John C. Brizzell
Submitted by Vicky Dennis <vdennis at alltel.net>John C. Brizzell, a worthy citizen of McLaren Township, Conway County, was born in North Carolina, on the 8th of November, 1836. He was one of the nine children born to David E. Brizzell and wife. Three of these children are still living, one in Texas, one in Lonoke County, and our subject, a citizen of Conway County. The father was a farmer by occupation and emigrated from North Carolina, in 1849, coming to Arkansas, and making a settlement in Conway County. He resided here till 1866, when he went to Boone County, where he spent the remainder of his years, till 1885, when he departed this life; he was always a good neighbor and kind friend, open-spirited, as was characteristic of most of the pioneers. He held the office of Commissioner and was, with his wife, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mrs. B. died many years ago, March 11, 1851. Our subject was educated in the private schools of the community in which he resided, and at the age of 19 years, with no start in life but a stout heart, he began the life of farming for himself. In 1860 he married Nancy J. Brewer, a native of Tennessee. To this union have been born nine children Joseph W., Francis M., Mary E., Thomas V., Minnie J., John S., Dora and Loney, and one which died in infancy. Mr. Brizzell now owns a well-stocked farm, consisting of 160 acres, with ninety under a high state of cultivation. In the Masonic fraternity he has advanced to the degree of Royal Arch Mason, and has held the office of Chaplain. He and his wife are both members of the M. E. Church, South, in which he holds the office of local Deacon.
Transcribed from: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Western Arkansas, Chicago Southern Publishing, 1891.