A. S. Thorn & Co., general merchants, of Marked Tree, Ark. A. S. Thorn is an example of the success attending hard work and honest dealing, and his trade is solidly established and reaches over the surrounding country. They carry an excellent and select stock of general goods, and the building in which they do business is their own, and they also own a good frame hotel. Their store was established in 1886, and, as stated above, they are doing a prosperous business. A. S. Thorn was born in York District, of South Carolina, in 1834, and is the third of a family of ten children born to Jesse and Frances (Miller) Thorn, who were born in South Carolina and North Carolina, respectively. The father was a planter, and in 1838 removed to the "Blue Grass State," and from there to Poinsett County, in 1848, but entered land in Craighead County, and in 1874 moved to Jonesboro, where he lived a retired life until his death, in 1875. He took considerable interest in local politics, and, although originally a Whig, he afterward became a Republican. His wife's death preceded his by one year, she having borne him the following children: William Jasper, who in 1861 enlisted from Crittenden County, in Capt. Barton's regiment of cavalry, and while trying to capture a vessel, in 1862 was shot, dying a short time afterward in the month of April; John Newton, another son, resides in Craighead County, and is engaged in farming; A. S., our subject; Mary, who died young; D. H., who is married and resides in Jonesboro; Harvey J., who was killed in 1871 by a falling tree; Zilla, who died in 1864; Martha (Mrs. Hubbs) residing in Craighead County; Sarah (Mrs. Abraham Brown), also of that county, and Caledonia (Mrs. Gwinn), also residing there.
A. S. Thorn received no educational advantages in his youth, but educated himself after reaching manhood. He began farming in Craighead County, and was married there, in 1856, to Miss Ollie Owen, of Tennessee, but her death occurred the same year. He next wedded, in Poinsett County, Miss Nannie Bradsher, of Tennessee, their union taking place in 1859. She bore Mr. Thorn one child, Ida, and died in 1866. This daughter married a Mr. Hydrick, in 1882, and is living in Scott Township. In 1867 Mr. Thorn's third union was consummated, his wife being Miss Amanda J. Mardis, of Alabama, and their marriage has resulted in the birth of three children: Willie N., Ruth and Bessie Beatrice. In 1866 Mr. Thorn removed to Scott Township, and purchased a partially improved farm of 1,350 acres, and put 250 acres under cultivation. He has since divided with his children, but still owns 150 acres there, all under cultivation.
He remained on this farm until November, 1884, when he moved to Little River Township, and the following year embarked in his present business, at which he is doing well. He had previously been engaged in the same enterprise at Harrisburg, in 1872, the firm name being D. H. Thorn & Co., but at the end of eighteen months he sold his interest. He has a good farm of 320 acres, with about 120 acres under cultivation, and gives considerable attention to raising stock. He read law while living in Scott Township, and in 1872 was admitted to the bar, and since that time has practiced more or less. He is independent in his political views, and on the 13th of March, 1868, he was elected sheriff of Poinsett County, and served until the latter part of 1874. He is a member of Lodge No. 184 of the A. F. & A. M., at Harrisburg, and in this order is a member of Poinsett Chapter, No. 77. He and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.