Charles S. Reap is one of the prosperous general merchants of the county, and by superior management and many sterling business qualities he has built up a paying trade. He was born in Fairfield District, S. C., September 13, 186, and is a son of Jonas and Rachel (Gladney) Reap, who were born in North Carolina and South Carolina, respectively. About 1859 they removed to Drew County, Ark., and having learned the blacksmith's trade when a young man, he followed this occupation in connection with farming until he was killed, in 1834, when about fifty-five years of age. He was a Democrat, a member of the Seceder Church, and by his wife, who was born in 1818, and is still living, he became the father of thirteen children, nine of whom are now living: William (a farmer of Cleveland County), Edward (also a farmer of this county), Elizabeth (wife of J. T. Wilson, a farmer of the county), James (a farmer of Bradley County), John (a farmer of Drew County), Mary (wife of Squire Woodward, of Drew County), Dave (a stock-dealer of Drew County), Jack (a butcher, of Pine Bluff, Ark.), and Charles S. (who was the twelfth of the family). The latter spent his youthful days in Drew and Cleveland Counties, and when twenty-one years of age, began life for himself, being in the employ of Dr. D. H. Thomasson, but soon after began farming for himself, and in 1882 purchased a farm of his own, and since 1888 has conducted a mercantile establishment in connection with his farm work. All his property has been acquired through his own good management, as when be started for himself it was without means. He is a man of sound and original views, and gives every promise of becoming a wealthy citizen. January 11, 1883, be was married to Miss Melissa, a daughter of W. L. Ashcraft, a prominent citizen of Cleveland County. She was born in this county April 28, 1862, and has borne Mr. Reap a son, Leroy Earl.