Samuel L. Anderson
A respectable citizen of Little River County and a man recognized and respected as such wherever known is Mr. Anderson. He is the third of eleven children born to William B, Anderson and wife, nee Rosetta Benthal, natives of Tennessee and Mississippi respectively, and his birth occurred in Fayette Co.,TX January 26, 1843, whither his parents had moved in 1839, soon after their marriage which was consummated in Mississippi.The father was a farmer by occupation, and soon after his arrival in Texas he was granted a headright claim under the laws of the Republic, and being among the early pioneers of this State he acquired a fine lot of land. He was a very prominent man in his community and acted in several official capacities, serving as justice of the peace in his county for a number of years.. Although never in any of the wars of the Republic, he was frequently called upon along by the community in which he lived, with others, to protect themselves against the Indians, who were quite numerous and hostile at that time. He was born in 1812 and his wife in 1818, and both are now living at their home in Texas. Of the 11 children born to that marriage, all grew to maturity, their names being Julius C.(died in 1862, leaving a widow and one child, William) Susanna B. (now the wife of Robert L. McCauley), Samuel L., Littleton B., James C., William E., Mary E.(widow of Miles Rhoads),Virginia E.(wife of Joseph Dunsmore),G.W. and John B.(twins), and Robert L. Samuel L. received such and education as the common schools of Fayette County, Tex afforded. In 1861 he left school and joined the Texas Rangers(afterward known as the Eighth Texas Cavalry), being a member of Company F, under Col. Terry, who was killed at Green River, Ky and John A. Whorton who was elected Colonel, he afterward became Major General. He was assigned to the east side of the Mississippi River for twelve months, being attached to the command of Albert S. Johnson, and took part in the Battle of Shiloh. In July of 1862, on account of sickness, he returned to the home in the West, where he remained but a short time, and them joined a command raised by Jack Baylor to scout on the western frontier and Arizona, but was sent to the Indian country, and in 1863, before his 21st birthday, he was elected to the office Lieutenant of Company F of Col. Peter Hardeman's regiment. During this service the company became almost extinct, and the captain having left, the remaining portion of the company was assigned to the artillery service, and young Anderson was assigned to duty as acting Assistant Adjutant General on the staff of acting Brig. Gen. J.M. Bankhead, but was soon after released and assigned as ordinance officer for the brigade. He served in that capacity until the end of 1863, when Bankhead was relieved by Gen. R.M. Gano of KY and then he acted as aide-de-camp on his staff while he was the commander of the brigade. Gen. Gano was wounded at Prairie de Ann, and the brigade was then under command of Charles De Morse, young Anderson still acting in the same capacity. After the Battle of Poison Spring, near Camden,Ark., in which he participated, he returned to the Indian country. During the summer of 1864 he was released from duty and ordered to report to Gen. S.B. Mazey of Doaksville, Choctaw Nation, and was assigned to his staff, and appointed drill master of Gen. Gano's brigade, which went into winter quarters in the winter of 1864-65 on the Red River, and the place is known today as the Gano Camp Farm. In the early part of 1865 he was ordered to report to Col. Hardeman for assignment for duty in his regiment, and was appointed by him to take command of Company E which had been abandoned by its officers, and he served in that capacity until the close of the war. His company disbanded near Houston, Texas. Prior to this, in the fall of 1864, Mr. Anderson had joined his fortunes with those of Mrs. Margaret E. Ward,nee Lane. She was the daughter of B.H. and Margaret(Moren)Lane, early pioneers of this county and natives of Virginia, and previous to her marriage with Mr. Anderson had been twice widowed. She had one child by her first marriage, Villulia E. Brooks, who married J.C. Anderson, a brother of our subject, and she also had one child, a son-John C. Ward- by her second marriage. For some time after the close of the war Mr. Anderson was occupied in teaching school, but in the fall of 1866 he, together with this wife, made a visit to his parents in Western Texas. In 1867 he was engaged as a clerk in a mercantile house at Rocky Comfort, and was thus occupied until the spring of 1869 when he entered upon the duties of assessor, to which office he had been appointed in 1868, and during the spring and summer of that year he visited every man's house in the county. After finishing his term as assessor, he turned his attention to farming, and was thus occupied when he received his second appointment as assessor. He served in this capacity in 180 and 1871 and then he opened his real estate business in Rocky Comfort, this county. He also served as deputy clerk and postmaster for several years. In 1873 he moved to the country on his farm, and there tilled the soil until 1874, when he was again elected assessor of the county and served two years. During the latter part of 1876-77 he was again engaged in teaching the public school, but in 1878 he again returned to his farm and remained there, extensively engaged in farming until 1882, when he was elected county surveyor and he has succeeded himself in every election since then. He is still engaged in agricultural pursuits, having a farm of 250 acres, with thirty-five or forty under a fine state of cultivation, and every since 1871 he has been carrying on a real estate business. He is conceded to be one of the best posted men in the southwestern part of the State in regard to land and land laws of the State and Government. He also hold license to practice law in the State and Federal courts, having been admitted to the practice of law in the State courts in 1873, and in the Federal court in 1878. In p[politics he affiliates with the Democratic party, and he and his wife are much esteemed members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
Cyrus Bailey
This substantial and much esteemed agriculturist of Franklin Township owes is nativity to Hempstead County, where he was born in 1832. His father, Robert M. Bailey, a native of Kentucky, was a son of William Bailey, a Pennsylvanian by birth, who served in the Revolutionary War. The latter moved from Pennsylvania to Kentucky, where his son, Robert, was born, later to Missouri, and then in 1818 to Hempstead County, Ark. where he passed the balance of his life. Robert Bailey was reared to maturity in Hempstead County, and here he spent his entire life, dying in this county in 1875. He had been married four times. His first wife was Miss Mary Pugh, of Hempstead County, who died after bearing one child(now Mrs. Sarah C. Johnson). He took Miss Mary Burton for his second wife and by her became the father of three children - our subject being the only survivor of this family. Mrs. Ellen Kay, a widow, became his third wife, and departed this life in Hempstead County. His fourth wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Warker, bore him one child, a son - Robert, now a merchant of Saratoga, Ark. and still living. Cyrus Bailey grew to maturity in Hempstead County and received such an education as the common schools of that time afforded. In 1860 Miss Mary A. Peyton, born in Tennessee in 1832 and a daughter of William Peyton(deceased in Missouri) became his wife and of the six children to their marriage only two are now living: Mary E.(wife of John S. Renfroe). and Milly E.(wife of J.M. Matthews). IN 1866 he came to Little River County where he has ever since resided, and here he owns a fine farm located about sixteen miles east of Richmond and about twelve miles west of the Iron Mountain Railroad, comprising 210 acres of valuable land, 120 of which is under cultivation. The timber on his land is mostly pine, and is very valuable. In August 1861, Mr. Bailey enlisted as a private in Company d, Monroe's regiment of Mounted Infantry, Gen. Cobble's brigade, in which he served until the surrender, and during this time participated in the battles of Prairie de Ann, Jenkin's Ferry, Bayou Meto and Fayetteville and was at the surrender of Fort Pillow. At the close of the war he returned home and shortly after moved to his present place of residence. He belongs to the Alliance and in politics is a decided Democrat. He cast his first vote for Buchanan. He is actively interested in promoting the public welfare and has the confidence and esteem of all who know him. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
Jesse G. Billingsley
Jesse G. Billingsley is one of the substantial, well to do agriculturists of Caney Township, Little River County, and as such, a brief outline of his life will not be out of place in this volume, and will be read with interest. He was ushered into the world in Tennessee in 1834, being a son of John C. and Catherine(Brooks) Billingsley, who was born, reared and married in Tennessee. The paternal grandfather, Thomas Billingsley, was a native of Ireland. The mother died in Illinois in 1810, and in 1840 the father immigrated to this county, where he was one of the early settlers, here he made his home. He received his final summons in this county in 1873. Of the five children - four sons and one daughter, born to their marriage, only three - two sons and one daughter - are now living. Jesse G. came to this county with his father in his tenth year, and here he attained his growth and obtained his education in the common schools. He selected Miss Julian Alford as his life companion and they were united in matrimonial bonds in 1860. She passed from life in 1882 leaving the following children: John A., James(deceased), Robert E.(deceased), Edgar, Oscar, Virginia L.(wife of George Brazzil), Lulu(wife of James Brazzil), and Jessie(at home). In 1883 Mr. Billingsley took Miss Eliza Kingston, a native of Columbia County, Ark. as his second wife, and the fruits of their union have been two children, Charles C. and Grover. He owns a valuable farm of 400 acres, seventy acres of which are under cultivation, lying about twenty five miles northwest of Richmond. At the outbreak of the late war he enlisted in Company D, Monroe's Regiment and served until the close, and during this time took part in the Battle of Jenkin's Ferry, Prairie Spring and Mark's Mill and was with Gen. Price on his famous raid through Missouri. After the surrender he returned to this county, and resumed his farming operations, which he has conducted with marked success ever since. He joined the Masonic Order in 1870 and now affiliates with Oak Grove Lodge #391. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church as was his first wife, and in politics is a staunch Democrat, having cast his first Presidential vote for Buchanan. He takes an active interest in the welfare of the community, and aids as far as he is able all laudable public enterprises.
A.M. Bishop
A.M. Bishop, farmer and merchant, of Bishop,Ark., was born in Alabama in 1822..His parents were Elija and Arianna(Rose) Bishop. For many years the father tilled the soil in Alabama, being a farmer by occupation, but in 1850 he moved to Mississippi and passed from life in that State in 1852. The mother received her final summons in Frankfort, Ala. in 1850. Of the nine children born to their marriage, only three survive: Burgh(a resident of Scott Co.,Ark.), A.M., and Ann(now the wife of J.B. Boring of Mississippi). Our subject gained his education in Lawrence Co., Ala. and at the age of twenty seven, in 1856, he came to this State, locating I what was then Sevier County, but no Little River County, and entering the place where he now lives, consisting of 160 acres of unimproved land, which he has since converted into a fine farm with about seventy acres under cultivation. His marriage occurred in 1847, Miss Mary A. Parker, of Lawrence County, Alabama being the interested party and they are the parents of two children, Edwin C,(wife of FP Freeman of this county)and Ann E.(who was the wife of Joseph Henry, but is now deceased). In 1862 Mr. Bishop joined Company A Nineteenth Regiment of Infantry, Col. Damson, Commander, and served on the west side of the Mississippi River, participating in the battles of Pleasant Hill, La., and Jerkin's Ferry besides a number of skirmishes. He surrendered at Marshall, Tex. and immediately afterward came home and engaged in farming and sawmilling. At present he is farming and conducting a merchandise business at Bishop, and is also the efficient postmaster of this place, being appointed to the office in 1888. He handles about 100 bales of cotton yearly, and does an annual business of some $5000. Politically, Mr. Bishop is a strong Democrat and socially he is a member of Richmond Lodge no. 174, A.F.&A.M. and both he and wife are honored members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He takes a deep interest in schools, churches, etc. and is a progressive man and a good citizen.
Dr. J.T. Butler
Dr. J.T. Butler, the present efficient postmaster of Richmond was born in Overton County, Tenn. in 1841 but educated in Cassville, Barry Co., Missouri whither his parents had moved when he was quite small. He was the son of James M. and Elizabeth(French)Butler, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. The father was a blacksmith and bellmaker by occupation and worked at his trade in Tennessee for a number of years but h e subsequently moved to Cassville, Mo. and there died in 1851. After his death, the widow married Q.B. Odell with whom she came to Arkansas, and took up residence in Carroll County, Ark., and here he passed from life in 1863. She afterward became the wife of Aaron Fitzgerald, with whom she passed her life, dying in this State in 1884. Of the four children born to her first marriage, but two survive: J.T.(our subject) and Brunette(now wife of D.A. Cobb, of this county). J.T. first came to Arkansas in 1849, being brought here by his parents who only remained one year, and then moved to Cassville. In 1856 he accompanied his mother and step-father to this State and made his home with them in Carroll County until the commencement of the war in 1861. On June 13 of that year he joined the State Service, in which he remained for three months and during this time was engaged in the battle of Wilson's Creek. At this place he was taken sick, and for six months was unfit for military duty. Meantime, his family had removed to Scott County, this State, and when able to again ear arms he joined Capt. Acuff's company of cavalry, which was a part of Maj. Gibson's battalion, but was after dismounted and commanded by Col. A. T. Hawthorne and served until the close of the war. During this time he was at the battles of Cane Hill, Helena, and Jenkin's Ferry on April 30, 1864. At this latter battle he lost his left arm and being unfit for field duty was placed on the retired list, and afterward served as drill master. He enlisted as private but was afterward elected Lieutenant and at the time of his last engagement had command of his company. On May 20, 1864, he came to this place and took up residence, studying medicine under Dr. F.M. Motto. In the fall of 1864 he moved to Bowie County, Texas but practiced his profession there for only one year and then returned to this county, and here he studied and practiced medicine with the intention of entering a medical college until 1870. It was at this time that he met with an accident which completely upset all his calculations, his injuries being of such a nature as to disqualify him for his chosen profession. Disheartened, he engaged as a clerk in the large house of Mims & McCrary, and was there occupied for three years, and for two years acted as manager of their large farm on Red River. From that time until 1889, he has been engaged in the steam mill business, in connection with farming, but at the abovementioned date he was appointed postmaster of Richmond, and has ever since been discharging the duties of that office. During his residence he has been justice of the peace, deputy clerk, and has filled various other positions of trust. In 1872 he moved to the farm on which he now resides, close to the village, consisting of ninety-five acres, with thirty-five acres being finely improved: he also owns 160 acres in Red River Valley, and on the hills he owns 110 acres with forty acres improved. He has been damaged considerably by fire at different times, at one time losing two mills and cotton gins, and again having his residence on which there was no insurance totally destroyed; but notwithstanding these losses he has been very successful, having accumulated all his property since the war. His marriage to Miss Maggie A. Head(daughter of James A. Head, mention of whom is made elsewhere)was consummated on May 19, 166, and their marriage resulted in the birth of one child(deceased). The Doctor is an Elder in the Old School Presbyterian Church of which both he and his wife are worthy members. He belongs to the A.F. & A.M. and in politics is a very prominent Democrat.
R. S. Chaytor
R. S. Chaytor, a prominent resident and ex- county and circuit clerk of Little River County, was born in St. Louis in 1855. His father , Joseph, left his native state (Maryland) in early manhood and went to St. Louis where he met and afterward married Miss Theresa Snodgrass, a native of that city, and the subject of this sketch is one of the two surviving members of their family of four children, all boys. His brother, D. O. (mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume) resides in Fulton. The maternal grandfather, Jacob Snodgrass, was one of the earliest settlers of St. Louis and was prominently identified with the early history of that city. Among the possessions of the Snodgrass family of St. Louis is a lot in the city cemetery in which all their family and that of the Chaytors have been buried for two generations and it is there that both Jacob Chaytor and wife are at rest. The latter passed from life in 1872, and her death was followed two years later by that of her husband who received his final summons while on a visit to St. Louis. Joseph Chaytor enlisted in the Confederate cause during the late war, serving under Gen. Price. He was a member of Gen. Marmaduke's staff, with the rank of Captain. At the close of the war he moved to Texas and in 1867 came to this county, where he was occupied in farming until his death. H. S. Chaytor was educated in the Webster School in St. Louis until his eleventh year, when his father came South, and his education was completed at Ladonia, Fannin County, Tex. At the early age of sixteen he engaged as a clerk in the dry goods store of J. M. Perry of this place in whose employ he remained for two years. Next he served as deputy clerk of this county for one year, and then one year also as deputy sheriff. In 1875 he engaged in the mercantile business for himself which he was conducting very successfully until in March 1878 when his establishment was visited by fire and totally destroyed. The same year he was elected to the office of county and circuit clerk of this county and he discharged the duties of this office very ably until 1888. For the last seven years he has been general manager of William Snodgrass general store at this place. In 1877 his marriage to Miss M.F. Hawkins, daughter of B. F. and Mary J. Hawkins, was celebrated, and she died in 1879 after a brief wedded life, leaving a little daughter, Emma. In 1880, Mr. Chaytor was again united in marriage, this time to Miss M. F. Sanderfur, daughter of P. J. and Mary Sanderfur, early pioneers of this county. Her father was born in Alabama in 1820 and came to this state with his parents when he was eight years old, and here he has resided ever since. The first wife was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, but the present Mrs. Chaytor believes in the doctrines of the Old School Presbyterian Church. In secret societies, Mr. Chaytor affiliates with Red River Lodge No. 174, A.F.& A.M. and Richmond Lodge No. 3420, K. of H.
Louis Walker Dollarhide
Louis Walker Dollarhide, a substantial farmer of Jackson Township, is a native-born resident of Little River County, his birth having occurred on January 19, 1851. His father, James I. Dollarhide was born in Kentucky in 1815 and was a son of James D. and Barbara (Samples) Dollarhide, natives of North Carolina and Kentucky respectively, the former of Irish, and the latter of Scotch extraction. When he was three years of age his mother died, passing away in Louisiana, and when he was eight years of age he accompanied his father to Arkansas (then a Territory), and located in what is now Bowie County, Tex. but was then considered to be part of Arkansas, and here, while moving to Pecan Point, on Red River, the father passed away from life on January 8, 1823, leaving three children of whom he was the youngest. His educational advantages were extremely limited, his education having been acquired by hard study since reaching mature years. He came to this State on January 10, 1823, and his recollections of the county as it then was will prove interesting. At that early date there were no mills, the milling being done by soaking the corn and pounding in a trough with a pestle. Hominy was made from corn by the use of lye, and was among the favorite dishes of the early settler. The first mill was built in 1829, about twenty miles from where the Judge resided and was owned by a man by the name of Asa Hartfields. Its capacity was fifty bushels of corn per day, and Judge Dollarhide made many a trip to this mill. He would place his grist mill on a horse and do the forty miles, taking four or five days to make the trip. When the Sevier County mill was erected, people thought it very convenient. The first highway in the county was cut by the governor through the county to Fort Towson, in 1832, previous to this there were some trails made wide enough for wagons to pass from one neighbor to another, by the settlers of what now comprises the western portion of Sevier County from which Little River was made. Up to 1824 the inhabitants of this county were: Andrew Dollarhide (the uncle of this subject), George Holbrooks (who settled on Roland Fork previous to the settlement of Mr. Dollarhide). John and Jacob Hudgins (who also settled on Roland Fork), Shearard Bradshaw, William and Roger McCowen, Mrs. Nancy Thomas, Morris Rulong, and William Story (the famous bear hunter of this part of State, who bears the reputation of being the greatest bear hunter in Arkansas. He was the Davy Crockett of Arkansas and lived directly east of Mr. Dollarhide's residence.) At that time Indians were very numerous and frequent bands of Cados, Osage and several other tribes passed through the county but very little depredation was done by them.. There was then a small Chani village on the Hempstead place. Previous to 1804 Mr. Dollarhide lived on Roland Fork in Sevier County and while a resident of that place served as lieutenant of Company G, First Arkansas Regiment of Volunteer Infantry for six months in the War with Mexico but his health failed him and he was obliged to resign his commission and return home. In 1850 he was elected sheriff of Sevier County and the next term succeeded himself, making four years of service as sheriff. He was appointed county and probate judge in 1855 to fill an unexpired term of Judge David Foran, and at the next general election was chosen to fill that office; he discharged the duties of that office very ably, and after two years was again elected to fill that position. Although opposed to secession himself, he voted for secession at the convention held in Little Rock in 1861, to which he was a delegate. The last public held by him was in 1883 when he was a member of the State Legislature from this county. Since then he has retired from active public life and very comfortably resides at his home in Rocky Comfort. In 1883 he also gave up his law practice in which he had been engaged since 1866 at which time he was admitted to the bar. He is a large landowner, possessing a farm on the Red River of some 2,000 acres of land, about 180 of which is under cultivation. His first wife, to whom he was married in 1839, was formerly Miss Mary King, daughter of John King, of Sevier County, who came to this State in 1807, locating near Little Rock, where he was married, and soon after this event took place, moved to Washington County. Their union was blesses by the birth of nine children, five of who are now living: Elizabeth (now Mrs. William Reeves of Fisher County, Tex.), Angeline ( wife of Freedom Pierce, of this county), Martha J. (wife of J.S. Johnson, of Hempstead County), William K.,( a resident of Lockesburg, Ark.), and Louis W. Mrs. Dollarhide died in 1852, and the following year he wed Martha A. King, a half-sister of his first wife, and by her became the father of thirteen children, of whom the following survive: Laura J. ( the wife of L.B. Hawley of Arkansas City), Daniel S. ( of Rocky Comfort), E. W., R.L. , J.C. (of Lockesburg), Hattie ( now Mrs. Clark), Virginia and Thomas J. The judge affiliates with Rocky Comfort Lodge A.F. & A.M. Mrs. Dollarhide is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Louis W. Dollarhide, the immediate subject of the sketch, grew u to maturity and was educated in the common schools of the county. He commenced life on his own responsibility as a clerk in a general store at Hood's Landing on Little River for Col. John S. Walker in whose employ he remained for three years when he came to this place, and for the following twelve months acted as deputy county clerk under Hugh M. McCowan. He next, in 1873, opened a general store at Rocky Comfort and soon established a large and paying business which he conducted til 1882 when he sold his stock of goods and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits on Red River where he now resides. He owns 240 acres of good land, about 60 of which are under cultivation and on which he raises fro three-quarters to one bale of cotton and 40 bushels of corn per acre. His farm is very admirably situated about ten miles south of Rocky Comfort and about fifteen miles southwest of Richmond. November 27, 1877 witnessed his marriage to Miss Fannie Paulina Williams, a native of Newberry, S.C. born about 1858, she being a daughter of James Harrison Williams, a resident of this county and the fruits of their union were four children, but two of whom are living; Florence S. and Louis E.. Mr. Dollarhide is a Master Mason having joined Rocky Comfort Lodge in 1874 and has served as secretary of his Lodge for a number of years. He has served in a number of local offices of trust, among that of being notary public which he held from 1881 to 1885 and justice of the peace in which capacity he acted for two years. He and his wife are both worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South and are greatly esteemed by all who know the. He is a very publicly spirited man and takes a deep interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the community.
W. S. C. Gardner
W. S. C. Gardner, one of the well-to-do farmers of Red River Township was born in North Carolina in 1827, being the youngest of five children born to Edwin and Priscilla A. B. (Cobb) Gardner both of whom were natives of North Carolina. The mother passed from life in May 1828 and two years after her death the father moved to Greene Co.,Ala., and after farming there for three years moved to Wetumpka, Ala. and engaged in carpentering until 1845 when he engaged in the cooperage business which he conducted quite successfully at that place until 1848. He them moved to Shreveport, La. and resumed his former occupation ( cooperage ), which he was conducting quite successfully, when death removed him in 1864 in his sixty-seventh year. After the death of his first wife, he married Miss Matilda Dardon, a native of North Carolina, who died in 1836 leaving three children: Priscilla S. (now deceased, was the wife of Joseph N. Gardner), Caroline E. (now deceased, was the wife of Thomas Stephens and passed from life in Louisiana) and Sarah A. ( died at the age of thirteen years). After his second wife's death he wedded Miss Clarinda Edmonds of North Carolina, by whom he became the father of six children: Matilda (deceased), Josephine ( wife of John J. Gillam of Shreveport, La.), Narcissus ( wife of J.L. Hargrove of Shreveport, La.), Martha ( wife of R.S. Elliott, also of Shreveport), Emma (deceased) and B. H. ( who also resides in Shreveport). Mrs. Gardner died in 1858. His first marriage resulted in the birth of five children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only one now living.: Thomas N., Mary A. B. and Elizabeth all died of a fever within three weeks of each other in 1833 and John R. died in 1835. W. S. C. Gardner obtained his education at the New Georgia Academy, Wetumpka, Ala. and at the age of twenty-one commenced life for himself by farming some land which he owned in Louisiana. In 1853 he moved to Red River, Bossier Parish, La. and engaged as an overseer until the war. In March 1862, he joined the Cado Guards of Shreveport, La. and served on the east side of the river, participating in the first battle of Corinth, Richmond and Perryville, Ky. With Daniel Adams' Brigade commanded by Gen. Bragg he was next engaged at Murfreesboro and then Missionary Ridge. At Mill Creek Gap, close to Dalton, Ga., he was wounded, his right leg being broken just below the knee and this ended his duties as a soldier. He was in the hospital at the time of surrender. He returned to Louisiana in 1865 and on the last day of August that same year, was united in matrimony Miss Thetis F. Willard, daughter of Dustin B. and Nancy R. (Curry) Willard, natives of Vermont and Mississippi, respectively, and their union has been blessed in the birth of two children, one of whom died young. Their one surviving child, William W., is now attending school. In 1867 he moved to Red River County, La. and farmed for different parties until 1874 at which time he came to Arkansas and took up his residence in this township. Immediately upon his arrival he purchased 225 acres of land only thirty acres of which were improved, and he now has 125 acres under a high state of cultivation, with good improvements. On this he raises annually sixty bales of cotton and 1,000 bushels of corn, and is numbered among the prosperous agriculturists of this county. Both he and his wife belong to the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Gardner is a member of Richmond Lodge No. 192, A.F.& A.M. and in his political views is Democratically inclined.
Dr. Edward L. Hamilton
Dr. Edward L. Hamilton, practicing physician, Richmond, Ark., was born in Dallas County, Ala on May 13, 1836, and was the third child born to the marriage of Edward L. and Elizabeth I(Lynah) Hamilton, natives of South Carolina. They came to Alabama in 1836, and here the father, who was a practicing physician and surgeon, a graduate of the Medical University of Pennsylvania, having graduated at the age of twenty-one years, entered actively upon the proactive of his profession at that place until 1849. He moved near Camden, Ouachita County, Ark., on that date and resumed his proactive there until 1855. He and his wife were the parents of five children, four of whom are still living: Paul (who resides in Little River County), Elizabeth Rose (now the wife of Maj. R.B. Smith who was the first male child born in Camden), Edward L., Archibald, and Mary ( wife of George A. Proctor of Austin, Tex.). The parents were both church members but belonged to different denominations, he believing in the doctrines of the Episcopal and she believing those of the Catholic church. He was member of the Masonic fraternity. The mother passed from life in 1882. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Paul Hamilton, was descended from a line of Paul Hamiltons, his great-grandfather, grandfather , and an uncle having borne that name. He was born in Wiltown, St. Paul's Parish, S.C. on October 16, 1762, of Scotch-English parentage. His educational advantages were limited but were the best his State afforded in that primitive day. When he was sixteen years of age he shouldered his musket and joined the Wiltown Hunters, the first military company raised in his neighborhood, and during this service with this company took part in several engagements and was frequently commended by his commander for his bravery. He served as a volunteer under Baron De Kalb and was at the battle of Camden where Gates was repulsed by Lord Cornwallis. Upon the reorganization of the army, he returned to his won State and served in the campaigns of 1781 and 1782 with distinction, most of the time with Gen. Marion on whose staff he served for several months. He participated in the crowning victory at Eutaw Springs in September, 1781 and at the close of the war laid aside the garb of the soldier and assumed that of the private citizen. His public career began in 1785, being them appointed general tax collector for Saint Paul's Parish in which capacity he served for two terms. In 1787 he served in the convention that adopted the Federal Constitution, and in 1790 in the convention that framed the Constitution of his own State. Subsequently he moved from St. Paul's Parish to St. Bartholomew's Parish from which he was almost unanimously elected to the Senate in 1794, and re-elected in 1898. His next public position was that of comptroller of the treasury, to which office he was twice re-elected without opposition. On December 10, 1804, he was elected Governor of his State and discharged his duties with great credit to himself and benefit to his people. He was called to the United States cabinet by James Madison in 1809, and made Secretary of the Navy, which office he filled until December 12, 1812, when he retired from public life, and on June 30,1816, he passed from life on his plantation in South Carolina, while still comparatively young. One of his sons, Archibald, first lieutenant in the Navy, was killed on board the "President" in an engagement between that vessel and the British fleet off the shores of Long Island on January 15, 1815, after the treaty of peace had been signed by the commissioners of the respective countries. It is a singular coincidence that three of his grandsons, Capt. Paul Hamilton, Paul Hamilton Seabrook, and Paul Hamilton Waring, all bearing his name, should have fallen in the late Civil War. On the Southern side were soldiers from South Carolina. The maternal grandfather, Dr. Edward Lynah, was born on the ocean prior to the Revolutionary War while within one-half day's sail of Charleston, South Carolina. His father, Dr. James Lynah, was an Irish patriot, and was banished from that country to America, and participated in the Revolutionary War, serving in the surgical department, and was at the siege of Savannah, Georgia. The immediate subject of this sketch received his literary education in Camden, this State. He always had a predilection for medicine and at the age of twenty-one years entered the University of Louisiana and was graduated from the institution in 1858. The same year he returned to Arkansas, a full-fledged physician, and entered upon the practice of medicine at this place, where he has ever since continued, with the exception of four years during the late war, when he served as surgeon in Gen. Churchill's division of the Trans-Mississippi Department. While acting as such he was captured at Arkansas Post and taken to Memphis and there retained one month, when he was paroled and returned to his regiment. He surrendered at Shreveport, La. and immediately after returned to his home and resumed the practice of his profession. He found himself in. a deplorable condition at the close of the war, his Negroes all gone, and he a financial wreck. All that was left of his possession was his residence in this village. The principal crop raised on this land is cotton and corn, and of the former commodity about three-fourths of a bale is raised to the acre and about forty bushels of corn. He has been twice married, the first on January 10, 1861 too Miss Nannie J., daughter of Bolon C. and Mary (Williams) Phillips, of this county, who died on January 8. 1869, after bearing two children-Linah and Nannie (deceased). On November 17, 1870, Dr. Hamilton married Miss Dollie H.Wasdin, daughter of David and Dollie (Sherrard) Wasdin, natives of North Carolina, who came to this State in 1850. She is a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church, while her husband belongs to the Episcopal Church. The Doctor is a Knight Templar and belongs to the Cour de Leon Commandery, A.F. and A.M. of Texarkana.
Paul Hamilton
He whose name heads this sketch is one of Little River County's enterprising and substantial agriculturists, thoroughly alive to all current topics, and public spirited and progressive in all matters tending to benefit the community. He was born in Charleston, S.C. in 1830, his parents being Edward W. and Elizabeth I. (Lynah) Hamilton, reference to whom is made in the sketch of Dr. E.L. Hamilton, which is also given in this volume. The father was a physician and practiced his profession connection with farming all his life. He was born in South Carolina in 1804 whither he had move in 1849. The paternal grandfather, Paul Hamilton, of which state he afterward became Governor, and he also served as Secretary of the Navy under Madison's administration. He fought in the Revolutionary War. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of five children and grew to manhood and obtained his education in the common schools of Alabama and Arkansas. His marriage occurred in Ouachita County, Ark. in 1851 , Miss Mary Ann Hildreth, a native of Marengo County, Ala., being the contracting party, and the fruits of this union have been three children: Mary A., Elizabeth (now the wife of Augustus B. Phillips), and Sarah. Mr. Hamilton first came to this locality in 1875 and he now owns 1500 acres of fine land, 300 of which are under cultivation located about sixteen miles east of Richmond. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and both he and his wife belong to the Presbyterian Church. He has ever taken an active part in politics and public affairs and has done much to buil up every enterprise for the common good.
W. D. C. Hankins
W. D. C. Hankins, another prominent tiller of the soil of Little River
County, Ark., is a native of Tennessee. His father, Harrison Hankins, was
also born in that State, and early in his life took up the study of medicine
and was graduated under Prof. Dudley, at the Medical College of Lexington,
Ky., after which he entered upon the active practice of his profession in
his native State. In 1843, he came to Drew County and there practiced very
successfully for a number of years, but in 1858 he chose a location in Sevier
County, to which he moved that same year, and there made his home until
his death in 1866. He practiced medicine for forty years and during this
time accumulated considerable property. He was married three times. His
first wife was a Miss Simpson and she bore him three children, one of whom,
John S. who died some years ago was at one time Sheriff of Sevier County;
the other two went to California and there died. He was next married to
Rebecca Burford and by her became the father of six children, only three
of whom are living: W. D. C., born in 1858, Laura (wife of J. W. Hamon of
Sevier County), and Leona ( wife of W. D. Reding, resides in the Choctaw
Nation). Mrs. Hankins died in 1850 and in 1855 Mr. Hankins wedded Miss Harriet
S. Kelsey, the fruits of this union being one child, a daughter, now Mrs.
Mary L. Hutchison, of Howard County, with whom Mrs. Hankins makes her home.
W. D. C. Hankins was educated at Monticello College, M Monticello, Ark,
and commenced life on his own responsibility at the age of twenty-one years.
On July 2, 1861, he joined Capt. John C. McCain's company, Dockery's regiment,
and while with this company was in the battle at Oak Hills. He was then
taken sick and returned to his home, but on his recovery he rejoined Capt.
McCain's company which was attached to Dawson's regiment and took part in
the battle of Elk Horn. He was then transferred to the Indian Department,
commanded by Col. Pike, and attached to the quartermaster's department and
was in no further engagements. He surrendered at Forth Ouachita, Chickasaw
Nation, after which he came home and followed agricultural pursuits on his
father's land in Sevier County. He farmed there for one year, from June
1856 to 1866 and on January 1, 1867, he entered a dry goods store as a clerk,
and continued as such until the latter part of 1868. In the spring of 1869,
he was admitted to the bar and immediately after entered upon the practice
of law which continued to occupy his attention until 1880. Since that time
he has devoted himself to the cultivation of his farm, comprising 300 acres
of finely improved land. He owns about 800 acres all told. In 1865 he was
elected clerk of this county, but the party in power refused to commission
him , so he never served. His marriage occurred in November 1877, to Miss
Emma Hawkins, daughter of B. S. and Mary J. Hawkins of Rocky Comfort being
the contracting party, and their married life has been blessed in the birth
of four children: Fannie, Henry, Benjamin and Lina. Mrs. Hawkins is an earnest
member of the Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Hankins is a very decided
Democrat.
John Harrison
John Harrison has been identified with the agricultural interests of Little River County since 1865 and during this time he has proved himself to be a very desirable citizen. Like so many of the prominent residents of this county he owes his nativity to Alabama where his birth occurred in 1826. His father, Middleton Harrison, a farmer by occupation, was born in Tennessee, but in early life emigrated from his native State to Alabama and from there to Mississippi, and he was residing in this latter State at the time death removed him in 1885. By his marriage to Miss Nancy Alsup, a native of Tennessee also, he became the father of eight children, but three of whom are now living. The subject of this sketch is the third in order of birth of this family and was reared and educated in his native State. Being brought up to farm duties, it was but natural, perhaps, that in selecting a calling in life, he chose farming and his choice has since proved very fortunate. He was married in Mississippi in 1846 to Miss Rebecca Adaline Hartsell, a native of North Carolina, who died in this county in 1870 after bearing six children, three of whom only survive: Elizabeth Ann, (wife of Robert Allis), Daniel J. and Artelin M. In 1865 Mr. Harrison moved from his native State and selected a location in this county and here he has ever since made his home. He owns 240 acres of fine land, about 230 of which is under cultivation, lying about one mile west of Rocky Comfort. During the late war, he served twelve months in the Confederate cause as a member of Company C, Twenty-eighth Mississippi Regiment. He takes a great interest in all public improvements which he aids with his hearty approval, and is considered among the leading citizens of the county.
Hon. Hindman C. Head
The people of Little River County are thoroughly familiar with the name that heads this sketch for it stands as the representative of a man who although young in years is one of its most respected and influential citizens. Mr. Head owes his nativity to Sebastian County, this State, where he was born in 1860, the fifth child born to the union of J. C. and Sarah S. (Hinton) Head, mention of who is made elsewhere in this volume. He received his education in the common or free schools in this county supplemented by one term at the Arkadelphia Baptist School when he was in his seventeenth year, and in 1878 and 1879 attended the Fayette University after which he came home and clerked in a drygoods store. Later he was occupied in teaching school, and then took up the study of law in his father's office and in 1882 was admitted to the bar at this place, and is now p[practicing in this county and adjoining counties. He made the race for the office of Representative in the Lower House of the State Legislature in 1886 and was elected, filling this office so very capably as to be re-elected in 1888. He is a very promising young man and will, no doubt, be one of the prominent men of the State in time. His marriage to Miss Dadie Sandefur, daughter of P.J. and Mary Sandefur, was consummated in 1887, and their union has been blessed with two little children, Mary S. and one as yet un-named. Mrs. Head was born in this county in 1869; she is a most estimable lady and a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. Head is a Democrat.
J. C. Head
J. C. Head, a prominent attorney and farmer of Richmond, was born in Hall County, Ga. on October 28, 1828. His educational advantages were limited, his schooling being confined to thirteen months in country schools in his native State. He commenced the study of law early in life and at the age of twenty-two he was admitted to the bar at LaFayette, Walker County, Ga. He subsequently moved to Ringgold, Ga., and there practiced his profession until 1856, when he chose a location in the southeastern part of Kansas, from which he moved in July 1858. On August 1, 1858, he came to this State and settled in Sebastian County for two years and then moved to Waldron, Scott County. When the late war broke out he enlisted in the Confederate service, Company B, Gibson's and Chew's Battalions, and served a quartermaster in Hawthorn's brigade for some time, but later returned home. He was afterward appointed first lieutenant of a detached company commanded by his brother, and took part in the battles of Prairie Spring, Indian Territory and Poison Spring, besides several minor engagements. He received his discharge at Richmond on the Brazos of Texas, and immediately returned to his family, then in Upshur County, Tex., to find them in very destitute circumstances. He was ill up to December 1867. After spending some time in Wood, Upshur and Kaufman Counties in Texas he finally chose a location in this place and in 1868 entered upon the practice of law in which he has successfully continued ever since. In connection with a very fair practice, Mr. Head is also interested in farming. He owns a large farm of 320 acres of good land, with 100 acres under cultivation at his home, and he and his son own 440 acres with 130 acres under cultivation, and together they raise some thirty-five bales of cotton annually, besides plenty of corn, etc.. He has been twice married. He was first married on July 4, 1854 to Miss Sarah S. Hinton, by whom he became the father of the following children: Augusta (wife of Joel Eaton of this place), Hindman C. (attorney of this place), Adda (wife of Oscar R. High of this place), Dora (wife of E.J. Cheever, now of Little Rock,Ark.), Julie H. (deceased wife of Charles D. Johnson), and Milledge, Beauregard and Eudora (deceased). His wife died on October 13, 1870 and Mr. Head remained a widower until 1871. On July 27 of that year he was united in matrimony to Mrs. Mary A. Britt of this place, and they became the parents of two children: James D. and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Head passed from this life on February 2, 1890 in full communion with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The first Mrs. Head was a worthy member of the Baptist Church. In his political views Mr. Head affiliates with the Democratic Party.
James T. Henderson
In reviewing the lives of prominent residents of Little River County mention must be made of Mr. Henderson, and extensive farmer and proprietor of a cotton gin and sawmill, of Franklin Township. He first came to this county with his parents in 1841, at the age of nineteen years, being among the first settlers, and here he has made his home uninterruptedly ever since. He owns a fine farm of 320 acres, with about seventy-five under cultivation, and he devotes his attention to tilling this farm, in connection with conducting a ginning and sawmill business. He erected his first cotton gin about 1870, but this was burned in 1880, and soon after he built his present gin, with sawmill attached, at a cost of almost $2,500. The mill has a capacity of 10,000 feet per day and turns out excellent work. Mr. Henderson is one of two survivors of a family of five children, the other being Wilson Henderson, a resident of Texas. He was born in Tennessee on March, 5, 1822, being a son of James T. and Mary Elizabeth (Usrey) Henderson, both of whom were natives of Tennessee. The paternal grandfather, Wilson Henderson, was born in South Carolina, of Irish and Welsh Descent, and emigrated from his native State to Tennessee at an early day. The father departed this life in Middle Tennessee in 1821, and in. 1841 his widow emigrated with her family to Little River Co, AR where she spent the remainder of her days, passing from life in 1865. James T. Henderson was united in marriage in 1851 to Miss Caroline Davidson, a native of Tennessee, who died in 1865, leaving one child (now deceased) and then Miss Mary Jane Bass, a native of Georgia, became his wife, and their union was blessed in the birth of two children: Alma M. (wife of Luke Hagerly) and Ida J. (at home). He belongs to the Masonic Fraternity. In politics he is a staunch Democrat, casting his first vote for James K. Polk, and has served as justice of the peace for Franklin Township for twenty-five years. He is very enterprising and public spirited, and both he and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Oscar R. High
In enumerating the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of Little
River County, Mr. High must not be overlooked for he is acknowledged to
be one of the leading men of the community. His birth occurred in Hempstead
County, Ark. in 1847. His parents, Alsa A. and Betsy (Lewis) High, both
of whom were Virginians by birth, had a family of twelve children, of whom
he was sixth in order of birth. The father came to this State in 1835 and
chose a home in Hempstead County and here he purchased unimproved land which
he cleared and made into one of the finest farms in that section. He was
one of the first residents of Washington, Ark., and erected one of the first
hotels in that place, which he conducted in connection with his farming
operations. He was one of the prominent men of his section and served in
various official capacities, acting as internal improvement commissioner
of Hempstead County for a number of years. He died in 1883 in his seventy-third
year, a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South as was his
wife, who passed from this life during the war. Oscar H. High was reared
to maturity in his native county and obtained his education in the common
schools at Washington. In 1863, he joined. Carington's company of the Texas
Cavalry, commanded by Col Ford and served most of the time on the Gulf and
the Rio Grande, participating in quite a number of minor engagements. He
was at the recapture of Brownsville, Tex. in 1864, which place the rebels
held until the close of the war. Mr. High was in the last engagement of
the late war in which his side was victorious, the Confederate forces being
commanded by Gen. Slaughter and the Federals by one Gen. Brown. At the close
of the War he returned home to find his father at Austin, Tex. He stayed
there for a short time and in the fall of 1865 came back to this State and
located in this county and engaged in farming. Our subject was occupied
in the drygoods and grocery business under various merchants of this place
(Richmond) until 1885, since which time he has engaged in farming on Red
River in Little River County and is numbered among the prosperous and well
to do citizens of the county. His marriage to Miss Addie, daughter of J.C.
Head of this place, was consummated in 1880 and has resulted in the birth
of four children, three of whom are still living: Rainey D., Ethel E., Clarence
B., and Heller. In 1884 he was elected to the office of county treasurer
and filled that office very creditably for one term. He belongs to the K.
of H and in politics is a staunch Democrat.
William T. Holman
The occupation which this gentleman now follows has received his attention
the greater part of his life and it is but truth to say that in it he is
thoroughly posted and well informed, and his labors in that direction have
contributed very materially to the reputation Little River County enjoys
as a rich farming region. He was born in Madison Co.,Mo., August 9, 1815,
the second of ten children reared to maturity by James and Rebecca Tong
Holman. The former was born in Kentucky in 1781 and departed this life in
Texas in his ninety-eighth year. In early life he emigrated to Madison County,Mo.,
where he resided until 1821, when he moved to Hempstead County, Ark., and
there made his home for two years, subsequently coming to Sevier County.
He was among the earliest settlers of this county, and took a prominent
part in its affairs, representing it one term in the State Legislature.
His first marriage was consummated in Kentucky, Miss Elizabeth McNeil becoming
his wife, and they became the parents of two children. After her death he
married Miss Rebecca Tong, a native of Maryland, who passed to her final
home in Paris, Tex. about 1858. Of the ten children born to this last marriage,
six are still living: Emily (widow of Henry K. Brown), William T., Nancy
(wife of Thomas Guinn, a resident of Sevier County), Ira N. ( a resident
of California), Daniel ( a resident of Sevier County,Ark.) and Susan (now
the widow of Lewis M. Schrack, who makes her home in California). William
T. Holman was nine years of age when his parents immigrated from Missouri,
and he grew to manhood in what is now Sevier County,Ark., obtaining his
education in the common schools. His marriage to Miss Mary Stewart of Hempstead
County, was consummated in 1841, and in 1848 she passed to her final home,
and Henry B. Holman, now the Sheriff of Hempstead County, is the only survivor
of two children born to this marriage. In 1849 Mr. Holman crossed the plains
to California and was there engaged in mining and farming until 1856 when
he came to this county, and here he as resided ever since. The same year
as his arrival in this county, Miss Eliza Fuquay, a native of Hempstead
County, Ark., and the daughter of Thomas W. and Delia (Brown) Fuquay, became
his wife. Her father, a minister of the Presbyterian persuasion was of French
extraction and claimed Kentucky as his birthplace. Early in life he moved
to the Indian Territory, coming thence, in 1828, to Hempstead County, Ark.
and later settling in Sevier County, same State, where he passed from life
in 1859. His wife was Virginian by birth and died in September 1886, at
the home of her daughter, Mrs. Holman, with whom she had spent her last
days. To the marriage of Mr., and Mrs. Holman have been born nine children
- four sons and five daughters: Adelaide (wife of N. T. Richmond), James
T., Mary J. (deceased),Edgar W., William L., Lucy, Frances, Lloyd C. and
Elise. Mr. Holman has not spent his life in idleness as his fine farms lying
three miles northwest of Rocky Comfort and about one and one-half miles
from Indian Territory will show, and he devotes his attention to cultivating
250 acres of the 720 acres which this tract contains. During the late war
he raised a company (in 1863) of which he was captain and served as such
until the surrender. In 1868 he was chosen Representative of Sevier County
and served as such very creditably for two years during which time Little
River County was formed from a portion of Sevier and Hempstead Counties.
His first presidential vote was cast for Grover Cleveland. Mrs. Holman is
a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Judge Littleton J. Joyner
Within the limits of Little River County there is not man of greater personal ability than Judge Joyner, a man of recognized worth and substantial and progressive spirit. His birth occurred in Lebanon, Wilson County, Tenn. in 1822, whither his parents, Litleton and Parthenia(Cartwright) Joyner, natives of North Carolina, had moved a number of years before. The Joyners are of English descent and trace their ancestry back to two brothers, Absolom and Joshua Joyner, who emigrated to America at quite an early day, prior to the Revolutionary War. Littleton Joyner, Sr. served as Lieutenant in the War of 1812 and fought with Jackson in the battle of New Orleans. He was a merchant for a number of years but failed. After his failure, he was elected clerk of Haywood Co., Tenn. whither he had moved in 1827, and for twenty-two years he discharged the duties of this responsible position with entire satisfaction to all concerned. His death occurred in 1852 and was greatly mourned by all in the community with which he had been so long and prominently identified. Of the eight children born to himself and wife - five boys and three girls - only three are now living: Jesse D., Alfred B. and Littleton J. Jesse D. resides in Pleasant Plains, Independence County, Ark... He is now eighty-five years of age and is quite an active man. Alfred B. is an active elderly gentleman of eighty years and resides on the old homestead in Tennessee. Littleton J. is the subject of this sketch. His literary education was obtained in the common schools of West Tennessee, followed by a collegiate course at Brownsville Institute, Dr. Elijah Slack,President, from which institution he graduated in 1842 and immediately after he commenced the study of law under J. W. Strother. He was admitted to the bar in 1845 by Judges Campbell and Reed, the former being chancery judge and the latter circuit judge. This licensed Mr. Joyner to practice anywhere in the State of Tennessee. In 1850 he located in Princeton, Dallas Co., Ark. and was occupied in teaching school at that place for four years and at Washington, Hempstead County for a period of six years. He located in this village in 1861 and for a period of three years between this date and 1867 he was employed in teaching school. He opened up a law office in 1867 and practiced without interruption until 1874 when he was elected judge of the Eighth Judicial District and served a term of four years. In 1870 he moved to Texarkana and resumed the practice of law in partnership with ex- Judge L. A. Byrne of that place, and together they conducted a good law practice for four years. Mr. Joyner then returned to this place and 1883 and engaged in the practice of his profession, not alone for the purpose of practicing law, but that he might gratify his taste for agricultural life on his farm on the Red River. This farm comprises 2000 acres of tillable land separated into three different plantations and all of it improved and valuable. He also owns three small farms in the hilly portion of this county with eighty-five acres of improved land. The land is rented and worked on shares principally and there is corn enough raised on one farm to supply the needs of that place. He is one of the substantial farmers in the county and is liberal in religion and politics. He has been twice married. His first wife to whom he was married in 1846 was Miss Mary G. Chiles, daughter of Garland Chiles, of South Carolina and was born in South Carolina. Her mother, formerly Eliza Haywood, was a member of one of the leading families of South Carolina, some of that family being among the most prominent men of that grand old State. The fruits of this union were seven children, but three of whom are still living. They are: L. Garland ( a resident of this place), Jesse R., and Estelle L. (widow of C. D. Johnson). In 1881 Mrs. Joyner passed to her final home, and in 1884 he was joined in matrimonial bonds with Miss Anna L. Derrick, daughter of W. W. and Anna P. (Lyons) Derrick. Her parents were Pennsylvanians and for a number of administrations her father acted as chief clerk under the Secretary of State. Mr. Joyner is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South as was his first wife, but the present Mrs. Joyner belongs to the Episcopal Church. The Judge is a demitted member of the A. F. & A. M. and once belonged to the I. O., O. F.. He is a good man and has the confidence and esteem of all who know him.
Fountain McIver
Mr. McIver, a successful merchant and agriculturist of Rocky Comfort was born in Dallas County, Ala., near Selma, on January 30, 1854 being the eldest of five children born to Alexander M. and Elizabeth C. (Coleman)McIver, native of South Carolina, born July 21, 1821 and 1826, respectively. The paternal grandfather, Gen. Thomas F. McIver, was boron in South Carolina and departed this life in Alabama, whither he had immigrated about 1845. The McIvers of Scotch extraction. Alexander M. McIver was a merchant and farmer by occupation and followed these pursuits in South Carolina and Alabama (having moved to this latter State about 1845) very successfully all his life. During the late war he served in the Condfederate army with the rank of captain. He died in Alabama in 1869, leaving a widow who still survives, making her home in Evergreen, Ala., but who is now enjoying a visit with her son, our subject. The children born to their marriage are Fountain A., John E. (book keeper and cashier for the Wheeler and Wilson Sewing Machine Company in Atlanta, Ga.), Ed J. (now practicing dentistry in Alabama), James M. (principal of the Fort Deposit (Ala.) High School and Sallie F. ( Assistant Principal of the Fort Deposit High School). Fountain A. McIver attained his growth in Alabama and being the eldest child, at his father's death it devolved upon him to manage the home affairs, hence his education was more limited than that obtained by his brothers and sisters. His marriage to Miss Leila D. Holcombe was consummated in 1875. She was born in Mobile, Ala. in 1857 being the daughter of Henry B. Holcombe and wife, on Bridget Tanner, but her life, up to the age of ten years was spent in Louisiana. To their marriage six children have been given, two of whom died in infancy, three daughters and one son survive: Henry M., Antoinette D., Ethel R., and Florence. In 1879, on account of failing health, Mr. McIver decided to leave his native State for the mountains of Arkansas and while passing through this county he was urged to accept the management of one of its schools. Being pleased with the locality he was finally induced to remain and for the six years following taught school continuously.
Subsequently he entered the enploy, as book keeper, of John Read, a leading merchant of this town, a position which he still holds. During this time he had two fine farms, one lying about one and three fourths miles south of Rocky Comfort and the other located in Red River Township, and he is now occupied in cultivating this land. He is an outstanding citizen and takes a deep interest in all enterprises pertaining to the welfare of the community. In secret societies he affiliates with the Rocky Comfort Lodge of A. F. & A.M., of which he is Secretary and is a member of K. of H., being reporter of his lodge. He and wife are numbered among the prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South of Rocky Comfort and are among the most active workers in that body. He is acting as steward of this church, and is the present superintendent of the Sunday School.
S. W. McKneely
Among the many honored citizens of Little River County none are more deserving of prominent mention than he whose name heads this sketch. Originally from Louisiana, he first saw light on September 16, 1853, being the son of Alec T. and Martha P. (Skipwith) McKneely, of Scotch Irish extraction. The maternal grandfather was one of the leading physicians in the State of Louisiana. The father, Alec T. McKneely, was born in Louisiana about 1824, whiter his parents had moved from South Carolina. His brother, Samuel W. McKneely, was a soldier in the Mexican War, and since then, while living in the State, took an active part in politics. He also served in the State Legislature of Louisiana. and at one time was quite prominent, politically, in the State of Texas, being one of the leading politicians of Bowie County. He died in Texarkana Feb. 17, 1889, in his seventy second year, and at the time of his death was one of the most prominent men in this portion of the State. Alec T. McKneely served during the latter part of the late war. He is a farmer and cotton planter, and resides at his home in Pointe Coupee Parish,La. where he is numbered among the leading men of that section; his wife, who was born June 14, 1838 is still living. They were the parents of five children, viz: S. W. , Appalona (wife of W.C. Germany of Louisiana), Eustin J. (wife of Rich Scarborough of Louisiana), Mattie P. and Alec T., Jr. (both of Louisiana). S. W. McKneely grew to mature years and was educated in Louisiana and at the age of twenty-one engaged in farming in this county, whither he had previously moved. He first carried on his farming operations on rented land but after three years he purchased 650 acres of good land on Red River, about 500 of which are under cultivation on which he raises from 150 to 200 bales of cotton annually, besides plenty of corn. He is also extensively occupied in breeding horses and mules and is considered to be one of the leading farmers of this locality. He is one of the foremost Democrats in this county and takes an active interest in local politics. In 1881 Miss Sallie Sandefur, daughter of P. J. and Mary Sandefur,old and respected citizens of this county, became his wife and the fruits of their married life were two children: Samuel S. and Mariah L. Mrs. McKneely, whose death occurred on May 11, 1890, was a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church.
S. S. P. Mills
S. S. P. Mills, the popular sheriff of Little River County, was ushered into the world in Yalobusha County, Miss., in 18114, being the son of Joel Mills and wife, nee Caturia R. Byrd. When he was a lad of eight years his parents moved to this State and chose a home in Sevier, now Little River County. Here they purchased a farm, slightly improved, on which they passed their life, he dying in 184. His death was followed in 1875 of that of his widow. They were the parents of six children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth, and the only one now living. He was reared on his father's farm and obtained his education in the common schools of this county. In 1862, at the age of seventeen years and three months he enlisted in Company K, of Whitfield's Texas Legion, and was assigned to the east side of the Mississippi River. He took part in the battles of Corinth and Iuka. He was at Holly Springs and participated in the engagement at that place. Next he was engaged in the battle of Franklin and from there, after the death of Gen, Vandorne, he returned to Mississippi and in June 1863 came home on parole. In the fall of 1863 he made a trip to Mexico with his father, returning the following spring, and after Gen. Price made his famous raid through Missouri he joined Company C of Col. Newton's regiment of Arkansas Cavalry. At the close of the war he returned home, broken in health and purse, and with his father engaged in farming on rented land. He was united in marriage in 1867 to Miss Catherine R. McCord, daughter of John and Mary G. McCord. At the time of his marriage his worldly possessions consisted of two Choctaw ponies, he now owns some 1,700 acres of land with about 800 acres under cultivation which produces about 100 bales of cotton, besides corn and oats, and other farm products. In 1873 he was elected justice of the peace of his township and discharged the duties of the office very satisfactorily for two years, after which he moved to this place (Richmond) and during 1881 and 1882 again served as justice of the peace. He made a successful run for county sheriff in 1891 and succeeded himself ever since, much to the satisfaction of all concerned. The following are the children born to himself and wife: Amelia A. (wife of W. M. Sikes, of this place),Ada, Joel Henry(deceased), and Kate C.. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The former affiliates with Richmond Lodge No. 3420, K. of H. and in politics is a staunch Democrat.
Jacob Moon
Jacob Moon, farmer of Franklin Township, Little River County, Ark. In reviewing the lives of prominent citizens of Little River County, the name of Jacob Moon is justly given an enviable position for it is difficult to find one of the present day more entitled to honorable mention, or who possesses to such an extent the esteem of his acquaintances. He owes his nativity to Georgia where he was born in 1826, being a son of Jesse and Mary (Phelps) Moon, natives of Georgia. The former and the noted Alexander Stephens were bound boys in the same county. They were both taken in charge of by Jesse Mercer and sent to school at Penfield, Ga., and both graduated there at the same time and afterward became distinguished in the Missionary Baptist Church. Jesse Moon moved to Alabama in his forty fourth year and there made his home until his death in 1818. His life had been passed in h is ministerial labors and at the time of his death he had charge of the church at Salem, Ala. He and his wife were the parents of thirteen children, five of whom are now living: Jeptha M. (farmer of Miller County), Jacob, Jesse M. ( a farmer of Georgia), H. H. of this county, and Joel C. (of Georgia). The mother dies in this State in 1868. Jacob Moon obtained his education in Antioch, Ga., and at the age of twenty years commenced tilling the soil in a farm in Alabama, given him by his father. He farmed in that State until 1858, when he moved to Claiborne Parish, La., and followed agricultural pursuits there for three years. In the early part of 1861 he came to this county and settled where he now lives, fourteen miles east of Richmond. He first purchased eighty acres of land to which he has since added the balance of 400 acres. This was then all unimproved but he now has 200 acres under a fine state of cultivation with good substantial building, outhouses, etc. His principal crop is cotton of which he raises about forty bales annually and gives considerable attention to raising horses, mules and cattle and has the reputation of raising the finest hogs in the county. He is also justly proud of a diploma received at the New Orleans Exposition for being the producer of the finest cotton grown in America or the world. He commenced growing cotton fifteen years ago and since that time has been improving the quality of his product and since 1875 has been receiving from 3 to 5 cents per pound more for his cotton (known as Moon's improved cotton) than any other man in the United States. He raised forty bales during the year 1889 which sold for from 12 to 15 cents per pound. He does his own ginning and never allows any other cotton ginned on his gin. The seed of this cotton sells for $1.50 per bushel and he does not raise enough by one-half to supply the demand for it. From 1862 until the close of the war, Mr. Moon served in the Confederate Army, the first two years as assistant agent of the Commissary Department, but the year 1864-65 was spent in the regular army in Col. Robert Newton's regiment in the Trans-Mississippi Department. During this time he participated in several skirmished but no regular battles. His command was dismantled at Doolie's Ferry on Big Red River, and immediately after he returned to his home and resumed his farming operation. The close of the war left him in a deplorable state, all his negroes gone, and his family residing on a new place, without anything done in the way of making a home comfortable. He was married in 1849 to Miss Mary H. Spinks of Alabama and the fruits of their married life was eight children, five of whom grew to maturity: Henry N. (a farmer of this county), J. T. (also a farmer of this county), George S. (in a drygoods store in Texarkana, Tex.), and Cando L., and Mary A. (at home). Mr. Moon belongs to the A. F.& A. M., and in politics is a staunch Democrat.
Alex R. Moores
Alex R. Moores, a prominent resident of Richmond, was born in Texas on January 24, 1811, being the second of thirteen children born to the union of Anderson R. Moores and wife, nee Paulina T. Jarrett, natives of South Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. The former came to Texas (then the Republic of Texas( at the age of fifteen, in 1839, with his father, or rather in charge of his father's slaves, and located west of Texarkana, in what is now Bowie County, and in 1842 joined the Regular Army of the Republic, and at the age of eighteen years was commissioned Major by Sam Houston, at that time President of the Republic, and served as such for some time, although he was not in the war with Mexico in 1818. When he settled in Texas with his father, there were but very few people living west of the Red River and neighbors were scattering, the distance being frequently as much as ten to fifteen miles from one settlement to another. Indians were still plentiful in this section of the State, but never gave any trouble, and murders and robberies were almost unknown at that time. Wild cattle abounded all over this section of this portion of Texas, and one hundred miles west of their settlement bear, deer and wild turkeys were very plentiful. Both the maternal and paternal grandparents of our subject were among the early pioneers of this State and the maternal grandfather, David Jarrett, as surveyor of this section, surveyed nearly all the land in the eastern part of Texas. Prior to his location here, he had also assisted in surveying and location of Memphis, Tenn. He was a soldier in the War of 1812 and was at the Battle of New Orleans. Settling here as they did at a very early day, the two families were quite intimately acquainted with Sam Houston and his eccentricities. In 1856 there was a severe drought in Eastern Texas and crops were short. Salt and other groceries had to be hauled from Gaines Landing, Chicot County, Ark. to as far west as 200 miles into Texas. It took about four weeks to make the trip and salt in that place sold for $15 per sack and was hard to get at that price. The father of our subject died in Texas in 1873 in his forty-ninth year, his wife having previously died in 1862 at the age of thirty-seven years. Of the thirteen children born to this marriage, only four are now living: Mary J. (now Mrs. Dunn of this city), Mattie M. )now the wife of Arthur Miller). Adella W. (wife of Robert M. Dunn, of the firm of Dunn & Ross, merchanrts of Leemon,Mo.), and Alex R. The latter obtained a fair education in the common schools of Boston, Tex., and at the age of eighteen years he joined Crupp's battalion, which was the first battalion of Texas Cavalry, and was reorganized and constituted a part of the Thirty-second Texas Dismounted Cavalry at Corinth. He was in the battles of Richmond and Murfreesboro, from Dalton, Ga to Atlanta, thence to Nashville, Tenn. and from there to Alabama and Mississippi. He surrendered at Jefferson, Texas. At the close of the war he engaged in mercantile pursuits at Sulphur Springs, Tex., in which he continued until 1867 when he came to this place and engaged in merchandising. After conducting a merchandise business here for one year, under the firm of Moores, Connor & Co., he sold out and turned his attention to farming. In 1874 he opened a general merchandise establishment in Texarkana and conducted it very successfully for nine years, and in 1883 came to this place and purchased the interest of Dr. J. M. Dun, who was associated with A. J. Mims in a general merchandise business, the latter being the general manager, and the concern was continued for six years under the firm name of Minns and Moores, doing a business of from $60,000 to $100,000 annually. He has recently retired to his farm close to the village and devotes his attention to raising horses, mules, etc., and cultivates about 10 acres of land. By his marriage to Miss Rebecca Williamson, of this place, which occurred in 1871, Mr. Moores became the father of three children: Carrie L., May D. and Lizzie R. Mrs. Moores was a devoted member of the Old School Presbyterian Church, and her death occurred in 1885, in her thirty-first year. Her husband remained a widower for two years, and then, in 1887, was united in marriage to Miss Nelli V. Cook, of Gonzales, Tex. and they are the parents of one child. Both Mr. and Mrs. Moores are church members, but belong to different denominations, he believing in the doctrines of the Old School Presbyterian Church, and she in those of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is a member of K of H and also belongs to Texarkana Lodge No. 1903 K.& L. of H..
John Read
John Read, a leading merchant of Rocky Comfort, Ark., owes his nativity to Huntsville, Ala., where he opened his eyes to this world on October 12, 1821, being the son of Edmond Read and wife nee Edna Harvey natives of North Carolina. The former moved from his native State to Alabama in early life and there made his home for a number of years, but in 1824, when John was about three years of age, he moved to Rutherford County, Tenn., and departed this life in Bedford County, that State, in 1886. During his life he was occupied in farming, a calling in which he was eminently successful. The paternal grandfather, Daniel Read, was born in North Carolina. The subject of this sketch is one of a family of nine children, two sons and seven daughters - born tot heir marriage, their names being: William R., Martha I., Sarah A. L., Betsy A., John, Dorothea A., Susan A. I., Melinda J., and Matilda A., the two latter being twins. John Read was educated in the common schools of Rutherford County, Tenn. where he attained his growth. December 26, 1839 witnessed his marriage with Miss Mary E. Spain, a native of Tennessee, who passed to her final home on August 10, 1844. and on November 30 following he formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Mary Elizabeth Campbell, his present wife. She was born in Lauderdale County, Ala., October 22, 1816, and was the youngest of eight children born to James E. and Ada (Reader) Campbell, natives of Tennessee and South Carolina, respectively, both of which died in this county. Having no children of their own, Mr., and Mrs. Read have taken three orphaned nieces to their home and are rearing them to honest womanhood. Their names are: Lena Davis (Mrs. Read's sister's child), and Molly and Mattie Campbell (her brother's children), When Mr. Read first came to Arkansas in December 1841 he chose a location Monroe County but after making a home there for two years, he came to Little River County, and in September 1843, he took up residence in this county, and has ever since been prominently identified with its material interests. In 1868 he was appointed county treasurer and stepped out of that office at the end of four years to accept that of sheriff to which he had been elected in November 1872. He discharged the duties of this latter office in a highly satisfactory manner, and at the end of his term was re-elected by a large majority. He has also acted in several official capacities and for one term served as justice of the peace of Red River Township. He was formerly a Whig in politics and cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay but since the reorganization of that party, he has been a staunch Republican. In June 1871, he embarked in the sawmill business and this occupied his attention until 1872 when he disposed of his milling interests. He opened up his mercantile establishment in Rocky Comfort in 1878 and has successfully conducted this ever since and he now enjoys a liberal trade with Rocky Comfort and the surrounding country. He carries a stock and securities valued at $10,000, and in addition to merchandising, is a large cotton buyer. Besides these interests, he owns several town lots and is acting as agent for a Mr. Charles, managing about 900 acres of land. He and wife are both members of the Christian Church.
Dr. Louis A. Sager
Dr. Louis A. Sager, practicing physician and surgeon of Rocky Comfort, Ark.. In recording the names of faithful practitioners of medicine in this locality, that of Louis A. Sager will always be given a prominent and enviable position. There are two ways to gain a reputation - one by the influence of friends, and the other by individual application and true worth, The latter applies to Dr. Sager who has certainly reached the top round of the ladder in that mot notable of professions. He is a native born resident of Arkansas, having been ushered into the world in Benton County on November 19, 1850, the youngest of a family of eleven children. His parents, Simon and Wilhemina (Meyer) Sager, were both born in Germany, and were married in their native country. About 1839 they emigrated to the United States and settled in Kansas City, Mo. but later moved to Benton County, Ark. where they made their home and there the father engaged in the stock business on a large scale. He died in 1863 leaving a widow who survived until 1870 when she passed to her final home. Louis A. Sager obtained his literary education in the schools of Benton County, Ark. and Kansas City, Mo. where he spent his youthful days, subsequently entering the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, from which institution he was graduated in 1874. After taking a thorough course at the Louisville (Ky.) Medical College, he graduated in 1876 and later, in 1879, graduated from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York and has been actively engaged in the practice of medicine since that time. Prior to this, however, in 1871, he had entered upon his career, the scenes of his labor being in the Choctaw Nation. In 1882 he came to Rocky Comfort and here he has already established a large practice which, however, is mostly confined to his office, his patients coming from far and near to consult him, as he has the reputation of being one of the most skillful surgeons and specialists in the state. He is a hard student and keeps thoroughly apace with the strides which are constantly being made in his profession and takes a number of leading medical journals. He has been twice married -- first, in July, 1876, to Miss Emma Copeland, born at Wheelock, Indian Territory, who passed to her final home in 1877. He married his present wife on November 19, 1880, and one child, Eula (now seven years of age), is the result of this marriage. Mrs. Sager was formerly Mrs. Florence Holman, and she is numbered among the worthy members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Dr. Sager belongs to the Masonic order and classed among the leading and well-to-do citizens of Little River County.
Henry M. Sandefur
Henry M. Sandefur, merchant of Peytonville, is a native born resident of Franklin Township, Little River County, being a son of P. J. Sandefur, a worthy pioneer of this county, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this work. He opened his eyes to the light of this world on September 28, 1856, and was the third of a family of ten children. He was reared on his father's farm, and obtained such an education as the common schools of Little River County afforded. In the fall of 1885 he embarked in mercantile pursuits, the scene of his operations being Peytonville, and in this he has continued very successfully ever since. He does a large and paying business, carrying a stock of general merchandise valued at $2,000. In 1897 he was appointed postmaster of Peytonville and is now very satisfactorily discharging the duties of that office, in connection with his store. His marriage to Miss Belle Goodfellow, a native of Missouri, was consummated in 1886, and their union has been blessed in the birth of one child. In connection with his interests in Peytonville, Mr. Sandefur is the owner of 370 acres of choice land, about 245 of which are under cultivation, and very valuable. In his political views he affiliates with the Democratic party and cast his first vote for Hancock. He is a jovial, goodhearted fellow and has the confidence and esteem of his associates and all with whom he does business. Mrs. Sandefur is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
P. J. Sandefur
Of the many prominent and worthy citizens of Little River County, none
are more deserving of mention than Mr., Sandefur, who has for so long a
time been so closely connected with its material interests. His birth occurred
in Alabama, in 1830, being one of nine children, four of whom are still
living, born to the marriage of Patrick H. and Sarah (Dickinson) Sandefur,
both of whom owed their nativity to Alabama. The father was of Scotch-English
descent. In 1835 they immigrated to what is now Little River County, Ark.,
being among the first settlers, and here the father purchased unimproved
land, which he set about converting into a good farm. He made his home
here until his death, which occurred in 1859 in Washington, Hempstead County,
Ark., whither he had gone for his daughters, who were attending school and
were threatened with the small pox. P. J. Sandefur has been a resident
of this county ever since his fifth year and was educated in the common
schools. Being reared on a farm, he was early initiated into farm duties
and it was but natural perhaps that in choosing an occupation for life,
he should select farming, which calling has since occupied his attention.
His marriage to Miss M. J. Mallow was consummated in 1852. She was born
in Hempstead County, Ark., in 1829 and was a daughter of Michael and Lotta
(Gertner) Mallow, both of whom were born in Virginia. They were among the
first settlers of Hempstead County, Ark., and their death occurred in Collin
County, Tex., whither they had moved in 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Sandefur were
the parents of ten children - seven sons and three daughters - nine of whom
survive: Benjamin P., Patrick, Henry, Sallie (wife of S. W. McKneely), Leon,
Maria (wife of R. S. Chaytor), Willie, Dadie (wife of H. C. Head), and Lillie.
Mrs. Sandefur had previously been married to a Mr. McClary, by whom she
had two children, only one of whom, Jesse McClary, is now living. Mr. Sandefur
is one of the representative farmers of Franklin Township, and his honorable
and upright bearing have won for him a host of friends. His farm, on which
he lives, is located about twelve miles east of Richmond, and comprises
about 300 acres of good land, with almost 120 caress under cultivation.
He has this finely improved and always raises a good crop, and on this
farm is an orchard which is conceded to be one of the finest in the country.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church numbers Mr. and Mrs. Sandefur among
its most respected members.
C. A. Schuman
C. A. Schuman, a substantial planter of Rocky Comfort, was born in Dresden, Germany on August 19, 1848, being the son of Augustus and Christina (Hempel) Schuman, both natives of Dresden, the former born on January 16, 1821. He was the son of John Schuman, a native of Dresden, born about 1782, who departed this life in 1858. Augustus Schuman was an architect by occupation and both he and his wife received their final summons in their native city., he in 1858 and she in 1881. They were the parents of three children -- two sons and one daughter - viz.: C. A., Adolph and Clara. The latter is now living in Dresden, Germany. C. A. Schuman was educated in the technical school of his native city and engaged in technics in his native country until 1869 when he emigrated to the United States. Upon landing at New York he went directly to Little Rock, Ark,. but remained there only six months, and then, after visiting New Orleans, La. and St. Louis, Mo., with a view of locating, he finally selected Jacksonport, Ark. as the scene of his labors and here he established his residence. He purchased a gun shop and went for his brother, Adolph, who was a gunsmith by trade, and they conducted this business very successfully until November, 1873, when their place was visited by fire and entirely destroyed. They then started for Paris, Tex., but on their way stopped in Rocky Comfort, and being pleased with the location, they opened a gun shop and took up their residence at this place. They soon added a line of general merchandise and were conducting these interests when on May 24, 1876, their store was entered by burglars and in defending his property, the brother, Adolph was killed. The following December Mr. Schuman commenced business on his own responsibility dealing in general merchandise, and carried on this business very successfully until 1883, when he gave it up to engage in farming. He owns about 840 acres of land in this county, about 100 acres being under cultivation, and eighty acres lying within four miles of Little Rock. Since coming to this place Mr.,. Schuman has taken a prominent part in the affairs of the county, having served as tax collector, and is now acting as school director of his district, having been elected for a term of nine years. He belongs to the K of H and both he and his wife are church members, he now belonging to the German Lutheran, and she to the Episcopal Church. His wife was formerly Miss Eliza Simpson, a native of this county, and they were married on December 19, 1877. One child, Clara, has been born to this marriage.
Robert M. Scott
On a fine, well improved farm lying about five miles southeast of Richmond,
surrounded by every comfort, the subject of this sketch leads a happy and
contented life. He is conceded to be one of the representative and influential
agriculturists of the county and is classed among its best citizens. His
farm comprises 199 acres of choice land, and he devotes his time and attention
to tilling the 110 acres which are under cultivation. Originally from Wilson
Co.,Ala., he was ushered into this world on September 2, 1821, being the
son of Robert H. and Sarah (Nicholson) Scott, natives of South and North
Carolina respectively. They were married in the former State, and soon
after moved to Alabama (about 1818). thence , in 1834, to Little River County,
Ark., where they made their home until 1867, when they moved to Pope County,
and there they passed from life. When they first came to Arkansas they
settled on what is now known as Pine Prairie, in Little River County, ,
being among the very first settlers, and here the father, who was a great
hunter, indulged very freely in that sport. He was a prominent and influential
citizen and for a number of years held the office of county judge. His
father was born in Virginia of Scotch Irish parentage. Of the eight children
born to this marriage, only two are now living, Robert M. and Thomas N.
The former came to this county with his parents in his eighth year and
was here reared and made his home until 1867, at which time he accompanied
his parents to Pope County, Ark. After an absence of twelve years he returned
to this county where he has ever since resided, and proved himself to be
a good citizen. He is an enterprising and public spirited gentleman and
aids with his support and encouragement all measures for the good of the
community. During the late war he enlisted in July 1861 in Company K, Twelfth
Arkansas Infantry, and for the first year served as private. He was then
promoted to first lieutenant and participated in the battles of Columbus,Ky.,
New Madrid, Mo., and Island No. 10. At this latter battle he was captured
and taken to Camp Douglas where he was retained from April to September
1862 when he was sent to Vicksburg and exchanged. His regiment was then
reorganized and went to Port Hudson. Here he was again taken prisoner and
after being retained at New Orleans from July until December 24, he made
his escape and went to Meridian and was then sent west of the Mississippi
River to rejoin his command. He surrendered at Marshall, Tex., in June
1865.
James K. Taafe
No name is more closely associated with the agricultural interest of this county than the one that heads this sketch, for it is borne by a man who is progressive in his ideas and has always been numbered among its most substantial and prominent citizens. He first opened his eyes to the light of the world in Sevier County, Ark., in 1830, being the eldest of nine children, six of whom are still living, born to Joseph English and wife. The former was born in Ireland and there spent his life until he had attained his eighteenth year, when he came to the United States and chose a location in Sevier County, Ark. He was one of the first settlers of this county and was one of its most prominent and influential citizens, having served as Representative, and also as Senator for a number of years. He was a farmer by occupation and in his political views affiliated with the Democratic party. His wife, formerly Miss Sarah J. English, was born in Indiana, and was a daughter of Joseph English, and both she and her husband departed this life where our subject now lives. The father took great pains to educate his children, and James K. received a very fair education in the common schools of this county. His marriage with June (Lemous) Smith was consummated in 1858 and by her he became the father of the following children: George (deceased), James (deceased), Joseph, John, and Fanny. She died in 1878 and the following year Miss Mary B. Bell, daughter of John Z. and Martha J. (Scott) Bell, the former of whom died in Virginia while serving in the Confederate cause under Gen. Lee, and the latter in Indian Territory about 1870, became his wife. This latter marriage resulted in the birth of six children, only four of whom are now living: Jesse E., Mary B., Sarah and Eva. Mr. Taafe has always been a resident of this county and during his life has amassed considerable property/ He owns 480 acres of valuable pine land, forty acres lying in the townsite of Rocky Comfort, besides 160 acres of choice land lying in the Red River bottom, about seventy-five acres of which are under cultivation. In politics he is a strong Democrat and his first presidential vote was cast for Franklin Pierce. During the war he served as constable of this township for a number of years. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity. The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of Rocky Comfort numbers his wife among its most esteemed members and although he is a firm believer also in the doctrines expounded by that denomination, he does not belong to any religious body.
John S. Walker, Jr.
John S. Walker, Jr., county and circuit clerk of Little River County was chosen to occupy his present position by the Democracy in 1888 and is now filling the duties of that office in a manner highly creditable to himself and to the satisfaction of the community at large. He was born in Sevier County and moved to Little River County in 1877, his birth having occurred July 28, 1861, and his boyhood days and early youth were spent in attending the common country schools until the age of nineteen years, when he entered the State University for one term, after which he came home and engaged in agricultural pursuits on rented land, and conducted those interests so well that he was soon able to farm on oh is own land. He now owns 860 acres of land with about 325 under cultivation , on which is raised seventy-five to one hundred bales of cotton annually. This land, with the exception of about 240 acres which came into his possession by marriage, has all been acquired by his own exertions and good business ability. In 1865 he turned h is attention to merchandising, the scene of his operations being at Brownstown, Sevier County, where he did a large business under the firm name of P. S. Kinsworthy & Co., but continued in this business but one year and then returned to his farm which he tilled until 1888, when he was elected to his present office. Mr. Walker has been twice married. His first wife, to whom he was married in 1887, was Miss Annie Goolsby, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Goolsby, natives of this county, and one child, Floyd, was born to this marriage. The wife died December 1, 1887, and July 18, 1889, Mr. Walker was wedded to her sister, Myrtie. The present Mrs. Walker is a much esteemed member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The subject of this sketch is the only child born to John S. and Mattie E. (Kinsworthy) Walker, natives of Georgia and Arkansas, respectively. The former came to this state in 1859. He has principally been engaged in the mercantile business since the war, excepting ten years that he was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Little River County, upon a farm now owned jointly by himself and his only son, the subject of this sketch. During the late war he was a Colonel in the Confederate army. He was captured at Fort Smuttier and sent to Johnson Island, where he was retained until 1865, at which time he came home, and engaged in the commission business at Brownstone, Sevier County, Ark., which occupied his attention for some time. He has been in the employ of the Southern Oil Company for the past three years, which position he has filled with credit to himself and the full satisfaction of the company. He and wife are both worthy members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and are generally respected and esteemed by all who know them. Politically he is a Democrat.
Jacob Willard.
He whose name heads this sketch is one of the substantial farmers of Red River Township, Little River County, and owes his nativity to Mississippi, where he was born in 1832, being a son of D. B. Willard and wife, nee Nancy Rachel (Weaver) Curry. The former was born in Ohio in 1800 of French Descent. Early in life he emigrated to Mississippi and later to Louisiana where he passed from life in 1885, leaving a widow who still survives and makes her home in Louisiana. Six of their seven children - three sons and four daughters - lived to maturity and five of them are still living. Jacob Willard passed his life up to the age of ten years in Mississippi, but in 1843 he accompanied his parents to Louisiana and there he grew to manhood and obtained a limited education. In 1871 he immigrated to Little River County, Ark., and here he has ever since resided, on his farm of 100 acres (100 of which are under cultivation), lying on Red River about seven miles south of Richmond. He farms this land himself and tills it well, getting from thirty-five to fifty bushels of corn and about a bale of cotton to the acre. When he first came to Arkansas this land was mostly unimproved and has since, by his untiring energy and industry, brought it to its present high state of development. In 1881 he had the misfortune to lose his wife to whom he had been married since 1859. Her maiden name was Miss Laura Ann Yarbaugh and she was a native of Louisiana. Of the four children born to this marriage, but two are still living: D. R. and Angie. In 1887 he took a second wife in the person of Miss Ida Franks, who was born in Tennessee, but reared to womanhood in Illinois. She is an earnest member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Willard enlisted in the Confederate cause in 1863, joining Company C, Sixth Louisiana Cavalry, in which he served as private until the surrender. He is a Master Mason, affiliating with Red River Lodge No. 74, A. F. & A. M. at Richmond.