A. L. Malone insurance agent and a member of the firm of Malone & Bell, dealers in books, stationery, etc., was born in Fayette County. Tenn., September 29, 1853. His parents. William C. and Elizabeth M. (Gardner) Malone, natives respectively of Orange County. N. C., and Powhatan County, Va., were married in Fayette County, Tenn., where they resided until December, 1853, when they came to Northeast Arkansas. locating in Poinsett County. He was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. and also followed farming. He devoted much time to his Master's cause, and organized many churches in this part of the State. His latter years were spent in Cross County, Ark., where he died in November, 1886. His wife still resides in Cross County. To them were born eight children, only three now living: Alvis L., John K. and Blanche. A. L. Malone was an infant when his parents came to this State, and received his education in the common schools of Poinsett County. He remained on the farm until eighteen years of age, then entered a store as a clerk, and later engaged in the mercantile business for himself, in Wittsburg, Cross County. He came to Jonesboro in the fall of 1883, and since that time has been occupied in his present business. He represents the following Insurance Companies: Phoenix. Hartford and Orient of Hartford, American of Philadelphia, Union and Anglo. Nevada of California, and other leading and noted companies. He is assistant postmaster, and has held that office for four years. He and partner keep a large stock of books, stationery, etc., located in the postoffice building. In 1879 he was married to Miss Florence McFerrin, and of this union four children have been the issue, three living and one deceased. Those living are, Lillian, James W. and Mary. The one deceased was Charles M. Both parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Malone belongs to the Knights, and Knights and Ladies of Honor. He was elected in April, 1886, and served one term as city recorder of Jonesboro. Politically he is a Democrat, is an energetic and thorough-going business man, and has the confidence and respect of all who know him.
 

Isaac N. Mangrum is a native of Manry County. Tenn., his birth occurring November 28, 1836. His parents, L. B. and Stacy Mangrum, were both natives of the “Old Volunteer State,” where they were married and resided a number of years, and then moved to Shelby County, Tenn. They came to Craighead County, Ark., prior to the War of the Rebellion, and located on a farm near Jonesboro, which was their home until their respective deaths. They were the parents of nine children, and had the respect and confidence of all who knew them. Isaac N. was reared upon a farm, and received but meager educational advantages. He came with his parents to Arkansas in 1854, and a year later was united in marriage with Miss Tabitha Blackstone, and from then until entering the Confederate service, he followed farming in Craighead County with varied success. His war experience was eventful, and he saw much active service and underwent many hardships and privations. After the war, he returned to his home and family, and resumed his agricultural labors, locating where he now resides. The place at that time was almost wholly unimproved, but by hard work, intelligent and business-like management, Mr. Mangrum has improved and added to it, until he is now one of the leading planters and owns one of the best improved farms in the county. His improvements are all good, and upon his place are two cotton-gins, which do a thriving business. By his first marriage there were two children, both of whom are worthy citizens, and are married and reside near the home place. Mrs. Mangrum died in 1866. Miss Susan Sage, a native of Craighead County, became the second wife of Mr. Mangrum in 1866. Ten children are the fruits of this union, of whom these are now living: Stacy, James, Robert, George and Ettie. Some of the children died in infancy. Stacy is the wife of Mr. James Stotts. Mr. Mangrum is, in the fullest sense of the term, a self-made man. He is progressive in his ideas, and liberally contributes to all worthy objects. He is a member of the Masonic order, and is one of Craighead County's most esteemed citizens.
 

Nicholas P. Mangrum was born in Maury County, Tenn., in 1846. His father, James Mangrum, was a native of Virginia, and when a child six years of age came with his parents to Maury County, Tenn. Here he was reared, and married to Ann Craig, a native of Maury County. In 1858 he moved with his family to Poinsett County, Ark., remaining three years, when he moved to Dyer County, Tenn., and remained for some eight years; thence to Butler County, Mo., for one year, later to Dunklin County, Mo., for one year, when he returned to Craighead County, Ark., where he died in February, 1887, aged sixty-seven years. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and much respected by all who knew him. The mother died in Maury County, Tenn., in 1846, when Nicholas P. was but six months of age, leaving five children, all of whom lived to maturity. Only two of them are now living: Mrs. Martha Todd, now living in Texas, and our subject. Those deceased are William, Robert and James. James Mangrum was married a second time, and had a family of seven children, two of whom are now living: George and Sophronia, the latter residing with our subject. George is deputy sheriff of this county. and resides at Lake City. Nicholas P. Mangrum was reared in Tennessee, receiving his education at the county schools. He was married, in 1871, to Amanda Stotts, a daughter of Arnold Stotts, and began farming for himself on this Island near where he now resides. He came to his present place in 1874, purchasing wild land, with only seven acres prosperous farmers on the Island. He is a wide-awake and public-spirited citizen. and is a consistent Christian, and member of the Methodist Church.
 

John H. Mangrum, clerk of the circuit court. ex-officio clerk of the county and probate courts, and recorder, is a native of Cross County, Ark., born July 29. 1855. His parents, L. B. and Eustatia (Lovell) Mangrum, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Tennessee, were married in the “Old Volunteer State,” and emigrated to Arkansas in 1852, locating in Cross County. There the father cleared a good farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits until January of 1861, when he moved to Craighead County, and located one half mile northwest of Jonesboro, where he resided until his death, which occurred January 4, 1883, his wife having previously died July 25. 1881. They were the parents of thirteen children, five of whom are now living. John H. Mangrum, the youngest child, was reared on a farm, receiving his education at the common schools of the county. He followed farming and school teaching in his early life, acquitting himself with personal credit and to the benefit of those for whom he labored. In 1886 he was elected to his present office, and was re-elected in 1888, now serving his second term. In November of 1881, he was united in marriage with Miss Jeannette Culberhouse, a daughter of G. T. Culberhouse. Mrs. Mangrum is an estimable lady, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Mangrum belongs to the Masonic and Knights of Honor fraternities, is a Democrat in politics, and is an active member of his party in this county, meriting by his untiring services. the honorable recognition which he has received.
 

Z. T. Matthews, of the firm of Matthews, Peterson & Pace, merchants of Jonesboro, is a native of Paulding County, Ga. born February 2, 1848. His parents, L. M. and Mary Ann Matthews, were natives of Virginia and Georgia, respectively, and were the parents of ten children; Z. T. and a sister,  Louisa, in Paulding County, Ga., being the only survivors. The mother died in Georgia, and, by his second marriage, Mr. Matthews became the father of three children, all deceased. He was by occupation an agriculturist, and in the winter of 1857 came to what is now Craighead County, Ark., and located about one and one-half miles from the present site of Jonesboro. When, two years later, the town of Jonesboro was laid out, he was living on the present town site, and had his field planted with cotton. Some years later he moved to Poinsett County, where he died during the war. Z. T. Matthews was but eight years of age when he came with his parents to Arkansas, and here grew to manhood, receiving such education as the schools of that day afforded. He went to the first log schoolhouse built in the town, attended private schools and also the old academy. He was reared mainly on a farm, but, in 1868, began clerking at $12.50 per month, and retained that position for two years, and then entered into partnership with W. J. Witt, continuing but a short time. He then entered into a partnership with William Puryear. which lasted for about four years. Selling out to Mr. Puryear, he formed a partnership with J. C. Knight, with whom he continued eleven years, and then formed his present partnership. The firm has a large stock of dry goods, clothing, gent's furnishing goods, boots and shoes, etc., and, by strictly fair and honest business principles, have established a splendid custom. Mr. Matthews is also a partner of Johnson. Berger & Co., dealers in groceries, furniture and hardware, owning both store buildings, which are large two-story bricks. In 1864 he was married to Miss C. J. Witt, and of this union four children have been the issue: Wanghlie, Gordon. Eva, and Willie. who died when seven months old. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Matthews' business career has been one of unusual success: starting as a clerk on a small salary, he soon engaged in business for himself; was during Grant's administration appointed postmaster of Jonesboro, which position he held for about seven years. resigning in favor of J. D. C. Cobb. and now is a leading and successful citizen.

James D. Mead, an energetic and successful agriculturist of Lake City Township, was born in Madison County. Ga., in 1822, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Hall) Mead, the former a native of Georgia, the latter of South Carolina. His grandfather, Miner M. Mead, was of English descent, and was born in Virginia, where his parents had settled a few years previous. He served in the Revolutionary War, and was afterward a pensioner for services rendered. His wife, Mary Mead, lived to be one hundred and five years of age, and drew a pension after her husband's death. She died in Carroll County, Ga., having lived a devoted Christian life as a member of the Baptist Church. They were the parents of thirteen children, John, the father of our subject, being the oldest child. John Mead served in the War of 1812, and after a life of success and usefulness, died in Georgia, when fifty-seven years of age. The mother died in Craighead County, at the home of her son, James, in 1867. To them were born nine children, James D. being the third child, and he and two sisters, Mary and Sarah, are the only survivors, and all live in this county. Mr. Mead was reared and educated in Georgia, where he resided until the spring of 1857, when, with his family, consisting of his wife and five children, be came to Arkansas, locating on what is now Bay Siding. There he followed farming for sixteen years. and in 1872 moved to his present location. Since coming to Arkansas he has put in cultivation over 200 acres of land, and now owns 480 acres, and has under good cultivation 125 acres. April 6, 1848, he was united in marriage with Miss Thessa Moon, born in Georgia, in 1829, who died in this county, in 1867. Their union was blessed by nine children, only two of whom are now living: Mrs. Nancy S. McLean and James W. Mr. Mead was married a second time, in 1872, this time selecting Mrs. Elizabeth Farmer, nee Lewis, who, by her former marriage was the mother of three children: Mrs. Mary Gatlin, Mrs. Sarah Bagwell and Mrs. Nellie Wilson. Mr. Mead's family have always been Whigs, and he is now a stanch Republican.
 

James W. Mead. a leading planter of the county and also mail contractor, is a native of Georgia, born in Madison County, January 22, 1850. His parents were James D. and Thessa (Moon) Mead [see sketch], both natives of Georgia. He came with his father to this State and county when a boy seven years of age, and was reared on his father's farm, receiving his education at the county schools. He chose as his life companion, Jane Beaty, a native of Arkansas, reared in this county, and December 24, 1868, they were united in marriage. He engaged in farming for several years after this event, and in 1880 opened a saloon at Lake City, and was engaged in the saloon business for six years. In 1883 he was appointed deputy sheriff, and served in that capacity until November, 1888. Since that time he has been farming. Mr. and Mrs. Mead have two children, Nora and Otto, and lost three in early childhood. Mr. Mead has been quite prominent in local affairs, is a Republican in politics, and has been postmaster, serving in that capacity for several years. He is a Knight of Honor and also a Mason.
 

J. A. Meek, attorney at law at Jonesboro, Ark., was born in Lincoln County, Tenn., April 8, 1830, and is the only son of Urban E. and Nancy (Dean) Meek, who were natives of the “Old Volunteer State.” The paternal grandfather, Alexander Meek, a native of Virginia, emigrated to Tennessee at an early day, and was among its pioneer settlers. Moving later to Marshall County, Miss., he was among the early settlers of that State, which was still largely inhabited by Indians. Though at the time but sixteen years of age, he was a soldier of the Revolution, participating in the battles at King's Mountain and at Cowpens. He was with four brothers and two uncles during his military service. After the war he was a pensioner for service rendered; and returning to his farm resumed his occupation. He died in 1858, at that time one hundred years of age. The maternal grandfather, too, lived to be almost a centenarian. Urban E. Meek built the first house in Chulahoma, Marshall County, Miss., and resided there until his death in 1847. He was a farmer by occupation, and was a prominent man in the county, having held several offices of honor and trust. His wife died in 1848. They were the parents of two children: Joseph A. and Minerva E., wife of James H. Wilburn, of De Soto County, Miss. Joseph A. Meek was reared in Holly Springs, Miss., and there received his education. His parents having died when he was about fifteen years of age, he worked his way through school until able to teach; and while teaching school, studied medicine under Rev. Stark Depree, of De Soto County, Miss. In 1857 he entered McDowell Medical College of St. Louis, and at the beginning of the late war enlisted as assistant surgeon, and served in that capacity until the close of hostilities. He then returned to Harrisburg, Poinsett County, where he had gone in 1858, and resumed his practice, remaining there until 1873. During that time he was twice elected to the legislature, first in 1866, and afterward in 1871. He entered the Atlanta Medical College in 1871, and graduated in September of that year. In 1873 he came to Jonesboro, where he practiced his profession until 1883, when he gave up the medical profession and began the practice of law, having been admitted to the bar in Poinsett County. The circumstances attending his admission are interesting and unique. Once, in 1858, being on trial, he defended himself, showing such unusual tact and ability that he was admitted by a petition from the bar, and without examination. In 1881 he was elected to the legislature from Craighead County, and was re-elected in 1883 and 1888. He was first married November 19, 1856, to Miss Madella Russell, of De Soto County, Miss., who bore him two children. One of them is now deceased, and the other, Jodella, is the wife of W. M. Robertson. Mrs. Meek died August 12, 1860, and June 7, of the following year, Mr. Meek was united in marriage with Miss Caroline F. Parker, a native of North Carolina, and a graduate of Chawan College. He has been for years a leader of his party in both Poinsett and Craighead Counties, untiring in his labors, and deserving the honors bestowed upon him. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
 

Joseph W. Moss, a leading farmer and stock dealer of Craighead County, whose parents, Willis and Sarah
 (Mullinax) Moss, were both natives of South Carolina, was born in that State August 25, 1829. His father died in his native State, his mother in Tennessee. He was reared on a farm, and had but limited educational advantages. When, in 1851, his brother Barnett came on a prospecting tour to Arkansas, and located in Poinsett (now Craighead) County, Joseph W. came with him, and for a while made his brother's house his home. He at first bought fifty-two acres, and has since added to it, until he now owns about 1,000 acres, mostly woodland. He began $60 in debt, but by industry, economy and thrift, he has canceled this, indebtedness and accumulated a competency, which he has from time to time invested in land and stock. He lost fifty fine horses in the disastrous overflow of 1882. He was married, in 1853, to Mary Simonds, a native of Illinois, and to this union was born one child, Henry, married to Mattie Wilson. His first wife died, and Mr. Moss was married again, in 1861, to Lousina Kelsoe, a native of Tennessee. This union was blessed with nine children, all living: John R. (married to Florence Stotts), Sarah (wife of Morgan Denham), Joseph L. (married to Jane Patterson), Mary (wife of Theodore Johnson), Carroll, Barnett, Hettie, Newton B. and Wallace. Mrs. Moss died in 1880, and Mr. Moss married Mrs. Martha Patterson, a native of the county, and daughter of Andrew Stotts (now deceased), an early settler of the county. Mr. Moss is a Democrat in politics, has held various offices, and takes great interest in educational matters.
 

A. S. Nash, merchant at Jonesboro, was born in Bedford County, Tenn., July 23, 1829, and is a son of Travis and Joanna (Miller) Nash who came from Virginia to Tennessee early in the history of that State. The Nash family are of Irish and the Miller family of French descent. Travis Nash was a farmer by occupation, and in the War of 1812, was a captain. He was a successful farmer and a brave and gallant soldier, and died at Shelbyville, Tenn., April 7, 1844. The mother moved with her family to Texas, where she died in 1862. Of the family of fifteen children, only two are now living, Mary, widow of John McGimsey, and Augustus S. Two brothers, Thomas and Franklin, who went from Texas, were killed in the war, and two others, Lafayette and Granderson M. died in Texas at the close of the war. Augustus S. Nash was reared in Shelbyville, Tenn., remained on the farm until fourteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn the saddler's trade. He followed saddlery for several years, then engaged for several years in farming, and in 1860 moved to Jackson County, Ala. While living in Tennessee, he was lieutenant of militia under the old muster law, and in 1861, at the outbreaking of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company G, Fourth Alabama Cavalry, and during the war saw much active service. He was in the battles of Fort Donelson, Murfreesboro, Resaca, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta, Franklin, Knoxville, Tenn., and several others. He was with Gen. Wilson from Alabama to Columbus, Ga., where they surrendered. He was not seriously wounded, but had his left ear shot off at Chickamauga. At the close of the war, he returned to Nashville, where he took the oath, and then returned to his farm in Alabama. In 1870 he moved to Jonesboro, Ark., where for six years he engaged very successfully in farming, and in 1876, he began merchandising, which he has since followed. He was married in 1849 to Margara Atkins, and they are the parents of seven living children: Thomas, William, Charles, Leander, Richard, Wiley and Victoria. The father and mother are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Nash belongs to the Masonic fraternity; he owns a great deal of property in Jonesboro, and as a business man has been very successful. In 1880 he was elected county treasurer, which office he filled satisfactorily to his constituents. He is one of the leading business men of the town.
 

Francis M. Newcom and Robert T. Wallace are both natives of Kentucky, the former born in Crittenden County, October 15, 1855, the latter in what is now Webster County, August 27, 1847. They are now prosperous and representative farmers of Craighead County, Ark. Francis M. Newcom [p.348] is a son of W. D. and M. E. (Heath) Newcom, natives of Kentucky, who later settled in Webster County, where both parents died. Francis M. came to Arkansas in 1882, and three years later to his present residence. He has cleared and now has under cultivation seventy-five acres of good land. October 12, 1882, he was united in marriage with Eliza Wallace, born and reared in Kentucky, and to this union have been born four children: Ivy Lillie, Nannie D., Lee E., and Rosa Belle (deceased). Mr. Newcom is a prominent member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Robert T. Wallace is the eldest of the six children born to the union of Col. Benjamin P. Wallace and Eliza Bruce, natives of Kentucky. The father was a farmer in his native State, and in the Civil War enlisted in the Confederate service, in which he was colonel. He died July 12, 1870, the mother having previously died July 16, 1869. Robert T. was reared in Kentucky, and lived with his father until his death, when he bought the old homestead, on which he resided until he came to Arkansas, in 1882. He had been deputy sheriff for one year, and sheriff for two. Since 1882 he has resided in Arkansas, except one year spent in Howell County, Mo., and he moved to his present location Christmas of 1887. He owns several tracts of land, and has a well-cultivated farm. July 17, 1875, he married Annie Moore, also a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of Allen Moore. They had grown up together in the same county. The fruits of this union have been four children, only one living, Mauds. Those deceased are Florence, died in 1885, at the age of nine years; Molly, died when five years of age, and Willie, who died at three years of age. The parents are both consistent Christians, the father a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and the mother of the Methodist Church. Mr. Wallace is a member of the I. O. O. F.
 

Rev. William J. Newton, one of the leading citizens of Buffalo Island, was born on the place where he now lives, March 3, 1849, and is the son of John Newton, who was born in Tennessee, and reared near Nashville. To better his fortune, he came to Arkansas in 1841, and here married Catherine Lamb, the mother of our immediate subject. The father died in 1857. William J. attained his majority on the Island where he had always lived, and served for seven months in the Confederate ranks. He lost his right limb in New Madrid, Mo., in 1865. In September, 1880, he and Martha L. Towers were married. She was a native of Arkansas, born on Crowley's Ridge, this county. The fruits of this union have been six children: Minerva A., Bertha, Charles J., Gertrude, William J. and John R. Mr. Newton has a farm of 200 acres, with 124 under cultivation, is an energetic man and has cleared all but eight acres of this himself. In 1874 he professed religion, in 1876 was licensed to preach, and in 1880 was ordained a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At first he had charge of a circuit for two years, 1880 to 1882; but since that time has been stationed, and has labored zealously in the cause of Christ, doing much good throughout this section. By his kindness to the poor, and generosity to his fellow-men, as well as by his fervent piety, he has attained an enviable popularity.
 

W. W. Nisbett, lumber dealer and manufacturer of brick, etc., is a native of Lancaster County, S. C., born October 14, 1836. His parents, James and Jane Y. (Rogers) Nisbett, natives of South Carolina, were of Irish descent, the grandfather, a native of Ireland, having been an early immigrant to South Carolina. The paternal grandfather, Josiah Nisbett, was a soldier of the Revolution, and he and all the grandparents lived and died in South Carolina. James Nisbett emigrated with his family to Coffee County, Tenn., in 1844, and three years later to Monroe County, Miss., thence to Memphis, Tenn., in 1850, and in 1852 came to what is now Craighead County, Ark., locating where Jonesboro now stands. He was a farmer and mechanic, and followed both occupations for several years; made the first improvements and built the first frame house in Jonesboro. He then kept a hotel in Jonesboro for some time, and in 1867 moved to Pike County, where he resided for five years, then returned to this county, where he remained until his death in 1884. The mother died three years later. They were the parents of [p.349] six children, five now living, four sons and one daughter: William W., John G. R., Benjamin F., Joseph A. and Sarah, widow of P. H. Winke. William W. was but eight years of age when he left his native State, and, school advantages being very poor, his education was necessarily very limited. However, since arriving at mature years, he has closely applied himself to study, and is now a self educated man. He was eighteen years of age when he came with his parents to Craighead County, and had learned from his father the carpenter's trade, and intelligent farming. His early life was devoted mainly to mercantile business until the late war, and after the surrender, he was for many years a furniture dealer and undertaker. While in business, he was three times burned out, but was by no means discouraged by his misfortunes. After the fire of 1886, he closed out what remained of his stock, and turned his attention to his milling business. He has been for twenty years engaged in the milling and lumber business, also handling grain, and is now engaged in the manufacture of brick, making from 35,000 to 40,000 per day. Having a nice farm in the suburbs of Jonesboro, he also gives some attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1882, he began the study of law, and in 1884 was admitted to the bar, and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. He has been the leader of the Republican party since the war, and has been identified with all its meetings and important moves. He was elected sheriff of Craighead County in 1866, and served until 1872; was also sheriff in 1865 under military order. He has held the offices of county supervisor, president of the board of supervisors, county assessor, sheriff, collector, postmaster, assessor of internal revenue, and deputy United States marshal. In 1858 he was united in marriage with Mary Mattix, and they are the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living: Elizabeth (wife of J. R. Smith), Mattie (wife of H. H. Houghton), William S., Alice, Delia A., Minnie M. and George E. Mr. Nisbett is a member of the Masonic fraternity, is Master of the Blue Lodge, and High Priest of the Chapter. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., and also to the Eastern Star.
 

William O'Guinn. Among the pioneer settlers of Craighead County, none are more worthy of special mention than the subject of this sketch, who came with his parents to this State in 1836, when, before the encroachment of civilization, wild game was plentiful. He was a great hunter in his youth, making this sport the means of his support. He was born in Perry (now Decatur) County, Tenn., May 17, 1827, and is a son of Daniel and Margaret (Anderson) O'Guinn, natives of the “Old Volunteer State,” who were reared and married in that State, and in 1836 came with their three sons and daughter and grandfather Anderson and a part of his family, to Arkansas. All located first on Crowley's Ridge in Greene (now Craighead) County, and Daniel O'Guinn opened up a splendid farm in the timber, near where Jonesboro is now situated, where he reared his family and died in 1859. His wife followed him in 1872. Both were very worthy citizens and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They were the parents of thirteen children, ten of whom lived to be grown, but only two, William, the oldest child, and the youngest child, Martha, now the wife of Henry Haze, are now living. Willaim O'Guinn began life on his own responsibility when nineteen years of age, married and settled on a timbered place near the old homestead. He cleared a small farm, but kept eighteen or twenty hunting dogs, and spent most of his time hunting, often spending the whole night in this occupation, sometimes with the Indians as companions. Four years later he sold his farm, and improved another which two years later he likewise sold; then bought a small partly improved farm, afterward clearing forty additional acres, and here he resided until the breaking out of the late war, when he moved with his family to Scott County, Mo., remaining there until 1866, when he returned to the old home place and resumed his farming. In 1869 he came to his present place of residence, on Big Bay, where he owns 800 acres of land, and has improved about 120 acres. His farm is well stocked and bears every evidence of prosperity. Mr. O'Guinn has been married four times, and is the father of twenty-four children, and twelve of them are now [p.350] living. He was married to his present wife (Callidonis Coleman) in 1883, and she is the mother of four children, two deceased. Mr. O'Guinn is a stanch advocate of both church and school, and contributes liberally to their support. Both he and Mrs. O'Guinn are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
 

J. W. Owens, Jr., postmaster at Jonesboro, Ark., received his appointment in 1885, and has been a most courteous, obliging and efficient official. He was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., February 29, 1856, and is a son of J. W., Sr., and Frances H. (Tune) Owens, the father a native of Kentucky, and the mother of Virginia. They were married in Rutherford County, Tenn., where their parents had immigrated in an early day. J. W. Owens, Sr., a blacksmith by trade, came to Craighead County in 1870, and located in Jonesboro, where he followed his calling until 1874, when he went to Southern Illinois, where he died in 1879. The mother died in 1859. She was the mother of seven children, J. W. being the only one now living. The father had married three times. By his second wife he had one child, Robert H., and by his third marriage eight children, six living; Joseph E., George W., Lizzie, Jennie, Willie and Lura. J. W. Owens, Jr., came with his parents to Arkansas when thirteen years of age, and was reared partly in Tennessee and partly in this State, receiving his education in the county schools of the former and in the Jonesboro schools. Reared to farm life, he followed that occupation until 1881, and then entered the employ of J. B. Colt & Son, railroad contractors, and remained with them eighteen months. In October, 1883, he went into the Jonesboro postoffice as assistant postmaster, where he remained in that capacity until he received his appointment as postmaster. May 20, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Nannie E. Hannah, a native of Craighead County, and their union has been blessed with two children, Mollie and Morris B. Mr. Owens is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the K. and L. of H. He is energetic and industrious, enjoys an enviable popularity, and richly deserves the official favor accorded him.
 

Alfred Pagan,(Family Chart) one of the leading farmers of Cane Island, was born in Meade County, Ky., February 8, 1851, and is the son of David and Hannah (Halls) Pagan, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Kentucky. The father was reared and educated in Virginia and when a young man moved to Kentucky and was there married. He remained for several years in Meads County, and then removed to Daviess, where he engaged in farming until his death in 1864. His wife survives him and now resides on Cane Island. All of the family of six sons and two daughters reached maturity, but one son, who was a soldier in the Confederate service, and who died since the war. One brother lives in Kentucky, four brothers and one sister on Cane Island, and one sister in Missouri. Alfred Pagan was reared in. Kentucky and remained with his mother until his marriage, February 17, 1872, with Ellen Martin, a native of Daviess County, Ky., and a daughter of James and Jane Martin, who still reside in Daviess County. Mr. and Mrs. Pagan are the parents of six children: James, Minnie, Mary, Eva, Alfred and Rosa. Two children died in infancy. Mr. Pagan was always a farmer in Daviess County until 1881, when he came to Arkansas. He remained one year at Elmot Landing, Mississippi County, then came to Craighead County, selecting the place where he now resides. It was then but little improved; now he has four farms, aggregating 350 acres, with about 100 acres cleared and improved. It is all rich and valuable land and he has on the home place two residences and one on each of the other farms. Mr. and Mrs. Pagan are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, in which Mr. Pagan is also a deacon.
 

J. M. Penix, whose well-improved farm is situated three miles from Jonesboro, is one of the progressive, wide-awake citizens of the county. He was born in Cherokee County, Ala., November 12, 1836, and is the son of John and Sallie (Roach) Penix, the former a native of Alabama, the latter of Shelby County, Tenn. After the death of his wife and in the first year of the Civil War, Mr. Penix came to Arkansas and located in what is now Powell Township, Craighead County, and there resided for three years. In 1865 he moved to Louisiana, where he died in 1867. Of the fourteen children born to them, only four are now living, our immediate subject being the only one in Craighead County. He was reared on a farm, and in 1857 came to Arkansas, and in 1860 married Elizabeth Albright, a native of Tennessee, whose parents were Simpson and Hulda (Snodderly) Albright, the former is deceased, the latter resides with Mr. Penix. In the war of the Rebellion, he gave his support to the Confederate cause, serving in the Thirteenth Arkansas Infantry for about eight months, when he was discharged on account of sickness. He re-enlisted in the Trans-Mississippi department at Little Rock and served another twelve months. At the close of the war he returned to Craighead County and bought eighty acres of his present farm of 100 acres, forty of which are splendidly improved. Mr. and Mrs. Penix are the parents of nine children: Wiley E., William T. S. and an infant (deceased), and Eli Thomas (married to Lucinda Raines), Mary Magdalene. James Cornelius, Midas Ludells, Samuel Elbert and Scott Hinman. Mr. Penix is a Democrat, has been school director for five years, and has given one-half acre of his farm for a school-house site. He and his wife and oldest son and daughter are active members of the Baptist Church.
 

David L. Perkins, one of the foremost citizens of Craighead County, and a resident of Jonesboro Township, was born in Fayette County, Tenn., October 17, 1845, and is the son of William H. Perkins, a native of Virginia, who emigrated from the “Old Dominion” to Tennessee in 1826, and Sarah (Wrightsell) Perkins, a native of Tennessee. They had six children, four of whom are living, three sons and one daughter, and three are residents of this county: Mary (wife of P. T. Hudson), D. L. and John W. Mr. Perkins made a visit to this State in 1871, but returned to the old homestead in Fayette County, Tenn., where he and his wife still reside, aged seventy-nine and sixty-four years, respectively. David L. spent his boyhood on the farm, and received a fair education in the common schools of the county. He came with his father to this State in 1871, and selected it as the place of his permanent residence. The father bought 200 acres of land, and for nine years David L. lived on it, but then bought his homestead of 160 acres. He has a well-cultivated farm, with about fifty-five acres improved. December 26, 1872, he wedded Laura Thurman, a native of Fayette County, Tenn., who died in May, 1887, leaving five children: Clarence C., Howard L., William D., Linnie E. and Ernest D. He was again married, October 13, 1887, this time choosing Mrs. Nannie E. (Fuller) Falls, a resident of this county. The result of this union has been one boy, Edward Cecil. Mr. Perkins is prominent in religious and educational interests, and in politics is a stanch Democrat. He is a member of the Christian Church, and is an elder of the Hope Church of that denomination. Mrs. Perkins is a benevolent Christian lady, and also a member of the Christian Church at Hope.
 

J. D. Phillips was born in Pike County, Ga., December 1, 1828, and is a son of Thomas G. and Mary L. (Sessions) Phillips, both natives of South Carolina. They made their residence in Georgia, where the father died in 1867. The mother's death occurred in 1868, while on her way to this State. They had twelve children, six of whom are living, but only one, the subject of this sketch, in this State. James D. was reared on a farm until fifteen years of age, when he learned the machinist's trade at Savannah, Ga., and after nine or ten months engaged in the saw and gristmill business in Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky. He came to Craighead County, Ark., in March of 1861, and followed blacksmithing until 1871. He went to Phillips County, where he remained but two years, and then returned to Craighead, and has since then been engaged in farming, at which he has been very successful. He has been an extensive land holder in both this and Poinsett Counties, and at present owns a farm of 320 acres, forty of which are under cultivation. He operated the first saw-mill in Craighead County, thus introducing one of the leading industries, and is one of the oldest and most experienced mill men in the county. He was married, September 9, 1852, at Chattanooga, Tenn., to Sarah A. McLemore, a native of East Tennessee. Their union has been blessed with nine children: Josephine, Thomas, James A. (was married to Melinda McCarty), Henry C., Mary and Alonzo, all deceased, and Eliza Virginia, Vestie A. and William R. Mrs. Phillips and two daughters are members of the Christian Valley Church. Mr. Phillips is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is greatly interested in religions and educational matters. He belongs to the Agricultural Wheel, and was among the first and is one of the most prominent Wheelers in the county.
 

Albert Pierce, of Jonesboro Township, is the oldest living settler, in point of location, in Craighead County and Northeast Arkansas. He was born in Giles County, Tenn., September 12, 1826, and is the son of John Pierce, also a native of Tennessee, who came to Arkansas in 1831, locating in Poinsett (now Craighead) County. He was one of the first settlers of the county, and took a deep and active interest in its early formation. Though a farmer by occupation, he hunted much in early days, and devoted much time to stock raising. He at one time owned 320 acres of land. His wife was Nancy Maguire, also a native of Tennessee, and of their ten children, seven are now living, four daughters and three sons, all residents of this county. The father is dead, but the mother is still living in full possession of all her mental and physical faculties. She is eighty-three years of age, and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Cacry, widow of John Cacry. Albert Pierce was but six years of age when he came with his father to this county, and has lived within ten miles of his present farm for almost sixty years. He had no educational opportunities in childhood, but has been an energetic farmer and stock raiser all his life, the result of which is a large farm of 180 acres, with 100 under cultivation. He is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and is a Democrat. In 1844 he was married to Rebecca Simmons, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Simmons, residents of this county. Of the ten children born to them nine are yet living. They are Mary, wife of Franklin Lee; Franklin, married Caroline Howell; David, married Mrs. Emily Smith; Samuel, married Jane Lusk; John, married Mrs. Harriet Smith; Joseph, married Sarah Smith; Nancy, wife of Thomas Sheffield; Calvin and George. Mr. Pierce is esteemed for his strict integrity, and has attained a reputation among his many friends which will live after him.
 

 Robert W. Rains, a leading farmer of Jonesboro Township, resides on his well improved farm three miles north of Jonesboro. His parents were natives of Tennessee, in which State he was born August 27, 1847. His father. Hugh G. Rains, came to Craighead County, Ark in the year 1871, locating in Powell Township on a farm of 270 acres, 100 of which are improved, and resided there until his death in 1872. He was a Mason and was buried with Masonic honors. In his political convictions, he espoused the cause of the Democratic party. He was married to Margaret A. McCarns. who still resides on the old homestead; and of this union fourteen children were the issue, of whom the following reached their majority: Sarah, Cathaline, Robert W., John M., Neal B., James F., Alantha C., Margaret E. and Margaret Ann and Lucinda J. (twins). Robert W. Rains was reared in Tennessee, and was there married November 6, 1866, to Margaret E. Stiles, a native of Tennessee, whose parents were Evan and Polly Stiles, the latter deceased, the former still residing in Tennessee. He lived with his father for two years, then bought a farm near Herndon and remained there for the same period. Then he bought eighty acres of land near his mother, and after three years there, went back to Tennessee for a year. Returning to Arkansas, he engaged in the saw and grist-mill business in Powell Township for two years. He then bought his present farm of 120 acres, and on this and his farm of 128 acres has about sixty under cultivation. Mr. Rains has been married three times, his second wife was Margaret M. Albright, and his present wife who is a pious lady and a member of the Methodist Church, South, was Eugenia O. Grigsby. Mr. Rains has had five children; Lee Etta, Cicero D., Margaret E., Ida C. (deceased) and Kenneth W. He is a Mason, and a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, has always  been a Democrat in politics, and was elected in 1888 justice of the peace of Jonesboro Township.
 

Emmet Rodgers, editor of the Craighead County Sun, is the oldest son of Calvin and Almedia Rodgers, and was born in Jonesboro, Ark., September 21, 1866. He attended the common schools of Jonesboro until thirteen years of age, and went the term of 1881-82 to the Judson University. Until sixteen years of age, he engaged in farm work, and assisted his parents in the hotel. For three years he was a railroad brakeman, and in the winter of 1887-88, engaged as clerk in general mercantile business in Florida. Returning home in May, he became interested with Wrenn & Phelps, in publishing the Craighead County Sun, and January 18, 1889, became sole proprietor of that paper. He is one of Jonesboro's popular and promising young business men, and has the talent and ability to accomplish whatever he may undertake.
 

H. C. Roy, a prominent and substantial planter of Craighead County, Ark., was born in the county, and is one of its leading citizens. His father, Jesse L. Roy, also a successful farmer, was born in Tennessee, in 1828. He married Emily C. Courtney, a native of Mississippi. In the Mexican War he was a valiant soldier, and in the late war was a captain in the Confederate service. He participated in several engagements, Helena being the most important. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge and has occupied many of its official chairs, and is also connected with the Agricultural Wheel. Both he and his wife are highly respected citizens, and are zealous members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Roy is a man of sterling worth in the community, strong in his political views and his convictions of right; and as the fruits of his industry has a farm of 100 acres, about half of which is in a splendid state of cultivation.