Scott County Arkansas Biographies

SCOTT COUNTY ARKANSAS
GOODSPEED BIOGRAPHIES
Contributed by Charlene Holland

Biographical & Historical Memoirs of Western Arkansas
The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago and Nashville, 1891.
Scott County, Pages 398 - 433

Hon. Lorenzo D. Gilbreath
No name is justly entitled to a more enviable place in the history Of Scott County, Ark., than the one which heads this sketch, for it is borne by a man who has been usefully and honorably identified with the interests of this county, and with its advancement in every worthy particular. He owes his nativity to Johnson County, Ark., where he was born on October 30, 1827, being the eighth of twelve children born to Hugh and Rachel (McKinzie) Gilbreath, both of whom were born in Illinois, and came to Arkansas about 1825, locating on a large tract of land in Johnson County, where the father died after about twenty years. He was a large landowner; made many improvements on his property, but a short time prior to his death he moved across Spadra Creek and there on a farm, passed from life. The subject of this sketch was reared to a farm life, but received but few educational advantages in his youth. In 1848 he was married to Miss Catherine James, a native of Arkansas, and daughter of Joseph James, a pioneer of this region from Kentucky. After his marriage Mr. Gilbreath moved to the Fourche River in Scott County, and entered 120 acres of land on which he lived for eight years, making, in the meantime, many valuable improvements. After serving as justice of the peace for some time he was, in 1858, elected county clerk and moved to Waldron to take charge of the office, being continuously re-elected thereafter until 1874, when he resigned. During the war he took the county books and records to Sedalia, Mo., for safety, returning after the war and serving until the above-mentioned date. He was nominated by acclamation by both parties for representative, was elected in the fall of 1873 and served with faithfulness and ability for two sessions. He has served with distinction in other capacities, but for some time has been living in retirement. In 1873 he was admitted to the Polk County bar, while on a visit to that county, and was actively engaged in the practice of law for many years, but is now doing only a small business in the probate court of the county. After his return from the Legislature in 1874 he was elected attorney of Scott County, and during his four years' service in this capacity he was instrumental in the advancement of the value of county scrip. In 1887 he erected a pleasant cottage, three-quarters of a mile south of Waldron, it being on a valuable tract of land comprising 1,000 acres of which he is the owner. In 1884 he joined the Church of Christ, end soon after began preaching in that church. In 1888 he erected a church in Waldron, at a cost of $1,000, and paid $110 for a good bell. He has always been a progressive, public-spirited citizen, and would give life to any community in which he might settle. In addition to the other responsible offices he has filled, he was elected mayor of Waldron in 1885, being the first one of the place.

J. M. Glass
J. M. Glass is a thoroughly posted and intelligent man on public matters, and as a tiller of the soil is progressive and enterprising. He is a Georgian, born on February 3, 1827, to Thomas and Elizabeth (Bearden) Glass, they being also born in that State. The father was a farmer by occupation, and to his union with Miss Bearden, whom he married in Clark County, Ga., seven children were born, four of which family are now living: Thomas N., C.C., W.J. and J.M.; Dicey A., Jane and an infant are deceased. Both parents died in Georgia, members of the Christian Church, the birth of the former occurring in 1795, and the latter in 1810. In the State of Georgia, J. M. Glass was married in 1847 to Miss Lucy A. Rucker, who was born in Wilkes County, Ga., in 1828, and of a family of five sons and seven daughters born to them, nine children are still living: C., J.M., William N., Almeda V. (wife of James Fleming), Louisa (wife of A. B. Black), Narcissa (wife of Pierce Jones), Lou E. (wife of L. King), Millie and B. L. J. M. Glass emigrated with his family from Georgia to the State of Arkansas in 1870, and settled in Sebastian County, where he lived some eighteen months, after which he came to Scott County, where he is now residing. He has been successful in his operations, and is the owner of 400 acres of fine land, of which 150 acres are under cultivation. On this land is a good horsepower cotton gin, which has a capacity of three bales per day. Mr. Glass is worthy and upright citizen, and his wife is an earnest and consistent Member of the Christian Church. Mr. Glass formerly owned what was called Glass' Mills, consisting of water, merchant and sawmills on the Chickamauga River, where the famous battle was fought. He owned 326 acres of land on that river, and this is being surveyed and will lie in the United States Park now being established on the Chickamauga battlefield.

Prof. Samuel F. Goddard
Prof. Samuel F. Goddard of Scott County, Ark., is a son of C.E. and N. T. (Smedley) Goddard, both of whom were born in this State, the former being reared in Washington County on a farm. At the age of eighteen years he went to California and after remaining in that State for several years he returned to Arkansas, and settled in Sebastian County. His wife was a daughter of Joseph R. Smedley, a native of England, who was sent as a missionary to this county by the Missionary Baptist Church, his field of labor being principally in the Indian Territory. The immediate subject of this sketch is the second son in a family of eight children born to his parents, and although his opportunities for acquiring an education, up to age of eighteen years, were very limited, he, at that time entered a very good school at Hartford, in which he took an academic course. He supplemented this by an attendance at Buckner College, where he remained for three years, at the end of which time he started out for himself as a school teacher, to which calling he has since given attention. He became an instructor in the graded school of Waldron in September, 1890 with the end in view of bringing the school to a higher state of perfection, and preparing the students for college work, and has, in conjunction with Prof. Henderson, established a normal class, which he hopes will be well patronized, and profitable to the school and an honor to the county. He was born in Sebastian County, Ark., September 23, 1864, and was married October 8, 1890, to Miss Johnnie Tankersley, a daughter of Dr. O.D. and M.E. Tankersley, of Clarksville, Johnson County, Ark. She was given the advantage of the Clarksville school, and is a well-educated lady. She has three sisters, one of who is the wife of Dr. C.E. Frost, of Salem, Ark., the other two being at home attending school. Her father has been a practicing physician for many years, but is now retired. Mr. Goddard met his wife while taking a three years' course in Hendricks College, at Atlus, which is one of the leading educational institutions of the State. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, of which they have been members since they were fifteen and twelve years of age respectively. Mr. Goddard is a licensed minister of the church, and socially is a member of Mansfield Lodge of the A.F. & A.M. He is highly esteemed by the people of Waldron and vicinity, and has the reputation of being one of the leading educators of the western part of the State.

Hon. James P. Hall
Hon. James P. Hall is one of the well-known farmers of this region, in connection with which work he operates a good cotton gin, of which he is the owner. He was born in Tennessee on November 11, I839, a son of Alex F. and Sarah S. (Foster) Hall, who were also born in Tennessee. Although his opportunities for acquiring an education were poor, James P., by self-application, became a well-informed young man and in the conduct and management of his farm has always the best of judgment. After starting out in life for himself at the age of eighteen years, he worked for wages for four years, then enlisted in Company C, Fifteenth Arkansas Infantry, and for four years served in the Confederate Army. He took an active part in the battles of Shiloh, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold Gap, Chickamauga, the campaign through Georgia, Jonesboro and at Pulaski, Tenn., where he was taken prisoner and finally discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio in May, 1865. He then returned to his home in Arkansas, where he moved in 1859, and during a short residence in Booneville, Logan County, Ark, he was engaged in the mercantile business. At the end of five years he sold out and moved to this township, where he engaged in farming, $200 in debt, as his business venture in Booneville had proven a failure. He began improving the land, for which he went in debt, and now has an excellent tract of land, comprising 300 acres, on which is a good house and barn, an excellent cotton-gin, considerable stock and a good orchard. He and his wife, whom he married in February, l867, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is steward and trustee. His wife, formerly Miss Louisa P. Bailey was born in Georgia, and has borne her husband seven children-two sons and five daughters. Mr. Hall is a Mason and a liberal supporter of public enterprises. In September 1880, he was elected to the State Senate, serving four years, and he has also been justice of the peace for several years. He is a highly esteemed resident of this county, and is in every respect a model citizen.

James C. Hall, Jr.
James C. Hall, Jr., farmer, Boles, Ark. All his life Mr. Hall has followed, with substantial success, the occupation to which he was reared, and in which he is now engaged - farming. The owner of a landed estate of 490 acres, he is also one of the township's leading agriculturists, and as a man, no less than as a citizen, he is highly esteemed. He was originally from Alabama, was reared on a farm, and, owing to the breaking out of the war, his education was rather limited. His father, James C. Hall, Sr., was a cripple for many years, and as a result our subject was compelled, at an early age, to take charge of the farm, where he remained until twenty-one years of age. He served three years in the army, and on this account he never obtained the education he wished, nor that his father desired him to have. His mother, Jane (Oliver) Hall, was a native of North Carolina, while his father was from South Carolina. The latter was killed by bushwhackers, during the war, although a cripple and unable to take an active part in the service. James C. Hall, Jr., enlisted in Company H, Nineteenth Arkansas Regiment, under Capt. G.W. Featherston, and was in the battles of Missionary Ridge, Arkansas Post, Chickamauga, Tunnel Hill, Marietta, Franklin, Nashville and Bentonville, N.C. At Arkansas Post he was taken prisoner, and conveyed to Camp Douglas, where he was held for three months. After being exchanged he returned to his command. At Marietta, Ga., he was wounded in the right hip, and was off duty for six months. He was discharged at Greensboro, N.C. Previous to the war, in the fall of 1860, his father, with his family, had moved to Arkansas, and bought a farm near Waldron, in Scott County. Returning to Waldron after the war, he remained and assisted his mother on the farm for four years, and during that time he was married (1868) to Miss Sarah Hayes; of Waldron, who died in 1878, leaving two children - a son and a daughter, the former named Robert M. and the latter Elizabeth J.; both were married, the daughter in December, 1887. The son resides at Boles. After his marriage Mr. Hall bought a tract of land and moved to this township. This farm contained 160 acres, and to this he has added from time to time until he now has 480 acres of good farming land, about 200 acres being under cultivation. He has a good house, all necessary farm buildings, and the place is well fenced. His principal crops are corn and cotton. He has good orchards of apples, peaches and pears, which are doing well. Mr. Hall was born January 5, 1843 and was married in January 1880, to Miss Margaret Hollis, of this county. They have four children - three sons and one daughter: James F., Dora R., Thomas J. and Oscar L. Mr. Hall is a Democrat in politics, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Socially he is a member of the A. F. & A.M.

Benjamin F. Hanes
Benjamin F. Hanes, is another prominent and successful farmer of Lewis Township, Scott County, whose name is synonymous with the farming interests of the county. He was born in Tennessee, November 7, 1829, to Jonathan and Harriet (Lewis) Hanes, the former born in North Carolina, and the latter in Tennessee, their marriage taking place in Wayne County of the last named State in 1823, and resulted in the birth of this family: John L. (born November 25, 1824, died April 1, 1864), James W. (born July 17, 1827, died November 26, 1855), Elizabeth B. (born February 24, l832, died July 16, 1884), Claiburn P. (born June 19, 1835, died May 8, 1868), William H. (born May 12, 1838, died April 20, 1889). The parents removed from Tennessee to Washington County, Ark, in 1832, but from there came to Scott County, in 1847, and here the father resided up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1876, at the home of his son, Benjamin F. The mother passed from life in Montgomery County, Ark., in 1855. The immediate subject of this biography is the only one of his father's family now living. He was married in 1853, to Miss Nancy D. McMullen, daughter of Joel and Eliza McMullen, and by her became the father of two children: John F. (born 3, 1857), Mary V. (born March 15, 1859). The mother died in 1861, on the place where Mr. Hanes now lives, she being a worthy member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at the time of her death. Two years later Mr. Hanes was married to Miss Martha J. Belshey, by whom he had one child, Carroll D. (born January 1, 1867). This wife, who was a member of the Baptist Church, died in January, 1868, after which Mr. Hanes married his third and present wife in December of the same year, her maiden name being Lucinda J. Fish, daughter of John and Cynthia (Hicks) Fish. This wife has borne him six children: Sierra N. (born December 13, 1871), Joel C. (born January 25, 1875), Charlie G. (born January 23, 1879), Louie C. (born May 31, 1882), Cyntha A. (born July 23, 1886), Carrie B. (born October 4, 1889), all living. Mr. Hanes was conscripted into the Confederate Army, in 1862, but on account of disability was discharged at the end of four months, and in 1864, removed to Fayette County, Ill., where he remained until 1869, when he returned to his home in Scott County, where he is still living. He owns 160 acres of land, with 40 acres under cultivation, and his principal crops are corn, oats, wheat and some cotton. Socially Mr. Hanes is a member of Reed Lodge No. 163. of the A.F. & A.M. at Mansfield, and in his political views is an enthusiastic Republican, and is one of Scott County's first settlers, and most highly respected citizens. He is a liberal contributor to schools, churches and all laudable public enterprises, and is especially liberal in giving to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his wife is a worthy member.

William C. Hawkins
William C. Hawkins, farmer, Boles, Ark. The subject of this sketch is a native of Indiana, born February 14, 1833, and is the son of Raleigh and Harriet Hawkins. He passed his boyhood and youth on a farm in Tennessee, whither his parents had moved when he was quite small, and a few years later they located in DeKalb County, Ala. There William C. remained until he was twenty-three years of age, when he left home and went to Mississippi. He there purchased a tract of land and remained on the same for about three years. In 1860 he came to Arkansas, settled in this county and bought 160 acres of land, which he improved for two years. He then enlisted and entered the Federal Army, Second Kansas Cavalry, was stationed at Van Buren, where he remained until transferred to Little Rock. At the close of the war he returned to his farm, but soon after sold the place and bought his present property, which then consisted of 200 acres of land. To this he has added 220 acres and now has one of the finest farms in this township, about 200 acres being under cultivation. His principal crops are corn and cotton. He has this year seventy-five acres in cotton, which are yielding three-fourths of a bale to the acre, and seventy acres in corn, with a field of sixty-five bushels to the acre. Everything about his place indicates a thrifty and progressive owner. Mr. Hawkins was married in 1854 to Miss Sarah M. Blanchard of Alabama, and they had two children, both sons. Mrs. Hawkins died about six years after her marriage. One of the sons died in youth, and the other, A. D. Hawkins, is married and resides near his father. In 1867 Mr. Hawkins was united in marriage to Mrs. Martha Scott, daughter of M. Scott, of Texas. They have four living children: three sons and a daughter: William C. (married to Miss Elizabeth Duly and resides in this township), George B., Raleigh and Kansas M. The last three named are at home with their parents. Mrs. Hawkins is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a lady of culture and refinement. Mr. Hawkins is a stanch Republican in his political views, and is a member of Landmark Lodge No. 464, A. F. & A. M.

George W. Helms
George W. Helms is an agriculturist by calling, and the success, which attends his efforts, is well merited, for no one is more thoroughly interested in his calling, or gives it greater attention. He was born in Franklin County, Ark., in 1849, and by his father was reared to farm life, his opportunities for an education being quite limited on account of the opening of the Rebellion. In 1869 he began doing for himself, working on rented land in his native county, but the fall following his marriage, which occurred in August, 1869, he took a piece of Government land as a homestead, on which he settled and began improving. He immediately put up a good log house and other buildings, and here made his home until 1881, when he sold the place and came to Scott County, and immediately purchased the farm on which he is now making his home. It contains 160 acres of land, 60 of which are in a good state of cultivation, and on this valuable land he has a good frame residence, tenant houses, stables, sheds, etc. His orchard, although young, is in a good bearing condition, and furnishes the family with an abundance of fine fruit. His farm is well cultivated, the principal crops being cotton, corn and oats, the yield of all being good, his last year's profits being over $700. His wife, who was formerly Miss Mary Ann Pledger, was born in Georgia, but was reared in Franklin County, Ark. She has borne her husband three sons and five daughters; James, John, Acie Jane, Rosella F., Mattie, Georgie, Myrtle and Manie. James and Acie Jane are married and live near their parents. The other members of the family live at home and are attending a good district school in the vicinity. The family attends the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and Mr. Helms is a member of the Farmers' Alliance and is a Democrat, politically. He is liberal in his support of worthy movements and has the reputation among his neighbors of being a pushing, enterprising gentleman and a successful farmer.

Prof. Calvin Henderson
Prof. Calvin Henderson has been wonderfully successful as an instructor of the young, and as principal of the high school of Waldron he has won the praise and commendation of friend and foe alike. He was born in North Carolina November 19, 1859, to William and Lydia (Gwilliams) Henderson, the former a worthy and fairly successful tiller of the soil. Calvin's early educational advantages were very poor, but at the age of eighteen years he determined to remedy this defect, and accordingly entered an academy in which he remained for about one year, fitting himself to enter college, which he did in 1878 at Dahlonega, Ga. This institution was the North Georgia Agricultural College, and from it he was graduated in 1882, after leaving which he took up the study of law at Dallas, Ga., and was admitted to the bar in 1885. Preferring school work to the practice of his profession, he, in 1886, came to Yell County, Ark., and after being engaged in teaching in that county for about three years he went to Hartford, in the schools of which place he acted as principal. He then came to Waldron, and here and Prof. S.B. Goddard have established a high school, with normal, commercial and musical departments, which are well attended and in a prosperous condition. It is the design of the teachers and board of directors to make the high school of Waldron second to none in the western part of the State and to say that they have already succeeded would be but a simple statement of the facts. The school has already a good reputation abroad, and is liberally patronized by those at a distance. The course of study, while not complete, is very thorough, and on finishing a course in this institution the students are well fitted to make their own way in the world. Prof. Henderson is an active member of the Baptist Church and an efficient teacher in the Sunday school. He is a member of the Kappa Chapter of the Sigma Nu fraternity, Dahlonega, Ga.

Judge Daniel Hon
In these days of moneymaking, when life is a constant struggle between right and wrong, it is a pleasure to lay before an intelligent reader the unsullied record of an honorable man. To the youthful it will be an incentive to honest industry, and will teach them a useful lesson, Mr. Hon was born in this county, in 1860, being the eldest of three children born to Jackson and Lucy (Huie) Hon. Prior to marrying Miss Huie, Mr. Hon had been married twice, and became the father of thirteen children, four of whom are now living. He was born in Illinois, as was his third wife, Miss Huie, but was one of the first settlers of Scott County, Ark., coming here about 1836, and being one of the founders of Waldron. He was a farmer and stock-raiser, and was the owner of 1,500 acres of fine farming land on the Poteau, but the war left him sadly impoverished, and before he could fully retrieve his losses, he died, his death occurring in 1872. His wife died in 1868. Peter Hon, a half-brother of the subject of this sketch, died while serving in the Confederate Army. Daniel Hon was reared in Scott County, and until he was sixteen years of age he worked on the farm and attended the schools in the neighborhood. He then entered the State University at Fayetteville, and being a faithful and earnest student, he graduated from this institution in 1882. In 1883 he began the study of law, and after teaching school until January 1885, in order to obtain means with which to defray his expenses, he entered the well-known law school at Lebanon, Tenn., from which he graduated the same year. After being admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Arkansas, he came to Waldron, and opened a law office, where it was not long before his ability and knowledge of his profession began to be seen and recognized. In 1886 he was elected to the position of county and probate judge being reelected in 1888. In September of the following year he formed a partnership with A.G. Leming and together they have practiced in all the courts of this judicial district. Judge Hon owns a fine tract of farming land, comprising 500 acres, it being situated on Poteau Creek, 100 acres of which are under cultivation. On this finely improved place 1,000 pounds of seed cotton are raised to the acre, corn and the small grains being also raised in abundance. The land is about five miles from Waldron, and is very valuable. Mr. Hon was married in October, 1888, to Miss Maggie Gaines a native of this county, daughter of F.C. Gaines, who was born in Scott County also, he being a son of James F. Gaines, a pioneer of this region from Virginia. Mrs. Hon, who is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, has borne bar husband one child, Lucy. F. C. Gaines, Mrs. Hon's father, was sheriff of Scott County for a number of years, and also represented the county in the State Legislature. His father, James F., was a pioneer merchant and farmer, represented this county in the State Legislature also, became the owner of a large body of land on the Fourche River, and during his day and time, was the most prominent man of the county. Mrs. Hon's maternal grandfather, Judge J. H. Torbett, was county and probates judge of Scott County in an early day and died while a member of the State Legislature, a widely known and highly honored citizen.

C.L. Hough
C.L. Hough, one of the earliest settlers and prominent farmers of this county, was born in the Palmetto State on March 26, 1818, and his parents, Greenberry and Hettie Hough, were also natives of that State. His early educational advantages were very poor, and when seven years of age, he moved with his parents to Alabama, where he made his home for thirty-three years. At the age of sixteen years his parents gave him his time, providing that he should use the money thus earned during the year to attend school. This he did, and when seventeen years of age, he entered a good school in Lauderdale County, Ala., where he remained ten months, and where he had such good opportunities, that at the age of eighteen years he began teaching. This profession he followed until twenty-seven years of age, attending school during the vacations, and while thus employed, he studied surveying. When twenty-six he was employed by a contractor in the Government employ, to survey the Government lands of the State. The Government land office having been burned, with the surveyor's records, this re-survey was rendered necessary. This occurred in 1844, and this business Mr. Hough continued at intervals for fifty years. He was appointed county surveyor for his county in Alabama, and held this position in a satisfactory and creditable manner for seven years. At the age of thirty-five years (in 1852) he was married to Miss Emily Thresher of Lauderdale County, Ala., but she died at the end of one year. Two years later he was again married to Miss Martha P. A. Bourland, daughter of Prof. Joseph P. Bourland of Lauderdale County. Mr. Hough also held the office of justice of the peace, in that county, for forty years. In the years of his surveying, Mr. Hough had entered different tracts of land until he had over 1,000 acres. He settled upon and improved a portion of this land and made it his home for about five years. He then started for Texas, with his family, by wagons, and while passing through Tennessee, Mrs. Hough was taken sick. This caused them to stop in Hardin County, of that State, where they remained about three years, Mr. Hough teaching school during that time. They again started for Texas, but while passing through this part of Arkansas, and having chanced upon the La Fourche Valley, and seeing the richness of the soil, its natural advantages, etc., Mr. Hough decided to make this his future home. He bought the place where he now lives, and is now satisfied that he could not have done better, in any part of the United States. He still owns his land in Alabama. His land here consists of 260 acres, with 90 acres improved, and he has a good house and other necessary farm buildings. He has a good apple and peach orchard and a small vineyard, which yields well. Since he arrived in this county, he has devoted most of his time to farming, but has held the position of county surveyor for a number of years. He also, for some years, taught occasional terms of school. At the breaking out of the war, he being about forty-five years of age and not subject to conscript, was taken into a company called the Home Reserve, whose duties were to obtain supplies for the army, and assist generally in the care of the portion of the people left at home. During this time his family was in Texas. Returning to his home in the Fourche Valley, after the war, he was elected justice of the peace, in which capacity he served for about two years, when he was disfranchised by the Government and not allowed to hold office for the following seven years. He was then elected county surveyor and bold that position until a few years ago. At the time of his arrival in this county, schools and churches were scarce, but he has lived to see the county develop, and become one of the finest and most productive in the State. By his marriage to his present wife, which occurred on July 24, 1856, there were born four children--three sons and one daughter: William P.(married Miss Ida Tate of this county and they have two children, named Myrtle, and Lena). John Morgan (married Miss Eva Kelly of this county), Hettie (married Thomas W. Stone and resides in Waldron, and they have three children, all daughters, named Estell, Ula and Mattie) and Calvin T. (is at home with his parents and attending the public schools). The second son is a teacher of the county and very successful in his work. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hough has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for forty-six years, and is now an honorary member. He is liberal in his support of churches, schools and all public enterprises and is active in the church work, having been Sunday school superintendent for many years.

Dr. A.C. James
Dr. A.C. James, physician and farmer, Crow, Ark. In any worthy history of Arkansas mention should be made of the prominent citizens, among who is to be found the name of Dr. A. C. James. This gentleman was born in Arkansas in 1842, and is a son of John and Sabrina (Hayes) James, both natives of the Palmetto State. The parents moved to Tennessee at an early day, and from there to Yell County, Ark., in 1838. The father was a carpenter by trade and built the first houses in Dardanelle and Danville. Both parents died in Yell County, Ark., in 1853. Dr. A.C. James was reared principally in his Native State, and as his educational facilities were not of the best he has gained the most of his schooling by self-study. At the early age of eleven years he was thrown on his own resources, and as he had been early trained to the duties of the farm it was but natural that he should adopt this as his chosen calling. However he did not care to be wholly dependent upon this, and as a consequence began the study of medicine. About this time the war broke out, and he enlisted in 1862, remaining in service until the spring of 1865. In l870 Dr. James resumed his medical studies, and in 1872 went to North Carolina, came back two years after to Arkansas, where in 1875 he began the practice of medicine under Dr. John R. Blake, of Tennessee, and has had a good practice ever since. One year later he commenced the practice of his profession and is a popular and very successful practitioner. In 1867 he was wedded to Miss Jane Wicker, a native of North Carolina, and the daughter of Charles and Sarah (McKiver) Wicker, natives also of the old Tar State. Of the four children born to this union only John E., is now living. Those deceased were named Charles D., Arthur C. and George C. The mother of these children died in 1880, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. In 1881 Dr. James was married to Miss Mattie P. Carroll, a native of Arkansas, who bore him two children: Catherine and T. B., the last named dying in 1884. She was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mrs. James died two years later, and the Doctor took for his third wife Miss Ella A. Gilliam, their marriage occurring in 1887. She was born in Indiana in 1856. One child, Rosie A., is the result of this union. Dr. James is a Democrat in politics, and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South for the past twenty years. His wife is a member of the Christian Church. He is a self-made man and a very popular one.

John H. Johnson
John H. Johnson's life, from his earliest recollection, has been passed on a farm, his early day being spent in assisting his father, who, in addition to being a successful tiller of the soil, was a well known educator. The subject of this sketch was born in Johnson County of this State in 1849, his parents, John H., Sr. and Mary (Sweeden) Johnson, being born in the State of Tennessee. About 1833 or 1834 they came to Arkansas, where for some time Mr. Johnson followed the occupation of school teaching. In 1853 he moved to Scott County, and settled on a large woodland farm in the Fourche Valley, in which section he taught school in addition to clearing up his farm, also serving for several years, before the Rebellion, as county surveyor. He was a strong Union man in sentiment during the war, but did not serve on either side. He died in 1866, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; his widow dying in 1884, a member of that church also. The subject of this sketch spent the greater part of his youth in this county, near Waldron, and on a farm near his present place of abode. Although his early advantages were limited, he is a well-informed man, and has proven himself a good financier. He was married in 1867 to Miss Mary E. Tate, a native of Alabama, and a daughter of William Tate, after which family Tate Township, in this county, was named. Mr. Johnson settled on his present farm in 1868, and now has a good farm of fifty acres under cultivation, on which he erected an excellent and substantial residence in 1883. He began working at blacksmithing and woodwork in 1872, and, although he is perfectly capable of putting up a good wagon, he mostly does repairing. From 1882 until 1889 he was postmaster at Green Ridge, at the end of which time he resigned. His family consists of the following children: Francis Joseph, John William, Sarah Ann (wife of William Londus), Floy, Benjamin, Thomas Scott and Mahala (who died at the age of eighteen months). Mr. Johnson and wife are members of the Baptist Church, and socially he is a Mason. His sons assist him in the shop, and John William is about to start a shop of his own, eighteen miles east of Waldron.

Miles Keener
Miles Keener is the efficient postmaster of Waldron, Ark., and is recognized as one of the best citizens of Scott County, Ark. He first saw light of day in Lincoln County, N.C., in 1832, being the, second of seven children born to Moses and Elizabeth (Drum) Keener, both of whom were also born in the Old North State. The great-grandparents were citizens of that State and county, and both great-grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. The paternal grandfather, John Keener, lived near Rancour's Mills, where Gen. Cornwallis destroyed his supplies during Morgan's retreat from the battle of Cowpens. Moses Keener was a tiller of the soil, and first moved from his native State to Texas, in 1851, where he bought 320 acres of land, and there made his home until 1871, when he came to Scott County, Ark., and here passed from life in 1887 at the age of eighty years. He was a strong adherent to the Union cause during the Rebellion. His wife was called to her long home in 1886, a member of the Baptist Church. Miles Keener acquired a good education in a high school of his Native State, which institution he attended two years, at the end of which time he removed to Texas with his parents. He entered the Federal Army in 1863 at Fort Smith, Ark., becoming a member of Company I, Second Arkansas Cavalry, and was clerk in the provost's office at Berryville, Mo., for some six months. He was then promoted to sergeant major his regiment, and did service in Western Tennessee and Northern Mississippi, but was disabled so that he could not do duty in the field. He was discharged at Memphis, Tenn., on April 20, 1865, after which he returned to his home in Texas and there continued to reside, where he was engaged in merchandising and stock-dealing until 1868, when he moved to Kansas, where he made his home for one year. In February 1870, he came to Scott County, Ark., purchased a farm of eighty acres and entered 160 acres more, ten miles southeast of Waldron. Besides his residence and town property in Waldron, he is the owner of 200 acres of land. For a number of years he was engaged in running a cotton-gin, saw and grist-mill in partnership with his father, but in 1882 bought property in Waldron, and soon after made this place his permanent residence. In August 1889, he took charge of the Waldron post-office, and has had the management of this office up to the present time. His union with his first wife resulted in the birth of six children: Thomas J., Ulysses Grant, Lizzie L., Fannie (wife of A. Hawkins), Sarah and Donia. Mr. Keener's second marriage took place in 1885, and was to Miss Sallie Frazier, a native of Arkansas. They have a family of three children: Moses Marmaduke, Chester Arthur and Susie. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are quite active in church work, Mr. Keener being deeply interested in the progress of the public schools. He had the first sawmill in Park Township, and sawed much of the lumber that is in the buildings of that section.

J. A. Kennon
J. A. Kennon was born in Tennessee June 12, 1855, to James H. and Martha A. (Standefer) Kennon, both of whom were also born in that State, the former September 13, 1835, and the latter January 12, 1835, their marriage being celebrated there on August 31, 1854. To them four children have been born: John A., Nancy E. (born February 3, 1857, wife of L. L. Standefer), Sarah J. (born December 20, 1858, wife of A. P. Ewton), and James H. (born October 2, 1862). James H. Kennon was a farmer during the greater part of his life, but at the opening of the Rebellion was engaged in blacksmithing, a calling he continued for about one year, after which he entered the Confederate service as a private in the Sixteenth Alabama Regiment in Bragg's army, and was killed at the battle of Chickamauga, a member of the Baptist Church. His widow resides with her daughter, Mrs. A. P. Ewton. At the age of eighteen years J. A. Kennon started out to make his own way in the world, and has made farming his chief occupation. In 1876 he removed from Tennessee to Alabama, where he remained four years, then came to Scott County, Ark., in 1880, and homesteaded 160 acres of land, afterward purchasing 40 acres adjoining on the east, and of this farm he has cleared about 50 acres, and put the same in a good agricultural condition. On this land corn averages thirty bushels to the acre, cotton one-half bale, and wheat and oats are also raised. His buildings and fences are all good; he has an excellent young orchard of four acres. He was married on August 5, 1875, to Miss Sarah J. Smith, who was born in Tennessee November 9, 1858, a daughter of John and Ann E. (Williams) Smith, but he was called upon to mourn her death March 3, 1884, she leaving him with three sons and one daughter to care for: Alpha S. (born April 25, 1876), Oliver A. (born October 25, 1877, died two days after birth), Cora Ann (born October 18, 1879), Delta Lee (born October 2, 1881), and James M. (born January 28,1884). On December 25, 1884, Mr. Kennon married Miss Mary V. Ritter, who was born in Mississippi on August 30, 1855, a daughter of Benjamin F. and Nancy C. (Joiner) Ritter, to which union four children have been born: Beta E. (born November 14, 1885), Hattie L. (born January 17, 1887), Martha G. (born December 24, 1888), and Ninnie M. (born January 28, 1890). From 1886 to 1888 Mr. Kennon served as constable of his township, and is a member of Big Coon Lodge No. 75, of the I.O.O.F., having joined this order in 1878. He and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Kennon's grandfather, Standefer, was a son of James and Martha (Standefer) Standefer, and a member of Congress from East Tennessee for about sixteen years. He was on his way to Congress when he died suddenly at the table, supposed to have been poisoned by a Negro woman. His grandfather, Kennon, was a native of Virginia.

William J. King
William J. King is a surveyor and farmer of Scott County, Ark., and needs no introduction to the citizens of this section, for he has always identified himself with every movement and is correspondingly well known. He was born in Barto County Ga., in 1844, to William H. and Caroline C. (Holland) King, they being born in Georgia, where Mr. King spent his entire life, dying in September, 1888, his widow surviving him; both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. King was a successful farmer, and showed his approval of secret organizations by joining the A. F. & A. M. James King, his father, was born in Virginia, and died in Georgia before the war, he being also a farmer. James Holland, the mother's father, was a farmer of Georgia, and there spent the last of his days. William J. King spent his early days on a farm, but his school days were very few. In 1862 he espoused the Confederate cause, joining Company H, Eighteenth Georgia Infantry in Virginia, under Gen. Longstreet, and fought at Gettysburg, Wilderness, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and numerous others. He was wounded at the battle of Wilderness, and just before the close of the war was furloughed and went home. In 1869 he came to Scott County, Ark., with the expectation of bettering his fortunes, and in this has not been disappointed, for he now has a valuable farm of 397 acres. He was married in this county, in 1871, to Miss Malinda W., daughter of Calvin R. and Nancy Taff, both of whom were born in Tennessee, moving, about 1858, to Scott County, where they received their final summons. Mrs. King is a Tennesseean by birth, and she and Mr. King have become the parents of nine children, eight of whom are living. In 1886 Mr. King was elected county surveyor, and has since served by re-election. He and his wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years.

Dr. Elijah Leming
Dr. Elijah Leming is an old and respected physician of Waldron, Ark., and for many years has also been connected prominently with the farming interests of this region. He was born in Tennessee in 1819, being the second of five children born to John and Sarah (Mitchell) Leming, both of whom are descendants of people who settled in Tennessee when it was a part of North Carolina, this being about 1770. The paternal great- grandfather was a private soldier in the French Army, and was at Quebec when he was captured by Gen. Wolfe. He afterward went to New Jersey, where he was married to Elizabeth Fyan, and moved with her to the western county of North Carolina, now Tennessee. Vinet Fyan commanded a fort near Newport, Tenn., and was killed near there by the Indians, on a creek still known a. Fyan's Creek, in Rathnard County, N.C. Dr. Leming's grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and two uncles were in the War of 1812, and were with Jackson at New Orleans. John Leming and his wife died when their son, Elijah, was a child, and he was brought up by his paternal uncle, Jesse Leming. At the age of sixteen years he left him and enlisted in the United States Army, taking part in the Cherokee War of1836-37. He was married in 1840 to Miss Mary Ann Pierce, and seven years later moved to Texas, in the southeast part of which State he resided for twelve years. Here he began the practice of medicine, having commenced the study of this science before leaving Tennessee, and after coming to Arkansas in June, 1858, he followed this occupation for many years. In 1863 he entered the Federal Army, and until the close of the war served in the Fourth and Second Arkansas Infantry, Company I. During the war his home was burned, but at the close he returned, rebuilt, and, in connection with his practice, began farming. Soon after this he went to St. Louis, where he studied in the Eclectic School, graduating soon after. In 1866 he was elected to the State Legislature, and in that session was one of five to vote for the Howard Amendment, which was one of the clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. After this measure had been rejected, and during the reconstruction period, he refused to accept office, for the reason that he did not want to have his name associated with the disfranchisement of neighbors and friends, nor did he believe the Freedmen competent to vote intelligently. Since that time, in 1872, he made the race for State Senator, but was decided out of the State by contested election. For many years he has been president of the County Medical Society. He has always been an active advocate of free schools, and has been a school director for years. His wife died in July 1870, at Galena, Kas., she having borne him five children: Julia Ann, Nancy (who is deceased), A. G. (a lawyer of Waldron), Isaac R. (a physician of Waldron), and Elijah (a physician of Dardanelle). Dr. Leming was married in 1883 to Mrs. Gillie Winchester, widow of John Winchester, of Tennessee, who died while serving in the Federal Army in Missouri, during the Rebellion. The Doctor owns 400 acres of fine farming land in this county, and has 150 acres under cultivation, the balance being fair land covered with good timber. The Doctor is a quiet, kindly and charitable old gentleman, and, besides having the confidence and respect of his follow-men, he also has their warmest regard.

Dr. Isaac K. Leming
Dr. Isaac K. Leming is an eminent medical practitioner who has practiced his profession in this county for a number of years, and during this time has won fame and fortune. He was born in Tyler, Tex., in 1851, being the fourth child born to Elijah and Mary (Pierce) Leming. (See sketch of Elijah Leming.) He was reared in Scott County, Ark., and after obtaining a good practical education in the common schools near his home, he began the study of medicine, his studies being pursued under his father, who gave him thorough instruction. He afterward entered the St. Louis Electic Medical College in 1877, from which institution he was graduated in the spring of 1878, after which he practiced for some time in Sebastian County. He soon, however came to Scott County, and has since been a resident of Waldron where, by the thorough knowledge of his profession and his ability to put his knowledge to a practical use, he has built up a very large and lucrative practice. In 1889 he formed a partnership with Dr. A. A. Sanford, and together they make one of the strongest firms in this section, and command respect from all their medical brethren. In 1872 he was married to Miss Abbie L. Basshal, of Sebastian County, daughter of Joseph P. Basshal, an old pioneer settler of that county. To them four children have been born: Maud (who died in infancy), Joseph E., Samuel A. and Minnie L. The family worship in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Doctor belongs to Greenwood Lodge N. __ of the A. F. & A. M.

Henry Looper, Sr.
Henry Looper, Sr., is residing four miles east of Mansfield, Scott County, Ark., but was born in South Carolina in 1817, to Samuel and Mary (Jones) Looper, they being also born in South Carolina, in which State they were married. They removed to Alabama in an early day and there both passed from life a few years after locating. Of a family of four sons and four daughters born to them the subject of this sketch is the only one now living. He was married in South Carolina in1836 to Miss Mary Freeman, and by her became the father of the following family of children: Henry, Thomas, James, Joseph, George, Martha, Mary (wife of James McMullens), Elizabeth, Frances (wife of Joseph Looper, see biography), Ann (wife of Lee Ellwood), Laura Bell (wife of Joseph Louston) and Victoria (wife of Luther Dutton. Joseph, George and Martha are deceased. Mr. Looper's first wife died in 1862, and in 1867 he espoused Mrs. Mary Ann (Frizzell) Brozier, widow of Bert Brozier. This union resulted in the birth of fourteen children: Fanny (wife of Jasper Curnatt), Samuel, Fuller, Charles (deceased), Sallie, Nellie, Maggie, Napnie, Bud (deceased), Donie, Looney, Gorum, Lawrence, and a child that died in infancy not named. Mr. Looper has become the owner of 500 acres of fine land, and during a residence of over thirty years on this farm he has succeeded in putting 230 acres under cultivation. He is one of the earliest settlers of this county and has always manifested a deep interest in her progress and development, especially in the way of churches and schools. He is a member of Lodge No. 163, of the A. F. & A. M. at Mansfield, and although he is now seventy-three years of age he is yet hale and hearty.

Joseph R. Looper
No matter, in what business a man may engage, if he is industrious and fair in his dealings with his fellow-men, he is sure, sooner or later, to win their confidence, respect and liking, and to become, in time, well-to-do in worldly goods. Mr. Looper possesses these qualities, and, as a consequence, stands remarkably high in the estimation of all who know him. He was born is South Carolina, in 1845, to Joseph D. and Mellie (Freeman) Looper, both of whom were born in South Carolina, where they were reared and married. The following family was born to them: James G., William D., Elizabeth (wife of Benjamin Gibson), Marcus A., Joseph R., Henry M., and one that died in infancy. The parents removed from their native State to Georgia about 1853 or 1854, and there Mrs. Looper died at the age of about thirty-five years, a member of the Baptist Church, and after her death Mr. Looper removed to Texas, but stayed there only a short time, moving in 1857, to Scott County, Ark. In 1863 he was married a second time, to a Mrs. Turmon, of this county, who died in 1872, a worthy member of the Baptist Church at the time of her demise. Mr. Looper enlisted in the Federal Army in 1863, becoming a member of Company H. Second Arkansas Infantry, under Capt. Charles E. Berry, but his entire service was confined to his own State. He was with Gen. Steele on the Camden Raid, and was in the fight at Saline. He received his discharge on August 8, 1865, after which he returned to his home and engaged in farming, marrying in 1868, Miss Frances Looper, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Freeman) Looper, Mr. Looper and his wife being third cousins. They have eight children: Henry E., Sonora A. (deceased), Minnie A., Joseph W., Myrtle B., Charles V., William B. and James R. (deceased). Mr. Looper has a good farm of 161 acres, and on the 80 acres that he has under cultivation, he raises corn, oats and cotton. He is one of Scott County's most highly respected citizens and successful farmers, and socially belongs to Lodge No. 163 of the A. F. & A. M. of Mansfield. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and to this as well as to other churches he has been liberal in his contributions.

F. M. Lynch
It is a remarkable fact that the majority of those men of Tennessee birth who have become residents of Scott County, Ark., have been peculiarly successful in the accumulation of worldly goods, and are considered superior farmers, and Mr. Lynch is but another example of this truth. He was born in 1834, the fourth of seven children, born to F. B. Lynch and wife, the former of whom was a farmer of Tennessee, but a native of Virginia, who was quite a prominent man of his day, and held a number of county offices with credit and distinction. He died in 1844, and his widow in 1858. The immediate subject of this sketch was reared in his Native State, and educated in the common schools. When eighteen years of age he went to Texas to seek his fortune, and was there engaged in farming for sixteen years, after which he came to Scott County, and settled on his present farm of 200 acres, 80 acres of which are under cultivation. While in Texas, he was commissioner of Harrison County, from 1868 to 1874, and also held, with great credit to himself, the office of justice of the peace. He has been an enthusiastic patron of the cause of education, and in the district in which he lives he has been a school director many times. He was first married in 1866 to Miss Mary J. Bowen, of Texas, but she left him a widower in 1886 with a family of six children to care for: William F., Julia E., Henry Houston, Alice Adelaide, George and Mary Christina. Mr. Lynch was married, a second time, on December 5, 1886, to Sarah A. Gilbreath, a Georgian by birth, by whom he has one child, Fannie Bell, who was born November 2, 1888. Mr. Lynch and his wife have long been consistent members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Lynch contributed liberally to the erection of a church. He is a progressive, substantial and intelligent citizen, and while modest and unassuming in demeanor, he is endowed with those very rare qualities of good sense and good judgment, which have won him many warm friends.