William Davis is one of the old and highly honored residents of Izard County, and during the many years devoted to agricultural pursuits in this region he has become well and favorably known. His farm comprises 252 acres, of which eighty acres are under cultivation, and it is well improved with good buildings and orchards. Some portions of his land are underlaid with minerals and are considered very valuable. He was born in Campbell County, Tenn., in 1815, and is a son of James Davis, who was born in Kentucky. The latter received a liberal education in his youth, and gave his attention to the occupation of farming. He served in the War of 1812, was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church, and after his marriage to Miss Sallie Cushenbury, of Tennessee, he removed to Kentucky (in 1829), where he purchased land and reared his family of six sons and six daughters: Patsey, Nancy, Baxter, George, Anna, James, Ursula, William, Ferroby, Joseph, John and Emanuel. William Davis, the immediate subject of this sketch, was married to Miss Bethenia Dobbs, of Kentucky, in 1835, but her death occurred in 1858, she having borne a family of eleven children, eight of whom survive: Mary A., James, Emanuel, Ferroby, Simon, Mark, Ollie and Nancy. In the latter part of 1858 Mr. Davis took [p.940] for his second wife Harriet A., the daughter of Isaac Bettis, of Izard County. Ark. This union resulted in the birth of twelve children, seven now living: William A. Baxter, Rufus M., Martha E. Anthony W., Tennessee and Minnie L. Their son. Rufus M., was married in 1888 to Miss Julia Cunningham, of Izard County, and they reside on the homestead with Mr. Davis. They have one child. Willie. The family attend the Missionary Baptist Church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Davis have long been members.
 

W. O. Dillard. The family of which the subject of this sketch is a representative, is one well known to the people of Izard County, for one or more of its members have been identified with its agricultural interests since 1849, when Alex. Dillard and his family located here. The latter was married to Delilah Legan, both being natives of Tennessee, and throughout his entire life, he was engaged in farming and merchandising, following the latter occupations at Spring Creek and Flat Woods after coming to Arkansas. He served as justice of the peace and deputy sheriff of his county, and, during the time he served in the latter capacity, he transacted the greater portion of the business which should have been attended to by the sheriff. He was quite a wealthy man prior to the war, and owned several negroes, but his losses during the rebellion were very heavy, and these he never fully regained. He died in 1867, at the age of fifty nine years. To his marriage, which occurred in 1825, were born a family of seven children, three of whom lived to be grown, and two now living: J. A., a resident of this county, and W. O. John C. died while serving in the Mexican War, being sergeant of his company. Both parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the mother's death occurred in 1837 or 1838. Mr. Dillard's second wife was Mary Wood, of Tennessee, and she is now the wife of John Anderson. W. O. Dillard remained with his father until twenty seven years of age, then commenced for himself, farming on his own land, which was situated on White River, in Izard County. This property he sold in 1866, and bought 202 acres on another portion of White River, about eighty acres of which are under cultivation, and in addition to this owns 1.000 acres, the entire amount of his land under cultivation amounting to 250 acres. In 1862 he joined the Confederate army as a private, but was afterward promoted to the rank of second lieutenant, and served three years under Col. Freeman, and was with Price on his raid through Missouri. He surrendered at Jacksonport. Ark., on the 5th of June, 1865. and returned home and resumed farming. From 1869 to 1875 he was successfully engaged in merchandising, and since that time he has been occupied with farming. He was married, in 1857. to Miss Averilla Jeffrey, but she died in 1868, after having borne four children, three now living: James L., Nancy J., wife of Seely Talley, and Alex. Mary E. is deceased. In 1869 Mr. Dillard wedded his second wife, she being a Mrs. Sarah Slavens, and to them three children have been born: J. J., John C. and W. O. Mr. Dillard was called upon to mourn the death of this wife in 1879, and in 1881, his third wife, who was a Miss Sallie Harris, also died, their marriage having been consummated in 1880. His marriage to his present wife, who was a Miss Adelaide Cantrell, took place in 1883. They have two children: George C. and Charley R. Mr. Dillard's first two wives were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, his third wife was a Cumberland Presbyterian, and he and his present wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Democrat, a member of the A. F. & A. M., and is a man who favors and supports all laudable enterprises, especially those connected with churches and schools.
 

George J. Dillard is a native-born resident of Izard County, Ark., and was born in the year 1850. He is a son of Hill and Eliza (Creswell) Dillard, the former's birth having occurred in the “Old Dominion,” in 1814. The father was one of the leading farmers of the section in which he resided, and during slavery times, owned a great many negroes. Although he received a limited early education, he possessed sound judgment and a keen and active intellect, and was a man who stood well in the estimation of all who knew him. The following family were born to himself and wife: Elizabeth, [p.941] the wife of B. T. Roose; Martha, also married, Sarah, now Mrs. Billingsley, all of whom reside in this county. Mr. Dillard removed to this county and State in 1836, coming overland, and entered a large tract of land, and, at the time of his death, owned about 1,000 acres. He built him a cedarlog but in the woods and in this primitive structure, his son, George J. Dillard, was born. After making this county his home until 1863 he moved to the State of Texas, where he died two years later. George J. Dillard, like his father, has followed the occupation of farming all his life, and like him, has been successful. His farm, which comprises 264 acres, of which 130 acres are under cultivation, he devotes chiefly to raising cotton, corn and small grains, and throughout the county he is well and favorably known. Although he attended the La Crosse school for some time, which was under the management of Prof. Kennard, his early education was somewhat limited, but by reading and contact with the world, he is considered one of the well posted men of the county. In 1872 he was married to Miss Rebecca Shell, a daughter of William and Catherine Shell, of Izard County, and by her has a family of seven children: Edward, William D., Ollie, Elizabeth, James, Hubbard and Catherine.
 

William K. Estes, county and circuit clerk, Melbourne, Ark. In his present position as clerk of the county and circuit court of this county, Mr. Estes is proving himself to be efficient and popular, and the manner in which he has acquitted himself has justly won him the name of being possessed of more than ordinary business ability. He is a native-born citizen of this county, his birth occurring on the 5th of September, 1853, and he is the son of Thomas N. and Lucy R. (Johnson) Estes, and the grandson of Burris and Martha (Morris) Estes, natives of North Carolina. The grandfather came to Tennessee at an early day, and was there married about 1825. He was a leading agriculturist, and died near the close of the late war, leaving considerable property in land and slaves. He was a member of the Baptist Church, as was also his wife, who died shortly after his death. The paternal great-grandfather of William K. Estes was an officer in the war for independence, and had in the same army with himself eleven cousins of the same name and some of one father. He drew from the government 600 acres of land, and located his claim in Henry County, Tenn., where he passed his last days. Thomas N. Estes was born in Tennessee, but moved to this State in 1852, and was married that year to Miss Lucy R. Johnson, who bore him three children: W. K., John J. (who is a bookkeeper at Evening Shade, Sharp County), and Samuel C. (who is clerking in a dry goods store, at Ash Flat, Ark.) The mother of these children died in 1858. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Estes was married the second time, in 1869, to Mrs. Minerva R. Wilson, nee Kimmins; both are members of the Baptist Church. The same year they moved to Izard County, where Mr. Estes has a fine farm of 200 acres, with thirty or forty under cultivation, and on which are good buildings, etc. In 1849 he crossed the plains to California, and after suffering untold hardships and after being on the road over six months, reached that State. He then followed mining until 1852, met with tea. reasonable success and returned to Arkansas in the above mentioned year. He was county clerk of Fulton County from 1862 to 1864, and also served in the Confederate army. William K. Estes' early life was divided between assisting on the farm and in attending the common schools of his county. At the age of twenty years he started out for himself by continuing the pursuit to which he had been reared, and followed this occupation uninterruptedly for a long time. In 1879 he moved to the city, and served as deputy clerk from that time until 1884, when he was elected county clerk, though he had first been deputy clerk in November, 1876. He filled this office in such a capable and efficient manner, and so popular did he become, that he was complimented by being re-elected in 1886, serving until 1888. He has been twice married; first, in 1873, to Miss Lurana E. Wilson, by whom he had five children: Lucy E., Walter H., Jasper M., Allie M. and Ford W. Mrs. Estes was born on the 3d of March, 1855, and died on the 13th of August, 1886. She was a member of the Baptist [p.942] Church. Mr. Estes' second marriage was to Miss Nancy C. Kitchens, on the 30th of January, 1887. They have one child, Earl T. Mr. and Mrs. Estes are both church members, she of the Christian denomination and he of the Baptist. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and R. A. M., and also a member of the Subordinate Lodge and the Encampment of Odd Fellows. In politics he is Democratic.
 

James H. Garner was born in Tennessee, in 1834, and is a son of John Garner, whose native State was North Carolina, where he was born on the 1st of August, 1808. In his youth he removed to Tennessee with his parents, and in this State he received the advantages of the common schools, and as far back as he could remember he had been familiar with farm work. In 1831 his marriage with Miss Sarah B. Greer was celebrated, she being a daughter of Joshua and Polly Greer. Five sons and three daughters were born to John Garner and wife; William T., Washington L., Edward P., John D., Mary E., Francis and Lucy C. Mr. Garner removed from Tennessee to Izard County, Ark., in 1858, and purchased a farm of eighty acres, which he successfully conducted until his death on the 21st of August. 1872. His wife, who was born in Tennessee, February 19. 1816, still lives on the old homestead, and both were members of the Christian Church. James H. Garner's youth was spent in his native State, and in 1859 he followed his father to Izard County. Ark., and purchased a woodland farm of 120 acres near him. On this he built a house and established his family, and in time became able to purchase 280 acres more, of which he has 150 acres under the plow. On this he raises corn and cotton, and as a large portion of his farm is underlaid with mineral ore it is very valuable. He has now in process of erection a commodious frame residence on his Piney Creek farm, and in looking over Mr. Garner's domains it can easily be seen that he thoroughly understands his business and is thrifty and energetic. He was married to Miss Mary E. Murphy, a daughter of Gilston Murphy, of Illinois, and by her has a family of seven children: John R., Nathan F., William L., Jessie B., James E., Henry B., Thomas F. and Edwin L. When the war broke out he joined Company E. and was two years in the infantry under Capt. Gibson, and from that time until the close of the war he was in the cavalry under Capt. Powell. He was at Little Rock, Independence and Kansas City, and surrendered at Jacksonport in 1865. He is a Democrat in his political views, and from 1872 to 1876 served as justice of the peace; in 1887 he was appointed deputy sheriff under R. L. Sanders, of Izard County. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having been Master of his lodge two years.
 

B. F. Garner was born in the State of Tennessee, in 1836. his parents, William P. and Harriet (Greer) Garner, being also natives of that State, the former's birth occurring in 1813. They were married in their native State in 1835. she being a daughter of Joshua Greer, and in 1859 they removed to Izard County. Ark., and purchased a farm of 240 acres, and here he was engaged in farming and preaching (he being a minister of the Christian Church) up to the time of his death, in 1870. His wife died in 1860. and three or four years later be wedded Miss Martha Murphy, who died the same year as himself. His first union resulted in the birth of twelve children, six being now alive: B. F., John L., Nancy E., wife of M. D. S. Laird, of Boone County, Ark.; Eliza J., wife of William A. Robins, of Izard County; Thomas H., and Harriet L., wife of J. J. Seers, of Fulton County, Ark. B. F. Garner removed to this county in 1869. having begun life for himself in his native State at the age of twenty-one years, his first business venture being to engage in saw-milling. This enterprise he continued to follow until 1864, when he turned his attention to farming. He was married there, in 1858, to Miss Elizabeth J. Wade, and by her has four children: William L., A. B., J. T. and U. S. The two eldest sons are engaged in saw milling, on a large scale, in what is known as “Dry Hollow.” Izard County, and are enterprising young business men. Upon coming to the State of Arkansas Mr. Garner entered and purchased land to the amount of 410 acres, and. with the exception of 100 acres, has divided his land among his sons. He has forty acres of his land under cultivation, and since 1879 has been [p.943] engaged in the mercantile business, at Oxford, and does a business of about $4,000 per annum. He is also interested in the mercantile business with his son, J. T., at Wideman. He supports the principles of the Republican party, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church, as are three of his sons: A. B., J. T. and U. S.
 

 John D. Garner has spent his entire life in the occupation of farming, and the manner in which he has acquired his present possessions denotes him to be a man of energy, push and enterprise. He was born in Tennessee, in 1852, and since 1858 has been a resident of Izard County, Ark., and here received a somewhat meager education in the common schools in his youth. In 1871 he married Miss Ellen Langston, a daughter of John Langston, of Izard County, and to them have been born two children: Lafayette and James E. Mrs. Garner died in 1876, and he afterward married Miss Sarah Niblett, a daughter of Samuel Niblett, their union taking place in Fulton County, Ark., in 1878. Six children have been born to them: Lucy C., Silas M., Joseph, Coral. Harvey and Richard. After Mr. Garner's marriage to his present wife he resided for some time in Fulton County, but is now located permanently in Izard County, and is negotiating for the farm he is now working. He raised a good crop this year, and is a thrifty and industrious farmer. He is a Democrat politically, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a son of John Garner, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.
 

Dr. Thomas K. Goodman, of the mercantile firm of Goodman & Schenck, of Calico Rock, was born in Polk County. Mo., in 1849, and is one of nine surviving members of a family of twelve children, eleven of whom lived to be grown, born to the marriage of Sampson Goodman and Sarah Lyngar, of English and French descent, respectively, and natives of Tennessee. The father removed to Polk County, Mo., when the country was almost a wilderness, and resided in this county until his death, which occurred in 1888, at the age of eighty-two years. His wife died in 1869. He was a farmer and stock raiser of moderate means, and, although a man of not much education, he possessed sound judgment, and was an individual of more than ordinary intelligence. He and his wife were married in 1827, and were members of the Baptist Church for a number of years. Their children were as follows: F. M., who died in Missouri, in 1888, leaving a family; Elizabeth, wife of George Slatten; John F., James, who went to California in 1852, and has not been heard from since; Isaac J., Newton J., Mary E., wife of S. C. Chumbley; Harvey C., Thomas K., Edward M. Dr. Thomas K. Goodman received his early education in the common schools of his native county, and afterward completed his education in the academy at Greenfield, Mo., which institution he entered in 1866. He began studying medicine at Springfield in the following year under Dr. W. A. Hyde, and in the spring of 1879 graduated from the Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri, at St. Louis, but previous to graduating had practiced in Newton and Izard Counties, Ark., having located in the latter county in 1872. He continued his practice here until 1885, when he embarked in the mercantile business with Dr. Schenck [see sketch]. Upon coming to this county the Doctor was rather poor financially, but he now owns 248 acres of improved land, and his interest in his mercantile establishment. He is a Republican in his political views, is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and he and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Greenhaw, and whom he married in 1871, are the parents of three children: Oliver S., Homer H H. and Albert A. T.
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 Robert Gray was born in Wilkes County, N. C., July 11, 1838, and is one of twelve children, six living, born to Constant and Jane (Sale) Gray, who were also North Carolinians, and were there reared, educated and married. Mr. Gray was a successful farmer, and at his death, in 1862, owned 1,800 acres of good land. His wife died in 1873, in the full faith of the Baptist Church. Robert Gray was educated in Wilkesboro, N. C., and in 1859 removed to Arkansas, settling in Izard County, he at that time owning but one horse and about $75 in money. He was married here on the 15th of June, 1861, to Miss Rachel E. Gray, who was born in the “Old North [p.944] State,” but her death occurred in January, 1864, leaving one son, William R., who died on the 8th of February, 1875. June 14, 1868, Mr. Gray wedded his second wife, Martha Hinkle by name, she having been born in Tennessee; and of their family of twelve children, eleven are still living, and ten reside at home: Thomas J., Arena J., John, Mary E., Ida K., Bertha L., James F., Walter N., Robert E., Amanda E., Annie M. and Jesse A. Mr. Gray, like his father, has always been engaged in farming, and owns about 700 acres of good land, of which 250 acres are under cultivation. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for the past nine years, and has held a number of offices in the county, such as assessor, and while residing in Sharp County held the office of county treasurer for two years. In 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate army under McBride, and was severely wounded at the fight at Mansfield, losing his left leg and one finger on his left hand. He also received a shot in the left side, and received his discharge in 1865. He followed the occupation of school teaching for some time after returning home, but, as stated above, has given the most of his attention to farming, at which he has been remarkably successful. He and wife worship in the  Baptist Church.
 

W. Grimmett, ex-county judge and farmer, Newburg, Ark. A plain untarnished statement of the facts embraced in the life of W. Grimmett, a man well known to the people of Izard County, is all that we profess to be able to give in this history of the county; and yet, upon examination of those facts, there will be found the career of one whose entire course through the world has been marked with great honesty and fidelity of purpose, as well as sincere and effective service to those whom he has been called upon to represent in different capacities. Mr. Grimmett was born in the Blue Grass State in 1840, and his parents, Andrew and Mary (Wilson) Grimmett, were natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. Andrew Grimmett came to Kentucky at an early day, worked as a farm hand, and was here married to Miss Wilson. He moved to Arkansas in 1855, settled first in Fulton County, and one year later moved to this county, where he remained for five years. He subsequently located in Van Buren County, resided there four years, and then returned to this county, where his death occurred in 1878, at about the age of sixty-six years. Mrs. Grimmett died in 1887, at the age of seventy-two years. They were the parents of these children: Harvey Watson (the subject of this sketch), Samuel (deceased), Wilson (deceased), Mrs. Elizabeth Reynolds, W. T., Mrs. Minerva Billingsley. Mrs. Grimmett was a member of the Baptist Church. At the age of eighteen years W. Grimmett commenced life for himself by farming, and in 1858 was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Hammond. He has followed agricultural pursuits ever since, with the exception of three years, when he was engaged in  merchandising at Newburg (1876-78), but he soon closed out his business and returned to the farm. He has held the office of justice of the peace for two terms, four years in all, two terms county and probate judge, and has since resided on and attended to his farm. In 1862 he joined the Confederate army, company C, Shaler's regiment, under Capt. Gibson, and served until the close of hostilities, when he surrendered at Jacksonport on the 5th of June, 1865. He was engaged in some severe skirmishes, notably Augusta and at Village Creek. After the war he came home, and went immediately to farming. Although starting with limited means the Judge has been quite successful, and is now the owner of 190 acres of land, with 100 acres under cultivation. To his marriage were born the following children: Amanda M., wife of J. O. Hammond; Caldona, wife of R. F. Lacy; Charles M., Averilla, C. E., at home; George A., Amos J. and Joseph Roscoe. Judge Grimmett is a man who favors all public improvements, and is a great friend to education. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, and in politics casts his vote with the Democrat party. Mrs. Grimmett is a member of the Baptist Church.
 

Sandford Hames, of the saw milling firm of Hames & Kanky, was born in Georgia, in 1832, and is a son of Thomas H. and Annice (Robinson) Hames, who were born in South Carolina. Thomas [p.945] Hames removed to Georgia at an early day, and there reared a family of ten children, three of whom are now living: John, Jasper and Sandford. The father was a soldier in the Mexican War, and was a miner by occupation, working in the gold mines of Georgia, acquiring considerable wealth in this enterprise. He passed from life in 1862, and his wife died in 1884. Sandford Hames was reared in a mining camp, and worked in the mines for some time before coming to Arkansas, in 1861. He purchased the place where he is now living, which had then fifteen or sixteen acres under cultivation, but he now has seventy-five acres under the plow, and in excellent farming condition. Besides this he owns a one-half interest in a sawmill worth at least $2,000, and also has a farm of 216 acres in Fulton County, with fifty or sixty acres under cultivation and well stocked. He is a man who will assist in the advancement of any community in which he may reside, and gives liberally of his means in support of worthy enterprises. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and in his political views is a Democrat. In 1855 he was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Montgomery, and by her is the father of seven children: Martha, wife of John Hagar; Mahala, wife of James Martin; Thomas H., William, Docia, wife of George Gray, and John. One child is deceased. J. M. Kanky, like his partner, is also a farmer, and since the age of sixteen years he has been fighting the battle of life for himself. He was first engaged in tilling his own land in Kentucky, but afterward sold out, and rented land for one or two years. In 1873 he came with his father to Arkansas, and after renting land for one year he purchased a tract of land comprising 130 acres, of which there were about twenty-five or thirty acres in a tillable condition. He now has sixty five acres of land cleared, and also owns a one-half interest in the above mentioned mill. He was born in the State of Indiana, in 1852, and in 1882 was united in marriage to Miss Mekay Hames, who died in 1888, leaving one child, Annie. Mr. Kanky is a Democrat, and is a son of J. M. and Annie H. (Davis) Kanky, whose native place was in the “Old Dominion.” The father removed to Indiana in 1845, and after removing to Kentucky was married in that State, in 1848. Of four children born to them two are now living: J. M. and Thomas. Mr. Kanky removed to Arkansas in 1873, and in this State has since made his home. He is the postmaster at Wideman, Ark., is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F., and has now attained the advanced age of seventy-five years, and although quite feeble in body his mind is still clear and active. His wife died in 1875.
 

Andrew J. Hamilton has been a resident of Izard County, Ark., since the year 1871, and has become well known to the people of this section as a substantial, enterprising and industrious tiller of the soil. Of his farm, which comprises 300 acres of fine land, he has 125 under cultivation, and this he devotes to the raising of corn and small grain. He was born in the “Palmetto State” in 1820, and was there reared and received his scholastic training in the common schools. He first embarked in the battle of life for himself at the age of twenty-four years, and at that time emigrated to the State of Georgia, where he purchased a farm embracing 250 acres of land. On this he resided for about twenty seven years, then, as stated above, coming to Izard County, Ark. In addition to the admirable way in which he conducts his large farm he is also one of the largest fruit growers of Northeast Arkansas. While residing in Georgia he was married to Miss Mary M. Standridge, in 1849, she being a daughter of Samuel Standridge, of that State, and their family include the following children: Lettitia, Andrew B., Rebecca, Mary J., William H., Celia A. and Laura. The mother of these children is still living, she, like her husband, being a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hamilton has always honored the Democratic party by his vote, ever being interested in political affairs. He is a son of James C. and Nellie (Gilstrap) Hamilton, the former's birth occurring in 1876, and he is a grandson of Hardy Gilstrap. To James C. Hamilton and his wife were born these children: Edley, Andrew J., Lettie, Mary A., David, Thomas and Nancy, Mr. Hamilton died in Georgia, in 1873, and his wife in 1859, in the same State.

 
  Newton L. Hamm. The estate which Mr. Hamm is now engaged in cultivating embraces 266 acres of land, which  are well adapted to the purposes of general farming, and in his operations he displays those sterling principles which are characteristic of those of Tennessee birth, industry, and wise and judicious management being chief among the number. He has 150 acres of his land under cultivation, it being well improved with good buildings, fences, etc., and stocked with all the necessary farm animals for successfully conducting the same. He was born in McNairy County, June 24, 1840, and is one
 of five surviving members of a family of ten sons and seven daughters, born to William and Rachel (Huggins) Hamm, both of whom were born on Blue Grass soil, the former's birth occurring on the 20th of October, 1799, and the latter's September 13, 1798. They were tillers of the soil, and at the time of the father's death, December 10, 1872, he was the owner of 120 acres of land. He had attained a high rank in the Masonic lodge, having been a member of the organization from the time he was twenty-one years of age, and also belonged to the Hard Shell Baptist Church. He was followed to his long home by his wife on the 10th of January. 1874. Newton L. Hamm's youth was spent in attending the common schools of Tennessee, and in assisting his father on the home farm. In 1855 he moved to Arkansas, and was married here on the 1st of November, 1863, to Miss Nettie Frizzell, she having been born in Henry County, Tenn., and a daughter of Jason and Mahala Frizzell, and ten children have blessed their union, nine of whom, still living, reside at home with their parents; Carrol, William, Asa, Emmer. Joseph, Jason. Philip. Newton, Leroy and Adah E. In 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate army under Gen. Hindman, and was at the battle of Prairie Grove. He was discharged at the surrender of Jacksonport. Like his father he is a Mason, and he is a member of the Baptist Church, his wife being a member of the Methodist Church.
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 F. M. Hanley, attorney, Melbourne. Ark. Prominent among the comparatively young men of Izard County, Ark., whose career thus far has been both honorable and successful, is the subject of this present sketch. He was born in Graves County, Ky., in 1845, and his parents, F. M. and Elizabeth (Mobley) Hanley, were also natives of the Blue Grass State. The parents were married about 1828, and the father was a successful agriculturist in his native State. He died in 1845, and the mother died in 1854. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he was Democratic in his views. Their family consisted of five children, three now living; James E. (resides in Kentucky, and follows farming), Mary E. (wife of Joseph G. Henry, and resides in Kentucky), and F. M. The paternal grandfather was born in Tipperary, Ireland, and came to America when quite a young man. The paternal grandmother was also a native of the Emerald Isle. The maternal grandparents were natives of Ireland, and were married there before coming to America. F. M. Hanley was left an orphan when quite young, and, at the age of nine years, he was taken to Todd County, Ky., and bound out to Johnston Carr. He was reared on a farm, attending the subscription schools of his county until his fifteenth year, after which he entered the St. Joseph College, at Bardstown, and there remained two years. When seventeen years of age he enlisted in the Confederate army, Company D, Second Kentucky Infantry Regiment, and served until the 7th of May, 1865, participating in the following battles: Fort Donelson, Hartsville. Murfreesboro, Jackson, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, and was in all the battles from Resaca to Jonesboro, where he was captured, on the 1st of September, 1864, but was retained only a short time. Previous to this he was captured at Fort Donelson, and was retained by the United States forces from February to September, 1862. After being exchanged the last time his command was mounted. Upon coming home he attended school at Spring Grove Academy, Todd County, Ky., and subsequently spent three years “teaching the young idea” and in studying law, under Williams. Turner & Williams. He was admitted to the bar, at Mayfield, Ky., in 1869, and engaged in the practice of his profession at that place. In 1873 he came to Phillips County, Ark., [p.947] but, on account of poor health, only remained a short time there, and came to Izard County in 1874. He located in La Crosse, and there remained until the county seat was located at Melbourne, in 1875, when he moved here. He has since practiced his profession at this place, and has met with flattering success. He was married, in Kentucky, in 1866, to Mrs. Willie Dallam, nee Overley, and they are the parents of three children: Lena (wife of T. P. Powell, of Melbourne), Moss (wife of E. C. Parsons), and Gussie (at home). In his political views Mr. Hanley affiliates with the Democratic party, and he is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge. Mrs. Hanley is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
 

Judge Henry H. Harris, Melbourne, Ark. There is one man within the limits of this county whose name, it might be said, is a household word with the people in the vicinity, for his long residence here and his intimate association with its various material and official affairs, have gained for him an extensive acquaintance. Such a man is Henry H. Harris, judge of the county court of Izard County. He owes his nativity to Independence County, Ark., where his birth occurred on the 18th of January, 1826, and is the son of James A. Harris, a native of Georgia, who moved to Arkansas in 1820, and was there married, in 1822, to Miss Elizabeth Finley, also a native of Georgia. They first moved to Lawrence County, but a short time afterward went to Independence County and located east of Batesville, where they were the neighbors of John Miller, Sr. To their union were born two children, the Judge being the only one living. Mrs. Harris died in 1827, and Mr. Harris took for his second wife Miss Ester Ruddle, of Arkansas, in 1828. One child (deceased) was the result of this union. Mrs. Harris died in 1830, and Mr. Harris was again united in marriage to Miss Ann Carter, of Virginia, by whom he had four children, all deceased after arriving at maturity. The third Mrs. Harris died in 1846, and Mr. Harris' fourth marriage was to Miss Ellen Holoman, who bore him one child (deceased). After living in Independence County and tilling the soil until 1834, Mr. Harris moved to Izard County, and settled on White River, in Kickapoo Bottom, which is known as Harris Bottom, and now in Stone County. He here purchased 160 acres of land and improved a farm of about 100 acres in the Bottom. In 1840 he was elected sheriff, serving in that capacity for two years, and at a time when it required some little courage to successfully fill that position, as Col. Lewis had recently left with his Cherokee Indians, and everything was wild and unsettled. Later he was elected county and probate judge, which position he filled in a creditable manner for two years. He was very successful as a farmer, and popular as an officer. He had acquired considerable property, and owned at the time of his death, which occurred in 1848, several negroes, besides a good improved farm. Of all the children born to James A. Harris, Judge Harris is the only one now living. During his boyhood days he assisted on the farm and received his education in the subscription schools of the county, but later supplemented this by a course at Mount View, where he paid 50 cents a week for board. Though not a graduate of any school, the Judge is quite a scholar, and is held in the highest respect by all for his sterling integrity, sober, sound judgment, broad intelligence and liberal progressive ideas. His decisions are not made without care and painstaking, and all feel that he can be relied upon. At the age of eighteen he ventured out in life for himself and first engaged in the calling to which he had been reared, but in connection was also a horse drover and trader. He was married on the 22d of November, 1849, to Miss Lucy A. Dillard, a native of the Old Dominion, but reared in the State of Arkansas. To them were born nine children, seven now living: Virginia E. (wife of Dr. D. T. Powell, of Thayer, Mo.), James A., Arkansas (widow of A. J. Rainey, of Powhatan), George D., Henry H. Jr., Ruth L. (wife of S. R. Hinkle, of Melbourne), and R. D. In 1852 he was elected county and circuit clerk of Izard County, served for two years, and, in 1856, was elected the second time to the same position, holding that office until 1860. He was then elected county and probate judge, served about a year, and then sent in his resignation from Bowling Green, Ky., where he had joined the Confederate [p.948] army, Company G, Eighth Arkansas Infantry. He served east of the Mississippi River and was wounded in the battle of Shiloh, after which he came home to remain there three or four months. After this he went east and served until the close of the war. He was a daring and fearless soldier and participated in some of the closest engagements. He was at Shiloh, Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, also Franklin, where he was wounded the second time, and was from Dalton, Ga., to Jonesboro, of the same State. Aside from these he was in many minor engagements. He surrendered at Meridian, Miss., in 1865, and returned to his home, where he continued farming for some time. He was then employed to carry the mail and followed this for seven years, after which he embarked in mercantile pursuits, and was thus occupied from 1871 to 1872, when he moved to La Crosse, and there continued the same business for two years. In March, 1877, he was again elected clerk of this county and served for seven years. From 1884 to 1886 he was deputy clerk, and in the last named year he was elected county and probate judge, being re-elected in 1888. The Judge and wife have reared a family of which they may well be proud, for they are all honorable men and women, Politically, the Judge is a very decided Democrat, and was one among the prominent men of his county that the reconstruction act did not leave out in the cold. He was then, as he is now, among the most prominent men, and is desirous of the welfare of his county. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, also the I. O. O. F., and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
 

W. E. Hill is a successful merchant and farmer of Franklin, Ark., and is one of the oldest native residents of the county, having been born here in 1841. His parents, Thomas R. and Rachel (Burlisson) Hill, were born in Kentucky and Indiana, respectively, and the former came to the State of Arkansas in 1886, settling in Izard County. Here he entered and purchased about 2,000 acres of land, which he owned and operated until his death. This country at first was very thinly populated, and Mr. Hill was compelled to go from ten to twenty miles to mill. He was married twice, and of his first family only four children are living: Mary A., widow of Lewis Williams; J. B., of Fulton County, La.; Elizabeth F., wife of Samuel Vannatta, and W. E. Two children died in infancy and three after reaching mature years: James W., Thomas J., Erasmus, Benjamin and Eliza. Mrs. Hill, who was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died in 1849, and in 1851 Mr. Hill married Mrs. Eliza (Colwell) Orr, widow of Dr. Orr. This wife was a Baptist, but he, like his first wife, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hill died in 1876, at the age of sixty-eight years, his wife's death occurring in 1874, at the age of sixty four years. W. E. Hill has been familiar with farming from his earliest youth and secured a good education in the common schools of his native county. At the age of twenty-one years he began farming for himself, but continued to make his home with his father until twenty six. When the Civil War began he espoused the Confederate cause and joined C. A. Shaler's battalion, but only served a short time when he was discharged on account of sickness. After remaining at home one year he again joined the army and served under Capt. Wolf until the close of the war, being a participant in all the fights with Gen. Price in Missouri. He surrendered at Jacksonport. Ark., June 5, 1865, and returned home and began farming on his father's land. In connection with him he built a mill, which he operated six years, and during this time his father gave him his present home farm, which consists of 274 acres. There were ten acres cleared, but it was in a worse condition than if it had not been touched. He now has 175 acres improved, and on it is erected one of the finest farm houses in Northern Arkansas. His barns are also very commodious and will accommodate forty or fifty head of horses. He has forty acres of improved land in Jefferson Township, besides his home place and 155 acres of unimproved land. His wife owns fifty-five acres of her father's old homestead, a portion of which is improved. In 1867 Mr. Hill married Miss Margaret J. Billingsley, a daughter of Samuel Billingsley, one of [p.949] the old settlers of Izard County, and the following are their family: Elizabeth A., W. E., Jr., Thomas R., Samuel B., James M., John W. Joseph E. and Stella W. Mr. Hill and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he belongs to the A. F. & A. M., and is a Democrat politically. He is associated with Mr. Billingsley in the mercantile business at Franklin, and they do an annual business of about $13,000.
 

Robert H. Holland has been familiar with the intricacies of farm work from his youth up, but since the year 1871 has been engaged in business for himself, and by unremitting toil and judicious management he has become the owner of 320 acres of land situated on Rocky Bayou, about fifty acres being under cultivation. He is one of the wideawake agriculturists of the county, and he and his worthy wife, whom he married in 1883, and whose maiden name was Mary J. Kerwin, are noted for their hospitality and liberality. His native birthplace was Independence County, Ark., where he first saw the light of day, in 1850. He is a patron of all enterprises of a worthy character, and has shown his approval of secret organizations by becoming a member of the I. O. O. F. He married, in 1885, Miss Mary Jane Taylor. He is a son of William Holland, who was born in the State of Tennessee, in 1819, and was reared to a farm life, removing with his mother to Illinois, during the early settlement of that State, and coming with her to Arkansas, in 1829, her death occurring in Independence County, Ark., when she was about ninety years of age. His father was a soldier in the War of 1812. William Holland received a limited education in his youth, and when about twenty-one years of age began the battle of life for himself. He was married, in Independence County, to a Miss Henderson, who bore him two children, James W. and Reuben L., and after her death he was united in marriage to Martha J. Dickson, of the same county. Six children are the result of this union: Benjamin F., Robert H. (our subject), Mary J., William M., John and Sarah E. The mother of these children died in Independence County, in 1866, she having been an active member of the Missionary Baptist Church for many years. Catherine Fulks became his wife in 1867, and by him the mother of these children: Charles C., Martha J., Nancy A., Joseph S. and Margaret. This wife's demise occurred in 1882, and he is now living with his fourth wife, who was formerly Mrs. Jane Fullbright, of Izard County. He served in the Mexican War, and he and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
 

Prof. I. K. Hooper, The education of the youth of our country being a matter of great importance, it is just and proper to make honorable mention of Prof. Hooper, for he is one of the able educators of the county. He was born in Hall County, Ga., on the 31st of December, 1854, and is one of seven surviving members of a family of nine children born to Edward and Eveline Hooper, the former's birth occurring in South Carolina, in 1799. The father was married three times; first, to Anna Bowen, who died after having borne three sons and four daughters; next, to Mary Steppe, a native of Georgia, who bore him two sons and three daughters; and then to Eveline Owen, who was also a native of Georgia. This last union resulted in the birth of nine children, six sons and three daughters, seven of the children being still alive. The father was a farmer by occupation, and owned 500 acres of land at the time of his death, in December, 1880. He and wife were in communion with the Baptist Church, she being now a resident of Georgia, making her home with her daughter, Prof. I. K. Hooper received his education at La Crosse Collegiate Institute, of Izard County, and at Fayetteville, Ark., in the Industrial University, and while at school was a bright and industrious student. On the 25th of October, 1882, after his return home from the University, he was married to Miss Mary T. Bishop, a native of Arkansas, and a daughter of William and India Bishop, who were Tennessesans. Prof. Hooper and wife have an interesting little family of three children: Edward C., Lillian G, and Cyril L. Prof. Hooper has always been a patron of education, and has been successfully engaged in teaching school for some time, and his labors in this direction have won golden opinions for himself. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for about three months, and in his religions views is a member of the Methodist Church. His wife is connected with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church