Goodspeed's Biographies of Saline County, Arkansas

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Wilburn Henley ALLEN, farmer and stock raiser of Shaw Township, Saline County,
Ark., first saw the light of day on November 4, 1848, in the little
town of Benton, Ark. His parents, William D., born April 14, 1811, died
December 6, 1871, and Rhoda (RAMSEY) ALLEN, born May 25, 1820, died June
3, 1880, were among the very early settlers of Benton, coming to that
town in 1847. They were natives, respectively, of North Carolina and
Georgia. William ALLEN moved to Georgia when but a young man, met the
mother of our subject, and was married November 18, 1837. He also
spent three months in the Florida War, taking part in the battle of Pea
River, and being one of the force that removed the Indians from the
territory. After his marriage he lived in Georgia seven years, after which,
moving to Mississippi, he made that State his home until 1847. Coming to this
State at the latter date he engaged in farming. He purchased the place one
and one-half miles from Benton, known now as the Allen field, and later moved
to Benton and opened a blacksmith shop which he ran in connection with
farming. He was for years a member of the Masonic lodge at Benton, and
together with his wife was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
During the war he served in the commissary department of the Confederate
army, but saw no active field service. After the Federal capture of Little
Rock he followed the army in company with Col. Crawford. About 1863 he moved
to Ouachita County for greater safety, returning to Saline when the war was
closed. He spent the latter part of his life in retirement, dying from dropsy
at the age of sixty. He was the father of ten children:  George W. (born
September 2, 1839, deputy sheriff of Grant County), Cynthia (wife of H. S.
GLENN, a merchant of Benton, born November 27, 1841, died June 28, 1863),
Sarah (wife of Dr. John W. COLE of Shaw Township, born January 15, 1844),
Thomas J. (born January 17, 1846, died May 8, 1860), W. H. (the subject of
this sketch), John W. (born January 11, 1851, died September 19, 1853), Uriah
E. (born September 29, 1853, died August 20, 1868), Joseph B. (born September
25, 1856, died November 25, 1857) and Benjamin F. (born November 3, 1858,
farms in Shaw Township). W. H. ALLEN was reared on a farm, spending his
school days in the common schools of Saline County. At the age of twenty-one
he began life for himself, but lived with his parents until his marriage,
October 18, 1877. His wife was formerly Miss Mickey C. KINKEAD, daughter of
Rev. James and Susana (HUGHES) KINKEAD, residents of Farmington, Mo. The
father, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, was born July 6, 1807, resided,
labored and married in Missouri, dying near Irondale September 27, 1864. His
wife, Susana (HUGHES) KINKEAD, was born November 25, 1817, in Missouri, the
daughter of John HUGHES, a farmer and stock raiser, and an early settler of
Southeastern Missouri. She was married the first time September 15, 1835. She
survived her husband, and some years after his death moved to Illinois, where
she married Spruce BOGGS. Two years later she again became a widow. She
remained in Illinois until 1874, then coming to Saline County, where she died
May 18, 1879, at the home of her son-in-law, Wilburn ALLEN, on the TOMLINSON
place. Mrs. W. H. ALLEN was the eighth in a family of ten children: Eliza
J.(born August 31, 1838, wife of John BEAN, a farmer of Irondale, Mo., died
about 1875), J. M. (born May 18, 1840, is a mechanic, and lives in
Mississippi), Mary N. (born February 6, 1842) James C. (born December 23,
1843, is deputy constable of Big Rock Township, Pulaski County, but lives in
Benton, on the Hackersmith farm), Alex E. (born July 4, 1846, is constable of
Big Rock Township, and lives in Little Rock), Susan S. (born August 8, 1848,
is the wife of Newton MAXEY, a mechanic of Oak Grove, Ill.), Elizabeth (born
October 4, 1850, is the wife of D. C. HAYS, postmaster at Benton, Ark.),
Marthy F. (born June 12, 1854, is the wife of Hays MAXWELL, a farmer and
mechanic of Irondale, Mo.), Mickey C. (wife of W. H. ALLEN, born September 8,
1856, and died September 30, 1889), and Eleanor (born November 6, 1858). Mr.
Allen and wife became the parents of Clara Lillian (born August 16, 1858,
died October 4, 1879), Finis Ewing (born December 9, 1879), Fiamen W. (born
October 12, 1881, died August 6, 1882), Mickey Gertrude (born October 30,
1883), and George C. (born August 14, 1886). After his marriage Mr. ALLEN
began farming on an inheritance of eighty acres from his father, on the
Saline River, to which he added ten acres. In 1879 or 1880 he sold his farm
and bought the eighty acres on which he now lives. He has about forty acres
under cultivation, and has erected some excellent farm buildings. During the
years 1887 and 1888 he was engaged as lumber contractor for the Brushe mill.
Later he held an interest, and on September 9, 1889, sold out to his partner,
S. H. GLOVER, and is now engaged as sawyer at the same mill. He is a member
of the school board of his township, and votes with the Democratic party,
though taking very little interest in politics. He is a member of Benton
Lodge No. 34, A. F. & A. M., and (as did his wife) belongs to the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. Mr. ALLEN is classed with the most public-spirited men
of Saline County. He is a liberal donator to all worthy public enterprises,
and a zealous worker for the welfare of his adopted home.


J. W. ASHBY, prominently identified with Benton's interests, was born in
Floyd County, Ga., August 17, 1842, and is the son of John and Rebecca
(WOODRUFF) ASHBY, natives of Virginia and North Carolina, respectively. John
ASHBY was born in Princess Ann County, on October 11, 1800, and was of the
old Virginia stock. He was reared to the occupation of farming, which he
continued all his life, and in the fall of 1858 emigrated to Claiborne
Parish, North Louisiana, where he spent the remainder of his days. Himself
and wife were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was called
to his long home in 1864, and his wife (who married again) survived until
1878. J. W. ASHBY is the eighth of a family of ten children, six of whom are
still living: Elizabeth (wife of Mr. JOHNSON, a prosperous farmer of Texas),
G. W. ( a farmer living in Louisiana), Annette (wife of J. F. HAMITER, a
farmer of Hempstead County, Ark.), Amanda (wife of Robert SCOTT, a farmer,
and one of the early settlers of Saline County, having lived here since
1834), Nancy (wife of George KING, a farmer and stockman of Texas), J. M.
(the eldest of the brothers, a man of family, who died in the army at Monroe,
La., in 1863), William (a farmer, living in Saline County, Ark.), Lucinda
(who married John Nelson, and died in 1872), William (died at the age of
thirty-four, in 1867, in Louisiana), and Mary (died in childhood while her
parents were living in Georgia). J. W. was educated in the common schools of
Georgia, and was reared to farm life, but in his early manhood learned the
carpenter and blacksmith trade. At the age of twenty-two, and in the spring
of 1862, he enlisted in Company G, Twelfth Louisiana Infantry, Col. Scott's
Regiment. He served three years and four months, participating in the
engagements of Baker's Creek, Jackson, and the bombardment of Fort Hudson. He
was with Hood on his Georgia and Tennessee campaigns, and while in the latter
was in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, then in the encounter at
Kingston and later on at Bentonville. He was paroled at Greensboro, N.C., on
April 26, 1865. After the close of the was Mr. ASHBY returned to North
Louisiana to take care of his mother and her family, and did not leave her
until her second marriage. He then came to Arkansas and there won his bride,
Miss Mary SCOTT, their marriage occurring in 1868.  Returning with his bride
to Louisiana, he remained there till December, 1869, when the temptation to
get back to Arkansas became so great that he again located and purchased a
large farm. This place consisted of 120 acres of new land, with little or no
improvement, but this did not discourage him in the least, for he immediately
set to work and made so many improvements that old surroundings would hardly
have been recognized. For thirteen years Mr. ASHBY remained on this farm, but
in 1882 he moved to Benton and erected a home, opening a store of general
merchandise, and also engaging in the undertaker's business, which he has
successfully conducted to the present time. In 1885 he sold his land, and
since then has devoted his whole attention to the mercantile business. Mr.
And Mrs. ASHBY have four children: Edna (born March 3, 1871, at present
attending boarding school in Kentucky), Bertie (born July 7, 1874, attending
school at Benton), Pearl (born October 13, 1879, also at school), and Robert
(born February 13, 1883).  Mr. ASHBY is a member of  Benton Lodge No. 1319,
and himself  and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at
Benton. He honors the Democratic party with his vote, but is conservative on
the subject of politics. He has served as a member of his school board and
always takes an active interest in any enterprise that is for the good of his
town or county, and is a man that has the respect of the entire community.


Philip J. BRADFIELD, Prominent among the enterprising and popular men of this
section is Philip J. BRADFIELD, a well known merchant and farmer, and the son
of John H. and Sarah E. (BENNETT) BRADFIELD. He was born in Hamilton County,
Tenn., May 19, 1861. John H. Bradfield was also a native of Tennessee, his
birth occurring June 16, 1830. He was reared a farmer, and made that his life's
work; a man of common school education, for years he held the position of
magistrate, being a Democrat, politically, but not an enthusiast. He was
married September 10, 1857, to Miss BENNETT, and they were the parents of ten
children, five of whom survive, as follows: William C. (a farmer of Jefferson
Township), J. L. (a farmer, but now a student of Benton Collegiate High
School), Louisa E. (living with her mother on the old homestead in this
county), Leon L. (also at home) and Philip (the subject of this sketch). Mr.
BRADFIELD, Sr., came with his family to this State, by rail as far as Memphis,
thence on board the "Thomas H. Allen," a river steamer via the Mississippi and
Arkansas Rivers, landing at Little Rock, February 20, 1871. From the latter
place Shaw Township, Saline County, was easily reached, and after a residence
there of two years they moved to Jefferson Township, where the father bought a
tract of 182 acres of partly improved land. He added to this from time to time
until he owned 153 acres, improving it to a great extent, and at the time of
his death, in 1881, was preparing to build a new residence. He was a member of
the Masonic fraternity, and respected by all who knew him. His estimable wife
still lives at the old homestead, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South. Philip J. was reared to farm life, and spent his younger days in
the common schools of Saline County. When in his twentieth year he took the
management of his mother's farm. On February 5, 1884, he led to the hymeneal
altar Miss Faithie A. ROBERTS, daughter of T. J. ROBERTS, and a native of
Saline County. To this union two children have been born: Ida May (born March
6, 1885) and Essie Mand (born April 17, 1888). After his marriage Mr. BRADFIELD
resumed farming and homesteaded 120 acres adjoining his mother's place, which
he immediately began to improve. He also owns a part of the old homestead. In
1887, purchasing a fine stock of goods, he opened a store on his farm, and
since that time has conducted his mercantile business with encouraging success.
In 1886 he was elected justice of the peace in his township, and still holds
that office, to the entire satisfaction of those concerned. He is president of
the school board and a member of the board of equalization for Saline County,
in session at Benton. He is a member of Paran Lodge No. 309, A. F. & A. M.,
also of the Jefferson Lodge No. 55, I. O. G. T., in which latter he has held
nearly every office. Mr. and Mrs. BRADFIELD are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South. Mr. BRADFIELD votes with the Democrats, and exerts
considerable influence in the township and county politically. He has given not
a little attention to journalistic work since 1881, attaining an enviable
reputation in that line. He first began this work as local correspondent for
the Benton Courier, and is still holding that position. In January, 1885, he
wrote an article for the "Farmer and Mechanic," entitled "Our Neglected
Resources," which was published in the regular edition of that paper. It was
re-published in the 50,000 edition of the paper, and the attention it received,
together with the criticisms, which were all that one could desire, combined to
show that the writer was of unusual ability and an honor to the literary world.
He was appointed April 2, 1887, as special correspondent of the Daily Arkansas
Gazette, both by mail and wire, and was sent by that paper to visit Montgomery
County, Ark., during the mining excitement there in 1887. He also prepared the
article for the Bear City edition of the Gazette, and has contributed largely
to other papers, the Benton Review, and Farm and Fireside, of Springfield,
Ohio. He has served a s a member of the Democratic central committee for the
last six year. Mr. BRADFIELD is one of those young men rapidly coming to the
front, and the citizens of Jefferson Township have just cause to feel proud of
such a one in their midst. He is public-spirited, and takes an active part in,
and gives his earnest support to all enterprises for the good of the public.



William BRENTS, at one time a leading farmer and well known hotel keeper in
Saline County, but at present retired, was born in what is now Marshall County,
Tenn., in the year 1811, and is a son of Thomas and Jane (McWHURTER) BRENTS,
natives of Kentucky, but who were very early settlers of Marshall (formerly
Lincoln) County, Tenn., where they spent the remainder of the lives. The father
was a successful farmer and a prominent citizen of that county, and in
religious belief was a member of the Christian Church. He served with
distinction in the Revolutionary War, and was with Gen. Jackson at the battle
of New Orleans. His father was John BRENTS, one of the early settlers of
Kentucky, where his death occurred at an advanced age. The maternal
grandfather, James McWHURTER, was of Irish origin, and also fought in the War
of 1812. William BRENTS, the principal of this sketch, and the fourth of four
sons and four daughters born to his parents, was reared on his father's far. He
was educated in the public schools of his birthplace and acquired a good
English training, being instructed in the duties of farm life by his father.
When twenty-one years of age he was married to Mahala, a daughter of Robert and
Lucy EWING, by whom he had ten children, of whom one son and three daughters
are yet living: Harriet (widow of Frank SHOEMAKER), Malvina (wife of Thomas
DELAMER, residing in Texas), Robert E., and Siff (wife of Alfred TRAMMELL,
residing near Eldorado). Mr. BRENTS lost his first wife, and in January, 1868,
was married to Mrs. Xalisco DICKENSON, an estimable widow, and daughter of
Robert STRIBLING. The lady was born in Georgia, but came to Arkansas with her
parents when three years old, and settled in Hot Spring County, where her
father and mother both died. One child was born to her marriage with Mr.
BRENTS, Lily. Mr. BRENTS was one of the first settlers of Saline County, having
come here in 1844, and he has made it his home ever since. The year following
his arrival he purchased a farm near Benton, which he still owns, and has
accumulated altogether about 550 acres of fertile land, with some 200 acres
under cultivation, all of it being the result of his individual effort and good
management. He is noted above all things for his enterprise, as is illustrated
by the fact that on the second day of his arrival he opened up a hotel, which
was afterward one of the most noted in Central Arkansas, continuing in that
business until the war. After that event he turned his attention to farming
with equal success until his retirement from active life. His industry and
energy have won the respect and admiration of the entire community, and he can
now rest content with the knowledge that he has done his share toward the
development and improvement of Saline County. In politics he is a stanch
Democrat, having cast his first presidential vote for Jackson in 1832, and for
every presidential candidate since that time except during the war. Before that
period he followed the trade of harness and saddle-maker in connection with his
other interests.


James A. BROWN, a well known, influential citizen, and one of the most
prominent planters of Saline County, was born in Lincoln County, Tenn., in
1829, and is the son of John and Nancy BROWN, born in North Carolina in 1807
and in Tennessee in 1825, respectively. The parents were married in Lincoln
County, and a few years after their union, moved to Fayette County, West Tenn.,
where they resided until the year 1853, then coming to Arkansas. The father was
a prosperous farmer during his life and for many years a captain of militia.
His wife, a devout Christian woman, died in 1853, and he followed her two years
later. He was a son of James BROWN, of North Carolina, one of the earliest
settlers of Lincoln County, Tenn., who resided in that State the remainder of
his life. The paternal grandfather, James BROWN, came from Ireland to America
in his boyhood and first settled in North Carolina, and afterward in Lincoln
County, Tenn., where he died in 1830. Champion BLITHE, the maternal
grandfather, was a Kentuckian by birth, and in an early day fought the
Spaniards at Santa Day. The remainder of his was spent on the frontier of Texas
fighting against savage tribes. James A., the second of six children born to
his parents, received his education in the log cabin school of his day. He
started out in the world for himself when only fourteen years old, and at the
age of eighteen was assistant overseer of a large plantation, having entire
charge of over 100 slaves. In 1851 he was married in Shelby County, Tenn., to
Virginia, a daughter of Payton and Sarah FLETCHER of Kentucky, who settled in
Tennessee after their marriage, the father becoming one of the largest planters
in Shelby County. Mr. FLETCHER was also a soldier in one of the Indian wars.
Mr. And Mrs. BROWN were the parents of seven children, of whom two only are
living: William H. (born in 1857, educated in Benton, Ark., and Shelby County,
Tenn., and married in 1888 to Miss Edna E. HOOKER, of Shelby County), and
Thomas Jefferson (born in 1864, also educated in Benton, Ark., and Shelby
County, Tenn., and at Little Rock; married March 7, 1889, to Miss Maggie L.
WILDER, of Georgia, who came to Benton, Ark., with her parents, the latter now
residing in Texas). The following year after his marriage, Mr. BROWN came to
Arkansas and settled in the wilds about twenty miles below Little Rock, which
was then the nearest post office and trading point. Here he opened up a small
clearing and built himself a slab cabin, and one of his greatest pleasures is
to recall the many happy hours spent in that primitive habitation. The country
was overrun with wild animals at that time and may a night he was forced to get
out of bed and let the dogs in to keep them from being eaten by wolves. During
the first year he killed twenty-two bear besides a quantity of other game, and
on one occasion stood in his door with a shot-gun and killed seven wild turkeys
at one shot. Wild deer were then more plenty than the domestic hog of today,
and the delicious venison now sold for exorbitant prices was the a common fare.
Mr. BROWN was an ardent hunter, but never let his fascination for that sport
interfere with his other duties, and the severest weather did not hinder him
from improving his farm and building up his place. He cultivated about 250
acres of fine bottom land, which, on his arrival had been covered with a dense
growth of timber, and has done perhaps as much hard work as any man in
Arkansas. He now owns 3,200 acres of fine bottom land, having placed some 600
acres under cultivation, all accumulated by his own energy and judicious
management; besides this he was a considerable loser by the Civil War. He now
employs about 100 people on his place and operates his own gin and store. In
earlier days Mr. BROWN was engaged in rafting lumber down the Arkansas and
Mississippi Rivers, and after getting through with his season's business made
the journey back home on foot through the wildest and most unsettled portion of
the country. In politics he was a Whig until after the war, and now votes the
Democratic ticket. For eight years he held the office of justice of the peace
and filled the position with great dignity and wisdom. He has been a member of
Penington Lodge No. 273, A. F. & A. M., at Hensley since 1865, and has been
junior and senior warden, treasurer and junior deacon. His sons also belong to
the same lodge.


A.B. BURKS, one of the oldest and most prosperous stock raisers and farmers
in Liberty Township, Saline County, Ark., was born in Wayne County, Tenn., the
son of Harrison and Sarah (YOCUM) BURKS, natives, respectively, of North
Carolina and Kentucky. Harrison BURKS came to Tennessee when a small boy and
was educated in the country schools and reared on a farm. In 1854, at the age
of fifty-five years, he came to Arkansas, buying eighty acres of land in this
township, where he remained until his death ten years later. Besides his
original purchase he entered eighty acres more, and dealt quite extensively in
fast horses, being a lover of racing. He was married about 1817, and became the
father of nine children, five of whom are now living: George W. (deceased,
whose family reside in this county), A. B. (our subject), James (living in this
county), William (in Fair Play Township, this county), Mary (wife of John
RUSSELL, of Garland County, Ark.), and P. L. (of this township). Mrs. BURKS
died in 1868, having been a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. BURKS took quite
and active interest in politics, as a Democrat, though he was not an office
seeker. At the age of eighteen, A. B. BURKS commenced life for himself as a
farmer on rented land in Tennessee, which he farmed for sic years. In 1854 he
came to this State with his father, settling in this county and township. He
rented land to put in his first crop, but in October of the same year purchased
his present property consisting of eighty acres, with twenty acres improved. He
has since added 120 acres, making a fine farm of 200 acres with 150 improved,
upon which are a splendid frame residence, barns, outhouses, etc. He makes a
specialty of raising stock and grain, leaving cotton to his neighbors. He has a
large number of cattle and other stock. In 1861 Mr. BURKS joined the
Confederate army as a private, being promoted to sergeant of his company. He
linked his fortune with Company F, Third Arkansas Cavalry, commanded by Col. E.
BOWLIN of Little Rock, and during the fore part of the war was stationed on the
west side of the river, but in 1862 his command crossed the river and took part
in the battles of Chickamauga, Corinth, Iuka, Franklin, Knoxville, Dalton,
Savannah, and a number of minor engagements. He was surrendered near
Greenville, N. C., and paroled at Chester, S. C. Starting home May 7, 1865, he
arrived June 15, and found his family in a fair condition, but he, himself, was
bankrupt, having nothing left except his place. Beginning at once to farm, he
has kept it up to the present day. Just before returning from the war, Mr.
BURKS drew 95 cents in silver from the Confederate treasurer, which he still
retains. He says he worked four years for 95 cents, and he expects to keep it
all his life. What property he now owns has been accumulated since the war. He
was married in 1848 to Miss Mary A. MAY, daughter of John and Elizabeth (POLK)
MAY, natives of Tennessee, and the parents of seven children (three of whom are
now living): Henry (in McNairy County, Tenn.), Mary A. (wife of A. B. BURKS),
James (deceased, whose family resides in Izard County, Ark.), Joshua
(deceased), and Emily (wife of Wesley HENSLEY, in Searcy County, Ark.). Mr.
John MAY died many years ago, Mrs. MAY passing away in 1837. Mr. and Mrs. BURKS
have seven children: Louisa (wife of W. M. GRANT), Nancy (wife of E.M.
HUNNICUTT), Sarah (wife of G. W. GRANT), Tennessee (wife of William HOWARD),
James, Emily, and Josephine (deceased). Politically, Democratic, Mr. BURKS is a
member of the A. F. & A. M., and a strong supporter of churches, schools and
benevolent and public enterprises, always lending a hand to any scheme that
will upbuild his county and State.


Frederick W. BUSH, a prominent druggist and apothecary of Benton, was born in
Cassel, in the State of Prussia, Germany, on January 30, 1837, and is the
second son of a family of five children born to Heinrich and Marie (SHOPPACH)
BUSH. Heinrich BUSH was a lawyer, or prosecuting attorney, and also carried on
an extensive probate business, but owning to the rebellion in Germany, in 1848,
he came to America and joined his brother-in-law, John W. SHOPPACH, at Benton.
The climate of this country not agreeing with him, he expired of a congestive
chill, within five miles of Benton, in the summer of 1849. His wife's death
occurred in 1885. She was the sister of J. W. SHOPPACH, who for years was an
officer of Saline County. Frederick W. spent his early days in Cassel, and was
educated in the schools of that city. When fifteen years of age he was
apprenticed to a harness and saddle manufacturer, where he remained for three
years. The third year he received wages, owing to his ability as a salesman,
something that was not usually done. After having become proficient in his
trade, he determined to engage in business for himself. Perhaps the
correspondence with his uncle, or the love of a Republican government may have
decided him to renounce his citizenship, for he took passage in a sailing
vessel for America, and arrived here after a tiresome journey of eight weeks.
Though the trip was long, and two severe storms were encountered, his ambition
was not impaired, and he arrived in New Orleans in December, 1855. He heralded
his arrival in Benton on Christmas day, of 1855, two months after which he
engaged in the harness and saddlery business, with fair success. His business
increased to such an extent that he was obliged to secure the services of
several men to supply the demand, but the war breaking out he felt it his duty
to fight for his adopted country, and so placed business affairs in the hands
of his brother-in-law, George H. STRATMAN, and offered himself to the First
Arkansas Infantry (Col. James FAGAN; later general), in April, 1861. He
participated in the battles of Manassas, Shiloh (where he was wounded by
gunshot in the left arm), Chickamauga, and New Hope Church. At the latter point
he was again wounded, this time in the right shoulder. He was also in the
engagements at Murfreesboro, Franklin, Nashville, and at Spring Hill. After the
Nashville fight, Mr. BUSH was not in any regular engagement. He was once taken
prisoner, but escaped within three hours, and finally with his company was
surrendered in May, 1865. After a few weeks in Georgia Mr. BUSH returned to
Benton, only to find his home desolated by the unpitying hand of war. Federal
troops had appropriated his stock of goods, and his home had been used as
headquarters for the quartermaster's department. This would have discouraged
many, but, with renewed determination, he immediately opened a stock of liquors
and groceries, and continued in this branch until 1875, when he sold out and
engaged in the drug business. This he has since carried on, with signal
success. Mr. BUSH's sister, Eliza, is the wife of George STRATMAN, a large shoe
and boot dealer in Little Rock. Emily died in New Orleans, while on her way to
this State in company with her brother. Charles Conrad, the youngest child, who
came to Benton, started to California in 1858, and since that time has not been
heard from. In November, 1867, Mr. BUSH was married to Miss Margaret Angeline
LANE, a daughter of James B. LANE, one of the pioneers of Arkansas. She was
born in Benton, August 22, 1848. They have the following family: Joanna E.
(born September 25, 1871), Frederick Carl (born February 22, 1877), Ernest
James (born December 25, 1886), Mary Williams (born July 2, 1869, and died
September 14, 1870), Callie O. (born May 28, 1873, and died October 8, 1877).
In addition to his store, Mr. BUSH has considerable land, owning 360 acres,
with sixty under cultivation. He rents farms to tenants, who are evidently good
ones, judging from the excellent condition in which the land is kept. He has
held the office of school director for four years, also mayor for four years in
Benton, and was alderman and treasurer for a long period. The latter position
he is holding at the present time, having for six years been deputy county
treasurer. Mr. BUSH is a member of Benton Lodge No. 34, A. F. & A. M., also of
Saline Lodge No. 1319, K. of H., being treasurer of the latter. He and his
family are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he is one of the
trustees. Baird's Institute (a flourishing private school in Benton) counts him
as one of its trustees, H. T. CALDWELL and himself having been the originators
of this institution. Mr. BUSH has always been a leader in enterprises looking
to general improvement, especially in the support of churches, school, etc.


JOSEPH M. CHENNAULT, farmer and stock raiser of Dyer Township, Saline County,
was born in St. Clair County, Ala., in 1827. William, his father, was a native
of Tennessee, and his wife of South Carolina. The elder CHENNAULT, moved to
Alabama while still quite a boy, settling in Madison County, whence he moved
to St. Clair County. He was a prominent farmer and owned a large number of
negroes. His marriage occurred in 1820, and fourteen children were born to him,
eleven of whom lived until maturity, but Joseph M. is the only survivor. The
names of this family were John (deceased, whose family is in Texas), Mary
(deceased, wife of W. HUTCHISON), Rutha (deceased, wife of R. BAZILE, family
now in Perry County, this State), J. M. (our subject), Nancy A. (deceased
wife of Mr. DYER, family in Saline County), Thomas (deceased, whose family live
in this county), Sarah A. (deceased, wife of K. JAMES, family in Saline County),
William J. (deceased, his wife residing in Perry County, Ark.), Stephen M.
(deceased, family in Saline County), and Amos (deceased). Mr. CHENNAULT lived
until 1865, and his wife up to 1871, both meeting their death in this county.
He came to this State in 1836, and settled in Saline County, where he was known
politically, as a Union-Democrat. Himself and wife were members of the
Missionary Baptist Church. When twenty years of age J. M. CHENNAULT began
existence for himself. His school days had been spent in the county at limited
district schools, the education here derived being subsequently improved by
self-application. At the age of twenty years he was married to Miss Nancy A.
JAMES, and three children were born to them, two now living: William M. (who
lives in Garland County), and John (in Saline County). Mr. CHENNAULT was married
the second time to Miss Caroline WATERS, who became the mother of five children:
Mary A. (wife of John JAMES), Eliza (wife of L. P. KATE), Sarah (wife of W. P.
CALDWELL), Joseph M., Jr., and Thomas (at home). Mrs. CHENNAULT died in March,
1877, as a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. In 1888, Mr. CHENNAULT was
again married, to Miss Susan GERIN. He was in the Confederate army during the
war as a member of Capt. Adams' Company, afterward joining the cavalry, and
served until 1865, participating in the battle at Poison Springs and Marks' Mill.
He was also with Gen. Price on his raid through Missouri in 1864-65, taking part
in a number of skirmishes. His discharge occurred in Navarro County, Tex., after
which he came home and commenced farming to replenish his fortune shattered by
the war. He now owns 180 acres of land, with sixty acres under cultivation,
situated on the Middle Fork of Saline River, forming one of the best stocked
farms in this section. He is a Democrat, and his wife in a member of the
Missionary Baptist Church.



D. M. CLOUD, attorney and counselor at law at Benton, and also mayor of that place,
was the second oldest of six children born to M. M.  and L. J. (HAYNES) CLOUD, the
former of whom came to the State from East  Tennessee (to Saline County) in 1842.
He walked from below the Arkansas Post on  the Arkansas River (where a keel boat
had grounded upon which he had taken  passage at the mouth of the river, the price
paid for passage being a cub bear)  to the head waters of Saline now Garland County.
There he worked on a farm for  one year. He then went to work in a tanyard,
continuing for two years, but in  1844 went to Benton and opened a tanyard, also
purchasing some land. He was  married in 1845 to Miss L. J. HAYNES, and made Benton
his home until his death,  which occurred in 1859. Mr. CLOUD took a prominent part
in politics, being an  earnest Democrat, and was county treasurer and also common
school commissioner.  He was a member of the Masonic order. His excellent wife still
survives him at  Benton. D. M. CLOUD was educated in the public schools of Benton,
and during  the war served a while in the Confederate service, beginning when he was
fifteen years of age. He was in the battles of Poison Springs, Marks Mill, and
many other small skirmishes, and was taken prisoner by the Seventh Missouri,
United States Cavalry, being confined at Little Rock, Rock Island, Ill., and
New Orleans. Exchanged February 23, 1865, at the mouth of the Red River, he
returned to the Southern army, but did no other service of consequence, and was
paroled on June 9, 1865, coming thence to his desolated home at Benton. He
attended school for a few months, afterward taught and read law, worked on a
farm for two or three years, and was then employed as a clerk in a store at
Little Rock and other places for some time. Becoming engaged in the grocery
business at Mulberry, he thus continued until 1881, when he returned to Benton
and resumed the study of the law, being admitted to the bar in September, 1882.
He has since practiced his profession in this and adjoining counties, and
enjoys about the best and most lucrative practice of any lawyer in Saline
County. Mr. CLOUD took a very active part in the temperance movement in 1884,
and greatly to his efforts are the temperance people indebted for the overthrow
of the liquor traffic in this county. He was a candidate, in 1886, for the
office of prosecuting attorney of the Seventh judicial circuit, but was
defeated by an excellent gentleman, Hon. J. P. HENDERSON, who was then the
incumbent. In 1888 he again became a candidate, but owing to the unsettled
condition of the then existing politics withdrew from the canvass in order to
take part in saving his party from defeat in his county for the Congressional
and State ticket, he being an uncompromising Democrat. Mr. CLOUD is a member of
Benton Lodge No. 34, A. F. & A. M., and was worshipful master of that
lodge in 1888. He was taken into the Masonic order in Magnolia Lodge No. 60,
located at Little Rock, Ark., in February, 1872. His marriage was in 1870 to
Miss Martha H. CHASTAIN, who was born in Marietta, GA. She was the daughter of
B. L. CHASTAIN, now residing in Comanche County, Kas., engaged in farming. Mr.
CLOUD has a family of four children: Edward Leon, Charles Madison, Myrle and
Bernice. Mr. and Mrs. CLOUD are members of the Baptist Church. The former is
now serving his town as school director, and is president of the school board.
He says that he expects to live out his days in Arkansas, and most likely in
Saline County, where he is held in high esteem.


John L. COLLAT owns a large farm and is engaged in general farming and stock
raising. He was born in the year 1838, being the oldest of ten children in
the family of Robert K. and Eliza (COLLINS) COLLAT, the former of whom was a
native of Alabama, where he was married. Afterward moving to Georgia he opened
up a large plantation which he sold in 1853 and removed to Saline County, Ark.,
settling on Saline River in what is now  Traskwood Township, and took up a claim
on which he resided until his death in 1856. His beloved wife passed from life
within one week of his death leaving a family of ten children, one of whom was
a babe only three days old, which was reared by an older sister, and one other
child died during the same month. The family consisted of John L. (the subject
of this sketch), William H. (who is married and resides in Saline Township),
Taylor (also married and resides in Traskwood, being a merchant by occupation),
Minerva (now Mrs. FEWELL living near Benton), Eliza (Mrs. TIDWELL, in Pulaski,
the infant referred to), and  five other children who are now deceased. John L.
COLLAT at the time of his  parents' death was only seventeen years old and
having his brothers and sisters to care for, he secured homes for them and
broke up housekeeping. He commenced farming for himself at the age of twenty-
three, and in 1861 was married to Lousia MONTGOMERY, a daughter of Thomas and
Mary (CLAUTON) MONTGOMERY; Mrs. COLLAT was born on the farm on which they at
this time reside. Mr. MONTGOMERY  was a native of Tennessee and emigrated to
Arkansas in 1830, settling in what is now Saline County, and taking a claim on
which he resided at the time of his death in 1856, his wife surviving him until
1885. Mr. COLLAT after his marriage located in Saline Township, entered a tract
of land of eighty acres, to which he afterward added another eighty, and on
which he made his home for the next ten years. He enlisted in 1862, at Benton,
under Capt. Adams in the Twenty-fifth Arkansas Infantry, for the period of
twelve months. After the battle of Corinth the company reorganized when Mr.
COLLAT again enlisted for three years or during the war. He served two years
in the Trans-Mississippi Regiment (infantry) and eighteen months in the cavalry
service, being discharged in Texas in 1865, and returning to Saline County. In
1871 he sold  his homestead and bought a farm of 270 acres, of which forty were
under  cultivation. He has erected a fine frame residence and made other
improvements, besides clearing most of the remainder of his farm. He is a member
of Benton  Lodge No. 34, A. F. & A. M., in which he has held the office of S. D.,
and also  belongs to Saline Lodge No. 1317, Knights of Honor. Mr. COLLAT and his
wife  have a family of eight children: William (married), Mary (now Mrs. COTE),
Thomas (married), Sophronia, Frank, Martha, Henry and David, all of whom reside
in Saline County. Mr. COLLAT is a man of great energy and industry, and though
having been obliged to make his own way in the world, has done so with great
credit to himself.



W. H. COLLAT, a farmer of Saline Township, Saline County, was born in Polk County,
GA, in 1846, being the fifth son in a family of eleven  children born to Robert
and Eliza (COLLINS) COLLATT. Robert COLLATT was a  native of Georgia, and came to
Saline County, Ark., in 1855, settling on a farm  in Shaw Township, on which he
lived until his death in 1857. His wife only survived him two weeks, both dying
of pneumonia. Mr. COLLATT was a small boy at  the time of his parents' death.
After his father's demise the estate was sold  at an administrator's sale, and
the son then went to live with Mr. John PETTON,  where he remained for five years,
receiving an education in the district  schools. In 1864 he enlisted for one year
in Capt. Tilford's Eleventh Arkansas  Cavalry, and while in service was engaged
in many skirmishes, finally being  paroled at Fulton on the Red River in June,
1865. Mr. COLLATT later engaged in  farming in Pulaski County on the Arkansas
River in 1867. He was married, in  1873, in Saline County, to Margaret WHITE,
daughter of William W. and Elizabeth  (MONTGOMERY) WHITE, who came here from
Alabama at an early day. Mrs. WHITE died  in February, 1885. Mr. COLLATT made his
first purchase of land in 1872 when he  bought eighty acres of timber which he
cleared and in 1888 sold. He now owns a  good farm of thirty acres on the Saline
River, and also 156 acres near Benton,  besides a place of 186 acres (100 acres
of which are under cultivation) and ten  acres in Benton where he resides. He
is a stanch Democrat, though not  especially active politically, and has been a
member of the school board for  some six or eight years. He is the father of six
children: Oliver Walter, James  Virgil, Hallie Homer, Hattie Hester, Lena Louis
and Vinnie Verna. Mr. COLLATT  has witnesses and taken an individual part in the
growth and advancement of  Benton from the first. He remembers when only one
business house was in the  place, and when the farmers in the neighborhood were
obliged to go ten or  fifteen miles on horseback to the mill.



Thomas Y. Craig, a farmer and merchant of Brazil, Holland Township, carries a
full line of general merchandise, and enjoys a lucrative patronage. He was born
in Seneca County, S. C., in 1844, and was the third son in a family of four
children born to William and Francis Deshield Craig. The father was a South
Carolina farmer, who in 1859 emigrated to Arkansas with his family, and settled
in Hempstead County, where be purchased a piece of land and improved it. He was
a prominent Democrat of the community in his day. His death occurred in 1870,
his widow following him in about two years. They were the parents of the
following children: Nancy (now Hire. Compton, who resides in Hempstead County,
Ark.), Jane (now Mrs. Simpson, also of Hempstead County), Thomas Y. (the
subject of this article), and Franklin (who is married and resides in Hempstead
County, being engaged in farming). Thomas Y. Craig was reared to farm life,
being educated in the subscription schools of South Carolina. He accompanied
his parents to Hempstead County in 1850, resuming farm labor, and in 1861
enlisted in Capt. Neal's company, in the Nineteenth Arkansas Infantry, at
Nashville for one year, at the end of which time he reenlisted in the same
regiment to serve during the war. He was in the battle of Wilson's Creek and a
number of noted engagements, when he was taken prisoner and sent to Chicago,
where he was kept for four months, at the end of that time being exchanged and
forwarded to City Point, Va., and then to Richmond. Following this he
participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Dalton, Atlanta
and others. In 1865 he was paroled and returned to Hempstead County, where he
again engaged in farming until the following year, when be went to Little Rock
and learned the trade of carpentering, following it until 1876. Mr. Craig was
married in Little Rock, in 1870, to Sarah Ray, a native of Alabama. By that
union two children were born, who are both living: Alena and Nora. This wife
died in 1878, and in 1879 he married, in Pulaski County, Miss Emily Bosher, of
that county. They were the parents of the following children: Zephyr, Cora,
Steen, Ola, Effie and Frank. In 1876 Mr. Craig bought a partly improved farm
in Saline County of 380 acres, 100 of which were under cultivation. He now has
over 200 acres improved, having added attractive surroundings to the farm. He
raises large crops of grain and cotton, as well as fine cattle and mules. He
is a member of Paran Lodge No. 319, A. F. & A. M., in which he has held the
office of worshipful master. Mr. Craig takes an active part in all educational
work and interests of an enterprising nature.


Capt. Augustus A. Crawford, county and probate judge of Saline County, and also
a prominent planter of that locality, was born in Rhea County, East Tenn., March
31, 1838, and is a son of Robert B. and Olivia (Howard) Crawford, whose birth
occurred in the same State in 1808 and 1817, respectively. The parents were
married there in the year 1820, making it their home until 1833, when they moved
to Russell County, Ala., where the father died in 1813, the mother afterward
marrying a Mr. Lockhard, who died some years later. She has since remained a
widow and resides in Georgia at the present time with a daughter. Her father,
Abraham Howard, of Virginia, was one of the earliest settlers of Rhea County,
Tenn., and a prosperous farmer of that place, where be resided until his decease.
The senior Crawford was also a farmer, and an influential citizen of Rhea County
during his residence in that place. He had three brothers and two sisters living
in Saline County, Ark., one of whom (Hon William A. Crawford) at one time
represented that county in the legislature, and for six years was its sheriff.
Augustus A. was the third of four sons and one daughter born to his parents, all
of whom, except himself, have died. One brother (Rev. Robert B. Crawford, of
Alabama) was among the most noted Methodist divines in that State, and a man who
spoke from the pulpit with marvelous power. Augustus was the only son . who came
to Saline County;  previous to settling here he had worked on a farm, having also
for two years taken up the carpenter's trade, which calling he followed at Benton
and Little Rock during the first year of his arrival. His advantages for schooling
were limited, as he had to work for the neighboring farmers during youth in order
to pay his, way, but his natural shrewdness and ability manifested themselves
sooner, perhaps, than if he had absorbed more book knowledge, and exercised less
talent. In March, 1860, he was married to Miss Martha J. Rowan, a daughter of
Thomas and Ruth Rowan, of Alabama, who were among the earliest settlers of Saline
County, where both parents died. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Crawford
(four sons and six daughters), all of whom are living. Mr. Crawford continued to
reside in Benton and vicinity until 1874, when he settled on his present place,
now owning about 120 acres of productive land and has placed sixty acres under
cultivation. His prosperity is all due entirely to his individual effort and good
management, he having started in life for himself at fourteen years of age with
but little, if anything. He also owns another tract of thirty seven acres,
comprising some of the best land in this section, all situated about six miles
northeast of Benton. During the war he enlisted in Company D, Eleventh Arkansas
Infantry, operating principally in Missouri and Tennessee, and after the battle
of Belmont was promoted to the rank of captain. On April 8, 1862, be was captured
at Tiptonville and imprisoned at Camp Chase for a short time, and then taken to
Johnson's Island, where he was confined until the following September, when he was
taken to Vicksburg and exchanged. He at once rejoined his regiment and was
promptly made captain of the same company, holding that rank until the close of
the war. During his service Capt. Crawford took part in the battles of Baker's
Creek, Port Hudson, Jackson, Miss., Clinton, La., Atlanta, Ga., and from there
was sent buck into the western territory to join Gen. Wirt Adams. In 1811 he was
transferred to the Trans-Mississippi Department in Gen. Fagan's division, and
operated in Arkansas and Louisiana, and in May of the following year surrendered
to Capt. L. B. Nash, at Benton, who was then provost? marshal Capt. Crawford was
at once arrested for treason, but the case was nolleproscquied. From 1858 to 1860
he was deputy sheriff under his uncle, and from 1859 to 1860 was also tax collector.
He served as justice of the peace from 1878 to 1882 in Bryant Township, and in 1884
was elected county and probate judge to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judge
Barton Howard. Since then he has been re-elected twice, and has filled the office
with a dignity and wisdom that has never been surpassed in Saline County. In politics
he is a stanch Democrat, and from 1880 to 1888 was a delegate to the State convention.
In secret societies he is a member of Bryant Lodge No. 441, A. F. & A. M., and is the
present secretary of his lodge. He and wife both attend the Missionary Baptist Church,
and are leaders in aiding all religious and other worthy enterprises.


W. H. Crudgington, one of the leading farmers of Perkins Township, Saline County, was
born in Jefferson County in 1850, and is a son of George W. and Ann (Moore) Crudgington,
the former born near Knoxville, Tenn., and the latter near Tuscaloosa, Ala. The parents
were married in the latter State, and resided there until the year 1848, when they
moved to Jefferson County, Ark., and in 1850 came to Pulaski County, where the father
died in 1858, his wife following him to the grave on October 13, 1808. He was a successful
farmer during his life, and an upright, conscientious man in all his dealings. W. H.
Crudgington, the youngest of six children born to the parents, received a good English
education in the public schools of his native State. When eighteen years old he
commenced in life for himself. being employed in one of the prominent business houses
of Jefferson County for some years, and afterward in Saline County. In 1883 he was
married to Mary A., daughter of Washington McCool, of Alabama, who moved to ()rant
County at an early period with his family. Mr. McCool was a soldier in the Confederate
army (during the Civil War, and after that event returned to Grant County, where be
died a few years later, as did also his wife. Two children were born to Mr. Crudgington's
marriage, both sons. Since the war he has lived in Perkins Township, where he owns
eighty acres of fertile bottom land, and has placed about fifty acres under cultivation.
This be has made by his own individual effort and good management, and he is now looked
upon as one of the leading citizens and most substantial farmers of that section. In
1885 be was notary public, but resigned that office to be assessor of Saline County,
filling the vacancy caused by the removal of J. L. Crabtree. He was also postmaster
of Hensley in 1888, and has filled every public office he held to the entire satisfaction
of the people. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote
for Greeley, in 1871. He is a member of Pennington Lodge No. 273, A. F. & A. M., at
Hensley, and was secretary of that lodge for three years. In religious faith Mrs.
Crudgington has been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church many years.


Dr. W. S. Davis, one of the leading physicians of this township, was born in Tennessee
in 1858, the son of Benson A. and Catharine (Grisom) Davis, natives of Tennessee. B. A.
Davis was a carriage and wagon maker and lived in Tennessee until his death. He was
married December 12, 1848, and became the father of seven children, four now living:
Mary E. (wife of W. L. Robinson), D. J., John H. (deceased), W. S. (our subject), G. F.
(deceased). Matilda R. (wife of Frank Johnson), and Jackson D. (deceased). Bronson A.
Davis was killed by bushwhackers, February 28, 1885. He joined the United States army
and served until 1865, when he was discharged, after which, while recruiting a company,
of which he was elected captain, and when on his way to reenlist and be mustered in at
Waterloo, he was killed. He had been in several battles and had served his country
faithfully. He was a member of the A. F. & A. M., and a minister by profession, teaching
the doctrine of the Missionary Baptist Church for a number of years. His wife was also
a church member. At the age of eighteen years W. S. Davis began life for himself as a
farmer. His literary education had been gained in Tennessee and Arkansas, and in the
year 1871 he commenced the study of medicine. In 1878 he began practicing in the Indian
Territory, but during the year 1879 moved to Logan County, Ark., where he devoted
himself to his profession for about two years. Going thence to Shiloh, Van Buren County,
he later became settled at Cross Roads, and finally in Yell County. In 1882 he came to
this county and located on the Middle Fork of the Saline River, moving to his present
place in 1877, and buying the property on which be lives, consisting of eighty acres.
Dr. Davis was married July 28, 1875, to Miss Mary Camer, of Independence County, Ark.
The result of this marriage was two children: Sophia C. and John W. The Doctor is a
member of Whittington Lodge No. 365, A. F. & A. M., and votes the Democratic ticket.
Mrs. Davis is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. He is thoroughly wrapped up
in the practice of his adopted calling, keeping well apace with the advance of medical
science, while as a physician and surgeon he is esteemed by all acquaintances.


Davidson & Russell, dealers in general merchandise and proprietors of gin and mill,
first established business in La Belle, in January, 1889. Their interests consist of
a large stock of general merchandise, ginning, milling and blacksmithing, in addition
to which they own and control the manufacturing right of Saline County, for Coleman's
patent combination plow. The firm is composed of William A. Davidson and H. B. Russell,
well known in this locality. William A. Davidson is a native of Arkansas, and was born
in Saline County, May 28, 1859, his parents, James and Mary (Russell) Davidson, having
been among the early settlers of this county. Young William received his education in
the schools of this locality, applying himself closely in youth, and was married
November 23, 1878, to Miss Mary E. Cameron, a daughter of Daniel A. Cameron, assessor
of Saline County. To this union have been born the following children: James A. (born
March 21, 1880), Cullen J. (born February 15, 1882), Ashbury Y. (born November 24,
1884), and William Russell (born February 3, 1886). After his marriage Mr. Davidson
continued his occupation of farming, and bought a farm of 214 acres of woodland,
thirty of which he cleared, erecting good buildings and otherwise improving it. In
November, 1883, he purchased a farm of 157 acres near La Belle, which he also cleared
and improved, but selling this tract, in 1888, to his partner, Mr. Russell, he bought
220 acres in Beaver Township, with fifty under the plow. This farm he has cultivated
and improved, until now it is classed with the finest places in Beaver Township. Mr.
and Mrs. Davidson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Davidson is
trustee of the Salem Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is a member of the school
board, and also postmaster at La Belle, Ark. H. B. Russell is also a native of
Arkansas, and was born in Saline County, January 10, 1850, the son of Alex. Russell,
ex-representative in the State legislature. He attended the common schools of his native
county, and at the age of eighteen began life for himself; first in assisting his
father upon the home farm till his marriage, which occurred in 1881, to Miss Josie
Cameron, the daughter of Daniel Cameron, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.
Mr. and Mrs. Russell are the parents of three attractive children: Currie (born May 6,
1883), Florence Myrtle (born August 12, 1885), and Sylvester J. (born August 28, 1887).
Previous to his marriage Mr. Russell had purchased a farm in Beaver Township consisting
of 102 acres timberland, to which later on be added 124 acres. He at once began to
improve it, erecting a handsome residence, good barns, etc., but in 1888 traded that
farm (220 acres in all) to his partner (Mr. Davidson) for 157 acres near La Belle,
and a half interest in his gin and mill. Mr. Russell at once moved to his new farm,
and in January following embarked in the mercantile business with Mr. Davidson, in
La Belle, where their subsequent career has gained for them extensive acquaintance.
Some time in 1886 Mr. Russell engaged in the blacksmith's trade, and bought a
complete outfit in the spring of 1889 opening a shop in La Belle. In this direction
also his business is rapidly increasing, and is all that he could desire.       His
Commercial affairs interfere in no war with the management of his farm, which is
not excelled in the county. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South, and the former is a liberal contributor to all church and school
enterprises, in fact, giving his support to all worthy measures for the benefit
of the county.  In politics lie is a Democrat, though not au enthusiast. He has
served two years as deputy assessor for Saline County. The firm of Davidson &
Russell is probably the leading business house in thin part of the country. They
are honest, conscientious and are in every way worthy of the confidence reposed
in them.


Russell Denton, the subject of this sketch is one of the leading farmers of
Marble Township, Saline County, and was born in Georgia in1845, being the son
of Thomas and Mattie (White) Deaton, natives of North Carolina. Thomas Denton
inn- to Georgia about the year 188?, and settled in Polk County. living in that
section until his death, which occurred in 1871, when over eighty years old. He
was married about the time of his settlement in Polk County, end be and his wife
were the parents of thirteen children. seven of whom are living, as follows: Levi
Denton (a farmer in Georgia), Andrew Denton (in Saline County, Ark.), Martha.
Joseph, Martin and Reuben (all residents of Georgia), and Russell ( the subject
of this sketch). Mrs. Denton still lives in Georgia and is now about ninety years
old, enjoying vigorous health for one of her age. Her husband was one of the
earliest settlers of that portion of Georgia, and previous to the late war owned
some 400 acres of valuable land and twelve or fifteen negroes, besides a large
amount of stock. He lost his property during the war, with the exception of his
real estate interests.  He was a supporter of the Democratic party. In the year
1808. Russell Denton then twenty three years of age purchased 1011 acres of laud,
with twenty acres under cultivation in this State, and commenced life as a farmer.
He has since increased his place to 180 acres, eighty acres of which are improved
and situated on the Middle Fork of the Saline River, upon them being found buildings
in good condition and plenty of stock. He is very successful as a cattle raiser.
Mr. Denton was married in Arkansas in the year 1870 to Miss Sarah E. Millinder of
that State, and a daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Lindsey) Millinder, also of
Arkansas nativity, who were among the states earliest settlers, having come
here in 1818. Mr. and Mrs. Russell Denton became the parents of five children,
three of whom are now living: Mattie A. (wife of Isaac Dodd in Saline County),
Mollie F. and Andrew at home). Mrs. Denton was a member of the Baptist Church up
to the time of her death, which occurred in 1894. In 1887 Mr. Denton married
Miss Mollie Johnson, who was also a native of this county. The result of this
union was one child. In 1862 Mr. Denton joined the Confederate army. Massenburg's
battery, and was afterward transferred to Anderson's battery, where he served
until the surrender, fighting in the battle of Chickamauga. Missionary Ridge,
Dalton, Resaca, Cassville, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain and Atlanta. He was
with Gen. Johnston in all the later battles fought by him and surrendered with
that army at Greensboro, N. C., In 1865. He was wounded during the war three
times, not, however deeming any one serious fit that time, though recently his
wound has broken out and gives him much pain. Mr. Deaton takes an active part
in all matters pertaining to education and the benefit of his fellowmen.  He
keeps a fine pack of hounds, and is always randy to grant his friends a day's
sport. He votes with the Democratic party.


Rev. I. N. Dunnahoo, farmer and stock grower of Kentucky Township, Saline County,
came upon the stage of action in the State of Georgia in the year 1830, and is
the son of John W. and Susan B. (Patman) Dunnahoo, natives of Georgia, of Irish
parentage. The father was the son of James Donnahoo, who was reared in Virginia,
removing to Georgia at a very early day. John W. was reared and educated in that
State, receiving a good Common school education. He was married in 1830, and soon
after commenced farming on his own land, being a man of considerable property
and owning before the war a large tract of land and some twenty five or thirty
slaves. He has a family of twelve children, three of whom survive, John B.
(resides in Georgia). Elizabeth (wife of H. Bradshaw, living in Georgia), and
I. N. (who forms the subject of this sketch). John W. Dunnahoo, at the age of
eighty-eight, and his wife at the age of eighty-nine years are still living at
the old home near Rome, Ga. Daring the war he lived at Jackson, GA., losing
much property also near Rome. He is a Democrat, and with him wife is a member
of the Primitive Baptist Church. I. N. Dunnahoo was reared as a farmer's lad
on the farm of his father in Georgia, receiving his education in the schools
of his native county. At the age of seventeen years he began as overseer on
his father 's plantation. continuing this until his twenty-fifth year. Then
coming to this State he bought the land on which he now resides consisting
of 100 acres with twenty-five cleared. He owns some 900 acres in this place,
with 250 under cultivation, besides which he formerly owned a tract of ninety
acres, forty under cultivation, near Benton, which he has given to his children.
In 1863 Mr. Dunnahoo joined the confederate army, enlisting in Miller's cavalry,
Gen. Fagan's escort cover. He was taken prisoner at Longview, Ark., and taken
to Rock Island, Ill., where he was confined one year less three days. Being
exchanged just before the close of the war, he was placed in the infantry at
Shreveport, La. Here he was furloughed, going home and not returning. He was
paroled May 12 with his old company at Little   Rock. After the war he returned
home finding his family in a destitute condition. He was completely broken up,
owning nothing but his farm of 100 acres and a couple of horses. All above that
he has made since the war. By hard work he has paid an obligation of $2,000,
and today is no man's debtor, He has been twice married. His first wife being
Laura J. Medlock, whom he married in 1868. (See sketch of Dr. Medlock.) By
this marriage he became
the father of eight children, six of whom are now living
(two dying when young:) Mary (wife of  Dock F. Dobbins). Elizabeth. Paralee with
Mrs. Dobbins, Benjamin (practicing medicine at Alexandria. Pulaski County). John
at home) And Martha W. (at Hot Springs with her aunt Mrs. O'Briant). Etta (at
home). Mrs. Donnahoo was a member of the, Baptist Church, and died December 27,
1879.   In 1881 Mr. Dunnahoo was married to Jennie F. Thresher, daughter of
Robert Thresher, a native of Tennessee. Mr. Dunnahoo has been a minister of
the Baptist Church for seventeen years, and has baptized and married a goodly
number. In politics he is a Democrat. He is one of the liberal contributors
of the county to churches, schools, and public enterprises. Mrs. Dunnahoo is
a sister of Robert Thresher, one of the leading lights in the Baptist Church,
who has been in the ministry for thirty years. He is also one of the teachers
of the Malvern graded schools.


William A. Dyer, one of the prominent farmers of Section 5,. Holland Township,
Saline County, whose post office address is Brazil, was born in Cherokee County,
Ala., in 1842. being the eldest in a family of seven children born to Jacob and
Sarah (Grimmett) Dyer, natives of Alabama Mrs. Dyer was the daughter of William
Grimmett, originally from Tennessee and one of a colony of five to settle, in
Wills Valley, Cherokee County, Ala. in 1828, among the Indians, where he remained
some years, subsequently moving to Saline County. Ark. in 1849. He there entered
several farms, and sold them at a profit after making many improvements. His
death occurred in 1858, and his wife followed him within two months, leaving the
following children to mourn their lose: William A. (a boy of sixteen and the
subject of this sketch, lames P. (who enlisted in Saline County under Capt.
Watkins in 1862, and who was missing after the siege of Port Hudson), A. J.
(who is married and resides in this township), John D. (killed in 1887). Ruth
Evelyn (died in 1877), Sarah Elizabeth (now Mrs. Holland, and resides in this
town ship), and Robert Wilton (died in 1863). Mr. Dyer was seven years of age
when he came to Saline County with his parent, being reared to farm life, and
receiving an education in the subscription schools of the county. In 1861 he
commenced farming for himself in Beaver Township, where he remained for one year.
In July, 1862, he enlisted in Company D. Twenty-second Arkansas Infantry, for
three years or during the war, and was kept at Little Rock most of the time,
where he was paroled in 1865, returning later to Beaver Township and resuming
farming.  He was married to Saline County in 1861 to Emily Chastain, a native
of Georgia, and a daughter of John N. and Elizabeth (Self ) Chastain.  Mr.
Chastain was a native of Georgia and came to Saline County in 1957, settling
in Beaver Township, where he remained several years, and then moved to Holland
Township in 1870.  His death occurred in 1879, his wife dying three months
previous.  At the close of the war Mr. Dyer settled in Beaver Township on a
place he had bought in 1861.  In 1871 he purchased a partially improved farm of
120 acres, to which additions have been made until he now has 320 acres, with
120 acres under cultivation, fifty acres of this having been opened by himself.
Mr. and Mrs. Dyer were the parents of two children, both of whom are deceased:
Sarah Elizabeth (who died at three years of age) and Laura D. (who died at the
age of eight). Mr. Dyer is a member of the school board, in which capacity he
has served two terms.  He is also a member of the Ionic Lodge of the A. F. & A. M
also of Paron Lodge No. 309, A. F. & A. M., of which he was one of the charter
members, having served also as junior warden and senior warden.  He is one of
the leading Democrats of his township.


J. M. Dyer, merchant and postmaster at Owensville, Saline County, Ark., was born
in Dyer Township, in the year 1849.  His parents, Given and Martha (Brazel) Dyer,
natives, respectively, of Kentucky and Missouri, reared a family of ten children,
J.M. Dyer being the fifth.  They came to Saline County, Ark., in 1835, settling
in what was now Dyer Township, and making this county his home, the father
followed farming,, opening up some 126 acres before his death, which occurred
in 1861, his wife following him in 1862.  The elder Mr. Dyer had taken quite and
active part in politics, being a strong Democrat.  His son, J.M., who was reared
on the farm and educated in the township schools, commenced his career alone at
the age of twenty years as a farmer on rented land.  In 1875 he bought a partly
improved farm of 150 acres.  He at once began to improve it and add to his
possessions, until today he owns a splendid farm of 250 acres, with 110 under
cultivation.  He was married in Saline County, in 1869, to Melissa Robison, a
native of Scott County, Ark., and a daughter of D.J. and Lucinda (James ) Robison,
of Missouri.  Mr. and Mrs. Robison came to Arkansas at an early day, the father
dying in October, 1881, but the mother is still living in this township.  By the
union there were 5 children, all living: William Milas, Daniel Obey, Admire Lucinda,
Rosa and Jeddy Walter. Mr. Dyer is not very active in politics, though he votes
the Democratic ticket.  He has been justice of the peace in his township for two
terms.  As a member of Whittington Lodge No. 365, A. F. & A. M., he has passed the
chairs and served two terms as S.D.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Dyer are members of the
Missionary Baptist Church in this township.  Every enterprise that tends to advance
the interest of his township and county, finds in Mr. Dyer a firm friend and
stanch supporter.  He is especially interested in schools, and has held the position
of postmaster at Owensville for five years, being a faithful and obedient servant
of the public.


James Q. Earnest, justice of the peace and one of the leading farmers of this
township, was born in the Lone Star State in 1854, being reared, however, in
Mississippi.  He is the son of William and Melissa (Cotton ) Earnest, natives
of Tennessee, the former of whom was educated in Kentucky, moving to Texas in
1851, and settling in Smith County, where he lived for three years.  Removing
thence to Alcorn County, Miss. He resided there twenty nine years, and in 1883
came to this State, locating on the South Fork of the Saline River, in Saline
County.  He is the father of eleven children, eight now living:  William F.,
James Q. (our subject), Aziline (wife of J. Westbrooks )Elizabeth (wife of R.
Lucas, lives in Lonoke County), R.G., J.R., Annie (wife of Mart Hendrix) and
Addie (at home).  During the war Mr. Earnest joined Company F, Thirty second
Mississippi regiment, Confederate army, and served as a private through that struggle,
participating in a number of battles, notable among which were Franklin and
Chickamauga.  He came home when the war closed and engaged in farming, which he
still continues.  Though a member of the A. F. & A. M., he does not affiliate with
any lodge in this state.  He is also a member of the Democratic party.  James Q.
Earnest, who received his education in the country schools of Mississippi, at
the age of twenty-one began life as a farmer on rented land in that state.
Continuing there for but a few years, he removed to Arkansas in 1878, and purchased
his present property of eighty acres of wild land, besides which he has since
cleared and improved fifty acres on the Saline River.  He is quite an extensive
stock raiser, having the largest herd of sheep in the county.  In 1888 he was
elected to the office of justice of the peace, in which capacity he does a large
amount of business.  He was married in 1874, to Miss Emily Stephens, daughter of
James and Ellen (McElbannon ) Stephens, natives respectively, of Georgia and
Alabama, who were the parents of seven children, four now living: Samuel (in Texas),
Matt (in Mississippi), Emily (wife of our subject) and Charles (in Tennessee).
Mr. and Mrs. Stephens both died about the year 1859.  Though Mr. Earnest has no
children to educate he is a warm advocate of the free school system, and a liberal
donator to the churches. He is a member of Fair Play Lodge No. 32, A. F. & A. M,
holding the office of S.D. in his lodge. Politically he is a Democrat.  While,
perhaps, not owning as much property in the county as some others, he is as
enterprising and successful as any in his section-thoroughly understanding the
pursuits to which he has devoted so much attention.


John M. Finley, well known as a farmer and leading citizen of Saline County,
was born in Blount County, East Tenn., in 1820, and is the son of William and
Sarah (Weldon ) Finley.  The father was a native of Virginia who moved to Tennessee
at an early period and settled in Bradley County, where he spent the remainder
of his days.  He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and before the Civil War was
a successful farmer, but during that event his property was almost entirely swept
away.  The mother was a daughter of Joseph Weldon, a native of Ireland, who came
to this country before the Revolution and settled in Tennessee, where he resided
until his death at the age of one hundred and three years.  She was a member of
the Methodist Church during life and a devout Christian woman.  John M., the
seventh of seven sons and three daughters born to the parents was reared on his
father's farm and educated in the log cabin schools of that period.  In February,
1840, he was married to Miss Eliza Jane Delaney, of Tennessee, whose father was an
old Revolutionary soldier, and this union gave them nine children, of whom one son
and one daughter are yet living: James Henry (residing at Little Rock), and Louisa
(wife of John McLean).  In 1850 Mr. Finley came with his family to what is now
Lonoke County, but nine years later moved to Saline County and settled in the
woods of Hurricane Township, where he opened up a good farm.  His success as a
planter has been encouraging, and by proper management and energy he has now
accumulated about 175 acres of the best land in that section, comprised of three
tracts, and has placed some seventy acres under cultivation, besides owning a
good house and lot in Bryant, where he has resided since 1888.  In 1861 he enlisted
in the Third Arkansas Cavalry, and operated in Missouri until the spring of the
following year, when he was discharged on account of ill health.  In the fall of
1863 he had fully recovered and again enlisted, joining the Eleventh Arkansas
Infantry, in which he remained until the close of the war.  He took part in many
hard battles and skirmishes, and distinguished himself on more than one occasion
by his gallant actions in the field.  In politics he is a Democrat and cast his
first presidential vote for Van Buren in 1840.  In religious faith he has been a
member of the Methodist Church for a great number of years, and is always prompt
to aid any religious and educational enterprises, as well as taking an active
interest in the development of his county.


Dr. D. N. Fisher, whose prominence as a physician and surgeon of Traskwood Township
has contributed largely to the respect and esteem accorded him, was born in Hamilton
County, Ill., November 10, 1847, and is the youngest of four sons born to Jordan
and Elizabeth (Carter) Fisher, natives of North and South Carolina, respectively.
Jordan Fisher was born in 1807, and when quite young went to Kentucky and engaged
in farming, afterward being married there.  Following his marriage he moved to
Indiana, and from there to Illinois, where he was residing at the time of his death,
in 1885, his wife only surviving him one year.  Dr. Fisher's paternal grandfather
was one of the pioneers of Kentucky, having gone there when the state belonged to
the Northwest Territory.  He was killed in the battle of Tippecanoe in the War of
1812.  Young Fisher spent his boyhood days in the common schools of Illinois, and
at the age of seventeen entered the high school at Endfield, Illinois, where he
remained for two years, then commencing the study of medicine under the tutelage
of Dr. A. Hodge, one of the most prominent practitioners of his day.  After one
year he abandoned his medical studies and came to Arkansas, engaging in the
mercantile business for a while in Hot Spring County, at Ouachita.  In 1873 he went
to Saline County, and in July of that year was married there to Miss Mary Graham,
a native of Mississippi, and the daughter of Dr. A.G. Graham.  Dr. Graham came to
Arkansas in 1859, and was the leading physician of the community until his death
in 1884.  After his marriage, Dr. Fisher again resumed the study of medicine under
Dr. Graham, remaining with him for two years.  In 1879 and 1880 he attended the
medical department of the Arkansas State University, and since that time has enjoyed
a very successful and lucrative practice.  He came to Traskwood in 1888, in 1889
entering into partnership with Dr. Walton, and together or individually they have
and enviable reputation, which is well deserved, for never were individuals more
conscientious or careful in the discharge of professional duties than they.  Dr.
Fisher is a Democrat, though he takes no active part in politics.  He has been
elected justice of the peace and postmaster, but declined to serve in both instances.
He has served as school director almost the entire period of his residence in the
State.  Fair Play Lodge No. 32, A. F. & A. M, counts him as one of its members, in
which he is worshipful master.  He is also a member of Benton Lodge No. 1319, K.
of H. Dr. Fisher has long been identified with school and church enterprises, and
never fails to give his support to all worthy movements.


Capt. J.C. Flynn, one of the principal lumber dealers in Saline County, and a
manufacturer of yellow pine, oak, ash, gum and hickory timber, the first named
being a specialty, was born in New York in 1833, and is a son of Henry and Ellen
(Colbert) Flynn, natives of Ireland.  They came to the United States in 1830,
and resided in New York State, until their removal to Washtenaw County, Mich.,
where the father died, when J.C. was sixteen years old.  Three years later the
family moved to Ludington, Mich., where the mother died in 1885, a member of the
Catholic Church.  J.C. Flynn, the third of seven children born to his parents,
received a limited education in his youth, his only instructors being his older
sisters.  When sixteen years old he commenced in life for himself and farmed
for a short time but later he sailed on the great lakes, his principal run being
Chicago to Buffalo, N.Y.  For tow years he acted in the capacity of mate, and
the last years of his sailing life were passed as captain.  His brother, in
the meantime was managing the farm in Michigan.  In 1858 J.C. went to Texas,
where he worked at the carpenter's trade until 1860, then coming to Clark
County, Ark.  When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in Company B, Twelfth
Arkansas Infantry, as a private, but after three months' service he was made
a corporal, and later on promoted to sergeant-major of the regiment, taking
part in the battles at Belmont, Island No. 10 and Fort Pillow.  He was then
furloughed for sixty days, and sent to Arkansas in charge of the sick and
wounded of his regiment.  When about to return to his command he was ordered
by Gen. Hindman to organize, which he did, and was made captain of Company H.
Thirty-third Arkansas Infantry, and remained in that capacity until the close
of the war, taking part in the fights at Prairie Grove, near Vicksburg, Little
Rock, Mansfield, La., Pleasant Hill, La., Jenkins' Ferry, and a great number
of skirmishes.  He was wounded several times, and at Jenkins' Ferry was captured
and taken to Johnson's Island, where he was confined for eleven months, but
was finally exchanged and rejoined his command at Shreveport, La., and surrendered
at Marshall, Tex., in May, 1865.  After the war was over he returned to Clark
County, Ark., with only five cents in his pockets, but immediately set to work
with an energy that soon brought its reward.  Some time later he was enabled to
build a water, flour and corn mill, which he operated successfully for about two
years and then moved to Pulaski County, and farmed for one year.  Capt. Flynn
then entered into business at Little Rock, and also operated saw-mills in different
parts of Pulaski County, until 1880, when he came to his present place, which was
established in 1881, and is now one of the largest industries in Saline County,
the mill having a capacity of 20,000 feet per day, with a planing mill attached,
and employing on an average of fourteen people.  He also owns four ox teams and
one horse team to haul his logs, and has about 1,100 acres of the best timber
land in that section.  Capt. Flynn was married in January, 1867, in Clark County,
to Miss Dusky V., daughter of Henry M. and Virginia Ivy, of Mississippi and
Alabama, respectively, who were among the earliest settlers of Pulaski County,
where the father died about 1878.  Four children were born to the Captain and
his wife, three of whom are living, and all having received the best education
their father could obtain for them.  In politics Capt. Flynn is a Democrat, and
cast his first vote for Franklin Pierce.  He was the first sheriff in Mason
County, Mich., and was also justice of the peace in that same county.  In secret
societies he is a member of Pennington Lodge No. 273, A. F. & A. M, at Hensley,
and also belongs to Royal Arch Chapter No. 2, at Little Rock, and Lodge No. 452,
Knights of Honor, at the same place.  He is also a member of Quapaw Council no.
97, Royal Arcanum, at Little Rock.  In all enterprises connected with his county,
which offer to develop and advance its interests, Capt. Flynn is one of the foremost
citizens to give his valuable aid.


Wylie B. Fowler, postmaster at Brazil, Saline Count, Ark., first saw the light
of day in Ripley County, Mo., February 3, 1818, being the oldest in a family of
two children born to Jerry and Elizabeth (Brazil ) Fowler, natives of Kentucky
and Tennessee, respectively, and who emigrated to Missouri at an early day, where
Mr. Fowler died.  Mrs. Fowler subsequently came to Arkansas Territory with her
children in 1826, and settled in what is now Saline Township, in 1840 moving to
Perry County, where she remained until her death in 1873.  Wylie B. Fowler commenced
farming for himself in 1845.  In 1844 he was married to Martha Allen, a native of
Missouri, who came to Arkansas in 1828.  After his marriage Mr. Fowler settled in
Holland Township, and engaged in farming and hunting.  The country at that time
was very thinly settled, the nearest market being at Little Rock, which was only
a small village.  His wife died in 1876.  By that union he had the following children:
John (formerly in the United States service, and now deceased), Martha (deceased),
Elizabeth (now Mrs. Burnett, of Holland township), Lucinda (now Mrs. Dryden, also
of Holland Township), Matilda (deceased), Mary Jane (also deceased), Jeannette
(Mrs. Seymore Holland), Moses (with whom his father resides), Angeline (Mrs. Thompson,
of Holland), Tennessee (deceased), William (in Mississippi County), James (deceased),
Wylie (at home), and Amasa (deceased).  Mr. Fowler was in the Texas War of 1836,
guarding the frontier of Arkansas.  He has lived to see the complete growth of Saline
County, having been a resident here for sixty-three years, and has taken an individual
part in its development.  He is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.


Reuben Garrett is the son of S.B. and E.L. (Smith) Garrett, and was born in Dyer
Township, Saline County, Ark., in May 1855, being the eldest of a family of eight
children.  His father came to Saline County when a young man and settled in what
is now Saline Township, where he was married.  S.B. Garret and wife are both living,
and reside on a farm in Dyer Township, where Mr. Reuben Garrett was reared.  The
latter commenced farming for himself at twenty-one years of age on the farm where
he still lives, and since then has bought a farm of eighty-seven acres, forty acres
of which were under cultivation.  In 1879 he entered into partnership with John
Curtis, and erected a large cotton gin, which he has continued to operate since
that time, having also a good mill in connection therewith. In 1873 Mr. Garret,
married Mary Genbry, a daughter of William and Sarah (Howard) Genbry, both of whom
are deceased.  By this union they have one daughter, Ida.  Mrs. Garret is a member
of the Baptist Church.  Mr. Garrett has always given liberally to enterprises
tending to the good of the county.  His career has been a successful one, and
though passed quietly and without especial ostentation has not been without its
influence.


H. S. Glenn, a well-known merchant and farmer of Benton, was born in Franklin County,
Ga., September 30, 1836, and is the son of Samuel and Eliza (Bennett) Glenn, natives
of Georgia and South Carolina.  Samuel Glenn was a farmer and moved from Franklin
County, Ga. To Lumpkin (now Dawson ) County about the year 1837, where he remained
until 1852.  He then came to Arkansas and located on a farm in Conway (now Faulkner)
county, twelve miles north of Conway, settling a place in the woods, and making a
home, where he is still living at the age of seventy-eight years.  He held the
office of justice of the peace both in Georgia and Arkansas, and with his wife
and family was a member of the Baptist Church.  Mrs. Glenn died in 1858, having
borne thirteen children, eight of whom are living: James, Robert, S.H., Elizabeth,
Lydia, Andrew, Eliza and Solomon Q.  H.S. Glenn was reared to farm life and educated
in the common schools of Georgia, accepting every opportunity that presented itself,
for the school facilities were very limited at that time.  He was ambitious to begin
life for himself, and, commencing at an early age to work, engaged in farming for
some time.  In 1859 he was married to Miss Cynthia Allen, a daughter of William
Allen, one of the first settlers of Saline County.  Mrs. Glenn only lived a few
years after her marriage, and Mr. Glenn chose for his second wife Miss Winnie
Julian, a native of Georgia and a daughter of Rezin Julian, a farmer who came
to Arkansas in 1850.  To this union four children have been born, all of whom
are living: Leoria (born October 6, 1867, and the wife of J.R. Donnell, a druggist
living at Greenbrier, Ark.), Samma A. (Born August 10, 1870), James H. (born
July 25, 1873) and Janna (born April 13, 1876). Mrs. (Julian ) Glenn died in
Benton, Ark., October 10, 1878.  She was a loving wife and mother, and a very
great favorite among her wide circle of friends. In 1880 Mr. Glenn married Miss
Marthia Lucus, a native of Alabama, born in 1848.  One child is the result of
this union, Mary Eveline, born August 20, 1882.  Mr. Glenn enlisted in the
Fourth Arkansas Cavalry in 1861, bon on account of his wife's sickness did not
go with the command. Later on he enlisted for the Trans-Mississippi army, but
being wrecked on the White River returned home again.  In the same year (1862)
he joined Fagan's regiment at Bellefonte, Ark., and was in the battle of Back
Bone Mountain, fight of Poison Springs (Mark's Mills), where he was wounded by
gunshot and laid off to recruit for one month.  He was in a great many skirmishes,
also with Price on his raid through Missouri, and finally was paroled at Camden,
Ark., in June, 1865.  At the close of the war Mr. Glenn resumed the occupation
of farming in Saline County until 1878, when he came to Benton and engaged in
the mercantile business.  In 1883, he moved to Faulkner County (Greenbrier),
selling foods at that place till 1886, then entering into  partnership with W.A.
Bell, a concern well and favorably known throughout the country.  A general
stock of merchandise of all kinds is carried including hardware and farming
implements of every description, and such as meets the needs of the surrounding
region.  Mr. Glenn is a member of Benton Lodge No. 34, A. F. & A. M, also of Benton
Lodge No. 1319, K. of H., and with his wife and family is a member of the Missionary
Baptist Church, in which he is deacon.  In addition to his mercantile business
he has two farms, one of 135 acres near Benton, sixty-five of which are cultivated,
and another of 110 acres situated on Hurricane Creek.  Forty acres of this farm
are cultivated, and the two together will average with most farms in the county.
Mr. Glenn is one of the most prominent and influential citizens of the county,
and is respected and esteemed by the entire community.


Thomas H. Glidewell, one of the oldest farmers of Saline Township, was born in
North Carolina, in the year 1819, and is the son of Thomas H. and Susan (Allen)
Glidewell, natives, respectively, of Virginia and North Carolina, and of Scotch
and Welsh origin.  Thomas H. Glidewell, Sr., was an overseer in North Carolina
for some four years moving from there in 1823, and settling in Lincoln County,
Tenn., where he bought wild land and soon made himself a home and farm, keeping
a country inn.  Remaining there until 1857, he then moved to Cape Giradeau, Mo.
Near Jackson.  While in Tennessee Mr. Glidewell was captain in the State militia,
and was known as Col. Glidewell.  After coming to Missouri he engaged in farming
for two years, dying in 1861.  He was married about 1816 the first time, becoming
by this marriage the father of thirteen children, five of whom survive: Thomas H.
(our subject), John and Mary (twins, the latter the wife of Mr. Steelman), Drucilla
(widow of Abner Freeman ), and William J. (who  lives in Florida).  The mother
died about 1834.  She was an honored member of the Baptist Church.  Mr. Glidewell
was married the second time to Agnes Billings, who bore him these children: Atlanta
(wife of Isaac Ridicks, who lives in Cape Girardeau County, Mo.), Terry (who lives
in Illinois), Babe (in Illinois), and Rufus (in Illinois).  Mrs. Glidewell died
in 1884.  She and her husband were both members of the Baptist Church.  John
Glidewell served in the War of Independence as a private, and Thomas H. Glidewell
was a soldier in the War of 1812, being in the battles of Norfolk and Richmond,
VA. At the early age of seventeen years, Thomas H. Glidewell, the subject of
this sketch, began life as a farmer on rented land in Central Tennessee.  After
ten years of farming he joined a colony of thirty-one families, en-route to
Dallas County, Tex.  As most of the colonists died there, Mr. Glidewell only
remained until fall.  The colony was planted by Mercer, who received a large
tract of land from the Territory, provided he would settle it by a certain time.
Mr. Glidewell received 640 acres of land for his portion, but the locality
proved so unhealthy that he left.  His father-in-law and brother-in-law were
buried there, and his wife and mother, four years later, secured a title to
the 1,280 acres given them.  In 1847 Mr. Glidewell settled on Saline River,
within two miles of Benton, acting as overseer for two years for Green B. Hughes.
In 1851 he entered the land on which he now lives, for 12 ½ cents per acre.
This farm now consists of 160 acres, with 80 acres under cultivation.  Mr.
Glidewell has been married 4 times.  The first wife was Miss Leath A. Simmons,
who became the mother of ten children, seven of whom survive: Drucilla (widow
of James Eddleman, living in this county), James H. (in this township), H.E.
(in Little Rock, and the present treasurer of Pulaski County, Ark.), Francis
(in Hot Springs), Louisa (wife of John Leath ), and Alfred (in the State of
Oregon).  Mrs. Glidewell died in 1857, a member of the Baptist Church.  Mr.
Glidewell's second marriage was to Miss Martha Leach (a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church) in 1858.  She died in 1874.  In 1875 he was married to Mrs.
Melissa Mayo, from whom he was separated in 1877.  His fourth marriage was to
Miss Susan Reaney, in 1878.  By this union there were nine children, seven of
whom are living: Doctor A. (deceased), Finnis, Nellie L., Angie, William, Samuel,
Addie (deceased), Wyatt and Winnie (twins).  Mr. Glidewell served a few months
in the Confederate home guards, and was taken to little Rock by the United States
troops and imprisoned for three weeks.  At the close of the war he found himself
nearly broken up.  He has been justice of the peace for three years, and served
his township as constable for nine years.  He is a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, while his wife has linked her faith with the Baptists.
The I.O.O.F. also claim him as a member.  He votes with the Democratic Party,
and is thoroughly imbued with the spirit of improvement.  Mrs. Glidewell is the
daughter of Timothy and Mary Reaney, who were natives of Tennessee.   Timothy
Reaney came to this State in 1848, settling in Hot Spring County, where they
reared a family of ten children, eight of whom are now living: Martha (wife of
Thomas Richardson ), Catharine (wife of C. Brooks ), Susan (now Mrs. Glidewell),
Josephine (wife of M.C. McConckey), Robert, John Richmond, Sarah (at home), Thomas
Dean (died when small), William and Fannie.


S. H. Glover, a well-known miller and farmer, of Shaw Township, was born in Saline,
Grant County, Ark., April 10, 1860, and is the son of William H. and Pauline
(Harper) Glover, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively.  The former
was born in Hamilton County, Tenn., October 30, 1838, being the son of Delane
and Melvinia Glover, natives of South Carolina, and was one of twenty-four children
born to the same parents. He (William H.) is still living, but his wife died when
their son was but three and a half years old. He came to Arkansas about 1858,
and has been a resident of the state ever since, having for several years held
the office of deputy sheriff and that of township bailiff.  He is an active
Democrat, and a working member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he
is a steward, being also connected with the Masonic order.  He served a short
time in the late war.  S.H. Glover was reared to farm life, but spent his
school days at Prattsville, Grant County, where he received a practical English
education.  When twenty-one, being ambitious to start out for himself, he engaged
in farming for one year.  In 1883 he was given the charge of Sheridan circuit,
and filled the position of traveling preacher that year.  In 1884 he again
resumed farming, but in 1885 spent the year as traveling photographer.  In 1886-1887
he carried on a mercantile business in Prattsville; this not proving a success
financially, he closed out and prepared to engage in the lumber and sawmill trade.
In the spring of 1889 he purchased, in company of one W.H. Allen, the saw and
gristmill of G.J. Brush and conducted the same successfully until September 7
following, when he bought out Mr. Allen's interest, and now controls and owns
the entire business.  The mills comprise a twin engine (fifty horse-power), a
saw-mill with a capacity of 20,000 feet per day, a modern gin and press with a
capacity of eight bales per day, and a corn grist, the patronage accorded him
being fully deserved.  He saw nothing but yellow pine and is enjoying a flourishing
trade.  In addition to his milling interests Mr. Glover owns eighty acres of land
on which the mill is situated, besides forty acres of fine timber land.  The farm
lies in the central part of the manganese fields in Saline County, and it is only
a question of time when its value will be realized and ready capital be expended
to bring the same to the notice of the commercial world.  In December 1883, Mr.
Glover was united in marriage to Miss Mary Allen, a daughter of William Allen,
one of the early settlers of Benton.  Mrs. Glover was born in Benton October 30,
1862.  To this union have been given three children: Alva (born December 9, 1884),
Wilburn (born September 28, 1886, and died May 12 1888) and Lillian (a bright
little infant, born in September 1888, and a delight of her parents).  Mr. Glover
and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in which the former is
licentiate minister, filling the pulpit about three Sundays in each month.  He
is an earnest and eloquent speaker, and carries his audience with him in the
clear and vivid portrayal of his ideas.  He honors the Democratic party with
his vote, but is not active in politics.  In September 1888, he was elected to
the office of magistrate, and has married several couples.  He has always taken
a lively interest in church and educational matters and gives his support to
worthy enterprises.


John M. Green, one of the principal farmers and ginners of Saline County, and
the popular postmaster at Hurricane post office, was born in Hall County, Ga.,
in 1827, being a son of Thomas and Mary (Jackson) Green, whose birth occurred
in South Carolina in 1806 and 1808, respectively.  The parents were married in
Hall County, Ga., and resided there until the year 1851, then moving to what
is now Grant County, Ark., and making it their home until the father's death
in 1866; the mother died a few years later.  The father was a successful farmer,
and an upright, honest man.  He was a liberal supporter of all religious enterprises,
and was much respected in the community where he resided.  His father was Daniel
Green, a soldier in the Revolutionary War, who died in Hall County, Ga., in 1857.
The latter was a member of the Methodist Church, as was also his wife, and they
were earnest Christian people.  The maternal grandfather, Thomas Jackson, was
also a resident of Hall County, in which place he died.  He had been justice of
the peace for a great number of years, and in religious faith was an ardent Baptist.
John M., the oldest of eleven children born to his, received a somewhat limited
education in his youth.  He was married in 1850 to Elizabeth, a daughter of
Peterson and Frances Marler, of Virginia, who moved from their native state to
Jackson County, Ga., where they spent the remainder of their days.  Ten children
were born to the union of Mr. Green and wife, of whom 6 are yet living, and all
residents of Saline County.  After his marriage Mr. Green resided in Hall County,
Ga., until 1857, then moving to what is now Grant County, Ark., which was his
home until 1870 or 1871.  Coming thence to where he now resides, he has become
the owner of about 205 acres of land with some fifty acres under cultivation.
He also has an interest in a steam-gin, and for a period of fourteen years was
dealing in general merchandise in this and Grant Counties.  For nine years he
held the office of postmaster, and while in Grant County was justice of the peace
for two years, also serving as such a short time when in Georgia.  He was
conscripted in the Confederate army during the war, but in 1864 joined the
Second Missouri Light Artillery, at Little Rock, remaining with that body until
the close of the war.  After that event he went to St. Louis with his company as
they supposed to be mustered out, but instead they were sent out West from July
to October, 1865 being occupied in fighting the Indians.  In politics Mr. Green
is a conservative Democrat, and in secret societies is a member of Lodge No.,
288, of the A. F. & A. M, and treasurer.  He and wife belong to the Methodist Church,
as do their children except one son who attends the Baptist Church.  The Green
family have always been noted for their strict adherence to temperance, their
honesty and conscientiousness and are among the best citizens of Saline County.


C. G. Greenway, a planter of Jefferson Township, Saline County, was born in
Independence County, Ark., in 1855.  He was the fourth son in a family of six
children born to J.B. and Margaret Ann (Hair ) Greenway, the former of whom was
a native of Tennessee, emigrating to Arkansas in 1849, where he entered land in
Independence (now Stone) County, and where he still resides.  He was justice of
the peace for several years, and is now a member of the Masonic order.  His wife
died in 1880, in Independence County, Eliza Goodwin, a native of Tennessee.  By
his first marriage he had six children, W.A. (married, resides in Stone County),
J.J. (married, lives in Texas), Maggie (resides at Bradford, Whitney County),
Martha (now Mrs. Satire, lives in Franklin County), C.G. (the subject of this
sketch), and one child who died in infancy.  By his second marriage he had seven
children, six of whom survive: James (married, lives in Texas), Joseph (lives in
Stone County), Isaac Newton Stone, Kate, Emma, Eve and one other child (deceased).
C.G. Greenway was reared on the home farm and attended the schools of Independence
County, moving in 1877 to Saline County, where he settled, first in Dyer Township,
on seventy-five acres of land.  After remaining there until 1887, he opened up a
farm in Jefferson Township, where he now resides.  He was married in 1879 to
Martha Ann Gentry, a native of Saline County, and a daughter of William W. and
Nancy Ann (Williams) Gentry.  Mr. Gentry was a native of Arkansas and has made
Saline County his home since his youth.  He was justice of the peace for several
years.  His death occurred in March, 1885.  Mrs. Gentry died in 1867.  Mr. and
Mrs. Greenway have had six children, three of whom are living: William Freddie,
Charles Oliver, and an infant.  They are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.
And in politics Mr. Greenway is a Democrat.  The family are well esteemed throughout
the community for their worth and influence.


Luther A. Grimes, one of the leading general merchants of Benton, and a prominent
citizens of Saline County, was born in Maury County, Tenn., in 1839, and is a son of
James M. and Cynthia (Lusk) Grimes, natives of the same county and State, where the
father resided all his life, and died in 1876.  The mother is still living.  The elder
Grimes was a very successful farmer during his life, and an influential citizen of
Maury County.  His father was Alex Grimes, of North Carolina, who moved to Maury County,
Tenn., at so early period, and resided there until his death.  His father' name was Hank
Grimes, who was one of the pioneers of North Carolina.  The Grimes families are of Scotch
Irish origin, as were also the family on the mother's side.  The maternal grandfather was
a native of North Carolina, but one of the early settlers of Maury County, where he died
at the advance age of ninety-five years, and was at that time a survivor of one of the
early wars.  Luther A. was the third child of four sons and seven daughters born to his
parents, and received a good English education at Hampshire Academy near his birth place.
On the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in Company A. First Tennessee Mounted Infantry,
with the rank of sergeant, and took part in the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Franklin,
Spring Hill, Chickamauga, Atlanta, and a number of sharp skirmishes.  He was at one time
severely wounded, but happily recovered, and again engaged in some hard fighting before
the close of the war.  He was married, in 1866, to Miss Sarah Moore, who died in Texas in
1878.  Two children were born to this marriage, of whom one is still living.  His second
marriage occurred, in 1881, to Miss Margaret Lett, by whom he had three children, all of
them having been educated in the best schools in Central Arkansas.  Mr. Grimes' occupation
was farming up to 1886, when came to Benton and in partnership with a Mr. Lett, established
the firm of Lett & Grimes.  The firm remained under this heading until Mr. Lett's death in
1888, and since then Mr. Grimes has carried it on alone.  He deals in general merchandise
and keeps a stock of goods valued at $1,200, and has built up a fine patronage by his
legitimate methods of doing business.  In politics is a Democrat, and a stanch supporter
of that party, and in religious belief he and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and
take a deep interest in aiding all religious and educational enterprises.  Mr. Grimes'
present prosperity has been achieved by his own individual effort and untiring energy.
In business circles his word in his bond, and he is one of the most popular citizens in
Saline County.


Dr. J. W. Hall, a leading citizen of Saline County, and a man who has few superiors in
the medical profession, was born in Shelby County, Ky., on February 9, 1927, and is a son
of William B. and Margaret (Stevens) Hall, born in Hanover County, Va., on February 11, 1784,
and September 9, 1798, respectively.  The parents were married in Hardin County, Ky., in
the year 1819, but shortly afterward moved to Shelby County, where the former died in December,
1837 and the latter in Owen County, Ind., in October, 1846.  Both had been members of Missionary
Baptist Church for a great number of years, and the father was a prominent member of the
A. F. & A. M.  His occupation was that of shoemaker.  He was a son of Vincent Hall, who came
from Scotland at an early day and settled in Virginia.  The latter was a soldier in the
Revolutionary War, who died at the great age of one hundred and six years.  The maternal
grandfather, Joseph Stevens, was also a native of Scotland, who came to this country and
settled in the same county in Virginia, serving in the Revolutionary War.  He afterward
moved to Kentucky, where he resided until his death, being at that time over one hundred
years old.  Jacob W. was the fourth of seven children born to this parents, and was reared
on his father's plantation.  He only received about four months' schooling and that when very
young and began in life for himself when fourteen years of age as a farm hand at $7 per month.
At the end of three months he went to Indiana and found employment with the celebrated
Dr. W. Motley, under whom he studied for three years, in the meantime supporting himself by
cutting cord and wood and splitting rails.  About this time the Mexican War broke out, and he
enlisted in Company I, of the First Kentucky Cavalry, and went to Mexico, taking part in most
all of the principal battles under Gens. Scott and Taylor.  He was promoted to the rank of
lieutenant for his bravery shortly after reaching Mexico, and later on was again promoted
to the captaincy of his company, but never received his commission.  In the fall of 1848 he
left his command at Brownsville, Tex., and traveled all the way back home to Indiana on
horseback, his experiences on that occasion while journeying through the wilds of Texas and
the thrilling incidents that befell him making a strong argument that "Truth is stranger than
fiction."  On his return home he immediately resumed the study of medicine, and in 1849-50
attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati.  The following year he went to Missouri and
practiced until 1853, when he moved to Iowa.  In 1854-55 he attend the Sandford Medical College
at Keokuk, Iowa, and graduated the later year.  He then practiced in that State for nine years,
in the meantime uniting with the Methodist Church, and in 1858 was licensed to preach.  In 1863
he was ordained by that body, and continued to preach the gospel in Iowa for some time, after
being made a doctor of divinity by the Iowa University.  He then resumed his practice of
medicine and continued in Iowa until 1870, when he came to Arkansas and settled in Grant
County, coming to Benton four years later, where he has resided ever since.  In 1880 the
Doctor was elected president of the Arkansas Methodist conference for three years, and at the
end of that time re-elected t the same office.  He was always a great student.  In 1852 he
represented Adair County, Mo., in the legislature of that State, and has served two years as
notary public in Grant County, Ark.  His first marriage occurred in Kentucky, in 1845, to Miss
Maria Haskett, of Indiana, who died in 1846 leaving one son, who has died since.  His second
marriage occurred in 1850 to Sarah, daughter of Daniel H. and Nancy Baty, of Kentucky.  This
wife was a native of Kentucky, and by her union with Dr. Hall became the mother of six
children, of whom one son and one daughter are yet living: Dr. Daniel W. (a wall known
physician of Hot Springs County) and Ida B. (wife of Mr. George A. Zinn).  In politics the
Doctor has been a stanch Democrat all his life, but cast his first presidential vote for
Taylor in 1848, and was a presidential elector on the Douglas ticket in Iowa in1860.  Dr.
Hall has been a member of A. F. & A. M. since 1849,and at present belongs to Bryant Lodge
No. 442, which he organized and served as first master, also serving in the same capacity
in different lodges for twenty years.  He also is a member of Royal Arch Chapter, at Knoxville,
Iowa, and the Encampment from Bloomfield, Iowa, joining the Commandery at Keokuk, Iowa, in
1865.  At the present time he is a member of Hugh DePayne's Commandery at Little Rock, and
also belongs to Benton Lodge No. 9, I. O. F.  During the war he was United States examining
surgeon in Davis County, Iowa, for three years.  His public life and a great skill as a
physician have combined to make his name one of the most noted in Central Arkansas.


W. H. Harlow, a planter, merchant and miller of Brazil, Saline County, was born in Greenup
County, Ky., in 1834, being the third in a family of eight children born to Nicholas and Nancy
(Kidd) Harlow.  Nicholas Harlow was also a Kentuckian by birth, and in1839 moved to Chariton
County, Mo., where he made his home until his death while en route to California in 1851.
He was a farmer and blacksmith by occupation.  His wife survived him until 1872.  W. H.
Harlow was raised in Charlton County, Mo., and in 1869 went to Lamar County, Tex., where
he was engaged in freighting and railroading for some years.  In 1876 he moved to Hot
Springs, being employed as traveling salesman for a firm in that place and Little Rock
until 1882, when he was married to Elizabeth Chastain, widow of William F. Chastain.  His
wife was a native of South Carolina, and a daughter of Thomas A. and Margaret (Wylie) White.
Her father was a mill wright, and came to Arkansas from South Carolina in December 1846,
settling in Marble Township.  Mr. White was one of the pioneers of Saline County, where he
entered land and erected a mill, one of the first in that section of the county.  He made
that his home until his death, which occurred in July, 1854.  Mrs. White survived until
September, 1880, during which time she lived with her children.  Elizabeth White was sixteen
years of age when she moved to Saline County with her parents.  She was married in February,
1851, to Robison Prille, a native of Virginia, who went to Tennessee, and afterward moved
to Saline County in 1838.  Mr. Prille died in September, 1863.  Mrs. Prille then married
William F. Chastain, in 1866, who died on July 31, 1877, and in 1882 she married Mr. Harlow
(the subject of this article), her third husband.  Mr. Harlow moved on his farm, in 1884,
containing 120 acres.  He also owns a farm of 320 acres, of which there are seventy acres
under cultivation.  The same year he opened up a store of general merchandise, which has
gained a good patronage.  He is a member of the Agricultural Wheel, but does not take an
active part in politics leading his influence to the Union Labor party.  Mrs. Harlow is a
believer in Christian Science.  They have no children of their own, but have adopted a child,
Mary A. I. Lindley.  Mrs. Harlow has seen the complete growth of Little Rock and Hot Springs,
there being only one store in the latter place when she went there, and she has also lived
to see all of the early pioneers of Little Rock pass away but one.  Her Grandfather White
was the first man to take cotton to Charleston, S. C.  Mr. Harlow has witnessed great
improvements in Saline County, to which he has lent his aid.  His father was of Scotch
descent, while his mother was of Irish origin.


E. L.  Harris, one of the most prominent farmers of Union Township, first saw the light of
day in Dallas County, Ark. in the year 1846, as the son of A. R. and Lovey (Scott) Harris,
natives of Alabama.  The former came to this State in 1836, and settled in Saline County.
After some ten or twelve years of prosperous life here he moved to Dallas County, where he
resided until 1861, then returning to his former home. He was married about 1843 in this
county, and is the father of eight children, five of whom are living:  E. L. (the subject of
this sketch), W.L., M. A. and Mary V. (the wife of W. P. Hunter, of Franklin).  Mr. Harris
enlisted in the War of the Rebellion with the Confederates, serving for about eighteen months
under General Shelby.  When peace again reigned he returned to this county and resumed farming.
Previous to the war he was well off in this world's goods, owning some four slaves and an
excellent farm, but when the war closed he found himself worth comparatively nothing.  By
diligence and frugality, however, he has again gained a foothold on prosperity, and is now
doing very well.  Mr. Harris was a pioneer settler of the county, and one of the men who
surveyed the State line between Arkansas and Texas, and also assisted in surveying the
swamp land on the Mississippi River.  He, in his sixty-third year, and Mrs. Harris, in her
sixtieth year, are both enjoying the best of health.  They are members of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.  Politically Mr. Harris is strongly Democratic, taking quite an
interest in politics, not with a view of personal gain, but for the love he has for his
party.  E. L. Harris began life for himself at the age of seventeen by joining the
Confederate army.  He enlisted in Company F, Texas Battalion, commanded by Col. Morgan,
during the war, and was in the battles of Pleasant Hill and Mansfield, La., besides
numerous minor engagements.  He surrendered at Calvert, Tex., and returned home.  After
pursuing his studies for two years he served as deputy sheriff at Benton for some time.
Mr. Harris was married, in 1868, to Mrs. D. A. Pelton, nee McCray.  She was the mother of
two children by her first husband, one, J. F. Pelton, now living. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are
the parents of four children, two of whom survive:  W. D. (farmer) and Stella A. (at home).
Mr. Harris bought the place on which he now resides many years ago.  It consist of 110
acres with fifty or sixty improved, to which he has since added forty acres, making one
of the best farms in this section of the country.  Mr. Harris never bought a horse, though
he was quite a stock raiser.  His father gave him his first animal and ever since he has
raised his own stock.  He and his wife and son are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.  Politically Democratic, Mr. Harris is a man who favors all laudable public
enterprises and assists in any scheme which tends to improve the condition of his neighbors
or his county.


Milton A. Harris, a well-known citizen, and one of the leading farmers of Saline County,
residing in Bryant Township, was born in Dallas County, in 1852, and is a son of Addison R.
and Lovey (Scott) Harris, born in Alabama, in 1822, and 1824, respectively.  The father
came to Arkansas about the year 1843 with his parents and settled in Dallas County, where
they resided until the year 1861, and then moved to Saline County, where they still live.
The elder Harris was a prosperous farmer during his life, and during the war a gallant
soldier for the Southern cause.  In religious faith he had been a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church for a great many years. His father, Claiborne Harris, a descendant of
Scotch-Irish parents, was killed in Alabama when Addison was a child.  The mother of Milton
A. was a daughter of William Scott, whose sketch appears in another portion of this volume.
Milton A. Harris was the fifth of eight children born to his parents, and has resided in
Saline County since his eight year, being educated in the public schools of that place.
In 1875 he was married, his wife bearing four children, only one of whom is yet living.
Mrs. Harris' father died when she was very young, and her mother contracted a second
marriage, her next husband being a Mr. Stedman Johnson, and now resides in Bryant Township.
Mr. Harris settled on his present farm in 1879, and now owns two tracts of 147 and 160
acres each, and one tract of 150 acres under cultivation.  His prosperity is the result
of his own individual effort and good management, and he is one of he most influential
farmers in that section.  In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and for eight years was
bailiff and part of the time deputy sheriff.  In religious faith he is a number of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and a liberal contributor to all charitable enterprises,
besides being one of he foremost citizens in Saline County to develop and improve the
moral, educational and social welfare of that county.


Isaac Harrison, a farmer of Kentucky Township, was born in Cocke County,
Tenn., December 18, 1829, and is the third in a family of ten children born to Abner
and Mary (Jester) Harrison.  Of this number only three are now living: William (a wealthy
farmer of Saline Township and an ex-Mexican soldier), Rachel (the wife of Joseph Jones,
a farmer of Travis County, Tex.) and Isaac (the subject of this memoir).  Abner Harrison
was a native of Tennessee and was of old English stock.  His wife was also a Tennesseean,
and of excellent family.  The former was a farmer, and when he came to Arkansas located
in what is now Marble Township.  He cleared a small farm of Government land, and
subsequently bought 179 63/100 acres, eighty of which he cleared and improved.  The
remainder of his life was spent on this farm, where he finally died in 1855.   His
estimable wife was called to her last home ten years before him.  Mr. Harrison was a
determined man who allowed no one to turn him from his idea of right or wrong, and was
bitterly opposed to the war between the States.  He belonged to the "Tookahoe" family of
Harrisons, and was a rigid old school Baptist.  Isaac Harrison was reared on the farm,
and the days that he should have spent in the school room were passed in helping his
father to break the forest soil of Saline County.  He was a bright, intelligent boy, and
his interest and determination to study was awakened by reading the "Life of David
Crockett" and later on the "Life of History of the Jews."  At the age of eighteen,
making up his mind to "paddle his own canoe," he engaged as a farm hand, and also worked
in the State quarry.  In the spring of 1849 he joined a large body of emigrants at Fort
Smith, and with them started across the plains for the "gold country."  There were 350 in
the party, and fifty soldiers under the leadership of Capt. Lacy, United States topographical
engineer of Fort Smith. They remained together until the western border of Indian Territory
was reached, where seventy-one men, including Mr. Harrison, left the main party and started
on more rapidly for California. October 28, 1849, arriving at San Francisco, the members
separated, each having his own plans and thinking his idea of getting rich the surest and
quickest. Mr. Harrison first worked for awhile in the city of the "Golden Gate," being
employed as well-digger for $6 per day. He then worked in the timber of the Red Woods,
and from there went to the Calovarus gold diggings. After a short stay he emigrated to
the South Yuba River, where he sold goods during the summer of 1850, and learned to write
from an old copy book which some on had thrown away. During the last days of 1850 he
worked in the Volcano diggings, forty miles east of Sacramento, and at that place engaged
in the grocery business, meeting with very good success. Just as the outlook appeared so
brilliant and the future promising a continuance of his prosperity, he was suddenly
taken ill, so he gave up all thoughts of business and decided to take an ocean voyage.
After an extended trip Mr. Harrison returned to his adopted soil, Arkansas, arriving at
his father's house in the possession of  $2,000. For one year after his return, he
engaged in the mercantile business in Hot Springs, and on June 17, 1852, was united in
marriage to Miss Mary J. Lindsay. Miss Lindsay was a native of Arkansas, and the daughter
of John Y. Lindsay, who came to Saline County, Ark. (then the territory of Missouri), in
1825, and was one of the fathers of twelve families who cut the road to Collegeville in
1825, to this settlement. Mr. Lindsay was among the early Baptist Ministers in the county,
and was a life member of the Kentucky Church, which was organized in 1832, being the second
church of the Baptist denomination established in the county. He cleared and improved the
farm, where our subject now resides. After his marriage, Mr. Harrison came to Saline
County, and resumed his occupation of farming, but in 1853 moved to Hot Spring (now
Garland) County, where he bought and improved a farm, living there until 1861. He then
enlisted in a company under Capt. Gregory, and a company from Union, Ark., one from Saline
and Jefferson Counties, and one from Baltimore, Md., were organized into the Second
Arkansas Battalion, at Evansport, under Maj. Bronaugh. Soon after joining, Mr. Harrison
was made second lieutenant, and in May was promoted to the office of captain, holding that
position after the Seven Days' fight around Richmond. Robert Bronaugh was in the first
Confederate troops to cross the Chickahomiuy, and attack the Federals at Mechanicsville,
where Capt. Harrison lost one quarter of his men. In September, 1862, Capt. Harrison was
discharged and came home, where he immediately set about to raise a cavalry company, in
the Saline and Hot Spring Counties. In January, 1863, he joined in the organization of a
regiment at Camden, Ark, and was made captain of the regiment, assisting Capt. Trig in
commanding a battery. This position he held with honor, until he surrendered his company in
Benton, June, 1865. Mr. Harrison was in the four months' blockade on the Potomac River,
in the winter of 1861; in the division that covered Johnston's retreat from Yorktown; in
the engagements at Williamsburg, West Point and Seven Pines. Subsequently he was in the
Seven Days' fight. Capt. Harrison organized his cavalry company within the lines of the
Federal army, had his shoe and blacksmith shop in the woods, and was obliged to move his
camp every few days to cover signs. After the organization of Crawford's regiment, he led
the attack in the battle of Poison Springs, later at Marks' Mill, and at Jenkins' Ferry.
He was with Price on his raid through Missouri, and led the attack at Pilot Knob. He
participated in the battle at Boonville and Jefferson City, also with Price, in his last
engagement at Newtonia, MO. After leaving the main army, in the Indian Territory, Capt.
Harrison surrendered to Maj. White, of the Third Missouri Cavalry, and arrived in Saline
County, in June 1865. After such a brilliant war career it might not seem that the Captain
would be content to go back to the humdrum of farming, but the day following his return home
found him quietly working in the harvest field, as though he had never been on of the moss
daring and courageous participants in the war.  Since then farming has been his principal
occupation, but he has served as a member of the legislature from Saline County in 1867-69.
He is a member of Ionic Lodge No. 477, A. F. & A. M, and was initiated in the Masonic
order at Benton in 1852. In 1853 he joined the Hot Springs Masonic lodge (No. 64), and
in 1854 was elected worshipful master, serving one year. In 1866 he served as worshipful
master, and in 1867, 1868, and 1869 again filled that office, four years in succession.
Mrs. Harrison died September 22, 1877, leaving three children to mourn her loss;
Philadelphia (Shelleto, born January 22, 1867), Sarah (Jones, born July 13, 1859), and
Hannah I. She was a devout member of the Baptist Church, and was a bright, lovely woman,
commanding the respect, and esteem of all who knew her. Mr. Harrison's second and present
wife was Miss Ellen Darity, a native of West Virginia. To this union one child has been
given, Carrie B., born February 2, 1889. After his return from Hot Spring County, Mr.
Harrison bought is father's old farm on the Middle Fork of the Saline River, eighty acres
of which he still owns, and in December, 1869, purchased the place where he now lives.
His landed interests include over 839 acres in the county, and something over 200 acres
under cultivation. It would be a difficult matter to find a more enterprising farmer and
citizen than Mr. Harrison, always ready to contribute to all schools and churches, and,
in fact, one of that class of men whose opinion is always accepted, and whose influence
is always felt. In the year 1888 he was elected moderator of the Saline Baptist association,
the oldest, Baptist association south of the Arkansas River, and he wants no greater
inscription on the slab that marks his last resting place on this earth than that he was
once moderator of this association.


John C. Henderson, a farmer, and one of the oldest living Baptist ministers of Saline
County, Ark., was born in Lauderdale County, Ala., in 1825, and is the son of Rev. Samuel
Henderson, a native of South Carolina, and Sarah J. (Bush) Henderson, originally from
Tennessee. Samuel Henderson came to this state in 1934, and settled in this county, being
the first Baptist minister to find a home in Saline County. [See history of the Baptist
Church.] The reverent gentleman was a school teacher in his early life, and in 1836 was
ordained and continued in the ministry until his death, which occurred in 1842. He
preached in this county and Claiborne Parish, La., spending his last days in Perry County,
this State. His marriage occurred in 1809, he becoming the father of eleven children,
all of whom lived to be grown: Minerva (deceased, wife of M. Lyon, whose family reside
in Faulkner and Colorado Counties). Samuel (deceased), Abner (deceased), Eliza (deceased,
wife of Sam Williams; family reside in Faulkner County). J.P. (resides in Texas), Alford
(deceased; family reside in Garland County), Robert H. (deceased), Martha (deceased, wife
of W. Hutchison), J. C. (our subject), and M.J. (deceased, his family residing at Benton.)
Mrs. Henderson died in 1859, having been a member of the church for eighteen years. Her
husband at his death had been a church member for thirty years, and was politically a
Jacksonian Democrat. John C. Henderson never attended school, receiving his education at
the old home by the light of a pine knot. At the age of twenty-one, he began farming on
his own tract of forty acres, situated within on-half mile of where he now lives.
Prospering as pluck deserved, he now owns 460 acres, having given 250 acres to his sons.
In 1861 he joined the Confederate army as captain of Company D, Boland's regiment of
cavalry. Later he was elected lieutenant-colonel of the Third Arkansas Cavalry, participating
in the battle of Corinth, Miss., and numerous other engagements. Resigning in 1863, he
came home in the fall, and organized a company, of which he was chosen captain. He was
promoted to major of sharpshooters, and was with Gen. Price on his famous raid, being at
Poison Springs, Ironton, Union City, Osage River and Westport. While charging a body of
came in 1865 and resumed the peaceful pursuits of farming, which he follows today. On the
second Sabbath in April 1868, he was called to be pastor of the Union Church, and regularly
ordained in October of that year, having now served in that capacity for t
enty-one years.
He now acts as pastor of the Pleasant Grove Church, Pulaski County, North Fork and Union
Church of this county. He was married in 1846 to Miss Elizabeth Chennault, of this county,
and by her is the father of eight children, five now living; J. P. (an attorney, married,
lives at Hot Springs), J. H. (married, at home with his father), C. B. (married, ordained
a minister of the Baptist Church, September 15, 1889), Leon (deceased), M. J. (book-keeper
for Townsend & Co., Hot Springs), Mary L. (wife of L. E. McMillon, lives in Benton), and S.
M. (deceased.)  Mr. Henderson has been a member of the church for thirty-five years, and
his wife for twenty-five years. He also belongs to Saline Lodge of the I.O.O.F., located
at Benton; Ionic Lodge No. 377, and A. F. & A. M.; Union Chapter No. 2, and Little Rock
Council, at Hot Springs, being one of the charter members of the last named lodge. He was
master of Hot Springs Lodge for a number of years, and is at present chaplain of Ionic
Lodge. Mr. Henderson has seen the wilderness of the county convert4ed into happy homes,
and has witnessed the transformation of dense forests into productive farms, assisting
not a little himself in the general advancement. He is a Democrat. After the close of the
war, in 1867, Mr. Henderson returned to his homestead, purchasing 34o acres of land, and
with his noble boys began life almost anew, having been by the ravages of war reduced to
total poverty, but with the assistance of Hon. J. G. Fletcher, of Little Rock, and well
directed blows of industry by himself and sons, he soon climbed to a state of ease and
plenty. In 1873 he built a farm house, costing nearly $1,400, also purchased a residence
in Benton, costing $1,000, which he gave to his only living daughter. He has ever been a
faithful minister, never missing his appointments on account of secular business, though
some of his churches are more than miles from his home. He is moderator of Saline
association of Baptists, consisting of the counties of Saline, Hot Spring, Garland,
Montgomery, and churches of others counties.


Mr. Hicks lives on Section 8, Township 3, Range 14 west, and is well known to the
residents of the county, having lived in this and adjacent localities since his sixth
year. He is a native of Tennessee, and was born in Hickman County, October 6, 1838, being
the sixth in a family of twelve children born to Gilbert and Elizabeth (Allen) Hicks,
natives of North Carolina and Virginia. Gilbert Hicks went to Tennessee with his parents
when a child, and grew to manhood, and afterward married there. He was a farmer and
wagon maker, and in November, 1844, moved to Saline County, Ark., purchasing land in
what is now Grant County. At the time of his death, which occurred in October, 1881,
he was the owner of 1,000 acres, and during his lifetime cleared over 400 acres. In
politics he is a Democrat, but not an enthusiast on the subject. The later years of his
life were spent in raising and trading stock, in which he was very successful. He was
regarded as a leading, influential citizen, and his death was mourned by the entire
community. Mrs. Hicks was a niece of Ethan Allen, of Revolutionary fame. She was a true
and loving wife of fifty-two years, only surviving her husband a few months. James M.
Hicks received his education in the common schools of Arkansas, and when nineteen years
of age spent five months in the Hill Creek Academy, in Conway County, Ark., but, owing
to sickness, was obliged to discontinue his educational pursuits and returned to farm
life. It had been his intention to adopt teaching as a profession, but in this he was
disappointed, although he did teach several terms. No doubt the world was deprived of a
brilliant scholar when he gave up such an idea of teaching, for his fitness was destined
to make him a "shining light" in educational matters. In September, 1860, Mr. Hicks was
married to Miss Martha R. Burnett, a native of East Tennessee, and a daughter of Jeremiah
and Sarah (York) Burnett, natives of Virginia and Tennessee, respectively. Mr. Burnett
came to Arkansas in 1857, and was one of the successful farmers of the State. At the age
of eighteen he enlisted in the War of 1812, and was n the battle of New Orleans. Mrs.
Burnett still survives him, at the age of eighty-four. After his marriage Mr. Hicks bought
land and settled in Saline County, but in 1868 sold this farm and came to Shaw Township,
purchasing 160 acres, sixty of which he has since cleared. The improvements made are too
numerous to mention, but among them he has built good barns, etc. He now owns eighty acres
in Shaw Township, 130 cultivated, and 200 in Grant County. Mr. Hicks raises his own stock,
such as horses, cattle and hogs, the principal crops grown being corn and cotton, and he
was for sixteen years the principal potato grower of Saline County. He take the lead in
fruit raising, having 110 varieties, including fifteen kinds of grapes and thirty-nine
kinds of apples, with about the same of peaches, and nine varieties of plums. All the
different kinds of berries that thrive in Arkansas are seen on his farm, and it is really
a pleasure to observe such an excellent and highly cultivated farm as he owns. It would
be a difficult matter to find its equal, and certainly not possible to obtain its superior.
For several years Mr. Hicks has been the leading man in experimental fruit-raising and
vegetable trial crops. In 1874 he began by budding peaches, and proved the same to be a
success. His method of setting the trees is very peculiar, as he digs a pit 3 & 1/2; x 4
feet and twenty five inches in depth, then fills the first fourteen inches with alternate
layers of coarse manure and earth, the last twelve inches being of solid earth well
packed. In politics he is a Democrat, though conservative and independent. He has never
been an office seeker, but has been elected to a county office, and once to township
office, in both cases, however, declining to serve. For a number of years he has been
director of the school district. He served three years in the Confederate service under
Col. Johnson, in the Sixth Arkansas Infantry, but was never in any active engagement. He
was in the hospital service, and filled the different positions of nurse, wardmaster,
clerk and steward. Being a cripple he was exempt from field duty, and in order to serve
the cause he believed to be right, applied to the hospital department and served there
as stated above. Mr. And Mrs. Hicks are the parents of the following family: Marian W.,
J.G., Robert L., Emily Lee, Jeremiah T., Ida Florence, Monroe H., Obed B. Elijah F.,
James A. Garfield and Benjamin F.  Himself and family are m embers of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and for thirteen years he has been superintendent of the Sunday school.


A. B. Holland, of Brazil, Ark., owns a fine farm in Section 36. He was born in Holland
Township, of this county, in 1858, being the fourth in a family of six children, in the
family of William T. and Catherine (Crow) Holland. The father was a well-to-do Tennessee
farmer, who moved to Saline County in 1852, and settled in Union (now Holland) Township,
which was named in his honor. He entered eighty acres of land, and later took another
eighty acres under the Homestead Act, which he improved, and made his home until his
death, excepting one year spent in Hot Springs County. In 1861 he enlisted in the
Confederate army, and served for three years, being under Gen. Price on his raid through
Missouri. At the close of the war he returned to his farm in Saline County, remaining
until his death, in 1885. His excellent wife still survives him. They were the parents
of the following children: John (married, and resides in this township), Robert N.
(married in Texas), Benjamin (who died in 1874), A. B. (the subject of our sketch),
Sarah Louisa (now Mrs. Foster, of Holland Township), and Mary Elizabeth (widow of James
Thompson, living with her brother, A. B.) A. B. Holland was reared to farm life, and
educated in the district schools of Holland Township, commencing farming for himself at
the age of seventeen years. He was married in Holland Township, in 1879, to Miss
Margaret Green, a native of Saline County, daughter of Harvey and Jane (White) Green.
Mr. And Mrs. Green came to Saline County from South Carolina at an early day, where
the former died during the war, and his wife in 1883. After his marriage Mr. Holland
settled on a farm in Holland Township, following which he moved on the old homestead;
this he now owns, and has also enlarged. He has a farm of 240 acres, with about 100
acres under cultivation, it having been mostly cleared by himself. He has always been
a strong Democrat, and for adherence to party principles has received the reward of
being made constable of the township, which office he has held for six years. Mr.
Holland is a member of the school board, also of Paran Lodge No. 309, A. F. & A. M.,
and in this society has held the position of J.W. Mrs. Holland is a member of the
Baptist Church. The father of Mr. Holland served in the Mexican War under Capt. Waterhouse.
He (A.B.) has seen a great improvement in the county since his boyhood days and can
review with just pride the influential share which he has had in its development.


G. R. Hunnicutt, prominent among the farmers and stock raisers of Kentucky Township,
Saline County, was born in Dyer Township, this county, in 1843, as the son of William
and Martha (Warford) Hunnicutt, natives, respectively, of South Carolina and Tennessee.
William Hunnicutt was reared as a farmer's lad, and educated in the country schools of
South Carolina. After his first marriage he moved to Alabama, where he remained but a
few years.  In 1837 he came to this State, settling in this county, and bought land.
During the Mexican War he was employed by the Government as teamster, but when the war
closed he returned home and resumed farming, taking also quite an active part in the
politics of is day, for he was a man of superior education for this county at that time.
He served his township as justice of the peace a number of years, dying in 1863. His
first wife was Mary McCray, who bore him three children. The only one living is Catherine,
the wife of J. J. Edwards, who resides in the county. Mrs. Hunnicutt died about 1839.Mr.
Hunnicutt was then married to the mother of our subject, G.R. By this marriage he became
the father of ten children, eight of whom lived to maturity, and five still survive:
E. M. (in this county), G. R., Thomas (deceased), E. N. (deceased, widow in Benton),
Eliza J. (wife of J.W. Wallace, resides in this county), Elizabeth (deceased), W.D.
(deceased), Emily (wife of M.P. Davenport), and J. H. (resides in this county). The
second Mrs. Hunnicutt died in 1880. In 1861, at the age of eighteen years, G.R. Hunnicutt
enlisted in Company F. Third Arkansas Cavalry, Confederate army, and served four years.
Enlisting as a private he was promoted to sergeant-major in 1863,holding that position to
the close of the war. He took part in the following battles: Farmington, Miss., Iuka,
Miss, Corinth, Miss. (here he was seriously wounded in the left side, and was confined
in the hospital for two months), Thompson Station, near Franklin, Tenn., and Chickamauga,
Tenn. From Chickamauga he was transferred to East Tennessee to Gen. Longstreet's command,
on leaving which locality report was made to Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, at Dalton, Gs.,
engaging in the two days' battle at Resaca. From Resaca to Atlanta on the retreat, his
regiment was under fire for forty-three days. He accompanied his regiment, which formed
a part of Gen. Wheeler's command, on the latter's famous raid to Middle Tennessee,
destroying railroads, fighting and skirmishing for two or three months. Then moving with
his command to Gadsden, Ala., he joined Gen. Hood, who was commanding the Army of
Tennessee at that time, and took part in the battle of Rome, Ga. While Hood was fighting
at Dalton, Mr. Hunnicutt's regiment followed Sherman from Atlanta, fighting him all
the way to Savannah. At Reynold's farm, near Savannah, this command defeated Kilpatrick
in a sever4e engagement. Mr. Hunnicutt was here badly wounded in the hand by a fragment
of shell. His regiment followed Sherman from Savannah to Greensboro, N.C., by way of
Columbia, S.S., and Bentonville, N.C. At eh latter place a general engagement of two
days with the wily Northern general occurred. The regiment later moved to Greensboro,
where it was surrounded by Gen. Johnston, and at this place Mr. Hunnicutt was paroled,
arriving home July 18, 1865, the first time since his enlistment. He engaged in farming
for one year on rented land, when he bought 160 acres of forest land on Saline River.
This he improved, living on it for fifteen years. In 1883 he sold the place, buying his
present property of 184 acres, with about seventy acres under cultivation. The place
had been much neglected, but Mr. Hunnicutt went to work at its improvement, and soon
had one of the finest farms in the county. He was married, in 1866, to Miss Ellen Wood,
daughter of David O. and Mary (Burow) Wood, natives of Tennessee. David Wood and wife
moved from Tennessee to Washington County, Ark., thence to Saline County. They are the
parents of ten children, five now living; Louisa (wife of J. A. Bowen, who resides in
this county), Sarah (died in 1871), Cora (died in 1876), Unnania, 1st (died in 1876,
Unnania, 2nd (died in 1878), Edna (died in 1881), William and Robert (twins) and Arthur.
Mr. Hunnicutt was elected to the office of county treasurer in 1872, and served two terms.
He was chosen as justice of the peace of his township in 1882, and still retains that
office. He is a Democrat, and takes a very active interest in politics of his county.
Schools, churches and all enterprises of whatever nature tending to improve the county
find in Mr. Hunnicutt a sturdy champion. He is a member of Fair Play Lodge No. 32, A.F.
& A.M., having filled several offices in the lodge, now holding the chair of worshipful
master.


Rev. Andrew Hunter, D.D., a supernumerary minister of the gospel, whose eloquent
sermons have been listened to by very many residents in Central Arkansas, was born in
County Antrim, Ireland, in 1814, and came to the United States with his parents when
only two years of age. His father and mother first settled in Pennsylvania, where Andrew
was reared and grew to manhood and received a common-school education. In 1833 he united
with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and in 1835 went to Missouri, locating
near St. Louis, where he taught school for some time. In 1836 he was licensed to preach,
and for one year preached the gospel in the Choctaw nation. He was ordained a deacon
at Fayetteville, Ark., in 1839and the following year was made an elder at Little Rock.
He has been actively spreading the gospel for fifty-three years, and first came to
Saline County in 1838, where he had charge of a circuit for one year. Since 1871 he
has made this county his permanent home, and is the only minister now living whose
name was on the conference roll when he joined in 1836. Dr. Hunter is of a robust
constitution and still full of vigor, although he has probably done more church work
than any other minister in Central Arkansas. In the fall of 1842 he was made presiding
elder of Washington district, which then comprised a large portion of South Arkansas,
and was afterward presiding elder of the Little Rock, Batesville, Camden, Arkadelphia
and Pine Bluff districts. He is probably the most popular Methodist divine in Arkansas,
and still gives his attention to church work. Strictly speaking he is a self-made man,
having received most of his education since entering the ministry. During the war his
reputation had spread so far that he was allowed to continue his good work without
molestation. In 1844 he was one of three delegates sent from Arkansas to attend the
conference in New York that divided the church, and out of 300 delegates present on
that occasion there are but three yet living. In 1866-67 he was elected to represent
Dallas and Bradley Counties in the State senate and was president of that body. In 1866
he was also elected to the United States Senate, but could not take the oath and was
disqualified, A. H. Garland taking his place instead. He was married at York, Penn.,
in 1844, to Anna M., a daughter of William and Leah Jones, of Welsh and German descent,
respectively, and became the father of four children, of whom three are yet living:
William P., Florence (wife of W. P. Field, of Little Rock) and Andrew J. (chief clerk
of the United States marshal's office eat Little Rock, and a graduate of Jones'
Commercial College, at St. Louis, Mo.) Mrs. Hunter has been a member of the Methodist
Church since her thirteenth year, and is just as devoted to the cause as her husband.
The Doctor's parents were John and Rachel (Densmore) Hunter, of Scotch origin, but born
in Ireland. The father died in York, Penn., after coming to this country, and some years
later the mother was married to Joseph McPhearson, also a native of Ireland. She died at
York, Penn., in 1837. Dr. Hunter had a brother, William, who was also a man of great
talent and a graduate from the Madison College, at Uniontown, Penn. He was for some years
professor of Hebrew in Alleghany College, Meadville, Penn., and later was editor of the
Pittsburgh (Penn.) Christian Advocate. He was also presiding elder of the Cleveland (Ohio)
district, where he died. Another brother, who is now deceased, named John was a prominent
manufacturer of Ohio, and the sister, Margaret, is the widow of Abraham Wells, a large
manufacturer of Wellsville, York County, Penn., before his death. This lady, with her
son-in-law, is carrying on the immense business of her husband at that place with great
success, and is widely known for her business ability. Dr. Hunter owns 152 acres of very
fertile land on his home place, about one mile west of Collegeville, and two other tracts,
one of 280, the other of 200 acres.

>
J. T. Hyatt, a farmer in Section 9, Saline Township, was born in Dallas County, Ark.,
in 1852, being the oldest son in a family of six children born to James and Mary (Woods)
Hyatt. The former was a native of Alabama, from which State he emigrated in about 1856,
settling in Saline County, Ark. In 1861 he enlisted in Capt. Walkin's company of
Confederate soldiers. He was taken prisoner at the Battle of Helena, and removed to
Rock Island, Ill., where he was confined as a prisoner of war. His death occurred
there in 1864. Mrs. Hyatt still survives him and resides with her children: Martha
Jane (now Mrs. Oglesberry, lives in Beaver Township, Saline County), William Maid (also
of Beaver Township, and J. T. (the subject of this sketch.) J.T. Hyatt was reared to
farm life, being educated in the districts schools of Saline Township, and commenced
farming for himself at the age of twenty. He was married in Saline Township, in February,
1871, to Miss Amanda Goodwin, a native of Mississippi, and a daughter of John and Betsy
(Caselberry) Goodwin. Mr. Goodwin was a native of Mississippi and came to Saline County
in 1859, settling in Saline Township, where he now resides. After his marriage Mr. Hyatt
rented for some years until 1877, when he bought 320 acres of land with only twenty-five
acres cleared. He has since been improving and adding to it until he now owns 360 acres,
with over forty acres in cultivation. Mr. And Mrs. Hyatt have a family of six children;
B. Francis (died in 1883, at the age of eleven), Henry (died in 1874, at the age of four
years), Mary Elizabeth (died in 1877, aged four years), James, Bletha, Lovey. They are
also rearing two of his brother's children: Nola and Daisy J. Mr. Hyatt is a prominent
Democrat and takes an active part in all work for the upbuilding and good of the county.
William James, the oldest settler of Kentucky Township, Saline County, was born in what
is now Ripley County, Mo., in 1828, his parents being Honor and Sallie (Boiles) James,
natives of Tennessee. Honor James came to Missouri in 1815, where he was m married in
1817. He owned land near what is now Doniphan, Pocahontas, Ark., being the nearest
trading point. Missouri and Arkansas were not then separated, and Pocahontas was the
seat of justice for that section. When Mr. James came to Arkansas, there were but four
settlements in the county, from Dyer Township to where Benton now is. His uncle, Jesse
helped to build the first court house at the county seat, a log structure, the lumber
used for flooring being sawed with a whip saw. It was necessary to got went miles to
mill. When anything prevented, a steel mill was used. Mr. James did not enter land
when first coming here; instead he squatted on Government land, in (present) Dyer
Township, where he improved a home, remaining on this land until about 1848, when he
sold his claim and moved to Holland Township. Here he bought an improved place and lived
until his death in 1856. He never owned any land in this county. His chief occupation
was stock raising, as it was unnecessary in those days to feed stock except occasionally
during the winter, Game was plentiful, and bear, deer and turkey abounded in the
neighborhood. Mr. James was twice married, his first wife being the mother of William,
our subject. They were the parents of sic children (five now living, and all with a
radius of twenty miles): Jesse (deceased, see sketch of W. T. James), Lucinda (widow of
D. J. Robinson), Daniel, Minerva (widow of John Terry), William (our subject) and Martha
(Widow of James Hutchison). Mrs. James died about 1830, and some ten years later Mr.
James took unto himself a second wife, in the person of Susan Manus, a native of Indiana.
BY this marriage there were three children: Sarah E. (wife of Jasper Wallace, who resides
in Perry County, this state), Nancy (wife of William Hunt, a resident of Scott County),
and George H. (who resides in Perryville, Perry County, this State.)Mrs. James died near
the year 1848. William James, after receiving a limited education inn the county schools
of this county, began his struggle for existence at the age of nineteen, as a farmer on
rented land. At the close of three years he bought eighty acres of land in Dyer Township,
where he resided from 1858 to 1865, when he sold out and purchased his present place,
consisting of 620 acres, with 150 acres under cultivation. He has since given his sons
160 acres, 140 acres improved. Mr. James has, besides this farm, a splendid steam and
grist-mill, which he owns in partnership with his son, C. F> James. With this mill they
put up annually some 200 bales of cotton, and do a large amount of grinding. Mrs. James
has been married three times. Miss Jane Muse became his first wife April 24, 1851, and
was the mother of six children, three now living (three dying young): J. C., C.F. and
J. Y. (all living in this county.) Mrs. James was a member of the Baptist Church, and
died in 1874. The following year Mr. James was married to Caroline James, being divorced
in 1876. Lena H. Hood became the third Mrs. James in the year 1876. Two children were
born to this union: James A. and Minnie M. Mr. And Mrs. James are both members of the
Baptist Church. He belongs to the A. F. & A. M, and is one of the most liberal men in the
county in matters that pertain to general improvement. He is uppermost in donation to
churches and schools, and has been counted one of the Baptist flock for the past forty
years, his wife having belonged for twelve years. His political faith is Democracy. At
the commencement of hostilities in 1861, Mr. James joined the Confederate army, enlisting
as a private in Company C. Third Arkansas Cavalry, and served for four years on the east
side of the Mississippi River. Three years of this time he never heard from his wife and
babes. He participated in quite a number of battles: Iuka and Corinth, Miss.; Atlanta and
Dalton, Ga.: Chickamauga, Knoxville, Pigeon River and Thompson Station, Tenn.: and Savannah,
Ga. In 1865 he came home in company with Col. Henderson on a recruiting tour. During his
stay at home the war closed, and Mr. James was paroled at Little Rock. He found his wife
at the close of the war in destitute circumstances. His present possessions he has accumulated
since then by hard work and good management.


W. T. James, also numbered among the pioneers of Kentucky Township, Saline County,
first saw the light of day in this county in 1848, as the son of Jesse and Fanny (Terry)
James. Jesse James came to this State when but a lad with his father, who was known
as Honor James, settling in this county. He was married twice:  the first time to the
mother of W.T., the subject of this sketch. Jesse was a farmer by occupation, and after
his marriage bought land on Lee's Creek, where he lived for some twenty-five years. He
sold this in 1886, and rented the Given Dyer farm. Her h kept boarding house on the stage
route from Hot Springs, accumulating a large amount of money, frequently selling corn
for $3 per bushel. He moved from there to where Charles James now lives, six miles went
of Benton, Buying 300 acres of land with 100 acres under cultivation. This place he made
his home until his death, which occurred in 1874. He was accidentally killed while out
hunting, a man named James Kinkade having dropped his gun. The ball entered Mr. James'
knee while he was in a sitting position, ranging upward and entering his body. He only
survived twenty-four hours. As a farmer and trader he had been very successful. He died
as a member of the Baptist Church. Seven children had been born to him, six living till
maturity (and three still surviving): Martha (deceased, wife of Peter Staner), W.T. (our
subject), Elizabeth (wife of P.M Wright), J.J. (resides in this county), Sarah (wife
of John A. Moore), Frances (deceased, wife of John Wallice). Mrs. James was a member
of the Baptist Church and died in 1854. Mrs. James was married about 1854 to Lucinda
Staner, becoming by this marriage the father of six children, two dying when young.
They are, James M., Minerva A. (deceased wife of Robert Wright), Mary D. (wife of Benjamin
Donavant) and J. C. Mrs. James was married in 1886 to Dr. Barnes, but died the same year,
a member of the Baptist Church. W.T. James was reared and educated in this county,
receiving but a common-school education at the country schools. He was brought up to
farm life and at the age of twenty-one began life for himself as a farmer on his father's
land. In 1870, after only one year of renting, he bought property consisting of eighty
acres, with twenty-five acres improved. He has since added 100 acres and now has eighty
acres under cultivation, with splendid farm buildings, plenty of stock, etc. He raised
many horses, cattle and mules, and has on hand some fifteen head of cows, four mules and
a large number of hogs. In 1809, Mr. James was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Moore,
daughter of C. F. and Sarah (Freeman) Moore, natives of Tennessee, and the parents of ten
children, six of whom lived to be grown: John A., Mary J. (wife of our subject), Paralee (
wife of Robert Wright), Alphonso (farmer), and Julia A. (wife of Jeff Brady). Mrs. Moore
died about 1861. Mr. Moore was married a second time, to Nicey E. Blockwell, who b ore him
ten children, eight now living:  Martha, Radford, Robert, T.F., Richard F., Bertie, Rebecca
and Annice. Mr. Moore came to this State in 1844 and his wife still lives in this county.
Mr. And Mrs. James were the parents of ten Children (four dying when young and six still
living): Jessie F. (born May 15, 1870), William R. (Born January 20, 1874), J. C. and Sarah
F. (born December 24, 1876), J. E. and J. A. (born October 10, 1880), J. A died in November,
1880, Mary (died December 1, 1886), Ada B. (born April 28, 1888). Mr. And Mrs. James are
both members of the Baptist Church. He takes a lively interest in the public schools, having
filled the office of school director for eight years. Politically he is Democratic and has
served as postmaster at Owensville for two years.


Dr. Vaughn D. Lafferty, a prominent physician and surgeon of Saline County, and at
present representative of that county in the legislature, was born in Dallas County, in
1854, and is a son of Vaughn D. and Eritha E. (MeCalip) Lafferty, born near Batesville,
in 1816, and in Tennessee, near the year 1821, respectively. The parents were married
in Saline County, about 1836, and immediately afterward-settled in Dallas County, which
was the nothing but a wilderness, they being among its earliest settlers. The father
cleared land and opened up a good farm, upon which he made his home until within a few
years past, then moving to Ouachita County, and settling at Lester, where he is engaged
in business. He was a soldier in some of the early Indian wars, and helped remove them
to the West. He is a man of strict integrity, irreproachable character., and well known
for his energy. His estimable wife died in 1873, a believer in the Methodist faith from
childhood, and the only one of her family who ever came to Arkansas. She was of Scotch
origin, while the father was of Irish descent, his father, Hon. John L. Lafferty, being
a native of Ireland, who came to this county when a young man, and was a well-known
navigator. He first came to Arkansas and settled near the present site of Batesville,
when this State was yet comprised in the Louisiana Territory, and was here married and
resided for a few years. He then changed his location to Van Buren County, where he
farmed for the remainder of his days. During his life he became one of the most prominent
men to public life and a highly esteemed citizen of that section, and in 1836 was a member
of the State Constitutional convention from Van Buren County, afterward representing that
county in the legislature for three terms. He was also elected county and probate judge
for a number of years besides holding a number of high public offices. Although quite old
when the Civil War commenced, the fire of battle burned fiercely in his breast, and he was
one of the first to join the Confederate ranks. His death occurred about the closing period
of the war. Vaughn D. Lafferty, the principal of this sketch was the sixth of three sons
and five daughters, born to his parents, and was reared on a farm in the backwoods. He was
educated at home by his father, and under his instructions obtained a good knowledge of the
English branches. He after ward taught school himself for short time, and when twenty-four
years of age, commenced the study of medicine, under his elder brother, Dr. John M., a
graduate from the medical department of the University of Kentucky, at Louisville. Dr.
Vaughn also graduated in 1881 from the medical department of the University of Arkansas.
He immediately commenced practicing the profession in Saline County, where he has resided
since, and become one of the most successful physicians and surgeons in that section. In
politics the Doctor is a staunch Democrat, and in 1888, was elected by his party as
representative of Saline County, in the State legislature. He is a member of Bryant Lodge
No 441, A. F. & A. M., and is the present junior warden of his lodge, besides having
represented them twice at the Grand Lodge. In religious faith he has been a member of the
Methodist persuasion since 1880, and is a liberal contributor to all worthy enterprises,
as well as being on of the foremost spirits in pushing the interests, and developing his
county. As a physician he ranks among the leaders, and has performed some marvelous cures,
and as a citizen enjoys the confidence of the entire community.


A. J. Lancaster, farmer and stock raiser of Beaver Township, was born in the southern part
of Illinois, February 25, 1830, and is the eldest in a family of thirteen children born to
Jesse and Mary (Woods) Lancaster. Jesse Lancaster was a native of Tennessee and his wife of
Illinois. They were married in the latter State, and when A. J. was only one year old moved to
Missouri, but after a residence of two years, came to Arkansas, settling in Izard County. Mr.
Lancaster followed the occupation of farming until his death in 1850, his wife surviving him
till 1863. Both great-grandfathers were in the War of 1812. Of the thirteen children born to
Mr. And Mrs. Lancaster, only five are living: Allen P., Jesse, Greenbery, Charlotte (Halpain)
and A. J., the subject of this memoir, who was reared and educated in Izard County, remaining
there until his eighteenth year, when he engaged in farming for himself. In April, 1851, he was
married to Miss M. Williams, a native of Missouri, and a daughter of one of the early settlers of
Izard County. After his marriage he continued farming in Izard County for three years, when a
determination to travel for a time led him to explore the South and especially Texas, but he
concluded at last that there was no place lie the State of his adoption. On his return located in
Saline County, and has since been a resident of tis part of the county. In 1856 he came to Beaver
Township, and entered eighty acres of land at 12 ½ cents per acre, clearing and improving about
twelve acres. He afterward sold that and purchased the farm where he now lives. This farm
consisted of eighty acres partly improved, and at the present time he has forty acres under
cultivation. When Mr. Lancaster took up a home in Beaver Township, it was very thinly settled
and game was plentiful. The inhabitants were obliged to depend on their own resources of clothing,
and had to go twenty miles to mill. Little Rock was the nearest market, it being at that time a
very small village, and Indians were numerous. When the was proclaimed Mr. Lancaster joined the
Eleventh Arkansas Regiment (Col. Smith) in July 1861, and participated in the battle of
Tiptonville and fight at New Madrid. In the year 1862 he was captured and kept a prisoner of
war at Camp Douglas, Chicago, for some months, finally joining the  army at Vicksburg, Miss.
At Port Hudson in the spring of 1863, he was wounded and from that time was in a great many
skirmishes until the close of the war. He was home on a furlough when the surrender was made,
so never received his discharge. By his first marriage two children were born: Ambrose (married,
living in Union Township) and Susan (Richey, in Beaver Township). Mrs. Lancaster died in 1853,
and in 1854 Mr. Lancaster was married to Narcissa A. Wills, a native of Saline County. To this
union six children have been born, three of whom lived to be grown: Benjamin, Jessie Rutha and
Berris. Mrs. Lancaster's mother, Mrs. Rutha L. Mills, is the daughter of Mathew Carroll, a farmer
of South Carolina, where she was born about 1807. Mrs. Mills is at present enjoying very good
health for a woman of her age, and expresses a desire to go back to the land of her childhood.
She has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for sixty years, and is now living with
her children. Mr. And Mrs. Lancaster are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which the
former has been steward. He is a member of Ionic Lodge No. 374, A. F. & A. M.


W. H. Lawrence, proprietor and manager of a general merchandise store, does the largest
business in his line in this vicinity. He was born in Banks County, Ga., on May 30, 1853, and
had nine brothers and sisters, six of whom are older and three younger than himself. His father,
Isaac B. Lawrence, was a native of South Carolina, and moved to Georgia at eight years of age
with his parents. He married Frances Caudell, a daughter of a wealthy planter, and afterward
Lawrence opened up a farm in Georgia, continuing to make that State his home. He was justice
of the peace for twenty years. His death occurred in December, 1881, but his widow still
resides on the old homestead. W.H. Lawrence was reared to farm life, being educated in the
district schools. He moved to Monroe County, Ark., in 1872, and in January, 1873, came to
Hurricane Township, Saline County, where he bought a partly improved farm and also opened up
a good farm, which he after ward sold in September, 1888, then purchasing the building and
stock which he now owns of W. M. Packard, and has built up a good business. He gives his
strong influence to the Democratic Party. He was married in Saline County in 1877 to Miss
Nancy M. A. McHaffy, a native of Georgia. They had five children, four of whom are living:
Ruth Nall, Josephine Elizabeth, Rachal Rosella (who died in 1883, aged eighteen months),
Clara E. and Thomas Harvey. Mr. Lawrence has ever lent his aid to all work in the interest
of educational and other affairs of his town and county. He is an active business man and
enjoys the confidence of his many acquaintances.


L. C. McAdams, one of the leading and most progressive farmers in Saline County, was
born in Hall County, Ga., in 1850, and is a son of J. Pinckney and Nancy E. (Tate) McAdams,
born in Anderson District, S.C., in November, 1829, and November, 1825, respectively.
When very young the parents moved to Hall County, Ga., with their parents, and in later
years were there married. The father was a successful farmer, and a well-known citizen
of that county, and served a great number of years as justice of the piece. During the
was he served one year in the Confederate army, being a member of Company A. Eleventh
Georgia Infantry, and took part in a number of important battles. His death occurred on
September 9, 1862. His father was Daniel McAdams, a successful farmer, who was also born
in Anderson District, S.C., dying in Hall County, Ga., in 1872. The latter was a soldier
in the War 1812 and fought under Gen. Jackson at the battle of New Orleans. In religious
faith he was a member of the Methodist Church, as were almost all of the family. Some
years after the father's death the mother was married in Saline County to Mr. Abraham
Elrod, a well known citizen of that place. She was a daughter of Nathaniel Tate, of South
Carolina, who died during the Civil War in Hall County, Ga., as did also his wife. L.C.
McAdams was the oldest of two children born to the parents, and was reared on a farm by
his widowed mother. His advantages for procuring a good education were very limited in
his youth, owing to his father's death, which put upon him the responsibility of
supporting his mother, and thus dispelled any idea of attending school. A few years
later he removed to Arkansas where he remained until he was twenty-one years, and then
commenced farming on his own account. On January 11, 1873, he was married to Laura,
daughter of George and Elizabeth Elrod, of South Carolina and Georgia, respectively,
who came to Saline County in 1844 and settled near Bryant when the surrounding country
was a wilderness. The father was a farmer, and a highly esteemed citizen of this county.
He and wife were both members of the Methodist Church, and were the parents of ten
children, of whom four are yet living. His death occurred July 11, 1889, but his estimable
wife is still living. Five children were born to the marriage of Mr. And Mrs. McAdams,
of whom four are still living. One the arrival of the former in Saline County, he
homesteaded eighty acres of land in Hurricane Creek which he improved and sold to
good advantage in 1879. He then purchased his present farm, which was then in the
woods, bun now has about 100 acres under cultivation, and owns 164 acres altogether.
His land is some of the best in that section, and he has accumulated his present
property by his own efforts and judicious management. There is a good dwelling upon
it, barns, an excellent orchard, and everything necessary on a first class farm. The
land is situated about two miles south of Bryant. In politics Mr. McAdams is a stanch
Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Greeley in 1872. He is a prominent
member of the Agricultural Wheel; takes a deep interest in all the affairs of the
county, and is one of its most valued citizens. He and wife both attend the Methodist
Church and are active and liberal in their assistance toward all charitable enterprises.


J. N. McAllester, merchant, farmer and ginner, of Union Township, was born in this
county only one-half mile from the place on which he now resides March 31, 1851. He was
the son of Andrew and Mary (Bland) McAllester, the former of whom came from South Carolina
to Arkansas in 1826 and settled in Saline County, being one of the first to find a home
in this section. He followed farming as a means of livelihood, discontinuing it only to
participate in the Indian War of 1836, in the West. On July 13, 1837, he was married to
the daughter of Moses and Vancy (McKee) Bland. He bought land close to where his son (ten
Subject of this sketch) now lives, and reared his family of nine children, four of whom
are now living: Mary E. (wife of G. Hoopper), John F. (deceased, 1875), Sarah E.
(deceased, July 17, 1864), William (married and lives in Union Township), A. J. (deceased),
James U. (merchant in Union Township), Samuel Daniel (deceased), Nancy J. (now Mrs. Milligan),
Emily Q. (deceased). Andrew McAllester died January 29, 1878. He was a member of the Baptist
Church. His wife survives him, living on the home place with her son-in-law, Mr. Milligan. The
first McAllesters to come to this country from Ireland were William McAllester and wife,
Margarette. They were the parents of the McAllesters who took such an active part in the
Revolutionary War. Nathan McAllester was a brigadier-general in the ware in Ireland against the
mother country known as the McAllester war. He was born in 1837, and came to America immediately
after the war with England, in company with William McAllester and three sons, Nathan, Alexander
and Andrew. Alexander was born May 19, 1744: Andrew, August 16, 1748. The girl of the family was
Jane, born April 15, 1746. Andrew McAllester was the youngest of the three boys who served in the
Revolutionary War. They were all in service six of seven years. Andrew was crippled by exposure,
the others coming out unscarred. He was married to Mary Huffman, July 5, 1779, at Abbeville Parish,
S.C. They were the parents of four children: Andrew (born February, 1780, died December, 1782),
John (born August 29, 1781), Andrew (born September 23, 1784), F. A. (born October 28, 1792). John
McAllester, the eldest son of Andrew McAllester of Revolutionary War fame, married Mary Lightfoot,
of Edgefield District, S.C., near the old Ninety-six Court-house, on February 15, 1807. The same
year he moved to Picking's District, where in 1808, John McAllester was born. From there he moved
to Three-and-twenty Creek (known as Ben Smith's settlement), locating there December 10, 1810. On
January 11, 1811, Andrew McAllester, the father of our subject, was born. Mary, wife of John, Died
on May 11, 1825, and with his two sons, Mr. McAllester started to Arkansas Territory. They stopped
in Franklin County, Tenn., at Lake Granby, where they remained from May to December of 1829. Then
continuing their journey, they moved to St. Francis River, Ark., settling on L'Anguille Creek, now
Poinsett County. Here they made the first clearing of land ever made by white men. From here they
moved to Little Rock, remaining but a few days, then moving to Dogwood Springs (now Collegeville),
Saline County, where they bought their first land of Gov. Pope, in 1833. They went to the west side
of Alum Fork of Saline River in August, 1836. He served in the Indian War, being at Forts Tuscon,
Coffee and Gibson. In 1837 he returned to Saline County and formed a partnership with Drs. Sprague
and Adams, of Little Rock, locating minerals. They were very successful, locating several claims.
He sold out to his partners the same year and hired to them for $50 per month to examine and locate
mineral lands, but only worked for a short time. During his life Andrew McAllester was one of the
leading men of this section. He was remarkably successful both as a hunter and farmer, and led all
his fellow-citizens in developing the, then, new country. It is related that on one occasion Mr.
McAllester and Dr. Adams were out hunting, when they discovered a large bear, and noticed, what was
unusual with bears, that he could hardly get along. Coming near to him they saw that he was so fat
that he could scarcely walk. Thinking that it would be best to drive him as near as possible to a
neighbor's house before killings him, they began a series of maneuverings which eventually brought
the big beast within on-half mile of the home, when they killed him. There are several people
living in this section who frequently mention this hunt, saying it is no "fish story." Mr.
McAllester was a decided Democrat. At the age of twenty-one years J. N. McAllester began life
for himself as a farmer. He rented for two years, but, in 1874, purchased 120 acres of land, on
which he lived until, when he sold out and bought elsewhere. He moved to the place on which he
now lives in 1882, owning 1,000 acres of land, mostly wild. Among his possessions are (also owned
in partnership with his brother W. M. McAllester) a fine steam gin, saw and gristmill combined,
besides his store and stock of goods. In the mercantile business alone he realizes annually some
$3,000. He also gins about 165 bales of cotton yearly, and does a large business with his saw-mill.
Mr. McAllester has been twice married. His first wife was Mollie Smith, who he married on September
12, 1872. She died December 27, 1878. His second wife was Miss Dora Ray (born July 27, 1862) with
whom he was united December 4, 1879. She bore him five children, four now living: Donie (born
September 29, 1880), James David (born October 13, 1882), Katie (born April 6, 1884), Ramon Carl
(born May 20, 1887), and Fred Nathan (born October 11, 1889). Mr. and Mrs. McAllester are both
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. McAllester is a member of A. F. & A. M.,
and is master of Ionic Lodge No. 377. He is a strong Democrat and takes quite an interest in
Politicks, though he has never sought an office. His chief delight is in standing by the man
whom his party may name. He favors free schools and is a liberal donator to the schools and
churches. All worthy public enterprises find in him a stanch supporter and the people of the
county and State would be loth to lose him as a citizen.


Henry H. McCray, one of the pioneer settlers of Saline County, was born here in 1844, being
the son of H. N. and Elizabeth (Carroll) McCray, the father a native of South Carolina, and the
mother of Alabama. H.N. McCray was married when a young man, and removed to what is now Union
Township, Saline County, Ark., in 1837, there entering land and partly improving it, when he
sold out and went to what is now Grant County. He bought a claim and improved it, but some
years after returned to Saline County, and settled in Union Township, the second time in 1842.
Later he bought a farm on Saline River. His remaining days were spent in Benton, his death
occurring March 27, 1886. He was a member of Benton Lodge No. 34, A. F. & A. M. His wife died
in 1865. Henry H. McCray passed his boy-hood days on the farm, and was educated in the
subscription schools of Saline County. He enlisted at Little Rock, in 1862, in Col. Crawford's
regiment for three years or during the war, and was engaged in scouting, being transferred to
Col. Hawthorn's regiment of infantry, where he was principally engaged in Texas. He was paroled
at Marshall, Tex., in May 1865, when he returned to Saline County, becoming engaged in farming.
He married in November, 1868, Miss A. J. Frances Pelton, a native of Saline County, and daughter
of James and Arrilla (Williams) Pelton, of Illinois. Mr. Pelton came to the Louisiana Territory
when a young man, was married here and settled in what is now Beaver Township, Saline County,
Ark. He settled on a claim of eighty acres given by the territory to actual settlers, where he
made his home until his death in 1846. His esteemed wife survived until 1876. Grandfather Berry
Williams was a native of North Carolina, was in the War of 1812, and at a very early day came
to Arkansas. His death occurred in what is now Grant County, in 1854. Mr. McCray settled in
1872 upon a farm, where he now resides, which is one of the oldest settled places in Saline
County. He has also opened up considerable land, and has now about 100 acres under cultivation,
owning besides 475 acres of well-improved land in Saline Township. Mr. McCray and wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and take an active part in all church work.
They have been blessed with six children: Flora, Clara, Jasper, James, Rosa and Marvin. Mr.
McCray has always taken an active part in everything which would tend to the improvement of
the town and county, both in a material, religious and moral sense.


McNeelan Lumber Company, one of the best paying industries in Saline County, is managed by
enterprising men, a secret of the large patronage accorded them. They are large manufacturers
of yellow pine and oak lumber, and make a specialty of railroad timber. This business was
first established in 1886 by C. H. McNeelan, his father, and John D. McNeelan, a brother, but
in 1888 the latter retired from the firm, and Mr. John A Russell was taken in partnership.
The company are by far the strongest and most extensive dealers and manufacturers of lumber
in the county, being located on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad, about
twenty miles southwest of Little Rock, where they own some 2, 240 acres of the finest timber
land in Arkansas, as well as many acres of timber in other sections. The senior member, John
D. McNeelan, was born in Pennsylvania and reared in the State, but later on moved to Ohio,
where he was married to Miss Savannah A. Extine, also0 of Pennsylvania nativity, born in 1826.
Shortly after their marriage they removed to Jennings County, Ind., Where Mr. McNeelan was for
many years a prominent lumber dealer. He lost his wife in September, 1876, but after her death
continued to reside in Indiana until the year 1886, when he came to Saline County. He is a
representative businessman, a prominent and leading figure in commercial circles, and one of the
most popular citizens of Saline County. He is a son of George W. McNeelan, originally from Ireland,
who came to the United States when only five years of age, and first settled in Pennsylvania, but
spent the latter days of his life in Ohio. Mrs. John D. McNeelan's father, David Extine, was of
German origin, and a tailor by trade. He was born in Pennsylvania, where he followed his calling
for some years, later adopting the occupation of an auctioneer, which he carried on with great
success in his native State and Ohio. Six sons and one daughter were born to Mr. and Mrs. John D.
MCNeelan, of whom C.H. was the third. He was educated at the public and graded schools of Hopewell,
Ind., and after completing his studies entered at once in the lumber business, in which he has
continued ever since. He at fist remained with his father, but later established a business on his
own responsibility in Indiana, which he carried on with success until coming to Saline County, Ark.,
in 1886. In 1881 he was married to Anna M., Daughter of James and Elizabeth Wilson, of Ohio, where
Mr. Wilson resided all his life. Mrs. Wilson afterward removed to Indiana, but is now residing with
her daughter, Mrs. C. H. McNeelan. The latter was born in Salem, Ohio, and by her marriage became
the mother of four children, of whom three are yet living. In Politics Mr. C. H. McNeelan is a
stanch Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Grant in 1872. He is a shrewd financier,
a representative businessman, and one of the best posted men on lumber affairs in Arkansas. The
junior member of the firm, John A. Russell, was born in Saline County in 1863, and is a son of Hon.
Alexander Russell, of whom a biographical sketch is found elsewhere in this volume. John A. was
reared on a farm, and educated at the public schools of his native State, and after acquiring a
thorough knowledge of the English branches, taught school himself for a number of years. In 1885 he
and his father established and operated the Siddell Mill, which was afterward purchased by this company,
for whom Mr. Russell then acted as book-keeper until the year 1888, when he was taken in as a partner.
He is now actively interested in the management of the business, and has charge of the company's store,
besides acting as Postmaster for the town of Siddell. Mr. Russell was first married in 1885 to Miss Anna
Cameron, of Mississippi, who died December 25, 1885, and in June, 1888, he was united in marriage to
Miss Jennie McFadden, of Clark County. In politics he is a Democrat, and cast his first presidential
vote for Cleveland in 1884. He is a young man of pluck, enterprise and the proper business spirit, and
promises some day to be a leader in the commercial circles of Saline County.


J. Y. Mashburn, a prominent farmer of Saline County, and one of its leading citizens, was born in
Talladega County, Ala., on the 24th of January, 1845, and reared on a farm. His parents  were poor
people, and, as for the greater part of his youth he was forced to help toward their  support, was
unable to attend the schools as much as he desired. He served eighteen months during  the war and
was a member of Col. Barbies' battalion, operating in Alabama and Georgia. He was  engaged in a
number of skirmishes, and fought bravely until the surrender at Talladega, Ala. After  that event
he returned home, and in 1866 removed with his parents to Saline County, Ark,. And the  following
year was married in that place to Sarah L., a daughter of Abraham and Mary Elrod, who  came from
Hall County, Ga., to Saline County, Ark., at an early period. Mr. Elrod was a successful  farmer,
and became one of the best-known citizens of the latter county during his residence at  that place.
Mrs. Mashburn was born in Hall County, GAS., and came to Arkansas with her parents  when eight years
old. Mr. Mashburn moved on his present farm in 1880, and now owns about 101  acres of fertile land
with some forty acres under cultivation, and had made it all by his own  enterprise and judicious
management. For four years held the office of justice of the peace  in Hurricane Township, and for
the same length of time was justice of the peace of Bryant  Township. In politics he is a stanch
Democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Seymour  in 1868, and has always stoutly upheld
the principles and men of his party. In secret societies  he was a member of Bryant Lodge No. 441,
A. F. & A. M., and is senior warden, and also belongs  to the Agricultural Wheel. He and wife are
members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and are  prompt in siding every worthy enterprise that
comes to their notice


Marshal M. Mashburn, the father of J. Y. Mashburn, is an old resident of Saline County,
and well known throughout the surrounding country as an upright and conscientious man in all
his dealings. He was born in Abbeville District, S.C., in 1817, and is a son of Daniel and
Dorinda (Hughes) Mashburn, of North Carolina and South Carolina, respectively. The mother
was married three times, Daniel Mashburn being her second husband. When Marshal was twelve
years old they moved to Alabama, where the father died, and before the war the mother was
married to John Harris, her third husband. In 1876 they came to Saline County, where the
mother died on November 5, 1882, at the age of eighty-six years, a devout member of the
Baptist Church. She was a daughter of Moses Hughes, of South Carolina, who afterward moved
to Alabama, where he became a well-known farmer, but fell a victim to intemperance. His
father was Nathaniel Wells, of Pennsylvania, and of Welsh origin, who fought in the
Revolutionary War. Moses was a little boy with his father in that war. Daniel Mashburn
was a farmer all his life and an honest man. He was a Baptist in religious faith and liberal
in his contributions to charities that came under his notice. He was a son of Matt Mashburn,
who died in North Carolina, and after his father's decease went to South Carolina, then to
Alabama, where he resided until his death. Marshal M. was the oldest child of his mother's
second marriage and received a fair education in his native place. In 1838 he was married
in Talladega County, Ala., to Martha J., a daughter of John Moore, of that State, and became
the father of twelve children of whom nine are yet living. Mrs. Mashburn was born in South
Carolina and died in Saline County, Ark, on June 6, 1875. Those of their children who are
living are: Jane H. (wife of Allen Adams), J. Yancy, Susan A. (wife of Jonathan Adams),
Daniel H., Nancy E. (wife of Asa Baxley), Rufus C., on daughter the wife of Vesta Carmichael,
Frances A. (wife of Nicholas Briggs), and Virginia P. (wife of Rufus C. Morgan.) They are
all married, and Mr. Mashburn can boast of having forty grandchildren, besides a number of
great-grandchildren. His second marriage occurred in 1876 to Mrs. Olive A. Ball, an estimable
widow and a daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth Moore, of North and South Carolina, respectively.
Mr. and Mrs. Were married in the latter State but moved from there to Morgan County, Ga. The
father is residing now in Coweta County, at the age of ninety-one years. He is a prominent
farmer and member of the Methodist Church, as was also his wife, who died in 1838.


T. C. Mays, editor and proprietor of the Benton Courier, is too well known to  need a formal
introduction to the people of this section, but certainly this volume would be  incomplete
without giving his name prominent mention. He is a native of the "Buckeye" State, and
was born in Waynesburg, in February, 1840, being the seventh son and child of a family of nine
children born to Andrew and Rebecca (Ryan) Mays. The former, of old Virginia stock, was born
in 1799, while his wife was a native of Ohio. He was a builder and contractor by trade, and in
politics was a Whig, but very conservative. Himself and wife were members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. His death occurred in Los Angeles, Cal. In 1885, at the advanced age of
eight-five. He had lived in the latter State one year prior to his death, but had been a
resident of the same town in Ohio for sixty years.  Of the family of nine children born to
Mr. and Mrs. Mays four are now living: Madison (a man of family, and a wealthy farmer, lives
at Waynesburg, Ohio), W. O. (has a family and lives at Mossman, Iowa, where he has a fine
farm), Arretta (is the wife of Amos Fell, a business man of Los Angeles, Cal.), and T.C.
(is the subject of this sketch.) The last named was educated in the common schools of Ohio,
and at the age of sixteen years was sent to Meadville, Penn., to attend college. After a
short time he grew tired of college life, and entered the office of the Crawford County
Democrat, serving three years, at the end of which time he was foreman of the office. The
war being declared he returned to his native State, and in answer to his country's call offered
himself and was accepted as a volunteer in Senator Sherman's Sixty-fifth Ohio Volunteers. He
entered as a corporal, but was promoted to second sergeant after the battle of Stone River. This
office he was given for meritorious conduct, and he served in that capacity until near the close
of the war, retiring as captain. He participated in the battles of Shiloh (under Gen. Buell), was
with Rosecrans at the battle of Stone River (where he was wounded in the left shoulder), with
Thomas at Chickamauga, and there received a gunshot wound in the left hand. He was subsequently
put in charge of a veteran corps company at Nashville, where he remained until the expiration of
his enlistment, being honorably discharged as captain of Company A, Fifth Battalion Veteran Reserve
Corps. Then entering the post-quartermaster's department he remained as chief clerk of the camp
and garrison oqaipage. Upon returning to Ohio Mr. Mays filled a position as local reporter on the
Cincinnati Enquirer for one year, afterward conducting the Crawford County Forum at Bucyrus Ohio,
for two years. Subsquently he served as city editor of the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Sentinel for three
years, and then founded the Auburn Courier, which he conducted eight years, during that time being
elected and serving two terms as clerk of the House of Representatives, in the State legislature
(October, 1874 abt 1878). In connection with other parties he established the first paper at Silver
Cliff, Colo. In 1880 he went to Hot Springs, where he published the Daily Telegraph, and changed the
name to the Evening Star. One year later the paper was consolidated with the Daily Sentinel, being
published under the name of Sentinel, of which he was editor until the presidential election in 1884.
In December, 1884, Mr. Mays went to Kansas City, and while engaged as reporter for the Times
accompanied Ge. Hatch on his expedition to Oklahoma, in driving Capt. Payne out of that territory.
Returning to Little Rock, he was connected with the Arkansas Gazette in various capacities until
failing health caused him to cease his efforts in this direction, and he came to Benton. October 10,
1888, he purchased the Saline Courier, the name of which was changed to Benton Courier, and since that
time he has been engaged in the publication of what has become one of the representative journals of
the community. Earnest and sincere in his editorials, and having interests of the people of his adopted
home at heart, his paper meets with a warm welcome in the homes into which it enters. In 1867 Mr. Mays
was married to Miss Emma Mallory, a native of Bucyrus, Ohio, and to them was born one child, Hardie M.,
a young man of twenty-one, who holds a responsible position in an office in Fort Wayne. Mr. Mays was
separated from his wife in 1886. He is a member of Damon Lodge No. 4, Knights of Pythias, at Little
Rock, and is a believer in the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal Church.


Dr. Benjamin S. Medlock, prominent as one of Saline County's physicians and surgeons, residing at
Collegeville, was born in Fayette County, West Tennessee, in 1834, and is the son of Judge John A. and
Mary (Forsyth) Medlock, born in South Carolina in 1812 and in North Carolina in 1812, respectively.
The parents resided in that State until 1842, when they moved to Tippah County, Miss.  They made this
place their home until 1858, and then came to Saline County, Arkansas, settling at a point about five
miles above Benton, and in 1861 moved to a farm near Collegeville, where the Judge still resides with
his third wife.  He is one of the best known citizens of this county, and a prominent man in public
life, having for four years served as county and probate judge.  In secret societies he is a member of
Alexander Lodge No. 353, A. F. & A. M. at Mabelvale, and also belonged to the Chapter and Council many
years.  He has been a member of the Methodist Church for about sixty-five years, and is a liberal
contributor to all religious and educational matters.  His father was Benjamin Medlock, of South
Carolina, who came to Saline County in 1868, and remained here until his death, in 1874, at the age of
ninety-two years. The latter had served in several Indian wars, and was noted as a great Indian fighter
during that period.  The maternal grandfather, Benjamin Forsyth, was a lieutenant-colonel during the War
of 1812, and commanded a North Carolina regiment.  He was killed during the latter part of that event.
Benjamin S. Medlock, the principal in this sketch, was the oldest of eight children born to his parents,
of whom there are six yet living.  He was reared on his father's farm, and educated at the public schools
of his native State and in Mississippi.  When at the age of twenty-five years he commenced the study of
medicine with Dr. R. L. Bouton, a celebrated physician of the latter State, and afterward entered the
Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1861.  The Civil War commencing
at this period forced him to leave his profession for awhile, and he then joined the Company E, First
Arkansas Infantry, with the rank of orderly-sergeant, and promoted to lieutenant.  His service the first
year covered Virginia, and afterward he fought in the battles of Bull Run, Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga,
and all through the Georgia campaign.  He was captured at Jonesboro, Ga., on August 1, 1864, but was
exchanged with other prisoners at Nashville, about ten days afterward, and then joined Hood, under whom he
fought at Franklin and Nashville.  Later on he joined Gen. Johnston, and was with him at the time of the
surrender.  After the war was over he r
turned to Arkansas, and began to practice his profession at
Collegeville, where he has since continued, and is to day the most successful as well as the oldest
practicing physician in Saline County.  His success financially has been remarkable, and some of his
marvelous cures have caused a great deal of comment in medical circles.  The Doctor has a splendid home at
Collegeville, and owns about 1,050 acres of very valuable land in Saline and Pulaski Counties, with about
125 under cultivation.  In July, 1869, he was married to Miss Julia Jennings, a daughter of Richard and
Julia Jennings, the father an Englishman, who went to New Orleans on arriving in this country, and in 1837
moved from there to Little Rock, where he died in 1847, while the mother is now residing with Dr. Medlock
and his wife.  Two children were born to the Doctor's marriage, of whom one is yet living, Rosa.  For a
number of years Dr. Medlock has been a prominent figure in public life, and in 1866-67 represented Saline
County in the legislature, and was chairman of the committees on the auditor and treasurer's books, as well
as being a member of educational, medical, geological, and various other committees.  In politics he is a
stanch Democrat, having cast his first presidential vote for Buchanan in 1856, and several times has been a
delegate to the State convention.  In secret fraternities he is a member of Alexander Lodge No. 353, and
also belongs to the Chapter and Council at New Albany, Miss., but has never affiliated with that order at
Collegeville.  He and wife and daughter belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and take an active
interest in all religious and educational matters, the Doctor having served from 1874 to 1876 as
superintendent of the school board in Saline County.


Constantine H. Medlock, a substantial and leading agriculturist of Saline County, was born in Hardeman County,
West Tennessee, in 1835, and is a son of Judge John A. and Mary (Forsyth) Medlock, of whom a sketch will be
found in the biography of Dr. B. S. Medlock.  Constantine H. was reared from boyhood in Tippah County, Miss.,
and received his education in the log-cabin schools of that period.  He was married in 1855 to Nancy J., a
daughter of Philip and Sarah Smith, the father a native of Kentucky and the mother born in Alabama, in which
State she also died.  Mr. Smith was married three times during his life, and shortly after the death of his
second wife in 1859 he removed to Columbia County, Arkansas, where he was again married, and resided until
his death in 1871.  Mrs. Medlock died in 1863, and three children born to her marriage also died within a
short time afterward.  In September, 1863, Mr. Medlock was married to Maria L., a daughter of Philip M. and
Maria Smith, and a half sister to his first wife.  This union gave them two children:  James F. (who died in
1865) and Laura V. (who died in 1885).  Mr. Medlock's first occupation was in being employed as overseer in
Mississippi, where he remained until 1859, when he came to Saline County and located six miles west of Benton.
In 1868 he moved to Collegeville, and in 1879 came to his present farm about one and one-half miles from that
place, where he owns 120 acres of very fertile land and has some sixty acres under cultivation.  During the
rebellion he served in the Confederate army, and was a member of Gen. Fagan's escort until after the battle
of Helena.  He was then assigned to Company B, of Col. Crawford's regiment of cavalry, and operated in
Missouri, Arkansas and Texas, holding the rank of sergeant, and later that of forage master.  He took part in
the battles of Helena, Poison Springs, Marks' Mill, Prairie Grove, Jenkins' Ferry, and many hard skirmishes,
and also had four brothers in the war, all of whom are yet living:  John F. (was captured and confined at
Camp Douglas for a long time, and was not released until some time after the war was ended), James N. [is
referred to below], Washington K. (served a short time during the last days of the war, and is now residing
in Garland County), the only sister, Susannah V., is the wife of M. C. O'Bryan, a well-known merchant at Hot
Springs.  In politics Mr. Medlock is a stanch Democrat, but was formerly a Whig, and cast his first
presidential vote for Filmore, in 1856.  He served about eight years in Owens Township as justice of the
peace, and filled the office in a dignified and entirely satisfactory manner.  In secret societies he is a
member of Mabelvale Lodge No. 353, A. F. & A. M., and has been warden of his lodge.  He attends the Methodist
Church, as does also Mrs. Medlock, and both are liberal contributors to all religious and educational
enterprises.


James N. Medlock, one of the leading merchants of Collegeville and postmaster at that place, was born in
Hardeman County, Tennessee, in 1840, and served through the War of the Rebellion.  He was severely wounded at
the battle of Chickamauga.  Mary M. Beckham, of Pike County, Ga., daughter of A. J. Beckham, of one of the
leading families of that State, became his wife, and they have two children:  Andrew B. Forsyth and Mary A.
(both living).  Mr. J. N. Medlock and Y. F. Medlock are both honored members of the Masonic fraternity,
belonging to Benton Lodge No. 34, Benton, Ark.


Tom M. Mehaffy, attorney and counselor at law of Benton, Ar., was born in Tippah County, Miss., in 1859,
being the elder in a family of two children born to T. L. and R. B. (Bradley) Mehaffy.  His father, T. L.
Mehaffy, a native of Georgia, emigrated to Mississippi in 1858, but returned to Georgia in 1860, and in 1862
enlisted in Thomas Cobb's regiment, serving in the Confederate army, till his death, which occurred in 1863
from exposure and measles.  His widow, the mother of Tom M., moved to Tippah County, Miss., where she remained
one year, and in 1868 came to Hurricane Township, Saline County, Arkansas, where she continued to reside until
1887, then settling at Benton, where she now resides with her son, Tom M.  The war had swept away all the
property she had, and it became necessary to hire this boy to work on a farm, for which she received $6 a
month.  Mr. Mehaffy continued to work on a farm, and supported his mother and sister till he was nineteen
years old.  He received his education in the public schools of Hurricane Township, and attended for three
years the high schools of Benton, beginning when in his twentieth year.  He then engaged in teaching, at the
same time applying himself to the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1889, and has since practiced
at Benton, in Saline County.  He has taken an active part in politics, is a strong Democrat, and has been city
clerk of Benton since 1887.  He is a member of Benton Lodge No. 34, A. F. & A. M., of which he is secretary.
He was married in 1885, in Hurricane Township, to Miss Annie A. Poe, a native of Grant County, and daughter of
James M. and Sarah (Swafford) Poe.  Mr. Poe is a native of Alabama.  He came to Arkansas at a very early day,
and is now a resident of Saline County.  Mr. Mehaffy has seen a vast change in Saline County since his boyhood
days.  He has taught in every school that he attended as a student, being principal of the Benton graded
schools in 1888, and has always taken an active part in everything for the good of the town and county.  Mr.
and Mrs. Mehaffy are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and take an active part in all
church work, he being superintendent of the Sunday school at Benton.  He is also secretary of the school board,
and takes a strong interest in educational advancement.


A. J. Mewer, farmer and stock raiser of Saline Township, was born in Van Buren County, Arkansas, March 20, 1847,
and is a son of Allen and Rachel (Oversheet) Mewer, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky.  Allen Mewer was a
farmer and came to Arkansas sometime in 1839, settling in Van Buren County; he at one time was engaged in
boating on the Red River, but at the time of his death, which occurred the day our subject was born, he was
living on a farm.  Mrs. Mewer married again, her second husband being J. C. Ellis, a native of Tennessee and a
prosperous farmer.  By her first marriage she had three children:  A. J., George A. and Margaret E.  The former
received but little schooling in youth, the facilities at that time being very meager.  He started out to work
for himself when about twenty, and engaged as a farm hand in Mississippi for $8.50 per month, later, or in 1867,
returning to his home in Lonoke County, where he farmed until 1870.  Subsequently he worked at the saddle and
harness trade in Austin, Arkansas, and Little Rock.  On July 29, 1875, Mr. Mewer was married to Miss Sally A.
Eagle, a native of Arkansas, and the daughter of James and Charity C. Eagle, natives of Georgia and South
Carolina.  Mrs. Mewer is a sister of Gov. James P. Eagle [whose sketch appears in this volume].  After his
marriage Mr. Mewer continued farming till 1883, when he came to Saline County and purchased a farm of 248 acres
ten miles north of Benton.  In 1886 he traded this farm in Beaver Township for a farm in Saline Township, on
which he lives, and another in Bryant Township, the two farms now comprising 110 acres.  In addition to this
property he owns 275 acres in Lonoke County with about 150 under the plow.  During his residence in Beaver
Township he carried on the mercantile business, and in 1883 former a partnership with T. J. Bragg, continuing
the business until 1885, when he bought Mr. Bragg's interest and continued the business in his own name.  The
December following he traded farms as stated above, and two weeks later moved his stock of goods to the farm,
where he now resides.  In connection with the store, which he successfully conducted on his farm, he ran a
peddling wagon for about one year.  He then sold his merchandise, and since that time has given his attention
to agricultural pursuits, though during the last year has been in the beef business.  Mr. Mewer is a Democrat,
but not active in political circles.  He has held the office of school director in the school district for
some time.  Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which the former is steward.
He is a public-spirited man and contributes generously to all church and school enterprises.


A. P. Mitchell, the well-known postmaster and merchant, of Traskwood, Ark. is a native of Tennessee, and was
born in Hardeman County, Tennessee, on December 3, 1845.  His father, Dr. Alphonso Franklin, a native of Iredell
County, N. C., born November 6, 1816, moved to Tennessee when quite young, and remained there until 1851; he
then came to Saline County, Arkansas, and is now residing three and one-half miles from Benton.  He is one of
the prominent and popular physicians of the county.  His wife, whom he married December 10, 1844, was formerly
Sarah Ann Phillips.  A. P. Mitchell was reared on a farm and received his education in the schools of Benton,
later on spending one year in school at Chatfield Point, Texas.  The year 1871 witnessed his marriage to Miss
Nancy H. Hawkins, a native of Arkansas and the daughter of J. H. Hawkins, one of the old settlers of Saline
County.  To this union were born the following children:  John F. (born February 7, 1872, teaching in the
public schools of Saline), William A. (born January 28, 1874, also a teacher), Alphonso C. (born July 16, 1877),
Mary H. (born July 28, 1879), and Frederick (born May 28, 1881).  In the winter of 1889 Mr. Mitchell was
bereft of his wife, and September 10, 1889, he married his second and present wife, Mrs. Rachel Hawkins, the
widow of John Hawkins.  In 1881 Mr. Mitchell was appointed postmaster at Traskwood, and is still holding the
office, having also filled the position of deputy postmaster ever since it was established in 1874.  In 1877
he erected a mill and cotton-gin, which he has been successfully operating since that time.  With his drug and
general merchandise, milling and farming pursuits, it would seem that he could not do justice to them all, but
he certainly does, and has proved himself equal to anything he undertakes.  He owns 700 acres of fine land,
with over 100 in an excellent state of cultivation.  The school board realize him to be one of their influential
members, and he was justice of the peace for some years.  Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are members of the Baptist
Church, and the former is a member of Fair Play Lodge No. 32. A. F. & A. M., also being identified with Benton
Lodge No. 1319, K. of H.  Traskwood realizes in Mr. Mitchell one of its most enterprising and influential
citizens, and one who is always ready to support all church and school matters.


Samuel A. Mitchell owns a large well improved farm of 266 acres in Section 30, Saline Township, Saline County,
on which he resides.  He was born in this county in 1857, being the second in a family of eight children. His
father, Dr. Alphonso Mitchell, was a native of Iredell County, N. C.  He married in Hardeman County, Tennessee,
Miss Sarah A. Phillips, and in 1849 came to Saline County, Arkansas, settling on a farm near Benton, where he
commenced the practice of medicine, being one of the early physicians of the county.  He had a large practice
during the next thirty years, when he retired from active life and now resides with his wife on the old homestead.
Mr. Mitchell was reared on the farm and educated in the public schools of Benton, commencing farming for
himself on the place where he now resides in 1878.  He has about eighty acres under cultivation, with an
excellent frame house and other buildings, and is a lover of fine stock.  He raises cotton, corn and oats in
great abundance.  In 1883 he erected a large cotton-gin and grist-mill combined, having the largest gin in this
section of the county, and he has better facilities for doing good work than any other.  The machinery in this
establishment cost $1,300.  Mr. Mitchell was married in Collegeville, Saline County, in September, 1879, to
Ermin Glidewell, a native of Saline County, and a daughter of John and Sarah (Baram) Glidewell.  Mr. Glidewell
was a native of Western Tennessee, and came to Saline County in about 1851, when he settled at Benton.  He is
by trade a gunsmith.  Later they moved to Owens Township, where they now reside.  Mr. Mitchell is a strong
Democrat, and is a member of Saline Lodge No. 1317, Knights of Honor.  He owns a farm of forty acres of fine
bottom land, fifteen acres of which are under cultivation, and has just completed a good barn on his homestead
24x36 feet.  He is the father of the following children:  Fannie, James, Edward, Grover and Caleb.  Mr. Mitchell
has not only made his own way in the world but has done his share to bring about the present improvement of
Saline County.


A. H. Murphey, farmer, of Marble Township, Saline County, was born in this county, within one-half mile of the
place on which he now resides, in the year 1860.  His parents were Robert and Nancy (Hogan) Murphey, natives of
Alabama, who came to Arkansas in 1850, settling on the place which his son now occupies.  In 1858 Robert
Murphey was elected to the legislature of this State, and in 1860 was his own successor, serving four years.
His term covered the exciting period when the State seceded, though he opposed secession.  On account of his
age he was not in the war, but was wounded by the United States troops and taken to Little Rock, where he died
in prison in 1863.  He was a man of considerable property, owning some slaves and a large amount of stock on
his ranch, which included 160 acres of land, nine miles west of where his son lives.  He was twice married,
the first time, about 1820, having by this marriage two children, both deceased.  His second marriage was to
the mother of our subject, about 1847, and six children were given them, two of whom survive:  I. B. (in
Pulaski County), and A. H. Murphey.  Mrs. Murphey was married the second time to Hugh McKinley, who died in
1870, his wife following him in 1882.  Mrs. McKinley was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a
devout Christian.  Mr. Murphey was a member of Benton Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and was quite prominent in the
order.  He was also very active in politics, being an advocate of Democratic principles.  A. H. Murphey lived
with his mother until 1879, when he commenced farming on his own accord.  He and his brother owned the old
homestead, where they worked together until 1888, when he purchased his brother's share.  The place then
contained 160 acres.  He has since added 160 acres, making a fine farm of 320 acres, eighty improved, with
good farm buildings, barns, etc., and plenty of stock to run the place.  He was married to 1879 to Miss Mary
S. Glenn, a native of this state and daughter of C. T. and Amanda Howard, natives of Tennessee, and the
parents of nine children, seven of whom are now living:  David, Mary S. (wife of A. H. Murphey), Jane (wife
of I. B. Murphey), Sarah (wife of J. W. Newkirk), J. W., J. C., and Laura B.  Mr. and Mrs. Glenn reside in
Hunt County, Texas, moving there from Garland County, Arkansas, in 1888.  Mr. Murphey is not very active
politically, but supports the Democratic party.  He is also a member of the A. F. & A. M.  In the schools he
takes much interest, and lends his influence to all worthy enterprises for the advancement of the interests
of his county.


David S. Ramsey, farmer and stock raiser of Shaw Township, is a native of Georgia, and was born in Hall County,
March 4, 1827, being the son of William and Cynthia (Gess) Ramsey, both natives of Georgia, who were married
in that State.  William Ramsey was a farmer and one of the first settlers in that portion of Georgia.  He was
a quiet and good citizen, and in politics was a Whig.  He died with sickness and is buried near Dalton. He left
his wife with the following family:  Elizabeth (wife of William Payne, a farmer of Georgia), Rhoda Allen (widow
of Allen), Polly Ann (wife of David Smith, of Whitfield County, Ga.), David S., Nancy M. (wife of C. F. Payne,
of Howard County, Ark.), Wilson L. (died in the army and was buried near Holly Springs, Miss.), Harriet J.
(wife of Thomas Blackwell, farmer of Faulkner County, Ark.), and Wilburn B. (killed at the siege of Atlanta, in
1864, and buried there.)  David S. was reared to farm life, being deprived of the opportunity to attend school,
for, at the death of his father, he, as the oldest son, was obliged to assume a great responsibility.  This he
did faithfully, giving everything he made to his mother until he was twenty-two years old.  When about fifteen
years old he worked for 12 1/2 cents per day, in order to be of some help to the family.  In 1849 he married
Miss Catherine Turner, a daughter of Louis Turner, and a native of Georgia.  After his marriage Mr. Ramsey
engaged in farming for two years in Georgia, but in the fall of 1854 came to this county.  The first five years
of his residence here he rented land, and spent most of his time in hunting, as that was a source of great
profit, producing sometimes as high as $15 per day.  In 1855 he entered 160 acres of bottom land at 75 cents
per acre.  He added to this by buying and homesteading until he had 640 acres, and now has all but 160 which
he has given to his children.  He has cleared 150 acres and built a good substantial home. From the time of the
settlement to the war he lived on Section 31, Township 2, Range 14, and since then has lived one mile east of
that place.  Mr. Ramsey came to Arkansas to secure a home and escape paying rent and is much pleased with his
choice.  He speaks in high praise of the country, and thinks it the only place to live in.  He says there is a
good market for all kinds of products, and it is his desire that people shall enter who will help build up the
county.  When the war broke out he enlisted in the scout service, under Gen. Fagan, and remained with him till
the close of hostilities in 1865.  He was in the battles of Mount Elby, and at that time was slightly wounded,
also taking part in the engagement of Pilot Knob, and was paroled in Navarro County, Texas.  At the close of
the war he returned to the place where he now resides, having made numerous improvements since that time.  Mr.
and Mrs. Ramsey are the parents of twelve children, eight of whom survive:  William T. (born November 4, 1849),
Elizabeth (born October 24, 1851), Cynthia (born January 12, 1852), John W. (born July 4, 1858), James A. (born
October 8, 1862), Thomas F. (born October 12, 1867), Sarah F. (born August 31, 1863), Joseph S. (born October 9,
1865), and Rhoda Ann Belle (born January 9, 1873).  Mr. Ramsey is a supporter of the Baptist doctrine, and his
family are members of the Methodist Episcopal and Baptist Churches.  He is a member of Lodge No. 1319, K. of H.,
Benton, Arkansas, and though he takes no active part in politics he is a stanch Democrat.  His farm is stocked
with mules, horses, hogs and cattle.  He takes an active part in and gives his support to all enterprises for
the good of the county.


T. J. Roberts, among the most prominent farmers and stock raisers of this county, was born in North Carolina,
in 1825, and is the son of Thomas and Eliza (Worlick) [actually Warlick] Roberts, natives of the State of North
Carolina.  Thomas Roberts was a farmer, school teacher and surveyor, and resided in the county of his birth
until his death.  The Great-grandfather Worlick served in the Revolutionary War, together with four brothers.
They were all killed, the grandfather meeting his death at the hands of Tories and Indians while at home.  The
three brothers are mentioned in United States histories, as men deserving of emulation.  Thomas Roberts and wife
were the parents of twelve children, nine living till maturity, and four still surviving:  Rufus A. (in Dallas
County, Texas), Lucinda M. (wife of Henry Schank, in Cleveland County, N. C.), Cynthia E. (wife of Mr. Griffen,
in Ada), and Thomas J.  Thomas Roberts died in 1842, at the age of forty-two years.  He was born August 16, 1800,
married August 16, 1821, and died August 16.  He was a member of the Baptist Church, and took quite an active
part in the interest of his country as a member of the Whig party.  Mrs. Roberts, who was a member of the
Baptist church, died August 16, 1844, at the age of thirty-nine or forty.  When the mother died Thomas was only
seventeen years of age, but he was compelled to shift for himself.  He began by learning the tanner's trade,
while his oldest brother was a saddler, the next a tanner, and the two younger practitioners of medicine.  In
1846 the young man moved to Tennessee, and settled in Greene County, buying a tanyard one and one-half miles
from Bulls Gap.  There he lived for seven years, moving to this county in 1853.  Buying a tanyard, he remained
here for seven years, removing thence to White River, Independence County, in 1860, settling on White River,
close to Col. Morgan Magness, his third cousin.  He remained in that place and Batesville for two years, when,
in 1862, he moved near Little Rock.  Here, twelve miles north of the city, on the old Howell tanyard, he ran a
tanyard for one year.  He then returned to his old homestead in this county, and resumed his old business,
which he continued until 1875 or 1876.  He also made saddles for some time after the war.  In 1846 he was
married to Mrs. Mary L. Dickson, nee Houser.  Eight children were born to them:  Elizabeth (wife of T. J.
Highland, who lives in Hot Spring County), Cordelia (wife of William Williams, who lives in this county), Mary
L. (at home), John T. (deceased), William S. (lives in this county), Rufus P. (deceased, family resides in
Mississippi), Morgan L. (at home), and Faithie A. (wife of P. J. Bradfield.)  Mrs. Roberts was the mother of
one child by her first husband, J. F. Dickson, Nancy J. (widow of J. Williams.)  Mr. Dickson died August 16,
1845.  Mr. Roberts was postmaster at Blocher, in 1881, and has served his township (Marble) fourteen years as
justice of the peace.  He and his wife are both members of the Baptist church, and he is a believer in the
principles of Democracy.  Both the grandparents of Mrs. Roberts served in the Revolutionary War, being at the
battle of King's Mountain.  Grandfather Houser lived within two and one-half miles of the battlefield, and her
father bought bought the land on which the battle was fought.  The paternal grandmother lived to be one hundred
and five years old.  Her old home still stands, being made of stone.  The maternal grandfather, Benjamin Jones,
was all through the war, and was some eighty years old when he died, his wife Faithie, living to be eighty or
eighty-five years old.  T. J. Roberts own 180 acres of land, with fifty acres under cultivation.  As a resort
for travelers and tourists Mr. Robert's place has no superior in the State.  He has a splendid residence, and
fine springs of running waters.  He was a pioneer in this section of the country.


C. H. Rucker, a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Shaw Township, is a native of Georgia, and was born in
Franklin (now Banks) County on October 30, 1850, the son of Amos and Amanda (Furr) Rucker.  Amos Rucker was
born in 1825 in Franklin County, Ga., and his wife in Hall County in 1829.  The former was a farmer, and also
engaged in ginning and grain threshing.  In his political views he was Democratic and a believer in the
doctrine of the Baptist Church.  He was one of the leading citizens of the county in which he resided, and his
death, which occurred March 11, 1889, was regretted by the entire community.  His excellent wife survives him,
and resides on the old homestead.  They were the parents of twelve children:  Sarah L. (Rogers), Elizabeth M.
(Ray), Paul W. (married), Hester A. (Kidd), M. J. (O'Kelley), S. D. (Davenport), Augustus C. (deceased),
Claude, Melissa and Belle (at home), A. C. (deceased) and C. H. (the subject of this memoir).  C. H. Rucker
was reared to farm life, and received his education in the common schools of his native State.  When twenty-one
years old he was ambitious to begin life for himself, so engaged in farming, but realizing that it was not good
for man to be alone, he was married on October 30, 1870, to Miss Mattie Lile, a native of Georgia, and the
daughter of William and Eliza (Yarbrough) Lile.  After his marriage Mr. Rucker continued to reside in Georgia
until 1883, when he sold his property and moved to Saline County, Arkansas, landing at Benton on November 21,
1883.  That same year he purchased 150 acres in Shaw Township, with about twenty-seven acres under the plow,
and now has a large and finely cultivated farm, not to be surpassed by any of its size in the vicinity.  The
first five years of his residence here Mr. Rucker was in partnership with his brother in the ginning, saw and
grist milling business, but he sold his interest to his brother, and since that time has given his exclusive
attention to farming.  Mr. and Mrs. Rucker are the parents of seven children:  William A. (born September 12,
1872), Mattie and Minnie (twins, born March 11, 1875), Daisy Lee (born December 2, 1879), Cicero L. (born
January 5, 1883), and Marvin and Mertice (twins, born June 6, 1885).  Marvin died June 29, 1885.  Mr. Rucker
was identified with the temperance societies, and the Grange movement while in Georgia.  He is a Democrat in
his political views though not an enthusiast.  Himself and family are members of the New Friendship Baptist
Church, in which the former is clerk.  He has held the office of school director in his district, and not only
takes an interest, but contributes generously to all enterprises of a worthy character.


P. W. Rucker, farmer, miller and ginner, of Shaw Township, was born in Georgia, November 19, 1854, and received
his education in his native State.  He was engaged for three years in the mercantile business in Bank County,
Ga., and in 1880 came to Arkansas, pursuing the occupation of farming for three years, after which, in 1883,
he embarked in ginning and milling with D. S. Ramsey for three years, and then in partnership with his brother,
C. H. Rucker.  They were burned out in 1887, but rebuilt in 1888.  In the spring of 1889 Mr. Rucker bought his
brother's interest, and is now sole proprietor of the plant.  He is at present erecting a new gin-house and
mill, and is putting in new gin machinery and a Thomas press, the best press manufactured, and he will have the
satisfaction of knowing that he has the best plant in the country.  In addition to his mills Mr. Rucker has 120
acres of land, with forty under cultivation.  He was married, April 15, 1884, to Miss C. K. Ramsey, a daughter
of D. S. Ramsey, of Saline County, and to them have been born two children:  Augustus A. (born December 29, 1885),
and Sammie J. (born March 5, 1889).  Mr. and Mrs. Rucker are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and Mr.
Rucker is never behind in contributing and giving his support to all enterprises for the good and growth of the
county.


Hon. Alexander Russell, a man well known in public life, and one of the leading planters in Saline County, was
born in Orange County, N. C., near Chapel Hill, in 1832, and is a son of William and Jane (Thompson) Russell,
both natives of the same county and State, the father having been born in 1800 and the mother in 1797.  The
parents were married in the year 1831, and resided in their native place until 1848, when they came by wagon to
Saline County, Arkansas, the trip taking two months.  They settled on a small improved farm in Bryant Township,
where they resided until the mother's death in 1882, when the father then went to live with his children, with
whom he remained until his death on May 27, 1889.  Both parents were members of the Methodist Church, and
devout Christian people.  The mother, although somewhat of an invalid all her life, never took a spoonful of
medicine from a physician, and in her old age could read fine print without glasses and thread a cambric needed.
She died at the age of eighty-five years, and during her life was a model housekeeper.  Her father, the Hon.
John Thompson, of North Carolina, was one of the distinguished men of that State, and served several terms in
the legislature.  He was well known throughout the South, and was one of the most prominent men in public life
in that section.  By occupation he was a farmer and miller, and was very successful in those callings.  The
paternal grandfather, John Russell, was a native of Ireland, and a weaver by trade, who left his country from
persecution.  He took part in the Revolutionary War, and after that event moved to the State of North Carolina
and settled in Orange County, where he resided all his life.  His son, William Russell, previously mentioned,
was an active and enterprising citizen of Saline County after his arrival in Arkansas, and a well-known figure
in political circles, but never aspired to public office.  He was a member of Benton Lodge No. 34, A. F. & A. M.,
and stood high in Masonic circles.  His wife had been previously married, her first husband having been Mr.
George Johnston, by whom she had three sons and one daughter.  Alex. Russell was one of four children born to
the second marriage, of whom three were girls, and two yet living.  He received a fair education in the log-cabin
schools of his birthplace, and by self-tuition acquired a good mastery over the English branches.  He was
married in Saline County in the year 1850 to Sarah, daughter of John and Nancy Nelson, of North Carolina, by
whom he has had eight children, all sons, and four yet living:  Henry Bascom (a successful farmer, also engaged
in merchandising), John A. (a well-known lumberman), Ezekiel and James (twins, and both teachers).  All of them
received the best of educations, and the last two at the State University.  During the Civil War Mr. Russell
enlisted in Company K, Eleventh Arkansas Infantry, and after about two months' service ill-health forced him to
leave.  Upon recovering he joined Company E, Second Arkansas Infantry, and operated in Tennessee, Kentucky and
Mississippi, taking part in the principal battles in those States.  He held the rank of lieutenant, but
commanded the company almost the entire time.  After reaching home in 1874 his party elected him to the
legislature, and during his term of two years was chairman of several select committees, viz.:  On claims,
county lines and circuit courts, and was also a member of the Agricultural Committee and Committee on Elections
and Insurance.  In politics he is a Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Buchanan in 1856.  He is
an influential man with his party, and a stanch supporter of its men and principles.  Mr. Russell is one of the
most active citizens in the county in furthering its development.  He has twice been a delegate to the State
Agricultural association, and for one year was its vice-president.  In 1877 he was appointed by the Governor as
a delegate to the cotton convention in Georgia, but owning to sickness was unable to attend.  During the war he
lost almost his entire property and in fact everything he possessed, but since that time he has again built up
his fortune in that manner that excites the admiration of every one, and now owns, besides his other interests,
300 acres of fertile land, with 100 acres under cultivation.


Patrick Scott, an esteemed and popular citizen of Saline Township, was born in St. Clair County, Ala., December
3, 1826, and is the son of William M. Scott, one of the early settlers, having come here in 1833.  Mr. Scott was
one of the commissioners who laid out and helped to form the present survey of the county.  He represented the
county in an early day legislature, and was a botanic physician of no mean ability.  Patrick Scott is the fifth
in a family of eleven children, seven of whom are now living.  He came to Arkansas in the latter part of 1833,
and was educated in the schools of Alabama and Arkansas.  He chose to follow his father's occupation, and that
he made a success of his choice, that of farming, is proven beyond a doubt.  When twenty-three years old he was
married to Miss Jane Nelson, a native of North Carolina, and the daughter of John and Nancy (Burnsides) Nelson.
She was born September 25, 1826, and married August 9, 1849.  Their marriage has been blessed with nine children:
A. W. (born August 5, 1850, married), Mary T. (born October 4, 1852, died February 1, 1857), John M. (born October
17, 1854, married), Laura A. (born December 15, 1856, now Mrs. Tarplay), Patrick H. (born July 10, 1859, married),
W. C. (born February 4, 1872, deceased May 8, 1885), Benjamin T. (born March 17, 1864, unmarried and a minister of
the Methodist Episcopal Church), R. A. (born February 12, 1867, married), and Samuel B. (born August 27, 1869, a
student of Fayetteville University).  Shortly after his marriage Mr. Scott settled on the farm where he now
resides, consisting of about 270 acres with 100 under cultivation.  He erected fine buildings, including house,
etc., and good fences.  The orchards are second to none in the county, and altogether it is one of the finest
farms in that part of the country.  During the last eight or ten years Mr. Scott has made his own and neighbors'
sorghum, and has always raised all crops necessary for his own use.  During the war Mr. Scott remained at home,
so was never injured nor did he suffer particular inconvenience, consequently he harbors no prejudices against
any one.  He is one of those quiet, unassuming men who has never aspired to official positions or filled any
office except that of director of school district.  In politics he sides with the Democrats.  He is a member of
Benton Lodge No. 34, A. F. & A. M., and himself and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Since
1860 Mr. Scott has been a minister of that church, and in 1867 was ordained deacon; in 1871 ordained elder, and
has always been an earnest worker in the church and Sunday school.  He was the leading spirit in locating and
securing the Salem camp-ground in 1867, which is probably one of the most noted places of that kind in the State,
and also helped to organize the Salem Church in 1859.  Mr. Scott is not a follower, but a leader in all
enterprises that betoken the good or growth of the country.


Joseph Scott, prominently numbered among the pioneer settlers of Saline County, was born in St. Clair County,
Ala., in 1829, and was the sixth in a family of nine children, of whom seven are living, born to William Milton
and Annie (Scott) Scott. The former was a native of South Carolina, and in an early day went to Alabama (about
1818), in 1833 emigrating to this county, then a wild waste and thinly settled, and where game was abundant. He
located in Pulaski (now Saline) County, and engaged in farming and took an active part in the county's formation,
subsequently serving in the legislature, and also as county and probate judge. His death occurred in 1857, but
his esteemed wife survived until 1867. Joseph Scott was reared to farm life, being educated in the subscription
schools, and aided in clearing up the old homestead. He commenced farming for himself in Saline Township, and was
married here in 1850 to Elizabeth Dodd, a native of Alabama and a daughter of David and Sarah Dodd, who came to
Arkansas about 1836. Mr. Dodd served the county two terms in the legislature, being a prominent Whig leader. His
death occurred in 1870. Mr. Scott's first wife died in 1856. By that union he had two children, both living:
Henry Scott (who resides in Downey, Cal., where he holds the position of cashier of a bank), and David M. (engaged
in farming in the State of Texas). Mr. Scott was again married in 1857, Sarah E. Lindsey, of Saline County, and a
daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Milliner) Lindsey, of Alabama, becoming his wife. Mr. Lindsey came to Arkansas at
a very early day, where he engaged in farming. Both have been dead for some years. Mr. Scott enlisted in 1864
under Col. Crawford and was with Gen. Price in his raid through Missouri, being paroled in 1865, and returning to
Saline County, where he resumed farming. He owns a part of the original homestead of 160 acres, and has since
added to it, owning at this time 600 acres, 200 of which are under cultivation, devoted principally to corn and
small grain. He also raises some stock. Mr. Scott has been elected on the Democratic ticket to the offices of
county judge and probate judge, holding these offices for some twelve or fourteen years from his first election
in 1854. He has also served as justice of the peace for several years. A prominent member of Benton Lodge No. 34,
A. F. & A. M., he has been worshipful master several times. He is also a member of the Chapter at Little Rock.
Mr. Scott lost his second wife September 8, 1887, who left five children, all of whom are living: Joseph B.
(married and in Saline, and a teacher by profession), Thomas D. (a Methodist Episcopal minister, of Chicot
County), Mary Ann (now Mrs. Pelton, of this county), Isabella (at home), John W. (also at home) and one child
(deceased). Mr. Scott has also served as deputy sheriff. His aid and influence have ever been given to the growth
and welfare of this locality.


Winfrey G. Scott, one of the well-known dealers in general merchandise at Benton, Ark., was born in Saline
Township, Saline County, in 1837, and is a son of William M. and Anna Scott, who were born in 1794 and 1799,
respectively. The parents were married and moved to Saline County in 1833, settling at a point about five miles
northwest of where Benton now stands.  The surrounding country at that time was a wilderness, and Little Rock
itself nothing but a trading post.  They resided at that place for about two years, and then settled on the
military road, a small improved tract of land some three miles northeast of Benton, where the father died in 1857.
The mother followed him in 1875, dying in the town of Benton.  The elder Scott was a farmer of wide acquaintance
during his life, and, as elsewhere mentioned, a botanical physician of extensive reputation.  He served as county
judge for some years, and was also elected to the legislature.  He was a self-made man in every respect, and was
highly esteemed throughout the surrounding country.  He was a prominent member of the A. F. & A. M. for many years.
Winfrey G. Scott was the tenth of eleven children born to his parents, and attended private schools about three
months of the year.  During the Civil War he served three years in the Confederate army, and was a member of
Company E, First Arkansas Infantry, for about one year.  He was discharged from this company on account of ill-
health, but on recovering joined a company of cavalry in Gen. Fagan's army, and operated one year in Arkansas,
serving until July, 1864, when he was captured in Arkansas and confined for nearly three months at Little Rock,
and from there taken to Alton, Ill., and kept a prisoner until the close of the war.  he took part in many
skirmishes, the last one being the occasion of bravery, which was rewarded with a promotion to lieutenant.  In
1867 he was married to Sarah Frances, a daughter of William S. and Mary Lee, who moved from Tennessee, their
native State, to Saline County, Ark., where they passed the remainder of their days.  Mrs. Scott departed this
life in 1875, and in 1876 Mr. Scott was married to Sarah Emeline, a daughter of Thomas and Marium R. Poe, who
died in what is now Grant County.  This marriage gave Mr. and Mrs. Scott one son, Thomas M.  Mr. Scott and his
family continued to reside on the old homestead until the year 1883, when he moved to Benton, where he has
accumulated considerable good business property, and also owns a nice cottage residence, all of it having been
made by his own energy and business tact.  In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and a stout upholder of that
party since he cast his first presidential vote for Breckenridge in 1860.  He also belongs to the Knights of
Honor, Saline Lodge No. 1319, and is chaplain of that lodge.  He and wife are both members of the Methodist
Church, to which the former has belonged for over thirty years.


E. W. Searcy, farmer and stock raiser, of Holland Township, Saline County, whose birth occurred in Alabama, in
1847, is the son of Reuben and Isabella (McDonald) Searcy, both natives of Alabama.  Mr. Searcy moved to Bradley
County, Ark., in 1857, and remained there for some time.  He died in 1881, his wife surviving him only one year.
They were members of the Baptist Church, and were married in 1825, becoming the parents of twelve children, nine
of whom lived to age of maturity (and six of whom are now living):  Nancy E. (deceased, married E. M. Fikes),
Isabella (wife of W. L. Moore), Margarett (wife of J. F. Henson), Melvina (wife of E. Stenson), J. B. Polina
(deceased, wife of W. J. Thomas), J. R. (deceased), Sarah J. (deceased, wife of W. S. Whaley), E. W. (the subject
of this sketch), Dora E. (wife of Z. T. Moore), B. Y. (deceased), Sarah A. (deceased), and Napoleon (deceased).
At the age of twenty-two E. W. Searcy commenced life for himself as a farmer in Cleveland County, on his father's
land, where he remained until the war, going in 1863 to Texas with his parents, where he continued until after
the conflict closed.  In 1866 he moved to Claiborne Parish, La., but one year later went to Drew County, and then
to Texas, staying one year in each place.  Returning to Cleveland County he engaged in farming, and also opened
up a store of general merchandise, finally selling out the latter business and turning his whole attention to
farming.  Mr. Searcy purchased his present farm in 1886, consisting of 120 acres, twenty acres of which were
cleared.  He now has over eighty acres in cultivation, and is preparing to build several houses.  He intends to
make a specialty of stock raising.  In 1869 he married Miss L. C. Parks, of Texas, daughter of Newton and Mary
(Moore) Parks.  Mr. and Mrs. Searcy are the parents of seven children:  Mary E. (a teacher), James N., Lulia B.,
Ruth, John R., Mason and Garland.  They are both members of the Missionary Baptist Church.  Mr. Searcy is a
liberal patron of both church and school work, and of all enterprises for the upbuilding and development of his
adopted home.  He has just completed a steam-power cotton and grist mill combined, and thoroughly understanding
the business, will undoubtedly enjoy a large patronage.


H. Carlton Shaw.  Among the prominent and popular men of the county is H. C. Shaw, familiarly known as "Carl Shaw."
He is a native of Georgia, was born April, 1853, and is the son of Hiram M. and Elizabeth (Arnold) Shaw, natives of
South Carolina, but who were married in Gwinnett County, Ga., in 1833.  They moved to Walker County, Ga., the year
before the Indians were driven out of the territory (in 1837), and lived there till 1857, when they came to Saline
County, Ark., and settling on what is known as the Shaw farm.  Hiram Shaw was one of the influential citizens of
the settlement, and in 1877 headed the petition and was the leading spirit in securing the present lines of Shaw
Township.  As would be supposed the township was named for him, and very properly too, for he was one of the men
that brought the locality up to its present standard.  During his residence in Georgia he filled the different
positions of county judge, sheriff and county and circuit clerk of this county.  After coming to Arkansas he was
not active in local politics, but voted the Democratic ticket.  He was postmaster for several years at Merit, and
at the time of his death, in 1875, owned 160 acres of land with sixty under cultivation and otherwise improved.
His excellent wife still survives him, and is residing at the old homestead.  They were the parents of ten children,
seven of whom are still living:  Permelia (wife of W. W. White, of Saline County), Emma (wife of E. Anderson, of
Georgia), Blanche (wife of James A. Barnes, deceased, in Saline County), Joseph W. (physician and surgeon, of
Garland County, Ark.), Rebecca C. (wife of William H. Howard, a farmer and teacher in Shaw Township), James H.,
Martin A. and Virgil N. (lost in the late war), Martha C. (wife of J. B. Miller, a farmer of this county), and H. C.
(the subject of this sketch).  Carl was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools of his
county, later spending one year at the Benton school.  When twenty-one years of age he started in life for himself
and was engaged in farming on the old home place, and on February 19, 1878, was married to Miss Emeline Logan, a
daughter of James Harvey and Angelina (Eskew) Logan.  Mr. Logan was a native of Tennessee, and his wife of Arkansas.
Their daughter was born in Saline County, Ark., on May 7, 1862, they having emigrated to this State in 1840.  Mr.
and Mrs. Shaw are the parents of six children, five of whom are living:  Hollie H. (born May 17, 1879), M. C. (born
December 15, 1880), Martin Logan (born February 11, 1883, died March 8, 1883), Haly Augustus (born February 25, 1884),
Hiram Cole (born February 19, 1886) and Ava Ethel (born March 17, 1889).  After his marriage Mr. Shaw moved to the
place where he now resides, and has improved it to such an extent that one would scarcely recognize it as being the
same.  A good house is among the improvements, and everything about the place indicates the presence of thrift and
prosperity.  He has forty-two acres under a high state of cultivation, also eighty acres of the old home place, with
forty-five of that under the plow.  He has held the office of justice of the peace for some years, also postmaster in
his township.  He is a supporter of the principles of the Agricultural Wheel, and himself and wife are members of the
Missionary Baptist Church.  Mr. Shaw has always taken active interest in the schools of his county, and it is such
men as he that build up towns and villages, for without them the world would make but little progress.  He honors the
Democratic party with his vote, and has a very decided influence in local politics.


John G. Shepard is among the prominent and enterprising citizens of Traskwood Township, for which he has been
magistrate a number of years.  He is a native of Tennessee and was born in Hickman County, March 17, 1833, being one
of thirteen children in the family of Thomas and Permelia (Gohight) Shepard, originally from Georgia and South
Carolina, respectively.  Eleven children are living and reside in different parts of the country.  Thomas Shepard
was married in Mississippi, but lived in Tennessee for a good many years.  He was justice of the peace twenty years,
and a very popular and influential citizen, dying in Tennessee at the age of seventy-nine; his wife still survives
at the age of seventy-nine.  John G. Shepard was reared to farm life, and as the facilities for schooling were very
meager his education was limited, but, nevertheless, he is a well-informed man, as he has read and studied a great
deal.  At the age of twenty he was marred to Miss Judith H. Trout, a native of Tennessee, and in 1860 he came to
Saline County, settling where he now resides.  Mrs. Shepard died in 1862, leaving one child, William Thomas,
married, and a prosperous farmer in Texas.  Mr. Shepard's second and present wife was Mrs. Nancy Pelton, widow of
William B. Pelton.  By this union three children have been born:  Andrew A. (born April 1, 1866, married),
Christopher C. (born April 10, 1869, married), Nancy L. (died when an infant).  In 1862 Mr. Shepard enlisted in the
Sixth Arkansas Infantry and participated in the battles of Helena and Jenkins' Ferry, but was not captured nor wounded.
After being paroled at Marshall, Tex., in 1865, he returned home and engaged in farming.  In politics he is identified
with the Democratic party.  He was elected as magistrate in 1878, and with the exception of two years has served since
that time. He has married about twenty-five couples, and is now justice of the peace.  Fifteen years ago he was elected
school director, a position he has continued to hold.  Mr. and Mrs. Shepard are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, in which he was steward and trustee for years.  The latter has two children by her former marriage:  Isham M.
and Sarah M.  Mr. Shepard owns a good farm of 118 acres on Clift Creek, with sixty acres cultivated.  During his
residence in Arkansas he has cleared forty acres, and the careful attention paid to keeping the farm in good condition
shows that "the grass has no chance to grow" under his industrious efforts.  In 1887 the home was destroyed by fire,
but a new frame house now stands in its place.  Mr. Shepard has taken an active interest in public enterprises, and
there is probably no one in the county who has done more toward securing a good school and furniture for this community.
He always favors long terms of schools and competent teachers.  The Fair Play Lodge No. 32. A. F. & A. M, counts him as
one of its members, and during their continuance here he was a member of the K. of L. and Agricultural Wheel.  He
also belongs to the Grange.


M. C. Shepherd, who occupies a place of prominence among the merchants, farmers, and well-known citizens of Saline
County, was born in North Carolina in 1840, and was the youngest of three sons and five daughters born to his parents,
the mother dying a few days after his birth, and the father when he was but six or seven years old.  After the latter's
death the family became separated, and M. C. resided with different relatives in his native State until the year 1851,
then coming to Saline County with a cousin, William Shepherd, with whom he remained until the outbreak of the Civil War.
On that occasion he joined Company A, Eleventh Arkansas Infantry, and fought gallantly for the Southern cause until his
capture at Island No. 10, when he was taken to Camp Douglas, Ill., and confined for four or five months under a strong
guard.  He was afterward transferred to Vicksburg and exchanged, and again joined his command in time to take part in
the battles of Jackson, Miss., Port Hudson, and a number of others.  In 1864 he was promoted to the rank of sergeant,
and was sent to Arkansas to look up deserters from the army, and while near his home was again captured, and this time
taken to Little Rock, where he was compelled to take the oath of allegiance.  In 1865* Mr. Shepherd was married to Sarah,
a daughter of William T. and Sarah Poe, of Alabama, who moved to Arkansas about the year 1852, and settled in what is
now Grant County.  The father lived to an advanced age, and after the war was elected county judge of Grant County,
and was also justice of the peace for his township.  Mrs. Shepherd died one year after her marriage, and on June 15,
1867, Mr. Shepherd was married to Mary J., a daughter of Hiram and Elizabeth Hogue, of South Carolina and Tennessee,
respectively, who moved from the latter State to Arkansas at an early period.  The mother died in Grant County, but the
father is still living and resides in Saline County. Ten children were born to Mr. Shepherd's second marriage, of whom
two sons and four daughters are yet living.  He first settled in Grant County, on arriving in Arkansas, and resided
there until 1876, when he moved to Saline County, locating in Bryant.  In 1879 he built the first store west of the
railroad at Bryant, being compelled to cut away the brush in order to do so.  He then sold goods at that place for
several years, but finally returned to farm life, and continued at it for one year, when he established another store.
He alternated between farming and merchandising until 1889, when he opened up his present store, and is now one of the
leading and most enterprising merchants in his locality.  Besides this business, he owns some 358 acres of fertile land,
and has placed eighty acres under cultivation, all of it made by his own individual effort and good management.  In
politics he is a Democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Greeley in 1872, and has served as postmaster of
Bryant for about four years.  In secret societies he is a member of Bryant Lodge No. 441, A. F. & A. M, and in religious
faith has belonged to the Missionary Baptist Church for about twenty-five years, while his estimable wife attends the
Methodist Church.
*The original Goodspeed had a typo of 1886 instead of 1865.

John F. Shoemaker, formerly county clerk of Saline County, and one of the most enterprising men within its limited, was
born in Winston County, Miss., in March, 1846, his parents being Lindsay F. and Jefsonia M. (Coulter) Shoemaker, natives
of Alabama and Tennessee, respectively, though reared in Mississippi.  Lindsay Shoemaker was a millwright by trade, and was
educated in the country schools.  After marrying he settled in Leake County, Miss., engaging in the mill business.  Here
he remained until 1856, when he moved to this county and resumed his former occupation, giving it his attention, with the
exception of two years, until his death, in 1870.  He was married in 1844, becoming the father of eight children.  Four
of these died while young and four are still living:  John F. (who forms the subject of this sketch), America M. (wife of
G. W. Ogle, who resides in this place), Mary T. (wife of C. A. Payne, of Shaw, this county), and William W. (married and
in Little Rock).  Mrs. Shoemaker died about 1866.  In 1869 Mr. Shoemaker was again united in marriage.  His wife was Mrs.
Harriet McClue, daughter of W. Brents.  By this union there was one child, which died when young.  Mrs. Shoemaker still
lives, residing with her son John.  Mr. Shoemaker had been justice of the peace of this township, and was a member of the
I.O.O.F.  John F., whose name heads this sketch, was reared and educated in Benton, working at the milling business until
1880, when he was elected county and circuit clerk.  This office he filled for eight years.  Since the expiration of his
term of office he has been engage din buying and selling scrip.  He was married in 1871 to Miss Susan E. McClue, daughter
of John and Harriet E. (Brents) McClue.  Five children were born to them, four now living:  C. E., Clard E., Hattie W.
and Wilbur.  In 1864 Mr. Shoemaker joined the Confederate army, enlisting in Company B, First Cavalry Regiment of Trans-
Mississippi department, commanded by Col. W. A. Crawford.  he served faithfully until his discharge on the Trinity River,
Tex., participating in the battles of Pilot Knob, Mo., Independence, Mo., and nearly all the battles on Gen. Price's raid
through Missouri in 1864.  After the close of the war he came home and engaged in the milling business with his father
until the latter's death.  Mr. Shoemaker is a member of Benton Lodge, A. F. & A. M, and quite a society man.  He heartily
supports all movements tending to increase the welfare of his county, and is an earnest advocate of public improvements.
He owns some valuable property in this city, prominent among which is a beautiful residence and a splendid store building.
Politically he is a Democrat, taking an active interest in the party movement of his county.  He is practically a self-made
man, coming here when small, and not receiving the advantages of a liberal education in his boyhood days.  By close
application, however, he has qualified himself for any position of trust within the power of his acquaintances to bestow.


John F. Shoppach, the present popular and efficient sheriff of Saline County, was first elected to this position in the
fall of 1880, and by reason of his peculiar fitness for the place has since continued to discharge the duties of that
office, having served as deputy for four years.  Born in Shaw Township, Saline County, April 15, 1849, he was the third
in a family of six children born to John W. and Libbie (Pelton) Shoppach), the former of whom came to this country about
1836.  He was married in Saline County in 1838, settling in what is now Shaw Township, where he entered a piece of land,
and in 1853 moved to Benton.  He was engaged as deputy clerk, then justice of the peace for some years, and was elected
clerk of the county in 1852, an office that he held until 1861, or up to the time of his death.  He was a member of Benton
Lodge No. 34, A. F. & A. M  His excellent wife still survives him, and resides in Benton.  John F. Shoppach was reared in
Benton, being favored with an attendance in the public schools, and in May, 1863, enlisted for the war before he was of
age.  He was in Col. Crawford's First Mississippi Cavalry, and participated in the battles of Pilot Knob, as well as with
Gen. Price on his raid through Missouri, at Jefferson City, Blue Gap, Kansas City and Newtonia.  Remaining with his
regiment until the close of service, he returned to Benton in May, 1865, and engaged in farming, following that until
elected deputy sheriff.  He is a prominent Democrat, and is a member of Benton Lodge No. 34, A. F. & A. M, in which order he
has served as junior warden.  He is also a member of the Knights of Honor, belonging to Saline Lodge No. 1319, in this he
is past dictator, having served two terms as dictator.  Mr. Shoppach was married in 1868 to Miss Mary S. Homan, a native
of Saline County, and daughter of Samuel and Martha (Roland) Homan.  Mr. and Mrs. Homan came to Saline County at an early
day, but are both now deceased.  By this union two children were born, Luther and John.  Mr. Shoppach has seen the complete
development of Saline County, and has been identified with every enterprise for its good as well as for Benton's advancement.
The respect accorded him is extensive.  He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.


J. P. Smith, Sr., a member of the substantial firm of J. P. Smith & Co., became engaged in his present business in 1886, a
full and complete line of dry-goods and groceries being carried.  Prior to that time he was occupied in business with H. S.
Glenn.  Mr. Smith was born in DeKalb County, Ga., in 1849, the second in a family of seven children born to J. M. and
Elizabeth (Bradley) Smith.  The father, a farmer by occupation, opened up a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits, but
in 1856 moved to Tippah County, Miss., where he remained three years, in 1859 coming to Saline County, Ark.  He bought land
in Hurricane Township, and also entered a quarter section of land there at 12 1/2 cents per acre, to which subsequent
additions have been made.  He then cleared over 100 acres, improved it, and made that his permanent home until his death,
which occurred in 1885.  He belonged to the Baptist Church, as did also his excellent wife, who survives him, and resides
on the old homestead.  Mr. J. P. Smith was reared to farm life, and educated in the schools of Saline County, being obliged
to dig and delve at home for his education.  He commenced farming for himself in Hurricane Township, but finally left the
farm and came to Benton in 1879, where he has since been engaged, the first three years as clerk, and afterward in
business for himself.  The success accorded him is most encouraging.  Mr. Smith was married in February, 1884, to Miss
Mary Hutchinson, a native of Greene County, Ga.  She was educated at the Female Seminary at Greensboro, Ga., and is a
daughter of Charles and Mary Hutchinson.  Her father came to Saline County in 1885, and died in 1886, but, her mother
having died when she was quite young, she was reared by her grandparents.  Mr. Hutchinson was sheriff of Greene County,
Ga., for some years.  Mr. Smith is a prominent Democrat, and a member of Benton Lodge No. 34, A. F. & A. M, of which he was
worshipful master for two years, and is senior warden of the order at the present time.  He has seen the full development
of the county, and is conscious of having borne a part in its advancement; land that he once knew as swamps, covered with
water, now form beautiful and highly cultivated farms.  Mr. and Mrs. Smith are both members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South.


Mack H. Staner, prominent among the farmers and stock raisers of Jefferson Township, this county, was born in Tennessee in
1832.  His father, Coonrad Staner, was a native of North Carolina, who married Miss Delila Holmes, of Tennessee nativity.
They came to Arkansas about the year 1849, and settled in Saline County, where Mr. Staner purchased 120 acres of improved
land, on which he resided until his death, in the year 1857.  He was the father of eleven children, four of whom are living:
Levanna (widow of George James, lives in Saline County), Polly (widow of John Morgan, lives in Perry County), Peter (lives
in this county), Mack H. (the subject of this sketch) and Michael (living in Perry County).  Mr. Staner believed in the
principles of Democracy.  He and his wife, who died about 1858, were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Their son,
Mack, at the age of twenty-one years, began farming in this county on land he leased for four years.  At the expiration of
this lease, he rented until the death of his father, when he purchased the place on which he now resides, consisting of 120
acres with about 100 acres under cultivation, upon which are excellent buildings, barns, outhouses, etc.  He raises a large
number of horses and hogs, and realizes handsome profits.  In 1861 he joined the Confederate army, enlisting in Company D,
Eleventh Arkansas Infantry Regiment, and serving east of the Mississippi River.  He participated in the following battles:
Port Hudson (where he was promoted to lieutenant for meritorious service), Holly Springs, Miss., Island No. 10 and a number
of minor engagements.  In 1862 or 1863 he was captured at Island No. 10 and sent north to Camp Butler, Ill., where he was
held for five months.  After being paroled he came to Vicksburg, Miss., and thence to Port Hudson.  When Vicksburg fell he
was between the two places--Vicksburg and Port Hudson.  His colonel, pressing horses into service, mounted his men and
operated between the two places.  Coming back to this side of the river in 1864, he rejoined the Confederacy in arms and
served until the close of the war, surrendering at Benton, this county, in 1865.  He returned home, but his solitary
possession was the horse that carried him in the war.  He prospered, however, and in 1866 was married to Miss Harriet Glenn,
a native of this State.  She and Mrs. Taylor were murdered in 1878, during the absence of Mr. Staner in Litte Rock on
business, the murderer being a nephew of Mack.  His object was robbery, and he succeeded in getting some $200, but was
hanged in Benton in 1879, after making a confession.  Mr. Staner was married the second time to Miss Fannie Higginbotham, of
Alabama, in 1883.  She was born in 1862, the daughter of Henry and Rebecca (Franklin) Higginbotham, natives, respectively,
of Alabama and South Carolina.  Mr. and Mrs. Higginbotham were the parents of three children, two of whom are now living:
David (deceased), J. H. (who resides in Texas) and Mrs. Staner.  Mr. Higginbotham was first married to a Miss Little, who
presented to him two children:  William (residing in Pulaski County, Ark.) and James (deceased).  Mr. Higginbotham died in
1862 and his wife in 1888.  They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Mr. and Mrs. Staner, having no
children, are rearing a little niece of Mrs. Staner, Florence Higginbotham.  He is a member of Paran Lodge No. 309, A. F. &
A. M, and with his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Being a strong Democrat he takes much interest in
the politics of his county.  He is also an active champion of schools, churches, etc.


Joseph Taylor, justly recognized as one of the prominent farmers of Brazil, Holland Township, owns a fine farm in Section 13,
and is an agriculturist of worth and influence.  He was born in Hot Spring County, in 1844, being the oldest in a family of
nine children born to John and Sarah Frances (Bartlett) Taylor, natives of Missouri and Kentucky, respectively.  John Taylor
came to Saline County in 1841, and settled in what is now Jefferson Township, where he bought a farm, but has since moved
several times.  He still resides in Jefferson Township, his wife having passed from this life in 1874.  Joseph Taylor was
reared to farm life, attended the district schools of Jefferson Township, and later enlisted in the Federal army, at Little
Rock, in 1863, joining Company M, of the Seventh Missouri Cavalry, for three years or during the war.  He was in the battle
of Marks' Mills, and served in other places with the obedience and patriotism of a true soldier.  In 1865 he received an
honorable discharge at Little Rock, when he returned to Saline County, and in October of that year bought a partially
improved farm of 120 acres, which he further improved until now he has over seventy acres under cultivation, raising a good
grade of cattle and horses.  Mr. Taylor was married here, in 1865, to Lettia Robinson, a native of this county, and a
daughter of David and Lucinda (James) Robinson.  The former was a native of Missouri, and came to Saline County in 1840,
settling in Dyer Township.  His death occurred in 1880; his wife still survives, and lives on the old homestead.  By this
union nine children were born:  Samuel (married, and lives in Jefferson Township), Robert, Sarah Ellen (now Mrs. R. Garrett,
and who lives in Holland Township), Ruth B. (now Mrs. R. T. McDonald, also of this township), Daniel Sherman, Joseph Grant,
Melissa Obedn, Lelitia and Elinora.  Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.  Mr. Taylor has been
a participant in the growth of Saline County, and has watched with interest the development of a higher and better moral
character in its inhabitants.  His name is a synonym of honor wherever known.


Capt. W. W. Thompson, one of the pioneer settlers of Saline County, Ark., and a man whose reputation has not suffered by
reason of long residence in this community, was born in Rhea County, East Tenn., in 1828, being the only child of Barbara
Thompson.  She was a native of Pennsylvania, her birth occurring in 1794, and she could just remember moving to Tennessee
when but a child.  That State was then a wilderness, inhabited by only a few people.  She lived to the age of ninety years.
Young Thompson grew to manhood on the home farm, receiving such an education as the subscription schools of Tennessee, his
native State, afforded.  There he was married in 1848 to Margaret Isabella Ferguson, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter
of John and Myra (Cooper) Ferguson.  Mr. Ferguson resided in Tennessee all of his life, his father, John Ferguson, having
moved to that State from North Carolina, at a very early day.  Grandfather Cooper moved from South Carolina to Tennessee,
many years ago.  He was one of Marion's soldiers in the Revolutionary War.  Capt. Thompson left Tennessee in 1851; crossing
to Saline County, Ark., he settled in what is now Shaw Township, where he entered land and improved it, clearing some
twenty acres which he then sold and entered eighty acres in Shaw Township; of this he cleared sixty acres, and made that
place his home until 1867, when he enlisted, in 1862, to Company B, Twenty-fifth Arkansas Infantry, for twelve months, as
orderly-sergeant, after which he re-enlisted for three years or during the war.  At the reorganization of his company after
the battle of Corinth, he was made first lieutenant, thus serving until after the battle of Murfreesboro, in February 1863,
when he was promoted to captain of his company, a position that he held until the close of the war.  Capt. Thompson was in
the battles of Richmond, Ky., Murfreesboro, Chickamauga and in all of the engagements of the Georgia campaign, except while
in the hospital during sickness caused from exposure.  He was paroled in 1865, at Little Rock, and returned to Saline County,
again engaging in farming.  In 1868 he traded his land for a farm on the river, which he occupied until 1870, also operating
a steam-mill, and at that time moved to Benton.  During the ten years of his residence there, he took an active part in
politics, and was elected sheriff in 1872 on the Democratic ticket, which office he held for four terms, to his own credit
and the satisfaction of all concerned.  He has also held the positions of junior warden and senior warden in the Masonic
lodge, of which he is a member.  Besides he belongs to Benton Lodge No. 34, A. F. & A. M, and to Saline Lodge No. 1317, Knights
of Honor.  In 1880 Capt. Thompson left Benton, moving to his present farm of 300 acres, 100 acres of which are under a high
state of cultivation.  He in addition has the control of over 300 acres.  Capt. Thompson and wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.  They are the parents of seven children:  Mary (now Mrs. Stowers), Tennessee Jane (now Mrs. Shoppach,
residing near by), William A. (married and in the county), Richard H. (married and in Texas, where he is engaged in farming),
John, Samuel and Nora Lee.  They have given their children a good education.  Capt. Thompson is practically a self-made man,
having gained all that he is worth by his own industry and frugality.  His acquaintance is a wide and honored one.


Dr. J. W. Walton, physician and surgeon, of Traskwood Township, was born in Saline (now Grant) County, January 23, 1863, and
is the son of James and Angelena (Poe) Walton, natives of Mississippi and Arkansas, respectively.  James Walton came to
Arkansas in 1860 and followed the occupation of a carpenter for one year, but afterward engaged in farming.  He enlisted in
the army at the commencement of hostilities, and was killed at or near Atlanta, Ga.  His body, like many others, fills an
unknown grave.  Mrs. Walton was a daughter of Simon B. Poe, a farmer and native of North Carolina, and a distant relative of
Edgar Allen Poe.  Mrs. Walton's death occurred in 1866, she leaving two small children to fight life's battles for themselves.
Newton J. Walton, the older of the brothers, is now married and resides in Lonoke County, Ark.  Dr. J. W. Walton lived with
his maternal grandparents, S. B. Poe and wife, the latter's death occurring in 1874.  He then cared for his grandmother, the
support of her and a daughter devolving upon him for eight years.  When Miss Poe was married J. W. was free to set for himself.
From six to eleven years of age he attended school in Little Rock, and from his eleventh to his twenty-second year passed
through the experiences mentioned.  During the years 1882 and 1884 he worked at farming and stock trading, but in the spring
of 1885 entered the Redfield school at Redfield, Jefferson County, Ark.  In 1886 and 1887 he attended the Benton graded school.
Long before this time young Walton had decided that he should study medicine, so from the latter part of 1887 until the fall
of 1888 he studied faithfully, and in 1889 took a course in the medical department of the Arkansas Industrial University at
Little Rock.  In April 1889, he became the partner of Dr. D. N. Fisher, and in that connection is rapidly building up an
enviable reputation.  One of the harder features of his work is driving to surrounding localities, but this he does not mind,
being assured a hearty welcome, and the country at large look upon him as the direct alleviation of their suffering.  Dr.
Walton owns 140 acres of land in Grant County, thirty of which are cultivated, the balance being covered with good timber.
He also owns a fine farm of forty acres of timber land near the Mississippi River and eight miles below Helena.  Dr. Walton
votes with the Democratic party.  He is public spirited and progressive, giving his support to schools, churches, and any
enterprise designed for the public good.


B. A. Wesbrook, one of the leading farmers of Fair Play, is the son of James and Mary (Hudson) Wesbrook, natives of Georgia.
Before the war, James Wesbrook followed farming, but when the South called for defenders he stepped forth and offered his
service to his country, taking part in the battles of the Wilderness and several other fights.  About 1814 he was married and
became the father of ten children, eight of whom are now living.  B. A. Wesbrook was the third child, having been born in
1820.  The father died in 1888, at the advanced age of eighty-five years, and his wife in 1886.  They were members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.  At the age of eighteen years B. A. Wesbrook began life for himself as a laborer on a farm.
Soon after he bought a farm in Georgia, and lived there until 1855, when he left his old home and came to Arkansas, settling
within one-half mile of the place on which he now lives.  This consists of 445 acres, with 160 acres improved, besides which
he owns seventy-four acres of improved land in Saline Township.  His first marriage was with Miss Elizabeth Hood, of Georgia,
in 1845.  The fruit of this union was one child, now deceased.  Mrs. Wesbrook dying in 1846, he was again married, in 1847,
to Miss C. Carter, and they became the parents of seventeen children, ten of whom survive:  Elizabeth (wife of John Ault),
Jane (wife of Howell Hendricks), John, Milton, Tillie (wife of George Wallace), Thomas, James W., Ancel, Abner, Alexander and
Terissa.  Mrs. Wesbrook died in 1880.  She was a member of the Baptist Church, and a highly respected lady.  Mr. Wesbrook's
third marriage was to Miss Louisana Hailey, in 1886.  She bore him one child.  Mr. Wesbrook takes an active interest in
education, and every venture that tends to advance the welfare of his neighborhood and his county.


William W. White, farmer and stock raiser, of Saline Township, owns a fine farm in Sections 31 and 32, his residence being in
the former.  He was born in Greene County, Ga., in 1822, and was the oldest in a family of ten children of Colman and Nancy
(Allen White).  Colman White was a native of Union District, S. C., and his wife of Greene County, Ga.  When a young man he
emigrated to Georgia, and settled in Greene County, where he was engaged in superintending a large plantation.  In 1826 he
moved to Morgan County, Ala., entered land and opened up a farm, remaining there until 1842, when he moved to Tippah County,
Miss., where his wife died in the fall of 1843.  In the following year Mr. White came to Arkansas and settled in Hot Spring
(now Saline) County, in Saline Township, where he continued to live until his death, in 1854.  He was a regular enlisted
soldier in the United States Army, and was in the Florida War.  His father was in the Revolutionary War.  Colman White's
family, at the time of his removal to Saline County, consisted of William W. (the subject of this sketch), Matilda (married
to Daniel Hudgens; her death occurring years ago), John F. (married and resides in Smith County), S. T. (now resides in
Henderson County, Tex.), B. A. (who enlisted in 1861 in the Third Arkansas Infantry, being mustered in Lynchburg, Va., and
who received his death wound October 13, 1864, in the Virginia campaign), Jackson (who died in infancy), Elisha (died when
young), and Mary (died in Mississippi).  William W. was twenty-two years of age when he came to this county.  He was reared
in farm life in Northern Alabama, obtaining an education in the district schools of that State, and commenced agricultural
labor as soon as Arkansas was reached.  He married in Saline County, January 8, 1846, Miss Elizabeth Montgomery, a native of
this county, and daughter of Thomas and Mary (Clanton) Montgomery.  Mr. Montgomery was a native of Tennessee, and came to
this county at an early date.  His death occurred in 1856, his wife surviving until December, 1885.  Mr. and Mrs. White are
the parents of the following children:  Nancy J. (born January 14, 1847, now Mrs. Dawdy, of Erath County, Tex.), Thomas C.
(born April 16, 1849, married, and resides in Saline County), Mary C. (born August 21, 1851, died September 20, 1860), John
A. (born April 18, 1854, a widower, resides in Saline Township), Margaret A. (born August 11, 1856, now Mrs. W. H. Collat,
of Benton), Louisa E. (born January 30, 1859, now Mrs. Stirman, whose husband died March 28, 1885), Sarah A. (born August
23, 1861, now Mrs. Allen, of Shaw Township), Thirza E. (born July 6, 1864, now Mrs. Ray, of Benton), and George W. (born
July 11, 1868; still resides on the home farm).  Mr. White was married the second time in Saline County, December 7, 1880,
to Mrs. Permelia Croxton, nee Shaw, wife of John L. Croxton, who enlisted in 1862 in Capt. Brown's company, and served
under Gen. Price at the battle of Pilot Knob, where he was wounded.  He recovered and started for home in the latter part
of 1864, but has never been heard of since.  Mrs. White was a native of Georgia, and a daughter of Hiram M. and Elizabeth
(Arnold) Shaw, natives of Georgia and South Carolina, respectively.  Her father was married in Georgia, after which he
removed to Saline County, Ark., in 1858, settling in what is now Shaw Township, named in his honor.  He opened up a farm,
and made that his home until his death, which occurred in 1872.  He served as justice of the peace for several years.
His wife still survives and lives on the old homestead in Shaw Township.  The family of Mr. Shaw consisted of the following
persons:  James H. (who enlisted in 1862, and was taken sick at Corinth and died), Martin E. (enlisted in the same regiment),
and also died at Corinth in 1863), Virgil N. (enlisted in 1861 in Capt. Henderson's company of cavalry, served during the
first two years in the Virginia campaigns, was wounded at Lynchburg, Va., and returned home; afterward joined Col. Price's
forces, was wounded at Pilot Knob, and again started for home, but was never heard from), Joseph W. (served in same company
with Virgil N., which he joined in 1863, was left as nurse at prison and escaped, returned to Saline County, and now resides
in Montgomery County, Ark.), Emily E. (now Mrs. Anderson, of Ringgold, Ga.), Blanche B. (married a Mr. Barns, of Shaw Township,
Saline County, where she now resides, he being dead), Rebecca C. (now Mrs. Howard), Martha C. (Mrs. Miller), and Carlton H.
(married); all in Shaw Township.  Mr. White settled on his present farm in 1846, which consisted of 200 acres, sixteen acres
being cleared, and also entered 160 acres adjoining, making a fine farm of 360 acres; of this eighty acres are cleared, and
under a high state of cultivation.  He enlisted in 1863 in Company I, under Capt. McCray, and was in the general skirmishes of
Southern Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana.  Being paroled at Marshall, Tex., in 1865, he returned to Saline County.  Mr. and Mrs.
White are members of the Baptist Church, and have always taken an active part in church work.  He does not enter especially
into politics, but is a strong Democrat.


James A. White well deserves a place among the prosperous farmers and stock raisers of Marble Township, Saline County.  He was
born in 1832, as the son of Thomas A. and Margarette Wiley White, natives of South Carolina, the former of whom moved to
Arkansas in 1846, settling in this township, where he resided until his death in 1854.  He entered 200 acres of land, improved
the same, and reared a family of eight children.  Five of them lived to maturity, and three now survive:  Thomas N. (in Garland
County), Matilda (wife of W. H. Harlow, of Holland Township, this county), and James A. (our subject).  Mrs. White died in 1878,
a member of the Baptist Church.  At the age of forty-five years James A. White began farming for himself.  He came here with
his father in 1846, and at his death bought the property, consisting of 200 acres, from the heirs.  Having since homesteaded
200 acres, he now has an excellent farm of 400 acres, with some eighty acres under cultivation.  The place contains good
buildings, and is well stocked with horses, cattle, etc.  In 1861, when the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in Company F, Third
Arkansas Cavalry regiment, and served until the close of the war, being engaged in the battles of Corinth, Miss., Chickamauga,
Thompson's Station, Missionary Ridge and all the battles around Knoxville, Tenn., besides many of less importance.  He was
captured at Danville, Tenn., and taken to Rock Island, Ill., where he was confined for thirteen months and thirteen days.  Being
paroled in 1865, he returned home and resumed farming.  Mr. White was married, in 1867, to Miss Jane Newkirk, and by her became
the father of seven children, five of whom are living:  Lucy A., James M. and W. T. (twins, at home), Frances L. and Mary A.
The mother died in 1882.  Mr. White's second marriage was in 1883, to Miss Margarette Tillery, a member of the Baptist Church.
Taking an active interest in education and all public improvements, Mr. White is an earnest friend of the township schools.  He
is a member of the Union Labor party, and has served his township as constable.  No worthy public enterprise vainly seeks his
support; he is always ready to assist in elevating the condition of his county.


T. C. White, actively interested in the agricultural affairs of Saline Township and county, was born in that township in April,
1849, having spent his entire life in the community.  He was the second in a family of eight children born to William W. and
Elizabeth (Montgomery) White, mentioned on a previous page.  Mr. White, Sr., was a native of Alabama, and came to this county
in 1845, where he still resides.  His wife is now deceased. T. C. White early became familiar with the duties of farm life,
attending, when not occupied at home, the common schools, though he aided greatly in clearing his father's farm.  At the age of
twenty-four he commenced farming for himself, buying a place of 135 acres of timber land, of which he has now 100 acres under
cultivation, most having been improved by his own efforts.  In 1877 he erected a good frame house and a large barn.  Mr. White
also owns forty acres of bottom land.  He was married in 1881 to Amanda Dobbs, a native of Georgia, and daughter of Burril and
Jane (Corint) Dobbs [Burrell and Jane Cornett Dobbs per Glenda].  They came to Saline County in 1868, where they now reside.
Mr. and Mrs. White have four children:  Luther, Alfred, Delia and Willie, and have also taken a girl to bring up, named Dora
Hurgeon. Mr. White takes a great interest in the welfare of his county, and perhaps manifests unusual concern in its advancement,
as he regards it with native pride, and expects it to occupy, in the very near future, a place that its natural and acquired
resources deserve.


Col. S. H. Whitthorne.  One of the most prominent and popular men of Saline County is Col. Whitthorne, retired lawyer, of Benton,
and president of the Saline County Mining Association, who was born in Bedford County, Tenn., February 22, 1828, the third in a
family of thirteen children of William and Eliza (Wisener) Whitthorne.  The former was born in the city of Dublin, Ireland,
February 22, 1797, and came to America in 1814, landing at Orange Court House, N. C.  Having emigrated to this country under the
guardianship of an uncle, he lived with him for two years, after which he ran away, and finally settled in the Middle Tennessee
valley, there spending the remainder of his life.  He learned the saddle and harness trade, and a few years later embarked in the
mercantile business, which he pursued successfully for twelve years.  At the end of that time he was appointed clerk and master
of the chancery court of Bedford County, Tenn., a position the duties of which he discharged with honor for twenty-five years.
He was thus occupied at the breaking out of the war in 1861, and shortly after retired from public life.  At the date of his
death, which occurred in 1871, he was one of the oldest Royal Arch Masons in Tennessee, being also a consistent member of the
Presbyterian Church.  Of the thirteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Whitthorne only four are now living:  Hon. W. C.
(representative for the past eighteen years from the Seventh congressional district of Tennessee), Hon. B. R. (cashier of the
First National Bank at Shelbyville, Tenn., and mayor of that city), and Col. S. H. (the subject of this sketch).  The latter was
named by Gen. Sam Houston, who about the time of the young man's birth was Governor of Tennessee.  He was early educated in the
schools of Tennessee, first at Farmington, and to the instruction there obtained he added a course in the Shelbyville Academy,
later entering the Nashville University at the age of seventeen.  Satisfactory progress was being made in study, but patriotism
overcame all else, and after remaining eighteen months in the university he ran away, and joined Gen. Taylor's army on the Rio
Grande.  He served seven months, but returned home with a brother who was very ill, and who died the day after arriving home.
Then he re-entered college, from which he graduated in the class of 1847 with high honors.  A few days after he was appointed by
President Polk to a clerkship in the Postoffice department at Washington City, D. C., which position he held until 1849.  For
fifteen months he was occupied in reading law under Frierson & Cooper, of Shelbyville, and subsequently took a course of legal
study at the Lebanon Law School, at Lebanon, Tenn.  Upon completing his studies Mr. Whitthorne began the practice of law of
Shelbyville, there continuing until 1861, with the exception of three years (1854-57).  During this time he was married, May 7,
1854, to Miss Margaret A. Johnston, of Williamson County, Tenn., and an estimable lady.  She was the daughter of Capt. Matthew
Johnston, a native of Tennessee.  At the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. W. enlisted as first lieutenant in Capt. Patrick's
company, a few days afterward being appointed assistant quartermaster-general for the provisional army of Tennessee.  Upon the
transfer of the provisional army to the Confederate army, he resigned his commission and returned home to assist in raising a
regiment of riflemen, the Twenty-third Tennessee, agreeing to serve as a private in order to secure recruits, and followed in
that capacity until after the battle of Shiloh, where he was injured by a shell, resulting in nine weeks of unconsciousness.
After his recovery he rejoined his command at Chattanooga, and was elected first lieutenant of his old company.  At the battle
of Perryville, Ky., in 1862, he was again wounded, this time by a minie ball, in the hip, which he still carries.  In January,
1863, he rejoined his command at Tullahoma, Tenn., and continued in service till the battle of Chickamauga, where he was a third
time wounded, though not as seriously as before.  His brigade was transferred to Longstreet's corps, on the Tennessee campaign,
where he was promoted by Gen. Longstreet to the office of purchasing commissary, with the rank of major.  Six months later he
was transferred to his original command at Richmond, participating in all the battles in and around Richmond and Petersburg, Va.
In the year 1864 he was again wounded; shortly after was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and ordered to the Alabama department
under Gen. Withers, and at the time of the surrender was in command of the Dadeville post.  Col. Whitthorne returned home in
July, 1865, after a career to which he may refer with just pride, and resumed his law practice at Shelbyville, Tenn., until
August, 1871, when he came to Arkansas, and settled in Benton.  Attending to his professional duties in this circuit till 1876,
he was then appointed elector on the Democratic electoral ticket, and canvassed Northwest Arkansas, making twenty-three speeches
in twenty-one days, traveling during that time 546 miles on horseback.  In 1882 he was appointed adjutant and inspector-general
on Gov. Churchill's staff, and was commissioned brigadier-general in the Arkansas State Guard.  In 1887 Col. Whitthorne retired
from active legal practice, and has since given his attention to mining, and the development of the various resources of Saline
County.  In this capacity he has probably done more than any other individual to call the attention of the outside world to the
valuable mineral deposits of this section.  Too much can not be said of Col. Whitthorne, for he is one of those men whom to see
is to admire, and in all enterprises that tend to the advancement of the community his name stands out prominently.  In public
and private circles he is alike esteemed, not alone for the position which he occupies as a citizen, but for his true worth and
character.


John A. Wilkerson is justly entitled to prominent recognition in this volume as one of the county's capable and reliable public
servants.  He was elected to the office of county treasurer in 1884, and has served in that capacity up to the present time,
discharging his duties in an acceptable and efficient manner, and with credit to himself and constituents.  Born in Lafayette
County, Miss., in 1838, he was the second in a family of five children born to Allen and Nancy M. (Coffey) Wilkerson.  The
father was a native of Southern Alabama, and was married in Perry County, Ala., to Miss Coffey, originally from North Carolina,
afterward moving to Mississippi, where he engaged in farming, opening up a farm, and in November, 1855, settled in Drew County,
Ark., on a farm.  His death occurred in De Soto County, Miss., in 1849.  John A. Wilkerson was reared to farm life, obtaining a
district school education in De Soto County, and later accompanied his parents to Arkansas, in 1855.  In 1860 he came to Pulaski
County, locating near Little Rock, and embarked in farming, but at the outbreak of the war enlisted, in 1861, under Capt. H. H.
Beauer, and joined the First Arkansas Infantry (which was later formed into the Second Arkansas Battalion, under Maj. Bronaugh).
He served under him until after the Seven Days' fight at Richmond, when the regiment was disbanded, following which he was
assigned to the Third Arkansas Infantry, July 16, 1862.  He remained in Texas until Brig.-Gen. Longstreet's corps until the
close of the war, taking part in all the Virginia campaign.  He was wounded at the battle of Seven Pines, also at Gettysburg,
and was paroled at Baltimore in 1863, going thence to De Soto County, Miss., where he remained until hostilities had ceased.
Returning to Pulaski County, Ark., in 1865, Mr. Wilkerson resumed farming, and in 1867 came to Saline County, where he purchased
land in Liberty Township.  He was married in July, 1867, to Sarah E. Brewer, an estimable lady and a native of Tennessee.  In
1885 they moved to their present residence, near the corporate limits of Benton, where Mr. Wilkerson is also engaged in farming.
He is an active and influential Democrat and served as constable in Liberty Township, here also winning approval, as he has done
in his present position.  He has always taken an active interest in educational work, serving on the school board of Liberty
Township for six years.  Mr. Wilkerson is a member of Saline Lodge No. 1319, Knights of Honor, in which he holds the office of
assistant dictator.  Himself and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.  They have been blessed with ten children,
nine of whom are living:  William Allen, Mary Elvira, Nancy Louisa, Maggie Jane, Lizzie Rosina, Mattie A. (who died in 1881,
aged ten months), Mandy May, John Lockert, James and Tandy Walker.  Mr. Wilkerson is well known as identifying himself with
every movement designed for the good of his community.  He has been a participant in the development of Saline County's affairs,
and well deserves the esteem in which he is held.


Jacob Williams, who is numbered among the county's early settlers, having come here in 1846, was born in Cocke County, Tenn.,
March 17, 1826, being the son of William and Nancy Neil (Jester) Williams.  The former's birth occurred in North Carolina, in
1788 or 1789, where he was reared and educated, afterward going to Tennessee, where he married and resided for a time.  In 1846
he came to Arkansas, and settled in Hot Spring (now Saline) County.  Several years after he moved to Liberty Township, and
located a farm of eighty acres, making it his home until his death in 1863.  He served in the Creek War of 1812-14, under Gen.
Jackson.  His wife survived until 1887, when she died at the advanced age of eighty-nine years.  Jacob Williams was reared and
educated in Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, his usual occupation in life being somewhat interrupted by the mutterings of war.
In 1846 he joined the army of Gen. Wool, and went to Mexico, to participate in that struggle, there engaging in the battle of
Beuna Vista, where he was wounded with a Mexican lance, and seriously injured.  The friendship existing between Mr. Williams
and Gen. Taylor was indeed strong and sincere.  In 1847 the subject of this sketch was married to Miss Mary J. Rippetoe, a
native of Tennessee, and a daughter of James Rippetoe, one of the early pioneers of Central Arkansas.  By this union seven
children were born, three now living:  Isaac, Calvin and William, all married and living in Arkansas.  Mrs. Williams died in
1861, mourned by all who knew her.  Though not a member of any church, she was a loving mother and wife.  In 1863 Mr. Williams
married again, Mrs. Amanda Sherman, the widow of Michael Sherman, and a native of Alabama, becoming his wife.  Three children
have been born of this union, two now living:  John B. and Jehu.  After his first marriage Mr. Williams settled in Hot Spring
(now Garland) County, where he resided for three years, later selling this property and purchasing land on the South Fork of
Saline River, where he made his home for twenty-two years.  In 1874 he came to the farm where he now resides, consisting of
360 acres, of which sixty are improved, and yield excellent crops of corn, cotton and oats.  At the beginning of the war, Mr.
Williams enlisted in the Confederate army, and with the exception of one year at home, on account of his wife's sickness and
death, served until the close of hostilities.  He was in the cavalry service, and accompanied Price on his raid through
Missouri, finally surrendering in Texas, in the summer of 1865.  He has been justice of the peace since before the war.
Himself and family are members of the Pine Baptist church, and he belongs to Fair Play Lodge of the A. F. & A. M.  He is a Democrat,
and exerts no little influence politically in his county, generally being appointed judge of election.  The school board find
in him one of their influential and popular members.


William W. Williams, a farmer of Jefferson Township, Saline County, is a native resident of this county, having been born in
1846.  He was the youngest in a family of nine children which blessed the union of William W. and Sarah (Lindsey) Williams, of
North Carolina and Kentucky birth, respectively.  His father was one of the pioneer settlers of Saline County.  He entered a
tract of land in this county, on which he lived at the time of his death in 1854, his wife surviving him until 1876.  Our
subject's maternal grandfather (Lindsey) came from Kentucky in 1825, together with six of his children, and settled in Saline
County, Ark., entering land in Saline Township.  These children were as follows:  Polly, Betsy, Nancy, Sarah, John and Caleb,
all married and settled in Saline County.  The county at that time was mostly uninhabited, and Mr. Lindsey's nearest neighbor
was fifteen miles distant.  Many nights were heard the growling of bears and other wild animals around his house.  On one
occasion, Mr. Williams' father hearing a hog squealing early in the morning began an investigation, and found a large bear
attacking the "porker."  The wild beast, seeing the intruder, made for him, compelling Mr. Williams to climb a tree, with the
bear after  him.  Thus they remained until help from the house arrived.  In those early days the general mode of cultivation
was with ploughs made of wood, the corn being ground by hand.  William Williams, Jr., was early made acquainted with farm labor.
He was educated in the common schools, and enlisted, in Columbia County in 1862, for three years under Capt. Errins, taking part
in the siege of Vicksburg, the battles of Corinth and Jenkins' Ferry and other engagements, and was paroled in 1865 in
Natchitoches, La.  He served in the Nineteenth Arkansas Infantry one year, and afterward in the heavy artillery to the close of
the war, when he returned to Columbia County and in 1865 came to Saline County, engaging again in farming.  IN 1882 Mr. Williams
entered 115 acres of land, on which he erected a house and commenced improving his land.  Subsequently he bought forty acres more,
having now a farm of 155 acres, eighty of which are under cultivation, he having cleared sixty-five acres himself.  Mr. Williams
was married in this county in 1868 to Cordelia Roberts, a native of Tennessee, and daughter of T. J. and Polly (Hawser) Roberts,
both of whom came here from Tennessee and still survive.  Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of seven children, five living
and two dead:  Florence (now Mrs. Templeton, of Pulaski County), Jeff, Clara, Estella (deceased), Isabella (deceased), Daisy and
Hattie.  They are both members of the Baptist Church.  Mr. Williams takes a great interest in the growing of fine fruit.  He is a
substantial citizen, and enjoys wide and favorable respect.


J. B. Wilson, one of the oldest farmers of Saline County, came upon the stage of action in the State of Tennessee in the year
1813, being the fourth child born to Joel and Christnie (Buckley) Wilson, natives, respectively, of North Carolina and Tennessee.
Joel Wilson was a farmer by occupation, moving to Tennessee when but a lad.  He was married about 1804 and became the father of
thirteen children, four of whom are known to be living:  John B. (the subject of this sketch), Theresa, Emily and Holland.  The
three sisters live in Dixon County, Tenn.  Mrs. Wilson died in 1869.  Joel Wilson was first married in 1797, and had by this
marriage three children:  Elisha, Sarah and Mary, all supposed to be dead.  Mr. Wilson served through the Revolutionary War as a
private, and died about 1833.  J. B. Wilson was reared to farm life and educated in the country schools of his county.  At the
age of eighteen he married and began farming for himself on rented land.  After four or five years he purchased land in Humphreys
County, where he lived until 1849, when he sold out and came to this State, settling in Beaver Township, Saline County.  He
bought 160 acres of land with but a cabin on it, later entered eighty acres, and now owns 300 acres, with forty acres improved.
Mr. Wilson was married the first time, in 1833, to Miss Saline Graves, of Tennessee, and by her became the father of six children
(two now living):  John (farmer, married and lives in Saline County), Washington (farmer, lives in Pulaski County, this State),
Thomas Dean and Thomas W. (deceased, family resides in this county), Jane (deceased wife of James Canada, family resides in this
county), Margaret (deceased wife of B. Chastne), Archibald (deceased).  Mrs. Wilson was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, dying in 1851.  Mr. Wilson was married the second time to Mrs. Mary Hall, in 1864.  She was a daughter of Griffen and
Nancy (Sanford) Bruner, natives of Alabama.  Mr. Bruner moved to Texas about 1876, where he died two years later.  Mrs. Bruner
died in Alabama.  Mrs. Wilson came to this State in 1858, with her first husband, Mr. Hall, who died in the Confederate army in
1862.  J. B. Wilson was one of the very early settlers in this vicinity, the county having only 900 voters when he came:  now it
has 2,000.  He was elected to the office of justice of the peace in his township in 1850, and has served in that office ever
since, with the exception of three or four years during the war, making his tenure of office the longest on record in the county,
if not in the State.  He served six years in Tennessee as justice of the peace, and forty-five years here, making fifty-one years
in all.  Hundreds of couples have been united in the bonds of wedlock by him.  He never served in any war, being opposed to the
Civil War, though he supported the cause of the South in the struggle.  In 1874 he united with the Missionary Baptist Church, his
wife belonging to the same congregation.  He is a strong Democrat, and has always befriended the public schools.  He is a liberal
donator to the Baptist Church and all public enterprises.


Frank Woosley, proprietor of one of the potteries of Benton, Saline County, Ark., was born in Ohio, in the year 1849, and came to
this State in 1878.  He is the son of Elijah and Angeline (Brock) Woosley, natives of Ohio.  Elijah Woosley was a farmer by
occupation, living in Ohio until his death, which occurred in 1854.  He was twice married.  The first wife was Miss Hutton, who
became by him the mother of four children, only one now living, John, residing in Kansas.  Mrs. Woosley dying about 1846, the
father was again married in 1848.  By his last wife there were two children:  Frank (who forms the subject of this sketch) and
Sarah E. (the wife of John S. Moon).  Mrs. Woosley still survives her husband, living in Ohio.  The son Frank left home at the
age of twenty-six years and began the struggle for existence on his own accord, as a farmer in his native State.  In 1878, becoming
tired of farming, he left the old homestead and came west to this county, where he worked at the pottery business for two years as
a hired hand; he then rented the works and commenced for himself, and in 1884 bought the property with ninety-one acres of land
attached.  He now turns out annually about 60,000 gallons of fine crockery (jugs, jars, churns, etc.) of a very superior quality.
The clay is all found on the property, and is of an excellent variety.  He finds ready sale for his wares in Little Rock and other
parts of the State.  In 1882 Mr. Woosley was married to Mrs. Hattie E. Hyten, a native of New York, reared in Iowa.  She was the
widow of John F. Hyten, and the mother of five children.  Of them four are now living:  Lee E., Paul H., Mabel J. and Charles D.;
the one deceased was Maud.  By her second marriage Mrs. Woosley became the mother of one child, Fred, who was born in 1887.  Her
first husband died in 1881.  He was a potter by trade.  During his residence in Ohio Mr. Woosley served as township trustee, and
since coming west to this county he has filled the office of school director with credit to himself.  He is a member of the A. F.
& A. M, and a stanch Democrat, being recognized also as one of Benton's popular residents.


William D. Wray, an extensive farmer of Union Township, Saline County, was born in Jefferson County, Ind., in 1824, the son of
Joseph and Mary J. (Collins) Wray.  Joseph Wray came to Indiana about the year 1819, entering and improving eighty acres of land,
where he remained until his death, in 1841.  He was the father of eleven children, nine living till maturity:  Coran (deceased,
wife of a Mr. Harrison), Alexander (deceased), Amanda (deceased), David, John, Parmelia Thomas and Mary J. (deceased), leaving
only one the youngest, William D., our subject, in the land of the living.  Mrs. Wray died in 1832, as a member of the
Presybterian Church.  W. D. Wray, at the age of twenty-two years, began farming on rented land in Indiana, where he remained until
1851.  Then coming to this State, he settled on the place where he now lives.  In 1857 he bought forty acres of land, remained
upon it until 1863, and then purchased his present farm of 160 acres.  He has since added to his property 320 acres, unimproved,
and 200 acres of improved land, making a total of 720 acres, with about 230 acres under cultivation.  He joined neither army
during the war, and was not molested in the least by marauders.  Mr. Wray has been three times married; first, to Sarah Lyon, on
April 30, 1846.  By this marriage there were six children, four now living:  Mary J. (wife of Dave Robertson), Agnes (wife of
James Barron), Joseph (who lives in this county), Alfred (also of this county).  Mrs. Wray was a member of the Baptist Church and
died in 1862.  The following year Mr. Wray was married to Elizabeth Henderson, who bore him six children, three of whom survive:
Sarah (wife of John Thompson), Elizabeth M. (deceased wife of James Cain), William (at home), and James (at home).  The second
Mrs. Wray was also a member of the Baptist Church, and died in the month of May, 1877.  In October, 1877, Mr. Wray married Mary L.
Hutchison, who became the mother of seven children, four now living:  Zorah, Lewis, Coran and Martha E.  The present Mrs. Wray is
a member of the Baptist Church, while her husband belongs to Ionic Lodge No. 377, A. F. & A. M.  Politically Mr. Wray is Democratic.
He is one of the most earnest of public-spirited men, faithfully supporting all worthy public enterprises, donating liberally to
the churches and schools of his county, and standing constantly ready to assist in anything that will alleviate the sufferings of
humanity.


M. L. Young, for a long time a well-known farmer and stock raiser of Shaw Township, is a native of Georgia, and was born in Carroll
County, that State, on June 4, 1833, being the second in a family of four children born to John J. and Jane (McDawell) Young,
natives of South Carolina and Georgia.  John J. Young was a millwright, and for years was engaged as a contractor, building mills
in Georgia and Alabama.  For eight years prior to his death, which occurred in 1840, he resided in Calhoun County, Ala., his
estimable wife surviving him until 1852.  Her death took place in the Choccolocco Valley, Ala.  They were both members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.  Mrs. Young belonged to an old family of McDawells in Georgia, whose names are very familiar to readers
of Georgia history, they having been prominent and influential people.  Of the four children born to them only two are now living:
J. J. Young (a farmer in Alabama) and M. L. (the subject of this sketch).  He was reared on a farm, and received his education in
the common schools of Alabama and Georgia, but when quite a young man was thrown upon his own resources by the death of his mother.
Beginning work as a farm hand, the first year his salary was $8 per month, the next $16 and the third year $20.  He improved every
advantage that presented itself for schooling, and the fourth year after his mother's death attended the high-school at Gadsden,
Ala.  After completing his studies here he again resumed agricultural labor, this time renting land in Gadsden, farming in the
summer and working at his trade (carriage making) in the winter.  In 1857 Mr. Young was married to Miss Sarah E. Christopher, a
daughter of William and Eliza (Hardy) Christopher, natives of North Carolina and Georgia.  Mrs. Young was born in Georgia, February
1, 1838.  To this union have been giving the following children:  Frances Ida (born April 11, 1858, and the wife of Leonidas
Brumbelow, a farmer of Grand County, Ark.), Genora A. B. (born December 11, 1859, and wife of N. B. Manning, of Saline County),
J. C. (born December 4, 1860, married and resides in Saline County), Alter C. (born April 25, 1864, died September 28, 1885, as the
wife of James Martin, of Saline County), D. A. M. (born October 15, 1866, and a brakeman on the St. Louis & Iron Mountain Railroad),
John R. (born September 26, 1868, a farmer, in Saline County), Joseph L. (born October 24, 1870, died August 21, 1874), Margaret A.
(born May 26, 1872, died October 15, 1888), Bessie E. (born April 16, 1874), Susan O. E. (born May 1, 1876), and O. L. (born July 2,
1879).  After his marriage Mr. Young lived in Alabama until 1860, when he came to Bradley County, Ark., where he enlisted in
Weaver's company, Nineteenth Arkansas Infantry, and remained till the close of the war.  He participated in the battles of Shiloh,
Corinth and Fort Pillow, and can say, what but very few can, that he was never wounded or taken prisoner during his entire service.
After the battle of Corinth he became ill, and was sent home where he remained for one year.  He rejoined the army at Shreveport,
La., in 1864, and was paroled at the same place in 1865.  In 1868 Mr. Young's family moved to Claiborne Parish, La., where Mr.
Young joined them after the war.  They remained there until 1867, when they moved to Ouachita County, Ark., one year later locating
in Saline County.  In 1871 he homesteaded eighty acres, and after a short time added eighty acres more, until he owned eighty acres
in a fine state of cultivation, the rich soil of which yields excellent crops of cotton, corn, oats and potatoes.  Mr. Young's
opinion is that a farmer should make his land produce what he lives on, and he certainly does, for his crops have long been the
admiration of the surrounding country.  He votes with the Democratic party, but is not a political enthusiast.  Huey Lodge No. 95,
A. F. & A. M., counts him as a member, and he is also a Wheeler.  Mr. Young and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and he lends his hearty support to all enterprises, educational and otherwise.  While at Shreveport with the army he was engaged in
the engineer department, doing carpenter work, and had charge of the ponton and railroad trestle department.  He has recently
emigrated to the northwest portion of Texas to make it his home.


Samuel M. Henderson, owner and proprietor of the Benton Jug Factory at Benton, established in 1885, was born in Saline County in
the year 1842, and is a son of Samuel T. and Belinda (Bland) Henderson, born in Maury County, Tennessee, in 1814, and (now) Saline
County, Arkansas, in 1815, respectively.  The father came to Saline County about the year 1834, and was married three years later.
He resided here until 1852, and then moved to Garland County, where he remained until 1863, changing his location at that time to
Texas until after the war.  On his return to Arkansas he settled at Benton, where he passed the remainder of his days.  He was a
prominent miller and farmer, a leading merchant at Benton, and was held in high esteem by the entire county.  In secret orders he
was a member of Hot Springs Lodge, A. F. & A. M., for many years, and took a deep interest in Masonic affairs.  He served through
the Seminole War with distinction in Florida, and was known as one of the best strategists in Indian warfare.  Before the War of
the Rebellion he had accumulated considerable property which was all destroyed and lost during that event, but he afterward
recovered the greater part of his fortune by industry, good management and fine business tact.  He was a son of the Rev. Samuel
Henderson, of South Carolina, a noted Missionary Baptist minister, who came to Saline County, Arkansas, in 1833, and established
the first church of his denomination erected in that county, the Spring Creek Church, at Benton.  He also organized churches at
various places in Arkansas, and built the first Missionary Baptist Church in Perry County.  Eleven children were born to him and
his wife, some of them attaining high prominence in public and commercial life, and of whom only two are yet living.  His father
was one of four brothers who came from Ireland to America at an early period, and settled at Charleston, South Carolina  The
maternal grandfather, Rev. Jesse Bland, was a Baptist minister and one of the pioneer preachers of Saline County, having come
here from Kentucky in 1833.  He was one of the most original and unique characters in that county, being known by the cognomen of
"Old Hardside," but withal a powerful and eloquent speaker whose voice could hold his hearers spellbound for hours, as they
listened to the words that fell from his lips.  In his boyhood days his father's entire family was massacred by Indians in Kentucky,
and he alone escaped death, but was taken by the red men and reared among them until he reached his twelfth year, when he was sold
to the whites.  Samuel M. Henderson, the principal in this sketch, was the third of nine children born to his parents, and was
educated in the public schools of his birthplace.  He served four years through the Civil War, and was a member of Company C, Third
Arkansas Cavalry, holding the rank of lieutenant, and taking part in the battles of Iuka, Corinth, all though the Alabama campaign
and a number of hard skirmishes.  He was with Gen. Johnston at the surrender, and afterward returned home, where he was married, in
March, 1865, to Antonia, daughter of Dickerson and Nancy Futrell, who moved from Mississippi to Saline County about the year 1850,
where the mother died in 1865.  Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Henderson, of whom five sons and three daughters are yet
living.  Soon after his marriage he moved with his wife to Texas, where he was engaged in merchandising and trading in beef, cattle,
and various commodities until 1870, when he returned to Saline County and commenced farming.  He remained at this calling until 1879,
and then embarked in milling, and also railroading for awhile, until he branched off into the pottery business, which he has fostered
and managed with such good judgment, that it is now one of the best paying industries in Saline County.  His establishment has a
capacity of 5,000 gallons jugs per week, employing on an average of twelve people, and is using the latest improved clay crusher,
manufactured at Roseville, Ohio.  In politics, Mr. Henderson is a strong supporter of the Democratic party; and cast is first vote
for Seymour in 1868.  In secret societies he is a member of Monticello Lodge No. 62, A. F. & A. M., and the K. of H. at Benton.  In
religious faith he and wife are Methodists in good standing.