J. M. Redwine, M. D. The short sketch that here appears is that of one of the reliable and deservedly successful physicians of Randolph County, whose experience has proven him to be well qualified for the position he has chosen. He was born in Marshall County, Ky., March 30, 1852, his parents, Jacob and Mary (Thomasson) Redwine, having been born in North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. They both removed to Kentucky prior to their marriage, and there united their fortunes in the year 1847, becoming the parents of eleven children, eight being now alive: W. C., who resides in Clay County, Ark.; Dr. H. C., also a resident of Clay County, where he is a practicing physician and merchant; Mattie E., a teacher of this county; Jennie L., wife of M. L. Gilbert, of Dade City, Fla.; Jacob, Jr., who lives in Kentucky; Amanda J., wife of Charles Dishman, of Kansas, and Hiram G., now in a law school in the East. Jacob Redwine has always followed the occupation of farming and merchandising, and is now residing in Kentucky. He was in the Union army during the late war, and served in Company B, of the Fifteenth Kentucky Cavalry, as a private, but was discharged at the end of twelve months, his term of enlistment having expired. The principal engagement in which he took part was at Spring Creek, near Lexington, Tenn., being under Col. Henry. Since the war he has resided on his farm in Kentucky, and is now fairly well-to-do. He votes the Republican ticket. Our subject, Dr. J. M. Redwine, received fairly good advantages for acquiring an education, being an attendant of the common schools of Kentucky. He first engaged in teaching school and clerking in a dry goods store, and during this time his leisure moments were given to the study of medicine, which profession had always had a fascination for him. After attending medical lectures he entered upon the practice of that profession in Kentucky, in 1876, and followed it there and in Tennessee two years. From 1878 to 1881, he practiced in Randolph County, Ark., and from that time until 1884 he was a practitioner of Benton County. He has since resided in this county, and has acquired a large and profitable practice, and in his journeys to alleviate the sufferings of the sick, the sunshine of his disposition, as well as his medical skill, is brought to bear upon his patients, and the result is very satisfactory. He has a fertile little farm of forty acres, and in connection with his practice was engaged in farming and merchandising until within the last few years. He is a Republican politically, and is a member of the A. F. & A. M. He was married, October 28, 1879. to Miss Malena E., a daughter of John and Permelia E. (Mosely) Mabry, who became the parents of twelve children, six now living: Robert M., Mattie T. (Greer), Novella (Greer), William D., John, and Malena E. (Mrs. Redwine), the latter born on Blue-Grass soil. Dr. and Mrs. Redwine have become the parents of two children: Ethel, born September 1, 1884, and Edith, born September 17, 1887.
 

 Dennis W. Reynolds, merchant, Reyno. For many years Mr. Reynolds has been a prominent resident of Randolph County, and has enjoyed the reputation of being an intelligent and honorable business man. He possesses that shrewd business tact and energy which are characteristic of people of Illinois birth, for he was born in Jackson County, of that State, in 1840, being a son of James M. and Elizabeth Reynolds, the former of whom removed from the State of North Carolina to Illinois, while it was a Territory. The father was a native of North Carolina, and the mother of Jackson County, Ill. He was a farmer and hunter by occupation; was a participant in the War of 1812, and two years after his wife's death, which occurred in 1857, he married Minerva Foster. He was sheriff of Jackson County for four years, and also held a lumber of minor offices in Arkansas. He was noted for his morality and charity, and his death which occurred in 1884, at the age of seventy years, was a severe loss to the community in which he resided. Dennis W. Reynolds is self-educated, and when only seventeen years of age he entered mercantile life at Cherokee Bay, which enterprise received his attention for three years, or until the war broke out. On the 11th of March, 1862, he dropped all his work to enlist in the Seventh Missouri Infantry, Capt. A. G. Kelsey's company, as a private, and was afterward promoted to the rank of sergeant and then to captain, which position he held until hostilities ceased. He was at Greenville. Mo., Little Rock, and was with Price on his raid through Missouri. After being paroled he returned to his home in this county, and was one of the successful husbandmen of the county until 1875, when he established his present mercantile business at Corning, Clay County, Ark., and since 1878 has been at Reyno. Mr. Reynolds possesses a thorough knowledge of the business in which he is engaged, and has the necessary requisites for successfully conducting it. He also manages his farm and gives considerable attention to the propagation of stock; and it may be truly said that in every enterprise in which he has been interested, and to which he has given his attention, his labors have been followed with excellent results. He has always taken a deep interest in the politics of the county, and although not an unreasonable partisan he has always been a Democrat in his political views. He is a Master Mason, and he and his wife, whose maiden name was Mattie J. Wilkis, are earnest and consistent members of the Baptist Church. He was first married in 1861, to Miss Nancy Luttrell, but her death occurred the following year at the age of eighteen years. She left one son, James, who died in 1888, aged twenty-six years. His second wife was the widow of A. G. Kelsey, and had formerly been Miss Mary Ellis. She was born on Blue-Grass soil, and died in 1868, having borne two children: Madison A. and Elizabeth A. To him and his present wife have been born the following family: Leoa, Ervin and Pearl. Three children died in infancy. Mrs. Reynolds conducts a millinery establishment in her own store, and her bonnets and hats are always trimmed in excellent taste and the latest style. Mr. Reynolds was the first to clear the land and build where the town of Reyno now stands, which place, by the way, was named in his honor. He erected the first dwelling house and hotel, and is now doing business in the first business house in the town.
 

 J. H. Richardson, ex-county judge and farmer of Little Black Township, was born in the State of Illinois on the 11th of April, 1840, and is one of two surviving members of a family of four children (the other survivor being Mary A., wife of Jackson Baker, of Pike County, Ill.) born to Emanuel and Matilda A. (Gates) Richardson, who were born in Alabama and South Carolina, respectively. The father moved to Illinois in 1830, where he purchased land and remained until 1841, at which time he removed to Schuyler County, Mo., where he also improved a farm and remained until 1863. From that time until 1865, he resided in Illinois, then came to Randolph County, where he made his home until his death, which occurred June 17, 1888. He was first married in 1838, to Miss Gates, and after her death, which occurred in 1850 or 1851, he espoused Miss Martha Lovett of Missouri, in the latter year, and by her became the father of one child that died in infancy. He was called upon to mourn the death of his second wife in 1854, and the same year he married Miss Eliza A. Wadsworth, of Pike County, Ill., she bearing him eight children, five now living: Eliza E., wife of William Lewis, of this county; John E., in Sharp County, Ark.; Jacob W., of this county; Fannie E., wife of James Hogan, of this county, and Charles B., also of this county. Mr. Richardson and his three wives were members of the Baptist Church, and he was something of a politician, taking an active interest in the politics of the county. He accumulated a fine property prior to the war, but during that time he lost heavily, and afterward had to commence anew, retrieving his fortunes to some extent. J. H. Richardson, the immediate subject of this memoir, enlisted in the Confederate army at the age of twenty-one years, being under Capt. Sam Shacklett, and served until the 6th of August, 1861, when he was severely wounded, having his right leg broken, and was sent home to recuperate. After remaining inactive until 1862, he rejoined his company, but after serving a short time, the company was disbanded, and he and W. H. Tipton went to Iowa, thence to Illinois, remaining in the latter State until 1865, when he came to Randolph County, locating within three miles of where he now lives, the summer months being spent in farming, and the winter months in teaching school. Like his father, he has always been a Democrat politically, and in 1874 was elected to the office of justice of the peace, serving in this capacity two years, and was then chosen county assessor, filling the office three successive terms. In 1882, he was elected county and probate judge, holding the position four years, and to his excellent natural abilities, were added the wisdom and experience of a useful and well spent life, and there was no reason to view his official career with disappointment when he retired from the bench. He is one of the heaviest tax-payers of the county, and at the present time owns 3,000 acres of land, of which about 600 are under cultivation and fence. When starting for himself, it was with very little means, but he has succeeded well in his undertakings, and deserves much credit for the way in which he has surmounted the difficulties which have strewn his path. He possesses a large fund of information, is strictly temperate, and is respected and esteemed by all for his many sterling qualities. October 3, 1867, he married Miss Martha J. Mansker, who was born in this county November 25, 1849, and to them were born the following children: H. L., born September 19, 1870; W. J., born October 30, 1872; Martha A., born January 1, 1876; Manuel G., born October 8, 1877, and Eliza L. L., born August 24, 1880. Mrs. Richardson, who died December 30, 1883, was a faithful wife and mother, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1884, our subject married Miss Rebecca E. Downey, who was born on the 22d of February, 1848. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
 

 David C. Roberts. Prominent among the leading men of Randolph County, Ark., and among those deserving special notice for their public spirit and energy, is the gentleman of whom this notice is given. He was born in Cleveland County, N. C., July 23, 1833, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Collins) Roberts, who were born, reared and married in North Carolina, and after residing a few years in their native State after the latter event, moved to Cherokee County, Ga., where the mother's death occurred in 1854 or 1855, when about thirty-five years of age. Here the father afterward married Rebecca Wickett, and made his home until 1882, when they came to Randolph County, Ark., where Mr. Roberts quietly breathed his last the following year. He had been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for a great many years, and while a resident of North Carolina was engaged in farming; also acted as overseer at the King's Mountain Gold Mines. When the Rebellion was in progress he was a member of the Home Guards in Georgia. His father, Stephen Roberts, was an Englishman by birth, and died in Alabama. David C. Roberts was the eighth of ten children, and at the age of twenty-three years he left home and commenced farming for himself, continuing until the mutterings of war foretold the struggle that was to follow, and in 1861 he enlisted in Company I, Twenty-third Georgia Infantry, Confederate States Army, and held the rank of orderly sergeant. He was in the battle of Seven Pines, the seven days' fight at Richmond, Second Manassas, South Mountain, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Mechanicsville, Ocean Pond, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and was then around Richmond until the final surrender. He was taken prisoner twice, first at the battle of Mechanicsville, but was exchanged after twenty days' imprisonment, and then at the close of the war at Appomattox. He was never wounded. He returned to his home in Georgia after hostilities ceased, and remained there until 1868, at which time he moved to McLean, Ky., and three years later to Arkansas, and has since resided on his present farm, which is one  of the best in the county. It embraces a tract of 200 acres, and is all bottom land with the exception of about ten acres. In 1851 he was married to Miss Malinda Finley, a daughter of Aaron Finley, of Cherokee County, Ga., and her death occurred in Randolph County, Ark., in 1872, when about thirty-five years of age. She left six children (four of whom are now living): Stephen, John, Mary (wife of Ezekiel Hum, of Washington County, Ark.), Regina (wife of William McQuay, of Lawrence County, Ark.), and Martha and Leander who are deceased. In 1874 Mr. Roberts married Mrs. Susan Deaver, of this county, and by her has five children: Rachel J., Thomas H., Jacob H., Richard T. and Lucy A. Mrs. Roberts' maiden name was Weddle, and by her first husband, Isaac Deaver, she became the mother of three children, only one of whom is living, Matilda; those deceased are Mary T. and William F. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are members of the Methodist and Christian Churches, respectively, and he is a Democrat in his political views, and a member of the Masonic fraternity.
 

 R. R. Ruff, M. D. During a professional career of over twenty-three years, Dr. Ruff has become a successful physician, and justly deserves the eulogisms bestowed upon him by his professional brethren. He was born on the 25th of April, 1831, and his youth was spent in assisting in the duties of the farm, and in attending the common subscription schools, where he acquired a fair education, but which he has since greatly improved by much study and contact with the world. Upon reaching the age of twenty-one years he commenced farming, which employment received his attention until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he abandoned the plow and donned the martial trappings of war, serving in the capacity of recruiting officer for some time. He was never identified with the regular army, but was in a number of severe engagements and was captured at Huntingdon, Tenn., being paroled immediately thereafter. He returned home with the intention of remaining, but owing to the persecutions to which he was subjected he again began recruiting men, and served until the final surrender. After taking the oath of allegiance he returned home, but came soon after to Pocahontas, Ark., and while being employed here he energetically pursued the study of medicine during leisure moments, and in 1866, moved to Pittman, where he entered on the practice of his profession, continuing there with success until 1887. In connection with this he commenced merchandising in 1880, and also managed his three farms, of which 225 acres were under cultivation. His annual sales amount to some $10,000, and he sells on time, giving a credit of from six to eight months, but buys for cash. In 1851, Laura Eason, of Tennessee, became his wife, and their marriage resulted in the birth of five children, Leota G., the wife of J. P. Shemwell, being the only one living; three died in infancy, and one at the age of fifteen years. Mrs. Ruff departed this life in 1872, having been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for a number of years. Dr. Ruff took for his second wife Miss Amanda W. Legate, and by her has one child, born July 15, 1873, named Horace E. The Doctor and this wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a Democrat and a member of the A. F. & A. M. His parents, John and Chloe (Eason) Ruff, were born in North Carolina, and in 1828 emigrated to Carroll County, Tenn., where he was engaged in farming, and became the owner of a number of negroes. He was an old line Whig and died in October, 1855, at the advanced age of eighty-four years, respected and esteemed by all who knew him. He was married three times, his first wife being a Miss Hodge, by whom he had six or seven children, four sons living to be grown. His second union was with Miss Eason, which took place about 1821, in North Carolina. The following are the names of their children: James G., a physician of this county; S. D., who is deceased, his family being residents of Southeast Missouri; W. H., who is also dead, his family being residents of Forest City, Ark.; Dr. R. R., and Jackey E., the deceased wife of George M. Drew. The mother of these children passed to her long home in 1852, at the age of fifty-five years, and Mr. Ruff wedded his third wife, Martha Eason, in August, 1855, her death occurring in January, 1856.
 

 W. R. Russell, merchant, Pocahontas, Ark. The mercantile interests of this portion of the county have been ably represented for a number of years by Mr. Russell. General merchandising, of course, necessitates the carrying of a varied assortment of goods, and in his stock Mr. Russell has a variety which cannot fail to satisfy every want of his patrons. He is a native of Randolph County, Ark., born in 1857, and the son of Marion Russell, also a native of Randolph County, Ark. The elder Russell was a successful tiller of the soil, and when a young man was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Leonard, a native of Tennessee. At the breaking out of the Rebellion Mr. Russell joined the Confederate States army as lieutenant of Company H, Fifteenth Missouri Regiment, and was killed at the battle of Big Blue, during Price's raid, in November, 1864. The paternal grandfather, James Russell, was one of the first settlers of Randolph County, and located about eight miles north of Pocahontas, where he improved a good farm, and there remained the balance of his days. W. R. Russell was one of four children born to his parents. Two brothers are deceased, and a sister, Alice M., the wife of R. M. Bigger, is now residing in Little Black Township, Randolph County. The subject of this sketch was educated in the private schools of his native county, and at the age of twenty-one commenced working for himself. He first came to Pocahontas, and engaged as salesman for Levi Hecht, for whom he clerked eighteen months. After this he farmed for three years, and then again came to Pocahontas, where he engaged as a clerk for R. Nicholas, remaining with him three years, when he established his present business, and now has a good substantial trade on a cash basis. He was married, in 1880, to Miss Mary E. Ulmer, a native of Indiana. They have two children: Ins. and Pearly. Mr. and Mrs. Russell are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and each takes an active part in church work. He owns a farm of 210 acres, seventy-five under cultivation, and is a man who manifests a deep interest in all public enterprises.
 

 J. C. Sanders. Among the native residents of the State of Georgia, and closely identified with its progress and development for many years were the Sanders family, a respected representative of whom is found in the subject of this sketch, who was born in that State in 1843. His parents, James and Eliza (Covington) Sanders, were born in Georgia (in 1804) and Virginia, respectively; the father was reared in his native State, and there followed the occupation of a planter until 1886, when his death occurred. The mother died in Texas in 1884, aged seventy-five years. The paternal grandfather was born in South Carolina, and lived in Georgia. He was of Irish lineage. Like so many of the substantial citizens of this county at the present time, J. C. Sanders was initiated into the mysteries of farm life from the very first, and this has continued to be the calling to which he has directed his attention. While a resident of his native State he joined the Confederate army in 1861, and was in active service- four years. He was at Gaines' Mill, Gettysburg, Petersburg, the Wilderness and numerous other engagements of less note, and was wounded thirteen times. He was a private in the Twenty-seventh Georgia Regiment. After the war he left the State of Georgia and emigrated to Missouri, thence to Arkansas and afterward to Texas. After remaining in that State for some time he returned to Arkansas, and has here made his home up to the present time. His lands in this county amount to 400 acres, and he has 225 acres under cultivation. He was married in 1862 to Miss Jane Williams, and to their union have been born five children: Henry, Callie (who is dead), Morris (who died at the age of twenty years, in 1888), Jimmy and Tommy. His second wife was Miss Sarah Dean, who bore him four children: Bob, Charley. Alfred and Annie. Mr. Sanders has always been a Democrat in his political views.
 
 
 A. Z. Schnabaum, merchant, Pocahontas, Ark. Among the many enterprises necessary to complete the commercial resources of a town or city, no one is of more importance to the community than that of the general merchant. Prominent in this trade is Mr. Schnabaum, who deals in dry goods, hardware, implements and groceries. Mr. Schuabaum is of foreign birth, Austria being his native country. He first saw the light of day in the year 1864, and after reaching a suitable age was educated in a mercantile college in his native land. He left school at the age of nearly seventeen, and in 1881 emigrated to America. He stopped in New York City for six months as a clerk; then went to Pennsylvania, where he remained but a short time, and then came to Pocahontas, Ark. Here he engaged as a clerk for R. Nicholas, remaining with him three years, and then continued in the same capacity for Imboden, with whom he remained a few months. At the expiration of that time he engaged in business for himself, having judiciously saved his money, and now carries all the way from $6,000 to $16,000 worth of goods, the annual sales amounting to over $35,000. He has from two to four clerks, and carries on a thriving business. He is also the owner of a cotton-gin, and buys and sells cotton at this place. He has never been married. He is the son of H. and G. Schnabaum, natives of Austria, who have died since A. Z. came to America. The father was a man of considerable means, and was a distiller of liquor and a drover by occupation. Mr. Schnabaum is a stirring business man and an enterprising citizen. He is pleasant and agreeable in his manners, and the large trade which he now has is fully merited.

 
 Jacob Schoonover, retired farmer, Pocahontas, Ark. The subject of this sketch is one of the honored pioneers of Randolph County. He has been located here for a period of over twenty-nine years, and has not only become well known, but the respect and esteem shown him are as wide as his acquaintance. His fine farm of 200 acres is adorned with an attractive and commodious house, and the large mill and cotton-gin which he operates deserve special attention. He is a native of Honesdale. Penn., and is a son of Daniel and Eliza (Jacks) Schoonover, both of whom are also natives of the Keystone State. Jacob Schoonover went to California when twenty-one years of age, or in 1852, by way of the Isthmus, and remained there until September, 1856, engaged in mining and teaming. He then returned to his native State, remained there about a year, and then in 1857 went to Minnesota, where he spent another year. In 1858 he came to Arkansas, settled in Marion County, and engaged in photographing, which he continued for three years, traveling in the meantime over Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri. He happened to be in Randolph County when the war broke out, and in 1862 he enlisted in Shaver's regiment, Tappin's brigade, and served until June, 1865, in the Confederate army. He was regimental quartermaster. After the close of the conflict he returned to Randolph County, remained a few months, and then proceeded to the State of his nativity, where he sojourned six months, visiting his parents. Subsequently he returned to this county, and engaged as salesman in the store of Green R. Jones, remaining thus employed for two years. He then bought a partnership, and this continued until 1873. Three years later he was elected circuit clerk of Randolph County, and filled this position in a very acceptable manner for six years. After this he was engaged in farming and trading. He was first married in 1870 to Miss Martha J. Wear, a native of Pennsylvania, who bore him the following named children: Eugene G., now in Pennsylvania; Herbert, Addie C. and Parke T. The mother of these children died on the 22d of December, 1878, and Mr. Schoonover was married the second time, on the 5th of January, 1882, to Miss Ella Bolen, a native of the Blue Grass State. Two children are the fruit of this union: Robert and Jacob. Mr. Schoonover is a Royal Arch Mason, and a member of the K. of H. He has ever taken an active part in politics and public affairs, and has done much to build up every enterprise for the common good.
 

 Vincent Segraves is a successful merchant of the county, and was born here on the 26th of February, 1839, being a son of Vincent and Lavina (Lacy) Segraves, who were born in South Carolina and Knox County, Tenn., in 1789 and 1814, and died in Randolph County, Ark., in 1870 and 1871, respectively. The father left his native State when he was a young man, and went to Tennessee, and afterward removed to Illinois, and from there to Arkansas, in 1833, being one of the very first settlers of Randolph County. He was a farmer, and as such was one of the most successful men in this part of the State; in connection with this work he kept a distillery. During the War of 1812 he was a soldier, belonging to Jackson's Guard, and with him participated in the battles of New Orleans and Pensacola. He was a well-known and prominent citizen of Arkansas, and had been a life-long Democrat. He and wife were members of the Baptist Church, and were the parents of eight children, five of whom are living. Vincent was the seventh of the family, and received his early education in Randolph County. He remained on his father's farm until twenty-five years of age, then commenced to farm for himself; but his labors in this direction were interrupted by the war. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate service, and the following year joined Company A, of the Twenty-fifth Arkansas Infantry, and was an active worker for the Southern cause until the close of the war, holding the rank of lieutenant, and taking part in the engagements at Murfreesboro, Richmond, Ky., and was with Price on his raid through Missouri and Kansas, but was never wounded or taken prisoner. He has since been engaged in farming, and in connection has followed merchandising since 1886, at which time he formed a partnership with W. E. Hibbard, but at the end of nine months became associated with J. W. Witherford. He owns fertile lands to the amount of 120 acres, and has sixty-five acres under cultivation. In 1866 he married Caroline Waddle, who was born in Randolph County, Ark, in 1842, and is a daughter of Henry Waddle. She and Mr. Segraves are the parents of nine children: Frances B., wife of Lewis A. Manning; Rufus H., William J., Emanuel W., John H., Detty Ann, Mary Emma, Sula W. and Agnes. Mrs. Segraves is a member of the United Baptist Church. Mr. Segraves is a stanch Democrat in his political views.
 

 G. A. Seel, M. D., of Warm Springs, Ark., and proprietor of the springs of that name, was born in Georgetown, Ohio, in 1855, and is a son of V. F. and C. A. (Houck) Seel, who were married in the State of Ohio in 1854, and moved to Kentucky about a year later. The father followed merchandising and farming in Bracken County, Ky., and was moderately successful in business. He was a man of superior education, and was able to speak three or four different languages. He served under Gen. Taylor in the Mexican War, and was with him in all the battles in which he took part. He was born in 1819, and his wife in 1816, and both their deaths occurred in 1888. He was a Democrat in his political views. He and his wife reared a family of seven children: Catherine, Peter, F. W., G. A.,  V. F., Henry, and Mary C. While growing up, G. A. Seel had excellent advantages for acquiring a good education, and to say that he fully improved his opportunities would be only speaking the truth. After attending the free school of his section until sixteen years of age he entered Higginsport high school, but left that institution at the age of seventeen, and began traveling, so continuing until he was about twenty years of age, at which time he returned to Kentucky, and remained there for nearly one year, assisting his father on the farm. He then began traveling again, continuing two years, and became familiar with some of the finest points of interest in the United States. He located in New Madrid, Mo., where he became conductor on the Little River Valley & Arkansas Railroad, and as such continued for four years. He then filled the same position on the Cotton Belt road for about one year, and during this time his leisure moments were spent in studying chemistry. In the latter part of 1880 he engaged in the drug business at Doniphan, Mo., and after continuing there one year he devoted his time and attention the two following years to the study of chemistry under Profs. Detmer and Stille, of the St. Louis Dairy Company's Laboratory. From there he went to Chanute, Kas., where he established a private laboratory, remaining in that place until the fall of 1885. During the two years he spent in this place he was studying medicine under Drs. Webb & Brown of the Eclectic school, and afterward underwent an examination before the Kansas medical board, consisting of eight men, and secured a certificate to practice. He became a member of the Eclectic Medical Association of that State, and after leaving there in the fall of 1885, he came to Randolph County, and located at Warm Springs, where he passed an examination before the board in 1885, and immediately entered upon the practice of his profession. Since coming here he has graduated from the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, and has made a special study of operative and opthalmic surgery under the able instructions of Profs. Louis Bower, A. C. Bernays and John Glancis, being now a successful surgeon and physician. He was married, October 14, 1885, to Miss Ella S. Kibler, of Water Valley, this county, and by her became the father of two children: Leona C. (deceased), and G. A., Jr. Mrs. Seel is a native of Arkansas. The Doctor belongs to the K. of P., and in his political views is a Democrat. In 1888 he and Capt. J. J. Handwerker, of Memphis, Tenn., purchased the famous warm springs of this place, which in days gone by were used by the Indians as a health resort, this being as early as 1818, when the first settlers began to come into the region. The first hotel put up near the place was in 1840, by a man named Rice, and after his death the property fell to his heirs. In 1874, it was purchased from them by Dalton, Kibler & Waddle, who erected a substantial hotel there the same year and put up bath houses, bowling alley, etc. They also inclosed two and one-half acres with a nice fence, and in this inclosure are sixty springs, with three different kinds of water, chalybeate, sulphur and carbonate. The largest spring is carbonate water, containing 160 cubic inches of carbonic acid gas to the gallon, making it the equal of the famous chalybeate Vichy waters of Europe. In addition to this it also contains iodine and lithia. The springs are accessible by the following stage routes: Doniphan, Pocahontas, the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad and the Kansas City & Memphis Railroad. The climate in the locality of the springs is fine, and the Doctor's manner of treating diseases in the way of baths can not be excelled, for hot, cold and electric baths can be secured at any time. The citizens in the locality contemplate erecting a high school, and the place can then be utilized as a point for securing both a good education and the benefit of the health restoring waters of the springs. The country is very beautiful hereabouts, and the streams abound with fish and the woods with deer, turkeys, squirrels, quail, etc., making it a sportsman's paradise.
 
 
 James F. Shaver, who is one of the successful farmers of Warm Springs Township, was born in Randolph County, Ark., in September, 1833, and is a son of John and Nancy (Cook) Shaver, who were born in Georgia. They were married in Alabama, about 1823, and in 1828 came to Arkansas, settling in this county, where they purchased and also entered some Government land. Wild animals of all kinds roamed the woods at will at this time, and in some places the forests were almost impenetrable, but it can be said of John Shaver that, with the courage and perseverance which marked the lives of so many of our pioneers,  He chopped, he logged, he cleared his lot,  And into many a dismal spot  He let the light of day. His neighbors were from ten to fifteen miles distant, and at that time wagons were a rare sight, but small trucks were made by sawing large logs in two, the wheels being of solid wood –even these rude conveyances being few and far between. The nearest planing mill, which was twenty-five miles away, could only be reached by crossing two rivers, and owing to the difficulty of doing this, the settlers had to resort to the old-fashioned pestle. The first flouring mill put up in this part of the county was on the old Russell place, and was run by horse power. This was about the year 1838. He and his wife were born in 1800 and 1798, and died in 1850 and 1858, respectively. They were members of the Christian Church, and became the parents of eleven children, eight living to be grown: William, who resides in Webster County, Mo., is a minister in the Christian Church; Robert, who died leaving a family in this county; Alexander, also deceased, his family being residents of the county; Peter, Martha, widow of C. Johnson; Caroline, the deceased wife of John Johnson; Nancy, wife of Jesse Johnson, and John, who was killed at the battle of Shiloh in 1862, while serving in the Confederate army. The other children died in infancy. James F. Shaver had very poor educational advantages in his youth, and although he attended the old fashioned subscription schools long enough to learn to read, he did not attend sufficiently long to learn to write. In 1852 he married Miss Elizabeth Waddle, a native of the county, born in 1836, and to them were born the following family: Alexander, born December 23, 1853; J. H., born August 2, 1855; Louis M., born December 22, 1857; Sarah E., wife of Eli Morris, born January 2, 1859; Jacob S., born October 6, 1861; James F., Jr., born November 2, 1863; Matilda A., born January 14, 1866, wife of Jeff Morris; R. L., born April 4, 1868, Peter M., born December 20, 1869; William M., born August 27, 1871; Permelia E., born January 14, 1874, and Joseph A., born February 28, 1876. In 1862 Mr. Shaver joined the Confederate army; he was with Price on his last raid through Missouri in 1864, and was a participant in a number of battles and skirmishes, Pilot Knob and Blue Lick being among the number. After his surrender, which occurred at Jacksonport, Ark., in June, 1865, he came home and engaged immediately in farming, entering at first 160 acres of land, and now has eighty under cultivation. He is also engaged in raising horses and cattle of a good grade. Mr. Shaver is a public-spirited citizen, is a Democrat in his political views, and he and his wife are members of the Christian Church, as are nearly all their children. Mrs. Shaver is a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Biggers) Waddle, Tennesseeans by birth, who came to Arkansas about 1832, and here married the following year. Their children were Lucinda, wife of Peter Shaver; Matilda (deceased), Sarah (Johnson), Susan (Roberts), Jefferson (deceased), Jake, Caroline (Graves), Marietta L. (Hawk), George and James (twins), and Elizabeth, wife of our subject. The parents died in 1849 and 1862, aged fifty and sixty years, respectively.
 

 Col. Thomas S. Simington. The name that heads this sketch is that of one of the oldest settlers of this vicinity, whose entire life in this county has been such as to win him the respect and esteem of all who are favored with his acquaintance. His father, Robert Simington, was a Scotchman who emigrated to the United States when twenty-two years of age, and being of an adventurous turn of mind, and nothing daunted by the talk of Indian troubles, determined to seek his fortune in the “far West,” and accordingly pushed on westward. From the city of Pittsburgh, Penn., he floated down the Ohio River on a flatboat, and made a landing at Cincinnati, Ohio, which place then consisted of two cabins, and from there went overland to Fayette County, Ky., becoming one of the very first settlers of that State. While making the toilsome journey to this State he was frequently surrounded by Indians, having trouble with them at various times, and had frequently to depend on the block-houses for protection. After making his home in Fayette County for some time, he removed to Henry County, of the same State, where he made his home until 1827, when he removed to Jefferson County, Ind., for the purpose of educating his children and giving them the advantages of Hanover College. He came to the United States without means, but possessing the sterling characteristics of his ancestors he was very successful in his farming enterprises, and at the time of his death in 1849, at the age of seventy-six years, he was quite a wealthy citizen. He lavished his wealth freely in educating his children, was always a kind and considerate father, and his memory is still respected and revered by them to a wonderful degree. He was a stanch Whig in politics, and was in favor of colonizing the colored race. His wife, Nancy McWilliams by name, was born in Virginia, and removed with her parents to Kentucky when she was a young girl, and in that State she was married to Mr. Simington. She died in Jefferson County, Ind., about two years after the death of her husband, when about sixty-four years of age. Both she and her husband were members of the Presbyterian Church, and for many years he was an elder in that church, and was holding that position at the time of his death. Of the seven daughters and five sons born to their union nine lived to maturity, and four are living at the present time: Robert S., who has been a Presbyterian minister since a young man, and is now located at San Diego, Cal.; Martha R., widow of William Finley, and is now residing in Independence, Mo.; Myra, widow of Gen. Lucas, also located at Independence, and Col. Thomas S. The latter, owing to his father's liberality, received an excellent education in Hanover College, and when nineteen years of age he went to Boonville, Mo., where he was engaged in teaching school and clerking for several years. After residing in Palestine, Ill., for about three years, he moved to Randolph County, Ark., and has since been actively engaged in farming, the first few years being also spent in wielding the ferule. He is now the owner of some of the best farming lands in the county, and is one of the prosperous citizens. He served as county surveyor prior to the Rebellion, and in 1861 was elected sheriff and collector of the county. The following year he organized a company to serve thirty days in the Confederate army, then enlisted in Company A, and was made first lieutenant. He was soon after elected lieutenant-colonel of the Twenty-fifth Infantry, but after serving two years was discharged on account of disability. He was at the battles of Tupelo and Perryville, and although his loss in money matters was very heavy during the war, he has been very successful in accumulating worldly goods. January 1, 1852, he was united in marriage with Miss Emily B. Russell, a daughter of one of the oldest settlers of Randolph County, Ark., Col. James G. Russell. She was born in the county July 20, 1833. Her union with Mr. Simington was blessed in the birth of eight children, of whom two died in infancy and six are now living: Williamson T. and Francis L., farmers of the county; Ida J., wife of Benjamin F. Bigger of Pocahontas; Thomas F., a merchant of Eastern Texas; Minnie and Mattie, at home. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of which Mr. Simington is a trustee and steward. He is one of the oldest Masons in the county, and although a Whig in politics until 1856, he has since been a Democrat. He has always been a public-spirited citizen, and is a patron of education and all worthy enterprises.
 

 James Henry Skaggs was born on the 2d of August, 1840, near Danby, Jefferson County, Mo., and is the son of Henry Skaggs, the grandson of Stephen Skaggs, and the great-grandson of James Skaggs, who was a native of Virginia, a man of great physical strength and activity, and of whom it is said that he settled in Kentucky before Daniel Boone. Stephen Skaggs was also a native of Virginia, his birth occurring about 1764. He died in Kentucky in 1814. His wife's maiden name was Miss Nancy Andrews, who was born in the year 1766, and died in Kentucky in 1862. Henry Skaggs (father of the subject of this sketch) was born in Green County, Ky., on the 6th of June, 1807, and came to Jefferson County, Mo., in 1833, bought a tract of land of several hundred acres, and this he improved and cultivated. He devoted the remainder of his life to farming and the raising of fine horses. He died on the 9th of September, 1866. His wife, Mrs. Mary (Eagelbarger) Skaggs, was born on the 7th of October, 1814, and was a woman of superior intelligence and firmness of character. She received her final summons in Jefferson County, Mo., in September, 1866. The maternal grandfather of our subject, John M. Eagelbarger, was a native of Germany, born in 1784, and came to the United States in 1800, landing at Savannah, Ga. He came to Missouri at an early day, and here followed his trade, that of a gunsmith. He died in Jefferson County, Mo., on the 3d of July, 1829. His wife's maiden name was Unity Carlin, a sister of ex-Governor Carlin of Illinois, and a woman of great courage and determination. James Henry Skaggs (the subject of this sketch), was taught the principles of farming in early life, and in 1861 he joined the Confederate army under the command of Gen. Jeff. Thompson, served about eight months, and was discharged on account of sickness. He then followed school teaching for about six years, two of which were spent in Monroe County, Ill., and the remainder in Jefferson and St. Francois Counties, Mo. During the period of teaching he gave his spare time to the study of medicine. Later he engaged in dealing in live stock and in merchandising, which he continued two years. In 1870 he came to Clay County, Ark., and followed farming and buying stock. He selected for his companion in life Miss Eliza James, and was united in marriage to her in 1873. They had two children, both of whom died in youth. Mrs. Skaggs died on the 19th of March, 1875. After that Mr. Skaggs accepted a position as collecting agent for Levi Hecht & Bros., at Pocahontas, which he held for over a year. In 1876, on the 17th of December, he was married to Mrs. Serena J. Russell, a native of Louisiana, and whose maiden name was Kilcrease. Mr. Skaggs then turned his attention once more to farming. In 1882 he was elected county surveyor, which office he filled with ability and credit. For the past few years he has been extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits, and also in the timber business, in which he has been very successful. He now owns over 4,000 acres of land and has 800 acres under cultivation. Mr. Skaggs is five feet eleven inches in height, and weighs 250 pounds. In middle life he was very strong and active, and was well trained in Olympic games, as was also his father. Mr. Skaggs after receiving a common-school education was for several terms under the tutorage of Mr. Robert A. Booth, a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, with whom our subject, among other things, completed mathematics as far as calculus. He has taken an active part in public affairs, and is alive to the interests of his country, is willing to do his part in forwarding all enterprises for public good, and is an important commercial factor of Randolph County.
 

 Will H. Skinner, druggist, Pocahontas, Ark. Holding the leading place among the druggists of the town of Pocahontas is the above mentioned gentleman. The business he now conducts was established by him in 1886, and he has built it up to its present enviable position by upright and honorable dealing, by understanding the wants of the public and anticipating them; also by keeping nothing but the best and most reliable goods, so that whatever is purchased at “Skinner's” can be implicitly relied upon. This gentleman was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, and is the son of Alfred and Mary (Virtue) Skinner, the father a native of the “Buckeye State,” and the mother of Maryland. Alfred Skinner was a manufacturer of and dealer in saddles. He was a gentleman of education, was well versed in law matters, and being a leader in politics was called upon by the people to fill many offices of trust in the county and township. He and his wife were faithful members of the Presbyterian Church. They reared to maturity a family of eight children, all living: Mary C., a stenographer at Baltimore, Md.; Helen M., a teacher in Baltimore; Nole, in Washington, Ohio; Fannie, also in Washington, Ohio; Anice P., wife of C. L. Ferguson, of Columbus, Ohio; Will H., Laura, a teacher in Baltimore, Md.; Alfred, a harness and saddlery merchant and manufacturer, of Washington, Ohio. The father of these children died May 22, 1889, at the age of sixty-eight years, and the mother died in May, 1871, at the age of forty-eight years. Will H. Skinner was educated in the public schools of Washington, Ohio, and graduated at the age of eighteen. Immediately afterward he commenced the study of pharmacy, which he continued in his native town until 1885, when he came to Pocahontas, Ark., and established himself in the same business. He now has the largest trade of that kind in the county, and in connection with drugs he keeps books, stationery, paints, oils, tobacco, cigars, and in fact everything necessary for a first-class store. Mr. Skinner is a member of the present city council, and is one of the representative citizens of the county. His paternal grandfather, Judge William Skinner, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was one of the oldest business men of Washington, Ohio, where he established the harness and saddlery business, and was succeeded by his son, Alfred Skinner, who in turn was succeeded by his son, Alfred Skinner, now a prominent manufacturer and trader in that line. The firm of which the younger Alfred Skinner is a member is widely known in that part of the State of Ohio.
 

 H. A. Slaughter, M. D., is one of the very foremost among the professional men of the county, and has won an enviable reputation as a practitioner of the “healing art.” He possesses advanced ideas and progressive principles regarding his profession, and is gifted with a full share of the sterling characteristics of the native Kentuckian. His birth occurred on the 14th of August, 1839, and he is the tenth of twelve children, five of whom are living, born to the marriage of French G. and Mary W., (Anthony) Slaughter, who were born in the Blue Grass State and the “Old Dominion,” respectively. The father followed husbandry throughout life, and although he had an excellent knowledge of the law, having studied it in his early manhood, he never practiced. He held many different offices in Nelson County, Ky., such as justice of the peace and sheriff, and died in that State in 1871 at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife also died there, she having been an earnest and consistent member of the Presbyterian Church for many years. The paternal grandfather, James Slaughter, was a Virginian, who died in Kentucky. Dr. H. A. Slaughter received the rudiments of his education in Winslow, Graves County, Ky., and from the time he was eighteen years of age until the breaking out of the war he was engaged in farming. He then enlisted in Company L, of the Eighth Kentucky Cavalry, but after serving faithfully for two years he was discharged on account of disability, and after returning home located in Kenton's Station, where he spent about three years. He also studied medicine during this time under Dr. David Yandall, and afterward pursued his studies in the Louisville Medical College. From 1868 to 1870 he resided in Ballard County, Ky., and then took up his abode in Randolph County, Ark., where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession, the large extent of territory over which he travels speaking louder than mere words can do of the estimation in which he is held by the public as a member of the medical fraternity. Politically he supports Democratic principles; he is a Royal Arch Mason, and belongs to the Christian Church.

 
 John F. Spikes, who is one of the substantial and progressive agriculturists of the county, was born here on the 20th of February, 1836, and is one of a family of seven children who were born to the marriage of Joseph Spikes and Permelia Waddell, who were born in Hawkins County, Tenn., in 1806 and 1805, and died in 1853 and 1864, respectively. They were married in their native State, and moved to Arkansas, being among the very first families to settle in what is now Randolph County. Mr. Spikes was engaged in farming and trading, and in every enterprise to which he turned his attention he met with good returns. He was sheriff of Randolph County for many years, and was filling the duties of this position at the time of his death. He was a Democrat, and he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. John F. Spikes received fair educational advantages in his youth, and made his home with his mother until a short time before her death, when he started out in life for himself. After the war he was left without means, but as he inherited some of his father's excellent business qualities, coupled with his energy and enterprise, he has succeeded far beyond his expectations, and is now the owner of 840 acres of some of the best land in the county. When barely twenty-one years of age he was elected constable, and served in this capacity for eighteen years, then positively declined to serve further. In 1874 he was elected county sheriff, and at the end of the term, although solicited by many to again become a candidate, he declined to put up his name. Although he is a non-partisan, he has always supported the men and measures of the Democratic party. He is a Mason, and he and his wife, whom he married February 7, 1863, and whose maiden name was Martha E. Mock, are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mrs. Spikes was born in Randolph County in 1840, and is a daughter of Matthias Mock. To their union eight children have been born: Amanda P. (wife of Franklin Tiner, a farmer and teacher of the county), Mary J., James C., William A., John W., Sulah M., Thomas F. and Joseph A., all at home.
 

 Samuel E. Spikes. Among the families who were early settlers of the State of Arkansas, was that of which the subject of this sketch is a worthy member, although the exact date of their settlement is unknown. He himself was born on the farm where he now lives, May 15, 1840, and is one of three surviving members of a family of four children born to William and Mary L. (Masters) Spikes, who were born in Hawkins County, Tenn., and near Charleston, S. C., in 1784 and 1802, and died in 1855 and 1881, respectively. At the time they located in Randolph County, Ark., the settlers were very scarce, and the nearest neighbor was eight miles away. He cleared a farm on which he resided until his death, and in addition to managing this farm he carried on the cooper's and wheelwright's trades which he had learned in his youth. He was a successful financier, but was rather improvident and spent his money freely, laying up but very little for a rainy day. He was an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he had been a member for many years, and in his political views was a Democrat. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary L. Masters, was first married to a Mr. Alexander, and with him moved to Arkansas, where he was afterward drowned. She then wedded Mr. Spikes, being his third wife, and by him became the mother of the following children: Samuel E., Elizabeth C. (widow of George Kersey), Mary P. (widow of Madison Gallich), and two others deceased, one of whom was L. F., who died while serving in the Confederate army. Mr. Spikes' first union resulted in the birth of six children: Joseph W., who was the third sheriff of Randolph County, and died in New Orleans; Jesse, John William, Martha and Nancy, all of whom died in the same county, except Nancy who died in Texas. Samuel E. Spikes enlisted, in 1862, in Capt. B. Shores' company, Col. Adams' regiment, and served until the close of the war, being a participant in the battles of Cane Hill and Delhi. After his return home he was married to Miss Mary Frances Stone, a daughter of Rufus Stone. She was born in Tennessee, May 6, 1847, and died in Randolph County, Ark., December 24, 1882, having borne a family of eight children, seven now living: William R., Samuel E., Mary C., Martha J., Fannie E., Robert A. and Francis M. A daughter named Eliza A., was born April 9, 1870, and died November 24, 1887. Our subject started in life without means, but by his own energy and good management he is now one of the wealthy residents of the county. He is a Mason in good standing, and is a Democrat in his political views. After his marriage, his mother made her home with him until her death.
 

 Mrs. Alice L. Surridge, widow of Robert Surridge, and a lady of culture and refinement, was born in Jackson County, Tenn., and is the daughter of A. W. W. Brooks, one of the prominent and wealthy farmers of Randolph County, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Surridge came to Arkansas with her parents when a child, was reared on a farm and received her education at Warm Springs high school. When twenty-one years of age she was united in marriage to Mr. Robert Surridge, a native of Missouri, born May 8, 1862. Heaven blessed this union with three children: Sudie, Lena and Robert Caldwell. Mr. Surridge was engaged in the grocery business at Pocahontas, and was an excellent business man and, above all, thoroughly honest. He continued in this business until his death, which occurred February 28, 1889. It is sad to think of death in connection with the young, and especially so with regard to Mr. Surridge, who, with his wife and little children around him, was full of business and enterprise until the grim destroyer entered and laid him low. Mrs. Surridge is the owner of 380 acres of land, and also considerable town property.
 

 James F. Sutton is a farmer residing near Pocahontas, Ark., and was born in Tennessee February 18, 1828. He is one of six sons and six daughters born to the marriage of Forester and Mary (McNiece) Sutton, who spent the greater portion of their lives in Marshall County, Tenn., and there resided until their respective deaths. James F. was the oldest of their children, and remained in his native State until 1852, at which time he settled in Southwest Missouri; three years later he came to Randolph County, Ark., and here has made his home up to the present date, with the exception of the time spent in the army. He joined the Confederate forces in 1861, becoming a member of Company H, Col. Shaver's regiment of infantry, and was a private until the surrender of Little Rock, Ark., and was on the Infirmary corps until the battle at Cane Hill. He returned to the duties of farm life after the battle of Little Rock, and has pursued the occupation of husbandry on his 160 acre farm ever since. This land he purchased prior to the war, paying 12½ cents per acre, and he now has seventy five acres in an excellent state of cultivation. While he has never held any office of public trust, yet he is a man who does all in his power to assist in the improvement of his county; is a liberal supporter of worthy movements, and is a strong advocate of free schools. Politically he is a Republican. His marriage with Miss Anna Noblin occurred in 1849, and by her he became the father of eleven children, five of whom are now living: G. W., who resides in the county; F. M.; Mary E., wife of John Kincaid; Samuel T. and Benjamin F. His wife and oldest three children are members of the Baptist Church. Prior to the Rebellion he served in the State militia as first lieutenant, and has held the same position since.
 

 Richard Sweeza. In giving a history of Randolph County, Ark., the name of Mr. Sweeza deserves honorable mention, for he has always been industrious and enterprising, and has ever aided enterprises which tend to the interests of the county. He was born near where he now lives, on the 1st of February, 1837, and is one of two surviving members (the other survivor being Nancy Jane, the wife of Joseph Thomas, a farmer of the county) of a family of nine children born to Richard and Matilda (Bigger) Sweeza, both of whom were born in Missouri, former's birth occurring in Carter County. They were reared to maturity and married in that State, and after the celebration of their nuptials they resided in Carter County several years, then came to Randolph County, Ark., being among the very first settlers of the county. The country was full of Indians and wild animals at that time, but Mr. Sweeza began to clear a farm, and followed this occupation in connection with blacksmithing throughout life, accumulating thereby a large amount of property. He died in 1841, when a comparatively young man, his widow afterward becoming the worthy companion of Randolph Cook, of Illinois, and her death occurred in that State, in 1855. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sweeza were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he was of French descent. Richard Sweeza, the immediate subject of this sketch, received his early education at home, and made his home with his stepfather. Mr. Cook, until the opening of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in Company C, of the Eighth Arkansas Infantry, Confederate States Army, and was on active duty east of the Mississippi River until the close of the war. He was in twenty-three regular engagements, among which were the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Perryville, Atlanta, Nashville, Missionary Ridge and many others. He was wounded by a musket ball in the upper lip, at Atlanta, and also at Ringgold Gap by a shell striking the lock of his gun and bursting. At Atlanta he was taken prisoner, but was re-taken by his friends ten minutes later, and in this engagement his whole command was captured with the exception of twenty men. He saw some very hard service, and after the war he returned home with the consciousness of having been a brave and faithful soldier. Like his father before him he has always been engaged in farming and blacksmithing; and although he commenced life for himself with little or no means, he has succeeded well, and now owns 200 acres of excellent land. In 1867 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Louisa Jane (Russell) Bigger, a daughter of Col. James G. Russell, and the widow of Ransom Bigger, who was killed during the war. She died in 1870, an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and three years later Mr. Sweeza wedded Mrs. Sarah A., the widow of Marion Russell. She was born in Lincoln County, Tenn., December 14, 1834, and both are now members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he being a steward in the same. He is a Democrat politically, and is one of the enterprising men of the county.