James E. McRAE

"In the list of names which have made Pope County, Ark., one of the most populous and prosperous of the State, Mr. McRae's name holds a prominent place. He was born in Marlboro District, S. C., about 1816, a son of Colin and Frances (HARPER) McRAE, who were born in Marlboro and Chesterfield Districts, S. C., respectively, from which State they removed to Alabama, when their son James E., was about one year old. The latter was left fatherless when about thirteen years old, and his mother afterward married Jackson HOBSON, with whom she came to Ashley County, Ark., where she died about 1876, a worthy Christian lady and a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. McRae was a blacksmith, and in an early day was captain of a company of militia. The paternal grandfather, James McRae, was a native of Scotland, but during the early history of this country came to America and settled in South Carolina, where he farmed throughout the remainder of his life. The maternal grandfather, John HARPER, was born in South Carolina, but died in Alabama, he being also a farmer by occupation. James E. McRae is one of five children born to his parents, was reared on a farm but, owing to the early death of his father, he received a very limited education. He was married in 1840 to Miss Lucinda, daughter of Jesse and Fereby McLAIN, the father being a South Carolinian, and the mother a native of Ohio. They died in Polk County, Ark., and Alabama, respectively. Mrs. McRae was born in Alabama, and has borne her husband six children, three of whom are living: Fereby E. (wife of Dr. M. M. WIMBERLY), James T., and Elizabeth (wife of Warren WATKINS). The eldest child, John Colin, died in prison at Camp Chase, Ohio, having held the rank of captain of his company. The other children that are deceased are Mary C., who died in 1863, aged about eleven years) and an infant. In 1854 Mr. McRae removed to Texas, but two years later came to Ashley County Ark., and in in 1868 to Polk County, where he has since lived. His farm comprises 400 acres in all, is excellent and fertile land, the result of his own toil, as he started out for himself with no means. He split rails for his first cow, and his wife did weaving for their first feather bed. They had to deny themselves many conveniences and luxuries, but their early struggles have been rewarded, and they are now in independent circumstances. Mr. McRae is a member of Dallas Lodge of the A.F.&A.M., and since 1845 has been a member of the I.O.O.F. His wife has been an earnest member of the Missionary Baptist Church for many years, and is a true Christian lady.



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