L. E. Stancell, deputy sheriff of Poinsett County, Ark., was born in Northampton County, N. C., in 1847, being the fourth of seven children born to William E. and Caroline E. (Long) Stancell, their births having occurred in North Carolina and Virginia, respectively. The father was a planter and merchant, and in 1854 came to Arkansas, and settled near the present town of Harrisburg, where he entered a timber tract, which he commenced improving, but only lived to conduct the work for two years, his death occurring in the month of October, 1856. His wife survived him until 1869, when she, too, was called to her long home. After the death of his father, L. E. Stancell took the management of the home farm on his own shoulders, and although he was compelled to work hard, he managed to acquire a fair English education, in the district schools of the county. In January, 1869, he was married to Miss Lura A. Malone, who was born in Tennessee, and died in 1870, and, after remaining a widower until 1881, Mr. Stancell wedded Miss Mittie O. Mitchell, also of Tennessee, and a daughter of M. A. Mitchell and wife, nee Hindman, natives of Tennessee, who came to Poinsett County, Ark., in 1856. The mother died in 1879, but the father is still living, and resides with Mr. Stancell. From 1872 to 1880 Mr. Stancell was engaged in the grocery business, but at the latter date sold out, and has since given his attention to farming, but from 1888 to January, 1889, also conducted a grocery. This business he then gave up to assume the duties of sheriff. Socially, he is a member of Poinsett Lodge No. 184, of the A. F. & A. M., and of White Hall Lodge No. 77, of the I. O. O. F. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and are the parents of two children: Lola Elizabeth and Lela G. Mr. Stancell is a supporter of Democratic principles, and has held the office of justice of the peace for six years. In 1864 Mr. Stancell enlisted in Capt. W. G. Godfrey's company, and was afterward with Price on his raid through Missouri, but surrendered in May, 1865, and returned to Poinsett County, where, as stated above, he has since made his home.