page 672

John Young, a well-known farmer of LaGrue Township, is a native of this county and a son of James and Sarena (Barkman) Young, natives of Kentucky and Arkansas, respectively. Mr. Young came to Arkansas when he was a young man, entering a tract of wild land in the Arkansas forests of this county. He was a man of slight education, his opportunities having been very limited, but he was enterprising, and an earnest worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he and his wife belonged, being a leading member in organizing the early churches of this community, not only those of his Denomination, but of other religious bodies. He died in 1850, and his wife followed him in a short time. They were the parents of four children: Jacob (deceased), Seiney (deceased), Angelina B. (now Mrs. Brown) and John. [p.672] The subject of this sketch was born on January 3, 1838, and was married on November 27, 1859, to Miss Sarah E. Brown, also of this State, and a daughter of Pleasant and Elizabeth Brown. Mrs. Young died in January 22, 1889, leaving the following children: John P., Elizabeth (now Mrs. Duemore), Minnie (who married John Mitchell), Robert L., Bashia A., Effie M. and Henry L. Mr. Young enlisted in the Confederate army in 1862, and served until November, 1864, participating in a number of hard-fought battles, though he was never wounded nor captured. He owns a farm of 900 acres of fine land, and has about forty acres in cultivation. He is a member of the County Grange, and also of the County Wheel, in which he takes an active part. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and well known in religious circles.

Oft did the harvest to their alckle yield;

Their furrow oft the stubborn glebe has broke;

How jocund did they drive their team afield!

How bow'd the woods beneath their sturdy strokel—Gray.

PRAIRIE COUNTY'S earliest settlement, or the first in the territory now embraced within its limits, was probably made at and in the vicinityof the present Des Arc. About the year 1810 two men named Watts and East (Creoles) settled there, and five years later the Runkles, Cohurns and Goforths, from Vincennes, Ind., also located. The latter parties came up the White River in dugouts. These were followed by the McAnultys and others. Formerly nearly all of the present county of Lonoke belonged to Prairie County, consequently it is proper to mention a few of the first settlers of that portion of the original county. In 1822 James Erwin, father of M. M. and Ambrose Erwin (now of Des Arc) came from North Carolina with the Furgesons and Dunaways and settled at Old Austin. Subsequently Daniel Farr, Jacob Gray, Sr., Robert Anderson and E. E. Dismukes settled in the vicinity of Brownsville, the first county seat of Prairie County. John Percifiell, Sr., or Percifull, settled a few miles east thereof. John Percifull, Jr., is the oldest man born in Prairie County, and M. M. Erwin is the next. Percifull remains in that portion of the country set off to form Lonoke, and Erwin lives at Des Arc.

page 674

Charles G. Harris was the first settler at Hickory Plains, and the next early pioneers there and in that vicinity were Dudley Glass, from Alabams, David Royster, from Virginia, and A. B. Taylor and his son-in-law, Ben. T. Embree, from Kentucky. This settlement began about the year 1846. C. S. De Vall, from Georgia and Capt. Putrick H. Wheat, the latter now of Lonoke County, were early settlers at De Vall's Bluff. Among the first settlers in the southern part of the county were Albert Evans, Sheffield Mayberry, Dr. Gibbon and Richard Pyburn. Maybarry is living at this writing. William C. Hazen was the [p.674] pioneer settler in what is now the town of Hazen, and William Dedman settled on the military road, three miles south of Hazen. William McCnin was a pioneer settler in the central part of the county. The first settlers in the southwest part, near Fairmont, were Joseph Stillwell, Thomas Belcher, the Harrises and Maj. Tindell. In the northwest part of the county, as now formed, Patton Harris, the Farrs, William Johnson, Robert Travis and some of the Bogards were among the original settlers. The pioneers of the county came mostly from the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.

Prairie County was organized in accordance with an act of the legislature, approved by Gov. Thomas S. Drew, November 25, 1846. The first section of the act reads as follows: "That all that part of the county of Pulaski lying east of the following described lines, viz.: Beginning at the corner of Townships 2 and 3 south, Ranges 9 and 10 west; thence east to the middle of Range 9; thence north to the line between Townships 1 and 2 south; thence west to the line between Ranges 9 and 10; thence north to the line between Townships 4 and 5 north; thence west to the line between Ranges 10 and 11 west; thence north to the Cypress Bayou, to the line dividing White and Pulaski, be and the same hereby is erected into and declared to be a separate and distinct county, to be called and known by the name of Prairie County."

Section 4 provided that on the first Monday of February, 1847, an election should be held in each township in the new county for the election of county officers; the elections to be held where the last general elections had been held, and by the same judges and clerks. A subsequent act provided that at these elections one commissioner in each township, and two at large in the county, should be elected to locate the seat of justice.

It will be seen by the first section of the act creating the county that nearly all of the territory now embraced in Lonoke County was included in Prairie County. Subsequent acts, one creating Lonoke County, in 1873, and others changing boundary lines, have reduced Prairie County to its present dimensions.

The commissioners elected for the purpose, at the first election held in the county, located the seat of justice at Brownsville, a point in what is now Lonoke County, two and a half miles northeast of the present city of Lonoke. This place was on the old military road, leading from Memphis to Little Rock. Ordinary county buildings were erected at Brownsville, and the clerk's office there was burned in September, 1852, together with a portion of the early county records. The seat of justice remained at its original site until 1868, when it was moved to De Vall's Bluff, where it continued until 1875, then being moved to Des Arc, where it now remains. The last term of the county court held at Brownsville was in April, 1868, and the first term held at DeVall's Bluff was in July, of that year. The last term of this court held at DeVall's Bluff was in July, 1875, and the first term held at Des Arc was in October, of the same year. While the county seat was at DeVall's Bluff the old wooden building standing on the bank of White River, which was erected by the Government in the winter of 1864-65 for officers' quarters, was utilized for a court house. The public buildings at Des Arc consist of a court house and jail. The former is a large two-story brick building, with a hall and offices on the first floor, and the court-room on the second. It was erected in 1883, by Messrs. Horne and White, and cost the county about $8,000. The jail is a small wooden structure, standing also on the public square with the court house.

In 1885 Prairie County was divided into two judicial districts, the Northern and Sonthern; the first being composed of the townships of Upper Surrounded Hill, Calhoun, Des Arc, Hickory Plains, Union, Bullard and White River; the second, or Southern, of the townships of Wattonsas, Belcher, Tyler, Lower Surrounded Hill, Bockrow, Center and Hazen. De Vall's Bluff is the seat of justice for the Southern district, and there the county occupies a rented building for a court room, and a branch of the county clerk's office.

page 675

At Des Arc the courts convene as follows: County, on the first Mondays of January, April, July and October of each year; the probate, on [p.675] the third, and the common pleas on the fourth Mondays of the same months; the circuit, on the first Mondays of March and September. At De Vall's Bluff the probate court convenes on the first Mondays of February, May, August and November; the common pleas on the second Mondays of the same months; and the circuit on the sixth Monday after the third Monday of February and August.

The Prairie County legal bar is composed of the following named attorneys: J. J. Ball, R. A. Moore, De Arcy Vaughan, J. G. Thweatt and J. M. McClintock.

The following is a list of the names of the officers of Prairie County, from its organization to the present writing, with dates of terms of service annexed:

Judges: W. S. Scroggs, 1848-48; H. Reynolds, 1848-52; J. Evans, 1852-54; J. S. Hunt, 1854-56; W. J. Rogers, 1856-58; J. S. Hunt, 1858-64; W. Sanders, 1864-66; E. L. Beard, 1866-68; C. K. Morton, 1868-72; board of supervisors, 1872-74; A. O. Edwards, 1874-76; W. M. Warren, 1876-78; W. L. Kirk, 1878-80; H. P. Vaughan, 1880-82; J. S. Thomas, 1882-88; J. M. Dorris, present judge, elected in 1888.

Clerks: E. M. Williams, 1846-54; W. H. England, 1854, to his death; then William Goodrum, balance of England's term, and till 1864; Robert Dodson, 1864-66; William Goodrum, 1866-68; L. Bilheimer, 1868-72; J. E. England, 1872-74; C. B. Mills, 1874-82; W. L. Willeford, present incumbent, elected in 1882, serving continnously since.

Sheriffs: A. Barksdale, 1846-48; J. A. Barksdale, 1848-52; E. E. Dismukes, 1852-58; J. M. King, 1858-60; W. A. Plunket, 1860-62; J. M. King, 1862-64; J. R. Gray, 1864-68; J. M. McClintock, 1868-72; J. J. Booth, 1872-74; H. O. Williams, 1874-78; A. S. Reinhardt, 1878-88; J. W. Brians, present officer, elected in 1888.

Treasurers: J. Percitull, 1846-48; W. Sanders, 1848-52; W. H. England, 1852-54; A. Tipkin, 1854-56; J. Robinson, 1856-58; L. Byram, 1858, to his death; W. Langford, balance of Byram's term and till 1862; George Hallum, 1862-64; William Griffin, 1864-66; F. M. Griffin, 1866-68; R. Dingsdale, 1868-72; H. Brown, 1872-76; J. R. Reid, 1876-78; H. Brown, 1878-80; W. J. Frith, 1880-82; E. A. Winslow, 1882-84; H. R. Ward, 1884-88; S. R. Mason, present incumbent, elected in 1888.

Coroners: H. Avery, 1846-48; T. Furlow, 1848-50; C. Harvey, 1850-52; N. Kennody, 1852-56: Benjamin Faucett, 1856-58; J. N. Henderson, 1858-60; L. Harrison, 1860-62; J. H. Quisenberry, 1862-64; Whit Kinidy, 1866-68; C. P. Landon, 1868-72; J. A. Woolen, 1872-74; J. G. Becton, 1874-78; J. B. Jamison, 1878-84; J. R. Mallory, 1884-88; William Dixon, present incumbent, elected in 1888.

Surveyors: P. Horton, 1846-48; S. J. Ragan, 1848-50; J. W. Utley, 1850-54; K. H. Williford, 1854-58; E. R. McPherson, 1858-60; E. A. Howell, 1860-62; J. R. Alexander, 1862-64; W. D. Anthony, 1866-68; C. W. Richardson, 1868-72; W. Fishburn, 1872-74; E. K. McPherson, 1874-76, R. A. Richmond, 1876-88; N. C. Dodson, present incumbent, elected in 1888.

Assessors: W. S. McCullough, 1868-74; G. J. Rubell, 1874-78; J. G. Worsham, 1878-80; T. A. Canon, 1880-82; William Homer, 1882-84; W. R. Brown, 1884-88; R. Dindsdall, present incumbent, elected in 1888.

Delegates in State conventions: 1861, B. C. Totton; 1868, Robert S. Gantt and William F. Hicks; 1874, David F. Reinhardt.

Representatives in General Assembly—James Erwin, 1848-50; B. T. Embry, 1850-52; B. C. Totton, 1852-54; E. M. Williams, 1854-56; William I. Moors, 1856-58; Hamilton Reynolds, 1858-60; John C. Davis, 1860-62; B. M. Barnes, 1862-1864 * * *; W. T. Jones, 1866-68. Prairie and Arkansas Counties—G. M. French, Isaac Ayers, W. S. McCullough and T. M. Gibson, 1868-70; same counties, F. R. Wiley, George H. Joslin, B. C. Morgan and A. O. Espy, 1870-72; P. C. Dooley, 1872-74. Prairie, Arkansas and Lonoke—J. P. Eagle, L. B. Mitchell and M. M. Erwin, 1872-74; J. D. Booe,

1874-76; J. S. Thomas, 1876-80; J. G. Thweatt, 1880-82; R. B. Carl Lee, 1882-86; J. D. Booe, 1886-88.

page 676

[p.676] B. M. Barnes represented Prairie County in the Confederate legislature, held at Washington, in Hempstead County, from September 22 to October 2, 1864.

The votes cast in Prairie County for the candidates for Governor at the September election, in 1888, and for the candidates for President, at the November election, in the same year, were as follows: For Governor—James P. Eagle (Dem), 761; C. M. Norwood (Com. Opp.), 1,125. For President—Cleveland (Dem.), 761; Harrison (Rep.), 603; Streeter (United Labor), 165; Fiske (Prohibition), 15.

The population of Prairie County, in 1880, was 5,691 white and 2,734 colored, making a total of 8,425. It is now probably over 10,000.

Prairie County, Ark., lies in the east central portion of the State, and is bounded north by White and Woodruff Counties, east by Woodruff and Monroe Counties, south by Arkansas and west by Lonoke. The thirty-fifth parallel of north latitude passes through the northern part, and the county lies in the 92dº of longitude west from Greenwich.

It has an area of 650 square miles or 416,000 acres, one-fourth of the entire area being under fence and in cultivation. The whole county is level, undulating and rolling enough to admit of free and easy drainage, and not to wash, no hills and hollows, no gullies and ravines, no rock-cursed farms, not even a stone to become the instrument between the bad boy and the family cat. (Hon. J. G. Thweatt's description.) A large percentage of the lands of the county belongs to the State, and is subject to donation to actual settlers; a similar amount belongs to railroad companies, a very small amount to the United States, and the balance to individuals. Lands can be purchased at reasonable prices, but large tracts of the best lands are owned by non-resident speculators who hold the prices high enough to measureably retard immigration. However, there are plenty of tracts that may be secured from resident owners at prices that cannot fail to suit purchasers.

White River flows southerly and southeasterly through the northeast part of the county to a point about two-thirds of the distance from its northern boundary, and for the other third it forms the eastern boundary thereof. Cypress Bayou forms the west half of the northern boundary, and flowing thence easterly, it empties into White River near the southeast corner of Township 5 north, Range 5 west. Wattensas River enters the county from the west, and running easterly, bearing a little south, it empties into White River about twelve miles below the mouth of the Cypress Bayou. Cache River swings into the county and out again a little north of the center of its eastern boundary, and Bayou DeView, a tributary of the Cache, flows southeasterly across the northeast corner of the county. LaGrue River enters the county on the west, near the center north and south, and flows thence in a southeasterly direction to its confluence with White River. Bayou Two Prairie forms the southwestern boundary line of the county; and this and the other streams mentioned, together with their tributaries, furnish abundant drainage.

Between White and Cache Rivors there is a long tract of land slightly elevated above the river bottoms, and divided by a depression into two parts, the northern being called "Upper Surrounded Hill," and the southern "Lower Surrounded Hill." The extracts immediately following are from a description of the county prepared by Hon. J. G. Thweatt, attorney and abstractor of titles at De Vall's Bluff.

page 677

The prairie lands lie mostly south of a dividing line east and west through the county, and constitute a good portion of the Grand Prairie of Arkansas, which reaches out into other adjacent counties. There are three or four small, but rich, productive prairies lying in the northern portion of the county, with an area of 800 to 5,000 acres each. These lands are very rich and productive, and seem specially adapted to small grains of all kinds and tame grasses. They grow fine corn and splendid cotton. As fine fruit as the country produces can be found in the orchards on prairie farms. They grow fine vegetables of all kinds. The most of the untilled portion of the prairie is covered with a fine growth of wild grass, which is mowed, baled and shipped to market. The haying [p.677] business here on the prairie is carried on very extensively. Thousands of tons are shipped yearly, and a great deal of money made at it. No lands are better adapted to stock raising. They furnish a natural range from the first or middle of March till fall. A few years ago these lands knew no occupant save the wild deer and semi-wild herds of cattle, and were regarded by the Southerner as worthless for agricultural purposes, but when the tidal wave of immigration began to flow from north to south, and the progressive husbandman of the Northwestern Prairies commenced to settle and develop the prairie lands of Prairie County, then that once considered trackless, treeless waste of grass lands, wherever touched by the agricultural magician, began to astonish the natives with her golden harvest fields, fruit-laden orchards and mammoth vegetable products, and to-day they are more in demand than any lands of the State, and are worth from twice to three times as much as the forest lands of Prairie County.

The county has a diversity of soil, the productiveness of which is exceedingly good. White River bottoms and the Surrounded Hills have both a dark brown and alluvial soil, very rich and fertile. The creek and branch bottoms are a dark loam, next in productiveness to the river bottoms. The ridges or uplands not covered by creek or branch bottoms are of a light brown, often dark in color and very productive. The soil of the prairie is of a dark brownish color, possessed of chemical combinations peculiar to itself. It does not produce as fine cotton as the timbered lands, but grows much finer wheat and oats, rye, tame grasses, peas, etc. The uplands, prairie and even branch and creek bottoms can, by rotation of crops and proper use of home fertilizers, be made better and more prolific every year. They are susceptible of a high state of fertilization, and will, when once fertilized, show effects of same for years.

The woodland part of the county is well and heavily timbered. In the river and creek bottoms is found an superabundance of red gum or satin wood, which will yield in some localities 30,000 feet of timber per acre; though millions of feet of white oak in the shape of staves and square timber have been shipped from the bottoms of Prairie County, yet the supply is still unexhausted. There is some walnut, a great deal of hickory, ash, maple, pecan, sycamore, cottonwood, red elm, hackberry, etc., with an undergrowth of cane, pawpaw, tar blanket, grape and muscatine vines, rattan, etc. In the branch bottoms and on the uplands may be had white oak, hickory, red and black oak, sweet gum, black gum and in some upland localities immense brakes of post oak, some maple, red bud, persimmon, with an undergrowth of sumac, whortleberry, hazelnut, dogwood, etc.

According to the United States census of 1880, there were in Prairie County 1,127 farms, with 37,032 acres of improved lands, and the value of the farm products of the county for 1879 was $462,902, the following being the amount of the several products raised: Indian corn, 135,462 bushels; oats, 31,944 bushels; wheat, 2,214 bushels; orchard products, $9,465; hay, 263 tons; cotton, 6,977 bales; Irish potatoes, 2,100 bushels; sweet potatoes, 9,359 bushels; tobacco, 4,860 pounds. Great improvements have been made since 1880, which will appear when the census of 1890 shall be taken. Cotton is the staple product and next to it is Indian corn. The yield per acre depends very much upon the skill of the farmer. With scientific cultivation of the soil it can be made to produce from 50 to 100 per cent more than it does under the present modes of farming. Clover and the tame grasses succeed well, but these have been cultivated only to a limited extent.

page 678

The number of live stock in the county as shown by the census of 1880 was as follows: Horses, 1,525; mules and asses, 997; neat cattle, 11,008; sheep, 1,208; hogs, 15,673. The number of these animals in the county as shown by the tax books, for 1888, was: Horses, 2,640; mules and asses, 1,164; cattle, 14,111; sheep, 1,437; hogs, 7,546. These figures show a large increase in all except hogs. The comparison for the latter, however, is not fair, for the reason that in 1888 none were enumerated except those on hand when the property was listed for taxation, while those given in the census report included all raised during the year. The climate being very mild and water easily obtainable [p.678] in abundant supply, Prairie County is especially well adapted to the raising of live stock, and recently a few individuals have begun the business and have large herds of cattle grazing on the prairies. This is becoming a leading industry. Hogs fatten on the mast and live through the year without being fed, but they are not extensively raised. Fruits grow almost to perfection, especially peaches, plums, pears, quinces, grapes and berries of every variety. Apples also do well, but not so well as in higher altitudes. Wild fruits, such as grapes, plums, mulberries, blackberries, etc., grow abundantly in the timbered portions of the county.

The Little Rock & Memphis Railroad crosses Prairie County from east to west, and divides it into nearly two equal parts. Its length within the county is about twenty-three miles. The Cotton Belt Railroad crosses the southeast part of the county, running in a southwesterly direction. The railroads constituts a considerable portion of the taxable wealth of the county, and give excellent shipping facilities.

On February 15, 1882, seven farmers, named, respectively, W. W. Tedford, W. T. McBee, W. A. Suit, John and George McBee, Bluford Loakey, and L. F. Thasher, all of Prairie County, met at the McBee school house, near Wattensas Creek and at a point eleven miles north of Hazen, and there organized the "Wattensas Farmers' Club," with W. W. Tedford, president, and W. T. McBee, secretary. At the third meeting of this club its name was changed to "Wheel," hence the origin and name of that extensive organization. Soon thereafter other wheels were organized, up to the number of seven in all, four in Prairie and three in Cleburne County. Then on August 22, the same year, articles of incorporation were filed in the circuit court clerk's office in Prairie County. Afterward, April 9, 1883, delegates from the wheels then existing met at the same school house where the original club was formed, and organized the State Wheel, with E. R. McPherson, president, and J. T. Kirk, secretary. Articles of association were filed in the office of the Secretary of State, September 28, 1885. The officors of the State Wheel, at this writing are, John P. H. Russ, of White County, president, and R. H. Morehead, of Hazen, Prairie County, secretary. The latter is serving his fifth term. There are 2,109 subordinate wheels in Arkansas, and besides State and subordinate Wheels exist in Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin and Missouri.

Upon the approach of the Civil War, in 1861, the people of Prairie County were generally in sympathy with the Southern cause, in consequence of which a public meeting was held at Brownsville, the then county seat, on April 22, 1861, and resolutions passed favoring an appropriation by the county for putting it "upon a war footing." Subsequently, in the same month, the county appropriated $10,000 to arm and equip its volunteer soldiers. Then and thereafter companies were organized for the State and Confederate service. The first company in what is now Prairie County was organized at Des Arc, in the spring of 1861, and commanded by Capt. George W. Glenn. Other companies were organized in the territory of Prairie County, as now formed, and commanded respectively by Capts. John S. Pearson, John H. Bulls, Michael Peal, Gus. Reinhardt, John Kirk and Pat. H. Wheat. Gon. Stcole, of the United States army, took possession of the county about September 1, 1863, and from that time until the close of the war it was in possession of Federal troops. No battle was fought in the county, but a few slight skirmishes took place between scouting parties of the contending armies. The county was completely overrun and laid waste. M. M. Erwin, of Des Arc, says that when he returned from the war in June, 1865, there were not, as he believes, fifteen horses left in the county. The people deserve great praise for their recovery from such devastation.

page 679

In 1880 the real estate of Prairie County was assessed for taxation at $865,881, and the personal property at $461,100, making a total of $1,226,981, and the taxes charged thereon, for all purposes, were $23,803. In 1888 the real property of the county was assessed at $1,147,073, and the personal at $874,137, making a total of $2,021,210, and the total taxes charged thereon were $28,677.28. By comparison, it will be seen that from [p.679] 1880 to 1888, the taxable wealth of the county nearly doubled, while the taxes increased only about 20 per cent.

Prairie County has no bonded indebtedness, but owes a trifling amount on outstanding warrants. In 1886 the county was robbed of from $10,000 to $12,000. On this occasion the treasurer was found tied on the street, and alleged that he had been knocked down and tied by robbers, who took from him the keys to the safe containing the money. Upon suspicion he was indicted and tried for the crime, but was found "not guilty." No other arreste or prosecutions were made.

Des Arc—the county seat—is situated on the west bank of White River, in the northern part of the county, and contains about 800 inhabitants. The streets are wide, and run east and west and north and south, and the site is as level and beautiful as could possibly be found for a town. Judge Watkins, of Little Rock, bought a portion of the land on which the town is located, and James Erwin entered the other portion. In 1846 or 1847 Watkins surveyed and platted his portion into town lots and streets, and two years later Erwin laid his portion out into town lots. The latter opened the first store and erected the first cottongin and grist-mill (combined) in the place, and also the first saw-mill. The gins and mills were all run by horse power, and M. M. Erwin (son of James Erwin), now living at Des Arc, ginned the first bale of cotton. Mr. Erwin brought the machinery for his saw-mill, and a man to put it into operation, from Pittsburg, Penn. These improvements were made about the year 1847. The second store in the town was opened by Stephen Red, and the next by Frith & Jackson. In 1850 the town had a population of about 100, and during the 50's it grew so rapidly that by 1860 its population was over 2,000. M. M. Erwin opened and kept the first hotel or "inn" in the place. A daily stage line—the Butterfield—met the boats here on White River. This line extended by way of Little Rock, Fort Smith, etc., to San Francisco, Cal., and the price charged passengers from Des Arc to San Francisco was $200 in gold. Only fifty pounds of baggage was allowed each passenger.

During the Civil War Des Arc was partially destroyed. Some of the buildings were burned, and others taken down and moved by the Federal army to De Vall's Bluff. The place was then almost depopulated. The town is improving now in the way of removal of the wooden business buildings and erecting brick blocks on their sites. It is an important cotton market, and from 5,000 to 6,000 bales are annually shipped therefrom on White River. It contains eight general stores, four groceries, three drug stores, one hardware and grocery store, one undertaking store, a livery stable, two meat markets, two hotels and a boarding house; four churches for the white people, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, and Cumberland Presbyterian; two churches for the colored people, Methodist and Baptist; two school-houses, one for the whites and one for the blacks; a postoffice, sawmill, cotton-gin and grist-mill, a ferry acroes the river, a town hall, five warehouses for storage of cotton, a lodge each of Masons and Knights of Honor, five physicians, and a weekly newspaper, the Des Arc Citizen, which was established in September, 1854, by J. C. Morrel, and is now published by J. J. Baugh. It is an eight-column folio, neatly printed and ably edited. The town also ontains several mechanics' shops, and other enterprises not here named. Its name, Des Arc (the arc), is from the French Bayon Des Arc, a sluggish stream that empties into the White River about two miles bove the town, which had previously been named thus by the French settlers. The town is incorporated, and has a full set of corporate officers.

page 680

De Vall's Bluff, situated on the west side of White River and also on the Little Rock & Memphis Railroad, was named after C. S. DeVall, who entered the land upon which it is located. At the beginning of the Civil War, in 1861, it contained a store and dwelling house and a "boat landing." In the fall of 1863 it was taken possession of by a portion of the United States army, and from thence forward to the close of the war, and for some time thereafter it was held by Federal troops. Soon after the Federals took possession they made it their base of supplies for Little Rock and other [p.680] points west. The White River being navigable at all seasons of the year, the supplies were shipped thereon to DeVall's Bluff and transported thence by rail to Little Rock; bowever when the Arkansas River was high enough supplies were shipped directly to that city on that stream. As soon as the Union army took possession of De Vall's Bluff and made it a permanent base of supplies, hundreds of refugees flocked in and claimed protection. Houses were erected for them to occupy, and by the close of the war the place contained many buildings and had a large population, mostly of refugees, who then returned to their former homes. It now contains a postoffice, two general, two drug, three grocery and one millinery store, a livery stable, two hotels, a boat oar factory, a large saw-mill, a Methodist Church, white, and a Baptist Church, colored, a school-house each for the whites and blacks, two title abstract offices, a lodge each of Masons, Knights of Pythias, Knights of Honor, Good Templars and Iron Hall.

The boat-oar factory is said to be the only one of the kind west of the Mississippi. It is controlled and managed by F. P. Wells, formerly of Michigan, and turns out about 3,000 feet, lineal measure, of finished oars per day. These are shipped to Liverpool, England, San Francisco and other distant cities. A large number of men are employed at this establishment. The saw-mill, which has capacity for cutting 20,000 feet of lumber per day, is managed by Wells & Maxwell.

De Vall's Bluff represents a wonderful amount of life insurance for so small a place. The Knights of Honor, fifty members, carry $2,000 each, aggregating $100,000; the Iron Hall, twenty-five members, carry $1,000 each, aggregating $25,000; the Knights of Pythias carry in the aggregate $35,000, and it is estimated that at least $50,000 is carried in the "old line companies," making a grand total of $210,000. In addition to the societies named the town has a branch of the Southern Building and Loan Association, of Knoxville, Tenn., the members of which carry 175 shares of $100 each. De Vall's Bluff is incorporated, and has a population of about 500. Its principal exports are cotton, boat oars and lumber.

Hazen, situated on the Little Rock & Memphis Railroad, forty-three miles east from Little Rock and seven miles west from DeVall's Bluff, has a population of about 650, and is the leading commercial point in the county. It was surveyed and laid out in 1873, and named in honor of William C. Hazen, its original proprietor. It is well laid out, with wide streets running east and west and north and south, and has around it a colony of thrifty and prosperous farmers from the North. It contains six general, two drug and two grocery stores, an undertaker's shop, two livery stables, two blacksmith shops, two real estate offices, post-office, one meat market, two lumber yards, two hotels, a steam cotton-gin, saw and grist-mill, two school-houses (one for each race), two churches for the white people and two for the colored people. In and around the town are six hay presses and nine hay barns. The principal shipments are hay, cotton and fruit. More hay, fruit, produce and game are annually shipped from Hazen than from any other town in the county.

The Hazen Free Press, a five-column quarto weekly newspaper, is published by J. H. Taylor. It was established in May, 1889.

Hickory Plains is a village of about 100 inhabitants in the northwest part of the county, and contains a postoffice, general store, drug store, two steam cotton-gins and grist-mills, a blacksmith shop, three churches and a large public school building.

Barrettsville, located between Hickory Plains and Hazen, contaios a postoffice, general store, drug store, and a steam cotton-gin, grist and saw-mill.

Surrounded Hill, or Fredonia, is on the Little Rock & Memphis Railroad, four miles east of DeVall's Bluff, and contains two general and two grocery stores, two saloons, postoffice, two colored churches, a hotel, blacksmith shop and a steam cotton-gin and grist-mill. It is situated in one of the best cotton growing districts in the State, and ships a large amount of that commodity. It has a population of about 200, largely colored.

Fairmount is a small post village on the prairie in the southern part of the county.

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[p.681] Ulm, a new village, is growing up in the southeastern part of the county.

There are, besides the above, some other post hamlets in the county.

The workings of the free school system in Prairie County may be learned by reference to the folfowing statistics taken from the last published report of the State superintendent of public instruction, it being for the year ending June 30, 1888:

Scholastic population: White, males, 1,247, females, 1,165, total, 2,412; colored, males, 771, females, 773, total, 1,544. Number of pupils taught in the public schools: White, males, 871, females, 784, total, 1,655; colored, males, 413, females, 460, total, 873. Number of school districts, 49. Teachers employed: Males, 42, females, 22; total, 64. Average monthly salaries paid teachers: First grade, males, $50.00, females, $37.50; second grade, males, $35.00, females, $25.00; third grade, males, $30.00, females, $25.00. Amount expended for the support of the schools: Teachers' salaries, $11,316.00; for houses and sites, $1,150.43; treasnrer's commissions, $259.12; total, $12,725.55. The reader can compare the number of children enumerated with the number enrolled in the schools, make other comparisons and draw his own conclusions. The statistics show much room for improvement. The school terms in each district averaged four months for the year. After the public money is exhausted the teachers of the town schools usually teach a subscription school for several months longer.

The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, has the following organizations in Prairie County: Des Arc and Hickory Plains Circuit, with a church at each of these places, and three preaching pointe in the country, Rev. D. T. Holmes, pastor, and a membership of 283; Hazen Circuit, embracing Hazen, De Vall's Bluff, and one or two appointments in the country, with a membership in all of over 100, Rev. J. W. F. Scott, pastor; Wattensas Circuit, embracing seven organizations, with a combined membership of about 311, Rev. James Huddleston, pastor; the White River Circuit has appointments in both Prairie and Arkansas Counties, and a membership of 425, Rev. J. W. Berry being pastor. A portion of the Carlisle Circuit lies in the western part of Prairie County, and a portion of the Brinkley Circuit in its eastern part.

There is a Baptist Church, with about forty-five members, at Des Arc, but at this writing they are not supplied with a pastor. Other Baptist Churches in the county, pastors and memberships, as shown by the session minutes of 1888, of the Grand Prairie Baptist Association, are as follows: Center Point, Elder B. F. House, 70; Hazen, Elder P. A. Haman, 52; Pleasant Ridge, Elder R. G. Thomas, 28; Liherty, .... about 15. Since these minutes were published the memberships have increased, and changes in pastors may have been made.

There are three organizations of the Presbyterians within the county: One at Des Arc, one at Hickory Plains, and the other at Hazen. Rev. S. I. Reid, of Lonoke, preaches at Des Arc and Hazen. The membership is small.

Of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination there is only one organization in the county, and that is at Des Arc, where they have a very small membership, a nest little church edifice, but no pastor at this time.

A Christian Church was organized at Hazen about the year 1881. They have no edifice, but contemplate building one within a year. Elder J. A. Carter, of Landerdale County, Tenn., presches for them in the school-house. The membership is now 120. A Christian Church, with a small membership, was organized in August, 1889, at Barrettsville. Elder C. E. Gillespie, of Hazen, is pastor. Here, too, they worship in the school-house.

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A. L. Aydelott, merchant, Surrounded Hill, Ark. The mercantile trade has long constituted one of the leading features in the commercial pursuits of our country, and in this line we have in Surrounded Hill a thoroughly representative house, controlled by Mr. A. L. Aydelott, who is regarded as an upright and energetic man of business, and respected in commercial and social circles. He is the son of S. D. and Elizabeth (Herring) Aydelott, and his birth occurred in Shelby County, Tenn., [p.682] on the 16th of March, 1855. S. D. Aydelott owes his nativity to Hardeman County, Tenn., where his birth occurred November 18, 1819, and he moved with his parents to Kentucky when quite young. There he received his education, and after reaching his majority returned to his native State, and was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth (Herring) Whitley. To this union were born three children: William L, Alfred L. and Johnny L. The father was a blacksmith by trade, also a merchant, and in connection carried on agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of about ninety-two acres of land near Arlington, Tenn. He and wife are now living in Shelby County, Tenn. They are members of the Old School Baptist Church, and have the esteem and respect of all who know them. During the late war the father enlisted in the Confederate army, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Regiment Tennessee Volunteers, and was in the battles of Corinth and Shiloh. At the end of fourteen months he was discharged on account of age, returned home, and began merchandising at Memphis. A. L. Aydelott received a good practical education in the schools of Memphis, Tenn, and there remained until December, 1877, when he immigrated to Ark., and located on his present fine property. Upon his first advent into Arkansas he was without means, and began business for himself by working as sub-manager on a plantation. By 1878 he had accumulated some money, and he then returned to Tennessee, where he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah D. Gillespie, daughter of

Jefferson and Mary Gillespie, on the 13th of February of that year. To this marriage have been born six children: Kate E. (deceased), Josie L., Grace A. (deceased), Ellise and Clarence (twins), and an infant, Herbert. Mr. Aydelott began merchandising in October, 1884, on a capital of $1,000, which has since been increased to $55,000; is the owner of about 600 acres of good land, and has under cultivation about 140 acres. He runs a publie gin that is sitnated in Surrounded Hill, and which has all the latest mprovements, and he also owns an interest in a saloon. Mr. Aydelott is progressive in his ideas, and his farm, which is well stocked, shows care and attention. He was a member of the K. of H., and was Dictator as long as he held membership; was also postmaster at Surrounded Hill for one term, and he is deeply interested in church and educational matters.

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Philip B. Baugh, retired, was born in Lincoln County, Tenn., October 10, 1827, and is a son of James and Marina A. (Bruce) Baugh, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of North Carolina, she being a daughter of Arnold Bruce, a Frenchman. After their marriage the parents moved to Lincoln County, Tenn., and in 1837 to Mississippi, where the father's death occurred, his wife's death occurring in White County, Ark., in 1868. Philip B. Baugh resided with his father until the latter's death, and up to 1859 was engaged in following the plow in Mississippi. After moving to Arkansas he located in Des Arc and for two years, up to 1859, was engaged in the saw-mill business. In January, 1862, he moved to White County, Ark., and followed farming and lumber manufacturing, also dealing in dry goods and real estate for some six years, then sold out, and in 1887 returned to Des Arc, where he is now spending his declining years in retirement from the active duties of life. He was married in Mississippi, on January 3, 1850, to Eleanor C. Lawson, a native of North Carolina, who was reared in Mississippi, a daughter of John Lawson, a native of Ireland. Mrs. Baugh died January 9, 1888, having borne and reared a family of ten children: John C. (a farmer of White County, Ark.), J. J. Baugh (whose sketch appears in this work),

W. L. (a druggist of Des Arc), Alice (wife of B. S. Horton, of Searcy), Olivia (wife of A. A. Gilliam, also of Searcy), Cora (wife of Rev. A. C. Graham, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church), Ola and Nettie (young ladies at home), Ida Bruce (another daughter, died in September, 1887, at the age of twenty-one years, being the affianced wife of Rev. C. B. Mosley, now a missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, to Japan), and Katie Florence (who died at the age of eighteen years). Mr. and Mrs. Baugh belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Baugh is a Royal Arch Mason. He surved as agistrate of White County for a number of years, also as [p.683] notary public, and is holding the last-named position at the present time. During the Civil War he entered the Confederate army (in 1864), being a member of Col. Crubtree's regiment, and was with Price on his raid through Missouri, after which he was on detached service until the close of the war.

James J. Baugh, attorney and editor, Des Arc, Ark. The enviable position which the town of Des Arc occupies to-day as an industrial and mercantile center is due to the energy, enterprise and ability of the inhabitants and to the wise and judicious government of the civic authorities. Prominent among those who have made an impress on the history of the town, in more respects than one, is Mr. James J. Baugh, who is editor and publisher of the Citizen, and an able attorney of the town. Mr. Baugh is a native of Palona, Miss., where his birth occurred December 7, 1857, and he is the son of Judge P. B. and Eleanor (Lawson) Baugh, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of North Carolina. The parents were married in the last-named State, and in 1859 moved to Arkansas, where the father first engaged in the saw-mill and lumber business at Des Arc. After residing at that place for a few years he moved to White County, but in September, 1887, returned to Des Arc, where he resides at the present time. He is sixty-two years of age, and is one of the prominent men of the county. He served as county judge of White County, and has held other positions of trust and responsibility. His wife died January 9, 1888. Their family consisted of seven daughters and three sons, all of whom grew to mature years. James J. Baugh passed his boyhood days in White County, and remained with his father until about seventeen years of age. He then entered a newspaper office at Searcy, learned the printer's trade, and then took up the study of law, being admitted at Searcy in 1880. He moved to Des Arc in 1880, bought out a newspaper business, and now owns the only paper published at Des Arc. He has been actively engaged in the newspaper business since that time, and his paper, with its crisp and trenchant editorials, commands an ever-widening area of circulation, while it carries with it that weight and authority, which a clear, calm and intelligent judgment must always secure. Mr. Baugh was appointed postmaster at Des Arc in 1885, and was acting postmaster for four years. His marriage took place at Hickory Plains, June 15, 1882, to Miss E. M. Reinhardt, a native of Des Arc, and the daughter of Daniel F. Reinhardt, who was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1874. To Mr. and Mrs. Baugh were born two children: Lerline and Minnie Kate. Mr. Baugh is a member of the Knighte of Honor and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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Christian Bechler is accounted a prosperous farmer, stockman and miller, of Belcher Township, Prairie County, Ark., and like the majority of the natives of France, he is of an energetic temperament and progressive in his views. He is a man whom nature seems to have especially designed to be a farmer, for he has met with more than the average degree of success in pursuing this calling, and is now the owner of 448 acres of land, all of which is under fence. He was born in 1827, and when only fourteen years of age, became weary of life in his native land, and began to turn his thoughts to the new world across the water, where advanturous spirits could find wider scope of opportunities, and more congenial surroundings. He first landed in New Orleans, and in 1840 went to Ohio, and in 1846 to Iowa, thence to California in 1849, like so many others in search of gold. After working in the mining regions of that State, until 1852, he returned to Iowa, and the following year was married to Barbars Conrad, a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Klopfenstein) Conrad, who were natives of Switzerland, and came to America in 1820. Mrs. Bechler was born in Ohio, and after their marriage, she and Mr. Bechler set energetically to work to accumulate some means, and they still own the farm on which they first settled in Henry County, Iowa, which comprises 160 acres. In 1883 they came to Prairie County, Ark., and as above stated, own an excellent farm. They expect to make this State their home, and are interested in everything pertaining to its welfare. He is a Republican, and [p.684] he and his wife are members of the Mennonite Church, and are the parents of the following family: Daniel (deceased), Benjamin J. and John (deceased), Peter, Mary (Mrs. L. J. Anderson, of Arkansas County, Ark.), Anna (Mrs. C. B. Zimmerman, of Prairie County), Jacob, Katie, Frances and Cordelia, the last two being twins. Mr. Bechler is one of a family of three sons born to Christian and Elizabeth (Bechler) Bechler, both of whom were born in Switzerland, and emigrated to France, where the father died in 1830, the mother's death occurring in New Orleans, La., in 1843. Their ohildren are: Joseph (now deceased), Peter (a resident of Iowa) and Christian.

Capt. Jacob G. Becton is one of the experienced farmers and cotton-ginners of the county, and the property which he now owns has been accumulated by attending strictly to his chosen calling. He was born in New Berns, N. C., October 23, 1833, being a son of F. I. and Eliza (Rhodes) Becton, who were born, reared and married in North Carolina, the father being a farmer of that State. They reared their family in Jones County, and there the father died in 1843, his wife surviving him until 1845, she being married a second time, and with her last husband moved to Wayne County. Here Capt. Jacob G. Becton grew to manhood and was married here, moving some time afterward to Cumberland County, where he engaged in farming and merchandising until 1861, and in March of that year moved to Arkansas and made his home in Prairie County. In February, 1862, he enlisted in Capt. Bull's company, Lanon's regiment, but afterward became a member of Col. Craven's regiment, and was promoted from a private to the rank of captain, and participated in the battles of Baker's Creek, Corinth and a great many skirmishes. He was captured five times, and three times managed to make his escape, but the first time while held a prisoner he was kept on Johnson's Island for nine months, and the second time at Point Lookout, Md., for three weeks. The year following his return from the war he engaged in farming near Des Arc, and that he has been successful is clearly shown when we state the fact that he owns 960 scres of land, nearly all of which is in one body, 800 acres being in the home place, of which 500 acres are under cultivation. He has a good frame residence, and his outbuildings are all commodious and in excellent repair. He has been the owner of a cotton-gin at Des Arc since 1886, and has been extensively engaged in cottonginning since that time. In 1855 he was married to Lizzie E., a daughter of John E. Becton, of Wayne County, N. C. Captain and Mrs. Becton have lost one daughter, Emma, who was the wife of W. L. Willeford, also three infants while they were residing in North Carolina. The Captain is a Master Mason, and his wife is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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G. W. Belcher is a farmer, stockman and miller of Belcher Township and was born in Perry County, Ala, in 1840, the oldest of eleven children born to the marriage of Thomas M. Belcher and Rachel Mayberry. The former was a Virginian, born in 1810, and was one of six children of Bevley Belcher. He was reared in Alabama and was married there in 1837 and for fourteen years was engaged in overseeing. He then engaged in farming and has made that his chief calling up to the present time. In 1851 he came to Prairie County, Ark., and entered 240 acres of land which he has since increased to 400 acres. He has been justice of the peace for about twenty years, and has held the position of postmaster four or five years. He is a Democrat and during the turbulent times preceding the Rebellion and during the war he was a strong Union man, and was greatly opposed to secession. His wife is a native of Alabama and both are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Their children are: G. W., Martha (who died in Texas), Jane (deceased), Louisa (wife of William M. Shuford of Austin, Texas), James (deceased), Permalie J. (wife of M. C. Mayberry of Prairie County) and several children who died in infancy. G. W. Belcher attended school in Cotton Gin, Miss., until eleven years of age, but after his removal with his parents to Arkansas his school days were cut short and July 7, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Second Arkansas, McIntosh regiment, and for gallant and faithful service was raised to the rank of captain, in 1864, in the commissary department. [p.685] Some of the engagements in which he participated are Oak Hill, Wilson's Creek, Elkhorn, Farmington, Cumberland Gap, Richmond and others. In 1862 he was wounded in the left hand by a pistol shot and was in the hospital at Knoxville, Tenn., for some time. After the war he returned to Arkansas and was married in Claiborne Parish, La., 1866, to Miss Susan S. Hood, a daughter of Bryant and Polly Hood, of Georgia, and by her has four children: Ida, William M., John G. and Martha. Mrs. Belcher was born July 5, 1840, and died in September, 1889. She was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, as is Mr. Bolcher, and was an earnest and consistent Christian lady. Mr. Belcher is a Democrat and has served in the capacity of school director for about fifteen years and he also belongs to the Masous, being a demitted member of Aberdeen Lodge. He is a descendant of some of the oldest settlers of the State of Arkansas and his grandfather Belcher was in the American Revolution. He is a wealthy farmer and of his 800 acres of land, 300 are under cultivation.

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Andrew Jackson Bowman, DeVall's Bluff, Ark. Mr. Bowman, one of the pioneers of Roc Roe Township, purchased his farm in that township, in 1874, and settled where he now resides the following year. He was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1828, was the second in a family of ten children born to Peter and Susan (La Motte) Bowman, and received his education in the subscription school of Putnam County, Ohio. He assisted on his father's farm until twenty years of age, when he was married in the last-named county, in 1848, to Miss Rue Ann Burrel, a native of Putnam County, Ohio. After that he was engaged in farming, and thus continued in that county until 1856, when he settled in McLean County, near Lexington, and was quite extensively engaged in his former pursuit. In 1858 he moved to Piatt County, Ill., remained there until 1866, and then moved to Champaign County, of the same State, where he remained until March, 1875. He then came to Prairie County, Ark., bought 1,500 acres of raw land, which he cultivated and added to until at one time he owned 2,000 acres. He now has 680 acres with 320 acres under fence, and sixty under cultivation. He has paid considerable attention to fruit culture, has about forty acres in orchard, 2,000 apple trees and 1,000 peach trees, and all varieties of small fruit. He is a successful horticulturist, and has one of the finest orchards in Eastern Arkansas. He has over 100 varieties of apple trees, and a number of transcendent crab trees. On his farm he raises cotton, corn, rye, wheat and oats, and his farm is well adapted to the raising of stock. Mr. Bowman lost his excellent wife in Piatt County, Ill., in April, 1859. To their union were born three living children: Elias (residing in Ohio), Wesley (married and resides near his father) and Elmer (resides in Cloud County, Kas., married and engaged in farming). Mr. Bowman was married the second time in Piatt County, Ill., in 1859, to Mrs. Mary Ann Plotner (nee Fonst), a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, and the fruits of this union were two living children: Letitia Ranceline and Arthur (at home). Mr. Bowman was married in Putnam County, Ohio, in 1874, to Mrs. Harriet J. (Zeller) Long (widow of Mr. Long), a native of Putnam County, Ohio, and the daughter of Andrew and Catherine (Henderson) Zeller. Mr. Zeller was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and his wife in Pittsburgh, Penn. The father came to this country when single, and was married in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. He was a wagon and carriage manufacturer. His death occurred in Ohio, in 1852, and the mother died in Putnam County, in 1872, surviving him about twenty years. Mr. Bowman is active in polities, and his vote is cast with the Democratic party. He was magistrate while living in Champaign County, Ill., takes an active interest in educational affairs, and is a member of the school board. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. His grandparents were natives of Germany, and his father was a miller by trade. The latter went to Ohio when a young man, was married there, and there made his home for many years. Later in life he engaged in farming in Putnam County, Ohio, and there passed the closing scenes of his life, his death occurring in 1872. His wife survived him two years. Of their family the following are now living: Andrew Jackson (the subject [p.686] of this sketch), Pauline (now Mrs. Cartwright, of Putnam County, Ohio), Martin (married, and is a a farmer in Putnam County), Mary (now Mrs. Todd, of Putnam County), Peter (married, and resides also in Putnam County) and John (who is married and resides in the above mentioned county.

C. L. Bowman is a successful real-estate dealer of Hazen, Ark., and since 1879 has been a resident of and interested in the welfare of Prairie County. He was born in Knox County, Ind., in 1859, and was the eldest of four children reared by John and Martha A. (Roach) Bowman, the former of whom is a native of the Buckeye State, born in 1832. He was one of a large family of children, and in his youth he was taken by his parents, Daniel and Elizabeth Bowman, to the State of Illinois, and there his early manhood was spent. In 1852 he settled in Knox County, Ind., on a farm, but also engaged in carriage making, and in 1856 he espoused Miss Roach, whose people were Virginians and early residents of Indiana. To Mr. Bowman were born the following family of children: Calvin L., Samnel E. (who is married and living in Stuttgart, Ark), Lydia M. and Mary G. Mr. Bowman removed with his family to Arkansas, in 1879, and after farming until 1883 he settled in Hazen and is there now living. He is a Democrat politically, and he and Mrs. Bowman are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Calvin L. Bowman, our subject, spent his early days on his father's farm in Indiana and there received his early schooling, being an attendant of the common schools. He came to Arkaneas with his parents, and was married here, in 1881, to Miss Sallie E. Back, a daughter of Jackson and Mary Back, the former of whom was killed in the Civil War, being a member of the Union army. His wife afterward married Mr. Denton, and is at present living in Hazen. Mr. Bowman and his wife have two boys: Walter P. and Clyde E. Up to 1886 Mr. Bowman farmed in White River Township, but since that time has been engaged in the real-estate business in Hazen. Besides having in his control large tracts of land belonging to others, he owns 160 scres of land and town property. He has always been interested in the upbuilding of schools and churches, and it is his earnest desire to see the country advance in every way, and he is doing all in his power to aid in its improvement. He and Mrs. Bowman are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

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James W. Brians, county sheriff. Among the men who cast their fortunes in Prairie County, Ark., in January, 1867, and whose memory is treasured by the people of this region, is William J. Brians, the father of our subject. He was born in North Carolina, and was married there to Elizabeth Smith, a native of the same State, and moved with her to Mississippi in October, 1858, settling on a farm, where he remained eight years, after which he moved to Prairie County, Ark. He made his home on a farm near Butlerville, and here his death occurred in 1876, he having served for a short time in the Confederate army during the late war. His wife survives him at this writing. James W. Brians was born in Cabarrus County, N. C., September 5, 1352, and remained with his parents until he was twenty-three years of age. He was married in Prairie County, October 17, 1877, to Miss Emma Moore, a daughter of Dr. W. L. Moore, she being a native of Arkansas, born and reared in Prairie County. After their marriage they settled on a farm in the western part of the county, their home place consisting of eighty acres, sixty-one acres being in an excellent state of cultivation, on which is a good residence and other necessary farm buildings. Besides this land he also owns 160 acres in another tract, a considerable portion of which is also improved, and good residence property in the town of Des Arc. He has always supported the principles and men of the Democrat party, and in the fall of 1888 was nominated and elected by a handsome majority on that ticket to the office of county sheriff. He has held other local positions, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. They have one child three years of age named Bertha Emma, and have lost three children, William Moore (a son, dying on September 12, 1889, at the age of eleven years), Mary Buelah (died at the age of ten months) and Augustus Edwin (at the age of two years). Mr. Brians [p.687] displays great system and neatness in the management of his farm, and everything about his place shows the progressive and intelligent citizen that he is.

Luther Brink, real-estate and tax paying agent, Hazen, Ark. In a young and rapidly developing town like Hazen, situated as it is in the best grain and stook raising section of Arkansas, the business of dealing in real estate is necessarily a very important one, and especially so because, in addition to city property, there is a large amount of farm property constantly changing hands. A greater part of this is handled by the Shock & Brink, real-estate and tax-paying agents at Hazen, Prairie County, Ark. Mr. Brink was born in Boone County, Mo., in 1856, and was the third in a family of five children, the result of the union of C. W. and Mariam (Kelley) Brink. The father was born in Kentucky about 1828, and was one of a large family reared by H. L. Brink, a native of Kentucky, who moved to Missouri at an early day, and there followed the trade of millwright. The grandfather is still living, was in the War of 1812, is ninety-eight years of age and enjoys comparatively good health. C. W. Brink passed his boyhood days in Boone County, Mo., and was there married to Miss Kelley, daughter of James Kelley, after which he followed the trade of blacksmith. He now resides in Hinton, Boone County, Mo. His children are named as follows: W. H. (resides in Hallsville, Mo., is married and has two children), Joella D. (now Mrs. J. D. Barrett, resides in Hazen, Ark., and has four children), Luther, Lucy D. (was married and died in Boone County), and J. S. (died at the age of eighteen months. Mr. and Mrs. Brink are members of the Chirstian Church. The mother is deceased, her death occurring in 1865. The school days of Luther Brink were passed in Missouri, and later he engaged in mercantile pursuits and contracting in that State. He emigrated to Hazen in 1888, engaged in contracting and building, and perhaps the best compliment that could be paid him would be to point out those monuments of his handiwork which now grace so many of the homestesds in this county. Later he embarked in the real-estate business with Mr. Shock, and this firm has-control of a large amount of farming land, besides a number of thousand acres of timber and prairie land. Mr. Brink is a member of the Odd Fellow Lodge No. 158, Grand Pass, Saline County, where he first located, and where his membership remains. He is a notary public.

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William H. Brock, farmer, was born in Hardeman County, Tenn., January 11, 1826, and is a son of Caleb Brock, a native of Virginia, but who was reared in North Carolina, being also married there to Mary Frances Jones, a Virginian, also reared in North Carolina. From the "Old North State" they moved to Tennessee, and still later went to Tippah County, Miss., and after making their home in this State for twenty-one years, being engaged in farming, they came to Arkansas (in 1855) and settled in what is now Prairie County, making a farm on the Cache River. After a short time they sold this and moved to

Des Arc, where the father resided until his death, October 10, 1874, his wife surviving him until February 11, 1883, when she, too, passed away. Mr. Brock was a soldier in the War of 1812, and for his services received a pension from the Government in the latter part of his life. He was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, and gave liberally of his means in support of the same. His wife was a member of the same church, and possessed bright assurances of going to a happy home in the skies. William H. Brook (our subject) grew to manhood in Mississippi, and made his home with his father until the death of the latter, after which he took charge of his mother, caring for her until her demise. In 1862 Mr. Brock enlisted in the Confederate service as a private, but was on detached service the most of the time, conscripting and collecting Confederate money. After the war was over he returned to Des Arc, and has since followed various occupations, the most of his sttention, however, being given to farming. He has 400 acres of land in four different traets, all good land, and more or less improved, lying near Des Arc. He also owns some fine town property, a hotel, some residence proparty, and a livery stable, the latter being under his management in connection [p.688] with his farm for fifteen years. He has served as a member of the school board, as alderman, deputy sheriff, and has had charge of the county poor and insane ever since the war. When Mr. Brook first located in Des Arc the town was in the timber.

David Brockway, senior member of the firm of Brockway & Eaton, general merchants of Hazen, Ark., was born in the Nutmeg State in 1837 and was the second child born to Pierce and Pearl (Webb) Eaton, who were also born in that State, the former's birth occurring about 1810. Upon securing a good education in the common schools of his native State, he began learning the carpenter's trade, and followed this occupation throughout life. He was married about 1834 and made his home in Hartford, Conn., his children being born there. Their names are as follows: William (who died when young), David and Mary (who became the wife of Mr. Hurlburt, of Quincy, Ill., and died one year after her marriage). The father of these children emigrated to California in 1848 and was never heard from afterward, but was supposed to have died in that State about 1848 or 1849. His wife survived him until 1853 when she, too, passed to her long home, her death occurring in the State of Virginia whither she had gone for her health. She was a daughter of Harvey Webb, a native of Connecticut. David Brockway acquired his sarly education in New Haven, Conn., and at the age of twenty years he started for the West to seek a fortune, and landed in McDonough County, Ill., where he made his home until 1883, at which date he came to Arkansas and settled at Hazen. He was formerly a successful farmer, but since his arrival in this State he has devoted his attention to merchandising and the lumber business, and since 1887 has been associated in business with William E. Eaton. They are also large shippers of hay and cotton and do an annual business of about $75,000. Mr. Brockway is a Republican politically, and socially, belongs to Hazen Lodge No. 361, A. F. & A. M., and the United Workmen, Good Hope (Ill.) Lodge No. 129. He was married in Illinois to Miss Rebecca Ballance, a daughter of Joseph Ballance, a native of England. Mrs. Brockway was born in Illinois and has borne her husband five ohildren: Mollie (Mrs. Webb, residing in Illinois), Ella (Mrs. Eaton), Pearl, Bessie and Bruce. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

William E. Eaton is the junior member of the firm of Brockway & Eaton, general merchants of Hazen, Ark., and was born near Viola, Mercer County, Ill., being a son of Rev. Cyrus H. and Margaret (Frazier) Eaton, the former of whom was born in the State of Virginia in 1821. He settled near Viola, Ill., about 1845, and was there married, his wife being a daughter of John and Elizabeth Frazier, who removed to Illinois from their native State, Ohio, at an early day. The family born to Mr. and Mrs. Eaton are: Martin (who is married and is a practicing physician of Fairbury, Neb.), Hugh (who is married and resides in Chicago, Ill., being engaged in the manufacturing business), John and William E. Rev. Cyrus Eaton removed to Iowa, becoming a well-known minister of that State, but is now in Oklahoma, Ind. Ty., in the interests of the church. His wife died in Hazen, Ark., in 1884. William E. Eaton was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Ella Brockway, and is residing in Hazen, Ark., the father of two children: Hallie and Harry. Margaret died in infaney. Mr. Eaton received his education in the Iowa College at Grinnell, and his youth was spent in that State and in Illinois. He has resided in Arkansas since 1883, and is associated with his father-in-law in the general mercantile business, and is meeting with financial success. Politically he is a Republican, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

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James T. Brown (deceased) was a man well known in Prairie County, and was respected for his straightforward course through life and for his many Christian virtues. He was born in Talledega County, Ala., April 13, 1842, and until he attained his eighteenth year he was a resident of his native State. At the opening of the Civil War he joined the Confederate forces and served until the close of the war, after which he went North to Indians, and located in Hamilton County, where he met and afterward married Miss Elizabeth J. Fall, their union taking place September 9, 1866. [p.689] Mrs. Brown was born in Hamilton County, a daughter of D. H. and Susan (Wells) Brown, and after her marriage she and Mr. Brown were engaged in farming for about three years, after which they moved to Illinois, and a year later came to Prairie County, Ark. A year later they went to Woodruff County, but a short time after returned to Prairie County and located at Des Arc, where Mr. Brown purchased a mill and engaged in the manufacture of lumber. This business he conducted very successfully for a number of years, but in 1887 he sold his mill and turned his attention to farming once more, continuing this occupation until his death March 27, 1889. He was a man possessing fine business qualifications and was very successful in all his ventures, but gave liberally of his means to all worthy movemonts, and the needy were never turned empty from his door. He left a wife and two sons to mourn his death, the latter's names being: Daniel L. (who is married and rsides on a farm in this county) and Edgar W. (a young man at home). Mrs. Brown has been engaged in the hotel business since the death of her husband, and her success in this undertaking does much to show what a woman can do when dependent upon her own resources. She keeps a first-class house called the Des Arc House.

Fred E. Brown is a prosperous general merchant of Des Arc, Ark., and by his superior business qualities has done much to advance the reputation which the county now enjoys as a commercial center. He was born in Choctaw County, Miss., August 27, 1858, and is a son of A. J. and Elizabeth (House) Brown, who were born, reared and married in Alabama, and removed to Arkansas in 1869, settling on a farm near Hickory Plains, where they are now residing. Fred E. Brown grew to manhood in Prairie County, and was edncated in the schools of Des Arc and in a commercial college at Little Rock. He began the battle of life for himself as a clerk in Des Arc in 1879, but at the end of a few years he became a traveling salesman for a St. Louis and Memphis wholesale house and continued this occupation until 1888, when he purchased a stock of goods and engaged in business for himself. His store is now well established and his stock of goods is large and well selected, and as he possesses good judgment, business ability and efflcienoy, his efforts are meeting with welldeserved success, and his outlook for the future is bright and promising. He was married in December, 1882, to Miss Ada Morrell, a daughter of J. C. Morrell, who was one of the early settlers of the State, and who established and edited the Des Arc Citizen for a number of years. Mrs. Brown was born, reared and educated in Prairie County, and is the mother of one child, Charles Frederick. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

David J. Burks, farmer and ginner, Hickory Plains, Ark. Generally age and experience are essential to success and promotion, but in the example before us we have a young man who has risen without any especial fortuitous circumstances to the position of one of the successful agriculturists of the county. He was born in Logan County, Ky., June 11, 1859, and his father, W. I. Burka, is a native of the same State. The latter was married in his native State to Miss Harriet Irwin, a native of the same county and State, and followed farming in Kentucky for a number of years. He now resides at Springfield, Mo., where he is ngaged in merchandising. He served through the late war as first lientenant in the Confederate service. In 1874 he moved to Arkansas, and remained here until 1883, when he moved to Springfield, Mo. D. J. Burks came with his parents to Arkansas in 1874, and here grew to manhood. On November 22, 1878, his nuptials with Miss Einma Deener, anative of Arkansas and a daughter of Thomas and Huldah Deener, were solemnized, and to this happy union have been born two children: Willie and Irwin. After marriage Mr. Burks located on a farm, and has cultivated the soil industriously since that time. He bought a gin in the fall of 1888, and has good machinery, etc. His farm consists of about eighty acres with seventy-five cres under cultivation. He has a good residence and outbuildings, etc., and is making his way to the front.

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Dr. James W. Burney, physician, surgeon and druggist, Des Arc, Ark. In a comprehensive work of this kind, dealing with industrial pursuits, [p.690] sciences, arts and professions, it is only fit and right that that profession on which, in some period or other of our lives—the medical profession—all are more or less dependent, should be prominently noticed. It is the prerogative of the physician to relieve or alleviate the ailments to which suffering humanity is prone, and as such he deserves the most grateful consideration of all. A prominent physician and surgeon, who, by his own great abilities, has attained distinction in his profession, is Dr. James W. Burney. This gentleman owes his nativity to Williamson County, Tenn., where his birth occurred on November 1, 1830, but he was reared principally in Maury County, of that State. He came West, to Mississippi, in 1850, located at Mount Pleasant, and in 1855 commenced the study of medicine, under the instruction of Dr. J. D. Sale, one of the most prominent physicians of Northern Mississippi. In the winter of 1856-57 he took his first course of lectures at the Memphis Medical College, and in March, of the last-named year, located at Des Arc, where he associated himself with Dr. J. C. Goodwin, with whom he commenced the practice of medicine. The following year, in July, he volunteered his services in the terrible epidemic of yellow fever, then scourging Vicksburg, Miss., rendering valuable assistance in fighting the same. In 1859 the Doctor returned to Des Are, resumed his practice, and on September 13, of the same year, was united in marriage to Miss Lucy C. Adams, a native of Tennessee, who was reared and educated in Memphis, and the daughter of H. S. Adams, a planter in Mississippi, a soldier in the War of 1812, and a participant in the battle of New Orleans. In 1861 the Doctor enlisted in the Confederate army as lieutenant in Col. Patterson's regiment, and the following year was promoted to the captaincy of Company E, Col. Matlock's regiment, by Gen. Hindman. He remained in active service up to 1864, when he resigned his commission and returned to Des Arc. He participated in the battle of Prairie Grove, and was in many severe skirmishes. After returning to Des Are he engaged actively in the practice of his profession, in which he continued up to the present time. He went to Philadelphia and completed his course, graduating from the Medical Department of that renowned university in the class of February, 1870. Before and since his gradustion he has enjoyed an extensive practice, proving conclusively that he is one of the most successful and skillful physicians in the State. He engaged in the drug business in 1881, and still continues that industry. Dr. Burney lost his first wife on August 6, 1878, and on December 7, 1880, he selected for his second wife Mrs. Hattie (Johnson) Richardson, a native of Alabama, but who was reared in Arkansas, and the daughter of Hanp Johnson. The fruits of this union have been two children: Alfred and Robert, aged, respectively, eight and six years. The Doctor was first vicepresident of the first medical society formed in Prairie County, and is president of the board of examiners of this county, discharging the duties of this, as in all other important positions to which he has been called, with honor, fidelity, ability, and to the satisfaction of all concerned. He is a

Master Mason, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. For the past ten years the Doctor's name has been prominently mentioned by his friends in connection with a seat in our State legislature, but owing to private business and his extreme modesty, he has never given his consent to become a candidate for the position, although a prominent leader in the Democratic party. Chairman of the County Democratic Executive Committee during the dark days of reconstruction, he was ever at the helm, and landed the old scar-worn party safely and successfully to victory over all opposition. The Doctor's father, John Burney, was a native of North Carolina, and was reared in Guilford County, where he married Miss Matilda Young, a native also of North Carolina, and who was reared in the same county. The father moved to Tennessee about 1820, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was also a mechanic, and died in Henry County. His wife survived him a few years. Their family consisted of nine children, six sons and three daughters, three sons and three daughters now living, the three elder sons being deceased: J. T., R. W. and J. M. Burney. Those living are Mrs. E. [p.691] P. Warren (of Mississippi), Mary B. Burney (on the old home place in Maury County), Mrs. Sallie Glenn (of Tennessee), Thomas P. Burney (of Maury County, Tenn.), Prof. A. M. Burney (president of the Howard FemaleCollege, at Gallstin, Tenn.) and Dr. James W. Burney (the oldest of the three brothers, living at Des Are, Ark., actively engaged in the practice of medicine and the drug business). He has practiced medicine a greater number of years than any other man ever did in Prairie County. He never smoked a cigar, never took a chew of tobacco, never shaved his face nor never drank whisky. At this date (January 1, 1800) his weight is even 200 pounds, and he is six feet in height, stout and active, as all may be who will lead a temperate life.

Joseph W. Caskey, farmer and stock raiser, Hickory Plains, Ark. Agricultural pursuits has been Mr. Caskey's principal occupation in life, and the energetic and wide-awake manner in which he has taken advantage of all methods and ideas tending to the enhanced value of his property, has had a great deal to do with obtaining the competence which he now enjoys. He first saw the light in Maury County, Tenn., on August 6, 1847, and when ten years of age came with his parents, J. J. and Nancy J. (Foster) Caskey, to Arkansas, and there grew to manhood. He is the eldest of three children, two sisters: Sarah (deceased, wife of C. C. Broyles) and Martha E. (wife of C. C. Burton). The parents were natives of Tennessee, and in 1856 moved to Arkansas, locating in Prairie County, on the farm where Joseph W. is now residing. There were but slight improvements on the place at that time, but they began working on the same, and soon many changes were to be seen. The father died in Ringgold, Ga., in 1863, and the mother followed him to the grave in 1885. Joseph W. Caskey then took charge of the home place, has 160 acres of land, with eighty acres improved, and all his buildings are good and substantial. He was married on January 18, 1872, to Miss M. J. Burton, a native of Henderson County, Tenn., and the daughter of C. A. Burton. Five children have been born to this union: L. C., James A., N. E., W. J. and Harriet R. Mr. and Mrs. Caskey are members of the Baptist Church, and he is clerk of the same.

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M. M. Clark, De Vall's Bluff, Ark. Mr. Clark, another of the honored and much respected pioneers of Prairie County, was originally from Kentucky, where his birth occurred in Warren County, in April, 1829, and was the eighth in a family of thirteen children born to the union of Joseph and Sarah (Moore) Clark, natives of South Carolina. The parents were married in Warren County, Ky., in 1818, and the father followed the occupation of a farmer until his death, which occurred in 1852. His wife died in St. Louis two years later. The grandparents on both sides were pioneers of Kentucky, and the paternal grandfather, Micajah Clark, was in the Revolutionary War, as was also the maternal grandfather, Hugh Moore, who died in Kentucky, at the age of ninety-six years. M. M. Clark was early taught the duties of the farm, and received his education in the schools of Warren County, Ky. He came to Arkansas in 1854, settled in Mississippi County, near Osceola, where he purchased 161 acres of land, with ten acres cleared. He also entered 160 acres, making 320 acres in all, cleared the same, erected buildings, but in the freshet of 1858, lost everything he had. He was married in Mississippi County, Ark., in October, 1857, to Miss Temperance A. Herrell, a native of North Carolina, and in 1859 he sold out and came to Prairie County, Ark. In March, 1862, he enlisted at Des Arc, in Capt. Ball's company, McCarver's regiment, for three years, and was in the battle of Fort Pillow. After remaining there some time, he returned to Arkansas, and entered Gen. Hindman's division, Col. Glenn's regiment, participating in the battle of Oak Hill, Ark. He was with Gen. Price in his raid through Missouri. He was in the battle of Helena, where he received a bomb shell wound in the foot, and was paroled at the hospital at Helens, in July, 1864. He then returned to Prairie County, Ark., entered the cavalry service, and was in active duty during the war. After this he returned to Prairie County, Ark., and in 1870 moved into Wattensas Township, where he purchased 160 acres of land, and now has seventy acres cleared and under cultivation. [p.692] His principal crops are cotton and corn. He is active in politics, and votes with the Democratic party. He has been magistrate in his township. Mrs. Olark is a member of the Methodist Episoopal Church, South. To their nnion were born two children: John and Mary (now Mrs. George Ray). Mr. Clark has witnessed many changes in the country since his residence here, being one of the oldest settlers in the township, and has always taken an active interest in all matters relating to the good of the county. He is deeply interested in educational matters, and has been a member of the school board for sixteen years.

B. J. Collins, merchant, Hazen, Ark. Jared Collins, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in North Carolina in 1807, was married in about 1832 to Miss Matilda E. Witty and reared a family of five children: Sally J. (deceased, married Dr. Jerome Cockran), J. W. (was killed in a battle at Jonesboro, Ga.), O. B. (is residing at Birmingham, Ala.), Emma C. (married Mr. Steadham and now resides at Pine Bluff, Ark.) and Mattie E. (now Mrs. Lawrence, resides at Memphis, Tenn:). Mr. Collins moved to Mississippi about 1835, and settled in Hernando County, where he was engaged in the tailor's business, but later became a tiller of the soil in the same county. His wife died and he married Miss R. J. Irwin, the mother of the subject of this sketch, in 1842, and the daughter of Bashford and Sophia Irwin, natives of that grand old mother of States, Virginia. B. J. Collins is the eldest of the following children: J. W. (who is married and resides in Birmingham, Ala.), Laura A. (deceased, was the wife of Mr. G. W. Guthrie), J. D. (resides in Shubuts, Miss.), M. J. (resides in Cotton Plant, Ark.), Minnie (is the wife of Mr. Dobbins, of Hazen, Ark.), and M. J. (married and resides at Cotton Plant, Ark.). B. J. Collins was reared and educated in Mississippi, and in 1862 enlisted in Company C, Fortysecond Mississippi Infantry, commanded by Col. Miller. He was discharged in 1863, and after the war was engaged in farming until 1869, when he went to Grenada, Miss., and until 1877 carried on the mercantile business. Returning to De Soto County he remained two years, and in 1879 removed to Brinkley, Ark. In 1881 he located at Batesville, Independence County, coming thence to Prairie County, in 1887, where he engaged in merchandising with Mr. Dobbins. Mr. Collins is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, is a Democrat in his political views and is one of the successful men of the county.

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William Cook, deputy county clerk, De Vall's Bluff, Ark. This representative gentleman is a native of Shenandoah Valley, Va., where his birth occurred in 1838, and is the eldest of five children, the fruits of the union of William and Sarah (Kelley) Cook, natives of the Old Dominion. The father was a merchant by occupation and followed this in Warren County, Va., for many years. William Cook, Jr., was reared in the Shenandoah Valley, received his education in his native State, and when fifteen years of age left home and went to Missouri. He then started to go overland to California, went as far as Salt Lake City, and then returned to Missouri, settling in Rockport, and was here engaged as clerk for different firms. In 1861 he joined the Confederate army, and soon after the battle of Wilson's Creek, he was assigned to Gen. McBride's regiment, Seventh Division, Missouri State Guards. He partioipated in the battles of Lexington, Mo., Springfield, Mo., Pes Ridge, Ark., and Corinth. He was with Gen. Price in his raid through Missouri, and was taken prisoner at Lexington, in that State. He was taken to Johnson's Island, was paroled in 1865, and then came direct to Des Are, Prairie County, Ark., where he engaged in general merchandising under the firm of Wilson & Cook, and carried on business until 1868. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits on a farm he had purchased in the edge of Des Are, for some years, and later was made deputy clerk of Prairie County. He is a Democrst in his political principles. Socially he is a member of the White River Lodge No. 37, A. F. & A. M., and has served in every office in the lodge, having been Worshipful Master for ten years. He is a member of Iron Hall Lodge No. 109, De Vall's Bluff, Ark. He was married in Missouri in 1861, to Miss Mattie Lewis, a native of Virginia, who [p.693] died at Des Arc in 1874, leaving three children, the eldest, Lula, now Mrs. Vayden, of Des Are, Mr. Cook was married the second time in Des Are, in 1875, to Miss Can T. Allen, a native of Tennessee, and the result of this union was one child, who died at the age of one year. Mr. Cook was a member of the school board at Des Are for some years, and is now one of the progressive men of De Vall's Bluff. Mrs. Cook is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Joshua Davis. From his earliest youth, Mr. Davis has been familiar with the details of farm work, and since his fifth year has been a resident of Arkansas. He was born in Maury County, Tenn., in the year 1835, being the fourth child born to Joseph and Hannah (Lamb) Davis, the former a native of South Carolina, born in 1812. He was the youngest of his father's family, and when quite a young man he was left an orphan, and from that time onward was compelled to fight his own way in the world. He started westward, and finally settled in Tennessee, where he was married to Miss Lamb, by whom he became the father of nino children: Emma (decoased), Elizabeth, Thomas, John Abraham, Leonidas, William, all of whom are dead. Those living are: Joshua and Nancy (Mrs. Davis). Joseph Davis was a farmer and a practicing physician, and followed both these occupations throughout his residence in Arkansas, having first come here in 1840, settling in Monroe County. In 1849 he moved to Prairie County, where he purchased 160 acres of land, and later bought eighty acres more, and here made his home until 1882, when he moved to Pulaski County, and here died the following year. He was very fond of the chase, and his desires in this direction were fully satisfied, for on first coming to the State, it was a splendid hunting region, Politically he was a Democrat, and for many years he had been an earnest member of the Missionary Baptist Church. His wife, who was an earnest member of the Methodist Episeopal Church, South, died in Prairie County, Ark., in 1852. Joshua Davis was married in 1860 to Miss Emma Knowls, her people having been residents of Ohio. His wife died five days after her son Scott was born, and in 1866 Mr. Davis wedded Mrs. Sarah M. (Hendrix) Sparks, widow of S. M. Sparks, and by her has had the following children: William H. (deceased), Priscilla (Mrs. Davis), Lucretia (Mrs. Sales), Leonidas and Elmira. In 1861 Mr. Davis enlisted in Capt. Garrett's company, Fifth Arkansas Hegiment, and after serving until 1862, was discharged on account of ill health. Upon recovering, he enlisted in the Second Arkansas Cavalry, and in 1863 received a severe wound in the head at Big Shanty, Ga. He was also at Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta, Franklin and Nashville. Since his return home, he has given his time to agricultural pursuits, and now has a fine farm of 320 acres, with 120 under cultivation. Like his father he is fond of hunting, and in his political views is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Primitive Baptist Church.

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Richard Dinsdale, county assessor, De Vall's Bluff, Ark. The locality in which De Vall's Bluff is situated is indeed fortunate in having among its citizens such a man as Richard Dinsdale is conceded to be, for his connection with the interests of the county in a quiet, but none the less effective way, has proven to be of much benefit and influence, and of no little importance. He was born in Yorkshire, England, May 10, 1835, and was the youngest of eight children, the fruits of the union of John and Isabella (Thwaite) Dinsdale, both natives of Yorkshire, England. The ancestors were farmers for generations back, and on both sides were of English descent. The father died in his native country in 1837, and the mother received her final summons in 1863. Their children were named as follows: Alexander (married at Brownmore, orkshire, England, was an extensive stock and dairy farmer and died, leaving one daughter, Isabella, now Mrs. Thomas Willain, of Brownmore, England), Simon (married and settled in Yorkshire, England, was a farmer, and died in 1887 or 1888, leaving one daughter, Rose, who is now Mrs. Hebden and resides in England), George (married and settled at Gale, England, was an innkeeper, and died in 1883), Ann (married Robert Pratt, and died in England in 1880), Fawcett (married, and settled near Melbonrne, Australia, [p.694] in 1851, where he is engaged in farming), Jane (died at the age of six years) and Richard. The latter was reared on a dairy farm in Yorkshire, England, received his education in the schools of that country, and, at the age of twenty-one years, left Liverpool, on a sailing vessel, and, after an ocean voyage of five weeks, landed at Castle Garden, New York City. From there he went direct to La Crosse, Wis., remained there one year, and, in the spring of 1857, in company with nine others, crossed overland to Blue Earth County, Minn., where he entered 120 acres, near Mankato. This he improved, and also speculated in buying and selling land. In October, 1861, he enlisted in an independent battalion of Minnesota Volunteers and was mustered into service at Fort Snelling, Minn., November 1. From there he was sent to Benton Barracks, Mo., and participated in the battle of Fort Donelson, after which he was engaged in guard duty as escort to the telegraph corps through Kentucky and Tennessee. He was discharged at St. Paul, November 80, 1864, remained there a short time, and, in January, 1865, started for De Vall's Bluff, Ark., where he was engaged in the general grocery business. This he continued until 1873. During this time he was appointed county treasurer by Powell Clayton, and served four years. He subsequently engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is the owner of 400 acres of land, while his wife has 200 acres, making 600 acres in all, with about fifty acres under cultivation. He was married at De Vall's Bluff, Ark., in 1873, to Mrs. S. A. Brooks, a native of West Tennessee, and the result of this union has been two children: Isabella (died at the age of four years) and Maggie (who died at the age of eight years). Mr. and Mrs. Dinsdale are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Socially. Mr. Dinsdale is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Hamilton Lodge No. 110, he being Worshipful Master of the lodge. He is also a member of the Chapter, a member of Occidental Council No. 1, Little Rock, and belongs to De Vall's Bluff Lodge No. 2172, K. of H., which he has represented in the Grand Lodge. He takes an active part in politics, and his vote is cast with the Republican party. He also takes a deep interest in educational matters and has been a member of the school board for years. He has been a member of the town council a number of terms. He was elected county assessor in 1888, which position he fills to the satisfaction of all.

Dobbins & Collins, general merchants, Hazen, Ark. W. G. Dobhins, senior member of the firm, was born in Warren County, N. C., in 1844, and was the fourth in a family of five children born to the union of N. J. and Rebecca (Baker) Dobbins, natives of Virginia and North Oarolina. The parents were married in North Carolina in 1830, and later moved to Mississippi, where the father carried on agricultural pursuits. Their children were named as follows: Elizabeth (deceased, was the wife of John E. Brown), John J. (married and resides in Mississippi), Edward B. (was killed at the battle of Shiloh), W. G. (our subject), and Joseph S. (who is married and resides in Mississippi). N. J. Dobbins is a member of the Baptist Church, is a public-spirited citizen and an earnest Democrat. His wife died in 1888. W. G. Dobbins moved to Mississippi with his parents in 1856, received his education in the common schools and began life as a sturdy son of the soil. He was married in 1877 to Miss Minnie C. Collins, daughter of Jared and R. J. (Erwin) Collins, natives, respectively, of North Carolina and Virginia. To this union were born five children, two now living: Viola D. and Edward B. Those deceased were named: William I, Clyde and Ada I. Mr. Dobbins moved to Arkansas in 1888, and engaged in merchandising at Hazen, where he still continues. He is an active man in the building up of the country and is universally respected. He is Democrat in politics, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church. In 1862 Mr. Dobbins enlisted in Blythe's battalion for twelve months, State service, and in 1863 he enlisted in Chalmer's battalion Eighteenth Mississippi Cavalry. He participated in the battles of Fort Pillow, Guntown, Harrisburg and several skirmishes. At the close of the war he returned to Mississippi and there remained until coming to Arkansas.

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James M. Dorris has been a resident of Prairie [p.695] County for twenty two years, but has been a resident of the State since 1859. He is a Kentuckian, born in Fulton County August 7, 1838, and is a son of Samuel H. and Auna (Howton) Dorris, who were also natives of the "Blue Grass State." The father, who was born in 1795, was a farmer throughout life, and a soldier in the War of 1812, being with Jackson at the battle of New Orleans, and died in his native State in 1847, his wife's death occurring in 1846, she being born in 1799. James M. Dorris made his home with a sister in Kentucky until about sixteen years of age, then resided with different parties until he attained his majority. His early advantages for acquiring an education were not of the best, but he read with avidity such books as came in his way, and by the time he was ready to commence his medical studies he was a well-informed and intelligent young man. He became a disciple of Æsculapiue under the direction of Dr. J. B. Blanton, of Hickman, Ky., and was a conscientious and faithful student for over two years. In 1859 he came to Arkansas and located at Searcy, and until the opening of the war was occupied as a hardware merchant. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the Confederate army, as a member of Company A, of Col. Matlock's regiment, one of the best drilled, as well as one of the best fighting companies west of the Mississippi River. Capt. James A. Poe commanded the company, in which he served until the close of the war, being engaged in various detached duty the most of the time. He was a participant in a number of skirmishes, and while home in Arkansas on a furlough, the army was disbanded in Louisiana. He then returned to Searcy and again engaged in the hardware business, but sold out after one year's experience, and settled about six miles northwest of Des Arc, where he began the practice of medicine, and was one of the leading members of that "healing art" for about seventeen years. He also conducted a farm, and was engaged in raising stock, and in all these enterprises was extremely successful. During the war he lost all his property, but since that time he has accumulated a handsome competency, and is now the owner of about 1,500 acres of land, about 250 acres being in White County. His land embraces five farms, and he has about 300 acres under cultivation and well improved. He has always been a stanch Democrat in politics, and while a resident of White County served in the capacity of associate justice in the county courts, and in September, 1888, was elected to the last-named office in Prairie County, and in this capacity has shown sterling integrity, sound judgment, broad intelligence and liberal views. His decisions are made after careful and painstaking study of the evidence and all feel that his judgment can be relied upon. While in White County the Judge was married on October 17, 1860, to Miss Fannie E. Old, a daughter of Thomas Old. She was born near Somerville, Tenn., and was there reared to womanhood. She and the Judge are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are the parents of the following family: James T. (deputy sheriff of Prairie County), Samuel H., Lucien A. and Rosie (who is attending college at Gallatin, Tenn.).

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Adolph Driehaus, at present a planter of Ulm, Ark., is one of the many excellent citizens of foreign birth now living in Prairie County, who, by their thrift and energy have become prosperous and subetantial residents in the commanity in which they make their home. He was born in the city of Leer on the river Ems, on the north seacoast (German Empire), on June 25, 1831, receiving his education at several of the schools in the city, and when hardly fifteen years of age went to ses, visiting most every navigable port in the world. He served nearly three years on the old frigate, Constitution, under Commodore Mayo, stationed on the west coast of Africa to suppress the slave trade, and was honorably discharged at Portemouth, N. H., in 1854, under F. Pierce's administration. He studied navigation and went, after a year's hard studying, to sea again for several years as second and first officer or mate, when, in 1859, he became master of the barque Five Star. After one voyage he was given command of the Goldfinder, in which vessel he went up the Pike River to Fienstien in September of 1862. When France and England were at war with China, on August 13, 1862, at 3 o'clock P. M., they were attacked by Chinese [p.696] pirates in the Gulf of Pichili and Mr. Driehaus was shot through the head and severely cut up with swords and left for dead. In 1863 he commanded the clipper barque, Flying Fish, under the Siamese colors, sailing mostly between Bankok and Shanghai, when, in 1865, she was sold at Hong Kong for $35,000. While in command of this craft he met with the Confederate crniser, Alabama, on the east coast of Borneo, commanded by Capt. Lemmon. He then paid his passage from Hong Kong to London, England, and later made a visit to his old home in Leer to see his father. In March, 1866, he left home again, being of a restlees disposition, and crossed the ocean to New York, trying hard to get command of a vessel again, but times being so very dull he remained quite a while in New York without success. He then went to Illinois and Iowa to grow up with the country and made several successful land speculations. On October 6 he was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Rennan, who bore him eight children: Emma, Mary, Robert E., Adolph H., Bertha H., John T. and two other children who died in infancy. Mr. Driehaus' children are all at home with the exception of his oldest daughter, Mrs. Alf, Shriner, who resides in Nebraska, and is the mother of one child, a daughter named Mary. Mr. Driehaus has a good farm of 240 acres, eighty acres of which are improved and well stocked. He has an excellent orchard of 800 bearing trees, and is one of the wide-awake farmers of the county. After his marriage he resided in Iowa for a short time and then moved to Nebraska where he lived for twenty years, being one of the first settlers. The Pawnee Indians were numerous there at that time. Mr. Driehaus and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he takes a deep interest in educational matters. He came to this State in December, 1888, taking possession of the property he had bought the year previous, preferring the Sunny South of this locality to the North with its blizzards.

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W. T. Edmonds, farmer and ginner, De Vall's Bluff, Ark. What is usually termed genius has little to do with the success of men in general. Keen perception, sound judgment and a determined will, supported by - persevering and continnons effort, are essential elements to success in any calling. Mr. Edmonds was originally from Shelby County, Tenn., where his birth occurred on October 14, 1845, and is the son of William T. Edmonds, a native of Tennessee, and one of the early pioneers of that State. He was married in Obion County, Tenn., to Miss Mary Ann Brown, also a native of Tennessee, and the fruits of this union were nine children. The father followed farming there until his death, which occurred in 1851, the mother surviving him until 1852. He was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and was revered and respected by all acquainted with him. W. T. Edmonds, the fifth of the nine children born to his parents, was reared to farm life, educated in the schools of Obion and Shelby Counties, Tenn., and in August, 1861, at Dresden, Weakley County, Tenn., he enlisted in Company A, Thirtyfirst Tennessee Infantry, commanded by Capt. Tansey, as a private. He participated in the battles of Shilob, Corinth, Perryville and Murfreesboro, and after that battle, under the conscript act, he was discharged and returned to West Tennessee. He there joined Gen. Forrest's cavalry, and was in the battle of Harrisburg (Miss.), Price's Cross Roads, Memphis, Franklin, Nashville, Fort Pillow, etc. He was paroled at Gainesville, Ala, in 1865, after which he returned to Memphis and engaged as salesman in a wholesale tobacco house. In 1868 he was messenger on the Mobile & Ohio Railroad for the Southern Express Company, running from Cairo to Mobile, and in 1869 he came to Prairie County, settled in Lower Hill Township. where he remained engaged in tilling the soil until 1888. He then purchased 460 acres of land, with 150 acres under cultivation, and his principal crops have been cotton and corn. He has a good cotton-gin located one and a

half miles from De Vall's Bluff, and is considered one of the practical and progressive farmers of the county. He is a Democrat, politically, but is not active in politics. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, White River Lodge No. 41, and is also a member of the Knights of Honor, De Vall's Bluff Lodge. He was married at De Vall's Bluff, Ark., on December [p.697] 23, 1886, to Miss Sally Senter, a native of Hamblen County, Tenn., who was a teacher in the De Vall's Bluff schools when Mr. Edmonds met her. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

Martin M. Erwin is one of the progressive tillers of the soil of Prairie County, Ark., and was born in Austin in what is now Lonoke County, December 9, 1828, being a son of Oliver Erwin, a brother of A. S. Erwin. He was reared on the home farm near Austin, and his knowledge of the world was only such as could be obtained while assisting his father in tilling the soil. He was married in Pulaski County in July, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth McCraw, a daughter of Pleasant McCraw, a prominent man and a pioneer of that county. After his marriage Mr. Erwin farmed for a short time near the old home place, but in 1853 he moved to Des Are where he has since made his home, and in addition to conducting his farm he also dealt in real estate, both occupations proving quite successful, and he is now the owner of several thousand acres of land, besides some valuable town property. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate army and served until he received his discharge for disability the following year. After remaining idle until 1863 he re-enlisted and was on active duty until the close of the war, participating in the battles of Mansfield, Pleasant Hill, and was with Price on his raid through Missouri. He was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife by death in 1855, and two years later he took for his second wife Miss Sania Bethell, a daughter of Dr. William Bethell, who is now deceased. Mrs. Erwin was born in Rockingham County, N. C., but was reared and educated in Dallas County, Ark. She and Mr. Erwin have one son, William Erwin, a merchant of Des Arc; and they are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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Ambrose S. Erwin, retired merchant, Des Arc, Ark. In these days of money-making, when life is a constant struggle between right and wrong, it is a pleasure to lay before an intelligent reader the unsullied record of an honorable man. To the youthful it will be a useful lesson, an incentive to honest industry. Ambrose S. Erwin, the subject of this sketch, in a native of Arkansas, his birth occurring at old Austin, in what is now Lonoke County, on February 26, 1834, and is the son of Hon. James and Olivia (McCaleb) Erwin, both natives of North Carolina. The father was of Irish descent and grew to manhood in his native State, where he remained until 1822. He then moved to Arkansas, settled in what is now old Austin, and erected the first house in Lonoke or Prairie Counties, being one of the first actual settlers of these counties. He resided in that vicinity and carried on agricultural pursuits until about 1850, when he, in partnership with G. C. Watkins, of Little Rock, entered the land and laid off the town of Des Arc. He then settled there, erected a residence, mill and gin, and there died on January 1, 1853. He held several prominent official positions, and was the first man to represent Prairie County in the legislature. He contracted with the United States to assist in removing the Indians west of the Mississippi and was engaged in that business for a number of years. Mrs. Erwin survived her husband a few years, dying in 1859; she was of Scotch descent. Their family consisted of three sons and one daughter, all of whom grew to mature years, but Ambrose S. and an elder brother are the only ones now living. The former attained his growth in Des Are, and remained with his parents until they received their final summons. In 1855 he began clerking in Des Are, and continued at this until 1859, when he formed a partnership with a Mr. P. H. Haley, in the general mercantile business and which he has continued the principal part of the time since. He began as clerk, but by his good business management has made a comfortable competence which he now enjoys, and is one of the substantial men of Prairie County. He left his business during the war, and in 1861 enlisted in Col. Churchill's regiment, serving about three months, when he was discharged. In 1862 he re-enlisted in Col. Crawford's regiment and served until the close of the war. He entered the army as a private, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and at the close of the war had charge of a company. He participated in the following battles: Oak Hills, Poison Springs, Mark's Mill, and [p.698] was in all the battles of Gen. Price's raid through Missouri. He was captured with Gen. Marmaduke at Big Blue, but succeeded in making his escape within two hours afterward. He was at Camden and had command of couriers when peace was declared and he was disbanded at that place. Returning home after the war he formed a partnership with S. N. Jackson, which continued for three years, and then he and Mr. Plunkett formed a partnership in the mercantile business, which continued for about twenty years. Mr. Erwin was married in Des Arc, in February, 1859, to Miss Lucy Bethell, a native of Memphis, but who was reared in Arkansas, and the daughter of Dr. William Bethell. They have five children: Anna (wife of Reuben Lee), Albert L., Cartie (wife of F. P. Cates, of Little Rock), Mabel and Minnie (two young ladies at home). Mr. Erwin is a Master Mason, and he and wife and family are members of the Old School Preebyterian Church.

Albert L. Erwin, although a young man, is already recognized as a progressive and substantial merchant of Des Arc and has achieved a place among the business men of the county by no means an inferior one and one in which many older in years and experience might well feel prood to occupy. He has spent his life and received his education in Des Arc, his birth occurring here January 1, 1864, and he is a son of A. S. and Lucy Erwin, a sketch of whom appears in this work. Besides attending the schools of his native town he was also an attendant of Batesville College and after clerking in his father's store some time he formed a partnership with B. B. Bethel & Co., and was associated with this firm for two years. He then hegan business for himsalf and now has one of the best and most complete establishments in the county. His store is a long two-story brick 110×30 feet and is well fitted to supply the wants of the public. He has been married since September 20, 1885, to Iuta Ward, a native of Winona, Miss., where she was also reared and educated, being an attendent of the Ward Seminary, of Nashville, Tenn. She died September 22, 1889, leaving one son: Benj. A., a child of three years. Mr. Erwiu is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

B. W. Flinn, M. D., is a physician and surgeon of prominence in Prairie County, Ark., and although he is still a young practitioner he has been very successful in alleviating the sufferings of the sick and afflicted. He was born in Darlington District, S. C., February 19, 1861, and is a son of Dr. C. J. Flinn, a native of the "Emerald Isle," but who was reared and educated in Mississippi. He was a man of superior mental endowments, and for a number of years was professor in Charleston Medical College, becoming well known as an eminent physician. In 1869 he moved to Arkansas, and located in Lonoke County, and for two years practiced his profession at Austin, moving in 1871 to Des Arc, Prairie County, where he made his home until his death, November 24, 1884. His wife, whose maiden name was Susan A. Hearron, was born and reared in South Carolina, and their marriage also took place in that State. She now resides in Des Arc. Dr. B. W. Flinn spent the greater part of his youth in Des Arc, and received the best educational advantages the town afforded, commencing, after reaching a proper age, the study of medicine with his father, and took his first course of lectures in 1879 in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore. During 1880 and 1881 he took a course of medical lectures in a College of Memphis, Tenn., graduating in the spring of 1881, but the following year returned to this institution and took the hospital course. He then located eight miles south of Des Arc, and has since been in active practice in the county, but since March, 1884, has been a resident of the town of Des Arc. He is a member of the County Medical Society, and in 1884 was appointed county medical examiner, and still holds this position. He was married in Prairie County, March 10, 1886, to Miss Lizzie Whyte, a daughter of J. F. Whyte, she being a native of this county, and by her he has one son: Heber, who is eighteen months old. The Dr. and his wife are members of the Old School Presbyterian Church, and he is a member of the K. of H., and is medical examiner of his lodge.

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F. H. Fransioli is a farmer of Belcher Township, Prairie County, Ark., and was born in Wilson County, Tenn., in 1851, and was reared to [p.699] manhood in that county, being the third child born to J. A. and Mary J. (Thomason) Fransioli, the former a native of Switzerland. About the year 1820 he emigrated to America, settling in Memphis, Tenn., where he engaged in the queensware business and made his home for nearly forty years. In 1844 he married the daughter of John Thomason, a native of Mississippi, and by her became the father of the following family: Josephine (who is the wife of George Shutt and resides in Wilson County, Tenn.), Charles (who died in Arkansas County, Ark., in 1877) and our subject, F. H. Mr. Fransioli died in Cuba in 1858, whither he had gone for his health. His widow survives him and is a resident of Middle Tennessee. F. H. Fransioli spent his life, up to 1875, in the State of Tennessee, and after the year 1870 worked for himself, being engaged in farming in Wilson County. This occupation has received the greater part of his attention since coming to the State, and of his fine farm of 600 acres he has 150 acres under cultivation. He possesses those advanced ideas and progressive principles regarding agricultural life which has placed so many men at the top round of the ladder, and in looking over his well tilled farm we find that his days have not been uselessly or idly spent. He has done all in his power to promote an interest in the building of schools and churches, and has also been interested in local politics, being a member of the Democratic party. He is a Mason, and his wife, whom he married in 1879, and whose maiden name was Lucy Tittle, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She is a daughter of James and Margaret E. (Hurst) Tittle.

David Gates, De Vall's Bluff, Ark. A number of years passed in sincere and honest endeavor to thoroughly discharge every duty in the different lines of business to which his attention has been directed has contributed very materially to the success that has fallen to Mr. Gates' career in life. He was born in Bavaria, Gerrnany, in 1845, and was the fourth in a family of five children, the fruits of the union of Mayer and Henrietta Gates, natives also of Bavaria, Germany. The father was a stock breeder, a butcher and an extensive land owner. He died in 1881, and the mother in 1883, in their native country. Ferdinand, their eldest son, came to America in 1855, settled at Hickory Plains, Prairie County. Ark., and in 1865 engaged in business at Des Arc. Later he had four stores, one at De Vall's Bluff, another at Lonoke, another at Cotton Plant and still another at Des Arc. He is closing out the one at Des Are. He is now residing at Memphis. He was in the service for three years. Isaac, another son, came to Prairie County, Ark., in 1856, engaged in peddling until 1865, and then engaged as partner with his brother Ferdinand. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate army, was quartermaster and commissary in Bragg's division, and was wounded at Chattanooga and Murfreesboro. He suffered from paralysis and died in 1884. David Gates came direct to Prairie County, Ark., in 1857, and although but little over twelve years of age he commenced working for his brother on a salary. He was educated at Hickory Plains, Ark., and in 1862 he donned his suit of gray, shouldered his musket, and enlisted in Company A, Col. Glenn's regiment of infantry. He participated in the battle of Little Rock, and afterward was placed in Woodruff's battalion of artillery. He was in the battles of Mansfield and Pleasant Hill, and was with Gen. Price in his raid through Missouri. He surrendered at Marshall, Tex, in 1865, after which he returned to Prairie County, but in 1866 went to the Lone Star State, where he was engaged in the stock business and in running a wagon train. In 1868 he returned to Prairie County, and was engaged on a salary for his brother as collector and outside manager. They own a stock ranch of 480 acres, and make a speciality of raising blooded stook, especially Hereford and short-horned cattle. They also raise cotton, corn, millet and peas. The subject of this sketch owns individually about 1,200 acres, with 450 acres under cultivation. He is also engaged in raising horses. Mr. Gates was married in Des Arc in 1881 to Miss Carrie Greer, a native of Des Arc. They have two children: Stella and Fannie Pearl. Mr. Gates is a member of the K. of H. in Brinkley, and is also a member of De Vall's Bluff Lodge, No. 41, K. of P.

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[p.700] Dr. W. R. J. Gibhon, planter and stock raiser, Roe, Ark. Every life has a history of its own, and although in appearance it may seem to possess very little to distinguish it from others, yet Dr. Gibbon's career as a planter and physician, as well as his experience in the political affairs of the community, have contributed to give him a wide and popular acquaintance with nearly every citizen of Prairie County, if not personally, then by name, and serves to make his career a more than ordinary one. Dr. Gibbon was born in Brunswick County, Va., on March 19, 1832, and is the son of Thomas Gibbon, who was also a native of the Old Dominion, born in 1772. The father was educated in his native State, and in 1811 was there married to Miss Mary Mabry, who was born in Virginia in 1782, and was the daughter of Nathaniel and Dorotha Mabry, early settlers of Virginia. To Mr. and Mrs. Gibbon were born eleven children, five of whom lived to be grown: James L., Thomas, Lucy J., W. R. J. and Charles. The remainder died in infancy. The senior Mr. Gibbon was quite a prominent man in Brunswick County, held the office of sheriff of the same for two years, and filled many other prominent positions. He was in the War of 1812, held the position of captain, but on account of poor health was released from duty. He was member of the Masonic fraternity for about fifty years, and held most of the offices in that order. He and wife were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a planter by occupation, and owned about 1,300 acres of land at the time of his death, which occurred in July, 1859. His wife died in 1867. Dr. W. R. J. Gibbon received his education in Stony Mount Male Academy, Brunswick County, Va., and the Virginis Military Institute, and later attended the Medical College of Virginia, graduating during the session of 1854-55. In June of the same year he immigratd to Fayette County, Tenn., practiced his profession there until December, 1856, when he immigrated to Arkansas and located in Monroe County, at Indian Bay. He was married April 24, 1856, to Miss Mary J. Wilie, a native of Pontotoc County, Miss., born March 1, 1839, and the daughter of Oliver and Susan Wilie. On May 28, 1860, a son, Thomas E., was born to this union, and he is now residing at Los Angeles, Cal. He was educated at Austin and Lonoke, and has been practicing law for the past eight years. He is a brilliant young man and was elected to the legislature from Pulaski County, in 1885 and 1886. Dr. W. R. J. Gibbon is an extensive planter and stook dealer by occupation, and has about 320 acres of good land, with 125 acres under cultivation. He is one of the prominent men of Prairie County, has represented the same in the legislature, and is at present filling that honorary position. He is a member of the Blue Lodge, in the Masonic order, and has held the office of Master for four years of Lodge No. 185. He is also a member of the Good Templars' lodge, and is a man who takes an interest in all laudable enterprises. He and Mrs. Gibbon are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and both are liberal contributors to the same.

page 701

J. W. Grady is one of the well-known farmers and stockmen of Prairie County, and is highly respected and very popular, for his career has been of much valne to this community, both in material affairs, as a public spirited citizen and otherwise. Since 1867 he has resided on his present farm of 160 acres, seventy acres of which are under cultivation, and has continuously given his attention to the calling to which he was reared, that of farming and stock raising. After coming into this new country, he had many discouragements to overcome, and many obstacles to meet in securing for himself and family a comfortable home, but this did not deter him from putting forth every energy toward the ambition of his hopes. In his offorts he was warmly aided by his good wife, whom he married in August, 1865, and whose maiden name was Sarah J. Collier, a daughter of V. H. and Hannah Collier. To Mr. and Mrs. Grady have been born eight children: William L., Caroline (now Mrs. Petty of Prairie County), James, Anna, Francis, Joseph, Mary and Jackson. The mother of these children died at her home in Prairie County, in 1887, and the following year Mr. Grady esponsed Lou E. Petty, a daughter of George I. Petty, of Prairie County. Mr. Grady is a Democrat, [p.701] a Master Mason, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He was born in Alabama in 1841, and was the second child born to William J. and Caroline E. (Brown) Grady, the former of whom was born in the State of North Carolina about 1815. He was married there in 1835, to a daughter of Leroy Brown, a South Carolinian, and he and his wife became the parents of twelve children: Sophia E. (of Texas), J. W. (our biographical subject), Samuel H. (who lives in Mississippi), Nathaniel (also of Mississippi), Zachariah T. (of Alabama), Leroy (of Alabama), Caroline E. (Mrs. McKinney, of Alabama), Florence (Mrs. Tramell, of Alabama), Frances (who died at the age of seventeen years) and three infants (deceased). Mr. Grady moved to Alabama, shortly after he was married and reared his boys to a farm life in that State. He was a prominent Mason, and besides holding a number of official positions, be was Master of his lodge for a number of years. He was magistrate in the town where he lived, and was possessed of a keen insight into business, and very prosperous in farming. He died in Chambers County, Ala., in 1880, his wife following him to the grave five years later. The Grady's are of Irish descent, the grandfather, John Grady, having been born in the "Emerald Isle." In 1861 J. W. Grady took up arms in defense of the South, and enlisted in Company D, Eighth Confederate Cavalry, and was under Wheeler, taking part in all the engagements in which the Army of Tennessee

..

. participated.

Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas

PHRSONAL SKETCHES.

Thomas F. Greer, farmer, stock raiser and ginner, Des Arc, Ark. Tennessee has given to Prairie County, Ark., many estimable citizens, but she has contributed none more highly respected or for conscientions discharge of duty in every relation of life, more worthy of respect and esteem than the subject of this sketch. He was born January 14, 1829, in Rhea County, and is the son of William and Tempie (Presley) Greer, both natives of Tenncasee. The father followed agricultural pursuits in Tennessee a number of years and then removed to Alabama, thence to Arkansas in 1851, and settled in Prairie County, where he resided for some time. Later he removed to White County. He died at the residence of his son, Thomas F., in 1885, and his wife died two years previons to this. Thomas F. Greer's time was divided in early life between assisting on the farm and in attending school in Alabama. He remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he moved with them to Arkansas in 1851, engaging in the livery business at Des Arc, and continuing it until about 1873. He then bought land where he now resides, cleared it, and has since added to the same until he now is the owner of 640 acres of good land, with about 250 acres under cultivation. He has a good gin, ten or twelve tenement houses, and his land lies about two miles from Des Arc. Mr. Greer served about two years in the ordnance department of the Confederate army during the war. He has been twice married, first about 1853 to Miss Sarah Goodwin, a native of Middle Tennessee, who bore him four children; Isabella (wife of G. W. Blakemore), Floyd. (married, and resides at Des Are, Ark.), Annie (wife of John Thomas) and one died in infancy. Mr. Greer's second marriage occurred about 1875, to Mrs. Eilen (Brown) Bethell, a native of Memphis, Tenn., and the daughter of Col., Samuel Brown. To this union have been born two children; Daisy and Birdie. Mr. Greer is a member of the Baptist Church and his wife of the Old School Preebyterian Church. He is now also engaged in the saw-mill business.

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J. A. Harr is a real-estate dealer of Fairmount, Ark., and was born in Maryland in 1854, being the fifth child born to Everhard and Martha (Coffman) Harr, the former of whom was born in Philadelphia, Penn., being one of nine children born to Isaiah Harr, an Englishman. Everhard Harr was a manufacturer of edge tools, and after working in his native city for many years he moved to Maryland. He was born in 1790, and about 1835 was married, his wife being a native of Philadelphia, and a member of the Coffman family of that city. Their children were: Isaiah (who is married and lives in Phillipsburg, Penn.), J. A., Sanford L. (a resident of Fairmount, Ark.) and James, Mary, Martha and Margaret (deceased). The early days of our subject were spent in Maryland, and his schooling was obtained in the Milleraville State [p.702] Normal School of Pennsylvania. After teaching school for a number of years he determined to take Horace Greeley's advice and "Go West," thinking the advantages for a young man of push and enterprise much better here than there, and in 1877 settled in the State of Nebraska, in Colfax County. In 1882, however, he came to Fairmount, Ark., and has since been actively and successfully engaged in the real-estate business. He has under his control 240,000 acres of land, and in his deals commands the public confidence in a marked degree. He is a director of the Little Rock & Mississippi Railroad, and being public spirited and enterprising, is deeply interested in the upbuilding of the county, and is a special advocate of schools and churches. He is a Republican in his politieal views.

John R. Harshaw, merchant, farmer and postmaster, Hickory Plains, Ark. A number of years passed in sincere and earnest endeavor to thoroughly discharge every duty in the different branches of business to which his attention has been directed has contributed very materially to the success that has fallen to Mr. Harshaw's career in life. He came originally from Mississippi, where his birth occurred in Marshall County, on September 4, 1852, and is the son of Daniel Harshaw, a native of South Carolina. When a young man the father married Miss Mary N. Dowdle, also a native of South Carolina, and they afterward moved to Mississippi, where they resided for fifteen years. In December, 1852, they moved to Arkansas, located at Hickory Plains, Prairie County, and there the father cnltivated the soil for a several years. In

1866 he engaged in mercantile pursuits with his son at this place and continued business here up to 1883. He was postmaster from 1865 up to the time of his death and was a man who had the confidence and esteem of all. His wife survives him at this writing and is now seventy years of age. Their family consisted of two sons and five daughters, all of whom grew to mature age. One son, Leroy D., was the second merohant at Hickory Plains. He went to California for his health in 1873 and died there soon after. Three of the sisters are living: Mrs. E. S. Davis (a widow), Mrs. A. C. Harrison (also a widow) and Mrs. A. S. Reinhardt (of Des Arc). J. B. Harshaw attained his growth and received a good practical education at Hickory Plains Academy. He clerked for his father until twenty-one years of age, when he took an active interest in the store and has had charge of the business since that time. He has a large and complete stock of general merchandise, and is doing an immonso business of about $30,000 annually, and handles cotton, etc. He is a clear-headed man of business and an excellent manager of all affairs of which he has the control; he has enjoyed an unsullied reputation and has materially helped the general interests and standing of Hickory Plains. He is the owner of several farms in this State and county, in all about 5,000 acres of land, and is a man whose characteristics of energy, promptness and sobriety will always secure success. He was appointed postmaster here in 1883 and holds this position at the present time. He was married at Hickory Plains on May 18, 1876, to Miss Eva Burks, a native of Kentucky, who was reared and educated near Russellville, Logan County, Ky., and who is the daughter of W. I. Burks, now of Springfield, Mo. To Mr. and Mrs. Harshaw were born five children, who are named as follows: Leroy, Mary V., Marion B., John R. and Lizzie. Mrs. Harshaw is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Harshaw is a man of fine physique, standing six feet one inch, weighs 275 pounds, and is as pleasant and sociable a gentleman as one wonld care to meet.

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A. J. Hendricks, a farmer and stock raiser, Hazen, Ark. Mr. Hendricks on starting out in life for himself, chose as his calling the pursuit of farming, and not without substantial results. He takes a native pride in all that he does, for this county has over been his home, his birth occurring in 1849. His father was a native of South Carolins, was born in 1812, and was married in 1834 to Miss Rebecca L. Minton, the daughter of S. B. Minton, a native of South Carolina. Mr. Hendricks, Sr., settled in Arkansas, in 1844, entered land, and here reared his family of twelve children, all now deceased, with the exception of Matilda, A. J., B. F., Rebecca and Naomi. William, the [p.703] father, was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church, was magistrate for years, and took an active interest in everything pertaining to the good of the county. He died in 1884. The mother is still living, and is an honored member of the Primitive Baptist Church. A. J. Hendricks commenced life for himself in 1869 as an agriculturist, and chose for his companion in life, Miss Amanda Sparks, daughter of David Sparks. This union resulted in the birth of nine children: Leroy F., Ernest J. and Purna. Those deceased were named: Thomas E., Albert A., Luther F., Arizona, Irene and Ursula. Mr. Hendricks now owns a good farm of 150 acres, has sixty-five under cultivation, and is one of the progressive agriculturiets of the county. He is a member of the school board, and takes a deep interest in all educational matters. He is a Democrat in polities.

James W. Highfill, farmer and stock raiser, Hickory Plains, Ark. Mr. Highfill, like many of the prominent settlers of Prairie County, is a native of North Carolina, his birth occurring in Guilford County, November 27, 1848, and is the son of D. H. Highfill, a native of North Carolina, and Sarah H. (McMichael) Highfill, also a native of the same State. The family moved to Tennessee in 1851, settled in Henry County, and there resided until 1856, when in the fall of that year, they moved to Missouri. One year later they returned to Tennessee, and the parents now reside in Weakley County, where they own a good farm. J. W. Highfill's youthful days were divided between assisting on the home place and in ttending school. He remained with his father until twenty-one years of age and was married December 24, 1870, to Miss Tennessee L. Ashby, a native of Wilson County, Tenn., and the daughter of James W. Ashby. The fruits of this union have been eight sons: William H., Jesse B., Charles L., Henry H., Edwin James, Walter T., John A. and Robert D. They lost one daughter in October, 1888, at the age of eighteen months. After his marriage he followed farmingin Henry County, for two years, and in January, 1872, moved to Arkansas, locating on land adjoining his present property. He has a farm of 160 acres, with ninety acres under cultivation, and has six acres in orchard. Mr. Highfill is serving his second term as president of Agricultural Wheel No. 2, and he is given a recognized position among the leading agriculturists of the township. He and Mrs. Highfill are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is a deacon in the same. As a citizon, Mr. Highfill is respected and esteemed by all acquainted with him.

page 704705

W. W. Hipolite, M. D., De Vall's Bluff. Among the people of Prairie County, as well as surrounding counties, and of the State at large, the name that heads this sketch is by no means an unfamiliar one. For many years he has been actively engaged in the practice of his chosen profession, and during this time his career as a practitioner and thorough student of medicine has won for him no less a reputation than has his personal characteristics as a citizan and a neighbor. He was born in Hornellsville, Steuben County, N. Y., August 3, 1834, and was the son of Casimir Vincent Hipolite, a native also of New York. The father was the son of Vincent Hipolite, a native of France, and at one time a surgeon in the French army. After leaving the army Vincent Hipolite resided on, the Island of Hayti, where he was a large property holder, till the insurrection of 1791, when his possessions were confiscated: Owing to the fact that he was a physician his life was spared, in order that his services might be utilized in the hospital. He succeeded in escaping to New York, in one of his own vessels, accompanied by seven of his slaves, who still adhered to him. It was during the residence of Vincent Hipolite in New York that Casimir Vincent Hipolite, the father of the subject of our sketch, was born, September 12, 1796. C. V. Hipolite lost by death two wives and all his children by them, excepting a son who died some years later. He was married for the third time on June 16, 1833, to Nancy Drake, widow of Francis Drake, and whose maiden name was Nancy Parsons a native also of the same State. To them were born three children, Dr. W. W. Hipolite being the eldest; the next, Maria Antoinette, who became the wife of Dr. F. M. Weller, and died at Evanston, Ill.; the youngest, Leverett Anson Hipolite, is now [p.704] a resident of Kansas. The occupation of C. V. Hipolite was that of a farmer, which he followed in the State of New York till 1851, when he removed to Northville, Mich., and thence, in 1857, to Clook County, Ill., where he continued his occupation till 1861. Owing to their advanced age, and the fact that they were alone, the father and mother of Dr. W. W. Hipolite were then induced to make their future home with him, first in Racine County. Wis., and then in De Vall's Bluff,

Ark., where they died, the mother on June 24, 1870, and the father in November, 1874. The early life of Dr. W. W. Hipolite was spent on his father's farm, where he regularly attended the public school till the age of fifteen, when he entered the Academy of Fredonis, N. Y., where he remained till the fall of 1851, when he accompanied his father's family to Northville, Mich. While attending Fredonia Academy, he was, on the recommendation of the faculty, appointed to take charge of the meteorological observations at that point, by authority of the Smithsonian Institute of Washington, D. C. After his removal to Northville, Mich., he engaged in teaching school, and while thus employed commenced the study of medicine under his brother-in-law, Dr. F. M. Weller. In due time he entered the Medical Department of the University of Michigan, from which he graduated with honor, March 27, 1857. After graduation he spent some months in the office and drug store of Dr. Weller, who had in the meantime removed to Evanston, Ill. He located in Cook County, Ill., in the spring of 1858, where he built up a good practice, and remained there three years, when he removed to Racine County, Wis., and continued to practice his profession. In December, 1862, he entered the army as assistant surgeon of the Eighteenth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, having been commissioned as such by Gov. Yates, of Illinois. Soon after joining his regiment he was placed in charge of the same, the regimental surgeon having been sent on duty elsewhere. He was constantly with his reglment in its various engagements in Tennessee, and later in the Vicksburg campaign. Soon after the surrender of that stronghold he resigned and returned to his home, owing to the fact that he had become disabled for duty from a severe attack of typho-malarial fever, followed by camp diarrhoea, and his recovery was despaired of. During several succeeding months his recovery was slow and tedious, and he was unable to engage in business. After about one year from the time he left the service, his health being sufficiently restored to enable him to again take the field, he re-entered the service by accepting a commission as assistant surgeon of the Twenty-ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. From this time till April 9, 1866, when he was finally discharged with his regiment, he saw much active service, and held many responsible positions. At one time he had charge of all the reserve artillery, Department of the Gulf, with headquarters at Kenner, La. In February, 1865, he was ordered to take charge of the hospital property of his brigade, and convey the same to Fort Gaines, Mobile Bay. In the execution of this order he embarked on board the gulf steamer George Peabody, which had on board in all about 1,000 men and nearly 200 horses and mules. After crossing the bar, at the mouth of the Mississippi River, the vessel encountered the most violent storm known there for many years. and all the horses and mules, excepting four, were put overboard, and eight men were lost. It was deemed a marvel that the vessel escaped destruction with all on board. Upon his arrival at Fort Gaines, Dr. Hipolite found waiting him a commission from President Lincoln, promoting him to the rank of major of cavalry and surgeon of the Eleventh United States Cavalry Troops. Prior to this he had successfully passed the medical examining board, United States army, at St. Louis, before which he was ordered by the surgeon-gemeral of the army. He joined his new command at Little Rock, Ark., and served with it till April 1, 1865, when the Eleventh, the One Hundred and Twelfth and the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiments, United States Cavalry Troops, were consolidated into a single organization, to be known as the One Hundred and Thirteenth United States Cavalry Troops, and he was retained as the surgeon of the new regiment, and was commissioned as such by President Lincoln. In the fall of 1865 he was made post-surgeon at De Vall's [p.705] Bluff, Ark., and took charge of the large hospitals at that post, and continued in charge until his final muster out. He was also surgeon-in-chief of White River District, which embraced a wide extent of territory. Upon leaving the army the Doctor resumed his practice in Wisconsin, where he remained till the spring of 1870, when he removed from Racine, Wis., to De Vall's Bluff, Ark., where he has continued to practice to the present time. He is regarded as one of the leading physicians of his State, and has held many responsible positions. He is the regularly commissioned surgeon of most of the various life insurance companies doing business there, and also of the Memphis & Little Rock Railway. He is the president of Prairie County Medical Society, a member of the Arkansas State Medical Society, and, by appointment from that organization, has for several years been a member of the board of visitors to the Medical Department of the Arkansas Industrial University; and was a delegate to the Ninth International Medical Congress, which met in Washington, D. C., in 1887. He is a Republican in polities; has been a member of the town council for a number of terms, and is at present president of the school board. While a resident of Cook County, Ill., he was married, in Chicago, to Maria Jane Parker, seven years his junior, a native of Canada, and the daughter of Lott and Roxana Parker, both natives of Massachusetts. The parents settled in Canada East, where the father engaged in farming. In the spring of 1880, being left alone, they left their life-long home in Cauada, and removed to De Vall's Bluff, to be with thoir two daughters, Mrs. A. W. Socy being a sister of Mrs. Dr. Hipolite. The mother died in 1882, and the father still lives at the advanced age of eighty-five years. To Doctor and Mrs. Hipolite have been born five children. The first, Carrie Lorena, died at the age of five years and seven months, at De Vall's Bluff, while he was in charge of the post hospital there, the mother and children having gone there to spend the winter with him. The next, Fred A., is attending the Medical College at Little Rock, and expects to graduate in the spring of 1890. The third, Walter H., is a civil engineer and a fine draughtsman. Both sons attended school at Little Rock and at the Arkansas Industrial University, located at Fayetteville. Carrie Lorena, the only daughter now living, was named after the firstborn, which died as stated. She is now the wife of T. J. Owen, a druggist at De Vall's Bluff. Charles Edward, the youngest, will be nine years of age on the last day of January, 1890. The Doctor owns a fine residence, and has one of the beet equipped offices in his State. He still owns the mare "Dixie," now twenty-eight years old, on which he rode during the last year of his service in the army.

page 706

H. W. Holmes, druggist, Hazen, Ark. Mr. Holmes established the drug business in Hazen in April, 1889, and his accuracy and skill in this particular branch of industry, have won the confidence of the public, and he already commands a good trade. He came to Prairie County, Ark., in the fall of 1870, from Alabama, and here he has since resided. He owes his nativity to Madison County, Ala., where his birth occurred in 1851, and is the eldest in a family of three childron, the fruits of the union of D. K. and Virginia A. (Rutherford) Holmes, natives of Virginia and Alabama, respectively. The father was reared in Lexington, Ky., read medicine in Nashville, Tenn., and took a medical course at that place, after which he practiced his profession for over twenty-five years. He has now retired, and resides at Hazen. His excellent wife departed this life in Jackson County, Ala., in 1861. H. W. Holmes remained in Alabama until twenty years of age, and received his education in the schools of Jackson County. He came with his father to Arkansas in 1870, and here he commenced clerking in a dry-goods atore, at Dee Arc, Prairie County, remaining in that city for about seven years. In 1884 he came to Hasen, and was engaged as book-keeper for Curtis & Co., general merchants, following this business for different firms, until he engaged in the drug business, in 1889. He was married in Des Arc, in 1882, to Miss Mamie Thompson, a native of South Carolina, and the daughter of William and Elizabeth A. (West) Thompson, natives, respectively, of North Ireland and South Carolina. Mr. Thompson [p.706] came to this county in about 1872, and here his death occurred in 1887. Mrs. Thompson is now residing in Des Are. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Holmes have been born three living children: William T., Daniel K. and Annie Pearl. Henry W. died in February, 1888, at the age of two years and six months. Mr. Holmes is Democratic in his political views, and takes considerable interest in politics. He was recorder of Hazen for a number of years, and is also a member of the school board. He is a member of the K. of H., Hazen Lodge No. 3135, and was charter member and Reporter of the same. Mrs. Holmes is a member of the Preebyterian Ohurch. Mr. Holmes was the founder of Hasen Free Press, and had charge of it for some time, but recently sold out. He purchased the outfit and moved it to Hazen.

Simeon Horne, retired. The life record of this gentleman will prove of more than usual interest, for his career has been of much benefit and influence among the people with whom he has resided, not only of Prairie Connty, but throughout the State. He was born in Jones Connty, Ga., August 8, 1818, and is a son of Simeon and Elizabeth (Bloodworth) Horne, natives of North Carolina, who moved from Bibb County to Georgia at an early day. Here Simeon Horne, Sr., made a farm, near where Gordon Station is now situated, and on this farm reared his family and made his home until his death, in 1819, his wife surviving him a number of years. She moved with her family to Middle Tennessee, about the year 1826, and here died two years later, in Rutherford County. Simeon Horne, our subject, was the youngest of a family of eight ohildren and was reared to the age of fourteen years in Tennessee going, in 1832, to Tipton County, with an older brother, where he attained his majority. He learned the carpenter's and builder's trade in this county and after moving to Memphis, in 1844, worked at his trade there until his removal, in 1856, to Arkansas. He settled on a farm near Des Arc, in White River Township, and up to 1881 was actively engaged in farming and also contracting and building, but at this date gave up farm work and moved to Des Arc, where he has since made his home. His ability and skill as a mechanic is shown by the buildings which he has erected, among which may be mentioned the county court house, the Presbyterian Church, numerous stores, county bridges, etc. His labors have been attended with ercellent results, and in addition to owning 400 acres of fine farming land, with about 140 acres under oultivation, he owns a good drug store in Hazen and some valuable town property in Des Arc. He was married in Tipton County, Tenn., about 1841, to Maria, a daughter of Arthur F. Wooten, who died in that county, and he was next married in Memphis, to Sarah C., a daughter of Tillman Bettis, their union taking place October 10, 1848. Her death occurred in Prairie County, Ark., in August, 1880, leaving, besides her husband, two sons and two daughters to monrn her losa, their names being: E. P. (the widow of A. M. Morrow), Rev. T. J. (a minister of the Presbyterian Church), W. A. (a farmer of this county), and Elizabeth (wife of Dr. W. F. Williams, of Hazen). One son, Samuel B., died in 1888, after reaching mature years. Mr. Horne married his present wife in Des Arc, in 1881, she being Mrs. Mahala (Jackson) MoLaren, a native of Tennessee. who came to Arkansas after reaching womanhood. Mr. Horne and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder, and he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1830, and is now a Royal Arch Mason. In 1862 he joined Col. Lemoyne's regiment of infantry and served on detached duty as regimental quartermaster, until his regiment was disbanded. He re-enlisted in 1864, becoming a member of Col. Davie's battalion, and was with Price on his memorable raid through Missouri. His company was disbanded at Clarksville, Tex, in 1865.

page 707

William A. Horne is a prosperons farmer and stockman of Prairie County, and was born in Memphis, Tenn., December 12, 1851, being a son of Simeon Horne, a sketch of whom appears in this work. William A. Horne came to Arkansas with his parents when a child of five years, and his knowledge of the world was only such as could be learned on the home farm until he attained his majority. On December 22, 1874, he was married to [p.707] Miss Sarah L. Flinn, sister of Dr. Flinn, a druggist of Des Are, her birth having occurred in the "Palmetto State." She was brought by her parents to Arkansas when a miss of eleven years, and was here reared to womanhood and received her ednoation. After their marriage she and Mr. Horne located on a farm near Des Arc, and this occupation has received Mr. Horne's attention up to the present time, but since 1886 they have been residing in Des Arc, in order to give their children the advantages of the town schools. Their farm comprises 300 acres of land, of which 150 are under cultivation, furnished with good buildings, fences, orchards, etc., and, in addition to attending to his land, Mr. Horne gives considerable attention to raising horses and mules, in which he has been very anccessful. He has served in the capaoity of magistrate, is a member of the K. of H., and belongs to the Famous Life Association of Little Rock, and the Mutual Life Association of New York. He and wife have a family of seven children: Irene, Oscar C., William Flinn, Nina H., Simeon, Wigfall and Faber.

F. P. Hurt was the first man to settle on the present site of Hazen, Ark. (November, 1878), and is now express agent at that place. He was born in Tipton County, Tenn., and is the youngest of four sons born to S. T. and M. C. (Hofler) Hurt, both of whom were born in the "Old North State," the former's birth occurring in 1809 and the latter's in 1811. Their union was consummated on June 2, 1844, in the State of Tennessen, and there they reared a family of five children, whose names are as follows: Texana (who was born in 1845 and died in 1846), James N. (who was born in 1846 and died the same year), Spencer T. (born June 1, 1850, and died in 1882), Rufus K. (born in 1852 and died the following year) and F. P. (whose birth occurred in October, 1854). Mr. Hurt died in 1855, and his widow still survives him and is a resident of Hazen, Ark. F. P. Hurt has been a resident of Hazen since 1871, at which time there was only one dwelling house and a log house in the place, and for six years after locating was engaged in merchandising, but for some time past has been agent for the Southern Express Company, which position keeps him fully employed as the place has grown and improved very rapidly-Since 1881 Mr. Hurt has been married to Miss Solonia E. Price, a daughter of F. F. Price. She was born in Prairie County, and is the mother of three children: Birdie A., Sophia S. and Carrie F.

B. R. Jenkins is the popular druggist and postmaster of Barrettsville, and although a native born resident of the State of Mississippi, he has been a resident of Prairie County, Ark., since 1868. His father, J. J. Jenkins, was born in South Carolina in 1819, and was a son of Benjamin and Frances Jenkins. His youth was spent in his native State, but when a young man he removed to Northeast Mississippi, and there remained engaged in farming for about sixteen years. He was married in this State about 1842 to Miss Mary Guess, a daughter of Richard and Jane Guess, who were native Alabamians. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins reared a family of eight children: Frances J. (died when a young lady). B. R., James (who is also deceased), Jack A. (a resident of Lonoke County, Ark.), Mary (deceased), Catherine (Mrs. Morgan, resides in Prairie Connty), Anna (Mrs. Oheffin, also resides in this county) and Amanda (deceased). In 1857 Mr. Jenkins removed his family to White County, Ark., and after his wife's death, in 1860, he married Mrs. Nancy Jackson, and by her reared a family of eight children: George W., John H., Samuel H., David S., Charley, Josephine, Thomas and Bettie. After residing in White County for about ten years, he came to Prairia County, and is here residing on a farm. He is a Mason, and in his political opinion is a Democrat. B. R. Jenkins has been educated in Arkansas, and in 1867 was noited in marriage to Miss Louisa Hagle, but they parted by mutual cousent after living together for one year. Mr. Jenkins has been a resident of Prairie County for twenty-one years, and for sixteen years was a farmer, but since 1886 has been engaged in the drug business at Barrettsville, and has been postmaster of that place since 1887. He owns 160 acres of land, and has forty acres under oultivation. He is a member of the Baptist Church.

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[p.708] Henry C. Jewell is a prosperons agriculturist of this region, and owing to having been a follower of the Golden Rule, he has received the esteem of his fellow-citizens. Owing to his having spent his early life on a farm, and to his advanced and progressive ideas he has done not a little to advance the farming interests heresbouts, and his farm, comprising 160 acres, is one of the best tilled in this section. He has about eighty acres under cultivation, and his residence is comfortable and his outbuildings substantial. He was born in Nelson County, Ky., September 27, 1832, and is a son of James and Nancy (Higdon) Jewell, who were born, reared and married in the "Blue Grass State." In 1889 they moved to Indiana, and opened up a farm in Vigo County, here spending the rest of their days, the mother's death occurring in March, 1845, and the father's in January, 1862. Henry C. Jewell's youth was spent in the Hoosier State, and until he was twenty years of age, he made his home with his father, going then to Illinois, and worked on a farm in Coles County. Here he was married on April 10, 1857, to Nancy Tilley, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of Moses Tilley, and began farming for himself, continuing to make Coles County his home until 1870, when he sold out and moved to Arkansas, and has since been a resident of his present farm. He and his wife are the parents of the following children: Leonard (who is married and lives in Arizona Territory), Emma (wife of Thomas Chandler), Stephen E. (also in Arizona), James, Rachel and Herschel.

Dr. B. F. Johnson has been engaged in the drug business in Des Arc since 1866, and the stock of goods which he carries is only to be found in a well-kept, reliable drug store. He was born in Prince George's County, Md., July 19, 1836, and is a son of Lloyd Johnson and Elizabeth (Walker) Johnson, who were also born in Maryland, the father being a farmer of Prince George's County until his death, in December, 1860, his wife's death occurring several years earlier. Dr. Johnson grew to manhood in Maryland, and when a young man began learning the drug business in a store in Washington, D. C., but after his father's death he came West and located at Des Arc, where he engaged in the printing and newspaper business, having charge of a paper for two years, at which time the Federal soldiers took the office from him. In 1866 he engaged in the drug business, buying out an established store, and since that time he has devoted his attention to this work, with the exception of two years, when his property was destroyed by fire. The following two years were spent in general merchandising, after which he resumed the drug business, and his stock now includes drugs of all kinds, paints, oils, etc. The Doctor was married at West Point, White County, Ark., December 21, 1865, to Miss Alice Bradshaw, a daughter of W. H. Bradshaw, of White County. She was born in Dresden, Tenn., but was reared and educated in White County, Ark. Her union with the Doctor has resulted in the birth of six children: Jessie (who died when she was six years old), Boyd B., May, Eva, Herbert and Zuma, Dr. Johnson and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of Honor.

of Eastern Arkansas

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John R. Johnson, farmer and ginner, Hickory Plains, Ark. There are a number of men prominently identified with the agricultural affairs of this county, but none among them are more deserving of mention than Mr. John R. Johnson, who was born in Randolph County, N. C., March 30, 1839. His parents, Joseph and Katie (Brower) Johnson, were both natives of North Carolina and were married in that State. The parents moved to Tennessee about 1842, locating in Decatur County, and there tilled the soil until 1876, when he moved to Arkansas. He located in Sebastian County and resides there at the present time. His first wife died in 1878. John R. Johnson remained in Tennessee until sixteen years of age and in 1857 moved to Arkansas, locating at Fort Smith, where he resided for about fourteen months. He came to Hickory Plains in 1859 and was one of the early settlers. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate army, Fourth Independent Arkansas Battery as a private and was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant after the battle of Murfrees-boro. Afterward he was on detached duty for twelve months on the Alabama Railroad and served all through the war. He partioipated in the battles of Wilson's Creek, Richmond, and Murfreesbore. After the war he returned to Hickory Plains. He followed the carpenter's trade, working at the same during 1866-67, at Little Rook and in 1867 began merchandising in Pulaski County. In 1868, 1869 and 1870 he worked at his trade in Prairie County, and many monuments of his handiwork are still standing in the county, especially in Hickory Plains and vieinity. In 1870 be began selling goods here, and two years later engaged in tilling the soil, which occupation he has since carried on. He has 240 acres of land with about 145 cleared, has good buildings and is in a very prosperous condition. He built a gin in 1880, has good new machinery and is doing a good business. He is the owner of six acres of land where his gin is located and also has several lots in Des Arc. Mr. Johnson was married in Prairie County, Ark., in 1868, to Miss Fannie Holloway, a native of Fayette County, Tenn., but who was reared and educated in Hickory Plains. She is the daughter of John Holloway. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Hickory Plains Lodge No. 95, and is Junior Deacon and Past Master in the same. He was one of the original founders of the Wheel organization and was twice unanimously elected president of the State Wheel. He was appointed and is one of the county commissioners. In 1888 he was doorkeeper of the house of representatives and in 1889 was appointed by the Governor for the Second Congressional district to, the Farmers' Agricultural Congress. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Old School Presbyterian Church and he is an elder in the same. [p.709]

WOODRUFF COUNTY, ARKANSAS.

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[p.711] Charles F. King is one of the sturdy and independent tillers of the soil of Arkansas, and his property has been acquired by his own good management and industry. Like so many native Virginians he dieplays in his business operations those sterling principles, which mark him as one of the leading men of the county, and he is noted for his progressive views. His birth occurred near Petersburg, March 31, 1809, and he is a son of Elisha King, who was also a Virginian and served in the American Revolution, entering the army when quite young and serving throughout the entire war. At the age of eighteen years he was married in his native State to Miss Prisoilla Butler, also of that State, and there they resided until their

respective deaths. Charles F. King grew to manhood in the Old Dominion, but removed to Tennessee in 1830 and located at Memphis, near which place he farmed for a number of years, then became conductor on the Charleston Road, continuing as such three years. He came to Arkansas in 1856 and settled in Prairie County, in the neighborhood of where he now lives, there being very few settlers in this section at that time. The farm which he first purchased was slightly improved, but this he afterward sold, and bought his present property which consists of 170 acres, sixty of which he is engaged in tilling. He was married in Tennessee to Miss Lucy Bettis, a native of that State, and by her has the following children: Charles Tillman (who is married) and Agnes (wife of J. B. Stallings). Mr. and Mrs. King are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he belongs to the I. O. O. F. Charles King, his son, was born near Memphis, Tenn., June 1, 1856, and when an infant was brought by his parents to Arkansas, and in Prairie County he grew to manhood and was educated. He was married in White County May 3, 1877, to Miss Bettie Benge, a native of Mississippi, but who received the prinoipal part of her rearing in Arkansas. After their marriage they lived in Beebe for about one year, and since that time have resided on the farm with their father, Charles F. King, and our subject is engaged in operating his cotton-gin. He and Mrs. King are members of the Methodist Epiecopal Church and are the parents of three children: Thomas O., Jennie L. and Esther I.

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John W. Knauff, farmer, Des Arc, Ark. Nowhere in Prairle County is to be found a man of more energy or determined will or force of character, than Mr. Knauff possesses, and no agriculturist is deserving of greater success in the conduct and management of a farm than he. Farmville, Prince Edwards County, Va., was the scene of his birth, the same occurring on March 19, 1836, and he is the son of G. Philip Knauff, a native of Germany, [p.712] and Ann E. (Bondurant) Knauff, who was of French Huguenot descent. The parents were married in Virginia, and the father was a merchant and importer' of musical instruments, doing business at Farmville for a number of years. His death occurred in 1855. His wife had died previous to this, shortly after the birth of the subject of this sketch. John W. Knauff passed his youthful days in Prince Edward County, and received a good education at Hampden Sidney College. He left college after completing his junior year, on account of the death of his father, and engaged in teaching in Virginia for about two years, when he returned to college and graduated with bonor. In the fall of 1858 he came West, to Arkansas and was the first engaged as principal of the male scademy at Searcy, where he remained five months. He then returned to Virginia, and there remained until March, 1859, when he came to Des Are, where he continued his former occupation of reaching near that town until 1861. In August, of that year, he enlisted in the Confederate army, First Arkansas Mounted Rifies, Col. Churchill's old regiment, and served until peace was declared. He was disbanded and paroled at Greensboro, N. C., on May 1, 1865. He enlisted as a private and musician, but no regirnental bands being allowed in the Confederate army and the band to which he belonged being unwilling to serve as brigade band, each member of his band was required to serve as litter besrer or go in the ranks in time of an engagement. He always took a musket and was wounded three times in Johnston's retreat from Dalton to Atlanta, Ga., but refused to be sent to a hospital, his wounds not preventing his marching. He took part in the following battles: Oak Hill, Pea Ridge and many skirmishes; was then transferred to the east side of the river, and participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Murfreesboro, Richmond (Ky.), and all the fights in and around Atlanta. He was wounded slightly at Atlanta (Resaca), but was not disabled from service. After the war he returned to Prairie County, Ark., engaged in agricultural pursuits, and also taught school, continuing the last-named occupation up to the present time. He was married here on May 17, 1868, to Miss Emma P. Williams, a native of Alabama, although reared principally in Prairie County, and the daughter of Elijah Williams. The fruits of this union have been seven children: Guy W., O. O., Emma Irene, Baxter T., Philip W., Hubert A. and John De W. Mr. Knauff served one term as magistrate, and is a man universally respected.

page 713

Dr. William Lee is a physician of acknowledged merit in Prairie County, and the restoration of hundreds to health and happiness is due to his skill and talent. He was born in Graves County, Ky., February 20, 1892, and is the son of Gen. Joshua and Nancy (Markham) Lee, both of whom are Virginians by birth. The father moved to the Blue Grass State in his early manhood, and was a successful tiller of the soil in Graves County for a number of years, or until 1845, when he moved to Arkansas, and for some time followed the plow in Independence County, near Batesville, on the old Independence road. Later he engaged in steambouting on the White River, but after following this occupation for a few years he decided that farming was more congenial to his tastes, as well as more remunerative, and he resumed agriculture. About this time reverses overtook him, and he disposed of his property here and moved to Louisiana, where he set energetically to work to retreive his fortunes, and succeeded in doing so to some extent, and at the time of his death was the possessor of a comfortable competency. He died in 1855, his wife's death occurring in 1853. Dr. William Lee removed with his parents to Louisiana, and after reaching mature years determined to see a little of the world, and traveled over the greater portion of Louisiana, Texas and Georgia. Having always been possessed with a desire to study medicine, he began a systematic course of reading at Des Are, under Dr. E. P. Nicholson and Dr. Burney, and in 1866 located six miles west of Des Arc, and has been an able practitioner of the county ever since. In connection with his practice he has been engaged in managing his small farm, situated about five miles west of the town, but recently rented his property and moved to this place. He joined the Confederate service in 1861, becoming a mamber of Glen. P. R. Cleburne's regiment, and from a [p.713] sergeant was promoted to the rank of captain in the Trans-Mississippi Departments, Company F, of Ganse's regiment. He was a member of Cleburne's regiment until after the bettle of Missionary Ridge, and during his term of service was in the fights at Scottsville (Ky.), Shiloh and Prairie Grove; in this engagement he received a wound in the lower part of the left leg, and after recovering somewhat, was transferred to the cavalry, and was with Price on his raid through Missouri. At the close of the war he returned to Des Arc, and here has since made his home. A year after his removal to Prairie County, Ark., or in June, 1859, he was married to Miss Mary Lee, a daughter of John Lee. She was born and reared in Prairie County, and here died on February 20, 1876, having become the mother of four children by the Doctor: Martha Ann (wife of Henry Boggs, of Utah), John M. (married and residing on the farm), Elizabeth and Thomas B. In December, 1885, the Doctor was married to Mrs. M. E. (Jones) Whitlock, a native of Arkansas, being here reared and educated, and a daughter of Abner P. Jones. The Doctor belongs to the Prairie County Medical Society.

William B. Lumpkin. The amount of land which this gentleman has in his possession comprises 520 acres in four different farms, and of the entire amount he has 300 acres under cultivation, and all his property well improved with good buildings. Since 1886 he has been residing in Des Arc, where he owns some valuable property, but he continues to manage his farm, and has been more successful than the average. He was born in Lawrence County, Tenn., April 14, 1840, and is a son of J. B. Lumpkin, a native of North Carolina, who came west with his parents to Tennessee when a small lad, and was here reared to manhood, educated and married, his wife's maiden name being Betsey Bryant, a native of North Carolina. After his marriage Mr. Lumpkin moved to Shelby County, but afterward settled permanently in Tipton County, where he is now residing at the age of seventy-six years, his wife's death having occurred here in 1876, William B. Lumpkin grew to maturity in Tennessee, and until he attained his majority made his home with his father. In the latter part of 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate army, Fifty-first Tennessee Infantry, Company B, and of his company, which consisted of 104 men, he and one other man were the only ones not killed or wounded. He enlisted as a private, but became a non-commissioned officer, and took part in the battles of Chickamauga, Frauklin, and was in the retreat from Chattanooga to Atlanta. At the fall of Fort Henry he was captured, and for nine months was kept in captivity at Alton, Ill., and after being exohanged rejoined his regiment, and at the final surrender was at home on furlough. He then settled down in Shelby County, and was engaged in farming up to 1879, when he sold out, and moved to Arkansas, locating in Prairie County, near Des Arc, his first purchase of land being 160 acres. He was married in Shelby County, Tenn., July 24, 1870, to Miss Nannie J. Yancey, a native of Iuka, Miss., a daughter of James Yancey, but her demise occurred on October 15, 1884, leaving besides her husband, to mourn her loss, a family of four children: Tellie, Thomas B. and Calvin P. Saddie died in September, 1887, at the age of thirteen years. Mr. W. B. Lumpkin is a member of White River Lodge of the Masonic fraternity.

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Prof. Hugh McQ. Lynn, the well-known postmaster of Des Are, Ark., was born in Chester County, S. C., April 10, 1837, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (McQuiston) Lynn, also natives of the Palmetto State, where they were reared, educated and married. In December, 1837, they moved to Tennessee, and settled in Tipton County, where the father followed agricultural pursuits until his death in January, 1886, his wife following him to the grave in April, 1889. Prof. Lynn's early youth was spent in Tipton County, and he acquired an education far beyond the average farmer's boy, owing to the fact that he was studious and persevering, and received superior advantages. He entered Erskine College, S. C., and graduated from this institution when twenty-two years of age, after which he engaged in teaching in Tipton County, holding the position of principal of an academy. After coming to Arkansas, in 1872, he engaged in teaching school in Lonoke County, continuing one year, then followed [p.714] the same occupation in Des Arc for nine years, and also taught for some time at Hazen. He is an educator of more than local celebrity, and up to the spring of 1889 his entire time and attention was given to his profession, but since then he has held the position of postmaster of Des Arc, but only entered actively upon his duties on September 1, 1889. He was married in Tennessee, April 10, 1862, to Miss Martha S. Simpson, a native of that State, and by her became the father of two sons and one daughter: Dr. J. R. (of Hazen), W. C. (a book-keeper by profession) and Nannie E. (a young lady, and Mr. Lynn's prineipal assistant in the postoffice). At the opening of the Civil War, Mr. Lynn espoused the Confederate cause, and in May, 1861, joined the Ninth Tennessee Infantry, as a private, and served until the close of the war, being paroled at Memphis, Tenn., in July, 1865. He was in the fights at Chickamauga and Franklin, but the most of the time served on detached duty in the ordnance department. Prof. Lynn has shown his brotherly spirit by becoming a member of the Masonic fraternity, and the K. of H., and in the former organization has attained the Royal Arch degree, and has been Worshipful Master and High Priest, and in the latter order is Past Dictator. He and family are members of the Old School Presbyterian Church, and he is an elder in the same.

Robert C. McCarley. From this brief review of the life of Mr. McCarley it will be seen that his time has not been uselessly or idly spent, but that he has continued to "pursue the even tenor of his way," and is now ranked among the prosperous and enterprising farmers and merchants of the county. He was born in Lauderdale County, Ala., May 12, 1833, and he is the second in a family of five children, four sons and one daughter, born to the marriage of Thomas McCarley and Margaret Sturgeon, the former a native of Alabama, and the latter of Tennessee. They were married in Alabama, where the mother was reared, and here the father's death occurred in 1839, he having been a follower of the plow throughout life. His wife lived to be seventy-two years old, reared her family, and died in 1886. Robert C. McCarley left home after reaching his twentieth year, and began clerking in a store in Lauderdale County, continuing until 1859, when he came to Arkansas, and settled at Des Arc, following the same occupation here for several years. After embarking in the mercantile business on his own responsibility he continued this work until the opening of the war, and in 1863 joined the Confederate service, Col. Dobbins' cavalry, and served as a private until the close of the war. Soon after enlisting he was detailed to the adjutant-general's office, but was soon after transferred to the quartermaster's department, and served in this capacity during the remainder of the war. In January, 1865, he was captured while at home on a visit, and was held a prisoner at Little Rock until the close of the war, being paroled on May 12, 1865. After the war he returned home and clerked for a while, then again engaged in business for himself, and since 1879 has carried an excellent line of general merchandise. He is the owner of 1,350 acres of land in seven different farms, and has about 400 acres under cultivation; 800 acres lie near Des Are, and are very valuable. He has been married four times, once in Alabama, and three times in Arkansas. He has one son by his second wife (Albert by name), who is clerking in Des Arc. He married his present wife, Mrs. M. C. (Koonce) Howard, in 1876, she being a native of Tennessee, and by her has a daughter named Anna, a miss of ten years. Mr. McCarley has held a number of local offices, such as magistrate and alderman, and has been treasurer and mayor of Des Are. He is an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which his wife is also a member, and he is a Master Mason, and has been a member of that order since 1860. He also belongs to the I. O. O. F.

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James R. Mallory, merchant, De Vall's Bluff, Ark. Among the many industries largely developed in De Vall's Bluff within the past years, that of merchandising has taken a prominent position, as may be seen by the establishment and growth of the various houses engaged in this line of enterprise. One of the best-known and most liberally patronized establishments in the city of De Vall's Bluff is that conducted by Mr. Mallory. This [p.715] gentleman was born in Granville County, N. C., on May 25, 1834, and is the son of John Mallory, a native of North Carolina, and Mollie (Coleman) Mallory, whom he had met in Tennessee. The fruits of this union were eight children, five daughters and three sons: William, Sallie, Eliza, Mary, Lucy, Caroline, James R. and John. Mr. Mallory was a local minister and was instrumental in organizing several churches in North Carolina. He died in 1861, and his wife several years previous. He was very much interested in educational as well as church matters, and contributed liberally to all laudable enterprises. James R. Mallory was educatod in Oxford, N. C., and was there married to Miss Lucy Horner, in November, 1866. This union resulted in the birth of two children: Sarah and John T., both of whom reside at home. Mr. Mallory immigrated from North Carolina to Arkansas in November, 1868, located at De Vall's Bluff, and there he has since resided, engaged in mercantile pursuits with a stock valued at $10,000. He has held the position of coroner for four years and was also postmaster for nineteen months. He is a member of the K. of H., and has held the office of Reporter of that lodge. He is also a member of what is called Iron Hall, located at De Vall's Bluff, and is a Freemason, but has not affiliated with any lodge in this State. He enlisted in the Confederate army, under Gen. Lee, in 1861, and his first hard battle was at Richmond, Va. He was commissary of the Fifth North Carolina Regiment during service, and was discharged at Appomattox Court House, Va., in 1865. He then returned to his home and embarked in mercantile pursuits, which he has since continued.

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Dr. Stephen R. Mason, county treasurer, De Vall's Bluff, Ark. There are few men of the present day, whom the world acknowledges as successful, more worthy of honorable mention, or whose life history affords a better example of what may be accomplished by a determined will and perseverance, than Dr. Mason. He was born in the town of Chichester, near Pittsfield, Merrimack, County, N. H., in 1827, and was the fourth in a family of five children born to the union of John and Abigail Amanda (Roby) Mason, natives, also, of New Hampshire. The parents were married in that State and there the father was an operative in a cotton-factory until 1835, when he moved to the Far West and located in what is now Woodford County, Ill., near where Metamora is now located, and there bought land of the United States and improved a farm. In 1840 he moved to Bureau County, Ill, and there his death occurred in 1861. His excellent wife survived him until 1867. Dr. Stephen R. Mason remained on the home farm, where the town of Buda is now located, until sixteen years of age, and received his education in the academy at Princeton, Ill. After this he engaged in teaching school, and in the meantime read medicine with Dr. J. S. Whitmire, at Metamora, in 1847. He then alternately attended school and taught until the fall of 1849, when he entered Bush Medical College, Chicago, Ill., and graduated therefrom in the class of 1851. He then began practicing in Bureau County, near Buda, and remained there until 1853, when he located at Sheffield, Ill. Dr. Mason was married in 1852 to Miss Mary A. Brainard, a native of La Fayette, Ohio, and the daughter of Deodatus E. and Sally J. (Fry) Brainard, natives of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Brainard emigrated to Ohio and settled in Medina County at an early date. From there they moved to Bureau County, Ill., in 1841, and here the father was occupied in cultivating the soil. Both parents are now living, and reside in Buda, Ill. To the Doctor and Mrs. Mason were born five children, four now living: Ella Jane (now Mrs. W. B. Allen, of Chicago, Ill.), Ida May (now Mrs. J. W. Waterman, of Creston, Iowa), Roby E. (was an engineer on the Little Rock & Memphis Railroad a number of years, and recently on the Batesville & Brinkley Railroad, where he was killed by the engine being derailed, near Gray Station, on July 28, 1888; his widow now resides in Brinkley, Ark.), Wilbur J. (is married, resides at De Vall's Bluff, and is assistant postmaster at that place) and Harry W. (who is married and resides at Cotton Plant, Ark., being railroad agent and operator on the Batesville & Brinkley Railroad). The mother of these children died in March, 1889, and the remains of both mother and son were carried [p.716] to Buda, Ill. After his marriage Dr. Mason resided in Sheffield until coming to De Vall's Bluff, in 1873, since which time he has practiced his profession. He was first appointed postmaster at De vall's Bluff in 1881 (February 4), and erved in that capacity until the spring of 1886. He was reappointed in August, 1889. He was elected county treasurer of Prairie County in 1886, was reelected in 1888, and is the present incumbent. He has been magistrate a number of times, and has held various town and school offices; he is also a member of the American Institute of Homoeopathy, joining the same in 1867, and a member of the Southern Homesopathic Association. He is a member of Ames Lodge No. 142, A. F. & A. M., at Sheffield, Ill., was made a Mason in 1852 or 1853, and has also been a member of the I. O. O. F. He was a charter member of De Vall's Bluff Lodge No. 2172, Knights of Honor. In 1882 he joined the Iron Hall Association, and has drawn one final benefit of $1,000, and considers it a good thing. The Doctor is independent in his religious views, and is willing others should enjoy the same privilege.

W. E. Maxwell, merchant and manufacturer, De Vall's Bluff, Ark. This gentleman is one of the prominent business men of De Vall's Bluff, Ark., and his reputation in that capacity is well and favorably known throughout the county. He was originally from Kentucky, where his birth occurred in 1852, and is the eldest of a family of six children born to the union of J. H. and Mary M. (Cole) Maxwell, the father a native of Kentucky, and the mother of Pennsylvania. J. H. Maxwell was born in Caldwell County in 1822, and was a merchant and planter. He was married in 1849 or 1850 to Miss Cole, who was a descendant of the family of that name in Pennsylvanis. Mr. Maxwell died in 1884 at De Vall's Bluff, Ark. W. E. Maxwell began business for himself by manufacturing handles at Lansing, Mich., in 1875, remaining there until 1883, when he came to De Vall's Bluff, and there, in partnership with Mr. Wells, engaged in the mill business under the firm title of Wells, Maxwell & Co. This firm is engaged in sawing all kinds of lumber, and ships a great deal of oak to foreign parts. He is also engaged in merchandising under the firm title of Maxwell & Co., and is one of the ablest business men to be found. He is the owner of considerable town property, and owns a 900-acre tract of land in the county. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Hamilton Lodge No. 110, De Vall's Bluff, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias, White River

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S. A. Minton is a worthy agriculturist of Prairie County, Ark., and enjoys to an unlimited extent, the confidence and respect of all who know him. He has been a resident of the county since 1867, and at that date settled on forty acres of land in Center Township, and at the present time has 220 acres, 100 under cultivation. Born in the State of Alabama, in 1844, he is the third child born to J. M. and Nancy (Rainwater) Minton, both of whom were born in the "Palmetto State," the former's birth occurring in 1818, and the latter's in 1816. J. M. Minton settled in Alabama, where he followed farming and tanning and his marriage occurred about 1836. After residing in Alabama until 1860, he came to Arkansas and settled at Austin, where he worked at the tanner's trade for about ten years, then moving to Center Township, Prairie County, where he spent his declining years, his death occurring in 1884. Politically he was a Democrat and his wife was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. They became the parents of the following children: Emily E. (who is the wife of R. N. Sparks and resides in Centre Township), S. B. (who lives in Hazen Township is married and has eight children), S. A. (our subject), Martha G. (wife of R. N. Sparks, Sr.), Adaline (who died young), Matilda S. (died in 1868 in her nineteenth year), John P. (who also died in childhood), and M. M. T. (an infant, deceased). The mother of these children died in the year 1882. The paternal grandparents, Sylvanus and Jennie Minton, became the parents of twenty-three or twenty-four children. S. A. Minton spent his youth in Alabama and came with his father to Arkansas in 1860. The following year he enlisted in Company B. Fourth Arkansas Regiment of Infantry, and the battles in which he participated were: Richmond, [p.717] Murfreesboro, Atlanta, Missionary Ridge, Chickamauga and Franklin. Upon returning to Arkansas he was married in December, 1866, to Miss Nancy A. Douglas, a daughter of Logan and Patience Douglas, and the year following moved to Prairie County, and as shown above, has become a well-to-do farmer. The children born to his union are: George J. (who died in 1887), Joseph M. (who also died in 1887), Emma C. (who is the wife of R. N. Sparks, Jr.), William F., Thomas W., Burrell S. and Ada B. Mr. Minton is a member of the Primitive Baptist Church and is an enterprising and progressive citizen.

Hon. William L. Moore, retired physician and surgeon, Hickory Plains, Ark. A plain untarnished statement of the facts embraced in the life of William L. Moore, a man well known to the people of Prairie County, Ark., is all that we profess to be able to give in this history of the county; and yet, upon examination of those facts, there will be found the career of one whose entire course through the world has been marked with singular honesty and fidelity of purpose, as well as sincere and efficient service to those whom he has been called upon to represent in different capacities. He was born in Wilson County, Tenn., near Lebanon, on August 29, 1814, and is the son of Robert and Ann L. (Duty) Moore, natives of Virginia and North Carolina, respectively. The parents were married in North Carolina, near the line, and the father oultivated the soil in Virginia until 1806, when he moved to Wilson County, Tenn. He was in the Creek War, was made major, and fell while leading his men at the battle of Talladega. The mother reared the family, and in 1819, was married the second time, to James L. McDonald. She then moved to Cotton Grove, Tenn., thence to Bolivar to educate her children, and there died in 1827. Dr. William L. Moore was reared in Tennessee, and at the age of fourteen years, entered a store to learn something of merchandising, spending the time alternately in the store earning funds and in attending school until twenty-one years of age. He received a fair education in the common and higher English branches, also studied Latin, and subsequently began the study of medicine under Dr. John McCall, at Rome, Smith County, which he continued a short time. He then began studying under Dr. Alexander Goode, of Fayette County, a very prominent physician, and took his first course of lectures in 1833, 1834 and 1835. He then practiced with his preceptor for twelve months, and his home being in the corner of Fayette County, he practiced in that, and Marshall, DeSoto and Shelby Counties for twelve years, meeting with excellent success. In February, 1853, he moved to Arkansas, locating in Hickory Plains, Prairie County, where he has remained ever since. While living in Fayette County, Tenn., he was married on December 9, 1846, to Miss Mary C. Abington, a native of the Blue Grass State, and the daughter of William Abington. Five living children are the results of this union: Edwin, Dora (wife of Dr. Lindsay), Emma (wife of J. N. Briaus), Ripley A. (an attorney at Des Arc) and Samuel A. They lost two daughters, one an infant, and the other nine years of age, and a son who died at the age of three years. After locating in Prairie County, Dr. Moore carried on farming in connection with his practice, and for ten years lived in Hickory Plains to educate his children. In 1856 he was elected to represent Prairie County in the legislature and served one term. During the late war, he was in the Confederate service about six months, and was first lieutenant of Totten Guards, Twenty-fifth Arkansas Battalion of Infantry, and was in the battle of Farmington. In reorganizing the Dr. was discharged and returned home. He has been a member of the Masonic Fraternity for over forty years, and all matters of benefit receive his sanction and support.

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Edwin Moore, stock raiser, farmer and ginner, Hickory Plains, Ark. Mr. Moore owes his nativity to Fayette County, Tenn., where his birth occurred on May 9, 1848, and is the son of Hon. W. L. Moore, whose sketch immediately precedes this. He came with his father to Arkansas in 1853, and grew to manhood in Prairie County, where he received a fair education and this he has improved materially by self-culture. He remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age, and on March 8, 1870, was united in marriage in Prairie [p.718] County, Ark., to Miss Mattie Brians, daughter of W. J. and E. J. Brians and sister to J. W. Brians, sheriff of Prairie County, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Moore was born in North Carolina, but was reared and partly educated in Prairie County. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Moore had nothing of this world's goods on which to commence, but they went to work with a determination to succeed, and although they had considerable to contend with they were not discouraged. They first located on a farm which they began clearing of the timber that covered it, and this they have since added to until they now own about 1,000 acres of good land with some 500 acres under cultivation. They have a good frame residence, a good gin boiler and engine and first-class outbuildings, etc. They also have a good orchard and vineyard. Mr. Moore was elected magistrate, holding the position for eight consecutive years, and was also made a member of the school board. He takes a great interest in politics and served as a delegate to the State Democratic Convention. To Mr. and Mrs. Moore were born seven children: Charles A., William E., Robert A., Emma A., James L., Henry I. and Gordon E. and the two eldest children with their parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Moore has also reared his wife's youngest brother and her mother has made her home with him since the death of Mr. Brians. Mr. Moore is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Dr. W. P. Owens, physician and surgeon, DeVall's Bluff, Ark. This prominent and successful practitioner owes his nativity to De Soto County, Miss., where his birth occurred August 10, 1855, and he located in Prairie County, in March, 1884, where he has since practiced his profession. He was the fourth of nine children born to the union of Joshua D. and Fannie (La Favre) Owens, natives of Alabama. The parents were married in their native State, and there the father carried on agricultural pursuite until 1835, when he moved to Mississippi, and settled in De Soto County, where they are now living. Dr. W. P. Owens was reared to farm labor, and remained under the parental roof until seventeen years of age. He received his literary education at Lexington, Ky., and at the State University of Mississippi, at Oxford, where, after reaching the junior year, he commenced reading medicine, and then entered the College of Physiclans and Surgeons, at Baltimore, Md., in September, 1878, graduating with the class of 1880. He then returned to De Soto County, commenced the practice of medicine, which he continued until 1884, and, as above stated, he then came to De Vall's Bluff, Ark., where he has since built up a good practice. He was married near Baltimore, Md., in 1879, to Miss Florence Dawson, a native of Maryland, and the daughter of Edward Thomas and Susan (Smith) Dawson, natives also of Maryland. Mr. Dawson was a merchant, and followed this pursuit the principal part of his life. His death occurred in 1878. His wife had died many years previous. To Dr. and Mrs. Owens were born four children, one living, Edward. The Doctor is not very active in politics, but votes with the Democratic party. Socially he is a member of the K. of P. Mrs. Owens is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

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Dr. A. C. Parrish, physician and surgeon, Hazen, Ark. Dr. Parrish has all the attributes essential to a successful practitioner, is the possessor of much personal popularity and is highly esteemed by all who know him. He was born in Dixon County, Tenn., in 1836, was reared to the arduous duties of the farm and received his education in the schools of his native county. He commenced reading medicine in 1849, and after continuing this for a few years he begam practicing in 1852. Since then he has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession, a period of thirty-seven years, and has met with fair success. He was married in Hickman County, Tenn., in 1848, to Miss Jane Wilson, a native of Tennessee, and to them were born eight children, three now living: Albert (married and residing in Texas), Rebecca (now Mrs. Pollard of Tennessee) and Nellie A. (now Mrs. Turner of White County, Ark.). The mother of these children died on June 3, 1862. In 1864 Dr. Parrish married Mrs. Elizabeth (Spencer) James, widow of L. James, and her death occurred [p.719] in October, 1885. Three children were the result of this union: Melvin, Nola and Sudie. He married the third time in 1888 Mrs. Alice (Gwyn) HalliBurton, widow of H. HalliBurton. The Doctor came to Arkansas in 1870 and engaged in tilling the soil in connection with his practice. He has opened up several farms, built three cottongins and now owns a good farm of thirty acres, besides giving his children land. He votes with the Democratic party but is not active in politics. Socially he is a member of the K. of P., Hazen Lodge No. 3134, and he and lady are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

L. M. Peak has passed the uneventful life of the farmer, and has continued to "pursue the even tenor of his way" until he is now ranked among the prosperous agriculturists of this region. He is a Kentuckian by birth, born in Scott County in 1851, and is the third child born to Dudley and Ann (Martin) Peak, the former a Kentuckian also, born in 1820. His brothers and sisters are as follows: James (deceased), John J., Leland, Madison (who died young), Dudley, Laurinds (Mrs. W. Cragg, now deceased), Pilena (Mrs. S. Cragg) and Eveline (wife of Sandy Faulkner, the supposed "Arkansaw Traveler"). Dudley Peaks pent his youth in his native State, and in 1841 was married, his wife being a daughter of William H. and Susan (Hayle) Martin, all Kentuckians. Mrs. Peak's brothers and sisters are as follows: Jane, Solon, Louis, Nettie and James. Mr. Peak and his wife were members of the Baptist Church, and became well-to-do farmers. They reared five children: Susan M. (Mrs. J. Long, the mother of four children), Emma (Mrs. J. Morris, now deceased), L. M., George and Solon, all of whom are married and live in Scott County, Ky., ercept L. M. Peak. The father was a public-spirited citizen, a Democrat in politics, and passed from this life in 1883, his wife dying in 1859. L. M. Peak resided in Kentucky until thirty-four years of age, and was married, in 1875, to Sallie K. Sconce, a daughter of James F. and Lou A. (Morris) Sconce, but in 1873 had begun farming for himself, and moved to Missouri. That State continued to be his home until 1885, when he came to Arkansas, and a year later settled in Prairie County. Here he purchased land to the amount of 350 acres, and now has it all under fence, and a considerable portion of it in a good farming condition. He is a Democrat, and while a resident of Scott County, Ky., served in the capacity of constable two years. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, and are highly esteemed and valued citizens of the county.

page 720

J. M. Perry is a farmer and stock shipper of Hazen, Ark. This leading farmer of Prairie County, Ark., was born in Camden County, N. C., on August 31, 1846, and is the son of S. B. Perry, who was also born in North Carolina, in the year 1812. The father was educated in his native State, and was there married to Miss Nancy J. Rieves, also a native of North Carolina. To this union have been born thirteen children, seven of whom are still living, three in Arkansas, and four in North Carolina, viz.: John W., William J., Samuel, James M., Joseph E., Ann J. and Sarah H. The father, a successful agriculturist, is still living, and resides in Chatham County, N. C. He assisted materially in building up the country in the early settlement of North Carolina, and is one of the prominent citizens. His father was one of the very first settlers of that State. Mr. and Mrs. Perry are members of the Methodist Church. J. M. Perry was educated in North Carolina, and in 1863 he enlisted in the Confederate army, under Gen. Holmes, in Company A, Sixty-ninth Regiment, and his first battle was at Plymouth. He received his discharge in 1865, and returned home, where he was engaged in tilling the soil the first year. On August 10, 1865, he was united in marriage, to Miss Temperance E. Lindly, a native of North Carolina, and the daughter of Owen and Temperance Lindly. Two children have been the fruits of this union: Quincy (deceased) and Walter O. who resides at home with his parents). Mr. Perry is a farmer by occupation, and owns about 160 acres of good land, with sixty acres under cultivation. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Blue Lodge, and has held the office of Junior Warden. He is a member of the Wheel, and held the office of president of the same for one year. He is a self-made man, and one who has the energy [p.720] and perseverance to succeed in whatever he undertakes. When he first came to Arkansas, he was the owner of a horse and $40 in money. Now he has an excellent farm, well stocked, and is one of the substantial farmers of the county. He and Mrs. Perry are members of the Methodist Church.

J. E. Perry. There are few farms of the size, if any, in this portion of Arkansas that presents a better picture of advanced agriculture than the one referred to in the present sketch. It contains 320 acres, with 150 under cultivation, and as far as natural advantages, and the manner in which it is improved is concerned, it is probably without a superior hereabouts. The owner of this farm, Mr. Perry, was born in North Carolina in 1849, and was the eighth of a large family of children born to D. B. and Nancy J. (Rieves) Perry, and was a grandson of William and Anna Perry, the latter couple being the parents of twelve children and natives of Virginia. D. B. Perry was born in North Carolina in 1812, and from his earliest youth has been familiar with farm life, and has made that calling quite a success. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and are still residing in North Carolina, and he is a Democrat in his political views, and is an enterprising and publio-spirited man. He and Miss Rieves were married about 1832, his wife being a daughter of Reuben and Hannah Rieves, natives of North Carolina, and by her he became the father of twelve children: John, William J., Mary M. (the wife of a Mr. Campbell, is deceased), Henry, H., Abner B., Samuel, James M., J. E., Isaac (deceased), Aaron D., Anna J. (Mrs. Perry) and Sarah H. (Mrs. Headen). J. E. Perry assisted in tilling the old farm in North Carolina, and during odd moments attended the common schools, acquiring thereby a fair education. In 1872 he determined to come west to court dame fortune, and settled in Prairie County, Ark., where he purchased 160 acres of land, but this land he has since increased to its above-mentioned proportions. He was married in 1876 to Miss Sallie McNeill, a daughter of Philip and Sallie (Tabb) McNeill, born in North Carolina and Tennessee, who died in 1876 and 1868, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Perry have a family of four children: Bessie, Henry A., Fitz Hugh and Clio C., and are expecting soon to give up farming and move to town, in order to give their children the advantages of the town schools. Mr. Perry is a Mason, E. H. English Lodge No. 237, at Walter Chapel, and belongs also to the K. of H. No. 168840 of Carlisle. He and wife have for some time been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The latter was born in 1860, in the house in which she now lives.

page 721

John W. Pettey is a manufacturer of lumber and shingles at Des Arc, and since one year old has been a resident of the State of Arkansas. He was born in De Soto County, Miss., May 11, 1854, und is a son of George I. Pettey, of Alabama, who was reared in Mississippi and was married in Shelby County, Tenn., to Barbara Ann Callis, a native of Shelby County. After their marriage they resided in Mississippi for about two years, and in the spring of 1855 moved to Arkansas and settled near Hazen, where they cleared a farm and reared their family. The father aerved in the Confederate army for over two years and died at his old home in September, 1880. His wife, two sons and four daughters survive him, all residents of Prairie County, the children being married. John W. Pettey grew to manhood in Prairie County, and remained with his father on the farm until twenty-six years of age, then began blacksmithing, having learned the trade at home, and from 1878 up to 1881, conducted a blacksmith, wagon and repair shop, but in the last-named year purchased his mill, and has since given his attention to the manufacture of lumber, averaging about 400,000 feet annually, the business rapidly increasing from year to year. He has overhauled his building and put in considerable new machinery this year, and is preparing to out all the lumber and shingles for which he has demand. His brother has been associated with him in business since January, and they are honest and enterprising business men, and are bound to succeed. He was married in October, 1885, to Lelia W. Plant, a daughter of C. H. Plant, of Prairie County. Mrs. Pettey was born near Moscow, Tenn., but was reared and educated in [p.721] Prairie County, Ark., and by Mr. Pettey is the mother of two children: Earl Cecil and Homer Allen. Mr. Pettey and his wife are members of the Methodist and Christian Churches, respectively, and he is a Mason and a member of White River Lodge No. 37, of which he has been Master for two years.

Dr. George E. Pettey, physician and surgeon, Des Arc, Ark. Dr. Pettey, one of the successful practitioners of Des Arc, was born in Washington County, Tex., on January 16, 1857, and is the son of Dr. F. M. Pettey, a native of Limestone County, Ala. The father was educated at Memphis, Tenn., and afterward located in that State, where he practiced his profession for four years. He then moved to the Lone Star State, located in Washington County, but a few years later moved to Navarro County, Tex., where he practiced his profession until the breaking out of the war. He was surgeon in the army, and had charge of Galveston Hospital, where he remained until the cessation of hostilities. After the war he located in Arkansas, and is now engaged in the practice of his profession in Monroe County of that State. He married Miss Sarah A. G. Elliott, in Henderson County, Tenn., in 1848, and the result of this union was the birth of two sons and six daughters. Dr. George E. Pettey came to Arkansas with his father in 1870, attained his growth in Mississippi County, and later began the study of medicine with his father. At the age of fourteen years he entered a drug store, where he remained while studying medicine. He took his first course of lectures at the Medical Department of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn., in the winter of 1880-81, and took another course in the spring and summer of the last-mentioned year. He then passed an examination before the medical board, and began the practice of his profession at Hickman, Mississippi County, Ark., where he remained three years. From there he removed to Golddust, Tenn., where he continued in practice until October, 1887, when he went to Memphis, and took an additional course at Memphis Hospital Medical College, graduating from the same in the spring of 1888. After completing this course he came to Des Arc, Ark., where he is doing an ertensive practice. Dr. Pettey is a surgeon of superior skill, bold, but extremely careful, giving personal attention to the most minute details of an operation. His complete success in every operation he has undertaken is sufficient warrant for the general expression that he is fast taking position as one of the leading surgeons of the State. The Doctor makes a specialty of the diseases of women and rectal diseases. He has always been studious, there being few well-known books on medicine he is not acquainted with, and by taking a number of the leading medical journals, both of this country and Europe, keeps constantly up with the times. He was married in Mississippi County, Ark., on December 24, 1879, to Miss Susan C. Lynch, a native of Arkansas, who was reared in Mississippi County, and the daughter of Esq. A. J. Lynch. To this marriage were born four children: Adab L., Mary A., Francis Allen and George E., Jr. They lost their eldest son, Francis Allen, in June, 1888. Dr. Pettey is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is now Worshipful Master of White River Lodge No. 37. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

page 722

Capt. Augustus M. Reinhardt, farmer, stock raiser and horticulturist, Hickory Plains, Ark. This enterprising and progressive citizen was born in Lincoln County, N. C., October 20, 1825, and is the son of Hon. Michael and Mary (Moore) Reinhardt, both natives of North Carolina. Michael Reinhardt was a farmer up to 1846, when he moved to Marshall County, Miss., and there resided until his death, which occurred in 1852. He served one term as a member of the State senate, and held other positions of honor and trust, acquitting himself as an efficient, popular official, always laboring zealously for the best interests of his constituents. He also served in one of the old Indian wars. His wife died in 1828. Capt. Reinhardt went to Mississippi in the spring of 1845, and his father's family moved out in the fall of the same year. They made a crop the following year, and remained there until 1852, farming in Marshall County, when they moved to Prairie, Ark., and bought land in Hickory Plains Township. They [p.722] farmed here until the breaking out of the war, and were also engaged in the real-estate business for four years previous to that event. Capt. Reinhardt enlisted with the "Boys in Gray," in Maroh, 1862, first in Col. Turnbull's infantry, and served in that cspacity up to May, when he returned home. In 1863 he joined the cavalry, Col. Monroe's regiment, and was commissioned captain in the First Regiment, serving until pesce was declared. He participated in the fights at Mark's Mill and Poison Springs, and also in a number of skirmishes. of 1,000 acres of land, with all but 160 acres in Prairie County. The home place consists of 600 acres, with 300 acres under oultivation, and the buildings on the same are substantial and pleasing to the eye. He has a beantiful yard, cruamented with trees, evergreens, shrubs and flowers, and his orchard, of about eighty acres, furnishes some of the finest peaches, apples, pears and plums to be found. He has a fine vineyard of about four acres, and shipped about 800 baskets from the same, but retaining for himself about as many more. He was first married in Prairie County in January, 1850, to Miss Mary Harshaw, sister of John Harshaw, whose sketch may be seen in this work. Mrs. Reinhardt was born and reared in Marshall County, Miss., and died August 28, 1881, leaving nine children: Henry, Anna (wife of Brainard Perkins), Mattie (widow of Mr. Jones), Mamie, Emmett, Clara, Sallie, John and William. Mr. Reinhardt took for his second wife Mrs. Sallie E. (Rayburn) Harrison, a native of Conway County, Md., where she was educated and married. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Reinhardt is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is an elder in the same.

Abel S. Reinhardt, like the majority of native Mississippians, is progressive in his views and of an energetic and enterprising temperament. He was born in Marshall County January 4, 1847, and is a son of D. F. and Harrist E. (Shuford) Reinhardt, both of whom were born and reared in Lincoln County, N. C. About 1844 they immigrated to Marshall County, Miss., but a short time afterward moved to Tennessee and in 1857 settled in Prairie County, being engaged in farming in these three States. In October, 1888, he moved to Lit tie Rock and there died in November of that year, his wife having passed away many years earlier, in 1861, on October 8. He was twice married, his second wife being a sister of his first, and she still survives him. Mr. Reinhardt was a representative to the last Constitutional Convention and was a man who possessed superior natural abilities and was universally beloved and respected. He reared nine children to mature years, but one son, Adolphus, lost his life at Pilot Knob in 1864, while serving in the Confederate army. Mary (wife of Rev. R. H. Crozier, of Palestine, Tex.), Emma (wife of Dr. P. E. Thomas, of Clarendon, Ark.) and Abel S. Reinhardt are the only ones of the family now living. The latter received a common-school education in Prairie County and in 1864 enlisted in the Confederate army, Col. Witt's regiment, and was with Price on his raid through Missouri. He was badly wounded in November of that year and was disabled for several months. After the surrender he returned home and successfully conducted the home farm for a number of years, but in 1876 moved to Hickory Plains. Two years later he was elected sheriff and collector of Prairie County, and was re-elected in 1880, 1882, 1884 and 1886, serving in all ten consecutive years, his majority at each time of his re-election being large. He has been carrying on a farm all these years and he also owns a good home in Des Are. He was married in Prairie County on October 30, 1871, to Miss Laura J., a daughter of Daniel and Mary Harshaw, of Hickory Plains, and by her has had the following children: Alice, Katie Gray, Lillie, Gracie, Arthur Shuford and two sons who died in infaney. Mr. and Mrs. Reinhardt are members of the Old School Presbyterian Church and the former belongs to the Knights of Honor.

page 723

George J. Reubell, druggist, Hazen, Ark. This worthy and much-respected citizen of Prairie County, Ark., was originally from New York State, his birth occurring in the city of New York, in 1837, and was the only son born to the union of [p.723] Jacob and Mary A. (Cornelius) Reubell, natives of New York. George J. Reubell was left fatherless when but six months old, and his mother, who was a native of France, died at Staten Island, N. Y., in 1845. Grandfather Cornelius was under Napoleon in the battle of Austerlitz, and others, in the retreat from Moscow, and after Napoleon was banished to the Island of Elba he came to America, settling on Staten Island, N. Y., where he followed the occupation of a gardener. His death occurred early in 1856. George J. Renbell was reared and educated in the schools of New York City, and at the age of seventeen years he went to Madison County, Tenn., where he worked at the boot and shoe business. He also engaged in clerking, and in November, 1860, he came to Prairie County, Ark., where he resumed his trade, at Brownsville and Des Arc, until the close of the war. He also read medicine for some time. In 1866 he was engaged in selling drugs for different firms, and also filled the position as clerk in a general store. In 1874 he was appointed assessor of Prairie County, was elected the same year, and served in that capacity until 1878, when he was appointed deputy circuit clerk, filling this

position until 1884. He is setive in polities, and votes with the Democratic party. He is a member of the K. of H., Hazen Lodge No. 3135, and is Reporter of the same. He was also a member of the I. O. O. F. He was married in Des Arc, in 1863, to Julia A. Kilgrove, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of James D. Kilgrove, who was also a native of North Carolina, and who came to Prairie County, Ark., in 1860. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Reubell were born seven children: James C., Gilson B., Henry D., Mary Anna, Medors, Charles E. and Addie. In 1876 Mr. Reubell purchased eighty acres of land, and has added to the same until he is now the owner of 205 acres, with thirty-five acres under cultivation. He and Mrs. Reubell are members of the Presbyterian Church.

W. H. Richards (deceased). Of that sturdy and independent class, the farmers of Arkanass, none were possessed of more genuine merit and a stronger character than he whose name stands at the head of this sketch. His birth occurred in Person County, N. C., February 16, 1841, and in 1871 he was married to Mrs. Harriet (Hunter) Tipton, the widow of J. A. Tipton. Moving with her shortly after to Prairie County, Ark., he purchased in Center Township 100 acres of land which he commenced immediately to improve, and soon had seventy acres under cultivation. He took an active interest in all affairs pertaining to the welfare of the county and in his political views was a Democrat. He was also a patron of education and his death, which occurred in Prairie County, January 25, 1888, was deeply lamented by all. Mrs. Richards was born in the State of Mississippi in 1835, and was there married in 1852 to William B. Higginbottom, born September 15, 1829, in Tuscalooss County, Ala., by whom she became the mother of four children: John B. (a farmer), E. E., S. L. and Mary A. (deceased). Mr. Higginbottom removed to Clark County, Ark., in 1860, and there died in 1863, his widow afterward being united in marriage to J. A. Tipton, by whom she became the mother of one son: John. She was again left a widow in 1871 and the following year married Mr. Richards, as above stated. She was born in Mississippi in 1835, and was one of a family of twelve children born to George W. and Harriet (Bonds) Hunter, natives of North Carolina, who were married in Mississippi and spent their days in the last-named State. Mr. and Mrs. Richards became the parents of three children: Jennie E., Robert L. and Florence Idella.

page 724725

Robert E. Richardson, of the well-known firm of R. E. Richardson & Co., composed individually of J. M. and R. E. Richardson, owes his nativity to Memphis, Tenn., where his birth occurred on January 28, 1848, and where he attended school until fourteen years of age. His father, Gen. Robert V. Richardson, was born in the Old Dominion, on November 4, 1820, and immigrated with his parents to Wilson County, Tenn., in 1834. He received his education in Clinton College, afterward taught school for about four years, and then commenced the study of law, opening an office at Brownsville, Tenn. Here he found the field too small for his capabilities, and later moved to Memphis, Tenn., where he became one of the prominent [p.724] legal lights in the profession. He continued his chosen calling up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1869. In 1845 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Avent, a daughter of James M. Avent, of Limestone County, Ala., and the fruits of this union were three children: James M., Bobert E. and Philip R., the two eldest of whom reside in Prairie County, Ark. Previous to the war Gen. Richardson was one of the largest land holders in the State of Arkansas, owning at one time 100,000 acres of land. He was the inspectorgeneral of the Tennessee Volunteers during the Mexican War, and was in service during the whole time. In 1861 he organized the Twelfth Tennessee Regiment of Tennessee Cavalry, and was assigned duty under Gen. N. B. Forrest, afterward receiving the commission of brigadier-general. Later he organized the Fourteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Regiments of Tennessee Cavalry, which formed one of the principal brigades of the Army of Tennessee, and served with distinction in all the principal battles of the late war. He was paroled at Grenadier, Miss., on April 15, 1865, after which he moved immediately to New York City, where he became vice-president of the United States Cotton Company, and in his official capacity, while with the company, he was obliged to visit Europe twice on business. In 1868 he returned to Memphie, Tenn., practiced his profession there, and while on a tour of inspection of his large landed interest in Southeast Missouri, he was assassinated in Clarkton, Dunklin County, in December, 1869. Robert E. Richardson moved with his parents to Fayette County, Tenn., in January, 1862, and in the spring of the following year he joined the Confederate army as a private, Twelfth Tennessee Ragiment, commanded by his father, and his first engagement was one of the most desperate cavalry charges that occurred during the war. The Twelfth Tennessee Regiment, 325 strong, fought over 3,000 Federal soldiers who were trying to capture Capt. Richardson's wagon train, consisting of sixty or seventy wagons, but the captain succeeded in drawing the enemy away from the train and went out of the fight with 100 prisoners. He was in numerons engagements over Tennessee and Mississippi during 1863, 1864 and 1865, was in secret service also during those two years, and gained much valuable information for the Confederate army. He was promoted to the rank of captain, and served in that capacity until the close of the war. He surrendered April 15, 1865, after which he returned with his father to their home, and was here engaged in tilling the soil. In 1865 he attended the Male Academy at New Castle, Tenn., and there remained until May, 1866. The same year he moved with his father's family to New York City, where the remainder of that year and the whole of 1867 he attended school at the University of New York. At the close of the last-mentioned year he moved back to Memphis, and here read law under Judge McHenry and Col. Hubbard. He remained with them for about a year, and then went to Hardeman County, Tenn., where he was engaged in oultivating the soil until 1868. In June of the same year he married Miss Annie Avent, daughter of W. T. and Nannie Avent, and afterward remained in Hardeman County for four years. In January, 1872, he moved with his family back to Memphis, and was there engaged in the wholesale grocery business, under the firm title of Seales, Richardson & Co. He became dissatisfied with his partner and sold his interest to a man named Murphy, and in 1863 he engaged as a drummer for Menken Brus., remaining with them two years when he was offered a larger salary and egan working for Lowenstine Bros. He remained with this firm until after their failure, when he went to Louisville and worked in the capacity of a drummer for W. H. Walker & Co. In 1879 he and a brother crossed the Mississippi River to Arkansas and engaged in farming and merchandising in that State. In 1881 they moved to Fort Smith, and after remaining there six months became dissatisfled and moved to Prairie County, Ark., where the same year they bought out the firm of R. P. Watt & Co. Here they have remained ever since, and have gained a large trade by their honest, upright conduct. Mr. Richardson has been a member of the K. of H. for seven years; is one of the prominent citizens of the county and is aliberal coutributor to all worthy enterprises. He is a member of [p.725] the Methodist and his wife a member of the Baptist Church. Their family consists of the following children: Aunie C., Robert V., Mattie A. and James E.

J. M. Richardson, a member of the firm of E. R. Richardson & Co., is a brother of R. E. Richardson, the subject of the preceding sketch, and is a man whose excellent business ability is acknowledged by all. He owes his nativity to Memphis, Tenn. (where his birth occurred October 16, 1850), and is the son of Gen. Robert V. Richardson (see preceding sketch). J. M. Richardson received a thorough education in Memphis, Tenn., and New York City and there he began business for himself as book-keeper, remaining thus engaged until January, 1881. He then came to De Vall's Bluff, engaged in the mercantile business on a capital of $1,200 and has been very successful, increasing the original capital to $40,000. He is also engaged in a large ranch business, has an excellent stock farm and has some of the finest blooded animals in the State of Arkansas. He owns about 10,000 acres of good land in the State and is the man who by his wide-awake and thoroughgoing manner will succeed in whatever he undertakes. He selected as his companion in life Miss Ella Rose, daughter of Judge E. W. Rose of Giles County, Tenn., and was united in marriage to her March 18, 1874, at Pulaski, Tenn. The fruits of this union have been the following children: Ella, Gussie, Erma, Annie, Sarah, Lillian (deceased) and James M., Jr. Mr. Richardson is a member of the K. of H., has held all the offices in the gift of his lodge and has represented his lodge

twice in the Grand Lodge of the State. He has been a delegate to every Democratic State convention from this county since his removal here and is a man in whom implicit confidence is placed. He and Mrs. Richardson are members of the Presbyterian Church, take a deep interest in church and school work and are liberal contributors to all worthy enterprises.

page 726

F. M. Robinson, justice of the peace, Hazen, Ark. Mr. Robinson owes his nativity to Madison County, Tenn., where his birth occurred October 10, 1835, and is now one of the much-esteemed and respected citizens of Prairie County. He is the eldest of a family of twelve children born to Henry and Jane (Golden) Bobinson, the father a native of the Old Dominion, and the mother of South Carolina. They were married in Tennessee, where the father conducted a farm, and was a successful farmer. He is still living in Madison County, Tenn., but his wife died in February, 1889. He first settled in Tennessee when it was called Kentucky. F. M. Robinson paused his boyhood days in assisting on his father's farm and in attending the schools of Madison County. He selected Miss Susan Lester as his companion in life, and was married to her December 29, 1853, in Tennessee. She was the daughter of Richard and Mary (Newsom) Lester, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Tennesses. At an early date Mr. Lester settled in Tennessee, and there he and wife passed their last days. Mr. Robinson came to Prairie County in 1858, settled near Hickory Plains, and there engaged in agricultural puranits, which occupation he has continued for twenty-five years. He enlisted at Austin, May 10, 1861, in Company C, Col. Glenn's regiment of infantry, but later was transferred to Company I, as second lieutenant of the same regiment. He was in a number of the prominent battles, Prairie Grove, Helens, Little Rock, Saline and others, and was taken prisoner at Camden, Ark., confined at Austin, and paroled in 1865, after which he returned to Prairie County, Ark. Here he engaged in tilling the soil, and this continued until 1883, when he moved to Hazen, where he followed the carpenter's business for some time, and later the undertaker's business. He owns a good business building and some lots. He takes considerable interest in politics, and votes with the Democratic party. He is recorder of the town of Hazen, and one of the commissioners of accounts of Prairie County. Mr. Robinson has also been magistrate for fourteen successive years, and has discharged all duties incumbent upon these various public offices to the satisfaction of all. To his marriage were born ten living children: Walter (married, and resides near Boston, Tex.), T.A. (engaged in merchandising in Cotton Plant, Ark.), Sam E. (married, and [p.726] residing at Hope, Ark.), Ella (now Mrs. Rev. W. J. Hudspoth, State evangelist of Christian Church, of Texas, resides at Prescott, Ark.), F. C. (physician and surgeon at Kerr Station, Ark.), Emmett (married, and resides at Hazen), F. B. (resides at Cotton Plant), Minnie (resides at Prescott), Eva and Nellie (both residing at Prescott, Ark.). The mother of these children was called to her long home in March, 1886. She was a kind mother and a true helpmate to her husband.

James M. Rooker, farmer and stock raiser, Hickory Plains, Ark. Mr. Rooker is now following a calling that has for ages received undivided efforts from many worthy individuals, and one that always furnishes sustenance to the ready worker. He was originally from York County, S. C., where his birth occurred on December 11, 1833, and is the son of John B. Rooker, a native of South Carolina, and Nancy A. (McCallum) Rooker, who was born in Scotland. John B. Rooker was a mechanic, a bridge carpenter, and moved from his native State to Georgia, where he was engaged in building bridges on the first railroad from Atlanta to Chattanoogs. He subsequently located on a farm in Gordon County, and there received his final summons about 1857. He served as magistrate for a number of years, and was a much respected citizen. His wife survives him, and is seventy-five years of age. James M. Rooker passed his boyhood days in Georgia, and remained with his father until of age, after which he went to Noxubee County, Miss., and was overseer on a plantation for three years. He was married on January 28, 1858, in Smith County, to Miss Mary A. Hill, a native of Noxubee County, and the daughter of Sherod Hill. To this union have been born fourteen children: Emma E. (wife of R. S. Guess), Joseph A. (lives on a farm near his father's), J. Thomas (now taking medical lectures at Little Rock), Ella E. (wife of William Webb), John W., Augustus, Cora E. (wife of J. E. Wilson), Bunyon, Leroy C., Mary O. and Martha (twins), Samuel, Ava and Elmer. They lost one child, Minnie, on November 2, 1871, at the age of four years. After his marriage Mr. Rooker bought a farm in Smith County, and tilled the soil up to the breaking out of the late war. He enlisted in the Confederate army, Seventh Battalion Infantry, in May, 1861, and served twelve months, after which he was in the Forty-sixth Regiment Infantry, and served until the close of the war, being promoted from private to sergeant. He participated in the following engagements: Chickasaw Bayou, Port Gibson, siege of Vicksburg, where he was captured, held a prisoner until the fall and then exchanged. After this he was in the fights at Atlanta, Kenesaw Mountain, and in the fights from Dalton to Nashville. He was again captured in front of Nashville, and held at Camp Douglas until the close of the war. He received one slight wound at Vicksburg, but numerous bullets passed through his clothing. Returning to Mississippi after the war, he followed farming there for two years, and in 1868 moved to Arkansas, where he rented land in Prairie County for one year. He then purchased 160 acres, cleared it, and added to the same until he now owns 500 acres of land, with 150 acres under cultivstion. He has good buildings, a fine orchard of five acres, and is one of the progressive men of the county. He has been a member of the school board for a number of years, and is deeply interested in educational matters. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and he is deacon in the same.

page 727

J. B. Sanders, county examiner of Prairie County, Hazen, Ark. There are many men in this county at the present day in whose lives there are but few thrilling incidents, or remarkable events, yet whose success has been a steady and constant growth, and who, possessed of excellent judgment, strong common sense and indomitable energy, have evinced in their lives and character, great aymmetry, completeness and moral standing of a high order. To this class belongs Mr. Sanders, whose birth occurred in Johnson County, N. C., in 1834, and who was the second in a family of eleven children born to the union of R. T. and Eliza C. (Boone) Sanders, natives of North Carolina. The father was a man of education, having gradusted from the University of North Carolina, in the class of 1828, and was a large land owner in his native State. In 1870 he moved to Prairie [p.727] County, Ark., and later in life settled at Hazen, where his death occurred in 1887. The mother had died in 1885. The father was not active in politics, but took a great interest in church work, and was moderator of the Grand Prairie Baptist Association at the time of his death. J. B. Sanders was initiated into the duties of farm life when young, and received his education in the Baptist College at Clinton, Miss., graduating with the class of 1856. He then commenced cultivating the soil, continuing at this until January, 1863, when he enlisted at De Soto County, Miss., in the Eighteenth Mississippi Cavalry, in Chalmer's division of Forrest's cavalry. Mr. Sanders participated in many of the battles and raids of Forrest's cavalry in West Tennessee and North Mississippi, and was taken prisoner at Spring Hill, Tenn., in January, 1865. He was confined at Camp Chase, Ohio, paroled there on June 13, 1865, and afterward returned to De Soto County, Miss., when he found all of his property, stock, etc., gone and he reduced from affluence to poverty. He was married in Madison County, Miss., in 1856, to Miss Ezza Denson, a native of Mississippi, and the daughter of Harvey and Jennie (King) Denson, early pioneers of Madison County, Miss. One child, Harvey, was born to this union, and he is at present and has been for nine years, a clerk in the Gates mercantile store at De Vall's Bluff, Ark. Mr. Sanders was married in De Soto County, Miss., on December 23, 1865, to Miss Lucy C. Gwyn, a native of the Old Dominion, and the daughter of James H. and Caroline S. (Ransom) Gwyn, natives also of Virginia, and both now deceased. After his second marriage Mr. Sanders settled on a farm, and in 1870, came to Prairie County, where he has been engaged in teaching most of the time for sixteen years. He takes a very great interest in educational matters and had charge of the school at Judsonia, Ark., in the winters of 1881 and 1882. He has been county examiner most of the time since 1881, and has filled that position in a highly creditable manner. He took an active part in the organization of Hazen Township, where he has resided since 1881, having bought seventy acres in the woods, and now has forty acres fairly improved. He takes considerable interest in polities and votes with the Democratic party. He was chairman of the Democratic executive committee of Prairie County for years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, White River Lodge, at Des Are, Ark., and is a member of Quitmana Chapter, Hernando, De Soto County, Miss. He and Mrs. Sanders are members of the Missionary Baptist Church; Mr. Sanders being moderator of the Grand Prairie Baptist Association, comprising this and Arkansas Counties. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Sanders were born seven children: Walter Troy (clerking at De Vall's Bluff), Joseph (who has been contracting for the Little Rock & Memphis Railroad, building wire fence for them since eighteen years of age), James (working for the Little Rock & Memphis Railroad), Bappy (John Thomas), Alice, Hall, and Lucy. Mr. Sanders has seen a vast change in Prairie County, from a moral as well as an educational standpoint, since his residence here. When he first came to Arkansas guns and dogs were often heard on the Christian Sabbath, but now the church and Sunday bell sounds forth instead of the hunter's call. He can say what very few can say, that he has not lost one of his own intermediate family since he came to the State, twenty years ago. This speaks well for the health of Prairie County, Ark.

page 728

William D. Shock has been a resident of Hazen, Prairie County, Ark., for only one year, yet he is well known throughout the community as a suecessful business man, being engaged in the real estate and lumber business. He owns about 100 lots in the town, and has about 1,200 acres of land. He was born in Missouri in 1843, being the eighth child in a family of sixteen born to Henry Shock, who was born in Kentucky in 1802. The latter was one of twelve children born to John and

Mary Shock, who were of German descent and natives of Pennsylvania. The latter couple removed to Missouri at an early day and settled in Boone County, where the father followed farming and blacksmithing. He died in 1855, and his wife about 1862. Henry Shock spent his early life and school days in Missouri, and, like his father, was a successful tiller of the soil, being also a prosperous stockman. He [p.728] was married, first, in 1827, to Miss Mary Jackson, a daughter of Thomas Jackson, a Virginian. Five children blessed this union: John J., Thomas P., Permelia A., Joseph S. and Mary J. (the wife of S. Alverson). The mothor of these children died about 1835, and three years later Mr. Shock wedded Miss Hannah L. Cox, a member of the Cox family of Kentucky, she being one of a family of seven children. To them were born eleven children: James H., Lucinda F. (widow of D. Smart, of Missouri), William D., Daniel P., Sarah and Lydia (twins, the former the wife of J. Turner, of Missouri, and the latter, Mrs. Green Gautt, also of that State), Alonzo, Thaodore R., Robert A. and Milton P. Mr. Shock died in the State of his adoption in 1885, but his widow still survives him and resides on the old homestead, she being a member of the Christian Church, as was her husband. William D. Shock, the immediate subject of this biography, spent his youth in Missouri, and in 1862 left home to take part in the struggle between the North and South. After being in the service a short time he was crippled by a horse falling on him, and was compelled to go home, but upon recovering he again entered the service and in 1864 joined Company H, Marmaduke's brigade, but was afterward exchanged to the advance guard of the same brigade. After his return home he turned his attention to farming and stock raising, in Audrain County, heing very successful in both occupations, but since coming to Arkansas has devoted his time to the real estate and lumber business, and now has under his control about 40,000 acres of land together with a number of town lots. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Nancy I. Gay, a daughter of John D. and Rebecca E. Gay, of Missouri, but natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Shock was born in Missouri, and her union with Mr. Shock has resulted in the birth of three children: Charles E., Olivia (who died in Missouri in 1886) and William R. The family attends the Christian Church.

J. D. Sparks is a stockman and farmer of Center Township, Prairie County, Ark., and was born in Tennessee in 1854, being the youngest of ten children born to David and Comfort (Marphat) Sparks, the former a native of the "Old North State," born in 1808, one of a large family of children born to John Sparks. His youth was spent in his native State, but while still young he was taken to Middle Tennessee, and in this State received the most of his education. He was reared to a farm life, and in 1834 was married to Miss Marphat, she being a daughter of John Marphat, of North Carolina, who removed to Tennessee during the early history of that State. Mr. Sparks' family are as follows: Julia, Minas, Findly, Sarah, Comfort, John, William, Elmira, Amanda and Jonas D. (the immediate subject of this biography). The father was a Democrat, and a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. The early life and school days of Jonas D. Sparks were spent in Center Township, and there he was married, in 1876, to Miss Margie Anna Mills, a daughter of Thomas and Catherine Mills, natives of Tennessee. Mrs. Sparks was born in Arkansas, and has borne her husband four children: Pearl, Ross, May and Berney. In 1876 Mr. Sparks engaged in farming for himself, and by judicious management and industry has become the owner of 120 acres of land, and has about seventy under cultivation. He is a stanch Democrat in his political views, and has always been one of the public spirited citizens of the county.

page 729

Hugh S. Stephenson is filling the office of justice of the peace at Des Arc, and by occupation is an undertaker. He was born in Maury County, Tenn., March 24, 1819, and is a son of Rev. John C. Stephenson, who was born in Tennessee, where he was reared, educated and married, the last event being to Miss Agnes Simpson, who was born in that State. Rev. Stephenson moved to Alabama at an early day, settling in the northern part of the State, where he was engaged in farming and preaching the doctrines of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for many years; he fell in the pulpit while preaching his last sermon, and died soon after, his death being caused by the bursting of a blood-vessel, in August, 1840. His wife survived him until 1887, when she too passed from life at the age of eighty-nine years. Hugh S. Stephenson grew to manhood in Lawrence County, [p.729] Ala., and until he attained his majority, made his home with his father, learning in the meantime the carpenter's trade, at which he worked as contractor until his marriage in 1840. After moving to Sumter County in 1841, he farmed for about eight years, then put up a tannery in Pickens County, and spent eight more years in conducting this business. Northern Mississippi became his home in 1858, and until the opening of the war he was engaged in farming in De Soto County. He joined the Confederate service, Blye's battalion, but a year later he was discharged on account of disability, after which he was on detached duty the most of the time until the close of the war. He continued to make his home in Mississippi until January, 1870, when he came to Des Arc, Ark, and engaged in contracting and building, also the livery business. After following the latter business for about four years he gave it up, and in 1883 began dealing in undertaker's goods, at which he has been quite successful. In all his enterprises he has been reasonably successful, and has sequired a good home and a comfortable competancy. He first filled the office of magistrate in Alabama, serving there about eight years, and discharged the duties of the same office in Mississippi for ten years, and has been justice of the peace at Des Arc for at least twelve years, and has also filled the office of alderman at this place. He joined the Masonic fraternity in Alabama, was Master of his lodge there for about eight years, and represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State. He was also Master of Des Arc Lodge. He is an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and is a consistent Christian. He was married in Alabama, in 1840, to Ann A. Whitley, a native of Alabama and a daughter of N. G. Whitley. She was born in North Carolina, but was reared in Alabama. Their children are: Lou H. (wife of A. C. Westherall), Alice (wife of W. G. Hazen), Lula (wife of Henderson Raid), Willie H. (wife of D. J. Martinger, of Little Rock), Amos J. (at home) and Dr. Charles C. (a prominent young physician of Swan Lake. Robert H. was wounded at Shiloh, and afterward died from the effects of this wound. Mariah, who died several years ago, was the wife of J. B. Jamison. George W., who died in 1884, at the age of twenty-eight years, and two children who died in infancy.

Jefferson J. and Frank Stratton are prosperous farmers and cotton ginners, residing at Barrettsville, and are natives of the county in which they are now residing, and sons of James E. and Comfort (Sparks) Stratton. The father was a Tennesseean, born in 1829, and his juvenile days were spent at farm work in his native State, and in attending the old time subscription schools. About 1858 he wedded the daughter of David and Comfort Sparks, Tennesseeans, and in 1856, came to Prairie County, Ark., and settled in Totten Township, and here reared his family, which consists of the following children: Thomas B. (who died in 1864), Jefferson, Frank, Lou, Dora (who died in 1880) and Eddie. The father of these children was a well-to-do and prosperous farmer, and died in Lonoke County, Ark., in 1873. He and wife were members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and his widow still survives him, and has been a resident of Center Township since 1886. He was a soldier all through the war, enlisting in 1861. Their sons, Jefferson J. and Frank, were born in 1861 and 1864, respectively, and are now young men of enterprise and push, their outlook for the future being bright and promising. In 1887 they began operating a cotton-gin, which has a capacity of twelve bales per day. Jefferson owns 160 acres of land, and has eighty acres under cultivation, while Frank lives with his mother and manages her farm of 160 acres, of which sixty acres are under the plow. Their sister Lon is now Mrs. M. L. McCune, and has three children: Quinton, Birney and Frank.

page 730

John Henry Taylor, editor of the Hazen Free Press, was born April 25, 1862, in Panols County, Tex., his parents, Thomas H. and Annie A. Taylor, being married there in 1855. The father was a Georgian, who went from the State of his birth to Texas in 1849, the mother having moved there from her native State (Alabama) with her parents in 1850. Thomas H. Taylor was one of the gallant "boys in gray," and spent four years faithfully fighting for the cause of the South. After [p.730] the proclamation of peace he began the study of medicine, gradusting in his profession in 1866, and two years later moved to Hopkins County, Tex., where he was suncessfully engaged in the practice of his profession until his death, in June, 1888, being recognized as one of the leaders of the medical fraternity. J. H. Taylor spent his early life, up to the age of sixteen years, on a farm, and became thoroughly familiar with the details and intricacies of farm labor, acquiring also that sturdy independence and honesty of purpose which is characteristic of the average farmer's boy, and which has remained among his chief characteristics up to the present day. Upon reaching the above-mentioned age he entered the office of the Sulphur Springs (Texas) Gazette as an apprentice, remaining there until he attained his twentieth year; then went to Jefferson, Marion County, Texas, and worked for two years as foreman of a book and job office for Wortham & Mullins, but thinking he could do better for himself elsewhere, he, in 1885, went North and traveled over the whole of the Eastern and Northern States, working in nearly every town containing over 10,000 inhabitants. This tour extended over a period of two years, and he acquired a keem insight into the political views of the different sections, from which he is deriving a great benefit. In the spring of 1886 he went to Waco. Tex., where he took charge of the newspaper and book and job office of Rev. J. B. Cranfill, called the Advance office. He was also foreman of the daily, and it was published in favor of the prohibition campaign, which was agitating Texas in 1887. In June, 1888, he landed in Little Rock, Ark, and in July of the same year he setcled in Prairie County, and in August established the Vox Populi, a paper which he edited in a very able manner, winning considerable notoriety as a journalist. February 12, 1889, he was united in marriage to Miss Rosa Cuneo, at Hazen, Ark., and they took a trip to Texas and spent some three months sight-seeing in the Lone Star State. In May, 1889, he established and is now running the Hazen Free Press, an eight-page quarto, at a subscription price of $1 per year. This journal, under the efficient editorship of Mr. Taylor, is already wielding a widespread influence for good, and some interesting and valuable information can always be gleaned from its columns. That a brilliant future in the field of journalism lies before Mr. Taylor is conceded by all, and he gives every promise of becoming one of the leading men of Arkansas. He is of a social and genial nature, "With malice toward none and charity for all."

page 731

Col. Nicholas B. Thweatt, farmer and horticulturist, Hickory Plains, Ark. Prominent among the enterprising and successful tillers of the soil of Prairie County, whose career has been both honorable and successful, is the subject of this sketch. His father, Howard D. Thweatt, was a native of Virginia, who went to Tennessee when a young man and was there united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Echols, a native also of the Old Dominion. The parents moved to a farm in Williamson County, Tenn., and there reared their family. The father was a regent in the War of 1812, but was not in active service himself. He died at his son's residence in Mississippi. Col. Nicholas B. Thweatt owes his nativity to Williamson County, Tenn., where his birth occurred on May 10, 1827, and remained in his native State until seventeen years of age when he went to Mississippi, settling in Yalobusha County, where he cultivated the soil up to the breaking out of the war. In 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate army, served on detsched duty most of the time (in secret service) and thus continued until cessation of hostilities. He was taken prisoner, held at Helena and there suffered much from exposure. He was in numerous tight places, but always succeeded in getting through all right. Returning to Mississippi after the war he remained there until 1867, after which he moved to Arkansas and located on his present fine property. He purchased an improved farm and now has 200 acres with 100 acres cultivated. Like the majority of farmers in that locality he has a good residence and substantial outbuildings. He has a fine orchard of six acres and has one and a half acres in vineyard. He made the first wine manufactured in Prairie County, and makes on an average from 150 to 200 gallons per year. This is a [p.731] very fine quality of wine. Mr. Thweatt was married in Mississippi on December 18, 1850, to Miss Mary Hardin, a native of North Carolina, but who was reared in Mississippi, and the daughter of Redio Hardin. Mrs. Thweatt died on March 25, 1870, leaving four sons: J. G. (an attorney at De Vall's Bluff), A. (a farmer and stock raiser), Prof. H. D. (a teacher of Prairie County) and N. E. (who is on the home farm). Mr. Thweatt is a Royal Arch Mason, also belongs to the Council, and is Past Master of the same.

J. G. Thweatt, attorney, De Valls Bluff, Ark. Every life has a history of its own and although in appearance it may seem to possess little to distinguish it from others, yet the popularity attained by Mr. Thweatt in his profession as well as his political career has contributed to give him a wide and popular acquaintance with nearly every citizen of Prairie County, if not personally, then by name. He came to Prairie County, Ark., from Tallahatchee County, Miss., in January, 1867, settled near Hickory Plaina, where he has since made his home. His birth occurred in Tallahatchee County, Miss., in 1852, and he

was the eldest of seven children born to the union N. B. and Mary (Hardin) Thweatt, natives respectively of Tennessee and North Carolina. The father left his native State and journeyed to Mississippi when a young man, married there and in 1867 moved to Prairie County, Ark., where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is still living, but the mother died in Prairie County in 1869. J. G. Thweatt was early taught the duties of farm life and received his education at Hickory Plains, Prairie County. He commenced reading law at De Vall's Bluff in 1873, and two years later was admitted to the bar. He commenced the practice of law at De Vall's Bluff in 1875 and the following year moved to Des Arc, where he continued his practice. He also engaged in the real-estate business and has charge of the land of the Little Rock & Memphis Railroad in Prairie and Arkansas Counties. He has considerable land for sale in South Prairie County, both prairie and timber land, all well watered by living streams. He has sold a vast amount of land and it is advancing each year in value. Mr. Thweatt is active in politics and in 1881 represented Prairie County in the legislature. He votes with the Democratic party and socially is a member of the K. of H. He was married in Des Arc, Prairie County, in 1882, to Miss Maggle McLaughlin, a native of Kentucky and the daughter of John and Christina (Cooper) McLaughlin, natives of Scotland and Kentucky, respectively. The father left his native country in 1839, settled in Michigan and some time later moved to New York, thence to Kentucky in 1857 and in 1870 to DeWitt, Arkansas County. He was for many years a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, but prior to that was an attorney. He is now located at Arkadelphia. The mother is also living. J. G. Thweatt opened his present office in January, 1888, and is one of the practical business men of the place. He has always taken an active interest in all things relating to the good of the county, especially educational and religious matters, and he and Mrs. Thweatt are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. One child, Charley, is the result of this marriage.

page 732733

Gen. William A. E. Tisdale. The history of the Tisdale family in this country, or rather that branch to which the subject of this sketch belongs, dates back to the great-great-grandfather, John Tisdale, who settled in Massachusetts in 1646, making his home at Taunton. His son, John, the great-grandfather, was a colonel in the Revolutionary War, and raised and equipped his regiment. His son, who also bore the name of John, was born in the "Bay State," was a gentleman of the old school, and possessed very courtly and polished manners, and in his youth was very fond of the chase. His son, Timothy, the father of our immediate subject, was born in Massachusetts, and there spent most of his life, his death occurring in 1856, at the age of fifty-eight years. He was very finely educated, being a graduate of Harvard College, and was a Congregational minister. His wife, whose maiden name was Charlotte Quintin, was also born in Massachusetts, and on her father's side is a descendant of an old Sootch family, that resided in the Lowlands. She was born in 1800, and died in 1869. Her mother was Thankful Nye, [p.732] a sister of the late Senator Nye, of Nebraska Maj. Will. A. E. Tisdale, was born near Winchester, Va., in 1838, his parents being residents of that State at the time, but in his early youth he was taken by them to Hampshire County, Mass., and at the age of fifteen years he entered West Point Military Academy, and was graduated therefrom in 1857. He was sent to the frontier as brevet-second lieutenant, and under Maj. (later Lieut.-Gen.) E. Kirby Smith, Confederate States army, went to Salt Lake, thence to San Francisco, Fort Vancouver, Walla Walla and back to the frontier, where, in 1859, he resigned on account of rheumatism and located in Clinton County, Iowa. Here he was admitted to the bar by the Hon. John F. Dillon, in April, 1861, but did not enter on his practice as the war then came up. He joined the Missouri State Militia as first lieutenant of an independent company, being mustered in by the then Capt. (afterward Gen.) Lyons, on April 23, 1861, for three months, and before the expiration of said service was made captain. He subsequently enlisted in the Fifth Iowa Infantry (in August, 1861), and remained in the army until August, 1867, serving part of the time after being crippled as Adjutant 60, United States Colored Troops, and mustered out with the volunteer rank of major-brevet-colonel, and the rank of captain in the Regulars. He received a severe wound in the thigh at the battle of Wilson's Creek, in August, 1861, and in March, 1862, at the battle of New Madrid, received a wound in the forehead over the right eye, causing the entire loss of the same. This happened while serving under Gen. John Pope, and he received a high compliment from his brigade commander, Brig.-Gen. Schuyler Hamilton. On September 19, 1862, while seting aid-de-camp at Iuka, Miss., he was wounded seven times, twice through the lungs, both balls passing in under the right arm, once through the right foot, one in the right hand, one in the right leg above the knee, breaking the bone, one in the left leg below the knee, and one in the buttock. All these wounds he received in forty minutes, and was complimented on his bravery in a special order by Gen. C. L. Mathiss, his old colonel. Subsequently he served the most of the time on staff duty, holding such positions as provostmarshal, inspector-general and aid-de-camp. He commanded the military prison at Helena for some five months, and was also engineer in charge of Helena's fortifications. He arrived at Little Rock the night of the surrender of Richmond, and was assigned to duty as district provost-marshal, which position he held until August, 1865, at which time he was assigned to duty as superintendent and provost-marshal Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands for the White River District embracing De Vall's Bluff, Augusta, Jacksonport, Batesville and Evening Shades. In October he was ordered to Little Rock to relieve Col. Sargeant, in charge of the largest district of the State. During the reconstruction he was appointed by Gen. E. O. C. Ord, as president of the board of military registration for Johnson County, which office he held until after the election for the constitution, and its adoption in March, 1868. In July of the same year he was appointed by Gen. Clayton, assistant adjutant-general for the State, and assistant mustering officer, and was sent to the distriot embracing the counties of Van Buren, Searcy, Newton, Carroll and Madison to muster the militia, which he accomplished in due time, and returned to Little Rock the night of November 4, in time to vote in the Congressional election held on November 5. He was one of Clayton's brigadier-generals in the military troubles, was with Gen. Upham in his skirmishes, and subsequently commanded the district composed of the counties of Greene and Craighead, where he had a skirmish with the Ku-klux gang, and on being relieved, turned over to Gov. Clayton 980 affidavits of parties who confessed to having belonged to the Ku-klux. All this time he was interested in planting on the Arkansas River, an investment that did not pan out to his advantage, and in July, 1869, he was appointed assistant assessor and deputy collector of one division of the First Congressional district, with headquarters at Jacksonport, and during this time collected some $20,000, much of which he obtained from old delinquents. In March, 1871, he was made chief assistant assessor for the district, with headquarters at De Vall's Bluff, which [p.733] office he held until the fall of 1872, when he was appointed clerk of the United States Court at Helena, and held this office until March, 1875. In March, 1881, he was tendered the position of mail agent on the Memphis & Little Rock Mail Route, the duties of which position he faithfully filled until November, 1881. Since that time he has been twice elected a school director of his district, and although he has never been an aspirant for political honors, he was once nominated by the Republican party for State senator, but declined to be a candidate. He is now one of the commissioners of accounts and notary public of Prairie County. Although disabled and incapacitated for manual labor, he prides himself as being one of the "honest sons of toil," and the owner of about 1,000 acres of land. He was married November 19, 1863, to Miss Serena M. Graham, a daughter of Hon. James B. Graham and Sarah A. (Fish) Graham, the latter a relative of Hamilton Fish. Mrs. Tisdale was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1844, and when about nine years old she was taken by her people to Warren, Ohio, thence to Keokuk, Iowa, at the age of eleven years. She is an accomplished singer, and at the time of her marriage was the leading soprano singer in the Congregational Church at Keokuk. She is one of nine children, all of whom are living and married, with the exception of two who died in infancy. Gen. Tisdale is the seventh son in succession in a family of nine children, the one younger than him a girl, and he and five brothers were in the Union army, three operating in the East and three in the West. Gen. and Mrs. Tisdale have had born to them a family of seven children: Launa Maria (born May 3, 1865, in Keokuk), Frank Story (born in Keokuk November 8, 1868), Maud Alice (born January 13, 1870, and died August 12, 1872, at De Vall's Bluff). The following children were also born there: Charles Henry (born August 8, 1873), Clara Mabel (born October 8, 1874, and died in September, 1875, at Fairmount), Thomas Albert (born Murch 8, 1877, and died August 12, 1878), and John Timothy (born May 8, 1881, and died August 12, 1881). These little ones were carefully laid away on the home place, and the especial care of their graves and the wealth of flowers which bloom over them shows that though absent they are not forgotten. When the General first came with his family to their present home, which they called Pleasant Prairie, the people in the community obtained their mail at De Vall's Bluff, twenty-five miles away, but through the instrumentality of Hon. W. W. Whitehire, then a member of Congress, and a personal friend of the family, he had established a mail route from Lonoke to De Witt, which gave them mail once each week, and later was increased to twice a week. This office was from some esuse unknown abandoned, and Gen. Tisdale had the office established at his home and it was ealled Des Moines, Mrs. Tisdale being postmistress until the establishment of a store at Fairmount, when she resigned in favor of Benjamin Thalheimer. The General is now Post Commander of the G. A. R. Post at Stuttgart, and is a member of the Republican Central Committee of Prairie County. In politics he is a strong Republican, and always has been from boyhood. He has in his possession a silver spoon that came from England with the first John Tisdale in 1646.

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J. M. Van Zandt, M. D. One of the very foremost among the professional and active business men of Barrettsville, is acknowledged to be Dr. Van Zandt, whose personal popularity is unlimited. He was born in Wayne County, Tenn., in 1841, being the eldest of five children born to Thomas T. and Elizabeth (Wells) Van Zandt, the former of whom was born in the State of Tennessee, in 1828, and there spent his youthful days and received his education. He was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a member of the Southwest Missouri Conference. In 1839 he married, his wife being a daughter of George Walls, and in 1844 he moved to Ozark County, Mo., and there became pastor of a church. Of five children born to him, our subject is the eldest. The next in order of birth is John W. (who lives in Marion County, Ark., is married, and has a family of six children), James A. B. (who resides near St. Charles), Elizabeth H. (Mrs. J. L. McSwayne, residing near De Vall's Bluff) and Margaret P. (Mrs. C. E. Hayley, also residing [p.734] near St. Charles). Rev. Thomas T. Van Zandt was a Democrat in his views, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was a man whom all respected and esteemed. He met a violent death during the turbulent times of the Civil War, being killed by Jayhawkers, in 1863. His wife died in Missouri, in 1858. The paternal grandfather, Elijah Van Zandt, was born in North Carolina, and was a participant in the War of 1812. Dr. J. M. Van Zandt received his early education in the common schools of Missouri, and after reaching a proper age, began studying medicine, at McDowell's College, in St. Louis, Mo., and in 1861 began his first practice. He did not continue long, however, but the same year enlisted as third sergeant in the Missouri Cavalry State Troope, and was a participant in the fights at Oak Hill, Lexington, Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove, Hartsville, Cape Girardeau, Helena, Jenkins' Ferry and others. After the death of his father he left this command, and took charge of a company, and joined Price on his raid through Missouri, his last fight being at Newtonia, that State. He practiced his profession in Dallas County, Mo., in 1865, and the following year went to Texas, and settled in Somerville County. Not liking this location, he came to Arkansas, and after a residence in Arkausas County until 1884, he settled in Barrittsville, Prairie County, where he has since made his home. In connection with his practice he is engaged in merchandising, having commenced this enterprise in October, 1889, and is doing a prosperous business. While in Texes he was married, in 1877, to Miss Ida E. Yager, a daughter of R. L. and Elizabeth (Sanders) Yager, the former an Alabamian. Dr. and Mrs. Van Zandi are members of the Christian Church, and are the parents of two children: Nannie M. and Helen E. The Doctor has been an extensive traveler, but is thoroughly satisfied with his present location. He is a Mason, and has a demit from Little River City Lodge No. 402, Bell County, Texas.

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Judge Horace P. Vaughan. On this page of the history of Prairie County, Ark., is found the life record of a man, whose career through life has been as honest in the honesty of manhood, as worthy so far as duty, well and faithfully performed goes, and as untarnished by reproach as that of any man mentioned in the history of the community. He was born in Mecklenburg County, Va., August 25, 1825, and is a son of Pleasant and Mourning E. (Dance) Vaughan, who were also Virginians. The father for a number of years was a teacher by profession, being also engaged in farming. He reared his family, consisting of a son and two daughters, in Mecklenburg County, and there died in 1883, his wife's death having occurred in 1844. Although not favored with very good educational advantages in his yough Judge Horace P. Vaughan possesses a brilliant and cultured mind and his knowledge of books and the world has been mostly acquired since reaching years of maturity. At the early age of thirteen years he began clerking and followed this occupation off and on until he came west in 1852, arriving at Somerville, Tenn., in August of that year. He followed his old occupation of clerking in that place for three years and in 1855 came to Arkansas, settling at Des Are, where he formed a partnership with another gentleman and was engaged in the mercantile business up to the opening of the war. He was then appointed by the military board as secretary of that organization, and this position retained until the close of the war, being also paymaster-general of the State troops and private secretary to the Governor. After the close of the war he settled in Des Arc again, took up the study of law, and in 1867 was admitted to the bar and practiced his profession successfully until 1878. Before commencing the practice of law and since giving up the work he has been engaged in farming and at one time he owned a considerable quantity of valuable lands and town property, but reverses have swept much of his property away. Mr. Vaughan was elected and held the office of magistrate for a number of years, and has been mayor of the town and county judge one term, and to the excellent natural abilities possessed by Judge Vaughan are added the wisdorn and experience of a useful and well-spent life and there was no reason to view his official career with disapproval when he retired from the bench. He was married in [p.735] Prairie County, Nov. 4, 1856, to Mattie E. Brook, a native of Mississippi, and a daughter of Caleb and Mary F. (Jones) Brook, who were among the first families to come to this region. Mrs. Naughan died February 5, 1873, leaving five children: D'Arcy, Emmet, Victor, Percy and Rezzie. Victor died January 24, 1883, aged seventeen years. Judge Vaughan's second union took place in May, 1873, his wife being Mra. Mary J. (Cox) Mizill, was born in Phillips County, Ark., and by her he is the father of five children: Blanche, Mabel, Bertha, Alzie and Horace Cox. Judge Vaughan belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and his wife to the Missionary Baptist Church. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity.

F. P. Wells. A sketch of Mr. Wells' life, as far as Prairie County is concerned, covers a period of but little over six years, yet he has become so thoroughly identified with the business interests of the same, and his career has been so successful that a briof sketch of his career will be of much interest to all. His birth occurred in Erie County, Penn., in 1838, he being the eldest of a family of nine children born to the marriage of J. E. Wells and Louisa Cole. The former was born in the "Green Mountain State" in 1812, and about the year 1820 removed with his father to Pennsylvania, and in that State he was reared to manhood and married, the last-named event taking place in 1835, and resulted in the birth of these children: Mittie, Charles, Jerome (deceased), Julius, Louisa, Judson, Addie, Jerome (named for his elder brother who died) and subject of sketch. Mr. Wells was a tanner by trade, and in this business became quite successful. He died in 1886, still survived by his wife, who is residing in Buffalo, N. Y. F. P. Wells' youthful days were spent in the "Keystone State," but his education was acquired in Hillsdale College, Mich. Mr. Wells is a married man, his wife having formerly been Miss Sarah M. Page, a daughter of E. Page, their union being consummated in 1861, and resulted in the birth of six children: Charles, Marie, Julius, Frank, Louise and Clara. They, with their mother, reside in Buffalo, N. Y. Mr. Wells first began manufacturing boat-oars in 1865, in Albion, Erie County, Penn., but at a later period he removed to Lansing, Mich., where he had control of four mills for this purpose, his business there being on a very extended scale, indeed. In 1883 he established a factory at De Vall's Bluff, Ark., which establishment is the only one of the kind in the State, and it is fitted up with all the latest improved and best machinery, and has a capacity of 3,500 feet of oars per day. He ships his product to all points of the globe, and in addition to having an exteusive trade with the seaport and river towns of the United States, he supplies the markets of London and Liverpool (England), Glasgow (Scotland) and Sidney and Melbourne (Australia). He manufactures pike-poles, handles of all kinds and descriptions, but makes a specialty of oars. Joseph Gordner & Sons, of London, Liverpool (England) and Glasgow (Scotland), are interested in this establishment. Mr. Wells owns a portion of 14,000 acres of woodland, and in addition to this, owns valuable property in Lansing, Mich., and Buffalo, N. Y. Mr. Wells is one of the progressive and enterprising business men of the county, whose strict attention to work, perseverance and integrity have produced such substantial results, and it is a pleasure to lay before the reader the unsullied record of such a man. He is a member of the Masonic order, and he and wife are members of the Congregational Church at Lansing, Mich.

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Dr. David N. White, Hickory Plains, Ark. This much-esteemed and prominent citizen was originally from North Carolina, his birth occurring in Burk County, July 18, 1832, the son of John and Sarah P. (Duncan) White, natives of North Carolina. The father was a blacksmith by trade, and also carried on agricultural pursuits all his life. He moved to Tennessee about 1834, located into Carroll County, and there tilled the soil until his death, which occurred about 1857. His wife survived him many years, and died in Tennessee in 1879. Dr. David N. White passed his boyhood days in Carroll County, Tenn., and remained with his father until twenty-one years old. He embarked in the tanning business when a young man, continuing seven years, when he commenced the study of medicine at Shady Grove, under Dr. J. G. Boyd about 1857. [p.736] He took his first course of lectures at Nashville, Tenn., in the winter of 1860, but had previously practiced for some time with Dr. Boyd. In the last-mentioned year he located in Henderson County, and practiced in connection with Dr. H. Brown for six years. In the spring of 1866, he removed to Arkansas, locsted at Hickory Plains, and has been in constant practice here sinee that time, and had most of the practice in the neighborhood. The Doctor located on a farm when he came here and in connection with his professional duties has carried on agricultural pursuits. He was married in Henderson County, Tenn., on May 6, 1863, to Miss Martha J. Whyte, a native of Henderson County, and the daughter of Joseph Whyte. Ten children have been the fruits of this union, eight sons and two daughtors: Homer L. (a physician now practicing with his father), Joseph M. W. (clerk at Des Arc), William L., David E. Lily, John T., Luther, Newton B., Fred and Mattie. The Dr. and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and have the respect and esteem of all acquainted with them. The Dr. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, White River Lodge No. 30, and is a Master Mason. He was elected a commissioner to locate the court house.

William L. Willeford is the present efficient circuit and county court clerk of Prairie County, Ark., and as his prominent characteristics are strict, honest and exceptionally fine business qualifications, his fellow-citizens have been quick to recognize his merits. His birth occurred in Giles County, Tenn., July 20, 1847, and he is a son of A. H. and Sarah W. (Cotrell) Willeford, the former a Tennesseean, and the latter a native of Alabama. A. H. Willeford removed to Alabama after reaching manhood, and there became a prominent attorney at law, and served the Government as surveyor of that State. After the celebration of his nuptials, he returned to Tennessee, but in 1851 settled in Hernando, De Soto County, Miss., where he successfully practiced law until his death, which occurred in July, 1860. His widow removed to Des Arc, Ark., in 1871, and is now residing with her son, William L. The early days of the latter were spent in Mississippi, and there he acquired his early education, and from this State he joined the Confederate army, in 1862, being at that time only fourteen years of age. He enlisted as a private in Company K, Ninth Mississippi Intantry, and was in the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Franklin and a great many skirmishes. During the latter part of the war, he was transferred to Forrest's cavalry, and was disbanded near Selma, Ala., in 1865. He then returned to Mississippi, and began clerking in a drug store, and during the period up to 1871, he became thoroughly familiar with the details of this business. He then followed this occupation in Des Arc, in the drug store of Col. Burney, until 1875, at which time he turned his attention to farming, continuing one year, and in the fall of that year he purchased a drug store, and successfully managed it until 1882. At this date he was elected on the Democratic ticket, of which he has always been a supporter, to the office of clerk of the circuit and county court, and has been re-elected successively in 1884, 1886 and 1888, and is acknowledged by all to be the best clerk Prairie County has ever had. He has also filled other positions of trust with ability, and in every walk in life, has been straightforward, upright and conscientious. September 26, 1872, his marriage with Miss Emma. Becton was celebrated. She was a daughter of J. G. and Lizzie Becton, and was born in North Carolina, her death occurring in Prairie County, Ark., October 2, 1888, leaving a family of five children to mourn her loss: Anna, Gracie, Jacob, William and Frederick. Mr. Willeford took for his second wife Miss Maggie Bacon, a Kentuckian, a daughter of Ben, and Gabriella Bacon, their union taking place April 17, 1889. Mrs. Willeford is a member of the Baptist Church, and her husband belongs to the K. of H. and the K. of P.

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B. S. Willeford, merchant, Des Arc, Ark. Among the prominent business houses of Des Arc, one deserving of special mention is that conducted by Mr. Willeford, who established himself in business at this place in 1887. He owes his nativity to Pulaski County, Tenn., where his birth occurred on February 13, 1850, and is the brother of W. L. Willeford, whose sketch immediately precedes [p.737] this. B. S. Willeford moved with his parents from Tennessee to Mississippi, thence to Arkansas, in 1870. Previous to this, while in Mississippi, he had been engaged in a number of business enterprises, and, after coming to Des Arc, he engaged in merchandising on his own responsibility. Although he commenced in a very small way, he soon built up an extensive trade, and now does as flourishing a business as any of the substantial men of the town. He selected for his companion in life Miss Amands Allen, a native of Prairie County, and the daughter of Col. Allen, whom he married in December, 1878. The fruits of this union have been two children, viz.: Cannie and Ruth. Mr. Willeford has served as alderman of his ward, also filled the position of marshal, and was deputy clerk at DeVall's Bluff for a time. He has steadily kept up that reputation for excellence, which first gave him success.

Dr. W. F. Williams, physician and surgeon, Hasen, Ark. Dr. Williams is a man who is steadily and surely making his way to the front in the medical profession and as a prominent and useful citizen. He was born in Memphis, Tenn., in December, 1850, and his parents, John S. and Frances S. (Lawrence) Williams, were natives of Virginia and Memphis, Tenn., respectively. The father came to Tennessee, a single man, engaging in the drug business under the firm name of Watson & Williams, and was married in Memphis. In 1856 he came to Prairie County, Ark., settling on a farm, where he also engaged in the practice of medicine, having graduated from the Philadelphia Medical Institute some time previous. In 1862 he enlisted as surgeon in Col. Lemoin's regiment of this State, and later consolidated into the Seventeenth Arkansas Infantry. He was transferred to the west side of the Mississippi River, was enrolling officer for several counties and was made bonding agent for Confederate script. At the close of the war he returned to Woodruff County, engaged in teaching and earned money enough to take him and his family back to Prairie County. He returned to the homestead in the winter of 1865, and resumed the practice of medicine. He was elected Secretary of the State Grange, and was Secretary pro tem. at its organization in 1872. In the year 1875, he moved to DeVall's Bluff, Ark., and made that his home. In 1879 he was elected Master of the State Grange. His death occurred in November, 1881. The mother died in September, 1870. The father was a member of Des Arc Lodge, No. 45, A. F. & A. M. Dr. W. F. Williams was educated at St. Johns' military school in Little Rock, Ark., attending four years, and then attended the Memphis Medical Institute, from which he graduated in March, 1886. After this he commenced the prsctice of medicine near Hickory Plains, and later went from there to Hazen, buying out Dr. G. W. Hudspeth. He takes a prominent part in politics and his vote is cast with the Democratic party. He was married in Prairie County, in 1878, to Miss Elizabeth Horne, a native of Tennessee, who bore him seven children, four living: Frank, Lawrence (deceased), Joseph (attending school in Water Valley, Miss.), Sim, Anna Lou (deceased), Bessie Emma and W. F., Jr. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic order, Hazen Lodge, No. 561, and he and Mrs. Williams are now connected with the Presbyterian Church at Hazen, having been members of that denomination since 1867. He was elected representative to the State Medical Association and is the present Treasurer of the County Medical Society. He takes a deep interest in the temperance cause and is one of the progressive men of the county.

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Rudolph Wintker, planter, Ulm, Ark. This gentleman is another of the many esteemed citizens of foreign birth who have made their home in Prairie County. He was born in Germany on December 27, 1833, and was the son of Matthew Wintker and Wilhelmina Wortman, both natives of Germany and both members of the. Lutheran Church. The father was a farmer by occupation and this pursuit carried on the principal part of his life. Rudolph Wintker left his native country with his mother and emigrated to the United States. They located first in St. Louis, but subsequently moved to Illinois, where they remained two years and then returned to St. Louis, where he learned the carpenter's trade. About 1851 he returned to Illinois, locating in Washington County, and there, [p.738] on January 3, 1856, was united in marriage to Miss Mena Platt, a native of Germany. This union resulted in the birth of nine children, six of whom are living at the present time: Caroline, Franklin, Henry, Emma, Emele and Rudolph, and all reside in Prairie County. The mother of these children died on February 8, 1885, and Mr. Wintker chose for his second wife Miss Helena Eilers, and was married to her on April 16, 1889. He emigrated from Illinois to Arkansas on December 1, 1882, located where he now resides, and is the owner of 200 acres of good land, with seventy acres under cultivation. He has held the office of school director and has been justice of the peace for five years. He has also been a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. Mr. Wintker also handles considerable real-estate and is one of the thorough-going business men of the county. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and reside a short distance from the same. He makes it now a special business to sell real-estate and attend to collections.