P. H. Jeffery, farmer, Mount Olive, Ark. Mr. Jeffery is a representative of one of the oldest and most respected families of Arkansas, and was born in Izard County in 1851. His parents, Miles and Sarah (Williams) Jeffery, were natives of Missouri and Arkansas, respectively, the former having been born in Missouri, while on the way to Arkansas, in 1818. His father, Jeohiada Jeffery, came to Arkansas in 1818, settling on White River, near Mount Olive, and was one of the very first settlers of the county. He purchased a little claim, improved it, and accumulated considerable property previous to his death, which occurred sometime in the 50's. His wife was originally Miss Polly Wair, and they reared a large family of honorable men and women, who are scattered throughout Izard County. Jeohiada Jeffery was one of the first justices of the peace of his county after the State was admitted. He was in the War of 1812, and was in the battle of New Orleans, under Gen. Jackson. Miles Jeffery was reared to farm labor, and was not an educated man, although he had better advantages than most boys at that day. He was married, about 1836, to Miss Williams, and to them were born fifteen children, ten of whom lived to be grown, and eight are now living: Ambrose, Asa, Robert E., Attie, Mary, P. H., Finis E. and R. J., all of whom live in this, Independence and Stone Counties. Miles Jeffery represented Izard County in the legislature two terms before the war, in 1856 and 1858, and also filled the position of sheriff in 1844. He was a strong Democrat, and took an active part in polities. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and was an honest, upright citizen, having a host of friends. He died in 1868. The mother died in 1876, at about the age of fifty-five years. She was an excellent woman, firm and decided in her views. P. H. Jeffery, like his father, was reared and educated in this county, although his education was rather neglected, on account of the breaking out of the late war. When eighteen years of age, he started out on his own responsibility, rented land, and tilled the soil for three years. He then purchased a farm of 345 acres, with twenty-five under cultivation, and still owns this tract of land. He now has about fifty acres cultivated, and is deeply [p.951] interested in stock raising. His land is on White River, and is excellent for stock raising. By his marriage, which was consummated in 1876, to Miss Carrie E. Perrin, he became the father of five children: Henry E., Frank P., Charles E., Richard R. and Sallie. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery are both members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he is Democratic in his political views.
 

 John W. Jones, M. D., is one of the oldest and best known physicians in Izard County, Ark., and was born in Giles County, Tenn., on the 1st of March, 1832. He inherits Welsh blood from his paternal ancestors, his grandfather, Wiley, and his great grandfather, John Jones, having been born in that country. They came to America a short time prior to the Revolutionary War, and John took an active part in that struggle, taking sides with the colonists in their struggle for liberty, serving throughout the entire war as a private. He afterward settled in Virginia, near the North Carolina line, but after these two States were divided his home was found to be on the North Carolina side, and in this State he died near Charlotte in 1807. Wiley Jones and his wife, who was also born in Wales, removed to the State of Tennessee at a very early day, and there he reared his family and engaged in farming, being the owner of a large amount of property, both personal and real. He died in 1827. His son Cebern was born in North Carolina, and in his youth learned the boot and shoe maker's trade, which business he conducted in Nashville from 1863 to 1871, his death occurring in the latter year. He was married, in 1827, to Miss Selina W. Mealor, and their marriage was blessed in the birth of four children, John W. and William being the only ones now living, the latter a farmer of Greene County, Mo. The mother's death occurred in 1837, and Mr. Jones took for his second wife Miss Sarah Stephens, their union resulting in the birth of four sons and three daughters: Mary A., the widow of James Cash; Sarah A., Christina, George W., Thomas N., Newton J. and Louis E. Mr. Jones and this wife were divorced, and he espoused his third wife in Nashville, Tenn. He was a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church, and in his political views was a Whig. His son, Dr. John W. Jones, was reared to farm life, but lived in the villages of Louisburg and Connersville; receiving his early scholastic advantages in the schools of those places and Jackson College, at Columbia, Tenn., which institution he entered when seventeen years of age, remaining one term. Upon leaving school he learned the harness maker's and saddler's trade, but after following this occupation two years he came to Arkansas in 1855, and settled in Independence County, where he was engaged in teaching school, following this occupation in Polk Bayou, and afterward in Searcy County. During his days of pedagoguing his leisure moments were devoted to the study of medicine with the view to making it his calling through life, and in 1860 he entered upon his practice continuing until the opening of the rebellion, when he joined the Confederate forces as a private, and after serving one month was promoted to the position of assistant surgeon and filled the position three years. He took part in a number of battles, Pea Ridge, Iuka and Corinth being among the number. He was taken prisoner at Port Hudson, but after being kept in captivity for six days he was paroled and returned to Searcy County, Ark., where he again resumed the practice of his profession. In 1865 he located at Evening Shade, and after teaching school for twenty months he again entered upon the practice of medicine, being in partnership with Dr. Hill, but this connection only continued a short time. He moved to near La Crosse in 1868, but in 1873 he came to Izard County and settled on the old Langston place, where he remained seven years. He purchased his present property at the end of that time, and by adding forty acres now has a farm comprising 100 acres, with about twenty acres under cultivation. Prior to the war, in 1861, he attended the Medical College, of St. Louis, Mo., but owing to some disagreement between Prof. McDowell and some of his German and Irish students the institution was closed. Dr. Jones is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F., and in his political views is a Democrat. He was married in October, 1866, to Miss Martha H. Taylor, of Izard County, and by her is the father of [p.952] ten children: Mary F., wife of Robert Guest; John W., Cebern S., James T., Margaret J., Samuel T., Wiley N., Martha C., Nancy A. and George R. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Dr. Jones is a physician of acknowledged merit, and an excellent proof of his ability is shown in the extended territory over which he goes to alleviate the sufferings of the sick.
 

Prof. Michael Shelby Kennard is principal of the Collegiate Institute at La Crosse, Ark., an institution established by him in 1868, which has become noted as an excellent business training school, and is largely patronized by the best youth of which the State of Arkansas can boast. Prof. Kennard was born in Sumter County, Ala., in 1833, and is the son of George W. Kennard, who was born in Williamson County, Tenn., in 1801, which State he made his home until 1821, at which time he emigrated to Alabama. Up to this date, owing to his services being required on his father's farm, he had received a limited education, but in 1843 he began studying for the Baptist ministry in his adopted State, was ordained in 1847, and in 1852 emigrated to Arkansas, and located in Batesville, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in May, 1864. He was an earnest and faithful minister of the Gospel, and his influence in the Baptist denomination was widely felt. He was a member of the Masonic order for some thirty-five years. He was married in Perry County, Ala., in 1828, to Eliza Hopson, a daughter of Bluford and Nancy Hopson, whose death occurred in Batesville, Ark., in 1860 They had two children: Octavia C. and Michael S. The latter, the subject of this sketch, had the best advantages in obtaining an education that his native State afforded. He graduated with honor at the University of Alabama, in 1852, at the age of nineteen, and some years after received from that institution the degree of A. M. In September, 1852, he was married, in Sumner County, Tenn., to Mary E. Saunders, daughter of Joseph P. and Ellen D. Saunders, of that county. In 1852-53 he was engaged in teaching in Louisiana and Mississippi, part of the time as private tutor in the family of Gen. Minor, of Natchez, Miss. In 1854 he removed from Mississippi to Arkansas and settled at Batesville, where he spent two years in teaching, in the meantime pursuing the study of law. He was admitted to the bar in 1856, but soon abandoned the law to engage in the newspaper business. From 1857 to 1861 he was the editor and proprietor of the Independent Balance, a newspaper published at Batesville. When the war broke out he joined Sweet's Cavalry regiment, and served as adjutant, with the rank of major, and participated in many skirmishes, until January, 1863, when he was severely wounded in the head by a fragment of a shell, at the battle of Arkansas Post, and was made a prisoner of war. At the close of the war he determined to devote the remainder of his life to teaching, and engaged in the work of that profession again, at Batesville, but in 1868 he moved to La Crosse, where, as stated above, he established the Collegiate Institute. He has been principal of the same since that time, with the exception of five years, spent in Bradley County, Ark. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which order he has advanced to the Council, and has filled the offices of Worshipful Master and High Priest of the Royal Arch Chapter. In earlier days he was a follower of the Whig party, but since the disruption of that party has been a stanch Democrat. His children are as follows: Mary E., wife of T. B. Childress, of La Crosse, Ark.; George S., who was first married to Miss Maud Cunningham, a daughter of Hon. J. F. Cunningham, but after her death, in 1884, he married Miss Annie Collins, of Van Buren, Ark.; he is a graduate of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, at Louisville, Ky., and is now pastor of the Baptist Church at Bentonville; John F., who married Miss Mary Watkins, a daughter of Dr. O. T. Watkins, is engaged in the mercantile business at Fort Smith, Ark.; Ralph E., who married Miss Henry Lee Powell, a daughter of Judge R. H. Powell, of the Fourteenth judicial district, is a druggist at La Crosse; Joseph A. married Miss Carrie W. Hunt, a daughter of Dr. O. T. Hunt, of La Crosse, and Edward L., Ruth and Robert S. are still unmarried.
 

Dr. J. A. Kerr, physician and surgeon, Newburg, [p.953] Ark. Among the younger members of the medical profession in Izard County, Ark., is he whose name heads this sketch, already well established as a physician and surgeon of merit and true worth, and regarded with favor by those older in years and experience. He is a native of this State and county, and is one of nine children, seven now living, born to John and Ann (Mennox) Kerr. The children are named as follows: G. W., resides in Izard County; J. A., Mrs. Mary J. Hays, of this county; Mrs. Indiana Evans, of this county; John M., of this county; T. J., resides in Newburg; Mrs. Maggie Strond, wife of D. J. Strond, of this county; Benjamin F., died in 1869 at the age of eleven years, and one that died when quite young. The parents were natives of Ireland, and the father came to America about 1843. He landed in New York, but immediately made his way to Nashville, Tenn., where he remained for seventeen years, and where he was engaged in the carpenter's trade exclusively. He was there married to Miss Mennox, who came over from Ireland when he did, and who settled in Nashville, Tenn. Both he and wife were orphans, and came over from the old country with an old man and his family. In 1860 they settled at Batesville, Independence County, remained there for some time, the father engaging in the carpenter business, and then moved to Izard County, where he still continued his trade up to 1870, after which he embarked in the mercantile business. In 1884 he retired to private life on his farm, and there received his final summons, in 1886, at the age of fifty-six years. Mrs. Kerr still survives and resides on the old homestead. Mr. Kerr was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his wife is still a member. Dr. J. A. Kerr received his education in the public schools of his county until 1880, when he entered the Medical College at Louisville, and attended regularly until 1882, when he graduated. He then returned immediately to Izard County and entered upon the practice of his profession at this place, and his reputation as a physician and surgeon, as well as in private life, is an enviable one. The Doctor is yet a young man, as his birth occurred in 1857, and he was married in 1882 to Miss Emma Wood, of this county. The fruits of this union have been four children, three now living: Clarence E. (deceased), Neely T., Oscar and Roscoe (twins). Mrs. Kerr was born in 1863, and is the daughter of William and Sarah (Benbrock) Wood, natives of Tennessee, who came to Izard County at an early day. When Dr. Kerr first commenced the practice of medicine his financial resources were rather limited, a horse, saddle and bridle, and a pair of pill bags, filled, completed his outfit. He is now the owner of some 500 acres of land, with about 135 acres under cultivation, and is also the owner of property in Newburg, consisting of house, store-house, office, vacant lots, and, besides, plenty of personal property. He is building on his farm a fine residence, and already has a good barn and out-buildings. The Doctor has made all this within the last ten years, and by energy and perseverance. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and politically he is Democratic. Mrs. Kerr is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

 
 Rev. H. T. King, minister, Melbourne, Ark. This much revered and esteemed gentleman is only one of the many citizens of Izard County, who owe their nativity to Tennessee, where his birth occurred in 1853. He is the son of John A. King, a native of Virginia, who, when a young man, was united in marriage to Miss Dedama Sutton, also a native of the Old Dominion. The parents moved to Tennessee at an early day, and here the father purchased land, which he tilled until 1856, after which he moved to Crittenden County, Ky. He remained in that State for four years, and then settled in Randolph County, Ark., but, not being particularly satisfied, he moved from there to Clay County, Ill., thence to Jefferson County, where his death occurred in 1873, at the age of sixty-seven years. He was a member of the Christian Church. Mrs. King still survives and resides in Baxter County, this State. She is a member of the Christian Church, and a pleasant, agreeable woman. They were the parents of eleven children, four now living: Nancy J., widow of John Welch, is now living in Fulton County, Ark.; Sarah A., wife of G. W. Selph, resides in Baxter County; [p.954] Rebecca M., wife of G. W. Lundy, resides in Baxter County, and Rev. H. T. The father of these children was fairly educated, and during his lifetime had accumulated considerable property, the principal part of which was lost during the late unpleasantness between the North and South. Rev. H. T. King acquired but a limited education, as during his boyhood days he only attended one month at school, and this was all the education he received until after his marriage, when he attended school two terms. He is quite studious, and applies himself to his books at home, and is now probably better informed than many who have had every advantage. He expects to attend school during the fall and winter of this year (1889), and is now studying law with a view to making it his profession. At the age of twenty-one years Mr. King commenced life for himself, and at that age was united in marriage to Miss E. E. Taylor, by whom he had six children, five now living: W. C., R. J., Anscar and Oscar (twins), and Mary L. Mrs. King died in 1884, a devout member of the Christian Church. Mr. King took for his second wife Mrs. Mary A. Harlin (Conklin), a widow. She was a member of the Christian Church, and died in 1880, at the age of thirty seven years. By her first marriage she became the mother of nine children, eight sons now living: James P., W. T., J. H., Joe E., L. D., C. C., J. C. and Frank H. Mr. King moved to Arkansas in 1876, settling in Baxter County, and there remained until 1887, when he moved to this place. He had very little means when first coming to this county, but he is now the owner of a fine residence with some three or four acres of land worth about $1,000 or $1,200. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, R. A. M., and is also a member of the I. O. O. F. In politics he is a Republican. He is a minister in the Christian Church, and was ordained in 1881.
 

K. J. Lacy, blacksmith and farmer, Newburg, Ark., came originally from Tennessee, his birth occurring in 1830. Mr. Lacy has won an enviable reputation as a farmer, and none the less is his reputation established as a first class blacksmith. His father, Robert Lacy, was a native of North Carolina, born in 1793, and came to Tennessee about 1813 or 1814, where he was united in marriage to Miss Annie Miller, in about 1816. He was a farmer by pursuit, and was also a minister in the Methodist Church. After remaining in Tennessee until 1861, he settled on White River, in this county, but after a residence there of only one year, moved to Knob Creek, where he purchased a farm. There he closed his eyes to the scenes of the world in 1870. He still continued to preach after coming to this State, and was associated with the American Tract Society for a number of years previous to his death. He was a Democrat in polities. His wife was a native of Georgia, and died in 1870 at the age of seventy-three years. She was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In their family were the following children: W. Mc., Mrs. Mary A., wife of George Bussey: Mrs. L. J., widow of John Bussey; Kibble J. (the subject of this sketch), and James W. The paternal grandparents were from Ireland and England, respectively. The maternal grandfather was a German by birth, and came to this country when a boy. He served during the greater portion of the War for Independence. At the age of twenty years K. J. Lacy began learning the blacksmith trade, and at that age he commenced life for himself, doing journeyman's work in Tennessee for fifteen years. In 1860 he came to Arkansas, and took charge of Col. Black's farm on White River, where he was overseer of the negroes for one year. He then went to Lunenburg, opened a shop, and continued there until 1870. He joined the army in 1862, but was discharged on account of disability. He was conscripted two or three times afterward, but succeeded in being released, and was taken prisoner one time by the United States soldiers, but was soon released by the Confederates. In 1870 he rented a farm from Dr. Watson on White River, and remained there for ten years, when he bought a farm on Knob Creek. At the end of four years he sold out, purchased another farm, improved the same and built good houses, barns, etc. He made two trades afterward, one for the farm on which Judge Grimmett now lives, and the other for his present property. This farm consists of 100 [p.955] acres with thirty-five under cultivation, with fair houses, etc. Mr. Lacy has been twice married; first, on the 15th of November, 1853, to Miss Mary E. Hairendon, and four children were the result, three now living: William H., lives in this county; Robert F., James M., and Sarah J., wife of Ole Brown, and lives in this county. Mrs. Lacy died in 1870, and was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Lacy's second marriage was to Mrs. Martha A. Womack (Wolds), and two children have been born to them: Laura B. and George T. Mr. and Mrs. Lacy are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Socially he is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and the I. O. O. F., and Encampment of that order. He has filled the office of Worshipful Master in the Masonic fraternity, and nearly all others of this order, and has held the office of N. G. in the I. O. O. F. He is a Democrat.
 

R. L. Landers, sheriff. Melbourne, Ark. R. L. Landers, was born in Bedford County, Tenn., in 1845, and is the son of George T. and Jane (Browning) Landers, natives, respectively, of North and South Carolina. The parents came to Arkansas in 1851, and settled in Izard County, where they reared a family of five children, four now living: Robert L., Nanny J., wife of Guston Rose; Mary T., wife of J. F. Driskill; and G. R., a farmer of this county. The father, George T. Landers, only lived three years after coming to Arkansas. He was Democratic in his political principles. When he came to this State, he brought with him fourteen negroes and considerable money, and was quite successful, financially, after coming here. The mother died in 1885. R. L. Landers was early taught the principles of farm life, and a limited education was obtained in the subscription schools of Tennessee, and Izard County, Ark. When seventeen years of age he superintended his father's plantation, and at the age of twenty-one, he commenced life for himself. In 1862 be enlisted as a private in Company E, Forty seventh Arkansas Infantry, under Capt. Gibson, and served west of the Mississippi River, until 1864. He was sergeant of his regiment at the time he was discharged. After the war he commenced tilling the soil, which occupation he followed until 1869, when he was elected sheriff, and held the office until 1875. He then returned to the farm and cultivated the soil until 1881, when he was again elected sheriff, and held this position for one term. In 1886 he was again chosen to discharge the duties of this office, and is the present incumbent. Mr. Landers seems to have a peculiar fitness for this position, and his long service in this capacity has proven that he is surely the right man in the right place. During 1884 and 1885, he served as justice of the peace. By his marriage, which occurred in 1864, to Miss Sarah E. Shannon, were born the following living children: Mary E., wife of A. E. Feltz; W. T., G. R., Frances T. and Rosa L. Mr. Landers is the owner of about 500 acres of land, with 140 acres under cultivation, and also has considerable town property. He is Democratic in his political views, is a Royal Arch Mason, and is also a member of the Odd Fellow order. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
 

E. G. Landers, merchant, Melbourne, Ark. In publishing an account of the industries and mercantile resources of the town of Melbourne, the house of Mr. Landers' must not be forgotten, as it constitutes a most important factor in the commercial fabric of the town. Mr. Landers was born in Bedford County, Tenn., on the 7th of May, 1846, and came with his parents to Arkansas in 1854. He attended the subscription schools, but only received a limited education, and at the age of twenty-two started out in life for himself, first as a laborer in a gin. He then followed the carpenter's trade for some time, and in 1864 joined the Confederate army, remaining in service until June, 1865, when he surrendered at Jacksonport, Ark. He was with Gen. Price on his raid through Missouri, in 1864 and 1865, and participated in nearly all the battles fought on the raid. In 1877 he engaged in merchandising at Lunenburg, under the firm title of Landers & Bros., and continued thus until 1880, when his brother sold out and a new partner, S. R. Hinkle, took his place. The firm is now Landers & Co., and do the largest business in the place. They carry a stock of goods [p.956] that invoices at about $10,000 at the least, enjoying an annual trade of about $40,000. When first starting out in this business the firm had a capital of $1,500, Mr. Landers putting in $750. Aside from his flourishing mercantile business, he owns about 400 acres of land and considerable town property. His marriage was consummated in November, 1867, to Miss Martha A. Hinkle, and by her he became the father of six children, five now living: Leanora (wife of William Blair), Robert O. (deceased), Maggie, Effie G., J. H. and Maudie. Mr. and Mrs. Landers, with the two eldest children, are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is a Democrat in politics. Mrs. Landers is a member of the lady's department of the Masonic fraternity, and also of the Odd Fellow's order. Mr. Landers started with very little means, but he is now one of the most successful men of the county. He is the son of Roland and Martha G. (Landers) Landers, natives of North Carolina. The father was born in 1810, and died in 1878, and the mother's birth occurred in 1813, and she died in February, 1884. Roland Landers was coroner of Izard County for several years, and was a cabinet maker by trade, although in his latter years he was engaged in tilling the soil. He accumulated considerable property previous to the war, but was not a slave holder. By his marriage, which occurred in Tennessee, he became the father of these children: Rebecca J. (wife of W. Joe Arnold, of Melbourne), Sarah A. (wife of G. W. Gray), Mary Frances (wife of G. W. Owens), H. B. (farmer), Charlotte T. (wife of T. H. Adams), E. G., Genora D. (wife of W. Z. Craig), George W. (of Batesville), John F. (farmer), and Joe L. (farmer).
 

Nathan J. Langston is one of the oldest native residents of Izard County, and when his parents, Nathan and Patty (Weir) Langston, made their first settlement in this region, Arkansas was a territory. They came here from their native State of North Carolina in 1814, and Mr. Langston and Col. Stewart erected the first mill in the county, he and four brothers being the ones to build it. They carried the logs on their shoulders, and had the mill completed in six days, and although it was a very rude construction, and only ground about a bushel of corn a day, yet it was sufficient to supply the demand, as the settlers at that day were very few. Nathan Langston, Sr., was only connected with this mill for about six months, when he turned his attention to farming, at which he was fairly successful, and in early days he also carried the mail for twelve years from Mount Olive, in Izard County, to Thomasville, Mo., a distance of 160 miles, there being only four offices on the entire route. According to Mr. Langston the first postoffice in this county was at North Fork, which was also the first county seat. In 1838 it was moved to Calico Rock, afterward to Athens, at the mouth of Piney Bayou, next to Mount Olive, and thence to Melbourne, where it now is. When Mr. Langston first came to Arkansas Batesville consisted of two pole cabins, and from Batesville to the mouth of the Big North Fork there were only five families living on the east side of the river. The west side was inhabited by the Indians, who were very numerous at that time. The first year of his location Mr. Langston had to go to Helena, Ark., for flour, and to Little Rock, Ark., to attend circuit court. He died in 1870, at the age of seventy nine years. He was married twice, and by his first wife became the father of sixteen children, and by his last, three. Those living are Absalom, Thomas B. and Nathan J., whose name heads this sketch. The latter was born in the year 1830, was reared to a farm life, and at the early age of nineteen years was married to Miss Rachel Adams, who died in 1856, leaving four children, three of whom are living: Alex., Mary, wife of Johnson Holfora, and Matthew R. Mr. Langston married his second wife in 1859, she being a Miss Lucy A. Churchill, and five of their eleven children yet survive: Luvinia J., wife of James Brothers; Dempsia M., Rebecca A., Acenith B, and Albert W. Mr. and Mrs. Langston are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in his political views he is a Democrat. He owns a good farm comprising 120 acres, and has twenty-five acres under cultivation. Among his numerous acquaintances and friends the respect shown him by them is in full keeping with his well established reputation for honesty of purpose [p.957] and hospitality. Mr. Langston remembers many interesting facts connected with the early history of this county, which the limited nature of this volume will not admit of insertion.
 

William Lawrence, farmer, Melbourne, Ark. In the early settlement of Izard County, Ark., Mr. Lawrence bore a prominent part in developing and opening the way for civilization and is one of the representative men of the county. He was born in Alabama, in 1823, and is the son of James and Cynthia (Franks) Lawrence, natives of Tennessee. James Lawrence moved to Alabama, in 1822, settling in Marion County, and after remaining there a short time removed to Fayette County, where he remained until 1839. From there he journeyed to Louisiana, entered land and followed farming for about two years, when he moved to Izard County, Ark., and settled in Sylamore, now in Stone County. After a residence there of two years, he moved to the western part of the county, where he improved some government land. Two years later he moved to the eastern part of the county and remained there until a short time previous to his death, when he went to live with his son, William Lawrence, and died there in 1859, at the age of sixty five or seventy years. He had held the office of justice of the peace in the county for four years, and was an excellent citizen. He was twice married, his first wife being a Miss Tucker, who bore him five children, two sons and three daughters, all living at last accounts. They are named as follows: Martin, Edward, Sarah, Catherine and Mary. His second marriage was to Miss Cynthia Franks, and to them were born nine children, two now living, William and James, who reside in this county. Mrs. Lawrence died in 1865. Both were members of the Baptist Church, and in politics he was a Democrat. William Lawrence was married in his twenty-third year, and commenced work for himself by farming on his own land, which he had purchased in the central portion of the county. He sold this farm in 1850 and entered his present property, which he has improved and which consists of 200 acres. He now has about seventy or seventy-five acres of cleared land, all the result of his own efforts, unassisted by any of his family. In 1862 he joined the Confederate army and served under Gen. Thompson and Capt. C. C. Cook until the close of hostilities, when he returned to his farm. He has been three times married, his first wife being Elizabeth King, whom he led to the altar in 1846, and the fruits of this union were six children, all living: James, G. W., John, Isaac, Thomas and Edward. Mrs. Lawrence died in 1859, a worthy member of the Baptist Church. His second marriage took place in 1861, to Miss Elizabeth Clark, who bore him five children, all living: Henry, Cynthia A., wife of J. W. Freeman; Mary F., at home; Rebecca J., at home, and Walter, also at home. The mother of these children was a member of the Baptist Church, and died in 1879. Mr. Lawrence's third marriage was to Mrs. A. N. Ivins (Bryant), a member of the Christian Church. He is a member of the Baptist Church, belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and in his political views is a stanch Democrat.
 

Dr. Samuel M. Lewis, farmer and physician of Izard County., Ark., was born in Bledsoe County, Tenn., December 14, 1832, his parents, Reason and Patience (Peters) Lewis, being also natives of that State, the former's birth occurring in Bedford County, in 1809. Their union took place in Bledsoe County, and to them were born four sons and five daughters, seven of their family being now alive, and all residents of the State of Tennessee except our subject. The father yet lives in Tennessee, and owns 600 acres of as good land as there is in the State. He is a member of the Baptist Church, as was his wife, who died in 1875. Dr. Samuel M. Lewis, after acquiring a good common school education, entered the Hamilton College with the intention of studying medicine, having chosen that profession as his calling through life. After his marriage, which was celebrated on the 19th of September, 1858, to Miss Margaret Turk, he remained in his native State until 1867, at which time he settled in Maxfield, Sharp County, Ark., but for a long time has been a resident of Izard County. He has been very successful in his practice, and has always commanded a large and paying patronage, and occupies an enviable place among the medical [p.958] brotherhood of Izard County. In addition to this work he has been engaged in farming, and is now the owner of about 640 acres of land, with about 330 acres under cultivation, of which 150 are in Sharp County. He has shown his approval of secret organizations by becoming a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in this order has held the highest office. He and wife are classed among the worthy citizens of the county, and are consistent members of the Methodist Church. Their children are as follows: Charles W., Henry R., James J., George T., Joseph R., William D., John R., Aque M. and Lora A. Mrs. Lewis is a daughter of George and Malinda Turk, both natives of Tennessee.
 

Capt. Ransom W. Luther was born in the “Keystone State” in 1837, and is a son of Enoch Luther, whose birth occurred in Sugar Creek, Penn., in 1787. The latter received a limited education, and when quite a youth, learned the carpenter's trade, which occupation he followed for a number of years, then learning the wheelwright's trade. He was married in his native State, in 1807, to Miss Polly Bennett, her father being Elisha Bennett, and to them a large family of seventeen children were born, ten of whom are living at the present time: Roswell, David, Enoch, Elliot, Ransom, Burton, Laura, Mary, Angeline and Adaline. Mr. Luther served in the War of 1812, and after hostilities had ceased, he returned home, and entered a tract of land embracing 160 acres, which he farmed for several years; then erected two large saw-mills and a grist-mill, which have been rebuilt, and are in good condition at the present time. For services rendered in the War of 1812, he received a grant to 160 acres of land in Knox County, Ill., from the government, and at the time of his death, on the old “Luther's Mill Farm,” in Pennsylvania, in 1859, he was the owner of 300 acres of land. Capt. Hansom Luther received a good business education in the “Luther's Mill Farm” school, and he has since put the education he acquired in this institution to the best use. He learned the millwright's trade under his father, afterward worked at the carpenter's trade, and in time became a very fine architect, although in more recant years he has given his attention principally to milling as his chief calling. He is an experienced carpenter and builder, and many evidences of his ability and skill in this direction are to be seen in his native State, Illinois, Iowa and Arkansas. He has always been of an enterprising disposition, and in 1856 started out in life for himself, and moved to the State of Illinois, but two years later went back to his old home, and was married there, in 1859, to Miss Sarah Knapp, a daughter of Charles Knapp, by whom he had one child, Alice. He wedded his second wife, Miss Edna C. Scott, of Cherokee, Iowa, in 1871, and two interesting children, Eugene W. and Mand S., have blessed their union. Capt. Luther removed from the State of Iowa to Benton County, Ark., in 1878, and purchased eighty acres of land near  Maysville, which he used as a small cattle ranch. From this place he went to Eureka Springs, in 1880, and erected a neat little cottage on Spring Street, near the Crescent Spring, his place being generally known as “Eagle Cottage,” and it is of his own architecture. Here he resided until 1883, when he sold out to Dr. Swartly, of Chicago, for $2,350. After this the Captain and his family traveled for some months, and visited various places of interest in Missouri, Illinois, Dakota and Arkansas, and in 1884 returned to this State, and located on Lafferty's Creek, six miles west of Barren Fork, where, with his brother-in-law, Mr. Scott, he erected a large saw-mill, which has been of great benefit to the surrounding country. In 1889 he sold his interest to Mr. Scott, and erected a grist-mill and cotton-gin just south of his former place of business, and at the present writing he is preparing to erect a commodious residence, and build a large dam to afford water power for his mill. In 1888 he ginned 150 bales of cotton, and in his new mill he expects to bale at least 300. Capt. Luther is a jovial and hospitable gentleman, a thoroughly capable business man, and is ever ready to assist any good cause, either practically or financially. He approves of secret organizations, and is an active member of the I. O. O. F. His wife and daughter, Alice, are consistent members of the Baptist Church. In 1861, upon the [p.959] bursting of the war cloud, which had threatened the country for some time, he enlisted in the infantry, under Col. Dodge, of Pennsylvania, and was in the battles of Williamsburg, Four Oaks, Richmond and Melbourne, and was also in the seven days' retreat at Harrison's Landing. He entered as a private, but for gallant services rendered, he was promoted to the rank of captain. He was honorably discharged, in 1865.  James McCuistion is one of the men of this section who has won life's battles, and by energy and pluck, which are so necessary to success in any pursuit, he has become one of the leading agriculturist of Izard County. He was born in Jefferson County, East Tenn., in 1815, and is a son of Joseph and Rachel (McGuire) McCuistion, the former's birth occurring in North Carolina, in 1775. In 1789 he removed to Tennessee, with his parents, and in this State received a fair education in the common schools. In 1809 he entered 160 acres of land, and lived on it until 1838, when he sold out and moved to Bays Mountain, where he died, in 1862, being followed to his long home by his wife in 1868, both having been members of the Old Presbyterian Church. The children born to them were Catherine, James and Elizabeth. James' youth was spent in attending the schools of Tennessee, and in 1842 he was married, in Jefferson County, of that State, to Miss Mary Ann, a daughter of John Kimbrough; and Lafayette, Eveline, Rachel A. (who died August 7, 1889), Virginia, Francis (who has been dead some twenty years), Mary E. and Josephine are their children. Mr. McCuistion emigrated from Tennessee to Izard County, Ark., in 1850, and took up 290 acres of land, of which he has now about fifty-five acres under the plow. His first house was a log cabin, which he has since converted into a comfortable frame residence. His land is devoted to raising cotton, corn and the small grains, and he has plenty of good fruit. He and his wife and children are all members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he has given freely to public institutions for the good of his fellow-men. He has twenty-four grandchildren, ten boys and fourteen girls, and two great-grandchildren, both boys.

 
Alfred N. McNairn was born in Georgia, in 1842, and is one of seven sons and four daughters born to Alfred T. and Prudence (Horton) McNairn, and is a grandson of Edwin Horton. Alfred T. McNairn was born in North Carolina, December 15, 1813, and was reared on a farm, but in 1826 moved to Georgia, where he followed the occupation of farming; he was also engaged in preaching the Gospel, being a minister of the Missionary Baptist Church, and there reared his children, whose names are as follows: Larkin H., Spencer B., Edwin B., Joseph U., William L., Alfred N., Alvin C., Martha J., A. L., Eliza M. and Rosa A. Both parents died in the State of Georgia, his death occurring in 1870, and hers in 1868, at the age of fifty-eight years. Alfred N. McNairn emigrated from Georgia to Izard County, Ark., in 1860, and was here married, in 1872, to Miss Nancy E. Duren, a daughter of James E. Duren. Of the eight children born to them the following are living: Thomas E., Mary L., Francis P. E., Dolores A., Zef R. and Newton A. In 1873 Mr. McNairn purchased eighty acres of woodland, but he now owns 100 acres of good land, with forty eight acres under cultivation, it being well improved and furnished with one of the finest fruit orchards in this section of the country. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he belongs to the I. O. O. F., and in his political views is a Democrat, and always supports the men and measures of that party. He espoused the cause of the Confederacy during the rebellion, and in 1862 enlisted in the Fifty second Georgia Infantry, and served until the close of the war, when he surrendered at Kingston, Ga. He was a member of Company I, under Capt. Russell, and was in a number of hard fought battles.
 

A. A. Marchant, farmer, Melbourne, Ark. Among the leading men of Mill Creek Township none are more prominently identified with the farming and stock raising interests of the same than Mr. Marchant, who by his industry, perseverance and integrity, is considered one of its first-class farmers. He was born in Bedford County, Tenn., in 1841, and when nineteen years of age started out in life for himself, his first venture [p.960] being to hire out to one man as a farm hand for two years. When twenty-one years of age he donned his suit of blue, and enlisted in the First Arkansas Infantry, United States Army, Company C, and served for six months, when he was discharged at St. Louis, Mo., in December, 1863. After this he drove a team for the government, and acted as guide until 1804, when he enlisted in the Forty-eighth Missouri, Company E, for twelve months, and served only nine months, when he was discharged again at St. Louis, on the 1st of July, 1865. At the close of the war he was at Chicago, Ill., guarding the prisoners. After cessation of hostilities he came home and engaged in farming, which he followed on rented land until 1871, when he bought land in Baxter County. He only remained on this land one year, but continued in the county until 1874, when he moved to Izard County, and, in 1879, bought his present property consisting of 163 acres, with about 100 acres under cultivation. At the close of the war he had only about $50 or $60 in money, and not a horse, hog or cow. On the 10th of July, 1865, he wedded Miss Amanda F. Dixon, a native of Izard County, although they were married in Miller County, Mo. They became the parents of these children: W. B., lives in the Choctaw Nation; T. J. (deceased); J. W., at home; Rufus, at home, and Minnie M. Mr. Marchant is a member of the I. O. O. F., is a member of the Christian Church, and is a Republican in his political views. Mrs. Marchant belongs to the Baptist Church. The parents of Mr. Marchant, W. B. and Nancy (Byler) Marchant, were natives of Alabama and Tennessee, respectively. After reaching manhood W. B. Marchant went to Tennessee, but left that State in 1850, and came on a flat-boat to Napoleon, thence by steamer to Little Rock, and from there with teams over-land to Izard County. He settled on Hidden Creek, bought an improved piece of land and there resided for six years. he then sold out and bought a farm close to where Melbourne now is, remaining there only two years, when he traded his farm for one close to Calico Rock, in Izard County. In 1862 he joined the United States Army, and was sent to St. Louis, where he died in the hospital. He was married three times; first, to Susan Cox, who bore him four children, three living: W. B., Minerva and T. J. After her death, Mr. Marchant married Miss Nancy Byler, mother of the subject of this sketch. Three children were born to this marriage, only one, A. A., now living. Mrs. Marchant died in 1844, at the age of twenty-eight years. She was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. In 1845 Mr. Marchant married Miss Ena Taylor, of Tennessee, and by her became the father of nine children, eight now living: W. S., Richard E., Mary T., Silas A., Joseph E., Martin B., Susan A. and A. M. The oldest child, Martha, was killed on the road from Little Rock to Melbourne, having accidentally fallen out of the wagon, by which she was run over. This was in 1850, and she was buried in White County. Mr. Marchant was an old line Whig, but was not active in politics. He was once a member of the KnowNothing party, was a member of the Baptist Church, and at one time was constable of Rocky Bayou. His last wife still resides near Calico Rock, and is a member of the Baptist Church. The maternal grandfather of A. A. Marchant, John Byler, was a private in the War of 1812, and was in the battle of New Orleans. He died about 1871, at the age of eighty five years.
 

T. J. Mathews is a merchant and farmer, residing at Calico Rock, and was born in Benton County, Tenn., being a son of Capt. R. C. and Nancy (Migell) Mathews, who were also Tennesseeans, and came to the State of Arkansas in 1860, settling in Izard County. Capt. Mathews embarked in merchandising in the house in which his son T. J. is now doing business, and he was also engaged in farming. In the spring of 1861 he moved to Pineville, where he conducted a general store for about one year, then joined the Confederate army, and was elected captain of his company. After serving for one year he was taken sick and returned home, and here continued during the remainder of the war. After the cessation of hostilities, he again embarked in merchandising, and continued this occupation with success for twelve or thirteen years, when he sold out to his [p.961] son, S. E. Mathews, and turned his attention to farming and stock raising, on the property where he now lives. His business ventures have been attended with good results, and the property he now owns has all been acquired since the war, as his losses during that time were very heavy. He was married about 1835, and his children's names are as follows: Margaret E., wife of W. McNeil; S. E., a merchant of Pineville; Clarissa E., wife of Dr. J. A. Schanks; Mary A., wife of Rufus P. Jones; and T. J., the subject of this memoir. Mrs. Mathews died in March, 1879, having been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, for many years, her death occurring on her birthday, at the age of sixty years. Mr. Mathews is a Democrat, and belongs to the F. & A. M. T. J. Mathew's birth occurred on the 6th of September, 1855, and his early education was received in the schools of La Crosse, Prof. M. Shelby Kennard being his instructor, and at the age of twenty-five years he began life for himself as a merchant, this being the occupation to which he was reared. He has continued to follow this business up to the present time, and has been remarkably successful, for, on starting for himself in 1880, his stock of goods amounted to $160, and his annual sales now aggregate between $12,000 and $16,000, and he has an excellent tract of land, amounting to 538 acres, with nearly 164 acres under cultivation, all of which he has earned by good business management and industry, since the above-given date, and with the aid and assistance of his worthy wife. Her maiden name was Mollie Wood, their union taking place on the 30th of October, 1879, and they have an interesting little family of four children: Henry H., born October 4, 1880; Shelby S., born December 15, 1882; Troy G., born February 3, 1885; and Winford F., born May 23, 1887. Mrs. Mathews was born in Izard County, on the 28th of November, 1863, and she and Mr. Mathews are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he belongs to the F. & A. M., and is a Democrat politically.
 

Dr. R. H. Morton, Franklin, Ark. Dr. Morton is one of the oldest practitioners of Franklin Township, and one of the oldest in the county. He owes his nativity to Bedford County, Tenn., and is the son of Jacob and Annie (Fisher) Morton, natives of North Carolina. Jacob Morton received an average education in his native State, and came to Tennessee at an early date. He purchased a farm in Bedford County, and was one of the first settlers of Shelbyville. In connection with farming he also carried on the blacksmith trade, but his principal occupation was tilling the soil, which he gave his attention until his death in 1857. He was married in Tennessee, and he and wife commenced housekeeping on Duck River, where they reared a large family of children, eight now living: Minerva, wife of B. F. Whitworth; Sophronia (deceased) was the wife of Michael Shofner; G. W. C. (deceased), whose family resides in Bedford County, Tenn.; Daniel C. resides in Coffee County, Tenn.; Nancy, wife of Edward Whitworth; Christina, wife of W. Tune; Emily, wife of Newton Neal; Ann, wife of B. F. Smawling, D. E. resides in Bedford County, Tenn.; Dr. R. H., Jessie E., wife of T. N. Smith; Elijah A. resides in Bedford County, Tenn., and Martha (deceased), wife of T. N. Smith. The father of these children served in the War of 1812, as a private, and participated in the battle of New Orleans, Mrs. Morton died about 1869. Both were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Morton took an active interest in politics, and was a very strong supporter of Old Hickory. Dr. R. H. Morton divided his time in early youth between assisting on the farm and in attending the free and subscription schools of Tennessee, where he received a good English education. He attended medical lectures at Nashville, Tenn., in 1856 and 1857, and opened his first office at Poplin's Cross Roads, where he practiced for two years previous to graduating. He was then located in Missouri, from 1858 to 1861 (Texas County). In the spring of the last mentioned year he served in the Confederate service as surgeon, and thus continued until 1863, when he resigned and located in Izard County, where he has since resided. He graduated at the American Medical College, at St. Louis, in 1878, and is the oldest practicing physician in the county. He has almost abandoned the practice [p.962] of his profession in late years, and is now interested in agricultural pursuits. The Doctor was married in September, 1857, to Miss Emma A. Nichols, of Tenn., but they have never had any children. He is quite well fixed financially, and enjoys life to the fullest extent. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., is also a member of the I. O. O. F., and has been Treasurer of the former lodge, holding the position of Vice-Grand, Commander, and others in the latter lodge. He is a Democrat in politics, but has never been an office seeker. He is a member of the Christian Church. The Doctor owns considerable land, and has on his home place about seventy-five acres under cultivation. He has good barns, outbuildings, etc. His residence is one of the finest in the county, and there he entertains his friends in the social pleasant manner peculiar to him, and the stranger also meets with a ready welcome from the Doctor and his agreeable wife. Although children were denied their union, the Doctor and wife have reared several who were left orphans.

Jacob Mosier, Sr., was born on the Potomac River, in Lincoln County, N. C., in 1821. His father, Barnett M. Mosier, was also a native of that State, his birth occurring in 1799, and was married there to Margaret, a daughter of Corb. Gobble, their union taking place when he was eighteen years of age. In 1832 he removed with his family to Independence County, Ark., and purchased and entered land there to the amount of 320 acres, which land he was engaged in farming up to the time of his death, in 1864. His children are: Mary J., Allen B., George W., Henry A., Jacob and Jack. Jacob Mosier removed to Arkansas with his parents, and on his father's farm, in Independence County, he learned the details of farm work, which occupation has received his attention up to the present time. He is one of the leading husbandmen of this vicinity, and has 250 acres of well improved and well cultivated land. He was one of the pioneers of the State, and during its early history he carried the surveyor's chain through this section, this being some fifty years age. He is one of the hard-working men of Izard County, and owing to his many worthy characteristics, chief among which may be mentioned his generosity and honesty, he is respected and esteemed by all. In 1854 he took a trip to California. He was married, in 1846, to Miss Melissa A. Romenor, by whom he has a family of seven children: Mary J., William H., Jacob, Charles M., Cordelia, Sarah A. and Marlba. Mr. Mosier and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he belongs to the I. O. O. F.
 

James H. Mullins was born in the “Old Dominion,” on the 18th of March, 1839, and is a son of Hiram R. Mullins, who was born in North Carolina, in 1794, and was educated in that State. He moved to Tennessee in 1815, and was there married to Nancy Singleton, a native of Virginia, and to their union eleven children were born, six of whom are living, three being residents of Arkansas and three of Kentucky. The father was one of the honest sons of the soil, and upon his death, in 1850, was the owner of 220 acres of productive and valuable land. His wife died in Arkansas, August 13, 1886, both having been members of the Methodist Church, and he a member of the Masonic lodge. James H. Mullins was educated in Tennessee, near Tazewell, but being of an energetic and enterprising disposition he determined to seek his fortune in what he considered a more favorable locality, and accordingly, in 1863, moved to the State of Arkansas and engaged in business for himself, his capital consisting of a span of horses and the energy and pluck which nature had bestowed upon him. He immediately engaged in farming, and that he has been successful is shown when the fact is mentioned that he owns 250 acres of land, with about 125 acres under cultivation. Notwithstanding that he was severely wounded in the left wrist, in the year 1862, at the battle of Oak Hill, being left a cripple for life, he has succeeded far beyond his expectations, and can look back over a useful and well spent life. He and wife, whose maiden name was Minerva King, and whom he married on the 23d of June, 1863, are worthy and consistent members of the Baptist Church, and both are liberal contributors to all charitable and other worthy enterprises. He is a Mason, has been postmaster of Evening Shade for three [p.963] years, constable two years, and deputy sheriff six months. His children are: Eliza A. (Mrs. T. D. Starkey), Albert F., Hiram R., Josephine, Robert C., Nancy M., Sarah R. and William C. In the late war Mr. Mullins served from 1862 till November, 1864, under Col. Greene.