas in 1856, and to Crittenden County in 1859, where he has since lived. During his stay here he has spent two years in Tennessee attending school, and after his return he was occupied in teaching. At the breaking out of the late war he enlisted with the Crittenden County Rangers, Joe Earl's company, and later joined the Second and Third Arkansas as a private. He was captured near Dalton, Ga., in 1864, and taken to Camp Chase, Ohio, from which he was paroled after being kept for five months. Returning to his command he was again taken prisoner the day before the surrender of Joseph E. Johnston, and was paroled from hester Court House, S. C., and came back home on horseback. After his arrival he resumed farming till 1869, when he entered the firm of R. C. Wallace & Co., and opened the first store at Crawfordsville. A. F. Crawford, a member of the above firm, was the first postmaster at Crawfordsville, in 1870, the first postoffice established west of Marion. Mr. Wallace remained with this company for two years, when they sold to Anderson & Allen. He then carried on farming till the spring of 1887, when he opened and conducted a store for one year at Needmore, and after going out of business at Needmore, embarked in merchandising at Bartonville, where he continued till October, 1889. Then he sold to H. F. Avery, and has since given his attention to his farm which consists of 300 acres under cultivation, besides small tracts of wild land. Mr. Wallace was married to Mrs. Sarah A. Chambars, nee Graham, daughter of H. Graham, one of the old settlers in this county. Mrs. Graham is still living, and is seventy-nine years of age. Mrs. Wallace died in January, 1888. She was an active and earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was the mother of one child, John G., who was born August 26, 1874. Mr. Wallace is a Master Mason, and stands high among the prominent citizens of Crittenden County.

Charles A. Walter, a farmer and stock raiser of Fogleman Township, is a native of Germany, born March 19, 1847, and is the fourth child of a family of seven children born to the union of Frederick and Caroline (Wittersburg) Walter, both born in Germany, who died there at a very old age. Charles A. received his education in his native country, and came to the United States in 1868, locating in Wisconsin, where he worked in a brewery till coming to this county the first time, in 1871. He now has 240 acres of land, with 110 in a good state of cultivation, and has made this his home since 1880. He has cleared all his land himself, and the past year had seventy-five acres of cotton, which produced a heavy crop. His farm is located one and one half miles from Gilmore Station, west of the railroad, and is splendid for stock purposes, on which are raised a number of cattle, hogs, mules and horses. Mr. Walter is the only one of his family now in this country. He is a Democrat in politics, and cast his first presidential [p.446] vote for Tilden. A good honest citizen, he possesses the chief characteristics of a true son of Germany, which make that people so prosperous as a nation.

C. T. and I. O. West, brothers, and jointly associated in farming and stock raising, stand among the most prominent in their line in Wappauocca Township. C. T. West was born in Virginia in 1856, and his brother in this county in 1861. They are sons of Levi and Lucy C. (Barnard) West, both Virginians by birth. The father was a farmer and moved to this county in 1858, renting a farm in this township till 1879, when he purchased an unimproved bottom farm of eighty acres, of which he cleared some fifteen acres and built a comfortable residence. The father and mother of our subjects were the parents of three children: C. T., L O, and Ida, wife of W. J. Mann, who is now living with her brothers. The father had previously been married to Mary Barnard, sister of his last wife, who was the mother of seven children, all now deceased. C. T. West was reared on a farm in this county and received a fair education at Miller and Caruther's graded school, in Shelby County, Tenn. At the age of twenty-two years he rented a farm and has since followed his chosen vocation with the greatest success. Like his brother, I. O. West was brought up to a knowledge of agricultural pursuits, and received his education in the public schools of Shelby County, Tenn. When he reached the age of nineteen he commenced business for himself on his father's farm, on which he has since lived and tended to its cultivation. Ida also attended school in Shelby County, Tenn., where her father had moved at the close of the war to educate his children. She was married to W. J. Mann, and to their union have been given five children. The three now living are: Willie, James T., and an infant unnamed. Mr. Mann, who came to this county in 1878, is the only son of William and Martha (Wilson, nee Bracy) Mann, the latter of whom died in 1859, after which he was married to Cherry Futrell, and Dallas M. (deceased) was the only child born to this union. Mr. Mann's first wife was a Miss Outland, and they were the parents of five children, two now living: James H. (in this county) and Martha T. (wife of James Fennett), residing in North Hamilton County, N. C. The three gentlemen mentioned in this sketch, are all public spirited and progressive, and extend a welcome to all thrifty white emigrants, from whatever country they may come. They live together on the old farm cultivated by their father till his death in 1880, and by their spirit of enterprise and their careful business attention have developed, from the Mississippi wilderness, one of the most beautiful and productive farms that adorn Crittenden County.

John C. Williams, like many other prominent citizens of Lucas Township, is worthily occupied as a planter. He was born in Hardeman County Tenn., March 7, 1827, as the son of Nathan Williams, a native of Rockingham County, N. C., born in 1788. He was married in North Carolina, and immigrated to Alabama about 1822, and after residing there for about four years, moved to Western Tennessee, where he remained till 1884, the time of his location in Northern Mississippi: he was the first white man to take his family into that part of the State, and at the time the red man was frequently seen. He remained there till his death, in October, 1850, on the farm that he opened–the first in that section of the country. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and the son of John Williams, who is supposed to have been born in Ireland. His wife was Miss Nancy L. Carr, of North Carolina origin, born in 1800, who died while visiting her son, John C., in Austin, Miss., in 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Williams were the parents of nine children, only two of whom are alive: John C. and a brother, Dr. W. G. (living in Texas). The subject of this sketch, the fifth child, was raised in Mississippi after he was seven years of age, receiving his education in the common schools of Benton County. In 1849 he was married in Mississippi to Miss Nancy Terry, who was born in South Carolina, in 1827, and died in Benton County, Miss., in 1856, being the mother of two children: Emma (deceased, the wife of Mr. Knight) and Louisa C. (wife of William Phillips, who lives on a farm in this county). Mr. Williams was married a second [p.447] time in 1859, his wife being Sarah C. Jarrett, then the widow of a Mr. Knight. She was born in Petersburg, Va., in 1827, and had two sons by Mr. Knight; none were born f the last union. Mr, and Mrs. Williams have reared several children, among whom are her two children and his by his first wife, Sally and Lillie Redus (daughters of his deceased sister), Lycurgus War (a relative of his present wife), two children, by the names of Jennie and Edward Rupe (children of his sister) and two grandchildren, Mary and Henry Knight, are now with him. All but three of the children that he has brought up are now married and doing well. Mr. Williams immigrated from De Soto County, Miss., in 1885, to where he now lives, having 1,600 acres of land, with 200 in cultivation, on which he raises from 100 to 150 bales of cotton annually. He enlisted in the Confederate army with the scout, Thomas Henderson, and served in this capacity from Mississippi to New Orleans, until he was paroled, June 19, 1865. Politically he has been a stanch Democrat, since casting his first vote, which was for James K. Polk. Mrs. Williams is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and her husband is a believer in Universalism, Mr. Williams is a good, moral man, and is not addicted to playing cards or any other gambling devices, and has not taken any intoxicating drinks for twelve years. He first went to Memphis in 1838, when that city was a village, and it has been his home market ever since.

Judge John H. Williams, a farmer and stock raiser of prominence, of Wappanocca Township, was born in Shelby County, Tenn., in 1841, and is the twelfth child of Robert and Elizabeth (Beasley) Williams. The parents of the Judge were of Middle Tennessee nativity, who moved to Shelby County, Tenn., in 1840. Here the father bought a farm, living on it till his death in 1885. He was elected sheriff of Shelby County, Tenn., before the war. By his first wife, who died in 1858, he was the father of twelve children: Mary (wife of Ben Wilson), Martha (wife of John Mathews), Jones (deceased), Peter (of Jerico), Charles (of Shelby County, Tenn.), Benjamin (of Crawfordsville), J. H. (our subject) and Willie (deceased). In 1860 Robert Williams was married to Octavious Williams, and to this union was born one child, Nettie (wife of James Hall). Mr. Williams was closely allied to the A. F. & A. M., and was respected by all who knew him, as an honest and honorable citizen. J. H. Williams was reared to farm life, receiving his education in Shelby County, Tenn., and when at the age of twenty, during the outbreak of the Rebellion he joined Company B, Thirteenth Tennessee Infantry, and fought in the battles of Murfreesboro, Belmont and Shiloh, where he was struck twice by a spent ball. At Murfreesboro he was captured and sent to Camp Morton, Ind., being kept here for three months, when he was exchanged and went home. Abandoning the army for all time he commenced farming in Shelby County, Tenn., remaining here till 1869, when he moved to this county in February of that year. He then rented land in this county till 1872, when he purchased land that he cultivated till 1880, when he exchanged it for another farm. He now has 150 acres in his homestead, and is the owner of 160 acres, with ninety acres improved, in another section of the county. When Mr. Williams came to the county in 1869 he was in very poor circumstances, but by close economy and strict attention to business, backed by a superior business ability, he has in a few years accumulated considerable property. In 1869 he was married to Miss Fannie Wallace, and to them have been given sir children: Iola (deceased), E. R. (at home), Vesta E., R. B. (deceased), Ethel H. (deceased) and Hubert A. Mrs. Williams is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Williams is an A. F. & A. M., belonging to the Lone Star Lodge No. 375, and to the K. of H., No. 3110. He served as justice of the peace from 1874 to 1880, and in 1882 was elected county and probate judge, which office he filled, with satisfaction to all, for a term of two years.

Edwin J. Williams, prominent as one of the younger farmers of Jasper Township, was born in Shelby County, Tenn., in 1854, to the union of Jesse and Mary (Watson) Williams, natives, respectively, of Kentucky and Georgia. When an infant the father went to Tennessee with his parents [p.448] and located in Maury County. Here he attained his majority and was educated for the Methodist ministry, which he followed for a profession. He preached in Tennessee, Georgia and Kentucky and was a faithful worker in the church till his death, in 1877, when he was seventy years of age. He located in Shelby County on a farm when about thirty-five years of age, and lived there till called to a home above. He was a member of the Masonic lodge. The mother is still living in the same neighborhood, and is above seventy years of age, active and hearty; she is a faithful member of the Methodist Epiecopal Church, and is a devoted and active Christian, doing much to advance the interests of her chosen denomination. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of eight children, seven now living. Eugene O., the youngest child, is deceased. Edwin J., who is the fifth of the family, was reared in Shelby County, Tenn., and received his education in the common schools of that vicinity. Coming to Arkansas in 1879 he remained for three years, when he moved to Fayette County, Tenn., and after spending four years there returned to this county and located on Rose-brough Island, where he is still living, engaged in farming. In connection with James T. Barton, under the firm name of Barton & Williams, he is also occupied in buying cotton seed at Gavin. Mr. Williams was married to Miss Lena Finch, who was born in Macon, Tenn., the daughter of Alphonso and Sally Finch, natives of Tennessee. He is a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. They have two children: Valcour F. and Annie V. Mr. Williams is of a philanthropic disposition and is always eager to take hold of and push anything that will advance the interests of the public.

J. F. Williamson, one of Crittenden County's prosperous young planters, has reached a prominence and popularity that would do credit to many of more advanced years and wider experience. He owes his nativity to Mississippi, his birth occurring in De Soto County, in 1868, he being the third in order of birth in a family of nine children born to F. H. and Mary E. (McGraw) Williamson, of whom only six are now living: Mary E. (wife of Dr. W. P. Conner, residing in Mississippi), J. F., Artinatia T., Robert M., Ellen and Hal. F. H. Williamson went to Memphis, Tenn., from Virginia, in 1840, and engaged in merchandising, the firm name being Franseoli & Williamson, dealers in queensware. After successfully conducting that business for twenty years, he moved to De Soto County, and there carried on farming, but in 1886 he returned to Memphis, and has retired from active business life. He served as captain of a company in the late war (on the Confederate side) from 1861 to 1865, and participated in a number of important battles, among them being that of Shiloh. While in Mississippi he received a severe wound in the shoulder, and was taken prisoner at Memphis, but only retained a short time. Though Mr. Williamson is in his seventy-first year he enjoys excellent health and takes an active interest in the progressive ideas of the day. Mrs. Williamson is fifty-two years of age, and a member of the Baptist Church. J. F. was reared and educated in De Soto County, Miss., and when twenty-five years old accepted the position as manager in the mercantile house of Conner Bros., at Scanlan's Landing. At the expiration of one year he was made a member of that firm. In 1888 Mr. Williamson led to the hymeneal altar Miss Louisia Earle, daughter of J. F. and L. R. (Richards) Earle, natives of Arkansas. After his marriage he assumed the management of his mother-in-law's plantation, which consists of 600 acres. He raises about 400 bales of cotton, and does all his own ginning, having a steamgin on his farm. He is one of the most successful farmers of this county, and takes great interest in and lends his support to all public improvements for the good and benefit of the county and its residents. Mrs. Williamson's father, J. F. Earle, came to this portion of the county with his parents when about fourteen years old. They were from England, and the paternal great-grandfather was lost at sea. The grandfather was a sea captain, and controlled an interest in a line of steamships. Mr. Earle suffered considerable loss through disasters at sea, having owned at one time a large estate in this county. He was a soldier in the War with Mexico, and a major in the Confederate States service, serving through the entire war, and later, held with distinction the offices of circuit and county clerk. Subsequent to the war he served as county and circuit clerk of this county, and was one of its progressive and influential citizens. When Mr. Earle came here he had very little on which to build a fortune, but at the date of his demise, was the owner of 1,600 acres of valuable land, with 600 acres under cultivation, which, as before stated, is now under the efficient management of Mr. Williamson. Mrs. Earle's father (Mr. Richards) was one of the first settlers of Crittenden County, and his brother was city register for about thirty years of the city of Memphis, Tenn., holding and discharging the duties of that office with entire satisfaction to all concerned.

Solomon P. Williford, of Crittenden County, was born December 31, 1848, in Shelby County, Tenn., and is the sixth in a family of nine children, which blessed the union of Solomon F. and Susan A. (Andrews) Williford, natives of North Carolina. Solomon. Williford came to Tennessee, in 1830, and settled in Shelby County, where he purchased a large tract of land, making farming his special delectation. Here he reared and educated his children, and previous to the war owned a number of slaves. The children were as follows: B, F. (resides in Tennessee), Agnes T. (wife of A, C. Douglass, deceased, and with her family resides in Tennessee), Joseph H. (killed in the battle of Franklin), R. A. (passed through the war under Gen. Forrest), James M. (deceased, and left a family who reside in Tennessee), Piney (deceased), Annie L. (deceased, wife of A. M. Bledsoe, of Tennessee), Bernie (deceased, wife of R. W. Bledsoe, of Tennessee) and S. P. (subject of this sketch). Mr. Williford was killed in 1862, by United States troops, at Bartlett, Tenn. Mrs. Williford died in 1875 or 1876, a member of the Baptist Church, as was also her husband. Solomon P. Williford attended the common schools of Shelby County, and also took a course in a prominent college of Madison County, Tenn. At the age of twenty he started out to make his fortune, and began farming, having purchased a fine tract of land in Shelby County, and after a residence of several years on that farm, or until 1881, he disposed of his property and came to Arkansas, following his adopted occupation of farming, on what is now called the McConnoll Place. This place is situated at the head of Cat Island, and embraces 180 acres. Mr. Williford also cultivates 500 acres, on which he raises a great deal of stock, sch as cattle, hogs, etc., having discovered that they can be handled with comparatively little expense, and yield excellent returns. In 1877 Mr. Williford was united in holy matrimony with Miss Bettie Massey, a daughter of Crawford and Sarah P. (Bledsoe) Massey. Mr. and Mrs. Massey were the parents of six children, five of whom are now living: Bettie E. (Mrs. Williford), Mary (now Mrs. Oglesbey), Charles J., Sallie A. (the wife of Mr. Walker) and Katie (at home). Mrs. Massey died July 6, 1875. Mr. Massey is a prosperous farmer, and a member of the Farmers' Alliance. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Williford served with great distinction in the War for Independence. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Williford five children have been born: Ethel G., Joseph C. (deceased), Lith P., Emmet P. and Daisy M. Mr. Williford is one of the most successful farmers in this portion of the county, and owes his prosperity to no one but himself, all being, secured by hard labor and constant application. He takes an active part in political affairs, and is an ardent admirer of the principles of the Democratic party. A member of the K. of P., K. of H. and L O. O. F., he is a man of whom the citizens of Crittenden County have just cause to be proud.

William H. Williford, an auspicious planter of Jasper Township, was born in Shelby County, Tenn., in 1856, and is the son of Henry and Celia (Taylor) Williford, who were reared and married in North Carolina. The father located in Shelby County, Tenn., in 1851, and followed farming for an occupation. He furnished a substitute during the late war, who was killed at the battle of Franklin, Tenn. Mr. and Mrs. Williford were members of the Baptist Church. The former died in 1880, and his wife in 1868. They were the parents [p.450] of eleven children, of whom four lived to be grown, and of these William H. was the fifth child, and is now the only survivor. The father was married the second time in December, 1869, to

Miss Pain. They have two boys, living in Memphis at present. William H. was reared and educated in the common schools of Shelby County, where he assisted his father on the farm and attained his majority. He commenced life for himself in 1878 by coming to Arkansas, and settled on a farm that was owned by his father and near the Lyon place, on which he lives at the present time. Mr. Williford was married to Miss Katie E. Lyons, who was born in this county in 1859, and is the daughter of Dr. T. B. and Elizabeth (Ferguson) Lyon. Dr. Lyon is a native of Ohio, having graduated there at a medical college, and upon coming to this State located in Mississippi County, but later moved to Crittenden County. Here he was married and followed his profession, which greatly injured his health, and from the effects of which he died in 1886, at the age of sixty-three. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was well liked by all who knew him. His widow lives on the old home place with Mr. and Mrs. Williford. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyon were born three children, of whom one died when quite small; Katie E. and Hattie J. still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Williford are the parents of four children, as follows: Myrtle, Thomas H. and. Willie Lee living, and one died in infancy. Mr. Williford is a member of the Baptist Church, and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a worthy and enterprising citizen. He has an elegant farm of 130 acres in cultivation and 190 acres still unimproved.