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Jesse G. Ham, M. D, Among the widely known and most successful physicians of this county is Dr. Ham, who was born in Gibson County, Tenn., in 1834, and was reared and educated in Trenton, Tenn., being a faithful student in Andrew College, of the latter place, for some time. At the early age of sixteen years he began clerking in a drug store, and there acquired a taste for the science of medicine. He commenced his studies under Drs. Tulafro and Leaster, and after making a thorough preparation and devoting his energies to this study for some time, he began attending l****stures in the Nashville Medical College, and graduated from McDowell's Medical College, in St. Louis, Mo., in 1857. He decided to commence his professional career in the “Blue Grass State,” and accordingly located at Birmingham, but moved shortly afterward to Memphis, Tenn., and entered upon an active and prosperous career there, in partnership with his uncle, Dr. Tom Peyton, who was one of the leading members of the medical fraternity in West Tennessee. After dissolving partnership with his uncle he went to the Indian Territory, and after remaining for some time in Maryville, he again made a change of residence, this time taking up his abode in the “Lone Star State.” From this point he moved to Matamoras, and after a short period spent in that place he returned to Texas, first to Dallas, then to Johnston Station, back again to Dallas, and then to Fort Worth. In this place he remained until May, 1861. when he and Mr. De Eldrige, of Virginia, raised a company of soldiers, and Dr. Ham was made its captain. They went to Louisiana, but, as, according to the law no organized body of men could be received from Texas, the battalion was disbanded at New Orleans. After this Dr. Ham joined the Fifth Louisiana Regiment, Crescent City Guards, commanded by Judge Hunt, which was the third regiment of men that landed at Yorktown, where Cornwallis surrendered. After the first fight near the coast the command fell back to Williamsburg, where Washington's old barracks were still standing, and Dr. Ham was in the house in which Patrick Henry lived. Dr. Ham was there requested to go before the medical board, and was made assistant surgeon of the Regular Confederate States army, and was assigned to duty at Chiborago Hospital, Va. He remained in the medical department until the final surrender, then returned to the State of Tennessee, and moved from there to Woodruff County, Ark., where he recommenced the practice of medicine. From that time until 1880 he practiced in Jackson and Lawrence Counties, after which he came to Cherokee Bay, and here has since resided. He was first married to Miss Lizzie A. McKee, of Mississippi, and took for his second wife Miss Lizzie A. Thorna, who was a native of New Jersey. Dr. Ham is a Democrat, and a member of the A. F. & A. M. He is a son of James and Martha (Peyton) Ham, the former of whom was a Virginian. Mr. Ham moved to Tennessee when about twenty-five years old, and had acquired a large fortune in the gold mines of Georgia. He held a number of local offices, and was first constable, then deputy sheriff, and finally sheriff of the county in which he resided. He was also clerk of Gibson County, Tenn. He is now deceased. His father was a native of Virginia, and was a son of a native Frenchman.

R. N. Hamil, merchant, Pocahontas, Ark. In preparation of this brief outline of the history of one of the representative men of Randolph County, appear facts which are greatly to his credit. His intelligence, enterprise, integrity, and many estimable qualities have acquired for him a popularity not derived from factitious circumstance, but a permanent and spontaneous tribute to his merit. He established his business in Pocahontas in 1875, and has about the largest general store in the county. His birth occurred in Jeffersonville, Ind., in 1847, and he is the son of William A. Hamil, a native of Tennessee. The maiden name of his mother was Miss Sarah E. Crepps, a native of Virginia, but she had married a Mr. Waddell previous to her marriage to Mr. Hamil. R. N. Hamil moved with his mother to Arkansas on the 18th of February, 1849, and was rearod and educated in Pocahontas. When but sixteen years of age he enlisted in the Forty-Fifth Arkansas, and served until the close of the war. He then returned to [p.395] Pocahontas and engaged in the grocery business, which he followed a few years. He then commenced clerking for L. Hecht & Co., remaining with them until 1875, when he established his present business, which he has continued ever since. He employs five men in the store, and carries a large stock. He was married in Pocahontas in 1873 to Miss Gertrude Kibler, a native of Randolph County, Ark., and one child has been the result of this union: Lelia. Mrs. Hamil died in 1875, and Mr. Hamil took for his second wife Miss Blanche Kibler, a sister of his first wife, and and two children were born to this union: Earle and Nell. Mr. Hamil is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also of the Knights of Honor. He has been a member of the board of aldermen of the city for a number of years, and takes an active part in politics. He owns 2,000 acres of land, also a farm near town, and aside from his mercantile business he also runs a cotton-gin, and is a leading business man.

A. H. Hatley is one of the representative business men of the county and was born in North Carolina on the 10th of July, 1832, being a son of Redin and Delphia (Kelley) Hatley, who were of English and Irish parentage and were born in the State of North Carolina. The Hatley family emigrated to the United States about 1770, as near as can be ascertained, and settled in North Carolina, from which State the paternal grandfather and his brothers are supposed to have enlisted in the Revolutionary War, being members of the American army. Redin Hatley was born in 1800, his wife two years later, and their deaths occurred in 1863 and 1842, respectively. The former was justice of the peace for many years in North Carolina, and although not an active politician he voted the Whig ticket. His wife was a member of the Christian Church, and of seven sons born to their marriage two are now living: A. H. and Henderson, who is a resident of this county. A. H. Hatley became the architect of his own fortune in 1851 and although his father was quite a wealthy man, being the owner of a number of slaves, he failed to educate any of his children, and as a consequence A. H. was obliged to earn his living as best he could. On the 22d of December, 1852, he landed in Randolph County, Ark., and four years later he made his first purchase of land, which embraced 160 acres, and on this farm he has since made his home, it now amounting to 173 acres. In addition to this he owns 120 acres of land on the Current River bottom and a one-half interest in eighty acres on the bay at Peru; also a one-half interest in a general mercantile establishment, which nets from $8,000 to $10,000 per annum, the stock of goods amounting to about $3,000. In 1888 he erected a fine cotton-gin at Maynard, and owns one-half of a gin in the bottoms, which annually turns out about 500 bales. In this enterprise he is one of the leading men in this section of the State, being also one of the largest property-holders. At the time of his arrival here he owned nothing, and has made his property by energy and shrewd management. He has been married twice, the first time to Miss Nancy Mitchell, by whom he became the father of two children: Julia A., who was born August 25, 1853, and James H., who was born October 14, 1855. Mrs. Hatley died August 25, 1858, six years after her marriage, and after living a widower one year Mr. Hatley married, September 18, Miss Mahulda Abbott. Elen L. (wife of Gus Reynolds, of Reno), born January 3, 1864; Mandy H., born October 15, 1866, died November 7, 1868; Naomi H., born November 29, 1869; Eli H., born October 2, 1872; August A. H., born July 18, 1875; Atlas H., born July 18, 1878, and Ivy H., born October 28, 1886, and three who died in infancy were their children. Mrs. Hatley was born in 1841. Mr. Hatley joined the Confederate army in September, 1862, enlisting in Company A, and was captured in January, 1863, at Van Buren, Ark., but was paroled after a short time and returned home. After remaining at home for about six months he was again forced into the service, and was with Price on his raid through Missouri and Arkansas. Since that time he has been engaged in the occupations named above, and is now one of the wealthy men of the county. He is a Democrat, and a member of the A. F. & A. M.; his wife belongs to the Christian Church.

William E. Hibbard is a leading and enterprising merchant of Randolph County, Ark., and is a member of the firm of Hibbard & Westherford, who do a general business at Gravesville. He was born in the State of Mississippi, May 10, 1850, and is a son of Joseph and Delilah (Walker) Hibbard, the former a native of Mississippi, and the latter of Tennessee. They were married in Tennessee, but made their home in Mississippi until their son, William E., was a small lad, at which time they moved to Independence County, Ark., from there to Fulton County, and in 1865, came to Randolph County, where the widow and her children have since lived, the father having died in St. Louis, in 1862. He was a teacher and a farmer by occupation, a Democrat in politics, and while a resident of Fulton County, Ark., served several years as justice of the peace. The mother is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and she and Mr. Hibbard became the parents of nine children (William E. being the fourth), and five of them are now living: George W., a farmer of Randolph County; Nancy, wife of Abijah McDaniel, also of this county; Emily, wife of James McDaniel; Sarah, wife of Robert Ballew, they also being agriculturists of this county, and William E., who acquired a good education through his own exertions, and when only a small boy began to assist his mother and brother to make a living for the balance of the family, as they had been left in destitute circumstances by the war. He worked by the day and month until twenty-one years of age, when he married Miss Martha Collier, and began for himself. His wife was a daughter of Robert and Sarah Collier, and was born on the 29th of January, 1851. Their family now consists of eight children: Delilah, William H., Emma, Joseph, Adar and Ida (twins), Martha and Thomas. After his marriage Mr. Hibbard made one crop in Woodruff County, but the following year went to Fulton County, and rented laud of Mrs. Sanders, but after making one crop there he returned to Randolph County, purchased a 120-acre farm on credit, and has since increased his acreage to 250, all of it being fine land, the result of industry and good business ability. In March, 1887, he formed a partnership with Vincent Seagraves, in the general mercantile business, and the following year bought out Mr. Seagraves, and conducted the business alone until within a few months, when he and W. J. Weatherford became associated. He is a Mason and a Democrat, and is one of the most enterprising men of which the county can boast.

Isaac Hirst keeps a general grocery at Pocahontas, Ark., and was born in Greece in 1844. He was brought to the United States by his uncle when a child and grew to manhood in Cincinnati. Ohio, and at Pocahontas, Ark., also receiving his education in the public schools of these places. After reaching a suitable age he worked as collector for different firms for some time, and in 1868 embarked in business for himself. Prior to this, however, during the war he espoused the cause of the Confederacy and served until he was severely wounded in 1864 on Saline River, in Arkansas. He was at Greenville, Mo., Shreveport, Pleasant Hill, La., Prairie Grove, Jenkins' Ferry and Helena, Ark., and was a participant in many skirmishes. After the close of the war he resided in Memphis, Tenn., for three years, then returned to Pocahontas and as above stated entered business for himself, in which he has successfully continued ever since. His efforts to acquire a competency have more than realized his expectations and he now owns some valuable town property. In his political views Mr. Hirst is a Democrat, and he is a Master Mason, a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of H. His people are of Hebrew faith, but he belongs to no church. He was married May 1, 1877, to Miss Nora Hubble, by whom he has two little daughters: Lena and Edith. His parents. Jacob and Theresa (Hanauer) Hirst, were native Germans, but after their marriage removed to Greece and still later to America, the former's death occurring in Philadelphia, Penn., and the latter's in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our subject has an uncle who resides in Memphis, Tenn., and is a member of the mercantile firm of Schollfield. Hanauer & Co.

Dr. Martin Hogan was born on Blue Grass soil November 16, 1833, and inherits Virginia blood [p.397] from his father and mother, William and Mary (Wallace) Hogan. The father removed to Kentucky in 1808, and was married in Logan County, of that State, in 1812, and there reared a family of four sons and two daughters: Mary A., wife of Dr. Joseph Stewart, died in Arkansas; James B. (deceased), William, who died in Kentucky; John, who died in Randolph County; Maria L. (deceased) and Martin. The father was drafted in the War of 1812, but secured a substitute. He died in Logan County, Ky., in 1840, followed by his wife in 1870, in Livingston County, Ky., both being consistent members of the Christian Church at the time of their death. The youthful days of our subject, Martin Hogan, were spent in laboring on his father's farm, and his early opportunities for acquiring an education were of the most meager description. After reaching the age of twenty-one years, he entered a graded school with the determination to secure a good education, and after attending for some time at Allensville, he entered the Oakland Institute, and afterward the Franklin Institute in Christian County, Ky., where he finished his literary education, his career in these institutions of learning being marked by close application to his books and able scholarship. During the winter of 1857-58, he attended lectures in the Nashville Medical College, and in the winter of 1858-59, he was a diligent student in the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, from which institution he was graduated as an M. D. in 1859. He commenced immediately the practice of his chosen profession in Logan County, Ky., and after practicing in Livingston and Marshall Counties of that State until 1871, he landed in this county, where he has been engaged in farming in connection with his practice, since about 1873. The Doctor takes but little interest in politics, but devotes all his time to his profession; when he does vote, however, he supports the principles of the Democratic party. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and he, wife and eldest daughter are members of the Christian Church. November 13, 1860, he married Miss Mary S. White, in Lyon County, Ky., her birth having occurred in that State on the 17th of July, 1840. The following were their children: Mary C., who was born March 10, 1862, and is now deceased; William M., born December 17, 1863; Mary R., born January 4, 1867; Lou, born March 15, 1869; John E., born March 21, 1871, and is now deceased; John, born October 20, 1872; Birdie, born March 18, 1874; Lizzie M., born May 5, 1876; Lina W., born April 21, 1879; and Madison B., born February 14, 1884. Mrs. Hogan is a daughter of George and Catherine (Martin) White, to whom were born the following family: Mary S. and Samuel, Eliza A. and George M. (deceased), Elizabeth H., John E., Sarah (deceased), Sol. M., and Edna M., wife of Charles Sexton, of Kentucky.

B. F. Hollowell, M. D. Few, if any, industrial or professional pursuits have within the last few years made such rapid strides as that of the profession of medicine, and among the leading physicians of Randolph County, Ark., who have availed themselves of all new ideas and put them in practice, may be mentioned Dr. Hollowell. He was born in North Carolina in 1823 and was the eldest of seven children, three now living, born to Silas and Sarah (Farmer) Hollowell, who were North Carolinians. They moved to the State of Tennessee in 1828, and in 1832 located in Mississippi, where they died in 1867 and 1869, respectively, both aged sixty-seven years. Silas Hollowell was an active politician in his day, and was also deeply interested in the cause of religion. Their children, who are living, are Martha A., wife of John Porter, of the State of Mississippi; Julia, wife of D. J. Rogers, of Marshall County, Miss., and Dr. B. F. The paternal grandfather, Edward Thomas Hollowell, was born in the “Emerald Isle,” and was an enterprising tiller of the soil. Dr. Hollowell was given the rearing and education which is accorded the majority of farmers' boys, but this work was not suited to his tastes, and he early formed a desire to study medicine. At the age of twenty years he left home and entered upon his medical studies under a preceptor in Marshall County, Miss., and after two years of faithful and diligent study he entered Oxford Institute, from which institution he graduated in 1847. The following year he moved to Izard County, Ark., where he [p.398] was actively engaged in the practice of his profession until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted as a Federal spy, and to the best of his ability kept the Union forces posted as to the doings of the enemy. During this time he continued the practice of his profession as a blind, but in 1863 he openly joined the Federal forces as a scout, serving in this capacity until the close of the war. From that time until 1870 he was a practicing physician of Greene County, Mo., after which he returned to Izard County, Ark., and was actively engaged in the practice of his profession for two years. The two succeeding years were spent in Asb Flat, Sharp County, Ark., and the following year he was appointed deputy collector of this district, which position he held in a very efficient manner until 1877, at which date he was appointed United States commissioner for the Eastern district of Arkansas, and still continues to discharge the duties of this position to the satisfaction of all concerned. Since the year 1878 he has resided on his present farm. He was first married in 1843 to Miss Frances C. Box, who was born in Alabama and died in 1858, having borne two children: Sarah P., wife of James Robinson, and Stephen E. Margaret Beard, a native of Alabama, became his second wife in 1859. Eugenia, wife of John Wood; Ann Eliza, wife of John McCracken, and Joseph are the extent of their family. Dr. Hollowell was called upon to mourn the loss of his second wife in 1874; she had been an earnest member of the Christian Church for many years. His first wife was a Methodist and an earnest worker for the cause of Christianity. The Doctor was married at Ash Flat, in June, 1875, to Miss E. B. Goodwin, a native of Tennessee, an estimable lady whose education and general information well qualify her for a minister's wife. She is a member of the Christian Church and an active, zealous worker. Two children are the result of this union: Walter Cullen, in his thirteenth year, and Hubert Clayton, in his eleventh; both bright, active lads, who promise much in the way of comfort to their parents. Dr. Hollowell was ordained a minister of the Christian Church, October 28, 1868, and much of his time and attention has been devoted to expounding the Gospel, and his efforts in saving souls have met with good results. He has always been a stanch Republican in his political views, and he has shown his approval of secret organizations by becoming a member of the A. F. & A. M.

William L. Holt, justice of the peace, Warm Springs, Ark. To the person who closely applies himself to any occupation which he has chosen as his calling through life there can be but one result–that of success. The above mentioned gentleman has been an agriculturist the principal part of his life, and success has marked his efforts. He has a farm of 240 acres, 100 being under cultivation, has a good house and barn, and over his broad acres may be seen many horses and cattle, for he is also a prominent stock farmer. He has received assistance from no one, but is simply the architect of his own fortune. His birth occurred in Randolph County, Ark., January 1, 1842, and he is the son of John and Mary (Barrett) Holt, natives of Missouri and Alabama, respectively. The parents were married in 1839. The elder Mr. Holt was born in May, 1814, and died January 12, 1862. He came to Arkansas with his father when only seven years of age, and was reared in this county. He received but a limited education, and tilling the soil was his principal occupation during life. His wife was born in May, 1818, and died March 4, 1884. She was a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Holt was quite active in politics, and cast his last vote for Stephen A. Douglass. Although a Democrat he opposed the Rebellion. The maternal grandfather of our subject was in the War of 1812, served under Gen. Jackson, and was at the battle of New Orleans. The paternal grandfather was one of the pioneers of Missouri, and during his early life in Washington County, of that State, had many fights with the Indians. He came to Raudolph County, Ark., as early as 1821, and many interesting and exciting times did he have with the Indians in this section. Buffaloes and many wild animals were also very plentiful. He was a hatter by trade, a prominent Mason, and was one of the leading men of the county. William L. Holt was [p.399] reared in his native county, and had only limited educational advantages, but these he improved, and is now one of the best posted men to be found in the county. He was married October 18, 1862, to Miss Nancy G. Philips, a native of Tennessee, and they have two children, W. A., engaged in merchandising at Warm Springs, married to Miss Melissa Dalton, of Warm Springs, in November, 1886, and has one child, John R., living at Doniphan, Mo., and is clerking in a store. He has been attending school for some time at that place. Our subject, W. L. Holt, was in the Confederate army, enlisting in 1862, and surrendering at Jacksonport, Ark., June 5, 1865. He was on Gen. Price's raid through Missouri, and took part in numerous engagements. He returned to his home at the close of the war, and engaged in farming and stock raising, which he has carried on in a very successful manner ever since. In 1878 he was elected justice of the peace, and served two terms. He was re-elected in 1884, and has held the position since, this making his fifth term. In 1888 he was a member of the Democratic State Convention, has been school director several terms, and has held many minor offices. At the time of his marriage he was not possessed of a great amount of this world's goods, but he has been successful in all his undertakings, and is now prepared to enjoy life. He is Democratic in his politics. Mrs. Holt is a member of the Baptist Church, and he also holds to this faith.

Joseph Hufstedler, who represents the milling interests of Randolph County, Ark., is a Tennesseean by birth and bringing up, and inherits the principles of the better class of citizens of that State. He was born in 1843, and as soon as a suitable age was reached he was placed in school, but after attaining his eleventh year his education was received in Randolph County, Ark. In 1861 he entered the Confederate army, and served until February 20, 1864, when he left the field and came home. He was at Shiloh. Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga and in other engagements, and was wounded twice during his service. After his return home be engaged in farming, and in 1869 was appointed sheriff and collector of the county for four years, and at the end of that time was elected treasurer on the Republican ticket, and ably discharged the duties of that office for two years. He has also filled the office of deputy United States marshal of Northern Arkansas for several years. For some fifteen years he has been engaged in the milling business, and his establishment is fitted up in good style, consequently the product which he has turned out has proved to be eminently satisfactory. Besides his mill he owns four and one-half acres of land on which is his residence, and also a farm of 200 acres. He was first married to Miss Mary Hufstedler, and after her death he wedded Miss Huldah Hufstedler, and by her has had a family of nine children: Birdie, Ella, Blanche, Lizzie D. and Kate, living, and Lydia, who died at the age of nineteen months; Earl, when one and one-half years old, and two children who died in infancy. Our subject and wife are members of the Christian Church; he is a Royal Arch Mason, and belongs to the K. of H. He is a son of Joseph and Lydia (Chandler) Hufstedler, and is the youngest of their five children, three of whom are living. The father died when our subject was a small lad. He was a farmer. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Hufstedler, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and removed from his native State to Arkansas in 1854, where he died five years later. His father was a native German, and came to the United States at an early day, and first settled in North Carolina and afterward in Tennessee.

Simon Peter Hurn. Among those who deservedly rank among the progressive and rising agriculturists of Randolph County, Ark., is the above mentioned gentleman who has resided here since 1850, and is now the owner of 400 acres of as good land as there is in the county. He is one of ten children, and was born in Monroe County, Ga., April 25, 1829, and is a son of Randall and Nancy (Dunn) Hurn, natives of North Carolina and Georgia, respectively. The father removed to Georgia when a young man, was married there, and there resided until 1850, when he moved to Arkansas, and located in Randolph County, where he died in May, 1858, when sixty-six years of age, followed [p.400] by his widow two years later when aged about fifty-six years. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he was a Baptist until a few years before his death, when he became Methodist in belief. He was a life-long Democrat, a farmer by occupation, and after a lifetime of hard labor he became a wealthy citizen. His father, James Hurn, who was of Irish birth, served in the Colonial army during the Revolutionary War and was a participant in many battles, being at Yorktown when Cornwallis surrendered. He died in North Carolina. The maternal grandfather, James Dunn, was born in North Carolina, and also served in the American army during the Revolution. The children born to Randall and Nancy Hurn are as follows: James and Simon Peter, farmers of Randolph County; Paul R., a farmer of Washington County, Ark., Mark, a farmer of Clay County, Ark.; Ezekiel, a minister of the Washington County Primitive Baptist Church; Permelia E., wife of James Sammonds of Randolph County; Nancy J., wife of Ben F. Tyler, a farmer of this county, and Leah S., wife of William Kirk of this county. Those deceased are John and Matthew, who was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in Randolph County. At the age of twenty-one years, Simon Peter Hurn, our subject, began life for himself as a farmer, but afterward learned the butcher's and stone mason's trades, at which he worked for many years. He started without any means whatever, but by the help of his wife, who was a strict economist and an excellent manager, he has become one of the wealthy men of the county. In 1861 he enlisted in Capt. Connor's company, Adams' regiment of the Confederate States army, and during his four years' service he was in the battles of Saline, Pilot Knob, Big Blue and others. He was a heavy loser by the war, but afterward managed to make his losses good. Sarah Jane Alexander, a daughter of John W. and Mary T. (Mostice) Alexander, became his wife November 21, 1850. She is a native of the county and was born August 31, 1830, becoming by Mr. Hurn the mother of eight chilren: Matilda E., Mary L., John W., Emily J., Luther D., Peter M., Eliza Ann, Leslie B. and Thomas F. Peter M. died when six years of age. Mr. Hurn and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, for the past forty years, and he has served the most of this time as steward. Politically he is a Democrat.

J. W. Ingram is a substantial farmer and miller of the county, and as such deserves honorable mention in these pages. As he was born in this county. May 8, 1839, the people have had every opportunity to judge of his character, and he has won the confidence and esteem of all. He is a son of James P. and Rebecca (Mansker) Ingram, the former having been born in Virginia, February 6, 1800, and the latter in Tennessee, March 6, 1811. James P. Ingram was removed by his father to Kentucky in 1805, and there remained until 1824, when he removed to Randolph County, Ark., and settled on what is now known as the Old Ingram Farm, on the old military road, six miles southwest of Pitman's Ferry. Here he lived from 1834 until he died, August 12, 1874, at the age of seventy four years. His widow resided on this farm for fifty-three years, and died on the 27th of June, 1888, at the age of seventy-seven years, three months and twenty-one days. She came with her parents to this State in 1817, and lacked only a short time of having lived here seventy years. Mr. Ingram was an industrious agriculturist, and accumulated property to the amount of 1,000 acres of land. He served as constable eight years, justice of the peace six years, and county judge four years. He was married on the 12th of April, 1825, his wife being only a little over fourteen years of age at that time. Their family consisted of eleven children, the following being those who are now living: G. H., a farmer of this county; Leddie B., wife of H. H. Hatley, and J. W. Those deceased are Lurana, wife of W. P. G. Johnston, and Hannah ****., who died at the age of twenty years; the rest died in childhood or infancy. J. W. Ingram commenced life for himself at the age of eighteen years, and was married then to Miss Rebecca M. Mansker, their union taking place on the 12th of April, and to them the following children have been born: M. E., wife of W. C. Smith, of this county; Martha R., wife of William Jolly, of this county; W. G. [p.401] C.; Sarah L., wife of Robert G. Johnson, being those living; and L. V. J., the deceased wife of Benjamin Phipps, and Mary L., who is also deceased, having been the wife of F. M. Ezell. Mrs. Ingram was born October 18, 1839, and is now no more, having passed to her long home April 25, 1870. Our subject's second union took place October 9, 1870, his wife's maiden name being Josie C. Mock, of this county. Five of their children died when small, and three are now living: R. G. C., who was born September 2, 1883: T. F., born May 17, 1875, and J. R., born March 22, 1877. The mother of these children died on the 28th of December, 1883, having been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. South, and her husband espoused his third wife, Mrs. Mary P. (Kerley) Tilley, on the 10th of April, 1884. Laura Dean, who was born on the 16th of April, 1885, being the only one of their three children who is now living. Mrs. Ingram's first union took place on the 2d of July, 1871, and she bore her husband three children: Sarah L., born December 10, 1872, and Thomas J., born August 3, 1877, being the only ones living. Mr. Tilley was born in Tennessee, and died on the 12th of February. 1882, having been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. While serving in the Confederate army he lost all the fingers of one of his hands, and was discharged from the service. Mr. Ingram, the subject of this sketch, also served in the Confederate army, joining Company I. Shaver's regiment, on the 8th of August, 1863. He surrendered at Jacksonport. Ark., June 5, 1865, having been with Price on his raid in Missouri. During this time he lost all his property except his land; but this he returned to, and began to improve, erecting in 1869 a cotton-gin, which he continued to operate until 1878, when it was burned to the ground. The loss is estimated at $3,500. On the 17th of January, 1873, he was taken ill with erysipelas, and by the 21st of that month he had lost his eye sight. He has had ten children he has never seen. He is a wealthy farmer, owning 1,460 acres of land, with some 248 acres under improvement. He has a steam cotton-gin, seventy head of cattle, twelve head of horses and mules, and numerous other domestic animals. Although blind, this does not deter him from work, and he can readily bind wheat and oats, feed a threshing machine or steam cotton-gin. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and is a Democrat. He and his wife are church members, he belonging to the Methodist and his wife to the Baptist Church.

A. W. James is a man who has been exceptionally successful in his career as a planter, and owing to his desire to keep out of the old ruts, and to his ready adoption of new and improved methods, together with energy and shrewd business tactics, he has acquired an extensive land area embracing at least 1,400 acres. Many of his broad acres are devoted to the culture of cotton, and his plantation is one of the finest in the State. He was born in Smith County, Tenn., October 18, 1826, but grew to maturity in the State of Arkansas (Phillips County), whither his parents moved in 1840. At the breaking out of the Mexican War he joined the service, and was on active duty for one year. He was not wounded while on duty, but now receives a pension for his services. In 1848 his marriage with Miss Elizabeth Slaten was consummated. She was born in 1848, and bore following children: Bartlett, Mary, Daniel. Laura, Martha and Jehn. Mr. James did not side with either faction during the late war, but after the close of hostilities he settled in Randolph County, where he has since made his home. He has always cast his vote with the Democratic party, and for the past thirty years has been a minister in the Baptist Church, but has not preached a great deal during the last few years. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. His parents, Alexander and Elizabeth (Brookshire) James were born, reared and married in North Carolina, and as stated above moved to North Carolina in 1840. The father served in the War of 1812, and was a participant in the battle of New Orleans. He and wife both died in Phillips County, Ark., the latter being sixty years of age at the time of her death. Only two of their ten children are now living. The paternal grandfather was a North Carolinian, who died in Smith County, Tenn.

W. P. G. Johnston is one of the leading farmers of this section of the county, and the condition of his farm shows the care and attention to details which have ever characterized his efforts. He was born in Tennessee in 1833, and is a son of Gregory and Martha (Burton) Johnston, who were born in North Carolina and Virginia, respectively, were married in Tennessee about 1820, and engaged in farming in Randolph County, Ark. (whither they moved in 1848), until their respective deaths in 1877 and 1875, when aged seventy-seven and seventy-three years. Six of their nine children lived to maturity, and five are now living: Rev. L. F.; L. B.; Aurena, wife of Rev. Jesse Robertson; James F. and W. P. G., all of whom are residents of Randolph County. The parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the father was a Democrat in his political views. W. P. G. Johnston commenced farming for himself at an early day, was married to Miss Lurana Ingram in 1852, and by her became the father of five boys and one girl, three of whom are living at the present time: James L., George G. and John F. Mrs. Johnston died in December, 1865, having been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and Mr. Johnston wedded, in 1867, Miss Jane E. Ross, of this county, to whom were born six children: Robert G., Rufus M., Samuel P., Walter S. and Martha J., living, and one deceased Mr. Johnston was called upon to mourn the death of his second wife in 1876, she having been a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and a good and faithful wife and mother. Mr. Johnston's third nuptials were celebrated on the 3d of March, 1878, the lady being a Miss Pernecia J. Lewis. Charles A., Horace B., Mary A., Ida B., Joab and Amanda E. are their children. In 1862 he joined the Confederate service under Col. Jeff. Thompson, and operated east of the Mississippi River until he was discharged after the battle of Fort Pillow, on account of sickness, and returned home, where he remained until he had thoroughly regained his health. In 1863 he again enlisted, becoming a member of Col. Baber's regiment of infantry, and was with him until the surrender of Little Rock, at which time he was taken prisoner, and was kept in captivity for some time. After taking the oath of allegiance he was allowed to return home in 1864, and here he remained unmolested until the close of the war. He engaged in farming and erected a cotton-gin, which was the second gin put up in this section of the county. These occupations have since received his attention, and he has done well, being now the owner of 216 acres of land, with about 100 acres under cultivation. He is a Democrat, a Mason, and he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

Mrs. Nancy Green Jones was born in Nashville, Tenn., in 1829, and is the relict of Green R. Jones, and a daughter of Joseph W. and Charlotte C. (Ellis) James, both of whom were born in the State of Tennessee, the former's birth having occurred, it is supposed, in Nashville; he died in Pocahontas, Ark., when forty-three years old; the latter died there at the age of seventy-six years. The paternal grandfather was born in Scotland, and at a very tender age was taken to the United States, where, after growing to manhood, he was married to a Miss Duke, of Virginia, she being a niece of Gen. Nathaniel Greene, of Revolutionary fame. The maternal grandfather was a nephew of that general. Mrs. Jones has been married three times, her first husband being William Herbert Allaire, who was born and reared at Long Branch, N. Y., and was a millwright by trade. He died in 1856 at Pocahontas, Ark. His father was Alexander B. Allaire, a Frenchman, who at one time owned the present site of Long Branch, and afterward moved to White Plains, becoming a wealthy merchant of that place. His father was Capt. Allaire, of France, who married the Baroness of Breton, Denmark. The coat of arms belonging to her family is still in possession of her descendants in New York City. To our subject and her husband, William Herbert Allaire, were born three children: Fannie C., Flora C. and William Herbert, who was a cadet at West Point, graduating in the class of 1882. He is now a lieutenant at Fort Wayne, Detroit, Mich. Our subject's second husband was William Evans, who was born and reared in New York City. During the war he was [p.403] a Federal enrolling officer, and was shot and killed in his own house, this act being in retaliation of a Confederate enrolling officer having been killed in like manner. To Mr. and Mrs. Evans a daughter was born named Lucy. His widow was married after the war to Green R. Jones, who died in Pocahontas, Ark. Mrs. Jones is an estimable lady and for the past thirty-five years has been an earnest and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

John Jones, a well-known resident of the county, was born on the farm where he now resides, October 27, 1835, and is a son of John and Mary (Black) Jones, the former being one of the very first settlers of Randolph County, Ark., and was the first man to locate on Jones' Creek, which took its name from him. Here his death occurred in 1842, when about sixty years of age. His wife also died here in 1838, about the age of her husband. He was a professed Christian, and had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. They were well-to-do citizens, and were the owners of a number of slaves besides other property, also a large amount of real estate; at the time of his location here the nearest postoffice was sixty miles away. Six sons and two daughters blessed their union, of which children three are now living: John, Andrew and Sarah, the latter being the wife of William Sloan. John Jones attended the early schools of Randolph County, and after his parents' death, which occurred when he was a small boy, he made his home with an elder brother, James, until twenty years of age. Although he started in life for himself with no means, he has done well, and is now the owner of a finely improved and well located farm on Jones Creek. When the war cloud, which had so long hovered over our land, burst, Mr. Jones showed his willingness to aid the Southern cause, and in 1861 enlisted in Company A, Col. Trumbull's regiment of infantry, and was in many battles, among which were Corinth, Richmond, Ky., and a number of skirmishes. He afterward joined Capt. Mitchell's company, Col. Reeves' regiment of Arkansas Cavalry, and was at Independence and Fayetteville, seeing, during his term of enlistment, some very hard service, but was neither wounded nor taken prisoner. Mary Wells, a daughter of Hutchinson Wells, became his wife February 23, 1859. She was born on the 14th of January, 1843, and by Mr. Jones became the mother of five children: William Irvin; Armitta, wife of Charles Tisdell, a farmer of the county; Rufus, Elizabeth, and another. After the death of his first wife Mr. Jones, in 1884, wedded Mrs. Mary (Galbraith) Wayland, who was born in Anderson County, Tenn., November 5, 1841, and by her has one daughter, Ola Ann. When small, Mrs. Jones came to Lawrence County, Ark., with her parents, and was married there to Jonathan Wayland, who is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically he is a Democrat.

Adolphus H. Kibler. This substantial and representative agriculturist was born in Lincoln County, N. C., December 9, 1820, and was educated in his native State, receiving excellent educational opportunities in Lincoln Academy, which advantages he did not fail to improve. At the early age of twelve years he entered the employ of a merchant, with whom he remained as a clerk for sixteen years, and then, tiring of the work, he turned his attention to farming, which has been his chief occupation. He remained in his native State until 1857, then emigrated west, and located in Randolph County, Ark., where be has since made his home, and by his own individual labor has become the owner of a fine tract of land embracing 320 acres. He has been honored with various offices in the county, and was first elected in 1859 internal revenue commissioner, which position he held four years. In 1878 he was chosen county treasurer, was re-elected three times, serving in all eight years, and discharged the duties of this office in a highly creditable manner, and to the satisfaction of all concerned. In 1845 he was married to Miss Mary A. McKeraff, a daughter of John McKeraff. She was born in Burke County, N. C., in 1824, and her union with Mr. Kibler resulted in the birth of six children, four of whom are now living: Augusta, wife of H. H. Woddell, a farmer of Pocahontas: Mary Alice, [p.404] wife of Dr. Wise, of Paragould; Harriet, wife of Dr. G. W. Crosby, of Pocahontas, and George M., a farmer of the county. Those dead are Laura and Willie. Mr. Kibler and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South; he is a Democrat, and has been a Mason for the past twenty-five years. In the spring of 1862 he enlisted in the Forty-fifth Arkansas Confederate Infantry, and was forage master of the regiment until the close of the war, when he surrendered at Jacksonport, Ark. He is a son of Michael and Catherine (Lorance) Kibler, both of whom were born in Lincoln County, N. C., and died in North Carolina and Randolph County, Ark., in 1848 and 1859, respectively, the latter being sixty-four years of age at the time of her death. They were married in their native State, and when a young man, the father was engaged in blacksmithing; also farmed the latter part of his life, and was very successful in the accumulation of this world's goods. He served in the War of 1812, acting as drum-major, and in his political views he was a Whig. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church, and were the parents of the following family: Adolphns H., Mauernia, wife of Jacob Dailey, of Benton County, Ala.; Sophronia, also living in that county, and Dr. M. H., who is a prominent physician of Northeastern Arkansas, and resides near Black's Ferry in Randolph County. Miles M. was a captain in the Confederate army during the late war, and was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg. William was surgeon of a regiment in the Confederate army, was wounded at Murfreesboro, and was aid on Gen. Claiborne's staff. He afterward resided in Cross County, Ala., and there died. The paternal grandfather, David Kibler, was a German, who came to America about the close of the Revolutionary War, located in Lincoln County, N. C., and after a number of years removed to Iredell County, of the same State, where he spent the balance of his life. The maternal grandfather, Isaac Lorance, was born in England and also located in Lincoln County, N. C.

Marion H. Kibler, M. D., is one of the leading physicians of Randolph County, Ark., and has been a practicing physician here since 1853. He was born in Catawba County, N. C., January 19, 1831, and until eighteen years of age passed his days in his native State; but at this time a strong desire to learn medicine caused him to commence its study with Dr. John Scurry, at Cross Plains, Ala., and he made such sufficient progress under his instruction as to justify him on entering the active practice of the profession soon after, in partnership with his instructor. While in Alabama he was the first physician to use chloroform in Benton (now Calhoun) County, as an anæsthetic, and his experiment proving highly satisfactory, it was largely adopted by other physicians. The early training which he received in this science was by no means sufficient to satisfy a person of his inquiring mind, consequently he attended a course of lectures at Augusta, Ga. Since 1853 he has been a resident of Randolph County, Ark., and his career here as a physician has long been well and favorably known to the many who have tested his healing ability, and his success is shown by the extended territory over which he goes to alleviate the sufferings of the sick. In 1863 and 1864 he was examining surgeon in the Confederate service. He was married, in 1856, to Miss Amanda J. Cain, a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Cain. Mrs. Kibler was born in Alabama December 27, 1839, and died in Randolph County, Ark., May 30, 1876, leaving one daughter, Ella S., the wife of Dr. G. A. Seals. The Doctor married his present wife July 27, 1887, her maiden name being Nannie M. Hulett, a daughter of A. J. and Anna M. Hulett. By her the Doctor became the father of one child, Marion Hulett. He has always been a Democrat in his political views, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. His parents, Michael and Catherine (Lowrance) Kibler, were prominent residents of North Carolina, in which State the mother was born. The father was born on the Atlantic Ocean, while his parents were on route from Germany to the United States. They located in Pennsylvania, and afterward in North Carolina, where Michael grew to manhood and married. He spent his life in that State, and died in 1848, at the age of fifty-six years. He was a blacksmith [p.405] and a farmer, a Whig in politics, and in his religious views was a Lutheran. Four of his six children are now living: A. H., ex-treasurer of Randolph County, Ark.: Minerva, wife of Jacob F. Dailey, a prominent merchant of Piedmont, Ala.; Sophronia, at Piedmont, Ala., and Dr, Marion H. The two deceased are Miles Michael, who was a lieutenant in the Confederate army, and was killed at Richmond, Va., and W. R., who was a surgeon in an Arkansas regiment, was wounded at Franklin, Tenn., and died from the effects of the wound several years after the close of the war.

Rev. D. N. King, minister and farmer. Warm Springs, Ark. Although young in years Mr. King has already done much good in the world by administering to the spiritual wants of his fellowmen and by living a life of such consistency and purity as can not fail to have its effect on the rising generation. His birth occurred in Georgia on the 13th of January. 1852, and he is the son of Carter and Louisa (Flanigan) King, natives of Georgia, and of Irish parentage. Carter King was a farmer and a tanner by occupation, which he followed in Georgia until 1866, when he moved to Tennessee and settled in Roan County. He there farmed on rented land until 1869, when he came to Randolph County, Ark., and settled in Warm Springs Township, where, in 1869, he purchased eighty acres. This he proceeded to improve, but one year later sold out and moved into a different neighborhood. where he died shortly afterward, in March, 1871. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, a member of the Baptist Church, and was well respected by all who knew him. He served one year during the latter part of the war in the Confederate service, and surrendered in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. King were the parents of eleven children, six now living: D. N., Rebecca F. (wife of F. M. Thornsberry). James M., Sarah E. (wife of H. C. Croger), Joseph J. and Mary L. (wife of James Hovis). Mrs. King then married in 1873 Mr. G. A. Barrett, and by him became the mother of two children, one living. Mr. and Mrs. Barrett are still living in this county. At the age of twenty years D. N. King was married to Miss Mary S. Wooldridge, of Arkansas, and immediately afterward engaged in tilling the soil. He had very little property at the time of his marriage (1872), but he is now the owner of 160 acres, of which seventy-five acres are under a good state of cultivation and with good buildings, etc. He is one of the enterprising citizens of this section, and lays a great deal of his success in life to the exertions of his chosen companion. He was ordained a minister in the general Free Will Baptist Church, and began preaching the Gospel on the 8th of October, 1882. Since then he has performed the marriage ceremony for about nine couples, and has baptized a large number of converts. Mr. and Mrs. King became the parents of seven children: Louisa J., born on the 15th of April, 1873, and died on the 14th of September, 1874; W. L., born on the 22d of September, 1876, and died on the 6th of April, 1880: John C., born on the 25th of January, 1879: E. E., born on the 8th of November, 1881; Jasper N., born on the 10th of February, 1884; Dora L., born on the 23d of August, 1886, and one who died young. Mr. King is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been a school director in his district. Mrs. King is a member of the Baptist Church.

Dr. J. N. Kirkpatrick, Elm Store, Ark. To the people of Randolph, as well as surrounding counties, the name that heads this sketch is by no means an unfamiliar one, for the owner is ever to be found by the bedside of the sick and afflicted, and his career as a practitioner and thorough student of medicine has won for him no less a reputation than have his personal characteristics as a citizen and neighbor. His parents, E. S. and Annie (Woodrome) Kirkpatrick, were both natives of Tennessee. The father, who was born February 22, 1810, came to Arkansas in 1835, settled in Big Bottom, on White River, Independence County, and there remained one year. In 1836, he moved to Lawrence County, and settled on Reed's Creek, twenty miles northeast of Batesville, Ark., where he bought 160 acres of land, and where he reared his family. He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Annie Woodrome, daughter of John Woodrome, whom he wedded in 1830. To [p.406] them were born ten children, and seven of these lived to be grown: J. N.; James E., living in Wilmington, Cal.; W. T., living in Franklin County, Ill.; A. R., living in Oregon County, Mo.; and H. C., in this county; the others are now deceased. Mrs. Kirkpatrick was born on the 3d of March, 1814, and died in 1860. For his second wife, Mr. Kirkpatrick selected Mrs. Elizabeth (Goacher) Smithee, and to this marriage were born four children, only one now living–Eva J., a teacher in Conway County. E. S. Kirkpatrick was a brick and stone mason by trade, and some of the first houses in Batesville are monuments of his handiwork. When he first came to this State, he brought with him only a team, but later became the owner of considerable property and about 500 acres of land. Mr. Kirkpatrick was in the Black Hawk War, and was in the fight at Kellog's Grove, under Maj. Dement, and had his horse killed from under him in this fight. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and politically he was a Democrat. He died in September, 1876. Mrs. Kirkpatrick was also a member of the same church. The paternal grandfather, John Kirkpatrick, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was in the battle of New Orleans. The maternal grandfather, John Woodrome, was also in the War of 1812, and was also a participant in the battle of New Orleans. The paternal great-grandfather served under Gen. Greene in the war for independence, and the maternal great-grandfather was a native of South Carolina, was in the Revolutionary War also, and served under Gen. Gates during the entire term of service. Dr. Kirkpatrick was born in Franklin County, Ill., October 30, 1831, and was educated in the subscription schools of the county, attending such schools as were available until 1856. Hethen entered the St. Louis Medical College, and afterward came back to Arkansas, and settled in Randolph County, where he now resides. This was in 1857, and he has since lived in the same place, practicing over a large territory, often riding thirty-five miles to relieve some suffering mortal. The Doctor resided here at the time of the war, but did not enter the service. He was married, in 1856, to Miss Sarah Catherine Wann, a native of Alabama, and the fruits of this union were nine children, these now living: Robert S., Eleanor A. (wife of H. A. Clark), Albert N., Hiram T., Charles M. and R. F. When the Doctor first commenced his practice in this section, he had the modest sum of 25 cents in his pocket, and borrowed a horse to ride. By close attention to his profession, he has accumulated considerable property, and is the owner of 366 acres. He has also his town property, consisting of business house and stock of drugs, and also a good deal of personal property. He is W. M. of the Masonic lodge, and in politics is a Democrat.

G. B. Kline. As far back as can be traced the ancestors of Mr. Kline have been native Germans, and in Bavaria, Germany, our subject was born in 1834. His parents. G. B. (Sr.) and Louisa (Wayner) Kline, were well-to-do land holders in their native land, and there lived and died. The grandfather was also a Bavarian, and the family is one of the oldest and wealthiest there. They are Lutherans in religious faith. G. B. Kline was educated in Germany, and when about eighteen years of age he emigrated to the United States, landing first in the city of New York. He went from there to Virginia, where he had an uncle living, and made his home with him for several years, working at his trade, that of a shoemaker. but afterward worked as a section hand on the railroad. After some time he went to the “Buckeye State,” working at his trade two years, then lived successively in Virginia and Illinois. While in the latter State he heard the speeches of Lincoln and Douglass, who were then opposing candidates for the United States Senate, their speeches being delivered in the city of Bloomington. He was in Washington, Ohio, when Buchanan ran for the presidency. After leaving Illinois he went to Memphis, Tenn., and followed his trade for several months in that city, then came directly to Pocahontas from that place. Here he has since made his home. During the Civil War he espoused the Southern cause, and was in active service for eight or ten months. He was taken prisoner at Yellville, but was afterward paroled. After the close of the war he embarked in the shoemaking business [p.407] on quite an extensive scale, and for some time employed several journeymen. In addition to this work he kept a saloon for some years, and his house was always orderly. He is now the owner of some valuable town property, and has 200 acres of good land three miles from Pocahontas. He is a Democrat in his political views, and is a Master Mason, a member of the I. O. O. F. and the K. of H. He has been married three times, his first wife being Miss Angeline Lillard, who died soon after the birth of her first child. George. His second wife, nee Ann Hubble, also bore him one child, Laura C., and died after about six years of married life. His present wife was a Miss Wilmoth B. Galner, and they have one child. Frederick.

James R. Knotts is a South Carolinian by birth and bringing up, having been born in Chesterfield District of that State on the 31st of August, 1827. James and Mary J. (Edding) Knotts, his parents, were also born in South Carolina, and died in Randolph County, Ark., he in 1857, when about fifty-seven years of age, and she when about fifty-five years old. After the celebration of their nuptials in their native State, they removed to Randolph County, Ark. (in 1829), and located at Cherokee Bay, and about six years later took up their abode on a farm in the neighborhood, on which James R., their son, is now residing. From their youth they had been members of the Baptist Church, and they took a great interest in church work. The paternal grandfather, James Knotts, was a native of Wales, who came to the United States prior to the Revolutionary War, and settled in Virginia. He was a commissioned officer in the Continental army during that war, being a participant in many battles, and was at Yorktown. He afterward moved to South Carolina, and there resided until his death, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. He was always noted for his great physical strength up to the time of his death, which occurred quite suddenly. He was a farmer by occupation. James Knotts, father of our subject, was a farmer and mechanic, though he never served a regular apprenticeship at the trade, but picked it up at odd times, having a natural taste for the work. He was quite an extensive manufacturer of all kinds of implements, such as wagons, axes, guns and the like, in connection with which work he also conducted his farm in an admirable manner, being ably assisted by his wife, who was an excellent business manager. Of their large family of children our subject is the eldest, and three are now living: Joseph T., a blacksmith and farmer of the county; Burton, also a farmer of the county, and James R. The latter always made his home with his parents, and a few years prior to their deaths he engaged in the timber business, making several trips to New Orleans, rafting. During this time he also made two trips to Texas, and there spent one winter and also in the Indian Territory. After his return home he turned his attention to farming and stock raising, and the property of which he is now the owner has been acquired through his own exertions. Although he was a heavy loser during the late war he has retrieved his losses, and is now counted among the prosperous tax payers of the county. He saw some hard service during the Rebellion; and although he enlisted to join in the Mexican War, he was not mustered into the service. He was married to Elmira, the daughter of Jesse Walrond. She was born in Virginia in 1846, and when a young girl was brought to Arkansas by her parents. Eight of a large family of children born to their union are living: James J., Harriet W. (wife of Wesley Bennett, a farmer of the county), Joseph L., Virginia, Rufus, Essie, Burley and Burton D. Mr. Knotts is a Democrat, politically.

J. T. Lomax, a member of the well-known law firm of Lomax & Collier, is a gentleman well versed in the usages and intricacies of law. He is one of the ablest of jurists, and has few peers in his comprehensive knowledge of State and international law. His birth occurred in Perry County, Tenn., in 1851, and he is the son of James and Elizabeth Lomax, and the grandson of Thomas Lomax, a native of South Carolina. The latter was reared to farm life, but for forty-one years he was county clerk and recorder of Perry County, Tenn. He is a prominent citizen, and is now residing in Tyler, Tex., in the enjoyment of comparative good health, at the age of eighty-six years. [p.408] James Lomax was also reared to the arduous duties of the farm, and is still engaged in that pursuit. He came to Randolph County, Ark., in 1857, settled in Roanoke Township, improved a good farm, and now resides in the same neighborhood. J. T. Lomax came with his parents to Randolph County, when a child, and remained on his father's farm until seventeen years of age, receiving his education in the meantime in private schools. At the above mentioned age he began teaching school, and followed this occupation until 1882, studying law in the meantime. The two years following he taught school in Pocahontas, and was admitted to the bar in February, 1883, after which he established himself in practice at this point, and has been actively engaged ever since. The firm hold a large and growing clientage, and their co-partnership is a happy and prosperous one. They make a specialty of collecting and abstracting, and have a complete set of abstracts of Randolph and Clay Counties. Mr. Lomax was married, in 1879, to Miss Josephine V. Mitchell, a native of Randolph County. Mr. Lomax is closely identified with school matters, and has been one term county examiner. He was also mayor of the town one term. Aside from his practice Mr. Lomax is also the owner of some town property. He is of English descent on his father's side, and German on his mother's.

Erasmus D. Looney, farmer, Dalton, Ark. All his life Mr. Looney has followed, with substantial success, the occupation to which he was reared, and in which he is now engaged, farming. One of the largest land owners in Davidson Township, he is also one of its recognized leading agriculturists, and as a man, no less than as a citizen, he is highly esteemed. His birth occurred May 1, 1848, and he is the son of W. S. Looney, who was also a native of Arkansas, born in 1820. The elder Looney received very meager opportunities for schooling, but his father, being an educated man, taught his children at home, and thus they became fairly educated. W. S. Looney was married in 1834 to Miss Pollie Wells, a native of Tennessee, and the result was the birth of two children: one who died when small, and Erasmus D., the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Looney died in 1851, and Mr. Looney was married, the second time, to Miss Catherine Garrett, and ten children were born to their union, all of whom died young. Mr. Looney was forced into the army, but being very unhealthy his son Erasmus D. took his place, and the father remained at home. When first married the latter possessed very little property, but at the time of his death he was the owner of about 1,000 acres, with about 300 acres improved. He had made all this without assistance, and was a self-made man in every sense of the term. He was a member of the Golden Circle during war times, and in his political views affiliated with the Democratic party. Previous to the war he owned a dozen negroes, besides other personal property, to a great extent, horses, cattle, etc. He was one of the wealthiest men in the county, but lost all except his land during those times. The paternal grandfather of our subject was born in Knox County, Tenn., and was the first white man that settled on Eleven Points, as he came here as early as 1802, and entered 1,500 acres of land. He brought three negroes with him, and for a number of years was obliged to go to Cape Girardeau, Mo., 135 miles distant, and be gone for about two weeks, to buy his groceries and other necessary articles. Their meat was obtained from the forest which abounded in bears, deer, turkeys, etc. He could not raise hogs on account of the bears. Very little farming was done in those days, as from six to ten acres was considered a good crop, and the horses and cattle lived on the cane. A number of years elapsed before there were any settlers besides himself and two brothers named Stubblefield, on this stream, and it was fifteen to twenty miles to the nearest neighbor. He had a fine orchard, and made brandy in great quantities, about 1,500 gallons per year. Erasmus D. Looney early in youth learned the mysteries of farm life, and obtained a fair education by attending the subscription schools of his day. In 1863, he joined the Confederate army, Company E. Col. Reeves' regiment of cavalry, and served until June 5, 1865, when he surrendered at Jacksonport. Ark. He was engaged in a number of battles, notably Prairie Grove, [p.409] Fredericktown, Pilot Knob, Jefferson City, California, Brownville, Lexington, Glasgow, Independence and quite a number of minor engagements. After the war Mr. Looney returned home, and went immediately to work to repair the losses sustained by the war. He commenced farming, and continued this occupation until 1867, when he engaged in merchandising. Previous to this, in March, 1866, he married Mrs. Frances E. Herren, nee Overton, of Mississippi County, Mo., and seven children blessed this union, five now living: Laura B., wife of Frank Jackson, and born January 18, 1867; William S., born December 22, 1868; Mary A., born November 7, 1872; Caroline, born November 27, 1875; Richard (deceased), born July 4, 1878; Della (deceased), born September 3, 1881; Thomas Estell, born March 5, 1882. The two who died were Della, March 5, 1873, and Richard, March 5, 1883. Mrs. Looney was born July 8, 1844, and is the daughter of James and Mary (Beacham) Overton, natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Overton came to Missouri at an early day, and settled in Mississippi County. They were the parents of six children, three arriving at maturity, Richard (deceased), whose family resides in Mississippi County, Mo., Charles (deceased), and Frances E., wife of our subject. Mrs. Looney was first married to Mr. Thomas Herren, and by him became the mother of one child, James W., who lives at Cherokee Bay, Randolph County. Mr. Herren was in the Confederate army, and was murdered by Leeper's men in the last year of the war. Mrs. Looney's father died in 1865, and her mother in 1854. Mrs. Looney and her daughter, Laura B., are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Looney is a Democrat in politics, and is one of the enterprising citizens of the county.

Stephen C. McCrary. The agricultural affairs of Randolph County, Ark., and particularly of Current River Township, are ably represented by Mr. McCrary, who comes of an old established family of this community. Hugh McCrary, his father, a Kentuckian by birth, who was a blacksmith and a farmer by occupation, was one of the early pioneers of Phillips County, Ark., and made the second cotton scraper ever used in Phillips County. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and took an active part in the battle of New Orleans. He died in 1870 at the age of seventy-seven years, and his wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Wilson, also died here. When twelve years of age Stephen C. McCrary began to fight the battle of life for himself and made his home with his relatives until August, 1864, when he enlisted in the Confederate army, and until the close of the war was in several hotly contested engagements. After his return to Phillips County he engaged in farming, continuing until 1867, since which time he has followed the same occupation on Current River, in Randolph County. He improved a small farm, but in 1880 removed to Reyno and built a cotton-gin, grist and saw-mill (the first in the place), which he is still conducting. The capacity of his saw-mill is 8,000 feet per day, and gives employment to twelve hands, and about one-half the town of Reyno is laid out on his land, of which he has 120 acres. In 1866 he was married to Miss Harriet Susan Hite, of Phillips County, and their family comprised seven children, only three of whom are living: Sallie C., widow of J. S. Reynolds, of Reyno; Blanche, wife of James E. Casey, and John, at home. The family was called upon to mourn the death of the mother in 1879. Two years later Mr. McCrary married Elizabeth Goodwin, whose maiden name was Luttrell, and by her he has three children: Mande, Helen and Vistor. Mr. McCrary is a Mason, and his wife belongs to the Eastern Star Lodge.

Dr. Jonathan M. McGuire is worthy of being classed among the substantial residents of Randolph County, Ark. He was born in Scott County, Va., May 27, 1823, and is a son of John B. and Nancy (King) McGuire, who were also Virginians, the father a farmer and blacksmith by occupation, who after coming to Randolph County, Ark., in 1858, continued to follow these occupations until his death, which occurred in 1864, at the age of sixty-two years. He was a Mason, a Democrat politically, and the last forty years of his life was an elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he [p.410] was an eloquent expounder of the Christian faith. His wife, who was also an earnest member of that church, died in 1867. The following are the surviving members of their nine children: J. M., whose name heads this sketch; J. F., a farmer, residing in St. Clair County, Mo.; T. B., a practicing physician, of Kansas, and David F., a farmer, of Ripley County, Mo. Dr. Jonathan M. McGuire received a limited education in youth, and at the age of nineteen years began the battle of life for himself, and from 1824 to 1859 was engaged in husbandry in Middle Tennessee. At the latter date he moved to Arkansas, and located on his present farm of 160 acres, which is well improved, with good buildings and orchard. In addition to his farm work he is a practicing physician, and is well and favorably known throughout Northeast Arkansas, having followed this profession for the past thirty years. He has held the office of district commissioner for ten years, and is an active supporter of all worthy movements in his community. Politically he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison, for President, and his last for his grandson, Benjamin F. Harrison. He was married on the 13th of October, 1841, his wife being a native of Middle Tennessee. She died in 1863, having borne the following children: James, who died in Arkansas, at the age of forty years; Nancy A. (Miller) who also died in Arkansas, at the age of twenty-six years; Mary (Shoemaker), who died in this State, at the age of twenty-two years; Nebraska Delaney, who died in Arkansas, when twenty years of age, and Thomas Cary, who is married, a farmer and resides in Clay County, Ark. Mr. McGuire was married to his second wife April 22, 1865, she being a Mrs. A. A. Friar, of Como County, Miss., who died in January, 1882, having borne two children: America Jane, who was born in 1865, and died when six months old, and J. B., who was born in January, 1868, and is now married to Emeline Odum, of Missouri.

Hon. Hammet McIlroy, the oldest living settler of Randolph County, Ark, was born in Madison County, Mo., March 9, 1812, it being then a portion of Louisiana Territory. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (McLain) McIlroy, the father's birth occurring in Culpeper County, Va., in 1781, and his death in Randolph County, Ark., April 8, 1853. The early youth and manhood of the father were spent in his native State, and his first removal from there was to Hopkins County, Ky., where he met and married Miss McLain, whose birth occurred in South Carolina, in 1793, their union taking place in 1808. Shortly after their nuptials they removed to Cape Girardean County, Mo., then to Madison County, and in 1813, came to what is now Randolph County, Ark., where they made their home until their respective deaths. The mother died December 5, 1850. Samuel McIlroy was a soldier in the War of 1812, and fought the Seminole Indians. In his youth he learned the hatter's trade, but the most of his later years was spent at farming, in which occupation he was quite successful. He was a Democrat. His father. Daniel McIlroy, was born in Virginia, and was of Scotch descant. He was a Revolutionary soldier, and was once captured at the battle of Long Island. Alexander McLain, the paternal grandfather, was also in that war, and was at the battles of King's Mountain, Cowpens and others. There were born to the marriage of Samuel and Elizabeth McIlroy, ten sons, seven of whom lived to maturity. Hammet was the second child, and is one of only two who are now living. He and his brother, Andrew J., worked for their father until sixteen years of age, learning in the meantime the hatter's trade, and after that time began working at their trade for themselves. In 1844 Hammet turned his attention to farming, and his labors in this direction have been attended with good results, he being now the owner of 650 acres of excellent land, a considerable portion of which is rich bottom soil. He has been an extensive trader in grain and stock, and has shipped both down the river on flatboats. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and in 1850 he was elected to represent Randolph County in the State legislature, and in 1852 was re-elected to the same position. July 11, 1833, he married Miss Elizabeth Davis, a daughter of Lot and Mary Davis, who came from Iron County, Mo., to this [p.411] county in 1818. She was born May 14, 1815, and died February 1, 1871, having been an earnest member of the Baptist Church for many years. Five of her ten children are now living: William, Thomas J., Archibald Y., Elizabeth Jane and Clorah T. Mr. McIlroy married his second wife on the 10th of September, 1871, her maiden name being Maria L. Cooper, who was born in Greene County, Ind., April 22, 1828, a daughter of M. Cooper, and the widow of William J. Inman. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and although they are now quite aged, they are yet hale and hearty, giving promise of spending many more years of usefulness in Randolph County. In the legislature of 1850 Mr. McIlroy heartily indorsed the compromise act as it was passed by Congress that year, and warmly supported by Clay, Webster, Douglas and others. This session witnessed resolutions introduced, some approving and others opposing the action of that honorable body. In 1860 and 1861, when the subject of secession was being warmly discussed, he opposed secession to the utmost of his ability, first because he did not think there was sufficient cause to justify such a course, and next owing to a belief that secession could not win. After the war had progressed about three years and President Lincoln had offered his amnesty proclamation, he was in favor of accepting that, and when the Confederate armies had surrendered and peace was made and the Southern States offered pardon and restoration to their constitutional rights in the Union on certain conditions, he advocated reconstruction as proposed by the Federal government, as they were the victorious party, and as such had the right to dictate the terms of peace to the vanquished.

Andrew McIlroy is one of the oldest and most prominent residents of the county, and during his entire life, which has been spent in this county, naught but good has been said of him, for he has been honest, industrious, and has kept himself thoroughly apace with the times. His birth occurred on the 10th of September, 1821, and he is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (McLain) McIlroy, a short sketch of whom is given in the biography of Hon. Hammet McIlroy. Andrew McIlroy attended the common country schools in his youth, where he acquired a fair knowledge of the English branches, and up to mature years his knowledge of the world was only such as could be learned on the home farm. At the age of twenty he commenced driving stock, and the following year he took charge of the stage line from Fredericktown, Mo., south to Reeves' Station, same State. Two years later he bought forty acres of land and commenced farming, and since that time has added thereto, until he now has 970 acres, all of which is the result of his own good business ability and shrewd management. He has made it a point through life never to go in debt, and he can now look back over a useful and well-spent life. His wife was formerly a Miss Sarah A. Davies, whom he married in 1844. She was born in Virginia, March 3, 1823, and has borne a family of ten children, of whom Margaret E. (Williams), Mary Susan (Lewis), James F., Dan W., Amanda C., Martha Josephine and Sarah A. are living. John A. died when thirteen years of age, and the others in infancy. Mrs. McIlroy is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. McIlroy is a Mason, a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and a Democrat. Previous to the war he was postmaster at Lima seven years, and it was chiefly through his efforts that the postoffice at that point was established.

T. J. McIlroy, farmer, Dalton, Ark. Mr. McIlroy is a practical farmer—one who believes that it is beneficial to have all his farming operations conducted in a manner so thorough as to not slight one department of labor in order to bestow more work on some other portion. This idea is carried out very completely. He is a native of the State of Arkansas, where he was born in 1840, and is the son of Hammet and Elizabeth (Davis) McIlroy, natives of Arkansas and Missouri, respectively. The father was one of the very earliest white children born in this section [see sketch of Andrew McIlroy for history of grandparents], and was early reared to farm labor. He also learned the hatter's trade, and worked in the shop until grown. He made some hats after being married, and let his sons manage the farm. His marriage occurred in [p.412] 1833 with Miss Davis, and their union was blessed by the birth of ten children, seven of whom lived to be grown: William, living in Texas; T. J. (subject), Martha (deceased wife of Newton Robinett); Maria L. (deceased wife of Columbus Fry); Elizabeth J., wife of William Baker; A. Y., living in Hood County, Tex., and Clorah, wife of W. C. Bird. Hammet McIlroy received but a limited education, though, after all, one superior to most boys in those days, for he was fond of study and was a good pupil. In 1850 he was elected to represent his county in the legislature, and two years later was re-elected, thus serving two terms. He never held any other office. He was opposed to the secession of the States, though he is a strong Democrat, and never served in any of the wars. At present he is residing on the farm that he purchased fifty-seven years ago. He is a member of the Baptist Church. His wife, who died in 1871, at the age of about fifty-six years, was also a member of the same church. When it became necessary for the subject of this sketch to start out in life for himself, he very naturally and wisely chose the occupation to which he had been reared, and from that time until the present his success has been such as only a thorough acquaintance with his calling and years of experience could lead him to achieve. He began tilling the soil on land purchased from his father, and when in his twenty-first year (1861) he was united in marriage with Miss Mary White, of Randolph County. To them were born seven children: W. T., a merchant at Dalton, Ark.; Nora E., wife of James Dalton; Robert L., James I. I. and Henry M. (twins), Sarah A. and Mary F. Mrs. McIlroy is the daughter of Howell and Elizabeth (Stubblefield) White, natives of this county. They were the parents of four children, three of whom lived to be grown: Henry. Mary, and Frances M. (deceased). Mr. McIlroy joined the Confederate army in 1861, and served eighteen months in Gen. Price's command. He was not in any battles that amounted to anything, but was in a number of skirmishes, and although serving only the above mentioned time, he was still enrolled at the close of the war. He surrendered at Jacksonport, Ark., June 5, 1865. He then came home, engaged in farming and stock raising, and has continued the same ever since. At that time he was the owner of 130 acres, thirty being under cultivation. He is now the owner of about 500 acres, with 220 improved. He also owns considerable personal property, and makes a specialty of raising mules. Instead of cotton he raises corn, wheat and clover, and has one of the best improved farms in the county, with good barns, out buildings, etc. Mr. McIlroy is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He takes a great interest in school affairs, and is a liberal supporter of all laudable enterprises.

Cicero D. McIlroy is a man well known to the people of Randolph County, Ark., for he was born here on the 24th of April, 1850, and is a son of John and Mary A. (Jones) McIlroy, who were natives of Madison County. Mo., and Randolph County, Ark., respectively. The father was born in the former county in 1818, and died in the latter in November, 1862. His widow survives him and resides in Randolph County. Both were church members, he being in communion with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and she with the Baptist. His life was given to tilling the soil, and the manner in which he acquired his possessions showed him to be an energetic and excellent business manager. His first money was obtained by making rails, and he afterward traded in stock, shipping south on flat boats. He was a stanch Democrat in his political views. Cicero D. McIlroy is the third in the family, the names of the others being as follows: Callie (Brook), Mary E., wife of John Amos, a farmer of the county: Alexander H., also a farmer, residing on the old homestead; Robert J., residing in the county; Penelope, wife of Jasper Vandergriff, of this county; Samuel B., also residing here, and Evaline, the wife of Gilleon Thompson, who is now assessor of this county. Cicero D. McIlroy received his education in the common schools, and being the eldest of the family it fell to his lot to take charge of the home farm after his father's death, but he proved to be a successful manager. In 1870, 1874 and 1875 he acted as salesman in a [p.413] mercantile establishment, being first employed by James & Schoonover and then by W. R. Hunter. His present property, which he purchased in 1880, amounts to 320 acres, and he has 100 acres under cultivation. Like the majority of his family he is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mrs. McIlroy's maiden name was Lavinia W. Ellis; she was born in Kentucky on the 18th of January, 1852. Her marriage with Mr. McIlroy took place in 1876, and to them has been born one child, Eunice D.

D. W. McIlroy. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is a member of the general mercantile firm of McIlroy & Hatley, located at Peru, about twelve miles northeast of Pocahontas, between the Current and Black Rivers. They have been established at that place since 1886, and being men of enterprise and excellent business qualifications, they are doing a prosperous business. D. W. McIlroy is a native-born resident of Randolph County, Ark., his birth occurring in 1853, and he is a son of Andrew and Sarah Ann (Davies) McIlroy, who came from their native State, Virginia, to Arkansas in 1836, and settled in Randolph County, where they are still living. Doubtless no man in this county is more universally respected, for to know him is to have a high admiration for him, as he is possessed of those sterling characteristics which go to make up a valuable citizen. D. W. McIlroy received his early education in the public and private schools of Randolph County, and from his earliest recollections he has been familiar with farm work, for as soon as he was old enough he was put to the plow. After his marriage, which occurred in 1875, he removed to the farm of 204 acres in Current River Township, which was given him by his father, and on this he is still making his home. He has increased his acreage to 324 acres, and has his farm in good condition, as he has ever been ready to adopt all methods which may tend to benefit this property. In connection with his store and farm he is engaged in operating a saw and grist-mill, also a cotton-gin: and in these various enterprises he is meeting with well deserved success. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., has been postmaster of Peru six years, and held the same position at Lima. His wife was a Miss Martha Gross, a native of Muhlenburgh County, Ky., and by her he has a family of three children: Gertrude, Cora and Frank.

Mahlon McNabb, one of the prominent agriculturists of Warm Springs Township, owes his nativity to Kentucky, having been born in Trigg County, of that State, on the 13th of May, 1825. His parents, Elias and Margaret (Adair) McNabb, were both natives of South Carolina, but were married in East Tennessee. They came to Arkansas in 1840, settled in the southeast portion of Ripley County, and there passed the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1858 and the mother in 1859 or 1860. They reared a family of children: Delila (deceased), wife of Jefferson Jenkins; Acenath (deceased), wife of William Mulholland; Sarah (deceased), wife of William Dunn; Ruth (deceased), wife of Green Goff; Rhoda (deceased), wife of Madison M. Robb; Nancy (Spencer), Mahlon, Mary (deceased), wife of John Bryant; F. A. (deceased), whose family lives with subject; G. M., Enoch (deceased). Elias McNabb was a man well educated for the time and country in which he lived, and took a great interest in politics, being Democratic in his views. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and Mrs. McNabb was a member of the Baptist Church. When twenty-one years of age Mahlon McNabb commenced work for himself by farming in Arkansas, to which State he had emigrated in 1850. Five years later he entered forty acres of land, and from time to time added to this until he had 400 acres in one body. One farm of eighty acres he cultivated, and in 1875 he gave his two youngest sons forty acres each, including the old homestead. He then sold the remaining 320 acres, and purchased his present property of sixty-three acres, with about thirty acres under cultivation. He was married the first time, in 1846, to Miss Harriet Lacy, and by her became the father of seven children, five of whom lived to be grown, and two are now living: Andrew J., a farmer living in this county; Charley (deceased), Isabella (deceased) wife of John P. Bigger; Elias (deceased), and Michael, who lives in Washington [p.414] County, Ark. Mr. McNabb was married, the second time, to Miss Amelia James, in 1870. She was born in De Soto County, Miss., in 1844, and came with her parents to Randolph County, Ark., in 1859. In his boyhood days Mr. McNabb had but a poor chance for an education, but after his first marriage he applied himself, read a great deal, and is now a pretty well informed man. He is an A. F. & A. M., and in politics is a Democrat. He was elected justice of the peace of his township in 1860, and served two years. In 1862 he was elected sheriff of the county, and served until 1865, when at the close of the war he was disfranchised, and could not hold his office. In 1861 he joined the Confederate army, and was discharged at Morrisville, Miss., on the 16th of July, 1862, after which he came home and resumed farming. Since the war he has taken very little interest in politics.

Martin Brothers compose a general mercantile firm at Reyno, Ark., and have been well and favorably known to the people of this community since 1875. They do an annual business of $24,000, besides which they own 10,000 acres of land, and are engaged in successfully conducting 400 acres that are under cultivation, and which they devote mainly to the raising of cotton. Their father, James Martin, was born in Richmond, Va., in 1808, and was one of the pioneer citizens of Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., but in 1833 came to Pocahontas, Randolph County, Ark., and established a store on his farm just north of where the town now is. He cleared and improved a large area of land, and made this place his home throughout the remainder of his days. He served as judge of the county a number of terms, and was a man noted for his interest in public affairs, and for his liberal contributions to every charitable purpose. In the positions of honor and trust which he filled, the interests of those whom he served were always considered, and he thus gained the esteem and approbation of his constituents. Although not a member of any church, he was always strictly moral, and his honor throughout life was unimpeachable. He died. in 1863, at the age of fifty-four years. His widow is residing in Reyno, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He was twice married, but only one of the children borne him by his first wife is now living: V. Ellen, the wife of Capt. Webb Conner, a prominent resident of Pocahontas. James T. was a major in the Confederate army during the late war, and at the time of his death, in 1876, was a successful lawyer of Pocahontas. Joseph P., another son, was a captain in the Rebel army, and was killed at Helena, Ark. To Mr. Martin's last union the following children have been born: Henry, who died in St. Louis in 1864, while a student; Tina A., the deceased wife of A. M. Kerr, of Virginia; Julia, who died in childhood, and Andrew, Joseph, John F. and James, all members of the firm of Martin Brothers, at Reyno. Joseph was married, February 9, 1888, to Anne E. Reynolds, a daughter of D. W. Reynolds, of Reyno, whose sketch appears in this work.

John Maynard. Among the many enterprises which have made Randolph County, Ark., noted for its commercial enterprise, may be mentioned the mercantile establishment belonging to Mr. Maynard, which he has been engaged in conducting in the town of Maynard, since 1872. He was born in the “Old Dominion” in 1823, and is a son of Evan and Judith (Ragland) Maynard, both of whom were born in Halifax County, of that State, the former's birth occurring March 3, 1793, and the latter's April 5, 1803, and their deaths in 1881 and February 16, 1874, respectively. Their marriage was celebrated July 13, 1820, and in 1847 they came to the State of Tennessee, where the father entered upon the practice of medicine, and he continued this occupation until his death, although he had previously been a farmer. He and his wife were of French-English origin, and he was a soldier in the War of 1812. They were members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and became the parents of eleven children, nine of whom lived to be grown: Harriet (wife of Chris Adams), John, Judith F. (wife of Robert Hart. of Tennessee), Mary A. (wife of Bluford Alexander, a resident of this State), Stith, Patience (wife of Austin Simmons, a resident of Washington County, Ark.), Even (a resident of Missouri), Rebecca A. (wife of Jeff. Alexander, of Weakley County, [p.415] Tenn.) and Thomas (who is a resident of Randolph County). John Maynard had but very poor advantages for acquiring an education in his youth, but by close application to his books, and by contact with the world, he has become a well-informed man. He commenced the battle of life for himself, at the age of seventeen years, as clerk in a dry goods establishment, and prior to the war opened a dry goods house of his own; but his labors in this direction being interrupted by the bursting of the war-cloud, which had been for some time lowering over the country, he sold out in order to offer his services to the Confederacy, and was made first lieutenant of Company I, Twenty seventh Tennessee Infantry, being promoted to the rank of captain for gallant service at the battle of Shiloh. He also took part in a number of minor engagements, and after his company had been reduced to a few men by being killed in battle and captured, he joined the cavalry forces, and was in a company composed entirely of commissioned officers from different infantry regiments. He served as a private in a scouting company until his surrender, at Columbus, Miss., May 16, 1865. He was captured at one time by the Tennessee militia, but succeeded in making his escape the same night. After the war he settled in Jackson, Tenn., and was a clerk in a store until March 20, 1866, when he accepted a position in a dry goods house at Gonzales, Tex., remaining thus employed for three years. Becoming impressed with the belief that Arkansas afforded better inducements for a young man to succeed in life, he came to this State, and located at Dardanelle, Yell County, where he occupied the same position he had held in Texas. During 1871 he traveled through Kansas and the Indian Territory, but since 1872 he has been located at Maynard, where he conducts an excellent general mercantile store, his stock of goods invoicing at about $6,000. He also owns 900 acres of valuable land in the county, all of which property he has acquired by shrewd business management and energy since the war. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the A. F. & A. M. He was married, February 8, 1873, to Miss Rallie W. Adams, a native of Missouri, by whom he has three children: Lafayette, born November 18, 1873; Eugenia, born January 25, 1876, and John, born October 30, 1877. The family attend the Missionary Baptist Church.

Luke L. Miller, justice of the peace of De Muse Township, was born and reared in McMinn County, Tenn., his birth occurring in 1826. His education was received in the common schools, and in his youth in addition to learning the details of farm work he commenced the plasterer's and bricklayer's trades, serving his apprenticeship in Athens. At the age of twenty years he was married in Athens to Miss Jane Vincent; afterward moving to Chattanooga, where he spent some three years in working at his trade. At the end of that time he went to Oregon County, Mo., where he remained three years or until 1857, and then came to Randolph County, Ark., and located on a farm which he had previously purchased. Here he resided until the threatenings of war became an assured fact, when he joined Company A, Twenty-fifth Arkansas Infantry, Confederate States army, and fought for the Southern cause faithfully for three years. He was in the battles of Murfreesboro, Missionary Ridge, and numerous other engagements. He has since given his attention to farming, and now owns 100 acres of land, although he had previously owned many more acres, which he sold. Mr. Miller's wife died in 1872, leaving two children: Abuer, who died at the age of twenty-seven years, and Eliza, also married. Mr. Miller is a Democrat, and was elected to his present office in 1881. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. In all his business relations he is noted for honorable upright dealing. He is a son of William and Eliza (Corall) Miller, who were born in Hawkins and Washington Counties, Tenn., respectively. The father was also a brick-layer by trade, and he and his wife became the parents of twelve children. The paternal grandfather was a German by descent, and was a native of Pennsylvania, his wife being of Irish lineage.

Col. B. B. Morton, editor of The Pocahontas Free Press, one of the leading newspapers in point of circulation and influence in Randolph County, is justly entitled to no inconsiderable [p.416] measure of credit for the enviable position his paper occupies among the better class of country journals in Arkansas. He was born in Natchez, Miss., in 1848, and is the son of Thomas Morton, who was born in Liverpool, England. The latter came to America when fifteen years of age, and followed mercantile pursuits through life. His wife, who was originally Miss Leonora Tooley, is still living, and resides at New Orleans. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Thomas Morton died in 1884, at the age of seventy-one years. He was a member of the A. F. & A. M., and also of the I. O. O. F. He and his wife reared five children, B. B. Morton being the eldest. The others are Elizabeth C., widow of William Esmond (deceased), now residing in Jefferson Parish, La.; James T., now residing in New Orleans, La, where he is a speculator and real estate dealer; William H., now of New Orleans, and the captain of a steamboat, and Bettie J., wife of Stephen DeGruy, a planter, of Jefferson Parish, La. B. B. Morton received a thorough education in the public schools of Natchez, Miss., and completed his education at Washington, D. C. After this he served three years as an apprentice to learn the printer's trade, on the Natchez Weekly Mirror, and then went to New York City, where he engaged in a large book publishing establishment. At the end of two years he connected himself with the New York Herald, where he remained a number of years, filling all positions, from setting type to a place on the editorial staff. At the first outbreak of the war he returned to New Orleans, and enlisted in Wheat's battalion, Confederate army, as a private, but was promoted to first lieutenant, then to captain of Company A, and served in that capacity until the battalion was disbanded, with only eighteen able-bodied men left. He then enlisted in, and was promoted to the rank of major of, an independent battalion, and served in that capacity two months, when he was promoted to the rank of colonel, and was given command of the Tenth Virginia Cavalry. Thus he served until the cessation of hostilities. He participated in the battles of Mitchell's Ford, Manassas, Hagerstown, the Shenandoah Valley campaign, second battle of Manassas, seven days' fighting around Richmond; was then at Malvern Hill, where he was wounded by a gunshot in the thigh, and disabled from duty five months. During his second service he was in the following battles: Yorktown, Williamsburg, Petersburg, and Appomattox Court House, where Gen. Lee surrendered. As soon as the war was over Col. Morton went to Farmville, Va., and engaged in a job office, where he remained one year. He then returned to New Orleans, and held different positions on the Morning Bulletin for two years, when he went to New York City, and took his old position on the Herald. Six years later he went to the Far West as a reporter for the New York Herald, and spent four years in Mexico and in the Indian reservations and in Europe. He then started a daily paper at Socorro, N. M., which he ran for two years, and then went to Lordsburg, N. M., where he started a weekly paper, which he continued one year. He then sold out, returned to New Orleans, and was there instructor in the art of colored job printing. This he continued until the 1st of January, 1887, when he came to Portia, in Lawrence County, Ark., connected himself with the Free Press, which he afterward purchased, and in April, 1888, moved his paper to Pocahontas. There he has since remained. His marriage occurred in 1867 with Miss Sallie V. Morrow, a native of Cumberland, Va., and six children were born to this union. Josie died of yellow fever when fifteen years of age. The others were named Seymour, Sanders, Thomas, James and Katie. Mrs. Morton died of yellow fever in Memphis, Tenn., in 1878, and her four children then living died within nine days' time, of the fatal scourge. The Colonel had several times volunteered to attend the yellow fever sufferers, and he and his wife were living in Memphis when she took the fever and died. Col. Morton is the owner of a stock ranche in Colorado. His paper was established in April, 1888, and is Democratic in its views. It is an eight-column folio, both sides printed at home, and is published every Saturday morning.

Hon. Perry Nettle enjoys the reputation of being not only a substantial and progressive farmer, but an intelligent and thoroughly posted [p.417] man in all public affairs. He has always been noted for honorable, upright dealing, and has kept the name he bears pure in the sight of all. He is a native of the county, his birth occurring on the 30th of September, 1839, and is a son of Shadrach and Elizabeth (Graham) Nettle, who were born in the States of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. They moved to Arkansas in 1824, and settled in what was then Lawrence (now Randolph) County, and after the State line between Arkansas and Missouri was surveyed their house was found to be in Oregon County, Mo., and thus it has stood in three different counties and two States without being moved. Mr. Nettle lived here until 1858, and after a short residence in Clay County, Ark., he returned to Oregon County, Mo., where he made his home from 1863 to 1885, and on the 5th of November, 1887, his death occurred in Lawrence County, Ark. He was one of the pioneers of the county, and always followed the occupation of farming, and in connection with hunting, in early days, succeeded in making a good living and laying up a competency for his old age. He had passed the allotted age of man at the time of his death, and was eighty-four years, seven months, and twenty-four days old. He lived on the line between Arkansas and Missouri for sixty-two years. His marriage with Miss Graham occurred in 1823, and to them was born a family of eight children: William O., born January 1, 1824, and died February 7, 1875; Levi, born May 25, 1827, and died September 6, 1856; Elijah was born November 4, 1831, and now lives in California; Francis M. was born on the 10th of September, 1834, and resides in Oregon County, Mo., on the farm on which he was born; Carter T., born October 23, 1837, died February 11, 1875; Perry; Sarah, born May 11, 1842, is the wife of James Johnson, and Elizabeth, born November 15, 1844, and died October 4, 1861. The mother of these children was born on the 10th of September, 1803, and died on the 3d of April, 1857, she having been an earnest member of the Baptist Church. Perry Nettle's early scholastic advantages were of the most meager description, but in later years he applied himself closely to his books, and is now one of the most intelligent men of the county. In 1862 he joined the Confederate army, being in Capt. J. J. Wyatt's company, Shaver's regiment, and was an active participant until the close of the war, when he surrendered at Shreveport, La. He was captured at the fall of Little Rock, on the 10th day of September, 1863, he at that time being under treatment in the hospital, and was kept in captivity for nearly a year and a half in St. Louis, Alton, Rock Island and New Orleans; he was then brought back to the mouth of the Big Red River, and was there exchanged on the 25th of February, 1865. He then rejoined his command at Shreveport, and served his cause faithfully until the final surrender, holding the rank of first sergeant of his company. Since that time he has been engaged in farming, and now has a fine farm of 200 acres, but from 1874 to 1880 he was also engaged in merchandising at Warm Spring, and at the same time dealt in stock. In 1884 he was elected to represent the people of his county in the State legislature, and filled the office during the session of 1885. He made the race again in 1886, and was defeated by the Hon. G. G. Johnson, but was re-elected to the position in 1888, and served the following year. He now attends to his farm. July 27, 1865, he was married to Miss Mary S. Mock, of this county, by whom he has the following family: Jacob L., born January 11, 1867, and died July 19, 1886; Maggie E., born June 3, 1868, was married November 16, 1885, to James F. Baker, and lives in Oregon County, Mo.; Shadrach G., born February 17, 1872; Rufus L., born July 18, 1875; W. A., born March 2, 1879, and died September 10, of the same year. Mr. Nettle is a Democrat, a public-spirited man, and a member of the A. F. & A. M. Mrs. Nettle is the daughter of Griffith C. and Margaret J. (Forster) Mock, who were born in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, respectively. They were married on the 11th of March, 1838, and reared a family of eight children: Mary S. (Mrs. Nettle), born July 1, 1840; Felix G., born June 3, 1843; Leah P., wife of Joseph W. Spikes, born January 7, 1846; Marous D. L., born April 4, 1848; Matilda J., wife of L. H. Waldron, born [p.418] March 27, 1851; Thomas D., born March 8, 1853; Rufus M., born February 15, 1856, and Isham J., born January 22, 1859, and died October 19, 1877. Mr. Mock was born on the 29th of April, 1815, and died September 20, 1874; his wife was born on the 16th of October, 1817, and died April 5, 1879. They were members of the Christian Church, and politically he was a Democrat.

Hon. Perry Nettle enjoys the reputation of being not only a substantial and progressive farmer, but an intelligent and thoroughly posted [p.417] man in all public affairs. He has always been noted for honorable, upright dealing, and has kept the name he bears pure in the sight of all. He is a native of the county, his birth occurring on the 30th of September, 1839, and is a son of Shadrach and Elizabeth (Graham) Nettle, who were born in the States of North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively. They moved to Arkansas in 1824, and settled in what was then Lawrence (now Randolph) County, and after the State line between Arkansas and Missouri was surveyed their house was found to be in Oregon County, Mo., and thus it has stood in three different counties and two States without being moved. Mr. Nettle lived here until 1858, and after a short residence in Clay County, Ark., he returned to Oregon County, Mo., where he made his home from 1863 to 1885, and on the 5th of November, 1887, his death occurred in Lawrence County, Ark. He was one of the pioneers of the county, and always followed the occupation of farming, and in connection with hunting, in early days, succeeded in making a good living and laying up a competency for his old age. He had passed the allotted age of man at the time of his death, and was eighty-four years, seven months, and twenty-four days old. He lived on the line between Arkansas and Missouri for sixty-two years. His marriage with Miss Graham occurred in 1823, and to them was born a family of eight children: William O., born January 1, 1824, and died February 7, 1875; Levi, born May 25, 1827, and died September 6, 1856; Elijah was born November 4, 1831, and now lives in California; Francis M. was born on the 10th of September, 1834, and resides in Oregon County, Mo., on the farm on which he was born; Carter T., born October 23, 1837, died February 11, 1875; Perry; Sarah, born May 11, 1842, is the wife of James Johnson, and Elizabeth, born November 15, 1844, and died October 4, 1861. The mother of these children was born on the 10th of September, 1803, and died on the 3d of April, 1857, she having been an earnest member of the Baptist Church. Perry Nettle's early scholastic advantages were of the most meager description, but in later years he applied himself closely to his books, and is now one of the most intelligent men of the county. In 1862 he joined the Confederate army, being in Capt. J. J. Wyatt's company, Shaver's regiment, and was an active participant until the close of the war, when he surrendered at Shreveport, La. He was captured at the fall of Little Rock, on the 10th day of September, 1863, he at that time being under treatment in the hospital, and was kept in captivity for nearly a year and a half in St. Louis, Alton, Rock Island and New Orleans; he was then brought back to the mouth of the Big Red River, and was there exchanged on the 25th of February, 1865. He then rejoined his command at Shreveport, and served his cause faithfully until the final surrender, holding the rank of first sergeant of his company. Since that time he has been engaged in farming, and now has a fine farm of 200 acres, but from 1874 to 1880 he was also engaged in merchandising at Warm Spring, and at the same time dealt in stock. In 1884 he was elected to represent the people of his county in the State legislature, and filled the office during the session of 1885. He made the race again in 1886, and was defeated by the Hon. G. G. Johnson, but was re-elected to the position in 1888, and served the following year. He now attends to his farm. July 27, 1865, he was married to Miss Mary S. Mock, of this county, by whom he has the following family: Jacob L., born January 11, 1867, and died July 19, 1886; Maggie E., born June 3, 1868, was married November 16, 1885, to James F. Baker, and lives in Oregon County, Mo.; Shadrach G., born February 17, 1872; Rufus L., born July 18, 1875; W. A., born March 2, 1879, and died September 10, of the same year. Mr. Nettle is a Democrat, a public-spirited man, and a member of the A. F. & A. M. Mrs. Nettle is the daughter of Griffith C. and Margaret J. (Forster) Mock, who were born in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, respectively. They were married on the 11th of March, 1838, and reared a family of eight children: Mary S. (Mrs. Nettle), born July 1, 1840; Felix G., born June 3, 1843; Leah P., wife of Joseph W. Spikes, born January 7, 1846; Marous D. L., born April 4, 1848; Matilda J., wife of L. H. Waldron, born [p.418] March 27, 1851; Thomas D., born March 8, 1853; Rufus M., born February 15, 1856, and Isham J., born January 22, 1859, and died October 19, 1877. Mr. Mock was born on the 29th of April, 1815, and died September 20, 1874; his wife was born on the 16th of October, 1817, and died April 5, 1879. They were members of the Christian Church, and politically he was a Democrat.

S. H. Parker is an extensive farmer and stockman of Randolph County, Ark., and was born in Tennessee, April 13, 1845, being a son of C. G. and Mary (Burrow) Parker, whose native State was Tennessee. After farming in that State until 1849, he came to Arkansas and settled on Current River, where he remained two years, and in 1852 came to the farm on which our subject is now residing. Here he improved the same, and was engaged in farming and stock raising and trading until his death in 1874, being followed by his widow three years later. Their marriage took place in 1822, and they reared a family of ten children, the following being now alive: Harriett C., wife of W. C. Thompson; Mary E., wife of Ben Holland; Charles G.; Josephine, wife of Wilbur Abbott, and S. H. The latter received no advantages for schooling in his youthful days, owing to the scarcity of schools and his father's early immigration to this State. He left the home farm to join the Confederate army in 1864, and served with Price on his raid through Missouri, taking an active part in the battles of Ironton and Pilot Knob, also Independence, Little Blue and numerous skirmishes. He surrendered at Jacksonport, Ark., in June, 1865, returned home and commenced farming for himself on eighty acres of land given him by his father. He now owns 260 acres and has 100 acres under cultivation on which are good buildings, fences, etc. He does not depend alone on corn and cotton for his income, but makes a specialty of raising horses, mules, cattle, hogs and sheep. In 1868 he wedded Emily Wilson, of this county, and by her is the father of three children living: Joseph T., born November 19, 1872; John C., born December 23, 1874, and James A., born September 6, 1877. Two children died in infancy, and the mother's demise occurred January 8, 1880, her death being deeply mourned by her family and a large circle of friends. Mrs. Amanda Halbrook, of Kentucky, became Mr. Parker's second wife, January 16, 1881, and to them were born three children, Orlie, born January 8, 1882, and Celestia H., born October 17, 1887, being the only ones living. Mrs. Parker was the widow of Freeman Halbrook, of Kentucky, by whom she bore a family of five children: Prentice, living in Kansas; Nannie, wife of Richard Abbott, of this county; Richard, of Colorado, and Emma, at home; the other child died. Mrs. Parker's parents, Edmund and Nancy A. (Neely) Mitchener, were Kentuckians, and reared a family of eleven children, of whom the following are living: William, of Missouri; Martha, wife of Robert Kidd; John, a resident of Missouri; Amanda, and Georgia, wife of John Harper. Mrs. Parker is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Mr. Parker is a Democrat.

Charles W. Polk. Among the husbandmen of Randolph County, Ark., who have made for themselves an honorable name by a long term of years of steady and successful farming and upright citizenship is Mr. Polk, whose birth occurred in Tennessee in 1842. His parents, Michael and Mary (Duckworth) Polk, were born in North Carolina and Tennessee, respectively, the former being related to ex-President Polk. They reared a family of eight children, six of whom are living: C. W., Ferraby (wife of James Wells), Rebecca (wife of Harrison Matthews), Polk, Ella (wife of Richard Polk, of Missouri) and Harvey (residing in Searcy County). Mr. Polk died in 1873, at the age of forty-one years, and his wife in 1865, aged thirty-six. They were members of the United Presbyterian Church; he was a member of the A. F. & A. M., and was a Republican in his political views. C. W. Polk received somewhat meager educational advantages in his youth, and in 1879 came to Arkansas and located in Clay County, where he at once commenced farming on 120 acres of land which he had purchased some time before. The farm is well improved with good buildings of all kinds, and is supplied with the necessary stock for successfully conducting its management. His first marriage took place in 1860, it being with Miss [p.419] Effie Higgins, of Tennessee, but she died in 1863, followed by her only child, whose death occurred in infancy. After living a widower for seven years Mr. Polk was married in 1870 to Miss Martha Alexander, of Hardin County, Tenn., by whom he has had a family of six children, three of whom are now living: Emmer (wife of Joseph Cox), and Joseph and E. D. (at home). Mr. Polk was so unfortunate as to lose his second wife by death in March, 1884, and three years since he espoused Mrs. Mary Eldridge, who only survived until the following year. His next marriage was with Mrs. Nancy Jane Lewis, who had borne her first husband two children: John and Bertie. Mr. Lewis died in 1885. He was a communicant in the Baptist Church, and was a leading member of the A. F. & A. M. In 1863 Mr. Polk joined the Union army, and was a faithful defender of the stars and stripes until the close of the war, being a member of Company C, Second Tennessee Mounted Infantry. He was at Clifton, Johnsonville, Lexington, Nashville and in numerous skirmishes. After returning home he engaged in the dry goods business, but next year he began farming, which occupation he has continued up to the present time. He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church and he is a warm Republican, politically, and in all matters tending to benefit his county he is one of the leaders. He is in every respect a self-made man, and is a prosperous agriculturist.

Newton J. Proctor is a substantial resident of the county, and is now living in the town of Okean. He was born in Crittenden County, Ky., September 16, 1836, and is a son of Greenberry and Lucinda (Reese) Proctor, both of whom were also born in Crittenden County, Ky., and there the father died while still in the prime of life, in 1838. He was a successful farmer, and in politics was a Whig. His wife died in 1868, at the age of sixty-four years, she having been an earnest member of the Baptist Church for many years. Newton J. Proctor, the fifth of their six children, was educated in the common schools near his Kentucky home. At the early age of fourteen years, he began life on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and after several years of faithful service was promoted to the position of pilot, in which capacity he served for many years. During the Civil War, he rendered valuable aid, and was concerned in the taking of Island No. 10. He was on the Cumberland and Ohio Rivers from Nashville to Tennessee, as mate. After the war, he resided at different times in Hickman, Ky., and Belmont, Mo., and was engaged in farming until 1876, when he engaged in railroading. After some time, he gave up this work, and located at Corning, Ark., and two years later went to Texas. After his return to Arkansas, he located at Okean, where he has since been occupied in the timber business. From 1882 to 1887, he was a general merchant in the town of Okean, and at the latter date engaged in the drug business in connection with farming. He is still conducting these enterprises, and as he is thoroughly posted in the details of each, he is meeting with excellent success. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served eight years at different times as postmaster of Okean.

Hon. James H. Purkins has for thirty-two years been a resident of Randolph County, Ark., and during his long residence here has become well known, and has won the respect of all with whom he has come in contact. He possesses a fine education and excellent natural abilities, and is deserving of a more extended sketch than the nature of this work will permit; suffice it to say that his life has been a success both in material affairs and in the esteem which has been accorded him among those with whom he has so long made his home. He was born, reared and educated in Essex County, Va., the former event taking place in the year 1814. From early boyhood he has been familiar with farm life, and as his father was a prosperous merchant he spent much of his time in the store. He was married at the age of twenty-two years to Miss Clementina Singleton, and to their marriage twelve children have been born, three of whom are now living: Eliza, wife of Dr. Esselman; Clement W. and Rena S. After residing in his native State and following the occupation of merchandising until 1856, Mr. Purkins removed to Missouri, and settled the following year in Randolph County, Ark. He entered a tract of land on Current River [p.420] which he tilled until 1862, when he entered the Confederate army, but was sent home after a few months by Gens. Vandorn and Price as a recruiting officer, and held the position of captain. In 1860 he had been elected to the State legislature, and in 1862 he was re-elected and served out his time. In 1866 he was elected senator from Randolph and Greene Counties, and was serving his constituents while the senate was in session in the State house at Little Rock in 1867, when Gen. Ord with Federal troops was ordered by Congress to disperse the General Assembly of Arkansas. He refused afterward to become a candidate for office, but in 1877 he was elected to the office of county judge. After the war he clerked for various merchants in Pocahontas, and now owns about thirty-five acres near the town, which he rents out. The most of his children died in childhood, and within one week of each other, of pneumonia. One son, James W. by name, was a Confederate soldier from the time he was fifteen years of age, but was killed at Glasgow, Mo., at the age of eighteen years. Mr. Purkins is a son of W. H. and Ann (Howerton) Purkins, who were Virginians, where they were reared and married, and became the parents of six children, of whom Hon. James H. is the only one now living. The father was a merchant and farmer by occupation, and from the time he was twenty-one years of age until his death at the age of sixty-seven years he held office under the State. He was a captain in the War of 1812, and while away from home, serving his country, his son, James H., was born, and he did not see him until he was nearly one year old. His wife died about the same age as himself. The grandfather, Gideon Purkins, and his father were both Virginians, former of whom was a soldier in the War of 1812 and died at a very old age. The great-great-grandfather Purkins was a native of England, and came to America in Colonial times. The maternal grandfather was of Scotch descent, and was born in Essex County, Va. He was a captain in the Revolutionary War, being on the side of the Colonists, and until the day of his death at the age of ninety-eight years kept his uniform. Mr. Purkins, the subject of this sketch, is a member of the Baptist Church, is a Democrat in his political views, and belongs to the Chapter and Blue Lodge in the A. F. & A. M. His first wife died in 1868, and he afterward espoused Miss Ava Payne, who died after having borne one child, James E. His third wife, who was a widow, died two years after her marriage with Mr. Purkins.