Ouachita County

Henry C. Good, a substantial farmer of Jefferson Township, Ouachita County, Arkansas, owes his nativity to Maury County, Middle Tennessee, where his birth occurred February 12, 1830 and is the son of Amos Good, who was born in the Old Dominion in 1802. The latter came with his parents from Virginia to Tennessee when a baby, attained his growth in the State, and was married in Maury County to Miss Saloma Collins, a native of North Carolina, born in 1803. Shortly afterward they moved to Kentucky, and in 1859 emigrated to Ouachita County, Arkansas, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1883. He was one of the earliest settlers and a farmer and a mechanic by occupation. His father, John Good, was a soldier in the French and Indian Wars. The mother of our subject died in this county in 1885. She was the daughter of Stephen and Anna Collins, the former a soldier in the War of 1812. Henry C. Good, the third of five children, attained his growth in Kentucky, and received his education in that State. Before his marriage he came to Hempstead County, Arkansas in 1856,and was married there in 1857 to Mrs. Mary L. Jones, a native of Tennessee, born about 1838. She died about 1858, leaving one child, John A., who now resides in Ouachita County. Mr. Good resided in Hempstead County until the beginning of the war, and has been a resident of Ouachita County since 1865. He enlisted in the Confederate army in March, 1861, in the Twentieth Arkansas Regiment of Infantry,and was in the battles of Oak Hill, Lexington, Missouri, Corinth, where he received several flesh wounds, Champion's Hill and Big Black. At the close of the war he returned to Arkansas, and in 1867 was married to Miss Susan Tribble. She was born in Ouachita County in 1852. Eight children were born to their union - five daughters and three sons: James M., William N., Mollie E., Fannie K., Charley E., Henry L., Lillie M. and Ida E. After coming to this county Mr. Good began cultivating the soil, and is now the owner of 160 acres of land, with about eighty acres under cultivation. He was made a member of Woodlawn Lodge No. 15, Masonic fraternity, in 1855, and is now Master Mason in that lodge. He has always supported the Democratic ticket, tolerating its views as sound and well suited to any man, and his first presidential vote was for James K. Polk. Mrs. Good is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.[INDEX]

Henry L. Grayson comes of a family well and favorably known throughout Ouachita County, for his father settled here in 1859, and here Henry has since made his home. He was born in Hamilton County, Tennessee, January 21, 1839, and is a son of John and Sarah (Frix) Grayson, the former having been born in Tennessee in 1807. He was a farmer by occupation and for a number of years was deputy sheriff in Tennessee. In 1859 he emigrated from there to Ouachita County, Arkansas and purchased 500 acres of land to which he afterward, by industry and good management, added some 400 acres more. He was a Mason and his wife was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and their deaths occurred in 1881 and 1875, respectively. To them a family of five sons and four daughters were born, six of whom are now living: Mary A. (wife of William Donaldson, a farmer of Washington), Martha J. (wife of James M. Douglas, a farmer of Ouachita County), Henry L., George W. (a farmer of Clark County, Arkansas), Thomas J. ( a farmer of Ouachita County), and Zechariah T., who is the present postmaster of Prescott, Nevada County, Arkansas. Henry L. Grayson, the subject of this sketch, came to Arkansas with his parents and was married here to Miss Elizabeth Webb in 1866, his wife being a native of Tennessee, born in 1843, a daughter of Anderson and Martha Webb, also of that State. A family of four sons and four daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Grayson: Albert S., Edward C., Virginia O., Lewis N., Eudora, Hesterly, Essie P. and Jessie E. In 1861 Mr. Grayson enlisted in Company H, Arkansas Infantry, and was in the battles of Shiloh, Missionary Ridge and numerous skirmishes, and in the first named battle was shot through the left breast and had one finger shot off. He continued to served until 1864, then returned home and engaged in farming and ginning cotton, which occupations have received his attention ever since. He has been more than ordinarily successful,and is now the owner of 1,500 acres of fine farming land and has 250 acres in a good state of cultivation, his principal crops being cotton and corn. He has an excellent steam cotton and grist mill combined which has proved quite remunerative, and every enterprise which has received his attention has been attended with good results. He is now engaged in conducting a grocery store at the cross roads where he lives, and is pushing quite a thriving trade. In 1868 he was appointed assessor of his county and discharged the duties of this position for one year. He is a member of the R. A., and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.[INDEX]

William F. Green, an old resident and farmer of Smackover Township, and an influential and highly respected citizen, was originally from North Carolina, where his birth occurred in 1817. His father, Simon Green, was born and reared in North Carolina, but emigrated from that State to Georgia, and thence in 1845, to Ouachita County, Arkansas, where he was among the first settlers. There he received his final summons in 1853. He was the son of Simon Green, Sr. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Esther Baldwin, was born in North Carolina, and died in Ouachita County, Arkansas, in 1865. William F. Green, the third of ten children, five sons and one daughter now living, received his education in the common schools of Georgia, and was married in the State of Arkansas in 1848, to Miss Eliza S. Leonard, who was born in Bolivar, Tennessee, and who was the daughter of William and Lesa (Polk) Leonard, the former dying in Tennessee, and the latter in Louisiana. Of the fourteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Green, eight are now living: Simon W., Mary E., (wife of Thomas Lambert), Daniel M., Lillie, Henrietta, Lucius, Franklin and Bettie M. Mr. Green has been a resident of this county since 1845, and is the owner of 480 acres of land with about eighty-five acres under cultivation, locating three miles west of Stephens. The farm is well improved and well cultivated. In politics he was formerly a Whig, but now a Democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Gen. Harrison. He settled in the woods when wolves were numerous, and when everything was wild and unsettled. He now has an excellent farm and everything to render him comfortable in his declining years. He is an honest, upright citizen.[INDEX]

Thomas B. Green, one of the well-known citizens of Red Hill Township, is a native of the county, and was born on November 29, 1855, being a son of Allen and Evaline (Lee) Green, the former a native of Halifax County, North Carolina, born on February 1, 1825, a tiller of the soil by occupation. He emigrated from North Carolina to Tennessee in 1843, and from that State to Arkansas, in 1853, settling on a homestead claim of 160 acres in Ouachita County, on which he built a log cabin and in time made many improvements. Here he resided until his death on June 12, 1882, his wife having passed from life on October 1, 1887. They were active and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and their union was blessed in the birth on one son and three daughters. The father was a Mason. Thomas B. Green, the subject of this biography, is now the owner of 483 acres of excellent farming land, and has about ninety acres well improved and under cultivation. He is a wide-awake and enterprising agriculturist, and is always ready to give of his means to support worthy public enterprises, and is a man who commands respect wherever he is known. He as married on December 20, 1882, to Miss Onia, a daughter of William and Sarah (Stinson) Nash, his wife a native of Arkansas, and by her he is the father of one son and three daughters: Eunice E., Allen A., Mittie and Cora A. Mrs. Green is an honored member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is postmaster at Chidester, and was appointed in February, 1887. In his political views Mr. Green is a Democrat.[INDEX]

Julius O. Greening is a native resident of the county in which he is now residing, his birth having occurred on February 21, 1850, his parents being Orlando and Mary (Easel) Greening, the former born in Alabama in 1823, and the latter in New York State, August 25, 1825. The father was a farmer by occupation and emigrated from Alabama to Mississippi, and from there to Arkansas in 1845, and settled on a large tract of woodland in Ouachita County, where he built a log cabin,and made his home until his death, which occurred on January 1, 1887. He was a soldier in the Mexican War, and served for a short time in the late Civil War, and socially was a member of the Masonic order, and was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his wife was also a member. A family of six sons and two daughters were born to himself and wife: Eldridge, Earl, Julius O., Amanda (wife of James L. Pipkin, a farmer and school teacher, now living in Red Hill Township, this county) being the only one living. Powell, Scott, Albert and one other are deceased. Julius O. Greening, the immediate subject of this biography, has always resided in Ouachita County, and here he was married on November 15, 1882, to Miss Camilla C. Morgan, a daughter of Lee and Rebecca E. (Hambrick) Morgan, both natives of Alabama, the former born in 1824. They were the parents of seven children, only tow of whom are now living. Mr. Morgan served throughout the Civil War as first lieutenant, but had previously, in 1845, removed from Alabama to Arkansas, and was a successful merchant of Camden for forty years. He is a member of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Greening was born in Columbia County, Arkansas, April 18, 1854, and she and Mr. Greening are the parents of three sons and two daughters: Virginia, Daniel, Lee, pat and Lena. Mr. Greening owns an excellent farm of 110 acres, and in addition to farming deals quite effectively in cattle and hogs. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a Democrat in his political views.[INDEX]

William P. Hale. In compiling a correct history of Ouachita County, mention should certainly be made of Mr. Hale, one of the oldest settlers, and a substantial planter of Marion Township. He was born in Coweta County, Georgia, November 21, 1829, being a son of James and Anna (McCarthey) Hale. His ancestors on his father's side were originally from England. Joel Hale, Sr., his great-grandfather, lived in Cumberland County, North Carolina. He had three sons: viz: Daniel, Hosea and Joel, Jr. He moved to Wilkes County, in that State, about the year 1799. Hosea Hale, his second son, was born February 29, 1768. He married Sarah Green, and tot his union were born eight children, viz: Jessey, Lucy, John, Martha, William, James, Joseph and Benjamin. In 1807 he moved to Clark County, Georgia, followed in 1810 by his father, and in 1811 by his youngest brother, Joel. They continued their vocation, that of farming, in this county until death called them hence. Daniel Hale moved to Tennessee, and settled near Nashville, thence to Christian County, Kentucky, near Hopkinsville. Joel Hale, Jr., was a Minster in the Baptist Church for many years. He died December 29, 1831, and was eighty-seven years old. His wife, having preceded him, died August 15, 1816. James Hale, the sixth son of Hosea Hale, was born in Wilkes County, North Carolina, February 23, 1803, but was principally reared in Clark County, Georgia. On his father's farm he labored as one of the hands, and grew up into robust manhood - his height was six feet and two inches, and weighed 200 pounds. He received what might be termed a common school education for that period. Mr. Hale and Miss Anna McCarthey, the daughter of Jacob McCarthey, of Jackson County, Georgia, were married January 11, 1824. This union was blessed with nine children born to them, viz: Sarah Ann, Benjamin B., William P., Susie E., Sherod E., Samuel E., Permelia J., Anna H. and Willis J., six of whom are still living, viz: William P., Susie E. (now Mrs. M. B. Galaway, of Texas), Sherod E. (now of Stephens, of this county), Samuel E. (a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and physician, residing in New Orleans), Anna H. (now Mrs. Thomas Mottley, of Texas), and Willis J. (of Van Zant County, Texas). During the latter part of the year 1827 Mr. Hale moved to Coweta County -this was then known as the "New Purchase," and was a rough, wild country - the panther, bear and wolf prowled around the cabin at night. It required stout hearts and willing hands to fell the forest and clear away the rubbish, in preparing the virgin soil for the farmer's seed. He opened up a farm near where the little city of Newman now stands, and remained there until the fall of 1834, when he sold out and moved back to Clark County, and purchased a home near the old homestead where his father lived. Hosea Hale was a very quiet, unassuming Christian, and he served his God through the Baptist Church, holding family prayer night and morning, and serving his church in the capacity of deacon for nearly one-half century. He passed off quietly on January 1, 1839, at the age of seventy years, ten months and two days. James Hale continued to occupy this farm until the latter part of the year 1841, when he sold out and moved to Monroe County. He remained in this county for ten years, embracing that period in his life, intervening between thirty-seven and forty-seven years. In many respects this was the prime of his life, and his moral character, his rectitude and his honorable bearing, made for him many friends among the good people of this section. He was often solicited to represent his county in the State Legislature and to hold other offices, but would decline to do so, for the reason that he did not wish to entangle himself in the wrangling of politics. In the latter part of 1851, he moved to Henry County, Where he remained for six years, and in the fall of 1857 he moved to Newton County, Mississippi and bought a farm near the town of Decatur, upon which he continued farming until 1869. William P. Hale, the subject of this sketch, was reared principally in Monroe County, Georgia, receiving a common school education. In 1851 he commenced life for himself by farming for his father. In 1852-53 he was employed as a traveling salesman in Florida for a clock firm in Jonesboro, Georgia; then he taught school for three years, and in 1857 he came to this county, and was one of the firm of Berry, Hale & Co., who sold clocks, maps and charts. February 1, 1860, Mr. Hale was married to Miss Chistena C. Jordan, of this county. In 1861 he enlisted in the Fifteenth Arkansas Infantry, in which he served until the close of the war. The principal battles in which he took part were: Forty Henry, Fort Donelson, Port Hudson and Mark's Mill. He was captured at Fort Donelson, but made his escape at night, was afterward captured at Port Hudson, and was paroled. He arrived home in June, 1805. In 1869 his parents sold their farm and effects in Mississippi and came to this county to live with him. They went to Hill County, Texas in 1874, to live with their youngest son, Willis J., the remaining days allotted them in this life. They had been worthy members of the Baptist Church for forty years. Mrs. Hale was an affectionate and loving wife and mother. She had done her life's work nobly, and was ready to pass away. She died August 14, 1975,and was about seventy-five years old. Mr. James Hale continued to live with this son, moving with him to Van Zant County. In politics he was a Democrat, and in whatever he did he strove to do it well. He died January 6, 1884, and was eighty years, ten months, and thirteen days old. Mrs. William P. Hale was the mother of twelve children, eight of whom are still living, viz: Edgar O. (a clerk in Camden), Alla L. (now Mrs. Laller, of Marion Township), Metza D. (at home), Estella G. (now Mrs. Livingston, of Lafayette Township), Gurtha L., Lero B., Eleri L. and Roy O. (all at home). Both Mr. and Mrs. Hale believed in the doctrines of the Christian Church. Mrs. Hale died September 15, 1886. Mr. Hale came of a long-lived family, and one, but few of whom were under six feet in height of weighed less than 200 pounds. On May 10, 1888, Mr. Hale was again united in marriage to Mrs. Amanda Marsh, widow of William Marsh, of Nevada County, this State. Mrs. Hale is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Hale owns a fine farm of 712 acres of land, with about 300 acres under cultivation. He devotes his time principally to raising improved cattle and hogs. In his political views he affiliates with the Democratic party, and takes an interest in the politics of his county, and is widely and favorably known throughout a wide territory.[INDEX]

Sherod E. Hale. This much esteemed and representative citizen was originally from Clark County, Georgia, his birth occurring near Watkinsville, June 13, 1835, and is the son of James Hale and the grandson of Hosea Hale. He was reared and educated in Georgia and was married in that State January 3, 1856 to Miss E. E. Carnes, a native of Henry County, Georgia. She was born February 13, 1835. To this union nine children were born, viz: Thomas S., John W., Mary L., Enner S. (deceased), William M., James C., Una A. (deceased), Dona A. and Oda May, the two latter are yet at home. After his marriage, Mr. Hale emigrated to Newton County, Mississippi, settled near Decatur, and remained there twelve years. In 1870 he moved to Ouachita County, Arkansas and there he has since made his home. Mrs. Hale died March 10, 1882. Mr. Hale's second marriage occurred October 26, 1882, to Miss Martha J. Watkins, who was born in this county May 13, 1834. She died August 6, 1885. Mr. Hale was married, the third time, January 30, 1887, to Mrs. Virginia Roberts, who was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Mr. Hale is the owner of 160 acres of land, and eight lots in Stephens. He moved to that town in 1884, and embarked in the drug business which he carried on until 1887, and then sold out. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Woodlawn Lodge No. 15, and in politics affiliates with the Democratic party, his first vote being for James Buchanan. Mr. Hale and his ancestors so far as knows, have been members of the Baptist Church, and his wife (as were also his first two wives) is a member of the same. [INDEX]

Colonel Tom Hardison, attorney, Stephens. Mr. Hardison is one of those men, too few in number, who fully recognize the truth so often urged by the sages of the law, that of all men, the reading and thoughts of a lawyer should be the most extended. Systematic reading gives a more comprehensive grasp tot he mind, variety and richness to thought, and a clear perception of the motives of men and the principles of things; indeed of the very spirit of laws. This he has found most essential in the prosecution of his professional practice. He was born in Coweta County, Georgia, December 8, 18161, and was the younger of two sons bore to Luther W. and Mary A. (Taylor) Hardison, natives of South Carolina. His brother, William Harvey Hardison, was also born in Coweta County, Georgia, and there attained his growth. After arriving at years of discretion, in choosing a profession to which to devote his life, he elected that of medicine, and to perfect himself in that branch he entered a medical school at Atlanta, Georgia, and after the usual course of study was graduated from that institution. Immediately after his graduation he entered a medical college in Philadelphia and later, one in New York, and was graduated from both of these institutions with high honors. After his studies were completed, he received the appointment of surgeon for the western division of the United States army, stationed in Kansas, but after holding that position for three years, he resigned. He then came to this county, and entered upon a bright career which was cut short by his untimely death. Although he had been a resident of this county but a short time, he had already established a large practice, and his prospects for the future were bright. Tom Hardison was reared on a farm in Georgia, and at the age of seventeen years commenced reading law with Benjamin H. Hill, the leading attorney of Atlanta, Georgia, and in 1879 was admitted to the bar. He entered upon his legal career in Atlanta, Georgia, but continued there only one year, and then moved to Kingston, Texas, and shortly after locating there was chosen State's attorney of Greenville District. Eighteen months later he resigned that position to accept that of attorney for the Texas division of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and he acted as attorney for that company until 1888, when he resigned in order to more thoroughly devote his attention to the interests of the Van Slick Cola Mining Company (incorporated under the laws of Arkansas), of which he is president and one of the largest stockholders. He is now engaged in the practice of law in the Civil, Federal and Supreme Court of Arkansas and Texas, and is considered one of the best criminal lawyers in Southern Arkansas. Out of seventy-eight criminal cases which he defended in Texas in 1888, he won sixty-seven. He was united in marriage, December 30, 1886, to Miss Lottie Scott, who is counted among the members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Col. Hardison is a Royal Arch Mason, and past master of his lodge, and is also serving as chancellor commander of his K. of P. Lodge. He also holds membership in a new order called the White Rose, of which he as the honor to be called the worthy chief of the State. He is one of the prominent Democrats of this county, and in 1889 he acted as delegate to the Democratic Convention, which was held for the purpose of nominating the judge of the Federal Court. His parents are still living, their home being in Stephens, Arkansas.[INDEX]

Dr. J. T. Henry is one of the very foremost of the professional men of the county, and is acknowledged by all to be an especially skillful physician and surgeon. He was born in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama in 1847, being a son of James and Mary Ann (Walser) Henry, who were born in South Carolina in 1881 and Georgia in 1816, respectively. They were married in Alabama, and from there moved to Mississippi in 1847, and reached Ouachita County, Arkansas in 1858, and here resided until his death in 1884. His widow survives him, and both were members of the Methodist Church for many years. He was engaged in farming until the latter part of his life, then engaged in merchandising at Holly Springs. He was in the Confederate army from June, 1861, to January, 1862, then returned home on account of ill health. His father, James Henry, was of Irish descent, a farmer by occupation, and died in Bibb County, Alabama. The paternal grandfather was Samuel Walser, a German, who died in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. Dr. J. T. Henry was the sixth of ten children, eight of whom are now living and was reared to farm life, receiving a good common school education in his youth, principally at Holly Springs. In 1868 he began the study of medicine with Dr. W. H. Falen, of that place, and then entered the Medical Department of the University of Kentucky, at Louisville, but after attending this institution one year he became a student of the Medical University of Nashville, from which he was graduated in 1873. He at cone located near Bearden, where he has built up an extensive practice, but since 1889 he has been a merchant of the town, although that business has received his attention for the past ten years. He is a Democrat, a member of the A. F. & A.M., and was master of his lodge two years, but is now senior warden. In 1874 he married Miss Sidney A., a daughter of Garrett and Anna O. Gatlin, who removed from Georgia to Ouachita County at an early day, but afterward settled in Union County, where the father died in 1876, having been a farmer throughout life, his wife being a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Henry was born in Ouachita County, and she and Mr. Henry have become the parents of eight children, on son and five daughters now living.[INDEX]

William B. Hickman, Sr. was a farmer, a judge from 1843 to 1844 in Ouachita County, Arkansas, and a Master Mason. Born in Tennessee. Lived in Alabama, Mississippi (Lowndes & Monroe Counties), Arkansas (Ouachita Co.), Texas (Anderson Co., near Palestine). William was also a charter member of the First Methodist Church of Camden, Arkansas in 1843.[INDEX]

Alfred C. Jackson has been a tiller of the soil all his life, having learned the details of farm work of his father, who was also an agriculturist. His birth occurred in Hardeman County, Tennessee, April 27, 1827, he being a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Jackson, the former of whom was a Georgian who emigrated to Alabama with his parents, and was married there. He and his wife became the parents of seven children, four of whom are now living: Charles C., Nancy E. (wife of Macom McCaskill, of Tennessee), Margaret A. (wife of James Beeves, residing in Arkansas), and William S., Albert and Roford C. are deceased. Samuel Jackson died in Hardeman County, Tennessee in 1832, and his wife in 1879, she being a member of the Baptist Church. Alfred C. Jackson emigrated from Tennessee to Arkansas in 1849 and settled on woodland farm in Ouachita County, and like all the early settlers, experienced many hardships before getting his farm in tillable condition. He was married in 1850 to Miss Mary Lewis, a native of Mississippi, born on January 6, 1837, a daughter of Everett and Martha C. (Reeves) Lewis, who were natives of the Old North State. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have had a family of eleven children born to them, six of whom are now living: Martha E. (wife of Andrew J. Smith, of this county), Mary J. (wife of David Walker, a farmer of Nevada County), Virginia B., John R., Viola E. and Katie C. In 1862, Mr. Jackson enlisted in Company D, Arkansas Infantry, but aside from a few skirmishes, never participated in any engagements. He served until 1865, then returned home and began devoting all his attention to tilling the soil, being now the owner of 160 acres of excellent farming land, of which about seventy-five acres are in an excellent state of cultivation. Mr. Jackson was elected to the office of justice of the peace in 1866, which position he held four years, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church.[INDEX][Page 5]