White Co. Part 2

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Jefferson Pinkney Linder is one of the enterprising and industrious agriculturists of this region, and is a son of Abraham W. and Itea (Templeman) Linder, the former of whom was born in Spartanburg District, S. C. He was of English descent, his grandfather having emigrated from England to America before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, and took an active part in that struggle on the side of the Colonists. He settled in North Carolina, and there reared his family, his son John, the grandfather of our subject, being born there. He was married in that State and at an early day removed to South Carolina, where his son Abraham W. was educated and grew to manhood. He was also married there and eight of his children were born there prior to the year 1844, after which they moved to Alabama and settled in Benton County, where four more children were given them. Their names are as follows: John A. (born July 18, 1823), Calvin D. (born July 1, 1825), Elizabeth Ann (born July 10, 1827), Delilah E. (born September 9, 1829), James Templeman (born April 17, 1832), Lewis M. (born October 24, 1834), Austin A. (born March 17, 1837), Jefferson Pinkney (born August 10, 1839), Mary A. (born October 6, 1841), Arcena S. (born March 21, 1844), Virgil Taylor (born June 3, 1848) and Martha C. (born on March 8, 1851). The father and mother of these children were born on September 23, 1803, and February 27, 1807, respectively, and in 1857 they came to Arkansas. Abraham Linder and his sons were opposed to secession, but Lewis M. and Austin A. espoused the Confederate cause after the ordinance of secession had been passed, and served as members in a company of Arkansas Volunteer Infantry. Lewis M. died of measles while at home on a sick furlough, and Austin was mortally wounded at the battle of Helena, Ark., on July 4, 1863, and was taken from the field where he fell by the Federals to a hospital at Memphis and there died. Jefferson Pinkney Linder (our subject) was reared to farm life and received his education principally in the subscription schools of Alabama, whither his father had moved from South Carolina. He embraced religion at the age of twenty-one years, and is now a member of the Presbyterian Church. On December 4, 1861, he was married to Miss Lucinda Jane Shelton, a daughter of John F. and Martha Payne (Milam) Shelton, of Shelby County, Tenn., her birth occurring in that county on May 8, 1846. The names of their children are here given: Thomas Jefferson (born March 28, 1863), Laura Eudora (born August 24, 1865), Margaret Itea (born December 26, 1867), John Robert (born January 6, 1870), Charles Henry (was born on February 1, 1873, and died August 1, 1875), McWilliam (was born on August 4, 1875,) Oscar B. (was born on September 5, 1877), Albert Lee (born February 8, 1880), Mertie Velmer (born March 23, 1882, and died October 9, 1884), Vida May (born June 16, 1884, and died August 3, 1886), Burrilah (born on February 14, 1887). Thomas J. was married to Miss Fannie Dennis, of Henderson County, Tex., on December 23, 1886, and is now [p.197] farming in Monroe County, Ark. Laura E. became the wife of S. N. Trotter, and lives in Monroe County, Ark. Margaret Itea bore one child by her husband, J. W. Acree, but is now separated from him by mutual consent. Mr. Linder has been noted for his industry and thrift, and on commencing life these constituted his capital stock and well he has made use of them, being now the owner of 360 acres of land, his first purchase being only eighty acres. He has 100 acres under cultivation and makes a specialty of stock raising, his mules being of a fine grade, and he also has some very fine horses of the Tone Hal breed. Mr. Linder was troubled for some time with a scrofulous white swelling on one of his legs which finally resulted in the loss of that member, the operation being performed in 1879. He is a man possessing a fund of useful information and is a Democrat in his political views. Himself and wife and four children are members of the Baptist Church.

Elder Benjamin H. Lumpkin, a prominent Baptist minister of White County, is a son of Robert and Jane (Harden) Lumpkin, and owes his nativity to Arkansas, his birth occurring May 2, 1849. Robert Lumpkin was a native of Georgia, and his wife of Ballard County, Ky. They were married in the latter State and came to White County in February, 1835, settling near Denmark, said county, where Mr. Lumpkin died in 1855. He was a Universalist in belief and a farmer by occupation. Mrs. Lumpkin was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, and closed her eyes to the trials and tribulations of this world in 1857. Mr. Lumpkin in his political views was a Democrat, and manifested an active interest in party campaigns. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lumpkin, eight children were born, three sons and five daughters: Louisa (wife of Elder J. M. Butler, a Baptist missionary to the Cherokee Indians), Susan M. (Mrs. Ramer, of Shelby County, Tenn.), Sophia E. (now Mrs. J. F. Burket, residing in Northern Arkansas), Benjamin H. (subject of this sketch), John (died while in the Rebel army at Bowling Green, Ky.), Noah (deceased in boyhood, in White County), Charity (wife of Thomas Simmons, a farmer of Fulton County, Ark.) and Rebecca (died in White County, Ark., in 1868). Benjamin H. passed his early life near Denmark, Ark., and received but meager advantages for an education in his youth, but is now a well-read gentleman, and conversant on all important subjects of the day. He began preaching at the age of twenty-nine years, and by his earnest and eloquent expounding, has made many converts to his faith. He began farming at the age of fifteen years, which he continued until he reached the age of thirty. In 1883 Mr. Lumpkin embarked in the mercantile business in connection with his preaching, and has been very successful in that departure. He carries a stock of carefully selected groceries, valued at $15,000. Mr. Lumpkin was married July 19, 1870, to Rachel F. Ruminor, of White County, and a daughter of James Ruminor. By this marriage five children have been born, two sons and three daughters: Allie F., Hayden A., Maggie A., Benjamin T. and Lena Rivers (deceased). Mr. Lumpkin was elected justice of the peace in September of 1888, for a period of two years, and is discharging the duties of that office in a manner that proves beyond a doubt his ability to satisfactorily fill that position. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church in his religious belief, and a stanch Democrat in politics. Mr. Lumpkin contributes liberally to all worthy enterprises, and lends his valuable support to all church, school and charitable movements. In societies he is identified with the Masonic order, in which he is a member in high standing.

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Dr. J. F. McAdams, physician and surgeon, Searcy, Ark. There are few men of the present day whom the world acknowledges as successful more worthy of honorable mention or whose life-history affords a better example of what may be accomplished by a determined will and perseverance than that of Dr. J. F. McAdams. This gentleman was born in Shelby County, Ala., in 1830, and was the fourth of seven children, the result of the marriage of James and Sarah (Foreman) McAdams, natives, respectively, of South Carolina and Tennessee. The father was a planter, and when a young man went to Alabama, where he married [p.198] Miss Foreman and settled on a farm within five miles of Columbiana, where he lived for over fifty years. His death occurred in 1867, and his wife died in February, 1889. Of their family the following children are living: Isaac F. (resides in Dallas, Tex.), J. F., Elizabeth (now Mrs. Edwards, of Shelby County, Ala.), Sarah (now Mrs. Horton, resides in Shelby County, Ala.), and Dr. Henry Clay (who is married and residesin Shelby County, Ala.). Dr. J. F. McAdams was reared to plantation life and secured a good practical education in the schools of Shelby County, Ala., subsequently taking a three-years' course in Talladega, Ala. After leaving school he engaged in teaching, and at the same time commenced reading medicine at the Mobile Medical Institute, graduating in the class of 1861. After this he practiced some and in the spring of 1862 came to Searcy. He was the leading physician of the county during the war, and remained at home by request. He was married in Perry County, Ala., in 1859, to Miss Sarah J. Crow, a native of Perry County, Ala., and daughter of Joseph W. and Elizabeth (Hopper) Crow, natives of Alabama. Her father was a successful agriculturist and his death occurred in 1865. His wife died in 1876. When coming to Searcy in 1862 Dr. McAdams found the town very small, and where fine business streets now are was then undergrowth. The Doctor opened his office in the public square and began practicing, which he continued all through the war without molestation. He is not very active in politics, but votes with the Democratic party. Socially, he is a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M. To his marriage was born one child, Frank Waldo, who is book-keeper for F. Lippman, at Olyphant, Ark. Dr. McAdams has seen many changes since first residing here, both from an educational and moral standpoint. The customs of the people have also changed. He and Mrs. McAdams are members of the Baptist Church.

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Maj. John C. McCauley, Searcy, Ark., is one of the well-known and esteemed pioneer residents of this county, having come to White County in 1851. He was born in Orange County, N. C., February 24, 1834, and was the second in a family of nine children born to James and Mary A. (Freeland) McCauley, both natives of North Carolina. The father grew to manhood near Chapel Hill, N. C., settled on a plantation and made that his home until 1836, when he moved to Tennessee. He first settled in Fayette County, then Tipton County, and kept a hotel at Concordia, Tenn., in 1851. Later than this he came to White County, settled in Gray Township, speculated in land (being also a contractor), and erected a great many houses in Searcy. He there closed his eyes to the scenes of this world in December, 1888, at the age of seventy-nine years. His excellent wife died in 1883. The father was a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M., and was charter member of the same. Of their family, seven children are now living: E. J. (now Mrs. E. J. Carter, who resides in Searcy), Maj. John C., Mary A. (now Mrs. William T. Holloway, of Searcy), Martha E. (now Mrs. Joseph R. Hall, resides in Tipton County, Tenn., near the old homestead), James (is married, and resides on the father's homestead near Judsonia), Catherine B. (now Mrs. John D. Sprigg, resides at Searcy), and George C. (who married Miss Emma Black, resides at West Point, White County). The paternal great-grandfather, John McCauley, was a captain under Gen. Marion in the War of the Revolution. He was at Antrim Island in the war against England, retreated and took secret passage on a Colonial vessel, in which he safely crossed the ocean to America. He landed in North Carolina, and made that State his home. Grandfather John McCauley was a soldier in the War of 1812, and held the rank of colonel. He represented Orange County, N. C., in the legislature for many years, and his death occurred in that State. On the mother's side, the family was of Scotch descent. Maj. John C. McCauley was nearly seventeen years of age when he came to White County, and received his education under the tutelage of Dr. James Holmes, an able educator. After coming to Arkansas he commenced studying law under Scott McConaughey, but in 1852 engaged in merchandising, which business he has since continued, with the exception of four years during the war (1861-65). He has had different [p.199] partners, the present firm being McCauley & Son, which has continued since 1865, and carry everything to be found in a general store. In 1861 Mr. McCauley raised Company K, First State Guards, and entered the State's service January 1, 1861. Later he was transferred to the Seventh Arkansas Infantry, and remained there during the war. He was in the bombardment of Columbus, Ky., and was at Bowling Green and Shiloh; was twice wounded, and was confined in the hospital at Tupelo, Miss., and Blount Springs, Ala. After the battle of Shiloh the company was reorganized, and the subject of this sketch was the only one of the company re-elected, and he was promoted to the position of major. He was in Farmington, took the battery and then rejoined Gen. Bragg in his invasion of Kentucky. After the battle of Chickamauga, Ga., he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and after the battle of Missionary Ridge he was detailed and put in charge of a company to recruit men. He was captured by the Third Missouri Cavalry near Batesville and taken to the military prison at Little Rock, where he was paroled by Col. Chandler at the house of Mrs. Green, remained two months, and was then taken to Johnston Island, where he was exchanged on January 9, 1865. He surrendered on May 9, 1865, after which he returned to White County and engaged in merchandising. He has taken quite an active part in politics, and votes with the Democratic party. He was deputy postmaster for many years before the war, and was postmaster under President Hayes, filled the same position under President Cleveland, and occupies that position at the present time. He has been Master of the Masonic Lodge No. 49, Searcy, for six years, is a member of Tillman Chapter No. 19, and has been High Priest and King; is also a member of the Council, having been Thrice Illustrious. Maj. McCauley was married in Tipton County, Tenn., in 1855, to Miss Eliza J. Hall, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of Thomas S. and Mary Hall, natives of North Carolina. Her father was a farmer and tanner, and both he and wife died in Tennessee. They were related by marriage to Stonewall Jackson. To Mr. and Mrs. McCauley were born four living children: Aurora (now Mrs. Fancette, resides in Searcy), Charles E. (widower, and is postal clerk on the Iron Mountain Railroad between St. Louis and Little Rock), Ernest J. and James Thomas. Mr. McCauley and wife are members of the Old School Presbyterian Church, and he is deacon and Bible-class teacher in the same.

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James A. McCauley, farmer and ginner, White County, Ark. Permanent success in any calling in life is largely dependent upon the energy, perseverance and enterprise of an individual, and this, together with honest, upright dealing, will eventually bring him to the front. Mr. McCauley was originally from Tipton County, Tenn., where his birth occurred in 1842, and was the fifth of seven children, the result of the union of James and Mary (Freeland) McCauley, natives of Orange County, N. C. The parents were married in Chapel Hill, N. C., and in 1836 moved to Tipton County, Tenn., where the father tilled the soil until 1851. He then came to White County, settled at Prospect Bluff, now Judsonia, and in connection with his former pursuit, ran a steam saw-mill, one of the first in the county, and doing the grinding for several counties. In 1885 he moved to West Point, White County, and there his death occurred on December 15, 1888. His wife received her final summons in Searcy, in 1882. James A. McCauley attained his growth on the farm, received his education in the schools of Searcy, and on April 13, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Seventh Arkansas Infantry, as a private, for one year. He was in the battle of Shiloh, and after this disastrous engagement he re-enlisted for three years or during service, in the same company and regiment. He was in the battles of Perryville and Murfreesboro, and at the reorganization of the company he was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant. This was after the last-named battle. The regiment was consolidated with the Sixth Arkansas Infantry, and Mr. McCauley was transferred to Gen. Kirby Smith. He was put in Turnbull Camp, Washington, Hempstead County, for four months, drilling troops, and was then transferred to Dobbin's brigade, McGee's regular cavalry. He was with [p.200] Gen. Price on the Missouri raid and was paroled at Jacksonport, Ark., in 1865, after which he returned to White County. Mr. McCauley then embarked in mercantile pursuits in Searcy, in 1866, but the following year sold out and returned to the farm. His marriage occurred in White County, on December 13, 1865, to Miss Nancy A. Bond, a native of White County, and the daughter of John W. and Emily (Smith) Bond, natives of North Carolina and Georgia, respectively. The father moved to Arkansas Territory in 1836, and was residing there when it was admitted into the Union. He was the first county clerk of White County, was one of the prominent and first merchants of Searcy, and started his store in the woods. His death occurred in 1887. His wife died in 1869. Mr. McCauley settled where he now resides in 1856, and in 1874 he purchased 715 acres of land, and now has 315 under cultivation. He raises grain and cotton. Mr. McCauley has been running a cotton-gin ever since he settled on the farm, and has been quite successful. In his political views he is a cotton-mouth Democrat. To his marriage were born ten children: James Walto, Emma, Holmes, Stonewall, Lee, Hardee, Pat Cleburne, Jeff Davis, Allen and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. McCauley are members of the Presbyterian Church.

George C. McCauley is not unknown to the many readers of the present volume. He learned the miller's trade when a boy, and operated a gristmill and cotton-gin at Judsonia for six years, after which he engaged in farmin on the old Beeler place, where he remained nine years. Moving thence to West Point, he engaged in farming and in the cotton-gin business, in which he is still engaged, enjoying the confidence and liberal patronage of his many acquaintances. On October 24, 1877, he was married to Miss Emma Black, a daughter of W. G. Black, who was born in 1860, in Searcy. They became the parents of three children, two of whom are still living: Mattie May and Maud E. Mr. McCauley is a strong Democrat, and a liberal donator to all enterprises for the benefit of church or educational work. He was born in Tipton County, Tenn., on February 5, 1851, being the son of James and Mary Ann McCauley, natives of North Carolina, who were reared near Raleigh, where they were married and made their home for some time. After residing awhile in Tennessee and Missouri, they finally came to Arkansas in 1851, settling in White County. Mr. McCauley was one of the most successful farmers that ever found a home in Arkansas, being the owner of 1,200 acres of land at the time of his death, which occurred in December, 1888, at the age of seventy-seven years; his wife had died in 1882, in her seventy-second year. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church, and were the parents of ten children, seven of whom are still living: Elizabeth (the wife of W. B. Carter, of Searcy), John C. (the present postmaster of Searcy), Mary (wife of W. T. Holloway), Martha (wife of J. B. Hall), James A. (farmer of this county), Catharine B. (wife of Capt. J. D. Spriggs, now deceased) and George C. (our subject).

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R. H. McCulloch, farmer and stock raiser, Searcy, Ark. In reviewing the lives of those individuals mentioned in this volume no adequate idea of the agricultural affairs of White County, or of its substantial citizens, would be complete, which failed to make mention of Mr. McCulloch, or of the substantial property which he owns. Originally from Murfreesboro, Rutherford County. Tenn., his birth occurred August 26, 1849, he passing his boyhood days and early manhood in Tennessee. He was educated in Andrew College of that State, and after leaving school began the study of pharmacy, subsequently going to Giles County, Tenn., where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits from 1870 to 1871. The next year he became book-keeper at Plum Bayou, in Jefferson Township, on the Arkansas River. In March, 1873, he came to Gray Township, White County, and finally locating at Beebe, entered the employ of Strange & Ward as book-keeper, with whom he remained for two years. Deciding to settle in Union Township, he purchased a farm of 120 acres, with sixty-five under cultivation, and now has eighty-five acres of it improved. On October 27, 1884, Mr. McCulloch moved to Searcy, having the previous September been elected clerk of the circuit and chancery court, and also recorder, and [p.201] served efficiently in that capacity until October 30, 1888, when he was engaged as traveling salesman for Mitchell & Bettis, of Little Rock, continuing on the road until March 1, 1889. He then moved to his present farm, having bought in 1887 eighty acres, with thirty acres under cultivation. He now owns a good place of 200 acres, with 115 acres under substantial improvement, besides a timber tract of 169 acres. Mr. McCulloch is the eldest in a family of five children born to Dr. P. D. and Lucy V. McCulloch, both being natives of Tennessee. The father was a physician and surgeon by profession, and in 1876 moved to Hot Springs, Ark., where he still resides. He has been active in the Masonic order, having just retired as Grand Knight of the Grand Templars of the State. He represented the Grand Lodge of Tennessee in all its various offices. The mother of R. H. McCulloch died in July, 1865, in Gibson County, Tenn. In their family were the following children: R. H., P. D. (married, and resides in Lee County; is an attorney and an extensive planter), E. A. (married, and an attorney in Lee County) and Lydia B. (now Mrs. J. T. Hogg; resides in Trenton, Tenn.; her husband is traveling salesman for a Memphis firm). R. H. McCulloch was married in White County, Ark., November 25, 1874, to Miss Anna E. Cobb, a native of Tennessee (Haywood County), and the daughter of T. T. and Mary (Rose) Cobb, of North Carolina origin, who immigrated from that State in 1832 and 1833, respectively, to Tennessee. In 1858 they came to White County, Ark., settling in Union Township, and there the father's death occurred in 1881. The mother died about 1860. Mr. McCulloch lost his excellent wife in 1876, and was married again in White County, June 30, 1878, to Mattie L. Cobb, a Tennesseean by birth, and the daughter of S. P. and Eliza (Rose) Cobb, originally from North Carolina. The parents moved to Tennessee in 1832, coming thence to White County, Ark., in 1870, and settling near Beebe, where the father followed agricultural pursuits. Both parents are now living. To Mr. and Mrs. McCulloch were born five children: Samuel R., Philip D., Bertha C., Maggie and R. H., Jr. Mr. McCulloch is a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M.; was Worshipful Master of Beebe Lodge No. 145 for about ten years; is a member of Tillman Chapter No. 19, R. A. M., and belongs to Searcy Lodge, K. of H., at Searcy. He has been for a number of years a member of the Grand Lodge, and for the past three years has been secretary and treasurer, and chairman for two years.

Miles C. McDowell, actively occupied as a farmer and stock raiser, of Marshall Township, White County, Ark., is the son of Harvey and Ruth (Walker) McDowell, and was born in Tennessee in 1854. Harvey McDowell, also a native of Tennessee, dates his existence from July, 1806, as a son of Joseph and Olive McDowell. He spent his younger days on a plantation, and in the schools of Tennessee, and was married in April, 1834, to Ruth Walker, becoming by her the father of the following family: Ollie (Mrs. W. F. Gill, now deceased), Parthena (Mrs. L. Jones, also deceased), Louisa (widow of Mr. Greegs), William (married), Gideon, Robert, John, Harriet C. and Miles C. (the subject of this memoir). Harvey McDowell died soon after the war, his last days being spent in Missouri, where he had moved with his family from Tennessee. After his father's demise, Miles C. came to Arkansas in company with his mother, and purchased land in White County which he soon after sold, and subsequently acquired another 120 acres in the same township, one mile south of Romance. This farm he bought in 1888, and now has forty acres in an excellent state of cultivation. His fam is well and carefully stocked, and in many respects is the equal of any in the country. His mother, who is residing with him, is an estimable lady, and is hale and hearty for a person of her age. Mr. McDowell takes decided interest in all those movements which promise good to the county, and never fails to give his support to any worthy cause.

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George W. McKinney is one of the most enterprising and progressive farmers of White County and one who has done a great deal in changing the country from a dense wilderness to what is now a prosperous and thrifty community. Born on May 9, 1826, in Monroe County, Miss., he came to Arkansas in 1870, and settled on the farm that he now owns, buying 120 acres on which was a [p.202] small log-cabin and about ten acres cleared, but shortly after he purchased 200 acres more, and erected a good house, barns, fences, etc., having here 135 acres under successful cultivation, and all the necessary improvements of the present day. Mr. McKinney is a model farmer, as everything around his place indicates; negligence and degeneracy being traits unknown about his home. He is the son of John and Rosanna (Land) McKinney, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively, who were married in the latter State and shortly afterward moved to Mississippi, there becoming engaged in farming. Mr. McKinney was a Democrat, and soldier in the War of 1812, also serving as magistrate of his county for several years. His death occurred in 1832, his wife surviving him until 1872. They were the parents of nine children, five now living. The oldest son, J. G., is a prosperous farmer in Texas. Susan C. (Mrs. Chesley Malone, at present resides in Calhoun County, Miss.), Andrew J. (is a farmer of Chickasaw County, Miss.), and one daughter (Mrs. R. E. Brewer). George W. was reared to farm life, and received a good education in the common schools of the period. He cared for his aged mother until her death, giving her all the comforts necessary to her declining years, and in his twenty-fourth year was married to Miss Helen C. Gibbs of Mississippi birth, by whom he became the father of eight children, six now surviving: W. T. (a farmer of Royal Township, White County), John M. (also a farmer in Royal Township, White County), George W. (at home), T. A. (a farmer of Royal Township, White County), Margaret A. (wife of James W. Hall, a prominent farmer of Royal Township), J. R. and Julia E. (now Mrs. Thomas S. Kitchen). Mrs. McKinney died in 1889, and Mr. McKinney chose for his second and present wife, Mrs. M. E. Malone, a native of Mississippi. At the time of the war Mr. McKinney was justice of the peace and consequently did not enter the service until 1863, when he enlisted in Col. Duff's regiment, remaining until the final surrender. He was in McCullough's brigade in the cavalry service, and participated in several brisk skirmishes, but was never wounded. He was ordered to Mobile with Col. Duff, and advised by that colonel to go to his family. While in Mississippi Mr. McKinney held the office of justice of the peace and overseer of roads and men. He is a member of El Paso Lodge No. 65, A. F. & A. M., and was made a Mason in 1865, also belonging at this time to New Hope Agricultural Wheel No. 32, T. A., and is treasurer of the Wheel. He is at present a member of his school board, and takes an active interest in schools, churches, and gives his influence and help to all public enterprises. In his political views Mr. McKinney is a Democrat, but casts his vote irrespective of party and where he considers it will do the most good, supporting always the best man for the position.

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D. L. McLeod, who, though comparatively young in years, has had an experience such as but few men enjoy, is now a prosperous planter and fruit grower of White County. When only fourteen years of age he became a "sailor boy," and in 1869 received the honor of being made captain in the merchant service. He was born in Prince Edward's Island, Canada, April 27, 1841, and is the son of Donald McLeod, also a native of Canada, who there married Miss Annie Henderson, her birth also occurring on Prince Edward's Island. A family of six children blessed this union, five of whom are still living. Donald McLeod was principally engaged in agricultural pursuits during life, in which he was very successful. Himself and wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he had been deacon for a number of years, rigidly upholding the tenets of his belief. His wife died some years previous to his demise, which occurred in 1886. From January, 1864, D. L. McLeod served as chief quartermaster in the United States navy, receiving honorable recognition for the manner in which he discharged his duties. His term of service in the navy expired in May, 1867, but he at once returned to the sea and engaged in the merchant service continuing until 1879. One noteworthy event marks his career during this time: A beautiful marine telescope was presented to him in 1873, awarded by the King of Norway for a brave and noble deed in rescuing a [p.203] Norwegian crew, on the Atlantic Ocean. Mr. McLeod was married, in 1874, to Susie K. Kitchen, a daughter of William and Jane Kitchen, and a native of Ontario, Canada. To this union two children have been born: Lillie J. (born in Akyobe, India, April, 1875, and died in 1880), William (born in February, 1877, and died at sea May, 1878, and is buried at Belfast, Ireland) and Arthur R. (who is now seven years old). In 1880 Mr. McLeod became a resident of Iowa, where he remained for three years engaged in fine stock raising, in Fayette County, but in 1883 he moved to Arkansas and located at Judsonia, White County, where he still lives, successfully occupied in fruit growing. He owns 240 acres of excellent land, and has a fine residence, which he has erected during his abode here. He is a Master Mason in good standing and is also president of the Arkansas Fruit Growers' Union, which was organized in 1886. Besides this he is first vice-president of the State Horticultural Society, and, with his wife, belongs to the Baptist Church.

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Dandridge McRae, attorney at law. Searcy, Ark., has every reason to be proud of both its law courts and the members of the bar who support them. Among the leading firms of attorneys in Searcy, is the well-known one of Messrs. McRae, Rives & Rives, who are notable representatives of the learned profession. Mr. McRae has also been expert for the United States treasury department, appointed in 1889, and this business is to gather statistics for that department. He was born in Baldwin County, Ala., on October 10, 1829, and the eldest in a family of eleven children born to the union of D. R. W. and Margaret (Braey) McRae, the father of West Florida Parish, Miss., and the mother of South Carolina. The parents were married in Alabama in 1828, and were the owners of a large plantation, which he carried on although he was a lawyer by profession. He took quite an active part in politics, was sheriff of Clark County, and represented that county in the legislature. His death occurred in March, 1849. After the death of her husband and the same year, Mrs. McRae came to White County, Ark., settled in Little Red River Township, entered land, improved it, bought several claims, and in 1859 moved to Pulaski County, near Little Rock, and made that her home until 1861. After this she visited the Lone Star State, but returned, and her death occurred at the home of her son, Dandridge McRae, in Searcy in 1867. Those members of the family living are: Dandridge, Rebecca (Mrs. Col. G. F. Bancum, of Little Rock), Ann (wife of A. T. Jones, near West Point, White County, Ark.) and Mrs. Mona Rawles (at Perryville, Perry County). Dandridge McRae was early trained to the arduous duties of the farm, received his education at home under a private tutor, and later entered the University of South Carolina, from which institution he graduated in the class of 1849. He then aided in opening up the farm in Red River Township, but in 1853 moved to Searcy, and there commenced reading law. He was admitted to the bar by Justice C. C. Scott, of the supreme court, in 1854, and commenced the practice of law immediately afterward. In 1856 e was elected county and circuit clerk of the county, and served six years. In 1861 he was actively engaged in organizing troops for the State, and in the same year was sent by the military board to muster Gen. N. P. Pierce, brigadier of State troops, while even at that time the Missourians were driven from the State by the Federal Generals Lyon and Siegel. Gen. Ben. McCulloch in command of the Arkansas and Indian Territory, issued a proclamation to the people of Arkansas to go to the border and repel invaders. Many companies organized reported to Mr. McRae, and at the request of the General, the former took command and moved into Missouri, toward Springfield, to make a diversion, while the General moved to Carthage to relieve Gen. Parsons of the Missouri State Guards. Upon his return to Arkansas Mr. McRae organized a regiment under the direction of Gen. McCulloch, and was made colonel of the same. He served until 1862, was with Gen. McCulloch at Wilson's Creek, Pea Ridge and Corinth. He returned to Arkansas in 1862, raised another regiment by June, and was assigned by Gen. Hindman the command of a brigade. This brigade served until 1862, when Mr. McRae was promoted in December, to the [p.204] rank of brigadier-general, and served in that capacity until the close of the war. He was in the battle of Helena, captured the only fort taken, also Jenkins' Ferry, Prairie Grove, and returned to Searcy, White County, in 1865. He engaged in the practice of law until 1881, and was then deputy secretary of State for four years. In 1885 he was acting commissioner for Arkansas, at the World's Fair at New Orleans, and in 1886 was the commissioner. Mr. McRae was appointed expert on December 26, 1888, by United States treasury department for gathering information. He was vice-president of the bureau of emigration of Arkansas in 1887. Socially, he is a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M., and was Worshipful Master of the same; is a member of Tillman Chapter No. 19, and a member of the Council. Mr. McRae was married in De Soto County, Miss., on January 10, 1855, to Miss Angie Lewis, a native of Mississippi, who bore her husband two children: Annie (now Mrs. Neeley, residing in Searcy) and Minnie (now Mrs. J. F. Rives, Jr., residing in Searcy).

Thomas Jefferson Malone, planter and stock raiser at Pleasant Plains, Ark., is the son of Stephen and Sarah (Parks) Malone, natives of North Carolina, being born December 16, 1816, in Henry County, Tenn. He was reared in the arduous duties of the farm, received his education in his native county, and on December 20, 1846, he was married in Fayette County, Tenn., to Miss Pinie E. Ozier, a native of North Carolina, where she partly received her education. In about 1848 Mr. Malone purchased a tract of land, consisting of 160 acres of unimproved land, and this he went to work to improve. After clearing about twenty-five acres and erecting good buildings, he sold this property and came to Arkansas. To his marriage were born six children, four of whom are now living: Sarah Frances (born in 1847), William Thomas (born in 1849, and died in 1857), Alice Jane (born in 1858), an infant (died unnamed), Charles Calvin (born May 7, 1861) and Lititia (born in 1863). Sarah Frances married W. Yarbrough, a native of Tennessee, is the mother of three children, and now resides in White County. Calvin C. married Miss Ella Boen, a native of Alabama, and now resides with parents. Martha Ann married James Kilo, a native of Arkansas, and has one child. They also reside with the parents. Mr. Malone came to Arkansas in 1856, located in Independence County, and there made their home for one year, he engaged in tilling the soil. In 1857 he came to White County, located on his present farm, and there he has since made his home. The original tract contained about 194 acres, which were uncultivated at that time. Mr. Malone has purchased other tracts at various times and has always sold to advantage. He has put all the improvements on his place and has about fifty-three acres under fence. The soil is of good quality and furnishes nearly all the necessaries of life, corn and cotton being the principal crops. Vegetables of all kinds grow in abundance, and he also raises some tobacco which is of good quality. Mr. and Mrs. Malone are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have held membership since 1843. They live true Christian lives and have the love and esteem of a large circle of friends. Mr. Malone is a member of Cedar Grove Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and is also a member of the Agricultural Wheel No. 88. The parents of Mr. Malone were natives of North Carolina, and were married in that State. They were of Scotch-German descent and their ancestors on both sides came to the United States prior to the Revolutionary War. Grandfather Malone served seven years in the Colonial War and drew a pension for some years previous to his death, which occurred at the age of eighty-one years. Grandfather Parks also participated in that war, serving in the capacity of colonel, and died about 1804. To Stephen and Sarah (Parks) Malone were born thirteen children, all of whom grew to maturity.

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Mrs. Malinda J. Malone, proprietress of a well-kept hotel at Auvergne, Ark., is a daughter of Henry R. and Mary E. (Follis) Bray, the former a Baptist minister and a native of Virginia, and the latter born in the "Palmetto State." They were married in Alabama in 1832, and shortly afterward moved to Lynnville, Tenn., where they made their home for twelve years, Mr. Bray being engaged in [p.205] conducting a large woodyard, blacksmith's shop and also attended to his ministerial duties. In 1850 Rev. Bray removed with his family to Alabama, where he followed the occupation of farming and preaching until 1860, when he settled in Madison County, Ark., and two years later moved to Cotton Plant, in Phillips County, where he resided five years. In the fall of 1867, he came to Jackson County, and purchased 250 acres of land and was here residing at the time of his death in July, 1870, his wife's death occuring five years later. Mrs.Bray was a daughter of William and Mary (Dickinson) Follis who were natives of South Carolina, and removed to Alabama at an early day. The father's ancestors were Virginians and of Irish descent. Mrs. Malone is the eldest of a family of nine children and is the only one now living, her birth occurring on November 23, 1837. The remainder of the family were: William R. (born March 14, 1839; he was twice married and died January 3, 1888, two children and his last wife surviving him), Mary E. (was born August 1, 1841, and was married to Gabriel Couch of Jackson County, Ark., and died in 1871), Sarah A. (was born in 1843, and was the wife of G. O. Harrison, by him becoming the mother of three sons; she died in 1882), Charity E. (was born 1845 and was twice married, her first husband being William Johnson and her last Newton Bleakley; she died in 1880, leaving two sons, Charley W., who resides with Mrs. Malone and William, who lives in New Mexico), Iradel (was a farmer of Texas, but in 1881 moved to Jackson County, Ark., and died the same year), Martha (was the wife of Levi Blakely and died in 1871 leaving no issue), Boldon (died in 1877 at the age of eighteen years) and a little sister, Katie (died in infancy). Mrs. Malone was reared in Lynnville and in that town and in Rogersville, Ala., received her education. In 1854 she was married to B. T. Malone, she at that time being only fourteen and a half years of age and he nineteen. Their children are named as follows: John T. (a miller at Athens, Ala., has a wife and two children, Charlie and Dollie), Henry E. (a man of Thornton, Miller County, Ark; is married and has had five children but now has only three, Emmet, aged nine; Lulu, aged seven, and Lucile, aged five), Emma (is a young lady at home), Mollie L. (was born in 1863 and is the wife of J. A. Canada, a merchant of Beebe; she died in 1885 and her husband and one child survive her), Dollie (was born August 1, 1872, and died May 7, 1886), Mattie (was born August 2, 1866, and died August 6, 1877), Linnie (was born January 1, 1877 and died April 1, 1879), James W. (was born August 3, 1858 and died June 2, 1859) and Charles (born August 2, 1876, and died in infancy). After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Malone resided in Tennessee until 1859 and after a short residence in Northern Alabama they settled in Mississippi and there made their home for ten years. In 1869 they removed to and purchased a large plantation in Jackson County, Ark., and there also managed a mercantile establishment up to 1877, when they sold their land and moved to Beebe, purchasing considerable town property at that place on which they erected good buildings. Mr. Malone was also engaged in merchandising; in his political views was an active Democrat and held the offices of magistrate and notary public for a considerable length of time. He was a leading member of the Baptist Church and was a member in good standing of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Malone died in 1884 and his widow immediately put her shoulder to the wheel, increased her stock of dry goods and carried on the business at Beebe, and also erected a store at Auvergne which she put in charge of her son Henry E., her eldest son conducting the business at Beebe. In 1877 Mrs. Malone located in Auvergne and took charge of the Auvergne academy and for one year filled the office of matron of that institution. In September, 1888, she opened a hotel which she is at present successfully conducting and since the death of her husband she has so successfully conducted the property he left that it has greatly increased in value. She is a lady of great force of character and more than ordinary powers of mind and has reared her family in such a manner as to win the respect of all with whom she comes in contact. She is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church and her family are also church members.

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Jeremiah E. Manasco. The Manasco family, [p.206] or rather that branch to which the subject of this sketch belongs, were early settlers of Arkansas, having originally come from Alabama, and were in all probability of French descent. Mr. Manasco, our subject, was born in Tipton County, Tenn., in 1833 or 1834, and is a son of James and Ruby E. (Crawford) Manasco, both of whom died about the year 1841, and although he was the youngest of a family of nine children, he was left to shift for himself, and became a hound boy to his brother John, and was reared by him to manhood on a farm. He suffered the trials of the orphan, and although his school advantages were very limited, and he was compelled to work very hard, he remained faithful to his bondsman till he reached his twenty-first year, when he drifted out into the world to try his own powers. He first engaged as a farm hand, doing all kinds of heavy work, becoming in the meantime thoroughly familiar with the details of farm work. In 1857 he was married to Miss Mary J. Flanagan, a native of Tennessee, and by her became the father of six children, three of whom lived to be grown: John F. (a railroad man of Little Rock), William J. (a resident of Tennessee), Preston V. (deceased), Amandeville W. (living) and twin girls, Emily and Martha (who died in infancy). The mother of these children died in September, 1869, in full communion with the Methodist Episcopal Church. After remaining a widower two years, Mr. Manasco married Miss Virginia P. Wooten, a native of Tennessee, and of their large family of ten children all are living: Nellie Naomi, May L., George W., Calla D., Bedford F., Reuben B., Fanny, Helen, Bertha and Leonora M. In 1864 Mr. Manasco joined the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, but owing to week eyes soon left the service. Before the war and afterward till January, 1872, Mr. Manasco carried on farming in his native State, and in this calling succeeded far beyond his expectations, but sold his property in December, 1871, and in 1872 removed to Prairie County, Ark., where he rented land and farmed for three years. Since that time he has resided in White County, and in 1875 purchased 160 acres of land, on which were erected some logcabins on fifty acres of cleared land. He set energetically to work to improve his property, and soon had one of the finest homes in White County. In June, 1885, he had the misfortune to lose his residence and nearly all its contents by fire, but he has since rebuilt, and now has one of the most substantial residences in the county. By subsequent purchases he has increased his lands to 245 acres, and has 100 acres under cultivation. The land is well adapted to raising all kinds of grain, but his principal crops are corn, cotton and oats. Mr. Manasco is public-spirited and enterprising, and has always favored worthy movements. He is a member of El Paso Lodge No. 65 of the A. F. & A. M.

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John S. Marsh, one of the well-known farmers and stock raisers of White County, is the son of Roland and Sarah (Webb) Marsh, his birth occurring in Warren County, Tenn., July 28, 1825. Roland Marsh was born and educated in North Carolina, emigrating when quite young to Tennessee in company with his parents, where he met and married Miss Webb, also of North Carolina nativity, and the daughter of Elisha and Sarah Webb. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Marsh five children were born, four of them now living, and residents of Arkansas. They are Harry, Pollie, Sarah, Rachel and John S. Mr. Marsh was a farmer, and quite successful in the accumulation of wealth. He died in 1835, and his estimable wife only survived him about a year. Both were members of the Baptist Church. John S. passed his boyhood days in the schools of Warren County, Tenn., and in 1845 was united in the bands of matrimony to Annie Potter, also of Tennessee. Ten children blessed their marriage: Rollin, Tillman, Sarah J., Thomas M., Jackson R., Martha, William H., Martina and Martisia (twins) and Johnnie. Mrs. Marsh died in 1873, and in 1879, Mr. Marsh chose for his second wife Sarah Gordon, a resident and native of Tennessee. In 1849, when the subject of this sketch immigrated to Arkansas from Tennessee (locating in White County), he found himself the possessor of a single wagon and a yoke of oxen, the two comprising his worldly all. He now owns 120 acres of land well cultivated, and having exercised great care in the selection [p.207] of his stock, has some excellent animals. His farm, though not as large as some in the county, is perfectly complete in all its appointments, and its general appearance is indicative of peace and prosperity. Mr. Marsh takes a great interest in all educational matters, and is determined that his children shall be deprived of nothing that tends to advance their intellectual training. He is one of the organizers of the first church established in Mount Pisgah, and is an influential member. His wife and entire family are all members of the Methodist Church. He belongs to Lodge No. 460 of the Masonic order, in which he has held the office of treasurer.

John W. Matthews was the eldest son in the family of Robert and Annie (Howard) Matthews, the former of whom came upon the stage of life's action in Alabama, in 1802. His parents were Walter and Rachel Matthews, of South Carolina origin, but who moved to Alabama at an early day. Robert Matthews was married about 1830, and followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. Coming to Arkansas in 1836 (his family following him in 1852), he settled in White County; his wife had died shortly before his removal. Mr. Matthews enlisted as a soldier during the Civil War in 1863, and served until his death, which occurred at Rock Port in 1864. Himself and wife had a family of three children: John W., Sarah J. and Delia F. John W., the only surviving member, was born in Alabama in 1832, and was married in 1858 to Nancy Brady, daughter of William and Mirah (Cordal) Brady. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews are the parents of nine children: Mirah Ann (now Mrs. Pruett), Mary Jane (married S. M. West), James C., William R., John W., Joseph E., Benjamin F., Ester A. and Nancy N. Mr. Matthews enlisted in 1861 in Morse's company, Fourth Battalion, Arkansas Infantry, and took part in the battles of Cotton Plant, Ark.; Columbus, Ky., and a number of other engagements. He now owns a fine farm of 313 acres of land, 175 acres of which are under cultivation. Mrs. Matthews is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Matthews is treasurer of the County Wheel, and is an influential and highly respected citizen.

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Burwill M. Merrill is a member of the go-ahead, enterprising firm of Merrill & Reed, dealers in real estate in Beebe, Ark., a native of the "Empire State." He was born in Chautauqua County in 1835, as the son of George and Eliza (Millard) Merrill, natives of Massachusetts and Canada, respectively. George Merrill was born in 1809, and died in 1884, his wife, who was also born at an early date, dying at Burwill's birth. The latter, the only child of his father's first marriage, when about five years old, moved to Michigan with his parent, who became a very successful farmer in the "Wolverine State," giving his careful and undivided attention to that occupation. By his second marriage Mr. Merrill became the father of two children, only one now living: Letitia (wife of John Gordon, a farmer of Floyd County, Iowa). Burwill M. Merrill was given such advantages for obtaining an education as the excellent schools of Michigan afforded, and at the age of twenty-one assumed the responsibility of his father's farm, the care of which he continued until the latter's death in 1884. In 1854 he was married to Miss Lydia Wilson, a native of Canada, and to their union two children were born: Letitia (the wife of J. C. Covert, manufacturer of store fronts and other building materials, at Belmont, Iowa) and De Forest (a mechanic at Detroit). Mrs. Merrill died in 1867, having been a devoted wife and mother, and a membar of the Baptist Church. Mr. Merrill chose for his second wife Miss Alviria Cross, who also died in Clinton County, Mich., in 1884, having become the father of two children: George W. (who died at the age of eighteen, unmarried) and Florence L. (now the wife of Dr. A. C. Jordon, a prominent physician of Beebe, Ark., with which daughter Mr. Merrill now resides). He came to Arkansas in 1885, that he might find a home in a more genial climate, also desiring to try small fruit raising in this favored section. Purchasing sixty acres in White County, one mile west of Beebe, he at once turned his attention to the cultivation of small fruits and grasses. Mr. Merrill has tried all kinds of grasses, and is thoroughly convinced that the soil of White County will produce liberally any of the various kinds grown so bountifully in the [p.208] East and North. Red clover, three feet in length, was raised on his farm one season, which was something of a curiosity. He is now successfully raising regular crops of clover and timothy. Strawberries and root crops yield immensely. Garden vegetables are especially productive, sweet potatoes yielding 350 bushels per acre. Mr. Merrill is a member of Beebe Lodge No. 47, I. O. O. F., and has passed all the chairs in the subordinate lodge. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, and is a public-spirited, enterprising man, giving his hearty support to all movements that betoken the good or growth of the county.

Christian Miller is a farmer and fruit grower of White County, Ark. This gentleman was born on Bornholm Island, Hasley, Denmark, in 1842, and is the second in a family of ten children, the result of the union of John and Elizabeth Miller, natives, also, of Denmark, and who died in their native land. Their children were named as follows: Mary, Christian, Sena, John, Petra, Lena, Otto Line (deceased), Andrew, James and Julyno. Four of these children came to this country, two of whom reside in Wyoming. Andrew and the subject of this sketch came to Arkansas and settled in White County. The latter spent his youth in his native country, was educated there and came to America in 1865, but first settled in New York. Later he moved to Illinois, remained there until 1871, and then, as stated above, came to White County, Ark., a settled in Harrison Township. He purchased eighty acres of timber land, improved it, and has added to the original tract until he now owns 240 acres, with 130 acres cleared and 100 acres devoted to horticulture. Mr. Miller was married in Illinois in 1871 to Miss Mary Hahn, daughter of Saro Hanson and Eline Christian Hahn, natives of Denmark. Mary Hahn came to America in 1861, first settling in Illinois. Mrs. Mary Hahn's marriage to Christian Miller was in 1871. After his marriage Mr. Miller moved to Arkansas, where he has remained ever since. He has about sixteen acres of land devoted to the raising of strawberries, ten acres in raspberries, and an extensive peach orchard of sixty acres. He is one of the most extensive shippers in Judsonia. He is also the owner of a good town property in Judsonia. Socially, he is a member of Anchor Lodge No. 384, A. F. & A. M., and he and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, of which he is a deacon. He is active in church and educational matters, and, in fact, takes a decided interest in all enterprises for the good of the county.

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John S. Mitchell, M. D., whose professional career is one in which he may take just pride, is a son of a veteran of the Mexican War, James S. Mitchell, and has been a resident of White County since 1858. James S. Mitchell was born in Monroe County, Ky., on August 14, 1793, and was married shortly after his return from the War of 1812, in which he was actively engaged, to Miss Sarah Scott, a Tennesseean by birth, born January 18, 1795. They were the parents of seven children: Dorcas (afterward Mrs. Gist), Frances (Wilson), Mary (Dies), Matilda (Barger), John S. (our subject) and Louis B. (who is also a physician of Monroe County. Mrs. Mitchell's family were also originally from Tonnessee. The Mitchells were connected with the celebrated Boone family of Kentucky. John S. was born in Kentucky November 14, 1824, growing to manhood on a farm, and accompanying his father to Henderson County, Tenn., when a boy. He was married December 30, 1849, to Miss Sarah J. Dotson, daughter of Thomas and Charlotte (Pipkin) Dotson, who were married in 1815, and became the parents of four children. After his marriage, Dr. Mitchell returned to Tennessee, living there nine years. In the spring of 1858 he came to White County, where he bought a farm of two hundred acres of unimproved land, clearing the same himself, and placing over half of it under cultivation. Himself and wife have been blessed with seven children, five of whom are living: Irena F. (Swinford), James B., William B., John T. (deceased), Albert G., Sally A. and Virgil. Dr. Mitchell also has ten grandchildren. He is a strong Democrat, and served as justice of the peace during the war and until the reconstruction. A Master Mason, he belongs to Centre Hill Lodge No. 114, and to Centre Hill Chapter. Dr. Mitchell and wife are connected with the Christian Church. [p.209] Two of their children only are living at home at the present time.

Nathaniel Lee Mitchell. The entire life of Mr. Mitchell has been passed in an industious manner, and not without substantial evidences of success, as will be seen from a glance at his present possessions. His birth occurred on April 11, 1828, and he is a son of Charles B. and Nancy (Miller) Mitchell and a native of Boonville, Cooper County, Mo. His paternal ancestors came to America in 1760, and the paternal grandfather, Thomas Mitchell, was born in the State of Virginia. The Millers came to America prior to the Revolution, probably about 1750. Owing to war troubles Great-grandfather Miller was forced from his home, and without his family, which consisted of his wife and infant, he was compelled to flee elsewhere for protection. Grandfather Miller was born in North Carolina, about 1780. Nathaniel Lee Mitchell received his early education in the district schools of his native county, and afterward entered the high school of Boonville, his school-days ending in the State University at Columbia, Mo., in 1850. In 1850 he crossed the plains to the gold region of California, and there worked in different mines for about one and a half years, his labors being attended with fair results, and he then returned to his home in Missouri, and the following year became second assistant of Solomon Houck, who was engaged in freighting goods between Kansas City, Mo., and Santa Fe, N. M., making one trip which required about eight months' time. In 1853 he again crossed the plains to California, via Salt Lake City, Utah, and as before only met with moderate success. At the end of two years he engaged in the butcher's business, and in 1857 bought a farm in Yolo County, consisting of 160 acres of improved land. In addition to managing this farm, he engaged in teaching, but in 1859 concluded to return home, so sold his property, and after returning home, engaged in collecting notes, and in 1861 rented a farm near Sedalia. The troubles incident to the war coming up at this time, he left his farm and enlisted in Company G, Second Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, Confederate States Army, under Gen. Price, who was at that time commanding the Confederate army in Southwest Missouri. Almost immediately after joining he was called to duty in the commissary department, and was given the rank of captain. After holding this position two years he resigned, and returned to duty with his company as a private soldier, and was at various times under the famous cavalry leaders: Price, Forrest, Chalmers and Armstrong. He surrendered with his command at East Port, Tenn., and was paroled at Columbus, settling soon after at Panola, Miss., where he became acquainted with Miss Susan A. Hall, to whom he was united in marriage on November 30, 1865. She is a Mississippian by birth, and is a daughter of Porter and Mary Hall (the father of Scotch-Irish descent, and a native of South Carolina). Some of his ancestors were soldiers in the Continental army during Revolutionary times. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell rented and farmed land for one year, and in 1866 immigrated to Missouri, and took up their abode on a farm near Kansas City, on which they resided three years. In 1870 they came to White County, but eleven years later moved to Washington County, where they purchased a forty-acre tract of land. Since 1884 they have resided on their present farm. Their children are: Mary M. (born August 30, 1866, and died in September, 1872), Charles Porter (born May 18, 1868, and is now studying medicine under the tutelage of Dr. McIntosh, of Beebe. He was married November 15, 1888, to Miss Mattie Byram, a native of Arkansas, and a daughter of William W. and Margaret (Williams) Byram), and William Nathaniel Mitchell (born January 6, 1871). These children have received good educational advantages, and are a credit to their parents. Mr. Mitchell is a Democrat, serving his party for years as justice of the peace, and he and his wife, and their son Charles and wife, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Mitchell is favorable to educational and religious advancement and in fact all worthy movements. He became a Mason in 1859, joining Cooper Lodge No. 36, and now holds a demit from that lodge, bearing date January 23, 1886.

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Josiah J. Moncrief, M. D., Hammonsville, Ark. [p.210] This able and successful practitioner owes his nativity to Harris County, Ga., where his birth occurred on April 13, 1858, as the son of George W. and Emily A. (Calhoun) Moncrief. The father is a native of Georgia, and of French descent, his ancestors having emigrated to America prior to 1770, and settled in Georgia. The grandfather, Lebanon Moncrief, was a soldier under Gen. Jackson, and was at the battle of New Orleans in 1812. The maternal ancestors were of Irish descent. Dr. J. J. Moncrief moved with his parents to Alabama in 1857, acquired a good English education, and in 1881 entered the office of D. Dunlap, M. D., where he commenced the study of

medicine in St. Clair County, of that State. In 1887 he attended a course of lectures in the Medical Department of the University of Arkansas, situated at Little Rock, and later located at Tupelo, Jackson County, Ark., where he practiced medicine for a short time. In April of 1889, he came to Hammonsville, where he located, and where he contemplates making his home. The Doctor is a member and secretary of Hammonsville Lodge of the A. F. & A. M. He also holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

William Bird Moon, M. D., is a native of Georgia; born June 12, 1821. He was reared and educated in his native State, receiving his medical education in Louisville Medical Institute, now the Medical University of Kentucky, following which he began practicing physic in 1845. After having remained in Georgia eight years he moved to Alabama and continued in active practice for nineteen years, coming thence to White County, Ark., in 1872, where he purchased real estate, upon which he now lives. Dr. Moon was married October 19, 1845, to Roena Cathrine Spratlen, daughter of Henry and Mary Spratlen, natives of Georgia. The Doctor and his wife are the parents of eleven children: Mary Caroline (born August 15, 1846, married S. S. Pearson in 1867, and died January 27, 1878), Francis L. (born April 21, 1848, married H. M. Ware, died March 26, 1876), Jacob Oliver (born July 31, 1856, died October 31, 1877), Susan C. (born June 20, 1854, married D. G. Copeland, and died March 27, 1888), James Calhoun (born October 8, 1864, died August 27, 1865), Theodosia Earnest (born May 31, 1866, died October 6, 1873), William David (born February 11, 1850, married Allie E. Darden), Ana P. (born April 19, 1852, married H. McKay), Emma Wilkinson (born September 6, 1858, married W. E. Powel), Robert Urial (born July 22, 1860, married G. H. Neely), and Alice Virginia (born September 5, 1862, married G. C. Layne). Dr. Moon is a son of Jacob and Mary Ann (Staples) Moon, who were also of Georgia nativity. Their ancestors came originally from Virginia. Jacob Moon was born September 28, 1795, and died August 13, 1877, and his wife, whose natal day was December 6, 1799, died November 16, 1876. Dr. Moon's brothers and sisters are: Lavina (born December 28, 1817, died in 1840), David Staples (born November 16, 1819), John Chapel (born August 15, 1824, died April 9, 1855), Thomas (born February 24, 1827, died March 21, 1852), Mary Ann (born February 18, 1829), Susan E. (born July 9, 1841). Dr. Moon is a devoted Democrat. He and his wife are members of Missionary Baptist Church, and take active interest in all laudable enterprises. He is deacon of his church.

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William D. Moon, M. D., is a worthy son of one of the most esteemed residents of this county. His parents were Dr. William B. and Roena C. (Spratlen) Moon, natives of Georgia, who moved to Alabama in 1853, as stated in the biography which immediately precedes this. William D. Moon first saw the light of day in 1850, improving to the utmost the advantages enjoyed for receiving an education in the common schools of Alabama. In 1877 he attended the medical college at Louisville, where his father had studied, and in 1878 commenced practicing in White County, Ark., which locality has been his parents' home for some years. His later career has been an encouraging and highly satisfactory one. Dr. Moon was married in the fall of 1872, to Allie E. Darden, daughter of J. W. and Nancy H. Darden. They have a family of four children: Robert E. Lee (deceased), Lena L., Yandell and William Darden. Dr. Moon and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. The former is a Democrat in politics [p.211] and is a highly respected citizen. Yandell is named after the Yandells in Louisville, Ky., who were fellow-students and teachers of the Doctor's grandfather, and several of them belonged to the medical faculty when the father was attending medical lectures in 1877.

Moore & Lyon are proprietors of the largest livery, sale and feed stables at Searcy. The senior member of the firm, James L. Moore, is a son of Robert W. and Sally (Carter) Moore, natives of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. In 1858 the father moved to Arkansas and settled in White County, where he died March 24, 1884. His wife still survives him and resides in Cleburne County with her daughter and younger children. James L. Moore came originally from Tennessee, where his birth occurred July 27, 1857. A year after this event his parents moved to White County, Ark., where he has since made his home, gaining by his upright course a wide and honorable acquaintance. He was engaged in farming until 1887, when he moved to Searcy and embarked in the livery business, the patronage accorded this establishment being liberal and of increasing dimensions. Jack F. Lyon, associated with Mr. Moore in the conduct of the stables referred to, was born in Mississippi, on September 5, 1858, as one of a family of William and Lydia (Arnold) Lyman, of Alabama origin. Mr. and Mrs. Lyman moved to Tennessee in 1864, where the former engaged in farming and remained until 1883, then becoming located in Cross County, Ark. Here he died three years later. Jack F. Lyon removed to White County in 1881, and was occupied in stock raising for the following six years. In 1887 he settled at Searcy and entered into the livery business in company with Mr. Moore. Mr. Lyon has two brothers similiarly occupied in Wayne, Cross County, and another brother is engaged in farming in Cross County. Messrs. Moore & Lyman are doing the largest business, in their line, of any firm in Searcy, and are very popular, being affable and obliging in their intercourse with the public.

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M. M. Morris, proprietor of cotton-gin, gristmill and planing-mill, Searcy, Ark. There are few men of the present day whom the world acknowledges as successful, more worthy of honorable mention, or whose history affords a better illustration of what may be accomplished by a determined will and perseverance, than Mr. Morris. He owes his nativity to Kanawha County, W. Va., where his birth occurred February 25, 1828, and is the third in a family of nine children born to the union of P. H. and Ann (Summers) Morris, natives of West Virginia. The father was a miller by trade, but in connection carried on farming, and became the owner of a large plantation. His death occurred in 1842. The mother is still living, makes her home in West Virginia, and is in perfect health, although eighty-three years of age. Their children were named as follows: Floyd W. (married, and resides in West Virginia), Henry (was killed in White County, by a mule, in 1868), M. M. (subject of this sketch), F. T. J. (married, and resides in Garner, White County, Ark.), F. F. (married, and resides in West Virginia), Nancy Jane (now Mrs. Poindexter, of West Virginia), William (married, and resides in West Virginia), George L. (married, and resides near Searcy) and Harriet Ann (now Mrs. Crisp, resides in the Lone Star State). M. M. Morris was reared in a town in West Virginia, received his education in the subscription schools of that State, and there learned the blacksmith trade. On January 13, 1850, he came to Searcy, engaged in blacksmithing in front of the Gill House, and continued there a number of years. Later he erected the first steam-mill in White County, on Red River, near Searcy, and one year later, or in 1851, at Searcy Landing. Mr. Morris ran the mill over one year, and then sold it. He next engaged in cutting wood, and the same year erected a mill and went to work. He was married on October 22, 1852, to Miss M. J. Story, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of Henry and Annie (Moore) Story, who were originally from Tennessee. Her parents came to Independence County, Ark., settled in Batesville, in 1844, and here the father followed merchandising the principal part of his life. His death occurred in 1845 or 1846, but his wife survived him many years, and made her home with her son, M. M. Morris. She died in 1868. To Mr. and Mrs. [p.212] Morris were born seven children: M. G. (married to Miss Pruitt, and is the father of five children), T. J., W. F., Mary Ellen (widow of Andrew McGinnis), George L., Henry (died in 1875), Charley and Hattie. Mr. Morris lost his excellent wife in April, 1885. He has been continuously in business for nearly forty years, and, although starting with little or no means, he is now one of the successful and progressive men of the county. He owns sixty-eight acres of land joining Searcy; has about 400 acres under cultivation, and has some fine buildings on his farms, one costing $3,300. He has all the latest machinery for running his farm, and follows agricultural pursuits more extensively than any other man in Gray Township. He is not active in politics, but votes with the Democratic party. Socially, he is a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M. He takes an active interest in all matters relating to the good of the county, and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. His wife was also a member of the same church. During the late war Mr. Morris was boss workman of a Texas Brigade shop, in Texas Brigade, Col. Taylor's regiment.

George L. Morris, one of the representative men of White County, came to this locality when nineteen years of age. When the war-cry sounded he joined the Confederate army, under Col. McRae, remaining in service until the declaration of peace, mostly on detached duty as wagon master and marshal of trains. After the war he engaged in farming, and, though financially embarrassed when leaving the army, he has, by hard work, good management and economy, become the owner of one of the best farms in White County, 800 acres of land in extent, with 400 of these thoroughly cultivated. Mr. Morris was born in P**** County, W. Va., in 1840, and is the son of Harry and Annie (Summers) Morris, natives of Old Virginia. Mr. Morris, Sr., was a farmer, miller and distiller. He departed this life in 1840, when about forty years old. Mrs. Morris afterward married Richard Chandler, now deceased. She is still living, somewhere in the neighborhood of eighty-nine years, and has been a consistent and faithful member of the Baptist Church for seventy five years. Mr. and Mr. Morris were the parents of nine children, eight of whom are still living: Floyd (a farmer of Putnam County, W. Va.), M. M. (resides in Searcy), William (an attorney of West Virginia), Ferdenand, Nancy (now Mrs. Poindexter), Harriett (now Mrs. Crisp, of Texas) and George L., our subject, who was united in marriage on May 20, 1868, to Sarah Sewell, a daughter of Frank Sewell, and was born in Tennessee on October 6, 1850. They were the parents of nine children, eight of whom are still living: M. M., John W., Eura May, George W., Minnie Lee, Eura, Kate and Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison worship with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Morris is steward. To him this society is largely indebted for their church edifice, he furnishing the ground on which it stands, and also a part of the material. He is engaged in raising mules and cattle, which he ships to the Southern markets.

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James R. Neal is a citizen of Centre Hill, popularly and well known as a prosperous farmer of White County. He is a native of Fayette County, Tenn., and was born in 1840, being the son of William D. and Mary A. J. (Parham) Neal, also of Tennessee origin. William D. Neal's birth occurred August 14, 1809, and in business was a prominent planter of Tennessee. He was married August 19, 1831. His father was also a native of Tennessee, who lived and died there. He had a family of eight children: Betsey, Ann, William D. (the father of our subject), Meredith H., James M., Polly, Nancy and John H. Our subject's maternal grandparents, Thomas and Nancy Parham, were natives of Georgia, and came to Tennessee in 1820. William D. Neal was the father of fourteen children: James T., Martha J., John W., William M., James R. (the principal of this sketch), Elica T., Samuel A., Nancy E. (now Mrs. Clay), Sarah A. (Hicks), Eunice M. (Harrison), Susan H. (deceased), David J., next an infant (who died before it was named) and Newton H. Mr. William D. Neal came to Arkansas in 1842, settling in Searcy County, and in 1853 moved to White County, where he bought a farm of 160 acres, all timbered land, and cleared about sixty [p.213] of these. James R. Neal spent his early boyhood on the farm and attended the subscription schools. He was married to Mary J. Holland, a native of North Carolina, as were also her parents and grandparents on both sides. James R., his father and four of his brothers were all in the Confederate service. He enlisted on September 13, 1861, in T. H. McRae's regiment, for twelve months, at the end of which time he enlisted for three years or during the war. He participated in the battles of Prairie Grove, Helena, Little Rock and many others, and received his discharge June 5, 1865. He was married while in the service and while home on a furlough. After the war he settled on a farm in this county where he has since resided. To this union were born seven children: Alice C. (Brumlow), Kiddee S., Lucy A. (deceased), Mary J. (Harrison), John W., Ella F. and Henry W. Mr. Neal is a Mason, and belongs to Centre Hill Lodge No. 114. Himself and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church; he has a fine farm of 160 acres, with fifty improved and in a high state of cultivation. He is a prominent Democrat, and takes an active interest in all public improvements, or all work for the good of the community.

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John H. Neal, Searcy, Ark. This much respected citizen and pioneer came to White County, Ark., in 1850, and settled in Searcy, where he followed merchandising. In 1851 he embarked in the grocery and general merchandising business, and this continued until 1854, he being one of the pioneer business men of Searcy. In 1854 ****e engaged as clerk in dry-goods business houses, and this continued until 1861. He was born in Maury County, Tenn., in 1830, being the youngest in a family of nine children, born to James and Sarah (Dodson) Neal, natives, respectively, of North Carolina and South Carolina. The father was a planter, and at an early day moved to Tennessee, where he died, in Fayette County, in 1845. The mother died the same year. In their family were the following children: William D. (married, and came to Arkansas in 1844, settled in Searcy County, and followed farming. He enlisted in Van Buren County, in 1861, and received a gunshot wound through the thigh. He was taken to Camp Dennison, Ohio, remained as a prisoner until exchanged, and returned in 1863; he died in 1869), Meridith H. (came to White County, in 1852, and lost his first wife the same year. He was a Methodist Episcopal, South, preacher, and returned to Memphis in the fall of 1852, taking charge of South Memphis Church. In 1874 he returned to White County, Ark., and in 1877 went to Tennessee, where he died in 1883), James M. (married, came to White County, October, 1850, and settled in what is now Des Ar**** Township, where he opened up a farm. His death occurred in 1852), Nancy (married P. L. Downey and moved to Searcy County, Ark., in 1846. Her death occurred in about 1857 or 1858), Elizabeth L. (married W. R. Johnson and moved to Searcy County, Ark., in 1846. She died in Fulton County, Ark., in 1877), Mary G. (married J. J. Crouch, a Methodist minister, and came to Searcy County, Ark., in 1849. He was a pioneer preacher of that county. Her death occurred in 1850), Martha A. (now Mrs. Evans, the only surviving daughter, lives in Izard County) and an infant named Sarah. John H. Neal was reared to farm life, received his education in the schools of Fayette County, Tenn. He commenced for himself at Searcy, Ark., in business, in 1850, and continued thus employed for some time. He was married in Searcy, Ark., in 1852, to Miss Mary A. Clay, a native of Louisiana, but reared in Missouri, and the daughter of Lewis A. and Mary Clay, natives of Virginia. Her father came to White County, Ark., at an early day and died in Searcy in 1874. The mother died some years before. To Mr. and Mrs. Neal were born five children, three now living: Augustus E. (died in 1887, at the age of thirty-three years), James A. (died in 1865, at the age of ten years), John D. (is a prominent educator, and is teaching in the public school at Newport, Ark., where he has taught for six years), Henry Clay (is married and resides in Corsicana, Texas, and is engaged in commercial pursuits) and Mary A. (who is now Mrs. Hale, resides at Texarkana, Ark.). Mr. Neal lost his wife in November, 1863, and was married again, in White County, in [p.214] 1864, to Mrs. Kiddy A. Neal (nee Holland), a native of North Carolina, and the daughter of Willis B. and Lucinda (Barbee) Holland, natives of Wake County of the same State. The father was a planter by occupation, and in February, 1851, immigrated to Henderson County, Tenn., where he continued his former pursuit, and in connection taught school. In 1852 he came to White County, Ark., resided in Gray Township for three years, and in 1854 moved to Des Ar**** Township, settling where Centre Hill is now located. He sent in the petition and established the postoffice at that place, and was made the first postmaster. In 1860 he moved to Van Buren County, and in 186**** returned to White County, where he remained until 1865, and then moved to Searcy. His death occurred at that place on March 7, 1869. His excellent wife survived him until January 22, 1888. The father was county surveyor, surveyed and resurveyed a great deal of the country. Socially, he was a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M., was also a member of Tillman Chapter No. 19, R. A. M., and was High Priest of the same. He was also a member of Searcy Council No. 12, and aided in the organization of Centre Hill-Lodge No. 114. He was a charter member and was Worshipful Master of that lodge. There is a lodge, Holland Lodge No. 158, in Van Buren County, which was named for him. To Mr. Neal's second marriage were born no children. Socially, Mr. Neal is a member of Searcy Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M., and was the second Mason initiated into that lodge, having joined in 1852. He has been a Worshipful Master of the lodge, and assisted in organizing Centre Hill Lodge No. 114, and was Worshipful Master of that. He is a member of Tillman Chapter Lodge No. 19, R. A. M., and has been High Priest in the same. He is also a member of Searcy Council No. 12, and has thrice been Illustrious Master of it. Mr. Neal is a member of the Eastern Star Chapter No. 5, and is one of the representative men of the county. Mrs. Neal is a member of the Eastern Star, has been Worthy Matron several times, and was elected First Grand Matron of the State, in 1876, and served one year. She is a member of the Baptist Church, and he a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and both have been members for thirty-six years. During the war Mr. Neal was postmaster and justice of the peace, and after the war (in 1871) he engaged in the undertaking business, which he has carried on successfully ever since that time.

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John A. Neavill, Searcy, Ark. There are many citizens represented within the pages of this volume, but none more deserving of mention than Mr. Neavill, who is not only one of the pioneers of the county, but is universally respected by all who know him. He was born in Jackson County, Ala., in 1826, and was the eldest in a family of nine children, born to the union of Elihu and Margaret (Jones) Neavill, the father a native of Alabama, and the mother of North Carolina. Elihu Neavill was married in his native State, in about 1825, settled on a claim and followed agricultural pursuits there until 1844, when he came to White County, Ark. He settled near where his son James A. now resides, entered land, erected a tanyard, and in connection carried on farming and the tannery business until his death, which occurred April 17, 1888. He was a resident of the county for over forty years, and had the esteem and respect of all. He was in the Florida War, was orderly-sergeant and was in service twelve months. He was of French descent, and the mother of S****tch-Irish. Of their family the following children are the only ones living: James A. (subject), Elijah (married and resides in Cane Township), William H. (married, and is the marshal of Searcy) and Mary (now Mrs. F. W. Smith, of Gray Township). James A. Neavill was early taught the rudiments of farming, and received his education in the subscription schools of Alabama and White County, Ark. He was eighteen years of age when he came to Arkansas, and he was employed for a number of years in assisting his father in clearing up the farm. After this he began farming for himself near where he now resides. He was married in White County, Ark., in 1853, to Miss Smith, a native of Mississippi, who bore him two living children: John and William B. The latter is married and resides in Gray Township. Another child, Mary, was the wife of [p.215] John Gilliam, and died August 9, 1884. Mrs. Neavill died in 1856, and Mr. Neavill selected his second wife in the person of Mrs. Mary (Barkley) Britt, widow of Mr. Davis Britt, a native of Middle Tennessee, and the daughter of Andrew and Hannah C. (Walker) Barkley. The father was a native of Tennessee, and his ancestors were the earliest settlers of that State. He followed agricultural pursuits and opened up a large tract of land. His death occurred in 1862. The mother was a native of North Carolina, and died in Tennessee, Rutherford County, in 1887, at the advanced age of ninety years. To Mr. and Mrs. Neavill was born one child: Andrew A. After his marriage, which occurred in 1875, Mr. Neavill moved to his present residence, and is now the owner of a good farm of 125 acres, with about seventy acres under cultivation. He is active in politics, and votes with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, takes an active interest in educational matters, and has been a member of the school board. He has also filled the position of constable of his township, and in a highly satisfactory manner. Mrs. Neavill is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Grandfather Neavill was in the War of 1812, and was at the battle of New Orleans with Gen. Jackson. Mr. Neavill (subject of this sketch), came to Arkansas in 1844, and can hardly realize that it is the same country now, on account of the many and rapid changes made since that time. Searcy was in the woods, and there were but three houses between that town and Beebe. Off the main traveled roads there were no settlements, and Mr. Neavill has killed many a deer on land now under cultivation, at a distance of 175 yards. He still has in his possession his trusty gun. During the war he was with Gen. Price, in his raid through Missouri, and enlisted in Capt. Black's company, participating in the following battles: Pilot Knob, Ironton, Newtonia, Blue Gap, etc. He was with Gen. Price until reaching Fayetteville, Ark., when he returned to White County.

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Charles E. Newman, farmer, fruit grower and educator of White County, Ark., was born in Madison County, Ill., on Feburary 17, 1844, and is the eldest of six children born to William E. and Martha A. (Harrison) Newman, the former a native of Madison County, Ill., the latter originally of Kentucky. William E. was also of a family of six children. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and one of the early settlers of Illinois, locating in the territory as early as 1804. They trace their family name back five generations to Ireland. William E. Newman lived and died in the county in which he was born. His birth occurred in February, 1821, was married in 1843, and died June 17, 1886. He and his wife were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and became the parents of the following named children**** Charles E. (the subject of this sketch), Eliza (now Mrs. Fields, living near the old homestead), Mary (Kimball, now deceased), Henry (still living near the old homestead), Ida (deceased) and Mattie (married October 5, 1887, now living in Montgomery County, Ill.). The mother of these children still resides at the old home, and is a daughter of William and Mary (McClure) Harrison, Virginians, who at an early day removed to Kentucky, in which State she was born, being one of four children: Maria, Martha, Elizabeth and Benjamin. Charles E. obtained his education in the common schools of Illinois, and assisted his father on the farm. August 9, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Seventeenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Col. R. M. Moore, and went to the front to do battle for his country, participating in a number of battles and skirmishes during his three years' service. He received his discharge June 3, 1865, and upon returning home, commenced teaching school in the same room he left three years before to wear the blue. After spending two years teaching, he took Horace Greeley's advice and went West, locating near Paola, Miami County, Ka****., again engaging as a pedagog****e, remaining in the same school seven years. He was married November 9, 1871, to Amanda L. Porter, daughter of John and Amanda (Hampton) Porter, people from Ohio, in which State Mrs. Amanda Newman was born June 11, 1849. Mr. Newman was engaged in horticulture in Kansas, in connection with teaching, but [p.216] the grasshopper scourge of 1874 caused him to return to Illinois, where an educator received better pay and a longer school term. He followed teaching until 1884, when, September 3, of that year, he came to Arkansas, and settled at Judsonia, where he has followed farming, fruit growing and teaching. He has sixty-five acres of good second bottom land under cultivation, devoted to general farming and fruit growing. He takes an active interest in the political issues of the day. In religious faith himself and wife are Cumberland Presbyterians. They have three children: Lillian (born September 3, 1872), Edna (born September 26, 1877) and Ethel

(born February 3, 1887).

Elijah B. Norvell. Although in his active career through life Mr. Norvell has not amassed the wealth which has fallen to the lot of many others, yet he is in comfortable circumstances, and has gained to an unlimited extent the confidence and esteem always awarded integrity, honor and industry. His birth occurred in Bedford County, Tenn., April 5, 1841, and is a son of David and Martha (Bomar) Norvell, who were also born in that State, and were of Scotch-Irish and Dutch descent. By occupation the father was a farmer, and for several years he served his county as bailiff and deputy sheriff. He died in the State of his birth in 1858, his wife dying at her home in White County, Ark., in 1869. Their children are: David (a physician of Johnson County), Elijah B., B. B. (a farmer of Texas), Mary (wife of Charles Devers, a farmer of Johnson County), William (a farmer of Boone County), R. H. (a mechanic of Texas) and Martha (wife of James Holiday, of Johnson County). Like the majority of farmers' boys, Elijah B. Norvell was compelled to work hard in his youth, and received very little schooling, but being possessed of a bright intellect, and through his own exertions he obtained a very good general knowledge of the world of books. In 1861, when he was in his nineteenth year, he joined the army, enlisting in Company B, Forty-fourth Tennessee Infantry, and during his service of nearly three years, he was in the battles of Shiloh, Hoover's Gap, Tullahoma and others, being wounded in the first-named engagement. After his return home he worked as a railroad hand for about three years, then engaged in the liquor business in Tennessee, continuing one year, and in 1866 came to Arkansas, conducting the same business at Stony Point a year longer. Since that time he has been engaged in farming, the first two years renting land, after which he purchased a farm of forty acres on Bull Creek, which he improved and four years later sold. In 1886 he purchased eighty acres of his present farm, and now has 120 acres, of which fifty-five are under cultivation. The soil is fertile, and is well adapted to raising corn, cotton, oats and all kinds of fruit. He has given considerable attention to experimental farming, trying different kinds of seeds and fertilizers, and has succeeded far beyond his expectations, and the past year had perhaps the best cotton in Union Township. In 1881 he purchased property in Beebe, and was a resident of that town for three years in order to give his children the benefit of the city schools, but farm life being more congenial to his tastes, he has since lived in the country. He has been a member of Lodge No. 35 of the Union Wheel ever since its organization, and in 1885 was a delegate to the National Wheel, which met at Little Rock, and to the State Wheel, which convened at the same time and place. Although formerly a Democrat in politics, he has been a member of the Union Labor party for the last few years. In 1869 he was married to V. A. Mossey, a native of Shelby County, Tenn., and a daughter of Jerry Mossey, a farmer and later a merchant of Beebe. Of a family of seven children born to them, four are now living: Robert H. (who is at present attending the schools of Beebe, and is in every respect an exemplary young man, was born in October, 1871), Virginia (was born in 1878), George's birth occurred in 1880, and Ruth was born in 1883. Mr. Norvell and his family worship in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he has filled the office of steward.

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T. J. Oliver, farmer and stock raiser, Searcy, Ark. A lifetime of hard, earnest endeavor in pursuing the occupation to which he now gives his attention, coupled with strict integrity, honesty of purpose and liberality in directions, have had a result to place Mr. Oliver among the truly respected [p.217] and honored agriculturists of the county. To this he has continually added improvements of a high order, until now about the place everything is in excellent condition. He was born in Maury County, Tenn., in 1833, was the eleventh in a family of thirteen children born to Hezekiah and Mahala (Shumac) Oliver, natives of the Old Dominion. The father was a tiller of the soil, and in 1820 moved to Maury County, Tenn., where he entered land, and made that his home a number of years. Later he moved to West Tennessee, where his death occurred in 1867. His wife died about 1848. He was in the War of 1812. T. J. Oliver was reared to farm life, and received his education in the schools of Tennessee. When it became necessary for him 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 to the present his success has been such as only a thorough acquaintance with his calling and years of experience might lead him to achieve. At the age of twenty-one he commenced farming in Madison County, Tenn., and purchased a timber tract, which he improved. He was married in Gibaon County, Tenn., in 1860, to Miss Mary E. Scott, a native of Arkansas, born in Fayetteville, and received her education at the Memphis (Tenn.) State Female Academy. She is the daughter of Dr. Scott, who was assassinated at Memphis in 1864. After his marriage Mr. Oliver settled in Madison County, and in 1861 enlisted in the Twelfth Tennessee Infantry for twelve months, from Gibson County, Tenn., and participated in a number of skirmishes. On account of ill health he was discharged in 1862, and returned to Tennessee, where he engaged in farming. In 1883 he came to White County Ark., purchased an improved farm of 100 acres, with eighty under cultivation, and on this has many good buildings. He is not very active in politics, but votes with the Democratic party at State elections. He is a member of the L. O. O. F. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South; he has been Sunday-school superintendent for six years, and is one of the progressive men of the town. To his marriage were born these children: Edgar (married, and resides at Greer, Ark.), Benetta (now Mrs. Witt, of Conway), Roland C., Eugene, Wilber, Herbert Earl and Bertram.

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William De Berry Overstreet, now residing on Section 34, Caldwell Township, White County, Ark., is a son of William and Caroline (Jumper) Overstreet, the father a native of South Carolina, and of English ancestors. His forefathers probably came to America before the War for Independence. The maternal ancestors were of English-German descent. The parents of our subject were married November 28, 1832, in Alabama, came to Arkansas in 1860, located near Little Red postoffice, in Harrison Township, and there rented land and farmed until 1864, when they moved to Caldwell Township. Here they still continued to till the soil and here the father died October 28, 1832. Their family consisted of the following children: Samuel D. H., David J., Elicas S., Mary Ann, John H., Martha H. C., Eliza F., William De Berry, Dora A. and Paralee J. All the children were born in Tishomingo County, Miss., with the exception of Paralee, and all grew to maturity with the exception of her. William De Berry Overstreet comes of a long-lived race, some of his ancestors living to be over ninety years of age. He was born October 19, 1850, and his educational advantages were enjoyed in the subscription schools of White County. He attended part of a term near what is now known as Little Red Postoffice, also part of a term at Clear Water, then Clear Springs school-house, the whole time of attendance not being more than two months. Mr. Overstreet is a diligent reader, is observing, and is probably better posted on the majority of subjects than many who have had better educational advantages, having made the best use of his opportunities. At the time of the death of his father he was the only son at home, his brothers being away in the Confederate army, and the support of the family, consisting of the mother and three sisters, devolved upon his shoulders until 1865. Then his brother, John H., returned from the war and took part of the duties upon himself for about a year. By the end of that time he was married and the duties again fell upon the shoulders of William, [p.218] who took care of his sisters until they were married. He is now the counsellor of the family. Mrs. Eliza F. Gordon lost her husband in 1878 and was left with four helpless children, but Mr. Overstreet again came to the assistance, and Mrs. Gordon is now living upon his farm and receives help from him. Her children are now almost large enough to contribute toward her support. October 28, 1870, Mr. Overstreet was united in marriage to Gabriella Lumpkin, a native of Jackson County, born in February, 1857, and the daughter of George W. and Sarah (Martin) Lumpkin, who died when their daughter was but a child. She was then taken by her uncle, Hoyden Edwards, with whom she lived until her marriage. To this union have been born ten children, five of whom are now living: William David (born September 13, 1871), Mary Anna (born May 1, 1873), Dora Lee (born January 7, 1875, and died September 18, 1878), Lula May (born February 20, 1877), Laura Della (born February 10, 1879), Mattie Maud (born February 22, 1881), John Marvin (born October 29, 1885) and three infants, who died unnamed. Mr. Overstreet made his first purchase of land in 1871, and this consisted of 160 acres. He has made all the improvements on his farm, and has one of the most comfortable and home-like places in the county. He has three dwellings on his farm, one occupied by his aged mother and another by Mrs. Gordon. He has good barns, cribs, sheds, etc., and is a thrifty, industrious farmer. He also has a fine peach orchard, which supplies the family with this luscious fruit, and also leaves a surplus for the market. He raises principally cotton, corn, oats and grass. He has a fine grade of cattle, being a cross between the Durham and the native stock, and is also raising some fine hogs, a cross between the Poland-China, the Berkshire and the Chester White, which experience has taught him is a very profitable venture. In politics Mr. Overstreet is a Democrat, but has never been an office seeker. In his religious belief he is a Methodist, and has been a member of that church for twenty-two years. He is a liberal supporter of schools, churches and all laudable enterprises, and is much respected by all acquainted with him. Mrs. Overstreet is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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Rev. William M. Owen, pastor of the Missionary Baptist Church, Shady Grove, one mile from Bald Knob, is a native of Tennessee, and a son of Felix and Permelia H. (Plant) Owen, of Kentucky and Alabama origin, respectively. Felix Owen came from Kentucky to Fayette County, Tenn., when a young man, and remained there until 1849, when he again moved with his family to Arkansas and located in White County, when the country was but sparsely settled, and with the aid of his family cleared up a farm, on which he lived until a few years before his death (which occurred in 1883, at the age of seventy-four), when he removed to Judsonia. Mrs. Owen is still living at this place and is the mother of eight children, six of whom are living: William M. (our subject), Sarah C. (wife of Rev. E. T. Church), Robert H. (in business in Judsonia), Green B. (a Baptist minister of this county, also engaged in farming), Elizabeth and Melinda (wife of John O. Kelley, of this county). Rev. William M. Owen was born in Fayette County, Tenn., on October 29, 1839, and was educated at the common schools and by self-study at home, and when arriving at the age of manhood (twenty-one), began life as a farmer. In June, 1861, he joined the Third Arkansas Cavalry, remaining in this company until the close of the war, having had part in the battles of Corinth (where he was taken prisoner and held captive at St. Louis and Alton, Ill., for four months), Chickamauga, Atlanta, and many others. After the war he returned home and again commenced farming, in which he has ever since been engaged. In 1867 he joined the Missionary Baptist Church, and in ten years thereafter (1877) was licensed to preach, and the following year was ordained, and since his ordination he has been faithfully engaged in preaching the Gospel, having under his charge three or four churches at a time, and has also been instrumental in organizing a number of new churches, among them the one at Bald Knob. In 1866 he was married to Miss Laura Coffman, a native of Alabama, who died in 1875. She was the mother of four children, only two surviving [p.219] her: Leander and Mark. In 1877 he was married the second time, to Mrs. Edwards (nee Patty), a widow. They are the parents of three

children : Gracie M., Willie E. and Edith M. Mrs. Owen, with her two oldest children, belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church.

Littleberry B. Parker is a prominent farmer of White County, and first saw the light of day in Northampton County, N. C., on February 8, 1831, and is a son of Saul and Miriam (Hicks) Parker. Saul Parker was born in England and came over to this country when a boy, and participated in the War of 1812 at Craney Island. He subsequently located at Norfolk, Va., and later removed to North Carolina, where he died in 1835, while yet comparatively a young man. He was a brick-mason by trade. His wife was a native of North Carolina and was the mother of seven children, four of whom are still living: Samuel (a farmer and ex-sheriff of Jasper County, Miss.), Tabitha T. (wife of Jesse Lassiter of Northampton, N. C.), Jacob J. (a farmer and brick-mason, of Lonoke County) and L. B. (our subject). After the death of her husband, Mrs. Parker removed with her family to Calloway County, Ky., subsequently to Madison County, Tenn., and in 1852 came to Arkansas locating in Lonoke County, where she died in 1881, at the age of eighty-four years, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. L. B. Parker remained with his mother until eight years of age, when he was bound out to James B. Wheeler, a cabinet-maker and farmer of Northampton County, N. C., with whom he remained until Mr. Wheeler's death, which occurred four years later, when he was hired out to a farmer for $1 per month, part of which was to be paid him in money and the balance in clothes. He remained there one year and was then (1844) hired out for a year for $10 for the year, but quit in April and joined an emigrant train and worked his way to Kentucky, where he found employment at $5 per month, and remained there until 1847 when he went to Madison County, Tenn., where he was engaged as a mail-carrier during the year 1847. He then farmed for a short time, after which he was employed on a flat-boat running to New Orleans. One year later he came to Arkansas, locating in White County. At the outbreak of the war he joined the Confederate army in the Fourth Battalion Arkansas Infantry. He served until the surrender of Island No. 10, when his battalion was the only one which escaped by wading back through the water twelve miles to the boat, which they carried to Fort Pillow. Mr. Parker becoming disabled received his discharge at Corinth. He then returned to Arkansas and located in Prairie County, but after the cessation of hostilities he came back to White County locating on the farm which he now calls home, and which was then in the woods. He is the owner of 320 acres, with 100 under cultivation. In January, 1852, he was married to Miss Hannah E. Longmire, who was born on March 22, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Parker never had any children of their own, but have reared three orphan children: George W. and James Coleman and Mary F. (who is now the wife of William Tidwell). Mrs. Parker is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Parker has taken the Council degree in the Masonic order, and has represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State several times. He is a strong Democrat and a respected and valuable citizen.

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John T. Patterson is one of the well-to-do and successful agriculturists of White County, Ark., and although he has only resided here since 1881, coming from Tennessee, he has become well and favorably known. His birth occurred in Franklin County, Ala., in 1834, and he was the third of a family of nine children born to James and Catherine Gray) Patterson, the former born in the "Old North State" and the latter in the "Keystone State." James Patterson went to Alabama when the country was new, and opened a plantation which he afterward sold, moving thereafter to Hardeman County, Tenn., with his wife, whom he married in Alabama. They settled on a farm in Tennessee in 1844, and here the father spent his declining years, his death occuring in 1873. He served in the Seminole War. His wife passed from life in 1888. Their children are: Mary Jane (Mrs. Ethridge, resides in Tennessee), William (lives in Kentucky), John T., Hugh (residing in [p.220] Conway County, Ark.), Jacob (who died in Tennessee, in 1863), Joseph (who also died in that State in the same year) and Enoch and Franklin (both residents of Tennessee). Joseph Gray, the maternal grandfather, was born in England, and served in the Revolutionary War. John T. Patterson spent his youthful days in attending school and in farm work, and after attaining his twentieth year he began working for himself. He was married in McNairy County, in 1855, to Miss Emeline Brown, a native of North Carolina, and a daughter of Isaac and Millie (Dunn) Brown, who were born, reared and married in the State of North Carolina. In 1844 they removed to McNairy County, where they settled on a farm, on which the mother died, in 1855. The father moved to Bell County, Tex., in 1858, and there is now making his home. From the time of his marriage until 1858, Mr. Patterson lived in Tennessee, then spent two years in Texas, after which he returned to McNairy County. On March 4, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-second Illinois Infantry, United States army to defend the Constitution of the United States, but left his wife and two children in the South, with little hope of ever returning to them, but through the kind providence of God returned to them in safety. He was wounded at Shiloh on April 6, 1862, and was confined in the hospital at Savannah, Tenn., for some time, being honorably discharged on July 31, 1862, after which he returned to his home and resumed farming. Since 1881 he has been the owner of 160 acres of land in White County, Ark., and has fifty under cultivation. He is an active supporter of the Republican party, and not only has he been a prominent supporter of schools, but he is a member of the school board. Socially, he is a member of Rock Springs Lodge No. 422 of the A. F. & A. M., of which lodge he has been Worshipful Master for some years. He and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and are the parents of the following children: Green Harrison (deceased), Melissa (Mrs. Martindale), Alice (Mrs. Holmes), Isabelle (Mrs. Stringfellow), Arca (Mrs. Langley), Elizabeth, Cordelia, Elzora, Cora Lee and Florence. Two children died in infancy.

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Rev. J. A. Pemberton is an elder of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and by occupation is a farmer, and being one of the old settlers of White County, has figured prominently in public affairs. His native county is Wilson, Tenn., where he was born on December 13, 1825, and is the only one now living of a family of five daughters and three sons born to Thomas J. and Mary (McHaney) Pemberton, who were born in Virginia in 1804 and 1800, respectively. They were married about 1822, and followed the occupation of farming, both being members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Pemberton took part in the Creek and Florida War, and assisted in the removal of the Creek and Seminole Indians to the western reserves. He died February 26, 1871, and his wife in August, 1861. The Pemberton family came to the New World prior to 1700, from their native country, England, and settled in Virginia, and the great-grandfather was one of four sons of the first settler. When the Revolutionary War came up the grandfather Pemberton was only twelve years of age, so of course did not take part in that struggle. He was one of the first settlers of Tennessee, and in this State reared his family, his son, Thomas J., being a relative of Gen. Pemberton of the Southern army, in the late Civil War. Andrew McHaney, the maternal grandfather, was born in Ireland, and as a boy joined the American army and took part in the Revolutionary War, serving from the beginning until the close. He was in Col. William Washington's command, and was present at the battle of Cowpens and witnessed the personal encounter between Washington and Tarleton, in which the latter fled with a sword gash in his hand. After the war was over he settled in Tennessee, where he became a wealthy planter, and died at the age of sixty-five years. Rev. J. A. Pemberton, our subject, attended subscription school in the old-fashioned log-houses of his day, and at the age of twenty-one years began an independent career. In 1846 he married Miss Sarah C. Harrison, and with her removed to Arkansas in 1857 and entered 160 acres of land a few miles northwest of where Beebe now is. When the war came up he, in July, 1861, enlisted in the Tenth Arkansas Infantry, and [p.221] was made captain of a company which he had assisted in organizing. While in the infantry service he participated in the battle of Shiloh, but in the latter part of 1862 he became a member of the cavalry, and was at Helena, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Pilot Knob, and was with Price until that General's command was divided at Fayetteville, in 1864. The same year he was captured at Augusta, and was held a prisoner of war until peace was declared. After his return home he continued to farm near Antioch until 1879, then came to Beebe to live. He became a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1865, and since 1874 has been a minister of that denomination and has preached in Beebe and vicinity. He has been a very active worker for the cause of his Master and has expounded the doctrine of his denomination in nearly all the principal churches of White County. He was a member of the General Assembly that met at Bowling Green, Ky., in 1876, and for the last two years has been the representative of the Arkansas Synod. He has never been an office seeker, but since his residence in Beebe has been a member of the board of aldermen, and during the reconstruction period was a member of the board of supervisors of White County. He is a Royal Arch Mason and is a member of Beebe Lodge No. 145. He and wife have never had any children of their own, but have given homes to a number of orphan children, and have reared three from infancy. Mrs. Pemberton is a daughter of J. P. and Ann C. (Sweeney) Harrison, who were born in Virginia, the former of whom was an active soldier in the War of 1812.

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Joshua W. Pence, and old settler and prominent citizen, of White County, and postmaster of Egbert, is of Tennessee nativity, and a son of George J. and Rebecca (Webb) Pence, natives of South and North Carolina, respectively. George J. Pence was born in 1802, and was married in Alabama in 1825, and remained there until 1829, when he removed to Warren County, Tenn., and six years later to Williamson County of that State. In 1839 he immigrated to Wilson County, where he died in 1852. He was a member of the Christian Church and a man of decision and strong will power, and was an old-time Jacksonian Democrat. Mrs. Pence was born in 1806, and in 1855, after her husband's death, came to Arkansas, locating in White County, on the farm on which our subject now lives, and where she died on July 16, 1888. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and was the mother of thirteen children, three of whom are still living: Louisa (widow of William Allen), Joshua W. (the principal of this sketch) and Marion T. (a farmer of Prairie County). Joshua W. was born in Warren County, Tenn., May 18, 1830, and when twenty-two years of age, commenced farming for himself, which occupation he has since followed, and in 1855 commenced farming the place on which he still lives, his mother living with him during the last twenty years of her life. He now has a fine farm of 252 acres, with about seventy-five under cultivation. In June, 1862, he enlisted in the Eighth Arkansas Infantry, but remained only a short time, being discharged on account of disability. Upon his discharge he returned home and found his farm in a state of dilapidation. In 1866 he was elected justice of the peace, which office he held for sixteen consecutive years, and was appointed postmaster of Egbert in February, 1887, which position he is still holding. He was married in February, 1854, to Miss Damaris L. Grissom, a native of Tennessee, who died in 1874, leaving nine children, six of whom are still living: Matilda (now Mrs. Hood), George L. (farmer and justice of the peace, of Dogwood Township), Oren D., Oscar D., Ira R. and Lillie a. Those deceased are Wiley H., Joshua M. and Barbara E. In 1874 he was again married to Mrs. Freeman (nee Belton, a widow, and who died in 1883, leaving no children), and on December 19, 1888, he married his third and present wife, Mrs. Ellen M. Rimer (nee Strodder, also a widow). Mr, Pence and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a prominent Democrat and a member of the Knights of Labor, and of the County Wheel. He joined the Freemasons in July, 1867, of which he is still a member in full fellowship,in West Point Lodge No. 24. December 23, 1878, he joined the Grange No. 137, and has since filled several prominent offices in that society, such as Master, Overseer, [p.222] Chaplain, Steward, etc. He and wife also belong to the Famous Life Association of Little Rock, Ark., their policy of membership being limited to the amount of $3,000.

N. B. Pettey. Among the early settlers of White County was our subject, N. B. Pettey, who came to this county with his widowed mother in 1855. Mr. Pettey was a son of George G. and Annie E. (Chappell) Pettey, natives oSouth Carolina and Virginia, respectively, and was born in Limestone County, Als., August 26, 1839. Mr. George G. Pettey settled in Alabama at an early day, and later moved to Mississippi, where he died in 1850. Five years later his widow moved to Arkansas with her family, where she died in 1861. N. B. Pettey was raised and educated in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas, and at the age of sixteen went to Hiokman County and engaged in clerking, where he remained two years. In 1856 he came to White County, Ark., landing at Negro Hill in September, where he worked at farm labor in the summer season and attended school in the winter. He then went to Searcy and accepted a position as clerk for W. B. Carter, where he remained until 1861, when he enlisted in July of that year in Company E of the Third Arkansas Cavalry, enlisting for three years, or during the war, as private. Mr. Pettey was in the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, and was with Bragg in his invasion of Kentucky, and was in the Georgia campaign. He was captured as a prisoner November 1, 1864, and was taken with Sherman to the coast, and up to Point Lookout, where he was paroled February 21, 1865, and returned and joined his command prior to the battle of Bentonville, N. C. He arrived home at Searcy on June 7, 1865, and took up farming. In 1871 he was elected deputy sheriff, and the following year elected sheriff of the county (White), serving three successive terms. In 1879 Mr. Pettey bought an improved farm of sixty acres, near Centre Hill, and commenced farming, and also engaged in merchandising, which he followed some two or three years. He served as postmaster under President Cleveland's administration. Mr. Pettey was married on September 20, 1866, to Jennie Dannelly, a native of Mississippi, and daughter of Rev. George A. and Annie E. (West) Dannelly, originally of South Carolina and Alabama, respectively. Rev. G. A. Dannelly immigrated to Phillips County, Ark., at an early day, then to Jackson County, where he joined the Methodist Episcopal Conference at Batesville in 1856. He is now in Woodruff County. His wife died in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Pettey are the parents of two children: George G. and Napoleon B. Mr. Pettey has seen the complete development of the county and has taken an active interest in all work for the good of the community. He is a prominent Democrat, and a member of the I. O. O. F. Mrs. Pettey is a member of the Methodist Church. Her grandfather Dannelly was a member of the Masonic order, of which he held the office of Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State, and was Grand Lecturer of the State some five or six years, and was District Deputy Grand Master in 1871. He was also prominently connected with the order of the I. O. O. F.

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John Andrew Phelps is a merchant doing business and residing in El Paso, and to him may be applied that often much abused phrase, "self-made man," for he started out in life for himself at the early age of fifteen years, and has attained his present enviable place in business and society. He was born in Haywood County, Tenn., on January 16, 1852, and is one of two children (the other member being J. T. Phelps) born to Philip P. and Arkansas (Overton) Phelps, both of English descent, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia. They were married in Tennessee about the year 1850, and in Hardeman County of this State; the father died eight years later. John Andrew Phelps followed various employments until the year 1875, when he began clerking in a mercantile establishment belonging to D. H. Thorn, of Jonesboro, Ark., and during a three years' stay with this gentleman became thoroughly familiar with all the details of the work. During this time Mr. Thorn was sheriff of the county, and Mr. Phelps acted as his deputy, and in this capacity rendered valuable service. Upon leaving Mr. Thorn he rented land in Craighead County of the Hon. W. H. Cate, who, taking a fancy to our subject, [p.223] gave him an excellent chance and furnished him with stock to till his land. During this time he also acted as foreman of Mr. Cate's cotton-gin, and upon leaving this gentleman, took with him about $500 in money which he had earned. On April 3, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Avey Broadway, by whom he has one child, John Andrew, ho was born on November 30, 1884. In 1879 Mr. Phelps engaged in merchandising in El Paso in company with his brother, J. T. Phelps, and M. L. Booth, under the firm name of Booth & Phelps, continuing in business with those gentlemen until 1882, at which time Mr. Booth withdrew from the firm and the two brothers continued alone under the firm name of Phelps & Bro. This partnership was dissolved in 1883, and the firm then took the name of Phelps & Co., and from 1885 to 1888 Mr. Phelps was in business alone. The firm has since been known as Warren & Phelps, and they carry a large and well-selected stock of general merchandise, and in connection they carry on a harness and saddlery shop, and in this establishment employ none but the best workmen. They are also extensive dealers in cotton, and in the year 1888 they shipped 1,330 bales to St. Louis and Memphis. In invoicing their goods in July, 1889, they found in accounts and stock on hand $40,000, their average stock amounting to $12,000. Mr. Phelps is a Democrat, a member of El Paso Lodge No. 65 of the A. F. & A. M., and in his business relations is shrewd and enterprising. He and wife are rearing a little girl named Mamie Canada, whose mother died in 1881, when she was but two weeks old. Her father is Thomas J. Canada, and her mother was a Miss Ada Booth.

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Joseph T. Phelps is a prosperous merchant of El Paso, Ark., and in his relations with the public has ever proven trustworthy and reliable. By his superior management and rare business ability and efficiency he has done not a littleto advance the reputation the county enjoys as a commercial center, and is well liked and esteemed by all. He was born in Hardeman County, Tenn., June 25, 1854, and is the son of Philip and Arkansas (Overton) Phelps, who were Virginians, but were married in Tennessee, and lived the lives of farmers in that State. The father was an Englishman by descent and was a man who, had he lived, would have become wealthy, but he was cut down in the prime of life, in 1858, at the age of thirty-five years. In 1860 his widow married P. Rainer, a farmer of Tennessee, who came to Arkansas about 1870, and are residing in Craighead County. The mother, as well as her first husband, were members of the Old School Presbyterian Church, but she is now a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Joseph T. Phelps was left fatherless at the age of three years, but was reared to a farm life by his step-father, and in his youth acquired a fair education in the common schools of Tennessee and Arkansas, paying his own tuition. At the early age of fourteen years he began life on his own responsibility, and for about three worked as a farm hand, earning sufficient money to take a course in a higher grade of school. Upon leaving his step-father he could neither read nor write and had very little clothing. He made his home with an uncle, with the agreement that he should work one-half the time and go to school the remainder, but his uncle failed to live up to th contract and he left him. He next made his home with a lady who treated him kindly, and later with a Mr. Turner, who took considerable interest in him, and at the age of sixteen years, through the recommendation of this gentleman, he succeeded in obtaining a good position with a Mr. Parker, of Bolivar, Tenn., and remained with him six months, attending school and working in his store, doing chores to pay for his board. After teaching school for a short time, he obtained a situation as clerk in a dry-goods store at Bolivar at $10 per month, a position which he held for six months; then became newsboy on the Mississippi Central Railroad, continuing for three months. In the fall of 1872 he came to Craighead County and he and his brother bought a house and lot in Jonesboro, and followed the occupation of saw-logging a sufficient length of time to get enough logs to build a house, but the mill burned and their property was lost. Their next bad luck was the discovery that the title to their house and lot, for which they paid $100, was worthless, but nothing daunted, they [p.224] went in debt for forty acres of land, and their first year's crop paid for the property. At the end of one year our subject sold out to his brother and began teaching a subscription school, which was a great success. He next engaged in clerking in a store in Jonesboro, but came to El Paso after a few months, and spent eight months in school at that place. After cutting cord wood for about three months, he hired to M. L. Booth as a farm hand, at $20 a month, working one year. December 21, 1876, he was married to Miss Martha Booth, a daughter of his former employer, and her birth occurred in Haywood County, Tenn. This union has been blessed with six children, four of whom are living: Roberta H. (born August 2, 1878 and died August 2, 1888), Reuben C. (born February 8, 1880), Philip L. (born June 19, 1883, and died December 20, 1884), Joseph H. (born October 15, 1884), Oklahoma (born February 6, 1887) and an infant (born March 29, 1889). After his marriage, Mr. Phelps made one crop on his father-in-law's farm, but in the fall of 1878 he began the mercantile business with a Mr. A. P. Poole, under the firm name of Poole & Phelps. This partnership lasted two years, then Mr. Phelps sold out and engaged in business with M. L. Booth, the firm name being Booth, Phelps & Co., for one year. During his business connection with Mr. Poole, he was appointed postmaster at El Paso, and served in this capacity for six years. He is now engaged in merchandising under the name of M. L. Phelps & Co. His life has been an eventful one, and notwithstanding the many difficulties which have strewn his pathway, he has been successful and is of material benefit to any ommunity in which he resides. He and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is a member of El Paso Lodge No. 65 of the A. F. & A. M., in which organization he has held all the offices with the exception of Worshipful Master.

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Wiley D. Plant. Hilary Plant was born in South Carolina, July 7, 1812, and, when quite young, moved to Alabama, where he met and married Mercy Tatum, a native of Alabama. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Plant immigrated to Kentucky, thence to Arkansas, where the remainder of his quiet, uneventful life was passed. Mr. Plant was a stanch Democrat, and a consistent member of the Methodist Church, South, for many years. He was a quiet, law-abiding citizen, charitable, industrious and frugal, and at the date of his death, in 1880, had amassed quite a fortune. Mrs. Plant is now a resident in White County, Ark., aged eighty-five years. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Plant ten children were born, five sons and five daughters, four of them now living: Nance B. (widow of George Hamby, of Jackson County), Charles F. (a farmer of White County), Wiley D. (the subject of this sketch), Green L. (a planter of White County), Andrew W. (died in Woodruff County), Robert L. (died in Conway County), Mary A. (widow of George M. Smith, deceased in White County), Susan M. (died in Jackson County) and Sarah F. (wife of N. E. Kidd, died in Woodruff County). Wiley D. Plant was reared in White County, and received excellent advantages for an education, which he was not slow to improve, and is a well-informed man. He is a typical Arkansan, and a native of that State, his birth occurring in Conway (now Faulkner) County, January 19, 1847. He began for himself at the age of twenty-one years, first as a farmer, which was his occupation for a few years, but realizing that his vocation lay in another direction he turned his attention to the mercantile business, in which he has been successful. He located at Bradford, White County, where he is now one of the prominent men of the community. His stock consists of general merchandise, valued at $8,000, and by his courteous manner and straightforward dealing he has established a permanent and lucrative business. Mr. Plant is well worthy the liberal patronage bestowed on him, for he endeavors in every possible way to please his customers, considering their interests his, and the petty, disagreeable traits of so many merchants are entirely foreign to his characteristics and nature. In May of 1885 Mr. Plant led to the hymeneal altar Mrs. Sarah E. Moore, daughter of William and Prudence McKnight. To their union two bright children have been born, Bessie and William D., who, with their childish prattle, make [p.225] the house bright and joyous, and gladden the hearts of their devoted parents. He is a Democrat in politics, takes an active part in the elections, and is a strong partisan. He is a believer in the Methodist faith, though not a member of any denomination. He is a leading citizen, contributes liberally to all public movements; is a prominent personage in his town and community, active and progressive.

Henry W. Pope is a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Cane Township, a native of Georgia, and a son of Micajah and Hattie (Bruce) Pope. Micajah Pope was born in Virginia, November 21, 1808, and was a son of John and Mary (Morris) Pope of Virginia origin, and was married in 1827. John Pope moved to Georgia in 1818, and settled on land where Atlauts now stands. Mrs. Pope, the mother of Henry W., was a daughter of Daniel and Sallie (Prenct) Bruce, who were the parents of eleven children. Our subject was born December 28, 1835, and was married December 27, 1855, to Mollie E. Rea, a daughter of Rev. W. T. Rea and Rhoda (Brown) Rea. Mrs. Rea was a daughter of William and Nancy Pruet. After his marriage Mr. Pope found employment in teaching, following this for several years. All of his brothers were in the Confederate army, and Henry W. was mustered in, but was unable to stand muster, and was discharged. In 1867 he removed to Jefferson County and taught school, and two years later came to White County. In March, 1878, he came to Cane Township, and commenced farming on a quarter-section of unimproved land, and, by his energy, has 100 acres of it under cultivation. To this union have been given twelve children: Sarah F. (now Mrs. Earnest, and the mother of six children), Mollie H. (now Mrs. Langforo, and the mother of two children), William H. (married, and has one child), Mamie (now Mrs. Cagle), John D, (a professor of penmanship), Horace E. (deceased), Ella (deceased), Katie B., Daniel W., Samuel T. (deceased), Albert J. and James E. Mr. Pope is a strong Democrat, and takes an active part in politics, and is now holding the office of justice of the peace of his township. Himself and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He always takes an active interest in the temperance movement.

Frederick R. Price, one of Gen. Price's soldiers in his raid through Missouri, Kansas and Mississippi, is the fifth son of a family of twelve children, born to Russell and Mary (Turner) Price. Bussell Price was the son of Joseph Price, who died in South Carolina in 1833. Russell Price was born in 1790, and was married about 1810, and was the father of the following ten children, and two whose names are not given: Delia, Thomas, Jane, Fielding, Frederick R., Minerva, Mahaley, Joseph, Mary Ann and Nancy. He followed farming in South Carolina, and moved to White County, in 1836, taking up eighty acres of land, and where he died two years later, his wife surviving him until 1844. Frederick R. first saw the light of this world in South Carolina, March 2, 1821, and was married at the age of twenty to Lucinda Jones, a daughter of B. Jones, of Cane Township. After his marriage he commenced farming for himself. By this marriage they had eleven children: John T.,