E. Dalton is a successful merchant of Warm Springs, Ark., and was born in Ripley County, Mo., October 28, 1829, being a son of David and Priscilla (Demis) Dalton, who were born in Kentucky and Missouri, respectively. The father removed to Madison County, Mo., in 1812, and after his marriage, which occurred there in 1826, he located in Ripley County and settled on Government land where he remained until his death in 1859, his wife's death preceding his by two years. He was a Democrat, a member of the A. F. & A. M., and he and wife were the parents of the following children; Sarah, the deceased wife of G. W. Matney, our subject, Susanna, wife of William Cross, John (deceased), Nancy, wife of H. Davis, Ruth, the deceased wife of James Parker, Priscilla, the deceased wife of J. Bond, and David, who resides in this county. The last two children were twins. E. Dalton, our subject, only attended the common subscription schools for a short time during his youth, but this deficiency he improved in later years, and is now a well educated business man. In 1864 he was forced into the Confederate army, and was with Price on his raid through Arkansas and Missouri. He surrendered at Jacksonport, Ark., on the 5th of June, 1865. He has been established in business at his present stand since 1879, but from 1872 up to that date he had been engaged in that business in connection with farming. He manages his establishment in partnership with his sons, and they do an annual business of about $10,000. He was married in 1857 to Miss Grace J. Head, a native of Missouri, the following family being born to them: John C., Nancy J., wife of  W. T. Stubblefield, C. J., Mary P., wife of W. T. McElroy, Sarah M., wife of W. A. Holt, E. A. and Rufus C. At the time of his marriage Mr. Dalton was not the possessor of a great deal of property, but he now owns 500 acres of land in this State, and 800 acres in Ripley County, Mo. Besides this he owns property in Warm Springs. He is in every respect a self-made man, and his property has been acquired through unremitting toil. He is public spirited, a Democrat politically, and is one of the substantial men of the county. Mrs. Dalton is a daughter of Alex. and Elizabeth (Club) Head, of Wayne County, Mo. Of sixteen children born to them. nine lived to be grown, and four are now living: J. A., of Piedmont, Mo.; Emanuel, of Butler County, Mo.; Grace J. (Mrs. Dalton), and Melvina, wife of Isaac Pollice, of Kansas. The father and mother died in 1859 and 1860 or 1861, respectively, their demise occurring in Wayne County, Mo.
 

 Lewis Dalton, merchant, miller and farmer, Dalton, Ark. Some of the most energetic and enterprising business men of the thrifty little town of Dalton are identified with the growth and prosperity of the same, and none more so than Mr. Dalton. He is an energetic and thorough man of business, and has acquired a wide reputation for general business ability and for honorable dealings. Aside from this he is also one of the most extensive land owners in the county. He was born in Ripley County, Mo., in 1835, received his education in the subscription schools of those days, and only attended one school where grammar was taught. At the age of twenty-five years he commenced farming, and this continued one year. In 1862 he joined the Confederate army, Company I, under Col. Adams, but served only a short time when he was discharged on account of disability. He then returned home and resumed agricultural pursuits which he has followed all his life, and in 1874, engaged in the milling business, erecting a cotton-gin and mill on the Eleven Points River. Previous to the war, January 4, 1860, he married Miss Sarah A. Stubblefield, and two children were born to this union: Acenith, who was born December 13, 1861, and Elijah who was born November 1, 1863, and is a merchant at Dalton. At the time of his marriage Mr. Dalton had cultivated his father's farm, and in 1868 he purchased 287 acres of land. Since then he has added to the original amount until he now owns 1,100 acres, all in one tract, except forty acres. At the close of the war he had very little property, and his father had nothing left except his land. Now our subject is worth at least $30,000, all of which he has made by his own hard work and good business management, besides placing a good income in the hands of his two children. Mr. Dalton is a member of the Masonic order, and is Democratic in polities. He is the son of Elijah and Zillah (Gains) Dalton, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively. Elijah Dalton was born in 1807, and came with his parents to Madison County, Mo., in 1809. He was principally reared in that county, and early in life learned the brick mason trade, but did not follow this after his marriage in 1832. He commenced farming in Ripley County, Mo., and continued this occupation there until his death, which occurred in 1884. In connection with tilling the soil he also operated a water-mill. To him and wife were born seven children (two now living): James M. (deceased), William M. (deceased), Lewis, Elijah (deceased), Zimriah (deceased), Zylphia (deceased) and Levi, who is now residing in Ripley County, Mo. Levi was assessor for that county for six years, was also collector for four years, and is one of the representative men. He follows merchandising in connection with farming, and resides west of Doniphan, Mo. When Elijah Dalton commenced life for himself, he was not possessed of a great amount of this world's goods, but he entered a farm on a strip of land between Missouri and Arkansas, that never belonged to either of the States, until about the breaking out of the late war. Mr. Dalton improved this farm and resided on it the remainder of his days. At the time of his death he was worth about $5,000. He lost his wife in 1852. She was a worthy and consistent member of the Christian Church. Mr. Dalton took for his second wife Miss Elizabeth Stubblefield, whom he married in 1862. By this union one child was born, Joseph, who lives on the old homestead in Ripley County, Mo. Mrs. Dalton died in 1865, and Mr. Dalton was married, the third time, to Mrs. Margaret Johnson, nee McKinnie of Ripley County. She still survives him and is now married to A. J. Ponder of Doniphan, Mo. Mr. Dalton was a Democrat in his political views, and was a member of the Masonic fraternity. The paternal grandfather of Lewis Dalton was a native of South Carolina, and came to Missouri in 1809. He was a minister in the Baptist Church. The maternal grandfather, Nathaniel Gains, was born in Culpeper County, Va., in 1765, and died in 1849. He was a cousin of Gen. Gains, of Revolutionary fame. His father was a great friend of Gen. George Washington.
 

 Jesse R. Davis enjoys the reputation of being a substantial and progressive farmer and an intelligent and thoroughly posted man in all public affairs. He was born on the farm on which he is now residing, December 9, 1846, and is one of three surviving members of a family of seven children born to Joseph H. and Mary (Foster) Davis, both of  whom were born in Randolph County, Ark., his birth occurring November 29, 1822, and hers on the 22d of September, 1824. She died here on the 18th of February, 1854, and after her demise Mr. Davis wedded Candace R. (Lane) handler, widow of John Chandler, an ex-sheriff of Randolph County. She was born in the State of Illinois, on the 11th of November, 1855, and died in this county on the 7th of March, 1857. Mr. Davis followed husbandry through life, and became quite wealthy in that calling. He died March 19, 1870. The children born to his first union are Thomas M., J. F. and Jesse R., all farmers by occupation. Two children were born to his second union, Margenia being the only one now living. His third wife was Miss Fanny Staggs, a Tennesseean by birth, born January 1, 1848, and died in 1884. This union resulted in the birth of seven children, of whom only two are now living. James M. and Louisa. Jesse R. Davis has always resided in his native county, and here, of course, received his early schooling. At the age of seventeen he began for himself, and by good management and industry has become the owner of 360 acres of as good land as there is in the county. He is noted for his liberality, and owing to his many admirable traits has won the respect and esteem of all. October 12, 1871, his marriage with Miss Frances Stump was consummated. She was a daughter of George Stump, and was born in Hardin County, Ky., September 25, 1850, and died in Randolph County, Ark., August 28, 1872. Mrs. Melissa (Thomas) Rider became his second wife March 12, 1874. She was born March 31, 1851, also in Hardin County, Ky. The following are their children: Jacob T., Harry, Rufus A., Laura M. and an infant son. Mary E. was born February 6, 1875, and died March 19, 1880. The family  worship in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Davis is a Democrat.

 
 William DeClerk is an example of the industrious and progressive farmer, and like all his countrymen he is prudent and frugal. He was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1850, and at the age of six years he was put to school and was kept at his books until he attained his sixteenth year. In his youth he learned the intricacies of farm life from his father, a shrewd, practical tiller of the soil, but also gave a considerable portion of his attention to the miller's trade, with which he became thoroughly familiar. He was married in his native land to Miss Mary C. Frenken, whose birth occurred in 1852, and their union has been blessed in the birth of two children: Joseph, and Mary, who died at the age of seven months. In 1880, with the intention of bettering his position, he emigrated to the United States, landing at New York City, and came directly to Pocahontas, and, as he had a comfortable sum of money with which to start in life in a new country, he purchased a farm comprising 200 acres of land, which he is putting in good shape for farming. His parents, Joseph and Agnes (Mechels) DeClerk, were born in the Kingdom of Prussia, and of their two children our subject is the elder. Grandfather DeClerk is a farmer of Germany. The father served in the regular army, and he and his wife died in their native land. The grandfather was a Frenchman, and the maternal grandfather was a miller by trade as were his ancestors as far back as they can be traced.
 

 J. P. Dunklin, Jr., is a young man who is rapidly making his way to the front in the business circles of Randolph County, and in his general mercantile establishment, which he has been conducting since 1888, he is building up a large and daily increasing patronage. He was born in Washington County, Mo., and is a son of J. P. and H. W. (Jones) Dunklin, who were also born in that county and State. The father served as clerk of that county several years, and is now residing in Ste. Genevieve County, Mo. J. P. Dunklin moved to Mississippi County, Ark., in 1869, and made his home with an uncle, a Mr. Hunter, for some time, after which he came to Randolph County, and first worked as a book-keeper in the town of Pocahontas. He next clerked in a drug store until 1885, after which he came to Reyno, where he has lived ever since. He took for his companion in life Miss F. A. Allaire, of Pocahontas, and their union has resulted in the birth of three children: William M., Onida and James E. He is a member of the K. of H., and for two years filled the office of deputy sheriff of the county, and was marshal of Pocahontas four years. In 1864 he enlisted in the Third Missouri Cavalry, and acted as orderly for Gen. Greene, and during his service took an active part in the battles of Pilot Knob, Pleasanton, Kas., and others. His great-uncle was a member of Congress from Iowa, and was the first man arrested as a secessionist during the Civil War.
 

 S. A. D. Eaton is a successful attorney at law of Randolph County, Ark., and although quite young in years he has already won an honorable place among the legal fraternity of the county. He was born in Pulaski County, Ind., in 1860, and there remained attending the public schools until nineteen years of age, at which time he came to Arkansas. He remained here until the spring of 1885, when he returned to Indiana and entered the Northern Indiana Normal School and Business Institute at Valparaiso, which institution he attended during the summer of 1885-86. At the end of this time he again returned to Arkansas, and has taught nine terms of school in Randolph and Clay Counties, and during his career as an educator he diligently pursued the study of law, and was admitted to the bar on the 14th of February. 1889, under Judge J. W. Butler. He began his practice in Reyno on the 5th of March following his admission, has opened with a good practice, and starts out with bright prospects for the future. He is also notary public, and is a member of the A. F. & A. M. His father, J. W. C. Eaton, M. D., was born in the “Buckeye State,” was a graduate of the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Institute, and was a successful practitioner in Pulaski and Howard Counties, Ind., for many years, and obtained considerable reputation as a successful physician. He came to Arkansas in 1879 and died in 1881, in Randolph County. His father was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Ohio of wounds received in the War of 1812, while commanding a privateer. The great-grandfather, Anthony Eaton, was a wealthy resident of Philadelphia and was, as far as known, a son of Gen. Theophilus Eaton.
 

 J. C. Esselman, M. D., one of the oldest and an eminently successful physician of Randolph County, is a native of Nashville, Tenn., born in 1841, and is the son of J. C. Esselman, a native Tennesseean. The elder Esselman, after reaching manhood, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kinkaid, a native of Missouri. He was a Whig in politics, was a great admirer of Henry Clay and was very active in political affairs. The paternal grandfather, John N. Esselman, was a captain in the British army during the Revolutionary War. was a native of Scotland and a descendant of the Campbell clan. He was an agriculturist. The maternal grandfather, Samuel Kinkaid. was a native of Kentucky, and a painter by occupation. Dr. J. C. Esselman was left motherless at the age of four years, and when seven years of age his father also died, so he was indeed left an orphan. He was reared by an uncle. Dr. John N. Esselman, of Nashville, Tenn. He studied medicine with his uncle until the breaking out of the war, when he flung aside his books and joined the Twelfth Missouri Infantry, Confederate army, as lieutenant of Company D. Later he was promoted to the rank of captain, and served in that capacity until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Fredericktown. Prairie Grove, Little Rock, Helena, Mansfield and the entire Banks' campaign. He was at Jenkins' Ferry, and was with Gen. Price in his raid as far as Union City, Ark. When the war closed Dr. Esselman returned to Tennessee and completed his medical studies, graduating at the University of Nashville in 1866, and the same year located at Pocahontas, where he has been actively engaged in the practice ever since. Miss Eliza R. Perkius, formerly from Virginia, became his wife in 1864, and this union was blessed by the birth of four children: Kate (a school-teacher and also music instructor), Mazie R. (wife of M. M. Carter, of Pocahontas), Emma R. (deceased) and Tam. O. Dr. Esselman is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Knights of Honor, and has held various local offices. The family are members of the Catholic Church. The Doctor has a large practice through Randolph. Clay. Greene and Lawrence Counties, and no obstacle which human exertion could overcome has prevented him from visiting the bedside of the sick and afflicted to administer to them whatever relief a skilled and faithful physician could afford. He keeps well posted in all the medical literature of the day, and in his library may be found the latest standard works relative to the science of medicine.
 

 Joseph H. Gamel has attained considerable prominence in the material affairs of Randolph County, for he is a man of excellent parts, and has shown good judgment and tact in the management of his mercantile business, and nets a fair annual income from his sales, his stock of goods being valued at $2,500. He was born in Walker County, Ga., March 26, 1852, and is one of four living members of a family of six children, of whom he was the second, born to Anthony C. and Caroline (Gellon) Gamel, who were born in Tennessee and Georgia, respectively. In 1856 the family came to Arkansas, and the father has since been a resident of Randolph County. His wife died in 1862, when about forty years of age. He served for three years in the Confederate army during the war, all this time being west of the Mississippi River, and was a faithful soldier to the Southern cause. At the age of twenty one years Joseph H. Gamel went to Cedarville and was engaged in mercantile business as salesman for eight years. Since 1881 he has been engaged in business at his present stand, and is also connected with a mercantile establishment at Maynard, the firm name being Gamel & Mock. Mr. Gamel is a successful financier, and by his honesty and fair dealing with his customers he commands a large and paying patronage. In connection with this he also owns a fertile farm, which he conducts, and for the success which has attended his efforts he deserves the respect and admiration of all, for he commenced life for himself without means, and is now doing exceptionally well. Miss Jane Mock, a daughter of Isham Mock, of Randolph County. became his wife February 3, 1876. She was born in the county on the 15th of May, 1854, and is now the mother of four children living: Hattie M., Nellie G., Joseph O. and Thomas T. William P. and Fred. died in infancy. Mr. Gamel is a Democrat and he and his wife are members of the Christian Church. An elder brother of Mr. Gamel, W. A., served in the Confederate army during the war.
 

 Peter Goetz, a farmer and cotton grower, of Randolph County, Ark., was born in New Orleans, October 17, 1829, and received his education in a German Lutheran school of that city. He worked in his father's wood yard in New Orleans while young, and afterward operated a saw-mill in Kentucky, and for seven years shipped lumber to his native city. He then sold out and moved to the “Hoosier State,” and, after operating a mill on Anderson Creek for about two years, he sold out and returned to New Orleans, where for two subsequent years he was engaged in managing a grocery store. He next spent two years as foreman in a still house, then filled the same position in Mobile, Ala., for a year and a half. He then resided successively in New Orleans, Kentucky (where he built a saw-mill, but sold it soon after), Kansas, where he became the owner of considerable land, and remained seven years; then traded his property there for a section and a half of land in Randolph County, Ark. He afterward sold the whole section and a half for $25, and then rented a saw-mill, which he operated two years, accumulating sufficient money thereby to purchase his present land, paying for it $12 per acre. It embraced 162 acres, and he has 110 acres under fence, and is as rapidly as possible improving it and putting it in a good farming condition. When the war broke out he joined the Confederate forces, and served in the Twenty-fourth Kentucky Cavalry, for three years, under Morgan. He was in numerous battles and skirmishes, and served until the close of the war, when he returned home. He was married in Louisville, Ky., to Miss Agnes Rarick, and four children blessed their union: Peter, Maggie (wife of Oscar Garber), Lizzie F. and Charley. Mr. Goetz is a Democrat and a member of the I. O. O. F. He is a son of Nichols and Elizabeth (Schlosser) Goetz, both natives of the Kingdom of Prussia. Germany. They were married in New Orleans, and died there. The father kept a store and lumber yard. The great-grandfather was a native German. and was foreman of some iron works. He lived to be over one hundred and ten years old
 

 Jesse G. Ham, M. D. Among the widely known and most successful physicians of this county is Dr. Ham, who was born in Gibson County, Tenn., in 1834, and was reared and educated in Trenton, Tenn., being a faithful student in Andrew College, of the latter place, for some time. At the early age of sixteen years he began clerking in a drug store, and there acquired a taste for the science of medicine. He commenced his studies under Drs. Tulafro and Leaster, and after making a thorough preparation and devoting his energies to this study for some time, he began attending lectures in the Nashville Medical College, and graduated from McDowell's Medical College, in St. Louis, Mo., in 1857. He decided to commence his professional career in the “Blue Grass State,” and accordingly located at Birmingham, but moved shortly afterward to Memphis, Tenn., and entered upon an active and prosperous career there, in partnership with his uncle, Dr. Tom Peyton, who was one of the leading members of the medical fraternity in West Tennessee. After dissolving partnership with his uncle he went to the Indian Territory, and after remaining for some time in Maryville, he again made a change of residence, this time taking up his abode in the “Lone Star State.” From this point he moved to Matamoras, and after a short period spent in that place he returned to Texas, first to Dallas, then to Johnston Station, back again to Dallas, and then to Fort Worth. In this place he remained until May, 1861. when he and Mr. De Eldrige, of Virginia, raised a company of soldiers, and Dr. Ham was made its captain. They went to Louisiana, but, as, according to the law no organized body of men could be received from Texas, the battalion was disbanded at New Orleans. After this Dr. Ham joined the Fifth Louisiana Regiment, Crescent City Guards, commanded by Judge Hunt, which was the third regiment of men that landed at Yorktown, where Cornwallis surrendered. After the first fight near the coast the command fell back to Williamsburg, where Washington's old barracks were still standing, and Dr. Ham was in the house in which Patrick Henry lived. Dr. Ham was there requested to go before the medical board, and was made assistant surgeon of the Regular Confederate States army, and was assigned to duty at Chiborago Hospital, Va. He remained in the medical department until the final surrender, then returned to the State of Tennessee, and moved from there to Woodruff County, Ark., where he recommenced the practice of medicine. From that time until 1880 he practiced in Jackson and Lawrence Counties, after which he came to Cherokee Bay, and here has since resided. He was first married to Miss Lizzie A. McKee, of Mississippi, and took for his second wife Miss Lizzie A. Thorne, who was a native of New Jersey. Dr. Ham is a Democrat, and a member of the A. F. & A. M. He is a son of James and Martha (Peyton) Ham, the former of whom was a Virginian. Mr. Ham moved to Tennessee when about twenty-five years old, and had acquired a large fortune in the gold mines of Georgia. He held a number of local offices, and was first constable, then deputy sheriff, and finally sheriff of the county in which he resided. He was also clerk of Gibson County, Tenn. He is now deceased. His father was a native of Virginia, and was a son of a native Frenchman.

 
 R. N. Hamil, merchant, Pocahontas, Ark. In preparation of this brief outline of the history of one of the representative men of Randolph County, appear facts which are greatly to his credit. His intelligence, enterprise, integrity, and many estimable qualities have acquired for him a popularity not derived from factitious circumstance, but a permanent and spontaneous tribute to his merit. He established his business in Pocahontas in 1875, and has about the largest general store in the county. His birth occurred in Jeffersonville, Ind., in 1847, and he is the son of William A. Hamil, a native of Tennessee. The maiden name of his mother was Miss Sarah E. Crepps, a native of Virginia, but she had married a Mr. Waddell previous to her marriage to Mr. Hamil. R. N. Hamil moved with his mother to Arkansas on the 18th of February, 1849, and was reared and educated in Pocahontas. When but sixteen years of age he enlisted in the Forty-Fifth Arkansas, and served until the close of the war. He then returned to  Pocahontas and engaged in the grocery business, which he followed a few years. He then commenced clerking for L. Hecht & Co., remaining with them until 1875, when he established his present business, which he has continued ever since. He employs five men in the store, and carries a large stock. He was married in Pocahontas in 1873 to Miss Gertrude Kibler, a native of Randolph County, Ark., and one child has been the result of this union: Lelia. Mrs. Hamil died in 1875, and Mr. Hamil took for his second wife Miss Blanche Kibler, a sister of his first wife, and and two children were born to this union: Earle and Nell. Mr. Hamil is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of the Knights of Honor. He has been a member of the board of aldermen of the city for a number of years, and takes an active part in politics. He owns 2,000 acres of land, also a farm near town, and aside from his mercantile business he also runs a cotton-gin, and is a leading business man.
 

 A. H. Hatley is one of the representative business men of the county and was born in North Carolina on the 10th of July, 1832, being a son of Redin and Delphia (Kelley) Hatley, who were of English and Irish parentage and were born in the State of North Carolina. The Hatley family emigrated to the United States about 1770, as near as can be ascertained, and settled in North Carolina, from which State the paternal grandfather and his brothers are supposed to have enlisted in the Revolutionary War, being members of the American army. Redin Hatley was born in 1800, his wife two years later, and their deaths occurred in 1863 and 1842, respectively. The former was justice of the peace for many years in North Carolina, and although not an active politician he voted the Whig ticket. His wife was a member of the Christian Church, and of seven sons born to their marriage two are now living: A. H. and Henderson, who is a resident of this county. A. H. Hatley became the architect of his own fortune in 1851 and although his father was quite a wealthy man, being the owner of a number of slaves, he failed to educate any of his children, and as a consequence A. H. was obliged to earn his living as best he could. On the 22d of December, 1852, he landed in Randolph County, Ark., and four years later he made his first purchase of land, which embraced 160 acres, and on this farm he has since made his home, it now amounting to 173 acres. In addition to this he owns 120 acres of land on the Current River bottom and a one-half interest in eighty acres on the bay at Peru; also a one-half interest in a general mercantile establishment, which nets from $8,000 to $10,000 per annum, the stock of goods amounting to about $3,000. In 1888 he erected a fine cotton-gin at Maynard, and owns one-half of a gin in the bottoms, which annually turns out about 500 bales. In this enterprise he is one of the leading men in this section of the State, being also one of the largest property holders. At the time of his arrival here he owned nothing, and has made his property by energy and shrewd management. He has been married twice, the first time to Miss Nancy Mitchell, by whom he became the father of two children: Julia A., who was born August 25, 1853, and James H., who was born October 14, 1855. Mrs. Hatley died August 25, 1858, six years after her marriage, and after living a widower one year Mr. Hatley married, September 18, Miss Mahulda Abbott. Elen L. (wife of Gus Reynolds, of Reno), born January 3, 1864; Mandy H., born October 15, 1866, died November 7, 1868; Naomi H., born November 29, 1869; Eli H., born October 2, 1872; August A. H., born July 18, 1875; Atlas H., born July 18, 1878, and Ivy H., born October 28, 1886, and three who died in infancy were their children. Mrs. Hatley was born in 1841. Mr. Hatley joined the Confederate army in September, 1862, enlisting in Company A, and was captured in January, 1863, at Van Buren, Ark., but was paroled after a short time and returned home. After remaining at home for about six months he was again forced into the service, and was with Price on his raid through Missouri and Arkansas. Since that time he has been engaged in the occupations named above, and is now one of the wealthy men of the county. He is a Democrat, and a member of the A. F. & A. M.; his wife belongs to the Christian Church.
 

 William E. Hibbard is a leading and enterprising merchant of Randolph County, Ark., and is a member of the firm of Hibbard & Westherford, who do a general business at Gravesville. He was born in the State of Mississippi, May 10, 1850, and is a son of Joseph and Delilah (Walker) Hibbard, the former a native of Mississippi, and the latter of Tennessee. They were married in Tennessee, but made their home in Mississippi until their son, William E., was a small lad, at which time they moved to Independence County, Ark., from there to Fulton County, and in 1865, came to Randolph County, where the widow and her children have since lived, the father having died in St. Louis, in 1862. He was a teacher and a farmer by occupation, a Democrat in politics, and while a resident of Fulton County, Ark., served several years as justice of the peace. The mother is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and she and Mr. Hibbard became he parents of nine children (William E. being the fourth), and five of them are now living: George W., a farmer of Randolph County; Nancy, wife of Abijah McDaniel, also of this county; Emily, wife of James McDaniel; Sarah, wife of Robert Ballew, they also being agriculturists of this county, and William E., who acquired a good education through his own exertions, and when only a small boy began to assist his mother and brother to make a living for the balance of the family, as they had been left in destitute circumstances by the war. He worked by the day and month until twenty-one years of age, when he married Miss Martha Collier, and began for himself. His wife was a daughter of Robert and Sarah Collier, and was born on the 29th of January, 1851. Their family now consists of eight children: Delilah, William H., Emma, Joseph, Adar and Ida (twins), Martha and Thomas. After his marriage Mr. Hibbard made one crop in Woodruff County, but the following year went to Fulton County, and rented laud of Mrs. Sanders, but after making one crop there he returned to Randolph County, purchased a 120 acre farm on credit, and has since increased his acreage to 250, all of it being fine land, the result of industry and good business ability. In March, 1887, he formed a partnership with Vincent Seagraves, in the general mercantile business, and the following year bought out Mr. Seagraves, and conducted the business alone until within a few months, when he and W. J. Weatherford became associated. He is a Mason and a Democrat, and is one of the most enterprising men of which the county can boast.
 

 Isaac Hirst keeps a general grocery at Pocahontas, Ark., and was born in Greece in 1844. He was brought to the United States by his uncle when a child and grew to manhood in Cincinnati. Ohio, and at Pocahontas, Ark., also receiving his education in the public schools of these places. After reaching a suitable age he worked as collector for different firms for some time, and in 1868 embarked in business for himself. Prior to this, however, during the war he espoused the cause of the Confederacy and served until he was severely wounded in 1864 on Saline River, in Arkansas. He was at Greenville, Mo., Shreveport, Pleasant Hill, La., Prairie Grove, Jenkins' Ferry and Helena, Ark., and was a participant in many skirmishes. After the close of the war he resided in Memphis, Tenn., for three years, then returned to Pocahontas and as above stated entered business for himself, in which he has successfully continued ever since. His efforts to acquire a competency have more than realized his expectations and he now owns some valuable town property. In his political views Mr. Hirst is a Democrat, and he is a Master Mason, a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of H. His people are of Hebrew faith, but he belongs to no church. He was married May 1, 1877, to Miss Nora Hubble, by whom he has two little daughters: Lena and Edith. His parents. Jacob and Theresa (Hanauer) Hirst, were native Germans, but after their marriage removed to Greece and still later to America, the former's death occurring in Philadelphia, Penn., and the latter's in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our subject has an uncle who resides in Memphis, Tenn., and is a member of the mercantile firm of Schollfield. Hanauer & Co.
 

  Dr. Martin Hogan was born on Blue Grass soil November 16, 1833, and inherits Virginia blood from his father and mother, William and Mary (Wallace) Hogan. The father removed to Kentucky in 1808, and was married in Logan County, of that State, in 1812, and there reared a family of four sons and two daughters: Mary A., wife of Dr. Joseph Stewart, died in Arkansas; James B. (deceased), William, who died in Kentucky; John, who died in Randolph County; Maria L. (deceased) and Martin. The father was drafted in the War of 1812, but secured a substitute. He died in Logan County, Ky., in 1840, followed by his wife in 1870, in Livingston County, Ky., both being consistent members of the Christian Church at the time of their death. The youthful days of our subject, Martin Hogan, were spent in laboring on his father's  farm, and his early opportunities for acquiring an education were of the most meager description. After reaching the age of twenty-one years, he entered a graded school with the determination to secure a good education, and after attending for some time at Allensville, he entered the Oakland Institute, and afterward the Franklin Institute in Christian County, Ky., where he finished his literary education, his career in these institutions of learning being marked by close application to his books and able scholarship. During the winter of 1857-58, he attended lectures in the Nashville Medical College, and in the winter of 1858-59, he was a diligent student in the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, from which institution he was graduated as an M. D. in 1859. He commenced immediately the practice of his chosen profession in Logan County, Ky., and after practicing in Livingston and Marshall Counties of that State until 1871, he landed in this county, where he has been engaged in farming in connection with his practice, since about 1873. The Doctor takes but little interest in politics, but devotes all his time to his profession; when he does vote, however, he supports the principles of the Democratic party. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and he, wife and eldest daughter are members of the Christian Church. November 13, 1860, he married Miss Mary S. White, in Lyon County, Ky., her birth having occurred in that State on the 17th of July, 1840. The following were their children: Mary C., who was born March 10, 1862, and is now deceased; William M., born December 17, 1863; Mary R., born January 4, 1867; Lou, born March 15, 1869; John E., born March 21, 1871, and is now deceased; John, born October 20, 1872; Birdie, born March 18, 1874; Lizzie M., born May 5, 1876; Lina W., born April 21, 1879; and Madison B., born February 14, 1884. Mrs. Hogan is a daughter of George and Catherine (Martin) White, to whom were born the following family: Mary S. and Samuel, Eliza A. and George M. (deceased), Elizabeth H., John E., Sarah (deceased), Sol. M., and Edna M., wife of Charles Sexton, of Kentucky.
 

 B. F. Hollowell, M. D. Few, if any, industrial or professional pursuits have within the last few years made such rapid strides as that of the profession of medicine, and among the leading physicians of Randolph County, Ark., who have availed themselves of all new ideas and put them in practice, may be mentioned Dr. Hollowell. He was born in North Carolina in 1823 and was the eldest of seven children, three now living, born to Silas and Sarah (Farmer) Hollowell, who were North Carolinians. They moved to the State of Tennessee in 1828, and in 1832 located in Mississippi, where they died in 1867 and 1869, respectively, both aged sixty-seven years. Silas Hollowell was an active politician in his day, and was also deeply interested in the cause of religion. Their children, who are living, are Martha A., wife of John Porter, of the State of Mississippi; Julia, wife of D. J. Rogers, of Marshall County, Miss., and Dr. B. F. The paternal grandfather, Edward Thomas Hollowell, was born in the “Emerald Isle,” and was an enterprising tiller of the soil. Dr. Hollowell was given the rearing and education which is accorded the majority of farmers' boys, but this work was not suited to his tastes, and he early formed a desire to study medicine. At the age of twenty years he left home and entered upon his medical studies under a preceptor in Marshall County, Miss., and after two years of faithful and diligent study he entered Oxford Institute, from which institution he graduated in 1847. The following year he moved to Izard County, Ark., where he was actively engaged in the practice of his profession until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted as a Federal spy, and to the best of his ability kept the Union forces posted as to the doings of the enemy. During this time he continued the practice of his profession as a blind, but in 1863 he openly joined the Federal forces as a scout, serving in this capacity until the close of the war. From that time until 1870 he was a practicing physician of Greene County, Mo., after which he returned to Izard County, Ark., and was actively engaged in the practice of his profession for two years. The two succeeding years were spent in Ash Flat, Sharp County, Ark., and the following year he was appointed deputy collector of this district, which position he held in a very efficient manner until 1877, at which date he was appointed United States commissioner for the Eastern district of Arkansas, and still continues to discharge the duties of this position to the satisfaction of all concerned. Since the year 1878 he has resided on his present farm. He was first married in 1843 to Miss Frances C. Box, who was born in Alabama and died in 1858, having borne two children: Sarah P., wife of James Robinson, and Stephen E. Margaret Beard, a native of Alabama, became his second wife in 1859. Eugenia, wife of John Wood; Ann Eliza, wife of John McCracken, and Joseph are the extent of their family. Dr. Hollowell was called upon to mourn the loss of his second wife in 1874; she had been an earnest member of the Christian Church for many years. His first wife was a Methodist and an earnest worker for the cause of Christianity. The Doctor was married at Ash Flat, in June, 1875, to Miss E. B. Goodwin, a native of Tennessee, an estimable lady whose education and general information well qualify her for a minister's wife. She is a member of the Christian Church and an active, zealous worker. Two children are the result of this union: Walter Cullen, in his thirteenth year, and Hubert Clayton, in his eleventh; both bright, active lads, who promise much in the way of comfort to their parents. Dr. Hollowell was ordained a minister of the Christian Church, October 28, 1868, and much of his time and attention has been devoted to expounding the Gospel, and his efforts in saving souls have met with good results. He has always been a stanch Republican in his political views, and he has shown his approval of secret organizations by becoming a member of the A. F. & A. M.
 

 William L. Holt, justice of the peace, Warm Springs, Ark. To the person who closely applies himself to any occupation which he has chosen as his calling through life there can be but one result, that of success. The above mentioned gentleman has been an agriculturist the principal part of his life, and success has marked his efforts. He has a farm of 240 acres, 100 being under cultivation, has a good house and barn, and over his broad acres may be seen many horses and cattle, for he is also a prominent stock farmer. He has received assistance from no one, but is simply the architect of his own fortune. His birth occurred in Randolph County, Ark., January 1, 1842, and he is the son of John and Mary (Barrett) Holt, natives of Missouri and Alabama, respectively. The parents were married in 1839. The elder Mr. Holt was born in May, 1814, and died January 12, 1862. He came to Arkansas with his father when only seven years of age, and was reared in this county. He received but a limited education, and tilling the soil was his principal occupation during life. His wife was born in May, 1818, and died March 4, 1884. She was a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Holt was quite active in politics, and cast his last vote for Stephen A. Douglass. Although a Democrat he opposed the Rebellion. The maternal grandfather of our subject was in the War of 1812, served under Gen. Jackson, and was at the battle of New Orleans. The paternal grandfather was one of the pioneers of Missouri, and during his early life in Washington County, of that State, had many fights with the Indians. He came to Randolph County, Ark., as early as 1821, and many interesting and exciting times did he have with the Indians in this section. Buffaloes and many wild animals were also very plentiful. He was a hatter by trade, a prominent Mason, and was one of the leading men of the county. William L. Holt was reared in his native county, and had only limited educational advantages, but these he improved, and is now one of the best posted men to be found in the county. He was married October 18, 1862, to Miss Nancy G. Philips, a native of Tennessee, and they have two children, W. A., engaged in merchandising at Warm Springs, married to Miss Melissa Dalton, of Warm Springs, in November, 1886, and has one child, John R., living at Doniphan, Mo., and is clerking in a store. He has been attending school for some time at that place. Our subject, W. L. Holt, was in the Confederate army, enlisting in 1862, and surrendering at Jacksonport, Ark., June 5, 1865. He was on Gen. Price's raid through Missouri, and took part in numerous engagements. He returned to his home at the close of the war, and engaged in farming and stock raising, which he has carried on in a very successful manner ever since. In 1878 he was elected justice of the peace, and served two terms. He was re-elected in 1884, and has held the position since, this making his fifth term. In 1888 he was a member of the Democratic State Convention, has been school director several terms, and has held many minor offices. At the time of his marriage he was not possessed of a great amount of this world's goods, but he has been successful in all his undertakings, and is now prepared to enjoy life. He is Democratic in his politics. Mrs. Holt is a member of the Baptist Church, and he also holds to this faith.
 

 Joseph Hufstedler, who represents the milling interests of Randolph County, Ark., is a Tennesseean by birth and bringing up, and inherits the principles of the better class of citizens of that State. He was born in 1843, and as soon as a suitable age was reached he was placed in school, but after attaining his eleventh year his education was received in Randolph County, Ark. In 1861 he entered the Confederate army, and served until February 20, 1864, when he left the field and came home. He was at Shiloh. Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga and in other engagements, and was wounded twice during his service. After his return home be engaged in farming, and in 1869 was appointed sheriff and collector of the county for four years, and at the end of that time was elected treasurer on the Republican ticket, and ably discharged the duties of that office for two years. He has also filled the office of deputy United States marshal of Northern Arkansas for several years. For some fifteen years he has been engaged in the milling business, and his establishment is fitted up in good style, consequently the product which he has turned out has proved to be eminently satisfactory. Besides his mill he owns four and one-half acres of land on which is his residence, and also a farm of 200 acres. He was first married to Miss Mary Hufstedler, and after her death he wedded Miss Huldah Hufstedler, and by her has had a family of nine children: Birdie, Ella, Blanche, Lizzie D. and Kate, living, and Lydia, who died at the age of nineteen months; Earl, when one and one-half years old, and two children who died in infancy. Our subject and wife are members of the Christian Church; he is a Royal Arch Mason, and belongs to the K. of H. He is a son of Joseph and Lydia (Chandler) Hufstedler, and is the youngest of their five children, three of whom are living. The father died when our subject was a small lad. He was a farmer. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Hufstedler, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and removed from his native State to Arkansas in 1854, where he died five years later. His father was a native German, and came to the United States at an early day, and first settled in North Carolina and afterward in Tennessee.
 

 Simon Peter Hurn. Among those who deservedly rank among the progressive and rising agriculturists of Randolph County, Ark., is the above mentioned gentleman who has resided here since 1850, and is now the owner of 400 acres of as good land as there is in the county. He is one of ten children, and was born in Monroe County, Ga., April 25, 1829, and is a son of Randall and Nancy (Dunn) Hurn, natives of North Carolina and Georgia, respectively. The father removed to Georgia when a young man, was married there, and there resided until 1850, when he moved to Arkansas, and located in Randolph County, where he died in May, 1858, when sixty-six years of age, followed by his widow two years later when aged about fifty-six years. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he was a Baptist until a few years before his death, when he became Methodist in belief. He was a life-long Democrat, a farmer by occupation, and after a lifetime of hard labor he became a wealthy citizen. His father, James Hurn, who was of Irish birth, served in the Colonial army during the Revolutionary War and was a participant in many battles, being at Yorktown when Cornwallis surrendered. He died in North Carolina. The maternal grandfather, James Dunn, was born in North Carolina, and also served in the American army during the Revolution. The children born to Randall and Nancy Hurn are as follows: James and Simon Peter, farmers of Randolph County; Paul R., a farmer of Washington County, Ark., Mark, a farmer of Clay County, Ark.; Ezekiel, a minister of the Washington County Primitive Baptist Church; Permelia E., wife of James Sammonds of Randolph County; Nancy J., wife of Ben F. Tyler, a farmer of this county, and Leah S., wife of William Kirk of this county. Those deceased are John and Matthew, who was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in Randolph County. At the age of twenty-one years, Simon Peter Hurn, our subject, began life for himself as a farmer, but afterward learned the butcher's and stone mason's trades, at which he worked for many years. He started without any means whatever, but by the help of his wife, who was a strict economist and an excellent manager, he has become one of the wealthy men of the county. In 1861 he enlisted in Capt. Connor's company, Adams' regiment of the Confederate States army, and during his four years' service he was in the battles of Saline, Pilot Knob, Big Blue and others. He was a heavy loser by the war, but afterward managed to make his losses good. Sarah Jane Alexander, a daughter of John W. and Mary T. (Mostice) Alexander, became his wife November 21, 1850. She is a native of the county and was born August 31, 1830, becoming by Mr. Hurn the mother of eight children: Matilda E., Mary L., John W., Emily J., Luther D., Peter M., Eliza Ann, Leslie B. and Thomas F. Peter M. died when six years of age. Mr. Hurn and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, for the past forty years, and he has served the most of this time as steward. Politically he is a Democrat.