Stephen C. McCrary. The agricultural affairs of Randolph County, Ark., and particularly of Current River Township, are ably represented by Mr. McCrary, who comes of an old established family of this community. Hugh McCrary, his father, a Kentuckian by birth, who was a blacksmith and a farmer by occupation, was one of the early pioneers of Phillips County, Ark., and made the second cotton scraper ever used in Phillips County. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and took an active part in the battle of New Orleans. He died in 1870 at the age of seventy-seven years, and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Wilson, also died here. When twelve years of age Stephen C. McCrary began to fight the battle of life for himself and made his home with his relatives until August, 1864, when he enlisted in the Confederate army, and until the close of the war was in several hotly contested engagements. After his return to Phillips County he engaged in farming, continuing until 1867, since which time he has followed the same occupation on Current River, in Randolph County. He improved a small farm, but in 1880 removed to Reyno and built a cotton-gin, grist and saw-mill (the first in the place), which he is still conducting. The capacity of his saw-mill is 8,000 feet per day, and gives employment to twelve hands, and about one-half the town of Reyno is laid out on his land, of which he has 120 acres. In 1866 he was married to Miss Harriet Susan Hite, of Phillips County, and their family comprised seven children, only three of whom are living: Sallie C., widow of J. S. Reynolds, of Reyno; Blanche, wife of James E. Casey, and John, at home. The family was called upon to mourn the death of the mother in 1879. Two years later Mr. McCrary married Elizabeth Goodwin, whose maiden name was Luttrell, and by her he has three children: Mande, Helen and Vistor. Mr. McCrary is a Mason, and his wife belongs to the Eastern Star Lodge.
 

 Dr. Jonathan M. McGuire is worthy of being classed among the substantial residents of Randolph County, Ark. He was born in Scott County, Va., May 27, 1823, and is a son of John B. and Nancy (King) McGuire, who were also Virginians, the father a farmer and blacksmith by occupation, who after coming to Randolph County, Ark., in 1858, continued to follow these occupations until his death, which occurred in 1864, at the age of sixty-two years. He was a Mason, a Democrat politically, and the last forty years of his life was an elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he was an eloquent expounder of the Christian faith. His wife, who was also an earnest member of that church, died in 1867. The following are the surviving members of their nine children: J. M., whose name heads this sketch; J. F., a farmer, residing in St. Clair County, Mo.; T. B., a practicing physician, of Kansas, and David F., a farmer, of Ripley County, Mo. Dr. Jonathan M. McGuire received a limited education in youth, and at the age of nineteen years began the battle of life for himself, and from 1824 to 1859 was engaged in husbandry in Middle Tennessee. At the latter date he moved to Arkansas, and located on his present farm of 160 acres, which is well improved, with good buildings and orchard. In addition to his farm work he is a practicing physician, and is well and favorably known throughout Northeast Arkansas, having followed this profession for the past thirty years. He has held the office of district commissioner for ten years, and is an active supporter of all worthy movements in his community. Politically he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison, for President, and his last for his grandson, Benjamin F. Harrison. He was married on the 13th of October, 1841, his wife being a native of Middle Tennessee. She died in 1863, having borne the following children: James, who died in Arkansas, at the age of forty years; Nancy A. (Miller) who also died in Arkansas, at the age of twenty-six years; Mary (Shoemaker), who died in this State, at the age of twenty-two years; Nebraska Delaney, who died in Arkansas, when twenty years of age, and Thomas Cary, who is married, a farmer and resides in Clay County, Ark. Mr. McGuire was married to his second wife April 22, 1865, she being a Mrs. A. A. Friar, of Como County, Miss., who died in January, 1882, having borne two children: America Jane, who was born in 1865, and died when six months old, and J. B., who was born in January, 1868, and is now married to Emeline Odum, of Missouri. 
 

 Hon. Hammet McIlroy, the oldest living settler of Randolph County, Ark, was born in Madison County, Mo., March 9, 1812, it being then a portion of Louisiana Territory. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (McLain) McIlroy, the father's birth occurring in Culpeper County, Va., in 1781, and his death in Randolph County, Ark., April 8, 1853. The early youth and manhood of the father were spent in his native State, and his first removal from there was to Hopkins County, Ky., where he met and married Miss McLain, whose birth occurred in South Carolina, in 1793, their union taking place in 1808. Shortly after their nuptials they removed to Cape Girardeau County, Mo., then to Madison County, and in 1813, came to what is now Randolph County, Ark., where they made their home until their respective deaths. The mother died December 5, 1850. Samuel McIlroy was a soldier in the War of 1812, and fought the Seminole Indians. In his youth he learned the hatter's trade, but the most of his later years was spent at farming, in which occupation he was quite successful. He was a Democrat. His father. Daniel McIlroy, was born in Virginia, and was of Scotch descant. He was a Revolutionary soldier, and was once captured at the battle of Long Island. Alexander McLain, the paternal grandfather, was also in that war, and was at the battles of King's Mountain, Cowpens and others. There were born to the marriage of Samuel and Elizabeth McIlroy, ten sons, seven of whom lived to maturity. Hammet was the second child, and is one of only two who are now living. He and his brother, Andrew J., worked for their father until sixteen years of age, learning in the meantime the hatter's trade, and after that time began working at their trade for themselves. In 1844 Hammet turned his attention to farming, and his labors in this direction have been attended with good results, he being now the owner of 650 acres of excellent land, a considerable portion of which is rich bottom soil. He has been an extensive trader in grain and stock, and has shipped both down the river on flatboats. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and in 1850 he was elected to represent Randolph County in the State legislature, and in 1852 was re-elected to the same position. July 11, 1833, he married Miss Elizabeth Davis, a daughter of Lot and Mary Davis, who came from Iron County, Mo., to this county in 1818. She was born May 14, 1815, and died February 1, 1871, having been an earnest member of the Baptist Church for many years. Five of her ten children are now living: William, Thomas J., Archibald Y., Elizabeth Jane and Clorah T. Mr. McIlroy married his second wife on the 10th of September, 1871, her maiden name being Maria L. Cooper, who was born in Greene County, Ind., April 22, 1828, a daughter of M. Cooper, and the widow of William J. Inman. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and although they are now quite aged, they are yet hale and hearty, giving promise of spending many more years of usefulness in Randolph County. In the legislature of 1850 Mr. McIlroy heartily endorsed the compromise act as it was passed by Congress that year, and warmly supported by Clay, Webster, Douglas and others. This session witnessed resolutions introduced, some approving and others opposing the action of that honorable body. In 1860 and 1861, when the subject of secession was being warmly discussed, he opposed secession to the utmost of his ability, first because he did not think there was sufficient cause to justify such a course, and next owing to a belief that secession could not win. After the war had progressed about three years and President Lincoln had offered his amnesty proclamation, he was in favor of accepting that, and when the Confederate armies had surrendered and peace was made and the Southern States offered pardon and restoration to their constitutional rights in the Union on certain conditions, he advocated reconstruction as proposed by the Federal government, as they were the victorious party, and as such had the right to dictate the terms of peace to the vanquished.
 

 Andrew McIlroy is one of the oldest and most prominent residents of the county, and during his entire life, which has been spent in this county, naught but good has been said of him, for he has been honest, industrious, and has kept himself thoroughly apace with the times. His birth occurred on the 10th of September, 1821, and he is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (McLain) McIlroy, a short sketch of whom is given in the biography of Hon. Hammet McIlroy. Andrew McIlroy attended the common country schools in his youth, where he acquired a fair knowledge of the English branches, and up to of twenty he  commenced driving stock, and the following year he took charge of the stage line from Fredericktown, Mo., south to Reeves' Station, same State. Two years later he bought forty acres of land and commenced farming, and since that time has added thereto, until he now has 970 acres, all of which is the result of his own good business ability and shrewd management. He has made it a point through life never to go in debt, and he can now look back over a useful and well spent life. His wife was formerly a Miss Sarah A. Davies, whom he married in 1844. She was born in Virginia, March 3, 1823, and has borne a family of ten children, of whom Margaret E. (Williams), Mary Susan (Lewis), James F., Dan W., Amanda C., Martha Josephine and Sarah A. are living. John A. died when thirteen years of age, and the others in infancy. Mrs. McIlroy is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. McIlroy is a Mason, a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and a Democrat. Previous to the war he was postmaster at Lima seven years, and it was chiefly through his efforts that the postoffice at that point was established.
 

 T. J. McIlroy, farmer, Dalton, Ark. Mr. McIlroy is a practical farmer, one who believes that it is beneficial to have all his farming operations conducted in a manner so thorough as to not slight one department of labor in order to bestow more work on some other portion. This idea is carried out very completely. He is a native of the State of Arkansas, where he was born in 1840, and is the son of Hammet and Elizabeth (Davis) McIlroy, natives of Arkansas and Missouri, respectively. The father was one of the very earliest white children born in this section (see sketch of Andrew McIlroy for history of grandparents) and was early reared to farm labor. He also learned the hatter's trade, and worked in the shop until grown. He made some hats after being married, and let his sons manage the farm. His marriage occurred in 1833 with Miss Davis, and their union was blessed by the birth of ten children, seven of whom lived to be grown: William, living in Texas; T. J. (subject), Martha (deceased wife of Newton Robinett); Maria L. (deceased wife of Columbus Fry); Elizabeth J., wife of William Baker; A. Y., living in Hood County, Tex., and Clorah, wife of W. C. Bird. Hammet McIlroy received but a limited education, though, after all, one superior to most boys in those days, for he was fond of study and was a good pupil. In 1850 he was elected to represent his county in the legislature, and two years later was re-elected, thus serving two terms. He never held any other office. He was opposed to the secession of the States, though he is a strong Democrat, and never served in any of the wars. At present he is residing on the farm that he purchased fifty-seven years ago. He is a member of the Baptist Church. His wife, who died in 1871, at the age of about fifty-six years, was also a member of the same church. When it became necessary for the subject of this sketch to start out in life for himself, he very naturally and wisely chose the occupation to which he had been reared, and from that time until the present his success has been such as only a thorough acquaintance with his calling and years of experience could lead him to achieve. He began tilling the soil on land purchased from his father, and when in his twenty-first year (1861) he was united in marriage with Miss Mary White, of Randolph County. To them were born seven children: W. T., a merchant at Dalton, Ark.; Nora E., wife of James Dalton; Robert L., James I. I. and Henry M. (twins), Sarah A. and Mary F. Mrs. McIlroy is the daughter of Howell and Elizabeth (Stubblefield) White, natives of this county. They were the parents of four children, three of whom lived to be grown: Henry. Mary, and Frances M. (deceased). Mr. McIlroy joined the Confederate army in 1861, and served eighteen months in Gen. Price's command. He was not in any battles that amounted to anything, but was in a number of skirmishes, and although serving only the above mentioned time, he was still enrolled at the close of the war. He surrendered at Jacksonport, Ark., June 5, 1865. He then came home, engaged in farming and stock raising, and has continued the same ever since. At that time he was the owner of 130 acres, thirty being under cultivation. He is now the owner of about 500 acres, with 220 improved. He also owns considerable personal property, and makes a specialty of raising mules. Instead of cotton he raises corn, wheat and clover, and has one of the best improved farms in the county, with good barns, out buildings, etc. Mr. McIlroy is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He takes a great interest in school affairs, and is a liberal supporter of all laudable enterprises.
 

 Cicero D. McIlroy is a man well known to the people of Randolph County, Ark., for he was born here on the 24th of April, 1850, and is a son of John and Mary A. (Jones) McIlroy, who were natives of Madison County. Mo., and Randolph County, Ark., respectively. The father was born in the former county in 1818, and died in the latter in November, 1862. His widow survives him and resides in Randolph County. Both were church members, he being in communion with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and she with the Baptist. His life was given to tilling the soil, and the manner in which he acquired his possessions showed him to be an energetic and excellent business manager. His first money was obtained by making rails, and he afterward traded in stock, shipping south on flat boats. He was a stanch Democrat in his political views. Cicero D. McIlroy is the third in the family, the names of the others being as follows: Callie (Brook), Mary E., wife of John Amos, a farmer of the county: Alexander H., also a farmer, residing on the old homestead; Robert J., residing in the county; Penelope, wife of Jasper Vandergriff, of this county; Samuel B., also residing here, and Evaline, the wife of Gilleon Thompson, who is now assessor of this county. Cicero D. McIlroy received his education in the common schools, and being the eldest of the family it fell to his lot to take charge of the home farm after his father's death, but he proved to be a successful manager. In 1870, 1874 and 1875 he acted as salesman in a mercantile establishment, being first employed by James & Schoonover and then by W. R. Hunter. His present property, which he purchased in 1880, amounts to 320 acres, and he has 100 acres under cultivation. Like the majority of his family he is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mrs. McIlroy's maiden name was Lavinia W. Ellis; she was born in Kentucky on the 18th of January, 1852. Her marriage with Mr. McIlroy took place in 1876, and to them has been born one child, Eunice D.
 

 D. W. McIlroy. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is a member of the general mercantile firm of McIlroy & Hatley, located at Peru, about twelve miles northeast of Pocahontas, between the Current and Black Rivers. They have been established at that place since 1886, and being men of enterprise and excellent business qualifications, they are doing a prosperous business. D. W. McIlroy is a native-born resident of Randolph County, Ark., his birth occurring in 1853, and he is a son of Andrew and Sarah Ann (Davies) McIlroy, who came from their native State, Virginia, to Arkansas in 1836, and settled in Randolph County, where they are still living. Doubtless no man in this county is more universally expected, for to know him is to have a high admiration for him, as he is possessed of those sterling characteristics which go to make up a valuable citizen. D. W. McIlroy received his early education in the public and private schools of Randolph County, and from his earliest recollections he has been familiar with farm work, for as soon as he was old enough he was put to the plow. After his marriage, which occurred in 1875, he removed to the farm of 204 acres in Current River Township, which was given him by his father, and on this he is still making his home. He has increased his acreage to 324 acres, and has his farm in good condition, as he has ever been ready to adopt all methods which may tend to benefit this property. In connection with his store and farm he is engaged in operating a saw and grist-mill, also a cotton-gin: and in these various enterprises he is meeting with well deserved success. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., has been postmaster of Peru six years, and held the same position at Lima. His wife was a Miss Martha Gross, a native of Muhlenburgh County, Ky., and by her he has a family of three children: Gertrude, Cora and Frank.
 

 Mahlon McNabb, one of the prominent agriculturists of Warm Springs Township, owes his nativity to Kentucky, having been born in Trigg County, of that State, on the 13th of May, 1825. His parents, Elias and Margaret (Adair) McNabb, were both natives of South Carolina, but were married in East Tennessee. They came to Arkansas in 1840, settled in the southeast portion of Ripley County, and there passed the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1858 and the mother in 1859 or 1860. They reared a family of children: Delila (deceased), wife of Jefferson Jenkins; Acenath (deceased), wife of William Mulholland; Sarah (deceased), wife of William Dunn; Ruth (deceased), wife of Green Goff; Rhoda (deceased), wife of Madison M. Robb; Nancy (Spencer), Mahlon, Mary (deceased), wife of John Bryant; F. A. (deceased), whose family lives with subject; G. M., Enoch (deceased). Elias McNabb was a man well educated for the time and country in which he lived, and took a great interest in politics, being Democratic in his views. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and Mrs. McNabb was a member of the Baptist Church. When twenty-one years of age Mahlon McNabb commenced work for himself by farming in Arkansas, to which State he had emigrated in 1850. Five years later he entered forty acres of land, and from time to time added to this until he had 400 acres in one body. One farm of eighty acres he cultivated, and in 1875 he gave his two youngest sons forty acres each, including the old homestead. He then sold the remaining 320 acres, and purchased his present property of sixty-three acres, with about thirty acres under cultivation. He was married the first time, in 1846, to Miss Harriet Lacy, and by her became the father of seven children, five of whom lived to be grown, and two are now living: Andrew J., a farmer living in this county; Charley (deceased), Isabella (deceased) wife of John P. Bigger; Elias (deceased), and Michael, who lives in Washington County, Ark. Mr. McNabb was married, the second time, to Miss Amelia James, in 1870. She was born in De Soto County, Miss., in 1844, and came with her parents to Randolph County, Ark., in 1859. In his boyhood days Mr. McNabb had but a poor chance for an education, but after his first marriage he applied himself, read a great deal, and is now a pretty well informed man. He is an A. F. & A. M., and in politics is a Democrat. He was elected justice of the peace of his township in 1860, and served two years. In 1862 he was elected sheriff of the county, and served until 1865, when at the close of the war he was disfranchised, and could not hold his office. In 1861 he joined the Confederate army, and was discharged at Morrisville, Miss., on the 16th of July, 1862, after which he came home and resumed farming. Since the war he has taken very little interest in politics.
 

 Martin Brothers compose a general mercantile firm at Reyno, Ark., and have been well and favorably known to the people of this community since 1875. They do an annual business of $24,000, besides which they own 10,000 acres of land, and are engaged in successfully conducting 400 acres that are under cultivation, and which they devote mainly to the raising of cotton. Their father, James Martin, was born in Richmond, Va., in 1808, and was one of the pioneer citizens of Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., but in 1833 came to Pocahontas, Randolph County, Ark., and established a store on his farm just north of where the town now is. He cleared and improved a large area of land, and made this place his home throughout the remainder of his days. He served as judge of the county a number of terms, and was a man noted for his interest in public affairs, and for his liberal contributions to every charitable purpose. In the positions of honor and trust which he filled, the interests of those whom he served were always considered, and he thus gained the esteem and approbation of his constituents. Although not a member of any church, he was always strictly moral, and his honor throughout life was unimpeachable. He died. in 1863, at the age of fifty-four years. His widow is residing in Reyno, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He was twice married, but only one of the children borne him by his first wife is now living: V. Ellen, the wife of Capt. Webb Conner, a prominent resident of Pocahontas. James T. was a major in the Confederate army during the late war, and at the time of his death, in 1876, was a successful lawyer of Pocahontas. Joseph P., another son, was a captain in the Rebel army, and was killed at Helena, Ark. To Mr. Martin's last union the following children have been born: Henry, who died in St. Louis in 1864, while a student; Tina A., the deceased wife of A. M. Kerr, of Virginia; Julia, who died in childhood, and Andrew, Joseph, John F. and James, all members of the firm of Martin Brothers, at Reyno. Joseph was married, February 9, 1888, to Anne E. Reynolds, a daughter of D. W. Reynolds, of Reyno, whose sketch appears in this work.
 

 John Maynard. Among the many enterprises which have made Randolph County, Ark., noted for its commercial enterprise, may be mentioned the mercantile establishment belonging to Mr. Maynard, which he has been engaged in conducting in the town of Maynard, since 1872. He was born in the “Old Dominion” in 1823, and is a son of Evan and Judith (Ragland) Maynard, both of whom were born in Halifax County, of that State, the former's birth occurring March 3, 1793, and the latter's April 5, 1803, and their deaths in 1881 and February 16, 1874, respectively. Their marriage was celebrated July 13, 1820, and in 1847 they came to the State of Tennessee, where the father entered upon the practice of medicine, and he continued this occupation until his death, although he had previously been a farmer. He and his wife were of French-English origin, and he was a soldier in the War of 1812. They were members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and became the parents of eleven children, nine of whom lived to be grown: Harriet (wife of Chris Adams), John, Judith F. (wife of Robert Hart. of Tennessee), Mary A. (wife of Bluford Alexander, a resident of this State), Stith, Patience (wife of Austin Simmons, a resident of Washington County, Ark.), Even (a resident of Missouri), Rebecca A. (wife of Jeff. Alexander, of Weakley County,  Tenn.) and Thomas (who is a resident of Randolph County). John Maynard had but very poor advantages for acquiring an education in his youth, but by close application to his books, and by contact with the world, he has become a Williford man. He commenced the battle of life for himself, at the age of seventeen years, as clerk in a dry goods establishment, and prior to the war opened a dry goods house of his own; but his labors in this direction being interrupted by the bursting of the war cloud, which had been for some time lowering over the country, he sold out in order to offer his services to the Confederacy, and was made first lieutenant of Company I, Twenty seventh Tennessee Infantry, being promoted to the rank of captain for gallant service at the battle of Shiloh. He also took part in a number of minor engagements, and after his company had been reduced to a few men by being killed in battle and captured, he joined the cavalry forces, and was in a company composed entirely of commissioned officers from different infantry regiments. He served as a private in a scouting company until his surrender, at Columbus, Miss., May 16, 1865. He was captured at one time by the Tennessee militia, but succeeded in making his escape the same night. After the war he settled in Jackson, Tenn., and was a clerk in a store until March 20, 1866, when he accepted a position in a dry goods house at Gonzales, Tex., remaining thus employed for three years. Becoming impressed with the belief that Arkansas afforded better inducements for a young man to succeed in life, he came to this State, and located at Dardanelle, Yell County, where he occupied the same position he had held in Texas. During 1871 he traveled through Kansas and the Indian Territory, but since 1872 he has been located at Maynard, where he conducts an excellent general mercantile store, his stock of goods invoicing at about $6,000. He also owns 900 acres of valuable land in the county, all of which property he has acquired by shrewd business management and energy since the war. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the A. F. & A. M. He was married, February 8, 1873, to Miss Rallie W. Adams, a native of Missouri, by whom he has three children: Lafayette, born November 18, 1873; Eugenia, born January 25, 1876, and John, born October 30, 1877. The family attend the Missionary Baptist Church.
 

 Luke L. Miller, justice of the peace of De Muse Township, was born and reared in McMinn County, Tenn., his birth occurring in 1826. His education was received in the common schools, and in his youth in addition to learning the details of farm work he commenced the plasterer's and bricklayer's trades, serving his apprenticeship in Athens. At the age of twenty years he was married in Athens to Miss Jane Vincent; afterward moving to Chattanooga, where he spent some three years in working at his trade. At the end of that time he went to Oregon County, Mo., where he remained three years or until 1857, and then came to Randolph County, Ark., and located on a farm which he had previously purchased. Here he resided until the threatening of war became an assured fact, when he joined Company A, Twenty-fifth Arkansas infantry, Confederate States army, and fought for the Southern cause faithfully for three years. He was in the battles of Murfreesboro, Missionary Ridge, and numerous other engagements. He has since given his attention to farming, and now owns 100 acres of land, although he had previously owned many more acres, which he sold. Mr. Miller's wife died in 1872, leaving two children: Abuer, who died at the age of twenty-seven years, and Eliza, also married. Mr. Miller is a Democrat, and was elected to his present office in 1881. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. In all his business relations he is noted for honorable upright dealing. He is a son of William and Eliza (Corall) Miller, who were born in Hawkins and Washington Counties, Tenn., respectively. The father was also a brick-layer by trade, and he and his wife became the parents of twelve children. The paternal grandfather was a German by descent, and was a native of Pennsylvania, his wife being of Irish lineage.
 

 Col. B. B. Morton, editor of The Pocahontas Free Press, one of the leading newspapers in point of circulation and influence in Randolph County, is justly entitled to no inconsiderable measure of credit for the enviable position his paper occupies among the better class of country journals in Arkansas. He was born in Natchez, Miss., in 1848, and is the son of Thomas Morton, who was born in Liverpool, England. The latter came to America when fifteen years of age, and followed mercantile pursuits through life. His wife, who was originally Miss Leonora Tooley, is still living, and resides at New Orleans. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Thomas Morton died in 1884, at the age of seventy-one years. He was a member of the A. F. & A. M., and also of the I. O. O. F. He and his wife reared five children, B. B. Morton being the eldest. The others are Elizabeth C., widow of William Esmond (deceased), now residing in Jefferson Parish, La.; James T., now residing in New Orleans, La, where he is a speculator and real estate dealer; William H., now of New Orleans, and the captain of a steamboat, and Bettie J., wife of Stephen DeGruy, a planter, of Jefferson Parish, La. B. B. Morton received a thorough education in the public schools of Natchez, Miss., and completed his education at Washington, D. C. After this he served three years as an apprentice to learn the printer's trade, on the Natchez Weekly Mirror, and then went to New York City, where he engaged in a large book publishing establishment. At the end of two years he connected himself with the New York Herald, where he remained a number of years, filling all positions, from setting type to a place on the editorial staff. At the first outbreak of the war he returned to New Orleans, and enlisted in Wheat's battalion, Confederate army, as a private, but was promoted to first lieutenant, then to captain of Company A, and served in that capacity until the battalion was disbanded, with only eighteen able-bodied men left. He then enlisted in, and was promoted to the rank of major of, an independent battalion, and served in that capacity two months, when he was promoted to the rank of colonel, and was given command of the Tenth Virginia Cavalry. Thus he served until the cessation of hostilities. He participated in the battles of Mitchell's Ford, Manassas, Hagerstown, the Shenandoah Valley campaign, second battle of Manassas, seven days' fighting around Richmond; was then at Malvern Hill, where he was wounded by a gunshot in the thigh, and disabled from duty five months. During his second service he was in the following battles: Yorktown, Williamsburg, Petersburg, and Appomattox Court House, where Gen. Lee surrendered. As soon as the war was over Col. Morton went to Farmville, Va., and engaged in a job office, where he remained one year. He then returned to New Orleans, and held different positions on the Morning Bulletin for two years, when he went to New York City, and took his old position on the Herald. Six years later he went to the Far West as a reporter for the New York Herald, and spent four years in Mexico and in the Indian reservations and in Europe. He then started a daily paper at Socorro, N. M., which he ran for two years, and then went to Lordsburg, N. M., where he started a weekly paper, which he continued one year. He then sold out, returned to New Orleans, and was there instructor in the art of colored job printing. This he continued until the 1st of January, 1887, when he came to Portia, in Lawrence County, Ark., connected himself with the Free Press, which he afterward purchased, and in April, 1888, moved his paper to Pocahontas. There he has since remained. His marriage occurred in 1867 with Miss Sallie V. Morrow, a native of Cumberland, Va., and six children were born to this union. Josie died of yellow fever when fifteen years of age. The others were named Seymour, Sanders, Thomas, James and Katie. Mrs. Morton died of yellow fever in Memphis, Tenn., in 1878, and her four children then living died within nine days' time, of the fatal scourge. The Colonel had several times volunteered to attend the yellow fever sufferers, and he and his wife were living in Memphis when she took the fever and died. Col. Morton is the owner of a stock ranch in Colorado. His paper was established in April, 1888, and is Democratic in its views. It is an eight column folio, both sides printed at home, and is published every Saturday morning.
 

 Hon. Perry Nettle enjoys the reputation of being not only a substantial and progressive farmer, but an intelligent and thoroughly posted man in all public affairs. He has always been noted for honorable, upright dealing, and has kept the name he bears pure in the sight of all. He is a native of the county, his birth occurring on the 30th of September, 1839, and is a son of Shadrach and Elizabeth (Graham) Nettle, who were born in the States of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. They moved to Arkansas in 1824, and settled in what was then Lawrence (now Randolph) County, and after the State line between Arkansas and Missouri was surveyed their house was found to be in Oregon County, Mo., and thus it has stood in three different counties and two States without being moved. Mr. Nettle lived here until 1858, and after a short residence in Clay County, Ark., he returned to Oregon County, Mo., where he made his home from 1863 to 1885, and on the 5th of November, 1887, his death occurred in Lawrence County, Ark. He was one of the pioneers of the county, and always followed the occupation of farming, and in connection with hunting, in early days, succeeded in making a good living and laying up a competency for his old age. He had passed the allotted age of man at the time of his death, and was eighty-four years, seven months, and twenty-four days old. He lived on the line between Arkansas and Missouri for sixty-two years. His marriage with Miss Graham occurred in 1823, and to them was born a family of eight children: William O., born January 1, 1824, and died February 7, 1875; Levi, born May 25, 1827, and died September 6, 1856; Elijah was born November 4, 1831, and now lives in California; Francis M. was born on the 10th of September, 1834, and resides in Oregon County, Mo., on the farm on which he was born; Carter T., born October 23, 1837, died February 11, 1875; Perry; Sarah, born May 11, 1842, is the wife of James Johnson, and Elizabeth, born November 15, 1844, and died October 4, 1861. The mother of these children was born on the 10th of September, 1803, and died on the 3d of April, 1857, she having been an earnest member of the Baptist Church. Perry Nettle's early scholastic advantages were of the most meager description, but in later years he applied himself closely to his books, and is now one of the most intelligent men of the county. In 1862 he joined the Confederate army, being in Capt. J. J. Wyatt's company, Shaver's regiment, and was an active participant until the close of the war, when he surrendered at Shreveport, La. He was captured at the fall of Little Rock, on the 10th day of September, 1863, he at that time being under treatment in the hospital, and was kept in captivity for nearly a year and a half in St. Louis, Alton, Rock Island and New Orleans; he was then brought back to the mouth of the Big Red River, and was there exchanged on the 25th of February, 1865. He then rejoined his command at Shreveport, and served his cause faithfully until the final surrender, holding the rank of first sergeant of his company. Since that time he has been engaged in farming, and now has a fine farm of 200 acres, but from 1874 to 1880 he was also engaged in merchandising at Warm Spring, and at the same time dealt in stock. In 1884 he was elected to represent the people of his county in the State legislature, and filled the office during the session of 1885. He made the race again in 1886, and was defeated by the Hon. G. G. Johnson, but was re-elected to the position in 1888, and served the following year. He now attends to his farm. July 27, 1865, he was married to Miss Mary S. Mock, of this county, by whom he has the following family: Jacob L., born January 11, 1867, and died July 19, 1886; Maggie E., born June 3, 1868, was married November 16, 1885, to James F. Baker, and lives in Oregon County, Mo.; Shadrach G., born February 17, 1872; Rufus L., born July 18, 1875; W. A., born March 2, 1879, and died September 10, of the same year. Mr. Nettle is a Democrat, a public-spirited man, and a member of the A. F. & A. M. Mrs. Nettle is the daughter of Griffith C. and Margaret J. (Forster) Mock, who were born in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, respectively. They were married on the 11th of March, 1838, and reared a family of eight children: Mary S. (Mrs. Nettle), born July 1, 1840; Felix G., born June 3, 1843; Leah P., wife of Joseph W. Spikes, born January 7, 1846; Marous D. L., born April 4, 1848; Matilda J., wife of L. H. Waldron, born March 27, 1851; Thomas D., born March 8, 1853; Rufus M., born February 15, 1856, and Isham J., born January 22, 1859, and died October 19, 1877. Mr. Mock was born on the 29th of April, 1815, and died September 20, 1874; his wife was born on the 16th of October, 1817, and died April 5, 1879. They were members of the Christian Church, and politically he was a Democrat.
 

 S. H. Parker is an extensive farmer and stockman of Randolph County, Ark., and was born in Tennessee, April 13, 1845, being a son of C. G. and Mary (Burrow) Parker, whose native State was Tennessee. After farming in that State until 1849, he came to Arkansas and settled on Current River, where he remained two years, and in 1852 came to the farm on which our subject is now residing. Here he improved the same, and was engaged in farming and stock raising and trading until his death in 1874, being followed by his widow three years later. Their marriage took place in 1822, and they reared a family of ten children, the following being now alive: Harriett C., wife of W. C. Thompson; Mary E., wife of Ben Holland; Charles G.; Josephine, wife of Wilbur Abbott, and S. H. The latter received no advantages for schooling in his youthful days, owing to the scarcity of schools and his father's early immigration to this State. He left the home farm to join the confederate army in 1864, and served with Price on his raid through Missouri, taking an active part in the battles of Ironton and Pilot Knob, also Independence, Little Blue and numerous skirmishes. He surrendered at Jacksonport, Ark., in June, 1865, returned home and commenced farming for himself on eighty acres of land given him by his father. He now owns 260 acres and has 100 acres under cultivation on which are good buildings, fences, etc. He does not depend alone on corn and cotton for his income, but makes a specialty of raising horses, mules, cattle, hogs and sheep. In 1868 he wedded Emily Wilson, of this county, and by her is the father of three children living: Joseph T., born November 19, 1872; John C., born December 23, 1874, and James A., born September 6, 1877. Two children died in infancy, and the mother's demise occurred January 8, 1880, her death being deeply mourned by her family and a large circle of friends. Mrs. Amanda Halbrook, of Kentucky, became Mr. Parker's second wife, January 16, 1881, and to them were born three children, Orlie, born January 8, 1882, and Celestia H., born October 17, 1887, being the only ones living. Mrs. Parker was the widow of Freeman Halbrook, of Kentucky, by whom she bore a family of five children: Prentice, living in Kansas; Nannie, wife of Richard Abbott, of this county; Richard, of Colorado, and Emma, at home; the other child died. Mrs. Parker's parents, Edmund and Nancy A. (Neely) Mitchener, were Kentuckians, and reared a family of eleven children, of whom the following are living: William, of Missouri; Martha, wife of Robert Kidd; John, a resident of Missouri; Amanda, and Georgia, wife of John Harper. Mrs. Parker is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Mr. Parker is a Democrat.
 

 Charles W. Polk. Among the husbandmen of Randolph County, Ark., who have made for themselves an honorable name by a long term of years of steady and successful farming and upright citizenship is Mr. Polk, whose birth occurred in Tennessee in 1842. His parents, Michael and Mary (Duckworth) Polk, were born in North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively, the former being related to ex-President Polk. They reared a family of eight children, six of whom are living: C. W., Ferraby (wife of James Wells), Rebecca (wife of Harrison Matthews), Polk, Ella (wife of Richard Polk, of Missouri) and Harvey (residing in Searcy County). Mr. Polk died in 1873, at the age of forty-one years, and his wife in 1865, aged thirty-six. They were members of the United Presbyterian Church; he was a member of the A. F. & A. M., and was a Republican in his political views. C. W. Polk received somewhat meager educational advantages in his youth, and in 1879 came to Arkansas and located in Clay County, where he at once commenced farming on 120 acres of land which he had purchased some time before. The farm is well improved with good buildings of all kinds, and is supplied with the necessary stock for successfully conducting its management. His first marriage took place in 1860, it being with Miss Effie Higgins, of Tennessee, but she died in 1863, followed by her only child, whose death occurred in infancy. After living a widower for seven years Mr. Polk was married in 1870 to Miss Martha Alexander, of Hardin County, Tenn., by whom he has had a family of six children, three of whom are now living: Emmer (wife of Joseph Cox), and Joseph and E. D. (at home). Mr. Polk was so unfortunate as to lose his second wife by death in March, 1884, and three years since he espoused Mrs. Mary Eldridge, who only survived until the following year. His next marriage was with Mrs. Nancy Jane Lewis, who had borne her first husband two children: John and Bertie. Mr. Lewis died in 1885. He was a communicant in the Baptist Church, and was a leading member of the A. F. & A. M. In 1863 Mr. Polk joined the Union army, and was a faithful defender of the stars and stripes until the close of the war, being a member of Company C, Second Tennessee Mounted Infantry. He was at Clifton, Johnsonville, Lexington, Nashville and in numerous skirmishes. After returning home he engaged in the dry goods business, but next year he began farming, which occupation he has continued up to the present time. He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church and he is a warm Republican, politically, and in all matters tending to benefit his county he is one of the leaders. He is in every respect a self-made man, and is a prosperous agriculturist.
 

Newton J. Proctor is a substantial resident of the county, and is now living in the town of Okean. He was born in Crittenden County, Ky., September 16, 1836, and is a son of Greenberry and Lucinda (Reese) Proctor, both of whom were also born in Crittenden County, Ky., and there the father died while still in the prime of life, in 1838. He was a successful farmer, and in politics was a Whig. His wife died in 1868, at the age of sixty-four years, she having been an earnest member of the Baptist Church for many years. Newton J. Proctor, the fifth of their six children, was educated in the common schools near his Kentucky home. At the early age of fourteen years, he began life on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and after several years of faithful service was promoted to the position of pilot, in which capacity he served for many years. During the Civil War, he rendered valuable aid, and was concerned in the taking of Island No. 10. He was on the Cumberland and Ohio Rivers from Nashville to Tennessee, as mate. After the war, he resided at different times in Hickman, Ky., and Belmont, Mo., and was engaged in farming until 1876, when he engaged in railroading. After some time, he gave up this work, and located at Corning, Ark., and two years later went to Texas. After his return to Arkansas, he located at Okean, where he has since been occupied in the timber business. From 1882 to 1887, he was a general merchant in the town of Okean, and at the latter date engaged in the drug business in connection with farming. He is still conducting these enterprises, and as he is thoroughly posted in the details of each, he is meeting with excellent success. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served eight years at different times as postmaster of Okean.
 

 Hon. James H. Purkins has for thirty-two years been a resident of Randolph County, Ark., and during his long residence here has become well known, and has won the respect of all with whom he has come in contact. He possesses a fine education and excellent natural abilities, and is deserving of a more extended sketch than the nature of this work will permit; suffice it to say that his life has been a success both in material affairs and in the esteem which has been accorded him among those with whom he has so long made his home. He was born, reared and educated in Essex County, Va., the former event taking place in the year 1814. From early boyhood he has been familiar with farm life, and as his father was a prosperous merchant he spent much of his time in the store. He was married at the age of twenty-two years to Miss Clementina Singleton, and to their marriage twelve children have been born, three of whom are now living: Eliza, wife of Dr. Esselman; Clement W. and Rena S. After residing in his native State and following the occupation of merchandising until 1856, Mr. Purkins removed to Missouri, and settled the following year in Randolph County, Ark. He entered a tract of land on Current River which he tilled until 1862, when he entered the Confederate army, but was sent home after a few months by Gens. Vandorn and Price as a recruiting officer, and held the position of captain. In 1860 he had been elected to the State legislature, and in 1862 he was re-elected and served out his time. In 1866 he was elected senator from Randolph and Greene Counties, and was serving his constituents while the senate was in session in the State house at Little Rock in 1867, when Gen. Ord with Federal troops was ordered by Congress to disperse the General Assembly of Arkansas. He refused afterward to become a candidate for office, but in 1877 he was elected to the office of county judge. After the war he clerked for various merchants in Pocahontas, and now owns about thirty-five acres near the town, which he rents out. The most of his children died in childhood, and within one week of each other, of pneumonia. One son, James W. by name, was a Confederate soldier from the time he was fifteen years of age, but was killed at Glasgow, Mo., at the age of eighteen years. Mr. Purkins is a son of W. H. and Ann (Howerton) Purkins, who were Virginians, where they were reared and married, and became the parents of six children, of whom Hon. James H. is the only one now living. The father was a merchant and farmer by occupation, and from the time he was twenty-one years of age until his death at the age of sixty-seven years he held office under the State. He was a captain in the War of 1812, and while away from home, serving his country, his son, James H., was born, and he did not see him until he was nearly one year old. His wife died about the same age as himself. The grandfather, Gideon Purkins, and his father were both Virginians, former of whom was a soldier in the War of 1812 and died at a very old age. The great-great-grandfather Purkins was a native of England, and came to America in Colonial times. The maternal grandfather was of Scotch descent, and was born in Essex County, Va. He was a captain in the Revolutionary War, being on the side of the Colonists, and until the day of his death at the age of ninety-eight years kept his uniform. Mr. Purkins, the subject of this sketch, is a member of the Baptist Church, is a Democrat in his political views, and belongs to the Chapter and Blue Lodge in the A. F. & A. M. His first wife died in 1868, and he afterward espoused Miss Ava Payne, who died after having borne one child, James E. His third wife, who was a widow, died two years after her marriage with Mr. Purkins.