Michael Van Buren Shaver, farmer and merchant, was born in Sullivan County, East Tenn., April 7, 1832. His parents were David and Harriet (May) Shaver. David, Jr., was born in Sullivan County, Tenn., in 1799, where he always resided, and died in 1843. He was a son of David Shaver, Sr., merchant and slave owner, who was born in Buncombe County, N. C., and whose father (Michael's great grandfather), was killed in the Revolutionary War. The Shavers are of French, German and English descent. Michael's mother was born in Tennessee, in 1800, and died in Sharp County, Ark., in 1881; her parents were Samuel and Catherine May. Mr. May was born in London, England, and was a physician by profession, and a wealthy citizen. His wife was a Shelby, of one of the old families of the United States. Isaac Shelby, an uncle of Catherine, was governor of Kentucky, and a noted man. Ferdinand M. and our subject are the only children living of a family of eight. M. Van was raised in Tennessee, where he received a common school education. At the age of nineteen years he came to Independence County, Ark. The next year he located in Fulton County, cleared a farm in the woods, and in May, 1866, married Mary Livingston. They have had five children (four of whom are now living): Shelby L., Hattie M., Jimmie (deceased), Emma and Mattie. In 1861 he raised a company of infantry in Fulton County, Seventh Arkansas, of Col. Robert Shaver's regiment, under Gen. Hardee; was captain of his company one year, when he came home, formed a battalion, was elected major, and served in that capacity during the war. At Augusta, Ark., he was wounded in the left leg, where the bullet still remains. He was also with Gen. Price on his raid through Missouri. After the war he returned to Fulton County, of which he was appointed sheriff by Gov. Murphy, and served two years, when he removed to where he now resides. He has a natural stock farm of 350 acres, 125 of which are under cultivation, the same being finely watered by Reed's Creek. In 1880 he erected a grist mill at a cost of $4,000, and in May, 1882, it was totally destroyed by high water; having no insurance, it was a total loss. In 1866 he opened a general store where he now resides, but retired in 1880 on account of health, and in 1887 resumed business in partnership with his son. He is a Democrat, having cast his first presidential vote for Buchanan. Mr. Shaver was engaged in a hard fight on Martin's Creek, and selected the battle ground for the first fight in Fulton County.
 

Ferdinand May Shaver, farmer and merchant, two and a half miles west of Grange postoffice, is a brother of M. Van Shaver, and was born in Sullivan County, Tenn., July 14, 1836, where he resided till the age of fourteen years, and received his schooling, which is very limited, and came to Arkansas with his parents in 1850, where he has since resided. In 1870 he married Miss Mary J. Gardner, who was born in Lawrence County, Ark., in 1847. She is the daughter of John H. R. and Susana Gardner, her father a Baptist minister, who came to Independence County in the early days. Mr. Shaver's family consists of six children, Julia M., Edwin V., David L., James F., Lulu B. and an infant. The subject of this sketch served in the Confederate army as a cavalryman, from 1862 till the close of the war, taking part in the Augusta fight. He was engaged in business in Fulton County previous to the war, and in 1867 opened a general store in Sharp County, where he has since been in business, carrying a valuable stock of goods. He has about 700 hundred acres of land in Sharp County, 200 acres under cultivation; 300 acres in Independence County, and eighty acres in Lawrence County. Politically, he is a Democrat, having cast his first presidential vote for Breckinridge.

 
Thomas C. Sims, a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Sullivan Township, was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., in 1832. His parents were the Hon. Leonard H. and Louisa (Beatty) Sims, born in North Carolina in 1807, and Virginia in 1808, respectively, and were united in marriage in Rutherford. County, Tenn. In 1839 the parents [p.754] removed to a point near Springfield, Mo., but in 1847 returned to Tennessee, and in 1859 they came to Independence County, Ark., where the father died in 1886, and the mother in Tennessee the following year. The elder Sims was at one time one of the most brilliant politicians in Tennessee. He twice represented Rutherford County in the legislature, and from 1842 to 1845 or 1846, represented Greene County, Mo., in the State legislature, During the Polk administration he was a member of the National Congress from Missouri (at large), and in 1866 was elected to represent Independence and Stone Counties in the State senate. He was again elected in 1874 for the long term of four years, and his oratory while a member of that body was noted for its eloquence. He was a man of superior abilities, a close observer of men and events, and a shrewd politician, and never suffered defeat in a political contest. When a member of the senate he served on the committee on Federal returns, and was one of the ablest men of that body, and was also an ardent advocate for the payment in full of the State debt. During his first term in the Arkansas State senate he delivered the memorial address on the late Senator Lusburrow, who was the senator from Pulaski County during that session, but had recently committed suicide while the senate was in session. This was one of the most eloquent and able addresses ever heard in the senate chamber, and Mr. Sims was the recipient of many flattering compliments and considerable praise on this occasion. He was also a prominent member of the A. F. & A. M., Curia Lodge, and of the Royal Arch Chapter. In politics he had been a Democrat all his life, and was a strong supporter of that party. Thomas C. Sims was the fourth child of seven sons and five daughters, and received a good common school and academic education. In 1854 he was married to Sarah J., daughter of Judge A. H. Nunn, and by this marriage has had ten children, of whom four sons and three daughters are still living. In 1855 he moved to what is now Sharp County, and settled on a farm with but very little improvement, but since that time he has placed 145 acres under cultivation, owning altogether some 346 acres, besides a number of town lots in Hardy, and all the result of his own industry, business tact, and good management in farming and trading. He taught school for several years before and since the war, and, on the outbreak of hostilities between the North and South, he enlisted in Company G, of Col. Shaler's regiment, and served almost three years in the Confederate army, holding the rank of first lieutenant for two years. He fought in a number of battles in Missouri, Kansas, and portions of the Indian Territory, and was with Price on his raids through Missouri and Kansas. He was present during the surrender at Jacksonport, in 1865, and returned home after the war was over. In politics, Mr. Sims has always been a Democrat, and was appointed postmaster of Sullivan Springs for several years. He is a member of Evening Shade Lodge No. 143, A. F. & A. M., and, with his wife, has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for over thirty years. His grandfather, Swepson Sims, of North Carolina, resided in Rutherford County, Tenn., for about forty-five years, where he was a noted physician in his day. His father was Leonard Sims, a Scotchman, who settled in North Carolina at a very early period. William Beatty, the grandfather of Thomas C. Sims, was a native of Virginia, and died in Rutherford County, Tenn., where he had resided a great many years. Joseph Sims, the great uncle of Thomas C. Sims, first settled at Welchmere, now known as Lebanon, Tenn., and was the first man to cut down a tree in that place. Leonard H., the father of Thomas C. Sims, was a great hunter in his younger days, and a celebrated shot. His early experience with the Indians had given him a skill with the rifle that was marvelous, and to the present day many a tale may be heard of the great work done by him in the far West.
 

James G. Sims, an enterprising and popular farmer, of Sharp County, was born in Greene County, Mo., in 1841. He is a son of Hon. Leonard H. and Louisa (Beatty) Sims, of whom an extended sketch is given in the biography of T. C. Sims. When, in his seventh year, Mr. Sims removed with his parents to Tennessee, where they resided until the year 1859, and then came to Independence County. He was reared on a farm, and received a good common school education in his youth, and in early youth displayed the disposition and character of a man whose future life would be successful. He was imbued with the same traits of energy and force which characterized his illustrious father, and though not following directly in the footsteps of the elder Sims, he has made a path for himself that may serve as an example for many others. In 1861, he joined Company K, of the First Arkansas Infantry, and served one year through Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and the Indian Nation, taking part in the battles at Wilson's Creek, Pea Ridge and others. The same company soon after re-organized, with Mr. Sims a member of it, and took a leading part in the memorable battle of Shiloh. His next campaign extended through Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky, and he took part in the battle at Richmond; on Kirby Smith's raid through Kentucky: afterwards at the battles of Chickamauga and Atlanta, and then returned with Hood to Tennessee, where he fought in the battles at Franklin and Nashville. Shortly after this campaign, he returned home and resumed his farm work, and, in 1867, was married to Miranda, daughter of Perry and Margaret West, of Arkansas. Mrs. West died when her daughter was a child, and the father died in 1874, in Sharp County. Mrs. Sims was born in Texas, and with her marriage to Mr. Sims, has had nine sons and one daughter. In 1868 they settled on their present farm, about four miles northeast of Evening shade, where Mr. Sims owns 700 acres of land, and has about 200 acres under cultivation. He is one of the leading farmers and citizens of Sharp County, and is held in high esteem by the entire community. In politics he is a Democrat, and was a member of the board of equalization of Sharp County. He was also a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and in 1888 was vice-president of the Sharp County Wheel. He also belongs to Evening Shade Lodge No. 143, A. F. & A. M., and has been a member since 1874.

John T. Sparks, a farmer of Strawberry Township, Smithville postoffice, Lawrence County, was born in Alabama, February 8, 1843. His father, John Sparks, was born in Alabama about 1811, and died there in 1847, and Sarah (Bowlen) Sparks, his mother, was born in Georgia in 1815, dying in Lawrence County in 1887. The family consisted of eight children, three of whom are living: John, James L. and Isaac, all residing in Sharp County, our subject being the eldest. John T. was raised in Alabama till the age of eleven years, when he went to Tennessee with his parents, remaining there till he was eighteen years of age, when his mother and family removed to Lawrence County, Ark., living there a short time, and finally moving to where our subject now lives. He received his education in Arkansas, and, in 1869, married Miss Susan Webb, who was born in Polk County, Mo., in 1845, and died in 1871; she was the mother of two children, both living: Mary J. (wife of James Wheeler) and William N. In 1872 Mr. Sparks married Miss Alvira Hill, who was born in Lawrence County, Ark., in 1850, the daughter of Daniel and Delia Hill, Mr. Hill being a native of Virginia, and one of the early settlers of Lawrence County, where his wife was born. By this marriage there was a family of five children, three living: Ellen O., Causette and Edward B. In April, 1862, our subject enlisted in the Confederate army, serving under Capt. Huddleson until 1865; he was in all the battles west of the Mississippi River, in the cavalry. At the close of the war he resumed farming, and has also held the offices of constable of his township and justice of the peace four years. He is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
 

Ashley Taylor, a prominent farmer of Richwoods Township, is a son of J. Millidge and Hester A. (Cravens) Taylor, of Missouri and Arkansas, respectively. J. Millidge Taylor moved to the State of Arkansas, with his parents, in 1819, and met the lady who became his wife in Lawrence County, where Ashley was born in 1846. The elder Taylor was a son of J. W. Taylor, one of the earliest settlers of Lawrence County, and died in 1852, his wife surviving him a good many years. They were the parents of ten children, of whom Ashley was the seventh, and four of them are still living: William W. and Millidge, residents of Texas; Mary, wife of John Saffell, and Ashley.  Ashley Taylor remained on the home place until the year 1863, when he joined the Confederate army, becoming a member of one of the Arkansas regiments, in which he did gallant service. On September 12, 1864, he was captured at Thomasville, Mo., and taken to the prison at St. Louis. From there he was changed to a prison at Alton, Ill., but again returned to St. Louis, where, with five others, he was sentenced to be shot. The six men awaited their doom with the greatest fortitude, realizing that what was to be was according to the fortunes of war, but shortly before the hour set for the execution a kind Providence saved them from the fate they expected, and others were chosen instead to face the executioners. He was then returned to Alton, Ill., and afterward to Rock Island, where he was held until June 22, 1865, and then released. On his return to Arkansas Mr. Taylor ran a carding machine at Evening Shade for several years, and finally commenced farming again, his occupation previous to the war. He was married in 1875, to Miss America E. Barnett, a daughter of James and Jane Barnett, of Sharp County, and by this marriage has had one son and four daughters. Mr. Taylor lost his wife on September 21, 1887. He resided in Lawrence County until 1885, and then moved to Sharp County, but did not settle on his present place until 1887. The land comprises 200 acres, of which 120 acres are under cultivation, all of it being accumulated by Mr. Taylor himself. He is a Democrat in politics and a strong supporter of his party. Mr. Taylor is a member of Ash Flat Lodge No. 159, F. & A. M., and of Royal Arch Chapter No. 50, at Evening Shade. He is also a member of the Famous Life Association of Little Rock, his wife, during her life, being a member of the same association.

S. Price Turner, one of the leading merchants of Ash Flat, was born in Dent County, Mo., in 1862. His parents were George W. and Leon E. (Dougherty) Turner, both natives of Tennessee, who resided in Dent County, Mo., before the war. The family moved to Baxter County, Ark., in 1864, and from there to Izard County, and, in 1866, settled in Sharp County, coming to Ash Flat one year later. The father entered into commercial life on his arrival, and was a successful business man up to the time of his death, in January, 1885, being one of the most prominent merchants and leaders in mercantile affairs in that place. He was an officer in the Confederate army, and served through the war with great distinction, and was also a member of the A. F. & A. M., and Knights and Ladies of Honor. His start in Ash Flat was, similar to that of other self-made men, on almost nothing, but, being a man of energetic and determined spirit, he made a success where many others would have made a failure, and, at the time of his death, left a considerable fortune. Mr. Turner and his wife were both members of the Christian Church, and Mrs. Turner still survives her husband, at the age of fifty-four years. She is a daughter of Sakiah Dougherty, a brave officer, who met death at the battle of Wilson's Creek, in 1861. S. Price Turner has resided in Ash Flat ever since five years old, with the exception of one year at Fayetteville. He attended the State University in his youth, and at the age of eighteen was taken into partnership with his father, and remained with him until the elder Turner's death, when he succeeded to the business. He has carried on the business in the same enterprising manner that characterized the father, and has upheld the reputation made by the elder Turner. Mr. Turner, in connection with other members of his family, owns over 1,200 acres of land in Sharp County, besides considerable real estate in Ash Flat, and in the State of California. He was married, February 19, 1885, to Miss Fannie Davidson, a daughter of Dr. Benjamin H. and Atella J. Davidson, both deceased, the former being one of the leading physicians of this county during his life. Mr. Turner and his wife are the parents of one son and two daughters, and they comprise one of the most interesting and happiest families in Ash Flat. In politics he is a Democrat, and in 1884 cast his vote for Cleveland. He is also a member of Ash Flat Lodge No. 159, A. F. & A. M., and was senior warden for two terms. Royal Arch Chapter, Evening Shade, claims him as a member, as do the Knights and Ladies of Honor.
 

Anderson Huston Vance, farmer and justice of the peace, of Washington Township, was born in Alabama, November 15, 1837. His parents were William and Sarah (Hudson) Vance. William was born in North Carolina about 1776, and died in March, 1866, in Sharp County, Ark., when about eighty-six years of age. He emigrated from North Carolina to Tennessee in an early day, with his parents (who were born in Ireland), and from Tennessee to Arkansas, in 1848, and located five miles south of where the county seat now is. He was a farmer. His wife died in October, 1858, in Sharp County. She was the mother of fourteen children, all of whom grew to maturity, only four of whom are now living: Nancy Clark, Claring Norman, Anderson H. and Mary A. Shirley. All but Mary reside in Sharp County, and she in Independence County. The subject of this sketch, the eleventh child, was raised in Sharp County, where he received his limited education. In 1859 he married Miss Margaret C. Johnson, who was born in East Tennessee, September 2, 1840, and died June 26, 1878. She was the mother of three children, one of whom is living, William Huston. December 3, 1888, he married Sarah J. (Hardester) Douglas, a widow, who was born in Independence County, in 1851. Mr. Vance was in Evening Shade before the town was thought of. In June, 1862, he enlisted in the Confederate army, Company F, under Col. Bob Shaver, serving four years, and participating in the battles of Pleasant Hill (La.) and Jenkins' Ferry (Ark.). He is, and has been since 1867, a member of the Masonic order, and once represented his lodge in the grand lodge. In 1874 he was elected justice of the peace of Washington Township, and served eight successive years, and was again elected to the same office in 1888, and is now serving his fifth term. He is a Democrat in politics. He has 174 acres of land, and cultivates seventy-five acres of it. He and his first wife were members of the Missionary Baptist Church, his present wife being a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.