B. F. Ray, planter and stock raiser of Bird Township, was born in Lauderdale County, Ala., in 1838, being the ninth of twelve children born to Benjamin and Nancy (Dixon) Ray, the father of East Tennessee and the mother of South Carolina. Benjamin Ray served in the War of 1812. He settled in Alabama, on a plantation, where he died in February, 1864, his wife having died in 1861. He engaged in farming until his death. Our subject was reared on the plantation, receiving his education in the subscription and district schools of the State of Alabama, In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, of the Sixteenth Alabama Infantry, and was in the battles of Murfreesboro, Liberty Gap, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, and a number of skirmishes. also in Ringgold. In January, 1864, he left the service and returned to Alabama, where he engaged in farming, coming to Jackson County, Ark., in 1868, and settling in the vicinity of Newport. In 1869 he married Josephine Slayden, of Jackson County, daughter of Coleman Slayden, a native of Middle Tennessee, and an early settler of Jackson County. Her father died in 1859, and her mother in 1864. In 1878 Mr. Ray settled on his present farm, which consists of 280 acres, 130 under cultivation; he raises considerable stock, and a mixed crop of cotton, corn and hay. Mrs. Ray died in 1883, leaving two children: Prince Ella and William Thomas. In 1884 Mr. Ray married Elizabeth Carter, of Alabama, daughter of James and Lucinda (Rankins) Akens, who came to Jaekson County in 1869; the father died in 1877, the mother is still living. Mr. Ray is not very active in politics, but votes with the Democratic party; he has been a member of the school board, and has always taken an active interest in school matters; he is a member of Kirkpatrick [p.896] Lodge No. 192. and has been Senior Warden. He has seen great changes in the county, and the edu? cational system is improving rapidly. The children by the second wife are Isaac and Franklin. Wilson LaFayette Robinson is a son of Mathew B. and Sarah (Lindsay) Robinson, and is a farmer and stock raiser of Grubbs Township. Jackson County. The father was a native of Virginia. and the mother was born in Tenuessee. In the fall of 1860. W. L. came to Arkansas with his parents, the mother dying in 1862. and the father surviving until 1872. Mr. Robinson attended school in Alabama until his twentieth year, receiving in struction in the common branches. In 1862 he enlisted in Col. Mattock's regiment of Arkansas Volunteers. Confederate States Army. serving five or six months, when poor health rendered him an fit for service. In 1864 Mr. Robinson married Mrs. Frances (Blair) Coffin. who died in 1874; they had one child, which died in 1868. July 22, 1874, Mr. Robinson again married. and to the latter union seven children were born. only two of whom are now living. viz.; Grover Cleveland. born Oetober 11, 1884, and Robert LaFayette. born May 7, 1888. In 1863 our subject purchased quit claim deed to land in Grubbs Township, which was partly improved, and to which he subsequently added forty acres. upon which he erected a house, in which he lived eighteen years. He now owns 720 acres of land. of which about 325 acres are under cultivation, the remainder being woodland. He has one of the best improved farms in the county, as a result of industry and enterprise. a well as good management and perseverance.

W. A. Roy, farmer and stock raiser. Layman. Ark. Mr. Roy is a typical Arkansas citizen substantial. enterprising and progressive, and such a man as wields no small influence in the community where he makes his home. He was born in Shelby County. Tenn., in 1836. and was the second in a family of ten children. born to the union of Merida and Susan (Gentry) Roy. the father a native of South Carolina, and the mother of Tennessee. Merida Roy came with his parent to Tennessee in 1807, settling in the middle part of the State. and after growing to manhood was united in marriage to Miss Gentry. a representative of one of the old and much henered families of Tennes. see. He tilled the soil in that State, and was a prosporous and industrious farmer. He was a Democrat in policies, and a member of the Masonic fraternity for many years. His death took place in Shelby County, Tenn., in May, 1885, and his wife still survives him. She resides on the home farm in Shelby County. Their family was named as follows. John Thomas, presiding judge of Poinsett County: W. A., Eliza, now Mrs. Crain, resides in Tennessee: Frances. now Mrs. Clarridge, resides in Tennessee; Merida, married. and resides in Tenessee; Alfred, married, and a resident of Poinsert County; Daniel, resides in Poinsett County, and the remainder died when young. Tilling the soil was the pursuit W. A. Roy followed in youth, and his time was divided between this occupation and in attending the district school, where he reecived a good practical education. He was married. in Shelby County. Tenn., in 1857, to Miss Frances Jane Mastin, a native of Alabama, and the daughter of Henry and Hannah (Clark) Mustin, of Alabama nativity. Mr. and Mrs. Mustin first immigrated to Tennessee. thence to Jackson County. Ark., in the fall of 1860. and settled in Cow Lake Township. Here both parents passed their last days After his marriage Mr. Roy located on a farm in Tennessee, and there resided until 1863. when he came to Jackson County, Ark., and entered 160 acres of land, which he immediately began to improve. erecting a house, setting out orchards. etc. He continued to add to the original tract from time to time. until he is now the owner of 620 acres. with ninety acres under cultivation. He raises corn entirely, but his renters raise considerable cotton. Mr. Roy lost his wife in 1879. By that union he became the father of two living children: William Newton and Melinda Alice. His second marriage was consummated in Jackson County, in 1879. to Miss Martha Taylor, a native of Jackson County. Ark., and the daughter of Richard and Melinda (Bigham) Taylor, natives of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor came to Jackson County, in 1859, and there both closed their eyes to the sceaes of this world. Mr. Roy lost his [p.897] wife in 1887, and was left with four interesting children: Richard Churley, Louvenia J., Susan and Alafa. In 1888 Mrs. Susan (McFadden) Turner became the third wife of Mr. Roy. She was a native of South Carolina, the widow of Stephen Turner, and the daughter of Twitty McFadden, a native of South Carolina. Her father came to Jackson County, Ark., many years ago, and there died in 1868. Mr. Roy has been justice of the peace for some time, has been a member of the school board, and takes much interest in educational matters. He is a Democrat in polities. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, Col. Matlock's regiment. and was with Gen. Price on his raid through Missouri. He was in the battle of Prairie Grove and numerous skirmishes. He and Mrs. Roy are members of the Christian Church, and he is an elder in the same.

Dr. J. H. Rutland, of Swifton, Jackson County, was born in Georgia, in 1853. He was the second child in a family of eight, born to J. H. and Orphy (Jordan) Rutland, natives of Sumter County, Ga. The father owned and operated a large plantation in his native State, 1.800 acres in one tract and 1,300 in another. He is now president of the South Georgia Vocal and Instrumental Conservatory, and he and wife still live in Georgia. Dr. J. H. was reared on his father's plantation, receiving his early education in the public schools. He then entered the Westmoreland Medical College, at Atlanta, Ga., from which institution he graduated in 1886. He first located in Texas Township. Craighead County, Ark., where he built up a large and Incrative practice, removing to his present home in Swifton in 1889, where he is a prominent physician and surgeon, and enjoys extensive patronage. Dr. Rutland was married in Craighead County, in No. vember, 1888. to Florence Bell, a native of Tennessee, whose parents now live in Craighead County, Ark. Dr. Rutland is quite an active member of the Democratic party, pohtically, and, religiously, is a member of the Christian Church. He is a liberal supporter of public interests, and is one of the rising young men of Jackson County, where he is highly esteemed by all who know him.

Otis W. Scarborough is one of the leading attorneys of Jackson County, and has been established in business in Newport since 1884. He was born in Kosciusko, Attala County, Miss., on the 24th day of December, 1849, and is a son of Isaac and Lucy G. (Harrison) Scarborough, being the eldest of their five living children: Otis W., Othello C., a physician; Isaac W., also a physician; Fenton G., wife of Wade F. Fletcher, and Lucy L.; seven children are deceased. The grandfather, John Scarborough, was born in North Carolina, but was of Welsh extraction, his father having been born in Wales, but removed to the New World, owing to some difficulty he had with the Crown. He settled in North Carolina, where he died, after having taken an active part in the Revolutionary War, his son John being also a participant in that war. They were both planters by occupation. Isaac Scarborough was born in Edgecombe County, N. C., and his wife in Madison County, Va. He was a lawyer by profession, and after his removal to Mississippi, about the year 1828, was admitted to the bar at Kosciusko, and there he has since made his home, being a prominent member of the legal fraternity in Attala County. He served as judge of the county and circuit courts for about ten years, and now, although in his seventy-fourth years, he shows few indications of decay, either mentally or physically. Otis W. Scarborough acquired an excellent education in the high school at Kosciusko, but, not being satisfied with the learning there acquired, he entered Davidson College, Mecklenburg County, N. C., in 1868, becoming a member of the sophomore class, and from this institution he was graduated as an A. B., in June, 1871. Having determined to follow the profession to which his father was devoting his time, he entered the law department of the University of St. Louis, in the month of October, 1883, and graduated in May, 1885, being admitted to the bar in Kosciusko, in August, of the same year. He practiced his profession in his native town until December, 1884, when he came to Newport, and the following year began the practice of law. He is an able practitioner, and his influence is felt when he takes the stand. for he is a fluent and eloquent speaker, and is always the thorough master [p.898] of the subject which he handles. He was married on the 24th of December, 1878, to Miss Cynthia E. Rimmer, by whom he has one child, James I. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episoopal Church, and he is a member of the I. O. O. F., belonging to the Encampment.

Thomas J. Sconyers, an enterprising farmer of Village Township, Jackson County, came to Arkansas in January, 1870, with his parents, Darling and Samantha (Snyder) Sconyers, natives, respectively, of South Carolina and Alabama. Upon his arrival in Arkansas the father leased the Davis farm, upon which he died in August, 1870. He was the parent of ten children, viz.: Catherine, who died with diphtheria about 1863; Elizabeth, who first married Green Jacks, and after his death married Julius Wright; George married a Miss Phillips; Mary married a Mr. Rhodes; Polly Ann, wife of B. Eason; Ellen became the wife of Mr. Myrick, and both are now deceased; Victoria married Thomas Hutson; Nisie died, the wife of Rollie Phillips, and John first married a Miss Strauther, after whose death he married Miss Arnett. Thomas J., who was born February 20, 1846, received his education in the common schools of his native State, Alabama. March 16, 1873, he married Miss Mary Foushee, whose birth occurred March 20, 1856, and their six children are William C., born January 26, 1875; Joseph Edward, born January 20, 1878; George F., born March 4, 1881; Frances S., born September 19, 1884; Monte L., born August 31, 1886, and John T., born September 17, 1888. For about one year Mr. Sconyers worked for Mr. G. B. Branderburge, of Union Township, and the following six years rented land, which he farmed, and subsequently purchased. His first purchase consisted of 320 acres in Village Township, and afterward in partnership with Mr. J. T. Foushee, bought 240 acres in the same township. He now has about 150 acres improved, and raises corn and cotton, at which he has been successful. Mr. Sconyers was a member of the Thirteenth Alabama Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, Confederate States Army, enlisting in 1863. He participated in the battles of the Wilderness and Petersburg (Va.), not taking off his cartridge-box for forty days and nights. Though a Confederate soldier, and, while in arms, fighting to conquer, Mr. Sconyers wishes it to go on record that he will hail with joy the day when sectarian animosities are forgotten, believing that there should be "no North, no South." He is an enterprising farmer, and is highly esteemed by all who know him.

A. E. Shoffner, one of the leading planters of Jackson County, was born in North Carolina, on April 18, 1831, and is a son of Frederick and Susan (Danison) Shoffner, both natives of Germany, who emigrated to this country with their parents, and settled in North Carolina, the grandfather becoming a prominent planter in Orange County. The father was married in the same county, and died in that place in 1845, near Hillsboro, the mother dying several years later. They were the parents of two sons, Aenes E. and T. M. The former son was born and reared in Orange County, N. C., and received his education in that place. In the fall of 1858, he emigrated to Arkansas, and located at Batesville, where he remained until 1860, when he removed to Jackson County and settled in Richmond Township. He bought some land and commenced farming in that locality, but a few years afterward he moved to Breckinridge Township, and settled on a farm in that place. On his arrival in Arkansas he possessed very little, but being a man of industrious habits and economy he became very successful and accumulated considerable property. He now owns about 960 acres of valuable land in Jackson County, with about 300 acres under cultivation, and a great many improvements on his other land. Mr. Shoffner has passed through many hardships in his life, and encountered obstacles in his path on almost every occasion when seeking to make his fortune, but his strong will, determination and upright character, have placed him in an independent position, and he is now a respected and highly-esteemed citizen of his county. In the spring of 1862 he enlisted in Company I, of Ganze's regiment, and served until the surrender. He was principally assigned to the quartermaster's department during that time, but also took part in several battles. Mr. Shoffner was married in 1854, to Miss Martha N. Patterson, [p.899] by whom he had eight children: Emily I., Queeny A., Susan L., William H., Charles C., Edwin P., Daniel L. and Nanuie B. Mr. Shoffner has served as justice of the peace and constable of his township, and has also been one of the school directors. He is a member of the Knights of Honor and Royal Arcanum, and also of the Masonic fraternity.

W. S. Shuford, treasurer of Jackson County, born in North Carolina, November 29, 1821, in Lincoln County, was a great-grandson of Jacob Shuford, one of the earliest settlers of that section; at his death, in 1844, there were present seventy-five grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren and several great- great-grandchildren. Jacob was born about 1764, in Lincoln County, was a farmer, and conducted a large plantation, owning several. He was several times elected sheriff. Our subject's parents were Abel H. and Adeline (Perkins) Shuford, natives of North Carolina, their parents, who were of Dutch and English descent, coming from Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectively; Abel H. was the fourth of eleven children: Betsey (Smyer), Eva (Ramsaeur), Fanny (Cansler), Susan (Reinhardt), John J. (merchant and farmer), Martin (member of the legislature), Abel Eli (farmer), Elkanah (farmer), Jacob (farmer), and Andrew (farmer, representative and Baptist minister); they all lived and died in Lincoln County. Adeline (Perkins) Shuford was a daughter of Ephraim and Elisabeth (Abernathy) Perkins, natives of Lincoln County, and she was the eldest of a family of ten children: Adeline (died at the age of forty-two in North Carolina), Elisha, Caroline, Catherine, Elizabeth J., John (deceased), David, Patsey, Daniel, Robert J. M. Abel H. Shuford was born October 11, 1796, and died January 4, 1858; October 4, 1820, he married; both himself and wife were members of the German Reformed Church. He was a Whig, but took no active part in polities. The subject of this sketch was reared to farm life, and spent his school days in the old schools of that date. He worked with his father till 1846, when he went to Northern Mississippi, where he resided seven years, and in February, 1851, he married Miss Ellen Grider, daughter of Jesse and Polly Grider, natives of Kentucky. After marriage he remained in Mississippi two years, when he came to Jackson County, Ark., and engaged in farming and clerking in Jacksonport till after the war, he being exempt from military service on account of age, and of being a cripple. Like a great many others, he lost all his property during the war, and when peace was declared found himself in possession of a dog, which had followed him to Texas and back, and two old mules. From 1865 to 1870 he clerked, and then bought 160 acres of land, on which he now resides, having cleared about ninety acres of the same. In 1874 he was elected county treasurer, which office he has held continuously since, with the exception of the years 1880 and 1882, and is the present incumbent. He is a Democrat, though conservative, is a member of Poole Lodge No. 40, Chapter and Council, of the A. F. & A. M., at Jacksonport, and he and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he being trustee and steward. The family consists of Fanny (wife of Frank Howell), Mattie (wife of Rev. David Hare, deceased), Jesse (married and living at home), Mary T. (died at the age of eighteen months), Mrs. Hare and her four children live at home. Mr. Shuford had one of the first cotton-gins in this country, a horse power (in 1871), and in 1876 erected a steam gin, and has been engaged in ginning and milling, during the season for such work, ever since. He was one of the first settlers of the county, and gives his support, as far as able, to schools, churches and all other public enterprises.

Joseph E. Slayden (deceased) was a native of Jackson County, and was a son of Coleman and Elizabeth (Briggs) Slayden, the father a native of Virginia, and the mother of North Carolina. The parents were married in Hickman County, Tenn., March 27, 1834. Two children were born to them in Tennessee, both of whom died. Six children were born in Arkaosas, viz.: Atlantic, born April 13, 1839; Artarnesa, born November 11, 1841, married Levi Eader, December 27, 1858, and died December 18, 1870; Joseph E., born June 22, 1844, married Miss Cordelia Graham, a native of Jackson County, Ark.; Cordelia, born December 30, 1846, married Job Greenhaw, a farmer of Bird [p.900] Township. Jackson County; Ariminty, born March 13, 1848. became the wife of James P. Gurgo. a native of Tennessee, and died June 2, 1871; Jesephine. born January 21. 1852, married Frank B. Ray. and is now deceased. At the time of his marriage Joseph E. Slayden owned a farm in Union Township. which was under cultivation, and upon which he lived fifteen years; he owned in all 300 acres, of which 200 were well improved. He afterward purchased 160 acres which were mostly under cultivation. and still later bought 240 acres more. upon which he erected a good dwelling and barns. The latter place was his home until his death. and then became the property of his wife and sister. Atlantic. To Mr. and Mrs. Slayden were born in all seven children. viz.: Levi Tillman, born January 12. 1874; William H., born January 23, 1878; Thomas Jefferson, born August 23, 1876; Joseph E., born February 9, 1880; Julius B., born March 20, 1884; James Morgan. born February 19. 1886, and Augustus, born August 15, 1887. Mr. Slayden was a public spirited man, of liberal views. and always took an active part in every enterprise for the advancement of his county or State. At the time of his death he was a member in good standing of Jacksonport Lodge No. 191, A. F. & A. M., and was a sincere friend of educational and religious interests.

L. D. Smith., postmaster at Tuckerman. was born in Gibson County. West Tenn., in 1855, the fourth of nine children born to A. B. and M. J. (Woodard) Smith. natives of Middle Tennessee. The father was a farmer and came to Bird Township. Jackson County. in 1873. where he died in 1876. his wife surviving. Of this family there were Mon roe M., Leroy D., James R. (deceased). George L., Ashley, Maggie (Mrs. Hogan). Mollie (Mrs. McFarland). Lena (Mrs. Layton. Decatur (deceased). Maud (deceased). The subject of this sketch. being raised on a farm, received his education in the district schools of Gibson County. Coming to Jackson County in 1873, he engaged in farming until he entered the grocery and drug business, in 1883. erecting a frame building that year, having lived in Tuckerman since 1882. In 1879 in Elgin, this county. he married Nora Coe. daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Coleman) Coe. early settlers of Independence County, where the father was engaged in mercantile business fill his death, in 1864. His wife died in 1885. They have a family of four children; Gussie M., Gertie, Ralph and Kate. Mr. Smith is active in polities, voting the Democratic ticket, and received his commission as postmaster from Cleveland. He has served as magistrate six years, has been delegate to county conventions at different times. and was a delegate to Little Rock, in 1888, to a convention of the various Democratic clubs. He always takes an active interest in all worthy enterprises for the advancement of the county.

Hon. John W. Stayton is a prominent attorney of Newport, Ark., and is a native born resident of Helena. Ark., his birth occurring on the 6th of November, 1835. He is a son of Thomas N. and Esther (Harns) Stayton, who were born in Delaware and Virginia, respectively, but their mar. riage occurred in the State of Arkansas, whither the father had moved with his father, Hill D. Stayton, in 1820. They located in what is now Helena. Phillips County. Hill D. was a civil engineer, and came here with a contract for surveying land for the Government, and this occupation he followed until his death. The maternal grandparents were Virginians, who. at an early day, settled in the State of Kentucky, and later in Louisana, coming from there to Arkansas about the year 1832. also taking up their abode in Helena. Mr. Harns was a planter, and died in Helena. Thomas N, Stayton was a small boy when he was brought to Arkansas, and his early youth was spent in farm labor. Like the majority of boys, the occupation which received his attention in his youth became his calling in after life, and his enterprises in the interests of agriculture have been attended with good results. Although he has now almost attained his four-score years, he is still quite active, the "ravages of time" having had but little effect upon him. Of six children born to himself and wife, but three are living: John W., Dr. D. A., and R. F., wife of Dr. C. C. Herring. John W. Stayton remained on the home farm until he had attained his eighteenth year, when he entered the high school of Helena, and while there formed the resolution to make the profession of law his occupation through life, and upon leaving school he entered upon his legal studies with a determination to sueceed, and after a most thorough preparation he was admitted to the bar in 1857, at Helena. From that time until the opening of the Civil War he was actively engaged in practicing in that town, then took charge of the county clerk's office, and served faithfully and well until the night of the 9th of July, 1862, when Helena was captured by the Federal troops, and everybody was put under arrest, Mr. Stayton being among the number. Upon his release he went to St. Louis, and being urged by some of his friends to aecept a position there, did so, and remained about one year. From that time until 1866 he resided in Helena, and at the latter date came to Jacksonport, and embarked on the sea of merchandise, and successfully conducted this business until 1874, when he again engaged in the practice of his profession. The first office which he held was that of city recorder of his native town, and in 1868 he was chosen mayor of Jacksonport, and in 1874 was appointed by the governor as justice of the peace. Upon the re-organization of the State government, under the constitution of 1874, he was elected on the Democratie ticket, and in 1884 was chosen to the position of State senator from the Twentyninth District, and served a term of four years. In 1885 he was elected president pro tem. of the senate, and was acting governor in the absence of Gov. Hughes. From 1874 to 1878 he was county and probate judge, and the efficient manner in which he discharged the duties incumbent upon the different and responsible positions he has held is too well known to need any additional words of compliment; auffice it to say that he always labored on the side of right and justice, and that his career was above reproach. Since 1885 he has been a resident of Newport, and as a member of the legal fraternity he has few superiors, and is a fluent and elegant pleader. He has always been victorious whenever his name has been announced before the public as a candidate for any office, and, although he has never been an office seeker, he has been recognized as a leader by his numerous friends and acquaintances, and, as a natural result, houors have been bestowed upon him. He is a member in good standing of the Masonic fraternity. On the 31st of June, 1861, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Wickersham, a native of St. Louis, by whom he has had four children, three now living; Joseph M., partner with John W. in business; Mattie B. and John W., Jr.

George K. Stephens, a well-known liveryman and farmer of Jackson County, was born in Madison County, Tenn., in 1840, and is a son of Isaac and Mary J. (York) Stephens, of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively, the father dying in the latter State in 1859. After his death the family moved to Jackson County, Ark., and located in Bird Township, where they resided until the mother's death, in 1882. George was reared principally in Tennessee, and came to Jackson County, Ark., when nineteen years of age. In 1861, when the Civil War called so many thousands of young men from home and family to face the fate that awaited them from cold steel or leaden bullet, he never hesitated a moment, but gallantly went forth to bear arms and battle for the Confederacy, He became a member of the Firat Arkansas Regiment, and the first that left the State, and was mustered in at Lynchburg, Va. His first battle was at Manassas, and, after that engagement was over, he was discharged, and returned to his home. He soon enlisted again, however, and joined Hooker's cavalry company, but was afterward dismounted and put into the Thirty-second Arkansas regiment, in which body he served until the close of the war. Mr. Stephens took part in a number of battles, and, at the evacuation of Little Rock, was captured and confined for two months in that city. He was then taken to Pleasant Hill, and exchanged, and, in a battle some time afterward, received a wound in his left hand from a rifle ball. After the war he returned home and resumed his farm work, now owning between 3,000 and 4,000 acres of valuable land, with about 900 acres under cultivation. In 1869 he embarked in the livery business at Jacksonport, and continued there until [p.902] 1880, when he removed to Newport, where he has been ever since, and has established a lucrative trade. He was married, in 1866, to Miss Mary Stewart, by whom he has had five children: Isaac W. (who has charge of the livery business), Mary A. (wife of Judge M. M. Stuckey), Florence M., Fannie G. and Sarah. Mr. Stephens lost his first wife, and, in 1878, was married to Miss Alice York, by whom be has had three children: Stella, Guy and Lydia. He is a Mason, and a very popular man in both business and social circles.

T. S. Stephens, the popular and efficient sheriff and collector of Jackson County, was born in Madison County, Tenn., on the 30th of April, 1849, and is a son of Isaac and Mary J. (York) Stephens, of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. The parents were married in Jackson, Tenn., and resided in that city until the father's death occurred, in 1851. The mother was again married, her second husband being Alexander Claridge, and shortly after ward moved to Jackson County, Ark. Four children were born by her first marriage, three of them yet living: George K., Fannie, widow of Elsie Brown, and Theophilus S., and by her second husband one child was born, John H. The elder Stephens was a shoemaker by trade, and followed that vocation all his life, while the husband of his widow, Mr. Claridge, was a school-teacher, who taught for some time at the West Union College, near Cuba. The latter gentleman died at Sulphur Rock, Independence County, about the year 1869, and his wife survived him until 1882, dying in the town of Newport. T. S. Stephens was only eight years old when he moved to Arkansas with his mother, and received the greater portion of his education in Independence County. He remained on the farm and cultivated the soil, an occupation he seemed to take delight in, until his twentieth year, when he made a visit to Jacksonport. While at that place he met and was introduced to several business men, and the idea of a commercial life then seemed to enter his mind. The consequence was that he remained at Jacksonport and went into one of the grocery firms, where he clerked for several years. In political life he was always very active, and after a few years' residence in that city he was elected constable, and filled the office for two terms, in the meanwhile terminating his engagement with the grocery firm, and carrying on a livery business of his own. His integrity and the manner in which he conducted himself while in office won the support of almost every citizen, and in 1882 he was elected sheriff and collector, the office he fills at present, and to which he has been re-elected four terms. Mr. Stephens owns about 1,200 acres of good land, and has some 500 acres under cultivation, the soil being adapted to almost any kind of growth, and also good for grazing purposes. On March 4, 1884, he met and won Miss Belle Taylor for his bride, who died in November of the same year. His second wife was Miss Emma Kellogg, whom he married on July 15, 1885. This union gave them four children, of whom three are yet living: George K., Ralph C. and Mary J. Beth Mr. and Mrs. Stephens are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while Mr. Stephens belongs to the Masonic fraternity, I. O. O. F. Lodge and Encampment, Knights of Pythias, Knights of Honor and Legion of Honor. He is prominent in political affairs, and a popular man among all classes of society, his position being such that he is brought in contact with many different phases of life while in the discharge of his duties.

A. Steveley, the proprietor of the Newport Lumber Company, was born in Essex County, N. J., May 1, 1824, and is a son of Andrew and Jeannette (Hay) Steveley, who were of Scotch descent. The genealogy of the family can be traced back 300 years. Both the paternal and maternal grandparents died in New Jersey, in which State Andrew Steveley also died, his death being caused from cholera, in 1848. He was a copper refiner by occupation, and made this his calling through life. A. Steveley, the subject of this sketch, is the only one of the two children, born to himself and wife, now living, and after his death his widow married again, becoming the worthy companion of John Frame, who was a participant in the War of 1812. She also died in New Jersey. A. Steveley was reared and educated in his native State, and in his youth learned the cabinet-maker's trade. At the [p.903] age of twenty-one years he left his home and parents to take up his abode in New York City, and after working at his trade in that city for about five years he removed to the "Nutmeg State." In 1857 we find him in Wisconsin, which State continued to be his home until 1873, in which year he removed to the city of Chicago, where he acted as foreman for different establishments until 1884. At that time he removed to Newport, Ark., and became manager for the Newport Lumber Company, continuing as such until February, 1889, when he bought out the entire establishment, and has since managed affairs alone. He manufactures lumber of a fine grade, and ships to many different points, but principally to Chicago, and his establishment gives employment to about forty men the year round. Mr. Steveley is a member in good standing of the Masonic fraternity, is a public-spirited citizen, and in the interest of all good works has been an active partioipunt. In 1846 he was married to Maria Adair, a native of Pennsylvania, and by her he has five children: Eliza, Benjamin, Walter, John and William.

Dr. J. H. Strider, though still a young man, has established an enviable reputation in Jackson County, and is one of its leading physicians. He was born in Tallahatchee County, Miss., on the 12th of July, 1857, and is a son of Henry A. and Abigail (McMullen) Strider, the former a native of Virginia, who moved to Mississippi in his boyhood, locating in Tallahatchee County, where he was afterward married, residing there until his death, in 1874, the wife, who was a native of Tennessee, dying a number of years previous. They were the parents of four children, of whom the Doctor is the only survivor, and when the latter was only two years old, he was taken charge of by an uncle, who died in 1865, and later by his aunt, with whom he still makes his home on a farm in Jackson County. At the age of nineteen years he began the study of medicine, and attended lectures at the University of Nashville, from which institute he graduated in 1879. He immediately returned to Jackson County, and commenced practicing, which he continued up to 1883, when he abandoned his profession, much to the regret of a large number of friends, and turned his attention entirely to farming. He owns 480 acres of land, and has 200 acres under cultivation, the largest portion of the farm having been improved since his residence upon it. He raises corn and cotton principally, but the soil is valuable, and well adapted to almost any growth, and he has been as successful in this venture as he was in his profession. In 1879 the Doctor was married to Miss Ada Frost, of Nashville, Tenn., by whom he has had three children: Mnud, Mary and Caroline, and he is a kind husband and indulgent father, as well as a valuable citizen to the community. Dr. Strider is a member of the Baptist Church, Masonic fraternity, and the Agricultural Wheel.

M. M. Stuckey, the county and probate judge of Jackson County, and one of its leading men, was born at Alton, Ill., on the 16th of December, 1853, and is a son of Michael M. and Amelia (Bushweiler) Stuekey, the father a netive of Kentucky, and the mother from Worms, Germany, in the province of Hesse-Darmstadt, Mrs. Stuckey coming from her native country with a cousin, Louis May, who is now a prominent New York banker. The father met and was married to her in Illinois, where they resided for a number of years, and then moved to Wichita, Kas., their present residence. The father is a well known and popular minister of the Methodist faith. Nine children were born to the parents, of whom eight are yet living: Margaret, Lucy, M. M., Milton, Frederick and Minnie. The elder Stuckey was twice married previous to meeting Miss Bushweiler, both of his former wives being sisters by the name of McCauley. M. M. Stuckey was reared and received a common school education in Butler, Ill., completing his studies at the Depann University of Greencastle, Ind., which he left at the end of the sophomore term. After his college days were over he traveled for the house of R. L. Billingsley & Co., St. Louis, for a few years, and then severed his connection with the firm, coming immediately to Jackson County, Ark. He there taught school for a short time, and commenced reading law under Judge Phillips. In September, 1883, he was admitted to the bar, and in 1884 he commenced to practice, meeting with [p.904] remarkable success since that time. In 1886 he was elected to his present office, and re-elected in 1888. Judge Stuekey is a self made man, and one who has worked himself up in the world by his own intellect and industry. He has made a reputation in his profession that is seldom equaled, and it is said that he is better posted in the fine points of law than any other lawyer in that section. He was married, in July, 1888, to Miss Alice Stephens, who has been a devoted wife, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while the Judge belongs to the I. O. O. F. He takes a great interest in all alfairs of his county, which he understands will be of benefit to its citizens, and he is one of the most popular men in that community. The Judge has completed a set of abstract books of Jackson County, which are a boon to its citizens, as any title may be found within a few minutes, and they are at his office for inspection any day.

Solomon D. Sullins, a farmer and stock raiser, residing on Section 29, Grubbs Township, Jackson County, came to Arkansas with his parents in the year 1849. He is a son of Jesse and Catherine (Eaves) Sullins, both natives of North Carolina, to whom were born ten children, all of whom grew to maturity, married, and have homes of their own. One of the sons married in North Carolina, where he still lives. The other members of the family who are still living reside in Arkansas, all farmers and farmers' wives. Solomon D. married Miss Sarah A. Hankins, July 11, 1869. She is a native of Georgia, from which State her parents moved to Craighead County, Ark., and thence to Jackson County. To Mr. and Mrs. Sullins have been born eleven children, viz.: Celia C., born in November, 1870, now the wife of Nathan Holbrook, of Bates ville, Independence County, Ark.; Georgia A., born in September, 1872; Cornecei A., born in January, 1874; William L., born March 30, 1875; Isaac J., born in 1876; Sarah J., born in 1878; Lydie O., born in 1879; Mary Frances, born in 1881; James A., born in 1884; Solomon Wright, born in 1886; and Jesse T., born in 1889. Mr. Sullins commenced business for himself in December, 1866, working for three years with an older brother, James Sullins, at the expiration of which time he rented land that he cultivated one year. He then bought a tract of land which was partly improved, and had a very good log house which had been erected by the former owner. He made many substantial improvements on this place, planting a good orchard of peaches and apples. In 1882 Mr. Sullins rented and moved to the farm upon which he now resides, which place he purchased in 1884. He now owns in all 600 acres of good laud in Jackson Connty, which is well adapted to all the varieties of products of the temperate zone. Mr. and Mrs. Sullins and the four older children are members of the Christian Church, worshiping in Robinson's Chapel.

J. A. Sursa was born in Madison County, Ill., in 1840. He was the eldest in the family of seven children born to William and Elizabeth (Steward) Sursa, natives of Tennessee. William Sursa, who was a farmer and millwright, moved from Tennessee to Madison County, Ill., in 1832, locating on a farm, upon which he remained until 1847; he then moved to Jefferson County, purchasing a farm near Mount Vernon, where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1865. Mrs. Elizabeth Sursa still resides in Mount Vernon, Ill. Of their children besides our subject, George is married, and is a farmer in Missouri, and Sarah, now Mrs. Staley, lives near Mount Vernon, Ill. J. A. Sursa was brought up on a farm, receiving his education in his native county. In 1876 he removed to Jackson County, Ark., first locating near Elgin, where he worked as a farm laborer. He then engaged in farming for himself, in Lawrence County, Ark., purchasing in 1880 a traet of timber of 120 acres, which he commenced clearing and improving; he erected a good log house, and now has all except forty acres fenced, with sixty acres under cultivation. Mr. Sursa was married, in Greene County in 1881, to Elizabeth Can, who was born in Tennessee and reared in Kentucky, a daughter of John and Margaret Can, the former of whom died in Kentucky; the mother removed to Greene County in 1880, and later to Jackson County, where she died in 1882. Mr. Sursa has a good home in Glass Township, and devotes his entire [p.905] attention to farming and stock raising; he is interested in every enterprise for the advancement of the county, and is a public-spirited man.

John Sweat, residing between Weldon and Tupelo, on Section 9, was born in Georgia in May 1848. being a son of Noah and Betsy J. (Hargett) Sweat, natives of Sonth Carolina. John has been a farmer all his life, having been reared on his father's farm, and on coming to Arkansas rented of L. B. McDonald, of Newport, Ark., where he has lived for years. In 1888 he purchased 160 acres of land, about sixty being improved, and since that time has cleared some twenty acres, about ten being under cultivation. Mr. Sweat has 345 acres under cultivation on the McDonald farm. His father served three years in the Confederate army, participating in the battles of Shiloh and New Hope. December 26, 1883, Mr. Sweat married Miss Jennie Cooper; they have had a family of four children: Columbus, Maud, Lena and John. Mr. and Mrs. Sweat are members of the Sand Hill Missionary Baptist Church.