GOODSPEED BIOGRAPHIES
Contributed by Charlene Holland
R.N. MILLARD
R.N. Millard is a farmer, merchant and cotton-ginner, residing near Blue Ball, Ark., and as a man and citizen is substantial, progressive and intelligent. He was born in Arkansas in 1844, to James E. and Edna (Herring) Millard, both of whom were born in the Old North State, the former in 1799 and died June 5, 1878, and the latter born in 1808 and died March 15, 1864. Their marriage took place in that State, and in time resulted in the birth of thirteen children, only four of whom are now living: Sarah (wife of J. J. Eiger), Mary (wife of Joseph Williams), Robert Newton (the subject of this sketch), and William B. Robert Newton Millard began farming for himself in 1866, and the same year was married to Miss Elizabeth F. Weaver, a native of Arkansas born in 1846, and a daughter of J. P. and Mary Weaver. Mrs. Millard died in 1867, leaving one child, a daughter: Mary Susan (born in 1866, and now the wife of James Hunt). In 1868 Mr. Millard purchased forty acres of land to which he has added 160 acres, and on this he has cleared seventy-five acres and built five good houses and a store building, barns and other buildings. In 1871, in connection with his brother and brother-in-law, he erected a gin, saw and flouring-mill, the capacity of the former being seven bales per day, the sawmill turning out 5,000 feet of lumber, and the flouring-mill seventy-five barrels. In 1887 Mr. Millard opened a general mercantile establishment, his goods being worth $3,000, and in these different enterprises he has done remarkably well. On his farm corn, oats and cotton are raised, and all yield average crops. He was postmaster of Blue Ball from 1876 to 1879, and socially is a member of Walnut Tree Lodge No. 269, of the A.F. & A.M., in which he held the office of worshipful master for several years. He is a member of, and steward in, the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and as a progressive and law-abiding citizen has not his superior in this section of the country. He was married October 6, 1870, to Miss Salina E. White, a native of Alabama, born in 1847, to Josephus and Ann (Hearn) White, both of whom were Georgians. The children born to Mr. Millard's second marriage are as follows: Josephus (born in 1871, now deceased), William R. (born in 1872), Ida Ann (born in 1875, now deceased), Lela May (born in 1877, deceased), Myrtle E. (born in 1879), John M. (born in 1881), Henry P. (born in 1884), Angie L. (born in 1886), and Noble Victor (born in 1888). At the beginning of the late war James E. Millard lived in Scott County, Ark., with his family and two sons that volunteered and went into the Confederate service: James R. and Kennon Millard, the two being captured at Arkansas Post and were carried as prisoners of war to Chicago, Ill., where the latter died. The former was exchanged and went back to his command, where he was captured again and again. The last time being wounded he was sent to the hospital, where his comrades and family never heard of him more. The subject of this sketch feels and realizes the fact that he will not meet his soldier brother on this earth again, but putting his trust in God, lives and hopes to join an unbroken family in the sweet bye and bye.