The Goodspeed Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northeastern Arkansas (1891 edition)

Clay County
Biographical information

S. W. Alexander, manufacturer and dealer in hard wood lumber, railroad ties, wagons, agricultural implements, car material, etc., at Corning, Ark., was born in Hancock County, Ind., October 17, 1835, his parents, James and Mary (Mac Michael) Alexander, and his grandparents, on both sides, being natives of Orange County, N. C. They all emigrated at an early day (about 1828) to Indiana where they died. The great-grandfather was in the Revolutionary War, and fired the first cannon in that service. James Alexander remained in Hancock County, Ind., until the spring of 1857, when he emigrated to Polk County, Iowa, where he was living at the time of his death, in 1882. His wife died in 1872, have borne five children: John C., Julia A., Simeon W., James A. and Louisa. Mr. Alexander was a farmer by occupation. Simeon W. Alexander, our subject, was reared and educated in his native county, and from childhood has been familiar with farm life. On reaching his majority he was married, and emigrated to Illinois, locating in Cumberland County, where he was engaged in the saw-mill business until 1859, when he removed to Polk County, Iowa, but returned to Illinois in December, 1863, and there resided until the fall of 1869. In the fall of that year he sold his mill and returned to Iowa, where he remained until 1886, being engaged in both lumbering and farming on an extensive scale. He owned 400 acres of good land and on coming to Clay County, embarked in the lumber business, putting up a large saw-mill. He still continues this business and employs a great many hands. He owns about 2,400 acres of land in Clay County, some 1.000 of which will make fine farming land when improved. He also has one of the best houses in the county, situated in Corning. October 23, 1856, he was married to Miss Mary Faster, a native of Indiana, by whom he has seven children: William (in Dakota). Lucy M., Cora (wife of T. J. Conway, of Chicago). Charles W., Addie, Freddie and Edward. Mr. Alexander is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is one of the public spirited men of Clay County, always being ready to advance the interests of the people.

J. H. Allen, stockman and farmer of Clay County, Ark., was born in North Carolina in July, 1828, being the eighth of nine children born to Isaac and Sarah (Hawkins) Allen, who were born in North Carolina and Virginia, respectively, the latter being a daughter of a Revolutionary patriot. Both parents died on their home farm in North Carolina. J. H. Allen attended the public schools for some time and remained at home until twenty-four years of age, being engaged in overseeing the farm until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he gave up this work and began operating a grist mill. In November, 1866, he came to what is now Clay County (then Randolph County), and settled twenty-five miles from Pocahontas, in which locality he rented land for some time. He then purchased 380 acres of wild land two miles west of Knobel, on which he immediately began to make improvements. At the present time he has 150 acres under cultivation, well improved with good buildings, orchard, fences, etc. He has added 120 acres to his original purchase, on which he raises a large number of horses, cattle and hogs each year. He has devoted most of his cultivated land to corn and stock for his cattle and horses, but this year (1889) has put in about fifty acres of cotton. He has always been quite active in politics, and has held the office of justice of the peace for ten years, and has been school director a number of years. In 1853 he married Miss Margaret Wagner, who was born in North Carolina, and by her had five children: William, John, Isaac, Henry, and Albert, all of whom are dead. In 1871 he married Miss Nancy Demaree, a native of Illinois, and to them were born three children: Amanda, Jesse and David, all now living at home.

Capt. John J. Allen was born in Lee County, Ga., on the 2nd of July, 1841, and is the son of Edward M. and Mary J. (Knight) Allen. The father was born in the "Palmetto State" in 1819 of Scotch-Irish parents, and was a mechanic and ginwright, making machines by hand. He was taken to Georgia when small, and was there reared to manhood. During the Indian troubles in the Southern States, especially in Florida, Mr. Allen participated as a private, and received in payment for his services a land warrant for 160 acres, and in 1853 chose the land on which Capt. John J. Allen now resides. Prior to this, however, he took a trip through Texas, Arkansas. Mississippi and the Indian Territory, making the journey on horseback, a distance of 3.000 miles. He then returned to Georgia, and the following year (1853) located in Arkansas, the nearest post-office at that time being sixteen miles distant, and the second nearest (Pocahontas) fifty miles distant. The families of McNiel, Nettles, Wooter, Singleton, Copeland, Sexton and White, were the only ones within a radius of ten miles. Wild animals roamed the country at will, and Indians were also very numerous. Schools were almost unknown, and Mr. Allen assisted in building many of the first houses. John G. Taylor, a Missionary Baptist minister, came with Mr. Allen to the State, and preached the first sermon in Northeast Arkansas. The latter opened thirty acres of land the first year, which was heavily covered with timber. He was a slave owner, and served for twelve months in the Confederate army under Price, holding the rank of captain, when he resigned on account of his age. He died in 1877. His wife was born in Jasper County, Ga., about 1822, and was there married to Mr. Allen, by whom she became the mother of ten children: William A., John J., Elizabeth J., Edward M., Thomas M., living to be grown, and the following dying in infancy: Martha, Stapie, and two infants. Mrs. Allen died in 1860, and Mr. Allen then married Sarah J. Palmer, who bore him five children: Robert, Georgia L., George W., Willie, and Odus. Capt. Allen, our subject, has resided in Arkansas since twelve years of age, but spent his entire school days in Georgia. He was reared on the farm on which he is now residing, and remained at home until his marriage at the age of eighteen years, when he was engaged in farming until 1861. Then he enlisted in Company H, Fifth Arkansas Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, participating in many battles: Helena, Fredericksburg, Boonville, Lexington, Newtonia, and many others of less note. He enlisted as a private, but was promoted to captain, and was then transferred to the cavalry, serving two years. After coming home he engaged in farming, and in 1868 opened a mercantile establishment at Scatterville, and followed this occupation in connection with ginning for four years. He then removed to Tilton, where he was occupied in business until August, 1888, since which time he has been one of the successful business men of Rector. He has been a large speculator in land, and in addition to his farm, runs a stave factory and saw-mill. His farm comprises about 4,000 acres, and he has 2,200 acres in Greene County, besides considerable land in other districts, all of which is the result of his own labor. He was married to Miss Permelia L. McNiel, a daughter of Neil McNiel. She was born in Clay County, Ark., and she and Capt. Allen are the parents of five children: Mary L., James B., Minnie A., Myrtie, and Charles A. In 1872 Mrs. Allen died, and Mr. Allen then married Nancy O. McNiel, a sister of his first wife. Their children are: George M., Gertrude, Harry P., Carrie, and Leonard W. Capt. Allen has never been a political man, the highest office he ever held being that of notary public. He is one of the best known men in the county, and is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Knights of Pythias, and the Masonic fraternity, and has long been connected with the Missionary Baptist Church.

Joshua Bare, farmer and stock raiser of St. Francis Township, is a fair sample of what can be accomplished by industry and perseverance. Although starting life with a limited amount of this world's goods, he is now one of the substantial farmers of the county, and is the owner of 240 acres of land in the home place, with 160 acres cleared, on which he has good buildings. Aside from this he is the owner of another tract of land in the township, one and a quarter miles from the home place, consisting of 160 acres of timber land. He also possesses some 320 acres in the St. Francis bottoms, with about 100 acres cleared, and has an interest in 205 acres of other lands, all the result of industry and good management. Mr. Bare was born in Crawford County, Ind., December 13, 1833, and is the son of Jacob Bare and Nancy (Copple) Bare, the latter of German descent. The father was born in Virginia but was reared in Indiana. After marriage he settled in Crawford County of that State, where he followed farming until about 1843, when he moved to Illinois and settled in Jefferson County. He resided there up to 1868, when he came to Arkansas, and located in what is now Clay County. Here he died in February, 1877. He served as sheriff and deputy sheriff in Indiana, and was quite a prominent man. Joshua Bare was reared in Jefferson County, Ill., and came to Arkansas in 1855, locating in Clay County, but what was then Greene County, and entered eighty acres of land. He then bought eighty acres near Brown's Ferry, resided there about fifteen years, after which he sold this, and bought the place where he now lives. He has been four times married; first, to Miss Susan Williams; then to Nancy Brown, who bore him one daughter, Peggy A., wife of John Nettle; his next marriage was to Mrs. Nettle, a widow, who bore him four children: Clarissa (wife of Wiley Thomas), Joshua, Bettie and Arabella. Mr. Bare's fourth marriage was to Mrs. Marietta Sarver, a widow, and the daughter of Jacob Sarver. Three children were born to this union: Jacob, Mattie and John Harry. When Mr. Bare first came to the State it was a comparative wilderness, and for about eleven winters he was engaged in trapping. He has killed bear, wolves, wild cats, lots of deer, turkey and small game. He would average about $200 worth of furs annually at that business. Mr. Bare has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for thirteen years. Mrs. Bare belongs to the Christian Church. An interesting volume might be written of many of Mr. Bare's hunting expeditions, but space will permit mention of only the following: In 1867, one of his neighbors, Billy Maner, a single man, had struck camp some seven miles south of where our subject lived, in a wild locality on Old River. Mr. Bare went on one occasion to spend the night with him, but found the unsuccessful hunter without food. Starting the next morning with a determination to return only after he shot something, he traveled some distance, occasionally seeing game which could not be secured. Later on, while not far from camp, he killed two wolves, and being of a humorous disposition, the thought was suggested to pass off this meat upon the unsuspecting Billy as venison. Bringing a portion of the animal to headquarters (together with a squirrel), and assuring him that a large buck had been killed, the mess was eaten by the victim of Mr. Bare's joke, with a casual remark as to its toughness, etc. Subsequently the truth was told. Imagination rather than words can picture the result of such a revelation. In 1876 a three-days' hunt was indulged in by Mr. Bare, two of his nephews and a little negro boy. Starting with a cart and a yoke of oxen, they drove into a bottom farm, proceeding horse-back until about a mile from their camping ground, when fresh bear tracks were discovered. Before very long an effort to secure bruin was commenced, and proved fruitful. While waiting for help to remove the animal (which weighed about 400 pounds) a large buck was killed by Mr. Bare. These furnish but mere instances of his good fortune with the gun and rifle.

W. F. Barnes, undertaker and furniture dealer, of Corning, Ark., has been in business here since August, 1888, when he purchased his stock of goods of Mr. Bishop and continued at that stand until June 1, 1889, when he moved to his present location. His establishment is a two-story frame building, 40×20 feet, now under process of erection, which will, when finished, be commodious and substantial. Mr. Barnes success in this line has been due to his energy and enterprise, and his establishment is now one of the leading concerns of this kind in the county. He was born in Lawrence County, Ill., in 1856, and was the eldest in a family of eight children born to John and Jane (Thompson) Barnes, who were Kentuckians by birth, but emigrated to Illinois in their youth, where they grew to maturity and met and married. The father settled with his parents in Lawrence County in 1826, and afterward became a successful farmer and teacher of that region, following these occupations for many years in that State. He died in 1885, but his widow is still residing in Illinois. The paternal grandfather was an early settler of Illinois, where he also makes his home. Mr. Barnes was early inured to the duties of farm life, and during his youth also attended the common schools of Lawrence and Wabash Counties, Ill. He engaged in farming for himself in that State and was married there in 1882 to Miss Ella P. Price, a native of that county. Her parents, Joseph and Hannah (Dart) Price, were born in Ohio and Kentucky, respectively, and are now residing in Illinois. In 1887 Mr. Barnes came to Corning, Ark., and until 1888 worked at the carpenter's trade, but has since been engaged in his present business. Politically he is a Democrat, and always supports the principles of that party. He belongs to the K. of H. and the I. O. G. T., and he and wife are members of the Methodist Church. They are the parents of two children: Opal V. and Verna D. Mr. Barnes has done well financially, is the owner of some valuable town property, and predicts a bright future for Corning.

Zachariah T. Bearden was born in Montgomery County, Tenn., September 29, 1849, and is the son of John and Prudence (Majors) Bearden. John Bearden was born in Montgomery County, Tenn., and is of Irish-English parentage. He received a fair, common-school education, later followed farming and emigrated to Clay County, Ark., in 1851. The county was called Greene County at that time, but was afterward changed to Clay. At that early day there were but six families in an area ten miles square, and all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life were experienced by Mr. Bearden. Schools were taught on the subscription plan, and church was held about once a month in old log cabins. Mr. Bearden was a slave owner but generally preferred white labor. He was the owner of a large farm, but was broken up during the war. He died May 10, 1888, being seventy-six years of age. During life he was never an office seeker, but was elected by the people, without solicitation, to the office of county treasurer. Mrs. Bearden was also reared in Tennessee, grew to womanhood there, and was married in that State. Nine children were the result of this union: Richard E., Isom K., Judge H., Zach. T., Samuel J., Susan U., William J., Robert W. and Mary E. Mrs. Bearden died in this county, August 16, 1877. Grandfather and Grandmother Bearden died in Tennessee; she was a native of North Carolina. Grandfather and Grandmother Majors were natives of West Virginia, and at an early day emigrated to Tennessee. Zachariah T. Bearden came with his parents to Arkansas when two years of age, settling in Greene County, and there remained assisting his father on the farm until twenty-one years of age. His educational advantages were rather limited, but by self study he became a well informed man. At the age mentioned he began business for himself by hiring on at a cotton gin by the day, and later followed clerking. He then bought a tract of land and carried on agricultural pursuits for nine years. January 2, 1873, he married Miss Elizabeth Harber, a native of Dyer County, Tenn., and the daughter of G. A. Harber. The fruits of this union were five children, four now living: Drewy D., George O., John S. and Ethel M. The one deceased was named Dora L. Mr. Bearden engaged in the mercantile business at his present stand in 1882, building the second house in Rector, and has been occupied in merchandising ever since. He is also interested in a large timber business. He carries a stock of merchandise valued at about $3,000, and also buys and exchanges cotton. He is a Democrat in his political views. Mrs. Bearden is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

B. B. Biffle, sheriff of Clay County, and one of the representative citizens of this section, is a native of Humphreys County, Tenn., where he was reared and where he received a fair education in the common schools. He is the son of William and Martha (Skelton) Biffle, the grandson of Nathan Biffle, and the great-grandson of Jacob Biffle, who came from Germany many years ago. To William Biffle and wife were born six children, B. B. Biffle being the eldest. He left his native county at the age of twenty-one years, or in 1879, and made his way to Clay County, Ark., where he started a store in Greenway, and, although a young man, he was the first to engage in merchandising at that place. After that, in connection with his store, he was for some time occupied in running a stave mill, but in September, 1888, he was elected to the office of sheriff, and then closed out the milling and stave business, to give his undivided attention to his official duties. He fills that position in an able and efficient manner, and to the satisfaction of all concerned. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Blue Lodge and Chapter. For his companion in life he chose Miss Ella Turner, daughter of Thomas Turner, of Tennessee. He and Mrs. Biffle are members of the Methodist Church.

Sylvanus Bishop, wagon-maker, painter and farmer, is a son of Stephen M. and Caroline (Bunnell) Bishop, and was born in Crawford County, Penn., March 1, 1841. His parents were also born in that State, and in 1837 emigrated to Indiana, but, after remaining there a short time, returned to Pennsylvania. About 1844 they again came to Indiana, where they made their home until 1880, then moving to Peabody, Kas., where Mr. Bishop died in 1886. His widow still survives. To them were born fifteen children, eleven of whom are living: Jefferson, Sylvanus. Stephen W., Adeline, David, Elmira J., Merriman, Silas, Delilah, Monroe and Daniel S. Sylvanus Bishop attained his growth in Indiana, and in 1861 enlisted in Company E, Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and served until the close of the war, participating in the following engagements: Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamanga, Liberty Gap and others. At the battle of Shiloh he was wounded by a gun-shot in the left arm. At Stone River he was captured, but succeeded in making his escape and, after a time, was discharged for disability, owing to the effects of small-pox, which he had contracted in the service. From that time until 1877 he was engaged in learning and working at his trade in Indiana, and then came to Clay County, Ark., and has since resided at Corning. He owns a small farm adjoining the town, which is in a good state of cultivation and well improved, and this he conducts in connection with carrying on his trade. In January, 1886, he was married to Miss Mary E. Benedict, a native of New York State, by whom he has five children: Anna M., John L., Amy W., Elsie V. and A. McDonald. Mr. and Mrs. Bishop are members of the Baptist Church, and he belongs to the Masonic fraternity. He has been a school director for about eleven years, and is interested in all public enterprises. For some ten years he was engaged in the undertaker's business, his profits amounting to about $1.500 per year. He now gives his attention to his shop, and is doing well. His son, John L., is an intelligent young man, and is one of the first teachers in the county.

James Blackshare. Among all classes and in every condition of life where the struggle for a livelihood is going on, where will independence be found more clearly demonstrated than in the life of the honest, industrious farmer? Mr. Blackshare, who has followed agricultural pursuits for the past fifty-two years, and who has never missed a crop during the years thus spent, is a fair example of the independent tiller of the soil. He was born in West Tennessee, in 1824, and is the son of Rev. Jacob and Mary (Berry) Blackshare, the father a native of Tennessee, born in 1802, and the mother born in 1799. James Blackshare was left motherless at the age of ten years, and May 27, 1847, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Dines, who bore him five sons: William S., a member of the firm of Blackshare & Co., in the manufacturing of staves and in the general milling business, is married and the father of six children; Robert B. (deceased), left a widow and five children; Sidney A. (deceased), left a widow and five children; James T., lives on a farm near Boydsville, is married and the father of three sons, and Jacob L., farmer near Boydsville, is married, and the father of two sons and two daughters. The mother of these children died in 1857. March 14, 1858, Mr. Blackshare took for his second wife Mrs. Ruth E. Evans, of Tennessee, and in the fall of the same year he and family moved to Clay County (then Greene County), Ark., and settled on the farm where he is now residing, three miles northeast of Boydsville, which consisted of eighty acres, to which he added eighty more. To his last marriage were born six children, three of whom survive at the present: Mary F., wife of Dr. John J. Prince, and the mother of one daughter, resides at Bethel Station, Tenn., where her husband follows his profession and is also engaged in merchandising; John S., a merchant at Rector, married and the father of one child, a daughter; Ora A., the wife of A. J. Burton, and the mother of three children, two daughters and a son, is now living near her father, where her husband is occupied in farming; Ira E., died in his sixteenth year. Mr. Blackshare came to this State with his wife and seven children in two wagons, drawn by oxen, being the owner of seven or eight head of cattle, six or eight head of horses, and about $200 in money. The first winter before there were gins introduced into the country, the cotton, which they picked with their fingers, was made into clothing for the family. There were no mills then except little hand mills, which were only used to grind corn, and were called corn crackers. They would crack the kernel into about four pieces. A few years later Mr. Blackshare raised a little wheat and ground it in the same mills and "sarcht it;" this consisted of a box with a muslin cloth over it, opened at one end, on which was dropped some of the meal, and then by a rocking motion the bran was forced to the top and back through the opening at the rear, while the fine flour passed through the muslin into the box. At that time their trading was done by exchanging pelting and furs for salt, sugar, coffee, etc., at Cape Girardeau, Mo., 100 miles distant, to which place they made their trips with ox teams about once a year. Mr. Blackshare has not taken a drink of liquor of any kind, or a chew of tobacco, for over forty years, or since joining the church, and has always been willing to render aid, as far as he was able, to all laudable enterprises. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Blackshare was township magistrate for four terms of two years each, and was also county treasurer for two terms. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is one of the representative men of the county. He is now the owner of 340 acres of land, after having supported his family and settled nine children at an expense of $14,000, and does not owe a cent.

W. S. Blackshare, of the milling and stave manufacturing firm of W. S. Blackshare & Co., is a native of Tennessee, born in November, 1849, and came to Clay County, Ark., with his father, James Blackshare, when a boy of nine years. Here he grew to manhood on a farm, and in 1878 he was appointed by Gov. Garland to the office of sheriff of the county, and for two years he was county treasurer, having also filled that office for several incumbents. He was deputy sheriff for four years, and is considered one of the leading business men of the county. He is the owner of about 200 acres of land on his home place, which adjoins the town of Boydsville, and has about 1500 acres in the country, and has the best buildings to be found in the county, all erected by himself. The house is a two story frame, 16 × 40, with a one story L fifty feet long and sixteen feet wide, and a porch running the entire length of the L. He also has a very large cistern under cover. He has two large frame barns, one 30 × 40, two stories high, and the other 30 × 50 feet, also two stories high, with out-sheds on the sides. On his farm on the Cache he has built another house on the same plan as his home place, and he is also building a good barn there. He was married to Miss Emily S. Cox, who lived but eighteen months after marriage, and died in 1871, leaving him a son, Arthur Lee, who is attending the home school. For his second wife Mr. Blackshare married Miss Mary A. Ellis, daughter of Rev. Ira O. Ellis, who came here from Mississippi, where his father, Rev. Reuben Ellis, was an itinerant preacher in the Methodist Church, South, Mrs. Ira O. Ellis is still living in Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Blackshare were born these children: Ezra O., Annie (who is dead), Edgar M., Angie, Lena and Jennie. Mr. Blackshare belongs to the I. O. O. F., and is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, into which order he was initiated about the time he was twenty-one years of age. In his political views he affiliates with the Democratic party. In 1871 he engaged in the mercantile business at Big Creek, with his father, buying out the interest of Judge Royall, paying $500 on time for the goods, and in 1878 removed to Boydsville. This business he continued until January, 1888, having in the meantime several partners; first the firm was J. & W. S. Blackshare, then for eight years he was in company with his brother, R. B. Blackshare, under the firm title of W. S. Blackshare & Co., and was then with Judge Royall for three years, the firm title continuing the same. In 1888 he disposed of his stock to A. L. Blackshare, who now conducts the business in the same building. In connection with his seventeen years at merchandising, Mr. Blackshare devoted some of his time to farming, and is at present junior partner of Royall & Blackshare, real estate dealers. He is a pleasant, genial gentleman, a good conversationalist, and has a host of warm friends. He is a splendid man physically, and although forty years of age does not look a day over thirty.

A. L. Blackshare, of Boydsville, another prominent and much respected citizen of Clay County. Ark., was born in Tennessee, in 1856, and came to Clay County, Ark., in 1880. He followed agricultural pursuits for two years, and in 1885 bought out the stock of Mrs. Ella Blackshare, widow of R. B. Blackshare, and began business in Boydsville. This he continued for two years, and then sold out to J. S. Blackshare, after which he purchased the stock of W. S. Blackshare & Co., and is now engaged in that business, under the firm title of A. L. Blackshare. Aside from this he is also occupied in milling and manufacturing, under the business title of Blackshare & Blackshare. In 1886 he was elected to the position of treasurer of the company, and was re-elected in 1888. Miss Ada Berton, a native of Arkansas, and the daughter of Robert Berton, became his wife, and to them were born two children, one now living: Robert Bascom. The other child. Ernest, died at the age of one year. Mr. Blackshare is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Larry Boshers. This successful young planter and stockman, of Clay County, of which he has been a resident for seventeen years, is well and favorably known to the many citizens of Kilgore Township. He was born in the State of Tennessee, in 1862, being the seventh of fourteen children of Henry and Tabitha (Stewart) Boshers, who were also originally rom that State, the former being a planter by occupation, and there he died. After his death his widow came to Clay County, Ark., and here died on her farm, in 1882. Larry Boshers was early taught the rudiments of farm life, becoming still better acquainted with that calling as he grew to manhood, and is now considered one of the enterprising, thorough and reliable young agriculturists of the county. In 1880 be made his first purchase of land, which amounted to forty acres, in a raw state, and has since added from time to time to this tract, until he now has a valuable farm consisting of 480 acres, with 175 under cultivation, the rest being well adapted to raising stock, to which Mr. Boshers gives considerable attention. He devotes seventy-five acres to the culture of cotton each year. He votes with the Democratic party, is a member of the Agricultural Wheel. and, personally, is held in high esteem by all who know him. Miss Jennie Montgomery, a native of Clay County, became his wife in 1880, and died in 1884, having borne two children. both deceased. Her parents were Daniel and Polly Montgomery. 

Giles Bowers, carpenter and builder of Boydsville, and one of the successful business men of that village, is a native of North Carolina, and remained in his native State until twenty-seven years of age. He was engaged in gold mining until the breaking out of the late war, when he enlisted in the Forty-ninth North Carolina Infantry, in April, 1862, and served until the termination of hostilities. He was in Gen. Lee's army, in Gen. Matt. W. Ransom's brigade, and participated in the seven days' fight at Richmond, at Gen. McClellan's defeat, and was in all the fights and campaigns before Richmond. He was at the second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and was captured at Five Forks and placed on Johnson Island. Ohio, as a prisoner of war, being discharged there from June 18, 1865. He then returned to North Carolina, remaining until the spring of 1868, when he came to what is now Clay County, and, settling on a farm, tilled the soil until 1879. He is the owner of 120 acres of land, with about seventy acres under cultivation. In the last mentioned year he opened up a carpenter shop, having learned the trade in previous years, and has erected the principal part of the buildings in Boydsville. At one time he was a member of the firm of Bowers & Toombs, and later of the firm of Bowers & Downs. Mr. Bowers also manufactures seats and desks for church and school purposes. He has been married twice: first, to Miss Elizabeth Almond, of North Carolina, who bore him ten children, eight of whom survive and are named as follows: Josephine, wife of James Mooning, and the mother of two children, is now living on a farm in Sharp County; John W. is engaged in business in Boydsville; Flora J., married to C. M. King, a farmer of Clay County, is the mother of three children; Nancy A. is at home with her father; Kittie Belle, wife of James W. Dobbins, a farmer near Boydsville; Frederick C., Giles L. and Brantly H. The mother of these children died in September, 1885. For his second wife Mr. Bowers chose Miss Maggie J. Matthews, who survived only seventeen months after marriage, and left a child, which followed its mother to the grave but a month later. Mr. Bowers is a Republican, and is somewhat active in politics, having done valiant work for that party. Although not a member of any church, he works in harmony with all good people for the benefit of the community and for his fellow men.

W. D. Bowers. Among the extensive industrial enterprises which form the basis of Clay County's importance and prosperity is the stave and head factory located at Corning, in which Mr. Bowers has worked for ten years, and of which he has been foreman two years, working his way up to that position from a mill-hand. His native State is Ohio, his birth having occurred in Harrison County in 1851, and his parents were also from that State. They were Jacob and Lavina Bowers, nee Downs, the father being a tiller of the soil and successful in his calling, which occupation he continued to follow until his death in 1881. His wife is still living and makes her home in her native State. W. D. Bowers, like the majority of youths, bent his energies to learning the occupation in which his father was engaged, and also acquired a good education in the public schools of Harrison County. After the late Civil War he joined the regular army of the United States, and was stationed at different points in the South, but in 1879 he came to Corning, Ark., and began working in the mill in which he is now employed. His wife, whom he married in 1879, and who was formerly Miss Lenora Powell, was born in Tennessee, and was a daughter of B. C. Powell and wife, also of that State, the former now residing near Austin, and the latter deceased. In 1883 Mr. Bowers lost his excellent wife, she having borne him two children, one of whom is living, Floyd. In 1886 Mr. Bowers was married in Union County, Ill., to Miss Mary Stew art, a native of Indiana. Her parents. Henry and Jane (Pollock) Stewart, were Ohio people, who moved first to Indiana and from there to Cape Girardean County, Mo., where they opened up a farm in 1874, and later kept a hotel at Doniphan. Here Mr. Stewart died in 1887, his wife having died in Indiana, in 1885. He enlisted in the Union army from Indiana, at the breaking out of the Civil War. Mr. Bowers has never been very active in polities. Socially he is a member of the K. of H. He is very public spirited, and has always practiced those principles of fairness and honesty which are bound to command the respect and admiration of all right-minded people.
 
C. Fred. Brennecke, editor of the Clay County Advocate, at Greenway, Ark., was born in Cape Girardeau County, Mo., December 19, 1866, being a son of Frederick Brennecke, a native of Germany, who came to the United States with his parents when a lad of ten years and settled in Cape Girardeau County, Mo., where he grew to manhood and was married, the latter event being in the city of Cape Girardean to Miss Dona Hunze, who was born in Germany. Mr. Brennecke served in the Union army during the late war. Since about 1865 he has resided in Cape Girardean, and is in he service of Col. Robert Sturdivant. C. Fred, Brennecke grew to manhood in his native county, and learned the printer's trade in Cape Girardean, commencing when thirteen years of age and continuing for about four and one half years. From this place he went to Jefferson City, but only worked there a short time, when he moved to Higginsville, La Fayette County, Mo., where he followed his trade for two years. Subsequently he came to Greenway, Ark., and became associated with Mr. Dollison in the publication of the Advocate, having charge of the mechanical department one year. January 2, 1889, he became sole proprietor, and is now editor and publisher of that paper. It is the leading newspaper of the county and is independent in politics. Mr. Brennecke receives a liberal amount of advertising, and his journal has the largest circulation of any paper in the county. He is a practical printer, a thorough business man, and is of exemplary habits and character. He was elected a member of the town board, and is now town recorder.

Jacob Brobst, the present mayor of Corning, and county jailer of the Western division of Clay County, Ark., is descended from a family that has held a worthy place in the history of this country, and wherever its representatives have settled they have became recognized as prominent and influential members of society. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, on the 18th of June, 1839, and of this State his parents. John and Catherine (Bachar) Brobst, were among the pioneer settlers. The father is still living and resides in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, but the mother died in 1874. Jacob followed the occupation of his father until eighteen years of age, receiving in the meantime a good education in the public schools of Wyandot County, Ohio, and after starting out to fight the battle of life for himself he worked at the carpenter's trade and taught school, securing in the latter profession the reputation of being one of the best educators in the county. Miss L. M. England, a native of Hancock County, Ohio, became his wife in 1862, and their union was blessed in the birth of two children: J. R., who is married and resides at home, and Mary Alice, also at home. Mrs. Brobst's parents, Robert and Ellen (Lape) England. were Ohio people, the former being a farmer who died in 1875. His widow is a resident of Goshen, Ind. In 1864 Mr. Brobst went to Fort Wayne, Ind., and was engaged in railroading in that State until 1879, when he took up his abode in Corning, Ark., which was at that time a very small place, and has since given his attention to carpentering. He votes with the Democratic party, and has been jailer of the West division for three years; was first elected to the position of mayor in 1882, next in 1883, and is now serving his third term. During 1884-85-86 and 1887 he was a member of the city council, and has also been deputy assessor of the Western division of Clay County. He was foreman of the grand jury that found the indictment by which the second man of the Ku Klux was hung, thus breaking up that gang in this section of the country. He is the owner of some fine residence property in the town, and besides this has a fertile and well tilled farm of 320 acres in Nelson Township. He believes in building up this place, and has done his full share in this direction. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

J. W. Brown, a farmer residing near Vidette, Ark., was born in Hardin County, Tenn., February 26, 1835, and is a son of John and Sarah (Garner) Brown, who were Tennesseeans, the mother dying in her native State when the subject of this sketch was a small boy. J. W. Brown was reared on a farm in his native county and in 1854 emigrated to Arkansas, coming by wagon, and located on the farm where he now lives. His place was heavily covered with timber when he located, but he soon erected a little log cabin and began clearing his land. He was compelled to work very hard, but made good headway, and now has one of the most valuable farms in the county, consisting of 200 acres, with about 100 acres under cultivation. Game of all kinds was quite abundant when he first came to the State, and one time he brought down a bear with his trusty rifle. In 1862 he enlisted in Company B, Col. White's regiment, and during six months' service was in the battle of Crane Hill. Owing to rheumatism he was compelled to leave the army. His first wife was Patience Vassar, and his second Emily Sloan, by whom he had a family of seven children, four now living: Henry, Amanda, George W. and Sarah E. Both these wives were Tennesseeans, whom he married while living in that State. His present wife, whose maiden name was Martha Garner, has borne him three children: Minnie A., Ida M. and Reuben A. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Christian Church, and he is a member of the Masonic order.

Andrew J. Brown, merchant and postmaster at Piggott, Ark., is one of the prominent residents of the county, and in his business as well as social relations has won the confidence and respect of all who know him. His birth occurred in Union County, Ill., June 15, 1843, his parents, Samuel and Annie (Dillow) Brown, being natives of the same State. They reared their family on a farm in Union County, and here Andrew J. Brown remained until twenty-five years of age, enlisting in 1862 in the One Hundred and Ninth Illinois Infantry, which was afterward consolidated with the Eleventh Illinois, and served until he received his discharge at Springfield on the 15th of July, 1865. He was in the fight at Vicksburg on the 4th of July, 1863, and was at Yazoo City, Fort Spanish, and the surrender of Mobile. He was in the hospital at La Grange, Tenn., a short time, and in 1868 removed to Arkansas and located in what is now Clay County, where he was occupied in farming for a few years. In 1879 he embarked in merchandising, and in 1882 located at Piggott, where he erected a business house and has since been engaged in keeping a general mercantile establishment, and has built up a good trade. He was appointed postmaster of the town in April, 1883, which office he has since held. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church (in which he is a deacon), and he is a member of the G. A. R. organization, and is quartermaster of his post. He was married on the 28th of December, 1868, to Miss M. J. Pollard, a sister of W. W. Pollard, whose sketch appears in this work, and they are the parents of the following children: Henry O., a lad of twelve years; Cindona, a daughter, who died March 11, 1889, at the age of seventeen years, and an infant deceased.

Hiram Calvin, of the firm of Clemson & Calvin, although a young man, is one of the most successful business men in this portion of the State. He has been running the business exclusively for six and a half years last, having come to this point with a stock of goods in December, 1882. He passed through the country eighteen months before the road was built, and, from what he reported, his partner in Illinois bought 4,200 acres of timber land, about half of which still belongs to the estate. They commenced business in Clay County, Ark., with a stock of goods worth $2,497, which has been increased since then to $3,500. In addition to the store, the firm own a stave-mill, which they operate, and a farm of 120 acres, all under improvement and well stocked. They have also been interested in steamboats on the river, and still own a small interest there. The original and only investment in goods and buildings amounted to $3,100, and, at a very low estimate, profits worth $10,000, and the first investment, have been paid out. Hiram Calvin is the son of R. T. Calvin and Angie (Rifner) Calvin, and the grandson, on his mother's side, of Peter and Elizabeth (Rockafellow) Rifner. Peter Rifner was a soldier in the War of 1812, being commissioned by Gen. Harrison as commander of a company. R. T. Calvin was born in New Jersey, and emigrated to Harrison,Ohio, when a young man. There he married Miss Rifner. Hiram Calvin casts his vote with the Democratic party, and is a member of the "Triple Alliance." He married Miss Gussie Boren, daughter of Cole Boren, of Mound City, Ill., who was a pilot on the Mississippi River, and whose father, Morgan Boren, was born in Tennessee, in 1789, he being a soldier in the Black Hawk War. The latter married Miss Anna Lathran, of Tennessee. To Mr. and Mrs. Calvin have been born three children: Fannie, Gussie and Aggie. Mr. Clemson died March 30, 1889, at his residence near Olmsted, Ill., aged sixty-four years and ten days.

William A. Campbell was born in Greene County, Mo., April 10, 1848, being a son of William and Nancy Campbell, and grandson of James and Lucy Campbell and James and Hannie Collins, who were natives of Patrick County, Va. William Campbell, Sr., was a farmer, and moved to Missouri in 1845, residing in Greene County until 1852, when he removed to Cass County, and two years later to Kansas Territory. He continued to make this his home until 1867, since which time he has been a resident of Vernon County, Mo., and is now living at Milo, of that county, engaged in merchandising. He and wife are the parents of the following family: John W., a resident of Arizona Territory, engaged in the milling business; George W., who died in Newton County, Mo., in 1886; Marthie E., who died in Greene County, Mo., in 1846: William A., James E., who died in Vernon County, Mo., in 1872; Isaac F., a merchant of Arizona Territory; Melissa J., who died in Bourbon County, Kas., in 1859; Thomas H., who died in Crawford County, Kas., in 1863; David H., a blacksmith at El Paso, Tex.; Melissa, married Charles Baker in 1883, and resides in Crawford County, Kas. William A. Campbell began life for himself in 1863, when only sixteen years old, at which time he enlisted in the Federal army, in Company B. Fourteenth Regiment of Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, under Capt. Charles H. Haynes, and Col. C. W. Blair, in which regiment he served until June 15, 1865, then being honorably discharged with the balance of his regiment, at Lawrence. Kas. He then went to Southeast Kansas, where he joined his parents, staying there until May 20, 1866, the date of his marriage to Miss Rebecca A. Cooper, afterward moving to McDonald County. Mo., and from there to El Paso, Tex., where he lived one year. Going thence to Benton County, Ark., he lived there two years and later settled in NewtonCounty. Mo., but after a residence in that locality until 1884, moved to Clay County, Ark., reaching this place November 17, 1884. Here he still resides. He bought 320 acres of heavily timbered land, and now has eighteen acres cleared and under fence, with a young orchard of 100 apple trees of a select variety. William A. Campbell was elected justice of the peace in his county, October 20, 1888, which office he still holds. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Rebecca A. Campbell, his wife, is the daughter of Hiram and Lucinda Cooper, and was born in McDonald County, Mo., March 7, 1848. Her father died when she was four years old, and when she was seven years old her mother died, leaving her and one sister and two brothers to fight the battle of life as best they could. The oldest child was only ten years of age. She lived in McDonald County, Mo., until the spring of 1862, when she moved to Southeast Kansas with relatives, residing there until her marriage in 1866. William A. and Rebecca A. Campbell are the parents of six children: George W., the eldest, died in Jasper County. Mo., in 1872; John W. died in Mexico, in 1874: Alexander died in Mexico in 1874; John W. and Alexander (twins) died on the same day; Lucinda J., Martha E., and Rosa A., the youngest child, still remain with their parents.   William C. Cochran, merchant of Greenway, Ark., was born in Massac County, Ill., September 4, 1854, his father, Jesse Cochran, being a native of North Carolina. The latter went to Illinois when a young man, where he was married to Jane Sexton, and resided in Massac County up to 1856, when he moved to Arkansas and settled in what is now Clay County. Here he entered land, made a farm, and reared a family. His death occurred in September, 1869. William C. Cochran and two sisters are the only surviving members of a family of six children. He was reared in Clay County, his youth being spent on a farm. He was married in this county on the 5th of December, 1881, to Miss Sarah E. Leeth, a daughter of John A. Leeth, formerly from Tennessee, now deceased. Mrs. Cochran was born in Tennessee, but was reared in Clay County, and by Mr. Cochran is the mother of one child, who is living: Lura, now six years old. Jesse died in January, 1886, at the age of five months. Mr. Cochran had been engaged in farming and the ginning business previous to his marriage, and afterwards continued the former occupation for three years. In August, 1885, he commenced merchandising at Greenway and has been interested in that business since that time. He was appointed deputy postmaster in 1885 and served two years. He carries an excellent stock of general merchandise, and has built up a good trade. He is a Mason and belongs to the I. O. O. F.

Robert L. Coleman. proprietor of Piggott Hotel, Piggott, Ark., and the son of Col. David and Sarah (Love) Coleman, was born in Haywood County. N. C., March 26, 1823. Col. David Coleman was a native of North Carolina, but moved to Tennessee at an early day, locating in Carroll County, where he followed farming, and there remained until his death. He served as colonel of the State militia. His wife, Sarah Love, was also a native of North Carolina. Her father, Gen. Thomas Love, was in the Revolutionary War as well as the War of 1812. Robert L. Coleman was reared to manhood on a farm in Tennessee, read law in Carroll County and was admitted to the bar, after which he practiced there until his removal to Missouri in 1851. He then located at Hartsville, Wright County, practiced there for three years and upon returning to Tennessee, engaged in mercantile pursuits until the breaking out of the late war, when he enlisted in the Confederate service, in 1862, in Col. Napier's regiment. He remained in this regiment for about eight months, afterward being in Col. Green's regiment, where he was promoted to adjutant and served in that capacity. He was captured at Parke's Cross Roads by Gen. Sullivan, was held a prisoner at Camp Douglas for over three months, and was then exchanged. He then returned to Tennessee and did not enter the service again. He resumed the practice of law in Carroll County for about three years, but finally gave up law. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, for many years and was licensed to preach in 1868. He was a local preacher in his church for some years. He was ordained deacon in 1870 at Trenton, Tenn., by Bishop McTyre, and followed his ministerial duties in Tennessee up to 1875, when he moved to Arkansas, settling at Oak Bluff in Clay County, and there resided for a number of years. He taught school for nine months, and then engaged in the manufacture of tobacco in 1878, which occupation he has followed up to the present date. He built his hotel in the fall of 1888 and moved in December. His is the first and last and only hotel in Piggott. Mr. Coleman was married in Carroll County, Tenn., December 4, 1850, to Miss Harriet E. Norman, a native of Carroll County, and the daughter of Judge John Norman. To this union were born three children, two daughters and a son: Sarah N., wife of Albert Hubbard, of Piggott; Mollie A., widow, and John R., who died May 7, 1883, in his twenty-fifth year. Mr. Coleman was ordained local elder here in 1881 by the same bishop that ordained him deacon in Tennessee.

G. W. Cook is a successful agriculturist and stockman of Oak Bluff Township, Clay County, Ark., and was born in Weakley County, West Tenn., in 1840, being the youngest in a family of seven children born to Richard A. and Ann (David) Cook, both of whom were born in Old Virginia. At an early day they moved to West Tennessee, where the father opened up a farm and there died in 1860, at the age of fifty-eight years. His widow came to Greene County, Ark., in August, 1874, and here died in October of the same year at the age of seventy-six years. G. W. Cook grew to manhood in his native State, and received his education in Weakley County, being also married there, in 1864, to Miss M. M. Jenkins, a daughter of C. P. and Mary G. (Boothe) Jenkins, who were born in North Carolina, and were early immigrants of Tennessee, where they became wealthy farmers and spent their declining years, the father dying in 1889 and the mother in 1872. After his marriage Mr. Cook settled on the old homestead, and there made his home until 1873, when he came to Greene County, Ark., and purchased a timber tract of eighty acres, which he cleared and sold in 1888. In 1874 he moved to Clay County, and five years later purchased the farm on which he is at present residing, which consisted of 120 acres, with thirty acres under the plow. He has increased his lands until he now has 960 acres, 200 of which are under cultivation, in the home farm, and 320 acres, with thirty-two under cultivation, in Blue Cane Township, Greene County. He is interested in stock raising, and makes a specialty of Berkshire and Poland China hogs. His principal crop is corn. He has never been very active in politics, but usually votes the Democratic ticket. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. lodge at Rector, and is interested in all worthy public enterprises. He is in every respect a self-made man, and all his property has been acquired by his own exertions. He and wife are the parents of the following children: Ella, now Mrs. Bolton; Daniel Elvis, Joseph, Oda and Edar living, and six children deceased. In 1861 Mr. Cook enlisted in Weakley County in Company C, Fifty-second Tennessee Infantry, and was mustered into service at Henderson Station, afterward participating in the battle of Shiloh. At the end of six months he returned home.

Fred W. Cooper, merchant of Greenway, Clay County, Ark., was born on the 9th of October, 1866, in Pulaski County, Ill., his parents, C. C. and Georgia (McDonald) Cooper, being also born in that State. Mr. Cooper was a merchant of Caledonia, Ill., for a number of years and died there in May, 1877. Fred W. Cooper remained with his father until the latter's death and received his education in the common schools of Illinois and in Cincinnati, Ohio. After spending about one year in the "Lone Star State" he located in Clay County. Ark., in July, 1887, where he bought property, erected a store building, and engaged in merchandising, carrying a large and select stock of shelf and heavy hardware, farming implements and furniture. He has built up a good trade and is making money. He was married in Pulaski County, November 9, 1887, to Miss Gertrude Williamson, a native of Ohio, who was reared and educated in Pulaski County, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper are the parents of one child, Velaria. Mr. Cooper is a young man of energy, push and enterprise, and possessing excellent business qualifications, is certain to succeed in whatever he undertakes.

Henry B. Cox, a prominent merchant of Rector, Ark., was born February 13, 1843, in Weakley County, Tenn. His parents were William A. Cox and Hiley Cox, natives, respectively, of Buckingham County, Va., and Giles County, Tenn. William A. Cox, the father of our subject, was born March 22, 1815. He was of Scotch Irish descent. Remaining in his native State until twelve years of age, he emigrated with his parents to Tennessee, which State at that time was wild and sparsely inhabited, and furnished very limited means of education. Still, William A. Cox, in the face of every disadvantage, by his own extraordinary efforts, succeeded in qualifying himself for business affairs, and filled various important stations. In 1838 he was married to Mrs. Hiley Schofield, widow of Thomas Schofield., and daughter of Asa and Nancy Magee of Tennessee. Resulting from this union were six children: Ballard C., Leamma M., Henry B. (subject of this sketch). William A., Jr., Emily S. and Amanda Cox, Ballard C. Cox was killed at the battle of Chiekamauga while in the Confederate service. Amanda and Emily S., late wife of W. S. Blackshare, are also deceased. In 1857 William A. Cox and family emigrated from Tennessee to Greene County, Ark., and settled three miles north of the town of Oak Bluff. The woods at that time abounded in wild animals. School and church privileges were very limited. During the late war William A. Cox remained at home, but he was a Southern sympathizer. In religion he was a Presbyterian, but was identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at the time of his death, in 1871. Mrs. Hiley Cox is still living, and is a resident of Clay County, Ark. (Clay County was formerly a part of Greene County.) The paternal grandfather, John Cox, was a native of Virginia, as was also his wife. He was of Scotch descent, and was a farmer by occupation. The maternal grandparents were of Tennessee. The grandfather participated in the Indian wars. He was engaged in the memorable battle of Horseshoe Bend. Henry B. Cox was thirteen years of age when the family removed to Arkansas. He remained at home on the farm until March, 1862, when he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-fifth Arkansas Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. G. D. Byers, Confederate army. He was elected third lieutenant at Corinth, Miss. At Readerville, Tenn., he was promoted to first lieutenant. He was in the battles at Richmond, Ky., and Murfreesboro, Tenn., as well as numerous smaller engagements. At Murfreesboro he was wounded in the right foot, which resulted in much suffering and long confinement in the MedicalCollege Hospital, at Atlanta, Ga., of which Dr. Willis Westmoreland was chief surgeon. In 1863, near Griffin, Ga., he was married to Miss Addie E. Lavender, daughter of Judge James Lavender, a native of Georgia. For two years after his marriage he was engaged in farming. In 1867, in Carroll County, Ga., he went into the mercantile business. He emigrated to Greene County, Ark., in 1867, and is still occupied in the same business. By his marriage Mr. Cox became the father of nine children, as follows: Charles M. B., Augusta O., Eugene H., Cora B., Mary F., Annie L., Dreas L., Augustus C. and Hubert D. Cox. Of these there are surviving only Charles M. B., Cora B., Mary F. and Dreas L. Cox. The wife of Mr. Cox, Mrs. Addie E. Cox, passed from this life into the future on July 9, 1880, at the age of thirty-six years. Mr. Cox, afterward married Miss Laura I. Cox, a native of Missouri, and daughter of Rev. J. W. Cox, of the Methodist Protestant Church. To this union were born two children: Addie B. and Everett; the last named died at the age of four months. Mr. Cox established his business in Rector in 1882. He was the purchaser of the first lot sold in town, and has been quite successful. Mr. Cox and family are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. He was ordained a minister in 1872. He has been a member of the Masonic order since 1866, and took the Chapter and Council degrees in 1867, at Carrollton, Carroll County, Ga. He is a Democrat in politics; a stanch advocate of the principles of prohibition, he supported Gen. Fisk for president in 1888. In personal appearance Mr. Cox is tall and imposing; is six feet and two inches, and weighs 200 lbs. He has dark-brown eyes, and wears a heavy, full beard.

Thomas J. Crews, farmer and stock raiser of St. Francis Township, Clay County, Ark., was born in Bedford County, Tenn., August 1, 1847, and is the son of Dr. John Crews, a native of Virginia, and Mary A. (Tribble) Crews. Dr. John Crews was reared in his native State and was married twice, his first wife bearing him two sons and three daughters, all now deceased but one, a daughter. His second marriage was to the mother of our subject, who bore him four children, two sons and two daughters, all of whom grew to mature years. The Doctor moved from Bedford to Weakley County, residing there some nine years, engaged in farming, and then, about 1857, he moved with his family to Arkansas, locating in what is now Clay County, made a farm and there resided until his death, which occurred in December, 1876. Thomas J. Crews grew to manhood on the farm in Clay County, remaining with his parents until grown, and was married in that county September 1, 1872, to Miss Mary J. Lively, a native of Arkansas, and the daughter of William Lively, and sister of Rev. Lively, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. After his marriage Mr. Crews settled in the neighborhood where he now lives, and after his father's death he came to the old home and bought out the heirs. He has 50 acres of land with about 125 fenced and under cultivation. Mrs. Crews died February 12, 1878, and since then Mr. Crews' mother, who is still living, has been his housekeeper. Mr. Crews is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Wisdom Lodge No. 343, and has filled all the official positions in his lodge. He has represented the lodge in the grand lodge two different times. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 56, at Piggott, and is Noble Grand of this lodge. He has served as district deputy for four years, and has represented this lodge and Clark Bluff a number of times. He is a prominent man and an excellent citizen.

Z. T. Daniel is well known throughout Clay County, Ark., and for a number of years filled the office of deputy county surveyor, with competence and ability. He was born on Blue Grass soil in Grant County, in 1848, being the eldest of a family of eight children born to Lewis B. and Sardinia K. (Canfield) Daniel, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Ohio. The father was reared in his native State, and in March, 1849, moved to Illinois and settled in Schuyler County, where he engaged in farming, continuing this occupation until 1862, when he left his farm to engage in the war, enlisting from Rushville, Ill., in Company B, One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois Infantry, and was mustered into service at Quincy. He died in 1863 of disease contracted while in the service. His excellent wife still survives him and resides at Rushville, Ill. Z. T. Daniel received excellent facilities for acquiring an education, and besides attending the public school at Rushville, Ill., attended the Washington University at St. Louis, in 1874, 1875 and 1876. During this time he studied surveying, and in March, 1876, he came to Corning, Ark., for the purpose of continuing his agricultural operations but drifted into surveying, which occupation received the greater part of his attention, his services being utilized in Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri. He was married in Clay County, Ark., in the fall of 1882, to Miss Ellen McClintick, a native of Quincy, Ill., and a daughter of Henry Clay and Mary Ann (Dilley) McClintick, also of Illinois, who came to Corning, Ark., in 1878, where they are still residing, the father being the proprietor of the Illinois Hotel. Subsequent to his marriage, Z. T. Daniel settled in Corning. He worked for the Iron Mountain Railroad Company as civil engineer nearly two years. He is reporter for the K. of H., and is an active member of the I. O. G. T. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church, and having no family of their own they have adopted a little boy named Eddie.

Elihu Davis, whose success as a farmer and stock raiser is well established throughout the county, is a native of Hardin County. Ky., born March 11, 1821. His father, William Davis, was also a native of Kentucky, and was married in that State to Miss Sarah Hardin, of the same State, although her people were from the Carolinas. William Davis settled on a farm in Kentucky, resided there a number of years, and then moved to Wayne County, Tenn., where he purchased a farm and here reared his children. He died about 1835 or 1836. His wife survived him until 1877, when she died at the home of her son in Arkansas. Elihu Davis was reared in Tennessee and came to Arkansas when a young man of eighteen, or in 1838, locating in Greene County, but now Clay County, and finally settled on his present property in 1844. His nearest neighbor was three miles distant, wild animals were plentiful and many a deer and wild turkey fell before his unerring rifle. Mr. Davis cleared over 100 acres where Greenway is now located, and sold forty acres of this in May, 1889, for an addition to the town. He was married first in Clay County, October 16, 1844, to Susan Sites, a native of Arkansas, who died September 16, 1863. To this union were born seven children, who grew to mature years. Mr. Davis married his second wife, Mrs. Nancy Boggas, a widow, formerly Miss Nancy Shelton, who was born in Alabama. She was the mother of one son by her first marriage. This wife died October 23, 1873, and Mr. Davis married again, in Clay County, Miss Tennessee Horton, who bore him two children, Joseph and Nancy. Mrs. Davis was born in Tennessee, but was reared in Missouri and Arkansas. To Mr. Davis by his first wife were born these children: William A., whose sketch appears in this work; Solomon T., John, Elihn, Jr., Clarissa, wife of T. J. Smith; Sarah, and Mary, wife of Lewis Clippard. To his second marriage one son, Thomas L., was born. Mr. Davis is a Master Mason, and a member of the Baptist Church.

William M. Davis. Among the worthy residents of Clay County, Ark., it is but just to say that Mr. Davis occupies a conspicuous and honorable place, for he has always been honest, industrious and enterprising, and as a result has met with more than ordinary success. He was born in Georgia, on the 15th of August, 1842, and is a son of D. D. and Rebecca (Isbul) Davis, who were born, reared and married in South Carolina. They moved to Georgia after their marriage, where they remained about ten years and then located in Alabama, and afterward in Greene County, Ark., where the father is now living. William M. Davis remained with his father until of age, and in 1862 enlisted in the Twenty-fifth Arkansas Infantry, Confederate States Army, and served until the spring of 1865, when he surrendered at Wittsburgh, Ark. He was at Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Franklin, and the siege and surrender of Atlanta, being in about thirteen regular engagements. After the war he was engaged in farming in Greene County, and was married in Dunklin County, Mo., on Buffalo Island, September 19, 1867, to Miss Martha Cochran, who was born and reared in Dunklin County, being a daughter of Pleasant Cochran. Mr. and Mrs. Davis remained in Greene County until 1874, when he moved to his present place in Clay County, trading his farm there for the one on which he is now residing. He has 160 acres, with about seventy-five under cultivation, and has built a good frame residence, stables and sheds and otherwise greatly improved his property since locating. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are the parents of the following children: Cynthia E., wife of James Golden; Pleasant L., James E., William David, George F., Samuel A., Lou Z., John Henry and Pearlie Gertrude. Two children died in early childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he is a Master Mason.

William A. Davis, another prominent farmer and stock raiser of Haywood Township, Clay County, Ark., was born in the above-mentioned county, near Greenway, April 29, 1853, and is the son of Elihu Davis, a Kentuckian by birth, who was reared in that State and in Tennessee. The father came to Arkansas when a young man and was here married. William A. Davis grew to manhood on the home farm, remaining with his father until twenty-seven years of age, and was married here first, March 10, 1881, to Miss Anna Randleman, who died in September, 1881. Mr. Davis had bought and located where he resides in 1880, and this place he has greatly improved. He has fifty-five acres of cleared land, neat buildings, a good orchard, and has twenty-five acres in timber, all good bottom land, one mile from Greenway. Mr. Davis was married, in this county, December 29, 1886, to Miss Belle Gorden, a native of Tennessee, but who was reared and educated in Clay County, Ark. Her father, Jordan Gorden, who is now deceased, was one of the pioneers of Arkansas. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been born one child, Myrtle, who is now six months old. Mr. Davis is a member of the Masonic Order, Wisdom Lodge No. 343, in which he is senior deacon.

James Deniston, who is prominently identified with the farming and stock raising interests of Oak Bluff Township, was born in Ballard County, Ky., July 13, 1839, and is the son of John Deniston, who was born and reared in Washington County, Va. He was also married in that State, to Miss Dorotha L. Puckett, a native of Amelia County, Va. Her father served in the War of 1812. After marriage Mr. Deniston settled on a farm in Kentucky, and followed tilling the soil up to the breaking out of the late war, when, at the age of fifty-two, he enlisted in the Twenty-third Kentucky Infantry, Union Army, and died in Texas. James Deniston spent his youth in his native county, in Kentucky, assisting his father on the farm, and when in his nineteenth year, he was married there to Miss Eliza Brown, who bore him five children. After marriage Mr. Deniston followed agricultural pursuits in Kentucky until 1868, when he moved to Missouri, and spent one year in Cape Girardeau County. He then resided two years in Stoddard County, and in the spring of 1872 moved to Arkansas, bought raw land, and there he lives at the present time. He is the owner of 280 acres of land, with about 125 acres cleared, all good bottom land. He served as a member of the school board for ten consecutive years, and has the confidence and esteem of his fellow men. He was married, in Cape Girardeau County, to Miss Mary E. Welch, a native of llinois, but who was reared near Alton, Obion County, Tenn. Nine children were born to the last marriage: Isabelle, Ada, Bernetta J., Rhoda, Ida M., Stonewall J., Scott H., George and Effie W. Mr. and Mrs. Deniston are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is a deacon in the same. He is a Master Mason, and a member and treasurer of Danley Lodge No. 300, A. F, & A. M.

William H. Denny. Among the many sturdy and energetic agriculturists of Clay County, Ark., who have attained their property by hard labor and economy, may be mentioned Mr. Denny, who was born in Monroe County, Mo., September 25, 1856, being a son of William T. F. and Martha (Atchison) Denny, who were born in St. Louis County, Mo., and Illinois, respectively, the former's birth occurring September 24, 1828. They were married January 1, 1849, and became the parents of seven children: W. H., Florence, Charles E., Andrew J., Cory Bell, Samuel W. and Lizy Edna. They moved to Monroe County, Mo., in 1854, but returned to St. Louis County in 1861, where they are still living, being engaged in agricultural pursuits. The mother is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and the father is a Mason, and in his political views a Democrat. William H. Denny moved from St. Louis County to Howell County, Mo., in 1883, and from the latter county to Clay County, Ark., where he purchased, in 1885, a tract of land consisting of eighty acres, twenty of which are under cultivation, lying on Current River bottom. It is well adapted to cotton, corn and fruit, and can all be easily put in a tillable condition. It is also a fine grazing property, and is in condition to pasture stock the year round. Land in this section is valued at from $2 to $25 per acre, and cleared land is equal to the best in the State. It is usually covered with a heavy growth of timber (suitable for all kinds of work), among which may be mentioned gum, ash, oak, walnut, linn and cypress. Mr. Denny in his political views is a Democrat.

Hon. Jasper W. Dollison, a resident of Greenway, Clay County, Ark., was born in Cambridge City, of the "Buckeye State," December 20, 1849. His father, William E. Dollison, was born in Pennsylvania, but was reared in Ohio, and was married there to Miss Susanna Laird, who was born in the State. Mr. Dollison removed to the State of Indiana in 1857, and located in Clay County, where he engaged in farming and stock raising and dealing until 1884, then moving to Kansas, and he has since made his home in Independence. Hon. Jasper W. Dollison grew to mature years in Clay County, Ind., and received an excellent education in the Greencastle University. He was engaged in teaching in the public schools of that State for a number of years, and in 1877 moved to Missouri, and located in Andrew County, moving from there to Union County, Iowa, after a short time, where he made his home for nearly two years, having been engaged in teaching in both places. In 1881 he located at Newport, Jackson County, Ark., and for two years was superintendent of a lumber mill. He then entered into the newspaper business in Greene County, at Paragould, but in 1884 moved to Clay County and bought out the proprietors of the Rector Advocate, which he changed to the name of the Clay County Advocate, and moved the paper to Greenway in June, 1887. He continued the publication of this paper until January, 1889, when he sold out to the present editor. In his political views he was formerly identified with the democratic party, but when the movement known as the Labor movement was inaugurated, he recognized the justice of the cause and espoused it. In June, 1888, the State Union Labor convention, assembled at Little Rock, tendered him the nomination for State land commissioner.  He declined the honor, however, and after very urgent solicitation agreed to make the race for the legislature, and was nominated and elected on that ticket as representative of Clay County, serving with distinction for the term commencing January 14, 1889. He was married in Clay County, Ind., March 30, 1872, to Miss Anna Williams, who was born in Kentucky, but was reared and educated principally in Indiana. Her parents were Van Buren and Mary Williams, of Clay County, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Dollison are the parents of five children: Lethe, Della, Vincent, Charles and May. Mrs. Dollison is a member of the Christian Church, and he is a member of the K. of H., the K. of L. and the Agricultural Wheel. He is engaged at present in real estate and timber enterprises.

W. S. Downs, blacksmith, and one of the skillful workmen of the county, is a native of Georgia, born in 1848, and the son of Shelly Downs, who was born in Virginia. The latter was married in his native State, and afterward moved to Georgia, where the mother died shortly afterward, and where the father died in 1861, leaving a family of three children. W. S. Downs was but thirteen years of age when his father died, and for three years after this, and during the war, he drove a team from Atlanta to Bowden, Ga., and was with his teams near Franklin, Ga. (which is 100 miles from Atlanta), when that city fell into the hands of the Federal troops. At the age of sixteen Mr. Downs went to work to learn the carriage and wagon-maker's trade with the firm of J. W. Downs, and afterward with Downs & Langford, at Conyers, Ga., remaining in their employ for three years. He then came to Clay County, Ark., where he has resided ever since, with the exception of about three years, two of which he spent in New Madrid, Mo., and one year at his old home, where he worked for Mr. Langford, who was carrying on the same business. During his stay here six years were spent in the mill business, the second steam-mill in the county, and he afterward followed farming until about 1888, when he opened up his old business in Boydsville. He has built a shop for general repair work, and is having a fair trade. He was married in 1889 to Miss Martha A. Arnold, daughter of Andrew Arnold, of Clay County (but which at that time was Greene County), and nine children have been the result of this union, eight now living. They are named as follows: Lenora J., wife of J. A. Burton, of Tennessee, and the mother of one child; J. H., at home attending the farm; L. R., at home; William E., J. B., Florence A., Matthew A. and Alvin Shelly, who is named after his grandfather. Mr. and Mrs. Downs are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and he is a Democrat in politics.

Joseph Dudgeon. There is nothing which adds so much to the prestige of a city in the estimation of a stranger as first-class hotel accommodations, and the Dudgeon House, of which our subject is proprietor, has an excellent reputation both at home and abroad, although it has been in operation only a short time (since February, 1888). His hotel, so recently completed, consists of twenty-three commodious rooms, with a large bath-room, all of which are well furnished, and supplied with modern conveniences, and he is ever courteous and accommodating to his guests. He was born in the "Emerald Isle," County Monahan, in March, 1833, and is a son of John and Margaret (Mills) Dudgeon, who were of Scotch descent, but were born in Ireland, in which country the father died. In 1844 Joseph, with his mother, went from Belfast to Liverpool, and in the latter city took passage for America on the sailing vessel "Patrick Henry," and after an ocean voyage of six weeks landed at New York City. Shortly after they went to Sullivan County, N. Y., where Joseph received his education, and was reared to manhood. He started out to battle his own way in the world at the early age of thirteen years, and from earliest boyhood his career has been characterized by hard work, for he was brought up as a farmer, and received such education as could be acquired in the common schools previous to his sixteenth year. About this time he and his mother went to New Orleans, and there he worked as a clerk in a store for about two years, and from that time up to 1865 lived both in Mississippi and Texas. He next located in Saginaw, Mich., where he resided three years, then returning to New York State, and the same year located at An Sable, Mich., being an employee for eleven years of the Loud, Priest & Gay Lumber Company, acting as their foreman; he was held in the highest esteem, and commanded the full confidence of his employers. He became a noted lumberman of that region, and was engaged in the business for himself for some time, continuing successfully until 1882, when be went to Chicago, and was employed in paving the streets for a number of months. In 1883 he moved to Randolph County, Mo., but after a short time sold all his effects, and returned to Michigan. In the spring of 1885 he came to Clay County, Ark., and was engaged in tilling a farm near Corning, which he had purchased, until February, 1888, when he moved to the town, and embarked in his present enterprise. In 1860 he was married to Miss Amanda Tiffany, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Edwin and Joannah (Parks) Tiffany, the former a native of Connecticut, and the latter of New York State. Mr. Tiffany is a second cousin of George Tiffany, the noted New York City jeweler. Mr. and Mrs. Dudgeon became the parents of seven children, of whom five are living: Arthur F., residing in Michigan; Ella, wife of R. G. Gillard, of Ashland, Wis.; John A., Bertha M., wife of J. M. Hawks, of Cotton Plant, Ark., and Pearl A. Mr. Dudgeon is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in his political views is a Republican. His mother was born in Ireland May 5, 1781, and died at the age of 104 years.

Edward B. Earle, druggist at Rector post office, was born in Obion County, Tenn., February 28, 1858, but was reared at Arlington, Ky. He remained on the farm until nineteen years of age, receiving a common school education, and worked in a drug store for some time. October 25, 1886, he made his advent in the State of Arkansas with $2,85 in cash and worked at the carpenter's trade until February 27, 1887, when he began working for Mr. Outlaw, with whom be continued for 389 days without losing any time. Afterward he was occupied at odd jobs. He then bought out the drug store which he now owns and later purchased other property. He is now the most successful druggist in Rector, carrying a stock of drugs valued at $1,000, and is also a much esteemed citizen. September 15, 1887, he married Miss Clemmie Trantham, a native of Clay County, Ark. Both he and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a Democrat in politics, but not a radical one. Mr. Earle's parents, J. H. and Elvira (Ghalson) Earle, were natives of Kentucky. The father was reared near Barlow, a short distance from Cairo, and was quite an extensive stock man. He was a soldier in the late war and is now living in Illinois, aged sixty-six years. Mrs. Earle remained in her native State until grown, and was married there. To this union were born eight children: Sallie, John, Lee, Charles, Arthur, Edward B., Mollie and Leana. Dr. Charles Earle, brother of the subject of this sketch, came to Rector in 1883, and is a graduate of Bellevue College, New York.

Frederick Ermert is an excellent example of the success attending hard work and faithful and persistent endeavor, and is now one of the wealthy planters of Clay County, Ark., having been a resident of this region since 1856. He is a native of Germany, born in 1847, and is the eldest of five children born to John and Caroline Ermert, who were also natives of that country, and came to the State of Missouri in 1850, settling in Madison County, where the father engaged in lead mining. The following year he took the overland route to California, the journey occupying five months, and remained in that State for three years. He then returned to Madison County, Mo., but shortly after moved to Randolph County, and in 1856 he settled in what is now Clay County, where he followed the occupation of agriculture until his death in 1864, being still survived by his excellent wife. Frederick Ermert received good training in growing up, became familiar with the details of farm life, and entered actively upon life's duties as a farmer after the close of the war, purchasing a piece of raw land, which has since, by honest and continued effort on his part, become one of the valuable places of the county. This property he sold in 1885, and since March, 1889, has resided on his present farm of 120 acres, sixty of which are under cultivation, thirty being devoted to the culture of cotton. He has always supported the Republican ticket, considering its views as sound and well suited to any man. He has been married thrice, his first union taking place in Clay County, in 1867, to Miss Mary Ann Whitehead, a native of that county, whose parents were early settlers of the locality. He lost his wife in 1875, she having borne him one child: Amanda, now the wife of William M. Williams, residing in Texas. His second marriage took place in Clay County, in 1878, to Mildred Rhodes, of Mississippi, who died in 1879, also leaving one child, William, who is residing with his father. His present wife was a Miss Sarah Elizabeth Calhoun, of Tennessee, her parents, Dunklin and Penelope Calhoun, being deceased. To the last union the following children were born: James, Lewis and Fred. Many are the changes which have occurred since Mr. Ermert first located here, and he has lived to witness the growth of what was almost a wilderness to one of the most prosperous counties of the State.

Watson Forrest, better known as "Patter" Forrest, is one of the oldest settlers in Clay County at the present time. He left Gibson County, Tenn., in October, 1832, with his brother, Abraham Forrest, and Elisha Fly and their wives, all in one wagon drawn by cattle, and they soon fell in with James Kennedy, who, with his wife and four children, were in a wagon drawn by horses. They settled on Slavin's Creek, in what is Greene County now, and there they remained for three years. During this time Watson Forrest was married to Miss Sarah Crafton, of Gibson County, Tenn., and the daughter of John B. Crafton, of Tennessee. Mr. Forrest had returned to Tennessee to assist his father, Mark Forrest, to move to the farm picked out for him by his son, on Slavin's Creek, and here married Miss Crafton, and with her and his father he returned to Greene County about December 10, 1833. In 1835 he and wife moved to what is known as Clay County at the present day, settling about one mile from where he now lives, and there remained some five years. He then moved to Barry County, Mo., continued there but three months and then returned and bought a log cabin, where his present residence is standing. He paid $250 for the log cabin and the improvements, and $2.50 per acre for forty acres of land. To this he has since added 220 acres. The old log house he uses for a stable. When Mr. Forrest first came to this State there was no market for anything; neither was there any law, nor officers–neither squire, sheriff nor constable, and Mr. Forrest assisted in electing the first sheriff, Charley Robinson. A man by the name of Tucker was the first representative of Greene County, and there were only forty votes cast in the whole county. Stock had to be driven on foot to Memphis, Tenn., 125 miles away, but as there was but very little stock in the county, these trips were seldom made until about 1845. Previous to that time the only way of obtaining money was by selling the pelts of animals, deer, elk, bear, wildcat, panther, raccoon, mink and otter being plentiful at that time. Deer skins were the most sought after, and at Cape Girardeau were worth from about $1.00 to $2.00 each; coon skins from twenty-five to fifty cents each; elks, from $1.50 to $2.00 each; bear, from $1.00 to $3.00; wildcat, about twenty-five cents; panther, from $1.00 to $1.50; mink, from $1.50 to $3.00, and otter, from $4.00 to $6.00. Buffalo, in rather limited numbers, were in the State also. With the exception of the buffalo and elk, all the above mentioned animals are still represented in the woods, coon and deer being very plentiful. The next nearest trading-point was Pocahontas, on the Black River, which offered a market for the first time about 1835. This was twenty miles distant from where Mr. Forrest lived. The first railroad market to which Mr. Forrest went was Dexter, on the Iron Mountain road, in Missouri, and about forty miles from his residence. The first church built in what is now Clay County was at Salem, in about 1842, and was of the Baptist denomination. It was constructed by two men, William Nutt and Mr. Winningham, the latter preaching the first sermon. He was also the first Baptist preacher. The first preacher of any kind that Mr. Forrest heard was Rev. Fountain Brown, a Methodist circuit rider. The first school house in the county was built within a mile of where Mr. Forrest now lives, and a man by the name of Cyrus Owens taught the first session as near as can be remembered. Mr. Forrest has in his possession a stone which he took from the maw of a spotted deer killed by him thirty years ago, and which he believes to be a veritable mad stone. It is about the size and shape of a chicken's heart, of a dull, yellowish or brown color, and resembles a well worn molar. On one side is a decayed place which appears to be porous in its nature, while the stone has a smooth, polished appearance. Three people bitten by mad dogs have been cured by this stone. In each case, animals had been bitten by the same dog, and in every case went mad. It will also cure rattlesnake bites. In ease of the latter, or that of a mad dog, the stone adheres to the wound until saturated with the poison, when it falls, and by placing the stone in warm water or milk it will cleanse itself. When there is no poison in the wound the stone will not take hold.

John C. Frew. Prominent among the successful farmers and stock-raisers of Haywood Township stands the name of the above-mentioned gentleman, who was born in Weakley County, Tenn., June 15, 1843, and is the son of A. and Sarah (Hattler) Frew, the former a native of North Carolina and his wife of Tennessee. A. Frew went to Tennessee when a young man, was married there and afterwards engaged in farming, which he continued all his life. He died in November, 1885, and his wife died in June of the same year. Their family consisted of three sons and three daughters, all of whom grew to mature years. One sister has since died, but the others are all residents of Arkansas. John C., the eldest of this family, remained with his parents until after his marriage, which occurred in Obion County, November 11, 1866, to Miss Eda Tennessee Rucker, a native of Middle Tennessee, and the daughter of Samuel W. Rucker. After marriage Mr. Frew raised one crop on the old home place, and then moved to Obion County, where he farmed for five years. He moved to Arkansas in the fall of 1872, and located in what is now Clay County, and on the place where he at present resides. The place at that time had a few acres cleared and on it was a log cabin. Since then Mr. Frew has cleared the farm, erected buildings and has greatly improved it. He owns 120 acres, sixty fenced and under cultivation, and has a fine young apple and peach orchard. To his marriage were born two children: Laura Victoria, wife of J. I. Williams, and Geneva, a miss of ten years. Mr. Frew is a member of the Agricultural Wheel and served as president of the same one term.

Pierce Galvin. The life of this well known farmer and stockman affords an example that might well be imitated by the young men of today, for at the early age of fourteen years he left the home place, without means, to battle his own way in the world, and his endeavors have been resultful of good, and he is now a well-to-do farmer of Clay County. He possesses an excellent place of 240 acres, 100 being under cultivation, and conducts his farm in an intelligent manner and has it well stocked. He was born in Ireland, December 24, 1834, and on coming to the United States, in 1845, landed at New York City, but moved on immediately to Philadelphia, where he had a sister living, and there he made his home until grown. He then traveled for some time and was engaged in railroading in Ohio for seven or eight months, later going to Pittsburgh, Penn., and in 1852 he commenced braking on a train on the Missouri Pacific Railroad, remaining with this company until 1873. The following year he came to Arkansas and again became an employee of the above named road, and continued the occupation of railroading until 1884, since which time he has resided on his present farm. He was first married to Miss Mary Malony, who was born in Ireland, but was brought to the United States when a child, being reared in the State of Missouri. She died in August, 1879, having borne a family of five children: Mary, Maggie, Katie, James and Statia, who died at the age of two years. The living children are residing with their father and he is doing all in his power to give then good educational advantages. He was next married to a sister of his first wife, Kate Malony, by whom he became the father of two  children: Frank, who died at the age of five years, and Agnes. Mr. and Mrs. Galvin are members of the Catholic Church, but he contributes liberally to all enterprises he deems worthy of support. During the war he served in the Twenty-third Missouri Volunteers and did railroad work under Col. Crowley. He is now a Democrat in politics.

John T. Gilchrist, merchant at Knobel, Ark., was born in 1861 in St. Charles County, Mo., being the eldest of nine children born to Richard and Fannie (Coleman) Gilchrist, who were born in Ohio and Illinois, respectively. The former was a hotel keeper, and in 1860 removed to East St. Louis, Ill., there following that occupation until 1876, when be moved to Knobel and engaged in the stock raising and saw mill business for a few years; then he retired from the saw mill business and settled on his farm, where he died in 1888. He had about 160 acres of farming land, with some eighty acres under cultivation, and had 420 acres in a stock ranch. His wife died in 1882. John T. Gilchrist attended the schools of St. Louis until seventeen years of age, then began clerking for the Consolidated Steamboat Company, continuing one year, and in 1879 came to Knobel, Ark., and secured the agency at this place of the Iron Mountain Railroad Company, and had charge of the office for five years. In 1884 he erected a fine building and started a saloon and billiard hall, and in 1887 built a large store-house and engaged in general merchandising, his stock of goods being valued at $6,000, and he has a large and rapidly increasing trade. He is a member of the K. of P., the K. of H., and the K. and L. of H. He is particularly active in  politics, and votes with the Democratic party. His brother, Richard F., is associated with him in business. The latter came to Knobel with his father in 1876, and worked on the farm until 1886, when he formed his present partnership.

A. W. Gills, one of the most thorough going, wide-awake business men of this section of the county, and a genial, pleasant gentleman, is a native of Fulton County, Ky., and came with his parents, who were natives of Virginia, to what is now Clay County, Ark., at the age of nineteen years. They settled near his present residence, where the mother died in 1870, and the father two years later. Later A. W. Gills purchased this farm. In addition to his agricultural interests he also erected a cotton-gin, and about the 1st of October, 1886, commenced ginning cotton, with a capacity of nine bales per day. In September of the same year he started a stave factory and corn mill, all of which he now runs with steam under the same roof, the stave business being the principal industry, the factory having a capacity of 8,000 staves per day. He regularly employs from thirty to thirty-five men and ten teams. This has been the means of building at least half a dozen houses in his neighborhood. He still carries on his farm of 180 acres, which he has well supplied with good stock. Mr. Gills was married in 1882 to Miss Claude Gwin, whom he met in Missouri, and whose parents are now living there. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being attached to the Eastern Star Lodge, and is also a member of Chalk Bluff Lodge No. 72, I. O. O. F., and of the K. of H. In politics he votes with the Democratic party.

Marion C. Glasgow, a prominent agriculturist and stock raiser of Oak Bluff Township, was born in Weakley County, Tenn., August 25, 1842, and is the son of Elijah Glasgow, a native of North Carolina, where he was reared and where he married Miss Jane Jones, a native of Tennessee. He and family moved from Tennessee to Arkansas, in October, 1854, locating in Clay County, and here Mr. Glasgow followed farming until his death which occurred in 1875. Mrs. Glasgow died several years previous. In their family were six sons and three daughters who grew to mature years, but one brother and one sister are deceased. Marion C. Glasgow came to this State and county with his parents, and here he attained his growth. In March, 1862, he enlisted in the Confederate army, and served about eight months, when he was wounded and returned home. In 1864 he re-entered the service, remaining until the close of the war. He participated in the following  battles: Pilot Knob, Independence, Sedalia, and many minor engagements. He was paroled at Wittsburg, Ark., and then came home and engaged in farming. He was married in Clay County, Ark., in September, 1863, to Mrs. F. S. Stephens, daughter of James Nettles, one of the pioneer settlers. Mrs. Glasgow was born in Tennessee. Mr. Glasgow located on his present property in 1873, bought raw land and has cleared and made a valuable farm of the same. He has 160 acres, with over 100 acres under cultivation, all bottom land situated one and a half miles from Rector. He has a good house, good out-buildings and a fine young orchard, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Glasgow had a family of eleven children, named as follows: Luella, James M., Dora J., Levana, Thomas E., Benjamin F., George H., Viora and Columbus L. Three children died in early youth. Mr. Glasgow lost his wife October 2, 1884, and later he married Mrs. Emma A. Walker, who bore him one child, Columbus L. Mr. Glasgow is a Master Mason, is also a member of the I. O. O. F., and is Noble Grand of his lodge. His first wife was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.

John M. Gleghorn was born in Independence County, Ark., near Batesville, December 10, 1843, being a son of John and Sisley (Coleman) Gleghorn, who were both natives of South Carolina, the mother being principally reared in Alabama. John Gleghorn removed to Tennessee when a young man and there remained until 1842, when he emigrated with his family to Independence County, Ark., coming on the first steamer that sailed up the White River. He entered land in that county, on which he remained until 1859, subsequently coming to Greene County, Ark., and residing on a farm near Gainesville until his death, which occurred in April, 1866. His widow is yet living and resides in Marion County, in her eightieth year. The paternal grandfather was born in Scotland and emigrated to America at an early day, when only twelve years old, locating first in South Carolina, then in Middle Tennessee, where he spent the remainder of his days. The maternal grandfather was born and raised in South Carolina, and later spent some time in Alabama, dying in Limestone County of that State. John M. Gleghorn is one of seven surviving members of a family of twelve children, their names being as follows: Rhoda E., wife of Samuel Pool; Stephen C., Lucretia, widow of William Jones; Melissa, wife of J. A. Pool: John M., James K., and Marietta, wife of David Gouch. John M. Gleghorn was reared and educated in Independence County, and was in his sixteenth year when he went to Greene County with his parents. From early boyhood he has been familiar with farm life, and when the war broke out he left the plow to engage in that struggle, enlisting in November, 1861, in Capt. Morgan's company, in which he served until 1863, then being discharged on account of disability, at Readyville. Tenn. He returned home but afterward enlisted in Marmaduke's brigade, and served until the war closed, having taken an active part in the battles of Corinth, Fort Pillow, Murfreesboro, Bragg's raid through Kentucky, Harrisburg, and a number of other hard fights. He was wounded by a pistol shot while with Price at Big Blue. He surrendered at Shreveport, La., June 8, 1865, and returned to Greene County, Ark., and was engaged in farming there until February, 1871. when he came to Clay County, Ark., and located near Knobel, where he farmed on rented land until January, 1881, then purchasing his present farm of 325 acres, about 140 of which are under cultivation. He has a good two-story frame house and has made other valuable improvements. His principal crop is corn, but he also raises some cotton, and gives much attention to stock raising, both buying and selling. In November, 1865, he was married to Mary Arnold, a native of Tennessee, by whom he has had ten children, five living: Mary J., Lindsey C., Etta, Amanda, and James R. Those deceased were: Luther L., William, Walter, John and Anna, the last two twins. Mrs. Gleghorn died in November, 1887, having been a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for a number of years. Mr. Gleghorn is a Democrat, but has never been an office seeker. He has done a great deal to build up his section of the country and has been the cause of many worthy men locating here, having furnished them with land, and grain with which to make a start.

I. N. Goldsby, who is classed among the leading and industrious farmers of the county, was born in Kentucky and is the son of Mentor Goldsby, and the grandson of Edward Goldsby, who took part in the War of 1812. Mentor Goldsby died in Kentucky in 1858, and in 1861 I. N. Goldsby and his mother came to Clay County, Ark., and settled on a farm near his present place of residence. He is the owner of 180 acres of land, seventy-five of which are improved, and on which he has three houses. He was married in 1865 to Miss Minerva C. Liddell, daughter of William and sister of Robert Liddell, of Clay County. Previous to this he served three years in the Confederate army, taking part in the battles of Prairie Grove, Rector and Pilot Knob, and was all through Price's raid in Missouri. He was paroled at Vicksburg in May, 1865, after which he returned home, married, and settled down to farming, which occupation he has followed ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Goldsby were the parents of fourteen children, seven of whom died in infancy. Those living are: William M. (Charley), who is now deputy county clerk under Mr. Spence, at Boydsville, and is a young man of ability and promise; Jennie, at home; Lora, Ettie, Robert, Florence and Lemmer (a daughter). Mr. Goldsby is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has ever been a liberal contributor to all laudable public enterprises.

G. G. Green, a farmer residing near Vidette, Ark., was born on the 19th of November, 1831, in Montgomery County, N. C., his parents being James and Elizabeth (Wyatt) Green, who were also born in that State, and removed to Kentucky in 1832, locating in what was then Galloway County, where they made their home until their respective deaths. The father was a blacksmith and farmer, and he and wife were the parents of eleven children, four now living: George G., Marcus M., Frank and Henry. George G. Greene was an infant when brought to Kentucky, and he remained in that State until 1857, then emigrating to Butler County, Mo., where he made his home one year; coming thence to what is now Clay County, Ark., he located on the farm of 120 acres on which he is now residing. He has about 100 acres under fence and eighty-five acres under cultivation, which he devotes principally to raising corn and cotton, but the soil is well adapted to all cereals. He raises considerable stock during the year, and is a prosperous farmer, and has shown his enterprise and industry by putting his farm, which was heavily covered with timber when he settled, in its present admirable condition. In 1856 he was united in marriage to Miss Melvina Hyatt, a native of Kentucky, by whom he had three children, only one of whom is living at the present time: Delia, wife of Albert Rhodenback. His second marriage took place in 1863, to Miss Sarah J. Gilbert, by whom he has the following family: William, Robert, Elizabeth, Vernon E., Ida M. and Rosa L. Mr. and Mrs. Green have long been members of the Methodist Church.

John J. Griffin was born in Greene County, N. C., June 1, 1826, being a son of William and Sarah Griffin, who were members of the Old-School Baptist Church and were born in North Carolina, the former's birth occurring in 1784 and his death in 1859. Of their seventeen children, John J. Griffin is the only one now living. He became the architect of his own fortune at the age of twenty-one years, and for a number of years was engaged in farming and rafting. On the 25th of July, 1846, he was married to Miss Theresa L. Hicks, a daughter of Thomas S. and Jane Hicks, who were Tennesseeans, the former being engaged in tilling the soil. To this union eleven children were born, only four of whom are living at the present time: Sarah E. (Winningham), James M. (farmer, of Clay County, Ark.), John J. (a farmer of Dunklin County, Mo.), and T. J., also a farmer of Dunklin County. Mr. Griffin took for his second wife Miss Sarah E. Spikes, their marriage taking place on the 22d of June, 1875. Four of the seven children born to their marriage are living: Sanford and Adaline (twins), born September 22, 1875; Lee, born February 27, 1880, and Rosa, born September 12, 1887. Mr. Griffin owns a good farm of eighty acres, sixty under cultivation, and devotes his land principally to raising corn and cotton. His property was at first heavily covered with timber, but he has made valuable improvements, and has now a good and comfortable home. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he is a Democrat, and a member of the Agricultural Wheel. For about fifteen years after first coming west he spent the fall and winter months in hunting and trapping, and has killed at least fifty bear and hundreds of deer, and in some of his hunting expeditions met with many thrilling adventures and narrow escapes from death. He was also engaged in rafting on Black River. His parents moved from North Carolina to Tennessee in 1826, and two years later located in Posey County, Ind., and in 1840 in Randolph County, Ark.

W. T. Griffith, lumberman and postmaster at Thurman, Ark., was born on Kentucky soil (Montgomery County) June 11, 1835, his parents being Jefferson and Lydia (Brothers) Griffith, who came from the "Old Dominion" at an early day with their parents; David Griffith, the grandfather, being one of the first settlers of Montgomery County, Ky. He located near Mt. Sterling, the county seat, and became a very wealthy farmer, but died in Fleming County, of that State. Jefferson Griffith died in Kentucky in 1882, at the age of seventy years, having been a mechanic by trade, and a prominent man, serving as sheriff of Nicholas County for some time. His wife also died in Kentucky. Five of their seven children are now living: Samuel, John, Sarah J., William T. and Martha. William T. Griffith, our subject, was reared in Kentucky until fifteen years of age, and there received the greater part of his education. In 1853 he went to Union County, Ill., and located on a farm near Jonesborough, the country at that time being in a very wild and unsettled condition, and here made his home until 1877, when he came to Clay County, Ark., and began logging in H. H. Williams' large mills, remaining thus employed for five years, then locating on his present excellent farm in Kilgore Township. The most of his attention, however, is given to lumbering and cotton-ginning. He owns a saw-mill and employs several hands to operate it. In July, 1888, the post-office at Thurman was established and he became the first postmaster, and is now holding that position. He has held the office of justice of the peace for two years, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Agricultural Wheel. In 1855 he wedded Miss Barbara I. Lipe, a native of Illinois, and by her became the father of twelve children, six now living: Walter, Emma A., Elsie J., Anna, John and Lillie. His wife died in October, 1880, and in 1881 he married Louisa Carter, who was born in Adams County, Ind., and by her had one child, Rosa P. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, of which he is also clerk.

Robert L. Hancock, agent for the "Cotton Belt" Railroad and the Southern Express Company, is a native of Prentiss County, Miss., where he was born on the 15th of March, 1852, being the son of Benjamin Hancock, who was born in Tennessee and reared in Virginia. When a young man he went to Tennessee, where he met and married Matilda Rowsy of that State, and afterward moved to Mississippi, residing on a plantation in Prentiss County until his death in 1854, followed by his wife in 1867. After coming to years of maturity, Robert L. Hancock attended school in Boonville, Miss., receiving a good education, and then clerked for four years. In 1874 he went to Tennessee, and was married there on the 4th of April, 1884, to Miss Delilah Matheny, who was born, reared and educated in Hardin County of that State, being a daughter of James and Eliza Matheny. After their marriage they located in Williamsville, Wayne County, Mo., and for two years he was engaged in teaching school, and the next two years occupied in farming and teaching in Hardin County, Tenn. In 1879 he came to Clay County, Ark., locating on a farm near Greenway, and devoted himself to tilling the soil and pedagogning up to 1884, when he moved to Greenway and was appointed telegraph operator, depot and express agent, which position he is now filling. He was also engaged in mercantile business for one year, and has served as a member of the town board. He is an active worker for the cause of temperance, and organized the Hancock Temperance Club at Greenway, of which he is president. Mr. Hancock commenced life in Clay County with little or no capital, but is now one of the substantial men of the community, and is the owner of considerable town property and a good farm near Greenway.

J. W. Harb, a merchant of Corning, Ark., was born in Willshire, Van Wert County, Ohio, on the 27th of July, 1859, and is the son of W. B. and Caroline (Harper) Harb, who were born in Franklin and Richland Counties, Ohio, respectively. In 1878 they removed to Blackford County, Ind., locating in Hartford City, where Mr. Harb engaged in merchandising and manufacturing headings and staves. In 1876 he removed his family to Corning, Ark., where he continued his manufacturing business until 1878, in the meantime conducting a drug store, which in 1885 he enlarged, adding general merchandise, and thus being occupied until his death. In 1887 he went back to Ohio to take a rest and regain his health, and died in West Milton, Ohio, September 11, 1887. His remains were brought to Corning and buried. He was one of the founders of the town, and being a physician by profession, practiced considerably in the county. Although not a graduate of any college, he was one of the most intelligent pupils in the Medical College of Columbus, Ohio. His wife died December 24, 1886. J. W. Harb, whose name heads this sketch, resided in Ohio and Indiana until sixteen years of age, and since 1876 has lived in Arkansas, being first engaged in the drug business with his brother (who is now deceased) at Walnut Ridge, Ark., continuing until 1884. At the death of his father he and his brother, O. C. Harb, began managing the business at Corning, but since January 12, 1889, J. W. Harb has had entire control of the establishment.

John H. Hardin deserves to be classed among the prosperous farmers and stockmen of Clay County, Ark. He was born in McNairy County. Tenn., January 26, 1853, and is a son of B. J. Hardin and Nancy Bennet, who were also born in that-State. After their marriage they settled in McNairy County, where the father was engaged in husbandry until the opening of the late Civil War, when he joined the Federal army and served four years, constructing in his service chronic diarrhea, which afterward caused his death, in October, 1881. His wife died here in September, 1884. In the summer of 1865 he moved to Clay County, Ark.,  and engaged in farming. John H. Hardin remained with his father until he attained mature years, and was married here, December 25, 1873, to Miss Sarah I. Mayes, who was born in Tennessee August 25, 1854, though reared in Clay County, Ark. After their marriage they rented land one year, when Mr. Hardin purchased a tract, which he began clearing and improving. He has opened up about eighty acres, and has 100 acres under cultivation, besides twenty acres of timber land. He has a comfortable frame residence, two fair barns, and an apple and peach orchard consisting of three acres. He is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are the parents of five children: Lucy Ann, born September 9, 1876; Dury J., born November 4, 1878; Owen D., born August 4, 1881, and died February 4, 1888; Henry L., born April 18, 1884, and an infant, born and died December 12, 1887.

Robert A. Hawthorne, farmer, and postmaster at Don, Clay County, Ark., was born on the 12th of August, 1849, in Benton County, Tenn., his parents, Robert H. and Elizabeth (Baker) Hawthorne, being born in Ohio and Virginia, respectively. The paternal grandfather was born in Ireland, locating in Ohio after coming to America, and afterward moved to Illinois, where he died. The maternal grandfather was born in Virginia, and removed from there to Tennessee, in which State he died, being engaged in farming. Robert A. Hawthorne was reared and educated in Ohio, and removed with his father to Illinois, where he made his home until about twenty-two years of age, when he went to Tennessee and began the study of law, being admitted to the bar shortly after. He practiced his profession for a number of years, and was also engaged in farming. At the age of about fifty years he gave up his law practice, and turned his attention to obtaining pensions for claimants. In the summer of 1861 he enlisted in Forrest's cavalry, and was shortly after transferred to the infantry and was sent south, participating in many [p.222] battles, and holding the rank of provost marshal. He was never wounded nor taken prisoner. He died January 1, 1866, his death being deeply regretted by his many friends and acquaintances. His widow is still living, being in her seventy-ninth year, and resides with her children: Robert A. and John C. The former obtained his education and rearing in Tennessee, remaining on a farm in that State until twenty-one years old, when he came to Clay County, Ark., and located at Corning, where he was engaged in the sale of liquors for six years. He then turned his attention to farming, and in 1882 bought the farm of 202 acres where he now lives; 110 acres are under cultivation and fairly improved. He raises corn and cotton, principally, and some clover. The land is well adapted for raising all the cereals, and makes an excellent stock farm, which industry receives much of his attention. October 12, 1888, the post office was established at his house, and he was made postmaster, the office taking the name of Don. In 1871 he was married to Miss Alice Polk, by whom he has two children: Ethel and Mary E. (who is deceased). Mrs. Hawthorne is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Hon. G. B. Holifield, who stands at the head of the legal profession in the Eastern district of Clay County, is a native of Graves County, Ky., and the son of T. M. Holifield, who came to Clay County, Ark., with his wife and four children, November 15, 1855, and settled two miles northeast of Boydsville. Here G. B. Holifield was reared and here he received the meager schooling afforded by the then few subscription schools of the county. Later he finished his education by attending six months at Gainesville, Ark., and later, after studying law for some time, was admitted to the bar in August, 1881, in the Western district of Clay County. He has been in constant practice since. In 1878 he was elected to the legislature, but previous to this he had filled the position of justice of the peace for three terms. He has always been quite active in politics, though as there is nominally only the one party, he has made but few speeches. His first marriage was to Miss Mary Cummings in 1871, and the fruits of this union were two children who survive their mother, she dying February 4, 1878. They are named as follows: William Stanford and Martha J. For his second wife Mr. Holifield chose Miss Verdilla P. Perrian, of Clay County, and three children, Etta Lee. Mary Susan and Otis Oscar, are the result of this union. Mr. Holifield is one of the prominent legal lights of the county, and is thoroughly apace with the times in every respect. He and wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church.

James R. Hollis is a Tennesseean, born in Wayne County, January 1ate, 1837, and is a son of W. B. and Susan (Meredith) Hollis, both of whom were born in Wayne County, Tenn. In 1839 they moved to Arkansas and settled in what was then Greene County (now Clay), where they made a farm and resided until their respective deaths, the former's demise occurring in 1873. James R. Hollis remained with his father until he attained his majority and in June, 1861, enlisted in the Confederate service, Fifth Arkansas Infantry, and served until the final surrender, participating in some of the most important engagements of the war, among which were Murfreesboro. Shiloh, siege and surrender of Atlanta, Jonesboro, where he was taken prisoner, but was exchanged soon after, Nashville, where he was also taken prisoner, and Franklin, where he was captured and held until June 21, 1865. After being paroled he returned home and engaged in farming. He was married in what is now Clay County, August 19, 1858, to Elizabeth Payne, a daughter of Boswell B. Payne, whose sketch appears in this work. Mrs. Hollis was born in Adair County, Tenn., and was reared in Arkansas. Soon after his marriage he located on his present farm, consisting of some 220 acres, about 120 acres of which are fenced and mostly under cultivation, well improved with good residence and barns. Mr. and Mrs. Hollis are the parents of the following family: William Thomas, Jane B., wife of G. W. Pickens. Joseph E., Ada E., Mary Alice, Albert Harvey and John Royal. Three infants are deceased. Susan was the wife of Francis Davis, and died about 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Hollis are members of the Baptist Church, and he is a Mason and a member of the Agricultural Wheel.

G. H. Hovey, one of the successful and enterprising "sons of the soil," residing near Pitman, Ark., was born in the State of New York, September 15, 1851, being a son of A. G. Hovey, who was also born in that State February 4, 1814. The latter was a well-known resident of his county, and while residing there held a number of offices, such as justice of the peace and postmaster. He removed to Newton County, Mo., in 1877, and in 1884 located in Howell County, where he is still residing, being a carpenter by trade. He was married in 1841 to Miss Maris Brewer, a native of New York State, and by her became the father of three children, two of whom are living: F. A., a farmer residing in Howell County, the owner of 160 acres of land, and George H., our subject, who is also a farmer and owns 200 acres of land, 135 being under cultivation, of which 105 have been cleared by him in the last three years. He removed to this farm from Howell County, Mo., in 1885, and here has since made his home, and has one of the finest young orchards in the country. He gives considerable attention to stock raising and has some excellent Durbam cattle and Poland China hogs. In his youth he acquired a superior education, and in addition to attending the common schools was a student in the Tenbroeck Free Academy in Cattaraugus County for three years. He was then engaged in teaching for twelve terms, one term in Pennsylvania, two in New York, and nine terms in the public and private schools of Missouri. He removed from New York to Pennsylvania in August, 1874, thence to Newton County, Mo., in 1876; in the spring of 1883 to Howell County, Mo., and from there to Clay County, Ark. On the 31st of December, 1871, he was married in his native State to Miss Sarah Bruns, of New York, a daughter of John and Julia (Collins) Burns, who were farmers of that State. They have one daughter, born May 8, 1881. Mrs. Hovey is a member of the Christian Church, and he is an earnest worker for education, exhibiting that intelligence and enterprise necessary for the Successful development of the community.

A. Hudgens was born in Robertson County, Tenn., in 1834, and is the son of John and Nancy (Durham) Hudgens, and the grandson of James Hudgens, a native of Virginia. John Hudgens was also a native Virginian, but later moved to Tennessee, where he married Miss Durham. He had limited opportunities for an education, but made up for this to some extent by studying at home. Besides his work on the farm he conducted a store in Marion, Ill., and at one time was in quite comfortable circumstances, but was obliging enough to place his name on a friend's bond, in consequence of which he was compelled to pay a large sum of money. Thus he was badly harassed for some time. A. Hudgens attained his growth in Tennessee, learning the carpenter's trade, and went with his father to Illinois in 1852. He was married in that State to Miss Harriet McIntosh, a native of Williamson County, Ill., and the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Mason) McIntosh, who came from Robertson County, Tenn. After living in Illinois until 1882 Mr. and Mrs. Hudgens moved to St. Francis, there being but one dwelling there at that time, and put up the third house in the village. Here they now live and have a very nice residence. He has followed his trade and has built more than half the houses since he came. He has followed contracting and building, and is now holding the office of justice of the peace in the county. To his marriage were born seven children, all in Illinois. They are named as follows: Emma, received her education in the high school at Marion, Ill., and after teaching in that State for some time is now teaching in Arkansas; Sula, at present finishing her education at Carbondale, and is studying stenography, having taken one course in St. Louis; Minnie, is attending school at the State University at Fayetteville, Ark., and will graduate in the class of 1889; Oscar, is also attending the same school and will graduate in 1889; Frank is at home; Gertrude is also at home, and Bessis, an infant. Mr. Hudgens is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, located at St. Francis, as is also his wife, and he affiliates with the Democratic party in his political views.

Dr. Samuel W. Huston, physician and surgeon of Piggott, Clay County, Ark., was born in Ripley County, Mo., February 15, 1847, being a son of Dr. William A. Huston, a Missourian, who was reared and studied his profession at Troy. He was married in Randolph County, Ark., to Miss Vernetta Pittman, a daughter of Dr. Pittman, of Pittman's Ferry, one of the pioneer physicians of Arkansas. After his marriage Dr. Huston settled in Ripley County, where he practiced a few years and afterward moved to Charleston, Mo., and died in Perry County, of that State, in 1850. While in Arkansas he represented Randolph County in the State legislature. Dr. Samuel W. Huston grew to manhood in Cape Girardeau County, Mo., making his home with his uncle, M. J. Himes, and remained with him until he attained his majority. He studied medicine under Dr. Henderson, one of the leading physicians of Jackson, and took his first course of lectures at the McDowell Medical College, of St. Louis, about 1868. He continued the study of his profession in Cape Girardeau County, and did his first practicing in Greene County, Ark., in 1874, remaining there about eighteen months, when he moved to his present location, where he has built up an excellent practice. He was married in the village of Piggott, September 23, 1877, to Miss Susan Jane Lowrance, a native of Carroll County, but reared in Clay County, Ark. She is a
daughter of David G. Lowrance (deceased), and she and Dr. Huston are the parents of six children: Lenora M., Myrtle C., Edna S., Sam, Oran and Carl. The Doctor and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church (in which he is an elder), and are highly respected citizens of the community in which they reside.

N. A. Keller, another successful business man of St. Francis, was born in Tennessee, but grew to manhood in Union County, Ill., where he went with his father, Rev. Francis F. Keller, when but a child. The father was a minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and followed that calling for many years. The mother, Elizabeth Keller, was a member of that church for nearly sixty years. She recently died at the age of seventy-eight years. N. A. Keller attended the district schools in Union County until twenty-one years of age, after which he spent a year at Gravel Hill, Mo., and then taught school for several years in Missouri and Arkansas. After this he went with Gregory, Lasswell & Co., of Malden, Mo., where he remained for about two years engaged in the general merchandise business, and then came to St. Francis, and after embarking in business for some eighteen months, accepted a position on the road for Kelley, Goodfellow & Co., boot and shoe dealers of St. Louis, with whom he remained for about two years, traveling in Southern Illinois and West Tennessee. He then returned to St. Francis and took a position with Clemson & Calvin, with whom he continued until July 1, 1889, when he purchased the entire stock of that firm. He was married January 20, 1886, to Miss Mattie Calvin, daughter of Robert T. Calvin, of Pulaski County, Ill., and the sister of Mr. Hiram Calvin of the firm of which Mr. Keller was the trusted employee. Two children were born to this union: Tell and Pearl. Mr. Keller has been reasonably successful since coming to St. Francis, and is the owner of three houses and lots in the village. He is a member of Evergreen Lodge No. 581, I. O. O. F., of Illinois, and belongs to the Triple Alliance, in which he carries $1,000 insurance, and also $1,000 in the Globe, of Baltimore, Md. Mrs. Keller is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

G. W. Kelley, of Corning, Ark., is now serving his second term as justice of the peace of Kilgore Township, and no man has ever held the position who was better fitted to discharge the duties connected with it than he. He was born in St. Louis County, Mo., in 1813, being the eldest of six children born to the marriage of William Kelley and Nancy Lancaster, who were Virginians, and early emigrants to Missouri, where they opened and improved a farm. In 1837 William Kelley removed to West Tennessee, where his death occurred in 1843, and his wife's in 1858. G. W. Kelley assisted on the home farm until twelve years of age, and was then apprenticed to the machinist's trade, which occupation received his attention for a number of years. While a resident of Tennessee he was married, in 1856, to Miss S. E. Andrews, a native of West Tennessee, and a daughter of Edmond and Lanina Andrews, who were born in the "Old North State," and there lived, afterward moving to Tennessee, where they died. They were engaged in tilling the soil. After his marriage Mr. Kelley settled in Tennessee, and in 1846 enlisted from Adairsburg, of that State, in Company E, Second Tennessee, under Gen. Taylor, and was in the battles of Cerro Gordo, Monterey, Cherubusco, City of Mexico, and other engagements. After the war he returned to Tennessee, and in 1867 moved to Hickman, Fulton County, Ky., where he worked at his trade, moving from there, in 1874, to Clay County, Ark., where he purchased and began improving a farm in Bradshaw Township. In 1884 he moved to Corning, and although he still owns his farm, is living retired from the active duties of life. In 1885 he was elected, on the Democratic ticket, of which party he is a member, to the office of justice of the peace, which position he is now filling. He has aided very materially in building up Corning and vicinity, and has given liberally of his means in supporting worthy enterprises. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, and the names of their children are as follows: Edward A., who is married and resides at Tiptonville, Tenn.; A. M., Julia (Mrs. Gills), residing at Buffington, Mo.; Ula, Willie, Anton and Kirby. During his term of service Mr. Kelley has come in contact with many criminals, and has dealt with them in a manner highly satisfactory to lovers of good law.

Marcellus Ketchum, hotel-keeper and farmer, at Knobel, Clay County, Ark., was born in Williamson County, Ill., in 1852, being the third of seven children born to Jesse and Elizabeth (McCowan) Ketchum, who were born in North Carolina and Illinois, respectively. The maternal grandfather, who was a native of Ireland, became an early settler of Illinois. Jesse Ketchum followed the occupation of farming throughout life and died when his son Marcellus was a child. The latter has been familiar with farm life from early boyhood, but received little or no educational advantages in youth. At the age of nineteen years he began farming for himself in his native State, which occupation he followed there until 1877, then coming to Clay County, Ark., where he resumed farming near Peach Orchard. In 1887 he bought property in the village of Knobel and opened a hotel, but still continues his agricultural pursuits in the vicinity. He has about fifty acres devoted to raising such crops as are intended for feeding stock, his hogs amounting to about 100 head and his cattle to thirty. In his political views he is conservative, and always votes for whom he considers the best man. In 1873 he was married to Miss Mary Jane Fozzard, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Edward Fozzard, who was captain of Company G, Eighty-first Illinois Cavalry. He was a well known farmer of Williamson County and died in 1876. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ketchum two children have been born: Minnie and Lebert Otto. Mr. Ketchum is an enterprising citizen and is rapidly becoming identified with the growth and prosperity of his section.

Franz Kopp, farmer and proprietor of Kopp's saw-mill, in St. Francis Township, was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 24, 1846, and is the son of Philip and Mary Ann Kopp, both natives of Bavaria. Philip Kopp emigrated to the States in 1848 and nine years later, or in 1857, Mrs. Kopp and family arrived and settled in New Madrid, Mo., where Mr. Kopp engaged in the lumber business, manufacturing for a number of years. He died in October, 1879. Franz Kopp attained his growth in New Madrid, Mo., and there followed farming and assisted his father in the manufacture of lumber until twenty-one years of age. In August, 1864, he enlisted in the Federal army, First Missouri Cavalry, and served until his discharge, September 1, 1865. He was stationed at Little Rock, Ark., and was mustered out there. He then returned to his home and for a number of years was engaged in farming and in the lumber business. June 3, 1880, he married Miss S. C. Morrison, a native of New Madrid, Mo., and the daughter of Hon. T. J. O. Morrison, one of th