Goodspeed Biographies
The following biographies was transcribed
from Biographical
and Historical Memoirs of Southern Arkansas by Goodspeed. Includes:
Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Clark, Cleveland, Columbia,
Dallas, Desha, Drew, Hempstead, Howard, Lafayette, Lincoln,
Little River, Miller, Nevada, Ouachita, Pike, Sevier, and
Union Counties.(1890) Goodspeed Publishing Company.
- Amis, James A.
- Amis, Lewis
A.
- Atkinson, Edward
- Barrett, John W.
- Bennett, Hiram P.
- Browning, Rev. Jessie O.
- Bunn, Judge Wiley
J.
- Butler, James N.
- Chandler, Capt. E. P.
- Cheatham, Richardson W.
- Clark, Neil A.
- Daniel, William L.
- Dedman, Judge Robert H.
- De Laughter, Benjamin
- Duffie, Col. M. M.
- Feaster, Capt. David R.
- Fortune, Thomas J.
- Fuller, Judge R.T.
- Goodgame, Capt. John A.
- Harley, Maj. William R.
- Head, William
B.
- Henry, William H.
- Higgs, Zachariah
- Hodge, Dr. John K.
- Holderness, Dr. A. S.
- Horton, William S.
- House, Rev.
Thomas Q. C.
- Kendrick, Augustus H.
- Lochridge, La Fayette L.
- Mann, John S.
- Marshall, William H.
- Martin, Col. Robert
- Mitchell, Dr. Moses J.
- Nutt, John
- Parham, Dr. E. H.
M.
- Pearson, William A.
- Peterson, Judge Thomas
- P'Pool, William H.
- Proctor, William
J.
- Rogers, Spirous
- Russell, Capt. A. S.
- Sission, Robert
F.
- Smith, Pleasant H.
- Smith, Judge Samuel H.
- Sorrells, David
B.
- Stell, William D.
- Stone, Robert B.
- Thomas, P. H.
- Wallace, William
- Walsh, William J.
- Waters, Dr. John A.
- Welch, John C.
- William, Rufus W.
- Wood, Dr. P. W.
- Wozencraft, Dr. Oliver O.
Page 709
Lewis AMIS, Sr., merchant, Princeton, Ark. Foremost among those
engaged in merchandising in Princeton is Mr. AMIS, who has
built up a trade which will rank among the largest in the
county. This gentleman was born in North Carolina. Granville
County on December 22, 1822, and is the son of Joseph & Elizabeth
(DOWNEY) AMIS, natives also of Granville County, N. C. The
father was born in 1700, and was a successful agriculturist.
He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was stationed at
Norfolk, Va. He was also a colonel in the militia. For many
years he held the office of magistrate, and was a man universally
esteemed. He was widely known, was a Whig in political and
church circles. He died in his native county in 1840, and
the mother also died there eight years later. They were both
members of the Presbyterian Church, and took great interest
in religious matters. Of the eight children born to his parents,
Lewis AMIS was third in order of birth. He received his primary
education in the schools of his native county, and supplemented
the same by attending Chapel Hill College, Orange, N.C. After
the death of his father he commenced farming, then moved
to Georgia in 1857, and from there to Dallas County, Ark.,
where he has since resided. Upon coming to Princeton he embarked
in mercantile pursuits, and this he has since continued with
the greatest success. He espoused the cause of the Southern
States during the late war, and was in the commissary department.
Previous to this, in October, 1843, he had married Miss Martha
AMIS, a native of Granville County, N.C., and the daughter
of William AMIS. She died in North Carolina. The fruits of
this union were two children: Martha (wife of William M.
ADAMS, a farmer of Texas), and Joseph Warren (deceased, who
was in business with his father). On June 1, 1852, Mr. AMIS
married Miss Martha DANIEL, daughter of Lewis DANIEL of North
Carolina, and she died August 10, 1889. She was born on August
16, 1835. The children born to this marriage were seven in
number: Walter S. (attorney of Cleveland County), Eugene
H. (a Presbyterian minister now in Kentucky), Betsy (wife
of H.R. THOMAS, a farmer of this county), Amy F. (a wife
R. C. WILKINS, commercial traveler, Pine Bluff, Ark), Lewis
Jr. (merchandising at Princeton, and a partner of his father),
Alice and Mary. Mr. AMIS was county treasurer for ten years,
and discharged the duties of that office in a very satisfactory
manner. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a
Democrat in politics.
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Page 709-10
James A. AMIS, general merchant, Fordyce, Ark. Mr. AMIS established
his business in Fordyce in 1883, and carried a stock of
goods, the average value of which is about $5,000, with annual
sales of from $10,000 to $15,000. He was born in Granville
County, N.C. in 1829, and is the son of Col. Joseph & Elizabeth
(DOWNEY) AMIS and the grandson of James Lewis AMIS, who emigrated
from Virginia to North Carolina, at an early day, and there
successfully tilled the soil until his death. The maternal
grandfather, James DOWNEY, was a farmer and died in Granville
County, N.C. The parents of our subject were born in Granville
County, N.C., and there they spent their entire lives, the
father dying in 1840 and the mother in 1845. The former was
of French Huguenot descent, was a colonel in the War of 1812,
and by occupation followed in the footsteps of his father.
James A. AMIS, the fifth of eight children, two now living:
Lewis and subject, assisted his father on the farm until ten
years of age, or until the death of the latter, when he entered
Caldwell Institution, Hillsboro, N.C., and there remained for
several years. He then attended Jefferson College, at Cannonsburg,
Penn., and graduated from that institution about 1857. After
this he followed merchandising at Greensboro, N.C., until the
braking out of the war when he enlisted in Company H, First
North Carolina Cavalry, and served about two years in Virginia
army. He was then discharged on account of disability. He was
captured at the seven days fight, and imprisoned several weeks
near Fortress Monroe. After being exchanged he hired a substitute
for $1,000, and he then engaged in teaching. Later he ran the
blockade, and took a cargo of tobacco to New York. In 1867
he came to Arkansas engaged in merchandising at Princeton,
where he continued until 1883. He then moved to Fordyce, when
he has been one of the leading merchants since. He was married
in 1868, to Miss Bettie TAYLOR, who was left an orphan when
young, and was reared by an uncle, Judge Presley WATTS. Mr.
AMIS has a good home and good business property in Fordyce
and is also the owner of considerable real-estate. In politics
he is a conservative Democrat, was formally a Whig, and cast
his first presidential vote for Scott in 1852. Mrs. AMIS is
a member of the Presbyterian Church.
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Page 710
Edward ATKINSON, stock dealer, farmer and notary public,
Fordyce, Ark. There was born in Christian County, Ky.,
in 1843, to Col. Thomas & Elizabeth (LAMUELS) ATKINSON, a son, whom we now
take as the subject of this sketch. He was the ninth of ten
children seven sons and three daughter sand received but very
little schooling. In 1861, when but eighteen years of age,
he enlisted in the Fifth Arkansas Infantry, Company C, and
served one year in Missouri, Indian Territory, Louisiana, and
Texas. He was in the fights at Black Bone Mountain, Fayetteville,
Pine Bluff, Poison Springs, Marks Mill, and all through Prices
raid through Missouri. His brother, James Polk ATKINSON, was
with him and was killed at Pilot Knob, MO. Our subject was
wounded at Poison Springs. He surrendered at Trinity River,
Tex., in June, 1865. The last year he sergeant. After the war
he returned to farm life, and was married in 1875 to Miss Belle
HARRISON, a native of Dallas County, and the daughter of Judge
Edmund & Eliza HARRISON, who were born in North Carolina.
From that State Mr. & Mrs. HARRISON emigrated to Kentucky,
there to Tennessee, and about 1850 to Dallas County, Ark.,
settling in the woods near Princeton. They afterward moved
to what is now Cleveland County, and there the Judge died in
August, 1865. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
as is his widow, who is now living. He was county judge of
Dallas County for some time, and was a member of the A.F.&A.M.
The union of Mr. & Mrs. ATKINSON resulted in the birth
of five children-four sons and a daughter. Since his marriage
Mr. ATKINSON has lived adjoining Fordyce, where he has about
500 acres of land. For some years he has been dealing in horses
and mules, buying in Texas and selling at home. He is a surveyor,
was justice of the peace a number of years, and is now notary
public. In politics he is a Democrat, his first presidential
vote being for Horace GREELEY, and socially he is a member
of the K. of H. at Fordyce. Mrs. ATKINSON is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church,. Mr. ATKINSONs parents were born
in Person County, N.C., in 1791 & 1804, respectively, and
were married in that county. From there they removed to Tennessee,
and a few years afterward to Christian County, Ky., and thence,
on January 1, 1849, to what is now Cleveland County, Ark. There
they resided until 1860, when they moved to Dallas County,
and there passed the remainder of their days, the mother dying
on January 1, 1874, and the father on June 16, of the same
year. Both were among the pioneer settlers of this region,
and improved a number of good farms. Mr. ATKINSON was a great
hunter and took a prominent part of subduing the dangers of
pioneer life. He was a colonel of militia at an early day,
and was in the War of 1812, at the battle of Horseshoe Bend.
He had a brother, Henry ATKINSON, who was a great Indian fighter,
and died a great many years ago in Jefferson Barracks, Mo.
His father, John ATKINSON, came from England to America before
the Revolutionary War, and was married in North Carolina, where
he spent the rest of his life. His wife, whose maiden name
was Frances PARSONS, was born in North Carolina, and died in
Christian County, Ky., on the farm where the subject of this
sketch was born. The maternal grandfather, Josiah LAMUELS,
was born in North Carolina, and was of Scotch descent. He died
in North Carolina. His wife died at the home of her grandson,
Edmund ATKINSON, on September 3, 1875, at a good old age.
Back to top
Page 710-11
John W. BARRETT, farmer and stock-raiser, Bearden,
Ark. Among the people of Dallas County the name that
heads this sketch is by no means an unfamiliar one,
for many years he has been actively and successfully
engaged in farming and stock-raising in this county.
Mr. BARRETT was born in Clark County, Ga., in 1840,
and is the son of James W. & Mary A. (PRNYER)
BARRETT, born in Blount County, Tenn., in 1808, and Clark County,
Ga., in 1812, respectively. The father went to Clark County,
Ga., when a young man, was married there about 1835, and there
resided until 1837, when they moved to Dallas County, Ark.
They lived one year near Princeton, and then settled on the
property where the subject of this sketch now lives. There
the father died August, 1889. Both were members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Mr. BARRETT was county and probate judge
of Clark County, Ga., a number of years, and socially was a
member of the A.F.& A.M. The maternal grandfather, Peter
PRNYER, was a native of the old Dominion and died in Clark
County, Ga., before our subject was born. The latter, the third
of six sons and four daughters, two sons and three daughters
now living received a good English education, and in May, 1862,
he joined Company E, First Trans. Mississippi Infantry. He
operated in Arkansas, was in the fight at Helena, and was wounded
three times at that place. He was over a large part of Arkansas,
was on detached service during the battle of Prairie Grove.
He was in a number of battles and many severe skirmishes. He
was discharged at Camden, Ark., in May, 1865, and returned
to his home, where he engaged in tilling the soil. He was married
I August, 1865, to Miss Sarah J. MARSHALL, a native of Alabama,
born in 1842, and the daughter of Franklin & Elizabeth
A. MARSHALL, who were born and married in Virginia, and who
emigrated to Alabama some years later. They moved to Dallas
County, Ark., about 1855, and Mr. MARSHALL died in Calhoun
County, in 1879, She was a member of the Missionary Baptist
Church. To Mr. & Mrs. BARRETT were born five children-three
sons and two daughters. For three years after the war Mr. BARRETT
lived on his present farm, and then removed to Calhoun County,
where he remained until December, 1881, and then returned to
his present farm, on which his father settled when coming to
Dallas County thirty-one years ago. Mr. BARRETT now has 1,700
acres of land, and has about 200 acres under cultivation. He
raises considerable stock, and is one of the leading farmers
of the county. From 1876 to 1880 he was justice of the peace
in Calhoun County, and discharged the duties of that office
in a highly creditable manner. Politically a Democrat, his
first presidential vote was cast for H. Seymour in 1808. He
is a member of the K. of H. Fordyce Lodge No. 3368. He had
three brothers in the Confederate army: Peter P. enlisted in
the Third Arkansas Cavalry and was killed in Cherokee County,
N.C. in 1864; William C. enlisted in the Fourth Arkansas Infantry,
Company H, and died at home December, 1881, and Charles T.,
who joined the Twelfth Arkansas Infantry, was captured at Island
No. 10 and died at Camp Douglas, Ill., after an imprisonment
of twelve months.
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Page 711
Hiram P. BENNETT, planter, Dalark, Ark. A lifetime
of hard, earnest endeavor in pursuing the occupation
to which he now gives his attention, has had a result
to place. Mr. BENNETT among the truly respected and
honored agriculturists of the county. He was born in
Giles County, Tenn., on July 21, 1831, and is the son
of Elijah & Sarah ( WELLS) BENNETT, natives
of Middle Tennessee. The father died in Tippah County, Miss.,
at the age of seventy-six years and the mother died at the
age of seventy-one years. They were married in Middle Tennessee,
and remained there until 1835, when he moved to Alabama, and
soon after to Tippah County, Miss. Both were members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and were active workers
in the same. The father tilled the soil all his life amassed
considerable property, but lost the principal part of it during
the late war. He was a Whig in politics. The BENNETT family
is of English descent. There were born to Mr. & Mrs. BENNETT
a large family of children, ten of whom grew to maturity, and
four of whom are now living. Of these, Hiram P. BENNETT was
the fourth in order of birth. He received a fair education
in Tippah County, Miss., and was married in 1850 to Miss Elizabeth
HAMILTON, a native of Mississippi, born in 1830, and the daughter
of William HAMILTON. The following children are the results
of this union: James R. ( a farmer of this county), William
E. (also of this county), Sallie (wife of John PORTERFIELD,
a farmer of this county), Elvada (wife of F. A. PORTERFIELD,
a farmer of the county and brother of John PORTERFIELD), Frances
(deceased, was the wife of W.T. WELLS, of this county), Mary
E. (wife of A. L. BETTIS, who is justice of the peace of Manchester
Township), Pinkeye Forest (a farmer of the county), Delilah
(wife of W.T. WELLS, also a farmer of the county), Lewis C.
(at home), Charles W. (at home), and Hiram W. Mr. BENNETT started
out for himself as a tiller of the soil, resided in Mississippi
until 1865, and then in 1865 came to Dallas County, Ark., locating
in this community. He first purchased eighty acres of land,
since which time he has increased by adding the balance of
one section, and has 200 acres under cultivation. He left the
Confederate army with very little means, and a wife and seven
children to provide for. He had enlisted in the Twelfth Mississippi
Cavalry, under Gen. Forrest, and was in some very active engagements,
but was on detached duty most of the time. After the war, he
began tilling the soil, and by his industrious habits and great
perseverance, soon retrieved his fallen fortunes. In 1871 he
was elected justice of the peace of Manchester Township, and
served three terms in succession, being associate justice two
years of the time. He and wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South and contribute liberally to all worthy
movements that come to their notices. He is a Democrat in politics,
and socially is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
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Page 712
Rev. Jessie O. BROWNING, planter, Dalark, Ark.
In preparation of this brief outline of the history
of one of the representative citizens of the county,
appear facts which are greatly to his credit. His
intelligence, enterprise, integrity and many estimable
qualities, have acquired for him a popularity not
derived from any factitious circumstance, but a permanent
and spontaneous tribute to his merit. Mr. BROWNING was
born in Montgomery (now Lowness) County, Ala., on May 29,
1827, and is the son of Francis J. & Sarah P (VEAZY) BROWNING, natives of Greene & Jones
Counties, Ga., respectively. Frances J. BROWNING was born October
1, 1800, and died in Clark County, Ark., on September 1, 1885,
and his wife was born on October 21, 1805, and died in Clark
County, Ark., on April 17, 1875. They were married in 1825,
and were members of the Missionary Baptist Church for many
years, always taking great interest in religious matters. He
was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was made a Master
Mason by his son, Rev. Jesse O., who was master of Melee Lodge,
in Clark County. While living in Alabama he was assessor, but
after coming to Arkansas he would hold no office higher than
that of justice of the peace, which position he filled in a
creditable manner for many years. He was a very successful
farmer, and spent his money with a liberal hand, being widely
known for the interest he took in church affairs. During the
late war his sympathies were with the North, and during his
lifetime he never took the oath of allegiance. He was a Democrat
in politics. His father, John BROWNING, was a native of North
Carolina, and died in Clark County, Ark., in 1844. He was captain
of a company in the war of 1812, and was wounded in a battle
with the Indians. He was a farmer by occupation, and represented
Greene County, Ga., in the Legislature several times. He was
also a member of the Baptist Church. He died in North Carolina.
His father was a Revolutionary soldier, Sarah P. (VEAZY) BROWNING
was the daughter of Jesse VEAZY, a native of Virginia or North
Carolina, and also a soldier in the Revolutionary War, serving
seven years in all. He was the express courier from Gen. Washington
to Gen. Green, before the battle and before the surrender of
Gen., Corawallis at Yorktown. He was shot at many times, but
escaped without injury, and rode in all, in two days and the
same horse, 240 miles. He died in Georgia when about sixty
years of age. He had accumulated a comfortable fortune as an
agriculturist, and although a Baptist in belief, was not a
member of any church. His wife, Sallie VEAZY, joined the Methodist
Episcopal Church, under direct supervision of John WESLEY,
and was excluded from the society for marring Jesse VEAZY,
because he was not connected with that society. She afterward
joined the Baptist Church, and died in Alabama. There were
born to the marriage of Francis J. BROWNING and wife eleven
children, five daughters and two sons now living, of whom our
subject is the eldest. The latter received his education by
fireside, while others were sleeping, and finished at Oakland
Academy, eight miles west of Arkadelphia, when twenty-one years
of age. After leaving school he commenced farming, first in
what is now know as Anderson Township Clark County. In January,
1881, he moved to Manchester Township, Dallas County, and with
the assistance of numerous Negroes, amassed quite a fortune,
a considerable share of which he lost during the late war.
Since then he ha has been very successful, and is to-day the
owner of 640 acres of land, and has a large share under cultivation.
He joined the Missionary Baptist Church at the age of sixteen
years, was licensed to preach in 1856, and ordained the same
year. He took charge of Pleasant Hill Church, and has since
that time remained in charge. He volunteered as a regular soldier,
but was not accepted, and was in the State Militia a short
time. In 1854 he was elected magistrate of Beech Creek Township,
Clark County, but soon resigned, becoming thoroughly disgusted
with that office. In 1874 he was elected by the Democratic
party to represent that county in Legislature, without working
for the honor, and served during A. H. Garlands administration.
In 1888 he was again elected by the Democracy of Dallas County,
and discharged the duties of the position in such a manner
as to give assurance to honorable people that they had the
right man in the right place. He became a Mason in 1850, and
has taken the Chapter Degrees. In 1849 he was married to Miss
Caroline FARRINGTON, daughter of Capt. John FARRINGTON, who
served under Gen. Jackson in the War of 1812. She was born
in Crawford County, Ala., on March 16, 1830, and two children
were the fruits of this union: Rosellia ( was the wife of James
A. SKILLERN, who is a farmer of Clark County; she was born
on August 22, 1850, and died at Arkadelphia on April 1, 1884)
and Frank J., Jr. (was born in the State of Louisiana in 1854,
May 15, and died at his fathers home in Dallas County on July
27, 1887). Mrs. BROWNING is a member of the Baptist Church,
as were both children.
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Page 713
Judge Wiley J. BUNN, mayor and general
merchant Fordyce, Ark. A Strong and representative
house in merchandising, in Fordyce, is
that of Judge W. J. BUNN, for he is one
of the most successful and enterprising
business men of that place. He was born
in Nash County, N.C., in 1835, received
a common school education, and came with his parents
to Arkansas previous to the war. In April, 1862, he joined
the Confederate army, but about three months later was
discharged on account of disability. In January, 1863,
he joined Company A, Fourth Arkansas Infantry, and operated
east of the river in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi.
He was mostly on detached service, and surrendered in North
Carolina, at the close of the war. He was married in 1865,
to Miss Laura Margaret STRONG, a native of South Carolina,
and the daughter of Elijah F. STRONG, who was born in Connecticut,
but who came to Arkansas about 1849. Mr. STRONG was a farmer
and merchant, and when a young man, went to South Carolina,
where he taught school for some time. He died in 1865.
To Mr. & Mrs.
BUNN were born eleven children, two sons and five daughters
living. Mrs. BUNN died in 1886. Mr. BUNN lived on the old homestead
in Calhoun County, until 1874, and was elected clerk of the
county, holding the position for ten years in succession. He
then engaged in merchandising at Hampton, until his removal
to Fordyce. Previous to this, in 1886, he was elected county
and probate judge of Calhoun County, which office he held for
two years. In January, 1890, he was elected mayor of Fordyce,
and is a man well fitted for that position. He is honest, upright,
a man of good judgment, and is respected by all. In politics
he has been a Democrat all his life, and his first presidential
vote was cast for Buchanan, in 1856. He has been a member of
the A. F. & A. M., since 1867, is a K. of H. at Fordyce
No. 3368, and R. A., Riverside Lodge, at Camden. He and wife
are respected members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
He was the second of eleven children born to his parents, David & Elizabeth
(THOMAS) BUNN, natives of Nash & Edgecombe Counties, N.C.,
and born in 1809 and 1812, respectively. The parents were married
in the last-named county, in 1844, and later removed to Calhoun
County, Ark., where they passed the closing scenes of their
lives, the former dying in 1857 and the latter in 1863. Both
were members of the Methodist Church, South. David BUNN was
a farmer by occupation, and was internal improvement commissioner
of Calhoun County, for a number of years. His father, David
BUNN, was a native also of North Carolina, and was of the third
generation born in that State, all named David.
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Page 713
James N. BUTLER, farmer and lumberman,
Pine Grove, Ark. What is usually termed
genius has little to do with the success
of man in general. Keen perception sound
judgment and a determined will, supported
by persevering and continuous effort, are
essential elements to success in any calling.
Mr. BUTLER, was born in Mecklenburg County,
Va., in 1839, and was the eldest of four
children born to John W. and Eveline S.
(HUTCHINSON) BUTLER, only one besides our subject
now living, John W. The parents were natives
of Virginia, where they were reared and married
and where Mr. BUTLER's death occurred about
1845. Two years later the family removed to
Carroll County, Tenn., and January, 1850, they
came to Dallas County, settled in the woods,
and the children, all sons, improved a good
farm. The mother died August, 1867, and was
for many years a worthy member of the Methodist
Church. She was the daughter of Joseph HUTCHINSON, who
died in Virginia. James N. BUTLER was reared by his widowed
mother mostly in the wilds of Arkansas, received a good
education in the county schools, and later attending school
at Tulip, where he studied numerous higher branches. He
taught school for one year and was married in 1861, to
Miss Laura PRIDE, a native of Virginia, and the daughter
of William & Caroline
PRIDE, natives also of the Old
Dominion. They came with Mr. BUTLER’s people to Arkansas, and there
the father died in 1860. Both were members of the Methodist Church, and
the mother is still living. To the marriage of Mr. & Mrs.
BUTLER were born six children,
two sons and one daughter now
living, all married and residing
near where they were born. Since
1850 Mr. BUTLER has lived in
his present neighborhood, with
the exception of two years, when
he resided in Arkadelphia to
educate his children, and is
the owner of about 2,000 acres
in different tracts and several
hundred acres in Texas, with
about 500 acres under fence and
part cultivated. He is one of
the leading farmers of Dallas
County, and from 1865 to 1874
was engaged in merchandising
on the farm. He ran a good gin
for many years, and is now the
owner of two and also has a good
saw-mill. He established and
named Pine Grove post-office,
of which he was postmaster until
his removal to Arkadelphia. In
politics he is Democratic. Socially
he was a member of the Masonic
fraternity, demitted from Manchester
Lodge, No. 16, and now a member
of Russell Lodge. He and wife
have been members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church from childhood.
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Page 714
Capt. E. P. CHANDLER, merchant, Fordyce, Ark. Mr. CHANDLER
is a member of the firm of Chandler & Rowland, general merchants, who established their business
in Fordyce in 1883, and carry a stock of goods valued at $6,000, and with annual
sales of $30,000. For two years this firm has owned and operated Fordyce Canning
Factory, and during 1889 put up 40,000 cans of apples, peaches, tomatoes and
string beans, and is one of the leading firms in town. Since its establishment,
this business has steadily and constantly increased, and evinces still further
success owing to the superiority of its canned goods. Mr. CHANDLER was born in
Smith County, Tenn., in 1828, and is the son of Parks & Mary (OWENS) CHANDLER,
natives, respectively of Virginia and South Carolina. They both removed with
their parents to Smith County, Tenn., when young, and there they were married.
The father died in 1844, but the mother came with our subject to Arkansas, in
1871. Both were members of the Methodist Church for many years. Parks CHANDLER
was a well-to-do farmer, and was the son of Isaac CHANDLER, an early settler
of Smith County, Tenn., where the latter probably passed his last days. He was
a farmer, and of German descent. The maternal grandfather, Thomas OWENS, was
a native of North Carolina, and died in Smith County, Tenn., where he had carried
on farming for many years. Both grandparents were in the War of 1812. Capt. E.
P. CHANDLER was the fourth of four sons and four daughters, and received his
education in the common schools. He married, in 1847, to Miss Sarah RAWLAND,
a native of Smith County, born in 1831, and the daughter of Rev. James & Patsey
RAWLAND, natives of of the Old Dominion, but early settlers of Smith County,
Tenn. Mr. RAWLAND was a farmer and tanner, and was also a minister in the Methodist
Church for many years. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died about 1868.
To Mr. & Mrs. CHANDLER have been born ten children, four sons and four daughters
now living: Mattie (wife of William JONES), Marion F., Parks, Ellen (wife of
Thomas ROWLAND, the other member of the firm), Allen B., Hughel T., Tobitha (wife
of Robert H. DEDMAN,[see his father’s bio]) and Mary. When Mr. CHANDLER
first came to Arkansas, he cut a road three miles to where he settled, nine miles
southwest of Princeton, where he improved a good farm, and there resided for
thirty years. He then removed to Princeton, and for three years was engaged in
merchandising, after which he moved to Fordyce, and continued the same business
there with unusual success. He is a prominent business man, and one who has the
respect and confidence of the people. He has just erected a fine brick business
house, one of the best in Fordyce, and is also the owner of 600 acres of land
in different tracts, all the results of his own efforts. He was in Capt. L. P.
McMurry’s regiment of the First Regiment of Tennessee Volunteer Infantry,
and served about six months in the Mexican War. He was discharged at Carnago,
Mexico, on account of disability. During the late war he served in the Confederate
army- the first year as Captain of Company D, Twelfth Arkansas Infantry- principally
on the Mississippi River, and at Island No. 10 he was captured, but at once made
his escape. Soon after he was in the quartermaster’s department, in Arkansas
and Texas, and surrendered at Camden at the close of the war. In politics he
was formerly a Whig, and his first presidential vote was cast for Scott, in 1852.
Since the war he has been a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity,
and all his family, with the exception of one daughter (Ellen), who is a member
of the Missionary Baptist Church, are members of the Methodist Church, of which
he has been steward for twenty years or more.
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Page 714-15
Richardson W. CHEATHAM, postmaster and merchant, Princeton,
Ark. Among the prominent citizens of Dallas County who have
occupied positions of respect and influence, stands the name
of Mr. CHEATHAM, who owes his nativity to the Blue Grass
State, his birth occurring in Cumberland County, October
5, 1845. His parents, Obadiah & Lucy
Ann (CHEATHAM) CHEATHAM, were natives also of Kentucky. The parents were married
in their native State, and came to Arkansas in 1847, locating in Dallas County,
where the family have since lived. The father was a blacksmith, and worked at
his trade until his death, April 7, 1862, when forty-seven years of age. He was
a member of the A.F. & A. M., and was a Whig in politics. The mother is still
living, and resides in Princeton. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South. There were born to their marriage eight children, four now living:
Joseph H. (a farmer of Princeton, Ark.), James C. (a merchant of Fordyce, Ark.
and a partner of our subject), and Benjamin D, (also a partner of our subject).
Those deceased were John R. (was a farmer of this county, and died in 1876, when
twenty-two years of age), Phoebe J. (died in this county in 1889, at the age
of forty two years), Parmelia E. died (during the war , when twelve years of
age), and Obadiah E. ( who died in infancy). Richardson W. CHEATHAM passed his
school-boy days in this county, and after the death of his father was engaged
in tilling the soil and blacksmithing, which he continued until after the war.
He was then elected deputy sheriff, and served in that capacity for several years.
In 1872, he was elected sheriff, served two years, and so great was his popularity
and so well did he fill the position, that he was elected a second term. In 1874
he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits in Princeton, and has continued
it successfully since. He was appointed postmaster at Princeton during Grant’s
administration, and has held the position ever since, to the entire satisfaction
of the people. In 1875 he married Miss Isabella CLARK, daughter of Peter CLARK,
and four children were born to this union: Isabella, Hugh C, and Wilbur. Lucy
J died in Infancy. Mr. CHEATHAM is one of the much esteemed citizens of the county,
and is honest and upright in all his dealings. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, and in political views is strictly Democratic. Mrs. CHEATHAM is a
member of the Presbyterian Church.
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Page 715
Neil A. CLARK, sheriff, Princeton, Ark. This popular and
successful official owes his nativity to Tennessee, his birth
occurring in Shelby County April 17, 1845, and is the son
of Peter & Lonisa Jane (SHAW) CLARK, natives of North
Carolina and Hardeman County, Tenn., respectively. The father was born in Cumberland
County in 1818, read medicine with Dr. Robertson & McCoy, of Fayetteville,
N.C., and moved to Haywood County, Tenn., in 1838. There he married Miss L. J.
SHAW in 1841, and resided until 1845, when he moved to Shelby County of that
State. On January 1, 1846, he moved to Arkansas, settled in Dallas County, and
there his death occurred February 3, 1853, when but forty-five years of age.
The mother was born February 27, 1827, and after the death of Mr. CLARK, or in
1861, she married James B. THRASHER. She is still living, makes her home with
our subject, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Her second husband died
in 1854. Of the six children born to his parents, Neil A. CLARK is fifth in order
of birth, and only three are now living. He divided his time in youth in assisting
on the farm and in attending the common schools where he obtained a good practical
education. When sixteen years of age, or in 1862, he enlisted in the Eighteenth
Arkansas Confederate Infantry, and later joined the Twelfth Arkansas Battalion
of Sharpshooters, with which he remained until captured on May 17, 1863. He was
captured at Big Black and taken to Camp Morton, Ind., thence to Fort Delaware
and to Point Lookout, Md., in December, 1863. He was then exchanged and afterward
joined the Twelfth Arkansas Confederate Infantry, with which he remained until
cessation of hostilities. He was in many battles, the most prominent of which
were Corinth, Port Gibson, Champions Hill, and at Big Black Bridge, where he
was captured. After the war, Mr. CLARK was left without means, and for several
years he was engaged in teaming form Pine Bluff to Princeton Township. He continued
this occupation until 1880, when he was elected assessor, and in 1882 he was
elected to the office of sheriff, which position he has filled in a very satisfactory
manner since. On April 11, 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss Mollie GRAY,
daughter of Joseph GRAY, of this county, and this marriage resulted in the birth
of seven children: Mary L. (wife of A. J. FULLER, resides in Fordyce, Ark.),
Madora (at home), Gracie, Neil, Carrie, Helen B, and Hugh (who died July 10,
1873, when three years of age). Socially Mr. CLARK is a member of the A. F. & A,
M., the K of P., and is a Democrat in politics. He and Mrs. CLARK are members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
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Page 715-16
William L. DANIEL,farmer and stock-raiser, Pine Grove, Ark.
Where it necessary for us to include in the sketch of Mr.
DANIEL, any items pertaining to his ability as a farmer and
stockman, perhaps the greatest compliment that could be paid
him would be for us to pint out his fine farm, which is being skillfully managed
and cultivated, and upon which he makes quite a specialty. He was born in Haywood
County, Tenn., in 1841, and is the son of William DANIEL, who owes his nativity
to North Carolina, his birth occurring in that State, in 1813. The latter was
married in Tennessee, to Miss Sarah (DICKINSON) DANIEL, a native of Alabama,
born in 1815, and they resided in the former State until 1844, when they emigrated
to Dallas County, Ark., settled near Tulip, and were among the pioneer settlers.
They improved a farm there, and there resided until 1856, when they removed
twelve miles south and improved another farm. In 1870, they
went to Hot Springs County, where the father died June, 1888.
The mother died in May of the following year. Both were members
of the Missionary Baptist Church for many years, and Mr.
DANIEL was a deacon for thirty years or more. He was a clerk
of Judson Baptist Association many years, was also clerk
of Saline Baptist Association after his removal to Hot Springs
County for some years, and was moderator of the same until
his death. He was a man of excellent Judgment and was esteemed
by all. He was first deputy sheriff of Dallas County, and
in 1860 was elected sheriff of the same, his popularity being
so great that he was re-elected three terms, serving five
years in succession, and being legislated out in 1865. In
1874 and 1876 he was county and probate judge of Hot Springs
County. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity for many
years, and was an active worker in church and other matters of moment. His
father, Ephraim DANIEL, who died in North Carolina, when
William DANIEL, Sr., was quite small, was reared by a Quaker
in North Carolina, until nearly grown. The maternal grandfather,
Isaac DICKINSON, died en route from Alabama to Tennessee.
He was a farmer by pursuit. William L. DANIEL was the third
of ten children, eight now living, and received but little
schooling. In March 1862, he joined Company B, Eighteenth
Arkansas Infantry , and fought at Corinth twice, Inka and
Port Hudson. He was parolled and came home, and soon after
joined the Twelfth Arkansas Infantry at Mark’s Mill. From there he went to Marshall, Tex., and surrendered May,
1865, as sergeant. returning home he married in 1866, to Miss Mary G. HARRISON,
who was born in North Carolina, in 1847, and who is the daughter of Kelm & Mary
HARRISON. Mr. & Mrs. HARRISON came from Granville County, N.C. to Dallas
County, Ark., in 1866, and the father in 1874. They were members of the Methodist
Protestant Church. Mrs. DANIEL died on November 23, 1876, leaving five children-
two sons and three daughters-all living. Mr. DANIEL’s second marriage occurred
on January 3, 1878, to Miss Julia A. CLARK, the daughter of Frank & Fannie
CLARK, who died in Camden when Mrs. DANIEL was small. The latter was reared there
and died in 1881, in full communication with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The first wife was also a member of that church. Mr. DANIEL purchased his father’s
farm and the latter moved to Hot Springs, but in 1873 he sold that farm and purchased
his present one, on which were small improvements at that time. He now owns 100
acres under cultivation, and 160 acres in all. He is a Democrat in politics,
and the first presidential nominee for whom he voted was Seymour, in 1868. He
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, St. John’s Lodge, Holly Springs,
now Russell Lodge, and was senior warden. He has been a member of the Missionary
Baptist Church since 1856, and his children are members of the same. His father’s
family were all Baptists and respected citizens.
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Page 716-17
Judge Robert H. DEDMAN, attorney, Princeton, Ark. Judge DEDMAN,
one of the most popular and successful legal practitioners
of Dallas County, was born in Madison County, Ala., on April
24, 1831, and is the son of Philip & Mary (HAWKINS)
DEDMAN, natives of the Old Dominion, Mecklenburg and Lunenburg Counties, respectively.
The father was born in 1779, and his death occurred in 1852. He commenced for
himself with very little means, but a lifetime devoted to the arduous duties
of the farm, and the untiring energy he displayed in the management of the same,
contributed very materially in placing him in the foremost ranks of agriculturists.
He was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church, as was also the mother, who
was born in 1783, and who died in 1847. After her death the father married Mrs.
Mary VAUGHAN. To the first union were born fourteen children- eight sons and
six daughters-he being the youngest, only three now living: James S. ( a merchant
and stock dealer of Idaho), Richard D. (a farmer of Dallas County, Ark.). Judge
Robert H. DEDMAN was educated at Viney Grove Academy, Viney Grove, Lincoln County,
Tenn., and when twenty years of age, he commenced to read law in Madison County,
Ala. In December, 1852, he came to Princeton, Ark., and commenced the study of
law, under Judge Freman W. Compton. In 1855 he was licensed to practice in the
inferior courts and in 1856 in the Superior courts, where he has since practiced
his profession. In May, 1861, he joined Company A, Third Arkansas Confederate
Cavalry, as a private, was soon promoted to lieutenant, and then captain, remaining
in the same regiment until the close of the war. He was in many prominent battles,
viz: Corinth, Hatchie Bridge, Chickamauga, the Atlanta campaign, and was in all
the battles from that time until the surrender at Greensboro, N.C. He was never
wounded or taken prisoner, but had horses shot from under him, and his clothing
was often riddled with bullets. Soon after the war, or in 1866, he was elected
prosecuting attorney of the Sixth District, when it consisted of Dallas, Pulaski,
Hot Springs, Saline, Conway and Prairie Counties, and in 1888 he was appointed
county judge, to fill an unexpired term. He has also been special judge in the
circuit courts a number of times. He was married in 1859, to Carrie WINSTEAD,
daughter of Stephen WINSTEAD, and a native of Person County, N.C., born in 1841.
To them were born two sons and one daughter: Robert H., Phillip W. and Carrie
Lee (who died in 1884). The two sons are engaged in merchandising in Princeton.
Judge and Mrs. DEDMAN are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and
he is superintendent of the Sunday school. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity,
and in his political views adheres to the Democratic party.
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Page 717
Benjamin De LAUGHTER, farmer and ginner, Pine Grove, Ark.
Rev Solomon De LAUGHTER, the subject of this sketch, was
probably born near the latter part of the last century,
and was married in 1817 to Miss Susanna TRAILOR. They resided
in South Carolina until 1844, and then came to Clark County,
ark., thence to Hot Springs, for a few years and then to
Ouachita County, where Mrs. De LAUGHTER died in April,
1863. Mr. De LAUGHTER was a Baptist minister for many years
and was also a farmer. He filled the office of Justice of
the peace for a number of years in Ouachita County, and received
his final summons in 1866. The paternal grandfather came
from England to America, but was of French origin. Benjamin
De LAUGHTER was a native of Edgefield District, S.C., born
in 1844, and was the youngest of fourteen children-seven
sons and seven daughters -two sons and two daughters living,
the youngest and oldest. Twelve of these children were
members of the Baptist Church, and three brothers lost their
lives in the Confederate army : James P. (died at Fort Pillow).
Absolom (died in a Northern prison) and George (died while
on a furlough). Benjamin De LAUGHTER received very little
school, and to obtain this was obliged to walk three or
four miles, as he was reared in the wilds of Arkansas. He
began for himself at the age of eighteen years as a farm
hand, and for a short, during the latter part of the war,
was in the Arkansas Battalion at Camden. He was married,
November 11, 1869, to Miss Eliza KING, a native of Tennessee,
and the daughter of Thomas and Katie KING. Mr. & Mrs. KING were
born, reared and married in North Carolina, and from there moved to Tennessee,
where they remained until about 1850. They then emigrated to Dallas Creek, and
were among the first families. There they improved a farm and resided until 1889,
when they gave up housekeeping, and are now residing in Arkansas. To the marriage
of Mr. & Mrs. De LAUGHTER were six children, three sons and two daughters
now living. In 1871 Mr. De LAUGHTER and family settled on their present farm,
consisting of 220 acres, and has eighty acres under cultivation. For about twelve
years he has also run a good steam gin. In politics his is Democratic, and his
first vote was for Gen. Grant. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Manchester
Lodge No. 16 He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
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Page 717-18
Col. M. M. DUFFIE, attorney, Princeton, Ark. Col. M.M.DUFFIE,
a distinguished member of the legal profession, was born
in South Carolina, and is the son of Reuben L. and Annie
(McCLINTOCK) DUFFIE, natives, respectively, of North & South
Carolina. The father was born in 1799 and died in 1874. His wife died in 1848.
Both parents were church members, he of the Methodist Episcopal, and she of the
Presbyterian denomination. He followed agricultural pursuits as a livelihood,
and also taught school for many years. In politics he was Democratic. His father,
Samuel DUFFIE, was a native of the Emerald Isle, and after emigrating to the
United States settled in Mecklenburg County, N, C, He was a soldier in the Revolutionary
War on the American Side, and was a member of what was termed by the British,
[The Hornet’s Net] in North Carolina. Of the eleven children born to his
parents, seven of whom are living, Col. M. M. DUFFIE is second in order of birth.
He attended the Concord High School, Fairfield District, S.C., then spent three
years at Davidson College, North Carolina, and in 1856 graduated at Esrskine
College, South Carolina, as salutatory orator. In October, 1856, he came to Arkansas
and taught school for two years. In August, 1858, he was admitted to the bar,
and in 1860 was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court, and has practiced
his profession every since. May 20, 1861, he cast his lot with the Confederacy,
and made lieutenant of the Dallas Rifles, or Company C, of the Sixth Arkansas
Infantry. His company was composed of ninty-nine men, of whom only one was married.
Our subject served as lieutentant until January, 1862, when he was elected captain
of his company. He was offered by his commander, Gen. T. C. Hindman, the position
of major and quartermaster, but wrote on the commission when sent to him from
Richmond, Va., [Respectfully declined; I prefer to remain with the boys]. He
was in many of the most important battles, among which were Shiloh, Murfreesboro,
Perrysville and Chickamauga, was wounded four times, and at the last named battle
was permanently disabled, and although promoted to the position of major was
not in active service from that time. After the battle of Chickamauga he was
assigned to post duty at Unionville, S.C., which he held until the last post
in the State has surrendered, May 10,1865, he surrendered on company of infantry
and one battery of artillery, and gave up millions of dollars’ worth of
Confederate stores which had been sent to Upper South Carolina for safety. In
September of that year he again returned to Arkansas and resumed the practice
of his profession. Previous to the war, in 1858, he represented Dallas County
in the State Legislature, and in 1874 in the extraordinary session. In 1877 he
was elected to the State Senate, and in 1879 he was elected president of the
Arkansas Senate without being a candidate, and to his credit it can be said that
not one of his decisions was appealed. February 7, 1866, he was married to Miss
Hannah COOKSEY, a native of Arkansas, born in 1848, and the daughter of Benjah
H. COOKSEY. The following children were born to this union: Benjah C. (attorney
at Little Rock, Ark.), Annie Sidney (graduate of Millerburg, Ky.), Samuel M.
(merchant of Princeton, Ark.), John J. (attending Arkadelphia Baptist College),
Hannah and William Reuben (at home). One child, Robert Cameron, died when one
year old. Col. DUFFIE, Mrs. DUFFIE and three children are members of the Presbyterian
Church, and he is ruling elder in the same. He is a Blue Lodge and Chapter Mason,
and in politics is Democratic. In 1884 Col. DUFFIE was nominated as presidential
elector on the Democratic ticket, was elected by large majority, voted for Gover
Cleveland, and carried the vote of his State to Washington City. By the casualties
of war he lost all his property of every kind, but is now in easy circumstances.
Back to top
Page 718-19
Capt. David R. FEASTER, farmer, Fordyce, Ark. Not only has
Capt. FEASTER became well recognized as an agriculturist
of advanced ideas and practice, but the reputation which
he enjoys as a first-class citizen is one well deserved.
He was born in Fairfield County, S.C., on December 25, 1832,
and is the son of Jacob and Isabelle (COLEMAN) FEASTER, natives
also of Fairfield County, S.C., the father born in 1791.
In that State the parents spent all their lives, the mother
dying in 1837 and the father in 1873. Both were members of
the Universalist Church. The father was a farmer and surveyor.
He was justice of the peace, and held other offices for many
years. He was the son of John FEASTER, a native of Lancaster
County, Penn., who went to with his parents to Fairfield,
S.C. and there married Miss Drucilla MOBLEY. His wife died
in 1807, at the age of thirty-three years, and he died in
1848, at the age of eighty years. He was the son of Andrew
FEASTER, who was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, and who
came with his parents to America and was married in Pennsylvania.
He died in Fairfield County, S.C., July 15, 1821, at the
age of eighty-six years. The latter’s wife, Mrs. Margaret
COOPER, nee Fry, was born in Philadelphia, and died in Fairfield County, S.C.,
in 1823, at the age of ninty-five years. Subject’s great-grandfather,
Peter FEASTER, was born in Canton Berne, Switerzerland, came to America at
an early day, resided for some years in Pennsylvania, and died while being
removed to South Carolina. He was buried in Virginia. The maternal grandfather
of our subject, David R. COLEMAN, was born in Halifax County, N.C., and died
in 1855, at the age of ninty-two years. He was a farmer and surveyor. He was
justice of the peace for several years and was one of fourteen sons. His wife,
Edith BEAM, was born in Fairfield County, S.C., and died there. The great-grandfather,
Robert COLEMAN, was born in England, and came with his parents to Virginia
and from there to Halifax County, N.C. He died in Fairfield County, S.C. He
married Miss Elizabeth ROE, who also died in Fairfield County, S.C. Capt. David
R. FEASTER was the youngest of seven children, two sons and one daughter living,
and received his education principally at Feasterville Male & Female Academy,
founded by his grandfather in 1840, and still prosperous. He was married in
1856, to Miss Victoria E. RAWLS, a native of Columbia, S.C., born in 1837,
and the daughter of John I. & Anna
(GEIGER) RAWLS, natives of South Carolina, born in Richland County (city of
Columbia) and Lexington Counties, respectively. They both died in Columbia
City, the mother in 1849 and the father in 1868. They were Methodists. Mr.
RAWLS was a wealthy real estate owner, and in early life a silversmith. Mrs.
FEASTER died on January 7, 1877. She was the mother of ten children, four sons
and three daughters living. Capt. FEASTER was married, the second time, on
December 1, 1878, to Mrs. Hattie COLEMAN, a native of Ridgeway, Fairfield County,
S.C., born in 1846, and the daughter of of rev. Charles M. & Emily A. PORTER,
natives of Fairfield County, S.C. born in 1807 and 1819, respectively. They
both died in that State, the mother in 1851 and the father in 1882. To the
union of Mr. and Mrs. FEASTER were born six children-three sons and three daughters.
Mrs. FEASTER was the mother of five children by her former marriage to Henry
J. COLEMAN, and they are named as follows: Preston F., Feaster Porter, J. David,
Mary E. and Henry J. By her marriage to Mr. FEASTER she became the mother of
these children: Charles M, Virgil C., Susan A., Margaret F., Roger Williams
and Harriet J. At the breaking out of the war Capt. FEASTER organized Company
C. Sixth South Carolina Infantry, but served as orderly sergeant. The company
was at the capture of Sumter. He was then in Virginia until the fall of 1861,
when he was discharged on account of ill health. He was exempt for two years;
then joined the Second South Carolina Cavalry, and operated on the coast of
South Carolina until the close of the war. he then returned to the farm, and
resided in his native county until December, 1888, when he came to Dallas County,
Ark. He is the owner of 569 acres of land, and is a prominent tiller of the
soil. In politics he has been a life-long Democrat, and his first vote was
for Franklin Pierce, in 1852. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity,
also a member of the S. of T., and the Farmer’s Alliance. His
children by his first wife, were as follows: Anna (wife of A.M. COLEMAN), John
R., Edith C. (wife of Preston F. COLEMAN), Mary V. (wife of A.W. CLAYTON, editor
of the Evening Record. Columbia, S.C.), Prof. Jacob H. (a teacher and a graduate
of Normal Institute, Nashville, Tenn.) David R. and James P.
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Page 719
Thomas J. FORTUNE, farmer and stock-raiser, Fordyce, Ark.
This prosperous and very successful tiller of the soil owes
his nativity to Dallas County, Ark., his birth having occurred
on the farm where he now lives in 1851, and is the son of
Walter & Mary E. (NORRIS) FORTUNE, the father a native of Georgia
and the mother of Alabama. The parents were married in the last-named State,
resided there until 1816, and then came to Dallas County, Ark., were among the
pioneers, and settled in the woods near present site of Fordyce. There Mr. FORTUNE
improved a good farm, and there spent the balance of his days, dying in 1877
at the age of eighty-two years. His widow still survives, being seventy-nine
years of age in February, 1890. She is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.
Mr. FORTUNE was a successful farmer and stock-raiser, and an excellent citizen.
Thomas J. FORTUNE, the youngest of six children- two sons and four daughters-
received a fair education in the common county schools, and was married in 1883
to Miss Fannie MORGAN, a native of Cleveland County, Ark., and the daughter of
Tollivar & Mary MORGAN, early settlers of Cleveland County, Ark., where they
still live. Mr. MORGAN being one of the prominent farmers of that county. To
Mr. & Mrs. FORTUNE were born two children, a son and daughter. Mr. FORTUNE
has spent his entire life on the farm of his birth, and is one of the leading
farmers and stockmen of Dallas County. He has 480 acres of land, with 150 under
cultivation, and is engaged in raising lots of stock, hogs, cattle, sheep, horses
and mules. He has his farm in good shape, and one glance over his broad acres
shows the kind of farmer that he is. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic
party.
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Page 719
Judge R. T. FULLER, attorney, Princeton, Ark. This very prominent
citizen of Dallas County, who is now located at Princeton,
engaged in the practice of law, has followed this profession
for forty years continuously and the history of his life
is an important and honorable part of that of his State and
country. He was born in Leesburg, N.C., about 1825, and graduated
at Chapel Hill College, where he studied law. About 1850,
he came to Arkansas located at Princeton, and there has since
resided. After the war he was appointed judge of this judicial
circuit by the governor of the State, and as an attorney he has been very successful.
He married Miss Agnes B. SMITH, daughter of Dr. W. F. SMITH, who was for years
well known in Arkansas as one of the first physicians. She was born in Lincoln
County, Tenn., and is still living. To this union six children were born, all,
with one exception, now living: J. W. ( a farmer near Princeton, engaged in
farming), Robert C. (an attorney of this district, for two
years States attorney, with no opponent for his second term),
Alex J. (now in the livery business in Fordyce), Samuel G.
(died when two years old), and Thomas F. Alexander J. was
born on April 28, 1857, attended school at Princeton, and
when he was eighteen years of age commenced for himself by
farming, and at the same time was engaged in merchandising
at Princeton, which he continued for four years. He then came to Fordyce, entered
the employ of Acruman & Son as salesman, and was afterward in the employment
of Edrington & Bunn. In July, 1889, he formed a partnership with J. A. RUSSELL,
and engaged in the livery business. Recently he has carried on the business by
himself. On August 31, 1888, he married Miss Mary CLARK, daughter of Neal
A. CLARK, sheriff of Dallas County, and by this union became the father of one son
Robert A. Mr. & Mrs. FULLER are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
South, and in his political views the former affiliates with the Democratic party.
Socially he is a member of the K. of H. He served as deputy sheriff for eight
years under Mr. CLARK.
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Page 719
Capt. John A. GOODGAME, is a merchant, farmer, and
the postmaster at Holly Springs, Ark. This wide-awake and
very successful business man owes his nativity to Bibb County,
Ala., where he was born in 1828, and received his education
in the common schools. He remained at home until 1851, and
then emigrated to Holly Springs, Ark., where he was married,
in 1852, to Miss Permelia E. WATKINS, a native of Alabama,
and the daughter of Harlan and Nancy WATKINS, natives of
Kentucky, where they were married. Her parents afterward
emigrated to Alabama, where the father died a few years later.
Mrs. WATKINS was married again and removed to Mississippi,
thence in 1853 to Dallas County, Ark., and during the war
to Texas, where she died in 1884. Mr. GOODGAME’s
union was blessed by the birth by the birth of eight children,
three sons and three daughters now living. Since his marriage
Mr. GOODGAME has lived in his present neighborhood on three different farms,
and now has 160 acres. Since 1879, or for about ten years, he has been engaged
in merchandising at Holly Springs, and for about eight years has been postmaster.
During the late war he was about four years in the confederate army, Company
C, Thirty-third Arkansas Infantry, serving as lieutenant the first year, and
then captain until the close of the war. He operated in Arkansas and Louisiana
and fought at Prairie Grove, Mansfield, Pleasant Hill, Saline, etc. He surrendered
at Marshall, Tex., in May 1865, and returned home. He was formerly a Whig in
politics, but is now a Democrat, and his first presidential vote was cast for
Gen. Scott in 1852. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1862,
St. John’s Lodge No. 38, and has been a member of the temperance order
of P. of H. He and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church
since 1855. His parents, James and Telitha C. (COBB) GOODGAME, were born in
Georgia in 1799, and South Carolina, in 1808, respectively. They were married
in Bibb County, Ala., where they resided until about 1834, and then removed
to Talladega, thence to Coosa County, where Mr. GOODGAME died in 1884. The
mother is still living, and has been a member of the Baptist Church for many
years. The paternal grandfather, John GOODGAME, was born in Georgia and died
in Talladega County, Ala. Mr. GOODGAME was of English-Irish descent, but the
ancestors were early settlers in America, and was a soldier in the Creek War.
He was a farmer. The paternal grandmother of our subject, whose maiden name
was Sarah E. CROCKETT, was a second cousin of David CROCKETT, and was born
in Georgia and died in Alabama when about seventy-five years of age. She was
a member of the Baptist Church. The maternal grandfather, Alexander COBB, was
born in South Carolina and died in Bibb County, Ala. He was a soldier in the
war with the Indians.
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Page 720-21
Maj. William R. HARLEY, one of the old and very prominent
citizens of Dallas County, was originally from the Old Dominion,
his birth occurring in Broadford, Washington County, June
4, 1809. His parents, James and Margaret (ROBERTS) HARLEY,
were natives, also, of Virginia, and both received their final summons in that
State, the mother in about 1811 and the father in 1835, when he was sixty-five
years of age. The latter was a merchant, but also carried on farming, and for
a number of years was sheriff of Russell, Va., whither he had moved after the
death of his wife. He was widely and favorably known over Russell, Washington
and Smyth Counties, and his death occurred in the last-named county. During
the War of 1812 he was captain of a company, and was stationed
at Norfolk when peace was declared. He was a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and in politics affiliated with the Republican
party. After the death of his wife, Mr. HARLEY married Mrs.
Eunice (HENDRICK) HEGBURN, who died in Virginia. The result of his first union
was the birth of two children: Our subject and Basil W. The latter was born
June 20, 1811, and died in Clark County, Ark., during the
war. He was a public-spirited citizen, and for many years
resided in Mississippi, representing Marshall County of that
State in the Legislature. After coming to this State, he
represented Dallas County in the State Legislature, and was
State Senator, becoming president of the Senate. He was bank
commissioner of the State, also mail agent, and held various
other public positions of trust. While in Mississippi he
was engaged in merchandising , and after coming to Arkansas
he was engaged in locating Mexican land claims. William R.
HARLEY received a liberal education in Russell and Washington
Counties, Va., and attended some of the best school that the country afforded
at that time. After this he read law for some time, and became well versed
in legal matters. When nineteen years of age he turned his
attention to merchandising at Broadford, but later bought
property in Marion, Smyth County, where he remained eight
years, and during that time represented that county in the
Legislature three sessions. He was also appointed an elector
by a convention in Richmond, on the HARRISON and White ticket,
which he declined, on account of removing to Mississippi.
In 1836 he went to Marshall County, Miss., and there made
his home for twenty-three years. He represented that county
several terms, in both branches of the General Assembly.
In 1843 he was a candidate for Congress, but was defeated
by a small majority. In 1858 he moved to Arkansas, located in Princeton, and
has represented Dallas County in the Lower HOUSE three terms. He was county
judge of Dallas County, in all, about eight years, and as
a public servant has given the best of satisfaction to his
constituents. In 1857 he was appointed, by President Buchanan,
Indian agent in New Mexico, which position he accepted, and
served a part of four years, resigning on account of sickness
in his family, and a distaste of frontier life. He formed
an acquaintance with the celebrated Kit Carson, who was agent
of the Utah Indians. Maj. HARLEY’s predecessor was killed by
the Indians, and a monument was afterward erected to his memory at Fort Defiance,
N.M. Maj. HARLEY is one of the Democrats who voted for Gen. Jackson in 1832,
was a personal friend of Jefferson Davis, and heard the latter make his fourth
political speech. On the breaking out of the war he was engaged in merchandising,
and again, in 1882, he embarked in that business. Aside from this, he has always
owned a farm and tilled the soil. In 1835 he married Miss Louisa Jane THOMPSON,
a native of Virginia, born in 1818, and who died in Dallas County, Ark., in 1873.
She was a member of the Presbyterian Church for many years. Born to this union,
were twelve children, eight of whom are now living: William H. H. (an editor),
Marshal T. (farmer, of Clark County), Standard C. (ex-assessor of Clark County,
and merchant at Gurdon, that county), John B. (selling goods in Logan County,
Ark., and traveling salesman for Guedeker & Boynton, wholesale clothiers
of New York City), Caroline L. (wife of Robertson CHEATHAM, farmer of Clark County,
Ark.), Maggie R. (wife of R. F. HOLMES, farmer and assessor of this county),
James R. (merchant and farmer, of Princeton, in partnership with his father),
and Jennie F. (widow of R. Hunter PARHAM; she resides in this county). Those
deceased are R. C. (who was deputy clerk of Dallas County, and died at the age
of twenty-four years), Samuel B. (died in Dallas County at the age of four years),
and America (who died in Mississippi when quite young). Mr. HARLEY has been a
member of the Presbyterian Church since a young man, was baptized when an infant,
and has been an elder in the church for thirty-one years. He has been a life-long
Democrat, but crossed the line for what he considered better men. The HARLEY
family are of English-Irish descent, and Mr. HARLEY’s grandfather, John
HARLEY, was a native of the Emerald Isle. He came to the United States before
the Revolution, and located in Augusta County, Va., near Stanton, where he tilled
the soil.
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Page 721-22
William HEAD, general merchant, cotton buyer and farmer,
Holly Springs, Ark. No name is justly entitled to a more
enviable place in the history of Dallas County than the one
who heads this sketch, for it is borne by a man, who, though
comparatively young in years, has yet proven himself to be one of the most
successful business men in the county, and is usefully and
honorably identified with the interests of the county in
every worthy particular. He was originally from Henry County,
Ga., where his birth occurred in 1844, and is the son of
William H. and Amanda (DeLARMARL) HEAD, both natives of Georgia,
the father born in Elbert County in 1821, and the mother
in Butts County about the same year. They resided in Henry
County until 1857, and then moved to Dallas County, residing
near Holly Springs until 1875, when they moved to the city.
About 1870 the father engaged in merchandising, which he
continued until his death in 1883. He had formerly been a
farmer. During the late war he was about two years in the
Confederate service as home guard. His father, George Marshall
HEAD, came to Dallas County during the war, and died here
about 1865. He was of English descent, was a soldier in the
War of 1812, and was a farmer by occupation. The mother of
our subject died in 1862, and Mr. HEAD married again. The
maternal grandfather, DeLAMAR, was of French descent, and
was a sailor for many years. Later he was a planter, and
at the time of his death, which occurred in Butts County,
Ga., he was quite wealthy. William B. HEAD was taught the
details of farm life by his father when quite small, and
received his education in the common schools. He was the
fourth of fifteen children—eight sons and seven daughters—four sons now
living. In 1862 he joined Company G, Twelfth Arkansas Infantry at Corinth, and
was in the fight at Perryville, siege of Port Hudson, and was then paroled and
came home. He afterward fought at Jenkins’ Ferry, Mark’s Mill and
Poison Springs. He surrendered at Marshall, Tex., in May, 1865, after which he
returned home and attended school at Holly Springs for a few years. He then clerked
until 1870, and then engaged in business with his father, continuing the same
after the death of the latter, on his own account with annual sales of about
$12,000. He held the position and discharged the duties of justice of the peace
for about fifteen years, or until 1889. He has about 600 acres of land in different
tracts, and home and business property in town, all the result of energy and
perseverance. Mr. HEAD was married in 1867 to Miss Virginia TEMPLETON, who was
born in Ouachita County, Ark., and who was the daughter of James and Elizabeth
TEMPLETON, natives of South Carolina. Her parents emigrated to Alabama, thence
to Mississippi, but in a very early day came to Ouachita County, Ark., where
they died in 1860 and 1865, respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. HEAD were born six
children, one son and four daughters now living. In politics Mr. HEAD has affiliated
with the Democratic party all his life, and his final presidential vote was cast
for H. Seymour in 1868. He and wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South, for many years, and he is secretary in the same.
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Page 722
William H. HENRY, general merchant, Holly Springs, Ark. Mr.
HENRY is a member of the firm of Henry & Patterson, general merchants and cotton growers, who
established their business at Holly Springs in 1885, with annual sales that equal
about $10,000. He was born in Oktibbeba County, Miss., in 1850, and is the son
of James and Mary A. (WALSER) HENRY, natives of South Carolina and Georgia, and
born in 1811 and 1815, respectively. They were married in Alabama, and from there
emigrated to Mississippi, in 1848, and in 1858 to Holly Springs, Ark. Here the
father passed the remainder of his days, with the exception of two years during
the war that he spent in Texas, and died in 1884. He was formerly a farmer, but
the latter part of his days was spent in merchandising, at Holly Springs. He
was justice of the peace for many years, and, during the late war, was in the
Confederate army a short time, but was discharged, on account of ill health.
He was in the Third Arkansas Cavalry. The mother is still living, and both are
members of the Methodist Church. William H. HENRY, the seventh of three sons
and seven daughters, was reared on the farm, obtained a common-school education,
and in 1872 began working for himself, as a farmer, which occupation he has continued
ever since. He is now owner of about 600 acres, and is also the owner of considerable
business property in town. In 1879 he commenced merchandising alone, and thus
continued until 1885, when Mr. Patterson became a partner. Mr. HENRY was married
in 1871 to Miss Virginia HARISTON, a native of Dallas County, Ark., and the daughter
of James and Mary HARISTON, who were natives of Tennessee, and who remained in
that State until 1848, when they came to Dallas county. Mr. and Mrs. HENRY’s
marriage relations have been blessed by the birth of nine living children. Since
1858 Mr. HENRY has lived in and near Holly Springs, and is now one of the enterprising
and substantial citizens. He is a Democrat in politics; is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, of which he is junior warden, and he and wife are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
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Page 722-23
Zachariah HIGGS, planter, Princeton, Ark. Zachariah HIGGS,
the fourth of thirteen children, twelve of whom grew to maturity,
born to John and Martha (HARRISON) HIGGS, was originally
from Granville County, N.C., where his birth occurred on
October 15, 1827. The parents also natives of Granville County,
N.C., and moved from that State to Barry County, Mo., where
the father died when ninety-three years of age, or in 1884.
The mother died on August 22, 1889, when eighty-seven years
of age. They were members of the Missionary Baptist Church,
and he built a church in Barry County, Mo., which was called
Higgs Missionary Baptist Church. He was formerly a Whig,
but latter part of his days was identified with the Democratic
party. He was a farmer and a business man, dealing quite extensively in stock,
but the most of his property was swept away during the war. He also gave a
great deal to his children. He and Mrs. HIGGS were married
when quite young, and lived as husband and wife for nearly
three-quarters of a century. His father, Leonard C. HIGGS,
was a native of Maryland, and died in North Carolina at the
age of ninety-six years. He served his country all through
the Revolution, and was in many battles with the British.
His father, Zachariah HIGGS, moved from Maryland to North
Carolina about the time of Leonard’s birth. Zachariah HIGGS, the
subject of this sketch, passed his school days in North Carolina, and on coming
to Missouri with his parents in 1851, turned his attention to farming. One year
later he returned to North Carolina, and after remaining there about eight years,
moved to Dallas County, Ark., where he engaged in farming. He is at present the
owner of 310 acres of land, with seventy acres under cultivation, all the result
of industry and hard work. In 1862 Mr. HIGGS joined the Confederate army in Gen.
Tappan’s brigade, Col. Grinstead’s regiment, and served in this command
until the battle of Jenkins’ Ferry, where he was unfortunate in having
his arm broken, after which he came home and there remained. He was in the battle
of Pleasant Hill, Jenkins’ Ferry, and was a brave and trusty soldier. He
was in rather poor circumstances, financially, when he returned home, but with
the grit characteristic of the family he went to work and soon regained what
had been lost previous to the war. On December 30, 1852, he married Miss Betsy
G. HARRISON, daughter of K. and M. G. HARRISON, and a native of Granville County,
N.C., where his birth occurred on July 28, 1834. The following children were
the fruits of this union: Patty Julia (wife of Thomas J. WALSH, a farmer of this
county), Robert K. (now attending school), and Anna Mary (at home). Those deceased
were: Lonnie C. (who was the wife of Robert D. HALL, and died in Dallas County
when about twenty-five years of age; she was born on October 17, 1856, and died
on September 20, 1881), and John W. (who was born on August 20, 1867, and died
June 17, 1870) when three years of age). Mr. and Mrs. HIGGS joined the Methodist
Protestant Church in North Carolina, but as there was no church of that denomination
where they lived in Arkansas, they joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
Mr. HIGGS was trustee of Macedonia Church, but belongs to Sardis Church. Politically
he is a democrat.
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Page 723
Dr. John K. HODGE, physician and surgeon, Princeton, Ark.
Since Dr. HODGE’s
location in Princeton, he has shown himself eminently worthy of the confidence
and trust reposed in him by all classes, and proven himself to be a physician
of decided merit. His parents, Dr. George D. and Susan E. (SORRELLS) HODGE, were
natives of Tennessee and Mississippi, respectively. The father was a graduate
of Transylvania School of Medicine, at Lexington, Ky., and was a physician of
considerable note. In 1846 he came to Dallas County, Ark., and practiced his
profession in this county until 1876, after which he moved to Prescott. There
he still continued practicing, but died in the latter part of that year when
about sixty years of age. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
South, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics was a strict adherent
to the Democratic party. The mother is still living and resides in Prescott.
She is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Dr. John K. HODGE
was the eldest of ten children, six of whom are now living. His birth occurred
at Holly Springs, Dallas County, Ark., April 15, 1850, and he received his education
in that county and at Franklin, Tenn. In 1869 he commenced the study of medicine
under his father, and in 1871 and 1872 he attended the Nashville School of Medicine,
graduating the last-named year. Afterward locating at Holly Springs, he practiced
there for six years with his father and three years alone, and, then in 1881
moved to Princeton, where he has had a very extensive practice since. His union
to Miss Ellen HENRY, daughter of James and Mary HENRY, of Holly Springs, was
celebrated in 1872, and six children were born to this union: Olga M., Henry
D., Robert E., George A., Joseph K. and Charles B. Dr. HODGE is a Democrat in
politics and was chairman of the Democratic Central Committee, of Dallas County,
Ark. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and wife are members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
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Page 723-24
Dr. A. S. HOLDERNESS, physician and surgeon, Fordyce, Ark.
A prominent physician and surgeon, who by his own great abilities
has attained distinction in his profession, is Dr. A. S.
HOLDERNESS. This gentleman was born in Caswell County, N.C.,
in 1834, and is the son of Robert C. and Elizabeth (BROOKS)
HOLDERNESS, natives also of Caswell County, N.C., where the
father passed his last days, dying in October, 1833, four
months before Dr. A. S. HOLDERNESS was born. The mother came
to Arkansas in 1851 and died in Calhoun County in 1859. Robert C. HOLDERNESS
was a farmer by occupation and the son of William HOLDERNESS, who was a native
of England, but came to America when a young man, served in the Revolutionary
War, and died in Caswell County, N.C. He was a successful tiller of the soil.
The grandfather, Charles Brooks, was a native of Caswell County, N.C., and
there passed his entire life engaged in farming. He was a
soldier in the Revolutionary War. Dr. A. S. HOLDERNESS was
the youngest of seven sons and one daughter born to his parents,
and received a good education. He attended three and a half
years at Dan River Institute, Yanceyville, N.C., and finished
at Caldwell Institute, at Hillsboro. He came to Calhoun County,
Ark., in 1850, and four years later graduated in medicine
from the University of Pennsylvania. Since then he has practiced
his profession in the immediate vicinity of Fordyce, where
he has lived since 1850. He is one of the oldest physicians
of Southern Arkansas, and one of the most successful. He
was nearly all through the war, in the Confederate army,
as assistant surgeon of the First Arkansas Cavalry, and operated
in Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Texas. For a short time
he held the rank of first lieutenant of Company B. He was
discharged in Texas, May 27, 1865, and the same year was
married to Catherine B. DIXON, a native of Chambers County,
Ala. When her father died she was quite small and came with
her mother to Arkansas at a very early day. The mother died
at the home of Dr. HOLDERNESS, in Fordyce, about 1888. To
the Doctor’s marriage have been born nine children—five sons and
three daughters living, and all have received excellent educational advantages.
The Doctor owns several thousand acres of land, and considerable property in
Fordyce. When he first came to Arkansas he and family settled near Chambersville,
where they resided until 1882, and then moved to Fordyce, where he erected a
sawmill, which he operated for three years. He owned the site where Fordyce now
is, was first to settle where the town is and was the first mayor of the place.
In politics he is Democratic, and his first presidential vote was for J. Buchanan,
in 1856. The entire family, except the youngest child, are members of the Methodist
Church, and Dr. HOLDERNESS has been a steward in the same since 1859. His wife
has been a member for many years, or since early girlhood.
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Page 724
William S. HORTON, merchant, Fairview, Ark. Prominent among
the successful business enterprises of Dallas County stands
that conducted by Mr. W. S. HORTON. Both as a merchant and
farmer he has been eminently successful. Reduced to almost
poverty by the late war, yet by his undaunted energy he soon gathered around
him the comforts of life. His parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (TEASLEY) HORTON,
were born and married in Elbert County, Ga. He followed farming all his life
and became quite wealthy. While on their way to Texas in 1849, the father died
in Shreveport, La., at sixty years of age. The mother’s death occurred
in Harrison County, Tex., in 1853, at the age of fifty-five. His father was a
native of North Carolina, and of English descent. In politics he affiliated with
the Democratic party. Eleven children were born to this union, five of whom are
now living: Mrs. Sarah TRIMBLE, Mrs. Nancy HINES, Mrs. Mary M. JOHNSTON and Thomas
(a farmer and merchant at Sunny Point, Tex.). Of these children W. S. HORTON
is the eldest. He was born in Elbert County, Ga., November 28, 1823. He graduated
at Brownwood Institute, Lagrange, Ga., at the age of twenty-one. He then accepted
the position of salesman in the employ of Jones, Philips & Co., at Griffin,
Ga. In 1849 Mr. HORTON went to Mexico, then to San Francisco, Cal. He remained
in the gold region thirteen months, and then embarked in business in Elysian
Fields, Tex. After this he was one year in Jefferson, Tex., in the general merchandise
business, but gave this up and turned his attention to farming in Panola County,
Tex. From here he moved to Fairview, Dallas County, Ark., and began to clear
up his present plantation. He is now the owner of 700 acres of as good land as
is to be found in the county. He has 200 acres in cultivation. In 1868 he again
turned his attention to merchandising, and has continued to sell goods ever since
at Fairview, and also at Pine Grove. In 1854 Mr. HORTON married Miss Elizabeth
SCOTT, a native of Decatur, Ala., and a daughter of Maj. J. D. SCOTT and niece
of Gen. Winfield SCOTT. Nine interesting children have been born to this union—four
sons and five daughters: Bettie (who died at the age of twenty-one), Ida B. (who
became the wife of Dr. WOZENCRAFT, of Dallas County), Mary H. (the wife of Ed
POOL, of Fordyce, Ark.), Maud (attending Ouachita College), Angie (at home),
Louis S. (a farmer of this county), Stephen A. and William S., Jr. (in the Arkansas
University, Fayetteville) and Paul E. (in the training school, Fordyce). In 1863
Mr. HORTON joined the State troops under Gov. Flanagan. He was in the battles
of Poison Springs, Mark’s Mill, and many skirmishes. He spent the year
1868 farming in Jefferson County, Ark., and then returned to his old home in
Dallas County, where he has since remained. He is Democratic in his political
views, and a postmaster at Fairview. He is a member of both the Masonic and Odd
Fellows lodges, and a member of the Methodist Church. He has always been a liberal
and progressive citizen.
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Page 724-25
Rev. Thomas Q. C. HOUSE, local elder in the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South, and farmer, Holly Springs, Ark. The influence
and personal example which this humble and worthy minister
of the gospel casts about him in every day life can not but
be beneficial to those who enjoy the privilege of his companionship,
for by no means the least of his gifts in the transcendent power of personal
quality. He was born in Brunswick County, Va., in 1828, and is the son of Guilford
Ludley and Rebecca (WHITE) HOUSE, both natives also of the Old Dominion, where
they spent their entire lives, the father dying in 1832, and the mother about
a year later. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr.
HOUSE was a school teacher by profession. He was of English-Dutch
origin. After the death of his parents, Thomas Q. C. HOUSE
moved with his uncle, Theophilus White, to Meriwether County,
Ga., when he was seven years old, and lived with Amasa WHITE,
another uncle, until he (WHITE), moved from the State, which
occurred in a short time. He then went to live with Adam
Spivey, and remained with him until the latter’s death, afterward making his home with Rev. J. B. Hogue,
until he married. He received very little schooling, not more than eighteen month
altogether, but by close application at school and in after life he became a
fair English scholar. In the winter of 1845-46, he went to Izard County, Ark.,
then to Dallas County, where he farmed and taught school. He was married in 1848,
in Ouachita County, to Miss Mary M. BELL, a native of Tennessee, and the daughter
of Leander S. and Elizabeth P. BELL. Her parents moved from Tennessee to Arkansas
in 1845, settled in Ouachita County, and there both died, the father about 1873,
and the mother in 1888. Both were members of the Methodist Church for many years.
To Mr. and Mrs. HOUSE were born fifteen children, seven sons and three daughters
living, and all in Dallas County. Since his marriage, Mr. HOUSE has lived in
the neighborhood of Holly Springs, where he has a fine home, 500 acres of land,
a good steam gin and also a water-mill and gin. He is the third of four children,
none of whom he has seen since growing up. About 1843 he united in the Methodist
Church in Georgia, and in 1848 was licensed to preach, and ordained a deacon
November 26, 1854, by Bishop Kavanaugh. He was ordained an elder November 7,
1858, by Bishop Early. Since that time, with the exception of one year, 1870,
his ministry has been altogether local work, having preached over a large portion
of Southern Arkansas and is still engaged in this good work. He has assisted
in organizing many churches in Southern Arkansas, and has married many couples.
He is an active temperance worker, and was a member of the P. of H., also is
a member of the A. F. & A.M. Mrs. HOUSE has been a member of the Methodist
Church since early girlhood, and her children all members of the same, with the
exception of one.
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Page 725
Augustus H. KENDRICK, farmer, Fordyce, Ark. Mr. KENDRICK
was born in Heard County, Ga., in 1833, and is the son of
Hezekiah and Nancy (COOK) KENDRICK, natives of Georgia, born
in Putnam and Butts Counties in 1803 and 1809, respectively.
The parents were married in Henry County, Ga., but removed
from there to Heard County, Ga., where they resided a few
years and then, in 1847, emigrated to Dallas County, Ark.
They settled near where Fordyce now stands, and there the
father died in 1851 and the mother in 1857. Both were members
of the Methodist Church. Mr. KENDRICK was a farmer, and continued
this occupation all his life. His father John KENDRICK, was
of English descent, and died in Putnam County, Ga. The material
grandfather, John Cook, of Irish descent, died in Heard County,
Ga. Of the six children born to his parents, Augustus H.
KENDRICK was the fourth in order of birth, and was principally
reared in Arkansas, and from the age of thirteen mostly in
his present neighborhood. After the death of his father,
the support of the family fell on his shoulders, and he learned
the tanner’s trade, which he followed for
many years. In 1861 he married Miss L. J. LANG, a native of Macon County, Ga.,
and the daughter of David and A. LANG, who moved to Dallas County, Ark., from
Alabama in 1848. Mrs. LANG died in 1848 and Mr. LANG in 1851. To Mr. and Mrs.
KENDRICK were born four children, one son and one daughter now living, viz.:
Sarah H. (wife of Albert FOWLER), and Hezekiah. Mr. KENDRICK has improved one
farm in Dallas County, and has followed agricultural pursuits for fifteen years.
In politics he was reared a Democrat, casting his first presidential vote for
James Buchanan in 1856, but he is now strictly independent. He is a member of
the A.F. & A.M., Fordyce Lodge, and himself and wife belong to the Methodist
Episcopal Church, of which he has been a member since seventeen years of age.
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Page 725-26
La Fayette L. LOCHRIDGE, hardware merchant, Fordyce, Ark.
Fordyce ranks deservedly high as a commercial center, and
prominent among its resources is the trade carried on in
hardware. Identified with this trade deserving of notice
is La Fayette LOCHRIDGE, who is a member of the Fordyce Hardware
Company, which was organized in September 1888, and is one
of the leading mercantile firms of that city. Mr. LOCHRIDGE
was born in Maury County, Tenn., in 1827, and is a son of
Thomas M. and Deborah (WRIGHT) LOCHRIDGE, both natives of
Tennessee, who were born in Maury County, in 1797 and 1800,
respectively. The parents were wedded in Bedford County,
and settled in Maury County, where, with the exception of
two years spent in Alabama, they lived until about 1847,
and then removed to Arkansas, Dallas County, where the father
was engaged in farming the remainder of his life. He died
in 1862, and she in 1872; both were members of the Methodist
Church for many years. Mr. LOCHRIDGE was a very successful
farmer, one of the best in the county, and was a member of
the Masonic fraternity. His father, James LOCHRIDGE, was
born in England, and soon after his marriage came to America,
where he settled in Maury County, Tenn., and was among the
earliest settlers of that State. There he and his wife died.
Of the four children born to his parents, La Fayette L. LOCHRIDGE
is the eldest, and three are now living. He was early taught
the duties of farm life, and received his education in the
common schools. He began for himself as a farmer, at the
age of twenty years, and in 1856 was married to Miss Anna
LULLENBERGER, a native of Knoxville, Tenn., who came with
her parents to Arkansas at an early day. To this union were
born eight children, four sons and one daughter, now living.
Mrs. LOCHRIDGE died in July 1876, and Mr. LOCHRIDGE was married
the second time in July, 1877, to Miss Fannie JONES, daughter
of John JONES, who moved from Mississippi to Texas and thence
to Dallas County, Ark., about 1860, where re received his
final summons. He was justice of the peace for some time.
Mrs. LOCHRIDGE was born in Mississippi, and by her marriage
became the mother of seven children-three sons and four daughters. In 1862,
Mr. LOCHRIDGE joined Company C, of Col. Grinstead's infantry
corps, and operated in Arkansas and Texas. He was captured
several times, and surrendered at Marshell, Tex. He then
engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he continued until
1888, but for some time previous to that had become interested
in merchandising in Fordyce, where he then made his home.
He is the owner of several lots besides the one on which
he is living, and has a good business house in Fordyce. He
has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for about forty
years, and is the oldest Mason (who was made a Mason in this
county), with the exception of one, in the county. He and
Mrs. LOCHRIDGE have been members of the Methodist Church
for many years.
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Page 726
John S. MANN, one of the old and prominent citizens of Princeton
Township, Dallas County, was born in Robertson County, Tenn.,
September 2, 1837, and is the son of John and Catherine (SCOGGIN)
MANN, natives of Person County, N.C. Both died on the farm
where our subject now lives; he is 1866, at the age of sixty-three
years, and the mother when quite a young woman. They left their native State,
and moved to Middle Tennessee, remaining in Robertson County until 1846, when
they moved to Dallas County, Ark. The county was then a wilderness, and Mr.
MANN passed the balance of his days in clearing his farm
and improving it in every way. He and wife were members of
the Presbyterian Church, and he was a member of the S. of
T. He affiliated with the Democratic party in his political
views. After the death of his wife, Mr. MANN married Miss
Martha HIGHTOER, who died in this county, August 28, 1885,
being eighty-two years old. John S. MANN was the fifth of
eight children, four now living: Margaret E. (widow of J.
T. TAYLOR), Mary C. (wife of R. H. HARRISON), and D. J. (who
is a farmer of Owen Township, this county). Those deceased
were William P. (died while in the Confederate service),
James M. (was also a Confederate soldier, and died while
in service), Rachel (died in Tennessee) and Martha Ann (wife
of G. W. GREEN, Sr., died in Dallas county). John S. MANN
passed his boyhood and youth in Dallas County, and at the
breaking out of the war, or in 1861, he joined the Twelfth Arkansas Confederate
Infantry, and after the first year was made second lieutenant. He was afterward
promoted to first lieutenant, and was in many battles. He was at the surrender
of Fort Thompson, on the Mississippi River, and Island No. 10, when it was
taken, and escaped, with fourteen others, by floating down
the river in an old coal barge. He was then in the battles
of Perryville (Ky.), and Port Hudson, where he was taken
prisoner, and retained at New Orleans. On October 16 he was
taken to Johnson Island, and in April of 1863 he was taken
to Point Lookout, then to Fort Delaware, where he was released,
June 13, 1865. He then returned home, found his parents in
an impoverished condition, took charge of the farm, which
he managed until after the death of the father, and then
took care of his stepmother until her death, also taking
care of the rest of the family. January 30, 1868, he married
Miss Hepsie DANIEL, a native of Arkansas, and the daughter of William DANIEL.
She died January 30, 1870, and on November 16, 1871, he married Miss Jennie
WINSTEAD, a native of Person County, N.C., and the daughter
of Capt. Stephen WINSTEAD, who moved to Arkansas in 1857.
Four children were born to this union: Minnie B., Charles
E., Stephen W., and Albert S., all at home. Mr. MANN is a
member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and is deacon in
the same. Mrs. MANN is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South. In politics Mr. MANN is Democratic, and socially
he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Agricultural
Wheel.
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Page726
William H. MARSHALL, farmer and stockman, Holly Springs,
Ark. The parents of Mr. MARSHALL, Francis and Elizabeth A.
(PENIC) MARSHALL, were natives of Prince Edward County, VA,
and were reared and married there. In 1836 they removed to
Madison County, Ala., thence to Lincoln County, Tenn., then back to Alabama,
and in 1852 came to Arkansas. There Mr. MARSHALL died on March 16 of the foll
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