The mother was left a widow in 1830, shortly before the birth of her son John, and was afterward married to Francis GAMBLE, and with him moved first to Washington County, Ark., and afterward to Madison County, where she died in 1883, lamented by her relatives and friends. She was born about 1815, and was a worthy and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. John was her only child by her first marriage, but two children were born to her second marriage: Martha, still living, and Nancy, who died during the war, aged about fifteen years. The Olingers are of Scotch descent, and the Moores are Irish.

John Olinger left home at the age of fifteen years and began fighting his own way in the world. His capital consisted chiefly of a liberal stock of pluck, energy and ability, with unquestioned integrity and a determination to make life a success among men. He has been successful, inasmuch as he has the respect and esteem of his fellow men, and is in good circumstances financially.

In the latter part of 1862 he and family left Arkansas, owing to the many indignities and persecutions they received at the hands of the Confederate soldiers and Southern sympathizers, and made their way through the lines, and after sleeping out in the woods for eight weeks, finally reached Springfield, Mo. Here Mr. Olinger left his family and enlisted in Company L, First Arkansas Cavalry, and served with credit in the Union service until the close of the war, participating in many battles and skirmishes. He was discharged at Fayetteville, Ark., August 23, 1865.

October 30, 1853, he was married to Mary J. HOYEL, who was born in Illinois and died in Springfield, Mo., her death being caused by exposure while on her trip to Missouri during the war. She left two children: Mary I., wife of William DRAIN, and John W. September 2, 1865, Mr. Olinger married Mary T. HARRISON, who was born in Alabama, October 22, 1846. They have ten children: Ruthie A. V., Rhoda A., Nancy J., Sarah T., William A., James A., Margaret E., David W., Martha M. T. E. and Anna Irene Viola.