WILLIAM J. ECHOLS

William J. Echols, farmer and stock-raiser, Monticello, Ark. The agricultural interests of Marion Township are ably represented by the subject of this sketch, a man whose entire life has been passed in the calling which now receives his attention. He was born in Carroll County, Miss., in 1845, and is the son of Thomas and Rebecca (Mallet) Echols, natives of Virginia. The parents moved to Drew COunty, Ark., about 1848, and died here about two years later within a few weeks of each other. The father was a successful agriculturalist. They were the parents of five children, three now living: James D. (was killed by a cannon ball while in the Confederate army), George F.(deceased), Alice (now Mrs. Heard, of Chicot County, Ark.), Henry (a farmer of Texas), and William J. After the death of the father and mother the children were taken and reared by neighbors. William J. was taken by Jesse Newton, of Spring Hill Township, Drew COunty, and remained with him until the opening of the late war, when in 1861 he enlisted in the Ninth Arkansas Infantry, and served about twelve months. He then returned home, and remained there for about three months, joined Drew's battery (light artillery), and was afterward transferred to the heavy artillery at Old Spanish Fort, on Mobile Bay, where he was located until compelled to evacuate by the Federals shortly before the close of the war. The principal battles in which he took part were: Shiloh, Mobile, seige of fifteen days at Yazoo City, and also a number of small engagements. At Old Spanish Fort he was struck on the bridge of the nose by a ball which passed in front of both eyes. He arrived home in April 1865, and the death of Mr. Newton occurred about six months afterward. Mr. Echols then worked hard on the farm for about two years, and was then married to Miss Mary Owens, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter of E.B. and Adelia (Payne) Owens. Mrs. Echols died in 1872 leaving two children, one now living, George Ezekial, who resides with his father. Mr. Echol's second marriage occurred in 1874 to Miss Hattie Hankins, a native of Drew County, and the daughter of Robert Hankins (See sketch). The fruits of this union have been seven children, all living: Mabel, Sarah Alice, Don Henry, James Rufus, Thomas Wilson, Ruth and Hattie Bell. In 1867, after his first marriage, Mr. Echols conducted his father-in-law's farm for two years, and then settled a fgarm for himself about five miles north of Monticello. In 1875 he sold his place and bought a farm within two miles of his first one, and in 1880 he bought his present property, which consists of 300 acres of land with about fifty acres under cultivation. His principal crop is cotton, but he also raises grain, sugar-cane, sweet potatoes, etc. He is also engaged in raising stock. His residence is a large two-story building, which was at one time used as a public inn and stage stand before the war, and is one of the oldest landmarks of the county. Mr. Echols is a member of the K. of H., and he and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and is highly respected and esteemed throughout the township.

Last Update Sunday, 17-Feb-2013 17:54:00 MST

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